NEWS FEATURES COMDEB ACTIVE LIFESTYLE

Report on sexual miscon- A fl uke of birth; refl ections The harsh paradox of trans- Aspen eXtremists: big air, duct in 2010 reminds stu- from the slums of Argen- parency and WikiLeaks big tricks dents to use caution tina

Ellie Cole 2 Camilla Vogt 5 Abdoulaye Dabo 7 Nicky Anastas 9

Volume 41 No 13

Big bad brews: THE INDEPENDENT STUDENT NEWSPAPER OF COLORADO COLLEGE American Hubris

Page 11

KRCC stays afloat thanks to new grant > January 28, 2011 catalystnewspaper.com Brett Bustos The foundation awarded $137,500 in grants to Staff Writer a dozen organizations in the Colorado Springs area; KRCC was included in this group. In addi- Colorado College’s radio station KRCC, also an tion to this grant, KRCC received $15,000 from NPR-member, received a $5,000 grant from the the El Pomar Foundation in May of 2010 to be Inasmuch Foundation this past November. The used for the news department. New music style blurs grant has been awarded to help fund the news Between these two grants, KRCC’s estimated department at KRCC as well as online cultural 60,300 weekly listeners can expect some addi- and news programming, according to Delaney continued on page 3 genre lines Utterback, General Manager of the station. The station, which gets the majority of its funds Keiffer Katz finitively Night Bus musicians, excepting maybe from members and underwriters, is always Managing Editor Burial. The goal here was to just find songs that greatly appreciative of grants like this that allow captured a feeling, quite simply the feeling of In the Internet age, things going viral and the the station to improve and grow. being on public transportation at night. There’s absurd degree of proliferation is pretty rote at “We are incredibly grateful and excited about something about the combination of fluorescent this point. The fact that everyone I know has at the flexibility in coverage this money will allow lighting, the glow of a city and the darkness of the very least heard of 2 Girls 1 Cup should be the station,” said Delaney. The grant will allow night that has a very distinct mood. There is proof enough. As we have become more con- the station to continually fulfill its mission of no definition beyond that. You can’t link it to a scious of the ability of jokes to become, if not getting a diverse population of people’s voices certain sound like most rock sub-genres, and no legitimate, at least cultural currency, it should on air. “Our goal is to plug in passionate people standard beats per minute like most electronic be no surprise that people have started taking and let them shine, not through traditional genres. It really is whatever fits for you. advantage of this to spread admittedly silly ideas archetypes, but through their passion and voice,” So who or what is Night Bus? Again, it’s that gain legitimacy. said Delaney. personal. The Rolling Stones and Peter Gabriel At least that’s how I assume Night Bus started. Edith Kinney Gaylord founded the Inasmuch fit sometimes, as does Burial and his peers in the Last summer I started seeing jokes online about Foundation for “charitable, scientific and edu- world of UK Dubstep like Kode 9 and Benga. “Blisscore” “Crunkcore” and “Witch House,” all cational purposes,” according to their website. Rappers like Lil B and G-Side fit right in, as of which were being made in response to the Today, the foundation upholds Edith’s vision by does Tyler, The Creator, and Outkast. But as absurdity of a genre called “Chillwave,”, which contributing to “education, health and human the genre has grown on the blogs, some artists bands like Washed Out, Toro y Moi, and Neon services, and community enhancement.” have begun to make self-consciously Night Bus Indian were making a commonly used term in music, some of which is truly spectacular. The some circles, to the embarrassment of most. baseline was a mix by Montreal DJ/Producer The music was basically lo-fi electronica, (the CFCF, appropriately called “Do You Like Night early genre name glo-fi didn’t last): it was not the Bus,” released in September of last year. Com- most danceable but really fun to drive to, and it bining the chopped and screwed remix style of was in a large part more based around the feel- southern hip-hop with spaced-out synths and ing the music evoked than a significant cohesion heavy dark bass, he, for lack of a better phrase, in the actual sound of the songs. changed the game. This is also when I first started hearing about Anyone who has been at a CC dance party in Night Bus. I knew the Burial song of that name, the last year has probably grown to either love from his 2006 self-titled album, the record that or hate Ciara’s song, Ride. CFCF’s Night Bus started getting America psyched on dubstep way remix of that track is quite possibly one of the back when, but the idea of this as a genre was, at best songs of the year. Completely spaced and the time, completely foreign to me. Then, one subtle, it amplifies the sexuality of the song day, in my compulsive wanderings around the tenfold while still somehow retaining the undeni- Internet, I found a thread on a message board ability of the beat. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not called hipinion.com about Night Bus. I am the club banger that the original is, but hearing enough of a snob that I was enjoying the genre Luda’s terrifyingly demonic rap more than makes jokes at that point so I looked inside and was up for it. There are great versions of songs by completely unprepared for what I found. The-Dream, Bun B, Aaliyah, and Young Jeezy Chillwave was championed by a bunch of on there as well. It’s the perfect fusion of ambi- Above: Co-producers Craig Richardson and Noel Black researching for their show bands with a similar sound that were blowing “The Big Something.” Top right: KRCC’s Program Director Jeff Bieri on air during his up at that moment in time. There were no de- continued on page 12 show “Afternoon Freedom.” Photos by Josh Raab 2 January 28, 2011 News Report on sexual misconduct in 2010 reminds students to use caution Ellie Cole curate accounts of cases that are reported at tive bystanders” and know their surroundings. and then address the things that appear to Guest Writer CC, the actual amount of cases may not be “Trust your gut – if you see or hear something contribute to sexual and relationship violence,” accurate. that doesn’t feel right, do something about it Horton continued. Students must “com- It’s January, and the small, tight-knit com- CC may seem to be enclosed in a special instead of distancing yourself from the situ- municate our community’s intolerance for munity of CC students is returning home to bubble of community, education and happi- ation or ignoring it. A lot of times, we don’t sexual and relationship violence by supporting a campus full of smiles and temperatures that ness, but this bubble can’t block all of reality intervene because we don’t trust our instincts survivors and communicating that we as a during the day seem content remaining in the from entering the lives of the numerous that something weird is going on; we’re afraid community will hold perpetrators accountable.” 40s and even the 50s. students here on campus. that if we say something and we’re wrong, Spiegel, also the CCSGA Vice President of Not all is perfect, however; amidst this The Colorado College Pathfinder online we’ll look stupid or nosy and be embarrassed,” Student Concerns, explained that the CCSGA blissful January weather, this month marks the provides definitions of sexual misconduct and she said. is planning a campaign with Horton at CC to release of the 2010 calendar year report on sexual harassment, which are crucial in under- Spiegel added that sometimes it is necessary help promote the importance of the active assault and violence on the CC campus. standing the role and impact of sexual assault to come up with excuses to pull students away bystander intervention here at CC. Information presented in the recently on students here. from potentially dangerous and life-changing “I also think it is very important for those released sexual assault memorandum illustrates According to the Pathfinder, sexual miscon- situations. She suggests inventing excuses such who have experienced sexual assault to know that while CC may be unique and great in duct is defined as “any non-consensual sexual that there are support resources available to many ways, it cannot be excused as a campus contact between students, ranging from un- Take a hard look at our them,” said Horton. free from sexual assault. In 2010, four formal wanted sexual touching to sexual intercourse. One important resource is The Office of complaints were made by students reporting Sexual misconduct also includes unwelcome campus culture and then Sexual Assault Response and Prevention sexual misconduct brought about by another sexual conduct that does not include physical “address the things that (SARP). It was created in 2004 to help stu- student and one formal complaint was made contact.” dents and other members of the CC commu- by a student due to inappropriate behavior on Additionally, sexual harassment is defined appear to contribute to nity deal with sexual assault issues. behalf of a member of the CC staff. as “unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual and relationship According to the SARP website, “We pro- Additionally, 53 individuals contacted sexual favors, and other unwelcome verbal vide confidential support, information, and the Office of Sexual Assault Response and or physical conduct of a sexual nature where violence,” Horton referrals to survivors and others whose lives Prevention for their services. Some of the submission to such conduct is made a term continued. Students have been affected by sexual violence and complaints reported were recent cases and or condition of the student’s employment or must “communicate misconduct. We believe that sexual violence others occurred in the past but are currently education; or submission or rejection of such is a community problem that will only be being brought to the attention of the Office conduct is used as the basis for employment our community’s solved through community effort. Our vision of Sexual Assault Response and Prevention. or educational decisions affecting the student, intolerance for sexual is to help create an environment where sexual This being said, Heather Horton, the Sexual or such conduct has the effect or purpose of and interpersonal violence are not tolerated, Assault Response Coordinator on campus, substantially interfering with a student’s work and relationship violence and we strive to reduce the incidents and does not believe that this is an accurate por- or academic performance or of creating an in- by supporting survivors consequences of sexual misconduct on the trayal of the true number of assaults on the timidating, hostile or demeaning employment Colorado College campus through education, CC campus. or learning environment.” and communicating outreach, dialogue, and supportive services.” “The Department of Justice estimates that On-campus organizations like the Student that we as a community SOSS is another important resource in the Organization for Sexual Safety (SOSS) believe will hold perpetrators CC community that, in addition to providing Data that I collected that students must be made aware of the information and support regarding sexual as- prominence of sexual assault on college cam- accountable. saults on campus, also has a 24-hour crisis line several years ago suggests puses. Junior Becca Spiegel, Co-Chair of SOSS, (719-236-0526) that can always be contacted “that our rates of sexual believes that sexual assault is a part of college. for facts or help. While it may not be a reality for everyone, it is Heather Horton Along with SOSS and SARP, the Boettcher assault on campus are also something that students “should not be ” Counseling Center and the campus chaplains in line with the statistic complacent about or accept here at CC,” she as “I think I dropped my cell phone, gold are also good, confidential resources that can said. card, key etc., can you help me find it?” and be looked to for help. that one in four or one While sexual assault is not a typical conver- insists that every student should use the buddy While CC is a safe place in many ways, it, in five college women sation topic in the Colorado Coffee line every system when negotiating around campus. like any place, is not perfect. One other fact morning, students can take the initiative to Horton thinks that a close community helps reported in the annual memorandum states, experience attempted or educate themselves and seek help for them- prevent sexual assault. The most important “Eight (8) individuals presented with current or completed sexual assault selves or others when needed. thing for students to do is to “actively inter- recent experience of harassment or stalking; “Often, I think students get rather com- vene when you see both potentially dangerous all occurred on campus; three (3) involved a during their college placent in thinking that our campus is ‘safe,’” situations such as imbalances of power, dif- non-CC affiliated person.” years. said Horton. “When we fall into that trap, it ferential alcohol intake, intoxication, intimida- In light of this and the recent attacks that is extremely unlikely that we will take action tion, etc., and in the kinds of behaviors that have occurred by off-campus individuals on to change the culture, intervene in dangerous underlie sexual and relationship violence such the CC campus, it is increasingly important for Heather Horton situations, or be really supportive to survivors. as sexist jokes or comments, homophobic CC students to be concerned with all aspects ” Therefore, I think that it’s really important for jokes or comments, comments or behaviors of their safety. only 5 percent of campus sexual assaults are our students to understand the prevalence of that speak to a sense of entitlement to sexual So, maybe the CC campus and other college reported,” she stated. “Data that I collected sexual assault, harassment, stalking and inti- gratification,” said Horton. campuses aren’t as perfect as their idealistic several years ago suggests that our rates of mate partner violence on our campus. Once Horton believes it is not acceptable to appearances, but they are important commu- sexual assault on campus are in line with the they realize that these are events that happen observe dangerous interactions between nities that are the homes of college students. statistic that one in four or one in five college with disturbing frequency on campus, they individuals and not try to prevent them from Students can take responsibility in creating women experience attempted or completed have the power to change that by taking action escalating. Students have the power to help a safe, healthy environment possible so the sexual assault during their college years.” in their community.” prevent sexual assault. blissful beauty of CC in January will match the While the annual report may illustrate ac- Spiegel believes that students must be “ac- “Take a hard look at our campus culture feelings of as many CC students as possible. wanna see someone fly? order from the jj delivery guy! doug d. - lyons, il

