MARCH 17, 2011 • THE CAMPUS NEWSPAPER OF SWARTHMORE COLLEGE SINCE 1881 • VOLUME 133, ISSUE 21
PHOENIX
Inside: SNCC members recall Civil Rights Movement Soren Larson to showcase saxophone virtuosity Corbett’s cuts to state health care are excessive
REVAMPED? StuCo conducts survey on bagged lunches, p. 3
The Phoenix
Thursday, March 17, 2011 Volume 133, Issue 21
The independent campus newspaper of Swarthmore College since 1881. EDITORIAL BOARD Camila Ryder Editor in Chief Marcus Mello Managing Editor Menghan Jin News Editor Adam Schlegel Assistant News Editor Susana Medeiros Living & Arts Editor Dina Zingaro Living & Arts Editor Olivia Natan Opinions Editor Paul Chung Photo Editor Allegra Pocinki Photo Editor Julia Karpati Graphics Editor Peter Akkies Director of Web Development Eric Sherman Director of Web Development Jeffrey Davidson Editor Emeritus
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18 Allegra Pocinki Phoenix Staff
Garnet midfielder Mark Czernyk faces off against a Colorado College opponent. Czernyk won 13 out of 18 faceoffs and caused three turnovers in the Garnet’s close 9-8 overtime loss.
News StuCo seeks to revamp bag lunches Student Council has recently conducted a survey to determine whether or not members of the student body would like additions to be made to the bag lunch program. PAGE 3
SNCC panel recalls stories of their past Four activists in the Civil Rights Movement recount their experiences in the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee. PAGE 4
Living & Arts Dean’s guarantee for sleep without counting sheep Instead of choosing between sleep, studies and a social life, Steve shows Swatties how to make the few hours of sleep they have count. PAGE 8
the 2011 Scott Garden and Horticultural Medal and Award last Sunday by the Scott Arboretum. He is widely acclaimed for his work in transplanting tolerant and non-tolerant plants for both a hardier and aesthetically-pleasing variant. PAGE 10
Senior to showcase saxophone in a new light This Saturday, Soren Larson ’11 will offer a taste of early classical saxophone repertoire for his senior project. He has been working under Swarthmore alum Sam Lorber ’89. PAGE 10
Academia gets silly, tearful and awe-inducing Humor columnist Ariel describes how our lives would be a little more enjoyable if the very thought of the Battle of Hastings or the Pythagorean Theorem reduced us to giggles and fits. PAGE 11
budget progress Columinst Jon Erwin-Frank argues that if legislators stopped thinking of spending cuts as the only way to balance budgets and examined the possibilities of raising taxes, greater strides could be made. PAGE 16
Sports With loads of statistics, baseball isn’t just for jocks
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CONTRIBUTORS Henry Kietzman, Rachel Killackey, Aaron Kramer, Anna Rothschild, Eli Siegel, Mihika Srivastava OPINIONS BOARD Camila Ryder, Marcus Mello, Olivia Natan EDITORS’ PICKS PHOTOS COURTESY OF: (clockwise from top left): http://tiny.cc/j8vy2 http://tiny.cc/hv3ua http://tiny.cc/lnh95 http://tiny.cc/h678d http://tiny.cc/m41pf http://tiny.cc/j8vy2 TO ADVERTISE: E-mail: advertising@swarthmorephoenix.com Advertising phone: (610) 328-7362 Address: The Phoenix, Swarthmore College, 500 College Ave., Swarthmore, PA 19081
Garnet lacrosse teams victorious in recent games
CONTACT INFORMATION Offices: Parrish Hall 470-472 E-mail: editor@swarthmorephoenix.com Newsroom phone: (610) 328-8172 Address: The Phoenix, Swarthmore College, 500 College Ave., Swarthmore, PA 19081 Web site: www.swarthmorephoenix.com
coming out of its spring break trip Opium of the West?: belies undue priorities on business over Despite to California with an 0-8 record, the Garnet softball team picked up two wins against Hungarian perceptions of social programs. PAGE 14 Penn St.-Abington on Tuesday. PAGE 19 sexuality Public broadcasting is ultiPublic displays of affection may offend visExperienced Garnet baseiting Americans, but in Hungary, an open mately undemocratic Obama should have articulated a firm posi- ball team off to a fast start dialogue of sexuality is prevalent. PAGE 9 tion supporting the situation of rebels in Libya much sooner, Tyler argues. PAGE 16
GRAPHICS Julia Karpati Cover Design Parker Murray Layout Assistant
Direct advertising requests to Camila Ryder. The Phoenix reserves the right to refuse any advertising. Advertising rates subject to change.
Corbett’s budget cuts tar- Softball bounces back from get the wrong sectors break with two wins Governor Corbett’s focus in his budget cuts
Horticulturalist speaks at Arboretum’s Spring Festival Anti-tax orthodoxy impedes Horticulturalist Harold Pellet was awarded
BUSINESS STAFF Ian Anderson Director of Business Development Patricia Zarate Circulation Manager
Columnist Tim Bernstein simplifies six different baseball statistics so that you can be the most intellectual one when watching your next game. PAGE 17
The lacrosse teams, back from break, look to improve their records. While the men are 1-4 — picking up their first win over Wooster — the women are 3-1. PAGE 18
Opinions
STAFF Navin Sabharwal News Writer Patrick Ammerman News Writer Sera Jeong Living & Arts Writer Steven Hazel Living & Arts Writer Steve Dean Living & Arts Columnist Alex Israel Living & Arts Columnist Ariel Swyer Living & Arts Columnist Aliya Padamsee Living & Arts Columnist Timothy Bernstein Film Critic Renu Nadkarni Artist Naia Poyer Artist Ben Schneiderman Crossword Writer Holly Smith Crossword Writer Tyler Becker Opinions Columnist Danielle Charette Opinions Columnist Eva McKend Opinions Columnist Jon Erwin-Frank Opinions Columnist Emma Waitzman Artist Ana Apostoleris Sports Writer Daniel Duncan Sports Writer Renee Flores Sports Writer Timothy Bernstein Sports Columnist Hannah Purkey Sports Columnist Andrew Greenblatt Sports Columnist Renee Flores Copy Editor Lauren Kim Copy Editor Susanna Pretzer Copy Editor Jakob Mrozewski Photographer Eric Verhasselt Photographer
Mail subscriptions are available for $60 a year or $35 a semester. Direct subscription requests to Camila Ryder. The Phoenix is printed at Bartash Printing, Inc. The Phoenix is a member of the Associated College Press and the Pennsylvania Newspaper Association. All contents copyright © 2011 The Phoenix. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without permission.
The baseball team, which holds a 6-4 overall record, started off the season strong over spring break and look to continue their success with high hopes for the rest of the season. PAGE 20
March 17, 2011
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events menu Today Guided Tour: Green Roof Explore the three innovative green roofs on campus with the Arboretum staff. The tour will begin at the Scott Arboretum Offices at 1:30 p.m.
StuCo seeks to revamp bag lunches
Belk Lecture: Did the French Invent the Free Soil Principle Sue Peabody of Washington State University Vancouver will be delivering the 2010-11 Paul Belk Memorial Lecture in the Scheuer Room at 4:30 p.m. Swarthmore Africa Film Festival: Max and Mona This clever coming of age movie has been deemed “absolutely brilliant” by The Herald. Come watch the unravelling of the journey of 19-year-old Max Bua who travels from a South African farm community to Johannesburg in Sci 101 at 7 p.m. Tomorrow SAO presents: Rich Tu, Illustrator The Swarthmore Asian Student Organization will be hosting a lecture and workshop by acclaimed New York illustrator Rich Tu. Come to Sci 199 at 4 p.m. to help create a collaborative piece with Rich Tu and enjoy pizza. Jake Mrozewski Phoenix Staff
Worship Cafe Head to Kohlberg Coffee Bar at 7 p.m. to share your own and listen to others thoughts on God from a Christian perspective.
Based on results from the surveys distributed at bag lunches on Wednesday and Thursday, StuCo will be determining whether the grab-and-go bag lunch program needs any improvements.
ToeJam Spring 2011 Swarthmore’s all-male a cappella group, Sixteen Feet, will be hosting a live recording of their newest CD in LPAC at 9 p.m. Come enjoy the first a cappella concert of the spring.
This Wednesday and Thursday Student Council conducted a student survey in Tarble regarding possible bag lunch improvements. Based on the pending results of this survey, StuCo plans to work with Dining Services in order to implement changes in the program. This survey has come as a result of discussion generated by student complaints to Student Council that both the variety and availability of grab-and-go bag lunches could be enhanced. “We decided to run the survey … based off of several repeated concerns we’d heard from students about bag lunches.” Elizabeth Bryant ‘13, Campus Life Representative, said. “We just wanted to make sure that before moving forward with any sort of adjustments, they were legitimately backed by the opinions of those that take bag lunches.” The bag lunch program, created nearly 10 years ago, was devised by Dining Services as a quick option for students who do not have time to wait in the long lunch lines at Sharples between classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays. “My team decided to start this program because we realized it was very difficult for students to get lunch in a timely fashion because of the class schedule. Over the years it grew into a five-day-aweek program because class schedules changed and the need grew,” Dining Services Director Linda McDougall said. Each bag lunch includes an entrée sandwich or salad, a beverage, a snack item, fresh fruit and a dessert that students can easily take with them to their next appointment. Many students find it to be a desirable
Saturday, March 19th Workshop: A History and Tasting of Tea Sample the intoxicating aromas of six different teas with Jessica Litt, the Manager of Philly’s The House of Tea, Ltd. in the Gillespie Room in the Wister Center at 1 p.m. She will also discuss her family’s history of tea brewing and the secret to brewing the perfect cup.
Lecture: David Rohde For seven months between 2008 and 2009, David Rohde was held captive by the Taliban. A Pulitzer prize-winning investigative journalist for the New York Times, Rohde will be in Sci 199 with his wife at 3 p.m. to talk about his experiences. Purim Party 2011 Come celebrate the Jewish holiday of Purim with hamantaschen (cookies) and refreshments in the Danawell Trailer at 9 p.m. E-mail submissions for the events menu to news@swarthmorephoenix.com
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BY ELI SIEGEL esiegel2@swarthmore.edu
option. “I prefer not to eat in Sharples for lunch,” Naomi Liang ’12 said. “I get bag lunches mostly for the convenience.” Currently, bag lunches are available starting at noon on weekdays. However, some students feel that the hours of the program should be expanded to make bag lunch available before the 11:30 classes on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. “I get bag lunch every Tuesday and Thursday,” Kieran Reichert ’13 said. “But I think bag lunches could be better if they were offered earlier in the day on Mondays and Wednesdays.” In addition, other students would like more selections to be available for the entree. Among the current offerings are turkey, chicken salad and chicken caesar sandwiches. Peanut noodles, hummus wraps, and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches are offered as vegetarian options. However, not all of these entrees are available every day of the week. In particular, the Tuesday and Thursday vegan options are both variations of the hummus and pepper sandwich. One is on pita bread and the other is on a hoagie roll. “There have been some [student] concerns about Tuesday and Thursday [vegan] bag lunches both being hummus,” Simon Zhu ’11, Student Council President, said. This problem has led some students to suggest that each entree option should be available every weekday. “I think there could be more variety [of entrée options] for bag lunch,” Stephanie Lechich ’14 said. “It would be better to have the same meals on different days instead of having a rotating schedule [of entrée options].” “I just don’t find any of the sandwich options desirable,” another student, who
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wished to remain anonymous, said. “It would be nice if they had a hot entrée option, like the Phoenix [served at Sharples] and the spicy chicken sandwiches at Essie Mae’s.” The survey conducted by StuCo consisted of three questions discussing the current vegan and vegetarian options, the similarity of the Tuesday and Thursday selections and possible additions to the menu. In addition, there was a comment box in which students could tell StuCo what they personally think could be improved. Now that the survey is completed, StuCo will meet with Dining Services to discuss the results and any possible changes. In order for changes to occur, Dining Services has stated that concrete results must demonstrate that there is a general consensus within the student body. “I look forward to seeing the results of the survey,” McDougall said. “I am not sure [of possible changes]. I will need to evaluate the responses and the amount of interest in change.” StuCo hopes to work with Dining Services to find a solution that is beneficial to both the student body and the dining staff. “Student Council is continually supportive of Dining Services and the rest of the College staff and all the hard work they contribute to the community,” said Zhu. “[StuCo] understands and appreciates the hard work that already goes into preparing the bag lunches, but we also hope to better understand our students' concerns and preferences so as to communicate them to Dining Services.” Any possible changes in the bag lunch program would be set into motion at the end of the current semester or during the beginning of the next academic year.
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SNCC panel recalls stories of their past
Week iN piCtureS
BY NAVIN SABHARWAL nsabhar1@swarthmore.edu
Allegra Pocinki Phoenix Staff
Graduate student Justin Spence from the University of California, Berkeley lectures about the Pacific Coast Athabaskan dialect on Monday.
Paul Chung Phoenix Staff
Students enjoy homemade bubble tea served by members of Friends of Taiwan and SAO at a social on Wednesday night.
Paul Chung Phoenix Staff
Gary Burtless from The Brookings Institution dissects the government’s response to the recent recession in a lecture on Wednesday.
