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t h e
Herald
By and for the students of Hobart and William Smith Colleges Issue 5
VOLUME CXXVIII
October 22, 2004
Presidential Thoughts... T
o the Hobart and William Smith Community: Last night on our campus there was a powerful statement with the active participation of hundreds of students, staff and faculty coming together to “Take Back The Night”. I am grateful to the Women’s Collective for its leadership in organizing this important event. I am grateful to all those who marched and stood in solidarity in the rain outside of Coxe Hall. And I am grateful for the eloquent statements shared by William Smith and Hobart students last night. The news of the sexual assault on Friday night has prompted concern about issues of safety on campus. Prior communications have reminded us of prudent steps about safety. Last night’s “Take Back The Night” march reminded us, too, that victims of sexual assault have done nothing wrong or irresponsible, but suffer as a result of this violence. I write today with three main points in addition to my appreciation for last night’s march: 1) What we know about Friday’s assault is a William Smith student was walking along Pulteney Street towards Williams Hall around 10:30 p.m. She cut through the walkway into Medberry Parking lot and was pushed to the ground by what she believes to be one male assailant. We have no identifying information
Wells College Goes Co-Ed Kailey Voellinger News Contributor
on the assailant. I operate from the premise that ‘knowledge is power’ and every effort will be made to share appropriate information when and if we have any. 2) Sexual assault is a serious crime and we will pursue every avenue to insure the safety of our students, faculty and staff. We will pursue every legal option to prosecute assailants. We will be vigilant and not tolerate sexual assault on our campus. 3) The victim from Friday’s assault is a brave and courageous woman who did the right thing by calling police and security. She was not silenced and we will honor her courage in our active pursuit of justice. The care and support of this community sustain her as she continues as a student here. Finally, I am hopeful that the energy and commitment I witnessed last night on the steps of Coxe Hall will continue in productive ways to empower this community to take back the night. All of us on this campus – students, faculty, staff – share a common commitment and dedication to say in a clear and united voice that we will not tolerate sexual assault or harassment on this campus. This is your campus. And we need everyone’s help in joining together in building community to fight back against unacceptable violence and fear. Sincerely, Mark Gearan, President
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n October 2nd, the Wells College Board of Trustees made the decision to admit men for the Fall 2005 semester. Wells College, an allwomen’s college for 136 years, was one of three all-female schools remaining in upstate New York. Despite dissent from students, the decision was based on the need for larger enrollment and to increase the revenue of the college. Wells College tried lowering tuition and extensive recruitment programs, but has been unable to surpass the peak enrollment of 631 in 1969 and has not had enrollment over 400 for two decades. College officials say that they need to increase current enrollment from the
current 397, 90 of which commute, to at least 450 residential students. Most of the major women’s colleges went co-ed years ago, nationally halving from 120 to 60 since 1980. These other all-women’s colleges, like Nazareth College in Pittsford, saw significant increases in enrollment when they went co-ed. Significantly, the amount of women who applied and attended these colleges went up as well due to the opportunity for a co-ed education. The students protested this decision by camping out on the lawn in front of the administration building in tents and not attending classes. Nearly half of the student body took part in these demonstrations. The student protesters held signs saying “Coeducation Silences Women,” and “Save our Sister-
hood!” Many students believe that the decision to go co-ed undermines the integrity of the college. Students are not against co-ed schools, but they are against going co-ed at Wells. The students have continued in protest for two weeks, though the decision has not been reversed. Despite continuing protests from students, the administration feels they made the right decision and hope that the students will calm down and accept the inevitable. Many students and parents are frustrated that they were not involved in the decision making process. The students feel that more extensive marketing and recruiting would help bring more students to Wells. After 136 years as an all women’s institution, students feel this drastic change should have been a last resort.
One Man’s Call to Duty Katie Bell
he presidential election is a few weeks away, and there are several serious issues students should be considering, like the possibility of a military draft. This is an especially important issue because it hits so close to home. Dave Rogers, a Hobart student, is a Marine with a unique and important view on this issue. He took the time to talk to me about his experiences serving his country and serving in Iraq. He has been in the
Marines for just under three and a half years and has earned the title of Corporal. Rogers is in the Fox company 2nd battalion 25th marine regiment, in weapons platoon, and serves as a mortar squad leader. He joined after high school in 2001 and finished his boot camp at The School of Infantry in Camp Lejeune in Parris Island, North Carolina in January of 2002. He was activated and spent more time at Camp Lejeune, further training in California, Florida, and even participating in Fleet Week in New York City. His activation ended in December 2002, and he attended
HWS until he was called to activation again at the end of February, only this time he was called to serve in Iraq. Why and how did you get involved in the Marines? I felt an overwhelming need to fulfill my responsibilities to do my part to protect the freedom of the nation. Some people can’t, and some people are not willing, so I am happy to do my part to protect those people’s rights. My brother joined a few years before me and helped me with the recruiting process. I prob-
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News
Campus Life
Op-Ed
A&E
Sports
Mark Gearan’s Thoughts on Recent Campus Safety Issues
Letter from Student Government Leadership
More on the Campus Poster Controversy
Herald Movie Reviews: “Saved” and “Supersize Me”
A Closer Look at Baseball’s Fiercest Rivalry
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CAMPUS LIFE FROM YOUR STUDENT GOVERNMENT OFFICERS:
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ear Students, The October 8th issue of the Herald featured a selection of student quotes about the student elections. We had intended to publish photos and bios in the Herald, but there was a glitch in communications, and the bios did not make it to the Herald. We, the student government leaders, know this was a large problem because students didn’t have all the information necessary to help them choose their leaders. We apologize for this. Students also commented on the lack of candidates. Before the election, there was information posted on the Daily Update, in Scandling, and in the Student Life office. We open the elections to everyone, but students don’t necessarily take an active interest. Something to consider for spring elections. As the executive boards of the Colleges, we are extremely committed to student concerns and opinions. The problem here is twofold. On the one hand, students are not informed of campus activities and issues because they are not involved, active students; on the other hand, students are not involved and
active because they are not informed. As the student governments, we try to advertise to the student body of our meeting times and the issues at hand. Announcements are posted on the Daily Update, and posters are often up in Scandling or on our bulletin board outside of Saga. It’s difficult at times because there are 1900 of you but only 8 of us; it is impossible to reach everyone. Sometimes we just run out of hands to do all the work that we would like to do. But we are desperately trying to inform the student body and involve everyone. We want to hear your opinions, concerns, and complaints.
