The Ace !

INSIDE the Magazine: FULL ISSUE

2010-05-08T15:37:00.000-07:00

THE INVASION OF SOCIAL MEDIA: Facebook, Formspring and Twitter.

The Ace is coming out this Monday!
Here's the online version for our readers.

DOWNLOAD
http://www.zshare.net/download/75852456e254437e/

DIRECT VIEW
http://docs.google.com/a/gwmail.gwu.edu/viewer?a=v&pid=gmail&attid=0.1&thid=1287a0feee4a721f&mt=application%2Fpdf&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmail.google.com%2Fa%2Fgwmail.gwu.edu%2F%3Fui%3D2%26ik%3D0c224cdc2e%26view%3Datt%26th%3D1287a0feee4a721f%26attid%3D0.1%26disp%3Dattd%26realattid%3Df_g8z0keoy0%26zw&sig=AHIEtbQY7TAZPLIJ6DmiJZVC5jskSnfm_w&AuthEventSource=SSO

INSIDE the Magazine: Spring into a new look

2010-05-05T23:26:00.000-07:00

The new issue is coming out.
Here's a sneak at the fashion page.

PRICES and BRANDS in the upcoming ISSUE!!!
COMING SOON

INSIDE the Magazine: Get Famous from Twitter

2010-05-01T23:04:00.000-07:00

The upcominng issue is coming!!!
Here's a look into the business section.
Some tips to get famous, from our own Benson Mensah-Bonsu website, sketchworks.com

Check it out!

http://www.sketchworkspro.com/blog/2009/10/how-to-use-twitter-effectively-for-your-business/

Watch We Eat, the truth about our diet

2010-02-25T13:08:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, I was fortunate enough to sit down with Robert Kennar, the director of Food Inc (trailer below)to discuss our current state of cheap food. Things look bad.

No longer are animals well-bred to deliver the best health and quality ratio, now their quickly grown to get quick profits.

Food for thought. Watch what you eat.

I posted two video links and an article link where I was quoted in the discussion with the director.

Article link - http://dailycolonial.com/?p=2720

Food Inc

McDonalds 4 year old burger ( looks the same!)

Corey Response: from the NEWEST Ace Issue " Want Black Women, Not SuperHead"

2010-02-03T12:46:00.000-08:00

The new Ace was released yesterday. It contained an article in which I addressed a serious problem occurring between women and men. I stand by everything I wrote, and am willing to discuss the problems I believe exist and needed to be discussed.

The reason I am writing this piece, is to clarify what I meant by my article. I have heard women saying that I was calling black women sluts, and that it was inappropriate for me to pass judgment on certain females. Another misconception about the piece was that people thought I was trying to say women should wait for a good man, abstain from sexual activities, while men live promiscuously. I found it comical when one young lady said that this article showed that I had no respect or love for black women (Yeah, real logical since I came from a beautiful black lady).

Now, I will try to be very clear on what I wrote and meant in my article. I generalized, and I will do so again. I find it pedestrian that I would have to actually put that I am not talking about every woman, but that I am talking about those that act promiscuously.

I believe that black women, and all women, inherently possess great qualities that men see as necessary in their true woman. I talked about the strength of a black woman, the almost unconditional love of a black woman, the intelligence of a black woman, and the unmatched compassion of a black woman. Those qualities are the qualities that a man needs and wants from a woman. I think that women sometimes see that the girls that get the outright attention are the ones that have short skirts, low cut shirts, and legs that open more frequently than the doors at CVS. Those women might get attention from some men, but as men mature and really seek someone to connect with, they will seek those that carry themselves like a Maya Angelou carries herself. Even when men give attention to the Lil’ Kim’s, the attention is not connected to any feeling of admiration, love, or respect. There is a difference between Lil’ Kim’s that get taken to the vending machines of JBKO, and the Maya Angelou’s that get taken to Founding Farmers to discuss future endeavors.

Women must know that they do not have to disrespect their ancestors or themselves by being a Nikki Minaji. Women can be an Oprah, a Condoleezza Rice, or a Claire Huxtable and still get attention. The attention might not be as frequent, but it will be legitimate and worthwhile.

Lastly, the last sentence of my article was to illustrate the belief that men will mature and when they do, the Super head’s get late night texts from freshmen that have heard about them and the Michelle Obama’s get put on television for being a role model. I am not an advocate for male promiscuousness; I am guaranteeing women that by acting in a dignified manner they will not end up alone, because their mature dog will come home.

January Issue -The Ace Magazine !!!!!!!!!! "The Rise of the Black Woman"

2010-02-03T12:38:00.000-08:00

Just one more time! The Ace is back, this time just for God's greatest gift, women!

This issue is all about the rise of the black woman. Follow through the pages as we highlight the meteoric rise of the black women, from Michelle Obama to Nicki Minaj.

In this issue we did more for less. Not only is it content packed its more environmentally-friendly (less pages).

IF you want to be a leader, follow us!

Read online - http://www.zshare.net/download/7210918742db0ce3/
( Copy and Paste)

Go get your hard copy issue ASAP!!!!!!!!!

]

Haiti.......a cursed state

2010-01-13T12:07:00.000-08:00

A beaming icon in the history of black political progress. Haiti was the first black country to gain freedom from slavery and establish it's own republic, non-dependant of Whites. It was one of the most profitable islands in the Carribean. So much so, that Napolean sold the Louisana Purchase to keep Haiti. That was in 1804.

200 years later, its the poorest nation in the western hemisphere, though it shares an island with the Dominican Republic, a booming country that strives off tourism.

In over two centuries, a string of bad luck has ran through the country. Leading me to believe its cursed. Some people may think of Haiti's voodoo culture, others may blame the Haitian gov't. As to what 'cursed' in my definition means, it means contempt shown by America and European powers that WANTED Haiti to fail since 1804 ( due to fears of slave uprisings) and the general political mismanagment seen in other independent black countries( mainly Africa).

What makes Haiti situation dire, are the repeated natural disasters that occur ONLY in Haiti, whether its a hurricane or drought( remember it shares an island with Dominican Republic). Most recent a 7.0 scale earthquake hit the island destroying most of the capital 'Port au Prince' resulting in over 1/3 of the population being homeless. The Dominican Repbulic was left untouched.

I personally do not have any ideas as to what can 'fix' Haiti and move it on a progressive path, but I do know people RIGHT NOW are in need of immediate help.

To donate by UNICEF you can Text "yele" to 501501 and $5 will be added to your phone bill.

2009-12-03T08:32:00.000-08:00

Fashion: Fly & Fresh v. Grown & Sexy

I am a Junior in college and it wasn't until my senior year of high school that I learned to wear high heels. The end of High School meant Prom, senior dinner and a bunch of big events, galas and balls. I found this beautiful BCBG dress to wear to prom and one of my mom's best friends told me "That dress is fly, you better not wear flats even if it kills you." I sucked it up and got these cute Guess pumps that I made it through almost all of prom without taking off. By the grace of God I went from wearing nothing but sneakers to wearing stilettos in a year. My heel game is fierce; however, my first love will always be kicks.

I'm not the biggest sneakerhead but living outside of New York, I definitely could claim that and no one would disagree. I love the scent of fresh jordans that are so crisp it almost makes you sad to wear them. One of my friends at school is also from Harlem and (god bless her soul) girl went bougie on me and she has no shame in her game. She told me I need to grow up. I was told by the time I become a senior, I have to retire my sneakers.

I've already traded in the North Face Book bag for a leather canvas backpack and I freeze my butt off in winter to wear a peacoat but how can I give up my sneakers. I know I can't wear jordans at 30. But it might just be too soon. On the block it's not an issue but at college and interning in a corporate law firm over the summer, sneakers are gym wear.... Does wearing a blazer with dunks qualify as a happy medium, an adequate compromise? I switch between Fly & Fresh and Grown & Sexy on any given day. It's only natural that my style will evolve but all I can think about currently is how I plan on pinching the already tight college budget for the new Jordan 60+ Atlanta Hawk Colorway. (They're in my sorority colors!) I got a Blackberry Tour a week ago and that was all in the name of being grown and professional, so for now I will just have to keep an even balance sheet.

Deuces,
Naz

November Issue " Putting the Pieces Together"

2009-11-15T17:26:00.000-08:00

In this issue, we delve into what makes the " complete person." We have articles ranging from self-identity of a young man finding his grandfather to dating while studying abroad. This issue has a lot to offer in regards to the new layout, use of self-taken photos and a stronger creative writing section. ENJOY!

HERE'S THE PDF

http://www.zshare.net/download/685245555de0722e/

Preview- How Jay-Z & P Diddy strangled Hip-Hop

2009-11-04T22:19:00.001-08:00

These videos add to supplement the article discussing how established NY Rappers failed to help and develop other artists.

Beanie Sigel story about Jay-Z in 2009

Diddy's Side

In Print.........Better than Blueprint 3, the Ace Vol. 2

2009-09-14T17:20:00.000-07:00

It started last month, based on the idea of Gucci Mane's rise, this concept birthed a monster that came to life in this issue. Behind all the controversy, is a freshman based issue which main aim is to highlight certain things about GW and life in DC.

Enjoy.
http://www.zshare.net/download/65576894ed0b6e23/
(copy and paste)

Rise of Gucci Mane & Fall of Jay-Z......Preview

2009-08-16T15:37:00.000-07:00

I do not fit the description of a Gucci Mane fan

-I'm born and raised in Brooklyn ( Flatbush)
-I'm def one of those "up north people" that think southern rappers can't rap
-Jay-Z is one my favorite rappers ( BIG comes before him)
-I'm a college student in D.C ( Explains why I even know who Gucci Mane is)

The last couple of months I've noticed some weird things in the rap game.

NY has yet to have a "new" rapper, we still 'Hov, though in all his greatness and a guy called Gucci Mane, best known for his somewhat popular 2006 song " So Icy" was released from jail.

Its August 2009 and things keep getting weirder.
Gucci Mane is featured on Mario's lead single "break up" and did a remix video with mariah carey lead single " Obsessed" ( He wears a white suit, even more weird)
Jay-Z is currently cruising the radio waves with his hit "DOA- Death of Autotune" (do some research on the song-lyrics wise)

I see myself as a very observant person, now I'm not saying Gucci is a BETTER rapper than Jay-Z, just saying I've noticed a swing and rise in popularity.
Jay needed to drop DOA (something a lot of other lesser known rappers had said) to get his name out. Whereas Gucci, is storming the streets with his likeness.

GUCCI!!!!!!!AYE OK!!! BURRR!!!

The last time a NY rapper had a effect on the streets as whole it was 2005 "No homo"
Whats new?

Just thinking that's all..........More to come

The Cost of Privilege - White America

2009-07-29T22:58:00.000-07:00

Food for thought, I've heard discussions like this before.........on the street corners and even in my house. To see it spoken from a different view, WOW.
Mind blowing

"Folks over there [Iraq] may not have much, but they will kill, to keep hold of what little much they do have"

For Hip Hop News & Entertainment at DimeWars.Com

DC Cookin........I'm fiend out on videos, lol

2009-07-27T18:32:00.000-07:00

Lately I've been literally surrounding by random music events.
I don't plan to go anywhere next I know Im a reggae concert or free show at the Apple Store in NY. I figured I might as well keep it goin and see what's new in DC.

