EVENT: GEORGETOWN STOCK COMPETITION!

This spring, GCI is hosting a free campus-wide portfolio competition. Each participant will receive $10,000 to invest in the market (no, its not really money...just a game). Whoever has the largest return by Georgetown Day will win an iPod Touch!

We will also be giving out other great prizes!

This competition is open to ALL Georgetown students, not just GCI members, so tell all your friends!

Here are the directions on how to sign up. You can enter the competition at any time.

Open this link and read the competition summary:
http://vse.marketwatch.com/Game/StartViewGame.aspx?id=GCIcomp

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EVENT: BSA Presents "Get Your Laugh On": A Comedy Show

Start Time:	Friday, February 27, 2009 at 11:00pm
End Time:	Saturday, February 28, 2009 at 2:00am
Location:	Gaston Hall

Nema Williams and Tony Roberts, headlining comedians and well known stand ups will be right here a Georgetown.

Ya'll remember last year, its gonna be bigger and better!

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ANNOUNCEMENT: Apply to be an ESCAPE leader next year!

The application to be part of Team XVIII for the 2009-2010 year is now available! Be part of one of Georgetown's greatest and most rewarding traditions!

You DO NOT have to have attended ESCAPE to apply. We need members from ALL grades - Sophomores thru Seniors.

All the relevant information about responsibilities is on the application. If you have questions, pose them here or ask a current team member!

Applications are due by 5pm on Thursday, March 19th at the ESCAPE office across from Uncommon Grounds.

http://escape.georgetown.edu and click APPLY!

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Obama may attend Wizards game tonight

For you Obama-spotting junkies/basketball fans. The DCist blog reports:

"The Chicago Bulls visited President Obama at the White House yesterday, and now word is that Obama might show up at the Verizon Center tonight for their game against the Wizards. The rumors are no doubt the greatest thing that will happen to Wizards tickets sales this season; the last place team has had trouble even filling the arena to half-full for the last couple months. Click here to purchase tickets to tonight's game, which starts at 7 p.m. This would be the first Wizards game Obama will have attended since taking office."

Circulator may cross Key Bridge

WTOP reports:

"WASHINGTON -- The Circulator Bus, one of the more popular commuter options in the District, could cross the Key Bridge toward Rosslyn in the fall.

The new route would take the place of the existing Georgetown Blue Bus, which runs between the Dupont Circle and Rosslyn Metro Stations.

"We are looking at taking on some routes and just switching the circulator in," D.C. Department of Transportation Director Gabe Klein tells WTOP.

The Circulator, which DDOT operates, has already been expanded once to run through Georgetown. An Adams Morgan Route is in the works. The bus may now have its sights on Virginia."

Georgetown raises tuition 2.9 percent

The Washington Business Journal reports:

"Georgetown University, whose endowment shrank by a reported 26 percent thanks to market losses last year, is raising undergraduate tuition by 2.9 percent this fall.

The University’s board calls it a modest increase, and one that reflects the school’s commitment to keeping costs down for students and families impacted by the recession.

Room and board will also rise 2.9 percent, bringing total average undergraduate tuition, room and board and fees to $51,543 per year.

Georgetown is also stepping up financial assistance. Need-based scholarship aid is currently budgeted at $88 million, an 18 percent increase from current levels. Georgetown has doubled financial aid in the last decade.

Currently, about 55 percent of Georgetown undergrad students are receiving some form of financial aid."

The Friday Hoya

In today's Hoya...

• Tuition to Rise by 2.9% Next Year
  
• GUSA Candidates Reinstated
  
• Growing Green Efforts Across Campus
  
• Georgetown's Trip to Villanova Promises to Be a Guarded Affair
  
• Well-Traveled Seniors Prep for Last Home Game
  

Check out The Hoya's blogs or follow us on Twitter for more.

The February Heckler

Headlines include:

• Housing Accidentally Gives All Rising-Sophomore Dorm Rooms to G.W. Students
• In Compromise, Administration Allows Georgetown Day to Be Held on Last Day of Classes, But Will Bar Students from Being Allowed on Campus
• Basketball Team Explodes Following Loss to Louisville
• ICC Professor Finally Able to Get Syllabus Up On Projector Screen, Start Course
• Freshman with Entire Bookstore-Bought Wardrobe Puts Tape Over Russell Logos

For DeGioia's sloppy joe blog, our farewell to JuicyCampus, and more, visit georgetownheckler.com. And keep up to date, or something like that, on the latest ridiculous crap at Georgetown on our blog.

This Week's Voice

• Eric Pilch has the low-down on the drama surrounding UDC's tuition hike and struggle to change its image

• News takes a comprehensive look at what the heck is going on with GUSA, and has the skinny on Sex Positive Week

• Sports bites its nails as the NCAA looms
  

• Leisure reviews Cherry Blossoms
  

Friday Night Lights?

Georgetown athletics has installed lighting on Harbin field to make night games and hopefully club practices possible. Pressure came down for the athletic department to be able to open up night game availability, than holding scheduling to only the afternoons.

Sources say that the mens lacrosse game vs. Navy on March 28th may be pushed from its original 1:00 pm start time and become a game under the lights.

EVENT: Georgetown Superfood hosts Carnegie Mellon's Soundbytes

Date:	Friday, February 27, 2009
Time:	8:00pm - 9:00pm
Location:	Uncommon Grounds, Leavey Center

hey a cappella fans!

it's that season again -- time for Superfood, all our friends and fans to welcome another visiting group, the co-ed Soundbytes from CMU, to campus! the Soundbytes are coming to sing some awesome new songs for us, and we want y'all to come out, warm up with some yummy UG coffee and hear some amazing music! we'll be singing THIS FRIDAY NIGHT in Uncommon Grounds at 8.

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White House names GU expert new head of AIDS policy office

Reuters reports:

"WASHINGTON, Feb 26 (Reuters) - President Barack Obama named a Georgetown University health policy expert to head the White House AIDS policy office and coordinate efforts to reduce new HIV infections in the United States, officials said on Thursday.

Jeffrey Crowley, who previously worked for the National Association of People with AIDS activist group, was appointed to head the Office of National AIDS Policy, the White House said."

EVENT: Bowerbirds, David Karsten Daniels, and the Reconquista

Come see the Reconquista open up for David Karsten Daniels and Bowerbirds!

Date:	Saturday, February 28, 2009
Time:	8:00pm - 11:00pm
Location:	Bulldog Alley (Leavey Center near the radio station)

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EVENT: BMDT Spring Concert

Please join us for Black Movement Dance Theater's Spring Concert: Love, Soul, Beautiful.

The two performances will be for Friday, 2/27 and Saturday, 2/28 at 8pm in Walsh Black Box Theater. Tickets are available online at:
http://performingarts.georgetown.edu/BOXOFFICE/#BMDTSpring09

Come out to support!

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Opening Georgetown to the Great Outdoors

Blue & Gray reports:

"While typical weekend activities may consist of running errands, doing yard work and, perhaps, catching a movie, the Outdoor Education office is hoping more faculty and staff will decide to trade in a lazy weekend or two for a chance to dangle from a cliff, a paddle down the scenic Potomac River or give spelunking a try.

Georgetown’s Outdoor Education office has been encouraging Hoyas to enjoy the great outdoors since 1994. With multiple activities offered each week, the office brings together outdoor enthusiasts so they may take advantage of area attractions.

“Our mission is to serve students, faculty and staff in a way that enriches lives and continues to educate,” explains Russ Watts, director of Outdoor Education. “… We’re surrounded by elements that enable us to do it cheaply and easily.”

Enveloped by Washington’s low-slung buildings and monuments, it is easy to forget the many outdoor opportunities that abound, he says. Kayaking on the Potomac, caving in West Virginia, hiking at Great Falls National Park in Virginia, bicycling along the Capital Crescent Trail and whitewater rafting on the Youghiogheny River in Pennsylvania all are accessible without having to travel far from the city."

Law Professors Serving Under Obama Administration

Blue & Gray reports:

"Several full-time members of the Georgetown Law Center faculty have been busy making the transition from law professor to government official -- working for the Environmental Protection Agency, the Department of Justice and serving on the Federal Reserve’s board of governors.

Lisa Heinzerling, Neal Katyal and Martin Lederman have been appointed to posts within the Obama administration while Daniel Tarullo, who served as Obama’s senior economic adviser during his political campaign and the transition, was sworn in as a member of the Federal Reserve board on Jan. 28.

“We are pleased that members of our talented faculty have once again been called upon to serve our nation,” said Law Center Dean Alexander Aleinikoff. “Having Professors Heinzerling, Katyal, Lederman and Tarullo play such important roles in shaping our country’s future underscores the Law Center’s longstanding tradition of public service.”

