Sewanee Purple, 2005-2006

2006·6 MB·English

by  University of the South

Digitized by the Internet Archive
2013
in
http://archive.org/details/sewpurple0506univ

Wfje &etoanee purple
THE STUDENT ORGAN OF THE UNTVERSITY OF THE SOUTH
October 7, 2005 Vol. II Issue 3
A
Fading
Tradition
By7tsnley Gallman
At opening convocation this year, new that goes with it." The Order is not simply
students anticipating induction into the an honorary group created for recognition
Order of Gownsmen sat with bated breath of achievement, but is also an essential
in the pews of All Saints Chapel, charged institution of student government charged
with both the energy and excitement that with the responsibility to both uphold
usually surrounds the occasion. However, academic integrity and to act as a voice for
before gowns could be donned and general all students.
chaos could erupt, a short description ofthe Furthermore,thegownstandsasanultimate
Order was read to the entire congregation, symbol for Sewanee itself, particularly its
explaining its deep symbolic meaning that unique characteristics and traditions that
envelops every aspect of Sewanee and its mark it as a truly remarkable and distinct
ideals. At the moment, this short speech university. In 1977, President of the OG
seemed an eternity, another bothersome Jeffrey Runge explained this very concept:
delay in receiving the much-anticipated "MayIremindyouthatthegownisasymbol
gown. However, many gownsmen later ofthe Sewanee spirit, traditions, and ideals
face adilemma that may be greatly aidedby of the University. It is not necessarily a
a referral to those words: to wear the gown sign of personal achievement, but it is a
or not to wear the gown. kind of recognition of the uniqueness of
The reasons for wearing the gown are Sewanee." To many, the gown contains the
both multiple and significant. Each reason spirit of Sewanee itself and represents all
stresses a different aspect of the symbolic that it stands for. Current President of the
meaning of the gown and emphasizes OG John Hammond agrees, arguing that by
the gown's importance in almost every not wearing their gowns, students "neglect
aspect of Sewanee life. Junior gownsman the distinctive traditions which form our
Allison Laney sums up the gown's meaning University'scharacter."Thegownisthought
simply, explaining, "The gown, like the by many to be the University's tradition of
dress tradition, is a symbol of respect, not all traditions, marking Sewanee as truly
only for the University's traditions and distinctive from all other universities.
the professors, but also of learning itself." However, despite all of these important
Gowns are most apparently a symbol of motivations and obligations, the number
academic excellence, conveying both the Thesightofstudentswearing theirgownshasgrown rare of gownsmen who wear their gowns has
wearer's academic achievement and acting actually greatly decreased in the last several
as motivation for non-gownsmen and freshmen in particular. Freshman Karly years. Gowns on campus have truly become few and far between. Alum Dr.
Beaverscomments,"Itisaninspirationtounderclassmen. WhenIseesomeone in Peter Stacpoole recognizes this change: "Gowns were considered a mark of
myclass wearingagown,itmakes me putmoreeffortintomyownwork. Itgives some distinction by students, and were worn much more frequently than current
me something to strive for."Thus, the gown becomes an academic responsibility behavior appears to reflect." English professor and alum Dr. Jennifer Michael
as well as an achievement. Vice President Pearigen explains that although he agrees, "I think students wore their gowns more in my day." The gown tradition
wishes students would wear their gowns more often, he believes that "in our is beginning to disappearfrom Sewanee, leaving the important question: why?
angst overthe gown, we often lose sightofthe Order itselfand the responsibility Some worryJ that the gbown is often (Continued,on page 33)
We and Sewanee
How, Then, Shall Live? Sustainability
ByAlan Jackson Bx Haley Merrill
weAsaretwewnetly-lf-iarwsatrecenotfurtyheAmaetrrioccaitnise,s laitfreoctiotibers,inginlgammboarsetiantgtentcioonmptloatcheenste oennTlvhyieruottnetmerremen"dtsaiunlsttsahtieundpaihbeiyslsiiotcfyaS,l"nsoocwnidceeenncae,swnoaornwdd wfnueitetudhrsoe.u"tgecBnoeurmtaptriaoogmnaisins,itongwmheatehtte dtahobeieilsrityotwhoantf
committed against the Jews and other Americans for their neutrality in the
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movies, and even a federally funded genocideandthedearthofinternational out; "sustainability" clutters inboxes, Economist, and TIME, or maybe it is
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TtuhtesiKsu,radsr.meCdonwistihdemracthheattetsh,emRawssaancdraend cvoinetwinoufesthitescianmtepraniagtinonoafltecroromrmiunnpiltayi,n knowThwehatfusnudsatamiennatbaillitydeifsi?nition that I doParboofuetsstorhse,m smtaatfft,eraanndywsatuyd?e"nts at
tNhaeziirsviwcittihmsthemiorrdeeaetfhficciaemnptsly.tChlaenarltyh,e eAfvreincagnoiMnugssloimfasriansrteofautgteaeckcatmhpesb.lack eCmoemrmgiesdsionfromon tEhenvir1o9n8m7entWoralndd Stheewuarngeeetoarsehrpuagrttihceuilrarslhyoullduecrksy when
there is a gulfbetween our rhetoric and Kristof related heart-rending stories Development stated that sustainability
of
ourWaicltlioinasm. Kristof has dedicated his (Continued on page 2) is "meeting the needs of the present (Continuedonpage 6)
Page 2
&
Decadence Fear in the Red Light District Crisis in
By NedClinard
Aix-en-Provence Darfur
Amsterdam. Holland...dusk in the outskirts of the urban dumb, and blind man dropped off alone in the city would
area. Couples, both young and old, stroll casually or ride have no trouble finding them. Men ofall ages walk slowly (Continuedfrompage 1)
beach cruiser style bikes, taking in the last moments of by congregations ofwhores who, dressed in seductive garb, the incalculablecrueltyofthe Sudanese
the day. Meandering canals and quaint cobblestone roads trytolurethem intotheirchamberswithsensual movements. government and the courage of those
receive the finaJ rays of sunset in what is seemingly a The name of the area stems from the fact that at night, red victimized. He then invited us to
peaceful European city. But all streets and waterways lead lights illuminate the windows ofprostitutesand the interiors consider the amount of news coverage
into thecenterofthecity, the Red Light District, whereearly oftheir rooms. dedicated to Darfur. With roughly
evening is another story. During my first night in the city, I made my way through three-hundred thousand killed and two
Bumswearingdirty,outdatedAdidasjumpsuits,dreadlocked the district. On one block, I counted twenty-four of these million displaced, one would think
hippies with baggy patchwork pants barely upheld by hemp sinful dens. One in particularstood out. There was a group this would be a heavily covered story.