HERE - Wale ft Gucci Mane
(Gucci is sneakily became more and more popular)

THERE - Nike Nando
(upcoming DC rapper - think Lupe minus world issues and more name brands)

Since we're watching videos! Why not?

2009-07-01T23:21:00.000-07:00

Drake- Best I ever Had

The concept is not my style, but I get the movie feel of the video, "the bigger picture" like in the 90's with all the Diddy's video.

- Yup we had it first.

Reminiscing.....2003

2009-07-01T00:45:00.000-07:00

Maaaan!
RAP CITY- The Bassment

For me it was all about ...........
NY. Grade School. Throwback Jersey's. Pink Tees. Dips
It's 3:48 am, I was on Youtube as usual and I came across this classic.

Good Times.

Black People as Usual

2009-06-28T21:36:00.001-07:00

If were on facebook during the hours of 8:00 pm to 11:30 pm,

You basically watched the 2009 BET Awards show.

Quotables
"I remember when I went to a Maxwell concert, you know he started singing and um....I got a bit moist" - Jamie Foxx introducing Maxwell

"It was 1983, I had on a black suit, red bow tie, red shirt and some red boots. I walked in and I saw Mike, next thing I know he tap me on my shoulder and he says 'I like what you're wearing' " - Johnny Gill his first time he met Michael Jackson

"Yea, I remember when I saw young mike, he was dancing and shit.........I'm Eddie Lervert, this is what I do." - O'Jays, Eddie Lervert after he slips up and curses on tv.

It started off decent.....then a set of BET commericials following, just

and reminded me and other black college students why we don't watch BET.

BET Fall Line Up

- Pay Off, because all the black people in debt, really need BET to help us out

-Tiny and Toya, reality show about T.I wife's and lil Wayne "baby momma" nuff said

- The Mo'Nique Show, sounds good right? she's not even in her own commerical

The awards show ended being a sideways tribute to Michael Jackson

Jamie Foxx and Ne-Yo basically carried all the songs and tribute parts on their back.

Shortfalls

-Baby Boy being on BET for the 300th time, this time the live version

-Drake, Lil Wayne and the rest of Young Money wack performance......crowd was silent, Wayne had a bunch of 18 and younger girls on stage and then BET tried to bleep the words and ended up bleeping a whole Wayne verse and later led flood of curse words flow

Good notes

- Janet Jackson coming out to speak for minute about MJ passing
- Jay-Z definitely brought some energy into the show perfoming D.O.A, killed it

- Maxwell....smoove, no braids its 2009, dudes its recommended
- New Edition, Guy, BBD, Keith Sweat and the O'Jays it was definitely unexpected I think they were suprised too

Do you remember the time?

2009-06-25T19:07:00.000-07:00

A day not to forget.
Though I preferred the Michael Jackson back when he was black, in it all

A timeless icon.
You will be missed

August 29, 1958 – June 25, 2009

More to come.

Wait, there is Republican Plan to save Black People??!

2009-06-14T19:29:00.000-07:00

I was having a conversation with a good friend of mine ( who is a young black Republican, yup believe it or not they do exist). We just talked about what most young black people ~~never~~ talk about, politics. As the convo went on, my friend went to talk about how the Democrats, the party that sides with minority and black issues was really " trapping the community" in something about "financial bondage." Next thing I know, I'm asking a bunch of questions to get an idea of what he's talking.

From what I understand, its something like this "All the financial packages and economic subsidies given to poor only weaken them. Instead the government should work on giving people a way to stand own ther own feet instead of always depending on the government.This dependency has led the poor to remain poor." His idea is based of a main theme of the Republican party that states and individuals should have more say in their livelihoods with little goverment input.

Do I agree? Hmmm
I do find it to be something very interesting that the Republicans have yet to use it in thier efforts to gain minority interest and control gov't spending.

This is something deep.
Leading black economist Thomas Sowell speaks about the" welfare trick in black communities" .

Sweet, Delicious ..........Nike's?

2009-06-11T22:50:00.000-07:00

Kanye West dropped the Nike Air Yeezy in early April for about $250 and people have been going crazy, is it cause of the price or cause Nike made a pair of kicks for a rapper, who knows.... but one thing for sure they're selling like hot cakes...............to see pair on the street is def a big deal. Though I'm not a big fan ( Would've ever thought College Dropout Kanye would drop $250 kicks?)

Oh back to the cake part, one of my friends, took a pic of the Air Yeezy, in CAKE FORM.

( peep the details of icing)

What Lebron has been up to.......

2009-06-09T11:41:00.000-07:00

A lot of people were disappointed with the way " King James" reacted after the Cavs were kicked out the playoff run. Since then I've been wondering what Lebron been up to.

I guess Nike was thinking the same (Great minds think alike).

D.C Finest

2009-06-06T17:50:00.000-07:00

It's been too long.
The whole Kobe /Lebron epic in the finals is over.
It ended with us "witnessing" Lebron leaving the last game in shame.

In the wake of all the crazy facebook statuses about the playoffs
D.C golden child, Wale, dropped the video for his leading single " Chillin".

The Ace Vol. 1, Issue 5 Now Available Online

2009-04-23T23:08:00.000-07:00

Hey Readers,

First, thanks to those who made it to the Ace BBQ in conjunction with the 1st Annual Peer Educators Mix - Off. We understand that many of you did not get your copy of the Ace unfortunately. To alleviate that situation, we have The Ace online for many of you to enjoy. Please take the time to download this issue and enjoy the best up and coming magazine on this campus. As I have said before, I enjoyed being your favorite editor - in - chief this year and I hope that you will continue to enjoy The Ace years from now.

- Samuel Collins, Jr.

The Ace Vol 1, Issue 5

http://www.zshare.net/download/59104161cfaa73d1

Spring needs to happen now

2009-03-05T12:34:00.001-08:00

It's been awhile, I know.

Lots of things have been happening since January.

Obama is pushing his bills through Congress.
Lil Wayne is going to drop a rock album.
and D.C had a mini snow-storm on Monday.

Honestly, its sunny outside, but there's snow.

It's March already, but its still cold.

All I want to know is when is spring going to finally come?

Don't Forget the Present.

2009-01-27T15:06:00.000-08:00

I looked left, I looked right and I even did a hop, all I could see were people, the millions of people walking along my side. We were all facing the prize. The glorious moment, that some spent sleepless nights knocking doors, hanging posters, reading about, donating money, consistently following the political trail and VOTING for. We the masses, were walking to enjoy and bask in our moment in the sun. Obama was about to become the official president of America.

Coming from NY, I figured I've seen crowds. ( Walking around 34th St in Manhanttan. ) Nothing could've prepared me for what had happened. I was surrounded by masses of people. So much so that, my walking pace depended on the thousands ahead of me. I definetly was not prepared for the warmth and general happy tone from thousands of people I did not know.

I shooked hands with Mr. Conward from Miami, we talked about the future of America. I laughed with one of the Obama vendors as we talked about NYC. I gladly gave people directions around D.C ( I tried my best, afterall its just letters and numbers.) These moments seemed flow to one another, everyone was excited and hopeful.

One thought that kept crawling through my mind, was if I would ever really understand what I was doing and where I was. Two hours earlier, I had got out my dorm room and headed 4 blocks towards the Capitol. This is nothing compared to the 5 million outsiders, some from other countries that traveled to witness this moment. We began to pack any open space available, not only was the crowds large and polite, they were diverse. Behind me were two students from Kenya drapped in large Kenyan flags, In front of me was an Vietnam Army veteran. We all stood alongside the Washington Monument, which began to spread rays of the sun that glistened off its marble build, spreading warmness through the crowd. No longer were there a thousand different people but I was beginning to feel as one identity for America's future.

An old lady, stared to tear up as Obama speech began. I asked if she was okay, she said "I'm better than okay, we all better now." There I was an 18 yr student, that just began to become politcally informative, I didn't have to wait most of my life. It was at that moment, I sweeped away those thoughts of not truly appreciating what was happening. At that present time, I told myself I could not forget, I would not forget. Just like those before me held the memories of past struggles to empower us. I will hold the current memory of hopefulness and gratitude to pass to those coming after me.

-Kwasi

There was a Time

2009-01-27T12:15:00.001-08:00

As I sat there watching Notorious, I started remincising. Something kept jumping at me ( besides the fact Diddy aka "Derek Luke" danced every 2 seconds.)

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New York rappers made anthems.
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Simple and plain, not R&B joints, club bangers or hustler's music.

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It was all done in one song.

gfdz

Look at "Juicy," it had it all the story of hustler, a nice R&B flow to it and still could be danced to.

Now I'm not saying all NY rappers had the same style. ( as they do now)

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What I'm saying is gone are the times of anthems, that moved people all across America.

sFSDGVf

As I'm watching Biggie perform in Notorious ( and more dancing from Diddy), I noticed how they started a trend for more melodic rap songs. This later sparked into the Super Tag-Team of Puffy and Mase. Look at the songs Mo' Money, Mo' Problems, Feels Good and Been Around the World.

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These were anthems, no matter where you're from, you bumped to it.

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Yup, they was a time when East Coast rappers had it all.

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I was only like 8yrs but I definetly know my anthems when I hear them.

"Ha ! I'm sicker than ya average.....BIGGIE, BIGGIE can't you see"

vZx

-Kwasi

What a Way to Start Off the New Year!

2009-01-13T21:17:00.000-08:00

We rang in the '09 with a few episodes of police brutality that resulted in the death of two young men and the injury of another.

Oscar Grant,22 - Oakland, CA
Killed on New Year's Day when a BART police officer shot him in the back in the midst of an arrest on the train while he was handcuffed. The day of his funeral, a riot broke out in Oakland where disgruntled citizens confronted police officers.

Robbie Tolan,23 - Houston, TX
New Year's Eve
Shot on his driveway in front of his mother by police officers who accused him of stealing a car that was the family's. Currently hospitalized, his once flourishing baseball career might only be a dream.

Adolph Grimes,22 - New Orleans, LA
New Year's Eve
Shot and killed a couple feet from his grandmother's home 14 times by police officers, including 12 times in the back. The FBI is currently looking into what happened as the police force refuses to speak, only saying that Grimes fired first and they shot back in self-defense. His family refuses to

What do you think about these events and what does this mean for police accountability? Also were the riots in Oakland justified?

A Hard Start

2009-01-02T09:59:00.000-08:00

Finally it's 2009. In a couple of days, whatever is left from 2008 will be forgotten, there will be a new hot rapper ( excuse me Lil' Wayne), classes will start and we will have a new president.

For most of us, except die-hard Lil wayne fans, 2009 doesn't seem too bad especially with a new younger guy in the White House.

Realistically things are going to get tough in America. The Big Three Automakers are still fighting for a fair deal to save the car industry, people are still losing their homes and now there's conflict once again in the Gaza. Though Obama has kept his opinion to himself stating " There's a president currently in office," eventually he will have to face these situations.