our meetings. It doesn’t have to be every week: come to a couple and see what it’s about. We need your responses to student polls or other surveys done on campus. We need your opinions and your input. If you are not working with us, how can we work for you? William Smith Congress and Hobart Student Government are completely open to the entire student body. You do not need to be a floor representative or club contact to attend the meetings. We welcome everyone and would like to see more attendance. It’s your money: Be informed about what happens! This is your college. We are your governments. WSC: HSG: We work Angela Tallo, President Danny Nelson, President Meg Moffit, Vice President Brian Schubmehl, Vice President a s hard Stephanie Goldson, Treasurer Adam Chaput, Treasurer a s Lauren Shallish, Secretary John-Mark Hallman, Secretary w e The student governments are a can, but the bottom line is, we need direct line to many other facets of the student body, and we want the this campus. To get your voice student body to be louder and stronheard, to get something done, even ger. Send us an email or come to our to just inform yourself (of student meetings—we are here to work for elections, for example)—we need you. your help. We need to see you at
Your Representatives...
You Could Be A Factoid! Melissa Sorrells Copy Editor
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eff Quinto, Adam Bordonaro, Lauren Gianniny, and Andrew Stern are working on an important student research project. Along with Chemistry Professor David Craig, the group will be asking students entering residence halls late at night to take an anonymous survey and Breathalyzer Test. Don’t worry if you’ve been drink-
ing—the surveys are totally anonymous and there’s no way you can get into trouble. And don’t worry if you haven’t been drinking—the group is trying to gather a representative sample of students that are out and about late at night. Actually, the whole process is kind of neat and high-techy: the Breathalyzer instrument doesn’t display the actual BAC to the student or researchers. The data is stored internally on the device to be down-
Campus Green’s Tip-o-the-Week Wait until it is completely dark outside to turn on lights—let your eyes adjust to evening or early morning light.
loaded later. The student may callafter their test to find out their BAC with an anonymous number. If you need more motivation than that, consider why they’re doing this project. First and foremost, they’re trying to figure out how much how many of us are drinking, and who doesn’t love those campus factoids? They’re also trying to figure out how well students can perceive their own BAC level and measure the distribution of metabolic clearance rates in the college population (that’s fancypants language for trying to learn who can drink more than who without getting trashed), so you can determine once and for all whether or not you’re actually a “cheap date”. So, if some weird looking students approach you with some hightech medical equipment, don’t run screaming; help out fellow students!
Hadley Mongell, Editor-In-Chief
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espite the fact that Hobart and William Smith prides itself on being a close and diverse community, it is sad to say that there are some things that still divide us. It’s more than just logistical differences, like the fact that Hobart and William Smith students receive different diplomas and have different deans. There is a much deeper line of differentiation. A much more passionate division clearly exists. To be blunt, there are Red Sox fans, and there are Yankees fans. It’s true that each and every fall we all happily reconvene after funfilled summer vacations, but try that when the first pitch of the first game of the Red Sox and Yankees series comes around, and you can cut the tension between fans—even with a Saga knife. You have your Pedro-loving, chowda-munching Red Sox Fans that dream of the day when they shut out New York. And then you have
your die-hard Yankees fans that answer any Red Sox boasts with “1918” or “Curse of the Bambino, baby!” It’s just understood that when the series comes around, the team t-shirts come out of the closets, and the logo hats are on everyone’s heads. It’s an ugly truth that no matter how much we feel an affinity for our school, our true love for sports will go back to our roots. I personally feel lost this year because you might as well call me a baseball mutt. I grew up all my life in New York surrounded by Yankee and Mets fans. Then this year, my parents move and uproot my baseball roots to Maine. Suddenly they talk to be about how Manny Ramirez and the Red Sox played the night before. Talk about a sports fan identity crisis! What is a girl to do?? The naked truth is this…there is no in-between, especially on this campus. So brace yourself for patriotic stat-spewing fans (and even professors!) that will defend their teams to the end.
Symposium Information Richard C. Salter Campus Life Contributor
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obart and William Smith Colleges is pleased to announce an upcoming symposium on Religion, Politics, and Human Rights in Contemporary Asia. This symposium will address a range of human rights issues, from questions of religious freedom to ethnic conflict and the promise of democracy. Fulbright Visiting Scholar Dr. Nur Fadhhil Lubis (State Institute of Islamic Studies, Madan, Indonesia) will speak on “The Implications of Shar’ia (Islamic Law) for Democracy: an Indonesian Experience.” Dr. Birty Gajameragedara,
Fulbright Scholar in Residence from Sri Lanka will speak on “Ethnic Conflict in Sri Lanka: Towards a Negotiated Settlement.” Dr. Jinghao Zhou, Assistant Professor of Asian Languages and Cultures at Hobart and William Smith Colleges, will address “Religion and Politics in China.” Dr. Nadia Al-Baghdadi (Central European University, Budapest, Hungary), Fulbright Visiting Specialist at Wells College, will be the discussant for the symposium. The symposium is co-sponsored by the Provost’s office and the Young Memorial Trust. It will be held from 3:00 to 6:30 PM on November 4, 2004 in the Geneva Room. All are welcomed to attend.
