College Voice Vol. 97 No. 12

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2013-2014 Student Newspapers

4-1-2014

Connecticut College

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Recommended Citation Connecticut College, "College Voice Vol. 97 No. 12" (2014). 2013-2014. 3. https://digitalcommons.conncoll.edu/ccnews_2013_2014/3

This Newspaper is brought to you for free and open access by the Student Newspapers at Digital Commons @ Connecticut College. It has been accepted for inclusion in 2013-2014 by an authorized administrator of Digital Commons @ Connecticut College. For more information, please contact [email protected]. The views expressed in this paper are solely those of the author. ••• • I' •.• • ~ • ~~-rHE LLEGEv I-E :~~F~~-.-- CONNECTICUT COllEGE'S INDEPENDENT STUDENT NEWSPAPER CLASS PRESIDENT

#lrnpeachPrashanth Movement Gains Momentum

DAVE SHA"4FIELD EDITOR IN CHIEF

A poll taken earlier this semester re- unaware of his prestigious title until they vealed that the overwhelming majority received an invitation for the 100 Days of the graduating class could not identify [until Graduation] Party this February, their class president. Of the nearly 300 signed by their president. students surveyed, 82% could not name Like many other seniors, 2014 Social the 2014 class president, 11% were un- Chair Peter Herron was caught unaware aware that Class Council existed in any by Selvam's presumptuous signoff', capacity and only 7% correctly identified even after having worked alongside him their elected leader. However, 100% of on Class Council. Said Herron, "I like the graduating class agreed that whoever Prashanth a lot, but I always thought we the president might be, her or she is do- were, you know.just hanging out, not doing a terrible job, ing 'class business' or whatever. Besides, "It's like a puppet regime, but without I haven't been Social Chair since fresh- a puppeteer," wrote one student. man year ... wait, what? I'm still Social Prashanth Selvam ' 14 is widely known Chair? All four years? That can't be ... " grand a year if not for a few nights of known president has become the face across campus as "that handsome Indian Students first began channeling their maximum intoxication on the College's of corruption and ineffectiveness within kid with perfect bone structure and ques- general dissatisfaction towards Sel- dime?" questioned'Broseph Gordon' 14, Class Council. Tweets and compromising tionable fashion taste." He is well-liked vam after he slashed the number of free captain of the men's water-lacrosse team. lnstagrams branded with the "#Impeach~ by his peers and educators: professors re- drinks offered at the 100 Days Party from Thankfully, SGA President Evert Fowle Prashanth" hashtag have skyrocketed, mark on his even temperament and easy three to two per person. Though Selvam '14 dipped into emergency presidential and more formal measures are being tak- smile, and close personal friends de- promised that the saved funds would go funds to provide a single free beverage en by college officials in an attempt to scribe him as "okay" with an "occasional towards a "much better 50 Days Party for each attendee. Though disappointed securely dislodge Selvam from his seat tendency for uselessness." Despite his down the line," seniors received an email that this amount wouJd not be sufficient of power ... social and academic popularity - and de- from Selvam last week stating that free to achieve "maximum intoxication," spite having served as class president for drinks would not be available at the 50 Gordon was appeased. two of his four years at Connecticut Col- Days Party after all. Seemingly overnight, the once un- HAPPY APRIL FOOLS ;) lege - most of Selvam's classmates were "Why am I paying upwards of 60

),'itr:,'t;,:: ( REA U, f\l E W S) If\l T HIS ISS U E t ~"~ , ______NEWS SPORTS

The Bergeron Inauguration: What to Expect this Baseball Season A fresh take on old traditions OPINIONS ARTS Tour Guides Spinning~Stretching The Joy of$2 Taco Night (and other Bending and Breaking the Truth plates) at Washington St. Cafe THE COLLEGE VOICE 2 • E D ITO R I A LS APRILU014" On Opinions THE COLLEGE VOICE

We of the Opinions section have college, but we also don't wish to rive, or hedging both ways, the ar- --n.e views and opinions expressed in The College Voice are strictlythose of student authors, and not of Connecticut Col- been having stylistic differences be enthusiasticaUy handing out the ticles we publ ish are reflections of lege. All content and editorial decisions remain in the hands of with the some of the other CoUege sledgehammers in a carnival of the soaking up of ideas, of paying the students' neither the College's administration nor its faculty Voice staff. We have been polite- Conn-hashing. attention, and usually, of thorough , exercise control over the content." I) advised thaI our section trends So this. now, for some overdue consideration and affection for this toward "ranting" to which, at first, positivity from the Opinions Edi- place. Our writers care enougb we disagreed vehemently and tors: There's something I think is about this community to want to DAVE SHANFIELD stubbornly and then threatened 10 very beautiful about our school engage with it, whether througb quit the paper. No, in reality, the that I've never heard anyone talk praise or critique. & team chemistry bere is second to about-our scbool motto. Let's Whether a fiery defense of the MELANIE THIBEAULT none. and our disagreement was put aside the ostentation of it being honor code or musings on an ig- disimpassioned and brief, and re- in Latin and move straight to its loo built during a snow day, the Editors in Chief ally more of a conversation than a translation: "Like a tree planted hy words published here, in these conflict. But this editorial is writ- rivers of water," Ithink this is real- last months have planted ideas, if ten in contemplation of this very ly brilliant-that as a coUege, our nothing else. And that's powerful JULIA CRISTOFANO spot-on accusation. intention is to be grounded, calm, enough - it seems that the CoUege The Opinions section is often integrated into our environment, Voice Staff can all agree on that, Managing Editor &Business Manager the podium from which students seeping up lcnowledge around us. and so atmosphere in the office is air their grievances and critiques; a At the risk of the sentimentality peaceful and grounded again, dare podium we think is very necessary I'm always trying to avoid (and, I say, like a tree planted by rivers and which we're privileged to be which, in my avoidance often of water. And if you find such tidy the stewards of. We do, however, steers my articles and those I edit endings as the one above suspect, EDITORIAL STAFF· worry that sometimes we are the towards the critical)-these words turn to the Opinions section, where abettors of a lot of negativity, and makes me proud to be here. I'm sure you'll find everything even more worryingly, completely And this motto gets at what I you're looking for. AYLA ZURAw-FRIEDLAND unconstructive verbal annihilation think we at the paper are trying Senior Editor of events, people, and policies at to do too, though we may often -Madeline Conn. We're not aiming to pub- be perceived more as "uprooters" lish a mess of sugary praise of the than "planters." Negative, posi- MOLLY BANGS DANA SORKIN News

MADELINE CONLEY SAM NORCROSS Opinions

CHIARA CAFIERO MATTEO MOBILIO Arts & Entertainment

ELEANOR HARDY LUCAPOWELL Sports

HALLIE GROSSMAN Head Copy

Business I Advertising: [email protected] CREATIVE STAFF News Editors: [email protected] MIGUEL SALCEDO Opinioos:Editors: [email protected] Photo Editor

This Week's Designers: May Moribe, Ellie Storck, Emily Walsh

This Week's Copy Editors: Charlotte Peyser

1hank you fOr reading & 1hank youfOr writing

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The Bergeron Inauguration: A fresh perspective on old traditions

dent. "That sort of change is subtle, MELANIE THIBEAULT rewarding relationships between mony. cheon will culminate the week in but important," said Van Slyck. EDITOR IN CHIEF Connecticut College and New Lon- Beginning tomorrow, different a mixture of tradition and trans- According to Flores, tbe end of don, which - despite receiving events will be held every day in formation. "We don't want it to be "I would like the students of flak from some students as having honor of the upcoming inaugura- the same ceremony over and over the ceremony will consist of more Connecticut College to have more 'nothing to do' - actually has quite tion. "We want to get people excit- again," Zilly said. "We've spent a celebratory music than past inau- gurations: jazz. "The recessional opportunities to experience the' the thriving arts and music scene. ed about it and make them aware of lot of time talking about the tradi- wonderful features of the city of Bergeron names the Hygien- what's going on," said Pamela Zilly tional aspect of [the ceremony], but really mattered a lot to us because New London," said President Kath- ic as a personal favorite, and was '75, who serves as honorary chair making it more relevant and more past installation ceremonies just ended ... like people leaving after erine Bergeron during an interview thrilled with the recent collabo- of the inauguration committee. contemporary. It's tradition, but it's the end of a movie. No sense of joy in her office. ration between Conn's Education "[These events] are an opportunity also a new step, a new installation. or hope or excitement." With her upcoming inauguration Department and the Expressiones to talk to the president and others in It's important to have a good blend Jazz reflects the committee's and this Saturday, Bergeron, a native of Cultural Center on Bank Street for the spirit of the inauguration. It isn't of something that resonates as a tra- school's hope for a bright future. southeastern Connecticut, is shar- an exhibition called "Artful Resis- just one ceremony. It's really meant dition, but not as dusty." Flores said, "We didn't want people ing her plans for "deepening the re- lance." Of the Eastern Connecticut to include the whole community." Associate Dean of the Faculty to just leave. We hope to have them lationship of the College to the sur- Symphony Orchestra, 'she said, "It Thursday night will bring a Abigail Van Slyck, who serves as co-chair of the Installation Com- dancing in the aisles." rounding community." Connecticut is extraordinary to have something student reception with President As for the ceremony itself, the College, only a few years past its of that caliber in a city of this size. Bergeron, which, according to mittee alongside Professor of So- President took advantage of spring centennial mark, has its roots plant- We are really fortunate that we have Fowle is "essentially a hang out ciology Ron Flores, echoed Zilly's break to work hard on her speech, ed in the local community. Already a city with that kind of personality." with the new president:' The am- sentiments. Planning the ceremony, the content of which is a secret until desiring a women's college in his "I also love Fiddleheads,' she biance in Ernst will include music "We wanted to honor those tradi- Saturday, though she did offer up city even before Wesleyan ceased added. "You can put that in there." from the Death Cab for Cutie Pan- tions but at the same time, mark the title: ''Transplanted by a River." to enroll women in 1909, New Even President Bergeron's office dora station - Bergeron's pick. and celebrate a new chapter for the Bergeron's mentor Ruth J. Sim- London schoolmaster Colin Buell offers a refreshing minimalist style "She said she will know every song College." The committee looked mons, President Emerita and Pro- was part of the team of founders as opposed to President Higdon's that plays." at how they could freshen up past fessor of Comparative Literature of Connecticut College. New Lon- shelves of souvenirs (not that his Panels and concerts and Camel traditions and reflect on what Con- and Africana Studies from Brown, don and Conn have been connected "Big Hig'' t-shirt collection wasn't cookies will provide opportunities necticut College represents as an institution in the twenty-first cen- will be providing the keynote since the beginning, but relations a form of art in its own right). for the Connecticut College and speech. Mayor Finzio and Gover- between the two could stand to be To kick off a week of events lead- New London communities to inter- tury. nor Dannel Malloy will be in atten- strengthened as we move into a ing up to the eleventh president's act and perform together. Avid Twit- Fittingly, the musical selections dance, as well as 93 delegates from new presidential era. inauguration, the Thames Club in ter users can follow and document were one way in which the commit- other higher-education institutions. "Expanding our relationship with downtown New London opened its the week's events with "#Think- tee feels they have accomplished "This is an important time for New London is definitely needed," doors for a welcome ceremony, in- DoLead." The hashtag was inspired this goal. Rather than have one stu- the institution," Bergeron said. "It's said SGA President Evert Fowle viting the College community and by Bergeron's speech leading up to dent perform "America the Beauti- very moving to see the care and '14. While Fowle says that the Col- local community leaders to cele- ReVision Week on how we at Conn ful" at the beginning of the event, concern for the College expressed lege has been working to set up the brate the beginning of a new era of should want to represent ourselves. this year the song will be sung by by those whose lives take them be- foundation for improving relations, collaboration and innovation. "It's like she was planning her own a quartet composed of one staff yond the College."> "President Bergeron is taking the New London mayor Daryl surprise party," Fowle joked. member, one student, one faculty next steps to make this possible." Finizio gave the first speech, re- Saturday's ceremony and Iun- member andone New London resi- . Erica Lovett '14, a member of the marking thatthe College has "madf inauguration committee along with an excellent choice" in selecting Fowle, added: "[Bergeron] is open Bergeron, and that he looks for- to hearing everyone's ideas. I know ward to renewing New London and a senior who has already visited her Conn's relationship and partnership five times. She's so supportive and - a partnership which Bergeron wants to help in any way she can." went on to say "is as old as Con- Since beginning her term in Janu- necticut College." ary, Bergeron has already met with After performances from two many undergraduates, and cited Conn a cappella groups, the Shwiffs nearly 30 students who have visited and Williams Street Mix, Bergeron her during open office hours to ex- spent her time mingling with rnem- press their aspirations and concerns bers of Connecticut College and the about the College and the comrnu- greater New London community. nity. On many nights, Bergeron has It was her' first time at the Thames stayed in her office until 7 p.m., not Club, renowned for being Con- wanting to end these conversations necticut's oldest social club. It was early. also the first official Connecticut "I have been edified by the stu- College event at the venue, though dents," she said. "Some want to tell in the past Conn has been loosely me about their experiences, some associated with some occasions at want to ask about my experiences, the club. and others want to tell me about Brian Haagensen, president of specific concerns regarding the the Thames Club, said, "We would campus." love to continue a relationship While Bergeron has begun to with Connecticut College. Once make an impression on the stu- (Bergeron] gets settled, we would dents, they in turn have begun to love to have her back to give us a make an impression on her. talk about her plans and intentions." "I've listened to the students' Though the Thames Club's first desire to have a positive impact in floor boasts two gorgeously deco- New London. I want to support the rated dining areas, the real treasure good work that is already going on exists in the basement of the huild- and build on what we are already ing: a two-lane duckpin bowling doing," she said, citing the Office of alley. As guests began to leave, Volunteers for Community Service President Bergeron - acc0n:tpa- (OYCS) and the Holleran' Center nied by her hushand and several for Community Action and Public Conn faculty and students - snuck Policy (PICA) as two examples of downstairs for a peek. limited-edition spring/summer positive student involvement in the Kicking off her heels. Bergeron_ 2014 makeup collection city. "It's important to know more took an honorary turn at the game. A world of color in one (I about the cultural organizations and Camera phones flashed and Vice harmonious palette. notable figures in New London and President for Administration Ul- the surrounding community." ysses B. Hammond, who is also a Book your appointment today. A former Professor olMusic at member of the Thames Club,letout WATERHOUSE SAl9~ Brown University, Bergeron's love an energetic "woo-ee!" 136 BANK STREIT. NEVI' LONDON. CT 06310, 860.441.9543 of and connection to the arts has Six pins fell. One for each day www.watE.rhousesalon.com potential to open doors for positive, left before the inauguration cere- THE COllEGE VOICE 4 . NEW S / F EAT U RES APR[j,2014 Harvard Law School Professor Noah Feldman to Deliver Keynote Address at Ninety-Sixth College Commencement

