THEBENNINGTON

Vol. 12 No. 4 October 31, 2009

TheBY SARAH Sr. LIFERLiz '10 Coleman Interview . EDITOR-IN-CHIEF . faculty on a regular basis about :,; how to think about what we were Sarah St. Lifer: Back in 2004, after in the Democracy Project, Editors Jim and Zubin asked why and CAPA became an even more journalism had been neglected for compelling way of thinking about so long. Do you still agree with it. It's really the continuum. The you response that, "journalism issues that the Democracy Proj­ is an arguable, disputable under­ ect was after are things that are graduate major ... I'm interested in more explicitly central in CAPA. journalism not in the way you're The point wasn't to learn about talking about it ... interested democracy like another subject, in it as an issue. The media and it was to use the framework of the role of journalism and how to democracy as a means to recon­ think about what it is." Journal- figure ways of looking at an edu­ ism has changed since 2004, has cation and to give certain things your opinion about the field as a much more importance. For ex­ study changed as well? ample, the three questions for the Democracy Project remain the Image Courtesy TED.com Liz Coleman: I'm very excited three central questions for CAPA: didn't presume he knew. He was that it's building. I think of it, journalism can be crass, vulgar What kind of a world are we mak­ actually investigating the first and always have, as one of the and stupid, but that is true of any­ ing? What kind of a world should penal system, but what he found thing. great arts (the art of the journal­ we be making? What kind of a himself doing was discovering ist). Tocqueville, when he came world can we be making? The America. Great journalism is the to America, came as a journalist, SSL: How closely linked ideo­ framework is larger, different, but capacity to find out what matters logically are CAPA and the De­ and Democracy in America­ it is absolutely the same spirit, the and then to know how to go af­ which is considered one of the mocracy Project? What are the same purpose, the same objec- ter it: not to know before you get differences, besides the actual greatest works ever written about tives. there. The idea that journalism is building? this country-was written by a diminished version of the uses somebody who came as a journal­ SSL: I wanted to speak to you of intellect and imagination is, LC: Really, CAPA is what the about the decisions not to rehire ist and acted as a journalist. And to me, a gross misunderstanding. Democracy Project morphed into. certain faculty members ... what that means is that he came Which is not to say that it isn't, It emerged in the conversations to find out what mattered. He like everything else, abused. Yes, I was having with students and Continued On Page 5 Faculty Forum ''SPAM'' eMail mng, academic programs, faculty BY HELENE GAGN ON '13 proximately one third of the Col­ NEWS EDITOR leaves of absence, curriculum, lege faculty losing their positions. and academic budgeting- to ap­ ust as Long Weekend In 1996 a number of said faculty 'During2007-08 the propriate entities, including but was coming to a close, filed a lawsuit against the col­ academic not limited to the faculty, presi­ Jcontroversy seized the lege, which was settled in 2000. year, the dent, provost and dean, and ex­ Bennington College The Board justified the firings in faculty initiated a series of meet­ ecutive vice-president." Campus in the form of an email the Symposium Report, stating ings, called Faculty Forum, de­ While some of these projects, (what else, in this age of moder­ that the college was experienc­ signed to discuss a variety of outlined as the activities of the nity?) sent out to all students, ing "a growing attachment to the issues of importance to the fac­ APC- were not an open conversa­ faculty, and staff, apparently from status quo that, if unattended, is ulty." Without any policy on the tion for all faculty, but only elect­ "Bennington College Senior Staff lethal to Bennington's purpose table from administration, and a ed representatives, some voices & Board of Trustees." The email and pedagogy." The Symposium change coming in the curriculum, needed to be heard. The Faculty opens with a declaration that "the and its subsequent reorganization a forum there was needed for dis- Forum is also democratic, but can New Liberal Arts is an unparal­ created uproar among students, cussing the issues many· faculty act as an .intermediary between leled beacon to guide Academia, faculty, and the media. members were talking about in the private conversations, and the United States, and the World." The email unashamedly criti­ private. In order to make their the representative body of fewer The email defines the ideology cizes the apparent distancing of conversations public and trans­ voices (APC), which can research of the Liberal Arts as a pursuit the administration, saying that parent, the Faculty Forum was and present ideas and possibilities of '"Educating for Personal and Bennington is a "difficult place created. "Faculty members of that come from faculty in every Social Responsibility' reform in which to sustain sufficient bu­ the Academic Policies Commit­ comer of this campus. In outlin­ initiative ... We [the Senior Staff reaucratic remove. Without this tee (APC) initiated the discussion ing the Faculty Forum, its mem­ & Board of Trustees] grudgingly distance, we are met by great [around the development of such bers wrote: "The function of the admit this mission is harmonious challenge when it comes time BenningtonFreePress a group]" says Robert Ransick, Faculty Forum is two-fold: with our goals." to renovate the roster of campus 1College Drive professor of Digital Arts. For 1). To provide a forum for The author continues, "Our personnel," going on to lament many, the Faculty Forum was open discussion of issues of con­ [the administration's] first at­ recent administrative decisions BenningtonCollege "a way to communicate" when cern to the faculty. tempt to hot-wire the College in regarding the "squeez[ing] of Bennington,VT05201 VT communication was· lacking. The 2) To provide a mechanism 1993 resulted in a sustained peri­ union health benefits." The email Academic Policies Committee is through which issues of concern od of abysmal attendance and dis­ concludes, "To effectively dis­ composed of an elected faculty may be brought to the attention of couraging press. It is not without pose of the despairing, indiffer­ contact@ chair, six other elected faculty the administration and the greater irony we have entitled the CAPA ent body of the school as it was, benningtonfreepress.commembers, one elected faculty al­ college community. council room 'The Symposium."' we will be renaming the college. ternate, the president (ex officio), Before the creation of this The Symposium, for those un­ We hereby open a campus-wide 802.440. 4544 the provost and dean (ex officio), platform for discussion, there awares, was the 1993 decision by contest in search of the best new and the executive vice president was not a need for such a group, the Board of Trustees to initiate nomenclature." for finance and administration (ex policies and changes were dramatic reform within the Col­ Though many were intrigued, officio)." The APC "reviews and presented by the administrative lege- most notably, to introduce bemused, and perhaps offended makes recommendations con­ body, to the APC , who reviewed a new policy regarding faculty by the email' s acerbic satire and cerning matters of academic pol­ them, and brought them to the tenure known as the experimental harsh claims, what provoked a icy- including long-term plan- Continued On Page 4 contract system, resulting in ap- Continued On Page 4

L 2 Vol. 12 No. 4 > October, 31 2009 > THE BENNINGTON FREE PRESS Race and Prejudice in America: Judge Refuses to Marry Interracial Couple in 2009 BY SAFIYA SINCLAIR '10 Apparently Bardwell makes a ago, and make legal decisions Supreme Court in 1967 in the ever he or she wished: Vo1cEsEo1roR habit of his actions, by a screen­ based on his personal prejudice. landmark case of Loving v. Vir­ ing process-he initially asks ev­ "That was one thing that made ginia, and the law was overturned "My generation was bitterly wo weeks ago in Loui­ eryone who calls about marriage this so unbelievable," Humphrey unanimous!y on June 12, 1967, divided over something that siana, a justice of the T if they are a mixed race couple, said. "It's not something you ex­ declaring that "the freedom to should have been so clear and peace named · Keith and if they are, he does not marry pect in this day and age." marry has long been recognized right. The majority believed that Bardwell turned away an inter­ them. It was after years of obser­ Such outspoken prejudice is as one of the vital personal rights what the judge said, that it was racial couple seeking a marriage vation, Bardwell claims, that he not expected in this day and age, essential to the orderly pursuit of God's plan to keep people apart, license, refusing to issue the doc­ came to the conclusion that "most but I also did not expect to come happiness by free men." and that government should dis­ ument because of his ''concern of black society does not read­ to an open-minded Liberal Arts So any prejudicial statute criminate against people in love. for any children the couple might ily accept offspring of interracial college and have to field ques­ should be in violation of the Not a day goes by that I don't have." Yes, the date is correct: relationships, and neither does tions on whether I was capable of 14th Amendment's guarantees think of Richard and our love, our 2009, not 1959. Bardwell based white society." In this almost procuring a tan, or to hear some­ of equal protection and due pro­ right to marry, and how much it his "concern" on experience, say­ laughable claim (laughable if it one laugh and express Schaden­ cess. Of Bardwell's actions , meant to me to have that freedom ing, "it is [my] experience that wasn't quite so sad), Bardwell fraude at a Jewish student whose Louisiana's ACLU attorney Katie to marry the person precious to most interracial marriages do not veils his prejudice as concern hair "fro'd up like a black girl" in Schwartzmann expressed aston­ me, even if others thought he was last long." Then in a statement for biracial children: 'There is a the rain. I hear the 'n' word fre­ ishment and disappointment, "to the 'wrong kind of person' for me so stunningly Jim Crow it made problem with both groups accept­ quently thrown about at parties see this come up in 2009, [since] to marry. I believe all Americans, my head spin, Bardwell elabo­ ing a child from such a marriage. when rap songs come on, and for the Supreme Court ruled in 1967 no matter their race, no matter rates defensively to the Associ­ I think those children suffer and I years I was confused interchange­ that the government cannot tell their sex, no matter their sexual ated Press, "I'm not a racist. I just won't help put them through it." ably with three or four other black people who they can and cannot orientation, should have that don't believe in mixing the races The joke, of course, is that Presi­ students. All astonishing events I marry." But it cannot be ignored same freedom to marry. Govern­ that way." Bardwell may need to dent Barack Obama himself, who did not encounter until I came to that the government still does. ment has no business imposing recheck his definition of racist. was elected by 52.9% of Ameri­ school in America. Maybe it is As in 1967 when gays were not some people's religious beliefs His defense of his actions con­ cans, is "the offspring of an in­ not to be expected in this day and included in the universal "free over others. Especially if it denies tinues even more unbelievably in terracial relationship." As Bill age, but I cannot be too surprised men" who also have a "vital per­ people's civil rights. this justification: "I have piles and Quigley, director of the Center for that men like Bardwell openly ex­ sonal right" to the pursuit of hap­ I am still not a political person, piles of black friends. They come Constitutional Rights and Justice, press their prejudice. piness, those rights are still being but I am proud that Richard's and to my home, I marry them, they said of Bardwell's "concern": When Richard and Mildred subjugated. If heinous acts like my name is on a court case that use my bathroom. I treat them "Perhaps he's worried the kids Loving got married in 1958 in Keith Bardwell's are turning back can help reinforce the love, the just like everyone else." I'm sure will grow up and be president." Virginia, it was the same preju­ the trials of history an entire 40 commitment, the fairness, and the Bardwell didn't realize subtle "I try to treat everyone equal­ dice that ruled their union illegal, years, how can we expect to move family that so many people, black monstrosity behind the obvious ly," Bardwell claims. Well not ev­ that barged into their home in the marriage legislation forward in a or white, young or old, gay or prejudice in this statement-that eryone. The engaged couple, Beth dead of night and arrested them country where this judge remains straight, seek in life. I support the it is usually only lifeless things, Humphrey, 30, and Terence McK­ for breaking the law. Mildred unpunished, still presiding over freedom to marry for all. That's of course, which can be piled (and ay, 32, say they will be consulting was black, Richard white and the law in a courtroom? what Loving, and loving, are all piled). I'm sure his black friends, the U.S. Justice Department about they had been childhood sweet­ Forty years after the Supreme about." whoever they are, appreciate his filing a discrimination complaint. hearts. They were chased out of Court's landmark decision on And that, I couldn't have said kindness. Why, they're even al­ The couple was dumbstruck that Virginia on penalty of imprison­ Loving v. Virginia, Mildred Lov­ better myself. lowed to use his bathroom. What Bardwell could so brazenly break ment if they ever returned. They ing spoke out about her support of a guy! a law passed more than 40 years appealed this decision to the U.S. everyone's right to marry whom-

