The Eagle — Jan. 25, 2010 by The Eagle

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By SARAH RUDNICK Eagle Staff Writer

EDITORIAL

AARON BERKOVICH / THE EAGLE

FRESH START — AU’s chapter of Sigma Alpha Mu, or “SAMMY,” is now officially recognized as a colony. The fraternity lost its charter in 2003 due to alcohol violations and administrative non-compliance. Chase Freeman, a freshman, has taken over as president.

Columnist Erin Cady weighs in on proposed housing changes page 3

SCENE ON THE RECORD A documentary brings new depth to the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. page 7

SPORTS UNDEFEATED Women’s basketball stays perfect in Patriot League play page 8

Formerly-exiled fraternity Sigma Alpha Mu recently regained official campus and national recognition as a colony, according to Curtis Burrill, director of greek life. Sigma Alpha Mu, better known as “SAMMY,” lost its charter in 2003 for administrative noncompliance and alcohol violations, The Eagle previously reported. Even without campus legitimacy, the group continued operating as a regular fraternity for the past seven years, Burrill said. Regaining charter is no common venture; it must be a collaborative effort between the campus, the national organization and the Inter-Fraternity Council, he said.

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“SAMMY headquarters sent three men down to meet with the guys, find out what they’re doing … and there were two options for them,” Burrill said. “One, send out a letter to cease and desist and start a lawsuit, or keep the men and start a colony.” For several years, SAMMY contemplated the decision to colonize, according to Rob Daley, member of SAMMY and senior in the School of Public Affairs. However, the fraternity’s autonomy was one main concern — some wanted to retain freedom from AU’s regulations, while others wanted to regain its legitimacy, Daley said. “There was a very heated debate for awhile between some of the brothers here, and even the ones that were abroad last semes-

ter when we were debating whether to come back on campus,” said SAMMY president Chase Freeman, a freshman in the School of International Service. “But now everyone is on board.” SAMMY proved that it is inline with the positive goals IFC is seeking to achieve this semester, said Adam Tager, public relations chair for the IFC. “We definitely want to clean up the image, because we get a bad rep that’s not really there,” Freeman said. SAMMY is an addition to colonies Zeta Psi and Tau Kappa Epsilon on campus. The rapid expansion of AU’s fraternity world has sparked some controversy among chapters — some of which believe too many colonies would n

see SAMMY on page 2

Hurst Hall pipes free of lead, water safe By ASHLEY DEJEAN Eagle Contributing Writer Rumors of lead pipes in AU buildings have been circulating around campus, but according to Director of Facilities Management William Suter, these rumors are false. Lead, however, does exist in some of the older building’s valves and solder, he said. Small amounts of lead leach into all water sources due to small amounts of lead in plumbing fixtures, valves and older solder, according to Suter. “Solder containing lead was banned over 20 years ago and has not been used on campus since the ban,” he said. While minimal amounts of lead leak into the water of some of the older buildings, it is still drinkable. “Our testing, along with testing performed by [the Water and Sewage Authority] our water provider, shows that our water meets [Environmental Protection Agency] and D.C. standards for quality,” Suter said in an e-

mail. AU’s campus was built over a hundred-year range, from 1897 until present day with the construction of the new School of International Service building. Hurst is one of the older buildings and deals with some water quality issues. However, it meets EPA and D.C. standards, according to Suter. “The symptoms we know about in Hurst include water discoloration and substances that clog water filters in the building,” Suter said. “These symptoms can stem from deterioration of the line feeding the building or from other contamination sources. An investigation and likely replacement of this line is part of a broader water and sewer system master plan in the initial stages.” Older water systems on and off campus are undergoing plans for renovations to ensure water reliability is more consistent on campus, Suter said. “Most of our water reliability problems are related to WASA lines feeding the university rath-

er than lines on campus,” Suter said. “WASA typically has water line issues in the winter and this winter has been no exception. WASA has line replacement projects underway.” Some students use water filters because they are uncomfortable with the drinking water at AU. “I think people are worried about the AU water quality because D.C. has a bad reputation for its water,” said Gina Maffucci, a freshman in the School of International Service. Drinking water faucets in AU dorms are typically fitted with water filters as well. The water is safe to drink, according to Suter. “Our testing, along with testing performed by [DC]WASA, our water provider, shows that our water meets EPA and D.C. standards for quality,” Suter said. You can reach this writer at news@theeagleonline.com.

SPLASHDOWN Men’s swimming and diving finish victorious against Georgetown

VOLUME 84 ISSUE 30

‘SAMMY’ gains colony status

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A HOUSE, A HOME

JANUARY 25, 2010

PHILLIP OCHS / THE EAGLE

JUMPING UP — Stephen Lumpkins fights for a ball in the air against Holy Cross as Vlad Moldoveanu looks on during Saturday’s “Phil Bender” event. AU won 71-64 and gave Head Coach Jeff Jones his 300th win at AU. It was the Eagles’ second win in Patriot League play.

‘AU Rising’ earns $3,000 AU dumps for Haiti relief fund rival Holy Cross 71-64 By RACHEL KARAS

Eagle Contributing Writer

As Haitians continue to struggle against the lingering effects of a devastating earthquake, AU students came together to help support the ongoing relief effort. Caribbean Circle, a student group, and the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity sponsored “AU Rising for Haiti,” a benefit concert with a recommended donation of $10 per person. The concert, hosted in the Kay Spiritual Life Center on Jan. 22, featured various AU performers including a capella groups, singers, a comedy troupe and more. Over 400 people attended, according to Brian Banks, a senior in the School of International Service, who helped organize the event. The event raised over $3,000 for Partners in Health, a non-profit organization currently running General Hospital in Port-au-Prince, according to the event’s program. Leah Bomberger, an AU alumna recently back from mission work in Haiti, commended the audience for their spirit of

joy and hope. “How the Haitian people would want you to help them ... [is to] rejoice,” she said. “Rejoice for what is to come.” Banks said he felt obligated to act after seeing reports of more than 100,000 people dead. “Something about this disaster struck me more than any other disaster at any other time,” he said. “It gripped me so much I knew I couldn’t do nothing.” Banks, who said the event came together at the last second, said he was “mind-blown” by its turnout. “We couldn’t have asked for a better group,” he said. “The performers gave it everything they had. People were opening up their pockets and digging deep for donations.” One goal of the benefit was to raise awareness of the country and its culture in addition to the current tragedy. “There are so many stereotypes about Haiti, but now people are looking into the country, seeing its rich history and its beauty,” event organizer Yanique Campbell, a freshman in the Col-

lege of Arts and Sciences, said. “I believe the earthquake is a turning point for Haiti ... everything will come together.” Emily Weinrebe, a freshman in the College of Arts and Sciences and a member of Dime A Dozen, said she was excited to be both participating in and watching “AU Rising for Haiti.” She said it gave her a sense of the earthquake’s impact on the people and their homes. “All the groups are amazing, and this is an unbelievable way to get everyone together to help,” she said. “AU’s response has been awesome. This school is really passionate about its activism and tonight is a great example of how committed we are.” Though the benefit raised over $3,000, many in Haiti continue to suffer. Event organizer Nakeesha Jeanne Ceran, a senior in the School of Public Affairs, lost her cousin in the earthquake and reminded people not to let Haiti become another forgotten headline. “It’s one thing to give your money and have a good time, n

see HAITI on page 4

By TOM SCHAD Eagle Contributing Writer The AU men’s basketball team got back on track with a huge victory over their nemesis Holy Cross 71-64 at the annual “Phil Bender” event Saturday. The win gave Head Coach Jeff Jones his 300th as head coach and extended the Eagles’ home winning streak in Patriot League play to 19 games. Vlad Moldoveanu led American with 20 points, eight rebounds and five assists, while Stephen Lumpkins recorded his third career double-double with 17 points and 15 boards. The Crusaders were held to 39 percent shooting in the game. “We certainly earned [the win],” Jones said. “It was very hard fought, as we knew it would be, but I thought we hustled, we scrapped and we earned it.” Coming off a 20-point loss at Army during the week, AU looked to bounce back against Holy Cross in a rematch of last year’s Patriot

League Championship. A season-high 2,743 fans were in attendance. “It was a great atmosphere in here,” Jones said. “Our guys also know that we didn’t distinguish ourselves against Army. We were to determined to come in here and, at the very least, compete.” The Eagles were aggressive early on, by quickly getting a lead with layups from Lumpkins and fellow sophomore Simon McCormack. Holy Cross also got off to a quick start as sophomore Devin Brown knocked down back to back three pointers. AU was in control through the first 10 minutes of play; the Eagles shot 60 percent from the floor, controlled the rebounding margin and had all the momentum on their side. The Crusaders looked flustered and several of their shots failed to even grace the rim. As the first half progressed, Holy Cross slowly began to pull itself back into game behind the n

see VICTORY on page 8

the EAGLE

JANUARY 25, 2010

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Exhibit - “Voices of Terezin: Art as a Strategy for Survival 9 - 11 a.m. WHERE: Bender Library INFO: This powerful exhibit features words, images and posters by the victims of concentration camps in the Czech Republic. CONTACT: For more information, e-mail Diana Vogelsong at dvogel@ american.edu.

Panel - “Narratives of Nonviolence: Stories from the Field” 5 - 7 p.m. WHERE: McDowell Formal Lounge INFO: A panel of practitioners from the field will share their experiences of nonviolence as a tool for overcoming violence, oppression and conflict. CONTACT: For more information, email Courtney Hess at spcr@american.edu.

Men’s Basketball vs. United States Naval Academy 7:30 - 9:30 p.m. WHERE: Bender Arena INFO: Come out and cheer on the Eagles as they take on the United States Navy Academy. CONTACT: For more information, email Kathryn Tortorici at tortoric@ american.edu.

General Interest Meeting Campuses for Clean Air 5:45 - 7 p.m. WHERE: Mary Graydon Center 244 INFO: Colleges Against Cancer will be discussing their participation in the Campuses for Clean Air campaign, a movement to implement a smoke-free policy on college campuses. CONTACT: For more information, e-mail Colleges Against Cancer at AmericanCAC@gmail.com.

Information Session: Study Abroad in Sub-Saharan Africa 12:30 - 1:30 p.m. WHERE: Mary Graydon Center 247 INFO: Join AU Abroad for an information session to learn more about how you can pursue your studies in Sub-Saharan Africa. CONTACT: For more information, e-mail AU Abroad at auabroad@ american.edu.

Miss America Watch Party 7:30 - 10:30 p.m. WHERE: Bender Library Mud Box INFO: In support of 2009 graduate from the College of Arts and Sciences and Miss District of Columbia Jen Corey, the Office of Alumni Programs invites you to watch the Miss America Pageant in the company of fellow Eagles. CONTACT: For more information, e-mail Heather Buckner at hbuckner@american.edu.

