Vassar College The Miscellany News Poughkeepsie, NY Since 1866 | miscellanynews.com January 27, 2011 Volume CXLIV | Issue 12 Vassar’s $400 million campaign goes public

Molly Turpin when President Catharine Bond Hill Ed i t o r i n Ch i e f arrived in 2006. t the opening of the sesqui- “The goals for the campaign arose Acentennial year, the College from conversations on campus after launched the public phase of its I arrived in 2006,” wrote Hill in an “Vassar 150: World Changing” $400 e-mailed statement. “We undertook million capital campaign. The work a process to discuss and plan stra- on the campaign, however, began tegically for Vassar’s future. These several years ago, leading Vassar to goals arose from those discussions. officially open the campaign on Jan. One (the Annual Fund) encompass- 18 with $262 million already received es the entire College, one (science) in gifts and pledges. focuses on the academic program, According to Vice President for and one (access) supports our com- Alumnae/i Affairs and Development mitment to our students. Together Juliana Halpert/ The Miscellany News Cathy Baer, “With the public launch they make a very powerful state- now we want the entire community ment about our values and mission.” to know and to participate and under- According to Baer, the goals of the stand what the goals are.” campaign do not only set forth a mis- The campaign focuses on three sion for fundraising, but also articulate broad areas of fundraising—Access to a vision of the College’s priorities. Excellence, Sciences for the 21st Cen- “It was clear to me that we needed tury and the Annual Fund. to start moving to another campaign, The idea for a campaign began near partly to articulate a set of goals,” said the end of President Frances Daly Baer. “You have to have an articulate vi- Fergusson’s term at the College. The sion for what it takes to get us there.” three themes then began to take shape See CAMPAIGN on page 4 Above, members of the Vassar community celebrate last week’s reopening of the Frances Lehman Loeb Art Center, which is kicking off 2011 with “150 Years Later,” a photography exhibit featuring contemporary images of the College. Loeb opens with photography exhibition of contemporary Vassar

Rachael Borné vis and Katherine Newbegin that photographers, Emily Hargroves Ar t s Ed i t o r will open tonight from 5 to 9 p.m. Fisher ’57 and Richard B. Fisher n the wake of its grand reopen- In short, the photographers were Curator Mary-Kay Lombino ex-

Iing exactly one week ago, Vas- asked to capture Vassar. After that, plained: “There’s nothing that you Eric Estes/ The Miscellany News sar’s Frances Lehman Loeb Art they were each granted complete can’t do; we’re not going to reject Center will celebrate its freshly creative license and freedom to any of your photographs.” Lombino renovated space by hosting a con- depict the campus with whatever thought of the idea for the exhibi- temporary photography exhibition sensibility, style and perspective tion in conjunction with the many entitled 150 Years Later: New Pho- they saw fit. sesquicentennial festivities in our tography by Tina Barney, Tim Da- In her ‘prompt’ to the three See LOEB on page 16

Science New student space The model, pictured above, represents the new integrated science facilities. The center plans opening in UpCDC sciences are one of three main pillars of the Vassar 150: World Changing campaign. Matthew Brock programming space—where stu- Faculty rejects course presented Contributing Ed i t o r dents can relax without feeling onight at 8 p.m., the sec- pressured to drink—came out of Caitlin Clevenger Tond floor of the Students’ the series of town hall meetings repeat policy by 1 vote Ne w s Ed i t o r Building—known to most as that Dean of the College Chris- resident of the College Catharine UpC—will open as a new student topher Roellke and President Aashim Usgaonkar and to get them back on track. Why PBond Hill, representatives from lounge. Catharine Bond Hill held in the Ne w s Ed i t o r should we go to even greater lengths the science faculty, the design team at According to Assistant Dean residence halls last year. he course-repeat policy, which when so much is done already to Ennead Architects and the landscape for Campus Activities Teresa At these meetings, many Twould allow students who earn support student success? Wouldn’t architecture firm Michael Van Valken- Quinn, the idea for an alternative See UpCDC on page 3 a D or D+ grade in a course during this policy amount to a lowering burgh Associates Inc. revealed plans their first three semesters of college of our academic standards?” wrote for Vassar’s $120 million science fa- to retake the course, failed to be in- Chenette in an e-mailed statement cilities project in the Villard Room on ducted into Vassar’s curricular poli- describing some of the concerns Wednesday, Jan. 19. cy at the faculty floor on Wednesday, members of the faculty raised at the Juliana Halpert/ The Miscellany News President Hill, in an interview pub- Dec. 15. “The policy lost by one vote,” meeting. lished in the January issue of the Chro- said Vassar Student Association The Committee on Curricular Pol- nogram, identified current problems (VSA) Vice President for Academics icies (CCP) first proposed the policy with Vassar science facilities, saying, Laura Riker ’11. in April of last year. The document, “We’ve got a very charming but out- Offering reasons for the fate of the which the committee endorsed last dated physics building that could be policy, Dean of the Faculty Jonathan fall, would have allowed students in used for a Back to the Future movie Chenette noted that “a variety of their first three semesters to submit a set. Our chemistry building is not that concerns were raised.” petition to the Committee on Leaves old but unfortunately has been more “My sense of the primary concern and Privileges to be allowed to re- or less dysfunctional from the day was that D grades are actually quite take a course in which they received it opened. Our Psychology Depart- rare—about .4 percent of all grades a D or D+. After it was endorsed by ment is in a building on the other side in 2009-10—and there are systems in CCP, the policy made its way to the of campus from most of our science The second floor of the Students’ Building will serve as a new alternative place to notify the Dean of Studies of- VSA Council, which unanimously See SCIENCE on page 4 space for students from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. on Thursdays through Saturdays. fice about students facing difficulties See REPEAT on page 4 Inside this issue Examining a See our Staff Volleyball begins 7 new, local 8 Editorial now 18 new, challenging FEATURES sushi bargain OPINIONS in Opinions SPORTS 2011 season Page 2 The Miscellany News January 27, 2011

Editor in Chief Molly Turpin

Senior Editor Angela Aiuto

Contributing Editors Matthew Brock Lila Teeters

News Caitlin Clevenger Aashim Usgaonkar Features Mitchell Gilburne Opinions Joshua Rosen Humor & Satire Alanna Okun Arts Rachael Borné Sports Andy Marmer Design Eric Estes Photography Juliana Halpert Online Erik Lorenzsonn Social Media Marie Dugo

Assistant Features Matthew Bock Danielle Gensburg Assistant Arts Rachael Borné Assistant Sports Corey Cohn Assistant Copy Katharine Austin Stephen Loder Assistant Photo Madeline Zappala Crossword Editor Jonathan Garfinkel Reporters Vee Benard Adam Buchsbaum Danielle Bukowski Emma Daniels Mary Huber Shruti Manian Kristine Olson Connor O’Neill Chelsea Peterson- Salahuddin Wilson Platt Joseph Rearick Dave Rosenkranz Jillian Scharr Columnists Brittany Hunt Michael Mestitz On January 23, 1943, The Miscellany News reported on the faculty’s introduction of a new plan for a three-year degree program. This “acceler- Andy Sussman ated” degree was meant to put graduates in the workforce more quickly so that they might take their liberal education to the war effort and, Nik Trkulja later, to reconstruction. The Trustees passed the proposal on Feb. 5 of the same year. The last students to participate in it graduated in 1948. Photographers Katie de Heras Carlos Hernandez Jared Saunders Th i s We e k i n Va s s a r Hi s t o r y Eric Schuman

1871, January poetry:“…in truth, one of the legitimate poets, 1902, Jan. Ellen Swallow ’70 matriculated at the Massa- Emerson, in my opinion, is not.” In fact Em- New England Building, donated by the New chusetts Institute for Technology to pursue erson, whose poetry lacked “directness, com- England alumnae and designed by York & chemistry. Though women were not allowed pleteness, energy,” was “neither a great poet Sawyer, architects, was completed. The build- LETTERS POLICY The Miscellany News is Vassar College’s weekly open to study at MIT at the time, Swallow was ad- nor a man of letters.” ing was originally dedicated to the biology, forum for discussion of campus, local and national is- mitted on an experimental basis to determine The Vassar Miscellany in turn criticized physiology, geology and mineralogy depart- sues, and welcomes letters and opinions submissions if women were capable of studying the sci- Arnold, writing ““We of to-day...have no de- ments. Trustee Florence Cushing, Class of from all readers. Letters to the Editor should not ex- ences. sire to be led back into medievalism even by 1874, arranged for a fragment of Plymouth ceed 450 words, and they usually respond to a par- ticular item or debate from the previous week’s issue. such cultured and classic teachers as Mat- Rock to be placed over the building’s en- Opinions articles are longer pieces, up to 800 words, 1884, Jan. 7 thew Arnold.” trance. and take the form of a longer column. No letter or English poet and social critic Matthew Ar- One particularly irreverent student re- opinions article may be printed anonymously. If you nold delivered a lecture on Ralph Waldo Em- portedly dangled a toy mouse over Arnold’s —These dates are taken from an upcoming are interested in contributing, e-mail [email protected]. erson. Though he spoke admirously of Em- head during the lecture and was summarily documentary chronicle of Vassar College by erson’s writing, Arnold criticized Emerson’s expelled. Dean Emeritus Colton Johnson. The Editorial Board holds weekly meetings every Sunday at 9 p.m. in the Rose Parlor. All members of the Vassar community interested in joining the newspaper’s staff or in a critique of the current is- CORRECTIONS sue are welcome. The Miscellany News is not respon- sible for the views presented in the Opinions pages. A retrospective included in the recent sequicen- A calendar included in the sesquicentennial is- An article on the Vassar Farm and Ecological The weekly staff editorial is the only article which tennial issue of The Miscellany News mispelled sue misidentified the composer of “Aethelred Preserve in the recent sesquicentennial issue reflects the opinion of the Editorial Board. The Mis- cellany News is published weekly by the students the name of a former College president. The cor- the Unready.” The composer’s name is Richard misidentified the Field Station Manager. Her of Vassar College. The Miscellany News office is -lo rect spelling is MacCracken, not McCracken. Wilson, not Robert E. Wilson. name is Keri VanCamp, not Kelly Van Kamp. cated in College Center Room 303, Vassar College.

MISCELLANY NEWS | VASSAR COLLEGE January 27, 2011 NEWS Page 3 Kitzinger’s lecture reflects on Vassar’s News Briefs Students Led Ashtray At 12:23 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 20, a patrol- 150-year commitment to the liberal arts ling Safety and Security officer smelled marijuana on the second floor of Lathrop Joey Rearick by other pressing obligations, such as work. demonstrates on a range of issues. Kitzing- House; ashtrays, cigarette butts and alcohol Re p o r t e r Revealing her talk’s thematic undercurrents, er noted one instance in which the student were found in the offending room. Students he long-awaited series of sesquicen- she noted, “A liberal arts education still has spent hours agonizing over “the question of are reminded that smoking in residence Ttennial events began last week with a a connection to a state of freedom.” Indeed, the efficacy of prayer,” a subject the devout halls is a safety hazard. lecture on Friday, Jan. 21 delivered by Pro- as she went on to explain, the liberal arts Christian had never before considered. —Caitlin Clevenger, News Editor fessor of Classics and Dean of Planning and provided a strong preparation for participa- But, contended Kitzinger, a liberal arts ed- Academic Affairs Rachel Kitzinger. The tion in free democracy. ucation is not simply about seeing the com- Safety is Derailed lecture focused on Vassar’s commitment to First, Kitzinger discussed the great trag- plexity of a range of issues, or understand- Officers found multiple bikes locked onto education in the liberal arts throughout its edies of ancient Greek theater and their re- ing how little one knows for sure. Rather, handrails of buildings on Jan. 20. The bikes 150-year history, but Kitzinger reached back fusal to supply a simple, morally unambigu- it is meant to expand a student’s vision of are considered a safety hazard. —CC further than 1861 to ground her talk in the ous conclusion. Rather, these plays asked the world, and allow that decision to make origins of the liberal arts, citing a connec- their audiences to question themselves, a commitment to action. The liberal arts are T-Pane tion between Vassar’s educational philoso- their values and the brutal aspects of this not meant to conspire to confuse students; Around 3:00 a.m. on Sunday, Jan. 23, a Safety phy and ancient Athens. world, allowing no viewer to walk away rather, they are the basis for making com- and Security officer discovered two broken The lecture, given before more than 100 unshaken. So too did Plato and Socrates be- plex moral decisions in a modern world full windows on the third floor of Main Build- students, professors, administrators and lieve in the power of recognizing ethical and of difficult concerns. ing. Glass was broken on a door in the hall- friends of the College, directly followed the philosophical quandaries, said Kitzinger. By It is this penchant for understanding way and a student’s bedroom window. opening of a new exhibit at the Thompson positing questions without easy answers, complexity and making well-reasoned com- —CC Memorial Library entitled The Most Per- and refuting the assertions of interlocutors, mitments to values that makes liberal arts fect Education of Body, Mind, and Heart: Socrates, as portrayed by Plato in his dia- students so valuable as citizens of the fu- Joss Stoned Vassar and the Liberal Arts. The title refer- logues, hopes to demonstrate how little can ture, Kitzinger concluded. However, she did An officer doing rounds in Josselyn House ences a quote by Matthew Vassar, and both be really known. Kitzinger soon linked this admit others do not share her view, noting at 11:32 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 22, smelled the exhibit and Kitzinger’s talk stressed the approach to Vassar’s history. the danger of “the judgment that this kind of marijuana coming from a room with an relationship between the College’s past and By citing the journal of Christine Ladd- education is unnecessary.” open door. The students inside admitted to present. President Catharine Bond Hill, Franklin, Class of 1869, which appeared as “There are some who ask, ‘How could smoking marijuana. —CC introducing Kitzinger, said she hoped the part of the accompanying exhibit, she traced it possibly be worth the hundreds of thou- lecture would “underscore the vital role the young woman’s path towards seeing the sands of dollars it takes to educate one stu- Big Men Off Campus that history plays at Vassar.” But Kitzinger value of not-knowing, much in the way that dent?’” she said, likening this opinion to the Two students walking down Raymond Av- did not limit her approach to the subject to the greatest intellects of the ancient world pragmatist critics of Plato and Socrates. enue on the night of Sunday, Jan. 23 saw a Vassar’s lifetime, swiftly placing the liberal set about discovering uncertainty. At first, Instead, she asserted, the value of a Vassar non-student being assaulted by three indi- arts in the context of ancient Greece and its the journal entries communicate a student education lies not in specific practical ap- viduals. The students intervened and drove theatrical traditions. She noted that “liberal” confident in her ideas and scornful of her plications, but a far grander mission: “The the non-student to his residence. Police and “school” have roots in Latin and An- classmates; just three months later, she is kind of questioning that a Vassar student were contacted and the three individu- cient Greek words pertaining to leisure and questioning herself in every course, utterly learns to do then and now is a crucial part of als were found, but no charges are being freedom; students were ostensibly unbound consumed by the ambiguity that each class a healthy democratic society.” pressed. —CC

New space includes television, This Week in New york board games and updated café by Caitlin Clevenger, news editor

UpCDC continued from page 1 Tatum said, “it just needs a formal label,” she students expressed concern over the lack of added. While observing student traffic in the Winter weather expected to remain biting under 30,000), but Senator Kruger hopes alternative programming on campus. Students’ Building at night, Tatum reports Snow on campus could continue to pile to amend the bill to apply the law to small- “There was no central location for students seeing “students doing their homework, the up, as the National Weather Service has er cities. to go to on weekends if they did not want to Barefoot Monkeys practicing, and students issued a Winter Storm Watch for Dutchess go to parties,” said Vassar Student Association hanging out.” Judging by the current use of County this week. Chances of snow total- New York Times considers WikiLeaks model Vice President for Activities Tanay Tatum ’12. the space as one that serves such multiple ing five to 10 inches are high on Thurs- The New York Times is considering cre- “Our charge was to think of a space where purposes, UpC was thus an obvious choice day, Friday and Saturday. Cold weather is ating an anonymous electronic portal al- students can go blow off steam late at night— for Campus Activities for this alternative- expected around the state this week, with lowing leakers to give the news organi- where students can go that would not be pro- programming space. temperatures reaching 20 degrees below zation files and tips directly rather than grammed with student activities,” said Quinn. Unfortunately, converting the Students’ zero in upstate New York Sunday night. through an intermediary like WikiLeaks The new lounge, which will open from 10 Building into a lounge removes it as a possible Milder weather may return on Monday, and its founder Julian Assange, accord- p.m. to 2 a.m. Thursday through Saturday, will location for hosting events created by vari- but a second winter storm heading up the ing to Executive Editor Bill Keller. In the be stocked with games such as ping-pong, ous student organizations during the lounge’s east coast should bring snow on Tuesday past the Times has worked with WikLeaks pool, foosball, Scattergories and Cranium. The hours of operation. Many all-campus parties and Wednesday. for stories, but following the creation of Al Students’ Building will also be outfitted with a hosted by VSA organizations such as Vas- Jazeera’s “Transparency Unit,” which al- 52-inch television and a Nintendo Wii. sar College Entertainment (ViCE), the Queer State audits Arlington Fire District lows anonymous sources to submit docu- According to Tatum, students will be able to Coalition of Vassar College, and the Senior The New York Comptroller’s Office recent- ments, videos, photos or tips directly to check out any of these games from the student Class Council and many dormitories find their ly began auditing the Arlington Fire District, Al Jazeera, other influential news organi- manager, in exchange for their Vassar College venue in UpC; starting today, such parties will which provides emergency services for zations have considered following in its Identification Card. now have to find different spaces on campus Vassar and the Arlington area. The District, footsteps. Along with the rest of the Students’ Build- to host their events in order to make room for which has a $15 million budget, was inves- ing, the on-site cafeteria Java City has also been this new use of campus space. tigated this summer in part of a statewide given a makeover to befit the altered use of the However, according to Quinn the lounge investigation on pension-padding in public NYC Bill would give pregnant women free space; it has been rechristened “UpCafé”— should not pose a significant scheduling prob- employment offices. Dutchess County and parking pronounced “UpC Café.” Although it will con- lem because most events are over by 10 p.m., the cities of Beacon and Poughkeepsie were New York City Councilman David Green- tinue to stock all of the same products, Dining in time for the lounge to open. Some events, also investigated this summer, but of these field will introduce legislation next week Services has replaced Java City with Winchell such as Roaring 20s, have already reserved the only Arlington Fire District was selected that could give special parking placards, Mountain Coffee. “They’re a locally grown, Students’ Building for parties on Friday and for an official audit. The audit, which will similar to handicap placards, to pregnant family-owned business,” said Senior Director Saturday nights, and according to Quinn, they be completed this spring, will further inves- women with physical or mobility difficul- of Campus Dining Maureen King, who discov- will still be allowed to use the space just for tigate Arlington Fire District’s pension and ties confirmed by their doctors. The plac- ered the farm at her local farmers’ market in that night alone. From this point on, however, budgeting practices. ards would grant their holders free parking Millbrook. priority will be given for the space to lend it- in no-parking or no-standing zones from In honor of the new lounge’s opening, the self to alternative programming on weekend State law may ban devices when crossing the date of issue until 30 days after their first 50 students to arrive at the inauguration nights. street expected due dates to ease their entry into of the alternative space tonight will receive While the Students’ Building may no lon- A pending bill in the New York state legis- grocery stores and shopping malls. free cappuccinos. Additionally, the Campus ger host parties, the College is working to de- lature would make use of cellular phones, Activities Office will be supplying free pizza vise new events to fit with the space’s more music players or other electronic devices Jets’ Super Bowl Hopes End from Pizzeria Bacio Ristorante, a candy wall laid-back atmosphere. Quinn suggested, for illegal while crossing streets. The bill was The New York Jets lost to the Pittsburgh and sumo wrestling for the first night of open- instance, that the College may bring in an proposed in reaction to an increase in pe- Steelers in the American Football Con- ing. outside food vendor, such as Twisted Soul, on destrian fatalities in the past six months ference Championship on Sunday Jan. 23, Originally, the College had considered in- some weekends. that State Senator Carl Kruger, who pro- with a score of 24-19. The Steelers will go stalling the new student lounge in the Aula in However, such programming is still a ways posed the bill, attributes to pedestrian dis- on to face the Green Bay Packers in Super Bowl XLV on Sunday, Feb. 6. New Yorkers Ely Hall. However, according to Tatum, “The away at this point in time, as the College wants traction, especially by electronic devices. and New Jerseyans have found the bright Aula’s kitchen would have to be remodeled to to gauge students’ response to the space be- Pedestrians, cyclists and runners would all side of the loss, finding solace in the find- be able to support the amount of food UpC’s fore making any such plans. be subject to a civil summons and a $100 ings of Dr. Robert Kloner, who found that does.” “We wanted to get it going in a short time fine if they violated the law. As it is writ- a Jets loss in the Super Bowl could have “When [UpC] was dedicated in 2002, it was to see how it goes,” said Quinn, “so now we ten, the bill would apply only to cities of raised heart-related deaths in the area due intended to be a student lounge space,” said have something to expand.” She concluded, one million or higher in population (The to emotional stress. Quinn. “I’m anxious to be a month out and see how City of Poughkeepsie’s population is just “UpC is already used as a student space,” it’s going.” MISCELLANY NEWS | VASSAR COLLEGE Page 4 NEWS January 27, 2011 CCP unlikely Campaign articulates College priorities

