The Miscellany News
Volume CXLVIII | Issue 13
February 18, 2016
Since 1866 | miscellanynews.org
Vassar College Poughkeepsie, NY
Zika’s impact spans VSA finalizes new constitution beyond the disease F Derek Sonntag Reporter
Eilis Donohue
Assistant News Editor
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he Zika virus has been all over international news in recent weeks, due to the approximately 4,000 recent cases of microcephaly, a condition in which babies are born with abnormally small heads attributed to the disease. In adults, the disease causes no lasting harm, though a correlation between Zika cases and microcephaly has created panic. The virus is spread by the mosquito species Aedes aegypti, which
thrives in warm regions, and is found in southern Asia and Africa, and now South America, Latin America and the southern U.S. According to Professor of Biology David Esteban, “Zika virus made its first appearance in South America last year[;] it is believed that an infected individual may have attended the World Cup in Brazil, and it spread from there. It’s spreading extremely rapidly.” The counterattack to the disease must therefore be two-pronged: eradicating mosquito See ZIKA on page 6
or years, members of the VSA have talked about revising the foundation of their student government. Now, after more than a semester of brainstorming and debating, the Restructuring Committee is presenting their final product to the Vassar community. “Restructuring,” explained VSA President Ramy Abbady ’16, “is the
process by which the VSA is changing the positions that exist, the policies, practices—everything about the VSA to make it a better organization in terms of representation, efficiency and being able to adequately address concerns–everything to make it better.” Last year, an external review of the current VSA government by the SG Consulting Group revealed structural weak points including
poor organization of power in the current government and an imbalance in representation of students in the VSA Council. The amount of time required of VSA members in the current VSA has caused many elected students to feel overworked. To exemplify that point, VP for Operations Ruby Pierce ’16 said, “The structure required a great deal of work for a See VSA on page 3
Matthew Stein Reporter
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uicide is a serious matter and often times we can’t grasp what goes through someone’s head when they make such a grave action. Simultaneously, there are moments when people feel isolated, as if nobody understands them or what they might be going through, be it family trouble, mental illness or anything that might be left unspoken. In his upcoming lecture Pablo Campos will give us an idea of how to provide greater sympathy and
understanding. In addition, Campos lecture hopes to cover some of the opportunities and help people in need can receive. On Tuesday, Feb. 23, Pablo Campos, a survivor of attempted suicide will be giving a lecture for Active Minds at 7:30 p.m. in Rocky 200. This lecture is brought to Vassar’s campus by a collaboration between The Listening Center (TLC), the ALANA Center, the Black Student Union (BSU) and the Office of Health Education. Campos has suffered from See CAMPOS on page 8
Jeremy Middleman/The Miscellany News
Campos to examine suicide and anxiety
VSA President Ramy Abbady ’16 presents the new constitution, bylaws and policies. The Restructuring Committee now is in the midst of presenting the final documents to the residential houses and student body.
Convention serves up geekiness Sabrina Oh Reporter
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Hanna McGuire Guest Reporter
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courtesy of IGN
onventional stereotypical remarks about geeks are overdone, monotonous and, frankly, a bit dry. Conventions involving geeks, for geeks, and for those unfamiliar to the realm of geekiness, however, escape these rigid, exhausted stereotypes. The 15th No Such Convention, held by No Such Organization, will take place in the College Center from Friday, Feb. 19 to Sunday, Feb. 21. Held annually, No Such Convention, also referred to as NSCon, is a three-day, family-friendly fan convention accessible to the greater Hudson Valley region. The convention will include panels, workshops, performances, activities, cosplay, live-action roleplay and screenings. This year, the convention is titled “Monsters & Mayhem”, and openly invites anyone who would like to base a cosplay or simply unleash their creativity. Ezekiel Maben ’17 is the current president of the NSO and head of the convention. In terms of his role as the so-to-speak chief of the event, he wrote, “I direct the overall vision of the convention, book guests, and oversee the other areas of the convention.” According to Maben, planning an event of this scale can be chaotic. He continued, “The planning process has had its ups and down, but we are prepared for the upcoming convention, with a great collection of guests and See NSO on page 16
No Such Convention is an annual series of lectures, performances and more. Renowned game developer and Vassar alum Ken Levine ’88 will speak.
Inside this issue
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Liberty League dreams running dry
Fried egg deserves more attention FEATURES than just breakfast
12 ARTS
Human cyborg coming to campus for lecture
he Vassar men’s basketball team faced tough competition this weekend, falling to Union College and Skidmore College in Liberty League play. Both games were pivotal for the Brewers with the conference tournament right around the corner. Previously third in the league, the team fell to fifth overall, with Skidmore leading the pack. In its previous encounter with Union, Vassar lost by only four points. Freshman Paul Grinde earned a double-double, while senior Erikson Wasyl, junior Mickey Adams and sophomore Jesse Browne all shot in the double-digits. Coach B.J. Dunne had high hopes when going up against Union for the second time. “We are playing our best basketball right now and it is important to peak at the right time, which we are,” noted Dunne, “In Game one we played well on both ends, but Union just made a few more plays down the stretch.” Unfortunately, the Brewers could not convert and fell to the Dutchmen 74-48 on Feb. 12. Vassar stayed close behind Union throughout the first half, trading off the lead. However, the Dutchmen took control in the second half, outscoring the Brewers 47-20. Despite the loss, Grinde
18 SPORTS
and freshmen Alex Seff, continued to prove their abilities as they both scored in double-digits. Coach Dunne recognizes how all five freshmen bring great energy to the team that helps create a familial atmosphere on and off the court. Seff and Grinde have not only contributed to this environment but have also played particularly influential roles during practice and games. “Seff has had a great second semester and plays with great intensity and energy on both ends of the floor,” said Dunne. “Grinde is a match up problem for all the teams in our league and it is obvious that he is the focal point of their scouting reports. They both have given us much needed production for this year.” Vassar’s first game against Skidmore on Jan. 15 ended in a 69-64 victory. The Thoroughbreds led the Brewers for most of the game, at one time by a nine-point margin. But that did not deplete Vassar, as the men capitalized on Skidmore’s 12 turnovers to take the win. Not only was the game a success for the Brewers, but Wasyl also made history, becoming the 14th player in Vassar College men’s basketball to score 1,000 career points. This season he averages 15.4 points per game, 5 rebounds and See B-BALL on page 18
Tennis team ready to start their Spring season