DIRTY JERZEY ADVICE COLUMN NEWSPAPERSTAFF

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF SARAH ST. LIFER 'l 0

NEWSEDITOR HENRY LYON '11

VolCESEDITOR SAFIYA SINCLAIR ' l 0

ARTSEDITOR [email protected] HUGH ELTON '12 Write to us with any and all of your concerns. f EATURESEDITORS We'll answer. LAUREN BERTIN '11 We'll keep it real. CONNIE PANZARIELLO '12 We promise. WEB EDITOR DEVIN GAFFNEY 'l 0 DIRTYJERZEY@ BENNINGTONFREEPRESS.COM PRODUCTIONMANAGER SIMON JOLLY '11

Dear reader, STAFFWRITERS The BFP is a student-run, school-sponsored publication whose purpose is to inform, represent ARIANA ERVIN '11, MONTY WILSON '10 and entertain the members of Bennington College and the surrounding community about issues MICHAEL ZIMMER '10, COLIN TAYLOR '11 relevant to the diverse readership in as fair and accurate a manner as is possible by the staff. EMILY TAREILA '10, FAITH GRIFFITHS '11 News and opinion content in the BFP aims to be accurate, balanced, readable , relevant and WILL LULOFS JEREMEY WINOGRAD significant to readers. With that, we welcome any feedback: criticism, praise or suggestions. '09, '13 Letters must be typed and signed by the author and submitted to contact@benningtonfreepress . com or in the editor's mailbox at Commons . All letters submitted to the staff of the BFP become COPY EDITORS: property of the staff and will not be returned. Additionally, the BFP reserves the right to edit any CAILIN NEAL '10, HELENE GAGNON '13 letter submitted for length, grammar, punctuation and clarity. AMIRA HANKIN '13, NICK JANIKIAN '13

Sincerely, Sarah St. Lifer '10 Editor-In-Chief Vol 12 No 4 > October 31, 2009 > THE BENNINGTONFREE PRESS> 3 voices• Critiques: Critiqued BYCOLIN TAYLOR '11 STAFFWRITER pens. It's just how we perceive it. twenty years ago, and they fuck­ And once you understand that, ing died. BY MICHAELZIMMER '10 The review process is unique ope Julius III once said, you can do anything. I read this Times story earlier STAFFWRITER to the visual arts discipline, since "Do you understand, Let's take a look at other peo- about these all-female ground it has no equivalent in the social P uring this spooktacu­ my son, with what pie's fights that we stuck our guns units being much better received sciences, language, or even the lar time of the year, little understanding the world is into. Iraq, for all their "Oh we're by the locals than our male Ma­ D performing arts. While students the ghouls come out, are expected to present advanced ruled?" He got it right in the 16th ready to take our American train- rines. One local guy was like, "If the dead rise from their graves, work in those areas, there does century. Kind of makes you think ing wheels off," is floundering; they send their men, they come and Bennington's visual art stu­ not seem to be a culminating about how weird our modern car bombs ripped through down- to kill. If they send their women, dents go through the review event that decides proficiency system is, and how much it must town Baghdad on Oct 25, kill- they come to help." Makes sense, process. After our brief Long with a pass/fail. The stress of suck to be Obama right now. One ing 132 and wounding 500, only right? There is a way to win over Weekend, VAPA was covered in such an event can affect how the guy is supposed to be in charge a couple of blocks away from the hearts and minds of the Af­ drawings, paintings, photos, in­ student views their review. If you and fix all the problems of three where car bombs killed 120 in ghans. But it certainly isn't go­ stallations, animations, videos, talk to any faculty, they'll tell hundred million people, run an August. The parliamentary elec- ing to happen if we use douchey ceramics, and whatever else the you it's simply an opportunity for economy which just posted a 1.6 tion is coming in January, which patronizing terms like hearts and kids call "art" these days. As the feedback and the beginning of a trillion dollar debt (it was .6 tril- means no rest from the violence minds. But I read just today that juniors stressed, I remembered discussion. You shouldn't feel it's lion last year), manage multiple as those insurgent bastards con- 14 Americans died in two sepa­ my own review experience and the end of your visual arts career overseas conflicts, get dragged tinue to try to ruin the little prog- rate helicopter crashes, one in­ reminded myself that I would be at Bennington and certainly not in or guilt-tripped or morally obli- ress their poor, fucked country valving two helicopters colliding. on the chopping block once again. the world. But at the same time, gated to get all up in the rest of has made. Isn't technology great? Reviews happen in the Fall of the reviews can have their prob­ the world's shit, all the while be- The situation in Pakistan isn't Holy shit. Did you read about each year, the juniors shortly af­ ing constantly berated, second- the South lems. ter long weekend and the seniors The 20 minute time frame guessed, criticized, and torment- Korean dude sometime before Thanksgiving. It goes by so quickly, and for those ed by our fucking media. I hate who in 2004 is a requirement for all visual arts with nerves of jello, the stress of our fucking media so fucking was all like, "I students, meaning they have stat­ the time limit alone can inhibit muclr. Those ·corporate fucking DID HUMAN ed visual arts as a focus on their speaking your mind and respond­ douchefucks at CNN and Fox C L O N I N G Plan. Each student presents his or ing properly to the committee's and People Fucking Magazine YES?" Turns her respective visual art usually questions. It's easy to understand are absolutely killing any last in- out he's full of by hanging it, but also by submit­ that scheduling something this tegrity left in "journalism." You crap and is go- ting a DVD which the committee large is an endeavor, but it's hard lost it in the Vietnam War so you ing to jail for is expected to watch beforehand. not to feel frustrated while on fuckers could get your fucking being a big fat The review committee is made up the receiving end. Luckily, the ratings. Fuck you. Photo of a protester my father took in liar and thief. of three different visual arts facul­ faculty is willing to continue the I got sidetracked. But any- Islamabad,Pakistan. Whoaaaaaaa .... ty members. Unlike the Plan com­ way, as we all know by now, Mr . ______In China, ap- discussion if you feel so inclined. mittees, which make sure to in­ Also, the range of disciplines Barack Obama won the Nobel parently, the clude at least one faculty member being reviewed is healthy. but Peace Prize for his efforts to get that much better. The 30,000 man individual bureaucrats who run from your discipline, a visual art it can also cause problems. For everyone to sit down, get a glass offensive in South Waziristan is provincial-level stuff get carried student won't necessarily be cri­ example, a fellow student had to of water, maybe some Advil, and progressing, the most difficult de- away. In the Hubei province, for tiqued by a member of their dis­ take time out of his twenty min­ say, "Let's just talk about what ployment the Pakistani-American example, employees of the state cipline. This is due to scheduling utes to explain to a faculty mem­ happened." It was a largely con- Freedom Army has attempted were ordered to buy 23,000 packs difficulties, but allows students to ber what animation was and how troversial decision because other against the Evil Fucking Taliban of the province's cigarette brand get different perspectives on their it worked. I'm not questioning the people apparently deserved it Freedom Hater Hiding-In-The- to "buoy the local economy." You work, as they should be interact­ faculty's ability to look at work, more, and because four Norwe- Mountains-Like-A-Little-Bitch were fined if you didn't smoke. ing with faculty outside their dis­ but there are times when the pro­ gian dudes don't represent the insurgents. The articles place Another city tried it with a local cipline anyway. The committee cess needs to be understood in world, and he hasn't done enough, an unusual significance on the liquor, a rule ordering them to has a discussion with the student, order to be productive in such a and blah blah blah. Barack Obama fact that we're using helicopters buy so much of this baiju stuff while a note-taker records impor­ short time span. I hear different represents America's return to the against them, which makes me that it would be three bottles a tant points in the discussion to aid iterations of this complaint every world as a friendly guy and not think. It's ironic in a weird way, day per person. I really wish my the student in accessing the com­ year, and it's a problem that may that asshole who never listens to and eerily reminiscent of the So- government ordered me to buy mittee's comments. not easily be solved. anyone at UN meetings but bends viet Union's invasion of Afghani- liquor and cigarettes. And then For juniors, the process is a Despite minor setbacks like over for the Saudis in the cham- stan. They came with their tanks heavily subsidized it, or possibly way of checking in. They pres­ these every year, most students pagne room. It's a symbolic thing. and their guns and helicopters and gave it out for free. ent a broader view of -their work view the process as a positive It's all about perception. What ev- the big scary Red Fucking Army Enjoy your freedom! and provide a list of classes pre­ experience. The review process eryone needs to realize is that it and hurled themselves against viously taken to prove they are could change, just as it has over doesn't matter what actually hap- the other side of those mountains not confining themselves to one the years. According to rumors, in visual art so early in their career. the olden days the whole faculty While most pass their review, reviewed each student, so one can some are asked to re-review in only guess how more frenzied the spring if the committee feels and stressful it was than our cur­ the student needs to show more rent method. work, has problems in presenting, At the very least, students go­ or for some other reason. Failure, ing through this process will learn though uncommon, results in the something. While I have mixed student being unable to focus in feelings about how my junior visual arts for their Plan. review went, I did learn some Seniors are expected to be interesting lessons. For example, much more sharpened and spe­ while I see my drawing as a gar­ cific in their review. Often the den gnome, different eyes will see work presented is a work in prog­ it as a member of the Klan. Also ress and gives an idea of what be sure you know your audience, they will contribute to the Senior because when that audience is full Show that happens in the Spring. of mothers and you show them a Instead of a class list they provide cartoon of a baby being born, it a statement, offering an explana­ gets a little, well, awkward. Part tion of their work, what they've of the excitement of being a vi­ done, and where they're going. sual artist is being challenged by Re-reviews are often the result of your audience and facing them an unfocused review, and failure with your answers. Junior Reviews: Photo by Lea Hersh­ means the student can't be m­ kowitz '111 (above, left) Sculpture from volved in the Senior Show. Uniques Prints by Fennis Brown '11 (below, left) and water color by Stephanie van Ryzin '11 (above). 4 Vol. 12 No. 4 > October, 31 2009 > THE BENNINGTON FREE PRESS news New England Checks in on B'ton

