Thrilla in Manila Back on Track The Filipino-American Student Association exhibits traditional Junior Nathan Mann scores 19 as Tribe edges past JMU 76-70. dance, music and food at its culture night tomorrow. The College returns to action Saturday against CAA foe. See culture page 8 See MEN’S Basketball page 12

The twice-weekly student newspaper of the College of William and Mary F Est. 1911 VOL.97, NO.28 FRIDAY, February 1, 2008 FLATHATNEWS.COM A prime minister, an author, a fake commentator

College announces Faulkner could not reveal who in leading reform in the UK. else was being considered, but said “Regardless of students’ opin- list of potential that the rumors that Sam Sadler ions of him, we feel that he would ’08 grad speakers would be the 2008 Commence- be fascinating as a leader of one of ment speaker were unconfirmed. the most powerful and influential The committee’s formal report countries in the world,” the report By maria moy explained the rationale behind its said. Flat Hat Staff Writer choices. “The general consensus among “From her humble background, the Student Commencement Se- The student committee for se- we feel that [“Harry Potter” author lection Committee was that Col- lecting a commencement speaker Rowling] would best exemplify bert would provide a humorous listed J.K. Rowling, former United what the College of William and and memorable speech, however, Kingdom Prime Minister Tony Mary looks for in its students: hard it would be lacking in substance,” Blair and Stephen Colbert as its work, dedication, creativity and a the student committee report said. top three choices for the College’s willingness to succeed.” “Nevertheless, Mr. Colbert would Courtesy of wikipedia commons 2008 speaker, according to com- The committee praised Blair create a sensation on campus much Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, “Harry Potter” author J.K. Rowling and Comedy Central mittee chair and Senior Class Pres- for his involvement in the Labor host Stephen Colbert have been named to the shortlist for this year’s commencement keynote speaker. ident Nick Faulkner ’08. Party’s rise to power and his role See speaker page 3

State of the college Powell Great, public and needy endorses Nichol stresses public mission, College’s need for resources and wise investment By austin wright Flat Hat News Editor

College President Gene Nichol discussed the McCain school’s constant struggle for funding and the need to become more diverse in a State of the By alisan va n fleet College Address that was full of praise but short Flat Hat Staff Writer on specific plans from a president whose future at the College remains unknown. Last Thursday, Michael Powell ’85, rector of the “If the College is to play the leadership role College and former chairman of the Federal Commu- to which it is called, it has been essential that it nications Commission, announced his endorsement of become a more diverse institution — racially, Sen. John McCain for the presidency. economically, internationally,” Nichol said to “I believe deeply in supporting people of principle the more than 300 people in the University Cen- who have the strengths of their convictions,” Powell ter Commonwealth Auditorium Tuesday night. said. “John McCain has always been guided first by At a time when state-imposed $2.5 million what is in the best interest of the United States … I cuts in the College’s budget have shaken confi- think Sen. McCain has the experience and the char- dence in Virginia’s ability to support its schools, acter to serve as Commander-in-Chief and to restore Nichol emphasized the College’s role as both America’s place in the world.” “great and public” — a catchphrase that has In addition to McCain’s experience with national come to represent his mission for the College. security, Powell also pointed He indicated his plans to work with Provost to the Senator’s strength re- Geoff Feiss this semester to launch a planning garding the economy, an is- effort for improving the College’s financial pic- sue which has recently taken ture, and he hinted at a follow-up fundraising the lead on the campaign initiative to the $500 million Campaign for Wil- trail. liam and Mary, which closed in June. “I believe Sen. McCain “We require new funding, new resources, has always had a superb more consistent and competitive support, the grasp of economic issues and wisest and closest investment,” Nichol said. understands what needs to be “We have yet to achieve the stable, competitive done to stabilize the econ- and productive economic infrastructure that we omy but more importantly require.” to steer the new economy Nichol spent much of the speech touting the in a direction that will pro- College’s recent accomplishments, including vide opportunity, prosperity the 6 percent increase in applications for the and economic security to all Class of 2012, many student and faculty awards Americans,” Powell said. and the athlete graduation rate, which was the The College’s response highest of any public university. revealed differing opinions He made no mention of the College’s recent regarding the rector’s deci- controversies, except to thank introducer Alan spencer atkinson — the flat hat sion to publicly support a College President Gene Nichol delivered the second annual State of the College address Tuesday presidential nominee. See address page 3 evening. He listed the College’s recent accomplishments and steered away from controversy. Stephen Savalto ’10, Courtesy of wiki commons chair of the College Repub- [Ab o v e ] BOV Rec- licans, was not particularly tor Michael Powell. concerned by the endorse- [Be l o w ] Sen. John ment. “Powell’s decision to Toaster starts fire at UC McCain. endorse McCain is fine by me,” he said. “Obviously, he By sam sutton firmed that an electrical fire took place in the is allowed to endorse whomever he wants and I see no Flat Hat Staff Writer dining hall area. A fire extinguisher was used reason to take issue with his decision.” and the fire department was called to inspect Savalto was quick to add that Powell’s views are not An electrical fire shut down dining services the area. Two fire trucks arrived on the scene necessarily reflective of the views of the majority of in the University Center last night. as students crowded around the outside of the Republicans on campus. The authorities received a call at 5:19 p.m. building. University officials at the scene de- The Young Democrats expressed disapproval of regarding the fire, which took place in the clined to comment. Powell’s decision. kitchen of the dining hall located on the second Students were allowed back in the building “I think it is a little inappropriate for Powell to take floor. at 5:45 p.m., and the fire department soon de- such a stance, merely due to the fact that he is a rep- “Staff immediately called 911 and put the parted. Health Department officials arrived at resentative for the College and needs to think about fire out with an extinguisher,” College spokes- the scene shortly afterwards. The dining hall is what is in the best interest of the College,” Liz Pedraja man Brian Whitson wrote in an e-mail to Resi- expected to reopen once health inspectors clear ’09, president of the organization, said. “Associating dence Life staff. He added that the fire was the area. According to Whitson, the UC dining the College with any candidate could be potentially started by a toaster in the kitchen. No damage hall was expected to open this morning. damaging.” file photo — the flat hat could be viewed from the seating area of the “They’re probably going to have to throw all A kitchen toaster in the University Center dining dining hall. this food away,” one police officer said. “This See powell page 4 hall caused a small electrical fire yesterday. Per Hoel ’08, a supervisor at the UC, con- hasn’t happened as long as I’ve been here.”

Inside Police Beat, page 2 Opinions, page 7 Variety, page 8 Sex Column, page 9 Reviews, page 10 Sports, page 12 Page 2 Friday, February 1, 2008 News Editor Brian Mahoney News Editor Austin Wright Deputy News Editor Maxim Lott Ne w s In s i g h t [email protected] This week in Flat Hat history

‘Stabilitas et Fides’ 1932 25 Campus Center, The College of William and Mary, Williamsburg, VA. 23185 Editorial Dept. (757) 221-3281 F Advertising Dept. (757) 221-3283 F Fax (757) 221-3242 Final arrangements were The Flat Hat — [email protected] made for the College’s purchase News — [email protected] Variety — [email protected] Sports —­ [email protected] of Williamsburg City airport. Reviews — [email protected] Opinions — [email protected] Advertising — [email protected] The College, which had started Andy Zahn, Editor-in-Chief aviation courses the previous Ashley Baird, Managing Editor F Chase Johnson, Executive Editor year, decided to buy the Patrick Bisceglia, Business Manager F Helen Chacon, Accountant airport since the building and Brian Mahoney, News Editor Sarah Sibley, Assoc. Opinions Editor Austin Wright, News Editor Kasi Kangarloo, Assoc. Reviews Editor equipment were more modern Maxim Lott, Deputy News Editor Genice Phillips, Assoc. Reviews Editor than what the College already Alice Hahn, Variety Editor Nate Burgess, Graphics Editor Jeff Dooley, Sports Editor Isshin Teshima, Insight Editor possessed. Conor McKay, Reviews Editor Chelsea Caumont, Copy Editor Joe Kane, Opinions Editor Betsy Dougert, Copy Editor Taylor Martindale, Copy Chief Gloria Dube, Copy Editor Vanessa VanLandingham, Copy Chief Annie Emison, Copy Editor Spencer Atkinson, Photography Editor Leah Fry, Copy Editor 1966 Alex Haglund, Photography Editor Josh Garstka, Copy Editor Max Fisher, Chief Staff Writer Meghan O’Malley, Copy Editor With 13 wins, Dartmouth Angela Cota, Assoc. News Editor Lauren Summers, Copy Editor Alex Guillén, Assoc. News Editor Summer Finck, Production Assistant College came away with top Carl Siegmund, Assoc. News Editor Jessica Gold, Production Assistant Courtesy photo — wikipedia Commons honors at the Marshall-Wythe Kara Starr, Assoc. News Editor Sarah Hays, Production Assistant Ashley Morgan, Assoc. Variety Editor Matt Poms, Production Assistant Colleges such as Univ. of British Columbia have been working to help graduates get used to a working life. Debate Tournament that was Miles Hilder, Assoc. Sports Editor Maggie Reeb, Production Assistant held at the law school that year. Andrew Pike, Assoc. Sports Editor Pam Snyder, Production Assistant Erin Grady, Assoc. Opinions Editor Alisan VanFleet, Production Assistant Beyond the burg The tournament consisted of one of the largest debate meets Corrections College creates quarters for recent graduates in the United States at the time. In last Tuesday’s news article, “The Thorn in Nichol’s side,” The Flat Hat reported that Tom Lipscomb ’61 threatened to sue Jim Jones ’82. This could not be confirmed. Institutions create housing to help students transition to career life 1971 By Isshin Teshima ternative, so that when students The University of Connecti- Weather Flat Hat Insight Editor graduate, they don’t have to cut is also planning to build Crotty Brothers, Inc., the move into their parents’ ga- hundreds of apartments at its College’s food service company Friday Saturday Sunday Dowling College, located on rages or into their old rooms,” Storrs campus, and the Uni- at the time, was legally bound Long Island, NY, recently pro- Robert J. Gaffney, president of versity of Pennsylvania has to follow the City Hygiene posed the construction of over Dowling College, said. formalized plans to build 295 Code which stated that males 1,000 new housing units, some In an environment where on-campus apartments for both with long hair could work as of which would be reserved for multi-family housing only graduates and the general pub- long as a hairnet was used. High 64 High 56 High 61 Low 36 Low 38 Low 44 college graduates. The project, makes up 16 percent of the to- lic. Before the change, the service which will be completed by the tal housing market, Dowling’s Internationally, the Univer- had disqualified any male with Source: www.weather.com next academic year, would al- attempt to build living quarters sity of British Columbia and long hair. low graduates to continue liv- on campus has generated a pos- Simon Fraser University in ing on campus until the adjust- itive response from students at Canada have also built com- Quotes of the Week ment from college life to work the college who often have to mercial and residential com- 1984 If the College is to play the leadership life could be accomplished. resort to moving to New York plexes in an effort to bridge the The project also came about City to find suitable housing. gap for students. A bill was introduced into role to which it is called, it has been in an effort to keep more of the “I think it might be easier On Long Island, the creation the General Assembly that essential that it become a more college graduate demographic after college if you stayed here of multifamily housing by con- would allow qualified students “ diverse institution ... on Long Island. Recent studies for a while,” Janika Sundstrom, tractors and universities has to gain automatic acceptance — College President Gene Nichol during his State of the of the area reported that over a sophomore at the college often met with fierce resistance into state institutions such as College address. 62 percent of college graduates from Finland, said. “[The city] from community leaders who the College and U.Va. The bill See Great page 1 claimed to have trouble meet- seems a little bit like chaos. I want to keep the suburban feel required the student to have ” ing monthly housing costs on like the calmness here.” of the island. a 3.5 GPA, a 1200 SAT score, the Island, and a separate study In today’s fast-paced work “The people who have so a Governor’s seal on their News in Brief also reported that the popula- world, many universities have vehemently objected to this are high school diploma and the tion of college graduates be- recently attempted to find ways the ones who are going to suf- completion of a state-approved Former College president appointed to board of directors tween 2000 and 2006 had actu- to help students adapt from fer,” Gaffney said, “It’s their advanced education program. ally decreased by 20 percent. a life of learning to a life of grandchildren who are going to Corinthian Colleges, Inc. recently announced that it would be expand- “We’d like to create an al- work. live in another state.” — compiled by Isshin Teshima ing its board of directors to appoint Timothy J. Sullivan ’66 as a mem- ber. Sullivan, who previously served as the president of the College, will serve as the eighth member of the non-employee board of directors. Street Beat Before serving as the College’s president from 1992 to 2005, Sullivan served as the dean of the law school and the John Stewart Bryan professor Did you attend Nichol’s State of the College address? of jurisprudence. Sullivan received his bachelor’s degree from the Col- lege and his law degree from Harvard University. Corinthian Colleges is one of the largest higher-education companies with campuses in 25 states and seven Canadian provinces.