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Last Monday, four Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) activists spoke about their experiences with the Civil Rights Movement. Rutha Mae Harris, Penny Patch, Judy Richardson and Bernice Johnson Reagon also discussed their new book, “Hands on the Freedom Plow: Personal Accounts by Women in SNCC,” which tells the stories of 52 women working for SNCC. Around 70 students, faculty and members of the Swarthmore community attended the event, which took place in Scheuer Room. The panel was sponsored by the Black Cultural Center, the Dean’s Office, the Gender Education Office, McCabe Library, Forum for Free Speech, Fun Fund, the black studies program and departments of political science, sociology and anthropology and history. Founded by students from Shaw University in Raleigh, North Carolina, SNCC was a principal organization of the American Civil Rights Movement. Active in sit-ins and freedom rides, SNCC organized numerous voter registration drives all over the South, and demonstrated that every citizen — white, black, young, or old — could make a difference in the movement. Arrested three times for participating in movement marches and demonstrations in Albany, Georgia, Rutha Mae Harris still sings with SNCC Freedom Singers, and organized an adult Freedom Choir that performs at the Albany Civil Rights Museum. She also worked as a school teacher and coach, and recorded her first CD in 2004, entitled “I’m on the Battlefield”. During the panel, Harris emphasized the role music played in her personal development and in the civil rights movement. Singing to raise funds for SNCC, she came to realize the power of music to call people to action and mobilize people to a goal. “Musical messages turned [a crowd] into a community,” Harris said. “[It] stated we are here and we endure.” Initially a Swarthmore student, Penny Patch left following her first year to join the Black Freedom Movement, working with SNCC from 1962 to 1965 in Georgia and Mississippi and assisting with community voter registration and election campaign. Patch credits her childhood visit to the Dachau concentration camp outside Munich, Germany, as the source of her inspiration in getting involved in the civil rights movement despite her white, upper-middle class background. “My 1952 visit to Dachau terrified and shocked me,” she said. “Information about the Holocaust was too much for a nine, 10 or 11 year-old to handle.” At the time, she was left believing the Germans who let her in their country either supported the Holocaust or passively let it happen. She continued by elaborating upon her experiences in the American South, including being accosted while working at a polling booth. “I was poll watching with a group of young black women active in the movement. We sat together surrounded by angry, hostile, white men,” Patch said. As black people voted quietly, they were left wondering whose
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house would be bombed next. Eventually, a group of hostile teenagers threw a live snake at their feet. “It was terrifying being surrounded by people who hated us,” she said. Patch also explained how her time at Swarthmore galvanized her to play an active role in the movement, especially as a member of the Swarthmore Political Action Committee (SPAC), a group of politically-minded students advocating social change. The group was able to desegregate a Chester ice skating rink, charging the manager with discrimination. Also a former Swarthmore student, Judy Richardson left after her sophomore year to work for SNCC for three years in the early ’60s in Georgia, Mississippi and Alabama. The founder of the country’s largest African American bookstore and director of information for the United Church of Christ Commission for Racial Justice, Richardson worked on the PBS series “Eyes on the Prize.” Richardson also discussed the crucial role Swarthmore played in developing her passion for working in civil rights. “Being on this campus changed my life forever,” she said. A dedicated member of SPAC, she worked on several issues ranging from assisting the allblack, all-female staff of the dining hall to assisting local movements seeking desegregation in Maryland. Expelled from Albany State College for her passionate activism, Bernice Johnson Reagon graduated from Spelman College and earned her doctorate in history from Howard University. A founding member of the SNCC Freedom Singers, she is currently curator emerita at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History and professor emerita at American University. She described how she came to realize that the best way for her to move ahead in life would be through the Civil Rights Movement. For instance, after being harassed by white men shouting obscenities and throwing eggs and rocks on a public road in her college campus, she called for the road’s closure and organized mass meetings, ultimately leading to a hostile administration. “Singing was a major force in my life,” Reagon said, mentioning that she was active in congregation singing. She views the act of singing as a way to express one’s voice and opinion. “You will not have me walking down the street and people acting as if nobody has walked down the street. I am going to be shouting out and sparkling with energy,” she said. “No better way to do that than to attack racism in the South which is legal. We were going to act as if segregation did not exist, acting as if you are a citizen.” Throughout the panel, Reagon passionately sang songs or freedom, joined by enthusiastic members of the audience. The panel received an overwhelmingly positive student response. Gail Engmann ’14 was deeply moved by Reagon’s constant use of song in her discussion. “Her voice is so powerful. It shook that room. It was as if she was building up her soul, energy and passion, and throwing it at us. It was like we had no choice but to confront the energy and passion coming from her,” she said. “It was inspiring.”
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Print release stations in McCabe will cut back on paper and ink waste This past week, new print release stations were set up in McCabe library at the recommendation of Earthlust and the Sustainability Committee (SusCom) located both on the ground floor near the main printers as well as in McCabe’s media centers. “The print release station is something ITS has been wanting to try out, in collaboration with SusCom, to try to reduce the amount of paper and ink waste we produce here at Swarthmore,” Kat Clark ’12, a member of the environmental issues group Earthlust, said. McCabe’s print release stations operate in the same fashion as the color printer in the Media Center in Beardsley Hall. The station was set up next to the printers where those who had printed documents to the printer in
McCabe could approve the documents they wanted printed. For students, this meant entering their Swarthmore user ID and password, then selecting those documents that need to be released. Documents that had not been released after thirty minutes were removed from the printing queue. This week was only a test period for the release stations in order to see how the print release system would work in such a busy printing location. “We want to make sure that patrons (guests and non-students) can continue to print … and also that we can deal with the load at crunch times: after classes, before lunch, and after dinner … that’s when we see peaks (in printing),” ITS staff member Seth FrisbieFulton said in an e-mail.
A great deal of effort is being put into gathering feedback on the performance of the release stations. A notebook has been available in the printing area on the first floor for library goers to share their reactions about the new printing system. According to Chris Gebert, Access and Lending Technology Specialist at the library, these reactions seem mostly negative. However, online feedback being collected by Swarthmore’s ITS has had more mixed results according to Frisbie-Fulton. Thus far this semester, McCabe’s first floor printers alone have printed 486,744 pages, the equivalent of 6.04 trees, and the release of 2,190.3 kg of carbon dioxide. Gebert is in charge of ordering paper for McCabe’s first floor printers.
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“I order about ten cases … every eight or nine days,” Gelbert said (one case holds about ten reams of paper). Other schools have found that print managing programs such as release stations can reduce paper use by 20-40%. After the testing period, ITS, Sus Com and Earthlust will decide how to go forward in making release stations permanent and expanding them to public printing locations around campus. “ITS is looking for tons of feedback on the new system, so people should definitely feel comfortable offering up positive or negative reviews of the system,” Clark said. Anyone wishing to give feedback on the release stations can access the ITS survey online. BY PATRICK AMMERMAN
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Dental student to star on show BY RACHEL FINKEL dailypennsylvanian.com, Mar. 15, 2011
Nobel laureates, Supreme Court justices, billion-dollar entrepreneurs — Penn has many notable alumni. Now it can add one more to its list — a reality television star. Ashley Hebert, a fourth-year Penn Dental student, will be starring in the next season of the “The Bachelorette,” which will premiere May 23. Hebert appeared on the “Jimmy Kimmel Show” Monday night to announce her decision to star in the show. “She was absolutely a good choice for the next Bachelorette,” College sophomore Margo Slaff said. Hebert was one of the final three women on Season 15 of “The Bachelor” — a show where one bachelor selects a fiancee from 25 candidates — which ended on Monday. Bachelor Brad Womack sent her home in the episode that aired Feb. 28. Hebert will be taking off the next few months of school to film “The Bachelorette,” according to second-year Dental student Keith Goldman, who is friends with Hebert. “If she can take time off, it’s worth it for true love,” Slaff said. “As long as you’re committed to going back [to school] afterwards, there is no harm.” “I think it’s really good that the school’s being flexible,” Goldman said, adding that Penn even allowed Hebert to film the opening sequence of the upcoming season in its hallways. “She’s exactly like how she appears on TV,” Goldman said. “I hate reality television, but I watched. I will definitely watch the upcoming season to support her.” Although Hebert was unavailable for comment, “she seems very happy,” Goldman said. In addition to being a Dental student, Hebert has taught hip-hop dance classes at the Pottruck Fitness Center. “She is an amazing instructor,” said Hebert’s supervisor Katie Huber, who is Pottruck’s assistant director of group exercise and instructional classes. “She has a lot of energy.” “She was always really outgoing and nice,” Angela Yecco, another Pottruck instructor, said. “I am absolutely excited that I go to the same school as the next Bachelorette,” Sloff said. “I was excited when I found out Ashley went to Penn,” added College freshman Ilyssa Friedman, who took one of Hebert’s hip-hop classes just to meet her. “I went up to talk to her after the class, and she was very friendly,” Friedman said. “At the end of the class, she told everyone to watch ‘The Bachelor.’ She definitely wanted people to know she was on the show.”
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THOMAS JEFFERSON UNIVERSITY
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Graduating students face tough job prospects BY MARISSA MEREDYTH pittnews.com, Mar. 15, 2011
Despite reports of economic recovery, Pennsylvania’s unemployment statistics suggest that tough times still loom for students who plan to graduate this May. Last month, the U.S. Department of Labor reported that last year the average unemployment rates rose in 31 states. Pennsylvania experienced a 0.7 percent increase in unemployment from 2009 to 2010. This places the state’s average for 2010 at 8.7 percent — that’s below the national average, which was 9.6 percent. Last year’s national average rose 0.3 percent over the previous year. These figures caused consternation among a few of the about 3,500 who will graduate from Pitt in May. The ceremony itself is a month and a half away, and many students have started the job search. Two students graduating from the College of Arts and Sciences said they are focusing on securing short-term employment for this summer before focusing on a long-term job search. One student in the College of Business Administration said he — luckily — had already secured employment. Communication major Kyle McGillivray felt frustrated with the lack of jobs available to college graduates. “It’s, like, impossible to find entry-
level jobs,” McGillivray said. She plans to get an internship if she can’t find a job that actually requires a college degree. “I don’t want to feel like I wasted almost $100,000,” she said. The New York native pays out-of-state tuition, which rose to $23,732 last year, up from $20,686 her freshman year. She has applied for internships in New York at the Glimmerglass Opera and the Saratoga Performing Arts Center. One lecturer in Pitt’s economics department, James Maloy, suggested that an economic recovery without substantial job creation cannot be considered a true recovery. The high unemployment rate might be evidence that a recovery is not in the near future, he said. In January 2011, Pennslyvania had 194 mass-layoff events — which involved at least 50 people losing their jobs — and more than 16,000 unemployment insurance claims, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The only states with higher claims rates were New York and California — with 24,950 and 44,274 respectively. English writing major Kelsey Ballance said she had yet to start truly looking for a job and was more concerned with getting through the semester. “I have a summer job lined up,” Ballance said. “But nothing after that.” She will teach marching band kids at a
summer camp, which she said she has been doing the past couple of years. Professor Maloy said he believed many other students might continue their education for economic reasons. “If there aren’t better opportunities out there and if [graduate school] can be done at a reasonable price,” he said, “it’s a decent option.” Still, he warned students against going into debt for a postgraduate degree without doing thorough research on the field. He said students should make sure they will be able to find a job that makes the cost of the degree — a function of time forgone in the workforce and debt accumulated — worthwhile. “More education is not necessarily better,” he added. “If the cost and time associated with doing an additional degree don’t pay for themselves, then it is a poor investment.” Maloy said some degrees are worse than others, and singled out law degrees as one such investment. “Right now people with law degrees are struggling,” he said, because they
have a huge amount of debt. Maloy reminded students who are thinking of going for a post-graduate degree that under current legislation students cannot generally eliminate their loans by declaring bankruptcy. “Acquiring student loan debt is not something to be taken lightly,” Maloy said Chris Marth, a senior marketing and fiance major in the College of Business Administration, said he received a job offer from an internship he completed with Enterprise, a rental car company. “The best advice in the job search is to broaden your horizons,” Maloy said. “Apply for many different things if you can’t find your ideal job.” Maloy said experience is key in finding a position. “It’s generally easier to find a new job if you already have one,” he added, warning that students quickly become undesirable by employers if they sit around without a job. “Concentrate on showing the employer what you can offer,” he concluded, “rather than on what you think the employer should be doing for you.”
“The best advice in the job search is to broaden your horizons.” James Maloy UPitt economics lecturer
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WORK FOR ITS! Information Technology Services is now hiring student employees for Summer and/or Fall 2011 positions. All academic majors and experience levels are encouraged to apply. If you enjoy working with technology and helping others solve problems, please consider working with us. Please visit the online job descriptions and applications: http://www.swarthmore.edu/itsjobs.xml 6
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Penn State: Faculty Senate talks budget, tuition BY ANNA ORSO collegian.psu.edu, Mar. 16, 2011
Even though it wasn’t outlined in the agenda, discussion surrounding Gov. Tom Corbett’s proposed state budget dominated Tuesday’s University Faculty Senate meeting. After initial remarks, Penn State President Graham Spanier addressed the senate regarding the proposed budget, saying he has received an outpouring of support from community members and Penn State students alike. Additionally, Spanier briefed the senate on the specifics of the “unfair” cut — calling it the single largest higher education appropriation cut in American history. “We are not responsible for contributing to the state deficit,” Spanier said. “We know that Penn State has to do its fair share to help the commonwealth, but I don’t think it’s a cut of 52.3 percent. There is nothing else in the budget that looks like a cut of this magnitude.” From an economic standpoint, Spanier said he doesn’t understand the cuts because Penn State returns $25 to the commonwealth for every one dollar it puts in, as well as doubling money back to taxpayers that they put in. Additionally, Spanier addressed a potential rise in tuition if the proposed budget is passed, saying in-state tuition would rise at a higher percentage than out-ofstate tuition because those students are already paying full price for their education. “If this happens, it represents a cut in the subsidization of undergraduate education for Pennsylvania residents,” Spanier said. “On a percentage basis, it’s not
away briefly and then returning to add on a final comfair to put this on the backs of out-of-state students.” But Spanier said he wanted to emphasize the burden ment. “I hope.” After Spanier left the podium, Careen Yarnal, chairwould not be placed principally on students, and the university will find other ways to decrease costs and woman of the Committee on Student Life facilitated a discussion on the role of faculty in decreasing excessive increase revenue. The recommendations to decrease costs to each col- alcohol consumption among students. Referencing police statistics from this year’s State lege and campus from the Academic and Administrative Services Review Core Council should Patty’s Day event, Yarnal asked senators for opinions be implemented “with a new sense of urgency,” Spanier regarding potentially discussing the effects of alcohol in freshman seminars. said. He said faculty While some faculty salaries will not be members were receptive raised. to the idea, others were “If any of you are “If any of you are thinking about thinking about retiring, retiring, now might be a good time.” not.Student senator Geoff now might be a good Halberstadt, representtime,” Spanier said. Graham Spanier ing the College of “That’s less people that Penn State President Liberal Arts, said he have to be laid off.” opposed the idea during In response to suggesthe meeting. tions to close campuses, “I am paying to get a degree in political science, so in Spanier said the budget cut could decrease the viability of some Commonwealth Campuses, but closing them is my classes where I am getting taught for my degree, I don’t want a faculty member to spend a class about the last thing he wants to do. Additionally, Spanier said the university does not alcohol consumption,” Halberstadt (senior-political science and history) said. “The track record for Penn State want to move to become a private university. As far as the budget itself, Spanier said he wouldn’t students is: If the university pushes, we push back.” As far as additional legislation, a policy change to address the controversy surrounding the decision to not tax the natural gas drilling of Marcellus Shale other amend the current policy regarding deferred grades than pointing out that Penn State had a hand in natural was approved to set the time for students to defer grades at nine weeks after the end of the semester in gas research in Pennsylvania. After a series of grim forecasts, Spanier’s final question. Additionally, the legislation that changes the senremarks attempted to reassure the room of concerned ate’s representation model was approved and will take students and faculty. “Don’t worry, we will be OK,” Spanier said, walking effect in the 2012-2013 school year.
