The Sisterhood Empty Bowls Fundraises for a Portrait of the Pikes Peak Derby Dames Community Kitchen

t H e Catalystof tHe Colorado College April 6, 2007 Est. 1969 Issue 18, Volume 52 The Sisterhood Empty Bowls fundraises for A Portrait of the Pikes Peak Derby Dames Community Kitchen

Genai Odhner Staff Writer

A line of hungry people began forming at the entrance of Bemis Hall on Monday evening and grew until it stretched across the Bemis driveway. The crowd was congregating for Empty Bowls, a fundraiser for the CC Community Kitchen, where attendees received a hand-thrown bowl and all-you-can-eat homemade soup. The ninth annual Empty Bowls event was organized by the student group Hunger and Homelessness Awareness (HHA) and the Cen- ter for Service and Learning. Sophomores Meg Reamer and Lindsey Davis, the co-chairs of HHA, pulled together a band of dedicated volunteers to help plan the event. As a result, Empty Bowls was more organized and better attended than ever before. The event raised about $2,500, which is to be donated to the CC Com- munity Kitchen. The Pikes Peak Derby Dames, a team of competitive women roller skaters, stretch out before practice. Ellie Wood/Catalyst Upon reaching the front of the line and hand- ing over their tickets, attendees were presented with an impressive array of handmade ceramic bowls. The bowls were donated by the arts and Matthias Barker & Mat Elmore pretty ordinary women. A few kids run around on end in hopes of winning the prize. Seltzer crafts department through the continued com- Contributing Writer & Staff Writer and friendly chatter fills up the room. turned the competitions into walkathons, and mitment of Greg Marshall, the clay instructor. From what one can tell, they are just an aver- then combined the walkathon with the fad hit of He and his students crafted and glazed 116 A platinum blonde approaches. Her arms are age group of young women—but that’s not quite roller skating. Roller derby was born. beautiful bowls, which were added to roughly tattooed up and down, one with a mural includ- accurate. They’re derby dames, and they’re here The sport would experience varied popular- 100 remaining from previous years. ing a 50s-era Creature from the Black Lagoon. to hone their skills in a sport that has seen a re- ity and transformations over the next 50 years. After selecting a bowl, attendees faced the She’s wearing candy cane-swirled earrings and surgence of popularity in the last five years. Today, the derby subculture is centered around problem of selecting something to fill it with. bright red lipstick. A true ‘American sport,’ roller derby was all-female teams that compete on flat (as op- Empty Bowls featured about 20 different “I’m Slugs-N-Kisses,” she says in a sugar- founded during the Depression when a film- posed to banked) tracks. National unification >>> Continued on pg 2 sweet voice. “I’m the founder of the Pike’s Peak publicist named Leo Seltzer grew annoyed with came in mid-2004 when a number of the all-fe- Derby Dames, and I’d be happy to answer any ‘dance marathons’ stealing customers from his male leagues banded together to form the Wom- questions you have.” cinema business. en’s Flat Track Derby Association (WFTDA). The anxiety is lifted for the moment, but re- Seltzer organized his own dance-athons, in The creation of the WFTDA allowed for inter- turns as soon as we enter the roller rink. Despite which the winner was given a prize of $2,000. state play by standardizing the rules of derby. some dyed hair, a few piercings, several tattoos, The dance competitions quickly digressed into “I do something derby every day,” said and striped leggings, the occupants appear to be groups of vagrants shuffling their feet for hours >>> Continued on pg 12 Ritter signs renewable energy bill into law

John Graham Guest Writer utilities will have to produce 10 percent of their crats, and representatives from Xcel Energy power from alternative sources by the same commended the legislation. On Tuesday, March 27, Colorado Governor Bill year. Utilities will also be required to upgrade Will Coyne, the program director for Envi- Ritter signed two landmark pieces of renewable their transmission lines to carry new energy ronment Colorado, said that the legislation “will energy legislation into law during a signing cer- sources, but there are provisions that allow them secure the market for renewable energy in Colo- emony at the National Renewable Energy Labo- to recover the cost of upgrades. rado, adding $1.9 billion to our economy and at ratory’s Wind Technology Center in Boulder. Ritter was joined at the signing ceremony by the same time reducing soot, smog, and global The new pieces of legislation will require hundreds of lawmakers, energy providers, and warming pollution by 11 percent.” Colorado’s large, investor-owned utilities to environmental activists who praised the new Increasing Colorado’s commitment to re- Empty Bowls attendees select bowls made produce 20 percent of their energy through re- legislation in a rare broad-based endorsement of newable energy was a centerpiece of Ritter’s by CC students. Sam Hartnett/Catalyst newable sources by 2010. Smaller cooperative environmental legislation. Republicans, Demo- >>> Continued on pg 3

FEATURES SCENE SPORTS OPINIONS Faculty Hiring Process Explored Dragged Out Tree Climbing for Grown-Ups Emotions in Politics

Have you ever been lying on the newly sprouted Roman Dial and Carl Tobin are what some might Participating in a political argument is usually an spring grass and wondered, “Just how are call “Alaskan Hardmen.” They are multifaceted outright frustrating experience. It does not take but professors hired at CC?” adventure seekers, and to the community of like- a couple of minutes to realize that there will be no Recently, Colorado College has been searching minded extreme-sport masochists (alpinists, eco- declared winner, and by the end each person in- for new professors for several departments, challenge racers, glacier cyclists, class V pack-raf- volved is usually more staunchly opposed to con- including the Religion and English Departments. ters, etc.), inspirational heroes. flicting views than they were before the argument It is a long and arduous process that brings new But Dial and Tobin appear in the scholarly began. These conversations are neither productive faculty to our campus, one that hopefully this journal Ecology even more frequently than Rock nor informing. article will demystify. and Ice. As Alaska Pacific University biologists Whether or not you are “into” politics, you have Professor Jane Hilberry, co-chair of the English merging mountaineering’s technical rope skills probably had this experience. Not only does this department, agreed to an interview to with a deep knowledge and interest type of political conversation hinder explain just what it takes to be awarded ...p.7 ...p.8-9 in forest canopy ecology, these men ...p.11 progress in personal political conver- ...p.15 Page 2 News aPril 6, 2007 Empty Bowls CC Community Kitchen to receive all proceeds from record-breaking event

>>> Continued from front kinds of soup, made almost exclusively by student volunteers (Outback Steakhouse also donated 10 gallons). While enjoying whichever soup they eventually picked, attendees were also treated to a musical performance by singer/ guitarist Patrick Kratzer. Two representatives from local charitable organizations spoke during the event. The first, Heather Martin, is from an organization called Care and Share, which collects food and distrib- utes it to the poor and hungry. She cited statistics and stories that emphasized how close hunger and homelessness are to everyone. People who are food-insecure usually have jobs and a roof over their heads but just can’t make ends meet, she explained. Daniel Byrd from Urban Peak spoke about the young people his organization provides temporary homes for. These youths often come directly from the street, eating whatever they can find, and, as he observed, “nutrition goes by the wayside,” making organizations like Urban Peak that provide nutritious meals essential. This year, 100 percent of the proceeds from Empty Bowls ticket sales, which were $10 apiece, will go to the Community Kitchen. The Community Kitchen provides a hot meal every Sunday for those in need, operating out of Shove Chapel basement. The funds will be used to help replace other sources of funding that have recently diminished, helping to buy food, utensils, and new appliances. The fundraiser is part of a 15th anniversary benefit celebration for the Community Kitchen, which will host a bar- beque open to everyone on April 15. The event will be held at 2 p.m. on the east side of Shove. Thanks to advertising in the community as well as on campus, Empty Bowls was so popular this year that they ran out of ceramic bowls and almost 30 people were issued IOUs. At least 250 people attended, a considerable increase from the 180 attendees last year and 130 the year before. Empty Bowls exists to raise awareness as well as money. Reamer, who has been planning the event since the beginning of the semester, celebrated its enormous success. “It’s an important issue,” Reamer explained, “because at CC, people are so privileged, and we don’t often think about people who don’t have enough money for food. It’s important to step out of our bubble.” If you missed out and want to get involved next year, Reamer is seeking volunteers for next year’s Empty Bowls. Contact her for additional information.