VIMS professor awarded for excellence in teaching

Carl Friedrichs, professor and oceanographer at the College’s Virginia Institute of Marine Science, recently received Virginia’s highest honor for professors. He is one of 12 recipients of the 2008 Outstanding Faculty Award (OFA), which recognizes the finest among Virginia’s faculty for No. I had better things to do at Come again? I did not. I didn’t even know it Haven’t they crucified Nichol their demonstrated excellence in teaching, research and public service. the time. It was my birthday. was happening, though I’m not yet and lobbed him in a glass Friedrichs, who has been a professor of marine science at VIMS since sure I would’ve gone either way. box? 1987, is the fourth faculty member from VIMS to receive an OFA from the state, and has consistently garnered exemplary student evaluations. Amanda Russell ’11 David Dinkins ’11 Cait Smith ’08 Dean Edwards ’08 His research covers a wide range of topics in geological oceanography, — photos and interviews by Beau Blumberg physical oceanography and marine science and touches on many issues of environmental concern. Friedrichs has been the author or co-author of 64 peer-reviewed publications and has been the principal investigator on campus Police Beat 21 federally funded research grants totaling $5.8 million. Jan. 15 to Jan. 21 — by Isshin Teshima and Sarah Hays Wednesday, Jan. 23 — A student from the Botetourt Complex called to report the theft of a bike. The total By the Numbers estimated value of the bike is $75. 1 Friday, Jan. 25 — A student from Bryan Hall reported receiving obscene phone calls. Police are currently 75 percent investigating the matter. 2 1 Saturday, Jan. 26 — A student from Unit E called to The proportion of the world’s poverty reduction in the last 20 years that China report that their Volkswagen Jetta had been vandalized. is responsible for, according to the The World Bank. 4 The side view mirror of the vehicle was removed. The 3 damage is estimated at $130. 3 Sunday, Jan. 27 — An anonymous caller from Unit 3 G reported that a currently suspended student who was not permitted to be on campus was trespassing. Police The number of liters of water used in the production of one liter of were dispatched, but the suspect was no longer at the bottled water due to the resources required in production, according to scene. 3 Waste Management World. Monday, Jan. 28 — A student from Unit D called to report that his door had been kicked in on Friday night. 2 5 When police arrived, the complainant later confessed 80,000 to doing the damage himself and was charged with destruction of public property. Damage to the door is The number of words known by the average American sixth-grader, estimated at $800. 3 according to an academic study. At age 6, kids know between 8,000 and — A caller reported the theft of a wallet while at a 12,000 words. party on Ukrop Way. The estimated value of the wallet and its contents is $75. 4 — A female student from Thomas Nelson Community 16,845 College called to report that her purse was stolen from her shoulder while walking to her automobile in the Phi The number of pages in the U.S. tax code, according the the Government Beta Kappa Memorial Hall parking lot. The incident Printing Office. occured between 6 and 6:30 p.m. 5

— by Isshin Teshima and Sarah Hays — Compiled by Sarah Hays Friday, February 1, 2008 Page 3

A rundown of some of the most common words Nichol evaluates state of College used in President Nichol’s State of the College address Before a packed crowd, Nichol praises students and faculty for many recent achievements Word Number of times spoken ADDRESS from page 1 mine whether to renew his con- lege,” she added, saying that she for Nichol, who decided last year College 31 tract, which expires in June. hoped he would lay out a plan for that he would institute an annual Meese, president of the Faculty Many in the audience wore “I funding expensive initiatives like forum for talking broadly about Research 24 Assembly, for leading the com- Heart Nichol” buttons that stu- the Gateway program. the state and mission of the Col- Student 21 mittee that determined the per- dents handed out at the UC en- Seth Levey ’08, who was lege. University 21 manent placement of the Wren trance, and several vocal Nichol mentioned in the speech for lead- “It’s one venue that’s avail- 19 cross. critics were in attendance. ing the Road to Richmond trip, able for everyone,” Nichol said Faculty Nichol’s presidency has been “It’s a cheerleading session,” said he thought the address was to The Flat Hat following the Service 14 surrounded by controversy since said Karla Bruno ’81, who pub- outstanding and focused on the speech. “I’m trying to set forth Leadership 10 his 2006 decision to remove the licly retracted a gift to the Col- College’s two most important a statement about where we are American 9 cross from permanent display, lege after the cross was removed. challenges: globalizing and seek- on some fundamental fronts — and the Board of Visitors is cur- “He didn’t address some of ing more revenue. where we can go and what we can Great 8 rently reviewing Nichol to deter- the serious issues facing the Col- The address was the second achieve.” Public 8 Virginia 7 Alumni 6 Grad. SA brings back Steer Clear Future 6 speaker Bill allocates $3,993 to fund program, which will re-start Feb. 8 Source: Speech Transcript courtesy of William and Mary News BY RUSS ZERBO In an addition to the agenda, “past and passed Flat Hat Staff Writer legislation updates” were given; Beato acknowl- edged that an article in the Flat Hat on the SA’s up in air ability to follow up on passed legislation prompt- The Student Assembly passed the Informing Students Act and the Steer Clear Reestablish- ed the updates. SPEAKER from page 1 ment Act during Tuesday’s meeting. Of the 12 acts discussed, two have been suc- Three pieces of new business were presented cessfully implemented: the Flu Shot Encourage- like Mr. Stewart did a few years and Senate Chairman Matt Beato ’09 also con- ment Act and the Campus Composting Act II. ago.” ducted “past and passed legislation updates.” Three pieces of new business were also pre- According to the Daily Princ- The Informing Students Act, sponsored by sented. First, Eating Disorders Promotion Act, etonian, Colbert is already slated Sen. Devan Barber ’08, requires the attendance sponsored by Sen. Brittany Fallon ’11, which to give a Commencement speech of SA President Zach Pilchen ’09, Sen. Walter charges her with creating an informative bro- at Princeton University, and The McClean ’09 or Finance Secretary Andrew Bla- chure addressing eating disorders and locations Boston Globe has reported that si ’10 at the women’s studies department Free from which to receive help on campus. Rowling will be Harvard Univer- Speech Panel Jan. 31. The second and third, the Funding Interfer- sity’s Commencement speaker. The panel will be chiefly discussing issues re- ence Act and the Reject HB 118 Act, were both However, Faulkner said he had garding the Feb. 4 Sex Workers’ Art Show. sponsored by McClean. heard rumors that one of the three The Steer Clear Reestablishment Act, spon- The Funding Interference Act asserts the SA’s picks had already agreed to come, sored by Sen. Sarah Rojas ’10, was passed 18- legal right to autonomously fund campus pro- if asked. 0-1 and creates a new version of Steer Clear, grams, while the Reject HB 118 Act urges the Each year’s Commencement under which drivers will be paid $8 per hour in state senate to reject a law, which would give the speaker is chosen by the Board order to establish a consistent work force. general assembly more oversight regarding state of Visitors and based on recom- The act was originally introduced with a cost colleges. mendations by a student commit- of $1,842; however, it soon became evident that The SA was prepared to take a veto-override tee and a faculty committee. The two drivers should be present in the car at all vote on the SIGN Referendum Act; however, student committee is composed of times, raising the cost to $3,993. Pilchen was not present at the executive cabinet seniors, graduate students and re- Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs meeting and could not sign or veto the legisla- cent alumni. In an e-mail, Faulkner Mark Constantine directed the College’s Office tion. explained the process for selecting of Risk Management to assess the program for Pilchen will likely veto legislation that puts a a Commencement speaker. First, any possible liabilities, delaying the start. referendum on the next general election. the student committee compiles a Steer Clear will be available to drive students The bill regards President Gene Nichol’s con- list of 10 possible speakers. starting Feb. 8, and on future weekends it will be tract renewal before the next SA meeting Feb. “We picked 10 individuals who available every Thursday, Friday and Saturday. 5. we thought would deliver the best Commencement speech and who would be able to relate to the stu- dents the most,” Faulkner said. He admitted that he was not sure how much influence the stu- dents’ recommendations had. This list is then sent to the fac- ulty committee, which proceeds to edit and add to the list before sending it on to the Board of Di- rectors. The board reviews both committees’ recommendations before making the final decision. The official decision for com- mencement speaker will be re- leased this spring. Last year, the BOV announced its choice March 30 to have Defense Secretary Robert Gates ’65 speak at gradu- ation.

Cl a s s i f i e d

Headache? Neck pain? Back pain? Sports injury? Stress? We can help. Visit www.per- formancechiropractic.com to see how CHIRORPACTIC, APUCPUNTURE, and MASSAGE help you be your best. For more information, or to schedule an appointment, call Performance Chiropractic at 229-4161. (ad authorized by Dr. Daniel Shaye, chiropractic physician, W&M 1990) Page 4 Friday, February 1, 2008 Rector supports McCain Gates ’65 confronts powell from page 1 man of the FCC,” Gilmour said. are strong public figures and strong “Powell’s not a really important supporters of the College.” Both Savalto and Pedraja point- member, but a somewhat important Powell expressed the possible military negligence ed out that neither the College member of the Republican Party.” benefits that the College would Republicans nor the Young Gilmour expressed doubt that enjoy via a McCain presidency. “I By alex guillén department in 2002. Gates, however, declined Democrats are allowed to publicly Powell’s decision could be detri- think Sen. McCain understands the Flat Hat Assoc. News Editor the position so he could remain the president support any candidate running for mental to the College. importance that the nation has a of Texas A&M University. office. “I can’t think of how [the endorse- first-class higher education system,” It has now been more than 13 months Gates did, however, accept the nomina- Professor John Gilmour, who has ment] would have an effect. If Mitt he said. “I know he is concerned since Robert Gates ’65 was sworn in as the tion to replace former Secretary of Defense taught in the government depart- [Romney] won and was really petty, about the rising costs of education Secretary of Defense. In that time, he has Donald Rumsfeld Nov. 8, 2006. During con- ment for the past 12 years, weighed I guess we could be denied grant and the need to ensure everyone faced controversy, fired generals and attempt- firmation hearings in the Senate, Gates told in on the debate. money from the National Science has an opportunity to go to college ed to decrease the military presence in Iraq. Sen. Carl Levin that he did not believe the “I think the reason Powell Foundation. But that is practically regardless of their socio-economic The position was not Gates’ first nomina- United States was either winning or losing [endorsed McCain] is not because inconceivable,” Gilmour said. “I situation. I plan to be a voice on his tion to President George W. Bush’s cabinet; the war in Iraq. Gates was confirmed and he is the rector at William and Mary, believe it’s helpful for the College team, advocating a redoubled com- Gates was the first choice for Secretary of sworn in Dec. 18, 2006. but because he was the former chair- to have people like Powell, who mitment to higher education.” Homeland Security when Bush created that Controversy soon surrounded the mili- tary when in February 2007 The Washington Post published sev- eral articles focusing on wound- ed soldiers and their families; the soldiers were allegedly neglect- ed and mistreated at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center. As a result of the ensuing scandal, Gates fired Walter Reed com- mander Maj. Gen. George W. Weightman and forced the resig- nations of Secretary of the Army Francis J. Harvey and the previ- ous commander of Walter Reed, Lt. Gen. Kevin C. Kiley. Gates said in June 2007 that he would not recommend the renewal of Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Peter Pace. Instead, he advised Bush to appoint Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Michael Mullen to the position. In Sept. 2007 Gates said that he expected the armed forces presence in Iraq to drop by more than 69,000 troops by the end of 2008, reaching a total of 100,000. Gates now has less than one year until a new presidential administration comes to power. Military analysts point out that he does not have enough time to create sweeping new strate- gies for the United States’ vari- ous conflicts; instead, they say, Gates will simply continue to manage the military until next January. Special Section — February 1, 2008 Page 5

