The Phoenix August 25 by The Phoenix

PHOENIX

THE

AUGUST 25, 2011 • THE CAMPUS NEWSPAPER OF SWARTHMORE COLLEGE SINCE 1881 • VOLUME 134 , ISSUE 1 67 18

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Alice Paul Hall Faulkner Tennis Courts Olde Club Ashton House Field House Parking Palmer Hall Faulkner Tennis BeardsleyAlice Hall Paul Hall Hallowell Hall Papazian Hall Courts House Hicks Hall Field House Parking BenjaminAshton West Parking Parrish Hall BenjaminBeardsley West House Hall Hicks Parking Pearson Hall Hallowell Hall Bond Memorial Hall Student Art Gallery Phi Psi House Benjamin West Kitao Parking Hicks Hall Clothier Fields Kohlberg Hall Pittenger Hall West Kyle House Hicks Parking Clothier Benjamin Hall House Roberts Hall Bond MemorialLamb/Miller Hall Kitao Student Art Gallery Cornell Library Field House Robinson House CourtneyClothier Smith House Rose Hall Garden Fields Lang Center Kohlberg Crum Ledge Science Center Clothier Hall Lang Music Building Kyle House Cunningham Fields Lang Performing Arts Ctr. Scott Amphitheater Cornell Library Martin Laboratory Lamb/Miller Field House Cunningham House Scott Building Courtney Smith House Lang Center Cunningham Parking Mary Lyon Hall Service Building Crum Ledge Lang Music Dana Hall McCabe Library SharplesBuilding Dining Hall David Kemp Hall Mertz Hall Sproul Alumni House Cunningham Fields Lang Performing Arts Ctr. Delta Upsilon House Mullan Tennis Center Courts Cunningham House MartinSquash Laboratory DuPont Parking Old Tarble Strath Haven Condo

Cunningham Parking Dana Hall David Kemp Hall Delta Upsilon House DuPont Parking

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Mary Lyon Hall McCabe Library Mertz Hall Mullan Tennis Center Old Tarble

Swarthmore Friends Mtg. Tarble Pavilion Olde Club The Lodges Palmer Hall Trotter Hall WarePapazian Pool Hall Water Tower Parking Parrish Hall West House Pearson Wharton Hall Hall PhiHouse Psi House Whittier Willets Hall Pittenger Hall Wister Center Hall Roberts Women’s Resource Center Robinson House Woolman House Rose Worth HealthGarden Center Science Worth ResidenceCenter Hall

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Black Cultural Center Bookstore Business Office Swarthmore Friends Mtg. Tarble Pavilion Dean’s Office Friends Historical The LibraryLodges Human Resources Trotter Hall Intercultural Center Ware Pool List Gallery Peace Collection Water Tower Parking President’s Office West House Public Safety Wharton Hall Scheuer Room Whittier House Scott Arboretum Offices Hall Tarble All CampusWillets Space Underhill Library Wister Center Visitor InformationWomen’s Resource Center Amphitheater

Admissions Scott Building Alumni Relations

Service Building Sharples Dining Hall Sproul Alumni House Squash Courts Strath Haven Condo

Woolman House Worth Health Center Worth Residence Hall DESTINATIONS

Black Cultural Center Bookstore Business Office Dean’s Office Friends Historical Library Human Resources Intercultural Center List Gallery Peace Collection President’s Office Public Safety Scheuer Room Scott Arboretum Offices Tarble All Campus Space Underhill Library Visitor Information

Admissions Alumni Relations

FLIP TO THE PAGE NUMBERS INSIDE THE STARS FOR FEATURED STORIES ABOUT THOSE CAMPUS SPOTS

The Phoenix

Thursday, August, 25 2011 Volume 134, Issue 1

The independent campus newspaper of Swarthmore College since 1881. EDITORIAL BOARD Amelia Possanza Editor in Chief Menghan Jin Managing Editor Marcus Mello Managing Editor Adam Schlegel News Editor Patrick Ammerman Assistant News Editor Dina Zingaro Living & Arts Editor Parker Murray Assitant Living & Arts Editor David Hill Opinions Editor Tim Bernstein Sports Editor Allegra Pocinki Photo Editor Peter Akkies Webmaster Eric Sherman Webmaster STAFF Sera Jeong Living & Arts Writer Steven Hazel Living & Arts Writer Jen Johnson Living & Arts Columnist Lauren Kim Living & Arts Columnist Vianca Masucci Living & Arts Columnist Susana Medeiros Living & Arts Columnist Aliya Padamsee Living & Arts Columnist Johnny Taeschler Living & Arts Columnist Naia Poyer Living & Arts Artist Tyler Becker Opinions Columnist Danielle Charette Opinions Columnist Olivia Natan Opinions Columnist Peter Gross Opinions Columnist Shimian Zhang Opinions Columnist Emma Waitzman Political Cartoonist Renee Flores Sports Writer Ana Aposteleris Sports Writer Paul Chung Photographer Simone Forrester Photographer Christina Matamoros Photographer Holly Smith Photographer BUSINESS STAFF Business Manager Ian Anderson Advertising Manager Paul Chung COVER DESIGN Image courtesy of Swarthmore College CONTRIBUTORS Alyssa Bowie, Victor Brady, Julia Carleton, Ariel Finegold

Swarthmore College President Rebecca Chopp meets the parents of the class of 2015 on Tuesday.

News Orientation

Julia Carleton The Phoenix

Opinions

Collaborative artistic expression inside and outside changes wel- the theater A credit downgrade our naLiving & Arts editor Dina Zingaro sat down come 2015ers tion (sadly) deserved with Hofan Chau ’03 to discuss how her New changes to orientation greeted incoming first-years this week. The organizers hoped these changes would give first-years a better experience. Some of the drastic changes talked about last spring, such as cutting the orientation play, didn’t happen. PAGE 3

time at Swarthmore College inspired her to combine dance, movement theater and activism. PAGE 7

Tyler Becker looks back at the mistakes that led S&P to give the U.S. a lower credit rating and looks ahead about what new rating will mean for the nation. PAGE 10

Sports

Evaluating summer shifts the publishing world Swarthmore ranks #1 in fi- in Susana Medeiros turns all four of her eyes Garnet volleyball team renancial aid offerings to the literary world and reflects on some of ceives academic award Once again Swarthmore topped the Princ- this summer’s big news, from the new Hareton Review’s list of schools with great financial aid programs. PAGE 3

ry Potter website, Pottermore, to the future of print magazines to the Borders chain going out of business to the rise of e-books. PAGE 8

The powerhouse volleyball team earned recognition for its academic performance for the second year in a row. PAGE 11

Speak 2 Swatties plans Summer trip to Greece new programs for fall strengthens men’s soccer The peer counseling program Speak to Say your goodbyes to this team Swatties is working on some new initia- sizzling summer lineup tives that utilize technology in order to provide services and support to sudents who can’t make it to office hours. PAGE 4

Summer was the perfect time for relaxing, forgetting about school and watching TV series. Johnny Taeschler reviews the best of the bunch. PAGE 9

During a summer training trip to Greece, the men’s soccer team trained and learned about the country’s rich history. PAGE 11

burst out of the Swarthmore bubble. The first stop on her list: Reading Terminal Market. She advises new students to go to this Philly favorite and to go hungry. PAGE 9

train, bond and compete against some highcaliber international teams. They also had the opportunity to cheer on the U.S. women’s team in the World Cup final. PAGE 12

OPINIONS BOARD Amelia Possanza, Menghan Jin and Marcus Mello TO ADVERTISE: E-mail: advertising@swarthmorephoenix.com Advertising phone: (610) 328-7362 Address: The Phoenix, Swarthmore College, 500 College Ave., Swarthmore, PA 19081 Direct advertising requests to Amelia Possanza. The Phoenix reserves the right to refuse any advertising. Advertising rates subject to change. 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 Mail subscriptions are available for $60 a year or $35 a semester. Direct subscription requests to Amelia Possanza. 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.

Women’s soccer plays Introducing the first-year’s abroad, watches World Cup final The women’s soccer team traveled to GerCampus concert hub seeks fundamental nirvana for many, The Netherlands and Belgium for good-eats out student input Jen Johnson doles out advice about how to nine days over the summer to explore,

Living & Arts

New Olde Club co-directors Tayarisha Poe and Nate Cohan asked for student feedback in the hopes of increasing the diversity of the entertainment venue’s musical acts and other offerings. PAGE 6

2 August 25, 2011

THE PHOENIX

News

swarthmorephoenix.com

EVENTS MENU Today Scott Arboretum Plant Giveaway Plants can be wonderful to look at. Or smell. Or touch. Or taste. Or even to place in your very own dorm room. The Scott Arboretum will be giving away (yes, free) potted plants at the Cunningham House from 1 to 4 p.m.