Left, top two: Local community members serve themselves. Almost half the attendees at Empty Bowls this year were not students. Left Middle: Sophomores Rob Chardon and Kyla Pellouchoud enjoy their soup on the floor. So many people attended Empty Bowls that seats were limited. Left Bottom: Attendees choose from an array of handmade bowls, donated by the Pottery Studio. After eating from these pieces of student artwork, attendees took them home as souveniers. Right: Beta Calhoun licks her bowl clean after a delicious meal of homemade soup. Molly Long/Catalyst April 6. 2007 News pAge 3

The Catalyst is a weekly newspaper pro- Competing interest groups find duced and managed exclusively by students of The Colorado College. Published for the benefit of the college community and the surrounding local area, the Catalyst aims to bring general interest and academic-ori- common ground in energy reform ented news, ideas, and opinions into greater collective view—to act as a catalyst for in- >>> Continued from front These two bills are considered the center- sponsored by Sen. Gail Schwartz, D-Snowmass formed debate. The newspaper is published pieces of this legislation, and received strong Village, and Reps. Jack Pommer, D-Boulder, under the auspices of Cutler Publications, campaign, and Ritter and Democratic lawmak- support from both Republicans and Democrats and Rob Witwer, R-Jefferson County. a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit independent of The Colorado College. ers have continued to push this agenda with the because of the potential economic growth as- The second piece of legislation—Senate New Energy Economy legislative plan, which sociated with the bills. During his speech, Rit- Bill 100, which mandates the establishment of emphasizes the economic as well as the envi- ter announced that Vestas Americas is open- a power grid that can transmit wind power more Editor and Publisher • Jackson Solway Managing Editor • Heidi O’ Connor ronmental advantages of renewable energy. ing a $60 million turbine blade manufacturing effectively—was sponsored by Senate Presi- Production Manager • Leá Norcross At the signing ceremony, Ritter stated that plant in Windsor, CO, and that this could be dent Joan Fitz-Gerald, D-Jefferson County, and the “new laws will improve our economic se- the first of many renewable energy businesses Rep. Buffie McFadyen, D-Pueblo West. EDITORS curity, our environmental security, and our na- to invest in Colorado if the legislature contin- There are several other bills related to Rit- tional security. They will breathe new economic ues to foster a business climate favorable to ter’s New Energy Economy agenda moving News Co-Editor • Dan Anthony life into rural Colorado. They will create new renewable energy. through the legislature. The most significant Deputy News Editor • Matt Baer Features Editor • Anne Marie Kelley jobs, and they will say to the rest of the world, House Bill 1281, one of the new laws, will of these bills would create a Clean Energy De- Features Editor • Michael Bonner ‘Colorado is open for business in what will be provide economic incentives for the develop- velopment Authority that could issue bonds for Deputy Features Editor • Chris Benz one of the most important industries of the 21st ment of renewable energy as well as the new solar, wind, and geothermal development proj- Scene Editor • Mandy Moench century.’” renewable resource quotas for utilities. It was ects. Sports Editor • Turner Resor Opinions Editor • Mat Elmore Chief Copy Editor • Michelle Dotter Copy Editor • Mandy Moench Copy Editor • Kelsey Pickard Layout Editor • Mary E. Brown An Evening with Layout Editor • Tim Hughes Colorado College Layout Editor • Melissa DeSole former U.S. Senator Layout Editor • Sara Kendal Layout Editor • Amelia O’Conner Leadership Photo Editor • Whitney Conti Photo Editor • Alison Kelman Alan K. Simpson Photo Essay Editor • Oliver Parini Essay Prize Photo Essay Editor • Zach Rosen

co-author of STAFF WRITERS

The Iraq Study Group Emma Calabrese • Hailey Eck • Zach Gostout The Department of Political Report Scott Hutchins • Scott Petiya • Leath Tonino Science offers awards of Jake Weiss • Parker Nathane • Kristin Ladd Lauren Greer • Rachael Honick • Marc Neu- $1000 and $500 to students man-Lee • Jesse Marble • Lucy Logan • Genai Tuesday, April 24, 2007 who submit the best essays Odhner • Erika Hamilton

on political leadership. Shove Chapel, 7:30 pm STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS

These prizes come from an Mike Best • Zach Gostout • Ellie Wood • Isabel endowment established by a Nicholson • Meghan Stebbins • Molly Long Virginia Dreux • Sam Hartnett friend of the department and college. CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Matthias Barker • Zac Randall • Tyler Adam • Tyler McMahon • Brenna Swift • Nick Hiebert Eligibility: Any enrolled Colorado College student may CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS submit an essay. Alexandra Blumenfeld • Eliot Dalton • Ben Berger • Nick Waggoner Length: Papers should be in the range of 2500 to 6000 words. OPERATIONS Advertising Manager • Anna Hines Ad Accounts Rep • Emily Silver Submission: For the 2006-2007 Ad Accounts Rep • Keli McArthur Ad Accounts Rep • Sky Powell academic year, papers must Subscriptions • Rosie Tracy be received by the Political Distribution • Jocelyn Oppenheim Science Office Manager, Jenn Sides, no later than May 14th, CONTACT phone:719.389.6675 fax:719.389.6962 2007. General inquiries: [email protected] Advertising: Style: The essays must be well- [email protected] written examinations of political Cutler Publications, Attn: Catalyst Worner Center or societal leadership and 902 N. Cascade Ave. demonstrate fresh thinking and Colorado Springs, CO 80946 a persuasive understanding of leadership dynamics. CC honor •OPINIONS POLICY• code will apply. THE OPINIONS REPRE- SENTED IN THIS SECTION DO NOT REFLECT THOSE Any questions can be OF THE EDITOR, PUB- LISHER, OR ANYONE OTH- addressed to Professor Tom ER THAN THE AUTHOR Cronin at 227-8249, 635-5432 or HER/HIMSELF. ALL SUB- MISSIONS TO THE OPIN- tom.cronin@coloradocollege. IONS SECTION MAY BE EDITED FOR FORM, CON- edu. TENT AND/OR LENGTH. Page 4 News aPril, 6, 2007 Fighting childhood cancer: Volunteers shave heads to raise money for St. Baldricks

Lucy Logan Guest Writer Friday. For some, joining the cause was a spur-of- Today, 23 members of the Colorado College the-moment decision community and 335 people from the greater provoked by a bulletin on Colorado Springs area will gather at Armstrong the listserv. Hall at 4 p.m. to shave their heads. The event, Sophomore Meg which benefits children with cancer, is part of a Reamer said, “When I nationwide event put on by St. Baldrick’s Foun- saw St. Baldrick’s in my dation. email, I just knew it was St. Baldrick’s Foundation was founded in something that I had to 1999 by three reinsurance executives in Man- do. I was nervous at first hattan, who challenged their friends and col- and didn’t want to tell leagues to raise $1,000 each to shave their heads. my friends I was shaving Their idea was a success, and seven years later my head, but now I’m so St. Baldrick’s is the world’s largest foundation excited that I can’t wait.” dedicated to benefitting children with cancer. To Reamer also helped bring date, the foundation has raised more than $20 two more members to the million. CC team, one of them her Members of the Colorado College Cone- resident in Slocum, fresh- heads team are excited about their big day on man Angela Dang, and the other a friend, sophomore Genai Odhner. Although Odhner has shaved her head before, she stated that there are certain difficulties con- nected to being a woman with a shaved head. Odhner mainly joined The children above suffer from cancer, along with about 9,500 other children diagnosed every year. St. Baldrick’s events like the one in Worner have donated over $9 millon to the fight against childhood cancers since the cause in order to 2005. Over $7,000 will be donated by the CC Coneheads team this week. www.stbaldricks.org support Reamer, as she will also be the one cutting her hair on Friday. shaving it all off,” Dang said. chemo and started losing all of her hair, and Odhner is looking forward to the fresh start She added that when she tells girls about her how we would sit together and cry,” Dang said. that shaving your head provides. “I know that plan, they usually respond by calling her brave. She continued, “I think that doing this will help there are stereotypes associated with girls with “I don’t think it’s something that all girls can me understand how she felt and what she was shaved heads. I don’t care.” do,” Dang said. “Cutting off your hair is a lot to going through, and allow me to comprehend Dang, as well, stated that shaving her head sacrifice—but for me, it’s worth it.” and overcome the fear of become unattractive A volunteer parts with her hair to raise will have great implications for her. “I think that Dang also has deep connections with the to our family and losing part of my identity like money for and show solidarity with women hide behind their hair, and that it is a St. Baldrick’s cause. When she was in eighth she did.” children who suffer from cancer. This tool they use to construct their identity. People grade, her mother passed away from breast can- This year, the CC Coneheads aimed to raise afternoon, hundreds of people will gather in Armstrong Hall to do the same. spend too much time worrying about how their cer. Dang stated that she hopes shaving her head $5,000. As of press time, they have gathered www.stbaldricks.org hair looks, because how it looks affects how will help bring the two of them closer. over $7,000. they feel. I hope to overcome that barrier by “I remember when she had to go through

