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State of the Rockies Report Block break in Utah: al- IM Softball in full swing Dr. Dog does Denver (and Card released most as good as having fi ve other live music bad-ass- wives ery)

Joel Minor 2 Rich Perkins 5 Carrie Markel 9 Ben Cronin 13

Volume 40 No 21

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Reported sexual assaults on campus double in 2009 > April 23, 2010 according to TESSA representative Shawna “A surprising number of people have no idea catalystnewspaper.com Elizabeth Findell Kemppainen. TESSA, which provides support what SOSS is,” Spiegel said. “We’re under-uti- News Editor to victims of both sexual assault and domestic lized as a campus resource.” abuse, dispatched response teams to hospitals Victims of sexual assault at CC have three s students around campus recognize 194 times in 2009, which was up from 179 the options for support and reporting. They can Sexual Assault Awareness Month, the year before. Kemppainen said she didn’t know seek informal support from counseling and City of Colorado Anumber of on-campus sexual assaults whether the increased reported sexual assaults other campus services. They can go through the reported at CC is higher than it has been in indicated an actual increase in assaults or an campus judicial process if the perpetrator of the Springs’ budget years. There were nine sexual assaults reported increase in willingness to report. act is a student. Finally, they can file a police re- in dorms and other on-campus locations in 2009, “The answer is both,” Kemppainen said. port and pursue the matter through the criminal compared to four in 2008, three in 2007 and The TESSA hotline received 16,214 calls to justice system. In the majority of cases, Horton cuts cut off four in 2006. CC sexual assaults including those their crisis and referral lines last year. While all said, they choose only informal support. that occurred both on and off campus num- calls are anonymous and the organization does Of the 13 CC sexual assaults reported in 2009, streetlights bered 13 in 2009, eight in 2008 and six in 2007. not track their origin, Kemppainen said that they only two resulted in formal complaints with Heather Horton, Campus Sexual Assault Re- have definitely responded to calls at CC before. the campus judicial system and Horton did not Ben Quam sponse Coordinator, emphasized that increased She also emphasized that college aged women know of any filed with the police. In the cases Staff Writer numbers of reported assaults may not neces- are four times more likely to be assaulted than of both formal complaints violation of the sarily indicate a problematic situation, but could women in general. Student Sexual Misconduct Policy was substanti- or many years Colorado Springs has actually indicate a safer campus where students “Women 18 to 24 are the most common age ated. Horton said both cases involved sexual had a reputation of being conservative, feel comfortable reporting incidents. range for reporting sexual assaults,” she said. assault, though not necessarily penetrating, and and that’s putting it lightly. Five military F “I don’t think necessarily that because we have A Center for Public Integrity investigation into in both cases the responsible person was placed installations, Focus on the Family, the New Life more incidents reported in the past year that it assaults on college campuses found that one in on involuntary leave. She would not say what Church and other organizations join Colorado means there are more sexual assaults happening- five college women will be the victim of a rape the duration of the sanction was. There are no College in calling this city home. Its residents I think more people are reporting it,” she said. or attempted rape by the time she graduates. official numbers yet for 2010, but there have have a prominent voice in the Tea Party move- The increase in reported sexual assaults is not The major CC support group for victims of been at least two formal complaints filed so far ment and El Paso County went overwhelming limited to the CC bubble. The Colorado Springs sexual assault is the Student Organization for this semester. to John McCain in the last election. But in a year Police Department reported a 17 percent Sexual Safety. SOSS also operates a hotline for Despite the increased number of on-campus in which every American city is cutting back on increase in forcible rape reports filed between support services that has only been utilized once sexual assaults reported in 2009, there were some social services, Colorado Springs is mak- 2007 and 2008. El Paso County forensic nurses this year, during seventh block, according to fewer formal complaints filed. There were four ing national news again for the unique way in have reported a 31 percent increase in sexual Becca Spiegel who serves as one of the group formal complaints filed in 2007 and five in 2008. which it’s balancing the city’s $28 million budget assault forensic exams in the county since 2006, volunteers. Violations of policy were also substantiated in all shortfall. One cut in particular has caught the of those complaints. nation’s attention. Starting last February, the city Investigations of sexual assaults by students at began shutting off up to 10,000 streetlights, or CC’s recent sexual misconduct history CC is handled by a small team of trained faculty just over 40% of all streetlights citywide. including Julie Houser, Associate Director of The decision to make the cuts came after vot- Campus Safety; Rochelle Mason, Interim Associ- ers rejected a city referendum to increase prop- ate Dean of Students; Kira Pasquesi, Outreach erty taxes last November, despite the fact that 2007 2008 2009 Program Coordinator and Greg Cappell, Associ- city residents pay historically low property taxes ate Director of Athletics. Cases typically go to compared to cities nationwide. Police, firefight- Total CC sexual Mason, who assigns an investigator, and then ers, city buses and other services are being cut, assaults 6 8 13 an adjudicator that is either Dean of Students along with the parks service, community centers Mike Edmonds or Assistant Vice President for and schools. The cuts, however, have found a On campus Advancement Diane Benninghoff makes a final large amount of support. City Council member 3 4 9 decision regarding discipline. Sean Paige called the cuts “Fantastic.” Off campus Houser said that she has conducted two in- Douglas Bruce, the author of Tabor, the 2 2 4 vestigations so far in 2010. She said the process taxpayer’s bill of rights, said about the financially Formal student includes meeting with all students involved, strapped community centers, “They inflate the misconduct com- gathering information objectively about the numbers of residents – the poor, the old and the plaints 4 5 2 students relationship, talking to any witnesses young – who rely on them. It’s the same with who could verify the situation or students’ state the buses. They are used by 1 per cent of the Formal faculty mis- of mind and then creating a report to send to people. It would be cheaper to buy them all cars.” conduct complaints 1 1 2 the adjudicator. The entire process may take Continued on page 11 Continued on page 3 2 April 23, 2010 News State of the Rockies Report Card released Joel Minor “I think that the most important thing I came However, farm structures in the Rockies Being accountable to more than yourself and Guest Writer away with from the summer research... was region are somewhat different than farms in a teacher for what’s in it is something students a deeper understanding of the role that the other regions. Because of the region’s overall aren’t used to,” Kolbe said. “Plus, it’s a good In what has become a hallmark of the spring at government plays in agriculture and the food aridity, average farm size tends to be geographi- way for CC students to see places outside of Colorado College each year, the seventh annual industry, from subsidies to immigration poli- cally larger than in the Midwest and California, Vail and the Wilderness Areas -- blue collar State of the Rockies Report Card was released cies.” the other principal agricultural regions of the places.” last week. The Report Card is the culmination Kolbe cited Wick’s work on the demograph- country. More land is needed to supply the Russell Clarke, a senior Economics major, of the annual State of the Rockies student/ ics of the agricultural industry as one of the same level of productivity possible in wetter agreed. faculty collaborative research experience, a highlights of this year’s report, noting that regions. “Being a State of the Rockies researcher was unique and high profile program in which CC female farm operators have increased by 257% In addition to larger farm size and a gradual a combination of being a researcher, a student, students research topics pertinent to the eight since 1987. movement towards organic and small farms, and being a citizen of the Rockies region,” he state Rockies region, report on their work, and “Part of this is changing gender roles and there is also a substantial concentration of said, “It was a great learning experience where engage the campus and greater Rockies com- getting away from the rural masculine identity. other alternatives to factory farm practices in you can build upon your existing knowledge and create a product that can be enjoyed by members of the Rockies region.” Wick shared Clarke’s enthusiasm. “Being a Rockies student researcher was a lot of hard work, but it was also extremely rewarding. We would spend hours poring over data spreadsheets and sometimes it felt like the work would never be done, but the result was detailed, data-driven findings that we could be proud of,” she said. Field trips are a substantial component of the Rockies research experience, and student researchers have many opportunities to meet with both experts in their field and with the everyday people whose lives they are studying. According to Clarke, the most rewarding part of the experience was talking to people in the field who put a face to the research topics. “It was great to talk to the farmers and ranchers whom make up the statistics seen on a screen, but whom each have their own individual story,” he said. Wicke in particular was strongly impacted by a trip to the Southwestern portion of the Rockies region. The time included field trips and a week-long road trip visiting farmers and ranchers from southern Colorado to Arizona. “It was fascinating to learn about the histories of American Indian and Latino agriculture in the Southwest, because it often seems like mainstream American nostalgia or collective memory somehow skips over the influence that these groups have had for centuries,” she Photo: courtesy of Liz Kolbe said. “Especially in light of recent rhetoric on immigration policy, I think that the long history munity in their findings. And, there’s a higher percentage of female the Rockies. of Latino settlement in the Southwest should “It’s a good way for CC to produce something operators in organic agriculture than in conven- “The organization of farms in the Rockies, be emphasized more in public education.” that’s useful for the community and outside of tional agriculture, so as practices change, opera- in terms of size and ownership, is different. We In their ongoing effort to engage both the Colorado Springs,” said Liz Kolbe, the Rockies tors change as well,” Kolbe said. have 70 percent of all the nation’s coops, insti- CC campus and the greater Rockies community, Project Program Coordinator. Female operated farms tend to have signifi- tutional, and trust farm acres,” Kolbe said. the members of the Rockies project encourage The project receives broad press coverage; cant differences from male operated farms, In addition to its purely educational com- their CC peers of all majors to get involved in Kolbe and the Project Director, Professor which has implications for agriculture overall in Walt Hecox of the Environmental Program, the Rockies. both conduct a great deal of outreach on the “On average, women operated farms are report card’s findings by giving presentations less than half the size of male operated farms,” to the press, schools, community groups and Kolbe said. museums. The change towards farms of smaller sizes The Report Card, which is available for free is a component of a significant focus in the online, is the result of a summer’s worth of Rockies Report Card: the beginning of a broad research for five to six incoming seniors each shift towards organic and small farms that year, as well as a series of speakers that come provide produce for local and organic food to campus to address the issues of the report suppliers. card throughout the year. “Agriculture is important because that’s the In past years, the release of the report card only way to establish [systems] that will help has coincided with a symposium on envi- the local economy and feed healthy food to ronmental, economic and social issues in the the local community. It’s part of the whole Rockies, with high profile capstone speakers, movement towards more local economies including former Secretary of the Interior worldwide,” said Emil Dimantchev, a junior Gale Norton. The symposium did not occur Mathematical Economics major and Rockies this year for primarily budgetary reasons but is researcher. likely to return in the future. Kolbe shared Dimantchev’s vision of a more While several articles in the Report Card sustainable direction for agriculture in the converged on similar topics in past years, all Rockies. of the sections in this year’s report focused “Ideally, the future of the Rockies is in diverse on a single theme in order to better focus the farming initiatives: grain fed beef, heritage content of the report and to improve oppor- varieties of crops,” he said. “Small farms are tunities for communication and collaboration growing, but the policies in place don’t support among student researchers. This year’s theme is that kind of agriculture.” Agriculture in the Rockies. Indeed, the Report Card touches on many of Photo: courtesy of Liz Kolbe “Historically, [agriculture] is important, be- the existing policies and statistics that highlight CC’s State of the Rockies student researchers harvest crops at the Chile River Farm cause a lot of the federal policies that opened the nature of the conventional agricultural in Hatch, New Mexico. the West were put in place to settle the west industry that continues to dominate in the with agriculture,” Kolbe said. “Because of this, Rockies. ponent, the Rockies project is an opportunity the project by applying for research positions even though it’s only a small percentage of the “Rockies agriculture is highly based around for CC student researchers to gain valuable in future years, submitting photos to the photo region’s GDP, in many areas it takes up a lot of the dairy and beef industries,” Kolbe said. “In research experience, report on their findings, contest, or by learning more about the subject the land, so it has huge impacts on the environ- every state of the Rockies, beef or dairy is the and engage the community as a whole. of research. ment and communities and the character of highest grossing product, and that’s made pos- “It’s rare for students to get the opportunity “It’s rare for people our age to have jobs the region.” sible by imports of grain from the Midwest, so to publish as an undergraduate. This is widely where we are constantly learning so I feel Senior Zoe Wick, a Sociology Major and one we’re dependent on federal policy and national circulated and the research techniques and lucky to have had the opportunity to learn new of the researchers for the 2010 Rockies Project, production to continue that industry as it organization required and learned is useful things every day about agriculture, society and concurred. stands.” going into senior year and working on projects. history in the Rockies,” Clarke said. April 23, 2010 News 3 Extreme increase in on-campus sexual assault in 2009 continued from page 1 repeat offenders at CC. She said that people lect data from different sources across campus is that the victim typically knows the assail- who come to her reporting sexual assault often to reach numbers of reported sexual assaults, ant as either an acquaintance or friend. This anywhere from a week to several weeks. do not name the perpetrator but, if they do, if but the CPI investigation found incidents of is consistent with national norms, according After the adjudicator makes a final decision, the same name comes up more than once she schools altering numbers to show reduced to Kemppainen, as over 70 percent of rape the students involved have ten days to appeal will contact the victims and encourage them figures. victims are assaulted by someone they know. and, if necessary, the President will convene an to file a formal complaint. In some cases, she Horton said that her data collection is SOSS has been trying to bring more appeal panel. made easier by being in the counseling center attention to April as Sexual Assault Awareness “It’s a very sensitive process for both parties The college “Active part-time. Unlike some other campuses, CC Month. Take Back the Night, an evening event to be involved with,” she said. includes reports from counselors into the num- designed to draw awareness to sexual violence Houser said she had personally found both Consent” policy states ber of sexual assaults in addition to counting occurred on April 1. Horton described the complaintants and respondents “extremely “that “a person who formal complaints. As well, Horton collects event as smaller than usual, possibly due to honest and forthcoming” with information in information from SOSS, Boettcher and the col- competition with other events including psy- her investigations. as been threatened lege chaplain in order to gather a more accurate chedelic bowling which were happening at the As well, there have been formal complaints or whose judgment is number of assaults. same time. Unlike in past years, participants in of sexual misconduct brought against faculty substantially impaired “The spirit of the Clery Act is that Take Back the Night did not march off-campus, members every year since 2007. Complaints all that information be included,” she said. but paraded around the school where acapella against staff and faculty members are brought by drugs or alcohol Horton said that almost all incidents groups performed in the major dorms. The to a professional behavior review and Horton cannot, by definition, of sexual assault she sees at CC involve alcohol, event ended with a SpeakOut in Bemis where said she did not know the outcomes of any either “pre-gaming” or at a party. Sometimes, victims of sexual violence could share their faculty complaints. give consent to sexual she said, these situations involve people who stories, which Horton called “powerful.” A study by David Lisak, an associate profes- contact. are too inebriated to remember what exactly Horton said that at Take Back the sor of psychology at the University of Massa- took place, she said, “but consent is not a Night this year students seemed “less angry” chusetts found that 58 percent of male college said, the victims have done so and in others conversation that happens.” than in years past. At the event, at a candle- students who admitted in a survey to actions they have not. The college “Active Consent” policy light vigil and poetry reading outside Slocum that qualified as rape or attempted rape also A study conducted by the Center for Public” states that “a person who has been threatened candles were blown out and papers ripped reported having multiple victims. Lisak’s stud- Integrity found massive violations in campus or whose judgment is substantially impaired from hands. ies indicated that 91 percent of campus rapes sexual assault reporting across the country. by drugs or alcohol cannot, by definition, give “This wind is an apt metaphor for reported by his survey group were committed The Clery Act requires that schools report consent to sexual contact.” how hard it is to keep the issue of sexual as- by serial rapists. sexual assaults that occur on campus and offer In addition to alcohol consumption, sault alight in people’s consciousness,” Horton Horton said that she certainly sees cases of rights to victims. Schools are required to col- another trademark of sexual assaults at CC said. 4 News April 23, 2010 Earth week springs into action Caroline Beaton as a pretty green and sustainable environment Guest Writer but we from EnAct realize that there are many things we can still be doing so we hope that some of the events this week will just raise CC students could be seen throwing pots, students’ awareness to this and stimulate them oiling bike chains, recycling paper into jewelry, to take an extra step in their sustainable habits” patching clothes and fraternizing with garden- said Alex Tarika, who helped coordinate Earth ers and whale warriors last week, all as part of Week and is helping lead a trail maintenance the schools annual recognition of Earth Week. crew on Fountain Creek this Saturday. The events are set to culminate Friday, April EnAct planned Earth Week to kick off on 23 with a festival of live music including Sexy Monday, April 19 with a lunch barbecue on and the Functionals, the Bluegrass Ensemble, the Worner quad. As students waited in line Ethan Varian and others. Other festival activi- for Carnivore Club burgers, they were asked to ties include a barbecue, tie-dye, lawn games and pledge to go vegetarian for a week or, for the a free market- bring what you don’t want and die-hard meat eaters, turn off more lights in take what you do- to promote recycling and exchange for an Earth Week sticker. reuse. “I think this really got students to take a mo- Other eco-friendly activities that were on ment to consider what they can do to reduce the calendar consisted of pottery classes, trail their impact on the environment and I think maintenance, knitting and patching instruction, overall this was a pretty successful little thing in bicycle maintenance, urban gardening, docu- just raising awareness,” Tarika said. mentaries and speeches, among others. Speak- Graeter called turnout wonderful for the ers included representatives from Bon Apetit, Monday film screening of “Life and Debt,” a Colorado Division of Wildlife, Pikes Peak documentary about Jamaican reliance on US Urban Gardens and, most notably, famous tourism. marine activist Paul Watson. Pikes Peak Earth Day is on Saturday, and “[Earth Week] is devoted to preserving our while it was not organized by students on mama earth and bringing awareness to our im- campus, Earth Week coordinators are en- pact on this planet,” said Annie Greater, who couraging members of the CC community to helped plan the activities. attend and support local efforts. It will be in Sustainability group EnAct sponsored the Photo: Stanley Sigalov Cornerstone beginning at 10 am with featured Earth Week activities as part of their pro- local businesses, children’s activities, food and Captain Paul Watson, creator of Whale Wars, spoke to a class yesterday morning. gram that, according to their website, seeks art. Annie Evankow, who helped organize the to “encourage people to take actions in their event, called it a huge event with many green environmental awareness. A website for the Evankow said. daily lives to reduce the environmental impact businesses. day, earthday.org, claims that Earth Day is the Ultimately, she said the point of Earth Week of their households [and] provide community Earth Day is officially April 22, a date Sena- largest secular holiday in the world, celebrated is to get people to “think of the environment resources that facilitate sustainable living and tor Gaylord Nelson chose in order to maxi- by more than one billion people. in everyday life and know that their actions build community.” CC students passionate mize participation by college students, avoid CC Earth Week had higher turnout than have repercussions. Even if it’s just a speaker about the environment joined the cause in overlap with religious holidays, and take place last year, which pleased organizers. The goal that reminds students that they have an impact, order to promote awareness. in the spring before most academic finals. The for the week is to become bigger each year so good or bad, hopefully that will help with the “I think many CC students view our campus day has become a worldwide effort to raise that it is something students are excited for, bigger picture.”

