The Eagle -- March 18, 2010

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NEWS

CERF petition gets enough signatures

FALLING FAST Candidates try to fight waning student interest in SG elections page 2

EDITORIAL PHILLIP OCHS / THE EAGLE

ELECTORAL COLLEGE? — SG presidential candidate Nirvana Habash was disqualified from the race after rules violations. On appeal, the decision was overturned because she was not given due process. She says she plans to speak with Student Activities today.

THE REACH OF SG Ian Hosking questions the AU SG’s motives and competence page 3

SCENE BAND OF MISFITS ‘She’s Out of My League’ brings awkward charm to typical romance page 5

SPORTS TOUGH LOSS Women’s lacrosse drops opening PL regular season game page 8

COMEBACK KID Woods looks to complete his comeback with a win at the Masters page 8

TODAY’S WEATHER

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Candidate to defend campaign’s action

By CHARLIE SZOLD Eagle Staff Writer In a late-night session lasting from 11:15 p.m. Wednesday past 2 a.m. Thursday, the Judicial Board ruled that Student Government presidential candidate Nirvana Habash was not given due process and is entitled to another hearing in front of the Board of Elections.

Wednesday morning, the BOE had voted 3 to 1 to disqualify Habash from the election due to a rules violation. Habash, who had no prior notice of the BOE’s deliberations, appealed the decision to the Judicial Board.

Habash was disqualified from the election after someone complained about a rules violation by students supporting Habash.

Meg Miraglia, an Undergraduate Senator for the class of 2011 and Emily Beyer, both friends of Habash and members of the School of Public Affairs’ Leadership Program, sent an e-mail over the Leadership Program’s listserv encouraging members of the program to support Habash.

This e-mail violated Article IV Section 10, which states that

candidates may not send out campaign related information through listservs, Facebook messages or other mass electronic messaging systems unless it is specifically campaign related. Since the SPA Leadership Program listserv is an academic, university-run program and not a dedicated campaign medium this was a “clear violation” of the rules, according to the acting BOE Chairwoman Erika Zois.

The Board made several contradictory announcements throughout the night. At one point, an SG official announced that the decision had been overturned, leading Habash and others to believe she was re-instated and on the ballot.

After this reporter went to clarify with Judicial Board members Ida Rosenthal and Ray Hear, it became clear this was not the case.

Instead, they maintained that they supported the BOE’s decision that Habash had violated a rule and could be disqualified, but because she was not given due process, Habash should have another hearing.

During the meeting with the members, Habash came into the room and argued against this rul-

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ing. While it was unclear as of press time exactly what the ruling was, it appeared that Habash would not be able to campaign while her fate was deliberated. This would prevent her from attempting to secure endorsements or, likely, from participating in tomorrow’s presidential debate sponsored by ATV and The Eagle.

Habash told the Judicial Board members that she would be going to Student Activities this morning to discuss the situation.

Student Activities, which oversees the SG, has overturned SG decisions in the past.

Habash had told The Eagle in an earlier interview that she suspected malicious intent, though it was unclear by whom.

“I do suspect some kind of misconduct,” she said. “I’m definitely looking into it, and I think there will be some interesting revelations.

Visit our Web site for updates.

You can reach this staff writer at cszold@theeagleonline.com.

Referendum will be on the spring ballot

By ALLIE MOONEY Eagle Contributing Writer After failing to pass in the Undergraduate Senate, the Clean Energy Revolving Fund referendum will be on the upcoming ballot after the mandatory 10 percent of students signed a petition.

The referendum, which asks students if they support raising the student activity fee to jumpstart the fund, will be incorporated into the Student Government election ballot March 23 and 24.

When the referendum was rejected in the Senate some concerned senators and students attained over 700 signatures to get it on the ballot. Student Activities later informed Brett Atanasio, senator of the class of 2013 and author of the proposed referendum, that enough signatures were valid to put the referendum on the ballot.

The question “Do you support increasing student fees by $10.00 for one academic year to support the Clean Energy Revolving Fund?” has sparked debate on whether CERF should be funded through donations alone or along with mandatory fees.

Students are taking action to support the referendum. Posters and even some green hard hats have appeared on the campus to raise awareness of the referendum.

“That’s the work of the wonderful people over at EcoSense,”

Atanasio said. “It’s really amazing how much energy and effort they are putting in this.”

Multiple Facebook groups supporting both sides of the argument have been created, some without the approval of the Board of Elections, which requires all groups be approved before they are formed.

“It’s been a little bit of a hassle,” Atanasio said. “It is unfortunate not everyone is following election regulations and rules but I think its good that people are at least getting information about the referendum and they know what’s going on.”

Steve Dalton, the senator for the class of 2010 and creator of the “Protect Your Rights, Vote NO” Facebook group, said he thinks funding should not be done through mandatory fees.

“I think CERF is a private organization that should be funded as they have said themselves, through private donations and grants, not through mandatory fees,” he said. “This is the epitome of nickel and diming students.”

Dalton’s Facebook group has almost 100 members as of press time. “[The group was] started just to give people who want more info the ability to see both sides,” he said. “People can be in support of CERF but against the referendum. They’re not mutually exclusive,” Dalton said.

Students will be able to vote on the referendum when they vote for SG candidates in the upcoming election.

You can reach this writer at news@theeagleonline.com.

Undergraduate Senate to debate greek housing

By SARAH RUDNICK

the logistics are yet to be determined, Rosenstein said. One of the many possibilities includes The AU Undergraduate Sen- reserving blocks of rooms within ate Committee on Campus Life the new residence halls for greek and Programming passed a bill organizations. in support of on-campus greek Because the residence halls housing. are being built years from now, The bill will now be consid- the bill’s purpose is to put the ered in the issue on the Senate within u n i v e r s i t y ’s the next few radar, he said. weeks, ac“This iscording to the sue hasn’t c o m m i t t e e’s been pursued chairman and enough to the bill sponsor point where Seth RosenI can define stein. exactly how If Bill 09everything 10-007, A Bill will work,” – Seth Gilroy in Support he said. “I IFC President of Separate would like to Greek Life see individual Housing on greek houses Campus, sucon campus as cessfully passes and is signed by AU had in the past, but the likeSG President Andy MacCracken, lihood of that happening is not the administration would still very good.” need to approve the bill if it was Rosenstein brought the bill to to be implemented. the AU Inter-Fraternity Council The university is interested for review before he introduced in expanding its housing accom- it to the committee, according to modations by approximately IFC President Seth Gilroy.

1,000 beds to handle AU’s grow“It was the consensus that ing student population, The Ea- the IFC supports any move by gle previously reported. the school that could potentially The bill is merely laying the lead to actual housing,” Gilroy groundwork for future plans and n see GREEK on page 2 Eagle Staff Writer

“Voluntary greek floors would be a step in

the right direction”

FRIDAY

MARCH 18, 2010 VOLUME 84 n ISSUE 40

PHILLIP OCHS / THE EAGLE

SPEECHWRITER SPEAKS — At MGC Tuesday night, Ted Sorensen addressed AU students about writing speeches for former U.S. President John F. Kennedy. Sorensen said he was happy to be back on campus, and that he has fond memories of his two previous visits. He was present for two past AU commencement addresses, both of which he wrote and one of which he gave.

Former aide to JFK recalls AU commencement speeches

By HOWIE PERLMAN Eagle Staff Writer Ted Sorensen, a former speechwriter for and adviser to President John F. Kennedy, reflected on Kennedy’s presidency and the art of speechwriting Tuesday night.

Sorensen spoke in the Mary Graydon Center University Club at a College Democrats event cosponsored by the Student Government and the AUCC. “It’s my pleasure to be back at American University, with which I have a close connection and very fond memories going back to John F. Kennedy’s commencement

speech here on June 10, 1963,” Sorensen said in an exclusive interview with The Eagle. “[It] was the most important and the best speech he ever gave.”

Kennedy’s 1963 speech at AU, known as “The Strategy of Peace,” focused on furthering the idea that peace between the United States and the former Soviet Union could be achieved through mutual tolerance and peaceful settlement of disputes. Kennedy also said the nuclear arms race of the Cold War should be halted to promote a safer world.

When Kennedy found out AU’s commencement was scheduled at

around the time Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev would need a positive sign from the United States for him to pursue a peaceful path, Kennedy decided he would make the speech at AU, Sorensen said.

Sorensen developed his speechwriting capabilities in part through reading Shakespeare, speeches by Winston Churchill, passages from the Bible, and sections from a volume of the world’s greatest orations, he said. Sorensen later gave the volume to Kennedy after they had been working together for a year or two.