WSJ.com FEBRUARY 4, 2008 s 2008 Dow Jones & Company Inc. All Rights Reserved. What’s News— Wait of the World Is on Dan Brown In Business and Finance Publishers In Suspense Group, whose Doubleday The Unauthorized Guide to 7 7 7 imprint publishes Mr. the Mysteries Behind The Awaiting Follow-Up Brown. Mr. Rubin de- Da Vinci Code,” thinks Mr. clined further comment. Brown may have earned as Ask Seeks Answer Search Results To ‘Da Vinci Code’ What date could that much as $300 million from be? Since some of the all related properties. To Luring New Users Share of the U.S. Internet-search leaders of the American Many writers have market, by company. IAC/InterActiveCorp has spent By Jeffrey A. Trachtenberg Revolution were masons, struggled to follow up a $140 million since 2005 asking peo- an Brown’s 2003 novel including George Wash- best-seller with a book of ple to choose Ask.com as their Yahoo: “The Da Vinci Code” was ington, an obvious refer- equal acclaim. “The next search engine. It has asked on TV 22.9% the biggest publishing ence point would be July book almost always under- with monkeys, on billboards with event in decades, a global Fourth. In addition to it performs, because the au- Microsoft: Google nerdy computer lingo, and in Brit- 9.8% best-seller that spawned being Independence Day, thor is already at his ze- ain with a plea for social good. 58.4% dozens of literary knock- the cornerstone of the nith,” says David Stein- But Ask has had no real success Doffs, a cottage industry of explana- Washington Monument berger, CEO of Perseus luring visitors from rivals like Goo- Time tory nonfiction titles, and a vast Eu- was laid on July 4, 1848, Books Group. gle. Ask’s market share hasn’t Warner: ropean tourism business focused on in a ceremony hosted by grown in several years while Goo- 4.6% sites mentioned in the book. the Freemasons. Court Time gle, which spends relatively little Ask: 4.3% Now that Harry Potter—the There are other more Mr. Brown’s timetable on advertising, has seen its domi- only bigger publishing phenome- obscure dates that could was affected by a plagia- nance increase. Note: As of December 2007; each company’s non of the age—is retired, no book be significant: On Sept. rism suit brought in Brit- IAC’s continued emphasis on tra- share includes affiliated sites has been as eagerly awaited as Mr. 18, 1793, President Wash- ain by two of the three au- ditional marketing to lift Ask.com Source: comScore Inc. Brown’s next novel, purported to ington led a Masonic pa- thors of “The Holy Blood raises the question of whether a be about freemasonry and the rade down Pennsylvania and the Holy Grail.” That Madison Avenue-type approach is it now has 10 locations. Founding Fathers. The problem is, Avenue to lay the corner- book, a work of nonfiction suitable for the Internet-search McDonald’s, meanwhile, plans it is still awaited…and awaited… stone of the U.S. Capitol. published in 1982, ex- world. Analysts argue that major to accelerate its growth in China and awaited. A third choice? The cor- plored the possibility that Internet brands are built on supe- by opening 125 new restaurants The whole industry is impa- nerstone of the White Jesus had not died on the rior technology and word-of- there this year, 18% more than in tient. Book sales are generally slug- House was laid on Oct. cross but married and fa- mouth. “You can go a certain dis- 2007, senior executives said. gish, and one explosive, high-pro- 13, 1792, during a Ma- thered a child—a theme tance by increasing your advertis- file title can jump-start sales sonic celebration. (On central to “The Da Vinci ing spending,” says Bill Tancer, gen- YouTube Launches across the board as customers that date in 1307, the Code.” eral manager of global research for pour into the stores and walk out King of France ordered Roman Genn Although Mr. Brown Hitwise. “But it is also going to take Site in South Korea with a bagful of titles. the arrest of Knights Templar. Point” in 2001, and “The Da Vinci was exonerated in early 2006, the a superior user experience.” YouTube said it launched a lo- There has been speculation connect- Code” in 2003. matter was time-consuming. Google spent only $34 million cal version of the video-sharing Few Clues ing the Knights and the origins of “The Da Vinci Code” was also on advertising between January site in South Korea in its latest So where is the new novel? It’s the Masons, although the matter is The Brown Inheritance criticized for factual miscues; this 2006 and September 2007, accord- push to expand in global markets. a mystery worthy of the deepest in question.) The first three books sold mod- time, he may be taking particular ing to TNS Media Intelligence. In The interface of the site, www.you- secrets of the Knights Templar. Mr. Mr. Brown’s publisher said sev- estly when first released, but the care. “He has toured a number of that period, Ask spent $123 million tube.co.kr, is in Korean, and the Brown, holed up in New Hamp- eral years ago that the next book is fourth—about the search for the Masonic temples to get the histori- and Yahoo spent $61 million. site features locally produced con- shire, isn’t saying. His agent, Heide tentatively titled “The Solomon real meaning of the Holy Grail and cal facts correct,” says Akram IAC Chairman Barry Diller and tent, including some from You- Lange, isn’t, either. Key.” In an undated post on his the bloodline of Jesus—was one of Elias, grand master of the Grand Liberty Media, meanwhile, which Tube’s seven Korean media part- “When a major author doesn’t de- Web site, Mr. Brown writes that it the most remarkable stories in pub- Lodge of Free and Accepted Ma- owns a majority voting stake in ners. YouTube, a unit of Google, liver, you get down on your knees is “set deep within the oldest fra- lishing history. There are more sons of the District of Columbia. IAC, are engaged in a legal battle recently launched local versions in and pray,” says Laurence Kirshbaum, ternity in history…the enigmatic than 80 million copies in print The Masons are a fraternal soci- over IAC that may affect the future 18 countries, including Brazil, a book agent who heads up LJK Liter- brotherhood of the Masons.” Else- world-wide, according to Ms. ety dedicated to self-improvement control of Ticketmaster. France, Ireland and Italy. ary Management. “You can’t where on the site, he notes that Lange. It served as the basis of a and charitable works. Membership threaten, you can’t cajole, you wait.” Robert Langdon, a fictional Har- blockbuster movie of the same is open to all religions and politi- Nintendo’s Wii, DS Online Music Stores Back in November 2004, a vard symbologist who first ap- name, released in 2006. Mr. cal parties. Although Mr. Brown spokeswoman for Doubleday said peared in Mr. Brown’s second book Brown’s earlier titles subsequently portrayed the secretive Roman Power a Surge Keep Expanding the target publishing date for Mr. “Angels & Demons” and was became wildly popular, too, each Catholic group Opus Dei in a nega- Strong holiday sales of the Wii Mobile-phone company Sony Brown’s next book was 2005, al- played by Tom Hanks in the movie of them selling millions. tive light in “The Da Vinci Code,” videogame console and Nintendo Ericsson unveiled content deals though she noted that “there are version of “The Da Vinci Code,” Mr. Brown’s income from all Mr. Elias says he isn’t worried. DS portable game device helped Nin- with three of the world’s four top no guarantees.” will “find himself embroiled in a four books, including “The Da “Freemasonry will survive Dan tendo nearly double its nine-month music labels, ahead of the launch Now, the publisher is hinting mystery on U.S. soil. This new Vinci Code” and revenue from the Brown,” he says. net profit and raise its sales fore- of its online-music store in May. that a manuscript is close. “Dan novel explores the hidden history film, has made him a rich man. Meanwhile, some publishing vet- casts for the third time this busi- The company, a venture be- Brown has a very specific release of our nation’s capital.” Forbes magazine estimated Mr. erans say the wait is understand- ness year. The company said net in tween Japan’s Sony and Sweden’s date for the publication of his new Up until now, Mr. Brown wrote Brown earned $88 million between able. “When you have that level of the April-December period jumped Telefon AB L.M. Ericsson, said its book, and when the book is pub- his books in quick succession: the June 2005 and June 2006, minus success, you feel an obligation,” to 258.9 billion yen ($2.43 billion) upgraded PlayNow Internet and mo- lished, his readers will see why,” first, “Digital Fortress,” was pub- management, agent and attorney says Mr. Kirshbaum. “He’s climbing from 131.9 billion yen a year earlier. bile-phone service will be available says Stephen Rubin, president of lished in 1998; followed by “Angels fees. Dan Burstein, editor of the Everest times 10. He probably wants Sales rose 85% to 1.32 trillion yen. in 30 countries by year end. It will Doubleday Broadway Publishing & Demons” in 2000, “Deception best-seller “Secrets of the Code: to make the next book perfect.” The Wii, which lets users play offer more than five million music games like virtual tennis and bowl- tracks, competing with Apple’s ing by swinging a hand-held con- iTunes and Nokia’s Ovi portal. troller, was in such high demand Sony Ericsson announced deals during the holidays that U.S. with 10 record labels, including Green Bulb stores were sold out. In Japan, a Sony BMG, Warner Music Group new game launched in December and EMI Group. It has also struck called Wii Fit, which lets users deals with Hungama, from India, Carries play exercise games by standing and the Orchard, popular in Latin on a board that can detect shifts in America and Asia—flagging Sony weight, saw strong sales. Ericsson’s intention to target large, The Wii has outsold Sony’s Play- fast-growing emerging markets. Red Alert Station 3 and Microsoft’s Xbox 360 The venture faces tough compe- world-wide. Nintendo said it now tition. Apple dominates the digital- expects to sell 18.5 million Wii con- music market, having sold more BY SARA SCHAEFER MUNOZ soles this business year, which than four billion songs, said Ben here is a dark side to en- ends March 31, compared with its Wood, an analyst at U.K. research ergy-saving light bulbs: October forecast of 17.5 million. firm CCS Insight. Cellphone maker mercury, a metal that is Nintendo has tried to expand Nokia has three million songs in its hazardous to humans the videogame market by target- Ovi music catalogue, as well as and the environment. ing women and the elderly with strong distribution networks in The U.S. government easy-to-play casual games. Its Nin- most regions, he added. Turges Americans to buy compact tendo DS portable game machine, fluorescent light bulbs, which use with its two screens including a Odds & Ends only about 25% of the energy and touch screen that detects handwrit- Global growth has slowed last up to 10 times as long as tradi- ing, has also been a huge hit. “markedly” amid the turmoil in fi- tional incandescent bulbs. Nearly nancial markets, and risks remain 300 million such bulbs were sold Dunkin’ Donuts to the downside, the International in the U.S. in 2007, compared with Monetary Fund said. The fund said 100 million in 2005, according to Targets Shanghai the world economy should slow to the Department of Energy. Dunkin’ Donuts plans to open in a 4.1% growth rate in 2008 from an But because the bulbs contain Shanghai this spring as part of a estimated 4.9% in 2007. The U.S. mercury, consumers are urged not push into China. economy is expected to decelerate to toss them in the trash. In some The coffee-and-bakery chain to 1.5% growth from an estimated states, such as California, it’s illegal says it plans to open fewer than 10 2.2% rate last year.… EBay said it to throw them away; they must be locations in the Shanghai area this will cut by up to 50% the fees it recycled. Still, many cities and year, with an additional 10 in the charges sellers to list their goods towns don’t have recycling pro- area, and possibly other Chinese online. To balance the fee cut, the grams for the bulbs, and consumers cities, in 2009. Dunkin’ Donuts first company plans to increase its com- aren’t sure what to do with them. opened a handful of stores in China mission on items that do sell, a “Who’s going to read the warn- during the 1990s, but closed them. method the company says sellers ings on a lightbulb package?” asks The Chinese locations will have prefer because it lowers their risk John Roth of Portland, Ore., who more seating than U.S. Dunkin’ out- if items do not sell. has several bulbs in his house. He lets and are expected to sell more By Jay Hershey plans to call his local recycling pro- food than beverages, says Will Kus- gram to figure out what to do sell, president and chief brand of- when they burn out after an aver- How to contact us: ficer for Dunkin’ Donuts Worldwide. age of five to seven years. [email protected] China has become an increas- An estimated 25% of all mer- ingly important market for cury-containing bulbs—including U.S.-based coffee chains because AT WSJ.COM/CAREERS residential compact fluorescents— of its rapidly growing middle class § See strategies for safeguarding are recycled, according to Paul Ab- and affinity for Western brands. your career in a sour economy. ernathy, executive director of the Starbucks has said it wants to Association of Lighting and Mer- make China its largest market out- § How to find out if a prospective cury Recyclers. “There’s really a side the U.S. Dunkin’ started its employer supports work-life balance. lack of reasonably accessible drop- push into the region last year by § Communication gap with offshore off spots” when the bulbs burn opening a store in Taiwan, where colleagues may be exaggerated. out, he says. There are little more than two dozen licensed facilities Thousands of timely articles, in the U.S. for processing mercury Hydrogen makes up waste, he says. Manufacturers are trying to use 75% of the universe. less mercury in each bulb. As long salary tables and tools, It’s about time we did as people clean up broken bulbs something with it. right away and don’t let kids touch them, home contamination should be preventable, says Ellen Sil- plus 30,000+ jobs at the nation's bergeld, a professor of environmen- tal health sciences at Johns Hop- kins. Ms. Silbergeld says she is more concerned about the environ- hottest companies. mental impact if millions of bulbs end up in landfills or incinerators. gm.com The DOE says it is working to increase recycling options. The GM: Driving energy solutions agency also says that coal-fired power plants are the greatest CHEVROLET • BUICK • PONTIAC • GMC • SATURN • HUMMER • SAAB • CADILLAC source of environmental mer- cury—U.S. power plants emitted 50 tons of mercury in 2006—and using ©2007GMCorp.Allrightsreserved. compact fluorescent bulbs means s2002 Dow Jones & Company, Inc. All Rights Reserved. The marks of General Motors and its divisions are registered trademarks of General Motors Corporation. less coal burned to make electricity. Page 6 Advertisement — February 1, 2008

AS AN AMERICAN

YOU CAN MAKE A COMMITMENT.

