Middlebury Campus 2005-01-13 : Volume 103, Issue 12

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by  Middlebury College

//www.middleburycampus.com
d l a m p us
( C é l é b r a i t i n sr ]io><o> Y e a u rs
VOL. 103 NO. 12 THURSDAY, JANUARY 13, 2005 SINCE 1905
College Planning committee lends an ear
confronts
race issues
By Kristin Fraser
STAFF WRITER
On Jan. 7, students and members of the
faculty and staff met in Coltrane Lounge to
discuss the College's stance on discrimina-
tion in light of recent incidents on campus.
An e-mail from six students sent to faculty
summarized several of these incidents, which
included the Frisbee team's protested "Cow-
boys and Injuns" party and a now-defunct
facebook.com group formed around the
Public Safety announcement describing a
black suspect as having "nappy hair." These
incidents have generated campus-wide dis-
cussion about what constitutes discrimina-
tion and what an appropriate institutional
response should be.
"We would like to see some institutional
change and action," said Yashika Walker '05.
"We have diversity here, but there is little
attempt to make students feel comfortable.
[When I experienced discrimination), I
didn't get the support I would have liked."
Much of the discussion centered on what
Middlebury as an institution should be doing Aji Joseph
President Ronald D. Liebowitz and Dean of Planning John Emerson field questions from students gathered for a Jan. 6 town hall meeting.
to educate about issues of race and sexuality.
Possibilities discussed were the addition of a
sensitivity training segment to first-year ori- By KatieFlagg The last major planning initiative for the of the new planning committee. According to
entation, as well as the merits of this type of NEWS EDITOR College culminated in the 1992 Long-Range convention, it is hardly extraordinary that Li-
training in a classroom setting. Middlebury College is ringing in the New Plan, a plan formulated under the guidance ebowitz should, at this point in his administra-
Year with resolutions of an especially bold of Liebowitz's predecessor, John McCardell. tion, introduce a new planning process. Said
"White students do need to learn about
sort, led by a new president eager to chart the McCardell's plan focused primarily on the Dean of Planning John Emerson, "planning
systemic racism and white privilege, and the
College's course for coming years. Just days af- infrastructure of the College, fostering the periods generally occur near the beginning of
social order's role in racial oppression," said
ter the end of the Fall 2004 term, President of construction of the Center for the Arts, Chip a new Presidency at a College."
Will Nash, director of the African-American
the College Ronald D. Liebowitz announced Kenyon Arena and the Natatorium, new Ross Emerson is adamant that Liebowitz's plan
Studies program. "There is a need for dia-
his comprehensive Planning Committee for and Atwater Commons buildings, McCardell will differ in focus and direction from McCa-
logue between students and faculty, and one
Middlebury's Future in a memorandum to the Bicentennial Hall and, most recently, the new rdell's Long-Range assessment. "Our present
place to accomplish this is in the classroom."
College community. According to Liebowitz, library. planning process is likely to differ from the
There was some dissentiori about the
this long-term planning process "will focus Following the completion of many of the 1992 planning in that this one will focus more
practical effectiveness of classroom discus-
renewed attention on Middlebury's core mis- objectives outlined in the 1992 Plan — and, on people and their needs, and less on building
sion.
sion: to provide the strongest learning envi- perhaps most notably, following Liebowitz's projects, the physical plant and infrastructure,"
Said another faculty member, "Students ronment for the talented young people who inauguration — administrators began meeting
choose to study here." last fall to discuss the structure and direction SEE COLLEGE,PAGE 3
SEE DISCRIMINATION, PAGE 4
Community raising
aid for tsunami victims
memorial service, held Monday after-
- By Ben Salkowe
noon in Mead Chapel.
NEWS EDITOR Efforts to raise money for relief
In response to the tsunami trage-
organizations began with a meet-
dy that claimed the lives of more than
ing of College administrators before
150,000 people living along the Indian
the term. "We agreed to call together
Ocean, and affected countless more,
a group of students on the first day
Middlebury College administrators
of classes to allow them to work out
and student leaders across campus
their plans together," said Laurie Jor-
convened during the first days of the
dan, chaplain of the College. "Since
term to discuss collaborative efforts
we [had] already had e-mails Irom
to raise financial aid for relief organi-
some of the students who wanted to
zations and educate the community
do something — we invited them and
in understanding the disaster.
other student leaders."
"We cannot possibly contem-
"The meeting was an opportu-
plate the full magnitude of this trag-
nity for College administrators from
edy, nor what its consequences will
the Center for Campus Activities and
be for the peoples and their countries
Leadership (CCAL), Alliance for Civic
directly affected," wrote President
Engagement, Dean of Student Affairs
Ronald D. Liebowitz in an e-mail to
and the Chaplain's office to meet with
L- the community. "However, our com- some of the College's student orga-
"" munity can join with others across
nization leaders to offer assistance in
Students carry the flags of nations affected by the Dec. 26 tsunami during a memorial service in Mead Chapel.
the world with acts of hope and as-
planning and organizing their relief
sistance. "
efforts," said Douglas Adams, the di-
Liebowitz outlined several im-
rector of CCAL.
mediate responses the College was
"Primarily the discussion cen-
THE NEWEST KIDS BACK FROM THE SINGING TO THEIR making to the disaster: raising funds
tered around what could be done on
AT MIDDLEBURY | ROADTRIP | BIOBUS OWN TUNE | MIDD A for relief organizations, organizing campus for relief aid and fundraising,
an event to discuss and understand
CLASS OF 2009 I 2 TELLS ALL 110 CAPPELLA 114
the disaster and its aftermath and a SEE COLLEGE, PAGE 4
2 features
THURSDAY, JANUARY 13, 2005
Class of '09 takes early shape
MIDDBRIEFS
Admissions office releases E.D. I acceptance stats
BY KATIE FLAGG
By Eri Nosaka school. In general, early decision appli- intended majors are Economics, Biology
STAFF WRITER cants have slightly better odds at admis- and International Studies. In this small
College unveils online
Five hundred and seventeen stu- sion, although some contend this results group of 215 students, 90 students held
dents applied for admission through the from a stronger applicant pool. team captaincies, eight were Editors-in-
events calendar College's Early Decision program I in After a disappointing drop in rank- Chief of school publications and nine
November (Early Decision II has a later ings in the 2005 Edition of U.S. News & were Class Presidents.
deadline), and 196 of them were admit- World Report's America's Best Colleges Similar to last year's pool of early
On Jan. 5, Mary Hurlie, senior director of Adminis- ted to the Class of 2009 entering in Sep- from seventh to 11th, the strong showing decision applicants, since September 11
tration and Organizational Effectiveness, proudly unveiled there have been fewer international appli-
the College's new Events at Middlebury online calendar. The class of 2009 proves to be extremely cants. Giving an example of this decrease,
Hurlie described the calendar as the "central, comprehen- Barbara Marlow, associate director of Ad-
sive and reliable source of information about scheduled diverse and talented — 53 perecent of missions said, "Due to some of the poli-
campus events." Academic lectures, club meetings, arts and cies that America has made as a nation
the students accepted are from outside of
athletic events — all are strategically incorporated in the some students in particular, Muslim male
new system. students might be less inclined to apply to
New England and 11 nations are
an American college. Also, there is more
The project was born in July 2004 when the Events
competition from other countries such as
Scheduling Office decided that the old events calendar represented overall.
New Zealand, Australia, Canada and the
— the familiar blue "table tents" on display on dining hall
United Kingdom — where they are ac-
tables — needed revising. The resulting calendar commit-
tember, and 19 to enter in February. The of early decision applicants this year dem- tively recruiting international students."
tee's brainchild is an online, up-to-the-minute 24-hour
students admitted through Early Decision onstrated that the difference in position
calendar, designed to manage the volume of events at Mid- The task of Admissions officers is yet
I will constitute just over a third of the en- had little or no bearing on the consider-
dlebury. to be complete. There are still 226 students
tire Class of 2009. The target size of the ation of Middlebury as a "hot" school.
The new calendar is accessible from the main College who applied for Early Decision II. The
Class of 2009 will be about 575 students. The class of 2009 proves to be ex-
Web site, and once connected to the Events at Middlebury number of students who will be accepted
Early Decision, a binding admissions tremely diverse and talented — 53 per-
calendar, visitors can search the calendar by either date or from that pool has yet to be decided. At a
program used by many institutions, is de- cent of the students accepted are from
type of event. Clicking the event title provides more infor- glance, however, it appears that the Class
signed for students who decide early on outside of New England and 11 nations
mation, opening a pop-up window with details about loca- of 2009 will be a dynamic group that will
that they would like to attend a specific are represented overall. The most popular
tion, admission fees and contact information. The "add to prove to ameliorate the student body.
your personal calendar" feature exports events to Outlook
or iCal, and the "e-mail this event" feature connect to Out-
look or Mac e-mail clients to send friends reminders about
event specifics.
Students interested in posting events to the online
calendar can either work directly through their Commons
offices or the Center for Campus Activity and Leadership
(CCAL). There is also a link on the calendar to an online
submission form.
