May 1, 2012

American University’s student voice since 1925

theEAGLE

May 1, 2012 Volume 86 – Issue 26

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COLD FRIES: ONE MORE YEAR OF WAITING PAGE 3 AU LOBBIED TO CONGRESS

PHOTOS OF THE YEAR

(FREE) D.C. CHILLIN’

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theEAGLE TUESDAY, MAY 1, 2012

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theEAGLE

American University’s student voice since 1925

POLICIES

MISSION The Eagle, a student-run newspaper at

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Corrections An April 24 “New center will consolidate minority support office” stated that the name of the head of the Women’s Resource Center was called the “director.”

It was actually called a “program coordinator.”

Clarification: An April 24 staff editorial “True diversity and inclusion?” implied official University services dealing with transfer student issues would be a part of the CDI. Instead, transfer students may be able to get resources at the CDI, but organizations like Transfer Student Association would remain independent.

An April 17 column “The ‘commencement’ of our lives” stated that opening ceremonies for incoming freshmen was called “commencement.” It’s called “convocation”

Events MAY 1

THE FINAL PERK 7– 9 p.m. / In front of the library / It’s time for the biannual Final Perk coffee break, ¡Finals Fiesta! Take a break from finals to enjoy free coffee, drinks, cookies and other festivities. / Contact libevents@american.edau

MAY 5

PROJECT MOVE-OUT 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. / Tavern / Come to the second annual Project Move-Out, where lightly-used, unwanted items donated by students from April 27 to May 4 will be resold. All proceeds and leftovers will be donated to local D.C. charities. / Sponsored by Housing and Dining Programs, the Office of Sustainability and Facilities Management / Visit american. edu/projectmoveout for more information.

Commencement Calendar All commencement ceremonies will be in Bender Arena. Graduates should arrive at Bender wearing their cap and gown 45 minutes to an hour before the start of their ceremony.

No tickets are required to attend commencement ceremonies, but students are encouraged not to bring more than seven guests.

Each ceremony will last approximately two hours.

For complete details, visit american.edu/commencement

SATURDAY MAY 12

SUNDAY MAY 13

SUNDAY MAY 20

SCHOOL OF COMMUNICATION

SCHOOL OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS

WASHINGTON COLLEGE OF LAW

KOGOD SCHOOL OF BUSINESS

COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES

9 a.m.

1 p.m.

SCHOOL OF INTERNATIONAL SERVICE 4:30 p.m.

9 a.m.

1 p.m.

1 p.m.

SPRING FEVER Occupy AU meets on President Kerwin’s lawn 4

SEXUAL ASSAULT Statistics and reported incidents do not match 6 TUESDAY, MAY 1, 2012

News

STOPPING STUDENT DEBT Obama discusses student debt 10

3

McDonald’s space to remain empty for another year

By PATRICK BURNETT EAGLE STAFF WRITER

The space McDonald’s previously occupied will not be filled until spring 2013 at the earliest.

Auxiliary Services Director Dave Courter said the department was unable to find a replacement this semester because the final candidates were unable to commit.

Courter said two companies, a national chain and a local chain, expressed interest in the space, but encountered obstacles along the way.

“One [company] did not meet the requirements for a variety of menu items for different times of the day and the other was not feasible from a financial perspective,” he wrote in an email to The Eagle.

However, the Dining Services Project Team, which consists of faculty, staff and students, will begin evaluating the “best mix of brands, hours and menus” for the campus community in the fall, according to Courter.

The team will likely release its results next spring, Courter said.

Mice update Facilities Management said 2-Fix is receiving fewer mouse reports from on-campus residents now than earlier in the spring semester.

The campus pest control contractor said calls for mice are on the decline overall, according to Stephanie DeStefano, AU’s grounds Operations Coordinator.

Additionally, DeStefano said reports from Hughes Hall have decreased to a level similar to other dorms.

Hughes Hall had several issues with mice throughout the school year, prompting Facilities Management to seal openings that

mice used to get into the building in November and February, according to DeStefano. Facilities Management also trapped and baited mice in the ceiling.

Stephen Maurer, a freshman in the School of International Service, and Sydney Teglia, a Hughes resident assistant and a junior in the College of Arts and Sciences, said they have not seen any mice since spring break.

However, there are still occasional mouse sightings around Hughes.

“I never used to see mice, but I saw two in my room about a week and a half ago,” Jake Steiner said, a freshman in SIS. Jackie Moran, a freshman in SIS and a Hughes resident, said she has seen more mice recently. “[In the past month], I’ve seen three mice in my room, caught one in the hallway. They come in from underneath my door,” she said. “They roam the hallways and you hear them non-stop.”

DeStefano said technicians will seal any openings that mice have or could be able to use during routine maintenance procedures this summer and in the future.

Additionally, Facilities Management will continue to work with Housing and Dining to educate students on how to properly store food and to keep rooms clean to prevent mice from entering.

“Mice will not survive for long without access to food, so this is key in controlling the mouse population,” DeStefano said.

DeStefano said that utilizing 2-Fix is important for controlling the mouse population.

“It is important that students report all issues to 2-Fix promptly,” DeStefano said, “so we can start working on the problem before it spreads throughout [the residence halls] as it did in Hughes this year.”

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ANA SANTOS / THE EAGLE

‘Clocks and Clouds’ Editor-In-Chief Ben Mainwaring holds up a copy of the research journal.

AU students revive undergraduate research journal

By RYAN MIGEED EAGLE STAFF WRITER

Students re-launched an undergraduate research journal on April 30 to showcase students’ research and writing talents.

The journal was first published seven years ago.

“Clocks and Clouds,” a joint School of Public Affairs and School of International Service project, is entirely written and peer-reviewed by undergraduate students.

The journal was originally printed from fall 2005 to spring 2008, according to senior in SPA and Editor-In-Chief Benjamin Mainwaring from an email.

However, last year, SPA Professor Kimberly Cowell-Meyers “resurrected” it.

“It has always seemed a shame to me that there was not a wider audience for the thoughtful, thorough and important research that our students produce,” Cowell-Meyers said in an email.

The journal gets its name from a quote by Karl Popper, a twentieth-century British politi-

cal and social philosopher, who once said, “All clouds are clocks, even the most cloudy of clouds.”

The phrase is a metaphor in which “clouds represent the disorderly and irregular, and clocks represent the predictable and rational,” according to the journal’s page on the AU website.

All of the articles had to cover an issue in the fields of political science, international affairs, or public policy, Brian Hanson said, a senior in SPA and the journal’s managing editor.

“Clocks and Clouds” is one of a number of undergraduate research journals in the country, putting AU in a league with Boston College, Brown University, Colorado State University and others.

The journal received 29 submissions from students in College of Arts and Sciences, SPA and SIS, according to Mainwairing. Six submissions were chosen to be published in this issue.

Mainwairing and his editing staff reviewed the articles without knowing the author, and then gave advice to the authors

on how they could revise their work.

“The requirements were pretty straight forward,” Rosie Romano said, a senior in SPA whose paper “Increasing Voter Turnout: Can Mass Transit Help?” appears in the issue.

“I think it’s a great opportunity for undergrads to showcase their research and learn more about how the peer-review process works,” she said.

Approximately 165 copies of the journal have been printed and are available in newsstands in Ward, SIS and Bender Library, as well as online, according to Mainwairing.

She, along with SIS Professor Dylan Craig, are the faculty advisers for the journal.

Cowell-Meyers said she was happy to work with a dedicated group of students in bringing the journal back and looks forward to the effect it will have.

“This spring 2012 issue promises to be a landmark for the university in advancing intellectual discourse among students on campus,” Cowell-Meyers said.

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theEAGLE NEWS TUESDAY, MAY 1, 2012

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Four TKE brothers leave fraternity after alleged hazing

By KATIE FIEGENBAUM EAGLE STAFF WRITER

Four members of Tau Kappa Epsilon formally disaffiliated from the fraternity since last semester because they disagreed with the fraternity’s alleged hazing practices, according to an anonymous disaffiliate.

The fraternity has witnessed an increase in disaffiliation over the past few years because of disagreements over the pledge process and how “no one gets along well in the frat,” according to the source.

“It’s big, about 10 percent of our members have left,” the disaffiliate said. “And it isn’t just because of the pledge process, but also because there are so many problems between members.”

One member of TKE was recently kicked out of the group

because the brother required pledges in late March to eat an entire onion. The group’s rules prohibit hazing. The member did not fulfill the punishments required and was voted out of the group, the source said.

Philip Seggio, president of TKE, said there has not been any hazing in the fraternity and that the organization is stronger than ever.

However, TKE also had a national intervention in late March, where they were told they needed to make and confirm a new hazing-free pledge process with nationals or they could lose their charter, according to the source.

Curtis Burrill, coordinator of fraternity and sorority life at AU, serves as an advisor to TKE but was unable to comment on TKE’s situation and

could not confirm the national intervention by the time of print. However, he explained that he has less power than nationals.

“Since they are members of the same organization they can do things that the University couldn’t do and challenge groups based on their ritual and values in a deeper way,” Burrill said.

TKE national headquarters did not respond to requests for comment.

AU’s chapter of Sigma Alpha Mu is under investigations for hazing. The national organization is currently reviewing the AU chapter’s practices, Sigma Alpha Mu President Nick Mandalakas said.

“These are problems other fraternities are facing as well, though ours are much less severe,” the source said. “I think things will get better, especially with TKE remaking its pledge process without hazing, and other frats are having more problems because they are less transparent.”

Staff writer Rebecca Zisser contributed to this report.

KFIEGENBAUM@THEEAGLEONLINE.COM

Students ‘occupy’ Kerwin’s lawn for weekly meeting

By REBECCA ZISSER EAGLE STAFF WRITER

Department of Public Safety officers kicked Occupy AU off the front lawn of President Neil Ker win’s office during their meeting on April 25.

The group usually holds weekly general assembly meetings ever y Wednesday in the School of International Ser vice.

Occupy AU member Leo Zausen said the group decided to have its meeting outside because the weather was nice.

“We were just doing what we would have normally done ever y Wednesday,” he said.

The group set up a tent on Ker win’s lawn, but they had no intention of actually camping out, Zausen said.

“We set up a tent because that is the physical embodiment of the Occupy movement,” Zausen said.

Zausen said Public Safety officers followed the group from SIS to Kerwin’s lawn and told the group they had 30 minutes to complete their meeting. After 45 minutes, Public Safety asked the group to leave and threatened that the students would face student conduct charges and trespassing charges from the police if they did not comply.

“We thought that since we pay tuition dollars at this very expensive university we have the right to use its facilities, including the lawn outside of the presidential office, Zausen said.

The space in front of Kerwin’s office is similar to the Quad, Zausen said.

“Our tuition dollars go into making that grass greener,” he said.

Public Safety declined to comment on the incident.

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GOING PLACES THIS SUMMER? Register for an online class and get the rigor of the classroom plus the flexibility of an online experience.

Online registration is quick and easy: american.edu/onlinelearning

theEAGLE NEWS TUESDAY, MAY 1, 2012

SG president’s $10,000 stipend remains unchanged

By HEATHER MONGILIO EAGLE STAFF WRITER

The Student Government presidential stipend will remain $10,000 for the next academic year despite a decrease in next year’s payroll from SG. This year’s SG payroll decreased by $500 from last year due to changes in the Judicial Board and Senate payments, former SG President Sarah McBride, formerly known as Tim, said in an email.

The Senate raised the stipend from $8,500 to $10,000 before McBride’s term because the president typically works more than 20 hours a week, the amount of time the original

stipend amount was based on, McBride said.

During McBride’s term, the president was required to work 40 hours per week over the summer. The president was originally paid for 20 hours per week, The Eagle previously reported.

The presidential stipend during fall and spring semesters did not change and is the same as the other SG executives’ salaries.

During the academic year, the president is required to work 20 hours per week, but McBride said she works about 40 to 50 hours, and the stipend does not compensate for the extra hours.

When broken down to

pay per hour, the stipend is below minimum wage, McBride said.

McBride said students may be shocked when they hear the stipend will remain $10,000 but thinks they will accept it.

“As a society, we accept the idea that you should get pay for your work, and this is a full-time job,” McBride said.

Without the pay, some students may not be able to run for president because the amount of hours demanded as president means students will not be able to have a second job, according to McBride.

“If it didn’t pay at all I wouldn’t been able to take the job,” McBride said. “If

it had paid less, I probably would have been able to take the job.”

SG President Emily Yu believes the stipend is fair, considering the hours the president works.

“If a lot of students come out and say this isn’t what we want, I would definitely consider doing something about that,” Yu said.

The president of the student leadership organization has received a stipend or tuition credits since 1925, McBride said in an email to the Eagle.

SG stipends come from the funds the Senate distributes each year. This year, the Senate allocated $74,750 for payroll, The Eagle previously reported.

Editor’s Note: Tim McBride asked The Eagle to use her new preferred name, Sarah McBride. See page 25 for more.

By REBECCA ZISSER

The Coalition of American University Students announced its plan last week to form an organization that would give AU students the opportunity to advocate for themselves to University administration.

CAUS hopes to “change the power relationship” between students and the administration, said group member Ben Johnson, a freshman in the School of Communications. The group cannot do this while working within Student Government, he said.

“Basically a whole bunch of us had been meeting for months discussing how to improve student advocacy on campus,” CAUS member Chris Litchfield, a junior in the School of Public Affairs.

The coalition does not plan to seek support from the administration.

“I don’t think we want support from administration,” SPA junior Mitch Ellmauer said. “Our power will come from our ability

to mobilize students and force administration to listen to us.”

CAUS hopes to provide practical solutions to issues that affect daily life at AU such as parking costs and the presence of rodents on campus, Johnson said.

So far, the group has held two student assemblies “open to everybody and based on the idea of

come together and propose their ideas,” she said.

Around 50 people showed up to the first general assembly, and between 30 and 40 showed up to the second one, Ellmauer said.

At the meetings, the group discussed their goals, which include: • Revising clauses in the Student Conduct Code that give the administra-

“SG wants to represent you. We want you to represent yourself,” - SPA junior Mitch Ellmauer direct participation and direct democracy,” said group member Tea Sefer, a junior in the School of International Service.

The student assembly will be the group’s main decision-making body, Ellmauer said.

CAUS has no executive board or president so far, Sefer said.

“We want students to

tion and the Department of Public Safety free reign to act against students • Writing a student bill of rights, which would include amendments protecting freedom of speech and freedom of assembly, neither of which is mentioned in the current Code • Adding an amendment to the Code regarding due process, which is

AU works to stop fraudulent employment emails

By JESSICA MARSALA EAGLE CONTRIBUTING WRITER

A series of fraudulent emails has prompted the AU Career Center and Office of Information and Technology to work together in preventing future online scams.

Two students were the motivation of this coordination since they were affected by the illegitimate emails. These students and no others sent money

• Seapoint Ventures Jones said students have been reporting these emails to the Career Center, which helps prevent further emails.

Unprofessional language and grammatical errors are additional indicators of fraudulent emails, she said.

Eric Weakland, the director of Information security in OIT, said fraudulent emails are not a breach of security.

“AU uses spam and

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Group calls for student advocacy EAGLE STAFF WRITER

5

mentioned in the Code of Conduct, but only in regards to Code violations.

• Making the Office of Financial Aid more responsive to students.