FULFILL A COMMITMENT.

BREAK A COMMITMENT.

THERE ARE BIG COMMITMENTS.

SMALL COMMITMENTS.

COMMITMENTS YOU NEVER

WANTED TO MAKE IN THE FIRST PLACE.

YOU CAN EITHER FEAR COMMITMENT

OR EMBRACE IT.

AS AN AMERICAN AND A MARINE CORPS OFFICER

YOUR COMMITMENT WILL IMPACT

THE FUTURE OF THIS NATION.

FEW CAN BE MARINES. EVEN FEWER CAN LEAD THEM. CAN YOU? Friday, February 1, 2008 Page 7 Opinions Editor Joe Kane Associate Opinions Editor Erin Grady Associate Opinions Editor Sarah Sibley Op i n i o n s [email protected] Staff Editorial Aim high for speaker raduation is a time to reflect on four well-spent years, to remem- ber the crackle of the Yule log in Wren on a frosty December evening and the scent of boxwoods floating across the Sunken GardenG in the half-light before dusk. But more than that, graduation is a time to listen to someone really ridiculously famous talk about the future — our future. Over the course of the last 20 years or so, though, three-quarters of the College’s graduation speakers have been politicos of some kind. And, while we don’t want to shortchange the work of these legislators and dip- lomats, maybe it’s time to hear from someone more, well, exotic. The senior class agrees. Its wish list swings for the fences: J.K. Rowling, Tony Blair, Stephen Colbert, any one of whom would be an excellent choice for the 2008 graduation ceremonies. To some degree the list is the result of a popularity contest — the quest for the most exciting name avail- able — but even then, top-shelf Graduation is a time to listen graduation speakers hold merit to someone really ridiculously beyond their ability to provide an famous talk about the future enthralling 20 minutes. Just as year — our future. after year of local news anchors and semi-successful businessmen will fail to inspire, the power to attract superstars raises eyebrows and marks a first-class university. In 2005 the College put former President Timothy J. Sullivan behind the lectern to honor his 13 years of service. We question that decision not because he was a lackluster speaker, but because graduation offers an opportunity to experience talent foreign to the school. This year, the College could fall into the same trap with Sam Sadler, Vice President for Student Affairs, who will be retiring at year’s end. While we can’t help but admire Sadler’s Yule Log antics and his unwav- ering dedication to the College, the graduating class deserves a fresh face for this seminal moment. We encourage him, implore him even, to speak this May but not as the official graduation speaker. Graduation may only be one day among four years of school, but beginnings and endings tend to remain even as the interim fades to gray. We hope the College will make the right choices to ensure this ending is one worth remembering. By Ol i v i a Wa l c h , Fl a t Ha t Ca r t oo n i s t In our opinion ... A rundown of The Flat Hat’s more than 6 percent smaller. “Same opinion on other top stories in ole, same ole” is not a reassuring Shameful Sex Show unwelcome this issue: response. See GREAT, page 1. n College President Gene n Over the last two years, the Given recent events, the SA’s decision is even more absurd. Nichol’s State of the College College has developed an impres- How can the College lobby to the commonwealth of Virginia address Jan. 29 could have pro- sive, though distressing, capacity Brooks Amster with a straight face while it is spending what it does have on vided the opportunity to take on to turn mundane disputes into Flat Hat Guest Columnist burlesque pornography and glorified representations of an ille- some of the most pressing issues overblown slugfests. The contro- gal industry? We are less than a year removed from an article facing the College today. Instead, versy over the Sex Workers’ Art that detailed how utterly pathetic our economic policy was at his speech rehashed many of last Show has already spread beyond this school, and we continue to move in the direction of fiscal year’s goals and offered little the ’Burg and onto Fox News and The Sex Workers’ Art Show has drawn a lot of reaction, for irresponsibility because of some ridiculous quasi-religious cru- vision for the future. the Drudge Report, a popular con- and against. Now that it has drawn the attention of the national sade against social normalcy. Although we understand servative news site. media (check the Drudge Report, one of the most visited news Many have argued that the show is actually valuable. In Nichol’s speech should be an Though the College is only one website in the country), this is my reaction, speaking for many terms of substance, I’ve heard, for example, “the point of the assessment of current affairs, he of many stops on the tour, includ- of us who find this show absurd to the point that one can only show is to reveal the horrible nature of the industry,” “the squandered an opportunity for ing several Southern schools, our watch in awe at the Student Assembly’s decision-making. show represents a huge industry that makes a lot of money,” transparency with his failure to campus has been the focus of According to the article “Student Assembly votes for sex” “it’s performance art” and, my favorite, “it belongs in a liberal offer a plan to tackle the recent national attention. Even more con- in the Jan. 18 issue of The Flat Hat, “some senators expressed arts education.” 6.25 percent budget cut. To be fusingly, the same show came pre- discomfort with the show’s content, but cited the First Contrary to the first argument, the point is explicitly outlined sure, Nichol rattled off rhetoric viously without all the hubbub. It’s Amendment as a reason not to stifle free speech.” Our fellow on the SWAS website (which features pink silhouettes of men from years past: the College makes not as if there’s anything unusual students believe that their obedience to and women surrounded by the words the most of its limited resources, about the College community this the First Amendment requires that they People often lose sight of the fact “New Whore Order,” I might add): to seeking alternative funding will be time around except, perhaps, its tolerate the show. “dispel the myth that [sex workers] imperative and so forth, yet sub- incredible polarization. I entreat someone to please show me that freedom of speech grants are anything short of innovators and stantive policy remained absent. Frankly, we’re tired of it. where the First Amendment requires you the right to speak against geniuses,” as well as to “celebrat[e] The State of the College address Threats to our education, such as us to actively seek out, invite into our perverts as well as in their favor. prostitutes’ rights.” In essence, it glori- is the year’s policy outlook and the the recent budget cuts, deserve community and fund perverts and devi- fies an industry that degrades women, best chance to explain a new plan real consideration regardless ants. Maybe that clause is written on the ruins lives, is largely illegal and has for the budget, especially a state- of their newsworthiness on the back of the Constitution, to be revealed only with lemon juice been proven to increase the rate of rape and aggression in men. portion of the budget that is now national stage. and heat. People often lose sight of the fact that freedom of Allowing and funding these “artists” to glorify the abuse of speech grants you the right to speak against perverts as well women on campus is inexplicable, unsupportable and tragi- Editorial b o a r d as in their favor. cally ironic considering the efforts of the College to educate These SA members have confused having a spine and pro- about and prevent sexual assault. Andy Zahn, Editor-in-Chief tecting their values — exercising their First Amendment rights It is truly shameful to see our elected members of the SA, Ashley Baird, Managing Editor — Chase Johnson, Executive Editor and their more fundamental right to make personal decisions with the firmest backing coming from our SA president, pass Austin Wright, News Editor — Andrew Peters, Editorial Writer they think are best for the campus — with limiting the free something as insane as this. Tit torture, ball-crushing, whip- The Flat Hat welcomes submissions to the Opinions section. Letters to the Editor may speech of the pornographers and pimps we have invited to our yielding, nipple-torturing and works like “I Love Dick,” all be no longer than 250 words and Opinions columns no longer than 700 words. Submis- community. Opposing funding for the show in no way curtails of which are direct quotes from the show’s website, bring sions should be e-mailed to [email protected] no later than 5 p.m. Sunday for freedom of speech. If the SA voted to condemn all activity only shame to our campus. They have no place in the First publication the following Tuesday and 5 p.m. Wednesday for the following Friday. The promoting nudity or pornography on campus, that might be Amendment, no place in what should be a very tight budget, Flat Hat reserves the right to edit all material. Due to space constraints, The Flat Hat objectionable, then they would have a case. But this is not and no place at a school that claims to be dedicated to treating may not publish all submissions. All staff editorials reflect the position of The Flat Hat. such a case. Rather, the issue regards inviting venues to cam- women equally and with dignity. Letters, columns, graphics and cartoons reflect the view of the author only. pus that are objectionable and funding them. Brooks Amster is a sophomore at the College. Staying sober or drinking to remember to forget

people pause to ask why. Sure, religious we take advantage of this. plenty easier. If everyone accepts that ger than I thought. zealots might ponder it, but their answers We all knew that girl in high school x number of drinks will alter your con- Staying sober ruins all that. It means Dan Piepenbring are often caught up in Satanic temptation, who downed a single can of Natural sciousness, then we can quaff x+1 and conceding that I have neural defects, short- Flat Hat Staff Columnist moral bankruptcy and all that bunkum. Light and was, within seconds, tottering voila, we’re free to indulge our propen- comings and laxities with no root other What my whopping 15 days of sobri- into light fixtures and slurring the words sity for the outlandish. Sometimes we’re than chemistry. It took me more than a ety have suggested is this: I drink not out “so wasted.” Part of this was the placebo legitimately drunk; sometimes we think week to own up to this. At first I could say, of any intrinsic hankering for intoxica- effect, sure, but part of it was the girl’s we’re drunk; sometimes your guess is as “Well, I stopped drinking. Perhaps slug- As a kind of social experiment, I’ve tion, but to maintain a kind of catch-all awareness that she could now perform good as mine. This is more than individu- gishness is a minor withdrawal symptom.” abstained from booze since the begin- excuse for aberrant behavior. That is, certain forbidden acts — confessing to a al play-acting; it’s a clever social contract The point? All this undergrad hooch- ning of this semester. That’s right. For with my first pint in fist, I can justify with all sorts of fine print and escape lust is more of an interpersonal complex just over two weeks, I haven’t had a almost any bizarre outbursts or actions I drink not out of any intrinsic clauses and hidden stipulations. than many folks, students or otherwise, drink. It’s relatively unimpressive, but for the remainder of the night, regardless Given the contract, drinking is a no- care to admit. Hedonism is a slight motiva- this abstemious stint o’ mine has inspired of how ferschnickered I really am. hankering for intoxication, but brainer. What if you could attribute your tor, but understanding why we binge-drink some mini-epiphanies. Again, this might strike you as obvi- to maintain a kind of catch-all every moronic remark and risky exploit to entails researching cultural norms and self- For starters, consider how enormous a ous and hackneyed, but to me it’s a big excuse for aberrant behavior. “someone else,” the Mr. Hyde to your Dr. accountability — pinning down where the cliche it is that college kids get drunk all deal. As a culture, we agree: drinking in Jekyll? What if you knew your peers would drug ends and social posturing begins. the time. The bibulous youth is an arche- excess often leads to bad decision-mak- believe you as long as you believed them? We seem to need something out of type; in pop culture, fraternities’ high-proof ing. Years of melodramatic classroom crush or dancing topless on a table — and Hangovers further complicate things. life — candid or exaggerated behavioral hijinks are well-mined territory. Even prim videos, MADD speeches and worksheets get off scot-free the next a.m., blaming her When, the day after drinking, I struggled opportunities with others — that only the grandparents are rarely shocked by our have inculcated the danger, and it is very lost inhibitions on 12 fluid ounces of Natty. to focus or study, I held the bottle at fault ambiance of partying will provide. This is crapulousness. It’s an immutable truth: real. But our collective awareness of Granted her friends called bullshit for my mental slackness. Even if I’d had the truth and it’s not simple at all. If only Undergraduates like to get their swerve on. these perils radically shifts our approach because she’d had only one beer — her just one or two libations, rationales pre- our potential employers could grasp it. As tends to be the case with cliches, to ethanol. No one beyond ourselves can execution was sloppy. For whiz kid col- sented themselves: Maybe I hadn’t eaten Dan Piepenbring is a senior at the the statement is so irrefutable that few experience our internal drunkenness, and legians like you and me, this game is enough or maybe the drinks were stron- College. Page 8 Friday, Feburary 1, 2008