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6 April, 23 2010 Features Block break in Utah: almost as good as having five wives Rich Perkins passed the “Welcome to Utah” sign, signifying sea that once consumed Guest Writer I was no longer in our liberal home state. the canyon and gradu- Our original plan early in the block was to ally disappeared, leaving When the dam of 7th block breaks, it feels rent two oar-frame rafts and spend three days Utah with the wonders like all of CC floods into Utah for the last big floating the Colorado River from Dewey to of its National Parks. hoorah of the year. But what is the allure of Moab. However, typical of CC block break However, in my opin- the beehive state that manages to captivate so planning, commitment was sparse until the ion, you’re better served many students? It’s warm. But so are New night before we left. By the time plans came to sleeping outside of the Mexico, Arizona and Southern Colorado. And fruition boats weren’t available so we settled on National Parks. Find the cops there aren’t are power-tripping super cruising National Parks and other public land a dirt road and drive troopers bent on profiling any person driving a Utah has to offer away from the Colorado. By into Bureau of Land Subaru, a man with hair longer than one inch, the end of class, eight of us were committed to Management property. or any car with a Jerry Bear bumper sticker. start adventuring at Capitol Reef National Park. On BLM land, you’re Water is far from abundant (coming from a We arrived fairly late Wednesday night, had left to your own devices Midwestern perspective), and unless you count faith in the letter P (as in Parking), pulled over and rarely see any other the occasional lizard as wildlife, don’t get your and threw our sleeping bags out in the sand. people. A couple miles hopes up. The following morning we drove into the east of Capitol Reef we Utah makes up for these minimal drawbacks park. Capitol Reef offers countless canyons found such a road. We ten-fold with what it does offer. Geo majors to explore. Whether you want to day hike up forded the Fremont River. As I chugged through the current, my tires spit rubble and water ran up to my car doors. On the other side, we were in BLM land, left to the company of our block brew. “In any other state,” said ju- nior Natch Quinn, “this would all be a National Park.” photos: Jenny Light However, for some reason, Utah has chosen to not do anything all too familiar with. with BLM land that easily blows many of While it is illegal to drive alcohol across Colorado’s National Parks out of the water. A state borders, and Utah is a state that actually flash flood drainage provided an easy exit off cares about this pedestrian law, risks taken are the dirt road and the perfect beach to build a rewarded with the dizzy-spells we high-altitude- fire in. trained CC students can only get at 4000 feet. The following day, we took the opportunity After almost every trip through Utah you hear to explore more parks and drove towards of someone getting fined, arrested or simply Moab. Moab is, without a doubt, the most harassed by the infamous fascist fun-hating pa- popular destination for CCers hell-bent to trol squad. But for the sheer glory of adoles- adventure in Utah. It’s a dusty town sitting cent intoxication, we pay homage to NASCAR get their rocks off when they see the multi- Burro Wash—a popular slot canyon – or truck on the Colorado River and is a haven for any and smuggle hooch over state lines. colored geological formations which make in for a multi-day trip into the narrows, it’s a desert enthusiast or river rat in Utah. One CC up Arches, Canyonlands, Bryce, Capitol Reef stop worth making. All backcountry camping student speculated that 40 kids swamped Gold Moab is, without a and Zion National Parks. Desert camping is is free in the park. You only need to ask for Bar the first night of block break. The obvious majestic—leave your tents behind and stare at a permit at the visitors’ center and sacrifice result was serious drunken collegiate bullshit. doubt, the most popular the stars—plus summer-time weather is only having a late-night fire. We chose to break They chose to abandon their camp the follow- “destination for CCers eight hours away from the CC bubble. up a ten-mile hike into two days for our first ing day to find a tranquil place to set up shop hell-bent to adventure in “Utah is pretty much the place to be,” said adventure. After parking at the Chimney Rock in BLM land for the remainder of block break. Liz Toner, CC junior and avid Utah enthusi- trailhead, we took the Spring Canyon Trail into In situations like these, an atlas of Utah im- Utah. It’s a dusty town ast. “No matter who you roll with, there is the chasm that became our home for the night. mediately becomes your closest friend. sitting on the Colorado something for everybody. Camping, hiking, Six miles in, we found the perfect rock This situation repeats itself every year when mountain biking, rafting or just sitting in camp to make camp, broke out our stoves and our blocks break. Gold Bar, a camping hotspot River and is a haven for and knocking a few back.” made dinner. The rock walls surrounding us just outside of Moab, is immediately over run any desert enthusiast or When the final Wednesday of last block reminded me how small our presence is in the by CC students with trunks full of Colorado’s rolled around, I loaded my Jeep up to the gills world. Throughout, it towered over us, pocked booze. Buying anything alcoholic in the land river rat in Utah. with backpacking gear and set my sites on with perfect circles carved into the walls. Their of the Mormons isn’t quite as friendly an ende- Utah—careful to set cruise control at 75 as I coloring varied, allowing me to imagine the vour as the late night Weber Liquor runs we’re Before enjoying our bootlegged brews, we spent a day exploring Arches National Park.” A few miles from Moab, Arches is home to Deli- cate Arch, the most photographed arch in the world. In the back of the park is a short hike to Landscape Arch, their longest arch. Here I saw several other CC block break crews. After an extended rock-scrambling session, we hiked back to our car and drove along the Colorado River to find the last spot we would call our dusty home before driving back to the Springs. 17 miles down CR-128, we turned off and drove towards Castle Valley. Unlike Capital Reef, most of the camping along the Colorado is developed and littered with people unaccus- tomed to the typical CC bedtime. We eventu- ally found our stomping grounds, built a fire and celebrated a trip to Utah done up proper. We were all bruised, blooded and scraped from exploring Capitol Reef, but these are simple re- minders of the relaxing time we spent in Utah that will continue to drive us along through the 15% OFF rowdiness of 8th block. or free delivery with coupon only April 23, 2010 Features 7

