American University’s student voice since 1925
February 28, 2013 Volume 87 – Issue 19
THEEAGLEONLINE.COM
“SURE VOTE MATTERS, BUT VOICE
MATTERS MORE”
-VP OF CAMPUS LIFE GAIL HANSON
AU PASSES LOWEST TUITION INCREASE IN 40 YEARS PG 3 | 12 AU’S STUDENT MAGICIAN PAGE 6
FOUNDERS’ DAY PAGE 8, 9
IT RUNS IN THE FAMILY PAGE 15
@THEEAGLEONLINE
2 | FEBRUARY 28, 2013 theEAGLE
Photo of the Week AU men’s basketball player Steven Lumpkins shoots during a game against Colgate University. See the full profile of Lumpkins on the back cover. SARAH JACQUES/ THE EAGLE
We Support a Free Student Press. We Support The Eagle. You Should, Too.
#savetheeagle Paid for by AU alumni and Former Eagle Staffers.
Events MARCH 3
SPA LEADERSHIP STUDY
PROGRAM
10:30 to 11:30 a.m. / An SPA student is conducting a study to learn more about AU’s community. He is looking for undergraduates of all schools and departments to come and participate. / SIS 349 / David Shadburn / david.shadburn@ american.edu
MARCH 4
KENYA: ETHNIC POLITICS AND DEMOCRACY
7 to 8 p.m. / On Kenya’s Election Day, the Student Organization for African Studies will be hosting a panel to discuss the consequences of ethnic politics and the outcomes of the election. / Ward Circle 6 / Cody Ragonese / cr7125a@ student.american.edu
Corrections A photo on page 8 of the Feb. 21 edition was incorrectly credited to Makanani Beli. The credit should read COURTESY OF THOMAS MEYER.
An op-ed on page 18 of the Feb. 21 edition headlined “A new beginning for the Student Government of Elections” incorrectly included David Komorowski as a co-signer.
PHOTOS (LEFT TO RIGHT) COURTESY OF RACHEL SHABAD, ANA SANTOS / THE COVER PHOTO BY: ALEJANDRO ALVAREZ / THE EAGLE TALON, EMMA KNIGHT / THE EAGLE
NEWS
Students protest outside Best Buy 5 | Spring SG elections pushed back 6 costs and healthcare, Bass said. “This budget was a challenge to take all of those things and add over an additional $1 million to financial aid and come out balanced,” Bass said. The Board also lowered the amount of money allocated to performance incentives for faculty and staff from 3 percent to 2.5 percent, Myers said. Housing and Dining fees, tuition discount rate rise Residence hall fees will increase by 1.5 percent for double rooms and 2.5 percent for triple and single rooms, Myers said. Meal plan fees will increase by 2.2 percent, he said. The tuition discount rate — the proportion of tuition that is used for financial aid — will increase by 1 percent to 30 percent. This results in a $1.46 million increase in financial aid, according to a Feb. 22 memorandum from Sine. Student input influenced the
Next two years will see tuition increase By HEATHER MONGILIO EAGLE STAFF WRITER
AU’s tuition will increase by 2.95 percent in each of the next two academic years, according to Board of Trustees Chairman Jeffrey Sine. Full-time undergraduates will pay $20,066 in 2013-2014 and $20,658 in 2014-2015, according to The Eagle’s calculations. Tuition is currently $19,491. The Board will announce the dollar amounts of tuition when the detailed fiscal 2014-2015 budget summary is released in the upcoming weeks, University CFO Don Myers said. Each fiscal year begins Oct. 1 and ends Sept. 30 and corre-
sponds with each academic year. The Board considered freezing tuition increases, a request made by the Coalition of AU Students (CAUS) throughout the budgeting process, but decided that it would not have been financially feasible, Sine said. An increase lower than 2.95 percent could have caused academic programs to fail, Provost Scott Bass said. “It would have been too large of a cost to pay,” Sine said. Tuition and fees together will increase by 2.9 percent, the lowest increase in 40 years, according to Sine. The tuition and fee increases will help pay for necessary costs, including technology, library
Tuition (in dollars) 21000 $21000 21000
Tuition increase levels 5%5 Tuition
19800 $19800 19800
5
18600 $18600 18600
HMONGILIO@THEEAGLEONLINE.COM
Budget breakdown
2014-2015 2013 2012
4% 43
4
3%3
5
invest 1 percent toward the quasiendowment, instead of 2 percent as they had done in fiscal 2012 and 2013, Kerwin said. The quasi-endowment is a pool of funds set aside from the budget for long-term use. The decrease in money for long-term investment means that the University has to balance the more immediate interests of students and future interests of the University, Kerwin said. “We’ve reduced the amount of support given to long-term investment and the endowment and we will need to increase philanthropy to make up for that,” Sine said. Sine said he will focus on philanthropy as a way to bring money into the University to be able to support the lower tuition increase and increased financial aid. “I believe we have accommodated and accomplished a great deal,” Bass said.
5% 54
Tuition
4%4
Board’s decision, AU President Neil Kerwin said. Kerwin could not predict how the tuition and fees increase would have been different if students did not speak during this budget cycle, but the financial aid decisions reflected student input, he said. AU eyes donations for additional funding The Board will continue to focus on increasing financial aid and will look to use philanthropy in addition to the money from the tuition dollars, Sine said. Philanthropic gifts were not included in financial aid calculations in previous budget cycles, Sine said in the memo. “In the future, they will be, and we expect funds for aid from philanthropy to be an important area of growth,” he said in the memo. In order to lower the tuition and fees increase to 2.9 percent, the Board of Trustees chose to
2011
2
3% 3
3
2010
2%2
2% 2
2
0 16200 16200 $16200
2015
2013 2011 2014 20122015 2013
2014
2012 2010
2013
0 2011
2012
2010
2011
0%0
1% 1
1
2010
2015
2015
2015 2014
2014
2013
2012
2011
2010 2013 2013 2014 2010 2011 201120122012
2010
15000 15000 $1500
1%1
The rate of tuition increase has declined since 2010.
Quasi Performance Endowment Based Salary
2014 Quasi 2015
Performance Endowment Based Salary
Meal Plans
Residence Halls*
Meal Plans
Residence Halls*
}
} } AU’s tuition costs have increased since 2010
0% 0
2013 2012 2011
1 17400 17400 $17400
2014-2015
Costs of housing and dining have increased since the last budget. *In years 2014-2015, prices of singles and triples will increase by 2.5, and doubles will increase by 1.5.