It is this point that will truly define him. Whether he was just Mr. Popular or truly an American president the likes of Roosevelt and FDR.

Obama might surprise the American public by truly following through on his statement of change, making a decision past U.S presidents have never made in the region.

Will he vouch for Palestine and claim their separation?

Will he really sit down and speak to Ahmadinejad ( Iran's Pres.) to discuss issues of nuclear energy?

Barack the Magic Negro?!

2008-12-27T16:26:00.000-08:00

Yes, the song is titled, "Barack the Magic Negro". First featured on the Rush Limbaugh Show in 2007, this song was based on a Los Angeles Times column that suggested that some white people may have voted for him because he does not fit the stereotypical role of an angry black man and as a way to quell their guilt for slavery and segregation. This song was written by Paul Shanklin and distributed by Chip Saltsman of the Republican National Commitee as what he claims was a form of satire. The song is on the "We Hate the USA" album with other "hits" such as "Wright Place, Wrong Pastor" and "The Star Spanglish Banner". Mike Duncan, RNC Chairman, recently condemned the song and called it something that "does not move us in the right direction." Listen to the song and tell us what you think. Does it serve any kind of satirical purpose or is it just plain inappropriate?

How About Those Yankees?

2008-12-26T11:10:00.000-08:00

The New York Yankees, America's team has now had an offseason that will go down in the record books. With hurler AJ Burnett signing a five-year, $82.5 million contract as well as BIG man, and Cy Young winner, CC Sabathia signed a seven-year, $161 million contract. Finally just a day ago the Yankees signed First baseman Mark Teixeira for an eight-year 180 million dollar contract. With a new Billion dollar stadium opening up from the current Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, this will certainly be a season to remember.

- Jeremy Edwards

Yo Santa!

2008-12-26T10:29:00.001-08:00

A long time ago, before Soulja Boy and DJ Khaled collabo's they're use to be Christmas Rap Albums. Here are a few that I highly recommend.

Christmas Rap ( 1987)
This is actually a good Christmas album from RUN-DMC. Definetly an old-schoool classic.

Christmas on Deathrow (1996)
Just when you thought you've heard every Tupac song possible, you can hear Mr. Shakur himself rapping about Christmas along with Snoop Dogg and Nate Dogg. This is holiday-freindly so everyone can listen to it.

A Dipset Christmas (2006)
It was end of the year of 2006. Jim jones had the summer anthem and apparently wanted to make it the Christmas anthem. After 5 or remixes, he turned his hit "Ballin" into a Christmas mix. Afterall Jim Jones said it himself "I just wanna make somethin for the kids in the hood"

RUN- DMC ( Christmas in Hollis, Queens)

Jim Jones ( Xmas Time)

A Lil' Something to Play During Christmas Dinner - Courtesy of The Ace Music Department

2008-12-22T21:24:00.000-08:00

A Funkadelic Christmas is a compilation of timeless Christmas music & clips from various movies, made for the sole purposes of getting yo' ish real funkadelic on Christmas. Simple isn't it? Brought to you by the powers forming like voltron; Funkadelic Freestyles, DC to BC & THATREALISH.

Present 01. Sufjan Stevens - The Winter Solstice
Present 02. James Brown - It's Christmas Time
Present 03. Tony! Toni! Tone! - My Christmas
Present 04. Weezer - The Christmas Song
Present 05. Vince Guaraldi Trio - Christmas Time Is Here
Present 06. Snoop Dogg - Santa Claus Is Going Straight To The Ghetto
Present 07. De La Soul - Millie Pulled A Pistol On Santa I
Present 08. The Roots - Millie Pulled A Pistol on Santa II
Present 09. Christmas Is Cancelled?
Present 10. The Jackson 5 - Give Love On Christmas Day
Present 11. The Temptations - Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer
Present 12. Killer Mike - A Christmas Grind
Present 13. Ludacris - Ludacrismas
Present 14. Bing Crosby - White Christmas
Present 15. Sufjan Stevens - Jingle Bells With The Simpsons
Present 16. Daniel Merriweather - Wonderful Christmas Time

Mixed by jben.ok of Funkadelic Freestyles.Artwork by smokeYYY of THATREALISH.Creative Input from modi of DC to BC.Moral Support & Holiday Cheer courtesy of The Elves of The North Pole.

DOWNLOAD: Funkadelic Freestyles Present With Help From Elves In Conjunction With DC to BC & THATREALISH: A Funkadelic Christmas

The Little War has started

2008-12-20T13:09:00.001-08:00

It started a little while back at BSU meetings, then freestyle battles
( Sam didn't freestyle), even Jordan Chisolm threatened both parties to cease and desist before he got involved. Neither college student was willing to back down.

It has continued now to reach this point.

In corner #1 - stands Samuel Plo-Kwia Collins, a Liberian, straight from D.C's Nike boots area, who only wanted to wear BOTH his favorite shirts to school one day to impress his 3rd grade crush, even against he father request who said " Plo-kwia, this is Liberia, not U.S where people dress crazy."

In corner #2- stands Ryan TheRealest Mitchell, a Guyanese black republican from "flaatboosh"( that exactly how it sounds when he pronouces the word "flatbush") In between mentioning the word BROOKLYN in between every sentence he once auditioned for Nickeloedon's All That!( that was his audition picture)

What is next for these two competitors?
Will Jordan Chisolm find himself involved?
How is Plo-Kwia really pronounced?
Will Ryan ever say the word "brooklyn" the regular way?

- Kwasi

Football (excuse me, Soccer) in America

2008-12-20T13:06:00.000-08:00

Football, or should I say soccer, does not have deep roots within this country. This is a major reason for its lack of popularity. Growing up in New York gave me a chance to experience soccer culture at its best. This culturally diverse city embraces the sport and all its beauty. I remember going to Brooklyn and watching all the West Indians play in the park, like they were back in their own country. In Flushing Meadows Park, Queens the Latinos played soccer ranging from the ages of 14 to 40+.

You might think that this is a good start for soccer in the US, and that its popularity in major cities like New York will eventually grow to make soccer a major sport in this country. I’m not so sure of this, a lot of soccer fans in the U.S. are immigrants or 1st generation Americans. They support soccer at schools and the youth club levels, but when it comes to the MLS the support starts to dwindle. Many favor foreign leagues over the MLS. The reason is very obvious: the MLS is not on the same level as many of the leagues overseas. I’m guilty of supporting a foreign league as well, every weekend I look forward to watching Arsenal play in the English Premier League. My eyes are glued to the television set, and my reaction mimics those of the fans in the stadium.

Why don’t I just start supporting my local MLS, you may ask? The answer to that is when you become a fan of soccer and truly start to love the sport, you want to see it at its best. This can only happen if you watch foreign leagues with established clubs and big time players. The atmosphere at those games is unbelievable, it captivates you for 90 minutes. This is a major reason why I support Beckham 100%, because he is trying to bring those star players and that atmosphere to the states. Is he going to be successful? Only time will tell. He is not alone in his efforts, there has been a push to bring teams to more cities and to bring in quality foreign players. I wish them the best, but until then I will keep shouting ARSENAL at my TV set every weekend.

- Leslie Sharpes

Brooklyn Nets, baby!

2008-12-17T18:54:00.000-08:00

Its been a long time since Brooklyn has had a team of its own. Not since the fall of the Dodgers in 1957 has a professional sports team resided in the historic borough. All of that will change at the start of the 2010 season when the New Jersey Nets will be making their new home in Brooklyn’s Prospect heights neighborhood. The stadium will be surrounded by new skyscrapers, all being designed by legendary architect Frank Ghery. Here’s a video on the new arena and what the locals are thinking. What are YOU thinking?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AlGRA8BGrKY

(Check out the interviews at the end)

- Jeremy Edwards

Man Throws Shoe At Bush. Funny but Really Important?

2008-12-15T21:05:00.000-08:00

So much has been on televison about this small event since it came out almost TWO DAYS AGO! They interviewed the shoe thrower's brother and even questioned the effectiveness of the Secret Service. The question I asked was whether this kind of news was even important now that we are in the midst of an auto crisis, political corruption, and a changing international system that threatens to take us off the top. I mean, it's funny but is it really important?...

THE ACE VOL 1, ISSUES 2 AND 3 NOW IN PDFs FOR YOU TO DOWNLOAD

2008-12-14T23:41:00.000-08:00

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Below are links to The Ace Vol 1, Issues 2 and 3 for those that have not gotten their copy. Click on the links and download your own pdf copies for your enjoyment. Your peers have written several articles for your enjoyment and now it's up to you to read it. Got something to say? Send us your thoughts about articles and it could be featured in Letters to the Editor in the next issue of The Ace! Happy reading and remember that we're on the come - up so get with the movement.

Vol 1, Issue 2
http://www.zshare.net/download/51032496f398e1dd

Vol, Issue 3 - Special Collector's Edition
http://www.zshare.net/download/52757861b52de730/

Yours Truly,
Samuel Collins, Jr.
Editor - in - Chief

Carnival at GW

2008-12-12T14:12:00.000-08:00

It was definitely a night to be the in the Marvin Ballroom.
I learned a couple things.

I learned Santa Claus never goes to Haiti.
Meshach has nightmares of girls dancing to dancehall.
Jerk chicken and Roti is a good mix.

The Takeover

2008-12-12T14:02:00.001-08:00

In the takeover, have you ever asked yourself why Jay-Z is dissing Nas and Prodigy for no apparent reason.

For years Jay-z has had sold out crowds throwing up pyramids not knowing what they are doing.The pyramid is a property of balance. The higher you get to the top of the pyramid, the smaller the space is, so it is no surprise that 1% owns 40% of the nations wealth. The power is only of your mind, nothing else. Drug dealers were taught occultism to control ghettos. Ghettos that contain the original man, the black man. His surpression is the fear of his great mind.

The takeover is what the Illuminati is planning for. The one world government is being created right before our eyes. Ether is the gaseous element, the final source of energy that will destroy this material existence, opening the conscious to a new vision, or a higher dimension. Believe me, their are people around you right now who know this knowledge, and want to use simply for their own material advantage. I want everyone to be aware.

Your slavery to money is just that. This is why people like Lil Wayne control the airwaves. He's constantly reminding us to stay under the mental slavery of false resource. "Got Money", "Money on my Mind","Get More Money", all of this an attempt to disconnect you to true power, which is that of the full mind. Think about the idea of materialism for a moment, if it is pumped in front of your face, you can do nothing but rely on its energy.The energy of material is dead, and those who fall to that will ultimately pass on with Ether. Why is Jay-z so rich? It's not because he is the most talented rapper of all time, but in fact he has realized that people will connect idols. Jay-z calls himself "god emcee".

God is a powerful symbol. It's on the money we have. If all these things are connected, then god is the way to get people to invest what they think is resource into that idol. We want to preserve god, but we do it through money, because we have been tricked into thinking it is a resource. To make you feel as though you are vital through things of a artificial nature is control. When Nas disses Jay-z, he isn't dissing him on some superficial rap bullshit, but he is showing us that the representative of material will fade with ether, and people, that is the beauty of hip-hop.