Mark your calendars: eighth block brews of choice

tally responsible. balance, but it is lighter than I was expecting. which boasts strong roasted and smoked char- Jeff Hester Now, there has been a recent increase in the There are clear flavors of toasted malts, bread, acteristics, is practically crafted precisely for an ComDeb Editor number of organic beers hitting the market and a slight presence of honey and citrus. event like this. Let me break it down. Nick Hawks and I am quite fond of a few of them, De- And, as you exhale, the aftertaste leaves you The smoky flavors brought on naturally by schutes’ Green Lakes and Snake Rivers’ OB-1. with a slight piney flavor from the hops. This barbecuing are complimented exquisitely by Staff Writer But, since I’ve already had those (and because hoppy quality contributes to the crisper feeling the roasted malt flavors prevalent in Cut- Megan Bradley I can’t find a damn local liquor store that sells towards the end that is also characterized by a throat. As for the warm and wet weather that Guest Writer Snake River beer), I thought it would be best to certain resinous aspect. The mouthfeel was on will inevitably follow, the robust malts will be move outside my comfort zone and try some- the lighter side, but this enabled the beer to be sure to keep you warm while the lighter Porter Even though everyone already has their calen- thing new, despite my reservations. Just recently, a bit more refreshing and clean feeling. Overall, brew will keep you refreshed rather than over- dars in line for eighth block, there are a hand- Coaltrain got a shipment of new Rogue beer in it felt and tasted much more like a lager than whelmed. See? Perfect. ful of events that deserve special attention. and in it was Rogue’s First Growth Single Malt an ale. Cutthroat is an airy Porter that cleans up You can’t just run around campus all willy-nilly Ale. What makes this particular beer so interest- Ultimately, I feel that this style of sustain- beautifully while still delivering a wide spec- with a beer that doesn’t perfectly match with ing and deserving to be placed in the category able brewing is really going to take off in the trum of flavor. The most noticeable notes in the situation at hand. No, that would just be of appropriate Earth Week beers is the fact coming years and that Rogue is definitely on this brew are reminiscent of roasted coffee, silly. So here are our favorite pairings for the that it is oh so very organic as well as sustain- to something. But, they still need to fine tune dark chocolate and hickory smoke. For an last hurrah and be sure to hurry, there’s not able (except for the shipping aspect, of course). both their growing and brewing practices in the amalgam of such bitter tastes, the beer goes much time left... This beer is made of only four ingredients, area of the more simplistic beers such as this down thick and smooth like a Porter should; all of which are either grown or procured Single Malt Ale. I’m certainly glad to have tried not too dry, but still very interesting. Earth Week nearby by Rogue and they are as follows: the beer because of the fact that it was more The bottom line here is that, not only is Chatoe Rogue First Growth Single Malt Ale Rogue Barley Farm first growth Dare™ malts, refreshing and definitely more drinkable than Odell’s Cutthroat available and affordable, it American Blonde Ale, ABV 10% Rogue Hopyard first growth Revolution Hops, the more intense beers I usually seek out. It’s flawlessly compliments the general jubilation Rogue Brewing Company Free Range Coastal Water, and Pacman Yeast. worth trying at least once, especially consider- of Blues and Shoes. Don’t forget your dancin’ Newport, Oregon These ingredients are all GYO (Grow Your ing the reasonable price for a bomber ($6.49). pants. Own – a term invented by Rogue) certified and Probably best drank with a meal (rogue sug- Ah, Earth Week. I often get wrapped up do not have any added chemicals, additives, or gests pairing it with either Seafood or hot and Llamapalooza in the mundane activities of my day-to-day preservatives. spicy food) and not simply on its own. Boss Tom’s Golden Bock toiling, so I always do enjoy when special The beer pours a lighter golden color with Blues and Shoes Maibock, ABV 6.10% holidays come about to remind of things that a generous two-finger head that has a higher Cutthroat Porter Boulevard Brewing Company are important in my life – namely, that I love level of retention that provides for a fair American Porter, ABV 5.0% Kansas City, Missouri my Mother Earth almost as much as I love my amount of decorative lacing along the sides Odell Brewing Company real ma. This being said, during this week of of the glass. The aroma carries notes of yeast, Fort Collins, Colorado You simply cannot precede a line-up like this reflection, appreciation, and advocacy, I feel sourdough bread, and lemony citrus. year’s with a below-par beer. That said, we that I should probably try and also match up Upon tasting, it is first observable that this Besides the feel-good tunes and overwhelm- here at the Brew Ha Ha were having a hard my love for beer with my love for the Earth by beer is lacking in its overall complexity and ing amount of flannel, Blues and Shoes is time deciding just what would be the ideal known for two more things: barbecue and drinking in a way that is not only socially and provides little in the way of transitions from continuued on page 8 physically responsible, but also environmen- one flavor to the next. There is some degree of damp Spring weather. A Porter like Cutthroat, 8 Features April, 23 2010 Twenty four hours in Varanasi part 2: Night falls on the city of light