Have no fear — the blue "table tents" will not be disap-
pearing any time soon. But, as Hurlie wrote in her e-mail to
the campus, "Think of them as reminders to check the new
online calendar to get the most complete and up-to-date
information out there."
Middlebury professors
awarded NEH grants
In an unusually successful year for members of the
Middlebury faculty, the National Endowment for the Hu-
manities (NEH) recently honored three professors with
highly coveted fellowship. The NEH is an independent
grant-making agency of the U.S. government, dedicated to
supporting research, education and public programs in the
humanities. Sixiao Huo
The Admissions Office handled 519 applications for Early Decision I. One hundred ninety six were accepted to the Class of
In the History department, Jennifer Heuer has been
2009 for September admission and 19 students were admitted as Febs. Early Decision II statistics have not yet been released.
awarded a fellowship from the NEH for her project, "'Our
sons married ninety-year olds: War and Family in the Na-
poleonic Empire." Heuer will combine social, cultural and
gender history in order to best explore the interactions be-
© j ts J f ek m J H t h M g h u ru M t s t o ru
tween family and war in the Napoleonic period.
In the History of Art and Architecture department,
Kirsten Hoving received a NEH fellowship for her "Joseph Editorial items which are due February 1st.
Cornell and Astronomy" project. Cornell is widely recog- W Ë Èk Show the class that you call I will need $40 froirM tuIi^ti^oHn, and
nized as a twentieth century master of collage. Hoving's your own that you are with it all $20 for room rent and $15 for my
study — dedicated to the shallow boxes that Cornell cre- the time. Come to the basketball Chem lab fee, and $2 for gym fee,
ated and filled with text, pictures and objects — looks at games and yell, yell your heads and $1 for library fee, and $1 for
those Cornell pieces especially devoted to the planets and off, no matter whether you are chapel seats, and $2 for janitor ser-
the stars. freshman or senior. This applies vice, and $5 for athletic fee and 50
Finally, Anne Knowles of the Geography department to you all. Your team may get only cents for rent of radiator, and $1
also ffeceived a NEH sabbatical fellowship for her project. the honor of cellar position but for church sitting and $3 for social
Knowles's project — "America's Iron Era: Labor and Tech- show signs of life and encourage tax and $15 for what the college
nological Change in the Iron Industry, 1800-1868" — will that team of yours to give the ones calls 'incidentals; Also, please don't
include a historical GIS analysis of United States, iron higher up an awful tussle putting forget my regular allowance for
works and will be the first comprehensive study of the iron them there. It's an honor to go board and laundry. I hope all the
industry's shift from small-scale manufacturing to modern down fighting in the last ditch and folks at home are well. I'm getting
production. it's up to every man in college to on great in my studies and expect
The NEH fellowships support individuals interested aid to the utmost that little band to get mostly A's and B's for marks
in pursuing advanced academic work in the humanities. of five who are fighting for their unless something happens. Oh, say,
The grant amount generally varies from $24,000 for a six honor and for his. Let's see you at dad, will you please send me $5 for
to eight month fellowship to $40,000 for a nine to twelve the gym with a good pair of lungs spending money, and I'll promise
month fellowship. and plenty of ginger not only at to try to make it last way into the
this week's game but at every game middle of March at least.
of the season. Your loving son."
CORRECTIONS And after posting his letter,
Opinions Submission the ingenious pride of the family
The Campus would like to clarify that Porter Hospital "Dear dad, sits down to figure how much of a
was not implicated in the anti-trust violations described in I'm 'broke' again. Please send 'rake-off' he can expect to get on
the Dec. 9 article, "Health care scam." me a check to cover the following father's next check.
localnews 3
THURSDAY, JANUARY 13, 2005
////•// »
SHELTER FROM THE STORM
OVERSEAS
BRIEFING
BY CAROLINE STAUFFER
MOROCCO — A four-hour wait for
a friend's delayed flight at Casablanca's Mo-
hamad V airport proved an appropriate in-
troduction to the strange conglomeration of
modern and ancient, progressive and conser-
vative and rich and poor that is Morocco.
The seemingly commanding presence of
the headscarf first caught my attention, but I
soon noticed the diversity of the group. Wom-
en's dress ranged from the completely black,
full-body veil, to colorful head wraps, to the
capes worn by both the men and women of
Morocco's mountain Berber tribes. Young
people who could have walked down the
streets of any European capital also mingled
Nirvana Bhatia
freely with those in more traditional dress.
With a ready smile and a shovel in hand, Jessica Horvath '07 participates in the J-term Building Snow Shelters workshop. Participants
in the workshop had the opportunity to brave the elements during a night outdoors as they tested the effectiveness of their shelters. Our first stop, Casablanca, to me merits
none of the romantic connotations associated
College planning looks to future with its name. It is dirty and shows the burden
of holding 3.2 million citizens of a poor na-
tion. The Hassan II Mosque is still not large
enough to hide the slums that sprawl out from
Casablanca city center. It does, however, repre-
the community as possible" in the upcoming Liebowitz's agenda also calls for a stready
CONTINUED FROM PAGE I sent the country's sincere attempt to reach out
planning process. growth in the annual giving to the College
said Emerson. Liebowitz entertained questions from coupled with endowment spending reduced to to the non-Muslim world. Built in the early
While meetings last fall entertained dis- students ranging from social life on campus to and maintained at five percent. The planning 1990s to portray Islam as a religion open to
cussion of the planning process and format, financial aid, from the stability and structure process looks to reassess financial aid packag- science and progress, it is the only Mosque in
the President's plan was announced to the of the Commons system to the effectiveness ing for students, hoping to reduce financial the country that non-Muslims may enter.
College community officially on Dec. 23. The of the Feb admissions program. He also spoke barriers for those students who wish to study Traveling as two unaccompanied western
actual strategic planning will begin during on the leveraging of the C.V. Starr language at Middlebury as well as reducing the indebt- women, my friend and I were stared down
Winter Term and continue through the Fall schools and Breadloaf, grade inflation, com- edness of College graduates. and verbally harassed at the few places we
2005 semester. prehensive fees, diversity on campus, the role Broader objectives for the planning pro- ventured outside our hotel despite our con-
Liebowitz has expressed views that, while of the environment at the College and faculty cess will also focus on people and the com- servative dress. I left the city with a cheap pair
the planning process will be equal in intensity tenure. munity, students, faculty, curriculum, campus of tacky knock-off Gucci sunglasses from the
to past long-term processes, the process should While questions raised by those in atten- and infrastructure and resources. Medina and little desire to return.
be confined to one calendar year. The pace of dance varied greatly, Liebowitz and company But the planning process is not without Any distaste I had developed towards
planning is due in large part to the structure of consistently echoed a similar message: such its complications. "One very tangible chal- Morocco after Casablanca, however, was com-
the planning committee. questions are important in the planning pro- lenge is in scheduling important meetings and pletely reversed thanks to the people in Mar-
As Emerson has written by way of intro- cess, and students should contribute their sug- conversations," said Emerson, acknowledging rakesh, a smaller city four hours south of Casa
duction for the planning process, "the plan- gestions and queries to the Dean of Planning the difficulties inherently present in organiz- by train. We were lucky to have connections
ning will be organized in ways that transcend for individual task force consideration. ing the large body of participants. "Students, with a traditional, yet rather wealthy family in
traditional boundaries in our organizational Liebowitz also used the forum last Thurs- staff and faculty are seemingly overcommitted the city and were therefore able to experience
structures." Eleven task forces have been day to outline the overview of the planning and it's surprisingly hard to find a time when traditional Moroccan culture sans destitute
formed, dedicated to evaluating specific, cross- process and identifying the strategic goals of all can meet." poverty. Moroccans are known for their lav-
departmental questions or challenges. A full his initiative. At the top of this list is Liebow- What can current students expect from ish attention of guests and we were presented
list of task forces, along with rosters and ob- itz's commitment to strengthening the Col-- the planning process? Emerson warns that, with more couscous, fish, pastries and tradi-
jectives, is available at the Middlebury College lege's reputation as one of the leading liberal because "strategic planning is inherently long tional mint tea than we knew what to do with.
Web site. Overseeing the progress of these 11 arts colleges in the country. In his memo to the range," there may be "little that we are doing I believe that because we were Americans our
task forces is a steering committee comprised College community, he expressed a desire to right now that will have a major impact on stu- hosts were especially anxious that we enjoy
of 13 individuals, including two students. "harness and build upon" the momentum the dents next semester." According to Emerson, our stay and leave with a positive impression.
