Broadside
The Drawbacks of Finding that Perfect Cup of Joe On Campus
By Staff Writer Maria Cianfichi
Frustrated junior undeclared major Mark Baumgardner left the One Stop Patriot Shop convenience store. Every morning, Baumgardner stops at the store on the bottom level of the Blue Ridge dorm for his daily cup of coffee.
Columbian Mix, Baumgardner’s favorite flavor, was nowhere to be found in the store. So this day, Baumgardner had to settle for American Blend—not his favorite but still better than having to resort to decaf or some elaborate coffee drink.
One Night in the Mediterranean
By Staff Writer Maria Cianfichi
Upbeat, cheerful music filled the air as the smell of home-cooked food wafted under the noses of students who attended the Mediterranean Cultural Night last Tuesday. Several minutes after 7 p.m., the line for food wrapped around the interior of Dewberry Hall, but this did not turn students away.
With a food spread ranging from Italian spaghetti and meatballs, pesto and spinach manicotti, to Greek lamb gyros, who could resist the temptation of such a delicious dinner? The meal was topped off with a variety of French pastries.
AI Taking Baby Steps
Student Media Copy Editor Thomas Breeden
Ben Hirschler reported on Reuters.com on April 2 that Ross King and colleagues at Aberystwyth University in Wales have created a robot that can perform experiments on yeast metabolism and then use the results to design and carry out further experiments.
This marks the first time a robot has made a new scientific discovery unaided by man. The creation of a machine that can use reason to formulate its own theories is a great advance in the field of artificial intelligence.
New Liason to Aid Veterans
By Broadside Correspondent James Martin
Veterans and servicemembers at George Mason University now have a dedicated liaison for help, concerns, and support. The position was created during the middle of the fall semester and is a result of the university seeking to address issues faced by veterans. The position is unique as it provides assistance that the already existing staff on campus cannot give.
In The Area...
Compiled by Kevin Loker, News Editor, from Fairfax County Times, Richmond-Times Dispatch, and the Examiner
Senate Decision Safeguards Accomplices from Death Penalty
State senators failed to override the governor’s veto of the triggerman rule last week.
Current Virginia law states that only the person who actually commits a murder can be sentenced to the death penalty, safeguarding equally-involved accomplices from execution. The General Assembly passed a bill overturning the rule earlier in the session, but Gov. Tim Kaine vetoed it.
Freshmen Lose ‘Freedom'
By News Editor Kevin Loker
When the time comes for incoming freshmen to choose a meal plan for the fall semester, “Freedom” won’t be an option.
Starting in the fall, resident freshmen will be required to choose from two categories of meal plans, “Block” or “Traditional.” The “Freedom” option, which operates as a balance of dollars and is currently open to all George Mason University residents for use at any dining location on campus, will only be open to upperclassmen.
Much Moore To Come
By Broadside Sports Editor Brian Chan
Twenty years ago, a 22-year-old George Mason University second baseman was selected All-Met by the Home Plate Club. Today, he has worked his way up to the big leagues, not as a player, but as the general manager of the Kansas City Royals. That individual goes by the name of Dayton Moore.
Moore is entering his third year with the Royals after being hired by the organization on May 30, 2006. The now 42-year old is 144-180 in his two seasons, but the team improved their win total by six games and clawed their way from the cellar of the American League Central division to fourth place last season.
OPINION: Not for Five Bucks
By Copy Chief Kerry Sheats
How much does it cost to piss you off? For me, it’s five bucks. By now, nearly everyone knows that T-Pain will perform at Mason Day on April 23. You also probably know that this concert will set you back a whopping $5. It is my understanding that the reason this concert is not free—unlike the Mason Day performances in the past—is because the event will take place in the Patriot Center. To top it off, one can only purchase the standard two tickets per student ID at the discounted rate.
There are those who say, “But it’s only $5—and you get a $5 discount on concessions!” But really, what can a $5 discount off of concessions at the Patriot Center get you—a cup of ice? Maybe a handful or two of popcorn.
OPINION: Where's the Patriot Pride?
By Gleason Scott Rowe
I must admit, even as a devoted Mason Patriot, I often read the opinion columns of my fellow students in the weekly Broadside with disappointment and frustration. It seems the only thing most of these contributors want to do is criticize.
They try to make the point that George Mason University is a mediocre university or claim that homosexuality is a mental illness and that the university only enables the LGBTQ community, or make inaccurate accusations about the pairs running for student government.
I will therefore take a different tact in my piece.
Committee Seeks Student Voice in QEP
By Broadside Staff Writer Jared Trice
In anticipation for the 2011 accreditation review, George Mason University’s Quality Enhancement Plan committee has chosen three topics on which university affiliates will vote, moving the university closer to choosing a directional topic for the enhancement of institutional practice.
The Quality Enhancement Plan is a system that all universities under review from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools must organize and enact before the 2011 review and continue to implement for five years in order to reaffirm accreditation, an affirmation of approval that provides students access to federally-subsidized aid, allows faculty the ability to compete for research grants and ensures that university courses will be recognized by other institutions.
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