Word of the Week: ARENACEOUS

Arenaceous |ˌarəˈnā sh əs|
adjective Geology

consisting of sand or sandlike particles.

• Biology (of animals or plants) living or growing in sand.

ORIGIN mid 17th cent.: from Latin arenaceus, from arena, harena ‘sand.’

EVENT: GUAA Printmaking Workshop with Professor Scip Barnhart

GUAA has partnered with Professor Scip Barnhart to offer a FREE, three-part printmaking workshop to the Georgetown community. Professor Barnhart is a master printmaker who has taught traditional print techniques at the Corcoran College of Art and Design and George Washington University for several years. He currently teaches at the Georgetown University Art Department.

These hands-on studio sessions are all completely FREE of charge and do not require any background in the arts. The schedule of events is as follows:
1st session:
Introduction to Lithography & Preparation of a Grindstone
Weds, Feb 25, 7:30 - 9:00 PM, Walsh 296

2nd session:
Etching & Intaglio Methods
Weds, March 25, 7:30 - 9:00 PM, Walsh 296

3rd session:
Woodcut & Linoleum Relief Techniques
Weds, April 1, 7:30 - 9:00 PM, Walsh 296

RSVP for EACH session @ www.guartaficionados.com (under announcements) or here http://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?key=pjJK38PXGLYBLYTkW4IhNKA as space and materials are limited.

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EVENT: 2009 Georgetown College Banquet

WHEN: This Friday, 6:00pm - 8:30pm
WHERE: Copley Formal Lounge

We cordially invite you to attend the Third Annual Student-Faculty Georgetown College Banquet for a 3-course dinner, and honored speaker...

This year, the Faculty Honoree will be now-retired Dr. Joseph Neale of the Department of Biology. In addition, over 30 other popular Georgetown professors will be attending the Banquet (see complete list below)! Dean Gillis and Father Maher will also be speaking.

CHANGE IN TICKET SALE LOCATION: $15 in Red Square, $20 at the door.
10:30AM - 3:30PM on Wed 2/24 - Thu 2/25

If you have trouble finding us, please e-mail your name and netID to CACouncil@georgetown.edu and we'll contact you with our tabling hours. Don't wait until it's too late; purchase your tickets soon! This event is not limited to students in Georgetown College - all are welcome.

Other Questions? Email cacouncil@georgetown.edu

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EVENT: Financial Literacy PAY$

Are you worried about your finances? Is your wallet feeling empty? Are you trying to plan for after graduation or just next year? Would you like to learn more about investing, credit decisions, and managing your money? Attend the Financial Literacy Series!

Our first presentation will be on Wednesday February 25, 2009 at 7PM in the ICC Auditorium where Professor Mike Ryan will be presenting on "The Importance of Planning your Financial Future."

*FREE Pizza* and drinks will be provided at 6:30PM.
There will also be an *iPod shuffle* raffle!
Don't miss out!

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Alumna Wins Academy Award

The Office of Communications reports:

"Megan Mylan, who graduated from the Walsh School of Foreign Service in 1992, won Best Documentary Short Subject at the Academy Awards last night for her film “Smile Pinki,” which focuses on two children born with cleft palates who live in poor, rural India.

In parts of poverty-stricken India, children with clefts face a lifetime of being shamed and ostracized. Mylan follows the journey of Pinki Kumari Sonkar and Ghutara Chauhan as they meet a social worker recruiting patients to go to a hospital providing free cleft surgery. The children leave the hospital with new smiles and the promise of normal lives.

At the Academy Awards, Mylan accepted the Oscar and then called out to Pinki sitting in the audience, saying, “Thank you, thank you, thank you, for letting me tell your inspiring story.”

The work of the hospital featured in the film was made possible by The Smile Train, the world’s leading cleft charity with thousands of partners in 75 of the world’s poorest countries."

Georgetown Students Respond to Desecration with Prayer Vigil

Catholic Online reports:

"Last Wednesday, February 18, a prominent statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary was desecrated at Georgetown University. Students offended by the action are now planning a 24-hour prayer vigil beginning this Thursday in reparation for the outrage and in support of the university’s Catholic identity.

“Nearly one year ago Pope Benedict came to Washington and declared that the crisis of Truth on our Catholic campuses is rooted in a crisis of faith,” noted Thomas Mead, executive vice president at The Cardinal Newman Society. “The Georgetown students’ response to the terrible desecration is just one more example of the budding renewal of Catholic higher education that is taking place. We should pray that the administration at Georgetown takes to heart the words of the Holy Father and the example of Georgetown’s own students.”

The face of the stone statue of Our Lady of Fatima, which sits on high-profile Copley Lawn, was painted black. On Sunday, Georgetown stated in an e-mail, “we do not know the motivation of the person or persons who painted the face, nor whether they are members of the University community.” By Monday morning the statue was partially restored.

Student members of the Catholic Daughters of the Americas, the Knights of Columbus, and the Catholic Student Association at Georgetown are leading the 24-hour prayer vigil beginning this Thursday, February 26, at 5:45 p.m. The vigil will consist of a prayer service, all 20 mysteries of the Rosary, the Devine Mercy Chaplet, and other prayers."

The Tuesday Hoya

Headlines include:

• Two GUSA Tickets Disqualified
• Statue Defaced with Black Paint
• Two Graduate Students Robbed in String of Local Crimes
• Hoyas' Hopes Fade Following Home Loss to Cardinals
• Summers, Hoyas Shrink with Season on the Line
  

EVENT: PHILLY PIZZA STUDENT SPECIAL TUESDAYS!

Buy two slices of pizza and get ONE FREE!! Just mention HOYACONNECTION.com! Offer valid every tuesday at both locations!

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EVENT: Amnesty's Hmong Soup Fundraiser!

For the next month or so, Amnesty International will be selling Vietnamese pho soup in various dorms on campus (VCW, VCE, New South) for $3 in an effort to raise money for Doctors Without Borders in order to aid the Hmong refugees in Thailand. You can also order your soup from ccy7@georgetown.edu (we'll deliver!).

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EVENT: Apply to be an OA for NSO 2009!

NSO 2009 OA Applications are now available on our website, www.nso.georgetown.edu

Applications are due Friday, March 6th, by 5 p.m. There is also a mandatory interview, which you can sign up for in the Center for Student Programs, 316 Leavey.

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EVENT: Presidential Speech Watch and Ice Cream Social!

Today, at 8pm in Village C Alumni Lounge, the College Democrats will be hosting a watch of President Obama's speech to the nation--complete with Ice Cream!!

So make sure to take a break from midterm studying and stop by!!

Facebook Event

Georgetown No. 1 For Foreign Master’s Program

Blue & Gray reports:

"Faculty teaching foreign relations at universities across the country voted Georgetown one of the best places for undergraduates and graduates to study in the field.

The report, published by the Institute for the Theory and Practice of International Relations at the College of William and Mary, surveyed faculty nationwide to rank the top master’s degree programs for students looking to pursue policy careers in international relations.

Georgetown ranked No. 1 in the survey with Johns Hopkins University in second place and Harvard University in third. Tufts and Columbia universities followed in fourth and fifth place. The Hilltop kept its top place on the list from 2007, the last time these rankings were published."

Comic Tuesday: Math Atheist

Comic Credit

EVENT: Craigslist.org Creator Craig Newmark

Craig Newmark - creator of Craigslist.org - will be visiting this Wednesday (February 25) from 7:00-9:00 in Gaston Hall to share his experiences and thoughts regarding, among other things, the future of user-created marketplaces and the role of technology in business. He will also discuss his motivations behind creating Craigslist.org, and a Q&A session will follow Mr. Newmark's lecture.

This event is free to everyone on a first-come, first-serve basis. Doors open at 6:30pm. Food and drink are not permitted in Gaston Hall.

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EVENT: Donn B. Murphy One-Acts Festival!

Showing in the Devine Studio Theatre on:
Wednesday, Feb 25 - 8pm
Thursday, Feb 26 - 8 pm
Friday, Feb 27 - 8 pm
Saturday, Feb 28 - 8 pm
Sunday, March 1 - 4 pm

Tickets available at http://performingarts.georgetown.edu/boxoffice/#One%20Acts
FEATURING:

"Witness," by Miranda Hall

Directed by Sean Sullinger
Produced by Jessica Ly
Stage Managed by Meghan O'Connor

Starring:
Victoria Glock-Malloy
Kaitlyn Neuberger
Jamie Scott
Sarah Quehrn
Kate Stonehill

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EVENT: Run For Rigby T-shirt Design Contest

Participate in a T-shirt Design Contest!

