Variety opinions sports Asking Amy U.S.-Sino relations heat up Monarch mayem Famed columnist Amy Dickinson comes to Obama may be trying to drown out domestic Tribe Men’s Basketball losses at Old Dominion share her advice with the College. opposition by instigating international conflict. 61-42 Wednesday night. SEE PAGE 6 SEE PAGE 5 SEE PAGE 8

The twice-weekly student newspaper of the College of William and Mary — Est. 1911 VOL.99, NO.30 Friday, February 5, 2010 FLATHATNEWS.COM ThePulse Bite-size news you can use

Neither rain nor sleet — but apparently snow — will stop a William and Mary party. Tomorrow night’s Char- ter Day bash to celebrate the College’s 317th birthday has been canceled due to snow. Forecasts call for a quarter to a full inch of the white stuff.

Tonight, before she re- File photos — the flat hat ceives a honorary degree from the College during Char- ter Day, University of Chicago law professor Martha Nuss- baum will speak about liberal Investigation critical of campus Greek life arts and global citizenship at 4 p.m. in Millington 150. Despite accessibility and involvement, external review Associate Director of Student Activities INSIDE Anne Arseneau ’89, whose focus is Greek Check out highlights of the report, The new Michelangelo finds alcohol abuse, acceptance of hazing life and leadership, explained a heartening including the investigators’ recom- exhibit opens tonight at the and challenging aspect of the report. mendations. Muscarelle; a dozen of the “They clearly articulated that the av- Page 4 Old Master’s sketches will be By Alisan VanFleet ture, reporting that the community is per- erage experience at William and Mary on display until April — and Flat Hat Staff Writer ceived as open. provides students with advanced interest the Muscarelle is the only “Non-members are invited and attend so- levels, a strong community, opportunities place in America you can see An investigation into Greek life at the cial events, philanthropy events and many for leadership and engagement in service,” these pieces. Remember, ad- College of William and Mary has released other chapter events,” the report said. she said. “At another campus, that might be mission is free for students. a fairly critical report that includes charges Additionally, fraternity and sorority the niche that Greek life would fill. So, here of low-level hazing, alcohol abuse, a lack of members claim leadership roles in other are we celebrating all that Greek life can do leadership and poor living conditions. organizations, and explain that they are for you. If it’s just a social outlet, then it’s not You mean I get to eat and drink to help others in need? After visiting campus in October, the not defined by their fraternity or sorority living up to its potential.” No problem. The International Fraternity and Sorority Coalition Assess- membership. However, despite these positives, the re- Relations Club, Haitian Earth- ment Project released an exhaustive 25- “I think an important strength that the port details a variety of criticisms ranging quake American Relief Team page report outlining both strengths and sorority community has is that we contrib- from philanthropic shortcomings to offen- (HEART) and the College weaknesses within the College’s Greek ute to our community as much as we gain sive vernacular terms such as “pledge.” Delly will be hosting an all-day community. from it,” Intersorority Council President One particularly urgent area for im- event today at the College The report first examines the commu- Laurel Berkheimer ’11 said. “The CAP re- provement calls on fraternities and the Col- Delly. Ten percent of all pur- nity’s assets. One prevailing strength is the port lists several successful endeavors of lege alike to address the current fraternity chases made will be donated significant role fraternities and sororities ISC and the sorority community as a whole, housing situation. Already a priority, the to relief efforts in Haiti. ONLINE play within the larger College community. such as leadership roles and addressing Read the full 25-page report online The report lauds their unique inclusive na- pertinent issues in the community.” See report page 4 at Flathatnews.com Speaking of delis, who better to represent the local hot spots than a saint? At Monday’s Super Bowl Media Day at Sun Life Stadium, Dar- ren Sharper ’97 of the New Orleans Saints, when asked, confessed that his favorite deli is Paul’s Deli.

Chocolate moose, any- one? Kilwin the Moose will make an appearance tomor- row at the grand opening of Kilwin’s, the new chocolate and ice cream store at High Street. From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Kilwin’s will be giving out free mini ice cream cones and fudge samples while demonstrating the wonders of Area lawyer fudge-making. BOV reviews faculty survey, mascot search

By Ameya Jammi set for completion in May, and added decreasing its index ratio these buildings in the ratio, Flat Hat Assoc. News Editor we should be able to move to the strategic plan. Lowering but that their renovation would declares Thao Nguyen ’06 and her band, The Get Down Stay people in beginning in June,” the index will require additional come at great expense. Down, will begin their Califor- The College of William Martin said. construction on or renovation to “We haven’t made the full nia tour with The Thermals and Mary’s Board of Visitors According to Martin, other campus buildings. assessment on dorms, but we candidacy tomorrow in San Francisco. discussed the direction of the projects currently in the design “You can increase total started looking into it about two Thao + TGDSD released their College and how factors such as stage include renovations to building value by expanding years ago,” said Martin. “Our most recent album “Know Bet- faculty satisfaction, the search Tucker and Tyler Halls and a existing buildings, constructing preliminary figures showed it Sean Driscoll joins ter Learn Faster” last October. for a mascot, College athletics feasibility study for renovations new ones or through renovation,” would cost about $97 million.” and construction projects play to the Brafferton. These future Martin said. “You lower the total Additionally, SCHEV City Council race into the school’s strategic plan. plans will be subject to a of the deferred maintenance recommendations include U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates ’65 announced Vice President for new State Council of Higher through renovation or repair — dedicating 2.5 to 4 percent of By Sam Sutton Tuesday that the Pentagon Administration Anna Martin Education for Virginia (SCHEV) either through a capital project yearly assets to maintenance. Flat Hat Managing Editor has taken its first steps toward reported on the progress mandated metric called the or maintenance reserve work — The College currently allocates repealing the “don’t ask, don’t of capital outlay projects that facilities condition index. or the demolition of a building.” .6 percent. Another contender has declared tell” policy. President Obama are near completion. Martin “The facilities condition The College’s current Due to the high cost of his candidacy for the Williamsburg had called for a repeal of the said the phase I expansion of index is the ratio of deferred index ratio is approximately 10 maintenance, Martin said City Council. policy during his State of the Small Hall was on schedule maintenance to the current percent, down from a high of that buildings such as the Planning Commission member Union address last week. to finish in March 2010, with replacement value of academic 16 percent in 1999. Martin said Campus Center and Trinkle Sean Driscoll officially announced phase II renovations projected facilities,” Martin said. the decrease was due to over Hall might be more suitable for his candidacy for for completion by 2011. Other A ratio of 10 to 12 percent is $275 million of construction and demolition and reconstruction the Williamsburg Government professor Larry projects are also on schedule. considered “poor,” while a ratio renovation of campus buildings, than renovation. However, the City Council Evans appeared on NPR’s “On Point” program Wednesday. “The School of Education of 7 to 10 percent is considered including the Integrated Science historic value of Old Campus Tuesday. Along with Brookings Institu- is moving right along and is “fair.” The College recently Center, Rogers Hall and Alan B. buildings makes them more “I grew up tion fellow Thomas Mann, Ev- Miller Hall. suitable for renovation. here, [and have] ans discussed partisan politics. “We’re making tremendous “We’ve got to pay money for been active in progress,” BOV Secretary Janet Old Campus, especially with the city … for the Board of Visitors Meetings hat the flat — file photo Brashear ’82 said. the government department, Braxton last 10 years,” By the way, did you forget The following BOV meetings take place today However, Dormitories, economics, public policy and Driscoll said in it’s Tribe Pride Friday? Go dining halls and administrative International Relations moving an interview Thursday. “I want to home and change into your •Committee on Strategic Initiatives, 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. buildings like the Campus into Tyler [Hall],” Martin said. help shape and grow the city.” green and gold and show your Center and Sadler Center are Board members also Driscoll has served on the city’s Tribe spirit. •Commitee on Financial Affairs, 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. not included in the ratio. discussed building projects, planning commission for four Martin said that operating properties and years, and says he plans to work Got a tip for The Pulse? •Full Board of Visitors Meeting, 10:45 a.m. to 12:15 a.m. [email protected] administrators are working on assessments that would include See Bov page 4 See Driscoll page 3 Page 2 Friday, February 5, 2010

News Editor Mike Crump News Editor Maggie Reeb NEWS INSIGHT [email protected] Beyond the ’burg