belts, and curious tourists looking to get theirkicks, wander of boisterous middle-aged Irish men, and I watched them But many factors prevent adequate
through the streets, cheer as one of their coverage from reaching the television
stumbling in and out of comradesenteredthe
screen. Getting people in and out of
coffee shops and live sex room. I heard one of Darfur is dangerous and expensive; the
shows. Trash is strewn them say, "Look at crisis has been going on for two years
through the sidewalks that! His buddy just and maintaining the kind of presence
and gutters, crack-heads came out of there necessary tocoveradequately the story
follow to demand, not five minutes ago!" is unpalatable to any news executive.
ask. for change. Potent The man who had
Most importantly, the news media are
marijuana smoke creeps gone into the room more responsive to consumer demand
out of doorways and peeked out from now than ever before, resulting in
windows. Filth peddlers behind the curtain,
fluffy "infotainment" that blurs the
beckon you into their only to receive more line between trivial entertainments and
dens. And it's all legal. laughter and shouts serious reporting of serious matters.
The Netherlands has of encouragement.
Genocide is difficult to hear about,
adoptedwhatarearguably I felt foul simply much less to witness constantly. Most
the most liberal policies having witnessed people, myself included, find it much
in the world concerning this exchange; if I easierand more pleasant to ignore such
drugs and prostitution. had stuck around, I painful and frightening imagery. We
Throughout the 1970s probably could have
participate in nominal condemnation
TbehgeanNettohmerolvaendaswasylofwrlyom Amscotbebrldeasmtoinseksntorewetnsf,owrhoitrsewsi,nadnindgdcraungasls, thseeesnamseevneartaulrem.ore of with no intention of taking it any .
further than that.
the rigid U.S. like policies that make personal cannabis AwisemanknownonlytomeasDr. Johnsononcesaid,"He After all, what on earth could we
use highly illegal and prosecutable by law. In 1976, the who makes a beast ofhimselfgets rid ofthe pain ofbeing a hope to do that would make one lick
governmentdecriminalized individual use insmall amounts, man." Ifthis is true, many ofthose who visit the Red Light of difference? Kristof argues that we
and "coffee shops" began to distribute small amounts ofthe District figuratively numb these pains with the strongest of have more power than we think. The
drug (Reinarman et. al.). Prostitution, on the other hand, pain-killers. In this sphere of the city, morality cannot be Sudanese government is sensitive
made its legal debut in 1996, and while exploitation and found, and even after leaving the district and returning to
to international opinion; they are
solicitation are illegal, it is possible for women to obtain a normalcy, I discovered it still difficult to separate mentally embarrassed when these things are
license (Alexander et. al.). oneself from the sin found in the central area. It seems to brought to wide attention. Even small
"Smart shops." places legally licensed to distribute creep down the canals and streets, pervading throughout the numbers ofAfrican Union troops made
small amounts of hash, marijuana, and other mind-bending entire metropolis. The Dutch may boast the most liberal a significant difference in the safety of
psychedelic drugs, are not hard to find. If one wants to policies in the world, but it is clear that the moral standing refugees. Clearly, we cannot commit
experiment, there is no shortage of businesses ready and oftheir country suffers as a result. to any sort of armed intervention in
willing to supply the means to do so. Every now and then Sudan. Our most powerful weapon,
one will pass aperson witheyes widerthan golfballs,pupils (1) Reinarman, Craig & Peter Cohen (1999), Is Dutch drug Kristofargues, may beourbully pulpit.
dilated, and beads of sweat running down their foreheads. policy the Devil? Amsterdam: Centre for Drug Research, As college students we have the power
Tthheesaevaairleabtlheedurnufgosr,tubnuatteigonnoersedwthhoe fwealtrnbionlgd ethnaotutghheyto"cteasnt ©UniCveorpsyirtiegithtva1n9A9m9stCeraridgamR.einarman & Peter Cohen. All tuose(aist)mruacishe acsonIshcaitoeustnheisss.phrSaose,bitI'clhl
be heavy ifyou lack experience." The result is a fearful trip rights reserved at your parents, write a letter to your
to the dark side oftheir minds, where horrifying visions and (2) Alexander, Priscilla & de Graaf Stichting, A (1994). congressman, etc. You might make a
revelations of self-retrospection occupy their thoughts for Prostitution & The Law - The Facts. New Internationalist
difference. Just don't be self-righteous
several hours. - issue 252.
about
it.
The other vendor in vice is readily available, and a deaf.