1035 GARDEN OF THE GODS RD. 10 S. TEJON ST. 5885 STETSON HILLS BLVD. 719.590.7827 719.227.SUBS 719.597.SUBS ©2011 jimmy john’s franchise, llc all rights reserved. January 28, 2011 News 3 KRCC recures $5,000 from CC email system receives Insofar Foundation drastic upgrade Kelsey Bergeson “this is a new feature that attempts to make it continued from page 1 Additionally, the station hopes to move to News Editor much easier to track replies to the same e-mail tions to the programming at the station. Part a new, bigger building, which would allow the thread.” However, it is easy to turn off, and if of the money will go toward the station’s pro- station to be completely community-run. “We Over winter break, CC’s e-mail system received users find the entire layout of the new system gram “The Big Something,” which is an online want Colorado Springs to have a fully commu- a drastic upgrade. Students now have 10 times overwhelming, they can simply check a box weekday cultural piece, said Delaney. The nity-run station as well as a public news station. more storage space in their mailboxes than labeled “use the light version of Outlook Web station is also looking to have a more constant As far as I know, the city does not have one,” before, users can now create custom-tailored App.” flow of news all the time, which a big re-launch noted Delaney. The station has also purchased out-of-office replies, and the likelihood of be- One aspect of the upgrade that has proven of the website in mid-February will help to a new translator to install in Creed, Colorado— ing blacklisted because of spamming has been difficult is that many people need help setting create. a small valley town in central Colorado. greatly reduced. up their blackberries, iPhones and Gmail ac- “Listeners can also look forward to more Concerning SOCC (The Sounds of Colo- The upgrade has been a month-long process, counts to work compatibly with the new e-mail involvement with other programs in the state,” rado College), Delaney continues to support according to Michael Vargas, student employee system. said Delaney. This summer, KRCC will start the efforts of the student DJs and encourages of the Help Desk. Vargas noted that the first Monday of the broadcasting shows where three or four dif- all students to tune into their peers radio pro- Though it was a long process, it was much semester was the “busiest day he’s seen at the ferent topics are discussed by a group of indi- grams as well as getting involved with KRCC needed. Prior to the upgrade, students and Help Desk” because so many people sought viduals. “The topics will center mostly around itself. faculty often complained of having to labori- help getting the new e-mail system running Colorado issues, like politics or the natural en- “We always love to hear CC students’ voices ously delete individual e-mails because their smoothly on all their gadgets. vironment,” said Delaney. “And, in the spirit of on the air,” said Delaney. “We are here and mailboxes would get too full to receive incom- “Well of course everyone had their e-mail KRCC, all political, national and environmental always happy to really get involved with the ing messages. set up a certain way, so we have to help them issues will be related back to cultural and local student population.” Previously, faculty had 250 MB of storage switch it,” commented Christin DeVille, a issues that are involved.” space and students had 100 MB. According to member of the Help Desk Staff. “This is a a message from the Help Desk to CC e-mail simple process, but if you aren’t familiar with users, now everybody has 1,000 MB, greatly it, it can be difficult. And of course if you can’t get back to your e-mail, you can’t look at the This will be an instructions in the e-mails.” Vargas added that he thought the rush he ex- enormous improvement perienced Monday could have been prevented “for users of Firefox, if more students had read the e-mails sent out before break that contained instructions on Safari, Chrome, and how to handle the switch. others,” stated the flash For those who have not yet set up the new e-mail system with their devices or other e-mail message announcing accounts, the Help Desk recommends making the new system. “For a few changes, such as “using the IMAP proto- col if available (instead of the POP protocol).” example, you can now Additionally, note that both the incoming click and drag objects, and outgoing servers are now http://e-mail. select multiple items at coloradocollege.edu, and that in many cases, the username format is now coloradocollege\ once, etc. username. These transitions are not the only inconve- decreasing the threat of a full mailbox and the niences caused by the upgrade. Over winter need to frequently delete” messages. break, there were several days when all mes- Before the upgrade, the interface for Out- sages to CC e-mail users were lost. Vargas The music library in studio at KRCC during Jeff Bieri’s “Afternoon Freedom” look Web App, which a user will encounter attributed this to a glitch in the switch process. when accessing the e-mail through the CC web- site, was not consistent across various browsers. Faculty and students “This will be an enormous improvement for users of Firefox, Safari, Chrome, and others,” will now be able to stated the flash message announcing the new “navigate and store system. “For example, you can now click and drag objects, select multiple items at once, etc.” messages more easily, Another improvement that the whole com- making the fast-paced munity of CC e-mail users will appreciate is the hugely decreased risk of all users being black- life of CC community listed because of a small number of individuals members a little more falling victim to scams. The new e-mail system has a daily limit of efficient and a little less 1,000 outgoing messages per account. Though stressful. it will not protect individuals from the dangers of scams, it will prevent these scams from Despite the difficulty of transition, the new becoming widespread enough to blacklist the e-mail system is undoubtedly an improvement whole CC e-mail system. over the old. Faculty” and students will now be Another feature of the new e-mail that users able to navigate and store messages more easily, have noticed is that messages are sorted into making the fast-paced life of CC community a “conversation page.” Though some find members a little more efficient and a little less it confusing, the Help Desk explained that stressful. 4 January 28, 2011 Features CC student manages international team at Shanghai’s World Expo

Brianna Traxinger you,” she said with a laugh. Upon accepting the job last spring semester, Staff Writer Coba returned to China where she assisted in investment projects between China and Ecua- dor. However, shortly after her employment began, she was promoted to the position of Public Relations Manager of the World Expo Pavilion that showcased Ecuador. “It was funny because I had never done [public rela- tions] before,” she said. Although Coba was the youngest employee at the Expo—just 22 years old among a group of college graduates of 28 years and older—she managed a team of four Ecua- dorian and four Chinese employees. Her position kept her constantly engaged as she contacted Chinese and Ecuadorian journalists, supervised publications of Ecuador’s pavilion and the consulate and oversaw any public or media interactions. International time differences made for a stressful job. After a full day’s work in Shang- hai, Coba would return to her apartment only to begin contacting her connections in Ecuador, who were just waking up. Sleep was CC student Stephanie Coba stands in front of the Chinese Pavilion at the 2010 a limited luxury. She worked continuously World Expo in Shanghai, which showcased sustainable development intiatives. during the six-month exposition, managing Coba was PR Manager for the pavilion representing her home country, Ecuador. relations for the Ecuadorian “Yasuni Project.” The initiative aimed to gain investments so Student Body Vice President. She had to hit the dance floor. “I am Latin, so I love to that the 835 million barrels of oil underneath relinquish her elected position on the CCSGA dance,” she said. Fortunately, Shanghai had a Stephanie Coba and the Mayor of the jungles of Ecuador—and many native when she left for China. As a result, Coba multitude of Latin dance clubs. Yangzhou, China at a World Expo event. communities—would not be subject to drill- has more free time than she has been used to So what is this ambitious student planning Coba worked with many prominent ing. Although the World Expo has finished, in the past – both on campus and at work in for after graduation? She has been offered a political figures during her time as a PR the Yasuni initiative continues and is currently Shanghai. PR job at the Ecuadorian Embassy in Beijing, Manager. Photos courtesy of Stephanie succeeding in its attempt to avoid drilling and She also missed a year of courses. Though a position that she is seriously consider- Coba subsequent jungle destruction. her work in China was incredibly important, ing. After the experiences Stephanie Coba Such a job opportunity is uncommon it did not constitute academic credit. Subse- has managed in just over two decades, there No strangers to adventure and travel, average for most accomplished adults, let alone for quently, Coba will not complete her degree appears to be little limit to what this talented CC students graduate with impressive resumes students who have yet to complete their until December. When she isn’t busy being and driven young student will accomplish. of independent research, Venture Grants, bachelor’s degree. Coba says that even though a diplomat, an admissions office recruiter or semesters spent studying abroad and unique she began her position in somewhat of an a slave to her double major, Coba likes to experiences with internships and jobs. Then awkward role (as the superior to a team of there are the 22-year-olds who have already employees much older than herself), she ex- represented their home country among an ecuted her job well and eventually gained the exposition that houses every nation of the respect of the team members working under world. Well, there’ s at least one. her. “If you have a kid telling you what to do, Stephanie Coba is a senior at Colorado Col- no one will be happy,” she said. lege who began her study abroad career at just However, Coba proved to her fellow em- 16. Sitting outside Colorado Coffee wearing ployees that she was worthy of her position a fitted brown jacket and tall matching boots and ultimately made many close friends. In and holding a silver thermos, Stephanie looks addition to forming relationships within the like any other put-together CC student. But as Yasuni Project, she had the opportunity for she speaks, her flowing Latin American accent “close contact and cocktails” with people from begins to reveal a little of her past. every nation of the globe, as each country has Raised in Quito, Ecuador, Coba applied six at least one representative present at the Expo. years ago to attend the United World College In addition to her work as a PR manager, program wherein 150 students from different Coba oversaw the publications of two maga- countries attend one of 14 schools worldwide. zines. She interviewed the president, may- After various rounds of interviews, academic ors, scholars and businessmen of Ecuador. exams and psychological tests to ensure that Supplements of the China Economic Review and she was qualified and mature enough to live Shanghai Business Review were published under in a completely new culture, she was accepted her direction. Ecuador’s award for “Best to the highly competitive program and moved Pavilion” owes some credit to their youngest to Hong Kong to complete her final years of employee. high school. Although the perks of this “crazy experi- In addition to becoming fluent in Chinese, ence,” (including complementary housing, Coba’s early immersion jumpstarted the pro- food and transportation which involved greet- cess of acquiring the skills and maturity that ings by city mayors and police escorts amidst typically come during one’s freshman year of stopped traffic), far outweigh the downfalls, college. Surrounded by teenagers from all over being a twice-removed international student the world with very different backgrounds and employee has taken a toll on Coba. She and problems, she discussed global issues and rarely is able to return to Ecuador, having conflicts frequently. This valuable foundation visited home only a few times during her CC helped Coba overcome the second culture career. She stopped in Quito between working shock of attending college in the United in China and returning to CC, but a lot had States and benefited her later work as a public changed while she was away. relations manager in China. It was difficult to meet young cousins who Last fall, the Ecuadorian Consulate in had no idea who she was and to realize that Shanghai contacted Coba and requested that she missed both everyday and monumental she work for the 2010 World Expo in China. family events, such as her sister’s graduation The event occurs every four years and show- and brother’s tennis tournaments. However, cases the projects of various countries. This even though her family has missed her for most recent exposition, themed “Better City, the six years Coba has been away, they are Better Life.” Coba’s work focused on sustain- immensely supportive of her interests and able development initiatives. successes and are proud of the non-typical Because she did not apply for or even know path she has taken. about this position, Coba was extremely Returning to the U.S. and a school schedule surprised by the invitation. She still does not has also been a challenge. After speaking only know exactly how the consulate heard of her Chinese and Spanish for a year and manag- or who recommended her for the job. She ing a full-time job, Stephanie had to rapidly infers that her fluency in both Chinese and switch back to English and into class mode. Spanish, her experience in Hong Kong, and Because she has returned to campus during her IPE and Asian Studies majors contributed the spring semester, she has not been able to her selection. “You never think that your to resume her previous roles as the leader consulate in another country is going to call of Mosaic, CC’s international club, and as January 28, 2011 Features 5 A fluke of birth: reflections from the slums of Argentina