Zachery Moore, a freshman in SOC and member of CAUS, said his rights as a student are limited. He cited Occupy AU’s and Students for Liberty’s issues with the Department of Public Safety when trying to voice their opinions on campus.

Public Safety has threatened Occupy AU with trespassing charges and took down a “Free Speech Wall” that Students for Liberty set up.

“People think we’re antagonistic towards Student Government, which isn’t true,” said group member Nick Papacostas, a junior in SPA. Ellmauer said CAUS and Student Government could coexist.

“Student Government wants to represent you,” Ellmauer said. “We want you to represent yourself.”

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“You wouldn’t share personal information with a random stranger, would you?” to the scammers, according to Julie Jones, assistant director for employer relations at the Career Center.

Many of the emails were not sent from a legitimate “.com” or “.org” return address, making it seem as though they were sent directly from the employer.

“Your resume was forwarded to me from your school career center in response to an employment/ job vacancy. Kindly get back to me at your earliest convenience if you are still looking for an opportunity to pursue,” the fraudulent messages read.

On April 18, the Career Center sent out an email, advising students to ignore emails from the following contacts: • Aaron’s • ADC Telecommunications • Adecco Group • Cara Operations • Caterpillar Inc. • Paulson Investments

phishing control software which prevents a large majority of spam and phishing emails,” he said in an email. “However, some will always get through any system, so we also must rely on educating our customers.”

Weakland said OIT does not know how the scammers obtained AU students’ email addresses. However, OIT is collaborating with the Career Center to educate students and prevent future scams.

The centers are trying to alleviate this problem by openly naming the companies AU works with.

Both Jones and Weakland urge students to verify the source of the emails in an effort to be more cautious.

“Don’t trust email,” Weakland said.

“You wouldn’t just share your personal information with a random stranger on the street, would you?”

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theEAGLE NEWS TUESDAY, MAY 1, 2012

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Statistics from local universities do not reflect larger picture of on-campus sexual assault

By LINDSEY ANDERSON EAGLE STAFF WRITER

In the far southern corner of AU’s campus, behind the library and across a torn-up parking lot, tucked in an office in the Wellness Center, sits one of AU’s newest hires: Daniel Rappaport, sexual assault prevention coordinator.

His job: to provide educational prevention programming for the campus community and support survivors of sexual assault, survivors like Sarah.

Sarah, now a junior, was raped last year, held down, eyes covered by strangers while a student she knew but couldn’t see assaulted her. The police weren’t helpful and, while months later the student called and confessed out of the blue, she decided not to press charges.

“I decided that I didn’t want a court case lingering over my head for the next few months,” Sarah said, who asked that her real name not be used to protect her privacy. “I really just wanted to move on. So I told him that if he swore to never contact me again, I would forget anything had happened.

I haven’t heard from him since.”

Like Sarah, 1 in 4 women have been victims of attempted or completed rape during college, according to a 2000 Department of Justice report.

So universities are taking the helm and working to stem the crime that so often goes unreported, police and administrators say, by adding people like Rappaport to their staffs.

“If 1 in 4 people on campus were being hit by a car, I don’t question for a second that there would be a crossing guard every five feet on campus,” Rappaport said.

Five of the largest local universities have a similar position: University of Maryland, George Mason University, Georgetown University, George Washington University and now AU. And coordinators say having an office like Rappaport’s often means more sexual assault survivors come forward, help report the crime, and seek counseling and medical services.

THE NUMBERS

When looking at data from annual campus security reports, why universities would hire someone like Rappaport just doesn’t make sense.

Under the Clery Act, universities are obligated to report crimes that occur on university-owned property or public property near campus and compile them into an annual report.

Sexual assault, labeled a “forcible sex offense” under the Act, is one of the key statistics. The term includes rape, sodomy, sexual assault with an object and fondling that is forced, against the victim’s will or committed when the victim could not give consent, for example, if she were intoxicated.

At George Washington, there were 13 reported incidents of sexual assault in 2010. At Georgetown, 10. At Maryland, 10. At George Mason, five. At American, one.

But these are not representative of the true scope of

sexual assault among college students, coordinators and university police say.

“There have to be more,” Capt. Marc Limansky of UMD Public Safety said. “When we’re reporting two or five [incidents], it just doesn’t make sense to me.”

The security report numbers don’t reflect the reality of sexual assault on campus as much as they reflect whether survivors know about and feel comfortable seeking services, Rappaport said. Many survivors don’t report sexual assault to campus or to local authorities, and rape is one of the most underreported crimes in the country.

“I don’t think that data is reflective of the reality of the

“My sister was molested and wanted to protect me.”

“He touched me, they raped me and I thought it meant I was pretty.”

“I was gang raped.”

“I was molested.”

“I was sexually assaulted at a party.”

“On a night walk.”

“By a friend.”

“By a boyfriend.”

“By a stranger.”

“By someone I trusted.”

More than 100 students listened and shared and hugged and cried. Some said, “It gets better.” “I am no longer afraid when I walk by him on campus.” “I am strong.” Some said, “I still have nightmares sometimes.” “I wish I could tell you it gets better.” “Not yet.”

ADVOCATING FOR SURVIVORS

crime as it might reflect the culture that doesn’t promote coming forward as well as other schools,” Rappaport said of AU’s one reported incident for 2010.

Assaults that occur off campus or over breaks also aren’t included in the Clery count, so, in actuality, many more sexual assault survivors are walking around different campuses. And many women come to campus having already experienced sexual assault. Forty-four percent of sexual assault victims are under age 18, according to the Department of Justice.

The pervasiveness of sexual assault became clear at the Night. Survivor after survivor, friend after friend rose from the dim pews of the school’s chapel to share their stories well into the night.

“A boy I liked raped me my freshman year of college.”

“A family member molested me when I was in elementary school.”

“My friend sounded off when she called me and I knew something was wrong.”

Part of sexual assault prevention coordinators’ jobs is to help survivors navigate the services universities provide. They help survivors access counseling and medical services and report the incident to campus or local police.

But it’s unlikely that cases get that far.

The coordinators say the majority of victims they see do not report an incident to campus or local police. Some fear the intrusion of a legal system and society that often places blame on the victim. Some fear retaliation. Some simply don’t want to ruin the perpetrator’s life.

“Everyone is raised in a society for the most part that, when we hear about somebody being raped, we say, ‘What was she doing walking around that late?

Why was she drinking that much? Why did she wear this?’ That’s just kind of the default line of questioning,” Georgetown’s coordinator Jen Luettel Schweer said, “which is why, when survivors are assaulted, the first thing they do is blame themselves, feel shame, feel guilt because they’ve internalized that even before they were survivors, because that’s the natural line of questioning.”

Kate Dillon Hester, one of the District’s sexual assault nurse examiners, conducts forensic exams for sexual assault patients that visit MedStar Washington Hospital Center, the only location in the District that provides such exams, which are necessary if a case goes to court.

Of the 50 or 60 patients she has seen over her 2-year career, Dillon Hester said about 15 of them have been college-aged.

“Not as many as you would expect to see,” she said.

“It’s grossly underreported. People don’t know where to go.”

One of the hardest parts of her job, she said, is knowing the difficult process ahead for those who choose to file a police report. Many drop out of the process because they feel guilty or there isn’t enough evidence, she said.

“You don’t know how much you’re helping,” she said.

theEAGLE NEWS TUESDAY, MAY 1, 2012

ANA SANTOS / THE EAGLE

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ANA SANTOS / THE EAGLE

The AU community participates in “Take Back the Night” on April 9 by chanting and beating drums in an effort to raise awareness of sexual assault.

SARAH’S STORY

EDUCATING A CAMPUS COMMUNITY

ing in sexual activity, coordinators say. George Mason’s coordinator Rachel Lindsey has seen an increase in victim-blaming on campus.

At AU, sexual assault has even permeated Eagle Rants, where Ranters have debated what is and isn’t rape and what does and doesn’t constitute consent. Some openly say women should stop getting drunk and putting themselves in dangerous situations if they don’t want to be raped. Some argue the 1 in 4 statistics can’t possibly be true, that it’s a slap in the face to “real” rape victims, that Women’s Initiative’s anti-rape advocacy portrays AU women as disempowered.

On the afternoon of Take Back the Night, the vice president of the Intra-Fraternity Council posted a Facebook status saying: “Take Back the Night is occurring this evening, in which many inexplicably angry women will be marching around campus making way way more noise than is either necessary or desireable [sic], while simutaneously [sic] being the only organization allowed to do so. So, do us all a favor, and when they start up that god awful racket please register a noise complaint; they’ll have to stop.”

Angry students shared the post on social media, and, within hours, the vice president resigned.

About a year ago, Sarah was walking home from a party near the National Cathedral. It was 10 p.m. and she was Another key component of the coordinators’ jobs is sober, so she thought it would be safe to walk alone. education, changing the culture that often blames victims Three men followed her out of the party — someone and promotes rape on campus, through workshops, peer she had hooked up with her freshman year and two of his groups and trainings. The coordinators also run workfriends. They came up behind her. One held her down, an- shops at orientation, train faculty and staff and lead men’s other covered her eyes and mouth. The third one, the one groups like Men of Strength, part of the national organizafrom freshman year, though she didn’t know it at the time, tion Men Can Stop Rape. raped her.

Requiring all students to have some sort of education “It happened really fast, and I couldn’t really think on the topic has been contentious, however. straight or believe what was happening. After that, they At AU last spring, about 20 students stormed the Office dropped me to the ground and ran away,” Sarah said. of Campus Life when Vice President of Campus Life Gail A friend took her to Sibley Hospital. She talked to a police officer about the incident but never heard back.

“I felt like the entire process was a waste of time and energy,” she said.

She thought about telling campus police, but decided it wasn’t worth it.

“I didn’t want to explain my situation to a roomful of people who I didn’t know and didn’t trust,” she said.

A few months later, her rapist called and confessed out of the blue. He had developed an obsession with her and she had had no idea. She decided not to press charges if he agreed to leave her alone forever.

AU does its best to educate students on sexual assault, she said. Women’s Initiative, sexual assault stickers in bathroom stalls and the new bystander intervention program Green Dot help provide serBack in his office in the Wellness Center, Rappavices to those seeking help, she said, acknowledging port said he is both hopeful and pessimistic that the that it’s difficult to educate students on the issue. campus and national culture can change.

“The majority of students don’t understand how At some point, there will be four years of student they can help and make a difference,” she said. “I athletes who will have seen his sexual assault presknow that I was never too involved in the cause beentation. And, during summer orientation, the first fore it happened to me. It’s sad that most of the peocrop of new students will attend a session on sexual ple I know who are involved in sexual assault prevenassault. He is carefully putting together the many tion and help on campus are only involved because pieces of the puzzle: Workshops. Peer education.

Disclaimer: Schools with fewer reported incidents of sexual assault Men of Strength. Women’s groups on campus. Bythey are survivors themselves.” are not necessarily safer. Students may not report all incidents.

It has been a year now since she was attacked, stander intervention. Victim advocacy. and Sarah said each time she talks about that night, The newness of the position is a challenge, he it gets a bit easier; each time it has a little less control said, as he tries to establish new norms. But there over her.

Hanson did not sign a Violence Against Women Act grant has already been one clear benefit to having Rappaport This year, she went to Take Back the Night. proposal because of concerns with its mandatory educa- around: more survivors have reported incidents under “It was a bit much, but extremely empowering,” she tion requirements. the Student Conduct Code. said. “The parade, although loud, made me feel like I This summer, Rappaport will give a presentation to “And I like to think that this is not just me, per say, but, was part of a supportive environment. The testimonials new students at orientation, but the coordinators said I think, the efforts of the University,” he said. “I think, bewere equally as important. I wasn’t ready to speak at that changing a culture is far from easy. Students graduate or tween my position and the other efforts the campus has point, but hearing other people who I knew and who I transfer every year, making room for a new crop of stu- made, it’s clearly moving toward a more open and less didn’t know talk about their experiences made me feel dents that needs to be educated. And teens and young hostile environment.”

LANDERSON@THEEAGLEONLINE.COM like I was not alone.” people often think it’s weird to get consent before engag-

MOVING TOWARD A LESS HOSTILE ENVIRONMENT

theEAGLE NEWS TUESDAY, MAY 1, 2012

8

Student Governement Senate shifts legislation focus to student advocacy

By HEATHER MONGILIO EAGLE STAFF WRITER

COURTESY OF CONGRESS

AU lobbied Congress for Spring Valley cleanup

By ALEX GRECO EAGLE STAFF WRITER

AU hired a lobbying firm to ensure the Army Corps of Engineers’ Spring Valley project would remain a priority of the U.S. government and maintain adequate funding.

The project consists of the search and removal of World War I munitions on AU-owned property.

“With no voting representation in Congress [Eleanor Holmes Norton’s D.C. delegate status excepted],” Camille Lepre said, assistant vice president for communications & media, in an email, “it was important that AU find elected officials who were sympathetic to our concern that the project funds not be diverted to another Corps projects, which did have a Congressman/ woman advocating for it.”

The University employed D.C.-based Cas-

sidy and Associates from 2005 to 2009. The annual expense for the company’s services was a little under $145,000. The money spent came from AU’s operating revenue, according to Lepre.

Other schools that have hired the firm include: • Boston College • Boston University • Alfred University • Seattle University • Crowder College • Creighton University AT&T, Allstate, Walt Disney and the Embassy of Pakistan/the Islamic Republic of Iran are a few of Cassidy’s high-profile, non-academic customers, according to the Center for Responsive Politics, an organization that tracks money in politics.

“The University’s efforts benefited not only AU but the Spring Valley community by keeping the Corps funded and focused,” Lepre said. “During the term

of the engagement, funding for the cleanup was increased substantially, enabling work to be completed in a much shorter time frame than originally planned.”

The lobbying services also helped keep costs down on one of the Spring Valley areas highlighted by the Army Corps called the Lot 18 project, Lepre said, since the sustained funding allowed the Corps could continue its work without disruption.

The University has a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status and is defined as a nonprofit organization. Under federal law, nonprofit organizations are allowed to lobby. But they are limited on the amount of money that can be spent on lobbying. Nonprofits are also not allowed to make direct campaign contributions, according to The Center for Non-Profit’s website.

AGRECO@THEEAGLEONLINE.COM

SG. These bills include passing the budget or creating meetings between the heads of the branches, senators said.

“The Senate has both an advocate function and a watchdog and reformer function,” Atanasio said.

Atanasio said this focus on advocacy might have been a response to student criticism toward the Senate.

Here are some of the major bills passed by the Undergraduate Senate this year:

Scholarship Former SG President Sarah McBride vetoed the initial bill to fund the SG Civic Engagement Scholarship when the Senate intended to give the three recipients a $1000 for the spring semester, instead of $2,000 recipients would receive the next year.

The bill was passed on Nov. 15, The Eagle previously reported. The three recipients are George Fountain, Brittany Gada and Victoria Ramirez.

Editor’s Note: Tim McBride asked The Eagle to use her new preferred name, Sarah McBride.

The culture of the Undergraduate Senate shifted away from parliamentary breakdowns to a focus on advocacy over the past year, according to SG senators.

“I think the reality is, unlike in the past where we said we are trying to change, we are changing and there is credible evidence that showcases a cultural shift so to speak,” Senator At-Large Joe Wisniewski said.