He also improved his speech n

see SORENSEN on page 2

the EAGLE

MARCH 18, 2010

news 2

SG candidates try to excite apathetic AU

By JULIA RYAN

CECIL STOUGHTON / THE WHITE HOUSE

A TALK TO REMEMBER — Former President John F. Kennedy spoke at the AU commencement ceremony in 1963. His speechwriter at the time, Ted Sorensen, visited campus Tuesday night to discuss his experiences as Kennedy’s aide and close friend. Sorensen also gave students advice on basic speechwriting techniques.

Sorensen discusses role in Cuban missile crisis n

from SORENSEN on page 1

writing by being a part of debate teams in high school and college, Sorensen said.

“Speechwriting is easy; it’s just a matter of a few lines,” Sorensen said.

“One: the outline. Two: the headline. If you were writing a news report of your speech, what would the headline be? Number three: the top line—start off with a bang. Number four: the bottom line —end with something memorable. And after that, throw in some sidelines. Put a little poetry here and there, some jokes, some quotations, and some historical anecdotes to bring color and flavor.”

Max Friedman, an associate professor of history in the College of Arts and Sciences who interviewed Sorensen during the event, said Sorensen could inspire students attending the discussion.

“Part of what happens at events in and out of the classroom is not so much transmitting information as it is inspiring people with an interest in further learning,” Friedman said.

“I would expect that anyone who sat in this room tonight would have rekindled and encouraged their interest in learning about this period of America’s past and knowing more about the Kennedy administration.”

Sorensen said both he and Kennedy had to approach the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962 carefully because of the threats it posed.

“Kennedy had realized that political problems, for the most part, don’t have military solutions,” he said. “And so, in the Cuban Missile Crisis, as surprised and angry as he was that Khrushchev had put nuclear weapons outside the Soviet borders, he did not bomb those missiles. Instead, he adopted a course that put the choice of escalation and humiliation up to Khrushchev, by adopting a quarantine around Cuba.”

Sorensen also spoke about his own role during the crisis.

“As a 34-year old kid from Nebraska being asked to draft a letter to the Soviet chairman on behalf of the president of the United States at a time when the whole world teeters on the brink of destruction—that was my most dramatic, high-pressure moment,” he said.

Bo Hammond, the president of AU’s College Democrats chapter and a junior in the College of Arts and Sciences, said AU students could learn from Sorensen’s experiences.

“The students of American University benefited greatly from hearing a man who is dedicated to the making of history and the conduct of the public’s business,” he said.

“Whether we study government or history or international affairs, Mr. Sorensen has experience and wisdom that can help us all.”

SG President Andy MacCracken said Sorensen’s connection with AU helps symbolize the university as a center of service.

“We have successful service initiatives coming out of here and successful leaders in service and public service,” MacCracken said. “The significance of having Mr. Sorensen back here again just reaffirms that he is a friend of the university.”

Sorensen delivered the May 11, 2003 commencement address for the School of Public Affairs and School of International Service. Sorensen followed in Kennedy’s footsteps by delivering a commencement speech at AU almost 40 years after Kennedy’s June 10, 1963 commencement speech.

Sorensen was also the first speaker hosted by the Kennedy Political Union.

You can reach this staff writer at news@theeagleonline.com

Ted Sorensen’s (incomplete) resume

-President Kennedy’s special counsel, adviser and primary speechwriter, Sorensen drafted Kennedy’s book, “Profiles in Courage,” which won the Pulitzer Prize.

-Accompanied

Kennedy to Cold War Germany and is credited for writing Kennedy’s speech in which he says (in German) “Ich bin ein Berliner.” The famous line contains a now-infamous grammatical mistake causing its meaning to be “I am a jelly doughnut” instead of “I am a Berliner.”

-Wrote

AU’s 1963 commencement speech given by Kennedy. The content of the speech was kept secret until it was given to prevent the unprecedented message from leaking. The speech was the first given by a U.S. president that recognized the USSR as a great power and empathy for their country’s casualties in World War II. The speech paved the way for the Limited Nuclear Test Ban Treaty, signed by Russia.

-Wrote Kennedy’s biography, “Kennedy,” which is an international best-seller.

Source: Counselor: A Life at the Edge of History by Ted Sorensen

Eagle Staff Writer Student Government elections are coming up on March 23 and 24, but Elliot Borg, a junior in the School of Public Affairs, could not care less.

“I don’t know any of the candidates running in the election, and, personally, I don’t really care,” Borg said. “I feel like most of the people who vote for the Student Government elections are the people who are actually in [the SG].”

Though Borg’s opinion does not necessarily reflect the opinions of all students at AU about SG elections, voter turnout for the spring SG elections has declined in at least four of the last five years, The Eagle previously reported.

About 974 students voted in the spring 2005 Student Government elections. Voting numbers surged the next year when over 1,800 students voted before declining: 1,661 students voted in the 2007 elections and 1,495 students voted in the 2009 spring elections. Voter turnout numbers for the 2008 election were not available.

Glynnis McIntyre, a sophomore in the School of International Service, said she thinks voter turnout is declining because SG executives are too distant from AU students.

“It seems really difficult for them to connect with students,” she said.

“They don’t make their presence known on campus, and there isn’t a great deal of face-to-face interaction

between students and candidates.”

Anthony Dunham, a sophomore in SPA and a candidate for SG president, said declining voter turnout is, in large part, the SG’s own fault. The SG has failed to provide consistent, effective outreach to the members of the campus community, Dunham said.

Students choose not to vote because they do not think the SG is effective in bringing significant changes to AU, Dunham said. “[Students] feel that no matter who is elected, they are just going to do the same thing others have done — nothing — so it doesn’t matter who they are,” Dunham said. “I think that part of the idea of running in elections is not only to get yourself elected but also to stir up the student body and engage them in the political process.”

Seth Rosenstein, a sophomore in SPA and an SG presidential candidate, said he wants to turn the mixed opinions of AU students about SG elections into active interest.

“Some people’s lives revolve around the SG, and [they] will know everything about a candidate, while others simply have no interest in the elections,” he said. “Unfortunately most students don’t know enough about the SG to care about what it does.”

Nate Bronstein, a third SG presidential candidate and a sophomore in the SPA, also feels the SG has not done enough to reach out to students

during the elections and in general.

Nirvana Habash, who is also seeking the presidential seat, could not comment for this story based on her disqualification on Wednesday by the Board of Elections.

All presidential candidates have tried to establish a presence on campus with methods such as putting up flyers, creating Facebook groups, making chalk advertisements on campus and setting up individual question-and-answer sessions.

Candidates have also expanded their modes of communication by establishing Twitter accounts. Bronstein said he might even send out viral campaign videos. Dunham and other students running for offices in the SG also created Web sites.

Mara Da Silva, a senior in the School of Communication, said despite these new updates, candidates should continue to place a high priority on basic candidate-student interaction. “[The candidates] shouldn’t forget the face-to-face aspect of campaigning,” Da Silva said. “It’s good to send out Facebook group invites and emails to a wide group of people, but there’s a value to face-to-face interaction that can’t be replaced with a computer.”

You can reach this staff writer at jryan@theeagleonline.com.

Tea Party rally at the Capitol draws ‘Obamacare’ protesters

By HELEN KILLEEN Eagle Contributing Writer Tea Party members and sympathizers from across the East Coast participated Tuesday in the “People’s Surge Against Obamacare,” where Tea Party members expressed their discontent on the health care bill.

Protesters made their way around the District to meet with representatives but maintained a constant presence near the Capitol building, as they did at another Tea Party protest that took place last semester on Sept. 12.

AU College Republicans president Michael Monrroy said a Facebook message was sent to the club two days before the protest to make sure AU students knew about it.

Monrroy did not attend the rally because he was at work all day but would have attended otherwise, he said.

The Tea Party’s name comes from the acronym “Taxed Enough Already,” and its values on economic issues are in line with those of Republicans, Monrroy said.

“The Tea Party movement is a great thing ... When they’ve been united with the Republican Party,

it’s been a great thing for all of us,” he said. “There’s a lot of energy in the Tea Party movement, and activists in the Tea Party can help elect candidates.”

At the September protest, an estimated 10 to 15 members of the College Republicans attended, including Monrroy, The Eagle previously reported.

Monrroy does not personally know of any AU College Republicans who went, he said.

Colin Böse-Meddings, a junior in the School of Public Affairs, attended the September Tea Party rally but not the one on Tuesday.

Böse-Meddings is a member of the student Libertarian group Students for Liberty, and he went in September to represent the Libertarian community, he said.

“I think it’s important that the Tea Party exists because I think the Republican Party is becoming more and more in favor of big government, and the Tea Party says they believe in small government,” BöseMeddings said.

He did not go to the Tea Party rally Tuesday because he did not like the way it was done, he said.

“I respect the ideals espoused by the Tea Party; however, I don’t necessarily agree with how they go about it,” Böse-Meddings said.