Camilla Vogt them as Villas and systematically excludes them her commitment to these disenfranchised neigh- Staff Writer from civil society. The makeshift villages cling borhoods, and hundreds of volunteers have to the outskirts of Buenos Aires in a shocking followed suit. Nothing about the job is perfect, Standing on a street corner wearing approxi- juxtaposition of colorful shacks and delicate but it is scrappy, messy, and fun. mately seven layers of sunscreen and a giant marble buildings. The children in the slums are raised in an white t-shirt emblazoned with the word LIFE, it Largely closed to outsiders, the Villas are environment where survival instincts are wisely becomes clear that any notion of anonymity I rough, impoverished, self-sufficient and con- honed and bad adult habits are carefully emulat- had entertained was wildly misguided. Bright red tained: a completely different world than their ed. Some of them steal. Some use swear words hair and freckly arms don’t exactly help matters. next-door neighbor, Buenos Aires. A crucial that I didn’t even know existed. Some hit on the Not to mention the four other volunteers stand- organization that has helped forge a connection volunteers because they’ve see their fathers do ing next to me, matching in shirts and sunscreen is L.I.F.E Argentina. The acronym stands for the same thing. As visitors we observe. There slathers. Furtively glancing around, we scan for Luchemos para una Infancia Feliz y con Esperanza or, are drugs, there are physical fights and one the unmarked van that is to be our lifeboat to “We Strive for a Childhood with Happiness and afternoon a shooting takes place where we are the slums. Hope.” Affiliation with L.I.F.E. is one of the playing. But for the most part, there are games, The first taxi refused to accompany us, as did only means to enter these communities. and we play lots of them. the second. The Villas are closed to outsiders. Their mission statement is simple: “We are a We play until the sun dips low behind the The ingenious solution, therefore, is to deposit nonprofit, civil society organization that works gaping hospital. The kids cling to us as we leave. our group at a gas station 30 minutes south of with youth living in socially marginalized and One bashfully hands me a love letter. They the city to wait before the second leg of our extremely impoverished areas of Argentina. We plead for tomorrow to bring our return. These journey. It isn’t for long. Our blue dreamboat carry out a number of programs and activities children are so openhearted and so kind, despite drives up a few minutes later, resplendent with with the goal of providing for the healthy de- the extraordinarily difficult card they have been bullet holes in the windshield and a smiling, 60 percent of Argentine children live velopment, happiness, and a hopeful future for dealt. It is a fluke of birth, the respective circum- albeit toothless, new best friend and driver. He below the poverty line. L.I.F.E. Argen- the children we work closely with.” (From www. stances that keep the children in the Villa at careens around corners and bumps along the tina works to promote a happier liveli- lifeargentina.org). nightfall and allow our small group to slip away dirt road, and the unattached seats in the back hood for youth in the slums. Photo The founder has spent the past 17 years es- towards showers and tree lined boulevards. As boogie to the same beat. courtesy of Flickr user Zeigen_was tablishing relationships with these communities. the low tin roofs recede in the rearview mirror The van slows down near a looming hospital. quests and demands. As volunteers we are there The logo she designed, prominently displayed and the horizon of Buenos Aires grows larger, I It appears abandoned and overgrown and stares to play and entertain. We provide a brief respite on our backs, felt foolish until it suddenly be- have never in my life felt more undeserving, or back at us with vacant eyes. Laundry flapping from the life of a child whose circumstances came our only safety guarantee. She has proven more blessed. from the gaping holes is the first sign of domes- necessitate growing up fast. They give us their ticity. The heart and soul of the shanty is this love wholeheartedly and without reservation. building, which hundreds of families call home. Or, they pretend they are absolutely too freaking Cement houses with low tin roofs surround cool to hang out with us and hang back until the the crumbling brick. It is a teeming commu- lure of the soccer game or jump rope is just too nity, awash with color and dust and squealing enticing. children. In return, we demonstrate our affection by Our arrival sparks an entirely new flurry of preparing the first food they have seen all day, activity. Baby hands press against the windows pouring cups of clean water, and playing endless and big eyes gaze enthralled into our equally rounds of ganso ganso pato (duck duck goose). But wide ones. They size us up in the way that only nothing we do for them comes close to how kids can, earnest and unrelenting. Only when the unconditionally they welcome us. door opens does it become clear that we passed In Argentina, 60 percent of children live the test. Children jump onto our backs and below the poverty line. Widespread poverty has cling to our arms, barnacles of affection that are precipitated the development of a network of impossible to shake. slums in Buenos Aires. They are informal and A villa on the outskirts of Buenos Aires. CC sophomore Camilla Vogt volunteered in They throw themselves at us emphatically. often unrecognized by the government. The the slums with the L.I.F.E. Argentina organization. Photo courtesy of Wikimedia There is no end to the stream of secrets, re- more fortunate Argentine population refers to Commons user Aleposta Students frustrated about Cornerstone access as Fashion Show approaches

Carola Lovering rooms. “It’s a brand new space, and we want Though the Sewing Club has a sponsor incredible facility when many events that are Staff Writer to keep it looking as nice as possible for as (Jeanne Steiner, head of the Arts and Crafts seemingly well-suited to the space don’t take long as possible,” said Quinn. Department), the group is still prohibited place there. Some students oppose the Drama depart- from hosting their event in Cornerstone. “It’s “If you’re not going to use it because you’re It’s hard to miss the sleek building with the ment’s decision to ban the fashion show from the irresponsibility of some people that cre- afraid to mess it up, then why build it?” said metallic, burnt-red exterior on the corner of the new building. “I feel like the paint-splatter- ated a problem for everybody,” Quinn said. sophomore Hannah Peterson. “Students Cascade Avenue and Cache la Poudre. The ing damage could have happened in Shove too, The Arts and Crafts Department assumed hardly ever use Cornerstone. I hadn’t been in Edith Kinney Gaylord Cornerstone Arts and then it would have been sacrilegious,” said financial responsibility for the damages that there until I had a class in there, and it’s such a Center is the newest addition to the Colorado sophomore Colby Diamond. occurred in 2009. cool building,” she said. College campus. $33,400,000 went into creat- Aside from their reluctance to let the CC Quinn suggests that students who want to However, the building is being used in other ing the LEED-certified space, the opening of Fashion Show occur in Cornerstone, the Dra- do a project in Cornerstone should contact her ways. Although it wasn’t built specifically for which received a lot of hype. ma department doesn’t totally oppose student as soon as possible, because the building can the Colorado Springs community, the public is Completed in April 2008 after 10 years of use of the building. The Colorado Springs book up a year in advance. “I’ve got a number very much invited to reserve the space. Connie planning, Cornerstone is an interdisciplinary community is allowed to utilize the space as of students who have booked the building Dudgen from the Colorado College PR office arts building complete with state-of-the-art well, but the school hopes that students will be for senior projects,” said Quinn. She also often sponsors local residents. Last week, for technology. Cornerstone is home to a theatre, the ones getting the most out of the building. emphasized the fact that oftentimes two things example, a breakfast honoring Martin Luther two performance studios, a screening room, “We want the students to use Cornerstone,” can’t happen at once. “The walls of the black King Day was held in the main space of Cor- the “flex” room, costume and scene shops, said Quinn. “That’s what it’s meant for.” box aren’t soundproof, so if something is go- nerstone. The event was unassociated with CC. two media labs, a vast main space, and multiple Anyone who wants to use the space, includ- ing on in there, nothing else can take place in Larger affairs, such as wedding receptions, are classrooms and offices. So why do so many ing members of the public, must have a Colo- Cornerstone. If we tell students ‘no,’ it’s for a not allowed in Cornerstone. students feel that this extraordinary structure rado College campus sponsor. The sponsor good reason.” Some students questioned why Dance is inaccessible to them? must be willing to pay any possible damages However, it remains a common opinion Workshop isn’t held in Cornerstone. “Dance A number of CC students believe the that occur during the event. This has been a that getting permission to use Cornerstone is Workshop usually falls on the same weekend Cornerstone Arts Center to be off-limits. A controversial issue in regards to the fashion difficult. Students wonder why so much time as the faculty dance,” explained Quinn. It’s common reason for this consensus is the fact show. and money were put into creating such an unfortunate that space is limited and that that the Sewing Club’s annual CC Fashion certain events coincide, but perhaps students Show has been prohibited from taking place in are getting the wrong impression. The Drama Cornerstone for the past two years. department wants students to take advantage As a modern, high-tech arts building with of this structure, so long as they treat it with an aesthetically appealing interior and catwalks, care. advanced lighting, and an abundance of dress- Despite Cornerstone’s superior design ing rooms and lighted vanity mirrors, Corner- and convenience, many students involved in stone is the ideal place to hold a fashion show. projects such as Dance Workshop and the The show took place in Cornerstone in 2009, Fashion Show are perfectly happy to hold the first winter that the building was open. their events in Armstrong Theater and Shove However, because of damages that occurred Chapel. While the Cornerstone theatre has a inside the building, the Drama department has capacity of 450 people, Armstrong seats 750 banned the CC Fashion Show from being held and Shove seats 1,000. “I am very optimistic in Cornerstone for the 2010 and 2011 seasons. about the show being held in Shove,” said CC “The last time the show was held here, Fashion Show coordinator Amelia Russo. “It’s everybody drank like fish and damaged the a beautiful space with double the capacity of building,” said Drama department coordina- Cornerstone.” tor Shaylan Quinn. “People went into the flex Shove is sure to be a fantastic venue for room and were flinging paint onto a canvas. the CC’s 7th Annual Fashion Show, but this Paint got on the curtains, which cost a lot of doesn’t alleviate student frustration over issues money to clean.” The catwalks in the Cornerstone Main Space provide an ideal setting for models to with Cornerstone. “It’s ridiculous,” said senior Faculty also indicated that there was paint walk the runway in the annual CC Fashion Show. However, the Sewing Club has Claire Preston. “What’s the point of making on the walls of the hallways and dressing been banned from hosting the event in the building. Photo by Josh Raab these facilities if you can’t utilize them?” 6 January 28, 2011 Comment & Debate Finding respect for ourselves and our dorms

