Middlebury Campus 2007-01-24 : Volume 105, Issue 13

65.5 MB·English

by  Middlebury College

Wc\t J H t f r M e l m r ij ( E a m p us
Vol. 105, No. 13 Wednesday, January 24, 2007 Since 1905
College launches first I Have a Dream...
Arabic school abroad
Damietta \Σ our academic year Arabic program
C _ " \l5RAF L for several years now and the num-
artdria '') r M \ XM
V ber of students taking Arabic has
.Stwah 8ani Suwayf •>Ai increased every year. We would
AIMmya. ARA expect that to continue to grow,
QhaArdl aqdi. 'Shaasrnhr • especially with the addition of the
% . Shay* program in Alexandria."
The establishment of the
school in Egypt follows an explo-
ration period in which the College
LI*» 4 examined a number of sites for the
100 200 ki. m$*»p
s possible location of the school. In
100 200*
dl the spring of 2006, Dean of Lan-
Courtesy
guage Schools and Schools Abroad
By Zamir Ahmed Michael Geisler, then Director of
Ilhan Kim
NEWS EDITOR Off Campus Studies David Macey
Actor Esau Pritchett leads a dramatic reading of Martin Luther King, Jr.'s famous "I have a dream" speech.
The foundation of the C.V. and Director of Arabic Language
From the spire of Mead Chapel to the intimate setting of the Ross Fireplace Lounge, King's message pervaded
Starr-Middlebury School Abroad School Mahmoud Abdalla visited
the College last week as students and community members honored the late civil rights leader's legacy.
in the Middle East marks the first 10 universities in four countries in
such language school to be opened the Middle East to narrow down Sunday Night Group holds
by any American institution, the the list of potential sites for the
College announced on Jan. 18. The school. After a follow-up visit by
school, located in Alexandria, Egypt College officials in October 2006 to summit on carbon neutrality
and affiliated with Alexandria Uni- schools in Syria, Jordan and Egypt,
versity, will offer courses to an esti- Alexandria was chosen as the site
mated 15-20 students per semester for the new Arabic School Abroad.
beginning in the fall of 2007. "All three locations would have By Tom Brant global climate change. ing to make a difference."
The three-day summit, which On Saturday morning, the
"The fact that we will have provided good environments for NEWS EDITOR
On Sunday afternoon, a pecu- attracted 80 student representa- summit participants met with Dan
this sort of program — as far as we our program," said Geisler, "but we
liar chant echoed throughout Mc- tives from nearly 15 schools across Worth, from the National Environ-
know, the only of its kind — will had to make a choice and decided
Cardell Bicentennial Hall. "It's too the Northeast, was sponsored and mental Law Society, and Mark Or-
put Middlebury out front of other that Alexandria, with its two mil-
hot in here! Carbon action, lets get organized by students in the col- lowsky, from the Sustainable En-
institutions when it comes to dem- lennia of history and cultural tra-
some satisfaction!" lege's Sunday Night Group (SNG). dowments Institute in an informal
onstrating the seriousness with dition and the superb library, was
which we take engaging the rest the best place to establish our first The chant was the closing Events included panel discussions panel discussion.
of the world in general, and the program in the Middle East." flourish of the Carbon Neutral- with climate change experts, small "The goal of the talks was to
Middle East in particular," said Jef- With the addition of the new ity Summit, which ended Sunday, group sessions and the first steps give people resources," Henn ex-
frey Cason, dean of International leaving its excited participants toward drafting a "Climate Neu- plained. "We didn't want to have
Programs. "We have been building SEE SCHOOL, PAGE 2 informed about the problems of trality Statement." [the speakers] lecture."
"This was a historic event," The panel discussions with
said Jamie Henn '07, who helped Worth, Orlowsky and other activ-
Booking Bill: Behind the Scenes organize the summit. "It shows that ists and experts gave participants
there's a growing movement on advice on everything from reducing
college campuses to do something one's carbon footprint to investing
Trustees dream big, court top choice speaker about climate change, and I'm glad in corporations that are socially
we were able to bring together so
many people who are really want- SEE SUMMIT, PAGE 4
Rogers speech but before a string contribution to a related charity, that
By Ben Salkowe
of high-profile speakers from 2003- is the exception."
EDITOR IN CHIEF 2005 that included Bill Richardson, Emerson said he was not aware
Less than a day after students
Christopher and Dana Reeves, and of any such charitable contribution
learned of Former President Bill Rudolph Giuliani. Johnson's speaker arrangement made in recruiting m
Clinton's commitment to deliver
the 2007 commencement address, was science writer Dava Sobel. Clinton. U:
But it was not money that sealed Likewise, it also was not the C0P
rumors were flying as to how it hap-
the deal with Clinton. nomination or work of the Honor-
pened. Some speculated there was
"We do not pay [commence- ary Degree Committee — as some
a cozy golf match between Clinton
ment] speakers or give an honorar- Vermont media incorrectly reported
and College trustees at a posh coun-
ium," said Secretary of the College — that led to Clinton's selection.
try club. Others thought there had to
John Emerson. "In some instances in Members of the Committee, which
be a hefty speaker's fee that the Col-
the past we have made a charitable is officially responsible for submit-
lege had committed to pay.
ting a short list of potential com-
"We were joking that they prob- Spoiler alert? mencement speakers to President of
ably used the money they saved on the College Ronald D. Liebowitz and
It's a favorite Clinton anecdote you
our Commencement speaker," said the Board of Trustees, said they did
might just hear in May: the 43rd
Hillary Johnson '02, co-president not include Clinton on either of the
President relates the story of his
of the Boston Middlebury Alumni two short lists they created. Not be-
own Georgetown commencement
Association. Johnson said her class
ceremony, see page 5
came after the legendary Mister SEE COURTING, PAGE 5
Wikipedia distresses History Dept.
bate and is expected to take effect they give," said Waters. "They can't
By Brian Fung in February. say, 'I saw it on Wikipedia and
NEWS EDITOR Kawashima Professor of Japa- therefore that shields me.'"
Faculty members of the Col- nese Studies Neil Waters, who grew The departmental statement,
lege's Department of History re- increasingly concerned with the re- which was initially drafted by Wa-
cently passed a resolution forbid- liability of the online encyclopedia ters, also forbids students from in-
ding students from using online after students began to cite it on es- cluding Wikipedia in lists of biblio-
interactive encyclopedia Wikipedia says and final exams, developed the graphic sources. Courtesy/Jake Whitcomb
for academic assignments. The new policy. "Wikipedia is not an acceptable Jennifer Schroeder, a representative from Clean Air-Cool Planet, addresses
motion was passed unanimously "Students are responsible for the Carbon Neutrality Summit Saturday in McCardell Bicentennial Hall.
on Tuesday, Jan. 9 after brief de- the accuracy of the information SEE PROFESSORS, PAGE 3
yes, you can buy love a child's view remembering Dr. King
Don't be cheap. Find the best Want to know if the experimental Middlebury honors the
Valentine's Day gifts in town with play When I Was a Child was a legacy of civil rights activist
our helpful guide, page 7 success? Read the review, page 16 Martin Luther King, Jr., page 14
2
news
10 january 2007
outlines spring term agenda
briefs S GA
by Todd Swisher, Staff Writer
By Leslie Lim
College in battle to save STAFF WRITER
During the latest meeting of the Student
oldest tree on campus
Government Association (SGA), President
Alex Stanton '07 stated that this winter term
Efforts are being made to prolong the
has been a busy period, as meetings pave the
life of a Norway spruce believed to have
way for spring projects. The SGA's highest
been struck by lightning this past summer.
priority, Stanton said, was "the reformation
Located in front of the new library, the
of the budget to create 'flex funds'" to address
tree is the oldest on campus, with a plaque
unexpected needs. The SGA is also overseeing
attesting to its origin circa 1860.
the continued progress of the SafeRides initia-
Signs of stress first appeared over the tive, the improvement of communication be-
summer in the form of a large section of tween the student body and the SGA and the
peeling bark and a crack in the trunk. Lab transparency of the SGA committees.
results indicated the damage is not due to
A number of newer projects are also in
a pest and the pattern is consistent with
the works. In the coming months, the SGA
what a storm could do.
hopes to bring another newspaper, the Ad-
College horticulturist Tim Parsons
dison County Independent, to its free news-
has been watching the tree closely. This
paper program, on top of expanding wireless
fall he and several associates prepared a
internet access across campus, scheduling
special fertilizer to compensate for the
a concert series in the spring, developing a
lost bark. Gaps in this outer layer interfere
formal social honor code, deliberating about
with water's upward flow.
room draw, replacing Napster and contribut-
Parsons also oversaw a process known
ing to the focus report on carbon neutrality.
as "vertical mulching" wherein holes were
Budget reformation tops the SGA's to-
bored into the ground and filled with nu-
do list. Currently, money from the College's
tritious material aiming to promote root
Student Activities Fee goes directly to the
growth.
140 student groups on campus. However,
Despite the current heroic efforts,
Stanton stressed that if the money runs out
the tree's health has continued to decline.
unexpectedly, there is no reserve or flexibil-
While Parsons has not conceded yet, he is
ity to compensate for it. To ameliorate the
"very aggressive about replacing trees, as
problem, the SGA is proposing to increase
large campuses like [Middlebury's] need
the Student Activities' Fee from roughly
to be continually planting trees to com-
$250 to $350. Compared to the rates of other
pensate for normal decline." He encour-
NESCAC schools, Middlebury's fee currently
ages students to visit the landmark while
ranks in the lower third.
they still can.
"The original sum will still be directly
allotted to the student groups," Stanton said.
Hepburn elevator traps "But the increase will allow us to form spe-
cific funds that will be able to better address Ilhan Kim
student after malfunction
the needs of students." Dean for Institutional Diversity Shirley Ramirez (left) addresses the SGA at its Jan. 21 meeting.
