November 13, 2015 by The Hill News

THE HILL NEWS e s t a b l i s h e d i n 1 9 1 1 at s t . l aw r e n c e u n i v e r s i t y

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2015

VOLUME CV, ISSUE 9

Massena Factory to Cut up to 500 Jobs By EMERY YOUNGER NEWS EDITOR

The town of Massena received crippling news that the community’s Alcoa aluminum factory, one of the largest employers in the North Country, would be closing its main production facility and laying off close to 500 workers on November 2. Massena is located about 40 minutes north of Canton, where it sits on the banks of the St. Lawrence River. Alcoa cited declining alu-

minum metals as their reason for shutting down the Massena plant. The company is currently engaged in a restructuring of the corporation to focus on higher value metals, rather than its traditional aluminum production business. Alcoa is estimated to lose about 45 percent of its aluminum smelting capacity during this overhaul. The closure of the facility was a shock to employees, politicians and residents alike. In 2007, Alcoa committed to maintain CONTINUED ON PAGE 10

AMANDA BROOKS/PHOTOGRAPHY EDITOR

DiMezzo, Orvis, O’Connor, and Bauer met with THN Staff following the final decision Wednesday.

Thelmogate 2015:The Election By EMERY YOUNGER and JONATHAN TEN EYCK NEWS EDITOR and STAFF WRITER On Wednesday morning many members of the University community awoke and saw “A Memo from R. Christopher Di Mezzo ‘18 to the St. Lawrence University campus” in their inboxes or on their Facebook newsfeed. This document clearly stated that Di Mezzo was no longer a candidate for the presidency of the Thelomathesian Society due to a violation of Thelmo’s voting regulations, which each candidate had agreed to. Di Mezzo attributed this violation to “a glitch that allowed the first ten voters to edit the poll.” While this memo, written on Di Mezzo’s official Thelmo letterhead, broke the news to all but a few, the disqualification was not news to the Thelmo Executive Board. “On Monday morning John Robert [O’Connor] was going through the poll making sure everything was going okay and recognized an issue in the poll,” said Thelmo President Ryan Orvis ‘17, “It said that it had been edited by R. Christopher Di Mezzo.” After further investigation, O’Connor noticed that the order of the poll had been modified to list R. Christopher DiMezzo as the first candidate for President,

Contents: Opinions pg. 2 News pg. 4 Features pg. 6 A&E pg. 8 Sports pg. 11

and Joseph Nickerson ‘17 second. This alteration switched the order of the candidates, which was previously randomly set by Thelmo Election Chair Matt Bauer ’16, following a coin toss. By Monday afternoon, O’Connor had enough evidence to notify Election Chair Bauer, who then opened a formal investigation into the alteration of the ballot. On Monday evening Bauer privately met with the current Executive Board of Thelmo (comprised of Orvis, Sarah Evarts ’17, and Drew Houx ‘18, Jeanette Gitobu ’16, and Cassie Christopher ‘17), with the exception of Di Mezzo, to inform them that he had decided to disqualify Di Mezzo from the election. “I operated under the circumstances that [since] he broke a rule in the constitution, he’s disqualified from the race,” said Bauer. “So Tuesday morning I woke up having received an email from Matt Bauer,” said R. Christopher Di Mezzo. “I opened the attachment and it said ‘I write today to notify you that you have been disqualified as a candidate for the presidency of the Thelomathesian Society.” Seeing no other option, Di Mezzo immediately requested a hearing with the Thelmo Executive Board to appeal Bauer’s decision. At the hearing both Bauer and Di Mezzo presented their evidence on