"It is a complicated and large structure," College has generated in recent decades. in fact, the results of the planning process are Marrakesh is truly unique. The bright
said Emerson, "and it will encourage broad Furthering the College's reputation will most likely to be felt by current first-year and orange buildings and blue skies give the un-
participation in the 11 or 12 areas represented prove difficult, though. sophomore students before they graduate. official southern capital a more African and
by all the task forces. It is a structure designed less Middle-Eastern feel. Indeed, only the high
"I know that Middlebury has grown grad- "Certainly the work of the Task Force on
to encourage fresh viewpoints and imaginative Atlas Mountains separate Marrakesh from the
ually stronger, and achieved heightened excel- Commons and Student Life, with its fairly
suggestions. It brings together many people Sahara desert. The gold-laden royal palaces
lence, over the past three or four decades," said broad agenda, is one that will affect students in
with highly varied backgrounds and perspec- with their orange-tree courtyards seem like
Emerson. "Although our reputation has grown tangible ways within, say, the next two years,"
tives." something out of Sherezade's Arabian Nights,
as well, reputations tend always to lag realities. said Emerson.
But participation in the planning process Middlebury is better and stronger than our Furthermore, as the community at large while donkey carts and pedestrians compete
is not limited to members of the task forces reputation — as strong as it is — may sug- has been encouraged to participate in plan- with automobiles in the chaos of the streets.
and the Steering Committee. "I expect the task gest." ning, students, faculty and alumni all share a Marrakesh has the largest Medina in Af-
forces to be fully engaged with a broad cross Liebowitz is also dedicated to enhanc- common opportunity for input and contribu- rica. The people bargain for everything from
section of the College community," Liebowitz ing the reputation of the College's summer tion in the coming months. cactus fruit to televisions in the street markets,
wrote in his Dec. 23 memo, "to consider the language programs and both the Breadloaf "Our Task Forces and our mailings and and tradesmen and customers alike seem to
advice and perspectives of members of Mid- School of English and the Breadloaf Writers' Web sites will certainly invite and encourage enjoy the tradition. The Medina opens up to
dlebury's off-campus constituents — alumni, Conference. "These are the best programs broad participation in planning," said Emer- the infamous Djemaa el-Fna square where
parents and trustees." and the country and sometimes the world," son. "Somewhat surprisingly, we have already snake charmers and their cobras are seen in
A Jan. 6 town hall meeting kicked off Liebowitz said at the Presidential forum. He had an impressive amount of voluntary in- the daytime, and which turns into a loud and
the President's initiative to include the Col- acknowledged a commitment to "trumpeting _ n jam-packed spectacle at night.
lege community in the planning process. The their excellence," noting that the College has put. Our last night in Morocco was spent din-
question-and-answer session, with Liebowitz, the "opportunity to showcase those entities." Emerson felt that the planning process ing with a more modern family in what could
Emerson and Dean of the College Tim Spears An evaluation of the Commons program will likely affect the way the College commu- have basically been a house in any American
fielding questions from a small group of inter- is also high on the agenda — an appropriate nity views itself, as well as the strengths and suburb. Most of the conversation was lost on
ested students. Dean of Student Affairs Ann choice, considering the number of questions priorities it possesses. me as I do not speak French, but I am told
Hanson was also in attendance. raised at the town hall meeting regarding the "In the long run," he said, "enhancing that when politics came up, the family em-
"The purpose of the planning process is to subject. Liebowitz asserted a strong belief in Middlebury's reputation and stature can only phasized their ability to separate opinions to-
chart the course of the College," Liebowitz ex- the housing and residential Commons system, enhance the value of a Middlebury degree and ward American citizens from their feelings to-
plained. He identified the process as a "chance but he quickly agreed that there remain flaws the pride that all alumni have in Middlebury ward the current U.S. government, but in turn
to be critical [of Middlebury] in both positive in the still-fledgling system. College. All students — past, present and fu- expected the same of Americans — that the
and negative ways." ture — and all staff and faculty stand to ben- diversity inside the Arab world be recognized
"To me," he said, "it would be a great day
efit from this emphasis that President Liebow- and that the words Muslim and terrorist not
The town hall meeting, said Liebow- when we don't talk about the Commons as
itz, presented a forum to "engage as much of separate from life at Middlebury." itz has made so prominent in his agenda for be automatically linked.
Middlebury."
4 features
THURSDAY, JANUARY 13, 2005
Discrimination discussed at campus forum
CONTINUED FROM PAGE I
makes real discussion taboo," said
have been taught to speak a certain Anna Wishart '07.
way in class. It is clear that they are At the Jan. 7 meeting, the
shoving off from classroom discus- problem of non-minority students
sions about these issues and talking staying silent about these opinions
about it in other forums. The chal- in open discussions, for fear of be-
lenge is being able to talk about it ing called racist or homophobic,
in a down-to-earth, instead of just was examined.
a theoretical, way." "Many [Caucasian] students
It is mostly within these more feel uncomfortable saying these
informal forums that controver- things in that type of setting, so
«
I think the approach should be,
'Can we discuss this?' instead of'This
>>>
is a problem.
— J.S. Woodward >06
sial issues have arisen. The e-mail they stay silent, and it just comes
sent to faculty began, "The level of out later in other ways," said one
insensitivity on this campus has faculty member. "But the only way
reached an all-time high, and pub- to solve the conflict is to talk about
lic attention should be brought to it."
this issue." Some suggested that the prob-
While some students feel that lem lay in how the discussions are
the level of insensitivity has risen, often framed.
Nirvana Bhatia
others have expressed the opinion "When a [remark or action]
The Jan. 5 forum, held in Coltrane Lounge, fostered discussion on discrimination at Middlebury.
that some of it is a result of hyper- is called discriminatory or racist, a
sensitivity to political correctness. lot of [non-minority] students feel in guiding or regulating these con- Charles A. Dana professor of Politi- simply defined by being 'minority
In one of several responses to defensive," said J.S. Woodward '06, versations is less clear. The prob- cal Science. "It is important to have students,'" said Walker.
an e-mail in which a student object- co-chair of Community Council. "I lem of deciding which situations to a truly full and fair discussion of In the face of controversy, both
ed to the question for a psychology think the approach should be/Can take a stance on and which ones are these issues. We don't want to start students and faculty expressed a
survey "At what age do you think we discuss this?' instead of 'This is just part of the free discourse can a censorship regime." desire to see this as an opportunity
you'll get married, if you think a problem.'" be complicated. Students and faculty plan to for growth.
you're going to?" on the grounds While there is a general con- "Things will always be said continue meeting to further dis- Said a faculty member, "It's im-
that it was heteronormative, a stu- sensus that students and faculty that are going to offend people, cuss Middlebury's role in dealing portant to give students the skills to
dent wrote that the survey had been alike would benefit from more and it is difficult to draw the line with issues of discrimination. disagree, sometimes strongly, but
"unnecessarily politicized." discussion of sensitive issues, the between free speech and outright "We want to feel that we have a to still be respectful and to respect
"Absolute political correctness College's official institutional role discrimination," said Murray Dry, place on campus, and that we aren't each other's right to free speech."
Lamberti
College c o m m u n i ty
r e m e m b e rs victims
endows award
one of the agencies." what happened and how the relief
CONTINUED FROM PAGE I
Professor Emerita of history In addition to fundraising, the efforts are going."
but we also discussed long term de- College is planning to hold an aca- Finally, a memorial service was
velopment aid, a memorial service also held on Monday to remember
donates $100,000 to fund
and educational efforts." "Our community victims of the tragedy. The service
Fundraisers have now begun began with a procession of students
By Laura K. Budzyna tened her name to the award as a appearing across campus. In recent is strengthened from countries bordering the Indian
STAFF WRITER tribute to, according to the SGA e-mails to students, Commons Resi- Ocean, bearing their native flags. As
One of the most valued hon- charter, "her service and dedica- dent Advisors kicked off an inter- by the diversity Jordan read a welcome, candles were
ors bestowed on Middlebury pro- tion to the Middlebury College commons "Tsunami Change Chal- lit at the front of the Chapel.
fessors — the annual Marjorie community." lenge" — taking the opportunity of of our responses A variety of readings were then
Lamberti Faculty Appreciation Lamberti spoke highly of the charity to advance commons spirit. shared, showcasing the College's in-
Award — has just received a gener- award. "This award honors faculty According to the fundraiser rules, to tragedy and by ternational character. "Our commu-
ous financial boost from Professor members who have demonstrated the goal is "to raise more Penny nity is strengthened by the diversity
Emerita of History Marjorie Lam- excellence in teaching and dedi- Points than any other Commons, the respect and of our responses to tragedy and by
berti herself. cation by giving time, energy and thus making your Commons su- the respect and curiosity we hold for
This past October, Lamberti effective effort in encouraging and perior in every way to all the oth- curiosity we hold each other," said Jordan, introducing
met with Student Government supporting students in their search ers." By donating pennies or paper the readers at the service.