Orientation changes welcome 2015ers

Chair Massages on the Beach Members of the Worth Health Center’s Wellness Program will be offering relaxing five-minute chair massages on Parrish Beach on a first-come, first-serve basis starting at 1 p.m. Tomorrow Life At Swat Interested in getting a preview of campus life before the year begins? Head on over to Science Center 199 at 10:30 a.m., where experienced upperclassmen will share stories about life here at the college. Job Fair Does your personal self-help mantra include the phrase “get money”? Do you dream of capitalizing on the capitalist dream? Be at Sharples at 2 p.m. to meet campus employers who will be sharing information about job opportunities. Remember to turn in the associated work forms at this time. First Collection Don’t miss this long-standing campus tradition held in the Scott Outdoor Amphitheatereachyearforfirst-years, marking the official beginning of their Swarthmore career. The magic begins at 8 p.m. Saturday, August 27th Crum Woods Clean-up Help clean the Crum Woods with fellow students and members of the local community to keep a vital Swarthmore resource alive and healthy. Meet in front of the Athletic Fieldhouse at 10 a.m. Swat Life Unscripted Come see Swarthmore upperclassmen share their tales from freshman year at 9 p.m. in LPAC in a play that will be sure to delight and entertain all in attendance. Paces Dance Party Come to Paces Cafe at 10 p.m. to enjoy a night of dancing, food, refreshments, music and friends. What more can you ask for? Sunday, August 28th Welcoming Tea for College Freshmen The Swarthmore Friends Meeting Chapter will be hosting a welcome gathering in the Friends Meeting House at 11 am. Punch, finger foods and desserts will be provided for guests and, presumably, all of their friends. E-mail submissions for the events menu at news@swarthmorephoenix. com.

THE PHOENIX

Marcus Mello The Phoenix

First-years gather with their CA group leader on Parrish Beach on Tuesday to kick off orientation for the Class of 2015. BY JEFF DAVIDSON jdavids1@swarthmore.edu

The Class of 2015 was greeted with some changes to orientation this year, although the alterations were less drastic than initially thought. Campus Advisors (CAs) are working closely with Student Academic Mentors (SAMs) and Resident Assistants (RAs) for a more fluid group experience. CA groups are now run by only one group leader, instead of two. The popular orientation play, Swattie Life Unscripted, is mostly student-run and has very little Dean’s Office involvement. And First Collection moved from Wednesday to Friday. “The changes were made

to be more efficient, and we’re using our resources better,” Orientation Committee cochair John Oh ’13 said. “But that won’t change the overall feel of orientation.” There will also be a cap on the number of students permitted into LPAC for the play, and priority will be given to firstyears. Upperclassmen will only be allowed in if space is available. Due to work on the sewage lines in the Crum, major events cannot happen there this year. Orientation leaders have been scrambling to fix the schedule, as the Trust Walk and Bonfire are not possible. Otherwise, “the things that caused commotion didn’t come to fruition this year,” Oh said.

These included entirely cutting the play and drastically scaling back the use of CA groups in favor of hall groups. Although there is more RA and SAM involvement to make up for the one-CA setup, the process remains very similar to past years when the CA leaders had most of the responsibilities. According to Orientation Committee co-chair Renee Flores ’13, the committee is taking feedback to gauge the effects of these changes. Flores thinks that moving First Collection was one of the best changes. “Having it that way, you’ve been here, you’ve had a chance to make some friends. You get a better sense of belonging … It’s a culmination of being welcomed. You’re brought into the

community at that point, and it’s the best message to bring to first-years.” So far she believes that orientation is turning out well and that it will be a very successful year. “Even though there are a lot of questions, it’s working out really well,” Flores said. “In the past years we haven’t had RAs come to the first meeting with the groups. But I saw a big turnout of RAs and SAMs going to talk to the groups, and I think that’s really great.” New student orientation began on Tuesday, although orientation for international students started Saturday. Upperclassmen can enter the dorms this Friday and meal plans begin at dinner on Sunday.

Swat ranks #1 in financial aid BY PATRICK AMMERMAN pammerm1@swarthmore.edu

Swarthmore College has once again topped the Princeton Review’s financial aid ranking of colleges and universities across the country for the second year in a row. Princeton Review annually uses survey data from hundreds of schools across the country in order to calculate a rating score for the financial aid programs of hundreds of public and private colleges and universities. This year, Swarthmore received a near perfect rating of 99, a feat only achieved by nine other schools across the country: Princeton, Yale and Vassar being among them. Swarthmore’s commitment to offering outstanding financial aid helps make attending Swarthmore affordable for hundreds of students. “Meeting our families’ financial needs ensures access to Swarthmore for all capable students and allows for a more diverse student body,” said Laura Talbot, Director of Financial Aid. According to Talbot, approximately 54% of Swarthmore students will be receiving financial aid for the 2011-2012 school year, with the average award likely around $38,800.

The school has firmly backed the strength of this financial aid program over the years. “It’s almost a moral obligation to the extent that we can afford it … to be open to students of any background,” said Suzanne Welsh, Vice President for Finance and Treasurer. Welsh cites strong alumni support and fundraising efforts, along with the strength of the school’s endowment, as central factors that have allowed the school to continue to have one of the strongest financial aid programs in the country for several years. The practice of need-blind admission and the effort to meet the demonstrated need of all students — sans loans — are the most notable aspects of financial aid at the college. “We’re extremely fortunate that we are able to make admissions decisions without considering a student’s ability to pay… Not all schools are able to meet demonstrated need, and very few schools have loan-free aid awards [like Swarthmore],” said James Bock, Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid. The strength of Swarthmore’s financial aid program creates more diversity among students on campus and helps bring in students from a wider variety of backgrounds, according to Bock.

August 25, 2011

Welsh would attest to this variety among the student body being valuable to the education of Swarthmore students. “Part of the education we provide is really the community that students and faculty and staff are a part of. So the education doesn’t happen just in the classroom, but it really happens from interactions every minute of the day,” Welsh said. Swarthmore’s financial aid program has undergone no serious changes since 2007, when the Board of Managers eliminated student loans. While other institutions that were loan-free were forced to end that program during the great recession, the financial resilience of Swarthmore’s endowment has allowed the school to continue giving aid awards in place of loans. The 2011-2012 school year has seen an increase in the number of students receiving financial aid, up from 52% last year and 50% the year before that. For this school year, the average financial aid award increased $2,258 from last year and $3,562 from two years ago. Aside from its financial aid rank, Swarthmore also topped the Princeton Review’s list of top ten best value private colleges, in addition to being scored as 17th for “LGBT Friendly” and 11th for “Best Classroom Experience.”

News

swarthmorephoenix.com

New peer counseling initiatives in the works

Week in pictures

By Menghan Jin mjin1@swarthmore.edu

Julia Carleton The Phoenix

A first-year student lounges on the big chair on Parrish Beach, enjoying the balmy weather and picturesque views of campus.

Julia Carleton The Phoenix

New students of the Class of 2015 play “Icebreaker” games to learn more about each other during the first day of orientation.

Marcus Mello The Phoenix

On Tuesday, the first day of orientation, first-years write postcards home with the help of their CA leaders.

Speak 2 Swatties (S2S), a studentrun peer counseling organization, is planning several new counseling resources for the student body, including a 24-hour hotline and an online chatroom. In past years, Speak 2 Swatties primarily offered in-person counseling services through open office hours in the peer counseling center located on the second floor of Upper Tarble. But, according co-directors Jessica Schleider ’12 and Natalia Munoz ’12, office hours were seldom used. “Not all students could take the time out of their extremely, sometimes ridiculously busy schedules to find the peer counseling center in its esoteric location and seek out a peer counselor who they don’t even know,” Schleider said. Realizing this, the peer counselors gathered at the end of the last academic year and brainstormed several ways to increase the group’s accessibility, revamping old resources as well as developing new ones for all students. “There’s been a challenge advertising our in-person services, just because people just don’t have the time to use things like that,” Schleider said. “We’re sort of learning that, after a few years of trying to get behind it, maybe other ways of reaching out would be more effective.” A first of its kind at Swarthmore, S2S’s 24-hour hotline will allow students, at any time of the day or night, to call or text a peer counselor. S2S is planning on having at least one counselor attend to the hotline at all times. “The hotline was actually the idea of a student who . . . spoke of the comfort the hotline would provide to students experiencing loneliness or desperation, whether clinical depression or more mild distress,” peer counselor Miriam Goldstein ’13 said. “Just knowing you could connect with another human being whenever you needed to, she imagined, would make a huge difference.” An online chatroom is also in the works. S2S hopes to make it available to the student body in the fall every weekday after 4 p.m. and after 1 p.m. on Sundays. It will offer students anonymity in the chatroom, with the aim that it “can enhance the likelihood of people opening up without feeling social pressure,” according to S2S’s website. According to Goldstein, students can choose to either talk to a peer counselor privately in the chatroom or to anyone else who is logged on at the time. Munoz is optimistic that these new resources would be easy for the group to maintain. “Swatties are always at a computer; Swatties always have a cellphone on them,” she said. “They’re both really convenient initiatives, because they’re compatible