Dear CC Underclassmen, tered on toilet seats and walls, and the smell wafting through the hallways was astonishingly I had the great privilege of sleeping in putrid. To be honest, when I made eye contact Mathias last night. This morning, as I roamed with the cleaning staff, silently running their the hallways of the fourth floor, I had a disap- vacuum cleaners over spilled popcorn, bending pointing realization. I determined that, despite over to pick up wadded paper towels one by the thousands of dollars worth of renovations, one, I was overcome with a wave of shame and the spirit of Mathias had not changed at all. embarrassment to be a CC student. We have all lovingly referred to Mathias as a Let’s be real, this is not a one-time thing. “s**thole” and have relished the complicated in- This display can be witnessed in Mathias liter- ternal structure that makes it so convenient and ally every morning after any huge party night easy to evade RAs. No matter what year you on campus. How do we continue to shame- are at CC, a strong majority of us have valiantly lessly trash the common spaces of Mathias beer-pong’ed, shot-skied, and bong-ripped when we know it’s going to be a member of into the wee hours of the morning within this our hardworking cleaning staff picking up after building’s infamous walls. us? This intentional negligence isn’t helping us When the first night back after winter break avoid the shameful stereotype of being spoiled was all said and done, and every hung-over and ungrateful partygoers. Take a second to be student had somehow dragged him or herself socially conscious (like our admissions packet out of bed and made it to class, the hallways boasts us to be) and think about the people of Mathias were empty except for the constant who deal with the aftermath of our mindless whirr of a vacuum cleaner. As I walked around debauchery. Additionally, in harsh contradiction the hallways and bathrooms, the mess was with my sweeping generalizations made earlier strongly reminiscent of my own freshman year in this commentary, not everyone drinks in the in Mathias. There wasn’t a single trashcan not dorms, much less kicks in bathroom stalls and graphic by Erick Nelson dumped into the hallway, paper towels littered pukes in stairwells. Though I acknowledge and of Mathias, Loomis or Slocum I’m proposing a keep the hallways and bathrooms clean, or at every square inch of the bathrooms, posters appreciate the commitment to having a good solution to this persistent dilemma. Next time the very least…livable. were ripped off the walls, paper towel dispens- time… couldn’t we all tone down the unneces- you get out of control, maybe consider keep ers were smashed, piss and vomit were splat- sary trashing of the hallways, bathrooms, and your belligerence in your own room. Out of Hannah Varnell Class of 2012 lounges? So, whether you’re a current resident respect for the dignity of the cleaning staff, let’s New legislation has teachers grading parents

Kieffer Katz be wonderful things to enforce. After all, what teachers. In cases where both parents work full Education just seems kind of off in Florida these days. Despite last year’s veto of a bill Managing Editor loving parent wouldn’t want to do anything time, potentially at more than one job, it is lu- in their power to ensure the success of their dicrous to expect them to be able to devote the that was going to pay teachers based on their The public school system in America has been child? In this ideal world, there is no way that amount of time a staff member would want to students’ performance on standardized tests, under scrutiny for as long as I can remember. the attention of mothers and fathers would be earn a good grade. Imagine to how the parents the same bill has been reintroduced and is From the constant debates about the various overbearing or result in rebelliousness from of those children from “The Wire” would expected to pass under Rick Scott, the new merits and flaws of magnet and charter schools, their progeny. Unfortunately, the world doesn’t respond to being judged on their parenting. governor. This is probably more absurd for ob- to portrayals of the system in shows of as actually work anywhere close to that way. I honestly can’t see a case in which people’s vious reasons. The idea that standardized tests varied artistic merit as “Boston Public” and the In this world, if you start judging parents lives will be improved by being graded satisfac- are a justifiable way to quantify education has fourth season of “The Wire,” it hasn’t exactly based on their participation in their children’s tory, unsatisfactory, or needing of improve- been argued to death at this point, and I don’t been a topic that has inspired consensus. Of life there are two feasible outcomes. It is con- ment. It ultimately comes down to the idea of feel the need to continue debating it. Teaching all the attempts to repair the brokenness of the ceivable that they will be supportive in the best telling someone that they are an unsatisfactory to tests just isn’t going to actually teach people system, however, very few are quite as absurd way possible; they could strike the perfect bal- parent, which sounds like a morally reprehen- anything aside from how to take tests, and it’s as Florida state Representative Kelli Stargel’s ance between being involved and giving their sible thing to do in most cases. According to been covered by now. idea that grading parents will somehow im- child the space they need to mature; unfortu- Stargel, “We have student accountability, we I only mention it at all because, once again, prove students’ performance. nately it is far more likely that they will become have teacher accountability, and we have admis- public schools are looking for fixes anywhere Stargel’s legislation is based on three criteria. too involved, driving their child to rebellion sion accountability. This was the missing link, they can. You know, aside from giving more First, a child should be at school on time, be and resentment. I don’t see this as likely to cre- which was, look at the parent and make sure money to schools so that teachers can be paid prepared to learn after a good night’s sleep, and ate better schooling for children. the parents are held accountable.” While I will better, so there’s more incentive to pursue it have eaten a meal. Second, that a child should That, of course, is a best-case upper-middle- happily admit that bad parenting is an issue, as a career. Or developing better curricula that have the homework done and prepared for class scenario. The public schools that are it doesn’t really seem like it’s the place of the will allow students to be more prepared for examinations, and finally, that there should be really in need of improvement aren’t the ones school district to hold families accountable for higher levels of education. I’m sure there’s an- regular communication between the parent and full of parents with the, for lack of a better it. Unless consistently poor parenting grades other solution I just haven’t thought of yet, but teacher. “Those three things are key to quality term, leisure time to devote to making sure are going to be reported to Social Services, I there’s this dead horse I have to go beat. education,” Stargel said. they receive good grades from their children’s don’t see how accountable they’re going to be. Admittedly, in an ideal world those would

BOARD OF DIRECTORS FEATURES ADVERTISING REPS

Editor-in-Chief • Alex Kronman Editor • Julia Livick Gioia Garden Managing Editor • Kieffer Katz Layout Editor • Joe Jammal COO • Carol Earnest Photo Editor • Ben Mackall Presentation Director • Danny Castillo DISTRIBUTION Chief Copy Editor • Hannah Wellman Marketing Director • Noah Simon Ali Epstein The Catalyst is a weekly newspaper produced and managed exclusively by Advertising Manager • Max Hillman students of The Colorado College. Published for the benefit of the college community and the surrounding local area, the Catalyst aims to bring gen- Controller • Karen West ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT COPY EDITORS eral interest and academic-oriented news, ideas, and opinions into greater Legal Consultation provided by collective view—to act as a catalyst for informed debate. The newspaper is The Student Press Law Center Editor • Christina Holmes Margo Simon published under the auspices of Cutler Publications, a 501(c)(3) not-for- Photo Editor • Monica Mueller Erik Mattson Layout Editor • Sarah Lebovitz profit independent of The Colorado College. COMMENT & DEBATE CONTACT Editor • Jeff Hester Editor • Ben Cronin WEB EDITOR Letters and inquiries: [email protected] Layout Editor • Danny Castillo Advertising: [email protected] Jordan Haber Subscriptions: [email protected] Illustrator • Erick Nelson ACTIVE LIFESTYLE The Catalyst NEWS 1028 Weber St. Editor • Rakhi Voria Editor • Rich Perkins The Catalyst is a member of Colorado Springs, CO 80946 Editor • Kelsey Bergeson Editor • Jenny Natelson Layout Editor • Claire Mann the Associated Collegiate Press Phone: 719.389.6675 Photo Editor • Ben Mackall Fax: 719.389.6962 Printed on 100% recycled paper with soy-based inks January 28, 2011 Comment & Debate 7 The tragedy in Tucson still raises questions

Ben Quam violent rhetoric, these two elements are facts. indispensible ally. Background checks, waiting the recession. The stimulus bill included Staff Writer With a gun and unattended mental illness, periods and bans on assault weapons are all billions of dollars to shore up state budgets, Loughner was able to commit his crime. common sense, and popular, policies. Until which saved a large number of mental health The tragic Jan. 8 shooting of 19 in Tucson, Loughner used a 9mm Glock semi-auto- guns are restricted, including high capacity facilities from closing. Drastic cuts to federal Arizona, including Congresswoman Gabby matic weapon, which was capable of firing magazines, more innocent lives will be lost. spending, which are being advocated by newly Giffords, has been discussed and debated ad over 30 rounds. After getting off 20 shots, he Mental health policy is no less serious than elected Republicans nationwide, would serve nauseam. Politically, it has evoked calls for was finally taken down by bystanders while gun control. Budget crises in states all over the to further dissolve the remaining safeguards civility, charges of culpability and passion- trying to reload. His weapon had what is know country have resulted in slashed funding for for the mentally ill. ate personal defenses. Now that the dust has as a “high capacity magazine,” which allows mental heath centers, hospitals, and counsel- Even avoiding any debate about whether settled, it is worth assessing policies that could the shooter to fire many times over without ing. In Washington state, community treatment violent rhetoric pushes people toward physical prevent future shootings. Personally, I see a having to reload. High capacity magazines programs were dealt a $19 million cut. In Mis- violence, an honest examination of the facts direct link between violent, incendiary rhetoric were outlawed for more than 10 rounds under sissippi, Governor Haley Barbour proposed about Tucson reveals that policy positions ad- on the right and physical manifestations of vio- the Assault Weapons Ban, but since the law ex- spending 13% less on mental health than years vocated by the right can only serve to worsen lence. Systematic demonization of immigrants, pired in 2004 they are back on the market. The previous. All told, states have cut $2.1 billion the situation and make the possibility of lone government officials, gays, as well as other intended use of a high capacity magazine is from mental health budgets in the last three gunman attacks more likely. When, in April groups by right wing media and politicians fo- questionable. There is no conceivable hunting years according to the National Association 2009, the Department of Homeland Security ment very real hatred. However, I don’t want to or self-defense situation that necessitates 30 of State Mental Health Program Directors. published a report warning of right wing focus on the potential discursive causes for the consecutive rounds. Those who suffer from mental illness are not Tucson shooting, mostly because it has been violence, including of “lone wolf extremists Gun politics in America is insidious and inherently violent, but untreated illness can be beaten to death in the media, and it will always capable of carrying out violent attacks,” it was dangerous. “We are the only developed coun- be impossible to prove definitively. Instead, an dangerous. “Incidents of violence with people widely mocked and condemned by conserva- examination of the objective evidence that try,” wrote journalist Peter Goodman about with severe mental illness are only slightly tives. “The person who drafted the outrageous made the shooting possible yields conclusions Tucson, “that has managed to turn a rightful higher than with the average person,” said Sita homeland security memo smearing veterans that demand policy changes pride in our hard-earned independence into M. Diehl, director of state policy and advocacy and conservatives should be fired.” said Two causes of the shooting are undeni- a justification for social insanity.” Since the for the National Alliance on Mental Illness. former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich. able: Jared Lee Loughner, the alleged assailant, assassination of MLK in 1968 over a million “But when you get untreated mental illness and The potential for violence from misguided, suffered some form of mental illness and he Americans have died from firearms. The gun substance abuse combined, you do get some mentally ill, or paranoid, individuals is some- bought a gun. If either of these had not oc- lobby in D.C. has cowed nearly every politician pretty bizarre and alarming things.” thing to be taken seriously. They need societies curred it is almost certain that Giffords would into believing that Americans can’t tell the Budget cuts did not cause the Tucson help, lest they succumb to violence. Doubling have attended the State of the Union address difference between guns used for hunting, and shooting, but if we take seriously the plight down on failed conservative policies in the this week and six people would still be alive. those that have no meaningful purpose what- of those suffering the mental illness we need wake of this tragedy will only make it worse. The honorable legacy to this tragedy would be soever. “Our leaders,” said Professor Drew a strong safety net in place for their wellbeing. Stricter gun controls and increased funding for policies that restrict access to guns, especially Westen, “have either faithfully served the inter- Incidentally, it was the Obama stimulus bill, mental health, are smart policies that address semi-automatic weapons, and that increase est of Smith and Wesson and the gun lobby or denounced by conservatives and Republicans the tangible components what happened in funding for mental health assistance. Apart failed to oppose them.” Right wing gun policy as a “failure,” that succeeded in keeping com- Tucson. from all the he-said-she-said about civility and didn’t cause the Tucson shooting, but it was an munity mental health centers open despite