CAMPAIGN continued from page 1 million. As Access to Excellence and Sciences for Vassar graduates in it. The new campaign is to reintroduce The College settled on the $400 million the 21st Century are umbrellas for several areas of new not only for its approach and focus, but will goal after an analysis of its alumnae/i base, fundraising, the aggregate gift to the Annual Fund also be Vassar’s first large campaign to tap into history and research into peer colleges. “We would be the largest towards a single budget. today’s particularly unique mix of alumnae/i in repeat proposal did a study that underpinned the decision According to Vogelstein, “We’re hoping that its donor base. This group of graduates includes to raise $400 million,” said College Trustee in recognition of Vassar’s Sesquicentennial and women who attended Vassar while it was still REPEAT continued from page 1 and Chair of the “World Changing” cam- the campaign, people will give more to the An- a women’s college, men and women graduates endorsed it on Sunday, Dec. 4. paign Barbara Manfrey Vogelstein ‘76. “From nual Fund in the coming years.” She explained from the period of initial coeducation, and very As evidenced by the vote, faculty opinions both a top-down and a ground-up analysis, that a $10,000 gift to the Annual Fund is equiva- recent graduates who experienced a more fully were divided on the efficacy of the proposed we found that $400 million made sense.” lent to a five percent draw on a $200,000 en- coeducational Vassar. policy. Chenette was quoted in an article in The Campaign Steering Committee, along dowment. “A gift like that is very meaningful.” Since working on the last campaign more the 10.10.10 issue of The Miscellany News say- with the Office of Alumnae/i Affairs and Devel- Though this would be the largest single gift than a decade ago, Dahnert recognized the shift ing, “while a D is a passing grade, it reflects a opment have spent the recently ended “nucleus,” within the campaign, perhaps the broadest of in the alumnae/i population. “We’ve really been shaky understanding of the subject. Many of us or “silent,” phase of the campaign approaching the campaign is Access to Excellence, which preparing for this for a long time,” said Dahnert. would prefer that students address this weak- friends of the College who might lead in dona- will support financial aid as well as professor- “I knew that we were cultivating a new genera- ness if they aspire to move on to more advanced tions, setting examples for other donors and ships through endowed chairs and some capi- tion of donors.” studies in the same area.” Chenette also pointed laying a strong foundation for the campaign. tal projects. The category of Access to Excel- For Ringel, this poses interesting challenges out in the same article that some members of This is the first capital campaign that the lence will comprise about $250 million of the in reaching out to these different groups. “It’s a the faculty feel that this new policy, if adopted, College has undertaken in over 10 years. Vassar total, making it undoubtedly the largest pillar. real challenge right now at this point in history would go “too far in protecting students from completed its last campaign in 1996, when the Baer explained that the idea behind the name because you have a whole cohort of people who the consequences of their academic miscues.” College succeeded in raising $206 million to- and the combination of goals is to improve are used to getting mail and letters, and you There were also concerns about whether the wards a variety of goals, including a renovation the ability of students to fund their Vassar have people who are used to getting e-mails, policy made unfounded assumptions about stu- of the Thompson Memorial Library. According educations as well as to improve the quality and then you have other folks who have stopped dents’ declining academic ability as a function to Baer, the time between campaigns was un- of that education once they arrive on campus. reading their e-mail and only look at Facebook of increasing diversity, which emerged in the usually long for a college like Vassar. Associate Vice Principal for Principal Gifts or Twitter. And you have to reach all of them, so form of responses to a survey sent out by VSA This, however, is not the only difference be- Jennifer Dahnert identified scholarships as an that is an extra challenge. It’s kind of reflective President Mathew Leonard ’11. While report- tween Vassar’s “World Changing” campaign and area that has always been very popular among to me of where the College’s alumnae/i base is,” ing on the results of this survey last semester, those of peer colleges. By dividing the focus of donors. “It’s so deeply rooted in our core val- he said. “At the same time there’s a commonal- Strong House President and member of the VSA the campaign between three broad categories, ues as an institution,” she said. “It’s a concept ity in what everyone values that you can stress Academics Committee Sophie Wassermann ‘13 the College has specifically avoided creating that really resonates with Vassar people.” across communications, so it makes it a very said that there were some concerns about the a “laundry list” of projects, hoping instead to Fundraising for financial aid stretches well interesting time to do it.” policy from the student body as well. Some felt, encourage more open-ended, unrestricted giv- beyond the current or even near-future classes. In order to reach its ultimate goal, Vassar said Wassermann, that the policy was “put in ing towards the Annual Fund and as well to the “We know who our freshman class is going to has been relying on alumnae/i not only to give, place because the College believed that people other two categories. be in 18 years,” said Dahnert. “We are preparing but also to lead others in giving. According to from more diverse backgrounds might have The Annual Fund, which supports approxi- Vassar’s financial base.” She described how the Dahnert, more than the previous campaign, the more trouble with courses at Vassar” as a result mately seven percent of the College’s operat- College can look at families who will be send- current effort relies on alumnae/i to solicit do- of increased diversification. ing budget each year, is the area of fundraising ing their children to college years from now and nations, who she says are in a good position to On behalf of the Academics Committee, Was- where the majority of donors will likely partici- understand that that population is not getting lead their classmates. serman later clarified at VSA Council that the pate. Gifts to the Annual Fund are unrestricted wealthier. So, just as parents might financially Vogelstein agreed. “The best way to persuade Committee was “not encouraging this policy in the way that the College may spend them. prepare for their children to attend college, Vas- other people to give is to have done so oneself.” because Vassar has become more diverse.” She “We’re just concentrating on three, and one sar financially gets ready for them to arrive. The results of the “World Changing” cam- went on to bring the attention of the Council is Vassar’s Annual Fund. The Annual Fund is The most significant capital improvement paign are to be long-lasting in both the improve- members to a note explaining the same senti- something that traditionally doesn’t do well at included in the campaign, however, is focused ments to the College that its leaders have set out ment at the end of the endorsement. colleges and universities when they’re doing a around the sciences, specifically the develop- to achieve, and also in the philanthropic habit While the policy can be brought to the fac- campaign because everyone wants to give to the ment of an integrated science center (See “Sci- that they hope the campaign will inspire, includ- ulty for a re-vote, Chenette thinks it unlikely ‘big’ priorities,” said Director of Development ence center plans presented” on Page 1). ing in Vassar’s current student body. “Students that such a policy will be adopted in the near Communication Lance Ringel. “It’s basically a Each of these three areas is meant to reso- should understand the importance of giving future. “The vote was very close, and so yes it vote of confidence saying to the folks running nate with the College’s history as much as back,” said Vogelstein. “Approximately one third could have come out differently on another day. Vassar at any particular time, ‘I believe in the they are meant to look towards the future. of the overall cost of their education is being con- However, I doubt that CCP would reintroduce College as a whole; you spend it the way you “It all seems so seamless to me,” wrote Hill. tributed by people who came before they did.” that proposal once the faculty has debated it so think it needs to be spent.’” “Our vision for Vassar’s future is completely According to Vogelstein, “Once people start thoroughly and made a decision, however close. According to Baer, about 80 to 90 percent of grounded in our history. Vassar has been chang- getting in the habit of giving back, they will It seems to me that we should honor the work all participants in the campaign will give to the ing the world since it was founded in 1861 and continue to do so.” In this way, the legacy of the that was done, respect the decision, and move Annual Fund. The aggregate gifts towards the will continue to do so for the next 150 years.” “Vassar 150: World Changing” campaign may on to other issues,” he concluded. Annual Fund will likely amount to more than $70 And as the world has changed, so have the remain past its official end date of June, 2013. New science center will bridge main and south campus

SCIENCE continued from page 1 der in recent years, the Integrated Science Cen- departments.” The project will include renova- ter will be ideally situated to take advantage of tions of Olmsted Hall of Biological Sciences, the newly rehabilitated Edith Roberts Ecologi- New England Building and Sanders Physics cal Laboratory. Associate Professor of Biology Building as well as the construction of a new Margaret Ronsheim said Vassar’s biology pro- Integrated Science Center, a bridge building gram would be boosted by “the opportunity to that will connect to Olmsted Hall and cross take a class outside to examine a specimen right over the Fonteyn Kill. It is intended both to outside the door…to collect water samples and modernize and to support a collaborative and bring them back immediately to the lab.” cross-disciplinary science community. “Fa- The construction of the new building and cilities should reflect the value we place on the renovations to Olmsted, New England and faculty-student collaborations, faculty-faculty Sanders Physics will also prioritize sustainabil- collaborations, and the collaborations students ity. The construction of the bridge building will share with each other,” said Associate Professor be accomplished using cranes that will not dis- of Chemistry and Associate Dean of the Faculty turb the Fonteyn Kill, and Michael Van Valken-

Marianne Begemann ’79. The Miscellany News burgh Associates Inc. will create a storm water The project will implement this goal by treatment and manage site and roof runoff. The building shared spaces for use by multiple de- bridge building will use bird-safe fritted glass partments, including an X-ray suite, an animal that also reduces solar heat gain. care facility, a robotics lab, and neuroscan and The bridge building will provide access to electrophysiology areas, as well as classrooms. the south campus compliant with the Ameri- When the project is completed, all of Vassar’s cans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The project science programs will be collocated on the Aca- plans also include a path between Skinner Hall demic Quadrangle. The Psychology Department The improvement of Vassar’s science facilities will be concluded in 2017 with the demolition of Mudd and the Vassar Chapel and ADA-compliant ac- will be moved from its location in Blodgett Hall Chemistry Building, pictured above. The Chemistry Department will move to the new bridge buidling. cess to New England Building, Sanders Phys- to the New England Building and Olmsted Hall, ics Building and Olmsted Hall. The science the Computer Science Department from its lo- Assistant Professor of Psychology Abigail Baird in creating a new science facility was finding facilities project will include the removal of cation in the Old Laundry Building to Sanders ’91 thinks that the move would encourage cross- space. The area surrounding the Academic parking lots near Olmsted Hall and New Eng- Physics Building and the Chemistry Depart- disciplinary work beneficial to the Psychology Quadrangle includes the Shakespeare Garden land Building, in accordance with the Campus ment from Mudd Chemistry Building to the Department, saying, “We aren’t going to under- and Commencement Hill, as well as areas of Landscape Master Plan’s goal of pushing park- new bridge building. Mudd Chemistry Building stand human nature until we start to collabo- mature trees and wetlands surrounding the ing and vehicle traffic to the periphery of the will be demolished at the close of the project. rate across disciplines. [The move] will put us Fonteyn Kill. The bridge building will use space campus. Associate Professor of Computer Science into a place where we do better, more thorough, above the Kill and the wetlands. The overgrown The project is scheduled to begin in May Jennifer Walter commented on the move, say- and quantitatively better science.” space between Olmsted Hall and Skinner Hall 2013. Under the proposed schedule, the bridge ing, ”We are excited about being included in Architect Richard Olcott of Ennead Archi- was once a site for learning about local plant building will be completed in September 2015, the science quad itself and the increased vis- tects, part of the team designing the bridge life, known as the Edith Roberts Ecological Lab- and the project will end with the demolition of ibility of computer science in Sanders Physics.” building, explained that the main problem oratory. Though this area has fallen into disor- Mudd Chemistry Building in 2017. MISCELLANY NEWS | VASSAR COLLEGE January 27, 2011 FEATURES Page 5 In Memoriam: Officer Betty Francis Back home, Jillian Scharr Re p o r t e r assar Safety and Security Officer Eliza- re-entry after Vbeth “Betty” Francis, beloved former guard of Matthew’s Mug, passed away over the winter break. a life abroad In the wake of this tragic and unexpected news, Vassar students rallied around various Matthew Bock social media outlets such as Facebook and As s i s t a n t Fea t u r e s Ed i t o r Twitter to share their grief and their love for ith the end of the fall semester, hundreds Vassar’s most popular security officer. Wof 2012ers finished their time abroad. Francis, who was born in New Bedford, Mass. Having now returned to campus, they discuss in 1929, started at Vassar in 1987 as a building of- how their experiences overseas have allowed ficer. (At the time, some officers were assigned them to cultivate new thoughts and feelings to specific dorms while others patrolled.) She about the campus—and the country—they left

“bounced around” between several different Courtesy of Becca Mountain behind. dorms, said Director of Safety and Security Don Esther Clowney ’12, who spent a semester Marsala, before retiring in 1994. studying political science at Lady Shri Ram In July of 1999, Francis returned from re- College in New Delhi, India, returned with an tirement to work as a part-time security guard appreciation for the wealth and variety of re- at Vassar. “Her primary job in her second ten- sources offered here at Vassar, something she ure at Vassar was at the Mug, where she be- overlooked before her time away. “The pub- came a legend,” Marsala recalled. lic college I went to in Delhi was pretty bare- “She prided herself on being able to catch bones. It had about 20 computers in total and students at their own game, so to speak, if a paltry 9,000 books,” Clowney said, instead of they tried to scam her with a fake ID or tell a Beloved Vassar security officer Elizabeth “Betty” Francis, pictured third from the left, passed away the hundreds of thousands of books in the Vas- story she didn’t believe. She was always keen at the age of 81 on Dec. 27, 2010. Best known for guarding the Mug, Francis retired in August 2010. sar library. “We have so many resources avail- of the idea that they were trying to get over on able to us at Vassar, and great teachers who her. She loved it, she really did.” night antics of a college campus all played months. “She was very weak but still had respect their students—something that was Aside from her Mug duties, Francis fre- into her seemingly immortal status as a cam- her spirits,” said Marsala of the visit he and also definitely missing at Lady Shri Ram,” said quently volunteered for overtime, such as ex- pus fixture. several of her co-workers made to St. Francis Clowney. She became more appreciative, too, tra patrols during a party at night or traffic Francis retired for the second time in Au- Hospital, where she was residing in the reha- of the freedom granted students here at Vassar. control during a big admission day. gust of 2010, primarily for health reasons. She bilitation ward. Lady Shri Ram’s strict and early curfew prohib- Francis’ spunk, spirit and verve for the late- struggled with illness during the past few Francis passed on Monday, Dec. 27. ited members of the university from socializing late at night, even on weekends. Others found themselves much more in touch with the fact—or feeling—of Vassar be- ing a home. “Being away from the campus made me realize just how much I love it here,” Alex- Shoemaker champions diverse events andra Zeman ’12 said. Zeman spent a semester in Athens, Greece studying ancient Greek and Danielle Bukowski classics. She expressed a newfound comfort Re p o r t e r with her life at Vassar, although she did not hough Vassar College Entertainment hesitate to note that she does “miss the relaxed T(ViCE) is known for fulfilling Vassar’s en- atmosphere of Greek life.” tertainment needs with an unrelenting flow of “Studying abroad also made me appreciate diverse music, parties and even film, the word certain things about America a lot more, like “entertainment” casts a large and often vague the variety in food and a society that works on shadow, and it’s the Special Events Commit- a schedule,” Zeman added. Clowney, like Zem- tee’s job to make sure that ViCE lives up to an, found herself missing particular aspects of its acronym. Like all other ViCE committees, American life. “I missed weird stuff—like gas Special Events is led by a Vassar student with station convenience stores, fitted sheets and an eye for detail, a mind for planning and a roads with lanes in them,” she reported humor- passion for parties. This year’s Committee ously. Chair, Sean Shoemaker ’12 is no exception as Those who studied in larger universities he works tirelessly to dream up the next activ- pointed to both the benefits and drawbacks of ity for the ViCE committee with the broadest attending a big school, even for just a semes- Alex Schlesinger/The Miscellany News range and the least straightforward title. ter. “Being at such a big university made me Party programming that is not music- really appreciate the intimacy of the commu- related is handled by the Special Events nity at Vassar,” Mickey Mahar ’12, who spent Committee. In years past, comedians, con- his semester at University College London ­ tortionists, magicians and hypnotists visited (UCL)—an urban university with nearly Vassar thanks to Special Events. Shoemaker 23,000 students—remarked. At the same has always enjoyed being a part of organiza- time, Mahar, having selected his courses out tions, but he didn’t know that he wanted to of a number of options, developed a critical work specifically with ViCE when he came awareness of some of the flaws inherent in to Vassar. Describing his decision, he said, Vassar’s academic system. “I realized that the “I was involved in student government in Vassar curricula sometimes recycle the same high school, and my favorite part was plan- discourses and rhetoric, failing to view things ning the events. I realized ViCE plans great from a new, perhaps opposing perspective. I events, and I wanted to make things happen, Sean Shoemaker ’12, pictured above, has been involved with Vassar College Entertainment’s Spe- was pleasantly surprised by the academics at so I got involved.” Shoemaker has been a part cial Events Committee since his freshman year at Vassar. He now serves as the Committee’s chair. my university; UCL wasn’t as much of a lib- of the Special Events Committee since his eral bubble as Vassar, which allowed for some freshman year, and was also very involved The decision to invite Black in particular to the Villard Room, the North Atrium and more useful friction in discussion,” Mahar with the Film League before moving towards campus was also spurred on by an increased the Rose Parlor will be in use. So every- said. “The scheduling of courses, too, afforded music his sophomore year. He is happy to awareness of the bullying faced by homosex- body should come,” Shoemaker enthused. a lot of independent study time, which al- work with ViCE again, now in an executive ual teens, a subject that became prevalent last Dubbed “Sexycentennial,” there will be live lowed me to really familiarize myself with the position. fall following the high-profile suicide of Rut- jazz, two raging dance floors, wine, sushi, no texts we were using in class.” The ability to see one’s work result in a gers University freshman Tyler Clementi. other conflicting events and more fun than “I appreciate being back to the closeness and large amount of people having fun is one of Shoemaker has also been involved in the Matthew Vassar could have ever imagined. convenience of campus life now,” Sally DeWind the main reasons Shoemaker enjoys being in planning of many all-campus parties. When “These opportunities don’t come around ’12 added. She traveled to Tokyo, Japan to study ViCE. “I like being busy, and doing something Shoemaker was part of the Special Events often, so we wanted to make it as special as the Japanese language for her fall semester that has a direct impact. It’s great to see peo- Committee last year, ViCE threw an event possible,” Shoemaker explained. abroad. DeWind had to travel to the outskirts ple enjoying events that you’ve helped make called Search Party which incorporated a Shoemaker strives for his committee’s of the city in order to attend her classes. “In happen,” Shoemaker said. Last semester, Spe- night vision color scheme and lit up the night events to be understandable, accessible and, Japan we would commute to our university, cial Events collaborated with Hip Hop 101 to with the most lights ever in used during a most of all, fun! Pleased with the success of so life was centered more around the city and bring a documentary screening to campus. campus event. All of this production value, the fall semester’s Circus Party and energized not very much around campus,” she explained. This semester, ViCE (in collaboration with however, was not without a cost as the clean by present and future plans, Shoemaker fills This was inconvenient, but also “really differ- the Vassar Student Association (VSA)) is up continued until 5 a.m. in the blanks between the music with flair. ent and something [she’s] happy [she] got to looking forward to a guest lecture by Dustin As the VSA organization with the largest Furthermore, Shoemaker asserts that despite experience,” for it allowed her to immerse her- Lance Black, the screenwriter for the Oscar- functioning budget, ViCE was called upon to a perceived gruff exterior, ViCE is an open, self in the city while at the same time taking nominated film Milk and recipient of the assist in the planning and execution of the friendly organization that puts entertainment part in the activities of a student. Oscar for Best Original Screenplay. Black is upcoming Sexycentennial Party on Jan. 29. first and checks exclusivity at the door. All “Being abroad emphasized how much of a one of the highest profile speakers ViCE has The complex nature of the event made it a ViCE committee meetings are open and en- bubble Vassar really is—though I knew this ever been able to bring to campus. Shoemaker perfect project for the Special Events Com- ergized to bring eager students into the fold, before,” Zeman said. All students interviewed noted that getting an interesting speaker for mittee to take point on. “It’s going to be the so that they too can fill Shoemaker’s role and concurred with her sentiment. However, this monumental year in Vassar’s history was biggest party we’ve ever done. We have the continue a tradition of world changing excel- while it’s always fun to visit, there’s no place important to the Special Events Committee. entire College Center booked. The Retreat, lence in entertainment. like home. MISCELLANY NEWS | VASSAR COLLEGE Page 6 FEATURES January 27, 2011 Make winter a wonderland with 10 affordable activities Vee Benard thew’s Mug is just as active on weeknights Re p o r t e r as it is on Fridays and Saturdays. To others, hough this past Wednesday marked the however, this is old news—in fact, many Tbeginning of the spring semester, there is students consider themselves “regulars” at nothing spring-like about the weather in Pough- weeknight Mug events. The most popular keepsie. With three snowfalls so far this week, and well-attended is Jazz Night, hosted every the thought of going outside is daunting to say Thursday at 11 p.m. after moving from its pre- the least. Students need not remain holed up in vious Tuesday time slot. Different groups are their dorm rooms, however; there are plenty of featured every week, and students are invited activities on and around campus to make the to sit, stand or dance as they listen. Visit the bitter climate all the more bearable. ViCE website for more information on up- Courtesy of Craftedkup.com coming events. Hot Chocolate at the Crafted Kup The Crafted Kup (44 Raymond Avenue), which Vassar Athletics is within walking distance of campus, offers a Though warm weather and outdoor sporting variety of warm beverages, including mouth- events seem to go hand-in-hand, winter sports watering hot cocoa that puts the All Campus can be just as entertaining. With winter athletic Dining Center hot drink machine to shame. seasons in full swing, there are multiple indoor The Crafted Kup is an oasis for students look- athletic competitions in both the Athletics and ing to escape campus for an afternoon; those Fitness Center and Kenyon Hall every week. in search of an alternative study venue should Specific sports to look out for are men’s and know that it offers both Wi-Fi and plenty of sit- Students won’t need to brave the cold for long to visit the nearby Crafted Cup. With warm women’s volleyball, basketball and swimming. ting room. drinks, Wi-Fi and a cozy seating area, it is the perfect place to spend a dreary winter’s day. Dates for upcoming games are listed on the Vassar Athletics website. Live Music at Babycakes Café you up! bowl still has all the necessities: plenty of lanes, Directly across the street from campus, Baby- an arcade and blacklights. So round up some Stargazing cakes Café (1-3 Collegeview Avenue) is beloved Ice Skating friends, make a team or two and never be afraid If the thought of spending an extended period for its rustic atmosphere and amazing food. In Though Sunset Lake is ill-suited to ice skating, to ask for bumpers! of time in the frigid outdoors is repelling, re- addition to its comfortable environment and af- the Mid-Hudson Civic Center (14 Civic Center member that winter is one of the best times to fordable meals, Babycakes plays host to various Plaza) boasts a sizeable ice arena. The rink is The Movies at the Poughkeepsie Galleria watch the stars under clear skies. Stargazers local musicians who perform live at the restau- also the meeting place of Iced Brew, Vassar’s Some students might find themselves drawn to might find better visibility by Sunset Lake or rant on Friday and Saturday nights from 8 to synchronized skating team. A lesser-known op- the Poughkeepsie Galleria (2001 South Road) the Vassar Golf Course, away from the artificial 11 p.m. Upcoming performers include We Must tion takes the form of a small skating pond near in an effort to get rid of the wintertime blues. light on campus. Be on Friday, Jan. 28, and Scott Blum on Satur- Kenyon, which, though it hasn’t seen official Though the various retail outlets and food day, Jan. 29. use in some time, is rumored to still be a func- court can provide sufficient distraction for an Nature Walk tional and effective way to get a skating fix! afternoon, the Galleria also contains a Regal For the more ambitious naturalists, Vassar’s Sledding at Sunset Lake Cinema for those who want to make a day of it. various paths and trails could prove to be the Vassar’s campus also has some spectacular Bowling at Hoebowl If traveling to the mall in this freezing weather makings of a cold-weather nature walk. Vas- sledding hills; a particular favorite is the steep Regardless of what its name might suggest, comes off as forbidding, ViCE Film League of- sar’s campus is undeniably beautiful when hill leading from the back of the science quad the Hoebowl (45 Taft Avenue), our local bowl- fers regular film screenings right on campus. the trees are in full bloom, but its winter down towards Sunset Lake. For those students ing alley—just take a right on Hooker and let Upcoming events are listed on the ViCE web- landscape is equally stunning. A walk to the who forgot to pack their sleds, improvising is your GPS do the rest—is a great place for some site. snow-covered Shakespeare Gardens, Sunset always an option, and the full body roll never wholesome fun. Though it does not play host Lake or even the Vassar Farm is an excellent goes out of style. Be sure to bundle up tight be- to the same Americana kitsch on display in the Jazz Night at the Mug opportunity to reconnect with the nature and fore you look to some snow therapy to loosen stereotypical hometown bowling alley, Hoe- To some it may come as a shock that Mat- wildlife in the area. Furry friends and reptilian roommates: Pets at Vassar

