the guide march 1, 2013
Spring
FASHION Issue
Breaking Barriers With ‘inFATuation’
G4
Treat Yourself To Decadent Brunch G13
Girl Meets World: Disney and Feminism G15
this issue ‘JACK THE GIANT SLAYER’ 3 lifestyle spring fashion 5 soundbite food&drink 13 arts & 14 entertainment guideonline
CLASSIC FAIRY TALE GETS REVAMPED
‘inFATuation’ | almost doctor dave
To celebrate the coming warm weather, we’re featuring this season’s hottest trends, from preppy looks to classic frocks that will put some spring in your step.
NEW LINE CINEMAS
the dining duo | darlington house
VictoriaEdel Page 15
‘atoms for peace’ | girl meets world
saywhat
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Check out our online exclusive review of one of our favorite childhood classics done up Hollywood style. Director Bryan Singer, who has helmed the X-Men films, used motion-capture technology to bring to the big screen an ancient battle between human and giants. Underdog Jack (Nicholas Hoult) attempts to rescue a damsel in distress while taking on larger-than-life foes.
“I mean, cooking is fun and being pretty is nice, but if that’s the only thing a guy’s looking for in a girl, he’s gross.”
newreleases
‘WHAT YOU WANTED’ | ONEREPUBLIC
Since we got married 16 years ago, my wife has lived with some very strange men.
”
— Daniel Day-Lewis on his method acting
the guide Braden McDonald, Executive Editor Victoria Edel, Managing Editor Hunter Main, Copy Chief Zoe Bertrand, Layout Editor Leonel De Velez, Photo Editor Kim Bussing, Deputy Guide Editor Nicole Jarvis, Deputy Guide Editor Emily Manbeck, Deputy Guide Editor Chris Grivas, Deputy Photo Editor Erica Wong, Deputy Photo Editor Jessica Natinsky, Deputy Layout Editor Kennedy Shields, Deputy Layout Editor Ian Tice, Deputy Layout Editor David Chardack, Deputy Copy Editor Shannon Reilly, Deputy Copy Editor Sean Sullivan, Deputy Copy Editor
Danny Funt, Editor-in-Chief Sheena Karkal, Guide Editor Corrections and Clarifications If you have a comment or question about the fairness or accuracy of a story, contact Executive Editor Braden McDonald at (202) 6873415 or email executive@thehoya.com. General Information THE GUIDE is published each week during the academic year with the exception of holiday and exam periods. Address all correspondence to: THE HOYA Georgetown University Box 571065 Washington, D.C. 20057-1065 The writing, articles, pictures, layout and format are the responsibility of THE HOYA and do not necessarily represent the views of the administration, faculty or students of Georgetown University. Signed columns and cartoons represent the opinions of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the editorial position of THE HOYA. Georgetown University subscribes to the principle of responsible freedom of expression for student editors. THE HOYA does not discriminate on the basis of age, gender, sexual orientation, race, disability, color, national or ethnic origin. © 2012. THE HOYA, Georgetown University twice weekly. No part of this publication may be used without the permission of THE HOYA Board of Editors. All rights reserved. THE GUIDE is available free of charge, one copy per reader, at distribution sites on and around the Georgetown University campus. Additional copies are $1 each. Editorial: (202) 687-3415 Advertising: (202) 687-3947 Business: (202) 687-3947 Facsimile: (202) 687-2741 Email: editor@thehoya.com Online at www.thehoya.com
The first single released from OneRepublic’s upcoming album Native, “What You Wanted” is everything fans could want. Although the band’s signature style is present, they’ve incorporated a folksy element that adds depth and supplements their pop-rock sound. The lyrics are angsty enough to differentiate it from other mainstream songs, but the energetic beat keeps it from being too heavy.
HOTNEWSONGLYRICS.COM
‘Land of Gathering’ | THE CEREMONIES
The debut track for indie band The Ceremonies, “Land of Gathering” promises the promotion of another folkrock band to the ranks of Fleet Foxes and Mumford & Sons. With fast-paced interludes, strong vocals and enough of a retro flair to set it apart, the song manages to simultaneously be next weekend’s go-to dance track and what you would play to get you through cramming for midterms in Lau. DIGPLANET.COM
‘I.O.U’ | Luke James
Luke James’ first single from his debut album Made to Love struggles to keep up with the momentum he built up last year after securing a Grammy nomination. While James’ smooth vocals lend a soulfulness that complements the track’s obvious desire to secure a top spot on the charts, the background percussion becomes dominant, and the lyrics come across as whiny. THATGRAPEJUICE.NET
lifestyle
All Tied Up in Vibrant Success ‘U nique yet Uniform, Ambitious yet Artful” is the motto of Terracotta New York, a retail company that designs, manufactures and distributes high-end menswear-inspired accessories for women. Terracotta was cofounded by Yidi Xu (MSB ’08), who left her investment banking job to enter the fashion world. Xu’s cofounder, Alina Cheung, was one of her colleagues at
her former employer, Credit Suisse. During their time there, the pair noticed that to spice up their professional attire, their male colleagues would wear colorful yet unconventional patterns on their ties and cuff links. Xu and Cheung admired the way that the men were able to use accessories to transform an otherwise bland and uniform corporate look into something person-
TERRACOTTANEWYORK.COM
FEMININE IDENTITY A fashionista duo has founded a successful line of menswear-inspired accessories to spice up the typical corporate uniform.