Nabit Art Building Updates
By Megan Weed
For many years the Sewanee Art Department has craved needed art facilities, on the department and its regional and national recognition that the Tennessee
and on October7th, they will finally get them afterwaiting since the development WilliamsCenterhadon theTheaterDepartmentofSewanee. Itisanticipatedthat
ofthe department. the facilities will provide art students with the resources necessary for them to
Chuck Nabit C'77 contributed excel truly in their work. Sculpture
a gift in the summer of 2003 that students will now have a way
jumpstartedthecreationprocess. Tony to transport heavy, cumbersome
Winters C'76 was the main architect pieces and materials as well as the
for the project. Other donors include tools and machinery to shape their
,
Ginny and Jeff Runge C'77 and Dan works to the fullest oftheir creative
Rather C'85. All of the previously capacities. Drawing and painting
mentioned donors were students of • students will have more space and
Edward Carl" adequate natural and artificial light
The building will include state of to see the true color ol then pieces.
the art sculpture facilities. spa> The hallways will be used to display
drawing and painting studios, and mpse "/ the fui students' current works.
a gallery dedicatee! to the recently The dedicuiion^on Friday Octobet
•I Edward Carlos. The photography studio R ill remain on the second floor 7"' will include pieces from Edward Carlos, current ait faculty, and various ait
ofCai majo asedinitsgaller) Therewillbeabdicationreception it 11:30that
The creation of the Nabit Art Building will hopetull> have the feci morning with the donors and the art faculty. The public is welcome.
Page 3
"Everyone Poor The Academic Gown
is in
Their Own Way" (Continuedfrompage I)
By Sarah Thomas
viewed by other students and only continue to grow. Hammond also
"Ifyou can'tfeeda hundredpeople, thenjustfeedone." sometimes even professors as a blatant finds that the decreasing number of
Mother Teresa show of arrogance. Students worry professors in gowns add to the general
that by wearing their gowns, they hesitation to wear gowns. He argues,
When you ask a typical Sewanee student what they envision when they think are making a statement of assumed "When students see that many faculty,
ofservice, they may reply with a single response citing what his or her fraternity superiority. Dr. Michael criticizes especially those closest to their own
or sorority does to help others. In high school, we were encouraged to become this view: "While some might view age, do not themselves hold gown-
involved and make a difference in our communities. If nothing else, many fell the Order of the Gownsmen as elitist, wearinginhighesteem,thestudentsare
back on the "It looks goodon yourresume" mentality and "Hey as long as you're it's a meritocracy, and hence not elitist not inspired to take part in the tradition
there helping- everything isgood,right?"Ofcourse there isamorededicated side in the way an expensive country club themselves." Itisonethingforstudents
to service. Dr. David Haskell, a professor in the Biology department, is teaching might be. Besides, everyone gets their to fear the disdain oftheir peers, but it
a new class this semester, Food and Hunger: Contemplation of Action. He gown when they pass comps." John istruly worrisome forthemtosense the
Hammond
emphasizes not only the service aspect, but a contemplative thinking approach believes this concern is disapproval of their professors. With
toward one's actions. I am enrolled class this semester and have found that the reflective of not just Sewanee, but our the combined threat of being singled
class is not only interesting, but that it affects every aspect ofmy life. society in general. He argues. "This out among peers and possibly defying
Often, we find ourselves recommending a class because the professor is attitude corresponds to the hesitance the opinions of a professor, wearing a
"awesome," or you may feel it is relevant material for everyone, regardless of of our politically correct society to gown can often seem daunting. Many
department. I thinkeveryoneshould takeFoodand Hungerasacorerequirement. recognize any form of intellectual are trying to counteract this problem.
Even ifyou leave the class and never complete another "sit," which is a twenty elite. Unfortunately, this attitude Some professors such as Dr. Michael
minute session where one literally sits and "clears one's mind of all thoughts, also seeks to strip the University of try to "make a point to congratulate
worries and distractions," you would still be more enlightened than before taking its academic integrity and diminish new gownsmen...and encourage them
the class. Let me elaborate: have youeverconsideredthe sourceofyourMcClurg the recognition of true achievement." to wear their gowns." Vice President
meals?Anytime you eatorput on anotheritemofclothing, think who made itand The gown is stressed as a symbol of Pearigen also likes to see gowns in
how much they were paid to do so. Who grew the vegetables or picked the fruit, honorand responsibility, yet many still his class. He explains, "I encourage
or raised the animals you eat? Do theyjust appear and you eat them and then go worry over its possibly condescending my students to wear them because I'm
back to your dorm? implications. proud of their achievement and like
We have spent a fair amount oftime reading stories about the unjust and unfair Othersneglecttheirgownduetoissues to know who they are." Students are
lives of fellow Americans. In a country that has so much, how can others be of practicality and fashion. Students, also trying to dissipate the "un-cool"
denied "basic necessities?" How is it that in a country with abundant wealth and such as senior Sarah Stacpoole, insist aura of the gown by wearing theirs
prosperity, we have thousands die every hour from hungerordisease? Right here that their gowns are too large and and encouraging others. Josh Hams
in the Sewanee community we have neighbors who are struggling to keep a roof bothersome. She explains, "My dad urges that gownsmen "spread the word
owivlelrbtehetihrehfeirasdtstoaanddmiftootdhaotnupthuenitriltanbloew. TIatlokokabaoduvtantthaege"Soefwmayne"ebuBbubblbel"e.a"ndI gthaavteevmeeryhitsimgeowInweaanrd iti,t'smysoehntuigree aisbopuotsstihbeleimtphoarttatnhcreouogfh tahecOonGc.e"rteIdt
thought "Well, yes, we have poverty in America, but look at other countries. It is body is engulfed and I look like a effortamongprofessorsandstudentsto
much worse there!" But in reality, we live in a culture ofplenty where the issues weird floating head." Junior Tony encourage gown-wearing, the tradition
ofnutrition and health ofAmericans are overlooked or avoided. Castelli has a similar problem: "My may in fact be brought back to life.
