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The Best is Yet to Come: The Year is Drawing to a Close, But There Are Still at Least 10 Films to see in 2009 September 22, 2009

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Ross Bonaime

Staff Writer

This year has already been a good one for movies. We’ve already seen some Watchmen, another great Pixar film and some basterds who were pretty inglourious. With the year coming to a close, here are 10 of the best films still to come.

10. A Serious Man

With A Serious Man, the Coen brothers return to the dark comedy style that made them famous with movies like Fargo and The Big Lebowski. The film, whose cast is made of relative unknowns, is about a Jewish professor who has every aspect of his life fall apart.

The Coens should once again show their understanding of small town living and the intricacies that make life interesting.

9. Precious
Sundance Film Festival and last week’s Toronto International Film Festival were buzzing about Precious. The film’s namesake is an overweight and illiterate teenager who has been sexually abused and is now pregnant with her second child. She tries to better herself by getting a higher education while trying to avoid her mother’s hurtful remarks. The portrayal of the mother, played by comedian Mo’Nique, is already garnering Oscar buzz. Precious could be one of the big Oscar contenders this year.
8. Capitalism: A Love Story
After tackling the right to bear arms, healthcare and President George W. Bush, Michael Moore takes on America’s love of capitalism. His unique mix of comedy and documentary should make this one of the most insightful and hilarious films of the year.
7. Zombieland
In the wake of Shaun of the Dead it seemed like there should have been more comedies set in the world of the undead. With Zombieland, the zom-com genre will hopefully start budding again.
The film follows two men: one a big wuss (Jesse Eisenberg of Adventureland) and one who is fearless (Natural Born Killers’ Woody Harrelson) as they take on their new zombie-infested world. If that isn’t enough reason to see it, Little Miss Sunshine’s Abigail Breslin killing zombies should be.
6. The Invention of Lying
In a world where everyone tells the truth, Mark, played by Ghost Town’s Ricky Gervais, decides to tell a fib and becomes the first person to be dishonest. Ghost Town was one of the best comedies of last year and this unique concept should give Gervais another great film.
5. New York, I Love You
In the vein of anthology films like Paris Je’taime and Tokyo! comes New York, I Love You, featuring ten short films about the Big Apple. The film features a host of directors, including Natalie Portman, The Namesake’s Mira Nair and Brett Ratner of Rush Hour. The film stars Ethan Hawke, Andy Garcia and Chris Cooper, creating an interesting compilation.
4. Sherlock Holmes
Robert Downey Jr. has played a myriad of iconic roles over the years, from Iron Man to Charlie Chaplin to “the dude playing a dude disguised as another dude” Kirk Lazarus in Tropic Thunder. But Sherlock Holmes is arguably one of his biggest challenges. From Guy Ritchie, director of Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, this take on the Arthur Conan Doyle character will be one performance not to miss.
3. The Lovely Bones
It is not hard to argue that Peter Jackson has been this decade’s most ambitious director. In the last several years, Jackson has adapted the gigantic “Lord of the Rings” books and recreated the classic monster movie King Kong. Now, he attempts to recreate Heaven and adapt the beloved Alice Sebold novel about a young girl who watches from the pearly gates as her family is torn apart trying to solve her murder.
2. The Road
No author can do bleakness the way that Cormac McCarthy can – just look at No Country For Old Men. But even bleaker is the film adaptation of his book The Road, about a father and son duo simply named The Man (Viggo Mortensen) and The Boy, who try to survive in a mostly-destroyed world filled with cannibals. The story is a tale of love and determination and looks to be as beautiful as it is depressing.
1. Where the Wild Things Are
Spike Jonze could be one of the strangest choices ever to make a film adaptation of a children’s book. The Being John Malkovich and Adaptation. director has been working for almost half a decade to get his vision of the Maurice Sendak book onto the screen. Newcomer Max Records plays Max, the boy who goes into his imaginary world of wild things when he is sent to bed after supper. The trailer is one of the best in years and with music by Yeah Yeah Yeahs’ Karen O, Where the Wild Things Are seems to be the most complete and exciting film to look forward to at the end of the year.