The Herald
Draft Interview
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October 22, 2004
More Health Hints From Hubbs
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ably would have gone straight into active duty, but I was only 17 and needed parental consent. My parents wanted me to go to college, so they would only sign a reserve contract. What is your status right now in the Marines? Right now I am in full reserve status, which means once a month I have to report to Albany for a weekend of training. When did you find out that you were going to Iraq, how long were you there, and how was that experience? I got a phone call in February of 2003, while writing a paper in Jackson 2, from one of the admin guys in Albany telling me about the activation. In the beginning of March, we went over to Kuwait for about 4 days, then moved up to Nasariya until August. It was very stressful because there was no real military left to fight, and we were doing clean up and basically police work: patrolling the city and breaking up illegal arms selling operations. The majority of the people in Nasariya loved us: they would always come up to our base of operations and just sort of hang out. They would ask if we needed anything, and try to make conversation. We were always surrounded by kids. It made it hard for military operations because we had so much support from the Iraqis and could not tell who was going to attack; we had to be on our toes at all times. Do you think a draft is possible in the future? I think a draft is possible, but I don’t see it happening. There are enough people joining the military, enough people putting them selves out there so that other people don’t have to. A draft isn’t needed, and I don’t think that the government will instate a draft How do you feel about the upcoming election? I am all for George W. Bush because he is a man of principles. I do not agree with all of his policies, but I agree with most of them, and I respect his integrity. The Iraqi situation is a hard deal: the country will not be completely stable for a long time, and it needs a lot of work. Bush’s military operations have a handle on the situation as best it can be right now.
CAMPUS LIFE
Terri A. Hannan RPA-C, Hubbs Health Center
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nfluenza outbreaks have plagued the world for genera tions. Everyone has a story about “the year of the big flu epidemic”. For many returning HWS students, that memory is all too real. The flu epidemic of 2003-2004 caused much illness in our HWS community. Bottles of Robitussin, Tylenol and Sudafed flew off of the health center shelves, and the waiting room was crammed full of feverish bodies. It was not a pretty picture. It was not a happy college memory. The 2004-2005 influenza season has yet to begin and already there is a major snag for healthy students. Hubbs was prepared to immunize and protect all willing students and staff this year from another round of “the flu epidemic that was”. Just as staff prepared to advertise and inject, the media was flooded with messages of vaccine contamination and
shortage. Just as students prepared to roll up their sleeves and cringe, the message came that only a few select “priority patients” should receive vaccine from the reduced supply. It is a twist in the never-ending saga of how to keep college students healthy. This season we ask that only students and faculty who meet the Center for Disease Control (CDC) criteria for priority patients be immunized with our current vaccine. Students and staff who do not meet the the criteria are asked to forego the traditional influenza vaccine this year. Hubbs has a limited supply of vaccine. If all of the priority patients on campus are immunized and vaccine remains, the vaccine can be provided to a facility with priority patients who might not otherwise get vaccinated this year. A small amount of FluMist, the intranasal vaccine recommended for healthy people between the ages of 5 and 49 years of age will be available for purchase for students only. The cost will be approximately $25.
The flu vaccine clinics will be held October 27, 28 and 29 from 11 a.m. to 2p.m. in the Hubbs Satellite Clinic on the first floor of the Scandling Center. On Wednesday, October 27 the clinic will be ONLY for priority patients meeting the above criteria. A letter was sent to students who have a history of illnesses meeting the criteria. If students or staff have asthma, diabetes, heart or kidney diseases, cancer or any compromising, chronic illness, they SHOULD come on Wednesday from 11-2. The cost of the flu vaccine is $10.00, cash please. No family members will be immunized through the Hubbs clinic. There are some things healthy people can do to remain so through the flu season despite the vaccine shortage. Avoiding close contact with people who are sick is important. Dormitory living does not always allow for this, but everyone can try. Covering the mouth and nose, washing hands and avoiding touching eyes, nose and mouth are recommended. Students should stay
out of class if they are very ill with fever, cough and runny nose. Hand sanitizing gel and Lysol room spray are handy disinfectants for any dorm room. Good health habits, such as getting enough sleep, exercising, managing stress, drinking water and eating well will help everyone stay healthy during the flu season. The flu season typically starts in late December or January and lasts until March. There are anti-viral medications and many over-the-counter flu remedies available for influenza treatment. It might be a good idea to stock up on chicken noodle soup, Tylenol, tissues, hand cleaner, electrolyte juice and cough medicine before the flu season. A simple digital thermometer is a good tool to purchase. Vitamin C and good vitamins are recommended throughout the flu season. Please watch the Daily Update for any changes or additions to the Influenza Dilemma. No appointments will be made for the flu clinics and no vaccine will be reserved in advance.
OPINION-EDITORIAL POLITICAL FEATURE:
The Soapbox Political Activism at Hobart and William Smith Colleges. Note: the Herald does not have any official political affiliation, and those opinions expressed below are not necessarily those held by the staff. The Herald agrees to publish as many submissions from as many different viewpoints as possible.
“Rhetoric is a poor substitute for action, and we have trusted only to rhetoric. If we are really to be a great nation, we must not merely talk; we must act big” ~Theodore Roosevelt
Letter From The Editor: “Practice What You Preach” Roderick P. Thaler Jr.