Righthere, locatedintheOteyParish,acrossthestreetfromSewaneeElementary gown's way too big. It drags on the There is no question that the gown
School, is theCommunityActionCommittee(C.A.C)headquarters. LauraWillis ground when I wearit." Otherstudents tradition is slowly dying, fading along
complain that the gown is too hot on with many of the University's other
runs theoperation andorganizes events. Until this semester, in Foodand Hunger,
when I learned about the C.A.C. and read the material from class, I had no idea twoargmetdacyasugohrtthoatnitdsoloornkgnosblese,vedsetseksn,d dtweifliingihntg ocfusSteowmasneientotrawdhitaitonasleesmpisrita.
what a huge problem exists inAmerica. Or, like many, I denied the argument that and other protruding objects. Some, The words of opening convocation
a problem exists. I have been thinking about this issue for a while. however, disagree and argue that seemed almost haunted by this
After Hurricane Katrina, the media exploded about the issue of poverty in
America, especially New Orleans. What did you know about New Orleans the gown can be a helpful wardrobe movement but equally charged with
before? SeniorHannah Schremsersaid, "NewOrleanshasa vastsocio-economic addition. Dr. Michaels remembers the a determination to defy it. This
gown "being a practical alternative to short description of the Order of the
wrahnagte.peoYpesl,e tthheirnek aorfewmhaennythwehyothairnekpaobvoeurttyNestwricOkrelne,anbsu.t IWhdaotnoctomtheisnktothmaitnids a coat on inclement days." It has also Gownsmen was more than a simple
been praised as a stand-in raincoat. description of the Order. It possessed
is: Mardi Gras, Voodoo, the French Quarter, and Bourbon Street. People tend to Practical or impractical though, some undertones of a charge to maintain
avoid talking about poverty in general. I say don't ignore poverty or treat those students urge that the gown is an the responsibility and honor the gown
afflicted by it as invisible." Many people want to help but are unsure where essential Sewanee symbol and should represents and we may be beginning
they should start. How can I end hunger, sickness, or the housing problems be worn no matter the discomfort. to neglect. The description read: "A
that plague America and the world? The answer is you can't. What you can do Junior gownsman Josh Harris agrees student governing body unique to
is help one person, which will have a ripple affect and help hundreds. These with this philosophy, "Even though it's Sewanee, the Order of the Gownsmen
are problems that affect you and your loved ones. They affect us all. I heard a occasionally uncomfortable, the gown providesadiversegroupofstudentswith
wise comment by Laura Willis, "Everyone is poor in their own way." Keep that isalittlereminderoftheresponsibilities the opportunity to influence legislation
in mind when you want to escape the horrors of reality and willingly enter the toyourself, yourwork,and yourfellow ofthe University. Gownsmen have the
"Sewanee bubble."
students." privilege of ensuring the ethos of the
Oddly enough, the most commonly University, the dedication to honor and
FALL IN
IS cited reason for gown neglect is to academic diligence, is maintained,
THE fo.t/tue popularity. Many argue that upon notonly in themselves but also in their
AIR! observing such a sparse presence of fellow students. The wearing of the
APPAREL, gowns on campus, freshly inducted gown should not be seen as a form of
and b. true is JEWELR.Y.,.&AMCOCREES!SORIES gownsmen often choose to follow arrogance or of intellectual snobbery,
ready with suit, worried that by wearing the but rather as a sign of achievement, a
gown, they will be embarrassingly responsibility to the traditions of the
cottons, cords
conspicuous. Sarah Stacpoole asserts past and a promise to the continuance
and velvets, that gown-wearing is often determined of those ideals. It is both a privilege
beautiful jewelry by peer pressure: "Wearing the gown and a responsibility, and acceptance
has fallen out of popular use and is of the gown is a pledge to aid in the
and
accessories, now considered relatively dorky." governing ofthe student body through
plus Pashmlnas John Hammond agrees, "I think many continued academic leadership,
and scarves! students feel self-conscious wearing community awareness and moral
their gowns since so few others do, accountability. This commitment
and are not interested in appearing should be undertaken with great
Early fall deliveries different from their peers in any thoughtfulness by those belonging to
arriving weekly! LtohceatPeidggitnytWhieggLloygiHnoMmoentneeaxgtleto way." When so few wear their gowns, the OrderofGownsmen."
MONDAY-SATURDAY 10^ [931)924-5647 negative implications for the gowns
Page 4
What Grace
Peculiar
ByMolly Fitzpatrick
Like most college students, I usually call home on Sundays tocheck in with my My mother's car is approximately the size ofa walnut, which narrows it down a
family. That Sunday. I had left themonly days beforetoreturn toSewanee formy lot. The only thing I can think of (that will fit) is a box full of family pictures. I
senior year and called to let them know I hadn't already forgotten them as they am suddenly struck by the unbearable irony that only days before, while packing
had predicted. I had no idea what was coming. I was still half-asleep and a little my own belongings into my car (also the size of walnut), I made a conscious
hungover when I learned that a Category 5 hurricane was in the GulfofMexico, effort to consolidate. "You always bring too much stuffto school," I told myself.
