August 2008
Metro: The Next Generation Diner
By Broadside Managing Editor Sherell Williams
Returning students familiar with Ike’s Restaurant in President’s Park and incoming students alike now have another late night option available in the area.
The new quick service restaurant, called Metro, is being advertised as the “new, fast, casual, and trendy... diner for the next generation.” To celebrate its opening, Metro will be giving out 4,000 shake coupons to George Mason University students and staff during Welcome Week that can be redeemed anytime after the diner opens its doors to the public, which was yesterday, August 26.
Our Health Care System is Killing Us
By Broadside Staff Correspondent Sabra HayesBy
Since viewing Sicko, the most recent documentary by Michael Moore, I have become aware that the United States’ failure to provide adequate health care is causing the suffering and even death of many individuals in our country.
Lack of Commitment in College
By Broadside Opinion Columnist Scott Mason
Commitment . . . is a scary word. Whether we need to meet someone for dinner or are developing a romantic relationship, many of us run from it like the plague, or at least it seems that way. With a plethora of reasons such as, “I don’t know what I’m going to do yet” or “I have other things I want to accomplish first,” we give an air that we are too good for interpersonal plans beyond the 10 minute mark. It’s as if we are always waiting for a better opportunity to come along instead of committing to what we have or are being offered. Granted, it is always good to want the best of everything and never settle, but what happens when the best is right in front of us and we turn away because we think we can find better? How many times have we passed on opportunities waiting for the next best thing that never came along?
Mason’s Language Program is Holding Us Back
By Broadside Opinion Editor Arthur Gailes
I’m not good at languages. There are some people who can hear a few words in another language a few times and intuitively process what they mean. In my experience, those people are in the minority. For everybody else, Mason’s foreign language program is failing us. The curriculum is poorly made, the teachers are too handicapped by the system and the classes aren’t flexible enough to accommodate different learning paces.
LETTER: What Does Student Government Do?
By Student Body President Zack Golden
Whenever people find out that I am involved with Student Government the first question that they ask is, “What exactly does Student Government do?” The answer to this question is important because the success of Student Government is tied directly to the level of participation among Mason students.
In explaining what Student Government does, it is useful to first explain what Student Government is not. First, Student Government is not an independent policy making institution. We cannot pass a bill or resolution to change a University policy on our own. We have to work with our University Administration to change policies. Second, Student Government is not an organization that puts on social programs on campus. Third, Student Government is not a political organization. We do not support candidates or parties, we serve students.
LETTER: Broadside Introduction
Dear Mason students,
I would like to introduce Broadside as a platform of information on all things Mason and beyond. More importantly, however, it is vital that your voice be heard.
Let us know if your club or organization is having an event, or if you have noticed a problem on campus, or if your band is playing at a local club. We are here to serve you.
Playboy Meets Legally Blonde in The House Bunny
By Broadside Staff Writer Sarah Buchanan
While certainly not the most brilliant comedy ever, The House Bunny is an amusing movie with a feel-good storyline and a lot of blonde jokes. Thriving on the stereotypical, it stars Anna Faris, of Scary Movie fame, as Shelley Darlington, a beautiful, blonde airhead and former Playboy Bunny who gets duped into thinking that she got kicked out of Hugh Hefner’s infamous Playboy Mansion.
Girl Talk Makes Mash-Ups Fun
By Broadside Style Columnist Andy Minor
In addition to my usual summer regiment of sleeping, loafing and working, I found a little bit of time to be artsy as well. I got caught up on a few books, saw some great films and continued my exploration into the tombs of musical enlightenment. Last May, with miles of crowded, DC Metropolitan area roads, open windows and my iPod, I set out on my summer journey with a smile on my face and anticipation in my ears. They were, of course, waiting to hear what summer jams might pass through them and set the aural tone for the heated laziness I like to enjoy in June, July and August. The early part of summer was mostly spent studying parts of my iPod I haven't visited since high school, painting my summer with a thin film of nostalgia.
But then, probably about mid-June, the new Girl Talk album, Feed The Animals, came out and everything changed.
Fall Club Sports
If you're interested in participating in club sports this semester, there are a variety of options available. Here are the details, compiled by members of Broadside's staff.
Softball League (Mens, Womens and Co-Ed)
Open Registration: Aug. 25-Sept. 12
Start Date: Sept. 14
Co-ed Soccer League
Open Registration: Aug. 25-Sept. 10
Start Date: Sept. 14
7 on 7 Flag Football League (Mens, Womens and Co-Ed)
Open Registration: Sept.15-Oct. 1
Start Date: Oct. 13
Click below to see the full list.
Olympic Swimming Debut For Sophomore Ziegler
By Broadside Managing Editor Sherell Williams
While most George Mason University students spent their summer vacations visiting family and friends, 20-year-old Kate Ziegler participated in the 2008 Summer Olympic Games in Beijing, China. In her Olympic debut, Ziegler competed in both the 400 meter and 800 meter freestyle events, but did not advance to the finals in either event.
With a time of 4:09.59, Ziegler came in fourth place in qualification heat six in the 400 meter freestyle, but she placed 14th overall. Ziegler also placed fourth in the 800 meter freestyle on Aug. 14 in qualification heat five with a time of 8:26.98 to advance to the final. She ranked 10th overall, just above American teammate Katie Hoff. Only the top eight times are selected to advance to the next round in each event.