Studies at Queensland Uni- Archeologists from Cana- British researchers from According to research con- 1 versity have revealed that 2 da’s McMaster University 3 Cambridge University 4 ducted at Austria’s Medical the month of a person’s birth in- working in Italy have unearthed a revealed that it is possible to University of Graz, sunbathing ‘Stabilitas et Fides’ fluences the chances of becoming 2,000-year-old skeleton that did not communicate with a vegetative could improve the sexual desire 25 Campus Center, The College of William and Mary, Williamsburg, Va. 23185 a professional athlete. Research belong where it was discovered. patient of five years. A new brain of men. The study involved ap- Newsroom (757) 221-3283 —­ Advertising Dept. (757) 221-3283 — Fax (757) 221-3242 of players in the Australian Foot- The unexpected male skeleton scanning technique was used to proximately 2,300 men and was The Flat Hat — [email protected] ball league found a disproportion- had DNA from East Asia, and was ‘talk’ to a 29 year-old patient, who published in the journal “Clinical News — [email protected] Variety — [email protected] Sports —­ [email protected] Opinions — [email protected] ate number had birthdays in the buried in a Vagnari cemetery at a was able to respond “yes” and Endocrinology.” Research showed PHOTOS — [email protected] ADVERTISING — [email protected] early months of the year. Since time the Roman Empire had no “no” using just his thoughts. The that levels of the male hormone Miles Hilder, Editor-in-Chief the school year starts earlier in direct contacts with the Far East. case, although rare, raises ethical testosterone are increased when Sam Sutton, Managing Editor — Ashley Morgan, Executive Editor Australia, children born earlier in The findings are changing the un- issues whether to allow patients vitamin D, whose production is Alex Guillén, Online Editor the year are likely to be taller than derstanding of the economic and in a permanent vegetative state to greatly boosted when skin is ex- their later-month counterparts. political history of the region. die by withdrawing treatment. posed to the sun, is present. Mike Crump, News Editor Russ Zerbo, Opinions Editor Maggie Reeb, News Editor Kelsey Weissgold, Business Manager Jessica Gold, Variety Editor Katie Lee, Copy Chief Matt Poms, Sports Editor Caitlin Fairchild, Photo Editor Chris Weidman, Sports Editor Adam Goodreau, Web Director

Ian Brickey, Assoc. News Editor Olivia Walch, Cartoonist Ameya Jammi, Assoc. News Editor Andy Henderson, Editorial Writer Bertel King, Jr., Assoc. News Editor Austin Journey, Video Editor Mary Bonney, Assoc. Variety Editor Ashley Allen, Blog Editor Ellie Kaufman, Assoc. Variety Editor Chris McKenna, Blog Editor Mike Barnes, Assoc. Sports Editor Todd Corillo, News Anchor Jack Lambert, Assoc. Sports Editor Summer Finck, Production Assistant Alexa McClanahan, Assoc. Opinions Editor Jill Found, Production Assisstant Chelsea Caumont, Copy Editor Liz Horne, Production Assistant Betsy Goldemen, Copy Editor Beth Ramsey, Production Assistant Logan Herries, Copy Editor Kevin Deisz, Assoc. Web Developer Megan Keeling, Copy Editor Jessica Dobis, Local Sales Representative Colleen Leonard, Copy Editor Reggie Gomez, Local Sales Representative Rachel Steinberg, Copy Editor Chelsea Liu, Local Sales Representative Karsten Thot, Copy Editor Ryan Minnick, E-commerce Representative Sun Park, Assoc. Photo Editor Peter Ross, E-commerce Representative Elysia Alim, Insight Editor Juae Son, Accountant Vicky Chao, Cartoonist Jin Woo, Accountant

CORRECTIONS

In the Feb. 2 issue of The Flat Hat, the article “Foster looks beyond College for votes,” lists Ross Gillingham ’10 as an executive director of Students for a Better Williamsburg . Gillingham is not a member of SBW. courtesy graphic — wikipedia.org — by Elysia Alim WEATHER 5 Those seeking to lose weight should head for the hills Friday Saturday Sunday High altitude research shaves pounds, gives insight into possible treatments

By Elysia ALIM physical activity was limited to The men all had Metabolic creased at high altitudes. Flat Hat Insight Editor taking slow walks around the Syndrome, a disorder that en- “The new study is intriguing facility to prevent them from ex- compasses a number of health and suggests that we need to A study conducted by re- ercising more than normal. The problems including too much do a lot more research into the High 40 High 37 High 38 searchers at the Ludwig-Max- men lost three to four pounds fat around the waist. This effects of high altitudes on our Low 35 Low 19 Low 17 imilians University Hospital in on average and kept the weight condition increases a variety weight and our health,” Richard Source: weather.com Munich has suggested that it off for at least four weeks after of risk factors such as blood- Atkinson, the director of Obetech is easier for obese men to lose they returned to low altitudes. sugar intolerance, high blood Obesity Research Center of Vir- weight at high altitudes. “It’s remarkable that the ef- pressure and obesity, increas- ginia Commonwealth University a thousand words The project studied 20 males fects lasted after they returned ing the risk of heart disease, in Richmond, said. who weighed an average of 232 from the mountain,” says Rob- stroke, and diabetes. While once-a-month mountain pounds as they spent one week ert Roach, research director of During their time on the climbing isn’t the most practical at a research station just below the Altitude Research Center mountain, the men’s metabo- way to shed a few pounds, mov- the summit of Germany’s tall- at the University of Colorado lisms increased, they con- ing to a high-altitude city instead est mountain, approximately in Denver said. “Whatever it sumed fewer calories, and their of a low-altitude city isn’t a bad 8,700 feet above sea level. is that promotes weight loss at blood-sugar levels and diastolic idea if given a choice. While at the research station, high altitudes may be more po- pressure improved. Their lev- According to scientists, these the men were free to eat as tent in heavy people because it els of leptin, a hormone known results could pave the way for much as they wanted and their provides a lasting effect.” to suppress appetites, also in- new obesity treatments.

Street Beat How do you feel about Scott Foster’s run for City Council?

“I think it’s great! I hope he “I think it’s a good thing overall. It “I think it’s a good idea.” “I think it’s a great way for the wins.” is an important step in recognizing college to show interest in the the importance of the student community, and I think Scott can voice.” do well.” Nithya Jayakumar ’10 Kayley Horton ’10 Eric Chung ’11 Rachel Ohm ’10 PHILIP DELANO — the FLat hat — photos and interviews by Sun Park News in brief Campus Police Beat College named a top producer of Peace Corps volunteers

The Peace Corps named the College of William and Mary the January 26 to February 2 fifth largest contributor for medium-sized schools in its annual rank- ing of collegiate contributers. There are 40 undergraduate alumni volunteers from the College serving in the Corps. The University of Virginia is ranked 10th in the large college and universities category 1 Tuesday, Jan. 26 — An individual re- with 64 undergraduate alumni volunteers, and the University of Mary ported larceny at 201 Ukrop Way. The esti- Washington is ranked second in the small colleges and universities mated value was $355. category with 23 undergraduate volunteers. 2 Wednesday, Jan. 27 — An individual was arrested for alleged possession of alcohol by a Amanda Wagstaff ’10 wins Charter Day art competition minor at 500 Ukrop Way. 3 Thursday, Jan. 28 — An individual Amanda Wagstaff ’10 won the Charter Day Art Contest with was arrested and charged with an alleded her watercolor painting of Barrett Hall. Wagstaff was an anthro- DUI and possession of marijuana at the pology major until second semester of her junior year, when she intersection of Monticello Ave. and Iron- decided to shift her concentration to art. She hopes to pursue 4 bound Rd. a master’s degree in art after graduating from the College. Her Friday, Jan. 29 — An individual re- work will be used in the Charter Day program booklet. ported vandalism in Yates Hall. The esti- 5 mated damage was $700. VIMS research lays foundation for sturgeon restoration — An individual was arrested for an 6 alleged DUI on Richmond Rd. Research conducted by VIMS has helped to restore Atlantic — An individual was arrested for al- sturgeon to the James River. The James River Association, Vir- legedly being drunk in public and posses- ginia Commonwealth University and Luck Stone led the project 7 sion of alcohol by a minor in Tazewell. to create a reef that will serve as a sturgeon breeding ground. — An individual reported larceny in VIMS scientists have helped determine the best potential loca- 8 Ewell. The estimated value was $150. tion and design for the reef, which is slated to be completed this Sunday, Jan. 31 — An individual re- spring, in time for sturgeon mating migration. ported larceny in Fauquier. The estimated value was $350.