The winner will receive a gift certificate to the Tombs!
The t-shirt must include:
Front: 5th Annual Run for Rigby
Back: May the rains fall soft upon your fields
Either Front or Back: April 4th 2009
Your design is due on February 25, 2009.

You can email your design to runforrigby2009@gmail.com or if you have a hand drawn design you may drop it off at the Off Campus Student Life Office (1300 36th street)

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With Little Time, Hoyas Are Facing A Long Climb

The Washington Post reports:

"It could have been perceived as a snub when Big East basketball coaches met behind closed doors last fall and picked Georgetown, the league's two-time defending regular season champion, to finish seventh.

But in interviews immediately afterward, coaches cited two factors behind their mediocre expectations: the key starters that Georgetown had lost; and the number of established teams with key players returning, such as Connecticut, Pittsburgh, Louisville and Marquette.

In retrospect, the coaches were more right than wrong -- erring, if at all, in giving Coach John Thompson III the benefit of the doubt in projecting his team's ability to contend despite a major overhaul of its roster.

With four games remaining in the regular season, Georgetown stands 12th in the 16-team Big East, solidly outside even the most generous cut-off for an at-large invitation to the NCAA tournament.

The latest setback came over the weekend at Verizon Center, where the Hoyas didn't lose a single game last season. On Saturday, they lost their fourth at home since the start of the year, falling to 10th-ranked Marquette, 78-72.

"I don't want to oversimplify it, but in many ways it's experience," a grim-faced Thompson said afterward. "I don't think we played poorly today. We showed improvement in a few areas. But coming down the stretch in these tight games, we have to execute better than the other team. And [Marquette] -- and they're all seniors -- executed better at the key stretches."

Tonight's game against seventh-ranked Louisville (21-5, 12-2) offers the Hoyas a chance to build on that incremental improvement. But it's unclear where even a resounding upset would leave Georgetown (14-11, 5-9) at this point, with only a slender thread of hope remaining for an NCAA berth."

This Week's Voice

GUSA elections loom, but if the Senate is more your thing, have we got a cover for you:

• Lillian Kaiser chronicles the Senate haps for this week's cover story

• The Editorial Board endorses Jeff Lamb and Molly Breen for GUSA Prez and VP

• Nick Berti has high hopes for baseball in Sports

• Leisure loves the Bluest Eye
  

The Friday Hoya

In today's Hoya...

• Unity Commission Cuts Ties With Student Association
• Student Threatened With Knife in Harbin
• Speech by Obama Aide Closed to Press
• Hoyas Trample Bulls in Tampa, 65-40
• GU Looking for Upset During Celebration of 1984 Title

Check out The Hoya's blogs or follow us on Twitter for more.

Defense breaks Hoyas' slump

The Washington Times reports:

"AMPA, Fla. | Georgetown buried its slump in the Sun Dome.

Like many before them, the ailing Hoyas left South Florida feeling refreshed and energized thanks to a 65-40 thrashing of one of the Big East's weaker squads.

Exorcising more than a month of demons against the Bulls, Georgetown (14-10, 5-8 Big East) blistered the home team in every imaginable category en route to holding a league opponent to its lowest scoring output since holding Miami to 40 in 1994. It was the Hoyas' second victory in its last nine games.

“It feels good to win,” Georgetown coach John Thompson III said. “No team has really come in here and been able to get and sustain a lead against them. Our focus and our execution was much better. Teams have been scoring against us a little too much and a little too easily for my comfort.

“And at the offensive end we executed. We were patient but not slow. There weren't as many hills and valleys as we've seen.”

Student Expectations Seen as Causing Grade Disputes

The New York Times reports:

"Prof. Marshall Grossman has come to expect complaints whenever he returns graded papers in his English classes at the University of Maryland.

“Many students come in with the conviction that they’ve worked hard and deserve a higher mark,” Professor Grossman said. “Some assert that they have never gotten a grade as low as this before.”

He attributes those complaints to his students’ sense of entitlement.

“I tell my classes that if they just do what they are supposed to do and meet the standard requirements, that they will earn a C,” he said. “That is the default grade. They see the default grade as an A.”

A recent study by researchers at the University of California, Irvine, found that a third of students surveyed said that they expected B’s just for attending lectures, and 40 percent said they deserved a B for completing the required reading.

“I noticed an increased sense of entitlement in my students and wanted to discover what was causing it” said Ellen Greenberger, the lead author of the study, called “Self-Entitled College Students: Contributions of Personality, Parenting, and Motivational Factors,” which appeared last year in The Journal of Youth and Adolescence.

Professor Greenberger said that the sense of entitlement could be related to increased parental pressure, competition among peers and family members and a heightened sense of achievement anxiety."

Twitter and Georgetown Student Groups

An article several weeks ago in the Hoya made me recall a problem I've faced as a member of several student groups: communication. At Georgetown, it is very difficult to achieve successful, targeted advertising. You can't just send an email out to the whole school (you aren't allowed to), with new flyering policies and Mother Nature flyers are quite ineffective, and most are starting to ignore those facebook events where the creator just invites all their friends.

In the past, I've discussed the idea of creating a calendar just for Georgetown student groups where groups could post their events and students could browse through the events all they wanted. I think this is initially a good idea, as other schools do this, but it runs into problems. Who runs it? How do you stop abuse? How does the running of it get passed on year to year? If you let SAC do it, you run into the problem of only groups with benefits getting access.

I was just browsing on my Twitter page when a little light popped into my head. Twitter is the perfect medium for student group communication at Georgetown. Why?

1. Twitter is gaining greatly in popularity. Its not just for TechCrunch anymore. Tina Fey, Perez Hilton, President Obama, and tons of other mainstream celebrities are on it. Depending on your social group, a lot of your friends may already be on it. I think, assuming Twitter stays on its current growth path, that most people will have a Twitter account at GU in a couple years.

2. Student Groups can join and post about what they're doing and upcoming events. It's easy, free, and quick.

3. The best part: students have a choice of which groups to follow. If you are interested in Democratic politics, the environment, and international affairs, you can follow groups that relate to those. There would be no spamming like there currently is in our university email system (SO ANNOYING) and through facebook.

So everyday, as students check their Twitter page, they could see updates from all their friends, the companies they follow, and from College Democrats, The Corp, and the IRC. Simple, effective, and targeted.

What do you all think? Comment below.

Wright helps craft Georgetown's identity

The Washington Times reports:

"Though Georgetown left Syracuse on Saturday afternoon with yet another scar on its postseason resume, the Hoyas might have discovered the solution to the primary problem that has plagued them all season.

Positives have been few and far between for Georgetown, which has won just three games since Jan. 1. But Saturday's 98-94 overtime loss at then No. 23 Syracuse qualifies as just that for a squad that takes the floor against South Florida on Wednesday having lost seven times in eight games.

Without context, the numbers paint a futile picture of a team in full meltdown mode. Consecutive overtime losses have left the Hoyas (13-10, 4-8 Big East) wallowing in 12th place in the nation's power conference.

The reality of the situation is somewhat less bleak. Yes, the Hoyas head to Tampa, Fla., facing must-win desperation against the Bulls (8-16, 3-9). But the team's NCAA tournament profile remains relatively strong. Thanks to the nation's toughest schedule, marquee victories against Connecticut, Memphis and Syracuse and an RPI of 37, ESPN's Joe Lunardi has the Hoyas as one of the "last four teams out" in his latest projection.

And then there's the context. Georgetown lost at Syracuse, but it rallied from 16 points down to force overtime. Against the Orange, the Hoyas looked nothing like the listless squad responsible for the first six losses during the skein. Georgetown seemed to grow up Saturday while mounting a rally in front of the largest crowd to watch a college game this season (31,841), finally finding a leader and an identity in the form of sophomore point guard Chris Wright.

"You've got to look for positives," Georgetown coach John Thompson III said. "You've got to find growth. And for one of the first times this season in that situation [down double digits], I looked around the huddle and I could see that we felt we were still in it, that we could still win it. That's progress."

That confidence had been absent throughout the team's funk, predominantly because Georgetown hadn't located a leader. Upperclassmen Jessie Sapp and DaJuan Summers auditioned for the part, but both seemed to lack consistent play and emotional stability. Center Greg Monroe was thrust into the role because his talent, but he's still more of a deferential freshman than a dominating force.

Enter Wright. Perhaps on some level, it was inevitable that the Bowie native would eventually become the on-floor face of the Hoyas. As the heir apparent to Jonathan Wallace at the point, the former McDonald's All-American with exceptional quickness and no-fear demeanor was a logical choice to take the reins of the team.