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Flo Rida chosen as second Fling opener BY ARIELLE FOGEL dailypennsylvanian.com, Mar. 16, 2011
On Wednesday, students were treated to surprise performances around campus by the Penn Band and the Penn Glee Club to advertise the second of the three Spring Fling concert performers. Flo Rida, a rapper known for hits such as “Low,” “In the Ayer” and “Right Round,” was confirmed as the second Fling opening performer at 1:10 p.m. by 34th Street Magazine’s blog, "Under the Button," after students watched Penn Band march down Locust Walk and a video posted on "UTB" starring Penn Cheer where both performed to the tune of Flo Rida’s hit song, “Club Can’t Handle Me Now.” Penn Glee Club also performed the song at the Compass after the announcement. Flo Rida will join electronic duo Ratatat at the Fling concert, along with a third headlining artist whose identity is yet to be revealed. Ratatat's performance was announced Tuesday through a series of clues distributed throughout campus. College junior and Social Planning and Events Committee Concert co-director Shana Rusonis explained that bringing Flo Rida to this year’s Fling is “a great opportunity and very relevant.” Flo Rida has had “a lot of hits consistently in the past three years … a lot of students relate [his songs] to their college experience,” she added. When the performer was announced, students were excited by the energy Flo Rida’s songs will bring to Fling.
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“I am very excited by the opportunity this presents to get low … not that you really need an excuse,” Wharton and Engineering freshman Tim Lynch said. Wharton freshman Katie Simon explained that “even though I don't listen to Flo Rida in my free time, I think for a Fling concert, SPEC did a great job choosing him.” College freshman Tim Dugan agreed. “Although his lyrics are lacking, he has great beats [and it’s] great music to dance to so it’ll be great for Fling.” Some, however, were disappointed by the announcement. “I think they could have done much better,” Wharton sophomore Dionicio Herrera said. “The lineup is not even half as good as last year’s [Fling concert performers],” he added. Brianna Mariolle agreed. “I’d be more excited if Flo Rida was bringing Ke$ha along to sing ‘Right Round.’” Tuesday’s impromptu performances by Penn student groups was a new tactic by SPEC to announce one of the Fling concert's performers. Rusonis hoped that this “massive day of multiple performances … would be a cool, inventive and creative way to make a big deal about this artist.” Dugan agreed. “It was a cool way to reveal it,” he said. Engineering freshman and member of Penn Band Kristin Marra said “the whole band was excited.” “We did about four stops on Locust Walk … not that many students actually stopped to watch us, but those that did were really excited about it," she added.
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Living & Arts Dean’s guarantee for sleep without counting sheep
swarthmorephoenix.com
The college bookstore personally recommend one or more memory foam used to sell a T-shirt that mattress toppers ($15 at Target, or $1 at Swat’s end read something like, of year Trash to Treasure). They can eliminate the “Work, Friends, Sleep: discomfort and cramping that would otherwise Pick two.” For me, this cause you to toss and turn and wake up throughdecision has always been out the night. Next, top that relatively (and allitera- topper with satin/sateen tively) simple: Sacrifice sheets that immediately sleep to secure social and conform to your body temperature so you don’t scholastic success. However, if you need to spend precious choose to nix precious minutes waiting for your Steve Dean hours of sleep from your sheets to warm up durLife Tips from a Dean routine, you must ensure ing cold months. For that when you do sleep, those of you who rouyou do it like a pro. tinely sleep with a sigDrawing from eight years of experience with all- nificant other, be mindnighters and novel sleeping habits, I will walk you ful that while the presthrough my best strategies for falling asleep, stay- ence of another body can keep you warm and ing asleep and waking up refreshed. We’ve all heard about the myriad benefits of relaxed (thus helping sleeping, but we rarely hear people advocate for the you fall asleep), it’s fully alternative. Consider this: for the past eight years, I possible that your cudhave whittled down my body’s need for sleep to dle buddy’s own nightroughly four to five hours per night. If we assume time movements/snorthat the average college student sleeps seven to ing can woefully disrupt own sleeping eight hours per night, this means that I am able to your habits, so at least utilize, on average, 14-28 try to get in a few more hours per week than nights of solo sleep per the average college stu“If you plan to spend less week. dent. It’s not that I don’t There are other, more time in your bed, you’ll have value sleep. obvious methods for ensurOn the contrary, I find to ensure that the time you do ing that you stay asleep. For that limiting my nightly one, silence your cell phone spend there is not wasted.” sleep intake increases the so that late night texts or marginal utility of each Twitter updates don’t disadditional minute of sleep that I do manage to procure. A 15-minute power nap turb your sleep cycles. The last thing you want is can become as valuable and every bit as satisfying for a vibrating or chirping phone to rip you out of as two or three hours’ worth of sleep. your precious REM phases. Additionally, if you Correspondingly, you can learn to wake up from a night of four hours’ sleep feeling as though you just c a r t o o n b y slept for eight. Now, if you’re going to engage in this sort of planned sleep deprivation, you’ll first have to ensure that when you do sleep, you do it right. If you plan to spend less time in your bed, you’ll have to ensure that the time you do spend there is not wasted. First and foremost, you want to guarantee the minimal passage of time between laying down and falling asleep. Let’s start with things to avoid. Before you even hop into bed, you must first make sure that you’re not caffeinated. Caffeine will usually stay in your system for at least three hours, though probably more — only you can be the judge of how it affects you (remember that if you’re on birth control, your body may take longer to break down caffeine, so its effects may have an even longer duration). Also, avoid drinking alcohol prior to sleeping. It may temporarily relax you and help you fall asleep, but it has been shown to interfere with deeper REM sleep. Finally, avoid bright and artificial light for the last half hour before you fall asleep. When in darkness, your body naturally produces melatonin which facilitates sleep and boosts your immune system. So don’t spend that time in bed reading from your iPad or computer screen or updating Facebook. Treat your bed as a warm, dark, distraction-free refuge. The fastest way to fall asleep is to be so relaxed when your head hits the pillow that you experience no physical discomfort or mental consternation that might hinder your blissful passage into dreamland. To relax your body, try dedicating 5-10 minutes before you sleep to stretching or yoga in order to work out the day’s kinks. To assuage your mind, try making a physical to-do list for the next day so that you don’t have to let those thoughts flood your brain while you’re laying down. Most importantly, make your bed as comfortable as possible so that even the mere thought of it can induce dreamlike euphoria. I 8
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have a roommate, set up a game plan by which you can ensure that lights go out and sounds dissipate by a certain time. Or try to sync your collective work schedules so you can both engage in strategic sleeping! When it comes to waking up, your goal is to do so during your lightest sleep cycles. There’s a nifty iPhone app called Sleep Cycle (Smart Alarm on Android) that uses your phone’s internal accelerometer to gauge the best time (within a preset range) to begin waking you up. You could also invest in a “sunrise” alarm clock that has a lamp that gradually brightens as your wake-up time approaches. If all else fails, and you find that you simply can’t bring yourself to wake up after only four hours of Renu Nadkarni The Phoenix sleep, I recommend either buying a jigsaw puzzle alarm clock that shoots its pieces off the desk and doesn’t turn off until you put them back together, or in the worst case scenario, befriending a Clocky, the mobile alarm clock that scoots off your table and around your room, hooting and beeping until you catch it. Steve is a senior. You can reach him at sdean1@swarthmore.edu.
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Living & Arts Opium of the West? Hungarian perceptions of sexuality swarthmorephoenix.com
“Comrade Gogolak, wait! That is a new skirt, isn’t it?” Comrade Virag said to the maid, as she was leaving the room wearing her new belowthe-knee skirt. “Yes, it’s new, Comrade Virag,” she replied, with her usual tense facial expression. Then, Comrade Virag added, “It’s too short. Maki Sakuma Leave sexuality to be the opium of the declining Quest for the West.” Hungarian Identity This dialogue is from a well-known scene in one of the most famous Hungarian films, “The Witness.” A comedy of the communist period in the 1950s, many of the film’s beautiful quotes have become part of the lexicon of the Hungarian language. Though the quote above didn’t quite survive in colloquial Hungarian language, it stands out to me as such an amusingly ironic remark since I recently wrote in my previous column about Hungarian adoration of the West, and now plan to write about Hungarian sexuality, which includes the current fashion trend of short skirts in Budapest. Budapest is a fashionable city. A lot of young women wear mini skirts or very short pants, even if it’s below freezing outside. They wear tall boots and tights in frigid temperatures; I tried that out and quickly realized that it takes a bit of effort to pretend that I’m not cold (it was January) Short skirts, the socalled “opium of the declining West,” have certainly demonstrated their presence on Hungarian streets, along with their admirers. Oh, poor Comrade Virag. Although I don’t have many examples, there seems to be a general atmosphere of accepting remarks of men on women in the presence of women, be it his past passion on Spice Girls or his friend’s girlfriend’s friends. The extreme case is a young pianist whom my landlady asked me to help with his English. Interestingly, he seemed to believe that the best way to improve his oral skills was to talk about all the attrac-
tive girls he has met (the Italian girls, a voluptuous black woman in Paris, his friend’s piano teacher, random girls in bars, etc). He didn’t stop there, however; he told me about the advances he has received from not so good-looking girls (“50 percent,” in his term) and, how shall I put it, the “misbehaviors” of his fellow piano professors and friends. He claims that pianists who can truly express music are the people who know all aspects of life. Still, never in my life has anyone told me about their love for girls so openly. Hungarians are also very comfortable with public displays of affection. In my first Hungarian culture class, my teacher said that she often hears that American students are surprised by the couples in streets. One of my classmates explained that she witnessed a couple making out from the top of an escalator to the bottom of it, which she said turned her off. I often see this too, and I was actually quite relieved to know that my fellow Americans received such public displays of affection similarly, since I was beginning to think that maybe I come from too conservative of a neighborhood. The above mentioned pianist also explained to me that such public displays of affection seem to be a “European thing” and that he often hears Americans voicing their shock.
However, I’ve also discovered that the trend seems to be more or less a characteristic of young people. When having breakfast with my landlady and her husband, I said a few things that the pianist told me, and the table fell awkwardly silent for a while. I also asked another Hungarian who studied abroad in Japan last year about public displays of affection. He said that people in his generation or older are against some excessive behavior, though Hungarians think that finding one’s love is a good thing and kissing in public generally is considered ordinary behavior. Later I found out that he is young, 24 or 25, and there was a picture of him in Japan with a sash that says, “sukebe daihyo,” which means “representative of erotomanias.” I just laughed and decided to give up on capturing the elusive “Hungarian trend.” Matters on sexuality depend on one’s personal background so much so that a moderate Hungarian can seem to be an erotomaniac in Japan, and there are only so many people you can meet. Therefore I do not claim that I delivered to you a picture of the Hungarian trend of sexuality, but this is a slice of my life in Budapest. Maki is a junior. You can reach her at msakuma1@swarthmore.edu.
Crossword PETTY CASH ACROSS 1. Wild guess 5. Siestas 9. Cemetery unit 14. Zero, in tennis 15. Suffix with psych- or hypn16. 55 miles an hour, maybe 17. “Take _____ leave it!” 18. Old film pooch 19. Appliance brand 20. Adds to the language, in a way 23. More spooky 24. Cincinnati has three 25. “Spare” body part 28. Jong who wrote “Fear of Flying” 31. Literally, “already seen” 33. One of five in “Othello” 36. Writer Émile 38. Mississippi River tributary 39. Purpose of a trip maybe 43. No-stress class 44. Falafel bread 45. The “S” of CBS: Abbr. 46. Soda bottle units 48. Terra firma 51. “All bets _____ off” 52. Wade’s opponent 54. Builds 58. Ammo used against a werewolf 61. “Hasta la vista!” 64. Burn soother 65. _____ Harker, wife in Bram Stoker’s “Dracula” 66. Part of MGM 67. Boxer Oscar _____ Hoya 68. Neck and neck 69. Frequently 70. Penultimate fairy tale word 71. Hanoi holidays
8. Reach home plate safely 9. Sammy Davis Jr. had one 10. “The _____ of the Ancient Mariner” 11. Doctors’ grp. 12. Actor Diesel 13. LAX posting 21. Sun. talk 22. Common conjunction 25. Demolishes 26. Old piano key material 27. Harbor markers 29. Hen’s home 30. Jude Law title role 32. Feb. preceder 33. Amtrak’s “bullet train” 34. Committee leader 35. Nibble on 37. Old film pooch
40. Science guy Bill 41. “South Park” teacher Mr. _____ 42. Funshine, Grumpy, or Love-alot 47. Pine-_____ 49. Broadway play about Capote 50. Biker’s protection 53. Escape, as detection 55. Actor Owen 56. Basic belief 57. Athlete Musial, and others 58. Achy 59. Hgt. 60. Part in a play 61. _____, amas, amat 62. _____ Leppard 63. Addams family cousin BY BEN SCHNEIDERMAN
DOWN
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Movie poster for the 1969 Peter Basco film, “The Witness.” THE PHoENIX
1. Pizzeria order 2. From head _____ 3. To have, to Henri 4. Late comedian Mac 5. Stamp officially, as a document 6. Perched on 7. Safari helmet material
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For the solution to this week’s puzzle, see The Phoenix’s online edition at www.swarthmorephoenix.com.