"Flex funds" will be able to address un-
Eri Nosaka '08 rode an elevator up sues. By the end of the month, there will be pecially for potentially sensitive issues. The
expected needs, better preparing student
and down Hepburn's five floors last week a student group responsible for designing SGA Finance Committee office hours have
groups' finances. The SGA will also create
— against her will. Nosaka's destination and implementing the SafeRides system. A been a popular channel for such communi-
"banded funds" that will promote coop-
was to be MiddXpress and she did not trial run will be held at least once during the cation. The hopes'for increased SGA trans-
eration between student groups by tying
give a second thought to using the build- spring semester. parency are evident through the existence of
together related financial resources. For ex-
ing's elevator. It had served her well in the "Off-campus parties are a reality that open meetings, which are effective systems
ample, different sports teams will be encour-
past. needs to be addressed," Stanton said. But he for addressing issues and concerns.
aged to share transportation by arranging
This time, it failed her. The elevator reiterated the equal importance of alcohol In its weekly meeting on Sunday, the
events at similar times. For students seeking
rose and fell from floor to floor without education in addition to the growing avail- SGA proposed and passed the suggestion of
financial support for social gatherings, the
bothering to pause and open its doors. ability of transportation resources on- and the Finance Committee to end its relations
SGA has proposed that yet another fund be
Imprisoned in a machine designed for off campus. A drunk driving awareness week with Napster, the music-sharing program that
made available. Stanton suggested that this
convenience, Nosaka had to wait out a and possible educational workshops are cur- the College currently offers to students. The
fee increase could prevent the slashing of in-
half-hour of mobile malfunction. Luck- rently in the works. College was initially able to acquire Napster
dividual student group budgets, such as the
ily, she is not claustrophobic, though the 12.5 percent cut made in the fall. Stanton was pleased with better student with the generous donation of an anonymous
repeated motion did make her "a little body-government relations, as the SGA blog benefactor. However, with the costs now
Besides the budget adjustment, the SGA
nauseous." received more hits than expected. The SGA shifted onto the Student Activities' Fee, the
will continue working on the SafeRides initia-
Although alone in the elevator, Nosa- intends to redesign or change the table tents SGA has decided that the expense of roughly
tive that was proposed earlier this academic
ka had a cell phone with her. and the Middlebury events calendar in the $10,000 a year is no longer financially advis-
year. The plan, which calls for transportation
"I called a good friend of mine who dining hall for better communication. Stan- able, considering the service's low usage rates.
to and from off-campus parties, has already
talked to me for the majority of the time ton wants students to be informed about the One possible alternative now under consider-
undergone one significant change: the SGA
and kept my spirits high," she said. "My proposed budget adjustments, and wants to ation is a service called Ruckus. If necessary, a
has now proposed using volunteer drivers
friend also called Public Safety to make keep channels of communication open, es- completely new program may be designed.
rather than paid drivers, due to liability is-
sure they were doing something about it."
School in Egypt to open in Fall 2007
Nosaka was liberated before long but
is concerned that something similar may
happen again. While repairs have been
made to this particular elevator, the eleva- tential to attract students and faculty to the years," said Geisler.
CONTINUED FROM PAGE T
tor's inspection expired in March of 2006 College's Arabic Summer Language School, While the active recruitment stage of the
and has not been updated. Facilities could Arabic School, the College currently oper- which, as part of the College's Summer Lan- project has yet to begin, Geisler believed that
not be reached for comment. ates study abroad programs in 30 cities in 12 guage School program, plays an important the number of Middlebury students who
countries around the world. While the would study at the school would fall in
[We] decided that Alexandria,
College's program in the Middle East is line with the College's worldwide aver-
corrections the first of its kind, Geisler mentioned with its two millenia of history age for the other Schools Abroad that it
the potential for the opening of more operates.
and cultural tradition and the
schools in the region. "My best guess would be that we will
The Jan. 10 issue of The Campas mis-
"Depending on student interest and superb library, was the best have roughly two-thirds Middlebury stu-
quoted Associate Professor of History
the academic success of the program dents and one-third students from other
William Hart regarding the William H. place to establish our first
in Alexandria, other programs may be institutions," said Geisler.
Rehnquist professorship ("Faculty casts added in the future," said Geisler. program in the Middle East. The creation of an Arabic school
close vote on Rehnquist," page 4). Hart's
According to Cason, the College in Alexandria seems to be supported by
quote should have read: "Honoring such —Dean Michael Geisler
has been looking to establish an Arabic those students involved in the Arabic
an individual whose actions were inimical
school abroad since the creation of the program, who have already expressed in-
to the values of Middlebury College is dif-
Arabic program. role in bringing financial and academic re- terest in studying at the school.
ficult to comprehend."
"Certainly the idea for a School in the sources to the College. "I think that Alexandria is a fantastic
Middle East has been around since we first "Our base in Alexandria may enable us choice," said Nura Suleiman '07, who assist-
A photo caption in the Jan. 10 issue of
decided to offer Arabic during the academic to establish new contacts in several coun- ed in the process once the site was picked.
The Campus incorrectly identified a satel-
year in 2003," said Cason. "Once it was clear tries in the region both for possible future "It's a beautiful city, and the university is
lite dish on top of McCardell Bicentennial
that there was a high level of demand for Ar- recruiting for the academic-year curricu- quite spectacular. I went to Syria, and while
Hall as part of the Ripton Wireless Co-op.
abic, it was natural to consider how we might lum and also with a view to recruiting fac- I loved the opportunity to visit the country,
The satellite is the College's radio tele-
complement our offerings on campus with a ulty for the Arabic Summer Language School I missed Middlebury's instruction there. A
scope, used to collect data from satellites.
study abroad program." which, under the expert guidance of Director new site will be fantastic for future students.
According to Geisler, the presence of the Mahmoud Abdalla has witnessed a veritable From what I can tell, the interest in this pro-
The Campus regrets these errors.
Arabic school in Alexandria also has the po- explosion of applications over the past few gram is huge."
campusnews
10 January 2007 3
By Derek Schlickeisen facilities for each Commons as a secondary
NEWS EDITOR priority, behind the completion of modern
Renovations to Proctor Dining Hall will dormitories for Cook, Brainerd and Won-
be delayed for at least one year while the Col- nacott Commons. The same plan, however,
lege reconsiders whether to invest in updat- does not anticipate that these facilities will be
ing the building or start over with a new fa- finished before 2015, pushing the dining hall
cility. Though planners ultimately balked at objective far into the future.
the $10 million price tag of the "bare bones" "A complete renovation would cost $20
design developed last summer, they promised million or more, at which point we need to
the delay would represent only a short pause talk instead about a brand new dining hall
in a planning process that has been revisited as a better long-term investment," said Per-
many times over the past fifteen years. sonette. "Given the priorities of the Strate-
President of the College Ronald D. Li- gic Plan, however, there will not be funding
ebowitz made the decision to hold off on for new dining halls for a number of years.
renovating Proctor amid concerns that Hence, our dilemma about Proctor."
even with expensive renovations, the facil- Personette and others stressed that what-
ity would only remain functional for at most ever final decision is reached regarding Proc-
another 10 years. tor, planners hope to accomplish the needed
"Is [renovating now] the best use of that updates — including improvements to the
money, or should we be thinking instead about aging kitchen and bringing the structure into
building a new facility that would last another compliance with building codes — without
50 years for $20-25 million?" asked Susan Per- impacting the building's unique atmosphere. Marie Horbar
Proctor Dining Hall's fate will not be decided until 2008, giving the College more time to de-
sonette, associate vice president for Facilities. "We place a very high priority on student
bate whether to move ahead with temporary renovations or build a new facility in its place.
"It is critical We heard loud and clear opinion about
to invest with Proctor's fu- the College would take a year from now, the "Obviously they're delaying it cause they
the confidence from students... that they ture," Person- design team hoped to incorporate this input think it's kind of a big deal for people," said
that whatever ette explained. into the final product. Nick Ballen '09. "But there's nothing wrong
did not want Proctor to
we do is the "Input from "We heard loud and clear from the with that if they need more time to decide. In
very best use of students forms students who attended the programming a way, it does show that they are listening to
become another Ross or
those funds." the basis of the sessions that they did not want Proctor to the students and want to take student input
Person - Atwater. written pro- become another Ross or Atwater," she ex- into consideration."
ette explained gram that will plained. "After exploring that notion with Fellow sophomore David Meschke
that in addi- —Susan Personette guide the final them, we started to define the new facility as agreed.
tion to bud- design of the a sort of "Vermont vernacular" design that "It seems like the College is trying to
get concerns, renovation. was warm, comfortable and homey, with a delay a decision on a potentially hotly de-
planners are trying to determine exactly how The ultimate goal is to update and modernize strong emphasis on being able to assemble bated topic," he said. "But if they do take the
many dining facilities the College needs in the physical facilities while retaining what is one's own meal from fresh ingredients." necessary time to consult with students on
the long run — and where to place them. most cherished about Proctor." Students seemed unsurprised by news of the topic and not base the decision only on
The Strategic Plan approved by trustees Personette said that although she could the delay, stressing the controversial nature financial considerations, then the one-year
last May identifies the construction of dining not confidently predict what course of action of the debate surrounding Proctor. delay is a wise move."