There had been many flashes of brilliance before, but that transfer of power didn't officially happen until Saturday, when Wright willed the Hoyas into overtime with a 25-point, six-assist performance.

Wright scored 13 points during Georgetown's sprint from a 16-point deficit with 8:14 remaining, keying the run to overtime by forcing the pace and making five of his six shots. He coolly rained in a 26-foot jumper with 12.7 seconds remaining to tie the score at 83-83 and force the extra period. Wright also gathered his teammates around him instead of arguing after fouling out on a seemingly clean strip of Syracuse's Jonny Flynn with 49.8 seconds remaining in overtime and the Orange leading 91-89.

"We were playing more off our instincts and just making shots," Wright said about Georgetown's surge. "We were playing together and being unselfish."

Wright was the comeback catalyst and Georgetown's unquestioned leader at Syracuse. And when the Hoyas begin their six-game stretch run Wednesday at South Florida, the loss against the Orange could represent the team's greatest victory of the season. Perhaps for the first time in a month, the Hoyas will take the floor with no confusion and newfound resolution"

EVENT: Uncommon Grounds Open Mic Tonight!

Come on down to Uncommon Grounds in the Leavey Center at 9pm Wednesday nights to share your talents, be entertained, and meet some cool people. See you there!

**PERFORMERS WANTED**
-all types of talents welcome, e-mail iem2@georgetown.edu to sign up or just show up around 9!

Facebook Event

Date:	Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Time:	9:00pm - 11:00pm
Location:	Uncommon Grounds

EVENT: East of Havana Movie Screening

Date:	Thursday, February 19, 2009
Time:	6:30pm - 9:30pm
Location:	Car Barn Student Lounge

Georgetown's Cuban American Student Association (CASA) and the Public Policy Institute's KIARA present a screening of "East of Havana" a movie about a rap movement in a country that limits all forms of expression.

Critics Say:
“You can appreciate rap’s deep significance to a Cuban musician named Soandry, who, in East of Havana, declares, 'Hip-hop means struggle. It means having a determined attitude towards life. Rebellion. The fight to make things better. The detoxification of the mind and body. To me, it means freedom.' Coming from someone living under Fidel Castro's regime, these words are anything but casual.”
—Desson Thomson, Washington Post

OH and the BEST part is that there will be FREE and DELICIOUS CUBAN FOOD!!!

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EVENT: The Bluest Eye

Join the Black Theatre Ensemble as we celebrate our 30th Anniversary!

Adapted by Lydia Diamond
from the novel by Toni Morrison
Directed by Obehi Utubor (SFS '09)
Produced by Elise Lockamy (NHS '09)

Nobel Prize-winning author Toni Morrison's The Bluest Eye is a story about the tragic life of a young black girl in 1940's Ohio. Eleven-year-old Pecola Breedlove wants nothing more than to be loved by her family and schoolmates. Instead, she faces constant ridicule and abuse. She blames her dark skin and prays for blue eyes, sure that love will follow. With rich language and bold vision, this powerful adaptation of an American classic explores the crippling toll that a legacy of racism has taken on a community, family and an innocent girl.

*STARRING*
Jamee Brody
Willie Bodrick II
Carolyn Chambers
Tanisha Humphrey
Katie Ibrahim
Jasmine Taylor
Kristin Watson
Kyle Williams

*SHOWTIMES*
Wednesday, Feb 18 (Opening Night!): 8pm
Thursday, Feb 19: 8pm
Friday, Feb 20: 8pm
Saturday, 21: 2pm and 8pm

*TICKETS*
7$ General Admission
Purchase at....
Davis Center Box Office, M-F, 11-3pm
or.....
online: http://performingarts.georgetown.edu/boxoffice/#Bluest%20Eye

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EVENT: The Fifth Merrick Debate 2009

"Resolved: The American government should limit executive pay."
Affirming: Brian Harbour
Negating: Dan Huntley

The debate will be held this Thursday, February 19th, in the Philodemic Room and shall begin promptly at 8:00pm. Please join us at Martin's Tavern after the debate!

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Word of the Week: Acquisitive

acquisitive |əˈkwizitiv|
adjective
excessively interested in acquiring money or material things.

DERIVATIVES
acquisitively adverb
acquisitiveness noun

ORIGIN mid 19th cent.: from French acquisitif, -tive, from late Latin acquisitivus. from Latin acquisit- ‘acquired,’ from the verb acquirere (see acquire ).

Ralph Lauren to close a Georgetown store

The Washington Business Journal reports:

"RRL at 1069 Wisconsin Ave. NW — which stocks Ralph Lauren’s vintage-inspired line — will sell its last leather belt to Georgetown shoppers this weekend.

The store, pronounced “double R-L,” has been open since June 2007 and will close Feb. 21.

“It was a strategic business decision to close the store,” said

Ryan Lally, director of corporate communications for Polo Ralph Lauren Corp. “The RRL merchandise assortment, which is available at other Ralph Lauren stores in the D.C. area, will be enhanced.”

The RRL line is named after Ralph Lauren’s ranch in Ridgway, Colo. and made its North American debut in the early 1990s.

There will be no impact to Ralph Lauren’s Rugby store next door at 1065 Wisconsin Ave. or its café, said the company, adding that all other D.C. Ralph Lauren stores will remain open.

The New York-based retail giant (NYSE: RL) reported earnings of $105 million for the three months ended Dec. 27, or $1.05 per diluted share, compared to $113 million, or $1.08 per diluted share, for the same period a year earlier."

Comic Tuesday: iTunes

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Overtime proves fatal for Wright, Hoyas

The Washington Times reports:

"Lady Luck jilted the Hoyas in overtime once again.

Reeling Georgetown mounted a heroic comeback Saturday in front of the largest crowd to witness a college basketball game this season, only to see No. 23 Syracuse shoot down the Hoyas' latest slump-snapping bid.

Orange guard Eric Devendorf connected on a pair of 3-pointers in the extra frame to lead Syracuse to a 98-94 victory and extend Georgetown's misery to seven losses in eight games, including two straight in overtime.

"This game will be in the Georgetown-Syracuse classic vault very, very quickly," Syracuse coach Jim Boeheim said. "Georgetown is a very good team. They were a top-10 team earlier this season, and now they're 4-8 in the Big East. That happens in this league. You just don't get a chance to take a breath."

The Orange (19-7, 7-6 Big East) blew a 16-point second-half lead but still prevailed at Carrier Dome thanks to the backcourt tandem of Devendorf (23 points) and Jonny Flynn (25 points, 13 assists).

Amid a month of disappointments for the Hoyas (13-10, 4-8), their latest loss might qualify as the most painful.

"We played today," said Georgetown coach John Thompson III, whose team travels to South Florida on Wednesday. "We came out today and competed. We got down, but we hung in there. We scrapped. We weren't tentative. We didn't win, but our guys played in a way that put us in a position to win. That's not good enough, but we competed."

The Presidents Song

President's/Presidents'/Presidents?!? Day

Mike Licht over at the NotionsCapital blog clears up the punctuational drama:

"You may think today is “Presidents’ Day.” Not quite.

As the U.S. Office of Personnel Management puts it:

This holiday is designated as “Washington’s Birthday” in section 6103(a) of title 5 of the United States Code, which is the law that specifies holidays for Federal employees. Though other institutions such as state and local governments and private businesses may use other names, it is our policy to always refer to holidays by the names designated in the law.

In 1968, Congress decided to recognize the birthdays of George Washington (February 22nd) and Abraham Lincoln (February 12th) on a single day, the third Monday in February, but rejected a new name for the holiday.

Jurisdictions that did adopt the new name don’t agree on its punctuation. Presidents Day, President’s Day, or Presidents’ Day? No wonder Congress stayed out of it.

Happy Holiday."

EVENT: GPB presents QUANTUM OF SOLACE

Free screenings of Quantum of Solace in the ICC Auditorium

Feb 13th & 14th @ 7:30pm & 10pm

February 15th @ 7:30pm

EVENT: A Born Idler @ Rock and Roll Hotel Tonight

Date:	Friday, February 13, 2009
Time:	8:30pm - 11:30pm
Location:	Rock and Roll Hotel
Street:	1353 H Street NE

Georgetown's own, "A Born Idler" will be playing at the Rock and Roll Hotel tonight w/
Imperial China
New Rock Church of Fire
The Sentiment
Rock and Roll Hotel
THIS FRIDAY
$10
Doors @ 8:30
Show @ 9

IMPORTANT NOTE!!: We have the distinguished privilege of being the first band that night and will be starting right at 9. So get there before!!

