POWER in POLITICS up CLOSE and PERSONAL Hamilton Students Europe on a MAKE Their Mark Shoestring on CAPITOL HILL at Home with Joan

Home , Lead Sails Paper Anchor, Maggie Lawson, Mellow Yellow, Niko Bellic, Projekt Revolution, Senior Week

the continental spring 2008 POWER IN POLITICS UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL hamilton students europe on a MAKE their mark shoestring on CAPITOL HILL at home with joan

BEHIND CLOSED DOORS: THE SALARY EXPOSED! SCANDAL hamilton streakers bare all

SUMMER FESTIVALS SENIOR ARTISTS OPEN UP BATTLE OF THE SEXES the continental | spring 2008 1 “Extremely Homemade”

Jonathan Woodward - Twisting Clay for 36 years 66 1/2 Utica Street Clinton, New York 13323 (315) 853-6873

2 the continental | spring 2008 the continental spring 2008 on the cover 29 power in politics 96 europe on a shoestring 26 summer festivals 51 senior artists open up 35 battle of the sexes 42 behind closed doors 68 hamilton streakers bare all 70 at home with joan on the hill 10 breaking new ground 11 history of the apple 12 may day controversy 13 bar mitzvah millions 14 cultural center 15 alternative spring break 17 activism on campus talk of the town 18 best books you haven’t read 19 metal for the masses 21 buzzworthy 27 future of television features 36 icollege 38 a tale of two students style 47 spotted 48 online superlatives 49 what to wear 50 step by step tanning 56 room contest 59 mellow yellow 60 closing time society 76 date party themes 76 people who like to do fun things travel 78 life in senegal 84 deutschland with drew 87 incredible india 92 una vita bella

98 founder’s note

on contmag.com: exclusive photos, social commentary, weekly trends, and reviews the continental | spring 2008 3 the continental a student-run magazine based at hamilton college

KATIE CHILDS founder and editor in chief

AMELIA BARRY managing editor art directors LAURA DEFRANK director of photography LIZA RUECKERT features editor KELSEY RICHARDSON style editors LAURA COOK, WHITNEY KIMMEL entertainment editor NICOLE T. DIETSCHE news editor LILY NATHANSON travel editor MELISSA KONG society editor LEE SCHATZBERG advertising directors BLYTHE WINCHESTER advertising executives CAITLIN FENNESSEY, SOPHIA FRANCK advertising designer SARA BRYANT, JEFF ESCALANTE account managers JENN ANDERSON, LINDSAY WATERBURY, TOM GILLESPIE

copy editor KAITY HILL

senior editors Nico Drohojowski, Garrett Reeb

writers ALEXANDRA BOROWITZ, CELIA COAN, BRENDAN CONWAY, MAURA DONOVAN, JENNA FAIN, CAITLIN FITZSIMONS, SCOTT FLAHERTY, DANIELLE FORTIER, RACHEL FRAZIER, SARAH GOODELL, MAURA KEARNAN, AMANDA POOLER, LEIGHTON SMITH, ASHLEY STAGNER, LAUREL SYMONDS, ANDREA WEINFURTER, ALICIA WRIGHT photographers SHELLEY HOY, JESSICA LEIBOWITZ, Alice Mann, Isabelle Mckusick, Lindsay Waterbury, Photography society

contributors ELIZABETH FARRINGTON, ALLISON GASTON-ENHOLM, ERIC KUHN, DREW LAFIANDRA, WILL LEUBSDORF, CHELSEA MANN, EMILY PALLIN, KATHRYN PLUMMER, Eric thomas

founding editor kate stinchfield

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4 the continental | spring 2008 the continental a student-run magazine based at hamilton college

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amilton prides itself in being a liberal arts school that offers a diverse range of activities to its students. This emphasis creates a student body that is hyper-involved, participating in everything Hfrom the Streaking Team to Alternative Spring Break. From the cover to page 100 of this large Spring Issue, we tried to include as many student perspectives as possible. This issue exposes the many experiences that make life at Hamilton We want your unique for every student. Our readers selected five seniors from the Men’s feedback on the Rugby Team to grace our spring cover. Inside, the bare bodies of the Varsity Spring Issue! Streaking Team take freedom of expression to a whole new level. Four Email contmag@ art majors showcase the results of a year of work on their senior projects. hamilton.edu and From India to Italy, we caught up with Hamilton students who are studying let us know abroad and learned how their perceptions of the world have been altered what you think. by the experience of living in a foreign country. Comparing the different viewpoints on campus, our article “A Tale of Two Students” brings together students with different backgrounds to talk about life at Hamilton. Clinton, New York might not be a hub of political activity, but students have managed to find ways to stay involved in the race that is consuming our country. The role of the “Millenial Generation” is discussed in the Features section, highlighting the recent increase in the youth vote. Whether campaigning or taking advantage of the Washington Program, students have proved that our generation is more engaged in politics and determined to make our opinions heard. The faculty at Hamilton has joined the student body in being involved in politics, but lately it is school politics that has their attention. After learning that a popular professor had received a zero percent raise for the 2006-2007 academic year, we investigated and stumbled upon a scandal that has caused a stir among the faculty. The Continental strives to highlight as many Hamilton students and perspectives as possible in the magazine. We have tried our best to open your eyes to the different Hamilton experiences, but even with an expanded 100-page issue there is not enough room to include every perspective at Hamilton. Enjoy. Katie Childs and Amelia Barry our amazing editorial board

in this issue

study tour wear visit For over three decades, Hamil- Built in 1910, 11 College Hill With days to go until Com- While studying abroad, Allison ton students have participated Road is home to Hamilton’s mencement, seniors showcase Gaston-Enholm ’09 strolled in the Washington Program. president. Joan Hinde Stew- what to wear for every day of through the streets of her ad- During the semester away from art gave us an insider’s tour of Senior Week. Flip to the Style opted home of Padova, Italy campus, students study, take the beautiful house. See how section to see the best outfits and captured the best that the part in an internship, and learn President Stewart’s love of all for Formal, Strawberries & city has to offer. She shares how to live in a modern city full things French is evident throu- Champagne, and all of the tra- her favorite things in the Travel of history. gout the home. ditional Senior Week activities. section. 6 the continental | spring 2008 www.shopclintonwine.com

the continental | spring 2008 7 on the cover

We let readers choose who appeared on the cover of our Spring Issue, and we couldn’t be more pleased with the results: four fantastic covers and eleven smiling faces truly representing the diversity of our student body. Photography Director Liza Rueckert shot each of the covers, all of which are showcased on these pages. Hundreds of readers participated in an online poll to select which cover they wanted, but in the end only one could win…

The winner of our cover contest was the Men’s Rugby Team, who recently hosted Nationals and had an impressive season. Seniors Andrew Gumbiner, M a tt Linden, Jon Milgrom, Justin Sherman, and Rich Bryan brought an easy- going attitude to our afternoon cover shoot, keeping everyone entertained while we shot hundreds of photos. In the end, the photograph we chose for the cover effortlessly demonstrates their camaraderie and fun personalities.

8 the continental | spring 2008 the continental spring 2008 POWER IN POLITICS europe on a UP CLOSE AND shoestring PERSONAL hamilton at home Marisa Clemente ’08 and Willy Cowles ’09 were a match made in heaven students MAKE with joan for our cover shoot. Their chemistry was so good that we joked that their photos their mark on were more characteristic of an engagement announcement in the New York CAPITOL HILL Times than a magazine cover. Willy is a member of the Crew team and a Writing Center tutor. Marisa is an English major and Comparative Literature minor. She works with Hamilton Alumni Leadership Training (HALT) and is also a Café Opus Barista.

BEHIND CLOSED DOORS: THE SALARY EXPOSED! SCANDAL hamilton streakers bare all

SUMMER FESTIVALS SENIOR ARTISTS OPEN UP BATTLE OF THE SEXES

the continental spring 2008 POWER IN POLITICS Adam Polonski ’08 was a natural cover model and began striking great poses UP CLOSE from the moment Liza began shooting (including a few choice shots with The AND PERSONAL Daily Bull’s satirical version of The Continental, The Hessian). Joined by Megan hamilton Brousseau ’08, the two easily bonded over the inherent awkwardness of campus students MAKE photo shoots. Adam is the Editor-In-Chief of The Daily Bull, a Writing Tutor, a their mark Student Assembly Representative, and part of Hamilton Alumni Leadership on CAPITOL HILL europe on a Training (HALT). Megan is a biology major, an EMT, on the women’s soccer shoestring team, a member of ATX, works in the Oral Communications Center as a tutor, the Campus Campaign Coordinator for Teach for America, and teaches the lab at home with joan BEHIND practical EMT classes. CLOSED DOORS: THE SALARY SCANDAL

EXPOSED! the continental hamilton streakers bare all spring 2008 SUMMER FESTIVALS SENIOR ARTISTS OPEN UP BATTLE OF THE SEXES BEHIND CLOSED DOORS: THE SALARY SCANDAL

europe on a shoestring Britt Freitag ’08 and Emerson Sosa ’10 met for their first time when they at home came together to shoot their cover for The Continental. Both were surprised that with joan they were nominated, but the enthusiasm and charisma they showed on the shoot demonstrates why they are favorites among the student body. Britt is a theatre POWER IN POLITICS major and studio art minor. She is a Senior Intern in Admissions, an Adirondack Adventure leader, Captain for Varsity Women’s Crew, and President of the Zen UP CLOSE Meditation Club. Emerson is the Social Chair of La Vanguardia, the Social Chair AND PERSONAL of TKE, a member of the Fencing Team, an Orientation Leader and Coordinator, hamilton students a Burke Library Reference Assistant, a Switchboard Operator, a POSSE scholar, MAKE their mark and he does the Hamilton College Ropes Course. on CAPITOL HILL EXPOSED! hamilton streakers bare all

SUMMER FESTIVALS SENIOR ARTISTS OPEN UP BATTLE OF THE SEXES the continental | spring 2008 9 on the hill

breaking new ground in financial aid

Two-thirds of Harvard University undergrad- uates are on some form of financial aid, with an average package of $36,000 for the 2007-2008 academic year. With such a high number of undergrads receiving such an impressive amount of aid, Har- vard has tremendous financial resources. Cortni Nucklos, a freshman at Harvard University, points out, "Harvard is leading the way, and I believe other colleges will follow suit." The university’s financial aid budget is now over $100,000,000. Several schools, namely Yale and Stanford, are creating similar programs and setting no-tuition thresholds. Yale has a threshold of $45,000 for no- tuition and $45,000 to $60,000 for reduced tuition. Stanford’s policy is the same. As such excellent universities level the playing field for students of all socio-economic backgrounds, competition between schools is increasing. Will other schools cave under s if the stress of applying to selective pressure and adjust their financial aid policies? The truth is, many are. colleges is not enough, most competi- Recently Princeton, Davidson, and Amherst all moved to end student tive students must also take into ac- loans. This allows for a greater budget for scholarships and other forms count the steep tuitions of the nation’s of aid that hold the student less responsible for the cost of tuition. top liberal arts colleges and Ivy League As of yet, Hamilton does not have such a discounted tuition policy universities. Just as there are entire that is similar to Harvard's. Yet, Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid, sections within Barnes and Noble de- Monica Inzer, states, “We are committed to meeting the full demon- voted to SAT prep books and college strated financial need (through grants, work-study, and student loans) guides, there are also books devoted of every student we enroll.” Hamilton has, however, redistributed its fi- to strategizing against the financial nancial aid dollars. Starting with the soon-to-be accepted class of 2012, atrocity that is the reality of higher education. Thankfully, financial aid Hamilton will no longer offer merit-based scholarships. This decision officers are working harder than ever to bring the most qualified schol- allows Inzer and the officers to better distribute the $21,000,000 finan- aars to their institutions with the least financial impact on hard-working cial aid budget among all eligible students. An average financial aid families. A new trend in financial alleviation is the “no-tuition” policy package of $29,000 is awarded to 50% of the students—keeping the that several top universities, such as Harvard, have adopted. school socio-economically diverse. In 2004, Harvard University announced its groundbreaking fi- Stella Lee notes, "Harvard's newly expanded Financial Aid Initia- nancial aid initiative: any student whose parents’ income totaled to tive gives the university a considerable boost in attracting students." less than $40,000 would have zero tuition costs. In return, the students Adriane Medler, also a junior undergraduate student at Harvard, adds: participate in a work study program.. An instant success, the income "So many colleges have a huge endowment, and more can be done. I threshold was then raised to $60,000 in March of 2006. With the up- think Harvard's tuition policy is successfully expanding socioeconom- date came additional, greatly reduced tuition prices for families within ic diversity on campus." What will Hamilton do now to keep up with the income bracket of $60,000 to $80,000. 26% of Harvard’s record the visionary policies of Harvard? A letter mailed from President Joan number of applicants (22,955) fell under the auspices and lower tu- Hinde Stewart in January to the community of students, alumni and ition initiatives. As Stella Lee, a junior at Harvard states, "The Harvard parents expresses that to follow in Harvard's footsteps, we will "increase Financial Aid Initiative allows low-income students to attend Harvard, our financial aid budget and make this a priority in the next capital but the financial aid doesn't stop once the students arrive on campus. campaign." In the future then, it may be likely that Hamilton will move [The school] has several programs that allow these students to integrate towards a financial aid initiative very similar to Harvard's. fully into the Harvard community." -caitlin fitzsimons ’11 10 the continental | spring 2008 the history of an apple traditions from hamilton and kirkland ever-present during senior week oing on two hundred years, the Hamilton College community pin by female members of the faculty. has maintained traditions young and old. Especially Why such an emphasis on the traditions of Kirkland College at Garound commencement time, traditions at Hamilton hold commencement time? “Kirkland is a part of the past that needs to be unforgettable memories for the graduating seniors. For one week, recognized,” Rabinowitz says. She notes that without these Kirkland seniors are given time to spend together, creating those final bonds with traditions, there would be nothing else of the all-female institution that Hamilton friends and making memories they will hopefully remember deserves more celebration. after all of the Senior Week festivities. Countering the women’s picnic, Apolon ’08 has requested with the Kirkland College may only hold ten years on record in the Hamilton consent of the senior week committee and office of the Dean of Faculty history book, but its impact on Hamilton’s campus is still celebrated that the men of Hamilton College have their own event, a carved ham through a strawberries and champagne picnic for the graduating lunch with ale, appropriately called the Ale-Ham Lunch. In this way, the women and their families. Started in 1978, the final year that Kirkland men of the college can recall the long history before Kirkland College. College held a commencement ceremony, “The old Hamilton has vanished just as Strawberries and Champagne continues to recall surely [as Kirkland],” Apolon points out. “The some of the activities of Kirkland’s graduation, “Kirkland is part of the past name remains but this is not the same school as including an open mic that was once a part of that needs to be it was before.” the actual ceremonies. Organized by the female recognized.” As May quickly arrives, seniors will soon faculty, the picnic did gradually integrate the male -Professor Nancy Rabinowitz become nostalgic for the past years they have faculty of Kirkland College who wanted to honor spent on the Hill. Assistant Dean of Students for their female students. Campus Life and Director of Student Activities Another well known Kirkland-founded commencement tradition Lisa Magnarelli ’96 recalls that senior week is a great time to reconnect is the placing of a green apple by each Hamilton female on the podium with old roommates and friends while creating a common, individual as they cross the stage. The ladies of the first co-ed graduating class experience to share as a class. started the tradition in protest to the administration’s decision to “Senior week is bittersweet,” Brian Greenleaf ’08 says, “At some disband Kirkland College. point in time you have to move on.” Each year new “traditions” are Nancy Rabinowitz, the Margaret Scott Bundy Professor of introduced, as each class year has the opportunity to form its own Comparative Literature, recalls the comedic scene at graduation as the events for the week. Finally, at the commencement ceremonies, each faculty scurried on stage to remove the green apples after each woman, Hamilton graduate will receive his or her classic cane, uniting the class having been trained in how to make the apple make the greatest thud and alumni alike. When another school year officially closes, the Class against the podium, placed it on the stand. The apple placing has now of ’08 will step aside to let the bicentennial class tackle the academic become more of a symbol of honor towards Kirkland College than of a rigor on the Hill. resistance movement, and today, senior women are given a green apple -alicia wright ’10

the continental | spring 2008 11 on the hill

few) and CAB booked Citizen Cope as the headliner. There was a lot of backlash after the event for the difference in attendance between the openers and the headliner. “There were only about 15-20 people for the first four hours of the event,” commented Paul Ryan. “Yet, there were between 700 and 800 for Citizen Cope. We need to have more continuity between openers and the headliner acts.” With last year in mind, IMF, CAB, and WHCL came out with a survey this year to determine what bands students most wanted to come to Hamilton. However, IMF, who refused to comment for this article, was not pleased with the concept of having a survey, nor were they happy that Eve 6 won. The survey, members of IMF believed, would cause students to limit themselves to only the bands that they recognized. According to Ryan, IMF wanted Ghost- face Killah and Slightly Stoopid (which came in 2nd and 3rd). An offer was put in for Ghostface Killah before Eve 6, but Ghostface wanted more money than the May Day budget could afford. Ghostface declined, and an of- the may day fer was then put in for Eve 6. There was another reason for not pursuing Ghost- face Killah. As Ryan observes, “This event costs about $50,000—can you really spend that much money on an event when for the first four hours no one shows up? When you’re doing this event, you should put your per- controversy sonal beliefs aside.” 734 students responded to the survey, in which 311 voted for Eve 6, 266 for Ghostface Killah, 63 for Hand- s Paul Ryan observes, May some Furs, and 8 for Candence Weapon. Day is very difficult to plan. One of the only reasons why Eve 6 is performing at May Day represents the out- Hamilton is because of an agreement to the “90s pack- door union of IMF, CAB, age” with Stroke 9. Other colleges wanted Eve 6 for the and WHCL, but within this same date, but Hamilton secured the band through this group lays two organizations package. Eve 6 does in fact have a new drummer, but the with different missions. IMF band maintains that they still sound the same, and that (the Independent Music Fund) strives to bring rela- a new CD is “forthcoming.” They also have eight con- tivelya unknown and different musicians to campus, in certs booked between now and May 3rd at Princeton, order to show students the Washington State University other kinds of music out “People want a fun show, and Sienna College, among there. CAB (Campus Ac- others. tivities Board), however, something where they can Ryan summarizes, desires to entertain as many let loose and hear the songs “People want a fun show, people as possible. As a re- something where they can let sult, combining the two or- they graduated from. If it’s loose and hear the songs they ganizations is difficult, and going to be outdoors, it will graduated from. If it’s go- this year’s May Day is no ing to be outdoors, it will be exception. be fantastic.” fantastic. I’ve gotten tons of Rumors have been e-mails from people asking flying around campus about the rift between IMF and if it’s open to the public. People are driving from over 4 CAB as a result of Eve 6 and Stroke 9 being the chosen hours away. Students need to remind themselves, what is bands to play this year. However, contrary to belief, the point of May Day? IMF takes risks with their shows, IMF and WHCL have not pulled funding from the and some are hugely successful and others aren’t. You event; IMF did not have any money to pull, and WHCL have to think, ‘how much of a risk can we take?’” is still providing the lights and sound and hosting the IMF has attracted people and publicity for the Battle of the Bands. event, questioning why they should put in so much ef- Three years ago, when The New Pornographers fort into a concert that they don’t fully support. May played at May Day, there was a lot of crossover for the Day was founded to bring all of the music organizations two organizations, and the event was a success. How- together—but are we now past the point where it makes ever, last year, IMF booked the openers (Asobi Seksu, sense to try? Wooden Wand and The Vanishing Voice to name a - ashley stagner ’09 12 the continental | spring 2008 from bar mitzvah thousands, to bar mitzvah millions