NEASC stands for New Eng­ extent it is meeting them. A com­ Website) is a 100-page document version of the review draft from BY MATTHEW NUNES . '11 land Association of Schools and mittee composed of eight admin­ that. .. well .. .is reflective. whence will be decided our fate. Colleges. And specifically, in istrators and faculty from other This past spring, we hosted Then, and only then, can a Ben­ s I watched my friends· keeping with America's favorite schools around the country, and Dr. Thomas Hochstettler (/hoe­ nington Degree mean anything. A cross the proverbial pass-time of creating ridiculous headed by the president of anoth­ stet-ler/), former president of Be on the lookout for more in­ bridge this past spring acronyms, the CIHE, Commis­ er institution, is then formed. The Lewis and Clark College in Port­ formation about this visit. There at Bennington's 73rd commence sion on Institutions of Higher Ed­ head of the committee performs land, Oregon, now Vice Chancel­ will be an open forum for stu­ ment, a thought struck my mind; ucation. Basically, this is the or­ an introductory visit to the cam­ lor for Academic Affairs, at the dents with the NEASC Commit­ who the hell gave Bennington ganization that decides whether rus a few months ahead of the American University of Sharjah, tee on Monday, November 2nd in the authority to give out degrees? that fancy sheet of paper means final meeting, and then returns U .A.E. and head of our Review the UpCafe, and I urge you all to What does that fancy paper ac­ anything at all, or if it's just that with the full committee for four Committee . This fall, from the attend (they don't bite, I prom­ tually mean? I've got an inkjet - a fancy sheet of paper. But days to review the self-study as 1st through the 4th of November, ise). printer - does that mean I can be it's not like they throw darts at a well as various other documents. Dr. Hochstettler will be return­ a graduate of some fictional col­ board. Rather, there is a long pro­ After this visit, a draft is formed, ing, this time flanked by a full lege? Obviously not. Obvs. cess of institutional self-reflec- and based on its contents, accred- committee. He will meet with Thomas Hochstettler tion and peer review, administrators, stu­ "The institution un­ after which a decision "They committee will shut them-. dents, faculty and staff, der review is asked to is rendered. And even and will review not perform a self-study, then, it's not necessar­ selves in a roomfor this, and at only our lengthy self­ in which the school ily black and white, de­ the end will emerge bleary-eyed study and accompa­ gree versus fancy sheet nying appendices but reflects upon its aca­ of paper. and exhausted" also nearly any other demic, student, and An accreditation document he deems financial goals" agency.(and NEASC necessary. The com- is just that) is a private organi­ itation is granted fully, partially, mittee will shut themselves in a zation overseen by the Federal or not at all. Wait ten years, and room for this, and at the end will Anyone who went to a pub­ Government that essentially re­ then repeat. The College has emerge bleary-eyed and exhaust­ lic high school in New England views how well a given institu­ been working on our self-study ed, but will have produced a draft may remember their school being tion is doing, what it says it will since the fall of 2007, headed by of the final review. In this they visited by a team of mysterious do, and judges if this merits the a Steering Committee composed will outline their recommenda­ Photo Courtesy of Lewis & people who called themselves ability to distribute degrees or of administrators from multiple tion for accreditation as well as Clark Thomas Hochstettler NEASC (pronounced "knee­ not. The institution under review offices, faculty, and myself. The any suggestions and conditions. won't bit. ask"). They may also remember is asked to perform a self-study, Self-Study (which has been pub­ Then they'll depart, leaving a fall SALT surveys and "bub­ in which the school reflects upon lished online and is available in trail of well-leafed documents blers", but that's another story for its academic, student, and finan­ your common rooms and in your behind them. In the weeks that another time. cial goals, and evaluates to what Online Tools on the Bennington follow, they'll submit an official Spam-a-lot Faculty Forum Continued from page I student reaction student. "The Board of Trustees is behind Continued from page Before this investigation, some were led was the administration's response (or lack everything. They're the nameless and the the faculty body. Without any policies re­ to believe there was a 'faculty union'. But thereof) to the email. Less than an hour af­ faceless." Another stµdent attested to the garding the New Initiative, the need to for­ it has been found that there was no orga­ ter the "Campus Contest" email was sent, failure of the Symposium's aim to de-cen­ malize the discussion on an open platform nization to negotiate a position or policy the Bennington community received the tralize power, "If anything, power is grow­ was realized. within the faculty while deliberating with following email from College Communi­ ing even more centralized. Everybody says All full-time and part-time faculty adminstration. The use of the term union cations: "Please ignore the email dated Oc­ 'I'm just following orders"' The Nurem­ members are invited to take part in the in such a context would be false. The Ben­ tober 19, 2009, re "Campus Contest." This bergian associations serve only to further meetings·, and half, if not more of the en­ nington Free Press' Editor-in-Chief recent­ SPAM email was not sent by the senior emphasize the contempt and disillusion tire faculty attend the Forum regularly. The ly asked college President Liz Coleman staff or the Board of Trustees." Alex Grim­ amongst the student body, making it dear meetings of the Faculty Forum are "chaired about the notion of a faculty union: ley '09 sent out a campus-wide email, no­ that students expect the administration to or co-chaired by faculty on a rotating and tifying the student body of an email he had deliver a response at some point. Whether voluntary basis" according to the outlines BFP: Is there a teacher's union, much like sent to the administration which read: "It this will be a formal statement or an open of Faculty Forum. The outlines for the the dining hall workers have a union, es­ didn't seem niuch like SPAM to me. ls the forum for student-administration discourse Faculty Forum also note that, "Periodi­ pecially with the vulnerability of the jobs administration's only response to this intel­ (if any) is yet to be determined. cally, [the] Faculty Forum may, on an ad of professors at Bennington? Do you know ligent critique of the hijacking of Benning­ Yet student opinion seems to extend be­ hoc basis, form smaller groups that will act what their intentions are as a group? If not, ton College going to be "Ignore itit???" add­ yond a mere distrust of the administration, as liaisons to the administration and may what do you think the intentions would be? ing that the author of the and suggest a greater engage in more in-depth discussion with email was "not alone" in skepticism regarding the administration on LC: I can't speak for their disapproval of the "Student opinion seems Bennington's philoso­ behalf of the faculty. what the intentions administration. phy and purpose as an to extend beyond a mere These groups will be "The Forum brings would be, a hypo­ A second campus ­ institution. "We don't responsible for report­ thetical question like wide email was sent distrust of the even know what our engagement to the f acuity ing back to the Faculty that, I just can't an­ out by Wyatt Kirby '10 philosophy is anymore," administration" Forum." This being body" swer. So most faculty, stating that the "Campus explained a student at necessary because at at liberal arts col­ Contest" email "struck breakfast in the dining times, some, if not many faculty members leges, like Bennington, are not unionized. at the heart of the matter. It is undeniable hall a few mornings ago. "You get here, are unable to participate in discussions And the person who is interested in union­ that the views of many students, faculty, and it's just another beaurocratic admin­ because they must be in the classroom, izing should probably find out more about and staff have been blatantly ignored in fa­ istration. I don't think the school should or the topic of discussion is not in their how that works. It is a profession, there are vor of an expanding student body, a dimin­ change its philosophy, but it should live up range of interest. The discussions of the some universities and colleges that have ishing faculty, and the detriment of both to it." Someone else remarked that there Faculty Forum primarily circulate around unionized faculty, but most don't. I cer­ our learning and living environment .. .It is was a pervasive apathy-or at least a lack employee and retirement benefits, and the tainly wouldn't be the person to speak for time for this school to become the place we of awareness-amongst the student body. ever -important subject of the curricuium what the faculties intentions would be for so desperately believed it to be." "There are a handful of students who are ofthe New Initiative . that or anything else. The discussion was moved to the Ben­ really concerned ... .it's [those] students The Faculty Forum is brought up a nington wiki by the initiative of Tim and faculty who perpetuate Bennington's number of times in the Bennington College Being transparent about their conver­ Kretchmer '10, which spurned a brief philosophy, not the administration or Liz Self-Study for the New England Associa­ sations, intentions, and ideas, the faculty debate over whether or not the wiki was Coleman." tion of Schools and Colleges. It is written in now has a clear voice in .the discussions the appropriate location for the argument. As tensions mount, breeding polemic the NEASC Self-Study that "In response surrounding the issues that concern them, Though the wiki has not been used as a here at Bennington, we at the Bennington to issues raised by the Faculty Forum, the their benefits, their retirement, and the edu­ forum for further conversation thus far, Free Press encourage contributions to the College revised . the faculty contract, up­ cation of all Bennington College students. SEPC has recentiy begun addressing the "Voices" page in the hopes that this pub­ dated and expanded the faculty handbook, As Robert Ransick said: "The Forum 'Campus Contest' email and its reception lication can represent the full breadth of and discussed compensation issues with brings engagement to the faculty body." among students and faculty. public opinion. As the "Campus Contest" the board of trustees . These discussions I have encountered several students author declares in the email's closing, and reviews of policy and procedures have who have expressed their concern about "[This] is a moment of heroic change at the resulted in a new level of engagement with the administration distancing itself from college, and its future is to be marked by and participation of the faculty in organiza­ the student body in recent years. "We you." We shall see. tion and governance." don't know what's going on," said one Vol. 12 No. 4 > October 3J, 2009 > THEBENNNGTONFREE PRESS > 5 The Man Behind the Food Director of Dining ServicesBill Scully opens up about renovations,student