Other AU students say that the Tea Party lacks unity, which deters them from affiliating with it. Because of the variety of concerns expressed by the Tea Party and a lack of unity, AU sophomore in the School of International Service Megan Karpf said she did not know what exactly the Tea Party stands for.

“I think they’re an extreme response group to Obama being elected ... I don’t think they’re actually arguing anything,” Karpf said.

Alberto Halpern, a senior in SPA, said he thinks the Tea Party is the source of a great deal of confusion because of Tea Party members’ inconsistent claims.

When asked to ascribe a political label to the Tea Party, such as “liberal” or “conservative,” Halpern responded, “I would call them crazy.”

Staff writer Meg Fowler contributed to this report.

You can reach this writer at news@theeagleonline.com.

THURS 18

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Author - Lily Whiteman 7:30 p.m.

WHERE: Barnes & Noble Booksellers, 12089 Rockville Pike, Rockville, Md. METRO: White Flint (red line) INFO: Whiteman, the careers columnist for the Federal Times and a Washington Post contributor discusses her book “How to Land a Top-Paying Federal Job: Your Complete Guide to Opportunities, Internships, Resumes and Cover Letters, Application Essays (KSAs), Interviews, Salaries, Promotions and More!”

COST: Free CONTACT: For more information, call 301-881-0237.

Event - Ippakutei 3 - 8 p.m.

WHERE: Old Ambassador’s Residence, 2516 Massachusetts Ave. METRO: Woodley Park-Zoo/Adams Morgan (red line) INFO: An inside look at a 1960s Japanese teahouse, the first public opening in two years.

COST: Free. Reservations and photo ID required.

CONTACT: For more information, call 202-238-6949 or e-mail jiccrsvp@embjapan.org.

Theater - Play in a Day 8 p.m.

WHERE: Imagination Stage, 4908 Auburn Ave., Bethesda, Md. METRO: Bethesda (red line) INFO: Washington-area professional theater companies perform plays written and rehearsed only in the 24 hours prior to the show.

COST: $15 CONTACT: For more information, call 301-280-1660.

Concert - Barefoot Truth 9 p.m.

WHERE: DC9, 1940 Ninth St. N.W. METRO: Shaw-Howard University (yellow and green line) INFO: This roots rock band performs with Color School.

COST: $8 CONTACT: For more information, call 202-483-5000.

Workshop - Intro to Improv 7 - 9 p.m.

WHERE: The Children’s Studio School, 1301 V St. N.W. METRO: U Street/African-American Civil War Memorial/Cardozo (yellow and green lines) INFO: Improvisation classes with professional teachers.

COST: Free- registration required.

CONTACT: For more information, call 202-204-7772 or e-mail topher@washingtonimprovtheater. com with your name and the day you’d like to take the class.

Performance - The 39 Steps 8 p.m.

WHERE: Warner Theatre, 13th and E Streets, N.W. METRO: Metro Center (red, blue and orange lines) INFO: A new side of Alfred Hitchcock’s classic.

COST: $25 - $70 CONTACT: For more information, call 202-397-7328.

AU rules would apply for campus greeks n

from GREEK on page 1

said. “Voluntary greek floors would be a step in the right direction.”

While the IFC has deemed on-campus housing a vehicle for greek prosperity, there are some disadvantages, said Curtis Burrill, coordinator of Greek Life at AU. People may move into a greek house thinking they will have as much freedom as they would living off campus, but they will

still have to abide by university housing rules. However, greek on-campus housing would promote bonding and a sense of community, he said.

IFC Vice President of Recruitment Al Smith said that although brothers may tend to live with one another already, having university-sanctioned housing will help validate AU’s greek culture.

“To get more involved with the greek life on campus, we have to take steps to become more le-

gitimate,” he said. “We need to make ourselves more prevalent ... I think it’s about time AU recognizes the great things greek life does for campus.”

Although the IFC has discussed the matter, AU Housing and Dining has not had any conversations about future on-campus greek accommodations, according to Paul G. Brown, assistant director for Learning Communities and Assessment. “[W]e haven’t seen the bill or

had any conversations about the topic with anyone,” he said.

AU leased on-campus buildings to fraternities until 1992, when the 50-year contract expired, The Eagle reported in 2002. AU did not renew the lease because it wanted to use the space for other campus services.

You can reach this staff writer at srudnick@theeagleonline.com.

Megabytes Café Now Introducing….!! Sandwiches.!!

Nova lox Steak & Cheese Reuben Turkey Avocado Prepared on your choice of White, Whole Wheat, Rye bread.

Next to Chevy Chase Bank (In the Tunnel)

EDITORIAL

MARCH 18, 2010

JOE WENNER n Editorial Page Editor EdPage@TheEagleOnline.com

JEN CALANTONE n Editor in Chief Editor@TheEagleOnline.com

Kids, it’s time to play politician THE IMPORTANCE OF IGNORANCE

IAN HOSKING Judging by the sudden deluge of Facebook invitations, Student Government elections are here. Yes, that brief campus kerfuffle characterized by the many candidates scurrying across campus in a panic of publicity. These candidates are widely praised — mostly by each other — as noble public servants.

But is this really the case?

Does anyone at this university actually believe that these junior politicians are running for the good of the school and the student body?

If you listen only to what the candidates and their colleagues in government say in order to win, this delusion can masquerade as reality. It is time to ask why they want to win so badly in the first place. I have a sneaking suspicion that it is not because they care about you or AU. Though, you won’t hear that from the aspiring officials. Anthony Dunham, a candidate for the SG presidency, writes on his Web site that he is “in your corner for your concerns and issues.” Nirvana Habash, another presidential hopeful, says that she is ready to fight “on behalf of the students.” Controversial and bold positions, indeed.

Don’t let the hackneyed slogans fool you; these minor league mavericks mean business. They have suits, which they wear, and they have copies of Robert’s Rules of Order, which they read, and they are fully prepared to stand in a room for hours on end debating the merits of recycling chewing gum on even-numbered days in odd-numbered months. Not to forget, each new issue of The Eagle would not be complete without another story of SG shenanigans. Students in the government will be the last to admit it, but they don’t actually accomplish much.

Of course, the point of being an office-holder isn’t to achieve anything; the office is the entire goal.

It’s good to be the king, after all.

People are self-interested, and this does not magically change when these people become politicians.

An election does not make an al-

truist. Worse yet, politics selects for those individuals who are the most driven to acquire power and status (and least fit to have it). If you care about a cause or issue, you have many alternative ways to affect change, but if you want to control people there is no substitute for the command of government office.

Many hide this desire for authority with euphemisms like “ambition” or “dedication,” but the truth remains unchanged. As the economist Donald Boudreaux wrote, “politicians are mortals. But as their greedy lust for power and glory reveals, they are mortals especially flawed.”

This should frighten students and administrators alike, because unfortunately, student government is not just a rack of empty suits. For this academic year, the various politicos within our SG control over half a million dollars. $590,400, to be exact. With pocket change like that, a few irresponsible undergraduates can do a lot of damage. If you agree that politics attracts the power-hungry, and that in order to get power politicians will lie and obfuscate, and that once in power they will be wasteful and officious, why would you ever want to give these people more than half of a million dollars of your money?

This consistent and predictable duplicity must be met with constant vigilance. If the students of this university can understand that politicians are fundamentally undeserving of our trust or admiration, then the business of student politics can finally be approached sensibly.

Despite many candidates’ frequent, hollow calls for “improvement” and “progress,” the most pressing reform needed is an immediate and dramatic reduction in its size and budget. Instead of giving those in government the power to gratify their own egos with our wallets, students can reassume responsibility for themselves. You do not need politicians for change; you need self-control.

Ian Hosking is a sophomore in the School of Public Affairs the College of Arts and Sciences and a self-proclaimed ignorant columnist for The Eagle. You can reach him at edpage@ theeagleonline.com.

The state of Texas versus hip-hop THE STONE TABLET

ISAAC STONE By now, surely everyone has heard how the Texas Board of Education voted in favor of making school textbooks more “conservative-friendly.”

Apparently, this means substituting Christian right champion John Calvin for non-religious founder Thomas Jefferson, inserting chapters on the rise of the Moral Majority and NRA, while describing our country as a “capitalist republic” as opposed to “democratic.”

Now, the merits of these new inserts have been debated ad infinitum at this point, but there is one decision made by the Board that has gotten far less coverage: that hip-hop should not be taught as a cultural movement. While I can understand how this decision has not generated controversy the way the ones pertaining to religion and politics have, it is nonetheless completely wrong.

Hip-hop is a movement that, in today’s economy, is more relevant than ever.

