The Hoya: The Guide: January 20, 2017

the guide FRIDAY, JANUARY 20, 2017

ILLUSTRATION BY ESTHER KIM AND GRACE CHUNG/THE HOYA

FEATURED

GUIDE DC Service Takes a Stand All in Service D.C. aims to support the local community during politically tense times.

B4

‘Split’ Stuns and Shocks A stellar performance from James McAvoy grounds M. Night Shyamalan’s latest flick.

B6

Quantity Over Quality Carmine’s serves heaping amounts of Italian American fare, but sticks to a formula that feels stale.

B5

Run the Jewels Returns Run the Jewels’ third album is a scorching-hot package of humor and political commentary.

B7

SPORTS Championship-Bound

The women’s basketball team looks to regain its footing as it hits the road for two Big East games.

B10

Swim and Dive Both squads head to Philadephia to continue the momentum gained from last weekend’s meets.

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friday, January 20, 2017

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The core of left-wing politics is to unite the many against the few, and also, in that process, define who’s the many and who’s the few and on what terms.”

BHASKAR SUNKARA Editor, Jacobin

BHASKAR SUNKARA

Top: people gathered outside of the White House lawn, waiting for the presidential election results, on Nov. 9, 2016. Bottom: Bhaskar Sunkara, editor of Jacobin magazine.

The Political Role of Art Marina Tian Hoya Staff Writer

Sullen swathes of people, some shedding tears of despair or disappointment, departed from their locations surrounding the White House and National Mall, finally off to bed in hopes of escaping their bitter reality in restless sleep. The remaining crowd, jubilant and euphoric with victory, only grew rowdier, jeering at the departing people. Similar scenes of emotion and disbelief played out across the nation as people reeled with shock in front of their televisions and laptop screens.

In one of the greatest political upsets of all time, President-elect Donald Trump defeated more experienced fixtures of the American political system in both the Republican primary and the general election, harnessing the growing resentment of the American working class and riding the burgeoning populist movement to victory.

Nationwide, liberal groups have been organizing and preparing to protest the inauguration of a man who they feel is unqualified to be president, one who threatens the same rights he is called to protect.

Although there is no shortage of political marches and protests taking place over

inauguration weekend, the creative community in particular has mobilized and scheduled multiple arts and culture events for the inauguration weekend throughout Washington, D.C., and the nation.

WHAT DO THEY WANT? NOT TRUMP In an election where 45 percent of the voting-eligible population refused to vote and in which Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton won the popular vote by almost three million votes, the incendiary rhetoric used throughout Trump’s campaign served as kindling for the fiery furor that seems to have swept the country.

This has led to a desire for many to demonstrate their opposition, according to Bhaskar Sunkara, who serves as publisher and editor of Jacobin magazine, a pre-eminent socialist publication.

“People are angry, and they’re looking for some way to show dissent and show Trump there’s limits to what he can do.

They’re going to come from popular demonstrations that can make things almost ungovernable if he crosses certain red lines around mass deportation and similar things. … We on the left want to make it difficult for him to govern,” Sunkara said in an interview with The Hoya.

Many of these events take advantage of the increased activist population that will

convene in D.C. during this weekend as visitors swarm to the nation’s capital to greet — or block -— the incoming president.

“We’ve found that often with these kinds of one-day protests or mobilizations — they’re often very ephemeral,” Sunkara said. “We wanted to make sure there were some deeper ideas and discussion about organization, about what to expect from a Trump presidency, the best way to oppose him [and] how not to oppose him.”

Sunkara’s publication will be co-sponsoring “The Anti-Inauguration” with Haymarket Books and Verso Books today at the Lincoln Theatre. Sold out and immortalized by watch parties organized across the country, “The Anti-Inauguration” features a panel of liberal thinkers: Author and filmmaker Naomi Klein, author KeeangaYamahtta Taylor and journalists Anand Gopal and Owen Jones. “[Protest] is the only force we really have to advocate for the effect of politics. ... The core of left-wing politics is to unite the many against the few, and also, in that process, define who’s the many and who’s the few and on what terms,” Sunkara said.

MAKE THEM LAUGH, THEN TALK New York comedians Emily Winter and Jenn Welch, disgusted with Trump’s con-

troversial language, produced a national comedy festival with proceeds benefitting the American Civil Liberties Union. Shows for the What A Joke Comedy Fest have been coordinated in 34 cities over the entire inauguration weekend.

D.C. coordinators and members of the local creative community Katherine Jessup and Linsay Deming are committed to giving people an opportunity to protest through laughter.

Politically tinged comedy has become the norm during this election cycle, with no shortage of material for late-night hosts to poke fun, but comedy can provide substantially more than just entertainment value.

“If you can get somebody to laugh about something furious that matters, then you’ve got them thinking about it. At the end of the day, the big, big social issues we’re having, the big problems we have in this world, people don’t like to think about it,” Deming said. “But if people just started to think about things, maybe that’ll lead to more activism.”

More specifically, comedy presents information in a new light and can help audiences reach different conclusions than if they were to be otherwise introduced to the material.

DOJO COMEDY

ALYSSA VOLIVAR/THE HOYA

Top: Jennifer Holliday, left, Alec Baldwin, Yoko Ono, Samuel L. Jackson, Meryl Streep and Robert DeNiro are some of the celebrities who have spoken out against Presidentelect Trump. Bottom: “Stupid’s Arrow,” a long-form improvisation and sketch comedy show at Dojo Comedy last Valentine’s Day, featured a caricature of Trump.

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friday, january 20, 2016 “When I teach joke-writing, I always tell students that laughter is an involuntary response to pattern recognition in the brain. For us to laugh at something, we have to recognize that it correlates,” Murphy McHugh (COL ’08) said. “In these scary times — or awesome times, for someone who disagrees with me politically — we can find common ground in things that are true. ... If you laugh at a punchline that has a point, some part of you recognizes the truth in it. ” As a comedian, writer and owner of Dojo Comedy, one of the participating venues in the What A Joke Comedy Fest, McHugh has unveiled one of the main points espoused by these artist-protestors: the importance of communication.

CLEARING THE WAY FOR SPEECH In his seventh solo studio album, “Graceland,” Paul Simon broke with many of his contemporaries and disrupted the cultural boycott imposed on South Africa for its apartheid practices. Simon instead collaborated with South African artists, using Zulu musical styles like mbaqanga and isicathamiya.

According to Anna H. Celenza, Thomas E. Caestecker professor of music in the Department of Performing Arts, “Graceland” is a prime example of artists using their cultural influence for activism.

“Up to that point, the world’s image of South Africa had been, ‘Oh, there’s violence and division.’ There was a sense of the world looking at the blacks of South Africa with pity. What Paul Simon did was say, ‘Look at this amazing sound. Look at this sound we’ve never heard before,’ and it blew up,” Celenza said.

This task can be difficult, especially when the artists themselves are limited in their means of communication. Trump has repeatedly threatened to revise existing libel laws and disparaged critics like the team behind “Saturday Night Live,” intimating retribution against news outlets and artists who have spoken out against him.

“The arts thrive on expression,” McHugh said. “One of the things that raises hackles for me is the freedom of expression, anyone trying to limit that or saying what can and can’t be said. That’s what’s so great about the American Civil Liberties Union.

They defend anyone and their right of speech, even if their views differ from mine. That’s a noble cause.”

The challenge of protecting free expression goes beyond governmental censorship.

Imagine never hearing iconic protest songs like Billie Holiday’s “Strange Fruit,” Bob Dylan’s “The Times They Are A-Changin’” or John Lennon’s “Give Peace a Chance,” because they were never written or barred from release. Recall the contention that surrounded N.W.A.’s “F--k Tha Police.”

“I think that what you see happening is that artists do some self-censorship. They need to make that decision: ‘Do I want to be seen as an activist or not?’” Celenza said. “All the radio stations are owned by the same place. You might not have government censorship, but you do have corporate censorship, where perhaps an idea or critique doesn’t show up on the airwaves, because that company has a financial obligation to another company getting critiqued.”

FINDING A VOICE Deeply personal reactions to the election have spurred organizers into action. Artist Deborah Lash, organizer of the My America: D.C. Creates, Innovates, Unites Arts Festival tomorrow, was one such coordinator.

“Right after the election, I was really stunned,” Lash said. “I felt kind of lost and

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High-Functioning failure

PAUL SIMON

In his seventh solo studio album, “Graceland,” Paul Simon incoporated Zulu musical influences, disrupting the cultural boycott imposed against South Africa. angry, and then I realized that my best voice is always through creativity. That’s the way I know how to speak out. The arts tend to change society in a really big way when artists come together and speak. It’s important for us to realize that power.”

For Mindi Mimosa, burlesque performer and producer of Barenaked Comedy, a show participating in “What a Joke,” the reaction is personal. “[Trump’s] presidency puts people at risk. ... In the D.C. arts scene, the arts scene I am in, there’s a very large trans presence in just D.C. alone. The [repeal of] the [Affordable Care Act] is going to limit resources to trans individuals to transition and just physically be in their own bodies. … It’s an issue that’s hitting people at home,” Mimosa said.

Mimosa would know, her partner is transgender.

“Just letting this man be in charge, just symbolically, even if he doesn’t do s--t and he just sits back, he’s symbolic and encourages and empowers the racists of the world. … As artists, we take our responsibility of putting ourselves out there to f-king say something and I think that’s just necessary,” Mimosa said.

CHANGING TIMES Legendary singer-songwriter and civil rights activist Nina Simone once asked, “How can you be an artist and not reflect the times?”

Many of the artists and organizers protesting this weekend emphasized the importance of the artist in speaking out about current events. Trump is certainly no stranger to artists speaking out against him. Besides SNL, a litany of artists including Earth, Wind & Fire, Adele, Queen, the Rolling Stones and Neil Young expressed their dissatisfaction with Trump’s use of their music in his campaign events.

The cast of the hit Broadway show “Hamilton” made headlines and drew Trump’s ire when it used the curtain call to appeal to audience member and Vice President-elect Mike Pence to “uphold our American values and work for all of us.”

More recently, Trump’s team has had difficulty recruiting star power for his inauguration, with many celebrities flat-out refusing. Last week, Broadway star Jennifer Holliday withdrew from the event, publically apologizing to her fans. This regretful note won her the support of many but also drew the ire of many Trump supporters.

“Don’t look to artists to heal. We’re not here just to make you feel good about the world. There were a lot of artists who said, ‘I’m not going to perform at the inauguration,’ and they got some backlash for that: ‘Well, of course you are! It’s your job!’ No, it’s not our job. Our job is to create works by what inspires us or what touches us or what affects us,” Celenza said. “The idea is that our obligation as artists is to heal the world sometimes, but arts are about showing the cut and

showing what needs to be healed. We can’t be expected to [heal] it.”