BY ARIANA ERVIN '11 feedback,and the changingface of the Dining Hall Staff Writer down significantly." According to Scully's Go, is "probably six months away from be­ Scully says they already, "get greens ill Scully has been the Director of figures, approximately 150 people visit the ing where we want it to be." (whenever they have them) and gourds B Dining Services for a little more Grab n' Go each day, and from his perspec­ and pumpkins," from Happenchance , but then a year. He inherited a Dining tive, that makes it a success. Sustainability would like to extend the relationship even Hall in need of renovations, a fixed budget, "It has accomplished exactly what I and Looking Forward further . and the task of trying to, as he describes it, wanted it to accomplish. It's steady and "All of our milk is local," says Bill "I threw the idea out to Jamie (of Hap­ "provide the best product in the most cost- predictable. It has cut down wait times Scully, when asked about the Dining Halls penchance) that perhaps we could deal efficient way." significantly." Of course, the Grab n' Go attempts to bring sustainable, local food with them exclusively, and they could plant So far, Scully has attempted to do this in has not been without problems, but Scully into the mix . The Dining Hall, like most and grow anything we need . Of course, a number of ways. He has revamped the says the aim is always to address them in colleges around the country, works primar­ the menu will have to be largely designed Student Center Snack Bar, bringing in new a way that benefits everyone involved. He ily with a large food provider, in the case around what's seasonally available." The management, new vendors, and creating a says student feedback since the Grab n' of Bennington, Performance Food Group prospect, though daunting, is an exciting tighter and "more cohesive menu ." In pre- Go opened has inspired some significant (PFG). These companies provide all of the one to both Scully and the student body. paring for a larger student body, the Din- changes. base products the Dining Hall needs, and in Scully has been working in conjunction ing Hall underwent significant structural "We changed our salad option to have the quantities they need them in . with the newly formed Environmental Ini­ changes , mainly, as Scully describes it, "to just a green salad, we are adding pretzels "You have to use .a big distributor , ev­ tiatives Committee and he says, "they have get rid of the congestion." this week, we 're working on finding an erybody does. You need someone who can a few ideas," though he shies away from Of course , the most significant change orange juice that doesn't suck. We have provide you all your basic needs. " Those saying exactly what those are, since they · made to tackle congestion has been the ordered regular and chocolate milk. In the basic needs extend far and wide . PFG pro­ are still in the talking phase and nothing is Grab n' Go . beginning , we started with a model that vides the Dining Hall not only with food , concrete. "One of the things we really wanted to students could either have fruit or a cookie , but also all food related supplies. Recently Ultimately Scully says he is concerned address was figuring out how to get peo- and changed it to both about a month ago." though, under the direction of Scully, the with student satisfaction. He says there pie in and out of the Dining Hall faster Changes will continue at the Grab n' Dining Hall has attempted to make con­ are limits to what can be accomplished , without spending a lot of money," says Go. Scully mentions the idea of eventually nections with local farmers . Because high "but that as long as we can figure out the Scully. "Short of redesigning the kitchen , having a rotating menu , and says he is ea­ insurance policies essentially "nudge small right next step, I have the support from the we didn 't have a lot of options ." The idea ger for feedback. farmers from providing food to these large school to make that happen. There is al­ for the Grab n' Go was discussed last year, "Most people don 't want criticism and I companies," it is up to colleges to work and ways a way to make things better." but decisions to finalize it weren 't made really want it. If people want to talk to me, interact directly with the small farms them­ until six weeks before the beginning of I'm totally open to it." selves. Scully has created a strong dialogue term. Since the Grab n' Go has been open, And as Scully welcomes new ideas and with one local farm, Happenchance. ScullyL ·1z says that, "wait times have been cut feedback, he recognizes that the Grab n' doesn't do that are conventions. anything except watch. And the about very imporant issues here . erful message; do you think that It doesn't have fraternities and other is the failure, in my opinion, the administration has any right Continued From page 1 sororities. [One] could ask why of educational institutions to take SSL: Do you have anything to to declare it worthless? not? It doesn't have the athletic any responsibility for that. Period. say about the content? LC: What I can say is that I can traditions that are so profoundly a As if, 'that's the way things are, LC: It said it came from us. You not discuss personnel issues. part of the culture of many colleg­ turn the channel," as if we have LC: No. No, I don't. I'm ready to see it's different if it's addressed es-which is not to say we don't no responsibility for the quality talk, as I think everybody knows, to the community by someone SSL: Ok, without discussing cer­ have our own spirited form-but of public life. And in a democra­ but not under these circumstanc­ who signed their name. It said it tain faculty members. Student re­ it is certainly our own. These are cy when educational institutions es. If anybody wants to talk about was sent from the president... if views, SEPC, how much do stu­ not our sacred cows. The question abandon their responsibility for these things, there are sessions you got an email that was sent dents have a say in these matters? is-is there some important thing, the quality of our public life we that Duncan and I have been run­ from you, to everybody, what exciting thing, exhilarating thing are in deep trouble . So that's the ning about CAPA. People have would you say? Spam is what LC: You know, it's not a formula. that we're not doing? And then cluster of things . But also in the been coming both because they that means and don't pay atten­ It's a complex judgment in which figure out how to do it; whether middle of this personal passion is are interested in terms of their tion to it. It was sent under false everything is part of what hap­ that be Student Council or some- a sense I have of the enormous in­ own education, and because they pretenses . If somebody wants pens but you don't say 30 per­ thing else. trinsic energy of this place: its tal­ are just interested. Anyone who to talk about some of the issues, cent, 40 percent, 60 percent. Cer­ ent and its potential to now take thinks they can't talk to me about there are lots of ways to do that. tain things emerge with particular SSL: During orientation, you another step in its history. To me, CAPA, doesn't want to talk to me Not hiding, and that really is hid­ importance with different people . asked the freshmen what they that is a natural evolution of a his­ about CAPA. I'm not going to ing. Why can't they just speak in It's a very dynamic process and were most concerned about . What tory that began by exploding the talk when somebody who I don't their own voice? that always involves a certain set are you passionate about this very world of a liberal art education by know hides behind my name and of things that are involved with it moment? bring visual and performing arts the Senior Staff. There are mat­ SSL: You have been here for two and students know what they are: into the thick of it, and now bring­ ters of principle here. And that is decades, what kind of school did one of them is the SEPC report LC: That is a very good question ing the pressing issue of the world an abuse, a terrible abuse, in my you inherit as oppose to the kind And then there are many other and I am responsible for asking so into the tick of it. mind. And just to remind people, of school you'll leave behind? things . I suppose I should be. able to an­ the issue of CAPA isn't about the And how much longer do you see swer it. Most of all, tapping into SSL: Yesterday, the Bennington politics of academia it's about yourself at Bennington? SSL: Do you think there is some­ the enormous power that educa­ College Community received an the world and the question of the thing wrong with student coun­ tion could have in this country. To email. I would like to know: relationship of this college to the LC: [giggles] can I plead the cil? If yes , what needs to be done transform what we're doing and 1. Did you receive this email? 2. world. People can make whatever fifth? I have no idea [in response to fix it? How do you think the how we're doing it in areas of im­ Do you have any response to its decisions they want, but it is not a to the third question] and I inher­ BFP can help ? mense importance and concern . content? subject that is owned by anybod y. ited one of the greatest institutes That power and how to get that It' s a very high stakes issue , an is­ in higher education in America . LC: I don't think there' s anything power unleashed- that's been LC: I'll tell you what amazes sue I'm not interested in fooling This is what I came to, not inher­ wrong or right with it. I think the my life and it's never been more me. That email was sent out as around with and toying with . I ited , it's not mine. It's been exhil­ much more interesting question urgent or more compelling to me. if it was sent by me and the se­ suppose I could have a sense of arating, exciting and at times ex­ is 'what do you want to do? And There are two reasons why it's so nior staff. And no one seems to humor about it, but this one sim­ tremely difficult. I would assume, what's the best way to do it?' And urgent and compelling: one is that think that that matters. And I'm ply wasn't funny. I found it rather it should be obvious, I love what I admire the fact that Bennington the world really is in trouble, this astounded by that. I would ask off-putting and frankly didn't pay I do. Bennington is Bennington, had the wit and the flexibility to country is desperately in trouble. people who responded how they a lot of attention to it because I'm it's not a matter of anyone's vi­ say if we're getting what mat­ If you watch the health debate, would feel if something was sent not going to pay a lot of attention sion of Bennington. It's a matter ters in other formats [HC's, BFP, that seems to me in itself diag­ out in their name that is mocking to things that are presented in my of trying to sustain that, nurture etc.] Student Council per se, isn't nostic about how this great de­ of their work and their efforts and name that I didn't write. that, to let it flourish. And I don't the issue, the issue is given what mocracy is thwarting the public meant to undermine what they think it has ever had a moment in we're doing, how we're work­ will ... [and the country] is unable cared about. And that's the part SSL: After the email was sent, its history that is more exciting ing, is there any reason to have to free itself from abuses of self­ that puzzles me, frankly. That it's everyone received an email read­ and thrilling than this one . And I it? That's the question. It doesn't interest and special interest in an treated as if it's perfectly alright ing: "Please ignore the email dat­ really mean that. This is a great even necessarily need to be some­ area of such fundamental decency to do that. And it isn't perfectly ed October 19, 2009, re: "Cam ­ moment in this college's history, thing called student council. Ben­ and importance as sick people be­ alright to do that. That's the most pus Contest." This SPAM email and I think everyone knows it. nington has the advantage of not ing taken care of. And that's only crucial issue here: how it was pre­ was not sent by the senior staff or having to do things jus t because one issue. So, on one hand there's sented. I got it, because I presume the Board of Trustees." The word it' s what everybody does. There the world, and the seeming inca- it was sent to everybody, but I also I want to highlight is "ignore. " 6 Vol. 12 No. 4 > October 31 2009 > THE BENNINGTON FREE PRESS arts----~--~--~-~------~---~--~~------~~-~---~---~---~-____._ Album Reviews:Roofbuilders, Prodigies,·& Conformists of the most genuinely joyful and rock and roll is always a bit stub­ and lyrics, and it's only human to BY WILL LULOFS '09 sublime pop songs I've heard all was a latecomer to Kurt Vile, born, and for anything to qualify. expect a more throaty syllable or ALUMNI STAFF WRITER year- but by and large there is Iwhich in this increasingly hy­ as rock and roll these days is a two once in a while- but even­ more experimentation and less peractive culture means I was high honor. **** tually that distraction gives way LAKE - Let's Build A Roof inspired melodicism here. Still, a few months late, and perhaps to an acceptance that this sort just as on their previous record, because of this, I don't have the Doveman - The Conformist of permanent state of restraint what makes LAKE so interest­ preference for his lo-fi output is what Doveman's music is all ing is the way that they effort­ that a lot of "long-time" listen­ about. The Conformist has a few lessly weave together so many ers seem to. In fact, I've listened big name guests, including Norah disparate textures- Memphis to very little of it, and so I have Jones and that deep-voiced guy Soul horn sections, endearingly very little to compare this record from The National, but their pres­ but awkwardly doubled guitar to. Regardless, I think this record ence is never the focal point. In a solos, and decades-old Casio­ is very good. Vile's voice is wiry strange way, nothing ever seems tones into songs that are as and wary, calling to mind mid­ like a focal point on this record, charming as they are enduring. period Lou Reed, and it is full of from Bartlett 's voice to the string True, it's been only a year since strange turns, rising when you'd arrangements, and yet this is I first heard LAKE, but so many think it would fall, and stretching The CONFORM IST not ambient music either; this is of their songs have already taken words out for emphasis just when simply an album so devoted to a AKE is, simply put, one of residence in my head that I know it seems like he might shorten Doveman's Thomas Bartlett single kind of moment- that mo­ Lthe most promising young they've become part of the per­ things for the sake of punc­ is proving himself noth­ ment at four-thirty in the morn­ bands making music right manent rotation. Let's Build A tuation. His tendency to slur his ing if not consistent. His quiet, ing when you are so tired that now. Last year's album, Oh, The Roof may not be the small rev­ words combined with the reverb workmanlike steadiness on piano you can't think, and everything Places We'll Go, was a charming, elation that their previous effort and delay slathered over most of brings to mind Mark Kozelek's takes on a uniform beauty- that unfussy confection, free of all of was, but its high points- "Don't the record render so many of the work over the past two decades in prolonging that moment, noth­ the amateurish tricks that pass Give Up," "Madagascar," and lyrics incomprehensible, but like with fingerstyle guitar. Both men ing seems quite real. Still, as God for twee these days, and full of "Remote Control Cars" among so much music, the words seem create their melancholic worlds said in the Tony Wilson biopic inspired instrumental configura­ them suggest that we still have beyond or at least peripheral to through stoic persistence, never 24 Hour Party People, "It's good tions and some beautiful vocal a lot to look forward to. the point. My favorite tracks letting grand gestures get in the music to chill out to." *** performances by the band's co­ ***½ so far are the acidic-but-sooth­ way of more careful, measured leaders and main songwriters, Eli ing "Blackberry Song" and the moments of understatement. Moore and Ashley Eriksson. Let's Kurt Vile - Childish Prodigy mournful "Overnite Religion," Both men also have voices that Build A Roof is a more subdued but everything here has its merits, are hard to -forget; Kozelek's is record that sees the band becom­ wavering between the therapeu­ brash, sepia-toned and nasal, like ing more confident in orchestra­ tic and the abrasive. This record a French horn, and Bartlett's is tion and production, but taking has a consistently warm, woolly willowy, feminine, and so soft and some small steps backwards sound, making the two extremes restrained that it barely qualifies in the songwriting department. congeal nicely. Occasionally a as singing. This can be distract­ This is a huge generalization, of song will hover on a single mu­ ing at first-very often Bartlett's course-"Don't Give Up," the sical moment for so long that it whispering gets in the way of band's best single so far, is one seems a bit stubborn, but good melody

