Noise ordinances in Virginia’s college towns - page 8 Brafferton poised for renovation - page 2 Volume 5 An independent The Virginia publication at the College Issue 5 of William and Mary. October 21, 2009 2008 Collegiate Network Established 2005 Informer Paper of the Year www.VAInformer.com City Council to discuss possible noise ordinance changes

Sarah Nadler Managing Editor

The City Council will convene at the Stryker build- ing on Thursday, November 12 at 2 p.m. to discuss changes to the noise ordinance. This meeting, like all regular City Council meetings, will be open to the public. Mayor Jeanne Zeidler is particularly interested in the enforcement aspects of the ordinance. She is “interested in seeing a revision to the ordinance that would identify the hours of 11 pm to 7 am as the hours of enforcement in the section dealing with large parties.” The Mayor feels that would make the ordinance more consistent and, in her opinion, “elim- inate the unintended consequence of parties generat- ing a reasonable level of noise being shut down be- fore 11 p.m. if there was a complaint.” Alec McKinley In a recent interview, Mayor Zeidler mentioned, Power hour: Police respond to a power outtage that occured when a lamp near Barret ruptured. Most outtages around “Anyone who wishes to speak is welcome.” The campus have been planned, however. Mayor would like to see the community participate in the upcoming discussions. She recommends that suggestions or comments be made prior to the No- Power problems around campus vember 12 meeting at the city council work session on Monday, November 9 at 4 p.m. According to Ms. Zeidler, “there will be time set aside on the agenda lead to planned outages of that meeting to hear comments on the items for Thursday’s agenda.” Justin Duke million since last year – almost twenty percent. These The Mayor did not mention plans to change the Staff Writer expenses, coupled with recent power outages across decibel limits, fines or the severity of the violation, campus, have left some students wondering whether now punishable as a misdemeanor. She feels the Some students desperate for light to be shed on the or not the College is encountering power issues. change in enforcement as quoted above, “is a change recent power outages across campus may be surprised “Heading down [the path between Yates Hall and that is a reasonable accommodation for all citizens of to learn that they weren’t as random as they appeared. the Crim Dell] at night really scares me, even with Williamsburg.” The 2009-2010 academic year has seen energetic ex- lights on,” remarked Madeleine Aggeler (‘13). “With Editor’s Note:: The Informer encourages students pansion at William and Mary. Rising energy costs and to attend the meetings in order to make clear what the opening of the new business school have caused CAMPUS EXPERIENCES POWER OUTAGES changes are to make Williamsburg a more student the College’s operating expenses to increase by $1.4 continued on page ten friendly college town.

Faculty, staff donate 16 times more to Democrats in 2009

Eric Ames tions. She contributed $82,400 for Congressman Mike McCor- Assistant Opinion Editor to Creigh Deeds for Governor, mack, was a co-founder of Quan- $22,500 to Jody Wagner for Lieu- tec Incorporated and plays a key Party Contributions Faculty and staff of the Col- tenant Governor, and $57,400 role on numerous Board of Visi- lege and its affiliated schools to thirteen different House of tors committees. have contributed over $302,708 Delegates campaigns, $37,400 of The largest faculty contributor to various political candidates which went to Greg Werkheiser. is law professor Jeffrey Breit who in the 2009 election cycle. Thus She also donated $5,000 to Brian donated $5,500 to Democrats, far, $281,248 has been given to Moran’s primary campaign when and $1,270 to the Virginia Trial Democrats, $17,490 to Republi- he sought the Democratic Party’s Lawyers Association. He gave cans, and $3,970 to non-partisan nomination for Governor. In $2,500 to Creigh Deeds, $2,000 to organizations and independent addition, she gave $20,000 to A Jody Wagner, and $1,000 to Brian candidates. Of the thirty-three Strong Majority PAC, $10,000 to Moran. Mr. Breit considered a individuals associated with the Moving Virginia Forward, $4,500 run for the 8th Senate District seat college who made large political to Sharon Bulova for Fairfax in a potential special election to contributions, twenty-two gave County Board Chair, $10,000 to replace Senator Ken Stolle, who only to Democrats, six gave only the Democratic Party of Virgin- recently announced his candidacy to Republicans, and five gave to ia and $2,500 to various primary for Sheriff of Virginia Beach. candidates of both parties. related grassroots organizations. The highest contributor to Re- The single largest contribu- Her contributions amount to publicans was Vice Rector John tor was Board of Visitors mem- roughly 72 percent of all dona- ber Suzann Matthews (’71), who tions given by faculty and staff of FACULTY DONATES MORE gave $216,800 to Democrats and the College. Matthews, in addi- TO DEMOCRATS $2,500 to non-partisan organiza- tion to having previously worked continued on page ten Shep Walker CONTENTS Want to get every issue of The Informer in the mail? News...... 2 Special Rojas-Ruzic E-mail [email protected] with your name and address, and we will send you an order form and your first Features...... 5 mid-semester report issue FREE! Arts & Culture...... 11 Page 15 Opinion...... 14 Page 2 The Virginia October 21, 2009 News Informer Five million in funds proposed for Brafferton, adjacent kitchen renovation plan Garret Girmus clude work to enhance “security, fire Contributor suppression, roof repairs, drainage improvements, HVAC, electrical, and The Brafferton, built in 1732 as an plumbing.” The renovation may also Indian school and currently used for include some modification to the floor administrative offices, might soon be plan of the Brafferton, and the addi- the subject of a substantial renova- tion of a ramp to the kitchen, which tion. On April 17, 2009, the College will help the College obtain a waiver Board of Visitors approved the Col- for ADA modifications. In proceed- lege’s 2010-2016 Capital Outlay Plan, ing with the renovation, it is hoped which included a proposed 5.1 million that the renovation will “…enhance dollars to renovate the Brafferton and the safety, comfort, and convenience nearby kitchen. of the occupants without damaging Anna Martin, Vice-President of Ad- the appearance or early fabric of the ministration for the College, justified building.” the current renovation proposal by Currently, a feasibility study is be- stating that “The Brafferton has not ing conducted to better determine been renovated since the early 1930’s the condition of the Brafferton when the Rockefeller restoration of building and adjacent kitchen, and Colonial Williamsburg began.” In ad- the potential costs of restoration. dition, according to a document from Although private funds are likely to Louise Kale, Executive Director of the be used in the restoration of the two Historic Campus, the buildings also buildings, as was done with the Wren suffer from moisture-related problems Building and the President’s House, that could potentially damage the in- public funding sources have not Source: wm.edu tegrity of the soft historic brick-work been ruled out. In any case, given Built to last: Many of the Brafferton’s bricks date from the 1700’s. The building was and exterior, which could be corrected the current economic conditions, it not heavily damaged by fire as the Wren building and President’s House were, and is now with renovation work. may be difficult to find funding for scheduled for significant renovation. According to the Capital Outlay the proposed project. Plan, the proposed renovation will in-

McGlothlin courtroom renovated is favored to win. The alumni website has over 50 events scheduled for all sorts of reunions, organizations, and as- Briefly... The McGlothlin Courtroom has been renovated by sociations, many including both current and former stu- Compiled by Michael Young, Assistant Features Editor a joint project that involved the college as well as the dents. There will be a Friday Night Fest, a children’s car- Center for Legal and Court Technology and the Na- nival, a family picnic, as well as the homecoming tailgate. tional Center for State Courts. Chancellor Professor Students and alumni alike have a lot to look forward to. Reveley encourages financial of Law and the director of the Center for Legal and Court Technology, Frederic Lederer described the new College receives prestigious Green independence from state courtroom as a “world pilot for court technology” At a cost of about $1.8 million, which was mostly provided Light recognition College President Taylor Reveley made a campus- by private companies, the courtroom showcases what wide announcement about the state of the university, the future will look like. These companies are showcas- The Foundation for Individual Rights in Education but the most pertinent issue that many students focused ing their products for possible future use in courtrooms (FIRE) has “green lighted” the College after several on was the financial portion. President Reveley was around the globe, but also get feedback from those using years of rating William and Mary a “red light” univer- quite frank, stating: “The financial model that served it about how it can be improved. The new technology sity. This change occurred after the College agreed to the College reasonably well since 1906, when William includes a system for the jury box that makes jury duty drop regulations on e-mail as well as what FIRE saw & Mary became a public school, no longer works ex- easier for both the hearing and visually impaired as well as vague examples of harassment. There are only 11 cept in the area of capital projects. Nor is there any as a system for videoconferencing during a trial. green light universities nationwide out of over 400 realistic prospect that it will work again in the future.” surveyed, which signifies a huge step for William and President Reveley also highlighted the precipitous de- William and Mary prepares for Mary in the direction of first amendment rights. For- cline of state support from a generation ago to today, Homecoming mer SA secretary of Student Rights Braum Katz (‘10) state support has fallen from 43% of the budget to just was a primary force behind these changes, which have 14%. President Reveley said “To realize our potential Homecoming is this week, and the events start as early gone into effect. Mr. Katz said “We can now honestly in this century, we need to build a financial model that as Wednesday, with department reunions, alumni events, say that William and Mary is amongst the most free- lets us do more with more,” which sets high hopes for and reunion years for years ending in 4 or 9 this expects speech friendly universities in the nation.” the future of the College, which we all hope to reach. to be another great year. The football team is taking on 21st ranked James Madison (2-4) at 5pm on Saturday, and

Photography/Graphics Staff The Virginia Editorial Board Alec McKinley, Photography Editor Steven Nelson, Editor in Chief Nicole Leger • Brianna May • Shep Walker Informer Sarah Nadler, Managing Editor Established 2005 Bert Mueller, Executive Editor Will Clements, Copy Staff Editor in Chief, Online Edition Meredith Wachs, Copy Chief Founders Kirk Vernegaard, Joe Luppino-Esposito & Amanda J. Yasenchak News Editor Seema Mahanian • Steve Roney Brittany Lane, Features Editor Thomas Dickens • Stefanie Muldrow Jordan Bloom, Arts & Culture Editor Alexander Powell, October 21, 2009 Opinion Editor Layout Staff Sam McVane, Layout Editor Volume 5 Issue 5 Assistant Editors Ariel Ittah, Assistant Layout Editor Eric Ames Kris Vogel • Lisa Fabis • Josh Karp • Shep Walker The Virginia Informer Hart Moore • Michael Young CSU 7056, P.O. Box 8793 Editors at Large Andrew Blasi • Julia Riesenberg • Michael Watson • Mason Watson Business Staff Williamsburg, VA 23186 Mathias Jamora, Business Editor [email protected] Brandon Bleakley, Assistant Business Editor www.VAInformer.com Mission Statement The Virginia Informer is an independent, non-partisan, student run publica- Outreach Staff tion devoted to reporting the news to the William and Mary community. Morgan Linski, Director The Virginia Informer is produced by students at the College of William and Mary. The We exist to provide an alternative to school sponsored news sources. We opinions expressed in articles, photos, cartoons, or ads are those of the writer(s) or sponsor(s). do not, and never will, receive any financial support from the College of Staff Writers This paper is produced for the benefit of students at the College and is available at no cost William and Mary. We will not shy away from controversy or be afraid Bryan Alphin • Myles Busching • Jeff Dailey • Justin Duke • Jack Evans for members of the greater Williamsburg community. However, copies should be taken to challenge the norm. We strive to inform and engage our readers via Jacob Evans • Kathryn Failon • Alex Guiliano • Braum Katz only if they are meant to be read and enjoyed. Letters to the editor are welcome and can be Ian Kirkpatrick • Boris Kiselov • Travis Jones • Megan Locke submitted via e-mail or mail. responsible journalism and in-depth reporting, while fostering and giving voice to opinions that are often shut out by the campus establishment. Phillip Mariscal • Chelsea Sisson • Jennifer Souers • Laura Visochek Daisy Weill The Virginia Page 3 Informer news October 21, 2009 Prominent education scholar opposes push for national standards