Variety Editor Alice Hahn Associate Variety Editor Ashley Morgan Va r i e t y [email protected] confusion corner Alcohol-induced Parting words Commencement speakers have dreams trigger early ranged from prominent political biological clock figures to popular comedians By Andy Zahn 2000. While Flat Hat Editor-in-Chief Alexander might only Charlotte Savino Connie McCarthy, dean of libraries and a appeal to the Flat hat COLUMNIST member of the committee that recommends most politically graduation speakers to the Board of Visitors, savvy students, he remembers her daughter’s graduation in may still represent what McCarthy 2002 when Tennessee Sen. Lamar Alexander says is the College’s ability to Last night I saw a baby at the Green Leafe. Except for some delivered the commencement address. Two attract a group of important and minor toy-dropping, the infant (I’m guessing seven months) and his years later, when Jon Stewart ’84 addressed the diverse speakers to address the older brother (maybe three years old) were lovely table-neighbors. Class of 2004, McCarthy said her daughter was class at graduation each year. I’ve always been a proponent of children as long as they’re quiet, jealous that her younger classmates were sent “It’s really an interesting mix,” pretty and well-behaved. Oddly enough, these bar-babies met all out into the world by the ‘Daily Show’ host. McCarthy said. “But you can’t please Courtesy Photo — Colonial echo of my criteria. If that’s all it takes, I’ll bar-crawl through all of my “They got to hear Jon Stewart and we had everybody.” Comedian Bill Cosby delivered the Commencement child-bearing years. to have Lamar Alexander?” McCarthy recalled The recent history of College address to the class of 1993. He received an I’m a little concerned that seeing these little angels at Pint Night her daughter saying. graduation speakers does honorary Master of Arts degree from the College. made me start wanting one. This is a serious fetal alcohol syndrome But Alexander is important in his own represent a diverse group problem. It doesn’t help that I’m terribly impatient and judgmental right. The Tennessee Republican was a of leaders, with a noticeable Reagan in 1986. about parents. I’m not going to lie, the minute I saw a woman with candidate for the Republican nomination emphasis on political figures. Ginger Ambler, the assistant vice president a baby-carrier walk in, my eyes were so far back in my head I for president in 1996 and 2000. He trailed Of the 28 speakers since for student affairs (whom some speculate may couldn’t even pour the skipjack. eventual Republican nominee Bob Dole in 1980, six have been U.S. succeed Sam Sadler as vice president for student I like to think that I will be spared having a terrible child just 1996, then-Texas Gov. George W. Bush and Cabinet secretaries, two have affairs), has organized the initial stage of the by virtue of being a pretty awesome person myself. I even think Arizona Sen. John McCain among others, in been U.S. Senators and six have Commencement speaker selection process since I choose moderately acceptable partners (barring the first three been political observers or the 1992 ceremony, when James A. Baker, the semesters of college, so, uh, I chose one good one). Still, I ponder humorists (including Stewart). secretary of state for the elder President Bush, all of the complications. I just don’t want my kid to be a total loser. During that time, the College addressed the graduating class. I suppose I’m thinking about family planning against the also hosted two foreign Ambler said her role is less focused background of senior year engagement madness. Plus, so much of leaders, one governor, one on leading the selection process and more my mental energy is used for life planning these days. Between Supreme Court justice, one concerned with enabling students to make their juggling jobs, potential cities and apartment searches, certain Federal Reserve chairman, own decisions. baby-related details keep coming up. I’m forced to consider how military leaders and one “We help students get their process started healthcare choices vary, maternity leave practices are archaic, cities former U.S. president (George before the committee” considers the options, are child-friendly — everything matters. Whether or not I’m ever, H.W. Bush). All but seven, or she said. ever going to squeeze one out. Ew. three-fourths of Commencement Ambler also said that she has little power So I start to think about the what-ifs. When would I let my speakers during that time, were involved in picking the speaker, but has noticed trends child drink? Do I want to trek to Little League, ballet, travel soccer in political affairs in some way. in what kind of speakers the College normally and piano? Am I going to age gracefully or try to hang with my The College also appears to have invites. In the end, though, the choice sometimes kids? I’m not talking Botox and lifts (though that’s not out of the had success attracting conservative comes down to logistics. question), but about Juicy tracksuits and Uggs. Here are a few speakers, with many former officials “The College really wants to look at people commandments I hope to follow: in the administrations of Republican who have distinguished themselves honorably — I will not disturb the diners/moviegoers/people in line/subway Presidents Gerald Ford, Ronald in their chosen fields,” Ambler said. “But riders with my noisy child. I hope that I have angelic children, but in Reagan and George H.W. Bush sometimes it has to do with the scheduling of the likely event that I won’t, I refuse to be the person I judge today. and none who were appointed by that person.” My kid will be shushed, I will apologize and then we’ll leave. President Bill Clinton. McCarthy Ambler said that the College also tries to — I will not film my birth. I don’t know about you, but I have pointed to the makeup of the BOV, bring other individuals to campus at graduation no desire to see Ricki Lake’s birth documentary. It was showing at whose members were largely who are not the official speaker. Journalist several New York movie theaters over break, and I can’t imagine the selected by Republican governors, Diane Sawyer received an honorary degree kind of sales pitch the distribution company had to give. as one possible explanation for in 1988, and Madeline Albright, Clinton’s — I will not act like I don’t have kids. The worst parents are the this phenomenon. secretary of state, spoke in 2001, though she ones who feel entitled to live just as they did before children. Oh McCarthy said that, while students and wasn’t the official Commencement speaker. yeah, let’s bring Junior to the opera! We paid for these tickets, our the Commencement speaker committee (John Stewart Bryan II, the grandson of a little screamer deserves to be here just as much as anybody else. have a say in who they would like to ask to former College president, spoke that year.) Don’t get me started. campus, “the BOV really chooses.” Both McCarthy and Ambler said the best – Finally, I will not create another monster child. Other notable speakers included speakers are those who engage the graduates I know there are more important things to worry about — thesis, U.S. Rep. Gerald Ford (R-Mich.), who with their life stories and speaking styles. graduation, jobs — but that’s far too real and scary. While nothing is addressed the class of 1968, six years “Jon Stewart was hilarious,” Ambler scarier than birthing a terrible child, at least I can decide not to have courtesy photo—Tim Jones before he became president. William H. said. “He can be funny while also imparting one. Or at least wait until I forget about my commandments. Jon Stewart ’84, host of ‘The Daily Show,’ addressed Rehnquist spoke in 1977 while serving as some wisdom. His alumni status made him Charlotte Savino is a Confusion Corner columnist. Her children the graduating class of 2004. Many famous alumni an associate justice of the Supreme Court. will be drop dead gorgeous ... or else. have returned to speak at graduation. Rehnquist was appointed chief justice by See Commencement page 9 arts on campus WGA writer FASA sings, dances the night away By Michelle Ju bearing of the play’s origins. “We Rob had a really big part in writing “Arnis” will be another featured explains strike The Flat Hat made the play relevant to issues the play and the direction if it.” performance, which “involves two concerning both Filipinos in the The performance highlights bamboo sticks and an intricate form By Spencer Atkinson Given every ounce of sweat, Philippines and the U.S. Our play traditional dance, using music, of martial arts,” R.J. Gomez ’10, Flat Hat Photography Editor dedication and enthusiasm displayed is inspired by both our co-chairs’ singing and tribal costumes. who coordinated the performance, by the members of the Filipino- experiences,” he said. “One of our signature dances is said. “The performer uses bamboo After four months of marching picket lines, TV writer American Student Association at Peterson came up with the play’s the ‘Tinikling,’” Elopre said. This sticks to take down his opponents. and producer Aaron Peters ’95, a Writers’ Guild of each rehearsal, it is no surprise premise, while Landicho assisted intricate routine involves nimble Seeing everyone come together America member for eight years, is exhausted. Last night, that their upcoming Filipino Culture with its direction. “Anyone who movements with bamboo sticks and work together is remarkable. he gave a lecture entitled “Can Writers Take Control? Night will combine the effects of watches it will think it’s about my and fast-paced, highly coordinated Everything flows together, so the The Writers Strike, New Media and the Possibilities for hard work, creativity and pure brother, since I’m half-Filipino, footwork. “The tribal dances expose end product is something that people Writer-Produced Content,” he laid out the ideology of the entertainment. half-black,” she said. “I wanted to vast cultural influences that stem will want to see. That’s why FASA strike, stressing the hurt the Alliance of Motion Picture Tomorrow at 5:30 p.m., FASA portray the fusion of both cultures from Filipino history, including is one of the few culture shows that and Television Producers plans to put on the 10,500 guild will perform “Bayani: A Filipino helping to shape one’s identity. I Muslim, Spanish, as well as modern people really anticipate.” members. Journey,” a play featuring the take a lot from knowing about the and hip-hop influences.” The Tyler Hudgens ’09, who plays the The stress of securing income is nothing new for traditional and modern dance of Filipino culture, which is highly Spanish-influenced “Pandanggo,” title character of Bayani, seconded writers. At any given time, “half the members of the Filipino culture. Written and directed influenced by Spanish, Japanese and another dance featured in the Gomez’s sentiment. “Everyone on WGA are unemployed. Everyone is basically a hustler,” by the Culture Night co-chairs, Rob American cultures. The Philippines play, originated during Spain’s the set had really good chemistry. I Peters said. For the bulk of the guild, residuals mean Landicho ’08 and Tamara Peterson were colonized by these countries. colonization of the Philippines. hope it all comes together, with all food on the table. Guild members demand the residuals ’09, the play tells the story of a young the three-hour practices,” he said. from the perpetuation of their creations — TV reruns, black, half-African-American male Be sure to arrive with an empty continued retail sales and, increasingly, the streaming and who explores his Filipino culture stomach and willing palate, because downloading of content over the internet. Four months in order to get a better sense of his Filipino cuisine, including pork, without income is tough for any family to weather; some own identity and cultural roots. vegetarian food and rice, will be a writers face the threat of losing their homes, while others The story uses dance and mouth-watering draw for spectators were unable to afford Christmas gifts for their children. traditions to express may aspects interested in a tantalizing mix of The strike, however, has not been entirely dreadful. of the story. Anthony Elopre culture and taste. Tickets are $8 in Peters has met more writers in the past four months than ’08, the co-president of FASA, advance and $10 at the door. he has in his entire life. Mandatory daily marches of two discussed the significance of the “I just hope that people will to four hours have forced writers out of their workspaces play’s choreography, coordinated come and enjoy themselves and get and into an elbow-to-elbow community of fellow strikers. by the members. “We try to interested in learning more about Fans and actors as well have joined the marches in support. showcase traditional dances from our culture,” Elopre said. “And for According to Peters, fans of the hit Sci-Fi series “Battlestar the Philippines — a main way those who aren’t familiar, they’ll Galactica” seem the most ardent, flying in from all over that people can appreciate Filipino learn something new.” the country to support their favorite show’s creators, culture,” he said. “Generally, from The cast hopes all their hard picking their brains as they shuffle. these cultural events, a lot can be work will pay off. “Ultimately, we Fortunately for us, Peters thinks the guild should reach conveyed through dance. There can put this show on to educate people a settlement by February 24, the day of the 2008 Academy be language barriers surrounding the in an entertaining way. Hopefully Awards. He says everyone — writers, networks and the culture, but anyone can appreciate the audience will appreciate that,” public — want to see the Oscars run as planned. “It would dance.” Courtesy Photo — FASA Carling Sitterley ’08, co-president be a shame for the tradition of the Academy Awards to Elopre emphasized the cultural Members of FASA perform a traditional dance at a previous Culture Night. of FASA, said. fade away as the result of this strike.” Friday, Feburary 1, 2008 Page 9 That Girl behind closed doors Laura Ferrell Showcase your sexual statistics