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RESTAURANT 802. 44 2. 7171 9 Main St LO UN GE on the square 802. 44 2. 4466 North Bennington CATERIN G 802.442.7 098 802 .442.6821 www.vermontfin edining.com www .PowersMarket.com Vol. 12 No. 4 > October 31 2009 > THE BENNINGTONFREE PRESS > 7 arts Play With Your Food VALS Etiquette BYHUGH ELTON BYGRACE Ellis '12 Julie has recently completed a piece '12 ARTS EDITOR ulie Christmann will have worked of artwork entitled "Leftovers." She says: Jin the salad room in the Dining "I've never done art before- would have don't think this paper should be in the something you do when you deeply dis­ Hall for two years as of this com- loved to, but I'm dead hopeless, lucky to !business of lecturing its readership on agree with the speaker's opinions, and it's ing April. She came to Vermont from Quir­ draw a stick figure." But Julie has an art­ their manners. I think complain-y dia­ an effective little "Fuck you" that demon­ indi, New South Wales, Australia 9 years ist's soul; she speaks of "pesto, the idea of tribes condemning students' behavior tend strates that they've offended you in some ago with her 9-year-old son Robert to meet the shapes it could make." She was inspired to only breed resentment, and are often significant way. Actually, in most cases, her husband here in the U.S. Her then to make this piece after seeing a student best met with the ol' "Sorry, deal with it." it's a "Fuck you" no matter what. When 21-year-old daughter, Lisa, stayed behind work: "I just saw someone's sketchbook Considering that, I'll start by apologiz­ you walk out because a speaker is boring in Australia. Julie has a son-in-law, also and thought, 'Oh my god, I could do that.' ing for being hypocritical in that respect. you, it says "Fuck you, I'd rather be do­ named Robert, who she thinks of as a son. It just looked like a scribble to me, cause Sorry. But I think the complain-y diatribe ing something else." When a lot of people When he was 12 he was a "street kid," and I don't know art. I like to look at it. That's that follows is justified because its concern do it, it indicates that for a lot of people, her daughter asked if they could have him it." Once she believed that she was capable goes beyond just annoying me and ven­ politeness isn't worth being bored for one over for dinner. Julie agreed, and when he of making art, she had only to look to her tures into making us all look bad in front hour on a weekday night. came to dinner she found out that he was fingertips to find the perfect medium for of visitors. That makes us look shitty. It's imma­ homeless, and she took him in. She put her self-expression, "You work with food This past week's Visual Arts Lecture ture and it's embarrassing for the people him through TAFE, an adult school, and everyday," Julie says, "some days you just Series was boring. Emmet Leader didn't who bother to stay behind and the people he now has a degree in welding. Lisa and feel like getting it and throwing it against have a flair for public speaking, and while who arranged the visit. If you've got some­ Robert were married this past April and the wall, but I didn't throw it against the his work had the potential to be interesting, where to be and really can't stay until the have two children. They are still in Austra­ wall. I threw it on paper." Julie's art is the presentation of it did nothing to thrill end, fine. That's normally acceptable be­ lia, as is her son Robert. Julie loves work­ comprised of the shapes that oil stains the me. That said, sitting through his lecture, cause normally, there are only a few peo­ ing in the dining hall, and considers her paper in, and the different reds of differ­ (which was under an hour long includ­ ple in that situation and it doesn't amount co-workers "Lovely people to work with," ent kind of tomatoes. It is an expression of ing the Q&A), wasn't all that hard, and to a distraction. But I can't imagine that but there is more to Julie than just her job. color and of conflict. She works with per­ just like everyone else, I'm getting course there were fifty people at the lecture who ishable food- her art is impermanent. credit to do it. But-his lecture, and the simi­ were only able to stay for twenty minutes larly dull Lia Gangitano VALS last term, because of prior engagements, and I doubt provoked an intermittent stream of bailing that any boring VALS speakers come to students too bored to see it through to the that unlikely conclusion. end. The back section of Tishman where I Not every VALS is going to be a win­ was sitting was more or less full at the be­ ner. Signing up for it means being willing ginning of the talk, but by the end, a stag­ to maybe sit through a couple of boring gered exodus had left it all but empty. lectures in a term, which shouldn't be a big I'd imagine that Leader at least noticed deal. Sitting through boring stuff some­ that about a third of his audience had dis­ times is not only part of being a student, appeared by the time he finished, even if but part of being an adult, and an unwill­ he didn't hear the exit door closing every ingness to do so demonstrates an unwill­ two minutes. I would further think that he ingness to be mature. So I will ask that the may have been a bit offended by this and next time a VALS speaker is boring you, thought it rude that so many people would just stick it out. If that's a huge problem, leave in the middle of his relatively short maybe you could look them up ahead of lecture. I was offended too, and I imagine I time and see whether or not it seems in­ wasn't the only person in the audience who teresting enough for you to sit though. But also found it rude. Leaving early violates really, just stay for the whole thing, or at Christmann and very basic courtesy. When someone comes least until the Q&A. The pain will end as "Leftovers." to give a talk, it's not much of a sacrifice to soon as the lecture does, and our school's Photo by Grace be courteous and see it through to the end. image will remain intact. Ellis '12 Walking out of a lecture is traditionally Record Review: Lips .Usdan Annexed BYSARAH Sr. LIFER'10 and visitors are hesitant to discuss the work EDITOR-IN-CHIEF when there are so many present to over­ Get Spooky hear. Students studying in the Usdan class­ t has come to the attention of the Vi­ room are distracted by installations, which BY JEREMYWINOGRAD 13 on 2002's Yoshimi Battles The Pink Ro­ Isual Arts students of the senior class STAFFWRITER bots. So fans with a keen ear might have that half of the Usdan Gallery space in should be interesting come next term when Marina Zurkow 's media show is on display y favorite online music writer seen this latest shift corning. The band's VAPA may remain a classroom during the previous album, 2006's At War With The annual senior show. in March. Monce said this about Flaming In May of 1969 Edward J. Bloustein, Mystics, was their first misstep in years; it In September, students were surprised Lips frontman Wayne Coyne: President of Bennington College at the "If I couldn't have a member of my family took the sugary songwriting and "wacky" to find that four of the six partition walls computerized effects of The Soft Bulletin for Usdan had been used as walls sur­ time, wrote that, "[t]hose who planned or a close friend do it, you know, ifl had to Bennington College recognized as had few have a stranger tell me I was terminally ill and Yoshimi to their logical extreme, and rounding a smart classroom. An additional parts of the record fell outside the realm of space in VAPA, the back crit room (B206), before them the educational significance of and was going to die very soon, I'd want it the visual and performing arts and included to be Wayne Coyne." good taste. was converted into a classroom for litera­ That nicely sums up Coyne's Iife-af­ Basically, a change was needed, but the ture, history and social firming, almost Disney-level positivity on disorienting quality of this effort is surpris­ sciences. Seniors con­ past hits, but with the way he and the band ing. Embryonic is a classic double album centrating in visual arts sound on their twelfth studio album, Em­ in the tradition of Exile On Main St. or are concerned because bryonic, the bedside death chat might best Wowee Zowee in that its strength lies in the the compromised space be left to others. Clocking in at a sprawling overarching statement it makes and the at­ entails a new approach to 80 minutes, the album features the Lips' mospheric coherence it exhibits rather than the Senior Show. darkest, creepiest, most despondent sound in its individual songs. But Embryonic In the past, a manda­ to date. Though the band has always been pushes that theory to its limit by containing tory senior review de­ known for crafting great melodies, Embry­ relatively few truly structured songs (in the termined if the student's onic is almost entirely groove based-it is sense that they owe more to, say, the ethe­ work could be displayed driven mainly by Michael Ivins' suddenly real jams of Bitch s Brew than to "Do You in the Senior Show. If the loud and throbbing basslines and key­ Realize??"). Coyne's vocals, though never classroom exists during boardist/drummer/guitarist Steven Drozd's strong, have always been fairly clear and the show, seniors have up front in the mix. Here, they are treated two options: either there Photo courtesy of the POD army of keyboards and sound effects. them as full partners in the undergraduate The Lips have made their entire career with heavy reverb and mixed almost sec­ will be two separate Senior Shows, or there ondarily to the instrumentation, at times will be a judiciary committee responsible liberal arts curriculum. This was one of out of making left turns-the bubblegum Bennington's most radical innovations and pop interspersed with guitar noise and completely unrecognizable. for allotting the minimal space to students. Though the material is certainly _all These two options would make the visual to this day it is one of the chief sources of loopy lyrics that yielded their fluke rnid- Bennington's unusual influence in educa­ 90's hit "She Don't Use Jelly" was aban­ here, it's true that on first listen it's very arts discipline seem as though it were a difficult to pick through the layers of sound conservatory, a place where students need tion." Nothing has changed in 40 years; the doned for Brian Wilson-inspired orches­ visual arts at Bennington is still a signifi­ tral arrangements and more serious lyrical to find the standout songs ( p u I - to be seen before graduation. sating rockers "Convinced Of The Hex ," The gallery is suffering-monitors cant strength and the senior work should content on 1999's The Soft Bulletin, which be valued as it has since the opening of the in tum was abandoned for electronic pop "See The Leaves," and "Silver Trembling must interrupt class discussions to access Continued On Page 11 the tool room to close the gallery at 5 p.m. Usdan Gallery. 8 Yol. 12 No. 4 > October 31, 2009 > THE BENNINGTONFREE PRESS> food BAKING e3) with