2010
4 | FEBRUARY 28, 2013 NEWS theEAGLE
Students question Chairman Sine over fuel investments By TORI DALCOURT AND DAVID LIM EAGLE STAFF WRITERS
EVAN GRAY / THE EAGLE
Former Sen. Olympia Snowe, R-Maine, reflected on her career in Congress
Snowe discusses upcoming sequester, bipartisanship By CHLOE JOHNSON EAGLE STAFF WRITER
Former U.S. Senator Olympia Snowe, R-Maine, spoke at the University Club on Feb. 25, her first such appearance since leaving office last February. Much of her speech focused on the divisions in Congress today and the dangers of uncertainty in legislature. “[I felt like a] cast member on ‘Survivor,’ getting multiple challenges and no longer feeling like you’re wanted in the tribe,” Snowe said. Snowe surprised many when she announced that she would not seek another term in what would have been her 15th election, ending a 35-year career in public service that included seats in state government and the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives. While offering plenty of criticism in the speech, Snowe ultimately underlined the potential of the national legislature. “The United States Senate is a political incubator for results,” she said. The Kennedy Political Union and AU College Republicans cosponsored the event. Another theme of the speech was the loss of leaders who were more engaged in making com-
promises. Snowe specifically mentioned the late Sen. Ted Kennedy, D-Mass. “He was called the ‘liberal lion’ of the Senate, but he also understood how to advance the public policy process,” she said. Snowe now seeks to build a more cooperative spirit in Congress through her work at the Bipartisan Policy Center and her own campaign called “Olympia’s List,” she said in a separate interview with the Eagle. Snowe also said she thought working independently of the government would prove a more productive option. Today’s Congress is marked with the gridlock that prompted her retirement last year, exemplified by the highest level of polarization since the end of Reconstruction 135 years ago, according to Snowe. The former senator also discussed the possible upcoming sequester, the automatic government spending cuts that will go into effect on March 1 if no alternate budget decisions are made before then. Snowe remarked that political gridlock may harm chances of compromise. “Both sides might decide it’s in their best interest not to come to an agreement, which is unfortunate,” Snowe said. CJOHNSON@THEEAGLEONLINE.COM
Board of Trustees Chairman Jeff Sine warned in a town hall Feb. 21 that social issues can distract from the University’s focus on growing its endowment. “We are not stock pickers,” the Chair of the Board of Trustees Jeff Sine said at the meeting. “Our focus is on growing the endowment.” AU does not invest in individual stocks of any kind, working through an endowment manager at Cambridge Associates, Sine said. “When it comes to social causes, or social movements, such as the fossil fuel question, it presents us with some tricky issues. As fiduciaries, our focus is on growing the endowment, and the endowment is what returns capital every year to reduce the need for tuition increases.” Members of “Fossil Free AU,” which supports AU divestment from nonrenewable energy sources, were at the town hall. Mary Linders, a senior in the School of Public Affairs and a representative of Fossil Free AU, said she
supports AU’s goal of growing the endowment but told Sine that she wants AU to consider social issues when choosing where to invest funds. “Fossil Free AU” wants to end all future University endowment investments in fossil fuels by the end of the calendar year. The campaign aims to collect enough signatures to hold a referendum vote on fossil fuel divestment in March on the Student Government election ballot, according to Kate Brunette, the president of AU Eco-Sense and a junior in the School of International Service. “We’re about halfway there. We’ve collected about 250 signatures so we’re on a great trajectory,” Brunette said. “We’re on track to collect more than enough signatures so I’m not at all concerned. We’ll blow past that target.” Linders cited AU’s history of divesting from South Africa during the period of apartheid, when a system of racial segregation was enforced in South Africa, as an example. She asked the Board to consider a “negative screen” at the end of the calendar year from
all new fossil fuel investments.
SINE TALKS STUDENT VOICES, TUITION HIKES
Another student participating in the event brought up the issue of student representation on the Board. “We have one representative and that representative doesn’t have any voting power whatsoever,” the student said. “Do you honestly believe that that is adequate representation of the student body as a whole?” “Yes,” Sine said. “I’ve never seen anything come down to one vote,” Sine said. “We tend to operate as a pretty consensus organization, and no one, whether they are a voting trustee or not a voting trustee, as any different voice at that table. So no, I really don’t believe that students don’t have a voice.” Another student participant argued that SG can only represent a limited amount of views, so it doesn’t represent the range, or majority of views of the student body. She asked that the Board consider that they bring in more
CONTINUED ON PAGE 6 ≥
KPU, AU Marketing still searching for “Wonk of the Year” By TORI DALCOURT EAGLE STAFF WRITER
The Kennedy Political Union and University Communications and Marketing have not found a 2013 “Wonk of the Year” as of Feb. 25 and may not do so before the academic year ends, according to KPU Director Alex Kreger. “The challenge of finding a speaker to follow President [Bill] Clinton is no small one, and we
want to make sure that whomever the next Wonk is, it is someone that embodies AU and lives up to the short but prestigious history of the award,” Kreger said in an email. Clinton accepted the award on Jan. 27, 2012 at Bender Arena, The Eagle previously reported. Bill Clinton came to AU very early in the year because he happened to be available in January, according to Maralee Csellar,
associate director of media relations. The Wonk of the Year may come to the University before the end of the current semester or before the end of 2013, Kreger said. “That being said, we’re less than 2 months into 2013, so we are still exploring many possibilities at this point and are not behind in the process,” she said in an email. TDALCOURT@THEEAGLEONLINE.COM
theEAGLE NEWS FEBRUARY 28, 2013 | 5
SOC professor now calls Anderson Hall home By LEIGH GIANGRECO EAGLE STAFF WRITER
Scott Talan is your typical resident of Anderson Hall. Before moving into the residence hall this semester, he made the obligator y trek to Target and Bed, Bath and Beyond in Columbia Heights. His trip to the Container Store began in earnest with a utilitarian list of key racks and filing cabinets, yet somehow ended with a cart full of utensil containers. He’s the proud new owner of a rice cooker, but more often than not, his diet subsists on cereal and microwaveable meals. “Cereal is the eating savior — it’s good any time of day,” Talan said. “I try and stay away from the Trix and the Cocoa Puffs in TDR, but it’s hard.” Other students might sit down next to Talan one day in the Terrace Dining Room, pass him on the way to the Davenport Coffee Lounge or see him in a class in the School of Communication — as the professor. Though in his third year as a public communications professor at AU, it is Talan’s first time living on campus. He is one of two faculty-in-residence at AU: the other is SOC Professor Joseph Campbell, who has his office and classroom inside McDowell. But it was the founder of AU’s program, former School of International Service Professor John Richardson, that helped spark Talan’s interest in moving on campus. Richardson lived in Anderson for 10 years until 2011 and was famous for
academia. “That’s a lot of transitions,” Talan said. “Well, students today will be making many, if not more.” He’s also immersing himself in the residence halls to understand the mindset of “millennial” students. As a tech-savvy public communications professor developing expertise in social media, he’s interested in how “millennials” use those tools. He noticed that they have less-regimented schedules, working at night and playing during the day. “If the work’s getting done, you’re satisfying what the person wants to do,” Talan said. Talan himself has adopted this mindset lately, catching up on some Netflix during his down LEIGH GIANGRECO / THE EAGLE time. “I’ve been watching a his tea time with students and lot of ‘House of Cards’ late night Klondike bar exam breaks at on Netflix. I’m now into episode his South side abode. 5,” Talan said. While still settling in, Talan But while the professor has already brainstormed ideas, holds a major presence on including “Tea with Talan,” field Facebook and Twitter, both trips into D.C., an anniversary in and outside the classroom, event of President John F. Ken- he still returns to print for his nedy’s speech at AU and cro- news. He spreads three papers quet on the Quad. across the metal table in an AnTalan also plans on holding derson lounge: The Washingcareer and graduate school ad- ton Post, The Wall Street Jourvising sessions. His own career nal and The New York Times. path foreshadows the same one “Even though we have these many graduating students may phones and all the new mefollow. He began in the nonprof- dia — I believe in it and love it sector before serving as a city it — a lot of new media is built council member and later may- upon old media,” Talan said. “I or of Lafayette, Calif. Talan then still like to pick up a newspamoved across California as a per. They’re ver y lightweight. news reporter and then worked They don’t need to charge or as a writer for “Good Morning have batteries.” America” before finally entering LGIANGRECO@THEEAGLEONLINE.COM
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SodaStream protested at Tenleytown Best Buy By DEVIN MITCHELL EAGLE STAFF WRITER
About 15 AU students and other activists in the area who want Best Buy to stop selling the home carbonation product SodaStream protested in front of the Best Buy
He left shortly thereafter without making any arrests, and the protest concluded an hour later. “Companies that make illegal products should not be patronized by retailers,” said Damián Fontanez, a senior in the School of Public Affairs and the presi-
“Companies that make illegal products should not be patronized by retailers.” -Damián Fontanez, AU Students for Justice in Palestine protester in Tenleytown on Feb. 24. The AU chapters of Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) and Jewish Voice for Peace (JVP) organized the demonstration. They believe SodaStream is manufactured in the West Bank, which the protesters view as illegal settlements. The protesters carried signs and began marching in a circle at around 1:45 p.m. Best Buy employees came outside to confront them, and a police officer was called to the scene at 2 p.m.
