Inside the Democratic National Convention - Page 8 Case closed on BOV campus vandalism - Page 2 Volume 4 An independent The Virginia publication at the College Issue 1 of William and Mary. September 17, 2008 Informer The common sense paper Established 2005 of record on campus. www.VAInformer.com Student groups unite to commemorate 9/11 CRs, YDs and MSA plant flags to honor victims; Queen’s Guard pays tribute Steven Nelson all remember that our entire country was News Editor attacked on September 11, 2001, without regard to race, ethnicity or religion, and On the night of September 10, it is critical that we remember that in amidst light rain, a diverse cross-section our commemorations.” He was pleased of the student body paced the Sunken that three co-sponsoring organizations Garden. The hundred or so students were taking part, along with many other were planting three thousand American volunteers. fl a gs to commemorate the lives lost in Adeela Tajdar (’09), president of the terrorist attacks of September 11, the Muslim Student Association and 2001. secretary of the Student Assembly’s For the fi rst year, three groups took Diversity Initiatives department, said, part in this annual fl ag display: the College “It was wonderful to see the three Kristin Coyner Republicans, the Young Democrats, organizations come together, when we Rapid Rise: Interim President Taylor Reveley was sworn in as the College’s 27th president. and the Muslim Student Association. so often see the two political parties on Additional volunteers unaffi liated with opposing sides of issues.” the groups also helped with the set up. Ms. Tajdar noted that the Muslim Reveley assumes presidency At the Wren-side opening of the Student Association has previously Sunken Garden, uniformed members conducted a vigil for those who died Inside the appointment process of the Queen’s Guard stood at attention in the attacks, and all killed in the Iraq throughout the day on the 11th, keeping and Afghanistan wars. “I think it is Alex Mayer Law W. Taylor Reveley to serve as interim watch over a memorial wreath purchased also important to remember the many Executive Editor president “until a permanent leader is by the Class of 2009. who have died recently and throughout found.” Student Assembly President Valerie history due to terrorism and the brutality When former Interim President W. In an interview just three days after Hopkins (’09) sent an e-mail to the it evokes. [We are] standing together in Taylor Reveley III was appointed the Nichol’s resignation, Mr. Powell reiterated student body on the anniversary, sharing an effort to end such targeted hatred 27th president of the College of William that the search for a new president “[has] that the Wren building’s bell was to toll worldwide,” she said. and Mary on September 5, 2008, very essentially begun. We will not waste one at the times when few people in the College community second in beginning to organize it….It will the four planes understood the complex series of events take as long as it takes to get a powerful crashed on that that led up to the Board of Visitors’ and important leader for this school….” morning seven decision. In the midst of the controversy, turmoil years earlier. The presidential transition process and heated emotion that followed in The historic offi cially began immediately following the the wake of Mr. Nichol’s resignation, Wren chapel was abrupt resignation of former President the BOV sought to defuse the situation closed to the Gene Nichol on February 12, 2008, after by promising that the careful search for public for the day, he was privately notifi ed by the BOV the next president would be an open, and opened for that his contract would not be renewed. transparent process that would take into students to quietly In Rector Michael Powell’s e-mail to consideration the input and opinions of pray and refl ect. students explaining the board’s decision, all members of the College community. Scott Morris he concluded with the promise that “the Yet no presidential search began (’10), chair of College will begin a search for a new during the spring semester -- the Board the College president immediately.” Mr. Powell also Republicans, Alec McKinley explained that the board had selected REVELEY ASSUMES PRESIDENCY commented, “It is Flags for the fallen: CRs, YDs and MSA placed 3,000 Dean of the Marshall-Wythe School of continued on page ten important that we American fl ags in the Sunken Gardens. Newport News / Williamsburg Airport to continue expansion

Jennifer Souers currently has two existing runways, and is in Business Editor the process of building a third. The proposed runway would be about 11,000 feet long and is The Newport News / Williamsburg hoped to be completed by 2012, although the International Airport is currently undergoing date may be extended due to environmental and extensive construction and development to other regulations. expand the size and capabilities of the airport. The bid for the expansion project was The expansion began with the construction awarded to WM Jordan construction firm at of a new parking garage about a year ago, which the June commission meeting. The company is contains parking spaces for 727 vehicles, with still in the preconstruction phases of designing the first floor servicing rental cars. The airport and evaluating the plans for expansion. WM also constructed a new, state-of-the-art, $14 Jordan is also responsible for many well-known million air traffic control tower. The new parking projects at William and Mary, including the Lake garage and air traffic control tower will both be Matoaka Amphitheater renovation, additions and celebrating their one-year anniversary this year, renovations at the Marshall-Wythe School of Law as part of the larger, on-going expansion project. and law library and the Laycock Football Center. Newort News Airport A second parking garage, to mirror the first, New horizons: Newport News / Williamsburg International will be constructed in the next year or two to NEWPORT NEWS EXPANDS AIRPORT Airport to expand and add new concourse. support increased passenger traffic. The airport continued on page ten CONTENTS Want to get every issue of The Informer in the mail? News...... 2 E-mail [email protected] with your name and Features...... 5 Snakes in a Dell? address, and we will send you an order form and your fi rst Page 6 issue FREE! Arts & Culture...... 11 Opinion...... 14 Virginia Page 2 InformerThe September 17, 2008 News BOV graffi t i investigation closed, no charges fi led Steven Nelson At the station, the student was placed News Editor in a room equipped with a two-sided mirror and sound recording devices, In the spring of 2008, a campus police where she was left to wait for what investigation was launched to uncover was presumed to be a short follow-up the identity of those responsible for interview. The student soon learned that widespread and connected vandalism this interview was not regarding the past that occurred following the non- minor incident, and told The Informer, renewal of President Nichol’s contract “The offi cer’s fi r st question regarded my by the Board of Visitors (BOV) and involvement with the vandalizing graffi ti Mr. Nichol’s subsequent resignation. on campus.” It is estimated in February that the The student refl ected, “Surprised and incident cost the College around $500. slightly offended, I assured the offi cer The Wren building, the Tyler Garden, that I had nothing to do with the graffi ti, Swem Library and buildings throughout and that I had absolutely no idea who old campus were spray painted with was responsible.” Unconvinced, the “BOV Visit This: [middle fi nger]” and offi cer proceeded to question the recent other comments, including “Board of transfer about her experiences with Dictators!” According to police Chief painting and her feelings towards the Don Challis, the case was never solved college administration. The interrogation and has recently been closed. The Informer lasted for about one hour. A recent has been in contact with two sources alumnus shared a quite similar story. that have provided an inside look into Both were students at the time the investigation. File Photo and active in groups which operated Not long after the vandalism occurred, Cold case: William and Mary Police have not fi led charges for last spring’s vandalism following the Board of Visitor’s decision some students that were engaged in incident following Board of Visitors ruling on Nichol contract. not to renew Gene Nichol’s contract. campus activism were summoned to The current student is adamant that the the police station. The routine was conducted properly. The current student, this was about. I had witnessed a minor interrogation was unwarranted, “I have reported to The Informer by a current who has asked not to be publicly named, incident the semester before, and I student and recent alum, who feel that had her dorm room visited by a police began to think it might be a follow up GRAFFITI CASE CLOSED the investigation may not have been offi cer. “I had absolutely no idea what interview.” continued on page four

Southwest Virginia Walk of Fame is inspired by the and excitement for working with Mr. Holden and Briefly... Virginia Legends Walk in Virginia Beach, and includes for the opportunity to create this project around other notable members Daniel Boone and George C. the College and Williamsburg. Compiled by Jennifer Souers, Business Editor Scott. High school counselors highly William and Mary professor and recommending the College Chemistry professor named student directing / acting in In part of the annual “America’s Best Colleges inaugural member of Virginia feature fi lm honor 2009” by US News & World Report, a new ranking Professor Martin Fusi and student Jack Stuart shows William and Mary in the 25 national universities, William and Mary Emeritus Professor of Chemistry (’09) have been working on an independent film according to high school counselors. Awarded a William Starnes was honored with membership in titled The Outsider. Both have been working on score of 4.4 out of 5 by high school counselors, the the inaugural class of the Southwest Virginia Walk of shooting local scenes around the College and College was awarded a rank of 25 out of all universities Fame. During his time as a professor at William and Williamsburg. The film also stars Hollywood nationwide. The high school counselor rating is new to Mary, Mr. Starnes perfected a technology for alternative actor Larry Holden (Batman Begins, Insomnia). In the annual report. William and Mary ranked 32 among PVC stabilization compounds that is environmentally an interview with William and Mary news, both universities nationwide in the 2009 general ratings by friendly, which he has also patented and licensed. The Messrs. Fusi and Stuart expressed their pleasure US News.

The Informer apologizes for the following errors in our Aug. 27 2008 Issue: To the William & Mary Community: The Virginia Informer would like to sincerely apologize for the unacceptable mistake of The Information Box for the Special Issue incorrectly listed the date of the issue as “April 27, publishing the phrase “% Colored Students” on the front page of 2008” instead of “August 27, 2008” our Special Issue released on August 27th. While attempting to highlight the increased diversity and excellence of the Class of 2012, The article “Interview with Congressman Wittman” was incorrectly listed as appearing on Page 8, our staff made an accidental yet inexcusable error during the fi nal instead of Page 6. layout process within hours before going to print. On behalf of The feature “Student Restaurant Discounts in Williamsburg” was incorrectly listed as appearing the organization, I offer my sincerest apologies to all those in the on Page 9, instead of Page 7. William & Mary community.

The Virginia Informer would like to correct any facts printed incorrectly. Please submit all Sincerely, corrections via e-mail to [email protected]. Andrew Blasi, Editor in Chief