STAFFWRITER The Warm Up While It Cools Down Issue faith Ok, so roll with my story: I was on my fav music blog, dippedindollars.com and reading the review one of my fav band's, Thao & The Get Down, Stay Down's, new album, Know Better, Learn Faster. Dipped in Dollars is headed up by two of my favorite people, Selome by faithf.griffiths'11! Samuel '09 and Owen Henry '10. Selome and I rocked out to Thao all of last year and think STAFFWRITER she is real dreamboat. Anyway, I was reading the review and remembered a meal that Se­ lome and I made for Owen's 22nd birthday this summer with Tim, Alice and Anna. Owen wanted his favorite food, fajitas, and we had a pretty stellar (if not a little sloppy) night. Lemons. Why do I love them so much? Anyway, to get the full effect, Warm Up While It Cools Down while listening to Thao and Why do they appear in the majority of my creative work? the Get Down, Stay Down and make some yummy food together! Why are they included in most everything that I bake? Why do I sing about them? Remember,DIY means doing it together. Share, Converse, Convene. This piece is dedicated to my favorite fruit , And its purpose is for you to think about your favorite fruit. In the Home and in the Hall: Why is it your favorite? When I was little I absolutely hated fruit. Many fruits I had Fajita:::Bonita! never even tried, but I decided that I hated all fruits. My mom and dad were very \.i-' TheHome Version (serves four): ,. worried that I wasn't getting the proper L.-- One large can of black beans /3 if nutrition so they would try to trick me SHORT Four-six skinless chicken breasts (optional) mto eatmg fnnt or drinking juice Such as 1,.t/;..:'1 Three Bell Peppers (I prefer red, yellow and orange) sneaking it into my food or giving me a sippy cup and telling me it / • Two Vidalia onions was water . I always knew . Once , they locked me in the bathroom One lime or lime juice until I drank a cup of orange juice. For two and a half hours I sat stone still and did not touch Two Bay leaves it. They felt terrible and from that point on left me alone about it. Chicken broth (if you're using chicken) To this day, I have never tasted apricots , Greek-strained yogurt grapes, kiwi, pears , grapefruit, peaches, and d Two medium-sized tomatoes probably a few others. I have this strange ': ) Two cloves garlic block from my childhood that tells me that w Cilantro I don't like them. Don't worry though, be- · LOVE One mango cause at my own pace I have started to over- efJ Soft flour tortillas this and do enjoy apples, bananas, ber- For the seasoning: chili powder, cumin, paprika, red pepper flakes, onion powder, garlic nes, oranges, and, of course, powder. ij / Put your can of beans in a pot over medium-low heat with two bay leaves and a quarter .+ I hope that you get cup of water, liberal amount of salt and leave to simmer for about fifty minutes (with the to eat your favorite \ \ .'' lid on!). While this is happening, cut your chicken breasts into long, thin slices, while also If you don't get the trimming off all of the snap back at 'ya parts. Fill a skillet with about a quarter inch of chicken broth after your pan s nice and hot at chance, you should a medium temperature. Add about a half of one sliced onion and your chicken. While this draw a picture of it. is simmering, turn often and add stock as needed. While you're waiting (and still being at­ I will probably draw ten pictures of lem­ tentive to your chicken), slice your peppers and onions thin and long and then mince your ons today. garlic, cilantro, tomatoes and mango. Mix the tomatoes, mango, garlic and cilantro into a Another reason that I like them so much is that you can do interest­ bowl and let sit. ing things with lemons that maybe most people don't know about. After about ten minutes, add your peppers and the rest of the onion. Add your seasoning, Like: a liberal amount of each spice and wait till chicken is browned. -Cleaning or sterilizing most things, like cutting boards and other Warm your tortillas in the oven and assemble as follows: a base of beans (remove bay kitchenware (rub with lemon juice and rinse) leaves before serving), chicken + peppers combo on top, a big spoonful of the tomato mix­ -Squeezed into tea or boiled water, for your health and well-being I<', ff' ture, with a dollop of the yogurt on top. Enjoy! -Polishing metal ware (mix lemon juice and baking soda) -Keeping fruit and vegetables from discoloring (if you're making fruit or vegetable salad) The Hall Version: -Of course, in baking (my favorite thing of the moment is making lemony apple pie . Add A half cup of black beans to the filling the zest and juice of one whole lemon) A handful of onions -Curing acne (Well, I actually haven't tried per- A handful of peppers sonally but I have read that if you dab a little lemon SANITIZE A A nice amount of garlic juice onto your pimples they will VANISH!) \ CUTTINGBOARD Four grape tomatoes -Cookin g, such as in stir-fries, salad-dressings, Sour cream and squeez ed over cooked fish A tortilla -I have_also not tried this, but apparently if_you dab some under For the seasoning: chili·powder, cumin, paprika, red pepper flakes, powdered garlic & onion · your armpits - natural deodorant (let me know 1f you try that one) If you have time, I would suggest letting the black beans cook down in the wok with -Decorating your room · garlic, a bit of water and covering it with a plate. Even ten minutes make a big differenc e . -Falling In Love. It could happen . After about ten minutes, cover the beans in a bowl and use the same wok to saute some What 's your favorite fruit ? garlic, onions, sliced in half tomatoes and peppe rs in the wok with the seasoni ng. Warm the What uses does it have? tortilla in the conveyer belt, add the beans, veggies and top with sour cream. And again, why is it your favorite? Beyyy of the Week: Hot Mocha Milkshake If are interested, you should tell me. love to hear about it. Fill your mug: If not, I hope you at least think about it today. Perhaps you'll think about lemons too. One quarter full with coffee One quarter full with milk Add three scoops of ice cream (I like maple walnut, vanilla or coffee) Whip this together with a fork Add more ice cream as needed (some willmelt-you want itthick!), top off with a SaladDressing of the Week:Honey Mustard little hot chocolate and then sprinkle on cinnamon and nutmeg. Whisk with a fork: Revamping Regulars: Those Chicken/Vegan Nuggs One half part olive oil Here's a pesto sandwich for those who are done with the BBQ sauce. This also works 2 parts spicy brown mustard great with tuna salad (sub out shredded carrots for pickles) 2 parts honey Cut two pieces of the brown bread and put them on the conveyer belt. While it's toasting, 3 parts rice wine vinegar take a mug and make a 50/50 mixture of pesto and mayo . Grab your toast and while you're Salt + pepper to taste waiting in line for your nuggets and slathering on your pesto-mayo bread lube , chat it up with one of your buddies and ask him or her to sit with you! Slice four nuggets longways Recommended-Reading: Smitten Kitchen and spread 'em across your toast. On the other slice, place a thin layer of shredded carrots My new favorite blog, tied with lOlcookbooks. I made Deb Perelman 's Asparagus Shitake and then spinach. Top the chicken nugget side with a douse of hot sauce and then some Risotto during Long Weekend and it was amazing. Beautiful photos, easy directions, and cheese. Put in the panini maker and enjoy! she even admits when recipes are duds. I love her! smittenkitchen.com Vol. 12 No. 4 > October 31, 2009 > THE BENNINGTONFREE PRESS> features Know Your Protocol: SMTP