Association (SGA) President An- for knowledge and in their intellec- bills to their Commons' office, stu- for each other" The texts ranged from a recita-
drew Jacobi '05 to discuss a sub- tual development inside and out- dents raise their commons' "penny tion in Tamil by Vani Sathisan '07 to
stantial endowment to her name- side of the classroom," she said. points." By donating nickels, dimes —Laurie Jordan a Wordsworth poem read by Allison
sake award's fund. She donated Jacobi pointed out that be- or quarters through another com- Byerly, vice president for Academic
$100,000 to this fund, which will cause the students themselves de- mons', they lower that commons' College Chaplain Affairs and professor of English. Stu-
finance the monetary part of the cide the recipients, it is considered "Penny Points." dents also ran a donation table at the
gift as well as extended academic to be a very prestigious honor. Some of the other ideas that demie event for discussion and un- service. The final selection before a
pursuits. "Professor Lamberti was a recipi- are being pursued include a collec- derstanding of the tragedy. "A num- benediction by Rabbi Ira Schiffer,
The interest from the grant ent of this prize, and she says that tion drive in the dining halls, a 50/50 ber of offices on campus are in the associate chaplain of the College,
will go to future award recipients receiving this honor from her own Raffle at a hockey game, and a ben- process of organizing an event at was a moving Buddhist reading read
to aid them in their research en- students was one of the highlights efit concert, said Adams. which those familiar with the region by Nirvana Bhatia '07.
deavors, and any spillover funds of her career," he said. In a follow-up meeting the and expert in the nature of the natu- "May all beings everywhere
will go toward a scholarship fund. To determine the next recipi- group of students and administra- ral tragedy itself will present materi- plagued with sufferings of body and
Lamberti's donation will ensure ent of the award, next spring, Dean tors chose four organizations to al to help us learn about the tragedy mind, instead of an ocean of sorrow,
that the award continues to recog- of Faculty Susan Campbell will send collected donations to: the and its aftermath," said Liebowitz. obtain an ocean of happiness and
nize and honor Middlebury Col- request nominations from all stu- American Red Cross, Karuna Trust, Information on the time, place joy," read Bhatia from Bodhicaryava-
lege's most valuable professors for dents via e-mail. Oxfam and Save the Children. and speakers at the event has yet to tara. "For as long as they remain in
years to come. The junior and senior mem- "We discussed not wanting to be announced, though interest in cyclic existence, may their mundane
Middlebury students have a bers of the SGA will then select a work through any governments — considering and understanding the happiness never decline, and may
chance every year to nominate and five-student panel to deliberate and talked about the various prob- issues of the disaster is large. all of them uninterruptedly receive
to choose one exceptional faculty over the nominations and to de- lems with both poor administration "I think students are interested waves of joy."
member to present with a sizeable cide on a recipient. and corruption that some groups in finding ways to help and show Individuals interested in assist-
monetary award. Later, during Staff and Faculty have," said Jordan. "We ended up solidarity with the victims of the ing with events and fundraisers, or
Lamberti was one of the Appreciation Week, Jacobi will thinking that we would like to allow tsunami," said Jordan. "Many of making a contribution to a relief or-
award's first honorees. Upon her present the framed award along people to be able to make a choice them are using the internet and the ganization, are urged to contact the
retirement in 2002, the SGA fas- with a check to the 2005 winner. and also to learn about more than news outlets to learn more about chaplain's office.
5
localnews
THURSDAY, JANUARY 13, 2005
Eric Davis preps for retirement COLLEGE
SHORTS
Secretary of the College to step down after Commencement
stage directions at Commencement, he did College" into the architecture on the historic BY ANDREA G1SSING
By Myra Palmero
not want to spend the rest of his remaining "front lawn" of the campus, Old Stone Row.
STAFF WRITER UC-Davis political
years before retirement in Old Chapel. Da- Despite the many changes and strides that the
In March 2004, Secretary of the College
vis said, "I have always considered myself a College has taken, however, Davis says that scientist sues CIA for info
Eric Davis announced that he would be step-
political scientist who has happened to be in Middlebury continues to exemplify values of
ping down from his position as Secretary
the administration, rather than a profession- when he first arrived in 1980 of recognizing
after May 2005 Commencement to join the Larry Berman, University of California-
al administrator, and I knew it was time for every Middlebury member's unique qualities
faculty as a full-time Professor of Political Davis political scientist and historian, filed a
me to be spending more time teaching about, and the importance of faculty-student inter-
Science before his final retirement in January Freedom of Information lawsuit against the
reading about, thinking about, and writing action at a liberal arts college.
2008. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) after the
Though Eric Davis was appointed as Sec- about politics." Davis looks forward to returning to the CIA refused to release Vietnam-era presiden-
retary of the College in 1997, he had been part Davis recounted that in his 25 years at faculty, working with students and teaching tial briefings.
Middlebury, three administrative accom- what he calls a "mix of new and old standard
of the faculty since 1980 as a Political Science Berman's lawsuit is challenging the CIA's
plishments of which he is most proud are courses" in his last two years. In the fall, he
professor. In 1991 he was appointed as dean "blanket policy" of refusing to release the
chairing the committee that developed the will be teaching his final first-year seminar on
of academic programs, and chief information President's Daily Briefs, the president's daily
first-year seminar program from 1985 to the English Cathedrals, and will be doing a
officer in 1997. In his 25 years at Middlebury, international news source. Berman alleges
1988, participating in decisions about the 30- "farewell tour" of his favorite political science
Davis has been involved with academic and that they do not threaten national security,
position growth of the faculty, and chairing courses: the introductory American politics
curricular matters, having served on the Edu- or are completely innocuous, and so should
the committee that developed the program course, and courses on Congress, U.S. elec-
cational Affairs Committee or its predecessor be released. Specifically, Breman wants four
for the new library. tions, and comparative elections.
committees for 18 of the 25 years. Briefs released, two from 1965 and two from
Before current President Ronald D. Li- Of the First-Year Seminar program, Da- When Davis leaves in 2008, he will be de- 1968.
vis stated, "The FYS program has been one voting his time to study the response of the
ebowitz was appointed president in April, The CIA's Acting Information and Pri-
of the most significant curricular changes Democratic Party to the 2004 election results
Davis decided to step down as Secretary, be- vacy Coordinator Alan Tate responded to
at Middlebury in the past quarter-century, and the strategies the Democratic Party and
lieving that whoever was to become the new Berman in a letter. In it Tate denied the CIA's
guaranteeing all first-year students a place Democratic candidates choose to pursue in
president should have the opportunity to fill a responsibility to release the brief, claiming
in a small, writing-intensive seminar in their the run-up to the 2008 presidential election.
senior administrative position with someone that they contained "inherently privileged,
who would be able to spend years develop- first semester and having those students' fac- Only a few months before stepping down predecisional and deliberative material for the
ing the changes that the new administration ulty adviser be the teacher of one of their as Secretary, Davis is optimistic that the Col- president." They denied Berman's request, cit-
would be making. Though Davis has en- courses, whom they see two or three times a lege will continue to make great changes. ing three Freedom of Information exemptions
joyed working as an administrator, tackling week in class." Davis stated, "I am confident that under the pertaining to information regarding national
the College's interesting issues, being a part Of the new library, Davis commends leadership of President Liebowitz, with an defense or foreign policy.
of the College's changes in the last, watch- Gwathmey Siegal and Associates' firm for extremely committed, resourceful, and ener- Berman wants to use the briefs to gain
ing Fred Rogers sing the "Mr. Rogers" theme translating the College's hope for a library getic administrative team, and with the gener- new insight into how the CIA advised Presi-
song and being able to give Meryl Streep that would "reflect the centrality of the aca- ous support of an engaged Board of Trustees dent Lyndon Johnson about the situation in
demic enterprise in the life of Middlebury and alumni body, this College will make even
Vietnam.
— U-Wire
UGGLING A J-TERM SCHEDULE
U-Md receives grant for
terrorism research
QJ%(ÎDDLEB URÏ^lRANSIT
TersonaCizecC'Regional Transportation Using a $12 million grant issued by the
department of Homeland Security, the Uni-
Travel in Style
versity of Maryland will create a research
center to study how people become terrorists,
what motivates them to strike and how com-
munities cope with their threat. The univer-
sity will lead the fourth Homeland Security
Center of Excellence, making the institution
part of a growing network of university-based
programs devoted to aspects of the homeland
security mission. Tom Ridge, head of Home-
land Security, will solicit applicants for a fifth
center, which would study preparation, re-
covery and resilience in the face of large-scale
natural and human-made disasters.
Holiday Travel The site at U-Md. will be called the Home-
land Security Center of Excellence for Behav-
Airport - Amtrak Station ioral and Social Aspects of Terrorism and
Counter-Terrorism. Scholars will study forces
Transportation
that create terrorists, how terrorist groups re-
cruit, how targets are chosen and ways to lead
Call for Rates and Reservations
the groups' converts from terrorism.
— The Washington Post
3 8 8 - 3 8 38
800-388-1002 Oregon State consulted on
www.middleburytransit.com Sixiao Huo tsunami disaster
After a day of class (and skiing), students enjoy an introduction
to the finer arts of juggling on Jan. 11. Derek Walker '06 demon-
The O.H. Hinsdale Wave Research Labo-
strates the finer techniques.
ratory at Oregon State University, home to
the largest tsunami research facility in the
l l ir world, was sought out for answers to pressing
D i ll « m f p tV W 1ANUARY 4,2005 TO JANUARY 9,2005
questions in the wake of the tsunami that hit
south-east Asia in December.