Jessica Tarantine But despite the challenges, she stated, “It’s Gu e s t Re p o r t e r really comforting to come home to animals; ets are often touted as a therapeutic boon when I’ve been gone all day they always run up Pto the human psyche, and who needs a to say hi.” dose of mental chicken soup more than a col- She explained that she decided to adopt lege student? Thus, many of the Vassar student the rabbits, Benjamin and Lola, because she body turn to their fine, furry, scaled and feath- “missed living around an animal,” and that she ered friends for a big dose of R&R. had a friend “who recommended them to me as Amongst the more unconventional choices good dorm pets because they are easy to keep is an honest to goodness horse. Cared for by and are more fun and interactive than things Carley Gilman ’11. In an e-mailed statement, like hamsters.” she was quick to clarify: “My horse isn’t techni- But for many students rabbits simply aren’t cally ‘on campus’ but, rather, 10 minutes down enough, and lizards, turtles and other small The Miscellany News Eric Schuman/ the road [in Wappingers Falls].” She made the animals fail to sufficiently meet the oh-so-im- decision to bring her horse, Blu Moon Rising, portant cuddle factor. This leads some students to campus after riding competitively for seven to be tempted to illegally keep cats or dogs. As- years and caring for Blu for four years. Gil- sociate Director of Residential Life for Hous- man acknowledges that her situation is unique, ing and Student Conduct Rich Horowitz warns noting, “My horse really began drastically af- against this, stating, “Personally, I’m concerned fecting my college experience when I started that students who take on ownership of some to pay his bill myself. Now I have to juggle pets—especially a cat or dog—are being a bit work, classes and finding enough daylight left short sighted. Most students don’t know where to ride.” She continues to explain that her situ- they’re going to be or what they’re going to do ation is governed by stress. “Being a person upon graduation.” He concludes, “Overall, I’d prone to homesickness I needed to have some- say the costs to owner and pet greatly outweigh thing from home with me. While being in col- the benefits until there’s a certain predictabil- Webster, the dog of Professors of Political Science Peter Stillman and Adelaide Villmoare, can often be lege, galloping along the beautiful trails of the ity and stability in one’s life.” seen rambling through Rockefeller Hall or the Residential Quad. He is one of many adored campus pets. Hudson Valley and hanging out in the barn not This is, of course, to say nothing of the puni- only give me a space of my own away from the tive sanctions against students illegally keeping during weekly study breaks—allowing students her,” highlighting the importance students hectic campus life, but also reminds me why I pets, which with repeated violation, accord- to receive the benefits of having a pet without place on interaction with animals. got into riding,” a fact she needed reminding of ing to Horowitz, could result in removal from the responsibility of taking care of one. This Perez feels that these exchanges serve to fos- after a busy high school experience filled with housing. He urged against breaking the Col- rare opportunity for students often results in ter a greater sense of community on campus, as several national competitions. lege’s pets policy not only for the interest of copious amounts of attention being offered to well. “It’s nice for me, too, because I get to meet While Blu certainly offers a high degree of the students, but also that of the animals, stat- Violet. so many more students, and they immediately companionship, other smaller animals, while ing, “I would prefer that students consider an When asked about the attention Violet re- relax when they interact with her,” explained less hands-on, can be a good alternative with animal’s natural habitat versus what would be ceives, Perez remarked, “She has worked in the Perez. far less work. imposed upon it and then make a mindful and past as a therapy dog visiting nursing homes Perez and his fellow House Fellow, Associate Julia Eicher ’11 has been caring for two rab- compassionate decision.” and children in hospitals, so she’s used to being Professor of Psychology Abigail Baird, coordi- bits since her freshman year. Through the last But for those students who miss their cats surrounded by people lavishing her with praise nated a “puppy break” in the “jetson lounge” of three years, she admits that there have been and dogs, and aren’t ready to take on the seri- and affection. In fact, she expects it now.” Noyes as a study break activity geared towards problems: “Sometimes they eat my papers and ous responsibility of an animal, as Gilman has Indeed, the pets of house fellows enjoy a relaxation, and a bit of some good, holistic TLC. books or chew cords.” She added, “They can be with Blu, there are other alternatives available. community that is reciprocal and an environ- Describing the study break, Perez writes, “A a little messy sometimes and it’s definitely an Most notably, many house fellows have pets ment that is collective. A sympathetic Perez friend of mine from New Jersey brought a litter added stress.” And indeed, for many students who are active and involved on campus. As- explains that “people often mention how much of seven-week-old puppies up for a visit. The like Eicher, finding people to care for pets dur- sistant Professor of English and Noyes House they miss their own pets when they visit with puppies were huge stress busters.” The day was ing breaks and ensuring that the proper sup- Fellow Hiram Perez is often seen with his dog her,” and that “students volunteer to walk her, enjoyed by many, having provided many ben- plies are on hand can be difficult. Violet—a welcome sight in Noyes Circle or play with her, and some have even groomed efits with minimal costs. MISCELLANY NEWS | VASSAR COLLEGE January 27, 2011 FEATURES Page 7 Sushi Village all-u-can eat menu tantalizes wallets, palates Ruth Bolster thing that isn’t spicy, crunchy or saucy, lest you Gu e s t Re p o r t e r expose yourself to the off-putting taste of Sushi ith Asian fusion juggernaut, Main Village’s less “dressed up” items. WStreet’s the Bull and Buddha, open for While being charged a flat rate to eat any- business, longstanding local sushi joints such as thing you could possibly want on the menu Raymond Avenue’s own Sushi Village are feel- seems to be a dream come true for most su- ing the pressure to reclaim the interest of their shi fans, whether one actually takes advantage customer base with flashy deals that promise of this offer depends solely on what and how memorable meals. So move over All Campus much one orders. The bill for two, including Dining Center, because Sushi Village is offer- drinks, tax and a tip, totaled a staggering $54.12 ing an “all you care to eat” option that hopes to (which, especially after purchasing a semester’s

tantalize students into their doors with a prom- The Miscellany News Christie Chea/ worth of textbooks, is a lot of money to spend ise to go easy on their wallets; however, such on lunch). And with a punitive fee for leftovers, deals are not always the bargains they initially doggy bags are certainly not an option—so seem to be. By charging a flat rate of $19.95 per you’d better eat your fill and then some! Given person, it is possible to order any assortment that the options naturally lean towards a tapas- of menu items from the sushi bar or kitchen; a style meal of shared food and conversation, a deal which, when executed intelligently, is eco- modest order enjoyed by two can be savored nomically sound. However, as with most “bar- in your favor if you forgo temptation and order gains” of this nature, Sushi Village’s all you can off of the standard menu. However, because the eat option runs the risk of being both expensive all you can eat option features more expensive and excessive if one is not careful when order- items such as the specialty rolls, ambitious or- ing. derers will benefit fr0m this deal of despera- The selection one has when ordering from tion. the all you can eat menu is liberal, encompass- A new “all you care to eat” option is now available at Sushi Village. While at first glance a bargain, at a Despite these potential advantages, those ing everything from standard sushi to tempura cost of $19.95 per person, the option is only economical for those who plan to order a sizable amount of food. who are watching their spending habits would to teriyaki to red bean ice cream. However, be- be quick to note the flaws in this flat-rate deal. fore I could sample these delectable items, my foods from the kitchen—and then implied that but effective combination of crabmeat, avo- Unless you plan on ordering copious amounts friend and I first had to overcome the challenge we should mark the foods we wanted. But there cado, cream cheese and tempura flakes. With of food for one sitting, it is impossible to break of ordering, a feat that proved to be surprisingly is no need to be hasty. If you find your tummy or without pickled ginger, this specialty item even. Financial concerns aside, the mediocre unclear. Upon entering Sushi Village, we were rumbling after round one, a request for another would be sure to please any sushi connoisseur. sushi coupled with less than perfect service presented with a standard menu, and—with- menu will be honored. Needless to say, those If one is in the mood for both the robust and keep this offer from achieving the rank of taste out the slightest explanation—two facedown wishing to try this option should be aware of unconventional, however, the Poughkeepsie sensation. If you are only hungry enough to eat scraps of paper and a pen. After a minute of the correct method of ordering. Roll is the surefire pick of choice. Consisting two or fewer specialty rolls, then the all you thumbing through the formal menu and throw- Although the soups and various tempuras of salmon, jalapeñoes, crispy onion bits, shiso can eat option is actually more expensive than ing wary glances at the nebulous office supplies that we ordered from the kitchen were just leaf (a member of the mint family) and melted if you were to order from the regular menu. that adorned our table, we announced to our as tasty as those in any other Japanese res- mozzarella cheese, the Poughkeepsie Roll ex- While Sushi Village’s all you can eat promotion server that we were trying the all you can eat taurant, the star of the meal proved to be the pertly fuses both the heat of the jalapeño and makes a large, not to mention enticing, impres- option. In response to this, she flipped over the Tri Color Roll. Topped with hearty slices of the heat of the kitchen, making for a must-try sion, the quality of the food coupled with the papers to reveal two checklists—one sporting a salmon and orange, green and yellow tobiko roll of sushi. And while all options may seem disarmingly high price tag make this a deal that list of sushi products, and the other listing hot (caviar), the Tri Color Roll features a light scrumptious on paper, it is best to avoid any- is best approached with caution. Horoscope scare yields renewed astrological interest