In his tome of hip-hop history “Can’t Stop Won’t Stop,” journalist Jeff Chang notes “if blues culture had developed under the conditions of oppressive, forced labor, hip-hop culture would arise from the conditions of no work.”

In other words, the development of hip-hop has been directly related to its economic backdrop. In the late 1960s and early ‘70s, this backdrop consisted of a formerly middle-class South Bronx that had been carved and isolated into poverty-stricken black and Hispanic ghettos, due to the development of massive interstate highways dividing neighborhoods and driving out jobs.

Hip-hop originally started as a musical light brought into the darkness of destituteness; as Chang said, “The sound systems ... [made] dance entertainment available to the downtown sufferers and strivers.” But this was only the beginning, as hip-hop — whose culture formally consists of emceeing, break

dancing and graffiti art — soon gained a social consciousness.

The consciousness fully emerged in the 1980s, when the proliferation of crack cocaine made the ghettos even more dangerous and music producers made hip-hop accessible to a wider audience. The artists did not just make music, they told stories, attempting to bridge the gap between the privileged and the downtrodden. But instead of simply talking, artists such as Grandmaster Flash, Chuck D and Ice Cube grabbed you by the collar, slammed you against a wall and forced you to listen. Gang violence, cocaine addiction, theft and urban decay were all fair game. It was provocative and controversial. But it did exactly what it meant to do — give a loud, clear voice to those too oppressed to have one.

Never has this voice been more needed than in 2010. I would urge these Texas lawmakers to visit Wilmington, Ohio, where, in 2008, thousands were out of work after the town’s main source of income, the shipping company DHL, turned its domestic air shipping services over to competing UPS. I would urge them to go to Detroit, which was reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics to have a job loss rate of 7.2 percent from 2008 to 2009. The turn of the decade has ushered in a new age of economic uncertainty, with Americans facing hardship just as they did in 1970. And they are just as deserving of something that will give them a strong voice.

These new textbooks don’t worry me too much. Kids are adept at learning from outside of school. I do find it ridiculous that a movement that helped define political and popular culture in America is being deemed unimportant, but I don’t know how much it will matter in the end. As Public Enemy once declared, “It takes a nation of millions to hold us back.”

Isaac Stone is a sophomore in the School of International Service and the College of Arts and Sciences and a liberal columnist for The Eagle. You can reach him at edpage@theeagleonline.com.

Courtesy of MCT CAMPUS

Habash’s chance for redemption?

Yesterday, the SG Board of Elections revoked the candidacy of a presidential hopeful.

Fortunately, through a convoluted appeals process, their error was recognized.

In what has become a predictable occurrence, the Board of Elections has controversially flexed their enforcement powers in the ever-eventful SG election season. Through years past, Facebook groups have been created early and banners have been hung in campaign-free areas.

Previous punishments have consisted of cease-and-desist orders or limits on campaign fundswhat would be labeled as “slaps on the wrists.” Yet this year, the BOE swiftly and mercilessly disqualified the accused violator, Nirvana Habash, from seeking the office of SG President. This decision was both perplexing and ultimately unwarranted. Fortunately, upon an appeal of the decision, the BOE realized their error. They have allowed her to defend herself, and based on her argument, she may be allowed to continue her campaign.

Sometime last week, two of Habash’s friends sent out an e-

mail to selected members of the SPA Leadership program, encouraging their classmates to support Habash in next week’s elections. By Tuesday, the BOE had received an official complaint, claiming that Habash’s campaign had violated Article IV Section 10 of this year’s election regulations. These lines state: “No candidate may send any campaign message out through a list-serve, Facebook message, or other mass electronic communication form that is not campaign affiliated.”

On Wednesday morning, the BOE voted 3-1 with one abstention to disqualify Habash from the presidential race.

Supporters of this action point out that Habash and her campaign did in fact violate a clear election regulation. No punishment would undermine the authority of the BOE. The Eagle admits that the existence of a violation is indisputable. What this paper finds fault with is the

unprecedented and unnecessary nature of the decision.

While the BOE has always addressed campaign violations in the past, it has always done so in a manner that recognized elections are a learning experience for all. Last year, Michael Mayer was permitted to merely take down a sign he had hung in an area deemed off-limits. Previous SG President Seth Cutter had his funds limited after his campaign was found in violation of regulations. Why was Habash so quickly disqualified for a violation that she did not even personally commit?

Moreover, this disqualification was not in accordance with SG bylaws. According to Article IX Section ii Subsection 8, the revocation of an individual’s candidacy should be reserved for “extreme cases.” Regardless of spin, the Habash campaign’s e-mail to a select group of individuals can hardly be described as extreme.

This apparent disparity of punishment reveals an area in need of reform. For future elections, the BOE must construct and abide by a strict set of sentencing guidelines. With this standardization of penalties, sentences can appropriately reflect each particular candidate’s violation. Not only that, but it would add needed transparency to an institution that has developed a reputation as a particularly secretive body of the SG. Proposed improvements aside, the BOE has recognized its initial misjudgment. Habash’s campaign could perhaps receive a fine, had an early cutoff for campaigning or be asked to issue a public apology for the e-mail.

All of these would be appropriate penalties.

We hope that Student Activities, which has authority over the SG, will take a look at these shenanigans and make them right — somehow.

Have you ever wondered what the Eagle Editorial Board talks about in our meetings? Here’s a brief run-down of what’s been on our mind...

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...Flowers?! It was a little more than a month ago that we thought ...The Eagles not flying to the NCAA tournament. This university we’d never see the ground, ever ever again. We were up trudging is tragically deprived of dancing. First, no Founders’ Day Ball. through snow and ice and bundling up in hats, scarves and sweatNow this?! The men’s basketball team will not be gracing anyone’s ers. But by some sort of miracle, the grass on the quad has made an epic brackets for the “Big Dance.” We’ll miss those lovely “We’re dancing!” comeback. After a long winter, we’re starting to see flowers blooming. And signs strewn across the campus and the twinge of school spirit that we had as cheesy as that sounds, we are pretty psyched about it. way back when. ...The Tiger: Master once more? Sure, his personal life might not ...Daylight Savings Time. An Eagle Ranter said it best: Thanks a be the pinnacle of heroism, but when Tiger Woods hits the golf lot, Ben Franklin. This agrarian calendar might work for some course in April, he’ll be back to doing what he does best. No, not people, but we’re college students. We’re tired, and we need that infidelity. Golf. Remember that? Despite the womanizing and despicable hour. We want that hour back. Student Government, we’re calling for a behavior, Woods belongs on the green — not on the front page of the Na- resolution here. tional Enquirer. ...Beyoncé, in that crazy Lady Gaga video. Though the “Telephone” ...Applying for summer internships and jobs. Some really original music video has brought even more attention to the extent of Lady person once said that looking for a job is a full-time job. They’re Gaga’s eccentricities, the generally (slightly) more demure Beyoncé right. And it’s not easy these days to try to find some lucrative more than delivers on her end of the duet. While Gaga’s sunglasses made source of employment — either for the summer or the rest of our lives. of cigarettes and Diet Coke curlers are the topic of much fashion conver- Between our busy schedules and excessive commitments, when are we sation, “Honeybee” nearly steals the show with her hourglass figure in a supposed to make the quest for these nonexistent jobs? skin-tight, yellow leather dress as she poisons Tyrese Gibson’s food, proving more than just her looks are killer.

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the EAGLE

MARCH 18, 2010

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MARCH 18, 2010

THE EAGLE'S ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT SECTION

DARREN MICHAELS / PARAMOUNT PICTURES

SCORING A 10 — In Jim Field Smith’s latest film, “She’s Out of My League,” a misfit cast led by the gawky Jay Baruchel set off to seduce a blonde bombshell named Molly, played by Alice Eve. What ensues is cringe-worthy comedy tied in with a charming romantic backstory. The film is out in theaters everywhere.

DARREN MICHAELS / PARAMOUNT PICTURES

Comedy cast ready for minor ‘league’ win

By YOHANA DESTA Eagle Staff Writer SHE’S OUT OF MY LEAGUE

B

In recent years, Judd Apatow has learned how to perfectly group together an ensemble comedy cast.

Bringing together actors like Paul Rudd, Seth Rogen and Jonah Hill, Apatow’s films have shed light on comedic actors who work wonderfully together. Now one of those actors has broken through to star in the charming romantic comedy “She’s Out of My League,” directed

by Jim Field Smith. Jay Baruchel, recognizable as the mohawked Canadian in the smash comedy

“Knocked Up,” the main character in Apatow’s short-lived television series “Undeclared” and a bit actor in the comedy “Tropic Thunder,” has taken the reins to lead this comedic film. But after perfecting his goofy comedic timing in previous film ventures, Baruchel does a complete about-face to play an unassuming and almost painfully shy guy in “League.”