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Literary Scholar Takes Part in Jesuit Heritage Week

Blue & Gray reports:

"What do priests, nuns, bank robbers, bandits and writers have in common?

This isn’t the setup for a joke, insists bestselling novelist Ron Hansen. Each of these groups is somehow an outsider, looking for someone to explain their lives to the world, according to the author.

Hansen is the Gerard Manley Hopkins, S.J., Professor of English at Santa Clara University in California. He came to Georgetown on Feb. 5 as part of the university’s Jesuit Heritage Week to explore the intersection of Catholic faith, culture and writing.

The author spoke with writer and editor Paul Elie in Riggs Library about how faith colors his work.

“There’s this whole element of the human experience (with Catholicism) that people aren’t writing about,” Hansen said. “I’ve described it as a difference of somebody who sees in black and white and somebody who sees in Technicolor."

VIDEO: Georgetown Offers Lesson in How Not to Stage an Event

Click here to watch the accompanying video.

The Washington Post reports:

"It takes a certain amount of nerve to have an event at the National Press Club and then ban the press from covering it.

It takes another level of chutzpah entirely to admit members of the general public to your event at the National Press Club, recruit a news organization as the co-sponsor and then tell the press they can't cover it.

But that's exactly what former Obama campaign manager David Plouffe and Georgetown University did yesterday.

Plouffe was listed as the keynote speaker at the luncheon yesterday for "Transition 2009," sponsored by Georgetown University and Politico. The public was invited to the event -- students free of charge and everybody else for a fee. But at the last minute, Georgetown announced that Plouffe's speech would be "closed press," even though the speech was being given in the National Press Club ballroom, described on a plaque at the door as "the sanctum sanctorum of American journalists."

EVENT: U.S. Perspective on Gaza Conflict: Ambassador Daniel Kurtzer

Date:	Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Time:	4:30pm - 5:30pm
Location:	Reiss 103

A conversation with Ambassador Daniel Kurtzer, Former US Ambassador to Israel (2001-2005) and Egypt (1997-2001).

Amb. Kurtzer was a career Foreign Service Officer until his retirement in 2005. He served on the American delegation to the Israel-Palestinian autonomy negotiations from 1979-1982, assisted in the negotiations on the creation of the Multinational Force and Observers in 1981-1982, negotiated the arbitration of the Taba border dispute between Israel and Egypt and served on the US peace team that led to the Madrid Peace Conference. Since his retirement from the Foreign Service, Amb. Kurtzer has been a Lecturer and S. Daniel Abraham Professor in Middle Eastern Policy Studies at the Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs at Princeton University.

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The Friday Hoya

Headlines include:

• Endowment in Free Fall, Loses 25.5% in 2008
• Georgetown Day to Proceed In Spite of Campus Rumors
• SAC Cuts IRC Funding Post-Scandal
• Hoyas Travel to 'Cuse After Week of Rest
• Late Technical Seals the Deal as Hoyas End Losing Skid

Check out The Hoya's blogs or follow us on Twitter for more.

This Week's Voice

We could've danced all night with this one.

• Matthew Collins foxtrots with Georgetown's Ballroom Dancing team in this week's cover story

• News has the skinny on this year's Funding Board meeting, which hints at Hoyapendence

• Ed Board got the Provost's email, but there are still hard feelings over the administration's secrecy regarding Georgetown Day

• In Leisure, Kate Mays wishes you a happy Valentine's Day---and knows what you can drink to get in the mood

• Sports profiles Track star Liam Boylan-Pett
  

EVENT: Georgetown Cabaret Tombs Show

For the past 33 years, some of the top musicians at Georgetown have been coming together to rock your faces off to raise money for DC Schools. We've got an awesome band this year, ridiculous singers, and a set that will make you scream.

To let you get a little taste of the awesomeness that will be unleashed at our Big Show, we're playing part of our set in the Tombs on THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 19. As per standard Tombs rules, 21 and up only.

Facebook Event

EVENT: The Fifth Philodemic Debate of Spring 2009

Date: Thursday, February 12, 2009
Time: 8:00pm - 10:00pm
Location: Philodemic Room

Resolved: Government Censorship to Maintain Civilian Morale in a Time of War is Justified.
Affirming: Matt Cantirino
Negating: Mike Desnick

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Men's Basketball: Finding a leading reason

The Washington Times reports:

"During its slump, Georgetown has been guilty of any number of shortcomings. At different times during the six losses and an unimpressive 57-47 home win over Rutgers, the Hoyas have lacked focus, 3-point accuracy, intensity under the boards, discipline, commitment to the system, chemistry, resolve, toughness, ability to finish at the rim and ability to finish games.

But the one constant throughout, aside from a lack of confidence, has been the absence of on-floor leadership.

When the Hoyas collapsed emotionally at Duke after a phantom technical foul call on Monroe, blame fell on lead official John Cahill. It should have fallen on Georgetown upperclassmen DaJuan Summers and Jessie Sapp. Instead of lifting their teammates beyond the adversity, the former spent the remainder of the game missing crucial free throws, while the latter sat on the bench after a spat with sophomore point guard Chris Wright.

When Georgetown lost at Seton Hall a week later, ending the game by attempting four consecutive 3-pointers (including chucks by Summers and Sapp) in direct defiance of Thompson's mandate to pound the ball inside to Monroe, where was the leadership?

When the Hoyas dropped their most recent game in overtime to Cincinnati, where were Sapp and Summers? Sapp sat the entire second half because of what Thompson dubbed a "coach's decision" after the senior guard apparently lost his cool concerning Thompson's wholesale, disciplinary first-half substitutions. Summers? He spent the afternoon fumbling rebounds out of bounds and bobbling passes, the most memorable of which came with just over a minute left in regulation on a backdoor cut that could have cemented the Georgetown victory.

"I think the upperclassmen have been disappointing; I don't know where DaJuan Summers' head is," said basketball guru Dick "Hoops" Weiss of the New York Daily News. "I think they miss Jonathan Wallace a lot more than anybody ever thought they would."

EVENT: Senior Winterfest 2009

Senior Winterfest is the off-campus version of Dis-O that no one knows about. REGISTER WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18th IN RED SQUARE 11a-3p

Events:

***Restaurant Week all week - Make reservations now at opentable.com***
-Wednesday 2.18 - Iceskating on the Mall
-Thursday 2.19 - Cabaret preview at Tombs
-Friday 2.20 - Night in Dupont with drink specials at various clubs, bars, and lounges
-Saturday 2.21 - Marquette Men's Bball Game, Post-game drink specials in Chinatown, Tony & Joe's on the Waterfront at night
-Sunday 2.22 - S'mores and hot chocolate at Alumni House with Class of '09 Fund

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EVENT: EAT QDOBA TO HELP HOYATHON!

Remember how scrumptious Qdoba was on Half-off Monday? Well it'll taste even better on Hoyathon Thursday!!

When you eat at Qdoba this Thursday, February 12th, a portion of the proceeds will be donated to Children's National Medical Center and the Georgetown Pediatric Medical Mobile Van.

Just present the necessary coupon when you get to the register and you'll be helping Hoyathon!!!

The Hoyathon board members will be in Red Square and on the corners around Qdoba to hand out coupons that help you donate to a good cause!!

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It's on: Georgetown Day!

Dear Fellow Hoyas,
I'm happy to announce that the Main Campus will celebrate Georgetown Day –
the annual celebration of our campus community - on the last Friday of
classes, April 24th . This event brings together students, faculty and
staff to mark the end of another academic year, when the flowers are
blooming and the sun is shining, but before finals and graduation. I invite
you to join us as we celebrate with food, festivities, and friends.

There will be opportunities to participate in planning that you'll hear
about directly from the Office of Student Affairs, so stay tuned. Questions
or suggestions can be directed to guday@georgetown.edu .

Hoya Saxa,

James O'Donnell
Provost

EVENT: IMPROVFEST 2009

Start Time:	Friday, February 20, 2009 at 9:00pm
End Time:	Saturday, February 21, 2009 at 11:00pm
Location:	Bulldog Alley in the Leavey Center

TROUPES FROM ACROSS AMERICA COME TO ONE PLACE TO IMPROVISE TOGETHER. BULLDOG ALLEY. IMPROVFEST 09

Performing Troupes include:
Georgetown
Ohio State University
Xavier University
University of Chicago

COME BOTH NIGHTS AND SEE THE EPIC JOURNEY FROM START TO FINISH!

2 NIGHTS, 1 CHAMPION (...sort of)
GET YOUR TICKETS AT THE BOX OFFICE BEFORE THEY SELL OUT.

http://performingarts.georgetown.edu/boxoffice/
Student $5, General $8

Facebook Event

Georgetown Named Again to Presidential Honor Roll

Blue & Gray reports:

"For the third year in a row, the Corporation for National and Community Service has listed Georgetown among the top-tier institutions dedicated to community service.