Marissa Reed quirements, and minimum requirements Contributor for graduation as a way to equalize schools across the system. Mr. Witte said that in Education policy scholar John Witte recent years, school performance on tests addressed the outlook for education re- has been linked to state-given aid as an in- form in the Brinkley Commons Room in centive for higher passing rates. Miller Hall on October 8. The Professor For a large portion of the lecture, Mr. of Public Affairs and Political Science at Witte spoke about the historic movement the La Follette School of Public Affairs, of federal involvement in education pri- University of Wisconsin-Madison, visited marily through the No Child Left Behind the newly opened Mason School of Busi- Act of 2001. He referred to it as a move- ness to express his views in a lecture titled ment of increased “standards, assessment, “From School Choice to No Child Left and accountability” across the board. Behind: 25 years of Education Reform in One of the sticking points of NCLB America.” is the requirement for school districts to Sponsored by the Government Depart- show adequate yearly progress, which has ment, the Thomas Jefferson Program in been defined in different terms by differ- Public Policy, and the W&M School of ent states. National proficiency tests such Education, Mr. Witte spoke about Amer- as the National Assessment of Education- ica’s education system in 1984 and how it al Progress can be compared with state has changed since he first got involved in proficiencies to get a better sense of the the field. results of differing education decisions. Mr. Witte said that when he first got in- Another aim was to have 100% profi- volved in studying education in America, ciency in math, language arts and science Nicole Leger desegregation was a major issue because by 2014, a date which Mr. Witte said will Policy professional: John Witte shared with students and faculty his experiences with of the black-white achievement gap, which likely be moved back whenever the act is educational reform. Witte adamantly opposed any national educational standards. has since been tightened up. School choice reauthorized. did not exist, with only 12 percent of stu- A positive result of the act is that it has the act and said he would adamantly op- years, whereas in the past any results dents attending private schools and the led to more school choice, or freedom pose a push for national standards. showing a deficiency in one nation’s rest in the public school system. The ma- for parents to choose inexpensive educa- Mr. Witte fielded questions from stu- education could be suspect and so con- jority of these schools were Catholic. tion options for their children. However, dents and faculty members who attended sequently, having mean American scores Minnesota paved the way for 40 other Mr. Witte said that despite the results of the lecture and elaborated on specifics he lower than other nations’ means was not states when the first charter school was vouchers and magnet and charter school had skimmed over. significant to American educators. opened in 1991. Mr. Witte has studied money being shown as neutral or posi- One of his major concerns that came In the past the top students in America the outcomes of charter schools for sev- tive, he suspected that parents merely por- up in an answer about the international always outperformed students from oth- eral years through the U.S. Department of trayed themselves as affirmative. While the education system was the decline of U.S. er nations, regardless of where the mean Education. results suggest that the schools are better, test scores. Both the Trends in Interna- scores fell. Today, mean scores remain Another problem the system faced in it may be the idea of more opportunities tional Mathematics and Science Study below average and both top scorers and 1984 was a lack of standardization. Over rather than the actualization of them that (TIMSS) and the Program for Interna- college graduation rates are falling behind the past 25 years, states have accepted parents reported. tional Student Assessment (PISA) have international students, who still come to standardized tests, teacher licensing re- In all, Mr. Witte was not positive about become more reliable over the past 25 the U.S. for superior graduate programs. A royal visit from a Richmond program provides Hashemite prince unique opportunity to students Curt Mills for the College on several occasions. Mr. Jacob Evans lective memory of individuals, Contributor Norment is very involved in the Williams- Staff Writer and not a societal distinction, that burg community; he is a graduate of the allows us to forget the commonal- For students interested in getting in- law school, attended local James Blair High On Thursday October 12, ity of all people. volved in government directly, the William School, and is a member of the Williams- Prince El Hassan bin Talal of His speech quickly turned to and Mary Richmond Interns Program of- burg Area Chamber of Commerce. Jordan spoke at the Sadler Center more recent events and issues, fers an excellent opportunity to do just Brian Focarino (’11) is the student li- with a message about peace and with a particular focus on West that. For the second year, the Government aison and contact for the program. In international politics. He shared Asian migration and develop- department has maintained this program, addition to participating in the program insights from his life and career. ment. The true challenges for which each year matches twelve students last year, he has also had Mr. Norment Prince El Hassan, whose late many in West Asia are exacerbat- with legislators, administrators, and various as a professor on two separate occasions, brother was King Hus- ed by an out flux of edu- other groups in Virginia state government. interned for him, and worked with him sein, is a member of cated persons to the de- The program puts students on the front over summers through the Virginia Sen- the Hashemite dynasty veloped world, making it lines of action in the spring session of the ate Republican Caucus. For him, the which claims direct de- increasingly unlikely that General Assembly, from January to March most beneficial part of the program was scent from the Prophet “humanizing globaliza- each year. Students receive 3 credits for the pragmatic lessons learned about how Muhammad’s daughter tion” will be achieved Government 390 and travel to Richmond government actually works, rather than Fatimah. in nations like Jordan. twice a week to meet with figures such as the theory taught in class. Mr. Focarino Accompanied by Pro- Especially troublesome Governor Kaine, Lieutenant Governor says that through this special program, fessor Sonn of the De- is the projected 55 mil- Bolling, and Attorney General McDonnell, students have the opportunity to be much partment of Religious HASSAN lion Arabs who will be as well as various prominent senators, del- more involved in the daily process of Studies, Prince El Hassan gave unemployed in 2015. His Royal egates, and even lobbyists. At these meet- things than in the often stale atmosphere brief remarks before answering Highness humanized the Jorda- ings, students discuss relevant issues and of most internships. Since it’s an aca- questions from the packed stu- nian royal family during his visit hot topics of the session with the officials. demic course, participants don’t do much dent audience. His Royal High- to the College, even if his goals Students have an opportunity to interact on coffee fetching and paper faxing. “By ness focused on the common for West Asia are ambitious. a fairly regular basis with President Reveley, working with a state legislator, you have values and heritage that we all Former President George W. who is also involved in the program. the opportunity to be leaned on heavily share as part of one global soci- Bush asked current Jordanian The program holds particular signifi- and given significant tasks - you truly be- ety. Drawing from the diversity King Abdullah, Prince El Has- cance for some members of the Student come an integral part of whatever office of his own experience, Prince El san’s nephew, to increase democ- Assembly, as it was fostered by a bill writ- you’re working for,” he said. Hassan talked about a copy of the racy and press freedom in the ten by then-Senator Sarah Rojas. Ms. Rojas Entering the program is through an ap- Catechism he received from then Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, credited the program as one of her major plication process. Mr. Focarino says the Cardinal Ratzinger (the current a request that is yet to be met. accomplishments during her campaign for program seeks students who are dedi- Pope Benedict XVI), observing Prince El Hassan described Jor- SA President last year. cated to and interested in the democratic that “we all share ethics, values, dan to students as a nation that The program is led by Senate Minority process, especially as it pertains to ques- and morals.” Quoting from the tries to maintain middle ground Leader Tommy Norment (R, 3rd district). tions of federalism and policy-making at sacred teachings of several faiths, and avoid major conflicts. This Mr. Norment is from James City County the state level. To the General Assembly, Prince El Hassan noted that “the may be correct, but the monar- and has had a long state senate career. In the twelve students selected are represen- universality of the Golden Rule is chy’s middle path on human rights addition to heading this program, Mr. Nor- tative of the College of William & Mary. obvious.” The remarks conveyed may prove unsustainable. ment is considered a strong advocate for The deadline for applications was Octo- the impression that it was the se- education in general, securing investments ber 16. Page 4 The Virginia October 21, 2009 news Informer Norment scrutinized for “conflict of interest”

Hart Moore McDonnell advised Mr. Assistant News Editor Norment to refrain from voting on legislation that News has begun to crop up in re- directly affected Mr. Nor- gard to the employment of Virginia ment’s employment. Mr. State Senator Tommy Norment (J.D Norment had earlier been ’73) at the College of William and reluctant to release the Mary. eight page document on Since July of 2008, Mr. Norment grounds that the opinion’s has earned $160,000 a year serving as complicated legal nature both a government and law profes- might have given a mis- sor, and as legal counsel to President leading impression of his Taylor Reveley. Many have perceived conduct. a conflict of interest in Mr. Nor- Some had cited Mr. Nor- ment’s simultaneous role as both a ment’s support of nearly senior member of the State Finance $20 million in funding for Committee, and as a state employee. the College as improper, On Friday, Mr. Norment released a but Mr. Norment notes, 2008 correspondence between him- “My constituents expect self and then Virginia Attorney Gen- me to advocate for the eral Bob McDonnell, in which Mr. College, one of the main economic driv- wm.edu ers in the 3rd Leader in education: Tommy Norment was honored with William and Mary School of Education’s D i s t r i c t . ” Jo Lynne DeMary Award in 2007. Mr. Norment went further to say, “I that it was necessary to supplement torney General’s office will provide will continue to advocate legal counsel from the Attorney substantial confidentiality. Mr. Nor- for the College in Rich- General’s office with figures such ment stresses that “I did not finalize mond through budget as Mr. Norment. Current Attorney my contract with the College until amendments and other General Bill Mim’s disagreed, argu- after I received this opinion”. legislative actions.” ing that the College could not be Lastly, Mr. Norment’s substantial The issue has also put guaranteed the privacy of attorney – salary of $160,000 has been put un- scrutiny on William and client privilege if his office was not der scrutiny. According to CNN, Mary’s unique practice directly involved. the average law professor salary is of hiring legal counsel Mr. Mim’s chief deputy Martin a full $60,000 less, and many critics outside of the Attorney Kent supported Mr. Mim’s stance have argued that Mr. Norment’s four General’s office, some- on state constitutional grounds, and credit teaching load does not war- thing not practiced by elaborated, “For whatever reason, rant such compensation Mr. Nor- any other Virginia state the General Assembly saw fit that ment, before taking his position at university. Taylor Rev- it [legal counsel] come through one the College, had stepped down as a eley issued an email to entity, and that’s us.” Mr. Norment senior partner from the prominent faculty and staff Tuesday himself acknowledges that he is not Norfolk based law firm “Kaufman Alec McKinley in which he referenced guaranteed complete attorney – cli- and Canoles”, and is compensated Moonlighting?: Problems have arisen concerning the growing complex- ent privilege as private legal coun- $18,000 a year as a state senator. Senator Norment’s serving both on the State Finance ity of legal issues arising sel. However, he does believe that Committee and as a professor at the College. on campus, and asserted his close relationship with the at- The Virginia Page 5 Informer Features October 21, 2009 Norment scrutinized for “conflict of interest” Students “branch out” to tackle social problems “Alternative breaks” for students pick up steam, spread knowledge