— by Maggie Reeb courtesy GRAPHIC — wm.edu — compiled by Elysia Alim Friday, February 5, 2010 Page 3 A closer look at Charter Day Student Assembly to initate College celebrates its 317th birthday new water bottle program

A brief history By CLARA VAUGHN is a really good job of out- bill to keep Alan B. Miller Hall Flat Hat Staff Writer sourcing funding. I am a big open to non business majors at During the 18th century, the College of Wil- celebrations moved to Blow Memorial Hall Gym- fan of this.” all hours, passed 18 to 0. liam and Mary celebrated its founding during an nasium to fit an unusually high crowd for the The College of William The SA also passed the Help Currently, all students pay event called ‘Transfer Day’ which took place on guest speakers Her Britannic Majesty’s Ambas- and Mary Student Assembly Haiti Now Act unanimously. The $150 annually in facility fees for August 15. Transfer Day commemorated the an- sador to the United States Sir Patrick Henry Dean passed a bill Tuesday that bill allocates $1,000 from the SA Miller, although the building is niversary of the transfer of the College’s char- and The Bishop of London Robert Wright Stop- will help fund a four-day event off-campus account to William closed from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. ter from the Founders to the College President ford. Similarly, in 1993, Charter Day ceremonies about sustainability issues sur- and Mary Supports Haiti, a Haiti Monday through Friday to stu- James Blair on August 15, 1729. took place in William and Mary Hall because His rounding plastic water bottles. earthquake relief organization, dents who are not enrolled in Current Charter Day celebrations, which cel- Royal Highness Prince Charles spoke in honor of The Student Environmen- to print 200 T-shirts. Shirts will business classes. ebrate the granting of the College’s Royal Char- the College’s Charter’s 300th anniversary. tal Action Coalition has been be sold for $10, and proceeds A Facebook group devoted ter from King William III and Queen Mary II, be- This year there has been an increased interest working on its “Take Back the will be sent to the University to opening Miller to all stu- gan with College President John Stewart Bryan in Charter Day in hopes of reviving an aged Col- Tap” campaign to raise stu- of Fondwa, Haiti’s only degree- dents has 1,054 members. in 1937 and were known as ‘Founders’ Day.’ lege tradition. dent awareness about prob- awarding university. Bills to be discussed in fu- Original celebrations included a march of stu- “Often students don’t know it’s Charter Day,” lems associated with buying “The university has been sig- ture weeks include the SC Free dents and faculty in full regalia from Jefferson Brittany Fallon ’11 said. “They don’t understand bottled water. nificantly damaged,” Sen. Kris- Pool Act, which would allocate Hall to Phi Beta Kappa Memorial Hall, or mod- what Charter Day is because it’s not that big of a “We’re going to be giving tin O’Conner J.D. ’10 said. “I $1,000 from the SA’s consoli- ern day Ewell Hall, a reading of the Royal Char- deal ... And we really wanted to change that.” away 900 bottles … to students don’t think we’ll have trouble at dated reserve to allow students ter and guest speakers. This year’s celebrations will include the tradi- on campus,” SEAC member all selling 200 shirts or more.” to use the pool tables in the The current PBK Hall was built in 1957 and tional ceremonies as well as several new events Dylan Reilly ’12 said. The SA debated increasing Sadler Center free-of-charge. since then, almost all Charter Day events have such as Charter Day themed dinners at dining Students will be asked to the number of shirts printed, The SA is also working to taken place within its walls. halls and the first-ever Charter Day “Birthday sign a pledge to avoid purchas- but decided to print more re-establish office hours. There are only two notable Charter Day cel- Bash” celebration. However, the “Birthday Bash” ing bottled water when they shirts only if demand persists “We should be there if stu- ebrations that did not take place in PBK. In 1968, has been cancelled due to weather. receive the reusable bottles. after the first 200 sell out. dents want to come talk to us,” Reilly came to Tuesday’s “We don’t want to be losing Sen. Jill Olszewski ’12 said. About the Charter SA meeting with the hope of money on this,” Sen. Steven Office hours are tentatively Schedule of events securing the additional funds Nelson ’10 said. set for Wednesday evenings in — The College’s original charter was lost around the time of needed to bring Elizabeth The Open Miller Hall Act, a Lodge 1. the American Revolution and was never recovered. College offi- Tribe Pride Friday Royte, author of the book cials at the time believed the original Charter found itsway into Feb. 5 “Bottlemania,” to campus dur- the possession of a Russian national named Karjavina. According ing the event. to an extract from a faculty meeting in 1791, Karjavina wanted to Swem Library Exhibitions “All we need is another $500 give the Charter to the St. Petersburg Library. Feb. 5 - Feb. 6 at Swem Library to get her to come to campus,” he said. — The copy of the College’s Charter in the Special Collections Alumni Medallion Ceremony SEAC has already raised Research Center in the Earl Greg Swem Library is believed to Feb. 5, 2:30 p.m. at Sadler $2,400 for the event and re- have belonged to the Royal Governor of the colony of Virginia at Center, Chesapeake Room ceived an additional $2,200 from the time of the College’s founding Sir Edmund Andros. the Faculty of Arts and Scienc- Lord Botetourt Auction es, the Roy R. Charles Center, Feb. 5, 6:30 p.m. at Alan B. — The Charter went through four stages before it was com- Aramark, the Wendy and Em- Miller Hall plete. First, the general request for the establishment of the Col- ery Reves Center and the Ma- lege were written in English into a document called the Warrant. son School of Business. Charter Day Gala Second, the Attorney General translated the Warrant into Latin The Bottled Water Aware- Feb. 5, 9:00 p.m. at Sadler and wrote it by hand onto five sheets of paper called the Writ of ness Act, which provided Center, Chesapeake Rooms the Privy Seal for the king to sign. Thirdly, the Writ was patent- SEAC with the additional $500 ed by a group of officials called the Lords Commissioners of the Charter Day Excercises from the consolidated reserve, Great Seal. Last, the Writ was copied onto Patent Rolls called the Feb. 6, 10:00 a.m. at Phi Beta was passed by unanimous con- Enrollment to serve as the government’s official record of the Col- Kappa Memorial Hall sent. The four-day event will lege’s establishment. take place Feb. 15-18, with sta- Charter Day “Birthday Bash” tions set up across campus. — The Enrollment was not the official Charter, but all five Feb. 6, 9:00 p.m. at Wren Yard “They’ve done a really good known copies of the College’s Charter were modeled of of the (Cancelled due to weather.) job planning this event,” Sen. Writ of the Privy Seal. Brittany Fallon ’11 said. “This Braxton, Dafashy candidacies still unclear