the incident. “Our stories matched up identically,” said Di Mezzo, “Mine just had context to my actions. At no point did I refute any of the evidence,” he added. After leaving the hearing to allow the Exec Board a vote on Di Mezzo’s appeal, Bauer and Di Mezzo shared a moment in the hallway of Hepburn. “And I said [to Matt], ‘You did your job’, because he did do his job,” added Di Mezzo. Later that night, Di Mezzo was informed that the Executive Board had unanimously decided to uphold Bauer’s decision to suspend Di Mezzo’s candidacy. “It was a pretty difficult decision to come to,” Orvis said, “but we were looking at the constitution and evidence. You can’t start playing the game of intention.” Following this decision Di Mezzo drafted his memo to the University community in which he explained the context within which the violation had occurred. “This is not a black and white issue,” he wrote, “What was best for the students of St. Lawrence University was not taken into account.” Di Mezzo also discussed how he had hoped to shape the University as President. After a long campaign, Di Mezzo wrote that he had come to realize “that Thelmo is a broken institution in the eyes of the CONTINUED ON PAGE 4

ANNIE WILCOX/FEATURES EDITOR

Amy Schumer and Gloria Steinem exchange a laugh at the November 5th gala.

SLU Women Meet Media Women in New York City By ANNIE WILCOX FEATURES EDITOR Peering out of the cab, I wondered if the driver had heard me correctly. As if he was reading my mind, he stops, turns around and says “130 Bowery Street.” I skeptically think ‘I guess this is it.’ I step out in my black cocktail dress, heels and red lipstick into the bustling streets of Chinatown and to my relief, see my destination across the street looking out of place. Capitale, a gorgeous ballroom and “New York’s premiere event location”, according to their website, sticks out among the takeout restaurants and bodegas. I never expected my summer internship to land me at a gala

I S S U E S N EA K P EA K

in New York City where I would stand two feet from Amy Schumer. But it did land me there, at the Women’s Media Awards hosted by the Women’s Media Center, where I spent the summer working in Washington, DC. I was here in New York City, at the gala, to celebrate the accomplishments of women who are changing the conversation for women in the media. The venue was empty, but the event planners and staff were scurrying around preparing for the throng of people to walk through the doors. The red carpet was set up on the left, the (open) bar on the right, and beyond the doors was the ballroom where in one hour, six media trailblazers and a CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

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Page 1: A look into the Thelmo election controversy.

Page 6: Are you single fellas?

Page 8: The Bohemians perform at Pub 56.

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Page 2: Dear Dub examines women in the outdoors.

Page 7: The turnover for theme houses on campus.

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OPINIONS

2 | THE HILL NEWS

NOVEMBER 13, 2015

Pablo Neruda Exhumed for Investigation By MATTHEW THIBAULT STAFF WRITER The date is September 23, 1973. In Santiago, Chile, the man who some call “the greatest poet of the 20th century,” Pablo Neruda, is dead in the hospital. According to the logs and reports from doctors, he died after a long-fought battle with prostate cancer. On that hospital bed was a man who won a Nobel Peace Prize in 1971 and had published some of the greatest works of poetry ever written in the Western Hemisphere. The collection “Twenty Love Poems and a Song of Despair” is still read in classrooms across America (I know because I have read them). However, he wasn’t just a poet. Specifically, Neruda was also a far-left sympathizer and often expressed support for leaders by the likes of Josef Stalin, Fidel Castro, and Fulgencio Batista. His outspoken support of the Communist Party was well known and was almost equal to his strength as a writer and poet. According to the government of Chile, the claim that prostate cancer killed the famous poet may, in fact, not be true at all. According to a recent statement by the government, the brutal dictatorship of General Augusto Pinochet may have had a hand in his death. This theory has been circulating for quite some time, leading the government of Chile to actually exhume the body and test for any chemicals, such as poisons and toxins. Neruda was just days away from leaving the country as a result of the military coup that brought General Augusto Pinochet into power. The deposed President, Salvador Allende, was a close friend of Neruda’s and had committed suicide rather than turn himself over to Pinochet’s forces. Neruda, in pain over the loss of this close