Director Dan Cox explained that public
DATE TIME INCIDENT CATEGORY LOCATION DISPOSITION
outreach is an integral and expected part of
1/4/05 Unknown Theft Refrigerator/Microwave Coffrin Open the facility.
Oven The lab was questioned by local news
1/5/05 2:23 a.m. Vandalism ' Drywall Hadley Open teams as well as CNN, NBC's "Today Show,"
the Discovery Channel and Spiegel TV from
1/5/05 8:48 p.m. Drug Violation Marijuana Hepburn Referred to Commons Dean
Germany on a variety of topics, but most of-
1/6/05 4:40 p.m. Vandalism Vehicle T Lot No Suspects ten whether or not such a disaster could hap-
1/7/05 Unknown Vandalism Wall Milliken Open pen on the U.S. side of the Pacific Ocean. The
researcher's response was that it already has
1/7/05 10:45 p.m. Drug Violation Marijuana Palmer (ZOO) Referred to Commons Dean
happened, and probably would happen again.
1/9/05 5:33 a.m. Vandalism Window Palmer (ZOO) No Suspects Researches expect another giant wave to
1/9/05 12:42 a.m. Theft Sign Outside Referred to Commons Dean strike the Pacific Northwest within the next
300 years.
ALCOHOL: This week there were 15 reported incidents of alcohol possession by a minor. All incidents were reported to Commons Deans. Inci-
— U-Wire
dents occured in Le Chateau, Prescott (ADP), Battell, Ross, KDR, Brackett (Tavern), KDR, Jewett House and Perkins.
6 features
THURSDAY, JANUARY 13, 2005
Middlebury College gets tropical
Warm temperatures cool winter fun
By Polly Johnson
STAFF WRITER
January at Middlebury is an im- your frostbite and pneumonia.
age of skis and hot chocolate com- Aside from the lack of snow,
bined with frantic students running students are concerned that their
from building to building in an at- prepaid season passes may go to
tempt to avoid the cold. However, waste. While only five of the four-
this January there is a significant teen trails at the Middlebury Snow
difference that cannot only be seen Bowl are open right now the price of
but can also be felt. Let us paint you a season pass remains the same as if
a picture — breakfast at Ross is still all fourteen were open: $125. Yet, the
filled with students eager to hit the snow bowl remains open and busy.
slopes, yet half the Snow Bowl re- Students continue to capitalize on
mains closed. The ground outside is what's available. Though the cries of
white minus the random patches of unmet expectations can still be heard
mud and grass angering some and throughout campus, the skis are still
pleasing others. Is it really time to out and the busses remain crowded.
pull out the flip-flops or should we So, $125 gone to waste? We think
keep those boots and down jackets not. Runs at the Snow Bowl are and
handy? Take for example, January 10, will remain open; there is still snow
2004. The mean temperature was a on the ground. There is really noth-
more than chilly -10° F with highs at ing to lose except your hat. Embrace
-2°F and lows at -18°F, this all with- the warmth; because like all things,
out wind chill. Yet, January 10, 2005 once it's gone you will miss it.
paints quite a different picture. The
So what's the big picture? Is
mean temperature was a balmy 32°
global warming engulfing us, or is
F with highs at 37°F and lows at 26°F.
this just a single fluke occurrence in
You would think the warm weather
the weather pattern? Middlebury
would make the usual weather com-
Professor John Isham has organized
plaints disappear. Students have
a conference on this exact topic.
found something new to complain
From January 25th-27th, leaders of
about: the lack of snow.
environmental grassroots organiza-
Sam Timberg '07 thinks that this tions as well as scientific experts will
January's warm weather is "a devas- convene in Middlebury to discuss
tating and drastic change" from last the current trends in global climate
year's negative temperatures. "The change. Isham has started the "What
warm weather scares me a little bit," Works?" project in an attempt to help
he says, "now 1 fall more on ice as op- build a new movement based on the
posed to snow." Not only does this need to protect our current climate.
"drastic" change in weather affect The project refers to the need to in-
the normal Midd student walking hibit the climate crisis, which can
to class, but for the Middlebury Ski also be referred to as Global Warm-
Team, snow is a necessity which has ing, a phenomenon which links
been greatly missed so far this season. the increase in temperatures to an
HEATWAVE Nordic ski team member Matthew increase in greenhouse gases. Peter
Perry Johnson '08 expressed concern deMenocal, an associate professor
TAKING THE TEMP OF about his ability to train for upcom- of earth and environmental sciences « Andrew Cogbill
MIDD'S WINTER ing events. "It's really hard to train at Columbia University, stated in his A snowshoe trail shows signs of winter activity, but some students have
and I feel like it puts me at a disadvan- article about the climate crisis, "The lamented that warm temperatures have stifled broomball and skiing.
tage during competition." First-years Scientific community is now very
and Febs, both groups experiencing confident that much of the warming
J-term for the first time are shocked over the past century is attributable VERMONT
BURLINGTON by the extraordinary conditions. to human activities. Global tempera-
Matthew Amoss '07.5 is shocked that tures have changed for many natural
HERE WE COME!
the horror stories being told have reasons, of course, but when scien-
NEW SHUTTLE TO not come true, "I thought it was go- tists try to account for the full record
VT'S METROPOLIS ing to be -40°F with wind-chill and of global temperature changes over by
I am exalted by this weather." Drew the past several hundred years, it is
Walker '08, also experiencing his first impossible to obtain a close match
J-term, expressed disappointment, to the observed temperature curve the numbers
"I was expecting to be able to jump without including the effects of very
out of my room into a 10 foot pile of recent increases in greenhouse gas
snow." Sorry Drew, better luck next concentrations."
year. We suggest putting away those
For all you Goldilocks fans we
down jackets and pulling out those
would like to leave you with a quote
flip flops.. .just kidding we do real-
from Chris Straub '07 "Last year was
ize that it is still below freezing and
too cold, this year is too hot, I want 1666: The year the first church ser-
we do not want to be responsible for
something that is just right!"
vices were held in Vermont.
While you are shivering in Middlebury, Vt...
Here's how your friends are fairing around the world
during their studies abroad in January.
12: Percent of Vermont's children
Sydney, Australia avg. high: 79°F who are enrolled in private schools.
avg. low: 65°F
Santiago, Chile: avg. high: 85°F
38:Number of people per square mile
avg. low: 54°F
in Addison County in 1837.
Oxford, England: avg. high: 44°
avg. low: 32°F
Paris, France: avg. high: 43°F 195: Number of sheep per square
avg. low: 34°F
mile in Addison County in 1837.
Antananarivo, Madagascar: avg. high: 78°F
avg. low: 64°F
Madrid, Spain: avg. high: 5i°F
Sources: infoplease.com, shgresources.com, www. academics.vt
avg. low: 32°F
localnews 7
THURSDAY, JANUARY 13, 2005
Shuttle connects Midd to Burlington
By Rachel Norton & Sarah Shaikh way, although CCTA is considering of ACTR, notes that the company Freshman Maegan North
STAFF WRITERS raising the price to four dollars in plans to "tighten up [the schedule] agrees; "I would pay the three dol-
Addison County residents need order to make profit. The first three a little bit, and still Serve the people lars. I don't have a car and so far I've
not look any further for a conve- years of operation will be funded by we want to service." CCTA is in the been to Burlington five times. The
nient and efficient way to get into federal grant money, whereas from stages of planning additional routes service makes me want to go to Bur-
Burlington. Chittenden County then on the fate of the shuttles lie in that go to Rutland as well. Maryann lington more often." Rural
Transit Authority (CCTA), in asso- the hands of riders. White, marketing and public affairs The shuttle program comes af-
ciation with Addison County Tran- The shuttles depart from Mer- manager for the CCTA, is optimis- ter the success of the ACTR shuttle Banter
sit Resources, began operating the chants Row in Middlebury at 6:15 tic, noting, "We're aggressively mar- to the Snow Bowl that was also re-
Burlington LINK Xpress on Oct. 11, and 7:15 a.m. and arrive at Cherry keting the service, and hoping that cently put into service. Comment-
which offers two round trip rides Street in Burlington. They then people try it out." ing on that, Moulton said that "the BY ERICA GOODMAN
from Middlebury to Burlington depart Burlington at 4:45 p.m. Students feel fairly optimistic Snow Bowl route is going great
everyday. The two shuttles that are and 5:30 p.m. Since the service is about the service, although skepti- gangbusters." No need to lose anymore
currently in operation, each with relatively new, representatives from cism about the hours it operates With increased publicity and sleep. The snow is finally here. Let
20 seats, make stops at New Haven both ACTR and CCTA are working seem to be a deterrent to some. routes, prospects for the Burlington J-term begin.
Junction, Vergennes, North Fer- on ways to tweak and advance the Benjamin Ostler Hanna '08 has LINK Xpress look promising as a For the avid skiers and
risburgh, Charlotte and Shelburne. service to attract even more riders. "not used it," but he "would because cheap alternative method of trans- snowboarders around campus, I
The current fee is three dollars each Jim Moulton, executive director [he] doesn't have a car. portation into Burlington. understand your previous concern.