Mitchell Gilburne ticulous planner, but is stubborn and not prone Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) are about to turn around so long as you Fea t u r e s Re p o r t e r to compromise. Know that rushing ahead ob- You have a presence that could fill a stadium can manage not to lose your V-Card before he recent zodiac crisis featuring the scures the scenery. A golden opportunity hides should you choose to let it out to play. Many spring break. Tmeddlesome, albeit short-lived Ophi- behind a moment of indulgence. You don’t fear your bite, but you will only gain respect uchus, has finally been disproved. As it turns want to miss it! Keep your eyes peeled for a fig- when you learn to bark instead. The world may Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) out, most American lovers of astrology fol- ure in turquoise. not always see everything your way, but you Things will not go as planned this semester, low the tropical zodiac, which is not subject will have your moment of triumph. Expect surprises, but know that their content to change in the foreseeable future due to Gemini (May 21-June 20) depends on the attitude you adopt and the the consistency of star patterns as observed The people in your life may seem clingy, needy Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) friends you choose to hang on to. The thing from the equator. As a result of the scandal or both. Just remember that they love you, and You are kind, interesting and an excellent that you fear most may loom over your head, surrounding the beloved system of gossip in the meantime dive into your studies. Do all socializer, but a terrible flirt. While your but it will not consume you if you can rise magazine augury, those reunited with their your reading, or return to a forgotten project. romantic prospects may seem bleak, they above it. original cosmic identities are feeling more in By the time you’re done you’ll be craving their touch with their astrological signs then ever. attention. You may think you love peace and And while our campus may be small in the quiet, but you really just want to let loose and ADVERTISEMENT grand scheme of the universe, the stars have party. not forgotten our existence and they shine brightly with portents of the nebulous future Cancer (June 21-July 22) of a Vassar student. So, let Leo get his roar You’re often quick to judge, and though this has back as we dive back in to the familiar zodiac helped you to build a stable life and a valuable that we know and love. support system, a bit of social risk-taking will jumpstart your life and may possibly even lead Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) to love. Aquarians are strong and proud. Not accus- tomed to failure, your missteps are particularly Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) disarming; don’t falter. The tide may be high, Brash and brazen, the Leo is an uninhibited but keep holding on. Good things are on the force. Not deterred by hail, sleet or storm, horizon, so long as you avoid the vegan station you will accomplish all you set out to do this tomorrow. semester. Beware an overcast Tuesday when a seemingly benign encounter could lead to Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) something more sinister. You have a god or All this snow getting you down? The calm and goddess that longs to be embraced within. friendly Pisces is at the whim of his or her Steer clear of extreme sports but don’t be environment, but chin up! A warm encounter afraid to be daring. awaits you just when you think you are at your coldest. Keep an eye out for the cutie in your 9 Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) a.m. class, and make your move while they’re It’s time to self-motivate. Your lazy days are too tired to react negatively. over. Crack a book, make a friend, find a job! Whatever it is you need to do, the sooner you Aries (March 21-April 19) start, the greater the reward. 150 is your lucky An Aries is gruff but tender, and knows that number. Avoid public drinking fountains. stress is no fun! With a 3.5 credit minimum for the semester, you might as well drop that Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) seminar. Sure, you may need it for your major, Though Libra, the scale, implies balance, but your newfound freedom will set your mind your life seems to be tugging you unevenly at ease. Use the down time to take up a new in many directions. You are in control of hobby, start a blog or get invested in a new tele- your life, so remember that much of your re- vision show. sponsibility was a choice, and you must live up to and honor those commitments. Avoid Taurus (April 20-May 20) yellow foods and grapefruit-scented bath A Taurus knows his or her limits and is a me- products. MISCELLANY NEWS | VASSAR COLLEGE Page 8 OPINIONS January 27, 2011 Mi s c e l l a n y Ne w s St a f f Ed i to r i a l Vassar 150 campaign vital to preserving College’s legacy assar kicked off more than its Sesquicen- facilities into the 21st century and onto the cut- ings during frigid conditions to funding DVDs Keeping these three initiatives and their im- Vtennial Celebration last Tuesday, Jan. 18. ting edge of scientific research. that students can borrow from the Thompson portance in mind, the Editorial Board of The The anniversary of the College’s founding also Perhaps even more important than ensur- Memorial Library, the Annual Fund drives the Miscellany News advises readers to donate to marked the public announcement of an ambi- ing a strong and innovative Vassar education, machinery of the College at every level. Com- this capital campaign. We acknowledge that, tious fundraising campaign, Vassar 150: World however, is ensuring that a Vassar education posed of unrestricted gifts from donors, the for many students, contributing to the cam- Changing, which seeks to raise $400 million is affordable in the first place. The College Annual Fund supports approximately seven paign while still enrolled at Vassar does not to fund three priorities: improved science fa- has maintained a commitment to financial aid percent of the College’s total operating bud- seem possible. We would like to stress, though, cilities, a robust financial aid program and the since its early years, when Matthew Vassar get. In 2009-2010, the College raised $8,269,084 that even small contributions make a differ- College’s Annual Fund. created an endowed scholarship, the Matthew from 10,295 individuals, who comprised 90 per- ence. Your $10, $50 or $100 could fund any of the As we celebrate the College’s legacy, we also Vassar Auxiliary Fund, in his last will and testa- cent of the donor pool. wonderful amenities on campus or help pay the share a responsibility to continue and uphold ment. This commitment has been strengthened Although financial aid is addressed sepa- salary of your favorite professor. No amount is it. The three initiatives to which this campaign in recent years particularly; Vassar returned to rately in the Vassar 150 campaign, the Annual too small when added up with the gifts of our is devoted will serve to ensure that Vassar re- a need-blind admissions policy in 2007, and the Fund provides its own brand of aid as well; the peers, and each amount donated signifies that mains a leader: a leader in providing access to Class of 2014 is currently receiving more finan- distinction lies in the fact that the Annual Fund you believe in the world-changing power of a a strong and innovative education. cial aid than any other class in the College’s subsidizes each student on campus, even those Vassar education. The improvement of the College’s science history. This generosity on the part of the Col- not receiving any need-based financial aid. The As future alumnae/i, we feel it is imperative facilities will play a key factor in ensuring Vas- lege has, among other things, resulted in the full cost of keeping a student on campus­—of that students begin a pattern of contributing sar’s continued leadership. As was revealed in a creation of a more diverse student body, one providing a student with a world-class facul- to Vassar, symbolizing the start of a lifetime Villard Room presentation last Wednesday, Jan. that enriches the Vassar experience through ty, strong academic programs, a beautifully- of supporting Vassar’s ongoing commitments. 19, the College plans to renovate Olmsted Hall the inclusion of different perspectives and maintained campus and famous library—is not This editorial board believes that it is incum- of Biological Sciences, New England Building experiences. The expansion of financial aid covered by the tuition, which only pays for 53 bent upon current students to ensure by way and Sanders Physics Building, as well as to that will be made possible by this fundraising percent of a Vassar experience. The “gap” of 47 of donation that the day-to-day experiences construct an entirely new Integrated Science campaign will sustain these benefits well into percent is accounted for by the Annual Fund, and privileges that we enjoy at Vassar would Building across the Fonteyn Kill. These reno- the future as well as uphold one of the high- which makes sure that our tuition does not add not only be sustained but also improved for the vations are intended to modernize Vassar’s sci- est goals of the founder. The third pillar of the up to upwards of $100,000 per year. Giving to next 150 years to come. ence facilities, allowing for the kind of multi- campaign—Vassar’s Annual Fund—serves as a this Annual Fund is equivalent to giving a gift disciplinary research that has become central checking account for the College to draw on for certificate to the College—one that it can use —The Staff Editorial represents the opinion of to present-day scientific study. The capital its greatest needs. From faculty salaries to sub- to make the Vassar experience a reality for stu- at least two thirds of the 15-member Miscellany campaign is central, then, to bringing Vassar’s sidizing students’ tuition, from heating build- dents seeking excellence all over the world. News Editorial Board. Obama, GOP laudable for commitment to economic growth Joshua Rosen “lowering statutory corporate tax mounting GOP opposition to ram- visions of—or repealing, perhaps— according to the Wall Street Jour- Op i n i o n s Ed i t o r rates can lead to particularly large pant spending. the well intended, albeit extremely nal—must be removed. t is truly wonderful to see that productivity gains,” which could re- While I do laud the administra- expensive and growth-reducing Pa- As a whole, the competitiveness Ithe total value of goods and ser- sult in substantial GDP growth. In tion’s proposals to increase Ameri- tient Protection and Affordable Care proposals made by the Obama ad- vices produced—or gross domes- fact, Austan Goolsbee, the chairman can competitiveness and growth, Act (PPACA) could save substantial ministration could prove quite use- tic product (GDP)— in Michigan of the U.S. Council of Economic they are nowhere near perfect. Fur- amounts. The GOP response to the ful in reducing the ever-expanding is about the same as that of Tai- Advisers, made it known on Jan. 25 ther steps for growth—some which I State of the Union, issued by Rep- national debt and improving pros- wan. And this, as The Economist that corporate tax rate cuts would have mentioned in the past—should resentative Paul Ryan (R-Wisc.), is perity for all Americans. However, noted on a map comparing U.S. be considered by the president to be borne in mind by policymak- quite right in stating that “fiscally re- those on the opposite side of the states to countries with equivalent stimulate business growth, accord- ers. In particular, cuts in taxes on sponsible, patient-centered reforms aisle have some equally useful—and GDPs, is “despite years of auto- ing to Bloomberg News, a financial investment may help improve the that actually reduce costs and ex- perhaps better—ideas, and nothing industry hardship.” It seems like news service. If corporate tax rates economic future for many Ameri- pand coverage” are needed in place other than bipartisan work can help the United States is still an eco- do fall, American businesses may cans, both by improving growth and of the PPACA, and while it may not move the United States forward to- nomic superpower. This is, with- very well be able to help reduce the by decreasing unemployment: Ac- be feasible to repeal the entire law, wards greater growth and reduced out a doubt, true. However, a focus unemployment rolls—increasing cording to work by economist John parts of it—like the burdensome burdens on future generations. on improving American competi- hiring as profits rise—and could B. Taylor of Stanford University, the 1099 provision that forces businesses tiveness—improving, namely, U.S. possibly increase tax receipts, even GDP-to-investment ratio is inversely to file a “1099 form every time they —Joshua Rosen ’13 is opinions editor GDP growth—certainly would at lower rates, due to higher corpo- related to the unemployment rate. spend more than $600 per year for of The Miscellany News and an eco- not harm the United States, and rate profits. Additionally, removing costly pro- goods and services from a company,” nomics major. President Barack Obama’s State Improving access to foreign mar- of the Union, with its mentions of kets, again, something the president ADVERTISEMENT American economic competitive- has pushed for with some success, ness, deserves credit. Obama, too, would both benefit competitiveness deserves plaudits for earlier pro- and long term growth, not to men- growth statements, namely the tion the international standing of the exceedingly encouraging claim in United States, as well. Obama has his Jan. 22 weekly address that “we pushed for—and obtained—trade [the United States] can out-com- deals with burgeoning economies, pete any other nation on Earth.” including South Korea and India. This is encouraging particularly These trade deals increase Ameri- because of what it augurs: lower can exports—supporting job growth corporate tax rates, a push for and business productivity—and may opening more markets to Ameri- very well contribute substantially can goods—which, naturally, ben- to the climb out from recession. efits both Americans and our trade Perhaps the most popular—at partners—and a five-year spending least, among those on the right— freeze, which would help to reduce proposal of Obama’s is the five-year the burden of debt for future gen- spending freeze, which, according erations. to a Jan. 25 article in the Washing- Lowering corporate tax rates ton Post, will freeze non-defense could very well prove to be a boon discretionary spending. This plan to domestic production and produc- may save up to $400 billion over tivity. Currently, the United States 10 years, according to Bloomberg has the second highest corporate News, not an insubstantial amount tax rates at 39 percent among the of federal spending. Not to men- nations of the Organisation for Eco- tion that any reduction in federal nomic Co-operation and Develop- spending growth helps to prevent ment (OECD), a group of 34 free the national debt from continuing to market democracies that includes balloon as it has during the first two nations such as Germany, Japan, years of the Obama administration, Canada and the United Kingdom. growing by $3.445 trillion in two Our tax rates are only second to years—a full $160 billion more than those of Japan, the government of President George W. Bush ran up which has committed itself to reduc- the national debt in his eight years ing these rates, according to a Jan. as president, according to the Week- 23 article in the Wall Street Journal. ly Standard. Of course, the move Lowering corporate tax rates in the to freeze spending does suggest a US is hugely beneficial to Ameri- change in priorities by Obama and can growth and competitiveness; his administration, perhaps towards according to OECD economists, fiscal sustainability in the face of MISCELLANY NEWS | VASSAR COLLEGE January 27, 2011 OPINIONS Page 9 Israeli parliament shake-up troubling Allison Good Enough Labor members are moving with Members of Knesset in general have Gu e s t Co l u m n i s t Barak to Independence that Netanyahu’s taken up arms. Kadima MK Meir Sheetrit, here has been much speculation since coalition will stay intact with 60-plus mem- for example, said Tuesday, “I’ve been here TTuesday, Jan. 18 about the consequenc- bers, but those remaining Labor Members 30 years and I’ve not yet seen such a fishy es of the split of the Israeli Labor Party and of Knesset (MK), the Israeli parliament, trick. I’m sure that many of the coalition the creation of the Independence Party. have officially quit the government and de- members need to take pills against nausea Israeli political parties split apart and re- clared the peace process dead. Labor’s obit- in order to vote for such a dirty maneu- What would you arrange themselves all the time. Labor is uary was written in 2000 following the fail- ver.” The most interesting quote, though, a coalition of several former parties and ure of Camp David and the eruption of the comes from former minority affairs min- give Vassar for its Centrist Kadima broke away from Likud in Second Intifada but, as columnist Nahum ister Avishay Braverman of Labor: “Barak 2005, so how is this situation any different? Barnea wrote in Yedioth on Monday, “only and [Prime Minister Binyamin] Netanyahu 150th birthday? Ariel Sharon created Kadima in a crisis yesterday was it properly laid to rest.” made [Foreign Minister Avigdor] Lieber- of conscience. He could not drum up the All of this would be politics as usual, man de facto prime minister of Israel … This support for disengaging from the Gaza Strip especially compared to what is currently was an impeachment of Israeli democracy.” without leaving Likud and moving to the happening in Tunisia and Algeria. I have I would not put it past Lieberman to as- center. It was a means to an end, the end be- decided to be provocative and call Barak’s sume de facto control of the government. ing the advancement of the peace process. action a coup, as in coup d’état. He has mass support from Russian immi- “Gender This time, though, Ehud Barak pulled a I understand that what happened this grants, and the peace process is currently dirty, wily trick on his fragile former party. week does not literally fit the definition of at an impasse. The Palestinians have not equality.” Labor has been plagued by infighting ever a coup, but it comes pretty close. Indepen- made any moves to suggest that they are since it joined Prime Minister Netanyahu’s dence deposed Labor, and while the move ready to go back to the negotiating table, right-wing coalition in 2009. Its leftist was legal, it has left a very, very bad taste in which strengthens the legitimacy and influ- members were threatening to abandon the the public’s mouth. The act of overthrow- ence of Lieberman’s platform. Netanyahu is Sam Wagner ’13 coalition, while its more centrist members ing was committed by a small group within still flip-flopping, and Barak has deliber- wanted to keep their jobs, Barak included. the coalition, which changed the makeup of ately chosen to depose the party that built As TIME reported on Wednesday, Jan. 19, in the Knesset and officially made it the most the modern State of Israel. Barak may have creating Independence, “Barak guaranteed right-wing government in Israel’s history. been elected a Labor prime minister, but that he will keep his current job—and it’s a And no one has tried to thwart Barak and Camp David revealed that he had centrist- big one. Not only is he in charge of Israel’s Netanyahu, at least not yet. rightist tendencies all along. “Bring back the armed forces, the former commando also A very troubling sign of just how much Lieberman cannot be allowed to gain Vassar brew- serves as de-facto foreign minister, since the “new” government is consolidating such power over the Knesset. A Yisrael Be- the minister who bears the formal title, Av- power is the establishment—announced iteinu-led government would be detrimen- ery!” igdor Lieberman, stands in public opposi- Wednesday—of the Homeland Security tal to the democratic character of Israel tion to the peace talks that Barak and Prime Ministry. Homeland security is important, and would certainly result in war with its Minister Benjanmin Netanyahu say they and it is probably about time that Israel neighbors given Lieberman’s brash and vio- want to re-start with Palestinian leaders.” caught up, but the Prime Minister has giv- lent rhetoric and attitude. In the meantime, Melissa McClung ’12 It is also telling that “Eight in 10 Israelis, en the portfolio to Independence MK Ma- all we can do is pray for a no-confidence according to the poll commissioned by the tan Vilna’i. Furthermore, three of the Labor vote that will dissolve the government and daily Yedioth Ahronoth, said Barak quit the MKs who resigned held ministerial portfo- require new elections. party not over principle but for his own in- lios, which have created a vacuum that will terests.” Netanyahu also helped, of course, probably be filled with MKs from Likud, In- —Allison Good ’11 is a political science ma- to save his own political skin. dependence, Shas, and/or Yisrael Beiteinu. jor at Vassar College. “A fruitcake.”

Inflexible Congress stymying legislative process Jack McKillop ’13 Both parties to blame for political gridlock

Emil Ostrovski Republican arguments that health care and turning America into a socialist state “Dishwashers Gu e s t Co l u m n i s t reform would weaken the economy, and run by a foreign-born Muslim? But to cat- for senior ast Wednesday, Jan. 19, the House of instead sided with the Democrats. With egorize all Republicans, the entire right, as housing.” LRepresentatives voted 245 to 189 in fa- the economy at a low, however, the Repub- that extreme, and to imply that indepen- vor of repealing health care reform. There licans and their agenda, as the only alter- dents are just stupid, ignorant and gullible is, of course, no chance that the repeal native to the agenda of the party in power, isn’t doing the complexity of the situation will clear the Democrat-controlled Sen- automatically gain credibility at the same any justice. Both sides are willing to skew ate, and even if it did, Obama would veto time as the Democrats lose it. This, in the truth in order to secure votes, and this, Chiara Kuryan ’11 it. The Republicans know this as well as turn, allows them to make the Democrats in itself, is the most serious betrayal of de- the Democrats. So what, then, is the point and health care reform into something of a mocracy that it can be—a betrayal of which —Joshua Rosen, Opinions Editors of the Republicans’ action? Representa- scapegoat. There is nothing unusual about both the left and the right are guilty. Juliana Halpert, Photography Editor tive Joe Barton from Texas said, “Unless this, of course. It is par for the course in We all know former President Abraham we repeal the law in the House, we don’t politics—the Democrats would and have Lincoln’s famous words, that “a house di- have any credibility to do anything.” Bar- made scapegoats of the Republicans when vided against itself cannot stand.” Lincoln ton is right—the Republicans’ doomed possible. didn’t mean that our nation cannot stand Word on the attempt to repeal health care reform is I am worried, though, about what the in the face of conflicting ideologies and all about credibility, and though Barton Republicans’ symbolic attempt to repeal beliefs. What he meant is that underlying bluegreenpen doesn’t say this, I think it’s also all about health care reform reveals with regard to the conflict of ideologies and beliefs must @miscellanynews 2012, the year the world ends. Not with a what the next two years are going to be like. be a shared willingness to cooperate. There Actual bells, on the condition that bang, but a whimper (and a-whimpering I We may very well have two years ahead of must be a genuine and mutual devotion to at midday the bells would play the will be if the Republicans are victorious at us in which absolutely nothing gets done, working together toward what is true and the polls). because of a Republican–controlled House right. Without that shared willingness, Theme from the Harry Potter movies I’m not exactly rediscovering America determined to make the Democratic presi- without that common vow to work togeth- 10:31 PM Jan 22nd via Echofon in reply to miscellanynews when I say most registered Democrats dent and Senate look bad by opposing them er, to build a truth and rightness together vote for Democrats, and most registered at every turn. The result would be a grid- through the means of compromise and Republicans vote for Republicans. How- lock, a stalemate, and the eventual win- mutual understanding, democracy itself rfb211 ever, the independents as a whole tend to ners would be the Republicans, because breaks down. We may want to feel outraged @miscellanynews be much more fickle. They like to punish when 2012 comes along and we are still in at the prospect of the Republicans “gam- I would give Vassar a new parking lot! the party in power when times are bad, a slump, the party perceived to be most in ing” the democratic system in the way they and favor the party in power when times power—the Democrats—will be blamed, may seem poised to do, but upon reflection, 9:56 PM Jan 22nd via web in reply to miscellanynews are good. “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” as they were this past election, and the how can we find the surprise necessary for and its corollary (which I just made up), Republicans will not just take the House, outrage when we know well that both sides “If it’s broke, what are you waiting for?” but very possibly the Senate and the Presi- have been “gaming” democracy for a while apply here. The Republicans made the dency to boot. now? How can we be surprised that the comments gains they did in the 2010 election, I think, Before we get too indignant at the Re- Republicans are playing for total victory, largely for two reasons. First, the economy publicans’ dirty tricks, however, it is im- when the rules of the game—rules both the Carrie Hojnicki An even gender did not make a full recovery, and was still portant to consider how many times the left and the right had a hand in shaping— ratio at a relatively low point after two years Democrats, how many times Obama him- clearly state that only one side can win? January 25 at 7:34am of almost complete Democratic control. self, on his campaign trail, either directly And unfortunately, we’re riding on the mo- Then there’s the fact that the Republicans said, or implied that the administration of mentum of those rules now, and no matter Jill Scharr A moat and drawbridge blamed the Democrats for the economic former President George W. Bush was re- how much we clamor for “change,” no mat- low and argued that Obama’s “job-killing sponsible for all the woes our country was ter who is doing the clamoring, there can around Skinner. And a dragon to health care law” would only exacerbate facing. Sure, you might say, maybe some of be no real change if we’re still playing by guard it. the problem. what was said by the Democrats was over- the same rules. January 25 at 8:42am Had the economy been booming, in- blown, but at least it had some truth to it. —Marie Dugo, Social Media Editor dependent voters would have ignored Where is the truth to Obama’s death panels —Emil Ostrovski ’12 is a philosophy major. MISCELLANY NEWS | VASSAR COLLEGE ADVERTISEMENT January 27, 2011 OPINIONS Page 11 Blame for shooting misplaced In wake of shooting, schools Loughner solely responsible should prioritize mental health John Kenney the parents or friends of Loughner for the fact Kris Yim Gu e s t Co l u m n i s t that he is an adult who, although obviously dis- Gu e s t Co l u m n i s t and alarmist paranoia that may do little or he tragic violence in Tucson, Ariz. earlier turbed, was—at the time—legally responsible midst the shooting at Tucson, Ariz. ear- nothing to prevent multifaceted cases of ho- Tthis month once again brings to light the for his own psychological care, as he hadn’t Alier this month, Pima Community Col- micide. I soon concluded that this view was question of what a school can do to prevent been declared incompetent. While the state lege, which the alleged shooter Jared Lee baseless. an act of violence from occurring. The shoot- of Arizona does allow for involuntary com- Loughner had attended, is receiving criti- I became sure of the opposite stance upon ing in a Safeway store that left six people dead mitment at the sign of “evidence of danger,” cism for not requiring an involuntary psy- researching the background information and 13 wounded should make us reevaluate according to Laura Waterman, a psychologist chiatric evaluation following his frequent behind the Virginia Tech massacre. The as- how well schools have adapted to neutralizing and clinical director of the Southern Arizona reports of “bizarre outbursts and violent In- sailant, Seung-Hui Cho, was court-ordered psychological threats since the Columbine and Mental Corporation, there seems to have been ternet fantasies,” as The New York Times ar- to receive a psychiatric assessment almost Virginia Tech shootings. confusion regarding the law. The police chief ticle, “College’s Policy on Troubled Students two years before the incident. At the time, Since the shooting occurred, information has for Pima, Stella Bay, believed that the college Raises Questions,” published on Jan. 13, puts campus police had just contacted him about come to light showing that the administration could only initiate an evaluation in the case of it. Concerned with Loughner’s behavior, the stalking two other female students. The of Pima Community College was well aware a student being “an imminent danger.” As there college suspended him and required that he Washington Post reports, “That night, Cho that the accused shooter, Jared Loughner, was is now a wider awareness of the law, hopefully return with a professional psychiatric note e-mailed a roommate saying he might as well mentally ill. The school had suspended him in in the future that awareness will lead to the law ensuring that he poses no threat. Lough- kill himself. The roommate contacted police, September 2010 and asked him not to return being better utilized. However, other states do ner never got that note; he withdrew from who brought Cho to the New River Valley without a mental health professional’s letter not have such laws, and had Loughner gone to the college as a result. In particular, Laura Community Services Board, the government showing he no longer posed any danger. school in one of those states this option would Waterman, a psychologist and clinical di- mental health agency that serves Blacks- The question, of course, is whether the not even have been available. rector of a nearby mental health institute, burg.” There, they found him “mentally ill school did enough to help Loughner. Argu- If Loughner’s school had been primarily takes the stance that Pima Community Col- and in need of hospitalization,” so he was ments against the school’s actions include the residential or smaller, then events may have lege had a responsibility to seek a mandated detained until a special justice reviewed his fact that in suspending Loughner they may unfolded differently, as many of those schools mental health assessment. case and mandated involuntary treatment. It have helped further his disconnect from so- have mental health centers on campus to re- As Waterman suggested, Loughner should struck me that suicide prevention treatment ciety and that the school also had the option fer such students to proper treatment and try have had a mandated psychiatric evaluation; is much more available and open, and man- to have him involuntarily evaluated by mental to ensure that they receive it. However, there schools should not be reluctant to enforce dated treatment for those who might harm health officials. is still the chance that the horrors of Tucson this on those whom they suspect to pose a themselves is not intrusive at all. As much It should be remembered, though, that the would have occurred anyway. There is no de- threat. I initially struggled with this idea. Af- as we’d like to put shooters out of our minds, alleged shooter went to a commuter college finitive way to know. There is no foolproof ter all, Pima Community College had already it’s equally dangerous, and with people’s attended by 68,400 students, so he may very system to stop people from committing acts of updated its threat assessment system since safety as a top concern, to think otherwise well have felt like just a number. Loughner was violence, and unless people are stripped of all the Virginia Tech massacre, and they did became absurd. Colleges nationwide should also still living with his parents at the time and of their rights there never will be. exercise their authority as a school rather provide help to troubled students grappling had been cutting off contact with most of the These events will hopefully push schools to than simply being idle. The Tucson shoot- with violent thoughts, and should not be re- friends with which he had once surrounded try to find and provide help to students like ing was undeniably a horrific tragedy caused luctant to mandate aid for those who might himself. Loughner in the future, but Pima doesn’t de- by a clearly deranged killer, but I wondered harm others, just as treatment is given to ex- The point here is that the faculty and stu- serve blame. At the end of the day, Loughner if being more willing to issue involuntary tremely depressive and suicidal students. dents of Pima Community College were not was the one who pulled the trigger. psychiatric evaluations was the proper solu- Still, Pima Community College acted rea- the only people in Loughner’s life who would tion. It was the term “involuntary,” with its sonably, albeit insufficiently. As the article have observed his disturbed behavior. Howev- —John Kenney ’14 is a student at Vassar Col- intrusive connotation, that had me consider suggests, their decision to suspend Loughner er, we should restrain from blaming the school, lege. that it might promote excessive monitoring See PIMA on page 12