an man engaged in what I can only describe as into piles of flames, where they are released At a certain point, you have no choice but to Chris Shambaugh love those moments (thoughts evaporate). Guest Writer a leisurely, yet precisely yogic break-dance (with from the cycles of rebirth in which all beings cigarette in mouth of course). Having just ar- are bound. It took us about an hour, and only a few On that first night in Varanasi, India, I experi- rived from Ladakh in the far North, I had not “Huh, and its right down there? We gotta Minotaur encounters, to find my guesthouse, enced an intense craving for an endless plate seen many backpackers (six actually) and was check it out,” I said, hoping someone else and I was allowed in with only a bit of scolding, of Thali (A platter of dishes, which varies excited to finally meet some fellow travelers. I would want to join me on my late-night stroll. (“Are you a crazy person? Varanasi is not for regionally but tends to offer a variety of veg- serendipitously spotted one of the six, a kind I did not have a watch in those days and had the tourists at this time! You must be leaving etables, some rice, dal, curd and, ideally, warm New Zealander who I had met several weeks to ask someone for the time. Somehow, it was here tomorrow.”) Needless to say, there was chapatti). I describe it as endless because it is before, sitting with a few others who looked already two in the morning. Shucks. Knowing no sunrise boat ride for me the next morning. the one meal that you can order in India (or roughly our age. He invited me to join them that most guesthouses in India close at 11, I Nepal for that matter – Dhal Bat) where you and we exchanged some stories. He had arrived felt pretty damn careless. “Uhh, I’m pretty sure Needless to say, there are guaranteed as many servings as you want. from Amritsar a few days ago and could not I gotta make the walk back to my guesthouse. was no sunrise boat ride Being a man without a Lonely Planet Guide, I get over Varanasi. When I asked him what he Anybody feel like exploring the late night ghat scene?” Surprisingly, one of the Danish “for me the next morning. had to find my Thali by other means. I didn’t had been doing with his time he responded begin my journey guideless as a matter of softly, “Morning boat rides, evening boat rides, guys and the Canadian girl were both up for Fortunately, this was only principle (for that is one heavy-ass book), but long walks on the Ghats, a few concerts.” He it. I can tell you now, it was not your average eventually it became one. Lonely Planet is one had that glow in his eyes that is typical of those walk. After several beers and a Bhang Lassi, the start of the second of those perfect contradictions in our world. It who spend most of their time walking. everything had become a bit more interesting day. As I said earlier, every praises the most pristine pockets of the globe, He was sitting with two guys from Denmark (vibrant, drowsy, theatrical, mildly paranoid, while simultaneously catalyzing development in and a pretty girl from Vancouver. We had quite you know how it goes). We bid our farewells time I’ve met a person such places. Honestly, how could anything that to the other fellows and ran down the stairs to who has visited Varanasi is actually “off the beaten path” be in a travel He had that glow in explore the city at night. our conversation has guide? The best way to learn of those immacu- his eyes that is typical of Varanasi had been flipped on its head. The late corners is fellow backpackers. Also, Lonely children that are usually frolicking through received a sheer jolt of Planet has fairly disastrous impacts on a town’s “those who spend most the streets had been replaced with groups of energy. local economy. The guesthouses and restau- of their time walking. armed soldiers sitting around a massive speaker, rants with the best reviews slowly attract all blasting Hindi commands through the vacant of the visitors, and the rest struggle endlessly. He was sitting with two alleys. We encountered one of these groups Fortunately, this was only the start of the sec- While a Lonely Planet can be helpful, it seems immediately, who said nothing to us, but simply ond day. As I said earlier, every time I’ve met” a guys from Denmark to directly clash with the ancient, unquestion- pointed back into the guesthouse. From there person who has visited Varanasi our conversa- able goal of exploration. and a pretty girl from we started down the alley to the Burning Ghat. tion has received a sheer jolt of energy. People Luckily for my pursuit of Thali, a friend of Vancouver. On the way, we heard a chant approaching immediately bounce up and lean in, perhaps try mine had recently spent some time at a place us from behind. “RAM RAM SANTI RAM.” to grab your hand. There is something about called the Shanti Guest House and highly rec- a refreshing conversation, not simply because I Whatever this meant, and whoever this was, it the place that bursts through its clouds of ommended the food. He had said something was with people my age again, but because we” seemed to be stalking us. Suddenly a group beauty and ugliness – like a good dream you along the lines of, “It is less than luxurious, but were all like-minded with common interests be- of about twenty men carrying a body on a could never forget. Perhaps it’s the fact that the there is something magical happening on that yond the obvious desire to explore India. Our stretcher burst into the street around us. We locals and Indian pilgrims are as excited (if not roof.” Walking in, luxury was indeed the last conversation bounced between such diverse hugged the walls and watched as the seemingly far more) to be there as you are. Whatever it is, word that came to mind. It was a very old five- subjects as Kraut-rock, Barthes and Lars Von satanic parade tromped past with smiles on it’s happening right now, so do what you can to story building, with water-stained walls and Trier. We spent the evening swimming through their faces and a bounce in their step. What a get to the Ghats, take a seat and a ganga chai, ceilings, rotting furniture and an overwhelming beers and jokes, enjoying the spontaneity that wildly different view of death. and coast. lack of natural light. I asked the manager if I comes from gathering with like-minded strang- When we finally made it down to the Ghat, could see a room for a future night, as I’d al- ers. At some point, our discussion turned to I was quite certain that we had found the river ready booked a room for that evening, and he Varanasi’s Burning Ghat. I told them that I had Styx. There were at least five enormous bon- reluctantly agreed. The only thing I remember heard of it, but that I did not know what it was fires with very visible body parts silhouetted The Brew-Haha him saying was, “There are no windows in the and that I had not seen it yet. They all simulta- against the flames. Pop! As I gazed into the continuued from page 7 roaring flames, I watched a human skull burst Shanti Guest house.” The room could have neously pointed towards the river, because the Llama beer of choice. Since the past couple of like the beer bottles in backyard fire pits. The been better, but the price was right and I told Shanti Guest House actually sits right above years Llama hasn’t exactly been hot or sunny, it smell of seared flesh was suffocating, and the him that I would come back soon (little did I the place. “Ah. So I’ll be seeing it tonight,” I was tempting to recommend something dark to crowd enormous. We tried to make our way know that this would be the room that sparked remarked, knowing that the ghats would be the warm you up and get out on the lawn, groovin’ through the tumult discretely, knowing we were a two-week-long series of bed bug terror at- only way I could navigate my way back to my no matter the weather. We didn’t want to interrupting something far bigger than us. Of tacks). own guest house at such an hour. be pessimistic, though, so, in the hopes of a course, it did not take long for someone to Having developed a sense of the place, my They explained that the Burning Ghat is sunny day, we recommend to you Boulevard notice us. “You! No tourists at this time. There stomach reminded me of the importance of essentially where all of the people who have Brewery’s Spring Seasonal: Boss Tom’s Golden is no Burning Ghat at night.” At this point, it the Thali mission I had initially embarked perished in Varanasi are ceremonially cremated. Bock. did not seem like I was even there. I drifted upon. Posthaste, I climbed the five stories to Hindu religious traditions teach that those who Not familiar with a Maibock? I wasn’t either upwards like some sort of Purusha - a floating the roof, stepped outside, and sipped in the die in this city instantly achieve Nirvana. Hence, until a friend at Coaltrain recommended witness in the architecture and the flames. A brisk evening air. What I found was gloriously many believers make the pilgrimage in their last this guy. Lighter than a traditional bock, the friendly hand on my shoulder brought me back unexpected. Thirty folks whom appeared to and hardest hours. When one actually perishes Maibock is a perfect, quirky alternative to the to the when. We had almost passed the one be in their twenties, playing pool and cards, as in Varanasi, their body is typically ushered by pale ale or light beer you might otherwise grab obstacle in the journey to my guesthouse, but well as a group of wandering minstrels playing family and friends through the winding alleys on a nice day. Maibocks have the malt flavor were now going to have to turn back, and take guitar, tablas, and fluting around on wooden of the city on a bamboo stretcher until they and hops that you love about a traditional bock, the way of the loaded rifles and the labyrinth. Indian flutes. Finally, my gaze fell upon a Kore- reach the Burning Ghat. Here, they are placed but both flavors are somewhat toned down in comparison, resulting in an uncomplicated, refreshing, and more “drinkable” brew. A new “Taste” downtown: New Orleans cafe Boss Tom’s, despite disguising itself as a “golden bock,” is a darn solid Maibock. It pours clear and golden (staying true to its worth a visit name), with a fluffy white head. I won’t lie to Kieffer Katz like “you don’t have to be crazy to run a restau- Crystal’s Louisiana Hot Sauce, since that just you, Boss Tom’s smell leaves something to be rant, but it helps.” I also found myself slightly seemed like a gimme, but whatever they had desired, but the initial breaded malt taste, fol- Features Editor neglected upon entering, I actually had to walk was a reasonable facsimile. The sandwich came lowed by a slight honey sweetness mid-palate I try not to eat out much. It’s not a price thing, up to the kitchen and get Ms. B’s (as she pre- with a small cup of potato salad as well, which and a hoppy bitterness rounding off every sip, really; I just know that given the pathetic fers to be called) attention. After that was dealt quite simply blew me away. There are not a makes up for what the smell is lacking. Boss nature of the downtown dining scene, there with, I found myself surprisingly comfortable lot of things I love more in this cold, dark, Tom’s has a light to medium body with moder- is a 95% chance that I can cook a better meal in the mostly empty dining room, relaxing world than a good potato salad, regardless of ate carbonation, making it easily sesh-able. At for myself than the chefs at, say, The Olive in my seat and bathing in the jazz constantly my loathing for mayonnaise, so my standards a solid 6.1% ABV, this beer can get the job Branch, are likely to provide. That being said, emanating from the speakers. are admittedly high. Nevertheless I was firmly done. as a slightly obsessed foodie I consider it I decided to keep it simple on my first visit impressed. If my description hasn’t convinced you to something akin to a sacred duty to investigate since I wasn’t sure The Catalyst was going to There are a wide variety of other dishes go out and pick up a six-pack, the name should. new restaurants that open near campus, in the pick up the bill, and anyway I always like to available at an impressive range of price Boss Tom’s is named after one of Kansas often-vain hope that I’ll find something worth make sure a place has a grasp of the basics points. As I said, I wasn’t willing to splurge on City’s most morally reprehensible, depraved, spending money on. It was this drive that took before I go for anything fancy. If a restaurant this lunch, but I was tempted by the pecan- and infamous citizens: legendary political boss me to Taste of New Orleans Café, the newish can’t make a decent baked potato, I’m not in- coated catfish ($12.50) as well as the seafood Thomas J. Pendergast. Boulevard Brewing Creole restaurant that opened up at 333 N. terested in dropping the money for a steak, you jambalaya ($16.50), not to mention the dessert Co. rightfully dedicated this seasonal to the Tejon St. at the end of January. know? I settled on a skrimp (yes, skrimp) Po’ menu, which I was simply too full to sample “atmosphere of graft and lawlessness” inspired I am by no means an expert on Creole food. Boy ($9.50) and a glass of sweet tea. Normally but includes bread pudding and that Louisiana by the Boss, which fostered the city’s boom in In fact, aside from a few pathetic all-you-can- I’d go unsweetened, but sometimes there is standby bengiets. jazz clubs and speakeasies. Keep the tradition eat spots I hit while living out of my car in something to be said for tradition. So yeah, the décor is weird, and you’ll prob- going this Llamapalooza and cheers to good New Orleans, and a deep abiding love for Pop- The tea was maybe a little sweeter than I ably be waiting for a minute for Ms. B to take music and good fun with Boss Tom’s. That eye’s Fried Chicken, I’m pretty much clueless. wanted it to be, but with a slightly larger lemon care of you, but it’s fitting that you have to take way, if you’re found drinking by an undercover That said, I was impressed by the food served slice it would have been perfect. The sandwich, it easy for some N’awlins style eatin’. Check cop this year, at least you’ll be ballin’ a little by Beth, the proprietor and, as far as I could however, was delicious; a healthy portion of this spot out; it’s a great alternative to another harder than if you’d been caught red-handed tell, the only employee of the establishment. deep-fried breaded skrimps with lettuce and Chipotle burrito or yet another trip to The Ritz with a Bud Light. I was admittedly unimpressed upon first tomato on crusty, delicious French bread with Grill. In the words of the Dirty Dozen Brass Band, walking into the place. The single room was mayo, which I took off. It was simple, yeah, but Llama “aint nothin’ but a party,” so drink up. crammed with kitsch, ranging from Mardi Gras the overall effect was perfect. I’ll admit to some We’ll see you there. masks to little signs declaring trite sentiments slight disappointment that they didn’t have April 23, 2010 9 Comment & Debate Looking both ways: a comment on sidewalk safety at CC