man, delivered the speech. Last MOLLY BANGS the Harvard website is that, yes, Feldman bas authored six oth- Conn once before. But my only year, an Emmy-winning televi- NEWS EDITOR be did serve under the CPA in ers books: Cool War: The Future other relationship is through my sion writer and producer, How. Iraq, but tbat he resigned from of Global Competition; Consti- brother Simon, who loves the On May 18, at the 96th Coo- the position because of ethical tutional Law, Eighteenth Edi- College and the students and ard Gordon, was the College's necticut College Commencemeot objections of how he viewed the tion; The Battles and Triumphs talks about both all tbe time." choice. ceremony, Noah Feldman will American approach to rebuilding of FDR's Great Supreme Court Professor Simon Feldman said, These choices have been re- deliver the keynote address to "I was surprised and thrilled to ceived with varying degrees of the Class of2014. Feldman is the find out that my brother, Noah, success by the student body, Bemis Professor of International was asked to be our commence- and, in particular, the graduating Law at Harvard Law School, as "One of the many things I love about my ment speaker. I didn't even know class at hand. One of the largest well as a Senior Fellow of the he had been nominated! One of qualms students have expressed Society of Fellows at Harvard. brother is that it can be hard to predict what tbe many tbings I love about my in the past is a lack of diversi- According to his Harvard biog- brother is tbat it can be hard to ty represented hy the speakers. raphy, he specializes in consti- he will say at any given moment - but what predict what he will say at any While Feldman is a white male, turional studies with an empha- given moment - but what he has he brings with him a different sis on the relationship between he has to say is always interesting, often to say is always interesting, often area of expertise than previous law and religion. constitutional provocative and, generally, pret- speakers. design and the history of legal provocative and, generally, pretty damn ty damn entertaining. I'm really Majkut spoke to the choice theory. Feldman is also a con- looking forward to having him of Feldman as opposed to both tributing writer for The New York entertaining. I'm really looking forward to on our campus." past years' speakers and com- Times Magazine and a columnist Having given one prior commencement keynote speak- for Bloomberg \'ieH'. having him on our campus." mencernent address at Kalam- ers 10 general: "While he In 2003, Feldman was a se- azoo College a couple of years isn't the flashy, sexy pick that nior constitutional advisor to the ago, Noah Feldman said, "[I en- most colleges try and get for Coalition Provisional Authority Simon Feldman, Professor of Philosophy joy] the chance to be part of the commencement speakers, Ithink (CPA) in Iraq. He therefore ad- joy of tbe graduates and their that his international experiences. vised members of the Iraqi Gov- families, as well as their intro- depth of knowledge and ethical erning Council on the drafting of spection about their futures." integrity will result in a more the nation's interim constitution. the Iraqi economy and political Justices; The Fall and Rise of the In the past four years, the Class meaningful speech that the Class Drew Majkut '14 said, "I am system." Islamic State; Divided by God: of 2014 has witnessed a wide ar- of2014 will remember long after super excited to have the op- Majkut explained that Feldman America's Church-State Problem ray of keynote commencement we graduate." portunity to hear Noah Feldman went on to write one of his books, and What We Should Do About It; speakers. In 2011, Clark Univer- When asked about his expec- speak at our commencement. I What We Owe Iraq: War and the and After Jihad: America and the sity Research Professor of Inter- tations for the commencement really enjoyed last year's speak- Ethics of Nation Building, on the Struggle for Islamic Democracy. national Development, Commu- ceremony on May 18, Feldman er [Howard Gordon], but I think matter. "He discusses the ethical Feldman is the brother of Si- nity and Env'ironment Cynthia quipped, "1 am ~2Pj~gfor J!,ogd that Mr. Feldman brings an ele- obligations that a state has when mon Feldman, Associate Profes- Enloe '60 spoke at the 93" Cen- weather! If I can say something ment to the table that has been rebuilding another state. Even sor of Philosophy at Connecticut tennial Commencement. The fol- that adds to the experience, that impressed upon us during our when we mean well, the results College. When asked about bis lowing year, the United States will make me happy. If not, ev- four years at Conn: integrity. will almost .always be subopti- relationship with the College, Ambassador to the Court of St. eryone will have fun anyway." • What is missing from his bio on mal." Feldman noted, "I've spoken at James in London, Louis B. Sus-

Crippling Student Protests Persist in Taiwan Students occupyparliament over controversial trade bill with China

SCOTT KALUZNY ize trade between the two sides of the to Taiwan, where they have remained testers is not the service pact per se, CONTRIBUTOR Taiwan Strait. It opens 64 economic self governing despite dwindling in- but the larger conflict between pro- and sectors in Taiwan to mainland Chinese ternational recognition. The People's anti- China factions within Taiwan. Students in Taiwan have occupied investment and allows people from Republic of China, the government "Of course," King notes, "Tensions the legislative Yuan (parliament) in Taiwan to invest in 80 economic sec- formed by the Communists in the and frustrations accumulated through Taipei, paralyzing the government in tors on the Chinese mainland. mainland after the war, claims a right a bad economy would definitely make an attempt to stop a controversial trade It is one of the central policies of to control both mainland China and the island more turbulent. But the un- deal with mainland China. Ma Ying-Jeou, c~nt President of the Taiwan; it has also made clear that it derlying issue is between pro-China The occupation began on March Republic of China (Taiwan), and is de- would use force if necessary to achieve and anti China political factions." Tai- 18, after the ruling Kuomintang (Chi- signed to further integrate Taiwan into this goal. wan's economy has stagnated in recent nese Nationalist) Party reneged on a the regionaI ec:ooomy and to allow it to The situation is further complicated years, and more and more students feel promise to review the trade deal line compete with other nations in the re- by the presence of a significant por- that prospects for the future are dim, by line before submitting it for a vote, gion. However, many Taiwanese pea- tion of Taiwanese society that wishes moving to an increase in political pro- accusing opposition parties of ob- pie view. th~ pact with. suspicion, and to leave China's spbere of influence test and activism amongst young peo- structing tbe democratic system and feel that It WIll mate TaJwan dependent entirely and formally declare indepen- ple and the population at large in recent deliberately stalling the debate through . on the. ?,ainland, f":"ling fears ~f the dence as the Republic of Taiwan. In re- years. These frustrations have played misuse of parliamentary procedures. possibility of a hostile takeover tn the cent years, the conflict between those out in mass protests and civil actions In response to the government's refusal future. Many young people also resent in Taiwan who seek a formal declara- before, but this is the first time the gov- to put the trade deal to a vote without the possibility of people from mainland tinB of independence from China, and ernmeut has been completely paralyzed the line item review, students and nth- China being able compete for their jobs the Kuomintang Chinese Nationalist by tbe actions of the demonstrators. er activists have continued to occupy i? ~ increasingly competitive domes- Party, Who favor eventual reunifica- The occupation of the legislative the Yuan, demanding that the deal be IIC job market. .. . tion with the mainland, has caused in- Yuan has entered into its tenth straight reviewed and altered to address their The government In Taiwan, officially creased tensions in Taiwanese society day, and shows no sign of stopping. concerns about the economic and polit- styled t.he "Republic of China," ruled and between the two sides of the Tai- The current protests are amongst, if not ical implications or the deal. the mainland from 1912 until 1949, wan strait. the largest. ever in Taiwan's history. The deal, called the "Cross-Strait wben they were defeated by Mao Ze- As Professor Tek- Wah King, a Chi- Still larger demonstrations in front of Service Agreement," was negotiated do~g and th~ Chine~. Communist Par- nese-American from Taiwan who the presidential palace were scheduled between the respective governments' ty m the Chinese Civil War. After the teaches Chinese at Connecticut Col- for this past Sunday, suggesting that representatives during the summer end of tbe war, the Republic of Chi- lege told me during our interview, the the current events in Taiwan are far of 2013 and was designed to liberal- na government and two million of its real underlying cause of the tension, from resolution .• mainland Chinese supporters retreated between the government and the pro- RESIDENTIAL EDUCATION FELLOWS: COLLEGE HOPES TO IMPROVE RETENTION A Growing Program RATES THROUGH