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Horticulturalist speaks at Arboretum’s Spring Festival BY STEVEN HAZEL shazel1@swarthmore.edu
During the cold months of winter at Swarthmore, it can be easy to forget that the campus is also a nationally acclaimed arboretum, continually recognized as one of the most picturesque campuses in the nation. However, as winter turns into spring and foliage reappears on the trees, the Scott Arboretum embraces this changing in the seasons with their annual Spring Festival on March 13. This festival celebrates the winner of the 2011 Scott Garden and Horticulture Medal and Award, Dr. Harold Pellet. In 1929, Edith Wilder Scott established both the arboretum and the award — to “promote a greater love of nature and arouse a wider interest in better planting and beautiful gardens among all citizens,” said Claire Sawyers, director of the arboretum. Given 57 times since 1929, the award now includes a medal designed by sculptor Walker Hancock, as well as $12,000 in recognition of the development of enthusiasm for gardening. This year’s recipient, Dr. Harold Pellet, has had an avid interest in horticulture and gardening throughout his life. “Dr. Pellet is the consummate collaborator. That he has developed an international system of cooperative research is a tribute to his vision, his persistence and his unassuming style,” Stuart Hain, vice president of facilities and services, said. Pellet’s work fits seamlessly with Scott’s desire to recognize through the award the promotion of horticulture and the love of plants. “[Pellet’s] curiosity goes beyond flora to fauna. He has had 10 aquariums of tropical fish at one time. His children essentially grew up in an experimental station,” Hain said. In seeking an origin for his love of plants, Pellet credits his own childhood, during which his parents owned a horticultural business that he was involved with from a young age. Soon after just learning to walk as a child, Pellet participated in producing crops such as melons, tomatoes, sweet corn, cucumbers, asparagus and more. Also, he attributed his
exposure to diverse types of horticulture to a lifelong love of gardening and thus, has been involved in horticulture for the majority of his life. Educated at Iowa State College, Pellet received a B.S. in horticulture, and after a brief stint in the army returned to pursue his passion. Then, he received a Ph.D. in landscape horticulture with a minor in plant breeding and genetics from Iowa State. Since 1966, he has worked at the University of Minnesota as a professor of landscape horticulture. He has led projects involving the culture and physiology of landscape plants, which included the hardiness of plants and the effect of cultural practices such as the application of mulches and plant size on the success of transplanting. “I feel like the luckiest and richest man in the world to be paid to pursue my hobby,” Pellet said. In addition to his successful work at the University of Michigan, Pellet also founded the Landscape Plant Development Center in order to “develop superior new landscape plants that are more tolerant or biological and environmental stresses.” The Center’s basic approach is to cross a non-tolerant parent with a tolerant plant and therefore, the progeny will have intermediate tolerance. The tolerance of the second generation follows a normal curve — some will be as tolerant as the original parents, and these are bred together to achieve a generation just as hardy as the original tolerant plant, but with varied coloring or size. Prospective plants are distributed to different regions across the country to see how they survive in varying climates, from a dry, hot region like Utah to a cold, wet region like Oregon. Since its first official meeting in July of 1991, when the Landscape Plant Development Center only had a steering board and an idea, the project has developed rapidly. Depending on grants, donations and royalties, the Center works with a number of landscape plants. Among the LPDC’s introductions are a number of plants that benefit landscapers and gardeners, either by featuring “less messy” fruit or fruit of
smaller stature, which included the clematis “Center Star,” the pyrus “Silver Ball” and dwarf species of shrubs, as well as sterile cultivars of invasive species. “We started with nothing, [but now] we have a dedicated staff, support from industry and we have research underway,” Pellet said. Now, the LPDC has made four plant introductions that are in production by nurseries, and also has many plants under evaluation in its two research stations in Oregon and Minnesota respectively. In light of all of his work, Pellet is thankful for all of his success thus far. “No, I’m not rich and I didn’t win the lottery,” Pellet said. “But I’m rich in the things that really matter … I guess I was born a horticulturist.” On March 13, Scott Arboretum volunteers and Swarthmore students alike attended the Festival. “[Dr. Pellet’s] work has obviously brought a lot of beauty into the world. Every day I am reminded of the splendor of the natural world thanks to our arboretum and the efforts of those who make it possible,” Frank Mondelli ’14 said.
Allegra Pocinki Phoenix Staff
Guests at the Arboretum’s Spring Festival’s reception choosing from a wide range of free plants.
Senior to showcase saxophone in a new light BY HENRY KIETZMAN hkietzm1@swarthmore.edu Most commonly, the saxophone is associated with jazz, blues, pop and big band music. After its debut in Paris in 1842, the saxophone became quite well known with French classical composers. On March 19th, from 7-9 p.m., Soren Larson ‘11 will offer a taste of this early classical saxophone repertoire — as well as some of his own transcriptions and arrangements — in his senior recital performance. Larson has practiced under Sam Lorber ’89 for five semesters. “I’ve improved my tone [and] my technique has been greatly improved since I got to Swat,” Larson said. His performance serves as a testament to these years of work, especially since one of Larson’s selections is the first piece he worked on under Lorber’s tutelage. “I feel that this is a culmination of this work that I’ve done over my four years. These works are the works that any serious student of the saxophone plays, so by performing them I feel like I’m claiming my position as an amateur saxophonist,” Larson said. For the recital, Larson selected seven pieces including “Concertino da Camera” by Jacques Ibert; “Petit Piece” by Claude Debussy; “Tableaux de Provence” by Paule Maurice; “Rapsodie pour Saxophone et Orchestra” by Claude
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Debussy, arranged for piano and saxophone by Vincent David; “Sonata Op. 19” by Paul Creston; and “Pavane pour une infante defunte” by Maurice Ravel. Larson edited “Rapsodie” by Debussy and arranged the Ravel’s work for five strings and a harp. “The pieces that I will be playing are among the best in the [saxophone] repertoire … The saxophone was not invented until the mid-19th century, so I lost out on Mozart and Brahms,” Larson said. That being said, French composers such as Ibert and Debussy wrote some great work for the saxophone, of which Larson is playing his favorites. “I am performing what I perceive to be the most ‘meaty’ of works in the repertoire,” Larson said. Larson named French classical saxophonist Claude Delangle as his musical influence. Delangle has been teaching saxophone at the National Superior Conservatory of Music of Paris since 1988, and was influential in developing the contemporary repertoire of the saxophone during the ’80s. Larson admires the artist’s precision and the consideration he applies to his music. “Listening to his playing has inspired me to make sure I devote proper attention to interpretation … and furthermore adding emotion to the music,” Larson said. Larson explained that he attempts to express strong emotion from his saxophone similar to an opera singer. Lorber
reinforces this by stating how Larson’s performances instill “the same kind of expressiveness and refinement and nuance that [audiences] may be more accustomed to hearing from a flutist, or a string player, or a singer.” Last semester, Larson performed the Russian composer Alexander Glazunov’s saxophone concerto with the Swarthmore College Orchestra. Larson hopes to bring this type of emotion to his recital on Saturday. After majoring in music at Swarthmore, Lorber then received his Masters in saxophone performance along with a graduate diploma- from the New England Conservatory. Lorber said that all of Larson’s selections are “quite accessible, and they provide a very good glimpse of the core of the classical saxophone repertoire.” Lorber is excited for his student’s performance, especially because Larson is his first student attending Swarthmore. After being a Swarthmore music student himself, Lorber enjoys the chance to be on the other side of a Swarthmore student’s musical education. Reflecting upon the student body, he praises the students’ ability to perform excellently while completing courses in every division. “Witnessing [Larson] taking on that role, because he’s an econ major and a music minor… It’s a great example of what the kind of people who attend Swarthmore are capable of. They can excel in other
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fields while simultaneously preparing these performances and playing at a very high level, showcasing a whole other side of their personalities,” Lorber said. Fumiko Egawa ’11, is planning on attending the performance. “I’ve known Soren since freshman year, and I’m really excited to see how far he’s come as a musician. He is a diligent student who applies himself to anything that he decides to pursue academically, but has always made time to practice.” Egawa is a clarinetist in the Orchestra, and remembers practicing in rooms next to Larson throughout their time at Swarthmore. “As a member of the Swarthmore College Orchestra, I greatly enjoyed listening to his Glazanov performance. It was techniquely brilliant and the musicality really shone through, a testament to his development as a musician.” For his concert on Saturday, Larson hopes his audience will come “to perceive the saxophone as a legitimate concert instrument. The saxophone is the most versatile reed wind instrument available to orchestrators; it can provide orchestras so much color.” He also believes that the performance will demonstrate a new side of the saxophone to the audience, since people tend to associate the instrument with jazz, pop or blues. “There’s a thriving and long historied tradition to the instrument which most people never encounter,” Larson said.
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Living & Arts
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S watStyleSnapshot describes this statement piece as “long, like a chandelier and embedded with heavy stones.”
Name: Sneha Shrestha Year: 2011 From: Kathmandu, Nepal Current Residence: Wharton What She’s Wearing: Shrestha is sporting an eclectic mix of pieces from multiple countries. Her vintage gray faux-fur jacket is from Prague, where she spent a semester abroad last year. Prague is better known for its architectural monuments than its shopping. However, the city’s vintage stores attracted Shrestha. “You can find clothes in Prague very cheaply,” she said. “I think the most cheaply in Europe.” Shrestha layered her metallic gray tank under her jacket from MANGO. Her dark denim jeans are from a Vero Moda store in Copenhagen, where she spent her summer. Shrestha maintains a largely neutral color scheme in her outfit, which is complemented by her black leather boots from her mother in Nepal. The boots are actually an item from a family business. “My cousin opened a shoe store there recently,” Shrestha said. Printed with a profile of actress Audrey Hepburn, the large button-shaped earrings she dons are also from Prague. How She Describes Her Style: Comfort largely dictates her style, as Shrestha prefers clothing that is easy to wear. She focuses on the texture and pattern of fabrics and prefers natural materials. “I travel a lot so my clothes are from all over the place,” she said, noting that her style has developed through the various purchases from her travels. “I’m originally from Nepal and growing up I traveled a lot to Asia, Europe and now I’ve come here to the states. Travelling influences my fashion a lot,” she said. Favorite Item in Her Closet: Given the priority Shrestha places on comfort, she favors a pair of comfy black heels, a gift from her mother. “I have amazing memories dancing in these shoes. They’re heels that are comfortable to dance in,” she said. Also, Shrestha enjoys collecting earrings since they make great souvenirs. “They’re small and portable so I have a lot of earrings from all over the place,” she said. Her most treasured pair is one of her purchases from India. She
Where She Shops: For traditional dress worn at festivals and weddings in Kathmandu, India is a must for Shrestha. “My brother recently got engaged and we shopped for everything in Delhi and Bombay. That’s where you can get the embroidery, patterned fabric and sari,” she said. Over the years, Shrestha has acquired a large collection of traditional dresses. “People remember what you wore to a wedding, so for every wedding I have to buy a new dress,” she said. In terms of contemporary wear, Shrestha enjoys shopping at small vintage boutiques in Prague and New York. When she visits the Big Apple, Shrestha makes a stop in East Village to visit “little hidden stores where you can find unique things.” Fashion and Her Heritage: People of Kathmandu, the largest metropolitan center of Nepal, are increasingly influenced by Western fashion trends as more people are travelling abroad. With more than a hundred languages spoken and a variety of ethnic groups, this capital city boasts a multicultural demographic, which is reflected in fashion. In addition to Western clothing, the people of Kathmandu wear traditional dress such as shalwar kameezs and saris. Shrestha has found a surprising number of uses for these forms of traditional dress at Swarthmore College. For example, a friend borrowed a traditional outfit for Screw Your Roommate to dress as a Bollywood actress. Also, Shrestha has worn saris during both her first year and sophomore year while performing Bollywood dances for the student cultural groups Deshi and i20.
Do you think you (or a professor) have great style? Then submit a photo of you in your best outfit to phoenixlaed@gmail.com. Please include your name and contact information. TEXT AND PHOTO BY SERA JEONG
Academia gets silly, tearful and awe-inducing I t ’ s been a r o u g h week for t h e humor column i s t s , even the unimportant ones who write for their Ariel Swyer college Let’s Be Serious papers. Some of them actua l l y attempted to construct pieces addressing Japan’s earthquake, but these were largely incoherent and inexplicably full of sheep, so they didn’t bother sending them to their editors. Most of them got depressed and decided to take naps. But humor columnists are useless — let’s forget about them. The larger point is this: things haven’t been silly enough, which, considering we live in the universe, is mightily peculiar. But don’t panic! I happen to have a plan. My plan entails the construction of a system of academic disciplines parallel to those that exist currently, but which bear the distinguishing feature of
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being extremely silly. One might study silly history for instance, in which pupils would look at history, find it hysterically funny and then proceed to laugh wildly at it for hours. “HAHAHAHA! The Battle of Hastings! hehehhahahaha!!!” they would gasp, “NAPOLEON! HOO BOY!!! HAHAHAHA!!! We’re dying, here, hahaha the War of 1812 hehe!” etc. Or, silly philosophy in which one laughs at philosophy. Out of this one may derive silly Nietzsche, silly Platonic forms, silly logic and the silly abyss, among others. In silly astronomy one laughs at the stars. Silly chemistry and silly medicine may be slightly more dangerous, but all the more silly for it. Now, once silly academia has begun this revolution we can go even further with the notion of parallel disciplines. Yesterday, I was fortunate enough to spend 11 hours on a train, during which I came up with another plan. I happened to be sitting in front of a very pleasant person of approximately one year of age who first entered my consciousness when he leaned over the top of my seat, pointed very deliberately out the window and said “Blaaaah!!” To this I said something like, “yes, it is tree!” And he said “Flah blooga!” and we carried on like this for some time. What particularly caught my attention
was his reaction to New York City when this small traveler pressed up against the window and spent the next 15 minutes or so exclaiming “Blah!!” every few seconds. I was pressed up against a window myself experiencing a very similar sentiment. “Blah! Building! Blah! Another building! It’s all so extraordinarily tall! Blah!” I think this should be the basis of another field of academic disciplines: Awestruck Academia. In this, pupils will be simply overwhelmed with wonder at everything. Awestruck Mathematics: “Matrices!! Holy smokes!! The Pythagorean Theorem, Gosh!!! Wow!!! Blah!!” Awestruck astronomy would be out of control — pupils would look at the sky and simply faint. This will naturally lead to Teary Academia, in which all studies reduce students to tears. In teary physics, students cry for leptons, for bosons and for the 11th dimension. In teary English literature, students cry about everything. In teary astronomy, students don’t even have to look at the sky. All they have to do is think about it and they’re gone weeping ‘til sunrise, which brings on a whole new onslaught of feeling itself. Teary astronomers are really a mess. The pinnacle of all of these things, of course, would be funky academia,
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which somewhat defies description. It would encompass the silly, the awestruck and the teary and then go further. There would be a lot of music and an unusually high incidence of textbooks spontaneously turning into cauliflowers. It won’t be at all difficult to implement any of these, because the truth is we’re nearly there: English literature when practiced properly is bound to be teary, philosophy is already silly and stars are pretty funky. Therefore gloomy humor columnists have no excuse. To them I say, “Think of the Battle of Hastings! Have you forgotten silly Nietzsche?!” But to no avail. I suppose one has to forget a little about how incredibly silly, awe-inspiring, sad and funky things are, in order to maintain some semblance of composure. With teary astronomy running around the place it would be amazing if anyone ever stopped crying. “Hahahahaha,” we’d gasp skipping giddily from silly existentialism, “OH MY GOSH, A SQUIRREL!!!!!! And a tree!! And oh, the SUN, WOO!!” Even now things are funky enough that I should probably submit this piece to the Living and Arts Editors before my computer turns into a cauliflower. Ariel is a first-year. You can reach her at aswyer1@swarthmore.edu.