The harsh paradox of transparency and WikiLeaks

low up. As the NY Times wrote, “last spring, Americans should know of activities that have Abdoulaye Dabo WikiLeaks adopted a more journalistic ap- been undertaken by Washington that could be Guest Writer proach — editing and annotating a 2007 video costly in money and lives. However, the fact In 2006, Julian Assange created WikiLeaks, from Baghdad in which an Apache helicopter that WikiLeaks publishes raw information that described by most journalists and political pun- fi red on men who appeared to be unarmed, is open to any type of interpretation could seri- dits as a whistle-blowing website. It became including two employees of Reuters.” The ously threaten what little political stability there the focus of a global debate over its role in the reviews were mixed, with some suggesting that is in the world. There is no doubt that the U.S. release of thousands of confi dential messages the video had been edited to political ends, but diplomacy has been having a hard time being about the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan in ad- the disclosure received much more attention effective in wake of the WikiLeaks releases. dition to the conduct of American diplomacy from the press. In November came the big fi sh. Are Americans better informed now that around the world. In 2006, no one knew that WikiLeaks had some 250,000 U.S. diplomatic WikiLeaks is? Certainly, yes. Does this alleviate WikiLeaks was going to shake the world to a cables that were going to profoundly change confl icts like those in Afghanistan and Iraq? point where governments would openly target the way people view the site. The ensuing at- That’s highly debatable. Do you think that Assange, tagging him a nuisance; to a point tention was remarkable and WikiLeaks became revealing that the Chinese don’t know what’s where even Columbia University students even more strategic in the sense that it rede- going on with Kim Jong-Il’s nuclear program, a were told that using WikiLeaks could seriously fi ned modern journalism. surprising revelation for anyone who thought compromise their chances of getting jobs after On the one hand, I can understand that the the Chinese could, will help bring peace to the college; to a point where PayPal, Amazon and desire to inform people, to arm readers with Korean Peninsula? If it is known that Ameri- Visa have all tried to bar WikiLeaks from their knowledge is what journalism is all about. But can diplomats seriously doubt that Pakistan’s services, a move that would seem unthinkable it is clear that WikiLeaks has ulterior motives military, which effectively controls the state, had it been made against mainstream newspa- by the fashion and contents of its releases. will ever suppress extremist groups, will that pers. Instead of just providing information for the help fi ght the Talibans decisively in the tribal Everything started in 2008 when WikiLeaks public, WikiLeaks spends more energy making zones, or even strengthen ties between Pakistan published documents about Kenya suggesting it look “juicy” without even taking into account and India (both nuclear powers)? The answer is that the country had been looted by its own the serious consequences it could entail as a a categorical no. government, though there was not much fol- result. As David Carr of The New York Times In 1971, Daniel Ellsberg decided to make graphic by Erick Nelson writes, “Although Mr. Assange is available to The New York Times (and then didn’t want to get in the way of the diplomacy.” now arguing that the site is engaged to other newspapers) 43 volumes of the Pen- I only wish Assange and his crew had this mind in what he called a new kind of tagon Papers, the top- secret study prepared set when publishing those diplomatic cables. I ‘scientifi c journalism,’ his earlier for the Department of Defense examining wish that they had taken the time to edit them writings suggest he believes the mis- how and why the United States had become and make sure they were not getting in the way sion of WikiLeaks is to throw sand embroiled in the Vietnam confl ict. But he of diplomacy. It doesn’t even look like they in the works of what he considers made another critical decision as well. He kept care that much anyway. corrupt, secretive and inherently confi dential the remaining four volumes of Within Congress, Assange’s activities have evil states. He initiated a conspiracy the study describing the diplomatic efforts of already sparked proposed federal legislation in order to take down what he saw the United States to resolve the war. Not at all protecting journalists’ use of confi dential as an even greater conspiracy.” coincidentally, those were the volumes that the source. This whole thing will be followed by What about transparent govern- government most feared would be disclosed. the judicial discussion regarding even more ment? What about freedom of In a secret brief fi led with the Supreme Court, speech-limiting legal principles than currently information as a citizen’s right? the U.S. government described the diplomatic exist with respect to even the most responsible Democratic governments must volumes as including information about ne- reporting about both diplomacy and defense. be held accountable. But the right gotiations secretly conducted on its behalf by This may well lead to the adoption of new of the citizen to know applies foreign nations including Canada, Poland, Italy and dangerously restrictive legislation. This primarily to the policies of his own and Norway. Included as well, according to is the WikiLeaks paradox: the use of a site government. Whistle-blowing in the government, were “derogatory comments such as this will lead to less openness and a lot cases of governmental or business about the perfi diousness of specifi c persons more secrecy, not the transparent information misconduct or criminal behavior involved, and statements which might be of- universe WikiLeaks idealists may have been may be legitimate, but the right to fensive to nations or governments.” dreaming of. This paradox is more serious, know does not include information The diplomatic volumes were not published, and it could be about life and death. So if you presented or discussed by foreign even in part, for another dozen years. Mr. Ells- are a fervent defender of free speech or a fan countries under rules of confi den- berg later explained his decision to keep them of transparency, and the government acts to tiality. There is a ‘how’ and ‘when’ secret, according to Sanford Ungar’s 1972 book restrict either of these things, you may want to graphic by Erick Nelson as to informing the public. Sure, “The Papers and The Papers,” by saying, “I blame Assange for it. 8 January 28, 2010 Active Lifestyle A waist deep foray into Wahsatch Range Drew Thayer Guest Writer

Dan Rothberg enjoys the scenery after a fun line on Red Mountain Pass - a Colorado Backcountry hotspot For those of us who indulge in downhill snowy recreation, we’ve all experienced “The Typical Resort Ski Day.” At Vail, Breck or A-Basin, we’re all familiar with the constant feeling of being ushered around crowded parking lots by gesticulating lifties, jostling for seats in shuttle buses and trams (A-basin and Monarch get a break on this one), followed by sharing the day with 5,000 of your closest friends who are also vying for the coveted untracked snow stashed beneath rocks and between tight trees. Drew dances up the skin track on a sunny day during his backcountry approach. Photos courtesy of Drew Thayer The ripped patches on my jacket sleeves and sort coin, combining the thrills of great turns combination of altitude, high wind, frigid offers a fun, safe backcountry run that you can the P-tex on my bases can attest to that quest. with the intrinsic mountain culture of skiing’s temperatures, and dry snow to create a sketchy pull off in an afternoon. In the spring, ”Little It’s the mountains, but it’s also a theme park, roots. Needless to say, it’s a double-edged snowpack for the majority of the winter. The Italy” couloir up high on Pikes is a ripping-fast a lounge, even a mall. I swear some of these sword. You don’t ski nearly as many lines and big lines out here aren’t safe until the spring, run at what feels like the top of the world. kids yakking on cell phones in the cafeteria you have to climb up mountains to make turns when warm temperatures stabilize the pack. I had the pleasure of venturing to Utah this and lounging in the park care more about this down. But in the backcountry, each turn is so That doesn’t stop a handful of adrenaline junk- January, where the Wahsatch mountains rise year’s new clothing styles (which apparently in- exquisite that many of us find the climb to be ies from killing themselves each winter. abruptly above the Great Salt Lake and force cludes screen printed dollar signs and grenades well worth it. There are definitely obstacles Just a few weeks ago, a friend of mine was the clouds to dump light, feathery snow. The with suspenders drooping uselessly below the to becoming a backcountry skier; specialized testing a gorgeous slope above treeline on Ber- locals call it champagne powder and now I buttocks) than the buttery goodness waiting a gear is pricey, and avalanche safety gear is not thoud Pass when an avalanche tore out. His know why. The Wahsatch, at a lower elevation chair ride away in the hills above. optional. But with the five-mountain pass run- crew was doing the right things; they climbed than Colorado’s peaks, don’t get pummeled by There’s something to be said for the amount ning $500-plus, it’s not a bad compromise. up a safe aspect and dug a pit to test the wind which allows them to retain their snow of vertical you can get in a day with lifts and Education is the real biggie. In the back- snowpack’s stability. The avalanche report that and results in a much safer snowpack. Aaron warming huts. But is there a sacrifice of qual- country, there’s no ski patrol keeping you safe day deemed the danger “moderate” for that Bandler and I hit the backcountry during ity for quantity? I distinctly remember a day at from the realities of the snow and physics, so slope. With one tap of his shovel, he initiated particularly solid conditions, and it was all up Breckenridge, cruising out of the steeps into you have to know what you’re doing. And the a crack that ripped across the wind-loaded slab, for grabs. Cornices and open bowls were good the chaos of a crowded groomer with flocks stakes are real. The consequences of bad deci- cutting loose an avalanche 100 yards wide that to go, and we even skied a massive avalanche of children making random maneuvers, novice sions in the backcountry can lead to the death obliterated the slope below him for half a mile. path dubbed “God’s Lawnmower,” a 3000-ft snowboarders perfecting their “falling leaf ” of you and your friends. Luckily, websites like If they had skid out onto that great-looking ride straight from a mountain summit to the motifs and maniacs with headphones booting the Colorado Avalanche Information Center line without testing it first, they definitely could highway. off the cat tracks. I thought to myself, “I can’t are a fantastic resource, with daily updates have died. This anecdote served as a chilling The best part about backcountry skiing—the do this anymore. I’m gonna kill someone’s that decipher the subtle clues of weather and reminder for me that wild mountains can be a thing that makes it worth it to huff and puff kid.” snowpack for us laypeople. brutal arena for skiing. for an hour or more to ski one line—is the pu- It’s strange to think about, given today’s Take your AVI 1 course (and AVI 2 if you’re That said, I’ve had lots of great backcountry rity of the experience. No buses, no lines, no ski scene, but skiing used to be just a quicker psyched on nerding out about snow crystal days in Colorado. When the wind’s been howl- split-second decisions between hitting an obliv- method to get from point A to point B until morphology) and read the web report. The ing and the alpine bowls are looming death- ious teenager or a tree. No waiting around on some wacko went out of his way to make the best thing you can do, though, is go out with traps, take a nice skin through the woods and a cold lift to ride someone else’s tracks. Go for trip more fun. Enter specialized boots, the experienced backcountry skiers and observe hit the fluffy stuff in the trees. Red Mountain a nice walk in the woods, work up a sweat, feel French, onesies, Vail Village, $120 goggles what they do. Check out how they pick a skin Pass between Ouray and Silverton boasts great your lungs stretch in the mountain air, and sit and a Shaun White clothing line at your local track, where they dig a pit, and which aspects tree skiing; a 40-minute skin can earn you face- down atop a peak to eat a sandwich and take Target. they go for (and, more importantly, which shots in bottomless powder, and there’s noth- in the silent winter wonderland beneath you. Backcountry skiing is the flipside of the re- aspects they avoid). ing like charging through virgin snow in the Then zip up your jacket and get nasty. Unfortunately, Colorado has the perfect aspen groves near Durango. Pikes Peak even