Timothy Sykes turned the $12,415 he had been given at his Bar Mitzvah into several million. By the time he graduated from Tulane University in 2003, he had already started a hedge fund, Cilantro Fund Management, LLC that in 2006 was ranked the #1 Short-Bias Fund by Barclays for 2003-2006. But by the end of 2007, Sykes lost 35% of his hedge fund, and so now, at 27 years old, he wants to regain the $1.65 million that he lost. He started “TIM” (Transparent Investment Management), with the goal of repeating his original feat of turning twelve thousand into millions. But this time, he is documenting his journey on TimothySykes.com. On May 1, Sykes debuted his new site, which is much more than a blog. He has added Tim-TV, Tim-Radio and more. Eric Kuhn caught up with the young, energized investor right before the new site launched.

Tim, let’s start at the beginning. You write in your book, “I have no and more importantly, fun! TIMtv and TIMradio will be online extraordinary talents and yet I was a millionaire by the age of 22.” videos and podcasts, some serious, some not, but all will be incredibly What inspired you to start investing your Bar Mitzvah money? educational without boring people to death or using highly technical I was an injured high school tennis player who had already gotten into terms as is the industry habit. More importantly, TIMbucks will reward college early, so I really had nothing else to do. The market was going users for posting comments, sharing their thoughts, links, and asking crazy so I thought I’d give it a try—and everything since has been trial questions—this isn’t a one man show; I’m just the community director. and error because there’s no mainstream guide for responsible financial I have little doubt that within a few years, my website will help produce speculation; that is, until I got into the publishing business! another multi-millionaire who will have benefited from my experience, but will be able to take it to the next level, making me like Archie You say, “The digital world has created a new frontier where it’s every Manning watching my sons win the Super Bowl! man for himself—and there are few rules.” How well do you fit into the hedge fund and investing business? You want to get college students involved with, and passionate about, I don’t fit in, I’m not a value investor, I don’t like trading any of the most investing. How are you doing that and what has been the reaction? popular plays—big technology stocks, currencies or commodities— Mainly it’s just showing them they can do this from their dorm rooms as nor have I ever gotten comfortable with leverage. I am a short selling you don’t need a fancy office, connections or a lot of money—you just penny stock trader, ironically a combination of the three most derided need a few thousand dollars, an internet connection and a willingness niches in all of finance (maybe that’s why they work so well together, to learn. I’m trying to get people to understand trading is great not only as in negative x negative = positive). My colleagues think I’m a self- because of its ability to create great wealth but also because it teaches promoting fraud, definitely due to my big mouth and all the press I’ve great lessons. Surprisingly, the happiest I’ve been is when I’m in the received, much of it inaccurate. That’s why I’m so into blogging all midst of the trading process itself, not when I’m spending my winnings. the details of my strategy and answering all questions because I have This goes against superficial and inevitably harmful publications like nothing whatsoever to hide. I’ll never stop promoting because this is a Trader Monthly, that encourage readers to try to make the most money great sport, which, thanks to all the snooty, narrow-minded and boring the quickest (so they can buy soulless products from their sponsors). people in finance, isn’t as popular or respected as it should be. I’m glad my message of education first is reaching these students before they get turned the dark side enters the picture. You are certainly not conventional. Heck, you brought models on CNBC. How do you come up with your ideas? What is your creative What is your advice for college students who want to start investing? process? Students should focus on financial speculation—trading stocks, penny I base everything I do on cutting through all the industry stereotypes stocks, commodities and currency. Yes, it’s riskier, but c’mon, if you and rules. Thanks to the success of the TV show “Wall Street Warriors” have between $500 and $10,000, are you really going to be happy with in which I was featured, tens of thousands of people have contacted me, a few hundred in annual profits—at best—in well-diversified assets? mostly wanting to know more about stock trading and hedge funds. So, No, of course not. I basically just have to speak my mind, showing everyone how fun and understandable it all can be once you cut through all the BS associated Your wardrobe is a robe. If we went the moneyman’s closet, how many with making money in the stock market. suits would we find? Yes, I prefer my robe, or just a t-shirt and boxers when it gets warm out, What features is your new site going to have? but I do have two fancy suits from my previous superficial life. Tell me My new site will be unlike that of every other financial media outlet or this, what purpose does a tie serve? It’s always bothered me—I see it as a blog—as it’ll be geared towards making this stuff totally transparent time-wasting accessory, prison garb for corporate drones everywhere. the continental | spring 2008 13 campus quietly debates cultural center

arly this semester at a Social Justice Initiative (SJI) Coffee Hour, the members of the SJI called on Hamilton to “We have at Hamilton a “demonstrate its commitment and respect for cultural and pattern of trying to solve intellectual diversity” by building a Cultural Education problems by putting up or Centere within the next ten years. Although the Student Justice renovating buildings.” Initiative declined to comment for this article, the proposal outlined -Professor Daniel Chambliss in The Spectator on February 2 calls for a new campus building that would welcome all students, but provide specific meeting space for multicultural organizations such as the Womyn’s Center, the Rainbow community if they so choose, and this is a luxury [that students] will Alliance, La Vanguardia, the Brother’s Organization, and religious not have in the real world. The center could be isolating, regardless of organizations. A key component of the proposal is the creation of a its location, if students perpetually use it as a retreat.” Director of Multicultural Affairs who would work directly with cultural On the other hand, Margaret Scott Bundy Professor of issues at Hamilton. The building would be named after Hamilton Comparative Literature Nancy Rabinowitz believes that the Cultural alumnus Bob Moses, a prominent educator and civil-rights activist. Education Center, while not inclusive of all student groups, “might Luvuyo Mandela ’09, President of the Brothers Union, hopes that encourage dialogue across groups that are now rather separate.” The the Cultural Education Center would work similarly to the Science same Rainbow Alliance member quoted earlier, torn on the subject, Center; built for a particular group of students in mind, but welcoming agrees with Rabinowitz’s views, stating that “the headquarters of the to all and educating the entire student body. various multicultural organizations are currently scattered and poorly The SJI’s proposal has been sent to various campus offices and groups, organized, and sharing a single building would help manifest their initiating a discussion about whether a Cultural Education Center is the common plight.” This conflict of sympathies demonstrates the campus’ best way to improve student relations and accessibility on campus. The difficulties in making a decision. lack of space on campus in which multicultural organizations can meet The second issue that arises regarding the Cultural Education Center often causes scheduling conflicts between student organizations. To is how a new building will improve the cultural climate on campus further the issue, the Womyn’s Center is slated for demolition during and help recruit and retain multicultural students. Eugene M. Tobin the summer of 2009, leaving the organization with no specific location Distinguished Professor of Sociology Daniel Chambliss fears that “we in which to meet. have at Hamilton a pattern of trying to solve problems by putting up or Since the proposal is still in the early stages of discussion, many renovating buildings” and it would be better to first figure out through student groups and faculty members declined to share their personal inclusive campus-wide discussions if the Cultural Education Center is opinions about the Cultural Education Center. Reva Narula ’10, chair the best solution before jumping to a multi-million dollar construction of the Student Assembly Diversity and Disabilities Committee, explains project. Furthermore, Ray points out some of the logistical issues that that the Student Assembly (SA) hopes that whatever the Hamilton the proposal does not address. For example, the location is important. community decides regarding the Cultural Education Center, the Two solutions propose using either the current location of the Afro- solution “celebrates commonalities rather than differences and that we Latin Cultural Center or the 3rd floor of Bristol. However, neither of can find a way to address whatever differences there are on campus.” these are highly trafficked areas on campus and perhaps will not give Some members of SA, such as Greg Ray ’08, who was the SA the Cultural Education Center the prominence it deserves. Facilities Committee chair for three years and is currently involved Furthermore, many students and professors have noted that a new with the Strategic Planning Committee, wants the SJI to work directly or renovated building will not be enough to welcome multicultural with the SA in order to flesh out the details of the proposal and receive students on campus; there has to be a budget behind the building that the backing of the SA. Ray points out that the SA, which represents will support programming on multiculturalism for the entire Hamilton the entire student body to the administration, has been involved in campus. Amy Tannenbaum ’10, a member of the Womyn’s Center, other major campus construction projects and was instrumental in the hopes that multicultural organizations will be able to pool their financial early discussions about the ELS renovations. While Ray is the first to resources in order to promote multiculturalism and provide relevant agree that the student government system can be confusing and not all programming for the entire Hamilton community. Ray suggests it students feel represented by the SA, he reminds students that they always may be more successful to spend money on diversity initiatives such as have the opportunity to become involved in student governance. Most recruiting and retaining multicultural students and faculty rather, than importantly, the SA publishes the minutes of their weekly meetings, an expensive building. providing an open discourse with students, something that is currently Without a doubt, the Student Justice Initiative is correct that students lacking about discussions regarding the Cultural Education Center. of minority groups need to feel more welcomed and included on campus. There are several other issues, regarding the actual Cultural Education We can also be thankful to the SJI for repeatedly bringing diversity issues Center proposal that are necessary to explore. First, the multicultural on campus to a forefront, most recently with their proposal for the and minority groups will be housed in the Cultural Education Center, Cultural Education Center. However, there are more issues regarding but the rest of the student organizations will be in the new ELS both the cultural climate on campus and the SJI proposal than can be Student Union. It is unlikely that this marginalization of minority covered in one article, so before any decision can be made regarding groups will create an inclusive atmosphere on campus, a specific goal the Cultural Education Center, we need to have an open and inclusive of the SJI’s proposal. One Rainbow Alliance member notes that the campus wide discussion with students, faculty, and administrators to see Cultural Education Center “would give students the opportunity if such a center is the best solution for all Hamilton students. to hide from whatever problems they might have with the larger -laurel symonds ’11 14 the continental | spring 2008 alternative spring break hamilton students make use of their spring breaks to reach out to help others in need

or some Hamilton students, spring break is not just a break from upstate New York snow, but also an opportunity to help those in need. This year, sixty-six students volunteered to spend a day or two in a jitney and travel down South to help with various causes. And, at only $125 per trip, ASB is also a great opportunity to see another part of the country. Any participant will tell you it was worth every dollar and every mile. This year, four groups traveled during the first week of break, and another two groups went during the fsecond week. I led a group of eight students along with co-leader Cuffie Winkler ’10 on an environmental service trip in Tennessee. The group worked at Cumberland Trails to help with the development and maintenance of trails in the park. Emily Johnston ’10 and Meghan Herman ’09 led an outreach trip with eight other girls to Wilmington, North Carolina, where they tutored children at a local elementary school. There were also two construction-based trips the first week. Kat Kenney ’08 and Mikhail Bell ’08 led a group the continental | spring 2008 15 of eight to Hands On Gulf Coast in Biloxi, Mississippi. Hands sometimes overshadowed by New Orleans proper, and relief efforts On rebuilds the community as a whole so the group got to work on there, or anywhere, would not exist if it weren’t for the generosity of a range of projects from painting and dry walling, to planting gardens those who volunteer their time. Hamilton students who participate and working in local community schools. Taylor Brady ’08 and Justin in ASB know how important and rewarding it is to be a part of this Mulvey ’09 went with ten other students to John’s Island in South rebuilding process. Carolina to work with Habitat for Humanity. Even more, if you talk to ASB participants, they’ll tell you that it’s On the second week, another trip worked with Habitat for a blast. Sure, you put in a lot of hard work during the day, but then Humanity, but this time in Thibodeaux, Louisiana. Maura Donovan there are the trips to restaurants in the surrounding area, as well as ’09 and Julian Brody ’10 drove down with eight other volunteers to opportunities to meet the locals and even nearby Hamilton alums. work in a housing development that was created with donations made For those volunteering on the Gulf Coast, a trip to New Orleans is by Oprah Winfrey and Jon Bon Jovi. Finally, there was one group of always on the itinerary. Even with ASB’s no drinking policy, the trip students who traveled to Kentucky to Land Between the Lakes in down Bourbon Street is quite entertaining. After work, members of Golden Pond. Leaders Ben Van Arnam ’09 and Rachel Bigelow ’10 the Thibodeaux group often played basketball or football with the worked on the national recreation area with eight other volunteers in local children. One night, the other volunteers at the site got together their group. to barbeque dinner for the entire group. Meeting other volunteers and Why would these students spend an entire week of spring break hearing about their experiences also inspires students to continue to volunteer and help others? For those who went to Louisiana giving back, even after they return to school. And, after spending or Mississippi, some believed that not enough was being done for anywhere from twelve to twenty-four hours packed into a jitney with Hurricane Katrina victims. In Thibodeaux, Hamilton students were ten other people, you are bound to make some friends. Alternative able to work alongside families who would be living in the very houses Spring Break gives Hamilton students the chance to strengthen their they were helping to build. They also got to see houses that had own community by encountering people with common interests already been built and were being used by deserving families. Biloxi, whom they may never have had the opportunity to meet otherwise. Mississippi was one of the hardest hit areas during Katrina, but it is - maura kearnan ’08

16 the continental | spring 2008 activism alive and well at hamilton

n an election year, it seems as though every political event is viewed under a red or blue light. This divisive atmosphere can be frustrating. IOn the Hamilton campus, however, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved with political issues in a non-partisan capacity. Over the past year, representatives from many student activist groups have come together to create the Student Action Forum. Laura Wright ’10, the SAV representative, believes that the “forum has proven to be an efficient tool in inciting action by allowing many groups to hear of what others are doing and by providing a forum for collaboration.” In the fall, the action forum helped students get transportation to war protests in Syracuse and New York City. They also arranged on-campus protests against the death penalty and demonstrations in support of the Jena Six. One of their most successful campaigns was getting one hundred and fifty signatures in opposition to Lockheed Martin’s involvement in an ethics workshop on campus. This spring has also been full of events. Democracy Matters, Students Against Violence, HEAG, and Amnesty International cooperated to put together a Social Justice Week from April 12 through the 18 It started off with a showing of Do The Right Thing, a Spike Lee film, in KJ. Scheduled events were a sidewalk chalk expressionism day by Students Against Violence and a voter registration drive by Democracy Matters and the Hamilton College Democrats. Tables were set up by SAV, STAND and Amnesty International to get signatures for petitions and distribute information on Guantanamo Bay and Tibet. Democracy Matters and HEAG both sponsored movies during the week. Finally, the week wrapped up with a midnight vigil for the soldiers killed in Iraq. Wright explains that one goal of Social Justice Week was to “reach students who might not notice individual events by framing many causes in the context of a week of general awareness.” After Social Justice Week, there are many chances for involvement on the Hill right through the end of finals. HEAG ’s Green Week from April 28-May 2 includes farmers’ markets, an afternoon of work on the Community Farm Garden, and a Concert for Clean Elections and a Clean Environment with Democracy Matters. Democracy Matters will also be working on a huge voter engagement drive called Hamilton Engage ’08. Group leader Kevin Rowe ’10 hopes “to encourage students not only to vote in the 2008 election, but more importantly...to create a civically conscious and active campus at Hamilton.” Amnesty International will continue its campaign to close Guantanamo Bay; the group hopes for 200 signatures before the end of the semester. They are also working on collaborating with the Womyn’s Center to raise awareness of women’s rights across the globe. Even though Hamilton’s non-partisan activism may not be as noticeable as election debates, it is still very strong, and groups like Amnesty International, HEAG, STAND, Democracy Matters and SAV continue to encourage students to stay involved. Maybe we don’t live in a bubble after all. -maura donovan ’09

the continental | spring 2008 17 talk of the town

books

the best books you (probably) haven’t read yet

The River Why by David James Duncan A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving Philosophically enlightening and yet deeply humorous, Though Irving’s humor (largely sexual) and subject matter brilliantly written, yet unpretentious. This book changes the (New England and sex) can get redundant, this is arguably way you think about fishing. the best example of his work. The Acts of King Arthur and His Noble Knights Master and Margarita by Mikhail Bulgakov by John Steinbeck A black, man-sized cat named Behemoth, a naked witch, and Based on Malory’s Le Morte d’Artur, this novel was never Pontius Pilate. And it used to be banned. Need any other fully finished, though its incompletion adds to its charm and reason to read this book? ultimately its cynicism. Hard-Boiled Wonderland and the End of Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close by the World by Haruki Murakami Jonathan Safron Foer The two halves of the title refers to parallel storylines that The lesser-known novel from Foer (after Everything is alternate in every other chapter. Not only is it a book that Illuminated), this story follows a young, highly intelligent boy makes you rethink the way your mind works, but it’s fun to whose father died in the World Trade Center attack. Rather try to figure out how the two stories fit together. than dramatic, it is instead subtly affecting through Foer’s unusual sense of humor and use of multimedia in the pages Geek Love by Katherine Dunn of the novel itself. Yes, that is “geek” as in “one who bites the heads off chickens.” This novel is told from the point of view of Oly, an albino Space Trilogy by C.S. Lewis hunchback, as she grows up with her circus performing The Eli to The Chronicles of Narnia’s Peyton, the Space family: Elly and Iphy, the conjoined twins, Alphy, half-man Trilogy is often underappreciated. Following a human captive half-fish, and Chick, whose special powers cause him more who is launced into space and intended as a sacrificial victim harm than good. Fantastically grotesque, endearingly sinister, on another planet, the novels combine spiritual quandaries Dunn’s novel will haunt as well as touch. with well-known science fiction tropes. - kaity hill ’09