alized and fashionable. They wanted to do the same, but felt that there was not an outlet for women to purchase neckties and bow ties that were customized to their needs. By talking to friends and colleagues, Xu and Cheung discovered that this problem was something that was not just personal to them. Working with Google to pull data from Google searches, they discovered that many women in the U.S. and Europe were searching for these items, but there was not an established company from which they could purchase these accessories. They decided to launch Terracotta New York to fulfill this need. The neckties that Terracotta designs and distributes are shorter and skinnier to compliment a woman’s frame. The bow ties are unisex, but they are more feminine in design in comparison with traditional male bow ties. Every pattern on the scarves that Terracotta sells is a pattern that is taken or inspired by a men’s tie. “Our initial inspiration was standing out in a very uniform corporate world,” Xu said. In a world where our participation in different organiza-
BISI ORISAMOLU Hoya Staff Writer tions and groups has the capability to make us lose our personal flair, the founders of Terracotta wanted to give women the opportunity to put a special touch on their day to day attire. Although Xu was able to find many comparisons between the discipline required to survive in the finance and the fashion worlds, creating an identity was something that was new to her and Cheung. “When you’re at an investment bank, you’re given an identity,” she explained. “We’re no longer investment bankers — we’re entrepreneurs, we’re fashion designers”. Terracotta takes a very traditional concept and spins it in a feminine and highfashion style. Because their products are luxury items, they are sold at higher prices. Terracotta is based in New York and is only sold at a couple of stores in California, but their collection is available online at TerracottaNewYork.com. Xu also hopes to expand sales channels and sees great potential in some of the M Street boutiques. “You don’t really know where it’s going to take you. You just have to go with it and give it your best,” she said.
almost-doctor dave
The Proper Road to Healthy Hydration
Y
ou all know the routine: It’s 7:30 in the morning, your alarm clock is faithfully sounding off and the only thing you want is to go back to sleep. That’s not going to happen though, because as you lie there, you become increasingly more aware of the cries of your uncomfortably full bladder. Finally, unable to bear it any longer, you force yourself to get out of bed and briskly walk to the nearest bathroom. What a wonderful way to start your day. But now you discover that you are also thirsty, almost unbearably so, and that the only thing on your mind at such an early hour is whether or not there is anything drinkable close at hand to make everything right as rain. So what does it mean to be thirsty? As it turns out, a lot of it comes down to salt and how much you’re consuming in your diet. The more salt you’re taking in, the more that will be floating around in your circulatory system. This upsets the balance of electrolytes
that your body likes to maintain and response more frequently throughout causes a mass dehydration of your cells the day as well as by retaining more as they shed water in order to compen- and more fluid in the kidneys to corsate for that increased amount of salt rect even the slightest deviations from the operating norm. in the bloodstream. This is all well and good — until you We won’t get into the details of how this all happens, but suffice it to say run into situations when this water intake and conservation is that your body enjoys being insufficient in meeting the in a state of happy balance, desires of the body to mainor homeostasis, in most evtain homeostasis. At this erything that it does. This point, the body will resort to includes fluid volume and other means to rid its world what we in the world of medicine call your plasma DavidSterns of extra salt, not least of which is an elevation of your osmolarity, which is basically just the measurement of how much blood pressure. Assuming that you are stuff is in your blood. If at any point all young and healthy individuals, this this delicate harmony is disturbed, wa- will not be too much of an issue, but ter will shift from one place to another relevant to today is the simple fact that until peace is restored and business more salt in your diet means more thirst and water retention, and more carries on as usual. The issue arises when our frequent water retention ultimately means treks to Five Guys causes us to chroni- more weight. And just a little side note from a forcally consume too much salty goodness. With such a high salt load, the mer Nalgene carrier to the rest of you body compensates by triggering a thirst out there: Please don’t think that sip-
ping on more water throughout the day is making you any more hydrated than the rest of the world. Just like a salt bomb eventually sorts itself out in your body, a couple of liters of extra water that you drink just for the pure pleasure of drinking will ultimately find its way into the public sanitation system. If you’re not thirsty, chances are that the water will just go in one hole and out another. Here’s the take home message: Substitute the fast food for a few more less salty, home-cooked meals this week, and listen to your body by only drinking if you’re thirsty. I think if you follow those two simple suggestions, you’ll find yourself a little leaner and maybe even more excited to strut that newfound beach bod this spring break!
David Sterns is a student at Georgetown University School of Medicine. ALMOST-DOCTOR DAVE appears every other Friday in the guide.