In Bed With Billy: The Top 10 Men You Need to Avoid September 22, 2009

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Billy Curtis

Sex Columnist

There are 10 things I will most definitely hate about you. There are more than 10 things that most likely everyone would hate about everyone. Bad kisser, over-talkative, vain; the list could go on and on for hours, maybe even days. Luckily, most of us know what we want, and what we clearly need to stay away from when we’re looking for a partner. Sadly still, there are some who would, could, and shouldn’t believe that these types of men can change, and end up making you happy for the rest of your life.

These tragic attempts of contempt are sad stories to watch, let alone hear about. We’ve all encountered at least one of these 10 rejects that somehow manage to rule our lives at some point. Though, with every encounter we manage to grow and become stronger people. For those of you who have never been lucky enough to have your heart broken or your world turned upside down by one of these pitiful fools, take this as a warning to stay away and notice the warning signs. Let the countdown begin:

10. The Moocher or Cheap Date. You’ve imagined the perfect date, romantic dinner or a movie, and maybe even some great conversation. Then your bubble is completely popped as your date tells you that he’s taking you to McDonald’s and has a sweet chick flick waiting for the two of you at his place. Not to mention that you’d need to stick to the dollar menu when you order dinner and get your food in a small cardboard box from recycled trash. Does this sound like a perfect first date to you? Where’s the romance, people? Chivalry hasn’t died yet, has it?

9. The Mama’s Boy. When you’re in a relationship, you want to come first. Family is important, but when your boyfriend is more receptive to his mother than he is to you, that’s a clear sign to head for the hills. After all, most people want to date a grown adult . . . not someone who wants cookies and milk before he goes to bed served by the only real women or special person in his life. Second place is never fun.

8. The One-Upper. See Kanye West. He’s a prime example of a person you don’t want. Having someone tell you that their problems are worse than yours is so wrong, not to mention just plain rude. You want someone to comfort you, to listen to your problems and maybe tell you how to make it better, not to be told that your problems are nothing considered to the boss they hate and the annoying roommates they have that completely beat all your problems combined.

7. The Over-Emotional or Emotionally Guarded. Sometimes extremes can be fun, but on either end of this spectrum is a place you never want to be. Sometimes too much emotion can drown you out and make you feel lost in your partner’s world. While on the other hand, you could be dating the person who will never want to let you in, and it’s not because he doesn’t like you, but because he’d rather hold everything in. Try and stick in the middle of this awkward balancing act, because tipping in either direction is going to leave you off kilter in the end.

6. Anyone Who Resembles Your Ex in Any Way. Someone who is going to remind you of times and relationships past is always going to do so. Actions, physical appearance, attitude; no matter what it may be, these men are trouble, so just keep moving forward, and find someone who won’t remind you of him.

5. The “Anything-Aholic.” Addictions are never fun. Be it, drugs, work, videogames, or even you. Some people just can’t have enough of it, and you’ll be left to pick up whatever pieces they leave behind. So do what you know is best; get them help if you can, and if you can’t, head for the hills because no one needs to get pulled down by someone else’s  addictions.

4. The Secret Drug User. While this person may follow the lines of the “Anything-Aholic”, odds are they will never tell you. They will lie, steal, and cheat their way into keeping you oblivious from their secret using behaviors. Relationships aren’t meant to be keepers of secrets, and if he can’t be honest with himself, what makes you think he will be honest with you?

3. The One Night-Stander. While I will admit, one night stands can be fun, they only solve one thing, and that’s clearly just the primal urge of getting your jives off. Do not attempt to make these seemingly sleepless nights of sheer bliss—or nights of regret—more than what they really are, bad decisions. So don’t make them, save the sex for someone who will actually care about it, not to mention, remember your name.

2. The Serial Cheater. Incidence after incidence, mistake after mistake; this man will do everything he can to keep you believing that he’s a good fit for you. But peeking behind the curtains will reveal a whole lot, maybe even an entire different life. Time and time again, he will go back to where he once was, and obviously still wants to be. Unfortunately, that’s something you’re going to have to find out alone.

1. The Already-taken or Married Man. A man more elusive and toxic than my previous sex life; this is an act so old, Hell, even presidents still do it! Well some people talk about being the exception, or one of the lucky ones. Don’t be one of the lucky ones, because odds are he will just eventually do it to you too!