18 the continental | spring 2008 talk of the town music

metal for the masses

he line outside of the Armory in Rochester waited in tense, So what does chaos taste like, exactly? Sweat, mostly. There is a point anxious excitement for the doors to open and Rockstar Taste at a concert where you can no longer listen with your ears. The decibel of Chaos to start. There is a good chance that the anxiety level reached is so loud that sound bypasses your ears and resonates was driven by the cold, but that didn’t prevent anyone from through your frontal lobe and chest, sending your heart thumping madly waiting patiently to be allowed inside. In fact, there were so in time with the kick drum and your breathing into overdrive. This is the T many people there to see the show that the Wendy’s a quarter- only proper way to listen to rock music, and in the gutted interior of the mile down the road pulled out their rent-a-cops to make sure no concert- Armory, Taste of Chaos achieved that brain-rattling volume. A six-hour goers were parking in their parking lot. metal-fest, this year’s RToC featured some of the best in today’s metal and Rockstar Taste of Chaos has always lived up to its name, and this year metalcore bands, including headliners Bullet for My Valentine, Atreyu, was no exception. Created four years ago by Kevin Lyman as the winter and Avenged Sevenfold—all of whom have brand new material to test cousin of the annually successful Warped Tour, Rockstar Taste of Chaos out in front of a live, writhing crowd. was created to bring together bands outside the usual Warped Tour Originally called Jeff Killed John, Bullet For My Valentine has been format—something with a little harder edge to it. Absolute pandemonium active since 1997, and their newest album, Scream Aim Fire debuted at ensues every night in the form of violently swirling bodies, flying shoes number four on the Billboard 200. BFMV is comprised of four angry and crowd surfers. There are rarely hard feelings, even if someone gets Brits—Matt Tuck on vocals and guitar; Michael “Padge” Paget on guitar; punched in the face. If you’re there, it is understood that you are there for Michael “Moose” Thomas on drums; and Jay James on bass—with a the same reason as the other five hundred plus people in the room—the bad habit of shooting their mouths off. The band was kicked off of an music. Strangely enough, it is the teenagers who are the best behaved at American tour with Rob Zombie after Tuck commented on the BFMV large-scale events like this. The only people I’ve ever seen start any sort of message board about poor tour conditions. Scream Aim Fire, the band’s argument are the twenty-something dudes who had a little too much to second studio album, is “a lot more up-tempo, a lot more aggressive” drink. according to Tuck. The new single, “Waking the Demon” hit radio the continental | spring 2008 19 airwaves in America in April. Atreyu received a positive response to their new material from their most recent release, Lead Sails Paper Anchor. This album, which is more melodic than the band’s previous albums, sent the crowd into satisfied rounds of violent dancing, particularly when lead vocalist and drummer Brandon Saller demanded that the crowd shake their asses to “Falling Down.” Not exactly the same breed of metalcore riffs and guttural screaming as BFMV, Lead Sails Paper Anchor is a successful foray into the type of metal-tinged music that is making a comeback in the mainstream. A Metallica for our generation. It has been two years since Atreyu—drummer/vocalist Brandon Saller; vocalist Alex Varkatzas; guitarists Dan Jacobs and Marc McKnight; and bassist Travis Miguel—has been on the RToC tour, but they were clearly itching to get back. Jacobs claims in a recent interview with Alternative Press that their newest album lends itself to a more powerful live show that will translate well in the large, arena-sized venues RToC uses. It’s clear that Lead Sails Paper Anchor was well-received at RToC because Atreyu recently announced that their participation on this summer’s Projekt Revolution tour. While fans got to see some of Atreyu’s tricks while on the Taste of Chaos, prepare for only bigger and better ones this summer as they rock the Revolution Stage of Projeckt Revolution before big names like Linkin Park and Chris Cornell. Avenged Sevenfold has recently released their self-produced fourth studio album, Avenged Sevenfold. Any time a band releases a About the tour, Zacky also says, “I’m really excited for every self-titled album, it is a signifier that they believe that the music created one of the shows because the ticket sales have all been really strong for that album is what the band is all about. How does Avenged and knowing that thousands of kids are going to show up to see us Sevenfold—vocalist M. on a show that we’ve always Shadows, guitarists Zacky wanted to do and talked Vengeance and Synyster about doing.” Gates, bassist Johnny Christ, “I think we always have been While today’s metal and and drummer The Rev— metalcore bands are certainly feel about this assumption? [brave, but] realistically, we’re not like anything else from “I think what we wanted earlier days, it’s clear to see the to accomplish and achieve so much more than that.” influence. Bands like Bullet with this album that we did for My Valentine, Atreyu was to break open any kind and Avenged Sevenfold are of pigeon hole wide open the love-children of their and incorporate all sorts of styles of music that we love,” says Zacky predecessors and the current cultural phenomenon that is bringing Vengance, a guitarist for the band. “And, you know, just [be] very metal to TRL, video games, and prime-time television commercials. brave.” He says that sometimes their sound is misinterpreted, but If you listen carefully, you can hear classic metal riffs, punk-tinged that they can’t be categorized into one genre: “Realistically, we’re so lyrics and the commentary of a new generation of kids who are ready much more than that.” Judging by the reception from the crowd, to kick music in the teeth and look good doing it. their audience understands this. - nicole dietsche ’09 20 the continental | spring 2008 talk of the town

nicole dietsche ’09 uncovers the most anticipated entertainment releases for the summer buzz

worthy the continental | spring 2008 21 talk of the town Star Wars: The Force Unleashed release date - September 16 video games systems - Xbox 360, PS3, Wii, PS2 As Yoda would say: Jedi you are and new phys- ics program you explore. You use, obviously, Rock Band the Force, to do some serious damage to the release date - June 22 bad guys. system - Wii Now all of you who have a Wii can play along too, flailing your way into virtual rock god- Ninja Gaiden II hood. release date - June 3 system - Xbox 360 As the sequel to…coincidentally, Ninja Gaiden, Guitar Hero: Aerosmith the game is more of a prequel as it focuses on a release date - June 29 younger version of Ryu Hayabusa as he learns systems - Xbox 360, PS3, Wii, PS2 the nuances of butt-kicking. This is MTV Games and Harmonix’s attempt to make Guitar Hero look less like Rock Band’s neglected younger brother who no one lets out Guitar Hero: On Tour of his room. release date - June 22 system - Nintendo DS Because if you can’t go for more than a few hours without some rock’n’roll, bring it with you.

top pick: grand theft auto 4

Hide your children and run in fear, gentlefolks; the latest installment of the highly controversial Grand Theft Auto series was recently released—April 29, to be exact. The new entry in the series promises a return to Liberty City, the game’s original setting, which hasn’t been seen since GTA 3 debuted in 2002 followed by GTA Vice City in 2003 and GTA San Andreas in 2004. While GTA IV actually reduces the overall area of land available to the players, it purportedly adds much more vertically, with players being able to ascend tall buildings which, in prior installments, were closer to background pieces than to actual interactive buildings. The main storyline of GTA IV centers around Niko Bellic, a character recently come to America following the promise of money. Of course, nothing quite works out for Niko, and he winds up having to slog his way through the criminal underbelly of Liberty City in order to achieve his American dream. The game will feature all the classic GTA elements, such as carjacking, destructible environments, a plethora of weaponry, and plenty of random passersby for you to…interact with. It of course expands many of these features, including a more complex carjacking system, a new cover system for gun combat, a refined system for drive-by shooting, and overall enhanced visuals. The truly interesting part of the coming of GTA IV will be in how it is received, politically. The GTA series has often been criticized as being the primary inciter of youth violence in the video game world, with how it grants the player the ability to kill any given on-screen character at any given time. It has especially been criticized by well-known video game critic Jack Thompson, who has called the games of the series “murder simulators”. Will GTA IV be received by the opponents of violent video games with much wind and fury, but without much practical effect? Or willGTA IV have enough controversial content to finally help the anti-video game lobbyists get a video game legislation bill past the Supreme Court? I certainly hope not. - brendan conway ’09

22 the continental | spring 2008 talk of the town

music 10 Years Scarlett Dresden Dolls Division Johansson No, Virginia release date: Anywhere I Lay release date: may 13 My Head may 20 top pick: weezer things to know: 10 release date: things to know: As Years will be doing may 20 the follow up to Yes, some serious touring things to know: Virginia, the Dresden on Projekt Revolution She’s an actress. Can Dolls once again this year, so it may be she sing? I’m not sure offer up prayers to the a good idea to check my ears have properly punk-cabaret gods for out the new album prepared themselves this release, which will before it explodes and for this. hopefully live longer you’re left behind the than Amanda Palmer’s bandwagon. solo project.

release date: june 24 Remember the good old days of Weezer when it was all about hash pipes, sweaters and pink triangles? Well, hopefully, with the band’s return to their traditional album-naming (The Blue Album, The Green Album), their sixth studio album, The Red Album, will make us forgive Weezer for Make Believe and make us forget Alone: The Home Recordings of Rivers Cuomo all together. Weezer has had a lot of difficulty as a band. Ignoring the fact that Rivers Cuomo is apparently hell-bent on remaining mysteri- ous and separating himself from the rest of the members of the band, Weezer has had a tumultuous experience in the limelight. The Blue Album, Weezer’s first album was so well received in 1994 at the height of the emo movement (these days, it’s all about post-emo) that when the darker Pinkerton was released a few years later, fans were thrown into a crazed fit. Ultimately, the album was deemed one of Rolling Stone’s worst albums of 1996, but ironically is one of Weezer’s best-selling albums. Oh, the finicky ways of fans. After a bit of a hiatus, Weezer released the extremely successful Green Album (home to “Hash Pipe” and “Island in the Sun”) and their worst album to date, Maladroit. In 2005, Weezer released Make Believe, which can be summed up with a ‘meh.’ The only memorable song off the entire album, “Beverly Hills” was vaguely reminiscent of earlier Weezer material, but with less edge. It did, however, earn the band its first Grammy nomination, so it’s hard to completely hate the album. Journey Usher Queen & Paul While fans have been waiting for Weezer’s new material, front Revelation Here I Stand Rogers man Rivers Cuomo has graduated from Harvard, gotten married release date: release date: Title TBA and supposedly become a father. How will this affectThe Red june 3 may 27 release date: Album? No one knows for sure yet, since Cuomo is extremely things to know: It’s things to know: september 1 secretive, but the album was produced by Rick Rubin (Red Hot Journey. That’s about It’s Usher, and it’s un- things to know: Chili Peppers, Beastie Boys, Justin Timberlake). Cuomo, has, it. likely he’ll disappoint, IT’S NOT QUEEN however, announced two song titles: “Ms. Sweeney” and “I’m the especially if he’s been WITHOUT FRED- Greatest Man That Ever Lived.” The first single from the album, doing lots of push ups DIE! That said, it “Pork and Beans,” has premiered on California’s KROQ and is and sit ups in his time could be good. now streaming from Weezer’s official site. off. If “Pork and Beans” is any indication, The Red Album has definite kick backs to the early days ofBlue and Green, while incorporating the good parts of Pinkerton and Make Believe. It sounds like Weezer is ready to deliver. - nicole dietsche ’09 the continental | spring 2008 23 Dark Knight movies release date - July 18 Heath Ledger, Christian Bale, Michael Caine, Maggie top pick: ironman Gyllenhaal Batman, Harvey Dent and TheIron Man movie is coming to theatres May 2, and it looks James Gordon versus The wonderful. The movie trailers have all been very well received, possibly Joker… ’nuff said. because of the great special effects and the well-done action scenes. But go see it if: You like Bat- personally, I’m betting that it’s because Robert Downey Jr’.s portrayal of man or miss Heath Ledger. Tony Stark, the alcoholic billionaire inside that fantastic suit of red and gold, is nothing short of hysterically wonderful. In the comics, Tony Stark’s character has changed many times. At one point, he was the brooding, dark figure with the weight of the world on his shoulders, desperately trying to break his alcohol habit but unable to do so. Then he was the exuberant playboy reveling in his shallow Sex and the City: The lifestyle. The latter portrayal has shown up most recently and most fully Movie in the Ultimates, a series of comic books acting as a re-envisioning of the release date - May 30 Marvel Universe. Sarah Jessica Parker, Kim Cat- While the dark and brooding Tony Stark isn’t inherently bad, the trall, Cynthia Nixon, Kristin exuberant playboy is just more fun. And fortunately, most of the movies Davis made of the Marvel universe so far have been more in keeping with the Carrie, Samantha, Miranda and Ultimate universe than with the original, somewhat more campy source Charlotte are back together material. The Tony Stark of theIron Man movie looks to be the shallow, doing sexy things in New York quipping character that we know and love. City. In terms of the plot, the movie focuses on Iron Man’s origin: Tony go see it if: You like… um… Stark being kidnapped and forced to make weaponry, only to create the Sex and the City. first incarnation of the Iron Man armor instead. After that is where it gets a bit fuzzier. Iron Man has never been a character known for his villains, but according to the Internet Movie Database, Jeff Bridges is playing Obadiah Stane, aka Iron Monger. While I would like nothing more than Indiana Jones and the to simply say this movie is wonderful and leave it at that, the villain-issue Kingdom of the Crystal does have me somewhat worried. After Spider-Man 3, in which an over- Skull abundance of rather poorly characterized villains ruined what could have release date - May 22 been a good movie, I am wary of the effect that a poor choice of villain can have on a superhero movie. Harrison Ford, Shia LaBeouf, In the end, I think it’s safe to say that more than most superhero Cate Blanchett stories, Iron Man is about the hero, not the villain. Judging by the mag- Does this even need an explana- nificent clips of Robert Downey Junior’s portrayal of Tony Stark, I feel tion? Indiana Jones (Ford) needs relatively safe in saying that I have high hopes for this movie. to go save the world from one - brendan conway ’09 artifact of doom or another, this time a shiny skull, and is accom- panied by a sidekick or two, this time his son (LaBeouf). go see it if: You like action movies, any Indiana Jones movie, and/or Transformers.