The weather outside has been less
THE GHOST HOUSE OF RT. 125 than frightful so far this winter.
With the thermometer during
The house that looks like
most of December ranging in the
it was on the set of "The
40s and 50s and a very mild first
Addams Family" will
week in January, it looked as if the
soon show a new face as
semester was off to a rather green
new owners have plans
start.
to restore the historical
site to its natural form. Unprecedented warm weather
Drive down on Rt. 125 has kept the Green Mountains
west to see the "ghost plush and budding with photo-
house" while you can. synthesis. But 1 offer to you this
— Are the mountains themselves
the cause of global warming
forces?
Drive along any roadway in
Vermont and you will see the
source of our environmental prob-
lems — long driveways of loose
gravel that twist and turn in steep,
narrow threads. Add a few inches
(or sometimes feet) of snow, a
dash of ice and a pinch of freezing
rain, and voilà! You have yourself
a slippery slope of wintertime di-
saster. Since someone has yet to in-
stall a crane or a ski lift to carry his
car from the base of his driveway
to his front door, many Vermont-
ers have invested in SUVs and
other four-wheel drive vehicles.
Julia Randall Is the solution, then, to take
a Goliath size bulldozer and
After a months-long hiatus, Middlebury's own beyond the bubble extraordinaires reemerged flatten the frosty peaks? Alright.
in the worn and slightly smelly Roo driving along Route 7. We had held, at one time, great hopes of Maybe blaming global warming
on the environmentally-conscious
snowshoeing and tellemarking and finding an outdoor adventure as stimulating and rewarding as
inhabitants of the sparsely popu-
"the tennis debacle" (see April 23,2004 edition). Claire had only agreed to this on the condition that
lated Green Mountains is not the
there would be no animal noises involved. However, we weren't feeling all too physical, and although
correct course of action. In fact,
tempted to revisit our little red-checked table at the restaurant formerly known as Baba's, instead, we
BEYOND THE
the hilly landscape is vital to the
just decided to hit up the Verizon store. Claire felt that a lack of cell phone was "salting her game,"
livelihood of thousands. Catering
however, let's be honest, Claire has no game, and her phone doesn't really ring that often.
to winter sports enthusiasts is an
Anyhow, to Verizon we went. Upon entering the somewhat barren and remarkably large Verizon
economic way of life for thousands
Wireless (said in the deep and raspy voice of James Earl Jones which Lisie constantly attempts to
of Vermonters.
imitate unsuccessfully), we were greeted by an over-eager salesperson who, although we were, in fact,
the only ones in the store, insisted we put our names on a list for help. One out of every five visitors
While getting rung up, Claire and Lisie brainstormed ideas for their wedding speeches. The guy to Vermont arrives and vacations
behind the counter got a little too excited and felt the need to contribute. Apparently he makes quite in the winter, whether to hit the
slopes, ride the trails or patiently
a wedding cake. Claire felt judged when she shared with Jim her life long plan of having cheesecake.
wait on a frozen lake for the fish to
Apparently cheesecake doesn't stack well. The dejection was made worse when, after Claire dropped
bite. According to a tourism study
the pen, he asked if she was "violent much?" It's not an understatement to say we ran for the door.
conducted by the University of
No, seriously, we ran.
Vermont, winter tourism spend-
The only cure for Claire's wounded ego was a grande nonfat pumpkin spice latte, no foam, extra
ing provides over $220 million in
whip. Starbucks it was. Although getting out of the Roo proved somewhat difficult for Lisie. Ap-
personal income to Vermonters
parently walking on ice isn't Lisie's forte. Her spill on the cold, cold cement not only cheered Claire's
with a total impact of more than
spirits but also reminded us of an adventure we can't believe we forgot to chronicle for our beloved
21,000 jobs. From the man who
audience (We think that the less than stellar articles at the beginning of the year may have led to a
sells the lift tickets at Sugarbush to
permanent decrease in readership. Thanks for your loyalty, though, Markandbar.) Of what are we
the restaurant owners in Stowe to
speaking you might ask? Just a little incident that will go down in history as the day Lisie almost
the ice skate sharpener at Forth n'
died.
BUBBLE Goal, men and women across the
Lisie is what we like to call, politely, a novice skier. However, she decided to try her hand at the
state carry their livelihood in the
"big kids" chair lift and then a run down Proctor. With a name like that, she couldn't imagine it be-
heart of the Green Mountains.
ing anything but safe, warm, and non-judgemental. She was even hoping for some curtains. How-
BY CLAIRE NIELSON AND LISIE MEHLMAN ever, Proctor was closed, and somehow she ended up on Ross. It was cold, it was sterile, she almost The fluffy white precipitation
died. In summary, Claire, who, thanks to Chris and Pris' direction and guidance on the slopes of that we crave for its aesthetic and
Idaho, is an expert skier, aided Lisie in surviving her 45 minute trip down the mountain. The high- entertainment value is for them
detrimental to keeping their busi-
lights of which included Lisie learning to falling leaf. Lisie claiming that she was going to take her
nesses up and running.
skis off and walk. Claire telling Lisie to shut the hell up and turn. An impolite boy yelling "yardsale"
when Lisie took one of the finer of her 14 spills. Claire responding with words that did not necessar- And so with rain once again
ily demonstrate her Charlotte from Sex and the City wannabe persona. NOONE would have judged in the weather forecast, I urge
Lisie with such vehemence on Proctor. Please. Lisie was overcome with relief upon making it down you to take a moment from your
sulking that you will be unable
the mountain, and hearing that she had actually survived a black diamond trail did make her laugh,
to ski for every day of J-term and
although not enough to convince her that staying off the slopes for a while was a good idea. She is
remember what the snowy heights
hoping for an OC episode featuring a ski trip so that she can live vicariously through the gang, and
mean to our neighbors.
also because we really want to see if Marissa can manage to make it down the hills drunk.
opinions
THURSDAY, JANUARY 13,2005
Editorial
Open your eyes and minds
In recent memory, the relative size of the world has
shrunk. This is apparent to anyone who has ever chatted
online or e-mailed a friend who lives in another country. The
time it takes to circumnavigate the globe can be measured in
hours, not months. As a result, events that occur on one side
of the world can significantly affect people a hemisphere away.
It is an unfortunate reality that this closeness is most pro-
nounced during times of tragedy. It is hopeful, however, that
— though normally indifferent to the situation of a family
down the block — when the tsunami blanketed the coastlines
of nations surrounding the Indian Ocean on Dec. 26 people
stood up to help in any way possible. In response to the death
and destruction caused by the 9.0 earthquake that occurred
off the coast of Sumatra, affecting 10 countries including Sri
Lanka, Indonesia, Thailand, and India, the global community
mounted a tremendous effort to aid the region giving money,
food or time, sending well-wishes to the survivors and collec-
tively mourning the extreme loss of life. Within two weeks of
the disaster, donor countries have promised an unprecedented
$717 million to a United Nations appeal for emergency aid.
This figure does not account for the efforts made by individu-
als acting out of the goodness of their hearts.
Global movements like this occur in response to many
scenarios outside of natural disasters, however what has not
been as prevalent in this case is conditional help based upon
race, religion or situation. People now are going out of their
way to help other people, not because they are being op-
pressed by a rival ideology, but because they are in need of aid.
Letters to the Editor
(Hl]e iïïtîiîilebury Campus It is at times like these when true human compassion shows
Editorial Staff through and sends a hopeful message to all that we truly are
a global community, that we are willing to lend a hand to To the Editor: selecting a symbol of the majority's
Editor-in-Chief neighbors in times of need. Petty differences or arguments are In an article in last month's holiday and pretending that with a
Andrea Gissing put aside as people focus on what is important, the welfare of Middlebury Campus ["Santa Meets change of name it can be applied to
Secularism," December 9], I never all. The intention is good but the re-
Managing Editor those around us.
said that "for several years I have , suit is institutional hypocrisy.
Megan E. O'Keefe After the media coverage eventually goes away and reports
sent out an all-faculty, all-staff e- Since this is an institution
Business Director of the continuing situation in South-East Asia is given fewer mail protesting the naming of the whose mission includes the search
Lindsay Russell minutes on late-night news, the recovery will still be on-going. holiday tree." This year was the very for truth and insistence on intel-
Let us not forget how the world stood together. Continue to first time I got involved with this is- lectual honesty, why not just prac-
sue. What I did say was that in the tice truth in celebration and call a
act in ways that works towards improving the quality of life
past other members of the faculty Christmas tree a Christmas tree?