Don’t be the victim. Know the difference and find someone who will actually love you, and not open up your world to the drama and mistakes that have enveloped their lives.  And when you do find the right person, you’ll know it, trust me!

Headed to the Big Apple: Artsbus Unites NYC and Students September 22, 2009

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Patrick Wall

Style Editor

George Mason University prides itself on being a university that verses its students in culture.

From the Patriot Center – which has welcomed acts like The Cure and New Kids on the Block – to the Center for the Arts, Mason has been successful in bringing culture to its students.

But one of the most valuable programs offered is the Department of Art and Visual Technology’s annual Artsbus trips.

Founded in 1987 by Mason professor Jerry Clapsaddle, the Artsbus takes students and community members alike to New York City to visit some of the city’s most prestigious museums.

The program originally traveled to the city once a year. In the two decades since, it has expanded to offer 14 trips per year, bringing over 1,000 people to New York City per year.

The program has expanded and is now a large part of the department’s curriculum. For students, the event represents an opportunity to visit some of the most prestigious museums in the world.

“For non-art students, the trip is expensive,” said senior  Pujita Venkat, who is in the conservation studies program. “But it was a great experience.”

Each semester Artsbus makes three day trips to New York City. The visits are an intensive excursion into the lush art world of the Big Apple.

This year the department will visit, among other museums, the famed Guggenheim Museum, the Museum of Modern Art and the Chelsea Art Museum.

If you missed the first trip this semester, don’t worry. There are still two trips this semester on Oct. 17 and Nov. 14.

While art and visual technology majors are required to attend, other students and the general public can pay $65 to travel as well.

For more information on the Artsbus, visit http://artsbus.gmu.edu. For scheduling, contact Peter Winant at pwinant@gmu.edu or call at (703) 993-8385.

Fashion on a Dime: Staying Fashionable in the Recession September 22, 2009

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Jessica Martinez

Broadside Correspondent

In a recession, fashion is about shopping in your closet for classics and mixing them with new trends.

Inexpensive shopping is the new chic thing to do and it is all about investing in pieces that will last for more than one season. Romanticism in fashion trends and the transition into autumnal hues make fall an anticipated season.

The days of dropping a large amount of money on an item before it went out of style are long gone.

This fall, dress in warm attire and brace for the upcoming cold weather months in nothing short of chic classy style.

A crisp, white long-sleeved shirt always looks amazing, but this season, it is all about the collar.

“White Oxford button-downs from your closet can seem plain and outdated,” said Stefania Anthony, a self-taught Texas-based designer who defines mixing classic pieces with new accessories. “Update it a bit by folding the sleeves and adding a dramatic necklace.”

For an even trendier look, go for ruffles from the neck down, exaggerated bows and Edwardian-esque collars which make this staple piece one that transcends the seasons.

Anthony is among those who believe that while fashion changes, style remains. Investment pieces are not only timeless, but the building blocks of a good wardrobe.

With a cardigan, you never have to sacrifice fashion for comfort. Sleeveless or not, the right add-ons make the cardigan timeless.

Layer one over a dress with a skinny belt or for casual days, throw it over a racerback tank and skinny jeans.

The classic trench coat is also a staple item for fall. Invest in a colored one, preferably with a cinched waist. Vivacious shades of deep red, warm olive and honey yellow will do.

However, the ever-so-classy camel trench never fails to make a statement.

“Classics are meant to be tweaked to stay relevant and accessories are particularly important in updating them, like bib necklaces, [which are] the big rage this season,” said Anthony.

Following every trend often seems desperate and unoriginal. Instead, stick to classic pieces, but add on a few trendy items to stay current.

This season, the ‘80s trends will inevitably return. Whatever you do, though, stay away from acid-washed jeans: they are atrocious and need to stay in the past.

Sequins dominated the ‘80s, but keep them to a minimum during the day for a modern look—at night, be as flashy as you like with them.

Anticipate embracing the biker-chic look. Whether it is cropped or standard length, a motorcycle jacket worn over a white tank and jeans with strategically placed ripped patches can look effortless, yet sexy.