Made of Honor release date - May 2 Patrick Dempsey, Michelle Monaghan Tom (Dempsey) decides he might actually be able to swing the monogamy thing when his best friend Claire (Monaghan) gets engaged and asks him to he her ‘maid’ of honor. Of course he agrees in order to woo her. go see it if: You like chick flicks, Grey’s Anatomy, or wed- dings. 24 the continental | spring 2008 talk of the town tv on dvd top pick: psych seasons 1& 2

If you have never watched Psych, you are seriously deprived. Playfully mocking crime dramas, Psych is centered on Shawn Spencer (James Roday), who uses his photographic memory, “heightened observational skills,” and detecting instincts to convince people he’s psychic. In the pilot episode, he does such a good job of convincing the police that he’s a psychic that he is roped into being a consultant for the Santa Barbara Police Department. The show, which premiered on USA network afterMonk , has recently been moved to NBC because of its extremely high ratings. Psych is successful for a number of reasons. First of all, the show premiered on a cable network, which often airs its new shows during the major networks summer rerun slump. Also, the show is well-cast and the chemistry between characters is phenomenal. Dulé Hill (formerly of West Wing) plays Shawn’s best friend, Gus, who is often unwillingly dragged along on cases; Timothy Omundson plays the head detective of the police department, Carlton “Lassie” Lassiter, who hates Shawn with unbridled passion; and Maggie Lawson plays Juliet O’Hara, Lassie’s partner and ultimately Shawn’s love-interest. Corbin Bernsen tops the line-up off as Henry Spencer, Shawn’s angry and disapproving father and former police detective. If this wasn’t enough to make you want to watch the show, it is so well written that you find yourself laughing so frequently that you really shouldn’t eat or drink while watching: Shawn’s response to his father’s multi-colored, multi-print shirt: “Sorry, Dad, this is like a genocide of color. Somewhere, a rainbow is weeping.” And it’s not just one-liners either. The writing is intelligent and witty and it’s definitely one of the best television shows on right now. Psych has something for everyone: murder, comedy, mystery, intrigue, singing, and psychics. It pokes fun at everyone and everything, and now is the perfect time to catch up as the show starts its third season on USA in July. Plus, the DVD features special features such as webi- sodes of “Little Shawn and Gus” (animated episodes of the two characters as children), blooper reels and deleted scenes. - nicole dietsche ’09

The 4400 Season 4 Monk Season 6 Weeds Season 3 The Dead Zone Burn Notice Season 1 release date release date release date Season 6 release date May 6 July 8 June 3 release date June 17 4400 people, who have Anal-retentive and OCD Because there’s really no June 3 When the CIA fires you, ap- been abducted by aliens, are does not even begin to cover other way to survive sub- Based off of the Stephen parently, they also kill you. returned to Earth various Monk’s dysfunctions, but he urbian house-wifery than King novel (but potentially Michael Westen tries to find years later with new super does get the detecting job becoming a pot dealing better), Johnny Smith can out who burned him so he cool powers that scare the done. kingpin. see the future with just one can, well, kill him first. buhjeezus out of good ole touch (after getting in a hor- normal people. rible car crash and being in a coma for years) and tries to save those he sees in danger. the continental | spring 2008 25 talk of the town summer music guide What could possibly be better than standing outside getting a sunburn and seeing some of your favorite bands play live, on the same stage? Still thinking? Throw in a little aloe vera and you’re pretty much set. Here’s all you need to know to make the tough decisions. Bamboozle May 3 – 4, East Rutherford, NJ $49.50 (single day) www.thebamboozle.com Every year, over a hundred bands flock to New Jersey to play on the same stage. Genre is no problem as thousands of fans crowd into the Medowlands for a weekend of sweat, sun and music. Lollapalooza notable line-up: Snoop Dogg, Par- August 1 – 3, Chicago, IL amore, Panic at the Disco… and a $TBA hundred more www.lollapalooza.com Created in 1991 as a farewell tour by Perry Farrell, lead singer for Jane’s Addiction, Lollapalooza collects the best in alt-rock, hip-hop, punk and whatever else people like and sticks them in one place. Often cited as the Woodstock of the 1990s, Lollapalooza also does dance, comedy, and crafts. notable line-up: Radiohead, Nine Inch Nails, Rage Against the Ma- chine, Flogging Molly, Miley Cyrus

Sasquatch Music Festival May 24 – 26, Quincy, WA $56.50 (single day) - $154.50 (three day pass) Bonnaroo www.sasquatchfestival. June 12 – 15, Manchester, TN com $209.50 - $244.50 (four day pass) www.bonnaroo.com Held in the Gorge Amphitheatre, voted Pollstar Magazine’s best Four days of music in the middle of a field in Outdoor Music Venue, Sasquatch Tennessee, with alumni such as The Police Music Festival plays host to possibly make this show a must-see if you can swing the the best Memorial Day Weekend pricey tickets as well as some sort of sleeping festival with acts spanning from place. Bring a tent. comedy-rock to indie to classic notable line-up: Pearl Jam, Metallica, Chris alt-rock. Rock, My Morning Jacket…and dozens more. notable line-up: The National, The New Pornographers, R.E.M., Flight of the Conchords

26 the continental | spring 2008 talk of the town

the future of television nternet. Television. Between the two of them, they pretty much Which brings me to number three, scripted internet content. have the market covered on your spare time. But with advances That’s right, there is television on your internet. Sure, it may not be that in streaming time and the cost of producing a television show great, but it’s there. The best example of scripted content which would each increasing exponentially each year, what can be said about ordinarily be on a television network is the show Quarterlife. It’s a sort the mixture of the two? What about internet TV? of soap opera about being in your mid-twenties. It’s melodramatic and There are a few different ways of looking at internet televi- angst-y, and since the longest episode is about eleven minutes, ridicu- sion. First, we have the age-old (and by age-old I mean about lously addictive. All you have to do is load up a couple and start watch- a year old) practice of watching your ing, and before you realize it, you’re hooked. Ifavorite shows from NBC, CBS and ABC on I can watch every episode You can’t help but cheer every time Jed gives the respective websites. It’s handy and takes in order whenever I want, Dylan a puppy eyes look. Plus, every episode care of those nasty commercials. Score one without waiting for a mara- is right there for you. Right. There. for the corporations keeping in control, but thon, and the only other And that is why the internet actually that’s not quite what I’m getting at here. The makes a fair point here. Let’s face it. Television only ways in which that’s really revolutionary show that lets you do that has all the good content: Lost, House MD, He- is that it means you don’t need a TV to watch is Law and Order, but that’s roes, How I Met Your Mother, etc. What the TV. Pour the champagne. just a fluke. internet has is archiving. Quarterlife may be a Second, then, is YouTube. I love YouTube. craptastic show, but I can watch every episode I could write sonnets to YouTube. But in and in order whenever I want, without waiting for of itself, YouTube isn’t really a form of television. It’s more like a really a marathon, and the only other show that lets you do that is Law and long episode of America’s Funniest Home Videos, without the com- Order, but that’s just a fluke. mercials, but plus some really creepy stuff. Plus, even here, copyrighted We may need to give the internet some time to get its act together, content sneaks in. YouTube has a tendency to host anything except for but it’s getting there. I mean, what’s not to love? Every episode avail- porn, which leads to a lot of illegal scans of TV shows and movies. And, able, you don’t have to buy a TV, and after all, there’s always YouTube. well, funny as YouTube is, it’s not really known for its scripted content. - rachel frazier ’09

the continental | spring 2008 27 28 the continental | spring 2008 features from hill to hill

hamilton students are making their mark on that other hill‑ interning, volunteering, and making a name for themselves in america’s capital the continental | spring 2008 29 features

the millennial generation capital city

kathryn plummer explores the power of the youth vote

oung people’s participation 2015, it is projected that this generation will reach out to the Millennial Generation. in politics has radically be about one-third of the U.S. electorate. Barack Obama, who is favored by Millennials, shifted since the 1960s, Currently, they rival the size of the Baby has made this group the main focus in his as has the way in which Boomer Generation. campaign. politicians and the media Political scientists, reporters, and Some of the new tactics that these regard them. Media politicians alike agree that there is something candidates are using include implementing organizations, politicians, different about this generation’s civic face-to-face interaction, specifically targeting and political scientists have engagement levels and attention to politics. the needs and concerns of the youth, going Yaccused today’s American youth of political After the Millennials became the majority of to local colleges and high schools, utilizing disengagement, and blamed them for the the youth vote, there has been a large increase the Millennials as volunteers, and using overall decline of voter turnout in past decades. in voter turnout among the youth. In 2004, networking resources such as Facebook and And, for the most part, these accusations are more than 20 million 18-19 year-olds voted, MySpace to educate and energize. true. an eleven percent increase from 2000. During These tactics have proven successful, Voter turnout among the youth in the the 2006 midterm elections, the youth group according to the Super Tuesday exit polls 1980s and 1990s was the lowest amongst all turnout increased by 24 percent. for the Democratic Primary. In every state, other age groups. During those decades, the Along with increased voter turnout, 68 the percentage of 17-29 year old voters has youth turnout rate remained at an average of percent of college students have reported increased compared to the 2004 Democratic 35 percent, with P r i m a r y . under 21 being The Millennial Generation is not only more interested in politics, Additionally, the lowest, but more mobilized and heading to the polls. exit polls while older show that the g e n e r a t i o n s M i l l e n n i a l s averaged about h a v e 20 to 30 points higher. Fortunately, however, to follow political news closely. The new constituted an average of 14% of Democratic this long tradition of disappointment seems to generation is not only more interested in primary voters, up from a median of 9% in the be changing with the rise of Generation Y, or politics, but more mobilized and heading to set of comparable contests in 2004. the Millennial Generation. the polls. The Millennials have proven to be more The Millennial Generation, today’s In the 2008 election, candidates have engaged and active in politics and voting. Due youth, includes citizens who are born between noticed the increased participation rates and to the size and shifting trend of the Millennials, 1979 and 1997, aged 17 to 29. In 2006, the have decided to implement Youth Outreach they will continue to be very influential in this Millennial Generation was about 75 million Programs. Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, 2008 election and monumental in elections to strong, with 42 million eligible to vote. In and John McCain have all made efforts to come. 30 the continental | spring 2008 features capitalcapital city city

ne of the common complaints you will hear from students on the Hill is that we are too isolated from the real world in the “bubble” of Clinton, New York. But for over three decades, Hamilton has offered students the opportunity to spend a semester experiencing post-graduation life off the Hill in the nation’s capital. For some students, the Washington, D.C. program is a major draw before they even arrive at Hamilton. Matt House ’08 says, “I first olearned about the D.C. program as a prospective student. I was fairly sure I would be a government major at Hamilton, and it was one of the school’s draws for me.” Blake Hulnick ’09 was also considering the program as a prospective student. He explains, “I had heard great reviews from program alumni, some of whom are my parents’ age since the program has been around for a long time.” During the program, students spend “It’s an experience four days a week as full-time interns for politicians or government agencies and one that you can draw day a week in an academic seminar with a Hamilton professor who relocates to D.C. upon for the rest of Despite the busy schedule, students are left your life, no matter with free time and no shortage of ways to spend it. Hulnick has “seen almost all of the what career field Smithsonians several times—including the Postal Museum, though it is a good you go into.” cure for insomnia.” Through the program, students also have incomparable opportunities to form connections that will benefit them after graduation. House asserts that his first post-graduation job came as a result of living in D.C. for a semester. “In addition to interning for my future employer,” he says, “I met [Capitol] Hill staffers who have moved on to other political work in all parts of the country.” However, the enticing sample of independent life in Washington, D.C. is first and foremost for the students in the program. Students spend a semester seeing how it will feel to live in an apartment, rather than a dorm, and balance free time with a full-time job. Jordan Hummel ’09 explains that “living in an apartment, working four days a week and balancing school—it’s a slight taste of the real world...It’s an experience that you can draw upon for the rest of your life, no matter what career field you go into.” -celia coan ’09

the continental | spring 2008 31 features the roadmap for iraq

in Iraq is beginning to unravel, and the only reason the situation isn’t worse is because of the political intervention of Iran. The fact that we’re dependent on Iran to maintain Iraq’s stability shows the illusionary success of the Surge. Meanwhile, our armed forces are strained to the breaking point because of the lengthy deployments needed to maintain troop levels. Troops are required to spend more and more tours in Iraq, with many solider having their contracts of service extended against their will The Responsible Course for Iraq under the stop-loss policy, leading to a drop in re-enlistments. The majority of the army’s available manpower and equipment is tied up in t isn’t necessary to rehash the whole comedy of errors leading up Iraq, decreasing our flexibility to respond to other emerging threats. The to Iraq War. It’s clear that the Bush Administration lied and misled simple fact is if they don’t get out of Iraq soon, we’re going to severely the American people about the rationale for the invasion. It’s damage our military’s ability to respond to multi-national threats like accepted that the administration’s conduct in the early days of the Al Qaeda. occupation was the very definition of incompetence, and turned Many argue that we should stay in Iraq to fight terrorist groups Ithe Iraqi people against us. It’s a statistical fact that the life of the average such as Al Qaeda, but that argument ignores the very nature of the Iraqi has gotten worse since the invasion, from unavailability of power insurgency. Over 90% of insurgents are Iraqis, not the foreign fighters to declining health standards. The real issue is what we do next. Do who comprise the majority of Al Qaeda members. The goals of most we stay in Iraq for several more years, even 100 years, as presumptive insurgents have nothing to do with global jihad; rather they are focused Republican nominee John McCain suggests? Or do we withdraw and on using violence to resolve internal ethnic grievances. Al Qaeda in force Iraqis to take responsibility for their own country? Iraq, even at its peak, was about 2-5% of the insurgency, and today Republicans argue that George W. Bush’s Surge strategy is working, that number is even less because Sunnis cracked down on them and that we shouldn’t get out because finally we are winning. This isn’t true. eliminated most of Al Qaeda’s bases in the Sunni triangle. This illustrates While our troops have managed to reduce violence in some areas of the fundamental truth about the war: we cannot win it, only the Iraqis Iraq, the fact is the rate of violence in Iraq is incredibly high, still around can. the “unsustainable” level of violence of 2006. In any case, the real goal The Democratic Party recognizes that there are no good solutions of the Surge wasn’t to temporarily reduce violence. The Surge was for Iraq; only bad and worse ones. The only way to resolve this conflict supposed to create space for Iraqi leaders to resolve the Sunni and Shiite is through political, not military, solutions. Sunni and Shiite leaders in Iraq must be forced to resolve their civil war and take responsibility for stopping sectarian violence and providing security for their people. As The Democratic party recognizes that long as our troops are there, Iraqi leaders will avoid reconciling and there are no good solutions for Iraq; taking control of their own security. Along with a stronger diplomatic only bad and worse ones. effort in Iraq, both within Iraq and with Iraq’s neighbors, withdrawing is really the only reasonable way we can end this war. The Democratic Party’s stance on Iraq is based on one simple idea: be smarter and more careful getting out of this mess than we were getting in. civil war, which they haven’t done. There’s been no progress in resolving the political problems at the heart of the Iraqi civil war, and therefore Will Leubsdorf ’10 is president of the College the current reduction in violence will not last. Right now, the situation Democrats. 32 the continental | spring 2008 features as the war in iraq heads into its fifth year, both parties search for the best way forward

than a hasty withdrawal, and permits adaptability to the ever-changing condition of those on the ground. A withdrawal policy operating on a strict timetable lacks the flexibility so critical to effective military operation; it prohibits capable leaders like Petraeus from performing their duties optimally and fails to account for the unstable conditions in Iraq, which could necessitate measures currently beyond our ability to prognosticate. With unblinking frankness, Petraeus informed the members of Congress that “progress, while real, is fragile and Stay the Course reversible.” This frankness remains unmatched by Democrats: Clinton says it ednesday, 9 April, marked the fifth anniversary of the may or may not be irresponsible to leave the troops in Iraq, abandoning fall of Baghdad. For over a year, the administration her initial support of the conflict, and Obama suggests he would approve has implemented Operations Fardh al-Qanoon and prolonged occupation if success meant “no traces of al-Qaeda and no Phantom Thunder, collectively known as the Surge. possibility of reconstitution, a highly-effective Iraqi government, [and] General David Petraeus, who leads these efforts, a democratic multi-ethnic, multi-sectarian functioning democracy.” testifiedW before Congress on Wednesday alongside the American He pledges to remove the troops within 16 months while admitting Ambassador in Iraq, Ryan Crocker. Together they delineated the that America has the “responsibility to try to make it work as best we progress attained in the area: unprecedented legislation regarding can.” Presumably our best effort requires no more exertion than an amnesty, budget, de-Baathification, and the electoral process; decreased unrealistic 16-month period can contain. The contradictions inherent inflation and an impressive 7% economic growth rate; dramatically in political stances that simultaneously undercut our military progress increased participation of Sunni leaders in the security efforts and and lament its lack of rapidity need no further remarking. provincial elections; and 90% drop in ethno-sectarian violence. American casualties have likewise dropped by 70% since June 2007. It is readily apparent that withdrawal now In the words of Sen. Joe Lieberman (I-CT), “Gen. Petraeus returns to Washington having led one of the most remarkably successful military would result in civil war, despite significant operations in American history. His antiwar critics, meanwhile, face improvements. a crisis of credibility—having confidently predicted the failure of the Surge, and been proven decidedly wrong.” Untenable as protests of the Surge’s ineffectiveness may be, In passing this notable anniversary, we acknowledge how much they are far from silenced by the successes Petraeus has consistently our multinational forces have accomplished—the evisceration attained. Many Democrats bemoan the lack of instantaneous solution, of recognized threats to global security, the deposition of Saddam preferring instead to misremember Iraq as a country of great peace Hussein, and advancement against al-Qaeda’s powerful Iraq branch. and prosperity before the invasion. There is no “crisis of credibility,” Moreover, as Newt Gingrich reminds us, “Any judgment we make as there is no imagination, however fertile, which can create the about where we are and what we must do in Iraq must be conditioned semblance of credibility in the first place. The historical precedents by the courage and commitment of those who have volunteered to for long-term military presence to ensure stability and development protect us.” It is readily apparent that withdrawal now would result are too many to enumerate here, but Japan and South Korea serve in civil war, despite significant improvements. Therefore, let us not as notable examples. American presence denotes neither continued endanger the safety of countless Iraqis and dishonor the valiant efforts violence nor ever-escalating casualties; the current effort intends to of those, American and otherwise, who have given their lives there by allow for the emergence of an organic system of government, approved willfully testing the reversibility of our hard-won victories; and let us and instituted by the Iraqi people and temporarily entrusted to foreign not be content with adherence to “a messy, sloppy status quo” Obama assistance. seeks to cite in support of a precipitant withdrawal. Let us instead Sen. Richard Lugar (R-IN) recently observed, “The debate continue to aim, under our skilled leadership, for a stabilized Iraq and a over how much progress we have made in the last year may be less long-term solution. Let us “cling to our guns” if with them lie the hopes illuminating than determining whether the administration is finally of those Iraqis venturesome enough to envision their nation without defining a clear political-military strategy.” Petraeus has indeed dictatorship and ethno-sectarian violence. elucidated a strategy with characteristic candor and pragmatism. Before Congress, he requested a 45-day period to evaluate the progress Elizabeth Farrington ’10 is vice president of the Re- of the troops; this period ensures greater prudence and circumspection publican Club. the continental | spring 2008 33 upthe close millennial and personal generation

students experience washington, dc and the world of politics firsthand through internships

ith the election season in full swing, there has been an training session with Obama’s field director in New York. impressive swell in participation among the younger One of Miriam’s favorite memories from working on the Wgenerations. Here at Hamilton, many students have campaign was canvassing in Milwaukee. She and her partner, taken it upon themselves to become involved with the elections a student at NYU, spotted a street called “Hope Avenue.” They by working on the candidates’ campaigns. From starting groups gathered the entire group, and a few minutes before the polls were to support the candidates to actually interning in the candidates’ starting to close ran through the streets screaming “One More offices, students such as Mariam Ballout, Alexandra Lawson, and Block for Obama!” Many people started following and beeping Matt House have been extremely busy. their horns of their cars in support. Alexandra Lawson first got politically involved when she “It was an empowering, heartfelt moment that none of us will interned for Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick’s Office of ever forget,” said Ballout. Constituent Services and the Senator’s Congressional Office. Matt House has been involved with Senator Biden’s campaign When Lawson spent this past fall semester abroad in Washington ever since he interned at with the New Hampshire Democratic DC, she decided to get involved with Senator Clinton’s campaign. Party last summer. Most of the activities that House was involved While working on the campaign, much of her work was dedicated with were press-related. He arranged interviews for the senator, to what she called “visuals.” Lawson and a group of volunteers would wrote press releases and emails to supporters, and pitched stories gather in a particular location with signs supporting the candidate. to the press. For House, the best part of working on the campaign Lawson was also involved with a great deal of canvassing. She was that he was working for someone that he really believed in. says that this was one of the most rewarding parts about working on “It was great to have some small part in it, even if the campaign the Clinton campaign because she personally was able to interact never got off the ground politically,” said House. with people and listen to their concerns about the issues that were Lawson, Ballout, and House all agree that their involvement most important to them. in their individual campaigns were some of the most rewarding Mariam Ballout first decided to get involved with the Obama and influential moments of their lives. They aspire to continue in campaign after his keynote address in 2004. Since then she has politics, and hopefully they will encourage others to help make our become the president of Students for Barack Obama at Hamilton, country a better place. made a Facebook group in his support, and participated in a 3-day -danielle fortier ’10