ELEANOR HARDY seen in the classroom. This past normally meet and getting to CHANGES TO FIRST SPORTS EDITOR fall, Associate Professor of His- show them some cool science." tory David Canton took a group The REF program allows profes- REF: another unknown Conn of students hiking at Sleeping sors and students to branch out and explore topics completely YEAR EXPERIENCE acronym to some and a great re- Giant State Park in New Haven, source to those who know more followed by luncb at a local din- outside their area of study. Kait- lin Cunningham '16, the KB REF about it. When it comes to pro- er. The hike consisted of chatter the student experience. "All of Floor Governor, never interacted CASEY DILLON gramming, the Residential Ed- and laughter. and served as a the curricular and co-curricular with science, but teamed up with STAFF WRITER ucation Fellows are a hidden break from the bubble students programs - from curriculum re- often find themselves in on cam- a fellow REF to do an event on gem. Think back to the beginning of view, to top-notch faculty, to ex- Nearly each house on campus pus and as a window into a city genetically modified organisms freshman year: how many friends panded research and internship has a REF floor governor who Professor Canton knows well. (GMOs) and ended up learning did you have at orientation who opportunities, to recent-run mov- works closely with the REF pro- Professor Katherine Stock took about a subject she never would did not complete their education ies, to late hours at Ruane's Den fessors involved in the program. a group of students to see The have discovered on her own. at Connecticut College? Your list and many others-are designed After going through a selection Social Network when it first pre- This year, in an effort to be- might tum out to be longer than to make the student experience miered a few years ago. Though come more widely known on process, tenured professors are expected. According to Dean of at Connecticut College meaning- elected to the position and allot- Professor Stock teaches in the campus, the REF program en- the College Carolyn Denard, ful, engaging and fun," said Dean History department, this event gaged in a Six for Six Program ted a $1,000 budget to work with Conn's average retention rate Denard. Reaching out to first- was well attended by computer catered towars freshmen. The throughout the year, creating an over the past decade has been year students is also an initiative science majors causing her to program consisted of six events endless amount of possibilities .. about 90%, At a school with just that is receiving more attention Professor Catherine Stock, challenge herself and shift her for freshmen only and took place over 1,900 students, the absence from the staff of the school. thinking during their conver- over six weeks at the beginning the head faculty of the program of that 10% is largely noticeable Recently, a number of chang- sation over pizza following the of the fall semester. The idea be- who serves as a liaison between among campus community. Dean es and programs have been made Residential Education and Liv- movie. The learning happens for hind the program was that the Denard cited a number of reasons that might address some of the ing and the professors sees the both the professors and students freshman class would meet new that students transfer, including main issues that cause students REF program as an "opportuni- through programs such as these. people or find common inter- the possibility that "a student has to transfer out of Conn. The Of- ty for professors to be creative The programs also bring forth ests among friends through the decided to attend a larger school, fice of Residential Education and and connect with program, as well as engage with is interested in a major we don't Living has implemented Camel students." In her different profes- offer, has a health issue or has Chats that, according to Scott eyes, the profes- a useful forum for sors whom they other personal reasons for leav- McEver, garnered significant sors selected who Seen as may encounter ing.' participation from the freshman have the most discussing issues of diversity, later during their As one junior who contemp1at- class. The third Chat, hosted success and are college career. ed leaving Connecticut College before spring break, saw 70% happiest with the whether ideological, political said, "The bubble here can be participation from the freshman results of the pro- A stepping stone gram are "com- or a variety of other things, REF into greater plans so stifling." Conn's small size class, and the first one saw 85%. fortable crossing for next year's and distance from the heart of Zoe Davis '16, a floor gover- the boundary programs provide a safe space freshman class, New' London all contribute to nor in Freeman, explained to the between a pro- that's not within thefour walls of a the Six for Six an isolating and remote feeling Voice in an email, "I have found fessional rela- Program was a that many incoming students are that Camel Chats have helped tionships with classroom. success. not necessarily prepared for. A me meet every freshmen on my students and The REF pro- number of factors contribute to floor and get to know them bet- one a bit more gram is a vast the preconceived notions that inter, which then leads to a better informal." The resource on cam- coming students have about col- freshman experience because program is more than just bring- a certain synergy between stu- pus that is widely underused. lege life, and it is the job of the they have someone they can ing intellectual life outside the dents and faculty as they culti- While low attendance events are current students, staff and faculty turn to for advice or help, from classroom, it also shows a differ- vate new ideas together. Open to sometimes most successful, pro- to ensure that incoming students. homesickness to what to wear ent side of both professors and almost any idea, floor governors ducing engaging and intimate have an accurate idea of what for the winter formal to venting students. are allowed to work with resi- conversation, most students Conn's culture is in order to at- about a challenging test." Smith Seen as a useful forum for dents, friends, classmates and would be surprised by what they tract students that will thrive in Floor Governor Kamal Kariem discussing issues of diversity, other staff members to create can gain both intellectually and our campus's atmosphere. The '16 echoed Davis's sentiments, whether ideological, political or unique programs. Collaborative personally from attending REF same student also said, in regards adding that the Camel Chats al- a variety of other things, REF events have been extremely sue- events. With that, the REF Pro- to thoughts about transferring; lowed him to take initiative when programs provide a safe space cessful for the REF program this gram encourages students to "What ultimately made me stay reaching out to freshmen, instead that's not within the four walls of past year. Most recently, a large reach out to floor governors and were the amazing friends I made of waiting for them to reach out a classroom. Kevin Zevallos '16, group of REF floor governors faculty and participate in pro- and the academics; I have such to him. the Knowlton REF Floor Gover- hosted the "KB in KB" event, grams. close bonds with some of the Other newly instituted pro- nor finds that the best asset REF which brought together a variety The misconception that the professors here. I would be heart- grams include the I'm IN Cam- programs have is their ability to of students to engage in an infor- pro~rams are purely educational broken to leave them." - paign, Dean Talk Backs and Par- "expand on ideas and topics in mal Q &A session with President may be what's causing students Conn's student-to-faculty ra- ent Call-Ins. Starting next year, an informal setting while build- Bergeron. Delicious desserts and to be hesitant to attend. but there tio is 9: I, which provides the freshmen will also be housed ing relationships with faculty dinners provided through the is no definition of the "educa- time and opportunity for strong more closely to one another to outside of the classroom." substantial budget also add a bit tional" aspect. A hike, cooking connections and relationships to create a stronger sense of com- REF events aren't only ex- of enticement for students to at- class, chemistry experiments, form and ultimately help students munity. Ideally, these programs tensions of topics discussed in tend events. movie screening and even a local throughout their college careers, and general changes will ensure class. Many professors use the Connecting faculty and stu- meat barbecue can be made into as well as into the so-called "real that the concerns of freshmen are program as a way to introduce dents from a variety of interests, something educational. After all, world." However, academics are met early and effectively so that their own personal hobbies or· REF professor Marc Zimmer's the main goal of REF program only a portion of what makes up their needs can be addressed, and interests to students, exposing favorite part about being in- is to complement our liberal arts the campus environment. thus, students will be encouraged their personable side while brief- volved in the program is "having education and expand what edu- The key to increasing the reten- to return to Conn for their sopho- Iy masking the more formal side contact with students I wouldn't cational can really mean .• tion rate, it seems, is to improve more year .• THE COLLEGE VOicE # 6 • NEW S / FE A T U RES APRIPk~9];1¥ LINEUP RELEASED, TICKETS SELL FAST FOR COLLEGE'S THIRD ANNUAL TEDx

The process for choosing the ers, Ted Steinberg' 16, a Gov- ELUESTORCK gy. and more. The TEDx execu- ous. The second year was even theme for the conference takes ernment and American Studies STAFF WRITER tive board has made it their goal better. We had 50 percent more double major, will be giving a by spending hours of preparation speakers; we had a tremendous an immense amount of time and talk about sports and Judaism. Adventure. Exploration. Trav- to create a thoughtfully selected amount of support from not only diligent planning from the team Steinberg was very inspired by el. Taking journeys. Wanderlust. assortment of enthusiastic speak- the student body, but from the members. Francus explained that the concept of TED itself when These ideas were on the minds ers for the upcoming full-day Administration and departments. in the fall, the executive team had creating his own talk. "I love of the TEDx Connecticut College conference. And this year we've been hosting a three-hour meeting in which watching TED Talks. I love the executive tearn when they be- Spencer Francus '14, Chair of these monthly events, and really they brainstormed and used ideas kind of talks that are funny with gan brainstorming for the 2014 TEDxConnecticutCollege, began cementing ourselves in the extra- that had been previously collect- some kind of moral, or food for TEDxConnecticutCollege Con- his involvement with the organi- curricular, social world on cam- ed from around campus to come thought, attached to it. So that's ference: Not All Who Wander Are zation during his sophomore year, pus, and that's been able to make up with one concrete idea. Lost. The conference will take when asked to help with web de- TED a recognizable thing." "We took all of the themes from what I'm hoping others get out of place in Cummings Arts Center sign. He has been invol ved with Francus noted that the way in all of the idea boards and wrote mine," he said. "I love the events on April 14 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. it ever since. which ticket sales has progressed them down on a black board in that tbe TEDx Connecticut Col- In its third year at Connecti- Since Francus's first year with since TEDxConnecticutCollege's Fanning-50 or so themes. And lege has had these year." cut College, TEDx (the "x" rep- the organization, there has been a first year on campus has hugely then we categorized them based Steinberg's experience as Vice resents an independently orga- hugely collaborative effort from affected the speed at which the on their concepts. A lot of them President of SGA has helped nized TED event) is reaching all all TEDxConnecticutCollege event becomes publicized and sort of spoke to the same sort with his ability to talk to large comers of our campus with a pal- team members to make a name consequently very well-attended. of themes, notions, ideas," said audiences. "I like to speak pub- pably strong ambition to spread for the organization on campus. Now that tickets are sold online, Francus. The group then decided licly," he commented. "I'm really ideas and generate conversation. "Essentially, the difference be- combined with how the event has what was the most popular, and excited for the whole day of the It's creating quite a buzz. tween the way we're operating been so hyped up around campus, what conclusively captured ev- conference. My talk is just one of The lineup of speakers this year, now and they way we were oper- tickets to the conference have erything together. "The majority them. I'm excited to hear all of chosen through a careful process ating in 2011 is with a lot more progressed to be very higb in de- of these submissions had to do the other talks, see all of the oth- of brainstorming, networking support than we've ever had be- mand. with ideas of looking forward," er talks. It's a lot of interacting. and reaching out, includes six fore. We really wanted to gener- "I think we sold 100 tickets in Francus said. "Looking forward It's going to be a fun day. I think off-campus guests, four alumni, ate positive buzz around an event half an hour," said Francus. "That with uncertainty. Exploration, it's exciting to have students five professors and seven stu- that most people have never been alone says a lot about the excite- discovery, adventure:' After a given the opportunity to speak. dents. ranging from freshmen to to, and to really to engrain in the ment and the way we've been thorough discussion about cam- Students have these experiences seniors. The speakers vary great- campus community the expecta- able to make a name for ourselves paigns and ideas, a list of about qualitative enough to talk about." ly in profession and expertise, tions that we have. which are al- on campus. And it's been because 50 titles was created, then one- Tickets for the conference from an underwater archaeologist ways over the top and very big," of our excitement and ambition by-one eliminated until the team will continue to be available this to photographers, dancers to jour- said Francus. "And so the first about it, but also because of how decided on the final idea: Not All week in Cro for $15, or can be nalists, activists, entrepreneurs, event was great, and it sort of let receptive the community has Who Wander Are Lost. purchased on the website: www. students and professors focusing people know that we were seri- been to it." One of the seven student speak- tedxconnecticutcollege.com· on the arts, English, anthropolo- Celebrated Investigative Journalist Seymour Hersh to Speak on Campus in Human Rights Lecture Series

