THE CLIMAX hampshire college december 11, 2009 volume Xii issue 6

Citing “broken system,” QCA Winter graduates cancels Drag Ball

By Emily Drummer Drag Ball is traditionally held us.” Staff Writer during spring semester as an act QCA’s statement alleges that of resistance to mainstream cul- certain groups are receiving pri- ampshire’s Queer Com- ture and gender binaries, but some ority funding over others. Among Hmunity Alliance (QCA) is- believe the nature of the dance it- the groups mentioned was the sued a statement via Facebook on self to be problematic. QCA sign- Cheese Club, who received nine December 2 announcing the can- er Cyree Johnson contends that times more funding than the QCA cellation of its annual Drag Ball in “Drag Ball, in its current form, re- from FiCom last year, although protest of what signer Mike Wolf ally does more to exclude queer this number does not include calls “a very broken system.” The people on this campus than it COCA-funded events—for which statement calls for more funding, does to include them.” Many feel the QCA was granted thousands. educational workshops, and safer that the dance has been reduced Johnson and Wolf said that a con- sex supplies. It also demands for to a night of hyper-sexualized flict with the Cheese Club was “Community Council (CC) to be partying, trivializing the nature not intentional, and that “it’s not held accountable for their favor- of drag and undermining its orig- like we hate the cheese club or we itism and embezzlement”—accu- inally subversive message. hate cheese. We’re distinguishing sations that come only a month Johnson believes that Drag Ball between recreation groups and after Committee on Community should remain cancelled regard- identity-based groups that are Activities (COCA) co-chair Sam less of funding. “I don’t think that used to represent the school.” Light was found to have misused COCA stepping in and funding us COCA co-chair Kalei Sabarat- Student Activities Funds (SAF). or [President] Ralph Hexter step- nam maintains, “Our job is not However, Wolf urges the commu- ping in and funding us is going to prioritize groups” and argues nity that Drag Ball’s cancellation to help queer people as a whole that the QCA’s allegations of fa- is part of a much larger issue: the because regardless of workshops, voritism are further complicated administration’s failure to pro- they’re going to keep kicking by the fact that ten out of twelve vide adequate funding for identi- us around. If you can’t keep our COCA members identify as queer. ty-based groups on campus while community safe, we’re not going Additionally, Section F of the photo by jo nguyen/the climax simultaneously using the groups to put on this party for a bunch committee’s bylaws, titled “Im- An example of some of the fine work done by students set to graduate in to promote Hampshire as a queer- of straight people to hangout and partiality,” states that “Officers February. See page 8 for full article. friendly safe space. dress in drag and sexually harass See IDENTITY-BASED, page 3 Community Council approves stipends for officers

By Henry Parr dent Activities Fund; the total sum of the is “absolutely merit in acknowledging that award stipends and that “if it turned into a Managing Editor stipends is $5,500 (if every officer took there is a difference.” COCA co-chair Sam pattern of cyclical corruption the business their stripend). Light furthered this by saying that, “the office could just not award them.” Pohevitz ast Tuesday, December 2, Communi- After each committee presented their added responsibility warrants a higher also noted that the council had also en- Lty Council voted and approved this se- stipend proposal, Catherine Craig, the Sec- stipend.” sured that officers weren’t being paid twice mester’s stipends for council officers. The retary of Community Council, motioned Craig highlighted this point in a con- when they “put in the bylaws that you motion passed 8-2, with one abstention. that the council approve the proposed sti- versation held after the meeting, giving couldn’t be elected for two [positions].” The final vote gave stipends of varying pend amounts, and COCD Rep. Emily Ry- the example that “[the] SafeCom Co-Chair Certainly, however, the discussion over amounts to the officers of the Committee an seconded the motion. The motion was works a whole lot less than someone on stipends comes into new context with the on Community Development (COCD), the blocked quickly by Community Council’s COCA,” and that while she views SafeCom recent misuse of SAF funds by COCA Co- Committee on Community Activities (CO- Communications Officer, Ella Wind. as a valuable and important committee, the Chair Sam Light and complaints made this CA), the Safety Committee (SafeCom), the Some council members voiced concern question remains, “How do we compen- week by QCA over their being denied ade- Financial Committee (FiCom), and Com- that stipend amounts differ by committee. sate people for their time and their ener- quate funding from COCA and FiCom. munity Council. Each committee internal- While the Co-Chairs of COCD will receive gy?” Ryan, who also spoke with The Climax, When it came to a vote for the first time, ly discussed their stipends and proposed a a stipend of $250, the Director of FiCom said, “There are people who do a whole lot the motion to approve stipends as ini- final figure in the council meeting. will receive $700. more work than other people, they should tially proposed by each committee failed The largest stipends, at the amount After the meeting, Chair of Community be compensated more.” to pass, with a final count of 4-3, with 4 of $700, will be awarded to the Director Council Dee Dee Desir said, “I think that Desir also brought up the consistent in- abstentions. of FiCom and to the Co-Chairs of COCA. every position that has a similar title, as crease in stipends. “Last fall semester, there Desir then offered an alternative solu- However, one of the COCA chairs, Sam far as a chair of the standing committee, were only three positions being funded in tion, motioning that all officers be paid Light, has already turned down his stipend. should have the same [stipend] because COCA. This spring semester, four positions the same amount, $450, which Wind sec- $400 will be awarded to both the financial all the standing committees are the same.” are being funded in COCA. You just see onded. This was put to a vote after Po- director of COCA and of FiCom. $250 will Desir continued by saying that “giving dif- this steady adding of positions, adding of hevitz blocked, and it found little support be awarded to the Co-Chairs of COCD and ferent individuals different amounts holds amounts.” throughout the discussion. Desir’s mo- SafeCom and to the secretaries of COCA certain standing committees to a different This years stipends, however, are not a tion to award all officers the same stipend and FiCom. Community Council proposed level.” significant increase to last years, and mem- failed to pass 2-6, with 3 abstentions. a flat stipend of $450 for all its members: During the meeting, however, members bers also argued that there are a number of On November 16, Community Coun- the Chair, Communications Officer, Facili- argued that the different committees have catches put in place to stop council from cil held an open event, the “Big Block of tator, and Secretary. different responsibilities. SafeCom repre- unjustly raising stipends. Light pointed out Cheese Night.” Numerous students at All stipends will come out of the Stu- sentative Leanna Pohevitz said that there that the business office has the final call to See STIPENDS, page 2

in News: QCA calls off Drag Ball (1), Community Council stipends (1), Art Barn burglary ( Opinion: Queer Bowl viewpoints (3), Ornia and encryption (4) this Features: Basketball double-header (5), Richard Rushfield memoir review (5), February graduates (8) issue Arts & Entertainment: Sound Thoughts on holiday music (6), 41 shows reviewed (6), Benevento Trio tribute (7) 2 the climax News volume Xii, issue 6 Officers granted stipend; two of Arts Barn burglarized, them decline student work stolen