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Living & Arts
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Philly EvEnts Leonardo Da Vinci’s Workshop at the Franklin Institute Celebrating one of the Renaissance’s greatest minds, the exhibit showcases da Vinci’s inventions and designs. It will feature full-size, 3D models of his drawings as interpreted by a team of engineers, working models of his inventions and computer kiosks with information on da Vinci’s Codices. Admission costs $10 and the exhibit will be open from Friday, March 18 to Saturday, May 21. For more information, please visit http://www.philly.com. The Jeff Carson Magic Show For those of you who need to escape to Never Never Land after a stressful weekend, Jeff Carson is playing at Grasso’s Magic Theatre. Carson’s European style cabaret act has a very intimate feel as the audience is treated to Jeff's unique brand of close-up sleight of hand and his interactive stage performance that have delighted audiences in the many casinos, cruise ships and colleges where he has performed. Admission costs $10 and is on Sunday, March 20 at 2 p.m. For more information, please visit http://www.jeffcarsonmagic.com/.
Courtesy of http://tiny.cc/smonq
Courtesy of http://www.visitphilly.com
Featured in the Franklin Institute’s exhibit, da Vinci’s sketches of an aerial screw (above) acted as a predecessor to the modern day flying machine.
Two designs from esteemed Italian fashion designer Roberto Capucci at the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
Crossword SCIENCE FICTION ACROSS
Reading Terminal Market’s Annual Scrapplefest For readers unfamiliar with scrapple, it is a cousin of the sausage and composed of bits of pork, cornmeal and spices. After being cooked in a loaf pan, this Philly delicacy is cut into slices, griddled until crispy and ready to be eaten! Next Saturday, March 26 will celebrate this (often mocked) breakfast meat with scrapple tasting, cooking demonstrations, scrapple sculptures, a recipe contest, and lots of music! The event is free and will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, please visit www.readingterminal.market.org. Suburu Cherry Blossom Festival of Greater Philadelphia Now in its 13th year and one of the largest of its type in North America, Sakura Matsuri – the Cherry Blossom Festival – hopes to provide a better understanding of the cultural, social and educational customs of Japan and the United States. The festival will run from March 4 to April 15 and includes workshops, lectures, food, tea ceremonies and a 5K. For more information about specific events, please visit http://jasgp.org/cherryblossomfestival/. Spies, Traitors & Saboteurs: Fear and Freedom in America This exhibition at the National Constitution Center illustrates the challenge of securing the U.S. against internal threats without compromising the civil liberties upon which it was founded. Through interactive displays, themed rooms and notable artifacts, the exhibit allows patrons to explore the domestic threats that have plagued our country from the burning of the White House in 1814 to the Oklahoma City bombing in 1955, to the tragic events of September 11, 2001. The counterintelligence measures derived in reaction to these events continue to affect our lives, and would serve well for the inner PoliSci major in everyone. Admission costs $15 and the exhibit will be open from March 4 to May 30. For more information, please visit http://constitutioncenter.org/. Roberto Capucci at the Philadelphia Museum of Art Opening this weekend at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, “Roberto Capucci: Art Into Fashion,” is the first compilation in the U.S. from revered Italian fashion designer and artist Roberto Capucci. The exhibition, which includes work from the beginning of his career to his legendary sculpture dresses, will run from March 16 to June 5. Student admission, which includes the exhibition audio tour, runs $16. For more information, please visit http://www.philamuseum.org/exhibitions /411.html.
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1 28-Down’s blade 8 Ood or Romulans 15 Galactica curse 17 What Zoe and Mal felt before meeting Patience 18 Poor way for Gegenhuber as a Klingon to identify himself 19 Blake’s 7’s Grose’s right hand man 20 How Goa’uld take control of beings 22 R. Tam and S. Tam 23 The Operative calls River an albatr___ 24 Teddy-bear inhabitant of Endor 26 Something 30-down would be interested in 27 Stephen Hawking warning regarding space and potential inhabitants 30 A.K.A. The Modern Prometheus 35 Soylent Green replaced this, among other foods 36 Atwood’s Crake’s partner 37 General name for where “District 9’s” prawns are sent 39 Space creature that tries to eat Millennium Falcon 42 Although he primary wrote for fantasy RPG games he is a past member of Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America 46 _____ Spock, in Portugal 49 What pineapple sadly is to Malcolm Reed as it is also his favorite food 50 Tracey smuggles them in Firefly 51 Anakin and Luke’s home planet 52 Director of Dark Star and They Live might like one? 53 Dilithium crystals, the force, naquadah are all energy _______
9 Held same position as 1-Down in TNG for a brief time 10 Members of this made a Tron half-pipe 11 Linder of Quatermass and the Pit 12 Suffix 1 and 9 down are familiar with 13 Presents “Sci-Fi Spectacular,” Takei is new member 14 The battle of this Valley was a major loss to the Browncoats, especially Mal 16 Farscape’s Noranti’s first name 21 Wheadonverse-English translation of ‘shiny’ 24 D.H. in Space: Above and Beyond 25 Mad Max’s fellow officer? 26 Francis of Forbidden Planet 28 Klingon Chief of Security after Yar’s death 29 “Danger Will ________” 30 Mercantile-obsessed Trek race with large ears 31 What Fox wanted Firefly to have (sing.)
32 Suspected Riker of Apgar’s murder 33 Starship registry prefix in Star Trek 34 Spock complains about this 37 ENCOM’s Bradley’s security programs 38 Captain Durka’s first name 39 Name humans give to Planet of the Apes, before they realize it’s Earth 40 Could reveal if you’ve taken Logan’s Run’s Muscle or Star Trek’s Venus Drug 41 Those in the Gattaca world obsess over these 43 What most now don’t want to do with Soylent Green after learning its composition 44 Sta_gate At__nti_ 45 Noise Data’s pet Spot makes 47 Goua’uld and Ori each mark a Stargate ___ 48 Tries to kill all aboard Discovery One in 2001? BY HOLLY SMITH
DOWN 1 a.k.a. Leonard McCoy 2 In alternative timeline L___rge has __cro-implants 3 Fluffy, troublesome Trekkie creature 4 Places you might find Gungans or Jar-Jar Binx 5 What Stargate Universe did to the Stargate franchise 6 Main character of “Life on Mars” 7 What Kahn might’ve been covered in when he comes out of cyrogenic freeze
March 17, 2011
In our last issue, we mistakenly published the wrong grid with the crossword clues. Here is the correct grid. We sincerely apologize for our error. For the solution to this week’s puzzle, see The Phoenix’s online edition at www.swarthmorephoenix.com.
thE PhoEniX
swarthmorephoenix.com
r e v e a l i n g
r e s o l u t e Pulitzer prize-winning investigative journalist from The New York Times David Rohde
Screening of Academy Award nominated documentary...
Saturday, Mar. 19 3 p.m. - 4 p.m. Sci Center 199 Learn about the dangers of “fracking” natural gas extraction in Pennsylvania and across the nation.
Friday, Mar. 18 7 p.m. - 9 p.m. Sci Center 199 Followed by a panel discussion at 9 p.m.
Visiting to discuss his book about his experience being held captive by the Taliban for seven months between 2008 and 2009.
editor’s P I CK S
CALLING ALL TEA ENTHUSIASTS
By Dina Zingaro
RICH TU
Workshop following the lecture for students to create a collaborative piece with Tu.
Join Jessia Litt, Manager of The House of Tea, Ltd. in Philly to hear about her family history with tea. You’ll learn how to brew the perfect cup!
Friday, Mar. 18 4 p.m. - 7 p.m. Sci Center 199
Saturday, Mar. 19 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. Wister Center
r e f r e s h i n g
r a d i c a l THE PHOENIX
March 17, 2011
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Opinions
swarthmorephoenix.com
Staff Editorial
Corbett’s budget cuts target the wrong sectors On February 28, Governor Corbett And while businesses are strugand the Pennsylvania state legislature gling in the recession, there is a let the funding for adultBasic insur- greater human cost to getting rid of ance, which covers 41,000 of adultBasic and other social programs. Pennsylvania’s working poor, expire. As such, the tobacco money should According to the Health Insurance be allocated towards health spending Investment Act passed in 2001, and not business spending. adultBasic provided coverage to workIf there is no possibility of reinviging Pennsylvanians aged 19 to 64 with- orating the state insurance, Corbett in certain income limits so long as the should direct the funds towards subsistate had sufficient funds. dizing private insurance of those who In December 2010, around 500,000 qualified for adultBasic. Pennsylvanians were on the wait list Furthermore, the majority of those for coverage, a strong indicator of the who control the new Liberty Loan program’s effectiveness. Fund’s dispensation of grants will be AdultBasic was a stand alone pro- appointed by Corbett, ultimately givgram, separate from Pennsylvania ing the Governor control over how the state Medicaid, and was created in grants are doled out. 2001. After the National Tobacco In his campaign last year, Corbett Settlement Agreement in 1998, states lambasted the existence of pet projects including Pennsylvania received and pork barrel spending, yet his confunds from the four biggest tobacco trol of the fund can amount to little companies. more than the problems he so critiThe state then allocated funds to cized. create adultBasic. The program Though he claims the Liberty Loan received 30 percent of the funding Fund will spur competition and innofrom the settlement and received a vation, in the end it is just another large portion of its funds from excuse to give businesses a break at BlueCross/Blue Shield. But as of last the expense of Pennsylvania’s workyear, the companies ended their agree- ing poor. ment and stopped paying for In addition to being hypocritical, adultBasic. Corbett’s allocation of the funds from With the state at $4 billion in debt tobacco are not, as he claims, in the and cuts as deep as $650 million to best interest of all Pennsylvanians. higher education, Corbett has made it The governor is concerned with his priority to decrease state spending closing the state’s budget gap by cutwherever possible, but these cuts have ting spending, but his focus on cutting not gone unnoticed by those affected. essential social services such as Since coverage has expired, three adultBasic is misplaced. Pennsylvanians formerly covered by Corbett offers no clear justification adultBasic for why have filed a ignoring or c l a s s v e n Is it really worth it to give markets eincreasing action laws u i t spending a boost now at the expense of against the on busifuture productivity and g o v e r n o r, nesses can the state be maininnovation? legislature t a i n e d and memwhile he bers of Corbett’s administration. cut out part of the safety net during a The suit alleges that the expiration recession, a move sure to hit working of coverage violates both the settle- families hard. ment with tobacco companies and the In addition to terminating Pennsylvania constitution. adultBasic coverage, Corbett has Though it is unclear whether the pressed other spending cuts in the suit will be successful, cutting wrong areas. The slashing of funds for adultBasic is a poor decision on the higher education plus the $550 million state’s part. in cuts to public schools can only have The demographic that qualifies for negative long term effects. adultBasic, those whose income is less Sure, giving businesses a break than 200 percent of the Federal now may spur innovation in the shortPoverty line, cannot otherwise afford term, but decreasing the accessibility health insurance. of basic health care and a college eduA statement released by Corbett’s cation will have huge implications for office claims that, “The fiscal reality is the next generation of workers. that adultBasic is not a financially Is it really worth it to give markets sustainable program.” However, this a boost now at the expense of future is not necessarily the case. productivity and innovation? The money from the tobacco settleRather than pushing such lopsided ment is still there. In April, the state changes to the budget, Corbett should will receive approximately $370 mil- spread the cuts across several areas. lion in tobacco funds. Innovation-promoting business Yet, Corbett plans to use the money spending is helpful, but without a formerly funding adultBasic to start strong safety net and investment in an economic development fund that future workers, its effectiveness in will provide businesses loans to pro- improving the well-being of mote job creation. Pennsylvanians will be limited.
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Emma Waitzman Phoenix Staff
Letter, OP-eD anD cOmment POLicy Letters, opinion pieces and online comments represent the views of their writers and not those of The Phoenix staff or Editorial Board. The Phoenix reserves the right to edit all pieces submitted for print publication for content, length and clarity. The Phoenix also reserves the right to withhold any letters, op-eds or comments from publication.
although individual writers may request that their group affiliation be included.
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An editorial represents the opinions of the members of the Opinions Board: Camila Ryder, Marcus Mello and Olivia Natan.
Letters are a minimum of 250 words and may not exceed 500 words. Op-eds are a minimum of 500 words and may not exceed 750. Letters and op-eds must be submitted by 10 p.m. on Monday, and The Phoenix reserves the right to withhold letters and op-eds received after that time from publication.