34 the continental | spring 2008 features

battle of the sexes higher grades. more graduates. greater success among women. can the boys keep up?

hen I was applying to colleges two years ago, I made thirteen applying to schools in greater numbers, they are dominating once campus visits, completed ten applications, and took the ACTs they get there. Studies also show that women get better grades, party Wfive different times. With my college counselors, I weighed less, study harder, and are more involved on campuses and college my likelihood of receiving admittance into each school, considering communities nationwide. everything from my GPA to the impact that playing field hockey for So why are these wonderfully accomplished women denied three years instead of the preferred four will have on my admittance. I admission instead of less qualified men into some of the nation’s was no longer looking for that perfect fit; instead, I was simply looking elite schools? Sadly, maintaining that 50/50 male to female ratio is for any fat envelope to slide through the door and settle my nightmares incredibly important. Once a school bends towards the 40/60 gender about living at home for the rest of my life. ratio, the school immediately becomes less desirable. Even hardworking This anxiety was almost unheard of for women around the time female students aren’t willing to sacrifice social lives for good academic that the Kirkland and Hamilton Campuses merged together in 1979. standing. All it takes for a prospective student to refrain from applying This merge was a landmark move symbolizing the union of men and to a school is the realization that there are 20% less of the opposite sex women in academic equality. Who would have thought that almost 30 and thus must exert 20% more effort into satisfying the hormones on years later, it would be the boys who are struggling to keep up? Like the weekends. other liberal arts schools across the country, Hamilton College receives As men keep slipping behind women in college graduation more female applicants than males, and actually struggles to maintain ratings and grades, some people express concerns that females won’t be a boastful 50/50 male to female ratio. Upholding this ratio denies or able to find suitable partners, as the numbers might soon require that waitlists overqualified female applicants in favor of less qualified male the majority of women find a mate inferior to her academically. Even applicants. as females have progressed academically, our social standing has not Since 1982, women have surpassed men in graduation rates. In improved; society is still locked in the frame of mind that males must 2004, 58 percent of all bachelor’s degrees belonged to women. Some be smarter, more successful, and more accomplished than their females studies even predict that by 2020, 156 women will receive B.A.s for spouses. Only time will tell if we’re ready for a female-dominated every 100 men. Furthermore, two-thirds of colleges report that they business world, supported, rather than driven by, men. receive more female applicants than males. But females aren’t just -andrea weinfurter ’10 the continental | spring 2008 35 features

iCollege

chelsea mann argues that advanced technlogy has made the college experience more virtual and isolating

College as America used to understand it is coming to an end. less. This is what is to be expected from the assumption that viewing From my opinion as a current college student at Hamilton, I blame recent photos, statuses, and wall posts of friends on Facebook qualified technology. Cell phones, ipods, and social sites like Facebook and as a substantive relationship. Youtube are destroying the sense of community on the college campus. At the end of the day, Facebook and other social sites like Youtube I know, because I’ve watched students’ infatuation with these devices and Myspace have done more than “poke” its users. They have turned lead them to choose the company of their computer screens and us into addicts, snoopers, and hermits. So collegians are less likely to be earplugs over that of the physical eyes and ears of their friends. How collegial—they never congregate. They may be on the same page, but are students to be activists when technology prevents them from being they are never in the same room. a student body? Contributor number two to iCollege: ipods, out of tune with the One obvious sign of the resulting fragmentation caused by world. Although I love music, I don’t love when ipod listeners choose it technology is in dorm life. The dorm lounges around which social over my company. Perhaps if I owned one, I’d feel differently. But as of life used to revolve are now quiet and abandoned today. Where are now, I would never want one. Living unplugged has enabled me to see the students? They’re on the phone. They’re surfing the net. They’re that a student’s ipod fever is more than musical: it’s socially isolating. downloading music. They’re texting their friends. They’re everywhere This is not to say that I am always against them. When I exercise, I often individually, but no where collectively. borrow headphones to help motivate my elliptical workouts with fast- It is because of technology that college as America used to tempo music or pop in a CD to pass the time on long plane rides or car understand it is coming to an end. Once upon a time, the Merriam- outings. Webster’s Dictionary defined college as “College: a group of persons During my time at school, though, I have noticed a startling considered by law to be a unit.” Unhappily ever after, however, college number of students going about their day with white earplugs attached became more appropriately referred to as iCollege: a group of isolated as if they were an accessory intended to be worn until bedtime. At times, individuals virtually connected and considered thus by law to be a unit. I wanted to ask my peers, is this really necessary? Must you really listen So welcome to iCollege, an institution founded by technological to music while walking to and from class or eating in the dining hall? I components that have wreaked havoc on the relationships among am starting to miss the opportunity to talk to people on my way to class students. In order to fully understand its impact on college social life, or to the stranger standing behind me in the food line. Just last semester, we will analyze a couple of bricks that went into the establishment of I encountered a boy from my Sociology class listening to his iPod while the iCollege that prevails today. preparing a salad next to me in the dining hall. He proceeded to strike Contributor number one: Facebook.com, the anti-social network. a conversation with me without removing his earplugs. Awkwardly, I As a sophomore, I conducted a survey for an article I wrote for The struggled to recount my weekend in a loud voice, competing with the Spectator entitled “The College Facebook Frenzy.” According to its Green Day music blasting from his ears. results, 31 percent of the 281 participants reported checking Facebook There are many more ways in which students can be considered up to six times a day, with a smaller handful admitting to nine checks rude for plugging up their ears. On countless occasions, I have said per day. I was no different; the site lulled me beneath its spell. I felt as if I “bless you” when students sneezed in the library to receive no thank- had become the Internet mother to a community of Facebook children you, or shouted their name while they were walking up ahead to receive whose status I was constantly compelled to check. When I’d look at the no response. Why no answer? They couldn’t hear me. Their ears were clock, I’d realize that, during the time I’d spent on Facebook, precious plugged. But how was I to know their hooded ears were hiding a pair of hours had passed during which I could have been attending to more iPod earplugs? For all I knew, they were ignoring me. If only students academic work or to actually connecting with friends in person. would unplug their ears and let me in. According to the free-thoughts survey section, Hamilton students Technology is the reason why college campuses have lost their reasoned that the opportunity to stay connected with friends through centrality in the broader place of society. Students have become so busy Facebook outweighed the consequences of using the site, such as its behind the screen that they’ve faded from the public scene as activists potential to hinder academic success or career opportunities. There on campus. If students continue to capitulate to technology’s spell, was no awareness that “friending” on the screen detracted from the the world as America used to understand it could come to an end. In substance of the relationship and potentially left people more friend- addition to iCollege, we could have an iWorld on our hands. 36 the continental | spring 2008 the continental | spring 2008 37 a tale of two students

lightsider. darksider. freshman. senior. local. international.

features editor kelsey richardson gathered pairs of students with differing perspectives to compare their hamilton experiences.

can opposites attract?

38 the continental | spring 2008 features

lightsider meets darksider eve stevens & katherine koba

Hamilton College may be known for its overall community feel, I actually don’t identify with the Lightside identity quite as much.” but in truth, it has two distinct communities. Confirming the existence Katherine agreed, hesitant to identify herself solely with one side of these two unique sides of campus, Hamilton Admissions has gone as of campus. “All my friends basically live on the Darkside. That’s the far as to forbid the use of the terms Lightside and Darkside on campus kind of people that have typically made up my circle of friends so I tours. Split by the main campus crosswalk, these two sides of campus guess I have to identify with it at the end of the day.” have much more than separate names—they boast different students The two then shared many favorite things from each side of campus. and their own vibe. To truly flesh out these Lightside/Darkside Both admit that they love hanging out in the Darkside suites. “They are distinctions we recruited Lightsider Eve Stevens ’09 and Darksider a great social construction,” Katherine said. “The common rooms are so Katherine Koba ’08. conducive to spontaneous activity. Its nice to have that space when you Familiar with each other already, Eve and Katherine joked and want to throw a party but don’t want to trash your room.” laughed throughout the shoot. Rendezvousing at the decidedly On the Lightside, Eve confessed that she loves the Chapel and the Lightside Science Center, the two first discussed the stereotypical two agreed that the new Science Center has been great for the campus. understandings of the Lightsider and the Darksider. Without much Both Eve and Katherine confessed, too, that they love long walks in the hesitation, Katherine characterized the two as “grungy hippies” Glen. Finally, Katherine added that she enjoys the waffle ceilings of the and “clean preppies” to which Eve agreed. But is the stereotype Darkside. accurate? Ultimately, both overwhelming agreed that the Lightside/ The two seem to think, that for the most part, they are. “I feel the Darkside distinction was great but did not much matter. “I really like the stereotypes are true and I like that,” Eve said. Katherine added that she average personality of the average Hamilton student,” Eve commented. thinks the Darkside characterization is especially accurate. “It is more “Everyone is easy going and I really like that.” self selecting than the Lightside—a lot of freshman get put on the As for Admission’s anxiety over the Lightside/Darkside lingo, Eve Lightside,” she said. and Katherine think that it’s ridiculous. “I think [avoiding the terms Eve and Katherine bonded over their appreciation for both sides Lightside and Darkside] is developmentally disabled—can I say that?” of campus, stereotyped or not. “I always feel that I fit in on both sides pretty Katherine laughed. “Why hide it?” Eve concluded. “It’s great—just well,” Eve remarked. “I can identify with either (stereotype) sort of although like Star Wars.” the continental | spring 2008 39 freshman meets senior rd eisenhart & jack prior

There is a popular belief that four years in college converts students part,” he commented, “was that my friends had written all over me.” into adults. Apparently, dragging your butt to class every day and sharing The unpleasant memory launched Jack into an advice giving your bedroom with a stranger teaches you what you need to know about session—some serious, and some not so serious. First on the list is “wear the real world. If this is true, Hamilton’s senior class should be a wealth shower flip flops.” Admitting that he pees in the shower almost daily, of knowledge to underclassmen. We recruited outspoken senior Jack Jack stresses that it is a college necessity. More seriously, however, Jack Prior and receptive freshman RD Eisenhart to test this theory. recommends that RD “try as many things as possible that are socially Meeting in the busy Diner, Jack and RD were chatting and joking acceptable at Hamilton before you leave.” Much of the crazy stuff you around almost immediately. Jack took it upon himself to lead the can get away with on campus,” he comments, won’t be appropriate discussion interview style, admitting that as a senior intern, these were when “you’re twenty five and living in your parents’ basement.” the kinds of questions he wishes he could ask. First he started out with Then there was one final question from RD—are you ready to the basics. He asked RD about his potential major (world politics with leave Hamilton? Admitting that he “doesn’t even want to go home for a concentration in international law), his living situation (Dunham the summer,” RD wonders how Jack feels about leaving in just a few basement), and his feelings about freshman year. RD’s response to this weeks. “I always thought at 20 or 21 that I’d be more mature and have last question was short and sweet- “great and exciting.” everything together,” Jack remarked, “but I don’t.” He has plans to go Jack and RD went on to find unlikely bonds over embarrassing to Boston for school and get an apartment with his girlfriend. “All this freshman moments. Turns out both of them suffered through the makes me feel older than I am.” experience of being EMTed. “That was a rough night for me,” RD Turning to RD, Jack concluded: “Four years at Hamilton has made admitted. Jack, agreeing, laughed as he remembered crying and me much more comfortable with myself—I hope I’m ready for what repeating, “I don’t want to die” en route to the hospital. “The worst comes next.”

40 the continental | spring 2008 features

all-american meets south american anthony carello & mariana vinacur

With the buzz of diversity discussion on campus this year, there has been new attention paid to the experiences of Hamilton’s international students. While Hamilton’s student body becomes more diverse each year, there are still concerns that the campus environment is not as welcoming to some students as it is to others. We decided to investigate this issue by going to the source—Hamilton students themselves. We brought Mariana Vinacur ‘09 from faraway Argentina and Anthony Carello ‘09 from nearby Syracuse together to compare their unique experiences as members of the Hamilton community. Having met their freshman year in Dunham, Mariana and Anthony chatted with ease throughout their meet and shoot. They were quick to reminisce on both the exciting and awkward memories from their first year at Hamilton. Mariana first reflected on her bold decision to forage so far from home. “I was the only one that left from my high school,” she told Anthony, and had “never visited Hamilton before I applied... I was like, ‘Why not?’” she laughed. Anthony, on the other hand, “applied to all schools near by.” “I wanted to stay close to home but also wanted to be far enough away to detach myself, too,” he explained. Despite their unique experiences in getting to Hamilton, both agree that freshman year is difficult for everyone. “We were all new freshman year,” Mariana commented. Anthony admitted that it has been a lot easier for him to come here knowing that he can visit his family whenever he wants. “I actually go home pretty often,” he remarked, “and it’s nice because my parents get to see me play in my soccer games.” While Mariana admitted to missing home often, she does not feel that being from Argentina has hindered her experience at Hamilton in any way. “It is exotic to say I am from Argentina,” she laughed. “Sometimes people think I am lying.” She does recognize, however, that having been to the U.S. before has been a major help. “I have a house in Florida,” she explained to Anthony. “That made my transition much smoother.” The best part of being from far away, according to Mariana: “I get to bring my friends home to Argentina and I love that.” While their perspectives on Hamilton are quite different, Anthony and Mariana discovered that their love for the school is very much the same. “Hamilton has such a good blend of academics and community,” Mariana said. “A lot of places can get you a good education but everyone here looks for friends and something that will last beyond Hamilton years.” “Hamilton has a great community feel,” Anthony agreed, “much better than if you were to go to a big state school.” And while Anthony sees his family “pretty often” and Mariana much less so, both have come to see their friends on campus as family. “I have great friends at home,” Anthony explained, “but it’s just not the same as living with people everyday. You get much closer with people here.” Echoing Anthony’s sentiment, Mariana said, “I think of my roommate as my sister.” Despite their differences, the two feel very comfortable here at Hamilton. “As corny as it sounds,” Anthony remarked, “Hamilton is a home away from home.”

