the
Herald By and for the students of Hobart and William Smith Colleges
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2010
VOLUME CXXXI ISSUE 3
GENEVA, NY
SEIU Local 200United Calls For Change By Carrie Stevens ‘12 Editor-in-Chief
Photo courtesy of: www.claremont-courier.com
William Smith Congress hopes to institute a Zipcar program on campus by next fall. According to the company’s web site, each Zipcar takes approximately 15-20 vehicles off the road.
Are You a Zipster? By Emma Stratigos ‘12 Herald Contributor
Carrie Stevens/Photographer
Hoping to raise awareness and support, SEIU Local 200United members passed out stickers during their Sept. 17 rally. More than 700 were circulated among students, faculty members and college employees. Hobart and William Smith Colleges’ union clerical workers want a better deal on health insurance. Currently under contract negotiations, and displeased with the progress thus far, the HWS members of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 200United carried their calls to the campus community. Over 13,000 members from across upstate New York comprise Local 200United. The group is affiliated with SEIU, whose membership tallies over two million members. All individuals are united under
the platform of the dignity and worth of workers. SEIU Local 200United channels its resources toward obtaining fair contracts, working with lawmakers to ensure positive change and organizing new members into the union. On Friday, Sept. 17, from 12-1 p.m., ten union members handed out stickers to campus members. The bargaining unit members hoped raise awareness and enlist support from the campus community.
If you ever get sick of constantly asking others to drive you to Wegmans, the movies, the bank or on other small errands around Geneva, there may be a solution in sight. There is discussion within William Smith Congress (WSC) about introducing a car-sharing program to the Hobart and William Smith campus. Zipcar is a company that supplies high quality sustainable vehicles to cities and universities so that people can, for a relatively small cost, share them. The Zipcar
SEIU continued on Page 2
program aims to create a world with fewer cars and, therefore, fewer of their harmful effects. According to the company’s web site, “each Zipcar takes 15 to 20 personally owned vehicles off the road.” They see the use of this system resulting in “less congestion, less pollution, less dependence on oil, and cleaner, fresher air to breathe.” The company’s site further explains, “Zipsters,” as they have dubbed Zipcar users, “may get their start running errands and moving couches, but in
ZIPCARS continued on Page 2
Finding His Beat: Chuck Todd Speaks at President’s Forum By Carrie Stevens ‘12 Editor-in-Chief Chuck Todd is a musician. A French horn player to be exact. Before becoming the Chief White House Correspondent and Political Director for NBC News, the Miami, Fla.-native could carry a tune on a variety of instruments. “I could pick up and play any brass instrument,” Todd further explained. “But the French horn was my favorite.” On Saturday, Sept. 25, Todd visited Hobart and William Smith Colleges as a speaker for the President’s Forum. His talk during the Colleges’ Family/Homecoming Weekend – titled “Previewing November 2nd: A discussion on the Carrie Stevens/Photographer midterm elections” – outlined his Opening his speech in Albright predictions, concerns and outlook on the U.S. government. Auditorium on Sept. 25, Chuck Todd’s interest in politics Todd starts talking about began in middle school. “My father
issues with the economy.
and my cousin were both very politically conscious. When I was 13, my dad would give me political books to read.” He further described the heated debates of his father and cousin. “That’s when I realized I wanted to be part of that world.” During his 10:30 a.m. address, Todd elaborated upon his childhood admiration for the government. “I love what the American government could be. I’m a total political geek that way. I was brought up to idolize the U.S. Congress and the Senate.” In order to enter this political world, Todd needed a passport. When he was 16 years old, his father died, which left the family in a precarious economic situation. “We really didn’t have a lot of money,” Todd started. “I knew my only chance of going to college would be
on a music scholarship.” During his senior year of high school, the French horn fanatic was awarded a scholarship to George Washington University. “It was a great way for me to get to Washington [D.C.],” Todd said during a Sept. 25 interview. With his days of pursuing a music minor in the past, today Todd follows a different beat. As NBC News’ political director, he serves as the on-air political analyst for “NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams,” “Today,” “Meet the Press” and MSNBC. He’s also the co-host of MSNBC’s “The Daily Rundown.” During the President’s Forum, Todd talked about the current state of the country. “Polls show that parents think their children will live in a more troubled America than the one they grew up in. This fear BEAT continued on Page 2
Campus Happenings
A&E
Opinions
Sports
G-To wn’s Got Talent
Spotligh t : M ol l y Kri f ka
Cra c ke r F a c t or y ’ s F l a v or
Returning to Ser ve
R e tu r n o f H o mecoming
Ar ts Col l e c t i v e U pda t e
“A P i nc h of N ut me g”
Hobar t Nation
“N e v e r L e t M e G o” R e v i e w
Running Down a Dream
K e c k a n d the Constitution Advice fr o m D r. Bl a c kwe l l “ S ex tem ber” Concludes
“Easy A” M ov i e R e v i e w
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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2010
The Herald
Established 1879 By and for the Students of Hobart and William Smith Colleges
Carrie Stevens, Editor-in-Chief Karissa Seeberger, Campus Happenings Editor Whitman Littlefield, Opinions Editor Erin Meehan, A&E Editor Carrie Stevens, Sports Editor Amy Nimon, Photography Editor
Contributors Laura Alexander Emily Anatole Kristyna Bronner Daphney Etienne Nate Ginnetty Katie Levenstein Whitman Littlefield David Luna Jessica Lynn
Annie Mandart Amy Nimon Briahna Phillips Megan Rechin Hannah Semaya Carrie Stevens Emma Stratigos Lauren Wells Irene Yang
Distribution Whitman Littlefield Amy Nimon Carrie Stevens Copy Editing Whitman Littlefield Carrie Stevens Layout Carrie Stevens
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ZIPCARS continued from Page 1 the end, there is just something about the freedom… that no one can resist.” Smith College, an all girls’ school in Northampton, Mass., is a campus of 2,600 undergraduate students, not too much bigger than HWS. Smith was experiencing congestion on campus when it came to parking and was thinking about undertaking a project to add more parking lots. Any HWS student that has a car on campus can probably think of several frustrations they’ve had with parking on our campus. Smith’s adoption of Zipcar allowed them to put those plans aside. According to Smith College Media Relations Director, Kristen Cole, Zipcar is “Convenient. Affordable. Fun.” William Smith Congress President, Caroline Spruill, explained the cars could be reserved for a few hours or a whole day. To start, the campus would be given two cars with a minimum requirement of two hundred hours per month. A Zipcar membership can be purchased for $25. The weekday rate would be $8 per hour and $66 per day, while it would cost $9 per hour and $72 per day on weekends. Gas and insurance are both included in those prices. As Spruill sees it, if students “bring friends along
and split the cost, it isn’t bad at all.” She says HWS may also be able to provide discounts for students involved in the teaching program, community service or other commitments that require transportation. The cars could also be offered to the Geneva community. They would be a big help to theme houses, especially those that need to buy groceries for a co-op plan. “I think this is something that a lot of people can benefit from,” says Spruill. Whether it be running errands around town or going on a day trip for fun, she wants to provide more options for students without cars. WSC continues to discuss the addition of the environmentally friendly transportation solution to the campus. According to Spruill, the main issue right now is the cost. WSC members are exploring the options for help with the funding of the program. They plan on distributing a survey in early October to help gauge student interest. “If there is interest, we can make it happen,” Spruill states. She hopes if everything goes according to plan, HWS students may be seeing these efficient Zipcars on campus next fall.