Continued from front page look into the ethical issue of paying ourselves out of the event brought up the topic of stipends, some the SAF (Student Activities Fund)” Wind also explic- of whom wondered whether they should even be itly voiced her opinion of stipends saying “I don’t re- awarded at all. ally support stipends for council, period.” Wind said of the open event that “it was pretty Saucier proposed holding an all-community meet- unanimous. The vast majority of the students that ing about stipends but did not find support from the came said, ‘We don’t understand why you have sti- council. pends.’” Wind cites this as a reason why she initially FiCom Director then Daniel Erickson motioned voted against the motion. “For me, that’s a really big that the stipends, initially proposed at the beginning factor, and that really influences my decision and of the meeting, be approved, with the caveat that a makes me more secure in saying that I don’t support stipends meeting be held early next semester. Light stipends.” seconded. The motion passed as Wind changed her The “Big Block of Cheese Night,” however, was vote, and three of the abstentions voted in support of not the first time that stipends have been called into the proposed stipend amounts. question by students or committee members. Wind stated that she felt pressured to compro- Minutes from a FiCom meeting on November 17, mise because of the timing of the discussion. Having 2008, state, “The issuance of stipends violates the conceded that getting rid of stipends was a “minor- Student Activities Fee guidelines which clearly state ity and fringe idea” among council, she looked for that no student shall receive payment in the form a compromise. However, when the discussion of of a salary, honorarium, or stipend for services ren- stipends finally came up, it was late in the semes- dered at the college.” The minutes continue, “We be- ter. “That meeting, we had to get the stipend money lieve that the elimination of stipends would pave the to the business office, for Pam to approve it,” Wind path for Community Council and the subcommit- said, “if nothing passed we were just going to keep tees of Council to forge a stronger relationship with talking about it, and we had already made motions, By Molly Smith the members of the student body.” and some kind of decision on the stipends had to be News Editor Early last fall, Council also created a Stipends made or we’d just keep extending the meeting.” Task Force, which could not come to a clear consen- The officers who have been awarded stipends, n late September, six paintings vanished from the Hamp- sus. However, in a Community Council meeting on however, are not required to accept them. Both De- Ishire Arts Barn. In November, five more art pieces went December 2, 2008, minutes state that the task force sir and Saucier remain uncertain as to whether or missing. It has been assumed that the pieces were stolen. The made “the verbal recommendation” that “Communi- not they will accept their stipends. Ryan stated that president and Public Safety have been informed of the situa- ty Council vote that the stipends remain the same as while she has taken them in the past, she would not tion and some preventative measures are now being taken in the they did last semester (S08).” this year, in order to fulfill her community service Arts Barn. Ryan, who was present for part of the December requirement. Craig stated that she would take hers. The first incident involved the disappearance of six oil paint- meeting said, this week, “I think its totally responsi- Wind seemed to have made her mind up long before ings, belonging to Division III student Claire Lau. The paintings ble for a student body to compensate those who rep- stipends came to a vote. Immediately after the mo- were removed from her studio space while she was away from resent them in the jobs that take up a lot of time, that tion passed, she said to the council “I don’t want my Hampshire for a weekend. The collection included work intend- are really exhausting, and are not really all that much stipend money.” ed for use in her Division II and Division III final portfolios. fun.” While council has not reached a clear consensus In the second incident, work from three artists was taken: two During last weeks meeting, council generally over stipends, most of the governing body does rec- pieces by Alex Krales, one painting by Remy Zbel, and two (ad- avoided the larger discussion as to whether or not ognize that there is an ethical issue at hand. That is ditional) oil paintings by Lau. These are not the first incidences stipends should be awarded at all. It wasn’t, however, that they, the people being awarded stipends, are also of stolen artworks in the Arts Barn. A member of the Introduc- completely ignored. Ben Saucier, Facilitator of Com- the ones determining how much their stipend is. ~tree~ tion to Painting class had a partially painted canvas disappear munity Council, did state, “I think we should also earlier in the semester. Also, art supplies such as turpentine, ges- so, brushes, and palate scrapers routinely go missing if left unat- tended in communal spaces. Art supplies left in studio spaces tend to be safer but artists have long since learned to keep their most important supplies under lock and key. “Student artwork has been stolen in the past. The surprising thing about this case is that it was not a singular incident,” said THE CLIMAX Matt Phillips, a Hampshire art professor. “When I discovered the second set of paintings missing, I Managing Editor Staff Writers wrote to everybody [in the administration who the matter was Henry Parr Jessie Cass of relevance to] and Pub Safety was actually the only one who Alejandra Cuellar responded,” said Lau. Editorial Board Hampshire College Gavi Davidson Lau was later informed that a meeting had taken place and it Sam Butterfield 893 West St. Scotty Gillmer had been decided that Arts Barn monitors would be instructed Dan Clarendon Amherst, MA 01002 Julian Feller-Cohen to implement a new sign-in desk at the Arts Barn. Unfortunately, Jordan DeBor [email protected] Sarah Gordon the people in charge of Arts Barn security were not part of that Ben Kudler Brittni Hayes meeting and were not informed of this meeting until much later Molly Smith Layout staff Liz Looker so the idea was not implemented until earlier this month. Mixed Layout Editor Anike Arni Carolyn Madeo reactions have ensued. Artists have been overheard complain- Dan Clarendon Elizabeth Berg Ryan Mihaly ing about the hassle of signing in, but some are also hopeful that Jorge Cruz Eric Peterson head Copy Editor this will deter people from stealing. Emily Drummer Daniel Scheer Carolyn Madeo “I’m confident that we’ll be able to come together and put an Hanna Grieb Alex Vara end to the thefts. I think it’s largely a matter of the community Copy Editors Sarah Gordon Kelly Wehrle being aware,” said Phillips. Jessie Cass Brittni Hayes Photographers When asked how she felt about the new monitor system, Jes- Sami Diaz Jo Nguyen Hannah Seaman sica Hatchett, the head Arts Barn monitor, responded, “The -ad Sarah Gordon Paul Yao Duncan Sullivan ministration has put this system into place in order to solve the Alex Vara theft problem. Truthfully, I’m not sure that it will, but we’ll see how it goes in the next few weeks.” The views expressed in The Climax do not necessarily reflect those of the paper, its staff, or Hampshire College. Another suggestion was for a security camera to be installed, The Climax will gladly work with any interested writers and photographers and holds regular staff meetings but this idea was put on hold due to funding issues. “To me, put- open to all Hampshire students and faculty. Please direct any comments, questions, corrections, letters to the ting in a security camera would be a lot more comforting be- editors, or article submissions to [email protected]. cause if it happens again, we will be able to find who did it,” said The typeface family used in The Climax was designed by David Jonathan Ross (F03) as part of his Division III Lau. work in typography and type design. A meeting has been scheduled for next week in which Lau Copyright 2009 The Climax, all rights reserved. hopes to discuss with members of the administration future measures to be taken regarding the Arts Barn burglaries. ~tree~ december 11, 2009 opinions the climax 3 Two points of view: Queer Bowl

The following two articles were written in response to an event that took place on November 21.The Climax does not main- tain that either article gives a more accurate illustration of the event. Nor do the views of the authors represent those of The Climax editorial board or staff. The articles are printed in the order that The Climax received them.

By MATt BURSTEIN & JU- the pre-game practice ended, in utter disbelief, that a group, misguided as the decision to pre- reers and never once has the issue LIAN FELLER-COHEN the group split into two teams: fiercely seeking equality, would vent us from playing football be- of sexual orientation been raised. Staff Writer & Contributor Team Tranny and Team Butch. discriminate so blatantly on the cause we don’t identify as queer. Homosexuals, heterosexuals, the We were slightly unsure which basis of sexual orientation. We can only imagine the possible excellent athletes and the least n a recent Saturday team to choose and ended up in We collected our things, hav- ramifications if we decided to coordinated kids in class were al- Oafternoon, we went to the Team Butch’s huddle. Two play- ing done nothing wrong besides host a straight-only game. What if ways welcome. soccer field to join in a friendly ers quickly took the “coach” aside simply showing up on a sunny before starting, we informed the To conquer discrimination we football game. We arrived at the and we noticed sideward glances Saturday to play football, and players -- our friends, neighbors thought equality would be the field near Greenwich first and being shot in our direction. They happening to be heterosexuals. and classmates -- that if they hap- first step. Instead, we were made threw the ball around, waiting for returned to the huddle announc- Why were we being ostracized? pened to identify as queer they into the rejected, dejected, minor- the game to begin. As everyone ing to the group, while staring at Furious and confused we ap- were welcome to stay, so long as ity. Were we supposed to suffer appeared, the two-dozen play- us, “This is a queer-only game. If proached the huddle again with they rooted from the sidelines? judgment and exclusion based ers warmed up together, toss- you don’t identify as queer you’re a question: “What if we decided We would never dream of dis- on sexual preference? Is this how ing a ball back and forth, and we welcome to stay and cheer from to have a straight-only football criminating against anyone like the Queer community wants treat even showed a few people how to the sidelines or you can leave.” game?” “Isn’t that what football this. We have played many foot- to its allies and be represented on properly hold the football. Once We looked at each other, shocked, is?” Came the response, just as ball games in our playground ca- campus? ~tree~