“Hamilton is a home away from home,” whether you are originally from Central New York or Argentina.

the continental | spring 2008 41 features

behind closed doors

by katie childs ’08

ob Paquette is not a man of few words. He is well-known on campus for being outspoken, defined equally by his boisterous personality and his intellect. It is not surprising that Paquette—a tenured history professor at Hamilton—has been outspoken about one issue that faculty hardly ever talk about publicly: salaries. Last spring, Paquette received his annual salary letter but there was something absent from the letter … a raise. In a letter datedB May 25, 2007, Dean of Faculty Joe Urgo wrote to Paquette, “Bob, despite your publications in 2006 and your efforts at teaching effectively, I cannot see clear to increasing your salary in 2007-2008. While we were disappointed in the outcome of discussions surrounding the Alexander Hamilton Center, it is incumbent upon us all to handle such disappointments in a professional manner.” These words set-off discussions amongst faculty about the policies and processes surrounding salary determination, and the reaches of academic freedom. In the process, an interesting mix of faculty banded together, leftover animosities over the failed Alexander Hamilton Center (AHC) were revealed, and students were once again left in the dark about what’s really going on at Hamilton behind closed doors. 42 the continental | spring 2008 features

Determining Salaries Zero-percent raises are usually given in an effort to warn an Salaries are based on three factors: teaching, scholarship, and underperforming faculty member. But as Williams noted, “Bob service. During the spring semester, faculty members write a self- Paquette has not gone to sleep. He is very active. Why would you evaluation and a personal statement that they submit to their department punish him?” chairs. The chairs read the reports and write assessment forms for each Urgo maintains that a zero percent raise is not a punishment, but faculty member in his or her department. Typically, the Dean will meet a standard, although many faculty members disagree. “A zero percent with chairs to discuss the reports before determining raises, but there is raise in this economic situation functions as a pay cut and it is a pretty no formal procedure or requirement to meet with chairs. “I met with serious step to take,” said Professor Margaret Gentry. “Whatever he those chairs where I had questions,” said Urgo, although he did not meet had done in terms of scholarship or teaching seemed to be trumped by with the chair of the history department. Salary letters were previously concerns about his relationship with the College. I’m concerned that not reviewed by the president; last year, however, President Joan Hinde one area of one’s professional life erases the teaching and scholarship.” Stewart reviewed each salary letter. Raises for the 2007-2008 academic year ranged from zero-to-seven percent, with most faculty members The Role of Collegiality receiving a three-to-four percent raise. In 2006 Dean Urgo published an article entitled “Collegiality “Salaries are recompenses,” said Stewart. “We try to reward merit, and Academic Community” in Sympoke. Collegiality is buzzword so there are going to be tough decisions and relative decisions to be amongst higher education circles, relating to the cultivation of positive made.” Salary letters are sent out at the end of May and include the relationships among colleagues. Examples of collegiality include faculty member’s raise for the upcoming academic year and a short serving as an effective advisor for students and being respectful of message from the Dean of Faculty, although many professors described other professors. Paquette’s outspoken nature has at times run against their letters as vague and the reasoning less than transparent. the ideas of collegiality among his colleagues and the administration. Although these personal differences are rarely discussed publicly, it is The Exception...? easy to see why collegiality would come into play in this instance. In the spring of 2007, Paquette predicted to his co-founders of Urgo recognized that collegiality was becoming a fourth pillar the newly-founded Alexander Hamilton Institute, Professors Jim in personnel and salary decisions at some schools, but believes that Bradfield and Doug Ambrose, that he would not receive a raise in collegiality should be incorporated within the three main factors for response to his vocal criticisms salary determination at colleges of the administration about the like Hamilton. Still, the faculty is AHC. At the time, Bradfield and “The zero was meant to provide a divided on this issue: “One of the Ambrose laughed it off. “I told chilling effect.” sticking points of collegiality, is him he was crazy,” said Bradfield. that there are no criteria for what “My view was that the College just -Professor Bob Paquette good collegiality is and what bad wouldn’t do that thing. And I was collegiality is,” said Professor dead wrong.” Robin Kinnel. “Even if it is Based on the three criteria for determining salaries—teaching, measurable, it would come after teaching and scholarship.” scholarship and service—it is difficult to understand why Paquette The basic role of collegiality is accepted by most faculty members, would be one of the few singled out for a zero increase. His classes are but its ties to salaries are new and somewhat unsettling. “Urgo is the popular and he receives positive evaluations from students. “In 27 years first to raise these kinds of issues in a salary letter and somehow tie a here, maybe on two occasions I have cancelled a class. My students lack of collegiality to pay raises,” said Professor Tim Elgren. know I am in my office seven days a week,” said Paquette. “So it’s clearly “I don’t think being critical of the administration or Board of something else that bothered them.” Paquette has also been consistent Trustees constitutes non-collegiality,” said Williams. “If we’re not free in his publishing and is respected for his research. This leaves only the to criticize the Dean when he does something wrong, Heaven help us! third criterion—service. We’re in real trouble then.” Urgo claims that service (or lack thereof) was one reason for Paquette’s zero percent raise. He believes Paquette acted Faculty Support unprofessionally during the debate of the AHC charter. The failed News of Paquette’s zero percent salary spread through the faculty AHC has taken form in the Alexander Hamilton Institute in the village during the summer and fall of 2007. “It just seemed puzzling to the of Clinton. In the aftermath of this debate, the administration was faced senior faculty that were there that Paquette would get a zero raise, with resentment from conservative alumni who supported the Center especially in the wake of his conflict with the administration because and the resignation of one of the College’s most loyal trustees, Carl it looks punitive,” said Professor David Paris, who previously served Menges ’51, who now financially supports the AHI. Paquette was the as Dean of Faculty. By November, a group of 17 tenured professors chief architect of the AHC and the failed attempt to bring it to campus had gathered to informally discuss the allocation of a zero percent left him bitter and frustrated with the administration. raise. Urgo, Paquette, and Bradfield met on August 16 and again in the Supporters of Paquette include a diverse sampling of the faculty, fall to discuss the reasoning for Paquette’s zero percent raise. Paquette who are mostly drawn together for the sake of principle rather than also submitted six requests for a fuller explanation of how his salary was personal reasons. “The amazing and amusing thing to me is that this determined. On each account, Paquette felt Urgo dodged the issues and incident has brought together the most conservative and most liberal could not specifically state what actions were deemed unprofessional. faculty members,” said Williams. Urgo contends that he supplied Paquette with plenty of answers and “Bob [Paquette] and I rarely agree on anything politically, but I certainly that Paquette is just unwilling to hear them. “Often people say they’re would never approve of anyone being penalized for being outspoken,” said not being told something when really they just disagree,” said Urgo. Professor Esther Kanipe. “I believe in freedom of speech.” The 17 senior faculty members met with Urgo on December 17 The Zero Percent Raise for almost two hours, but everyone walked from the meeting unsatisfied. A zero percent raise is highly unusual. “It’s all very strange because “We gave the Dean every opportunity to answer our concerns, and he this sort of thing never happens,” said Professor Jay Williams ’54. chose not to,” said Elgren. the continental | spring 2008 43 features Hamilton History Hamilton’s recent history has highly influenced today’s campus climate, making it impossible to understand this new salary incident without taking a trip down memory lane. “Hamilton is a deceptive looking school,” said Professor Bonnie Urciuoli. “It looks like a beautiful place and it looks simple, but it’s complicated.” In 2002, the Womyn’s Center invited Annie Sprinkle, a self-described prostitute-porn star turned sexologist, to campus for a lecture on sex toys. Paquette protested the lecture, stating that it violated New York State obscenity laws. “Academic freedom is not an absolute,” stated Paquette in a September 25, 2002 interview with the Associated Press. “I would have to conclude that this administration is both intellectually and morally vapid.” Later that same year, a faculty member discovered President Eugene Tobin had plagiarized some of his speeches and Tobin subsequently resigned. “The Board of Trustees likedTobin very much and they didn’t want to lose him,” said Urciuoli, who noted that some board members are said to have strong views about the faculty members that brought Tobin’s plagiarism to the forefront. In 2004, the Kirkland Project for the Study of Gender, Society, and Culture invited Susan Rosenberg to teach a writing class entitled “Resistance Memoirs: Writing, Identity, and Change.” Rosenberg was a member of the radical Weather Underground, and was in the midst of serving a 58-year prison term for weapons possession when President Bill Clinton pardoned her in 2001. After vocal criticism of Rosenberg on the Hill and off, she stepped down from the appointment. A few months later, scandal would again rock the campus. The Kirkland Project invited Ward Churchill, a professor at the University of Boulder, to speak at Hamilton. Professor Ted Eismeier did a simple Google search on Churchill and discovered that Churchill had written an essay that compared the victims of the attacks on the World Trade Center to “little Eichmanns.” Ward Churchill’s invitation to speak at Hamilton in 2005 was Everyone from New York Governor George Pataki to Fox a lesson in academic freedom. Above, a student signs a News personality Bill O’Reilly weighed in on the incident and the event was eventually cancelled due to security poster supporting the Kirkland Project. concerns. In 2006, Paquette, Bradfield, and Ambrose introduced At the March faculty meeting, the faculty passed a motion by a the charter for the AHC with enthusiastic fanfare and support from vote of 69-20 to have the Academic Council report to the faculty next the administration. During the fall of 2006, however, debates over the year on the process for sanctions related to salary decisions, as stated in governance structure for the Center derailed the project. the Faculty Handbook. “If anything comes out of this, hopefully it’s that Paquette’s account of Hamilton’s recent history is summarized the administration has learned that this is a very dangerous thing to do in his article, “The World We Have Lost: A Parable on the Academy,” because it does have consequences which are not good,” said Williams. which is published in the May 2008 issue of The New Criterion. In the aftermath of the disintegration of the AHC charter, Paquette The Ripple Effects claims he was viewed as “intransigent, paranoid, perhaps even mentally Not surprisingly, receiving no raise for the 2006-2007 academic unstable.” In response, Paquette states that “paranoia means irrational year has done little to silence Paquette. “To think that a zero will in fear. Hamilton College’s recent history, he points out, makes his fears any way silence me is laughable,” said Paquette. “The zero was meant eminently reasonable.” to provide a chilling effect, but I can make up the difference with two speeches about the Alexander Hamilton Center. And if they do it again, Next Steps I will give 10 speeches. And if they do it again, I will give 20 speeches.” Most faculty members interviewed for this article stressed the Although Paquette is free to discuss this issue publicly and has need for more communication between the faculty, administration, waived confidentiality, the administration and members of the faculty and Board of Trustees and a greater degree of transparency. “The are limited in what they can divulge in the public sphere. institution is a work in progress that requires good communication “This is not being done for Bob Paquette,” said Paquette. “This is among all parties,” said Kinnel. being done for a principle.” Most parties involved would agree.

Visit contmag.com for more information on this issue and the debate surrounding the Alexander Hamilton Center.

44 the continental | spring 2008 features

the continental | spring 2008 45 46 the continental | spring 2008 style jared solomon Hometown: Philadelphia Major: Philosophy CLASS YEAR: 2008 Signature Style: casually chic

How would you define your sense of style?

Generally, I like to be comfortable. I’ll basically wear anything that defines comfort, so a lot of sandals. I do like jackets and ties when the occasion calls for it, but I would say that my staple outfit of comfort is jeans and a white T-shirt. Do you have any specific influences that you draw from, or even a style icon?

I actually don’t. I like to keep it unique. I don’t really study or draw from anything; I just wear what I think looks good and feels good. Where are your favorite places to shop?

I like Hugo Boss a lot, specifically for their shoes, ties and belts. Steve & Barry’s is also a favorite. Express is great, but I also like the Salvation Army for thrifty finds. I pretty much shop anywhere. Any wardrobe staples or accessories that you can’t leave the house without?

That’s a tough call, but it’s between my Rainbow sandals and underwear. I can’t leave the house without that – not the same pair, though! What is your idea of the perfect, everyday outfit? My favorite outfit, that I could wear everyday, regardless of the occasion, would be comfortable jeans, sandals, and a sport coat. It’s a classic for anything. spotted -laura cook ’10 senior brings a casual ease to everyday looks the continental | spring 2008 47 style

most likely to turn heads

Best Semiformal Attire Website: www.unique-vintage.com Description: A unique vintage boutique with great 60s and 70s inspired apparel, fun most likely to be bling bling separates and flashy cocktail dresses. Just like looking through the racks at a vintage Best Accessories store, you really have to search through Website: www.naughtysecretaryclub.com the website to find what you want. Don’t Description: Naughty Secretary Club is the place for funky get discouraged though, the finds are well retro jewelry and crazy accessories. The items on this site also worth the extra effort! make great gifts for friends. Aside from purses and jewelry, Editors’ Pick: 60s Style Silk Ombre Tunic they have home goods like mirrors, journals and magnets to Dress ($88) add a little spice to your home and outfits. Editors’ Pick: Frost Gigi ($29) most likely to... most likely to not break the bank Best Overall Value Nothing gets us through exam week Website: www. or the first day at a new job like a francescascollections.com Description: This one-stop- care package. Especially when it shop has everything you need for contains new clothes. To help make summer. Francesca’s Collections has great staple items and signature picking out your pick-me-up easier, pieces for an incredibly reasonable price. You really can’t go wrong Style Editor Whitney Kimmel ranked on this website. Whether you’re the best online sites for spring and looking for a jacket, some new jewelry or a weekend-dress this is summer clothing and accessories. by far the one site we recommend above all others. Editors’ Pick: Amber Waves most likely to put some pep in your step Dress ($38) Best Shoes Website: www.solestruck.com Description: Search by brand, color, size or style. If you can’t find a new pair of shoes here, we’d be surprised. Whatever occasion you’re looking for, SoleStruck is sure to have a distinct choice that will complete any outfit. They feature brands like Rocket Dog, BCBG Girls, Camper, Palladium and more! Editors’ Pick: Seychelles Social Climber ($74.95)

most likely to save the world Best Eco-Friendly Clothing Website: www.superluckycat.com/about.html Description: These one-of-a-kind pieces are eye-catching and bold. Super Lucky Cat recycles old clothing to make something new by cutting apart rejected clothing and sewing matching fabrics, colors and patterns together. Express your unique sense of style while helping keep the world clean – who could ask for more? Editors’ Pick: Tri-Color Scarf Blouse ($49.99)

48 the continental | spring 2008 style what to wear from day to night at the beach

ViX Brown Jewel Bathing Suit To give you a jump $46 start on summer style, bluefly.com we’ve compiled a few items that can easily take you from a day Solid Crinkle at the beach (or on the Tissue Tunic Quad) to an evening jcrew.com $39.99 out with friends.

Lux Knit Mesh Strap Dress urbanoutfitters.com $58

Big Buddha Kayla clutch piperlime.com $35.00

Virginia Johnson Giant Tote shopbop.com $175 Dolce Vita Adrianna sandal shopdolcevita.com Tory Burch Logo Flip Flops $115 bloomingdales.com $45

Day Night Keep things light during the day with a simple bathing If you don’t have tons of time between sipping suit and sheer cover-up. Flip flops and an oversized poolside margaritas and dinner, pack a lightweight tote filled with your favorite magazines, a good book dress, clutch and a pair of sparkly sandals to throw and your iPod are all you need to look beach chic. on over your bathing suit for a quick switch. the continental | spring 2008 49 style step by step

Although often made fun of for producing a “fake bake,” the concept of sunless tanner is novel in the sense that it does for your skin something that can normally only be achieved by spending hours in the sun. And let’s face it—in this day and age, we all know that the damage UV-rays cause is not worth the naturally sunkissed skin. So this summer, follow Style Editor Laura Cook’s advice about the best sunless tanners around so that all you have to bring to the beach is your SPF.

St. Tropez Instant Tanning System L’Oreal Paris: Sublime Glow Although a little bit more of an Jergens Natural Glow Daily Moisturizing MicroFine Mist involved process than either the Clarins Self Tanning Moisturizer This sunless tanner is in the form MicroFine Mist or Jergens lotion, Instant Gel This daily moisturizer is a self-tanner of an extremely fine mist, which this procedure provides more of a This formula is unique, as it is a that builds gradually, and works best is sprayed on the skin from an long-lasting treatment. The system gel as opposed to a lotion or mist. if applied everyday for approximately aerosol can. The application process itself consists of three steps: a body It’s lightweight and non-oily, and two weeks. Although it’s initially is practically fool proof, as it is polisher to slough away dry skin promised to work with your skin’s frustrating not to see instant color, it’s guaranteed to not streak and dries cells, a body moisturizer, and a tinted natural melatonin to produce the rewarding in the long run as it appears in less than a minute. Even better, it self-tanner that does work instantly. best looking tan for you. Our tester the most natural, and is practically won’t turn your hands an orange tint Although a little bit more expensive liked that it was light and not messy at guaranteed not to streak. It’ll give your typically seen from applying a lotion than the other products, the included all, but didn’t like that it takes almost skin exactly what it advertises—a or cream, and shows up on the skin polisher is a nice way to smooth and two hours to see results. All in all, she natural glow, but not an extreme almost immediately. Our tester gave soften skin, and guarantee an a very approved, but it wasn’t her favorite. bronze. Our tester liked it a lot. it a perfect ten. even tan. Our tester approved.

50 the continental | spring 2008 style

stories with us, showing that art is not only a reflection of personal style … but of personal experiences as well. well. as experiences personal of but …

Four ofthe nine senior art majors sharedtheir personal art imitating life

by whitney kimmel ’08 the continentalphotographs | spring by liza 2008 rueckert 51 ’08 style

the inspiration: personal history andrew decristoforo One of the first things Andrew mentioned was that he normally doesn’t share a lot of information about his pieces. Their abstract quality forces the viewer to work to understand their puzzling meanings, giving each one a greater significance for the viewer. Each of his pieces tells a story about his life and reflects his personality and sense of self. Although he claimed, “I just wear normal clothing … well, normal I think,” he and his art both subtly hide their true depth. His intriguing pieces present the viewer with a unique challenge before yielding their meaning, while his clothing modestly reveals the accomplished artist and athlete behind his “normal” appearance.