Professors adopt
THE PATH TO FROG HOLLOW
stance on Wikipedia
philosophy, Waters found it unsuitable for
CONTINUED FROM RAGE I
academic study. "It's really a product of the
citation," the motion reads, "even though it way the information is compiled," he said.
may lead one to a citable source." "The articles can improve over time, but
The popularity of online research tools there's always an [emphasis on] change rath-
has grown rapidly in recent years. Like most er than something finalized."
successful Internet ventures, Wikipedia relies The department's new policy on Wiki-
on the greater online community for its exis- pedia will be formally brought into full effect
tence and support. this coming spring. Professors will include
The Web site employs software that al- the statement's language in course syllabi
lows multiple individuals to edit the same text, and in the instructions for senior theses.
much like the strategy used to develop open- Some especially concerned teachers, such as
source programming code. A typical encyclo- Waters, pledged to drive home the message
pedia entry begins with a brief skeletal outline early and personally.
of a topic, provided by Wikipedia itself. Users "To me, it was a sort of self-evident is-
then contribute additional information to the sue, and then I realized this wasn't the case,"
entry, which is subject to further updates by he said. "I'll be talking about it in the first
other so-called "Wikipedians." week of classes so there isn't any doubt or
"Wikipedia is constantly being adapt- confusion about the whole thing."
ed and shaped and cut by people who are Though Waters's resolution did not out-
weighing in on what they know about a top- line punitive measures for violations of the
ic," said Assistant Professor of History Amy new code, Morsman emphasized that students
Morsman. "It's very democratic, and it's very using Wikipedia did so at their own risk.
dangerous in that way." "If you find information on Wikipedia,"
Because of the communal and largely she said, "and you use it on a test and the infor-
anonymous nature of the Internet, howev- mation is wrong, it's your problem, not ours."
er, scholars have brought into question the Student reactions to the department's
strength of Wikipedia's authority from its resolution were generally positive, though
beginning in 2001. some seemed to consider the statement as
There currently exists no effective meth- redundant.
od for definitively authenticating contribu- "Wikipedia's not a citable source," said
tors' credentials. Moreover, the site's govern- Peter Priai '09. "I knew that in high school."
ing organization lacks the time and personnel According to Eliza Murray '08, the bur-
to independently verify all of the information den rests with students themselves to learn
contained in its 6.5 million entries. the difference between credible and non-
The encyclopedia instead depends on credible sources. "There are so many other,
Wikipedians to correct inaccurate articles, more legitimate sources to cite," she said.
crosscheck them with external sources and "Why would you cite Wikipedia?"
police the site for instances of vandalism or Morsman urged those alarmed with the
deliberate attempts at misinformation. move to regard the department's motion as
While one entry about Wikipedia itself a learning opportunity rather than simply
assures users that articles "are, in general, rea- more red tape.
sonably sound," the level of quality control "Go to the source," she said, referring to
Kerren McKennan from one entry to another can vary greatly. the list of suggested texts often found at the end
Breaking from the traditional patter of Winter Term classes, students learn the art of The College's History Department has there- of Wikipedia entries. "Take down that title and
pottery at the Frog Hollow Craft School. One group makes the short walk into town four fore retained serious misgivings about the trot over to the library and check it out yourself,
times a week for Professor of Mathematics David Dorman's hands-on ceramics class, encyclopedia's reliability as a whole. because we know there's a good vetting process
"Trial by Fire," in which students experiment with the pottery wheel and firing on a kiln. In evaluating Wikipedia's foundational that goes into producing a book."
W4W»
campusnews
10 january 2007
college
WIRELESS HOT-SPOT A HOT ISSUE
shorts
Leading the discussion
over campus-wide wireless
by Lisa Zaval, Copy Editor
Internet, Dean of Student
Faculty, students voice Affairs Ann Hanson and
Student Co-Chair Annie
protest to Bush library
Williams preside over the
Plans to build a George W. Bush presi- Jan. 22 meeting of Com-
dential library at Southern Methodist Univer- munity Council. In addition
sity (SMU) have been met by opposition from to discussing campus-wide
students and professors critical of the Bush wireless Internet service, a
administration. According to the Associated top priority of the Strategic
Press, some faculty members are protesting the Plan, the committee unani-
library's construction, citing disagreements mously voted to uphold its
with Bush's policies concerning foreign policy, recommendation for the
civil liberties and education. Professors in op- locking of Atwater Dining
position to Bush's foreign policy fear that in Hall on a temporary basis
building the library, SMU will be celebrating a but split its vote regarding
president who unnecessarily took the country a recommendation for the
to war, while others fear that the school could installation of cameras in
become a target for terrorists. Proctor Dining Hall. The
Council's debate over secu-
SMU President R. Gerald Turner said
rity measures stems from
that only a minority of faculty members are
the recent arrest of Steven
opposed to the Bush library, and that plans
Browne, a Shoreham, Vt.
will not be derailed. The majority of students
resident, who was cited for
and alumni support the project and hope it
allegedly cashing checks sto-
will bring increased value and prestige to the
len from the mail center in
university. The library will be funded by a pri-
McCullough Student Center.
vate drive aimed at raising $200 million.
Uhan Kim
The Bush administration has deep
connections to SMU. Alumni include First
1-ady Laura Bush, Presidential adviser Karen
Summit confronts global climate issues
Hughes and former White House counsel
Harriet Miers. Vice President Dick Cheney
previously served on the board of trustees.
building movement is," said Karp. "One ex- eficial aspects of the summit, said SNG mem-
—CNN.com CONTINUED FROM PAGE I
ample is the attention that these buildings ber Sierra Murdoch '09.
CU president to step down and environmentally responsible. get just because they have a plaque on them To help students from colleges with less
after battling scandals A second panel discussion included rep- saying that they are built to LEED standards. environmental activism, the summit includ-
resentatives from Native Energy, which invests I've heard stories of students visiting colleges ed a one-hour session on Saturday evening
President of the University of Colo- in alternative energy sources, and Bright Plan- who see the plaque on a building, and are im- that provided tips and advice on how to gain
rado Hank Brown, who helped restore the et. A Middlebury start-up, Bright Planet plans pressed so much that they decide to apply." student support on college campuses.
school's image after a series of controversies, to introduce a bank rewards program that Hannah McHardy, a first-year student On Sunday, the group made the first
announced his resignation on Thursday. He will work much the „ . ,, r*»r at tiny Ster- steps toward larger goals. It discussed ways to
r
plans to leave the post on Feb. 1, 2008, just same way an airline People from all walks of life are ling College make the carbon neutrality issue important
30 months after taking over the position, credit card does in Craftsbury, not only to college students, but to society in
as reported by The Associated Press. Brown — except instead of agreeing that [climate change is a Vt., attended general. It also drafted a rough statement tak-
says that by the time he leaves office, all of the user getting air- a discussion ing a stance on the climate neutrality issue,
definitive issue. In the education
the reforms and reorganizations he wanted line miles, the bank group, we talked about ways to on education. which SNG hopes to use as a way to expand
to implement will be in place or well on will invest a small « n the movement.
P e o -
their way. amount of every implement climate issues into the Asked what she considered the most ben-
pie from all
Brown took over leadership at the uni- purchase in clean- eficial part of the weekend, Gaia Oyarzun, a
classroom. walks of life
versity in June 2005 after a series of em- energy projects. first-year at Smith College, said, "It made me
are agreeing
barrassing scandals devastated the school, On Saturday —_ Hannah McHardy see how we can actually come together and
that [climate
including sexual assault in the football afternoon, students change things. There are honestly a lot of peo-
change] is a
program and a professor who likened some met in smaller ple who I met that are committed to raising
definitive is-
Sept. 11 victims to Nazis. groups to discuss specific efforts to combat sue," McHardy said. "In the education group, awareness of the climate change problem."
Brown was brought in as president on carbon emissions and global warming. we talked about ways to implement climate Begun by student activists in January
a temporary basis, but was then hired to Andrew Karp, a first-year at Bates Col- issues into the classroom." 2005, SNG promotes the awareness of en-
the position permanently. Among many lege, attended a group that discussed green The climate summit brought together vironmental issues both on campus and in
reforms, Brown banned the use of state building techniques, including the widely students who were all united in their efforts the Middlebury community. This weekend's
money to buy alcohol for CU functions and accepted Leadership in Energy and Environ- to promote climate change awareness, but summit was part of the group's current effort
formed a commission to improve ethnic di- mental Design (LEED) rating system used by who came from different colleges with dif- to make the College carbon neutral — essen-
versity among the university's students. the United States Green Building council. ferent levels of environmental activism. This tially reducing the total amount of harmful
Brown said that he hopes to teach po- "It's interesting how important the green collaborative effort was one of the most ben- carbon emissions to zero.
litical science at CU after he leaves office.
public safety log
—CNN.com and Denver Business Journal
Design professor claims January 5-18, 2007
gender discrimination
DATE TIME INCIDENT CATEGORY LOCATION DISPOSITION
A design professor who accused Har-
1/5/2007 10:59 a.m. Vandalism (Vehicle) Side mirror broken off CLot Referred to MPD
vard University of gender discrimination has
withdrawn her resignation but said Thurs- 1/4/2007 3:00 p.m. Theft Cash from wallet Fitness Center Open
day that the school's landscape architecture
1/5/2007 11:30 a.m. Vandalism (Vehicle) Side mirror broken off CLot Referred to MPD
department remains a bastion of sexism,
1/6/2007 6:00 p.m. Theft Shoulder bag Proctor Referred to MPD
as reported by the Associated Press. Martha
Schwartz, 56, complained that the depart- 1/6/2007 12:08 a.m. Vandalism 5 minute parking sign Carr Hall Referred to MPD
ment has never had a tenured female profes- 1/7/2007 9:3?a.m. Theft (From Vehicle) iPod D Lot Referred to MPD
sor in its 106 years of existence.
1/7/2007 10:03 a.m. Theft (From Vehicle) iPod D Lot Referred to MPD
Schwartz, who submitted her letter of
resignation on Friday, said that the president, 1/7/2007 10:03 a.m. Theft (From Vehicle) iPod CLot Referred to MPD
the dean of the Graduate School of Design 1/7/2007 12:01 p.m. Theft (From Vehicle) iPod D Lot Referred to MPD
and other fellow faculty members persuaded
1/7/2007 2:00 p.m. Theft (From Vehicle) iPod D Lot Referred to MPD
her to change her mind. The dean said all
three senior appointments he has made since 1/7/2007 1:30 a.m. Vandalism (Structure) Glass Door Hepburn Referred to Commons Dean
taking over in 2004 have been women. 1/8/2007 3:00 p.m. Theft Microphones / Amplifiers Proctor Open
Schwartz said that she joined the faculty / Connector Cables
at the same time as two of the tenured male
1/11/2007 9:28 p.m. Drug Violation Marijuana Le Chateau Referred to Commons Dean
professors. She said that tenure would be
1/12/2007 10:25 p.m. Unlawful Trespass Campus Grounds CLot Referred to MPD
largely symbolic for her and other women.