Wisniewski credits forGender-Neutral mer Speaker of the SenHousing ate Brett Atanasio and the The Senate passed a new freshmen senators for bill on Nov. 1 supporting End of SG? changing the Senate envi- gender-neutral housing The Senate passed a bill ronment. including freshmen and calling for a committee to “A lot of this is thanks transfer students, The Ea- rewrite the constitution at to the freshman, their April 22 meettoo, because ing. when they joined SG is now acceptin the beginning “We are changing and there is ing applications for of the year,” he seats on the commitsaid. “What hapcredible evidence that showcases tee that will rewrite pened was they SG’s constitution. kind of rejected The committee this shift,” that status quo will work over the and they were -Senator At-Large Joe Wisniewski summer to write a very passionate constitution, which about fixing the the student body will problems that they saw.” gle previously reported. vote on in a special election Wisniewski and AtanaSG worked with the next school year, The Easio both said the focus of Residence Hall Associa- gle previously reported. the Senate has shifted from tion to make gender neuinternal bills to advocacy tral housing available next Budget and outreach bills. Internal year in Centennial Hall The Senate approved bills focus on the by-laws and Roper Hall, The Eagle the budget on April 22 for and governing documents previously reported. the next academic year. and external bills address“Almost immediately While the bill was catees advocacy issues that oc- after that bill was passed gorized as internal by Wiscur outside of SG. there was a large scale niewski and Atanasio, both “The Seventh Senate movement within the ad- called the bill important, as has been really big about ministration to begin that,” the Senate is responsible trying to reach out to stu- Atanasio said. for delegating $630,000 to dents, so that they can Housing and Dining SG departments, The Eavoice their concerns and has been working on se- gle previously reported. so that we can more effec- curing more on-campus “Because what it comes tively advocate on behalf of gender-neutral housing down to is we are also the their interests and needs since 2006, but after the stewards of a $630,000 and that’s really impor- SG and RHA discussions budget,” Atanasio said. tant,” Atanasio said. showed support this year “And that’s $630,000 of stuAlthough less internal changes began, Chris dents’ money that the Senbills were passed this year, Moody said, the assistant ate literally has direct conthe Senate has a responsi- vice president for Housing trol over. And that’s a very bility to pass internal leg- and Dining. serious thing.”

HMONGILIO@THEEAGLEONLINE.COM islature to help regulate

theEAGLE NEWS TUESDAY, MAY 1, 2012

D.C. approves WCL move to Tenley campus

By KATIE FIEGENBAUM EAGLE STAFF WRITER

The D.C. Zoning Commission approved plans to move the Washington College of Law to Tenley Campus, according to an AU April newsletter.

Construction is expected to begin in the summer of 2013 and be completed in 2015, according to the newsletter.

The project was initially

submitted to the D.C. Zoning Commission in August, The Eagle previously reported.

It faced challenges from the public and Advisor y Neighborhood Council 3E. Residents have expressed concerns that the move will cause traffic problems.

This decision comes after AU’s 2011 Campus Plan was approved by the Zoning Commission in March, The Eagle previously reported. The WCL

relocation project will now move into the design phase.

This will be the first time WCL is housed in a building specifically designed as a law school, according to the WCL Februar y newsletter.

This change is needed due to an expanding student population and current lack of public transportation, The Eagle previously reported.

WCL Dean Claudio Grossman said in an email that he is extremely pleased that plans are moving for ward.

“This is an important milestone in the University’s goal of providing a new home to the Washington College of Law,” Grossman said in an email, “that will allow us to better carr y out our mission.”

KFIEGENBAUM@THEEAGLEONLINE.COM

SG advocates smartphone app, ROTC priority registration

By HEATHER MONGILIO EAGLE STAFF WRITER

Four AU students created a smartphone application to track AU shuttles to and from Tenleytown.

The application currently works on the Android system, but not with iPhones, Class of 2013 Senator Almas Kebekbayev said, the sponsor of the bill.

Cameron Cook, Una Kravetz, Ally Pallanzi and James Matthews, the inventors, and Kebekbayev will be working with the Office of Information Technology on iPhone compatibility over the summer, according to the bill.

“The people who worked on this worked very hard,” Kebekbayev said.

However, the AU Association of Computing Machinery may not produce an iPhone application because most of its members do not know Apple’s programming language or agree with the amount of con-

trol Apple would have over the inventors’ creation.

The Senate will be promoting the application in order to bring recognition to the inventors and to gather input from students, co-sponsor SenatorAt-Large Joe Wisniewski said.

The Senate also called for priority registration for ROTC students at its last meeting of the year on April 29.

Priority registration would allow the ROTC students to take classes that better fit in their schedules in addition to their mandatory ROTC classes.

ROTC students have to balance classes with training, which can make scheduling difficult.

“Their schedule is just awful because of the early training, because of the military classes,” Class of 2014 Senator Dan Lewis said. “I mean my roommate didn’t really sleep at all last year because he was all over the place.”

HMONGILIO@THEEAGLEONLINE.COM

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Cabinet Positions The Undergraduate Senate approved the following positions: • Kennedy Political Union Director: Alex Kreger • Student Union Board Director: Ira Grylack • Director of Women’s Initiative: Nefertiti Akamefula • Women’s Initiative Programming Director: Kyla Novell • Student Advocacy Center Director: Ann Baldauf • Events Director: Julia Reinstein • AUTO Director: Jacqui Langer • Bike Lending Director: Daniel Pasquale • Communications Director: Rosemary Cipriano • IT Director: Almas Kebekbayev • Design Director: Matthew Moore • Speaker of the Senate: Joe Ste. Marie

9

AU strides to decrease carbon footprint by 2020

By SAMANTHA HOGAN EAGLE STAFF WRITER

AU offices have reduced the amount of paper used on campus this year because: The Center for Teaching, Research and Learning certified 485 courses as “green,” Payroll stopped offering paper paychecks to employees in February and AU’s library has switched to 100 percent recycled paper in March.

“This will help us achieve our institutional goal of sending zero waste to landfills, as well as our ambitious carbon neutrality target of 2020,” Joshua Kaplan, sustainability outreach specialist in AU’s Office of Sustainability, previously told the Eagle.

Courses Go “Green” CTRL evaluates professors’ sustainability efforts inside and outside the classroom through a questionnaire. A class is ranked by its amount of eco-friendly practices on a scale of one to four “apples,” according to CTRL’s Green Teaching website.

“One of the major parts of the program is to reduce paper consumption, and an easy step faculty can take is to post their syllabus for the class on Blackboard and not print it out for every student,” Sarah Howell, the green teaching program coordinator, said in an email.

Posting the 485 green-certified course syllabi on Blackboard has saved approximately 140,000 sheets of paper.

“Assuming that there are between 25 and 35 students in a class, and syllabi is about 10 pages, if each [green certified] course posted their syllabus online, that saved a total [about 150,000] pages of paper,” Howell said in an email.

Payroll Of fice Tosses Paper The Office of Payroll transitioned AU to a “paperless” payment system in February.

Direct deposit was the “preferred” option for employees, because it reduced paper consump-

tion and therefore minimized environmental waste and pollutants, according to a memo released on Nov. 9.

AU faculty and staff also had the option to switch to a TotalPay Card, similar to a debit card.

The switch was part of the Office of Payroll’s “2012 Green Initiative,” according to their website.

Librar y Works to Cut Down on Paper The library changed the kind of paper they buy to become more environmentally friendly. Bender Library used paper that was 30 percent recycled, however, they have now transitioned to 100 percent recycled paper in all printers, library specialist and member of the Library Green Team Liam Tooher said.

By using only recycled paper, the library has prevented the creation of 35,724 tons of greenhouse gases, Tooher said. However, the paper costs $8.36 more per box than the paper that was 30 percent recycled, according to Library Monitor Specialist Lindsey Christensen.

AU uses 390,000 sheets of paper every calendar year and a significant portion of library printing are class readings from e-reserves, Tooher said.

Next year, the library would like to see a drop in printed pages, he said.

“We want students to do their academic readings, but to consider reading them on a computer or e-reader,” Tooher said.

Student Green Eagles have also helped with paperless initiatives at AU this year.

“I believe the Green Eagles have been successful in making students more aware of sustainability issues and that has impacted their personal habits,” Josephine Chu, a Green Eagle, said. “For next year, I hope we can expand our outreach programs so that more students are aware of what sustainability efforts are taking place at AU and how they can get plugged in.”

SHOGAN@THEEAGLEONLINE.COM

theEAGLE NEWS TUESDAY, MAY 1, 2012

10

Adjunct union begins negotiations with AU

By PAIGE JONES EAGLE STAFF WRITER

COURTESY OF THE WHITE HOUSE

President Barack Obama talks to students at University of Colorado-Boulder on April 24.

Obama advocates for lower interest rates on student loans

By NICOLE GLASS EAGLE STAFF WRITER

The House of Representatives voted to maintain low interest rates for federal student loans after President Barack Obama traveled to three college campuses advocating for the extension.

The vote came to the House floor on April 27, two days after the president visited universities in North Carolina, Colorado and Iowa to speak to students about the importance of keeping interest rates on federal student loans from rising. If Congress fails to vote on maintaining low interest rates on federal Stafford loans, the rates will double on July 1.

Because the bill takes funding away from Obama’s health care law, the White House announced that the president will veto it.

While on flight to Boulder, Obama addressed student journalists in a conference call about the federal loans that 7.4 million students are currently paying off.

“I know what this is like, because when [First Lady] Michelle [Obama] and I graduated from college and law school we had enormous debts, and it took us a lot of years to pay off,” the president said. “So that’s probably why I feel this thing so personally.”

On average, students who take out loans for college graduate with $25,000 in debt, he said. But AU students graduated with an average debt of $35,206 in 2010, which is more than $10,000 higher than the national average and holds the record among D.C. universities, The Eagle previously reported.

The unemployment rate for Americans without a college degree is twice as high as that for those who have one, so college needs to be more affordable, Obama told students.

Higher education should be available to everyone, and making it less affordable will only give the middle class fewer ladders to climb, he said.

“Republicans in Congress have voted against new ways to make college more affordable for middle class families, even while they’re voting for huge tax cuts for millionaires and billionaires,” he said. “Tax cuts that, by the way, would have to be paid for by cutting things like education and job-training programs that give students new opportunities to work and succeed.”

The president encouraged students to contact Congress about the issue and to speak out on Twitter, using the hashtag, “#dontdoublemyrate.”

Recent AU graduates

are struggling to pay off their student loans, even with the help of their parents.

Former SG president Andy MacCracken is one of those students. With $50,000 in undergraduate debt and an expected $20,000 loan for his graduate degree, he doubts he will be able to buy a home or start a family within the next 10 years because of the cost of paying back his loans. MacCracken, now the associate director of the National Campus Leadership Council, is mobilizing students to talk to the White House about the importance of reducing student debt.

AU graduate student Tara Ashraf received two scholarships and help from her parents to afford her undergraduate education, causing her to graduate without any student debt. Still, she believes the cost of college in the United States is too high – especially in comparison to European universities.

“I had a Spanish professor who said that for all of his schooling, including his Masters, he paid $7,000,” Ashraf said. “It’s outrageous how much we have to pay here for an education that doesn’t even come close to education systems that other countries have.”

NGLASS@THEEAGLEONLINE.COM

AU and the union representing the University’s adjunct faculty members, Service Employee International Union (SEIU) Local 500, entered into contract negotiations on April 16.

The new contract will be a compromise between the University and its adjunct faculty members.

Director of Research and Strategic Planning at SEIU Local 500 Anne McLeer said the two parties are still discussing what the adjuncts have voiced as problems, such as job security and adequate access to services on campus.

McLeer said if all goes well, a contract may be finalized by the end of the

calendar year.

“It’s impossible to tell right now,” she said. “But if we proceed as it’s going so far, we could be finished by December.”

The groups have not discussed economic issues such as adjuncts’ pay, according to Student Worker Alliance (SWA) member and School of Public Affairs junior Ethan Miller. Miller has stayed in tune with the issues by checking in with SEIU Local 500 and various adjuncts to ensure student support, he said.

“We’re keeping our eyes and ears open,” he said.

“If things aren’t going well with the University, we’re going to take action.”

Miller said SWA will provide student support by rallying to ensure AU’s ad-

juncts are paid well.

“Our priority is paying professors well so we can get a good quality education,” he said.

However, the University and SEIU Local 500 will continue to hold meetings throughout the summer and into the fall until a contract is established.

Both parties believe the negotiations are going well.

“We believe the negotiations are progressing in a constructive and cooperative atmosphere,” said Provost Scott Bass in an email.

“We’re very happy with the tone of the negotiations so far,” McLeer said.

“I think we’re on the road to a decent agreement.”

PJONES@THEEAGLEONLINE.COM

New tool on AU portal helps students view finances

By SAMANTHA HOGAN EAGLE STAFF WRITER

Student Snapshot, the section of the AU portal where students can view their tuition bill, GPA and schedule, will start showing more information on student finances in early June.

The revamped tool, called Eagle Finance, will still be accessible through students’ portals, according to letter sent to students on April 29.

Eagle Finance will pro-

vide students and their families with a more detailed and user-friendly breakdown of student finances, according to the letter.

Eagle Finance will break down charges, payments, anticipated financial aid and refunds for students.

Students’ payments will be divided into student, financial aid and sponsor payments.

The new Anticipated Finances section will replace the existing Pending

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Financial Aid section. It will provide information on students’ individual, anticipated and distributed award amounts.

Students will also be able to view refunds made to their accounts and if they are being refunded by e-check or paper check.

E-billing and the ability to view and print PDF bills off the AU portal will also be introduced soon, according to the letter.

Check online at theeagleonline.com for updates.

SHOGAN@THEEAGLEONLINE.COM

theEAGLE NEWS TUESDAY, MAY 1, 2012

Eagle Rants That awkward moment when instead of showing your ID at the front desk you show them a condom, then promptly drop all of the others you grabbed at the Health Center.

My mom told me to stop eating McDonald’s, so I got a new mom.

AlcoholEdu just let me know how much more I need to be drinking…

Mr. Takinoshi is my stuffed animal horse, and I feel judged that he has a position of honor on my bed.

I took my clothes out of my dryer, and I was pleasantly surprised to that they were dry and not on fire.

Huzzah!

Whoever left the handcuffs and KY Jelly in the garbage in the laundry room…probably read the “dorm sextiquite” article again…my innocent clean clothes have been scarred for life.

God forbid I ask for Guacamole at Salsa.

Having a seizer is less painful than trying to get eaglesecure to work on my computer.

THE TWITTERSPHERE SAYS @HANALE14

HANA LE

@AmericanU student body is only 5.8% asian american/pacific islander #awkward

@ROSCHWARTZ

ROBERT SCHWARTZ

@KELSELEE

KELSEY LEE

@benjerrystruck at @ americanu on the quad yummm!

@JAZZANDPOLITICS

EITAN TASHEY

@ABITAELIZABETH

ABBY DUNN

Just officially sent in my deposit to @AmericanU! #soexcited#alsoterrified

@ALEXALARUM

If you have to ask if you’re a biddie, you are a biddie.

I NEED SEX. I’M GOOD LOOKING AND HORNY GODDAMIT WHY IS IT SO HARD. I wish I went to Hogwarts because everyone graduates school at age 17 and enters the workforce on an even educational footing. None of this “get a master’s and end up working at McDonald’s” crap.

My boyfriend from GW told me if he had met me after the WONK campaign started he wouldn’t have dated me. WONK sucks.

ALEX

That moment when you realize you’re going home on Tuesday, and that giant hickey is going with you.