The Virginia Photography/Graphics Staff Alec McKinley, Photography Editor Informer Editorial Board Nicole Leger • Kristine Mosuela • Long Vinh Andrew B. Blasi, Jr., Editor in Chief Copy Staff Established 2005 Nick Fitzgerald, Editor in Chief, Online Edition R.C. Rasmus, Copy Chief Founders Jon San, Managing Editor Virginia Lynn Butler • Amber L. Forehand • Sara Roux Joe Luppino-Esposito & Amanda J. Yasenchak Alex Mayer, Executive Editor Beth Zagrobelny Steven Nelson, News Editor Layout Staff September 17, 2008 Michelle Ju, Features Editor Sam McVane, Design Editor Megan Locke, Arts & Culture Editor Business Staff Volume 4 Issue 1 Kristin Coyner, Opinion Editor Jennifer Souers, Business Editor Brandon Bleakley • Henry Cheng • Kyle Masengale The Virginia Informer Outreach Staff CSU 7056, P.O. Box 8793 Mission Statement Emily Nunez, Director of Outreach Williamsburg, VA 23186 The Virginia Informer is an independent, non-partisan, student run Staff Writers [email protected] publication devoted to reporting the news to the William and Mary Bryan Alphin • Aimee Forsythe • Alex Guiliano • Nick Hoelker www.VAInformer.com community. We exist to provide an alternative to school sponsored Ian Kirkpatrick • Stephanie Long • Patrick Macaluso • Bert Mueller Sarah Nadler • Chris Ours • Matt Pinsker news sources. We do not, and never will, receive any fi nancial sup- The Virginia Informer is produced by students at the College of William and Mary. The Contributors opinions expressed in articles, photos, cartoons, or ads are those of the writer(s) or sponsor(s). port from the College of William and Mary. We will not shy away Eric Ames • Eileen Bartolozzi • Matt Beato • Jeff Bergemann This paper is produced for the benefi t of students at the College and is available at no cost from controversy or be afraid to challenge the norm. We strive to Michael Cohen • Sarah Deans • Adriana Green • Jacob Hill • David for members of the greater Williamsburg community. However, copies should be taken only inform and engage our readers via responsible journalism and in- Inserra • Boris Kiselev • Ben Kyber • Chris Kuntz • Brian O’Donnell if they are meant to be read and enjoyed. In the event an individual or group prevents these depth reporting, while fostering and giving voice to opinions that Brittany Lane • Charlie Murray • Joanna Sandager • Grace Sherman copies from being enjoyed by others, the cost to that individual or group will be $15 per copy. Swetha Sirvaram • Rachel Smith • Russell Taylor • Ilsa Tinkelman Letters to the editor are welcome and can be submitted via e-mail or mail. are often shut out by the campus establishment. Kirk Vernegaard • Michael Watson Virginia The Page Informer news September 17, 2008 3 Going Greek New independent alumni A look at fall rush organization established, gives voice to issues Sarah Nadler In fact, potential new members were Staff Writer even shown videos so they can report Jon San if a sorority is “dirty rushing.” Sorority Managing Editor With 27.5 percent of undergraduate women are prohibited from texting or women in sororities and 25.2 percent calling potential new members, giving The Society for the of undergraduate men in fraternities, potential new members any kind of College (SFTC) is a new, rush is a pivotal part of the William item or gift, especially alcohol, and independent organization and Mary back-to-school experience. talking to potential new members of alumni, students, faculty Whether you are a student going for more than fi ve minutes. Rush and friends of William through recruitment or an active Greek infractions can result in punishments and Mary, providing a member, rush tends to be a hectic time such as fi nes or losing a round of rush voice for its members for everyone. for the entire sorority. for important issues. The Both sorority and fraternity rush On the other hand, fraternity rush society’s mission statement began at a Meet the Greeks event on is far more informal. Events are most of “engag[ing] the larger Yates fi eld, which took place August commonly publicized through e-mails College community to help 26. This annual event, sponsored by and phone calls once contact information The College of William the Council for Fraternity Affairs is collected at Meet the Greeks. Though and Mary be the best public Society for the College (CFA) and the Inter-Sorority Council there are some CFA sponsored events university in the country SFTC directors: President Andrew McRoberts (‘87) (ISC), allows potential new members such as “Finding the Fraternities,” while exercising good stands with colleagues on the Board. to get a feel for Greek life in general. “Greek Recruitment Reception” and governance, honoring approves the selection of The board of directors Meet the Greeks also lets the individual open houses, these events are not well- the College’s history and President Taylor Reveley. for SFTC includes alumni, organizations make good impressions attended and have a very small impact on traditions, and pursuing SFTC President Andrew students and faculty. The on those rushing, and vice-versa. fraternity rush. Most frats opt for a more academic excellence and McRoberts (’87) has directors include Mr. While both sororities and fraternities personal approach. For example, Beta intellectual freedom.” stated that “the Society McRoberts, president, on campus have governing bodies, Theta Pi invited potential new members While not affi liated with is encouraged by the fact secretary and treasurer sorority rush is formal and strictly out for dinner and pool at the Corner the Alumni Association, that Reveley will stay at Susan Adams (’81), Susan regulated by ISC. Rush for women Pocket in New Town. Other fraternities the society helps to educate the helm for a few years, Briggs Eley (’57, ’62), Nancy on campus consists of four rounds: host poker nights, go out for pizza or its members about issues and are happy with the Booth (’58), Barbara Grant open house day, philanthropy day, skit even venture all the way to Virginia Beach going on at the College, Board’s decision…we (’59), Matt Ames (’80), Joe day and preference night. After each for some surfi ng. as well as advocating on believe that Taylor Luppino-Esposito (’08), round, those going through rush must Despite attempts for Pan-Hellenic behalf of its members. Reveley is committed to Student Director Jennifer rank the houses in order of preference. love, rush does bring out the spirit of SFTC focuses its academic excellence…. Souers (’10), and Faculty Recruitment counselors are select competition in the Greek community activities on three key Excellence must be the Director Dr. Paul Davies. The women from all houses on campus here at William and Mary. Fraternity areas: good governance top goal of a premier society is also affi liated with who help the potential new members bids can be extended as soon as of the College, an academic institution like the American Council of through this confusing and emotional September 15 and “Bid Day” for emphasis on honoring and ours.” Other issues SFTC Trustees and Alumni (ACTA), process. Cuts are made based on sorority women is September 14. preserving the College’s is focusing on include is a 501(c)3 organization and mutual selection, so each round the Good luck to all those rushing! history and traditions the College’s short-term does not take any fi nancial potential new members visit fewer More information about Greek Life and pursing the academic and long-term fi n ancial assistance from the College. houses. Rules and regulations are can be found at http://web.wm.edu/ excellence needed to make stability, transparency, More information on the rigidly enforced in sorority recruitment. so/greeks. the College the “best accountability and Society and its issues can be liberal arts university in the effi ciency from found at its Website www. country.” organizations including societyforthecollege.org. Currently, the SFTC the Board of Visitors, the SA senators, students has been supporting the W&M Foundation, the Jennifer Souers currently College on its search Gateway Program and the serves as the Business Editor encourage Reveley to sign for a president, and Diversity Committee. of The Virginia Informer. Amethyst Initiative

Ian Kirkpatrick opportunity approaching in the drinking Assistant News Editor age debate, because the law mandating the 21-year age limit is up for renewal In 1984, the Federal Highway Act (or next year. If Congress were to remove National Minimum Drinking Age Act) the funding restriction, states would have denied 10 percent of highway funding to no disincentive to debate the drinking states that did not change their drinking age. Interestingly, Chancellor of the age to 21. Twenty-four years later, the College Sandra Day O’Connor was one drinking age debate is all but moot. The of the dissenting justices in the 1988 case Amethyst Initiative was developed to South Dakota v. Dole, when the Federal change that. Highway Act was challenged in front of The initiative is an effort by university the Supreme court, but was ultimately presidents and chancellors who have upheld. Ms. O’Connor wrote that she signed their names to a public declaration could fi nd no way to tie the drinking age to, at the very least, reopen the debate to highway funding. on lowering the national drinking age. Web sites for the Amethyst Initiative Current signatories of t h e initiative include and Choose Responsibility contain a the presidents of Duke, Dartmouth, plethora of information about the effects Johns Hopkins, Tufts, the University of of the high drinking age. The Web sites Maryland, the University of Ohio and state, for example, that the only other the University of Massachusetts, among countries with a drinking age as high as the others. United States’ are Indonesia, Mongolia Student Assembly senators at the and Palau. Other information on the College have brought the issue up in the Choose Responsibility Web site disputes SA and have started a Facebook group the notion that a higher drinking age has to build up broad-based support for the saved lives in drunk driving accidents. effort. At its most recent meeting, the SA Dr. John McCardell, the founder of Senate, comprising undergraduate and Choose Responsibility and the organizer graduate representatives, unanimously of the Amethyst Initiative, will be passed a bill that endorsed the Amethyst speaking at William and Mary on October Initiative and encouraged President 22 about his efforts. Dr. McCardell Reveley to join the 130 other college formerly served as the president of presidents in signing. The bill was Middlebury College. His speech will sponsored by Senators Steven Nelson take place in the Sadler Center under the (’10), Ross Gillingham (’10) and Ben sponsorship of the John Locke Society, Brown (’11). Students for a Sensible Drug Policy and Advocates of the initiative see a critical Libertarian Students Association. Virginia Page The 4 September 17, 2008 news Informer GRAFFITI CASE CLOSED: New 527 to support student- Campus police investigation into BOV graffi ti produces no charges friendly city council candidates continued from page two Alex Mayer Executive Editor never vandalized school property, as surrounding the BOV’s decision.” I have very strong beliefs about the When the current student Students for a Better integrity of our school’s historic told the interrogating offi c er Williamsburg (SBW) -- a buildings and about the integrity about her involvement in pro- newly created, student- of others’ property in general.” Nichol groups, and that she had run 527 -- is getting off The offi c ers conducting the made posters, she said, “The the ground this semester in interrogations described the immediately requested to see an attempt to prepare and investigation as employing a “name the posters and the paint I used. successfully run a student- to name” strategy, in which a person My entire ‘interrogation session’ friendly candidate in of interest is cleared of suspicion ended with a personal police the next Williamsburg by providing the names of friends escort to the Meridian coffee City Council election. who he thinks may “know more.” house where I was forced to The group was founded Both sources confi rm this detail. surrender my posters for ‘font by SA Senator Michael The current student notes, “[the and paint matching.’ I still haven’t Douglass (’10), who offi cer] continuously assured me gotten those back.” acts as the group’s that my name was given to him The alumnus said of his director, along with Josh by another student as a person of interrogation, which he strongly Karp (’10), director of interest. He kept saying things like, feels was unwarranted, “It was strategic operations, and ‘Your friends will never know if harassment, blatant harassment. Nick Fitzgerald (’09), you give their name up. After all, It seemed like 15 minutes of communications director. one of your friends gave me your investigation work had been Excerpts of the group’s name.’” done. A third grader could have inaugural press release These encounters were not done the work of going through have been excerpted isolated. According to the a newspaper.” Refl e cting below: current student, “Upon talking months later, the student who SBW is officially with friends or students who had was contacted noted of her registered as a state and a similar experience we came to interaction with the police, “I local PAC with the State realize that the police might not feel as though they do not trust Board of Elections, and have been using a purely ‘name to me, and I now feel as though I is officially registered name’ strategy. The majority of us cannot trust them. This is not as a 527 group with the were featured in both of the school the way a police department is Internal Revenue Service. newspapers during the controversy supposed to make me feel.” According to the group’s mission statement, SBW is “dedicated to Students for a Better Williamsburg empowering students of Founding fathers: Pilchen resigns at fi rst the College of William From left to right, Josh Karp ’11, Nick & Mary, Williamsburg’s Fitzgerald ’09, and Michael Douglass ’11. largest and most underrepresented SBW’s executive board, headed by Senate meeting of year voting bloc. We will raise awareness Mr. Douglass, is committed to keeping Nick Fitzgerald and Ian Kirkpartick about student-relevant issues in our the PAC as SA-unrelated as possible, Editor in Chief (VIO) and Assistant News Editor community…[and] will provide much- despite Mr. Douglass’ currently-held needed representation for a group which office. The board has pledged to refuse At a meeting of the SA Senate on September 2, SA Vice President currently has none….[SBW] aims to be any SA funding and wants a minimum Zach Pilchen (’09) resigned from his offi ce. In a statement, Mr. the most credible advocate for students of SA members involved. “Simply Pilchen outlined the timeline of his misappropriations, asserting in Williamsburg.” put, SBW can take sides,” said Mr. fi r mly that the only accidental purchase was that of two movie Ever since the city registrar decided Karp. “We are political by nature, so tickets. “That instance was an accident. Later in early May I was that students were allowed to vote in unlike the Student Assembly we can running low on personal cash, made several small purchases with Williamsburg, there has been a huge endorse candidates and implement the SA card and I would reimburse the fi rst chance I got.” push from the SA to get students not issue advocacy as a subset of the Mr. Pilchen’s statement was followed by words from SA President only interested in local politics, but to student population. We are an interest Valerie Hopkins (’09). “As I’m sure most of you can understand,” act on this interest at the voting booth. group, not a government,” he said, she opened, “it’s border line unbearable to be here and be giving This influx “and I think that has the this address....I can’t think of anyone I’ve spent more hours of student potential to make us far working with, talking to and confi ding in, so it’s diffi cult for me registrants After Matt’s loss, everyone more effective.” to imagine the SA without him. I really respect him for deciding and increase thought a lot about what The PAC has received to resign. This shows that he is putting the best interests of the in interest donations totaling over SA before himself. I do not condone his behavior or approve of prompted then- could have been, and how we $1,000 as of late August. his decision. Had I any knowledge of it, I would have told him junior Matt can win in the future “I was surprised that we so,” she said. Ms. Hopkins asserted that student confi dence in Beato to run for were able to bring in so the SA is “at an all time low.” To that point, she has offi cially Williamsburg much money in such a opened up the vice president selection process, via application, to City Council in a May 2008 election, but short time after our creation. I filed the all interested members of the student body….The time frame for he was ultimately unsuccessful. paperwork to create SBW less than two the selection, as provided by the SA Constitution, is 14 academic “After Matt’s loss, everyone thought months ago; if we can keep these sort days; Ms. Hopkins must select a replacement by September 22. a lot about what could have been, and of numbers coming, I think SBW can Among other things mentioned during the SA’s meeting were how we can win in the future,” said bring about significant change,” said the 400 freshmen who have registered to vote in Williamsburg Mr. Douglass. “And two points were Mr. Douglass. this year, as well as numerous other acts of legislation, including agreed to by most everyone: that Matt’s Donations have ranged between the First Aid Kit Act, the Student Choice Mascot Committee, the campaign didn’t have enough money $1 and $100 dollars. “I think this Limos on Election Day Act, the AED Act and the Amethyst Act. and that it didn’t have enough time. demonstrates SBW’s real ability to reach The Amethyst Act would make a formal recommendation that the By creating this group, we’re hoping to out to college students, most of whom College administration join the Amethyst Initiative, a group of raise the money for someone interested don’t have that much cash floating college leaders who would like to re-open debate on the national in the same issues students are, and raise around,” he said. “We are committed drinking age. awareness so that, if a candidate comes to raising our money in small-dollar The SA election commission for the year was also formed at along, the campus will be ready.” amounts, but what it’s basically going to the meeting. Senators Matt Beato (’09), Walter McClean (’09) and “I have always believed that greater come down to is a willingness to work Jazmine Pina (’11), President of the Class of 2009 Kevin Dua (’09) participation from William and Mary hard and put real time in to talking to and Jennifer Souers (’10) were formally selected to serve on the students in Williamsburg politics and people all over campus. I really couldn’t commission. Ms. Souers will serve as chair as she did in last year’s government would enhance the quality be happier with how things are going.” commission. The commission’s fi r st task will be to oversee the of life for all in the community,” Mr. The PAC’s Web site can be viewed at class of 2012’s election later this month. Beato said. “I believe that the formation www.sbwpac.net. For more detailed information on Pilchen’s resignation and this of SBW will help to accomplish this goal SA Senate meeting, please visit VAInformer.com. that I advocated during my campaign – Nick Fitzgerald currently serves as Editor in Jennifer Souers currently serves as the Business Editor with the Virginia to build bridges and create solutions in Chief of The Virginia Informer Online. Informer. our community.” The Virginia Informer news Page 5 Features September 17, 2008 ‘Drunk Bus’ no longer Under new leadership, Steer Clear expands its mission, improves image Jon San Sealy and offered him the position of Managing Editor Steer Clear director, which he accepted. He quickly went to work re-writing the The merits of having a free, late night constitution and by-laws. taxi service on a campus where a public Now, thanks to one student’s efforts, transportation system exists only during Steer Clear is a popularly used mode of the 9 to 5 workday are obvious. Yet, for transportation, which operates Thursday the past three years, Steer Clear has through Saturday between the hours of been considered an unreliable service 9 pm and 2:30 am. The program gives of last resort. Its schedule was erratic approximately 300 rides per weekend and unknown to most students and its and has just acquired a second van that unfl attering moniker, the “Drunk Bus,” will deal exclusively with off-campus threw its legitimacy into question. travel. The Steer Clear staff is led by Will Sealy (’09), a native New Yorker, Mr. Sealy and his executive board of six found the lack of a working weekend students along with 45 drivers – each transportation service to be an enabler of whom is paid eight dollars an hour of drunk driving and a detriment to the by the Student Assembly, an extremely College’s social dynamics. “Being from competitive salary for any campus job. New York City,” said Mr. Sealy, “I was Jack Starcher (’09), the assistant used to going out at night and always director of operations, gave an having a way to get home – whether overview of Steer Clear training, which it was the subway or taxis. So, I never is mandatory for all drivers. witnessed drunk driving, which is maybe “In addition to passing a defensive why it was so apparent to me when I Alec McKinley driving class,” said Mr. Starcher, “we got here.” simulate certain events and emergency Meet the new boss: Director Will Sealy (’09) stands in front of a Steer Clear van Mr. Sealy felt inclined to improve the situations and also require a sit-down during a driver training course. College community by fi xing the fl awed training session on Steer Clear.” Steer Clear service. However, while safety was Mr. organization’s national offi ce forbade its chapters One of these possible emergency situations, Sealy’s primary goal, making social opportunities from requiring their members to drive due to liability according to Scheduling Chair Sarah Will, would more accessible was a close second. issues and the risk of injury. This caused Steer Clear be the transport of an inebriated passenger to the His decision to revamp Steer Clear was infl uenced to be volunteer-run and, as a result, unreliable. hospital because of alcohol poisoning. by an experience he had during his sophomore year. During the past year, Steer Clear drivers were unpaid “In emergency situations like that,” said Ms. Will, After getting home one weekend with the help of volunteers with no incentive or binding obligation “the driver would need to make sure that everyone Steer Clear, Mr. Sealy planned to use the service to serve. “If a Steer Clear driver was supposed to gets home safely after the passenger has been taken again the following weekend, but his call to Steer work one night but then found out that their friend to the hospital.” Clear was met with a recorded message informing was having a birthday party,” said Mr. Sealy, “they Despite their serious roles within Steer Clear, Mr. callers that vans would not be running that night. could cancel the service that night without fear of Starcher, Ms. Will and Mr. Sealy each mentioned that Originally, Steer Clear, which was managed by the punishment. It led to a very unreliable experience.” for many party-goers, the party doesn’t stop after Council for Fraternity Affairs and the Inter-Sorority Mr. Sealy approached the CFA and ISC in the fall they board the Steer Clear vans. Council, required each fraternity and sorority to have of 2007, hoping to help repair the ailing service. At two members apiece serve as drivers for the month. the time, he had no intention of taking it over. But STEER CLEAR EXPANDS PROGRAM Unfortunately, this system was nixed when each soon after, members of Greek Life approached Mr. continued on page ten Del. Pogge discusses College fi nances, privatization