BY DEVIN GAFFNEY'10 the user's mailbox that I specified, then through just fine; the only problem is that fine. So much so that there are actually WEB EDITOR once it finds it, dumps the e-mail into a if someone were to reply to your email, it software packages out there that make it so file location that belongs to that user's ac­ would never get to you, because that user you don't even have to do the nerd stuff to o, how have things been in the count so that when the user logs in, they account was never actually created as a le­ make it work, you just enter in the e-mail internet pipes you ask? Well, can see the message. The message in more git email address. Its not tied to any loca­ like you would on the regular, except you let me tell you a little Double­ S advanced setups probably has some bool­ tion on disk, so anything sent to it will get can change the reply_to name. Stuf of love that's got me all ean statement like "read" so that if "read" a return of a mailer daemon error. Funny, SMTP is a pretty cool thing, and you hot and bothered: that Liz Coleman e-mail! is false, the mail is balded and is "new" be­ huh? Try this at home: using terminal, go should definitely play with it. Jon Postel . Man, nothing gets me going more than a cause you haven't "read" it yet. ahead and type in telnet smtp.bennington. would be so proud of you all. Since long nice big usage of one of my favorite pro­ If the username is invalid, however, it edu 25. This specifies that we want to use long ago, all sorts of other mail technolo­ tocols. sends me that mailer daemon email, and it the telnet method of connection, and open gies have come along. POP (Post Office I originally was going to just riff on how says it couldn't find the user. It then shows the connection to the smtp server on port Protocol), IMAP (Internet Message Access awesome the Simple Mail Transfer Proto­ the receipt of what you sent, and then you 25 (which is the port that SMTP commu­ Protocol) and ESMTP (Extended SMTP) col is originally outlined in RFC 821 by Jon gotta go back to the drawing boards and nicates through). You'll actually get onto all work just fine, wrap up SMTP in it, and Postel in 1982. That's right nutter butters: figure out that address. That's basically it the e-mail server. All you have to do is a also include an actual mailbox, but they E-mail is way older than you think. (Real in the simplest terms. series of perhaps the cutest command con­ don't have that old school charm. SMTP quick: an RFC is a "Request for Com­ The coolest thing, the thing anyone will ventions ever (all the words are four letters has made careers for people. Spam servers ments," basically someone would suggest show you when you ask them to explain or less): HELO establishes the opening of use that same hack to push out hundreds a way to send data through the early pipes, SMTP, is the big takeaway that shows how a connection in which you're going to send of thousands of e-mails a day, just to see and then consensus would be reached, and much kinder and simpler the internet was and e-mail. MAIL FROM: (username) if a few bites come in and they are able to it was implicitly assumed everyone would before all you chuds came along: SMTP specifies who you are (Liz_rolling_deep). make money. Even if 10 people respond follow it. It's pretty cool; go google the has no security measures. None. Abso­ RCPT TO: (username(s)) specifies who to spam out of literally 100,000 users, it's RFC's. Lots of good April fools ones.) But lutely Zilch. It was built with the assump­ to send it to (everyone on campus). Then, still a good way to make money, so you now, in light of all this tomfoolery with the tion that you would send an e-mail through you start the message by saying DATA. If can count on this going on for the rest of venerable E-mail, there is something actu­ your account name, because obviously, you want a subject, your first line has to your life. Until they fix SMTP, of course, ally useful to talk about. only you want e-mail responses back not be Subject: (subject). Then, from there, all but they won't because they haven't in al­ One of the simplest protocols, SMTP some bogus e-mail name. Let's go back you do is write your email. Finish it off by most 30 years. So, go out and try it. It's the basically uses this architecture: you have to the bad user idea, "where it sends you pressing enter, then a period. Then it sends best protocol for talking to your friends, a mail server on either end, let's say smtp. the mailer daemon email. That was a re­ it out. That's it. No security because no one · except perhaps AIM's OSCAR service, bennington.edu (which is ours) and smtp. sult of a legal user sending a message to thought it would be used for bad things. which I may or may not talk about in my example.com (can't think of another real an illegal (non-existent) user. The server Totally terrible assumption. You can even next Know Your Protocol. Do you have one off the top of my head, because ev- handles it just fine. What if you flipped put bad domain names as the FROM. Like, any questions about how computers work? ' eryone locks theirs up from sniffing them the situation? Say you set your email ad­ for example, anybody_you_dont_like@ Any lingering thoughts? Send anything out except Bennington). These are Domain dress as Liz_rolling_deep@Bennington. incrirninatingwebsite.com. Works just fine. and everything over to MY SMTP account, Names for mail servers. When I send a cor­ edu. Well, what would happen is this: the This flaw has since been addressed, and [email protected], and I'll rectly formatted message to one of these, server would send your message along there are parent protocols that wrap SMTP be sure to get your question resolved. let's say from smtp.example.com to smtp. just fine. It wouldn't send a receipt of fail­ so that this flaw, isn't exploited. But in a bennington.edu, the SMTP server on Ben­ ure, because the message actually did go raw SMTP environment, it still works just nington's side sees my request, looks for Carpetbagerry WeekendInte -rlopers: BY MATTHEWRussm '10 tality. The next time you see Akers, please congratulate him on having such a delight­ carpetbaggers definition: ful mother. FriendsorFoes? CGreedy, opportunistic North­ Kings of Leon -As soon as we stepped residents of the surrounding woodland erners who traveled south dur- out of the car in Nashville we were imme­ BY HUGH ELTON '12 area. I'd imagine Bennington can be a ing the reconstruction era to pillage and diately mistaken for the Southern Indie­ ARTS EDITOR pretty boring place any given night of the plunder the homes of poor, unsuspecting pop group Kings of Leon. Upon further re­ Southern families. This long weekend, my week, and our campus, in addition to being flection, I do see some scary resemblances. ouple of weeks ago, walking a cool place to hang out, also has an abun­ fellow carpetbaggers and I Devin Gaff­ Rotier's Restaurant - We carpetbagged ome from VAPA late on a Fri- dance of delicious fermenting apples that ney '10, Roby Moulton '10 and Caldwell ourselves some of Dixieland's tastiest ay night, I came across a small have fallen off the trees which can provide Akers '12 carpetbagged our way down to grilled-cheese burgers at this fine estab­ group that I immediately knew was not a nice buzz if you eat enough of them. Nashville, TN, where we ate pulled-pork lishment. We also carpetbagged ourselves Bennington students. They looked to be So I'm inclined to think there's really sandwiches and mac-and-cheese for three a beefy $60 check! teens; certainly not adults. I could imme- no problem with the whole thing. I think days straight. Here were some other high­ Monotonix - A crazy Israeli band we diatecy tell they were ------they're looking for lights of the trip: saw in Nashville that poured beer and from the area, but / think they' re looking for about as much trouble Running out of gas in Kentucky - Ap- · emptied garbage cans all over each other parently if you don't fill your car with gas there was no doubt about as much trouble with with us as we are with during the course of their show. After deck­ that they weren't stu- them, i.e. none, and for nine hours you run out of it! We dis­ ing a rowdy audience member in the face, dents here, and they us as we are with them, if we are tolerant and covered this zesty fact as we crossed over the lead singer reminded us of a lesson that weren't hanging out · one leave them be, they'll the border from West Virginia to Kentucky i.e. , no one should forget: "Never, never, never, with anyone I recog- do the same. I've and our engine began to stall. Luckily, we never fuck with an Israeli!" nized to be students, seen those "Shocking were rescued by a very charming, heavily­ Homeless buskers on the streets of so I knew they prob- Home Videos" shows mulleted AAA employee who happened to Nashville that we interviewed about the ably weren't signed in. They saw me com- where they look peaceful at first but then be in the vicinity, and with whom Gaffney apocalypse - most of them are convinced ing and validated my suspicion that they end up standing up on their hind legs and now shares an everlasting bond of friend­ that it's corning pretty soon. weren't signed in by promptly splitting as pummeling some poor woman with their ship. The South is a pretty groovy place, I approached. front hooves, but I think those are rare in- Akers's mom - Probably the sweet­ and we learned that even filthy Yankees I've seen them again in similar circum- stances as long as you don't get too close est lady south of the Mason-Dixon line, if are welcomed there with open arms. Now stances, maybe not exactly the same crew, or threaten their young. In fact, I think deer not in the entire .country. She provided us that the Civil War is safely over, we highly and not always on weekends even. I know are a majestic and integral part of the beau­ with some delicious, homemade Southern recommend that y'all carpetbag your way a lot of other people have run into them too, tiful mountain setting of our school, and as cuisine as well as endless Southern hospi- down there too. and I've heard many express that they're I'm sure no one has a problem with them not really down with the idea of outsiders residing in the woods on our campus where coming on our campus to hang out. they' re safe from hunters and .the like, I I'm kind of split on the issue. I'll admit, wonder, should we really care if they wan­ my first reaction is often suspicious, and I der onto the part of the campus we inhabit? wonder if they're up to any trouble. But I Building a productive, friendly relation­ think the chances of them causing any real ship with the town of Bennington means harm are pretty slim. Furthermore, I think being courteous and sociable to the deer, it's best to avoid the bubble mentality that too, and I hope that we can all set any hos­ leads a lot of us to be distrustful and hos- tile impulses aside in order to keep them tile towards any outsiders, or this paranoid from feeling alienated and seeing humans Moulton,Akers and Gaffney idea that we, as college students, are some as unfriendly. share a laugh. sort of unwelcome settlers and a target for IOVol. 12 No. 4 > October 31, 2009 > THE BENNINGTON FREE PRESS Spooky TheHallows:Jennings andLila In this series, Connie Panzariello and Lauren Bertin guide you through the hollows - those mysteriously obscure places on campus that you 've heard of, you fea r, and some how still revere. These journeys are where Bennington myths are born and where legends are made. You have been warned ...