SARAH LANGFITT Iraqi inmates. Once again, Hersh revealed role in bringing Seymour Hersh to cam- CONTRIBUTOR a multi-rank attempt within the military pus. In addition, Borer is one of a few to keep the truth from coming out. Ear- professors who will interview Hersh af- Seymour Hersb, who is widely consid- lier this semester, Connecticut College ter his talk. The hope is that along with ered to be the best investigative journal- Amnesty International hosted an event speaking about his role in breaking the Seymour Hersh ist of our time, will be speaking at Con- that screened the film "Ghosts of Abu story of the My Lai massacre, Hersh will necticut College on the April 3 in Evans Ghraib." This event gave students who also address the topic of Abu Ghraib and Hall. He will be the fourth speaker in the attended a background in preparation for the United States military a decade later. gained renown anonymously funded Human Rights Lec- Hersb's upcoming talk. Acclaimed human In an interview with Brook Gladstone ture series. The talk, entitled, "This Day rights lawyer Susan Burke spoke on Fri- from On the Media, Seymour Hersh was with his expose in History: Reflections on U.S. Foreign day, March 28 on the same issue. critical of American leadership question- Policy and Human. Rigbts Practices," will Amnesty International has supported jng its ability to learn from and react to on the My Lai begin at 4:30 p.m. Other speakers in the the decision to bring Seymour Hersh to the past. In that same interview, Hersh series have included New York Times col- campus, and consequently created many admits that there are some justifiable par- umnist Nicholas Kristof, the founder of awareness-raising, Abu Ghraib-centric allels between My Lai and Abu Ghraib, Massacre in 1969 the North American chapter of Doctors events leading up to Hersh's address. the biggest difference being that at Abu Without Borders, Richard Heinzl and "Amnesty International's goal," said Ghraib, they were not killing people. He and the military Program Director of WITNESS.org Sam Treasurer Molly Bangs, "is not only to describes a similar process of revealing Gregory. raise awareness but to enhance the greater the atrocities at Abu Ghraib to that of My cover-up that Seymour Hersh gained renown with his human rights narrative and conversation Lai. Hersh also acknowledges the exis- expose on the My Lai Massacre in 1969 at Conn. As this spring marks the ten year tence of intense rage present in the mil- and the military cover-up that followed to anniversary of Hersh's story that broke itary towards the civilian population that folknoed to protect protect the troops who participated in the the Abu Ghraib story, we thought honing is seen in both the Vietnam and Iraq wars. slaughter of as many as 500 civilians. In in on issues such as torture was particu- Investigative journalist Seymour Hersh the troops who the aftermath of the story, the army went larly relevant." has played a huge role in working to re- on to indict and convict a platoon leader Lectures such as the Latin American veal the truth about injustices and human participated in of murder, Thomas Calley. In writing this Lecture Series on Social Justice last se- rights abuses committed across the globe. story, Hersh had followed up on tip from mester have focused on inequity in the His focus on the United States govern- an antiwar attorney and ended up reveal- world and how our actions in the US af- ment is crucial in helping to contain the the slaughter of ing a huge breach of human tights as well fect people worldwide. Amnesty Interna- massive force that is the Government and as mysterious cover-up activity by the tional works to continue this pattern of the U.S. military. His experiences lend an as many as 500 army during the court-martial. eye-opening lectures to feed the aware- important narrative to the extensive pow- Seymour Hersh also broke the story of ness and conversation on the significance er and above-the-law mentality expressed civilians. the Abu Gliraib prison scandal on May 10, of human rights. in the American military and the impor- 2004; in his article, he did not feign away Associate Professor of Government tance of awareness when it comes to hu- from blunt honesty regarding the horrif- Tristan Borer advises the Amnesty Inter- man rights.· ic nature of American soldiers abuses of national club and has also played a large

c THE COllEGE V\)ICE 0 PINION S 7 APRIL 1 2014 • The Effectiveness of Notes on Napkins Senior Sarah Huckins Defends Dining Services Tradition

$50,000" argument in regards to expect to be given based upon high coming into Freeman sopping wet known Mike Kmec for almost 3 SARAH HUCKINS the desire for two different types of cost of tuition, or rather, what does from an arctic rainstorm and see- years and do believe that he solves STAFF WRITER granola in JA, The comprehensive our cost of attendance guarantee ing the long lost dish, I was filled each problem as best as is possible fee for Connecticut College 2013- us? When is the use of this argu- with such joy, Seeing that dip with the resources available. Maggie D' Aprix ' 17 hates cher- 2014 year is $58,780, That is a sig- ment appropriate, if at all? brought back great memories," she To answer the probably rhetori- ry vanilla ice cream. "Seeing the nificant amount of money and I do The cost of attendance. or com- recounted, Again a day was made cal question, "are we wasting our light pink tub and feeling pure joy, believe that it is important to think prehensive fee. at Connecticut by the answering ofa Napkin Note, napkins on notes," I'd say it de- and then seeing the 'cherry vanil- critically about the cost of our edu- College includes, but is not lim- However, I have also heard sto- pends, If you are asking for lobster la' written on the little board, is cation and what we are getting out ited 10, the cost of tuition, room ries of frustration with the Napkin and nutella, as one Napkin Note one of the most soul crushing ex- of it. However, I think the tuition and board, These are very broad Note system, recently embodied in did, I'd say yes, that is a waste of periences," she tells me. Not one terms that encompass the classes a recent Voice article that centered to suffer idly, Maggie sought re- we attend, the dorms we live in, on the thesis that "our requests "By using tuition cost as reasoning for course by writing an impassioned the food we eat. As different indi- rarely change anything." Napkin Note, appealing to the viduals have their own interpreta- Although I personally disagree why something should be provided to us, Harris staff: "Cherry Vanilla ru- tion of the specificities of what this with this statement, it would be ins my day, please make it stop," cost ought to grant us, the tuition difficult to prove empirically, it implies that we have paid for said thing, Mike Kmec's response illustrates (or rather cost of attendance) argu- But something important to con- the power Napkin Notes can have, ment is highly subjective and thus sider when assessing efficacy of that we are entitled to it. And that is a as he wrote back: "Due to the potentially problematic as a stance Napkin Notes is their scope, Al- overwhelming amount of Napkin for reform, though I don't think Napkin Notes difficult argument, Especially for granola." Notes on this subject alone, we It is not my intent- to suggest would be a particularly effective will reduce the amount of Cherry argument is a tricky one and one that we should have low expecta- way to foment a culinary revolu- a note. But if you are asking for Vanilla Ice Cream ordered, It is that ought to be used judiciously, tions as to what opportunities are tion, I do think they provide an im- something that is within the realm one of my favorites but I will bow By using tuition cost as reason- offered to us, Nor do I have any portant tool. of possibility, then no, Though down to the pressure." This is but ing for why something should be interest in quelling those interest- It is my understanding that Nap- even if a seemingly reasonable one example of a successful Nap- provided to us, it implies that we ed in affecting positive change on kin Notes are an accessible means note goes unfulfilled, please rest kin Note interaction. have paid for said thing, that we campus, I only mean to posit that for students to communicate to assured that there is no conspiracy Phoebe Papademetriou, nos- are entitled to it. And that is a dif- the connotations surrounding the Dining Services their likes, dis- theory and understand that Dining talgic for the cuisine of Soup & ficult argument. Especially for gra- financial argument make it a com- likes and suggestions, And if a Services works hard to reconcile Breads past, helped craft a note nola. One might argue that it is not plicated one, and one that individ- request is not fulfilled, I do not be- epicurean tastes and the need to requesting that the beloved and ludicrous to expect a granola afi- uals should contemplate before us- lieve this means "no one is listen- put food

Now on. to the really, really bad issues LEAH ROSOFSKY revolving around tbe cups, In order to CONTRIBUTOR effectively wasb down that whole wheat cracker/cheddar cheese combo, you need It was April 16, 2012, a day that is not to have at least three cups because one just I only internationally recognized as my half will not do it, I don't know much about birthday, but also my "Accepted Students environmental studies past my fifth grade Day" visit to Connecticut College, While trip to the "Trash Museum," but if the there were many great parts about Conn general idea still holds true that using a (clearly I enjoyed my visit, I'm here aren't lot of plastic is bad (especially when you 11) there was one part that really threw me don't throw it away) then Al Gore will be off. Now, it wasn't immediate but over pretty peeved at our carbon footprint, You time a great fury built inside of me that think you can be slick and get away with all students, staff and faculty need to be one cup and just go back for refills but aware of. I Deed to raise awareness to a when tbere is a free cheese and fruit platter, problem our campus is faced with, what makes you think that not every broke, That problem being--tiny cups, starving college student within a one-mile , When I first tell people about this issue, radius will all be hovering over the snack I get befuddJed looks- "Wbat ever do you section at the same time? Honey, there is mean?" no way you're going to be able to make it What I mean is the teeny, tiny cups back to tbe water again. used at catered events, You use them at Now, I do not hate 311of Conn's plastic lectures. convocation, oh and the worst are tableware, The forks and knives at catered barbeques. Let me layout the problems events are so durable it's amazing. The for you. Connecticut College logo on the cups is First off, the cups are so small that if also a great feature that I would never you want anything more than a little cat want to see gone. lap of water then you're out of luck, I I'm ready to make a change, to see a mean these cups are so small that without difference, one tbat will not only affect even trying, I feel like I'm rippin' shots tbose associated with Connecticut College DAVE SHANFIELD every time I drink out of them, How is but one that will change the world-say anyone possibly able to quench their thirst no to tiny cups.' witha drinking vessel so petite? OMGya! Definitely going to '" Exchange tonight! e.-- Q G o -