On the evening of Feb. 9, the university received the President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll with Distinction designation during the 91st Annual Meeting of the American Council on Education in Washington.

“This recognition highlights Georgetown’s commitment to citizenship and service,” said President John J. DeGioia. “Through the many community service initiatives sponsored by the university, our students, faculty and staff are involved in addressing some of the most pressing needs locally and around the world.”"

EVENT: Vagabond Improv Comedy

Free Vagabond Improv Comedy!

Date:	Sunday, February 15, 2009
Time:	6:30pm - 8:00pm
Location:	Bulldog Alley in the Leavey Center

with free donuts and refreshments!

Featuring:
Peter Cavallaro, Inha Choi, Max Lambertson, Scott Lensing, Mark Real, Michael Whittaker

Directed by Murphy McHugh

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EVENT: Amnesty General Meeting

Date:	Thursday, February 12, 2009
Time:	8:15pm - 9:05pm
Location:	ICC 213

Come learn about the plight of the Hmong refugees and help us plan our second annual Hmong noodle fundraiser. We will also be recruiting dorm leaders! Pho noodles will be served.

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Word of the Week: Gadzooks

Gadzooks |ˌgadˈzoōks| (also gadzooks)
exclamation dated or humorous

an exclamation of surprise or annoyance.

ORIGIN late 17th cent.: alteration of God's hooks, i.e., the nails by which Jesus Christ was fastened to the cross; see gad 2 .

Georgetown Day Moved

For the past several years, Georgetown Day has been on the last Friday of classes every year. For those who don't know, it is basically a huge carnival on campus with moonbounces, prizes, free food, music, student performances, and so on. From what we understand, Georgetown Day was started about 5 or 6 years ago in response to the Office of Student Affairs shutting down the Georgetown University Block Party, where the street blocks by campus were closed off, beer trucks brought in, and lots of fun had.

Word on the street is that the Provost's office, who funds Georgetown Day every year, wanted to pull the plug because there is a GAAP (Georgetown Admissions Ambassador Program) weekend for recently-admitted students. The issue is that every year students go and drink on the front lawn in the midst of all the festivities, which the University believes will send the wrong message to new students and their parents.

Saxaspeak heard wind of the possible change/cancellation of Georgetown Day last week and sent an email the Provost's office requesting information, to which we received no response. According to several sources, the Provost's office is trying to move Georgetown Day to Thursday, April 2nd, instead of the last day of classes. This has prompted a new Facebook group to arise called "Damn the Man, Save Georgetown Day" calling for students to enjoy the last day of classes on the front lawn anyways, regardless of the date change.

EVENT: UNICEF's VALENTINE's DAY BALLOON SALE

Help UNICEF-Georgetown save MORE children by buying BALL♥ ♥NS for your loved one(s)!

WE DELIVER TO ANYWHERE ON CAMPUS on Feb. 14th!

Heart-shaped balloons for $2/each or 3 for $5.

You can start placing your order NOW by emailing: unicef@georgetown.edu or at Red Square on FRIDAY 2/13!

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USAID Grants Center $50 Million For SEED Program

Blue & Gray reports:

"Georgetown University’s Center for Intercultural Education and Development (CIED) recently received a $50 million cooperative agreement from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) that will allow it to administer a technical training program, called Scholarships for Education and Economic Development (SEED).

The five-year agreement will help the SEED program support economic and social development throughout Central America and the Caribbean by selecting students from the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Mexico and Nicaragua to pursue specific job training in the United States.

Georgetown will partner with U.S. community colleges and universities to design and conduct tailored training programs for the students in various fields critical to the social and economic development of their countries including agriculture, business, economics and trade, education, health, information technologies, manufacturing and resource management. The students also will receive certificates from their designated community colleges or universities.

“This new program will provide critical training and education for students from economically disadvantaged and underserved populations in Central America and the Caribbean,” says CIED director Chantal Santelices. “We are thrilled to have been chosen to administer this important program that will enable SEED students to become leaders in their countries’ development.”

EVENT: The GraceNotes Sing with the University of Michigan Gentlemen this Saturday

Come see the Georgetown GraceNotes and the University of Michigan GMen for FREEEEE on Healy Steps (or thereabouts) Saturday February 21st @ 8:00pm - 9:30pm.


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Endowment Falls 25.5%; Rises in NACUBO Rankings

Blue & Gray reports:

"Georgetown’s endowment took a 25.5 percent hit for calendar year 2008, leaving a total of $833 million as of Dec. 31, according to officials in the university’s investment office.

The economic downturn caused a 14 percent drop in the endowment since the last quarter ending Sept. 30, when it stood at $964 million – a 9.5 percent drop from the $1 billion mark first attained in 2007.

The losses illustrate that the university is not immune from the ravages of the current economy, but university investment officer Larry Kochard says a combination of factors have worked in Georgetown’s favor -- reducing exposure to public equity, avoiding hedge fund blowups and maintenance of liquid assets, such as cash contributions. All have softened the blow of the financial crisis, he says.

“What we’ve been focused on, really starting last year, has been trying to improve our liquidity, which is very good compared to other universities. Some universities have really gotten themselves in a bind, but we have the liquidity to meet the payout to the school as well as other commitments that we’ve made,” Kochard says, referring to Georgetown’s 6-percent spending rule of the endowment for operating expenses."

EVENT: JASON MRAZ AND BEN FOLDS @ GW THIS FRIDAY

The George Washington Program Board and WRGW are proud to announce that singer-songwriters Jason Mraz and Ben Folds will headline a performance at GW on February 13, 2009. Tickets are now available to all DC area University students with school ID.

The event will take place in The Smith Center on February 13, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. Tickets can be purchased now for $33 at the Marvin Center Ticketmaster box office located at 800 21st St. NW. Students with a University ID are able to purchase a maximum of five tickets with cash, Mastercard or Visa. Cash will only be accepted if students purchase tickets at the show.

Comic Tuesday: Math

NB: Click on the comic to make it bigger

Comic Credit

The Tuesday Hoya

Today's headlines include:

• Housing Glitch Causes Selection Shuffle
• Two Assailants Sentenced for October Hate Crime
• IRC Issues Apology After E-mail Blunder
• Hoyas Sputter Down Stretch, Fall to Cincinnati in Overtime
• Effort Was Good for Hoyas, But the Result Was Not

Check out The Hoya's blogs or follow us on Twitter for more.

EVENT: HOPE General Membership Meeting

What: H.O.P.E, an organization of Georgetown students dedicated to community involvement and service, has its first general membership meeting of the spring semester! Learn about the different programs that will be running and get some free food :)
Where: White Gravenor 201A
When: Tuesday, February 10, 2009, 8:30pm - 9:15pm

Facebook Event

EVENT: Vagina Monologues

The Vagina Monologues is a performance in conjunction with V-Day 2009, a global effort to stop violence against women and girls. We will tell the stories of women and girls from around the world in a spellbinding, funny, and incredible moving night. The Vagina Monologues is produced, directed and performed completely by Georgetown women.

Our cast will be performing on Friday, February 13, 2009 @ 8pm as well as Sunday, February 15, 2009 @ 2pm in the Divine Studio Theater!

Tickets are on sale on The Performing Arts website, and since our shows ALWAYS sell out, I encourage you to tell your family & friends to purchase tickets ASAP at http://performingarts.georgetown.edu/boxoffice/


Facebook event

Forgotten History: Georgetown's African-Americans

NPR reports:

"Author Breena Clarke's latest book, Stand the Storm, uncovers the often forgotten history of African-Americans in Washington, D.C.'s Georgetown neighborhood. NPR Host Jacki Lyden visits Georgetown's historic Mount Zion United Methodist Church for a conversation with Clarke and several Mount Zion members about their roots in the neighborhood."

Click here to listen.

Georgetown University cuts ties with Russell Athletic over labor rights violations

The DCexaminer reports:

"In response to student demands and in accordance with its Code of Conduct Georgetown University has cut ties with Russell Athletic.

A letter to the company states that, “As a Catholic and Jesuit university deeply committed to the dignity of all persons, Georgetown University is steadfast in its commitment to improving the working conditions and lives of workers involved in the production of apparel that bears our name or logo. Among these commitments is our agreement with you that as a condition of the license we have granted to Russell, you will enforce our Code of Conduct throughout your supply chain. This agreement explicitly includes respect for workers' freedom to organize and collectively bargain free of harassment, discrimination and threats to their ability to earn a living.”