SEIU continued from Page 1 “Getting affordable healthcare is our goal,” stated Kit Fallon, formerly of the William Smith Dean’s Office; now, Fallon works as a representative for the SEIU Local 200United. “Clericals pay an enormous percentage of their income for health insurance. The administration simply won’t budge.” Under the current contract, all HWS employees surrender 20 percent of their paychecks toward their health insurance premiums, which are through Aetna. Established in 1853 in Hartford, CT, Aetna provides health care, dental, pharmacy, group life and disability insurance. At the Colleges, workers have three different premium options and sign up for one plan under a three-year contract. The union members are asking that 5 percent of their paychecks, rather than 20 percent, go toward health insurance. During the lunch hour on Sept. 17, union members and supporters passed out over 700 stickers to the campus community. Stationed at hightraffic areas – including Scandling Center, the Warren Hunting Smith Library and Smith and Stern Halls – bargaining members quickly ran out of stickers that read, “I Support Affordable Health Insurance for Union Clericals.” “Even though the event was short, I think the visibility enhanced awareness of one of our issues with students, staff and faculty,” Fallon said after the rally. There are about 50 members in the SEIU Local 200United union. The committee reconvened ten days later – on Mon., Sept. 27 – to discuss future plans. During the hour-
long meeting held in Demarest’s Blackwell Room, the seven individuals in attendance voiced their concerns with the issues facing campus employees. “The cost of healthcare has tripled in recent years,” said Drew Blanton, from the SEIU Rochester Office. “We need to turn back the clock and bring costs down.” Many members maintain the healthcare battle is the tip of the iceberg. “It’s a question of ethical versus economical issues,” started Calvin Ott, an organizer for SEIU, who’s also based in Rochester. “It simply isn’t ethical to underpay our food service workers. The clerical issue is the forefront; the food service employees and maintenance workers also need a new contract.” Other attendees shared their personal stories and concerns with the healthcare payments and wage issues. On Monday, Oct. 4, SEIU Local 200United plans to hold a “Rally for Respect.” The clerical workers will unite with SODEXHO employees and other campus employees for a joint rally. Two waves of activism are scheduled, one from 12-1 p.m. and the second from 4-5 p.m. on Pulteney Street. When asked for comment, HWS’ Office of Human Resources released the following statement: “The Colleges prize the hard work and dedication of our union colleagues. Currently we are in productive dialogue with members of the SEIU bargaining team and look forward to a positive conclusion to negotiations.”
BEAT continued from Page 1 for their future is un-American. People come to America so their children can have a better life than the one they had. It is ingrained in our culture.” With midterm elections in November, Todd hypothesized changes in the House of Representatives and Senate. “The Conservatives have a very enthusiastic base, and the Democratic base is split, with many party members feeling the Democrats in Congress are out of touch and that the President is not fighting as he said he would,” he explained. Further, Todd believes the Democratic Party “over-performed” two years ago, which will most likely cost them the House. He also stated this will be “a big year for the
Republicans,” and predicts they will take control of Congress. Finally, he forecasted the principal issue of 2011: “What health care was, the budget will be in next year.” Due to a lack of revenue and reluctance to enforce further taxation, Todd predicted there would be major crises within state governments. What it ultimately comes down to, he believes, is a dire need for reorganization in Washington. “Congress needs to restructure.” Established in the winter of 2000 by President Mark D. Gearan, the President’s Forum Series brings speakers to the Colleges to share their knowledge and ideas with students, faculty, staff and interested community members.
Corrections/Clarifications from last issue An article about the Convocation ceremony said Professor Mertens of the Economics Department served in Nigeria for her Peace Corps assignment. Professor Mertens spent her time in Mali.
An article about William Smith graduate Christine Yankelunas highlighted her success in the world of advertising. To further clarify, Yankelunas was a media and society major.
Blog of the Week By Daphney Etienne ‘12 Herald Contributor
Speakeasy Speakeasy is the Wall Street Journal’s culture blog with contributions mostly from the WSJ staff. The blog covers everything from the hottest parties to the latest in literature to the greatest on stage, even the best – or maybe worst – of the MTV’s Jersey Shore. It Photo courtsey of: http://blogs.wsj.com/speakeasy really isn’t procrastination if it’s from the WSJ. I mean, if you’re going to get your pop culture fix, might as well get it from a reputable, wellwritten source right? URL: http://blogs.wsj.com/speakeasy/
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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2010
Campus Happenings G-Town’s Got Talent By Katie Levenstein ‘12 Herald Contributor
Homecoming Makes Triumphant Return By Daphney Etienne ‘12 Herald Contributor Last weekend, the campus saw more than 1,500 parents and alumni visiting, making an old tradition new again. Homecoming and Family Weekend was a success, with activities for students, alumni and parents. The weather on Friday afternoon could not have been better, and students,
House Correspondent and Political Director of NBC News Chuck Todd. For those who wanted a break from the sporting events on Saturday afternoon, keeping true the values of the Colleges, community service opportunities were available, with parents and students volunteering
parents and alums alike filled the hill, watching the Hobart soccer team play Union. Participants in the Campus Activities Board’s house-decorating contest, including Chi Phi, the Leaders of Tomorrow and winners Kappa Sigma, showed school spirit and decorated their houses in green, white, purple and orange. Friday night events included fun for the whole family, with a Cabaret presented by the Alumni House and CAB. Students and their families gathered around to enjoy the music of singer-songwriter David Binder as well as that of their peers. On Saturday morning, alums and parents were kept busy, attending the many mini classes offered by various departments on campus. They were also treated to a speech on the midterm elections by the school year’s first President’s Forum speaker, Chief White
together in the Finger Lakes Institute’s Seneca Lake Beach Clean Up. After the annual Fall Nationals on the William Smith Hill, many were pumped, and ready to attend the last events of the night. Before the game, the crowds mingled and ate from local food stores, and were treated to live music by alumni band The Rum Runners. The game under the lights at the newly renovated Boswell Field saw a record-breaking attendance, with every seat in the bleachers filled. Although they did not end up winning, the football team played a tough game, with support from more than 4,000 fans. The night ended with celebrations at the Bristol Field House. Everyone seemed content and, as William Smith Junior Mirabelle Thevenin commented, “It’s a very unique way of celebrating, combining families, students and alumni.”
“It’s a ver y unique way of celebrating, combining families, students and alumni.”