When Group Work Hurts Splitting the Grade with the Slacker

hierarchy, and you know exactly where you cur in upper level classes, with like majors, MADELINE CONLEY meeting." And if you don't have a group fall in it." Not having a hierarchy isn't nec- in groups of four people or under. It works OPINIONS EDITOR meeting, your friend does. Something that is rarely heard: "I'm having a great experi- essarily bad, he said, but guidance is want- especially in dance classes, and sometimes in the visual arts. Senior seminars are often On Sundays, I meet with my U.S. and ence working in a group!" ed. This idea resonated strongly with many, the stage for smiling-picture-on-the-col- Vietnam class group to work on our project As with most articles of this nature, a de- who said that the unclear structure of group lege-website-appropriate intellectual col- on Lyndon B. Johnson'. I love these meet- gree of informal polling goes into its writ- projects makes for wasted time, slacking laboration. The choice to work with your ings, to which we all arrive ten minutes earing. In an effort to find the merit of group off and bad blood all around. friends is good, although it can be danger- ly, prepared to enthusiastically present to work, as I know there is some, I spoke to Other grievances surfaced. Variations on each other our vigorous research filed away what I thought was a generous cross-sec- this idea emerged with some force: while ous territory. One senior I talked to, disproving a few of in neatl y organized manila folders. Our pas- tion of students. Few people wanted to be some professors hold group work in the sion for Lyndon B. Johnson is unmatched, quoted with their name attached, mostly be- highest regard, others make the ability to the theories above, told me, "Last semester Iwas in an upper-level seminar and worked our ideas for our final presentation flow cause few people had positive things to say work well with others seem as irrelevant as like mountain streams and our willingness about working in groups. learning to herd sheep or administer leech- with close friends, and I had to carry them and ability to work cooperatively with one Students, in fact, have some pretty nasty ing. on my back the whole way ... 1 thought it another is worthy of a children's television things to say. I spoke with a friend who had A class I took the spring of my freshman was ridiculous because we're seniors-I show. Or at least that's what it should be, recently been an unwilling participant in a year comes to mind, which I will leave shouldn't have to do that anymore." Herein and how I imagine our meetings play out in disastrous group project, and when Iasked unnamed for obvious reasons. The pro- is one of the strongest themes articulated in the mind of our professor, who like many if in quoting her about her experience, her fessor announced on the first day of class these conversations: people hate being the professors here, has an unfailing confidence group members might be offended at being that only two students would be recieving disciplinarian, and in group work, someone in the power of group work. slandered in print, she said she wasn't wor- A's; this was not a class where we would nearly always has to be. In reality, my group on Lyndon B. John- ried. She wasn't worried because, as far as be coddled but rather judged against each Here, now, is where I so much want to son meets infrequently and reluctantly. and she could tell from working with them, they other. His teaching style was dictatorial, ar- write some recommendation for the future, when over the course of five hundred emails were illiterate and therefore wouldn't be in- bitrarily calling on students for inane trivia, introduce a new idea that will lessen the we do manage to set a time and place to clined to read a college newspaper anyway. resulting in one of my classmates suffering frustration and disorder of group work- meet that works for everyone, inevitably She added also that the experience made through nearly every class in a perpetual something that transforms that which is someone sleeps through the meeting, or her "lose all faith in people." state of immanent nervous collapse. Need- written above from a series of complaints forgets. or has a surprise lacrosse practice. If group work is a medicine that when ef- less to say, we were not once asked to work to a useful proposal in the ever continuing It shouldn't be like this; tbe possibilities of fective, produces collaborative, educational in groups. This, I've found, is the excep- discussion on how to make this college run group work are plenty. bliss and soothes the burden and the isola- tion, as most professors thankfully prefer better, think better, feel better. But here's This group in particular is composed of tion of working alone, it should be said that to foster a more comfortable learning en- the twist: I think it might be our fault. I'm one freshman, one sophomore, one junior when it goes wrong, it goes really wrong. vironment. not sure if professors are to blame, even and one senior, which in it of itself is re- Side effects include crises of faith and a But what is more problematic than ty- those who are confusingly straddling the markable and tailor-made for some sort of tingling feeling in the legs and ankles that rannical professors are those teachers and line between an individualistic and collab- brochure for the College. But for the four makes you want to run to the Registrar's classes that straddle the line between col- orative curriculum. I think we need to get of us, as it is for many students, group work. Office to pick up a transfer form. laborative and individualistic learning in berter at this stuff, Ithink we're too ready can be like slogging through tar, thick, Juan Pablo Pacheco' 14 said in more el- a confusing way. Should we prepare for a to finger-point, and we're even readier to black, Vietnam-war-era tar, witb Google oquent terms something that nearly every world that is cut-throat and competitive, or give up. Docs and group emails and Powerpoints student I spoke to expressed: "Our educa- collaborative, kind and democratic? While Generally, professors seem to trust that floating on the surface, sticking to our tion system just isn't designed for group we're smart enough to know that it's not al- the world is good, we are good, things are clothing and flooding our nightmares. work." The most commonly called-upon ways so clearly one or the other, students I good. They believe in us, in our ability to A recent study has shown that 85% of rationale for group work by professors is spoke to reflected on the mixed signals in collaborate, to communicate with each oth- Conn students' time outside of class is spent that, "We will have to work in groups in the our education. er, to create something that surpasses the in group meetings and another 5% is spent real world" -that is, if rationale is provided This is what students say, generally, ability of the individual. My fear is that we emailing about them. While this statistic is at aU. However, as Pacheco wisely pointed about group work. Sometimes it works, and don't .• entirely untrue, it reflects many students' out, group work. in the future is an inevi- when it does, it's a powerful approach to feelings about this part of our education tability - but in the "real world," in offic- learning, and perhaps more significantly, a 'The name of the class and the subject with some accuracy. The lamentations can es or film sets or wherever you may find meaningful way to connect with other stu- of the group project has been changed. You be heard aU across campus: "I have a group yourself, "There is alinost always a clear dents. These successes are mostly felt to oc- know why.

- - --.-.-.- -- - ,p - .. , '" ... ~ - Tour Guide Deception

ANDY STEIN·ZELL'ER Tour Guide does this in one way or another, and we of students it admits. Although the former, a fact, and STAFF WRITER have enough impressive statistics and factoids (free mu- the latter, a subjective opinion, would offer a balanced sic lessons, 9: I student/faculty ratio, equal distribution look at the centers. I don't tell either to tours because it here are. two different way~ that Tour Guides of all four classes in non-specialty housing, unlimited would make the College look bad. We also omit things like Fishbowl (or used to, RIP), detailed descriptions of Tengage m the art of deception. The first is meal swipes for everyone living in a dorm, etc.) to com- unintentional deception, e.g. they will give a statistic plement instances where tbe information is relayed via Floralia and Cro Dances and things like how much free or description of some facet of the College that they personal opinions that are not grounded in evidence. alcohol the College gives (or doesn't give) to the senior think is right but is not. "Students live in Unity House" Again, Icannot stress enough that Admissions really class. simply because parents tend to be anxious enough and "People never run out of printing money" are two handles any potential dishonesty with the utmost integ- about losing their child and don't need to get any ideas examples Iheard recently. This is more often some- rity. Rather than go the route of other colleges and give planted in their heads about said child turning into a thing that new Tour Guides (like myself) do when put inaccurate statistics, they encourage us to do one of the debaucherous alcoholic who on occasion gets naked in on the spot by an abrasive question or when they feel things we should be leaming how to do at Conn in the public (private-college-bubble public, but nevertheless). Why then, as students of an Honor Code school that some sort of inexperience-based anxiety. Compared to first place, and that is to communicate ideas with clarity values truthfulness and integrity above all else, are we the other two ways we bend the truth, these instances by synthesizing the objective and the subjective. This comfortable engaging in this type of behavior? are more so a series of semantic mistakes rather than sort of rhetorical strategy is to be found in almost any First, the good at Conn College unequivocally anything actively deceitful. On my first tour, my ath- real-world situation, where so often success depends outweighs the bad, and any lie cannot even begin to letics-related statistics were dripping with errors. And, on someone fashioning a veil, an illusion of sorts or a obscure what this school has to offer. Limitless are because families are bombarded with so many facts, stretching of the truth. I've asked my superiors how to the opportunities for students to get involved with so stats, opinions and anecdotes, one little slip-up here and many different parts of this machine, to make decisions there is more likely than not to have consequences of a and take actions that author the future of the College, negligible order. , , I lie because to do to choose from a hugely diverse range of academic The other way that Tour Guides inaccurately rep- and social environments. We are more or Jess free to resent our college is through straight up lying, in the otherwise would conflict do anything we want, and free to constructively (or willingly-saying-something-about-the-College-that- unconstructively) criticize what we cannot do. We we-know -is-not -true-in -order -to-present -it-in -the- best - with the primary goal of our are an institution that every day rises to new levels of possible-light sense of the word. The good news is that ambitiousness, of prestige and of reputability, and the these lies are never, to my knowledge, handed to us Admissions office (and every coming of President Bergeron, our increasing commit- by Admissions in the form of numbers and statistics. ment to sustainability, the Academic Resource Cen- Our stats and general facts about the College that we Admissions Office in the ter, our all-Steinway status, our fresh-off-the-presses memorize and rattle off are rock solid, and in no way 3-D printer and all other things new and exciting do aim to bend the truth. An example of how this happens country), which is to get as nothing but augment Conn's momentum. While we elsewhere is at a college of a similar size with Greek cannot deny our imperfections, our college was founded life, where Tour Guides are told to tell their tours that many people to apply to the precisely because a group of women were dissatisfied 30% of the student body takes part in Greek life. What and worked together to solve the problem of getting they don't say is that pledges can't join until sophomore school as possible." an education. The need to constantly improve and to year, and that 70% of non-freshmen participate in Greek never cease striving for betterment is at the core of our life. This is a willful, not to mention cunning, choice essence and our heritage, and without the imperfect this on behalf of the Admissions Office at this particular handle talking about the less-than-perfect aspects of train ride of progress would come to a screeching halt. school, and again, to my knowledge, none of the stats being a Camel, and they are guilty of nothing more than The second reason is that tours are arguably the about Conn given to us by Admissions are manipulated. encouraging me to "stay positive." A good Tour Guide - most efficient way to attract an increasingly strong and When I talk about the food at Conn, which we can all will read between the lines on that one, but at the same increasingly large body of applicants. which in tum will agree has its ups and downs, I say that it's "good, and time I've never felt like I was being pressured to lie by ensure that the quality of our student body accelerates sometimes even excellent." By not saying that it can be a superior. in parallel with that of our resources. The strongest ap- bad (Harris codfish and old lettuce from JA can really Much of the "sugar-coating" comes from what we plicants-kids who are intelligent, outgoing, ambitious, throw a wrench in our digestive tracts, no"), I'm lying. don't say, rather than what we do say. For instance, virtuous and high-spirited-are going to be critical of Although the food can be good, and sometimes can so many people are attracted to Connecticut College all tours they attend, and to give a great tour means even be excellent (Soup and Bread, the Festivus Roast, because of our flagship interdisciplinary centers, and it to be confident, fluid and sincere, but also positive. and some of the Harris Sandwich specials have brought gives me great pleasure to talk about how the centers Through a few minor exaggerations, omissions and us a lot of happiness over the past four years), I'm still are a unique opportunity to both sharpen our academic even fewer good old-fashioned fibs, we Tour Guides lying. I lie because to do otherwise would conflict with focuses and broaden what's possible for an undergrad- can engage in a process that has limitless potential to the primary goal of our Admissions office (and every uate student to accomplish. What I don't say is that the ensure the sustainabiliry and growth of student bodies Admissions Office in the country), which is to get as Ammerman Center for Arts and Technology has had a for generations ,to come .• many people to apply to the school as possible. 50% retention rate amongst its senior class and that the When I give my "Everyone at Conn understands the CISLA sophomore seminar often breeds circular, static importance of the Honor Code" spiel, same deal. Every discourse because of the relatively enormous number