-Jamie Mahoney ( Guest writer)

Things changed since 1994

2008-12-10T17:49:00.000-08:00

Times passes like nothing. It's already been 14 years since 1994.

O.J just could not escape, I mean he almost did in 1994, in his Ford Bronco.
So after the trial, after his book "On if he did, how?!", after 14 years the system got him.

This time all he wanted was his football memorabilia.

Lets take a look back in '94

Don't worry BIG, you're not only feeling that way.
'Why they wanna stick me for my paper"

Kanye's Heartbeat Cover

2008-11-19T14:24:00.001-08:00

Whether you like Kanye's new artistic direction or not, here's the cover.
The album will be dropping this Monday. - November 24.

Food for Thought- Immigration

2008-11-15T16:16:00.000-08:00

A good friend of mine put this video together, it's mainly a visual representation of M.I.A song "Paper Planes." The song is about the U.S policy/history with the immigration issue, definitely makes a person see things differently, trust

It's called Football for a Reason - Arsenal's Comeback

2008-11-12T13:09:00.000-08:00

The past few weeks had to be the worst for Arsenal.

They tied to their cross town rivals and lost to arguably the worst team in the English Premier League. Their last game against Manchester United had the characteristics of a blowout. Arsenal had many of their star players injured and they were in bad form, but from being an Arsenal fan I know never to doubt them.

Two goals from the youngster Nasri helped them to a 2-1 over Manchester.

Leslie is a freshman majoring in International Affairs

A British Fool

2008-11-10T11:36:00.000-08:00

I was trying to find some responses on Obama's win from my people back in London and during the hunt for some media information, I was forwarded to the most horrific display of lack of intelligence on British TV.

Dizzee Rascal is a big time Grime Artist in the UK, with several hits including the West Coast Krumping anthem "Fix Up, Look Sharp". Dizzee Rascal proved to me that even the most talented Lyricists need to stay in School. If you ever wonder about the quality of your public speaking or impromptu skills, watch this and make sure you do not sound this stupid.

I feel so embarassed because he is British and he is also Ghanaian and I also like some of his songs. He currently is on the list of "Rappers who shouldn't open thier mouths on TV News" alongside Dipset anti-favorite, Cam'ron

I contacted my cousin, Lethal Bizzle (another Big time UK grime artist), and informed him to contact me before he goes on any TV show to talk about politics.

Wise Words Of Benson: Stay in School and take Voice & Dicition during your time at GWU.

Benson Mensah- Bonsu is a sophomore studying Marketing and Sports, Events & Hospitality Management

YO son!!!!

2008-11-09T14:56:00.000-08:00

Obama won.
We ran to the White House, I gave hi-fives to moving cars.
George Bush turned off his lights
TAKE OVER.

Spike said.

2008-11-04T12:13:00.000-08:00

That was in 1989 and it still stands in 2008, especially TODAY.

Peep the shirt, that's Obama dunking over McCain.

DO THE RIGHT THING.

If Nerds Ruled the World

2008-11-02T21:16:00.000-08:00

At Georgetown's Halloween parade, I realized one thing.

Things would be a lot better, bowties and suspenders will be the must-buy every year. Steve Urkel would be Micheal Jordan. You and I would probably be in jail for not being smart enough and for the FIRST time ever the dorky guy will get the pretty girl. Well, nerds do not rule the world, most of them, sad to say, are still lonely.

A Lost Friend

2008-11-02T20:43:00.000-08:00

Message to readers:
What’s up blog readers! This post I am going to do something a little different I am going to pay respects to one of my best friends, who was killed during the summer before I came to GW, Mario Hornsby Jr.

I remember it like it was yesterday. I mean we were living it up at Demaja’s 19th birthday bash. I know everyone was kind of mad that my brother and I were like the only ones that got V.I.P. Trust and believe besides, throwing highlighters off the stage and free soda, nobody really missed anything.

It was raining that day so then the party got shutdown. From there I should have known something was going wrong.

So after I finished cleaning up and the boys went to taco bell to grab some “grub” that’s what you used to call it. So you know how we “do” back home just chill and eat it in the car windows down and doors open in the parking lot like 3 in the morning. Then what seemed to be a usual outing turned wrong. All of sudden all of our phones go off at once. I didn’t bother checking it you know me, I hate stupid forward messages.

I think it was JB who read it first then meshawn. Suddenly everybody got quiet. JB told me to drive to baystate and I was like what for? So we arrive at Baystate Emergency Medical Center and I am still confused what is going on. Then… they told me that you’ve been shot, I was like no, not my dude Mario. They kept it from me because they needed somebody to drive down to the hospital.

I seen everybody out there. I think it was like 3:39 AM May 19, 2008, a week after your 19th birthday, just two weeks before graduation and 3 months before you were off to Brandies University up in Boston, when I received the news that you’ve passed away. They took you from your full athletic scholarship to a top university.

It feels like you were here just yesterday but at the same time it feels as if the days are dragging by. It’s been a while since I’ve talking to you and no I have not forgotten about, and the campaign back home in your name is not going to go down in vein. Mario Hornsby Jr. your name will not be forgotten.

Meshach is a freshman majoring in International Business.

Its called Football for a reason

2008-11-02T15:37:00.000-08:00

Amr Zaki, is an Egyptian player that just started playing in the English Premier League (EPL). He's shocked everyone with his skill, he is currently the top scorer right now in England. Here's one of my favorite goals from him.

http://www.metacafe.com/watch/1898673/amazing_goal_by_amr_zaki_in_liverpool/

Leslie is a freshman majoring in International Affairs

Making the hard decisions

2008-10-25T13:49:00.000-07:00

Hey bloggers and readers I’ve been M.I.A. yes I know.

You can’t blame me though Midterm season was a bit harder for some of us than others. Late night studying, last minute cramming, long lines at Starbuck’s, unwanted trips to Eckles, twilight walks through Kogan, and the infamous creeping in while your roommate is sleeping. These are all things that most of us experience during midterm season. Luckily for me I had the opportunity to meet upper classmen and have them share their experiences with me, since they are season vets to this game.

So this leads into to a topic I wanted to write about today. I know everybody heard of this time and time before, TIME MANGEMENT. I don’t know how many times we all heard this word everywhere from CI to your mom. But during this time I found myself losing grip and control of my time especially at a time so crucial to my foundation of my four years at college.

I was struggling between studying and the social life. I wanted to get those A’s but I also wanted to be out in the streets living the life of a “colonial.” So I found myself trying to balance my time and find that happy medium. bbccbccbzdbb

Unfortunately I was going to have to do one of the other. So I decided to hit the extreme, I was in the library studying, primarily for economics. Taking class with Dunn is not suggested at all by the way, but yes I was in the library everyday from 4-2 am with few breaks. I made it through midterm season alive and more than that, in good standing. Advice for those who find themselves debating whether to go out to that outing with your friends or crack those books, I suggest sit down and ask yourself what benefits you in the long run.

Meshach is a freshman majoring in International business and a minor in Communications.

The Day I added Yoga into my Life

2008-10-25T13:28:00.000-07:00

Imagine sitting in a awkward position during your Yoga class and peaking to see a 6'2 athletic toned black guy stumbling into your session 7mins late. That's what I imagined the lady I positioned myself to was thinking when she looked at me in confusion. Why the hell was Benson Mensah-Bonsu walking into Yoga class 7mins late?

1. It's National Yoga Week

2. It's Free

3. It's requirement for me

4. I'm late a majority of the time

I stepped into the class and I felt like an outcast because I was part of the 6.3% of males in the class and I was the only black guy.

Awkward, I know.

But imagine trying to lay your mat down and as soon as you pick your head up, all you can see is butts at every angle. In order for me to fully take in this experience, I had to step out of my current mindset. From the get go, I knew it was going to require some flexibility and athleticism. I wasn't aware that it would take some serious concentration. I was in there for 15mins and I was dripping sweat while in my "Kneeling Pigeon" position.

Once the session was over, I was relieved. Everyone else in the class were smiling there faces off and I was trying to recover from my physical coma.

The instructor came up to me and said,"the first time always hurts but they get better". In response, I raised my eyebrows in despair. I was wondering why these people were so happy after the session. It took me an hour to realize that yoga does something to the body to make it feel good. I felt so good through out the day.vdvdvvdvdvgdsgvsdbdfbdfsbfbdbcxbcxbcXBcxbcxb

Benson Mensah- Bonsu is a sophomore studying Marketing and Sports, Events & Hospitality Management

GW weekend!

2008-10-25T13:19:00.000-07:00

The past weekend was great ! From Howard Homecoming, to celebrity appearances at clubs to pajama parties on campus, I know many of you are worn out. Well rest up this week because this weekend is looking pretty good for, what else, PARTYING!

As many of us know, Colonial Invasion is coming up on Saturday. If you don’t know what it is, think of a pep rally on steroids. Come out and watch performances, see the 2008-2009 basketball team, and have fun with friends! It’s guaranteed to be a good time. And afterwards? Well it’s all about Mai Thai Thursdays, of course! I know a lot of you will still be hype from Colonial Invasion, so this will be a great way to work off some of that excitement. You may even get to meet a few of the players off the court. So make sure you’re there!

And Friday? Well there’s a lot of buzz around campus about the Coleman Love party in the Marvin Center. This one is definitely going to be a hot one. It’s being hosted by the Deltas and the Q's, so expect some sophistication with a wild edge! Make sure you get there on time too because the turnout might be huge. Only $3 for Greeks and $5 for non-Greeks.

So this weekend is looking very exciting! I look forward to seeing all of you out and about this weekend! And remember, I’ll be watching.

-Nneka Ebubedike is a sophomore majoring in Biology.

We're back!!!

2008-10-25T13:12:00.000-07:00

After all those hours in the gym, putting in work in the lab, getting smarter in the library. We are ready, Question is.. Are you sure YOU'RE ready?

New Management.

2008-10-15T14:23:00.000-07:00

The Ace Blog, will be going into the gym , the booth, the lab ( wherever else people go into and come out way better). Until further notice, we are working.

DC Weekend! Nneka Ebubedike

2008-10-12T00:49:00.000-07:00

Last weekend was definitely a success and the Marvin Center was truly the place to be. I guess we showed everyone that GW knows how to party. Tropical Riddim and the Golden Explosion had major turnouts and will probably be talked about for weekends to come!

But now as the week is coming to a close I know there’s one question on all of your minds: Where’s the party at? Well people, have no fear because I’m here with an answer. It’s the month of homecomings and since GW is lacking a football team, you’re going to have to do a little bit of wandering off campus.

What’s on Friday night? Bowie State’s official Homecoming party at Fur nightclub. Now I’m sure many of you have heard your good and bad stories about Fur, but this one is looking like it might be a good one. And what better way to get out and meet new people than to explore DC a little bit? It’s only a short cab/metro ride away too, so you won’t be going that far! Ladies free before 12 too, so make sure you get there around 11 so you won’t have to pay to get in! So ladies, bring out those heels and guys, leave the sneakers at home and get ready for a fun night.