3.1.13 | the guide | 3
lifestyle A BIG OBSESSION ‘InFATuation’ Explores Intersections of Identities Emily Grau Hoya Staff Writer
O
ften, if someone glances through a are so many ways of being fat and that livmagazine, considers the statistics ing a fat life, like anything else, has its ups for eating disorders or even people- and downs.” In order to give a realistic depiction of watches around campus, he or she will accept the thin, stylish girl as what George- what it means to be fat in America, her town and most of America sees as beauti- piece needed to encompass a wide variety ful. With so many fad diets and anti-obesity of experiences. To do so, Villarreal had to grapple with campaigns gaining popularity, our culture seems to view being fat as a problem — an challenging themes such as gender, race, epidemic that must be eliminated. And socioeconomics and sexuality. Observing instead of openly embracing men and a problem with “fatphobia” and eating women of all weights, shapes and sizes, it disorders within the gay community, Vilaccepts only the thin as beautiful. It is ex- larreal chose to include the experiences of actly this notion that Georgetown alumna a gay man — addressing gender and sexualAllie Villarreal (COL ’12) addresses in her ity at once. “InFATuation” gave Villarreal a chance to address topics like these, which one-woman show “inFATuation.” The show, which debuted at Georgetown are not often focused on, as well as widely last year and is currently being restaged known problems such as the media’s role for the Atlas Intersections Festival, revolves in body image. In dealing with this one theme, Villarreal around being fat and addressing a range of found that many other topics were linked. other related topics. “If you look at weight and size and beau“This show is about the two-thirds of America that is overweight that we talk ty, it touches all aspects of diversity,” Villarabout in numbers and figures but never real said. “If we talk about race, we have different cultural standards for beauty based put faces to,” Villarreal said. In writing and performing this piece, on our ethnicity or culture.” At times, attempting to include such a she sought to combat society’s negative portrayal of weight by depicting individu- wide breadth of experiences became challenging for Vilals’ day-to-day experiences of “This show is about the two-thirds larreal. When came to being fat. of America that is overweight that itdifferent viewVillarreal’s we ... never put faces to.” points, she interest in adneeded to limit dressing fat herself. acceptance is— Allie Villarreal (COL ’12) “You learn sues through theater began when she read Madeleine that you can’t touch every single story,” VilGeorge’s “The Most Massive Woman larreal explained. “But by at least in some Wins” in high school. The play, which way pursuing that endeavor, you learn a addresses four women’s struggles with lot as an artist about being sensitive to the culture’s perception of beauty, inspired portrayal of those [who] are outside of your Villarreal, and she worked to have it per- demographic.” Ultimately, “inFATuation” features charformed at Georgetown. Originally, Villarreal proposed a solo acters ranging from a transgendered man performance of George’s play for her se- to a black woman to a 12-year-old boy, all nior thesis. As her thesis developed, she re- portrayed by Villarreal. It may seem daunting to address this alized there were more facets of weight’s relationship with identity that she want- range of themes and characters in a senior thesis project. In fact, as Villarreal explained, ed to portray. “[George’s] show really didn’t encompass theater is the perfect medium for doing so. “If you put it on a stage and package it as everything I wanted to say and how I felt a show, that often makes it easier,” she said. about fat,” she said. Using the play as a starting point, Villar- “[People] don’t have to participate — [they] real began to explore different perspectives. just watch and receive.” By presenting the various experiences in “The beauty of the human experience is that it’s complicated,” said Villarreal, “And a short, entertaining manner, the audience to do that justice, I had to show that there is forced to confront their pre-existing beliefs
4 | the guide | 3.1.13
COURTESY ALLIE VILLARREAL
BODY LOVE Georgetown alum Allie Villarreal (COL ’12) seeks to address negative cultural perceptions of fat people through her one-woman show, “inFATuation.” about weight and how it relates to identity. “[‘inFATuation’] is both virtuosic and moving, challenging and generous, featuring a mix of people — shaped by research and imagination both — living with fat and challenging us to embrace bodies and bodied lives,” Maya Roth, director of Georgetown’s theater and performance studies program and Villarreal’s former thesis advisor said. Villarreal believes such a challenge is especially important here at Georgetown. “Though I feel strongly about this subject in any space, Georgetown in particular has a hyper-body-conscious culture,” said Villarreal. On a campus dominated by image, being fat can be very isolating. Through her show, Villarreal hoped to bring attention to and inspire dialogue about experiences with weight. “[‘inFATuation’] is an attempt to foster empathy with all people in that audience with what people go through every day,” said Villarreal. “What everyone goes through every day, fat or not.” Beginning this weekend, Villarreal will be reprising her solo performance as part of Atlas Intersections Festival. Intersections, which seeks to present art that fosters dialogue, is a 12-day festival featuring art in various forms — dance, music, theater, film and spoken word poetry. Presenting the piece after having completed her thesis, Villarreal knows that a new audience will
have a new and potentially very different reception. “In order to kind of polish the piece,” Villarreal said, “I went for a few changes to round out the characters because … art is never finished.” While she may have altered certain aspects of the show, “inFATuation” keeps what Villarreal describes as its intersectionality. “Intersectionality basically means [that] when we talk about one difficult subject, there are usually at least a few others that intersect and influence and are influenced by each other,” Villarreal explained. “Georgetown really does a good job of teaching its students [this].” Villarreal’s “inFATuation” promises to challenge viewers to consider weight in ways not always depicted favorably in our society in an entertaining manner. “Allie brings courage, wit, a profound respect for diversity of experience and expressive specificity,” Roth explained. “Her insights are emotional, cultural, human and critical, and the performance works through character […] psychological depth, irony, love.” A viewing of “inFATuation” will give greater depth to the much-discussed issue of weight and is sure to be worthwhile. “inFATuation” will be presented March 2 at 9:30 p.m., March 3 at 2 p.m. and March 7 at 7 p.m. at Atlas Performing Arts Center, located at 1333 H St. NE. Tickets are $5 for students.