aiIm'evedlaitvNedeiwn OBralyeaSnts..LoIusitso.pMpiesdsibrsesaitphpiingal.l my life, and around there hurricanes "wJiutshtoubtr,inygouthceabnargeetesitseonvteiralTs,haannkdsgifivthienrge'bsrseaokm.e"thIfinagnyyoonuedgeicviedsemyeoucrcaapn'atbloiuvte
are part ofyourhistory. My dad alwajs tells the story ofhow I took my first steps being a packrat again, at least I'll have a bulletproof rebuttal. I tell my mother
in the eye ofhurricane Elena, right as it passed over the house where my whole how much I love her. hang up the phone, and begin the longest wait ofmy life.
family washuddled ina hallway.The lastCategory5 hurricanetomake landfall in I sleep fitfully, and wake up early the next morning to watch the news before
our area was Camille in 1969, and before the lastofherwinds had died out in the class; I suppose that being 'informed' is the best way to fight the hysteria that is
heartland, she was already a myth. We learned about her fury as schoolchildren; lurking in the shadows. 'Katrina has shifted hercourse towards the GulfCoast of
though it had happened almost 20 years before we were born, we all knew our Mississippi,' a woman with platinum hairand feigned concern informs me. I wait
towns were built on a graveyard, and everybody knew someone with a story. for her to say. and is now on her way to swallow up everything you have ever
When I was 8 yearsold I met a woman who had watched, paralyzed, as the water known.' What is even worse than imagining what is happening to my family and
pushed through the front door and dragged her husband of 30 years out into the my home is the knowledge that there isn't a damn thing I can do for them, and
Gulf. The house I grew up in was torn from its foundation and carried down the for the first time in my life I feel utterly helpless and alone. Time stops for me.
street. One of the most infamous tales, a favorite ofconservative ministers, was but my body goes on autopilot. I go to class, I eat, I even laugh with my friends;
ofthe group ofunfortunate souls who decided to throw a 'hurricane party'on the I don't remember much of it. I watch the news forhours, searching for some sign
top floorofa beachfront hotel, which disappeared under a wall ofwater. A lot of oflife. I hear the platinum-haired woman report that the eye ofthe storm passed
people died simply because they underestimated her, and you could hear people over my town. I hear a man in a windbreaker in Gulfport saying that they are
whispering her name every time there was a storm -reminding each other not to unsure what has become ofBay St. Louis and its neighbor, Waveland. because no
let their guards down again. But over time we got comfortable. As the decades onecan getthere. I see slideshowsonthe Internet: rescueefforts, flooding in New
passed, many hurricanes threatened, but for the most part left us alone, and we Orleans. Red Cross relief, skeletons of buildings I knew by heart, matchsticks
convinced ourselves that we had already paid our dues - that nothing as bad as where memories used tobe. It does notaffect me immediately; I watch it all from
Camille could happen again. We were wrong. And now we have stories of our adistance, in both senses oftheword. I am vaguely awareofafault line forming,
own. each word and picturecreating atiny crack, andI wait silently forthe day they all
My father is at my mother's house, boarding up windows, when I call. He connect -the day that I shake so hard I fall apart.
sounds infunatingly nonchalant as he informs me that he will be riding out the If there is one thing I have learned from living in a small Southern town, it is
storm in a friend's office building in Bay St. Louis with his girlfriend and my that bad news travels much faster than good. It is two days before I hear that my
9-yearold half-sister in tow. I argue. I curse him. I am crying as I beg him to grandparents, who also stayed, are alive (barely) and have been evacuated. It is
leave. He heaves a sigh I've heard a thousand times - the one he has carefully anothertwo before I learn that my parents have made it, and two more until I can
crafted to indicate when he is frustrated with someone's incompetence. His tone actually speak to them on the phone. The joy I feel at the sound of my parents'
becomes slightly condescending as he reiterates that the hurricane is headed for voices is indescribable, but their voices crack as they break the news. I learn that
New Orleans, and that I am. as usual, overreacting. I'm only 21, but I've lived my entire history has been washed away. The house I have lived in since the day
just longenough toknow that sometimes arroganceand stubbornness can get yon I was born. My bestfriend's house, the house I basically lived in since 6th grade.
killed, and a category 5 hurricane is one ofthose times. As he hands the phone to My father's house, my aunt's house, my grandmother's house. My church. My
my mother, I wonder ifthese are the last words I will ever say to him. high school. My home. I become a walking paradox -both terrified and relieved,
I expect my mother to be more sensible. She is more humble, intuitive, and grateful and enraged, shattered but stronger, homeless but fortunate. Gradually
has a deep respect for nature; she usually listens when nature is telling her to get I become aware of constant, simple kindnesses, and more obvious ones soon
the hell out. But she tells me that she is going to Gulfport, only a few miles east, follow. I walk into the hallway of the B.C., overflowing with donations, and for
to stay with some friends. I begin to wonder if in the midst of all this upheaval, a moment I feel something I wondered ifI would everfeel again: I somehow feel
they have somehowconfusedeastwith north, alsoknown as 'the direction you're at home.
supposed to go in a hurricane.'The first thingthey teach you in Hurricanes 101 is It seems that everyone always tries to point out a silver lining in situations like
that the east side ofthe eye is the worst place to be. I continue to protest, feeling this (which, forthe record, can beextremely annoying). Mydaddescribed losing
like Chicken Little, knowing in my bones that the sky is about to fall hard, but everything he had as "strangely liberating."At first I thought he was in shock, but
that there is nothing I can say to change their minds. Then my mother asks me I'm beginning to understand what he meant. It's a pretty amazing feeling to look
one of those questions you never think you'll hear: "What do you want me to around at everything in your dorm room and realize it's all you've got...then to
take with me from the house? I don't know what will be here when I get back." realize it's more than you need.