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March 17, 2011
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tHe PHOeniX
Opinions Open questions on Political participation should be exercised with unionization’s responsibility and care future at the inn swarthmorephoenix.com
BY STEVE O’CONNELL soconnel1@swarthmore.edu
BY RICK LOWE mayorricklowe@gmail.com
The March 2 labor panel did not address the main questions that confront the Swarthmore community with respect to labor relations at the proposed Inn. As background: A large national union, working with SLAP, is urging the college to sign a “neutrality” agreement that would allow that union to organize a card-check process without interference or contribution of views from the college. In a card-check process, union organizers solicit signatures from workers stating that they support the designation of that union as their sole representative in collective bargaining negotiations. Once 50 percent of workers have signed, certification of the union is close to being a fait accompli. Independently of any neutrality agreement and/or card-check process, the Inn’s workers have the right, under national law, to petition for union status. If 30 percent of workers sign a petition, the National Labor Relations Board will determine whether the workers comprise a group with a collective interest as appropriately defined, and if so will organize an on-site certification vote via secret ballot (Yes/No, majority rule) in which 90 percent or more of the relevant employers are likely to vote. The panel discussed the considerations that differentiate a neutrality/card-check process from the NLRB process, but did not address the following four questions: Will signing a neutrality/card-check agreement lead to union certification, while the NLRB process will not? I ask this because the national union has an interest in organizing Swarthmore workers whether or not this will make these workers better off. This interest is both general — organizing one more workplace means more members, which in turn means more fees and more clout on any issue that matters to the union — and specific to Swarthmore — adding an elite liberal-arts college to the union’s list, and especially one with a reputation for progressive values, has marquis value. The SLAP/union argument is that a neutrality/card-check process is necessary because (1) unionization is obviously desirable for workers and (2) employers can derail the NLRB process by intimidating workers. But is item (2) even relevant for this particular employer? If not, then item (1) is irrelevant, because workers can always use the NLRB process. And if item (2) is relevant at Swarthmore, then why not advocate a neutrality agreement without a card-check process? To say this another way: Unless you have ulterior motives that favor unionization, what’s wrong with a secret ballot process in which workers are protected from harassment of all kinds — from the union and its organizers, as well as from the college? Is unionization in the interests of the workers of the Inn? The discussion proceeded as if the only urgent issue were about alternative pathways to unionization. But if there are both pros and cons for workers, how will workers inform themselves about these, if a neutrality agreement results in having only one view (the union’s) represented? Is there a case for unionization if the college operates the Inn directly, so that employees are college staff rather than being employees of a sub-contracted firm in the hospitality industry? If the answer is no, then the college should certainly not sign a neutrality agreement before the operational structure is determined. In addition, the college may want to consider committing itself publicly and in advance (independently of any unionization process) to an agreement that would bind any subcontractor to labor standards that are consonant with the college’s values. If such a policy already exists, the college should reiterate it publicly, at which point the unionization debate may have little remaining relevance. Is a collective bargaining agreement for Inn employees in the interest of the college? The college has stated that the Inn project is consonant with its mission – a mission that includes a deep commitment to social justice. At present, no college employee is represented by a union, so it is the college’s own values and processes, supported by those of SLAP and the broader community, that have earned it high marks for employee relations. There must be some disadvantages to introducing an adversarial principle of labor relations into a community in which, in all other respects, the central presumption has been one of shared interests. There also must be some disadvantages to requiring both parties to the local employment relationship to respond to the priorities of a large thirdparty institution (the union). Are these unimportant relative to the benefits of unionization? I see the panel as an invitation to focus on these four questions.
Given the disquieting level of discord regarding the liquor referendum petition and the related editorial and letters to the editor, I feel it is my duty as Mayor to offer my thoughts: Let’s bear in mind the obvious, that we all live in such a small town that it is so easy for us to run into each other in the Coop, walking the College campus, or a dozen other places. This basic fact should inform how we exercise our political rights and how we comment about others in our community. Just because we can do something doesn’t mean we should. The wiser course of action is to think through whether any given course of action is appropriate for our small town, where, at some level, we’re all trying to live harmoniously, and where there’s a common understanding that we have a better chance of thriving when civility prevails. None of us will ever know exactly what some of the petitioners, when they were seeking signatures for a liquor referendum, may have said or not. My guess is that each of us is likely to latch onto an anecdote or two that comports with our view of the situation. So my suggestion is to take the stories with a large grain of salt: Generalizing from a few stories is not likely to lead to a full understanding of the entire effort. Of course, it would be disappointing to learn that some petitioners may have shared less information with residents than the petitioners themselves would have expected had they been asked for their signature on a petition. The possibility that disappointing actions may have been taken by some of our young people makes the situation all the more disheartening. In thinking about this, I was reminded of a lesson I learned while taking a firstyear philosophy course in college: that Aristotle teaches that virtue is a function of habit. So if you do the small things right, you’re more likely to have the fortitude to do the big things right when the time comes. And conversely, if you act improperly on some small things, it’s more likely that you will lack the strength to do the big things properly. I think it’s worth keeping this sage counsel in mind. Being a college town, we will always have some who take strident and strong positions. That’s a great part of living here in Swarthmore. But in doing so, we’re likely to be closer as a community if we all exercise some self-control as we exercise our rights, in matters both large and small. That said, it’s fair to say that when others respond with their comments, especially in writing, moderation should be our guide. As tempting as it is to use strong language to voice frustration about the perceived shortcomings of others, the use of more moderate language is likely to make the same point, but with less pressure on our sense of community. In reading the colorful comments in The Swarthmorean, I was reminded of the teachings of Abe Lincoln: “With malice toward none, and with charity toward all.” Obviously, he expressed that sentiment in the content of one of the most perilous chapters of our nation’s history. But the application of those words to our situation appears to be appropriate and worth remembering. We have a great town, and our diversity of opinion and our high level of energy to engage in the political process are several features that make many of us love living here. But as we do, let’s remember that we are all one community, and we reveal our best character when we guide ourselves accordingly.
OP-ED
THE PHOENIX
OP-ED
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Feb. 3 article on Swat’s alcohol policy To the Editor: Jeff Davidson’s article in the Phoenix on February 3 did a good job summarizing the College’s alcohol policy, however, the sections relating to enforcement of the policy especially as it relates to Pennsylvania's legal drinking age left some room for clarification. Our campus is “policed” by several entities. Most notably is our own Public Safety department. To a significant degree the Swarthmore Borough Police have always been involved and agents from the Pa. State Police Liquor Control Enforcement (LCE) division have statewide jurisdiction. In the not so distant past, the LCE division has visited numerous nearby
March 17, 2011
college campuses, as it is their right to do so. Whenever any of the aforementioned entities become aware of a campus situation in which alcohol intoxication jeopardizes an individual’s health or safety and/or plays a role in unlawful conduct these entities promptly become involved. Further, in accordance with departmental guidelines and state law, citations are issued where appropriate for underage drinking. The college takes all local, state and federal laws seriously as it does its role to inform and educate students of these laws and their possible consequences. Owen Redgrave, Director of Public Safety
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Opinions Obama administration takes amateur route in Libya
swarthmorephoenix.com
Whenever an event rises onto the world stage, the United States articulates a firm stance on the conflict. There is always a clear direction America articulates that other nations often follow, or at least react against. Essentially, America is the first to develop a position. The United States can provide legitimaTyler Becker cy to one side or movement in the debacle. The nation The Swarthmore has a particular responsibilConservative ity to promote movements for democracy around the world and give legitimacy to all who seek freedom. The Obama administration has taken a different path with regards to the situation in Libya. While countries such as France and England came out with statements early in the crisis that Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi needed to be ousted, the United States floundered. And, to be honest, there were valid reasons the United States has stayed out of the Libyan controversy. If President Obama or Secretary of State Hillary Clinton came out at the beginning of the crisis committing to ousting Gaddafi by any means possible, then we would have to say the same to the other dictatorships that are closer to home, such as in Cuba and Venezuela. However, the administration was quick (well, once Obama came out with a statement) to call for an American ally, Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak, to step down. This action, which I agreed with, gave the protesters in Egypt more legitimacy, and it assured the rest of the world that changing the status quo in Egypt would be acceptable to the United States. Calling for Mubarak to give up power also made the Arab world, which is largely anti-American, support our stance on the conflict.
Obama and his administration dithered at the begin- impose a “no-fly” zone in Libya, he was not sure it was ning of the Libyan crisis, and continues to wait for other “a wise thing to do.” Apparently, “the discussion” about actors to develop their stances. Yet, there is no threat to the policy was still going on. America’s national interest if Gaddafi were to lose Gates was covering for the administration which was power besides the status quo not being maintained. unsure about what actions to take with regards to There is simply no logic to the waiting-game that has Libya. The next day when the administration endorsed been played. On the surface, this policy is confusing — a “no-fly” zone following the recommendation of the the U.S. supports the overthrow of its ally (Mubarak) Arab League, it was clear Obama was waiting for other while allowing a murderous dictator (Gaddafi) to do as nations in the region to create a policy. While the Arab he pleases. world may be unwilling to admit it, they were waiting This lack of direction appears amateur on the world for America’s response to the situation. And, this was a stage. If the United States wants to continue its leader- response they never received. ship role in the world, it must act as a guide in circumNow, since Gaddafi has been able to encroach on the stances like this one. The administration has taken too rebels’ territory, the rebels are pleading with the West to long to develop a clear polassassinate Gaddafi. icy on Libya to present to While we will never know the international commufor sure the outcome if the It is time for the United States to nity. United States had a direct The debate about a “nopolicy from the beginarticulate a firm position towards fly” zone has dominated ning, it is unlikely dictators who do not respect the headlines, yet no action Gaddafi would be in as has been taken. Gaddafi strong a position as he is rights of their own people. has continued to use air currently. strikes on the rebels and The Obama adminiscivilians to quell the revotration needs to underlution. On Sunday, Washington finally endorsed the pro- stand that there are times when bold actions are necesposal, but only after the Arab League put its support sary. The world waited for an American opinion on behind the plan. And, we would have to take a major Gaddafi, then on the “no-fly” zone. In the meantime, role in creating this no-fly zone, an action that the Gaddafi killed his own people. This is unacceptable. administration is also unwilling to commit to. It is time for the United States to articulate a firm It should be noted that France and England have position toward dictators who do not respect the rights been calling for a no-fly zone for weeks while the United of their own people. If rebels choose to rise up against States has done nothing except ask Saudi Arabia to pro- the government in these cases, America must put its full vide arms to the Libyan rebels. The heavy lifting has support behind them. As a democratic country, we have been done by the rest of the world, while Gaddafi’s an obligation to support those around the world seeking forces have advanced into the rebels’ territory. The the same freedom and security we enjoy every day. United States is just beginning to call for a “no-fly” zone America must step up to the plate and lead. Anything when this should already be in place. less in unacceptable. Instead, Defense Secretary Robert Gates said last Tyler is a first-year. He can be reached at Saturday that while the United States had the ability to tbecker1@swarthmore.edu.
Anti-tax orthodoxy impedes progressive goals Recent proposals to deal with state budget crises h a v e r a n g e d from meanspirited and blatantly political — see Jon Erwin-Frank Wisconsin Governor Sensible Socialist S c o t t Wa l k e r bust the unions by admitting his bill had nothing to do with the budget — to bizarre and blatantly undemocratic — see Michigan Governor Rick Snyder’s plan to appoint all-powerful local “managers” in the event of state-defined local budget “crises.” Amidst all this political theater, even close followers may have missed what happened in Illinois, one of the few states where Democrats have a trifecta (control of the Governorship and both houses of the state legislature). In January, Illinois Governor Pat Quinn signed a bill increasing state income taxes from three to five percent. Given the flat rate and Illinois’ comparatively low state taxes, this measure was not even particularly progressive. It was merely sane. Rather than punish state employees or slash programs that serve the neediest Illinoisans, the governor and legislators sought a shared sacrifice. That public sector employees should
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pay for a crisis caused by Wall Street mil- reported by the New York Times last lionaires and billionaires is more than week. How has this happened? Unions may ironic, it’s shameful. Those whose recklessness brought on the recession that be weak in this country, but that can actually caused state budget crises got off hardly explain a situation in which a fatmostly scot-free, or more likely with cat led financial crisis and recession slightly reduced million dollar bonuses leads to an assault on [sometimes precariously] middle-class teachers, police and and severance packages. Meanwhile Congress could not even public healthcare workers. Part of the problem is a long-time pass a tax increase on the richest Americans. Even modest proposals to political aversion to even discussing the raise taxes on those making over a mil- possibility of raising taxes. I’m willing to accept that in the lion dollars c u r r e n t never stood a American politichance in the cal context raisRepublicanDemocrats should frame ing taxes almost controlled never comes House. the debate on taxation in without signifiNow, as terms of investing in the cant cost, even if falling revenue only the wealthibrings state young and the elderly. est are targeted. after state deeper and deeper Still, unless some into the red, leaders begin to politicians like Walker, Snyder and New embrace and sell the need for higher Jersey Governor Chris Christie have taxes, every crisis will become an opporseized the opportunity to attack under- tunity to go after the middle class and the paid public servants — a study by the poor. Economic Policy Institute found that Democrats and progressives should public sector employees in Wisconsin are begin by going after the easiest targets. paid 14 percent less than comparable pri- The Senate should debate Bernie vate sector workers — who just happen Sanders’ bill to raise taxes on those makto be crucial supporters of the ing more than a million dollars. Obama Democratic Party. should endorse the proposal. Democrats Governor Christie has been touring should frame the debate on taxation in New Jersey spewing vitriol about teach- terms of investing in the young and the ers’ unions, which he claims have seized elderly — specifically, the need for taxacontrol of the state legislature to accrue tion should be tied to popular programs ever more exorbitant benefits at the tax- and institutions like Social Security, payers’ expense. Never mind that most of Medicare, public universities and Pell his rhetoric has little basis in fact, as Grants — and winning the future. March 17, 2011
The situation in California perhaps best exemplifies the sorry state of the American debate on budgets and taxation. Governor Brown has been trying to win over just a few Republican state senators and representatives in order to place an initative on the ballot that would ask voters to approve tax increases. California requires a two-thirds super majority or a referendum to raise taxes. The rule is the result of a referendum that easily passed even in this deep blue state. The success of that resolution, which has made it nearly impossible to raise taxes in the Golden State was made possible by the unchallenged dominance of anti-tax politics since at least the Reagan years. The success of anti-tax politics was at least in part the inevitable result of a racial politics that portrayed taxation as an attempt to take from “us” and give to “them.” But it was also the consequence of a spineless opposition that failed to link taxation in voters’ minds with universally popular investments and infrastructure such as those discussed above. As the budget battle drags on, Republicans are employing the same pernicious and disingenuous tactic at the national level, where, in the real world, there is no budget crisis in the short or medium-term. For the sake of the unions, the non-rich and the country, the Democrats should follow Senator Sander’s lead and demand that the wealthy pay their fair share. Jon is a senior. He can be reached at jerwinf1@swarthmore.edu. THE PHOENIX
Sports
swarthmorephoenix.com
With loads of statistics, baseball isn’t just for jocks Of all the sports that don’t attract the interest of Swarthmore students, baseball is by far the oddest member of the club. Through its embrace of statistical analysis, the sport not only gives its fans an excuse to spend hours studying (check) and with each other Timothy Bernstein arguing over their findings (douBullet Points ble check), but it also provides the opportunity to feel intellectually superior to one’s peers using those very findings (are you sweating yet?). That’s why I’ve decided to give you a push in the right direction with a simple, uncomplicated explanation and breakdown of six baseball stats you should know for 2011.