Not really feeling the club, but want to take part in a homecoming celebration? Well you’re in luck because Georgetown’s homecoming is also this weekend! They’re hosting a homecoming party on Saturday night in their Hoya Court. Not sure how to get there? Its right on their campus, so just ask around. Oh, and did I mention it’s FREE? That’s right, free. Music, friends and lots of fun for no charge! It’s going to be a good one, people, so make sure you’re there.

I hope that helps many of you finalize your weekend plans. Be sure to get that studying done early, and whatever you decide to do, be safe! I look forward to seeing a lot of you out and about this weekend and remember, I’ll be watching!

Nneka Ebubedike is a sophomore majoring in Biology.

2008-10-08T16:12:00.001-07:00

Those Who Inspire Me - Elizabeth Acevedo - Benson Mensah - Bonsu

2008-10-06T21:30:00.000-07:00

I recently had an interview for a creative director position job i am trying to acquire I had previously completed several mock interviews with different people and researched what questions are likely to arise in an interview but interviewer asked me a question which got me by surprise. He told me, "Name three role models in your life and why they are significant to you". I was confused as to what path I should go down. Should I name role models that everyone knows or should I names the role models close to me. I was so determined not to name people like Martin Luther King Jr. and Richard Branson because they are typical names people use as their role models on their MySpace pages. When evaluating those who truly are an inspiration to my life, I realized that I walk in their presence everyday and the age difference between us is less than 3 years.

One of the people On the GWU Campus which inspires me is Elizabeth Acevedo. Elizabeth is the daughter of Dominican Immigrants, born and raised in the heart of New York City. Ms. Acevedo is one of the most venomous speakers I have ever heard; it would be derogatory for me to simply call her a poet when she stands for so much more. Whenever I hear that she is performing, I make it a priority to put the event in my Sidekick Calendar. Her linguistic creativity is so innovative while also keeping it real. I continuously wonder how one's mind develops such ingenious syntactical lines within her works. If fire was looking for a new synonym, it would be Elizabeth Acevedo. Ms. Acevedo is the Founder of the Poetry Group on Campus called "The New Age Griots".

I recently hosted the "AIDS Benefit Showcase", where Liz also performed several of her pieces. On this night, she literally touched every corner of my soul with my new favorite poem, "The Problem with Being a Poet". While listening, I flashbacked to a time where I felt the same exact things she talked about. I wasn't aware that poetry could get that deep inside me. The crowd's favorite would have to be "S**T!!!", encompassing on of my favorite quotes "You can't wrap s**t with gold, but you sure can smother gold with s**t." Interpret that how you will but it is clear to me that I’m gold and I shouldn't allow myself to be smothered in s**t.

If you have yet to hear her fire, you can catch her and "The New Age Griots" at their open mic event:

OLAS's Annual "Cafe Con Leche" as part of Latino Heritage Celebration
October 14th 2008
Mitchell Theater
7pm
Desserts, Coffee and Poetry served

As a Creative Marketing Specialist, I look for things that are innovative, fresh and appeasing to the senses: qualities Elizabeth Acevedo encompass. She recently sent me a personal message which brought me to clear realization of my value and how I should view myself, helping me to comprehend the path I have to follow in order to maintain my wellness. This is why Elizabeth Acevedo is a role model in my eyes.

Benson Mensah- Bonsu is a sophomore studying Marketing and Sports, Events & Hospitality Management

DC is Kinda Like NY, Part II - Kwasi L.H. Agyeman

2008-10-06T10:12:00.000-07:00

It was another day in D.C, just like any other since I left Brooklyn. It was really cold in the morning, then it became hot and then it rained, and I bought a cheap lunch that cost me $13.

Then in a New York type moment (random stuff happening), it was like 1 am on the Vern and I felt like I was home. Now some people might be like wtf! “The Vern is nothing like Brooklyn” (Most of them have never been in Brooklyn).

Now I as looked out across the lawn, the patio chairs I noticed it was like back home. People were just chilling, no one was rushing to go somewhere, random people weren’t asking about what room was the party or what I’m doing tonight. On the Vern, people were eating, smoking, talking, and acting stupid just like people from my block did at 1 am on a warm night.
I walked up to a kid eating some chicken wings next to the Vern bus stop (A typical New York Moment). I was telling him how all these people outside chilling and doing nothing remind me of Brooklyn. He asked me “What part Brooklyn?” I thought it was going to be one of those weird “Oh my cousin friend lives close to that part of Brooklyn” moments. It wasn’t! The kid eating the chicken wings started talking to me about the best place to get Caribbean food on Flatbush Ave in Brooklyn. I met Luke!

Here I was chilling on the Vern, with a Jewish kid eating chicken wings that was from MY same neighborhood in Brooklyn at 1 am in D.C.

Kwasi L.H. Agyeman is a freshman majoring in history

Triumph, Victory, the challenge then there’s “defeat”.

2008-10-03T09:54:00.000-07:00

Coming to GW for most of us was a learning experience. As freshmen we are introduced to so many cultures, ethnicities, and backgrounds. GW is growing to be more diverse each year. The range of personalities, beliefs and traditions really make these four years a one in a lifetime experience.

Along with this diverse group comes “people” who share and strive for the same goals as you. Thus in a sense creating competition, “healthy competition”, but no matter what, competition. The idea of competition may come as a threat to someone who has never experienced it before. A guy like me can say it has been for me. Growing up in ans inner-city public school setting I had never really seen the likes of this so called “healthy competition”. My idea of competition was beating the guy to the punch and making sure I was getting home in one piece. In high school I was very ambitious working like hell to get to where I want to be. That was enough competition in itself if you asked me.

So when I ran for class president I won. Of course there were people around me that ran for the same position, but I didn’t look at them as competition. I felt those individuals didn’t have the drive and potential that I did. I wasn’t in it for the victory, like Obama says I was in it for “CHANGE.” There was no option to lose when I played the game. I played this game in my high school, with the “guide book and cheat codes” to success.

As for when I reached GW I had this same impression that I would have the same attitude would carry me as far as I needed to go. I thought that with just that drive and ambition as I did in high school I would obtain anything I want. As I began to find my niche here, this idea became less and less evident. When I ran for the BSU freshmen representative I seen the same drive and ambition for the position that I had for it. I felt competition for the first time it was scary at first but then I realized that it made me work harder. Although my goal of becoming freshmen rep for BSU did not come true, I know that it went to someone just eligible for the title too. I was defeated, but at the same time I came out victorious. I learned how to embrace the change, defeat and this new thing of “healthy competition.” Trust and believe this is a learning experience, not a set-back. I am going to strive for everything I want, and those who know me, I am Mr. “future BSU” president.

Meshach Cisero is a freshman majoring in International Business

Rain Rain Go Away!!!! - Nneka Ebubedike

2008-10-01T07:33:00.000-07:00

If you’re like me, your weekend was severely handicapped by Mother Nature. Curling up in front of the TV or hitting up Club Gelman seemed like the most appealing (and driest) options. Well, no worries people, this weekend calls for clear skies and lots of partying! What’s hot this weekend? Well believe it or not, the Cloyd Heck Marvin Center!

Yes, I said it, the Marvin Center. Looks like you can cancel out cab/metro fare for the weekend because the party is right on campus.

It all starts on Friday night at 10 p.m. with the CSA’s Tropical Riddim Party in the Continental Ballroom. It’s a collaboration between GWU and Howard University, so this one is going to be HOT!!! And I know many of you are tired of partying with the same GW faces, so this would be an ideal time to meet some new people. Did I mention the CSA’s throwing it? That means you’d better come prepared to DANCE. No sitting and/or wall flowering at this one! Only $5 for CSA members and $7 for nonmembers, so no excuses. Make sure you’re there because it’s going to be off the chain!

As for Saturday night? Well it’s about that time again. The Golden Explosion is back! Now if you’re an incoming freshman (or if you missed it last year) this is one of the biggest parties of the year. It’s hosted by the Alphas, and they know how to throw a party. This is another one of those “get there early” events because last year a LOT of people got turned away once they reached capacity. That alone should tell you that it’s going to be the place to be on Saturday!
So make sure you’re not the one stuck inside missing two of the biggest parties of the year! Get your homework and studying done early. You definitely won’t regret it. And people, just because these parties are in the Marvin Center, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t dress to impress. You never know who you’re going to meet! I hope to see many of you this weekend, and yes, I’ll be watching.

Nneka Ebubedike is a sophomore majoring in Biology.

TUTORS NEEDED!!!! TUTORS NEEDED!!!!

2008-09-30T07:28:00.001-07:00

Greetings,

Those in the MSSC would like to inform you about tutoring positions opened to students. They need tutors in all subjects and if you are the best in your subject, then you should definitely apply for a position. For more information about tutoring, please contact Mr.George Rice at grice3@gwu.edu. Applications are in the MSSC so fill yours out quickly!!!

DC is Kinda Like NY - Kwasi L.H. Agyeman

2008-09-29T08:51:00.000-07:00

Part 1

It was another day in D.C, just like any other since I left Brooklyn. It was humid, then cold and the street signs couldn’t make up their mind if they wanted to be letters, numbers or states.

Then in a New York type moment, one of my friends hits me up saying there's something cool happening later that night. It was so random and it included free stuff, so I was like yeah! We took the colorful metro system and get off at DuPont Circle. At this point, I was a bit off confused about what type of fun, I was about to enjoy at DuPont Circle.

As the rain drizzled, people talking outside, cars cruising down the street I was beginning to feel like is was in NYC. And then we ended going down the wrong way on Florida Ave. because we didn’t cross H St. on 18th St.

Finally we made it to 1781 Florida Ave NW. I walked into the store; I had just walked into Robin Thicke’s CD release party. Free food, important people, regular people, music, and a good vibe, I got lucky. Here I was at an exclusive event, that people only knew of word of mouth, on top of that all, they allowed me in.

As I sat there munching on shrimp, stacking up the free stuff and shaking hands with people I won’t see again unless I become famous, I realized stuff liked this only happened to me in NY. It’s only in a place like NY, where regular people can end up chilling with famous and important people. The thought then jumped into my head, I’m not in NY, this happened to me in D.C

I guess it wasn’t like another day like in D.C. Matter fact that day, was very much like NY, I met this Puerto Rican guy, who ended giving me a deal on a couple of shirts from Commonwealth, a store next to the party.

Come back next week for more tales from Kwasi L.H. Agyeman

Kwasi L.H. Agyeman is a freshman majoring in history.

IN THE LOOP with Jazzmine Hayes

2008-09-28T22:51:00.000-07:00

Welcome to a new feed about up and coming events here on campus! Campus events are one of the easiest ways to get involved, make a difference, and make friends.

Coming soon, celebrate Geek Free Week on the Vern Monday September 29th. Enjoy free food and a movie with new and old friends sponsored by the National Society of Black Engineer (NSBE). Also On September 29th, SAS will be hosting a Welcome event featuring food and prizes.