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MISCELLANY NEWS | VASSAR COLLEGE Page 12 OPINIONS January 27, 2011 Virginia Tech model Facebook: The dot-com bubble, 2.0? Mazi Kazemi and Kelly Shortridge would not be able to participate in this book to charge for its services given the a good starting point Gu e s t Co l u m n i s t s investment, which caused many Amer- nature of the site. As of yet, there are few t the beginning of the new millen- icans—especially those with funds at outlined plans for how Facebook intends PIMA continued from page 11 However, Loughner’s case Anium, the dot-com bubble burst, Goldman Sachs—to be outraged. After to generate the huge revenues people are only isolated him further, seems to prove that above and with it, thousands of Internet– and all, Facebook is a company founded and expecting. rather than helping him. all, these situations can be technology–based startups failed. While based in the United States, so what was Moreover, because of its success and This was not unreasonable, unpredictable. Loughner’s there had been hype for this new era of Goldman trying to pull with this move? enormous valuation, many similar social however, as Loughner sud- mental conditions were Internet companies and commerce, many Well, Goldman’s results for 2010 were far networking sites are trying to hitch a ride denly developed unruly developed after his high highly valued companies simply did not from spectacular, and the deal was start- on its hype so the owners can cash out behavior and had recurring school career, when he was produce the results that were expected. ing to garner attention from the Securi- and retire early. Given that IPO business encounters with campus au- remembered by his peers It turned out that these companies had ties and Exchange Commission (SEC)—a has been slow at investment banks, the thorities. A college spokes- and co-workers as a normal, very little revenue, and thus they were lawsuit that Goldman smartly wanted to banks might be more than eager to pro- man said of Loughner, “His seemingly healthy person at clearly overvalued. Only industry giants avoid in tough times. Securities laws in vide underwriting services to help firms behavior, while clearly dis- the time. Because these cas- like Google managed to still keep inves- the United States state that if a company offer stock to the public. However, if those turbing, was not a crime, es are much more complex tors interested. has more than 500 investors, financial in- also garner astronomical valuations with- and we dealt with it in a way than they seem in hindsight, However, a new Internet titan has ris- formation must be disclosed to the public. out the revenue to back it up, could we be that protected our students more schools should follow en in the past few years—Facebook—and Mark Zuckerberg, Facebook’s founder, is looking at the next dot com crash? and our employees.” In Virginia Tech’s lead in cre- with it has arrived a new wave of Internet notably private, and by avoiding an IPO Finally, it must be asked why Facebook, other words, hindsight bias ating their own “Threat As- startups. With hundreds of millions of clearly has shown that he does not want and perhaps Zuckerberg in particular, makes the situation seem sessment Team,” which, like members, many weren’t surprised at its to reveal Facebook’s secrets to the pub- is so protective of its information. Are more preventable than it ac- Pima, they have been doing multi-billion dollar valuation; however, lic. Goldman simply was making the best they simply trying to avoid copycats, or tually was. It’s easy to point since 2007. The New York people were shocked when Goldman move to avoid regulation by only offering is there something to hide? Given that at the unsettling outbursts Times article cites the fol- Sachs suddenly valued Facebook at $50 a stake in Facebook to its non-American Zuckerberg has a noted distaste for Wall in the security records, but lowing statistic: More than billion and invested $450 million in the investors, as the SEC does not have juris- Street, why did he choose Goldman— at no time did the school half of the United States’ company for its clients. What does this diction over foreign investors. perhaps the face of Wall Street today—to have a full mental blueprint colleges and university have mean? Is this a new dot-com bubble, this Given that Goldman’s profits were raise funds? Is Zuckerberg bluffing, real- of the future gunman; it was “acknowledged the need time heavy on social networking and dis- down recently, as well as other data re- izing he doesn’t have the revenue to back a complex situation that had and have formed some ca- count-based sites? The fact that Facebook vealed in its earnings statement, it’s pret- up the valuation, so he can try to forge to be handled delicately. pacity” to evaluate troubled raised new private funds clearly was a ty clear that Goldman is actually working a master plan to make Facebook bigger Indeed, there are a lot of students capable of harming signal—despite speculation otherwise— for its clients’ interests. While it may be a than Google? factors that drive disturbed others. This is not enough. that Facebook has no intentions of going tough pill for U.S.-based Goldman inves- The secrecy harkens back to the days people—some of whom are Also, the article notes that public anytime soon by holding an initial tors to swallow, and an even tougher one of Long Term Capital Management students—to the point of low-cost commuter institu- public offering (IPO), where the company for Americans who are dying to get in (LTCM). LTCM, a hedge fund run by ac- violence. For example, the tions like Pima Community would issue shares of stock to the public on Facebook action but can’t, very little ademics rather than “go-with-your-gut” gunman behind the Virgin- College do not have internal to raise capital. Any hopes of a regular about this deal implies immoral scheming. Wall Street traders, had long avoided ia Tech massacre suffered mental health centers, im- citizen investing in Facebook are most However, it does raise a few questions sharing any information about its invest- from major depressive dis- plying that fiscal concerns likely dashed, at least in the near future. about Facebook. It’s speculated that Face- ments or revenues. They were secretive order and anxiety disorder, restrict overall psychiatric Facebook has announced that it plans book’s revenue is on par with Groupon’s up until the point where its failure al- compounded with pent up care within many commu- to release its financial statements to the (perhaps even slightly less), another hot most brought down Wall Street. When rage exacerbated by his se- nity colleges. While Pima public no later than April 2012. Therefore, Internet company right now, but Grou- times were good, the secrecy paid off, lective mutism, the inability Community College does a Facebook IPO should be coming in the pon’s valuation is at $15 billion, 30 percent but the company’s arrogance and discre- to speak due to social anxi- direct cases to the near- next year and a half, which would in- of that of Facebook. Will Facebook actu- tion almost cost everyone once its “ge- ety. The shooters behind by South Arizona Mental crease transparency and allow for public ally be able to figure out how to generate nius” strategy failed. If Facebook cannot the Columbine High School Health Corporation, any investment in the secretive, but allegedly revenue that matches its valuation, given follow through with its expected future massacre had vague moti- campus should provide and lucrative company. If there is a Facebook its awe-inspiring user base, or will it be revenues, will they admit it, or bring vations perhaps caused by prioritize treatment for the IPO, all details will be on the table, and the cause of the next tech bubble? Giv- down the market with them? a mix of an isolated social mental health of its students. the true value of the company can more en that its user base is already so large, environment, psychopathy likely be established. it’s unlikely that the company will grow —Mazi Kazemi ’13 and Kelly Shortridge ’12 and depression, and many —Kris Yim ’14 is a student at Recently, Goldman Sachs announced enough on its own to increase revenue. are economics majors and officers of the other speculated factors. Vassar College. that investors based in the United States Furthermore, it will be difficult for Face- Vassar Business Club.

Crossword by Jonathan Garfinkel, Crossword Editor

ACROSS princess style ___ 1. Certain superstar, 22. Challenges for some 49. “Moby Dick” captain 9. Versailles resident briefly H.S. seniors 53. Pimp accoutrements once upon a time 4. Baby horse 24. Lessee 55. “Hurt” group, brielfy 10. Nuc. material 8. Chi. airport 28. Like a certain reaper 56. Tilt 12. Vietnamese holiday 11. Porn 32. Oft-rolled joint 57. ____-Ball (arcade 14. Chemical ending 13. “____ from New 34. Possess game) 15. Proverb York, it’s Saturday 35. St. Petersburg’s one- 58. Entreats 18. Mortgage datum, Night!” time namesake 60. Sharpness briefly 14. “Dark Knight” Actor 36. Corrosive stuff 61. Slime 20. Valuable rock Eckhart 37. ______Pointe, MI 63. Land measurement 22. Group for U.S. driv- 16. Extra-stiff breeze 39. AFL-___ 65. Boxer, and others ers 17. Ancient library site 40. Appear 71. M*A*S*H Actor Alan 23. Pittsburgh ballpark 19. Molecular bit 42. Bkfst. spot ____ name-sponsor 21. Object causing 44. Feel sick 74. _____ Coeur, MO 25. Victors at the Battle discomfort for a certain 47. Country farm, old 75. Icy drink dispenser of Hastings 76. Sit 26. Jeter’s number Answers to last week’s puzzle 77. American Airlines’ 27. Flag asea parent, briefly 29. GOP steering group 78. Greek god of lust 30. Certain Britney hit, 79. “Game, ___, match” in ancient Rome? 31. Alphabet trio DOWN 33. Mormon Church, 1. Chinese food chemi- briefly cal, briefly 35. Feline sign, perhaps 2. Whence the Swift- 37. World cup third- West showdown, briefly placer (abbr.) 48. Dr. Tesla, to his bud- 56. NY Jets grp. cipality?) 3. New Jersey “Skyway” 38. “___’s a Witch!” dies perhaps 58. Certain ISP 68. ___ de France 4. Fire 41. Ovum 50. “War of the Worlds” 59. Desert rest-stops 69. “___ father...” 5. “Black gold” 43. Skillet writer 62. Matador’s cry 70. Many an aid group 6. Thoroughfare, briefly 44. Six pack contents, 51. Certain “Clay” re- 64. Snoop specialty (abbr.) 7. “Superman” baddie perhaps placement 65. Old electronics corp. 72. Lady-deer Luther 45. Kind 52. Wager 66. Epoch 73. Suitable 8. Bruin great Bobby 46. Rest 54. Israeli desert 67. ___ Air (Fresh Prin-

MISCELLANY NEWS | VASSAR COLLEGE January 27, 2011 HUMOR & SATIRE Page 13 OPINIONS A message from your Live Blogging | My first and neighborhood Girl Scout last trip to the gymnasium Alanna Okun the other Girl Scouts came to pick them Tom Renjillian 11:17 - I decide I want to exercise my “biceps,” so I sit Gu e s t Co l u m n i s t Hu m o r & Sa t i r e Ed i t o r up. Basically, I ran shit. Think you’re not down at the “Bicep Exercise Machine” and set the elcome back, team! So the holiday interested in forking over 20 bucks for a ver break I learned something new about myself. weight to 100 pounds. Wseason is upon us. “But Alanna!” you six-pack of Samoas because of your “coco- OI was casually chatting with an elderly female 11:19 - I struggle immensely. Nothing happens. scream, spraying your copy of The Miscel- nut allergy” or “type-2 diabetes?” Wrong. customer at the grocery store where I work when she 11:20 - “Come on Roman Czula! You can do it Roman!” lany News with unsightly bits of quesadilla, Truth be told, I wasn’t really more con- decided it was vital to take a step back, survey my body I tell myself.** “We just finished with the holiday season! vincing than any of the other pigtailed and inform me that I was “so grossly emaciated that it’s 11:21 - I realize I can’t do it. But I figure since my arms Christmas and New Years and everything! entrepreneurs; my secret weapon was my sickening—literally sickening.” After I finished crying really hurt, I must have exercised. Look, I even have this gift card to Yankee dad. He works in a huge office in down- and squeezing her bread like a stress ball, I decided it 11:25 - I realize, “Maybe I’m closer to being a girl than Candle from my senile great-aunt Marcia town Boston, and every year I’d send him was time to, as we say on Bodybuilding.com, “Bulk Up.” I thought,” and find an elliptical next to someone that I will never ever spend as proof!” off with the cookie order form. Once word So I bought myself a one-month membership at a whom I know I can beat in the race. Hush now. You’re forgetting about quite got out among the sugar-starved tax con- place called “Planet Fitness.” It’s a name that, to me, 11:27 - I notice that the portly boy on the elliptical next possibly the most important event to ever sultants that Barry Okun was the guy to see conjures images of some sort of sweaty intergalac- to me keeps glaring in my direction. I assume he’s grace the solar calendar, the three-month- for Thin Mints and Peanut Butter Patties (I tic hell, an unsettling mix of “Star Trek” and those looking at my “biceps.” long revelry that defines America as we WILL NEVER CALL THEM TAGALONGS nights at the DC when you accidentally eat at the 11:28 - I take off my headphones to tell him not to get know it: Girl Scout cookie season. The tim- YOU FASCIST COMMIE SLUTS), all we table next to the whole lacrosse team.* “Whatever, jealous, that one day, with a lot of hard work and ing varies from year to year and state to had to do was sit back and watch the re- it’s only 30 dollars and I can tan for free!” I told my- dedication, he too can get to my level. state, but generally cookies are sold between quests pour in. I was the bucktoothiest little self. Did I actually go to Planet Fitness? Have you 11:29 - With my headphones out I realize that, just January and March and distributed around kingpin you ever did see. seen those commercials with that scary guy who maybe, my new friend isn’t staring at me due to my April. In the olden days, little girls clad in I quit the troop when I realized that my talks about lifting things up and putting them down admirably improved physique, but because my iPod innocent green vests used to go door-to- total lack of coordination seriously ham- WHILE ACTUALLY DOING SO? Of course I didn’t go. is so loud that approximately everyone in the gym door peddling their wares to strangers, un- pered my chances at the juiciest merit I decided I would put off starting my new healthy can hear me r0ckin 0ut to my “Taking Back Sunday til the Girl Scouts of America realized that badges. I don’t know any Girl Scouts any- lifestyle until I got back to Vassar. “Since there are no Workout Mix.” this business model was less than effective more; most of my friends’ younger siblings sports teams the gym will be a lot less intimidating,” I 11:30 - Ashamed, I put my headphones back in, make my in terms of children not getting kidnapped. are too young/old/pierced to belong to the reasoned with myself. Here is what ensued. “gym face” at my panting friend, and look away. Now they’re encouraged to sell to people organization, and I passed the benchmark 11:33- I turn the volume down (I would have done it fast- they know, utilizing the age-old strategy of where it’s okay to have tweenage friends Gym Day One: er but “Cute Without the E” just came on and like it “begging your parents to buy lots of some- a whole bunch of years ago. I interviewed 10:25 a.m. - I update my Facebook status: “Going to the was really getting me pumped up). thing (i.e. cookies, magazine subscriptions, (selflessly, journalistically, and with no ulte- gym!!!” 11:34 - I begin to pant heavily. raffle tickets) so that you can get something rior motive) my 13-year-old brother to find 10:26 - I improve my Facebook status: “gym.” 11:36 - I begin gasping for air. else (i.e. a merit badge, novelty sunglasses, out if any of his shrieky, bebrace’d lady- 10:35-11:00 - I practice my “gym face” as I walk. (The 11:37 - I stop breathing entirely. more raffle tickets).” Some renegade troops friends might be hawking cookies this year. trick to gym success, I’ve heard, is to have a face that 11:38 - I begin my “cool down” phase. have even been known to set up stalls out- His response: “What? [Girl Scouts] still says, “I know you’re judging me but I’m judging you 11:39 - I exclaim, “Overdid it again!” and casually leave side grocery stores, selling cookies at a exist?” Homeboy makes a fair point—how more. Bitch.” Like when you saw those kids from the gym. markup in exchange for over-the-counter does an organization stay in business if its Marist College standing outside the Poughkeepsie service—no waiting an arbitrary and ago- product is only available on a who-you- Galleria Hollister.) Despite some setbacks, I think Vassar is the perfect nizing month-and-a-half for Trefoils if you know basis, especially when the “who” in 11:00 - I walk into the gym brandishing my V-Card and place for me to get “in shape.” It’s not as embarrassing get serviced by Troop 24781! question is required to wear polyester vests change of shoes. “There’s no place like home,” I exclaim. to confuse the treadmill and the benchpress when the How do I know all this insider info? Well, made of the least flattering green to ever 11:02 - I enter the Fitness Room and walk right past the kid on the bike next to you is wearing yellow skinny not to brag or anything, but I was probably grace this good Earth? I guess it’s just one ellipticals (what am I, a girl?) to the more manly gym jeans. So feel free to come visit me at the gym; I’ll be the best cookie salesgirl the Eastern Sea- of life’s great mysteries, like why that tree equipment. there pretty much 24/7 or like a couple more times this board has seen in decades. My naturally outside the Retreat smells like feta cheese 11:10 - I decide to try something called “Urgging.” Ac- semester at least. piercing voice, combined with an early gift and where jeggings come from. And so my cording to my friends on the crew team it’s like row- for smooth-talking, meant that for the four quest for cookie nirvana continues. ing a boat. I went canoeing with my grandparents *I don’t have the slightest clue what lacrosse is or who years I spent in Girl Scouts, I outsold the Editor’s Note: I have since located a once. Great! plays it. I just assume that any large group of straight other members of my troop three-to-one. small child who is willing to peddle me two 11:11 - “Where are the oars?” I inquire. males is the lacrosse team. For two years, my house even served as boxes of Peanut Butter Patties, two boxes of 11:12 - “Stop being a smartass,” I advise myself. ** I decided I would give myself a “gym alter ego” to mo- the illustrious Cookie House, wherein all Thin Mints and one box of Samoas. AND 11:13 - But seriously, I can’t find the oars so I decide to tivate myself and randomly came up with the name “Ro- the orders in my town were stored until NONE OF YOU CAN HAVE ANY HAHA. move on. man Czula.” It makes me feel like a gladiator!!!

Weekly Calendar: 1/27 - 2/2 by Alanna Okun, Humor & Satire Editor

Thursday, 1/27 Saturday, 1/29 Monday, 1/31 3 p.m. Tea. Things you missed about Vassar over break. 8 p.m. Modfest Concert: Orchestral and Chamber Ensem- 3 p.m. Tea. That wicked hot junior who lived on your hall Rose Parlor. bles. Nobody has ever bothered to explain to me what Mod- last semester, who has since gone JYA and been replaced by fest actually is, so I’m just gonna go ahead and assume that a pasty, self-righteous junior who just got back from Africa 6 p.m. Modfest: Late Night at the Lehman Loeb. I can’t be it’s like that scene at the end of 2001: A Space Odyssey when and openly judges you in the bathroom whenever you use the only person who’s mourned the lack of Late Night this the computer takes over and modernity is revealed to be a running water. Rose Parlor. badly. Nobody else I know wants to give me free cheese and self-defeating nadir of despair. Spoiler alert! Skinner. show me his Pollack AT THE SAME TIME. (Euphemism? Tuesday, 2/1 You decide.) FLLAC. 9 p.m. Sexycentennial Party. I swear to God, the next person 3 p.m. Tea. The mild, temperate climate. Ha ha! See what I did who gleefully puns on the word “sesquicentennial” is going there? It’s like the opposite of what’s true and that’s why it’s Friday, 1/28 to be in for a world of hurt. Rose Parlor. funny!! Also if I slip on the snow-slush-ice-terror-deathtrap one 12 p.m. Teen Visions 2011. “I made this collage out of a more time, I will immediately stop recycling, just to speed up this cigarette butt, poems printed out from my LiveJournal and 10:30 p.m. Sexycentennial Party. WERE YOU NOT EVEN “global warming” thing that sounds so delightful. Rose Parlor. all my Hot Topic receipts from the past year. It represents LISTENING TO ME, ViCE?!? Villard Room. alienation and how much my parents are the worst.” Palmer Wednesday, 2/2 Gallery. Sunday, 1/30 3 p.m. Tea. The sesquicentennial festivities. Because the last 3 p.m. Tower of Babel. Bloogen floogen ya blyuyu schnitzel. time you celebrated attaining 150 of something, you were 11 3 p.m. Tea. Campus Dining Services. In the real world, any Translation: I can’t fucking believe they haven’t run out of and that something was Pokémon. Rose Parlor. restaurant that occasionally closed off half its seating with- plays to put on here yet. Rose Parlor. out warning and served nothing but stale bagels and Pop- 3:30 p.m. Art, Dance, Music and Words. Thanks, but I’ll be pin’ Pink Hi-C would be considered a failure. Here, it’s a 5 p.m. Lecture by a Former Sudanese Refugee. Whoa. Heavy. occupied with Naptime, Hummus, No Pants and Shower- lifestyle. Rocky 200. Singing around then. Villard Room.

In honor of the sesquicentennial, over the course of the semester Vassar College Special Collections will release a previously un- g seen document that showcases Vassar’s rich history: the Twitter page belonging to a member of the school’s inaugural class.