dent of SJP. “It’s a shame to see so many companies profiting from what is going on.” Josh Michaels, a senior in the College of Arts and Sciences, helped start the on-campus chapter of JVP. “I think it went well,” Michaels said. “It’s all about visibility and it definitely got a response from people in the area.” Best Buy did not respond to requests for comment before press time. DMITCHELL@THEEAGLEONLINE.COM
6 | FEBRUARY 28, 2013 NEWS theEAGLE
SG elections postponed, campaign rules change By KIERSTYN SCHNECK EAGLE STAFF WRITER
Spring elections have been moved back to April 1 and April 2, following Student Government’s delayed passage of its spring election policy book on Feb. 24, according to an SG press release. The spring elections were previously scheduled for March 25 through March 26 before the Senate sent the policy book to the SG Committee on Rules and Privileges, the Eagle previously reported. Originally, the BOE proposal removed the leadership grant, which provides executive office candidates with up to $200 if they get 150 signatures, and the spending caps on candidates’
campaigns. The new policy book reinstates both the leadership grant and the spending caps to make the election more fair, according to Class of 2013 Sen. Sarah McBride. Student organizations can make endorsements for any candidate on their own but may still ask the BOE to facilitate the endorsement process, according to the new policy book. Originally, student organizations had to go through the BOE. Information sessions to inform candidates of the new election policies will be held Feb. 27, March 4 and March 6. The nomination convention is now scheduled for March 20. NEWS@THEEAGLEONLINE.COM
Sustainability takes center stage at open budget forum ≤ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4
student representatives. “We are not a democracy,” Sine said. “We are a group of independent trustees … this is not your Niusha Nawab, a sophomore in the College of Arts and Science and a member of the Coalition of American University Students (CAUS), asked Sine why tuition is going up and what influenced the increase. Sine said that there are many factors that have influenced the tuition hike, some of which include inflation, healthcare and the increased bandwidth usage on campus. He also said that the University is investing in scholarship, financial aid and faculty hiring, as
other universities cut their funds. “We are moving forward,” Sine said. After the forum concluded, Valerie Kiebala, a sophomore in the School of International Service, asked Sine why the Board does not honor the University’s motto of social responsibility when investing in stock. “Ultimately, we have to pick one opinion, and not everyone is going to agree. Whose opinion should get picked? How do we pick which opinion to follow?” Sine said. “We can’t spend everyone’s money in support of a social movement that not everyone agrees with.” “Then we shouldn’t claim to be socially responsible,” Kiebala said. NEWS@THEEAGLEONLINE.COM
COURTESY OF RACHEL SHABAD
SOC freshman Danny Dubin performs his signature “Fishbowl” trick.
Freshman by day, magician by night By EMILY CLAPP EAGLE CONTRIBUTING WRITER
The typical college freshman can not conjure a fishbowl from a brown paper bag filled only with paper and tissue. But for Danny Dubin, it’s an old trick. Dubin, a freshman in the School of Communication, is an amateur magician who has performed around D.C. at different venues ranging, including the Australian Embassy, the LivingSocial Building, the MadHatter Bar and many others since arriving at AU in the fall of 2012, he said. Currently, he performs at Public Bar D.C. in Tenleytown on Wednesdays from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. “I got this gig [Public Bar Tenley] by networking,” Dubin said. “In the first week I called up different bars in D.C. and then performed for the manager.” Performing at Public Bar
led to his Australian Embassy performance, after an audience member saw him perform and offered him the gig, according to Dubin. Dubin also claims to have found out about other gigs in D.C. by working with another friend in the area, Max Major who will often refer Dubin to a venue if he himself cannot make the gig. Dubin studied magic for the first time at the “Z” Frank Apachi Day Camp in Northbrook, Ill., a suburb of Chicago, around age 8, he said. “I learned most of my magic from books and a lot was selftaught, and I have been to magic conventions, performances, workshops and contests,” Dubin said. By eighth grade, Dubin was performing at a local family restaurant every Thursday and Saturday, he said. He has performed at bar mitzvahs and birthday parties as well as wed-
dings. He has even had gigs for private companies, including the Ronald McDonald House, Navy Pier, Relay For Life, Boy Scouts of America and Radio Disney. Dubin caters his shows to the age of his audience, he said. Dubin walks around Public Bar Tenley doing small tricks with money or cards for the adults, while during shows for children he keeps the program short, goofy and interactive, Dubin said. One of Dubin’s best tricks is the “fishbowl,” during which he shows the audience a brown paper bag with nothing inside but paper and tissue and then magically pulls a fishbowl out of the bag, he said. However, Dubin remains uncertain if magic is the career path he will follow. “It’s great performing in D.C.,” Dubin said, “but I’m not sure what I want to do in the future, like any other freshmen.” NEWS@THEEAGLEONLINE.COM
SCENE
Students attend Founders’ Day Ball 8-9
Students raise over $9,000 for charity with performance of ‘The Vagina Monologues’ By JULIA MARTINS EAGLE CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Contrary to the bold title, “The Vagina Monologues,” was surprisingly barebones. The cast, made up of AU students, sat around four raised microphones, wearing simple black costumes with red accents. The simplicity of the costuming and set design helped to focus the audience on the
brilliant writing of “The Vagina Monologues,” a play written in 1998 by activist Eve Ensler. AU’s “The Vagina Monologues,” directed by School of Communication junior Carmen Mason and School of International Service senior Nicole Wisler, was a part of V-Day International, a global campaign which aims to end violence against women and girls. The show opened with pri-
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marily comical monologues, though these monologues still touched on serious issues. One of these monologues was “The Flood” performed by SOC sophomore Madeline Turrini. In this monologue, Turrini played a 70-something-year-old woman discussing her vagina. Though Turrini’s monologue is initially comical (her New York accent is fabulous and fitting), it touches upon some serious issues, such as uterine cancer. Following the 70-year-old’s monologue is the monologue of a 6-year-old girl. This story is taken from a young girl who, though young, makes some important feminist observations, such as, “Somewhere deep inside, [my vagina] has a smart brain.” This line demonstrates a central message of “The Va-
| AU Players to perform one-woman show 11
gina Monologues”: that women and their vaginas should be respected. The show takes a shift to more serious monologues about halfway through. One of the more powerful performances was by College of Arts and Sciences senior Katie Alexander, SOC junior Joni Agronin, SIS senior Olivia Curl, School of Public Affairs senior Becca Davis and SIS sophomore Taylor Moore. This monologue, “They Beat the Girl Out of My Boy… Or So They Tried,” dealt with the discrimination and abuse that transgendered people face. The costumes and a number of lines said in unison in the monologue made the strong writing even more powerful. The actresses all began the scene wearing red ties, and as they began discussing “practicing femininity” they began slowly removing the ties. The following performance, “My Vagina Was My Village,” was equally powerful. Starring
SIS freshman Maris Feeley and SIS senior Tea Sefer, this monologue was about women in wartorn Bosnia. Part of the strength of this performance was the staging. The monologue juxtaposed happy vagina imagery with horrifying imagery to illustrate Bosnia before and after the war. This monologue brought up the issue of rape as a tool of war. The show ended by restating statistics about violence against women: one in three women will be abused in some manner. After stating this, the audience was asked to rise to action. Every year, the cast chooses organizations to which they donate the proceeds of the show. This year, the cast raised over $9,000 and donated the money to the Helping Individual Prostitutes Survive (H.I.P.S.), AYUDA and the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network (RAINN). THESCENE@THEEAGLEONLINE.COM
TV PICK: House of Cards By JORDAN-MARIE SMITH COURTESY OF NETFLIX
EAGLE STAFF WRITER
Kevin Spacey, Robin Wright and director David Fincher are the three mavericks that keep the Netflix original series “House of Cards” from toppling into obscurity. Frank Underwood, played by Kevin Spacey (“Horrible Bosses”), is a deceptive and two-faced House majority whip who plays puppet master with congressmen, an eager journalist and even
the president after not getting his promised position of secretary of state. He is supported by his wife Claire (Robin Wright, “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo”) and eager, precocious reporter Zoe Barnes, played by Rooney Mara’s sister Kate Mara (“127 Hours”). Philandering and alcoholic congressmen, scandalous affairs and backstabbing are the central cogs
in the “House of Cards” machine. Although they’re common in political dramas, these storylines are seamlessly executed with depth by director David Fincher (“The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo”). With all 13 episodes on Netflix, take a weekend, drop the burden of papers and tests, and get trapped in Frank’s web of lies. JSMITH@THEEAGLEONLINE.COM
Over 1,000 members of the AU community danced the night away at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History on Feb. 23 for the 2013 Founders’ Day Ball, including (from right to left in center), Ann and Neil Kerwin, Student Government President Emily Yu and former SG President Sarah McBride.