friend (as well as many others) had decided to go into a selfimposed exile and leave the influence of the military regime. This is where things start to get questionable. According to Neruda’s chauffeur, the poet was hospitalized just days before he was scheduled to leave the country. He was suffering from prostate cancer, and this emergency hospital visit was related to a problem that resulted from the cancer. As the chauffeur tells it, on the way to the airport, Neruda became violently ill, and the poet said that it was a result of an injection that was given to him at the hospital. He died later that day. According to a doctor at Neruda’s bedside, he wasn’t the only one there. A doctor going by the name of “Price” was also there. He was a tall, blond-haired, and blue-eyed man. This description fits a man known for working in the Pinochet regime: CIA agent Michael Townley, also known as a double agent that was taken into witness protection after he admitted to killing prominent Pinochet critics in both Buenos Aires and Washington, DC. In fact, this testimony is taken so seriously, and is believed so strongly, that a judge ordered a sketch made of him and is attempting to find Townley. While it isn’t hard to believe that a dictatorial military regime is responsible for the murder of a possible critic and constituent, it does bring up an important point: governments keep secrets. The fact that this one is coming to light a little more than forty years later is beside the point. I’m thinking about the NSA’s covert spying program that tracked American data. It’s all too easy for me to believe that we, as a public, aren’t told everything. I hope the truth about Neruda’s death is brought to light. He was an excellent poet. May he rest in peace.

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EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Emma Cummings-Krueger ‘16 MANAGING EDITORS Elle Lucas ‘16 Thomas Mathiasen ‘16 NEWS Rebecca Doser ‘16 Emery Younger ‘17 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Alexa Mitchell ‘16 OPINIONS Sydney Fallone ‘17

FEATURES Olivia White ‘17 Annie Wilcox ‘17 SPORTS Louie Freda ‘17 PHOTOGRAPHY Amanda Brooks ‘17 FINANCE Frazier Bostwick ‘17 Ben Brisson ‘16

DIGITAL Brandon DiPerno ‘16 DISTRIBUTION Drew Watson ‘17 CHIEF COPY EDITOR Katie Pierce ‘17 COPY EDITORS Jaime Hodgdon ‘17 Julia Holter ‘17 Jane Eifert ‘16 Tory Cabot ‘17 Kathryn Wilson ‘18 Grace Galanti ‘18

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The Hill News is published every Friday of the school year, except during holidays and examination periods, by the students of St. Lawrence University, Canton, NY 13617. Unsolicited manuscripts, articles, and letters to the editor must be typed and signed. Copy and advertisement deadlines are 12:00 p.m. on the Monday prior to publication. All materials submitted for publication are the property of The Hill News and are subject to revision. The Hill News office is located on the third floor of the Student Center; our telephone number is (315) 229-5139. We have the ability to receive e-mails at elcumm12@stlawu. edu. The comments and opinions of our readers are welcome.

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PHOTO COUTRESY OF CLAIRE LONGCOPE

Longcope proves that there is no glass ceiling in climbing.

Dear Dub: What About Women in the Outdoors? By KRISTEN JOVANELLY COLUMNIST Men and women are biologically different creatures. We look different naked-that much I’ve known since Jack Howzit (name very slightly changed) stripped down on the soccer field in rec soccer because he was tired, and angry, and those two orange slices at halftime just hadn’t quenched his primal need to disrobe himself. It wasn’t until my body began to mature though, that I begrudgingly conceded that it simply took me longer to develop muscles and reach different levels of physical fitness than my boy friends. Are female bodies any less awesome as a consequence? Not in the slightest. As women venture into the outdoors, whether you grew up bagging peaks or hadn’t had the chance to get a big ol’ whiff of the great outdoors until you stumbled out, carsick, rambling up to St. Lawrence for the first time through the winding Adirondacks--we need to embrace our bodies and our minds. I asked Klare Nevins if I could interview her because, for one, she is a strong woman of the Outing Club, a minority of the cornerstone theme house. And secondly, because she’s tremendous. I knew that she would be wildly intelligent and kind enough to warp my inarticulate ques-