Panel reviews Obama’s first year By HOWIE PERLMAN Eagle Staff Writer A year after President Barack Obama’s inauguration, he is struggling to cope with populist backlash and vigorous Republican opposition, according to panelists at a recent discussion at AU. Two panels of speakers spoke at the Washington College of Law Friday, Jan. 22, to examine Obama’s performance since his inauguration. CNN’s Senior Political Analyst Bill Schneider said the recent wave of populist opposition Obama is facing with regards to health care and other policies is normal during times of economic instability. The populist tax revolts of the late 1970s and 1990s that rose from rough economic conditions and contributed to President Jimmy Carter’s and President George H.W. Bush’s defeats in their reelection bids, Schneider said. Celinda Lake, a Democratic pollster and one of the party’s leading political strategists, said for Democratic candidates to win in upcoming elections and increase public trust in their policies, the party must “deliver on

prosperity.” “Unfortunately, the [American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009] did not serve in voters’ minds as a job bill,” she said. Jonathan Capehart, an editorial writer for The Washington Post, said congressional Republicans have contributed to the difficulty Obama has been experiencing in passing legislation. “You can only change Washington if you have a willing partner,” Capehart said. “The Republican Party made it very clear from the very beginning that they were going to say ‘no’ to just about everything, to stop everything.” Just a few days before the panel, Republican State Sen. Scott Brown defeated Attorney General Martha Coakley, a Democrat, in a Massachusetts special election to fill the U.S. Senate seat held by the late Sen. Edward Kennedy. Kennedy had been a strong supporter of health care reform during his tenure in the Senate. Brown represents the Senate Republicans 41st vote, enough to make party-line filibusters, giving Republicans the means to effectively stop legislation from moving forward.

According to the results of Rasmussen Reports’ Jan. 23 Daily Presidential Tracking Poll, 61 percent of voters nationwide believe the health care reforms Obama and the Democratic majorities in the House and Senate are working to enact should be put aside in favor of focusing on the economy. Seventy percent believe reaction to health care reform efforts played at least a somewhat important role in Brown’s victory. Katlyn Schreck, a freshman in the School of Communication — who did not attend the panel — said there is a bright side the president can find, despite difficulties. “I think there are a couple of things that he knows he has to reevaluate,” Schreck said. “He’s realizing that the country is not necessarily all behind him on health care, and his ratings have gone down, but I think that’s normal in the first year. Under all the pressure he’s under, I think he’s doing a really good job of keeping his head up and hanging in there.” According to the Gallup polling organization, Obama began 2010 with a job approval rating of 50 percent, up from a low of 47

AARON BERKOVICH / THE EAGLE

ARGUING OBAMA — Michael Scherer (standing right) moderated the panel Friday with Jonathan Capehart (right), Phil Elliott (middle), Christina Bellantoni (second left) and Bill Schneider (left). percent in December. His rating is down from a high of 68 percent in April.

ASK AU: What do you think about greek life on campus? By SARAH PARNASS

The panels were moderated by Michael Scherer, a Time Magazine White House correspondent who covered 2008 Republican presi-

dential candidates. You can reach this staff writer at hperlman@theeagleonline.com.

from SAMMY on page 1

end up compromising existing, smaller chapters, Tager said. To ensure the longevity of each greek organization, Burrill acquired the power to delay the colonization process, according to Tager. “It’s better to have them as an IFC chapter, governed by the rules the rest of the chapters are than be an ungoverned local chapter that just does whatever they want to the detriment of other greek organizations,” Tager

said. Because SAMMY has been functioning effectively for several years, it is expected to gain charter by the end of the semester, according to Burrill. “They chose [to colonize] because they were running very well,” Burrill said. “They’re probably running better than some of our actual chapters on campus.” You can reach this staff writer at srudnick@theeagleonline.com.

METRO BRIEF t most abou I love the particular at th g in “The th out your great just not just ab AU is it’s fraternity, there’s a I’ve gotd r o sorority general, an programs munity in t greek com volved with differen lenic or el in ten really ass the whole Pan-H p m co en ” that ncil. rnity] Cou SPA, 2012 [Inter-Frate ICHMANN, E IE N A H P STE

“[Greek li overwhelmin fe is] prevalent but it ’s g. People th at want to p not pate can par articiticipate and I don’t feel li lose out on to ke you o much if yo u don’t join.” TAMMY LEE, SOC, 2011

“Me, personally I’ve rushed a few times but I never really got into it. I’m keeping my options open but I’m try ing to look for the organization that fits.” CHRIS WEIRICH, SPA, 201 2

“I kind of like to do my own thing and not be tied down to one group of friends all the time. I just float around.” GREG MCCATHREN, CAS, 2013

D.C. HEALTH DEPARTMENT OFFERS SWINE FLU VACCINE AT WIZARDS GAME Basketball fans will be able to receive swine flu immunizations while watching the Washington Wizards game Tuesday. The D.C. Department of Health is offering free swine flu vaccines to D.C. residents and anyone attending the Washington Wizards vs. Los Angeles Lakers basketball game at the Verizon Center on Tuesday. The vaccine will be offered before the game from noon to 4 p.m. or during the first half of the game. “The Department of Health is excited to partner with the Wizards and Verizon Center as part of our effort to provide the H1N1 vaccine to as many residents as possible,” DOH Director Dr. Pierre Vigilance said in a press release. “Sporting events are great venues to spread positive health messages for the whole family, so this opportunity for more people to get protected is appreciated, and especially important at this point in the flu season.” In addition, the Department of Health continues to offer free vaccines for all residents of D.C., even if they are not in a priority group delineated by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. The last planned clinics for January will be Monday and Tuesday this week, when the DOH Immunization Clinic on Georgia Avenue will be open to the general public from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. -MEG FOWLER

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“I’m kind of really focused on my studies – I’m a dual degree – so it just wasn’t really something I could fit in my schedule comfortably.” ASHLIE CIPRIANO, CAS, 2010

ties] do a lot of “[Fraternities and sorori ng a different bri ely nit social events that defi , which maybe the side of things to campus essarily approve nec sn’t administration doe ng [are a part] of of but parties and drinki better off if [they it’s , ore college, and theref happen] off campus.” 3 ANDREW DEAN, CAS, 201

Falafel sandwich Comes With: Tzatziki Sauce, Onion, Tomato, Parsley

Next to Chevy Chase Bank (In the Tunnel)

EDITORIAL

JANUARY 25, 2010

JOE WENNER n Editorial Page Editor EdPage@TheEagleOnline.com

JEN CALANTONE n Editor in Chief Editor@TheEagleOnline.com

Uncle Sam and the red ink sea GIVE ME LIBERTY

MICHAEL STUBEL “Things will get worse gradually, unless they get worse quickly.” -Alan J. Auerbach, Professor of Economics, University of California at Berkeley My first days as an intern on Capitol Hill were marked by the unheralded tasks familiar to any newcomer to the House of Representatives: sorting mail, distributing faxes to aides and answering phone calls from district constituents. As expected, many of the conversations were dominated by the everyday concerns of middle-class citizens struggling through an economic downturn. What surprised me, however, was the volume of appeals insisting on more Medicare protection, expanded health care coverage or increased security to stem the flow of illegal immigrants. For their parts, politicians on both sides of the aisle seem intent on drafting and defending plans for more stimulus funds, more bailouts and the preservation of Bush-era tax cuts. Indeed, the post-health care legislative agenda seems destined for tense standoffs on immigration reform, financial regulation and climate change. What, then, shall we make of this growing desire for more lavish government expenditures even while many condemn higher taxes? The harsh reality tells us that people need to pay more attention to the most extravagant number in Washington these days — the national debt. Prior to slipping into recession in late 2007, a law limited the amount the government may borrow to $12.1 trillion. This cap, of course, has been raised over the last two years to prevent further ruin. Heck, what’s a few more trillion dollars? The debt accumulates as the government finances annual budget deficits; it is likely these def-

icits receive more coverage because they are simply more manageable to comprehend. The 2009 federal deficit reached a record $1.42 trillion: a reflection of two recessions, two wars and the imprudent fiscal policies of the past two presidents. Dig deeper, though, and the weight of the national debt hits you like an oncoming train. The debt is a more accurate and honest figure in evaluating the country’s revenue, expenditures and mounting dues to foreign creditors. Now over $12.3 trillion, it is projected to rise to $15 trillion — 100 percent of the nation’s GDP — by the end of 2010. Since September 2007, the debt has increased by nearly $4 billion each day. Offering perspective for such staggering numbers can be difficult, but if the debt is averaged, each citizen would owe roughly $40,000. Despite the appeal of deficit spending to stimulate a sluggish economy, long-term debt hampers growth. Creditors will grow worried about how our government intends to repay its debts. These concerns will push interest rates higher because creditors will demand more money for their risk. Complicating an already grim situation is the fact that China, Iran, Russia and Venezuela are among our leading foreign lenders. Like it or not, large sums of American tax dollars will one day find their way to these countries. And bastions of capitalism, democracy and human rights they are not. No amount of spending cuts or tax increases will provide an immediate solution. As baby boomers begin to retire en masse, policymakers must address the fundamental structure of the health care system, Medicaid, Medicare, Social Security and the tax code. Nothing short of a radical reassessment of the social contract and the proper role of government will close the gap. Michael Stubel is a junior in the School of Public Affairs and the School of Communication and a moderate libertarian columnist for The Eagle. You can reach him at edpage@theeagleonline.com

Thoughts on housing THAT AMERICAN LIFE

ERIN CADY Barely two weeks into the semester, AU students have found themselves in the midst of a campus-wide housing mess. Through the barrage of talk and confusion, a few points have become clear. Specifically, while this news should not have come as a huge shock to students, Housing and Dining clearly should have handled the situation better. It was obvious from the very beginning of the academic year that on-campus housing was a serious problem. Freshmen arrived at orientation to find that 62 percent of the class of 2013 would be living in “temporary triples” for possibly the entirety of the fall semester. These 330 triples met Housing and Dining’s furniture and the residence halls’ plumbing capacity. Since AU’s retention rate, the desire for on-campus housing and enrollment for both first-year and transfer students are all growing, it was clear that the 2009-2010 housing crunch was only going to get worse in the years to come. The transformation of Clark and Roper Halls into first-year and University College housing is not meant to help alleviate the housing crunch but to improve the quality of students’ housing experiences. The university recognizes that putting three people into a room meant for two does not create the best living environment — just as floor dynamics don’t work so well when one half of the floor is involved in University College. While a simpler short-term housing solution could be to defer the upperclassman lottery system for another year and keep triples at their maximum, the university has implemented a more responsible, long-term solution. This plan is specifically meant to

make the housing experience more enjoyable for future students. Although Housing and Dining’s plan does inconvenience current students, I think we can all recognize that the university is attempting to deal with a difficult situation and understand that they have come to perhaps the best decision in what is an extremely messy problem. While the university’s solution to the housing problem can be understood given the circumstances, the way students received the information cannot. The Jan. 4 e-mail that Housing and Dining sent to current students was by no means the best way to inform students of the problem. With less than a month before the fall 2010 housing process began, students were left scrambling for both answers and plans. It is obvious that the university knew for months that housing for the fall would be an issue, especially since students could sense that a problem was looming. Housing and Dining simply should have contacted the student body much earlier in the academic year about potential issues. As AU continues to grow in popularity, I sense that there is an increasing focus on making the university more desirable for incoming students. Not that this is an issue. Obviously, I think that we all want AU to become even more highly regarded on both national and international stages. However, I think that it is important for the university to keep in mind that the current students of AU also deserve its attention and respect. We, too, were once those highly desired applicants. However, the major factors that brought us here are only possible because the student body makes it so. We make this university. Just something to keep in mind, Housing and Dining. Erin Cady is a freshman School of Public Affairs and an AU affairs columnist for The Eagle. You can reach her at edpage@theeagleonline.com.