MPD/Narcotics
The landscape architecture department
has six tenured professors and 11 non-visit- 1/14/2007 3:24 p.m. Theft — Milliken Open
ing adjunct faculty members, four of whom 1/15/2007 10:30 a.m. Vandalism (Structure) Window The Mill Referred to Commons Dean
are women. Roughly 70 percent of the pro-
1/18/2007 11:00 a.m. Theft Camera Memorial Field House Referred to MPD
gram's students are women.
—Boston.com and CNN.com The Department of Public Safety reported giving 37 alcohol citations between Jan. 4 and Jan. 18.
campusnews 5
10 January 2007
Courting Clinton: A 'coup' for the College
CONTINUED FROM PAGE I But Cowperthwait
those he knew to secure the commitment as the
wrote that he would no
cause they did not want him, but because they effort reached its self-imposed deadline just be-
longer actively support
thought he was out of their reach. fore the winter break.
the College.
"He was mentioned," said Sarah Shaikh
The campus reaction "I won't be con-
'07.5, one of two students sitting on the Hon-
tributing to Middle-
orary Degree Committee. "But we knew he had Students on the Honorary Degree Com-
bury any more," wrote
a huge speaker fee and we did not think we had mittee said that they did not know Clinton had
Cowperthwait. "I think
any direct connections." been selected until just days before news broke
Middlebury is one of
"They put a strong emphasis on us find- to the entire campus.
the best colleges in
ing someone who was connected to the College "I was stunned," said Rogers. "At first we
America. But 1 have to
community," said ReNard Rogers '07, the other were really against having a politician speak be-
conclude that Middle-
student on the Committee, referring to the cause it divides people, but there's something
bury no longer stands
guidelines they were given by College admin- about having a President, having an interna-
for what I believe in."
istrators. Completely unknown to the students tional figure, that's different."
on the Committee, while they drafted a list of The Committee had been shying away Shaikh said that
potential commencement speakers, the Board from politicians, in favor of several well-known students had lived the
of Trustees had their own speaker in mind. humanitarians who topped their shortlists. But Clinton presidency and
saw him beyond his
The process of recruiting a 2006 com- Shaikh noted that, in many ways, Clinton has
mistakes.
mencement had been a rough one. None of the become more of a humanitarian than a politi-
students or administrators with knowledge of cian in his post-presidency, making him fit well "We all grew up
last year's search would comment openly about with what they were seeking in a commence- with the news media
what went wrong, but several confirmed that ment speaker. coverage of Clinton and
the College had held out too long to get an "The Committee was very, very elated Monica Lewinsky," said
answer from its first choice: a certain celebrity when they got the news," said Emerson. "That Shaikh. "Most people
fake news anchor with a show that airs daily. By was unanimous." have moved past that.
the time the negotiations were fully exhausted, Likewise, students across campus were Students are really ex-
the clock was running out, which led to the late also, at least nearly unanimously, elated. The cited about [Clinton]
selection of Former Secretary of Agriculture most common complaints were from those and that's the most im-
Ann Veneman to address the class of 2006 —- a not graduating this year — juniors afraid they portant thing.
Sam Miller
choice that faced loud criticism from students would never find something comparable for A 'coup' for the College
and faculty. their commencement, and recent alumni who So far Clinton has made only two other
In the short run, Clinton's visit means speaking commitments for 2007 commence-
So for 2007, the Board of Trustees decided joked they graduated a year or two too early.
Commencement planners have a lot of work to ment ceremonies, one at the University of
to start early and think big. Bill Clinton was the But in an open letter to the Board of Trust-
do and, perhaps, revisions to consider for the Michigan on April 28, and the other at Knox
name proposed, and unlikely as it seemed, the ees, one member of the College community
College's traditional commencement format. College in Illinois, on June 2.
Board committed to recruiting the 42nd presi- openly criticized Clinton's selection. Jim Cow-
A visit by a former American President pres-
dent. To leave time in case Clinton declined the perthwait, a '94 and '97 Middlebury parent and What he might say
ents the dual challenges of meeting the secu-
offer, Liebowitz said there was a mid-December former head of the Middlebury College Par-
rity protocols mandated by the Secret Service, The big question now — one that may
deadline to the effort. ents' Fund, wrote in his letter that the choice
while managing unusually high interest and a only be answered in May — is just what Presi-
Of course this all leads up to the one ru- to invite Clinton and grant him an honorary
large turnout by members of the greater Col- dent Clinton will say to graduating seniors. If
mor that has yet to be disproved — that one of degree sent the wrong message about the Col-
lege community. his past addresses provide any indication, the
Middlebury's trustees called a casual golf match lege to students and the world.
"The visit by Chief Justice Roberts last Oc- speech will be closely tailored to the experiences
with the former President, told some charming "If celebrity is the key to memorability,
tober gives us some experience in dealing with of Middlebury graduates, and to the challenges
stories about Middlebury students in Vermont then President Clinton is a good choice," wrote
federal security officers," said Emerson. they face on their commencement.
and Clinton was persuaded to grant Middle- Jim Cowperthwait, who admitted that he could
The College has yet to begin discussing Speaking at the American University in
bury a free commencement address. not remember either of his children's com-
protocols with Clinton's office or the Secret Dubai in 2002, Clinton emphasized the imme-
Those involved said it was more compli- mencement speakers, in an e-mail to The Cam-
Service, but Emerson said the administration diate importance of peace in the Middle East,
cated than just one meeting, but every College pus. "My criteria would be somewhat different,
was in the process of researching and collecting and between India and Pakistan. Speaking at
administrator contacted for this article de- and they would preclude inviting and honoring
input from other colleges and universities that Tougaloo College in 2003, Clinton challenged
clined to reveal the College trustee (or trustees) a perjurer and an impeached politician."
have hosted U.S. Presidents. graduates to defeat poverty, ignorance, dis-
who met with Clinton, and where or when they Several days before news of Clinton's com-
"One of our highest priorities is to make crimination and hatred through service to one
may have discussed the idea. The one aspect of mitment became public, Liebowitz acknowl-
the event as nice as possible for all of our grad- another. And speaking just last year to gradu-
the discussions that is known is Middlebury's edged that there could be some dissatisfaction
uating seniors and their guests," said Emerson. ates at Tulane University, the former President
connection to Clinton, a connection that the with the choice, but everyone involved in the
"My guess is that something we're going to recognized the struggles of rebuilding in the
Honorary Degree Committee did not know selection said the opportunity was too good
have to do differently from years past is have wake of Hurricaine Katrina and other tragedies
about: Andrew Friendly '91. to pass up, and pointed to the successes of the
controlled access through tickets." around the world.
After skiing down the Snow Bowl at his Clinton presidency and his work since.
Since the College began holding com- While Middlebury may not have such a
February graduation in 1991, Friendly had driv- "I think you need to take the President
mencement ceremonies outdoor rain or shine clear, defining political event at its core, those
en to New Hampshire where he began working as a whole," said Friendly. "Certainly people
there has not been a cap on the number of who know Clinton, and those who know Mid-
on the Clinton campaign. When the Arkansas will judge him for those mistakes, but he's also
guests that graduating seniors could invite. dlebury, all suggested his remarks would focus
governor won the Presidency, Friendly became dedicated himself to making the world a bet-
"I think it will be a pretty generous limit," on one big idea: being responsible leaders in a
Clinton's personal aide. He later worked as ter place."
said Emerson. "We want to be able to accom- global community.
Clinton's trip director — he recalls only one Johnson, who described her political
modate as many people as we can. That's our "Middlebury's focus is on global issues and
trip to Vermont for a national governors' meet- views as "very moderate," said she supported
biggest priority: to assure that the notoriety of challenges, and that's Clinton's claim to fame —
ing in Burlington — before he finally switched the choice of Clinton just as she supported the
President Clinton doesn't detract from the day." being an international ambassador," said John-
over to working on Latin American policy. choice of Giuliani two years ago.
In the long run, Clinton's visit — which son. She said she expected the former President
Friendly was not the major player in re- "This is not the first time that people have
Middlebury historians David Bain and David to talk about "the importance of being a global
cruiting Clinton, as he told The Campus he was complained about a [commencement] speak-
Stameshkin both believe will be the first ever thinker and a global doer, looking at problems
only "tangentially involved," but he contacted er," said Johnson. "But they're not looking at all
visit by a U.S. President to the campus — could and solutions without boundaries."
people in the President's office and lobbied that the person has done."
go a long way in expanding the College's inter- If Clinton does choose to discuss the global
national prominence. community, his 2003 address to Syracuse Uni-
Spoiler Alert: An old Clinton joke "It's a coup for Middlebury," said Friendly. versity graduates may provide the best indica-
"What it really will do is raise Middlebury's tion of what he could say. The address, humbly
profile." titled "Why America Needs the World," was a
While each of the commencement ad- According to Clinton, as Washington
Johnson noted that the publicity also mix of policy advocacy and personal reflection.
dresses Clinton has delivered in his post- rose to address the graduates and their fam-
raises the name recognition of the College. In the speech, Clinton called for Americans to
Presidency has been tailored to the experi- ilies, a large, threatening storm cloud passed
After news of Clinton's commitment was first build partnerships between people and nations
ences of the students he has addressed, the overhead. "It was huge and the rumbling
reported in The Campus on Jan. 10, the story addressing common challenges.
history of their institution and the nature shook the ground," Clinton told Tougaloo
was soon running on Vermont, national and "I think America should be just as deter-
of current events that morning, one anec- graduates.
international news media. mined to lead the world against the threat of
dote seems to works it way into a number of Washington looked up at the sky and,
But beyond raising the College's profile, infectious diseases, the threat of poverty and
the former President's graduation remarks according to Clinton, delivered his address
members of the Class of 2007 and their guests ignorance, the threat of global warming, as we
— the story of his own commencement. in three short sentences:
will be among less than a dozen commence- are about leading the world against the threat
As Clinton told the story to Syracuse "Ladies and Gentlemen, if we don't
ment audiences to have been addressed by the of terrorism," Clinton told Syracuse graduates.
University in 2003 (just before sharing it get out of here, we're all going to drown. I
42nd president since he left office over six years He closed by noting that throughout his-
with graduates at Tougaloo and then later will send you a printed copy of my remarks.
ago. And, at least for a while, they could be tory, those who built together had succeeded.