tions into a compelling and well-composed dialogue. As we talked, I felt my own exhilaration about the burgeoning role of women in the outdoors swell, seeping down my legs. Really, I wanted to get on a mountain. Nevins and I talked about societal delineation of the physical capability of the human body, and how that diverges to create different perceptions of what males and females are capable of, and further, what they will want to do. In fact, many studies have illustrated that we understand our interactions with nature differently based on our genders. However, these acuities can be detrimental to motivation to explore the outdoors, as women tend to underestimate the ability of their bodies and their minds to physically surmount obstacles. So how do we overcome these mental obstacles? After that, the mountains are like a piece of dirt cake. We must learn to trust our bodies. By cultivating a more sensitive connection between our mental and physical selves, we can become more mindful of the truly incredible feats our collective whole is capable of accomplishing. And while it is empowering to try to understand your personal physical boundaries in some key solo missions, exploring the outdoors with your fellow women can be liberating

as well. By supporting one another, we can play safely and consciously, urging each other to push our physical boundaries, and to laugh at and acknowledge our limits. The extension of this attitude into our day-to-day life can allow us to be more cognizant of our resilience and strength. Wilderness can scrub the wreckage of a broken or confused life. The natural world may expose us now and then to harsh conditions or seemingly insuperable obstacles, but it also offers beauty, a backdrop against which people reacquaint themselves with their mental self and values. It’s important to note that not every outdoor excursion needs to be a trek, bundled up in an #epic worthy label. Besides, we all know that the Instagram photo we see is a fleeting moment of joy, framed by many moments when you’re trying to defy gravity and you feel like you can’t do it, and your hair is basically glue-sticked to your forehead. By normalizing the myriad of experiences that we can have in the outdoors, we can enjoy nature and the outdoors without any predisposed expectations of how fast we should be going, what should or shouldn’t be wiggling in our spandex, and how our hair looks like a small mammal’s nest. As Cheryl Strayed said, “How wild it was, to let it be.”

NOVEMBER 13, 2015

OPINIONS

THE HILL NEWS | 3

A Memo to the St. Lawrence Campus *This appeared as a letter to the student body from current Thelmo Vice President of Senate Affairs, R. Christopher Di Mezzo, on the morning of November 11, 2015. I have spent the last two weeks campaigning for the position of president of the Thelomathesian Society. What I have taken away from the process is that Thelmo is a broken institution in the eyes of the Student Body. As a member of the Senior Executive Board of Thelmo, I know from experience that we love to tell the Board of Trustees that student satisfaction is at an all time high. On average, that’s true. But when you spend the amount of time I have with the students of this University over the past several weeks you come to realize that all is not as great as we may like to report. I have spent time with the Black Student Union, LGBTQetc., the Green House, the Dub, and other marginalized groups on this campus. What I have learned is that we, as a student government are fundamentally broken. If we can’t see the issues on this campus, how can we ever hope to address them? The goal for my campaign was to understand the students at St. Lawrence. I wanted to understand every student, not just the ones that are just like me. We are a broken governing body because

we have blinded ourselves from the real issues on this campus, the issues that make or break the St. Lawrence experience for many students. Meal plans are important, yes; but they are not more important than students of diverse backgrounds feeling unwelcomed in a space that we like to call a “community.” It’s shameful that we as a student government have become willfully blind to the issues of this campus that affect the individual and not the student body as a whole. I’m writing to you because as of November 10th at 11:20pm I am disqualified as a candidate for the presidency of the Thelomathesian Society because I violated Article XIV. General Procedures for Elections, Section 5 Voting, Number 4. Subsection C. Monday morning at 8:04am I woke up and voted on my iPhone. After having completed the poll I noticed an IT path that was next to the area that showed I had voted. I clicked on that path and discovered what looked like an area that a student could change their vote, something I didn’t think was possible. While I was scrolling through the page I noticed I accidently highlighted and deleted a section of the text, the section containing the names of the candidates for president. Having already voted, I just rewrote the names and did not

give a thought to the order in which I entered them. At this time I was operating under the assumption that this was strictly my poll on my personal SLUWire account and that the order in which I re-wrote the names didn’t matter. At no point would I have logically made the connection that I was editing the entire campuswide poll. Never would I have thought that any student would have access to editing privileges of that poll.