Courtesy of MCT CAMPUS

Going greek

As AU welcomes back the Sigma Alpha Mu fraternity to campus, it is important to recognize the organization’s significant progress toward legitimacy The recent news that the once-unrecognized fraternity Sigma Alpha Mu — more often called “SAMMY” by members of the AU community — has regained recognition by university administrators undoubtedly elicits mixed feelings among students, faculty and staff. Some take these actions as positive progress and look forward to a new period of interesting and enriching evolution of social structure. Others express trepidation over this integration, pointing to the organization’s past unsponsored status as evidence of various corruptions within it. Regardless of where they stand in this regard, campus community members should resolve to keep an open mind when it comes to determining the merits of the new SAM-

MY colony. There are many contextual factors to keep in mind: It is quite clear that the fraternity’s history is shrouded with what might be called the urban legend factor — it is unclear to many community members why exactly the fraternity lost its school charter, so tall tales have circulated. Stories of gratuitous hazing, violence and substance violations are relatively common among those trying to explain history behind the “illegal frats.” Though the fraternity did operate for six years without administrative oversight, it’s unreasonable to slander an organization with uncorroborated rumor. Officially, the fraternity was removed due to administrative noncompliance and alcohol violations.

Thumbs up to...

Perpetuating rumors beyond what can be confirmed can be needlessly destructive to community atmosphere. Regardless of what the original violations were, campus members should keep in mind that since SAMMY lost its sponsorship, there has been a complete recycling of fraternity personnel — those originally responsible for its removal have long graduated. For SAMMY to seek campus recognition of the university, especially under the direction of a freshman president, displays a legitimate desire to change the fraternity’s reputation and become a contributing part of the campus community. Students, faculty and staff should reward SAMMY’s decision to relinquish complete administrative indepen-

dence and join the mainstream greek community by giving it a fresh chance to prove itself. Some will still object by contending that the InterFraternity Council is expanding greek life on campus too quickly, having already accepted colonization of Zeta Psi and Tau Kappa Epsilon during the past two years. They fear another colony will jeopardize the health of smaller existing greek organizations, but it is important to remember that AU is growing rapidly and that the creation of these new organizations symbolizes students’ desires to be involved on different terms. In the spirit of accepting democracy and equality generally we should all welcome these organizations and SAMMY to become part of AU.

Thumbs down to...

...Coco’s class. Last Friday, Conan O’Brien had every reason to be ...NBC Chief Executive Jeff Zucker. After single-handedly driving bitter. After barely seven months, capricious network executives NBC’s primetime and late night ratings into the ground and forchad forcibly cut O’Brien’s brief time as Tonight Show host short. A ing Conan O’Brien to leave the network, only one thing can be lesser man would have devoted his final show to a vindictive, self-serving said on Mr. Zucker: He is a great television executive ... for me to poop diatribe-and he would have been justified. But not Conan. Circumstances on! aside, O’Brien put together a poignant, selfless finale. The show hardly deviated from the standard format, complete with celebrity interviews. Conan proved he was the better man through this debacle. Wherever he ends up in the years ahead, we’ll be watching. ....Haiti Earthquake Response. The Eagle has already praised the efforts of the AU community responding to Haiti’s desperate need, but a second mention is well-deserved. This weekend, a benefit concert was held in the Kay Spiritual Center to raise funds and awareness for the earthquake victims. Because of the amazing reaction and attendance of AU students, the event raised nearly $3,000. Keep it up AU. Haiti will continue to demonstrate need in the coming months.

...The end of Jersey Shore. They came. They saw. They fist pumped. And we all fell in love. Besides causing hair gel sales to spike, inspiring a countless number of themed parties and instigating jealousy in all of the 10 AU students who aren’t from the Garden State, Jersey Shore characters each forced their way into our hearts through their extravagant, ridiculous and hilarious life choices. We will miss them so. MTV had better be in the process of developing a new season. If not, we’ll have a Situation.

....Hawaii’s Senate approval of civil unions for gay couples. De....TDR Coffee. A wise man once said that a morning without cofspite being voted down less than a year ago, a bill that would recfee is sleep. Upon visiting AU, he promptly declared a morning ognize civil unions for gay couples was revived and passed in the with TDR coffee is a nightmare — and we agree. As it stands, stuHawaii Senate over the weekend. These civil unions would give the exact dents breakfasting in TDR can look forward to coffee as appealing as the same benefits as marriage. Not only is this a step in the long walk toward 8:30’s we are headed to. It’s time to step up your game, Bon Appetit. The equality, it’s in an island paradise! With the bill’s veto-proof majority, there attendance rates of morning classes rest on your shoulders. is now an exorbitant amount of pressure for the Republican Gov. Linda Lingle to sign it into law.

the EAGLE

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the EAGLE

JANUARY 25, 2010

news 4

SOC students get schooled at NBC Partnership offers news education By MEGHAN SWEENEY Eagle Contributing Writer As a result of a partnership between the School of Communication and NBC, six AU students are participating in a one-credit course as part of the NBC4 Washington Broadcast Media Semester. SOC, Howard University and the University of the District of Columbia students are studying at the NBC4 studios on Nebraska Avenue to learn about station management, marketing, digital media, promotion and advertising, among other topics, according to SOC Associate Professor Jill Olmsted. “Students are benefited by having a professional association with journalists and other media professionals who are currently working in the field,” Olmsted said. “This has always been a hallmark of our programs.” Kristen Pionati, a junior in SOC and the School of Public Affairs, is

one of six AU students enrolled in the class. “It’s one thing to learn about the inner workings of a television station, but it’s a different thing to actually be able to see those inner workings,” Pionati said. “I hope to gain first-hand knowledge about the many facets that go into making broadcast news.” The NBC partnership began last fall when SOC Professor Sarah Menke-Fish and her students worked on an NBC4 project, “Metro Monsters,” which aired on NBC earlier this se-

“Students are benefited by having a professional association with journalists...” – Professor Jill Olmsted

mester, and contributed to the “Muppets and a Christmas Tree.” “[NBC News] President Steve Capus and I have signed an agreement

of cooperation creating opportunities for the NBC staff and our faculty and students to collaborate on content creation for broadcast and the Web and to develop cutting-edge academic programs in digital journalism for graduate students and mid-career professionals,” said Larry Kirkman, the dean of SOC. The class will be offered every spring and provides a cross section of journalism, public communication, film and visual media, according to Olmsted. “[The class] reflects the reality of what is possible in today’s changing media landscape,” she said. The partnership is in addition to AU’s long-standing class with The Washington Post, according to Peter Perl, the assistant managing editor for training and development at the Post. The class, which has not been offered in several semesters, has been modified, according to Perl. Instead of being offered every semester, the class will only meet in the spring with a limited number of students. The program became too large for the Post to accommodate due to the continual downsizing of the newsroom in the past 10 years, Perl said. You can reach this writer at news@theeagleonline.com.

from HAITI on page 1

but it’s another thing to learn from the experience,” Ceran said. “Everyone needs to keep learning because it’s what makes us a stronger country ... and will make Haiti a stronger country as well.” In the coming weeks, Caribbean Circle will sell T-shirts and pizzas and hold a fashion show featuring Caribbean designers. All proceeds will go to Haiti. The club will also be placing donation boxes throughout campus. For more information on how you can help, visit http:// american.edu/ocl/haitirelief/. You can reach this writer at news@theeagleonline.com.

PHILLIP OCHS / THE EAGLE

AU@NBC — At NBC studios on Nebraska Avenue, six AU students are participating in a one-credit course in partnership with local news station NBC4. Students are given the opportunity to “collaborate on content creation for broadcast and the Web and to develop cutting-edge academic programs,” said SOC Dean Larry Kirkman.

Simplified FAFSA cuts questions Smaller form gets mixed reviews By HOWIE PERLMAN

RACHEL KARAS / THE EAGLE

HEAVEN SENT? — In response to the tragic events in Haiti, six AU students helped organize “AU Rising for Haiti.” From left to right, Nakeesha Jeanne Ceran, Maureen Plaisimond, Tania Smith, Yanique Campbell, Emmalee June Kinard and Brian Banks.

EAGLE RANTS *@#!3*%! TODAY’S TRENDING TOPICS: Pro-tips, or (protips), tampons and other toilet troubles. TODAY’S TOP RANT: To the inconsiderate asshole who keeps covering the toilet with paper towels and then leaving them to clog the toilet: Okay your a germaphobe, I get it. However, if you want your stall to be so clean please be considerate enough to take your dozen paper towels and throw them out when your done. I know I don’t want to touch your ass sweaty paper towels and neither does anyone else. So clean it up. Thanks. Wtf eagle rants. I thought new rants came out every Monday and Thursday. I don’t care if its MLK. i want my rants, damnit! Hey all your January joiners in the fitness center!! I totally support you getting into shape but please learn the rules for signing up for machines before you attempt to figure out how to use them. The people who have been exercising since we got here in August thank you (even though we secretly hope your New Year’s resolution only lasts until February and we can enjoy not waiting 3 hours for an elliptical). Dear couple sitting at the next table in MGC who can’t seem to sit more than two inches apart or go more than 30 seconds without kissing, What exactly are you trying to prove? Sincerely, A concerned citizen. Pro-tip: the Leonard/McDowell bridge is not a great place to make out. For some reason, people who don’t make out in public seem to think the bridge is for walking through.

books,” that’s enough. Put your hand down and work on your Farmville. To the person who said its okay to flush tampons....I guess your new to AU because the famous Letts flood, that caused sewage to go into many dorm rooms was caused by too many ladies flushing tampons. Please thrown them away and not flush. The AU Shuttle ... you suck in the morning, you suck when I go home ... cant you get the idea its not okay to send two buses at once, so then no bus comes for over an hour?? When it was run by public safety it was better, now that facilities has it, it sucks. To the boy on the AU Shuttle: Talking about how much you hate your male RA is not okay, and to threaten to pee on his door because you sent him an e-mail, is not a good idea. You will get a Judicial charge, and you will be identified. Your anger issues need to leave AU, you do not belong. Protip: AU, don’t schedule a fire drill when it is freezing rain outside.It goes a long way for morale when it is not below freezing and people are not being pelted in the face with frozen shards of water for 30 minutes. I’d like to take a moment to rant about the women’s bathrooms on the first floor of MGC (and potentially men’s if they have a similar setup). If someone is at a sink, you can’t get past them to reach the stalls! And once you’re in the stall, you can’t flush the toilet without lowering the toilet’s lid. Honestly, since when do public restrooms have toilets with LIDS? What purpose does it serve, I ask you.

So, when is SDT going to realize that that’s not a peace sign on their parking garage banner? Although, maybe they were actually going for “Mercedes Logo, Heart, SDT.”

Do not go to bed earlier than most elementary school children. Then, do not simply lie there annoyingly talking on the phone in the dark until extremely late. Don’t you get it? It’s a viscous cycle that is driving me absolutely crazy.

To the girl in my Contemporary Latin America class who starts comments with things like: “Throughout my history through, like, the history

What’s this I hear about the guy who gives blow-jobs in the arboretum?