Facing global warming and reduced snow, Vail Resorts turns to alternative energy

Erika Hamilton Staff Writer However, studies of current global warming Rob Katz, Vail Resorts CEO, has stated that that even though the resorts are now using wind trends anticipate that the Colorado snowpack the resort’s switch to wind power represents to power their establishments, they are “hiding Colorado College students love to snowboard will decrease by 75 percent by 2090, indicating its “commitment to the natural environment in behind basic things like that. There are still no and ski. Almost every winter weekend, the stu- that the days of winter sports may be limited. which we operate . . . it is about the environ- animal populations for miles surrounding re- dent parking lots empty out on Saturday and In fact, many students are already feeling the ment, but it is also a good business decision.” sorts; trees have to be cut down to make runs Sunday mornings because the entire campus impact of global warming when they head to the Junior Rob Andre, however, is skeptical of and open up space.” commutes to spend one or two days in Breck- mountains. Junior Rob Andre stated that “Colo- how much switching over to wind power will Many prominent people and organizations, enridge, Vail, Keystone, or A-basin. Many stu- rado had a horrible snow this year,” and that this actually do to help the environment. “While however, have commended Vail for its move- dents even chose to attend Colorado College kept him from doing a lot of backcountry ski- what they are doing is a good move, it isn’t ment in the right direction. Former Colorado because they want to be close to the mountains, ing. Sophomore Zach Yates also stated that the looking at all the energy it takes [for people to Governor Bill Owens praised Vail Resorts therefore earning the opportunity to ski and snow at the resorts was “good [this year], but ski]. . . . Vail resorts have gigantic parking lots, when he stated, “Vail does its part to insure that snowboard regularly. not as good as last year.” and everyone drives over an hour to get there. [Colorado’s natural] vistas are protected.” The According to Ellen Goulding, who works Vail Resorts, the most dominant player in the . . . It isn’t an uncommon thing to hear about Sierra Club also ran an article in their monthly at the Admissions office, “Invariably, students Colorado ski industry, seems to have realized someone [from CC] driving up Saturday morn- magazine about Vail Resorts’ environmental choose to apply to CC for a combination of rea- that their future may be limited if they do not ing, back Saturday night, and then up again on awareness. sons, often for the recreational activities it af- take steps to stop global warming. Their web- Sunday.” Though it is not a solution to the problem of fords.” site states, “Vail Resorts has chosen to offset Andre stated that the four-hour roundtrip ski resorts’ impact on the natural environment, Though Goulding could not provide any 100 percent of its company-wide energy use by drive to the mountains is excessive, and he has Vail’s use of wind power seems to indicate rec- quantitative information about the number of purchasing nearly 152,000 megawatt-hours of tried to limit his own driving time by not buy- ognition of the problems that they will face in students in each class whose desire to ski plays wind energy. By purchasing renewable energy ing a five-mountain pass this year and instead the future and a desire to minimize their impact a significant role in their decision to come to credits equal to the company’s entire electric- spending several different weekends at one re- on the ecosystems around them. CC, she believes that skiing is definitely one ity use, Vail Resorts becomes the second-largest sort. factor that many students consider in their col- purchaser of wind power of all corporations in Besides his concerns about the environmen- lege decision-making process. the United States.” tal impact of travel to the resorts, Andre stated April 6. 2007 News pAge 5 Students rally to “Take Back the Night” Sexual Assault Awareness Week features t-shirts speaking against sexual abuse, culminates in march against violence

Hailey Eck Staff Writer lence against women. To participate, one picks a shirt, which has a symbolic color, and writes This month, the walls of the Worner Center or draws a message on it. The shirts displayed are covered with clotheslines hanging brightly in Worner this month are a conglomeration of colored shirts. The shirts hold expressions, re- shirts made over the past few years. actions, and stories about sexual violence. They White shirts represent individuals who have commemorate people who are survivors and died because of violence; yellow represent sur- those who have died as a result of sexual vio- vivors of battering or assault; red represent sur- lence. vivors of rape and sexual assault; blue represent The shirts are a part of the Clothesline Proj- survivors of incest; and purple represent indi- ect, one event Colorado College participates in viduals attacked because of sexual orientation during Sexual Assault Awareness Month, which and/or gender identity. is dedicated to raising awareness of sexual vio- Senior Alyssa Keene, an organizer of the lence and promoting its prevention. Clothesline Project at CC, said, “This event Sexual Assault Awareness Month is concen- means a lot to me. My freshmen year, I was very trated into one week at Colorado College, April naïve. Then a good friend from home was raped

“I think that our campus is engaged in cre- ating culture change so that we have a campus community that does not tolerate sexual violence. We are not there yet, but we are moving in that direction.” Heather Horton, Sexual Assault Response Coordinator

2 through April 8. The Clothesline Project will that Christmas. Every year, I have to make a continue all month, and Take Back the Night new shirt for the Clothesline Project. . . . Often, occurred Thursday, April 5, nationally recog- people don’t talk about what happens to them nized as the day to end sexual violence. or someone they know. [This week] lets people Senior Zoe Hartzel heads the committee re- know they’re not alone.” sponsible for Sexual Assault Awareness Week Last year, over 250 people participated in events on campus. “Take Back the Night and the the open microphone session that was held fol- surrounding Sexual Assault Awareness Month lowing the Take Back the Night march to down- allows us to host events and projects that pro- town Acacia Park. Discussions lasted until past vide the space, time, and a venue to community 1a.m. members to speak out and talk about all issues This year, “Open Mic” was held at Bemis regarding sexual violence,” Hartzel said. Hall. Junior Arlene Ward, who has attended Open Mic the past two years, said in description A yellow shirt reads: “Your insecurities of the event: “It creates a lot of opportunities to STRIKING MY BODY… NOT MY FAULT. Use say things that you never knew you needed to One of the t-shirts produced by a survivor of abuse as part of the Clothesline Project. Like words not fists.” say . . . it’s all done in a safe environment, so the other red shirts in the project, this one represents a rape survivor. The other colors you know people won’t judge you. During the symbolize different forms of sexual abuse. Virginia Dreux/Catalyst The Clothesline Project is a national pro- week, it’s what I’m most excited for and most gram that started in 1990 as an effort to “break dread. It’s so good, but I always end up bawl- saults are never reported to authorities,” Horton the silence” and address the issue of sexual vio- ing.” A red shirt: “I thought I was safe because I said. was a guy.” Another red shirt: “I’M SO DRUNK is NOT Hartzel said, “It no longer is just about a pick up line! (or an excuse)” women and just about rape; one of the goals at CC is to include and incorporate all issues of Inspired by the Clothesline Project, Hartzel gender and sexual-based violence, as well as all said, “The good—or great, I should say—news people within our community.” is that we are starting a new project at our school Heather Horton, Colorado College’s Sexual this year. We are calling it the clothes project.” Assault Response Coordinator and the faculty The new project will display clothes that member responsible for advising Hartzel in people were assaulted or harassed in alongside planning the week, is hopeful that sexual vio- the story of the survivor, if they are willing. The lence and harassment can diminish. goal is to try and raise awareness, and to make “I think that our campus is engaged in cre- it clear to the members of our community that ating culture change so that we have a cam- anyone can be assaulted wearing anything. pus community that does not tolerate sexual “No matter what someone is wearing, it violence. We are not there yet, but we are mov- does not mean that they asked for it,” Hartzel ing in that direction,” Horton said. said. “We are asking for clothes from any will- Horton has a Colorado College website ing survivors.” that shares resources and statistics on sexual Students interested in participating may violence. In 2002, men comprised 13 percent email Zoe Hartzel or Heather Horton. The proj- of reported rapes and sexual assaults. In 8 out ect will be displayed starting Monday, April 9, As one of the most visible aspects of Sexual Assualt Awareness Week, the Clothesline of 10 sexual assault cases, the victim knew the in Worner. Project gives a public voice to victims and survivors of abuse. The t-shirts will remain up perpetrator. in Worner for the remainder of the month. Virginia Dreux/Catalyst “This issue is such a complicated one, because between 75 and 95 percent of sexual as- page 6 Features april 6, 2007 Spring Break Inspires Service in CC Students

