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 By Broadside Interim Assistant News Editor Kevin Loker.
Photograph by Courtney Erland.
At the men’s basketball opener, when the George Mason University community was introduced to its new and yet-to-be named mascot, student reaction appeared to indicate the welcome was far from warm. The mascot, designed to reflect “patriot spirit in the 21st century,” received an overwhelming amount of boos. Some students refused to give him friendly high-fives. To many at Mason, whether they liked Gunston or not, the new mascot has created some tension.
“What a lame rip off of Braveheart,” said senior history major James Wesolek on Gunston’s Facebook Wall, referring to the new mascot’s half-painted face, as well as the voiceover introduction at the basketball game. Before entering to the air siren and school song, the voice of the new mascot spoofed one of the film’s most popular speeches, in which Mel Gibson’s character riles up his countrymen to fight for freedom. At the game, instead of “freedom,” the Mason Nation’s fight was for “victory.”
Other students hold similar, and additional, complaints.
“Being that’s one of my favorite movies, I’m kind of upset about the whole Braveheart thing,” said freshman astronomy major Mathew Gledhill, “but I also just don’t like how he looks. His smile looks too much like ‘Smiling Bob’ from those Enzyte commercials.”
Some students have banded together in their dislike. “The New Mascot is a Disgrace to GMU and Gunston!” a new group on Facebook, has upwards of 400 members and is continuing to grow. One student has even started an online petition to “Bring Back Gunston!” to his role in Intercollegiate Athletics.
After undergoing a “makeover,” one that reveals his teeth for the first time, the character of Gunston has taken on a role in Community Relations as community ambassador for the university. The new Gunston will visit schools and libraries in the community, as well as support “green” sustainability activities and be on hand for public appearances.
“I think the new mascot will give our university a solid identity among other universities, ending the confusion of ‘What is Gunston?,’” said Associate Director for Student Activities Dennis Hicks. “The look of the new mascot is definitely more collegiate looking and fits better with the mascots of other major universities.”
Until Dec. 17, students may suggest names for the new Patriot mascot. Suggestions may be submitted online at GoMason.com or by texting the word “mascot” followed by the name suggestion to 96943.
Verizon Wireless and the Blue Ribbon Panel Mascot committee, which includes faculty, students and alumni, sponsor the contest. The winning name will be chosen from the list of suggestions. The name will be announced at a future basketball game, and the winner of the contest will receive a free reserved parking spot for one year from Parking Services.
Freshman biology major Brittany Burkhart, who says she will take part in the naming contest, says she is conflicted about the new mascot.
“I felt really bad for the mascot. I don’t think they should have changed it, but I don’t think the student reaction was what it should be,” said Burkhart. “Granted I didn’t get too attached to Gunston because I’m a freshman, but they probably shouldn’t boo the guy in the suit who’s trying to just do his job. I’ll suggest a name, but I think they should have just put Gunston in a Patriot suit and called it good,” added Burkhart.
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By Broadside Interim Assistant News Editor Kevin Loker. Photo courtesy of Flickr user celebdu.
 If a new Student Government idea comes to fruition, students may have another option in choosing where to obtain condoms on campus: their dorms.
Student Government is in the process of gathering the facts that they will need and determining with whom they will need to work with in order to evaluate the possibility of putting condom dispensers in the dorms.
“The idea came to us when a student was expressing a concern that the last place to purchase condoms on campus, the convenience stores, close at 2 a.m,,” said Student Body President Zack Golden.
Currently, condoms can be purchased at Patriot Express and the One Stop Patriot Shop. Students can also obtain condoms, including the magnum and latex-free variety, upon request, free of charge at the Office of Alcohol, Drug and Health Education, located in SUB I, Room 219J. Their hours, however, are shorter. OADHE is open Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
A dorm with a dispenser, much like those often found in gas station bathrooms, would change that. Students living on campus would be able to discreetly access condoms at anytime of the day. Student reaction to the idea is mixed.
“You know, it’s probably a good idea. Not everyone is going to necessarily get condoms in advance, and this would let them,” said freshman information technology major Zach Nalbone.
“If they want to have sex, they’re probably going to have sex. At least this way it’s more likely to be safe,” said Nalbone.
“I think that it will effectively promote sexual health on campus,” said Golden.
Others feel the proximity of the condoms to dorm rooms may do the opposite.
“It promotes promiscuous behavior,” said sophomore economics major Ruthie O’Donnell, “and if people honestly think condoms and other forms of birth control are helping, they should look at the dramatic rise in STD's and teen pregnancy since the easy access and promotion of ‘safe sex.’”