COUNCIL from page 1 “We were for keeping the three-person rule,” Driscoll said. “My biggest thing is preserving certain with the College if elected to the council. neighborhoods. I’ve been in favor of supporting higher “Unfortunately, some people view [town-gown density, which works.” relations] as strained,” he said. “I’d be willing to sit Currently, the city prohibits more than 14 individu- down with the College and figure out what needs to als from living on an acre of land. Increasing that den- be done.” sity limit could potentially allow for the development of In recent planning commission meetings, several larger multi-family dwellings or apartment buildings. commissioners have urged the city and the College to According to the city’s voter registrar office, five explore public-private projects as a way to improve the people have begun filing the paperwork necessary to College’s housing situation. run for the council. “It would make sense to cluster students so they Driscoll is the second person to officially declare his have access to certain services,” Driscoll said. candidacy, behind Scott Foster ’10. Dr. David Dafashy, He added that he would like to see projects in the a physician at the College’s Student Health Center, has same vein as the apartment and retail complex being said that he, too, plans on running for the council. built by the College of William and Mary Real Estate Council member Bobby Braxton said that he will Foundation near Wawa on Richmond Road be announcing whether or not he will run today. The While on the planning commission, Driscoll voted registrar’s office did not identify the fifth individual to against expanding the city’s occupancy limit to more take out paperwork for filing candidacy. than three unrelated individuals. The city council election will take place May 4. Page 4 Friday, February 5, 2009 CAP report calls for more inter-Greek communication REPORT from page 1 Council for Fraternity Affairs President sion about the unique relationship the Other points in the report cite the a proposed establishment date of 2026 Ian Fenwick ’11 said. administration has with sororities and fra- conflict between current practices within to coordinate with the 250th anniversary CAP report bolsters the issue’s impor- The CAP report also calls for increased ternities in comparison to the other 400 Greek life and College and/or national of the founding of Phi Beta Kappa at the tance, characterizing the housing as collaboration between CFA and ISC groups on campus. As the administration organization policies. Beer pong tables, College. conducive to high-risk behavior and not beyond social affiliation, as well as a clos- alternately assigns fraternities and sorori- openly present in some College-owned- Berkheimer said she thought this was attractive to men seeking a “safe and er relationship between CFA, ISC and ties unique privileges, expectations and and-operated dormitories, violate the a unique strength of the College’s Greek healthy place to live on campus.” It also National Pan-Hellenic Council chapters restrictions, a new “relationship state- College’s policy against drinking games. community. chides fraternity leaders for putting more on campus. ment” would be both more accurate and Alcohol’s presence at philanthropic events “No other school in the country can energy into discussing the problem than “Things have functioned in a way more beneficial to each organization. violates national policies. Moreover, the claim the founding of Greek organiza- finding solutions. where everyone was okay with benign Fenwick agreed that a clarified rela- report reproaches sororities for the prac- tions,” she said. Moreover, in a section concerning neglect at the leadership level amongst tionship is needed. tice of spending up to $500 on each “little” A Blue Ribbon Committee, consisting the use of appropriate terminology, the the three councils,” Arseneau said. “This “I think the greatest weakness is a dis- during Clue Week. of 13 faculty, students, advisers and other report suggested the immediate expul- is a new call to focus on coming together connect, or believed disconnect depend- Finally, the report suggests the stakeholders, is in place to coordinate sion of the term “frat unit.” for the benefit of the whole community.” ing on who you ask, between the William College more openly celebrate its role as short-term and long-term implementa- “Simply changing the name of them As for the College administration, the and Mary administration and Greeks,” the birthplace of fraternities and sorori- tion of suggestions made in the CAP does not address the overarching issues,” report suggested a more honest discus- he said. ties via a monument of some kind, with report. NEWS ANALYSIS: The CAP REPORT What’s in a name Greek Life Fraternity and Sorority Life Pledge New or Associate Member The Coalition Assessment consumption prior or during. Why this matters: Greater Why it matters: Discrepancies Pledge Training Project listed 25 Why it matters: A balance must be communication between the IFC, the ISC and between national and campus policy must be struck between the perceived enjoyment and the NPHC will improve Greek solidarity. resolved. The Coalition Action Project sug- New Member Education recommendations for the College of William and effectiveness of individual philanthropies. gested the Greek community Rush Recruitment Mary Greek community by 11. The Blue Ribbon Committee assembled 14. The Greek Life staff should consider update its terminology to reflect Rushee Potential New Member 6. The Greek Life staff should consider aligning to facilitate this assessment process should adding to the College Alcohol Policy a statu[t] importance. A selection of the College’s definition of hazing based on consider addressing the College of William e about “beer pong tables” and their presence changing values within the Greek Probate New Member Show / these, and the feasibility of [the Fraternal Information and Programing and Mary’s current unrest about the state of in College-owned and operated facilities. community, as well as the College Presentation / each, is ranked below. Group] guidelines. Further it should consider fraternity housing. Feasibility: Difficult regularly educating undergraduates on what Feasibility: Difficult Obstacles: Greeks would be quick to fight the of William and Mary as a whole. Presentation of 3. The associate director of student activities is and is not hazing. Obstacles: College’s financial state, ruling, difficult to monitor New Members should consider leading an effort to ensure Feasibility: Medium securing land use, determining suitable Why it matters: The furnishings, are that the William and Mary Police, the Office “We all adjust our behavior and Boys Men (or Gentlemen) Obstacles: Definitions of hazing may design both contrary to national policies and valued of Residence Life and the Student Affairs vary, organizations may view events that fall Why it matters: As units do not fit the by the College chapters. our language as we enter differ- Girls Women (or Ladies) professional staff are on the same page under the definition as acceptable. current needs of the fraternities, new housing regarding policy and policy enforcement. ent environments,” the report Frat Fraternity Why it matters: Hazing is a major issue has long been a priority for Greek Life. 18. The Greek Life staff should consider Feasibility: Medium nationally with Greek letter organizations empowering the fraternity and sorority said. “It speaks to our attitude Babies New Members Obstacles: Differences in expectations and is illegal on campus. 12. The inter/national organizations governing councils to create strong about, and respect for, those en- about policy with a chartered chapter at the College accountability structures through their stated The report also suggested the College Why it matters: Currently a conception 8. The student leaders of the three councils of William and Mary need to be asked to judicial boards. vironments.” exists that policies are not enforced equally. search for a new term to replace the should consider developing an integration consider re-comitting to providing assistance Feasibility: Medium plan to create a stronger interfraternal in addressing the risk management issues Obstacles: Greek willingness/ability to fraternity housing “Units.” “A ‘unit’ is 5. The student leadership, in cooperation with Suggested changes to the Greek appropriate as a reference to a cinder- connection, and to have all organizations be and the lack of understanding of the inter/ self-govern. their inter/national organizations, should national organization policies. An effective Greek block student storage structure,” the an active part of the overall fraternity and Why it matters: lexicon are listed to the right. consider addressing the issues of using and sorority experience. Feasibility: Difficult judicial board will make for important steps report said. abusing alcohol at philanthropy events. Feasibility: Easy Obstacles: Many Greek organization towards autonomy. Feasibility: Difficult Obstacles: Gathering support for such national policies are more strict than those ­ Obstacles: Many would not attend an extensive project, different values and of the College, so fraternities and sororities philanthropic efforts were it not for alcohol organization structures between councils. would avoid adherence. — by The Flat Hat BOV meetings commence with athletics, personnel discussions BOV from page 1 found at the Faculty Assembly’s website. Graduating members of the College’s Another survey with a large volume football team R.J. Archer ’10, David construction and maintenance goals. of responses was the one about the five Caldwell ’10 and Rob Varno ’10 were The results of the latest faculty sur- mascot finalists. featured as special guests. Members of veys, which are conducted annually, were The website received 77,282 hits the board asked the students questions another focus of the meeting. between Dec. 8 and Jan. 7. about what attracted them to College, While in the past the survey asked fac- 11,183 people completed the College their opinions of the Laycock Center and ulty members to rank their top three pri- mascot survey, and 22,381 comments their plans after college. orities, this year’s survey asked respon- were posted regarding the five finalists. “[The football team] really did a lot to dents to list their top eight priorities. Of the comments, 50 percent were from lift the spirits of a lot of people here on The top priority, by a wide margin, students, 31 percent were from alumni, campus,” Driscoll said, contrasting this was faculty salaries, followed by support and 20 percent were identified as being year’s successful football season with the for faculty research, support for graduate either from those who remain friends of sluggish economic climate. and professional students, and support the college or unaffiliated altogether. It was noted that the football team was Sun Park — The flat hat for professional research presentations. “People are following this,” Director of not the only sports team to draw excep- Board members gathered yesterday and today in Blow Hall to discuss College issues. The ranking of priorities varied between Athletics Terry Driscoll said. “People do tional interest this year. Last Saturday’s different areas of academia. The board care about it.” basketball game was witnessed by the The meeting ended with discussion part of the Triangle property, from the members noted that 71.6 percent of the Driscoll said every comment was read. largest crowd in Kaplan Arena since 1993. of the plans to build a mixed-use residen- College’s administration to the William faculty had responded to the surveys. “Some were read very quickly,” 7,600 people came to watch, far more tial development on the College-owned and Mary Real Estate Foundation. While no other specifics of the survey Driscoll said. “About half could be consid- than the 2,800 who normally attend. 2,100 Triangle property near Wawa. In a unani- Flat Hat Assoc. News Editors Ian were mentioned during the meeting, the ered derogatory. Some were hysterically of those in attendance were students, mous voice-vote, board members agreed Brickey and Bertel King, Jr. also contrib- statistics from the 315-page survey can be funny. Some were very thoughtful.” much higher than the usual 300. to transfer control of the Thiemes House, uted to this report. Friday, February 5, 2010 Page 5

Opinions Editor Russ Zerbo Associate Opinions Editor Alexa McClanahan [email protected]