Kristin Ladd Staff Writer to remove every wall, window, and nail in order to rebuild. It took an average of six to twelve “I thought that since this is probably the For many college students, spring break is a hours to gut one house. Despite the difficulty, time for sunny beaches, sleeping until noon, and students were able to complete four houses dur- last trip that my parents are going to partying until dawn. Here at Colorado College, ing their short time in New Orleans. fund, it might as well be a place I’ve never the stereotypical spring break in Miami or Sophomore Brittney Moore explained Mexico is alive and well. why she chose to volunteer over spring break. been before and a place where I [could] be But students also spend their vacations in a “Spring break this year was time off from aca- variety of alternative ways. For some in Colo- demics and a chance to do hard work in the real astounded by the cultural differences that rado, spring break is a chance to finish off the world.” The experience gave Moore a new per- end of the ski season. For others, it means time spective. She had expected life in New Orleans I encountered.” in the outdoors—from camping in the Canyon- to be different, but it was so far removed from Senior Charlie Meredith lands to backpacking through Hawaii. A com- normative life that she found it shocking. mon spring break might also entail working on “New Orleans was like going to a third- a thesis, visiting the folks, or simply doing noth- world co untry,” Moore said. “It was emotion- ing and going nowhere at all. ally overwhelming to see the destruction, first- Volunteerism over spring break is another hand, of Hurricane Katrina. It was even more commonly explored option. This year, the surprising to see the damage that had not been Center for Community Service sent about 45 repaired almost two years after the hurricane.” students to various regions of the country for The students also observed heightened frustra- service work. These Alternative Spring Break tion, sadness and anger among the population. Trips (ASB) assisted in several areas: doing trail Most of the restaurants, stores, and house are maintenance in the Canyonlands, working with still uninhabitable. homeless in San Francisco, gutting houses rav- Not all service opportunities occur through aged by Katrina in New Orleans, and spending specific programs. Senior Charlie Meredith time with kids affected or infected by HIV in spent spring break in Quito, Ecuador. While Chicago. Other students volunteered individu- there, he stayed with a CC grad and volunteered ally in a variety of venues. at a government-funded children’s hospital. His In New Orleans, volunteering students slept daily activities included planning entertaining on cots in a local church-like hostel arrange- English activities and reading to the children. ment. They, along with 60 other volunteers, per- “It was sad,” Meredith said, “because every- formed manual labor in the Lower Ninth Ward one at the hospital is poor and they can barely and received complimentary hot meals and afford the services the hospital provides.” lodging for their service. Although it has been During his time there, Meredith visited the two years since Hurricane Katrina, there is still town of Banos, a location with an active vol- much that needs to be done to reverse the dam- cano that scientists expect to erupt at any time. age caused by the hurricane. Most of the work When this happens, the entire town below will in New Orleans and the surrounding region re- be decimated. “People in the town seem to live lies solely on volunteers; however, the number every day to the fullest,” Meredith said. of volunteers has been continually declining. Meredith is not innocent of the MTV-style The ASB trip to New Orleans paired students spring break. “I went on this trip because I was with the organization ACORN (Association of tired of going to the beach and getting drunk Community Organizations for Reform Now). and high the entire time,” Meredith said. “Those Top: A sign written by a Katrina survivor concerning the voyeuristic nature of tourism. This organization works to reintegrate displaced trips get so boring and seem to have very little Above: Trash outside of a New Orleans home post-Hurricane Katrina. Photos by Kristin Ladd/Catalyst persons back into homes, schools, and daily life fulfillment in them. I thought that since lives. To further this goal, students’ jobs were to this is probably the last trip that my parents are gut houses, which entailed rummaging through going to fund, it might as well be a place I’ve to take their well-deserved time off and use it engage in over spring break contributes to the homes whose doors had remained closed these never been before and a place where I [could] to fulfill their needs. For some, this may imply growing diversity and varying range of student past two years. Volunteers took everything in- be astounded by the cultural differences that I sleeping all day to catch up on past blocks; for interests and activism here at Colorado Col- side, including a myriad of water-soaked per- encountered.” others, it means skiing in Vail or swimming in lege. sonal belongings, and threw them out. They had Spring break is an opportunity for students Cancun. The service work that some students april 6, 2007 Features page 7 What Does it Take to Be A CC Professor? An in-depth exploration of the hiring process

suite in the hotel hosting the convention and set professor’s ability to relate to students is para- also has to entice the candidates into taking the Mayra Medrano Guest Writer up one-hour time slots for each candidate to be mount at a college that values discussion. job. The college has to compete with other uni- interviewed. Each candidate was questioned on The student committee was formed partly to versities that may be interested in the same can- his/her research ideas, teaching styles, and par- test this ability to relate. After meeting with the didate. This becomes a recruiting game that CC Have you ever been lying on the new- ticular aspects of their resume or job application candidates, the committee members were asked does not take lightly. Along with their dinners, ly sprouted spring grass and wondered, that the committee found interesting. to write an evaluation of each potential profes- the candidates are taken downtown and sight- “Just how are professors hired at CC?” Recent- “After the interviews, we decide on three seeing. As Hilberry stated, “We need to make ly, Colorado College has been searching for new people for on-campus interviews,” Hilberry sure we are giving them a full picture of the col- professors for several departments, including said. “ These are very intensive.” “You really have to lege to really sell them on the place.” the Religion and English Departments. Recruit- Resumes and interviews are simply the be- Lastly, there is a meeting with the department is a long and arduous process that brings ginning of the process—the gauntlet that is the put a lot of time and ment where the students’ input is read and job new faculty to our campus, one that hopefully CC trial experience for a candidate is yet to offers are made to candidates. This year, the this article will demystify. come. Once on campus, candidates are asked thought in the English department wanted to hire someone to Professor Jane Hilberry, co-chair of the Eng- to give a “job talk,” detailing a certain forte in teach 18th-century Romantic literature for the lish department, agreed to an interview to ex- their field for any who wish to hear it, and they hiring process, upcoming school year. plain just what it takes to be awarded a place on are asked to teach a sample lesson to an actual “This year was a very odd year, and this has CC’s elite professor list. Although the process class of CC students. because they may never happened before,” Hilberry said. “There she describes is specific to the English depart- The Introduction to Poetry class was used as were lots and lots of jobs in this field.” ment, the amount of detail and care taken by this year’s guinea pig set of students. Follow- be here for 20-30 There were 42 job openings, to be exact. the department sheds light on how seriously CC ing the class, the students present were asked to UCLA, University of Chicago, and Columbia takes the hiring of their faculty. evaluate the candidate. years. It’s like ap- were just some of the schools bidding for candi- First, the department places an ad on the “We always involve students in the hiring dates this year. CC made a couple of offers this MLA (Modern Language Association) job list. process. In our department, we make sure to pointing supreme year, but did not hire anyone. Interested job seekers utilize the list to apply to have at least one student on the committee,” “I feel fine about the search, even though we various universities and colleges.Every year, Hilberry said. court justices.” didn’t end up hiring,” Hilberry said. “I would the MLA holds a convention in a big city (this In fact, student involvement is very high. rather this happen than end up with someone year, it was held in Philadelphia), and individu- Colorado College values student input so much Professor Jane Hilberry that wasn’t a perfect fit or good for the stu- als flood the city to be interviewed by countless that they do something practically unheard of dents.” universities for coveted jobs. in other colleges and universities across the CC devotes a lot of time to the hiring process One hundred and fifty candidates applied country: they actually involve students in the sor and submit it to Hilberry. “because in academic jobs, in general people to be members of Colorado College’s English hiring process. The English department formed These student lunches are not the only en- don’t move around,” Hilberry said. “You really department this year. The English department a student committee composed of several Eng- gagement the candidates have to meet. Candi- have to put a lot of time and thought in the hir- hiring committee—made up of one student (a lish majors, and the members of this commit- dates must also have three separate dinners with ing process, because they may be here for 20 member of student council), three department tee were asked to read the resumes of the can- faculty: President Celeste, the Dean, and the to 30 years. It’s like appointing supreme court members, one Minority Concerns representa- didates and then have lunch with them, during Humanities Executive Committee. justices.” tive, and one Women’s Concerns representa- which they might get a sense of the candidate as “Job candidates go through a very busy pe- Next time you are frustrated with a professor tive—narrowed the field down to 12-13 candi- person and future professor. riod,” Hilberry said. “They might have several for one reason or another, consider how difficult dates to be interviewed. Because classes are so small at CC, profes- campus interviews, which take three or four it was for him or her to earn a place on Colorado Three or four members of the committee sors are not simply visiting lecturers who stand days each.” College’s faculty. It is not an easy feat, by any traveled to Philadelphia, where they rented a behind a podium and speak for three hours. A Of course, this is not a one-sided deal—CC means. pAge 8 Scene April 6, 2007 Drag Ball: Dazed and Sexually Confused