Katie Levenstein/Photographer
The Geneva Youth Step team called HIPNOTIQS teaches younger girls how to step after the talent how at the Geneva Day for Kids Event on Sat., Sept. 25, held at the Geneva Community Center. And lot’s of it! On Sat., Sept. 25, the kids of Geneva got to celebrate themselves for a day at one of Geneva’s best youth and teen events. The Day for Kids is a national event, held all over the country on the same day. According to the website, the event aims to celebrate the importance of establishing stronger relationships between and adults and youth. This was the third year Geneva hosted the event. The Boys and Girls Club and the community center, both located in Geneva, collaborate together to create the event. The community center opened last year and it provides a space for youth to go to hang out with their friends. It is conveniently located near the middle school, so students don’t have far to go to get to the center. It was a $5 million capitol campaign that the Boys and Girls Club undertook several years ago. Thanks to many donors and fund raising efforts, the center is now thriving. Sam Tripoli, the civic leader on campus for the Boys and Girls club, helped to organize this great event. She got a strong group of HWS students to volunteer with the various activities being offered at the event. “The event is a celebration of Geneva’s youth,” says Tripoli. “It’s a way to enhance the community atmosphere between the kids and their parents.” It’s a free event with lots of interaction
and fun. The day was broken into two sessions: the family fest from 2-5 p.m. and the teen fest from 6-9 p.m. Activities included cultural arts and crafts, a live DJ, a choir performance, a dodge ball tournament, food vendors, a magician, game room, talent show, face painting, henna body art and informational tables in the gym. With plenty of things to do, the kids were able to show off their talents. As an experienced volunteer at the Boys and Girls club, Tripoli has gotten to know many of the kids from Geneva. Unfortunately, several of them face hardships in their lives. She loves the event because it provides the kids with an opportunity to just be kids for a day without having to worry about outside struggles. Even though it happens just once a year Tripoli sees it as very beneficial. “It gives kids a sense of purpose in the community and teaches them how to be active community members. The event gets them together to come up with a higher purpose for themselves.” Emma Stratigos is another student at HWS who volunteered at the event. She ran the face-painting booth for the family fest. She observed a lot of fun energy from the kids. “They seemed very carefree and happy,” she said. “I think they liked the fact that the whole day was dedicated to them.”
International Students Speak By Irene Yang ‘14 Herald Contributor
“Why did you choose HWS?” “I chose HWS because there are few Koreans here. I can focus on studying and improving my English.” -Jaeyeon Choi ‘14, South Korea “I wanted to go to a liberal arts school with a great academic environment and a low teacher-to-student ratio.” -Angela Zhou ‘14, China
Becoming Acclimated A week before Orientation, international students traveled to the Finger Lakes, met with faculty in the global education center and attended a Q-and-A session about living in the United States. They can continue their integration into American culture by joining the Intercultural Affairs Center (IC) and by going on additional trips.
Additional Advice “Try a new, interesting thing at least once a week. But do not forget your studying. You can get the most of this opportunity by what you do in this foreign country.” -JoJo Ragon ‘11
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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2010
Campus Happenings Constitution Day Commemoration By David Luna ‘14 Herald Contributor In creating the U.S. Constitution, the Founding Fathers knew they had to draft a document that addressed the problems of the past, and potentially those of the future. The Constitution was adopted on September 17, 1787, with the goal of providing a sense of direction to the organization of the three branches of the U.S. government. Ironically, the framers believed the document would not last even a couple of years. Fast-forward approximately 223 years to the 21st century. Today, many intellectuals and scholars argue the Constitution is one of the most important documents to the United States of America. Thomas Keck – the Michael O. Sawyer Chair of Constitutional Law and Politics at Syracuse University’s Maxwell School of Citizenship and
Public Affairs – is one of these individuals. Hobart and William Smith Colleges was honored to have one of the premier scholars on Constitutional Law give a lecture titled “Abortion, Affirmative
A large mix of people attended the talk; some came out of individual interest and others to fulfill a class requirement. Nonetheless, all in attendance learned about the innerworkings of Constitutional debates, legislation and Supreme Court
Today, many intellectuals and scholars argue the Constitution is one of the most important documents to the United States of America. Action, Gay Rights and Gun Rights: Constitutional Politics in Polarized Times” on Sept. 17. Held in the Sanford Room at 3 p.m., the lecture commemorated Constitution Day; needless to say, the Constitution’s framers would be fond to discover their hard work has turned into an American Federal observance.
rulings. The lecture lasted about an hour and thirty-seven minutes. During this timeframe, Keck emphasized a few points he considered to be essential to comprehending the Constitution. First, he made it clear that judges – specifically Supreme Court Justices – historically had
a penchant to apply the laws on very broad terms. In other words, many enforced their own personal preferences. Another point he discussed was the conflicts and quandaries that judicial activism has had and continues to cause. Judicial activism, according to Keck, “is when courts do not limit their ruling to the dispute before them, but instead establish a new rule to apply broadly to issues not presented in the specific action.” Essentially, precedents are not viewed as a strong reference when determining similar cases. In sum, Constitution Day is a time to commemorate the formation and signing of the U.S. Constitution by thirty-nine men on September 17, 1787, which recognized all who are born in the U.S. or by naturalization, have become citizens.
Fisher Center Series: Loïc Wacquant By Laura Alexander ‘14 Herald Contributor Those in attendance for Professor Loïc Wacquant’s lecture entitled “Engendering the Punitive State: Workfare and Prisonfare in the Post-Civil Rights America” on Sept. 22 would have been surprised. While the title suggests heavy subject matter, there was a multilayered discussion. Wacquant – a professor of Sociology and Research Associate at the Institute for Legal Research, Boalt Law School, University of California at Berkeley – opened the lecture by poking fun at himself and his lack of technical skills. “I live without a watch, I live without a cellphone. To you, I must seem like a dinosaur.” With this, he set the tone of his lecture as one filled with humor and infectious energy, along with a lesson no audience member would soon forget.
Despite the wordy title, the theme of Professor Wacquant’s lecture was easy to grasp. He wanted to illustrate the connection between America’s prison and welfare systems. These systems, one of discipline and the other of relief, are fundamentally connected he said, because they represent divisions of labor in our society. The prison system represents economically depressed men, while the welfare system is connected to the children and wives of these men. Wacquant stated this division is based on societal feelings that these men are dangerous and pose a threat to society and must therefore be incarcerated, while the women are “loose” and threaten to disrupt the domestic aspect of American culture. As the lecture progressed,
Professor Wacquant transitioned into a discussion on how these two systems were created as a reaction to social and criminal insecurity. When people are unable to find jobs, he stated, it creates social unrest that in turn means a more expansive and more populated prison system. This, then, means more women and children are supported by welfare because they are forced to live on one low income. Although this system was created to manage urban marginality, it has essentially become a “negative university.” Just as a prestigious university enables its students to obtain a degree and the possibility of better employment, a prison sentence will do the same thing in a negative context. It will always follow the person who served it, and it similarly justifies their chances at
a life outside of prison. At the conclusion of the lecture, he presented the audience with one question: How do we fix this? These two systems have become so intertwined, but neither functions properly, which is a tremendous strain on American society. According to Professor Wacquant, we must first break the cycle of crime being a response to punishment. Also, social and penal policy must be relinked. The prison system is an integral part of rebuilding America, and it must be seen as such and not as a entity separate from the state. The next Fisher Center Series lecture will take place Oct. 20 at 7:30 p.m. Juanita Diaz-Cotto will speak on how imprisonment has affected Latinas in the U.S.