LESS SAYING, MORE FEELING Art, by nature, challenges norms. It is public and engages with existing discourse and ideology. Trump’s administration itself understands the symbolic and political power of art. A tradition going back to Ronald Reagan’s inauguration in 1985, the inaugural luncheon has had a different American painting as a backdrop. At Trump’s inaugural lunch with Congress, “The Verdict of the People” by 19th century painter George Caleb Bingham will set the scene.

As with many other facets of Trump’s inauguration, tensions heightened because of the painting. Despite portraying a Democratic victory, the painting is a fitting emblem for Trump. Painted after the passage of the Kansas-Nebraska Act of 1854, “The Verdict of the People” depicts the public reactions to the bill that put the future of slavery in Kansas to a public vote.

Kansas quickly became a bloodbath in the aftermath, as abolitionists and pro-slavery settlers flooded the state to participate in the election. The painting is a symbol of another time in American history when democracy was insufficient to solve the crisis of the day, with populist sentiments prevailing.

It is no surprise that populism has made an intense resurgence across the country.

Artists themselves are not unsympathetic: Bruce Springsteen and The Ramones have long made music portraying the decline of the Rust Belt and the human impact of the death of the American manufacturing industry. The potent fervor of Trump’s supporters stems from years of anger at the current political system and anxiety about the future for people and their families.

“In the end, you have Trump supporters turning out passionately, because they felt like their candidate was getting unfairly maligned, that he had something very different to offer, and you have the rest of us just organizing and turning out ostensibly,” Sunkara said. “The polling wasn’t able to capture enthusiasm.”

If Sunkara is right, passion may very well become one of the critical actors in the political scene for the coming years. The real test in the future for sharing passion and effecting political change, for artists and citizens alike, will be in forging relationships within the community. If you are looking for passion and community, there is certainly no better place to start than the arts. The power of art is not just political — it is spiritual, it is emotional and it is personal. In a turbulent election cycle that has struck people deeply, art has granted solace to the worried and a voice to the voiceless.

It has given power to those who have long felt disenfranchised, be they minorities, women, or members of the working class.

As the country seems to head towards further polarization and divide, maybe, if we are lucky, art will bring us together again.

“

Our job is to create works by what inspires us or what touches us or what affects us.”

ANNA CELENZA Professor of Music

COURTESY ANNA CELENZA

Alex Mitchell

In Memory Of My Lost Internships

THE BIG MOON

A

t the start of any new year, it is important to look back and reflect on the many things you forgot to do in the year prior. Then, it is important to spend twenty days procrastinating and then, do them. That is why today, Jan. 20, 2017, I present to you what will undoubtedly be the day’s largest news item: my eulogy to the three internships I failed to score in 2016. Each one was unique and holds a special place in my heart. While these potential job offerings may have passed, they will live on for eternity in a folder on my desktop titled, “Please, God, find me a job.”

These internships, varied in nature, span from the public sector to the private sector. And by that I mean some of them were meant to make me look good publically — to LinkedIn connections, potential employers, and the occasional odd local newspaper you trick into writing about you — and some were meant to make me look good to other people I met on a more personal basis. After all, it is important to maintain balance in the ongoing conquest for narcissistic fulfillment. I joke — though, a great first step to such a conquest of personal gratification is referring to oneself in third perPNB ROCK son, for example: “Alex does not know how this is going to play out.”

“Alex appreciates your time and will follow up in text.”

“Alex recently re-watched ‘When Harry Met Sally’ and has been crying in his bathroom. Please advise.”

But I digress. Let us return to the matter at hand: where did my job opportunities go, and how can I now work for no money?

In Memoriam: Deceased Internship Opportunity 1 Press Office Intern for Unnamed Democratic Congressman Location: Washington, D.C. As with all of the beloved internship offerings that passed away this past year, this one progressed to the interview phase.

And it was from the interview phase that I learned so much. First, trying to sound like a Kennedy will not help you score a job with a Democratic politician. More importantly, trying to sound like John F. Kennedy’s littleknown mother, Rose Kennedy, may be a feat of impressive research, but the accent may be lost on the interviewer. I know what you are thinking, “How could that not have worked?!” Well, some things you can only learn from trial and error. And my error here may help you avoid some — otherwise unforeseeable — mistakes.

In Memoriam: Deceased Internship Opportunity 2 Intern for the Web Development Team of an Unnamed Tech Company Location: Palo Alto, Calif.

See, this is one I could have foreseen.

My web development skills are somewhat diminished. As a teenager, I played the Internet’s foremost online sleddingbased computer game, “Line Rider.” In my interview with the company’s Human Resources coordinator, Met — I still hold that his name, while trendy, is not actually a name — promptly pointed out to me that my hours perfecting two-dimensional line-riding trajectories and paths do not, in fact, constitute a coding skill. Even when I managed to write the word “Kip Nipplington” entirely using one singular rideable line, it was in vain. I left with a free kale smoothie and little else.

In Memoriam: Deceased Internship Opportunity 3 Research Intern for the Broadcast News Division at Unnamed Local News Company Location: San Francisco, Calif.

GEORGE CALEB BINGHAM

Creative writing can only take you so far. As it turns out, the news industry has no sense of whimsy nor creative liberty. At my interview, I was asked to present three news items, regarding which I had prepared a collection of pertinent notes for the broadcast team. Here are some of the comments I received: “No basis in fact.”

“Fails to differentiate opinion from sheer data reporting.”

“Almost exactly the plot for the film Precious, shot by shot.”

In Conclusion: I imagine that you’re both scared and confused at this point. “I could not have anticipated any of these outcomes!” you may be screaming to yourself. But there is no need to worry: that is exactly why I am here.

Welcome to the “High-Functioning Failure,” and my job, one that I actually got, is to look out for you.

COURTESY ANDREW BOSSI

Pictured clockwise from top: Thomas E. Caestecker professor of music Anna Celenza, “The Verdict of the People,” a painting by THE BIG MOON DUA LIPA George Caleb Bingham, and burlesque performer and comedian Mindi Mimosa.

Alex Mitchell is a junior in the School of Foreign Service. High-functioning failure.appears every other Friday.

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feature

Friday, January 20, 2017

This week’S TOP FIVE

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Top Five Inaugural Addresses Thomas Jefferson (1801)

Regardless of political affiliation, Americans have often looked to Founding Father Thomas Jefferson’s inaugural address as a model for political unity.

Unafraid to passionately argue his own ideologies, Jefferson chose instead to emphasize the necessity of cooperation in his speech. Boldly making the statement that Democratic-Republicans and Federalists were one and the same, Jefferson’s statement reflected upon the importance of fighting polarization in politics.

2 EAT MORE DRINK MORE BLOG

Georgetown’s Chez Billy Sud is one of the participating businesses in All in Service D.C., a D.C.-based initiative uniting diverse businesses in charity contributions.

All in Service DC danI guerrero Hoya Staff Writer

In a time of heightened tensions and polarized views, the value of inclusive messaging seems greater than ever. With this in mind, service industry veterans Amanda Carpenter and Alaina Dyne launched All in Service D.C., a volunteer-led initiative committed to celebrating D.C.’s diversity.

More than 105 local businesses in the Washington metropolitan area have agreed to donate a significant amount of their inauguration weekend profits from Jan. 20 to 22 to a charity of their choosing. The initiative calls for the tens of thousands of visitors to “eat, drink and explore in D.C. for good” as they come in for the inauguration weekend.

“The events of the inauguration present a vital opportunity to serve our nation’s capital by creating inclusive spaces in service, not only [for] our guests but also our community,” Carpenter said.

The All in Service D.C. logo in an establishment will let customers know that they are supporting local businesses and the greater community as they explore some of D.C.’s finest locales. The organizations that will receive donations include: Planned Parenthood, KIND, co-founded by Angelina Jolie to protect the basic human rights of refugee children in the U.S., and Ayuda, which offers legal and social services to low-income immigrants.

Regardless of the political nature of the causes supported by these charities, All in Service D.C. stands as nonpartisan movement. It focuses on giving back to key local organizations and celebrating the values of hospitality, empathy and diversity that each one embodies.

“It has more to do with compassion in action than with a political stand. This is a project of love and inclusion, whose purpose remains to take advantage of the attention our local industry receives in such a busy and important weekend to generate a positive impact on the institutions that keep our community thriving,” Sarah Massey, PR representative and one of the main organizers of the event, said.

Additionally, many of the supported organizations are advocacy groups for immigrants, raising the issue of imminent deportations and its relation to the service industry. Down in Georgetown’s Chez Billy Sud, one of the participating restaurants, manager Ian Hilton agrees that most commercial kitchens and dining rooms depend largely on immigrant workers.

“This is a project that stems from recognizing and celebrating real people who work for real employers — people who are an essential part of the community,” Massey said.

All in Service D.C. has managed to attract businesses as diverse as the D.C. metropolitan area itself, from high-end restaurants, like Capitol Hill’s Rose’s Luxury and Downtown’s Fig and Olive, to relaxed cafés, such

as Adams Morgan’s Tryst and Columbia Heights’ The Coupe.

Regardless of their clientele, local businesses have focused on a clear purpose: giving back to their community by selecting charities that embody their values. The goal is to fundraise for local service organizations while also providing an opportunity for service workers throughout the city to contribute to their community.

“We are the hospitable bartenders, chefs and servers who host you at fundraising events all the time in the nation’s capital,” Dyne said. “All in Service offers a great opportunity to merge the worlds of service and philanthropy, so everyone can feel good about their contributions.”

Despite being a large neighborhood boasting numerous businesses, Georgetown has shown surprisingly low participation in the event. In comparison to the 17 participating businesses in the 14th Street and Logan Circle neighborhood and the 16 Downtown, Georgetown’s contribution comprises of only four establishments.

Its participating businesses are vegetarian bodega Beefsteak, Italian market-style café Via Umbria, stylish boutique Violet, and French minimalist bistro Chez Billy Sud. “We invite all of D.C.’s businesses to join this amazing effort to demonstrate commitment to community,” Dyne said. “We’d love to see the entire D.C. service industry participate to show our commitment to hospitality and community when we’re serving hundreds of thousands of visitors.”

Other important neighborhoods contributing to the initiative are: Adams Morgan and Mount Pleasant, with 11 sponsors ranging from charming diners to creative dessert shops; Dupont Circle, featuring eight establishments, where customers can enjoy Spanish tapas as well as home-style Korean food; and Columbia Heights, where eight sponsors include Filipino and Vietnamese eateries.