Spring Fashion Issue
Preppy
Just like the Tombs, the preppy look at Georgetown will never go out of style, but this East Coast fashion can be updated for the spring. A chambray shirt layered with a gray sweater and pearls is a classic that can be freshened up with brightly colored pants. For guys, revamp the buttondown-and-blazer look with spring colors. Try an oxford shirt in a bright but still masculine aqua blue.
On her: Holecroft Boyfriend Shirt — $79.50, Jack Wills Fernham Super Skinny Jeans; Bright Pink — $79.50, Jack Wills Grey Sweater — her own On him: Solcombe Oxford shirt; Sea Green — $79.50, Jack Wills Belgrave Blazer; Navy — $328.00, Jack Wills
Classic
Wisely combine trends with formal wear to keep your look clean but stylish — and head to a thrift shop to save on the price. Keep it classy at 1789 with a lace-accented gown and pearls or go for drama at Diplomatic Ball with a decadent ball gown with hints of cerulean, one of spring’s hottest shades. For guys, instead of a typical black suit, go with gray or another unexpected neutral color and add a pop of color with your tie.
Ladies Dresses, vintage from Ella Rue On him: Suit and Tie, his own
Retro
Get inspired by nature and go for a dress in a floral print with bold colors. The retro silhouette of a cinched waist and an A-line skirt adds an unexpectedly feminine touch to this spring staple. Complete the look with oversized Jackie O shades and simple ballet flats to complement the pattern without overwhelming the look.
Porchfield Dress; Red Floral — $89.50, Jack Wills
BOHO
A long printed skirt and a breezy white top are an easy look for spring. Add chunky bangles or a pair of bold earrings to complete the look. Guys can do scarves too — layer over an oxford and grey skinnies and you’re ready for day at Eastern Market.
Scarf, Himalayan Spirit All other items, Buffalo Exchange
Styling
Clothing: Olivia Hewitt and Ella Lund-Simon Hair & Makeup: Liv Holmes Set: Sheena Karkal
Models
Preppy: Naomi Guillaume and Eric Zemmali Classic: Keegan Carter, Naomi Guillaume and Liz Lafranchise Retro: Carolina Caballero Boho: Carolina Caballero and Tyler Newhall
Photography Chris Bien
Issue Design
Zoe Bertrand, Sheena Karkal and Jessica Natinsky
Acknowledgements
Clothing: Buffalo Exchange, Ella Rue, Himalayan Spirit, Jack Wills Locations: The Tombs, 1789 Restaurant, Eastern Market
food&drink A Darling Brunch courtney mastrangelo Special to The Hoya
W
hen the sun comes out on a Saturday morning, most of us groggily turn over, shut the blinds and barely make it to Wisey’s for a breakfast sandwich at 2 p.m. Needless to say, it’s definitely difficult to get off campus on the weekends, especially after a Friday night spent celebrating the end of the week. But how could you turn down bellinis and warm donut holes with caramel and chocolate dipping sauces at Dupont Circle’s Darlington House? Darlington House, a restaurant featuring American and Italian cuisine located off of Connecticut Avenue, offers a contemporary spin on the classic diner brunch. Although the service could be more attentive, once the food comes, you’re glad no one is rushing you to finish. With a brunch menu full of cleverly named favorites, such as the Liquid Gold — eggs benedict — and the Hangover Helper — a rib-eye steak with two eggs over easy — the restaurant serves a wide variety of brunch classics while entertaining its hungry visitors. My heart dropped when I saw they had my favorite brunch staple: steel cut oats, which were delicious and fresh. When I Was Your Age is made fresh and comes with berries, bananas and brown sugar on the side so you can sweeten it to your preference. The most unique and veggie-centric item on the menu is their Veggie Delight, poached eggs served with lentils, tomatoes and shallots. For those with a sweet tooth, classics like pancakes, French toast and waffles with whipped cream are all served with a side of fresh berries. And, of course, the warm donut holes come with a variety of dipping sauces to celebrate or mourn the night before. If healthier brunch
YELP.COM
EGGS-ACTLY RIGHT Darlington House’s eggs benedict is savory and filling.
darlington house 1610 20th St. NW cuisine: Italian, American price: $$$$ options are more your style, Darlington House offers multiple types of omelets — which include additions like asparagus tips, mixed mushrooms and Virginia baked ham — and various egg dishes that range from your typical hash to boasting smoked salmon. If these options are too “breakfast-y” for you, don’t fret. The Darlington Sliders are mini beef burgers and mini grilled chicken breast paninis with pepper aioli. The Classico Panino gives diners a glimpse of Darlington House’s Italian roots. The panini with prosciutto, fresh mozzarella, tomato and basil is so good that you can almost imagine you are having a late morning meal in Italy itself. The restaurant is divided into multiple sections: The Cantina pub serves typical pub fare with its own unique menu, while the Dining Room is home to the brunch, lunch and dinner menus. The establishment is in a historic three-story brownstone. The main dining room, with clues such as classic molding and a fireplace to indicate that it was the house’s original sitting area, is adorned with funky local wall decor. As you walk through the dining room toward the back of the brownstone, the iconic feel conjures up an image of the Fitzgeralds casually sipping a Bloody Mary at the picture-perfect, old-school bar. Although the decor exudes a comfy feeling during the day, the classic accents allow for a transition to a more sophisticated vibe at nighttime. I didn’t have the opportunity to sample their dinner choices, but one glimpse at their menu, filled with Italian homemade pasta and fresh fish, reconfirmed that I will be back here soon. Darlington House also holds private events in their library, whose decor is quintessential contemporary mixed with early 20th-century flair. Darlington House’s delectable brunch menu offers the perfect excuse to drag yourself off campus on a weekend morning to satisfy any salty or sweet craving you might be having the morning after.