By Cyree Johnson see that so many people who had not ex- identifies as Queer or LGBT. The reverse of or plan events around your presence, you Contributor pressed interest in the game before were what happened to these folks, assumedly a are, in fact, homophobic. Many people who here to support us, particularly in light of sports game where only straight people feel played football that afternoon wouldn’t n November 21, the day after the the intended purpose of the game. I called comfortable to play, a game where if you align themselves with any particular letter OQIPOC, TSA, and QCA sponsored Team Butch into a huddle to explain why play you are assumed to be heterosexual of the LGBTQQI acronym, but still felt as Queertillion, a game of football was played we were playing to anyone who was new occurs every Monday, Thursday, and -Sun though the assumption that they did iden- at a college whose running joke is that they to the group, and also to explain some ba- day afternoon during this season; we call tify as such was not revolting enough for do not have, and have never had, a football sic rules of the game (many of the people this reversed game FOOTBALL (for more them to not want to play the game. team. This game, planned by a group of on either team had never played a sport, information see also BASKETBALL, BASE- I think of this conversation as yet an- Queer students, was designed to be a safe let alone football). “I’m glad to see you all BALL, SOCCER, HOCKEY, TENNIS, et al.) other in which Hampshire College tells space for LGBTQ folks to come together here at the firstQF AG football game!” I said Furthermore, no one asked anyone else itself that it doesn’t have a problem with and play a football game, in spite of the in my most coach-like voice “This game is to leave. I would not, and did not, assume discrimination. The sports that Hampshire fact that the experience of homophobia designed for Queer people to play against that the folks who left the game that after- does offer are not (from my very limited in sports and the activities that surround one another, so if you are Queer, you are noon were straight when they approached, understanding, having never played one them often render these types of activities welcome to play. If you do not identify as nor would I have asked if they have “queer here) populated with Queer faces. This not safe for us to attend. We christened the Queer we ask that you respect the purpose sex” while they were playing. By leaving itself can sometimes be enough to keep league and the event QFAG (Queer Football of this game, and support us as a spectator.” the game rather than examine that they Queers at this school from playing on Athletics Gala), and with tongues firmly in I then attempted move on to issues more could both in fact be Queer, or may fall these teams. I want the two people who our cheeks, declared a football rivalry be- relevant to the confusing game of Ameri- under the very large and ever expanding left that day to know that I do not think tween Team Butch and Team Tranny. As a can football. Queer umbrella is a token of their own that I owe them an apology, will not offer signer for the QCA, I registered the event, Before I got around to this, though, heterosexism and homophobia. Yes, you them an apology, would not change my ac- and reserved the soccer fields, in addition two people who I perceived to be male as- read right, I am saying that if you cannot tions were the game to happen again, and to signing up to be the coach to the home signed and male identified left the- hud align yourself with Queers, cannot be as- that I regard their actions as both childish team of my heart; Team Butch. This event dle for Team Butch. One asserted that if sumed to be Queer for 4 hours while you and homophobic. Creating and maintain- was not sponsored by the QCA, nor was it the reverse had happened, it would have do something that subverts a homopho- ing autonomous spaces for marginalized funded by the QCA as there was little to no amounted to discrimination. I found this bic American custom, that you are indeed groups is not discrimination, it is a neces- overhead. comment, to say the least, so obvious that a homophobe. If you cannot respect the sary response to a college community that, When I arrived at the soccer fields for it was ridiculous. The reverse does happen, fact that your straight privilege may in despite its radical foundation, is not al- the game that afternoon, I saw many unfa- in fact it is commonplace in sports to find fact be oppressive enough that Queers ways comfortable with difference. ~tree~ miliar faces. I was excited and pleased to that no one on a 53-person football team may not desire your company constantly,

news, continued Identity-based groups ask for better funding

Continued from front page recognized student organizations.” erything else. The letter states, “It Drag Ball. COCA denied QCA’s about the QCA’s lack of dialogue and members of the Committee With Hampshire’s hundred-plus has always been FiCom’s policy request for an additional $600 to- with the CC, COCA, and FiCom on Community Activities should student groups and organiza- to fund all requests that do not wards the event on the basis that surrounding these issues prior recuse themselves from voting on tions, however, this fund is being violate the Student Activities their bylaws do not allow them to to the Ball’s cancellation and be- any request for which they feel depleted with increasing rapidity. Fee guidelines and to actively cut approve additional requests. De- lieves that they have missed an they are unable to be impartial.” For the fall semester, any COCA costs wherever possible. We want spite its denial, the request was opportunity for conversation. Whether or not this stipulation is request made before the week of to work with signers to get their shown as “approved” online. This She also expressed her desire being followed has been subject October Break has been marked requests approved while making error was changed soon after, but for the “opportunity to respond to much debate. as “pending” because “there is no sure there is enough money for it sparked confusion and discon- to the specific concern that stu- Sabaratnam argues that while money left in the master account,” all of the student groups. This se- tent within the QCA. dents have.” the QCA and other identity-based says Light. mester, we saw an unprecedented The QCA plans to meet with Ultimately, the future of Drag groups should receive more sup- In their open letter to the com- number of student groups mak- signers of other identity-based Ball is in the hands of the QCA— port from the administration, munity released on December ing an unprecedented number of groups on campus to obtain a as it should be, argues Johnson. there is very little money avail- 8, FiCom distinguished between requests.” clearer idea of their needs. John- Whether or not they will be suc- able. FiCom and COCA operate themselves and COCA as separate Tension between the QCA and son and Wolf admit that this will cessful in uniting other identity- under the Student Activities student-run bodies operating un- COCA emerged following a dis- take time, especially in light of based groups on campus remains Fund (SAF), an amount that must der Community Council. COCA pute surrounding Queertillion, a finals and winter break. Student unknown. ~tree~ be spent “in its entirety on activi- is responsible solely for student semi-formal dance designed as Activities and Services Coordina- ties initiated by students through events, while FiCom funds ev- an alternative to the ultra-casual tor Pam Tinto expressed concern 4 the climax opinions volume Xii, issue 6 A toast to encryption Or, the never-ending tale of Hampshire College