Tuesday September 30th, Rejoin NSBE for a Dance workshop in the Marvin Center Dance studio at 7pm. Later in the week on Thursday October 2nd, embrace Philippine History Month and snag some ice-cream at 11 am outside of the MSSC Building; and if politics is your cup of tea, head over to the Marvin Center 3rd floor Grand Ballroom at 8:30 pm to catch the Vice Presidential Debate Watch Party thrown by GW’s Program Board. Also on Thursday, NSBE will also host a 4.0 workshop in the Marvin center rooms 402 and 404 explaining the tools you need to help you have an excellent academic semester. Finally, end your week with some HIV/AIDS awareness and support and join the walk on Saturday October 4th, at 7:30 am in front of the MSSC building.

If you ever find yourself out of the loop for on campus events, check this blog featured exclusively in The Ace for all an all-inclusive line up of weekly events.

From a Freshman Perspective - Meshach Cisero

2008-09-26T08:53:00.000-07:00

We live in interesting times. Starting my freshmen year during these current times has had such a dynamic impact on my life. I am witnessing more life changing world events in one semester than my father probably seen in his life time. With all this going on it is so easy to lose focus and be side tracked from my main goal in college: getting those A’s. Never in my life would I have thought just in a month of being in college would I witness three major hurricanes, the selection of a female vice presidential running mate, and one of the biggest financial crises since the great depression. Sometimes, I sit back and say "wow damn this is only September!" I ask myself how I could possibly keep focus during what I like to call, a “mass-media-political-economic-climatic-chaotic era”?

I see myself involved with these currents more than just sitting in a chair watching them on T.V. For the first time in my life, I am heavily involved in the political race. I also find myself in a relief effort to help those in need after the hurricanes in Haiti and applying what I am learning in my economics class to grasp the issues with our economy.

I feel that everyone should pay attention to what is going out in this world. There is much more to college than getting that degree in four years and making mom and dad so happy. The true reward to your graduation is solving the world's issues. In my eyes I believe that true succes is when you use that bachelor's degree from GW in whatever field of study you specialized in and apply it to the current world to help better this place we live . This may sound cliché but we are the “future leaders of the world.” So I look at this freshmen experience and say this just many more of these to come. I am equipped for what the next day has in store for me. Why wait to start leading the time is now?

Meshach Cisero is a freshman majoring in International Business.

"Sophomore Grind" - Are YOU on Yours?! - Angeliqué Israel

2008-09-25T07:10:00.000-07:00

This phrase seems to be constantly on the tongues of the class of 2011 these days. What does it mean? Well, I cannot speak for you but I can definitely speak for myself--"sophomore grind" encompasses a LOT of things. If you are like me, you had QUITE a freshman year. This could mean partying every day of any given weekend or sleeping through classes or even procrastinating heavily and fooling around at the expense of our academics. One on their "sophomore grind" is done with such nonsense. This means that on a Thursday night, the night we all went out to play last year, your best bet to find us is in our room cooking (sorry to my classmates residing in Potomac) or making it do what it do in Club G or Eckles. It is time to get that ever elusive 4.0 or at least above a 3.0 to begin building that transcript for our futures.

Sophomore year is a chance to learn from all the lapses in judgment we ALL had as freshmen and start anew. Another characteristic of being on that "sophomore grind" is growing up. Contrary to what we thought last year, NONE of us were completely on our grown woman/grown man ish so we should all really stop trying to front as if we were. That means that this summer should have served as a means to grow up and become adults. I repeat--SHOULD HAVE. It is our duty as mature individuals to carry ourselves in such a manner that we can be living and breathing examples of what one on their "sophomore grind" must be. One of my close friends' mothers is constantly reminding her of a phrase that is pertinent to this topic—“tu valgo” or you are valuable. Never forget that. Know your self-worth and act likewise. The crazed phenomenon of reckless behavior and constant hooking up with no greater purpose is over. Done. Finito. This is the beginning of the rest of our lives. This does not mean that we should not let loose occasionally to let off the proverbial steam that taking full and demanding course loads generates; it means that we should do so--responsibly. I.e. No more should we say "the alcohol and/or blunt made me do it.” It should be "Yes, I did it. It may have not been the smartest and most intelligent thing to do, but I did it and take full responsibility for my actions."

Being on that "sophomore grind" should mean that we stop with all of the shameless rumors. It is time to acknowledge the fact that the genesis and sharing of all of the rumors out there is absolutely nothing but childish. Yes, childish. It has the "Ooooh did you hear what he/she did?” mentality that just needs to end. It is the crutch of our generation to speak ill of those around us, and as much as we try to resist it, it continues to occur. Moreover, unfortunately, it will not cease to occur unless we all make a concerted effort to stop it where it starts--with you, with me, with all of us.

Check back next week for more characteristics of that “sophomore grind”

Angeliqué Israel is a sophomore majoring in psychology.

House Parties, House Parties, and More House Parties - Nneka Ebubedike

2008-09-24T08:13:00.000-07:00

More like dorm/apartment parties, but you catch my drift. The past weekend was all about staying on campus and attending the various in-room soirees. They’re a cheap and less stressful alternative to the increasingly expensive DC club scene. No heels, no cab rides, no lines! But be warned, these mini house parties are prime targets of UPD and MPD. One of the major parties of the weekend got busted by UPD as soon as it began to take off (and yes, they were taking down names and Gwids). I know no one wants to deal with SJS warnings for excessive noise complaints or underage drinking in their mailboxes, so be cautious when throwing and/or attending dorm parties!

In other news: looking for something wild to do this Thursday? Well you’re in luck because Mai Thai Thursdays are BACK! For all of you incoming freshman who never heard of it, let me just tell you now, it used to be the spot. The music is good, the lighting is perfect, the people are attractive, and the dance floor is perfect for some “comfortably-close” dancing. Another plus: it’s 4ride accessible! So ladies, get out your best freakum dresses and gentleman, iron those polos and get ready for a great Thursday night.

Still looking for more places to party this weekend? Finished all that weekend homework? Well, I’ve got something for you. Ever heard of 1704? Well if not, then it’s time for you to do some exploring around Georgetown’s campus on Saturday night. This one’s a house party so prepare for loud music and a lot of people. Did I mention it’s thrown by the Georgetown football team? I know you know what that means, ladies. Based on my experience with the last 1704 party, I suggest you get there early (which means before the clock strikes midnight). Want to know where it is? I suggest you to start asking around now!

So get that work done, people! And prepare for some good old fashioned college partying. I hope to see many of you this weekend and remember, I’ll be watching!

Nneka Ebubedike is a sophomore majoring in Biology.

Facebook: The Social God? - Ms Muffin Cakes' Blog : Entry # 1

2008-09-23T15:39:00.000-07:00

Despite my fondness of the social networking site, I have become annoyed with the great deal of consideration Facebook receives from its users, including myself. I think that it is ridiculous that people consult Facebook before engaging in social interaction with one another. For example, before getting dressed many people check to see how many times they have been pictured in a certain outfit. My greatest fear on a social level, has been that someone will describe an article of clothing they have mentally linked with an image of me, in a successful attempt to describe me to someone else. Now I wonder why that should matter at all. Clothes are purchased to be worn more than once.

You may not notice, but Facebook-inflicted mindsets like this are upon us all. Maybe you are a person that doesn’t mind running the risk of being labeled “the girl that wears the orange shirt with the yellow swirls” or “the guy with the striped polo and faded jeans,” but I’m sure that at some point, you have hastily reviewed and un-tagged photos of yourself prior to accepting the friend request of someone you may be interested in. You may have even pleaded for a heinous photo to be deleted because un-tagging yourself simply wouldn’t suffice. But what is the purpose of this? After all, that is YOUR face and outside of the cyber world, people see it every day when you may not look your best.

Maybe you’re a fan of outfit repetition and have hundreds of unsightly photos that you leave tagged. In that case, you probably embrace the Facebook status application as an opportunity to address people and situations that have displeasured you. When you do this, your target audience is most likely never made aware of this and the rest of the Facebook community is left to decipher your compilations of ignorant statements. I am not saying that it is unethical to acknowledge how you feel in your status, because that’s what the application is for. I simply want to encourage you to stray from statuses such as “Meagan is hatin dis chick ‘cross da hallway. Come holla cuz I be on dat all day! I Run Dis righ ova hurr shawty,” and construct more literate statuses such as “Meagan is displeased” or some variation of that. Or why not actually have an actual discussion with the source of your frustration? Maybe it was all a misunderstanding?

Though I have mentioned a few trifling truisms associated with being a part of the Facebook community, the network itself really has its positive aspects. It is our job to utilize the network without allowing the network to dominate our social behaviors outside of the cyber world. We must challenge ourselves to repeat outfits, leave undesirable pictures tagged, control the emotional instability we put on display via Facebook statuses, etc.

Meagan Allen is a sophomore majoring in Political Science.

Editor's Corner - 21 September 2008

2008-09-21T02:39:00.000-07:00

P.O.M.E. - Product of My Environment....And Proud of It

It did not take much to make me want to stay in Washington DC for college. It was this city that provided the tools I needed to attend college and continue on the road to success. As a native Washingtonian, I have an obligation to act as an ambassador for a city that has been so good to me and where I have many memories of people and places that shaped my values and made me who I am whether they are good or bad. I live in a city unlike any other and visitors do not adapt quickly to the world of go-go music, dreads, Solbiato hats, New Balances, Nike Boots and whatever else you see folks do. Ironically, in the center of the city is the United States Capitol, not too far from the Supreme Court and the White House. These qualities alone make Washington DC an enigma to many.

My journey to this point in my life was not without a few bumps in the road. High school was a clashing of personalities and egos that got treacherous at times. I fell a couple times but learned that I cannot associate with people with no orginality that try to mold you in their likeness. While I knew I wanted to pursue journalism and held my own academically, life outside was not without incident. While Banneker did little to feed my hunger to be a journalist, it did teach me many life lessons that I still try to apply to this day. Those lessons in school in addition to other lessons I learned interacting with different kinds of people in the district helped me to read people and connect on a level with whoever I meet – a quality missing in many journalists that if used successfully could help attract a loyal readership. How much do I apply, sometimes – but at least I am still trying. All I know is that battling my insecurities while battling those with large egos helped to increase my confidence and take pride in my individuality – a quality also missing in many journalists that in the end hinders their ability to challenge the status quo and induce serious debate among scholars.

I am still home and I do not regret that decision. I’m far enough to concentrate on my studies but close enough to never forget where I come from. In my lifetime, I’ve developed seasonal relationships and at the same time developed relationships with those who do not have the same opportunities as me. I think about them and our difference in circumstances and life decisions that put us different paths. What is happening in the city – the rising crime rate, gentrification, an ailing school system, the rise of a generation with little to no hope is no coincidence. All problems are intertwined with each other and as I put the puzzles together I learn more so when I leave GW I can write more and help solve these problems.

So, yes I love my city to the fullest. Expect me to keep talking about it because by the end of the day it is the essence of who I am. My calling is journalism and as a journalist, my responsibility lies in spreading the word and trying to make the world a better place, starting with this region first of course.

The Ace - Vol 1, Issue 1 NOW IN PDF FORM FOR ALL TO READ!!!