dining duo
A New Kind of KFC
T
he culture and food lovers chicken is prepared upon ordering that we are, we couldn’t help to ensure maximum crunchiness but notice a sign in Manhat- and deliciousness. As we chowed down on some surtan’s Koreatown that proclaimed Bonchon Chicken to be the vic- prisingly delicious kimchi rice, the tor in some type of fried chicken baskets of chicken approached our showdown. Our friends had also table. Our great anticipation and been raving about the cuisine hunger may have clouded our perserved at one of Bonchon’s two ception, but these delights seemed northern Virginia locations, which to float toward us in slow motion. made us even more anxious to try Here came the boss of all chickens, this Korean take on the American the heavyweight champion of the classic made popular by Popeye’s fried world. We picked up some of and KFC. Hearing rumors of this the sweet legs and took a long-awaitperfectly crunchy chicken with a ed bite. The skin was shockingly thin double-fried outer shell dipped in yet crispy. Much less greasy than a sweet soy-and-garlic glaze con- the boneless Wingo’s chicken we’ve tinued to tease our taste buds and come to know, we appreciated the have us longing for sweet and sa- heavenly sweet fragrance left over vory satisfaction. And reading food even after the first bite. Having cleansed our palates, we blogs that described the cutthroat competition among Korean fried turned to the spicy wings and imchicken restaurants made us real- mediately identified the hot taste of sriracha in the chickize how awesome Bonen’s sauce. Sriracha, chon had to be if it won, without a doubt, is the and we immediately set key to our hearts, and a date to venture out to at that moment, we abFairfax with our friends fell in love with to try this superior inHelenGuo & solutely the place. Even as our ternational chain. Hailing from the port JacobRichey stomachs approached capacity, it was difficult town of Busan, South Korea, Bonchon Chicken (“original to put down the legs. It took a great village” in Korean) opened its first deal of willpower and motivation U.S. branch in 2006, expanding to to stop the pace of consumption. At this point, we finally realized 18 stores currently and 56 locations worldwide. It wasn’t long after its how painfully hot our lips were and U.S. expansion that Bonchon was quickly cooled them down with a identified as the world’s preemi- few cubes of sweet pickled radishes — crunchy, relieving and cool. We nent Korean fried chicken joint. Finding Bonchon Chicken in knew now what that sign about Fairfax might have been just as ir- the fried chicken wars in New York ritating and difficult as our jour- meant; we could taste the compeney in a dinky little Smartcar was tition and constant improvement uncomfortable and crowded. This in seasonings and sauces that gave did not dampen our spirits, howev- birth to Bonchon fried chicken. er, and our anticipation continued Judging by the warrior chicken’s to grow as we drove outside of the casualties on our table, it certainly District in pursuit of this appar- beat us in an overtly tasty manner. Our lowdown: If you want aweently legendary chicken. Upon entering the establish- somely sweet, crispy and downment, we noticed the sports bar- right mind-blowing fried chicken like decor that could have been jar- like you’ve never tasted before, find ring, but honestly, we were not all a ride and make your way down to that concerned about it. We were Bonchon Chicken in Fairfax. You not there for the ambiance or the won’t regret it. atmosphere, but for the food — specifically baskets of sweet and spicy, Helen Guo is a sophomore in the double-fried chicken legs. The School of Foreign Service. Jacob server told us that our order might Richey is a sophomore in the Coltake 30 to 40 minutes, but we had lege. THE DINING DUO appears evno complaints because all the ery other Friday in the guide.
3.1.13 | the guide | 13
arts&entertainment
Indie Band Needs to Go the Extra Mile
A
s of late, electronic indie pop has become the genre du jour. It seems like every day another new artist is entering the fray or one of the established greats is releasing a new album. One of the bands that falls into the latter category is STRFKR. However, its third
full-length album, Miracle Mile, falls short of the lofty expectations of their devoted fans, simply incorporating the band’s tired and usual tropes into a new package. One of the main things this album does have working in its favor is just how good it sounds. The production is immaculate, and what it lacks in originality it tries to make up for in pure sound quality. Joshstrfkr ua Hodges’ vocals follow the pattern Miracle Mile they have for all of his other releases, as do his lyrics, which try hard to make an impact but usually end up fading into white noise while the synth-beats break out to the front. However, the major drawback of Miracle Mile is that STRFKR isn’t really doing anything inherently different from what it has done in the past. The band is still churning out the same manufactured synth-pop, but it’s gotten better at picking what songs are worth its time. This album, which clocks in at just over an
BILLBOARD.COM
SHOOT FOR THE MOON Miracle Mile is STRFKR’s weakest album to date.