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\::- <, i -~-- l~ - 1 o Ml$\ -' w u: z ::r: ""(fJ w ~ ''And now we've come to Lazrus, one of Conn's most desirable residence halls ... " o Why Connecticut One Billion Disagreeing? College Will No RACHEL MADDOX year. According to Chief Elk. En- to use smvivorhood to perpetu- CONTRIBUTOR sler's Ll.S, Prisons Project-seek- ate ideas about interpersonal vio- ing to "make prisons more hab- lence, and this has influence over Longer Perform 1M Easler. V-Day. and The liz- itable and less violent" for those national policy." gilla MonoIogW3 ..., all things inearcerated- is furthermore Chief EDt raises some valid lbaI lIIIDy people know about. indicative of the aforementioned points about white feminism and 1he ~gina Monologues especially on die Connecticut claim. the white savior complex. Femi- CoIJeF campus. This y_ specif- Chief EDt adamantly makes nism itself tends to have white in- and personal doubt I experienced, I icaJJy. given die groundbreaking dIese broad arguments, backed fluenced undertones because that ALIA ROTH Conncectieut College V-Men vid- only by passive references to experience is a part of the domi- CONTRIBUTOR wanted to gauge if the performance eo going vim!. these are all things "Twiner chats." These are argu- nant ideology as it exists globally. still impacted the cast the way it lbaI have been highly publicized ments that are generalized and That is historical. However, Chief When I first saw The Vagina was intended. After the show, I sur- and mquently discussed. Howev- combative in nature, making this Elk goes on to her final, climactic Monologues my freshman year veyed the cast to better understand er. there is more to die movement part of the article feel more like argument that "there is no we." In at Connecticut College, the show what they want from this kind of as a whole. Eve Ensler authored a temper tantrum rather than re- other words, she argues that, "The changed my life. I felt empow- movement within the context of die lizgina Monologues. a collec- search. This brings us to the first problem with the framing of sex- ered, liberated and motivated to our community; because in any tion of monologues taken from the outrageous claim: that Eve Ensler, uaJized violence ~ an issue that get involved in issues regarding feminist movement, the voices of lives of real women that discuss by demanding more of American hurts all women equally is that it gender-based violence. I had nev- the people in the movement should many issues surrounding femi- law enforcement and seeking to erases many of the historical and er experienced being a part of such always be at the forefront. ninity. from pubic hair to orgasms improve female prison environ- current experiences for Indige- an outrageously supportive, loving Not surprisingly, the cast ex- to sexual assault and violence. ments. is reinforcing and therefore nous women." She says, "Rape and powerful community of worn- pressed very similar concerns. The V-Day is a global event seeking supporting a system that regularly in particular is a force of coloni- en. most common criticism from the to end sexual violence around the oppresses women of color. This zation' and that this "patriarchal As a co-producer this year, Iwas cast was that there was not a sin- world by bringing women togeth- claim is problematic because this colonization" that originated with aware of the problematic elements gle monologue that came from us er with a series of events, benefits, issue is so much more complicat- white settlers also includes white of the Vagina Monologues, but - college-aged women. The vast films. etc. to spread awareness in ed than that. women. In essence, she is saying co-producer Ari Holden '14 and majority of women in the show an empowering way. Underneath There is no doubt that the prison that white women are a part of the I continued on as our executive commented that they wanted the the umbrella of V-Day is I Bil- system in this country is lncredi- overarching issue that catalyzes board had already been working freedom to change monologues lion Rising. which is a worldwide bly fractured: there is corruption sexual violence. tirelessly on producing this show. or add their own. Less than half dance event supporting this cause. within the staff, gangs, racial di- We have now arrived at the sec- It was not until the spring, when of the cast felt their personal ex- At Connecticut College. it mani- visions, and, of course, high rates and outrageous claim, which is rehearsals for the show started, that periences were represented by the fests in the shape of a yearly flash of sexual violence. Eve Ensler's that white women reinforce the I began to feel frustrated with the monologues, and not one person mob. focus is the sexual violence issue oppression of women of color, lack of autonomy I had in produc- said that performing the mono- Lawen Chief Eli, in her arti- as it operates within this particular and that act therefore invalidates tion. logues was their favorite part of the cle "There is No 'We': V-Day, context. Changing the American any experience they (white worn- I could not alter the script, and I show. Many commented that, "The Indigenous Women and the Myth prison system is a completely dif- en) have with sexual violence. could not add or take away mono- dedications, building a strong com- of Shared Gender Oppression" ferent ball game. In other words, "l11eser t'W() combined claims are logues even when they were more .munity ot women, .aistethood and 8JiUC'S that Bve Ensler's V-Day a part of sewa/ violence bas to do not mutually exclusive the way offensive than powerful. Among the connections and friendships campaign and the "framing of with lack of action on the part of tbat Chief Elk seems to want them some these offensive monologues J found" were the most powerful sexualized violence as an issue many law enforcement officers, to be. The idea of white women were: parts of the experience. lbaI hntts all women equal1y" di- and on the other side of the coin, and subsequently white feminism Coochie Snorcher -- essentially When the actual performance tedly invalidales and further triv- hostile environments within pris- is indeed problemalic when ad. the glorification of rape between is neither fully representative nor ializes the experience of Indige- on systems. dressing women on a globalscale . two women, one being a fourteen- empowering for the women them- nous women. This seems to me to Eve Basler's specific cause is in the way that Eve Ensler does. year-old girl. selves, what is the purpose of per- be quite the outlandish assertion, sexual violence. It is not prison However, as aforementioned, The Woman Who Loved To Make fanning it? If even some of us are and in this article I will seek to de- and law eoforcement. She there- this is an issue of dominant ma- Vaginas Happy- a favorite for uncomfortable with the words we _ die argument that Chief fore focuses on a miniscule facet jority groups that will not be fixed many. We tend to forget that the are speaking, why continue speak- Elk makes in order to reach a dif- of something that bas to do with by any one given person. To say lines "the Black woman moan," ing them? feretll CODCluaion. As a campus prison and law enforcement. nev- that because of this. white women "the Jewish moan" and "the unin- There was absolutely a time and tb8t bas just produced a very paper claiming to fix the structure as contribute to a patriarchy that was hibited bisexual moan" are written place for TVM. The. monologues ular. very much-talked about and a whole. The fact that high per- established hundreda of years ago, in this monologue. These lines are created an undeniable platform well-attended production of the centages of people of color In and therefore have II() validity then followed by "stereotypically that has changed so many wom- lizgi"" Monologues. the questions this country are incarcerated, of- when it comes to their own sexual sounding moans" which changes en's lives. But when a production raised in the article are important ten wrongly, and often more than assault is absolutely unacceptable. the tone of the monologue to one that has been performed for years to address. once, is an undeniable issue of ra- Anyone who has been sexually as- of racism, anti-Semitism, sexism has resulted in the horedom of the The idea of Eve Ensler's move- cial disparity. But that is a socio- saulted bas experienced pain and and queer-phobia. audience, the falsification of our ment is that women can come to- logical issue of dominant groups violation, and deserves to address My Vagina Is A Village and Jump- generation's voices and the silenc- gether regardless of background and ideologies asserting their her experience and fight back. ing-: the first a graphic description ing and triggering of emotions, it is in a fight against sexual violence power, and that is not something It is important to remember that of sexual assault as a war crime time for the re-production of this that stems from the shared experi- that is going to be shouldered that is the greater picture wben during the Bosnia-Kosovo war and show on our campus to end. ence of being female. Admittedly, solely by Eve Ensler or any other it comes to Eve Ensler's move- the latter Eve Ensler's personal sto- We are ready to speak our own this seems a little idealistic, but single human being. ment. However flawed it may be, ry of gender-based violence. Thus, voices and share our own stories. Chief Elk aggressively dismantles Chief Elk also discusses the it is sincere in its goals. To point the only portrayals of gender-based We want to introduce autonomy to the entire notion in her article. "·benevolence' of white wom- the finger at the dominant group violence in the monologues are ei- the monologues, to speak about the Chief Elk begins by saying en" and the problems with white and further blame and insult ther "othered" through war crime intersectionalities of identities, to that EnsJer was insensitive in her feminism. She asserts that white them is only turning around the or so personal that it becomes un- acknowledge that our bodies and spotlight on Canadian Indigenous feminism, as it currently exists, oppression that minority groups comfortable our statements are political. women during a particular V-Day is not equipped to "address issues have faced for years, and noth- They Beat The Girl-- the story of Every movement transforms, event on February 14, ignoring the that affect Indigenous people, or ing productive comes from that. a trans gender woman being beaten and with the evolution of this fact that the day is an especially other women of color, that is not As a person of color, this uncon- and her boyfriend being murdered; movement on our campus, we will sacred day to Indigenous women based in white supremacy." She trolled attack on a generally pos- the only representation of a trans allow this production to grow and as it marks the Women's Memori- writes that the standards for this itive movement is not something woman in the entire show, and the break free from the constraints that al March, honoring murdered and feminism and efforts to combat I can in good conscience support only monologue that is optional to V-Day demands for their produc- missing Indigenous women. She gender-based violence have foun- or agree with. When women stop perform. tions. We will now be telling our goes on to attack "mainstream dations in white values, which blaming one another for their For the most part, these offensive stories and while we are moving feminism and hannful approaches perpetuates the idea of a white obstacles and ~earing each other undertones did not take away from away from V-Day, we will contin- to gender justice," by stating that savior complex. This complex is down, perhaps a conversation can the show being constructive for ue to stand with it in solidarity and Umainstream feminist anti~vio- emphasized by new legislation be had about bringing together the the cast. We became close, and it appreciate the space it has created. lence policies backfire on women called the International Violence experiences and values of worn- was overall an extremely positive It is my hope that this movement ' of color and other marginalized Against Women act that seeks to en of color with white women in experience. But I could not shake will leave behind a stronger group groups" in that their message of educated women across the world a way that has not been done by my doubts, especially when a few of women who will continue to cracking down and insisting on on how to protect themselves Eve Ensler. Then, we may engage cast members approached me to build on this production, mentor more involvement from the very against sexual violence and abuse, in a troe fight against worldwide express their discomfort with some each other and maintain a space of law enforcement that incarcerates which according to Elk "has sent sexual violence.. of these monologues. With all of creativity, passion, advQcacy and thousands of women of color each the message that it's acceptable the criticism surrounding the show critical engagement .• �~~ILCC~~~:EVOICE THE ANN AND LEEHIGDON SPORTS AND FITNESSSECTION • 11 ~ " MLB Expectations: After Opening Day

Sox. In his last Cuban season, meant to be slow and exhausting PETER BURDGE consistency last year, never losing Dodgers have had their own trou- Abreu hit 33 home runs and drove to watch. But the growing dead CONTRIBUTOR more than three games in a row, bles keeping up their own much- air between pitches has led many much of its success came from hyped superteam. Topping their in 93 runs, a season that would be former fans to flee to the more ac- Baseball's Opening Day has reliable role players and a strong list is Cuban sensation Yasiel impressive for a power hitting ma- tion-packed NFL and NBA. finally come: that one American bullpen-qualities that are diffi- Puig, a never-a-dull-moment kind jor leaguer, but something Abreu We may have seen the first tradition that has for so long given cult to constantly rely on. It will of player who runs wild on the did in onl y 66 games. roll in a potentially growing tide fans a beacon to of hope through- be hard for the Red Sox to recre- base paths, powers through his Xander Bogaerts is ready to be- around baseball, as Miami Marlins out the cold, wind-whipping win- ate last year's triumphs in a more uninhibited swing at the plate, and come a major fixture in the Red president David Samson recently ter nights of winter has made it competitive American League and showcases his ability to gallop like Sox lineup after showing himself to be comfortable under pressure said that one of the biggest goals into our lives, at a time of growing parity in the a horse and throw like a god in the for his team this year is to reduce But after Opening Day, why game. But if they do, it won't be outfield. after playing only a limited role on the duration of games. Samson should you watch Major League without excitement. But Los Angeles has four other the team during last year's World Series. Bogaerts had been touted and manager Mike Redmond will Baseball this year? 2. The Yankees' and Dodgers' All-Star outfielders on the roster, encourage players not to dawdle Because 2014 is looking to be attempts to buy a championship. and manager Don Marting! y has as one of the best prospects in Bos- (either in the batter's box or on the one of the exciting seasons in re- This off-season, the Yankees re- shown his frustration with Puig's ton's minor league system, and his mound) between pitches, arguing cent memory. so expect headlines. verted to their old selves by fishing child-like antics this spring. He bright future begins this year, with that, "If we want to engage fans 18 Here are the four most compel- with furrowed determination for has been, and will continue to be, the potential to already be one of to 49, we have to play faster." ling stories that will jump into the the best possible talent on the mar- a story nearly every day. Challeng- the best offensive shortstops in the And play faster they will, unless, sports landscape, and give every- ket, scooping up Jacoby Ellsbury, ing the Yankees in the big-name game. Who doesn't like a dangerous of course, the new system of'in- one a reason to watch: Brain McCann, Carlos Beltran, game, the Dodgers will draw our base stealer? Baseball has not stant replay slows the game down. 1. Boston'8 run to repeat as and Japanese sensation Masahiro attention with its marquee roster, had a legitimate threat, someone Major League Baseball is final- World Series Champions. Every Tanaka; The value of those four headlined by Puig, Adrian Gonza- whose speed can not only change a ly expanding its instant replay to year, we follow the World Series contracts alone amount to around lez, Hanley Ramirez and Clayton game but carry a team, since Ricky make virtually all field plays (not winner as the official 'team to a half a billion dollars. Kershaw, perhaps the best pitcher Henderson in the 1980s and '90s. balls and strikes) challengeable beat'. but never, since the Yankees Yet in their attempt to build a in the game. The Cincinnati Reds have one this by managers. The league thinks three year run from 1998-2000, do superteam, the Yankees still find 3. New phenomenal players. year in Billy Hamilton. In 2012 it has created an efficient system. teams win consecutive champion- themselves with a pool of players Baseball's pipeline of young tal- while in the minor leagues, Ham- placing a group of umpires at the ships. The 2014 Red Sox are dif- on the downslope of their primes, ent is especially thick this year. ilton stole 155 bases, 106 more league offices in New York, who, ferent. With a great deal of overlap or completely past them. Even the Jose Abreu will be a new addition than MLB's leader that year, and after reviewing the disputed play, from last year's roster, Fenway pitching staff, which should get to the American public eye, as he 25 more than Henderson's mod- will communicate with the um- Park will be rocking with the con- a boost from newcomer Tanaka, spent his former career in Cuba em Major. League single season pires on the field as to what the tinued excitement and chemistry is iffy, with c.e. Sabathia com- before defecting and signing with record. Baseball has not seen a correct call is. The system is past that carried the team to 42 one-run ing off of a mere 14-win season, the White 100-steal season since 1987, and its experimental stages, but will games and l1-watk-off wins. a far cry from 20 win seasons of surely come with criticism as ir ~ "Boston will have some con- his earlier days. No matter ~::.. Hamilton looks poised to break marks an end to the traditional cerns, however; namely with its how well the Yankees ~"'" that 27-year drought. norms that have become staples of inexperienced left-side infield de- play, though, their '~ "'" 4. Instant replay and the American game. fense (led by Xander Bogaerts and star specked ros- --... ~ the pace of games. So let us begin the season, if Will Middlebrooks). They will also ter undoubted- ...... ~ One of the most __ -.--. common critiques not with pomp and fanfare, then need to accommodate Grady Size- ly guarantees of baseball of perhaps simply with high expecta- more, a one time All-Star plagued half-a-bil- late has been the tions for what is to corne. Opening by injuries, as he makes his first lion-dollars ~ lethargic pace Day is here. That is something we Major League start in more than worth of of games, as can all celebrate .• two years. storylines. if they were Though the team showed its The ~ ------