While some oppose it for what it may promote, others oppose the idea of condom dispensers because of aspects dealing with practicality.
“I do not feel that they’re necessary,” said freshman engineering major Amy Crockett.
“First, if you are going to engage in that type of activity you could take a stroll to OADHE and pick one up,” said Crockett.
“Most everything on campus is within 15 minutes of everything else, and I don’t feel this is an exuberant amount to walk to pick up a free condom,” said Crockett. “I also feel that the cost of putting the dispensers in will not out weigh the benefit or use.”
George Mason University is far from alone in weighing the cost, practicality and message of placing condom dispensers in the dorms.
Many local colleges already have them, including American University, George Washington University and the University of Virginia.
Golden encouraged students to remember that this idea is in the early stages of development and nothing is guaranteed to happen.
“Student Government can work with the university to advocate changes like these, however we can't do it unilaterally by passing a bill or anything,” said Golden. “This is a project that we are just getting started on.”
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By Broadside Editor-in-Chief Nicole Ocran. Photo courtesy of Flickr user Hendrick's Photos.
 The tight retail market has hindered most opportunities for seasonal hiring. Broadside consulted Rebekah Troug, front desk manager of University Career Services, for advice for those looking for employment during the holiday season.
What are some of the challenges that students may encounter when going out to apply for jobs over the holidays?
The greatest challenge affecting job seekers over the holidays this year is the need to expand their searches to include targets other than the usual holiday employers. While the current economic climate is in flux and the job market is more competitive, the Washington, D.C. metro area has a much stronger job market than in most other areas of the country.
Retail has always been a mainstay for seasonal work, but this year there will be more competition for fewer positions.
To broaden the search for seasonal jobs, students can consider registering with temp agencies or working in the hospitality industry. Another option—contact transitioning local and federal elected and appointed officials who may need help to get ready for assuming their new position in 2009.
What do you think is the ideal time frame for students looking for a job over winter break to start applying?
If you have not already begun your holiday job search, start now. In particular, there is expected to be fewer seasonal jobs in the retail industry so you should start looking no later than the beginning of December. If you wait until your exams are done, you could be significantly reducing your chances of finding a seasonal position.
Do you find that most students are looking for jobs in the retail industry? Are there other industries that students could take advantage of during this time period?
Child care assistance for parents who will still be working over their children’s winter break is an alternative to retail. In our local area, the hospitality industry may have more seasonal positions available leading up to the presidential inauguration due to the expected record turnout.
Gaining career-related experience by doing volunteer work, or shadowing a professional in a desired career field are other options to consider. < ahref="http://careers.gmu.edu/cn" target="blank">“Career Network” includes a number of alumni who are offering shadowing options to interested students.
What resources might students find useful to find a job over the holidays?
Networking is an especially effective way to find a job. Ask your parents, your friends, your parent’s friends, your friends' parents, etc. if they know of any openings. 60 to 90 percent of jobs are found through networking. Specialized online job searches based on your desired field is also a useful resource.
If you will not be staying in the Mason area, stop by the local university’s career centers to see if they have a job posting board. Search the Craigslist postings for your area or other local business directories.
The most important thing to remember is to not limit your job searching using just one method.
How do you feel that the economy has affected the job industry this year? Do you think this will carry over during the holiday season?
The downturn in the economy has resulted in an increase in layoffs and unemployment. This will most likely carry over as the economy continues to struggle. However, while many industries are seeing a decline, there is a 20 percent increase in government hiring.
Have you found that the pay rates have increased or decreased at all in certain fields? If so, which fields?
Generally, post-graduation salaries have remained steady. Pay rates for seasonal positions will be variable depending on location and industry.
Would you be able to suggest any other sources of income over the holidays if students are in a bind?
Entrepreneurial offerings are great alternatives to the traditional seasonal job. Providing services like web designs for small businesses or snow shoveling in your neighborhood can provide quick cash.
Utilizing temp agencies is another alternative. Many of these agencies can place you with businesses that are in need of short-term seasonal help.
For the students staying on campus over the holidays, are there any offices open on campus where students might be able to find a job?
If there are, it will be very few. An informal survey of offices that will still be open over the holidays (Patriot Center, Facilities, etc.) shows a lack of seasonal employment on campus.
Is there anything else that you would like to add?