OpiniStaff Editorial ons Greek life revisited et’s face it: The state of Greek life at the College of William and Mary is far from perfect. From housing issues to an L unfortunately singular focus on alcohol consumption, a range of problems prevent fraternities and sororities from realizing some of their varied and lofty aims. The CAP report’s recommendations, released this week, ranged from the frivolous to the direly needed, and now the administration must work to separate the wheat from the chaff to make positive changes that will help create a better environment for Greek life now and into the future. The 25-page assessment was expansive and honest. It frankly addressed issues like alcohol, but not in a way that derided all drinking. For instance, it has long been a problem that alcohol enforcement varies between Student Affairs, Residence Life and the Campus Police, making it very unclear where the line is drawn. For students, it is great that this message is finally being heard. As far as College policy is concerned, there were two other major areas of focus: fraternity housing and the status of Greek organizations on campus with respect to the College. Since the need for new fraternity housing is self-evident and College President Taylor Reveley has begun taking steps toward the creation of a new Greek village, we will focus on the second. In the College’s eyes, all student groups — from a movie club to a fraternity — are created equal. The needs of a Greek organization differ sharply than those of a standard club. The College has already created Greek Life positions. The report says that it should also establish a committee with the mandate to recommend changes to College policy. We endorse this suggestion, with some reservation. The College has been very effective at allowing fraternities and sororities to maintain their independence over the By Ol i v i a Wa l c h , Fl a t Ha t Ca r t oo n i s t years. As a result, the community is fragmented; organizations like the Inter-Sorority Council and the Council for Fraternity Affairs are somewhat hobbled as a result. Going forward, the College should do what it can to give the nature of Greek life more frank recognition. More centralized cohesion should allow for a more Once warm welcome turns cold effective implementation of beneficial policies overall. Positive change to the College’s Greek life will not happen promises of cooperation on major issues. overnight. However, change is certainly within reach and the It did not help that earlier last year Secretary of State Greek community isn’t going anywhere. We should get started. Ed Innace Hillary Clinton had asked Beijing to keep buying U.S. debt. Flat Hat staff Columnist As a result, the Chinese perhaps thought they had little to fear from this new administration. Obama did not seem The staff editorial represents the opinion of The Flat Hat. The editorial board, which is elected by The Flat Hat’s section editors and executive staff, consists of Miles combative in foreign relations and still needed China to Hilder, Ashley Morgan, Jessica Gold, Caitlin Fairchild and Andy Henderson. It was only a few months ago that President Barack invest in the United States. Obama’s whirlwind Asian tour stopped over in China, and the Now all that has changed; leading up to this week, Clinton president received a very warm welcome. In the past week, publicly criticized China for its restrictive internet policies, LETTER TO THE EDITOR much of the warmth the Chinese felt toward the United its cyber attacks on the United States and its refusal to help States, and Obama specifically, has disappeared. In what has the United States address Iran’s nuclear program. However, McDonnell comes at cost services, housing, athletics and the become an almost daily event, Beijing and Washington have the real offensive began last weekend when Obama To the Editor: Student Health Center, and it generates been consistently issuing statements berating each other. announced a multi-billion dollar sale of weaponry to Taiwan. Although I’ve never felt particularly these funds partly through student This change in relations was as sudden as it was dramatic, As China considers Taiwan to be its own territory, they were passionate about Charter Day, this fees. A tax on these funds will directly most likely due to its rather superficial nature. Throughout naturally displeased and responded by cutting off military- year’s events forced me to question affect students who have already faced a history, presidents have tried to overshadow domestic to-military dialogue and threatening sanctions against U.S. what exactly we’re celebrating. Gov. mid-year tuition increase of $300. We’ve opposition by drumming up international conflict. weapons companies involved in the deal. Obama responded Bob McDonnell will deliver the keynote seen how College administrators and Some say that such tension is inevitable as China’s power Tuesday by announcing a meeting with the Dalai Lama, speech at Phi Beta Kappa Memorial Hall administrators at schools across the and influence grows relative to the United States’s. China whom China views as a Tibetan separatist, and accused Saturday at 10 a.m., where the College country are responding to budget cuts: naturally finds it can flaunt U.S. authority with greater China of currency manipulation Wednesday. These moves of William and Mary will grant him an hiring freezes, layoffs, tuition hikes, and impunity and challenge America’s further angered the Chinese, who, in honorary degree. Oddly, I was under program and student services cuts. hegemony. However, this theory turn, issued more threats. the impression that the College honors Our state legislators are claiming has some problems. Chinese power The Chinese see Obama’s new This sudden shift from respectful education, diversity and community that there isn’t any money for higher has been on the rise for quite some tougher stance as a political ploy economic dependence to ever-growing engagement on Charter Day. education, yet they’re pouring money time, and it is unlikely that tensions to score much needed public hostilities is stunning, and most likely Unfortunately, the College into corporations and their own pet would appear overnight. Moreover, support at home. a function of politics more than of Corporation is not as profitable as projects. College administrators — who the issues fueling the spat are by policy. It is unlikely that the Obama Freddie Mac or Dominion Power, so have apparently been taking notes — no means novel. Rather, Obama’s administration changed its China policy McDonnell doesn’t exactly have plans are claiming that there isn’t any money sudden about-face — from a president seemingly soft on so drastically. Furthermore, the Chinese response cannot be to prioritize us — or any school — in because of state cuts, yet they’re pouring foreign affairs and dependant on China’s treasury holdings explained simply by disagreements over Taiwan, currency the Commonwealth’s budget. In fact, money into so-called profit-making to one who is apparently ready to fight — is seen by the or Tibet — these are not new to U.S.-Sino relations and have McDonnell will likely support a bill departments, construction projects and Chinese as more political than substantive, and thus they see always been handled without major turmoil. It is the political proposed by former Gov. Tim Kaine, their own salaries. Is it a coincidence that no need to compromise or back down. context of the situation that has caused the spat. which will tax public university auxiliary our administrators and state legislators During the Obama campaign, and into the first year of According to China Daily columnist Huang Xiangyang, funds in order to put money back into have used these crises to attack working his presidency, Obama espoused a less confrontational the Chinese see this new, tougher stance as a political ploy the general fund deficit. Under this bill, people, students and campus workers? foreign policy strategy, famously offering to open dialogue by Obama to score much-needed public support at home. the state will seize roughly 5 percent of The only people at the Charter Day with Iran and other American foes. When he was elected, They do not think he is serious in his threats and are each school’s auxiliary funds, or $18.8 Celebration not taking cuts will be the Chinese applauded his emphasis on cooperation over therefore not backing down or compromising. Thus, both million total from higher education. McDonnell and a few administrators, and conflict, but showed him little respect. During his Asian sides are issuing rhetorical broadsides — hopefully with The College uses auxiliary service I plan to ask them why. visit, he was proudly paraded around the country, but sent little intention of real harm. funds for operations such as food — Kathleen Brower ’11 home empty handed. The Chinese offered only vague E-mail Ed Innace at [email protected]. Virginia Senate launches preemptive strike on universal healthcare

healthcare. If Virginia senators actually A government-run healthcare plan Although I have outlined some of a public health care option before any cared about the federal government would ensure that citizens with pre- reasons for the adoption of universal such legislation has been proposed. The Russ Zerbo infringing on their ability to purchase existing conditions are shown the same healthcare, you don’t have to be a Virginia Senate has demonstrated that Flat hat opinions editor private healthcare they would voice care as those with clean bills of health. socialist to see why the Virginia Health it is unwilling to participate in an open their concerns in a more hospitable way While this may not mean much to those Care Freedom Act is an assault on the discourse on this issue and has chosen to to allow Virginians the free choice to who can pay for their healthcare out-of- democratic process. Above all, this bill end the debate before it has even started. The democrat-controlled Virginia participate in a public healthcare option, pocket, it means a great deal to those is a preemptive strike on any possibility E-mail Russ Zerbo at [email protected]. Senate passed the Virginia Health Care if they so choose. who cannot afford healthcare and whose Freedom Act this week that — if passed This bill brings front and center the lack of preventative care has left them by the Republican-controlled house — elitism that is at the heart of the anti- with conditions deemed uncoverable by would make it illegal to force Virginians universal healthcare movement. As private insurers. to purchase healthcare as well make it well-paid legislators, the GA has nothing The principles behind a public illegal to fine Virginians for not doing to lose by electing not to participate in healthcare option are the same as those so. Wherever you stand on universal universal healthcare. It is the average behind public schools. All citizens must healthcare, this bill is an abomination citizen who loses the ability to participate pay into public education because, as to the democratic process, which the in a universal healthcare system that a democratic society, we have deemed Virginia General Assembly supposedly would most likely be cheaper than basic education every citizen’s right intends to uphold. To pass this bill private insurance. Contrary to the and not a privilege for those who can while President Barack Obama and opinion of the GA, universal healthcare afford it. If one is not satisfied with his administration are retreating from is not intended to force citizens into public education, one has the freedom their plans for healthcare reform is the a one-size-fits-all healthcare plan. The to purchase a private education, just as a ultimate display of stubbornness. Why goal of universal healthcare is to allow citizen covered by universal healthcare not wait until the administration actually all citizens the right to have health has the ability to purchase additional produces any legislation before voicing insurance that is not controlled by private healthcare if they choose to do opposition to it? a private enterprise whose ultimate so. This bill is equivalent to deeming Under the guise of protecting “the goal is profit. The only freedom the Virginians exempt from paying the blessings of liberty,” this bill merely GA is protecting with this bill is the taxes that go to public education — protects the profits of private health freedom of private health insurers to considering how the GA treats the insurers and ensures that Virginia is charge exorbitant rates while providing College of William and Mary — this may

exempt from any variety of universal minimum coverage. very well be their intention. Olivia Walch — the flat hat Page 6 Friday, February 5, 2010

Variety Editor Jessica Gold Variety [email protected] Amy will now take your questions Syndicated advice columnist Amy Dickinson discusses doling out guidance

By emily kremer alcoholic. It’s a common issue. Another letter I The Flat Hat just answered is from a perennial favorite — she writes to me and says her three-year- Almost every group of friends has its “therapist,” the old grandson is poorly behaved and his one person everyone goes to for advice. Amy Dickinson parents don’t discipline him and she wants to was not that friend, and although she claims that in high say something. That’s something that occurs school nobody would have predicted she would go on to in lots and lots of families. guide the morally confused as her career path, Dickinson I want for readers to read the column has managed to become one of the most respected and and say, “Oh boy, that’s just like me” or “Oh, trusted advice columnists in the nation. Writing for the how strange” or “What an idiot” or “That is so Chicago Tribune and having her column syndicated to hilarious.” I love letters that are funny, that are many newspapers across the country, Dickinson possesses written by people who are so delusional that a positive and often humorous outlook on her job and her anyone would enjoy smacking them, along with loyal readers while covering topics varying from fake letters me. I hear from people that the “dumber the letter, to what not to wear on a first date. The Flat Hat had the the more I look forward to seeing what you will say.” chance to chat with her before her appearance today at Earl How do you decide if a question is legitimate? Gregg Swem Library. It’s really hard to do, and frankly, there’s no science What first inspired you to give advice to others? to it. When I was first hired, my boss asked me how I Well, it was the promise of a paycheck and a steady was going to verify the letters. I don’t think verifying is job. I’m not one of those people who has always wanted a useful process … I think like the kind of person who to tell other people what to do. I tried out for this job would write a fake letter. I’m sure I’ve responded when I realized that I was good at it. I’ve been the person to a fake letter. more likely to be on the receiving end of that. I had What is the most common question? been out there as a journalist for a long time. This was The most common questions are — I’m gonna an opportunity that shot my way pretty suddenly, and I put them in a genre for you — a question from grabbed it. someone who wants to work on somebody else’s How many questions do you receive daily? problem. It’s like this letter from this woman about Well, I get usually between 200 and 300 e-mails a her husband who is an alcoholic. She wants me to day, and then I get these packets of letters, between 100 help him get help so she won’t have to leave and 150 letters a week. A big part of this job is going the relationship. Unfortunately, you cannot through the mail. I have various criteria, but I feel that force someone into recovery; you can only my column should be entertaining. Anyone who is in my make the choices that are the healthiest life is going to hear a letter read aloud every single day. choices for you to make for your own life. It’s an icebreaker at dinner parties. It’s great material and It’s something that’s been something for it’s fascinating. me to absorb in my own life. I live in my How many get answered? own life with lots and lots of relationships. What I do is I start to go through — I usually write the One of the biggest challenges has been to column Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, part of Wednesday. I let someone flounder, to make a mistake, file seven columns a week. Each column contains only to face the natural consequences. It’s so 3 letters. I spend a lot of time going through the mail challenging and heartbreaking. You have to looking for variety. tell yourself: “Well, all I can do is assess this How do you choose which questions get answered? relationship and be in it if I can.” Sometimes I’m looking for letters with you have to watch people do really stupid, problems people can identify self-destructive things. It’s a challenge as a with. For instance, I just parent, as a daughter, [the] inability to save decided to answer a people from themselves. My column has letter from a woman taught me a lot. I have learned with a guy, been with so much. him many years; he’s an See advice page 7