ALL PHOTOS: NICOLE BRUNET / THE TALON
AU CELEBRATES 120 YEARS AT FOUNDERS’ DAY BALL By HOAI-TRAN BUI EAGLE STAFF WRITER
The National Museum of American History may not necessarily be the most austere of the Smithsonian museums, but it is certainly the most entertaining. The museum’s youthful, pop culture-infused exhibits were a surprisingly suitable fit for this year’s Founders’ Day Ball on Feb. 23, which celebrated the 120th anniversary of AU’s founding in 1893. All three floors of the museum were open to the attendees, including all of the exhibitions in the museum, turning the traditional ball into a deeper celebration of the past. “When we first decided to focus on the 120th anniversary, we talked to [Vice President of Campus Life] Dr. [Gail] Hanson and [AU President] Dr. [Neil] Kerwin about what we wanted it to represent and how we wanted to celebrate that,” Student Government Vice President Palak Gosar said. “A lot of that is what went into picking the American History Museum as opposed to one of the other venues.” The two other venues in consideration were the National Portrait Gallery and the National Building Museum, according to Gosar. But the Museum of American History’s policy of keeping all their ex-
hibits open for outside events such as the Founders’ Day Ball clinched the deal. “It’s so cool that the whole museum is open for us to be around,” SOC sophomore Micah Parsons said. “It’s so festive. It’s prom meets an actual adult event. It’s a very strange fusion.” Like any typical prom, students enjoyed a standard dance floor on the second level, DJed by AU alumnus and University Center Facilities Coordinator Shea Mulcahy, who went by the name DJ Reoffender. A cover band made up entirely of current and former AU students, The Red Spetters, also performed for the first hour. But of course, the main draw of the event for many students was being able to dress up in floor-length gowns and complex hairdos. “It’s nice to step out of the academic world because I feel like a lot of people are focused on schoolwork or club activities,” SOC sophomore Jasmine Lok said. “It’s nice to get dressed up and treat yourself.” Because the Founders’ Day Ball is one of the few formal dances that AU hosts, the demand for tickets was high. In an attempt to remedy some of the ticketing controversies of last year, SG offered about 300 to 400 more tickets than last year, selling 100 tickets every day for two
weeks, according to SG President Emily Yu. A total of 1,300 tickets were sold to the student body, according to Gosar. “I’m really glad that a lot more students were able to come this year than last year,” Yu said. “I think students were a lot happier with the fact that they had multiple opportunities to get their tickets.” Despite the efforts to make the ticketbuying process more streamlined, many students still spent hours waiting in line. One casually-clad student — dressed in converse shoes, a flannel shirt, vest and tie — decided to make the most of his wait by dressing how he wanted. “I just figured that this is my Founders’ Day ball that I’m coming to and I want to make it the way that I want it to be,” SIS sophomore Patrick Moran said. “I don’t want to dress up because that’s what people expect. If I wait four hours line, I ain’t going to be in no tux!” While some students may have had some qualms, most attendees agreed that the ball was an impressive achievement on AU’s part. “I think it was a good mix of culture and fun,” SPA senior Andrew Erickson said. “It was really great that we could have this kind of historic event and put a twist on it so students can enjoy it.”
ANA SANTOS / THE TALON
10 | FEBRUARY 28, 2013 SCENE theEAGLE
AUDIOPHILE Looking for new music? DJs at WVAU share their thoughts on a range of recent releases.
AMOK
Atoms For Peace is technically composed of Thom Yorke, Nigel Godrich, Flea, Joey Waronker and Mauro Refosco. But Yorke is the real creative force. “AMOK” sounds exactly like Yorke’s other side projects / IDM outings. Glitchy, off-kilter percussion is complemented by dancing synths and sharp guitar lines, with Yorke’s trademark falsetto hanging above the futuristic instruments. “AMOK” is a perfect midpoint between Yorke’s older
solo material and Radiohead’s latest full-length album, “The King of Limbs.” The album is a bit brighter than comparable works and maintains a consistent tempo and texture. “AMOK” doesn’t reach the heights that some of Yorke’s previous work has, but it is just the album we need to hold us over until that new Radiohead album drops. Recommended If You Like: Thom Yorke, Radiohead, Four Tet By CAMERON STEWAR T SULTRY RED FEEDBACK FRIDAYS 2-4 P.M.
PHOENIX
ENTERTAINMENT They’re back (and just in time for festival season).
It’s been four years since 2009’s “Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix,” and with this first look at their new release, it seems the French quartet Phoenix is aiming to take over the summer airwaves. From the very beginning, the satisfaction is nearly immediate. As the first official release off of the upcoming album “Bankrupt!,” the synthdriven intro to “Entertainment” acts as a proclamation of the energy and excitement to come. Thomas Mars’ smooth
MARK LIEBERMAN — TAKE 5 MOVIE MAGIC…MAYBE
ATOMS FOR PEACE Thom Yorke and Flea in the same band?
BILLBOARD, NIELSEN FACTOR IN ONLINE HITS
vocals compliments the manic instrumentation and allows for a contrast with his relaxed tone against the peaks and valleys given here. If nothing else, this single ready for festivals and road trips is an indication that Pheonix isn’t shying away from its usual ‘80s-influenced pop sound, and fans of Pheonix’s previous work will be happy with this colorful track. RIYL: Passion Pit, MGMT, Matt & Kim By LEIGH HOPKINS AMBIENT BLOOM WEDNESDAYS MIDNIGHT-2 A.M.