Baruchel plays Kirk Kettner, an airport security guard who recently got dumped by his girlfriend, Marnie. Baruchel throws himself fully into the character, but only to the annoyance of the audience. Kirk has all the bravado of Michael Cera, combined with the nasally tones of Christian Slater and stutters that would make Kristen Stewart proud.

He is the epitome of a pushover, whether the abuse comes from his family, his ex-girlfriend or complete

strangers.

The story is set in motion when Molly, a blonde bombshell who’s a “hard 10 on the hotness scale” according to Kirk’s friends, leaves her iPhone at the airport. Who but Kirk would be the one to find it? When he returns the phone to her, Molly invites him to a hockey game as a gift and the two hit it off. Kirk is the nice guy, the kind that Molly never dates, so she asks him out again, much to the dismay of Kirk’s friends (who consider him a “hard 5,” sometimes a 6.)

Among these friends is Stainer (who got his gross moniker from a fourth grade incident where he peed his pants). Played by comedian T.J. Miller, Stainer is the funniest character in the film as the fully confident, somewhat delusional foil that thinks he gets hotness points for being in a Hall and Oates cover

band; never mind that he resembles a slightly less geeky Napoleon Dynamite. His comedic timing is perfect, delivering lines like, “I swear I will go dark side on you, I will bite your chin off,” with finesse and a crazy glint in his eyes.

The titular character of this film is Molly, played by British actress Alice Eve, whose performance is actually rather two-dimensional and boring. Though she seems perfect, she has problems of her own. Her parents expect her to be a lawyer, but she has a passion for party planning and lies to them about it. On top of that, she’s been used by guys before and is always put on a pedestal by those who are intimidated by her beauty. Being with Kirk is easy for her given his awkward demeanor and goofy jokes. In one scene, she even goes to visit his family who are absolutely nothing like Kirk. His

mother (played by Debra Jo Rupp of “That ‘70s Show” fame) is the quintessential homemaker, married to a blundering moron played by Adam LeFevre. Kirk’s brother is the ultimate Neanderthal jock (played hilariously by Kyle Bornheimer), who abuses and embarrasses Kirk every chance he gets. Molly holds her own, finding herself quite comfortable among the weird and dysfunctional family, but the same is not true of Kirk.

After getting hot and heavy in Molly’s apartment, the two are interrupted when her family comes for a visit. Nervous and with a suspicious stain on his pants, Kirk scrambles out, leaving the family dumbfounded and the audience plenty embarrassed for Kirk.

The film is full of moments like these, where you want to grab Kirk’s shoulders and shake at least an

ounce of courage into him. He is so painfully shy, taking the role of typically self-conscious, nerd-with-aheart-of-gold to a whole new level.

However, there are parts where it’s actually kind of adorable, which makes the romantic storyline somewhat bearable.

Despite its flaws, “She’s Out of My League” is definitely the funniest film in theaters right now. It can’t hold a candle to past films like “Superbad” or even romantic comedies like “There’s Something About Mary,” but it still has a certain charm and will keep you laughing almost all the way through. “She’s Out of My League” is now out in theaters everywhere.

You can reach this staff writer at ydesta@theeagleonline.com.

JAY L. CLENDENIN / LOS ANGELES TIMES

OFF THE HOOK — Lady Gaga’s video for “Telephone” dropped last week to polarized reviews. The Quentin Tarantino-inspired clip spans over nine minutes and features cameos from model/actor Tyrese Gibson and Gaga’s little sister, Natalie Germanotta.

Beyoncé bails out ‘Light’ brings dark twist to amoré Gaga in ‘phone’ Photo by SCOTT SUCHMAN

SEEING THE LIGHT — “The Light in the Piazza,” the latest production of the Arena Stage, takes the traditional love story and dresses it up with darkness and excellent acting. Lead actress Margaret Anne Florence, who plays a young girl named Clara who falls in love in Italy, makes the most of a difficult role and keeps the show a success.

POPPIN’ CULTURE

By SARAH ANNE HUGHES Eagle Contributing Writer Arena Stage’s latest production, “The Light in the Piazza,” follows a seemingly average plot: Girl goes to Italy, meets cute Italian boy and they fall in love. But the thin, overused basis for the plot is filled out by a dark, uncomfortable twist — one that is hinted at without subtlety — that gives the audience more than just another romance.

“Piazza” tells the story of Margaret and her daughter Clara’s trip

to Florence. There, beautiful, naîve Clara is courted by the handsome and comically earnest Fabrizio Nacarelli, played by the very buff Nicolas Rodriguez. Fabrizio is drawn to her sweetness and innocence and wastes no time declaring his passionate love for her. Early in the plot, the audience receives hints about Clara’s secrets in the form of asides from Margaret.

Margaret and Clara meet Fabrizio’s family of loud-talking, wildlygesticulating Italian stereotypes. To the supporting actors’ credit, they

inject as much depth as possible into the two-dimensional characters.

As Clara, leading actress Margaret Anne Florence — a musical, film and commercial actress — has the crystal clear voice that is expected from a musical theater ingénue.

Clara’s secret affliction makes the role difficult to play, and Florence, despite his imperfections, gives the character both the girlish innocence and gut-wrenching internal conflict required.

Rodriguez is easily the strongest cast member vocally. His slightly

operatic voice and dramatic styling — perhaps developed during his stint on the soap “One Life to Live” — are swoon-inducing. Who wouldn’t fall in love with a nice guy who can also sing like an angel?

Hollis Rensik plays both the matron of her family and of this production. As Margaret, a doting Southern mother, Rensik plays the role with a nature as soothing as her menthol drawl. “Dividing Day” and “Fable” allow Rensik to show off her strong yet sweet soprano voice. Her n

see PIAZZA on page 6

KATRINA CASINO As far as culture in America goes right now, there’s the White House, the House of Blues and Dr. Gregory House. But as of last week, the most important house

in all the land was the Haus of Gaga, which released the video for “Telephone,” Lady Gaga’s latest release. The second single off of Gaga’s sophomore album “The Fame Monster,” “Telephone” applies the starlet’s usual mix of pop and glamour and laces it with a theatrical tinge of macabre.

Like “Bad Romance,” “Telephone” is a relatively uninteresting, highly repetitive song that was not only redeemed, but n

see TELEPHONE on page 6

the EAGLE

MARCH 18, 2010

Spring Break’s light reads bring romance to skeptics FICTION DICTION

ERIN CRANDELL Spring Break reading (aka “beach reads”) for most members of the female sex consists of fluffy, good-natured and fun stories featuring a happy ending — or at the very least a lesson learned. It is the book version of the chick flick.

Usually involving getting a boyfriend/soul-mate, the female character has universally applicable attributes and, as a result, the reader becomes convinced that there is hope out there for unrealistic expectations. (For the movie industry’s role in this, see Walt Disney.)

OK, I’ll admit it — I’m not a huge fan of the Spring Break reads (could you tell?), but once in a while I will give in and sink into their fluffy plots and relatable characters. I usually decide to read one of these books because after a long time of reading an economics textbook, this kind of novel is perfect. “The Year of the Yes” was the novel I chose. This book

by Maria Dahvana Headly is no holds barred, a little ridiculous and wonderfully sarcastic.

Maria, a student in New York City, has all but given up on love.

But instead of allowing her spirit to be broken by the harsh habitat in which she resides, she resolves to give up her negative spirit and say yes to every person who asks her on a date. She dates a couple cab drivers, her handyman, a few men who speak no English and even a few women. In the end, she finds true love and lives happily ever after. Wow. Those endings do exist after all.

No, I am not a skeptic on the existence of love. I am a perfect example of the average young adult female in this modern age. I am hopelessly romantic, but not optimistic, about the state of love in today’s society. To me, love is not something that is discovered upon first glance. It is something that is built up over time, discovered with the help of dating sites (for some), set-ups through a friend, classmates or that guy who picked up the money that you dropped on the way to pay for your coffee at Starbucks, took you out to lunch and turned out to be a really great guy (honestly, that has never happened to me, but that kind of situation happens a lot apparently). We are skeptics of true love today, and Maria’s character reflects that.

To combat this pessimism, Maria resolves to give love a chance

beyond just the cookie-cutter love-at-first-sight that is still being pushed at us in today’s romantic comedies. Kudos to her.

Going out with everyone who asks you on a date seems a little fishy.

It goes against everything our parents have taught us over time (including “don’t talk to strangers” and “beware of strange men who seem nice because actually all they want is to take advantage of you”).

It is true that there are some pretty creepy guys out there. But Maria decided to go the whole nine yards and do it. It is the “Supersize Me” method of making a broad point.