Think back to your first visit to Colorado of crosswalk accidents around our cam- our grasp to take a second to look up around CC. This week I submitted a letter College. Like me, you were probably in pus. She marks the third student (albeit from our phones, iPods or conversations on behalf of the student body urging city high school, excited to tour the beautiful one prospective) hit on streets around CC to look both ways or simply press the officials to expedite their processes for campus, chat with current students about this year, on par with the stark average of button for the flashing lights (installed installing flashing lights on Nevada and life on at CC and discuss classes with 2 students hit annually, many resulting in by the City, not CC) when crossing the considering speed bumps on Cascade. professors. Then imagine that instead of life-threatening injuries. street. Furthermore, riding skateboards But the city and college can only do so returning home to make your college de- As a student body, we must do better. and bikes through crosswalks is not only much: the onus of crosswalk safety is on cision, being airlifted to a Denver hospital Our safety is in our hands. Contrary illegal in Colorado, it’s downright danger- us. We cannot tolerate even one more in critical condition after being hit by a to popular belief, CC does NOT own ous – 50% of all students were on bikes student getting hit. truck while walking across Cascade. As any part of Cascade, Cache, Nevada or when they were hit. So take a second for *Source for all crosswalk information: we all know, that was the living nightmare Uintah, including the medians. Period. your friends’ safety and yours: get off The Colorado College Office of Legal for a student during our last Open House Those streets and their crosswalks are city your bike, press the button and look both Counsel weekend for prospective students and property and each of us are individually ways. It’s that simple. their families. Unfortunately her story is responsible for our safety in them. We’re Still, the City of Colorado Springs one of many in the ever-growing annals bright, talented students – it’s well within can do more improve pedestrian safety

Are you on, or are you off the bus? Medical studies bring legitmacy to hallucinogens

Nick Hawkes there is further supportive work being done 70s. In an effort to legitimize new studies and and another a placebo, in both instances, the Staff Writer by nonprofit organizations such as the Heffter insulate researchers from political and social group of individuals who received the psilo- Research Institute and MAPS, the Multidis- backlash, both experimenters and medical cybin reported having more satisfaction with Are you on, or are you off the bus? New medi- ciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies. review boards have developed strict guidelines their lives after the experience as compared to cal studies on hallucinogens bring legitimacy to Furthermore, MAPS organized the largest aimed at maximizing patient comfort and mini- the control group and that the experience had the Kesian ride conference in the U.S. in the past 17 years that mizing the risk of any emotionally traumatic ranked as one of the top five most memorable No longer constrained to the world of is to be focused primarily on psychedelic sci- experience that may result from adverse reac- experiences in their lives. bleeding heart hippies professing their oneness ence. The conference was held on April 15-18, tions to the drugs. Moreover, advancements What we are seeing at this time is an evolu- with nature at a String Cheese Incident reunion 2010 in San Jose, California and was designed in medical technology have allowed scientists tion of both medical and cultural knowledge, as concert at Red Rocks, hallucinogenic drugs to “bring together international experts to pres- to observe the effects of various drugs using well as a growing acceptance and understand- seem to be moving from the shadowy depths ent on psychedelic research and psychedelic brain scans, all of which serves to further legiti- ing of the potentials of human consciousness. of hippie counter-culture to the forefront of psychotherapy topics” and to explore “clinical mize the current studies in a way that research- Retrospectively, given the cultural opposition medical research. Scientists and doctors alike at and spiritual applications, issues relevant to ers in decades past could never have been able and the lack of medical technology in previous Harvard, John Hopkins, New York University, healthcare professionals, and social and cultural to do. decades, it is clear how such research could Arizona University, and the University of Cali- issues surrounding the therapeutic and recre- Researchers are still slow to make overarch- have been shut down so quickly. But now, as fornia Los Angeles have begun to reexamine ational uses of psychedelics” according to the ing claims about the positive effects of the the Western world is growing increasingly more the potential benefits of hallucinogenic drugs organization’s website. drugs on patients’ consciousnesses and the in tune with the expansion of spiritual con- as treatments for depression in cancer patients, Such a change in the public and professional degree to which these psychedelics can better sciousness through Yoga and meditation, and obsessive compulsive disorder, post traumatic perception of the medical applications of these treat mental disorders, but studies continue to as our medical resources are able to confirm stress disorder, end-of-life anxiety and drug psychedelic drugs marks a clear distinction provide data that point in that direction. For those potentials for expansion, there seems to and alcohol addiction. between a new modern openness towards the example, in follow-up surveys administered 2 be a paradigm shift that may foster a continued While a fair amount of research has already drugs’ potentials and the unnecessarily demon- and 14 months after an experiment at Johns support for less traditional means of spiritual been done by the aforementioned institutions, izing attitude held towards them in the 60s and Hopkins where one group was given psilocybin and mental development.

Board of Directors Features Rich Perkins

Editor-in-Chief • Alex Kronman Editor • Hannah Wellman Managing Editor • Natalie Dupille Editor • Kiefer Katz Chief Copy Editor• Hannah Wellman Layout Editor • Danny Castillo Advertising Reps COO • Carol Earnest Photo Editor • Ben Mackall Marketing Director • Chris Ellis Gioia Garden Advertising Manager • Max Hillman Scene Controller • Karen West Editor • Elena Ketelsen Legal Consultation provided by Photo Editor • Annie Hanson The Catalyst is a weekly newspaper produced and managed exclusively by The Student Press Law Center students of The Colorado College. Published for the benefit of the college Comment & Debate Staff Writers community and the surrounding local area, the Catalyst aims to bring gen- Copy Editors Elizabeth Findell eral interest and academic-oriented news, ideas, and opinions into greater Editor • Jeff Hester Ben Quam Bernadette Stocker collective view—to act as a catalyst for informed debate. The newspaper is Illustrator • Max Bennett Kieffer Katz published under the auspices of Cutler Publications, a 501(c)(3) not-for- Layout Editor • Caitlin Dwyer profit independent of The Colorado College. Jeff Hester News Gordon Matthewson Nick Hawks Contact Editor • Elizabeth Findell Carrie Markel Editor • Rahki Voria David Mauro Letters and inquiries: [email protected] Editor • Phoebe Parker-Shames Greg Siegel Advertising: [email protected] Subscriptions: [email protected] Layout Editor • Natalie Dupille Sammi LaBue Elena Ketelsen The Catalyst Sports Ben Cronin 1028 Weber St. Guest Writers The Catalyst is a member of Editor • Aaron Patterson the Associated Collegiate Press Colorado Springs, CO 80946 Editor • David Mauro Joel Minor Caroline Beaton Printed on 100% recycled paper with soy-based inks Phone: 719.389.6675 Layout Editor • Claire Mann Chris Shambaugh Fax: 719.389.6962 Photo Editor • Sam Landsman 10 Comment & Debate April 23, 2010 Inevitable death of Twitter; reasons behind the downfall of the Internet behemoth