Milton Academy) he still remembers his Good luck, and God bless you."
among the last. "Every single time, since people first rose
own commencement address — and he re- Noting that commencement speakers
"Now with his wife running for presi- out of the African savannah a hundred thou-
members it verbatim. are all that stand between seniors and their
dent, he probably won't do many more," said sand years ago, when it came down to it, the
Graduating from Georgetown Uni- diplomas, Clinton told Milton Academy
Friendly, just after Sen. Hillary Rodham Clin- builders have prevailed," said Clinton. "The
versity where, like Middlebury, com- graduates that the brevity of Washington's
ton (D-NY) announced her candidacy for 2008 people who believed in our interdependence
mencements were held outside rain or speech made him a popular man.
over the weekend. Friendly noted that during have prevailed, the people who believed in our
shine, Clinton's commencement speaker So popular, Clinton joked, that his class
the campaign, commencement addresses by common humanity have prevailed. I want you
in 1968 was then Mayor of Washington, "would have voted for Mayor Washington
former President Clinton could be considered to use your education to make sure that in the
D.C., Walter Washington. for president that day." political speeches for his wife. 21st century, we prevail."
l o c al
6
24 Jan.2007
The Middlebury Campus
Abrupt company layoff leaves 175 jobless
By Dina Magaril increasingly difficult to do so." bigger problem was the availabil-
LOCAL NEWS EDITOR Haynes said that the company ity of cheap labor overseas, where
The Vermont based Specialty had been negotiating with its senior "products are being made for much
Filaments Inc. (SFI), a manufactur- lender, Wells Fargo, for weeks before less money in countries like China."
ing company specializing in syn- the decision was made to close in- When asked if there was any
thetic monofilament design, closed definitely. "The surprise came when chance the company might be
its doors to over 175 workers on Jan. our lender said we defaulted on the bought up and reopened, Haynes
11 when it filed for Chapter 7 bank- loan, meaning that the company was hopeful but not convinced.
ruptcy. Bill Haynes, the company was forced to declare bankruptcy," "There is that hope that the com-
spokesperson, cited a combination Haynes explained. pany could be sold in the future,"
of outstanding debt and an inability SFI first suspended operations he said, "It's possible, but maybe not
to compete with cheaper labor over- on Jan. 5 to discuss the company's probable."
seas as the two main reasons for the
future. "During the break [SFI] and In light of the company's clos-
company's failure.
the bank were trying to negotiate ing, laid off workers were invited to
Most workers employed by SFI, and come to an agreement and fig- attend a job fair on Jan. 18 held at
which is owned by the Boston firm ure out what would be the best way the Middlebury American Legion
Capital Resource Partners, were not to move forward," said Haynes. Un- headquarters on Boardman Street.
aware of the company's financial fortunately for the company's work- Katie Johnson, the business manag-
troubles, and were surprised by the ers, moving forward involved getting er for Addison County's solid waste
sudden closing of the company's laid off without severance pay. management district — a transfer
factories, which include two facili- "We got nothing," said Whitney. station responsible for the manage-
ties in Middlebury and offices in "They cancelled every benefit, one ment of Middlebury's recycling pro-
Burlington. thing they couldn't cancel were our grams — was one of the companies
"They told us [we were closing] pensions, which are guaranteed by that held a booth at the fair. Though
right before it happened. We got no the federal government" The lack the fair was open to all persons look-
warning," said Bill Whitney, who of any worker's compensation was ing for employment, Johnson said
had worked for the company for a particularly tough blow for Whit- it was obvious that the event was
ten years as well as the union leader ney, who has four boys with his wife thrown together on short notice,
for Unite Here Local 2524. Though Sarah, the owner of a day care center mainly to assist those workers laid
Whitney was aware that "the com- who relied on the insurance provid- off from SFI.
Chris Heinrich
pany had been struggling," and even ed by her husband's job. "We heard about it, made some Specialty Filaments threw in the towel on Jan. 11, laying off 175 workers.
sat in on some of the negotiations Haynes described the compa- phone calls and got involved," said
taking place within SFI, none of the ny's closing as a nationally relevent Johnson. Though Johnson said her the job fair. "A lot of folks worked timism," but perhaps for the wrong
workers were prepared to hear the issue, saying, "In some sense, this is company didn't have too many job there for 20 or 30 years, they worked reasons. "I think some of the work-
news that the company was filing for really a national story in that a lot openings, it is in the process for in- a lifetime," she said. ers [that were laid off] are hopeful
bankruptcy. of manufacturing companies in the terviewing for a new scale operator. Whitney was one of the hopeful that the company will be bought up
"This came as a surprise to ev- U.S. are struggling because of over- "As an employer, it was really hard to attendees, saying he filled out some by a new owner and reopened," said
erybody," said Haynes. "The compa- seas competition," he said. While the see that," said Johnson, referring to applications but that "nothing is Johnson. "But they're not going to
ny was doing its best to try to com- company's debt was a contributing the estimated 120 employees from definite yet." Johnson described the just sit around and wait for that to
pete for several years and finding it factor to the closing, Haynes said a SFI that she saw wandering around job fair as filled with an "air of op- happen," she said.
Good samaritans awarded medals for altruism
we were nominated, but we were still track down where my great-great-
very surprised when we found out great grandparents were buried, be-
that we had won." cause I knew that it was somewhere
However, medical volunteer in Addison County," Brush said.
work was not the only service rec- "I had trouble finding the records,
ognized this year. Fletcher Brush, and I though that if I'm having this
a Customer Relations Manager for many challenges, then a lot of other
Co-operative Insurance Companies, people probably are too." In order to
incorporates his "love of the game" benefit other researchers, Brush and
into his volunteer work. Brush his nephew, a web-design expert,
spent a number of years building the launched a website to aid people in
foundation for the Memorial Sports tracing their ancestry. "It's really just
Center, located at 296 Buttolph Dr. a hobby, but it's what I will be work-
in Middlebury. "When I was grow- ing on once I reach my golden years,"
ing up, we didn't have the facilities to joked Brush.
play hockey, so we played basketball His own ancestry is respon-
instead," Brush explained. "Over the sible for Brush's altruism, a value he
years I sensed a need for an all-pur- knows well from childhood. "I've
pose facility, so we kept working and done what I've done because of my
fundraising to meet this goal." parents," Brush confessed. "They had
The sports center has benefited given a lot to the community, and
Courtesy the younger citizens of the Middle- they expected their children to help
Donning their medals, local citizens pose with President Leibowitz at a ceremony honoring their volunteerism. bury community, hosting various give back. "
emergency nurse, worked and vol- which Christine was named director sports games throughout the years. Lucien Paquette, an active
By Tamara Hilmes
unteered in Florida for a couple of in 2005. The clinic provides health- "The kids from the high school are member of the Middlebury com-
LOCAL NEWS EDITOR
years. During that time, the two care to people in need of better cov- always walking over," said Brush. munity since 1948, when he founded
The Middlebury community
worked for the Salvation Army in Ft. erage, as well as to those who lack "In winter, the center serves young the Addison County Fair and Field
recognized some of its most avid
Myers and volunteered for the Red any type of health insurance. Mi- skaters and one of the most thrill- days, was unavailable for comment.
contributors on January 9, when
Cross. The Steiers split their time chael has volunteered as a physician ing things that it has produced is Over the years, he has continued to
President Liebowitz awarded med-
between volunteering at food pan- at the clinic for the past three years women's ice hockey. There is now a oversee the fair and has been an en-
als to four devoted Addison County
tries and soup kitchens and hosting and became its medical director in women's ice hockey team at the high thusiastic supporter of fundraising
volunteers. The ceremony, which
a clinic at the local Hispanic coun- 2005. school. Before the facility was built, activities at St. Mary's school.
is held annually, began at the Col-
seling center once a week. The Stei- "We pretty much do everything we didn't have that." Aside from receiving a medal
lege during the Bicentennial, and
ers have traveled around the world, that you would get at a normal doc- Aside from his enthusiasm for and a banquet in their honor, the
recognizes citizens who have helped
helping communities in Africa, Rus- tor's office," said Christine. sports, Brush is a member of the award recipients' causes benefited
to strengthen the Addison County
sia, Mexico and Nepal. Today, they According to Christine, the Addison County Chamber of Com- from their new-found fame.
community. This year's recipients
devote their time to local efforts in clinic provides primary medical care merce, the Middlebury Rotary Club "Winning this award has really
included Christine and Michael Stei-
the Middlebury community. and physical therapy, handles refer- and the Middlebury Community helped the Clinic," Christine noted.
er, for their service at the Open Door
"My husband and I have been rals and arranges surgeries. House, among others. His member- "Community members have been
Clinic, Fletcher Brush, for his role in
volunteering for years and years," Despite the Steiers hard work, ship at the Salisbury Historical So- coming out of the woodwork to of-
the creation of a local sports center
said Christine. "We just decided that the two never expected to be publicly ciety and Village Cemetery Restora- fer us help. I was also surprised by
and Lucien Paquette, founder of the
this was what we wanted to do." recognized for their contributions. tion Project prompted him to start the large picture in the newspaper,
Addison County Fair and Field days.