By Ben Barson Queer community—and, as usual, are be- fields but even the same work, the amount success (it’s consistently ranked in the Contibutor ing met with stubborn resistance instead of hate spilled on campus activism, on top public schools in Boston) and he re- of open and humble ears, not dissimilar “hippie bullshit,” could fill a book three sponds, “There used to be tons of school ast year, potential Div III student to what unfolded during Action Aware- times that of the infamous diary in Mean with a Direct Democracy model, coming L“Niko,” built a server more powerful ness Week. Girls. But I think this, and general Hamp- out of the 60s and 70s. We’re one of the than any other computing device in the Currently, Graham Jeffries, Mixed shire flakiness, stems not from too much last ones now.” Hampshire, too, was born school, one that is the basis of Hampedia Nuts, and the Local Food Systems class freedom, but rather too little: students are out of the same graduating class-but it and the now-defunct Ornia with Jose Fu- are putting huge logistical effort into skeptical of activities and challenges to a had a different fate. entes and other students. Hampedia is a creating a student-run cafe that could power structure that will co-opt and redi- Of course, one question bogs my Hampshire-wide version of Wikipedia provide a healthy and non-corporate al- rect any challenge to its authority away mind—how do students with privilege in that has profoundly changed the ways in ternative to the beautiful food that Saga from that source itself. In other words, racial and gendered power structures de- which professors, students, and groups and the Bridge produce. The Tavern is an we know we don’t have power, so why are cide the fate of others? “We communicate communicate—Christoph Cox and Amy empty place, abandoned by Sodexo, so you pretending as though we do? through these things, we have a diversity Jordan, among others, use it for Office it would make perfect sense for the ad- DeeDee Desir is the Chair of Commu- policy that has to match that of our cor- Hours and to post areas of expertise. The ministration to be open to the idea. Some nity Council and the student representa- responding main school. Students and latter, Ornia, was a software that ran on of them are, in fact; Graham said he re- tive for the Committee on Campus Life. faculty voted on the system, and it is al- the Hampshire network and allowed for a ceived verbal and potentially financial She acknowledges the profound problems ways up for renegotiating, if students feel truly instantaneous exchange of any and support from the Committee on Com- of accountability in student governance it is necessary, but because of it we have a all digitized information—frequently used munity Development, which specifically and is one of the few voices to put that at very diverse school.” for the exchange of high-density student funds equipment purchases for long-term the forefront of her agenda: “There’s not I wonder what that would like at Hamp- work such as films and music that re- community development projects. enough community outreach,” on the part shire. Yes, SOURCE and the QCA are iden- quired collective collaboration, as well as Soon, though, these smiles blossomed of Community Council, she tells me, and tity-based groups, so white, male-bodied creating a truly open, decentralized, and into empty promises. Pam Tinto was more “their perspective is limited to committee straight individuals, not experiencing rac- revolutionary way of exchanging data. honest and repudiated the idea of finan- perspectives.” In other words, we note to- ism and homophobia while being actively “Hampedia is the future of academic cial support, and said simply “we don’t gether, they really aren’t accountable to empowered by these systems, should not education,” explains Bodhi Harnish, a have the money at this time.” Where is anyone, least of all the students. Hence make decisions on things such as fund- student of the sociology of open-source the money? “A huge portion goes to food the FiCom member’s smart comment to ing and programming for these commu- software and the Internet more general- for student groups—we’re the only school Mike. Not only that, but representatives nities. However, that is something we ly. “And it’s one of the only like it in the in the five colleges that funds students to on different Board of Trustee committees can and need to decide as a community, country.” However, it did not fulfill what have meeting food—and the only quali- do not even talk to each other to coordi- in painful and open dialogue with each Niko had in mind in developing an au- fication to form a student group is they nate a common voice with which to repre- other. While the activities, organizing, tonomous Hampshire server: “Niko was have three signers—nothing more, noth- sent the student body: “We had a meeting and basic perspectives of white dominat- trying create a blog that would be a pow- ing less.” When I suggested perhaps a in the beginning of the year,” to try to ed activist spaces, identity-based groups, erful social networking site that would community-wide meeting would be help- map out that voice, DeeDee tells me, “and and student governance committees can connect activism, art, and the politics of ful to discuss the priorities of the Student that was wishful thinking, I would say, to and do contradict each other, they have the disparate sectors of the Hampshire Activities Fund, she agreed, but noted, say the least.” much more in common than is empha- Community in a forum where they could “It’s part of the culture here that we spend It would also be wishful thinking to sized. Students for Justice in Palestine is really communicate and hear each other.” a lot of money on food.” think that people fundamentally trust working to combat a system Archbishop In this light, Hampedia was more of a And, for time’s sake, I will simply men- student governance as it currently exists. Desmond Tutu has called Apartheid in Is- prototype than a finished product. “What tion the heartwarming story of Students People are unaware of what is even in rael and the Occupied Territories—some he was doing was cutting edge,” Bodhi for Justice in Palestine and an administra- their jurisdiction, not to mention who’s folks in Mixed Nuts see their work as emphasizes—unprecedented at similar tion blissfully unaware of its own invest- on them—and for many, the system is combating Sodexo, a large corporate food shaped schools around the nation. ments until students, once again, took the broken. “I would say there is strong dis- distributor with deep ties to (and profits What happened to Ornia, the super- initiative. content with Council and its standing from) a racialized prison-industrial com- fast, streaming, decentralized network? What do these stories have to do with committees in general among members plex, while Building Awareness Behind “It was shut down: the school found the one another? I am not simply suggest- of the SOURCE community that I have Bars actively challenges this complex and server was encrypted—meaning it was ing that the administration’s openness spoken to,” DeeDee tells me. Similarly, the people it victimizes— and SOURCE coded differently—and didn’t know how to the students is problematic or broken. Mike says, “The whole system is broken. groups are still denied an active role in to process it, so they turned it off.” It What seems to be the case to me, consis- COCA was able to misuse SAF funds be- shaping the administration’s policies seems, too, that Niko was “encrypted” to tently, in a wide cross-array of fields and cause there are no checks and balances.” around issues of racism and how to in- a school that did not know how to regu- types of activities, is that this school un- The answer is not less student gover- stitutionalize anti-racism. Why are these late the energy of an individual who had leashes creative, powerful energies in stu- nance, in my opinion, but rather more. I struggles so isolated and disconnected? exceeded the capacity to be governed. dents that inspire and reflect an ability think the contradiction central to Hamp- And aren’t student governance commit- Recently, Mike Wolf, a signer for the to transform the Hampshire communi- shire—its capacity to unleash these ener- tees, in theory if not in practice, working QCA, went to FiCom with two other sign- ties in positive and profound ways—and gies, and its need to contain and regulate towards student empowerment in the de- ers. When he noted that their margin- that, ultimately, threatens the monopoly them—can only be resolved by unfettered, cision making process of the school? Fun- alization for funding contradicted the of authority and legitimacy of the bureau- complete Direct Democracy on the part damentally, there is little that can be done demands of Action Awareness Week, crats. In other words, Hampshire College of Students, Staff, and Faculty. Let the en- with a disorganized, scattered student upon which the administration had gur- will perpetually produce students more com- ergies flow. body that knows little of what each other glingly signed off, a student on FiCom re- petent than its Administration. So, while Fortunately to all those who would is doing or standing for—we have to come plied, “We don’t have to respond to those within the school these energies which roll their eyes at such a proposition, together learn from and strengthen each demands, as we are a governance body, are encouraged and unleashed, they can such models exist. Take School Within a others’ struggles to affect a real change in not the administration.” While FiCom no longer be contained within the realms School (SWS) in Brookline High School. the power structure of the school. Let’s later issued a letter of clarity, indicating of acceptable action and discourse of the The students, faculty, and staff are- en tear down these walls so the school can the opposite, the fact that an institution existing power structure—they become tirely responsible for the decisions made no longer tear down our graffiti murals. supposedly representative of student in- “encrypted”—and must be re-regulated, re- regarding the curriculum, hiring of new There are so many contradictions to this terests, composed of students, sees itself pressed, or, if these fail, expelled. So, too, faculty, and even the attendance policy. process I am proposing and I know that it as independent of student interests—the are projects that the administration does I spoke to Dan Bresman, the coordinator will not be simple—but until, as students interests of a considerable and vital por- not trust students to be able to affective- of the school. I had to ask: Does it work? and members of the Hampshire Commu- tion of the community—could say such ly manage. Greenhouse mod, where are Do students try to abuse these privileges? nity, we can and do decide all aspects of things indicates the profound distance you? What happened Ben Obriecht’s plan How is attendance decided? the school, down to the $400,000 salary they have from the student body at large. to build a new timber frame toolshed in “Actually, students propose every year of the President, there is little that we But what’s even more striking about the the community garden? to remove attendance minimums, but it is can accomplish that will not be actively entire contemporary struggle is that, as Of course, no one hates on Hampshire immediately shut down by other students,” ignored the day after the administration usual, the members of the Queer commu- students like other Hampshire students. he answers. “Students have a real interest gives us a patronizing smile and a pacify- nity who have to educate the administra- The amount of apathy and disdain for stu- in keeping the quality of education high.” ing handout~tree~. tion on how to build support structure for dents not only doing work in different I note to uniqueness of this school, its december 11, 2009 features the climax 5 Hot dogs, milkshakes and basketball