Kristen Ladd Staff Writer was also a benefit for a great cause. The two major groups responsible for the event were Equal Rainbow crepe paper spanned the Worner Cen- and the Queer Straight Alliance (QSA)—Equal ter. Students arrived in their best dress prepared is a confidential support group for gay, lesbian, for dancing, drag shows, and a great cause. bisexual, queer, and questioning students at On Saturday, CCCA, Equal, and the Queer Colorado College, and QSA is a social and ac- Straight Alliance hosted the fabulous 2007 tivist group that serves as a bridge between the Drag Ball. The annual event was a chance for Queer and Straight Communities. all students to spend the night in someone else’s Senior Ana Lara Roca attended the event be- shoes—or high heels. cause “it is a really good event that I love to sup- epidemic. The money raised from this year’s Beautiful men and women were transformed port. It is a good event because it raises aware- Drag Ball will contribute to accomplishing S- into stunning women and men. There were la- ness, and especially in a place like Colorado CAP’s mission. dies who came as confederate cowboys, out- Springs, it makes people more exposed to these Overall, Drag Ball is an event that is widely doorsmen, preppy yacht boys, and tattooed issues. It is especially eye-opening for guys be- attended at CC by a variety of students. Se- rockers. The gentlemen wore everything from cause it allows them the opportunity to be more nior Laura Dudnik attended this year because high heels to mascara and ball gowns to mini open and willing to the idea of diversity.” she said it was her last year to attend “one of skirts. Not only does the Drag Ball bring awareness Colorado College’s most awesome events.” When asked she chose to why attend the to many diverse issues, but it also donated all When asked why it was so awesome, Dudnick Drag Ball, senior Briana Aragon said, “I thought of its proceeds to The Southern Colorado AIDS replied, “It is fun to see people coming out of I would look great as a guy, and it is one of the Project. S-CAP is a Pikes Peak United Way their shells, and I like the idea of people being few events here where people go all out and feel Agency, and its mission is threefold: to provide comfortable enough to do it.” comfortable doing it.” caring, empowering, and culturally sensitive Drag Ball’s attendance this year was high, There were two events this year, the first oc- services, support, and hope to those infected and hopefully the event will continue to be a cupying Worner until 1 a.m. Those who wanted and affected with HIV/AIDS in southern Colo- great tradition here at CC. The annual event to keep the party going all night long attended rado; to deliver effective, research-based pre- provides a night of fun and wild experiences the after party until 4 a.m. in Gates Common vention programs that target high-risk popula- where people can express themselves in any Room, where there was live music, drinks, and tions within their service area; and to educate manner they desire, while simultaneously rais- dancing. communities regarding HIV transmission and ing awareness and giving back to the local com- The event was fun and entertaining, but it other issues pertinent to the elimination of this munity.

Far Top: Erika Hamilton, Alex Weiss, and Leslie Kinson. Courtesy of Erika Hamilton

Far Left: Devin Jamroz and Peter HIbl. Courtesy of Vanessa Bean

Left: Sam Isham, Kay Bradford, and Joey Bamberger. Alison Kelman/Catalyst

Below: Elaine Frenette and Robert Guthrie. Mike Best/Catalyst April 6, 2007 Scene pAge 9 “It is one of the few events here where people go all out and feel comfortable doing it.” Senior Briana Aragon

Above: Valerie Grosscup and Anna Blackett. Alison Kelman/Catalyst

Right: Alex May and Zach Randell. Mike Best/Catalyst

Top Right: Lauren Cowart. Courtesy of Jesse Yoh

Below Right: Cory Beyer. Courtesy of Lauren Cowart pAge 10 Scene April 6, 2007 Sam Bush and Yonder Mountain surprise, delight hometown fans

Parker Nathane Staff Writer

It was a last minute idea—you know, one of those decisions you make on a Sunday evening in spite of all of your other responsibilities. I had spent another sunny weekend inside fine- tuning my wound management skills in a first aid class and was dying for a little excitement. On my way home that evening, a friend mentioned something about a Sam Bush concert at the Fox Theater; within minutes, we were in the car, headed to Boulder. Honestly, we really had no idea what we were in for. Sam Bush, the world-renowned mandolin player and undeniable father of New- grass, set the stage on fire with his fast-paced The band is still picking and energetic persona. The charismatic set featuring the Foggy Morning Boys and receiving harsh banjo legend Danny Barnes was only the beginning. Two hours later, Sam Bush was followed criticism from many by a surprise late-night set from local Newgrass sensation Yonder Mountain String Band. fans for the new This four-piece band hails from Boulder and has undoubtedly become one of the most popu- sound they are lar and dynamic contemporary New/bluegrass bands, selling out venues like The Fillmore Au- exploring. ditorium on a regular basis. Needless to say, a late-night, hometown show at the Fox was a big deal for both fans and the band alike. conglomeration of longtime fans and family Above: Courtesy of www.acousticmusic.com/ Top Right: Courtesy of homegrownmusic. At midnight, the foursome took the stage and friends, all of whom were anxious to see net/ in front of a sold-out audience. It was the first the boys shine. The result was a show reminis- time Yonder had played this venue in six years. cent of a private party in which everyone felt The Fox has a maximum capacity of only 700 honored to be there. people, and in order to increase the intimacy of The concert came at a unique time in the sound they are exploring. The album stems out loved for years. The near-forgotten songs such the event, the band announced its performance band’s career. Nearly a year after the release of of the rock n’ roll influences that have shaped as Half Moon Rising, Idaho, No Expectations, on March 11, the morning of the show. their self-titled album, the band is still receiv- their musical careers and differs quite notice- and Rambler’s Anthem were just a few of the For the most part, the crowd was a funky ing harsh criticism from many fans for the new ably from the Newgrass they have been playing tricks the band had up their sleeves. They played for years. Nonetheless, the show for hours, rejoicing in the novelty of the entire served as an opportunity for true evening—the venue, the crowd, picking into the fans to show their unwavering ad- wee hours of the morning. miration, as they had learned to ac- It was nearly 4:30 a.m. when they finally cept change as an essential part in called it quits. My body ached from almost sev- every musician’s journey. en hours of dancing, and I had not even begun While the band performed a studying for a test that was only five hours away. few songs from their new album, Nevertheless, a glowing smile had spread across including Sidewalk Stars and Night my face, because I knew I had, on a whim, par- Out, they focused most of their en- taken of an incredible experience in the history ergy on older tunes that have been of my favorite band. April 6, 2007 SportS pAge 11 Psychedelic Photos Canopy Trekking Adventure Frontier Found in Roofs of Trees

Hyperion is the recently discovered redwood tree that has set the world record in height, measuring 379.1 ft. www.flowersociety.org

Leath Tonino Staff Writer friction knots, will speedily “jug” up the rope Top: Sam Cotton looks for a strike at Psychedelic Bowling. Whitney Conti/Catalyst itself. Roman Dial and Carl Tobin are what some In Dial and Tobin’s 1994 article “Description Bottom: CC students unwind at the local lanes. Whitney Conti/Catalyst might call “Alaskan Hardmen.” They are mul- of arborist methods for forest canopy access and tifaceted adventure seekers, and to the commu- movement,” the adaptation of climbing tech- nity of like-minded extreme-sport masochists niques for canopy access is clearly explained. In (alpinists, eco-challenge racers, glacier cyclists, non-technical terms: somehow get a rope over class V pack-rafters, etc.), inspirational heroes. Athlete of the Week But Dial and Tobin appear in the scholarly journal Ecology even more frequently than Rock “In this day and age, Julian Boggs and Ice. As Alaska Pacific University biologists Berea, KY merging mountaineering’s technical rope skills adventure must be with a deep knowledge and interest in forest sought out.” Age: 20 canopy ecology, these men have simultaneously Major: Biology made accessible vast new realms of biological Conrad Anker Sport: Track and Field knowledge and modes of exploratory travel. Events you compete in: 5,000m and 10,000m Some scientists have said that the high rain- a tree limb (using throw bags or a crossbow), forest canopy is understood less thoroughly ascend the rope, and continue up into the crown Superstitions: Ralph Nader is definitely an alien in a human suit. than the surface of the moon—that the green of the tree repeating the same method. realm two to three hundred feet above the forest It can take a while to get all the way up to Favorite food: floor is as mysterious as the depths of the great the top of a tree like Hyperion, the recently dis- Some kind of Indian curry dish oceans. The claim is simple: 25 years ago, prior covered redwood that sets the world’s record for to the methodological innovations made by a height at 379.1 ft. To maximize data collection Favorite quote: small group of canopy ecologists (Dial, Tobin in high canopy excursions, Dial, Tobin, and oth- “I have run over 26,000 miles in my life; none of et al.), the tops of trees were inaccessible to the ers in the field have developed systems for hori- it was run for fun, and running for fun is not even a penetrating and inquisitive gaze of the scientist. zontal movement from one tree to another. concept for me.” -Edwin Moses (one of the greatest The lowest branches in many of California’s Reflecting on research conducted in the track athletes of all time) coastal redwoods are 80 feet above the ground. coastal redwoods, Dial wrote, “For three days, The type of climbing necessary to study gliding we moved from tree to tree, never coming to Interesting fact: mammals in Borneo’s jungles looks very differ- the ground, using ‘magic missiles,’ ‘split-tailed 76 percent of Kentuckians end up marrying their ent than a ten-year-old in an apple tree. lanyards,’ and ‘mini-grapnels’ to cross gaps cousins Mountaineers don’t just climb rocks; they between crowns. We slept in hammocks and hauled water and food across on our traverse Dreams: lines. It was all quite an adventure.” Mostly incoherent. Sometimes I dream of being “The high The demands of progressive science engen- naked at school . . . that’s never a good one. dered Canopy Trekking, a wild, beautiful, and rainforest canopy still very young form of travel. People often Favorite athlete or sports team: claim that exploration is dead or that there are Kentucky basketball www.coloradocollege.edu/Ath- is understood less hardly any frontiers left. Maybe these claims letics/ only represent a modern condition character- If you could travel anywhere: Southwestern thoroughly than ized by shortsightedness and laziness. China the surface of the The mountaineer Conrad Anchor has said something to the effect of, “In this day and Inspirational people: Brian Sell (marathoner) age, adventure must be sought out.” Perhaps also climb ropes. Speed equals safety in the an inquisitive mind and the creative applica- If you could have a superpower: Very studly abs mountains; so oftentimes, after the lead climber tion of new technologies can ensure a place for laboriously ascends the rock and sets an anchor adventure and exploration in this well-mapped Best class at CC: Agro-ecology from which the rope securely hangs, the second world. climber, by means of mechanical ascenders and page 12 SportS april 6, 2007