“Gap’s new 1969 denim line features the medium-washed, always destructed jeans that can give more edge to a motorcycle jacket,” said Helen Taylor, a Gap employee.

Menswear is also making its way into fall trends for women with the structured-shoulder boyfriend blazer.

The must-have look features the blazer paired with skinny jeans or a dress of the same length for a weekend night out.

Remember, width across the top slims the hips, but do not go overboard with a shoulder pad-like structure. A look from 1983 should not be the intention.

Underestimating a classic is usual for many, but only the wearer knows the potential to build several outfits around one piece.

These pieces are meant to look fabulous all the time without seeming stuck in a time warp, so throw them on and embrace this season’s trends, because a wise fashionista remains in style, despite the season.

Customer Critique: P’s and Q’s at the Checkout Counter September 22, 2009

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Heather Gioia

Broadside Correspondent

When you were young your parents probably told you to only “speak when you are spoken to.”

You might have been the child that rambled on about everything and nothing, or possibly the child who said nothing whatsoever, even when someone spoke to you.

Even if you were five years old when your parents told you this, the theory still holds: Speak when you are spoken to.

When you place your items on the counter at the grocery store, maybe even pushing them towards the cashier, and your cashier says, “Hi! How are you today?” do not hesitate to answer.

If, by chance, you miss this greeting and your cashier insists on being friendly and again, smiles and says, “Hi! How are you today?” you should respond.

There is no excuse for not responding to a simple friendly greeting. This is especially true if your cashier insists on greeting you twice, thus giving you the benefit of the doubt that you didn’t hear them over the noise in the store.

If you are a people person or up for conversation, this is your chance to make it known before your cashier dives into a conversation about how they love your outfit. A simple, “Fine, thank you,” lacking interest in the cashier’s day (or frankly anything else), is much more acceptable than ignoring the greeting all together.

Bad day causing your standoffish behavior? You are more than welcome to respond with something along the lines of, “Terrible”, or “Terrible, how is yours?”

While your cashier may care less about what is wrong, they will most likely respond with some upbeat comment like, “Oh, I am sorry to hear that. I hope the rest of your day gets better.”

Each cashier varies. You may not always find yourself in the line of the chatty cashier, but on the chance you do and do not feel like talking, please speak when spoken to.

One word answers are acceptable. Head nods and gestures the cashier may not see are not very successful. In many cases, your cashier may be too busy scanning your items, placing everything in a bag or getting your change to notice you shake your head “no” to a question.

In the end, just simply acknowledge the fact that your cashier is making an effort to make a connection with you, the customer—the most important person in the store—and remember what your parents told you when you were young: “You need to speak when you are spoken to.”

‘That’s Not What I Ordered’: Getting Lost in Translation at the Dining Hall September 22, 2009