Where is She Now? A Job Well-Suited for Steph Wells By Emily Anatole ‘11 Herald Contributor Recent William Smith graduate, Steph Wells ’10 is proof that persistence pays off. Wells, who majored in Psychology and double minored in Child Advocacy and Public Policy, always knew she wanted a career in research, particularly one that would allowb her to study Posttraumatic Stress Disorders. During her senior year, she compiled a list of over 30 researchers across the country whose work is aligned with her interests. Wells’ perseverance led her to a job at the Veteran’s Administration’s National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder – Women’s Health Sciences Division (NCPTDS-WHSD) in Boston, MA. Wells is a Research Technician for Dr. Patricia Resick, the director of NCPTDSWHSD and the creator Photo courtesy of Steph Wells of Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), a form of cognitive behavior therapy that treats trauma victims, including rape victims and military personnel and veterans. Wells has her ideal job, as it incorporates her love for Psychology and her passion for helping others. Wells, who has been working at the VA’s National Center for PTSD
since August, explains that, “there really is no typical day because research is sometimes unpredictable.” However, one of her main tasks is to handle all the Institutional Review Board (IRB) and research and development procedures, amendments and proposals. She also collects and summarizes relevant literature, updates the NCPTSD’s Annual Report Database and assists her boss with CPT research on trauma victims. To say her work is a learning experience would be an understatement. Wells admits, “…my job changes daily due to the demands of each day and I am always acquiring new skills.” Another highlight of Well’s job is that she attends research meetings where the staff members update each other on their current research projects. Wells will soon be among the presenters, as she is embarking on a research project of her own. With the help of Dr. Karen Mitchell, a clinical psychologist at the NCPTDS-WHSD, Wells will look at eating disorders, behaviors, body image and PTSD among a subsample of a large group of female rape and physical assault victims who went through the CPT. Her job offers tremendous room for personal growth and pursuits, as is evident by her partaking in research of her own. This is perfect for Wells as she plans to earn a Ph.D in Clinical Psychology. When asked what best prepared her for this job, she credits her Psychology courses and the guidance that Professors Julie Kingery, Jamie Bodenlos and Jeffrey Greenspon offered her. She states, “I am in touch with each of these professors to this day and they were an integral part of my time and professional development at HWS.” In terms of professional skills, she is appreciative of the Gearans; they were “my family away from home and they taught me valuable lessons about the work environment,” she explains. Wells is the first to tell you that she loves the real world and is thrilled with her job. “The most exciting aspect about it is self-growth. Being on your own teaches you a lot about yourself.” However, she insists that students shouldn’t rush to the real world so quickly. Her advice for seniors is “to enjoy their last year! It [the school year] will go by fast, so work hard, play hard and spend as much time as you can with your friends!”
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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2010
Campus Happenings Hobart Student Government Update By David Luna ‘14 Herald Contributor Talk about a meeting of the minds. Hobart Student Government (HSG) and William Smith Congress (WSC) held their first joint meeting of the 2010-2011 academic year on Tues., Sept. 28 at 7:30 p.m. in Coxe Hall, Room 8. The focal point of the meeting was to debate on club proposals and whether or not to grant applicants Club status. If granted club status, the club would then have to present its proposal to the Budget Allocation Committee, the BAC. Following the club proposals – all of which were granted club status expect for the bowling club –a brief information session on the Zipcar program commenced. Although it’s not a new initiative, the possibility of Zipcars arriving on the HWS campus is a recent idea. Currently, it is the talk
around campus, although the majority of noise seems to come from upperclassmen. In essence, Zipcars is a forprofit, membership-based car sharing company that provides automobile rental to its members, billable by the hour or day. Didn’t bring your car? Need to go to Wegmans? Desperately in need of new clothes? You can sign up to be a member and sign up for the time you need the car. This system has been statistically proven to eliminate “10-15” cars from the road, making it a green initiative. Of course this process is not that straightforward as numerous restrictions apply along with fees. Once this plan is more developed on campus, you can expect to hear more about this. Overall, it was a productive and collaborative first meeting.
William Smith Congress Update By Emily Anatole ‘11 Herald Contributor In case you haven’t been attending the William Smith Congress (WSC) meetings or reading their minutes, here’s the scoop on everything you’ve missed. WSC and Hobart Student Government (HSG) granted club status to the French and Francophone Club, an organization that aims to bring French culture to campus. Look forward to French movie screenings, a celebration for National French Week, a make your own crepe event and more. Episcopal Fellowship of Hobart and William Smith also proposed for club status and were granted permission. The organization used to exist, but wants to start up again in order to better understand the relationship between the Episcopal religion, the Colleges and Geneva. Bowling Club presented their case, but was turned down because of the high cost and transportation problems it would pose. Finally Wrestling Club (open to males and females) proposed for club status, but it has yet to be decided. There is certainly an interest in this club as over 20 students attended their informational meeting. The group has contacted a wrestling organization to provide discounts on mats and has researched other nearby schools with wrestling
clubs to compete against. Price is the determining factor that will impact whether or not it becomes a club. In other news, Zipcar is the big topic of conversation. The Zipcar company came to the joint HSG and WSC meeting to give a PowerPoint presentation about their car-sharing program. Zipcar would cover gas and insurance, as well as offer 24-hour roadside assistance. The Zipcar Task Force will soon begin and two cars will be available to rent. Currently the cost would include an initial membership of $25 and rates of $8/hour during the week, $9/hour during the weekend, and $66/day during the week $72/ day during the weekend. There is a possibility that the cost would be subsidized for students in the Teaching Certification Program, as well as for students participating in community service. The Deans support this program and feel this would be another great way to go green while simultaneously offering a helpful service to students and Geneva community members. A final decision has not yet been made, but stay tuned. If you want to be involved in WSC, go to their weekly meetings on Tuesdays at 7:30 p.m. in Coxe 007.
A Conversation With Ed O’Shea
Globe Trotting: A Word From Wales
By Carrie Stevens ‘12 Editor-in-Chief
By Nate Ginnetty ‘12 Herald Contributor
The Professor of English at SUNY Oswego is the Democratic candidate for the State Senate from the 54th District. O’Shea is running against Michael Nozzolio, the Republic incumbent. Elections will take place Nov. 2. O’Shea sat down with the Herald for a conversation on Sept. 22.
