Legal News

The politics of pennies

Before this month, Jessica Altounian, 20, said she thought little about the candidates' economic rhetoric. To her, inflation meant "affording the things I want to do." The ambiguous phrase 'fiscal discipline' was a reminder to "keep an eye on my bank account and slap myself whenever I went overboard."

Calendar

Thursday, Oct. 23 Green on the Screen: "Changing Nature: Population and Environment at a Crossroads" 12:30-1:30 p.m. WHERE: Media Classroom, Bender Library INFO: This film analyzes the impact of urbanization and population growth on the environment in countries like Ghana, the Ukraine and Mexico while promoting sustainable development.

Shwa returns to roots, performs at alma mater

Joshua Lobsen, who goes by Shwa, graduated college and went on to succeed at his dream job of making music and now fronts a pop-rock band. This weekend, Shwa returns to AU, his alma mater, to perform for parents' weekend. Lobsen graduated from AU in 2003 with a degree in international relations and a communications minor.

AU may need Pied Piper to rid campus of rats

AU's Tenley campus contains one of the worst rat infestations in D.C., according to the D.C. Department of Health. NBC4 reported May 22 that health officials have indicated the intersection of Wisconsin and Nebraska, where the Tenley campus is located, was a breeding ground for the local rodent population.

Cut through

Jason Mraz-ma-taz wows crowd

In today's age of disposable music in which the majority of acts rely more on bells and whistles than their own true musical talent, Jason Mraz and opener Lisa Hannigan in concert is a breath of fresh air. From the beginning of the concert at DAR Constitution Hall, audience interaction was widely encouraged.

Woodward's word on Bush

Washington Semester students filled Kay Spiritual Life Center Wednesday afternoon as well-known author and investigative journalist Bob Woodward spoke about his relationship with President Bush, the War in Iraq and the current political climate. Being a reporter is the best job in the world, he said, "It's great because you get to make momentary entries into people's lives," Woodward said.

'FrankTV' sketches exaggerate, bore

Master impressionist Frank Caliendo offers disappointing sketch material on the second season of "FrankTV," a late-night comedy series on TBS. Despite the praise for the show's first season and Caliendo's "FrankTV Stand-Up Comedy Tour," the second season of "FrankTV" fails to create the memorable spoofs of its sketch comedy contemporaries like "Saturday Night Live" and "MadTV.

When life gives 'lemons,' open shop in Rockville

In an area where there are countless establishments to dine in, deciding where to go for a bite to eat can be troublesome. For a college student on a budget, it is practically impossible. Until now, that is. Close by in Rockville, Md., the perfect meal is only a few Metrorail stops away, and it goes by the name of The Lemon Tree.

Cross country brief

The AU men's and women's cross country teams fared well in their final tune-up before the Patriot League Championships, with the men taking home the title and the women coming in second place. Senior Carlos Jamieson finished second overall in the race with a time of 25:36.

Housing site launches AU version

Uloop.com, a California-based Web site that allows users to post apartment listings, used textbooks and various jobs and services, recently launched an AU version of the service. Once you've registered with Uloop, you can only see the postings of other AU users.

Swimming and diving brief

The men's and women's swimming and diving teams took home 13 first place finishes this weekend as they competed in a tri-meet against George Washington University and Catholic University. Leading the way on the men's side was junior Matt Pelletier, who took three first place titles in the 100-yard and 200-yard backstroke as well as in the 100-yard butterfly.

Men's soccer brief

The men's soccer team rose to No. 7 in the National Soccer Coaches Association of America's Mid-Atlantic Regional Poll this week, the first time that the squad has been ranked this season. The rise comes on the heels of a 1-0 tie with Lehigh on Saturday, which improved its record to 6-5-2 and 2-0-1 in the Patriot League.

McCardell calls for lower drinking age

Choose Responsibility President John McCardell said during a Kennedy Political Union event Tuesday that he was not fazed by AU President Neil Kerwin's decision to not sign on to the Amethyst Initiative. McCardell, a former Middlebury College president, drafted the Amethyst Initiative, an effort by college presidents to reconsider lowering the drinking age in each state from the current age limit of 21.

AU sees minority growth

AU's enrollment of minority students increased between 1997 and 2007, as 51 more students of Asian or Pacific Islander backgrounds and 73 more Hispanic students were enrolled at the university in 2007 than in 1997, according to the Office of Institutional Research and Assessment's yearly Academic Databook.

Police Blotter

Oct. 13 A desk receptionist in Congressional Hall reported a student felt very sick and was vomiting. D.C. Fire Department and Emergency Medical Services personnel transported the student to Sibley Hospital. Oct. 14 A resident assistant in Hughes Hall reported a student sick in her fifth-floor room.

International brief

The Sri Lankan government jeopardized the nation's trade concessions and job opportunities Tuesday after it blocked the European Union from investigating international labor and human rights conventions, the Inter Press Service reported. International Trade Minister G.