The Steiers have devoted them- "My husband and I found out his own website, UnderBrush.org, which gave us a lot of free advertis-
Before moving to Vermont in
selves to providing healthcare for the that we had won the award in De- devoted to raising money for the ing. I would just like to give a big
2003, Michael, a retired cardiac and
citizens of Addison County, volun- cember, when we received a letter," Vermont Old Cemetery Association. thanks to the college for this award.
thoracic surgeon and Christine, an
teering at the Open Door Clinic, of Christine said. "We'd been told that "I spent a few years trying to It has helped us so much."
local news
24 january 2007
Cupid's arrow hits the mark in downtown Midd
The Campus scopes out the goods for your V-day date, so you don't have to
Blossom Basket owner Sandy Burkholder is enamored with all the trappings of Val- Further down the way lies the product for those for whom
entine's Day. "It's an old, old, old tradition that just lives on," Burkholder Christmas lights simply are not enough: 15 feet of "Valentine
said. "It's a time of love, sharing and people thinking of other people.' Mini Lights," suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. Un-
Fortunately for retailers like Burkholder, that warm sentiment is of- . like the Hames of passion, "bulbs remain lit even if one
ten reinforced with cold, hard cash. "It's a busy time," Burkholder burns out!" But, beware. The package warns that "han-
smiled. "The shop is nuts. We have lines out the door." dling the coated electrical wires of this product exposes
According to The Society of American Florists, Val- you to lead, a chemical known to the State of Califor-
entine's Day is the number one floral market holiday. In 2005, nia to cause cancer, birth defects and other reproductive
consumers purchased an estimated 180 million roses in prepara- harm." Well, that sort of kills the mood.
tion for the glory day of all that is pink and sappy. While Blos- If all this talk of lead poisoning and Kevin Costner
som Basket's Jack Burkholder insists that "one hundred premium leaves you feeling a little blue and you decide at once that
long-stemmed roses" is simply the only way to go, what about those Valentine's Day is simply a construct of confectioners, florists
seeking a more creative (and less expensive!) way to woo the object and greeting card companies meant to siphon dollars from love
of their affection and avoid being smited by Cupid? The Campus shot struck consumers and remind the lonely and lovelorn how pa-
an arrow into the heart of some sure bets certain to make your Valentine thetic they are, the health, beauty and cosmetics aisles offer ample
swoon. means of self-sabotaging your Valentine's gift-giving: "NuVectin Ad-
vanced Wrinkle Therapy for Fine Lines & Deep Wrinkles," "Certain Dri
Rainbow Room Prescription Strength Anti-Perspirant" and "Extra Strength Rogaine" (in
Since Rainbow Room has not yet received its shipment of "Strip Checkers" and "Choc- "Spring Bloom Soft Floral Scent" for women, and "Ocean Rush Cool Fresh
olate Boyfriends," flashy jars of "Tom & Sally's Chocolate Body Paint" are situated at the Scent" for men.)
forefront of its Valentine's Day marketing scheme. The paint comes equipped with a dainty
wooden brush and simple instructions: "Heat to 98.6°, apply liberally and let your imagina- Sweet Cecily
tion run free ..." What if your love melts away before the jar's eight servings of chocolate Now that you've had your "down with Valentine's Day!" epiphany, it's time to bandage
do? It's "great on ice cream, too," the label assures its potential buyers. your wounds with "Boo Boo Kisses — Accoutrements for First Aid." The package of 15
lip-shaped, die-cut sterile strips (with an enigmatic "free toy inside!") is "perfect for cuts,
Ben Franklin scrapes, love-bites or other minor boo-boos."
With heart doilies, cookie cutters and stickers galore, Ben Frank- If you still happen to be in the giving mood once your
lin's stock is reminiscent of more innocent Valentine's Days gone wounds are tended to, why not show your dog a little love
by, the ones where every buoyant second-grader in the class would with "My Doggy Paw of Approval," all-natural pet treats
be the proud recipient of a "Twisted Wild Whiskers" mini Valen- "tested in the MyDoggy kitchens and stamped with the
tine card to avoid tears and angry parental phone calls. If wildlife paw of approval for their flavor and taste"?
isn't your taste, Ben Franklin still has you covered with Barbie,
"Pirates of the Carribean," Tweety, Hello Kitty, "Cars," Disney
Princesses, Strawberry Shortcake and virtually every other chil- Blue Moon
dren's character fathomable. Should you manage to tear yourself 1 If, for all his tail-wagging and slobber, Sparky simply
away from the candy rack (which contains a bizarre, slightly less- isn't cutting it as a Valentine, perhaps it's time to tread
than-romantic chocolate Valentine shaped like a fish, adorned with back onto the human market. But take it slowly. The "Ca-
images of worms and declaring "You're a Reel Catch!"), the exhilarat- sanova: The World's Greatest Lover" action figure is an
ing "toys downstairs" sign points to a realm of cuddly, heart-splattered ideal starting block.
stuffed animals by the makers of Beanie Babies — a pink giraffe named The Barbie doll-esque box housing the smartly attired
Blushed, a white dog known as Sweetly and a bear who calls himself Always, charmer boasts that Casanova — also known as Giovanni Giacomo
holding "a rose just for you, with love." — is "more than just a lover!" Indeed, he claims to have been a secretary,
solider, preacher ("Casanova originally planned to be a man of the cloth, but
Kinney Drugs tki. was expelled from seminary school for scandalous conduct"), alchemist, gambler,
Kinney Drugs boasts the quintessential^ tacky smorgasbord of offbeat gifts violinist, spy, journalist, fugitive, author, traveler, diplomat, entrepreneur and librar-
which make Valentine's Day shopping so enjoyably peculiar. Beside the two-foot tall Val- ian; nowadays, though, he keeps it simple and cites his occupation as "adventurer, author
entine's Day cards dripping with glitter was a rack of "Prince Frogheart" stuffed animals and lover." His "weapon of choice"? Why, seduction, of course.
with tags reading "squeeze me, I ribbit!" Crouching in the sea of frogs lies a lone, dejected Still not convinced that this self-described "promiscuous and unscru-
stuffed bear. Unlike his froggy counterparts, he is nameless, and in possession of a far more pulous lover" is your type? Flip over the box for a more explicit run-
ambiguous tag — "makes fun sound," it promises. What can a shopper down. "Casanova's irresistible charm and casual good looks led to
do but squeeze him and see? Even after plentiful experimentation, intimate relations with over 100 women." So he's been around
however, it is still uncertain whether his characteristic utterance the block. "His power of seduction was so strong that he had af-
can best be described as "smooching" or "writhing in agony." fairs with older women, younger women, married women and
Those proceeding further down the aisle are confronted by even a nun." Certainly, you have a chance! "Detailed accounts
a saxophone-clutching orangutan in sunglasses whose pack- of each of his sexual encounters are recorded in his 12 volume
aging beckons, "I sing and dance. Try me!" Shoppers daring autobiography, The History of My Life." Hmm, so he kisses and
enough to press the magical button are serenaded by a primate tells sometimes. Nothing to worry about, though, I'm sure.
belting "How Sweet It Is To Be Loved By You" ... for a long, long Well, then again, perhaps there is one drawback. Our be-
time, much to thrill of fellow shoppers. v 7 loved Casanova's boasting is ironically marred by the obligatory
Around the next bend lurks a deck of cards labeled "Love choking hazard posted on the front of his box — "Warning: Small
Truth or Dare." Its package paints an edgy, risqué picture, em- parts."
phasizing that this is a game for adults only; children under sixteen
are decidedly prohibited. Hmm, promising. A product to rival "Tom So the tiresomely cliché heart-shaped boxes of chocolate and bounti-
& Sally's Chocolate Body Paint?" Not so much, given its shocking "truths ful bouquets of roses are not the sole remedies to Cupid's slings and arrows.
("Kevin Costner's best movie was . Kevin Costner's worst movie was . With a little savvy, the lovesick Middlebury shopper is destined to snag a gift
Why?") and scandalous "dares" ("For the rest of the game you must act overly happy, certain to charm, amuse and provoke a little laughter at romance's expense.
loving, thoughtful and romantic. If you do not act this way for the rest of the game, lose —Kelly Janis
5 points.")
beyondthebubble green mountain adventures with claire and lisie
this week: cross-country skiing means spandex
Post the Big Bake of yore, the Massive Move of '07 occurred. Claire and Lisie were forced reason to don it more frequently. Going out on the "course" was even more
to relinquish their aptly spacious singles and take their relationship to the next level exciting. We skied for approximately 37 minutes, and more than half of
- that of roomies. Since sleeping, eating, and spending the majority that was spent on the ground laughing at whoever happened to have
of our waking hours together isn't enough, Lisie has also taken to " fallen most recently. Usually it was Lisie as Claire is a superb outdoors-
forcing Claire to sit and chat with her whilst she is in the shower. ? Q woman. Claire also happened to eavesdrop on Lisie talking to herself,
Apparently normal relational boundaries have escaped us. But ^ addressing herself by her last name. As in, "Come on, Mehlman." In fact
Claire continues to threaten to turn to duct tape to mark the divi- this has been happening more and more frequently, and Claire is eager
sion of sides. Perhaps this was in retaliation of Lisie's refusal to allow * to discuss it in the W.S. (wedding speech). The W.S. is an oft-referenced
Claire to hang up her original African artwork on their walls. entity in the yet to be named double we share. Lisie already has a word
As established, we spend too much time both together and in our document entitled "W.S." saved on her desktop, and it is also backed
room (more specifically, our beds). We thought it over and realized up on Tigercat. She didn't want to take any risks there. We also have
that maybe we should feel weird about that. We decided we should serious guidelines outlining topics/jokes that can and cannot be in-
revel in that fresh Vermont air. So we went cross-country skiing. To- cluded in the W.S. For instance, Claire's first Middlebury hook up
- off limits. Lisie's hygiene - fair game.
gether, obviously.
Getting all dressed up in our snow gear was exciting, and Lisie be- While the skiing might not have provided Clair and Lisie much
moans the fact that spandex is still not entirely socially acceptable on all distance or time apart, they did get some cute pictures out of it. And, in the end,
occasions. In fact she might have to take up this sport just so she has a that's all that really matters anyway. -Claire Nelson and Lisie Mehlman
»
o p i n i o ns
24 Jan.2007 8
The Middlebury Campus
(El|e JHthMeburg (Uampus
editor in chief managing editor business manager
j ^p " TV cW>\cjt W uJce^ c£ S-hcrrA-..
Benjamin Salkowe Lisie Mehlman Sienna Chambers
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associate editors news editors sports editors .maVc <K reoorà'&ùs ^-A^rvn so
Kathryn Flagg Zamir Ahmed Geoff Homer \jo\x CAA Vvxràcjr
Polly Johnson Tom Brant James Kerrigan StavV
Sonja Pedersen-Green Brian Fung Simon Keyes
Derek Schlickeisen JJeeffff PPaatttteerrssoonn
llooccaall nneewwss eeddiittoorrss
Andrea Glaessner features editors photo editors e- SÇrÏAg.-.