Dan Rothberg--one of Drew’s ski partners-- rocks an A-frame while approaching the east face of Buck Moutain. Aaron points at “God’s Lawnmower,” a notorious avalanche-path in the Wahsatch. January 28, 2010 Active Lifestyle 9 Aspen eXtremists: big air, big tricks Nicky Anastas The most anticipated event is the Men’s of their sport. Once the day has wound down If you can find away up to Aspen and a Guest Writer Snowboarding Superpipe, thanks in large part the skiers will go head-to-head in the Skiing place to stay, the X Games are a must-see for to the popularity it gained from the Flying-Car- Big Air finals as they see who can get the most CC students spending a few years in Colorado. If the CC rail jam inspired the extreme sport rot’s performance in the last winter Olympics. air with style. Last year this event exploded. If not, at least check out the action at ESPN. enthusiast, then Aspen has yet another phe- The Superpipe elimination round will start at Every person who placed in the top three com. There you can find TV schedules, on- nomenon this weekend—the X Games. Yes- 6:45 p.m. under Buttermilk’s lights. landed a trick that had never been done before. ground schedules, and even vote on a winner terday, the ski resort debuted Winter X Games Despite the elimination round taking place The day winds down with Women’s Snow- for a new video competition. Be sure to pack XV after its previous, extremely successful on the second day, the winner of the Snow- board Slopestyle and Men’s Skier X Finals. The your on-hill flasks of whiskey and puffy jackets season. Over 150 of the worlds best snow board Superpipe will not be determined until evening will begin with Men’s Snowmobile to stay warm while experiencing the progres- sports athletes will come to the Buttermilk Ski the final day of competition. Make sure you Best Trick, followed by Men’s Snowboard Big sion of extreme winter sports. Mountain to compete in Men’s & Women’s Ski- don’t miss Louie Vito, Shaun White, Danny Air final. ing/Snowboarding and Men’s Snowmobiling. Kass and others as they compete not only for The games will commence at 10 a.m. with the gold medal but for the accompanying cash the Men’s Skiing Slopestyle elimination round. prize. Although the first round of two will kick off On Friday, the racers will take to the slopes the games, the champion of rails, jibs and in what is commonly referred as Chinese jumps will not be determined until the final downhill—Boarder and Skier Cross. After the round Saturday. Athletes will be trying their speedsters find out who is superior, the trick- luck at tricks that have never been seen before sters will report to the hill to compete in Men’s in an attempt to take home the $15,000 purse. Snowboarding Slopestyle. Just before the skiers One of the most famous skiers, Tom Wallisch, return, the snowmobilers will get their chance has withdrawn from the event due to injury; to find out who is the best rider through a however, this leaves room for several other key gnarly course of jumps and bank turns. After contenders who are itching to take home the this speed-riddled event, the skiers will get gold. their chance in the Superpipe at 4:45 p.m. Last season Bobby Brown took home two This year, an Aspen High School freshman, gold metals in Men’s Skiing Slopestyle and Big Torren Yater-Wallace, will get a chance to shine Air. Favorites Matt Walker, Jossi Wells, Simon with the big boys. Don’t miss his debut match- Dumont, P.K. Hunter and many others will up against Simon and Jossi in this high-flying be returning in hopes of disrupting Bobby spectacle. Brown’s repeat. Another must-see is an all-new event, Men’s Thursday’s skiing will be followed by the Snowboard Best Method, which follows the highly anticipated Snowmobile Freestyle. If Men’s Skiing Superpipe. The pros will find out you can get out of class and out to the moun- who has the best method grab. tains, don’t miss this one. Snowmobiling kicks Later on, the excitement will start back up off at 11:30 a.m. In this event, snowmobilers under the lights with Men’s Snowboard Big Air. will go head-to-head to see who can push the Watch the greatest take the air while they show limits of air and tricks the farthest, carrying a a year’s worth of progress in one short evening. ton of man-made machinery with them. The momentum will continue to pick up Snowmobile Freestyle also has a reputation on Saturday, starting with Mono Skier X, a for showing, at the peril of many riders, the relatively new event. This event will invite the most crowd-pleasing falls. If you can’t make fastest handicapped skiers to race in a Chinese it to the mountains make sure to check out downhill across nerve-wracking turns and over the action on ESPN. Unlike the Men’s Skiing immense air to see who has the most experi- Slopestyle, the final round of this competition ence on one ski. The racing will begin at 9:30 will take place later the same day. a.m.. In between all of the male action on Thurs- After this interesting race, the female snow- day, the women will also be getting their fix boarders will get a chance to show us their in both the Women’s Skiing Slopestyle and stuff in Women’s Superpipe. Be sure to catch Superpipe at the 2010 winter X-games- a glimpse of the big air tricks expected this Superpipe finals. these high-flying cuties as they show mastery weekend. Photo courtesy of snowrev.com

Latest IM round-ball leagues take the court

Gregor Chapin championship,” said senior Kevin Ecke, whose ring.” tion to get in shape, IM sports are fun no Staff Writer team won the winter tournament. “It is our Aside from the future fame that inevitably matter your reason for playing. last opportunity to leave our mark in the IM comes with a championship, the leagues are Jan. 28 at 5 p.m. is the final deadline for Two important registrations coincide with the soccer hall of fame.” guaranteed to be fun for all involved, regard- the two basketball leagues. The open league end of the first week of this semester -- stu- “Winning again will be tough, there are a lot less of skill level. is generally for more experienced players, dent enrollment and intramural roster registra- of good players, and everyone wants to win,” “IMs are just a good time all around,” said but everyone is welcome. The co-ed league tion. If, as you read this, it is past 5 p.m. on that said Ecke. “The pre-Christmas tournament Glaize. “I have seen teams not score a single requires that teams have at least two players of Friday, you’ve missed them both. Forgetting was competitive and I’m sure it will be the point in co-ed games, but they still have fun.” the opposite sex on the court at all times, and to carry your blue card from your Worner box same this season.” Wolfel describes the level of competition in is typically more relaxed than open. Play begins to the Registrar’s office across the street—an Ecke says that tempers often run high in the the open-league as sporadic and says that it has on Feb. 2 in El Pomar. Indoor soccer has only absolutely necessary task—simply means that indoor soccer leagues, but that all the trash essentially two tiers. “There are really only a one league, and begins the same day, one floor a meager fine of $50 awaits your parents at the talking is in good fun, and that no one should few good teams in the league beside us,” said below in the turf room. next billing period and the college will have no feel intimidated to play. Wolfel. “It’s not the greatest competition every Feb. 11 at 5 p.m. is the deadline to register idea that you are on campus. Essentially, it’s “People just want to win, so they try and get night, but everyone plays hard.” for the indoor racquetball tournament. Visit not a huge deal. Missing the other deadline, in each other’s heads,” he said. For Ecke the Whether playing to win a T-shirt or simply http://www.coloradocollege.edu/_athletics/in- however, carries an irreversible and very disap- upcoming season represents his last chance to trying to make good on a New Year’s resolu- tramurals/ to sign up or for more information. pointing consequence. be forever-enshrined in the CC intramural hall Friday is the last day to submit team rosters of fame, and second place is just not an option. for the intramural basketball and indoor soccer “We won the Christmas tournament, we leagues, and missing the deadline means you should win the league,” he said. “I want an- can’t create your own team. If you missed it other T-shirt.” and still want to play, Dave Glaize, an IM bas- As Ecke explains, winning the championship ketball supervisor, says that your best bet is to is about more than just winning the champion- ask around and try to join someone else’s team. ship.It is about getting famous. “We will be accepting roster additions up un- Winners of each league get their team’s til the end of the second game of the season photo framed and put on a wall with hundreds so if they can find another team. It’s not too of other previous-champions to be revered for late,” said Glaize. all time by future intramural athletes. Glaize encourages any interested students Their memories of these precious few to come out and play and says that the leagues games will be cherished forever, and in later would like more teams. years, many students will surely bring their “When there are a lot of teams it’s better, children to this distinguished hallway to admire but it’s a great time either way,” he said. “The their past successes and say, “Look, son, daddy more the merrier.” was once a champion.” After exciting pre-Christmas tournaments Sophomore Hunter Wolfe, whose open- in the soccer and basketball leagues, many stu- league basketball team won the pre-Christmas dents have trained scrupulously over the holi- tournament, shares Ecke’s feelings about days in preparation for these highly-anticipated winning. seasons. And for seniors, winning a champion- “My team wears those T-shirts with pride,” ship this year is more important than ever. he said. “Mine is now mounted on my wall, I “My team is definitely hoping to win the think I’ll sign it for someone later in life. The only things that could be better would be a 10 Active Lifestyle January 28, 2010 Hoopin’ Big cats dive towards Champs Jenny Natelson so far,” boasted Burns. “We’ve had swim- Active Lifestyle Editor mers with personal bests at almost every meet. That’s unheard of in college swimming.” reigns The team consists mostly of underclassmen, While most students head home or to the powder-ridden mountains for Christmas break, with only three seniors still swimming—cap- Jesse Lehrich the CC swim and dive team trucked to Hawaii tains Katie Burns and Tommy Grossinger and Guest Writer for their seasonal training trip. Shortly after dive captain Andrea Wang. Since the major- New Year’s, the team met in Oahu to train at ity of the team’s juniors spent first semester the University of Hawaii and spend two weeks abroad, the freshmen and sophomores made on the island and in the pool. up the bulk of the team. They shared their practice time with teams “We only have three seniors,” said Burns. “So from Boston, Notre Dame and Wisconsin, to we had to integrate the underclassmen right name a few. Under the tropical sun, in the away. It helped create a cohesiveness with the outdoor pool, swimmers could be seen bent team that was important.” over trashcans or gasping for air from, accord- So far, the underclassmen have stepped up ing to Senior Captain Katie Burns, “the hardest and proven their worth, earning top times at two-a-day practices we’ve ever had.” Back in every meet. This weekend alone, the men’s Colorado, Speedo tan-lines and all, the team team earned season bests in 11 events, and the holds high hopes to further improve an already women’s team earned bests in six. exceptional season. That said, the team’s ultimate goal is a The Tigers had the opportunity to do just NCAA qualifying score or time, something that as they hosted the 13th annual CC Clas- sophomore diver Nicole Fazio earned on both sic Meet at Schlessman Natatorium this past one and three meter boards this past weekend. weekend. The Classic is a three-day invitational, Fazio also bested the previous diving records, with teams ranging from club to DII levels set in 1986, on both boards, by a collective 60 traveling to the Springs from all over Colorado. points. Although she definitely got her foot in This meet was the first of the season for the door, the sophomore still needs to qualify several of CC’s key swimmers who were a second time and pass a review board before abroad last semester, including juniors Jordan officially competing at Nationals. The Tigers’ DeGayner, Carrie Markel and Leore Gellar. home meet this weekend will be a perfect op- DeGayner has been a huge asset to the men’s portunity for a second attempt. Seniors provide leadership in a practice team, acheiving top times for the past two “The team has huge potential this season,” scrimmage. Photo by Sam Landsman years in both freestyle and butterfly events. Burns declared. “The underclassmen keep At the Classic, he didn’t disappoint. De- getting better, and Nicole is a great example The dream keeps getting better for the Gayner started his weekend by claiming first of that.” Colorado College Men’s Basketball team. The Junior Leore Geller competes in the 200 place in the 50 yard freestyle with a time of The team looks to continue their success Tigers started their season with a shocking yard backstroke. Photos by Sam Lands- 21.52 seconds. Two events later, he was back this coming weekend at their last home meet upset at Air Force, drawing the attention of man on the blocks for the 100 meter butterfly, before Championships. The Tigers will host the Colorado Springs area and local media for where he again smashed the competition and SCAC rival McMurry University on Friday and only going to get better. We’re expecting more the first time in years. Three days later, CC took first. On Sunday, DeGayner finished first Saturday, so be sure to check it out if you’re personal and season bests, including broken re- dropped its home opener against Lewis and in both the 100 and 200 yard freestyle sprints, around campus. cords at Champs,” said senior captain Tommy Clark College, a disappointing 90-74 blowout earning points to help the men’s team snag 4th Although they haven’t started their taper Grossinger. that caused many to dismiss the Air Force win place overall. DeGayner also boasted a season- (the period of time used to rest before their “It doesn’t usually happen until our last meet, as nothing more than a fluke. It seemed as best time in the 200—touching the wall at an final meet) you can still expect to see some top but you never know,” said Grossinger. “[We’ll] though this would be another lowly season full impressive 1:44.70. finishes. likely see some great swims this weekend.” of frustration for Tiger basketball fans, but it “Everyone has had a really impressive season “We’ve had a great season so far, and it’s has been anything a disappointing season. With an explosive 29 points from Nick Rose, 15 points on perfect shooting from Brady Ohlsen, two late three-pointers from Colin Madden, and a little help from a rowdy home crowd, the Tigers mounted a furious comeback against Oglethorpe and escaped with a thrilling 64-59 victory. Down as many as 18 points in the second half, with their supporters losing hope, the Tigers clawed back into the game with tough defense and sheer determination. The comeback was punctuated by Nick Rose’s steal and monstrous slam-dunk that brought the stands to their feet. It was a degree of excitement that these players have not seen in Reid Gymnasium during their entire careers. Rose, who ignited the comeback and is poised to win the SCAC Player of the Year award, could not be more grateful for the support. “I’ve never been a part of that big of a comeback in my entire basketball career and certainly not in my time at CC,” said Rose. “It was fueled by the crowd. They were on their Junior Jordan DeGayner competes in the 100 meter freestyle, one of the four events he won at last weekend’s meet. feet with every steal. It’s just awesome to see that kind of turnout, and it made all the dif- ference.” Mostly, Rose was excited about the bigger picture—something that Coach Andy Partee has focused the entire team’s attention on. “To me,” said Rose, “it really indicates the turnaround of our program. I’m so happy that we’ve been able to do so much throughout the senior players’ careers, and to still be around to play in front of fans like this.” The team refuses to be satisfied with the excitement of a single big win, and continue to try and keep those games in perspective. They have their eyes set on greater goal – winning the conference and making some noise at the National tournament. While those achievements are still in the distance, there is finally a light at the end of what has been a long tunnel for these senior Tigers. Nobody in the conference gave CC a chance at making the SCAC tournament, yet they sit proudly atop the Western division with an astounding three-game lead over Austin College and Trinity University. Sunday afternoon, Colorado College cruised past Sewanee on the heels of their Oglethorpe comeback to improve to an impressive 8-1 in conference play. It’s hard to believe that these senior leaders are the same ones that suffered through the infamous winless season just three years ago. January 28, 2011 11 Arts & Entertainment