Dear Anderson neighbors, Can you please refrain from videotaping your sex life at two in the morning. Your moaning keeps me awake. Thanks. I totally saw a guy giving blow jobs in arboretum. Dear Fraternity brothers from all houses, Five of my friends have been roofied and puked the past two weekends. No it wasn’t just alcohol poisoning because they only had one drink and then don’t remember anything. Something is being slipped in drinks and something needs to be done about it. This isn’t directed at any one fraternity but all of you. You need to clean up your act or else all of you are going to get a bad reputation because of a few miscreants. I’ve realized something about greek life recently. It’s not that these people are paying lots of money to have friends, its that they’re paying lots of money so they can complain about how awful this drama/pledge class/ annoying person is. Also, non-greek people think you sound like an idiot when you talk about “brothers,” “sisters” and “families”. I bet that guy who gives blowies in the arboretum was pretty confused Wednesday night when all those people showed up in the amphitheater for the fire alarm. Maybe his customer base has expanded as a result. It’s 1:00am on a Wednesday. Shut the hell up, all of you in the hallway If you’re going to be so immature about what happened at the end of last semester that you won’t return my texts or re-accept me as a friend on Facebook, well then screw you, you dumbasses To the cute boy in Subway last week, we meet again! We should listen to the Decemberists together sometime. MORE RANTS ONLINE!

Eagle Staff Writer The U.S. Department of Education released an updated version of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid in an attempt to make it easier for current and prospective college students to apply for federal financial aid for their post-secondary education. The 2010-2011 FAFSA, which became available Jan. 1, has 22 fewer questions than its predecessor. The forms no longer require low-income students to provide asset information since it is not used to determine their aid eligibility, according to the Department of Education. Applicants who have changed their address within the last five years will be required to answer questions about their states and dates of legal residency. Questions regarding veterans’ ben-

efits have been entirely removed because they no longer affect eligibility for other federal aid, according to the Department of Education. Each academic year, 16 million students and their families submit a FAFSA. Before this year’s update, some applicants had to answer more than 150 questions — some of which had little or no effect on their actual financial aid packages. Hilary Donnell, a freshman in the School of Communication, said the Department of Education should be careful when choosing whether to eliminate questions from the FAFSA. “I think it’s important that they correctly assess whether the person needs or deserves financial aid,” Donnell said. “If it makes it harder for them to make an educated decision, then it’s bad.” The online version of the FAFSA, which is used by 98 percent of applicants, was also redesigned to make navigation shorter and more user-friendly. Julie Grace Brufke, a sophomore in SOC, said these changes can help students by giving them more time to devote for other priorities.

“When you’re a student, you’re busy. You don’t have time to fill out all this stuff; you’ve got enough on your course load,” Brufke said. “The more collegeeducated people we have the more successful businesses are going to be.” Congress is working on a bill that would further simplify the FAFSA. The House of Representatives passed H.R. 3221, the Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2009, by a mostly party-line vote of 253-171 on Sept. 17, according to the Library of Congress. If enacted, the bill would further decrease the number of questions the FAFSA would ask about students’ assets and allow students to answer questions about their financial circumstances through supplying the financial information already found on their tax returns, according to the Department of Education. The bill was referred Sept. 22 to the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions. You can reach this staff writer at hperlman@theeagleonline.com.

JANUARY 25, 2010

THE EAGLE'S ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT SECTION

Courtesy of DIYAH PERA

FAIRY TALE — Following what seems to be a trend in his most recent movies, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson plays a hockey player who almost lets slip to his girlfriend’s daughter that the tooth fairy doesn’t exist. As punishment for his disbelief in fairies, he is recruited for two weeks of ‘tooth fairy duty.’ With a strong cast including Billy Crystal, Stephen Merchant and Julie Andrews, the film manages to entertain mindlessly.

‘Rock’ shows soft side in ‘Fairy’ By HILARY LEISTER Eagle Contributing Writer THE TOOTH FAIRY

C+

Former W.W.E. wrestler Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson has been making appearances in movies and TV shows since the ‘90s. He played the Scorpion King in 2001’s “The Mummy Returns” and even appeared on “Saturday Night Live” in 2009, featured in a sketch as “The Rock Obama.” In his most recent film, “The Tooth Fairy,” Johnson

plays a macho hockey player, Derek Thompson, who gets a summons to serve as a tooth fairy because of his disbelief in mythical creatures. As a minor league hockey player, Thompson is infamously known as “The Tooth Fairy” for knocking out the teeth of opposing players on the ice. His girlfriend, Carly (Ashley Judd), is upset with him for almost revealing to her daughter that the tooth fairy doesn’t exist. In the middle of a sleepless night, Johnson sprouts a pair of fairy wings and receives a summons to the land of tooth fairies, where he is trained for two weeks of “tooth

fairy duty.” From there, he embarks upon a great adventure with shrinking powder, invisible spray and amnesia powder in tow. Judging by the trailers that have been shown everywhere this past month as well as the overall plot of the film, one might think that “The Tooth Fairy” would be a complete and total bomb. Who would pay $10 to see Johnson fly around in a tutu for 90 minutes making horrible jokes targeted at 10-yearold viewers? It probably won’t be nominated for any Oscars this year (if it is, the cinema industry is eminently tanking), but “The Tooth

Fairy” does have its moments of witty comedy and family fun entertainment. One of the main characters in the film is Tracy (Stephen Merchant), a social worker fairy who helps Johnson’s character learn the ropes of the tooth fairy business. Tracy has a serious case of “wing envy,” (he has a gene that makes him unable to sprout them), but yearns to one day become a wingless tooth fairy. While training by Johnson, this tall, lanky and freaky-looking creature ends up punching the head off a cardboard kid and shrieking at a cardboard dog that he thinks is a

dinosaur. Though it may not sound hysterical on paper, his awkwardness and subtle actions are sure to tickle anyone’s funny bone. Unquestionably, the best thing about “The Tooth Fairy” is its short comedic moments. Sure, there is an excellent moral lesson (for the younger crowds) that you should always follow your dreams and believe anything is possible. But without Johnson’s clever lines and the sarcastic insanity of Billy Crystal (who plays a crazy basementdwelling fairy), the film would be miserable for older viewers and viewed as just another piece of fluff

on the shelf of painful kids’ movies. “The Tooth Fairy” won’t change your life or make you believe that anything is possible, but it will certainly satisfy your guilty pleasure needs for cheesy, brainless, lowbudget films. If you’re babysitting young children in the near future, turn off the television and take them to see it. The kids will be giggling the whole way through, and they’ll be oh-so-excited the next time they lose a tooth. You can reach this writer at thescene@theeagleonline.com.

Fans adore ‘adventures’ ‘Scientists’ discover with Brooklyn indie duo

formula for success

By KATRINA CASINO Eagle Staff Writer

Alt-rock band unleash fans’ nerdy side By YOHANA DESTA Eagle Staff Writer If you think nerd rock only applies to bands like Weezer, you may want to redirect your attention to New York-based band We Are Scientists. The name alone conjures images of your eighth grade bio teachers strapping on guitars and jamming in laboratories. But to be honest, WAS are a little bit cooler, even if bassist Chris Cain, dressed in a crisp white oxford shirt tucked into khaki pants, actually does look like a science teacher. After making a name for themselves in the alt-rock world with the aptly titled debut, “Safety, Fun and Learning (In That Order),” the band took to the Black Cat on Jan. 21 for their Big Fucking Deal Tour to play old favorites and entertain the crowd with their witty banter. Their opening act was the sixpiece indie band Uninhabitable Mansions. All members of the band front other groups as well, such as Clap Your Hands Say Yeah and techno band Au Revoir Simone. They opened with the melodic tune “The Speed Is Deceiving.” Lead singer Robbie Guertin’s voice was on the girlie side, cooing and hitting high notes that float over the techno and guitar strums. At times, he and backing vocalist and keyboardist Annie Hart often sang different lyrics, clashing over the song.

Hart’s voice was low, matching Guertin’s soprano voice. On the scenic “The Brain Is a Slow Wave,” the keyboard blared, and there was more jamming than singing, with guitarist Chris Diken on his knees throughout, focusing only on his guitar. Guertin shook his head while Hart twirled around in her floaty blue dress behind the keyboard. After a few more songs that could have been on “The O.C.” soundtrack, the band closed with the folksy “We Already Know.” After finishing their set, Guertin took the mic and said, “If you can’t remember our name, just remember that we’re eight syllables of fun!” As WAS took the stage, the Black Cat grew packed with hipsters and loud drunk guys. Guitarist and lead singer Keith Murray sported a tight jean jacket over dark pants and Chris Cain took a sip out of a cup of beer while carefully holding on to his glasses. With that, they launched into the alt-rock number “The Scene Is Dead,” with Murray singing, “The night is young/I’m blacking out/But it’s been fun.” In between songs, Cain and Murray made jokes to keep the crowd rolling, talking about essential rock show staples such as Scooby Doo and Iron Man. But when it came to the music, they were seriously rocking out with Murray jumping all over the place, sometimes dragging the mic stand along with him. The crowd swayed and sang along to pop-influenced songs like “Chick Lit” and the riffheavy “Let’s See It.” “Now this is a song that we literally made up from scratch,” Cain said seriously, leading the band into the song, “Impatience.” Murray’s voice wavered and lifted throughout the song, with Cain singing backing vo-

cals and plucking his bass as fast as he could. Next came the infectious song that WAS deemed a “classic,” “Nobody Move, Nobody Get Hurt.” The lyrics in this song are about as sexy as WAS will ever get, with Murray singing, “My body is your body/I won’t tell anybody/If you wanna use my body/Go for it, yeah.” Temporary drummer Danny Allen (filling in for Andy Burrows), who could win a John Bonham look-alike contest any day, was pounding away at his kit, defining the sound of the song. “Wow, you can’t control rock ‘n’ roll,” Cain said after the song. “As your financial partner, I think you need to copyright that shit. Because I want a cut of that,” Murray said to Cain. After a few more danceable tracks like “Nice Guys,” “The Great Escape” and the raucous, bass-driven “Dinosaur,” WAS prepared to depart from the stage, finally playing the song “After Hours,” with Murray singing over and over “Say that you’ll stay!” Of course, this message beckoned the audience to ask for an encore, which they received. “We literally never do encores, but the Black Cat is such a great place to see We Are Scientists, and you guys are such a great audience,” Murray told the crowd cheerfully. With that, the guys played their final song, “Cash Cow,” a perfect alt-rock ending to the amazing and hilarious show. You can reach this staff writer at ydesta@theeagleonline.com.

