Legal News

Wilkinson shines in suspenseful drama

In a film much like a modern adaptation of a 19th century British novel, director Julian Fellowes explores the extravagant length to which people will go to protect the truths on which they base their lives. Anne (Emily Watson) and James (Tom Wilkinson) lead seemingly idyllic lives.

Column: Confirm the qualified

Last week John G. Roberts, Jr. was confirmed by the U.S. Senate by a vote of 78-22 after he endured several full days of questioning, parrying angry attacks from Sens. Joe Biden, Dianne Feinstein, Ted Kennedy and Chuck Schumer. These and other Democrats have insisted that they could not vote to confirm Judge Roberts because of his legal views, despite the fact that he is extremely qualified for the post.

Metro briefs

Katrina victims still homeless More than 400,000 people left homeless by Hurricane Katrina will remain living in hotel rooms past the Oct. 15 deadline set for their relocation, according to The Washington Post. The hotel program was established as a temporary measure, but other ventures, including housing evacuees on cruise ships, have failed.

Editorial cartoon

AU Alumnus finds beauty in Styrofoam

According to artist Claudia Vess, Styrofoam is a reflection of our culture; of the items we consume and the products we buy. This is why she makes such extensive use of the medium in her artwork currently featured in the exhibit "CC Vess: Paintings, Prints & Wall Sculpture" at the Landow Gallery in Bethesda.

Baron von Bling's "Robber Baron of AU"

The following was sent to the Eagle by an artist who uses the pseudonym Baron von Bling. He composed the song as a parody of the current situation involving president Ladner.

Comics

Staff editorial: Professor's pay dispute

The scandal surrounding President Ladner has brought to light the paltry salaries of AU's professors. One professor in the economics department has been thoroughly published but is still paid considerably less than other professors who have not been here as long.

As clear as black and white

There are now only two. That was my first thought when the Boston Red Sox won their first World Series in 86 years. Now there are only two teams that have not won a World Series in a pathetically long time. And they're both from Chicago. The Chicago Cubs haven't won a World Series since 1908 and the Chicago White Sox haven't won since 1917.

Ladner fired, severance pay in question

The board of trustees decided today that Benjamin Ladner will not return to AU as its president. Dr. Neil Kerwin will continue to serve as acting president until a search for Ladner's replacement is completed. The board agreed to adopt the findings of the Audit Committee, and authorized the university to report additional taxable income in the amount of $398,000, and to seek reimbursement from Dr. Ladner for certain personal expenses in the amount $125,000. The board did not reach the issue of Ladner's severance package, according to Trustee Thomas Gottschalk in a press conference this evening, which concluded the board's eight-hour meeting.

Make fall break better with these good reads

In a sea of assigned reading, midterms, projects and papers, who has time to read for pleasure, let alone search the stacks of new releases to find that gem of a new author? Since fall break is fast upon us, there may be time to relax with a new book. Here are four that deserve checking out.

Town hall meeting urges student activism

Students need to keep up the fight for changes in university bylaws and for Ben Ladner's dismissal, faculty and student representatives said at last night's town hall meeting. The board of trustees is holding a meeting next Monday to determine President Ladner's status and possible severance, and to discuss board of trustee reforms.

New field turf is safe and long overdue

As a member of AU's Women's Field Hockey team, I would like to respond to both Kevin Hilgers' article concerning IM football complaints about the new turf, and Jesse Epstein's accompanying editorial. AU Field Hockey has been trying to get such a field as we have now for 6 years, in order to finally place our facilities at the same level as other Division I teams.

Shuttle service discussed at Park Bethesda forum

Park Bethesda's history, as well as the building's plagued shuttle service, were discussed Monday night among students and administrators in the Park Bethesda lounge. Julie Weber, director of Housing and Dining programs, answered various questions from students about why the university cannot fund more service hours and what can be done to increase the amount of service hours.

Need to satisfy your playoff appetite?

The boys of summer are wrapping up another season that saw the return of Barry Bonds, the Yanks and Sox battle it out and the Atlanta Braves' 14th-consecutive division title. And as the eight best teams fight for the World Series prize, AU students will flock from the dorms looking for a place to enjoy the action.

Board Chair resigns, calls for Ladner's removal

AU Board of Trustees Chair Leslie Bains resigned last night amidst what she called an attempt by her fellow trustees to derail scrutiny of AU President Benjamin Ladner, according to a letter her attorney forwarded to two student leaders. Bains' letter, which The Eagle received anonymously, said pro-Ladner members of the Board called for her resignation this weekend in "yet another attempt to distract the Board" from addressing Ladner's fate at the university, scheduled for discussion at a meeting today.

Staff editorial: Shooting at The Avalon

The Avalon apartment complex, known for its nicely appointed living spaces, was the scene of a shooting Monday night, rattling the sense of security we all feel in Northwest. AU students are very secure in this section of the city, but it should never be forgotten that we are in a farely large city, and one with a higher crime rate than the suburbs most of us hail from.