We were driving on a roundabout on A40 when Harry, a British student, remarked, “If you told me yesterday that I’d be exploring caves in Wales with an Australian, a Canadian, an Irish girl and an American I’d have never believed you.” It really was a remarkable scene. Five students from all over the globe packed into a small, rented Peugeot 207 and headed for “Britain’s Photo courtesy of Nate Ginnetty Finest Natural Wonder,” the caves of Dan-Yr-Ogof. Each individual had their own diverse experiences, memories, beliefs, but the choice to study abroad unified all of us. The first few days of studying abroad set the precedent for such experiences. Even arriving at the Heathrow airport provided the opportunity for cultural exchange. As we waited in the terminal for the students from Ohio, Virginia, New York, Germany, Texas and Canada to land, we shared stories about the flight, our homes, our plans abroad, and above all how excited we all were “just to be here!” On the bus ride down to Carmarthen, we were all wowed by the tiny cars with their right-hand steering wheels and the rolling, lush green hills of the enveloping landscape. There are some simple things we had to acclimate to. First, the exchange rate is fairly grim for Americans, so budgeting is a must. The accents are a bit jarring at first, but also extremely charming. Yet the single most surprising aspect about Welsh culture was the food. British cuisine is typically reputed to be quite harsh, but within the first week those stereotypes were dispelled. Overall, even these less significant cultural characteristics have factored significantly into my experiences here. During the first seven days of following my arrival here, I visited a 900-year-old castle. Then, I swam off the opposite shore of the Atlantic. Following that, I prayed in a 6th century monastery and, as previously mentioned, walked through ancient caves. It’s an impressive itinerary already, and my journey has barely begun.
CS: What makes you an ideal candidate for the college student? EO: The majority of people get excited about federal elections. However, everyone needs to realize there’s a crisis on our government; we need to change the climate. I’m committed to public education, specifically to doing something about the amount of debt that college students are accumulating. They amass this debt, and their degrees can’t be put to good use a lot of times. Photo courtesy of: http://www.osheaforsenate.org CS: What laws or policies do you plan to institute that will directly affect the college student? EO: Like I said, student debt is a huge issue. We need to hold down the cost of college. We need to get the state to invest more in education. We need to shift student loans to the semi-private sector and make sure interest rates aren’t absurd. I’m also interested in environmental causes, which I think college students will relate to. CS: You’re a self-proclaimed “outsider” to Albany. Do you think this is a positive or negative? EO: It’s definitely a positive, but it’s also an uphill battle. If you’re too much of an insider, you get sucked into the status quo. You can also sometimes alienate your supporters. I think the ideal candidate would be an outsider to an extent. It’s good in terms of providing new perspectives, new ideas, and new coalitions and leadership. CS: Do you consider yourself an underdog? EO: Yes, definitely! I have a good organization behind me, and a lot of supporters in terms of college faculty and students. It is difficult to get resources, though. I’m running under a strong ticket, and it’s basically an anti-incumbent movement. I have a great staff, and hopefully we can change the culture in Albany; we can’t get anywhere unless we change the way things happen.
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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2010
Campus Happenings “Sextember” Comes to a Close
The Blotter By Briahna Phillips ‘14 Herald Contributor
By David Luna ‘14 Herald Contributor
Friday, September 17: -10 William Smith students and 20 Hobart students were referred for underage alcohol possession. Saturday, September 18: -Nine Hobart and four William Smith students were caught with under age alcohol possession. Monday, September 20: -Kappa Alpha’s door was vandalized. This event is still under investigation. -One fake ID was also taken away from a William Smith student who was then referred to the Dean’s office. Tuesday, September 21: -Six Hobart students were caught with marijuana.
As “Sextember” wound down, its hallmark event – Sex Bingo – left Pride Alliance supporters with something to bear in mind. Sex Bingo drew a considerably larger crowd than its first event, sex & food. What’s even more impressive was how much more enthusiastic and engaged the audience was compared to the first event, which seemed like no easy task since the audience for the first event was so animated. The event was held at the Sanford Room at 7 p.m. Sept. 17. In conjunction with NARAL Pro Choice NY, which opposes restrictions on abortion and favors expansion of access to abortion, the Pride Alliance remained true to its cause in promoting healthy sexual activity and delivering scores of information on topics such as STDs, protection and prevention, and
sexual disease facts in the United States. Participants were once again treated uniquely as they took their seats and were handed their bingo boards. While this occurred, the Pride Alliance’s members joked and engaged with the crowd while making sexual references, ultimately making everyone feel welcome and comfortable. The atmosphere took on a comedic and jovial vibe as Lady Gaga and Usher played in the background. In order to spice things up, numerous forms of bingo were played, all with different rules. One round consisted of traditional bingo; another required the audience to match only the four corners of the board. The third round consisted of “Honoring one’s ex who was good in bed.” The goal was to
get an X-shaped figure onto the bingo board. Such creativity deserves to be recognized. Of course it would not have been a typical great Pride Alliance event without throwing a wide variety of condoms and sexual “tools” into the crowd. The crowd never backed down, however, and always yelled for more while stuffing in their bags the 10 to 15 condoms they had already received. In total there were 10 winners, who then got the opportunity to choose and indulge in one item from the display table. Those items, however, cannot be named here. Overall, the Pride Alliance seems unmatched in its ability to educate its audience in an effective manner while still engaging the crowd and having a blast.
Logo courtsey of: http://makingstrides.acsevents.org/
On Sun., Oct. 3, the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer fundraising walk will take place at the Waterloo Outlets. Check-in starts at 7:30 a.m. and the walk begins at 9 a.m. Email Meredith.ciaccia@hws.edu with any questions.
era The Smith Op House Presents:
The Syracuse hestra Symphony Orc @ 7:30 p.m. Thurs., Oct. 7
Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk 7:30 a.m. on Sun., Oct. 3
@ the Waterloo Outlets
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ino t a L va Gene estival F Film Oct. 1 Pres
. Fri. 0 p.m 0 : 7 @
Upcoming Events
Join the
HERALD
Saturday, Oct. 2 ation (LAO) Family • 5:30 p.m. - Latin American Organiz m Dinner @ the Comstock Dining Roo @ the Barn ty Par • 11 p.m.-2 a.m. - LAO After
Review a Concert
Monday, Oct. 4 Literacy @ the Abbe • 5-6 p.m. - Reader’s College Jewish Center for Jewish Life the Intercultural • 6:30 p.m. - Buddhist Meditation @ Affairs House
Learn New Things About Campus
Tuesday, Oct. 5 greet @ the Inter • 4:45 p.m. - Pride Alliance meet and cultural Affairs House Wednesday, Oct. 6 itation and Munchies • 12:15 p.m.-12:45 p.m. - Music, Med @ St. John’s Chapel plain’s Residence (630 • 5:30 p.m.- Pasta Night @ the Cha S. Main Street) Thursday, Oct. 14 ip Panel @ the • 7:30 p.m. - Political Science Internsh Sanford Room Oct. 9-12 is Fall Break!