Anyone who thinks they couldn’t possibly hear another straight-outof-Brooklyn indie band should think again. While many new artists and bands rely on a rotation of musical gimmicks or trademarks to establish themselves, boy/girl duo Savoir Adore win over fans by giving them the best of everything. Composed of college friends Deidre Muro (singer-songwriter/keyboard) and Paul Hammer (drums), Savoir Adore never really meant to be a band. The project began as an experiment when the two spontaneously recorded an EP in Hammer’s parents’ house. “The Adventures of Mr. Pumpernickel and the Girl With Animals in Her Throat” found surprising success, so Muro and Hammer decided to keep going. Exploring the idea that one band can encompass old-school folk-rock and new-school electronica in one sound, Savoir’s initial spontaneity of action carries into their sound. “In the Wooded Forest” is the band’s fulllength debut, a slightly more polished — though no less authentic — release than their previous work. The leadoff single “We Talk Like Machines” is all at once lingering guitar lines, climbing bass beats and simple, melodic vocals. The track is immediately charming in its nonchalance; from an easy tune, the music escalates to what nearly feels like a march — Savoir Adore’s movement is dynamic. So layered are Muro’s vocals that her voice seems like a chorus in and of itself, and Hammer’s voice works as more than just a harmony or a supplement. Even at full volume, the drummer’s singing provides gentle, melodic susurrations that quietly command attention. If Savoir’s sound seems a little too much like easy listening, the duo keeps audiences interested with tracks like “Bodies,” a rhythmic, jumpy, back-andforth rock song reminiscent of early ‘90s dance tracks a la “Groove Is in the Heart.” “Bodies” gives Savoir the edge they need, as Hammer’s vocals rise to meet Muro’s, and the two seem to tease both each other and the listener. In

Courtesy of SAVOIR ADORE

J’ADORE SAVOIR — Two college friends who had no intention of becoming a band, Savoir Adore bring honesty to a gimmicky industry. front of tick-tocking beats, Muro and Hammer repeatedly — and convincingly — promise their listeners a guarantee they can follow up on: “You can have it all.” The track has been gaining momentum and was even picked up by Marc Jacobs for their “Mix It Up” playlist that they offered to customers with purchase. The variety in Savoir’s music comes as no surprise when the two reveal their influences. As they explained to the music blog Avenue 61, their music is shaped by “The three B’s: Bach, Beethoven and ... The Beatles. Bach for counterpoint, Beethoven for the romanticism and The Beatles for melody.” Savoir is concerned with giving listeners the best of the best and prove that there’s room to move around, even within a genre, and even if that genre is “Melodramatic Popular Song,” as listed

on their MySpace. Currently touring the country and picking up local openers in different cities, Savoir has taken live lineup from two to five, adding friends David Perlick-Molinari, Sasha Brown and Tim McCoy to their live show. The added members allow Savoir to explore and perform the fuller sound they created on “In the Wooded Forest,” giving depth to their performance and a stronger sense of life to their show. Savoir Adore played the Velvet Lounge on U Street on Friday, Jan. 22, but don’t worry if you missed them — they’re stopping by D.C. again on March 25. You can reach this staff writer at kcasino@theeagleonline.com.

the EAGLE

JANUARY 25, 2010

the scene 6

Bethesda opens to frugal diners By OLIVIA STITILIS Eagle Staff Writer After spending a month or so away from school and re-acclimating ourselves with home cooking, we blissfully forget the long lines and lack of diversity at TDR. Yet we are now two weeks into the new semester and once again back to campus food reality. Even if your excitement for yet another trip to Chipotle or Z-Burger is beginning to wane, don’t despair. Anyone ready to shake up their dining routine is in luck. Look no further than the Bethesda Chevy Chase Restaurant Week. This special event, which happens only twice a year, will start Jan. 25 and run through Sunday, Jan. 31. The Bethesda Chevy Chase Restaurant Week presents the perfect opportunity to gather a group of friends, explore Bethesda and test out a variety of different and interesting cuisines for a cheaper than usual price. Most participating restaurants are offering both fixed lunch and dinner menus. Prices for a two-

course lunch will vary from $12 to $15, and dinner rates will range from $25 to $30 for a three-course meal. According to the Bethesda Chevy Chase Restaurant Week Web site, “participating restaurants will showcase pre-fixed gourmet cuisine items created exclusively for this biannual event. They will offer a two-course lunch and/or a three-course dinner, plus each restaurant will also offer its standard fare at regular prices.” There are 39 Bethesda restaurants taking part in the Bethesda Chevy Chase Restaurant Week, and the event will certainly not be lacking in diversity. There is a type of restaurant for everyone. Not only will the classic pasta fans be pleased, but even the most adventurous of global foodies. In addition to the perhaps more expected Italian and American cuisines, there will also be the opportunity to test out Indian, Lebanese and Cajun and Creole style meals. The event is put together by the Greater Bethesda Chevy Chase Chamber of Commerce as well as

The Washington Post and is sponsored by the Montgomery County Conference and Visitors Bureau and the Bethesda Urban Partnership, according to the event’s Web site. Restaurant week offers students who couldn’t otherwise afford to go out a chance to dine at some of the area’s finest restaurants. Bethesda is only a short Metro ride away and many of the restaurants are in walking distance from the Bethesda Metro stop. No matter what your plans are for the rest of the month, do not let this great opportunity pass you by. Bring good company, whether for lunch or for dinner, and enjoy some of the best restaurants Bethesda has to offer. For more information about Bethesda Chevy Chase Restaurant Week and for a list of all participating restaurants, visit www.b-ccrestaurantweek.com. You can reach this staff writer at ostitilis@theeagleonline.com.

Courtesy of DEAN HENDLER

LAID BACK — Best known for his role on NBC’s “Parks and Recreation,” Aziz Ansari released his first comedy CD. On “Intimate Moments for a Sensual Evening,” Ansari offers his fans some of the comedy that they would expect to hear out of him. Unfortunately, this adds some predictability to an otherwise impressive effort.

Ansari loses ‘intimacy’ with retreaded material By MICHAEL W. RICHARDSON Eagle Staff Writer Aziz Ansari “Intimate Moments for a Sensual Evening” INTIMATE MOMENTS FOR A SENSUAL EVENING

(Comedy Central Records) Sounds like: an overly-caffeinated pop culture snark-fest. Aziz Ansari has seen his stock rise dramatically in the comedy world over the last few years. After starting as an intern at the Onion, his sketch comedy troupe Human Giant became one of the few watchable scripted programs in MTV’s arsenal. His turn in NBC’s “Parks and Recreation” is stitch-inducing, as he steals each scene he shows up in. And his tiny role as a scathing parody of Dane Cook known as Raaaaaaaandy (the eight A’s are integral to the character) in Judd Apatow’s film

“Funny People” ended up as a cult favorite. A mockumentary about his character even became part of the movie’s promotional campaign. The handful of scenes he appears in end up as the parts to watch, almost without fail. That’s why, on the surface, his standup album is so disappointing. Ansari works with mostly unoriginal material, with references that are either already dated or will be soon. He throws around bits about Craigslist, Facebook, MTV and “The Dark Knight” with punch lines that have been done better in other mediums. Much like more maligned comics (Cook comes to mind, as well as Carlos Mencia), Ansari relies on delivery rather than punch lines, allowing his frenetic pace and penchant for yelling evoke much of the humor. But it would all be much less enjoyable if he weren’t so likeable. When Ansari is at his best, the jokes are long stories that have a mixture of false cockiness and actual self-deprecation that makes the whole thing more endearing than it seems initially.

Long skits about his success at tricking cashiers at CVS and harassing his cousin on Facebook are only funny because of the absurdity of his confidence about such a small thing. Contrasted with this, his long bits on his friendship with Kanye West (which are worth listening to if only to reinforce every known stereotype about Kanye West) and getting yelled at for having a runny nose on an airplane are hysterical because of his own self-awareness of the absurdity of his own life. Notably, the last track is done completely in character as Raaaaaaaandy, bringing back all of the ironic dick-punch jokes and featuring his overly enthusiastic DJ, who highlights each punch line with the most annoying artificial sounds possible. It’s perhaps a bad choice, as it allows us to see the similarities between his ironic persona and his actual jokes. You can reach this writer at mrichardson@theeagleonline.com.

Courtesy of FUELED BY RAMEN PRESS

SOCIAL PROVIDENCE — After finishing their third full-length album entitled “Who Are You Now” this past year, This Providence are picking up steam. Two of the singles off the album have frequented MTV and the band are currently on tour with Motion City Soundtrack. The tour stops in Towson, Md. on Feb. 1.

Providence won’t sell out for success

By MAGGIE HOLLANDER Eagle Staff Writer

Up-and-coming band This Providence had a good year in 2009. They released their third full-length album, “Who Are You Now,” and their single, “Letdown,” got decent radio play and significant notice from MTV, as did “Keeping On Without You.” They even got to play at Seattle radio station KISS 106.1 FM’s annual Jingle Bell Bash with, among other bands, the All-American Rejects. But they’re not slowing down; rather, 2010 may be just as big — if not bigger — for This Providence. In an interview with The Eagle, bassist David Blaise discussed being on the road, the progression of the band and what’s next for This Providence. After a month and a half of relaxation time — the longest amount of time the band spent at home in about a year — This Providence is hitting the road again, opening for Motion City Soundtrack. But being back on tour, Blaise said, is bittersweet. “We’ve been out for nine months last year,” he said on the phone from Minneapolis. “We got kind of just a little piece of home. It’s definitely awesome to be back on the road, we miss it. But it’s different to get back into it when it’s this cold.” Besides their dedication to the music, what sets This Providence apart from the rest of the pack is their refusal to give in to the current fads. “We don’t really have too many gimmicks like some bands do,” Blaise said. “We like to focus on the songs a lot and less of the image.

We don’t try to follow the trend as much as some other bands might. We don’t want to pigeonhole ourselves in a certain genre — we kind of just make our own style a little bit.” First formed in 2003, the band has progressed greatly from one album to the next. “Basically, we’ve stripped it down a lot more,” Blaise said of the evolution of the This Providence sound. “When we first started, the band was a lot more pop-rock, pop-punk and a little more technical. It was more about trying to have impressive guitarlines and baselines and stuff, and we weren’t really focusing as much on just simple songwriting.” This Providence, he went on to explain, seek to be accessible. “We want to be more of a band that you can just sing along to and not have to get messed up in the time signatures or anything anymore,” he said. “It’s just in the kind of stuff we love.” “Who Are You Now,” which was first released in early 2009, is full of catchy rock music without a lot of the bells and whistles that fill most popular music these days. Beautifully simplistic without feeling empty, the songs are more reminiscent of bands that were big 10 or so years ago. Ranging from the more rock ‘n’ roll “Letdown” to the bare-bones “Sand In Your Shoes,” the band fill a void present in their genre. Without pretending to be something it’s not, This Providence are able to simply create good music, something that other bands struggle to do. “Waste Myself,” described by Blaise as “feel-good rock,” is what listeners can expect to hear more of on their next album. Although

they are currently in the process of writing new music, fans shouldn’t expect to hear it any time soon. “[The album] is going well right now, but it kind of takes a standstill when we’re back on the road,” Blaise said. “We’re going to be trying to write a lot more, though, than we normally do when we’re on tour. But we probably won’t be hitting the studio until the summer.” Of course, every band has its pastimes, and one of This Providence’s is a fascination with social networking. “All of us are obsessed with Twitter and blogging,” Blaise said. “We try to pretty much do any kind of social networking thing to get involved with the fans and talk to them. There’s Buzznet, Tumblr, Blogspot, Myspace, Facebook, Twitter — we pretty much do all of those just to get any kind of fan who enjoys our music and hit them up in any certain way. And plus we love it, so it’s win-win I guess.” But with the music industry suffering in the financial crisis, bands like This Providence must make a point of asking fans to support them monetarily as well as in spirit. “Come to a show and ... keep buying music!” Blaise said. “’Cause it’s a little easier to just steal music and make your impression without going to a show or following a band at all.” Keep an eye out for This Providence in 2010, and make sure to catch them opening for Motion City Soundtrack at the Recher Theater in Towson, Md. on Feb. 1. You can reach this writer at mhollander@theeagleonline.com.