“I would never intentionally do anything to jeopardize the integrity of the voting process. I had no way of knowing that what I was doing would affect the entire polling system.” After discussing this issue with the SLUWire provider, the company then discovered that there was a glitch that allowed the first ten voters to edit the poll; they have not yet remedied this glitch. I would have never thought that a candidate for one of the positions on the poll would have access to the editing page of that poll. I know very well the rules of the campaign,

as I am the current “keeper of the constitution,” through my roll as Vice President of Senate Affairs. I know very well that names appear in a randomized order and in no way would I try to compromise that process. I spoke with Director of Student Activities and Leadership who also discovered the glitch in Simplicity’s system. I then spoke with formerDirector of Student Activates and Leadership and sought out her SLUWire expertise. She said that at no point should a candidate ever have access to the polling information and that it is clear to her as to why the mistake happened. I as a candidate would never intentionally do anything to jeopardize the integrity of the voting process. I had no way of knowing that what I was doing would affect the entire polling system. I would never intentionally do something so foolish; obviously the administrator of the poll would see the change. I made a genuine mistake. Thelmo tries to uphold the best interests of the Student Body; my disqualification is fundamentally in contradiction to this. This is not a black and white issue, although that was how the decision to disqualify me was reached; what was best for the students of St. Lawrence University was not taken into account.

With that being said, I ask that you all express your concern for the integrity of the current election in the form of letters and emails addressed to John Robert O’Connor, Matthew Bauer the Elections Chair, or Ryan Orvis. Currently there have been over 700 votes cast for either my opponent or myself. The Thelmo President must have run in an election where over 682 students have voted in order to be recognized by the Board of Trustees as a legitimate governing body of the students. The votes cast for me should be nullified as those students do not support the efforts of my opponent to become Thelmo President. I am calling for a new election so the students that had cast their vote for me can have the choice to either vote for my opponent or not vote at all. I’m uncomfortable with the election moving forward as the students have not been accurately represented. I am proud of the time I have spent serving as the Vice President of Senate Affairs for the Thelomathesian Society. I hope that in the coming term, Thelmo takes a serious look at how they can better represent each and every student at St. Lawrence University. We are, after all, your student government and that was why I was running, for you. All my best, Christopher Di Mezzo

Obama Rejects Keystone XL Pipeline By QUEVAUGH CARUTH STAFF WRITER After several years of uncertainty, President Obama struck down the Keystone XL cross-border project. After investigations regarding the necessity for this pipeline, given the uncertainty of growth in Canadian oil sands production, the U.S. State Department recently announced that it rejected the Keystone XL pipeline proposal. Secretary of State John Kerry decided the controversial project is “not in the country’s national security interest.” President Obama also publicly announced his disproval stating, “America is now a global leader when it comes to taking serious action to fight climate change, and frankly, approving this project would have undercut that leadership.” Although this appears to be a move towards a more environmentally conscious society, there has been backlash from groups who refuse to see climate change as an issue. This project, proposed by

TransCanada, sought to stretch nearly 1,200 miles across six U.S. states. The plan intends to move approximately 800,000 barrels of carbon-heavy petroleum on a daily basis, supported by Canadian oil sands through Nebraska to refineries in the Gulf Coast. On the one hand, environmentalists oppose this on the basis that it is an unconventional energy source, which requires more fuel, water, and carbon emissions than ever before. They also fear that possible pipe leaks could cause more environmental damage. On the other hand, those who support the pipeline believe that it will create mostly temporary jobs, and contribute greatly to the American economy with minimal environmental damage. In the end though, this project did require federal approval before any construction began. Currently, the U.S. and Canada have a stable economic relationship, with more than $2 billion trade per day. The State Department has claimed the relationship as “the biggest and the most consequential economic relationship in