After a lengthy investigation the university found that, “Russell has since 2007 been engaged in activities that flout Georgetown's Code of Conduct." The university will not renew its licensing agreement with Russell when the current agreement expires in June 2009.

The decision is a victory for all workers as it sends a message that multi-national corporations can no longer disrespect the rights of workers simply by taking their factories offshore."

Apple could fall far from Georgetown

Harry Jaffe of the DCexaminer writes:

"Georgetown is dying; actually, it might already be a dead town walking.

These days the once-chic shopping district on the Potomac River has the feel of a dowager way past her prime; teeth yellowing, hems threadbare, furs moth-eaten. Name one restaurant that wants to open its doors on M Street or Wisconsin Avenue. Nathan’s, a cornerstone bar and restaurant at the main intersection, might be closing its doors.

Developer Herb Miller has been trying to lure Nordstrom into the poorly designed Georgetown Park mall for years. No dice.
A decade or two ago, Georgetown was the hippest place in the nation’s capital. Now folks who want to shop and eat and spend a day on the town can go to U Street or Columbia Heights or Penn Quarter or Capitol Hill. Friendship Heights has movies and food. Cleveland Park beckons with both. Shaw is still edgy but hipper by a mile.

Georgetown is the agent of its own decline. Witness its death dance with Apple.

Two years ago, Apple chose Georgetown to site its first retail store in the nation’s capital. It bought a storefront on M Street, drew up plans to tear down the nondescript building, designed a modern front with its iconic Apple missing a small, crescent bite.
Ever seen an Apple Store? They crackle with action 24/7, selling and repairing all Apple devices. An Apple Store could revive an old whaling village.

Two years later, the storefront remains empty, and Apple has yet to put a shovel in the ground. Why? Because an architectural advisory panel, appropriately named the Old Georgetown Board, has rejected four designs because they are too glassy and modern.
“It shows you how flawed the city’s system is for attracting retail outlets,” says Terry Lynch, executive director of the Downtown Cluster of Congregations. Lynch is an architect of Penn Quarter’s revival as a living downtown. “The message is the city is closed for business.”

Lynch sent a letter to Neil Albert, deputy mayor for economic development, urging him to “immediately engage Apple in other locations.”

My sources say Albert is already working with Apple to look beyond Georgetown."

Apple Store Design Hits a Glass Wall Again

The Washington Post reports:

"An architectural review board yesterday ordered Apple to redraw plans for a store in Georgetown, the fourth time it has rejected the company's submission.

The Old Georgetown Board told Apple's architect that it is eager for the store to open on Wisconsin Avenue. But the three members, all architects, expressed disappointment that Apple keeps proposing a design that they have criticized.

In the latest rendering, Apple proposed a storefront that is a 35-foot-wide pane of glass with a door. During previous rounds, the board said that was inconsistent with neighboring properties' detailing and bay windows. "We're frustrated a little bit because we haven't gotten a response to our fairly consistent request," board member David Cox told Apple's architect, Karl Backus.

Backus assured the board that Apple is not "purposefully ignoring your suggestions," although he noted that a glass expanse is standard for many of the company's storefronts, symbolizing its belief in transparency. Still, he said he would return with a new design proposal that would incorporate the board's suggestions.

Apple's struggles to win the board's support have fueled concerns among merchants and city officials over how long the company is taking to open a store that it began planning at least two years ago.

Neil O. Albert, deputy mayor for planning and economic development, said in a statement that "we're extremely disappointed with today's decision."

Ice-Cold Hoyas Continue To Skid

The Washington Post reports:

"Less than five minutes into yesterday's game against Cincinnati, Georgetown Coach John Thompson III was so irked at his players' lackluster effort that he benched his entire starting five, sending five backups onto the court to demonstrate the meaning of heart.

If possible, the last 12 minutes of the game were even worse. In that span -- seven minutes of regulation and five minutes of overtime -- the Hoyas made only one field goal in 12 attempts and turned over the ball four times.

As a result, Georgetown let another crucial Big East game slip away, falling to Cincinnati, 64-62, in overtime after squandering a 12-point lead on a home court that not long ago all but guaranteed victory.

It was the second time the Hoyas had lost to unranked Cincinnati in 10 days. With it, Georgetown slumped to 13-9 overall and 4-7 in the Big East -- records sufficiently mediocre to raise doubts about the Hoyas' worthiness for an NCAA tournament bid.

"They all hurt," Thompson said when asked to compare this loss to the Bearcats to the previous one. "This one hurt more because it just happened."

The Friday Hoya

Today's headlines include:

• Former Senator Joins SFS Faculty
• University Cuts Ties With Russell
• Alum Restores Hope to Illinois
  
• Extra Practice Pays Off for Sapp, As Hoyas Get Back on Track
• Ending the Skid Was Great, But Georgetown Should Expect More Out of the Hoyas
  

This Week's Voice

Saturday night's alright for fighting.... student assumptions about DPS!

• Jeff Reger shadows the DPS night shift in this week's cover story

• News reports on GUSA's reaction to the SCUnity proposals and that GU has dropped Russell Athletic for labor no-nos.

• Sports has the scoop on the end of Georgetownmen's basketball losing streak.

• Leisure reviews Che

• Ed Board nags the University to kick its addiction to sophomore TAs
  

Apple Tries, Tries Again To Open in Georgetown

As Vox Populi reported, Apple's re-re-design for their much anticipated Wisconsin Ave store received approval from the local Advisory Neighborhood Commission early this week. Today, the store faces its final hurdle in the Old Georgetown Board. The Washington Post reports:

"The design mavens at Apple have charmed legions of gizmo-happy consumers with their sleek and modern creations.But not the arbiters of architectural style in that preserve of history and tradition known as Georgetown.

Three times, Apple has presented plans for its first Washington store. Three times, a panel of architects has suggested a return to the drawing board. Too much glass, they objected. Windows that are out of scale with the neighboring brick buildings.

And that Apple logo over the entrance? Way too big.

Each time, Apple came back with a drawing that was more contemporary and as full of glass as the first, if not more.

Today, Apple returns for a fourth round with the Old Georgetown Board, as the panel is known, this time with a drawing that is virtually identical to the first. The encounter is so fraught with uncertainty that Mayor Adrian M. Fenty's office has offered to give the computer company advice on how to handle the board and asked to see its latest rendering before the meeting.

"I don't want the Old Georgetown Board having to have the perfect design torpedo a very good product," said Neil O. Albert, the deputy mayor for planning and economic development."

EVENT: GPB Films 'The Express' and 'Role Models'

GPB Films will show TWO movies this weekend. On Friday 2/6, 'THE EXPRESS' will be shown in honor of Black History Month. On Saturday 2/7 and Sunday 2/8, ROLE MODELS will be shown. All showings are at 7:30pm and 10pm in ICC Auditorim

Facebook event

EVENT: Oxfam Speaker: President Ray Offenheiser

What: come hear Oxfam America President Ray Offenheiser speak about how the new presidency will affect current humanitarian crisis and other issues important to international development.
When: Tuesday, February 10, 2009; 8:30pm - 9:30pm
Where: Reiss 112

Facebook event

36 Students Hit by Norovirus at Catholic University

The Washington Post reports:

"Catholic University officials say 36 students have fallen ill in a norovirus outbreak.

University spokesman Victor Nakas said the first case was reported Jan. 21. The last case was reported Wednesday.The virus creates gastrointestinal symptoms, including vomiting and diarrhea.

Nakas said the D.C. health department confirmed the students became ill from norovirus. He said the students lived on campus and have been treated.The university sanitized several buildings and stressed proper hygiene to students.

Nakas said the school believes the outbreak is over because it's been more than 72 hours since the last case was reported.In 2006, norovirus sickened dozens of students at the university. More than 200 Georgetown University students were sickened by norovirus in October."

Professors limit laptop use in classes @ GW

Do we have some official in-class laptop policy? (see below) The GW Hatchet reports:

"Facebook, video-chatting and instant messaging may soon be a thing of the past - at least in some GW classrooms.

A growing number of professors are banning or restricting the use of laptop computers in their classrooms in an attempt to get students to pay attention and engage in classroom discussions.

"It's a question of intentional decision-making about what creates the best learning environment for all the students in a given class, rather than just assuming that the presence of laptops automatically improves that environment," said Kerric Harvey, a professor in the School of Media and Public Affairs, who restricts laptop use in her research methods class. "That's not at all the same thing as a 'ban.'

The issue has already been addressed at other major universities across the country over the past year, including Georgetown, University of Pennsylvania, Yale University, the University of Memphis and the University of Oregon"

SaxaSpeak is famous!