By JULIAN FELLER-COHEN additional concessions. “I’m just too excit- Wildcats led 49-22 with eight minutes re- Staff Writer ed. They have milkshakes AND hot dogs! I maining, but the fans called on their sugar have lots of projects though, I can’t get too highs to keep cheering as Smart scored a ans sipped milkshakes and excited,” he said. 3-pointer on a fast break. Fmunched on hot dogs, supporting both With three minutes left in the first half, In a game where even the referees no- incarnations of the Black Sheep in a dou- Collete Dubose of the Wildcats took a hard ticed the free food drew an unexpect- bleheader on December 1st in the Robert foul, crashing to the court. Hampshire edly large crowd, Briarwood had the edge, Crown Center. An unusually large crowd starters, center and forward, Captain Ha- wining 57-33. The game’s leading scorer of Hampshire fans watched the teams zel Wood and Allison Smart, both wearing Collette Dubose had 15 points and likely combine for a 1-1 record on the night. As high black socks, reached down in unison would have scored more had she not been many as 50 people at a time, 200 over the to pick up Dubose, receiving approval from in foul trouble. Brison led the Black Sheep course of the evening, filled the portable the crowd, now filling two of the three with 10 points. metal bleachers. bleachers. The Wildcats and the Black Men’s Team Beat Simon’s Rock The first game of the double-dip fea- Sheep traded three consecutive 3-pointers. Black Sheep starters David Donella, tured the lady Black Sheep against the Bri- A Briarwood pass, perhaps looking for the Benny Shea, Sayer Wickham, Devin Kharp- arwood College Wildcats, a team from a fourth, was intercepted by Brison and tak- ertian and Henry Parr combined for 14 private school with 650 students in South- en coast-to-coast for an easy layup, energiz- points, allowing only two on defense in ington, Connecticut. Only 15 silent fans ing the crowd before halftime in spite of a the first five minutes and fifty-two sec- witnessed Hampshire win the tipoff and 10 point Wildcat lead, 29-19. onds. Henry Parr, wearing number 33, led both teams’ failure to score in the first two Briarwood head coach, John Foston, the charge with four buckets. Wickham, minutes, on six missed shots. dressed in a Bronco’s #53, Bill Romanowski, Kharpertian and Shea each added two LaRay Brison, the Black Sheep’s starting jersey, drew the ire of the fans’ fashion sen- points, forcing Simon’s Rock to call a tim- point guard, scored the game’s first points, sibilities. This time it wasn’t because his eout to regroup. blasting out of a double team with a cross- sweater was wrinkled, but because he sim- After the pause, Coach Hill, substitut- over-dribble, charging through the paint ply wasn’t wearing one at all. Black Sheep ed in a new set of five: Justin Moore, Josh and finishing with a right-handed finger coach Troy Hill, donned gray slacks and a Nickell, Anthony Ji, Douglas Schatz and Duncan sullivan/the climax roll. The growing crowd, devouring hot black collared shirt with vertical stripes, Solomon St. John. The offensive effort minute offensive display by Hampshire. dogs, kielbasa and pulled pork, chugging easily the more dapper coach. continued with Moore and Schatz doing Wickham heaved a full court pass to Moore chocolate, strawberry, vanilla and coffee The Black Sheep had many wasted op- much of the scoring. Ten minutes into the for a wide-open layup. Ji and St. John’s milkshakes, let out a cheer in spite of full portunities and stifled possessions in the first half The Black Sheep had seven fouls, work in practice proved effective, complet- mouths and hands. second half, resulting from traveling calls a penalty, sending Simon’s Rock to free- ing two give-and-go’s: Ji passing to St. John The food, organized and prepared by the and errant passes. Ending a six minute throw line after every foul. The fouls were from the 3-point arc and then surging into Outdoors Program/Recreational Athletics and forty-three second, 10-1 Wildcat run, spread evenly among seven players, so Hill the paint to receive the return bounce pass, (OPRA) staff, is an annual tradition to en- Wood sank a 12-foot jump shot with defen- did not have to adjust his lineup. finishing by rolling the ball smoothly off of courage fan support for the Black Sheep’s sive hands scratching for the ball. Points were hard earned for Hampshire. his left hand for the basket. The Simon’s players and coaches. OPRA Instructor When players on opposite teams fight Shea, 5 feet 8 inches, missed a short-range Rock team with only one substitute began Karen Warren helped to scoop ice cream for a loose ball and end up with unclear or jumper, followed his shot, jumped high to show fatigue, slowing down on defense. and serve hot dogs and kielbasa. “We pick equal possession, the referee will whistle above the taller players on the floor and put The Black Sheep took charge of the a game and try to bring some more fans to for a jump ball. Rather than actually hav- his rebound back in for a layup. Leading game for the entire second half, ending see the teams play,” she said. She pointed ing a tipoff, each team is alternately given 36-14 at halftime, Wickham, Parr, Schatz with a 20-6 run in the final seven minutes to the group of around a half dozen servers, the ball to inbound. The second half saw and Moore all had at least six points. and six seconds. Behind 15 points from “this is the OPRA staff right here. We also many scrambles resulting in struggles for Opening the second half, Simon’s Rock’s Moore and 14 points and 12 rebounds from support our colleagues.” the ball on the floor. Although the Black Robert Rourke scored a long 3-pointer fol- Parr, the Black Sheep defeated Simon’s Regular Black Sheep basketball attendee, Sheep got the ball half of the time, the lowed by a layup. Even though the crowd Rock 65-27. ~tree~ Wei Jie Chen, a second year, would have breaks in rhythm prevented the team from had thinned considerably, the remaining been at the game anyway but enjoyed the establishing a solid pace on the court. The fans were entertained by another twenty- The Supreme Dicks return to Hampshire campus

By Josh Schneider one off quips and barbs Rushfield’s memoir where in the auditorium someone chimed, plot is mostly propelled by the various ways Staff Writer is full of. And you can take that for what it’s “You haven’t even read the book! Show some in which Rushfield and his friends manage worth. respect!” which prompted even louder ap- to piss off a hypersensitive administration, hat Hampshire does that seems so The actual response to his reading fell plause than the aforementioned defense of dallying occasionally into the fields of tep- W“radical” at the time, eventually be- somewhere around B and D. Although the Hampshire academics. id collegiate relationships and drug abuse. comes mainstream and a part of the gen- event was relatively well attended, with All this uproar basical- The whole thing is set against a backdrop eral culture some years later. No wonder prestigious non-fiction ly centers on Rushfield’s of late 80’s pre-grunge post-punk. Rushfield, this school has produced so many amazing faculty member supposed negative depic- who managed to be kicked out of 4 of the graduates.” -YouTube user jsoynbnj. Michael Lesy in tion of Hampshire Col- 5 Hampshire student houses before passing Richard Rushfield’s recent memoir Don’t attendance (appar- lege in the late 1980’s. Div I, a California transplant with his first Follow Me I’m Lost, published by Gotham ently having a ball) Rushfield responded at taste of winter and freedom, eventually suc- Books, has admittedly stirred a bit of con- as well as a large his reading, “This is just ceeds in telling a not so unusual college tale, troversy within the Hampshire community support group of old my experience at this at a not so usual college. as well as the greater literary memoir world. friends, many who school some twenty While many people argue that Rushfield’s Rushfield describes the latter as being com- make an appearance in years ago. If this little depiction of Hampshire is negative, I have prised of roughly 150 people. While many the memoir, the expect- memoir is going to to say that he is rather dead-on in his por- students seem to have a strong opinion on ed uproar was minimal. hurt Hampshire’s trayal of a hippie haven where teachers rival the subject, it seems as though the num- There were few outright admittance rate, students in their education-at-your-own- ber of people who have actually read the jeers, although one stu- they’ve got bigger pace approach, and a politically charged at- damn thing is rather small. Approaching a dent, who prompted her problems than me.” mosphere where problematized oppression reading of his book with an accompanying “question” with an admit- While that may looms below the surface of every text and slideshow held at Franklin Patterson Hall tance of having not actual be true, accord- cursory remark. Indeed, according to Rush- on Monday December 7, Rushfield half- read the book, argued that ing to Don’t Fol- field, after forming a satirical fraternity and jokingly published a multiple choice ques- “Hampshire is a really good low Me it seems joking that they would be holding a wet t- tion to the book’s Facebook page. He asked school,” and “I work really that in 1986, shirt contest at a party, the faculty unani- “When I go back to Hampshire…will I be hard, and I so do my friends,” Rushfield was one of mously voted for his expulsion. While this a) stoned to death, b) hissed at, c) given an and asked, “don’t you real- this school’s biggest problems. The mem- may not reflect very well on Hampshire’s honorary expulsion, d) ignored… Please ex- ize that your book, with such a title, will oir focuses on Rushfield’s first two years “do your own thing” philosophy, I would say plain your answer in 75 words or less.” This obviously send a very negative message to at Hampshire, which only account for two that Rushfield’s story reflects more poorly is indicative of the kind of snide, sarcastic incoming students and applicants?” Else- fifths of his academic career, and the basic See Rushfield, page 7 6 the climax ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT volume Xii, issue 6 Sound Thoughts Thoughts on holiday music (a semi-memoir)

break, don’t get stuck listening to the same- seeing my grandmother, Josephine (whose cut should be known for one thing (we’re old-same-old holiday music. name is sung during the tune) sing this one, not known for many), it should be this: 97.5 The first step to avoid the monotony is “hee-haw’s” and all, around the Christmas FM once played “Feliz Navidad” 24 hours to simply not turn on the radio. Buy your- tree, is truly a sight to behold. The idea of straight. The song is just that good. self Bob Dylan’s new Christmas album and a donkey helping Santa deliver presents to Paul McCartney’s “Wonderful Christ- then go watch that bizarre music video he children because reindeer can’t climb the mastime” and John Lennon’s “Happy Xmas made where he dances around with twen- hills of Italy is also quite amusing. Who- (War Is Over)” get honorable mentions. The ty-year-olds in a Santa hat. Or go buy Tex ever wrote that dog barking Jingle Bells bouncing synth line in McCartney’s song Beneke’s Christmas album, Big Band Christ- song should take some advice from Lou is so mouth-wateringly poppy (also check mas, which has my favorite arrangement Monte, who wrote “Dominick.” If you have out the music video – he’s got some great of the holiday tune “Sleigh Bells.” This is to use animal noises in your Christmas holiday dance moves), whereas Lennon’s what Santa listens to while he pilots his song, please, do so sparingly. This one will song is darker, but nonetheless meaning- sleigh all night long. It keeps him motivat- always have a place in my heart. ful; it’s more of a protest song that remains ed and it gets his blood flowing. It’s explo- Another holiday favorite is “Feliz Navi- relevant today. sive, it’s jazzy, it’s got trombones, trumpets, dad” – I guess I just love the ones that aren’t Oh, and my favorite song by far about saxophones, pianos, xylophones, a walk- completely sung in English. You just know playing wizard chess over winter break is ing bassline, and this one part where the that when José Feliciano, who wrote the “Wizard Chess” by Harry and the Potters. I courtesy of stgabbs.net trombone solo travels from the right stereo song in 1970, sings the simple lyrics “Fel- empathize with Harry—sometimes I just José Feliciano. channel to the left. It’s absolutely worth a iz Navidad, próspero año y felicidad” and want to stay at Hogwarts/Hampshire and By Ryan Mihaly listen. then belts out, “I wanna wish you a merry play magical games with my best friend. But Staff Writer There are some holiday radio frequents Christmas from the bottom of my heart!”, I can’t, unless I wanted to pay $100 dollars that aren’t so bad though. Take, for exam- he really means it. Excited trumpets con- per night here. It’s probably not worth it. t’s December. You know what that ple, the totally bizarre “Dominick the Don- tinually crescendo throughout the song, Happy holidays. ~tree~ Imeans: dogs barking “Jingle Bells” on the key.” Ah yes, the Italian Christmas donkey. bringing me such joy. The chorus never radio again. I know, it’s awful. This winter My mother’s entire family is Italian, and gets old and, if my home state of Connecti- 41 shows reviewed in 140 characters or less