As soon as a venue commits to participate, All in Service D.C. provides it with public relations materials, outreach and logistical support. Its volunteer team gives each business materials for advertising, such as posters and coasters, and connects the business with its chosen charity, ensuring a smooth delivery of donations.

“We are happily overwhelmed by the generosity and support this effort has received.

Businesses pledged donations to over a dozen organizations servicing the D.C. community, and we have also benefited from in-kind contributions in design, outreach, public relations and more,” Carpenter said.

Created by the idea of giving back to the community, All in Service D.C. presents an innovative means of crafting a positive message while generating tangible results. Honoring the very essence of the service industry, like a gracious host, it welcomes all.

Franklin D. Roosevelt (1933)

Although his address was only 20 minutes long, FDR’s inaugural speech is one of the most memorable speeches in our country’s history. Taking office during the Great Depression, FDR was responsible for sending a message of solidarity in the face of widespread uncertainty and fear. Delivering the unforgettable line, “We have nothing to fear but fear itself,” FDR projected a much-needed sense of strength, bolstering the American people.

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THE WHITE HOUSE HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION

HISTORY.COM

Lyndon B. Johnson (1965)

Delivered months after the passing of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Johnson’s inaugural address rallied for justice and national unity. Encouraging Americans to look past skin color and belief, Johnson communicated a strong message of tolerance. Like the other presidents on this list, Johnson’s first words as president were historically momentous yet remain deeply relevant to our current socio-political atmosphere.

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HISTORY.COM

Richard Nixon (1969)

Although Nixon’s inaugural speech itself was fiercely protested, his push for national unity was far less contentious.

The following words are perhaps the most resonant: “We cannot learn from one another until we stop shouting at one another — until we speak quietly enough so that our words can be heard as well as our voices.” A simple, ever-relevant statement, it remains one of Nixon’s most cited phrases.

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history.com

Barack Obama (2009)

As the first black President ever elected, Barack Obama has played a historic role in developing the fabric of our country. His address, much like his successful “Yes We Can” campaign, emphasized the importance of optimism, especially in the face of an economic downturn.

Obama’s powerful speech symbolized a new hope for the United States: “Starting today, we must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off and begin again the work of remaking America.” whitehouse.gov

Photo of the Week | Chelsea Market, New York

ALL IN SERVICE D.C.

All in Service D.C., launched by two service industry veterans, boasts a positive message while generating tangible results in forging bonds and giving back to the community.

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the guide

friday, January 20, 2017

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Restaurant review

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on tap

Anna Jorgensen and Jackie Liang

Fermenting A New Flavor

ALEXANDRA BRUNJES/THE HOYA

Mediterranean restaurant Tredici Enoteca, located in the lobby of the St. Gregory Hotel, boasts an elegant ambience while providng fresh, light meals and an impressive drink list, all at a reasonable price accessible to college students.

Elegant Simplicity Served Fresh Tredici enoteca

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2033 M St. NW | Cuisine: Mediterranean | $$ Alexandra Brunjes Hoya Staff Writer

Within walking distance of Dupont Circle and seamlessly integrated into the lobby of the St. Gregory Hotel, Tredici Enoteca offers tasty but healthy Mediterranean fare at a surprisingly affordable price.

Owned and operated by the Zavino Hospitality Group, the restaurant opened its doors in October as a spinoff of Zavino, its sister restaurant in Philadelphia. Featuring menu items ranging from vegetable-based plates to a raw bar and flatbreads, Tredici Enoteca manages to elevate simple dishes to visually appealing, mouthwatering creations that are perfect for sharing.

Tredici Enoteca features a unique spatial layout with various dining options. The restaurant is split into three seating areas: To the left of the entrance is a bright bar area and to the right are two levels of tables — one atop a small staircase flanked by windows that provide natural light and the other nestled on the floor level — that provide customers with a more intimate dining experience.

All three spaces demonstrate the restaurant’s fascinating design, which blends vintage elements with modern accents. Dark woodwork and framed paintings are juxtaposed with large windows and brass accents, presenting a clean-cut, elegant eating space — a concept mimicked in its dishes.

Although it is mostly vegetable-focused with a whole menu section titled “Veggies,” the menu also spans a gamut of seafood, meat, salads and

a variety of cheeses. My party began with the broccoli and avocado ($11) option from the vegetable section and raw tuna ($16). The first dish was simple and delicious. Cooked yet crunchy, the broccoli was accompanied by a ripe and soft avocado.

The amount of vinaigrette was just right; it gave the dish some kick without causing it to be too spicy or overpowering. The tuna also exemplified an artful mastery of flavor interaction.

Each slice had a perfect drizzle of soy sauce and delicious taste profiles.

Both appetizers were placed in the middle of the table for sharing, as were our main courses, the roasted beet salad ($13) and the Israeli couscous salad ($13). The roasted beet salad contained kale, goat cheese, candied pecans and port reduction, while the Israeli salad featured soft couscous tossed in olive oil mixed with avocado, cherry tomatoes, basil, almonds and a generous helping of burrata. The beets in the first salad were perfectly cooked, and the Israeli couscous salad combined couscous and vegetables with a subtle nutty undertone, originating from the thinly sliced almond slivers.

All the food served was fresh and light, demonstrating how accessible household ingredients can be crafted into elevated dishes with layers of flavors.

The expertise of chef Carlos Aparicio, who moved from the Zavino location in Philly to work at Tredici Enoteca, honed his skill sets in various areas of gastronomy after moving between various restaurants in New York City and Philadelphia over the past few years.

The restaurant also features an extensive drink list. Our waitress explained that the staff had formal training in which they learned about each of the different drinks, including how to describe the relative acidity and fruitiness of the different wine selections. She also suggested wines that would work well with our meal and named the regions where each of the grapes were grown.

Despite boasting an elegant design, delicious dishes and expert wait staff, Tredici Enoteca does have one caveat: its quiet ambience. The lack of attendance is perhaps due to the restaurant’s adoption of the “soft opening” technique, meaning that there was no formal restaurant debut.

Rather, the owners opened the doors one day, aiming to garner business from passersby and hotel guests in order to slowly build a loyal customer base. The restaurant was almost entirely empty during my visit, and although the music playing in the background succeeded in filling the silence with its bouncy beats, the lack of general chatter proved a bit eerie.

The busiest meal is breakfast, since the space fills with hotel guests. At lunch and dinner, the restaurant, which has 60 table seats and 30 bar seats, tends to have a maximum of five or six tables filled at a time. Nonetheless, this may be an upside to any students looking for incredibly efficient service, affordable culinary masterpieces and a good study spot, given that the large tables could easily serve as comfortable platforms where textbooks could be spread out.

Restaurant review

A Study in Surplus carmine’s

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425 7th St. NW | Cuisine: Italian American | $$$ DANI GUERRERO Hoya Staff Writer

Tourists strolling around D.C. can restore their energies at Carmine’s, Penn Quarter’s largest restaurant. The family-style eatery comprises over 20,000 square feet and includes nine private rooms, with room for more than 700 diners.

The late restaurateur Arthur Cutler built a small empire of popular, conceptually rare restaurants that struck New York City’s dining scene. In 1990, he opened Carmine’s as an oldfashioned Southern Italian restaurant, targeting families and large parties with its welcoming aura. The restaurant even offers an extensive gluten-free menu. An indoor replica of 7th Street’s energy, the New York City import bursts with joyful diners and racing staff.

The restaurant currently has two locations in New York City, as well as others in Atlantic City and the Bahamas. The Carmine’s in New Jersey’s theater district was ranked the sixth-highest -earning eatery in the country by Restaurant & Institutions magazine, serving approximately 800,000 meals last year.

The neighborhood’s foot traffic portended major success and complemented reservations with a steady stream of walk-ins. Alicart Restaurant Group Chief Executive Jeffrey Bank seized the site’s commercial potential as he expanded the chain’s East Coast locations. The Washington location offered an unusual combination of daytime workers, families and sightseers. Dimly lit and dominated by red-toned variations, the restaurant evokes a 1920s flair. Imagine a traditional Italian joint merged with a theme park.

There is even a souvenir-stocked stand where you can get Carmine’s baseball caps and t-shirts.

Although it is large-scale and systematic, Carmine’s preserves regional winks, hidden in the billboard menus hanging on the walls and advertising red-sauce staples.

Entering the main dining room, which was covered in black-and-white Dolce Vita photos in mismatched frames, I caught a glimpse of the mammoth portions meant for sharing. Even the most persistent appetites will struggle to tackle such large portions.

Both the cold and hot antipasto platters are exquisite — and colossal — samplers for the table. Of all the appetizers, these generous trays proved to be extraordinary. The cold version features seafood salad of scallops, shrimp and octopus; prosciutto cotto rolls filled with fontina cheese and roasted red pepper; marinated cremini mushrooms; fresh ricotta crostini with a hint of honey; focaccia sandwiches of melted

DANI GUERRERO

The largest restaurant in Penn Quarter, Carmine’s presents hearty portions of flavorful Italian classics, though the heaping servings can seem unsophisticated and crude. provolone; fava bean and pancetta; and a romano and black pepper breadstick with sliced prosciutto.

The hot interpretation is just as vast, with multiple innovative creations: the zuppa di mussels, of a classic simplicity with their whitewine infusion; spinach and artichoke dip with mascarpone and Romano cheese; fried raviolini dipped in spicy marinara; eggplant rollatini,stuffed with ricotta cheese; clams oreganata baked with house breadcrumbs; fresh calzone filled with grilled chicken and peppers; broccoli rabe with sweet fennel sausage; and a supreme capellini pie fried with salami and green peas.

The old-family-recipe formula smoothly translates into some of Carmine’s classic pastas and house specialties. The veal scaloppine marsala ($36.95) featured thinly sliced breaded cutlets cooked in butter, lemon and white wine sauce. The shrimp parmigiana ($38.95), cooked to perfection in tangy marinara and Parmesan cheese, arrived with the rigatoni with sausage and broccoli ($29.50), richly textured and effortlessly delightful. Also excellent, the penne alla vodka ($32.95) was a velvety yet fiery concoction of cream, butter, red peppers and tomato.

Monday’s special chicken alla romana ($38.95) proved the meal’s indisputable star. The dish arrived as a breaded breast covered in mozzarella over a sauteed-broccoli bed, all sealed in a buttery white wine and caper sauce. Other timeless gems are the fried calamari ($31.95) and the spaghetti and meatballs ($31.95), immense, moist and peppery. The portobello parmigiana ($19.95), served in piquant marinara

and flowing Parmesan, is a rare jewel, packed with delicate notes. Dessert genuinely seemed improbable once we finished our gigantic meal.

Somehow we managed to split the crumbly bread pudding ($18.95), soaked in custard.