Kristin Coyner that you hope to advance in the next 2009 Del. Pogge: My major objection affordability and accessibility. I think that Opinion Editor General Assembly session? to the SWAS was a concern over a by going private you would defi nitely Del. Pogge: Last year, I put a juvenile level of pornography displayed in see the doubling of tuitions because Brenda Pogge, delegate to Virginia’s justice reform bill through the General the performance. It clearly surpassed they are subsidized by the state. Fewer 96th district recently discussed various Assembly, which brings juvenile felonious the community standards and was and fewer people would go to college, issues relating to the College, the offenders up to speed with their adult in violation of the Virginia code especially at an institution like William Commonwealth and the nation with The counterparts. From now on, juveniles who concerning pornography. The only and Mary. I think it would be sad to see Virginia Informer . Ms. Pogge’s receive a deferred disposition act of “censorship” that occurred was the transition, although I do believe the district encompasses part of when charged with a felony will that of the College requiring the show free market system would fi ll the gap. the City of Newport News in have their fi ngerprints retained. comply with the Virginia state code in That could bring tuition rates down and addition to parts of James City This next session, I am going its contract with the SWAS. We are a would force universities to cut their own County and York County just for retaining juvenile DNA. civil society that operates under the rule spending. miles from the College. This is to help crack down on of law. The best way to strike a balance VAI: Just recently, the College has juvenile-related offenses, which between state involvement, taxpayer been listed by the Foundation for The Vi rginia Informer: Can we are seeing more of because funding and free speech rights is to Individual Rights (FIRE), a free speech you further explain the Higher of gang activity, even in James comply with the laws. advocacy organization, as a “red light” Educational Institutions Bond City County and York County. VAI: You have been the co-patron to for its restrictive speech codes. How Act of 2008, which passed the Brenda Pogge I am always looking for ways a bill in the General Assembly which can the Commonwealth encourage its General Assembly along with POGGE to cut state spending. North would require any alien in Virginia to universities to afford students their your support? Carolina has approximately present legal documentation before Constitutional rights? Del. Pogge: The Higher Education 8 million people and a budget of $21 enrolling in a public institution. What Del. Pogge: The defi nition of free Bond Act of 2008 is a part of future billion, whereas Virginia has about 7 are your reasons for supporting this speech has not been applied consistently planning. Its purpose is to free up million people and a budget of $42 billion. legislation and would this help reduce at William and Mary for some time. It funding to state universities during a time The Governor just uncovered another costs at public universities, ameliorating appears that anything goes unless you of economic hardship, without raising $1 billion shortfall that was predictable the governor’s recent budget cuts? are talking about politics, religion or taxes, to fulfi ll the state’s obligation. when economic estimates came out that Del. Pogge: I supported legislation just expressing your opinion, even in The total amount of money created by 2010 was supposedly going to see a 6.8% requiring aliens in Virginia to present private conversation. I am referring to these bonds is $350,565,000 statewide. growth in the economy. In Virginia, we legal documentation before enrolling in the “bias reporting” program. The state The caveat is that it can only be spent have a balanced budget amendment in the any public institution because I believe should not have to “nanny” universities acquiring, constructing and equipping state constitution and the past budget was that illegal aliens should not be entitled into compliance with the United States revenue producing projects, i.e., expansion balanced by predicting far more revenues to state services, period, except in life- Constitution. There is a procedure in / renovation projects that will bring than what were known to be coming in. threatening circumstances. The amount place whereby the Boards of Visitors in more tuition. It will allow for many Had we just made a 0.5-1 percent increase of taxpayer dollars being spent on our are expected to oversee the proper projects to proceed that have been in the to the budget instead of a $5 billion illegal population is enormous when operations of schools. The governor planning stages for a while. Specifi cally, increase, we would not be looking at what looked at on the whole. and members of the House of Delegates William and Mary will receive funding we are looking at now. VAI: Would it be advantageous for should ensure that appointees to the for the renovation of its graduate VAI: You expressed disappointment the College, or other Virginia higher various Boards of Visitors understand student dormitories ($2,500,000) and the over the appearance of the Sex Workers educational institutions, to begin a move the basic guarantees of the Constitution renovation of the Campus Center and Art Show (SWAS) at William and Mary toward becoming private? and will defend the interest of the Trinkle Hall ($35,000,000). last year. What were your reasons for Del. Pogge: I think that there are two students in protecting them. VAI: What are some of the initiatives doing so? things that we like to see in education: Virginia Page The 6 September 17, 2008 FEATURES Informer Snakes in a Dell: Copperheads in the most romantic tourist spot?