Graphic by Olivia Walch

confusion corner One brave man’s attempt to navigate empathy in the collegiate world Lost in inebriation: of late night heart to hearts and forgotten drunken talks to find your coat so you can get the people involved in the conversation speaking the same language. The for comedic effect, as if his two Kevin Mooney hell out, it’s probably because of a are enrolled in a philosophy class. meaning you associate with a certain lovers’ different understanding of the particular conversation. Alcohol plays Those ever involved in a “How do word, or at least its connotations, is connotations of parades is the reason confusion corner an interesting role in conversations. I know I have hands” conversation almost certainly not exactly the same they can never know each other. columnist It’s the whole reason that people feel know what I mean. as someone else’s. I remember one But in most situations — Kundera’s comfortable sharing insights and But drinking merely heightens conversation I had with a friend — in characters notwithstanding — we There’s really nothing about concerns they’d never voice while the inherent comedy of any real, broad, un-intoxicated daylight — recognize when there’s a fundamental college I love more than inebriated sober, but it also impairs their ability substantial communication. Language where I tried the entire time, missing misunderstanding. Normal discussions. I’m not sure why, but to coherently voice those concerns. is a problem. Everyone realizes the entire content of the discussion, conversation deftly acknowledges, there’s always that point during Of course no one realizes this at the this when running up against actual I might add, to figure out his use even respects, certain constraints any college social gathering — and time, as they are blathering on about language barriers; it’s what makes of the word “mimetic.” Only after a of language. But what I love about it may have to do with the feigned this band or that friend’s girlfriend. studying abroad so simultaneously few weeks in a classics class am I drunken conversations is that they intellectual, collegiate atmosphere But pressed the next day for a recap of eye-opening and frustrating. Forget beginning to even get a grasp of the just smack up against these barriers campuses tend to have — when a that discussion, the one they seemed the Chinese word for toilet paper at concept, but I’m never actually going like a bird against plate glass, as if very intense, involved conversation feverishly devoted to the night before, a Beijing supermarket and you’re to access the idea he was trying to they’ll get you to understand if by arises. If you’ve ever stayed at a party they’ll admit there wasn’t much to screwed. But we seem reluctant to express. Milan Kundera’s brilliant sheer force of conviction. past 1 a.m., and you’re not making out it. The problem is exponentially realize that no two people, even fluent novel, the “Unbearable Lightness on a loveseat in the corner, or trying confused if one, or God forbid, both English speakers, are actually ever of Being,” plays on this disconnect See empathy page 7 Friday, February 5, 2010 Page 7 That Guy Monroe Scholar monkeys around