Tamara Hilmes Aylie Baker Chris Heinrich
Kelly Janis Joe Bergan Ilhan Kim
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oonnlliinnee eeddiittoorr
opinions editors arts editors Jeff Wehrwein
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llaayyoouutt eeddiittoorr
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editorials
The staff editorials represent the official opinions
of The Middlebury Campus as decided
SPfffitr -v bttU*^ v-tzooT
by The Campus Editorial Board.
Where does all the money go?
Taylor Long and Sam Miller
Last semester, the Student Government Association Finance
Committee faced a daunting challenge. Late budget requests by stu-
letters to the editor
dent organizations and shortsighted funding decisions by last year's
Finance Committee had created a major budget crisis. The Commit-
tee's solution was to slash student organizations' 2006-2007 budgets more Letters to the Editor on page 10
across the board and begin a serious réévaluation of the student
organization budget request and finance system.
To the Editor: To the Editor:
Now the Committee is looking to next year, and plans are being As somebody who lives on the border of San While your article about the Ripton wireless
floated for sizable increases to the Student Activities Fee (SAF). While Francisco's Castro District, 1 have had the good co-op ("BiHall Broadcasting Broadband for Rip-
anyone with knowledge of the Finance Committee's budget could fortune to get to know many great Gay, Lesbian, ton," 1/10/07) was fascinating, the image of the dish
recognize the need for an increase to the SAF, the problem is that not Bisexual, Trans-gender, Queer people (GLBTQ). atop BiHall suggested erroneously that the dish was
very many students have any knowledge about how the money they In addition to being good friends, they have also part of Ripton Broadband Co-op. In fact, the dish is
give the Finance Committee is allocated. The Committee does not augmented my confidence in the fact that the main- Middlebury College's radio telescope, which I assem-
disclose how it allocates student money to campus organizations, nor stream queer community does not reflect the despi- bled as part of my senior thesis in physics. Unlike the
does the Committee report the state of its own budget. cable views expressed by Kevin Moss. The GLBTQ antenna for the Co-op, the telescope is steerable and
Students do not know how much of their money is spent by the people I've met in San Francisco know that respect- typically pointed towards the sky, rather than another
Middlebury College Activities Board to book concerts or hold Pub ing diversity extends to a respect for all ideologies terrestrial antenna. Ripton's wireless broadband sys-
Nights. Students do not know how much money special SGA initia- — including "evil" conservative views like my own. tem sends information over the airwaves, but nature,
tives drain from their pockets. And students do not know how much My GLBTQ buddies also realize that our generation too, is continuously sending us information encoded
cash The Campus editors hand out to make newspapers each week. must deal with a lot of serious challenges in order in the electromagnetic (EM) spectrum. We can see
for our country/planet to continue thriving. I can a small sliver of that information with our eyes and
We know the Finance Committee needs more money, but
say with confidence that if they were at Middlebury, optical telescopes, but we can capture a much greater
we also think it would be nice if Campus editorial positions came
they would not waste their energy on a pathetic range of information by observing other parts of the
with company cars and personal assistants. Before students let the
anti-Rehnquist whining campaign. EM spectrum, such as radio frequencies.
Finance Committee take more of their money, they should hold the
Committee accountable to show them just how their money is spent. Sincerely, Sincerely,
Brian Goldberg '05 Zach Manganello '03
The little college that could San Francisco, Calif. Montpelier, Vt.
Middlebury College is, admittedly, a small school, in a small
town, in a small state. But Chief Justice John G. Roberts' visit last fall, an open letter
and the commitment of former President Bill Clinton to visit this
Spring, both prove that there is nothing small about the College's
ever-growing international status. To the Middlebury College Board of Trustees, What message about Middlebury does this send
And behind the scenes, these high-profile visits highlight some- As a proud parent ('94 and '97), former head to your students and to the world? Political affilia-
thing else: the many individuals beyond the bubble who work quietly of the Parent's Fund and an active Middlebury sup- tion aside, any President should, above all, represent
but work hard on behalf of Middlebury. The Trustees and alumni porter, I am at a loss to understand the selection of moral values which are in keeping not just with the
directly involved in recruiting Clinton deserve a congratulations, and former President Clinton to be the 2007 Commence- Office of the Presidency but also with those of the
so do those Middlebury "ambassadors" around the world who build ment Speaker and, even worse, to receive an honor- average American citizen. The most basic of these is
the good reputation of the College on the hill. ary degree from this distinguished institution. the duty to obey the law.
Mr. Clinton was one of only two Presidents in I'm sorry to say you've lost my support from
the long history of our republic to be impeached by now on, and I deeply regret to say you have lost my
about the campus
the United States House of Representatives. He was respect.
impeached for lying to a grand jury, not for an adul-
The Middlebury Campus (USPS 556-060), the student newspaper of terous sexual act. Every citizen is required to tell the Sincerely,
Middlebury College, is published by The Middlebury Campus Publica- truth to a grand jury, but Clinton apparently felt he James B. Cowperthwait
tions. Publication is every Wednesday of the academic year, except dur- was above the law. Boca Grande, Fla.
ing offical college vacation periods and final examinations. Editorial and
business offices are located in Hepburn Hall Annex, Middlebury College.
The Middlebury Campus is produced on Apple Macintosh comput- opinions submission policy
ers using Adobe InDesign 2.0 and is printed by Denton Publishing in
N.Y. The advertising deadline for all display and classified advertising
The Opinions pages of The Middlebury Campus provide a forum for constructive and respectful dialogue on substan-
is 5 p.m. Friday for the following week's issue. Mailing address: The
tive issues. With this in mind, The Campus reserves the right to deny publication of all or part of a submission for any
Middlebury Campus, Drawer 30, Middlebury College, Middlebury, Vt.,
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Please address distribution concerns to the Business Director. First class
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made to prior articles, the submission will be considered a letter to the editor. The Campus will not accept or print
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The Campus reserves the right to edit all submissions.
9
campusopinions
24 January 2007
CC
heardoi campus
notes from the desk: Jake A. Kuipers
Middlebury is Middlebury
It's very democratic, and it's very
May we always keep in mind what our college really is dangerous.
Middlebury College has always available to students. Encourage some big state school where parties
— Professor of History Amy
been at the forefront of liberal arts students to stop by your office. rage every night of the week. We're
academia, continually raising the Make replying to their emails a Middlebury. Now, we shouldn't Morsman, commenting on
bar of excellence for similar in- top priority. Take a sincere inter- necessarily let this prohibit us from Wikipedia as reference source.
stitutions to follow. To keep this est in what students do on cam- making changes that better our
beautiful place at a superior level, pus. This is what students expect college community. But, when we
administrators need to change it when they go to a small college like make these changes we should al-
more matter: Matty Van Meter
to meet the demands of prospec- Middlebury. ways keep in mind what this school
tive students. In the four years To the student body: don't ex- means to us. Ban the hard stuff
I have been here, a new library, pect a social paradise. Party when Did we really apply to Midd
two dorms and a dining hall have and how you want to, but don't re- because we thought we would be
opened. Social houses play less of alistically think partying I walked into my dorm one Sat-
a role in weekend festivities. And a keg should be Midd has certainly- every night? urday morning and found a series of
departments have changed faculty available every I cannot progressively filthier messes in the
and staff to better the academic weekday or even been a growing, speak for lounge, hall and bathroom which I
environment. Midd has certainly every weekend everyone, will refrain from describing; suffice
been a growing, evolving, ever- night. Hope for evolving, ever- but I as- it to say that few bodily fluids were
changing system. But these changes the occasional sume that unrepresented. The mess stayed, of
are merely modifications to the Rugby or Ski changing system. that most of course, until early Monday morn-
well-grounded structure of a small, Patrol party, but us applied ing, when our custodian pulled on
liberal arts college. don't cry to the because we her rubber gloves and scrubbed away
As Midd changes, we all need administration when you can't find wanted the academic attention, ac- what the soundly sleeping students
to .remind ourselves of this struc- a campus-wide alcohol-friendly cess to Vermont's outdoors, and the had left over forty-eight hours before.
ture and what Middlebury will al- event on a Friday night. We go to ability to interact with an outgoing She simply smiled and said "Good
ways be — a rural top tier institu- Middlebury, not Florida State. student body. morning" to me in the hall as I passed, does not restrict on-campus con-
tion with a small student body. We're not some ivy league As we continue to make chang- and I felt a pointed urge to apologize. sumption, instead making students
To the faculty and administra- school where professors are dis- es to this place, let us not forget While volumes could be written on responsible before the Honor Code
tive staff: proactively make yourself tant and exclusive, and we're not what it truly is to us. the mindset that allows students to Committee for their peers' behavior.
step over their own excretes for two While either of these may be extreme
op-ed: Pat Zomer days, waiting for someone else to for Middlebury, there was an idea for
scrub them up, what I really want to a policy, which incorporates both,
More Rehnquist ramblings address is the much-maligned alco- and strikes the balance.
hol policy at Middlebury.