52 the continental | spring 2008 style thealiya inspiration: robbins family heritage Although Aliya’s ceramic pieces are often glazed in the rich colors she frequently chooses to wear, her works have a more personal meaning. She grew up in a family who was very interested in Asian art and as a result, has a deep appreciation for it as well. Her pieces reflect an Eastern influence on ceramics and capture the balance between fine details and artisan imperfection found in similar Japanese styles. Aliya’s pieces are elegant and pensive like the culture she drew inspiration from. Although she has never been to Asia, she hopes to go there someday. In the meantime, she has indulged her interest with countless courses on Asian art and history while her project pays homage to both Eastern culture and the shared heritage of her family.

the continental | spring 2008 53 the inspiration: redefining perfection denroy thomas Denroy’s piece, entitled “Fallen,” is a series of clay sculptures offset in a dark wooden frame that reflect on the nature of human imperfection. His emotional pieces are meant to evoke deep feelings from his viewers as they contemplate their own moments of failure and success. Denroy stressed that imperfection is a natural part of life and his pieces are about accepting that very human part within us all. When asked about his style, he admitted he is a perfectionist who pays attention to details because looking good is the first step to feeling good. He revealed that this idea is the basis for his own sense of style, noting, “When I’m at my worst, I tend to look my best.” His outward expression of perfection (just look at his matching shoes and shirt!) is a way to manage the daily highs and lows of life.

54 the continental | spring 2008 style

the inspiration: childhood memories erin shapiro Erin’s large-scale installation based landscape art draws from her childhood. Her works were inspired by the forts she built as a young girl and are made almost entirely from natural products. She even had her neighbors collect leaves from her own backyard to cover her pieces, making the link between her art and childhood even stronger. She explained to us, “All my work deals with childhood memories and the interaction the viewer has with the piece.” It is no wonder, then, that the materials she chose reflect the deep personal bond she has with her work. Like her art, her clothing is youthful and nostalgic, the but continental it is her art that | is springthe true extension2008 55 of her personal style and unique life experiences. Her work is fun and expressive, not unlike the childhood that inspired it and the person she has become. style

56 the continental | spring 2008 home sweet home

And the winners are … Eric Petscheck ’08 and Elena Wood ’10! We polled the campus to find out who had the hottest Hamilton cribs and these two proved they have style. Eric’s room looked more like something you’d find in a modern hotel suite than a Babbitt suite. The rich color scheme, soft lights and tasteful decorations set his apart from other contenders. Turn the page to see how Elena transformed her Bundy room.

the continental | spring 2008 57 style

Elena’s creative use of space Do you think your room (and swing!) makes for a should have been great place to kick back and included as one of the relax or party with friends. We best rooms on loved her bright color scheme campus? Email and laid back vibe. contmag@hamilton. edu and we’ll feature it on contmag.com.

58 the continental | spring 2008 style

mellow yellow

Yellow is one of this season’s hottest colors. Set yourself apart from the pastels and make a bold statement with bright yellow prints and accent pieces. The bright color sets the tone for spring and summer while giving you a little extra glow to get you through the day. Whether you’re a guy or girl, funky or preppy, this is a color that can’t be missed.

the continental | spring 2008 59 closing time four years, millions of memories, one final week to enjoy it all photographs by liza rueckert ’08

60 the continental | spring 2008 the continental | spring 2008 61 style watch

Brightly colored dresses and comfortable heels are the perfect combination for dancing the night away at the Senior Formal.

62 the continental | spring 2008 senior advice

“We come to this college, make friends with people, and come to fully appreciate them ex post facto. In the words of Robin Williams in ‘Dead Poets Society’: Carpe Diem.” -Michael Vivieros ’08

“closing time - time for you to go back to the places you will be from...” -semisonic

on the way to senior formal Sunday, May 18 6: 15 PM the continental | spring 2008 63 senior advice

“Internships are a good way to understand what you want to do, and more importantly, what you don’t want to do.” -Ryan Murphy ’08

“closing time - every new beginning comes from some other beginning’s end.” -semisonic

going to the wine tasting Tuesday, May 20 1: 00 PM 64 the continental | spring 2008 relaxing before block party Tuesday, May 20 5: 00 PM the continental | spring 2008 65 style watch

Senior Week is full of fun activities, and it demands versatile outfits that can take you from mimosa morning to lawn games, happy hour to the Last Chance Dance. Take a cue from seniors Ryan Murphy, Katie Plummer, Manny Rosario, and Emily Tang and you will have great looks for every Senior Week event.

“closing time - time for you to go out, go out into the world.” -semisonic

senior advice

“Don’t sacrifice your social life for homework. Go out with your friends to the Pub and just wake up an hour earlier to do the reading.” lawn games -Amanda Pooler ’08 Thursday, May 22 10: 00 AM 66 the continental | spring 2008 “closing time - time for you to go out, go out into the world.” -semisonic

strawberries & champagne Friday, May 23 11:30 AM the continental | spring 2008 67 exposed hamilton streakers bare all

68 the continental | spring 2008 society

eo Streakface* showed up first for my draws people to the team is the idea of step- interview in Opus with two members ping out of their comfort zones and the of the Hamilton Streaking Team. He adrenaline rush they get from streaking. was alone, and after introductions, Many of us have seen the streakers be- quickly said that he would be right fore. This year, they famously streaked at a back. A few minutes later, he and hypnotist show and in Commons, but those his counterpart Sans Clothing reap- have not been their only streaks this year, and peared, completely naked, spare for luckily for all of their fans, they will streak lbackpacks and ties. Grinning, they sat down again. on the high stools and looked down at me, “Accepted Students Day is usually a fair their shocked, interviewer. However, their bet,” said Sans Clothing. comfort with their own nudity helped me Leo Streakface added, “It weeds out the become comfortable as we began the inter- conservative kids…it’s great when you can view about their passion—streaking. really see the parents’ faces.” As he said this, The Hamilton Streaking Team, despite several adults walked by and gave him and its lack of official funding is, as Sans Cloth- his naked friend close looks. Some acted as ing puts it, “a very Hamilton experience… though they had seen this before. nowhere else that you go are you going to be Even more interestingly, I was ap- presented with a streaking team.” They both proached after the interview by a 1978 alum agreed that streaking is all about Hamilton who asked what I had been doing talking to as a community, as opposed to “a few crazy “those two naked gentlemen.” I tentatively people,” which is why the streakers wear replied that they were on the streaking team, masks to hide their iden- and I waited for the pre- tities (presumably, also to sumably him to wonder prevent getting identified We streak to win. aloud what had hap- by the campus po’). pened to his alma mater. When asked if it was Instead, he said exuber- ever awkward being naked around other antly, “I used to streak here back in 1978!” people, Sans Clothing responded, “Abso- That is only one piece of proof that the lutely not. It’s just like a naked club.” Leo liberation and adrenaline rush of streaking Streakface continued, “Knowing someone has been popular on the Hamilton campus naked is like knowing a different aspect of for a while, and hopefully, for years to come. their personality.” If you feel intimidated by the bare-bottomed However, the streaking team has run streakers you see occasionally, don’t be— into many obstacles. For example, as Leo join the team! Sans Clothing told me that Streakface puts it, “[The team] got caught by the ideal streaker is someone with a “willing- the police—the real police. I think they got ness to step out of their comfort zone.” He charged with public nudity.” But that does also added, “There is an open invitation to not, and will not, stop these determined dis- everybody.” robers. As we said goodbye, he said, “We’re in it “It’s very liberating, very freeing,” Leo for the win. We streak to win.” Streakface told me. He explained that what - alexandra borowitz ’11

*names have been changed for privacy

the continental | spring 2008 69 society

at home with joan president stewart opens up about life on the hill and gives us a tour of 11 college hill road

70 the continental | spring 2008 11 College Hill Built in 1910; home to Hamilton’s presi- dents since 1955 Style: Queen Anne Art: mostly classical and 19th Century Personal Style: Presi- dent Stewart’s love of all things French is evident throughout the home the continental | spring 2008 71 society

n a recent sunny spring afternoon, I had the opportunity to meet with Hamilton’s President Joan Hinde Stewart at her home at 11 College Hill Road. How many of us drive up the Hill each day and stare at the house, a charming combination of a rustic cottage and Queen Anne style? But let’s face it: no one really gets to see much Omore than this routine view except for seniors who gather there for concentration dinners and brunches. Here’s a private look inside the house. In 1910, Hamilton’s Professor of Law, Frederick Davenport, built the house to be used as his family’s summer home. The summer cottage provided the Davenport family with over forty years of leisure and tranquility until 1955 when the professor gave the house to President Robert McEwen as the new official abode for the college’s President. For over half a century, the house’s inhabitants have worked with the college to keep it impeccably maintained so that its proud history can be kept alive. My first surprise was a carriage house near the back entrance. And before even introducing myself to President Stewart, I met the famous Elihu Vedder statue “Fountain with Standing Boy.” Vedder originally created the fountain and its statue for the Rogers Estate back when its patio was used for more stately purposes. The statue is so beloved that Physical Plant encases it with plexi-glass to protect it from the severe Clinton winters. The interior aesthetic is even more impressive than the exterior. The sitting room is spacious and welcoming. Its natural tones and classic appeal direct focus to the many pieces of artwork that adorn the room. It is not commonly known to the student body that Hamilton’s president has unlimited pemission to borrow art from the Emerson Gallery to display in the house. President Stewart typically decorates the house with classical and 19th century art, but ultimately she prefers works that hold meaning for the college. One such piece, her most cherished work of art in the house, rests above the mantel: a portrait of Samuel Kirkland. Painted posthumously in 1873 by Augustus 72 the continental | spring 2008 Rockwell, the painting illustrates the lasting legacy of Kirkland, who died in 1808. Atop two bookcases stand several Romantic 19th century bronze statues by Antoine Bayre. President Stewart also shares her home with an elderly inhabitant: a fantastically grown Christmas cactus that is over fifteen years old. It has been in the house longer than President Stewart and even has its own caretaker! Next to the cactus is an elegant piano that was built in 1928. After many years of both love and abuse, the college gave President Stewart the piano because its keys could not take any more long hours of practicing. My favorite room in the house is the grand kitchen. Done in a dark, warm mahogany and red, the room is invigorating with its Provincial-style hanging pots and pans rack and expansive Viking stove. Best of all, President Stewart has a plasma TV, so she can watch any of her favorite black and white films while she dines on whatever specialty her culinary enthusiast husband “I truly love this house. concocts for dinner. It is endearing to know that after a long day’s work, President Stewart enjoys these smaller pleasures. My greatest hope is One thing is certain: President Stewart has many passions and luckily, they incorporate into her multifaceted role at Hamilton. President Stewart states that that it is comfortable her two passions are higher education and 18th century French literature and remarkably, she is able to integrate these great loves into her life on the Hill. President and welcoming for the Stewart’s class with Professor of English John O’Neill explores 18th century French and English literature. President Stewart reflects, “The student response to the coursework is so enriching. I am able to read through the lens of student familiarity, community which so which is one of the most gratifying aspects of my job.” 18th century French literature is alluring to her because it was not a part of the era’s literary canon—its acclaim is generously allows me very recent. President Stewart is devoted to furthering her scholarly career through raising the awareness of often overlooked, immensely gifted female French writers. to live in it.” President Stewart recently announced that she will take a sabbatical next spring to immerse herself in research of these writers, exploring the correspondences between the female writers’ aging processes at a time when only 10% of the female -President Stewart population lived past the age of sixty. President Stewart’s love of all things French is evident in the small touches that make up her home. A blue and white Provincial tile proudly displays her address next to the back entryway. A vibrant painting evoking the Impressionist style, “The Tuileries” by John Supplee ’69, hangs over the staircase and reinforces

the continental | spring 2008 73 President Stewart’s love of all things French is evident in the small touches that make up her home.

President Stewart’s love of French spirit. Adjacent to the magnificent painting is a 19th century French parasol President Stewart found at an antique store. President Stewart has also purchased two tranquil Bruce Muirhead paintings, which are done in a trompe l’oeil style. These paintings pull together the old and new pieces of art throughout the house. President Stewart’s taste also has remarkably snazzy touches. She is self- proclaimed “chandelier-obsessed” because they instantly jazz up any room. She has installed two whimsical chandeliers, one in the foyer and the other in the dining room. President Stewart’s collection of hand-painted eggs also reveals her eccentric taste, and allows her to commemorate the countries she travels to. These small yet personal touches blend perfectly with the house’s classic aesthetic. President Stewart remarks, “I do not want anything too idiosyncratic in the house because the privilege of living here is merely a mandate from the College to be a good steward.” President Stewart continually emphasizes that her greatest disappointment would be letting the College down if she made the house too reflective of her personal tastes. She is committed to restoring the historical aspects, like the portico that was rebuilt last summer, and the home’s antiques. She admits, “I truly love this house. My greatest hope is that it is comfortable and welcoming for the community which so generously allows me to live in it.” - jenna fain ’09

74 the continental | spring 2008 the continental | spring 2008 75 society girls just want to have fun three seniors share their favorite sorority party themes 1 2 3 My favorite Alpha Theta Chi date party is Looking back on Pi Beta Chi’s date parties Kappa Sigma Alpha’s Rave was by far my fa- our annual Fire and Ice party. The Fire and of the past, I would have to say the most vorite party of the year. The mix of techno and Ice party, which gets its name for having ice memorable one is ‘Mai Tai’ of 2006, my popular favorites kept everyone dancing the luges and flaming shots, offers an occasion sophomore year. My first experience of PBX’s entire night. Whether you wanted to relive for people to dress up in more formal attire, annual event was nothing short of remarkable. your days abroad by indulging in the Euro- as opposed to the usual weekend uniforms The premise behind the party is to have a trash vibe or a typical Hamilton night in ELS’s of jeans and t-shirts. However, it also allows friend pick your date and bring you one of his Basement—the party offered something for for some creativity—one year one of my ties to wear that night. When he shows up at everyone. And of course, the Rave wouldn’t friends dressed up as ice while her date was the party he announces, “that’s my tie!” The have been complete without strobe lights, fire. Switching up the scene from beirut to ice party involves fun games and an overall good glow sticks, smarties, and jello shots. luge also allows us a slight change of scenery, time! -whitney kimmel ’08 which is desperately needed in the long winter -jenna lally ’08 months at Hamilton. -katie plummer ’08 people who like to do fun things If you are wearing a bandana on your arm you are a human, and if you are wearing one on your head you are a zombie. Most Hamilton students are aware of this by now. Humans vs. Zombies is a fairly new game at Hamilton College brought here by the founder of the People Who Like To Do Fun Things Club, Andrew Boddorf (also known as the Commander in Chief of Fun). Boddorf says he created the club this semester to “get people out and about.” People Who Like To Do Fun Things currently has 30-40 members and is a network of people who like to (who’d have guessed?) play games such as Humans vs. Zombies. Since the club is new, Hu- mans vs. Zombies has been their biggest project, but they have many ideas including an all-campus snow ball fight, a water balloon fight, a game of capture the flag, and a game of Assassins. Boddorf plans to keep building the club up. The club was founded after the success of the first Humans vs. Zombies game. In this year’s round there were 120 players, and the club now owns approximately 60 Nerf guns. Players who don’t have Nerf guns, can use rolled up socks. Players register on the game’s website HvZhamilton.com and one player is assigned the role of original zombie. So far, there have been no broken bones or significant inju- ries. However, one human did lock himself in a closet for two hours and politely told campus safety not to open the door while the zombies set up their sleeping bags outside. Next year Boddorf wants to try and use Humans vs. Zombies to raise money for charity. He hopes to have Zombies sponsored for the number of humans they kill, similar to fundraising run/walks. It is hard not to notice the presence of Humans vs. Zombies on campus, and it is likely that we can expect more interesting and exhilarating activities from the People Who Like To Do Fun Things. - sarah goodell ’11

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an unexpected life

living in senegal, junior eric thomas reflects on the transformative experience of studying abroad

had no idea. Nobody on this trip did, and I asked. The fact is, not one person out of a group of 22 really knew what they were getting into when they came to Senegal, West Africa to study abroad with the ISchool for International Training. Oh sure, we’d all read the handbooks and leafed through the glossy brochures in our respective study abroad offices. Some of us, bored at home with a long break before the February start date, had even gone to SIT’s website and looked at pictures from past years. But those smiling faces in front of natural wonders and with cute African children don’t really do justice to the experience. Three days ago, I was singing “Shout” by Otis Day with my classmates in a tiny village west of Thiès because the people there wanted to hear American music. Two weeks ago, I was working in a bronze forge with fourteen members of the same extended family. Six weeks ago, I was in the mountains near Kedougou, on the borders of Mali and Guinea learning a language spo- ken in only a handful of villages. And two months ago, I was getting off a plane from Paris, alone staring into a sea of faces behind a barricade; hustlers and mothers with their children, cabbies and businessmen, musicians and imams, all push- ing into the sweltering night. When I think back, two and a half months feels like two and a half years, and even doing laundry on the roof beside the sheep pen has become routine. I have a friend who told me that going to the “developing world” with SIT would totally change my life. She was in Nicaragua last year, doing the same thing, and came back dying to tell me what Senegal would be like. I am sure we all know people like this (in fact, I fear I am becoming one). The people that come back from abroad and can’t wait to tell you all about it, and how they grew as a person and learned so much about all these other “beautiful people.” They are our friends and classmates, but hearing (or reading) about their experiences can get tedious. But they are right: it is impossible to study abroad anywhere and not have the experience change you. You can study almost any discipline, and you can travel to every continent, but you will come back thinking differently. continued on page 83 the continental | spring 2008 79 travel

“It is impossible to study abroad anywhere and not have the experience change you. You can study almost any discipline, and you can travel to every continent, but you will come back thinking differently.”