A variety of intriguing, potentially problematic options are invading movie theaters this weekend. The dubiously titled “The Last Exorcism Part II” raises questions of why a last exorcism needs two movies. The raunchy comedy “21 and Over” evokes “The Hangover” and “Project X” in equal measure. Elsewhere, “X-Men” director Bryan Singer tries to convince the world that it needs a CGI-laden action extravaganza adaptation of a classic fairytale in “Jack the Giant Slayer,” which features Nicholas Hoult (“Warm Bodies”) and Ewan McGregor (“The Impossible”).
YOUTUBE, YOUR MUSIC
Billboard Magazine announced a controversial change to its charts this week, fortuitous timing for a certain overnight dance sensation. As of this week’s charts, the Billboard Hot 100 and its counterparts will take into account YouTube views in addition to digital download sales, radio airplay and online streaming. Baauer reaped extraordinary benefits from this arrangement. His instant hit “Harlem Shake,” the pop charts’ most YouTube-oriented phenomenon yet, shot straight to the top. Opponents argue that calculating YouTube views could be statistically problematic, while some see them as an instant measure of current popularity.
WAIT, TV SHOWS AIR ON TV FIRST?
Nielsen, the company that provides all-important ratings information to television networks for the purpose of gauging popularity, announced this week that it plans to incorporate online streaming into a
show’s overall ratings report. The online streaming data will be calculated for the seven days following the initial airing. This news indicates progress for a ratings system that has long been considered out of date. Shows with critical acclaim or a tech-savvy fan base have deceptively low ratings scores because many people consume these shows online. Perhaps this problem is finally solved.
STUBBORN SHIA
For a few years in the late 2000s, Shia LaBeouf (“Lawless”) seemed to be the ideal young movie star, a likable presence with a seal of approval from Steven Spielberg. After a few years of success in summer blockbusters, though, LaBeouf’s attitude soured. In one interview, he insulted the most recent “Indiana Jones” installment. He also vowed to gravitate toward independent projects for greater creative control.
Last week, LaBeouf’s career took another hit as he exited “Orphans,” what would have been his Broadway debut alongside Alec Baldwin (“30 Rock”). His reason for leaving? Creative differences.
MORE MARR
Spending five years as Morrissey’s partner in The Smiths? A pipe dream for most; the start of a fruitful career for Johnny Marr. After The Smiths disbanded in 1987, the revered guitarist went on to play in bands including Electronic, Modest Mouse and The Cribs. More recently, Marr contributed the theme music for Leonardo DiCaprio’s character in “Inception.” After years of contributing to other people’s work, Marr finally released his first solo album this week. “Messenger” includes 12 songs, with music and lyrics written exclusively by the prolific guitarist. MLIEBERMAN@THEEAGLEONLINE.COM
Research is conducted at the NIH Clinical Center, Bethesda, MD
ANXIOUS ? ARE YOU
NIMH RESEARCH STUDY
This research study is looking at stress responses in anxious adults. Enrolling adults, ages 18-60, who struggle with an anxiety disorder. Researchers will look at stress responses over 2-4 outpa"ent visits of 1.5 hours each. OPTIONAL: Some par"cipants may enroll in an addi"onal Cogni"ve Behavioral Therapy (CBT) research study of 8 outpa"ent group sessions of 1.5 hours each that examines if CBT changes reac"ons under stress. Par"cipa"on includes physical and neurological exams, EKG, blood and urine tests and stress-inducing tasks. Eligibility includes those fluent in English, in good physical health, free of certain medica"ons and without recent drug or alcohol abuse (6 months). There is no cost to par"cipate. Compensa"on is provided.
Call: 1-888-644-2694 (1-888-NIH-ANXI) TTY: 1-866-411-1010 Email: anxiety@mail.nih.gov h!p://pa"en"nfo.nimh.nih.gov Department of Health & Human Services, National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Mental Health, www.clinicaltrials.gov 03-M-0093
theEAGLE NEWS FEBRUARY 28, 2013 | 11
Los Angeles Times Daily Crossword Puzzle Edited by Rich Norris and Joyce Lewis
COURTESY OF AU PLAYERS
‘Everybody’ relives high school with AU Players By DAVID KAHEN-KASHI EAGLE STAFF WRITER
High school is an unrelentingly trying experience both physically and psychologically. Tests, sports, more tests and living among the native cliques of the high school social strata make it tough to get by. Although it can be an unnecessarily rough going, high school can also give you some of your most cherished memories. It should come as no surprise that the high school experience can yield ample material for the stage, as evidenced by AU Player’s production of “Everybody Does It.� An original play written by and starring College of Arts and Sciences senior Erin Hannigan and directed by CAS and School of Com-
Eagle Rants
munication senior Alyssa Wilden, the show is about the fractal alienation of the high school experience and how Hannigan learns that she may not be alone. “The play is extremely personal, but it is a story I have always wanted to tell,� Hannigan said. “Reliving these moments has been extremely cathartic and not at all painful.� The play is based on the diary that Hannigan kept during her junior and senior years, which she often referred to while writing the play. Over the course of three weeks, Hannigan and Wilden sharpened the script. “I came to her with a finished script and she helped me put it on its feet,� Hannigan said. “She helped me keep my voice honest in the
work and her staging made me feel completely natural and comfortable.� Wilden said that directing the one-woman show was a creatively fulfilling experience. “You have to find a way to make the show interesting and versatile and not just a person talking for a half hour,� Wilden said. “But that’s also the fun part. ... Sometimes, in plays and musicals, you don’t get to delve into that too much. There’s too many people or not enough time.� “Everybody Does It� plays at the Kreeger Auditorium March 2 at 8:30 p.m. There is a talkback after the show. Both events are free. Staff Writer Hoai-Tran Bui contributed to this report. DKAHEN-KASHI@THEEAGLEONLINE.COMCOM
Go ahead, speak your mind. We’ll probably print it.
You know you work for the AU Phonathon when you call 911 by accident
That awkward moment when I dont know who Rachel maddow is‌
If there’s two things the Undergraduate Senate loves, it’s dumb bills and dumb acronyms.
Goddammit, SG. Stop screwing around with your rules and let the stinking elections happen already.
To the frat boy who wears vineyard vines and does KPU and republicans: I want to be your Nancy Reagan.
Beautiful girls in my Anthro class, why are you SO gorgeous?!
I don’t always do Eagle Rants. But when I do, I use worn out cliches that should have been abandoned a long time ago. Stay ranty, my friends. Dude, if I had known how much swag sorority girls get during big/little week, I would’ve rushed. Oh well. Back to creeping on their facebook pics while eating Easy Mac.
ACROSS 1 Apt. parts, in ads 4 Talking head 10 Big name in ATMs 13 Charged particles 15 Black-and-blue mark, e.g. 16 Suffix for pay 17 Soft hit that barely makes it over the infield 19 Cranberrygrowing area 20 Africa¡s Sierra __ 21 Fed. retirement org. 22 “Tâ€? on a test, usually 23 Like dodos and dinosaurs 26 Foray 28 Archaeological age-determination process 31 Texting units: Abbr. 34 Rowboat mover 35 Wish granter 36 “How was __ know?â€? 37 Abrasions 40 Sinus doc 41 Not exactly robust 43 Simpsons neighbor Flanders 44 Makes really angry 45 Completely absorbed 49 Lawyer¡s customer 50 Accessory often carried with a wallet 54 Merle Haggard¡s “__ From Muskogeeâ€? 55 N.J. neighbor 57 Lightened 58 Libertarian politician Paul 59 Sign in a limo that aptly concludes the sequence formed by the last words of 17-, 28- and 45Across 62 Mystery novelist Grafton 63 Houston team 64 Statistician¡s input 65 NHL tiebreakers 66 Tinkers (with) 67 Figs.