MISCELLANY NEWS | VASSAR COLLEGE Page 14 ARTS January 27, 2011 Library exhibition documents Vassar liberal arts values Adam Buchsbaum [the sesquicentennial] for about three years,” Re p o r t e r Finkel said. Planning for this particular exhibit he first document in the Thompson Library’s has been going on for roughly a year. Still, de- Tnew exhibit is a parchment next to Matthew spite the lofty responsibility of commemorat- Vassar’s old pocket watch and eye glasses. This ing Vassar’s anniversary on the curators of the crinkly and fading parchment is not merely any exhibit, they had fun with the exhibition. “[I] parchment, though; it is Matthew Vassar’s first really enjoyed getting to delve in and do some statement to the Board of Trustees. The docu- research in the archives,” Finkel said. Co-cura- ment is one of many in the new, sesquicentenni- tor and Professor of History Rebecca Edwards al-inspired exhibit now on view in the Library. had fun learning about earlier, lesser known, The exhibit’s title, The Most Perfect Education yet notable graduates. “It’s amazing how many of Body, Mind, and Heart: Vassar and the Liberal went on to become engaged in public service,” Arts serves as an ode to a phrase Matthew Vassar Edwards said. Despite the stronger focus on Juliana Halpert/ The Miscellany News himself used in his first statement when express- Vassar’s beginnings, curator Finkel was still ing what he wished Vassar to impart to its stu- keen to bring up the more modern, and still dents. “[The statement] is just such an impres- important, history of the College in a short sive document. It really gives you a sense of the epilogue entitled “My Motto is Progress,” after time,” Special Collections Librarian and curator what Matthew Vassar said. of the exhibit Laura Finkel said. “That document An old, 1920s issue of the Vassar Quarterly in- in particular was hanging in the president’s office habits one case, a black-and-white picture from for some time.” The exhibit is composed of 20 World War II adorns another, and there’s a case cases containing archival documents and objects. containing a 1970s yearbook and an acknowl- Multiple themes are explored within the exhibit, edgement of Vassar’s new co-ed system. The last such as student life and the curriculum, but the case showcases current student publications. focus is on Vassar’s founding and first 50 years. “The more modern items are actually more dif- Also, the exhibit explores the ever-changing ficult for us,” Finkel noted. “We’re trying to cover notion of a liberal arts education and its relation a lot of time in those last four cases.” Beyond to the College throughout its history. In fact, there the displays and cases the library has provided was initially was some debate at Vassar concern- many archival images for the sesquicentennial’s ing the inclusion of the arts and music within a website, and Edwards will lead a special course liberal arts education. “The founders wanted to be on Vassar’s founding and history for the next fall very careful to make sure the school didn’t seem semester. Accompanying Vassar and the Liberal to be just another finishing school or boarding Arts exhibition is a small, elegant book with rel- school for well-to-do women,” Finkel said. But evant, reflective writings. It begins with Finkel from the beginning Matthew Vassar thought arts introducing and explaining the exhibit. Then, just as important to a liberal arts education as the Edwards explores the interplay of the women’s sciences were. “The founders hoped to graduate rights movement, women’s education and the well-rounded women who could contribute to founding of Vassar. The book concludes with a Juliana Halpert/ The Miscellany News society by having a basic knowledge about arts final essay by Dean of Planning and Academic and music as well as the sciences and literature, Affairs and Professor of Greek and Roman Stud- math, history,” Finkel said. The arts ended up be- ies Rachel Kitzinger that explores Vassar’s rela- ing taught from the beginning, but were initially tionship to the liberal arts from its distant past to classified as extra-collegiate and separate from its modern present. other subjects, though well-respected and well- The opening reception last Friday was packed taught nonetheless. In 1891 the arts were finally with people chatting about Vassar and eating free integrated into the curriculum as simply another food from enticing platters. Amidst the crowd subject. was alumnus Scott Mendelson ’93. He stood lin- The sesquicentennial has served as the per- gering beside the case containing Matthew Vas- fect opportunity for Vassar to celebrate this sar’s statement to the Board of Trustees. Reflec- rich history and evolution over time, and the tive, he said, “It’s only when I get together with The Thompson Memorial Library’s latest exhibit, which explores Vassar’s history as a liberal Library has been busy in preparation for quite Vassar people that I am with people who have a arts institution, features Matthew Vassar’s own pocket watch and eye glasses, among other items. some time. “We’ve actually been thinking about larger vision of the world.” Modfest introduces operatic work, “Aethelred the Unready”

Connor O’Neill And with the College’s on-going celebration on Tuesday, Jan. 25 in the Symphony Space. to plan this event, reaching out to a diverse Re p o r t e r of its sesquicentennial, this year’s Modfest is The opera is not the only performance that range of Vassar alumnae/i artists in an attempt lthough the spring semester lacks the long still reaching new territory. On Friday, Jan. 22 features works by the Music Department. On Fri- to get them to return to campus on such a year Adays and warm weather of the fall, it does and Saturday, Jan. 23, Richard Wilson’s opera day, Jan. 28, the virtuosic Cygnus Ensemble will as historic as the sesquicentennial. offer a wide range of engaging arts related “Aethelred the Unready” was performed in the perform works by Vassar composers including The language departments, which Adene events to keep away the winter blues. Modfest, Skinner Hall of Music. The show, a witty story Professor Wilson and Dean of the Faculty John Wilson has worked with closely since she be- Vassar’s annual festival that celebrates and ex- of a Anglo-Saxon king down on his luck, went Chenette. Adene Wilson notes that this perfor- gan her work on campus, has prepared several plores arts of the 20th and 21t century will no up to a packed house each night. mance is “a showcase of the Music Department performances of their own, including a rework- doubt help usher everyone into a new semes- The show included a 14-piece orchestra con- from over 70 years of composers at Vassar.” ing of the fairy tale “Snow White and the Seven ter. ducted by Professor Wilson and featured per- Chenette has also been working hard to plan Dwarfs.” The work features languages fellows The festival kicked off on Jan. 20, continues formances by all five of the voice professors the event which he hosts, the Art, Dance, Mu- of the various departments speaking the text in through Feb. 5 and runs the gamut from the vi- in the Music Department. Adjunct Artist and sic, and Words presentation, on Wednesday, each of their native languages while students sual arts and film to drama, dance and litera- Professor of Music Robert Osborne played the Feb. 2 at 3:30 p.m. in the Villard Room. Adene of the respective departments simultaneously ture. Modfest is now in its ninth year, having part of Aethelred in the first staged version of Wilson points to this event as her favorite. “It’s translate the performance into English. The been founded in 2003 by Vassar alumna Adene Professor Wilson’s opera. The score has been the kids performing for each other,” she said event is fittingly entitled The Tower of Babel Wilson ’69 and her husband, Professor of Mu- re-worked several times, being performed as a excitedly. “In all of these disciplines they are so and fits perfectly in the tenor of the festival, sic Richard Wilson. concert in 2001 with six players and later with busy practicing—in Skinner, or the dance hall fusing different modes of expression into one “I’ve been to other festivals that have many a full orchestra, while the libretto was written or the studio—that they don’t get to see each collaborative performance. components, drama, music, art that comes in the 1990s. other so much.” Works by visual artists will be Modfest will also include the opening of a from all over,” Adene Wilson says of her idea The genesis of the project, however, reaches displayed around the room, and the event will modern photography exhibition in the Fran- for the festival. “But I’ve always thought that back even farther. “I first learned about Aethelred feature performances of chamber music by stu- ces Lehman Loeb Art Center entitled 150 Years we have such resources here with the students, from a political science course in 1961...then I for- dents, dancing by the Vassar Repertory Dance Later: New Photography by Tina Barney, Tim the faculty and alumnae/i...[that] we’d really be got about him for about 30 years,” explains Pro- Theatre, and readings of poetry by students in Davis and Katherine Newbegin. The exhibition able to celebrate our own artistic accomplish- fessor Wilson. The woeful king did not reappear the Verse Writing class. Chenette has hosted will showcase each photographer’s perspective ments.” in Wilson’s mind until the pre-Joe Torre years of the event for the last three years and Adene on Vassar life. The Emily Hargroves Fisher ’57 And that celebration has grown in its reach the New York Yankees, a string of slumping sea- Wilson lauds his work, saying that “he does a and Richard B. Fisher Curator of the exhibition, each year since its inception. Originally featur- sons for the baseball team that conjured ideas of wonderful job.” Mary-Kay Lombino explained, “Vassar has sort ing only music, it has swollen to include work another empire battling hard times. Art, Dance, Music, and Words is not the only of a tradition of innovation and new inquiry by 12 departments on campus, collaboration The project, like Modfest itself, has morphed collaborative event between music and litera- into things, so I thought bringing contemporary with alumnae/i, the Frances Lehman Loeb Art and grown over the years and the premiere of ture. The W.K. Rose Fellowship performance, artists here would follow in that tradition.” Center and the College Bookstore. the fully staged version is a fitting cornerstone which happened on Wednesday, Jan. 26 in the The hope of the Wilsons is that students will Adene Wilson has spent the past nine years to the festival in such an important year for the Villard Room, featured the work of composer take advantage of the opportunity to celebrate digging deep into the Vassar community. Af- College. “I’ve loved working with the cast, set Jane Strong O’Leary ’68, one of the foremost the various arts on campus with the commu- ter retiring from her work as a schoolteacher, design, lighting, costume, directing, every as- contemporary Irish composers, and the reading nity at large. “By mid-February and March it’s she began taking language classes and getting pect,” says Wilson about the collaborative work of works done by two alumnae/i writers who overload, but just now you can do it, you aren’t more acquainted with the diverse art world on that a fully staged opera entails. The professor have won the prize. The fellowship, awarded heavy into it,” says Adene Wilson. It’s hard to campus. “I’ve tried to get to know people more has had compositions featured in Modfests of to a Vassar graduate who works in the creative think of a better way to return to campus, sup- and then I try to bring them in [to Modfest],” previous years, but is excited to have his first arts, was established in 1970. port the arts or celebrate the College’s sesqui- Wilson says of her work in joining the various opera staged on such a momentous occasion. Adene Wilson speaks of the event animated- centennial. A full list of events can be found on artistic pursuits. The opera was also performed in New York City ly, noting that she has worked for almost a year the College’s info site: info.vassar.edu. MISCELLANY NEWS | VASSAR COLLEGE January 27, 2011 ARTS Page 15 Teen Visions showcases high school art Shruti Manian Re p o r t e r

ore than 100 drawings, paintings, Msculptures and photographs adorned the walls of the Palmer Gallery as young art- ists stood by beaming. The melodious notes of the Stringendo Orchestra wafted through the crowded gallery into the College Cen- ter as high school students from around the Hudson Valley played their instruments in perfect sync. Proud parents in the audience The Miscellany News Madeline Zappala/ looked on and applauded as the performance reached its arresting finale. Richard Yates Such was the scene at Vassar’s annual Teen Visions, an exhibition of artwork by high school students who participate in the Art impresses with Institute of Mill Street Loft. The exhibition and accompanying reception are both part of Modfest, Vassar’s celebration of modern simple prose art from the 20th and 21st centuries. In addition to its visual arts program, Mill Street also has a Girls Empowerment Pro- Richard Yates gram for teenage girls between the ages of Tao Lin 11 and 18 living in the Poughkeepsie and Bea- [Melville House] con area. Members of PASWORD (Program Teen Visions, an annual exhibition of artwork by high school students who participate in the Art for Adolescent Student Women Of Real Di- Institute of Mill Street Loft, will be on display in the Palmer Gallery from Jan. 20 through Feb. 3. rection) and Project AWARE (Adolescent Women Are Realizing Empowerment) read said Rosenberg. “At Mill Street, I have been are given a creative environment with the poetry at the reception, giving audiences pushed to perform at the best of my poten- freedom to explore their talents. a special look into their life experiences, tial, to levels that I could not have managed The Palmer Gallery provides aspiring stu- Mikko Harvey hopes and dreams for the future. The mis- on my own.” dent artists with a space that closely simu- Gu e s t Co l u m n i s t sion of the Girls Empowerment Program is During the gallery reception, Poteet ges- lates an actual exhibition environment. “This ovelist Tao Lin has developed a rather pe- to teach vital life skills and to help young tured specifically towards the various self- is the most professional exhibiting opportu- Nculiar reputation for himself. For one, he women grow and mature as strong, indepen- portraits, that he believes reflect the sort of nity that these students will have because the advocates shoplifting from large corporations, dent individuals. expression Teen Visions is all about. From Palmer Gallery has such broad community as is evidenced by the title of his breakthrough Of the Mill Street Loft, Director Todd simple portraits depicting basic facial fea- outreach,” said Vassar’s Director of Campus work, Shoplifting from American Apparel. For Poteet said, “There are no pre-requisites to tures to edgy ones that give a remarkable Activities and member of the Board of Direc- another, he recently gave a public reading while joining our classes. Our belief is that if you insight into the artist’s own brand of expres- tors of Mill Street Loft Teresa Quinn. Poteet under the influence of psilocybin mushrooms, have a desire to learn, we can teach you.” sion, the pieces demonstrate the flair that added, “We have been exhibiting at Palmer and he is currently working on a pretty self- All instructors are professional, working these students have for their art. for the last nine years and the venue really explanatory project titled “MDMA Films.” artists that provide students with a nurtur- Mill Street also enables its students to does validate the students’ artwork.” Lin’s writing style is equally unique. His ing environment, “The advantage of having gain admittance to some of the most presti- With over 50 students displaying their prose often includes transcripts of Gmail chats professional artists is that they incorporate gious art schools and programs in the coun- work, Teen Visions promises to give an ex- and text message conversations: he’s known for real life experiences when they teach. Also try. “With Mill Street, you’re not just join- traordinary insight into the artistic interests his distinctive minimalism, which, in his latest we aim to teach students that they can make ing an art class, you’re unlocking this huge and capabilities of high school students novel, Richard Yates, is taken to an extreme. a career through the arts, and we teach them resource. I’ve had so many chances to meet around the Hudson Valley. The exhibition The novel, which is largely autobiographical, this through example,” said Poteet. with admission reps from colleges and even highlights the significance of art within centers on the relationship between a 22-year- Jonah Rosenberg is one of the many high scholarship opportunities,” said Rosenberg. the community as well as the community’s old man and a 16-year-old woman. The woman, school students exhibiting work at Teen Vi- Also important is the success that spills prominent impact on the art being created. Dakota Fanning, is a high-school student in sub- sions. His photos showcased in the exhibi- over from the arts into other facets of stu- “Often in today’s world, we see art being urban New Jersey. She is imaginative and kind, tion are themed “High School students in dents’ everyday life. “Art is an activity that marginalized. When there is a budget cut, but also emotionally troubled; she struggles their rooms.” Rosenberg began his work involves higher level thinking. In fact we the first thing that a lot of schools do is curb with an eating disorder, depression and even with photography in his freshman year of actually even see our students’ GPAs climb their art programs. At Mill Street, through suicidal thoughts. The male character, Haley high school then further enhanced his skills after they’ve been working with Mill Street,” exhibitions like Teen Visions, we aim to pri- Joel Osment, is a writer from Manhattan, and he at Mill Street. “I found that I enjoyed pho- said Poteet. By teaching the basic rules of art oritize art,” ended Poteet. too is flawed. He’s socially uncomfortable and tography a lot, it was very intuitive for me and encouraging students to push boundar- Teen Visions is displayed at Palmer Gal- at times borderline emotionally abusive with and even defines me to a great extent now,” ies, Mill Street aims to ensure that students lery from Jan. 20 until Feb. 3. Dakota. Their relationship begins online, but then quickly continues as the two meet in per- son. Together, they people-watch, shoplift, make silly art work, have sex and talk, all while avoid- ing Fanning’s worried mother. Jazz night new and improved for spring The novel is emotionally and intellectually re- strained. There is no abstract reflection, only the Rachael Borné outside bands almost every week. No doubt Aside from the outside bands, Sola also cold, concrete description of the story. Intense Ar t s Ed i t o r a ton of great acts have graced the stage of hopes to give some on-campus bands oppor- moments and boring ones are described in the uesdays have long been host to the high the Mug; however, Sola feels that booking tunities to play. These shows, however, will same, detached tone. The narrator is seemingly Tenergy, movin’ and groovin’ vibes of fewer bands will make each show much bet- be held on Tuesday nights, simply because indifferent to the content of his narration. Jazz Night, but the ugly truth is plain and ter. “There will be more time to do public- students are more willing to abandon work Richard Yates is made up almost entirely of simple—most students have got to hit the ity, more time to build hype, and people will in support of their friends. “It’s easier to get two elements. One, dialogue between the two books hard early in the week. be more eager. It’ll concentrate the fun, and a crowd on a Tuesday with a student band main characters. And two, description of the After the fall semester, Jazz Night Presi- shows will be ever more magical, danceable because there’s more incentive,” Sola said. physical actions that the two main characters dent Toby Sola ’13 realized Tuesdays were and memorable,” he said. Perhaps the most exciting part on the Jazz take. It’s devoid of any commentary, response, not always conducive to the wild dance par- To reach this conclusion, Sola employed Night makeover is the big Jazzfest Sola has in or speculation. ties he strives to deliver. Thus, Sola made an an almost economic framework: “The sup- the works for late spring. “We’re doing a big This narrative technique may seem shal- executive decision to switch things up for ply of shows was huge and attendance got festival, tentatively April 9. That’ll be mu- low, but it is oddly effective in Richard Yates. the spring and transplant the event to Thurs- kind of low towards the ends of the semes- sic all day and outdoor fun times up in the It works for a couple of reasons. For one, the day, the virtual start of the weekend. “We’re ter. Having fewer shows this semester will South Commons. I’m hoping to feature some two main characters are well developed. They dropping Tuesday,” said Sola, adding, “It’s be great because when supply goes down, art installations, food from local vendors, are honest, nuanced and flawed in a way that pretty obvious that Thursday night is prime the price goes up, even if the demand stays activities like three-legged races and sack renders them quite convincing. Perhaps this is real-estate for live music and fun times on the same,” he explained. races, and drum circles in between acts,” he because Lin took the characters directly out of campus.” In addition to the planning and sweet an- explained.Sola wants to bring Rubblebucket his own life, so he had two very genuine person- With weekend freedom clear on the hori- ticipation made possible by hosting fewer as the festival headliner. Last year, Rubble- alities to work with. zon, Thursday nights should bring just the shows, Sola also promises some of the best bucket charmed the Jazz Night crowd by pa- But more importantly, Lin’s style is effective type of crowd Sola wants. “It’s a great night entertainers yet. This past Tuesday marked rading theatrically through the audience. because he is very good at hinting at meaning. because people are ready to party and their the last old-school Jazz Night, during which Jazz Night held festivals in 2005 and 2006, Throughout the novel Lin chooses dialogue and energy is perfect. They will stay until the Organ Yank, a genre-defying band from and Sola wants to revive the idea this year. “I details that are penetrating on a sort of gut level; very end, and they’ll be able to chill with the Oberlin College, hit the stage with their jazz- decided to go big or go home; do something there were instances in the story where I found band afterwards,” Sola said. inspired tunes. crazy. I know kids will love it,” he said. myself genuinely sad, or felt a rush of warmth Though No-ViCE has traditionally filled The first new and improved Jazz Night Most Vassar students adhere strongly to hit my face, or felt my heart beating faster—yet the Thursday night slot, Sola recognizes the will go down tonight from 10 p.m. to 12 a.m. the age-old expression, “work hard and play I often wasn’t quite sure why I felt that way, and similarities between Jazz Night and No-ViCE in the Mug. Dopapod will christen the scene hard.” Moving Jazz Nights to Thursday will had to take a moment to think about it. Due to and hopes the organizations will be able to with their funk, trance, rock and dubstep allow everyone to take care of academics his minimalist style, Lin doesn’t provide any ex- coordinate and share that coveted ‘prime musical fusion. On Feb. 17, the Chicago Afro- without worrying about missing out, while plicit emotional or intellectual judgments about real-estate.’ “We both have very similar bud- beat Project will come to Vassar. The group also getting totally pumped about the near- the story, but he does provide us with the tools gets and we both bring live music to campus combines funk, rock, jazz, Afro-Cuban and weekend shows. Sola expects the revamped necessary to make these judgments for our- for people to enjoy,” said Sola. high life into one high-energy act nominated Jazz Night to be better than ever, with a selves. Ultimately, as readers of Richard Yates Sola also plans to change the frequency as the Best African Artist in the Chicago Mu- greater turn out, higher energy and as al- we make our own meaning, and in doing so we of shows. In the past, Jazz Night has brought sic Awards of 2004 and 2006. ways, 100 percent dance-ability. See TAO LIN on page 15 MISCELLANY NEWS | VASSAR COLLEGE Page 16 ARTS January 27, 2011 Author Tao Lin emotionally unattached Bassist Becker brings talent to many acts TAO LIN continued from page 14 Emma Daniels experience it in a unique and intimate way. Re p o r t e r For instance, the novel ends with the fol- van Becker ’13 started to play the upright lowing lines: “Haley Joel Osment looked in Ebass in third grade after seeing a bass play- her direction without focusing on her face. He er perform at an elementary school showcase. touched her shoulder a little and left the car. “When the bass player went on stage,” he said, He jumped over a puddle and went in the res- “I was like, ‘That guy looks so cool.’” taurant.” Becker has now been playing for about nine Out of context, this ending is just three sim- years. In high school, he was in the school jazz ple declarative sentences. There is no pretty band and orchestra. His senior year, the jazz dénouement, and the narrator does not dwell band­—The Wellesley High School 2:00 Jazz on the moment. These sentences seem as if Band—was one of 15 finalists at the Essentially they could just as easily be found in the middle Ellington competition, a national high school of the story. Indeed, the ending seems to mean jazz band competition focused on Duke Elling- so little that by transcribing it here I haven’t ton’s compositions. The group, as a finalist, actually given away anything. However, in con- performed at Lincoln Center in New York City. The Miscellany News Laura Smith/ text, these three sentences contain a world of Becker said, “I love being a bass player. It meaning about the couple’s relationship and allows you to play all the time; everyone needs future. As tepid as these sentences appear to a bass player.” be, they are in fact quite moving and strong. Accordingly, before coming to Vassar, Beck- And that’s how the entire novel is. If you er not only pursued music within his high turn to a random page without reading what school, but also played in his area with jazz, precedes it, the contents of that page may seem bluegrass and folk groups, and was in a band shallow, and the writing may even seem bad. called the Fuzzy Folk Collective. (If anyone’s This is because the novel isn’t a collection of interested in checking them out, their album— thoughts or morals; Lin isn’t trying to impress Clap Clap Clap—is for sale on iTunes.) you with his literary prowess or insight. At Vassar, Becker is one of the campus’s few Despite his questionable media persona, upright bass players. He continues to take ev- Evan Becker ’13, pictured above, plays bass in the Music Department’s big jazz band and one of the Lin has produced in Richard Yates a genuine, ery opportunity to play just as other musicians jazz combos. He is also a member of two student-formed bands: Eddy and the Asteroids and Sol. old-fashioned love story—he’s just done it in jump on any opportunity to play with him. He a new way. I urge you not to dismiss the novel said, “When I came to campus, I was unsure Department. They all obtained a half credit and collaborator is one of modest and subtle because of its author’s reputation or because of whether I’d find people to play with, but all for studying how to be in a jazz trio. Becker energy that keeps us grounded as individuals its unusual style. If you read the story faithfully, my hopes and dreams have come true.” said about the experience: “I played some of and musicians. I hope to play the blues with you can get a whole lot out of it. Becker is in two student-formed bands: a the best music I’ve ever played in my life. We Evan till we are old and gray and have arthritis.” Of course, it’s not for everyone. Since Rich- reggae band called Eddy and the Asteroids played a lot of jazz but also a lot of other funky Although much of his time at Vassar is ard Yates is about two young people living and and a Latin funk and R&B cover band called stuff.” The group is currently in the process seemingly spent playing music, Becker is ac- communicating in a very modern way, I would Sol. He also plays a lot of jazz for the Music of trying to get their independent study ap- tually not a music major, but instead has de- say that the novel is more tailored to late teens Department—he is a member of both the proved again for this semester. clared as a Greek and Roman studies major. and twenty somethings, and I would guess that big jazz band and one of the jazz combos. Vassar has given Becker many opportunities Most of his aspirations when it comes to his older readers would find less to sympathize Though skilled in several genres, Becker not only to play the bass, but also to improve music, therefore, are limited to what he can with. Also, some readers are bound to be put noted that jazz is his favorite form of music. as a musician. “Over the course of last se- accomplish during his time at Vassar. He’s off by the detached cynicism with which Lin’s “While I enjoy the fact that the bass is pres- mester in particular, because I was playing so more than ready to make his time here count. characters view their culture. This detachment ent and necessary in so many different styles much, especially with [Roberts] and [Leavitt], He mentioned in particular that he not is severe enough that it has led critics to ques- because it allows me to make music with so I have been able to notice myself grow as a only hopes to play a lot of music during his tion whether or not the novel is actually in any many people and in so many ways, I would bass player. In the trio setting I can learn to time at Vassar, but he also wishes that there way constructive or redemptive, as literature have to admit that jazz is the best. Music is a listen better to all the nuances of other play- would be more opportunities on campus for supposedly should be. conversation with the other players in a band ers and this allows me to play in and with the student musicians to showcase their talent. Still, I found Richard Yates to be worthwhile. and jazz is the purest form of this,” he said. group at all times as opposed to playing along- “Everyone loves live music,” he said, “and It is an engaging and at times even hypnotizing Becker’s passion for jazz is so great that he side them,” he commented. there are so many wonderful musicians on novel. And it does read quickly—partly be- recently created yet another opportunity for Of Becker and their music experience to- campus, but not enough opportunities to cause the prose is straightforward, and partly himself and others to play jazz music. Last se- gether, Roberts said, “His sense of time, his showcase those musicians, which is a shame. because the novel is only 200 pages—but in mester Becker, along with Luke Leavitt ’12, a unique yet primal voice, and his ability to listen There’s music to be played and hopefully that short amount of time Lin does manage to piano player, and Ben Roberts ’13, a drummer, and flow have been clear from the moment we every semester I’m here there will be more move the reader in a very original way. 4 Stars! pursued an independent study in the Music first played. His presence as a band member music to be heard.” New photography offers outside perspectives on Vassar