Aimee Forsythe Crim Dell offers, and secondly, they Staff Writer avoid well-traveled, developed areas. Mr. Chambers noted that if you do Despite rumors of dangerous happen to be out in the woods at creatures dwelling in the Crim Dell, night and notice a salad-like scent, you one is unlikely to fi nd a copperhead may actually be near a copperhead; or a water moccasin in or around the the snakes are known to emit an odor well-known pond. reminiscent of cucumbers. Professor Randy Chambers, the Some have also claimed that there director of the Keck Environmental are water moccasins, also known as Lab, estimates that there are over a cottonmouths, swimming in the Crim dozen types of snakes on campus Dell. While Mr. Chambers confi rms including black snakes, garter snakes that there are snakes in the Crim and worm snakes. Fortunately, the Dell, he explains they are actually the copperhead is the only poisonous nonpoisonous brown water snake snake on the list. Mr. Chambers and banded water snake. Both have recalls that his last encounter with a patterns on them, and are often copperhead on campus was actually in mistaken for water moccasins. Water a dormitory, but says that “encounters moccasins tend to be much wider are few and far between.” While these and can fl oat almost entirely above nocturnal creatures can be found in the the surface of the water, while other College woods, they will not make an water snakes’ bodies are slimmer effort to travel to the area surrounding and fl oat just below the surface. the Crim Dell., Mr. Chambers said. Luckily, according to Mr. Chambers, a Alec McKinley There are two reasons for this. First, poisonous water snake has never been “Do as I say and you live”: while copperheads can be ruled out as potential Crim they prefer more vegetation than the found on campus. Dell dangers to Triathlon-goers, other types of snakes call the area home. Professor Spotlight: Christie Warren travels Dollars and sense for students: Uncle Sam’s helping hand world, teaches law US bails out Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Brittany Lane Contributor Alex Guiliano became a private enterprise, there has Staff Writer always been a longstanding implicit In an increasingly globalized world, guarantee from the government that International and Comparative Law With the country still in the midst of a neither would ever fail. Professor Christie Warren not only fi n ancial crisis, the federal government Neither company provides teaches pertinent subject matter, such as took another large step this past week mortgages to individual borrowers; Islamic law, comparative constitutional in alleviating the widespread problems instead these companies provide systems and international human in the housing market. Fannie Mae the fi nancing that mortgage lenders rights law, but also travels the world, and Freddie Mac, two US government- use to offer even more mortgages. speaks multiple languages and scales sponsored mortgage giants, have been Unfortunately, the primary cause of mountains. bailed out by the federal government the current crisis in the US housing Originally from the San Francisco Bay in an attempt to restore confi dence in market is the fact that banks were area, Professor Warren attended high the fi nancial system. giving out too many mortgages to school in Oakland, CA, and received her Combined, Fannie Mae and Freddie individuals who were simply incapable BA from the University of California Mac have provided the American of ever paying them back in full. With at Berkeley during the late ’60s and Christie Warren public with roughly 80 percent of the housing market in steady decline, International Law: Professor Warren early ’70s, when, as she says, “it was a the mortgages issued this year. A the companies together posted a net contributes her diverse global background pretty intense time to be in that part of meltdown by either or both companies loss of over $5 billion in 2007; it to the Marshall-Wythe School of Law. the country.” Majoring in comparative would be a sign had been 25 literature required Professor Warren Warren waited until she returned to of fi n ancial years since to achieve fl u ency in several different Williamsburg to discuss the matter and chaos. In order the last time a languages, including Latin, Spanish, later joined William and Mary faculty in to prevent such While the housing market has combined loss French, Swedish and English. She went January 2001. a doomsday (yet shown signs of improvement, had occurred. on to receive her JD from the University With a number of admirable very realistic) almost 10 percent of American While the of California at Davis. achievements already under her belt, possibility that single-family homeowners are stock market Prior to arriving at the College of Professor Warren also assisted the they would in danger of foreclosing in the rallied one day William and Mary, Professor Warren recently independent nation of Kosovo fail, Treasury coming months. after the bailout pursued work in post-confl ict and with their constitutional process this past Secretary Hank was announced, developing countries around the world spring. She was one of the three advisors Paulson has it has not been for nearly ten years. She discovered her to the drafters of the constitution. decided to make sustained. passion when she became “frustrated that Over the years, Professor Warren $200 billion in taxpayer funds available Lehman Brothers, an investment bank legal experts,” including herself, “were insists that the best part of the College is to back the troubled companies. currently facing signifi cant hardships, sent into post-confl ict environments to her students. Her feelings are especially The signifi cance of Fannie Mae and has many investors remaining skittish help re-establish the rule of law without affi rmed by one of her former Islamic Freddie Mac in the US housing market about the stability of the fi nancial being educated in any other legal systems law seminars. When she walked into goes beyond its $5 trillion portfolio; market. In addition, while the except their own.” She wished to bolster the classroom one day, “the students without the existence of either, housing market has shown signs of American law schools by providing this had spread prayer rugs throughout the millions of Americans would be unable improvement, almost 10 percent of essential training to the next generation. classroom, were playing Qur’anic chants to afford their mortgages. Fannie American single-family homeowners Professor Warren left the Golden State on a boom box and had cooked an entire Mae was created by Congress in 1938 are in danger of foreclosing in the for Williamsburg after being in Cambodia Middle Eastern meal to serve while they with the objective of providing more coming months. While it is too early for two years. Still working abroad fairly gave their really excellent lecture.” Only Americans with mortgages they could to tell the long-lasting effects this often, she corresponded with long- at William and Mary. afford. Its counterpart Freddie Mac government bailout will have, it’s clear standing William and Mary law professor Outside of the classroom, Professor was created in 1970 in order to create that the US housing market isn’t out Jayne Barnard who encouraged her to think Warren loves to travel. Her family has more competition within the housing of the woods just yet. about formulating classes anchored in her vacationed in India, Kenya, Peru and market. Though each eventually work. Collaboration proved challenging, Laos, though she’s particularly fond however, especially while she worked for of Nepal, where she enjoys the sport the UN in East Timor right after the post- of high-altitude trekking. (It helps that referendum violence ended. While living she used to be a marathoner.) On July on a UN boat in Dili Bay, she said, “The 4, 2000, she welcomed the sunrise atop www.VAInformer.com electricity and Internet connections were Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania with very erratic, and it took me more than an her 14 year old son. Adventurer, athlete, All the news that’s fi t to go online. hour to read Professor Barnard’s short e- scholar and mother – Christie Warren mail message.” Consequently, Professor embodies them all. Virginia The Page Informer FEATURES September 17, 2008 7 Alumni Spotlight: Drink of the Week Keith Fimian, former Tribe football star, running for Congress Chris Kuntz themselves to and Mary. Mr. Fimian explained, Hurricane: Contributor achieve the “It’s wonderful to have shared American experiences in a sport, or a fraternity, There has perhaps never been dream. You’re or even a major where you hang a William and Mary alumnus as not going to around with people and get to know enthusiastic as Keith Fimian. Mr. accomplish them better.” No, not Fimian graduated from the College anything “I never dreamed I’d be doing in 1978 with a degree in accounting, if you are this. It’s still hard for me to drive by was the star running back on the disorganized.” a sign with my name on it and just football team and a member of Students that think, ‘Geez, you know, I really am the 40 Kappa Sigma fraternity. Keith Fimian successfully doing this!’ I never had any interest In his junior year, Tribe football FIMIAN complete [in running for offi ce], never any defeated Navy, Virginia Tech and one of their desire before.” But he continued, Emily Nunez Virginia, something that had never programs are “We need strong, principled leaders Director of Outreach been done before and has never been much more successful in school and who have a deep understanding of done since. In his senior year he was in life. Mr. Fimian added, “It has the our nation’s heritage, what made it As we weather yet another active tropical voted captain, and in the following potential to radically alter our inner- great and how fragile liberty is, and storm season, what better way to welcome fall he was invited to training camp city for the better.” how important it is to balance the the rain and wind than by drinking that with the Cleveland Browns. Mr. I met Mr. Fimian this summer budget. That’s why I’m running for traditional favorite, the Hurricane. Fimian injured his knee and his when I volunteered to work on his Congress.” NFL dream died, but his journey to Congressional Campaign. He is In refl ecting on the current Ingredients: success was just beginning. currently running for US Congress economic slump, Mr. Fimian noted, 2 oz. Light Rum Mr. Fimian worked for Peat in Virginia’s “We’re 2 oz. Dark Rum Marwick as a certifi ed public 11th District, dealing with 2 oz. Passion Fruit Juice accountant for seven years and then just outside of In Fimian’s junior year, Tribe a real budget 1/2 oz. Lime Juice started a business with his brother in DC. With so football defeated Navy, Virginia crisis down 1 tablespoon Superfi ne Sugar 1987. His business, US Inspect, grew many students Tech and Virginia, something that the road from a room above a garage into at the College had never been done before and that no one Directions: Pour the ingredients into a the nation’s largest home inspection from Northern has never been done since. wants to shaker with ice and shake until your wrist company with 300 employees and Virginia, talk about. gets tired, or until you think it’s ready. For 8,000 sub-contractors nationwide. this race is There garnish, you can add a chunk of pineapple Mr. Fimian has also been a leading particularly isn’t going or a cherry. If you want the full effect, the contributor to his community. pertinent. The c u rrent Congressman, to be enough money for higher drink can be made in a Hurricane glass, but Besides raising three daughters Tom Davis (R), decided not to seek education...A private company a cocktail glass will do. If you fi nd yourself in Northern Virginia with his re-election after 14 years in offi ce, could not survive how the federal running short on passion fruit juice, wife Cathy, he is president of the and after expressing initial interest in government operates.” pineapple juice works just as well. Youth Leadership Foundation, an the Republican Senate nomination, In order to succeed in the real Editor’s Note: The Virginia Informer organization serving disadvantaged Mr. Davis decided to take some world, Mr. Fimian advises students encourages its readers to please drink responsibly, youth in Washington, DC’s, inner time off from political offi ce. to “go with your gut and don’t and in accordance with all local, state and federal city. He maintains that this work is Coincidentally, both Messrs. believe everything you’re told. The law. “so important because it teaches Davis and Fimian have daughters truth is, the real world operates much inner-city kids how to discipline that currently attend William different than a college campus.” Ode to the odiously pronounced campus buildings Eric Ames namesake of the Taliaferros is not the Contributor only bastion of unique Williamsburg pronunciations. Many of us familiar with Despite our convenient location in pronouncing the name Fauqier in our what was once a hotbed of rebellion, the jejune, provincial manner were shocked to College of William and Mary retains many learn that it is properly pronounced as some of its old and beloved British conventions. God-awful Francophone monstrosity. We We proudly show guests our old college pay our respects to our dear patron Lord building, which may have been designed Botetourt by simply trying not to mangle by British mathematician Sir Christopher his name, for if we dropped the last “t” the Wren, and our ancient royal charter. We pronunciation would sound terribly silly, even have our own ceremonial mace. and if we pronounced both the “t” and the There is, however, one more component “r” we would sound like complete idiots. of our British heritage which we keep alive Thus we do him proud by making up a and well here at the College, and that is pronunciation in the manner of those in our inability to pronounce certain words his mother country. correctly. Given our obsession with this institution’s Many readers will, doubtless, be sheer antiquity and roots in the British familiar with the peculiar manner in monarchy, we should all do our best to which our dear sister Britannia insists on embrace the British linguistic legacy by pronouncing place names. She adamantly changing the spellings or pronunciations of refuses to annunciate the second “w” building-names we fi nd too simple. Blow in “Warwickshire,” and will hear of no Hall, for example, could be spoken with a objection to her unintelligible muddling short vowel instead of a long vowel, or we of “Worcestershire.” Although some may could keep the current pronunciation and think we have severed all but the most change to spelling to “Blaux” or “Blough.” nominal and honorifi c ties to those on the In the case of Dupont, whose syllabic other side of the pond, we at William and emphasis remains a mystery, we could begin Mary carry on their tradition of nonsensical saying it with a nasal French accent on the speaking. Whereas elsewhere, they would last syllable so we could keep maintain presume to say “Taliaferro” as it is written, some consistency with its close neighbor we, the more proud and the more cultured, Fauqier. Furthermore, we could alter the are loath to be caught saying anything spelling of Tucker to become “Tuckre.” other than “Tolliver.” What is more, no Now go forth, men and women of the member of the Tribe will ever name his or Tribe, and be not afraid to speak in what her son “Oliver,” but will opt instead for we all know to be the proper ways of our far more refi ned spelling of “Aliaffero,” Britannic forefathers. Carry on this great and we will never have our martinis served tradition, and besides, it’s fun to confuse with anything other than aliaffs. But the the tourists. Virginia Page 8 The September 17, 2008 Informer Turmoil at the Democratic National Convention: Exclusive Informer report