Loyal SaxaSpeak followers,

Thank you for all your support thus far in our blog's run. What started as simply an idea between roommates over last summer has now grown to something that even those outside Georgetown have noticed: The US News and World Report Education reports have thrown us in their competition for best Educational alternative news medium.

If you're so inclined, follow the link and vote for us! We'll love you even more then we already do.

Thanks,
SaxaSpeak

Say GoodBye to Juicy...

According to a letter Juicy Campus creator Matt Ivester sent out:

“Unfortunately, even with great traffic and strong user loyalty, a business can’t survive and grow without a steady stream of revenue to support it. In these historically difficult economic times, online ad revenue has plummeted and venture capital funding has dissolved. JuicyCampus’ exponential growth outpaced our ability to muster the resources needed to survive this economic downturn, and as a result, we are closing down the site as of Feb. 5, 2009.”

I guess it's back to standard gossip for all you Juicy posters.

EVENT: 36th Annual Cherry Tree Massacre

What: A cappella show featuring the Chimes, Phantoms, Gracenotes, Saxatones, Superfood, Capitol G's, Harmony, the GU Chamber Choir as well as special guest groups the Fordham Ramblers, JMU Low Key, the Virginia Belles, and the Tufts Beelzlebubs...
Where: Gaston Hall, Georgetown University
When: Shows start at 7:30pm, be there @ 7 on:
Fri, Feb 6
Sat, Feb 7
Fri, Feb 13
Sat, Feb 21
Tickets:
Reserve your tickets ONLINE: www.GeorgetownChimes.org
..or buy them all day any day in Red Square.

Facebook event

Georgetown puts end to five-game skid

The Washington Times reports:

"The perfect answer to Georgetown's slump just happened to be Rutgers.

Georgetown reached back to its old-school roots Tuesday night to snap its five-game losing streak, parlaying a season-best defensive effort into a 57-47 victory over the Scarlet Knights at the Verizon Center.

Back in the winner's column for the first time in three weeks, the Hoyas (13-8, 4-6 Big East) look to claw closer to the .500 mark in conference play when Cincinnati visits the District on Saturday.

Georgetown forced a season-high 21 turnovers and held the Scarlet Knights (10-13, 1-9) to a season low in scoring.

“We can all sleep a little better tonight,” Georgetown coach John Thompson III said. “Losing is awful. I don't know how long it's been since we won, but it seems like a month. Tonight we got a win and took a baby step. Now this is over, and we have to focus on the details even more heading into the game against Cincinnati.”

Word of the Week: Usufruct

usufruct |ˈyoōzəˌfrəkt; -sə-|
noun Roman Law

the right to enjoy the use and advantages of another's property short of the destruction or waste of its substance.

DERIVATIVES
usufructuary |ˌyoōzəˈfrək ch oōˌerē; -sə-| adjective & noun

ORIGIN early 17th cent.: from medieval Latin usufructus, from Latin usus (et) fructus ‘use (and) enjoyment,’ from usus ‘a use’ + fructus ‘fruit.’

Comic Tuesday: Grammar Nazis

Comic Credit

Georgetown Students Hold Rally to Protest Apparel Company [VIDEO]

Click here to see video if it doesn't load below:



Channel 8 News reports:

"WASHINGTON - Georgetown University students held a a rally Monday, urging the university to cut ties with Russell Corporation -- the company that produces the school's logo apparel.

Students are accusing the company of labor rights violations in Honduras. Monday, NewsChannel 8 reporter Mike Conneen reports the students also attempted to deliver a letter to the school's president.

Junior Chessa Gross says she's part of Georgetown University's Licensing and Oversight Committee, a group that deals with the Talkback:

"And we've pressured [Georgetown University] to cut the contract. They can because the contract was violated," said Gross.

Russell Corporation makes sweatshirts and other merchandise using the school logo. Protesters claim a Russell factory in Honduras was, in their words, "union busting."

They even claim Russell shut down the factory to avoid union regulations. "Workers have also been intimidated, received death threats. That's against the law, so they actually just closed the factory of 1,800 workers," added Gross."

Hagel To Teach at Georgetown

The Washington Post reports:

"Former senator Chuck Hagel will become a professor at Georgetown University, where he will teach courses on U.S. foreign policy, a university official confirmed.

The Nebraska Republican, who once considered a presidential bid and retired from the Senate last year, will become a distinguished professor in the practice of national governance at Georgetown's Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service. Georgetown is planning to announce the appointment on Wednesday morning, spokeswoman Katie Martha said.

Hagel will begin working at the university immediately, planning conferences and other events on campus this spring, and will begin teaching undergraduate and graduate courses this fall, Martha said.

"I am honored to become part of this respected institution and look forward to contributing to the important efforts that Georgetown continues to make in educating our next generation of leaders," Hagel said in a statement."

The Tuesday Hoya

Today's headlines include:

• Students Protest Clothing Company
• Global Assistance, A World of Options
• GU Investors Outperform Market
• Hoyas Can't Fly With Golden Eagles
• In Recent Losses, Hoyas Outrun
  

Qatar Campus Constructing New Facility

Blue & Gray reports:

"DOHA, Qatar -- Nearly four years ago, the School of Foreign Service’s Qatar campus opened its doors within Education City. Now the campus is preparing to moving from a shared-building owned by the Qatar Foundation into a nearly 400,000-square-foot facility of its own.

The building, scheduled to open in fall 2010, will include classrooms, offices, a library and other facilities for more than 200 undergraduate and graduate students.

"The new facility will help us do better what we have already been doing for the past four years, which is to make Georgetown a living reality 6,000 miles from the Hilltop," said School of Foreign Service-Qatar Dean James Reardon-Anderson. "We expect the building to feel and function like Georgetown, while having a look and location a bit removed from Healy Hall."

EVENT: The Fourth Philodemic Debate of 2009

Resolved: Michael Corleone was Justified in Killing Fredo"
Affirming: Mr. Dustin Walker, Mr. Sam Biesiada (Induction)
Negating: Mr. Mirco Haag, Mr. Rahul Singh (Induction)

The debate will take place in the Philodemic Room on Thursday, February 5th, and shall begin promptly at 8:00 PM. After the debate, please join the society at Martin's Tavern! The food, drinks, and company promise to be fabulous.

*Dress: Western Business Attire*

Facebook event

EVENT: 25 Days of Service Opening Ceremony

IT'S BIGGER, BETTER, and BOLDER! STEP UP and be a part of the action!

Dr. Porterfield, Slam Poetry by Yamiche Alcindor, Food, Music, WHAT ELSE DO YOU NEED?!

Oh Yeah and please bring CANNED food to donate!

When: Tonight, 7:30pm - 9:00pm
Where: McShain Lounge

Check out their blog.

Facebook event

Windows 7 Beta Flunks Out Of Georgetown

InformationWeek reports:

"A prestigious Washington, D.C., university has barred students and faculty from using the trial version of Microsoft (NSDQ: MSFT)'s new Windows 7 operating system on school computers."Do not install new Microsoft beta release," states a new warning from Georgetown University's IT group. "Installing any beta version of software is extremely risky," the warning states.

In the warning, Georgetown's University Information Services department repeats Microsoft advisories that the beta version of Windows 7 could disable antivirus software and cause printers, video cards, and other hardware components to function incorrectly. "

Marquette keeps Georgetown reeling

The Chicago Tribune reports:

"MILWAUKEE — When the 16 Big East teams convened in October at Madison Square Garden for preseason media day, the coaches' votes revealed they considered Georgetown and Marquette middle-of-the-pack teams.

Their seasons have traveled in directions as opposite as the teams went after they shook hands and walked off the Bradley Center court Saturday, Marquette leaving a 94-82 winner.

No. 8 Marquette (19-2, 8-0) has taken an express elevator to the top of the conference with its experience and know-how. No. 25 Georgetown (12-8, 3-6), which climbed as high as No. 9, has fallen into the same elevator shaft as fellow conference stumbler Notre Dame with five straight losses.

"They understand every possession," Georgetown coach John Thompson III said of Marquette.

The Hoyas displayed loads of talent, shooting 65.4 percent in the first half and 56.1 percent for the game before the Marquette crowd of 19,041. DaJuan Summers, a 6-foot-8-inch junior forward, scored 22 points on 9-of-12 shooting, showing no signs of the foot injury that made him a game-time decision.

But with a significantly smaller roster, Marquette made up the difference and broke out of a 42-42 halftime tie to outrebound Georgetown 31-29 and make more trips to the free-throw line. The Golden Eagles connected on 30 of 38 free throws, while the Hoyas made 8 of 13."