Brittany Lane to provide a better education, but more Features Editor importantly, to keep the children off the streets in the hours after school.” Calling Alternative breaks that involve volun- it one of her best experiences in college, teering, rather than partying at the beach Ms. Measell noted how much she learned, or staying home and watching TV, are on how close the group of students became, the rise for college students. At William and how well-executed the trip was. and Mary, the Office of Community En- Each alternative break program is led gagement and Scholarship (OCES) of- by two Student Directors who train and fers “Branch Out” service trips through- work closely with team and site lead- out the year at the regional, national, and ers before and during the trips. Branch international levels, fulfilling part of this Out: Regional entails brief weekend increasing demand. trips to nearby communities and also Formed just this year, the mission of sends groups of 12 students to cities the Branch Out programs is to “focus across the Eastern U.S. during Spring on issue-specific education, strong direct Break. Issues for 2010 include afford- service, reflection, sharing knowledge able housing, hunger and homeless- about the issues, and the integration of ness, environmental sustainability, edu- these experiences so participants will be- cational inequality, and health advocacy come more engaged global citizens.” The and reform. Branch Out: International former Office of Student Volunteer Ser- encompasses various student organiza- vices merged with the Sharpe Communi- tions on campus that travel abroad to ty Scholars program to create OCES, and perform service work. Such trips occur the new name emphasizes a different and in January, March, and May to places in- deeper angle of service. cluding Nicaragua, Honduras, and Tan- According to Sarah Van Dine (’10), zania. OCES Student Director of Branch Out: As another Student Director of National, service at William and Mary is Branch Out: National, Maggie Ryan unique because students “educate them- (’10) stated, “We are not trying to sim- selves about the issues at hand in order ply get students to build a house for a to work towards creating social change,” day or a week, but rather we are getting rather than simply volunteering their students to think about all the reasons time. “After returning back from an Al- why this house needs to be built in the ternative Break, you begin to realize that first place.” social issues traverse both international Ms. Measell’s only suggestion for and community borders,” she said. OCES would be to increase the number Last Spring Break, Kayla Measell (’11) of trips. “There is a never-ending num- traveled to Camden, NJ, through the ber of places that could use help, so I College. In a city with a large drug pres- think it would benefit everyone to have cial activists, William and Mary’s Branch perience, where the supply of students ence, her group worked with an organiza- more trips.” Out alternative break programs engage always exceeds the available funds and tion called UrbanPromise which “aimed Already a campus full of future so- students in an educational and fun ex- opportunities. Blame It on the Alcohol Not Over the Moon for Harvest Moon Fall is hands down my fa- pumpkin seeds, and even Star- covered this gem, a real dia- the Dolphins/Jets game kicked tial dinner it flourishes; howev- vorite season. The leaves are buck’s pumpkin spice lattés. It mond in the rough surrounded off, I twisted the cap off of er, when drunk by itself it does changing colors, football is was only natural for me to be by Natural Lights and cheap my first Harvest Moon, took not deliver nearly the same finally on, and Thanks- fascinated with a pump- white zinfandel. The beer com- a sip, and waited for the deli- degree of satisfaction. Accord- giving is just around the kin beer. plemented the meal beautifully, cious combination of autumn ing to the Blue Moon website, bend—and who doesn’t The first time that I and I vowed to flavors to settle Harvest Moon goes great with love Thanksgiving? tried Harvest Moon, I buy a six pack for on my palate and turkey, sweet potatoes, and Now I have discov- thought I had fallen in myself in the near delight me once beef, which I can only imagine ered yet another thing love. One Friday eve- future. again. Unfortu- is true. I have come to real- to look forward to: sea- ning, my friend Laura I did just that on nately, Harvest ize that I did not in fact fall in sonal beers. The lat- cooked up a hearty the Monday night Moon tasted con- love with Harvest Moon, but est that I have tried is meal of pasta with of Fall Break. A siderably more rather I lusted after its promise Harvest Moon Pump- meat sauce, bruschet- group of friends bitter than I re- of a “vine-ripened pumpkin” kin Ale, Blue Moon’s ta, and a gourmet- and I made plans membered, and flavor. Harvest Moon seemed autumn beer. Envi- esque salad to cel- to get together the pumpkin fla- like Mr. Right at the time, but sion Bubba’s affin- ebrate the end of a and watch some vor seemed no unfortunately it was only Mr. ity for shrimp in long week. All that Monday Night Kathryn Failon more than a sub- Right Now. I am confident Forrest Gump, and was missing was a Football, and so Beer Columnist tle afterthought. that there are many more beers that’s essentially how beverage to com- naturally we made I wondered aloud in the sea and that better, more I regard pumpkin- plement the spread our way to Bloom to pick up as to what the heck had hap- pumpkin-y ones are waiting flavored foods. I’m and commence the some drinks. pened. How had I been out there for me to try. truly a sucker for weekend’s festivi- Without school the next fooled? A beer that I had en- anything pump- ties. day, we collectively decided to joyed just one week before Editor’s Note: The Virginia In- kin, be it pumpkin I glanced make a night of it, and what tasted completely different. former encourages its readers to pie, pumpkin muf- through Laura’s better time is there to just sit I came to the conclusion that please drink responsibly, and in ac- fins, pumpkin soup, fridge and to my on the couch and drink beers? Harvest Moon cannot stand cordance with local, state and federal pumpkin bread, astonishment dis- I sure can’t think of one. Just as alone. Coupled with a substan- law.

Students who want to make an WANTED: IMPACT on campus Meetings for The Virginia Informer are on Mondays, 7:30pm in Blow 331 Page 6 The Virginia October 21, 2009 FEATURES Informer

SA’s consolidated reserve Drink of the Week account’s interest goes to BOV Lavender Mango Vodka Michael Young One Senator, speaking on a condition Assistant Features Editor of anonymity, stated that they believed Jeff Dailey add ice. Garnish with a slice of or- that the money taken as interest was be- Staff Writer ange (for the gout of course). The Virginia Informer has learned that the ing sent back to accounting overhead, but interest from the Student Assembly’s Con- otherwise has been confirmed. However, If you must know, or if you haven’t Editors Note: The Virginia Informer solidated Reserve bank account, currently the key issue remains is the fact that the figured it out already, I’m a fan of encourages its readers to please drink respon- at around $178,000, does recycle into the money does not go back into the account fruity (aka girly) beverages. You should sibly, and in accordance with local, state and account but is instead is given to the ad- managed by the SA, but is instead re-de- be, too, if I’m going to be honest with federal law. ministration. posited elsewhere. you. They’re delicious, refreshing, and A Freedom of Information Act request According to the FOIA response, an- usually have pieces of real, juicy fruit aimed to determine the amount of inter- nual interest on the account is significant. in them (which will prevent you dis- est earned annually and where that interest The per year average over the last five ciples of the Hot-Pocket from getting goes. The Consolidated Reserve is the ac- years had an “ average annual allocation of gout). Truly, alcohol is meant to be count to which unused student activity fees $9,100.” enjoyed. It’s purpose isn’t to get you are deposited at the end of each academic It has been suggested in years past that drunk (though this is often a happy year. From this account many larger pur- the Student Assembly could receive better side effect). So next time you have to chases are made on behalf of the student returns on unspent funds in a short term choose between shots of luke-warm body by the Student Assembly Senate. money market or setting up a system of “’Crat” and this weeks drink, I fully The response to the FOIA revealed that Rolling CDs. Money markets and other expect you to choose the latter-- the interest on the account is not returned investments have also been suggested by to the account. “The interest associated members of the Student Assembly. Sig- Ingredients: with the student activities fee fund balance nificantly, either change would not affect is credited to the unrestricted funds of the the balance of the account, as the money - Two shots of mango vodka (I like Board of Visitors,” according to the docu- is diverted elsewhere. Finlandia) ment. Student Vice President Ryan Ruzic, - One sachet of lavender-citrus “Consistent with the College’s treatment when asked, had only the following to say cocktail tea of other local account balances, these about the current situation: “Students pay - Plenty of ice funds are then combined with other Board these fees with the expectation that the unrestricted revenue to support BOV al- money will go to them, if the students’ It’s pretty self-explanatory; soak the Jeff Dailey locations for student financial aid, faculty money generates interest, then that’s still tea in the vodka until it turns purple, support, etc.” the students’ money.” The Virginia Page 7 Informer FEATURES October 21, 2009 Free STI testing provided Mascot search nears at College Health Center finalist selection Approximately only 190 paid for tests last year

Kiersten Hoffman on covering costs for HIV tests be- Chelsea Sisson Contributor cause there are a number of free clinic Staff Writer days that cover HIV tests. However, The standard battery of sexually the Student Assembly decided that giv- William and Mary’s most re- transmitted infection test at the Stu- en the fact that HIV is such a serious cent search for a mascot began dent Health Center costs $76. A Chla- affliction, the tests for HIV would be in February 2009. In 1927, the mydia test is $18. A Gonorrhea test is included in the covered tests as well. mascot of the College of William $18. A syphilis test is $10 and an HIV The $13,000 that the SA set aside for and Mary was an alligator. Start- test $25. A physical exam to rule out STI testing is the largest appropriation ing in the 1980s, the term “Indi- herpes or genital warts is $5. To alle- of money this year. Some members of ans” was no longer used. Terry viate these expenses for students and the SA do not want to continually fund Driscoll, chairman of the Mascot encourage sexual health on campus, the the STI testing from the student re- Committee, put it this way: “I’ve Student Assembly voted at the end of serve, and therefore the Student Health been here fourteen years and we September to allocate $13,000 from the Act includes the provision that the SA’s haven’t had an official mascot in consolidated reserve toward funding Department of Health and Safety will all my time being here.” It seems free STI testing for students. lobby the College to subsidize the fu- that the students, alumni, and While the number of students us- ture costs of these tests. The Student staff of the College are finally ing the Health Center for STI testing Health Act also includes the provision ready to fill our mascot void. and will most likely last two to is confidential, last year 950 tests were that if lobbying the administration The Mascot Committee offi- three weeks. given. Under the assumption that each fails, a referendum will be put forth in cially formed last February. Ac- The committee is currently in student takes each of the five standard the spring to see if students would be cording to Terry Driscoll, the the process of narrowing down tests, around 190 students took advan- willing to increase their student fees to purpose of the committee was to the submissions of the mascot tage of the Health Center’s STI testing cover STI testing costs. be open and inclusive to anyone search. About four will make it last year. Some students say they would be who had a relationship with Wil- to the final round. Submissions The Student Assembly decided on open to an increase in their student liam and Mary in order to gener- making it to this round are based the amount of $13,000 by looking at fees in order to receive free STI testing. ate ideas for a new mascot. After on popularity as well as criteria how many tests had been given in the Courtney Proffit ’11 said. “If there is submissions of ideas for a new such as merchandising ability and past and multiplying that by the aver- an increase in student fees, I’m essen- mascot were accepted, a three- costume practicality. After cuts age cost of the tests. The SA has de- tially already paying for the tests. Pay- month response period followed. are made, the design company cided on a payment plan with the Col- ing for it is an incentive to go in and get In order to make commenting will pencil sketch each option lege in which the Health Center sends what I’ve paid for.” and feedback possible regard- and market test them for an idea samples out to Sentara hospital, who ing the submissions and ideas, of public opinion. Then the two in turn bills the Health Center. The the committee started a Twitter to three weeks for response will Health Center covers these costs and Cost of STI testing at account, created a Facebook ac- begin, and students, alumni, and is then reimbursed by the Student As- Health Center count, used the alumni magazine, staff can comment on these final sembly. This payment plan allows the and spread word through campus ideas. Terry Driscoll is hopeful SA to easily track the costs and fulfill publications. The three-month that this process will be complet- the College’s requirement of paying the -$25 HIV test period ended on June 30th. After ed sometime next semester. Health Center through reimbursement. -$18 Chlamydia interviewing three firms, William Is William and Mary really At this point, the first invoice for the -$18 Gonorrhea and Mary decided to use a Texas- ready for a new mascot? Over STI testing is unavailable. Therefore, -$10 Syphillis based design company to design 600 submissions for a new mas- it is unclear as to how many students the mascot cot were received including his- have taken advantage of the free tests. -$5 Genital warts or herpes Student involvement remains torical figures, fruits, vegetables, SA Vice President Ryan Ruzic JD ’11 central to the committee. Seven and mythical creatures. With said, “Because this service is so new, we SA allocation: $13,000 students in total have been ap- the high rate of participation, a don’t know at the moment how many pointed to the committee, and student friendly committee and students are availing themselves to it, Number of tests last year: 950* once the submissions are nar- even some attention from ESPN, though when I met with the Health rowed down to the final four, it will sure be interesting to see * last year test fees were charged Center, students had already showed up another response period will be- what the College will eventually to request testing.” to students gin. This response period will be decide. The SA was not originally planning shorter than the previous one,