Want to catch up on celebrity gossip? Check out the Scene blog every Monday for the hottest news.

Courtesy of LINDSEY BYRNES

FUN. TIMES — Fun. will be displaying their individual brand of pop at the 9:30 club next month.

‘Format’ singer brings ‘fun.’ to District venues By MAGGIE HOLLANDER Eagle Staff Writer With a name that makes automatic spelling and grammar fixes an unwelcome burden, fun. are simply as their name describes: fun, period. The band formed just a couple years ago when frontman Nate Ruess’ band, The Format, broke up. He joined forces with Jack Antonoff (formally of Steel Train) and Andrew Dost (formally of Anathallo) to create a unique indiepop group. In an interview with The Eagle, the multi-instrumental Andrew Dost talked about the band’s conception. “We all just kind of developed a mutual respect,” Dost said. “It was something we’d kinda wanted to do but it was unspoken. So once The Format, Nate’s band, disintegrated, he called up me and Jack. And then within the week we just agreed to go and get one-way tickets to New York to meet Jack, and that was it, we just started writing right away.” From the very first moment of their debut album “Aim and Ignite,” which was released in late August, fun. bring Broadway to alternative-pop music. The first track, “Be Calm,” exemplifies everything that makes fun. what they are, and the song Dost believes most defines their sound. Backup vocals are prominent, and more orchestral instruments are added to the traditional rock mix of guitar, bass and keyboards to give the whole record a more theatrical tone. A later number, “Light

a Roman Candle With Me,” sounds like it came right out of a musical, and Ruess’ songwriting and vocals stand out above all else. The band’s “’70s of ‘60s sensibility,” in Andrew’s words, comes out in several of the tracks. One of the singles, “All the Pretty Girls,” is reminiscent of the Beach Boys at times, and is definitely one of the standouts on the 10song CD. Things get a little funkier on “At Least I’m Not As Sad (As I Used To Be),” and the oddball combination of musical genres and instruments forces the listener to not be sad — at least, not as sad as they used to be before listening to the song. “I would like to think that what makes us special is that we genuinely know what we’re doing,” Dost said. “I think there’s a tendency in rock bands to feel what you’re doing, and just go from your gut or your crotch or wherever it is that rock ‘n’ roll emanates out of. But I think we tend to write from our brains, or at least I do, more than I do out of my stomach.” Clarifying his thoughts, Andrew Dost continued to try and explain what makes fun. so different and worth listening to. “I think at least a lot of what’s popular, what’s out of the indie world right now, is sort of like garage-y and low-fi stuff. I definitely think we’re a reaction to that in the complete opposite direction; we want our songs to be very hifi and very well thought out and well put together.”

Fun. have gotten a lot more notice recently, thanks to a feature on blink182 bassist and singer Mark Hoppus’s Spin Magazine blog, Hopp on Pop, which Dost called “really cool.” Although in the piece Hoppus expresses an interest in working with the band in the future, fun. have “no plans at this point” to do so. Like many other bands, the members of fun. have taken to social networking — but not for any serious purposes. “We use Facebook and Twitter,” Dost said. “I think that’s more not even to reach out to fans as it is just like, it’s nice to have people pay attention to stupid, random thoughts that we have.” But the most important thing to keep in mind about fun., according to Dost, is to keep an open mind. “Just please give it a chance and believe in it a little bit,” he asks listeners. “I think all music takes a little bit of effort to get into, a little bit of something of yourself that you have to give to it. It’s almost a willingness to believe, not just the absence of cynicism or skepticism but just giving yourself to it. That’s how I want people to listen to my art, with some willingness to give themselves to it a little bit.” Catch fun. live as they open for Jack’s Mannequin at the 9:30 club on both March 3 and 4. You can reach this staff writer at mhollander@theeagleonline.com.

CLASSIFIEDS

JANUARY 25, 2010

KUSHAN DOSHI n Business Manager 202.885.3593

CLASSIFIEDS SITTERS WANTED $12 or more per hour. Register free for jobs near campus or home. www.student-sitters.com

LOOKING FOR A CAREGIVER Warm, loving family looking for after-school care for 6 year old girl in exchange for a private, comfortable apartment complete with bedroom, kitchenette, bathroom and private entrance in the familyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s home. Prefer a grad student (education major a plus) who could start work around 3 pm and finish by 7 pm or earlier most evenings. Duties would include transportation to and from after school activities (car provided during work hours), preparing basic meals for the child, and providing a stimulating environment for a growing mind. The home is located in the Palisades, near Sibley hospital, on the D6 bus line. Contact: aschers@gunet.georgetown.edu

CHEAP TEXTBOOKS Textbooks bought and sold, new & used, online buybacks. Buy, sell, rent at http://cheapbooks.com. 260-399-6111 EspaĂąol 212-380-1763, urdu/hindi/punjabi/ 713-429-4981, see site for other support lines.

A byte from The Eagle blogs Goodbye, cell phone! From â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Eagle Takes Flightâ&#x20AC;? By LINDSEY ANDERSON Jan. 24 PHOENIX â&#x20AC;&#x201D; I know itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s probably a bit premature to begin blogging about my Costa Rica experience when I am sitting in the Phoenix airport waiting to get there. But I have already discovered the first study abroad experience: no cell phone. I know it is so overdramatic, but I feel sad without it. You might laugh when I say my phone is my life, but what I mean is, my phone encompasses my life. It has photos of my friends and family, whom I love. It has texts that I have saved for months because they made me smile. People have said the nicest and the meanest things via text. People have loved me and left me through that phone. My littlest sister giggled. My middlest sister called me strange pet names. New friends were made with that phone, and I smiled every time our texts planned countless dinners and get-togethers. An old friend told me he missed me, and I never thought he did. Another assured me that everything would be okay when I was in the middle of a fight with someone else. Someone randomly told me she loved me every month or so in cute, sweet ways. Someone else said she just might be okay today, and that sometimes the sunâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rays made her think of angels. And one person stole my heart with a few kind, mushy text messages. I almost brought my phone with me just so I could keep those things close. I keep a running conversation with people via text, and it makes me feel like Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m a part of their life even when Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m far away. Without my phone I feel very far from everyone. That being said, not having my phone just means I expect lots of e-mails and video chatting instead, even if I have to walk miles to an Internet cafe once a week. So, goodbye, my dear cell phone. Hello, â&#x20AC;&#x153;old schoolâ&#x20AC;? communication; I hope we can be good friends.

Celebrities help Haiti, Lady Gaga disappoints fans From â&#x20AC;&#x153;Behind the Sceneâ&#x20AC;? By MELISSA CHAVEZ Jan. 18 Celebrity Weekend Wrap Ups Since the crisis in Haiti, everyone has been doing their part. Even celebrities are pitching in: According to E! Online, Lady Gaga has promised to donate all proceeds from ticket sales and merchandise sold at her concert in New York next week to Haiti. Sandra Bullock donated $1 million to Doctorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Without Borders,

stating, â&#x20AC;&#x153;I wanted to ensure that my donation would be used immediately to meet the needs of the Haitian people affected by this catastrophic event.â&#x20AC;? And next Friday, George Clooney will host a telethon to help the devastated country. Lady Gaga has been upsetting fans everywhere. According to the New York Times, the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Bad Romanceâ&#x20AC;? singer canceled or postponed several concert dates, including one on Thursday evening at Purdue University. She announced via her Twitter account that it was due to exhaustion, yet Friday she managed to make an appearance on Oprahâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s talk show. With her gig on Jan. 24, fans are hopeful â&#x20AC;&#x201D; and anxious â&#x20AC;&#x201D; that she wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t cancel that as well.

Five Surprises of Vienna From â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Eagle Takes Flightâ&#x20AC;? By LAUREN AITKEN Jan. 23 VIENNA â&#x20AC;&#x201D; I expected a lot from Vienna. Mainly, I expected lots of cake, opera and waltzing. However, a few elements truly surprised me. 1. If you go outside, you will smell like smoke once you come back inside. You do not need to stand by someone smoking or be in a crowded smoky bar. As long as you enter a cafĂŠ, restaurant or any means of public transit, you will need to douse yourself in Febreeze when you return. 2. The Viennese are green. They recycle everything. On street corners, there are about ten dumpsters labeled with different materials. Vendors expect customers to bring their own reusable shopping bags, and therefore donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t even have bags in grocery stores. For a metropolitan area, Vienna is surprisingly environmentally friendly. 3. Everyone listens to retro American music. Even if comments from the disc jockey and ads for dish soap are in German, the radio will not play a single German song. Expect to hear Bryan Adams over coffee and Austrians singing â&#x20AC;&#x153;Free Birdâ&#x20AC;? at bars. 4. There are â&#x20AC;&#x153;pizza and kebabâ&#x20AC;? stands galore. If downtown or near public transit, pizza and kebab stands are more common than even bratwurst stands. More intriguing is how pizza and kebab never seem to be sold separately. There is even a kebab pizza. 5. Austrians capitalize off the confusion with Australia. Apparently, people so often confuse Austria with Australia that it created a series of witty souvenirs and establishments. The phrase â&#x20AC;&#x153;There are no kangaroos in Austriaâ&#x20AC;? adorns lots of touristy trinkets. There is even an Australian themed bar called â&#x20AC;&#x153;Roo Barâ&#x20AC;? that attracts both Austrians and Americans.

Read more abroad blogs at

theeagleonline.com

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Courtesy of PAUL DRINKWATER

CONANâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S SITUATION â&#x20AC;&#x201D; One of the fall televisions seasonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s greatest surprises was the loss of Conan Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Brien on NBCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;The Tonight Show.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; After over 20 years with the network, fans watched on as Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Brien said farewell to the supporters he said had been â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;inspirationalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; with their support.