By Dan Clarendon (comedic) role of a lifetime. The ing-mad, madly-funny scientist. Layout Editor show also featured Hampshire Freaky good times had by all. band Bubonic Souls last week. Glee This high school satire is so am a student of television. Chuck Put a self-described nerd much fun thanks to a stellar cast, I Writing television scripts is my in a world of government con- its show-stopping covers of pop Division III. So, I have no shame spiracies and sexy secret agents, songs, and the incomparable Jane in the fact that I watch all of the and hilarity ensues. Such a lov- Lynch. shows below religiously. I study able show. The Good Wife What makes this the craft, folks. That’s a lie—I am Community A comedy about a legal drama intriguing is that the ashamed of some of them, but I’m community college study group, protagonist—played by Julianna feeling forthright in my fourth- that’s not quite up to snuff but is Margulies—is the jilted wife of an year-ness. Anyway, I had only as- getting better each week. adulterous politician. sumed that I couldn’t review all Curb Your Enthusiasm Schaden- Gossip Girl Used to be a sala- my shows for The Climax before I freude at a fever pitch. Larry Da- cious indulgence, but they had to graduated. And then it occurred vid is such an incorrigible ass, but match everyone up in an endless courtesy of amctv.com to me: I could review each in 140 you can’t help siding with him in cycle of hook-ups and break-ups. Aaron Paul and Bryan Cranston of Breaking Bad. characters or less. (An arbitrary all of his curmudgeonliness. What a mess. number, I swear.) Damages Vicious legal thriller Greek If Gossip Girl had a sharper, State—plus twenty years. The most legit and diverse dance with Glenn Close and Rose Byrne. wittier, more accessible, yet less Modern Family Funniest new competition. The talent gets more 24 Some seasons fire on all cylin- Season 2’s powerhouse cast in- popular twin sister, her name show of the season. Believe it. absurd each season. YouTube “El- ders, and some make you want to cluded William Hurt, Marcia Gay would be Greek. Nip/Tuck Not as deeply cutting as lenore & Jakob - Contemporary” shoot yourself in the kneecap. But Harden, and Ted Danson. Grey’s Anatomy Melodramatic, it was in its youth, but now it’s su- for proof. I’m still a fan of the Bauer Power Desperate Housewives What do yes, but the relationship drama is perficially fun and bat-shit crazy. Top Chef In a world of hamburg- Hour. I have in common with middle- sophisticated and smartly execut- Can’t complain too much. er reality shows, Top Chef is a fi- 30 Rock Is Tina Fey God? Even if aged, lovelorn women? Uh, not ed. But it’s hard to watch if you’re The Office Just when I think it’s let mignon with escargot, grilled not, this show is in my pantheon. much. But this show is still a single, dammit! lost its mojo, it pulls a “Koi Pond” ramps, chanterelle mushrooms 22 Emmy nominations this year fun look at the seediness of the Heroes Holy Hiro, what the hell episode or “Subtle Sexuality” we- and yuzu—i.e. refined. alone. What the what? suburbs. happened to this show? This bisode to remind us all of its wit. Top Chef Masters The nation’s The Amazing Race A competition Dollhouse Engineered person- once-great serial has suffered Parks and Recreation Started off top chefs compete. Of course it’s show and a geography lesson all alities, ethical perversions, and from bloated storylines and as an Office clone but came back good. in one. Plus, the race looks like intense action made this (can- botched mythology. Shut it down. roaring in its second season. True Blood I reviewed this show such a globetrotting thrill. celled) show radically different. Lost The most revolutionary Now it rivals its predecessor for already this semester! Suffice it to Breaking Bad Brilliance you’ve Well done, Joss Whedon. show on this list, nay, of the de- laughs. say, it’s addictive. likely never seen. Bryan Cranston Entourage Not the sharpest tool cade. Season 5 was a creative re- Private Practice A spectacular Ugly Betty In this refreshing co- (as a reluctant meth dealer) and in the shed, but still a comical in- surgence that was so awesomely cast and interesting storylines, medic drama, Betty maintains Aaron Paul (as his witless lackey) sight into the biz, and a testament challenging to watch. but I still wish Addison would go a beautiful can-do spirit as she are a wondrous team. to lifelong friendship. (“Lloyd!”) Lie to Me An unconventional back to Seattle Grace. Maybe - ev navigates the (hilariously) bitchy Brothers & Sisters Created by FlashForward An ambitious fate- procedural drama that’s proven eryone can go along! world of fashion. playwright Jon Robin Baitz, pow- vs.-free-will drama with a laudable to be surprisingly un-formulaic. Project Runway I’m probably not V This series about tensions be- erful character drama pervades cast. But can its premise sustain it And Tim Roth doesn’t even have the right demographic for this tween humans and alien “Visi- this series about the virtues and for longer than this season? to use an American accent! catty show, but who cares. I just tors” is off to a promising start, frustrations of family life. Flashpoint This Canadian import Mad Men If you’re not in love hope Tim Gunn would approve of but lamely, we only get four epi- Burn Notice Ex-spy Michael Wes- about a hostage negotiation team with this elegant, introspective, my wardrobe. sodes this year. ten is a MacGyver for the new in Toronto is edge-of-your-seat and smoldering drama, you just Smallville Never “super” but Warehouse 13 Undecided about century! And he narrates his cre- tense. Plus Veronica Mars’s dad is haven’t seen enough of it. never terrible, Smallville is reli- this show. I dig the whole “Amer- ative process! Plus Bruce Camp- the lead! Men of a Certain Age Three old able entertainment even after ica’s attic” notion and the leads’ bell plays the sidekick! Fringe Like The X-Files, only with friends have midlife revelations. eight years. One of the only good chemistry, but some of the epi- Californication Man-child Hank a more mind-warping mythol- This show just started, but I like things the CW can offer. sodes have just been, uh, hokey. ~tree~ Moody is David Duchovny’s ogy and the addition of one rav- what I’ve seen. It’s like Garden So You Think You Can Dance? december 11, 2009 Arts &Entertainment the climax 7 Meeting Marco Benevento’s left hand