Lacrosse team enjoys Make an impact on campus... game two decades on Join Kirk Vernegaard lege’s men.” News Editor Practices are held weekly at 4 PM on The Virginia the frat field, which is a fitting location, While William and Mary doesn’t have according to club member Ben Rosen Informer a varsity lacrosse team, the Men’s Club (‘10), because “most of our members Lacrosse team is a formidable alter- come from fraternities.” Additionally, native. Composed of 40 athletes, the Mr. Rosen admits that for this reason, The Informer is the only paper at William and Club Lacrosse team annually battles it full attendance at practices is rare. Mary that is independent of the College, meaning out against schools across Virginia in- Most of the members on the club cluding UVA, University of Richmond, team have played since their prep school we report the truth and go in-depth to publish Hampden Sydney, JMU, and ODU and days, and some began even earlier. Most what others dare not print! is a member of the National College hail from Virginia, but teammates also Lacrosse League. The team president is come from New Hampshire, Colorado, Geordy Clements (’10). and ‘the hotbed of lacrosse,’ Maryland. Come to a meeting: The current club team was founded in Lacrosse players at William & Mary the 1990s after the varsity men’s lacrosse adopt a unique language when talking team was cut. The club’s website notes, amongst each other. Mondays “the Men’s Club Lacrosse team was re- The “Wand” refers to the actual la- activated in the spring of 1999 to pro- crosse stick. “Turfdogs” are the shoes mote the sport of lacrosse at the College one wears when playing lacrosse. “Mid- 7:30pm of William and Mary and to provide and calves” are the socks. “Lettuce” refers to outlet for the extensive interest and en- the hair of a lacrosse player, which often Blow 331 thusiasm for lacrosse amongst the Col- flows out of the back of the helmet. Page 8 The Virginia October 21, 2009 Informer Noise Ordinances in Virginia College Towns

Bert Mueller the length of quiet hours define rankings within that is seemingly designed for college parties. Strictest noise Executive Editor these classes. Williamsburg ranks first because Blacksburg’s “Large Party Public Nuisance” noise violators are charged with a Class 1 misde- clause states, “A gathering of ten (10) or more ordinances in William and Mary students aren’t the only ones meanor on their third noise violations. people where the gathering is not contained fighting against noise ordinances that restrict be- This punitive structure makes the law the within a structure, but spills outdoors into balco- college towns havior; singer Madonna was recently sued and strictest among Virginia college towns. Cities that nies, yards, common areas, parking lots, or other threatened with eviction due to the amount of do not specify decibel levels have greater diffi- outdoor spaces, which creates excessive noise as noise she was creating by dancing and perform- culty in enforcing their ordinances. It is difficult prohibited by this chapter.” Williamsburg’s noise ing music in her Manhattan apartment. to prove noise created by violators was “unrea- ordinance includes such a clause. The city of Williamsburg is planning on exam- sonably loud” or “raucous,” two popular phrases Across Virginia, cities are following the lead ining the effects and effectiveness of its newly used in noise ordinances in Virginia cities. Unde- of Virginia Beach and Williamsburg and are re- 1. implemented ordinance on November 12. One fined quiet hours provide a similar conundrum defining their own previously vague noise ordi- Williamsburg, VA problem with the ordinance so far has been in- for enforcement and conviction. nances. The previous noise ordinance in Virginia consistency with the hours of its enforcement. Certain cities have added special twists to noise Beach was ruled “unconstitutionally vague” as it Mayor Jeanne Zeidler indicated in a recent inter- ordinance punishment and enforcement. Com- did not specify what a “reasonable amount of view that she was interested in revising the ordi- munity service is required for offenders of the noise” was. Most noise ordinances in the state nance to “identify the hours of 11 pm to 7 am as Harrisonburg noise ordinance. On the first vio- would have met this same verdict in a court of 2. the hours of enforcement in the section dealing lation, 50 community service hours are required law. In September, the city of Blacksburg, home Harrisonburg, VA with large parties” as this would make the ordi- in addition to whatever punishment is meted out to Virginia Tech, redefined its noise ordinance. nance consistent. It would also allow a reason- by a court. For the second violation (and each The city of Radford is currently redefining theirs. able level of noise to be emitted prior to 11pm. thereafter), 100 community service hours must The rewriting of the Virginia Tech ordinance Williamsburg is ranked first in strictness, hav- be performed. Harrisonburg is similar to Wil- may not have much an effect on college life, ing the strictest noise ordinance of any college liamsburg in that violators can be charged with however; many students at the school say that 3. town in Virginia. The noise ordinance rankings a Class 1 misdemeanor after multiple violations. noise violations were liberally distributed in pre- Norfolk, VA are primarily ordered by the severity of the mis- Another special stipulation in noise ordinanc- vious years. Student James McWhorter (’10) demeanor class. Factors such as decibel levels and es is the “ Large Party Public Nuisance” clause stated, “The cops are all about giving tickets for

4. James Madison Fairfax, VA University

Location: Harrisonburg Liberty University Rank: 2 5. Punishment: Class 3 misdemeanor Blacksburg, VA Location: Lynchburg - Class 1 on second violation Rank: 8 dB level: 55 dB Punishment: Class 3 misdemeanor Quiet hours: 10 pm - 7 am - Class 2 on second violation 6. dB level: 55 dB Richmond, VA Quiet hours: 10 pm - 7 am University of Virginia

Location: Charlottesville 7. Virginia Tech Rank: 11 Newport News, VA Punishment: Class 4 misdemeanor Location: Blacksburg dB level: 55 dB Rank: 5 Quiet hours: 10 pm - 6 am 8. Punishment: Class 2 misdemeanor Lynchburg, VA dB level: N/A Quiet hours: 10 pm - 8 am 9. Radford, VA

Hampden-Sydney College 10. Radford University Fredericksburg, VA Location: Hampden Sydney Location: Radford Rank: 12 Rank: 9 Punishment: Dean of Students and Punishment: Class 3 misdemeanor the Chairman of the Student 11. - Class 2 on third violation Court decide Charlottesville, VA dB level: N/A dB level: N/A Quiet hours: N/A Quiet hours: N/A 12. Hampton Sydney, VA The Virginia Page 9 Informer October 21, 2009 Noise Ordinances in Virginia College Towns

that is seemingly designed for college parties. noise violations [at Virginia Tech]. Chances are, The cops are your friends at HSC more than any Blacksburg’s “Large Party Public Nuisance” if a cop comes to a party, it’s not for the under- other school I’ve experienced, but they are still Misdemeanor clause states, “A gathering of ten (10) or more age drinking: it’s to pass out a ticket for noise.” strict when things aren’t within the lines.” Frater- people where the gathering is not contained Taylor Brown personally experienced this: “My nity presidents are responsible for managing the Classes within a structure, but spills outdoors into balco- buddies have a house that we have thrown many noise emitted from fraternity houses. nies, yards, common areas, parking lots, or other loud parties at. It’s in a neighborhood with some Students are almost universally dissatisfied outdoor spaces, which creates excessive noise as older folks and the cops have shown up many with strict noise ordinances, but just because Class 1 prohibited by this chapter.” Williamsburg’s noise times. They have only written two noise viola- this is to be expected does not necessarily mean Confinement in jail for not more ordinance includes such a clause. tions, which were about $200 in fines. If you qui- that cries of protest are unfounded, say students. than twelve months and a fine of not Across Virginia, cities are following the lead et down, they usually won’t come back or write Buddy Curtis said, “I think people shouldn’t get more than $2,500, either or both. of Virginia Beach and Williamsburg and are re- you a ticket.” At Radford College, prior to the too worked up about someone being a little too defining their own previously vague noise ordi- rewriting of the ordinances, Drew Radford (’07) loud. If they are, they should just talk to the peo- nances. The previous noise ordinance in Virginia felt that the police were quite strict with noise ple, and if it is consistently a problem or a ridicu- Class 2 Beach was ruled “unconstitutionally vague” as it violations. “I [felt] I was repressed due to these lous party, then they should either talk to their Confinement in jail for not more did not specify what a “reasonable amount of regulations,” he added. landlord or call the cops. ” James McWhorter than six months and a fine of not noise” was. Most noise ordinances in the state The city of Hampden-Sydney, which ranks agreed with the logic behind the ordinances but more than $1,000, either or both. would have met this same verdict in a court of last in terms of severity, does not have a noise found the size of the fines troublesome: “I agree law. In September, the city of Blacksburg, home ordinance on the books. Mike Hull, who attend- that sometimes noise can be an issue, especially to Virginia Tech, redefined its noise ordinance. ed Hampden-Sydney for two years, described when you are having a party in the middle of a Class 3 The city of Radford is currently redefining theirs. Hampden-Sydney as “unique.” He added that neighborhood, but should the fines be so high?” A fine of not more than $500. The rewriting of the Virginia Tech ordinance the college essentially “is the town,” and al- Students with three noise violations in Williams- may not have much an effect on college life, though they do have campus cops, “the students burg can be theoretically fined up to $2500 under Class 4 however; many students at the school say that kind of run the show. I’ve never had any noise the Class 1 misdemeanor. This is not to say that A fine of not more than $250. noise violations were liberally distributed in pre- violations nor do I know anyone who has. Cops the city will administer such a high fine. The op- vious years. Student James McWhorter (’10) will come around and tell kids to settle down, tion is there, however. stated, “The cops are all about giving tickets for especially on class nights. I think it’s pretty cool.