August 25, 2011

with most of people’s regular activities.” With a total of 15 counselors on board for the fall semester, counselors will be able to pick their own shifts in order to accommodate their schedules, Munoz said. Goldstein, however, is concerned that these initiatives will be “quite time-consuming to manage,” but remains optimistic. “We have . . . a revived energy after revamping our program and accepting several new peer counselors, who have already contributed great enthusiasm, ideas, and commitment,” she said. In addition to the hotline and chatroom, individual peer counselors will be assigned to particular dorm areas. These assignments are advertised on S2S’s posters that will be posted throughout campus. “We thought maybe assigning dorm areas to counselors would make them more approachable,” Munoz said. “People would know they have a set group of counselors ... they [can] count on because they were nearby.” S2S is also in the process of planning bi-weekly meetings open to the entire campus, in which counselors would facilitate discussion on common issues that students face, such as managing stress and balancing work and relationships. According to Schleider, it would be a place for students to talk about their personal experiences and thoughts in a safe and supportive environment. Peer counselors are not the only available resource for students in search of psychological help, however. Therapists at the Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) offer professional psychological counseling and psychotherapy to students. S2S distinguishes itself from other counseling services on campus through its peer counselors, who provide a student-based alternative to the professional-led services of CAPS. Peer counselors are students that have trained themselves in active listening and aim to be an easily accessible source of help for their peers. No appointment is necessary, and with a chatroom in the works, students can seek help with an unprecedented level of anonymity. “We try to present ourselves … as a less formal alternative to CAPS, for people who either don’t feel like going to CAPS, but still would like to talk to someone, or for people who feel more comfortable talking to their peers,” Munoz said. While S2S is planning on having both the hotline and chatroom ready to go once all counselors return back to campus, Schleider and Munoz’s next big task will be to successfully advertise S2S’s new resources to the student body. They will be meeting with Dean of Students Liz Braun and other members of the administration early next week to iron out the details. THE PHOENIX

FALL 2011

HIRING

APPLICATIONS DUE

APRIL 29 @ 5 P.M. Please see our website for additional information and to obtain an application. Go to swarthmorephoenix.com/apply to submit an application.

WRITING, BUSINESS, EDITORIAL & GRAPHICS POSITIONS JOB DESCRIPTIONS

These job descriptions are intended to inform applicants of what would be expected of them if hired. All applications must be submitted online at swarthmorephoenix.com/apply Questions? Want more information? Contact us at editor@swarthmorephoenix.com

EDITORIAL POSITIONS

STAFF POSITIONS

Section editors are responsible for ensuring the completion of their section, reading and editing all copy submitted for publication in the section, coordinating their staff of writers, writing items for publication and laying out pages in QuarkXPress. The section editors must be present in the office for their respective deadlines until the Editor in Chief is satisfied with their completed section. Additionally, the section editors must attend all weekly editorial board meetings on Monday and Thursday evenings, and they must communicate regularly with the writers of their sections to assess their progress and to develop story ideas. The responsibilities of a section editor may be divided between two individuals.

Managing editor (2) The managing editor(s) are responsible for the completion of the newspaper and for delegating tasks to other editors and staff members, to support the role of the editor in chief. The managing editor(s) have significant involvement in the editorial, design and layout processes, and must be present in the office during production on Tuesday nights and Wednesday. Approximate hours per week: 25. News editor The news editor must have a current and comprehensive knowledge of events, people and issues on campus. Job duties include reading and editing all news copy, leading a staff meeting on Monday nights to work with reporters and develop future story ideas, working with other editors to select news content and directing reporters. Frequent communication with reporters, photographers and senior editors is essential. Applicants should be competent reporters, willing to write last-minute news stories and take photos. Approximate hours per week: 18. Living & Arts editor The Living & Arts editor must be able to develop creative feature and art ideas for the section each week; maintain familiarity with the art, music and theater scene, both on campus and in the Philadelphia area; and select events to feature as editor’s picks. The living section allows for more creativity in design than do other sections in the paper. Approximate hours per week: 16. Chief copy editor The chief copy editor of The Phoenix is responsible for the factual and grammatical aspects of all copy in the newspaper. Responsibilities include reading all copy, reading proofs of all pages, coordinating the schedules of a staff of copy editors, maintaining and updating The Phoenix stylebook and providing editorial feedback to the writers and editors. Approximate hours per week: 12. Graphics editor Responsibilities include working with the editors and staff artist(s) to conceptualize and create cover art and graphics within page designs. The graphic designer should coordinate art and is responsible for ensuring completion of graphics or photo-intensive pages. The graphic designer will also attend editorial board meetings. Previous work with Photoshop is required. Approximate hours per week: 8. Photo editor Responsibilities include taking, uploading and editing photos; maintaining a staff of photographers; coordinating the use of the paper’s digital cameras; and communicating with editors at editorial board meetings and throughout the week. Approximate hours per week: 10

Opinions editor The opinions editor’s primary job is to ensure that a diverse range of views relevant to the campus are represented on the editorial pages. Responsibilities include soliciting op-ed pieces, working with staff columnists and cartoonists to develop and carry out ideas and ensuring completion of the staff editorial each week. The opinions editor must also keep abreast of relevant campus and world events. Approximate hours per week: 12. Sports editor The sports editor should maintain a comprehensive knowledge of all varsity and club teams on campus. Duties include reading and editing all sports copy and assigning sports photos. Applicants must be competent sportswriters who are willing to write and take photos as needed. Approximate hours per week: 12. Assistant section editors Assistant editors in news, living and arts, sports and opinions may be added as training positions. Assistant section editors are responsible for helping the section editor in all duties and learning all aspects of production essential to the section, including layout design and editing. Assistant section editors are also responsible for writing for their sections as necessary. Approximate hours per week: 8–10.

BUSINESS POSITIONS Advertising manager (2) The advertising manager(s) work to recruit local and national ads. Responsibilities include keeping up-todate advertising records, sending out invoices and tearsheets to the advertisers, documenting paid invoices; providing up-to-date advertising income figures and attending weekly business staff meetings. Approximate hours per week: 6. Circulation manager (2) The circulation manager(s) must distribute copies of The Phoenix to areas across campus early Thursday mornings, stuff faculty and administration mailboxes, maintain subscriber lists and ensure that subscriptions are mailed out each Thursday on a weekly basis, deliver extra copies to The Phoenix office and answer subscription requests as they are received. Approximate hours per week: 3. Advertisers (3) Advertisers sell ads for The Phoenix website and print edition to local businesses. This position pays a commission for ads sold. Having access to a car is preferable but not required. Approximate hours per week: varies.

Reporters / staff writers (8 news, 6 living, 5 sports) Reporters write at least one story a week for their section. Writers must attend weekly meetings. Approximate hours per week: 6–8. Columnists / Bloggers (6 opinions, sports, 8 living & arts) A columnist receives a biweekly column. The columnists are expected to work closely with their respective section editors in developing topics and improving their writing styles. Approximate hours per week: 3—4. Copy editors Copy editors check facts, style and grammar and proof pages. Approximate hours per week: 3—5. Photographers Photographers are expected to fulfill weekly assignments. This includes taking photos at the assigned time and uploading the photos onto the Phoenix server in a timely fashion. Approximate hours per week: varies. Staff artists (3) Staff artists are required to submit at least one illustration per issue, for various sections of the paper. Approximate hours per week: varies. Cartoonists (4) Cartoonists may apply to work as either an op-artist or a living & arts artist, and will be required to submit pieces biweekly. Approximate hours per week: 2.

WEB STAFF (NEW!)

Web Editor (2) The Web Editor(s) edits all stories that appear only on the web, moderates comments, posts to and moderates the forums, and coordinates the newly created Phoenix Web Staff. The Web Editor will hold a weekly or twice-weekly meeting with the Web Staff to ensure there is plenty of fresh content to keep the website as lively as possible. Approximate hours per week: 5-7.

Web Staff (4) Web staffers are in charge of keeping The Phoenix website up-to-date throughout the week. Staffers will write stories, post blogs and/or take additional photos for the website. Staffers are required to attend weekly meetings to discuss the content to be placed on the website and will be required to post several items every week. WIth much less time commitment, it’s a great way to get started on The Phoenix. Approximate hours per week: 3-4. Assistant Webmaster / Ruby on Rails Web Developer The webmaster is responsible both for maintaining the website and for improving it in ways that engage our readers. Expect to post content, tweak styles, optimize the server configuration and maybe even build entirely new sections of the website. A wemaster must have experience with Rails or an avid interest in learning Rails as an extension of some existing web development background. Knowlege of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript is required.