By Alex Vara Staff Writer

irst things first, I am not a journal- Fist. I’m a serious fan. Last Thursday night the indie jazz pia- nist, Marco Benevento and his trio played at the Iron Horse Music Hall in Northamp- ton. From their rendition of the Knife’s “Heartbeats,” to his heart wrenching “You Are a Lion,” the Benevento Trio kept the small audience well entertained. Wearing suits, dreads, polos, black skinny jeans or itchy old cardigans, audience members’ heads all bobbed, as their toes tapped and hands drummed on well-worn wooden tables. Accompanying Benevento’s amplified acoustic piano and circuit bent toys, were drummer Andy Borger (Ani DiFranco) and bassist Reed Mathis (Jacob Fred Jazz Od- alex vara/the climax yssey and Tea Leaf Green). Mathis jumps Marco Benevento. from touring with Benevento to Tea Leaf Green. I have seen him play in both bands Walking into the Iron Horse two hours Benevento in New York City earlier that troducing myself to Mathis, he said “I saw since he joined Tea Leaf Green in 2007. So before the show’s start time, I felt my throat week, and hinting to a Reed Mathis album you out there. You were feeding us tonight.” of course I contacted Mathis for a possible collapsing. I wasn’t sure if it was from the in the works. Talking about his album of All my embarrassing enthusiastic dancing interview, after writing to Climax editor continuous cold I’ve had since mid-semes- arrangements of classical music compo- and smiling paid off. Henry Parr, desperately begging, “Let me ter or from the realization that I was steps sitions, each song played with a differ- As he talked, me throwing out questions do this article! Give me a reason to talk away from meeting and “officially” talking ent group of musicians, Mathis explained, to keep the long silences from taking over, to him!” Thankfully, both Parr and Mathis with the bassist of my favorite band of all “They are 200 year old songs and we play all I wanted to do was tell him, “You’re the kindly agreed. time. As I turned the corner, past the tick- them like how we play other things.” reason I think its okay to being a goober fan. I jumped at the chance to meet Reed et booth, I found a man with long red hair Known for his versatility on the bass, he You told me so.” Wanting, needing to be re- Mathis, because when it comes to Tea Leaf sitting at a small table and staring intently admitted, “I’ll play with anyone…. If I like assured again, I asked “Don’t you ever get Green (TLG) —the San Francisco based jam at an open laptop. Taking a deep breath, I them, I’ll play with them.” those feelings?” band — I am as close to a groupie as one said out loud to no one in particular, “I He talked about the job of being on the “What feelings?” answered Mathis. I had can be without having actually had physi- think that’s him.” road, “I’m only going to see my wife two lost my composure. cal contact with the band. I made my way to his table. “You Alex?” days this month. But that’s the work part.” “When you’re connecting with the In high school I was in love with TLG. Mathis asked before shaking my hand, he and also about his role in the different audience?” I would regularly arrive early for shows had a smile on his face. I couldn’t help but groups he plays with, from Jacob Fred Jazz Mathis shot back, “Not really.” I was to secured “my spot” in the front, and I think he knows my name! Odyssey to TLG to Benevento. heartbroken. “No, I use to think about that would fill my car with live TLG recordings. Sitting across from the 33-year-old Tulsa, While Benevento was having a sound stuff a lot. Why people go to shows. I think I dragged my father to a number of +21 Oklahoma native I immediately thought, check in the background, Mathis said, “al- it’s that people are looking for a good time shows from San Francisco to Berkley—one “whoa, he looks a lot older up close.” I got set- most more than Tea Leaf Green, Marco is a and expect the band to facilitate that good including a weekend spent in a Reno Ca- tled in my seat and pulled out my page of songwriter,” and that before Mathis joined time.” sino. Once I stood on top of a flower plant- notes—facts and quotes from pervious Ma- Benevento, “Marco’s left hand was the Trying to hide the disbelief from my er for hours, with my ear pressed to a glass this interviews—and questions that I had bass,” said Mathis. “I don’t do a lot for his face, I said in a cheery, a bit too cheery, window, so that I could hear them play a hoped would keep me focused on the task band. But I’m his left hand so he can have voice, “You’re the fun makers.” show I couldn’t get into. When looking at at hand. three hands.” “The fun havers,” he responded. colleges, I planned my East Coast college Feeling a bit self-conscious, I asked, The thing about loving a band, or loving During the show I watched as one face visits around their East Coast tour dates. I “Where do you want to begin? What are anything, is that you honestly think that it in a sea of faces. Benevento smiled at Ma- am the first to admit I’m a bit crazy. You’ll you doing right now?” will love you back. I started losing my hope this, Mathis smiled at Benevento. “Playing be happy to hear that my obsession has A seasoned interviewee, Mathis in music loving me back—not physically— is fun,” said Reed. It’s true, and its fun to subsided. But old habits die hard, and old launched into his various projects - finish- until two summers ago, when I went back watch. ~tree~ loves die harder. ing up a record with TLG, recording with stage after a show Mathias had played. In- Richard Rushfield’s memoir reviewed

Continued from page 5 but style and aplomp. Character- himself and the Supreme Dicks successful grunge band opening on himself and his own degener- ized by a disheveled accumula- eventually accumulate into a for notable acts such as Neutral ate behavior then the school for tion of scarves and sweaters, and a scene of occasional cocaine Milk Hotel, and whose box set is allowing it to happen. Rushfield’s vague philosophy of Reichian in- binges, cute girls who can’t seem set to be released by a hell of a re- memoir paints the portrait of a spired celibacy and vegetarianism, to make up their mind, and im- spectable indie label Jagjaguar. young nihilist who falls in with a Rushfield’s memoir resounds with promptu noise shows to every- Ultimately I found Rushfield’s crowd of the most loathed slacker- that special nostalgia for inside one’s disdain, Rushfield does story to be rather amusing, and scholars of the time, The Supreme jokes and personal group politics. manage to conceal the eventual of historical note as he touches Dicks. Barely attending any class While these echoes may ring as successes of him and his fellow on some famed legends as the at all, Rushfield and his friends sit loud as the Hampshire bell (which Dicks. For instance, in his final terribly unfortunate Intran tele- around a Greenwich mod most of the Dicks actually stole in one of three years at Hampshire Rush- vised suicide. My biggest beef is the time ignoring their own squa- the greatest Hampshire pranks of field did begin going to classes, with Rushfield’s actual prose, be- lor and posturing indifference at all time) the narrative occasion- eventually graduating with a smirched by metaphor and dia- the risk of sounding enthusias- ally falls flat for those far removed concentration in Art History and logue with a tendency to fall just tic about anything and thus “un- from Rushfield’s lifestyle. I found finding not just a book deal but short of edgy and fresh, unusual cool.” Writing about a culture the book an interesting and easy consistent work as a journalist of a writer known for his wit. Per- that would later be described as read, but I wonder if it is only my of all things! The Supreme Dicks, haps his ability to objectify what grunge, Rushfield does manage own experience at Hampshire who are painted as a roving gang is so sentimental has impeded his to grasp the blistering lethargy of that fuels my interest, is this niche of thirty or so assholes who set up story-telling some, but the gener- a group of kids fresh out of high non-fiction, or is there a greater amps and guitars only to disrupt al gist is entertaining enough and school in the late 80’s, seeking to audience? pointlessly repetitive Prescott highly consumable, even at 350 define themselves with anything While Rushfield’s stories of parties, were actually a relatively pages. ~tree~ courtesy of mediabistro.com 8 the climax february graduates volume Xii, issue 6 The culmination of forty-three Hampshire educations