University of James Madison George Mason Mary Washington University University Location: Fredericksburg Location: Fairfax : Harrisonburg Location Rank: 10 Rank: 4 Rank: 2 Punishment: Class 3 misdemeanor Punishment: Class 2 misdemeanor : Class 3 misdemeanor Punishment dB level: N/A dB level: 55 dB - Class 1 on second violation Quiet hours: 10 pm - 7 am Quiet hours: 10 pm - 7 am dB level: 55 dB Quiet hours: 10 pm - 7 am College of William and Mary University of Virginia Location: Williamsburg Location: Charlottesville Rank: 1 Rank: 11 Punishment: Class 2 misdemeanor Punishment: Class 4 misdemeanor - Class 1 on third violation dB level: 55 dB dB level: 55 dB Quiet hours: 10 pm - 6 am Quiet hours: 11 pm - 7 am

Christopher Newport University Location: Newport News University of Richmond Rank: 7 Punishment: Class 2 misdemeanor - Reoccuring $250 fine Location: Richmond dB level: N/A Hampden-Sydney College Rank: 6 Quiet hours: N/A Punishment: Class 2 misdemeanor Location: Hampden Sydney dB level: N/A Rank: 12 Quiet hours: 12 pm - 7 am Old Dominion Punishment: Dean of Students and University the Chairman of the Student Court decide Location: Norfolk dB level: N/A Rank: 3 Quiet hours: N/A Punishment: Class 2 misdemeanor dB level: 52 dB Quiet hours: 10 pm - 7 am Page 10 The Virginia October 21, 2009 Informer CAMPUS EXPERIENCES POWER OUTAGES: College plans many because of power problems continued from page one the lights out, it’s even worse – I can barely see where However, Campus Energy Manager Dan Patterson as these “random mishaps” are identified, he says, the I’m walking.” According to Ms. Aggeler, over the past says that these concerns are without merit, attributing lines are shut off and immediately repaired. two months this light, which illuminates an otherwise the spike in outages to a recent bout of electrical mis- Other than that, however, most outages have been pitch-black path, has featured “spotty performance.” haps. Mr. Patterson explained, “Miller Hall did not deliberate and planned. For example, the series of This troublesome light, however, may not be an affect any power outages, but the new transformer outages in and surrounding the Bryan Complex were electricity problem but a specific outage issue. Even that services the building failed and needed to be re- due to the need to install a new transformer for the when one disregards this isolated incident, over the placed.” renovated Career Center. “We have to upgrade them past four weeks the random outages have been es- According to Mr. Patterson, the issue was com- at some point regardless,” Mr. Patterson said. pecially common; students have reported a total of pounded by a failure in a Dominion Power cable run- “More than anything, it’s a safety issue,” Mr. Pat- seven isolated incidents, both inside and outside class- ning through campus that arose from a break in insu- terson said. “We try to avoid such outages, but some- rooms. lation and required immediate maintenance. As soon times it cannot be helped.” FACULTY DONATES MORE TO DEMOCRATS: Contributions to Democrats 16 times more than Republicans continued from page one

Gerdelman (’75), who gave $4,500 to Republi- Group Companies. can gubernatorial candidate Bob McDonnell. The largest Republican faculty donor was Mr. Gerdelman has served on the boards of sev- Public Policy Professor Louis Rossiter, who eral companies and was a member of the State gave $1,500. He donated $750 to Bill Bolling, Council for Higher Education. the incumbent Lieutenant Governor, with the Another one of the largest contributors to Re- remaining money going to three House of Del- publicans was Board of Visitors Rector and for- egates candidates, one of whom, Stan Clark, is mer CFO of Norfolk Southern Henry C. Wolf running against Bill Barlow to represent 64th (’64), who donated $3,500. His contributions District, which includes the Williamsburg area. included $2,500 to Jeffrey McWaters for Senate President Taylor Reveley donated $250 to the as well as $1,000 to Senator Tommy Norment, campaign of Delegate Phil Hamilton (R), who who represents the Williamsburg and James City represents Newport News, and $250 to Dele- County area in Richmond. gate Stan Clark. Government Professor Ronald In addition to Wolf, Gerdelman, and Mat- Rapoport, who donated $5,000 to Tim Kaine’s thews, eight other members of the Board also campaign in 2005, and $30,900 to various Dem- donated to various campaigns: Charles Banks ocratic candidates and committees in the 2008 III, Colin Campbell, Thomas Capps, Timothy cycle, has made no reported political contribu- Dunn (’83), R. Philip Herget III, Kathy Hornsby tions this election cycle. (’79), Jeffrey Trammell (’73), and Dennis Liber- In total, nearly 93 percent of donated funds son (’78) made donations totaling $60,233, of went to Democrats and 6 percent to Republi- which $52,893 went to Democrats, and $7,340 cans. This article’s information was retrieved went to Republicans. from the Virginia Public Access Project and The second largest contributor on the Board current as of October 18. of Visitors is Coral Reef Alliance Director and recent appointee Dennis H. Liberson, who has given $10,800 to Creigh Deeds, $7,500 to A Strong Majority PAC, $3,000 to Werkheiser for Love us? Hate us? Delegate, and $1,000 to Jody Wagner. Timo- thy Dunn was also a major contributor, giving Please send letters to the editor. $7,000 to Creigh Deeds, $5,000 to Moving Vir- ginia Forward, and $2,250 to Jody Wagner. Mr. [email protected] Dunn is a former Vice President of The Capital

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Please make checks payable to The Virginia Informer. If you have any questions do not hesitate to contact us at [email protected] The Virginia Page 11 Informer Arts & Culture October 21, 2009 Movie Review: A worthless trip to the movies

Jordan Bloom including my favorite burn-if-it-weren’t-so-dated, “it’d boring, boring movie. There are no humans here, just Arts and Culture Editor fail worse than a Friends spinoff.” different avenues for expounding on their creator’s nar- Oh yeah, and there’s a plot, or something. It’s about cissism. We hear quip after worn-out quip and watch a going to a strip club so Tucker can bed a midget. Sound strung-together bro-litany of clichés. good? He’ll probably get a show on Comedy Central. Now, as anyone with any experience with the short story on which this movie is based could guess, this movie is filthy. The jokes are about sex: sex with midg- After five minutes with Tucker Max’sI Hope They Serve ets, sex with old people, sex with deaf people, sex with Beer in Hell, you’ll know why he had to produce it him- the mentally deficient. There are a few feces jokes for self. The script is more or less lifted straight out of his the sake of diversity. All of those things are funny, but blog, and most people will know the lead as “that guy all the movie does is reference them. It drops the idea of from Gilmore Girls.” Neither of these things are good a joke or a reference to a party the night before rather signs. than actually telling it, or it flashes the acts on-screen for People seem to love Tucker Max. He’s a self-crowned a few seconds with no setup or payoff. “asshole,” according to his website, and he writes stories Now, don’t get me wrong, I love filth and transgres- about his sexual adventures and how wasted he gets, bro. sion; they are beautiful, powerful, frequently hilarious Now, we shouldn’t have to be told that stories about get- things, but Max’s filth isn’t even very imaginative, and ting drunk, getting laid, and the perils of anal sex ought God knows it doesn’t have a point. In one scene, Tucker to stay in the blogosphere and never, ever, under any cir- has just had his drink spiked with eyedrops (it even steals cumstances, be committed to celluloid. But here we are, key plot conceits, this one from Wedding Crashers), and af- folks. Tucker Max has arrived, with prophylactics, Red ter beelining from his hotel room is frantically searching Bull, and vodka in tow. The obvious problem here is for a toilet. We then get a sequence that’s not nearly as that moviemaking requires many things that blog posts funny as the CKY skit from which it is stolen when Max do not, including storytelling ability and character devel- defecates all over the floor and himself, not quite mak- opment. Max has not risen to the challenges of his new ing the bathroom. Now, that might almost be as funny medium. as Jackass, but it’s ruined by the awful smarmy grin that There are only three characters, and they all sound lead Matt Czuchry (that guy from Gilmore Girls) just can’t the same. Everyone else who appears is just a sound- seem to shake and the fact that, leaving the bathroom ing board for Tucker, Drew, and Dan to quip at. Dan post-defecation, Tucker looks into the mirror and, with is a loyally betrothed friend of Tucker’s, Drew is habitu- nobody around, actually speaks the movie title. It’s the ally cheated on, and Tucker is just a lovably crass bro worst conceit in a movie that’s full of them. with a bad attitude. There just isn’t anything more to say Everything Tucker Max creates is derivative and unc- about them. They speak in unrelentingly contrived esprit lever, and I Hope They Serve Beer in Hell is no exception. d’escalier, infuriatingly quippy and full of bad analogies, However, the most damning thing I can say is that it’s a

Music Review: Times New Viking release all noise, no kick

Jack Evans ing album to date due to an upgrade from tracks like “I Smell Bubblegum,” “(No) Time, No Hope” is about as anthemic as Music Critic a cassette master tape to (gasp!) a VHS. Sympathy,” and the title track unlistenable a song recorded on a VHS tape possibly Don’t get me wrong. I fully support lo- for the vast majority of the American can be. But that’s it. All three of those fi recording, but it really takes a special population. However, maybe that is okay songs would have sounded better record- artist to work successfully with this me- because I’m not sure what, if anything, ed in a decent studio. Still, without the lo- dium. this band has to offer, even for those who fi gimmick, Times New Viking would be Some get by on sheer personality. The can make it past the tinny static. exposed as the run-of-the-mill indie pop It seems that several bands in the indie manic energy that someone like Dan- Admittedly, there are times when this band they are. rock underground have decided that since iel Johnston puts into his music is only racket achieves an odd sort of beauty, Any genuine slacker can tell you there’s we the consumers don’t pay actual money amplified by the fact that what we hear is but it always feels empty and acciden- a big difference between not caring about to listen to their music, they aren’t going simply a muffled tape recording of him tal. “2/11 Don’t Forget” and “Move to what anybody else thinks and just being to spend any money recording it. Recent singing and playing piano in his parents’ California” float by with the hazy, fleet- lazy, and that Times New Viking is prob- releases from Wavves, Vivian Girls, and living room. Others get by on pure song- ing nostalgia of an old Polaroid, and “No ably the latter. Times New Viking have been termed, writing brilliance. I’m thinking of Bob with hilarious accuracy, “shitgaze.” In- Pollard, the instant hook generator, or stead of paying the cash for actual studio Stephen Malkmus, the greatest stream of time, these bands record in basements consciousness lyricist since Dylan. and bedrooms and on home recording But Times New Viking doesn’t have devices like Apple’s Garageband. Times much personality or songwriting chops. New Viking, one of the supposed in- They aren’t so much hyper-creative out- novators in this micro-genre has just re- casts struggling to be heard as they are leased Born Again Revisited, its best sound- hipster fans of said outcasts like John- ston and Pollard, for both of whom lo-fi recording techniques were economic ne- cessities rather than aesthetic decisions. Born Again Revisited is abrasive and noisy, but not in a good way. Rather than using gui- tar feedback and tape buzz in measured bursts like, say, White Light/White Heat-era Velvet Underground, Times New Viking slathers it over ev- erything. Noise is not used in the service of the song but as an end in itself, making Page 12 The Virginia October 21, 2009 arts & culture Informer