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n Thursday October 14 th, the debate team hosted an event that was designed to explicate the merits of American foreign policy in the Twenty-first century. The debate focused on whether or not President Bush’s foreign policy has made us more or less safe in the wake of September 11th. In addition to the responses delivered by the debate team, audience members had the opportunity to compete for prizes by giving three-minute floor speeches supporting either of the two positions. At the end of the debate, a panel of professors decided who would receive the awards. While I commend the debate team for their performance, I was shocked by the outcome of the floor speeches. All of the prizes were given to students who opposed the Bush Administration’s foreign policy, regardless of how well they preformed. There was no recognition given to the students who were in favor of the government. Everyone who gave a floor speech preformed well. It took a lot of courage for students on both sides to stand up and express their beliefs. Although some
floor speeches were better than others, no side or person deserved all the credit. There were no superstars. I believe that the professors who gave out those prizes should be ashamed of themselves. As educators it their duty to help students learn how to think critically and objectively! Instead they reinforced the idea that college professors are liberally biased and keen on brainwashing the student body by openly favoring liberal views. It saddens me to think that even those with advanced degrees do not have the intelligence or insight to rise above partisan politics. I find it ironic that the professors who pride themselves on being open minded and progressive are the most intolerant to those who have opposing beliefs. In order to understand issues and find solutions to problems, it is crucial for us to understand and respect opposing values. I am a product of a Quaker education that taught me the value of simplicity, moderation, and respect for all people and belief systems. You are clearly entrenched in a mindset that is not progressive.
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Quote of the Week:
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You miss 100 percent of the shots you never take. ~ Wayne Gretzky
Censorship on Campus Patrick Henry Section Contributor
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n response to an article writ ten by Peter Gregory (pub lished in the October 8th issue of The Herald), I would like to bring to light some facts about the incidents of “special interest posters” hung in Bartlett Hall. At one point or another, a number of politically active students placed various anti-Bush, pro-Kerry type materials throughout not only the mini-quad, but the Science Quad, Scandling Center, Medbury, the Hill, and so on. Ironically, the only “special interest” posters to be torn down were those in Bartlett and the portion of the science quad that is directly in front of Mr. Gregory’s own dorm, meanwhile the “HWS College Republicans” special interest posters were left intact. Coincidence? I think not. As the incidents of censorship continued to rise, predominantly in the previously stated areas, a group of offended students set out to prove who or what was to blame. Upon doing a bit of detective work, it was discovered that an avid proponent of the acts of censorship was none other than Bartlett 1&2 RA and President of the College Republicans, Peter Gregory. Not only was he tearing down any and all posters presenting a more liberal point of view than his own, but he was also tearing them from the “Student Bulletin Board”, a board present in each and every dorm throughout campus for students to present their views, notify others of club meetings, etc. When caught in the act (see the accompanying picture, documenting one of many witnessed incidences
of censorship), Mr. Gregory reportedly said, “This is the student board, it is for students only.” Now, I am not exactly sure what Peter was implying when he said this, considering the information by which he was particularly offended was not only written for, but also posted by students. The informational posters in which he was apparently so offended were about the Bush administration’s push for a military draft, regardless of what they and other Republicans would like you to believe, as well as a number of posters referring to the September 30 th Presidential Debate and the positive aspects of Senator K e r r y ’s debate on foreign policy. Though these posters may have been in opposition to Peter’s own views, they were not at all offensive, and a number of concerned students actually found them to be rather refreshing. It should also be noted that shortly before Peter noticed he was on camera, he was saying “They did not put shit on my board. Don’t mess with my friggin board!” (followed by the sounds of the posters being ripped down and crumpled up)—the words of someone apparently attempting to censor the views of anyone who might oppose him. Shortly thereafter, he justified his acts of censorship by claiming that, “the tape used to hang the posters damages the walls.” Is it not strange now that, in light of this issue, “College Republicans” stickers have once again found themselves on doorframes, doorways, window frames, and other places on
campus? Interestingly enough, one of these stickers (the one on the doorframe to the West entrance to Napier/Rosenberg Hall, facing the mini-quad) has been covered up by an Anti-Michael Moore poster—the same Anti-Michael Moore poster found on Peter Gregory’s own door! What was it he said again about placing posters in certain designated areas? Further, Residential Education is not at all responsible for the authorization of posters placed on dormitory bulletin boards. That is solely the responsibility of the students and the RA. Evidently, Mr. Gregory needs to go back and reread the handbooks he quotes in his own article. It appears that, in the tradition of “fair and balanced” rightwing Republican reporting, such as Fox News and the Bush Administration in general, Mr. Gregory is attempting to place his own spin on things. However, this reader, along with a large number of others, now knows the truth. For those of you who would like to see the video taken when Peter Gregory was caught in the act, please visit: http://hwsfreespeech.tripod.com. Instead of trying hide the embarrassment of your actions in an article justifying you as someone whose “job it is to enforce the policies of the Colleges [acting as someone who is] responsible for helping to maintain a clean and damage-free living area,” why don’t you apologize for your actions, and do something intelligent, Peter Gregory! Perhaps, being the leader of your political organization, you could do something constructive and motivate people to create posters in support of your views, instead of tearing down posters in opposition of your views. The latter only makes you looked down upon by students, faculty members, staff, and the administration of the colleges.
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“W stands for Women” Peter Gregory Section Contributor
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aura Flanders misinformed the HWS student body. Our President, George W. Bush has been an advocate for women’s rights, and the Concerned Women for America (CWA) applauded the President for his strong international stand to protect women and children from policies promoting coerced abortion as a measure of population control in foreign nations. President Bush has been a hero to oppressed women around the globe. Campus representatives have failed to mention that President Bush’s policies resulted in a Constitution for Afghanistan, complete with a Bill of Rights guaranteeing women in Afghanistan will be treated like human beings, equal to their husbands, brothers, fathers, and sons. In fact, 2 of the 9 members of the Afghani Constitutional Drafting Committee were women. According to the United Nations, over ten million Afghans registered to forty-one percent of registered voters are women. President Bush is also helping the women in Afghanistan economically, as The United States will provide a $3.5 million grant to support education and small businesses for Afghanistan’s women. Elections will be held in January in the now-sovereign Iraq, and over 25,000,000 women in Iraq have been granted the gift of suffrage that women in our nation worked so hard to get. Over 10,000,000 Iraqis have already registered to vote, and the election is still months away. On Sept.