It is unrealistic for us to accept the assumptions behind most Spring Break books (that every woman is able to find her true love on the first or second try, and that when they find them it will all work out). So it is refreshing to find a book that goes at least a little bit contrary to that. Maria Dahvana Headly is funny, and her book definitely has a good point about the state of our minds today. Her point is not to trust all internal beauty; instead, her point is that it exists and that no one is perfect at first glance. Hey, who am I to judge her methods? She is married now...

You can reach this columnist at thescene@theeagleonline.com.

Photo by SCOTT SUCHMAN

PIAZZA PARTY — “The Light in the Piazza,” which runs through April 11 at the Arena Stage, features the classic boy-meets -girl storyline. Despite the show’s less-than-impressive set, the talented cast and score fully make up for it. n

from PIAZZA on page 5

character often breaks the fourth wall to explain the story to the audience.

Her counterpart Signoria Nacarelli, played by Mary Gutzi, effectively destroys the fourth wall when she begins speaking English and telling the audience about her family’s secrets. The scene, centered on the characters singing “Aiutami” or “Help Me” in Italian, is one of the strongest in the production.

“Piazza” suffers the most from the scaled-back set and orchestration (which has been reduced from 15 musicians to five for this chamber performance). That is not to say that the playing was not well done. The five musicians, including a harpist, gave the singers as much support as they could. But

n

from TELEPHONE on page 5

also launched into the pop stratosphere by its video. Director Jonas Akerlund — also responsible for Christina Aguilera’s “Beautiful” as well as the Prodigy’s “Smack My Bitch Up,” if that gives you any hint of range — returns in the sequel to “Paparazzi.”

Having taken a break to dance in potato sack dresses and murder Russian gangsters like it ain’t no thang, Lady Gaga returns to America, partially to serve jail time for the crimes committed in her “Paparazzi” video, and partially in another step to take over the world.

Although the prison setting had the potential to be criticized as insensitive or even offensive, Gaga and Akerlund get away with it, giving the prisoners their own personalities and sense of identity and disposing of gender stereotypes. They do this by filling the prison with diversity to show there is more than one way to be a woman.

We shouldn’t be too surprised, though; this is the pop star who performed an entire choreographed number in a wheelchair.

In the exercise yard, Gaga fiercely proves her refusal to be bound by chains. Always glamorous, she shows

in the end, the dramatic nature of the plot and the music requires more power than five musicians can give.

The set failed to showcase the centerpiece of the musical: the city of Florence. In the opening scene, Margaret tells her daughter about the city’s landmarks as Clara walks around in a daze, amazed at its beauty. The barebones set fails to match either the grandness of the music or the historical city. Something feels off when the characters are wandering around the dull stage. Luckily, Arena’s Crystal City location is only temporary. The theater will be moving into the 20,000-square foot Mead Center this fall.

The musical is based on the novella of the same name by Elizabeth Spencer, which was originally serialized in the New Yorker. The novella, published in 1960, was

turned into a film starring “Gone With The Wind” actress Olivia de Havilland as Margaret. The musical went to Broadway in 2005 and won six Tony Awards including Best Original Score.

“Piazza” is not “The Sound of Music,” but at least it’s not another pop musical like “Mamma Mia” or “Moving Out.” The production suffered from lack of oomph, a driving force that would have pushed the production from decent to something memorable.

“The Light in the Piazza” runs through April 11 at Arena Stage in Crystal City. Students with a valid I.D. can receive a 35 percent discount off the regular ticket price.

To buy tickets, go to www.arenastage.org.

everyone that she’s a free bitch, baby, and she’s got it all, no matter what.

What, there’s no money to spend in prison so she can throw sexy parties and make out with triplets? No problem, Gaga’s got the currency that matters. If cigarettes are prison capital, then she’s got money to burn — literally. Flanked by guards, Gaga struts into the yard wearing sunglasses made of cigarettes. Cigarettes that are burning. On her face.

Soon after, Gaga is bailed out of prison. Who could have done it? As she saunters out of jail — and into Quentin Tarantino’s Pussy Wagon — we wonder, who could have saved Gaga? And how could this video get any better? And then we remember — oh yeah, Beyoncé is in it.

Revealed as the Pussy Wagon’s pilot, a black-lipsticked Beyoncé is gasp-inducing. Although the part was originally written for Britney Spears (whose performance in “Toxic” probably qualified her for a good old poisoning), Beyoncé takes “Telephone” completely out of its element in the best, most interesting way possible — which is perfect, because the “Telephone” video pushes the former Destiny’s Child frontwoman out of her boundaries as well. Finding herself

in Lady Gaga’s world of the absurd, Beyoncé drops unexpectedly perfectly into place as the Clyde to Gaga’s Bonnie, a cinematic staple of classic Americana.

Together, the duo can pull off any stunt, including Gaga’s telephone eye patch and Beyoncé’s outfit in the murder scene, which conspicuously resembled a banana with a cowboy hat.

In fact, the best part about them being able to pull off any stunt is that they’re not afraid to do it. Whether it’s a samesex prison make out, an exuberant invitation for sandwich making or mass murder in a diner, what makes this music video so great is its never-ending addition of new elements strung together with frenetic editing.

“Telephone,” in continuing Gaga’s list of crimes, confirms the concept of her discography to date. In “The Fame,” the masses consume the pop star with their frenzy. In “The Fame Monster,” the pop star exacts her revenge. Lady Gaga satirizes the glorification of the celebrity and embeds herself in the fabric of Americana — and what could be more American, of course, than the Pussy Wagon?

You can reach this writer at thescene@theeagleonline.com.

You can reach this staff writer at kcasino@theeagleonline.com.

the scene 6

The Week in Fun: Know Your City THURS 18

FRI 19 THU 27

SAT 20

The Moderate 9 p.m WHERE: Black Cat, 1811 14th St. N.W. METRO: U Street/African-American War Memorial/Cardozo (green and yellow lines) INFO: D.C.-natives The Moderate craft intricate, subtle songs that are as much self-contained short stories than pop music. Their live shows illuminate the many influences the band has managed to synthesize into an absolutely unique sound.

COST: $8 CONTACT: For more information, call the Black Cat at 202-667-7960.

Rich Vos 9:15 p.m.

WHERE: Arlington Cinema ‘n’ Drafthouse, 2903 Columbia Pike, Arlington Va. METRO: Pentagon City (blue and yellow lines) INFO: Rich Vos has had a strange career: he hit it big on Last Comic Standing, performed as the first white comic on Def Jam and even performed for the ladies of the view.

While you may not see Barbara Walters attending, Vos’ excellent act should pack the house.

COST: $20 CONTACT: For more information, call the Arlington Cinema ‘n’ Drafthouse at 703-486-2345.

Taxi Driver 9 p.m WHERE: AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center, 8633 Colesville Rd., Silver Spring, Md. METRO: Silver Spring (red line) INFO: Martin Scorcese’s opus about loneliness, alienation and violence marked the moment one of America’s most celebrated director’s burst into the mainstream, and still serves as a milestone of “New Hollywood.”

COST: $10 CONTACT: For more information, call the AFI Silver Theatre at 301495-6720.

SUN 21

MON 22

TUES 23

Ballets and Brawls: French Music of Court and Countryside 2 p.m.

WHERE: Folger Shakespeare Library, 201 E Capitol St. S.E. METRO: Capitol South (blue and orange lines) INFO: Just in time for this spate of warm weather, the Folger Consort will be performing the revolutionary music that was gaining the favor of in-the-know Frenchmen and women at the beginning of the 17th century. It will also include a traditional dance to round out the experience.

COST: $35 CONTACT: For more information, visit the Folger Shakespeare Library Web site at www.folger.edu.

Mark Maron 9 p.m WHERE: Black Cat, 1811 14th St. N.W. METRO: U Street/African-American War Memorial/Cardozo (green and yellow lines) INFO: After his show on Air America was cancelled, Mark Maron brought his sharp political wit to his own podcast “WTF with Mark Maron.” The popularity of that podcast led him to bring his act on the road, stopping at Black Cat for a show.

COST: $20 CONTACT: For more information, call the Black Cat at 202-667-7960.

Nell Painter 7 p.m.

WHERE: Politics and Prose, 5015 Connecticut Ave. N.W. INFO: Nell Painter’s unique perspective on race relations focuses on the invention of the white race and how its self-perception has been altered in modern times. She will be signing copies of her book, “The History of White People,” at Politics and Prose.

COST: Free CONTACT: For more information, visit Politics and Prose’s Web site at www.politics-prose.com.

CLASSIFIEDS

MARCH 18, 2010

7

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

HELP WANTED In garden once a week at $15/hr. Call 202-363-5229 for more info.