hour for 15 tracks, could have used a bit more editing. For example, “Isea” is only 52 seconds long and doesn’t serve any obvious purpose other than filling blank space that doesn’t really need to be filled. However this album has a high enjoyment value. It’s consistently inoffensive — which isn’t necessarily a great thing — and there are no real lulls or weak tracks — it’s the kind of album that can be played all the way through. Out of all of STRFKR’s fulllength ventures, this is the first one that is, as a whole, pretty strong. The pop hooks and familiar dance melodies are versatile in their subdued nature, and it’s the kind of album that can just as easily be played at a party in a dorm as in the background while cramming for midterms: But that’s it — it’s background music. The first single and track on the album, “While I’m Alive,” happens to be one of the best songs on the record. It’s a really
ABBY REUTZEL Hoya Staff Writer catchy number thanks to its infectious riffs. Another standout track is “Malmo,” which incorporates whistling, a trend that has slowly been on the rise in the indie-pop scene. “Khalil Gibran,” named after the influential Lebanese writer, tries extremely hard to be clever — and does come off as intelligent — but falls just a bit flat in the lyrics department. Another track that may sound familiar is “I Don’t Want to See,” which seems to borrow the beats and rhythms from many of STRFKR’s contemporaries. This is disappointing, as the track otherwise has a lot of obvious potential. Miracle Mile isn’t a sing-along type of album, and it won’t be on anyone’s best albums of 2013 list, but it’s still pretty good. There’s nothing outstandingly terrible about it, and it’s well-crafted. It is obvious that Hodges takes great pride in his work, and although he does have a tendency to try a bit too hard, it’s still a consistent effort that becomes more enjoyable with each listen. Hopefully, the next time STRFKR releases an album, it will be comfortable enough in its own skin to branch out a bit and try some new things.
roots from the garden
Cinema du Jersey: From the Oscars to the Shore
M
arked by Jennifer Lawrence’s nose-dive on her way onstage to accept her Academy Award for Best Actress and a surprise appearance from Michelle Obama via the highestquality Skype session that I have ever seen, the end of film awards season is upon us — just in time for midterms. Now that the Academy Awards are over, I have fewer excuses to watch Oscar-nominated movies in my spare time. But considering how obsessed with cinema I am, the fact that Seth MacFarlane’s semi-controversial jokes are (finally) over will not stop me from commenting upon one of the most sentimental wins of the night, which was that of Argo for best picture. More specifically, I am referring to Ben Affleck’s acceptance speech as a producer of the film, which he gave after being snubbed for a nomination in the category for best director — because the once-disrespectedactor-turned-two-time-Academy-Awardwinner has a history with films taking place in New Jersey. Though he has recently ventured into the world of directing, Affleck’s film career began with a variety of roles in film-
14 | the guide | 3.1.13
maker Kevin Smith’s View Askewniverse. make mistakes — even if for some, those Now, you may be asking yourself what mistakes cost millions of dollars. that nonsensical amalgamation of words Notwithstanding that blunder of a film, means. The View Askewniverse is a fiction- my point is that, basically, the man that is al universe created by Smith as a director/ predicted to be the next Clint Eastwood (in screenwriter/actor that centers in New Jer- terms of his role as a director — not as an sey’s very own Monmouth County, where actor in spaghetti Westerns) was a major I happen to live. player in all of these great comedies that In case you’re not familiar took place, and were actually with Smith, he plays Silent Bob filmed, in New Jersey. in essentially all of his films There are also several awardthat take place in this world. winning movies of the past deAnd now, if you have at least cade that are set in New Jersey: seen Mallrats, Chasing Amy or Garden State, The Wrestler and Cinderella Man, to name Dogma, then the wheels are probably turning in your head, AllieDoughty a few. War of the Worlds, Harand you can acknowledge that old and Kumar Go to White Smith is hilarious. The native New Jer- Castle and Tom Hanks throwback Big all seyan also wrote and directed Jersey Girl take place in the Garden State. Looking in 2004, which also stars Affleck, though back to 1975, Steven Spielberg’s classic is not included in the View Askewinverse. thriller Jaws, which revolutionized the Unless you enjoy seeing movies that blockbuster and incited terror in beachgohave been nominated for an award that ers for months, took place in the fictional recognizes the worst films of the year, summer resort town of Amity Island and do not watch Jersey Girl. It would be an was shot in Martha’s Vineyard, but the understatement to say that it is far from events of the film were actually inspired good, and my goal isn’t to waste your time by the Jersey Shore shark attacks of 1916. by suggesting bad movies. But hey, we all Don’t let that scare you into avoiding New
Jersey beaches, though, because those attacks occurred as a result of a heat wave and a polio epidemic that drove hoards of people to the Jersey Shore. Plus, I’ve swum in those waters for twenty-one summers and I haven’t been devoured yet, so take those odds as you will. More recently, it was revealed that John McClane, the badass of the Die Hard franchise, is “the 007 of Plainfield, New Jersey.” (My dad was particularly excited about this quote because he grew up in Plainfield.) In fact, Bruce Willis himself was raised in New Jersey, as was the ultimate crime fighter of all time: Batman. Yep, that’s right. According to the 1990 edition of The Atlas of the D.C. Universe, Gotham City is located on the southern coast of New Jersey. Take that, every other state. We’ve got Bruce Wayne. Is it just me, or is every notable Bruce in history from New Jersey?