27th, Secretary Powell announced that the U.S. will award $10 million in grants to organizations designed to train Iraqi women with the skills needed for public life. The new Iraqi cabinet already includes 6 women ministers and 7 deputy ministers, and women occupy 25 of the 100 seats on the Iraqi National Council. Domestically, the President has announced measures to help women and children who are victims of domestic violence. He has also supported over $15 million in fighting HIV/AIDS, which has reached threatening levels among AfricanAmerican women. President Bush has also improved the government’s primary nutrition program for lowincome pregnant women. The increased funding to the program will help an additional 400,000 people. George W. Bush has also strengthened families by authorizing $8 billion to “strengthen marriage and the family based on marriage.” This has resulted in a turn around the rise in teenage unmarried mothers and has also resulted in a reduction in the divorce rate. George W. Bush has shown nothing but strong support for military women and military families and has enacted a military tax relief and raised pay within the military by 20%. For more information on George W. Bush and women’s issues, please visit: http://womensissues.about.com/ cs/bushprowomen/ and educate yourself on the side of the story that most members of the HWS community don’t want you to hear.
Political Cartoon of the Week:
EL HERALDO Latin American Organization Update
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AO is looking for volun teers to be shadowed by ESL middle school students Oct. 27 from 10am to 3pm. We recommend to show them the gym, library, bookstore and take them to lunch. If the volunteer has a commitment at any point of the day, the students can go to the Intercultural Affairs House where there will be activities set up for them. Volunteers don’t need to speak Spanish, since only a few don’t speak English. If interested, contact Leanne Roncolato at leanne.roncolato@hws.edu. The following is a speech written by Rafael Rodriguez, LAO’s Treasurer for the Parent’s Weekend Dinner. Tonight we celebrate our parents. The people who are in large part responsible for our success thus far. Their support is unconditional in our quest to become fully autonomous individuals, who are free to draw any conclusions about the world. Many of us have already drawn our own conclusion when it comes to certain issues. I would like to talk about an issue which is still under dispute till this day and discussed greatly among the students of color on this campus. Americanism, whether or not we will ever be considered Americans or will we always be considered a hyphenated American. The argument which I fully reject but is often made is “we will never be seen as Americans because we do not fit the criteria”. My response is and always has been, I don’t care if I don’t fit the criteria. Let us not forget that Dr. King at one point did not fit the criteria. Let us not forget that Susan b. Anthony at one point did not fit the criteria. Let us not forget that Elizabeth Blackwell did not fit the criteria and let us not forget that reverend Alger Adams did not fit the criteria. They did not accept the criteria, instead they challenged it, so that one day we can all as Americans sit together eat together, and
live together. It would be a lie if I stood here and said that America has been rid of all ignorance. But rather than disregarding the hard work of our forebears, rather than doubting our Americanism because it doesn’t fit the criteria we should work hard to change
the status quo of what an American is, and we should do it with might in honor of president Kennedy’s words “let all America know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival and the success of liberty.” Ladies and gentlemen that is a cause and an ideal that we all should be willing to stand up for and defend as a great American used to say “by any means necessary. It would be shameful on my part if I delivered an entire speech and failed to mention the most American action there is voting. As a
member of an organization with diverse political views, some would think it to be wrong and not very classy if I made any partisan remarks. Once again, with all due respect I do not care what they think either. Voter turn out among Hispanics and Latinos are the lowest of any other group except young adults and proceeded by poor whites. Our voices are opinions are being ignored. In 31 days we will all make one the most important decisions in our life. We have to choose between two men who I do believe are strong men, with conviction. One supports pre-emption, the other intervention. Kerry support bi-lateral action, bush unilateralism. Kerry uses long complicated language that puts us to sleep like our professors, the other uses western catch phrases like a six year old who’s playing cowboys and Indians. Kerry promises to restore honor and credibility to the U.S... Bush says “we’ve turned the corner and we’re not going back. On election America’s vote will indeed show that we turned the corner, but while bush made a right hand turn we turned to left and were are not going back.