Steven Nelson police brutality and the News Editor government’s attempts to subjugate large portions of When The Informer applied for press the American populace, we credentials to attend the Democratic went to catch a bus to a vigil Convention in Denver, the Democratic for Hillary Clinton. primary season was not yet over. We soon learned that the Zealous supporters on either side of the Denver city buses had s t opped Obama / Clinton competition made the operating due to a protest. convention a sounding board to express We ran in the direction of their feelings about the outcome of the the anti-capitalism march primary process. The thrill of securing and found four blocks of the credentials also provided an opportunity city cordoned off by multiple to learn about a potential divide in the layers of riot police. Curious party fi rst-hand. on-lookers, hotel guests who The divide was evident during the had been blocked from their week of convention events. Outside hotels and many participants of the Pepsi Center, candlelit vigils of the march assembled near and pro-Hillary rallies were routinely the police line. Protesters held throughout the week, sporadic who had left the cordon groups of Hillary supporters roamed without arrest spoke of tear downtown Denver with large Hillary gas and a charge with riot campaign posters and on the night of clubs. Hillary Clinton’s address, the convention Fifty protesters were put hall was packed with supporters wearing in handcuffs and around 200 t-shirts and campaign stickers. were temporarily detained A few women I ran in to sported before being allowed t o l e ave “Only Hillary Gets My Vote” t-shirts. the cordon. A particularly Several pledged to vote for Senator agitated crowd assembled John McCain near the in order to place where defeat Senator Wearing press credentials did the arrested Barack not yield the expected courtesy were lined Obama, from offi cers; asking police what up. Chants who they had occurred resulted in a stern of, “If you designated as arrest these “the fraud.” directive: “Get back!” people, One had we’ll burn fl o wn in all the city Steven Nelson the way from Texas to express her down!”, “Tell me what a Standing fi rm: Clinton supporters show loyalty to their candidate and air their grievances outside opinion. At a reception for Rock the police state looks like – this the Democratic National Convention. Vote, I even ran into a former staffer is what a police state looks for Senator Joe Biden who vehemently like!” and “No cops, no KKK, no yield the expected courtesy from numerous profanities. If someone told me that she did not want Obama / fascist USA” continued for hours as officers; asking police what had had indeed decided to fight back, the Biden to win. She was beside herself the riot police appeared ready for a occurred resulted in a stern directive: situation was poised to explode into over the perceived injustice done to second charge. According to many “Get back!” Standing five feet away police-protester violence on the scale Mrs. Clinton in the primary campaign. protesters who had fled the tear and armed with no more than a of the ’68 Chicago convention. As Many of her former supporters now gas, there had been no provocation camera and press credentials, the hours passed, exhausted protesters seem to see it as their duty to secure to yield the heavy-handed response. response was surprising. In anger, a dispersed and those arrested on the her a second run for the Democratic The march had been unauthorized fervent chant of “They say get back, march were loaded into large vans nomination in 2012, provided Barack and police, they said, had arrested we say fight back!” developed, and and taken away. Obama loses in the general election. participants for this reason alone. buildings in direct sight of the police Later in the week, activist group Tent Sunday, August 24, the night I arrived Wearing press credentials did not cordon were spray painted with State and the Iraq Veterans Against the in Denver for the Democratic War hosted a free concert Convention, yielded no signs for 10,000, featuring of the promised re-creation politically infused of the 1968 Democratic groups such as the Convention. The entire city Coup, Flobots and Rage was desolate, lacking protests Against the Machine. of any kind. The only visible The only requirement sign of ’68-like reprise was for admission was to the enormous police visibility, take a leafl et announcing with riot gear and plastic blue that there was to be an “handcuffs” around every unauthorized march corner. afterwards and all were A protest march had invited to participate -- occurred Sunday during the and risk arrest in doing so. day, but no one talked about it. Following an electrifying On Monday night the Green concert fi l led with radical Party presidential ticket of political commentary, the Cynthia McKinney and Rosa musicians and the Iraq Clemente held a rally at a War veterans led a march coffee house on the edge of of thousands to the downtown. Cindy Sheehan distant Pepsi Convention and M1 from Dead Prez Center. Police prowled were on hand to show their the route, but there was support. A photographer no crackdown, perhaps from the Chicago-based due to size, perhaps to magazine In These Times avoid a riot or perhaps shared with me that she had because of the emphasis to choose between the rally on non-violence and and an anti-capitalism march the leadership of the downtown. It was raining, veterans at the front of so the speeches seemed Steven Nelson the procession. more promising. Following Security clearance: Police were out in force around the Democratic National Convention and at the many impassioned oratory about protests around Denver. Virginia Page Informer September 17, 2008 9

The Six-Pack Diet Beers that build character There are certain evolutions that every is that it tastes watery. Nice try, Pete, but if college student experiences during their I want a diluted beer I’ll stick to the faithful four year educational tenure: narrowing Natural family. one’s focus on a major, the establishment of 2. Leinenkugel’s Summer a tightly-knit group of Shandy (1 star, 4.2% ABV) friends and last but not According to Dictionary.com, a least, the letting-go of shandy is defi ned as “a mixture of certain freshman year beer and lemonade.” Leinenkugel binge-drinking habits. adds a dash of summer to this Let’s put it this way: if equation by mixing beer with you’re a senior and still lemonade – something that think that it’s cool to Jon San intrigued my curiosities more drink a cube of Busch Managing Editor than my taste buds. I’ve never had Ice every weekend, a problem with the Leinenkugel either you have just brand, so I was surprised when I recently discovered beer, or you’re on the took a sip and thought that I had mistakenly precipice of a disease many people refer combined seltzer water with Bud Light. to as alcoholism. As many of us seniors Whatever attempt they made at replicating transition into the workplace within a year, the taste of lemon failed miserably: I was Jon San our drink of choice should adequately left with a bitter and sour taste in my mouth FRATDAQ up 17%: Reward your liver with a classy selection of fi ne beverages. refl ect this newfound maturity. That -- a truly unpleasant and confusing feeling. means losing the case of Natty and pick enough, the answer lies in between. After much better way than the Leinenkugel. up a classy six-pack of quality brew. 3. Sam Adams’ Octoberfest (3 stars, my initial taste, I was convinced that the The following is a selection that I 5.7% ABV) pumpkin ale was going to be the best 6. Newcastle Brown Ale (2.5 stars, created using the useful “Pick Six” Bloom Despite its being a few weeks early, the among the six beers reviewed. It’s pleasantly 4.7% ABV) / Food Lion deal which allows you to Octoberfest fall seasonal beer from Samuel spicy with a full fl avor. However, the Self-described as the “one and only” make your own six-pack for only $8.49. Adams can be enjoyed year-round. Unlike aftertaste leaves much to be expected. As brown ale, Newcastle certainly has high Ratings are awarded on a four star scale. the previous two beers, Octoberfest tastes my roommate described it, it tastes of rust expectations for itself. I would deem full and undiluted. It has a pleasant aftertaste and vegetable oil. Even worse, it lingers, it “one among many other equivalent 1. Pete’s Wicked Ale (2 stars, 5.3% but doesn’t try so hard to be different or prolonging your misery. beers.” It doesn’t stand out like the ABV) unique; it simply tastes good. And in the Redhook did. For what it’s worth, its Immediately, I asked, “What’s so end, isn’t that all that matters? 5. Redhook ESB (3.5 stars, 5.8% ABV) odor is reminiscent of that of a dead wicked about it?” At 5.3 percent ABV The dominant beer of this group, skunk -- so plug your nose and bottoms it’s marginally weaker in alcohol content 4. Harvest Moon Pumpkin Ale (2.5 Redhook ESB (Extra Special Bitter) excels up. than other comparable ales. Also, Pete stars, 5.6% ABV) in all areas. It has a great fl avor which must have had a sweet-tooth because his Let me start by saying that Blue Moon continues after you swallow (unlike the Editor’s Note: The Virginia Informer ale certainly has a candied taste. It’s not is one of my favorite beers and pumpkin pumpkin ale) and it has a little more kick encourages its readers to please drink responsibly, overpowering though; in fact, my main pie is one of my favorite desserts. Would than the Sam Adams. For someone that has and in accordance with local, state and federal reservation regarding this self-described such a combination rise to my expectations never had an Extra Special Bitter before, I law. “exceptionally smooth ruby-brown ale” or would it crash and burn? Interestingly was pleasantly surprised by Redhook -- in a

‘Steady progress’ made with gender gaps in W&M athletics

Brittany Lane demonstrating the institution’s status and commitment; Contributor identifying areas of defi c iency; and explaining how the future plan for gender issues addresses this area. Such Do gender gaps exist in William and Mary athletics? issues include, but are not limited to, scholarships, If so, where are they and what is being done? Assistant participation, equipment and supplies, scheduling of Athletics Director of Compliance Pamela Mason pointed games and practice times, traveling, tutors, coaches and out the 2003-2004 Division I Athletics Certifi cation locker rooms. Self-Study of the College, which can be found in a PDF Some of the issues do appear to harbor discrepancies. fi l e on the offi cial College athletics Web site. Every ten For example, the study reports that from 2002-2003, the years, compliance administrators like Ms. Mason review male total equipment, uniform and supplies expenditures the athletic departments of other institutions based on equaled $123,908, whereas for women, it only equaled a range of issues, including their pursuance of gender $83,568. Of course, sports such as football, which have equity. more players who need more equipment and space, In fact, the 2003 study contains an entire section need to be taken into account. At the time the study was dedicated to equity. It outlines different issues and conducted, women’s teams overall had fewer and smaller breaks them down to four parts: describing how the locker rooms than men’s teams. Currently, the women’s institution completed the area of study; providing data soccer, fi e ld hockey and gymnastics teams all share the same locker room. Change is taking place though, as the women’s lacrosse and volleyball locker rooms have been updated in the past year. In addition, football was actually one of the last sports to upgrade their facilities. Salaries of coaches also differ, with men being paid more. However, salary is linked directly to the award of tenure, and many of the men’s coaches have been around for longer. Crucial medical and training facilities provide equal access to all athletes, and the Brittany Lane proportions of grants-in-aid are awarded at Rules of the game: Gender gaps in Tribe athletics are the same level of athletic participation rate steadily being erased. for men and women. Roughly 20 years ago, former instructor but that it’s making “steady progress,” particularly within Brittany Lane Debbie Hill coached volleyball and track and the last 15 years. Ms. Mason contends that changes Tribe pride: Men and women’s athletics bring pride to the College taught part-time. She believes that William cannot be made immediately, but the administration is and serve as an integral part of the community. and Mary’s athletic program is not there yet, keeping a fi nger to the “pulse” of the campus’s needs. Virginia Page The 10 September 17, 2008 Informer INSIDE REVELEY’S Newport News Airport to APPOINTMENT: The fast rise of the College’s 27th president add new concourse, runway continued from page one continued from page one determined that “after coming to and in the best interest of the The airport is currently customers. Newport News international fl ights on campus last spring and meeting College.” Mr. Powell concluded his seeing the development currently serves t h ree major the bottom fl oor of the with the faculty, staff a n d students, e-mail by announcing that the BOV of new parking structures airlines – AirTran, Delta concourse, where customs it was clear our community was would meet Friday, September 5, to and constructing a new and US Airways – and it is and other international not yet ready to proceed and “discuss the options…and make a concourse and other expected that at least one services will be housed. that serious challenges suggested decision on how to proceed.” passenger service facilities. of the current airlines that Additional baggage claim an immediate search would be However, in the second-to- Construction is expected operates out of Newport carousels will be added unproductive.” The board also last paragraph of that e-mail, to begin in late September News will occupy part of after the opening of the announced that no action would Rector Powell referred to Mr. or early October, now the new concourse. The new concourse. be taken to initiate an in-depth Reveley as “President Reveley” that the airport has airport will offer the new With the expansion presidential search over the -- already without the “interim” offi cially secured federal space, consisting of an project underway, the summer either. designation. In hindsight, this grant money. In regards additional six gates to the airport’s passenger When students returned to slip may have indicated that a to expanding the number airlines it already serves, numbers continue to campus this fall, the future of the decision on retaining Mr. Reveley of airlines that service and new airlines in the be strong. Passengers presidency at the College was still as president had indeed already the Newport News / long term. Additionally, traveling through the very much uncertain. Rumors had been reached, despite Mr. Powell’s Williamsburg International the airport desires to see airport have risen about been fl ying all summer that the insistence that the board at that Airport, the public affairs new additional routes 4.7 percent in the past board had no intention of ever time had not yet determined on offi ce has indicated that added to those already year, and continue to rise. starting a presidential search and which “path” to proceed and was while nothing is yet offered, including routes It is expected that with had already decided to drop the still considering input from the defi nite, the airport is to destinations on the the new construction and “interim” from Mr. Reveley’s title College community. talking to current airlines West Coast and possibly expansion of services, and appoint him the next president And indeed, on September 5, that service the airport in even international fl ights. the airport will be able to of William and Mary. 2008, students received another order to expand current The new concourse will service more passengers On September 2, independent e-mail from Rector Powell services, as well as talking service domestic fl i ghts and will continue to see sources confi rmed to The Informer announcing that the Board had in to new airlines in the hope on the fi rst fl oor and will these numbers rise in the that the BOV had decided to fact “decided to eliminate Taylor of expanding offerings to later expand into servicing future. formally appoint President Reveley Reveley’s interim designation as the next president, and that and formally appoint him” the the decision would be publicly College’s next president for a announced by the board that three-year term. STEER CLEAR IMPROVES weekend. The Informer posted the Mr. Powell went on to again story on its Web site that day. extensively praise Mr. Reveley’s The next day, students received record as interim president, s a ying STUDENT SERVICE: Plans to add a more cautious e-mail from he “exceeded every expectation.” Rector Powell, praising the While Mr. Powell admitted that second van to expand the fl eet record of then-Interim President selecting a president without a Reveley, and noting that “steadily national search is “unusual” and continued from page fi ve and increasingly,” the board “not done lightly,” he argued had received suggestions that that the “unique” circumstances “When I asked one rider where he what about off-campus students stuck Mr. Reveley’s interim status be surrounding Mr. Reveley’s wanted to go, he responded, ‘Dude, I writing papers in Swem on Friday dropped. However, Rector Powell appointment justified this just want to drive around and see where nights? Providing any student, sober carefully avoided saying that a fi nal “change in direction.” all the parties are at,’” said Mr. Sealy. or drunk, with a ride is the expanded decision had been reached, stating Mr. Powell reminded students “And while we require riders to have a mission goal of Steer Clear, and Mr. instead that although retaining Mr. that Mr. Reveley had been specific destination in mind when they Sealy and company are certainly up to Reveley as president “might” be a fully vetted in the previous get in, if they want to get off early at a the challenge. “meritorious course,” the board presidential search -- he had different party, that’s totally fine.” “I really want this campus to be was still “reaching out” to the in fact finished second to Mr. For Tribe partiers, Steer Clear is safer and more accessible,” Mr. Sealy College community to gather input Nichol during the final selection a safe and fun method of getting added, “and if Steer Clear is the way and “gauge which path is preferred process. around on the weekends. However, I can do that, that’s what I’ll do.” Get The Virginia Informer delivered to your door! The Virginia Informer is the NEWEST news publication on campus and The Informer is the ONLY completely independent student newspaper of the College of William and Mary. We report what others dare not print! ------Please, let us send you each of our exciting issues for 2008-2009 for only $30. To order a subscription, please fi ll out this form and mail with payment to: The Virginia Informer CSU 7056 PO Box 8793 Williamsburg, VA 23186