By Chelsea caumont so that helped. And there was one Do you have a focus that you’re Flat Hat That Guy Columnist class, professor Barbara King’s Ape looking at for your Ph.D.? Communication and Human Language What I really want to do for a living is Despite the cold, dreary weather course, that I wanted to take because work on endangered languages, language outside, Joe Kessler’s attitude is it appealed to the linguistics major in preservation and revitalization. I did work unmistakably positive. A Florida native, me, but it was an anthropology-majors- like that this past summer with professor Joe’s perspective is sunny side up when it only class, so I talked to professor Jack Martin. I went with him and a few comes to academia, hanging around with King and I thought, “Well, I’ll declare other William and Mary students down monkeys, crypt crawling, even watching anthropology as a second major so I to Elton, La. to help the Koasati Indians horrible movies. Our conversation can get in that class.” And then, as I there. We worked with the native speakers allowed him to open up about his was talking to her, I realized that I’m and developed a sixth grade textbook opinions of the College of William and actually pretty close to fulfilling the for their language, because the situation Mary’s unique Greek life, his interest in anthropology major credit-wise. there is basically that the youngest theater and film and his desire to save What kind of activities are you speaker is about 18. Most of the speakers the world’s endangered languages. involved in? are actually much older, in their 50s, 60s Where are you from? I’m involved in a lot less now than and 70s. So they’ve only recently realized I grew up in Vero Beach, Fl., where I used to be. When I first came to within the past few years that this is a most people haven’t even heard of college, pretty much the only thing problem — that kids are just not learning William and Mary. Usually when I told I was involved with was SKIFFY, the the language in their houses anymore. It people where I was going after high College’s science fiction and fantasy was a very rewarding experience, and it school they’d get either this blank look club. Around sophomore and junior sort of made up my mind that that’s what like, “Is that a private school?” As soon as years, I just started joining a whole I think I want to do. I came here to visit, I just knew it was the bunch more things. I pledged my What was the biggest surprise you right [school] for me. fraternity, [Theta Delta Chi], sophomore encountered at the College? When did you first hear about the year; I was part of the Information The weather surprised me. Coming College? Technology student advisory committee from Florida, I’m used to warm weather I feel like I’ve always heard of it. My for a while; I did some stuff with internal year-round. This winter, when I was family is a huge fan of the “1776” musical. affairs for the Student Assembly, some home, we had a cold snap where it actually Thomas Jefferson has a line in there where Mystic Theatre things. It just kind of hit got down into the 40s, and everyone he’s bragging about being a William and an overload at one point. Last spring I was freaking out. No one had proper Mary graduate. Little things like that. I was taking an academic overload of 20 heating in their houses. Also, I found always knew it was a good school and had credits, and with all the other things I with Williamsburg weather that it can a good reputation. When I was applying to was doing, too, and it just got to be a bit really fluctuate. You’ll have 70 degrees colleges I didn’t know where I wanted to too much. I sort of had to step back and one day and 35 the next, so I’ve sort of go, so I just applied to six or seven schools realize I like all these different activities learned to check the Weather Channel that I thought sounded good. but maybe it was time to focus on just a every morning when I get dressed, just Once you got here, how did you few of them. so I know how hot it’s going to be. Some decide what to major in? I’m also a tour guide with the people think I’m crazy; my friends back Michelle gabro — the flat hat I’m a linguistics and anthropology Spotswood Society, so I give tours of the home in Florida think, “Why on Earth Joe Kessler ’10 has volunteered at a chimpanzee sanctuary called “Save the Chimps.” This double major. When I first came to Wren Building once a week. I heard they would you go to Virginia? It’s snowing.” experience stemmed from his work with professor Barbara King. school I was undeclared, and I just were accepting applicants, and I had heard And people here are telling me, “Two of took classes that first semester that of the crypt crawl where only those kids the schools you applied to for grad school, it’s in the middle of all this farmland in a been times when I couldn’t hang out with sounded interesting to me. One of in Spotswood Society are allowed into the those are up in upstate New York, so what very rural area. I love it to pieces now. It’s friends or do something fun because there them was Study of Language, the crypt underneath the Wren Chapel, and are you thinking?” one of my favorite things to do when I’m was something huge due the next day. In introductory linguistics course. And that sounded like fun. You have to put in You’re also a Monroe Scholar. What back home. general I try to arrange my schedule so then the next semester I just still kept a full year of being in Spotswood Society was your project? Have you had any notable changes that’s not an issue, and that’s something taking classes that sounded interesting. before you’re allowed to go down in there, The work I did with professor over your time at the College? I’ve definitely gotten better with over At one point I realized that most of so I did that the first time last spring. Martin this past summer, that was my I feel like a lot for me has changed the years. There are just so many fun these interesting classes I [was] taking What kind of activities does SKIFFY upperclass Monroe project. Freshman since I first came to school. When I classes offered at the College. I’ve taken [were] linguistics, so I thought, “All engage in? year, professor King in the anthropology first came to school, I had no idea what so many classes here that haven’t helped right. That’s great. I’ve got that figured SKIFFY tends to be composed of bad department was my adviser. Through her I was doing here; I pretty much came me at all with GERs or major or minor out.” Anthropology snuck up on me movie fanatics. Like “Mystery Science class I found out about this chimpanzee to college because I’ve always loved requirements or anything like that. as a second major, though. There’s a Theatre 3000,” we watch a lot of that. My sanctuary that’s only about a half hour learning, and growing up my parents Do any classes that you’ve taken out lot of overlap with that and linguistics, freshman year we got a group of people from where I live back home in Florida, definitely strongly encouraged the outside of your major track stand out together to go out to the theaters to go which I had never heard about growing university experience. I came to college for you? see “Snakes on a Plane.” Earlier this year up because it’s a pretty private place. I wanting to learn but not really knowing I’m taking Shakespeare in Film this we watched this terrible, terrible movie wrote to them and I asked them if they what, and now I’m getting ready to go semester with Paula Blank and Colleen called “Mega Shark vs. Giant Octopus,” were taking any volunteers that summer, off to grad school and I have at least Kennedy. Last year I took professor which is every bit as bad as it sounds. I and eventually I was able to go there and somewhat clearer vision of what the Blank’s Shakespeare in Language love terrible movies like that, so it’s a lot volunteer. Actually, I still go there when future holds. I definitely never thought course. Those were both 400-level of fun to just sit there and make fun of it I’m home over breaks. It’s a lot of fun. The I would join a fraternity when I first English classes that didn’t help me at all with your friends. That’s what the club is sanctuary’s called “Save the Chimps.” came to college, and I ended up doing toward graduation, but they just sounded all about. They’ve got about 200 chimpanzees on that sophomore year. My friends back fun and they have been really enjoyable. What kind of post-grad options are the site, and most of them are former home still think that’s weird. I’m one of I took Arabic 101 last semester and, you looking into? biomedical subjects, and Save the the last people they would have pegged again, some people thought, “Why are I’m applying to a couple different Chimps is just a retirement home for to join a fraternity. you doing that?” But it was a fun time. programs, all for a linguistics Ph.D. them, basically. It’s a place for them to live What is one of your biggest mistakes Turning a potential negative into a Actually, yesterday I heard back from out the rest of their lives without being since you came to college? positive seems to be one of Joe’s strong the first one. Buffalo in New York said tested and injected. Mostly I work there There have definitely been times points as he remarks on his academic yes, so I’m excited about that. That was in the kitchens because chimpanzees, where I’ve worried that I’ve bitten off overloading and scheduling conflicts. Joe one of my top two choices. Back when I especially that many, go through a lot of more than I can chew academically. I makes it clear that he enjoys learning, was applying to colleges I applied to a few food. There’s 10 or 12 smaller groups of love learning, and getting good grades whether it be introductory Arabic or different schools; at least this time I have chimpanzees and each one has its own has always been important to me, and how to feed monkeys giant popsicles. Michelle gabro — the flat hat the advantage that I actually know what island that they go out on. It’s tucked I’ve managed to do that for the most part, Fortunately for Joe, the College offers tons Kessler plans to continue studying lingustics I want to do, whereas I definitely was away, pretty much off the beaten path. but there have definitely been a lot more of opportunities in education, which he and will be pursuing a Ph.D. this fall. He is completely clueless when I was applying The first time I went there I thought, all-nighters than I would have preferred. seems to have taken full advantage of, also an anthropology major at the College. to undergrad. “Hmmm, this is kind of sketchy,” because As a result of that, there have definitely both in and out of the classroom. Finding substance Ask Amy visits Swem for open discussion in late night talks Advice from page 6 Do you ever change your mind after you give someone advice? Empathy from page 6 What do you do if someone seems at I have. I have changed my mind. My risk to themselves or others? goal has always been that I wasn’t to be Whether or not it’s possible to get around this The most worrisome letter I would never factually accurate. There is so much room misunderstanding I’m still unsure; the only method I’ve yet run. The lead time is several weeks. I make for valued judgments. I love the fact that found is, again, in fiction. Dave Eggers wrote his book “What an effort to go through all my mail. I’ve readers will respond to me and say, “With is the What,” which he termed a “fictionalized autobiography” only gotten a handful of letters that were all due respect, your answer was terrible.” in the voice of Valentino Achak Deng, a Sudanese refugee. worrisome. I’ve never gotten an e-mail about Very seldom have I looked at an answer and Based on his interviews with Deng, Eggers combines someone who is going to harm someone said, “That was wrong,” but I have thought Deng’s fascinating story with his own experience, creating else. I can only offer myself as a resource. that I would answer it differently, knowing a narrative that either man might have experienced. It’s an I’m not 911, I write a column. what I know now. exercise in sustained empathy, the likes of which is rarely Once in a blue moon I’ve had to get back What is the best advice you have ever seen in writing, fiction or non. William Burroughs, for my to someone and say, “You need help.” I been given? money, plays a similar game in “Naked Lunch.” He’s an always say, “Let me know if you’re okay.” I Actually a very real piece of advice, which author who spent his entire drug-addled life consorting with want the people to know they’re heard. I’m I think is excellent but not earth-shattering: various characters — cops, bookies, addicts and gigolos. under no illusions of what I can do, I am no never buy a new outfit for a blind date. I His novel seems to evoke something of each of them, and substitute for a hotline. chose to not follow this excellent advice, they are each written in the style of prose appropriate to Do you ever consult other people with a to my regret. Some of this stuff is like the their characters: science fiction, detective fiction and even particularly difficult question? golden rule. It’s an important rule to live the detached pseudo psychological journal are all spliced Yeah, absolutely. I was a reporter before your life, do unto others, respect other together, as is Burroughs’ fashion. It’s like reading 12 books I did this. I like to think that what I bring people, tell the truth. I try to remind people at once, each by a different author. Some authors strive to to the column is the ability to call in other of these universal truths, to tell the truth find one authentic tone; he has a cupboard full — a feat I can people who know more than I do. It’s funny even when it’s hard, to treat people with only attribute to sincere empathy. — I don’t like to tackle legal questions and respect and be kind when we can, but that Of course, when I tried to explain this to someone at a I certainly don’t tackle medical questions, sometimes people need to be slapped. party, the only reaction I got was a long stare and a response, but I do tackle relationship issues. If you are interested in finding out Amy the gist of which was “I have no earthly idea what you’re If your siblings are fighting over a Dickinson’s opinion on an issue in your own talking about.” He had read the same book and was far more mother’s will, I know a little bit about estates, life and in possibly having your question concerned with something entirely different. So we just quite a bit about emotional and mental published in newspapers around the country, talked louder and louder until someone who had no interest disorders. I try to read up on stuff. A letter make sure to check out Chicagotribune.com, in either of our concerns finally told us to go home. that is only looking for a legal answer, I’m where you can submit your question online. Courtesy Photo — Emily Mason Kevin Mooney is the Flat Hat Confusion Corner columnist. not going to run that in my column. Some Better yet, go hear her talk at Swem this Amy Dickinson, author of the nationally syndicated He fully supports drunkenly talking your acquaintance’s ears people think they have legal questions but afternoon in the Read and Relax area from “Ask Amy” advice column, will be in Earl Gregg Swem off, as long as he is not one of them. they are emotional questions. 4 to 6 p.m. Library this afternoon from 4 to 6 p.m. Page 8 Friday, February 5, 2010

Sports Editor Matt Poms [email protected]

SpoMEN’sr basktetballs Sp o r t s in Br i e f

Women’s Basketball College falls at Delaware, drops to 10th in conference The Tribe (10-11, 3-7 CAA) lost at Running on empty Delaware Thursday 84-55, giving the squad its fourth conference loss in its last five games. Sopho- more guard Taysha Pye led the College with 22 points on 10 of 26 shooting, holding up her end of the matchup with Delaware for- ward Elena Delle Donne. Della Donne, the 2007-2008 Gatorade National Player of the Year out of high school, scored 23 points to go along with 9 rebounds. Team- mate Tesia Harris led all scorers with 26 points. The Tribe fell behind early, trailing 16-6 with 15:10 remaining in the first half. A jumper by Delaware forward Danielle Parker gave the Blue Hens a 41-21 lead at the half. The Tribe would cut that deficit to 15 in the second half, but could get no closer. The loss dropped the squad to 10th place in the CAA.