Coco makes classy exit By YOHANA DESTA Eagle Staff Writer This season, television shows were chock full of drama and new beginnings. Whether you are a longtime fan gearing up for the new season of â&#x20AC;&#x153;Lost,â&#x20AC;? a late-night aficionado clinging to the last remaining episode of â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Tonight Show with Conan Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Brienâ&#x20AC;? or a college kid glued to the television to watch the fights on the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Jersey Shore,â&#x20AC;? there was no shortage of good shows to obsess over. On Friday, Jan. 22, Conan Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Brien took to the stage of the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Tonight Showâ&#x20AC;? for the last time. After the whole NBC debacle, Team Coco fans tuned in to watch his last starring role on television for the next seven months. But in true Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Brien style, the night was big on laughs and Alist stars. The show started off with Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Brien informing HBO that, should they make a film about this ordeal, heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like to be portrayed by Tilda Swinton (an eerily surprising doppleganger). What followed was a montage of Conanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s finest moments from his run on â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Tonight Show,â&#x20AC;? set to the Cheap Trick classic, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Surrender.â&#x20AC;? Soon after, Steve Carell came onstage to shred Conanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s NBC ID badge. Next was movie star Tom Hanks, who was the first person to affectionately deem Conan Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Brien, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Coco.â&#x20AC;? For the final performance, the endlessly talented Neil Young performed â&#x20AC;&#x153;Long May You Run.â&#x20AC;? To round out the night, a red-faced

Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Brien on the brink of tears said a few words to thank the fans and those in the audience: â&#x20AC;&#x153;The fact that people traveled and camped out in the rain to be in our audience â&#x20AC;&#x201D; you made a sad situation joyous and inspirational. To all the people watching, I can never thank you enough for your kindness to me, and Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll think about it for the rest of my life. All I ask of you is one thing: please donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be cynical ... Nobody in life gets exactly what they thought they were going to get, but if you work really hard and youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re kind, amazing things will happen.â&#x20AC;? To prove that amazing things would happen, Will Ferrell, Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top, Ben Harper and Beck took the stage to sing a rousing rendition of â&#x20AC;&#x153;Freebird,â&#x20AC;? with Will Ferrell breaking out the cowbell during the raucous guitar solo. It was a show no one will ever forget in late night, and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s certain that no matter where Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Brien goes next, a slew of his fans are sure to follow. The real surprise hit of the season has to be the brow-raising â&#x20AC;&#x153;Jersey Shore.â&#x20AC;? With their glossy, spiked hair, overly-tan skin and fist-pumping dance moves, the self-proclaimed guidos and guidettes of Jersey Shore found their way into the hearts of American television viewers. Sure, say that their behavior was scandalous and their priorities always on the naughty side, but they knew how to have a party. Week after week, 3.5 million people tuned in to watch the drama go down in Seaside Heights.

Courtesy of PAUL DRINKWATER

RED GIANT â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Brienâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s last show was full of celebrities who wanted to be part of the legacy, including Will Ferrell, ZZ Top, Beck and Tom Hanks. There was loud house music, sex, swearing, smoking and the obligatory fistfight. What happened in Jersey Shore was there for everyone to see with itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s-so-bad-itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s-good qualities; â&#x20AC;&#x153;Jersey Shoreâ&#x20AC;? became the latest guilty pleasure. Whether it was calling girls â&#x20AC;&#x153;creatures,â&#x20AC;? working out or swearing at the top of their lungs, it was an infectious hit that had everyone wishing they could spend a wild summer in Seaside Heights. For those looking how to be a proper guido, heed the advice of Mike, more commonly known as â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Situation:â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;These are rules to live by â&#x20AC;&#x201D; shave last minute, haircut the day-of,

maybe some tanning and the gym. You gotta do the guido handbook.â&#x20AC;? And after nine glorious episodes, the Shore has come to an end. What have we learned? That GTL (gym, tan, laundry) is the way to live; youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not a real guido until you have a nickname; Ed Hardy is a fashion god, and inside all of us is a tan, Italian fighter ready to live it up. In the words of the loquacious Pauly D, â&#x20AC;&#x153;You have to stay fresh to death.â&#x20AC;? Now, thanks to â&#x20AC;&#x153;Jersey Shore,â&#x20AC;? we all know how. You can reach this staff writer at ydesta@theeagleonline.com.

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Recordâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; captures MLK legacy By AMRITA KHALID Eagle Contributing Writer

KING: A FILMED RECORD

A-

To many educated in the American public school system, a documentary about Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. may sound a bit old. Most of us are wellversed about the life of this great and beloved leader. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve heard his recorded speeches since grade school, read about him in textbooks and have performed services on the holiday dedicated to him. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve sung songs about him, watched the video of him speaking live at the Lincoln Memorial and have performed in pageants about him. As a cultural icon, he is as much of an integral part of growing up in America as George Washington or Christopher Columbus. Yet the documentary, â&#x20AC;&#x153;King: A Filmed Record: Montgomery to Memphis,â&#x20AC;? paints a stark and realistic portrait of King in his prime that many have never seen. Directed by Sidney Lumet and Joseph Mankiewicz and released in 1970, the film was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Documentary. Regardless, it is relatively obscure in the film world and has a limited distribution, usually screened in theaters for MLK Day. The film is an intense, almost creepy experience when seen in a theater. The huge black and white images of events such as a young woman being dragged across the street by multiple cops, or protesters at a rally, seem to trap you inside their somber, white noise-filled vacuums. The film has no narration,

only a few brief interludes by people such as Sidney Poitier and Bill Cosby, standing alone in gray rooms, reciting Kingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s speeches. The camera zooms in so close you can almost see their pores and individual hairs. You see men being arrested for participating in a sit-in and hear the sound of their feet being dragged on the pavement. This is more than flat characters and the stuff of history textbook mythology. This film is a bug on the wallâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s perspective of the Civil Rights era. The viewers can notice very human details that are rarely seen in other film reels. Viewers also notice the white man quickly and considerately adjusting Kingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s microphones during the iconic Lincoln Memorial rally; a staring, smiling infant on a womanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lap, relatively nonplussed by the raucous sermon that is taking place, and a young man being punched by a sheriff attempting to prevent a huge line of black people from voting. The man delivers a brave and stunning speech to the sheriff, who then proceeds to deliver a sudden and sickening blow. The sound of impact on flesh is recorded to the very decibel, and you can hear the cries of anguish and shock from the onlooking crowd. The filmâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sequence is loose, occasionally feeling like a series of reels with little correlation, yet it is roughly the history between the Montgomery bus boycott and Kingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s death in Memphis. Countless examples of Kingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s oratory are captured, from his quintessential â&#x20AC;&#x153;I Have A Dreamâ&#x20AC;? speech to lesser-known speeches, such as â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Drum Majorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Instinctâ&#x20AC;? and several of his more religious sermons. The soundtrack is soulful Southern blues that envelops the film in a spirited, vivid light.

Courtesy of MCT CAMPUS

THE DREAM LIVES ON â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Though many of us think we know the ins and outs of Martin Luther King, Jr.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life, the documentary â&#x20AC;&#x153;King: A Filmed Record: Montgomery to Memphisâ&#x20AC;? gives new insight into the icon. Standing alone, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Kingâ&#x20AC;? is not just a marvelous documentary about Dr. King, but a marvelous documentary by itself, capturing the raw lushness of

life quite masterfully. You can reach this writer at thescene@theeagleonline.com.

SPORTS

JANUARY 25, 2010

ANDREW TOMLINSON n Sports Editor 202.885.1404

Few wins for D.C. sports SIDELINE SCHOLAR

BEN LASKY

KELSEY DICKEY / EAGLE FILE PHOTO

CONCENTRATION — Michelle Kirk stands at the line to shoot free throws in an away game. Kirk was the driving force behind the women’s victory, scoring a game high-21 points and had eight rebounds.

Women unbeaten in league By TYLER TOMEA Eagle Contributing Writer Michelle Kirk, Liz Leer and Raven Harris all scored in double digits and the AU women’s basketball team held off a second-half Holy Cross rally to defeat the Crusaders 64-51 on Sunday. Kirk finished with a game-high 21 points to go along with eight rebounds, while Leer registered 15 points, four rebounds and two blocks. Harris had 15 points and three steals. The game was close early on, with the score knotted at 11 with 13 minutes remaining in the first half. AU then went on the first run of the game, as two Kirk freethrows capped a 14-5 AU run that put the Eagles ahead 25-16. The largest AU lead of the opening half came with less than a minute to play, when an Ebony Edwards layup made it 33-22 in the Eagles’ favor. A jumpshot by Holy Cross forward Tayana Carper to end the half put AU’s advantage at 33-24. Kirk netted 11 of her 20 points in the first half, while Meredith Ward led the Crusaders with seven, and guard Brianna McFadden had six of her team-high 16 points. Both teams struggled from the field, as AU shot 34 percent while Holy Cross only shot 32 percent. Holy Cross opened a strong second half and cut the AU lead to three with 13:37 to play, when McFadden converted a three-point play off an assist from Bethany O’Dell. A three-

from VICTORY on page 1

strong play of Brown, who tallied 14 points and four rebounds in the opening period alone. Lumpkins led American to the locker room with a strong first half, almost recording a first half double-double with 10 points and eight boards. “We were really just trying to be physical,” Lumpkins said. “We were just trying to attack the glass and get every rebound, especially against an aggressive offensive rebounding team like Holy Cross.” The second half continued just as the first had ended, with AU and Holy Cross trading baskets and fighting for the lead. With 11:51 remaining, Vlad Moldoveanu found his stride and scored seven straight points to give AU a 10 point lead. The intensity in Bender Arena and bad blood between the two squads translated into extremely physical play on the court. Junior Nick Hendra jumped in front of a sprinting Devin Brown at one point to draw the charge, but all Nick got out of it with a collision and a foul. Holy Cross’ Adam May prevented a Lumpkins dunk by slamming him to the ground, sending Lumpkins to the line and the Blue

pointer by Ward tied the score at 40 with just over 11 minutes remaining. The score was tied at 46 three minutes later, before a Leer layup, Kirk three-pointer and Harris layup gave AU a seven point lead. Another triple from Kirk, her third of the afternoon, extended the AU lead to 57-48 with 5:07 left. The Eagles did not let up and finished with a 64-51 victory. For the game, the Eagles shot 37 percent from the field, while holding Holy Cross to a 32 percent mark. AU also converted often at the free throw line, going 15-19 for the game. The Eagles only had seven turnovers for their lowest total of the season, while they forced the Crusaders into 13 miscues. The victory improves AU to 12-7 on the season and 5-0 in the Patriot League. Their five consecutive victories to open conference play keeps AU in sole possession of first place. The loss, meanwhile, drops Holy Cross to 5-15 overall and 1-4 in the PL. AU will be on the road again this Wednesday, as they travel to Annapolis, Md., to take on the Navy Midshipmen. Navy’s record stands at 11-9, and two consecutive conference victories have put them at 3-2 in the PL. AU will return to Bender Arena Saturday, Jan. 30, to host the Lafayette Leopards. You can reach this writer at sports@theeagleonline.com

Crew into an angered frenzy. “It’s always a physical battle with Holy Cross,” Jones said. “Their players have been through the wars; they’re big, strong and experienced. We tried to not just match, but exceed their physicality.” AU’s low-post combination of Lumpkins and Moldoveanu proved to be too much for the Crusaders, as the duo led AU to a 39-29 rebounding advantage in the game. Freshman guard Daniel Munoz, along with Moldoveanu and Hendra, hit clutch free throws down the stretch to ensure an AU victory. “The fact that we were able to win the battle on the boards was huge. Lumpkins’ 15 rebounds weren’t rebounds against Sisters of the Poor,” Jones said. “They were 15 rebounds against men, and that was a huge statistic for us.” The win is AU’s second in Patriot League play and keeps them in a fourway tie for fourth place in the league. Next up for the Eagles is a Wednesday match up with Navy at 7:30 p.m. in Bender Arena. You can reach this writer at sports@theeagleonline.com.