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Page 5
Armchair
Economics Round
II Cell Phone Woes
By Coley McKinstry
By Chris Purdy
=a^retTecoefeobwlu„lr|ogwerfoonccuotsnhueonhndereaulnsmo,tohfetrhti,hseediqosusuaublell'yes ctfhloaymtipnaagnpiloeansnetlwooosuelHudmntorsenvaeiclyhlefuwlhlecnaApiarcUhineteyy warInniangpslatcheatwhueprpeerwcolrasdsomfenmoguivtehtcoarfrrieesshsmoenmuacbhoutwetihgehtu,sethoefccaeslulaull,arreppheoanteesd
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IZkfTw^'V SCh dU'e and he fligh b6COmes economically sight (and earshot) on campus has been ignored.
tftaorriafevHlneiudgln'hitstnsgvfirolerflsreeho,airmscAhlf,Faaotbrhhaeterm,aM.fwyoehuronDsdu,wroituFhnlalgfotdrmihbdyeea pwfuanrofyoueimland'shgiabtbplhepeee.nccaiunnsc'gIten,ollmttehehderi.sa$i1rcTl8aio.sn0ee,0pirst,etovhieetnnaetkffefletitchghtihe,st gwmroeesPyatarrstceueiorntftsoawtithnhieleeydraetbdtuorsnawyec,natribotuanotoltiahfnreigSareedjwcioiafbtfnsye,erfeeurnletliascsoihoftrastbhpluoeesfatcalweteaf-yaua.nln,ydA-nbicanuatssutdtarelnaemtl.ibscueLtsritiifingnegoe.rasstsmTSaheseaniwdnaekinnfeumdleorlsayitbs
could purchase an airline ticket from less popular flight. This can be looked organizations hold meetings at regular times. It is common knowledge that on
rTFphoirits MryieprwsotuolIdHIunm-tcsl,vui,dleleafofrli$gh2t00f.r0o0m. catusatsomaenr,$""f1o8r.t0h0"e a»livo»rs»lsuine1i1.n1 IHrVeoIvwUeeInUuvCee,,rLpb/eCylr cSaunndbaeyfnoiugnhdts,eadtionrgmanstaefafrlhioelrddsintnheeirrtmheaentiunsgusa,l ainndorodnerMtoondatatyesn,d mthoesitr cGhraepetkesr
tFhoernt Mayseercsontdo fAltilgahnttaf,roGmeoArtgliaan,taantdo ttahkainntghoeynwthoiuslldosbse, tifhtehyeayredildonsiontgh)aevses omteetthinegms.imImteidsiraatreelyth,atlemgeiettiimnigzisnpgoapcuapllsoonquaicckelllytphhaotnye.ouFmuurstthbeermmoardeewaiwtahrea
Hinuvnetsstvi,glaltei.ng,Dhuerifnoguntdhe course_of^h_is^_enough people on the flight to make it sbiemcpaluesefomuorstdigeivtereyxotnenes'isonnufmobreervebreygisntsudweintthona c2)a,mpitussho(ualrdgunaobtlybtehrteheatdihgairtds
that the price of the Hi • •. I to remember your friends' numbers. Some students say they use their cellular
flight from Fort Myers phonestokeepintouchwith theirparents becausetheirlongdistanceplanis more
to Atlanta would cost economical than the one through the University or through a calling card That
$218.00 on its own. rationale makes perfectsense tome, buteven ifone should choose this methodof
Oddly enough, the reaching parents orotheroutsiders. I have two counterpoints to discuss.
flight from Fort Myers Firstly, few places on campus get very good reception. Even with Cingular
toAtlantacost$218.00, calls can still break up depending on where you are. In my experience, dorms'
but to take that same tend to get stronger signals than along the sidewalk of University Avenue or
plane and then get on in front of the Library. Secondly, unless it's some sort of family emergency
another plane and fly you're probably annoying the hell out ofyour parents. Most ofthem havejobs.
on to Huntsville would They have business to tend to during the day. And now that you are out of the
cost $200.00. The house, they areprobablyenjoying theirnewfound freedom at night. Besides, it is
economic question probably in your best interests to keep conversations briefbefore they have time
here is, why does an to inquire about your weekend debauchery.
additional leg of a trip Beyond their faulty utility and ability to disturb family members, cell
cthoisst claessse,mothneeya?irliInne Thesedays, itfisceueltmisestfhiegauirrilnigneouitndeucsotnryomiiscaslsohavingdif- pIshoitnweosrmtahkaediorlrliatrattiongdnoowinsleosatdhatacnaenwbreihnegatrodnefreovmerfyarwtheeerkatwhaayt stohuanndysoulitkehitnhk.e
is essentially paying latest pop song? Is a digitized versionofthe latest Chingy song really as cool as
the traveler $18.00 to get on a second economically feasible, and canceling you think? While Dr. Knoll may think so. I hope that most would disagree.
aaspmiluyrdamlenimfTenmeiheinrsaiin,sntaddirvaqefenoulofedyaffsenttIsevainweonhenndaarbv.flehouerantsnIthooetatrphe.morxypoeeupratgcweihadcsoroeuemutwpeththahtaiteotn asetthhxeeecpcloToafanhnldiviiddnegsihirttfnsitlgacoiytngophianwetloshneowyfqflauaisegbiihntonttmu.clcteyyonHs.tttoibhswviesesetlveqtesuoarset,sttttaedoikmuoepnrtt,iatnkhagaeet rppBtIeoruyahibtdvlauhsaives,tcieier",nbIhgie'CIe-cvtoaPhaehronoueddcpgssseeoee)m.tr,onitbirtihFeteeneotamtgrlusetssprthoeirhantrionmhvpsapiauemnockbgryyeltst,ihsracmtsat,oihyataswydnhraeoyahealurilkrdommawfaitaisoroctyeroohstunhaahnvtesyedehrirawshrtseneevalallollyltfoikoi.aicuhosne.nagsI"snstegowitlnhshafea-rttsinuhimedwgipteneroarlrtpfktoehriauoonnmsgtnmeeeoaaysntnnohtdu(aeorscrtceeoonllneliibctcspeeetkhimeotknstneeihdepnai..uttn
is very close to price discrimination, fellow economics major came up with
by changing their prices for a fare, a second, very solid explanation. He In this small community, it is refreshing togreetpeopleas youpass them.