Overall, our region is in better shape. There are still jobs and internships in the D.C. metro area. It is never too early to start looking for summer and post-graduation employment. Career Services will re-open on January 5. Make an appointment with a career counselor to go over your job-hunting strategies. Patriot Job Web, our online job and internship posting database, will continue to be accessible over the holiday break.
See Career Services’ Web site, http://careers.gmu.edu, for details on Patriot Job Web and hours of operation.
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 1. Americans see the Jewish Festival of Lights spelt as both Hanukkah and Chanukah largely because
(a) One spelling is used publicly, and the other is reserved in religious settings.
(b) The first consonant sound of the word is found in classical Hebrew, but not modern Hebrew or modern English.
(c) One spelling is used before and after the celebration, the other is reserved for the celebration itself.
 2. Santa Claus is commonly identified with Saint Nicholas, a Christian saint, who had a reputation for
(a) Secret gift-giving, such as putting coins in the shoes of those who left them out for him.
(b) Praying separately for a list of children with good behavior and a list of children with bad behavior.
(c) Riding through town in a sleigh, pronouncing the Gospels in song.
3. The wrapping of gifts in paper for Christmas is believed to have flourished
(a) Shortly after 105 AD, when paper is believed to have been invented.
(b) During the Victorian period, when giving Christmas gifts was considered a privilege for the wealthy.
(c) After a letter to the editor exposed the idea to the general public during the 1920’s.
4. Some people maintain that the dreidel game, popular during Hanukkah, goes back to the time of the Greek-Syrians when
(a) Jews, prohibited from studying the Torah, would use a similar spinning top to hide their studying whenever Greek-Syrians came by.
(b) Jews—often as a community—would play games after worship service.
(c) Prayers were inscribed on a similar spinning top.
5. The first New Year’s Eve in Times Square celebration occurred in 1904 partially to
(a) Draw people from rural areas into the city and give a small boost the economy.
(b) Commemorate the official opening of the new headquarters of The New York Times.
(c) Boost attendance for the inauguration of a disliked, but newly-elected mayor.
6. Why is Christmas abbreviated “Xmas”?
(a) Because the Greek letter “x” is the first letter of the Greek word for Christ, Xristos.
(b) The letter X is similar to the shape of a cross which is symbol that relates to Christ.
(c) It was a slogan used in an add campaign during the early 90’s for a clothing company and has stuck with the holiday ever since.
7. Why do we decorate trees for Christmas?
(a) Because an evergreen tree is a symbol for eternal life. Jesus represents life after death.
(b) The Scandinavians thought that an evergreen tree scared away the devil.
(c) They were first decorated during the middle ages in Europe due to the fact that their were so many of them and they kept rooms from smelling bad.
8. Why is it a custom to kiss under the mistletoe?
(a) Frigga, the goddess of love in Norse mythology is strongly related to mistletoe.
(b) Mistletoe is associated with many pagan rituals and was outlawed by the church. During the 16th century, kissing in public was looked down upon and therefore the plant became associated with it.
(c) Mistletoe became prevalent to Christmas during the middle ages because the white buds on the plant represented purity to the Church.
Quiz Answers:
1. B 2. A 3. B 4. A 5. B 6. A 7. B 8. A
Photo's courtesy of the following Flickr users: skippy, vintagehalloweencollector, compex, wwworks, hgruber, laffy4k, rcktmanil, and steve willis.
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By Broadside Staff Writer Ross Bonaime. Photo courtesy of Flickr user Bethany L. King.
 Ah, it’s the holidays again, and nothing says the holidays like Christmas music and blatant commercialism.
First off is the album Christmas In the Stars: Star Wars Christmas Album. No one should be surprised that you can find any form of merchandise with a Star Wars logo on it. But this is a special type of Star Wars crap.
Remember such classics as “What Can You Get a Wookiee for Christmas (When He Already Owns A Comb?)” and my personal favorite, “R2-D2 We Wish You A Merry Christmas” which is sung my none other than Jon Bon Jovi. Snuggle up by the fire with a loved one as Mr. “Livin’ On A Prayer” sings the lyrics, “And if the snow becomes too deep, just give a little beep, we’ll go in by the fire, and warm your little wires.” It’s so bad, it’ll almost make you forget just how bad those prequels were. Almost.
American Idol has supplied the United States with plenty of unnecessary music and introduced the world to plenty of people with no talent. The most famous of these is William Hung, who does have a gift for unintentional hilarity. His second album was the aptly titled Hung For The Holidays. I’d still rather listen to this album than Clay Aiken’s Merry Christmas with Love, but does Aiken’s album use the first track to thank you for buying the album? Or give you random reminders to give back to the community and help others in need? Of course not!