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Please make checks payable to The Virginia Informer. If you have any questions do not hesitate to contact us at [email protected] Virginia InformerThe Page 11 Arts & Culture September 17, 2008 Take some time out for the arts An introduction to music, theater, visual arts and more at William & Mary Megan Locke and Mary matriculates. Sinfonicron campus. UCAB’s Fridays @ 5 series scale concerts such as these. Arts & Culture Editor stages an annual light opera, such as features indie bands in Lodge 1 and on If you like more classical fare, the last winter’s brilliant performance of the Sadler Center Terrace, while UCAB’s William and Mary Symphony Orchestra College life can be hectic and tiresome. The Pirates of Penzance. Shakespeare Homebrew series gives students a chance holds about fi ve concerts a year, It’s easy for students to let their time at in the Dark produces both well-known to hear exclusively campus-grown bands. including a specially themed Halloween school slip by without experiencing all the Shakespeare plays as well as more UCAB’s annual homecoming and spring concert. Other ensembles with regular benefi ts of a world-class university. One modern shows inspired by the Bard. concerts also bring nationally-recognized performances include the Wind perk that students shouldn’t miss out on is Mystic Theater often aims to perform bands to William and Mary, such as last Symphony, jazz music ensemble, the the dizzying array of music, theater, visual experimental or “edgy” shows, including year’s Guster and Ying Yang Twins concert choir, Early Music Ensemble arts, fi lm and dance available right here last spring’s Caligula. concerts. The College’s newly renovated and the many world-music ensembles at on the College’s campus. Despite its small For listeners and performers alike, Lake Mataoka amphitheater is quickly the school. size, William and Mary provides all of the live concerts are readily available on becoming a popular venue for larger- Dance lovers can enjoy the spring and above and more to its students fall performances put on in terms of entertainment. by the College’s Orchesis Location is a key element to dance company, and enjoying the arts as well. On fi l m afi cionados should campus, you are never more than regularly check Student a short walk away from a concert Happenings for news of venue, performance stage or art the various screenings being gallery. Outside of a college held by different academic campus or metropolitan area, departments and student such institutions being within organizations on campus. close proximity of where you The Kimball Theatre in live is a rarity. The other benefi t Merchants Square screens of campus entertainment is it’s both popular and obscure student-targeted prices. Many movies, and hosted a large- shows are free, have a suggested scale fi lm festival last spring. donation or issue discounted Finally, the Muscarelle admission to students. Museum of Art offers both The theater selection at permanent and rotating William and Mary is especially collections in its galleries varied. The College presents next to next to Andrews four Main Stage shows every and PBK Halls. Its newest yearone of which is a major exhibit is “Extreme musical. Last year’s season Explorations,” featuring started with the nostalgic and antiquarian maps, oceanic campy musical It’s a bird... it’s watercolors and underwater a plane... it’s Superman! This photography. Admission to upcoming theater season will the Muscarelle is always free open with what is sure to be a for students. crowd-pleaser: Damn Yankees. Be sure to keep reading Apart from the College’s Arts & Culture to stay theater department, a host of Alec McKinnley updated on the latest other student theater groups Rockin’ out with Thao with The Get Down Stay Down: Take advantage of the many free and dicounted offerings at William and offer entertainment for William music concerts that are available at the College all year round for every msuic taste. Mary!

Book Review: A potent mix of Guns, Germs, and Steel that shapes our history Jeff Bergemann and animal diversity and even the major axis of each its excellent geography for political unifi cation, which Contributor continent. protected it from many outside threats. Since there Mr. Diamond demonstrates a startling breadth of wasn’t a lot of competition between other countries, as For those of you who are interested in the hows and personal experiences with a wide array of cultures and in Europe, it only whys of the development of humanity, Guns, Germs, impressive research from a myriad of sources. He then took decisions by a and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies is a must uses these resources to illuminate each broad factor of few leaders at one Guns, Germs, and Steel: for your busy reading human development with point in time to The Fates of Human schedule. Jared Diamond well-chosen microcosmic completely reverse Societies begins with a simple examples from throughout the great lead in question: Why do some the world. technology and Author: Jared Diamond groups of people have Among the fascinating wealth that China Pages: 457 lots of money, technology perspectives included is Mr. previously held. Publisher: Norton, W.W. & Co. ISBN: 9780393317558 and goods while other Diamond’s consideration Guns, Germs, and List Price: $17.95 groups of people have of the Pacifi c Islands. He Steel consistently very little? To determine reasons that the islands emphasizes that the answer, he goes back were fi rst inhabited by one it is the environmental factors that are important in to the beginning – the group of people that was the development of human societies, not any innate very beginning. relatively homogenous. Since superiority of one ethnic or racial group. While this is a How does something each island has different valid hypothesis, it leaves his work open to the possible as distant as the evolution geographies, the diverging criticism that Mr. Diamond overly promotes something of Homo Sapiens or the cultures that emerged after called “geographical determinism.” This theory fi r st great dispersals of initial habitation served as a postulates that Europeans were able to colonize and humanity have an effect kind of natural experiment subjugate so much of the rest of the world not because on whether I am now in the effect of geography on they were innately superior, but because their natural either playing a Nintendo the development of human geographic and environmental resources predictably Wii or living in a pre- cultures. Some groups grew allowed for this. Such a stance can be problematic in its industrial society deep in and formed mini empires own right. In my opinion, Mr. Diamond tries to avoid the Australian Bush? Mr. while others regressed to such extremism. He recognizes that environmental Diamond convincingly earlier states of technology. factors had a large infl uence on societal development, argues for the importance In another part of Mr. but the path that history took was not destined to occur of several factors that all Diamond’s book, it is solely because of these factors. the major trends in human suggested that one factor Overall, Guns, Germs, and Steel is a well-written history can be traced back that led to China falling book that is a must read for anyone who wants to to. These include factors behind the West over the last understand both global history and the state of the such as geography, plant several hundred years was world today. Virginia Page The 12 September 17, 2008 arts & culture Informer Movie Review: Being locked in and hanging on to The Finer Side: translation is just the beginning From manners to myth: Patrick Macaluso liked the perspective. In a way, it gave Staff Writer some needed color to the pretence of the fi lm. Second, although the fi lm is Why we still shouldn’t wear Julian Schnabel received rave reviews more about the making of the book Le and the fi lm was hyped up enough, so I Scaphandre et la Papillon, there are many white after Labor Day fi g ured it was time to see Le Scaphandre et la parts during which Mathieu Almaric, Papillon, or, for the English-only speakers, who plays Jean-Dominique Bauby, It’s been a tradition As the seasons changed The Diving Bell and the Butterfl y. The narrates excerpts from the book. Bauby of mine every fall: from the heat of fi l m focuses on Jean-Dominique Bauby, -- though sometimes a bit melodramatic putting the white shoes summer to the cool of the editor of French magazine Elle who -- has some interesting and insightful away after the Labor winter, people naturally suffered a stroke and, subsequently, things to say. Day holiday. When I traded their loose, acquired a condition known as locked- The main theme of this fi lm is was a little girl, the cooler summer clothes in syndrome. He is able to understand determination, which is refl ected in pretty white party shoes for the heavier, darker and comprehend everything, but unable the title. The stroke and subsequent went back in the box materials of winter. The to talk. He can only respond to yes or condition of locked-in syndrome was and into the back of Jennifer Souers South took this natural no questions by blinking his eye. The the diving bell that brought Bauby the closet -- where they The Finer Side process and formalized fi l m follows Bauby’s down, and those who would remain until the it into a tradition. It progression in writing helped him interpret coming Easter Sunday quickly became a status his book, which was his thoughts with (that is, if they still fit). Now, as a symbol to not wear white after done by blinking an eye just the blink of an young woman in college, the white Labor Day, because it showed you while someone reads eye helped him to shoes I wear in the office during had the social status of having him the alphabet. become a butterfl y, the summer stay at home while the many different articles of c l othing, There are both strong going back up. It’s classic black, brown and red shoes and the social intelligence to know and weak points to this all very basic, and come in the suitcase back to school. the rules. fi l m. First off, the plot Promotional it certainly isn’t As someone who still cares about Today, t h e no-white-after-Labor- is somewhat dry; there Writing by blinking: Papillon anything we haven’t the rules of fashion that are now Day rule pretty much applies only is little progression as is a story of determination and heard before. But, too often perceived as “archaic,” to shoes. And yes, there is such far as a story goes. But perserverence against the odds. the theme aside, this I found myself wondering where a thing as “winter white.” Winter the fi lm is less about the fi l m has merit mostly the origin of this no-white-after- whites include creams and the story than it is about the main character. because of its style. However, if you’re Labor-Day rule came from. very brightest snow whites. If That being said, I will make myself clear looking for something profound and, After a little bit of digging, I you’re a true fashionista, however, – if this fi lm was trying to have the on the whole, moving, then look for found out that the rule comes it’s time to put the light summer viewers feel sympathy for the disabled, something different. from the place I now reside: the suits back in the closet, and bring it certainly didn’t work. The concept The fi lm was largely entertaining and South. And upon further research back the dark colors. of the locked-in man writing a book is easy on the eyes. The acting was also and reflection, it makes sense – of certainly worth a spot on the news, but very good, and the perspective and course a fashion rule such as this Questions or comments for Jennifer? as a full fi lm, it’s not very interesting. style are defi nitely unique. I recommend would come from the South. Contact her at business@vainformer. So, what saves this fi lm? First, the watching the original French version, The idea itself was very simple: com! fi l m is shot almost entirely as if it were with subtitles for those who need it, as white is a cooler, summer color. through Bauby’s eyes. It’s interesting the English dubbing isn’t very good. I because you actually feel locked-in. I give it a B. A good deal at Grand Shanghai Matt Pinsker Like Staff Writer