like many others, could always use more money. The people that volunteer there are Emily Powell Samantha Fien-Helfman also great and just really sweet. flat hat sex columnist Flat Hat Columnist Is this involvement something you see yourself wanting to continue after college? Laura Ferrell’s composed, gentle and Right now, my plans for after college While many seniors have a good motherly personality reminds me of the are to go to graduate school for social idea of their career situation come Laura Ingalls Wilder character from the work. I really want to get involved at a graduation, many of us — especially “Little House on the Prairie” series. They shelter for women, children and survivors underclassman — may not yet have are also both witty and committed to their of sexual assault. I have gotten a lot of experience applying for jobs. respective causes. Instead of hailing from education during my time here and the From casual meetings to official Kansas however, this Laura is from the more I learn, the more I see just how interviews, first impressions are nearby Richmond area where she grew up much individuals can help. I have met a everything, and a killer resume is your with her parents and an older sister. And as lot of men and women who work in the key to success. But I’m not here to Laura describes to me her love of lying in field and seeing the types of rewards it get you a job; I’m here to get you laid bed reading a good Virginia Woolf novel, can bring really attracts me to it. I’m really (or into a relationship). Our lesson for I am taken back to “Little House of the passionate about it and I want it to be more today: how to perfect your own sexual conversation where old flames come know that. Avoid being blunt or crude, Prairie,” only this time, it is a different than just a dream. One day I want to work resume. up, keep it positive. This isn’t the time but casual body language can get your Laura I see curled up inside a log cabin as a counselor at a shelter. I’m applying to The concept is the same as the or place to gush about how horrible the point across clearly. If you regret being with a fire crackling in the background. graduate schools now, so I’m on my way. business. The first impression may breakup was and how you’re using this an experienced veteran, let the other Can you explain to me a little bit If you could travel anywhere in the make or break your chances, so think to try to get over it. person know that you want to take it about Sexual Assault Peer Advocates world, where would you go and why? about what you want them to know Your date isn’t there to provide slow, and be sure to stick to it. and why you wanted to be so involved? Ah, there are so many places. Oh, can about you. therapy; we have services on campus Taking a marketing class could Yes, actually getting involved in SAPA I name two … please? I really want to The first challenge is to determine for that. Unless you plan on having a definitely help you with the overall has been one of my highlights at the go to Prague because I’ve heard so many your objective. What are you looking very emo relationship, avoid starting feel of your sexual resume. Make sure College. It is, by far, the organization great things about it and, I hate to say for? Put this out there plainly: “I am off the first date by weeping. Instead the other person sees you as you want that I am most proud of or my proudest it, but have always kind of overlooked a [gender], looking for a [gender] to of saying, “I don’t know how many them to, and this isn’t simply about accomplishment. It’s fairly new and I Eastern Europe. I heard it’s just beautiful. be my [casual screw, cuddle buddy, people that jackass slept with while we how you act in their presence because am the co-chair of it this year. It’s really I would also love to go to Ireland. My soulmate].” were together,” perhaps instead say, word travels fast. If you’re a bitch who fun to get going and to try and get all the sister’s fiance is from there and I have a Once the other party knows what “We really didn’t discuss exclusivity, burned your last significant other’s kinks worked out. The group is definitely lot of friends who traveled there for the you want from them, show them why and I guess we wanted different mattress, it’s going to get around. blossoming right now, and we’re working William and Mary summer program. The you’re the best for the job. You’ll want things.” Hopefully your past indiscretions to improve it, but that also proves to be a stories they have and pictures they took to consider what activities you talk Once you start getting to know aren’t as bad as that, but when your challenge because there are no precedents. from there are amazing. The summer after about, and what they say about you — each other more intimately, deeper name comes up in other conversations, And while that can be a challenge, it also graduation I’m hoping to get to both of it could make all the difference in the conversations and sharing can bring what do you think will be said about presents the opportunity to make SAPA those places. world. If a guy introduces himself as a you closer. Burdening someone at the you? Spending your first date on the the best that we can. I’m really happy that Have you already started saving member of the cheerleading squad, that beginning with all of your relationship — attempting to do damage control is William and Mary has an organization like up? gives a very different impression than baggage will likely scare off any an exhausting way to start out. If you it and that we have administrators who Yes, me and my boyfriend Graham a girl who introduces herself as the sex prospective partner. know of a certain widespread rumor, have been so supportive of it. have a jar and we put all of our loose columnist for the Flat Hat. That’s why Now comes the juicy part of you should either try to nip it in the So, as co-chair, what is your role or change or any change we find in there. We I’d avoid simply spitting out a list of every resume: your experience. There bud by diffusing the accusations, or let responsibility within the organization? started in the fall, and after we sold our activities when you’re first getting to are a variety of ways to handle this your actions speak for you by being Well that’s another thing we’re working textbooks back, we put that money in, too. know a potential interest. information when asked and your such a good person that your date on. It is a brand new position because the It’s just an entire tub of change. We’ve Talk about who you are, not what choice depends on your relationship would never think the rumors were organization is only a year old. Right now saved about $200 so far so I guess that’s a you do. You’re not trying to hide the goal. Don’t bring up any experience true. Remember, as frustrating as it is, I am specifically in charge of PR and I couple of meals in Europe. We’re hoping type of person you are; on the contrary, that you don’t want to repeat, or building a reputation takes a lifetime; work with Brett Rector, my co-chair, and to have enough in a year because we you’re allowing the person to really anything that you don’t think you tearing it down takes a moment. Trisha to do training, continuing education want to go when Graham graduates. I’m get to know you before they pass would be willing to do regularly. If Emily Powell is the Flat Hat sex and protocol. We are the first back-ups if that kid on campus who picks up those judgments. you’re not very experienced and you’re columnist. She has an impressive list there are any problems or things like that. pennies that other kids ignore. I’m not If it gets to the point in the looking to get some, make sure they of references. I’m creating the first co-chair binder and ashamed. Tell people to drop more coins trying to set what the position and even on the ground so I can pick them up. organization will be like in the future. What is one thing about you that few Ideally, how would you envision the others, if any, know? College recruits diverse speakers organization in the future? Not a lot of people know that I used to The students trust our confidentiality tap dance. Actually, I took modern, jazz commencement from page 8 and our resources. I would love to see the and tap. Tap and modern were my favorites entire campus — freshmen to seniors, as though. I miss them a lot. When I see a engage with the graduates in a way that was very well as professors — being able to rely on movie with dancing or with a studio in it, special.” it as a wonderful resource and one that’s I still have dreams about dancing. When I Other recent speakers Ambler has enjoyed reliable and confidential whether they are go to the gym, I choreograph in my head include Desmond Tutu in 2006, the year Ambler right in the middle of a crisis or it was while I’m working out. It’s always to the received her Ph.D., Glenn Close ’74 in 1989 and something that happened 10 years ago and beats of Avril Lavigne because she’s the Associate Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia they just now feel comfortable enough to only person I’ll listen to while I work out. in 1996. call and get help. We’re really trying to I’m pretty embarrassed about that. For McCarthy, the best speakers also bring get our name out because that is definitely That can’t be the most embarrassing some sort of diversity to the podium, whether it is the first step. People need to know we are thing about you. with their experiences or with their background, there and exist before they can feel safe No, I have a lot of embarrassing Laura and impart upon graduates a message that will enough to call. stories. One of my worst though was inspire them to make the world a better place. Have you done anything like this in probably this one time when I was at the “Someone who’s a change agent. Someone the past? Rec Center and my Soffe shorts ripped in who promotes peace and learning in the world,” Courtesy Photo — William and Mary News Last semester I trained to work at the back. I didn’t realize it and I worked McCarthy said. “That’s the speaker I like.” Secretary of Defense Robert Gates ’65 spoke at Commencement in 2007. Avalon, the battered women’s shelter in out for about an hour with a gaping hole Williamsburg. I don’t have a car right now, in the back. What’s worse is that I wasn’t so I actually just set up my transportation wearing underwear that would cover it SUDOKU and I am going to be working there two to up. And I was on the elliptical so I can three times a week. It is wonderful — they only imagine how much I was flashing are a very well organized and relatively everyone. I found out after and pretty well-funded organization … although much ran out of the Rec.

Spencer atkinson — the flat hat easy hard horoscopes

Capricorn: Dec. 22 - Jan. 19 Aries: March 21 - April 19 Cancer: June 22 - July 22 Libra: Sept. 23 - Oct. 22 What’s the difference between Hillary You’ve been contemplating the results of This week, you discover Jim Jones It’s great that you’ve gotten into every Clinton and a fence? A fence is better the Republican debate last week, only to and ShouldNicholBeRenewed.org’s law school possible, but you still look like equipped to block Republicans from realize that it was a tie — no one knows secret source … odds are it’s Zach Nick Carter and that campus publication the White House. who the biggest asshole is. Pilchen. that you run is a total rag.

Aquarius: Jan. 20 - Feb. 18 Taurus: April 20 - May 20 Leo: July 23 - Aug. 22 Scorpio: Oct. 23 - Nov. 21 Jim Jones may be a very intelligent Not sure what specific threat you should Try solving this age-old riddle: Is it You will be convicted of espionage this man, but he clearly stole that outfit he address in that emerging diseases paper? better to suffer highs and lows, or be week for revealing fraternity secrets was sporting in last week’s Flat Hat How about the UC’s daily average of 22 perpetually mediocre? If you get stuck, and will wake up duct-taped to the from a drunken Vegas casino gambler. health code violations? just ask the Washington Redskins. Thomas Jefferson statue in CW.

Pisces: Feb. 19 - March 20 Gemini: May 21- June 21 Virgo: Aug. 23 - Sept. 22 Sagittarius: Nov. 22 - Dec. 21 Speaking of Vegas, the stars are telling Damn that Sex Workers’ Art Show. This You need to get active in the community. You’re nervously awaiting UCAB’s you to bet the farm on the Giants this week you will find something more Try running for the Williamsburg City announcement of the spring concert. Fear weekend. Too bad the stars don’t get productive that the College community Underground Distilled Water Poisoning not, it will be another indie rock band. cable or have brains. can bitch endlessly about. and Tampering Prevention Board. — by Alexander Ely Page 10 Friday, February 1, 2008 Reviews Editor Conor McKay Assoc. Reviews Editor Kasi Kangarloo Assoc. Reviews Editor Genice Phillips Re v i e w s [email protected] Day-Lewis, ‘ There Will Be Blood’ rise above hype By Greg Topscher As Plainview begins to speak, the The Flat Hat movie gains a quick sort of elegance; railroads and cars replace horses and After a month in release, “There Will long, injured walks across the California Be Blood” — a film with an whopping wilderness. opening weekend box office rake of Plainview steps into this new state $300,000 — is finally picking up steam of the times with fervor. But his new to barrel through awards season. clothes and office can’t hide the dark And it deserves it. roots of his industry and his life. Forced “I drink your milkshake. I drink it to take care of a fellow miner’s son up.” I guess what I’m trying to do with after his gruesome death in the well, he this first quote is show you that, if you catapults through the ranks to become have not seen “There Will Be Blood,” extravagantly powerful and wealthy by you haven’t the slightest understanding the film’s end. of what it is, and even if you have, you Getting a tip about a veritable ocean have never seen anything like it. of oil below New Boston, California, this Take, for example, the fact that story focuses on the power plays of big Daniel Plainview, played tremendously industry in a small town. It is Plainview by Daniel Day-Lewis (“Gangs vs. Eli Sunday, played by Paul Dano of New York”), changes facial hair (“Little Miss Sunshine”). Plainview configurations over and over again in vs. the oil companies. Plainview vs. the first 20 minutes — and 15 years — the train companies. Plainview vs. the of the film before he even utters a line. land. Plainview vs. the townspeople. Those first minutes are not easy Plainview vs. humanity. And Plainview on the audience. The score is a harsh is a very successful man. whining of strings (appropriately Plainview’s voice has a deep cadence composed by Radiohead guitarist Jonny to it, a rhythm that sucks the viewer’s Greenwood), reminiscent of a quartet perspective right out of them.This is the cover of television fuzz. only explanation for how one can have This is the slow and desolate life an equal admiration for his savvy town- courtesy photo — Paramount vintage of the oil miner in 1897 and the years hall-style sales pitch — “You’ll believe Oscar winner Daniel Day-Lewis stars as Daniel Plainview, an embittered and self-proclaimed “oil man” in “There Will Be Blood.” following. And while the death and me when I say I’m an oil man” — as decay of solemn men mining oil may his blatant refusal of his only son as “a and be so entertained? How else can we Anderson. After his early success with creative unknown. This sprawling film not seem much cause for celebration, bastard in a basket.” How else could be completely entranced by the charm big ensemble casts (“Boogie Nights,” focuses almost as much on the harsh it sets up a dark stillness from which you laugh when he makes a mockery of a true-life sadist flourishing in the “Magnolia”), his last film, “Punch and gorgeous California landscape as the whole film explodes. There is a of his own baptism, or when he later modernity of his time while suffering Drunk Love,” represented his first it does on the dark interior of its tension in these scenes that associates beats the whiny preacher Eli into the from it? baby step away from his multi-layered characters. There’s no more quirky a pervading uncomfortable depravity mud screaming, “I’m going to bury you Not only is this a great film for Day- Altman roots. humor. No more lists of character plots. with the discovery of oil — and it’s not Eli!” How else could an audience sit Lewis, but also quite an important film “There Will Be Blood,” on the by accident. through all this evil enacted by one man in the career of director Paul Thomas other hand, represents a leap into the See ‘blood’ page 11 Mars Volta returns to roots on ‘Goliath’ By Kasi Kangarloo since its use of the board. Granted, such the sharp yet mellow drumming and as distinctly “groovy” or “punk rock.” Flat Hat Assoc. Reviews Editor a claim is hardly a surprise, seeing as smooth bass lines make for a persistent Rodriguez-Lopez’s song-writing, while how the bandmates have been steeped Latin feel, though only before firing novel for its manner of mixing styles, What’s there to say about “The in LSD culture for quite some time (the back to rip-roaring, psychadelic rock. has matured into a truly unique sound, Bedlam in Goliath,” The Mars Volta’s nature of their music certainly attests At times (and here’s the real kicker), fourth studio album? to this). it’s tough to even pin down most of it See ‘goliath’ page 11 It certainly rocks, yes. Harder than But, truth or not, it doesn’t hurt to most things even. The grooves are give yourself up to the notion. The tighter and more on-point than anything album comes strong out of the gate in their previous catalog, and the wild with “Aberinkula,” a classic Volta track mix of styles is just as engaging — employing every member of the band at everything from Latin jazz and reggae full-force, overlaid by Bixler-Zavala’s to punk and prog rock. And Cedric haunted cries — “Am I the one you’re Bixler-Zavala’s strained, maniacal after?” and “Have you seen the living vocals are as insane as ever. tired of their own shells?” The threat of All that seems expected, however, the ominous “Goliath” is immediately and maybe that’s why the album makes present, and it never lets up a beat, for such a natural, consistent listen easily making this the most fast-paced, courtesy photo — shoutmouth.com — the band has rather successfully furious Mars Volta album to date. Chris Walla of Death Cab for Cutie recently released back-tracked on ‘Goliath,’ blowing From there it’s onto “Metatron,” his second solo album, “Field Manual.” right past their previous, down-right an eight-minute power-house filled sloppy release “Amputechture” and to the brim with quick meter-changes getting back to its roots. “The Bedlam and fret-burners, each guitar working in Goliath,” the title referring to a spirit feverishly throughout. And the guitar Chris Walla that purportedly spoke to several of the writing has never sounded so good band members through a Ouija board, — every line slides crisply in and once more makes use of concept-driven out of the melodies, moving stylishly disappoints lyrics as the album’s focal point. between transitions and diving head- This is, however, a concept album long through solos. It’s a real testament unlike anything else the band, or anyone to the musicianship, with each member really, has ever produced. Its lyrics are contributing top-notch performances. with solo LP intended to work as a sort of reversal And it gets groovy too, with tracks of the bad luck that’s cursed the band like “Ilyena” and “Goliath,” in which courtesy photo — universal By Kasi Kangarloo Flat Hat Assoc. Reviews Editor