Washington is a historic city filled with triumphs and failures, not only in government but also in sports. For the D.C. community, there has been mostly failure and little success in the sports world. In the early 1990s, the Redskins were on top of the football world. In 1992 the Skins won their third Super Bowl in nine years. The team had players like Brian Mitchell, Darrell Green, Joe Jacoby and Art Monk who fans in Washington still love. Behind the Redskins, every other team in D.C. was an afterthought. Oh, how they have fallen. Today’s version of the Redskins is one of the laughing stocks of the NFL. The fall from grace began when Daniel Snyder bought the team in 1999. Since then, the Redskins have been through seven head coaches and 10 different starting quarterbacks. The team has traded high draft picks year after year for players like Jason Taylor and Mark Brunell, both of whom were past their prime. Then there was 2006, when they traded a third round pick for T.J. Duckett after their starting running back Clinton Portis was injured during a preseason game. Duckett played in 10 games, rushing the ball 38 times for a total of 132 yards with two touchdowns and was out the door at season’s

end. About a month and a half ago, Daniel Snyder hired the first general manager since he has owned the team. The team also brought in Mike Shanahan to be the new head coach. Washington and their fans hope these hires will bring stability and prestige back to the organization. The Redskins are far from the only dysfunctional team in D.C. these days. The city’s NBA team, the Washington Wizards, finished the 2000-2001 season with a 19-63 record and received the first overall pick in the upcoming NBA draft. The team drafted center Kwame Brown out of high school. It proved to be one of the worst first-round picks in NBA history. Now in his 10th season in the NBA, Brown has a lifetime average of 6.9 points per game. However, it looked as if the troubled franchise was turning a corner when they traded for Gilbert Arenas, Antawn Jamison and Caron Butler in consecutive years. In 2005, the Wizards won their first playoff series in 23 years. The future of the Wizards looked bright, with Arenas leading the way. That future quickly crumbled into a nightmare. Today, Arenas awaits sentencing for a gun possession charge to which he pleaded guilty last Friday. In the incident, Arenas brought handguns into the Wizards’ locker room at the Verizon Center in December. He claims he was playing a “practical joke” on teammate Javaris Crittenton, who supposedly took out his own gun and chambered a round of bullets. Not only do they have off the court issues, but the Wizards are in last place with a 14-28 record.

The future of the Wizards is uncertain. Many believe the Wizards are looking to trade Jamison and Butler and rebuild. In the meantime, they are doing all they can to try to terminate Arenas’s contract, which has him receiving over $88 million over the next four years. Of course, the sports ineptitude in Washington can’t be discussed without mentioning the Washington Nationals MLB team. The biggest problem for the Nationals is that they have no consistent fanbase since they have only been in the city since 2005. Prior to that year they were the Montreal Expos. Since coming to D.C. the Nats have finished at .500 just once and that was in their first season. They have put together back to back atrocious seasons, losing 102 games in 2008 and 103 in 2009. Yet, the team looks to be heading in the right direction. With the first pick in the 2009 draft, the Nationals selected pitching phenom Stephen Strasburg out of San Diego State University. The righty throws a high 90s fastball with a devastating slider to go with it. How well Strasburg handles the pressure and high expectations that come with the first overall selection is yet to be seen. He has yet to pitch in the major leagues. If he does reach his full potential, the Nats have the prospects in their system to be a force to be reckoned with in years to come. There is one good team in this city these days. Sorry Mystics fans, not you. What the Washington Capitals have managed to do is remarkable. If you went to a Caps game during the 2003-2004 season, you probably went into the Verizon Center and saw an arena half empty on a good night. The team’s

leading goal scorer that season was Jeff Halpern who had a whopping 19 goals. With the odds against them for getting the first overall pick after that season, the Capitals got what they hadn’t had a lot of in their history: luck. With the first overall selection in the draft the Caps took the savior of Washington hockey, Alexander Ovechkin. When the league finally began playing again after a yearlong lockout in 2004-2005, “Alex the Great” made his debut. In his rookie season Ovechkin scored 52 goals and won the Calder Cup for being the top rookie in hockey. Ovechkin has won the last two MVP awards and already has 32 goals this season. Now if you go to the Verizon Center for a Caps game, you see a completely different scene. The arena is filled to capacity nearly every night. Thousands of Caps fans are screaming and “rocking the red” on a nightly basis. It is not just about Ovechkin though. The team has a nucleus of young players that will have the team competing for a Stanley Cup for the next decade. Finally Washington has one team that can win a game. After all, winning is what it is all about. Fans are happier when their team is performing well. It does not matter how dysfunctional the locker room is. Fans are willing to overlook a lot of things when the team is successful. There is one remedy for everything that is wrong with a team. In the words of the NFL’s Oakland Raider’s owner Al Davis, “just win, baby.” You can reach this columnist at sports@theeagleonline.com.

Men sink Hoyas in Splashdown By ELLIOT JEFFORDS Eagle Contributing Writer In a close battle, men’s swimming and diving edged out the Georgetown Hoyas 120.5-118.5, while the women’s team fell 83159. The dual meet for both men’s and women’s swimming and diving was held Jan. 15 in the Reeves Aquatic Center and was the annual Bender Splashdown. The meet also was the final curtain call at AU for the seven graduating seniors. “We are coming off 10 days of real good training and we wanted to see the seniors perform today,” said Head Coach Mark Davin. The meet got underway in the afternoon when the two schools’ diving teams met in Reeves. Freshman Brian McCalister produced the best results for the men, finishing first in the one-meter diving and second in the three-meter diving. For the women, it was Kelsey Monarch’s performance that led

the Eagles, finishing third and fourth in the same events. After completing the diving portion of the meet, the Eagles celebrated their seven seniors. After a brief ceremony, the teams were ready to go and lined up on the sides of the pool for the first race. Both teams started off with the 200-yard medley relay. The Georgetown team took the women’s race, while American took the men’s race. Senior Matthew Pelletier led the men’s team to a strong start. “Today felt great,” Pelletier said. “I felt the medley relay set the tone for the meet for us.” After the relay, the endurance swimmers were up for the 1,000meter freestyle race. Georgetown shined in this event, taking first in both the men’s and women’s events. The AU men got back on top of the podium when Sean McNamara won the 200-yard freestyle. Alexandra Wessel took second for

the women after being just barely beaten out by the Georgetown swimmer. Next up were the sprinters of the swimming world in the 50meter freestyle where AU swept both first places. Dory Isaacs won the women’s race followed closely by teammate Leah Breen, who beat out the Georgetown swimmer by a hundredth of a second. Pelletier continued his strong performance by winning the men’s event. Even on senior day it may have been the freshman from Australia who had the strongest performance. Ming Ong dominated the 400-yard individual medley, finishing several lengths in front of the next swimmer. Ong also won the 200-yard breaststroke by a significant margin. The meet concluded in impressive fashion, as the AU women won the final and most competitive race of the day in the 200-yard freestyle relay. The men also had a close final

race, leading for the first half, but they were overtaken by Georgetown in the final leg. For the meet, the women finished with four first places, while the men ended up with seven first places. Of all AU swimmers, it was the senior captain Pelletier who either helped or individually earned three of them. After two more meets, the team will make the short trip to Annapolis, Md., for the Patriot League Championship. “We have improved a lot from last year, and we have the potential to make the big leap into the top three of the league,” Davin said. Following the league championship, the Eagles may have the opportunity to cheer at least one, if not more, swimmers at the NCAA Championships in March. You can reach this writer at sports@theeagleonline.com.

Favre taints legacy in purple OUT OF BOUNDS

MIKE DEFABO With less than two minutes left in the NFC divisional playoff game, and the Minnesota Vikings commanding a 27-3 lead over the Dallas Cowboys, Head Coach Brad Childress decided to go for it on fourth and three yards deep in Dallas territory. It seemed like a logical decision with the Vikings already up big. You figured they would hand the ball to Adrian Peterson for a three-yard run and then take a couple of knees to ice the game. But in a move that defied football logic, and spit in the face of good sportsmanship, Brett Favre slung an 11-yard touchdown pass to Visante Shiancoe. The pass screamed to the football world, “the old man still got it!” Silverhaired Favre celebrated his fourth touchdown pass of the game, chest bumping lineman and slapping coach Childress five. To the Cowboys however, what initially appeared to be a classy gesture turned out to be a self-serving ego boost. The Vikings didn’t kick the field goal, but instead Favre and Childress kicked the Cowboys when they were down. Dallas linebacker Keith Brooking barked at Farve as the quar-

terback trotted to the sideline. Forgoing the expletives, Brooking probably said something along the lines of, “what was that for?” One may find himself asking Favre the same question a lot over the past two seasons, first when he came out of retirement to quarterback the Jets and then again when he signed with the Vikings. Honestly, what more does Favre want? Is it money? Yeah, right. Favre owns one of the richest contracts in football history. In 2001, he signed a 10-year $100 million dollar deal with the Packers that was supposed to be a “lifetime contract.” Alright, he didn’t earn all of that, but throw in the pocket change he makes with the Wrangler jean endorsements, and you have to figure Favre is pushing nine figures. Could it be the pursuit of records? The only problem there is he has them all. Well, all of them that matter at least. During the 2007 season, Favre passed John Elway for most wins and Dan Marino for most touchdown passes. He’s padded those stats a little in the past two years, but the records he actually broke with the Jets and Vikings range from obscure, the most four-touchdown games, to over-hyped, most starts ever by a quarterback, to just plain treasonous, first quarterback to beat all 32-teams in the NFL. Did he come back to play the game he loves? That answer doesn’t seem right either. So much has been written about how Favre is rejuvenated and playing like a kid

again. This past week every sports Web site was talking about how he danced with his teammates to the American Idol song “Pants on the Ground.” In reality though, look at what’s being edited out of the fairytale. Immediately after the win, you’d expect Favre to be beaming with excitement. Instead when asked how he felt in the Dallas post-game interview he said, “I’m

As for the Favre name, let’s just say it doesn’t mean what it used to. tired.” It must be because he wants another Superbowl, right? This could be the answer for why he is continuing to return to football. In Favre’s retirement speech, the first one that is, he said the next year would only be a success if he lead his team to a championship. But one could argue that even that wouldn’t make the past two seasons worth it. When Favre retired in 2007, he had everything a quarterback could ask for: three MVPs, the alltime record for touchdown passes as well as passing yards and a Superbowl ring. Most importantly, Favre had left a legacy. Green Bay

was ready to build monuments for its venerated play caller. Men named their first born after him. To be called “the next Brett Favre” was the ultimate term of endearment. As Green Bay General Manager and Head Coach Mike Sherman said in 2001, “no player in the NFL identifies or is more closely linked to a specific team like Brett Favre is to the Green Bay Packers … I do not think there is a player in the NFL that experiences a relationship with the fans like Brett Favre does.” Sure, he’s just two wins away from a second Superbowl ring, but what if Favre loses? Are two more Pro Bowl appearances and another 55 touchdown passes and 700 completions worth tainting the Green Bay legacy with purple? Wouldn’t Favre’s fairytale career have ended better if the old gunslinger had faded into the sunset as one of the greatest quarterbacks of all-time? Wisconsin is now filled with betrayed fans that once marveled over his accuracy but now scowl at his treachery. Monument blueprints are in ruins, and in schools across Wisconsin, boys named Brett are jammed into lockers. As for the Favre name, let’s just say it doesn’t mean what it used to. When someone calls you a “Brett Favre,” they probably mean some of the four-letter words Brooking screamed at Favre. You can reach this columnist at sports@theeagleonline.com.