‘Pharmacists’ remedy bland indie pop sound

Dropkick Murphys “Live on Landsdowne, Boston MA” Born & Bred Records LIVE ON LANDSDOWNE, BOSTON MA

C+

Sounds like: the Clash soaked in Jameson The Dropkick Murphys have served as a stand-in for IrishAmerican culture, for better or worse, over the better part of a decade and a half. Their blend of a hardcore ethos wrapped in the aesthetics of the Irish working class of their native Massachusetts helped popularize music that was ethnic enough to be interesting but still reserved enough for mass consumption. Their live shows have become pilgrimages for their fans, none more so than their annual series of concerts in Boston for St. Patrick’s Day — recordings of which were turned into “Live on Landsdowne, Boston MA.” Like the Pogues before them, the Dropkick Murphys sometime appropriate notable traditional ballads and make them their own, but for the most part just make punk music with bagpipes. This is their strength and their weakness — it offers an easy way to distinguish themselves from similar acts, but becomes a crutch when not playing to their target audience. A live album should take care of this problem, but “Live on Landsdowne” doesn’t manage to capture the visceral thrill of being in an audience.

That’s not to say there are only bad points to the album. The

songs, culled from an extensive back catalogue, keep the same hard pace and no-frills delivery that one expects from music that wallows in the lo-fi and the lowclass. These working-class anthems are often energetic enough to stand on their own.

Live versions of classics like “Shipping Down to Boston” and “The Warrior’s Code” speed by without introductions or banter to slow them down. This might be appreciated at a live show, but it gives little reason for fans to rush out and buy this by-the-numbers retread without offering a unique insight into the band or their secrets to stage success.

Ironically enough, the recordings seem too polished and understandable to stand out from their albums. An initiate to the band might find this album a worthy introduction to the signature sound the band carved out, but anyone who has actually experienced a show will likely be left disappointed. Besides the chanting of fans that can be heard at the end of songs, there’s no way to tell if they’re playing at a dive bar rather than to a crowd of thousands. The energy all sounds the same when the experience is reduced down to listening in private.

-MICHAEL W. RICHARDSON

Ted Leo and the Pharmacists “The Brutalist Bricks” Matador Records

THE BRUTALIST BRICKS

B+

Sounds like: a step back for Ted Leo

D.C.-native Ted Leo picked an appropriate title for his newest release — “The Brutalist Bricks” embodies the rough-at-the-edges pop-punk that Leo had written since he began playing with the Pharmacists. It’s punk rock with indie sensibilities, categorized in a way by itself. “Bricks” continues the singer’s canon with another album full of political righteousness, moody mellowness and tons of catchy guitar hooks.

From the light snare drums of the album’s opener “The Mighty Sparrow,” it’s clear that the band’s sound has gotten sharper over time. The vocals continually build from a whispered falsetto to a Leo’s bold half-yelled, half-sung style of vocal assault. The same style continues on to “Mourning in America,” transitioning into the crunch of guitar distortion and a messy construction only held together by Leo’s voice.

However, the album doesn’t have the sense of unity or polish that marked the last album, “Living With the Living.” Tracks like “Even Heroes Have to Die” combine Leo’s political opining with overworked guitar lines that are less punk than easy-listening. The album often swerves from these catchy, hook-laden pop ballads to thrashy noiserock, leaving the listener without any sense of common texture or sound to bring it all together. The songs are excellent on their own — “Bartolomeo and the Bees” in particular is as good as any track the band has put out in the last few years. But it’s hard to have to listen to the messy songs that fall in between the gems.

Still, “Bricks” is proof that Ted Leo is still at the peak of his career as he stares down his 40s. Despite the misfires, the inconsistencies and the lack of cohesive tone, Leo still manages to write some of the most captivating and catchy rock tunes of any of his contemporaries. Even if this reads as a step backwards, it’s enough fun to come back to for multiple visits.

-MWR

Eco film festival paints District venues green

By OLIVIA STITILIS Eagle Staff Writer Many people are feeling a little lost about what movie constitutes a “must see” after all the Oscar anticipation and excitement. They are ready to take a break from heavier films but don’t exactly want to see the latest romantic comedy. The Environmental Film Festival in the Nation’s Capital provides the perfect medium of thought-provoking, inspiring and motivating films.

In its 18th consecutive year, the Environmental Film Festival began Tuesday, March 16 and will run through March 28. According to the festival’s Web site, there will be over 150 films featured at various venues around the District, ranging from the expected local theatres to museums, libraries, universities and embassies.

“The Environmental Film Festival has become the leading showcase for environmental films in the United States,” the festival’s press release states. “Presented in collaboration with over 100 local, national and global organizations, the Festival is one of the largest cooperative cultural events in the nation’s capital.”

The festival is not only for the most hardcore of environmentalists; instead it’s geared toward many different types of viewers. In addition to the numerous documentaries being

and

shown, there will also be animated, experimental and children’s films to attract all ages and types of crowds.

According to the Environmental Film Festival’s press release, “[the festival] features cinematic work from 30 countries and ... 66 premieres.”

A prominent theme of the festival is the relationship between food and the environment. Beginning filmmaker Jane Sablow’s much-anticipated three short children’s films, “Wishful Thinking,” “Cravings” and “Smart Machine” expound on the topical subject of how to get children to eat healthy foods.

“In ‘Wishful Thinking,’ a young girl wishes for fruits and vegetables on her birthday,” a Washington Post article describes. “In ‘Cravings,’ a little girl tries desperately to grab her (surprising) favorite snack on the table. And in ‘Smart Machine,’ an ominous vending machine yields an interesting snack.”

Sablow, like many other featured filmmakers, will also host a discussion after the films that touch on topics such as her inspiration for the films and the varying and complex techniques that went into creating them.

Those environmentalists who are intrigued by the ocean or who have marine biologist aspirations will likely be pleased by “Turtle: The Incredible Journey.” The film chronicles the epic journey of a turtle’s trip

across and back the North American Ocean.

“Turtle: The Incredible Journey” will be screened March 21 at AFI Silver Theatre in Silver Spring. Tickets are $10 in general, $9 for seniors, students and military and $6 for kids 12 and younger.

Other especially interesting and anticipated films include “Nora!” and “Garbage Dreams.” The film “Nora!” follows Nora Pouillon, a local D.C. restaurateur, as she establishes the country’s first certified organic restaurant.

Touching on a very different subject, “Garbage Dreams” provides a much more international look at environmental issues. “[Garbage Dreams] highlights the recycling methods of Zabbaleen, a sustainable garbage collecting organization in Cairo, according to the festival’s press release.

There is no excuse not to see at least one of the many relevant and provocative films. The majority of films and corresponding events are free. For more information, as well as a complete listing of show times and locations, visit the festival’s Web site at www.dcenvironmentalfilmfest.org.

You can reach this staff writer at ostitilis@theeagleonline.com.

e 2010 AUSG Presidential Debate theEAGLE present Th LIVE: 10 p.m., Thurs., March 18

LIAM DANIEL / SONY PICTURES CLASSICS

FOREVER YOUNG — Hollywood films have had a way of taking young actors and turning them into adolescent icons.

But sometimes, it’s just too much of a good thing, as has been proven by legions of young celebrities dying before they really hit their peak. To name a few, actors like Heath Ledger, James Dean and River Phoenix tragically passed away while still on the heels of super stardom.

Passing of young talents creates Hollywood void

By CAITLIN E. MOORE Eagle Staff Writer Corey Haim’s recent passing is the latest in a long tradition of talented actors dying long before their time, often to unusual circumstances. Though actors are no different from other young people who may lose their lives, their time in the spotlight makes their death seem all the more tragic. It often feels as if we’ve grown up with them, their images on screen seeming both impenetrable and timeless. Haim is one of many whose young image on screen will unfortunately be the last and only people remember.

Before his well-publicized battle with hard drugs and a post-teenidol life, Haim was best known for his role in the ‘80s film “The Lost Boys” at 16-years-old and his friendship with then co-star Corey Feldman. The two would later go on to star in their own series “The Two Coreys,” which documented their struggles and Haim’s obvious addictions. Though he seemed to turn himself around and set himself on a sober path, the 38-year-old actor died March 10 amid speculation that he died from a possible accidental overdose of different medications.

Haim is not the only one whose unintentional mix of medicines led to an early end. Heath Ledger

died in January 2008 at the age of 28 to the shock of fans everywhere.

Just a few months before the debut of his Joker in “The Dark Knight” (for which he posthumously won a deserved Best Supporting Actor Oscar), Ledger was found dead in his apartment while filming for the recently released “The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus.”

Ledger largely kept himself out of the limelight when not filming movies, but his unexpected demise put him in the papers more than he had ever been before. The Australian actor got his break in America after the release of the teen hit “10 Things I Hate About You,” and he went on to star in fan and critic favorites like “A Knight’s Tale” and “Brokeback Mountain,” the latter of which earned him an Oscar nomination for Best Actor.