6 THE HERALD Established 1879
ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT
By and for the students of Hobart and William Smith Colleges
SAVED Needs to Be Saved
Sarah Kirchoff Hadley Mongell Editors-in-Chief Caroline Hettinger News Editor Owen Oeterling Layout Editor
John Levy Herald Movie Review
David Diehl A&E Editor Roderick P Thaler Jr. Opinion/Editorial Editor Melissa Sue Sorrells Copy Editor Kari Balakar Emily Corcione Assistant Copy Editors
CONTRIBUTORS Katie Bell Patricia J. Foster Kara Fraser Terri Hannan
Jonah Levy Kaj Ranen John Rosenbaum Richard C. Salter Kailey Voellinger
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I remember the first moment I wanted to be a comedian. When I was twelve years old, my mom caught me sneaking cookies before dinner. My face was covered in crumbs, so I figured the jig was up. I admitted to it; but it wasn’t my fault: “Jesus told me to do it,” I said. My mom reminded me that we’re Jewish, and with the perfect set-up, I replied, “Hey, it worked for the Holy Roman Empire! Zing!” Ok, so maybe I never really wanted to be a comedian and maybe that moment never really happened, but the funny thing (aside from the post-punch line “Zing!”) is that this excuse has been working for hundreds of years. From missionaries, to the crusades, to creepy reli-
gious fanatics all over the world, the claim that a hippie with a crown of thorns is commanding messages of compassion from beyond the grave is very common. In the case of Saved! it is the main drive of the controversial script by Brian Dennelly and Michael Urban. Saved!, released last week on DVD, is about a young Catholic girl (aptly named Mary) played by Jena Malone. After learning that her “perfect Christian” boyfriend is gay and bumping her head on the side of a pool, she is commanded by Jesus to save her boyfriend from “faggotry” (one of the many hilarious politically incorrect statements used in the film). With the help of her friend Hillary Faye, played by the apparently versatile Mandy Moore, Mary comes upon an understanding that if she gives her slipping boyfriend what he “needs” to be saved, Jesus will reinstate virginity. The funny thing about Jesus is that people come to understandings with him all
the time . . . .OR SO IT SEEMS!!! This also seems to be a common theme in Saved!; however this is in no way a Catholic-bashing film. There are many well appreciated Christian themes, and the most interesting thing about Mandy Moore’s character, who can be clearly labeled as the villain, is that throughout the entire film all she does is work harder and harder to be a good Christian. The cast is one of the high points of the movie. Martin Donovan plays Pastor Skip, the principal of the school and love interest for Mary’s mom, Tia (the forgettable Heather Matarrazzo). Donovan brings a well-placed hint of realism to the role, despite his first appearance at the first pep rally of the year: he enters with a front flip and continues to yell things like “Let’s get our Christ on, let’s kick it Jesus style!” and “Who’s down with GOD!” Macaulay Culkin has his best performance in quite a while (considering his lack of a career) as an apathetic
paraplegic who, in the clutches of Hillary Faye’s compassionate wrath, transforms from being an awkwardly bitter cripple in to a satisfied outcast bad boy alongside the chain-smoking, evil Jew, Cassandra (Eva Amurri). Amurri brings a lot to the film, including seemingly unnecessary outbursts, hilarious but expected practical jokes, and a ton of cleavage. Patrick Fugit (previously seen as the young journalist in Almost Famous) plays Pastor Skip’s dreamboat son, Patrick. Armed with a skateboard and irresistible boyish charm, he becomes caught in an interesting triangle between Mary and Hillary Faye. Unfortunately, most of the movie falls into a predictable and commonplace teen movie track of conflict, new friends, finding yourself, and true love. Considering the unusual theme and events of the movie, the near cliché of a film is, excuse me, Saved! by the compelling conclusion. (Boy, it’s a good thing Jesus didn’t tell me to become a comedian.)
Wanna Look Prettier? Get Tatooed! By David Diehl A&E Editor
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ew Geneva Tattoo & Body Piercing Parlor, Amazing Grace, aims to transport customers back to the Art’s more traditional atmosphere. So it’s October. You’ve gotten used to your schedule. You’ve gotten cable, and your new roommate doesn’t leave dirty Q-tips on the ground anymore—so you’re comfortable in your dorm. You know where to get the best chai tea and what places will butter your muffin. You know where you like to party—which will change. And you know which bars will let you in without a problem—this will also change. So what’s
next? Shouldn’t you get a tattoo or something? Well, I’m not saying that is the most effective way to keep adjusting to fall semester, maybe you should get a new trapper-keeper. But I am very Pro-Ink, and I know the best places to get your artwork done. The newest is Amazing Grace. At 20½ Linden St.— you know, the alley in between Parker’s and Wylie’s—two well experienced artists have opened up a quaint, old-school parlor. Tattoo artist Dan Ross and pierce artist Gabe Sauerhafer have traveled and schooled all over Upstate New York in pursuit of mastering their gift. Now they’re offering their talents to you. I asked Dan why HWS needs to get inked. “It’ll make you prettier.” Who wouldn’t want that—right? So stop into the shop marked with
an anchor. They have a large assortment of body jewelry, and if they don’t have it—they can get it. Show an HWS I.D. card; get reduced prices. You never know, maybe a nose ring could be more beneficial to you than a pencil-case.
The Herald
CAMPUS LIFE
October 22, 2004
Ed Harcourt Sings the Soundtrack of My Life
Kaj Ranen Weekly Columnist
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his is the column that should never have been written. For no matter what I write, it could never do him justice. Do justice to whom? Ed Harcourt, my friends, Ed Harcourt. I had the same problem when I wrote about Los Lobos; some artists are just so much bigger and more valuable than any words could ever express. But as with so much else, I found my inspiration in the presence of my good old friend Nils. This year, Nils lives off-campus in a cute little basement apartment on South Main Street. Like the pretentious academics that we are, or have become (we certainly never used to be!), we were drinking green tea and discussing the politics of the European Union one afternoon, but like a whisper from the past, Nils said: “I really miss your Ed Harcourt