FOR HIRING RULES, FULL JOB DESCRIPTIONS AND TO SUBMIT AN APPLICATION FOR FALL 2011:

h t t p : / / w w w. s w a r t h m o r e p h o e n i x . c o m / h i r i n g

THE PHOENIX April 28, 2011 THE PHOENIX August 25, 2011

Living & Arts Campus concert hub seeks out student input

by steven hazel shazel1@swarthmore.edu Starting off the summer with a student survey entitled “Olde Club Recon 2011,” Olde Club’s new booking directors Tayarisha Poe ‘12 and Nate Cohan ‘12 launched their initiative to improve rapport with the campus community, especially through feedback from students. Over the course of the year, this student-run live arts space provides students with a social haven to enjoy their favorite bands and to discover unfamiliar forms of entertainment. Last year, Olde Club hosted over 12 musical artists including Uproot Andy, MAKU Soundsystem, Mi Ami and A Sunny Day In Glasgow. Even though the space is well-noted for its musical performances, it also serves as a venue for comedians, actors and other artists. Both Poe and Cohan will stage a series of performances over both semesters to provide an eclectic program of entertainment. For Poe, much of her motivation is fueled by her first acquaintance with the space in her freshman year. “I love music, and I remember being a first year and seeing O’Death live for the first time in [Olde Club] and the tons of other dope shows that happened that year,” she said. “I want to be a part of that.” In order to develop a program of artists to satisfy student interests, Poe and Cohan embarked on their booking process by considering the opinions of their peers with a survey in late June. Along with questions alluding to students’ preferred genres of music, the questionnaire also explored the particular atmosphere that students enjoyed at a concert, which may cover anything from audience participation to refreshments. The survey reflected students’ show preferences for general vibes, themes, navigability, safety, refreshments, tech, scheduling and community. In another section, the directors encouraged students to suggest possible acts and described their own interest in finding “inexpensive, stunningly talented nonstudent openers.” For Cohan, Olde Club serves as a space for students to explore different sounds and ideas. “Mostly I want to hear music I like from artists I believe in,” he said. “The Olde Club booking position offers us a really unique opportunity to curate a whole series of free shows/parties/events and to engage new social connectivities.” When considering possible performers, Poe explained that she values artists’ stage presence and ability to interact with the crowd. “I love interactive shows [and] audience participation,” she said. “I prefer shows that involve lots of jumping, and if there’s no jumping I want to be moved emotionally, mentally, physically. I want to be moved by the music.” Last year featured musical styles in-

cluding the rock and roll of Hunx and His Punx, the rap of Das Racist and the experimental rock of Soft Circle. This year’s directors said they’re striving to satisfy the musical preferences of the entire student body. Poe said, “More musical diversity, more themed weekends, [and] more crowd diversity! I don’t want folks to feel that the OC caters to one “type” on campus, partially because that’s an awful feeling, and also because it’s often not true! But it’s a stigma attached to the place that I’ve heard over and over and am bored with.” Looking forward, the directors are not only hoping to improve the diversity of musical acts, but also to vary the types of events offered. Designed as and intended to serve as a student gathering space, the Club welcomes banquets, concerts, comedy shows, parties and dramatic performances. In early April, Olde Club hosted the annual student Battle of the Bands competition where the winning ensemble performed in April’s Worthstock, an all-day outdoor concert. Another springtime event, the Spring Rose Tattoo Café, showcased a number of student acts, solo artists and bands. Poe said that both she and her codirector expect to uphold the tradition of hosting a variety of programming. “We want to [host a greater variety of shows],” she said. “Collective art shows, movie showings, we’re probably having a show on a Monday, and shows throughout the week to break up feelings of monotony, and more.” Similar to the rationale behind their summer survey, both directors continue to welcome suggestions from all students, both new and old. Cohan said, “We’re definitely interested in innovative/interactive/multimedia workshops, performances and events, and we’re always looking to reconfigure the concert-going experience with other experiential modes.” For those not yet acquainted with the space, Olde Club fosters a unique site to relax and escape from both academic rigor and also an alternative to Paces and the fraternities. Though a bit delayed in her discovery, Danielle Sullivan ’14 said, “I hadn’t really heard of [Olde Club] before this last spring, but then I went [to a show] and realized that I was missing out. Having free live music a lot of weekends is incredible and something I’ve never experienced before.” Olde Club, for Poe, embodies a truly distinctive experience for students. She said, “[We hope Olde Club fills] the performance niche. The not necessarily

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Counterclockwise from the top: Olde Club stands between the DU fraternity house and the Women’s Resource Center on the edge of campus (Marcus Mello The Phoenix); alum Dito van Reigersberg leads The Martha Graham Cracker troupe in February 2010 (Courtesy of http:// tiny.cc/fcp9e); Karen Shen ‘11 performs in the all-female acappella group Grapevine (Ariel Finegold for The Phoenix) Below: The rap group Das Racist performed during the 2011 spring semester.

academic performance niche. The fun niche. The ‘there are no parties tonight but I want to go out’ niche. The ‘is there an Olde Club show tonight?’ niche. The ‘what’s that sound?’ niche. The sticky floor niche. The ‘why is this bathroom so small?’ niche. The ‘I can’t find my jacket’ niche. The old stone building niche.” In order to improve rapport with the student body, Olde Club will begin the semester with a cook-out and daytime celebration on September 3 to welcome back students and introduce them to the space. Also, the event will feature music from some of the artists who will be visiting campus for performances this year. Looking forward, Cohan said, “We’re committed to bringing in challenging and exciting artists who can put on a great show to a wide swath of the College community.” All students interested in designing concert posters, videos or murals related to Olde Club events, to the space, or to

August 25, 2011

a possible event, should contact Booking Directors Tayarisha Poe and Nathan Cohan. Also, the directors welcome students interested in working behind-thescenes, especially for those with car/technical know-how/a can-do attitude. Both directors may be reached through email at oldeclub@swarthmore.edu and also, at the Activities Fair next Sunday. Courtesy of http://tiny.cc/hkror

cartoon by naia poyer

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Rewinding Back to Their Swarthmore Days

Collaborative artistic expression inside and outside the theater

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(L to R): Chau describes her work as “collaborative” in nature; in May and April 2011, she taught Tai Chi in Bytom, Poland with the Silesian Dance Theatre; Chau addesses social issues as she paints the wall of a thousand eyes in the Choi Yuen Village in Hong Kong. BY DINA ZINGARO dzingar1@swarthmore.edu Following graduation as a double major in Education and Peace and Conflict Studies with a minor in Dance, Hofan Chau ’03 studied at the London International School of Performing Arts & Jacques Lecoq School in Paris where she also discovered the art of Tai Chi. After returning to her homeland of Hong Kong, the alumna pursued her passion for dance and physical expression as a director, performer and teacher. Since 2003, she has been creating works under the Burnt Mango Dance Theatre Collaborative as the Artistic Director. However, through her social activism, Chau does not limit expression to the stage and strives to dissolve the boundary that often seems to separate the world within and beyond the theater. Encouraging expression to permeate into her local community, Chau has most recently protested against the building of a high speed rail that will raze down the Choi Yuen Village. Dina Zingaro: So, I just have to ask, what inspired the name Burnt Mango? Hofan Chau: Everyone keeps asking, but I’m not sure. I’ve never tasted burnt mangoes before. The name just sort of popped into my head. I think I like it for its contradictions in color; and somehow I imagine it being very tasty. DZ: So, what was your journey like after graduation? HC: Wow, this is a big one. Well, I returned to Hong Kong after graduating, still not entirely clear what I wanted to do, but nevertheless I headed for the classified [section] and tried to find a job. DZ: Ah, the wariness of post-graduation and job-searching … an experience I’m sure many recent graduates can relate to, particularly with this tough economy. HC: Yes, definitely. In fact, the year I graduated was the year SARS hit Hong Kong, and the economy was doing terribly, so it was a couple of months before I found a job as a research assistant. That year in the cubicle made me realize that I am really someone who can’t sit still in an office. But, I had fallen in love with dancing at Swarthmore, but I couldn’t find the right dance teacher back in Hong Kong, so I started going to auditions and theater