Once the sugar rush took over, we ordered the chocolate cannoli ($18.95). The chocolate-coated shells, filled with homemade, silky ricotta and chocolate chip cream and dipped in pistachios, outplayed all competitors. The Titanic ($28.95) is Carmine’s homegrown version of the classic banana split, a chocolate torte topped with vanilla ice cream, bananas, pineapple and nuts. Diners can have the half order, a serious recommendation for those intending to avoid a sugar coma.

Large portions meant for sharing elevate Carmine’s prices. Large parties benefit from such an affordable alternative to classic Italian-American fare. However, for those uninterested in family-style portions, the menu’s average quality might not be as tempting for a lower price.

Hefty to-go bags are a given thanks to Carmine’s colossal helpings. When Cutler created the restaurant, his one goal was to re-create the Italian-American wedding feast. The Sunday dinner sensation provides comfort for those looking to have a casual, friendly banquet. Yes, the proportions of the food really do match such a description. The blizzard of garlic and marinara might invade other flavors, leaving little room for craftier zests.

Although formulaic and unrefined, Carmine’s possesses the merit of countering the small-plate-centered haute comfort food, proving there is nothing quite as heartening as Italian grandmothers’ cuisines.

W

hat appears to be just an old warehouse from the outside is actually the growing center for all things new in the dynamic D.C. food scene. Union Market, located in an industrial area of northeast Washington, D.C., is the core of the city’s modern artistry in the culinary work industry.

This warehouse is where culinary creativity is manifested. It hosts over 40 local food vendors, offering everything from baked goods to seafood. Yet one pop-up vendor in particular, Craft Kombucha, seems to catch many consumers’ eyes due to its odd name and the unusual taste of the tea it sells.

Appealing to foodies and urban dwellers throughout D.C., including Georgetown students, the up-and-coming vendor is a popular choice at Georgetown’s weekly farmer’s market, hosted in Red Square in the fall and spring.

Kombucha is a tea beverage that is fermented using a combined yeast and bacterial culture called SCOBY, or a symbiotic colony of bacteria and yeast. Fermentation is the cellular anaerobic, non oxygenated pathway that many organisms use to break down simple sugars to extract energy. Fermentation is also the method used to produce many common foods, such as beer, wine, kimchi and sauerkraut.

Unlike other food fads, kombucha seems to be here to stay.

It has been able to successfully create its own niche market.

According to the American Nutrition Association, kombucha was used in China for centuries, particularly during sacred rites of atonement, and has since been exported to countries all over the world. Now, the ancient practice of brewing fermented tea has become vastly modernized.

Craft’s brand of kombucha is rather different than those found in the local health food stores. Instead of the heavy tea-infused flavor and juice-like sweetness generally found in most kombucha brews, Craft’s style of kombucha is inspired by the taste of beer. Craft has been able to create a variety of refreshing and dry teas that mimic beer and other alcoholic beverages.

This manipulation of kombucha to become more beer-like is possible because of the gastronomy of fermentation. Like beer, kombucha uses yeast to ferment. This yeast is one of the main contributors to the flavoring of the drink. From brew to brew, the flavor of the tea alone — apart from any added flavoring — depends entirely upon the type of yeast used during the fermentation. Through the practice of manipulating the type of yeast, tea and added flavoring, kombucha has the ability to be transformed into many different tastes. As a result, it can become more like beer in flavor but without the high alcohol concentration.

Three of Craft’s teas which seek to have this specific beer flavor are rum raisin, bavarian falcon and the elderflower. Rum raisin has the sparkling sweetness of kombucha, along with fruity undertones. Bavarian falcon is less sweet and has a wheat-like body. While the elderflower is the most beer-like, it has a subtle, fresh sweetness in addition to its dry feel.

Allison Bloss, a student from the D.C. area, had never drank kombucha before and was somewhat skeptical. When asked how she liked the kombucha, she said she would recommend the elderflower. She further stated that both the bavarian falcon and elderflower were really good, but she felt like she was drinking a beer and not kombucha. It is clear that craft kombucha is slowly changing its customer demographic from heath food “hippies” to anyone just willing to try the drink.

Unlike other food fads, kombucha seems to be here to stay. It has been able to successfully create its own niche market. For instance, the United States kombucha industry has a yearly revenue of 500 to 600 million dollars. Its popularity can be seen throughout the District as well. Other local tea breweries like Capital Kombucha and Barefootbucha, located and sold within the greater Washington, D.C. area, are also taking advantage of kombucha’s appeal.

Although fermentation was used in the past primarily as a practical technique for the preservation of food, it is now a means to incorporate novel flavoring into drinks and other foods. Kombucha is a perfect example of using the fermentation process to produce unique new tastes, specifically in tea drinks.

Your first experience with Craft Kombucha could lead you to develop an obsession with the drink, or it could be just another fad you try.

Nevertheless, it is clear that fermentation will remain an integral part of the culinary art for many years to come.

Craft Kombucha at Union Market is located at 1309 5th St NE, Washington, D.C . 20002.

Anna Jorgensen and Jackie Liang are sophomores in the College. This is the first installment of ON TAP.

B6

the guide

THE HOYA

FRIDAY, JANUARY 20, 2017

MOVIE REVIEW

BLUMHOUSE PRODUCTIONS

Eighteen years after premiering his landmark thriller “The Sixth Sense,” director M. Night Shyamalan shocks audiences once more with the psychological thriller “Split.”

Following the erratic path of a young man with 24 split personalities, the film explores the sinister intricacies of dissociative identity disorder.

Split

Starring: James McAvoy, Betty Buckley Directed By: M. Night Shyamalan KATHRYN BAKER Hoya Staff Writer

Eighteen years after his landmark thriller “The Sixth Sense” premiered, acclaimed director Manoj “M. Night” Shyamalan returns with “Split,” a psychological terror revolving around a man with 24 different personalities.

Shyamalan’s reputation had been recently besmirched by flops like “The Last Airbender” of 2010 and “After Earth” of 2013. Additionally, “Split” has been accused of taking advantage of public prejudice against mental illness for profit.

However, “Split” dispels criticism by humanizing the main character through a thorough exploration of the nature behind dissociative identity disorder.

Unlike other thrillers, the success of “Split” does not rely on blockbuster action sequences or jump scares but is rooted in a nuanced exploration into the deepest realms of the human mind.

The movie is focused on Kevin Wendell

Crumb (James McAvoy), who has assumed 24 personalities as a result of suffering trauma early in his life. Notable personas include Barry, a flamboyant fashion designer, Hedwig, a 9-year-old boy with a lisp and Miss Patricia, a strict older woman.

McAvoy shines, effortlessly switching accents, mannerisms and demeanors in a complex and haunting performance.

Through the incredible work of costume designer Paco Delgado, McAvoy poignantly convinces the audience that they are seeing 24 characters rather than mere facets of a single personality.

Kevin’s varying personalities are revealed slowly as he interacts with three girls he has kidnapped and keeps in his basement. Popular girls Claire (Haley Lu Richardson) and Marcia (Jessica Sula) often make rash decisions that provoke Kevin’s personalities, while misfit Casey Cooke (Anya Taylor-Joy) remains reserved and observant.

Casey’s personality begins to unfold as the movie glimpses into her past, reveal-

The Founder

 ing a connection between herself and Kevin. She uses this connection to maneuver around Hedwig, in hopes that Kevin’s inner child might know the secret for getting the girls out. When a final personality, referred to as The Beast, begins to take over Kevin, Casey must rely on her wits, hunting skills and compassion to survive.

The beauty behind “Split” lies in its attempt to make the audience understand and empathize with Kevin and the battles in his mind. Through Betty Buckley’s role as Dr. Karen Fletcher, Kevin’s psychologist and an expert regarding dissociative identity disorder, we begin to understand the origin of Kevin’s personalities, what triggers them and how they can be controlled — if at all.

Fletcher wants the world to see people with the disorder as humans with vast potential, rather than guinea pigs or social outcasts. Kevin is not a reckless monster looking to exact revenge upon the worldbut rather a man who has experienced great suffering and is struggling to regain

control of himself.

Whether he intended this or not, Shyamalan crafts a powerful message about mental health and its erroneous perception within society. “Split” reminds us of the dangers and injustices resulting from ostracizing these individuals. Kevin is neither evil nor insane, but he does need support from people like Casey and Dr. Fletcher, who listen and help him make sense of his world.

The movie’s biggest triumph rests in its originality. Kevin is not an archetypal villain, and Casey is not a traditional victim. The film’s plot is intense and unpredictable, presenting constant twists and disturbing sequences. The erratic nature of Kevin’s disorder is enough to create powerful suspense, and, just like Casey, the audience never knows which personality is going to appear next. The film conveys true horror without resorting to gore or violence by simply revealing the extraordinarily sinister potential of the human mind.

MOVIE REVIEW

Starring: Michael Keaton, Laura Dern Directed By: John Carroll Lynch



JEFF NAFT

Hoya Staff Writer

Against a black background, the white words “Based on a true story” fade on the screen. “The Founder” slowly fades in, replacing the title card. The audience is introduced to a close-up frame of Ray Kroc, played by Michael Keaton.

He is staring directly at the audience delivering a sales pitch. Kroc refuses to blink. His voice is steady, smooth, and perhaps a bit too unwavering. “It’s all economics,” he whispers in his sales pitch. His voice is in a lull, like a predator about to go for the kill. “Do you follow my logic?”

“Nah, thanks anyways.”

The prospective client, the owner of a small drive-in diner, is not interested in buying whatever Kroc is selling.

Before going on to found The McDonald’s Corporation, Ray Kroc was a traveling salesman selling the Prince Castle Multimixer, an expensive milkshake mixer that held large quantities of ice cream and blended faster than any other blender on the market. For drive-in diners, where speedy food delivery can make businesses thrive, Kroc believed his product would be a surefire success.

It wasn’t.

Ray Kroc is at the end of his rope. His first two inventions have failed miserably; his marriage to Ethel, played by the wonderful Laura Dern, is on the rocks. Kroc feels trapped in his middleclass existence.

Michael Keaton is an extraordinarily convincing performer. From the beginning of the film, the audience cannot help but empathize with Kroc’s relentless drive and ambition. At the start of his career, Michael Keaton was not profiled as a dramatic actor but rather as an effective comedian. From his iconic rendition of Tim Burton’s “Batman” to a career-defining performance in Alejandro G. Iñarritu’s “Birdman,” Keaton has continually proved his versatility, and, more importantly, his dramatic bent. When Keaton lost an Academy Award to Eddie Redmayne, a quick shot of him putting his Academy Award acceptance speech back into his pocket went viral. Since his Oscar defeat in 2015, Keaton has gradually taken on more dramatic, demanding roles. In 2015, he effortlessly led Tom McCarthy’s “Spotlight,” and opted to follow it with “The Founder.” Despite all obstacles, Keaton is finally on his way to getting the recognition he rightfully deserves. This film might just get him there.