BY LAUREN BERTIN '11 & to spend the whole night in Jen­ a friendly campus safety officer that particul ar description. How­ sounds. At one specific poi CONNIE PANZARIELLO '12 nings for we have all heard the who proceeded to tell us some ever, perhaps the more chilling (4:30 AM!) we both awoke FEATURESEDITORS stories about Lila (or Mrs . Jen­ of his fellow safety officers' per­ . story involved an alumni who multaneously to hear a faucet b nings to those who wish to re­ sonal encounters with the alleged was doing a movement experi­ ing turned on and foot steps pa main on more respectful terms) spirit of Mrs. Jennings. He in- ment video by herself in one of ing upstairs. We couldn't go back We are all aware of the strange surprising the unsuspecting on . formed us of lights mysteriously the · classrooms . She found her to bed right away, and we bo energy that exists on our cam­ her grand staircase. Upon arrival, turning back on, not once, but five body being pushed off a chair by refused to go investigate . We pus. This energy exudes itself in we settled in, ate our french fries or six times, after repeatedly be­ some unknown force and subse­ like to say it was because we we our behavior, but mostly in our and chicken nuggets, and then set ing shut off when no one could be quently hit her. head on the wall. too tired (or even because all tb surroundings. Walk . outside at to work on our version of ghost found in the entire mansion. He She then turned and saw that if fast food had made us couch p night and you will often witness hunting-sitting and waiting in the also informed us of an "old per­ she had fallen an inch more to the tatoes) , but the truth of the matt a thick fog covering the End of lobby. Our friend Betsy had more son's smell" that exists in one of left, she would have been "im­ was that we were both fully awa the World, although it might have serious intentions as she took out the hallways adjacent to the lobby paled" by a metal object sticking that no one except for us was been a perfectly sunny day out­ her video and digital cameras (no offense,_Mrs . Jennings). out of the floor (Is it possible that the house . The only answer c: side. Or, take a look at the clouds and began snapping and record­ While these campus safety sto­ Mrs. Jennings just does not ap­ be that it was our good frie11 because if you haven't already ing every space in sight. She told ries sound similar to the ones that preciate dance as much as she ap­ Lila (or some really ambitio caught on, they move in four dif­ of her own personal experiences we encounter from our friends, preciates music?) and stealthy music student). 1 ferent directions that correspond with Mrs. Jennings and how her Connie had in the past gained ac­ By two o'clock at night, this Halloween when you deci1 to the four winds that mysterious­ own two feet were knocked out cess to some alumni stories that feeling as though we would con­ to do some amateur ghost hunti1 ly converge over Commons. The from under her after she had were especially eerie. There is a tinue to have no luck at spotting of your own, make sure you give Native Americans considered this disrespected Mrs. Jennings with tale of a group of students walk­ Mrs. Jennings and running out of our own Mrs. L.J. a shout 01 land cursed, and refused to build words we shall not repeat. Before ing out of a practice room, only ghost stories (and french fries!), Word to the wise: choose yo anything on it. In true Bennington we knew it, we were experiencing to see an elderly woman sitting we decided it was time for sleep . music wisely; we've heard she's fashion, this warning was ignored "cold spots" and seeing strange in the lobby reading a newspaper Periodically throughout the night, a rather harsh critic. (if the recession does_n't phase us, orbs in her photos and Betsy be­ late at night (Mrs. Jennings must each of us awoke to hear strange an allegedly cursed Indian burial gan asking Lila some questions really appreciate ground sure won't). (name, age, sign, the whole she­ our new free NY Last weekend, the wind bang ... just kidding , we asked Times subscrip­ howled and the rain poured down way more serious questions than tion). Safety offi­ Friday night as we made our way that). Then the old wooden front cers examined the to .. . McDonalds. Yes, we were door opened slowly, as if an an­ house, but found hungry for a late night snack, and swer to our ghostly inquiries was that there was no at all costs· avoiding our plans about to emerge and in stepped ... one there who fit Sign In, How Astrology Can Change Your Life Coincidence? I think not.) Ver­ The birth or natal chart is the would be able to see that the child Verschoor-Smith explained BY CONNIE PANZARIELLO schoor -Smith has been a practic­ main tool that Verschoor-Smith was having family problems, dif­ me, we move through life hav FEATURESEDITOR ing astrologer as she refers to it, uses to interpret what is occur­ ficulty with communication or ing karma with certain people "this time around" since the mid ring at the time of the reading in self-image and determine an ad­ This karma can carry over to 1980s. This was still a time when her clients life. She compares it equate and informed way of han­ the next life and affect how w your ' "What'ssign?" In our astrology was in a lull having had to a blueprint or a type of GPS dling him/her. Retrograde planets view and interact with certai cultural lexi­ a huge resurgence in the 1960s. for life, as it connects the dots are also very significant in identi­ people . Finding yourself a con, it's become a pick-up line, She came to it as a means of cop­ between where we have been to fying triggers~ child may experi­ tracted to someone you dislike a way of getting a quick sense of ing with a myriad of c_hanges and where we are going. Like a GPS; ence. By utilizing the birth chart, It's probably because of what someone's personality and even deaths in her life and the injus­ we also program our destination, the teachers and educators could you've experienced with the1 an excuse for why someone's tice she saw in the world . It is as everything that happens is a support the growth and develop­ in a past life (you were marrie< chosen to be a little difficult that Verschoor-Smith's belief that all choice that we make ''inherently ment of the child and formulate they chopped off your head, tb day ("Oh she's an Aries ... etc. energy and life come from one in our soul" . a personal plan to work with the usual). Verschoor-Smith recorr etc .) Although it often seems that Source. This primal life flow According to Verschoor afflictions." mends working any of thes horoscopes were invented by transfers between physical and Smith, learning about our birth As for the more surface parts feelings out, as holding onl Cosmo as a way to tell women non-physical existence . Her un- chart can help us make more of astrology, we all know what them affects you not only in the who their perfect mate is, astrol­ derstanding of astrology led to conscious choices, and validate our sun signs are, but most of us lifetime, but in your lifetimes I ogy is a much deeper practice the decisions that we have don't know exactly what that en­ come . What I took away fr01 based on the planetary energy made and are going to make tails . Our sun sign signifies what this interview the most was a dif- and movements. It can certainly in the future. For example, if house the sun was in when we ferent perception of life. Deal tell you more than why you're you are faced with a big de­ were born. Then, of equal im­ doesn't have to be the end, but incompatible with a Scorpio (al­ cision, the chart can reveal portance, is the rising sign, which rather a time that can be used though , in my view, that's defi­ where you are in turmoil, the is dictated by the exact time and improve yourself and your su nitely still worthwhile knowl­ nature of the choice and op­ place of our roundings edge) . Astrology is an ancient tions for resolving it as well birth . For ex­ ti! you reac science/art based on one set of as a deeper level of under­ ample , I was whatever afte universal laws that permeate and standing . Also of importanc e born at 1:00 pm ,_.,., life you belie, unify all of the life force in the in the birth chart are twelve on March 23rd, I"' , . J will come. Cosmos. It dates back thousan ds astrological houses, one for in White Plains , skeptical? of years to the ancient cultures every sign in the zodiac. New York. 1 f had Verschoo like Egypt and Greece. Astrol ­ Each house means something Therefore, I Smith read rr ogy was used by farmers to plant differen t in the chart. The am a Leo Ris­ birth chart at crops, by royalty to predict the fourth , for instance, has to do ing (which, ac­ the first thi1 sex of a child, when to go to war, Photo provid ed by Verschoor -Smith with family and childhood. cording to Ver­ she said w1 or the best day for a coronation. If you have the planet Pluto in schoor Smith, "Does yo1 Recently, I sat down with this house, it signifies turmoil means royalty father trav profes sional Astrologer Lisa a broader understan ding of the and difficulty in early childhood . in a past life, ju st by the way). internationally?" I had said not: Verschoor-Smith to discuss how connections between all things. It takes Pluto about 12-15 years Think of the difference like this: ing about my father before thi astrology can aid us in our devel ­ Thus, the macrocosm is revealed to go through a house which is the rising sign is how you might and for your information, 1 opment. In my time at the BFP, in the microcosm or " As above, fairly slow compared with other appear to someone if you've just travels about every three montb I've had the opportunity to sit so below." She explajned that planets like the Sun or the Moon. met him or her at a party, it's the If you would like to share in tb down with a lot of people and she did not believe in death, but, Verschoor- Smith believes that if first impression. The sun sign experience Lisa Verschoor Smi question them about a variety of time out for the soul to reflect and society placed more value on as­ is how you appear to someone can be found in town at 01 topics, but shortly after meeting prepare for its next incarnation or trology, and used the birth chart, when they've known you for a Main Street in North Benningt< Verschoor- Smith I realized that journey. She has read thousands a lot of good could be done for while. You should check both by appointment only. This can this interview would be a bit dif­ of charts and done astrological children who are currently strug­ your rising and sun sjgn equally, be done either over the phone 1 ferent than discussing financial consulting for many prominent gling in school or in other areas as both horoscopes affect your in person. Please call her at matters or Education Forum. clients and celebrities and has of their life. "If a counselor had life equally. 461-1618 or 442-7800 or vii (Fun fact: She and I were born used her skill as an astrolo ger to access to a child's birth chart, All in all, astrology cari be a Avalonastrology.net for more i. at the same relatively small hos­ assist others in gaining a deeper they would be able to understand good way to self-reflect on your formation. pital in White Plains , New York. understanding of their lives. better how to help them. They relationships and your life. As Yol. 12 No. 4 > October 31, 2009 > THE BENNINGTONFREE PRESS >11 Spooky Campus Costumes

Bv M1cHAEL ZIMMER 'l 0 STAFF WRITER t's Halloween already! But what's that? Nothing at Goodwill captures that Twilight chic you Iwere going for and Wal-Mart is all out of body glitter? Well here are some great last minute ideas that will be sure you get some of that sweet dry-humping action on the Swan dance floor. Haunted Whore CAPA - Everybody's favorite new building! Since the shape is a little awkward, try painting a big Haus cardboard box with a nice marble texture . Or, if you're feeling a little risky, just go grab a piece from the site and chain it around your neck ! Who moved Leigh Haus to Public Action - Put on a sombrero, an eye patch, an old bowling shirt, bloomers, and clogs. Nobody the Orchard? will know what you're supposed to be, so it's perfect! (and would be great as a couple's costume with CAPA! ZOMG!) . Dorothy Canfield - Education reformer and imaginative farm girl. Don't forget Toto! 8.8.0. The Wireless Network - Just walk slowly. Everyone will complain about you all the time. Be sure to BeefeaterGin, $25.80 move even slower when more people are around. The 'Bater - Black hoodie, sweatpants. Just look for the party. Why you being weird, man? Ketel One, $17.80 Alum - It's pretty much the same as the hobo costume you did in 2nd grade. Capt. Morgan, $21.80 Campus Safety - Get a blue shirt, badge, and trimmed facial hair of your choice and you'll be giving Jagermeister,$14.80 that lucky lady a "room check" before you can say "Schlotter." Balley's,$17 .80 Toddlers dressed by Michael Zimmer '10 Wild Turkey, $18.10

In 4 Steps: 1. SendeMail posing as ANj College President 2. Causecontroversy 3. ??????????????????? 4. Profit!

Where The Wild Things Aren't: Cinema7 overdubs with children talking

H 1 N1 Costume: party in a vacant faculty apartment by yourself

Paper Plates On The Conveyor Belt: WhereIs YourBrain?!

'The Sparrow Looks Up At The vast uncertainties of the modem Humans vs. Zombies: Machine" might have actually world in a disarmingly stark man­ a typical 8am class Lips fit on Yoshimi Battles The Pink ner. Continued From Page 7 Robots, the Lips do the best they For a band with a career as Hands" leap out immediately, can to obscure it with foreboding strange and wildly varied as the Tweet Highlights: while the rousing closer "Watch­ keyboards and a dark, rumbling Flaming Lips, it's difficult to rank @z000000 VATICAN groove. each album they've put out. But ing The Planets" is almost a sing­ CHAINSAWMASSACRE a-long). Regardk ss. it's equally Embryonic's most shocking given that Wayne Coyne is nearly clear from the first listen how aspect_, however, is its lyrical 50 and fewer and fewer bands powerful and brilliantly evoca­ conten;, at least in comparison to take truly bold chances with their @z000000driving back tive an experience Embryonic re­ their past themes. Coyne claims music these days, Embryonic is a "The Ego's Last Stand" is about hell of a capstone -to their career ally is. Embryonic to bennington; no felo­ "watching a kitten die on [his] thus far. And yet all I can think is, Improvised, mainly instru­ WEA/Reprise nies this time mental jams with zodiac sign ti­ mother's porch," and, as far as "What will they do next?" tles appear periodically through­ songs about death go, it is more out the track listing, and range or less the polar opposite of "Do choose a crystal that @bnstlgoat hornz: in from what sounds like an outtake You Realize??" Instead of rely­ the baaaaa-g. from Tommy ("Sagittarius Silver ing on bombastic, super-positive vibrates on your frequency Announcement") to a 2-minute, platitudes about the beauty of half hyper-speed punk song, half life, Coyne tensely intones lines Write or Tweet us a like "once you see their faces/Oh, dreamy keyboard soundscape Skinny! ("Aquarius Sabotage"). The al­ they're just like us" over a creepy bum is almost uncompromis­ bassline before the song morphs ing in its lurching despondency; into a pummeling guitar-led as­ while one might expect a duet sault. And to hear Coyne sing with the Yeah Yeah Yeahs' Karen the line "People are evil" in the [email protected] 0 called "I Can Be A Frog" to be haunting ballad "Evil" is equal to @tweet_bfp a chirpy, iPod commercial-ready hearing a nun use the word "cunt" effort, it instead inyolves Coyne in casual conversation. The over­ singing about a randomly se­ all themes are very cosmic yet lected list of animals and· Karen honest in scope, while the numer­ 0 imitating those animals over ous references to animals provide the phone over a backing track a clue to the pervasive theme of that could almost be played in an Freudian ego and the quest for its destruction. It sounds as if Coyne amusement park haunted house. -zack franklin And while the dreamy melody of is facing the complexities and Vol. 12 No. 4> October 31, 2009 > THE BENNINGTONFREE PRESS 12

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