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Evan Benton
Staff Writer
Working in the food industry is hard work.
It’s complicated, what with concentrating on both efficiency and excellence, all the while under the scrutinizing, often unfair eyes of the customer.
Campus dining, if successful, must be characterized by either exceptionally fast service or large buffet-style choices. Failure at efficiency creates long lines of dissatisfied, angry customers.
To combat this, particular George Mason University dining facilities like Sub Connection, Taco Bell and the popular new Burrito Del Rey have an assembly line method of service to enhance efficiency. However, this often thrusts both worker and consumer into disorganized chaos.
The effect of this assembly line is most obvious at Sub Connection, Mason’s answer to Subway, in the Johnson Center atrium.
Three predominantly Latina workers stand in line. The first takes care of the bread, meat, cheese and the most important question, “toasted?” The second handles the toasting, and the third plants the vegetables, pours the condiments and wraps the sandwich.
Pretty good system, right?
Well, make the line 15 people long (with more on the way), make anything below a shout nearly impossible to hear—like it is any weekday at noon in the JC—and problems begin.
To combat this, Sub Connection usually adds another employee. But the results, while good-intentioned, only add to the confusion.
The wrong kind of cheese ends up on your sub, it’s not toasted when you want it to be, or maybe you get the wrong sub completely, compliments of an assembly line trying to serve so many it winds up confusing everyone.
And with the presence of a language barrier as thick as the Berlin Wall, these complications become even more difficult.
I’ve often noticed that Mason diners who speaks decent Spanish have it made. Their meal, no matter how complicated, is made just the way they want, and the workers, impressed and happy to hear the customer speaking their language, beam.
As for me, I don’t know Spanish as well as I should, and when I try to blurt something like “no tomate” or “salsa verde por favor” I get distrustful glances because of my obvious accent problems, so I revert back to English.
A good 50 percent of my time spent at one of the three assembly line-based franchises listed earlier involves confusing interaction and lackluster result.
This week at Burrito Del Rey, located in SUB I where lines are always long, one worker was so rushed she moved onto the next tray of goodies to put in my burrito.
Before I could say a word she was already spooning it in, like it or not. When she moved to cheese and I said, calmly, “Can I have more lettuce?” she nodded and plopped in some cheese.
Whatever, a little cheese won’t kill me. I understand.
This article isn’t a discourse on why these workers aren’t assimilating linguistically, but how the pressure put on the shoulders of these workers makes an already stressful and confusing situation volatile.
Ladies, what’s the rush?
So you piss off some hung over student because he’s waiting an extra two minutes. What’s the worst that could happen? They’ll be back.
With the small amount of dining choices, despite the constant growth, one can’t eat the same thing forever. And if they can, they’ll be replaced by 10 more who can’t.
Rushing to create a poor product isn’t what the assembly line is made for. If the machine can’t keep up, it must be replaced, or at least mended.
The assembly lines at Sub Connection and Burrito Del Rey do the job, but not well. And a college striving to grow culinarily should not settle for less.
If they think they can meet the demands of each customer and do it quickly, they’re wrong. They obviously can’t. Don’t stubbornly attempt what can’t be done – try something new.
Slow down. Be patient. Take your time. And listen.
And as a customer, food served fast is important to me. But I’d rather take one extra minute of my day to make sure it’s done right than eat something I don’t want.

An Ode to the ‘Greatest Generation’ September 22, 2009

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Patrick Wall
Style Editor
Legendary journalist Tom Brokaw called them the “Greatest Generation.” Countless Americans call them heroes. But for the veterans of World War II, the most fitting term might just be “brother” or “sister.”
On Monday, George Mason University will host Never Forget: WWII Veterans. According to the group’s mission statement, the event aims to “provide George Mason students the opportunity to play a role in our American and global memory.”
At 2 p.m., the Johnson Center Cinema will be showing the first two episodes of Band of Brothers, the popular HBO miniseries based on the experiences of the 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment. Mason history professor Harry Butowsky will give opening remarks. Butowsky teaches courses on World War I as well as the European and Pacific theaters of World War II.
At 7 p.m., Mason will welcome four veterans to Harris Theater for a panel discussion. During the discussion, the four veterans will answer questions from the Mason community, as well as community members. The panel will be moderated by military history professor Christopher Hamner. Hamner is a specialist in the changing combat experiences of American soldiers from the eighteenth to twentieth centuries.
The event is organized by Mason student and Never Forget series chairwoman Megan Fowler. In 2007, Fowler worked as an intern with the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. Her experiences there inspired her to create last year’s event. Never Forget showed Schindler’s List and set up a panel discussion featuring a local Holocaust survivor.
The event was a success, earning attention from students and faculty alike. Even Mason President Alan Merten attended, offering his support for future events. His wife, Sally Merten, will be giving the welcome address before the panel discussion.
Although Fowler organized last year’s event, Monday’s event holds special significance. Her grandfather served in the Navy, and a close family friend fought in the Pacific Theater. They both died before she was old enough to appreciate their sacrifices. Fowler wants to ensure her experience doesn’t become commonplace.
“[Veterans are] going to pass away, and after they’re gone, you find out that they were there when they liberated Auschwitz, or they were there with a victory garden.” said Fowler. “They lived through a unique situation.”
Although Fowler is a senior, she hopes the events will continue in the future. According to Fowler, organizing the event takes close to a year. With the help of a freshman interested in continuing the series, Fowler hopes Never Forget continues at Mason.
Fowler is hopeful that last year’s success will help attract more Mason students this Monday. And her advice to those students? “Be active,” Fowler said. “It’s off the page, in-your-face, 3D history.”
For information about the events, including how to volunteer for this and next year’s event, e-mail Fowler at MFowler87@gmail.com.
The event is being co-sponsored by University Life, Office of Military Services, ACE/Wal-Mart Foundation, Honors College, University Scholars, Mason Community Outreach, National Society for Collegiate Scholars, the Social Programming Fund and Phi Alpha Delta.