Hung sings all the standard holiday fare, but for some reason the final song features Queen’s “We Are the Champions,” a holiday song forgotten by the Christmas community.
Christmas is also filled with novelty music. Alvin and the Chipmunks would not be close to as popular as they are if they did not want planes that looped and hula-hoops. But while animated chipmunks can somewhat pull off a Christmas albums, real life cats cannot.
That brings me to Meowy Christmas by Jingle Cats. The album cover boasts that the album features “Real kittens sing 20 holiday classics!” It is exactly what it sounds like. Cats meow the notes to these favorite songs, and in the process ruin any hopes that you will get past the first song. Also, if you liked this chart-topping extravaganza, check out their two follow-up albums, Here Comes Santa Claws and Rhythm and Mews, for more of the same infuriating rage that the first album provided.
OK, so I’m willing to believe that there are people who can suffer through Christmas songs from droids, whining animals and monotone failures, but anyone who listens to Pull My Finger: Jingle Smells should be legally bound to never be able to celebrate any holiday ever again.
Imagine the concept of Meowy Christmas except for instead of cats, it is the most disgusting farts spliced together to make, for lack of a better term, music. If you laugh at song titles like “Stinky Dreidel,” “Silent Butt Deadly Night” and “Sugerplum Farties,” you are either a three-year-old or in a coma.
So, if there is someone on your buying list that you never want to see or talk to again, keep these horrible atrocities in mind for the holidays.
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Sticky and Sweet: Safe Sex with Sugar (Dec. 2)
This interactive, fun workshop will provide information on ways to prevent HIV, including hot safer sex and masturbation techniques as part of HIV Awareness Week. Sugar is an LGBTQA friendly sex toy shop based in Baltimore that works to “stir up raw passion.”
Drag for a Cause (Dec. 5)
The Office of Alcohol, Drug and Health Education, in association with Pride Alliance and other great George Mason University organizations will be presenting a drag show during HIV Awareness Week. Drag for a Cause will be in the Patriot’s Lounge of SUB I. All tips are going to a local HIV/AIDS Foundation.
Theater of the First Amendment Presents First Fridays at Old Town Hall (Dec. 5)
Theater of the First Amendment, George Mason University’s professional theater company, joins forces with Mason Pep Band leader Doc Nix and Mason choreographer Adriane Fang to bring a holiday blend of theater, music and dance to Old Town Hall in the City of Fairfax as a part of “First Fridays at Old Town Hall at 7:30 p.m.
The Virginia Opera’s Production of Donizetti’s The Elixir Of Love (Dec. 8-6)
Virginia Opera invites audiences to toast the holidays and fall head-over-heels for Gaetano Donizetti’s intoxicating romantic comedy The Elixir of Love, coming to George Mason University’s Center for the Arts on Friday, Dec. 5 at 8 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 6 at 2 p.m. A pre-performance discussion, free to ticket holders, begins 45 minutes prior to each performance on the Center’s Grand Tier III.
Department of Music Holiday Concert (Dec. 7)
Holiday music performed by university ensembles, guest conductors and faculty members. The show will take place at 7 p.m.
The George Mason University ensembles that will perform in this year’s concert are the Chamber Orchestra, the Symphony Orchestra, University Chorale, University Singers and Select Women’s Chorale.
Irvin Mayfield and the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra (Dec. 12)
Irvin Mayfield, Grammy-nominated trumpeter, composer and the Cultural Ambassador for the City of New Orleans, leads the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra in a festive holiday program that evokes the wonderful sounds and celebratory joie de vivre of their beloved city. NOJO brings this infectious holiday cheer to George Mason University’s Center for the Arts Concert Hall at 8 p.m. A pre-performance discussion, free to ticket holders, begins 45 minutes prior to the performance on the Center’s Grand Tier III.
A Celtic Christmas (Dec. 13)
This year, Leahy, a spellbinding Canadian octet of brothers and sisters returns to Mason with a program that is sure to get audiences into the Christmas spirit. Leahy performs A Celtic Christmas, a mix of Celtic medleys and traditional Christmas carols, at George Mason University’s Center for the Arts on at 8 p.m
Fairfax Symphony Orchestra: Holiday Pops (Dec. 14)
Revel in this heart-warming and uplifting evening of joyous music as the massed chorus and orchestra play favorite carols and popular holiday songs. At the concert at 3 p.m., in conjunction with Fairfax County's Office of Partnerships, we will collect books, scarves, hats, and gloves or mittens for needy children.