The Finer Side: We should cultivate a culture of giving Americans are a giving people. We Class Gift here at the College. The Se- be a practice that you have cultivated or property. A will is necessary at any take care of our own, as well as those nior Class Gift doesn’t rely on large throughout your life. stage of life! I was 18 when I had my outside our borders. William and Mary donations from just a few students; By giving back to a charity or organi- first will drafted; the importance of is perfect example of this. instead it is primarily com- zation that you feel passionately about will cannot be understated. In it, you Many of our students go posed of smaller gifts from you will also be able to get more in- can direct where you want things to go on to join some sort of hundreds of students. This volved in it. Many organizations have should something happen to you; any public service institution creates a larger gift that special donor societies for higher level amount of money you may have - large after graduation, including truly demonstrates how ev- donors, which is something to keep in or small - should have some sort of the Peace Corps and Teach ery little bit can add up to a mind as you begin to think about larg- plan made for it, in order to avoid legal for America. We demon- larger gift. er gifts. However, many organizations hassles. But wills are also a great way to strate a tremendous capac- If we apply this think- also have smaller recognition levels for give back to your favored organization ity to serve, to volunteer, ing to other organizations donors who give consecutively for a – by leaving money to that institution in to give back. But giving in Jennifer Souers and to giving in general, number of years or who give certain your will (in some form of a bequest or a monetary capacity is also The Finer Side then you actually can make amounts. These societies allow you to planned gift) you can provide for that important. For many of us a difference at any stage of take a more active role in finding out organization in a way that may better undergraduates and recent graduates, your life. What’s important is to cre- what the organization is doing and for suit your financial situation. thinking about leaving a large donation ate a culture of giving. By starting the meeting like-minded people. As we enter this holiday season, this in our wills to an esteemed organization habit now of making small donations At the least, don’t discount the im- season of giving, remember that giving is a long way off. Or is it? to organizations that mean something portance of a will. A will is incredibly to a charity or institution that has made You don’t have to be fabulously to you – whether it’s the College, a important, even for college undergrad- a difference in your life can bring you wealthy to be able to give donations to museum in your area, or another char- uates. Most people think they only need as much joy as any other gift-wrapped an organization. Every little bit helps. ity – when you reach a level when you a will when they get older or when they package. A perfect example of this is the Senior can afford to make a larger gift, it will begin having assets like investments

Book Review: Magnificently morbid, “Bunny” is enthralling Jordan Bloom fetishes for Avril Lavigne and tability of Bunny’s fate hangs duction, salesmanship, marginal this novel marries his comfort Arts and Culture Editor Kylie Minogue that border on heavily over the whole novel fatherhood -- that run slowly with those ideas to contempo- obsession. The course of the but doesn’t suffocate it. Cave out of steam as Bunny comes rary details like the Teletubbies novel takes us from the appro- wallows in piles of lurid detail closer and closer to dying. and Avril Lavigne. As The Bad priate first line, “I am damned,” about Bunny’s sexual encoun- Cave makes utter abhorrence Seeds’ songs are populated by to the conclusion about which ters that lend an absurd, light- appealing, and that isn’t easy to highwaymen, trains and whis- In an interview with Chart the first line and title give us no hearted feel to the whole story. do. Bunny’s cold interactions key, the world of Bunny Munro magazine, Nick Cave said he doubt. A brazen and maniacal serial with his nine-year-old son are contains Kylie Minogue, BBC was interested in worlds that Bunny’s wife’s suicide is the killer also overshadows Bun- downright heartbreaking, espe- broadcasts, and single-serving are “at once recognizable but inchoate moment of his un- ny’s life. The killer wears devil cially towards the end as Bunny hotel soap and liquor. distinct from the ones we al- raveling. She takes her own life horns and is working his way slowly loses it. Meanwhile, Bun- Nick Cave is a virtuoso of de- ready live in…hyper-real dream but leaves his in a curious state, south towards Brighton, ap- ny Jr. cleans his father’s clothes, cay and his other projects are worlds.” The Death of Bunny neither tidy nor in disrepair; she parently to claim Bunny’s soul. tends to his wounds, and re- similarly bleak. He’s a perfect Munro, Cave’s second novel, cuts holes in his clothing, leaves The killings get more appalling ceives nothing in return but fit to write the music for Cor- comes very close to being one notes, and hangs her underwear and absurd the further south vague promises to “show him mac McCarthy’s The Road, an- of those. for him to see (a taunt, pre- he goes, with one body left so the ropes” of salesmanship. other of Cave’s upcoming proj- The novel’s protagonist, Bun- sumably), but she is thoughtful mutilated that its sex is indis- Story aside, Cave’s manic, ects. In Bunny Munro he finds ny, is a pervert, a philanderer, enough to leave a stack of piz- cernible. The extremity of the roiling brilliance is notewor- the murky and sardonic side of and the worst father imagin- zas so that Bunny and Bunny Jr. killings opposes Bunny’s hedo- thy. Throughout his musical sex and pop culture. This novel able to his young son, Bunny won’t go hungry. nistic but otherwise unremark- career he has created gloomy, is closer to home than Cave’s Jr. He sells beauty products, Set in Brighton, England, able life, as he works through a romantic worlds full of the other work, which makes it that sleeps with his clients, and has and its surroundings, the inevi- morass of similar events – se- most threatening kind of love; much more chilling.

The Death of Bunny Munro Author: Nick Cave Publisher: Faber & Faber Pages: 288 ISBN: 0865479100 The Virginia Page 13 Informer arts & culture October 21, 2009 Gross Indecency beguiles, overwhelms

Travis Jones ber 15-17 in Phi Beta Kappa Hall’s Lab Theater, director Theater Critic Kristen Pilgrim (’10) turns the space into a courtroom and implicating the audience as a jury, not in the judg- ment of Wilde, but in consideration of whether or not art was beyond morality, as Wilde claims. The effect is reinforced by the dialog from sources outside the trial, as news reports and personal letters are presented from William & Mary Second Season’s production of Gross the aisles and behind the audience, giving the audience Indeceny: The Three Trials of Oscar Wilde is a history, annotations for the historical context of the trial and a in many ways. A compilation of court transcripts, letters, greater understanding of the events which precipitated newspaper articles, autobiographies and other primary it. documents, the ‘found’ play recounts the three trials in The production’s tight ensemble weaves in these ele- 1895 in which Oscar Wilde (Alec Anderson ’11) first ments fluidly, with switches from courtroom cross-ex- sues The Marquess of Queensbury (Daniel Boos ’13) aminations to recitations of personal letters and Wilde’s for libel after he referring to him as a “posing sodomite” musings on the nature of art, all to great effect. This and is, himself, twice tried for “gross indecency,” which effect, with the annotations and complexity it presents, is to say, sodomy. And despite its treatment of a century is staggering, both in its and power and its confusion. old trial, the play, written by Moises Kaufman, discusses The play, performed straight, presents such a magnitude a contemporary topic, for it posits that Oscar Wilde’s tri- of facts and ideas that it becomes somewhat disorient- als were not truly adjudications regarding whether or not ing, sometimes failing to direct the audience’s attention he had sex with men, but rather were discussions of the to any particular aspect of the story, be it Wilde’s ideas relationship between art and morality. This question—it about art, the relationship between Wilde and his young is clear, given the recent public discussion of Roman Po- lover, Alfred Lord Douglas (Andrew Collie ’12) or the lanski’s recapture and its merits—is one for which our complexity of the idea of sexuality. Without this focus, society has yet to find an answer. the play says many things, but one doesn’t learn much The play, even in its discussion of past events, forces about any one thing. the audience to re-examine this question. Staged Octo- This is not to say the play is not affecting. With the exception of some line stumbles and fading accents, the performances are altogether convincing and often cap- portance in the progress of the play, the ensemble as tivating. Anderson excels as Wilde, a whole is impressive in its creation of such a magni- Fall W&M Theatre Events: presiding regally over his first trial with tude of characters with individual identities and voices, bemusement, wittily delivering Wilde’s generally averting confusion despite extensive character legendary quips and aphorisms. When doubling. these defenses prove unsuccessful, Gross Indeceny, in telling the story of Oscar Wilde’s Little Shop of Horrors horror begins to shadow Ander- downfall, shows us an important historical moment— son’s face, eliciting great pathos as he the twilight of the Victorian era—as public ideas about shows a man who has finally realized morality, sexuality and art undergo massive transforma- November 13 - November15 that his world is crumbling around tion. But the trials did not only have social roots and him. As Douglas, Collie brings em- implications, they had personal ones as well. This is a November 19 - November 22 pathy to a character whose misguided central focus of the play; Wilde’s effect on English soci- hand in Wilde’s downfall an easy vil- ety and vice-versa. lain. Though vain and spoiled, Collie’s The play completely appraises the trial but paints it Music by Alan Mencken; Book by How- Douglas shows a young man whose in broad, encompassing strokes from many directions. ard Ashman; Directed by Christopher love for Wilde is real and whose in- Without any particular focus, one learns a great deal tentions are true, but whose inability about Oscar Wilde and the trials debating his sexual Owens; Musical direction by Gary Green to understand the forces confronting practices, but gains little insight into their meaning or him doom Wilde. Though these per- significance to either their participants or contemporary formances stand out due to their im- society.