There was discussion last semes-
Much has been said about the ter of a proposal to ban the possession
"At Middlebury College, we recent faculty motion regarding ful, thorough, and intellectually changing social policies at the col- and consumption of all hard liquor
challenge students to partici- the endowed professorship named honest examinations of American lege. Putting aside the bellyach- on campus, which was met with fiery
pate fully in a vibrant and diverse after Supreme Court Chief Jus- History, including those portions ing over a perceived lack of parties, resistance by students, according to
academic community" accord- tice William H. Rehnquist is only influenced by Justice Rehnquist. there is something to the substantial a Campus poll. At the risk of flying
ing to the Mision Statement of the latest example of a dangerous In his latest book, Senator complaints about such controversial in the face of the great majority of
Middlebury. trend at the College (and within Barack Obama reminds us, "it's policies as the guest list and the need students, let me make a recommen-
I am sure you recognize the the county) to completely dismiss precisely the pursuit of ideological for a TIPS-trained organizer. Any dation for the policy: the students
phrase above from Middlebury avenues of thought or world-views purity, the rigid orthodoxy and the college administration must play the who become uncontrollably drunk,
College's Mission Statement. The that are different from one's own. sheer predictability of our current fine line between interests here: to damage college property or go to
Mission Statement forms the foun- I believe the College acted political debate that keeps us from allow students too much freedom is the hospital are not generally drink-
dation of our collective Middlebury rightly in accepting the finding new ways to meet the chal- to endanger both their lives and col- ing beer or wine. The simple truth is
experience and expresses substantial lenges we face as a country." I fear lege property, and to restrict them that of-age students, most of whom
our ideal vision for attempts to distance the College too tightly is to invite surreptitious live in suites which public safety can-
what Middlebury from the Rehnquist professorship and uncontrolled drinking. Stu- not enter, would be able to drink li-
is and can be. A en- reinforces Senator Obama's assess- dents, by choosing the easier route of quor in the privacy of their rooms,
vibrant academic dow the ment of our current problems as partying off-campus, have a new set and underclassmen could drink beer
community forms professorship a country. Professor Kevin Moss of concerns to deal with apart from and wine without fear of citation.
when professors and was completely in the eloquently related his concerns re- the alcohol itself: drunk driving, lack Such a policy would also, presum-
continuously de right to name the pro- garding the Colleger's acceptance of the on-campus support network ably, be accompanied by a loosening
velop within and fessorship after of the Rehnquist professorship in and Health Center, police interven- of restrictions for such dangerous
across their Justice Rehnquist. The Campus and I genuinely regret tion and being far from dorms. The policies as guest lists and the TIPS
disciplines However, the that some of Justice Rehnquist's TIPS training requirement, the guest training requirement, which drive
and students administration's opinions directly infringed upon lists, indeed any policy which makes students off campus, away from the
openly en- best decision was his life. Professor Moss has every it harder for students to find what care of the community, and into the
gage material naming Professor Jim right to express his displeasure they want on campus will send them jurisdiction of the police. Whatever
and theory. Ralph as the first Justice with the naming of the Rehnquist away and into a situation over which the Beastie Boys might say, partying
The administration, Rehnquist Professor of Ameri- professorship and I applaud his at- the college has no control. is a privilege, not a right, and one
faculty, and student body under- can History and Culture. I had tempts to open a dialogue over the There are few role models for which the college has a need to su-
stood and, in my opinion, fulfilled the honor to take a few of Profes- issue. However, because the pro- colleges wishing to go beyond sim- pervise both for its own good and for
this portion of the College's mis- sor Ralph's classes, and I am fully fessorship was given to Jim Ralph, plistic alcohol policies like Middle- the good of the students in his com-
sion statement during my time at convinced that he would forgo the a man who I have the utmost con- bury's, but they do exist. One is Earl- munity. Correctly implemented, the
Middlebury. temptation to use the position to fidence in and respect for, I believe ham College, which bans outright liquor ban could be an effective way
Unfortunately, it is my opin- blindly praise or ridicule Justice the Rehnquist professorship is an the on-campus sale, possession or both to increase the safety and clean-
ion that while I was at Middlebury Rehnquist's time on the court. opportunity for Middlebury to consumption of all alcohol by any- liness of the college, and to revive a
and in the subsequent years since Professor Ralph is deeply commit- live up to its mission and give its one, regardless of age. In equal but declining social scene, by decreasing
my graduation, attention to and ted to fulfilling the College's mis- students the vibrant and diverse opposite egalitarian spirit Haverford regulations placed upon on-campus
progress in meeting the academic sion by providing both vibrant and academic community it promises. College declares itself to be "cogni- parties. And maybe the custodial
staff could have a more enjoyable
diversity portion of the mission diverse academic opportunities Pat Zomer '05 is a Middlebury zant of the Pennsylvania state law Monday morning.
statement has been lacking. The and will continue to lead thought- College alumnus from Boston, Mass. against underage drinking," but
the web poll What do you think of Bill Clinton speaking at commencement?
Already
Honestly, I don't care
painting my
11% 7% ^at much.
picket signs
for a protest.
"Bill Clinton is the man. "I think it says a lot about the "I think it's awesome that they
I wish he were still the college to have such a distin- got such a high profile speaker. 82%
president." guished american figure as the It's a great way to honor an
commencement speaker" oustanding senior class. " Praise the lord, Bubba is coming to town.
—SHANE SP1NNEL '08.5 — CLAIRE WILLIAMS TO — SCOTT SECOR '07
Results taken from online poll: <www.middleburycampus.com>
Next week's web poll: Have you ever utilized wikipedia as an academic resource?
campusopinions
24 January 2007
in my humble opinion: Daniel Roberts
An awkward location
WANTED:
An awkward location indeed. I mean, obviously these things never come
At room draw last April, I chose a nice, from me, but you know, most guys.
fat single in Hepburn. The room was within Plus, ladies, let's not pretend you are
sports editor
a block (two singles and a double) that in- innocent either. Sure, I went through that
cluded a bathroom. Super. I made sure my period in high school where I fooled myself
friend got the other single, and that was into believing that girls were completely arts editor
that. The double was still open, but we just pure. I honestly was convinced that women
figured two random dudes would snag it. do not pee, fart or burp. And they certainly
Who cares, as long as they weren't obnox- never take "dumps." I was sure of that.
ious hippies. Yet now I am a wiser man. I know those
Then, 1 arrived for fall semester, and childhood fantasies to be false. We have all
— gasp — two girls were moving into the watched that infamous taco scene in Har- to apply
double. This was fine, and I even knew are an uncomfortable place. old 8c Kumar. You know the one. Plus, my
the two girls; Both are nice people. Yet I Some of you will disagree and say, friend Sakura proudly considers Everybody or for more
couldn't help but worry about sharing a "This is a stupid point. There's nothing Poops her favorite book.
bathroom with girls. Sorry, but — kind of weird about co-ed bathrooms." Fine, tough So I don't know what can be done. Per- information,
weird, right? guy. But I assure you I'm not the only one haps co-ed bathrooms in college are a bad
As it turns out, the sharing has been who hesitates to do certain "things" in the idea. My mom told me she once attended
e-mail
fine. I have yet to find gross "feminine prod- bathroom if a girl is in there. Furthermore, a lecture by a respected child psychologist
ucts" in the trash, and I have done my part I would guess that girls, too, probably don't who memorably joked, "If the bathrooms
to leave no traces of shaving cream on the feel too excited about, say, asking someone at my college had been co-ed, I would have
vanity. Occasionally, I find a long blonde to borrow a tampon if some dude is right been constipated for four years." Hilarious,
hair stuck to the shower wall, but I deal there, shaving at the sink. Am I wrong? yes, but he was probably half-serious, and campus
with it. Just like the girls deal with it when I there must be some who share his qualms.
It is interesting to me that universities
leave my boxers lying on the floor. As we all could create co-ed bathrooms and expect All I am saying is that, to put it bluntly, @middlebury
used to say in middle school, "no biggie." students to feel comfortable using them. if I walk into a bathroom holding a book,
Still, the block situation is different. Let's be honest, there are certain undesir- there is really only one thing I am about .edu
There are only four of us. Very manageable. able "special effects" that play when a guy is to do. And if a girl is in there brushing her
1 still contend that the big bathrooms, say, sitting in the stall. Noises might voice them- teeth or something, I ain't doing it. Sorry,
the giant co-ed ones of Battell, for example, selves, smells might eke out from the door. administration.
letters to the editor
continued from page 8
To the Editor: Board of Trustees to discuss social life on
Saddam Hussein is dead. Right before campus. Whatever their conclusions, there
the New Year. Was the Iraqi government is one thing we can all agree on—something
worried Saddam was going to break out of is wrong.
prison if he was not executed? Probably Is it a problem that there are no lon-
not. Would he have been a threat to society ger parties in many campus social spaces, t ^MtfrMeburg
while locked up? I doubt it. So why the or that not a single freshman in Allen this
need to execute the former dictator? year has gone to Porter for detox? I think
This was not a case of possible inno- so. The usual suspects of 1 ) the commons
cence. No one questions that Saddam was system and 2) increased requirements for
CET amptfg
guilty of mass murder. The issue at hand is reserving a space and hosting a party, are
whether or not he deserved to have his life not entirely to blame. These problems
taken from him for his crimes. need to be addressed, but with some fore-
Religious and non-religious people sight and consideration they can be solved.
alike believe that life is sacred and that the One obstacle to a healthy campus social life
taking of life is usually wrong. Just as there's without a foreseeable solution is the new
no way to deny that Saddam's crimes were library.
horrendous and inexcusable, there's no way How is the student body supposed i•n vit• es you to
to hide the hypocrisy of killing killers. to take the initiative, time, and money to
Since childhood we have been taught host parties when the best social space on
that two wrongs don't make a right. An eye campus is a supposed "quiet space?" Ever advertise your local
for an eye is no longer the accepted practice since the library became the social hub of
in punishing criminals. The U.S. govern- campus, what people do there has become
business here
ment seems to understand and follow that socially significant by extension.
principle in all cases except murder trials Term papers and problem sets have re-
- we don't beat assaulters, rape rapists, or placed favorite music and rehashing good
torture torturers. weekend parties as go-to topics of conver-
What does the United States' approval sation.
of execution say about us as a nation? That We wouldn't be in this party-starved
we are capable of treating life as casually as situation had Starr Library never closed.
the criminals we punish? We had an oppor- People used to hide deep in Starr's labyrin- visit
tunity to show the world that we hold the thine halls to do their work alone and in
gift of life in high regard. If we are willing silence. You didn't talk about assignments www.middleburycampus.com
to kill a person who can no longer hurt us, because they were something you did in the
are we not hard-hearted and incapable of library, and the library was not cool. for our rate sheets
taking the high road? As long as people looking for conver-
Sincerely, sation and friendly faces are drawn to the
David Schoenholtz '07 lights of the library like fourteen-year-olds
or
Middlebury, Vt. to a mall's marquee, there will be no cure
for Middlebury's atrophied social scene.
To the Editor: Sincerely,
In February, the Student Task Justin Boren '06.5
e-mail [email protected]
force on Social Life will meet with the Minneapolis, Minn.
for more information
SUBMIT