Oh, please. You two were not “taking a nap” with your pants off.

Got any Sodium jokes? Na. .@dsonmezalpan Just liked the @AU_PRSSA Fbook page. U guys are doing a great job! I only wished I knew about #PRSA while I was@ AmericanU.

So excited for the #Matisyahu concert tonight @AmericanU. Hope my papers dont suffer from the study break...

Less than 24hrs after I tweeted I wouldn’t give money to@AmericanU unless they left @AUoccupy alone, AU sends me an email asking for money.

You know that college is back in the swing of things when one guy greets another guy by saying, “Hey! I thought you were in the hospital?!”

Gretchen, stop trying to make

11

The Eagle curates the best Rants of the year

Wonk happen, it’s not gonna happen!

Drunkn egle ranting is the new drunkj tesxting!!!

Lost my panties last night going at it behind the church. So worth it.

I am a biddy. And if being a biddy is wrong, I don’t want to be right!

Hooked up with a dude, wore his skinnies home instead of my own by mistake…

RAWR I’m a moose END OF THE YEAR SEXUAL TENSION. Glad to see I’m not alone in this one.

Saw my most recent hookup soberly for the first time today.

He was so much shorter than I remembered. #AUproblems My 3-year-old cousing puked last night... apparently she parties harder than I do.

Bro, at 2 a.m. it’s time to turn off TF2 and go to sleep. Your voice haunts my dreams because I can hear it THROUGH THE CONCRETE WALL. Also, your roommate hates you. He told us. Go outside sometime.

Sincerely, STFU My foreign born professor constantly uses the word “sexy” in place of “provocative”. It makes for an interesting block class, but really when is someone going to clue him in?

Dear biddies squealing on the LA quad, this isn’t a snow storm. There isn’t even an inch of snow. Please stop being annoying.

Tim McBride uses the automatic door openers. Discuss.

Hide yo laptops... you should run and confess, we can’t find you...

Stop giving a thumbs up in all of your pictures. It’s incredibly unattractive and makes me worry about your mental health. that moment when you’ve just painted your nails and now you have to go potty How anybody at the Facebook offices ever get anything done is beyond me. Their stalking skills must be at ninja levels now

12

theEAGLE NEWS TUESDAY, MAY 1, 2012

Photos of the Year

SAVANNA ROVIRA / THE EAGLE

Panera Bread opened a store in Tenleytown Nov. 4 after months of construction and some delays.

LAUREN LANDAU / THE EAGLE

Firemen respond to a fire in the Avalon apartments on Massachusetts Avenue Feb. 12.

SARAH JACQUES / THE EAGLE

The AU Department of Performing Arts held its spring dance concert in Greenberg Theatre on April 13 and 14.

RACHEL DEVOR / THE EAGLE

Founders Day Ball was hosted in the Library of Congress Jefferson Building on Feb. 25.

theEAGLE NEWS TUESDAY, MAY 1, 2012

13

Photos of the Year

DIANA BOWEN / THE TALON

President Bill Clinton spoke in Bender Arena Jan. 27 and was presented AU’s first “Wonk of the Year” award.

ANA SANTOS / THE EAGLE

AU in Motion performed their fall showcase Now. 18 and 19 in Greenberg Theatre.

KIMBERLE D’ARIA / THE EAGLE

The Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial opened Oct. 16 on the National Mall, overlooking the Tidal Basin.

KAITLIN BROWN / THE EAGLE

Laurel Nakadate’s photography exhibition “365 Days: A Catalogue of Tears” chronicles images captured over a 1-year span of everyday crying was exhibited in Katzen Arts Center.

14

theEAGLE TUESDAY, MAY 1, 2012

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SMALL SCREEN The Scene recaps some of the year’s best new shows and the best websites to use to catch up on the latest episodes 16 TUESDAY, MAY 1, 2012

D.C. CHILLIN’

Scene

For a more cultured freebie, head down to the Hirshhorn, one of the most modern museums along the National Mall with pieces from the most renown new names in modern art. One of the newest rotating exhibitions includes noted Chinese artist Ai Weiwei’s monumental outdoor work “Circle of Animals/Zodiac Heads,” which has recently been drawing crowds in cities around the world from New York and Los Angeles to London and Taipei.

By CHELSEA CLAYS / EAGLE COLUMNIST

THESCENE@THEEAGLEONLINE.COM

15

HIRSHHORN MUSEUM AND SCULPTURE GARDEN

(Free) D.C. Summer Fun There is a D.C. saying that the city runs on free labor (75 percent of internships are unpaid) so this guide is for fabulously free things to do after punching your card at your summer internship.

Whether you’re working for your congressman, making connections at a tech startup or saving the world interning with a NGO, these activities will allow you to mingle with the thousands of interns that descend on D.C. during the summer (without spending a dime).

AUDIOPHILE WVAU DJs review some of their favorite albums of the past year 21

BAILEY EDELSTEIN / THE EAGLE

FOLKLIFE FESTIVAL — JUNE 27–JULY 1 AND JULY 4–8 A D.C. summer festival favorite, the Folklife Festival celebrates traditions old and new from the United States and around the world. This year’s themes include the anniversary of the creation of a deep partnership between land-grant universities and the Department of Agriculture, the 25th anniversary of the AIDS Memorial Quilt and the celebration of Anacostia’s rich Southern history and ties.

There will be concerts, performances and activities for all ages and all for free.

SAVANNA ROVIRA / THE EAGLE

SAMPLE YOUR FARMER’S MARKET SUNDAYS, 8:30 A.M. TO 1 P.M.

SAVANNA ROVIRA / THE EAGLE

SALSA IN THE SUMMER Spice up your long summer nights and dance your way to Café Citron in Dupont Circle. On Wednesday nights free salsa lessons are offered from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. It’s a great way to meet other young D.C. dancers and pick up a new skill too.

Located in the vibrant neighborhood of Dupont Circle, this is the peak season of the farmer’s market; there are more than 40 farmers offering fruits and vegetables, meat, cheeses and breads (with plenty of samples to pick from). Strike up a conversation with a local farmer about your favorite cheese pairings or the upcoming Farm Bill and the impact on local farmers. Get some culinary inspiration (and some snacking) for free.

SCREEN ON THE GREEN EVERY MONDAY BEGINNING AT DUSK (8:30 P.M.-9:00 P.M.) THROUGH JULY AND AUGUST Hundreds of D.C. residents turn the National Mall into a giant movie party complete with picnics and beach chairs (and of course, tons of popcorn). Sponsored by HBO, get ready to catch up on some classics (last year’s selections included “Cool Hand Luke” and “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes”). Bring a blanket, grab friends and get there early for prime front row seats.

CHECK OUT THEEAGLEONLINE.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION ON EACH DESTINATION

theEAGLE SCENE TUESDAY, MAY 1, 2012

16

SMALL SCREEN

From ‘Mad Men’ to ‘Game of Thrones,’ spend your summer catching up on popular TV shows online

By HOAI-TRAN BUI EAGLE STAFF WRITER

They say that summer is made for beach parties and poolside barbecues.

Wrong.

Summer is the perfect time to take refuge inside the air-conditioned shelter of your

home and catch up on all the TV shows you missed because you were too busy stressing over finals. For the sun-hating couch potato and times when you want to take a break from yet another pool party, The Scene has compiled a list of TV series to catch up on (and where to watch them legally) over the long summer months.

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COURTESY OF E4

COURTESY OF AMC

THEWB.COM: “PUSHING DAISIES” TheWB.com is a largely unknown streaming site targeted to the 18-24-yearold demographic. However, the website is a virtual goldmine of TV shows. Not only does it include shows on the nowdefunct WB network, but it also has some recent, well-written and darker shows such as “Chuck” and “Fringe.”

The only downside is that an entire series isn’t available at one time; the site has a system in which they will put up a few episodes at a time, and rotate episodes every two weeks, so that every episode will eventually be available.

One of the best ---- and sadly cancelled ---- shows on TheWB.com is “Pushing Daisies,” a quirky, whimsical, fasttalking show about a sweet pie-maker named Ned who can bring the dead back to life. The show is sweet beyond belief, with witty dialogue that’s a cross between Joss Whedon’s “Buffyspeak” and the pop-culture-saturated lines of “Gilmore Girls.”

Honorable Mentions: “Chuck,” “Fringe,” “The O.C.,” “Terminator: The Sarah Conner Chronicles,” “Batman The Animated Series,” “Smallville,” “Veronica Mars.”

NETFLIX: “MAD MEN” COURTESY OF HBO COURTESY OF E4

HULU: “SKINS UK” If you don’t have the money for a Netflix subscription, Hulu is your best bet.

Sadly, most of the full series available on Hulu are on Hulu Plus, but if you dig deep enough, you’ll find gold. Hulu regularly updates currently-airing shows that you can watch for weeks before the episodes expire. And there are some British and Korean shows that provide all the episodes online.

One of these British shows is cult favorite “Skins UK.” Not the unnecessary U.S. remake -- the original 2007 series.

“Skins UK” tells the stories of a group of teenagers, uninhibited by parents or rules, fully embracing the raciest sides of high school life. All of the episodes up to the most current one are available in their raw and uncensored glory.

Honorable Mentions: “Misfits,” “New Girl,” “Flashforward,” “Quantum Leap,” “Once Upon A Time,” “Community” (Hulu Plus).

HBO GO: “GAME OF THRONES” If you have an HBO subscription, HBO Go is free for online streaming. It’s a bit more of a selective service, but it’s a good alternative to Netflix. But considering the quality of some of HBO’s recent shows, it’s not worth giving up your subscription yet.

“Game of Thrones” is HBO’s new flagship show, reinvigorating the fantasy genre for years to come. The show boasts wonderfully-written characters, intelligent dialogue and political intrigue. The first season aired to critical acclaim, and the show is currently in the midst of its second season. The long summer gives you ample time to catch up on the show, and maybe even read one or two of the books.

Honorable Mentions: “True Blood,” “Boardwalk Empire,” “Entourage,” “The Sopranos,” “The Wire.”

The go-to website when it comes to streaming TV shows and movies, Netflix has started something akin to a TV revolution, with swarms of people flocking to the site to catch up on all the shows they had heard of, but had never seen. Thanks to Netflix, boredom has been alleviated, and productivity is decreasing every day, but at least we get quality television. If you have a Netflix subscription (at $7.99 a month for unlimited streaming), then your summer is virtually saved from any semblance of boredom.

If you have yet to watch any shows on Netflix, make sure to put “Mad Men” at the top of your list. Universally hailed as one of the smartest and most enthralling shows on TV right now, “Mad Men” is the perfect show to watch during the long summer days. The smoky 1960s settings, the classy outfits and the intriguing interactions of pretty people behaving badly all make up a recipe for a great show to watch in the haze of summer.

Honorable Mentions: “Breaking Bad,” “Doctor Who,” “Firefly,” “The Walking Dead,” “Dexter,” “Downton Abbey,” “How I Met Your Mother,” “30 Rock,” “Parks & Recreation” (There are too many great shows to count on Netflix, so don’t get mad if one of your favorites aren’t mentioned).

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The Styleliner fashion truck to bring chic finds to D.C. this summer

By JESSICA LIU EAGLE CONTRIBUTING WRITER

A 20-foot potato chip truck has been converted into a chic mobile boutique called The Styleliner. The fashion truck will bring worldly fashion styles to the streets of D.C. between May 4 and June 17.

“The things I am most looking forward to in D.C. specifically is trying out an area that I haven’t explored,” said Joey Wolffer, creator of The Styleliner.

“I think the people in D.C. will really love discovering all the amazing designers we carry.”

The Styleliner, Wolffer began her career as a jewelry designer for Meems LTD, where she provided accessories for several High Street stores in the United Kingdom, according to The Styleliner website.

After jewelry designing for Nine West, Wolffer became the trend director for The Jones Group, where she traveled to find jewelry and accessory trends worldwide.

By traveling the world, Wolffer carefully curates limited-edition pieces that people would not find in typical stores, according to The Styleliner website.

“Through my travels,

RACHEL DEVOR / THE EAGLE

Matisyahu brings reggae beats, new look to Tavern

By RACHEL KARAS EAGLE STAFF WRITER

Reggae artist Matisyahu brought his signature beat-boxing and guitar riffs to more than 550 people at SUB’s last concert of the year on April 28.

What didn’t make an appearance in the Tavern, though, were his defining beard and sideburns — symbols of his now-abandoned Orthodox Judaism.

Those who have followed Matthew “Matisyahu” Miller’s music since his 2003 debut may have been surprised to see a clean-shaven performer wearing no Jewish apparel except a kippah. In December, he shaved his beard, declared “no more Chassidic reggae superstar,” and began touring while redefining his Jewish and musical identities.

Facial hair or no, the man still puts on a pretty great show.

YouTube sensation Noah Guthrie opened the night on an acoustic note, showing the crowd a mix of his own original music and the covers that have made him Internetfamous. At the age of 18, the singer/songwriter’s soulful voice and deep lyrics belie a stage presence beyond his years. With vocals somewhat reminiscent of Mumford & Sons, Guthrie’s set ranged from an ambitious rendition of Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean” to his own introspective “In Too Deep.” The growing crowd seemed entertained but was clearly anxious for the main act.

The headliner, however, didn’t take the stage until shortly after 9:30 p.m. — 45 minutes after

Guthrie’s set had ended.

In accordance with Jewish law, Matisyahu could not be driven from his hotel until Shabbat ended at 8:41 p.m. They then hit traffic related to the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, according to SUB stage manager Noah Gray.

At long last, Matisyahu entered the Tavern, accompanied by his three young children. For those expecting a performance with the energy of the “Live at Stubb’s” album, Matis’ relaxed beats may have been a surprise.

Matis performed his upcoming song “Sunshine,” a mellow and summery reggae track not yet released, along with several songs from the 2009 album “Light,” as the strong smell of marijuana permeated the venue.

Though their front man’s stage presence may have been a little more laid-back than usual, the band came through with the pop-rock guitar work and drum beats that set Matisyahu apart from other reggae/ ska artists.

The staccato beat of “Aish Tamid,” the first of Matisyahu’s earlier songs

included in the set, was lackluster compared to its usual performances. The lyrical force and passion normally felt in a Matisyahu performance was underwhelming until he sang the familiar “King Without a Crown” and “Youth,” when both singer and crowd alike seemed more engaged, the smell of marijuana growing ever more pungent.

During a passionate rendition of “Jerusalem,” some in the audience waved an Israeli flag.

Clearly, though Matis may seek a different path, his fans associate his music with Jewish and Israeli pride.

Matisyahu ended the night with a lively, extended version of his hit “One Day.” His children — some sporting kippot and curled sideburns — came onstage to join in the chorus and entertain the crowd with their own dance moves.

Despite the crowd’s calls for an encore, Matis left the Tavern buzzing from a smooth performance that satisfied longtime fans and newfound followers alike.

RKARAS@THEEAGLEONLINE.COM

“The beauty of the Styleliner is that it is all about discovery...You will always find something new and often discover a designer you will not have seen before.”

The truck will carry a mixture of designs from all over the world, from luxury to market finds, according to Wolffer.

“The beauty of the Styleliner is that it is all about discovery,” she said. “You will always find something new and often discover a designer that you will not have seen before.”

Wolffer has worked on The Styleliner for two years now and has traveled all over the east coast with it, hitting the streets of New York City, the Hamptons and Palm Beach, Fla. in the winter.