Nooks & Crannies of William and Mary: J.A.C. Chandler’s presidential overhaul

Daisy Weill Barrett and Chandler Hall. Additionally, increased Staff Writer the number of male dorms with the construction of Monroe and Old Dominion Hall. Holding responsibility for the construction One could say Julian Alvin Carroll Chandler lived Chandler’s construction spree did not end with of over a dozen buildings on campus, the up to his name. With almost as many middle names the additional dorm and academic buildings. He expansion of close to half a dozen more, as Dumbledore, it makes sense that J.A.C. Chandler also worked with the Colonial Williamsburg Foun- and the restoration of the oldest academic was president of the College when the school went dation in order to restore the Wren Building, the building in the United States was not through its biggest growth spurt. When Chandler Brafferton and the President’s House to appear as enough for J.A.C. Chandler. took over as president in 1919, the College con- they did during their colonial heyday. He put to- sisted of what most of us call Ancient gether the funding for the building of Campus and a very small Tucker Hall Trinkle Dining Hall, which is now a part (known then as Ewell Hall). As presi- of the Campus Center, a gym in Blow students attending the College. In his last year in dent, he was responsible for overseeing Hall, and the first houses on Sorority office, women outnumbered men for the first time the construction of Washington, Tyler, Court. in the College’s history. and Ewell Hall (known then as Phi Beta President Chandler’s work went be- Finding the money for all of his construction Kappa Hall-confusing right?). He began yond construction. Holding responsibil- projects was a feat in itself. Chandler created an construction on Blair Hall and expand- ity for the construction of over a dozen Improvement Fund and spent much of his time ed Tucker Hall. Additionally, he was re- buildings on campus, the expansion of working with alumni in order to increase the en- sponsible for deciding on the design for close to half a dozen more, and the res- dowment of the school and create funding for con- the Sunken Gardens, which he based off CHANDLER toration of the oldest academic build- struction. In order to improve connections with of the gardens at Chelsea Hospital in ing in the United States was not enough the alumni community, the Society of the Alumni England. By the time Chandler was finished, all the for J.A.C. Chandler. Chandler also bought over was formed in 1926. The Society worked to create buildings that surround the Sunken Gardens to- 750 acres of land to expand the size of William a special weekend for alumni to come visit the Col- day, with the exception o f McGlothlin-Street Hall, and Mary campus, including Lake Matoaka. Addi- lege in order to see all of the revolutionary chang- stood in place. tionally, because of all of the campus changes he es occurring on campus. And so, on October 23, Chandler also directed the construction of most made, Chandler was able to dramatically increase 1926 the College hosted its very first Homecoming of the dorms that now surround old campus. To the size of the student body. When Chandler be- weekend. The tradition grew bigger each year and accommodate the arrival of the first female stu- came president, there were just over 300 students by 1929, the College hosted over a thousand alumni dents of the College in 1918, Chandler built the attending the College. 106 were women. By the end and even held a parade down the Duke of Glouces- first female dorms on campus: Brown, Jefferson, of Chandler’s presidency, there were close to 2,000 ter Street. The Virginia Page 14 October 21, 2009 Opinion Informer

By Sarah Deans

The fight for student Thank you from all of us at The Virginia Informer rights marches on The Informer is an independent publication and does not receive any public funding, unlike other publica- In years past, we at the College have been has now allowed candidates for Honor Coun- tions at William and Mary. promised a lot and given very little. More of- cil office to know the reasons why they are ten than not, we are told that things will im- rejected if they are rejected. Attempts by the prove for students, yet instead we are given Council to accrue more power for themselves We would like to especially recognize some of our a tuition hike, a pat on the back, and a sin- at the expense of the general population have private supporters. cere apology. “Better been stymied as well. The student body has luck next year!” they demanded that the Honor Council be more say. However, this year open and democratic, and they have had no Mr. Richard Beard - Mr. Robert Beck we have actually seen choice but to acquiesce. Mr. Alberto Chalmeta - J. Peter Clements some real reform. A lot President Reveley has defended student of this has to do with residents of Williamsburg, not mincing words Mr. John Gleie - Mr. Lance Kyle the Reveley administra- when he said at a student-city reception that Mr. Sanford Whitwell tion, but a vocal stu- the city should review its handling of student dent body and alumni issues. Mr. Reveley is working for real change organized to effect real to better off-campus students’ lives, and al- The Collegiate Network positive change have Alexander Powell though we have not seen as much progress also played no small Opinion Editor as we would like, it is good to know we have The Patrick Henry Center role. powerful allies truly on our side for once. One of the first and most evident chang- In statements to the college community, Mr. The Leadership Institute es has been the Foundation for Individual Reveley has hinted that recent cuts from the Rights in Education (FIRE) giving the College state had heavy implications on privatization. If you would like to support The Virginia a green light rating, thus elevating us from In recent interviews with The Informer, he Informer, please contact us at editor@ an inglorious red. Previous administrations has spoken on his desire for an even great- vainformer.com. had instituted a convoluted and less effective er number of out-of-state students to help speech code, which featured an anonymous prevent rising tuition costs. We as a student The Virginia Informer is a nonpartisan group registered as an bias reporting system. Many argued this al- body know that Mr. Reveley’s interests are in official student-run organization at the College of William & lowed witch hunts and attacks on unpopular the College, not in Richmond. The man is be- Mary, and a member of the Associated Collegiate Press. groups under the cloak of anonymity. Our holden not at all to regional interests. He has rights as students and citizens have been re- demonstrated that he knows that William and stored, and the minority or unpopular voices Mary cannot be “great and public” without on campus can no longer be so easily drowned greater freedom from the state government. out by larger or more vocal groups. In this year alone, we have seen large reforms The Virginia Informer is produced by students at the College of William and Mary. The opinions expressed in articles, photos, cartoons, or ads are those of the writer(s) or sponsor(s). The College is not responsible for the content We have seen large Honor Council reform at the College because both students and Pres- of The Virginia Informer. and will continue to see more. After two re- ident Reveley have demanded changes to the This paper is produced for the benefit of students at the College and is available at no cost for members of the greater Williamsburg community. However, copies should be taken only if they are meant to be read and enjoyed. In the event an sounding 70% defeats in the polls, the Council broken status quo. The fight does not end to- individual or group prevents these copies from being enjoyed by others, the cost to that individual or group will be $15 per copy. day, however. Even now, new reforms are in the works to give students greater rights, both Our rights as students and citizens on and off campus, yet due to their ongoing have been restored, and the minority nature, to speak of them openly might ruin or unpopular voices on campus can their chances of passing. However, we must www.VAInformer.com no longer be so easily drowned out feel assured that with a vocal student body by larger or more vocal groups. and a champion in President Reveley, reform All the news that’s fit to go online. will not just be a talking point; at long last, it is and will continue to be a reality. The Virginia Page 15 Informer Opinion October 21, 2009 Staff Editorial: Alumni: It’s time to get involved Alumni are back in town this homecoming weekend enhancing the academic and social experience of cur- be replicated across all academic departments. and we are excited to see them on campus. While they rent students through lectures, symposiums, and semi- Given the increasingly competitive job market and are in town, we suggest they take in the sights, hit the nars. It is safe to say that without these individuals the mass proliferation of undergraduate degrees, a strong delis and live it up, Tribal-style. College would not be the world-class institution it is to- Alumni Career Network is vital to ensuring current We also suggest that, while William and Mary is on day. Some of the College’s very best alumni have even students thrive and are able to give back. This will un- their minds, they go to the Career Center website and gone the extra length to do two or all three of these doubted help the school prosper in the decades ahead register with the W&M Alumni Career Network. Too things. as state support dwindles to mere pittance. We realize few alumni are involved in this network that should in- The newly revamped Career Center and Mason that alumni have actual lives and busy careers but com- clude all alumni. It serves the crucial purpose of making School of Business have set the standard for William mitting to hire talented William and Mary graduates is sure William and Mary alumni are not left in the cold and Mary going forward. The recent Dog Street to Wall one of the greatest ways they can give back. when they seek jobs after graduation. Street event sponsored by the Business School’s Finance President Reveley has quite effectively put William Many alumni choose to donate to the College. Oth- Academy truly demonstrates the stellar commitment of and Mary back on track, but without greater alumni ers choose to partner their business or agency with the our business alumni. While it is exciting to see such a support and involvement going forward little can be university to employ graduates. Others lend a hand by great event take place, symposiums such as this should done to avoid significant trouble down the road. A special midterm review of the Rojas-Ruzic administration Bert Mueller starting as is the new SA blog on the Wil- The Virginia Informer: How to be in short supply… Executive Editor liam and Mary website home page. is the plan to get permanent Ruzic: We definitely haven’t given VAI: Are there any new initiatives for ambassadors to student organi- up on lobbying Richmond. Lobby- The Virginia Informer: What have you Greeks? zations going? ing for state funding is something I found the greatest challenge to be so Rojas: The Undersecretaries of Residence Ryan Ruzic: It’s going on right think is very important for the stu- far? Life and Greek Initiatives are definitely ad- now. Before Sarah and I took over, dent government to do. Of course, Sarah Rojas: One of the big challenges dressing the current housing issue through the executive branch of student the university continues to get cuts has been making sure all necessary groups the Department of Student Life. We are government didn’t have an out- so it’s hard to say these efforts have are collaborating when addressing major also dealing with changes in policies con- reach department. One of the first helped. This is one of those nebu- changes. This includes making sure ex- cerning public and private space in base- things we did was create a depart- lous issues where it’s difficult to ecutive members are talking with senators, ments. Homecoming for next year is also ment of outreach. So after setting see what direct influence we actu- or the SA as a whole is talking to other an issue we are already setting up meetings up the department and integrating ally have over it. Certainly everyone campus organizations who specialize in about. with the rest of the student gov- I’ve talked to in the general assem- the area that we are addressing, VAI: What happened to the ernment, right now we’re bly says that they appre- or simply making sure that every weekly YouTube updates your actively recruiting people ciate us coming there member of the administration campaign had suggested? to serve as ambassadors. and the College has been that needs to be involved in the Rojas: We did run on those in In the mean time, we’ve very positive about our discussion is involved. There is the campaign and after talking to been meeting with dif- lobbying efforts. just so much to do and so many a lot of people, we decided that ferent groups to explain VAI: The planning great ideas, and it’s important to students were not going to watch to them how to request commission didn’t make sure that every group that those every week- many suggest- funds and what the bud- support the four-per- needs to be in the discussion is in- ed to channel more energy into getary process is. This is son rule. What’s the volved in the conversation. the Ambassador Program and the student’s money and next step you and Sar- VAI: Have there been any ROJAS new website blog, which we are one of our big jobs is to RUZIC ah are going to take? problems? doing. I think it’s important to distribute it. Ruzic: One of the Rojas: Surprisingly not, so far it’s been adapt to what students want and what will VAI: Speaking of outreach, things we’re really trying to do is pretty easy getting our initiatives passed. actually be worth spending time on. We have any students actually come promote positive action between Nevertheless, before you address an issue still throw the idea around and we’re going to office hours? the students and residents of Wil- you always have to step back and talk strat- to do a mid year type review on utilizing Ruzic: Office hours have been liamsburg. The problems we have egy, make sure you are talking to the right YouTube. a little trickier than other things with the city are largely because people and selling the issue in the right way VAI: Are there any other initiatives you we’ve been doing. My vision of of- of a mistaken impression that stu- to make sure it gets passed and ultimately would like to discuss? fice hours is that any students can dents will be bad neighbors, will helps students. Rojas: We’ve worked hard on the flu shot come by the student government lower property values and have a VAI:Will elections commissioners be subsidies, the new SA website, and our vot- offices and talk to people there lot of parties. removed from office after the troubles er registration efforts. We are also having about whatever issues they have. Four years in the city is not a with the last election? small meetings with city officials regarding Sarah and I doing it 5 hours a week brief time and [students and resi- Rojas: Members of the elections com- economic development efforts, expansion seemed like a limited amount of dents] need to be able to live well mission will be stepping down when their of student-friendly businesses, as well as time for students to come in so we together and we can. We’ve orga- terms are up, but not due to past troubles. neighborhood issues. We are working to wanted all of the senators and sec- nized block parties with the city of Several of them might seek reappointment host a coffee or cider break in the neigh- retaries to participate and it would Williamsburg where students and and hence would be back in the running. borhoods around the college where there have been a great program. Sena- residents can comingle. We’ve or- VAI: What has been your greatest ac- has been recent town-gown tension. tors are currently holding office ganized a tailgating with the police complishment? Airport rides were a huge success and so hours. department so students can have Rojas: I think for the first time the SA is was Busch Gardens day. Also, the CORE VAI: What would you call your more interaction with them. starting to make progress on goals that series has been really successful; as have all greatest success so far? VAI: What do you see as next have been talked about for a long time, the co-sponsorships we’ve been doing with Ruzic: Student government’s on the agenda? but never really been acted on. We are many multicultural organizations. We are greatest success so far in helping Ruzic: Student government’s job addressing changes in the disciplinary sys- putting together a packet for international the most students has been making is really two-fold, speaking very tem, the student code of conduct, alcohol students and working with Dining Services STI testing free. This is not some- generally: one, advocating for stu- policy, student health services, city issues, on flex point refunds for students celebrat- thing like increased outreach or dents and two, distributing the stu- sexual assault prevention - stuff that used ing holidays such as Ramadan. transparency that everyone agrees dent fees we bring in. That process to be issues people ran on and never ad- On the disciplinary side, we have put in are good but not everyone sees ef- is actually just starting up. It’s quite dress are now actively being worked upon proposals to change the warning system fects of in a measurable way; this is a bit of work but is ultimately a and a lot of strides are being made. dealing with disciplinary actions and have something that helps everyone in a very important job. Our undersecretaries for sexual assault been in conversations with some of the very real way. VAI: If there’s one thing you prevention have also been successful in re- deans. Also, the secretary of college policy VAI: What exactly are you want to get done this year, what viving the Alliance for Sexual Assault Pre- is also reviewing alcohol policy and prog- looking to do about Greek hous- would that be? vention (ASAP). It’s a wonderful umbrella ress is being made on that ing? Ruzic: The one thing I person- group run by the SA executive and made The Richmond internship program is Ruzic: One of the things we’re ally want to see is for us to distrib- of up a representative from One in Four, amazing this year - students will be placed trying to do is give members of the ute the student fees we take in, all Every Two Minutes, Lambda Alliance, and in different governmental offices around Greek community the ability to in- of them. There is about $170,000 HOPE. ASAP allows them to channel all the state and the amount of credits for the teract with the upper levels of the sitting in the consolidated reserve of their efforts on campus to address sex- program has been increased this year administration and discuss these right now. Now, how that money ual assault prevention. We are committed to greening the college issues. The university is certainly got there is student government VAI: What’s next on the agenda? and are launching a new recycling pro- a little more sensitive to monetary taking in more money then it pass- Rojas: The SA is doing a lot to address gram through our undersecretary or en- matters like not being able to fill es out. We’re supposed to have a re- outreach. The Ambassador Program’s vironmental policy. We are also launching the housing units. serve but that reserve has built up applications were due on October 16 and a mentorship program between grads and VAI: Has the student govern- to ungodly amounts. I know Sarah we’re going to kick that program off by undergrads. ment been lobbying Richmond believes we should be handing out early November. SA office hours are also for more money? Money seems more money to student groups. Page 16 The Virginia October 21, 2009 Informer