records from when we used to be roommates. I have tried to download some of his songs. And oh, here’s one that I haven’t heard yet!” The file just said “Ed Harcourt,” which made us both curious. So we played it. And the intro, my God, the intro! The song starts off with the saddest violins I have ever heard – they are so soulful that I just consider myself lucky that they did not cut deep soars in my heart. Then Ed’s soft, whispering, yet cynical voice comes in: “Let love not weigh me down. Let the cursed end be cleaned. When you lost faith in the human race, let love not weigh you down. Let love not cause me pain, oh let it all seem like a dream. And I won’t regret, what I can’t forget. Let love not cause me pain.” Absolutely brilliant. And I just sat quietly like a fool, completely taken, for four minutes and nineteen seconds. That doesn’t happen very often anymore. Just like Nick Hornby writes in my bible High Fidelity, there was a time when music meant more to me than perhaps even reality itself. There was a time when I used to know the name of every new critically acclaimed underground band, a time when I judged people on the basis of their record collection. But a man grows up, becomes more cynical. And
thus, music very seldom touches my heart in the same way that it once could. Very typically also, this particular song, “Let Love Not Weigh Me Down”, was from Ed Harcourt’s latest CD, Strangers. Which I had not even heard of until I looked it up on the web this past weekend. I am really no longer what I used to be. But I can certainly understand why Ed Harcourt is one of those few artists whose music can still make time stand still for me. Ever since I heard his debut album for the first time, Here Be Monsters, from 2001, I realized his potential. This English wunderkind was only 23 then, but his lyrics said something else. He appeared to have already been at every bar, had his heart crushed more often than George Bush has justified the war in Iraq, and more than anything else he mixes a sort of romantically enthusiastic approach to life with some of the crudest, darkest cynicism you could ever find in the world of music. To someone like me, one of those lost souls who have never known which side to belong to, the hopelessly romantic, and the completely cynical, it can sometimes feel like he has written the soundtrack of my life. It’s not that they help me in life or anything – in fact, they don’t do shit – but a sense
Movie Review: Supersize Me “A Film of Epic Proportions” Kaily Voellinger Herald Movie Review
In a time when 40% of American meals are eaten outside the home, and each day one in four Americans eats in a fast food restaurant, the health effects of fast food must be accounted for. Supersize Me, directed and produced by Morgan Spurlock, is a funny and intriguing, yet disgusting, approach to the obesity problem in America. We all know fast food isn’t good for us, but why are there so many obese people in America? Why are we the fattest country in the world? By eating at McDonald’s three times a day for a period of 30 days, Spurlock shows what an extreme “diet” of fast food does to the human body. Living on three basic principles, Spurlock could only eat what was offered at McDonalds over the counter, he had to eat everything on the menu at least once, and finally,
he would “supersize” if asked. Eating this food led to a weight gain of almost 25 pounds, and a 70 point increase in cholesterol. This diet, heavy in fat and sugar also took a toll on Spurlock’s liver. In addition, he experienced the “drug” effects of the food, feeling depressed when he hadn’t had his McDonald’s fix for the day. Spurlock uses interviews with consumers, doctors, nutritionists, economists, and CEO’s of corporate businesses to help explain the obesity epidemic that is plaguing the country. He even visits schools, to see if they are doing their part to raise healthy children. Spurlock shows how the media and advertisements play to children and adults alike in the food industry. Supersize Me is a thought provoking and interesting film that reflects some of the possible causes of American obesity. It does not provide an ultimate solution to this problem, but the film will hopefully make you question your food and lifestyle choices. Go rent Supersize Me, and prepare for a journey through the fast food wonderland that is America.
of identity and recognition, a feeling that you can relate your own perspective on, and experience of, life to someone else has always been one of the weaknesses, or maybe strengths, of us people. There is a beautifully laidback and arranged song on Maplewood, called “Attaboy Go Spin a Yarn”, in which the lyrics, in an almost ghostly way, mirror my way of thinking: “I’m not much for nostalgia, don’t really like the past. I’m just a happy man with a ship, and a sail, and a mast… It seems so easy to reflect on times gone by. And I expect, you spin a yarn til you die.” I have read quite a few reviews on Ed Harcourt. And in seventeen out of ten of them, the reviewer drops comparisons to both a younger Tom Waits and Randy Newman. Tom Waits and Randy Newman. Always. It is not far-fetched, but rather ignorant, because more than anything else, Ed Harcourt is just –Ed Harcourt. The problem with Ed Harcourt is that he is simply too sophisticated and intelligent. His music actually wants to say something. But artists that have something to say are destined to find themselves struggling for their daily bread in the back streets of the world of music, far from
the holy sphere of hit lists. And Ed Harcourt will never be played on MTV or commercial radio stations. I am fully aware of that. It is sad, but at the same time it might as well just be better so; for the day an artist enters that sphere of agents and record companies whose only objective is to sell, sell, sell, it becomes more and more difficult to maintain the sort of artistic integrity that Ed Harcourt still represents. A sort of integrity that can normally only be born within the independent individual, free from market forces. And finally, if you don’t feel inclined to go and buy Ed Harcourt’s entire discography just because a dubious Swede tells you to, I recommend you to at least visit his homepage, www.edharcourt.com. Once you enter it, an absolutely sensational song from his last album, “This One’s for You,” will start to play in the background. You will also get all the information you need about him, and his diary is more than worth reading (again: he actually says things!). But there is no way that I will write a review on his latest album. No way! But without having heard more than two songs so far, I am already absolutely convinced that it is the best album ever written. It just has to be.
8 The Herald Supports the Herons and Statesmen
Good Luck in the Coming Season!