dreespeernvdaitniogn oins bhooowkedfa.r iPnerahdavpasnctehisa sstpoerceuslataendd tvhaetndopresrhaipns tthhee aviarrpioorutss gsTpehinirusiitsnisem,noorctoerjdutishatalnafaoflJakbL.loeAscoqrnuegaitcoekrdsabmcyiolntevhfeerrAsodammtiiaonsnostithoheanrtOscftofuuidlceden.twawiSitel.lwapSnrooepbehaobsmltoyudrleeinfttCsyoloaiurnre
discrepancy is a somewhat different give a percentage of their sales to the Walsh asserts hisopinionsaying, "I came to Sewaneewithoutacell phoneand do
form of price discrimination. It is airlines. During a layover, people tend not intend on everowning one while I am here. Certainly, when graduation and
plausible that there is more demand to purchase goods and or services at the real world roll around, itwill inevitably be time tosubmittotheoh-sopopular
for a ticket from Fort Myers toAtlanta, the various airport stores, ranging from cell phone. While here, however, I would rather enjoy the views and renowned
than there is to Huntsville. Atlanta lunch ora beerat the airportrestaurant, beauty ofthe domain than make a few phone calls." Sewanee is a peaceful and
is a higher populated city with more to a bookormagazine at the bookstore. friendlyplace. We have kept it so foryears. Ifyou are going to use a cell phone,
attractions than Huntsville. Therefore If the individual airlines that have at least respect the community by keeping it in yourcar or in your room.
itis likely thatthere isagreaterdemand purchased gates at the airports gain
for people to go to this city. I imagine a percentage of the airport vendor's
the people setting the airline prices income, then it is logical that an Smo Bs
ke
recognize this, and thus, set a higher increase inairlinelayoverswillresultin
*t
price for the Atlanta fare. an increase in revenue for that airline.
However, this still leaves us with the If this is the case, then the $18.00
question ofwhy it costs less to fly even discount for flying on to Huntsville is
further, in this case to Huntsville. The expected to be recouped by the airline
[phone]
extra costs of flying on to Huntsville in the form of a percentage of sales
from Atlanta include more gasoline, during that flight's layover. Mon-Sat 11am -8pm
increased wear on the airplane, These two suggestions seem to Ask About Detivery!
paying the flight crew, and paying the be very good explanations of this Next To The Monteagle Truck Plaza
ground crew and baggage handlers at interesting pricing design. The idea
a second airport. These costs seem to of an incentive to travel further strikes
be significant, and it is perplexing why me as a quite probable explanation;
the ticket price would not be more than however, I believe that there are very [phone]
$200.00, in an attempt to meet the cost strong merits to the "shared revenue"
ofthe extra leg ofthe trip. hypothesis. There is no doubt that
The best explanation that I devised is there may be many more reasons why MANE ATTRACTION
that the $18.00 deduction from the first airlines price the way they do, and
flightisaninducementtotakethesecond thinkingaboutthe variousexplanations FamilyHairCareCenter
leg of the trip. As stated above, there can be an intellectually stimulating
is less demand for people to travel to exercise.
Huntsville than there is for people to
travel to Atlanta. It is then less likely
Page 6
Sustainable Living Cliff Tops vs.
(Continuedfrompage 1)
The Monteagle Assembly:
and throw up their hands takes hold student newsletter, sprang from the
because the avenues to make Sewanee Environmental Resident program,
more sustainable were paved years as did the Green Pledge Dinner, The Eternal Debate
ago, and there are people working where seniors pledge to maintain By Sarah Thomas
every day to maintain and furtherthose environmentally friendly lifestyles
paths. Physical Plant Services (PPS) after leaving the Domain. Students for Forover twelve years my family has was a good trick for a while, but alas,
instituted the use of energy efficient Environmentally Responsible Politics been coming to Sewanee for Parent's the Assembly's finest caught on. The
compact fluorescents in all university (SERP) work to ensure voters know Weekends and Graduations. I have booth by the gate was seldom occupied
buildings, installed low flow shower politicians' environmental records stayed in many houses in both the in the pastyears, and comingandgoing
heads in the dorms, and is currently and manage letter-writing campaigns, Assembly and Clifftops; sometimes was unannounced and unnoticed. Now,
considering the useofbio-diesel fuel in supporting politicians in their the houses visiting the
maintenance vehicles and transferring environmentally friendly decisions and were tiny and Assembly
a percentage of our solid waste expressing disappointment to those sometimes is more like
disposal from the landfill in Marion who did not think of the environment they slept four visiting Fort
County to Wasteaway. where it would when voting. families plus Knox. This
be recycled into park benches, flower The variety of membership and stragglers left may be a