Much like Keaton, Ray Kroc built his way to great success. Kroc first met the McDonald

FILMNATION ENTERTAINMENT

“The Founder” follows the epic tale of American restaurateur Ray Kroc, played deftly by Michael Keaton, and his tenuous, contentious journey to becoming the leader of the world’s largest fast-food empire, McDonald’s. brothers, played by Nick Offerman and John Carroll Lynch, when they ordered six of his Multimixers. Kroc was amazed by Richard McDonald’s “Speedee Service System,” with food orders prepared in under one minute. Sensing his opportunity, Kroc gambles his life savings to enter a partnership with the McDonald brothers. The movie follows Kroc’s efforts to help the brothers franchise their restaurant, which ultimately results in a treacherous dispute over ownership of the company.

Director John Lee Hancock (“Saving Mr. Banks,” “The Blind Side”) and screenwriter Robert D. Siegel (“Big Fan,” “The Wrestler”) make use of a swift script and meditative set of frames to cut through the usual sentimentalism in biographical films. Instead, “The Founder” maintains a brutally savvy tempo that pushes through the usual formulas of idealization and

condemnation. The film’s absolving ambiguity and piercing irony is sure to absorb audiences into the grimy fight for the ultimate burger empire.

By avoiding obvious characterizations, both Hancock and Keaton allow audiences to decide for themselves whether Kroc is a magnate or a predator. The film is careful to portray Kroc with nuance. At times, he might strike some viewers as a merciless giant, others as a middle-aged baby bursting with optimism.

The film cleverly sets up Ray’s struggle to resolve his identity. Enraptured, he discovers the McDonald brothers, and he realizes his own business acumen as he discerns the global potential of their little burger joint creates a vastly complex character. Themes of entrepreneurial capitalism and innovation resonate strongly, casting a light on an age obsessed with corpo-

rate expansion.

“The Founder” follows the tradition of epic tales about tycoons and their betrayal-infested struggles, such as “The Social Network,” and “There Will be Blood.” Michael Keaton is the undisputable anchor of the film, carrying the weight of an ambitious script. He succeeds in making the audience sympathize with and root for an unlikeable protagonist, much like Michael Fassbender did in “Steve Jobs” and Jake Gyllenhaal in “Nightcrawler.” At its core, “The Founder” takes a hard look at the American Dream. After the McDonald brothers sue Kroc for abusing his initial contract, Kroc runs into Richard McDonald, the brother who invented the system that would set McDonald’s apart.

“You don’t have the guts to do what I did,” snarls Kroc.

Both brothers agreed.

the guide

friday, January 20, 2017

THE HOYA

MUSIC

album review

I See You

The xx

meena raman Hoya Staff Writer

Since the release of its last album in September 2012, British trio the xx has made its heavily anticipated return to the indie-pop music scene.

The band’s third album, “I See You,” is true to its trademark dream-like sound but follows new, creative directions. The xx continues to deliver thoughtful messages on the themes of love, lust and conflict in relationships, delivering a master class in a successful sonic evolution.

The album opens with “Dangerous,” a percussive, lively track that invites listeners to get up and dance. The track’s production value reflects the band’s originality and willingness to experiment, fusing vibrant horns with smooth, low vocals from lead singers Romy Croft and Oliver Sim, and even featuring a unique bridge reminiscent of upbeat ‘80s pop. “Dangerous” is unexpected -- an instant standout.

The xx continues to deliver thoughtful messages on the themes of love, lust and conflict in relationships, in a successful sonic evolution.

Hit single “On Hold” was first released this past November, garnering plenty of attention for the album prior to its recent release. The xx is at its finest with this track, finding its niche in an upbeat tempo and unforgettable hook: “When and where did we go cold?/I thought I had you on hold.” The music video for “On Hold,” shot as a ‘90s-style tribute to a small American town, is an aesthetic representation of the band’s warm, offbeat sense of intimacy.

 In a similar vein, “Say Something Loving” and “I Dare You” brim with a sense of desire and closeness that has now become a key characteristic of the xx’s music. Weaving together romantic lyrics and melodic backtracks, these tracks in particular succeed in building tension as the album progresses. On “I Dare You,” Croft’s mezzo and Sim’s baritone are especially harmonious, singing “I got chills/Heartbreak multiplies/I’m on a different kind of high/A rush of blood is not enough,” with expert chemistry that is almost tangible in the vocals.

“Test Me” closes out the album, marking a departure from the xx’s newfound energetic sound. The slow-moving track begins with Croft’s haunting vocals on full display but slowly tapers them out. This leaves listeners with a melancholic, purely instrumental piece that is interspersed with whirs and whistles that would not be out of place in a science-fiction movie. Reminiscent of the band’s earlier work, “Test Me” fades out slowly, leaving listeners wanting more.

The xx is known for a minimalistic musical approach, using simple instrumental backtracks to highlight the stunning vocals of lead singers Croft and Sim. While their singing still takes center stage on “I See You,” Croft and Sim’s voices now fuse with a number of other elements, from synthesizers to the occasional sample, such as Hall and Oates’ “I Can’t Go For That” on “On Hold.” Despite having an intricate sound, the xx manages to retain its easy-listening quality. Composer and band member Jamie Smith ultimately succeeds in toeing the fine line between complex and overproduced.

In this sense, “I See You” is a slight transition away from the xx’s classically mellow sound. Although the album definitely bears semblance to the band’s debut xx (2009) and sophomore release Coexist (2012), it creates a brighter and livelier listening atmosphere. A more stripped-down single like “Basic Space” (a standout hit from xx)

B7

New Releases

Lichtdicht

Milky Chance ‘Doing good’

YOUNG TURKS

Indie-pop trio the xx mixes dynamism and dreaminess into its latest release. might not truly belong on I See You Now. The “I See You” tour kicks off on February 8 and hits the United States in April. The xx is also on the lineup for Coachella this spring, as well as a number of other music festivals later in the year. With a number of concert venues already sold out, the band is developing a loyal fan base and leading role in its genre.

Although the xx has crafted a more inventive, modern sound, its latest release still has all of the makings of its original work: wispy vocals, strong hooks and heartfelt lyrics. Equal parts dynamic and dreamy, “I See You” is a bold new step in the right direction for the xx.

German folk band Milky Chance first made its ways into our hearts — and playlists — with “Stolen Dance,” a wistful track filled with simple acoustics. The group’s newest single, “Doing Good,” revamps and modernizes its trademark sound, incorporating guitar riffs and a strong drumline.

Still, it has plenty of what listeners first fell in love with: gravelly vocals and a melancholic melody. If “Doing Good” is any indication, the band’s upcoming album, “Blossom,” will be well-received by loyal listeners and new fans alike.

Album review

Run the Jewels 3

Run the Jewels Tom Garzillo Hoya Staff Writer

In 2014, El-P and Killer Mike, known together as Run the Jewels, released “Run The Jewels 2.” On this incendiary, hardnosed project, the acclaimed hip-hop duo envisioned a bleak future for the nation.

Tracks like “Lie, Cheat, Steal” and “Angel Duster” took aim at corruption, unjust rulers and racism, blending hostility with biting humor.

Fast-forward three years, and RTJ’s message of resistance and dissent in the face of evil and oppression seems more relevant than ever. If “RTJ2” raged against a battle looming in the distance, then the group’s latest album, “Run the Jewels 3,” is a pressing call to arms. Boasting El-P’s best and most bombastic production to date, “RTJ3” fuses outrageous, unfiltered boasts with subversive political commentary.

New York’s El-P and Atlanta’s Killer Mike, both 41-years-old, are finally achieving much-deserved worldwide fame after lengthy solo careers. They possess an unrivaled chemistry that has shone through on every RTJ release thus far. On “RTJ3,” rap’s best tag-team is more in-tune than ever before.

Sometimes they finish each other’s sentences; sometimes they come together thematically. On “Thursday in the Danger Room,” bolstered by guest artist Kamasi Washington’s melancholic saxophone, both emcees use their verse to tell a story of loss. El-P reflects on the death of his

BELLA UNION

 longtime friend, rapper Camu Tao, while Killer Mike mourns his friend’s violent, senseless death in a fraught urban environment.

“Thursday” is the undoubtedly the group’s most personal track to date, but “RTJ3” has plenty of other pensive highlights. “2100,” featuring a haunting contribution from rapper and producer BOOTS, is, in El-P’s own words in an interview with ‘Rolling Stone,’ “about fear, love and wanting more for all of us.” Released one day after the presidential election, it serves as both a warning and plea to never lose sight of hope. “How long before the hate that we hold leads us to another Holocaust?” Killer Mike asks, before asserting, “You defeat the devil when you hold on to hope.”

That said, “RTJ3” is not all doom and gloom. For much of the album, El-P and Killer Mike gleefully wreak havoc and elevate rap braggadocio to otherworldly levels. Be it the former’s contention that “brave men didn’t die face down in the Vietnam muck so I could not style on you” on “Talk To Me,” the latter’s reminder that “we pitch these rhymes like Smoltz, like Glavine, like Maddux in ‘95” on “Stay Gold,” or any other of the countless quotable bars that span the record, RTJ constantly prove themselves masters of swaggering wordplay.

Just as the duo continues to progress lyrically and thematically, so too does El-P’s innovative production. RTJ’s beats sound like the soundtrack to a science-fic-

RUN THE JEWELS, INC.

“Run the Jewels 3,” the new album released by El-P and Killer Mike, elevates rap braggadocio to otherworldly levels by charging it with political commentary.

The flaming lips ‘We A famly’ “We a Famly” is the final track on alternative rock band The Flaming Lips’ fourteenth studio album, “Oczy Mlody.” A warm, inviting piece, “We a Famly” reflects the band’s continued foray into the sphere of psychedelic music. The track features unexpected musical guest Miley Cyrus, whose raspy vocals blend well with lead singer Wayne Coyne’s soft, vibrating sound. As the singers’ voices meld with the resonant electronic instrumentals, The Flaming Lips succeed in creating a surreal, powerful track.

run the jewels, inc.

tion movie getting punched in the face in an alley: they are dark, brazen and aggressive yet infinitely replayable. Standout track “Hey Kids (Bumaye),” — featuring a mind-melting verse from Danny Brown — bursts with distorted synth, thunderous kicks and distant vocal samples. “Oh Mama” brings together squelching bass and crackling horn hits; the melodic guitar lines laid over “2100” are as emotive as anything said into the microphone.