Interview Big Names
Get To Know Your Classmates Learn InDesign Take A Position of Leadership Bring Issues on Campus to Light Make the Paper Your Own
Meetings: Tuesdays 7 p.m. @ the Creedon Room
7
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2010
Opinions “Never Let Me Go”
Cracker Factor y’s Got More Flavor
By Jessica Lynn ‘14 Herald Contributor
By Whitman Littlefield ‘11 Opinions Editor always been acutely aware of Hobart’s lack of performing arts space, and the shortcomings of the Barn, Albright Auditorium and the laughable Bartlett Theatre, which are all curiously listed as free expression space even though it is nearly impossible to express anything within them. All that aside, I decided to give the Cracker Factory another shot early this year during Nick Ruth’s art exhibition. On my long walk down Genesee Street, I packed away my expectations of a brokendown factory with dirty windows and poor acoustics. By the time I reached Uncle Joe’s Pizza (which gets a positive review, ya’ll should check it out) I was beginning to get excited. Arriving at 35 Lehigh St., I was amazed. The second floor of the building had been transformed; the color of Ruth’s work was brought to life with quality track lighting and dynamic panels strung up over the space, which also served to dampen the gentle sounds of the Geneva community milling and drinking wine. Subsequently, the space has been used to host Ra Ra Riot as well as the Poetry versus Fiction smack down. Both events transformed and reimagined the space effectively and creatively. It has been such a pleasure to go and see what members of
grows firmly attached and has trouble loosening grip with the characters as their lives come to a close. The story is really a meditation on love without hope of a future in a backdrop of twisted science fiction notions. Beneath this tangled c o n c e p t lays societal criticism meant to scorch the intentions behind medical Photo courtesy of : http://www.amazon.com research. With Upon first reading the sick idea of raising the title of “Never Let Me human beings simply for the Go,” without any previous slaughterhouse, Ishiguro knowledge of the book’s contents, I believed the comments on the extent of novel would be another biological experimentation. teenage love story set out to He questions the ethical win the hearts of attention- limit doctors will reach in the future, and asks how far deprived girls everywhere. I was undoubtedly, they will go to cure “real” humans, even if it means horribly wrong. Never Let Me Go is a sacrificing cognitive beings. Although the concept creepy, futuristic science severely disturbed me, the fiction tale laced with the story was fascinating, in a heartbreaking storyline dark and twisty way. Ishiguro of hopeless love. It was is notorious for his gothic definitely not a book I criticism, and this novel would read if I were feeling lived up to his reputation. melancholy. In this new world Time Magazine dubbed Ishiguro has created, there Never Let Me Go “The best are human clones bred novel of the decade,” and simply for their organs. The while I wouldn’t go that far, clones live, breath, think and it is certainly is an impactful love until around the age of piece. Normally, a wellthirty, when their life is cut written depressing novel short and the “donations” would not derail my psyche as much as “Never Let Me begin. This trippy concept Go,” but the concept in this is the background for the story stuck with me, and story of Kath, Tommy and I recommend it simply for Ruth. These three friends the profound resonance. If you enjoy D.H. go through the trials and Lawrence, Edith Wharton tribulations of the donation or Virginia Woolf, I would process together, and recommend “Never Let Me through the description of Go.” these clones, the reader
Some people may remember the infamous “Gayla” thrown by the Pride Alliance and Arts Collective at the end of last semester; at the time there was a lot of buzz flying through the student body. “It’s going to be at the Cracker Factory,” people whispered across the Quad. “Thank god we didn’t have it in the Vandervort Room,” says Reina Apraez, a current board member of Arts Collective. Unfortunately, I attended. At the event I found a huge space hardly utilized by the student art, which seemed all clumped together. Pumped up so loud that no one could speak was a comedian who clearly was compensating for the lack of laughter. I left soon after the DJ and his techno music began and a huge throbbing mass of want-to-be hipsters began gyrating their, well, hips. I would like to say now that I am by no means running down the Gayla regardless of my personal thoughts and I always support student-run activities. (But not always Student Activities.) However, I did leave the event disappointed and here is why: As a member of the HWS and Geneva community, I was excited about the prospect of a new space for art and culture in the Geneva area. I have
the community are up to in their academic and personal exploration. Even more than that, attending these events off campus allows students to engage and get to know the Geneva community as well as their professors on an entirely new level. Although the students’ first attempt to run an effective event at the Cracker Factory was a bust, I encourage clubs to keep trying. Kevin Dunn, political science professor as well as board member of 3Stories, says, “3Stories is a nonprofit organization recognized by the State of New York which oversees the cultural events and events and activities on the second and third floor of the building. So 3Stories stands for industry, art, and innovation.” Dunn also noted that 3Stories had nothing to do with the Gayla, “What the Cracker Factory and 3Stories give to the Geneva community are regularly scheduled arts and cultural events of usually a different flavor and variety than what is found around Geneva. Hobart and William Smith students as members of the larger Geneva community partake in that as well,” he said.
Just A Pinch of Nutmeg
A Hair y Situation: Ser ved Up With a Side of Chemistr y By Megan Rechin ‘11 Herald Contributor I am confused by many things: the purpose of high heels, calculus and sometimes humanity in general. But one thing that has confused me since I encountered my first hairy situation is why people won’t eat their food after they find a hair in it. Don’t get me wrong, I can find the argument behind this idea very convincing. There you are, wrapped up in an argyle sweater in a little coffee shop. The waitress comes over to deliver your piping hot bowl of roasted red pepper and corn chowder, plated with a side of crouton crisp bread and baby arugula draped in sweet balsamic and a
green olive oil. And there, sitting on top of a floating red baby potato, is a long, thick and foreign piece of hair. Automatically, the beautifully aromatic soup becomes repulsive. But why? Personally, I think
perspective. And, what I see from that view, is a substance no different than any other making up the soup you no longer want to eat. This is because hair is comprised of a very simple
example, take a look at that soup that is sitting in front of you. Chowder usually has some kind of meat in it: clams, chicken or ham. If ham happens to be in the chowder, then the molecules in the amino acids ... When you find a piece of hair in your t h a t create soup, don’t throw out the entire bowl. keratin a r e it is because of a lack of arrangement of molecules certainly present. This understanding. Allow me and substances, the most is because ham has a to explain. prevalent one being a certain type of gelatinous I am a cook, but I am substance called keratin. substance comprised of also a chemist. In fact, I This is a protein made the same amino acids that believe they are one in of common amino acids make keratin. When you the same. And so when that provides structure take a bite of the soup I find a hair in my soup, for body components like and consume these amino I don’t think about it in a fingernails and hair. acids, your body will disgusting way, I think However, keratin is digest them and use them about it from a molecular also found in foods. For to create keratin. On top
of that, at an even smaller level, hair is comprised of the same atoms as everything else in the soup: oxygen, carbon, sulfur, hydrogen and nitrogen. So my advice, as a cook and chemist, is when you find a piece of hair in your soup, don’t throw out the entire bowl. Just take it out, hide it from your view, pretend you never saw it and continue to consume. ‘Cause when it comes to chemistry, a hairy situation is an easy one to resolve.