Like everyone else at William and Mary, I recently found a menu for a newly opened Chinese buffet, Grand Shanghai, what in my CSU box. I also noticed the included 10 percent discount card. Impressed by their effort to reach out to students, I decided to go check out Grand Shanghai for my you next review. They are about three miles down Richmond road, right next to the Food Lion by the Prime Outlets. I went over for lunch on a Saturday, and upon entering found myself in a stark but pleasantly calming space with see? classical music playing in the background. The restaurant was very well decorated with Chinese art on the walls, but nothing was over the top. They defi nitely had the right decor. Their buffet caught me by surprise -- it was much larger than I had expected. They had multiple buffet bars, as well JOIN as a short order grill similar to the one found at Mongolian BBQ, the premier Chinese buffet in Williamsburg. Grand Shanghai had all of the typical Chinese dishes, such as General Tso’s chicken, as well as a selection of less familiar items. They had an excellent variety of meat dishes, US. particularly chicken. All of their meat was very tender and delicious, and not the least bit tough or stringy, as is often the case with Chinese food. If you’re a particular lover of Chinese seafood dishes you may want to go elsewhere, but their regular meat dishes were amazing in both quantity and Informer quality. The refreshing cleanliness of the food also made the meetings experience enjoyable. It’s not exactly “health food,” but Grand Shanghai’s offerings were much less greasy than food are every at the typical Chinese restaurant. The lunch price of $6.95 was very reasonable, and their $9 (with discount) dinner price is also fair. It is two dollars Monday more expensive for dinner than the Happy Leaf and $5 cheaper than Mongolian. They have just a little less variety 7:30 p.m. than Mongolian, but many of their dishes were just as good and often superior in quality. Their distance from the College Kevin McCrory may deter students from visiting, but I highly recommend Dig in: Williamsburg’s newest Chinese restaurant is a well-priced choice for Blair 223 stopping by for lunch if shopping at the Outlets, or if you students looking for quality Chinese food. are just in the mood for quality Chinese food. Virginia The Page Informer arts & culture September 17, 2008 13 When science and art collide: Extreme exploration at the Muscarelle Rachel Smith Underwater Exploration. The Contributor exhibit pays tribute to works of art inspired by science. Nestled between Morton and Phi Beta Kappa Celestial Images: Antiquarian Hall rests the Muscarelle Museum of Art, a hidden Astronomical Charts & Maps jewel on William and Mary’s Campus. Established glorifies an age in which the in the 1970s in order to showcase the priceless creation of astronomical artwork the College had accumulated over the charts was both a science past three hundred years, the Muscarelle has and an art form. During the continued to create a rich cultural atmosphere for Renaissance, the invention of students, faculty and members of the Williamsburg the printing press allowed for community. One of the museum’s current exhibits, both the dispersion of scientific Extreme Exploration, consists of three parts: material and advancements in Celestial Images; Beyond the Edge of the Sea; and astrology. Combined, the surge of artistic talent, scientific advancements, and an increase in the production of documents during the Renaissance led to the creation of scientific pieces that were appealing to the eye. The best example of the union between the arts and the sciences is a series of pieces Alec McKinley at the Muscarelle detailing Heavenly Sights: Star charts capture the Renaissance spirit of discovery constellations, cosmologies and other celestial which is called Underwater Explorations, can be phenomena. These prints are so elaborate that in viewed on the first floor of the Sadler Center. The order to comprehend the science in the art you underwater photographs that line the walls of the must look past the detailed mythological depictions first floor were taken by Dennis Liberson, a William of Capricorn and Orion’s Belt to see the stars. and Mary alum. Photos of vibrant orange clown Beyond the Edge of the Sea: Diversity of Life in fish floating among their sea anemone homes and the Deep-Ocean Wilderness features watercolors by schools of slim barracudas cause you to forget, for Karen Jacobsen. The dimly-lit gallery room’s dark just a moment, that you are surrounded by the hustle turquoise walls and the low hum of the Muscarelle’s and bustle of college life. These photographs are a chillers create an eerie feeling of being underwater, minute representation of the life that exists beyond as if you yourself are under the sea with the real- our perspective of the world, and are the closest life inspirations for Jacobson’s pieces. One of that some of us will ever get to the real thing. Jacobson’s most elaborate works, tubeworms, is Extreme Exploration’s pieces show us that science modeled after an underwater ecosystem. It depicts not only serves as artistic inspiration, but also that a large of a bouquet of red and white tube-shaped it is its own masterpiece, something that humans Alec McKinley worms that have taken up residence in a deep sea have struggled to replicate for ages. The exhibit Underwater Creations: Extreme Exlporation reveals hydrothermal vent. will remain on display until November 2, 2008. the beauty found in nature The final segment of Extreme Exploration, September Schedule Movies

Live Performances Virginia Page 14 InformerThe September 17, 2008 Opinion ‘I may have lost, but we, the student body, aren’t losing’ Progress made on students’ rights, but more can be done

ran for Williamsburg City Council last semester I because I believe that for a government to be effective, it needs to accurately represent its citizens. In the City of Williamsburg, those citizens include about 6,000 students Matt Beato who live, work and study here. Staff Editorial: Contributor My campaign tried very hard, but Student indifference abounds at the end of the day we fell just short. f you analyzed the situation just a few after Reveley decision years ago, you would have come to the The Informer has noted the Further, the campus collectively committee after committee’s I conclusion that the student body was losing relative silence – some would yawned when Mr. Powell strongly worth of meaningless, expensive in Williamsburg. Then, Williamsburg’s voter incorrectly say ambivalence – of hinted that the board would act to discussion on politically correct registrar abruptly reversed his policies to prevent the student body in reaction the appoint Mr. Reveley as president. topics ultimately irrelevant to the students from voting in Williamsburg, which had appointment of Taylor Reveley Students were notifi ed, and could College’s future. Since the College prohibited us from having a voice in our local as the College’s next long-term have risen up to make their has already found an effective and community. Looking around during that time president. Indeed, in a September apprehensions – if any – known successful leader in Taylor Reveley, period, you could see obvious signs indicating 3 e-mail to students, just two days to the BOV had they really felt subjecting our community to yet that this was the case. In the downtown area, before the Board of Visitor’s like they were being robbed of another long period of anxious right by the College, there were few businesses decision was announced, Rector anything. uncertainty would not have been in that catered to students at all. The off-campus Michael Powell neglected to even Yet, it is this relative lack of our best interest. Let us not forget housing situation was also rocky. A proposal— include the “interim” designation, enthusiasm for Mr. Reveley which that Mr. Reveley had already been albeit, one that wasn’t perfect and which could but perhaps inadvertently referred gives us hope for his successful thoroughly vetted and examined have been refined—to develop student-friendly to Taylor Reveley as “President administration. With modesty and back in 2005, when he was ranked housing at the Southern Inn was laughed out of Reveley.” Further, the BOV made experience, Mr. Reveley has been second in an open and competitive the Planning Commission. A house on Scotland clear its lack of enthusiasm for quietly pursuing initiatives of vital presidential selection process. The Street which could easily have accommodated a presidential search when it importance to the College over his past six months have afforded the more than three people was laughed out of the announced last academic year that past six and a half months in his BOV a truly unprecedented ability Board of Zoning Appeals. Dozens of students such a search committee would not interim presidency. His record of to assess Mr. Reveley’s management were evicted for violating Williamsburg’s one- be formed over the summer. In success as the both the dean of the skills and decision making abilities, size-fits-all rule which forces most living spaces the same e-mail, Mr. Powell stated College’s law school and as interim which, in our opinion, are worthy to have no more than three unrelated occupants, that the board would permanently president is promising. of note. even if the dwelling has six bedrooms. remove Mr. Reveley’s interim status We wish to express our approval The board acted in the long- hile we couldn’t muster the votes for provided that there was a wide of this decision, which in our view term best interest of the College, a victory, I’m proud of what William consensus for doing so among enables the College to get back to and we extend our sincere W and Mary students did in response to alumni, staff, administrators and business. This should be a unifying congratulations to Taylor Reveley these actions -- we fought back in a way that was students. The notion that his goal. The selection process cannot for his appointment as the 27th civil and just. We responded by contributing over appointment was hasty does not be considered sacrosanct in and president of William and Mary. 300,000 hours of service to the Williamsburg ultimately carry weight. of itself; the BOV is at liberty to Doubtless, we will have points community, and by speaking out civilly at city Had the sentiment existed that appoint whomever they choose as of disagreement with President and neighborhood council meetings. When a the rector’s decision was potentially president. Moreover, an extensive Reveley in the future, but right now corrupt voter registrar was finally fired, 1,400 damaging to the College in not “selection process” – the absence he deserves to be acknowledged of us responded by registering to vote. establishing a presidential search of which has been noted by some for his accomplishments thus far. oday, all that work is paying off. I committee, one would think that critics of the decision – would Talk is cheap. Those am extremely impressed with what there would have been a public consist of nothing more than a administrators who actually act to T city officials are doing to remedy the movement against giving Reveley year-long expense of time and improve the long-term health of mistakes made several years ago. The city’s new permanent status as president. The resources. Aspiring administrators this college are the ones worthy Economic Development director works with veritable silence on the issue that and self-righteous students of praise. students to attract student-friendly businesses, began last spring belies this notion. would commit themselves to and new businesses are appearing more and more frequently, from Doraldo’s Pizza to the upcoming Green Leafe Underground. Every Next SA vice president must candidate in last year’s city council elections admitted problems with the three-person rule build upon past successes and admitted the need for more-student friendly housing. And no students have been evicted As the vice presidential the past two years, it is in an SA outsider, we would look for violating the three-person rule since 2007. selection process continues, we working cooperatively with these favorably on the appointment of Despite the progress we have made, there is believe it is necessary to outline influential groups that some good someone with a fresh perspective. always room for improvement. If you’re reading what the characteristics of a change can be accomplished. An individual who could offer a this, you should take a moment to consider qualified and common sense In fact, we would be remiss new take on the workings of the volunteering in Williamsburg, registering to vote candidate would be. Ideally, in failing to point out that SA – but still advance upon the in the city, or even plan to attend and speak up these are characteristics not the former vice president successes of the past few years at a local meeting. limited to individuals in the exemplified many of these – would be most desirable. To f the last few years have taught us anything, Student Assembly, but are also necessary qualities to a tee -- and that end, we await the decision it is that responding within democratic exemplified by individuals who with a certain unconventional of the vice presidential search I process and with civic participation works. share an understanding of the style that appealed to the student committee, which will hopefully Our future is bright in this city -- but only if we workings of student government body. It is unfortunate that all of arrive by the end of the week. continue working to make it so. at the College. The ability this progress was, to an extent, The Virginia Informer is produced by students at the College of William and Mary. The opinions expressed in articles, photos, cartoons, or ads to talk productively to both tainted by his misguided actions. are those of the writer(s) or sponsor(s). The College is not responsible for the content of The Virginia Informer. administrators and city officials While it would not be a This paper is produced for the benefi t of students at the College and is available at no cost for members of the greater Williamsburg community. is of paramount importance requirement, in our mind, for However, copies should be taken only if they are meant to be read and enjoyed. In the event an individual or group prevents these copies from being as well. As we have seen from the next vice president to be enjoyed by others, the cost to that individual or group will be $15 per copy. Virginia The Page Informer Opinion September 17, 2008 15