She operates, manages, designs for and buys products for The Styleliner all on her own.

Prior to her work on

I was finding amazing pieces and designers that were not yet in the U.S. and I wanted to create a global emporium of my finds,” Wolffer said.

Wolffer’s family history also provides inspiration for her entrepreneurship with The Styleliner. Her great-great-grandfather was a peddler who later established Marks and Spencer, one of today’s leading retailers in all of the United Kingdom, according to The Styleliner website.

“There was no way I could open a regular bricks-and-mortar store,” Wolffer said. “Our society today is one that is on the go, and we needed a store that was, too.”

THESCENE@THEEAGLEONLINE.COM

theEAGLE SCENE TUESDAY, MAY 1, 2012

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SILVER SCREEN

COURTESY OF UNIVERSAL PICTURES

THE FIVE YEAR ENGAGEMENT

GRADE: B+

By JANE MORICE EAGLE CONTRIBUTING WRITER COURTESY OF RELATIVITY MEDIA

THE RAVEN GRADE: C

By DAVID KAHEN-KASHI EAGLE CONTRIBUTING WRITER

The final days of Edgar Allan Poe, the master of macabre, are now immortalized on the silver screen. Poe died on a park bench in Baltimore ranting and raving, which seems like a strangely poignant end to an otherwise tragic but brilliant life. It is also unfortunate that his life should appear to be immortalized in the churlishly made “The Raven.”

As it stands, John Cusack (“2012”) plays Poe as he morosely roams about the streets of Baltimore, poor and despondent with an acute case of alcoholism.

Meanwhile, Detective Fields (Luke Evans, “Immortals”) is on the case of a serial killer as he ravages through victims, mimicking the style of Poe’s stories. For a Poe fan, all the favorites are here: “The Tell-Tale Heart,” The Cask of Amontillado” and “The Pit and The Pendulum;” all are included in the killing spree, albeit rather sheepishly. The film walks the high wire act clumsily between tongue-in-cheek humor and earnest dra-

matics. But Cusack plays a fairly historically accurate version of Poe. Poe was a notorious alcoholic and very athletic as a child. He was a man who possessed high artistic temperament and contempt for many of his fellow writers who we now would deem to be great.

And he was the only major writer of his time to attend West Point. Cusack’s performance bridges the gap between intelligent fuddyduddy and a pale-faced ghost as he is co-opted to run about Baltimore with the Detective.

Alice Eve (“She’s Out of My League”), who plays Poe’s love interest, Emily Hamilton, applies the right amount of damsel-indistress charm as needed to supply the camera with enough glowing shots of wide-eyed splendor. And “Downton Abbey” fans will be happy to find that Brendan Coyle has found a job in Baltimore as Reagan, an angry bartender.

The film, directed by James McTeigue (“V for Vendetta”), has a very telegenic look to it. If it wasn’t for its similarities to the pilot episode of “Castle,” the ABC series in which a suspense writer and a New York cop chase

criminals to and fro, the plot would be strangely original.

McTeigue doesn’t seem to know what to do with the televisual look rather than turn the dreary settings into a cheap haunted house look-a-like. Combined with the wildly outof-place acting, like Luke Evans’ character who seems only to be able to gruffly recite his lines like an angry Baltimorean Batman while screaming “Where is she?!” the film limps on to a weirdly unsatisfying conclusion Oddly, the film feels as if it lifts from other movies like Ryan Reynolds’ “Buried,” but the film draws its own inspiration from Poe’s stories. Written by Hannah Shakespeare and actor-turned-screenwriter Ben Livingston (“Over Her Dead Body”), the dialogue mixes groan-worthy puns with some anachronistic dialogue, which to the finely-tuned ear will seem dishonest.

The score by Lucas Vidal blandly passes, with out of place instrumentations of wailing electric guitars, for what could have been a grim paintbrush utilized

by Danny Elfman to punctuate such a gothic tale.

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Charming a woman while wearing a pink bunny suit is something only a comedian could pull off. This is exactly what Tom (Jason Segel, “The Muppets”) does when he meets his future wife Violet (Emily Blunt, “The Adjustment Bureau”) at a New Year’s Eve party, and the couple gets engaged exactly one year later.

The two planned to marry soon after their engagement, but due to some interesting and humorous circumstances plus a crosscountry move, the engagement becomes more prolonged than they expected.

The couple lived happily together in San Francisco, where Tom was a sous chef at a top-notch restaurant and Violet was waiting for her offer to a post-doctorate psychology assignment at University of California-Berkeley. Yet the offer from Berkeley never comes, while an offer from the University of Michigan does. Tom and Violet are forced to postpone the wedding and move thousands of miles away.

Living in the small college town of Ann Arbor leaves few opportunities for Tom to carry on with his culinary career, and causes friction between the couple. The tension leads to situations that could break the couple apart forever.

The realistic scenarios and emotions of the characters

make this movie relatable to the viewer.

The most enjoyable part of “The Five-Year Engagement” was the humor the actors brought to the film.

While the characters are involved in realistic situations, they manage to bring humor to each scenario.

The cast is surprisingly filled with all-star comedians such as Kevin Hart (“Think Like a Man”) and other familiar funny faces like Bill Parnell (“Saturday Night Live”) and Mindy Kaling (“The Office”).

While the comedians don’t all have major roles be-

sides Segel of course, they make the viewer smile and say, “Oh, I know who that is!” The connection makes the audience want to keep watching.

There is the little to complain about in this movie. It runs a little over two hours, yet about a half hour could have been cut from the film without ruining anything. Also, the disappointing portions of the movie could really get the viewer down — maybe more than expected — so be prepared for a variety of ups and downs.

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WELCOME TO WORSHIP! SUNDAYS

8:15, 9:15, 11 a.m.

Short five minute walk from campus on the corner of Van Ness and Nebraska Ave. 4101 NEBRASKA AVE. NW t 202.537.0800 WWW.NATIONALPRES.ORG

theEAGLE SCENE TUESDAY, MAY 1, 2012

Check out some of the summer’s most anticipated films, from action blockbusters to indie romances

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THREE MOVIES YOU PROBABLY HAVEN’T HEARD OF BUT SHOULD GO SEE ANYWAY

By HOAI-TRAN BUI / EAGLE STAFF WRITER

Summer of 2012 looks to be one of the most epic and grand scale movie seasons to come around in a while. But beneath all the explosions and hype, it’s easy to gloss over some of the lesser-known films that deserve just as much attention as the next blockbuster. The Scene offers a compilation of the best of both big-budget films and lesserknown flicks.

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THREE MOVIES YOU’VE PROBABLY HEARD OF

COURTESY OF SONY PICTURES CLASSICS

COURTESY OF WARNER BROS

“THE DARK KNIGHT RISES” (JULY 20) The movie god known as Christopher Nolan is releasing the third and final installment in his darkly brilliant Batman trilogy, and the anticipation has never been higher. After the commercial and critical success of 2010’s “The Dark Knight,” it’s easy to expect “The Dark Knight Rises” to fail (especially after the ridiculously repetitive title), but Nolan’s track record says otherwise.

Trailers and clips reveal little about the film, but the plot looks to revolve around this movie’s big bad Bane (Tom Hardy, “Warrior”), and the ambiguously villainous Selina Kyle (a.k.a Catwoman), played by Anne Hathaway (“One Day”). The two seem to be staging some class revolution, in a sort of destructive Occupy movement, against our aged and weary Bruce Wayne/Batman (Christian Bale, “The Fighter”). The approach is unusual.

But, needless to say, this newest Batman movie is the biggest film to watch this summer.

“PROMETHEUS” (JUNE 8) “Prometheus” is a return to Ridley Scott’s 1970s “Alien” series, a massively popular and iconic movie series that is all but forgotten today. “Prometheus” looks to be an intriguing new approach to the sci-fi franchise, bringing in the

newest Hollywood It Boy Michael Fassbender (“Shame”) and Swedish sensation Noomi Rapace (“Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows”).

The viral campaign is fascinating to say the least, with Scott taking full advantage of viral videos, teasers and clues to build up anticipation for a franchise that has lost its name recognition with the newer generation. “Prometheus” looks to be what J.J. Abrams’ “Star Trek” was to the ‘60s “Star Trek” series: a welcome and original reboot to a familiar franchise.

“BRAVE” (JUNE 22) The newest Pixar movie is a departure from their regular coming-of-age, bittersweet slice of life films. Instead, “Brave” dives deep into the medieval fantasy genre and, shockingly, has a girl as its protagonist.

Pixar movies have traditionally been a bit of a boys’ club, with all-male protagonists and few strong female characters until now. It seems they have heard their criticism, because Princess Merida (Kelly Macdonald, “The Decoy Bride”) is the epitome of the feisty, rebellious heroine. Her story seems a bit too similar to that of “How to Train Your Dragon,” but it will be comforting to see a strong female character at the head of the film instead of as a side character. Plus, she’s a Scottish redhead. Can’t get much better than that.

“MOONRISE KINGDOM” (MAY 25) Wes Anderson. Edward Norton.

Bill Murray. These are a couple of keywords that are guaranteed to make a film buff weep with joy, but the rest of us will probably react with a resounding “Huh?” “Moonrise Kingdom” is famously quirky director Wes Anderson’s (“Fantastic Mr. Fox”) newest film, one that looks to honor his highly stylized technique, with odd characters and a color scheme that looks to be drenched in ‘70s-style muted yellows.

The film tells the story of two children who fall in love and run away together, causing their hometown to send out search parties in hilariously blundering ways. “Moonrise Kingdom” looks to be a fun romp of a film with plenty of fodder for all the cinephiles out there.

“CELESTE AND JESSE FOREVER” (AUGUST 3) “Celeste and Jesse Forever” made quite a splash at the 2012 Sundance Festival as a touching dramedy starring some of Hollywood’s favorite funny people.

Rashida Jones (“The Muppets”) and Andy Samberg (“Friends with Benefits”) star as Celeste and Jesse, respectively, a divorcing couple who try to stay friends as they date other people. It’s a theme that has been con-

stantly explored by other dramedies this year, such as “Friends with Kids,” but with little success. However, the goodwill that both Jones and Samberg have from their shining supporting roles in other comedy films as well as their work on TV shows like “Parks and Recreation” and “Saturday Night Live” are sure to bring people to the theaters. The acclaim that “Celeste and Jesse Forever” gained at Sundance probably isn’t for nothing.

Here’s to hoping that this movie explores this tired subject with better success.

“PREMIUM RUSH” (AUGUST 24) Joseph Gordon-Levitt stars in one of the oddest action films of the summer, “Premium Rush.” The movie takes place in Manhattan, where a bike messenger, played by Levitt (“50/50”), picks up a mysterious package that starts a chain of wild events, resulting in him getting chased by various people, including a menacing Michael Shannon (“Take Shelter”).

“Premium Rush” is a promising action film. It doesn’t rely on explosions or a built-in fan base to draw its audience. The action is as old school and bare bones as you can get, with bike stunts and car chases. If this film doesn’t steal away some viewers from “The Avengers” and “The Dark Knight Rises” crowd, at least it will get the generally unfilmed biker crowd.

theEAGLE SCENE TUESDAY, MAY 1, 2012

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Discover some great, parent-friendly ways to spend a day in the District

By KENDALL BREITMAN EAGLE STAFF WRITER

Let’s face it, when parents start to come visit before the trip home for summer, it can be a bit of a hassle. And as graduation is rapidly approaching, the idea of entertaining your family after suffering through finals week can be a bit over whelming.

But The Scene wants to take the distress out of planning with a parent-proof list of activities sure to entertain, morning, noon and night.

MORNING BRUNCH MARTIN’S TAVERN

Not a big histor y buff but want to show your parents a real D.C. experience? Head over to Martin’s Tavern in Georgetown for a brunch with a wide range of famous dishes and even more famous visitors.

From simple omelettes to a crabmeat version of Eggs Benedict, there is really something for ever yone, even for past regulars such as Richard Nixon, Harr y Truman, L yndon Johnson and Alger Hiss. If you are lucky, you might be seated in booth number 3, where John F. Kennedy proposed to Jackie O. If not, don’t worr y, ever y table features a complete list of famous visitors, from spies to politicians and ever ything in between.

TABARD INN Tabard Inn may be the perfect place to take a parent for a quintessential D.C. brunch. Nestled on N Street in walking distance from Dupont Circle, Tabard takes on classic staples of the American brunch without being boring. You won’t find anything particularly creative at Tabard Inn, but that doesn’t mean you won’t be surprised. Don’t let its quiet location fool you; options such as their weekend-only homemade doughnuts and praise from critics D.C.-wide are what makes the Inn’s reser vations hard to come by. If you want to take your parents for graduation weekend you should act fast.

FOUNDING FARMERS

Founding Farmers may be one of the more well-known brunch spots in D.C. and for good reason. With options such as stuffed French toast and red velvet buttermilk pancakes, Founding Farmers will satisfy your sweet tooth while allowing your parents to experience a true D.C. local treasure.

What separates this brunch from all the rest is its local and organic natural quality and ingredients that provide freshness you can actually taste, even when its smothered in maple syrup.

AFTERNOON ACTIVITIES OLD TOWN ALEXANDRIA Take a break from the obvious destinations of Georgetown and Dupont and spend some time in Virginia to take a walking tour of Old Town Alexandria. Known for its beautiful cobblestone roads and small-town vibe, Old Town Alexandria offers dozens of amazing museums and restaurants. Or walk off your brunch by strolling the cobblestone streets to explore the farmers market and some fabulous window-shopping. Dozens of walking tour maps are available online, or blaze your own trail by forgoing the map experience. No matter what you choose, it is guaranteed that you will find something to do in Alexandria.

BE A TOURIST

Have a picnic on the National Mall, wander aimlessly around the Eastern Market, play the “pick-aSmithsonian” game, visit the new Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial. One of the beauties of parental visitation is that it provides the perfect excuse and the perfect time to be a tourist. Embrace it! Strap on your fanny pack and enjoy a day spent shamelessly snapping photographs and stand-

ing on the wrong side of the Metro escalator. You’ve earned it.

BETHESDA ARTS FESTIVAL The Bethesda Fine Arts Festival is an annual fixture of downtown Bethesda, which features 140 artists from 25 states showcasing photography, painting, drawing, jewelr y, mixed media, ceramics and other types of contemporar y art. Coincidentally this year the arts festival will be held on May 12 and 13, which creates the perfect place to wander around with your parents on graduation weekend.

Admission to the festival is free and is located in Woodmont Triangle, along Norfolk, Auburn and Del Ray Avenues.

PARENT-FRIENDLY NIGHTLIFE SEQUOIA Enjoy a nice dinner with your parents while experiencing an even nicer view of D.C. at Sequoia Restaurant on K Street. Ser ving American cuisine with an eclectic twist, Sequoia features floor to ceiling windows and a three tier outdoor terrace with sights of the Kennedy Center, Watergate Hotel and the Potomac River. Don’t take our word for it, ask the Clintons.

They’ve said it’s their favorite restaurant in D.C.

FAMOUS LUIGI’S

Take a break from the pseudo “Italian” dishes ser ved at TDR and visit Famous Luigi’s in Dupont Circle, the same location it has held since it opened in 1943. Claiming to be the first restaurant to bring pizza to the District, Luigi’s offers no gimmicks, just simple hearty Italian cuisine done right.