Chris Walla’s second solo release, “Field Manual,” could actually be called a solo debut. Alumna drops indie gem ‘Bee Stings’ His first effort was barely advertised and remains generally unknown to the general By Conor mckay Tuesday. year and how impressive she was, of Thao’s contemporaries. Tracks like public. Flat Hat Reviews Editor Thao, who comes from Northern seemingly excited about the prospect “Violet,” with it’s wavering, overly That said, “Field Manual” isn’t half bad Virginia, graduated from the College of seeing a budding star before she high-pitched melody, and “Yes, Soon if you consider it a debut. There’s a wealth I heard of Thao Nguyen ’06 for the two years ago. Yesterday, my girlfriend became truly famous. Again, I realized and Soon,” with lyrics about love of material here for the casual listener and first time Tuesday. I heard Thao for the told me how she remembers seeing what I’ve been missing. heart attacks, would fit in seemingly Death Cab for Cutie fan alike. As a sophomore first time Tuesday. I realized what I’ve Thao play countless Fridays @ 5 on And for me, a guy with a penchant perfectly on Feist’s “The Reminder” release, however, it seems there is a certain been missing out on for the first time the UC Terrace during our freshman for indie-rock leading ladies, that’s next to “1234” or “Intuition.” But this spark that’s missing. saying a lot. The genre has its fair share immediate response, while positive, is Just what that something is a bit hard to pin of talented front-women and solo stars one far too simple. down. For those of you who don’t know Walla, — Jenny Lewis, Amy Millan and Feist Thao sounds happy and content in he’s the brains behind Seattle-based indie-rock to name a few. I’ve exalted them in the every one of the beautiful, smooth, band Death Cab for Cutie — the other good pages of this newspaper on more than easy tracks on this record. “We Brave thing to come out of the Pacific Northwest one occasion, pouring my heart out to Bee Stings and All” values youth and (grunge rock, anyone?) — and he’s easily one their music and beauty. innocence, the true beauty of life. of the most innovative talents on the scene. He But Thao has eluded me — for Thao’s soprano carries the record’s sports a God awful haircut and looks like he’s whatever reason I cannot explain. nursery rhyme-inspired melodies and terrified of the light, but he makes up for it with And oh what I’ve missed. lyrics with suavity. clever, nuanced guitar-writing and an ear for Thao with The Get Down Stay In some ways, ‘Bee Stings’ reminds musical texture. Down has just released its second LP, the listener of the bright, sunny, What’s sorely missing from “Field Manual,” “We Brave Bee Stings and All,” its first California-pop sounds of bands like however, (and maybe these are the sentiments of for Kill Rock Stars (the label for which Phantom Planet and Rooney and mock- a long-time Death Cab fan) are the wonderfully Elliott Smith became part and parcel). Californians The Thrills — except Thao sappy lyrics of original front-man Ben Gibbard Comparing the group’s sound to does it well, more fairly mimicking the and the pained, embittered wail with which Feist and Cat Power and Lilith Fair is Beach Boys’ aesthetic to which modern he sang them. Walla seems more concerned just too easy. The soft-sung, double- ‘O.C.’-featured bands aspire. The with filling this gap than seeking out his own tracked, slightly affected vocals laid album’s third track, “Big Kid Table,” voice, something that becomes more and more over a chorus of simple acoustic guitars may not have the power of a radio obvious with each successive track. courtesy photo — myspace.com/thaomusic and quietly-buzzing lead guitar lines single, but it’s musical simplicity, mood Thao Nguyen and her band, The Get Down Stay Down, were recently signed to the of opening track “Beat (Health, Life See walla page 11 Kill Rock Stars record label, where artists such as Elliott Smith made their fame. and Fired)” easily mimics the musings See ‘Bee Stings’ page 11 Friday, February 1, 2008 Page 11

— compiled by Coming Attractions Genice Phillips Hollywood Gossip

“Strange Wilderness” (Paramount Pictures) In this Adam Sandler-produced comedy, two comrades, Entertainment Tonight’s Tale Ink it like Beckham Peter Gaulke (Steve Zahn) and Fred Wolf (Allan Covert) In response to Heath Ledger’s When it comes to body host a wildlife show, “Strange Wilderness,” that is quickly death last week, “ET” and “The art, David and Victoria losing fans. In a scheme to bring up the ratings, they devise Insider” spent $200,000 on the Beckham let love lead the a bizarre plan to find the infamous beast, Bigfoot. Feb. 1 most thoughtful of memori- way. The British imports als. The video they purchased got complementary tattoos “The Eye” (Lionsgate Films) includes shocking footage of of each other to let people In this remake of a Pang Brothers’ East Asian horror the Casanova engaging in such know how it feels to be on film, Jessica Alba plays a blind concert violinist who horrors as illicit marijuana use top of the world. Posh added undergoes a corneal transplant and regains her sight. and being in the same room as to her collection of inner

M ovies In adapting to her new lifestyle, she begins to have cocaine. A number of appalled wrist stamps with an intricate visions of death and questions her sanity. Feb. 1 celebrities successfully pres- script; Becks added to his sured CBS not to run the clip. sleeves with a partially naked “Over Her Dead Body” (New Line Cinema) Apparently, clips of movie depiction of his wife. Nothing Not straying far from her role in “Desperate Housewives,” star haircuts are more key to says love like naked pictures Eva Longoria Parker stars alongside Paul Rudd (“40 Year the shows’ success. for all to see. Old Virgin”) in this blunderous comedy about a ghost fiancée who tries to sabotage the relationship of her former boyfriend Ay caramba Brangelina baby bluff and his new psychic girlfriend, Ashley (Lake Bell). Feb. 1 Bart Simpson may just be as Lookin’ to get out of their crazy as Tom Cruise. Though media slump, Brangelina Jack Johnson — “Sleep Through the Static” not yet spotted jumping on has pulled out some dirty Laidback surfer and guitarist Jack Johnson returns with couches, Nancy Cartwright, tricks to regain the two stars’ more endless, feel-good pop songs on his fifth studio the voice of Bart, donated popularity. Angelina Jolie album. Producer JP Prunier (Ben Harper) helps Johnson $10 million — nearly twice sparked pregnancy rumors by replace his acoustic sounds with an electric lift that her annual salary — to the wearing a billowy Hermes will surely resonate on the airwaves. Feb. 5 Church of Scientology. She number — a sorry excuse was awarded the Patron for a mumu — to an awards Lenny Kravitz — “It Is Time for a Love Revolution” Laureate Award for her gift. show last week. The baby Albums Soulful rocker Lenny Kravitz is bringing the “love” Other celebrity donor award bump is sure to be gone in 60 back on his eighth studio album with some retro, winners include Kirstie seconds once Mr. and Mrs. throwback joints and classic funk ballads. The album Alley, John Travolta and Smith make it back into the is reminiscent of his previous love fest — his first Kelly Preston and Priscilla public eye. album, “Let Love Rule,” released in 1989. Feb. 5 Presley. — by Alice Hahn ‘Bee Stings’ offers Day-Lewis’ fresh indie sound ‘Blood’

‘Bee Stings’ from page 10 of chemicals / Just so there’s none left for little girls” suggests Thao and the shines and imagery evoke a vitality absent in Get Down Stay Down’s championing so much emotionally charged music. of the young and innocent. The group ‘blood’ from page 10 It’s not to say that Thao never deals makes itself out to be the protectors of in upsetting themes, it’s just to say that childish dreams and sentiments, saving No three-hour talk-a-thons. Instead, there is she always gives whatever she sings true happiness. a sparse historical epic with one of the most about the brightest musical outlook she Thao is a talent I only wish I could original plot arcs (if you can call it that) ever can. And that makes albums like this have experienced while she was here. put to film. so pleasant. Think Jack Johnson with a To consider that I could have watched Let me just put it this way: despite all band and a soprano voice. her play in the middle of my campus for the history and all the hype, “There Will Be “Swimming Pools,” easily the free instead of playing video games and Blood” is the best movie Anderson or Day- standout best track on the album, may watching “Anchorman” over and over Lewis has ever made. I say this without regard be the best indie track I’ve heard all hurts. Too often we take for granted to all the awards they already have for it year. The song’s quick-picked, layered the living, breathing art in its infancy (Golden Globes, Screen Actors Guild) and are guitars and banjos allow for a jaunty, we have right here on campus. Art likely to win (Academy Awards), and more upbeat, lively track, led by Thao’s fist- that could become something great. because it makes this the most important time pumping vocals. With a refrain of “We It makes you wonder what you do on in either of their careers. And it’s wonderful to brave bee stings and all / We don’t dive, Fridays at 5 that’s more worthwhile. see them playing together so well. we cannonball / We splash our eyes full iiiii courtesy photo — Kill Rock stars iiiii Walla falls short with ‘Manual’ walla from page 10 a bear, why are we bullfighting?” adds years of song-writing with Death Cab a poetic gist that might even surpass for Cutie. And the simple, sad truth is Nowhere is this more evident than the words of Gibbard. that it doesn’t fair well. on songs like “Sing Again,” which is Where the song goes wrong, There are just better places to go also the closest the album comes to however, is oddly enough the same for what this album does decently, having a stand-out track. There’s an place where it could’ve gone right: the and for what it does plain wrong, element of strange grandeur in it’s riffs melt smoothly into a synth-layered there’s really no use crying about. slow, Cure-like dance quality and the groove, over which Walla cries “Now The churchy, ominous opening lines anthemic chanting of “sing again,” on the chase / Our colors are falling” of the album, “All hail an imminent making for the bones of what could before all too quickly jumping back to collapse,” comes just short of Elliot have been a great song. In the end, the opening segment. For a moment, Smith, and the easy-going, acoustic though, it still plays like it was made it really feels like the album’s headed twang of songs like “Everybody On” with Gibbard in mind, and Walla’s where it should’ve been in the first and “Our Plans, Collapsing” sounds voice falls just a few notches short. place — away from its flirtations with like a duller version of Rilo Kiley. The same can be said of the stale alt-rock and back to the bitter, Harsh words, maybe. It is brief, preceding track, “The Score,” which grunge-inspired edge of Death Cab. however, if nothing else, though for starts off strangely enough — the But sadly, that is not the case, and all its brevity you’ll wish it had a little opening riff sounds like it was pulled cannot be the case. All labels and more. The final verdict: great ideas, straight from a White Stripes song. expectations aside, the real question is poor execution. Best wait for Death It’s certainly entertaining though, and how “Field Manual” stands on its own, Cab’s next one, due for release this the maybe-deep, maybe-meaningless without any notion of the lingering May. courtesy photo — myspace.com/chriswalla ambiguity of lines like, “We’ve armed influence of guys like Gibbard or iiiii “Field Manual” marks Chris Walla’s first album with Barsuk records. Mars Volta grooves on ‘Goliath’