Finding Family in Roller Derby

>>> Continued from front “I get pumped and Kamilla Bloodspilla, a Pikes Peak Derby just want to hurt Dame who is helping to organize this year’s WFTDA national meeting. Bloodspilla stated, somebody.” “It’s a real sport . . . a lot more mental than others because you’re playing offense and de- Kamilla Bloodspilla fense at the same time.” Bloodspilla incidentally happens to be Slugs-N-Kisses’s derby wife. “Basically, it’s a shoulder to cry on when you’re pissed,” Bloodspilla said. As the practice rolls on, Bloodspilla explains The derby dames are a different breed. the game. Each team has five players on the Bloodspilla claims that she’s “never really rink at a time: one pivot, three blockers, and a gotten along with girls before,” but the dames jammer. The pivot and blockers form the pack. don’t play into that “catty high school bullshit.” The teams’ packs are intermingled, and when Derby is a sisterhood, and everyone is working the whistle blows, the combined packs begin to toward the same goal. skate. Slugs also enjoys a certain dichotomy found Once they get 20 feet ahead of the jammers, in roller derby: “Roller derby is really femi- a second whistle blows and the jammers come nine, yet really aggressive. It is the best of both racing up through the pack. The first jammer to worlds.” weave her way through the pack is awarded the status of lead jammer. Each team is all the while trying to let their jammer through and send the other careening off into a wall. Left: A Pikes Peak derby girl pushes her The jammers then race their way around way through the back during a scrimmage the track so that they can lap the pack. They bout. Photos by Ellie Wood/Catalyst get a point for every player they lap from the opposing team. A particular round or ‘jam’ Lower Left: The Pikes Peak Derby Dames lasts two minutes, but the lead jammer can call strut their stuff at practice. off the jam at any time by placing her hands on her hips. After a moment’s rest, the process starts over from the beginning. As the team scrimmages, Slugs introduces a few of the other experienced derby girls. It’s April 6, 2007 SportS pAge 13

Right: Roller derby has evolved from a sport into a full-scale subculture, combin- ing athleticism and style. “Slugs-N-Kisses” shows off her personalized helmet.

Remaining: Suiting up and stretch- ing out, the derby dames prepare for the physical demands of their sport.

“Roller derby is really feminine, yet really aggressive. It is the best of both worlds.” Slugs-N-Kisses

not until then that you find out her real name is Courtney. All the girls adopt skate names, and it seems easier for them to remember the skate names than their real ones. “I’m Susy Q-T,” another petite blonde says through a large smile. She’s a stay-at-home mom with three kids and was the high school prom queen. But one should not be fooled by Q-T’s sweet demure. “I’ve laid out some huge girls,” Q-T said. Q-T claims she’s a shy, quiet person outside the rink, but roller derby is a place to “take out her aggression.” “I’m normally covered with bruises.” Q-T laughs with the innocence of a prom-queen- turned-derby-girl, simultaneously destroying any derby girl stereotype. Another dame introduces herself as “Karma Getcha; what goes around comes around.” Get- cha is the owner of Park Paralegal; her “profes- sional life and derby life are completely separate,” Getcha clarified, laughing. When asked what attracted her to roller-derby, Getcha recalled that at first it was the fitness aspect, but it has since turned into a lifestyle. “I think it, I live it,” Getcha said. The Dames have just started a travel team— the Slamazons—composed of the best players sona out here.” Many of the dames speak of a from the two home teams, the Candy Snipers sisterhood among the team that is unlike any and the Danger Dolls. The Candy Snipers were they have experienced before. undefeated last season in bouts (derby confron- Susy Q-T says she would have rather hung tations are not called games or matches) against out with guys in high school, but “These girls the Danger Dolls, but they’ve yet to have a bout are my best friends. I’ve never gotten along this season. with so many girls so well.” The Slamazons recently traveled to the Dust When the Slamazons travel to Atlanta for Devil— a tournament in Arizona for the twelve a bout at the end of April, they won’t be stay- highest-ranked teams from around the Ameri- ing in a hotel. Derby girls stay with derby girls. can West. They were ranked 12th, and Susy Q-T They may want to hurt each other on the track, noted that they were humbled by the more expe- but that doesn’t stop them from getting drunk rienced teams but learned a lot. These dames are together after the bout. It’s all part of the sister- serious athletes; they’re all focused on taking hood. the game to the next level. The sport is all about “the empowerment of If you would like to learn more about the women,” stated Karma Getcha. “All women Pikes Peak Derby Dames, please visit www. have the same issues; we can just be our per- pikespeakderbydames.com. page 14 SportS april 6, 2007 Mountain Safety CC Alpinist Shares Safety Tips

Michael Wejchert Staff Writer becomes. Let’s look at an extreme example, “Go with people who shall we? Two climbers are ascending a route have had much experience and Ah, spring is in the air! Unfortunately for with food and gear for three days. This route are patient, attentive teachers” many of us, the budding crocuses on the quad is prone to rockfall, avalanches, and poor signal the death of winter fun—weekend and weather. The pair spends 72 hours in the dan- afternoons of skiing, ice climbing, moun- ger zone, becoming more stressed and tired taineering, and even sledding are receding as all the time. Because the route is of moder- quickly as the snows. Fortunately, however, ate difficulty, a trained mind can climb solo we live in Colorado, and for a vast amount of up the same dangerous terrain in less than a students, this means that peak bagging sea- day, spending about eight hours in the danger son has begun. zone. For hiking and scrambling, the same As an alpinist and ice climber, I’m famil- concept applies, as peak baggers are subject iar with spending long, cold, usually under- to dangerous lightning storms, injury from nourished days in the mountains, and I train talus slopes, thieving devil-marmots, and accordingly. Certainly, hiking and scrambling overall fatigue. don’t require the technical demands of a Hydration is Everything: With the before a long climb or hike can burn you. a single day usually relies on many different multi-day climb or long backcountry ski, but above mantra, one can’t carry enough water If I go ice climbing without eating at least strength and cardio-related tasks. Try the in- one must be prepared to thoroughly enjoy the on a long day out. Carry two liters per person 2,000 calories for breakfast, I’m more or less cline once or twice in a row, Nordic skiing, majesty of Colorado’s mountain ranges. Be- minimum. However, one needs at least a liter worthless. Load up your fat before a long day running uphill, or hiking around Cheyenne low are some tips mainly compiled from my an hour for even moderate output to prevent on a solid base of protein and carbohydrates. canyon. own experience, with some standard training dehydration. This, of course, means drinking Think King Chef’s or Omelet Parlor. During Trail finding: Always bring a headlamp. mantras thrown in as well. a heinous amount of water before and after the day, down GU, Snickers Bars, or GORP No exceptions. Such planning distinguishes Light is Right: A concept first conceived the climb. If your pee isn’t clear, you haven’t while on the go. between getting to the bar before last call by uber-alpinist John Bouchard: the more hydrated properly. Training: It’s hard at first to train for the or huddling next to your friend until dawn. one carries, the more dangerous an endeavor Food as a Friend: Poor diet during and rigors of long days in the mountains, since Trails always look different on the way down. On hikes, especially in the dark, I turn around every 200 yards or so and memorize what the trail will look like on the way down. A map is paramount, as is the ability to gauge where someone has been. Always register cairns in the back of your mind and don’t commit to a trail unless you’re sure. Other Essentials: Whether on my climbing harness or in my daypack, I’ll never go anywhere without two lighters, ibuprofen or other painkillers, a teeny knife, a small roll of athletic or electrical tape, and an uber- light wind-shell top. This is by no means a complete guide and does not substitute for years of experience or common sense. The best way to learn hiking, mountaineering, or climbing is to go with people who have a lot of experience and are patient, attentive teachers. Days in the mountains can be incredible; they can also throw some pretty horrendous epics at you. Enjoy the hills, and be safe and respectful always.