SPORTS
Hope Springs Eternal in Baseball’s Fiercest Rivalry John Rosenbaum Sports Editor
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n the dining halls of Saga and Comstock, on the quad, in dorm rooms, at local bars, and even in the classrooms, there are two uniforms that dominate conversation and attire. This seemingly harmless fashion statement should be riskfree; however, it is far from it. Naturally, I am talking about perhaps the oldest and most ferocious feud in Major League Baseball (MLB) – the rivalry between the Boston Red Sox and the New York Yankees. The MLB playoffs are upon us and, as so many times before, the possibility of the Red Sox playing the Yankees for the American League title is not only expected by both teams’ fans, it is also a likely outcome of the division series matchups. The rivalry is as inescapable as it is glorified and demonized. It includes the two highest payrolls in MLB, and almost certainly encompasses the two most loved, but also despised, teams in America. The outcome of these skirmishes causes such zealous and rowdy behavior that even great friendships and family bonds are not considered hallowed when these two baseball giants do battle on the red-dirt field. Historically and statistically the two teams have had contrasting fortunes. The Yankees have 26 World Series wins and 39 American League pennants which makes them the
most successful professional team in sporting history. In stark contrast, the Red Sox have a meager five World Series wins and eight American League pennants. In the early days of baseball the rivalry was quite civilized as the two teams rarely played each other. In fact, the Red Sox main rival was not the Yankees, but rather the local team, the Boston Braves. However, when Fenway Park opened on April 20, 1912 and Boston defeated the New York Highlanders (who became the Yankees in April, 1913) in front of 27,000 enthusiasts, all this changed. This game manifested the culmination of a Boston dominated period. It was an era in which Red Sox baseball controlled the league. This epoch would come to include five World Series wins from 1903 – 1918. In that same time span, the “Bronx Bombers”, as the Yankees would later become known as, won none. On January 3, 1920, it all changed as the Yankees purchased the contract of George Herman Ruth, Jr. also known as Babe Ruth or just “the Babe.” His contract was acquired from the Red Sox for $125,000 as well as including a $350,000 loan against the mortgage on Fenway Park. From 1919 – 1932 the Red Sox went from being a regular contender to a habitual punching bag as they won nothing in that span. The Red
Sox amassed a record so ghastly it only included 818 wins and an astounding 1,312 losses. Then Ted Williams came along, giving Boston fans hope that a new golden era such as that of the teens would yet again put the Red Sox at
the forefront of baseball. And although Ted Williams will perhaps go down in history as the greatest hitter ever to grace the game (in stiff competition with Barry Bonds and Roger Maris), Williams actually brought the Red Sox nothing more than an American league pennant which they won in 1946. Part of what makes up this unyielding rivalry is the polarized imagery of the two teams. The New York Yankees are considered the royalty of baseball, the most successful franchise ever to play the game. It is a team which has included some of the most famous and vibrant players in history. Idols, icons and legends such as Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Yogi Berra, Joe DiMaggio, Whitey
Ford, Mickey Mantle, Roger Maris, Reggie Jackson and Don Mattingly are just a few of the players that have all worn the pinstripe uniform with great success. And although it can be argued otherwise, the Yankees uniform is probably the most recognized team jersey in the world. The considerably less successful Boston Red Sox are a franchise whose fans now seem more concerned about beating the Yankees than they do with winning an actual championship. Although the players that have graced the Red Sox jersey are perhaps not as noteworthy as their New York antagonists, many Yankee players have actually begun their careers in a Red Sox uniform. Roger Clemens, Wade Boggs and the “Bambino” himself, Babe Ruth, are such examples. However, there are exceptions, and players such as Ted Williams, Cy Young, Carl Yastrzemski, Jim Rice, Joe Cronin, Bobby Doerr and Carlton Fisk are probably the most prominent players ever to sport a Red Sox uniform. There are historical instances that make this rivalry exceptionally passionate; Mickey Mantle’s 1958 double at Yankee Stadium, which was followed by an insulting tipping of his cap to the highly incensed Red Sox bench. And who can forget the 2003 American League Championship series, which included a bench clearing and an altercation between
William Smith Herons Continue to Soar Patricia J. Foster Herald Contributor
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ow ranked 10th in the Na tional Field Hockey Coaches Association coaches’ poll, the William Smith field hockey team approaches the last league games of the season with a solid victory. After wins over rivals Union College and Skidmore College, and a loss at Cortland, the Herons defeated Lebanon Valley College, ranked 13th, on Oct. 16 at McCooey Field. The win raises the Herons’ record to 11-
2, while Lebanon Valley slipped to 11-5. William Smith dictated the pace of the game in the opening half, outshooting the visitors 6-1, but the teams headed into the break without budging the goose eggs on the scoreboard. The Herons turned up the intensity after halftime with 10 shots on goal to 1 from Lebanon Valley. On the Herons’ 11th penalty corner, junior back, Lauren Fuller, sent a shot towards the lower left corner of the cage, but LVC goalie, Katie
Pawlewicz, made an incredible diving stop, deflecting the ball to William Smith sophomore, Sophie Dennis. Dennis batted in the rebound for her team-leading 13th goal of the season. The Heron defense allowed just two Lebanon Valley shots, of which only one was on target. Jordan turned that offering aside to post her 5th shutout of the season. William Smith returns to action at 4 p.m., on Oct. 22, at Vassar College and 1 p.m., Oct. 23, at RPI.
Yankees bench coach Don Zimmer (a 72 year old former Red Sox manager) and Red Sox pitcher ace, Pedro Martinez. In 1949, there was no playoff format, so a team needed to win its division to reach the World Series. The Red Sox came into Yankee Stadium needing one win out of the two remaining games to get to the World Series. They went on to lose both. Then there is the matter of Babe Ruth. The “Curse of the Bambino” (the trade of Babe Ruth), is often credited as the reason why Boston has been unable to win a World Series since 1918. Superstition aside – there are probably few who actually believe in the curse itself – it does seem that the Red Sox are having a painstakingly difficult time winning the “big games.” But hope springs eternal in the city of Boston as well as on the Hobart and William Smith College campus, and perhaps this optimism can lead the 2004 Red Sox to an American League pennant and maybe even a World Series title. The campus is probably as divided on this matter as who to vote for president come November. But let us take care of baseball before we delve into the much more complicated issue of politics. Red Sox or Yankees? Curse or miracle? Soon we will know.
Corrections: In the October 8th issue of the Herald, there were several mistakes and omissions: -The Good Samaritan article was written by Jonah Levy. As far as we know, John Levyi doesn’t exist. -The issue was published as number 5, but it was, in fact, issue number 4. -We would like to thank the following contributors: Katie Bell, Jenna Rubinoff, Terri Hannan, Jonah Levy, Elizabeth Staino, Peter Gregory, Cliff Crain, Gil Carr, Dominique Biancosino, Annerys Rodriguez, Richard Stephansky, the ever entertaining Kaj Ranen, Patricia J. Foster, and Jim Gray. -The name of copy editor Kari Bakalar has been misprinted for several issues in the staff box.