For RTJ, outlandish gloating and introspection often go hand-in-hand. “2100” leads directly into “Panther Like A Panther (Miracle Mix),” in which Killer Mike describes both his seduction of a “preacher’s wife workin’ ‘fore Sunday service” and his meeting with Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT).

Mike was an avid supporter of Sanders’s bid for presidency, frequently stumping for him throughout his campaign. The senator even recorded a video introduction for the group’s 2016 Coachella performance in which he praised Mike’s “depth of passion, knowledge and commitment to community.”

“RTJ3” culminates in “A Report to The Shareholders / Kill Your Masters,” which serves as the group’s mission statement.

El-P urges listeners to be wary of politicians promising order, noting that, although he and Mike are “not from the same part of town,” they are united in their fear of what may be to come. “You talk clean and bomb hospitals,” he sneers, “so I speak with the foulest mouth possible.”

Killer Mike details his experiences and tribulations as a political activist, rapping, “At the Dem Conven my heart broke apart when I seen them march mommas in,” and lashes out at his detractors.

“Probably play the score for the World War,” he laments. Still, he returns to the thread of hope and implacable insubordination that runs through the entirety of RTJ’s discography: “Turn around, see El, and I smile/Hell coming and we got about a mile/until it’s over I remain hostile.”

The last voice heard on “RTJ3” is neither El-P nor Killer Mike, but rather, Zach de la Rocha, the famed rapper and activist best known as the vocalist of Rage Against the Machine. De la Rocha previously collaborated with RTJ on the provocative “Close Your Eyes (And Count To F***)” on “RTJ2,” and he returns to deliver yet another earth-scorching verse. “We ain’t asleep, we rope-a-dope through the flames,” he snarls. For a wary nation on the precipice of change, “RTJ3” is the most timely and relevant rap record in years.

UNIVERSAL STUDIOS

Halsey ‘not afraid anymore’ Singer-songwriter Halsey launched her career in the world of indie music but has since transformed into a powerhouse pop performer. Now, she lends her talent to the “Fifty Shades Darker” official film soundtrack with “Not Afraid Anymore.” A seductive soon-to-be-hit, the song is a few shades darker than Halsey’s typical upbeat sound, filled with reverberating bass and whispering vocals. In the chorus, though, even the intricate instrumental track takes a backseat to Halsey’s full-force vocals. Like past “Fifty Shades” chart-toppers, “Not Afraid Anymore” is hard to shake from your head.

columbia records

the chainsmokers ‘paris’ The Chainsmokers, the EDM duo behind song of the summer, “Closer,” just dropped their latest single, “Paris.” Featuring the smooth vocals of American singer Emily Warren, “Paris” is a sweet, slow hit, with a catchy hook and soft synths characteristic of the hit-producing pair. Reminiscent of The Chainsmokers’ earlier work, “Paris” has an easy, mellow sound that makes it the perfect track to move the chart-dominating band from their beachy party anthem sound in a new direction.

B8

sports

THE HOYA

the water cooler

friDAY, january 20, 2017

commentary

Goodell’s Legacy Soiled by Inflated Ego

F

or all his talk about the integrity of the NFL shield, Commissioner Roger Goodell’s inflated ego and rhetoric taints his character.

Goodell’s cowardice in choosing to attend the Falcons’ game in Atlanta for the second consecutive week instead of jetting up to Foxborough for the AFC title clash should send a signal that he lacks all conviction and possesses no credibility.

This all began with Deflategate. Two years ago, New England embarrassed Indianapolis 45-7 in the AFC Championship Game and advanced to Super Bowl XLIX against Seattle. After the game, the Colts stirred up reports about deflated footballs in the second half, resulting in an investigation.

Goodell then suspended Patriots quarterback Tom Brady for the first four games of the season for his perceived role in the ordeal.

Though the battled raged in courts and the NFL ultimately won out, the sentiment among many fans and scientists is that Brady got hosed.

As a result, Goodell is public enemy No. 1 in New England.

It is important to note that this was enabled to an extent by the players and their union.

In the last collective bargaining agreement, the NFL Players Association signed off on the

agreement that gave Goodell far-reaching disciplinary powers. In Deflategate, Goodell acted like a misguided Leviathan, and by refusing to return to Foxborough this weekend, he refuses to face the people, quarterback and owner he so badly spurned.

Michael Ippolito Deflategate was also not his first instance of ignoring science to support a personal agenda. Goodell refused to accept the fact that concussions have long-term effects when appearing before Congress in 2009. Though the league shortly acknowledged such a link in December 2009, it is clear that the NFL has done almost everything in his power to bury said link since.

For example, in May 2016, Congressional investigators found conclusive evidence that the NFL waged a backdoor lobbying effort to influence a National Institute of Health study attempting to shed more light on the NFL’s

concussion situation and the link between football participation and long-term health consequences. This would not have happened without Goodell’s support.

It would be wrong to solely blame Goodell for the NFL’s attitude toward concussion research. Evidence that the NFL has produced or influenced research that ranges from questionable to downright faulty dates back to the 1990s when Paul Tagliabue (COL ’62) was commissioner.

Ultimately, Goodell’s imperfect personality comes down to a willingness to use power when it is financially and egotistically convenient and an aversion to power on issues that the league purports to care about, such as player safety, concussions and domestic violence.

Goodell’s legacy with fans and players should be even more disappointing when taking his family into consideration. His father, Charles, was a senator from New York in the late 1960s and took a stand against Richard Nixon’s involvement and escalation in Vietnam, costing the older Goodell his seat in the 1970 election cycle. It is no secret to those who have interviewed Goodell that he endlessly admires his father’s integrity and willingness to

take a stand. Unfortunately, he is a mere shadow of his father.

The positive legacies of Goodell, such as growing league revenue base and thereby further enriching owners and players, are not unique to Goodell — only someone with no business sense and a poor surrounding staff would have failed to capitalize on the NFL’s surge in popularity to extract more revenue for broadcasting rights.

The major failures of Goodell’s reign, however, have been unique and directly under his control. They were preventable, but were not prevented.

By refusing to attend the Patriots’ game, Goodell looks like a petulant child. In the end, he may be setting himself up for the ultimate embarrassment — if New England wins Super Bowl LI in three weeks, he has to hand the Lombardi Trophy over to Robert Kraft, Bill Belichick and Tom Brady. While the fans of the 31 other NFL teams are loathe to see New England win another championship, the global humiliation of Roger Goodell would at least be a small consolation to us all.

Michael Ippolito is a senior in the College. The Water Cooler appears every other Friday.

commentary

Brady Faces Old Rival in Steelers Pittsburgh and New England have a long-standing rivalry, dating back to their first meeting in the AFC Championship game in 2002. Brady injured himself in the second quarter, but Drew Bledsoe took over and led the Patriots to a 24-17 upset victory in Pittsburgh. In the 2004 AFC Championship game, a rookie Roethlisberger threw an interception in the first quarter that was returned for an 87-yard touchdown, and the Patriots went on to defeat the Steelers at Heinz Stadium 41-27. Both Patriots victories ended in New England hoisting the Lombardi Trophy two weeks later.

When the Patriots and the Steelers met this season during Week 7 in Pittsburgh, Roethlisberger was sidelined, still recovering from knee surgery. With their backup QB starting, the Steelers fell to the veteran Tom Brady 27-16.

The House that Brady Built Playing at Gillette Stadium gives the Patriots a serious advantage over the Steelers. In his career, Tom Brady is 4-0 against Pittsburgh at home, compared to his 3-2 record at Heinz Field.

Meanwhile, Roethlisberger is 3-3 at home versus the Patriots, but when in Foxborough is 0-3.

New England dominates when playing in front of its fans, going 6-2 this regular season.

Mary Burke The Patriots are five-point favorites, but the Steelers are not to be overlooked. The Patriots’ offensive line struggled against the Texans when Brady played his worst game of the season, and the Steelers passing de-

fense plans to capitalize on those weaknesses. On offense, Roethlisberger alone is a tough quarterback to face and is especially dangerous with Brown receiving. Although Le’Veon Bell has rushed for 337 yards in Pittsburgh’s last two playoff games, New England has yet to allow a 100-yard rusher this season. Roethlisberger’s record at Gillette combined with the Patriots’ dominance at home looks to be a stout test of the Steelers’ strength.

Winner and Loser Both the Steelers and the Patriots are coming off challenging wins after their respective AFC Divisional Playoff games.

Roethlisberger threw for 224 yards with one interception to narrowly secure an 18-16 win over Kansas City. Despite having home field advantage, New England had an uncharacteristically mediocre firsthalf performance against the Texans. Brady threw two interceptions in the first half, but came out hot in the second

half and threw for 287 yards.

In order to advance to the Super Bowl, the winning team must have an error-free offensive performance and push for touchdowns instead of settling for field goals. The Steelers have played sloppily at times but boast the offensive manpower to win this game. The Patriots had a below-par showing in the first half against the Texans last Saturday and cannot afford to make mistakes of that caliber against the Steelers’ defense.

Rob Gronkowski’s absence from the Patriots’ lineup helps the Steelers’ defense to limit the powerful New England offense. The Steelers are five-point underdogs, but their trifecta of Brown, Bell and Roethlisberger poses a dangerous test for the Patriots’ defense that I believe will prove to be their undoing, as Brady and company miss their second Super Bowl.

Prediction: Steelers 34, Patriots 31 Mary Burke is a junior in

the College.

Matt Morrow

Ryan Seeks First Super Bowl Trip After watching Mason Crosby kick a 56-yard field goal to take a 31-28 lead with 1:33 left in the fourth quarter, Dallas Cowboys rookie quarterback Dak Prescott knew he had to come up with an answer.

Prescott marched the offense down the field, setting up kicker Dan Bailey with the opportunity to tie the game. Bailey made his 52-yard attempt look like an extra point, knocking it straight through the middle of the uprights with ease, tying the game at 31 and leaving 35 seconds on the clock.

After two stops by Dallas and 12 seconds remaining, the Packers faced 3rd and 20 on their own 32-yard line.

Rodgers took the snap out of the shotgun, rolled to his left and fired a perfect strike to Jared Cook on the Dallas 34-yard line with three seconds on the clock. Mason Crosby stepped up, hit a 51yard field goal and booked Green Bay’s ticket to the NFC title game.

After the game, Packers receiver Randall Cobb revealed that Aaron Rodgers simply made up the Packers’ final play in the huddle. That play was not in the team’s playbook. Rodgers told each of his receivers the route to run as if the NFC Playoffs were a game of schoolyard football.

This moment of sheer brilliance from Rodgers — both in the huddle and on the field — reinforces the claim that he is one of the league’s best.