SOC students compete for film, media awards for AU Visions

By DAVID KAHEN-KASHI EAGLE CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Coming soon to a Katzen Center near you, AU will host AU Visions on May 4.

AU Visions is an annual competition for students in the School Of Communication to compete for a variety of awards in categories ranging from outstanding presentations in Film, Screenwriting and New Media.

“Yes, very excited, as in wetting-my-pants excited,” said AU Visions co-host and Distinguished Film Producer in Residence Chris Palmer. “I love getting dressed up in a tux and I love working with my co-host [AU Distinguished Artist in Residence (“Dances with Wolves,” “Glory”)] Professor Russell Williams.”

Williams is a two-time Oscar winning sound mixer, while Palmer is a two-time Emmy winner and one-time Oscar nominee.

The two AU professors are also featured in a humorous video where the two reenacting a codec call from the “Metal Gear Solid” video game franchise.

He also is looking forward to seeing the current crop of students work and watching them compete in these year’s ceremonies.

“They seem to get smarter and more creative every

“They seem to get smarter and more creative every year,” Palmer said. “...Today’s students are way ahead of where I was at their age.”

After a long day of entertaining, take a moment with your parents to sit down and enjoy something sweet at Serendipity 3. Featuring their world famous frozen hot chocolate, Serendipity has made a name for itself in the dessert industr y in New York City and recently opened their third location in Georgetown.

Feeling adventurous? Tr y their $1,000 sundae drenched in 23k edible gold.

year,” Palmer said. “When I was their age, I was pathetically immature — a puerile aggregation of suffocating and trifling angst. Today’s students are way ahead of where I was at their age.”

A new addition this year to the awards is the “Visions Alumni Online Festival” which allows recent graduates to submit a short film that is 10 minutes or less. SOC Professor Kyle Brannon, one of the organizers of the show, said that it gives an opportunity for students and alumni to make meaningful connections.

“I think it makes the awards more about the grander SOC community, which is exciting,” Brannon said.

According to Palmer, there will be a few surprises this year with an opening created by student coordinator of the event Michael Headley. Typically, the event holds court with 200 attendees and Palmer is elated by what the show will have to offer this year.

“Michael Headley has created an open for the show that will have the audience whooping with laughter and applause,” Palmer said. “I don’t know how he does it, but he does. Don’t miss it!”

The nominees for all the categories were announced April 30. The official reception starts at 7:30 p.m. on May 4. The official awards were given out at 8 p.m.

KBREITMAN@THEEAGLEONLINE.COM

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SERENDIPITY 3

theEAGLE SCENE TUESDAY, MAY 1, 2012

AUDIOPHILE

THE MEN OPEN YOUR HEART

The DJs over at WVAU share their favorite albums of 2012 so far.

PORCELAIN RAFT STRANGE WEEKEND

2012 has been a very strong year for music, but not a single album has come close to duplicating the craftsmanship and pure beauty of Porcelain Raft’s “Strange Weekend.” Some could say this record itself is a duplicate of the many dream-pop records released over the last few years, but there’s a whole lot more going on here than a bunch of retreaded ideas. And while mastermind Mauro Remiddi might seem a bit old (40 years young) to be releasing his first record, his age seems to pay off, as he’s clearly taken notes from the best in his genre and incorporated them into his own work.

Throughout “Strange Weekend,” two elements stand out above the rest: the

LANA DEL REY BORN TO DIE Poor pop. Once pop meant Paul Simon or the Beach Boys or Jeff Buckley. Now it means either cookie-cutter Top 40 pop, replete with technicolor divas, strident synths and cliché club chord progressions; or indie pop, what music writers deem the flaccid, uninspiring stuff too soft to even qualify as indie rock. While “pop” used to mean records as opportunities for brilliant songwriters (e.g. Quincy Jones, Rod Temperton and Michael Jackson on “Thriller”) to collaborate and push music forward in its standards and aspirations, it has become another word for conformist garbage both in the mainstream and alternative music worlds.

Lana Del Rey is not at the level of Buckley or Wilson, but she may be all that is left in the modern music world of pop music as a force of creativity and musical progression. So what if her music is written by a team and her lyrics and story are contrived?

So what if it’s shallow? Have you ever heard anything else like it? “Born To Die” is an original work of art from beginning to end, in all its ridiculous, over-the-top glory. The team behind the album created a piece of pop-as-art-as-pop, which in the depth of its

textures and melodies. When these components come together, the results are nothing short of outstanding: “Shapeless and Gone” blends its airy guitars with a soaring falsetto chorus, “Put Me To Sleep” maintains a wonderful urgency amidst its sonic beauty and “Unless You Speak From Your Heart” alternates between bouncy and warbling synths to create the record’s catchiest track. If this isn’t enough, Remiddi proves his worth as a songwriter on the album’s centerpiece ballad, “Backwords,” with heartbreaking sentiments such as “I hope you are in a nice hotel/Playing cards in your room/With someone who cares over you.”

The pure grandiosity and heartfelt nature of this track are enough to prove that Porcelain Raft is not a copycat project but rather a musical force to be reckoned with in its own right.

There is no scene here, no genre-defying, post-whatever wave of trends to follow when it comes to The Men. On their most recent LP, “Open Your Heart,” The Men display nothing less than true mastery of pure, simple, messy guitar rock.

It’s a style that’s been around forever and, despite what you may hear, is at no risk of dying or even fading away.

From the opening riff of “Turn It Around” to the final smashes of feedback on the excellent closer “Ex-Dreams,” the band displays a knack for dynamic songwriting that is simultaneously aggressive, thoughtful and entirely fun. It’s a style

PERFUME GENIUS

PUT UR BACK IN 2 IT

By CAMERON MEINDL

shallowness reeks of Warhol but stirs like Sinatra.

There’s no fighting the beauty of the music here. A combination of dramatically chorded songwriting with murky trip-hop beats and the strings which have graced pop greats since the beginning of the genre, the sound of this record is in a class of its own and the songs are almost all pristinely assembled. “Born To Die” is a barren joust with existence, and “Off To The Races” captures all the urban human depravity of the past and the future in one psychotic episode. “Carmen,” “Radio” and especially “Blue Jeans” are all melodic masterstrokes.

And of course, there’s the unassailable “Video Games,” which may have fooled everyone, for a blissful second, into thinking it cared about them.

The singer, Lana Del Rey, contrary to the opinion of rabid bloggers, is not an amateur wannabe starlet foisting herself onto the Internet’s mind. She’s just another instrument in this collaborative symphony of pop, just another arranged part, albeit a part of languid sexiness and striking versatility. While she’s the center of attention, her voice is really just another layer in this album which holds true to the disappearing value of pop music, a gorgeous, swooning work that will stay golden long after Lana disappears into the Hollywood Hills.

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By JESSE PALLER

Mike Hadreas’ (Perfume Genius) recent release “Put Your Back N 2 It” is one of the most emotionally raw albums of the year so far. A deep breath begins the 32-minute adventure through desperation, with his cathartic anguish resonating far after the album’s conclusion. With most tracks clocking in around two and a half minutes, each cut is like a brief peek into the enthralling thought process of this brilliant songwriter.

21 that is reminiscent of everything from the earliest Foo Fighters recordings to Hüsker Dü in their prime to Neil Young at his most classic. The songs here move clearly and deliberately, many times flowing directly into one another, but they always allow for time to simply let loose and jam in the noisiest, most entertaining and catchy way possible. Save for a few spots, there is distortion across the board, but always in a way that compliments what is happening, never hiding behind it.

“Open Your Heart” is a strong and muscular rock record that knows its strength and, far from bludgeoning you with its aggression, just uses it to have more fun than you thought you’d ever be able to with just a few guitars. Play it loud, sing along and listen to the best damn thing you’ve heard in a while.

By RICHARD MURPHY

The mood on this album can be described simply as hypnotic misery. The lyrics are oddly liberating and the instrumentals are sluiced with heartbreak. Songs like “Water” and “Hood” have a painful simplicity that builds and later erupts, spilling passion and tear-jerking splendor all over the place, like a spiteful toddler throwing a temper tantrum and emptying his sippy cup contents out in an unexplainable fury.

The standout track, “Take Me Home,” is a genuine lament dripping with utter defeat. The beauty on this album will leave you delightfully confounded, broken and wishing that you had an inkling of purpose or worth that could measure up to the passion of Perfume Genius.

By BRENDAN PRINCIPATO

theEAGLE SCENE TUESDAY, MAY 1, 2012

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SILVER SCREEN

SOC student creates movie about AU’s LGBT community Prominently highlighted in the film is the idea that coming out is a lifelong process, a message that challenges the popular “It Gets Better” campaign, which many feel bypasses this process in favor of depicting a cheery end result for LGBT individuals.

“Out,” offers the stories that bring the gap between initially questioning one’s sexuality to getting to a point of comfort with one’s identity.

“These stories are meant to give a better understanding of what it means to come out, and, in some regard, what it means to be gay in the United States,” Jasinski said. “The videos provided by this campaign are aimed to show the diversity throughout the GLBT community and how these individual’s sexuality is only a small portion of their greater whole.”

With “Out — A Narrative,” we are offered an insightful snapshot into the personal journeys of LGBT individuals, which are and will be intrinsic tools in beginning and continuing truly necessary conversations on LGBT issues.

By LINDA NYAKUNDI EAGLE CONTRIBUTING WRITER

There’s nothing wrong with being who you are: that was the central message of the multi-narrative documentary film “Out — A Narrative” produced by SOC sophomore Chris Jasinski and presented at the Wechsler Theatre on April 25. The film featured various members of the AU community telling their stories of coming out as LGBT individuals.

By interviewing various members of the AU community, ranging from faculty to students, Jasinski aims to “provide a source of solidarity and hope by allowing individuals who have come out to share their stories.”

Before presenting a rough cut of the film, which was co-sponsored by the GLBTA Resource Center and Women’s Initiative, Jasinski also explained that, once completed, the various interviews will be made available online. This is part of an online compendium of coming out stories which will be part of a greater outreach effort.

THESCENE@THEEAGLEONLINE.COM

Congratulations CLASS OF 2012 Holy Cannoli, You Did It!

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15 What Henry taught Eliza 16 Diner choice 17 Rash 18 Did stable work 19 Heaps 20 Forever, it seems 22 Arctic explorer John 23 Good-hearted 25 Building with a dome 28 Snorkel, e.g.: Abbr.

29 Shell mover 32 Angora goat fabric 33 Evidentiary home movie studied by the Warren Commission 36 Short-term funding source 39 Site of regular slopping 40 Soap component 41 Programs for quick studies 44 Hoodwink 45 Catch on 46 AMEX, e.g.

49 Indulged in to excess 51 Aglow in the gloaming 54 Morass 55 Michael of “Juno” 58 Colleague of Clarence and Ruth 59 Squeeze 62 Target for some keglers 64 Dandy·s accessory 65 Like many bibliographies 66 Bagpipes and saxes 67 Overdrawn account?

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3 Prone to spoiling 4 “The beer that made Milwaukee famous” 5 Wouk captain 6 First name in acting instruction 7 “O patria mia” singer 8 “Walkabout” director Nicolas 9 Rear-__ 10 Chiseled muscles 11 Masked drama 12 Epitome of deadness 13 With regularity 14 “My heavens!”

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53 Early personal computer maker 56 Mumbai royal 57 Journalists Compton and Curry 60 Show boredom 61 Alfa Romeo sports cars 63 Head-slapper·s cry

36 Pearl Harbor attack, e.g.

37 Pass over 38 Act friendly 42 Source of Sun. light?

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TUESDAY, MAY 1, 2012

STAFF EDITORIAL

Opinion

OP-ED

THE SG YEAR IN REVIEW Yes, it is that time of year again, when The Eagle gets to lay down our iron talon and pen out our thoughts about the failures and (successes?) of Student Government.

President McBride Sarah McBride, formally known as Tim, prefers to lead quietly. Her term in office has not been an emotional tour de force—there were no cape-flapping runs around campus, nor any rambunctious Welcome Week antics to set school spirit alight. That’s not to say that McBride has been lazy. She just hasn’t been visible.

To be fair, Nate Bronstein is a hard act to follow, and the two simply have different leadership styles.

However, McBride’s visibility is so lacking that most of us have seen more of former president Bronstein this year than we have of McBride. It is nearly impossible to be more visible than Bronstein when he is trying. It’s quite a feat to be less visible than him when he’s nonchalantly going about his day.

Though McBride hasn’t been spending her time engaging students like a maniac, she has been working diligently on their behalf.

We applaud the efforts of McBride’s office to lobby for the creation of a LGBTA studies minor, an addition to our curricula that retains AU’s status as a leader in LGBT affairs. Her office played a key role in the creation of Gender Neural Housing, another victory for LGBT students.

She has worked well with the other branches of Student Government and has had a cordial and productive relationship with The Eagle. In every dealing we’ve had with her, she has shown herself to be an

23

honest, forthright, genuine and outgoing person.

All in all, we’re happy to have had McBride as SG president. Tirelessly, she has engaged the Sisyphean task of progress for underrepresented groups. And she has represented the University to outside organizations with aplomb.

Next year, we hope that Emily Yu will carry on this tact and devoted work ethic—and be cognizant of the image demands of her office.

Vice President Richards The office of the vice president is perhaps the most demanding student position on campus. It does not require visibility but instead managerial skills of a Fortune 500 CEO. This year, Liz Richards has done a positively brilliant job overseeing the Kennedy Political Union, and The Eagle can do no more than to smile in awe at the spectacular cast of speakers brought in by KPU. John Legend’s philanthropic dedication and musical talent left Bender Arena spellbound. Bill Clinton’s passion for fascinating ideas and Arkansas charm left us gushing (though he, too, had trouble taking his WONK of the Year award seriously).

Jon Huntsman connected with our inner loser. And the Founder’s Day Ball, ticket problems aside, was a magnificent success.

Student Union Board, however, deserves less admiration. With the exception of Matisyahu and Legend, SUB’s artist selection has been laughable. If it were 2005, we would have been screaming at the top of our seventh grade lungs to hear Gym Class Heroes. It is not 2005. Some students have complained that a small group of dis-

proportionately influential music fans largely decide SUB’s choices. The Eagle would like to know who still listens to Gym Class Heroes.

SUB’s continued flaws aside, Richards has done a great job as VP, and we hope VP Palak Gosar will live up to her impressive record.

Secretar y Sutherland As secretary, Kevin Sutherland reorganized and streamlined the Student Government website, a much-needed improvement that The Eagle applauds. The Jobs Board, though it has been fraught with fraudulent postings, is on the whole a success.

We do, however, take issue with Sutherland’s record communicating with the student body. After the Jobs Board went back online, for example, many students did not know that it was back up. In our private dealings with him, however, The Eagle has found Sutherland to be extremely knowledgeable and competent. We hope he will continue to improve SG’s online presence and increase student engagement.

Comptroller Reath As comptroller, Eric Reath has been a competent manager of SG’s budget, coming closer to spending into the black than his predecessor.

AU Transportation Organization, however, has been a bureaucratic nightmare. We commend Reath for his passion and drive, but hope that he will reform AUTO to make transportation more readily available to students in his second term.

Senate The Senate is a mixed

bag this year — they have, as always, taken their jobs and themselves much too seriously, but they have also been active in advocating for veteran students, an important constituency who deserves our attention. Furthermore, we are glad that they did their job in keeping the Judiciary Board members accountable.