By Don Gagliardo and C.C. Burnikel
DOWN 1 The Good Book 2 Pricey watch with a gold crown logo 3 Nose-in-the-air type 4 “Novaâ€? airer 5 Ocean State sch. 6 Convent dwellers 7 Starts to eat with gusto 8 Manhattan is one 9 Golf ball¡s perch &KRLFH \RX GRQ¡t have to think about 11 Metaphorical state of elation 12 Violent anger 14 Former (and likely future) Seattle NBA team ¡ V &DELQHt member Federico 22 Lug 24 Gator¡s kin 25 Skier¡s way up 27 Glad __: party clothes 29 Long-armed primate 30 Comprehends 31 Tick off 32 Went down swinging
Saturday¡s Puzzle SolvedPUZZLE SOLUTION TO LAST WEEK’S
(c)2013 Tribune Media Services, Inc.
33 Touchdowns require crossing them 37 Leonard __: Roy Rogers¡s birth name 38 Mountain top 39 Advantage 42 Nastase of tennis 44 Security checkpoint request 46 Ultimate application
47 Big bomb trials 48 Binoculars user 51 Made in China, say 52 Look after 53 Icelandic sagas 54 Estimator¡s words 56 P.O. box inserts 59 Printer problem 60 Stooge with bangs 61 Pack animal
SOLUTION TO LAST WEEK’S PUZZLE
OPINION
STAFF EDITORIAL
McDonald’s McLoves “sustainability” 14
Student voices make an impact on tuition rate
AU takes student voices seriously. Finally. After a long battle between Student Government, Coalition of AU Students (CAUS) and the Board of Trustees, we have seen positive outcomes. Our tuition increase for the next two years will be lower than ever in recorded history. It seems that the unintentional game of “good cop, bad cop” with SG and CAUS won out. The University is doing what they wanted, or at least part of it. In the fiscal years of 2014 and 2015, AU’s tuition will increase by 2.95 percent. For the past two fiscal years tuition has increased by 3.8 percent. President Neil Kerwin stated that the student uproar over tuition hikes influenced the decision to lower the tuition rate increase. Vice President of Cam-
pus Life Gail Hanson told CAUS that Kerwin specifically asked each academic department to ask for the lowest amount of funds possible. Without the protests from CAUS, demands from SG or the many letters and signatures from the AU community, this would not have happened. Student input can impact the community. In fact, SG got everything they asked for in the budget. We now have a lower tuition increase, increased financial aid by 1 percent and a smaller portion of tuition going toward the long-term planning. The reduced tuition rate in-
crease is a battle won for students now, but it’s a battle lost for future AU students. In a previous staff editorial, The Eagle highlighted the po-
money going toward AU’s quasiendowment and force the administration to rely more on philanthropy. All of the long-term projects come from this endowment. There will also be less money allotted for the performance pool of professors. This money goes to hiring professors of merit and paying their salaries. With less money, students may see a decrease in the quality of professors. Something needed to be sacrificed. The Board decided that long-term initiatives can be financed with philanthropy work. But, regarding the decrease in funding for AU professors, that money cannot be made up anywhere else. As AU
The reduced tuition rate is a battle won for students now, but it’s a battle lost for future AU students.
tential negative impacts of halting the rise of tuition prices. In the future, both the quality of AU’s academic programs and professors are at stake. The budget for the next two years will reduce the tuition
students, we should make sure that the Board does not sacrifice the quality of our education as they decide where to decrease funding. The Board was right to search for ways to prevent tuition increases. Most AU students understand the everyday burden that comes with going to an expensive university. Students collectively decided that we cannot continue to pay the tuition we do and sustain our education, so we took action and it happened. The decisions made by the Board demonstrate how powerful student voices can be. Now that we have seen positive feedback from the Board, let’s make sure their decisions are responsible. This is just a start. ≠ E EDPAGE@THEEAGLEONLINE.COM
CAUS will continue to fight for democracy at AU On Feb. 21, the Board of Trustees held a coffee hour that was open to the student body. This coffee hour was meant to demonstrate that the Board of Trustees is open to the input of the general student population. However, this could not be further from the truth. This coffee hour was held after most of the decisions regarding the next budget cycle had already been made. At the meeting, Board Chairman Jeff Sine rejected the suggestions of multiple students regarding specific ways that students could increase their say in the decision-making process of the University. He made it clear that the board
was ignoring the voice of over 1,700 students who signed the CAUS petition demanding a tuition freeze for the next budget cycle. Our exponentially increasing tuition is evidently a problem the Board of Trustees has no interest in solving. It was for this reason that 14 members of CAUS blocked the doors to the Board of Trustees meeting held in the Butler Board Room on Feb. 22 to demand that the Board of Trustees stop ignoring student voices. Six of us created a human chain in front of the main entrance to the board room. Public Safety arrived on the scene and violently attempted to break the chain, grabbing a
student’s neck, ripping clothing and throwing one student across the room. Despite the aggressive attempts made by Public Safety, the chain kept. Board members were made to enter through the back doors of the room. A few Board members came to us at the front door, seeking to speak with us. Issues we brought up ranged from tuition hikes, to budget transparency, to student representation. Sine avoided directly answering our questions and concerns by talking in circles and diverting accountability for the previous words of board members (“A tuition freeze is never going to happen.” -Neil Kerwin) away
from the board itself. Gail Hanson, vice president of campus life, thought it would be comforting to assure us that the Board usually has the best interests of the students in mind. She also informed us that student action is what made the Board cut the size of the tuition increase for the upcoming year. However, she failed to even fathom the possibility and necessity of students being the real agents of their own interests. While easy access to open communication between the Board and students is an important goal to strive for, the “open communication” we experienced today simply confirmed
that the real issues at hand are generated by fundamental and structural flaws in AU’s decision-making process; the goal is to make communication meaningful, not circular. At Feb. 21’s coffee hour, Sine said that “democracy is the best system we’ve got,” but that the board of trustees is not a democracy. CAUS will continue to fight to make AU a true democracy. Max Brekke, CAS 2015 Chris Golembeski, CAS 2015 Paul Grobman, CAS 2015 This was written on behalf and with the approval of CAUS. EDPAGE@THEEAGLEONLINE.COM
theEAGLE OPINION FEBRUARY 28, 2013 | 13
Become a change-maker DEREK SIEGEL | COLUMNIST AU New Abolitionists, an emerging campus organization, recognizes the systematic inequalities in our legal and educational systems that restrict opportunities for young people. It also recognizes that these inequalities occur on a much smaller scale. “We talk about Southeast as if it’s one region, reduced to turmoil, bad schools and violence,” Elyse Preston said, executive board member of AU New Abolitionists and sophomore in the School of Public Affairs. When young people internalize these sweeping generalizations that dismiss them as low-achieving and unintelligent, they become indoctrinated into the ver y system that denies them equal access and blames them for their own marginalization. By defying these narratives and reclaiming the power to define themselves, young people make a crucial first step to initiate
change. Connected with partners from all over D.C., including its parent organization, the national Children’s Defense Fund, AU New Abolitionists
advocacy. It invites students with diverse academic backgrounds and passion areas to contribute to the organization. From food justice to racial profiling, there are many factors
tionists want to give D.C. students what Preston describes as “the tools and knowledge they need to be advocates in their own communities … and to see themselves as changemakers.” At a brief introductor y meeting, Preston described how the students were asked to reflect on their various identities. Labels they came up with included: sister, daughter, basketball player, Latina and shy.