What It Says opposite is true for certain pitchers who look unhitBased on the idea that pitchers and batters have table but are just riding a hot streak at the craps no control where the ball goes once contact is made, table. In both cases, you’ll say, things will even out this stat delivers exactly what it promises: of all the eventually, and then you’ll all see how fun baseball balls put in play in the field — meaning no strike- can be when watching the games doesn’t get in the outs and no home runs — how many of them went way. for hits? The important thing to keep in mind here is that, in any year, the average BABIP for all of Ultimate Zone Rating (UZR-Defensive Rating) baseball will be somewhere around .300 — sometimes it will be .297, sometimes .302, but always very What It Says From the primer on UZR from the popular statisclose to .300. This means that a notably low or high average, tics website FanGraphs: “A player’s UZR is not necregardless of the player’s talent, is extremely hard essarily what happened on the field and is not necto maintain over the course of more than a year, and essarily that player’s true talent level over that perithat the fluctuations from season to season are usu- od of time either.” In other words: We know nothing. Maybe it says hardly anything, maybe it’s incredially large and without explanation. It also indicates that the best players in any given bly helpful, but the data is still too raw to really know for sure. What it’s season most likely had supposed to tell us is how some luck on their side: many runs a player has Reigning NL MVP Joey saved on defense com“A notably low or high average, Votto obviously had a to the imaginary fantastic season in 2010, regardless of the player’s talent, is pared “average” fielder at his Adjusted On-base Plus Slugging (OPS+) and Earned but his .361 BABIP position; a positive total extremely hard to maintain over Run Average (ERA+) (fourth-highest in baseindicates better-than-averball) shows us just how the course of more than a year.” age fielding, a negative What They Say much things aligned total just the opposite. Regular OPS adds together a player’s on-base per- for the Reds first baseDespite this, UZR centage and his slugging percentage to get a more man last year. The same is true for Felix Hernandez, remains the trendy stat because of its ability to complete picture of his offensive contribution, and if who won the Cy Young in no small part due to his package defensive production into one tidy number. you don’t know what ERA does, the Swat Style .263 BABIP (11th-best in baseball). Plus, the acronym sounds kind of cool—“The UZR” Snapshot is on page 11. The “+” part adjusts those could be a country in South America that sells its numbers to take away any advantage he might have, How To Use BABIP To Feel Smarter Than Other people into slavery. based on the stadium in which he plays (a hitter People playing half of his games at Coors Field in Colorado, You’re talking to an insufferable San Francisco How To Use UZR To Feel Smarter Than Other for instance, might have inflated offensive numbers Giants fan — let’s call him Preston Dillinger, since People due to the high altitude) or his league (National he would presumably hail from San Francisco, and Since a player’s UZR is constantly at odds with League pitchers have the advantage of not facing the it’s the most pretentious name I can come up with. how good he looks on the field, this is your chance designated hitter). Preston has yet to shut up about his team’s World to explain to people why what they can’t trust their In a nutshell, what these two stats do is tell you Series win in 2010, and is loudly predicting that no own judgment, which is always fun. Give it a try: how much better, all things being equal, this player other team stands a chance this year. Like 97 perUninformed Fan: “Wow, what an incredible catch! performed compared to his contemporaries, which cent of Giants fans, Preston became one in October Is there a better center fielder out there than Torii makes it useful in comparing players across differ- of last year, and so you probably won’t need Hunter?” You: “Um … actually, it would be generous to call ent times. advanced stats to effectively shame him. However, to avoid any chance of recidivism, you Torii Hunter an average center fielder. He hasn’t What’s a “good” OPS+/ERA+? can tell him that since both Jonathan Sanchez and posted a positive UZR in six years.” Uninformed Fan: “What does that mean?” Both OPS+ and ERA+ are scaled so that a rating Matt Cain had BABIPs of .252 last year, they’re due You: “I have no idea. I just know that you’re of 100 is exactly average. In the case of ERA+, any- for a rude awakening in twenty-eleven. This leaves thing above 110 would usually constitute a decent Tim “I got carded in line for ‘Hall Pass’” Lincecum wrong because this number says so.” season, and an OPS+ over 120 would mean the same to carry the rotation, and suddenly the Phillies look thing. like even bigger locks in the National League. Wins Above Replacement (WAR) Preston will slink away to ironically ride a bicycle, What’s a “great” OPS+/ERA+? and you will have deployed advanced stats to defeat What is WAR good for? Absolutely everything. Over the course of a seaAssuming “great” is defined as a top-10 league another adversary. son, when all of a player’s contributions (both offenranking, an ERA+ in the 125-130 range and above sive and defensive) are added up, how many addiwill almost always do the trick, as will an OPS+ over Fielding-Independent Pitching (FIP) tional wins was his play worth to his team compared 135. to a prototypical “replacement”-type player (think What It Says How To Use OPS+ To Feel Smarter Than Other In layman’s terms, FIP is ERA with all of the luck Bobby Crosby or Willy Aybar) who could be signed People stripped away. It is calculated to look like ERA, but at a moment’s notice? That’s exactly what WAR You and your girlfriend are watching baseball on instead uses weighted averages of only the things attempts to quantify. For hitters: If you finished the year worth eight Saturday afternoon. Like most couples, you pitchers have full responsibility over: home runs, wins above replacement or more, you’re an MVP. If inevitably start fighting over whether Andres walks and strikeouts. While FIP does not make you’re over five, you’re an All-Star, between two and Galarraga’s 1995 season was more impressive than direct claims on luck, if there is a large discrepancy five is typical for a solid starting player, and Ty Cobb’s 1908. While between a pitcher’s FIP between zero and two is a dependable reserve. If both of them had an and his ERA, we can usu- your WAR is under zero, you will probably soon, in OPS of .842, adjusting ally deduce that chance, the words of Mike Tyson, “fade into Bolivian.” Or those numbers for their whether good or bad, has you’re Carlos Lee. Whichever. “If your WAR is under zero, you respective eras paints in somewhat. For pitchers: It’s the same scale as above with two will probably soon, in the words of factored two very different picSince FIP is measured on wins subtracted from every step above zero, meantures: Cobb’s OPS+ was Mike Tyson, ‘fade into Bolivian.’ the same scale as ERA, a ing that a Cy Young Winner will usually have about a phenomenal 169, “good” ERA (depending six wins above replacement, an All-Star three to Or if you’re Carlos Lee.” while Galarraga’s was on the league, anything in four, and so on. actually a below-averthe mid-to-high 3s) would age 97. In the mid-90s, also make a good FIP. How To Use WAR To Feel Smarter Than Other many players suddenly appeared more muscular, People and offensive numbers improved immensely. We’re How To Use FIP To Feel Smarter Than Other Player A vs. Player B: Who’s Better? Enough said. not sure why. Since you, of course, picked Ty Cobb, People that means you win the argument and the relationFIP is best utilized for explaining to friends why In my next column, it seems like there’s someship. Just remember who you have to thank for that. given pitchers, no matter how bad they might look, thing going on with the NFL right now. are actually just the victims of cruel Fortuna (that Timothy is a sophomore. You can reach him at was Preston Dillinger writing, not me), while the tbernst1@swarthmore.edu. Batting Average on Balls In Play (BABIP) THE PHOENIX
March 17, 2011
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Sports Garnet lacrosse teams victorious in recent games swarthmorephoenix.com
BY DANIEL DUNCAN dduncan1@swarthmore.edu
The Swarthmore men’s and women’s lacrosse teams didn’t have a relaxing spring break. While some students were at home sleeping in, both teams faced a challenging gauntlet of three games. The women took two of three, while the men fell in all games. The women romped to a 17-4 win in their season and home opener against the College of Notre Dame. After giving up an early goal, the Garnet went on a lightningquick 8-0 run to take an insurmountable lead just nine minutes into the game. Swarthmore outscored the Gators 9-3 over the rest of the match. Annalise Penikis ’13 led the offense in her Swarthmore debut, scoring five goals with three assists. Annelise Mowry ’12 added four of her own and Emily Evans ’11 piled on three more goals. Corinne Sommi ’14 flashed signs of overall talent, scoring a goal, dishing out five assists and picking up five ground balls. Nicole Vanchieri ’13 also played very well, leading the team with seven ground balls. After dominating at home, the Garnet flew to Colorado for their spring break trip. The women dropped their first game to Colorado College 13-11. Despite leading at halftime, the Tigers rallied in the second half to take the win. Penikis again dominated on offense scoring five goals. Sommi added three more. The Garnet got back on the winning track against the College of Wooster, running away with a 19-8 win. Wooster got on the board first early in the game, but Swarthmore then went on a 10-0 run to put the game out of reach early. Mowry scored five goals to lead the way, and four of them during the Garnet’s dominant run. Evans and Marie Mutryn ’12 scored four and Penikis added three more. In goal, Michelle Ammerman ’14 recorded nine saves in an outstanding performance. Mowry said Ammerman “was a key component in our win.” Mowry also liked the challenging teams the Garnet faced on their Colorado trip. “The games were really good preparation for going into the rest of the season with our tough conference,” she said. “The trip really helped us come together as a team and work on improving our midfield transitions and playing under high pressure.” Mutryn added that the location itself was a challenge. “The hardest part about our games and practices was adjusting to the altitude in Colorado.” The women returned to the area on Tuesday, traveling to Widener. The Garnet swamped the Pride from the opening whistle, running away to an 18-8 win. Mowry, Vanchieri and Mutryn each scored four goals, while
Allegra Pocinki Phoenix Staff
Garnet lacrosse players move the ball out of their defense zone. The team dropped a close game to the Colorado College Tigers, losing 9-8 in overtime. Penikis added three goals and four assists. The men stayed closer to home for break. The Garnet fell in their home opener to Widener 6-5 in a close-fought game. Although they led 5-4 going into the fourth quarter, the Garnet couldn’t hold on. The game’s outcome was in doubt the entire way, as Jonathan Molloy ’14 got a shot off with six seconds that would have forced overtime. But the Widener goalie made the save to ice the game. Zach Belden ’12 led the Garnet in the game, scoring two goals and adding an assist. John Bukawyn ’12 added two assists. Traveling to Lynchburg, the Garnet started slow, falling behind the Hornets 5-0 in the first quarter. The two teams played evenly from there, but it wasn’t enough to catch up. Swarthmore fell 10-5. Bukawyn led the team with two goals and picked up three ground balls as well. Richard Brode ’11 led the defense with five caused turnovers and four ground balls. Returning home, the Garnet continued to play teams closely, coming out on the wrong side of the score again. Visiting Colorado College escaped with a 9-8 win in over-
time. Swarthmore was down by three with five minutes left in the game, but staged a frantic rally to tie the game. But the energy didn’t carry over into the extra period, as Colorado scored just 45 seconds into the session. Michael Brockway ’12 had an excellent game in goal, making 18 saves. Mark Czernyk ’11 also played a good game, leading the team with eight ground balls. The Garnet were led by a balanced attack, as Wes Marcik ’13, Max Hubbard ’12 and Daniel Kowalyshyn ’14 each scored two goals. The Garnet hosted Wooster last night, picking up their first win of the season by a score of 9-5. The Garnet led from start to finish, scoring their first two goals in just 34 seconds. Molloy had an exceptional day, scoring four goals and recording an assist. Brockway had 12 saves to keep the defense strong. Coming up next for the Garnet, the women take on Immaculata tonight at 6 p.m. at Clothier Field and host Ursinus this Saturday at 12 p.m. in their Centennial Conference opener. The men open conference matches against Ursinus the same day at 3 p.m.
aroUnd higher edUcation
UPenn cricket team heads to championships BY ALYSSA KRESS dailypennsylvanian.com, Mar. 14, 2011 Long before the Quakers stepped foot in the Palestra or on Franklin Field, another sport ruled Penn’s playing fields — cricket. The Penn cricket team, the University’s first organized sports team, was established in 1842 and was active on and off through the 19th and early 20th centuries. In its newest iteration, the current cricket club — restarted 10 years ago — is trying to recapture that tradition. Winning this week’s American College Cricket Championship in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., would be a big step. Cricket is the “non-American version of baseball,” according to senior captain Saksham Karwal. Teams field 11 players, including one bowler, or pitcher. The opposing team bats and tries to score as many runs as possible. Once the ball is hit in play, two batters, spaced 22 yards apart,
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run back and forth between two sets of wickets — wooden stakes in the ground behind each batter. A batter can get out if his hit is caught before the ball touches the ground, or if the ball hits the wickets behind him. Cricket is popular mainly in England, Australia, South Africa and the Indian subcontinent, where most of the Penn players are from. Karwal says the sport is gaining momentum in North America with the growth of local cricket clubs and supporting organizations like the U.S.A. Cricket Association. Many of the area’s universities, including Villanova, Temple and Drexel, also field teams. As the sport continues to grow, so does Penn’s cricket club. The group, which has doubled in size in the past five years, is made up of about 30 undergraduate and graduate students, mostly from India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
Each year the team recruits students from countries where cricket is popular. Karwal said that many international students are thrilled to find out about the cricket club and need no convincing to join the team. Some even choose Penn specifically because of its cricket team. Junior Roshan Rai said the cricket club was “one of the biggest reasons for applying to Penn,” while sophomore Jay Dave contacted Karwal after seeing cricket on the list of clubs at Penn after he was admitted. Karwal, Rai and Dave are three of the club’s top players who will travel to Fort Lauderdale, Fla. this week to face 32 collegiate teams from the United States and Canada in the championship. Penn will be the only Ivy League representative. This is the third collegiate cricket championship tournament and the second appearance for the Quakers. They will face six teams in their group and must win the group to move on.