LOEB continued from page 1 ing, “That’s how I find something to say, and Mike Bernard, Vassar’s generous “key master,” intruding on anybody’s privacy or revealing midst. “I thought it would be nice to celebrate I’ve always noticed that move-out day is a day the holder of every key to every room in every anything private at all,” she said. the 150 years of our history by looking at to- of derangement on any college campus.” The building. This unlimited access gave Newbe- Barney did, however, consider the high lev- day and making a sort of comparison of past juxtaposition of Vassar’s idyllic landscape and gin a special look into the unfrequented and el of properness, saying, “I was thinking that and present,” she explained. The total open- ornate structures with overturned furniture, seemingly abandoned areas of the school. maybe I could come there at two or three in endedness of Lombino’s assignment made messy piles of mismatched belongings and “I think at some ineffable level, the hidden the morning on a Saturday night and see an way for three entirely different perspectives random giveaways is what really complicates areas interested me because I wanted to un- entirely different scene, but I’m not a voyeuris- on Vassar’s environment, people and culture. Davis’ snapshots. earth parts of Vassar that are not known to the tic type of photographer. That’s just not some- Not only are the photos highly varied in their He sees the medium of photography as a students who live there everyday, but mostly I thing that interests me.” This observation content, but they also totally deviate from powerful social tool, one capable of alter- was curious to see what I could find,” she said. serves as a testament to the entire exhibition’s traditional photographs of the campus. No ing judgments and challenging assumptions. Similar to Davis’ interest in the dialogue be- nature—when given such freedom, photogra- archetypal images of Vassar’s majestic his- “Photography is there to add complexity to tween the arranged and deranged, Newbegin phers are able to see very different versions of toric architecture nor photos showcasing our the way we understand the world.” Through found herself attracted to the split between the same place. trimmed and tailored arboretum will grace the his work in this exhibition, Davis questions empty spaces and those hustling with life. There was one consistent feeling Barney walls of this exhibition. popular notions of life at what he refers to as She explained, “As the project evolved, I re- mentioned throughout all of her trips to Vas- Instead, the photographs document hidden “the Platonic ideal of east coast private college alized I was more and more compelled by the sar, though, and that was the camaraderie and places almost unrecognizable as Vassar and campuses.” dichotomy of the energetic world of the stu- agreement: “I was pleasantly pleased by the aspects of campus life often taken for granted, Newbegin’s photographs explore areas of dents on the surface, and what existed below harmony; everyone seemed incredibly happy and also capture the nuances of our school’s the campus most students have never seen and that, the silent world of the basements and at- that I met,” she said, adding, “And I do think unique and eclectic culture in an intimate and likely never knew existed. Newbegin has dis- tics.” there is a very intimate kind of close feeling refreshing way. tant ties to the school, as both her older broth- The works of Barney deal more closely with among the students. I felt as if I really under- Davis, the Visiting Assistant Professor of ers attended Vassar in the late 80s and early the human element of the College. Guided by stood the group that I was photographing.” Photography at Bard College, chose move-out 90s. Any reminiscent view of the campus was a Vassar student, Barney ventured into dorm Perhaps the best part of such an assorted day as the subject of his photographs. Because quickly cast aside, however, as she instantly rooms, classrooms, art studios and the athletic group of photographs is the fact that there is Vassar is commonly perceived as a pristine became interested in tracking down what she facilities to get a closer look at the settings and something for everyone. Students will likely and well-kept collegiate institution by outsid- refers to as “hidden spaces.” characters at play. Though her photographs respond to the works with an inside-joke like ers, Davis took this opportunity to contest the “It took several visits to Vassar before I was directly confront the lives of students behind chuckle, whereas parents, professors and visi- public eye by taking images of the campus in a able to finally get under the skin and discov- closed doors in the seemingly private realm, tors, as Lombino put it, “might be surprised state of disarray. er the stranger spaces with the history that I they showcase a general contentment and ca- when they see the things they don’t know hap- Of his work, Davis said, “I often find myself was looking for,” she explained. An individual maraderie more than they uncover or disclose. pen on campus, but are definitely aspects of only able to make art when I work against the who quite literally unlocked the opportunity “The dorm photos that I did, which I love, are the lifestyle here.” purposes or design or essence of a place,” add- for Newbegin’s uninhibited exploration was very sweet and I didn’t feel as though I was On view from Jan. 28 to Mar. 27. MISCELLANY NEWS | VASSAR COLLEGE January 27, 2011 ARTS Page 17

Portman a paranoid wonder in Black Swan

Black Swan Black Swan, who is wild, seductive and malevo- Darren Aronofsky lent. These qualities are everything Nina is not. [Fox Searchlight] She struggles to master the Black Swan, but her inability to lose control and dive into the role leads to frustration. Also stressing her out “Among the is a talented new dancer shipped from the west coast named Lily (Mila Kunis), whom Nina in- Thugs by Bill he most rewarding scene in Darren stantly pegs as a rival. Lily is casual, confident, Bugord. It’s TAronofsky’s Black Swan comes when Nina friendly and highly sexual, the foil to Nina’s about British (Natalie Portman), a prima-donna-in-training psychotic insecurity. soccer hooli- with a New York City ballet company, wakes The irony is that Nina’s enemy is also the gans.” up one morning in her Manhattan apartment. closest thing she has to a friend, as Lily is the Courtesy of Fox Searchlight Pictures The young dancer sleepily contemplates her only dancer amicable enough to approach the room, reaches her hand underneath the covers standoffish starlet. There is also irony in that and begins to masturbate. the chick who played Jackie from That 70s Show Andy Axel ’11 The scene is not rewarding for any trashy is totally rocking an Oscar-caliber support- reason, as steamy as it is to see Portman jilling ing performance. Who would have guessed? off. It is rewarding because this girl needs mas- Another cause for concern in Nina’s life is turbation so badly. Nina is possibly the most her director, the eccentric Thomas Leroy (Vin- high-strung and obsessive-compulsive char- cent Cassel). The visionary plans to reinvent “The Sound & acter to ever grace the silver screen. She liter- the famous Tchaikovsky ballet with a fresh the Fury by Wil- ally tears herself apart over her ballet career, interpretation, and pushes Nina hard to open liam Faulkner.” scratching at her skin in anguish over every up and embrace the Black Swan. The director botched fouetté. Half of her waking life is spent also has a reputation for seducing his protégés; in paranoia, while the other half is dedicated to he certainly seems to have been involved with Natalie Portman, above, has received an Os- a masochistic pursuit of absolute perfection. Beth (Winona Ryder), a disgruntled has-been car nomination for her role in Black Swan. She is so tense and asocial that she isolates who headlined shows in the company’s past. At herself from her fellow ballerinas. When she times it certainly seems like Nina is next in line point where she goes absolutely cuckoo, and Melanie Risch ’13 finally takes a moment for some much needed for Thomas’s affections. Maybe he has the hots the Black Swan that she longs to embody self-pleasure, it’s all you can do not to stand up for his prime dancer, or maybe he just wants soon becomes a dark specter that haunts and applaud. to find a way to introduce eroticism to the her everyday life. It must be said, Nina’s Nina is all kinds of crazy, and Black Swan asexual Nina (he’s the one who proposes the crazy makes for a thrilling ride. Aronofsky’s artfully drags you down into the crazy, too. idea of masturbation in the first place). Either deft directorial hand has crafted a brilliant Aronofsky’s harrowing psychological thriller way, Thomas is an intimidating figure of fasci- mise en scène that envelopes the vulner- “Catch-22 by journeys through the tortured psyche of an nation and attraction for Nina, whose approval able Nina in the dark world of the Black Joseph Heller. artist, making you question what is really real she longs to attain. Swan, from the costume to the lighting. The and what is just in Nina’s warped perception There’s no respite from work at home sweet only thing more impressive than Aronof- It’s got a really of reality. The film is as disturbing as they home: The apartment is dominated by her sky’s touch is Portman’s performance. She biting wit to it.” come, but in a most exhilarating way. Black overly-attentive mother and roommate Erica brings an intense believability to Nina, and Swan is easily one of the best films of 2010. (Barbara Hershey). The smothering figure was rocks the ballet choreography that she dili- It must be said that in all fairness to Nina, a former dancer herself before she became gently learned in order to take on the role. headlining Tchaikovsky’s “Swan Lake” at the pregnant with Nina; now she almost lives vi- Black Swan nabbed five Oscar nominations Lindsey Liese ’11 Lincoln Center would do a number on anyone’s cariously through her daughter’s life on the on Tuesday, perhaps fewer than it deserves. Ex- nerves. The poor girl is cast as the lead by her stage. It’s hard to tell what is worse: the pres- pect it to represent come Oscar Night on Feb. virtuoso director, who finds her a perfect fit for sures of starring in a ballet or the fanatical par- 27, and think hard about putting your money Princess Odette, the White Swan; her grace and ent who won’t give you a moment’s peace. on Aronofsky and Portman for Best Director control lend themselves beautifully to the role. The trifecta of Thomas, Lily and Erica form and Best Actress, respectively. You heard it The problem is that she must also play Odile, the a source of stress and paranoia for Nina to the from the Big Screen first! “The Order of Things by Michel Foucault.” Campus Canvas A weekly space highlighting the creative pursuits of student-artists submit to [email protected]

The Vassar Student Association (VSA) has decided to kick off sesquicentennial Helen Hofling ’12 celebrations by recruiting Vassar Col- lege Entertainment (ViCE) to throw the biggest, baddest party this institution has ever seen! The cheekily titled “Sexycen- tennial” Birthday Bash, inspired by one of Vassar’s most well-known alumnae, the “We’re reading so-legendary-she-hardly-requires-formal- Sirens of Titan naming Meryl Streep, will ring in the big 150 with a BANG! No party is complete by Kurt Von- without publicity, and VSA Vice President negut.” of Operations Ruby Cramer ’12 and Miscel- lany News Features Editor and ViCE Pub- licity co-Chair Mitchell Gilburne ’12—along with the intrepid assistance of Main Tim Vigers ’13 & Rosie House President Boyd Gardner ’12 and Achorn-Rubenstein ’13 Louise Dufresne ’13—do not disappoint with the larger-than-life Birthday Card that has invaded the Retreat and College Center this past week. The card boasts an impressive rendering of Vassar’s official “I mostly read font along with an awe-strikingly faithful The Weekly representation of the sesquicentennial Squat.” crest. Merging class with sass, it assures our old girl that everything gets better with age, reading, “You’re 150...but you’re still as SEXYcentennial as ever”. And, if the William Wheeler ’14 card itself wasn’t enough to pump up the Sesqui-spirit, the heartfelt, clever, indelible sentiments signed by students ensure that this will truly be a year to remember. —Rachael Borné Arts Editor

MISCELLANY NEWS | VASSAR COLLEGE Page 18 SPORTS January 27, 2011 Volleyball embarks on season of renewed confidence Corey Cohn He also mentions that the team as As s i s t a n t Sp o r t s Ed i t o r a whole concentrated heavily on n a season marked by change, the defense during the preseason, since Imembers of Vassar’s men’s volley- block coverage was perceived to be ball team are looking for some con- one of their weaker skill sets last sistency. season. The core of the team is essentially The Brewers are also relatively intact, with six of seven starters re- young this year, featuring one fresh- turning for the 2010-2011 season. man and five sophomores on a roster (Three-time All-American Phil Tully of nine. Still, with most of the team ’10 graduated last year.) But although having experience playing collegiate very little else has remained the volleyball, they will try to build on same, the Brewers are ready to take their previous success and acknowl- on new challenges. edge their past mistakes. La Du feels One change in particular should the sophomores learned a lot during not require too much adjustment. their first season and that it makes Jonathan Penn, formerly the team’s this year that much more promis- assistant coach, will be serving as ing. “Having been through it once acting head coach this season. (Lau- Courtesy of Sports Information already,” he writes, “coming back ren Goss-Gonclaves, Vassar gradu- for our second season has made us ate, former player under Coach Penn much more confident and comfort- and assistant coach of the women’s able with our abilities and roles volleyball team, will be taking over within the system.” assistant coaching duties for the Overall, though, the most impor- men’s squad.) tant thing for the Brewers is to stay Players are excited for Coach true to themselves. Quinn notes that Penn’s increased involvement this the team has great potential, but season. Christian La Du ’13, in an e- consistency may be an issue. La Du mailed statement, wrote that “Coach agrees, and he also emphasizes that Penn is phenomenal. His passion Vassar’s men’s volleyball team is coping with a number of changes this season. Notably, former assistant coach Jonathan the team must keep its collective for the players and the sport, [his] Penn will now be serving as acting head coach. He will lead the team through the newly formed United Volleyball Conference. head up even when challenges arise. full knowledge of the game and his Particularly given the array of talent teacher’s mentality are so much more 2012. (Previously, Division III men’s lege and No. 15 Nazareth College—all with a stellar 9-0 record within the di- in the UVC, La Du remarks that “it impactful in the head coach position volleyball had not been sanctioned as reside in the new UVC. vision. They were, however, defeated is crucial for us to keep a positive, this year.” Clifford Quinn ’12 added a championship sport by the NCAA.) La Du adds that the Brewers’ in the first round of the playoffs, fall- working attitude and never give up in an e-mailed statement that under The United Volleyball Conference schedule outside of the Conference is ing 3-1 to D’Youville. Quinn calls the in a match.” Coach Penn, “We really focus our at- (UVC) has been formed and consists a tall order as well. He is particularly season “bittersweet,” adding, “We If all goes according to plan, the tention on ourselves and the way we of 12 teams, including Vassar. referring to facing New York Univer- have a lot to be proud of, but there Brewers should continue to be one play rather than what the other team Both Quinn and La Du acknowl- sity (which will be part of the UVC is a sense of underachievement.” of the more potent teams in Division is doing.” edge that this new arrangement starting in 2011-2012) in their gym on In order to avoid that disappoint- III. As Quinn has observed over the The other major difference this makes for a more difficult schedule Feb. 1 and No. 1-ranked Springfield ment again this season, the team past two seasons, the team plays “a season is not limited strictly to Vas- this season. Quinn says that the UVC College on March 1. La Du savors the will have to make some key adjust- unique brand of volleyball that, when sar—it affects all NCAA volleyball. is “even tougher than [the Metro Di- experience against these formidable ments. Some of these involve ar- executed properly, can bring us great The divisions within the North East vision],” in which Vassar previously foes, however. “As competitors,” he eas of individual improvement. La success.” Collegiate Volleyball Association competed. He makes a strong point. says, “it’s great to challenge our- Du, for instance, cites his position The Brewers got off to a bit of a (NECVA) have been altered and re- Of the 16 seeds in the 2010 NECVA selves against teams that are strong change last year from setter to libe- slow start, losing two matches last arranged this season, a change that Championship Tournament, six of and competitive to see how we stack ro/defensive specialist as something weekend to Rivier College and Phila- Quinn reports is being made to pre- the teams—No. 3 Vassar College, up.” on which he will continue to focus. delphia Biblical University (while pare for the official NCAA Division No. 8 Medaille College, No. 9 SUNY Vassar was challenged last year “I am constantly trying to work on beating Ramapo College in three III Men’s Volleyball Championship, New Paltz, No. 10 Stevens Institute but came out fairly successfully. The my defensive footwork, anticipation sets), before rebounding for a 3-0 which will debut in the spring of of Technology, No. 14 D’Youville Col- Brewers had an 18-9 overall record, and reactionary speed,” he writes. victory over Bard on Tuesday. Athletics and Fitness Center finds new crowds, new year