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“The teranga is everywhere. This is the Senegalese word for hospitality, and you won’t be able to avoid making friends.”

continued from page 79 If you come to West Africa, you will be frustrated by some of what you see. It won’t ever feel normal or comfortable to throw plastic bags into the street instead of the garbage. The hustlers at Sandaga Market won’t ever stop hassling you, no matter how proficient you become in Wolof or French. And if you are a girl, you won’t ever be able to walk with your head uncovered into a mosque, or convince any number or Senegalese men that you don’t actually need a husband. But you will be moved by the hospitality of the people here. You will drink gallons of Atayah, tea that came to the region with Arab traders centuries ago, along with Islam and certain salutations. You will dance, and listen to Djembes and Koras, and probably understand better how Caribbean rhythms and the Caribbean in general are forever linked to West Africa through the dark past of the slave trade. You will listen to a lot of Youssou N’Dour. You will play with the most adorable children in places where cars can’t reach, and talk to village elders that can remember not one, but two world wars, and the days when citizens of Senegal’s four communes were French citizens. The teranga is everywhere. This is the Senegalese word for hospitality, and you won’t be able to avoid making friends. In villages where the people bathe in the Gambia River and sleep in mud huts, they will share everything they have with you. And you will share everything with your classmates. Programs like SIT’s in Senegal pull students from places as different as Western Washington and Hampshire, Northeastern and of course, Hamilton. These students make lasting friends, not just with people here, but with each other. And they ought to because they have a lot in common…none of them knew what they were getting into. And you won’t either, not after listening to your annoying study abroad friends, or reading this article. But think about it anyway. Go abroad. Go explore.

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deutschland with drew alumnus drew lafiandramisses hamilton. badly. from a bar in the land of beer and leather, he penned this love note to the student body.

y dear Jamiltonians and Hamiltoes. (approx. $4582 American), and up to five people can travel with it for You probably don’t notice it on your the whole day. The catch, of course, is finding four Germans to split the walk down Martin’s Way, or while ticket. Those of you who have spent any time in this wonderful country you shotgun UCs in your South quad will note that the natives are great people. They lead the modern world (Oh? You live in South? That’s so not only in low greenhouse emissions, but also in being some of the cool!). But this guy here—he kind of weirdest, most awkward people to walk the earth. The fact that the misses you. German language has no word for ‘awkward’ alone makes conversing Last year I left our sacred plains of Academia and came to the a relatively hilarious endeavor. Anyhoo, my best experience whilst mFatherland a.k.a. Germany; Deutschland; Dutchington; the Land “training” around was splitting the ticket with four blond fillies that of Beer and Leather—whatever jiggles your pudding. I received a were studying—you guessed it, English. I was like, holler? Fulbright grant to teach English in German high schools, improve my So after all of this, it doesn’t sound like I miss you all that much. own language skills, and, unbeknownst to my students, frolic around Well, there my dear friends, you are wrong. Being able to find some Bavaria in leather duds tasting local brews from modest, liter-sized broham at four o’clock Monday morning and drinking a celebratory sample glasses. I-just-finished-my-Anthro-final bottle of whiskey will never be matched Just like on the Hill, you fall into a schedule and I’ll be jiggered here. Dressing up as Severus Snape to frighten little children and adults if I can fall out of it. I wake up earlier than a milkman (that’s right, a just isn’t appreciated here. Grinding with biddies at the ELS Rocky milkman) and I actually have to get ready in the morning. I actually Horror party won’t happen anyplace other than Hamilton—trust me shower, groom, eat breakfast, pack my briefcase (thank you Salvo) and on that one. Hamilton holds a painfully permanent place in my heart. leave the apartment when it is still dark out. At what point did the era of I sometimes wake up in the middle of the night thinking that I have Bacchalian Tuesdays abandon this poor twenty-four-year-old German once again crashed on the sofa in the Fireplace Lounge, but wake up to major? realize that I am actually wearing clothes, negating the possibility of the I know, I know. You’re saying, oh bananas! That’s how it is outside former scenario. I then go to the Hamilton website and I see what y’alls of this resort on the Hill? Well, yes and no. Though your post-college are up to. Shout outs to Greg and Magda: Watson fellows I presume? experience may differ from mine, I work four days a week with Fridays Also, to the Curling team: Respect. off and have a grueling three-hour work day. On long weekends, I travel So the next time you whip out your key to shotgun some brewdogs as far as my paychecks take me, which is usually to the Turkish single’s or beerhammers or whatever the devil you kids call them nowadays, night on the first floor of my apartment building. But sometimes, I remember that somewhere in Germany there is a kid who is missing take the hour-long train ride to visit classmate Andy Mention ’07 in the hell out of it. In the meantime, there are four blond German women Munich. There is this great deal in Germany: when traveling in only trying to get into my apartment. Toodles. one Bundesland (e.g. Bavaria, a state), you can buy a pass for only €27 84 the continental | spring 2008 the continental | spring 2008 85 86 the continental | spring 2008 travel

incredible india

back on the hill after a semester in india, matt arnold sat down with travel editor melissa kong to answer all of her questions about life in this remarkable country.

Melissa Kong: Describe a typical day for you in India. MA: I wish there was less structure in the program and more time Matt Arnold: It’s tough to say, because we never stayed in one place. to either explore or be with my homestay family. Time spent in the My study abroad group traveled all over Northern India. For the first half classroom was invaluable, but I learned the most on the trip when I had of the program, we took classes at a hill station in the Himalayas called the time to just wander. Mussoorie, where we had four hours of Hindi class every day and then evening lectures were given by Professor Lisa Trivedi on ethnography MK: Do you think you changed at all during your time in India? and the history of India. For the second half, I stayed with a homestay MA: While I was there, I winded up getting really attached to the family for a month in the city of Jaipur, in the desert state of Rajasthan. country, and by extension, I got really attached to the idea of traveling. There, we had Hindi class every other day for about three hours. We also My abroad experience was thrilling—I was constantly put in situations had lectures from various guest speakers for about three hours a day at the where I had to improvise, and those are invaluable growing experiences. University of Rajasthan. Living with my homestay family was probably I was very much a homebody before I left, but now I have a strong urge one of my favorite parts of the trip, because I had a lot of free time to to travel and see the world. spend with my homestay sisters. Sometimes, I would just go out and purposefully get lost; I really learned a lot about the city that way. MK: What was your transition like when you came back to Hamilton? Do you feel differently about life on the Hill? MK: What was your best moment while you were abroad? MA: I experienced really intense culture shock. It was interesting MA: In the middle of the trip, I had a four day break where two of my because I didn’t have that culture shock when I went back to my home friends and I took a train to a city called Jodhpur. We were just exploring in Syracuse for a month before I came back to Hamilton in January. It’s the city one day and accidentally got lost. That’s when we met a family hard to describe, but as you can imagine, Hamilton and India are pretty that kept asking us to come inside their home. We were skeptical at first much as different as cultures get. because that doesn’t really happen in America, but I realized that they just wanted to meet us and share their home. They took us up to the MK: Tell me a bit about the culture in India. roof of their house and told us incredible stories about the city. That MA: The culture is a lot more community-based, and their religions play moment, that view, was one of the most memorable parts of the trip a much bigger role in their lives. It is hard for me to imagine growing up for me. It was the moment when I realized how incredibly open and in that culture and not thinking about how religion plays into everyday friendly the people of India were. I ended up making really great friends decisions. The city of Varanasi, for instance, was an amazing example of this way throughout my trip. the close tie between religion and lifestyle. There MK: Would you change anything about the trip if you could? continued on page 91 the continental | spring 2008 87 travel

“Be in the moment—take your experience day by day. If you do, you will learn invaluable lessons.” 88 the continental | spring 2008 “Be in the moment—take your experience day by day. If you do, you will learn invaluable lessons.” the continental | spring 2008 89 travel

“I was very much a homebody before I left, 90 the continental | spring 2008 but now I have a strong urge to travel and see the world.” travel

is a certain sense of peace and empathy that exists among and between intense, just smile through it and dispel any tension that may arise with the people of India. In Hindi, it is common to call a stranger “brother” locals. You must be forgiving and just smile through things. or “sister.” Everyone is involved in their community. Despite general global perceptions, society in India—particularly in large cities—is MK: What kind of student do you think would get a lot of value out of influenced by both class and caste. Though the caste system generally studying abroad in India? determines occupation, class structures are still important. MA: Someone who has had very little experience traveling and exploring new cultures would get the most out of it. You should MK: What advice would you give to another Hamilton student definitely be open-minded. Get used to the idea of being comfortable preparing to study abroad in India? with being uncomfortable. Be vigilant about not having the things you MA: Be respectful of the other culture, and constantly remind yourself might take for granted back home, like constant access to sanitary water. that you are a guest of their country. Don’t impose your own cultural Finally, try not to think about home too much. Be in the moment—take ideas or expectations on others. One general rule that I followed kept your experience day by day. If you do, you will learn so many invaluable me out of trouble during my time in India: When situations get really lessons. the continental | spring 2008 91 una vita bella allison gaston-enholm shares her favorite things about studying in padova, showcasing the best that italian life has to offer.

photographs by jessica leibowitz

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family The highlight of my study abroad experience has been living with my Italian family. My homestay brothers and I play basketball, sword fight, and watch the Simpsons. They especially like borrowing my iPod and listening to American music. (Their favorites include ACDC and Green Day).

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gondola rides Padova is right outside of Venice, making it the perfect place for day trips. I generally try not to be a tourist, but I did take a gondola ride when another Hamilton student came to visit. We were sung to and everything!

the food I can’t talk about Italy without mentioning the fabulous food. Italian foods are prepared daily with fresh ingredients. I rarely enjoy something as decadent as this dessert.

the architecture This is the ceiling inside the Basilica San Vitale in Ravenna. I visited it during one of the first weekends here, and it has remained my favorite church ever since.

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blood oranges Every day, huge markets are set up in the piazzas. My favorite stands are the fruit vendors. Blood oranges are very popular in Italy; they are ‘dolce’ (sweet) and, true to their name, stain your hands bright red.

carnevale ‘Carnevale’ is a huge festival that takes place in Venice. Everyone dresses in costumes and masks to celebrate. School is canceled for days and all of the little kids dress up, littering the streets and piazzas with confetti.

pratto della valle This is the ‘Pratto della Valle.’ Once a Roman amphitheater, the “Prato” is now a place where people gather to skate, stroll, or chat. It continues to play a central role in everyday life in Padova. I go here to picnic and sunbathe…uh, I mean, study in the afternoon.

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Stop #7: Amsterdam Stop #8: Brussels See: Don’t lie to yourself, See: Grand Place – This is the central you will at some point wind market square in Brussels, surrounded up in the Red Light District. by gorgeous buildings such as the town It’s a fascinating place to hall and Hôtel de Ville. people watch and explore a Stay: 2G04 Quality Hostel – The name completely different side of doesn’t lie. This hostel is among the best Europe. in Brussels, centrally located in case you Stay: Flying Pig Downtown want to crawl back in bed after a long Hostel – this place has a sort of night of pub crawling. grungy charm, complete with Eat: Taverne du Passage – Great a pool table, DJs blasting music, and a Belgian food. Be ironic and try the ‘filet basement called the ‘Happy Room’. americain’ and frites. Eat: Have a quick bite at Maoz for a falafel and mingle with Dutch students— it’s a popular hangout for the college crowd. Then head to Paradiso, a music club where some of the most famous Stop #9: Paris artists have performed, such as David See: Finally, you’ve reached Bowie and The Rolling Stones. your last stop on your very own Eurotrip. Yes, the Eiffel Tower is a must. You also have to see both the Cathédrale de Notre-Dame de Paris, as well as the Musée du Louvre —one of the best museums in the world. Stay: St. Christopher’s – A brand new hostel. Eat: Oh, the joy of Parisian food. Don’t leave Paris without a stop at Domaine de Lintillac. This intimate Parisian bistro is a great place for taste testing various types of foie gras and pates.

Stop #1: Barcelona See: Las Ramblas – One of Spain’s most popular areas, Las Ramblas is filled with fresh flower and food stands, small shops, and street performances by actors and mimes. Stay: Hostal Lausanne – Pretty rooms, high ceilings, and a central location. Eat: Cervecería Catalana – Delicious tapas and flautas (skinny sandwiches).

Stop #2: Florence See: Galleria Degli Uffizi – Rumored to be the greatest Renaissance art gallery in the world. Book a ticket in advance, especially during the summer months. Stay: Ostello della Gioventù – A 17th centry villa turned hostel, located in a lush garden. You are sure to meet a lot of fellow travelers here. the bottom line Eat: Mario’s – A popular trattoria, known for Round-trip ticket from NYC to Paris during the summer: approximately $900 the delicious pasta dishes (surprise, surprise). Global Eurail Pass: $779 (www.eurail.com) 30 nights in hostels @ approximately $35/night: $1,050 A strong backpack: $175 Money for food, souvenirs, museums, and going out: approx. $50/day: $1,500 96 the continental | spring 2008 Trip Total: $4,404 travel Stop #6: Munich See: Dachau – This was the first Nazi concentration camp. Though it may not be the most fun part of your trip, it is a huge part of world history and should be visited in person. Stay: Wombat’s – Weird name, but it’s one of the europe best hostels in Europe. Backpackers often wind up staying here longer than anticipated because they enjoy it so much. on a Eat: Hofbräuhaus – This may be a tourist trap, but who cares. The enormous mugs of beer are delicious, and they even have food if you want to do something crazy, like eat. shoestring

Stop #5: Prague For years, See: Charles Bridge – the connection between Old Town and New Town, it is one of the most gorgeous sights in the backpacking through Czech Republic. Get there at sunrise, because you can barely walk through Europe has been the mob of tourists when the weather is nice. Stay: Hostel Sokol – It was once a riverside a rite of passage mansion. Enough said. Eat: U Fleku – Triple threat: it’s a large pub, into adulthood. But restaurant, and micro-brewery. Features include stunning architecture and great, authentic Czech food. Europe is enormous and overwhelming— Stop #4: Vienna See: Donauinselfest – A popular, open-air just where exactly are music festival that takes place annually at the end of June. It is Europe’s largest you supposed to go, outdoor festival, with about 3 million visitors each year. The best part? It’s free. and how much free- Stay: Hostel Ruthensteiner – Run by incredibly friendly owners, a handmade flowing cash do you wooden bar, and a lot of personality. Eat: Schnitzelwirt Schmidt – What would a trip to Vienna be without a Wiener need to have a good schnitzel? time? Travel Editor Melissa Kong gives Stop #2: Florence you a breakdown of See: Galleria Degli Uffizi – Rumored to be the greatest Renaissance art gallery in the Stop #3: Rome world. Book a ticket in advance, especially See: – A trip to the places you must during the summer months. Rome just isn’t Stay: Ostello della Gioventù – A 17th centry complete without see and the price tag villa turned hostel, located in a lush garden. a visit here. You are sure to meet a lot of fellow travelers Stay: Casa di here. Santa Francesca you should expect for Eat: Mario’s – A popular trattoria, known for Romano – a comfy the delicious pasta dishes (surprise, surprise). inn run by a local church. Pretty a month’s worth of rooms, and there is even a waterfall. travel. Eat: San Crispano – Forget real food- this is the best gelato the continental | spring 2008 97 in town. Try the honey sorbet. founder’s note

the continental spring 2008 POWER IN POLITICS UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL hamilton students europe on a MAKE their mark shoestring on CAPITOL HILL at home with joan

BEHIND CLOSED DOORS: THE SALARY EXPOSED! SCANDAL hamilton streakers bare all

SUMMER FESTIVALS SENIOR ARTISTS OPEN UP BATTLE OF THE SEXES

n the beginning, there in the magazine. Every satirical issue of The Duel Colonial shows us were just two Katies where we pushed too many buttons, or where we fell short. Every bit of Iexchanging emails on feedback has influenced some aspect of the magazine’s development, different continents. I was in and for that, I am grateful. DC and Katie Stinchfield ’07 Throughout this experience, our editorial board has learned a lot was in Paris, and somehow we about the Hamilton community. We’ve discovered that it is too easy managed to communicate all to rely on the stereotypes of “darksider” or “lightsider.” We’ve found our hopes and ideas for a new that students want to see as many groups as possible featured in the campus life magazine that we magazine because they want their Hamilton experience to be captured would call The Continental. in the pages of student publications. We’ve learned that horses and Starting a magazine is no easy task- a realization that became evident photo shoots aren’t a good mix. We learned to survive on advertising to me, Stinch, and the staff as we traded free time, sleep and sanity to dollars. We’ve figured out ways to please as many readers as possible, produce the premiere issue of The Continental. With each subsequent without losing the uniqueness of the magazine. And in the process, issue, we have worked out the kinks in the system and learned a lot we’ve found a balance—offering everything from hard news stories to along the way about the role of campus media, and the challenges and advice on what to wear to a tailgate. benefits of a diverse readership. I could not be more proud of The Continental’s editorial board After spending countless hours working on the magazine, one and staff because they continually push themselves to outdo the last of the hardest things about running the magazine is hearing negative issue. From our first issue to this 100-page issue, every one has worked feedback about The Continental. Every one-liner in Thumbs Up/ hard to improve the content and design of the magazine. Additionally, Thumbs Down, every issue of The Duel Colonial and The Hessian, this year we launched a great website—contmag.com—which allows and every overheard comment used to drive me crazy. I couldn’t readers to comment and be more involved in the magazine. understand how our fellow students could attack their peers’ work, and My greatest accomplishment at Hamilton has been the magazine have no regard for the people who had worked so hard to pull together that you hold in your hands. Although it is still in its infancy, I have high the magazine. hopes for the future of The Continental and look forward to seeing I can’t remember the exact moment when I realized that this how the magazine develops in the next few years. criticism was really much-needed feedback, but over the course of the last two years I have learned to see it as such. Every comment now brings us one step closer to understanding what readers want to see 98 the continental | spring 2008 the continental | spring 2008 99 100 the continental | spring 2008