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workshops after my work. I had so much creative energy left over, and I just had to find an outlet. DZ: In your alumnus profile on the Career Services website, you encourage Swatties “to find their root.” As you mentioned, you found yourself unsatisfied behind a desk after graduation, so when do you believe someone should just “tough it out” at an unfulfilling job or choose to pursue their passion or “root”? HC: Well, I always think that if you care enough about something you will always find a way to do it. DZ: So, perhaps getting there just isn’t always so straightforward? HC: Exactly. See, for me, I fell in love with dance at Swarthmore, but there wasn’t the right teacher for me in Hong Kong. So, I discovered Tai Chi and crossed over to physical theater, because it was movement based, and it felt more honest. However, looking back, I don’t think experiences are ever wasted. The first fulllength piece I directed in Hong Kong was called “Concrete Jungle Berzerk!” — it was all about the unnaturalness of cubicle life. So, even though that first job may not have been long term, I learned a lot that year — I learned about hierarchy, bureaucracy ... DZ: When creating choreography for your pieces, from where do you tend to draw from for inspiration? HC: It’s difficult to say. Sometimes it’s a sensation, sometimes it’s a piece of music, sometimes it’s a particular image. For example, my first dance solo was called “Aftermath (with Cocoa)”; it was about a car crash I was in. A later piece was inspired by a scene I experienced, walking into the apartment one day to the sounds of gunshots … my boyfriend was on the computer, playing Counterstrike [a first person shooting game] DZ: Wow, that’s pretty eclectic. HC: Seriously, inspiration comes from everywhere; and it comes from observing life, it comes from reading a lot, listening at lot, and enjoying a lot. DZ: Do you feel that your inspiration has changed over the years? HC: I think as I grow older, I feel less of a need to do pieces based on personal experience. Maybe I have fewer personal problems to work through, and my attention now is on the community around me and giving voice to things happening here.

Sometimes I think that expression doesn’t even have to be in the theater. DZ: In a sense then, would you say that through your activism you are working to erase the barrier between the art of expression and the world outside the theatre? HC: Definitely. Expression is not restricted to the theater. Awhile ago we were protesting against the demolishing of the high speed rail in Hong Kong; it evolved into a form that involved holding grains of rice in one hand, walking twenty six steps and prostrating on the street. That was a powerful form, and it really struck a chord into people. DZ: Do you hold Swarthmore responsible in any way for influencing your current interest in activism? HC: Certainly, however, I think when I was Swarthmore I wanted to do something, but I wasn’t sure what to do; and I think partly that came from studying abroad. I mean, I went to feed the homeless and joined Earthlust and so on; but when I think about it now, I don’t think it was really grounded in me. I think being home in Hong Kong now really makes a difference. DZ: So, specifically in activism, there seems to be again this importance of students “finding their roots” in order to feel strongly committed to a cause. HC: Yes, because in the end, when you are abroad, unless you really commit to

being there properly — the same way, say, Mother Teresa committed to Calcutta — you’re a visitor. It’s not your fight. It’s only when it’s your place that it becomes your own fight. DZ: Is there a moment, not necessarily cathartic or climactic, about your time at Swarthmore that is particularly vivid? HC: Well, I remember lying in the Troy dance Lab in the Lang Performing Arts Center before class with the high ceilings and the afternoon sun streaming through all the glass windows. Also, I remember the pumpernickel bagels at Sharples — we don’t have those in Hong Kong. I was so enamored I even did an a semi-abstract art piece on it, with the cream cheese oozing out. It was orgasmic. And of course, the tomato basil cream pasta. I was a big fan of the tomato-basil cream pasta. DZ: Hmm, that’s funny since most Swatties seem to hate Sharples. But, personally, I’m not a Sharples-hater. I spoke with a senior last year who said that one of the things they were going to miss was going to breakfast and having over 7 different cereals to choose from every morning. I guess it’s just the small things sometimes. HC: I think everyone gets a bit tired of the Sharples food cycle at some point, but after the first year I moved off campus, and would get my friends to swipe me in with their unused meal credits. And when you have to pay for every single meal again, you realize how lucky you are to have such abundance of food every day, and good friends to eat with. DZ: Before we wrap up our conversation, with the class of 2015 celebrating the traditional First Gathering tomorrow in the Amphitheater, do you have any words of wisdom? HC: Enjoy your time. Four years goes by like a blur. Watch more shows. Take more classes. Party more. Because there are very few places after you graduate that will have as many high quality performances that you can see for free. There will be fewer occasions to party in such a safe environment with a bunch of your friends. Fall in love. Walk in the woods. Take advantage of the grants and the opportunity to work with professors. Start your own club. And then when you graduate, know that all these things are possible, that all these opportunities are still here, but you might have to look harder, that’s all. To read more on Chau’s social activism, Tai Chi, theatre and teaching, visit her blog at http://hofan.burntmango.org/ journal/hk/.

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After discovering Tai Chi abroad, Chau now teaches this Chinese martial art, along with other theatre and dance workshops that focus on movement.

August 25, 2011

Living & Arts Evaluating summer shifts in the publishing world swarthmorephoenix.com

H e y , this is Susana, a member of the foureyed literati (contact lenses count,right?) here to tell you the ins and outs Susana Medeiros of the publishing and Four Eyed Literati literary worlds. As the weeks pass, I hope to offer insight into the use of e-books as an alternative to print; racism in book covers; the future in foreign-language books; National Novel Writing Month; and, all the books you should have read (but haven’t) — to name a few. Feel free to regularly check my column on the Phoenix’s website for frequent book reviews, weekly links, and other online extras. For now, I would like to get everyone up to speed with some important events that occurred over the summer, in no particular order. The New Yorker makes one million on iPad app Though things do not look particularly good for print magazines and newspapers, some companies have managed to take advantage of e-reader technology to make a pretty penny, all without losing their subscription base. The weekly magazine The New Yorker has discovered that people are certainly willing to pay for an online service: they currently have 95,000 subscriptions for their iPad app, 75,000 of which are print subscribers who have free access to the app and 20,000 of which are new subscribers who pay $59.95 to iTunes for the service, in addition to several thousand who buy the digital magazine for $4.99 a week. By focusing on subscription sales instead of advertising, the magazine has pulled ahead of its competition in digital sales, earning over a million since their app launched last September. Other publications have been less successful at maintaining a steady stream of subscribers. For example, Wired — a technology publication — was downloaded by 100,000 June 2010, but were down to 23,000 in October 2010. One reason behind the difference may be in part because The New Yorker.com is behind a heavy paywall while Wired and other publications still offer complete access to many of their really cool, really geeky articles (so why pay to download?). As a consumer, I’ve always enjoyed free access to my favorite websites, and was more than a little peeved when The New York Times went under a paywall this year. However, I’m also disappointed that these companies didn’t find a way to profit from their web pages to begin with, thus creating a culture where we expect free web content. I’m glad they’re starting to figure it out. V.S. Naipaul disses female writers