Allie Doughty is a senior in the College. ROOTS FROM THE GARDEN appears every other Friday in the guide.
arts&entertainment girl meets world
Feminist Films Give Us Girls Worth Fighting For
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his midterm season, I found myself a guy’s looking for in a girl, he’s gross. The bright people at Disney play it all turning to the soundtrack from Mulan for some study inspiration. the right way though — these men are Listening to “Reflections” reminded portrayed as dumb, and Mulan ends up me of how much I, at the tender age of with the hot commander who loves her 6, loved the movie when it was first re- for her wit, kindness, perseverance and leased. But as I listened to “Honor to Us courage. Even more significantly, the All” and bobbed along in my Lau cubicle, emperor and the people of China literally I realized that this movie helped ensure bow down to her for saving all of their my transformation into an avid feminist. lives. Damn girl. You did it. Feminism often gets a bad rap, which In “Honor to Us All,” Mulan’s family prepares her to meet a matchmaker. She is unfortunate, but it’s movies like Mulan must impress her or she won’t find a that help teach little girls and boys that husband and thus will disgrace not only they can own their destinies, that sexism her living family members but also her is bad and that women are competent ancestors. That’s some deadly pressure. and great. That’s feminism in a nutshell, So her mother and grandmother bathe really. So while Disney gets lots of (often her, squeeze her tightly into a dress and deserved) criticism for promoting existcover her face in makeup. She proceeds ing hierarchies of power, I’m just not sure to make a fool of herself with the match- I’d be a feminist without Mulan. OK — I maker — the real Mulan can’t match so- probably would still be a feminist, but I cietal expectations for women — and is wouldn’t have been such a precocious booted from the room in disgrace. Her 6-year-old. I might not have thought that ancestors were probably not pleased. being smart and outspoken were imporAnyway, while I can’t totally speak tant qualities. That would have been a for 6-year-old Victoria, if my tragedy, because outspoken is memory 14 years later serves definitely one of the top five adme correctly, I felt so bad jectives that best describe me. for Mulan. She was smart There are other television and bright and kind, but shows and movies that I was no one saw any value in her exposed to at a relatively because she wasn’t delicate young age that are also sneakVictoriaEdel ily super feminist. A perfect exand she couldn’t pour tea without spilling it — which ample is “The Powerpuff Girls” is actually pretty hard. I knew this — the show about three kindergarten suwas lame and unfair and that Mulan perheroes who keep the city of Townsville should be allowed to be whatever she safe from the strange villains who wreak wants, even if she’s a girl. It’s a pretty havoc there on a daily basis. Blossom, Bubbasic statement, but one that this bles and Buttercup taught me that being movie ingrained in me at a young age. smart or girly or tough — or any combina If you’ve never seen the movie, the tion of the three — was perfectly acceptHuns are coming to China, and Mulan able and that there’s nothing a girl has goes into disguise to join the army in to be except herself. That’s why having place of her sickly father. Her only com- children’s television shows full of strong panions are a talking dragon sent by her female characters like the Powerpuff ancestors to protect her (I guess they got Girls, the pink and yellow Power Rangers over the disappointment) and an inde- or Sailor Moon and the Sailor Scouts is instructible cricket. It’s a bold and terrify- credibly important — they inspire girls to ing decision done out of undying love — be awesome. who said she was worthless, again? Six-year-old Victoria wanted to be like In the army, she’s privy to lots of the Mulan and Blossom, Bubbles and Butsexist crap men say when they’re bro-ing tercup, and 20-year-old Victoria kind of out. There’s a very catchy song called “A is. True, I probably won’t be signing up Girl Worth Fighting For” in which her for a war anytime soon, but I like to think fellow soldiers describe just what kind of that I embody some of those qualities girl would be worth a war. “How ’bout a that make Mulan way more interesting girl who’s got a brain, who always speaks than Snow White or Cinderella. Having a her mind?” Mulan adds, thinking of her- talking dragon would be sweet, though. self. The men give a resounding “Nah.” Boo. I knew that was garbage at the time, Victoria Edel is a junior in the Coltoo — I mean, cooking is fun and being lege. GIRL MEETS WORLD appears pretty is nice, but if that’s the only thing every other Friday in the guide.
Collaborative Masterpiece Boasts Positive Energy ZACH GORDON Hoya Staff Writer
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usic doesn’t usually floor me the first time I listen to it; I might like some aspects of it, but it can take a while for an album to fully set in and wow me. Of course there’s the rare exception, but they’re few and far between — Radiohead’s Amnesiac, Björk’s Medúlla, Metric’s Grow Up and Blow Away, Brooke Fraser’s Flags and Avril Lavigne’s Let Go are the only examples I can think of. But as of recently, a new album can be added to that list. Atoms for Peace’s debut, album Amok, released this past Monday, left me stunned and incapable of thought or movement after just my first listen. Formed in late 2009 to support Radiohead lead singer Thom Yorke’s tour for his solo album The Eraser, super-band Atoms for Peace consists of Yorke, bassist Flea of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Nigel Godrich — a producer who has worked with everyone from Radiohead to Paul McCartney — and lesser-known artists Joey Waronker and Mauro Refosco. After playing a few shows throughout 2009 and 2010, they began recording their fulllength album in 2011. Amok, however, has a sound totally amok distinct from any of the Atoms for Peace members’ other work. Although it’s definitely Yorke and Godrich-esque, it is not like anything done by Radiohead in the past. I first heard the album after a digital stream was released through NPR while I was attempting to do some work one evening, but no work was done. Maybe it was my sheer excitement and the general anticipation surrounding the album’s drop, but from the first note of the exceedingly rhythmic opener “Before Your Very Eyes,” I was incapable of doing anything except listening. For the rest of the album, I sat, eyes closed, completely drawn into this incredible album. Even if this was due to my enthusiasm for Thom Yorke, I have continued to be floored with each subsequent listen, finding new and exciting layers and elements I hadn’t noticed before. While Amok still contains the heavy synth and rhythmic elements found on The Eraser, Flea’s deep, heavy bass adds a warmth the latter album lacks. This element makes Amok immeasurably more accessible to the average listener than Yorke’s other recent works, which appeal to a specific type of listener. Tracks like “Stuck Together Pieces” and “Judge, Jury,
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RUNNING AMOK Thom Yorke’s newest project is a high-energy wonder.