It is much more than a therapeutic exercise. It’s a racial demonstration of self-authorship, a refusal to passively conform to the role society has set for them.
hopes to mobilize our student body to take action and disrupt this cycle of inequality and exclusion. It is committed to building a society in which all children can reach their full potential. Each semester, the New Abolitionists will select a social justice project to guide their
that contribute to a young person’s access to opportunity. This spring, AU New Abolitionists are conducting a mentorship program at Capital City Public Charter School for students in grades 9 to 11. With a curriculum that includes speakers, text analysis and field trips, the New Aboli-
As a follow-up, the students completed an activity about challenging stereotypes. They selected one of their identities and articulated how they feel others perceive them because of this, writing a statement in the form “I am _____, but I am not _____.” “I am a black male, but I’m
not violent.” “I’m black, but I’m not stupid.” This is much more than a therapeutic exercise. It’s a radical demonstration of selfauthorship, a refusal to passively conform to the role society has set for them. Because the inequalities that permeate our nation are vast, we often disregard our abilities as change makers. Stopping youth incarceration, for instance, seems like an impossible task. So we fail to act, our silence normalizing the injustice. But when we address inequality on an individual level, assisting students as they navigate the tension between selfperception and social expectations, we create real change. Separating themselves from stigmatizing narratives, they challenge oppressive systems by putting the power of self-definition into their own hands. To become a New Abolitionist — a change-maker devoted to shaping future change-makers — contact aunewabolitionists@gmail.com. Derek Siegel is a sophomore in the College of Arts and Sciences. EDPAGE@THEEAGLEONLINE.COM
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
SOC supports The Eagle through rough financial time The journalism faculty of the School of Communication strongly suppor t The Eagle’s lively, independent student voice on campus. The Eagle has been central to AU tradition since the 1920s, longer than the majority of teaching units and many other institutions on our campus. The Eagle has again and again proved essential to campus learning and teaching of issues cen-
tral to national debate such as war, peace and social equity. The Eagle has also produced the most comprehensive and consistent campus coverage of AU spor ts, student life, the ar ts and student government. It should remain a source of objective, balanced news about events at AU. A college news organization prepares students for the wider world of jour-
nalism, and this is clearly shown by the many successful Eagle alumni. The Eagle is today suf fering the same type of economic stress and steep declines in adver tising revenue that are faced by the most power ful media organizations in the countr y. As experienced scholars, professors and teachers with long experience in journalism, we suppor t The Eagle’s step-by-
step ef for ts to preser ve the best par ts of its heritage as a newspaper and to expand its audience in digital media. This is a ver y challenging transition. To succeed in it, we urge the entire AU community to suppor t The Eagle and its staf f, protect its independent student voice from outside inter ference and to recognize the key contribution The Eagle continues to make
to building AU’s heritage. Sincerely, Jill Olmsted, Journalism Division Director School of Communication Journalism Faculty: Carolyn Brown, Angie Chuang, John Doolittle, Amy Eisman, Declan Fahy, Jane Hall, Chris Lawrence, Chuck Lewis, Lynne Perri, Rick Rockwell, Chris Simpson, Rodger Streitmatter, John Watson EDPAGE@THEEAGLEONLINE.COM
14 | FEBRUARY 28, 2013 OPINION theEAGLE
The million-dollar “sustainability” lie SAMUEL MENDELSON | SPORK This February will be remembered as the month of perhaps the greatest culinary advancement in recent memory. The Chicken McNugget has transformed into the Fish McBite. The evolution of this veritable McSurf and McTurf is simply the next step in ambiguously shaped fast food creations. Alongside this McVention is a label that reads “Certified Sustainable Seafood,” something almost as laughable as CocaCola fighting obesity. McDonald’s foray into sustainability, along with those of other large corporations like Wal-Mart, Target and Costco, is a startling commercialization and distortion of ecological sustainability and justice of the food system. The blue “Certified Sustainable Seafood” logo of the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) has become increas-
ingly popular. You can find it throughout any supermarket. The MSC logo makes up $3 billion, or 8 percent, of the global seafood industry, which in turn has resulted in almost $10 million in licensing revenue of the MSC sustainable logo. However, the accuracy and objectivity of the MSC is unconvincing. Fisheries spend hundreds of thousands of dollars to hire outside auditors to evaluate their adherence to MSC standards. Over 200 have been certified (while only 10 have been rejected). In 2006, Wal-Mart partnered with the MSC, and since then the MSC has dramatically increased its certifications and received millions in grants from Wal-Mart.
theEAGLE
Furthermore, fisheries of Antarctic Toothfish, Canadian Swordfish and other species have been MSC-certified de-
especially when (Mc)sustainability is a meaningless moniker. These buzzwords are the result of intense advertising, market share and consumer research. These labels are moneymakers for large corporations that sell “sustainable” products and for commercial groups that deem certain products “sustainable.” An NPR survey found that 80 percent of Americans felt that sustainable seafood was important or very important. Translation: profits for companies that can fill that niche. The failure of the Food and Drug Administration and governments around the world to establish standards of sustainable seafood has led to this startling commercialization by corporations and commercial labeling groups. While the nutritional labeling and definition of organic by the FDA and the Department of Agriculture is mind-numbingly complicated, the sheer lack of regulation of
These labels are moneymakers for large corporations that sell ‘sustainable’ products and for commercial groups that deem certain products ‘sustainable.’
spite strong opposition from the scientific community. McDonald’s bet on balls of fried Alaskan Pollock that are labeled as sustainable seeks to capture consumers that now demand “healthier” options. However, “sustainable” and “healthy” are not connected,
American University’s student voice since 1925
Samuel Mendelson is a sophomore in the School of International Service. EDPAGE@THEEAGLEONLINE.COM
CONTACT US EDITOR IN CHIEF — (202) 885-1402
EDITORIAL STAFF
fisheries has led to catastrophic overfishing, toxic fish (a recent study showed that 84 percent of fish have unsafe levels of mercury) and the mislabeling of one-third of all fish sold in the U.S. McDonalds boasts that with its Fish McBites, “You’ll be hooked on this fish.” While it is reassuring that McDonalds seems to acknowledge the addictive nature of many of its products, it, along with other corporations, are using the veneer of sustainable, organic and other foodie buzzwords in an attempt to mask the unsustainable realities of their products. Labeling companies like the MSC are equally complicit in this fraud, as they have the potential to profit in the tens of millions of dollars from labeling. The “sustainable” Fish McBite, like it’s McNugget ancestor, is a perversion of the food system and the conception of sustainability.