V.S. Naipail, a Trinidadian-British stories, drawings and other content in ing out of business (RIP BookCourt, writer who winner of the Nobel prize addition to Ms. Rowling’s own (woe Word, Mystery, and others), indie bookfor literature in 2001, was quoted in ear- to fanfiction.net, and their extensive stores represent niches in the literary ly June in an interview with The Royal fangirl collection of fiction!). E-book world as venues for readers to meet Geographic Society about his belief that versions of the series will also be sold authors, bring children, participate in no female writer was his literary match: exclusively on the site, in addition to book groups and receive tailored ad“I read a piece of writing and within a digital audiobooks. vice. paragraph or two The rise of the e-book I know whether Borders closes To the surprise of the publishing init is by a woman After filing for dustry, e-books have captured a large or not. I think While many are going out Chapter 11 bank- chunk of the market. According to Pub[it is] unequal to in Feb- lisher’s Weekly, they comprise 6.4% of of business, indie book- ruptcy me.” This is beruary, Borders trade book sales for 2010. cause, apparently, stores represent niches Group announced In fact, in July 2011, Amazon anwomen write with the liquidation nounced that it is selling more e-books in the literary world. “sentimentality, and closing of 226 than print — this, only four years after the narrow view stores and the launching the Kindle. Moreover, these of the world.” need for a buyer sales do not include the plethora of free The Guardian, a British publication to purchase its remaining assets prior e-books users’ ‘purchases.’ that knows how to put misogynistic idi- to its July 17 bidding deadline. Recently released enhanced e-books ocy in its place, has posted a quiz whereDespite a near sale of the bankrupt and apps — namely for Al Gore’s An by you too can read book passages and Borders Group to Direct Brands, Bor- Inconvenient Truth, T.S. Eliot’s The guess whether they were written by a ders failed to find a buyer before July Waste Land (truly a marvel to behold) man or a woman. I guessed four out of 17, and therefore it began liquidating and forthcoming The Hitchhiker’s ten correctly, aka, worse than choosing its remaining 399 retail outlets. By this Guide to the Galaxy — offer an unique, randomly. September, the last remaining stores premium-priced experience that may Francine Prose, the author of the ar- and all business operations are expect- represent the future of e-books. ticle “Scent of a Woman’s Ink,” which ed to close. It seems important to also briefly rewas published in Harper’s Magazine in According to The Atlantic, the un- mark on the first HybridBook, produced 1998 and addressed how female writers raveling of the country’s second largest by Melville House Publishing. It allows often are considered “inferior,” lament- book chain means both a tremendous users to scan print books for e-book-like ed in a new article, “On Women Writers boost for digital reextras, and V. S. Naipaul” that her decade-old tailers such as Amawhich words were still relevant. zon and potential may yet Ms. Prose’s 1998 article was respond- benefits for a selfchange ing to writer Norman Mailer who, confident Barnes the nawith Naipaulian sentiment, claimed he & Noble as well as ture of could “sniff out the ink of the women.” independent bookp r i n t In 2011, Prose says, things appear to be stores by adding books. the same, but the reaction is less in- new customers. M o r e tense: “Women are distressed and disIndeed, independetails heartened all over again — and then the dent bookstores in the subject quietly, politely disappears.” have much to gain. months It’s a reversal from to come. One-joke children’s book what we saw a detops bestseller list cade ago: while Go the Fuck to Sleep, written by Borders is shutting Adam Mansbach and illustrated by Ri- down stores, indecardo Cortés, found itself top Amazon’s pendents are openbestseller list a month before its official ing new ones (even publication on June 14. That just goes though indepento show how a bit of overrated hype for dent bookstores one word can generate a whole lotta have statisticash. cally declined The book, which is an adult-only from their bedtime story about one very frustrated peak in the parent trying to get his/her child to fall 90s). Such a asleep, was written by a real-life father change can (this is apparently shocking) who first be explained generated a little buzz when he started in part due posting bitter stanzas on his Facebook to the real espage. The response was positive — he tate bust. got a book deal — and now you can W h i l e watch Samuel L. Jackson read the book many are goCourtesy of http://tiny.cc/jm3l7 on Youtube. Pottermore.com unveiled In the Potter heard ’round the world, on June 23 J.K. Rowling announced Pottermore.com, a free interactive website that will feature unpublished material about the Harry Potter universe “to be enjoyed alongside the [books],” according to the home page. A beta version, or preview, of the website opened for the first million users who registered on July 31st, which is actually the eponymous protagonist’s birthday. These lucky users are working collaboratively to shape the site prior to its official launch in October, submitting

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August 25, 2011

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Say your goodbyes to this sizzling summer lineup

Summer is the time of year typically reserved for barbecues, lounging outdoors, sleeping late and a bleak wasteland that has come to characterize the season’s television options. For years, the top broadcast networks have continually inflicted mind-numbing reality shows or secondrate scripted programs that to earn a pickup in Johnny Taeschler failed September or January on the viewing public. Viewer Discretion Advised In recent years, this norm has changed. With the growing popularity of cable networks such as HBO, AMC and Showtime, summer has become an increasingly popular time to air niche programs without the heavy competition from their broadcast rivals. Since cable shows only run for about twelve episodes per season, summer provides an ideal interval to air these seasons without the need for agonizing repeats that hamper the traditional September-May broadcast schedule. Thus, I’d like to recommend three such shows that have reinvigorated the perpetually dismal summer TV season, and even though they may be wrapping up their seasons in the next few weeks, they’re available through various sources online, and of course, there’s no better time for needless procrastination than the beginning of a new school year. Originally canceled by FX last year but rescued by DirecTV, the excellent legal thriller Damages returned for its fourth season in July, retaining the sharp writing, high-caliber guest stars and labyrinthine plots that made the first three seasons so engrossing. With those intricately constructed storylines, Damages gives the (in)famously convoluted Lost a serious run for its money. The show successfully weaves together its primary present-day plot with flashbacks and flashforwards to create a season-long mystery so addictive that it definitely requires “binge-watching” on Netflix. With each season revolving around a particular case, this year, which centers

on a wrongful death suit against a military contractor (the wonderfully blustery John Goodman), remains as absorbing as ever, even if its target does feel a bit easy at times. Although I outwardly described Damages as a “legal thriller,” it is hardly that of the Law & Order courtroom procedural variety. In fact, Damages is notable for featuring a host of lawyers as its main characters without ever confining them to a courtroom. Instead, the show’s plot revolves around power struggles and the (largely devastating) effects that such struggles have on the key players involved. Power struggle permeates the show’s central relationship, between Patty Hewes (played by two-time Emmy winner Glenn Close) and her former employee Ellen Parsons (Rose Byrne). Even though Ellen initially served as the somewhat bland protégée to her cutthroat mentor Patty, their relationship has evolved over the course of the series into a game of equals. On the surface they may not have much in common, but Damages and Larry David’s HBO comedy series Curb Your Enthusiasm share at least one recurring motif: episodes that rarely end with protagonists in a better position than when they started. While Damages uses this storytelling device for dramatic effect, the utter self-absorption and eventual comeuppance that repeatedly befalls Curb Your Enthusiasm’s main character (Larry David, playing an allegedly altered version of himself) is always hilarious to watch. Having entered its eighth season this July, with each season running for a mere ten episodes, the show is still supremely cringeworthy, and I mean that in the best possible way. Seeing Larry in action (that is, berating some oblivious individual for a perceived faux pas) is both appalling and completely understandable. After all, who hasn’t wanted to tell off an overzealous sampler at an ice cream parlor or point out that it’s childish to say “LOL” rather than simply laughing? Of course, no tactful individual would actually broach such trivial annoyances, but this is exactly why watching Curb Your Enthusiasm is surprisingly cathartic. However, the show does not glorify Larry’s rather brusque behavior. Whether we see his plans for a network television show disintegrate or see him getting physically assaulted or deserted by his wife, Larry seems always inevitably punished for his failure to congenially interact with others (karma, anyone?). In this light, rather than

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celebrate one man’s defiance of social niceties, Curb Your Enthusiasm becomes a cautionary tale for would-be dissenters. Last but certainly not least (well, from a critical standpoint, I guess it would be least) is HBO’s vampire series True Blood. Prior to its fourth season premiere in June, I felt a bit skeptical concerning the actual quality of the upcoming episodes. Its third season was bogged down in a multitude of loosely connected plotlines that varied wildly in their audience appeal. While the opening minutes of the new season seemed to continue this downward trend as its protagonist, Sookie Stackhouse (Anna Paquin), disappeared into fairyland, her seemingly brief disappearance allowed time in the real world to jump forward an entire year. This narrative device provided an opportunity for viewers to become reinvested in characters who had grown slightly predictable over the past three years. So, why did I pick the apologetically soapy True Blood as my final summer show? What about critical catnip like Mad Men or Breaking Bad? Simply put, True Blood is the perfect summer escape, with its consistently over-the-top mélange of sex, suspense and the supernatural. Thus, it is in a word, fun. Yes, its creator Alan Ball has truly wielded the vampirism as gay rights allegory like a metaphorical sledgehammer (the great revelation of the existence of vampires has been called “coming out of the coffin”), but the show’s greatest asset is evincing a humorous awareness of its ridiculous storylines. Now, the last days of summer have become doubly bittersweet, as viewers must say goodbye to these wonderfully twisted characters for another year. In the meantime, though, we can look forward to the start of a new fall season.

Introducing the first-year’s fundamental Philly nirvana for good-eats For better or worse, cabin fever at Swarthmore is relatively low. It’s easy to become rooted in a routine of on-campus obligations, and beyond Jen Johnson Hobbs, the borough ofIn-town, Off-Campus fers little to entice students to the far side of Chester Road. Why not stay on campus, then, and content yourself with the free activities the college offers its students and community members? Considering its size, Swarthmore does a commendable job of providing these cultural experiences for its students. But the college does not have a collection of Rodin sculptures, or food carts and five-star restaurants, or a professional football team. Philadelphia does have that. The train that passes through the station at the foot of campus will take you straight to town. This week, In-town, Offcampus recommends an easy-to-find and delicious destination for a first excursion

into the city: Reading Terminal Market. Few sites in Philly attract more tourists than Reading Terminal Market, and the ones that do are not quite as easy to find. As one of the nation’s most historic farmers’ markets, Reading Terminal boasts a number of Pennsylvania Dutch vendors and a plethora of food stalls, making it the hub of the downtown lunch crowd with both suits and overalls waiting in line for some ribs or a good old turkey sandwich. Though the Market administration offers tours for visitors, its appeal needs no explanation. The market serves as a distinct venue for good food at modest prices in an interesting setting, which is near a number of must-sees such as City Hall, The Liberty Bell and the theaters of Broad Street, to name a few. The Market is open seven days a week, but because it’s primarily a lunch spot, it closes at 6 p.m. nightly (5 on Sundays). Reading Terminal Market is free to visit, however, I highly recommend bringing a bit of spending money. And of course, go hungry. Nearly every stall is selling something to eat and the offerings run a lunchtime gamut from apple dumplings to za’atar. Outside the comestible realm, be sure to check out The Cookbook Stall and Miscellanea Libri, a used bookseller tucked in the back area of the market. Inside the comestible realm, Bassett’s Ice Cream deserves the first mention: the