Despite his young death, Ledger will be remembered as a talented star on the rise.

River Phoenix also had Academy Award nominations and critic’s adorations under his belt when he passed away at the age of 23. Breaking into popular culture in 1986 at the age of 16 with “Stand By Me,” Phoenix showed incredible acting promise from the start. After garnering several acting nominations for “Running on Empty” in 1988, Phoenix went on to star in blockbusters like “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade” and indie darlings such as “My

Own Private Idaho.” Like Ledger, Phoenix was mentioned on lists of stars to watch out for but sadly never got to realize his full potential. Phoenix famously died of a drug overdose of heroin and cocaine outside a club in Hollywood on Halloween in 1993.

Troubled young actor Brad Renfro, like Phoenix, also died of a drug overdose. A week before Ledger passed, Renfro, known in his later career for his drug addiction, succumbed to a heroin overdose at 25. Renfro had gathered critical acclaim for his debut role in “The Client” at the age of 11. He went on to star in films like “Tom and Huck,” “Sleepers” and “Ghost World,” and though he continued to work through until the year of his death, his drug problems soon became the better of him.

While it is a tragedy when any young life is lost, especially to preventable situations, Haim, Ledger, Phoenix and Renfro will long be remembered for their contributions to the film world, whether through popular cult hits or summer movie blockbusters. From timeless actors like then 24-yearold James Dean to fan favorites like 32-year-old Brittany Murphy, it only further proves the saying that only the good die young.

You can reach this staff writer at cmoore@theeagleonline.com.

SPORTS

MARCH 18, 2010

ANDREW TOMLINSON n Sports Editor 202.885.1404

Lacrosse drops first PL game

By ANDREW TOMLINSON Eagle Staff Writer The AU women’s lacrosse team dropped their first game in the Patriot League play to Colgate University 11-9 on Saturday at Jacobs Field.

Colgate controlled the play early and jumped out to a lead. Colgate’s Colleen Bubnack scored the game’s first goal just over two minutes into the game. Her teammate Alex Knutz capitalized on a free position shot just 37 seconds later to make it 2-0.

Neither team was able to establish any clear control over the next five minutes. Both teams traded three fouls and possession of the ball until AU’s Paige Lin scored with 19:28 to go in the first half. The Eagles’ Samantha Marshall followed up Lin’s score with one of her own, to tie it up at two just over a minute and a half later.

The teams traded two more goals and with just under eight minutes to play, Colgate’s Bubnack found the back of the net again to make it 5-4.

On the same play, AU’s Lin was issued a yellow card, which put Colgate a man up. The Red Raiders were able to capitalize on the advantage with a goal by Greer Goebels.

Neither team was able to control the ball for much of the last six minutes of the half. With the man-up however, AU’s Lisa Schaaf was able to score, cutting the Colgate lead to PHILLIP OCHS / THE EAGLE one at halftime.

The second half was much like the MAKING A PLAY — Sophomore Bernadette Maher makes a move around the first, with neither team able to susoutside in a game against George Washington University last year. tain any consistent pressure. A foul

on Colgate’s Hallie Snyder changed that, as Lin was able to knot the score up at six with a free position shot.

AU would keep the pressure up and a goal by Schaaf gave the Eagles their first lead of the game, just under four minutes later.

AU’s lead was short lived, as Colgate went on to score five unanswered goals in the next 10 minutes. Colgate’s run was made up of Bubnack’s fourth goal of the game, two goals from Courtney Miller and goals from Kate Bergstrom and Quincey Spagnoletti.

There would be a 12-minute span of time between AU scores. Amanda Makoid was able to end the drought when she capitalized on a free position shot with 8:22 left in the game.

AU would score one more time a minute later but would be unable to finish the comeback attempt.

AU’s Schoengerger, Schaaf and Lin would all finish with two goals on the day. Six Eagles found the back of the net and goaltender Kaska Komosinski recorded 10 saves. Colgate’s Bubnack led all scorers with four goals. Red Raider goaltender Christina Roa made six saves and was given the win.

The loss drops AU to 2-5 overall and 0-1 in conference play. AU’s next game is Saturday at Bucknell University. It is their second conference matchup of the season. There are eight games left in the season, of which five are conference games.

FIELD HOCKEY BRIEF FIELD HOCKEY ANNOUNCES RECRUITING CLASS AU Head Coach Steve Jennings announced the signing of seven athletes to the 2010 field hockey squad on Monday.

The signings include Jaclyn Anspatch, Keelin Bannon, Jaclyn Beasley, Stephanie Burry, Gina Hofmann, Shelly Montgomery and Costanza Palma.

Beasley and Bannon were teammates on the 2008 USA Junior Olympic team. Both of them also won State Championships with their respective high schools, Beasley’s in New Jersey and Bannon’s in Massachusetts. The only other recruits to compete internationally are Hofmann, who played for the German U-16 and U-18 teams, and Palma, who was part of the Chilean National Team in the 2009 Junior World Cup. -ANDREW TOMLINSON

SOCCER BRIEF MEN’S SOCCER RELEASES SPRING SCHEDULE The AU men’s soccer team released their spring schedule on Monday and will play two games in the D.C. area.

AU will play James Madison University, Towson University and the University of Maryland-Baltimore County on the road. Their second game of the season will be against Loyola University Maryland at Richmond Montgomery High School. AU’s only two games at Reeves Field will be against Duke University and Georgetown University on April 17.

In 2009, the Eagles reached the Patriot League championship game but fell to Bucknell University. They finished the season with a 9-7-3 record. AU’s next game will be against Loyola University Maryland on March 27.

-A.T.

TRACK AND FIELD BRIEF INVITATIONAL PERFORMANCE EARNS BROWN STUDENT-ATHLETE OF THE WEEK Track and Field sophomore Craig Brown was named the AU Student-Athlete of the Week for the week of March 15.

Brown won the men’s 3,000-meter run at the Coastal Carolina Invitational last weekend. He posted a time of 8:29.39 — one second better than teammate Jeff Brannigan. His time was the sixth fastest in school history.

AU’s next meet is this Saturday. They will be participating in the Maryland Invitational in College Park, Md.

You can reach this staff writer at atomlinson@theeagleonline.com.

-A.T.

Woods headed towards triumphant return SIDELINE SCHOLAR

ELLIOT JEFFORDS The last time Tiger Woods played in a tournament, he won. At this year’s Masters Tournament, Woods will win again but with a much different life and under much different circumstances.

Eight days after winning the JBWere Masters in Kingston, Australia, the world’s most iconic athlete’s life spun out of control following an early morning call to 9-1-1. The floodgates opened and reports of affairs with several women made the front cover of several major magazines.

Then, as if that was not enough,

Woods checked himself into a sexrehab clinic in Mississippi.

Since then, there have been multiple rumors about where and when Woods would make his return to golf. In reality, that night should be left in the past.

Once Woods steps onto the tee at the Masters, golf’s first major on April 8, these questions should no longer matter. The world’s attention should be focused on Woods’ golf game not on his private life.

Woods is known for having every aspect of his life planned and under his control. As a result, it is no coincidence that he picked the Masters as his first tournament back at the tee. The tournament’s organizers pride themselves on smooth planning and execution.

They will be able to control what media members receive credentials, limit the number of photographers that are allowed in the ropes and will control who will be paired with Woods.

The tournament organizers and the PGA have taken precautions for the possibility of hecklers and other spectators who may wish to distract Woods from playing golf. It seems they will be doing everything in their power to make it tough for any outside source to distract Woods from his game.

There is no doubt that Woods will have plenty of motivation to play well. Woods has been praised for his ability to focus and clear his mind.

This skill will be tested and questioned more than ever. This time, to focus himself, Woods will be on a mission to prove everyone wrong, just like he has done for his entire career.

Several members of the golf community believe his game may not be at its best, but they clearly don’t know Woods. He is not stupid, nor is he in a position to go out to embarrass himself any further than he already has.

He would not be returning if he wasn’t ready and if he didn’t believe he could win.

Woods’ drought at the Masters is another source of motivation. He is undoubtedly ready to slip on another green jacket after his longest Masters losing streak. Some believe Woods can achieve this honor because the venues for the next three majors are all courses where Woods has previously dominated. They include the U.S. Open at Pebble Beach, the British Open at St. Andrews and the PGA Championship at Whistling Straits.

When the collective sports world turns its head to the greatest golfer in history, expect nothing less than four days of sheer excellence. When the weekend comes to an end, the saga that is the Tiger Woods scandal will end with it.

Head to www.theeagleonline.com

to check out The Eagle’s NCAA bracket!

You can reach this writer at sports@ theeagleonline.com.

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