filling out a come of 63 straight games year bracket. after year? Wa r- According to Jeff Bergen, a Warren ren Buffett, the mathematician at DePaul Uni- revered "Oracle versity, the chance of randomly of Omaha ," of- predicting the outcome of the fered a new prize main draw's 63 games is one in Buffett's for the first fifteen 9,223,372,036,854,775,808. For million entrants to his the devoted college basketball competition: one billion fan, the odds decline to a modest dollars for a completely per- one in 128 billion. (Conditional) Just to put the mathematical fect bracket, and one hundred thousand dollars to the top 20 randomness of March Madness runner-ups (if none were indeed into perspective, the last remain- perfect by the end of the tourna- ing perfect bracket in the entire Billion Dollar Pledge country for this year's tournament). At first glance, his pledge seems risky, even for someone ment was held by Brad Binder. like Buffett, who could afford The 23-year-old from Illinois claimed he just "entered for fun siasts: college basketball fans. ment than just the love of col- to lose that much fifty times and NICO PREMUTICO to see what happened,", and March Madness is a lege basketball. still be a billionaire. But keep in CONTRIBUTOR made his picks in a mere three sporting event like none other. Every March brings mind that there has never been a certain competitive spirit to a recorded perfect bracket, and and a half minutes. Every passing March brings a For the 68 Division-One teams make a sports fan out of any Buffett's analytical prediction Ironically, he did not even few weeks of imminent satisfac- that are lucky enough to quali- of us. As millions of people told him the odds of a divine enter Buffett's Billion Dollar tion for two groups of people. fy for the tournament, by either scramble to fill out their office perfect bracket this year were Bracket. And, of course, his First, we have the urologists, winning their respective confer- March Madness brackets money virtually zilch. bracket is no longer perfect after whose clientele multiply every ence championship Or by way changes hands at an exponential Alas, after only the first two the plethora of first and second year as scores of men across of an at-large bid, the focus of rate. Everyone loves to fill out a rounds of this year's tournament round upsets. His casual success the country strategically sched- an entire country falls on them. bracket for a shot at a few hun- there are zero perfect bracket's in this year's March Madness ule their vasectomies, knowing March Madness can make a dred bucks and office bragging left in his fifteen million-person brackets perhaps reinforces a re- well in advance that they will small university from Nebraska rights, particularly at the mere pool, and, for that matter, zero ality for Buffet's 15 million par- have a few days to sit around into a nationally polarizing in- cost of a ten or twenty dollar en- left in the entire country. How is ticipants: that a shot in the dark the house and stare at their tele- stitution, but one must keep in trance fee. This year brought a this possible? 15 million people for one billion dollars is just vision screen. This brings us to mind that there is more to this new element of prize for simply are failing to predict the out- that, a shot in the dark .• Our next group of March enthu- internationally admired tourna- THE COLlEGEVOIQIE' 12 • THEANN AND LEEHIGDON SPORTS AND FITNESSSEOION APRIL U@14 SAM GILL '14 TAKES HOME NATIONAL TITLE IN 100 METER

ELEANOR HARDY NCAAs in Texas along with se- "I'm glad to say I left it all in the SPORTS EDITOR nior Julia Pielook.iboth of whom swimming individual events. pool with nothing left to prove" Over spring break senior Sam This year, traveling to India- GiOver spring break, senior Sam oapolis, the two were joined by Gill joined the small, elite group other members of their respec- session of the meet, it was pretty the driving force behind his re- of national cbampions at Con- tive teams .. Joining from the hard to walk away from the pool cent title, Gill feels that "these necticut College. The fifth Cam- Men's team were "juniors Kirk and head to the locker room, achievements, including my el ever to take home a national Czelewicz, Patrick McGinnins, knowing that I'd never be back, own, would not have been re- title, this was Gill's third and fi- sophomores Drew Andre and but I'm glad to say I left it all alized without Coach Benve- nal year competing as a standout Loring Bowen and freshman in the pool with nothing left to nutti." Being named NESCAC swimmer in the NCAAs. Michael Fothergill. In addition prove," shares Gill. Not only was Men's Coach of the Meet for the Gill and a senior from Emory were members of the Women's nothing left to prove in the wa- second year in a row, an award became NCAA co-champions team, Sam Pierce '16, Rachel ter, but great strides were made greatly deserved, Gill is hopeful of the 100 M backstroke with a Wilson '16, Ivy Durepo '17 and in proving the success of Conn's that "with him at the helm, the time of 47.62 seconds, just .06 Skye Marigold '17_ Although swim program. With a national Camels can only continue to im- seconds off from the current the exhausting to compete in both title, Gill sees their success at prove." NCAA record. Gill shared that individual and team relay events this year's championships as' a Humble about joining this winning the national title "has this year, Gill was happy to be "solid start." Able to break 20 small clan of elite Conn athletes, been a surreal experience and able to "have the memories of of 22 school records this season Gill always comes back to 'rec- absolute honor." After coming competing with the guys, Having in addition to four conference ognizing the team he has been in a close second by .01 seconds us all become All-Americans is records at NESCACS this past proud to be a part of: "being a in the hundred yard butterfly something I will never forget." February, Gill remarked "that part of such an incredible team, the previous day, Gill felt that Both teams finished strongly our program is on our way to the past and present, I couldn't have "there was even more drive to with the men placing 12th over- top of the NESCAC and even envisioned a better way of end- win, especially knowing that it all and the women 16th. the nation." ing my career in the pool." • would be my last competitive As a senior, this was Gill's last Although his hard work and backstroke swim of my career." competitive swimming event as dedication to the sport and Last year, Gill attended a Camel: "at the end of the last Conn's program can be seen as

NESCAC POWER RAN KINGS IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

Compiled by THECOLLEGE VOICE Women's Lacrosse; Men'~ta Conn 11- 4 Springfield Conn 9- z·UMass This is the first installment of the spring NESCAC Power Ranking. The Pow- Conn 9 - 11 Tufts Conn13-2 er Ranking will be posted weekly and will rank the eleven NESCAC schools besed on men's and women's hockey, men's and women's basketball and men's and women's swimming and diving. Men'sTennis: Conn Coast Guard MEN'S WOMEN'S MEN'S WOMEN'S 6 - 3 SCHOOL TEM'l1S TENNtS LACROSSE LACROSSE AVG Conn 2-6 Wesleyan

CONNCOLL 10 NlA 5 10 8.3 HAMILTON 11 8 1 8 7 SO YOU DON'IMISS BATES 5 1 9 5 5

COLBY 5 8 7 5 6.25 Men's Lacrosse:

V$ Trinity WESLEYAN 5 5 11 5.5 4/24:00 PM vs Bowdoin TRINITY 5 5 9 2 5.25 4/51:OOPM TUFTS 9 5 7 5.5

BOWDOIN 3 8 3.25 w-'sT_1s: MIOflliRY 1 3 7 2 3.25 vs Mount Holyoke 4/5 10,30AM 4 4 3.0 V$ Smith 4/53:00 PM AMHERST 1 NlA 5 2.3

The poll was devised as follows: Sports Editor Luca Powell ranked all NESCAC schools In each sport. These rankings were based on NESCAC standings as well as quality wins and influential losses to NESCAC opponents. These scores were plugged Into an impossibly complex algorithm to composite an overall ranking for each school. �~~ILC(~~~iEVOICE ART S / E N T E R TA IN MEN T • 13 Ricky Rozay Drops New Record ChickensEverywhere Panic