and Executioner,” with their strong bass lines pulsing throughout the song, exemplify this incredibly groovy warmth. However, Amok still shows Yorke and Godrich’s preference for the experimental: Each song consists of layers upon layers of different musical elements — analog and electronic alike — that somehow all magically mesh together to form the beautiful music that makes up this album. Look to “Ingenue” to hear this particular variety of experimentation, supplemented by the highly rhythmic nature of Waronker’s drumming, which can be heard clearly on the tracks “Reverse Running” and “Unless”. All of the various components — the floating guitar, the bleep-bloops and wub-wubs of the computer generated sounds, Thom’s soaring falsetto, the weighty bass and the percussive drums — come together in a remarkable fashion. Listen to the album’s closer, “Amok,” in order to hear the blend; while each layer exists on its own, the way all the layers interact is truly stunning. Even so, the album isn’t perfect. Even as every track is striking and beautiful in its own right, the album can seem a little scattered. Perhaps it’s the high energy of the music, but at times the album can be a little overwhelming. Nonetheless, Amok is an extraordinary, energetic treasure chest of an album, full of musical gold doubloons; the more you listen to it, the more you discover within each song. Its sexy, spirited rhythms make it hard to resist dancing along in your seat to nearly every song.
3.1.13 | the guide | 15
bestbets
a million lights — alexander brown
on campus
‘My Girlfriend’s Boyfriend Unplugged’ Friday, 8 p.m Davis Performing Arts Center
Don’t miss comedian Mike Birbiglia’s (COL ’00) final show on campus. In this one-man performance, Birbiglia ridicules his love life. Get your $15 ticket on the Georgetown Performing Arts website and head over to DPAC to see this acclaimed show.
Female Student Leadership Panel Wednesday, March 13 , 6:30 p.m. White-Gravenor 213
Start Women’s History Month off right and join Georgetown’s Women in Politics in a discussion of women leaders on campus. The event will feature female officials from campus organizations like D.C. Reads and Feminists at Large, and a meal will be provided for all who attend.
An Evening at the Embassy of Sweden Wednesday, March 13, 7:30 p.m House of Sweden
Sponsored by the Georgetown University European Club, this event is perfect for anyone looking for a classy cultural experience. The Swedish Embassy is welcoming 40 guests to converse with diplomats and dine on Swedish cuisine at the House of Sweden. GU European Club will sell tickets for $10.
Groove Theory: One Move, One Groove Friday, March 15, 7:30 p.m. Gaston Hall
See Georgetown’s only coed hip hop dance crew in its Fourth Annual Showcase in Gaston Hall. Groove Theory has been practicing for this performance all semester and will welcome other local dance teams participating in this show. There will even be a twerking contest. Buy a ticket for $7 and get your groove on.
around town saturday
friday
sunday
Celebrate one of classical music’s great composers, Antonin Dvorak. This evening will end a four-night festival celebrating the Russian master and his New World Symphony, which is part of his American masterpiece. The performance will feature an accompanying 35-minute rendering of Longfellow’s “Hiawatha,” which is sure to be a dazzling complement to the musical performance.
It’s that time of year. No, not Christmas, silly; it’s Harlem Globetrotter season. Once again, the Harlem Globetrotters are making their way over to the capital, but this time there’s a twist: The Globetrotters will be allowing fans to make suggestions for special rules that will govern play this weekend. Sure to be a great game, the antics of the Globetrotters are well worth a visit to Verizon Center.
Let’s be honest: None of us can resist chocolate. In celebration of everyone’s favorite little squares of deliciousness, head over to Fairfax, Va., this weekend for a tribute to chocolate. The town of Fairfax will be letting its streets flood with chocolate, and there are sure to be innumerable ways to indulge in a binge, so make a note to get yourself over to Fairfax if you’re still going to be in the area.
WHERE: Dekelboum Concert Hall WHEN: 8 p.m. INFO: postclassical.com PRICE: $10 METRO: College Park
WHERE: Verizon Center WHEN: 1 p.m. INFO: harlemglobetrotters.com PRICE: Starting at $22.90 METRO: Gallery Place
WHERE: Main Street, Fairfax, Va. WHEN: 8 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. INFO: chocolatefestival.net PRICE: Free entry, some events require fee METRO: Vienna/Fairfax
JERROD MACFARLANE & Emily Manbeck Hoya Staff Writers
COVER PHOTO by CHRIS BIEN