Associate Editor for everyone. When disasters pass and wars subside, the world
and staff had raised the question in Sincerely,
Andrea M. LaRocca will still be a small place and it will be comforting for others
various settings and that I thought Michael Olinick
News Editors to know that they are not being ignored or overlooked. it was high time for a full discussion Professor of Mathematics
Katie Flagg Do your part — volunteer some of your free time and of the matter. Judy Olinick
Benjamin Salkowe go to some of the weekend work sites that the Middlebury Sincerely, Russian Department
Local News Editor Volunteer Service Organization arranges. Drop spare change Michael Katz Coordinator
in your common's change jar. Write a friend or family member C.V. Starr Professor of Russian
Polly Johnson
far away from you a card to say you are thinking of them. Take
Opinions Editors To the Editor:
time to learn about a different culture or ideology, increase
Taylor Johnston I was shocked to read the lead
your awareness about the global community that we are all a
Jake Kuipers To the Editor: article of the most recent edition of
part of. Take a moment and think about the people who lost With reference to the article in The Middlebury Campus, entitled
Features Editors
their homes and livelihood to the tsunami. Think about those last month's Middlebury Campus "Dining to Ditch Dish Recovery."
Lisie Mehlman
who lost their homes or lives to the mudslide that took place [Santa Meets Secularism, December As the student who not only re-es-
Caroline Vial
in La Conchita, Ca. this past week. Think about troops sta- 9], the argument over the tree may tablished the Dish Recovery System
Arts Editor tioned far from home, or those who live their lives faced with be trivial, but the point is worth but also co-moderated the discus-
Richie Lawless making. sion that called for its termination,
the constant threat of warfare. Be thankful for the heat in the
Sports Editors dorm rooms and the plentiful food and fresh water in the din- Almost no one objects to the I find it reprehensible that I was not
lighted tree, which is beautiful and contacted for information for the
Zamir Ahmed ing halls. Do not take anything for granted if you can help it. which everyone can enjoy. The ob- article. Because the author did not
Thomas McCann
Live your life in ways that makes it better and makes it better seek out sufficient information re-
Ryan Reese jection is to calling it a "holiday"
for others around you. rather than a "Christmas" tree. garding the Dish Recovery System
Photography Editors and recent decisions surrounding
What "holiday" other than Christ-
Albert Bitici OPINIONS SUBMISSION POLICY mas does the tree represent? None it, several inaccuracies were stated
Julia Randall — certainly not Divali, Ramadan, in both the article and the opinion
The Opinions pages of The Middlebury Campus provide a forum for constructive and piece ("Fall 2004 College Evalua-
Online Editor respectful dialogue on substantive issues. With this in mind, The Campus reserves the Hanukkah, Kwanzaa or other fes-
tions"). In addition, statements in
Tristan Hayes right to deny publication of all or part of a submission for any reason. This includes, tivals celebrated by some members
the article were portrayed as fact,
Page Designer but is not limited to: the making of assertions based on hearsay; the relation of private of the Middlebury community in
conversations; the libelous mention of unverifiable events; the use of vulgar language or when in reality they are the opin-
Laura Kuhl late fall and early winter. Who in the
personal attacks. Any segment of a submitted article that contains any of the aforemen- ions of individuals involved in
"real world" looks at a lighted ever-
Tech Consultant tioned will be removed before publication. Contributors will be allowed to reference the Dish Recovery System and are
prior articles published in the Opinions section or announcements for the public record. green and says, "What a beautiful
Dan Stone not shared by all interested par-
If a reference is made to prior articles, the submission will be considered a letter to the holiday tree"? No one!
ties. I strongly encourage students
Illustrator editor. The Campus will not accept or print anonymous letters. The opinions expressed Even if the tree originated as a
by contributors to the Opinions section, as well as reviews, columns, editorial comics to attend hall and dorm meetings,
Daniel Houghton borrowing from pagan solstice ob-
and other commentary, are views of the individual contributors and do not necessarily which will be taking place during
servances, it is so universally associ-
reflect the opinions of the newspaper. The Campus welcomes letters to the editor at 250 January, to learn about future solu-
CBopilyl BEidrkiteotrt s: words or less, or opinions submissions at 800 words or less. Submit works directly to ated with Christmas that calling it tions to the dish loss problem from
Kara Zarchin the Opinions Editor, Drawer 30, [email protected] or via the paper's website at a "holiday" tree immediately raises informed sources, and PLEASE
www.middleburycampus.com. To be considered for publications, submissions must be the question of why it is not called
BRING YOUR DISHES BACK TO
received by 5 p.m. Tuesday. The Campus reserves the right to edit all submissions.
a Christmas tree. The answer is ei-
THE DINING HALL.
ther that the College does not want
The Middlebury Campus (USPS 556-060), the student newspaper of Middlebury College, is published by The
Middlebury Campus Publications. Publication is every Thursday of the academic year, except during offical college to acknowledge that it celebrates Sincerely,
vacation periods and final examinations. Editorial and business offices are located in Hepburn Hali Annex, Middlebury Christmas or that it is pretending to Clare O'Reilly '05
College. The Middlebury Campus is produced on Apple Macintosh computers using Adobe inDesign 2.0 and is printed
by BD Press in Burlington, Vt. The advertising deadline for alt display and classified advertising is 5 p.m. Friday for celebrate everyone's holiday equally. SGA Director of
the following week's issue. Mailing address: The Middlebury Campus, Drawer 30, Middlebury College, Middlebury,
Vt., 05753. Office phone: [phone]. Business phone: [phone]. Please address distribution concerns to the Neither is true. The College is really Environmetal Affairs
Business Director. First class postage paid at Middlebury, Vt.. 05753.
localnews 9
THURSDAY, JANUARY 13, 2005
Dean deserves DNC chair position
Earlier this week, former Vermont electoral politics for a while. He did not. The next four years will witness an
Governor and Presidential candidate Instead he started Democracy For Amer- assault on key American civil liberties. As
Howard Dean declared his candidacy for ica, a political 527 organization dedicated President Bush nominates Supreme Court
chairman of the Democratic National to helping socially progressive, fiscally re- justices who will try to eradicate a woman's
Committee. Dean is the clear choice to sponsible candidates run for office at every right to choose, erodes the benefits our
lead the Democratic Party back to the level of government. Their elected candi- grandparents get while protecting HMO's
prominent position, which it held for dates range from precinct constables to ( 17 percent increase in Medicare premiums
decades before falling to centrist politics governors and United States senators. this year!), appointed an attorney general A Political Commentary
during the mid-1990s. In the race who has By Sam Wilson
In a statement sent out to over half a for DNC chair- In choosing Howard Dean advocated
The 109th Congress has now started session and
million supporters, Governor Dean shared man, Governor the use of
is ready to legislate. Eager to give them something
his ideas for the future of the party. "The Dean will face to head the Democratic torture,and
to legislate, President George W. Bush is starting his
Democratic Party," he said, "needs a vi- several other attacks the
campaign to sell Social Security privatization. Oh,
brant, forward-thinking, long-term pres- qualified candi- Party on February 12, the rights of
exciting time!
ence in every single state and we must be date as well as gay Ameri-
The president would have us believe that Social
willing to contest every race at every level. former Congress- 447 members of the DNC cans to live
Security is headed for a "crisis," because when the
We will only win when we show up and man Tim Roemer their own
fight for the issues important to all of us." (D-IN), who op- can send a message to the lives, it is of Boomers retire Social Security will start paying out
more than it takes in. I hate to sound cynical, but
While the Democratic Party ran many ex- poses key party key impor-
cellent campaigns in the 20 or so states it principles such as Democratic base that we tance that not finding weapons of mass destruction in Iraq or
legitimate Iraqi ties to al Qaeda really cuts down his
decided to target during the last'election a woman's right the Demo-
are not afraid to stand up credibility for me. So I was at first a little skeptical of
cycle, it has yet to show a firm dedication to choose. Former cratic Party
this crisis.
to winning in all 50 states. Denver Mayor stand for
Wellington Webb for true American values. their is- Then I remembered that he did not emphasize
Having lost the
leads the rest of this too much during the campaign. Social Security
Democratic nomina-
the pack, fol- received a scant four sentences in his nomination
tion for President in If you believe in fiscal responsibility,
lowed closely by former Texas Congress- speech over the summer and there was no mention a
the primaries after equal rights for all Americans and the poli-
man Martin Frost, Democratic Strategist crisis or an iceberg. In that speech and the rest of his
being the clear front- tics of inclusion, then write your state DNC
Donnie Fowler and New Democratic Net- campaign, he spoke much more about health care,
runner for much of members and urge them to elect Howard
work head Simon Rosenberg. Each offers tax reform and banning gay marriage. So, if Social
the early campaign his own credentials, but it is unlikely that Dean as DNC chair in 2005. Security is really in crisis, why didn't we hear about it
season, it would have
any could be as successful in the position last summer and fall? Crises generally get a good deal
been understandable
as Governor Dean. MICHAEL YEDINAK '05 of campaign coverage, but strangely I recall seeing a
for Governor Dean
A POLITICAL SCIENCE MAJOR lot more about gay marriage and Swift Boat Vets than
to step back from In choosing Howard Dean to head
FROM WESTFORD, MA. a Social Security Crisis. And thus, my skepticism grew.
the Democratic Party on Febru-
When looking at the current Social Security
ary 12, the 447 members of the
situation it is apparent that "crisis" may be a bit of hy-
DNC can send a message to
perbole. The Social Security trust fund has over $1.5
the Democratic base that we
trillion in it, and will continue to take in more money
are not afraid to stand up for
than it spends until 2018. The Social Security Trustees
true American values. As the
say that it will be able to pay full benefits until 2042.