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By Broadside Correspondent Hayley Roder
For the past three years, the Office of Student Activities and Student Government have teamed up to put on De-Stress Fest, which occurs during the week before finals in both the fall and spring semesters. This year, it is being held from Monday, Dec. 1 to Sunday, Dec. 7.
“The week is made up of low-key activities to help students relax and un-wind before they have to start taking exams,” explained Michelle Davis, assistant director of Student Activities for programming.
Amy Durbin, a Student Government Senator, added, “Students can un-wind a bit before exams by participating in some fun activities and receiving some free prizes and food.”
The Office of Drug and Alcohol Education as well as Program Board are assisting with the events of De-Stress Fest. Throughout the week, there will be free food, giveaways, massage chairs, games, movies and stress-relieving activities, such as making your own stress balls and pillows.
Every Freakin’ Friday will host “One Tree Hill” singer Tyler Hilton in the Johnson Center Atrium at 9 p.m. to kick off the weekend.
De-stress Fest also has academic benefits. According to Durbin, the Office of Alumni Affairs will be handing out free blue books and Scantrons to provide students with necessary exam materials and one less thing to worry about. Bingo for Books is also offered during De-Stress fest as a way for students to win textbook money.
Schedule of De-Stress Week Activities:
Monday, Dec. 1
Condoms and Coffee Give Away - JC Kiosk 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Massage Chairs FREE- JC Patriot Corner 12 – 4 p.m.
Giveaways, food, raffles -JC Kiosk F 12 – 2 p.m.
Bingo for Books- JC Bistro 8 p.m.
You’re a STAR! SUB I, Patriot’s Lounge 6 – 9 p.m.
Tuesday, Dec. 2
Condoms and Coffee Give Away - JC Kiosk 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Giveaways, food, raffles -JC Kiosk F 12 – 1 p.m.
Free Play at the Corner Pocket 5 – 9 p.m.
Wednesday, Dec. 3
Condoms and Coffee Give Away - JC Kiosk 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Giveaways, food, raffles -JC Kiosk F 12 – 2 p.m.
Make your own stress balls- Patriot Corner 2 p.m.
SGA Holiday Fest, Free- Patriots Lounge 6 – 8 p.m.
Thursday, Dec. 4
Make your own Pillows- JC News Center 12 p.m.
Giveaways, food, raffles -JC Kiosk F 12 – 2 p.m.
Condoms and Coffee Give Away - JC Kiosk 2 – 6 p.m.
PB Film: American Teen- JC Cinema 6 p.m. and 9 p.m.
Friday, Dec. 5
Condoms and Coffee- JC Kiosk 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Alcohol and Drug Education’s Drag Show-Patriots’ Lounge 7 p.m.
PB's EFF featuring singer Tyler Hilton from "One Tree Hill"-JC Atrium 9 p.m.
PB's Film: House Bunny- JC Cinema 6 p.m., 9 p.m. and 12 a.m.
Saturday, Dec. 6
PB's Film: House Bunny- JC Cinema 6 p.m. and 9 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 7
PB's Film: House Bunny- JC Cinema 3 p.m. and 6 p.m.
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By Connect2Mason Information Director Miguel Perez
While most students choose to go home during Thanksgiving break, a small number stay on campus for different reasons. These students that choose to stay at Mason during Thanksgiving have very few campus dining options during that time.
Those that stay on campus must rely on off-campus dining locations for dining needs. The University shuts down during Thursday and Friday, and food venues are unable during this time.
The Office of International Programs & Services (OIPS) prepares their students for occasions like this.
“We hand out pamphlets containing information about off-campus dining to international students when they come to GMU,” said OIPS Administrative Assistant Hanadi Hamadi. “These students become very knowledgeable of these options and use them during Thanksgiving.”
During Thursday and Friday, all dining services but the One Stop Patriot Shop will be closed. The convenience store will be open from 10:00am-6:00pm
The dining services hours during Thanksgiving can be found by clicking here.
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By Connect2Mason Director Grace Kendall
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As the semester winds down, life on campus only seems to be getting busier. Students have been braving the cold to head out to musical and sporting events on campus.
Too busy studying for exams to make it out? Don't worry. Broadside's photographers caught some of the best moments of last week, including the true start of the basketball season and events held for homeless awareness week.
Click for photos of that and more, like Jazz for Justice, EFF, the Lipizzaner Stallions and Mason wrestlers.
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