The upcoming Virginia gubernatorial election will help decide the course that the state of Virginia will take in the ongoing economic crisis. Both candidates have different plans to deal with the prob- lems facing the state, including the fate of Virginian higher education. This Informer debate gives an opportunity for two students - Bill Corkery, representing Republican gubernatorial candidate Bob McDonnell, and Chuck Gillespie, representing Democratic presidential candidate Creigh Deeds - to argue why their candidate’s position on each issue is the better one.

This coming election season, Virginians are going This year, the state gubernatorial contest is to choose their next governor. The choice is between between former Attorney General Bob McDon- Attorney General Bob McDonnell and state senator nell and state senator Creigh Deeds. On several Creigh Deeds. Both are good, hardworking men who issues, Bob McDonnell is seriously out of touch have spent their lives in Virginia and are genuinely with the needs of Virginia’s voters. This year’s working to make it a better place. Still, in this election election will be especially important, for it comes we must choose one of these two men to lead Virginia in the wake of budget reductions that have seri- Bill Corkery through these troubling times into the future. A voter’s Chuck Gillespie ously impacted Virginia’s state colleges and uni- Class of ‘11 job is not just to listen to sound clips or tirades about Class of ‘13 versities. Deeds’ plan to address higher education a candidate but also to do the leg work and study both is specific, and includes the creation of a rainy men’s plans. There is no substitute for that. This debate day fund to defray future tuition increases and a is only meant to help voters decide, not to be the primary influence. I believe proposal to provide scholarships covering half the cost of tuition for students Bob McDonnell has proven to Virginia through his 21 years of service in the willing to work in public service. In contrast, McDonnell merely promises “re- military that he loves this country. He worked as a business manager at a Fortune structuring the system” and to “look for innovative programs and practices that 500 company before becoming a statesman. While serving in the House of will reduce the costs of textbooks.” McDonnell also supports paying for high- Delegates, he sponsored bills such as Virginia’s historic welfare reform legisla- way improvements by taking $5.4 billion from the state’s general fund, which tion, the reform of Virginia’s drunk driving laws, and legislation to rewrite and also funds higher education, over the next 10 years. Furthermore, McDonnell improve Virginia’s Public-Private Partnership Transportation Act. After being has expressed support for placing limits on the number of out-of-state students chosen by Virginia to be attorney general, he focused on keeping Virginians safe. admitted to Virginia state colleges as a way to “expand access for Virginia stu- He even fulfilled all seven of his campaign pledges. He enacted a 25-year man- dents.” This would put yet another financial burden on colleges by reducing rev- datory minimum sentence for violent child sex offenders, increased penalties for enue from out-of-state students,. Throughout the course of this campaign, Mc- drug dealers, and helped make Virginia a national leader in combating internet Donnell’s campaign has shown a lack of concrete ideas. In contrast, the Deeds crimes and identity theft. Bob McDonnell has shown that no matter what issue campaign has put forth specific plans to alleviate the state’s fiscal crisis and move he is approaching, he has Virginia’s best interest at heart. Virginia forward.

Gillespie While McDonnell does have a long record, some of his decisions Corkery I was unaware that the most important thing in this recession is educa- have been questionable. As attorney general, he took part in the debate over tion, and not, for instance, the economy or jobs or energy. But if we want to talk The Sex Workers’ Art Show at William and Mary by forbidding the sale of mer- about education, McDonnell’s and Deeds’ plans and accomplishments have been chandise associated with the performance, an act questionable on First Amend- recorded. An example of McDonnell’s care for education was in 1998, when he ment grounds. Also, McDonnell led the fight in the General Assembly to reject sponsored a law which authorized the creation of charter schools. Deeds voted $125 million in federal stimulus funding for unemployment insurance on the against that bill. It is also noteworthy that Deeds was endorsed by the teachers’ grounds that it could result in tax increases once the money ran out. This move, union, an organization that lambasted charter schools. Bob McDonald showed while politically advantageous to McDonnell, hurt out-of-work Virginians and his commitment to Virginia’s public school system by putting all five of his kids Virginia’s taxpayers, who will now pay for stimulus money that they don’t re- through public school. I cannot think of a better governor for Virginia with re- ceive. McDonnell’s opposition came after he had previously expressed support gards to education than one who sent his all of his kids to Virginia public schools for stimulus funding, telling the Washington Post that “we ought to take it to the and two of his daughters to Virginia public universities. Finally, to say that “Deeds maximum degree…possible.” This shows McDonnell’s disturbing willingness to has specific plans to alleviate the state’s fiscal crisis” without support and only talk put political gain over the needs of Virginia’s unemployed voters. about education is to make a hollow point at best. Deeds also has a record of achievement to rival McDonnell’s. A former pros- ecutor, Deeds sponsored a law to allow public access to the state’s sex offender Gillespie In addition to his work with education, Deeds plans to help allevi- registry. He also sponsored the law creating the state’s Amber Alert system, ate the economic crisis by increasing job training funding by $10 million, cre- which helps track kidnapped children. Deeds helped pass a law responsible for ating a Rural Business Fund for small businesses in depressed areas, removing curbing methamphetamine production in Virginia. Also, Deeds helped resolve bureaucratic obstacles and providing tax credits for small businesses through- the state’s 2002 budget crisis. out the state, and reforming mortgage lending practices. Deeds supported an Deeds also has a strong record on the environment. He worked for the clean- extension of health benefits to unemployed Virginians, and wants to create a ing of the Kim-Stan landfill, a successfully reclaimed Superfund site, and wrote a loan fund to help unemployed workers buy health insurance. He also wants to law to preserve open space. He has also worked with Governor Kaine to enact a allow unemployed workers to buy into the state’s children’s health insurance plan. Deeds helped write the law creating the Governor’s Opportunity Fund to attract businesses to Virginia. Deeds also plans to reduce the state’s energy consump- Corkery In regards to the Sex Workers’ Art Show, that is an open debate, and tion by 20 percent over four years, in part by increasing the gas mileage of the McDonnell cannot be faulted for doing what he thought best for Virginians. state’s vehicle fleet. Deeds’ plan will provide state funding for clean coal research, With the stimulus, McDonnell is well within his right to decline, because, just improved power grid technology, and natural gas production. Like McDonnell, as you stated, over the long term it would have been a federal tax increase for Deeds has personal experience with public education, having attended public Virginians. All this means is that McDonnell is willing to take short term heat if schools in Bath County. Deeds plans to make efficiency audits mandatory for it helps Virginians out in the long term. school systems, create a loan fund to pay for improvements suggested by these While these things are good to discuss, it is also necessary to discuss some of audits, and establish a bulk purchase program for school supplies. Deeds will also the awards McDonnell has received in his short time in the House of Delegates update the state’s high-school graduation requirements to reflect the skills neces- and as attorney general. He was named the Network of Victims of Crime Legis- sary for college admissions and 21st century employment. Deeds also plans to lator of the Year in 1996, The National Child Support Enforcement Association improve teacher quality by raising salaries to the national average, providing loan National Legislator of the Year in 1998, The Family Foundation of Virginia’s forgiveness for teachers who agree to work in science and math programs or Legislator of the Year in 1998 and 2001 and was named “Legislator of the Year” hard-to-staff schools, creating performance-based pay incentives, and expanding by both the Fraternal Order of Police and the Virginia Sheriff’s Association. professional development opportunities. While Deeds may have voted against charter schools in the past, he currently supports charter schools as part of a plan to accommodate different learning styles. Gillespie Creigh Deeds has presented a forward-looking and concrete plan to improve Virginia’s economy and work for the best interests of Virgin- Corkery Both Deeds and McDonnell are good, qualified men for the position ia’s citizens. On the other hand, Bob McDonnell has chosen to run his campaign of governor. But leadership is a necessary quality to inspire confidence in largely on his past achievements, neglecting to present a substantive plan to move others. McDonnell has the support of many people including Sheila Johnson, co- Virginia forward. Also, McDonnell’s rejection of unemployment stimulus fund- founder of Black Entertainment Television, as well as business organizations like ing shows a willingness to put political advantage ahead of the best interests of the Virginia Association of Realtors, and the National Federation of Independent Virginians and his own promises to the electorate. For theses reasons and others, Business (NFIB). If such a diverse group looks at Bob and sees the qualities of Creigh Deeds is clearly the best candidate for Virginia and best hope for its future. leadership and hard work, as well as a firm commitment to Virginia’s best interests,