By Liz Looker Colmenares is graduating from Hampshire “flushing out the screenplay” he wrote the between Division III semesters and have Staff Writer College as a neuroscience student. His Divi- previous summer. The following semester more time to work on her project. Through sion III work, titled “Memory in Schizotypy,” he returned to Hampshire for his last two working that summer, she learned how to here are forty-three February is a cognitive science study that explores semesters, shooting the film from April to present AIBO (a robotic dog from Sony) to Tgraduate this year at Hampshire Col- “memory in schizophrenia through a pre- September. youth, which further formed her project lege. Students’ interests and journeys to ventative model.” Finding interest in the Taliesin Nyala’s Division III project, work. Gounard organized the Division III graduation vary greatly, but they all have idea that individuals who are genetically called “The Soul Returns to Land it Knows,” presentation day and reception in Franklin the common experience of leaving Hamp- predisposed to schizophrenia “show some is a three-part collection of writings that ex- Paterson Hall on December 5 with assis- shire just as snow begins to blanket the form of less-than-normal semantic mem- plores the affects of abuse and trauma on tance from Campus Leadership and Activi- Valley. Ten students’ Division III work is ory retrieval,” Colmenares carried out an children. Dividing her work into an ana- ties (CLA) and Student Life. She explains highlighted in no particular order. Event-Related Potential (ERP) study using lytic paper on neurobiological and physi- the need for “something more institution- Exploring pigmentation and behavior in participants from Hampshire. Working ological affects of trauma, creative fiction, alized” at Hampshire to help create a space vertebrate animals, Sean Nunley designed with professors Jane Couperus and Melissa and religious narratives, Nyala’s “fascina- for January graduates to present their work. and carried out a year-long research project Burch, he performed the pilot study in the tion with stories” allowed her to explore the After graduation, Gounard plans to stay in that focused on a method to “domesticate spring of 2009, which was followed by his experiences of children through a variety the Valley, work, and to then attend gradu- [a] wild animal using naturalistic means.” research this semester. While at Hampshire, of media. Nyala transferred to Hampshire ate school later next year. About continu- Nunley began planning for his Divison III Colmenares was also an active member and College in the beginning of her Division II ing her Division III work, she says “I like research in October of his junior year, but captain of the Hampshire College Men’s work, after a previously nomadic education building robots, so I’ll probably keep build- quickly realized that he would need an ex- Soccer Team, citing the significance of his of attending multiple schools and traveling. ing [them] on my own time”. tra semester to coordinate the use of a labo- “last game as a Hampshire soccer player” in Her interest in child-centered advocacy, de- Kate Abbey-Lambertz has written a ratory and animal population, as there are Fall 2009. Upon graduation, Colmenares velopmental psychology, and resilience in book titled “Selections from the Journals of no exsisting facilities at Hampshire College. plans to work for two years in a research children then brought her to this Division Wilma Belass, Edited & Annotated by An- Beginning his research in January 2009 ar a capacity and then go on to graduate school III project. Nyala plans to stay in the area drew Fowler, on the subject of her research laboratory at University of Massachusetts where he will study either Neuroscience or and work after graduating, and then attend on & travels to the Marquette Iron Range at Amherst, and with a grant from Culture, Physical Anthropology. Divinity School where she will study Com- of Michigan” for her Division III project. Brain, and Development (CBD) to support Jonathan Kirschenbaum has created a parative Literature and religious narratives Originally studying the history of the Iron animal care costs, Nunley began breed- research paper in three chapters analyzing of trauma and abuse through storytelling. Industry in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, ing voles (field mice). With this change in “how urban size, policy, and design intersect Her desire for the future is to be a “peaceful Abbey-Lambertz was “frustrated by the lack timeline, Nunley was able to work through to produce exclusionary spaces” in White person,” perhaps working in peace and con- of scholarship” on the topic. With a photog- the spring semester, summer, and into Fall Plains, New York. Focusing on Urban Stud- flict work, and to continue writing. raphy background from Hampshire College 2009. In a paper that further investigates ies at Hampshire College, as well as in the Lydia Broussard has studied cyborgs in and while on leave for a semester during his research ideas on the theme of color- Five College system, Kirschenbaum has “al- her Division III work, “A Story of Fourth Division II, Abbey-Lambertz photographed ation, he focused on the “potential for a ways been interested in architecture,” but Space,” which discovers “how we think of Marquette, Michigan with a large-format single genetic change to affect behavior particularly appreciates how “interdisciplin- the body and how we think of technology.” camera while she was interning at the Iron and pigmentation simultaneously”. After ary” the field can be. At the beginning of his Exploring technology in a “prosthetic sense,” Industry Museum during the 2009 summer. graduating, Nunley plans to stay in the area research, he recognized the importance of Broussard’s work focuses on communica- Her explorations of history (including visu- for about six months, in order to continue the knowing past events of a location and tion between multiple parties, which ranges al artifacts and text) and new photography his research, prepare his paper for publica- began asking why White Plains had “gone from a voice over a cell phone to a credit have resulted in a book that she created in tion, and to collaborate with other Hamp- through so many transformations” in its card trail, in addition to how the body is InDesign and had published through Coun- shire students. Nunley also looks forward fairly young history. Now at the end of the interpreted through these technologies. try Press in Lakeville, MA. Her Division III to spending time in China to maintain lan- process, he has explored how a small city Broussard is graduating this semester be- presentation and book release will be on guage fluency, and is applying to become a that depends on a service economy (i.e. re- cause of her decision in Fall 2006 to take December 12 at 6pm in the Jerome Liebling Rhodes Scholar in Fall 2011. tail) can exclude populations through urban a break from attending Hampshire College Center at Hampshire College, with February John Chao exhibited his work this renewal projects. His Division III project is to live and work in Washington D.C. She graduate Dan Klein and Kendell Richmond. month at Hampshire College, visually in the titled “Not So Public Spaces: A Case Study explains that the semester allowed her to Anika Martin explores theater and psy- Gallery and musically in the Recital Hall. of White Plains, New York.” Kirschenbaum find perspective and that she “wouldn’t chotherapy through her Division III work, Exploring how to “install a poem” through plans to enroll in a masters program in City have been able to survive Hampshire with- “Drama Therapy for Child Survivors of music, writing, video, and drawing, he has Planning and continue to follow his interest out [the] time off.” Also finding expression Trauma and Children on the Autism Spec- focused on “lyrical progression” to guide of how cities shape societies. in dance and choreography, Broussard ac- trum.” A number of experiences outside him through a “large-scale web” illustrating Loosely based on the 1983 John Carpen- knowledges her “MTV-trained dance back- of Hampshire College have contributed to a college experience. His work in the Gal- ter film ‘Christine’, Chris Byler has produced ground” that combines improvisation and Martin’s work, including an internship in lery, shown in combination with February a feature-length video titled ‘Saab Story’ for concepts of identity. Presenting “Femmeop- India during Spring 2008 when she worked graduate Hayden King and Ben Obriecht, his Division III project. He describes the ticon” in the 2008 Winter Dance Concert at with survivors of human trafficking and sex is titled “The Lonely Pnuffer Fish: Win- film, which is based on ‘Christine’ (about a Hampshire, Broussard explored the “peck- work, interning at the New England Cen- dows to the fall.” During Division II, Chao possessed Plymouth Fury, and its owner), ing order” of middle school girls and the ter for Drama Therapy under the guidance focused on his long-time interests in mu- as an “experimental melodrama” that ex- concept that “people always feel watched.” of co-director Becca Greene-Van Horn, and sic and writing and enrolled in an art class plores the concept of “inheritance as a me- After Hampshire, Broussard plans to move teaching drama at Wediko Children’s Ser- with professor Nat Cohen. While on leave morial.” Setting Carpenter’s story in a “less back to D.C. and to then attend graduate vices Summer Program. She explains that for the Fall 2008 semester, he drew the inte- horrific and more domestic” atmosphere, school in order to continue Media Studies, she was “amazed at how writing and telling rior of his Amherst apartment and thus the the driver of the car in Byler’s film also possibly outside of the United States. stories through the distance of a character process for the visual portion of his Divi- “doesn’t see the stigma” associated with the For Maya Gounard’s Division III work, provided an outlet” for individuals. For her sion III work began. Now, his creative work vehicle. While study at Goldsmiths College she has “designed, constructed, pro- project, Martin supplements research with has culminated in multiple forms of art that in London during the Spring 2008 semes- grammed, and tested three simple robots” fictional narratives and a fictional drama represent the imagery in his song writing. ter, Byler was influenced by his coursework to be used for therapy in multiple settings. therapy session to “illuminate” the science, Chao plans to remain near Hampshire until in post-war French philosophy and screen The fuzzy creatures provide “comfort by re- and sample activities for drama therapists May, at which point he will join friends and cultures. During that time, he also saw Mi- sponding to human interaction” in a way in the appendix. After graduation, Martin fellow graduates in Brooklyn, New York to chael Haneke’s retrospective, which was a that could supplement or replace animal will be getting married in March, moving to pursue music. significant influence to his work. Taking a therapy. Spending an extra semester in Di- Arizona to work, then after a year she plans Originally studying archeology and an- semester off from Hampshire College and vision II, Gounard was able to participate in to enroll in a program in Social Work and thropology within Natural Science, Jesus living in Berlin during Fall 2008, he began an undergraduate research over the summer become a registered drama therapist. ~tree~

The following students intend on graduating in February. The Climax staff wishes them the best of luck with their future- en deavors. Katherine Abbey-Lambertz, Dana Albertson, Morgan Bommer-Guinn, Lydia Broussard, Christopher Byler, Sara Carl- isle, Dorothy Cashore, John Chao, Jesus Colmenares, Prima Cristofalo, Jose Fuentes, Allison Ginsberg, Maya Gounard, Crystal Hodges, Hayden King, Jonathan Kirschenbaum, Daniel Klein, Donald Lagana, Hannah Lapuh, Tenzin Manell, Anika Martin, Kenji Matsumoto, Shaniek McLeish, Freddy Mora, Wesley Newfarmer, Michael Nord, Sean Nunley, Taliesin Nyala, Benjamin Obriecht, Patience Okpotor, Sadie Parrinello, Richard Pinnone, Keith Putnam, Kendell Richmond, Laura Sawyer, Julia Schroth, Maxwell Schwartz, Anneliese Sharpe, Bradford Smith, Sarah Tundermann, Michael Turner, Bonnie Watt, Sonam Yangzom