Gordon Matthewson and all the networking sites that never made it the white and bald were raised when Rupert cisco had an acid flashback, Twitter seemed like Staff Writer big: Xanga, Bebo, Mypraize. After that, most Murdoch bought Myspace in 2005 for $650 the next logical step in a world getting faster of the self-expression on the web comes from million. What was he doing? Was there every minute. But its use comes into question One or Two reasons why Twitter Will Die your statuses, or tweets: What are you doing? something there? It turned out that yes, there outside of the realms of trendiness, and annoy- You know, you’re cool. As you sit enjoying a What are you thinking? What are you thinking was. Amongst all this Googling and blogging ance. Trying to discern whether to invest in a nice cappuccino and a Virginia slim, you are of doing? Are you hungry now? Where are and webcamming, there was indeed money to business from a Twitter page is next to impos- not only enjoying the smooth bliss that is your your car keys? be made from social networking. sible; character is tough to spot amongst flashy morning, you are soaking up the rich personal The modern conception of any sort of digi- The simple incentive was there in 2005 and YouTube videos and blabber. As cool as it is experiences around you. The man and woman tal self can be stemmed back all the way to the is still there: if you can predict where any of to hear about good restaurants online, word sitting next to you made it clear in line that they Bulletin Board Systems of the 1970s, 80s, and these online trends are going and start a com- of mouth will always exist. So will cooking at had relationship problems; he ordered soy, and 90s. At that time they were old, primitive chat pany that is headed that way too, you can make home. Sure, you can become a follower or fan, she ordered chai. They’ll probably break up rooms, restricted to only the extremely geeky. a bunch of money. Nobody sat back in their but you do so on the assumption that someone soon, you think. You always can tell with that Still, they created a free flow of information desk chair overlooking a vast city, and while cares. Probably a lot less do than you think, sort of thing. You felt smug getting the table much in the same way that Twitter’s web site watching the rain patter against the office win- regardless of how many followers you have. in the sun; they had to wait for their drink to says it does. But you could only access it when dow, thought up the idea of Myspace. It was As the volume of information on the web be made, and you ordered it two hours ahead you dialed up; it could take hours, days, weeks, a series of calculations, based on observations increases, the relevancy and interest potential of time online. As you watch the furious flurry for someone to respond to what you had wrote. on the state of the Web, humans, and predicted decreases. It’s just math, man. If we’re friends, of the world go by, it occurs to you that you To make the online flow of information more services one could provide that didn’t exist yet. tell me how you’re doing, how your week is are special. You are a reporter, an observer, immediate, instant messaging was born, and So far, Twitter has had around $1 billion going. Tell me about your day, if we’re married, someone with something to say, in a sea of was widely used in the 90s; I would suspect dollars poured into it, and on April 13 they and tell me how you’ve been if you’re an old drones and have-nots. And sweet Jesus, isn’t that many of us could identify the quick, three- unveiled their first advertising scheme that friend I haven’t seen in a while. Don’t tell me it nice to tell everyone? As a true child of the toned noise that you hear when sending or would, in turn, make money for the company. about your last 30 minutes though, because digital age, you whip your Blackberry out of receiving an AIM message. It will include “promoted Tweets,” which are honestly, I don’t give a damn what you just had its waist holster and tell everyone what a fine The online self-expression that started with similar to Google’s sale of adspace based on for lunch. morning you are having. tweaking the color and font of AIM profiles keywords in searches. Twitter has also signed “Damn, I’m having a fine morning,” you say turned into an entire website of your very own deals with large search engines like Google and to the world on Twitter.com. You can’t tell (your space, if you will). It became so person- Bing to allow tweets to come up in search re- exactly who heard you, but you suppose you’ll alize-able to some that it took 20-25 seconds to sults. Whether this will work is anyone’s guess, find out. After all, 106 million registered users load all shit in their space before they greeted although there are no doubt office buildings could be listening. How do you know they you with their profile picture, nametag nicely full of psychologists trying to figure out how aren’t? boasting 11,000 friends. It didn’t take too long their clients can inevitable take your money. Other than the intrinsic pretentiousness for everybody to realize that this was tacky; and However, as an idea, Twitter is limited. How of some of its users, there are a few reasons that Facebook was much more respectable and far can its use be stretched and twisted to make that Twitter.com will eventually die out, or orderly. But the clutter came in just the same, new things? It’s basically an offshoot of Face- never reach the full level of usage that anyone and the icons of useless self-definitions made book; the idea of a status stripped away and intended it to. The first has to do with the fact their way back into the online lives of millions. enlarged. Twitter is like Facebook, but more that as a culmination and combination of mod- Social networking eventually proved to be current: what are you doing NOW? WHAT ern social networking ideas, it is one that has more than just silly fonts, nicknames, and ABOUT NOW? WHAT ABOUT AFTER little individuality and limited use. Your profile groups of short personal ethos. Behind THAT? has a short bio, just like Myspace, Facebook, newspapers all over the world, eyebrows of So, when that dazed techie from San Fran-

Graphic: Erick Nelson April 23, 2010 Comment & Debate 11 Streetlights & budget cuts at the hand of conservative Colorado Springs

Continued from page 1 linked to the presence of streetlights. The if someone pays for the streetlight outside that. As Colorado College students, faculty “If we cut the city budget in half, that might be same study concluded that, “Darkness [or the their house to stay on, they will be affected members, and staff members that live here, a reasonable amount,” he added. absence of lighting] results in a disproportion- still when they drive to the store, or school, or this affects us in profound ways. Apart from The decision to turn off streetlights however ately large number [in relation to exposure] of anywhere across town. Unless all streetlights the fact that your chances of getting run over has struck a unique cord with city residents and crashes and fatalities, and in particular, those stay on, the harms affect us all. by a car anywhere off campus just went way up Americans. Long seen as a hallmark of urban involving pedestrians. Pedestrians are the most Additionally, these city cuts, and subsequent (remember, up to 6.75 times more likely), cuts civilized life, streetlights provide concrete vulnerable population on roads at night and in volunteer programs (like the ‘adopt a streetlight to police, fire and buses affect us equally. benefits that make city living safe and pleasant. terms of crash reduction appear to benefit the program’), make the conservative mantra its We often act at CC as if we live in a bubble, Since they became standard in metropolitan most from street lighting.” Since pedestrians proponents espouse completely meaningless. that we’re not a part of the greater commu- areas at the beginning of the 20th century don’t posses their own pair of headlights they What is conservative about a city government nity, but it’s a fantasy to pretend that we aren’t streetlights have worked to prevent crime, stop stand to benefit the most from ambient light having to go hat in hand to residents for char- connected to Colorado Springs. It’s hard to say car accidents (previously horse and buggy acci- that keep city streets illuminated. “Pedestrians ity just so the city doesn’t go dark at night? It we’re preparing to be the leaders of the next dents), and allowed residents to feel secure and are between 3 and 6.75 times more vulnerable isn’t just the streetlights either. The city has generation if we aren’t taking a role in leading comfortable living side by side with thousands, [to getting hit by cars] in the dark than day- a program for residents to use private lawn the greater community we find ourselves in perhaps millions, of others. In a study done light.” Consider that next time you’re walking mowers to mow public parks because the city now. Call the city council, or the mayor, or by Pennsylvania State University in June 2009 downtown from campus. can’t pay for them anymore. Taxi drivers are whatever department you find important. prepared for The National Cooperative High- These cuts say two important things about being asked to act as part time cops, looking Contact information for all of them is easily way Research Board, they found, “In addition the direction Colorado Springs leaders and out for criminals. Buses are cut, public pools available at springsgov.com. If we don’t start to the visual benefits supplied by lighting, the residents (that means CC too) are taking the closed and the police department was forced engaging the community at a greater level, we ‘message’ of an improved lighting installation city. First, all these cuts serve to widen the dis- to sell off its two helicopters on eBay. What is will find our city is a place that won’t invest in can be interpreted as ‘people care about this parity between the rich and poor, the haves and so conservative about a city that relies on hand fire or police protection, or a city where poten- neighborhood’, thereby enhancing community have-nots. The city has instituted a “streetlight outs to perform the basic functions that define tial future CC students don’t have a community confidence and an informal sense of control by adoption program” to help “interested citizens a community? center to go to after school. Just over half of the community.” In terms of crime prevention reactivate streetlights that have been turned Colorado Springs is turning into the logical the cities street lights are still on, but it’s up the study concluded, “This informal deterrence off.” But this program is only a possibility for extent of the “taxes are always bad,” tea party, to us as residents of this community, working is thought to result in a reduction of crime families that have incomes high enough to shell conservative movement that is poisoning na- with like-minded neighbors, to make sure that during the day as well as during night… In out “$75 for a residential light [and/or] $180 tional politics. There are just some things that when the sun sets behind the mountains, our summary, it appears that lighting has a positive for an arterial light.” For low-income families, government does better than volunteers. That’s city stays bright for all of us. effect on reducing crime and…lighting may or any family suffering long-term unemploy- why, as a community, we hire police, so that send a message that goes beyond visibility as a ment, paying out of pocket just to keep city taxi drivers don’t have to be responsible for de- means for providing a community with a crime- lights on isn’t an option. In a city still suffering fending a city while they do their normal jobs. reducing benefit.” an unemployment rate of 8.9%, it’s easy to Sure, some people might volunteer to mow In addition to affecting a sense of communi- imagine night in Colorado Springs where richer, grass at the local park for a bit, but who wants ty, streetlights help dramatically in one specific wealthier neighborhoods stay lit, and poorer to plow all the snow off of I-25 by themselves? area. Automobile accidents are significantly neighborhoods go dark. Furthermore, even I’m glad I pay the government to take care of

Graphic: Erick Nelson 12 Sports April 23, 2010 Sports CC equestrian team finishes 3rd in region

David Mauro finished second in the region in the previous While the team has quickly established itself makes it more enjoyable for us as a team, but Sports Editor three seasons. as a successful program, it has also maintained also has helped contribute to our success over The team is made up of 20 riders, almost a relaxed atmosphere that has helped to attract the years.” This season the team competed at competi- Although it is a non-Varsity team that most stu- all of whom were riding years before they en- new members. tions hosted by CU-Boulder and the University dents have not heard of, the Colorado College tered CC. “I became involved with the team “A lot of horse show circuits are very intense of Nebraska. Despite often competing against equestrian team has found success competing because I have been horseback riding since and put a lot of pressure on the riders, but much larger schools, CC has established itself in the International Horse Show Association I was a child and it is something that is very our team is laid back and not intimidating for as one of the top teams within the region. (IHSA) since forming seven years ago. The important to me,” said junior Christie Kinsella. those who are new to riding or competing in With consistent results and growing numbers, team completed its most recent season, sending “I knew I wanted to continue riding and com- horse shows,” said Kinsella. “For those who the CC equestrian team will hope to build on two riders to regional qualifier tournament in peting in college, so I made sure that all the are more experienced riders and veterans of its past successes by winning a regional cham- Amarillo, Texas. CC entered the last competi- schools I applied to had competitive equestrian the horse show circuit, it’s a nice change in pionship next season. tion of the year tied with CU-Boulder for first teams.” Kinsella said the team has grown since atmosphere to not feel pressure and to be able in the region but ultimately finished third. They her freshman year. to just have fun. I think this attitude not only