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SPORTS
EMMA KNIGHT / THE EAGLE
Coming from a family of basketball players, guard Alexis Dobbs has
For junior star Alexis Dobbs, basketball runs in the family By JOSH PAUNIL EAGLE STAFF WRITER
Alexis Dobbs has two uncles who played college basketball, a father who starred at Villanova and now coaches at Bryant University and a brother currently playing at Bryant. It’s no surprise that the junior point guard
is finding major success on the court this year and ranks among Patriot League leaders in seven different categories. Although the women’s basketball team has recently faltered by losing four straight games, Dobbs is a big reason they’re still in the hunt for a No. 3 seed. She ranks first in steals, second in assist-to-turnover ratio and third in 3-pointers made
in the Patriot League. She also leads AU in points and minutes played. “My family definitely has an impact on my game,” Dobbs said. “That’s kind of how I got my competitive edge to begin with was because I always competed with my brother at a young age and learned from my dad as a coach.” One of the biggest advantages Dobbs takes advantage of is her ability to train with her brother and father during the offseason. Over the past year, she has considerably cut down on her amount of turnovers, dished out more assists and upped her freethrow percentage. “One of the things that Lex has an opportunity to do is spend a lot of time with her dad in the gym and her brother in the summer,” AU Head Coach Matt Corkery told aueagles.com, “so she always comes back the next year better than ever and with things added to her game.” Dobbs comes from a long line of guards. Along with her father, Franklin, and brother, Frankie, Dobbs has two uncles, Collins and Mark, who played at Duquesne and Robert Morris, respectively. Even though this is the first season that Dobbs has played such an important role for AU, Corkery says that ever since she first arrived on campus she has been a factor for the Eagles. Her family background eased her transition into college helps her think like a coach. “From day one when she stepped into the program, she’s made a tremendous impact because she believes in herself, and that comes from her family,” Corkery said. “It’s really been a great experience as a head coach to have someone like Lex who is also a coach on the floor.” SPORTS@THEEAGLEONLINE.COM
Saltzman On Sports
IOC must reinstate wrestling into Olympics By ERIC SALTZMAN EAGLE STAFF WRITER
The mass appeal of the Summer Olympic Games is that it allows athletes from all over the world to compete in the most basic of athletic feats that are recognized universally. It is strange that the International Olympic Committee (IOC) would drop wrestling as a sport at the Summer Olympics effective for the 2020 games. The same wrestling that was a part of the original Olympic Games thousands of years ago in ancient Greece will potentially be out of the 2020 Olympics. Technically, wrestling still has a chance to be a part of the 2020 games. The sport of wrestling can reapply, but now it must compete with a handful of other sports for only one opening. There are many reasons the decision to drop wrestling makes zero sense. If you have not attended a wrestling match at AU you are certainly missing out. Wrestling embodies both the physical and mental aspects that make sport so appealing. Wrestlers all possess superior levels of strength and athleticism. Yet a great wrestler must also be a great tactician and technician. With such a short period of time in comparison to other team sports, each wrestling match offers high levels of intensity. “The basic meaning of sport is that any human being has a fair playing field,” AU wrestling Coach Teague Moore said. “The sport of wrestling offers that.”
Yet the real villain here is not wrestling, but rather the IOC. Wrestling is a global sport. In the latest 2012 Summer Games more than 300 wrestlers from 29 countries took home medals. Compare that with the modern pentathlon which had only 26 countries participate and maintained its spot in the Olympics. Then there are the sports which were not dropped such as the equestrian, or my favorite, golf. Those events require a lot of skill, but neither is really a sport. Meanwhile, wrestling will have to fight it out with sports such as karate, squash and baseball, which are all deserving of a slot. Coming from someone who is counting down the days until opening day, I still think wrestling should win a spot over baseball. The IOC has suggested that the Olympics needs to become more modern, and wrestling reflected too much of the traditional games. In the wake of the decision, leaders from Iran, Russia and the United States have collectively been discussing how to reinstate wrestling into the Summer Olympics. If only I went to a school which could explain the significance of those three countries working together — on anything. There is no doubt that the Olympics will continue to draw in viewers if wrestling is not reinstated. While it is commendable for the IOC to look toward the future, it also needs to recognize the sports that made the Olympics what they are today. ESALTZMAN@THEEAGLEONLINE.COM
16 | FEBRUARY 28, 2013 SPORTS theEAGLE
Eagle forward Lumpkins tries baseball after being drafted by the Kansas City Royals By GENNARO FARONE EAGLE STAFF WRITER
Few people receive a Division I basketball scholarship. Even fewer get drafted by a Major League Baseball team. AU senior Stephen Lumpkins achieved both. After his junior season at AU, the Kansas City Royals drafted the 6-foot-8 lefty pitcher in the 13th round. It was an opportunity Lumpkins couldn’t pass up. “I was always good at baseball,” Lumpkins said. “And I
think if it was something that if I didn’t do it I would have always regretted it. Because not many people get a chance to try and pitch with a professional organization like that, so I think it was something that I had to try.” Lumpkins traveled to the Royals Spring Training Headquarters in Surprise, Ariz. to play at the rookie level in the Arizona League. He lived in a hotel with his days saturated with baseball. The rookie’s schedule consisted of baseball from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. every day.
One aspect Minor League baseball offered outside of the rigorous schedule was an individual aspect in a team sport. Lumpkins had to make the adjustment from focusing on the success of the team, like he did in basketball, to focusing on the success of himself. “Baseball is a lot more individual,” Lumpkins said. “Especially in minor league baseball. It’s a lot more individual because wins and losses, especially at the lower levels, people aren’t really so concerned about that. It’s more how you do by yourself. If you had a good game, that’s all that really mattered.” Through 15 career games, Lumpkins wasn’t seeing the
individual success. Lumpkins went 2-1, pitched 37 innings, struck out 28 and had a 8.27 earned run average. Despite the disappointing stat line, the AU senior viewed his struggles in a positive light. “Experiencing failure in athletics for the first time in my life, I think, helped me mature a lot,” Lumpkins said. “Dealing with that helped me appreciate being a college basketball player again. Something over the years you start to take for granted. I started to appreciate it a lot more. Especially this being my last year.” With a greater appreciation for basketball and a waiver from the Patriot League, Lumpkins returned to AU basketball. However, he still needed to convince Head Coach Jeff Jones
that he wanted to play. “He convinced me that he was going to be all in,” Jones said. “That’s really what I needed to hear.” Despite being out for a year, Lumpkins has made his presence felt. He’s started all 27 games and is averaging close to 15 points and 10 rebounds, both career highs. He’s also shooting almost 50 percent. A large part for Lumpkins’ success on the court is his competitiveness. An attribute his coach has seen grow since coming back. “He’s been much more competitive,” Jones said. “He’s definitely more competitive now. More focused now, than he was during his first three years at AU.” SPORTS@THEEAGLEONLINE.COM
Eagles snap four-game skid Ari Booth logged nine minutes of action as the Eagles snapped a four-game losing streak in a 54-43 victory over Bucknell Feb. 27. Full recap at theeagleonline.com/sports. EMMA KNIGHT / THE EAGLE
SCHEDULE FEB. 28, MARCH 1
MARCH 3
MARCH 6
No Game Scheduled
No Games Scheduled
MARCH 2
MARCH 4
Mens Basketball @ Lafayette, noon Womens Basketball vs. Lafayette , 2 p.m.
Womens Lacrosse @ George Mason, 7 p.m.
Mens Basketball (PL Tournament) TBA Womens Lacrosse vs. Towson 3 p.m.
MARCH 5 No Games Scheduled
PATRIOT LEAGUE STANDINGS MEN’S BASKETBALL
WOMEN’S BASKETBALL
WOMENS LACROSSE
Bucknell 23-5, 10-2PL Lafayette 15-14, 8-4 PL Lehigh 18-8, 8-4 PL Army 14-13, 7-5 PL ≥ American 10-17, 5-7PL Colgate 11-18, 5-7 PL Holy Cross 11-16, 3-9 PL Navy 8-20, 2-10 PL
Navy 17-10, 10-2 PL Army 20-7, 9-3 PL Holy Cross 15-12, 7-5 PL Lehigh 14-13, 6-6 PL ≥ American 13-13, 6-6 PL Bucknell 13-14, 4-8 PL Lafayette 11-6, 4-8 PL Colgate 8-19, 2-10 PL
Navy 4-0, 0-0PL Lafayette 3-0, 0-0 PL Colgate 2-1, 0-0 PL Holy Cross 2-1, 0-0 PL Lehigh 1-1, 0-0 PL ≥ American 0-3, 0-0 PL Bucknell 0-3, 0-0 PL