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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2010
Arts and Entertainment A “Folksy Alternative” Artist: Molly Krifka By Lauren Wells ‘12 Herald Contributor Molly Krifka ‘13 has been a musician since the age of seven. Since her arrival at Hobart and William Smith as a first-year, she has been taking the initiative to improve the music scene at the Colleges by becoming involved with HWS Live, a new student organization dedicated to the promotion and awareness of music on campus and in Geneva. She has been facilitating connections between student musicians as well as helping to plan and perform at concerts. At seven years old, Krifka began baritone ukulele and guitar lessons, while singing in a children’s choir, “When I was twelve, I wrote my first song,” she laughs. “It was called ‘Sitting on the Road Next to a Toad.’” She jokes her motivation came from a childhood obsession with frogs. “When I was ten, I learned my first cover: ‘Blackbird’ by the Beatles. It was my first fingerpicking song. I performed a lot during high school too,” she remembers. “I was mainly at talent shows and such. I sang in the choir
and took voice lessons. I always really admired the Indigo Girls, Dar Williams, and Joni Mitchell.” Krifka’s admiration for these strong female musicians led her to discover her own unique style that she calls “folksy alternative.” Since coming to the Colleges her taste in music has diversified. “I love Ra Ra Riot’s new album ‘The Orchard’, Broken Social Scene’s ‘Anthems for Seventeen Year Old Girl,’ and ‘Antifogmatic’ by the Punch Brothers. I also love LCD Soundsystem’s ‘This is Happening.’” To write songs Krifka prefers to work individually, writing the music first, and the lyrics after, “Sometimes, I’ll write the lyrics first, which is a challenge because then I have to find a way to make the music fit my lyrics. I’m in the middle of doing that with one of my songs right now, and it’s taking a while.” She writes by ear, studying the relationship of the chords and then thinking about the other technicalities of the song. Her
favorite original song is “Afternoon Stroll,” which started out as a collaboration with a friend, but soon turned into a completely different tune all her own. She began writing it three years ago, and has seen it through its many adaptations. When performing, Krifka enjoys incorporating covers and original songs into her set, “I find that the hardest part is establishing a stage presence. I’ve been very aware of the spaces between songs, so my main challenge is thinking of things to say to the audience. My favorite performance was at the Cracker Factory for the Arts Collective show because I felt fully confident there and had a great time.” Since coming to HWS in 2009, Krifka has been involved with America Reads and the Ultimate Frisbee team. Krifka is pursuing a double major in Spanish and Ethnomusicology, that is, the study of the social and cultural elements of music. Krifka has mixed feelings about the HWS music scene. “I like performing here. There are a lot of talented musicians on campus,
Photo courtesy of Molly Krifka
but right now, we don’t have a designated performing arts space, so I’m looking forward to the new arts center. It will really bring the focus back to music.”
Arts Collective Is Makin’ Moves By Amy Nimon ‘11 Photography Editor Everything was going great. We received more than 100 signatures tabling at the Involvement Expo. More importantly, the students who signed up actually seemed interested. We had enough people show up at our first meeting to make a plump circle in the first floor Scandling lounge where people shared ideas and suggestions for the upcoming semester. It was awesome! Then we had a setback, when we realized we weren’t even a registered club yet. Which in turn meant we didn’t have any money. In short, our predecessors hadn’t proposed to the BAC. These were minor details. We didn’t realize any of that until we had three or so events already in the works. Granted this whole ‘organizing Arts Collective’ thing is kind of new to everyone. The original pioneers of the club have all graduated and are busy pursuing the next chapter of their lives. It’s like “Degrassi: The Next Generation.” Don’t worry though; we’ve got it under control. “Arts Collective is off to a great start,” says Alaina Broderick ‘11, a club member. “I’m
really excited for our events, and I think other students will really enjoy them too.” This semester, Arts Collective will be re-hashing some old favorites like the Fashion Show and the Techno Graphart Party among others. The Fashion Show will make its usual December appearance, featuring clothing designs from new and familiar students. The Techno Graphart Party, which is the annual art-themed dance party, will be held in November. Keep your eyes peeled for posters and emails with specific dates and times! There are also several installation projects in the works, and we are planning an art workshop with students from The College Experience, an educational program for students with developmental disabilities. The club also intends to join forces with the Architecture Club to create some neat, joint activities.
Anyone interested in joining the club is greatly encouraged! New suggestions for how to bring art to the HWS campus are always welcome. The group meets every other Monday at 7 p.m. in Scandling Center.
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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2010
Arts and Entertainment Ask Doctor Blackwell
“Easy A” From The Scarlet Letter to John Hughes By Hannah Semaya ‘13 Herald Contributor
Have a question that you need answered? Can’t ask anyone else? Write me at Herald@hws.edu
The Elizabeth Blackwell section welcomes any and all questions concerning your life, your roommate’s smelly feet, your sex conundrums, the attractiveness of that guy in your Bio lab or the way that girl in your English class looks at you when you take your seat. Lizzy is here for you, at your service. If ever there was someone to whom you could ask your most burning questions, it would be the ever helpful Elizabeth Blackwell! I’m waiting with my always honest opinion, so start sending in those questions! Photo courtsey of: http://www.comingsoon.net
Dear Lizzy, OK, so this weekend I met up with this guy who I really, really like. He is perfect. We met during the first few weeks on campus this year and I thought that we really hit it off. He is older than me, and everyone always says senior guys only like firstyear girls for one reason, but I know that he is a really sweet guy. We went to the Homecoming game together, then to a party he invited me to. My night was so great but I don’t want him to get the wrong impression of me. I was drinking that night and having a great time, but I don’t want him to think I’m easy. What do I do? Faithfully waiting to hear back, –What’s the Opposite of Easy? Dear What’s the Opposite of Easy?, I’m sure you must be so confused right now, my dear! First off, stop worrying and take a deep breath, darling. Now, does this boy like you? If he made time to hang out with you during and after the game, and you have been talking to him for a few weeks now, I am sure he knows the truth about you. But honey, if he doesn’t know the real you or you think he might be getting the wrong impression of you, be sure to change that! Hang out with this boy, and not only on the weekends. Go to Saga, the Pub, or even another Statesmen game together! If you plan on trying to build a relationship with someone, make sure you are able to form a good foundation early on …. meaning do not hang out with this boy only when alcohol is involved. Be sure to always be yourself and always show that you have self-respect. If this is how you live your life, any boy is sure to love you! Good luck and best wishes, Dr. Blackwell
M O V I E T I M E S Upcoming Events: Finger Lakes Latino Film Festival “La Ciudad (The City)”: Fri., Oct. 1 Photo exhibition by Spencer Tullis @ 6 p.m., film begins @ 7 p.m. “Tango”: Sat., Oct. 2 Tango demonstrations by Geneva Tango @ 6:30 p.m., film begins @ 7 p.m. “Broken Embraces”: Sun., Oct. 3 @ 2 p.m. All showings are free *All events are held at the Smith Opera House (82 Seneca St., Geneva, NY) unless otherwise noted.
What would you do if a rumor got so out of hand that it was impossible to control? Olive Pendergast of “Easy A” decided to embrace it. One little false rumor (Olive lost her virginity) turns into a monstrous one (Olive is sleeping with everyone) with the help of the high school gossip machine. Olive goes with it, and starts to help “loser” boys at her school improve their reputations, and increases her infamy while doing so. With that simple premise, “Easy A” takes on the task of bringing high school comedy back to its 1980’s roots. All the components are here: school rival, slighted best friend, love interest, social awkwardness. All of the ingredients to a great movie, with an added dose of fantastic actors picking up well written roles.