Nathan Tauger rugby, while Harrington, an active member of the trek to Walker: “It was sort of a resolution February 10th. We’ve got everyone represented: Gu e s t Re p o r t e r Vassar Repertory Dance Theatre, uses the el- to be fitter this semester. The freshman fifteen faculty, buildings and grounds, administrators. espite frigid temperatures and mounds of liptical machines for exercise and sometimes is not something I’m looking forward to, so I’m We’re practicing now. The students stay the Dsnow, Vassar students and administrators the Walker Multi-Purpose Room to dance. working to abate that.” (Full Disclosure: Shruti same age, 18-22, but we keep getting older and have maintained a surprisingly high attendance Jdaydani was in the middle of a recreational Manian is a staff reporter for the Miscellany) more out of shape. But just like cramming for a at the Athletics and Fitness Center. Whether it volleyball game during his interview. Students are not the only ones utilizing the test isn’t a good idea, cramming for a basketball is for sports, dance, recreation or health, the Of course some use the weight room just to facilities. Dean of the College Christopher game isn’t either. We’ll be in trouble this year.” Vassar community has found plenty of reasons stay in shape. Laura “Lilu” Herrera Torres ‘14, Roellke is using the gym too, to prepare for Roellke’s family also enjoys the space the Ath- to trek to the weight room regardless of the humorously proclaimed her new acquaintance the upcoming student-faculty basketball game, letic and Fitness Center provides. “I bring my weather. with the gym is “because the [All Campus Din- dressed in an “Old School” jersey, he acknowl- kids here regularly, they love using the swim- Kelly Harrington ‘14, a weight room recep- ing Center] made my jeans not fit.” Shruti Ma- edged the outfit, “they’re in preparation for the ming pool, the basketball courts; they’re a little tionist, highlighted the surprising amount of nian ’14 gave the following reason for making student-faculty basketball game coming up on young for the weight room, but I use it.” turnouts. “I see a ton more people at the gym ADVERTISEMENT than last semester. It’s kind of ridiculous. There are people waiting at machines for turns.” New administrative policy now gives offi- cial warrant to Harrington’s observations. “We have a new task this semester: We walk around and count the number of people in each room. We were told the administration asked us to do this so they can monitor how much use the gym is actually getting used, whether it’s worth the funding,” Harrington said. “There are a few times when the gym is dead,” she elaborated. Andrew Jdaydani ’14, a fellow weight room receptionist, remarked that during Saturday morning the gym is practically empty. Why the sudden crowd is a matter for specu- lation. Jdaydani guessed that New Year’s resolu- tions may have something to do with the increase, while Harrington speculated that the surge may be a result of students returning from abroad. Joe Karpman ’13, who works at the front desk, said that he suspected the inconvenience of cold weather attracted runners to the indoor track and cardio machines of Walker Field House. While they all have different guesses as to the new crowds, all three regularly use the gym for different purposes. Karpman consistently works out at the gym to maintain his fitness for MISCELLANY NEWS | VASSAR COLLEGE January 27, 2011 SPORTS Page 19 Athletes still productive over winter break All-star games despite allures of couch and television need to pique Kristine Olson During their few weeks off, athletes were and lifts; the class make-up and experience of Re p o r t e r expected to train independently or with clubs the team; even if I want to find out how they ven when finals were looming and the back home. Fencing Head Coach Bruce Gill- will respond to not receiving a workout. All fans’ interest Eweather outside became frightful over man shared that some of his athletes compete those are factors in the decision.” winter break (at least here on the east coast), in United States Fencing Association compe- But even with a training schedule in hand, Andy Sussman Vassar’s winter and spring season athletes titions while they’re at home. Others simply athletes are responsible for their personal fit- Co l u m n i s t kept training. The question is, how did they practice on their own a few days a week, and ness. Penn explains, “When you get down to his Friday will be one of the very few times cope with a month-long intermission from others do cardio to stay in shape. “It varies it, no matter what I give them it is entirely up TI will be interested in what the National training and competition? For men’s and and nothing is required, only suggested,” Gill- to them to be self-motivated enough to put in Hockey League does. It is All-Star Weekend in women’s basketball, fencing, squash and man responded in an e-mail. the work, so they have far more control over the NHL, but it is not Eastern Conference vs. swimming, competition for the winter sea- This is true for the other teams, as well. it than I do.” Western Conference, or even North America son began on Nov. 6. Competition for men’s However, men’s and women’s cross country The results of staying in game form or be- against the rest of the world. Rather, for the volleyball began after break on Jan. 21, while and track Head Coach James McCowan points coming a holiday season couch potato show first time, the NHL will have two team captains the men’s and women’s track and field team, a out that if athletes want to reach their full early on in team practices. “Those that do each select players for the game. That’s right, spring sport that began training in December, potential and personal aspirations, consis- nothing over the break come back rusty and the All-Star Game is going to be a pickup game, will begin competition in March. tency in (and quality of) training is required require some time to get back into form, but like a Thanksgiving touch football game with Now that student-athletes and coaches throughout the year—not just during the offi- not much,” says Gillman. The level of rusti- your friends. I, for one, love this idea, and think have returned to campus and competition has cial season. “Being a successful collegiate ath- ness depends on the sport, and a combination that it should be applied to the other profes- restarted, it’s a question of whether winter lete and really rising to your own individual of factors: fitness, endurance, technique, inju- sional sports’ All-Star games. break was a period of rest or of workouts. highest level of ability is a complete lifestyle,” ries and fatigue, among others. For example, the NFL Pro Bowl is this Sun- For most of the teams, the expectation was said McCowan. For injured players, the month-long win- day, and I could hardly care less. The players to return early from winter break, fully pre- No matter the sport, though, break pro- ter break provides time to recover; and for don’t try and half of the players voted in, with- pared to compete. The men’s volleyball team vides an opportunity both to relax and work healthy, serious competitors, it is a time to draw. However, if you had Peyton Manning and returned a week early for preseason train- out gradually without the constraints that continue working towards goals uninter- Tom Brady choosing teams—well, that would ing, which included two practices per day academics provide. And for the track team, rupted by weekly competitions. “It’s a fantas- be worthwhile television. After all, wouldn’t and weight-training sessions. Both men’s and which partially comprises runners from the tic mental break,” said Brittany Davis ’11 who you want to see how the player chosen last re- women’s fencing teams returned a few days fall cross country season, winter break is an runs the steeplechase event for the track and acts to his snub? Will the team captain choose early before their competition on Jan. 15 at opportunity to gradually increase mileage and field team. “Although, it’s good to get back to his teammates early on, even if they are not the Cleveland State University. implement speed workouts and weight lifting. the team,” she added. best players? Even more interestingly, what if Men’s and women’s basketball, on the other For sprinters and throwers, the expectation is Even for seemingly “individual” sports such one captain chooses the other captain’s team- hand, had games up until Dec. 7 and 8, respec- to get in more intense workouts during break, as track and field, squash, swimming and div- mates in order to cause a rift between those tively, and returned to competition on Jan. 1 prior to returning for team practices. ing, and fencing, it takes a team to win. And players? and 5. Men’s volleyball Head Coach Jonathan it is generally easier to train with teammates The NHL’s newest tweak has made me con- Some teams including the fencing squads, Penn said he gives out training schedules who provide the greatest source of motiva- sider other changes to each sport’s All-Star men’s basketball team and men’s and women’s based on a “mixture of factors and somewhat tion, encouragement and amusement—espe- weekend. First of all, there should be more of swimming and diving took the opportunity of a gut instinct thing.” He elaborated in an e- cially when it’s negative-something degrees a focus on skill competitions than on the game to travel. The fencing squad made its way to mailed statement, “If they showed up for our with wind chill outside and the last thing you itself. Fans get to see some of the best players Cleveland, while the other two teams visited fall non-traditional season in shape; if I know want to do is walk through snow to Walker nearly everyday during the season, but how Florida. the upperclassmen have been organizing runs Field House or Kenyon Hall for practice. often do they have the privilege of watching Dwight Howard dunk wearing a Superman cos- tume? The game is largely irrelevant, so there should be more obstacle courses and dunk competitions in the NBA. To encourage play- ers such as LeBron James and Dwyane Wade to enter, have the winner of any of the events win a substantial prize. It can be cash, a car or even an endorsement deal, because you know that some companies would be more than happy to associate themselves with a popular event and would be more than happy to increase the current prize. In addition, the assortment of events can raise more money for the league Dorell Wright taking off in California because they will be able to fill more seats in attendance and gain more sponsors who will Nik Trkulja ami team, having won a championship want to prominently put themselves on display Co l u m n i s t with them in 2006, Wright would be inte- for an event. orell Wright is far from an NBA super- gral in building cohesion in a completely Major League Baseball has the most long- Dstar. Now in his sixth year in the league, new team. He even gave his son the middle standing tradition when it comes to its All- Wright hasn’t had the stellar career most ex- name Dwyane in honor of his Heat team- Star Game, and I do consider it to be the pected of him. Yet this year somehow seems mate, the godfather to his son, Dwyane Wade. competition taken most seriously among different. The 6’9” starting small forward for There was a connection to the team and both players and the public. This is not to say the Golden State Warriors has suddenly be- the city, but Miami apparently didn’t see it. that the Midsummer Classic should not be al- come somewhat of a force to be reckoned Wright was let go into free agency and land- tered, however. First of all, the All-Star Game with. ed a world away with the Golden State War- should not determine which league has home Amidst the fallout of LeBron James’ now riors, in Oakland California. The experience, field advantage in the World Series. This is infamous “decision,” many chose to ignore though, left some scars. That’s especially true a game intended for the fans, an exhibition Juliana Halpert/ The Miscellany News what happened to players already on the Mi- when it became apparent that Wade had per- game. A manager now has the unenviable de- ami Heat’s roster. Of the 16 players contracted sonally lobbied Miami to bring in Mike Miller, cision of which players he should play, and to the team in 2009-10, only five remained Wright’s replacement, and had even taken a he even has an opportunity to subvert his to welcome LeBron James and Chris Bosh. pay cut to keep Udonis Haslem, another of own league’s chances if his actual team is not Amongst those shown the door was Wright. Wright’s teammates with the Heat. in the playoff hunt. Although admittedly this Free agency is a normal part of any NBA It was a devastating turn of events for an situation is unlikely to occur, the fact that it player’s career. No matter how bright your up-and-coming player, but it was one he could in theory is outrageous enough. Players star shines, at some point in your career you seems to have taken in stride. Half a season will either take it seriously or they won’t, and will be let go by your team. Only the very later, Wright has emerged as a real contender Commissioner Bud Selig should not be able best get the privilege of choosing to stay. for the league’s Most Improved Player award. to force the issue by making the outcome af- Wright certainly wasn’t one of the best. Nev- His production is up over 100 percent in ev- fect future terms. ertheless, there were things going for him. ery single category compared with last year. In addition, there should be more events He had been drafted by the Heat in 2004 Averaging 16.5 points, 5.8 rebounds and 2.5 After being let go by the Miami Heat, Dorell leading up to the actual All-Star Game. Yes, the and had had his rookie contract extended, no three-pointers per game, Wright is now a real Wright is now turning heads as a starting small Home Run Derby is a nice event, but the ste- small feat for a player who at the time aver- starter in the league. But all this pales in com- forward for Oakland’s Golden State Warriors. roid controversy has taken some of the fun out aged just 19.6 minutes and 6.0 points per parison to his reaction towards Miami. of it. However, I would love to see skill com- game. Miami was clearly signaling that they In the two games the Heat and Warriors ties, scrubbed to the side to make way for his petitions involving fielding and base running. wanted to invest in Wright, and he was ready have played against each other this season, majesty King James and that other guy Bosh. For instance, MLB could have a contest to see to invest in the team and the city. However, Wright stood out not only because he was the Players like Wright serve to remind us that which player can run around the bases most injuries followed and he had a slow run of best player on the court, but also because he this obscurity was wrongly imposed and not quickly. Wouldn’t you wonder if Jacoby Ells- form in 2008-09, though he still managed to simply refused to so much as talk to the Heat merited. Shunned by Miami, Wright has blos- bury could outrun Ichiro Suzuki on the base claw back and have a solid season in 2009-10. players. Visibly swearing after made baskets somed into a serious threat and a player who paths? And there is certainly no reason that He seemed sure to get a spot on this year’s by the Heat and playing with a distinct fire, keeps getting better with every game. His im- baseball could not have a target contest, where team. Miami was looking to bring in LeBron Wright even scored 30 points in his only game provement is not just indicative of his misuse outfielders have to field and then throw a base- James and Chris Bosh, they needed a rela- in Miami. in Miami, but it also serves as a warning to all ball at an exact location. For the past several tively cheap perimeter shooter and their stars In the aftermath of the “decision” most of other general managers in the league to not decades, each league has taken for granted that were even willing to take pay-cuts to make the Miami Heat’s existing roster was pushed simply take for granted the players at the end fans will be interested in the All-Star Game. it happen. Wright seemed like the ideal fit. away into relative obscurity. Even those that of the bench—they are, after all, some of the Hopefully, the NHL will lead the way towards Already a long-term member of the Mi- remained seemed as if they were non-enti- best in the world. unseen innovations in every sport. MISCELLANY NEWS | VASSAR COLLEGE Page 20 SPORTS January 27, 2011 Teams spend winter break traveling, training, playing Andy Marmer a 1-4 record in Liberty League play. Sp o r t s Ed i t o r Men’s and Women’s Fencing: Each fenc- hile Vassar students flocked to their ing squad competed just once over break, as Whometowns for a month-long break both teams swept the Cleveland Invitational, from their studies, a small but sizable contin- earning decisive victories over Cleveland gent returned early to continue their seasons State University, University of Detroit Mercy, on the court and in the pool. This group is, of Wayne State University, Case Western Reserve course, Vassar’s winter athletes, who donned University and the University of Michigan. the burgundy and gray throughout break. Let’s On the Saturday after classes resumed, both take a look at how each of Vassar’s teams spent squads journeyed to Brown University for their time away from the classroom. their first conference meet. The men’s side Women’s Basketball: The women’s basket- earned victories over Brandeis University ball team has won seven of their past eight (17-10), Boston College (15-12), Tufts Univer- games, racing out to a 10-6 record. The Brew- sity (22-5) and the Massachusetts Institute of ers had not reached double-digit wins since Technology (MIT) (20-7). The lone loss by the Katie De Heras/ The Miscellany News the 2000-2001 season, Vassar’s first season men’s side came at the hands of host Brown in the Liberty League. The break began very (16-11). well for the Brewers, as they rolled to a 68-27 The women’s team also had a successful win over visiting Bard College, led by Han- day in Providence, R.I., maintaining a 5-1 re- nah Sentfleber ’14. In just 26 minutes of play, cord for the day with victories over Brown Sentfleber nearly outscored the Raptors’ ros- (by a score of 14-13), Brandeis (15-12), Boston ter, notching 24 points while also tallying 11 College (14-13), Smith College (19-8) and Tufts rebounds. Junior Brittany Parks, who is cur- (17-10). The lone Vassar defeat was by just one rently 12th in Division III in scoring with 20.8 bout to MIT (14-13). points per game, also had a strong outing, The women’s team now holds an impres- scoring 17 points with six rebounds and five sive 24-5 record for the season, with the men’s assists. squad not far behind at 18-8. On Monday, both Three days later, Vassar traveled to Elmira Vassar’s men’s basketball team earned their first conference victory since the 2008-2009 season over squads will travel to Yale University before College for a final tune-up prior to the rig- winter break in a 50-49 game against Clarkson University on Jan. 14. Their current record stands at 3-13. continuing conference play at Wellesley Col- ors of Liberty League play. This time Parks lege on Feb. 6. dominated the game, scoring 23 points—16 scored a career-high 32 points in the game, points, while securing 15 rebounds. Matsuoka, Men’s and Women’s Squash: The men’s and in the second half—and leading the Brewers with six coming in the five-minute period. played all 40 minutes for the Brewers and women’s squash teams did not compete over to a 69-63 victory. Freshman Cydni Matsuoka Still, when the five minutes were up, each side scored 16 points, with six rebounds, four as- break; however, on the Saturday following chipped in with 14 points and seven assists for had scored eight points, sending the game sists, three steals and just one turnover. break, both squads competed against Colby the win. into a second overtime, tied 68-68. With just Men’s Basketball: College. The men’s squad failed to take a sin- The first of the Brewers’ Liberty League 41 seconds remaining in the second overtime, The men’s basketball squad entered win- gle match, while the women’s team dropped a weekends proved to be challenging not only Crampton hit just her second shot of the game, ter break with a 1-8 record, with the team’s tight contest, 5-4, including a pair of five-set because of the competition, but perhaps also a three-pointer to give Vassar a 76-73 lead, sole victory coming against Bard College. It losses. more so because of the emotional rigors the which they would hold onto for a 77-74 victory was a rough start of the break for the Brew- Men’s Swimming and Diving: The men’s games presented. In the opening contest of and a 2-0 start in Liberty League play. ers, as they dropped a pair of contests in the swimming and diving squad traveled with the weekend, the Brewers held a 57-47 lead Just three days later on Jan. 18, Vassar East Coast Athletic Conference Holiday Fes- their female counterparts to Florida for train- with just 53 seconds left, only to see Clarkson achieved the first 3-0 Liberty League start tival in Kissimmee, Fla. to Colby College and ing before returning to the North for the University score the next seven points. Still, in program history with a 71-60 victory over Baldwin-Wallace College. Vassar also dropped Kumpf Invitational, hosted by RPI. The Brew- the Vassar lead proved insurmountable, and Rennselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI), be- a decision to Ramapo College before return- ers finished seventh out of eight teams in the the Brewers opened Liberty League play with hind 23 points and 11 rebounds from Sentfle- ing home to welcome the nearby Culinary In- meet. a win. ber. A 66-57 loss days later to William Smith stitute of America (CIA) to the Athletic and Just two days later, Vassar sent its seniors The next day, the Brewers found themselves College did nothing to quell the Brewers’ mo- Fitness Center. Vassar notched its second win off with a dual meet against Trinity College. on the other end of a comeback attempt, trail- rale, as they rebounded with a 76-60 win over of the season, 88-42, as five players scored in Partially due to fatigue, the Brewers found ing St. Lawrence University for nearly the Hamilton College last Saturday, behind a ca- double figures, led by Evan Carberry ’14 with themselves on the losing side, dropping the entirety of the contest. However, Alexandra reer day from Matsuoka. The sharp-shooting 19 points. The contest against the CIA marked meet, 147-107. Higgins ’13 hit a three-pointer with just 21 sec- freshman scored 33 points—a career high— Vassar’s final non-conference test before the Women’s Swimming and Diving: In addi- onds remaining to even the score at 58. On the on 12-15 shooting, including 6-8 from behind challenging Liberty League schedule. tion to their training trip to Florida, the wom- defensive end, Sentfleber stole the ball, and the arc. Matsuoka also recorded five assists The Brewers earned their first conference en’s team also hosted Trinity, dropping a tight a Vassar timeout gave the Brewers a chance without notching a turnover. Her backcourt victory since the 2008-2009 season on Jan. 14, contest 152-141. Entering the final event of the to win. Vassar’s lone senior Carolyn Cramp- mate Parks also had a superb game, scoring 23 defeating Clarkson University 50-49 as time meet, the 200 freestyle relay, the two squads ton knocked down a foul line jump shot with points and a career-high 10 assists. expired on a runner by Nick Justiz ’12. The were neck and neck; however, a Trinity vic- two seconds remaining to put Vassar up two. Vassar defeated Mt. St. Vincent 71-60 in Brewers ended the game on an 11-2 run to earn tory earned them the meet, as they edged past Crampton’s shot triggered celebration from their final non-conference game of the year the victory, holding Clarkson to just 27 per- Vassar by just seconds. the Vassar bench, resulting in a player enter- on Monday. In the contest, Parks became just cent shooting for the game. This past weekend, the team traveled to ing the court with 0.3 seconds to play, an au- the eighth Vassar women’s basketball player The next day, Vassar looked to continue Wellesley, attempting to unseat the host and tomatic technical foul. St. Lawrence’s Iris San- to reach the 1,000-point plateau, scoring 19 its momentum against St. Lawrence. Despite 12-time defending champion of the Seven Sis- toni hit the ensuing free throws to send the in the contest. She now sits in seventh place jumping out to a 23-16 lead, Vassar was unable ters Championship. While Vassar came up game to an extra session. on the Vassar all-time scoring list. Sentfleber to hang on, dropping a 71-56 decision. Three short, their 805 points were enough to earn a The overtime was dominated by Parks, who also came up huge for the Brewers, scoring 17 more losses have dropped Vassar to 3-13, with second-place finish.

Sports Calendar: 1/27 - 2/2 by Andy Marmer, Sports Editor

Thursday, 1/27 eastern University and Bard College: 10:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.— of New Haven and Emmanuel College. The Brewers last faced Men’s Volleyball vs. Hunter College: 7:00 p.m.—Kenyon Hall Kenyon Hall New Haven in 2006, dropping the match 3-0. Emmanuel repre- The two schools have not met since 2007, a 3-0 Vassar win; Throughout the day the men’s squash team will host Columbia, sents the fifth team in Vassar’s six games that qualified for the however, both qualified for the North East Collegiate Volley- Northeastern and Bard. Of those teams, the Vassar men have NECVA tournament last season. ball Association Tournament last year. Vassar posted an 18-9 only played Bard already this season, defeating the visiting record, earning the no. 3 seed, while Hunter went 24-11 last Raptors 8-1 on November 13. Columbia will return to Pough- Women’s Basketball at Union College: 2:00 p.m. year, en route to a no. 13 seed. keepsie on Feb. 12 for the Vassar Team Challenge. With first place in the Liberty League likely on the line, Vassar and Union will play in Schenectady for the first of two meetings this Friday, 1/28 Women’s Squash vs. Columbia University and Northeastern season. Both teams currently hold 4-1 conference records, tops in Women’s Basketball at Skidmore College: 6:00 p.m. University: 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.—Kenyon Hall the league. Last season the Brewers took both contests between Off to their strongest start in a decade, the women’s basketball On Saturday the women’s squash team will host Columbia and the schools, winning at home 59-46 and on the road 65-46. team travels to Skidmore College, a team they lost to twice last Northeastern. Last year, Columbia traveled to the Vassar team year, by a total of 10 points. In their first contest last year, Vas- challenge, although the two teams did not face. In 2009, Vassar Men’s Basketball at Union College: 4:00 p.m. sar dropped a four-point decision in overtime, 59-55, despite 18 ousted Columbia in the team challenge 5-4. Vassar will look for another conference win visiting Union points from Brittany Parks ’12. The Thoroughbreds are 3-2, one College, who currently sits in last place in the Liberty League game behind the Brewers in the Liberty League standings. Men’s and Women’s Swimming and Diving: 1:00 p.m. at New at 1-5. Last season in the second meeting between the schools, York University (NYU) Vassar held a 50-49 lead with under five minutes to play, before Men’s Basketball at Skidmore College: 8:00 p.m. Last year on senior day, the men’s team was overcome by the Union came back, prevailing 67-57. Trying to end a four-game losing streak, the men’s basketball Violets, 140-101. The woman’s team was also overcome on se- team travels to Skidmore, a team that beat them twice last year nior day last year, 177-65. The NYU meet marks the Brewers’ Monday, 1/31 and currently sits tied for second in the Liberty League with a final dual meet of the season. Men’s and Women’s Fencing at Yale University: 7:00 p.m. 3-2 record. In a makeup of a previously postponed match, the men’s and Men’s Volleyball vs. University of New Haven: 1:00 p.m. in Bos- women’s fencing team will travel to Yale, who narrowly de- Saturday, 1/29 ton at Emmanuel College: 3:00 p.m. feated the men’s team 15-12 last year. The women’s team fared Men’s and Women’s Squash vs. Columbia University, North- Vassar will travel to Boston for a dual meet with the University no better, losing 17-10 last season. MISCELLANY NEWS | VASSAR COLLEGE