March 17, 2011
At last year’s competition, the team failed to make it out of group play and into the semifinals. This year, it’s expecting more. Many of the players said this is easily the best team they’ve seen at Penn, noting that it is more talented, balanced and experienced than in previous years. “We have to [place first] and we can,” Karwal said. “We will not be satisfied without the trophy.” “We have a fixed mindset,” Dave added. “Last year was about going out there and having fun, and this year we actually want to bring back the trophy.” While winning a championship would mean a lot to Karwal and his team, bringing pride to the University is the foremost goal. “We are going there only for one reason — to represent the University and to do the entire University proud, and I know that we will not let them down,” Karwal said.
the PhoeniX
Sports Softball bounces back from break with two wins swarthmorephoenix.com
BY RENEE FLORES rflores1@swarthmore.edu
The Swarthmore softball team traveled to California during Spring Break last week. The team played a total of eight games against four different schools, losing all eight games. After returning from the break, the team played Penn St.-Abington in a doubleheader on Tuesday, winning a double sweep 10-2 and 9-0. The team now stands 2-8 on the season, with no Centennial Conference games played. The week started off with a doubleheader against Chapman University, with the team falling 10-2 and 4-1. In the first game, Swarthmore scored the first two points in the first inning, but those would be the only points they would score. Chapman would overtake the Garnet, scoring six points in the second inning. In the second game, the Garnet women took the first point in the third inning, but Chapman immediately scored in the bottom of the inning, tying the game. Chapman kept up the momentum, and the Garnet was unable to score any more in the game. The Garnet women finished with four hits in the day, and Kira Kern ’11 recorded three of those. Krista Scheier recorded an RBI in the first game. Melissa O’Connor ’14 relieved Sarina Lowe ’14 after four solid innings to pitch two shutouts while striking out three batters. Next, the Swarthmore softball team faced off in a doubleheader against Occidental, losing 3-2 and 10-2. In game one, the team forced Occidental into extra innings. O’Connor started her first game pitching, only allowing one earned run and fanning four batters in the seveninning game. Swarthmore battled it out, trailing until the sixth inning when Kern recorded an RBI single to center-
field and Jesslyn Lammerts ’14 scored the game with another four runs in the the first point, tying the game. fourth. Occidental responded with a point of In the second game, the Garnet their own in the bottom of the sixth, and women again battled for a win, but after were up 2-1 going into the seventh seven innings could not come up with a inning. Emily Richardson ’13 hit a dou- run. Smayda again got on base with a ble to centerfield, and Danielle Seltzer single to the right side, stole second and ’13 was hit in to tie the game again. advanced to third with Elizabeth With the game tied at the bottom of the Cushing ’12 at bat, but was left on base seventh the game went into extra at the end of the inning. innings. On Friday, the Swarthmore softball However, the game ended in the team played their last game of Spring eighth, when Occidental managed to get Break, a doubleheader against Pomonain another run and held off the Garnet Pitzer, falling 1-0 and 14-6. long enough to take the win 3-2. The Garnet showed a strong defense Game two in game one, ended in five keeping the i n n i n g s , Sagehens to one Occidental run in the game “I want to start a winning recording eight in the first streak ... and give our first- i n n i n g . of 10 runs in the first inning, and O ’ C o n n o r years confidence that we the last two it pitched four would need to innings, only can still do it.” win in the secallowing three Kate smayda ’13 ond inning. Katie hits, fanning Teleky ’13 recordthree batters. ed a two-RBI sinThe Garnet gle to centerfield in the fourth inning, made a strong showing in the fifth but the effort was not enough to stop the inning, with runners on second and Tigers taking the 10-2 win. third, but the Sagehens struck out Outfielder Kate Smayda ’13 said the Cushing to end the Garnet chances of coach urged the team to exhibit the taking the lead. Smayda again led in the “championship attitude,” and express offense, with two hits in the game. that attitude to the first-years, and Offense took over in the second know that “we can beat any of the teams game, with runs in all but one inning of we play and that we deserve to be the game. Pitzer took the lead in the there.” first, but Swat struck back with three On Wednesday, the team played in a runs in the second, when the bases were doubleheader against California loaded. However, the lead didn’t last, as Lutheran, losing 8-0 and 4-0. In the first the Sagehens would score five runs in game, California Lutheran took the lead the bottom of the inning with a two RBI in the first inning with four runs, and double and a three-run homerun. Swat would be unable to score in the Pomona-Pitzer ended the Garnet game. chances in the sixth inning with six In the third inning Smayda singled runs off of six hits, including its third to left center and stole second, but homerun of the game. would be left on base at the end of the The team has a ways to go before facinning. California Lutheran clinched ing their first Conference opponent
Garnet in action Thursday, March 17 Women’s lacrosse vs. Immaculata, 6 p.m. Friday, March 18 Baseball at Immaculata, 3 p.m. saTurday, March 19 Women’s tennis at Mary Washington, 9 a.m. Women’s lacrosse vs. Ursinus, 12 p.m. Baseball vs. Penn St.-Brandywine, 12:30 p.m. Men’s tennis at Mary Washington, 1 p.m. Men’s lacrosse vs. Ursinus, 3 p.m. Women’s tennis at McDaniel, 3 p.m.
Garnet athlete of the week Monday, March 21 Golf vs. Univ. of the Sciences, LaSalle, Immaculata, Rowan (at Rolling Green Golf Club), 1 p.m.
Melissa O’COnnOr fy., sOftball, rOCkaway, nJ.
what she’s dOne: Tuesday, March 22 Softball at Cabrini, 3 p.m. Baseball vs. Widener, 3:30 p.m. Men’s tennis vs. Kalamazoo, 4 p.m. Softball at Cabrini, 5 p.m.
the first-year was named last week’s Centennial Conference softball Pitcher of the week. the right-hander made her collegiate start during spring break against Chapman and has pitched 27 innings. O’Connor has fanned 19 batters since her collegiate debut. she has a 3.37 era.
favOrite Career MOMent:
Wednesday, March 23 Women’s tennis vs. Muhlenberg, 3:30 p.m. Men’s lacrosse at Muhlenberg, 7 p.m. Women’s lacrosse vs. GwyneddMercy, 7 p.m.
“Going into extra innings against Occidental in California. it was my first career start and the team really played like championship material. also, winning both games against Penn state-abington. sarina [lowe ’14] and i got our first collegiate wins!”
seasOn GOals:
sunday, March 20 Men’s tennis vs. ChristopherNewport (at Fredericksburg, VA), 3 p.m.
“Our team goal is to win Conferences. i want to play a big role in helping the team get there.”
favOrite reality tv shOw:
Go Garnet! the PhoeniX
Muhlenberg at the end of March. Infielder Rose Pitkin ’13 said the team needs to be working on repetition. “Repetition. You can’t get enough repetition. Any team can get better with repetition,” she said. On Tuesday, the Garnet played in a doubleheader against St. Abington. Smayda said, “Our record looks worse than I feel coming out of Spring Break. I want to start a winning streak, and give our first-years confidence that we can still do it.” Centerfielder Kira Kern ’11 agreed saying, “We’re hoping for a couple of wins. It’s tough to lose eight games, and it would be nice to come back [from Spring Break] and win against Penn State.” The team managed that winning streak with a sweep in the doubleheader at host Penn St.-Abington. In the second inning, Pitkin hit a double past the shortstop, Penn loaded the bases with two straight walks and Kern came in to clear the bases with another double. At the end of the inning, Swat was up 5-1. The victory was sealed with a 10-2 finish. Game two progressed much the same way and the Garnet recorded runs in every inning, including three in the first. After three doubles to bring in two runs in the third, making the game 7-0, the Garnet ended the game early with two more runs from four hits in two innings to win the game 9-0. Kern finished the day with five RBIs, Pitkin led with four hits, adding two doubles and two runs scored. The firstyear pitchers made a good showing, as O’Connor won her first collegiate game with five strikeouts and allowing two earned runs. Sarina Lowe recorded her first collegiate win in game two, giving up only five hits and no runs. The softball team returns to play in a doubleheader at Cabrini on Tuesday. Action is scheduled to begin at 3 p.m.
Allegra Pocinki Phoenix Staff
March 17, 2011
“Jersey shore.”
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Sports
swarthmorephoenix.com
Experienced Garnet baseball team off to a fast start BY ANA APOSTOLERIS aaposto1@swarthmore.edu Last season, the Swarthmore College baseball team threw off the mantle of the perennial cellar-dweller, putting together a 20-18 record and reaching the Centennial Conference playoffs for the first time in school history. With such success comes a new set of expectations, but the 2011 version of the Garnet seems to be in no rush to return to the lowly ranks of previous incarnations. During the first week of competition, consisting of a seven-game spring break trip to Myrtle Beach, SC and a Sunday doubleheader to kick off the home season, the team compiled a 6-4 record and boasted a string of personal accomplishments that bode quite well for the rest of the year. The week-long junket to South Carolina was “much different than what we’ve done in the past,” according to fifthyear head coach Stan Exeter. “Going to an actual tournament … we haven’t done that in several years. The fields were great, the competition was good,” Exeter said. “We played very well, especially coming off a week of tough injuries.” Miles Santo ’12 and Anthony Montalbano ’12 have missed much of the season so far due to injury and illness and shortstop Thomas Nakamura ’11 was shelved for three games. Others, however, have stepped up in a big way to begin the season in the absence of some of the team’s veterans, and the Garnet returned north sporting a 4-3 training trip record. Catcher and infielder Mike Waterhouse ’12 was named Player of the Week in the Conference for his hot start. Allegra Pocinki Phoenix Staff After an outstanding sophomore year in Junior Mike Cameron, who’s base percentage is .543, scored one run in Sunday’s game against SUNY-IT. which he led the team with a .392 batting average and finished second with a .460 on base percentage, Waterhouse picked ’12 as a bonafide threat in the starting his success on Sunday to good fastball innings of work, collecting two saves and up right where he left off, hitting .379 rotation was the story of Sunday’s home location. “He was hitting his [spots] and striking out five. “Both [Walker and just throwing the fastball by everybody,” McTear] are having great starts to their through the first week with a .571 on base opener. After the Garnet slugged out an Exeter said. Rodriguez stands at 1-1 on sophomore year,” Exeter said. 11-4 win in the first game of the doublepercentage and a .517 slugging percentthe season, with a 2.08 ERA and 15 strikeFirst baseman Michael Cameron ’12 header against SUNY-IT, Rodriguez was age. outs in 13 innings. and center fielder Ben Schneiderman ’11 nothing short of masterful in Game 2, Waterhouse called his apparent lack of Breakout performances by a trio of begin the year among the offensive team a dropoff in production “reassuring,” but striking out 10 and allowing only two hits underclassmen solidified the Garnet leaders. Cameron, through Sunday, is secover six shutout innings, leading his this reassurance hasn’t led to complacenattack from the plate and the mound, as ond on the team in on base percentage cy. “It’s great to feel comfortable and con- team to the 5-0 victory and opening day outfielder and first baseman Nicko (.543) and third in average (.360); sweep. fident right at the start of season,” he Rodriguez spent last year in the clos- Burnett ’14, left fielder Rory McTear ’13 Schneiderman is fourth in RBIs, with said. “You can’t ever relax based on how er’s role and is transitioning to the start- and pitcher Ramsey Walker ’13 are turn- nine. Pitcher Neil Mejia ’11 has put you’ve done together a successful first week out of the ing rotation ing heads in the Conference. before. It’s Burnett, regularly hitting in the mid- bullpen, sporting a 3.12 ERA with seven for the first great to get time in his dle of the lineup despite just one week of strikeouts over 8.2 innings, and Zach [the Player of “We feel like just getting back to c o l l e g i a t e college experience, boasts a .385 average Weiner ’12 has been stellar over 13 the Week] c a r e e r , with 11 runs batted in through Sunday. innings, compiling a 2-0 record with a 2.08 the playoffs would be a honor from according to McTear, who started just 17 games last ERA. the conferWith so many success stories in just Exeter. “The year, has started every game so far this disappointment this year. We’re ence, but at t r a n s i t i o n season, batting .351 with a team-leading 13 the first nine games, it isn’t hard to imagshooting for a Conference title.” from closer hits. the same time ine that this year’s team may surpass the I’m much McTear attributes his first-week num- standard set by last year’s. “We feel like to starter has Rory McTear ’13 more focused been pretty bers to a “calmer and more confident just getting back to the playoffs would be on how we s m o o t h , ” approach at the plate [and] hard work to a disappointment this year,” McTear said. perform as a “We’re shooting for a Conference title.” R o d r i g u e z get better in the off-season.” team and what I can do individually to said. “I really focused on building stami“I knew that an outfield spot was open“We have the talent and experience to help the team win.” na in the off season and being effective ing up with [right fielder] Jimmy [Gill ’10] make this a special year,” Rodriguez said. Primarily an outfielder in 2010, with pitch counts.” graduating last year and I worked hard to Although Swarthmore took a 7-4 loss Waterhouse shifted to the starting catchThe new role, he claims, has not put myself in a position to get some play- to PSU-Abington on Tuesday, Waterhouse er’s role to begin this season, spelling required a revamping of his pitching ing time, but I am also trying to stay continued his tear, going 3-3 with 3 RBIs Montalbano at second base when he’s not mentality. “A lot of what makes you suc- focused and not be complacent with a lit- and a walk; Cameron went 2-5, and at the backstop. “I enjoy catching more cessful as a reliever is the same as [what tle early success,” McTear said. Montalbano, playing his first full game of [than playing the outfield or second makes you successful as] a starter,” he Walker, a year removed from a spotty the year, also picked up a pair of hits. The base],” he said, “so I definitely love the said, “[like] getting ahead of hitters, being first-year season which saddled him with Garnet will travel to Immaculata on added time behind the plate.” able to throw your off speed pitches for a 7.91 ERA, has proven himself a more Friday. First pitch is set for 3 p.m. If Waterhouse’s continued offensive strikes, [and] stabiliz[ing] the running than viable option out of the bullpen or in Ben Schneiderman is a crossword the rotation. The 6’5” right-hander has writer for The Phoenix. He had no involvedominance was the story of the week, the game.” emergence of pitcher Ignacio Rodriguez Rodriguez and Exeter both attributed yet to allow an earned run in eight ment in the production of this article.
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March 17, 2011
THE PHOENIX