Photo: Kat Teter Jen Kelley competes in the IHSA intermediate hunt seat equitation jumping class at CU Boulder. NFL draft features huge talent pool Gregory Siegel “I love the draft. I could honestly watch it back, Sam Bradford from Oklahoma University. be a great later round steal. Staff Writer from beginning to end. I hope the (New York) Selecting a QB with the first overall pick has “Tim Tebow is a short yardage dynamo with Giants get (linebacker) Rolando McClain,” said had mixed results in recent seasons. It has the intangibles and the work ethic to make a sophomore Keith Weber. produced top-tier QBs like Peyton Manning, huge impact on any team in the league,” said This year’s NFL draft is upon us, and it is Weber’s desires are shaped by the departure Michael Vick, Carson Palmer, and Eli Manning, sophomore Henry Marsh. “I would love to see saturated with young talent. Future NFL stars of long time linebacker Antonio Pierce, who huge busts like Tim Couch, David Carr, Alex him go in the first round.” will start their careers on Thursday, Friday, was the leader of the Giants defense. However, Smith, and JaMarcus Russell have all been No. One possible destination is Jacksonville. The and Saturday nights. This is the first year that many believe that the Broncos will take Mc- 1 overall picks. Jaguars franchise is struggling to sell seats, and the draft will be shown in primetime, and Clain with their No. 11 overall pick. They are Perhaps the biggest “sure thing” in this draft Tim Tebow is a god in Florida, where he was a the first year that it will be shown over three looking for a new defensive leader as well, as is defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh. Suh had Gator. David Garrard also has a subpar year at nights. Although all of this sounds exciting, Safety Brian Dawkins will probably retire in the an incredible season this year for Nebraska, QB for the Jags. many sports fans would argue that the draft upcoming seasons. Safety Earl Thomas, from and almost became the first defensive player You may notice that there has been a lot of is unwatchable. Watching a man in a suit talk Texas, is another possible selection for the to win the Heisman trophy in over a decade. emphasis on drafting quarterbacks in this draft. into a microphone once every ten minutes to Broncos. Others think that the Broncos should Suh might be the best player in the whole draft There is loads of QB talent to be had with announce draft picks doesn’t exactly describe draft WR Dez Bryant to replace receiver Bran- class. He is surrounded by high expectations Jimmy Clausen, Sam Bradford, Colt McCoy, how most people want to spend their weekend don Marshall, who was traded last week to the from people who project him to make lots of and Tim Tebow all entering the draft. This nights – especially while both NBA and NHL Dolphins. However, Bryant’s biggest flaw is his Pro Bowls, and even be a Hall-of-Fame player. is because of the direction the league moved playoffs are going on. However, those who character concerns, which is the same flaw that He is expected to go No.2 to the Detroit Lions, in last season, when ten QBs threw for 4000 follow college football closely find it interesting may have run Brandon Marshall out of town. who are desperate for defensive upgrades. yards, up from six in 2008. Many experts pro- to watch as NCAA athletes become profession- The St. Louis Rams have the first overall There has also been a lot of talk about two- claim the league is now a passing league, and als. Nevertheless, despite the lack of excite- pick in this draft after going 1-15 last season. time NCAA National Championship Quarter- the old days of running and the ball and having ment in the draft, your team’s performance this They released long time QB Marc Bulger after back Tim Tebow. Some think that Tebow was a strong defense are over. Of the twelve teams weekend will be immensely important on this so the season’s conclusion, so most people a college quarterback who will never make a to make the playoffs, only two were teams that season’s outcome. think they will select a new franchise quarter- serious impact in the NFL. Others think he will weren’t pass-dependent. April 23, 2010 Sports 13 IM Softball in full swing Carrie Markel The tournament consists of two leagues: kind of intramural atmosphere famous at CC: Staff Writer an Open-League and a Co-ed League, which relaxed, fun, and with great opportunity for is further split into the American League costume leeway. The one serious aspect might and National League. The Co-ed League’s be the champion t-shirts any intramural team As is typical with that start of any intramural stipulation is that two members of the under- covets and will wear for several days after season, witty team names are in high demand represented sex must be present on the field winning the final tournament, but for the most as are enthusiastic players. None of these are at all times, while batting and pitching rules part people just enjoy hitting a few balls. “With lacking in this season’s Intramural Softball also differ significantly. As the sport is softball, the bat in my hand, I really feel invincible,” as Tournament, with arguably the best team many other rules have been implemented as Ben Wallner, one softball participant said. “It’s names being My Couch Pulls Out But I Don’t well to protect members of both leagues, such just so much fun.” and Matty V’s Big Wood. Subtle, very subtle. as required facemasks for catchers, sliding into The final games of league play concluded The games began in late March and continue bases on close plays, and, of course, under- Thursday with the single-elimination tourna- through 8th block, making all jealous who handed pitching. ment beginning April 3. venture to lab, meetings, or studying in the All of these “softening” rules breed the afternoons.

Photos: Sam Landsman

Clockwise from top: Freshman Nate Boyce works the out- Hours of Happy... field in a game last Wednesday.

Junior Max Hillman, in a display of inspiring athleticism, stretches to make 3-6 pm 7 Days a week the out at first base. & 10 pm - close (Sun-Thu) Freshman Reid Pierce sprints to first in a furry of speed on his way around the bases.

Stop by the brewery for beer and wine specials during our Happy Hours.

719-635-2800 Come in and 2 E. Pikes Peak Ave. PhantomCanyon.com get happy! 14 April 23, 2010 Scene Where to spot a unicorn Coachella granduer grips thousands

Samantha LaBue Sunday may have been the day of stars though though might have been the debut of his new the entire track list off the album “Eraser” and as Owen Pallet, Glitch Mob, Little Boots and LED mouse head that lit up images, including did not disappoint. Yorke’s show proved two Staff Writer Phoenix all played incredible sets. But the most eyes and a mouth, in synch with the music. things: he doesn’t need to play with Radiohead impressive acts from each day had to be Dead- For me, The Dirty Projectors turned out to make flawless, innovative music, and Red Dropping your pen after a test or sending a mau5, The Dirty Projectors and Thom Yorke. to be the most impressive act of the festival. Hot Chili Pepper bassist, Flea, was born to play paper to your professor on the last day of the The first night boasted two of techno’s big- This band takes risks like no other band I’ve with York. With Flea backing him up, Thom block is always accompanied by one euphoric gest names, Pretty Lights and Benny ever seen, mixing a cappella exercises, electric Yorke sounded like a revitalized version of his exhale, followed by one mildly panicky inhale. Benassi, but it guitar and impressive vocals. The three female already brilliant self. A lot of times block break can be as stressful as only took one vocalists truly used their voices as instruments, After 24 shows I was out of food, stamina, the block, especially the last break of the year. artist to blow working together to create one-of-a-kind and some of my dignity. So, after Thom Yorke The epicness of any block break trip depends them both sounds then using a loop to play it over and it was time to say goodbye to our trashed upon the food, the gas and the planning. This out of over. This is a technique most notably used by campsite, throw out five-day-old potato salad, year at least 60 CC students, including myself, the water. 13th century French monks. How’s that for in- step over some already passed-out CC students chose a bold block break plan and drove the Growing novation? The New York group was received at in their sleeping bags and get in the car. It was 18 hours to Indio, California for this year’s legend the festival with dropped jaws and earsplitting hard to leave the sun and palm trees, but it was Coachella music festival. Joel screams, which they most definitely deserved. time. As fellow Coachella-goer Frankie Modell As we all waited in line to be thoroughly Zimmer- While Sunday was packed with can’t-miss said, “The thing about block break is that when searched for naughty things before entering the man, better acts, Thom Yorke may have been the most you get back to campus it feels like you never campsite, curiosity teemed as to what could be just over the security fence. When we finally got inside, the grounds did not disappoint. Ev- ery morning the campground hosted a farmer’s market with fruit and organic coffee, and the festival ground’s “DoLab” played dance music all day while attractive people sprayed us with water guns a la MTV’s Spring Break. Night- time was like being at a different site altogether. When the sun went down everything (and I mean everything) lit up, from the giant origami crane and the ferris wheel, to the world’s largest flamethrower and a LED swing set sur- rounding a DJ. (No, I didn’t make any of those things up.) This year’s Coachella music festival sold out to 200,000 music fans. That means there were 100 times the number of people at Colorado College, 200 times the number of people at an average concert, and about a 1000 times the number of people that make a crowd comfort- able to walk through. The 90-degree days were surprisingly more comfortable than the insanely crowded nights. There are two types of people in “Coachella world” : those who sleep and make it through the entire day and the night-dwellers who seemed to only emerge at dark when they are guaranteed techno music. The downfall of any festival-goer, especially at Coachella, is being overly ambitious. It sim- ply isn’t possible to see the 140 awesome acts. In fact, I only managed a mere 24. Between the heat, the crowds, the time slots and the damned free Odwalla tent, that was about as good as it got, but it was oh-so-good. Aside from the sheer madness of the crowds, the fes- tival itself was nothing short of magical with no roads, no clouds and endless jams. Art: Samantha LaBue and Alex Dolce Crowds gather on vast expanses of lawn to watch artists performing at the Outdoor Jay-Z’s special guest Beyonce and the Goril- Stage. This venue played host to Thom Yorke, the Avett Brothers, Owen Pallet, known by his stage name Deadmau5 and even laz’s video of Snoop Dogg and Stevie Wonder among many others, during the festival. Purple and white balloons arched over the better yet by the massive mouse-head helmet were only a couple of the highlights. Among fields day and night, scattering the skies with bubbles of color. he wears at each show, ended Friday night with many others the Avett Brothers, Yeasayer and a bang. With big-name headliner, Jay-Z, playing talked about due to the question marks sur- left, like you’ve been here forever.” And she’s LCD Soundsystem were the standouts of only two minutes away, Deadmau5 managed rounding his name. While at first they stood right. After two days back in the grind, block Friday’s line-up. Saturday’s daytime performers to play to an equally large and well-deserved to be a surprise factor, the question marks break at Coachella already seems like a distant Old Crow Medicine Show proved that “Wagon crowd. He began his set with songs off of his persisted throughout the whole festival due to memory, a memory packed with music, danc- Wheel” is not their only song, as they delivered new album, For Lack of a Better Name, and the fact that Thom Yorke had not yet decided ing, and a dangerous amount of fun. one knee-slapper after another, while popu- wrapped it up with old favorites like “Strobe” on a name for his new band. He, and the band lar band MGMT was not so impressive live. and “Ghosts n’ Stuff ”. The highlight of his set he ended up calling Atoms for Peace, played

Photo: Samantha LaBue April 23, 2010 Scene 15 Block Partie blogging: a forum for discussion Elena Ketelsen Scene Editor