2008-09-19T14:36:00.000-07:00

Hey loyal readers,

Thanks to those who came out to support the release of The Ace on Wednesday in the Hippodrome. For those who couldn't come out and missed their copy of The Ace, no worries. Now The Ace Vol 1, Issue 1 is in online for all to see so now you too can enjoy some good writing. Starting Sunday September 21,2008, myself along with our bloggers will post blogs about things that interest you. So don't be afraid to tell us what you think about our posts and drop some knowledge yourself about what's happening in the community and in the world. Once again, thanks to our loyal fan base and those who follow this publication. Watch out next month for Vol 1, Issue 2 because we promise that it will be better than the first.

Thanks,
Samuel Collins, Jr.
Editor -in - Chief

Shame of a "Nation" - Adam Layne

2008-08-11T20:25:00.000-07:00

As a Boston native and an avid supporter of the Boston Red Sox, I think I speak for most of the New England when I say I was not really surprised that Manny Ramirez left the Boston organization. For weeks now, Ramirez was featured daily on news broadcasts and sports articles, occasionally gracing the front page with rumors of his eminent departure from the Red Sox. All the talk and finger pointing finally culminated in Manny's official trade to the L.A. Dodgers in a three-way deal.

Upon picking up a copy of the highly acclaimed (and free) local newspaper called The Boston Metro, the ever endearing face of Manny Ramirez which took up the entire front cover, greeted me. Below his picture in a rather inglorious tone read the words “Outta Here.” Needless to say, I was highly upset and frankly disappointed in “Red Sox Nation.” How can a so-called “family” united by the former Bambino Curse, an unholy hate for the Yankees and all they stand for, the longest championship drought in MLB history, and two post-drought World Series titles so easily say goodbye to one of the poster boys of the club?

Don't get it twisted. Manny Ramirez was not one of those players who stayed for two years, didn't really fit in, and wanted a better contract with more money. This is a guy who was drafted 13th overall at age 19, played in two World Series games for Cleveland, and then came to the Red Sox in 2000. For eight years, Manny Ramirez has been superb on and off the field. As mentor and supporter of Boston youth programs, Manny donated his time and money not only to Boston youth, but also the youth in the Dominican Republic which his native country.

It's true. Manny Ramirez had some issues during his eight year stay with the Red Sox involving some on field antics in addition to his effort very often bring put into question. Red Sox Nation gave him hell on 2006 when he fell into a slump and could barely get the ball out of the infield, not to mention his poor defense. However, my problem lies in this question: What do these Red Sox fans see when they see their players, especially Manny, out there on the field?

Answer: They see a sports celebrity making 20 million dollars a year who should be batting .987 with 0 errors and 48 home runs by the All-Star break. What they fail to see is a human being who possesses the ability to make mistakes, who can feel drained, and who cannot perform perfectly 100% of the time. What it essentially boils down to is the fact that in general, Boston fans are ungrateful and unappreciative. All we do is want and then want some more. When things don't go our way, we complain, point fingers, and place blame on those doing what they can to perform for us, entertain us, and bring some sense of pride to our city. Some reporters and anchors have been saying that Manny will end up like the rest of the departed Red Sox like Mo Vaughn, Nomar, Pedro, and Millar; lost and forgotten with his best years behind him. But look at Johnny Damon and Roger Clemens. Aside from the steroid case, Roger moved to a city he loved and did the thing he loved to do: play baseball. Manny's going to be just fine wherever he goes because he “does Manny.”

“You never miss a good thing until it's gone” is a fitting quote I'd like to use to describe this situation. Manny is one of the best there is and will definitely be a Hall of Fame candidate in years to come. We mistreated Manny Ramirez as Boston fans do to so many of its athletes and Manny said it best when he boasted, “Boston doesn't deserve me.” You're right Manny, we don't.

Most importantly these fans fail to realize that what makes Manny human is his ability to feel pain. What pain you might ask? The pain that comes from having your named slandered after every “human” mistake you make. The pain that comes from your “family” placing all the blame on you for losses in that occur in a so-called “team” sport. The pain that comes from carrying a “Nation” on your back to 2 World Series Championships and then taking a 5.5 million dollar pay cut. The pain that comes from loving and not getting that love in return. The pain that comes from feeling like your not wanted. And finally, the pain that forces you to leave the place you once called your home.

Adam Layne

Ace Sports Columnist

Moving Towards a More Equal America - Danielle Vasquez

2008-08-11T19:56:00.000-07:00

Massachusetts is the most recent state to bring an end to continuous debate on the question of honoring same sex marriages regardless of residence. The bill passed in the state senate early in the month of July was to repeal an archaic law passed in 1913 to prevent gay and lesbian couples that did not reside in the state of Massachusetts to marry. Many politicians wondered if the bill would pass in the House, but without hesitation the bill succeeded, with a “roll call the House voted 118 to 35 to pass the repeal bill.” The legislation will not become final until Governor Deval Patrick signs the bill, then the new ordinance will take effect 90 days after and join the only other state to allow same-sex marriages regardless of residence, California.

By the passing of the bill we are one stop closer as a nation towards true equality. It is stated in the Declaration of Independence, “We hold these truths to be self evident, that all men are created equal.” As a citizen of the United States we know that this has not always held as true. Slavery and the prevention of blacks voting or being considered on the same level as whites makes’ this statement false. As well as African Americans not being able to vote neither could women until the 19th amendment. Same-sex couples are asking to be recognized solely under civil marriage, so they can share the same civil rights as every citizen in the United States has the opportunity to enjoy.

"The 1913 law is a shadow, a terrible shadow. It represents a segregationist past that is best put to rest and put to rest quickly," said Senator Harriette Chandler, a Worcester Democrat.
"This is a true victory for equality," Marc Solomon, executive director of Mass Equality, said in a statement.

Massachusetts is one of only two states that allow same-sex marriages. The Defense of Marriage Act or DOMA, passed by President Bill Clinton in September 21, 1996, defines marriage only in terms of a man and a woman and does not recognize marriage of the same sex. The enactment of the bill was primarily Congress exercising their power under the“ ‘Effect’ clause of Article IV, section 1 of the Constitution (the Full Faith and Credit Clause) to allow each State (or other political jurisdiction) to decide for itself whether it wants to grant legal status to same-sex ‘marriage.’ "6 After the passing of the law Massachusetts was the first state to allow same-sex marriages in 2004, but it was only recognized for the residents in that particular state. DOMA is splitting up what the word equality should symbolize to a human-being, and more importantly an American citizen. With Massachusetts accepting same-sex marriages regardless of residence the country is closer to recognizing true equality.

Danielle Vasquez

Politics Writer

What Defines a Music Artist? Why I Dance to Soulja Boy in the Club... - Sade Chase Marshall

2008-07-31T13:08:00.000-07:00

If you don't know who Soulja Boy is, or the dance to the hit song 'Superman dat ho', I would like to know is it comfortable under that rock you have been living under. And at times I wonder after listening to this boy's music if I shouldn't go take a vacation under a rock myself. Just the other day I had the audacity to watch his new music video 'Marco Polo' featuring an angry little chihuahua by the name of Bow Wow to its entirety. While watching it, my head started to nod to the beat, my one shoulder bounce soon followed, and before you know it I was jamming.

I was ashamed.

I can't help myself. No matter how many stupid songs this boy comes out with, it catches on fire and spreads to the masses, like a fake Wendy William's polyester suit soaked in gasoline found at your local liquor store (you know the ones that have leopard print cat suits hanging next to the 40s). People who swear they hate his music are the first ones on the dance floor…don't front, I saw you!

And the last thing I want to do is call him a music artist. The mere thought of me calling him talented makes me queasy. And then again, the word artist is relative. If I go by my definition of an artist which would be, being creative and producing some type of entity from that creativity then yes Soulja boy is an artist. He has creatively been able to produce hit songs from the crappiest rap lyrics. Puff Daddy wasn't even this bad.

So what makes Soulja Boy so different from other rappers out here trying to making it in the music business? What does he have that these other rappers don't? Well for one, people always like group dancing songs. I mean what's a party without the tootsie roll and the booty call? But unlike others who created those dance fazes, and faded away (like that cupid shuffle guy) what else was it that made Soulja Boy the it boy?

I couldn't answer the question myself so I asked around. Unanimously everyone I asked says it's because he has catchy lyrics. I was always told, the hook could make a song or break a song. So I guess that's the answer people. Simple as that. The hooks are so stupid that their good.

With that, me and my roommate got a track coming out called '1 fish, 2 fish, b****tch, red fish, gold fish, hoooo' on our cd called Pooper Scooper. We call ourselves Disnay (not 'ey' but 'ay) Channel, and you can cop our album at the liquor store near campus.

Get At Me

Sade Chase Marshall

Music Reporter

The Life of a Safe Black - Andrew Cooper

2008-07-29T08:57:00.000-07:00

I was reading a contribution to the CNN series: “Black in America”, made by T.J. Holmes. After reading it I was spurred to consider my own experiences as a black American. In his article entitled, “No, I don’t play for the 49ers”, T. J. recounts an experience he had while washing his car and the subsequent innuendo made by a white American that was, perhaps, culturally insensitive. T.J.’s story may be found at the following url:

http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2008/07/24/no-i-dont-play-for-the-49ers/

T.J.’s article merely alludes to a common experience that I think most successful black Americans (especially college students) can identify. His article was probably (and understandably) watered down for the public consumption on CNN. I believe, however, that despite how wildly the black American experience varies from person to person, there are some extremely common threads that bind the community in a shared experience. T.J. lightly touches on this point but I would like to underscore it.

A common experience of many successful black Americans is the frustration and burden encumbered upon those of us who serve as intermediaries between our colleagues in other races. You know—those people who are forced to be the “contact zone” of cultural discourse. These are the people who I affectionately call “the safe blacks”. These individuals are typically considered “token” and “special” amongst their non-black friends. In fact, they are, at times, considered entirely not black. If I had a nickel for every time a person said, “Andrew, you’re the white-est black guy that I know.” or “Andrew, you’re not a typical black person you’re a really different kind…” I’d be a very rich man!

The frustration we “safe blacks” feel is a result of an often unintended bias and an even more often display of culturally insensitive statements conveyed by our colleagues (both black and non-black alike). It is a failure to carefully consider what exactly we are insinuating in our statements.

I identify most strongly with my black American heritage. I can trace my family lineage back to the Cooper plantation. When I hear people call safe blacks “token” or “special” it is a remark more on the ability to speak unbroken English (or perhaps other languages like Spanish), to enjoy art and literature, to hold a steady job, to be single with no children, to listen to (and God forbid enjoy!) various types of music, indeed, to go to college on academic and not athletic scholarship, to be able to engage in intellectually stimulating discourse, and to communicate in oral and written form. These innuendos are built into the assumption that black people don’t do these things. What an idiotic sentiment!

What is being a safe black you may ask? Well, I suppose it’s not being the scary black. You know, the “angry black” or the “intimidating black”. What is even more absurd is that most black Americans that are seen as being assertive and demanding (in terms of respect) are instantly branded as being angry and intimidating. So, being a safe black means you must be willing to tolerate other’s ignorance and be willing to explain to them time and time again why things happen in “your” community.