However, the Senate did not take a stand on adjunct unionization, declaring quixotically that adjunct professors “do not affect students.” And they haven’t made much progress in diversity. Next year, we hope that they can give us more to praise.

Judiciar y As it concerns the JBoard, the Board of Elections has been as bureaucratic as always, and, as we have done in the past, The Eagle urges them to consider cutting away some of the campaign red tape that might contribute to the former SG problem of inclusion.

Overall Thoughts On the whole, SG has been a fairly active organization. The flaws it has are those it has consistently.

There have been no significant, large scandals and progress has come slowly but surely. However, aside from KPU, no department gives us just cause to shower it with praise. We hope that Yu, Gosar and the other incoming SG members will build on the progress made this year and try to remedy the continued deficiencies of SG that affect the student body. ≠ E Editor’s Note: Tim McBride asked The Eagle to use her new preferred name, Sarah McBride. See page 25 for more.

EDPAGE@THEEAGLEONLINE.COM

One year later after bin Laden’s death, a generation reflects on 9/11 and the “War on Terror” At 10 p.m. on May 1, 2011, like most students, I was procrastinating studying for a final. As I glanced at my Twitter feed, I noticed a few people talking about the president giving a press conference about national security at 10:30. At first, a few people thought that Gadhafi had been killed. It was, after all, the height of the Arab Spring, and his death seemed plausible. Soon, rumors were spreading that it might be Osama bin Laden who was dead.

Thirty minutes later, the president still hadn’t spoken and the floor lounge of Hughes 6 was slowly filling up with people excitedly wondering if this was actually true. By 10:45, the major networks were confirming it: Osama bin Laden was dead. Less than twenty minutes later, I was out on the shuttle, trying to catch the last Red Line train to Farragut North to join the crowds of people outside the White House, celebrating the fact that the villain of our generation was dead.

Most of the people there were college students. After all, there are very few other people with the time, inclination or ability to go down to the White House in the middle of a Sunday night. Those adults who came preferred to stay out of the mosh pit in front of the gates. Later that night, when exhaustion and a lingering sense of guilt over procrastinating to study drove us home, I began reading about the protests online and was dismayed

by the attitude I saw.

The media was condescending and dismissive towards our generation’s perspective. Behind their criticism of our celebration was a thinly-veiled criticism that we were too young—that because we couldn’t understand the attacks the way they did, the attacks weren’t as traumatic for us.

The criticism gnawed at me because nothing could be farther from the truth.

September 11 was one of the biggest influences on our lives. International politics and strife wormed its way into our everyday lives. Two wars defined the rest of our childhood and early adulthood. We grew up expecting to endure security checks everywhere we went. We can barely remember a time before terrorism was a household concept.

For the past six months, I’ve been working to counter this assumption that our experiences weren’t important, and to provide an insight into how the September 11 attacks influenced our generation.

The narratives I’ve gathered have been truly incredible. Young enough to know fear, panic and confusion, but not quite old enough to know what it all meant, I’d argue our experiences were just as bad, if not worse, than those of our parents.

Take Sean Vera, for example. He was 10-yearsold and living in New York City at the time of the Continued on Page 24

24

theEAGLE OPINION TUESDAY, MAY 1, 2012

OP-ED

ers stood and touched the panels which line the edge of the pools that are crowded with the names of the dead.

At the memorial I encountered even more Millennials who were there to reflect on that day and pay their respects to those who had died. Some were as young as 5 years old when the attacks happened, and old, but there had never been yet even they have vivid memoContinued from Page 23 anything on this scale. And ries of that day. And although nothing could erase the horror it is a place of mourning, some attacks. He was nodding off in of everything she saw that day are finding that it can be a place class, looking at the Manhattan from her mind. for healing, and an opportunity skyline out of the window of his Lisa Tannenbaum didn’t to move beyond the events that classroom when he saw the first know it was a terrorist attack at have defined our lives. plane slam into the tower. The first. When her mom pulled her Rhett Spurlin exemplifies class sat in a stunned panic un- out of school, she thought that it this mindset. When he thinks til the principal collected them was because the school had re- of September 11, he doesn’t and brought them down into ceived a bomb threat. On their think of the tragedy that dethe gymnasium, where they way home, her mom stopped at fined his childhood but of how were spared from watching the a 7-11 to stock up on supplies in our country united together crash of the second plane and case they needed to evacuate. It to respond to the attacks. Our the collapse of the towers. wasn’t until they got home that response showed how supportVera and his brother were Lisa found out about what had ive and incredible our country picked up a few hours later by happened, when she walked in can be, and how quickly we can their dad, who walked them the house just in time to see the rebound from tragedy. To him, the two miles back home. They news station replay the footage the memorial makes a huge passed by St. Vincent’s hospital, of the second plane striking the statement that as a nation, we where doctors waited on the tower. Even now, Lisa can’t real- will continue to grow and restreet to treat survivors who ly remember a time before the build together. were never going to come. For “War on Terror”, when fear and A year after Osama bin Ladthe next few days, there would paranoia became normal. en’s death, the “War on Terror” be no escaping the images of In New York City, it was isn’t close to being over, and the attacks. Years later, his first Valerie Nadal’s ninth birthday. his influence can still be seen instinct would be to and felt in the United look skyward if a plane States. But for our passed overhead. generation, his death In Fort Knox, Ky., brought a sense of cloOur general continues onward, 8-year-old Sarah Dunsure to a decade of fear lap was awoken by and endless war. The still bearing emotional scars, the screaming of a celebration, with all of bomb siren. She got its positives and negabut ready to move forward. out of bed just in time tives, was an emotional to watch the second release, our Victory in plane crash into the Europe day, allowing us second tower on telto feel that, finally, we evision. Fort Knox went into Her birthday kept her mother can begin to turn the page on lockdown, and she and her from passing by the World the event that defined most of mother spent the rest of the day Trade Center at the moment our lives. watching the news. But her fam- when the attacks started, but it The world is moving on. ily’s attention was on the Penta- nearly brought her father there, The “War on Terror” continues gon, where friends of her family where he was supposed pick up without its standard-bearer. I’m worked. Later that evening they a birthday present. Her father still procrastinating studying finally heard that everyone they was four hours late getting for my finals. A new generation knew was fine, but Sarah knew home that night, but despite all of children is growing up and that big, potentially devastating the trauma of that day, they still learning about the September changes would be coming to went out to celebrate her birth- 11 attacks for the first time, her military community. day. Yet even 10 years later, it now with the luxury of someAcross the country, 8-year- is still a struggle to reclaim the one deciding when they are old Dorothy Joseph was woken happiness of her birthday from emotionally mature enough to up by her mother, and walked the grief of that day. watch the videos from that horinto the living room just in time This spring, I visited the rific day. And our generation to watch the second plane hit World Trade Center memorial continues onwards, still bearthe tower. She spent the morn- for the first time to see the place ing the emotional scars from ing in front of the television, where it all began. The memo- witnessing that day, but ready watching everything happen rial is gorgeous, but sad. The to move forward and make our live. Dorothy knew what terror- scale of the attacks never struck own mark on the world. ism was; after all her synagogue me until I stood at the edge of had been practicing lock-down the enormous pools that mark Alyssa Franke drills since she was four years the footprints of where the tow- Junior in SPA

Millenials reflect on 9/11 memories

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

The Student Health Center responds This is in response to the “Is anyone a doctor?” opinion piece printed in the Eagle on April 24, 2012. The Student Health Center respects the right of all to express opinions freely. We are disappointed when opinions are expressed based on misinformation. This opinion piece does not accurately reflect the services of the Student Health Center, the efforts of the staff or the care received by over 8,000 students each year.

Students should know that the

Student Health Center is accredited by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC) which states, “Being accredited means that this organization has undergone a rigorous professional scrutiny by highly qualified AAAHC professionals and found to provide quality care.”

Daniel L. Bruey Director Student Health Center

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

AU committed to diversity and inclusion Responding to the April 24 article and editorial, it is important to correct the record regarding the proposed Center for Diversity and Inclusion and AU’s commitment to issues of diversity.

Over the past several years, AU has made record progress in diversifying the student body. From 2008 to 2011, our domestic minority numbers increased from 19.2 to 30.8 percent. First-generation students jumped from 3.6 percent to 9.5 percent; and Pell-eligible students grew to 23.6 percent from 7.7 percent.

The dramatic changes in the student body require renewed attention on the part of the institution to ensure that all students at AU, regardless of race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, ability and gender identity, have a sense of belonging and are valued for the contributions they make to the educational mission of the institution.

The goal of the Center for Diversity and Inclusion is to expand AU’s commitment to diversity and inclusion by augmenting programs and services, while ensuring that current “safe spaces” are preserved and that the intersections of identities are understood and honored.

The Center for Diversity and Inclusion will build on the strengths of our current offices and programs, GLBTA Resource Center, Multicultural Affairs and Women Resource

Center, while positioning AU to respond to the changing needs of our students. Signature programs associated with the named departments will remain and, as needed, be expanded to benefit a larger segment of the AU community.

The Eagle made other inaccurate statements, and I wish to correct those for the record. The Center for Diversity and Inclusion will expand AU’s commitment to women and gender-equity by appointing, for the first time, a full-time women’s resource program coordinator. This position was never a director, as claimed by The Eagle, and has been a part-time position for the last two years. Full-time staffing will enable us to augment women-centered programming and outreach.

The Eagle’s reference to transfer student services also needs correction. The Center will not include transfer student services as reported in the articles. The needs of transfer students will continue to be addressed by various units on campus, along with the Transfer Student Association.

AU is committed to enhancing the student experience and to building on the progress made to date.

We are confident that the new Center for Diversity and Inclusion will be an important asset in these efforts.

Tiffany Speaks Director Multicultural Affairs

theEAGLE OPINION TUESDAY, MAY 1, 2012

QUICK TAKE

25

Every week on theeagleonline.com, the Quick Take offers concise views on an issue of significance to American University. Read more at theeagleonline.com/front/quicktake

Between You & Me

The Eagle’s new political cartoon series.

The Real Me

BY RYAN MIGEED / THE EAGLE

OP-ED

Don’t touch me: The merits of proper hand hygiene Wouldn’t it be neat if at the end of four years of giving unsolicited opinions, sometimes in column form but most often via sarcastic “likes” on Facebook pictures, I wrote a column similar to the “Wear Sunscreen” article written by Mary Schmich in 1997?

The one where she uses the merits of sunscreen to talk about larger life issues.

However, now that I’ve alerted you to its existence, I feel free to spend the next 500 words telling you why I never let you touch my T-zone and probably never will. Indeed, for all her worldliness in the fields of love, body image and most notably sun-poisoning protection, Schmich overlooked the omnipresent dangers of improper hand sanitation.

This year, the AU Student Health Center received over 14,000 visits, often addressing common

conditions. Many of these common conditions could be prevented by practicing proper hand hygiene, according to the nonprofit Henry the Hand. Dr. Will Sawyer, an infection prevention specialist, has developed Four Principles of Hand Awareness that could greatly decrease the number of poor souls who congregate in the Student Health Center.

Sawyer’s first recommendation is to wash your hands when they are dirty and before eating. Universities are disgusting places. While this statement is most obvious when partying/stealing food from the cabinets at frat houses, nowhere is safe. Not the gym (one of the many reasons I do not attend), not the dorms (which might as well be hospital wards) and certainly not the Petri dish that is TDR. Recommendation numbers two and three go

OP-ED

hand-in-hand: thou shalt not sneeze nor cough into your hands. In my opinion, people should cease coughing and sneezing all together, but if you must then Henry the Hand literature encourages to do so into your elbow.

And finally we get to the T-Zone. Above all, DO NOT put your fingers into your eyes, nose or mouth.

These four body parts constitute the T-Zone, arguably a blessing and a curse.

A blessing because it’s helpful in today’s modern society to be able to see, smell, taste, consume and speak. Missing more than three of these abilities will surely limit your functionality.

But the T-Zone is a curse in the sense that it is the gateway for germs into the body. Think of it as Ellis Island, which isn’t a completely xenophobic metaphor when you consider that given the

proper procedures the Island welcomed necessary and constructive members of society, like the food that sustains us. But then America got careless, rubbed its sleepy eyes with its dirty little paws and now we’re stuck with the Irish.

My point, if it wasn’t clear (and I’m not sure how it could have been), is that the utmost vigilance and discipline is required when dealing with hand sanitation.

I learned proper hand sanitation in kindergarten; I haven’t practiced it since. Looking back on the last four years of what was and what could have been, I regret the tests I took when my head was congested with more than just Arabic vocabulary and the wild times I had to listen to whilst sipping my chicken noodle soup. Given how obvious the benefits of hand sanitation and the ease and convenience of not being disgusting, it is a wonder why we let it slip so often. Why let a preventable infection prevent you from using your T-Zone to its fullest potential?

Adam Gallagher Former Eagle Columnist

Yesterday, I ended my term as AU’s student body president. I have learned and grown so much over the last year, both personally and professionally. As proud as I am of all of the issues we tackled together, the biggest take away, for me, has been the resolution of an internal struggle.

For my entire life, I’ve wrestled with my gender identity. It was only after the experiences of this year that I was able to come to terms with what had been my deepest secret: I’m transgender.

For me, it has been present my whole life, but, for the longest time, I couldn’t accept it.

At an early age, I also developed my love of politics.

I wrestled with the idea that my dream and my identity seemed mutually exclusive; I had to pick. So I picked what I thought was easier and wouldn’t disappoint people.

To avoid letting myself and others down, I rationalized my decision: if I can make life a little fairer for other people, then that work would be so fulfilling that it would make me feel complete and somehow mitigate my own, internal struggles.

I told myself that if I could make “Tim” worthwhile for other people by changing the world, that being “Tim” would be worthwhile.

As SG President, I realized that as great as it is to work on issues of fairness, it only highlighted my own struggles. It didn’t bring the completeness that I sought.

By mid-fall, it had gotten to the point where I was living in my own head. With everything I did, from the mundane to the exciting, the only way I was able to enjoy it was if I re-imagined doing it as a girl. My life was passing me by, and I was done wasting it as someone I wasn’t.

I told my family and some of my closest friends over winter break. My brothers and parents greeted me with

immediate support and unconditional love. This was the first time that my parents have had to worry about my safety, my job prospects and my acceptance. This story is my experience and my experience alone. There is no one-size-fits-all narrative; everyone’s path winds in different ways.

The experience highlights my own privilege. I grew up in an upper-income household, in an accepting environment and with incredible educational opportunities. I never worried about my family’s reaction.

But those worries are all too common for most. For far too many trans members, the reality is far bleaker; coming out oftentimes means getting kicked out of your home. I say this not to diminish my own experience, but to acknowledge the privilege and opportunities which have been afforded to me.

Today is the next day of the life I’ve already had, but at the same time, the first day of the life I always knew I wanted to lead. Starting on Saturday, I will present as my true self. Going forward, I ask that you use female pronouns (she/her) and my chosen name, Sarah.

With every birthday candle extinguished, with every penny thrown, my wish was always the same. I am now blessed with the opportunity to live my dream and fulfill a truth I have known since childhood. My gratitude is great to my family, friends and this university for accepting me as the person who they now know me to be, and for letting me show them the possibilities of a life well lived.

I now know that my dreams and my identity are only mutually exclusive if I don’t try.