Home Sweet Dome The Georgia Dome, the stadium the Atlanta Falcons have called home since 1992, hosts its 206th and final NFL game on Sunday as the Falcons play for the NFC title. Next season, the Atlanta Falcons will move across the street into Mercedes-Benz stadium, which has been in the works since 2010. The state-of-the-art facility will have a retractable roof, a glass exterior that can be opened to let in more air and a circular LED screen that will encircle

the retractable roof on the inside of the stadium. For now, though, Atlanta comes into Sunday’s game riding an emphatic 36-20 victory over the Seattle Seahawks on Saturday afternoon. Matt Ryan looks to continue his stellar play from last week as he lit up Seattle’s defense for 338 yards and three touchdowns, throwing no interceptions. Atlanta expects to see a large crowd for the final game in the dome and hopes to send its fans home with a Super Bowl to look forward to.

Falcons pursue Super Bowl in last game at Georgia Dome.

Winner and Loser While the Green Bay Packers might be the popular pick, considering they are on an eight-game win streak, Atlanta is capable of repeating its victory over Green Bay from earlier this season to win the NFC Championship.

I am predicting Atlanta for two reasons. First, with over 75,000 expected in Atlanta, the crowd is going to play a major factor in this game. The Atlanta fans are going to be loud and the dome is going to contain, echo and reverberate that noise. Second, while both offenses are firing on all cylinders, the Packers may be without primary receiving option Jordy Nelson, whose status for the game this Sunday remains unclear.

Matt Ryan is going to have all his offensive weapons at his disposal in what is going to be an offensive shootout and looks to have all the makings of an instant classic.

Prediction: Atlanta 35, Green Bay 31 Matt Morrow is a sophomore in the College.

Track & Field

White, Keenan Sweep 1000m to Lead Hoyas at PSU Dan Baldwin Hoya Staff Writer

Georgetown’s nationally ranked track program looks to build on its early season strengths, carrying over its success from last indoor track season and the fall’s cross-country campaign.

The teams already established momentum in the Nittany Lion Challenge held at Penn State University this past weekend, and the No. 17 women’s and men’s squads will both travel to Staten Island, N.Y., to compete in the New York Gotham Cup this weekend.

At the Nittany Lion Challenge, the Hoyas captured five event titles — three for the men and two for the women. Junior Joe White led the men’s team by finishing in first place overall in the men’s 1000 meters run with a time of 2:21.96. White was named the Big East Men’s Track Athlete of the Week for his victory performance.

Both the men and women won the Distance Medley Relays. The women’s squad — consisting of junior Piper Donaghu, graduate student Jocelyn Hubbard, senior Emma Keenan and junior Kennedy Weisner — recorded a time of 11:32.38.

Freshmen Jack Van Scoter and Jack Salisbury as well as senior Connor Sheryak won the DMR for the men with a time of 10:13.29. A relay of graduate student Michael Clevenger, freshman Dylan Fine, sophomore Adam Barnard and sophomore

Reilly Bloomer finished in 10:13.86, good for second place.

Keenan’s performance in the women’s 1000m event highlighted the night for the women. Keenan won the race, crossing the finish line in 2:46.38. Much like her male counterpart, Keenan was awarded the honor of Big East Women’s Track Athlete of the Week.

“I’m really excited with how we raced.

We aren’t sharp, but we are strong.”

Julie Culley Interim Director, Track and Field

Georgetown’s interim Director of Track and Field Julie Culley was pleased and enthused with her team’s performance to open the 2017 portion of the indoor season.

“Penn State is a great early season competition for our team and it sets the stage for our performances late in the season,” Culley said. “I’m really excited with how we raced.

We aren’t sharp, but we are strong. We are looking forward to the improving from meet to meet.”

The New York Gotham Cup provides both teams an opportunity to quickly build on the results from last

weekend. The event also exposes the Hoyas to the facility where the Big East Championship meet will be held in late February.

Coach Culley expressed her excitement about the Hoyas’ potential going into this meet, especially considering many sprinters are set to make their season debuts.

“Gotham Cup will be another great test for our shorter distance events,” Coach Culley said. “We are excited to see junior Jody-Ann Knight run her season debut in the 60m and 200m. Senior Daniel Anderson will run the 400m which is a shorter event for him now that he is focusing this season on the 800m.”

Weisner was a bright spot for the women during the 2016 cross-country season.

Coach Culley praised Weisner for her work ethic and ferocity on the track.

“Kennedy is a great competitor and we are looking forward to watching her race any competition she faces this season,” Culley said. “Her focus will be on the mile and we are excited to see her run the times and compete the way we know she is capable of. Kennedy is an exceptional talent and she is really starting to come into her own.

Her next one and a half years at Georgetown are going to be a lot of fun.”

After the N.Y. Gotham Cup, both the men’s and women’s teams will focus on preparing for the Penn State National Open on Jan. 27.

COURTESY GUHOYAS

Junior Joe White finished first overall in the men’s 1000-meter run at the Nittany Lion Challenge at Penn State University in University Park, Penn. with a time of 2:21.96.

SPORTS

friDAY, JANUARY 20, 2017

THE HOYA

MEN’S BASKETBALL

B9

the analyst

Inconsistency Derails Offense Playoffs Promote Predictability XAVIER, from B10

in rebounding, averaging 6.9 rebounds per game.

In the offense, the Musketeers lineup features three players who average more than 14 points per game. Junior guard Trevon Bluiett, the team’s leading scorer, averages 16.8 points per game in addition to 5.8 rebounds per game, while sophomore guard Edmond Sumner scores 15.4 points and dishes out 4.7 assists per game.

In the first meeting this season, the Hoyas failed to complete a second-half comeback, allowing the Muske-

teers to escape with an 81-76 victory. Despite holding Bluiett to zero made field goals, the Hoyas’ defense could not contain Sumner, who finished with a career-high 28 points. With Bluiett underperforming, junior guard J.P. Macura stepped up for his team and scored 23 points against the Hoyas.

Georgetown found offensive success from Peak and Pryor — both scoring above 20 points — but lacked depth scoring and struggled at the free throw line, missing key free throws late in the game to hinder their comeback.

Junior guard Jonathan Mulmore went 0-2 from the line

with six seconds left, wasting the opportunity to make it a one-point game.

After shooting below 70 percent on free throws for four straight games, the Hoyas have regained their touch from the charity stripe, shooting 78.4 percent in their past three games.

Offensively, the Hoyas need to take care of the ball early in the game to establish a rhythm that the team has lacked lately. Too many possessions have ended in mishandlings of the ball, preventing Georgetown from going on any offensive outbursts. The Hoyas turned the ball over 15 times

against the Friars on Monday night and had five costly second-half turnovers in the first meeting against the Musketeers.

Approaching the halfway point of the conference season, Georgetown has yet to prove its ability to compete in the talented conference.

With three straight games against ranked opponents on the horizon, the Hoyas must regain their confidence and come out energized against the Musketeers.

Tipoff is set for 2 p.m. Sunday at the Cintas Center, and the game will be televised on CBS Sports Network.

CLAIRE SOISSON/THE HOYA

Junior guard L.J. Peak ranks second on the team in scoring with 16.1 points per game. In the Hoyas’ first meeting against the Musketeers, Peak scored 21 points and added six rebounds.

women’s basketball

ANALYST, from B10

fan’s biggest nightmare: a boring Super Bowl, especially with 2014’s putrid Super Bowl XLVIII still fresh in our minds; a Super Bowl that was more or less decided after a safety on a missed snap on the first play; the Super Bowl in which the Seahawks scored 35 more points than Peyton Manning’s Broncos.

Professional sports are a form of entertainment. They are supposed to be entertaining.

Of course, the NFL has no real control over how exciting the Super Bowl -— or any game for that matter — really is, despite the many conspiracy theories and jokes about Roger Goodell’s personal preferences.

At the same time, professional sports are a form of entertainment. They are supposed to be entertaining.

The definition of entertaining, of course, is relative. Seahawks fans were surely entertained during Super Bowl XLVIII, as any fan enjoys watching their team destroy another team on one of the world’s biggest sports stages. But there is a difference between enjoyable and entertaining, at least in sports. No other fans enjoyed the 2014 Super Bowl, I can assure you.

The NFL in particular has no obligation to its fans to be

enjoyable. The nature of being a sports fan is in its essence a wildly unenjoyable endeavor.

Fans spend an offseason and then a season reading every article, watching every game and agonizing over every trade for the possibility that their team has the slim chance of winning a championship.

And every time that team does not win that championship, the fan is disappointed.

But what professional sports perhaps should be able to accomplish is entertainment with unpredictability, living up to the phrase “that’s why they play the game.” They should deliver shocking and not solely statistical upsets, featuring the back-and-forth, tooth-and-nail fights that have characterized so many football games outside of the last couple weeks.

The nature of being a sports fan is in its essence a wildly unejoyable endeavor.

In truth, this is a plea to the NFL gods in the hopes that the next few weeks will deliver true, gritty, gutwrenching sports entertainment. You know, those games that invoke the passion to get you on your feet, scream at the television when your favorite team is not even playing.

Amanda Christovich is a sophomore in the College.

THE ANALYST appears every Friday.

swimming & diving

Duncalf Propels Hoyas SWIMMING, from B10

200-yard backstroke race.

The following day saw the Blue and Gray dominate the American University Eagles at Georgetown’s McCarthy Pool, winning an impressive 24 out of 26 total events on Senior Day. The men’s team took the meet by a tally of 141-78, and the women prevailed 151-83 in a duo of decisive victories.

Mainstays Fitzpatrick, 100-yard breaststroke, and Duncalf, 100-yard backstroke, both recorded pool records with times of 1:05.58 and 56.84, respectively. Perhaps the most impressive performance of the afternoon came from the trio of Laine Morgan, Lauren Henasey and Madeline Loniewski, who swept the field in the 100-yard IM event, finishing at 1:01.01, 1:03.87 and 1:04.14 respectively. The sweep headlined a meet in which the Hoyas took first and second place in 10 of the 11 total events.

The men’s squad posted an even more complete domination of the Eagles, taking the first three positions in four events, including the 50-yard freestyle, 100-yard freestyle and 100yard backstroke. CooperVespa continued his successful weekend with a pair

of first-place finishes in the 1- and 3-meter dives. Freshman diver Elizabeth Miller took first in both women’s dives.

The Hoyas took to the pool on Martin Luther King Jr. Day for their third and final competition of the weekend — a match against Rider University at McCarthy pool. Triumphing in all 11 competitions, the women completed a clean sweep of their Falcon opponents, who fell to the Hoyas 143-82.

“I am very humbled. It’s an honor to be named Swimmer of the Week.”