Emma Stone (“Zombieland,” “Superbad”) is Olive Pendergast. While slightly unbelievable as a wallflower, but all is forgiven as she belts “Pocket Full of Sunshine” in a fantastic scene that honors a true classic, “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.” Stanley Tucci (“Julie &Julia”) and Patricia Clarkson (“Whatever Works”) are Olive’s incredibly understanding, incredibly likable parents. The role of jealous best friend Rhiannon is played by Alyson Michalka (“Phil of the Future”), and the love interest is played by Penn Badgely (“Gossip Girl”). The screen is filled with recognizable faces, from beginning to end. Olive embraces her new reputation, drawing inspiration by the fact that her English class was reading “The Scarlet Letter.” The novel – written in 1850 by Nathaniel Hawthorn – is set in the 17th century Puritan Boston; protagonist Hestor Prynn is accused of adultery and punished for it. There are a few problems with this parallel. It is not “ironic” as Olive claims, it is merely coincidental. Yes, there is a difference. Additionally, Olive is not committing adultery−No married men were harmed in the making of her persona. “Easy A” is clear about being inspired by the 1980’s John Hughes era of high school comedy. The writing overall is witty, the cast is fantastic, and although the plot becomes clichéd and contrived at times, the movie is still highly enjoyable. 4/5 stars.
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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2010
Sports Returning To Ser ve
Hobart Nation
By Carrie Stevens ‘12 Editor-in-Chief
By Kristyna Bronner ‘14 Herald Contributor
Photo courtesy of HWS Athletic Communications
William Smith senior Gaby Berkman picked up a tennis racket for the first time when she was 5 years old. “From a young age, it was something I really enjoyed doing,” the selfprofessed music buff said. But Berkman, who also ran cross country in high school, couldn’t imagine how far the sport – and its lessons – would take her. As a William Smith first-year, Berkman began her career as a Heron with seven straight wins. She posted a team best 16-2 record. She collected the Liberty League Rookie of the Week Award twice. She earned an Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) Scholar Athlete nomination. She soared. But the course of her flight changed dramatically. An MRI in December 2008
revealed a labrum tear in her right shoulder, and the doctors hoped that taking a season off would help heal the damaged cartilage. Prohibited from competing, the Shelburne, Vt., native discovered other ways to support her teammates. She attended every practice, every match and maintained a positive attitude. “It was difficult to watch my teammates and not be able to compete with them,” she confessed. Chip Fishback, William Smith’s tennis coach, noticed Berkman’s contributions and presented her with the Elizabeth Laird Redway Heia ‘84 Tennis Coach’s Award at the 2009 Athletics Award Banquet. “To me, the award meant a ‘great job, keep it up’ type of thing. And it further proved that athletics and tennis extend
off the court.” In June 2009, Berkman underwent reconstructive labrum-capsule shoulder surgery. She studied abroad in Norwich, England, during the following fall semester and practiced with the squad during the spring season. This year, however, marks her resurgence on the court. Her athletic accolades are impressive, but Berkman believes her greatest tennis accomplishment is being able to don the signature William Smith green and white again. “Coming back and playing again is so important. It’s taught me not to take anything for granted and it’s reinforced the sheer joy I get from playing.” Fishback welcomes Berkman’s return as well. “Wherever she plays [in the lineup], we know she won’t back down. With her big heart and strong commitment, Gaby is immensely valuable to the team as a leader. She is wise beyond her years, and I know her teammates have the utmost respect for her, for her game, and for what she’s had to overcome. She’s a terrific tennis player, but she’s an even better person. She is invaluable to this team.”
If you walked through Scandling Center in the days leading up to Parents/ Homecoming Weekend, you may have noticed a table set up displaying orange t-shirts. It’s not unusual to see various clubs tabling in Scandling when you walk through, but this particular group was not a club. It’s more of an idea: it’s “Hobart Nation.” Hobart Nation a new organization. Created this year by Dan Kolinski ’12, the West Genesee, NY-native started Hobart Nation because of his own love for athletics. Like the “Wildcat Nation” at his high school, Kolinski wants Hobart Nation to be a spirit and rallying force at sporting events.
Kolinski explained everyone is a part of Hobart Nation, even William Smith students. It is a central force for students to join forces and act as one voice. A perfect complement to the new student section at Boswell Field, Kolinski believes all sporting events should have their own student section. Only one question remains: Where is William Smith Nation? Kolinski says, “I’m only one person.” He believes if Hobart Nation is successful, it will pave the way for an establishment of William Smith Nation. With, of course, help of course from a willing William Smith student.
Running Down a Dream By Carrie Stevens ‘12 Editor-in-Chief said. “In addition, I knew being on the cross country team would give me the opportunity to become part of a tight-knit group on campus.” When Doane toured the Hobart and William Smith campus as a high school senior, he discovered another dream he wanted to chase: studying abroad. “One of the reasons I decided to attend Hobart College was its extensive amount of study abroad programs. When I first heard about the Galway, Ireland, program, I realized I wanted to be a part of Photo courtesy of HWS Athletic Communications such an amazing opportunity.” ‘Going wherever it leads,’ Heeding Tom Petty’s advice, Hobart senior cross country runner Michael Doane is running took Doane to Ireland. The cognition, logic and language and sociology dual minor spent down his dream. The psychology major’s race began in the fall 2009 semester in the city, and studied seventh grade when he joined the Marathon at the National University of Ireland, Galway (N.Y.) High School track and field team. Running (NUIG). While there, he formed a relationship year-round – going from cross country in the fall with Doctors Brian Hughes and Siobhán to indoor track in the winter to outdoor track in Howard, conducting research at NUIG’s Center for Research on Occupational and Life Stress. the spring – fostered a passion for the sport. “I decided running in college would be a Doane’s exemplary work as a visiting researcher great way for me to pursue my interest,” Doane yielded an offer for a summer position.
“My experience with collegiate athletics has definitely helped with my academics,” Doane said. He further stated how the commitment of being on a team helped him prioritize work and other obligations. For five weeks, Doane assisted the university with its Sleep, Health, and Wellness project. “The most rewarding part was the hands-on experience I gained with data analyses and the research process,” he said. “Additionally, I was able to help organize and run an international conference for the Stress and Anxiety Research Society.” Geneva-based for one more year, Doane returned to the cross country team for his senior campaign. Coach Ron Fleury is excited to have the leader back. “He is one of our captains for this fall. I’m very proud to have worked with him in the past I’m looking forward to this fall season.” Looking ahead, Doane has his sights set on another dream: graduate school. “I’m applying to Ph.D. programs in social and personality psychology. I want to continue my studies and conduct research in my areas of interest, like religion and well-being.”
Current Team Records Hobart Cross Country
William Smith Cross Country
Hobart Football
William Smith Field Hockey
Next race is Oct. 2 @ Geneseo Invitational
Next race is Oct. 2 @ Geneseo Invitational
Overall: 2-1 Streak: L1
Overall: 9-1 Streak: W2
Hobart Soccer
William Smith Soccer
Hobart Tennis
William Smith Tennis
Overall: 5-2-2 Streak: W2
Overall: 7-2-1 Streak: L1
Overall: 1-2 Streak: L2
Next match is Oct. 2 @ Hamilton College