Muse Sends Mixed Messages on New Album: English Rockers Show-off Collection of Mismatched Songs on The Resistance September 18, 2009

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Pearson Jones

Assistant Style Editor

Muse’s musical intuition has been distorted since its triumphant, mainstream success with their album Black Holes and Revelations, which launched the British trio across the pond and onto the radio wavelengths and music scene of the States.

Muse’s newest album, The Resistance shamelessly borrows musical creativity from Queen and Radiohead, a catalyst for lead man Matthew Bellamy to compose his passion-project rock opera album he apparently has been planning to do for a while now. Not many bands have the gumption or musical perception to compose a 15 minute-long three-piece rock symphony—something that supposedly took Bellamy 10 years to write—complete with an overture-to-outro on an album already crammed to the brink with unfamiliar sounds and difficult music that listeners will need a couple of go-arounds to comprehend.

The Resistance introduces itself with the albums weak single “Uprising,” a minimalistic beat-driven song that’s so unmemorable you’ll forget about it as quickly as it probably took Bellamy to write the uninspiring, anti-conformity lyrics. “They will not force us/They will stop degrading us/They will not control us/We will be victorious” is sung by Bellamy in a quickly spoken style. Bellamy’s lyrics are so cliché they end up losing the flare he had intended them to have, coming off as nothing more than a message a 9/11 conspiracy theory PSA would have in it. The lyrics come close to conceiving the idea that we all live in a world the Wachowski brothers created. Bellamy’s lyrics are over dramatic in every sense of the word, with a theme bands like Green Day and Rage Against the Machine killed and buried a long time ago.

The track “United States of Eurasia” was also released early with the “Uprising” single and is one of the many tracks that justify accusations to Bellamy’s recently developed Queen fetish. Queen has “Bohemian Rhapsody,” Muse has “United States of Eurasia” it’s that obvious and simple. The mock Queen ballad follows the same climatic structure with all band members singing in sporadic moments and guitar riffs that resonate the power of Brian May. You’ll get images of Wayne and Garth lip-synching down the strip of Detroit in the Gremlin while listening to it.

“I Belong to You” and “Unnatural Selection” are shining moments for The Resistance. “I Belong to You” is completely absent of Bellamy’s guitar, substituting in piano for the entire song. The track is interrupted midway with Bellamy’s softly spoken lyrics and just him on piano, which is then escalated into him blaring out French lyrics that will remind you of The Beatles’ “Michelle.”

“Unnatural Selection” almost stays closer to what Muse was like on Origin of Symmetry. The track begins with an eerie haunted house organ, followed by a riff that sounds sampled from Muse’s “New Born.” Both flawlessly capture what Muse used to be, containing merciless guitar riffs that you would break your neck jamming out to.

Personally, I don’t think the guys in Muse really know what they’re  going for anymore.

Love, Sex and Breaking the Ice: “Dating Doctor” Keeps it Real September 14, 2009

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Patrick Wall, Style Editor

Ever told someone to be a “fat penguin”? Probably not. For most people, talking like this would earn them a fair share of strange looks. For Dave Coleman, it is what he does for a living.

Affectionately known as the “Dating Doctor,” Coleman has spoken to over two million people, spending his career helping men and women around the world deal with issues of relationships, dating and sex.

Last Monday, Coleman brought his wealth of expertise to George Mason University.

He spoke to a crowd of nearly 100 people for two hours, addressing everything from how to maintain long-distance relationships to why “friends with benefits” never works.

Rather than giving a lecture, Coleman brought humor and entertainment. Instead of being corny and out of touch, Coleman won over the crowd with his striking personality and down-to-earth style.

Most of the evening’s lighter moments came during the audience participation phases. Coleman gently heckled the crowd, rewarding correct answers with treats, and in one instance, an entire bag of candy.