Sarah McBride is the outgoing SG President.

theEAGLE SPORTS TUESDAY, MAY 1, 2012

26

NHL punishment needs consistency

By ERIC SALTZMAN EAGLE STAFF WRITER

Usually, the NHL postseason is a time to celebrate the best of the best, as it’s the rare time when ESPN actually shows amazing goals and great saves. This year however, the biggest storyline surrounding the NHL playoffs have not been the saves or the scores. And no, I’m not referring to that pathetic series between the Flyers and Penguins.

The biggest story to come out of the first round of the playoffs has been the suspensions dealt out by NHL chief disciplinarian Brendan Shanahan. The former player has come under scrutiny for delivering very inconsistent

than a player who took a bad penalty.

Shanahan argued that he suspended Hagelin for more games because his hit caused an injury.

Were both penalties suspension worthy? Absolutely. But factoring in intent is just as important as factoring in injury.

The Carkner-Hagelin incident is just one example of times when Shanahan’s suspensions have been conflicting during the playoffs.

Shea Weber didn’t receive a suspension for shoving the head of Red Wings forward Henrik Zetterberg into the glass at the end of Game 1 of the Nashville-Detroit series.

This isn’t to say Shanahan

GRADUATING SENIORS Don’t forget about the Talon!

It’s AU’s award-winning yearbook that has been recording and preserving the memories that you’ve experienced all year.

To order, go to, http://www.balfour.com/yearbooks.php For any questions please email talon@american.edu.

Books cost $75 which includes shipping and are shipped early in the fall semester of the next academic year.

The biggest story to come out of the first round of the playoffs has been the suspensions dealt out by NHL chief disciplinarian Brendan Shanahan. punishments for players who commit vicious hits or checks during games.

In Game 2 of the RangersSenators series, Ottawa’s Matt Carkner knocked Rangers center Brian Boyle down and continually punched him in the back of the head as Boyle lay on the ice.

Carkner’s attack was likely caused by a questionable hit Boyle laid on Senators defenseman Erik Karlsson. Boyle was shaken up but returned to the game, while Carkner received a game misconduct penalty.

Later in the same game, New York forward Carl Hagelin was charged with elbowing Senators captain Daniel Alfredsson. While it was a clear elbow, it was unclear if Hagelin was trying to really hurt Alfredsson. Hagelin served a fourminute major, while Alfredsson was diagnosed with a concussion and missed the next three games.

The following day, Shanahan leveled a three-game suspension on Hagelin and handed a onegame suspension to Carkner.

That’s right: The guy who blatantly assaulted a player on the ice got suspended for fewer games

hasn’t been inclined to throw the hammer down before. He handed out an eight-game suspension to James Wisniewski for an elbow in a preseason game.

So far, the lack of uniformity has rattled Shanahan’s reputation, even though he was one of the most respected players during his time in the NHL. The best thing for Shanahan to do this offseason is to take a page out of Roger Goodell’s playbook.

Goodell has been suspension and fine happy since he took over as commissioner of the NFL in 2006.

Even though he has come under scrutiny for perhaps being too strict in terms of assessing fines to players for dirty hits, Goodell has been constant in delivering penalties. If a player makes a helmetto-helmet hit, he knows a fine is coming.

This isn’t to say there has to be an exact system of punishment, but Shanahan needs to find a way to create consistency. If he fails to do so, he not only hurts his own credibility, but the credibility of the whole league.

ESALTZMAN@THEEAGLEONLINE.COM

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theEAGLE SPORTS TUESDAY, MAY 1, 2012

27

PATRIOT LEAGUE STANDINGS FOR WOMEN’S LACROSSE TOURNAMENT SEMIFINALS:

SCHEDULE

No. 3 Holy Cross defeats No. 2 Colgate, 13-12

May 2 May 3 May 4

CHAMPIONSHIP:

May 5

No. 1 Navy defeats No. 4 American, 14-7

No games scheduled No games scheduled Track and field @ Patriot League Outdoor Championships (All Day) Track and field @ Patriot League Outdoor Championships (All Day)

No. 1 Navy defeats No. 3 Holy Cross, 18-11

May 6

No games scheduled

Former Eagle Moldoveanu launches career in Italy COURTESY OF AU ATHLETICS

By JOSH PAUNIL

Mark Allen registered the top finish for the Eagles at the Penn Relays in Philadelphia.

Allen leads pack of AU runners at Penn Relays

By CHRIS HALL EAGLE STAFF WRITER

Four runners represented AU at the 118th Penn Relays, which marked a significant step up from last year’s performance. The Eagles ran respectably in the threeday meet last weekend that drew high school, collegiate and professional athletes from all over the world.

AU tallied runners in various divisions of the 5,000-meter race. Mark Allen led the way for the Eagles with a fifth-place finish in the Olympic Development race with an impressive time of 14:24.39 that was the fastest of the day for the Eagles and also an IC4A qualifying time.

Mark Leininger, competing in the same event as his teammate, placed 17th with a time of 14:49.46.

AU’s Josh Olsen crossed the finish line in 14:52.89 for a 28thplace finish in the men’s 5,000-meter championship, while Ryan Williams also posted a 28th-place

showing in the men’s 5,000-meter college race with a time of 15:12.58.

Those four performances rounded out a solid weekend for the Eagles, who only had one participant in last year’s relays.

In 2011, the Eagles sent Erin Koch to the Penn Relays, who wound up placing 11th in the women’s 3,000-meter run. That marked the first appearance by a member of the AU women’s track and field team at the relays since 2009.

With the event now behind them, the Eagles hope to post a strong performance in this week’s Patriot League Track and Field Outdoor Championships.

Last year, the men placed sixth overall and the women came in eighth despite multiple strong individual performances on both sides.

On the women’s side, senior Octavia Rinehardt will look to defend her title in the 5,000-meter race.

The Eagles will miss Koch,

the runner-up at 1,500 meters, but sophomore Ali Tyburski will look to improve on her impressive fifth-place finish from a year ago.

A championship in the 4x800 meter relay last year highlighted the meet for the men’s team, and they’ll look for similar success this time around.

Williams, Leininger, Allen and Zach Wright are returning notable competitors looking to lead the Eagles in 2012. Allen placed fifth in the 5,000 last year in 14:48.38, and has run well throughout the season for the Eagles.

High jumper Wright, the school’s record holder, placed fifth as well in his event, clearing with a final height of 6’ 8.25”. Williams and Leininger placed sixth and seventh in the 10,000 meter race last year, respectively.

The Patriot League Championships are scheduled to take place from May 4 to 5 in Worcester, Mass.

SPORTS@THEEAGLEONLINE.COM

EAGLE STAFF WRITER

After two-time First Team All-Patriot League selection Vlad Moldoveanu went unselected in the 2011 NBA Draft, AU students and fans were unsure of the star’s future.

But in July 2011, Moldoveanu signed with Benetton Treviso, a professional basketball club in the Italian Serie A League. Fast forward nearly one year later and Moldoveanu is already making his mark in Europe.

“He has had a good year,” AU Head Coach Jeff Jones said. “His numbers don’t jump out at you, but I think he’s pleased with how his rookie season is going. He’s playing against great competition, he’s receiving outstanding coaching and he’s having a great opportunity to learn. I think all of that is a positive for him.”

Moldoveanu is coming off a careerbest performance after leading in twopoint field goal percentage in the Last 16 phase of the Eurocup. That is the second most important cup in Europe, after the Euroleague.

The former Eagle forward also recently poured in 12 points and three rebounds in just 22 minutes of play against Mens Sana Basket, the best team in Italy which features former New Orleans Hornet David Andersen.

Moldoveanu is enjoying himself overseas while playing for one of the top teams in Italy. Benetton has produced notable NBA players such as former No. 1 overall draft pick Andrea Bargnani and Toni Kukoc, who won three NBA titles with the Chicago Bulls.

“I really like my current situation,” Moldoveanu said. “Benetton Treviso is a very good organization. Tremendous players and coaches have gone through here, so I think their tradition speaks for itself. I am fortunate to play here. It has

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been a great experience.”

Despite his busy schedule, Moldoveanu has been able to keep in touch with members of the AU community. He talks often with the managers of the basketball team, and has even given Charles Hinkle advice on the process of getting his professional basketball career going.

“I keep in touch with everyone at AU,” Moldoveanu said. “AU is like a family, so we will always be close together. I talk to them about basketball-related stuff, and just how everyone has been doing. Sometimes it is good to get to give advice to someone in need. I also talk to them about how it is here and how things work, so they know for future reference when they have other players go through the same experiences I have gone through.”

One thing that makes members of the AU population optimistic about Moldoveanu’s future is his work ethic and desire to improve. His dedication to the game is unparalleled by many and is one component of what makes him the player he is.

“Knowing Vlad’s competitive instincts and work effort, he is going to get better,” Jones said. “He wants to be better.

He wants to be the best that he can be and he’s not afraid to put in work. That’s a pretty good recipe for success.”

Moldoveanu plans on doing exactly what Jones describes and has set lofty goals and expectations for himself to try to reach his maximum potential. He plans on using Italy as a launching point, not destination, for the rest of his career.

“I want to qualify for the European Championship with my national team, become one of the best power forwards in Europe and make it to the NBA in a couple of years,” Moldoveanu said.

“From how my rookie season went, I think it is all attainable and it is up to me if I make those steps or not. Until I reach those goals, I will just keep working.”

SPORTS@THEEAGLEONLINE.COM

Sports

Track and Field How did AU fare at the 118th Penn Relays? 27 TUESDAY, MAY 1, 2012

NHL 4IBOBIBO VOEFS mSF GPS EJTDJQMJOF EFDJTJPOT 26

28

Navy knocks out AU

By GENNARO FARONE EAGLE CONTRIBUTING WRITER

The season came to an end for the AU women’s lacrosse team April 27, when the fourthseeded Eagles fell 14-7 at topseeded Navy in the Patriot League Tournament Semifinals.

The tournament appearance was AU’s second straight, and ninth since joining the conference in 2002. With the loss, the Eagles (7-10, 3-3 PL) closed their 2012 campaign on a fivegame losing streak, having been outscored by a combined margin of 73-40 over those five contests.

AU’s Samantha Marshall led the team by picking up five ground balls, while Alex Lugovina and Lauren Schoenberger totaled a team-high two goals apiece.

Navy (17-2, 6-0 PL) sprinted out to a 2-0 lead in the game’s first five minutes. The second of those goals came from Kathy Young, who ranks in the top 25 in the nation in goals scored.

Marshall answered with a

score for the Eagles before Navy picked up three straight goals to take a 5-1 lead just 10 minutes into the game.

Assisted by leading goal scorer Emily Burton, Schoenberger flung in the first of her two goals on the evening as AU tried to keep up with the Navy attack.

However, the goals kept coming for the Mids, and Aimee Gennaro’s back-to-back scores gave Navy a five-goal advantage at 8-3 five minutes until halftime.

The Eagles closed the gap to 8-5 following goals from Kimberly Collins and Lugovina, before a 30-second stretch prior to halftime killed AU’s momentum.

Young beat AU goalkeeper Mia Rosen with 29 seconds left, and then DePompeo found the back of the net in the final second to give the Mids a 10-5 halftime lead.

Navy put to rest any thoughts AU had of a second-half surge, opening the final 30 minutes with three consecutive goals to go up 13-5.

SIDELINE SCHOLAR

Thanks to those who helped me get here

By BEN LASKY EAGLE STAFF WRITER

Every time I’ve ever sat down to write this column, I would look at what was going on in sports and try to talk about an issue I thought readers of The Eagle cared about. But with this being my final column for this paper, a traditional sports piece wouldn’t be enough. While this may not be a typical Ben Lasky column, it’s the truest one you’re ever going to get.

I wasn’t supposed to be here. I have a learning disability, which

presented a lot of challenges for me when I was younger and, at times, still does today. A lot of people didn’t see any college in my future, not to mention a top 100 school like AU. Yet somehow I sit here writing this, just weeks away from graduation.

I say this not to talk about how great I am, but how great you are. If you have helped me at all over these last 23 years, this column is for you.

If it weren’t for my family, friends, the amazing teachers at Kingsbury Day School in D.C. where I attended sixth grade

Burton and Schoenberger made it 13-7 Navy, with Burton wrapping up 2012 with 46 goals on the season. Loren Generi capped the scoring on the night, pushing the Mids into the PL Championship with a 14-7 victory. Both teams went scoreless over the game’s final 13:22.

Navy held an advantage in shots (25-18) and draw controls (12-10), while both squads committed seven turnovers apiece.

Rosen made her second consecutive start in goal for AU, stopping six shots in the loss.

Rosen’s counterpart Michelle Verbeeck made eight saves to secure the victory for the Mids.

Looking ahead to next season, the Eagles will return four of their top five goal scorers in Burton, Collins, Marshall and Emily Maher.

In the tournament’s other semifinal, Holy Cross defeated Colgate 13-12 in a contest that went back and forth for 60 minutes. Colgate cut the Crusaders’ lead to 13-12 with 1:41 remaining, but the Raiders weren’t able to push across the through high school and the great people I’ve met during my time at AU, there is no way I would be in the position that I’m in today.

Sure, I’ve worked hard to get here. But without the help of so many people, I would be somewhere else, without the prospects in life that I have going forward.

To my dad, I get my love of sports from you. Without you brainwashing me into being a Yankee fan, I’d be miserable.

Mom, oddly, people often compliment me on my smile.

I get that smile from you, and thankfully I didn’t get your laugh.

To my brother Adam, you’re my best friend. Thanks for being there for me whenever I need you.

I know I don’t often show how much I appreciate you, but I want you to know that I’m sitting here writing this with tears streaming down my face, thinking about

COURTESY OF AU ATHLETICS

Lauren Schoenberger recorded two goals in the Eagles’ loss to top-seeded Navy in the PL Tournament Semifinals. equalizer before time ran out.

Navy became the first team in league history to win three straight Patriot League Tournament titles when the Mids defeated Holy Cross 18-11 in the all the sacrifices you guys have made for me in my life, and how lucky I am to have you.

Finally, to The Eagle. When I started my job as assistant sports editor, I didn’t show up to the office on Sundays until I was required to at 3 p.m. But if you’ve noticed over the last few weeks, I’ve been in the office much earlier than that. Not because I have anything to work on, but because I can’t wait to see you people, my friends.

If you’ve been on staff at The Eagle this past year, you’ll either enjoy or be very annoyed by the next 200 words or so.

If you want to come give me a visit and need directions to where I live, just sit tight, take hold and take Thunder Road all the way to the end and meet me in the Land of Hope and Dreams.

My only hope is that someone makes sure that our new editor-

championship April 29. Gennaro and Young tallied seven goals apiece, and Navy finished the year undefeated in PL play.

SPORTS@THEEAGLEONLINE.COM

in-chief, Zach Cohen, doesn’t gain too much power. A wise man once said that “poor man wanna be rich, rich man wanna be king, and a king ain’t satisfied till he rules everything.”

I hate to leave you guys, but as I said before, I was never supposed to make it this far. I’ve never been the most talented, but I’ve worked my way to the top. Tramps like us, baby we were born to run.

Tyler Tomea and I have worked really hard for the sports section this year, and I hope everyone has enjoyed it.

Because you’ve just seen the earth shakin’, history makin’, pinpoint editin’, Springsteen playin’, angry rantin’, editorial board distractin’, Lindsey Anderson confusin’, first ones out of production, Eagle lovin’, legendary…Ben Lasky and the sports section!

BLASKY@THEEAGLEONLINE.COM