Katie Duncalf Senior Swimmer

Sophomore Jacob Kohlhoff shone for the men, placing first in the 500yard freestyle, while Cooper-Vespa again took first in the 3-meter dive. The senior diver reflected on his performance over the weekend, crediting diving Head Coach Michael Tober.

“He does a great job this time of year of lighting a fire in us,” Cooper-Vespa said of his coach. “You have to go out there and prepare like Big East is tomorrow.

That’s really the mentality on the pool deck.”

For her performances over the weekend, which included a duo of McCarthy Pool records, two team wins and three first-place finishes, Duncalf received the honor of Big East Female Swimming and Diving Athlete of the Week.

“I am very humbled.

It’s an honor to be named Swimmer of the Week. I was shocked when Jack told me yesterday. I was more so filled with emotions from the weekend, just from it being my Senior [Day] and last home meet,” Duncalf said.

Next up for the Blue and Gray is a trip to Philadelphia to take on Drexel in what will be Georgetown’s fourth competition in eight days.

“Going into Drexel is another really tough test for us, having to drive up, race and drive back all in one day,” Leavitt said.

“We’ll use it as an obstacle that’s an opportunity to see how fast we can go and seize it and get us ready for Championships”.

The meet is set to take place at 1 p.m. this Saturday in Philadelphia, Penn.

FILE PHOTO: JULIE HENNRIKUS/THE HOYA

Freshman guard Morgan Smith has accumulated nine appearances for the Hoyas this season and averages 1.3 rebounds per game.

GU Preps for Road Tests

MUSKETEERS, from B10

Redshirt senior guard Raeshaun Gaffney, who scored her 1,000th-career point on Sunday, leads the Musketeers with 15.7 points per game.

Adair and the staff are very aware of the scoring threat Gaffney poses.

“Gaffney is one of the top players in the league and she can kill you with the three, she can kill you with the bounce, she’s just a versatile player, and she’s driving the bus for them,”

Adair said. “Every team has someone, has a couple of kids that can do it for you.

You don’t stop players like that, you contain them.”

Meanwhile, Butler has a more balanced scoring attack with sophomore forward Tori Schickel, freshman guard Kristen Spolyar and sophomore guard Michelle Weaver each averaging between 10 and 13 points per game.

The Bulldogs, who are currently tied with the Hoyas in the Big East standings at 2-5, look to bounce back

from allowing a combined 191 points in two conference losses on the road last week.

“Teams that have balance, what you do is you try to take away wherever they’re strong,” Adair said. “And not let the 10-point average go to 20.”

Georgetown will tip off against Xavier at 8 p.m.

Friday night in a game that will be televised on Fox Sports 1. The team will then travel to Indianapolis to take on Butler at 1 p.m. on Sunday.

FILE PHOTO: CAROLINE KENEALLY/THE HOYA

Senior swimmer Katie Duncalf shattered a pool record against American, finishing the 100-yard breaststroke with a time of 56.84.

SPORTS

Women’s Basketball Georgetown (10-7) at Xavier (10-8) Friday, 8:00 p.m. EST Cincinnati, OH

FRIDAY, JANUARY 20, 2017

TALKING POINTS

TRACK & FIELD Georgetown looks to build off its accomplishments from the Nittany Lion Challenge.

See B8

“

NUMBERS GAME

I’m really excited with how we raced. We aren’t sharp, but we are strong.”

INTERIM DIRECTOR JULIE CULLEY

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

1

The number of Big East wins the men’s basketball team has through its first six conference games.

THE ANALYST

Amanda Christovich

NFL Postseason Lacks Excitement

A

FILE PHOTO: CLAIRE SOISSON/THE HOYA

Sophomore guard Dionna White finished with 16 points on 6-of-15 shooting from the floor in the victory against Seton Hall. White averages 15.3 points per game and grabs 4.8 rebounds per game.

Hoyas Aim to Continue Turnaround TYLER PARK

Hoya Staff Writer

All season, the Georgetown women’s basketball team has been led by sophomore guard Dorothy Adomako, sophomore guard Dionna White and senior forward Faith Woodard.

Each of the three averages more than 14 points per game and, along with junior point guard DiDi Burton, who runs the Georgetown offense, they form a group to which Head Coach Natasha Adair refers as her “big four.”

However, in a 77-58 home win over Seton Hall (8-10, 1-6 Big East) on Sun-

day, Georgetown (10-7, 2-5 Big East) junior guard and Wake Forest transfer Mykia Jones displayed her readiness to take on a bigger role, scoring 20 points — including 5-of-7 shooting from three-point range — in just 21 minutes. Adair said she and the team want Jones to take on a bigger role.

“Mykia is very talented, coming from the ACC and just having that experience at such a high level, and the light bulb was on, and you know, it was great just seeing her teammates cheering for her.”

The team’s three leading scorers provided support for Jones, all finishing with double-digit

scoring totals. Woodard, who has been a starter for most of her four years, has stepped up to a new level in her final season with averages of 14.5 points and 8.1 rebounds per game — both career highs.

“To see her transform into that leader,” Adair said of Woodard’s growth.

“I’m happy for her and our team, because she’s kind of the X-factor.”

Next, the Hoyas hit the road to face the Xavier Musketeers (10-8, 2-5 Big East) on Friday and the Butler Bulldogs (5-13, 2-5 Big East) on Sunday. After losing four straight Big East games to open the conference slate, Georgetown has won two of its

last three and Adair looks to build upon that momentum this weekend.

She believes her team is capable of winning both games to get close to .500 in conference play, moving up in the Big East standings.

“We talk about that as a team, you know, this is the time of the season, finishing up kind of the first half of conference play, we’ve seen all different sides of the spectrum, and that’s one of them,” Adair said of the team’s seasonlong goals. “We need to go and we need to focus in and be the team we know we can be.”

See MUSKETEERS, B9

fter carefully scrutinizing almost every angle of the NFL playoffs, I have come to one disturbing conclusion: This year, the playoffs are boring.

Do not get me wrong — the last 2.5 minutes of the Packers-Cowboys game on Sunday evening was one riveting moment since the end of Week 17. I am extremely grateful for Mason Crosby kicking two 50-plus yard field goals to defeat the Cowboys in dramatic fashion.

But the rest of this season’s playoffs have been painfully predictable, starting with the pitiful Raiders-Texans game during Wild Card weekend, where replacement quarterback Connor Cook engineered no surprises.

Ironically enough, however, the score of that game was the closest of the entire weekend. The Giants failed to find their Lambeau Field competitive magic and Matt Stafford failed to throw a touchdown. Every home team won. The weekend was terrible for the narrative of the underdog.

This past weekend had plenty of potential from the Packers-Cowboys showdown at AT&T Stadium to a potential upset in Atlanta, provided Russell Wilson could finagle a couple extra touchdowns

if Matt Ryan were to have an off day.

And though this weekend was a slight improvement with two statistical upsets and the admittedly impressive Packers win, the games largely lacked the shock value that the playoffs are supposed to showcase. Even the Steelers managed to pull out a win against the Chiefs without scoring one touchdown in a painfully boring game.

The games largely lacked the shock value that the playoffs are supposed to showcase.

This week’s matchups have promise — Ryan is finally getting the respect he deserves, and it should be fun to watch Tom Brady air it out against the Steelers’ secondary. But then again, last week’s matchups held just as much promise, and the only game that came even close to living up to its entertainment potential was Jerry Jones’ worst nightmare.

My anxiety truly lies in the potential of a football See ANALYST, B9

MEN’S BASKETBALL

SWIMMING & DIVING

GU Seeks Revenge at Xavier SEAN HOFFMAN Hoya Staff Writer

FILE PHOTO: CAROLINE KENEALLY/THE HOYA

The Georgetown swimming and diving team competed in three meets over a span of four days last weekend with several individuals finishing with top honors.

Drexel to Challenge Squads EVAN MORGAN Hoya Staff Writer

Three meets in four days is no easy task, even with a complete regimen of training.

Such was the case for the Georgetown swimming and diving teams, however, as the Hoyas participated in a trio of events over a four-day span that saw strong individual performances lead to a sweep against American University.

Conversely, losses at the hands of George Washington and Bowling Green, as well as a split with Rider, tempered an otherwise successful weekend.

“We looked at our three meets in four days as a dress rehearsal for Big East,” Georgetown swimming Head Coach Jack Leavitt said of the schedule as a precursor to the conference championships.

The Blue and Gray’s stint of competition began with a cross-town trip to George Washington University last Friday.

Although the women fell to both the Colonials (158126) and Falcons (182-103), and the men’s squad lost to George Washington (188.5-105.5), the Hoyas came away with an array of strong individual efforts on both sides.

Freshman Terry Johnson prevailed in the men’s 200-yard butterfly, touching the wall with a time of 1:54.97. Additionally, senior diver Jared Cooper-Vespa took first in the 3-meter dive with a 285.85 score and second in the 1-meter dive, scoring 251.60.

On the women’s side, Molly Fitzpatrick and Katie Duncalf triumphed in their respective competitions, as Fitzpatrick won her 200-yard breaststroke event with a time of 2:21.81, while Duncalf took first after touching the wall in 2:03.76 in the See SWIMMING, B9

The 93,000 viewers who tuned into Fox Sports 1 to see Georgetown fall at the hands of Providence did little to help the situation, and after a 74-56 loss to the Friars, the Hoyas now find themselves in the cellar of the Big East standings.

In a Sunday matinee, the Georgetown men’s basketball team will travel to Cincinnati to take on No. 22 Xavier.

Despite stringing together two consecutive wins — including a blowout victory against St. John’s (9-11, 3-4 Big East) for Georgetown’s only conference win — the Hoyas (10-9, 1-5 Big East) ended up on the wrong end of the lopsided game against the Friars (13-7, 3-4 Big East), their worst conference loss of the season.

Inconsistencies on both ends of the floor have plagued the Hoyas all season long. After having four players reach doubledigit point totals against the Red Storm, only graduate student guard Rodney Pryor and junior guard L.J. Peak eclipsed the mark against the Friars, finishing with 12 and 13 points respectively — both lower

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CLAIRE SOISSON/THE HOYA

Freshman guard Jagan Mosely averages 5.3 points per game while dishing out 2.6 assists per game. than their season average for points per game.

On the defensive end, Georgetown ranks ninth out of 10 Big East teams in defensive rebounding percentage, grabbing just 68.4 percent of defensive rebounds.

Opponents have taken advantage of a Hoya front court that allows

slightly over 12 offensive rebounds per game.

Meanwhile, Xavier is one of the best rebounding teams in the Big East, ranking second in the conference with 38.8 rebounds per game. Senior forward RaShid Gaston ranks third in the Big East See XAVIER, B9