“It was refreshing and interesting,” said senior conflict analysis and resolution major Lillie McVey. “The program brought forth students’ sexual desires and embarrassment in a comforting way.”

The presentation, titled “Making Relationships Matter,” focused on dating, sex and relationships.

Coleman dove headfirst into issues facing both men and women, as well as how best to overcome the differences in the genders.

Coleman drove these points home by using memorable catchphrases like the aforementioned “fat penguin.”  (For the record, a “fat penguin” is someone who breaks the ice. Get it?)

While attending Bowling Green University, Coleman garnered a reputation for being able to meet anyone.

“I just had the type of personality where I could meet people effortlessly, including women,” Coleman said. “My friends used to fight to be my wingman.”

During his time as Student Activities director in college, Coleman gave seminars around his native Ohio.

Before long, organizations began paying him for his work, and the rest is history.

Over 250 presentations  later, the “Doctor” has been named Speaker of the Year 12 times by two different publications.

He has authored five books and contributed on several more.

For Coleman, working with college students allows him to speak to audiences that truly want to understand his message.

“College students really seem to care about my material,” said Coleman. “College students are at the perfect age and mindset to take what I discussed and put  it into action immediately.

For more information on Coleman, including links to purchase his books or book him for a seminar, visit www.datingdoctor.com.

Mason Gets Naked: One Student’s Love Affair with All-Natural Juice September 14, 2009

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Evan Benton, Staff Writer

Once upon a time, while watching CNN (actually, it was most likely VH1 or NFL Network) I heard the unmistakable sound of a large truck backing up outside my window.

Getting up with a groan, I walked over to my window and saw an enormous truck with the word “NAKED” emblazoned along its side. After parking awkwardly in a space much too small for its size, the driver exited the vehicle and began to unload box after box of similarly-titled boxes.  What was in the boxes? Bottles of juice.

That was almost a year ago, but I still remember leaving my room in a furious rush of curiosity, wondering what in God’s name “naked juice” was supposed to be, and why they were putting it near food.

I found out that NAKED is a brand of unadulterated, all-natural and organic juice.  And the truck driver proved to be a good spokesman for the Santa Monica, Calif. company, giving me a free shirt (albeit grossly oversized) and a nice green hat.

Both having the word NAKED boldly written on the fabric proved to be great attention-getters.

The One-Stop Patriot Shop in Chesapeake offers a wide spectrum of NAKED’s many varieties.  Different flavors include such conventional ones as “O.J.” and “Strawberry Kiwi Kick,” and more exotic flavors like “Watermelon Chill” and “Chai Spiced Cider.”

Each 15.2-ounce drink promises “a pound of fruit in every bottle!” whether it be apples, oranges, pomegranates or watermelons.  And at least one drink has all four.

But each one of those 15.2-ounce drinks is $4.

I’m not a cheap man.  I merely enjoy the challenge of shopping well for less money.  And here at George Mason University, where new ways to bleed you dry are planned every day, one should watch what they spend before they spend it all.

I have Freedom Rings, the $1,600 depleting sum food option that’s the only Freedom left in town.  And between $9 meals at Southside and frequent shopping sprees at the campus’ convenience stores, you better believe that goes fast.

So when I go buy a bottle of NAKED, I think: for those five to 10 swigs of juice, I could have gotten a hoagie at Gold Rush, four tacos at Taco Bell, or two 15-ounce bottles of Fuze and Gold Peak tea.  Come on . . .

But, I chose juice. And Lord, did I get good juice.

NAKED tastes great.  The fruit tastes as if it was taken from the vine and bottled that morning.  It’s fruit, pure and simple, for all of us to see—naked, for lack of a better word.

What I’m saying—and I know I say a lot—is that if I want juice, or have a taste for some fresh fruit and can’t find any, I’d buy nothing but NAKED.

I’m not telling you to go crazy—having NAKED parties with your friends and spending your Freedom overdosing on mangosteen—but if you did, I’m saying that I wouldn’t blame you.  “Mighty Mango” made me rethink my life.

Money is money.  It’s important to be thrifty.  But quality is also quality.  And at a college campus rampant with poor examples of this, my advice is to grab onto what’s good and not let go.

Get NAKED, Mason.