‘goliath’ from page 10 debut, “De-Loused in the Comatorium,” or even the ambience-laden carnage of “Frances the Mute.” But ironing out most of the kinks and over-embellishments the fact remains that this is a solid production, through from previous works. The band doesn’t shy away and through, and certainly worth a few sit-downs. from solos, but doesn’t draw them out aimlessly iiiii either, and the instrumental breaks are brisk and refined, empowering Zavala’s vocals rather than dragging them down. Simply put, nobody really sounds like The Mars Volta — and if anyone ever did, this album has truly set the bar. Be warned, however, as this release was not made for the timid or the faint of heart — not for the faint of anything really. The relentless tempos blaze on for more than eight and nine minutes at a time and, more often than not, fire-storm songs like the brief “Wax Simulacra” blast right into the next track without any sort of break. It’s all kinds of psychadelic hell, and it’s right in your face. And, without ending on too big a downer, it’s a little on the long side, with 12 tracks clocking in at about 75 minutes. As far as epic scope and dramatic power go, it’s got nothing on the band’s flawless courtesy photo — universal Sports Editor Jeff Dooley Associate Sports Editor Miles Hilder Associate Sports Editor Andrew Pike [email protected] p o r t s Friday, February 1, 2008 Page 12 S M en’s Basketball: Tribe 70, JMU 67 Sp o r t s in b r i e f Through the CAA fire After road win at JMU, the Tribe hosts star guard T.J. Carter and a tough UNCW squad Saturday night

By Andrew Pike Tribe (11-9, 7-3 CAA) vs. UNCW (14-8, 7-3) Flat Hat Assoc. Sports Editor When: Saturday, 7 p.m. Keys to the game Where: Kaplan Arena Nathan Mann has not made himself any friends in Harrisonburg. The senior guard once again led the Men’s Tennis When the Tribe has the ball College in scoring against James Madison University, knocking down five three- College jumps to no. 38 in Play within the offense pointers and making crucial free throws down the ITA National Rankings The College is at its best when it moves the ball and moves the stretch to help the Tribe (11-9, 7-3 CAA) without the ball. The 24 first-half points against JMU attest hold back the Dukes (10-10, 3-7), winning The College carried its new to the fact that when the Tribe forces the action and plays by a score of 70-67. no. 38 ranking up to Providence, to an opponent’s tempo, it results in poor shot selection and Trailing 26-24 at the break, the College R.I. Thursday night to battle low offensive production. When the College plays within its caught fire in the second half, shooting 64.7 Brown University. Results from offense by creating open looks with passing and cutting, it percent and netting 46 points. A Mann three- the match were submitted too flourishes. The Tribe netted 46 second-half points against pointer capped a 10-1 Tribe run midway late for print. The Tribe, who en- JMU, thanks in large part to the fact that the team settled through the second half that gave the College tered the spring season as the no. into the offense. some breathing room and its largest lead of 43 team in the nation, moved up the game at 49-39 with 7:57 remaining. The five spots in the recently released Get to the free throw line Dukes answered, cutting the deficit to three ITA National Rankings thanks to The Tribe’s rematch with ODU a solid victory over then-no. 38 at 50-47 after a Heiden Ratner free throw. Old Dominion and strong outings reaffirmed the College’s need for free The Tribe later built its lead to seven on versus top-ranked University of throw attempts. Against the Monarchs, two occasions, but JMU’s Juwann James Virginia and no. 15 Wake Forest the Tribe attempted six free throws and Abdulai Jalloh kept them in the game. University. The College entered — well below its season average of With the Dukes converting on the offensive their seventh contest in the spring roughly 18 per contest. The College end and stopping the clock with fouls, the sporting a 4-2 record. has several players who can get to the College attempted 16 free throws in the line, including David Schneider, the last 3:55 of the game, netting 12 to Women’s Basketball CAA’s top free throw shooter. Earning keep JMU from taking the lead. Heath’s 25-point night trips to the free throw line will allow the Mann and sophomore guard Tribe to slow the game down and create David Schneider took the majority leads College past Hawks scoring chances. of the free throws, but with 11.5 The Tribe cruised past the Sea- seconds left, sophomore forward hawks of the University of North CAA Standings (as of 1/31/08) Danny Sumner found himself at the line for Carolina—Wilmington last night 1. VCU 8-2 4. Tribe 7-3 the first time on the night. A 67 percent free for a 72-62 victory at Kaplan Are- 2. GMU 7-3 5. U.Del 5-5 throw shooter coming into the game, Sumner na. Sophomore guard Kelly Heath missed his first attempt, but gathered himself led the Tribe by scoring 25 points 3. UNCW 7-3 6. ODU 5-5 and connected on the second to give the and pulling down eight rebounds. Tribe a 70-67 lead. After JMU’s Head Coach Senior forward Devin James added Above: sophomore guard David Schneider. Photo Dean Keener called a 30-second timeout 13 points, while freshman guard courtesy William and Mary Sports Informa- with seven seconds left, Jalloh and Stephen Katherine DeHenzel poured in 10 tion. Left: UNCW guard T.J. Carter. Photo Kendall each missed three-pointers, giving of her own to go along with her courtesy UNCW Sports Information. the College its fourth CAA road victory and team-leading six assists. Senior eighth-straight win over the Dukes. forward Kyra Kaylor was held Mann paced the Tribe with 19 points, to only six points, but still made while Schneider and Sumner contributed 13 her presence felt by grabbing When UNCW has the ball 14 boards. The College will and 12 points, respectively. Senior forward host James Madison University Disrupt Carter Laimus Kisielius’s three-pointer near the end Sunday at 2 p.m. The Seahawks’ fifth-year of the first half gave him 1,000 points for his senior makes them go. With T.J. career, and made him the 29th player in Tribe Women’s Tennis Carter out last year due to injury, history to reach the impressive milestone. Tribe sweeps no. 48 U.Va., UNCW limped its way to a 7-22 record in Head Coach Benny Moss’s first next faces Princeton year. This season, Carter leads the team in The 15th-ranked Tribe rolled both points and assists, catalyzing the CAA’s to a 7-0 sweep of no. 48 Uni- second-highest scoring team. Against ODU versity of Virginia in Charlot- Wednesday, Carter’s 25 points paced the tesville Wednesday. The College Seahawks as they rallied from 15 down for swept all three doubles matches the win. Limiting Carter will disrupt UNCW’s to take the opening point as the offensive flow. 46th-ranked duo of senior Megan Moulton-Levy and junior Katari- Deflections na Zoricic easily downed their un- UNCW finds itself in the upper-third of the ranked opponents, 8-2. In singles conference in turnovers per game and ranks play, no. 12 Moulton-Levy and no. second-to-last in assist-to-turnover ratio. It will 83 Zoricic continued to dominate be important for the Tribe to get into the passing play with straight sets victories, lanes, deflect passes and disrupt the Seahawk while 55th-ranked sophomore offense. Employing a half court trap and extending Ragini Acharya easily won her its 1-3-1 zone will give the College opportunities Maral Noori-Moghaddam — The Flat Hat match as well. The Tribe returns to action on Saturday when no. to force turnovers and possibly get a few easy David Schneider (2), Nathan Mann (11) and 71 Princeton University will visit transition baskets. Danny Sumner (22). the McCormack-Nagelsen Tennis Center. The match will begin at 11 From the Sidelines a.m. Flat Hat Sports Predictions —By Miles Hilder, Jeff Jeff Dooley: Miles Hilder: Andrew Pike: Dooley and Matt Poms. Photo by Patriots 31, Giants 23 Giants 38, Patriots 35 Giants 37, Patriots 34 Irene Rojas, The Flat Hat. Super Bowl Picks MVP: Laurence Maroney MVP: Eli Manning MVP: Eli Manning Sc h e d u l e Why the Patriots will win Why the Giants will win Fri., Feb. 1 Without that achievement, any other On the offensive side of the ball, the records they’ve earned this season Giants’ success will hinge on the play SWImming and diving Matt Poms become irrelevant. Andy Andrews of quarterback Eli Manning. To win, the @ Old Dominion — 5 p.m. Flat Hat Sports Columnist Flat Hat Sports Columnist Spurred by the attitude that they Manning who scorched Green Bay, not Men’s tennis have achieved nothing to date, New the erratic, indecisive player he has been @ Harvard — 6 p.m. England will have absolutely no trouble for most of his career, must show up in Sat., Feb. 2 It’s simple: the 2007 New England with a Giants team that has arrived There are two areas of the game in Glendale. Wide receiver Plaxico Burress Track and field Patriots are the greatest team in NFL here largely by chance. In their two which the Giants hold an advantage — has also played well throughout the Giants’ @ Texas Roadhouse Carolina history and they simply cannot be beaten. postseason games, the Patriots have their rushing offense and defensive front playoffs run, and the Giants will need Classic — Chapel Hill, N.C. The first team ever to go 18-0, the Pats’ faced different defensive schemes. In four. That being said, New York will have Burress and Manning to continue firing woMEN’s gymnastics offense is an unstoppable machine driven the divisional round, the Jaguars sat to outplay the Patriots in almost every on all cylinders to challenge the Patriots @ Liberty Classic — by one of the most efficient quarterbacks back and prevented the big play, only other facet of the game if they hope to juggernaut defense. Philadelphia, Pa. — 1 p.m. ever to play the game. Their defense is to watch Brady pick them apart with win. Couple the improved play of the Giants SWImming and diving an opportunistic, “bend but don’t break” screens and short slants on the way One key to the Giants’ success will offense with one interesting Super Bowl DELAWARE — 2 p.m. unit with the veteran experience to force to yet another record-setting day. A be their defensive front’s ability to get trend, and the case for a Giants victory MEN’s basketball morale-breaking turnovers. Over the week later, the Chargers attacked the pressure on Patriots’ quarterback Tom becomes even stronger. Of the last five UNC WILMINGTON — 7 p.m. course of this season, they have withstood pocket, forcing Brady into throwing Brady. Although the Giants ranked first Super Bowls in which the two teams played nearly every imaginable challenge and three interceptions, yet still were beaten during the regular season in sacks, they each other during the regular season, the Sun., Feb. 3 emerged on top, setting records in the for 21 points as New England used have only managed three sacks during team that lost the regular season matchup women’s tennis process. long, grinding drives to set up scores. their playoff run. If New York fails to has gone on to win the Super Bowl four PRINCETON — 11 a.m. Yet, most importantly, the 2007 New No matter which approach the Giants put significant pressure on Brady, the times. In the teams’ regular-season contest woMEN’s basketball England Patriots could not care less about select, the Patriots will have little two-time Super Bowl MVP will light up in week 17, the Patriots had to overcome a JAMES MADISON — 2 p.m. any of that. Tom Brady, Randy Moss and trouble scoring and New England will the injury-depleted New York secondary. 12-point deficit in the fourth quarter to win men’s tennis company have their attention focused on coast to victory in Super Bowl XLII. Expect the Giants to use a good mix of 38-35. vs. Purdue — Boston, Mass. — one thing only, and that is to secure their E-mail Matt Poms at mbpoms@ blitz packages throughout the game to E-mail Andy Andrews at raandrews@ 6 p.m. fourth Super Bowl ring in seven years. wm.edu. keep Brady out of rhythm. wm.edu.