Moving to GW was the first time I ever lived with non-black roommates. But in that short time, if I had a penny for every time I was asked, “why do you wear a durag at night?” or “Why do you brush your hair because you really can’t tell the difference…” I would be able to pay my tuition without scholarship! Being the safe black means other non-blacks are comfortable with asking you the stupid stuff they would be too afraid to ask the “angry black” or the “intimidating black”. Fearful of ridicule, these people would keep their ignorance personal but in the presence of a safe black the situation changes. The humiliating realty of being a “safe black” is that people speak and remove all doubt of their ignorance because they are “comfortable” around you. Being a safe black means having the character to absorb ignorance in a graceful way without being driven off the edge. It means being able to listen to your colleagues’ inane and culturally insensitive jokes and explaining why they are “inappropriate” without cursing them out; Or, completely ignoring them altogether; Or laughing them off with that uneasy “haha I really wish you wouldn't say stupid things like that” kind of laugh.

I must admit, I often retreat to the comfort of my room and chuckle to myself at the thought of how my cousins from Baltimore (who are not “safe blacks”) would react in response to the things that my close colleagues would dare to say to my face but would dare not say to guys like them.
Being a safe black sucks.

I suppose I will reconsider my safe black status.

- Andrew Cooper
Politics Editor
The Ace

Now What? - After Black in America

2008-07-28T08:38:00.000-07:00

A common sentiment among our African-American readers about the CNN Documentary Black in America is that it documented nothing that they do not already know about the state of black people in this country. Despite their feelings, the fact is that this documentary was not just for their viewing, but for others of different backgrounds to watch and truly learn about what has become a truly complicated issue in today’s world. The problems that African-Americans face in the post – civil rights era world is not all cut and dry and neither are the solutions needed. Many people, ignorant of the connection between certain institutions and the trials of black people, will fail to address that the deep-rooted problems facing this group of people and say that African-Americans are disadvantaged because of their own doing. This documentary shows different and even though African-Americans know all this through their own personal experiences in all class groups, it’s time that every person, no matter their background know how much of an impact the social and economic decisions of those on Capitol Hill has on African Americans and how in addition the world’s perceptions of African-Americans can affect African American’s access to opportunities that others have.

So what has this documentary done for its multicultural viewership? It has added a face and a story to the alarming statistics affecting African- American communities across America. Of course, all this did not happen overnight. The history of slavery, inadequate education for schools attended by majority African-American children, little to no access to suitable healthcare and nutrition, and the introduction of drugs in the community as a form of commerce makes it easy to see why the African- American community is so impoverished and why policies that have ignored the problem for so long continue to hold African-Americans back.

Unfortunately, if things keep going the way they are going right now, this grim situation may never change for the community. The youngest investments of the future, the children, are already born into a world where their chances to change the world are already stark. The circumstances of a young African-American child’s life are very different from the circumstances of a child of any other race. Many are born in an environment where many of the adults in their life become victims to violence, drugs, or the prison system; all ills that tend to break families apart most of the time. In a consumer driven society, parents are less likely to spend money on books or focus on education because most of the time, the primary focus is making ends meet. Public schools in impoverished areas rarely have the newest technology or the best teachers to accommodate to the student’s needs. Legislation passed in earlier years puts a temporary band-aid on the issues affected neighborhoods and does not do a good job of finding long term solutions for poverty, drug use, and other ills of the community. Any evidence of promise within a young person is quickly shunned by his or her peers, most of the time not because of pure ignorance but because where they may come from no one has shown them the benefits of a good education. As one of those few good seeds leaves behind the violence and drugs behind, the neighborhoods continue to be consumed by more violence and drugs because there is no one left behind to educate, motivate, and advocate for a rise in living standards.

For those African-Americans who make it out of impoverishment and live comfortably, the problems they faced before are gone but in their place are new problems. Usually, they may be one of the few African -Americans in their new neighborhood. Often misconceptions about how black people act appear in other’s minds, creating sort of a tension that makes it hard to live even in the best of places in this country, leading to episodes of police harassment as seen on Black in America. To those people, it seems that not even a college degree or a certain amount of money can alleviate the pain that comes with being black.

The media does not make the situation any better for African-Americans. Watch the local news tonight and see how the media continuously portrays young African- American males as habitual perpetrators. The rate at which crime is reported stays the same even at times when crime in the inner-city may fall. If you do not see a picture like that at night, then surely you can see it in our entertainers. This entertainment driven campaign does little to education people of other races and younger children about the struggle like in the past. Instead, what this campaign does is cast African-Americans in a light where it seems that many of them gleam at the thought of their demise and that it they are to blame for their trials and tribulations. This media campaign only simplifies the problem and offers no solution. In the end, African-Americans who watch it feel hopeless and without solutions and people who watch it from the outside feel hopeless for African-Americans thinking that there is no future for their community.

In this capitalistic society, it’s no wonder that there is a struggle between classes within the African- American community find difficulty in discerning each other’s struggles. Other Americans, sit on the sidelines with no true idea about the true struggle of African-Americans in America. No other time than now is this important. With the chances of America seeing its first African-American president even greater, it is imperative that every issue is addressed to the fullest and who better to do this than CNN, with all of their resources to fully examine the issues. Hopefully, this is beginning and not the end for an extensive dialogue. CNN only scratched the surface of the problem, but other people should be challenged to look into the ills of the African-American and see what they can do to help. African – Americans should also strive to come across class lines and come together to solve problems that have plagued communities for too long now. Whether you battle the temptation to sell narcotics while impoverished or you battle the misconceptions of white neighbors in suburbia, everyday brings a different struggle that many outside of the race fail to see.

In year’s past, when the Black Student Union has held discussions about the state of Black America, it had the feeling of a more exclusive discussion rather than an inclusive discussion. Of course, the African-American community is not perfect and there are things to be fixed but at the same time, there are barriers set before them that cannot be resolved unless all people address the biases and raise the standard in discussion so that the next discussion will be the most useful and informative for those who may not know a lot about what happens within several African – American communities across America.

As the Editor – in – Chief of The Ace, I challenge all our college educated readers and others to weigh in on the discussion on how it is to be black in America whether you are black or not. Only through intense dialogue can we find a common ground on how to address the issue and not just put a temporary band – aid on it like in years past. The dialogue can start right here, as long as it starts because once it does, all of Black America can come closer to realizing the full potential those in the civil rights movement can only dream of those sixty years ago.

- Samuel Collins, Jr.

Studying Abroad With Sho'leh!!!!!!! Part I - More to Come in The Ace

2008-07-06T17:44:00.000-07:00

Sho'leh Geula, a junior majoring in sociology, is studying abroad this summer in Brazil. Everyday is a new experience asshe learns something new on this mystical journey in a new place. This is Part I of her diary detailing those life changing experiences along with advice for those who want to study abroad. Read and enjoy!

Life as a Baiana

Exactly a week ago today, my flight landed in what i have found to be paradise. Salvador do Bahia, Brazil, is probably the closest thing i have found to heaven on earth. I keep hearing about this phenomenon of culture shock, but I seriously doubt it can exist in a place as beautiful as this. The greatest part of all is that the physical beauty of this coastal city is matched by a rich, colorful, and extremely relevant culture and history. A landing port for slave ships, the population of Salvador, and the state of Bahia in general, is so diverse. In a place where African influences meet latin lifestyles, every step is a breath of fresh air. My second day here, we went to Mercado Modelo in Cidade do Baixa, a neighborhood in Salvador. It was in this market, which now houses vendors, that slaves were once sold. They took us under the market into what looked like a sewer. This was where they used to keep the slaves before they were sold. It was interesting to see how modern culture and tourism combine with the rich history here. While the culture here is different, the people here are so kind that friendly that it is not hard to feel like you have lived here forever. So far, my favorite part of Salvador is the art. Manifestations of life here can be seen on every surface. The sidewalks are decorated and every wall has beautiful and meaningful graffiti. The music speaks to your soul! I don't mean to be deceiving and make it seem like I haven't encountered hard or uncomfortable times during my travels, but isn't that what its all about? Everyday I grow a little more and its only been a week! I look forward to what the next few months have in store for me! While I do have my suggestions and tips for studying abroad and traveling, I don't feel they have a place in this entry. My next one will tell you everything you need to know, but for now I'm concentrating on living as a Baiana! As such the only advice i can give right now, and probably the best you will every get, is to relax and take things as they come. Although it may not seem so, everything has a purpose!

Ciao!!!!!

The Ace: In Memory of Tim Russert...

2008-06-16T08:23:00.001-07:00

I along with members of my class posing with Tim Russert in the Summer of 2006

One rainy, humid Sunday morning two summers ago, I along with members of my American University journalism class walked over to NBC Studios and watched a taping of Meet the Press with Tim Russert. My passion for journalism, already growing within me, became even bigger as I watched Russert do his job so well.

The special guest that day was Senator Russ Feingold (D -WI). He expressed his dissatisfaction of the Bush White House and the President’s refusal to withdraw troops from Iraq to Russert.

All that did not interest me that day. Even though my clothes were still damp and the studio was VERY cold, I still did not fail to notice the precision of Tim Russert's questions as well as the great deal of research that went into finding the hardest hitting questions. Russert never failed the find the contradiction in his guests’ rhetoric, always finding a quote that stated the opposite of their current position and asking them to immediately explain themselves. Later in the q and a session, he called that type of questioning his way of serving the people and making sure that nothing was ever biased; that even those who many did not favor would get the same treatment as the most popular politician. It was that drive to be as objective and in depth that attracted me to this man and inspired me to pursue some kind of in-depth political reporting.

Last semester, I had the opportunity to be somewhat like Tim Russert on WRGW when I interviewed a number of guests, including members of Barack Obama's campaign team, College Democrats and Republicans, Former EVP Brand Kroeger, SA Presidential candidates Vishal Aswani, Kevin Kozlowski, and Ogheneremu Oyiborhoro and a host of other influential students and administrators. Like a wannabe Tim Russert, I spent days and nights reading old Hatchet articles and other documents to become aware of the issues and find ways to frame questions that asked for more than what The Hatchet reported, making sure those guests elaborated on their position to the best of their abilities. One of my best memories that semester was sitting among my colleagues Taylor Barnes, Jared Pliner, and David Caesar of The Hatchet during the WRGW SA President debate between Kevin Kozlowski and Vishal Aswani. I took my research very seriously and came into the studio tired from a night of reading and writing but ready to ask the hardest hitting questions, probably surprising many.

Months later, and days after Tim Russert’s untimely passing, The Ace is a representation of a common goal to bring about information from a new fresh, and unbiased perspective answering the most difficult questions instead of scratching the surface. With Mr.Russert, no one was safe and that meant that there was an opportunity to learn as much as possible every Sunday. With this publication, there is also an opportunity to learn as much as possible in every issue and we promise not to fail our readers. Expect to see something new and fresh every month. Our hard work comes with the memory of Tim Russert's service and dedication to those like me who loved politics.