pots, and building materials. Waste- work of the groups here at Sewanee over after the bit of an
Not and the Sewanee Outing Program and the wide range of classes and parties. The exaggeration,
organize hikes with trash bags, glass places where the term sustainability Assembly is but currently
recycling, programs on environmental now appears indicate that the shift a labyrinth of the "estimated
education at local elementary schools, toward more sustainable lifestyles houses, many time" you will
tree planting, and documentaries, all holds something for everyone. It is of which be spending
the while fighting to protect Abbo's no longer only for the flower children are quite within, is a
Alley from pavement. The Eco-House of our parents' generation. If you are unique. The question just
works in an organic garden, sponsors among the skeptical, overwhelmed, or Assembly's
to get through
cmealmtpionugtspotasndforpoatlllutchkesetnhvaitrosnemrevnetaals cWoenefku,seOdc,tothbeerup2c4tohm-i2n8gth,Supstraoivniadbeisliatny chloousseelsy makseet I the gate! If
entering sans
cgoromumpusniotnycaomuptursea,cha,ndipnacrltuidciinpgatefsielidn oinpptohretmuonivteymefonrtytoouwatrodsfisnudstyaoinuarbiplliatcy.e wit aildekalinfgor a pass, a fee is
collected from
trips to sustainable building projects Changes in the way we live are not betweenmultiplepartiesinoneevening. each car! Oh! How we long for the
and workshops. far off, but at this point, we can still Clifftops is more spread out, which days when no one cared! Lisa Smith,
The Environmental Residents determine -what those changes will allows for privacy. The Assembly is a senior says, "It just doesn't seem
pwirtohmiontedormesnvitrhornomuegnhtaplrograawmasresnuecshs tbhea.t wWiellaswaesspuercrieensdheravteo dtohened?amWaiglel fidaenalanfdor"spiettoipnlgeouwtasticdheinugn.d"erClaifpfotrocphs nfoerceasfsaerwyhtoourbse."charging people to stay
edaawnosnivcddtiuehmreweoannEcttmoceaemorrnp-iteCceatuosilpn,t,siuaoaarmncpmphtoirtitenoeostcenhtrnetltadhoatuanlictguoe,nmincneubcanslyme,uprduagenssay aadswgsiweacitiamsan,thsmetruwulhwgtteihho-aretuterarelwdseaenhwmtoeleauidlgvdbeeaer??nreasdOtrahdWeniiw,dvilellalwrlshwwleeeoergweurtniotuiwurttepneo rhhtuahalsasenOsbanetcahcmteeoomrtMuheeopenomrtAnoeeslrasaaegexmletadbienmldemyA,m,sosooterahdmeenbrdaerlteysSw,tteerhwierwcaehtgneiadenct.eohe papbleaeltr-rsSoopuonaetslcm.iteeinMvafteateaieyaknlebbgooetvuhetoarittt.ShseetrhwesmaAohnAsaestvesee'sMmapobbrdniloitaffyneifnateumargabeallnlye,te
ToewdatrvhiahngessredanpohtnlSueuaigeryazwhswliaalonssynghftaieetfnal-eotidnswtedLtenetoiroeerdgrnrafwhigxcareiy,otronuesamtg)rrhn,laedcegeseiwnasantntanvrgtuidarelrrirMoenccecantfCylamhfcslmerilunpco(iirtuuaneaggsgnnl.,h,dt tsuawaoopnrecdogWitouoeo.enrutedryeps?salentcylaohvnwewdo,siftafathuarsceaaetwcoloiriluosdtlrseisconrhigfoudagetcdeoshw,amhpnairagocknebhdeslewiattmsahsaiy,ast mTbphiftlrhaoaacomivvctisoeiehlm.nieheergaAbsssasecnhtccaotdaorahdspmuesaseerfytevtreodeieaerpersdars.silroofegOhfmoireanefgervnesehepsnioytrispvevoaafeelbsrrrlotl,iy,ceetammnthtdshyesisetorewnoiwrnslchuettdlieereierrnenr.se atirtwAnhhneseivedmssiratneeeiifemsynaoebomdnaliuealytSihnhoueaouesnkvnnmdeedypeaarmilpnyeto.dodluysWaoscethfwhehioorsalouoanlwerywdhscwa,looaseorssd"pepeweAseamriftar.bstct"flheeyryerfWisueetallnahnllldatl,dsyto,
ordertogive the illusion that ourhouse plays loud music and involves multiple
Sustainability Week: was notthe site ofaparty. This became double and triple parked cars... the
problematic at the end of the evening Assemblyfeelsalove/haterelationship
when no one knew where theircar was with every passing guest! There are
— parked! And the pile of car keys was pros and cons for both Clifftops and
Monday, October24th Environmental Fair, 5:30pm in the Quad overwhelming and a huge disaster! the Assembly, all depending on the
Picnic andinformation on environmentalactivitiespastandpresent at Sewanee parents have a whole list of mood and opinions of your family. As
Sewanee. tricks uptheirsleeves. Carpoolingfrom for mine, we are moving to Clifftops!
another location outside the Assembly
-
lYiesday, October 25th Local Foods Breakfast, 8am in the BC
A mealmade with only localfoods.
-
Wednesday, October 26th Sustainability Day Webcast, 11:30am-
1:30pm in GailorAuditorium Monteagle Diner
Live webcastsummarizingfive conferences on campus sustainability.
Thursday, October 27th - Kilowatt Ours, 7pm in GailorAudito- Breakfast Buffet
A documentary on the coalandrniuucmlearpowerthatprovide us with Saturday and Sunday 6:30 - 10:00 am
electricity. Daily Lunch Specials and Menu Orders
Sundays 6 am 3pm
-
-Brought to you by Waste-Not and the Environmental Resident Saturday & Weekdays am pm
Program— 6:30 - 9
closedTuesdays
To subscribe to a Sewanee-based environmental news email list: Locally Owned by: Bill & Virginia Lockhart
- Send an email to [email protected]
- In the text ofthe email, write "subscribe enviroserv" 931-924-4177
Do
- not include anything more (not even your signature) in the
text area