Top: Michael Wejchert is happy to be in the backcountry. Michael Wejchert/Contribut- ing Photographer

Left: A CC climber approaches Longs Peak in Rocky Mountain National Park. Michael Wejchert/Contributing Photographer

Women’s Lacrosse Battles Williams Smith College Herons to Draw

Right: The women’s lacrosse team practic- es under the lights. The team recently split games away at Williams Smith College; they beat Denison University 11-8 but lost to Suny- Cortland 6-11. The Tigers’ next games will be April 5 against Regis University. Photos by Megan Stebins/Catalyst april 6, 2007 OpiniOns page 15 Warning: your political opinion Being may be unconscious and irrational politically

Mat Elmore Opinions Editor tive political dialogue? then they get massively reinforced for it, with The answer is both. Our day and age has the elimination of negative emotional states and correct Argument is the worst sort of con- yielded some of the most meaningless and in- activation of positive ones.” substantial political jargon ever, but in varying Although this study does not definitely versation. - Jonathan Swift degrees, this type of speech has always existed. “prove” that partisan thought is unconscious There is something else, however—what and therefore irrational, it does provide a strong is not a Participating in a political argument is usually an many people call emotional biases in the brain— argument against the dogmatism of our current outright frustrating experience. It does not take that could help explain the futility of political political system. It is obvious that not all of those but a couple of minutes to realize that there will arguments. A study by Emory University Health involved in the political process would have sim- be no declared winner, and by the end each per- Sciences Center concluded that when committed ilar results, but it certainly explains why most crime son involved is usually more staunchly opposed Democrats and Republicans were presented with political arguments end up as screaming matches to conflicting views than they were before the “threatening information” about their party’s (or any arguments for that matter). argument began. These conversations are neither 2004 presidential candidate while undergoing Dialogue is a necessity in a healthy democ- Emma Calabrese Staff Writer productive nor informing. fMRI (functional magnetic resonance imaging) racy, and a lack of it causes politics to become Whether or not you are “into” politics, you scans, the part of the brain that is normally as- monotonous, unproductive, and harmful. Rec- I’ve always taken for granted that I live in a com- have probably had this experience. Not only sociated with reasoning (and thus rationality) did munity where racism and sexism and all the oth- does this type of political conversation hinder not have any activity. er disgusting isms are becoming less the norm progress in personal political conversations, it While the participants were “thinking” about It appears as if par- and more the exception. But lately I’ve noticed a has also unfortunately become a model for our the contradictions presented to them about their trend that counteracts this, and I’m not sure what country’s political dialogue as a whole. No one candidate, areas in the orbital frontal cortex that tisans twirl the cog- to make of it: the tendency to try to avoid overt seems to be genuinely listening, and when poli- “indicate emotional processing and presumably political correctness. ticians speak of the need for bipartisanship and emotion regulation strategies” were active while nitive kaleidoscope I used to think it was good to be politically constructive dialogue, it is usually a fabricated those circuits associated with conscious reason- correct. Not making racist jokes? Good. Not be- façade to heighten public image. ing were not. According to Dr. Saxena, the re- until they get the ing homophobic? Good. Doing my best to be viewer of the study, “There . . . were activations accepting and understanding of other cultures? in areas of the brain associated with the experi- conclusions they Good. It certainly explains ence of unpleasant emotions, the processing of But now the phrase “politically correct” is emotion and conflict, and judgements of forgive- want. Westen almost taboo, used as an insult or an accusation why most political ness and moral accountability.” by the defensive. It’s become a vague term, often In addition to this striking result, when the used against “liberals” and “hippies,” to excuse arguments end up as participants had completed their conclusions ognizing this tendency toward irrationality is an the inexcusable. about the information presented to them concern- important step for a healthy political dialogue. I’m not saying that we all need to be humor- screaming matches. ing the candidates, Drew Westen, the director of Next time you find yourself in a political con- less, self-righteous little twits who don’t know the study, says they “got a blast of activation in versation, try to step back mentally for a moment how to appreciate a joke or a situation. I can hear circuits involved in reward—similar to what ad- and collect yourself. There is always a time to be people yelling at me now, fed up once again with dicts receive when they get their fix.” passionate about issues, but too much emotion “those p.c. liberals”—but I’m really not trying to The current political environment is echoed Dr. Saxena goes on to say that “the investiga- can blind us to opposing viewpoints that may be by Orwell when he said that “Political lan- tors hypothesize that emotionally biased reason- much more valid than our own. guage… is designed to make lies sound truthful ing leads to the ‘stamping’ in or reinforcement of I would advise ending your arguments alto- Not making racist and murder respectable, and to give an appear- a defensive belief, associating the participant’s gether, because most political arguments in col- ance of solidity to pure wind.” ‘revisionist’ account of the data with positive lege are useless and ill-educated anyway—but jokes? Good. Not It does not take a genius to realize that po- emotion or relief and elimination of stress.” if you do find yourself bickering with someone litical conversations end up nowhere—but is this The study’s fundamental lesson is summa- else, sit back, relax, and question yourself more being homophobic? phenomenon simply a product of our time, or is rized by Westen when he states that “it appears than you are questioning your “opponent.” there something deeper that is undermining the as if partisans twirl the cognitive kaleidoscope Good. ability for humans in general to have construc- until they get the conclusions they want, and

make the world into some kind of granola-wield- ing fascist society. No, what I really want is for people to stop Semester in Washington: turning political correctness into something it doesn’t have to be. What it means to me is valu- ing and accepting other lifestyles, other cultures, A journalism experience unlike any other other religions, other ethnicities. It means keeping an open mind; and as cheesy as that sounds, I don’t think that it’s something we should merely scoff at as too idealistic. Leah Zipperstein Guest Writer view Osama Bin Laden. We met approximately One of the class assignments was to write a Too many people define political correctness forty-two speakers, about three to five a week. profile. Thinking big, I decided to profile Mi- as something warped, extreme, humorless, and Having been back at school for a while now, I For the internship component, I worked chael Wilbon, sports columnist for the Washing- rigid, making it easier for them to justify be- don’t know if I’m going through reverse culture for John Boehner, the current House Minority ton Post and one of the hosts of the ESPN show ing as un-politically correct as they want. When shock or simply adjusting to being in a class- Leader, answering phones, giving tours of the Pardon the Interruption. After leaving numerous they’re accused of being offensive or belittling or room for three hours a day. And I didn’t even Capitol, and writing constituent mail. On some messages at the Post, Wilbon eventually called intolerant or any number of unacceptable behav- go abroad. All I know is that the mountains of weeknights and on the weekends, I interned back and agreed to meet with me. On November iors, they pull out the “you’re obsessed with be- Colorado are a far cry from the monuments of for the George Michael Sports Machine, “the 3, 2006, I met him on the set of PTI. ing politically correct” card, and all is well. The Washington, D.C. sportscenter before sportscenter.” On Thursday And yes, it was better than you could imag- best defense is a good offense, after all. Last semester, I participated in a journalism nights, I took a personal finance class on Ameri- ine. I think the saying “everything in moderation” program at American University. The Washing- can University’s main campus. My time in Washington was amazing. My applies here, and I want it to be clear that politi- ton Semester Program began hosting students Outside of the assigned program compo- professor told us to “drink deeply of the city,” cal correctness as I think it should be defined is from around the world in 1947. The program nents, I started my own radio show with another and we did. I’ve come away from the semester not unreasonable or humorless. It is a balance consists of seminars, an internship, and an elec- student from class. This was probably one of the with good grades, new friends, and an increased between having a sense of humor and a little tive class or research paper. coolest things I have ever been involved in. After sense of self-confidence (and I didn’t even need awareness and sensitivity to the world around During my journalism semester, my class visiting WTOP, a Washington radio station, I de- help in that department). you. heard from some of the top journalists in the cided I wanted my own radio show. My greatest lessons from my semester So to all you foes of that oh-so-evil political country. We went to the Washington Post and Rarely do I want something, go after it, and “abroad” are that persistence is the key to win- correctness, I have one question: Are you justify- met Ben Bradlee, who was editor-in-chief dur- actually achieve my goals, but that is what I did ning a race and you are only a phone call away ing your behavior by attacking a group of rigid, ing the Watergate scandal. We met Charles Krau- this time. What started as an idea became the from the next big scoop. Plus, people love to humorless extremists, or by attacking anyone thammer, a syndicated Pulitzer Prize winning “Sunday Surrender,” a one hour weekly news, join a protest. Hey, it’s Washington—what bet- who might rightly think that you are acting in- columnist. We met Helen Thomas, the first lady sports, and music show. For the last show, we ter place to complain about the government’s excusably? of the press. We met Pat Wingert, a staff writer had Glen Caroline, a grassroots leader for the ineptitude? for Newsweek magazine. Finally, we heard from NRA, call the show and talk about the miscon- Peter Bergen, the last western journalist to inter- ceptions people have about the NRA. page 16 OpiniOns april 6, 2007

A woman’s reactionWho to the Vaginaam MonolugesI?