Big Bad Brews A return to the hubris of American craft beer

with me about at least 15 different beers. little nutmeg. There is also a roasted malt pres- palate. Nick Hawks Now you’re probably wondering why I am ence here as well, but it is really quite minimal. Alongside Nick, I poured this beauty out of Staff Writer ranting about starting a conversation with As the flavors trail off and you focus on the a 22 oz. bomber into a snifter glass. There are someone at the liquor store, but trust me, this aftertaste, there are notes of plum, allspice, a no varying hues in this beer, no space for the Jeff Hester story has a point. Even when you think you slight breadiness, and alcohol still loitering on light to come through; this brew is pitch black. ComDeb Editor know a great deal about beer and consider the palate. The pour boasted a hefty two-finger head that yourself to be well versed in your local craft I had high expectations for this beer on stuck around for a good long time, proving the God damn it feels good to be back. Most of beer aisle, there’s always someone who knows account of the style (one of my new favorites) brew’s undeniable viscosity. This is one that you reading this or, more likely, all of you, have more than you (and they’re probably standing and the credibility of the Great Divide brewery will stick to your stomach. no idea who I am or where I’ve been, but none right behind the counter if you happen to be itself. Unfortunately, while the beer started off From the second you pop the top off of of that is really important. I may have been at Coal Train). As this was the case, we ended with a lot of promise with the strong flavors this beer, you are slapped upside the nose with studying abroad, locked up in Boot Camp, at- up trying two new beers that we certainly of plum and allspice, the flavor profile really an overwhelming amount of vibrant odors, tending French Finishing School, or any other hadn’t even begun to consider prior to the just dropped off right in the middle making unable to discriminate one from the others. Page Six rumor that you could possibly muster visit. –NH it difficult to not only pick out the flavors at Of course you can smell the dark chocolate. up. Any way you imagine it, the truth is that the end, but also difficult to be happy with the That’s a gimme. Upon further inspection, you I have spent the last eight months of my life Grand Cru beer as a whole. It is as if a beautiful classical can pick up on the subtle notes of proprietary without any sort of access to the great world Belgian Strong Dark Ale, 11% ABV piece was being played and just at the height of Belgian yeast, a smell that resembles a chaotic of craft beer. I wandered amongst dirt-cheap Great Divide Brewing Company the crescendo, the music is cut and all you’re mixture of spices that are both sharp and lagers and half-baked breweries, day-dreaming Denver, Colorado left with is a slight ringing in your ears and a sweet. Along with the yeast, there is also a about a time when I would return to a place sense of anticipation that doesn’t go away be- trace of sweet liqueur and stone fruit, more where beer reigned supreme, and was brewed This Winter Seasonal from Great Divide cause what you were waiting for never comes. specifically cherries. with astounding hubris and passion. It goes just hit the shelves at Coal Train and I was so Or to use an analogy that may be a bit more The taste is even more expansive and without saying, but craft beer holds a very excited to try it out. The beer is sold between appropriate for CC folk: it’s as if you’re driving intricate than the smell when you first unleash special place in my heart and, in turn, so does the months of January and March, so we’re in 75 miles per hour listening to some downright this brew from its bottle. The taste of spiced the BrewHaHa. the perfect season and it most likely will not be dirty dubstep and right as it drops your buddy yeast is the first thing that you recognize, bit- For this installment of the BrewHaHa, my on the shelves for terribly long. sitting shotgun switches it to Billy Joel (not ing at the back corners of your tongue as the first in eight months, we’ve chosen beers that Poured out of a 22 oz. bomber into a Dog- that I don’t love Billy Joel, because I do, I’m beer washes over it. At first, it all goes rather hold nothing back. These brews are big, bad fish Head snifter, the Grand Cru produces a just saying it’s unexpected and completely smoothly, the idea of stone fruit comes up and entirely unapologetic in regards to their decent, but not particularly noteworthy, one-to- changes the pace, Ben). Either way, it’s a good again, this time in the form of apricot, and bold stature. In other words: the kind of beers two-finger head which dissipates quicker than beer, but it just isn’t as complete as it could be then the cocoa powder comes through in full that I missed so dearly. This is a joyous reunion. most. While it lasts, the head cream colored and doesn’t stand up to a lot of its similar-style force. Note how I say “cocoa powder” and not Don’t call it a comeback. -JH with a slight hint of beige in a certain light. counterparts. –NH “chocolate.” The mouthfeel is almost chalky. The beer itself is a rich mahogany color with The chocolate seems to be entirely unsweet- The first thing that I should probably amber and almost violet hues seen at the edge Chocolate Indulgence Stout ened and it feels oh so good as it warms the mention is that we would not have had the of the glass. Belgian Dark Ale with Cocoa Powder, 7% whole mouth and creates an amazing conversa- opportunity to be reviewing this beer had I The nose brings smells of stone fruit, clove, ABV tion between sweet and spicy. not gone into Coal Train with a very open and banana accompanied by a slight warming Brewery Ommegang The finish here is very dry for a traditional attitude and trust in the employees there. We sensation from the alcohol. As it is sipped and Cooperstown, NY Belgian Dark Ale, but it is more than wel- were thinking big and bold and while I could the beer washes over the palate, the first thing comed. The taste overall is rather sweet and have walked around looking for something to to be noted is the amalgam of sweet business This Belgian Dark really came out of well-rounded, but this beer tickles your tongue randomly catch my eye, I instead opted to ask going on throughout the mouth, specifically left field. Brewed at Ommegang, an American the whole way through so it doesn’t taste like one of the many great employees there. While on the sides of the tongue. As this plum-like brewery that strictly practices traditional Bel- you’re drinking a fermented milkshake. This he was considerably busy restocking the floor, sweetness fades into the background, one can gian-style brewing techniques, this dramatically beer truly is an indulgence and a Winter Warm- upon my request for a recommendation, he pick up on the Belgian-style spices, in particu- dark ale, brewed with authentic Belgian cocoa er that I will most definitely revisit, provided I immediately stopped what he was doing to talk lar, allspice and coriander, and perhaps even a powder, was destined to great things to my can scrounge up the funds. -JH Colorful Tonalá in Colorado Springs cializing in Tonalá wares. As the secrets of the traditional pieces. Nogal’s burnished ceramic The pieces influenced by the various eras do Thamanna Vasan processes are held close to the vest and kept piece titled “Party In My Town” depicts a share similar features in form and subject yet Guest Writer small village gathering: Children run around each has the ability to stand alone; a blanket The tradition of holding balloons, women stir large pots of truth of ceramics from the region. The most In an enclave of Guadalajara, in the Mexi- food, and mariachis gathers to entertain the essential of these features is the ability of can state of Jalisco, lies the city of Tonalá; ceramic arts, both as an townsfolk. Not only does the scene borrow even the most untrained of eyes to appreci- a city that contains the spirit of the natural “artistic avenue and as from traditional Mexico but so does the vessel ate the work at hand. Ceramics of Tonalá are world and the vibrancy of its people in its ce- itself. The vessel is a functional item, as many meant for colloquial uses in homes and as ramics. From plates to figurines, this art form artisan trade, predates pieces can be. Shallow and wide, the three such the beauty is one that can be understood is brought to the community at the Colorado the Mexican state itself. handled pot could very easily be used both as by all. The use of various aspects of a sur- Springs Fine Arts Center in an exhibit titled decorative and functioning household item realistic and mythological natural world in jux- “The Ceramics of Tonalá: Legacy of a Thou- Going back to the when treated correctly. Similarly, other artist taposition with Hispanic pride and tradition sand Years”. country’s colonial roots, draw from nature as the first Tonalá artists did. cohesively bring together the varied pieces in a The art of ceramics in Tonalá has been Several pieces reference the nahual, a mytho- manner that would hold significance to a typi- passed down from generation to generation, ceramics in the region logical cat like creature, and the Tonalá flower cal shopper in a Tonalá marketplace as well adding to and serving as a representation of took bloom... along with depictions of various animals, such as a museumgoer. Attention to detail brings the Mexican identity. The tradition of ceramic as frogs, fish, and pigs. forth a colorful movement to the exhibit that arts, both as an artistic avenue and as artisan under wraps like family jewels, the Fine Arts As you move through the exhibit you see allows the viewer to easily move through. trade, predates the Mexican state itself. Going Center –in conjunction with Professor Chuck the evolution of the pieces. From scenes of However, the various artists go to great back to the country’s colonial roots, ceramics Plosky of the New Jersey City University, the” nature on pots and urns we see a transition to lengths to set themselves apart with signa- in the region took bloom from the art of bur- Consulate General of Mexico, and the Mexi- contemporary references through unusual me- ture styles that are unmistakably singular to nishing brought by Augustinian missionaries can Culture Center in Denver—gives the pub- diums. Brigido Pérez Ramos brings pieces to their own backgrounds. With various styles in the 17th century. The forms of the pottery lic a truly unique opportunity to experience the collection that reference Western culture of pottery and ceramics, variations in hues, and the scenes depicted on them typically a wonderful showcasing of Tonalán pottery and traditional Mexican styles. The stoneware and focuses the artists in the exhibit are able draw inspiration from nature and its organic from the present-day masters themselves. ceramic piece, “Hand Drawing,” references to bring a sense of intrigue that generates structures. Like other items produced in the The exhibit illustrates a series of over 100 the popular liothograph by Dutch artist MC immense diversity. Every student should New World, Tonalá ceramics became staple ceramics all inspired by spans of time begin- Escher. Ramos’s piece takes the form of a wall take the opportunity to visit this exhibit. It export items and were most typically found in ning with the pre-Hispanic era and building hanging. Several of the artists’ other pieces is most definitely worth the walk and time wealthy Spanish homes. up to a more contemporary period. Benjamín take on similar form allowing the viewer a spent perusing. The Tonalá ceramics exhibit The craft is still practiced by a skilled group Olvera Nogal, for example, draws inspiration chance to experience a contemporary take on runs through February 13th at the Colorado of artists in the area and sold in markets spe- from rural life in Mexico and pre-Hispanic, an age old-tradition. Springs Fine Arts Center. 12 Arts & Entertainment January 28, 2011 Denver band Tennis serves up surf pop