Governor said earlier this
To put this in perspective, there was a Social Security
week, "that word — 'values'
crisis in 1983. Then the trust fund was days from
— has lately become a code-
insolvency, not 37 years.
word for appeasement of the
MIT economics professor Peter Diamond told
right-wing fringe. But when
the New York Times, "There is a problem, but there is
political calculations make us
no basis for calling it a crisis... [The crisis of 1983]
soften our opposition to big-
was readily fixed without radical reforms, and it's
otry, or sign on to policies that
obvious that be done again."
add to the burden of ordinary
Americans, we have abandoned So why this urge to privatize social security? It
our true values." could be that this is really about political ideology,
which is being sold as pragmatism. Franklin Roos-
evelt's New Deal is still one of the defining aspects of
modern politics. Since its inception, Democrats have
generally accepted government programs as necessary
and beneficial for the country. Republicans are gener-
ally more opposed to them, since they require higher
taxes and often interfere with the markets.
Social Security is one of the original remaining
New Deal programs. A leaked White House memo,
written by Karl Rove-deputy Peter Wehner stated,
"For the first time in sixty years, the Social Security
The next issue of The Middlebury battle is one we can win — and in doing so, we can
transform the political and philosophical landscape of
Campus will be on stands January
thé country." This suggests that the administration is
27. Opinions submissions and Let- actually working towards the super conservative ideal
ters to the Editor are due by 5 p.m. of dismantling the New Deal. This is the first time in
sixty years that we have had a Republican President
on January 25. Send submissions to
not up for reelection and a Republican Congress that
[email protected]. may go along with it.
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •H • • • • IH
nmpnsomme po DO YOU ENJOY THE DATING SCENE AT
MIDDLEBURY?
No, I CAN'T REMEMBER THE
YES, I LOVE MY QUASI-MARRIAGE
LAST TIME I GOT PLAY
16%
53%
3 1%
I HATE IT BECAUSE IT'S TWO THERE'S NO PLACE TO GO AND DATING?! YOUR PARENTS LET MAYBE, RANDOM HOOK-UPS
EXTREMES. YOU'RE EITHER MAR- YOU CAN'T GO OUT ON A DATE YOU DO THAT ALREADY?! PASS THE TIME NICELY
RIED OR YOU'RE HOOKING UP. WITHOUT EVERYONE KNOW-
IT DOESN'T LEAVE MUCH ROOM ING YOU. YOU GO TO UP'S AND Results based on 126 responses collected between Dec. 9 and lan. 10 atwww.middleburycampus.com
FOR ANYTHING IN BETWEEN. EVERYONE'S STARING AT YOU.
NEXT WEEK'S POLL QUESTION: ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD
TO THE ARRIVAL OF THIS YEAR'S FEBS?
— FARHAD PEERANI '05 — ERIN DOHERTY '05.5 — TAYLOR LONG "07
Vote online at www.middleburycamput.com
10 features • •
THURSDAY, IANUARY 13, 2005
C/5 BioBus expeditioners return to Midd
0) Biodiesel replaces
vegetable oil as
J-H
BioBus fuel source
By Naomi Harper
STAFF WRITER
It was a few days before the end of fall term.
While most Middlebury College students were
cramming for finals and preparing to travel their
separate ways, a group of 12 friends had just ar-
rived back from a semester-long bus trip across
the country.
This was no ordinary road trip. The bus on
which these students traveled was fueled entirely
by biodiesel, an environmentally friendly alterna-
tive to regular diesel fuel. On the bus were students
Charles Archer '05, Dan Dunning '05, Julia Proc-
tor '06.5, Stephen Swank '05.5, Brian Reavey '05.5,
QJ
Thomas Hand '05.5, May Boeve '06.5, Leland
Bourdon '05.5, Kyle Von Hasslen '05.5, Liz Rol-
erson '03, Sam Stevenson '05.5, Jon Overman '06
and Lindsey Corbin '05.
The trip was made possible by a grant the
students were awarded in the spring to travel to
schools and universities and give educational
presentations promoting the use of biodiesel as a
substitute for fossil fuels. Over the course of three
months, the BioBus team traversed the nation, hit-
ting about 150 schools and venues and reaching
10 an estimated 6,000 students with their message.
About two years ago, the same group of
ON THE ROAD
friends drove a bus to California to go rock climb- Courtesy
Riders of the BioBus gather outside their vehicle during a pit stop in the Big Apple's Times Squa.e.
BIOBUS PROMOTES ing. They used veggie oil to power their bus, but
THE USE OF found it difficult to use because they had to create Biodiesel, according to the students' Web site economic strain caused by oil dependence as well
the fuel themselves. Soon, they began to formu- (projectbiobus.com), is a "safe, renewable, clean-burn- as health risks resulting from harmful emissions.
COMMERICALLY
late an idea for a follow-up venture — this time ing, domestically produced fuel made from vegetable They also demonstrated how to make biodiesel.
AVAILABLE BIODIESEL with a much larger goal in mind. A year and a oils...that can be used in existing diesel engines with- Reactions to the biodiesel presentations
half later — after having put much time and ef- out modification." The use of biodiesel as a substitute were generally very positive. "One of my biggest
fort into grant-writing, fundraising and research for diesel would result in dramatic reductions of many concerns was whether we could measure results,"
11 — the team began making the final preparations harmful pollutants that contribute to problems such as said BioBus member Stephen Swank '05.5, "but
to embark on their journey. They spent the month global warming, acid rain and various human health it seems like people were interested and ready for
KEEPIN' IT HOT
of August preparing the bus and creating a Power- risks. It would also rid the air of 95 percent of cancer change." Students were fascinated and inspired
A GUIDE FOR Point presentation and video featuring interviews causing agents. Currently, biodiesel costs about $1 per to see a group of their peers who had set off on
with biodiesel producers and specialists. Thanks gallon more than regular diesel. However, under the Job a road trip not only as an adventure, but to pro-
DRESSING COOL AND
to an $800 sponsorship from Whole Foods, the Creations Act of 2004, producers will get that $ 1 back mote a cause. In addition, many teachers and fac-
KEEPING WARM THIS
BioBus team also prepared for their trip by stock- from the government for every gallon of biodiesel they ulty members demonstrated a remarkable interest
WINTER ing up on sushi and other luxury food items. This produce. Inspired by this recent development, the Bio- and devotion to alternative energy. At one school
time, the students's bus relied on commerically Bus team set out on their educational mission. On the in Chapel Hill, N.C., a faculty member was so im-
available biodiesel and focused much more on road, the Biobus team stopped to present their research pressed with the presentation that she decided to
12 education, whereas the first trip focused more on to students throughout the country. They expounded donate a bus to the school for the children to con-
rock climbing. on the harmful effects of fossil fuels, focusing on the duct experiments with biodiesel. At the University
THE "GYM THING" of Georgia, one professor incited a movement for
WAYS TO SURVIVE the school to use 20 percent biodiesel in all on-
campus transportation.
GOING TO THE
Swank admits that the project had a rough
FITNESS CENTER
start. The first presentation was to a group of
30 kids in a "garage" at Middlebury Union High
School and it went "pretty poorly" due to prob-
lems with the PowerPoint presentation and gen-
eral nervousness. The transition between that
i b i o bi and their second scheduled presentation, to an
assembly of 700 students at Deerfield Academy,
was pretty intimidating. But with newfound con-
fidence bestowed by the addition of slacks, polo
MÈÈÉÊË^
shirts and belts — and a lot of practice in between
— the second presentation was a huge success.
All in all, the members of Project BioBus
agree that the trip was a highly rewarding and
fun experience. "We were a group of friends at the
start, and ended up a group of friends," said Dan
Dunning '05. Last fall, Associate in Science In-
struction in Environmental Studies Amy Siedl and
five Middlebury Environmental Studies students
including Charles Acher '05, Brian Reavey '05, Le-
land Bourdon '05, Nick Janson '05 and Thomas
Hand '05 were awarded a People, Prosperity and
the Planet (P3) grant from the Environmental
Protection Agency. Entitled "Demonstrating
the feasibility of a biofuel: Production and use of
biodiesel from waste oil feedstock and bio-based
methanol at Middlebury College," the grant will
allow the researchers to explore the idea of replac-
ing 20 percent of the College's diesel fuel with
biodiesel. Charles Archer '05 says that he hopes
"in a couple of years, 20 percent of vehicles at
Middlebury will run on bio-diesel." For this dedi-
cated group of individuals, the battle to make the
Courtesy switch to alternative energy has only just begun.
High school students in Illinois pose with the BioBus after listening to a presentation and observing a
demonstration of the creation of biodiesel.