How, then, A necessary resignation Earlier this some moral shortcomings to expect the worst from one of month, former from my peers. our own. However, Mr. Pilchen’s should we live Student Assembly Replace Mr. Eickel with early response to this affair was Vice President Mr. Pilchen and ideas with light-hearted and unapologetic. Zach Pilchen student funds and it sounds Not once in the initial reporting on this campus? (’09) admitted to like we are where we were of the scandal was an apology wrongly using one year ago. Though, given. Whether his behavior began the SA debit this time it is different. Mr. as an accident or not, it recurred pon learning of card for over Pilchen’s resignation was too many times afterwards to Zach Pilchen’s 16 transactions, Joanna Sandager necessary, not only because be regarded as a simple human U (’09) intentional amounting to Contributor of his embezzlement, but mistake. His actions warrant a loss pilfering of student funds, almost $140. because of the standards of trust. I immediately thought of a Mr. Pilchen then he set for himself and the To be sure, no one is perfect. biblical axiom: “Be sure your addressed the Student Assembly William and Mary community Had Zach Pilchen been a private sins will find you out.” “Sin?” and announced his immediate one year student you might ask yourself? For resignation from offi ce. ago. It was without any some, this word is anathema, Upon hearing the news, I could not just his prominent rejected out of hand in favor Kristin Coyner not help but suspend my shock reputation It was not just his reputation obligations of broad categorizations of Opinion Editor and laugh at the irony. One year at stake, but at stake, but all of ours, when he to our “bad behavior.” Others of ago, I wrote my fi rst column on a all of ours, decided to repeatedly abuse his community, us possess a worldview that incorporates the similar political scandal. Brandon when he power -- power that wasn’t even we may not concept of sin, with the accompanying belief Eickel, student president of James decided to his anymore. have even in a higher authority to whom we are ultimately Madison University, plagiarized a repeatedly batted an accountable. We believe that actions qualifying large part of his online campaign abuse his eyelash. as sin are more significant than mere failures to platform from Mr. Pilchen and power - Once in the adhere to “community standards” or the College’s his running mate, Valerie Hopkins - power that wasn’t even his spotlight, though, achievements Honor Code, because these violations are not (’09). Campus outrage led to anymore. If we had low standards as well as blunders become public just against our peers, but ultimately against the another publication’s staff editorial of leniency and second chances, business. It is a lesson hard will of that higher power. calling Mr. Eickel’s actions “the Mr. Pilchen’s resignation would learned, and not just by the former Punishment for those who sin is also a part theft of ideas” and “an egregious have been unnecessary; instead we vice president. We as a community of this worldview, as are the concepts of crime.” have set our must hold our leaders accountable repentance and forgiveness during the process of These standards and choose them wisely. When reconciliation. But without an ultimate authority, critics then high and push comes to shove, their abuse there can be no uniform and final measure vehemently If we wish to remain a beacon now it is our is a result of the power we give of right and wrong, and therefore no decisive called for his of excellence, we must choose job to bear them. knowledge of just punishment. Absent this view, resignation. leaders that embody our standards the burden. If we wish to remain a beacon of individuals are insufficiently prepared to answer Unlike not only in their words, but their Some excellence, we must choose leaders the fundamental question: What does it mean to the masses actions. may wonder that embody our standards not only act ethically and how do we know when we are who called why I am in their words, but their actions. doing so? for a trip to choosing to President Hopkins’ committee to These are difficult questions that are not the gallows, rub salt into select the new SA vice president easily answered when one subscribes to the I defended Brandon Eickel, calling Mr. Pilchen’s wound even after his must take such expectations into postmodern worldview advocated by many in his resignation unnecessary. I resignation, perhaps believing that account. The decisions our leaders higher education generally and on this campus condemned him as wrong, but the past should be put behind us make refl ect back on us and it is in particular. Postmodernism is, by definition, a believed we were all overreacting. in favor of more important issues. our responsibility to make sure worldview skeptical of all things and individuals Last time I checked, none of us can To do so would be cutting him that that refl ection is crystal clear. absolute in nature, including the belief in walk on water, so I tend to expect an unfair break. No one wants a higher power and specific lists of wrong behavior. Now, I do not know Zach Pilchen personally and I cannot rightly comment on his Thank you from all of us at belief system. However, I do know that simply fulfilling GER 7 or taking a myriad of religion The Virginia Informer Like courses will not successfully equip a person to act ethically in life’s large and small decisions. I The Informer is an independent publication and does not receive do know one biblical injunction, though, which any public funding, unlike other publications at William and what if followed in this case would have changed Mary. everything: the so-called Golden Rule, do to others as you would have them do unto you. We would like to especially recognize some of our private you see? In an interview with The Virginia Informer shortly supporters. after the theft was uncovered, Mr. Pilchen stated, “Just the first one [illicit use of the debit card] was accidental, and then it was just like, as long Mr. Richard Beard - Mr. Robert Beck - Mr. Alberto as I’ll rectify that, I’ll just do this. And again I Chalmeta - Mr. John Gleie - Mr. Lance Kyle was running low on money and made a stupid, stupid decision. The debt has been paid back.” Mr. Sanford Whitwell JOIN We are all fallible human beings, prone to make mistakes; however, our excuses for such behavior The Collegiate Network serve to reveal basic flaws in our thinking. Personal rationalization of morality occurred on the fly The Patrick Henry Center US. here and ended in a profound personal failure. The Leadership Institute In a collegiate environment where identification of clear ethical footholds is often said to be If you would like to support The Virginia Informer, impossible, and absent our previous parental guidance, there is a great risk of abandoning please contact us at [email protected]. Informer past standards for risky substitutes. To be sure, the precepts enumerated in the College’s Honor The Virginia Informer is a nonpartisan group registered as an offi cial meetings Code are upheld by many, but when the rubber student-run organization at the College of William & Mary, and a member of the Associated Collegiate Press. meets the road, when no one is looking, and are every when we are told by the powers that be that belief in standards and ultimate authority is folly, we create for ourselves a recipe for disaster. Monday Daily lifestyle challenges, in the absence of a guiding force, leave us stranded, adrift in a 7:30 p.m. sea of moral equivocation. Unfortunately, if we www.VAInformer.com persist in this direction, we are likely to fail to All the news that’s fi t to go online. Blair 223 live up to the ethical standards necessary for the success of a cooperative society in the future. Virginia Page The 16 September 17, 2008 Informer

This is the fi rst in a four-part Informer debate series in which students representing Republican presidential candidate Sen. John McCain and Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Barack Obama will argue why their candidate’s position on each issue is the better one. Our topic this week is the economy. Polls indicate that the economy is the single most important issue on the minds of American voters this election cycle. Most Americans also agree that the economy is in rough shape at the moment, and many Americans are worried about their fi nancial future. Which candidate has the better policy to get America’s economy back on track?

Throughout the country, ordinary Americans are The McCain-Palin position on the economy is fi n ding themselves struggling to make ends meet in the quite simply one of less government. Sen. McCain face of numerous economic challenges. advocates keeping taxes low while also reducing out- Sadly, eight years of failed Republican economic policies of-control spending. Instead of raising taxes and have done little but exacerbate the problem. With the creating vast new programs, Mr. McCain believes support of Sen. John McCain, the Republican leadership in allowing Americans to keep their hard-earned Ben Kyber recently passed legislation that allows US-run corporations David Inserra money and letting them make their own choices Class of ’10 to move their manufacturing operations to countries with Class of ’11 on how to spend it. He wishes to promote an extremely lax labor and environmental standards in order individual’s degree of choice in their own fi nancial to operate more cheaply. As a result, American workers are fi nding themselves affairs by not only keeping taxes low, but also allowing each family a $5,000 increasingly unable to compete in the global labor market. tax refund to help pay for health insurance. Sen. Barack Obama provides a sharply different path for the American In contrast, Sen. Obama’s federally regulated and mandated plan for economy. In an Obama administration, enforceable labor and environmental healthcare would saddle American taxpayers with even more taxes and hit standards would be a prerequisite for US participation in trade agreements. businesses with between $5,000- $13,000 in additional healthcare costs. In addition, Mr. Obama supports indexing the minimum wage to infl ation, In addition, Mr. McCain sees that there is a simple reason why jobs are a move that would help wage-workers to retain some degree of economic leaving America -- and it’s not free trade’s fault. Rather, it’s because America security despite rising prices. Finally, Mr. Obama supports a variety of tax has the second-highest corporate income tax among industrialized nations. relief measures that would benefi t the middle class, small business owners, and Why would a company stay in America when it can get cheaper labor and seniors. In November, the choice is clear: Barack Obama is the only candidate lower taxes abroad? Mr. McCain will lower this burdensome tax and provide that can steer the economy back on track and help guarantee the American incentives for R&D to keep American businesses competitive. middle-class the fi nancial security they so desperately need. Kyber Inserra The problem isn’t free trade, but the taxes and restrictions that our I’d like to start by addressing David’s question: “Why would a company stay own government is placing on American businesses. Free trade encourages in America when it can get cheaper labor and fewer taxes abroad?” Given the businesses to grow, while taxes and restrictions limit them. In addition, the fact choice, a company will move wherever it can minimize its costs and maximize is that some jobs simply will not come back to America. Instead of demanding its benefi ts. The problem with a “free-trade” plan is that the movement of that the government “save” these jobs, Mr. McCain encourages the retraining goods and capital is free, but the movement of labor is not. In other words, an of workers for new and growing industries. American worker cannot easily move to Nicaragua to change jobs and vice-versa. Mr. Obama’s suggested “tax relief measures” pale in comparison to those Thus, without equally imposed labor standards, such as those supported by Mr. of Mr. McCain. Furthermore, many of Mr. Obama’s “tax relief ” measures will Obama, “free trade” is anything but free. The assertion that our corporate tax not actually reduce taxes, and some will in fact increase them. Mr. Obama’s rates make a bigger difference than massive wage differences and money saved healthcare plan would give small businesses a tax refund for 50 percent of from not having to comply with environmental standards is simply not true. new health costs -- but the other half will still be borne by small business. Mr. As for the concept of “smaller government,” I’ll say this: the government McCain’s plan to give all Americans a $5,000 tax credit for healthcare costs not provides thousands of vital programs that step in where the market won’t to only allows families to pick the healthcare plan that is best for them, but it also help level the economic playing fi eld and encourage equality of opportunity for avoids the unnecessary additional taxes and healthcare costs that taxpayers and all Americans. businesses would have to pay for universal healthcare of lower quality. Inserra The argument that having the second highest corporate tax rate among developed nations does not play a major role where companies base their Kyber Unrestricted free trade does encourage business -- it encourages business is simply nonsense. Ben’s logic seems to suggest that we need government business to ignore human rights concerns in other countries and to leave the to shield business at all costs. But those costs include higher prices for consumers, United States. Neither is good for the American worker. less effi cient business here at home, and less incentive for nations to trade with us. Mr. Obama understands that in today’s world, globalization is happening In addition, free trade works both ways. We can sell to these developing nations whether we like it or not, which is why he also supports improving access and make money here at home while providing goods at a lower price to American to retraining for displaced workers. Importantly, the Obama plan contains consumers. Lowering our corporate tax rate, keeping trade free, and providing tax a provision for the creation of fi ve million new “green jobs,” which would incentives for R&D and technology, as Mr. McCain advocates, will benefi t both simultaneously take advantage of a rapidly growing industry and would also American consumers and American small businesses. help make the United States a global leader in environmental protection. I would also like to point out that of the two candidates, only Mr. McCain has Mr. Obama also supports repealing the capital gains tax on small business shown himself willing to try to reform and control spending in Washington. He has start-ups, as well as providing a tax credit to self-employed small business fought wasteful earmark spending in both parties and even voted against several owners to help reduce their payroll tax burden. Under the Obama health Republican bills because they did not include guarantees of reduced spending and care plan, families would still be given the opportunity to choose the type of a balanced budget. Mr. McCain has taken a stand on spending limits, a balanced insurance that is “best for them,” but a guaranteed minimum level of care budget, and earmark reform, something his opponent cannot claim. would fi ll a desperately needed gap in our healthcare system for the millions of Americans who are still uninsured. Kyber Inserra The notion that unrestricted free trade works both ways is a nice one, but it’s just If you look at Mr. Obama’s healthcare plan, you will fi nd that his plan not accurate. By introducing thousands of low-paying jobs into the economies of destroys pharmaceutical companies -- as similar universal healthcare plans have these developing countries, our free trade agreements lower wages in those countries around the world -- and since pharmaceutical companies generally put about and serve mostly to maintain the status of their large lower classes. Do we really 90 percent of their profi t back into research on new drugs, the government expect the maquilladora workers, working for a couple dollars a day, to buy American- would have to supply the extra money for this research. Where will that money made products? How will we make money here at home from that arrangement? will come from? In proposing this government-run system, Mr. Obama shows Frankly, we won’t. himself to be just another a tax-and-spend liberal, no different than his running I won’t disagree with David that Mr. McCain has taken a strong leadership role in mate, Sen. Joe Biden, except that Mr. Obama is perhaps more clever in the way the Senate to combat wasteful spending and earmarks, but I will say that given his he will hide these new taxes from the American people. record it’s a bit strange for him to have chosen a running mate who supported the Ben has tried to argue that small government is somehow a bad thing. John infamous Alaskan “Bridge to Nowhere” as a gubernatorial candidate before killing McCain believes otherwise. After all, letting people keep their own money, the project once she was elected. letting business fl ourish without the restraints of burdensome taxes, providing Messrs. Obama and McCain provide entirely divergent views on the future of incentives to use all of the energy sources available to us, and having a smaller the US economy. Whereas Barack Obama supports changing course on many of government that can more effi ciently provide its services to those that really our current economic policies that have proven again and again to be disasters for need it -- that doesn’t seem like such a bad thing. working Americans, John McCain’s views essentially represent more of the same.