sincerity necessary to pull off the nostalgic, they were sailing around in love while writing stead of swimming somewhere in the middle. Samantha LaBue sock hop sound we’ve been hearing a lot of these songs, but Jesus, no one can be happy When the couple shows some genre com- Staff Writer from indie bands lately. I am trying not to all the time, right? mitment they dodge the possibility lounge describe the duo as “cute,” but the word does While the band hits the nostalgia nail on music has to become “background music.” fit. The saving grace is Alaina Moore’s vocals A couple of months ago my boyfriend bought the head, the middle of the album had me They’re at their best on the most popular a new keyboard off of Craigslist from a DU track “Marathon,” which might make any alum named Patrick Riley. He was all excited indie snob tap a toe. “Take me Somewhere” because Riley apparently started a band succeeds at being adorable surf-pop without called Tennis that he had heard about. In a being obnoxious. world where everyone and their 12-year-old But it’s the twangy rock track “Cape Dory” brother has a new lo-fi band, I wasn’t entirely that has me anticipating their new album. It’s starstruck to meet Riley and his wife at his in- got that 50s thing without forgetting what de- laws condo in Copper Mountain. But to my cade we’re in. Music is about moving forward surprise, my good friend, the Internet, was all as much as it can be about borrowing from abuzz about the band just days later. the past. This is the kind of song that put Journalistic and musical curiosity had me Tennis on the map. I appreciate the honesty downloading their debut album, Cape Dory, of their simplicity, but I’m anxious to see an intimate and melodic CD, moments later. what a little more confidence and maturing If you find yourself shopping for the CD, do will do for them in the future. Just because not be fooled by the album art as the singer you want to be a minimalist band doesn’t vogueing in a lace onesie and pumps may mean you can’t make someone weep with have you psyched to hear some hair band complicated lyrics or surprise the music scene rock. Aside from the fact that the photo every once in awhile. doesn’t really look like the singer at all, who I If you enjoy the types of things people met in a flowery dress and sweet cardigan, the who play tennis enjoy (i.e. sundresses, pastel photo has nothing to do with the surfy pop shorts, boat shoes, and potpourri) then you’ll music you’ll get from the contents. probably like the band too. That wasn’t exact- Patrick and his wife, Alaina Moore, began ly a jab either, as I myself am a tennis player. their musical career on a sailboat tour fresh The bottom line is this band has an unabash- out of college. Newlyweds on a sailboat edly kitschy point of view. As one reviewer serenading each other? Like I said, intimate. was bold enough to say, “beachy, tweenish Singing duo Patrick Riley and Alaina Moore. Photo courtesy of Tennis Their goal was nostalgia, and the duo man- pop is tired and annoying.” Harsh, but pos- aged a vintage, girl-pop, beachy vibe. Tracks on tracks like “Pigeon” that introduce a much- wishing they would commit to a modern sibly true. I advise a listen and some single like “Bimini Bay” may even take your mother needed dose of honest weariness. I mean, genre. Maybe I’m a product of my generation downloads when you’re having a hankering back to her prom night. what’s an album without feelings? Moments or an antsy extremist, but I hoped the band for warm weather, but it might take until their There is something about the husband-wife of sadness or heartbreak would do well to would either be more pop-y or rock-y or even sophomore effort to earn Tennis my bills for chemistry that gives the album a type of break up the consistent contentment. I know experiment more with electronic sounds in- the entire album. Night Bus is a feeling Torture porn sinks to new low Slamming on the door, the girls are greeted by Will Trousdale the mad scientist and star of the film, German Staff Writer actor Dieter Laser. Now, in addition to the fact that his last name is “Laser,” AND his first “Human Centipede” plot summary: Evil name is Dieter (just say it, please, god that’s surgeon madly obsessed with creating a Siamese awesome), this guy rocks for so many rea- Triplet devises procedure to fasten people sons. Imagine Joseph Goebbels mating with a together into a chain resembling a centipede komodo dragon and producing a satanic fascist by surgically attaching one person’s mouth to demon child. That demon child would look, another person’s anus with one person in front talk, walk, and smell like Dieter Laser’s role: as the “head.” That is the nauseating yet pos- demented surgeon Dr. Heiter. Heiter brings the sibly worth-watching plot of Tom Six’s 2010 girls in, roofies them, ties them to a hospital semi-slasher, semi-sci-fi, semi-horror film “The bed in his basement, and finally dons a truly Human Centipede: First Sequence.” Yet, after ridiculous surgical gown that could be pulled seeing the film in its entirety (yes, a whole 95 off by none other than Nazi doctors of death minutes of poop-eating caged centipede insan- and maybe House. ity) Let’s dive into the sick, twisted, and near And then, the movie falls apart. Everything brilliant yet completely idiotic world of Tom happens as you would expect, but all that had Six’s “Human Centipede: The First Sequence.” been built up in the beginning completely Thirty seconds into the “Human Centipede” deflates. I really should have shut my computer trailer I knew I was destined to give Tom Six’s and filed a lawsuit against Netflix for posting idea a couple hours of my time. Some friends such incredible crap on their instant playlist Night Bus pioneer DJ CFCF Photo courtesy of Paperbag Records of mine walked out of the room before the for stupid suckers like me who just can’t help example that comes to mind is the album trailer was even over, but I barely noticed. I was themselves. “Love Remains” from How To Dress Well. hooked. Finally, a slasher movie worth watching Yes, if you can believe it, the first sequence Kieffer Katz Through atmosphere created by spacey synth – completely out of this world, disgusting yet of the human centipede failed to deliver. Dr. simultaneously totally hilarious. Recent slasher Heiter’s concentration camp science fair charade Managing Editor lines and breaking them down with glitchy effects and hauntingly paranoid vocal samples, films these days have dismissed this classic di- got old after about four minutes. Anyone at- HTDW has made what might be the most chotomy necessary to a successful and entertain- tempting to surgically fasten people together continued from page 1 coherent Night Bus statement yet. James ing slasher flick. The “Saw” and “Hostel” series ‘mouth-to-anus’ is crazy by definition; not much -ient electronic music, heavy rap, and that Blake on his soul/dubstep crossover LP are cinematic tragedies. Someone has seriously acting is required. After the fourth minute feeling after a long night of drinking where “James Blake” has performed a similar feat, forgotten the true value of slasher flicks: their of his obnoxious and completely overblown you already know what your hangover’s going combining his surprisingly tender vocals with capacity for complete absurdity and simultane- German sociopathic voices and mannerisms, I to feel like but you still have just enough of a traditional UK Garage beats. Finally, Hunts- ous comedic value, delivering equal amounts would have taken anything else. I would have buzz to be okay with it. It’s incredibly worth ville, Alabama rappers G-Side, on their new of both cringes and laughs. After watching the rather watched Sean William Scott in Ameri- listening to. full length “THE ONE… COHESIVE” have, trailer I turned around to express my excitement can Pie: Human Centipede with Jason Biggs, CFCF, of course, also posts on that mes- largely through the aid of the Block Beataz to my friends, only to see they had all left to Chris Klein, and Eugene Levy. But still, what a sage board I mentioned earlier, and after production team, combined the roughness of drown their nausea in their patchouli-filled hip- drag. Dieter Laser really wasn’t living up to his falling in love with his mix I returned to the southern rap with an aural landscape of equal pie-topias of Beatles LPs and Phish keyboard name. Plus, the best things about the film were thread to see what else was there. An absurd parts clarity and obfuscation that does justice solos. I wanted a human centipede and I wanted the horrible actresses that colored the first 10 amount of mixes have been made at this to their label’s name, Slowmotion Soundz. it now. minutes. They pretty much left the film by the point, including some by Chris Ott, a music Is there significance to this? Genres come Luckily, I found a friend equally as psyched time they both got fastened to anuses. Instead, journalist formerly of Pitchfork.com who and go so quickly in the blog age. The rise of and interested in human centipede as I was. The we had to listen to a crazed Japanese man in now writes for the Village Voice, many of yet another in an already oversaturated market Netflix queue was set and the film started roll- the front of the centipede bark at the mad which are, if not as good as the first, still fan- doesn’t seem to be that remarkable. Once ing. It started out great. Two sufficiently awful doctor demanding his freedom via Haiku. Are tastic. A Google search for Night Bus mix will again, all I can point out is that Night Bus actresses, just having graduated from Alicia you kidding? At least put an English-speaking turn up a bunch of these, almost all of which is a feeling. In this context, a genre doesn’t Silverstone’s Acting School for Ditzes and Bim- person in front so we can get some worthwhile are worth a listen. have to be fiercely codified set of statutes bos, really killed it. Getting lost in the woods, centipede-mad-scientist dialogue. Moral of the The genre, if you can call it that, is spread- imposed by music journalists. If music suc- being sexually accosted by a German Zach story, the human centipede truly let me down, ing. It’s showing up more and more in music cessfully moves this way, or continues, then Galifianakas with no teeth, these gals couldn’t and I blame you Dieter Laser, and you Tom publications (you can only give so much everything opens up. While it might make it deliver a line to save their lives, literally. But Six, and especially you, Netflix, you’ll be hearing credit to blogs) and recently the manager a little harder to list your favorite genres on to their defense, they were legitimately funny. from my lawyer. from polarizing witch house band Salem your Facebook page, it will at least put an end No more than five minutes into the film the So, if you want to see “The Human Centi- made a comment about it in the NME. It’s to people claiming they like “everything but girls find themselves running through the rain pede” I won’t stop you. Remember, it’s a click getting more and more legitimate on a daily country.” If our conversations about music in towards a modern-looking ranch-style house away. In fact, the ending is completely absurd basis. As a result, there are albums of purely the future require us to actually explain what with a few mysterious lights on. All right, this is and actually worth checking out. But as for the original songs being released that already the things we’re listening to sound like, I don’t it. This can only mean 90 minutes of complete sequel, “The Human Centipede: Full Sequence,” fit the Night Bus sound. The most obvious think anyone is going to be losing out. slasher absurdity. I think I’ll pass and just watch “The Fly” instead.