Morgan Maxwell Guest Writer ally or figuratively. Our society is not innocent College, look about you. Does the Vagina Mono- Let us praise women without being crude, of stereotyping men in this way. According to logues succeed in its endeavor? Or is its purpose crass, and tactless. Let us honor and uplift them Who am I? many, “Men are aggressive bastards who only saturated, drowned under a single word? Are the without defying and mocking their nature by want one thing.” people who honestly need to hear the wonder- reviling and fouling their sacred sexual organs I am a woman. I thought that women had finally escaped the ful message of women’s strength and power ever through some raunchy, manipulative piece of art. I am a sister. deadly claws of the media in some respect. They going to find it amongst the incredible repetition, Just because it’s art does not permit us to live I am a daughter. had our fashion, our eating, our activities, our screams even, of “VAGINA!” and various pre- without some standard of moral decency. The I am a friend. words, but at least our sexuality and personality dominantly considered derogatory forms thereof irony of honoring women this way only makes it I am a lover. were not categorized and dominated by our sex- (I believe “cunt” was chanted ad nauseam)? more difficult to watch. I am many more things. ual organ. Until the Vagina Monologues. Now, Will the young girl being sexually abused by I challenge the Vagina Monologues. I did not I have a dream that neither man nor woman be her friend’s older brother be able to suppress her leave feeling empowered. I left feeling degraded I am not a vagina. I have a vagina. fixed as a carnal, sexual being, but that some- blushes and embarrassment to understand our and manipulated in a deceivingly artsy, beauti- And, therefore, I have great power. day all will be equally uplifted, praised, and cel- very abstract and risqué message? In fact, will ful, profoundly sad kind of way. Perhaps this Yes, I understand and sometimes utilize this ebrated as the unique, powerful, and beautiful her dad stop beating her mother long enough to sadness was supposed to inform me of reality knowledge: that my vagina, my sexuality, en- individuals that we are. squeeze it in after the Friday night church activ- and the pain of the world—to depress me into titles me to an impressive amount of power. I, as So as I watched the Vagina Monologues, I ity? Will the large conservative percentage of our action. But I don’t need a play to tell me that, or a woman, have power to fight against violence wondered if that play was helping or defeating population be able to get over their moral code to depress me; I live in the world. and manipulation. I have dominion in my world; my goal. I asked myself, “What is the purpose of to peel off the layers of orgasms (16, wasn’t it?) I want to and will fight for women whose I can control, reign over, the factors in my life. I the Vagina Monologues?” to understand that they aren’t just watching por- vaginas have been violated and invaded, who am strong. I am she. I found three main purposes: nography? That they aren’t, in actuality, sinning have been hurt and abused. The Monologues But I am not my vagina. by listening to this play, but actually being in- did not motivate this on any higher plane than I had a dream. No, not some ideological 1) to empower women spired to fight for women and against violence? persuading other audience members that wom- breakthrough of Martin Luther King, Jr., caliber; 2) to stop violence against women How can we convince them to stay in their seats en are their vaginas and should therefore find it was an actual dream that I dreamt in my oh- 3) to talk about the vagina after the first five minutes because some of the power in their sexuality. But those women are so-comfortable dorm bed located in our beloved stuff will be better and that its purpose is good? not their vaginas; they are not broken and worth- Slocum. Like I mentioned before, I am a woman; But I also considered the play as a form of I encourage you: Don’t just look at the mes- less because men (and sometimes other women) I have all of the genitalia and biological charac- media, because theater is media. Media in their sage of the play. Look at the means by which it have destroyed their sexuality and birthing pow- teristics with what our society categorizes with many forms have several purposes in my mind: attempts to reach its purpose and analyze: Is it ers. They are women; they are strong, beautiful the female gender. effective? Is it the best way to get from Point A women. So am I. In the dream, I also had a penis—an erected 1) to make money to Point B? How could it be done better? How penis. Everywhere I went and everything I did 2) to entertain (see #1) could it be done to reach more people and leave I am many things. was directed by what my penis wanted to do. 3) to shock (see #1) a better taste in their mouth afterward? How can I am a lover. My mind, my heart, my other muscles had no 4) to persuade (see #1) we make it so that parents can take their teenage I am a friend. control. Neither did my vagina (yes, it was still 5) to inform (see #1) daughters with them to the play and will have a I am a daughter. there). The penis dictated everything. I was the productive conversation about it afterward? How I am a sister. penis. My concern is that I’m not sure how many can we make it more prevalent and relevant? I am a strong, beautiful woman. From that experience, I would not impose that of media’s purposes are undermining the main I challenge you: think beyond the shock fac- life on anyone, male or female. No one should be purpose of the Vagina Monologues. I’m also tor. Perhaps our society needs to be shocked into And I am not my vagina. so dominated by their sexual organs (i.e. sexual- concerned that the play does not reach its goal change, but not about this. Women have many ity) that they cannot function as a physical, intel- because of the way in which it attempts to pur- other strengths hidden subtly in quiet strength, MJ, an everyday Jane with things to say lectual, spiritual—and, yes, sexual—individual. sue it. fortitude, and care. Women can find power in Man should not be controlled by his penis, liter- I implore you, student body of The Colorado virtue. ResLife: a story of money, lies, and sex

Chris Simons Guest Writer The security agent informed me that a Re- we, further, pay a large sum of money to live on office when you have done nothing wrong, feel sLife officer had been hiding in the bushes (pre- campus. I subsequently find it a bit ridiculous free to bring your Pathfinder along, highlight the Well, that might not be entirely true. However, sumably for the entirety of Spring Break) watch- when a sick student, not breaking any college students’ rights section on page 82, place it on the Residential Life Office of Colorado College ing the house with binoculars and saw lights policies, gets kicked out of her room. It doesn’t their desk, turn around and walk out. does love money, uses lies to avoid policy chang- illuminated in the house; the agent proceeded to take a history major to know that the Gestapo It is time we take action. I know that the CC es, and screws the majority of the student popu- call security to extradite the potential infidel(s). I forced the Jews from their homes and into dor- population has been complaining about ResLife lation—usually to such a degree that a cigarette told him I knew nothing of any such infidels, but mitories as well. for some time now, but we have yet to invoke is requisite afterwards. But I digress; as I often he nevertheless proceeded to search the house. It If you have taken the time to be intimate with change. I propose we hit them where it hurts: the do, I will begin with a story—a bit dramatized wasn’t long before he found precisely what he the Pathfinder lately (you know, the one RLCs wallet. Next time you are taken advantage of, or but nonetheless true. was looking for: a sick girl getting ready for bed. quote when you get in trouble), you may have see one of your peers being taken advantage of, It was March 24, the day before lawful reen- Well, there was no way she could stay here; there found it to be somewhat informative. For in- take the following steps. try to campus housing. It was a cold and musty were still eight hours until legal reentry. The stance, page 82 states that students have the right First, write to the Princeton Review express- evening, just after a brief rainfall. I was relaxing agent proceeded to escort the sick girl out of the to be “free from fear of intimidation and physical ing the colossal injustices occurring at Colorado in the common area of the Max Kade (German) house and onto the streets of Colorado Springs, or emotional harm.” It is consequently crucial to College. Next, demand the tormenters’ immedi- House enjoying a television program on the in- armed with little more than a toothbrush. tell the story of—among a bevy of similar in- ate resignation. Use petitions and public rallies adequacies of the British Parliament in the mid- I should emphasize that I don’t mean to vilify cidents—a group of anonymous students in the to support your efforts. Lastly—and I must stress nineteenth century. Unbeknownst to me, a Resi- the security guard, as he was actually quite com- Russian House who were recently making con- this is only a last resort—if no change has come dential Life officer across the street was keeping passionate. We began to talk, and he agreed that versation, one of whom had an alcoholic bever- after all peaceful methods have been exhausted, a watchful eye on the untrustworthy Germans. ResLife policy has become ridiculous. He told age. This individual was written up accordingly flaming bags of fecal matter are your final op- Boom! The deafening blow of a security agent’s me of the numerous occasions he had offered up for her infraction, end of story. tion. mallet echoes through the house. I attempted to his home to students who were forced from their Wrong. The odd thing is that everyone present I think it is about time we start demanding escape before he entered, but it was far too late. beds. However, this is not why I have submitted at the gathering of intellectuals was summoned some respect, especially with another ridiculous The interrogation begins. Why was I here this editorial; instead, I have written it to voice into the office of discipline to be interrogated tuition increase. They state that Colorado Col- before legal reentry? And unaccompanied by my concerns regarding the alarming similarities individually. I had assumed, before numerous lege is still below the average cost of similar an officer of residential law? Cunning as I am, between the Third Reich and Colorado College’s experiences like this one, that guilt through as- schools, but don’t be fooled: Any sum of money I generated a magnificent lie on the spot: “I am ResLife. sociation was not a legitimate form of policy larger then $30,000 (or 3,000,000 pennies) is in- staying with my friend. He is the Cultural Pro- To begin, I find current ResLife policies a bit enforcement. If this “witch hunt”-style of en- deed an exorbitant amount of money. But that is gram Coordinator,” I shrewdly uttered. I was in ironic. We, for example, are all intimately aware forcement isn’t intimidating, I don’t know what for another editorial. the clear. of the three-year living commitment on campus; is. So next time you are called to your RLC’s