easy-to-spot, blue-and-white stall often has a line, as tourists and locals alike wait for the privilege of patronizing one of the nation’s oldest ice cream makers. It started churning in 1861, and the stall in the market has been there since Reading Terminal opened in its present form in 1893. Common favorite flavors like mint chocolate chip and cookie dough will always be on hand; if you’re looking to branch out, try the limited-feature flavors like champagne sorbet. Another nationally-recognized food stall worth mentioning: Delilah’s at the Terminal, the home of Oprah’s favorite mac-‘n’-cheese. If you have a fear of Velveeta, order a platter with some sort of fried fish. They’ll batter and fry the generous fillet right in front of you, and only an athletic appetite will finish everything in one sitting. Keep in mind that the Pennsylvania Dutch section of the market is not open on Sundays or Mondays, and various vendors close early on the other days. So, if you are craving an apple dumpling or have a shoofly pie fix, be sure to plan the timing of your visit accordingly. Many swear by the heavy breakfasts the Dutch Eating Place serves up … though some prefer it as hangover food. Locavores and general gourmets will find kin and quail eggs at the Fair Food Farmstand, which offers a much broader

THE PHOENIX August 25, 2011

selection of locally produced vegetables, fruit, meats and cheeses than the Swarthmore borough farmers’ market. And to supplement the Swarthmore meal plan, don’t miss the Reading Terminal Market branch of Metropolitan Bakery, tucked away in the corner past the Pennsylvania Dutch vendors. The bakery is arguably Philadelphia’s best, offering crusty loaves in styles like miche and pain au noix that are only distantly related to the fluffy sandwich loaves just down the aisle. From the train rider’s perspective, this is the most accessible of Metropolitan’s five locations across the city. Split a loaf of olive bread with a friend, indulge in a beautiful slice of one of the day’s cakes, or revisit your childhood with the bakery’s version of a Fig Newton. Knowing the city will both enrich and contextualize your four years at Swarthmore, and if you do find yourself with an itch for adventure, Philly will be happy to scratch it. Reading Terminal Market is an excellent first adventure into Philadelphia for its accesibility, relative expense and proximity to other attractions. For more information about train tickets, maps and directions, as well as more recommendations of places to eat, shop and explore, please visit In-town, Off-campus on The Phoenix website at swarthmorephoenix.com.

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A credit downgrade our nation (sadly) deserved

The stock market has been in turmoil. The Dow goes down over 500 points one day, and then goes up 400 just the next. While Standard Tyler Becker and Poor’s decision to The Swarthmore downgrade Conservative America’s credit rating has been one of the reasons for the market’s roller coaster ride, it is not the only reason. The downgrade, rather, represents a new period of uncertainty: uncertainty of America’s ability to repay its debt, uncertainty of the strength of the dollar and uncertainty of America’s standing in the world. This harsh new reality is hard to comprehend. Less than a decade ago, a downgrade of America’s debt was not on anyone’s mind. Congressional republicans during the Bush years allowed dramatic increases in spending that started America on this downward spiral. Under President Obama, this spending has skyrocketed far beyond what any of us can imagine. There is no plan for America to pay back the $25 trillion debt that the nation will see over the next ten years. The debt reduction package passed by Congress may have been the best plan that could be passed in Washington, but the plan does nothing to reduce the debt. Taking less than $3 trillion off of a baseline that has us spending more money each year does nothing to solve the problem. President Obama, Speaker Boehner and Majority Leader Reid all hailed their

accomplishment to reach a compromise and avoid default. These Washington politicians acted as though they had saved America. They could not have been more wrong. Standard and Poor’s warned in July that if Washington did not get serious about reducing the debt, the firm would be forced to downgrade America’s AAA credit rating. And, that is exactly what S&P did. This decision immediately sent markets around the world into a downward spiral. Financial analysts were unsure of the impact a downgrade of the largest debtor nation would have on world markets. After all, it was unchartered territory. Many of the losses were made up the next day in what was a tumultuous week for the markets. A cloud of uncertainty hung over Wall Street. The Obama administration chose to respond using the blame game that has been the centerpiece of their economic policy. Rather than creating a strong business environment for creating jobs, Obama has focused on blaming corporations and the wealthy for the nation’s financial woes. It was no surprise the administration criticized S&P over the downgrade using an accounting error. They ignored the harsh reality that even with the error corrected, the United States would still be in well over $20 trillion of debt in ten years. Our leaders have failed us. China is reveling in the political theater going on in Washington. The rise of China threatens our status as the number one economic and military power in the world. Yet China holds many of the bonds that make up what will be America’s $25 trillion debt in the next ten years. This makes the debt problem a threat to our sovereignty. A little over a decade ago, America had a surplus and its standing in the world was unquestioned. America had beaten back competition from Europe, Russia and Japan. The flag symbolized economic liberty and prosper-

ity around the world. The political class continues to not listen. They deserved the downgrade S&P gave for their failed policies. The Obama administration’s next band aid to the problem is a major economic speech focusing on jobs once congress is back in session. The speech appears to be to lay out another stimulus that will not pass congress and, instead, will be used as campaign tool against the republicans. I can only hope voters ask why spending more money will help at this point. It is a bad policy that has yielded only negative results. While I believe in the promise America

brings, and the strength of its people, I am concerned that our government is spending us into an oblivion that will leave future generations picking up the tab. The same benefits of being an American that we enjoy today will cease to exist. America will no longer be a global superpower, and passed by developing nations such as China, India and Brazil. This is not the America that I want in the future. I want a prosperous economy. I want a government that doesn’t promise its citizens more money and services than it can afford. I want to live in a resurgent America. First, it must be restored.

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quest that their group affiliation be included. While The Phoenix does not accept anonymous submissions, letters and op-eds may be published without the writer’s name in exceptional circumstances and at the sole discretion of the Editorial Board. An editorial represents the opinions of the members of the Opinions Board: Amelia Possanza, Marcus Mello, Menghan Jin and David Hill. Please submit letters to: letters@swarthmorephoenix.com or The Phoenix Swarthmore College 500 College Avenue Swarthmore, PA 19081 Please report corrections to: corrections@swarthmorephoenix.com Letters, corrections and news tips may also be submitted online to the paper by clicking “Contact” on the Phoenix website.

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Summer trip to Greece strengthens men’s soccer team By ana apostoleris aaposto1@swarthmore.edu With summer flying by and fall sports just weeks away from action, the Swarthmore men’s soccer team recorded its first official bonding session of 2011 with a tour of Greece. Between August 1 and August 13, the team traveled to Crete and Athens, sightseeing, training, and playing matches against high-level Greek opponents. In addition to the twenty-four play-

ers returning from the 2010 roster, the coaching staff, athletics department administrators, and several family members also made the trek from Newark, New Jersey to the Mediterranean. Mark Anskis, Swarthmore’s sports information director since 2009, chronicled the trip via blog posts for the Garnet athletic website (http://swarthmoreathletics.com/sports/msoc/Complete_Greece_Blog). “It was a great experience for the players and the staff,” he said. Head coach Eric Wagner, who has

Mark Anskis for The Phoenix

The Garnet men’s soccer team poses for a photo in front of the Parthenon in Athens, Greece. The team traveled to Athens, along with Crete, this summer.

served with the Garnet since 2002, minute games against … two of the called the trip the best he’s been on in top professional soccer clubs in all of his years as coach. “[It] was an excit- Greece,” he said. “We played the ‘acadeing, refreshing, and completely enjoy- my’ teams, [which] means that we were able learning experience for all of us,” playing against the young players who will quite soon move on to play with the Wagner said. The team spent a week in Crete be- first team. “These are players who are already fore moving on to Athens. Spending two weeks among historic ruins gave on modest professional contracts, live the athletes the opportunity to get back and go to school at the club’s expense, into an academic mindset as the first and train extensively everyday. Being able to get good reweek of classes sults against these approaches. teams bolsters In Crete, the team visited the [It] was an exciting, re- our confidence in own play, and former Minoan freshing and enjoyable our gives us the imcapital at Knosportant knowledge sos, and in Athlearning experience. that we can win ens, they stopped Eric Wagner against difficult at the Temple of opposition.” Poseidon at Cape Head Coach Sterngold also Sounio, the sancsaw the trip as a tuary at Delphi, vital opportunity and the Acropolis. In addition to an invaluable cultural to build team coherence and morale. “I experience, the trip gave the team the think that the unique and exciting expeopportunity to work together on the riences we had on our own trip abroad field for the first time this season. “We — and the closeness that comes with litplayed and trained the whole time we erally standing, sitting, swimming, and playing alongside one another for two were there,” Wagner said. “We played five matches against a weeks — allowed our current team to wide range of competition, and trained cultivate its own distinct identity,” he five times, as well. So it was a great said. “[The trip] enabled us to reconnect opportunity for us to get a jump on the pre-season and prepare for the coming and get to know each other a lot better over the course of the two weeks,” Wagseason.” The five games included three ner said. “Traveling and living together for against academy teams from the Greek Superleague. The Garnet hung tight two weeks does amazing things for team against some of the finest soccer play- chemistry, and that is a key element to any successful program.” ers in Greece, going 3-1-1 overall. Swarthmore’s regular season kicks The high level of success the team achieved should carry over to a confi- off on September 3, as the 14th Annual dent regular season, according to for- Garnet Alumni Classic begins with a 7 p.m. match against Immaculata at ward David Sterngold ‘12. “Two of [the games] were full 90 Clothier Field Stadium.