Cleaning Between the Lines: MATTEO MOBILIO spent his career honing his braggadocio, lays down LeWitt's Irregular Towers ARTS EDITOR a superb boast: "You seen what I did to the stop and frisk I Brooklyn on the Barney's like we own the bitch It's been a tough couple of years for the Teflon Don, / Give the money to the hood, now we all win." Jay's a1lJ1e-Iea, . Irr'Janeary of-20 I3, Rick Ross was the presence brings out the best in Ross who delivers PAIGE MILLER In 1997, LeWitt created Irregu- vWlirrlof a drive-by shooting, although he was not se- some amusing lyrics: "Club Armani where the cash COLUMNIST lar Tower (Horizontal Bricks #2), riou~l~injure..~.A few months later, he lost a lucrative is ! Dubai 1 can do it like a sheikh! Top floor nigga, which was installed at Connecti- sponsorsbip ftom Reebo after seme of his lyrics in Burj Khalifa!" but stays in his lane for the most part, Sol LeWitt (1928-2007) ·'vas an cut College just south of Freeman rapper Rocko's song "V.O.E.N.O." described an en- filling out verses with references to his ownership of American Conceptualist and Min- House during the same year. counter that could only be characterized as date rape. Wingstop Restaurants: "Wingstop owner I lemon pep- imalist painter and sculptor from According to the Sculpture and While Rick Ross certainly has tried to sweep the latter per aroma I Young black nigga, barely got a diploma," nearby Hartford, Connecticut. Decorative Arts Conservation incident under the carpet, He puts the drive-by shoot- or a personal favorite, "Came from the hood I ain't In the early 1950s, LeWitt at- Services LLC report in 2009, the ing at center-stage for IUs new album, Mastermind. nothing changed I Still lemon pepper on my mother- tended the School of Visual Arts piece is listed with moderately While the shooting does not really inform the overall fucking waaaangs." Although Ross's fearures are usu- and pursued side work as a graphic high conservation priority. Its tone or flow of the album, an audio recording of a 911 ally stronger than him in lyrical style and content, they designer for the architect I.M. Pei current condition, however, is list- phone call from the scene titled "Shots Fired" is fea- keep the album moving and offer the variety necessary and Seventeen magazine. In 1960, ed as "poor." On the surface, the tured early on, perhaps in an effort to Ross's confirm to keep things interesting. he took a job at the Museum of sculpture has several orange and authenticity as a gangster. The message seems to be Ross does step away from the triumphant horns and Modern Art in New York City as black stains due to moisture accu- that this is a man who was gunned down and has come drum crashes of '90s era hip-hop to briefly explore his a receptionist and clerk, surround- mulation, salt deposits and lichen back for revenge, not with bullets, but with raps. , more melancholic side. Lit' Wayne's support on the ing himself with growth. Chunks But while Kanye West's ''Through the Wire" gave ''Thug Cry," an eerie, bass-heavy track, showcases works by Mark In the mid I960s, from lower part meaningful insight into how an almost fatal car crash some of Lil Wayne's best work in quite a long time. Rothko, Le Cor - . of the piece are affected West's outlook on his music and his life, we On "In Vein," the Weeknd slows things down even busier and Ed- LeWitt decided to missing. most soon forget that Rick Ross was ever supposed to be an further with his signature gloomy and carnal vocals. ward Steichen. likely a result of underdog because he refuses to say anything signifi- Delivering the hook and a verse, the Weeknd's pres- These inft uences take a drastically weed-whacking cant about the event. Where as Kanye rapped: "Just ence pervades over the entire track. When Ross final- allowed LeWitt new approach to his or mowing dam- imagine how my girl feel I On the plane, scared as hell ly shows up to do his pall, the result is surprisingly to develop his age. that her guy look like Emmett Till," Ross can only satisfying. The bravado is undimmed but his growling artistic style, three-dimensional The Sculpture muster: "False floors for firearms is how you should voice contrasts nicely with the Weeknd's desperation, which is geo- and Decorati ve ride I Tried to murder me while in mine so that's how which manifests itself through his high-pitched moans metric, saturated work by revealing Arts Conserva- I survived." His boisterous attitude floods the album and wails. with color and the structure of tion Services throughout its entirety, delivering what we've come Ross raps so much about Ross (and chicken wings systematically LLC report to expect from a Rick Ross albwn. At a time when for that matter) that it can be easy to rum off from the formulated. forms, and the recommends a self-appointed "mastermind." But if we realize that In addition "wash once per artists like Kendrick Lamar, Drake and Kanye West square became an are sincerely exploring deeper emotions, Rick Ross he might not be taking himself as seriously as previ- to drawing and year with a non- ionic detergent. remains impenetrable. With innumerable references ously thought - we remember that this is a genuine- painting, LeWitt iconoic shape for to his cars, women, cocaine and gold chains, the only ly fun album. On his sixth albwn, Ross doesn't stray began exploring When mowing, keep at least one emotion Ross is caught expressing is the emotion (or far from doing what he does best. His lyrics and flow three-dimen- his 'building block' foot away from sin) of pride. Ross probably spends a few too many have always been limited, but that doesn't mean they sional work. His fascination. the sculpTure." moments reveling in his success and his clearly '90s aren't enjoyable. No one is going to be running-out first sculptures, In fact, the re- inspired gangster affectation is difficult for the listener to proclaim Mastermind a classic or that Rozay is or as he liked port divulged, "The artist's intent to indulge in for all of the EP's nineteen songs; still changing the face of hip-hop; that doesn't seem to to call them, "structures," were should be clarified in order to de- Ross has done an exceptional job recruiting some great be his aim anyway. The album benefits greatly from primarily wooden, closed forms. termine whether or not weather- guest performances, as well as picking some beautiful guest artists who spice things up and is jam-packed In the mid 196Os, LeWitt decided to take a drastically new approach ing, staining, and biogrowth were beats. with well-picked music from the likes of OJ Mustard, desired and appropriate. After Those guest performances include Jay-Z, Lil' J.U.S.T.LC.E. League, the Weeknd, and Mike Dean. to his three-dimensional work by revealing the structure of forms, getting in touch with Lewin's as- Wayne, Kanye West, Meek Mill, Big Sean, and French Mastermind meets its modest goal; "Sanctified" is the and the square became an icon- sistant, Susanna Singer, she ex- Montana, who shine brightly, sometimes even more so hit that we'll learn all the words to (really just Kanye's ic shape for his "building block" pressed that "Mr. LeWitt would than Ross. The album's pinnacle, "Sanctified" (pro- verse) and the rest of the album will let us live out our fascination. This shift led LeWitt not have wanted the object to be- duced by DJ Mustard and Kanye West), combines thug ambitions vicariously - at least for a few weeks. to experiment with stacked cinder come stained or covered with bio- Betty Wrigh 's soulful vocals with ghostly synths that Just make sure that when the interviewer for your sum- blocks as a way to create monu- flora. He preferred clean lines and make th song a sure-fire radio hit. Kanye's verse is mer internship asks how you work with others, you mental "structures," and much of was not interested in having the ente .ningly self-deprecatory: "God sent me a mes- don't respond: "Catch a nigga slipping I put a bulletin his work from the late 1980s and piece revert to nature," • sage, aid I'm too aggressive I Really!? Me!? Too ag- his temple I Homie, it's the same rules, money talks, early 1990s reflects this trend. gressive!?" On "The Devil is a Lie," Jay-Z, who has simple." • NOW IN THE LYMAN ALLYN

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Kimye Climbs the Social Ladder

a cliche. Both McConaughey CALI ZIMMERMAN (which is analogous to how we is still considered sexy, just not we are talking about them. and Vogue are known for being STAFF WRITER binge watch shows as well), but sexualized. In an attempt to be current in to how we observe celebrities. Kim and Kanye have also per- the media, Anna Wintour has typecast: McConaughey for his buffness and Vogue for its high If you have not heard, Kim Kim and Kanye are at the zenith fectly maneuvered themselves capitalized on Kimye. By using art content. By subverting their Kardashian and Kanye West of 'hate watching' . to become publicity gold. While the hash tag #TheWorldsMost- images, both are now constantly were on the cover of Vogue. A recent New Yorker article their approach is the opposite TalkedAboutCouple. Vogue is in the media. For all those who disapprove discussed how Matthew. Me- of McConaughey's, their use of asking for subscribers to become The. controversy with having of Anna Wintour's decision, Conaughey has finally found Kim and Kanye on the cover take a step back to realize you his footing as a reputable ac- of Vogue will follow the maga- are a mouse falling right into a tor, calling this this "McCo- zine for issues to come, because 14-karat gold, gourmet cheese naissance." Rachel Syme dis- Will the magazine continue on people will be wondering what trap that Wintour meticulously cussed McConaughey's career Vogue's next move will be. Will designed. There was no ques- trajectory, and how he is in the the trail of pop culture? Will the magazine continue on the tion that this cover would be met pinnacle of success and recog- trail of pop culture? Will Annie with major backlash. Kim is a nition. What makes Kimye and Annie Liebowitz use filters on Liebowitz use filters on lnsta- constant target in the media for McConaughey homogenous is gram to edit her photos? Regard- her existence alone, and Kanye the way in which they publicize Instagram to edit her photos? less, McConaughey, Vogue, and continues to question his exis- themselves. McConaughey has Kimye are all cultural icons now tence on Earth. Our existence is worked to undermine his roman- that we will continue to exasper- built around consuming all that tic comedy image to become ate over until there is something Kim and Kanye are. We yearn an elite dramatist. He is looked sexuality and excess glamour involved. Though the magazine else to #hatewatch.· for facts about them even though at for his body in a completely makes them a marketable dream. is known for its dedication to we hate them. Society is not different way (due to the drastic Every outlandish act Kim and high fashion, this break into nature he went about looking the Kanye pull is set to cause a stir in mainstream media shows the ~n1ined-to-jJl.St "hatewatching" .-r- celtaili"'f.V""Sliows and movies part m Dallas Buyers Club). He the tabloids. For better or worse, importance of not becoming ~ ~ ------

Swaying in Smocks

Contemplations on the Trisha Brown Dance Company

EMILIE STOLL clear points of initiation in their bodies in CONTRIBUTOR the way they would bend in their joints or balance with a specific part of their body. Trisha Brown Dance Company comes Men would lift the women through hip with a complimentary combination of connection or foot to torso connection; performance versatility. Trisha's show in ways of lifting that I had never thought of Palmer this weekend didn't only leave but were executed seamlessly, 1 appreciat- me inspired after it ended, but it drew me ed the articulation in the shapes the danc- in during. What stood out to me was the ers made and the clarity of their moments dancers' constant play with internal and whether they were being linear or more external focus as well as the attention to round and three-dimensional. points of initiation in their bodies. I especially loved the final piece of the Within the movement, there were mo- show, entitled, "I am going to toss my arms- ments where the dancers focus as well as if you catch them they're yours." All nine body language was more introverted and dancers were wearing what looked like big grounded into the floor during repetitive, white smocks, which they gradually took slower movement in unisons. The energy off one by one throughout the work. On between each dancer was still radiant in the stage right were big fans blowing through- almost breath-like seamlessness between out the entire piece, which gave the piece each transition and ability to travel across a nice airy quality and weightlessness. It the stage. In other moments, the dancers, was visually striking to see the smocks without force, had genuine moments of blow off stage when the dancers would eye contact. As a viewer. this gave me a take them off revealing brightly colored comforting feeling of strong partnership leotards for the women and briefs for the and community. It was nice to see the per- men. I grew curious as to what it must be formers not just look at each other but re- like to dance in front of such winds. ally see each other and even occasionally The company comes with an admirable smile; it was evident that they were at ease sense of strength, cohesiveness, attention in their motions. to detail, and authenticity. It is apparent Trisha's style enables her dancers to that they love what they do, which only play with using initiation as the central makes me love what I watch .• cause of movement. Each dancer had such DINING

Washington St. Cafe

Local coffeehouse,intercontinental... flavor

CHIARA CAFIERO ARTS EDITOR

We arrived at American, which makes for an eclectic recommends the Washington Street menu that incorporates quality ingredi- meatloaf sandwich, Coffee House in down- ents like prosciutto, as well as. home- which is "probably town New London around made sauces. overlooked because a lot 6:30 p.m. on a rainy Satur- We brought a bottle of red wine, which of people have bad associa- day evening. My roommates we drank from paper cups.l ordered the tions with meatloaf or think it's and I frequent Washington Street chicken tacos with goat cheese, cabbage, boring, aut they do it really well for Sunday breakfasts but had red onion, and house-made jalapeno hot and it's perfect if you're looking never been for dinner. It's B YOB sauce. My roommates ordered the same for sOme down-home goodness. and meals are inexpensive, usually tacos, the Thai green curry witb bok choy They make their own ketchup, too." between $5 and $10. We'd seen the and the sesame ginger chicken wrap. While we enjoyed our meals, we signs for $2 Taco Night on Fridays and I love tacos, and these did not disap- agreed that nothing compares to their Saturdays, so we decided to give it a point. The jalapeno hot sauce was fresh breakfast. We recommend the oatmeal try. with apples- and cinnamon, the huevos Although we weren't there on a night Mexican with Asian- rancheros, and the breakfast sandwich- with a performance, the cafe often fea- es (which come on homemade English tures live music on weekends. The place Fusion with classic muffins). Their pastries are also excel- has a relaxed feel, with paper lanterns lent, and their coffee is so strong that my hanging from the ceiling and work by American makes for an roommates jokingly refer to it as "jet local artists covering the walls. There's fuel." a "free" box by the door to take or eclectic menu Any time of day, Washington Street leave miscellaneous items (this time Coffee House is a great spot for stu- it was filled with ties). The place and zesty with just a little kick-a sur- dents and locals alike. The natural has a young vibe, but customers of prising complement to the tanginess of light from its huge windows and its aU ages enjoy Washington Street, the goat cheese. We ran into Spencer attractive but minimal decor make from families with little kids to Francus '14, who also had the chicken it a great place to study. It's also a group of older regulars who tacos, and commented that said goat a unique place to bring visiting gather to read the newspaper cheese was "a revelation." friends if you want to impress together. Liz Spackman' 14, said that her Thai them with great food and a Washington Street's curry didn't taste especially like curry, cool scene. Vje can't say cuisine manages to but it was more like rice and steamed enough good things combine Mexican vegetables in a broth. Although she about Washington with Asian-fu- might not order that dish again, Spack- Street! •. sion with man remains a huge fan of Washing- classic ton Street. She loves the banh mi (pork belly) sandwich, which she says "melts in your mouth." She also