WOMEN’S Swimming Radloff honored as CAA Swimmer of the Week Senior Katie Radloff was named CAA Swimmer of the Week Tues- day, the third time this season MILES HILDER — THE FLAT HAT Radloff has taken home that hon- or. Radloff is coming off last week- Tribe handed fourth loss in five games in 61-42 defeat to Old Dominion, drops to sixth in CAA end’s meet against Delaware and UMBC, where she earned four in- By MIKE BARNES “They’ve got it all in my opinion. They We have been one of the top five shoot- With the loss, the College dropped to dividual victories to help lead the Flat Hat Assoc. Sports Editor are great defensively, they have great ing teams all year, but we aren’t shoot- sixth in the CAA standings. With six CAA Tribe to a split. Radloff finished size, great athleticism and they have ing it right now.” games remaining in the regular season, first in both the 100 and 200 free, Heading into its Jan. 20 matchup great speed at the guard position. For Sophomore forward Quinn McDow- the Tribe is now focused on relieving adding to her career-best 93 wins with Virginia Commonwealth, William 30 minutes, we battled, but we couldn’t ell finished a futile 3 for 9 from the field, the team’s recent woes and regaining at the College. and Mary had compiled a 14-3 record, stay with them down the stretch.” while senior forward Danny Sumner at least fourth place in the conference, Women’s GYMNASTICS a 5-1 mark in the CAA and seemed to Old Dominion solidified an increasing- converted only two field goal attempts. thereby guaranteeing a first-round bye be on its way to the postseason for the ly powerful at-large resume with the win. Senior guard David Schneider contin- in the upcoming CAA tournament. first time since 1983. The College had The overarching theme of the Col- ued his recent offensive struggles, go- “Coach said that we have kind of hit a Cream wins weekly ECAC garnered significant national attention, lege’s recent four-game skid has been ing scoreless in the second half while plateau lately, and we have to find a way Coach’s Choice Award received votes in the national polls, the loss of its strongest asset — its hitting only 2 of 12 shots. to get better,” McDowell said. “That’s and was projected to be a contender shooting ability. For the fifth game in a The College’s offensive struggles going to be our emphasis in the last Junior Melissa Cream earned the for a NCAA tournament bid, provided it row, the Tribe posted an anemic shoot- could be attributed in part to the size third of the season.” Eastern Collegiate Athletic Con- could maintain its winning ways. ing performance, managing to convert and athleticism of the Monarchs’ line- Although the Tribe has already played ference’s Coach’s Choice Award, the second consecutive week the But beginning with a loss against the just 33.3 percent of its shots. up. Old Dominion used its strength and both Virginia Commonwealth and Old Tribe gymnast has taken home Rams, the College (15-7, 7-5 CAA) has Most importantly, the College’s usu- height to out-rebound the Tribe by a Dominion twice, several challenging the award. Cream competed in the now dropped four of its last five games, ally reliable three-point shooting has decisive 48-25 margin, including 23 of- contests loom, including a home match- all-around for the first time in her including a 61-42 blowout at the hands suddenly dropped off — a fact that was fensive boards. up against Northeastern and a road test career at Towson last weekend, of conference rival Old Dominion (18-6, punctuated by a 20 percent evening “ODU is big, they are physical, they against George Mason. The squad will posting a score of 37.450 to help 10-2 CAA) in Norfolk Wednesday. from behind the arc. While the squad are better than we are right now,” Mc- have a chance to get back on track Sat- the Tribe tally their best score of The two teams met for the second did manage to earn open looks against Dowell said. “We knew it was going to urday in Atlanta, when it will face Geor- the season versus the Tigers. time in 12 days, and unlike the Tribe’s an ODU defense rated among the top in be physical; we just didn’t capitalize to- gia State. The Panthers sit at 4-8 in the heartbreaking, last-second 58-55 loss to the nation, it was unable to capitalize. night. You just can’t give that team so conference and are 10-14 overall. But ODU at Kaplan Arena, the Monarchs “I’m concerned [about the shooting], many second opportunities.” the squad upset first-place George Ma- left no doubt this time around, physi- but I really thought that for 30 minutes, The Monarchs utilized their second son Wednesday, and will prove far from At h l e t e Fo c u s cally dominating the College from start we got outstanding shots tonight,” Shav- chances and shot 50 percent from the an easy win for the College. Chanel Murchinson to finish. er said. “We missed a few layups. We’re field in the second half, further distanc- “We just have to rebound on Satur- Sophomore, guard “I would say that we simply got beat going to shoot the three — people can ing themselves from a lackluster Tribe day, and hopefully just get a win at Geor- by an outstanding basketball team to- say all night long, ‘Go inside,’ but we that managed to convert only 28 percent gia State, and go from there,” freshman night,” Head Coach Tony Shaver said. don’t match up inside with these guys. of its field goals after the break. guard Matt Rum said.

football College signs 13 freshmen to class of 2014 Two-star running back Laws, NC-transfer Paulus highlight strong group

By MATT POMS va Dec. 11. A former four-star recruit in the high school senior season at St. Peter’s Prep, making first team All- Flat Hat Sports Editor class of 2007 from Syracuse, N.Y., Paulus will be thrown State honors. The Flat Hat caught up with sopho- into a quarterback battle to replace the departed senior The class also includes a kicker, a rarity for scholarship more guard Chanel Murchinson to Despite a late start to the recruiting season, William R.J. Archer. Laycock said Paulus, who is already enrolled freshmen. John Carpenter hit all eight of his field goal find out her take on her roommates, hidden talents and her favorite class. and Mary Head Coach Jimmye Laycock signed 13 incom- in classes at the College this semester, is already working attempts this past season for Allegheny High School in ing freshmen Wednesday, in a group highlighted by depth out with his new teammates. Cumberland, Md., while recording 50 touchbacks. You live with Taysha Pye and on the offensive and defensive lines. The class will also “He’s been watching tape and he says he’s been out Laycock was pleased with the overall depth of the Janine Aldridge. What would be joined by junior transfer quarterback Mike Paulus, a there throwing with the guys,” Laycock said. “[The start- class, and will supplement the group with invited walk- people be suprised to learn marquee addition from the University of ing quarterback job] is wide open, nobody’s been prom- ons in the fall. about you guys? People wouldn’t North Carolina. ised anything. And I think that’s what caused all of them to “You try to get as good, solid players as you can, hope expect that we watched seven sea- “We certainly got a good cross-sec- go out and work and look at film right now.” they can develop, and see where they are two, three years sons of Will and Grace this sum- tion of players,” Laycock said. “We’ve New Jersey running back Darnell Laws will highlight from now,” he said. mer when our cable went out. got some good solid linemen, and the group of incoming freshmen. Rated a two-star recruit we’ve got some skill players that by both Rivals and Scout.com, Laws ran for 731 yards on What’s the best class give us some flexibility at dif- 114 carries his senior season at St. Augustine Prep and you’ve taken? Definitely ferent positions.” will likely redshirt his freshman season in Williamsburg. Freshman signing class of 2010 American Pop. It was interest- Due to the College’s play- “He gives us another big runner,” Laycock said. “That’s George Beerhalter — DL, 6-3, 250, Pittsburgh, Pa. ing and the professor was ani- off run to the FCS national one thing we were looking for, and if we had an opportuni- Alex Berry — OL, 6-4, 275, Roanoke, Va. mated, so it was never boring. semifinals in December, the ty to sign a big running back, we were going to do that.” John Carpenter — K/P, 6-1, 190, Cumberland, Md. Tribe coaching staff had little time The Tribe coaching staff also focused on the offen- What do people not know Jake Franklin — OL, 6-4, 263, New Bern, N.C. to focus on recruiting until after the sive and defensive lines, after losing several key players about Janine Aldridge? G [Aldri- season ended, almost a month later to graduation. Alex Goodman — LB, 6-0, 215, Fredericksburg, Va. ge] can’t hear. You’ll say, ‘Jeanine than usual. Lansdale, Pa. product Stephen Sinnott headlines the Baron Goodman — OL, 6-3, 284, Smithfield, Va. come here real quick,’ and it’s al- ways ‘What was that?’” “We weren’t able to have any of- group of three defensive linemen, after being named Jordan King — WR/DB, 5-10, 185, Stafford, Va. ficial visits until the end of January,” first-team All-State and leading La Salle High School to Darnell Laws — RB, 5-11, 211, Sicklerville, N.J. Who on the team has a secret Laycock said. “It really put us late in a state championship this past fall. Meanwhile, Baron Jesse McNeal — WR/DB, 5-11, 170, Spotsylvania, Va. that regard, but the notoriety and at- Goodwin comes to the College as a second-team All- talent? Taylor Hilton. She DJ’s. Raphael Ortiz — QB, 6-2, 214, Rahway, N.J. She brought all of her stuff down tention we got really helped us.” State offensive lineman from Nansemond-Suffolk Acad- here and keeps it at a house. We The most immediate contributor will emy in Smithfield, Va. Mike Reilly — DL, 6-4, 240, Old Tappan, N.J. sometimes go over there and be Paulus, who decided to transfer to the Raphael Ortiz will be the only scholarship quarter- Stephen Sinnott — DL, 6-3, 222, Lansdale, Pa. hang out as she DJ’s. College just days after the Tribe’s sea- back in the freshman class. The Jersey City, N.J. native Ivan Tagoe — WR/DB, 6-0, 203, Burtonsville, Md. son ended with a playoff loss to Villano- threw for 1,610 yards and 18 touchdowns during his