Garnet volleyball team receives academic award

ceived the honor, including 88 Division III women’s programs, 18.41% of eligible D-III teams. Kat Montemurro ’13, the team’s leader in kills last Dedication, discipline and focus on the court have season who also earned a spot on the Centennial Conhelped the Swarthmore volleyball team transform ference Honor Roll, believes that the team’s chemistry from a six-win team in 2008 to a 20-win power and Cen- and camaraderie have driven their success both on and tennial Conference finalist in 2010. But the Garnet off the court. “We all demand the best from ourselves is hardly just a force between the lines — behind the and each other,” she said. “We are very busy during same insatiable work ethic that has propelled Swarth- the season and focused on the team, but we also pride more towards the top of ourselves in our academthe Conference, the team ics. … Our success in both has been dominant in the volleyball and academics classroom as well, earnhas stemmed from our Desiring and achieving nothing ing an American Volleyteam unity and the way ball Coaches Association less than excellence is a we push each other to do (AVCA) Team Academic our best.” way of life, and our team Award for the second Head Coach Harleigh consecutive year. Chwastyk, named the understands that. Initiated during Centennial Conference Kat Montemurro the 1992-93 season, the Coach of the Year for two AVCA Team Academic consecutive seasons, has Award honors volleyinspired a change in culball teams at both the ture within the volleyball high school and collegiate level that have achieved a program in her nine years at the helm. During her tenminimum cumulative GPA of 3.30 on a 4.00 scale dur- ure, the Garnet won its first ever Centennial Confering the full academic year. All varsity athletes who ence playoff match and reached their first ever Centencompeted with the institution for any portion of the nial Championship match while 16 players have been academic year are recognized. Swarthmore joined named All-Centennial performers. Muhlenberg as the only Centennial recipients in In five of Chwastyk’s nine years, her team has won 2010-11. the AVCA Team Academic Award. For this past academic year, 481 institutions reChwastyk expects excellence from her players in at-

By victor brady vbrady1@swarthmore.edu

THE PHOENIX August 25, 2011

titude and commitment, and the team has learned that academics and athletics can complement one another while remaining competitive and successful on the court. “I think that as a whole, our team really makes academics a priority,” said Allie Coleman ’13, a member of the Centennial Conference Honor Roll in 2010 and already third in program history in assists. “I’ve been on teams where the coaches and other players didn’t understand that having time for schoolwork was important … so I really appreciate being on the volleyball team at Swarthmore because the coaches and players both realize that we are student-athletes, not just athletes.” Montemurro feels similarly. “Desiring and achieving nothing less than excellence is a way of life, and our team understands that [this applies to] both sports and school,” she said. “I feel that the focus on academics makes our team more focused in general. Work your hardest, put in more than just the least amount of effort needed, and really care about what it is that you are doing. It is an extension of yourself.” In 2011, the Garnet returns all but one player from the 2010 team that shocked rival Haverford in a comefrom-behind Centennial semifinal victory before falling to Franklin & Marshall in the Championship. In addition, five highly-touted freshmen will look to make an impact for the new Centennial stalwart. Swarthmore opens play at the Greyhound Premiere from Moravian on September 2 with two matches against Alvernia and Centenary (NJ).

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Women’s soccer plays abroad, watches World Cup final scrimmage and possession, followed by some constructive criticism. Day five also saw the team’s first The Swarthmore women’s soccer game abroad. The team played a tough team traveled to Europe this summer for game, losing 2-1 in the end. Bad Neuea nine-day trip to Germany, The Nether- nahr’s team was made up of both first lands and Belgium. and second division professional playThe team began its trip on July 15 in ers and Bad Neuenahr’s first division Germany, which coincided with the 2011 team went undefeated in the Bundesliga FIFA Women’s World Cup Final between last season with an 11-0-11 record finishJapan and the US. ing in sixth. The team’s trip saw them playing in a The Garnet came out from the very few games against local clubs, as well as beginning with control in their hands, participating in training sessions with a feeling out their opponents and possessDutch coach. ing the field. However, the trip was not limited The Garnet entered the second half to learning more with the thought about the sport and for opportunity, witnessing such attempting to turn an amazing soccer After we got settled into any chance into match. It was also their advantage. about exploring the the game, we were glad However, despite cities and cultures Garnet’s tenacto see that we could ... the of Europe. The ity, Bad Neuenahr team had plenty of managed save after compete with an time for sightseeallowing only international opponent. save, ing in Rothenburg, one point to the Frankfurt, AmsterGarnet. Beth Martin ’13 dam and the Rhine “Before our River. first international The highlight of match, we expectthe team’s trip was attending the FIFA ed to see a very technically skilled team Women’s World Cup Finals, where all that would take advantage of us if our members of the team decked themselves play became too frantic. After we got setout completely, showing support for the tled into the game, we were glad to see US team with face paint and red, white that we could definitely compete with an and blue. international opponent,” Martin said. “Attending the World Cup was unlike After a few tough days, the team had anything I had ever experienced. We a chance to take a break and had its first could feel the energy and anticipation in team practice abroad, followed by team the stadium, and we were so excited to building exercises and a guided tour of be a part of it,” goalkeeper Beth Martin Valkenberg. ’13 said. Then the team had to get back to The team had a chance to work with training with Leo, this time focusing on a Dutch coach while on their trip. They conditioning, fast-paced technical work met Royal Dutch Football Association and more possession. “Training with certified coach Leo on the fifth day of Leo was a lot of fun. Leo was sometimes their trip, beginning training with a very critical of the way we played. He

BY RENEE FLORES rflores1@swarthmore.edu

Alyssa Bowie for The Phoenix

Teammates Megan Brock, Emily Coleman and Alyssa Bowie — sporting face paint, necklaces and headwear — enjoy the FIFA Women’s World Cup Final in Frankfurt, Germany.

Alyssa Bowie for The Phoenix

Members of the Garnet women’s soccer team, donned in USA jerseys, make their way to the FIFA Women’s World Cup final.

would say things like ‘Was that a bad help us bridge any culture or language pass or a very bad pass?’ but we learned barrier.” a lot,” Martin said. The coach was happy with the team’s The Garnet played their second progress this summer. “We … came tomatch against Borussia Monchenglad- gether in a foreign land with nothing bach, the highest women’s team from other than individual preparation and the two-time UEFA Cup Champion and still put together some moments that five-time Bundeswere some of the liga Champion for best soccer I’ve the men. Although seen from this the Garnet women We ... put together some bunch.” managed to mainFollowing such moments that were tain possession a successful sumearly in the game, mer trip abroad, some of the best Monchengladbach the team said it soccer I’ve seen from went 1-0 quickly. is ready to jump The Garnet manright back into this bunch. aged to take the their own training Todd Anckaitis lead 2-1 until the routine back in the 70th minute of play US and prepare Head Coach when Monchenglafor the regular fall dbach managed a season. “As with major comeback every season we’ll and took the 5-2 win from the Garnet. test our fitness and then jump right into During the course of the trip the team getting the team ready for our first game. learned about teamwork and how to play As a fall sport we have the shortest seawhen facing opponents of such a high son and least amount of time before we caliber. play our games to get ready,” Anckaitis Head Coach Todd Anckaitis said, “We said. played outstanding teams and held our The Garnet begin the regular season own, scored a couple of good goals, and on Friday, September 2nd against Moradefended hard against some great attack- vian at Messiah College as part of the ing units.” 2011 Messiah Classic. Martin agreed. “We learned that we can compete with almost any team when Check out next week’s Living & Arts we play our game. We found out how section to read about both the men and welcoming and friendly the German and women’s soccer teams’ cultural experiDutch people are, and that soccer can ences in Europe.

August 25, 2011

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