Colorado College is a campus teeming with aspect of the production. Junior Ali Abraham various forms of self-expression. From poets (also head of the Leviathan) is in charge of the to photographers to filmmakers, this campus poetry section and has been a crucial factor in has it all. As a liberal arts institution, CC prides bringing in contributions. Britt Van is the self- itself on breeding a unique type of person; proclaimed “mommy” of the group, working well learned in their respective fields, talented to organize, maintain, and advertise for the in their hobbies. But when these artists are blog, while Logan Johnston deals with logistics busy focusing on their majors (often outside such as organizing meetings and getting the of the arts), and the other hectic elements of ball rolling. On projects In charge of running the block plan, a crucial element of artistic events is Janne Barklis, who also serves as the enterprise goes missing: collaboration within a link between Colorado College and the Colo- community of like-minded folk. This is exactly rado Springs community. what Block Partie aims to remedy. The organization takes many of its ideas Block Partie is a new, still unofficial student from a group that was previously on campus, organization, which, in the spirit of the 21st known as The Loafer. This now defunct group

Photos: Gabrielle Goodbar better.” without events? Luckily, Block Partie has also Since Block Partie presents itself as a blog, it committed itself to holding events that show- is able to take in many mediums that wouldn’t case what is presented on their site. You may otherwise be displayed. Aside from visual art remember a barbecue on the Worner Quad pieces such as sketches and photographs, the that was held April 9 with bands The Youngest site is also able to display films and music clips. and Boxy as well as chalk drawings and bubbles. Thus far, most submissions to the blog have Block Partie will be hosting a similar event on been music in the form of sound clips. By April 30, though this time it will be much larger allowing campus bands to upload their music (and partially funded by CCSGA). The event on the blog, lesser-known and newer campus is to be held in the Carriage House and on the The Youngest, a CC student band, performs for a Block Partie barbecue. bands can gain an audience. The blog is also Language Quad and will host artists from both striving to develop artist bios and interviews the college and from the community. There century, maintains itself as a blog and forum met once a week to discuss topics such as for all bands on campus, so the student body will be live music, performances, poetry read- for on-campus artists. (The alternate spell- poetry, philosophy, and music. can familiarize themselves with groups that ings, and an abundance of visual arts. Campus ing is because party was taken as a domain). Because Block Partie’s main function is to aren’t yet as popular as, say, Sexy and the Funk- artists are invited to submit their work to The site was recently founded by a group of serve as a forum for artists on campus to share tionals or The Giddy-Ups. [email protected], so if you’re an artist students as the result of a Life of The Mind their work, it makes sense that it would present Perhaps the most important aspect of Block looking for free publicity, here’s your chance. Grant. The goal of this grant was to give $2000 itself as a blog. The website, unlike a printed Partie, however, is their focus on building a And if you’re not interested in the arts scene to any group or individual who came up with publication, allows for a much greater amount relationship between the artist community of on campus, you can always stop by and enjoy a cohesive plan that would promote the arts of work to be submitted and accepted. Colorado Springs and Colorado College. Janne the free food and bubbles. There’s much to and creative thinking. The grant was recently “Some people think campus publications Barklis has been working with local radio sta- be explored on this campus, so if you’re keen instituted this year and thus far has only been like The Leviathan are pretentious because tion Pikes Peak Radar and COPPeR (Cultural on discovering the world of art around you, I awarded to one other student. they can’t accept every work”, explained Ali Office of the Pikes Peak Region) in order to would suggest giving Block Partie a try. You Four students head Block Partie: Ali Abra- Abraham. “What we want to do with this blog further culminate this relationship, in hopes can find the blog online at www.ccblockpartie. ham, Britt Van, Logan Johnston, and Janne is eliminate that system. There’s no reputation, of creating a long-term bond between the two com. Barklis. Although they don’t have official posi- and no committee; we won’t reject material that communities. tions, each student is responsible for a different is good just because there might be something But what would any campus organization be

Public Service Announcement Whole Foods Market 5% Day for the Colorado College Community Kitchen

One of the ways in which Whole Foods Market invests in our community is by sponsoring 5% Day in which they donate 5% of their sales to a local nonprofi t.

On Tuesday, May 4, Whole Foods Market at 7635 North Academy Blvd. will designate 5% of their sales to the Colorado College Community Kitchen. The Colorado College Community Kitchen is a student-run soup kitchen that has served a meal to between 80 and 150 guests every Sunday for the past 17 years.

The Colorado College Community Kitchen seeks to help any and all community members in need. Not only does it provide a hearty and healthy meal, but also a supportive haven for those in need. Additionally, the Community Kitchen provides a unique opportunity for students to become aware of important com- munity issues, break down false stereotypes about hunger and homelessness and realize the importance and satisfaction of being an active participant of the Colorado Springs community. The Colorado College Community Kitchen is truly a community effort, staffed by students and volunteers from the community and serving meals made possible by generous donations like the food they receive each Sunday from the Whole Foods Market. If you want to help the efforts of the CC Community Kitchen, please mark Tues- day, May 4 on your calendar and stop by your local Whole Foods. Take advan- tage of shopping at the grocery store known for its good, wholesome food and for giving back in support of the community, Whole Foods Market. 16 Scene April 23, 2010 Dr. Dog does Denver (plus other live music bad-assery)

Ben Cronin taining. Giant Cloud, a five-piece band from clearly the talented force behind the group, races forward at the same time. Dr. Dog: still Staff Writer New Orleans, seemed to be the underwritten but not even his pleasant voice could redeem awesome, goddamnit. lovechild of Dr. Dog and the Fleet Foxes. the sonic sludge the band emitted. Their The Dr. Dog show was just a glimpse into Submitting your body to the greater cause Their songwriting was underwhelming but songs seemed to be well-written, but each the universe of live performance in Denver. of live music is one of life’s great joys. To be their harmonies were tight and the female one was unfortunately spattered with bland The nightly scene is rich with local and national overtaken by music is to embrace beer-soaked pianist/vocalist was a beauty to behold. The dub rhythms. They would do well to reinvent acts. If you have the means to make the trip floors, inhale the dank cavernous settling of best moment of their performance came when themselves as an alternative country or power- up and the motivation to drive up on a school smoke and connect, through thousands of pop band, but for now their undefined and night, there is almost always music worth see- sweat molecules, with everyone else at a show. To be overtaken by confused style sets them back as a completely ing. If you are interested in finding out who’s And the pretty girls you can occasionally see forgettable group. However, as is often the playing where, I highly recommend Gigbot through the windows of a crowd? They’re an music is to embrace beer- nature of opening bands, their set was short (www.gigbot.com) as a means to do so. The site added bonus. Although Colorado Springs is “soaked floors, inhale the and their disappointing playing made Dr. Dog is dedicated to tracking down every musical act not the portrait of America’s vibrant music that much better. on a given night in the city. It is comforting to scene, Denver boasts a lush array of music ven- dank cavernous settling I personally think that Dr. Dog is unequivo- know that on any given night there are at least ues. It may not be mind-blowing to learn that of smoke and connect, cally one of the best live acts playing music 20 shows to go to. Denver is a big draw for big-time acts from through thousands of today. Their grounded psychedelic rock works We all have our staple venue in Denver (the across the country, but there are many more synergistically with their melodic songwriting Gothic, the Bluebird, the Ogden, Cervantes, places to find good music around the city than sweat molecules, with and sonic harmonies to provide the audience the Church, etc.), but there are many more you would think. everyone else at a show. with a transcendent musical experience. They undiscovered havens for tunes. For instance, Last night I made the trek up to the Gothic began their set with “Stranger,” the first track the Larimer Lounge (2721 Larimer Street), is Theatre (3263 S. Broadway) to see Dr. Dog. I And the pretty girls you from their new album, Shame Shame. If you a small bar and patio, with an intimate stage had never been to the Gothic, and upon arrival can occasionally see recall the review I wrote for the album, you will in back; the acoustics are wonderful and the I realized that the dingy entrance was a sure know that I think the record may be their best atmosphere is the perfect hybrid of traditional indicator that it was worth the drive. I often through the window of a work to date. I was anxious to hear them per- venue meets bar. Other spots include the find that that low-rent but well-designed con- crowd? They’re an added form the album in its entirety; they delivered. Hi-Dive, the Marquis Theatre, and the Skylark cert venues are the best places to see live music, Dr. Dog is a no-bullshit band. They take the Lounge. One exciting aspect of discovering the and this was no different. There is something bonus. stage with a commanding presence and dive music scene up in Denver is doing some per- to be said for the intimate setting. The Gothic right into their repertoire without much of a sonal exploration. Half of the fun comes from embodies everything good about a venue. It is a bearded man, clearly on Ecstasy, spun in word at all. They play their songs sans superflu- driving into uncharted territory and scoping comprised of a cozy bar across from the stage, circles for the duration of the band’s last three ous jamming, bringing their studio recordings the scene in a new place. I can only encourage songs. Perhaps he was trying to spin himself” to life. The crowd was wired, and although the you to take a stab at this yourself. If you are a rows of stools adjacent to the bar (for those who wish to sit), a chair-lined balcony (for backwards in time, or maybe he was attempt- band’s new album has only been out for a few true music enthusiast, you will soon recognize people who don’t understand concerts) and ing to communicate with his extraterrestrial short weeks, it seemed as if everyone knew all Denver as a growing and riveting platform for a wood floor (for those who get down). The brethren, but his twisting dance move garnered the lyrics. The girls in the crowd were beautiful, discovery. Go out and encounter the tunes- I single bathrooms are perhaps the biggest tip- more attention than Giant Cloud. the dancing was life-affirming and the ordinar- promise they will not disappoint. off that the Gothic has it going on. Sean Bones, a five-piece out of Brooklyn, ily smoky air was heavier with marijuana due to Needless to say, the show was sublime. The followed Giant Cloud into the great abyss of the high holiday. The concert was one of those two opening acts were mediocre, but enter- musical mediocrity. Sean, the lead singer, was intoxicating events where time stands still and ReVision. RePurpose. ReNew. Pikes Peak Earth Day 2010 Saturday, April 24, 10 a.m. Edith Kinney Gaylord Cornerstone Arts Center, CC

This community-wide event offers local green businesses, children’s activities, entertainment, environmental presentations, food, art, and more. Free and open to the public.