the world.” Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau expressed how he felt about the U.S. decision to reject the Keystone XL pipeline, stating, “We are disappointed by the decision but respect the right of the United States to make the decision…The government of Canada will work hand-inhand with provinces, territories, and like-minded countries to combat climate change, adapt to its impacts, and create the clean jobs of tomorrow.” Trudeau is backed by a liberal government. While neither government has expressed frustration over the strike down, supporters, investors, and leaders whose economies and futures depend in part on oil revenue have expressed frustration with the U.S. decision to deny TransCanada’s permit to build. In one instance, presidential candidate Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) promised to give TransCanada permission to build if he were to be elected into office. In an interview, he stated, “President Obama’s rejection of the Keystone XL Pipeline is a huge mistake

and is the latest reminder that this administration continues to prioritize the demands of radical environmentalists over America’s energy security... When I’m president, Keystone will be approved, and President Obama’s backwards energy policies will come to an end.” In relation to progressive energy policies, President Obama cites U.S. environmental policy, stating, “Approving this project would have undercut that global leadership.” In another instance, presidential candidate Donald Trump took to social media, tweeting, “If I am elected President, I will immediately approve the Keystone XL pipeline. No impact on environment & lots of jobs for U.S.” It seems as if the candidates are supporting another opportunity for the Keystone XL pipeline to be approved. In relation to economic growth, President Barack Obama stated, “Keystone XL would not have benefited economic growth or lowered gasoline prices.” Research conducted by consulting group Wood

Mackenzie concludes that the Keystone XL decision will not make or break Canada’s oil sector. Representatives state, “While Trudeau’s administration is not seen as the strong energy advocate as his predecessor’s, and while the situation beyond 2020 is uncertain, the group finds Canadian oil will still find its way to the U.S. Gulf Coast, especially if Canadian outlets to Asia remain locked in.” While the future for energy remains uncertain, I believe that the striking down of Keystone XL is a step in the right direction. I understand that there have been grassroots movements that have been fighting against this project for several years and I believe that their efforts may have paid off in this instance. The efforts of environmentalists have caused policy makers and everyday people to reconsider actions that may be detrimental to the environment around us. I believe that if we are serious in promoting a more sustainable environment as a nation, then we have to be consistent in decision-making moving forward.

NEWS

4 | THE HILL NEWS

NOVEMBER 13, 2015

Security Blotter Nov 5 4:00 AM University transportation vehicle struck a deer while driving to Ottawa Nov 5 11:40 AM SLU EMS reported to Richardson Hall after a student fell down the stairs. Individual was transported to CPH. Nov 5 9:16 PM Ill student reported in Lee Hall. Transported to CPH. Nov 5 10:50 PM Individuals observed drinking at 72 Park St (Alpha Tau Omega). As a dry Greek house students were asked to dispose of alcohol. Nov 5 10:50 PM Drug policy violation at 17 College (LIGHT House) Nov 6 2:40 AM Drug policy violation at 54 Park St (La Casa Latina) Nov 7 1:57 AM Officer observed three individuals pushing each other in front of Jencks Hall. All parties were under the influence and asked to separate. Nov 7 12:45 PM Report of an individual with head lacerations near the Townhouses. Individual was transported to CPH. Nov 7 10:25 PM Subject issued a ticket on Romoda Dr after going 50 mph in a 15 mph zone. Nov 7 10:30 PM Two individuals were observed shouting profanities at a security officer on Romoda Dr. After disrespecting the officer they refused to present identification. Nov 7 10:50 PM Intoxicated student reported in 62 Park. Transported to CPH Nov 8 12:36 AM Report of an intoxicated individual with head laceration in Huellett Hall. Transport to CPH. Nov 8 1:14 AM Intoxicated student in Griffiths Art Center. Transported to CPH Nov 8 1:21 AM Subjects observed running with a large painting towards 58 Park St. Nov 8 2:15 AM Subject found passed out behind 13 University. Signed off. Nov 8 2:40 AM Suspicious subject observed near KDS carrying contents of another residence. Nov 8 8:09 AM Fire Alarm activated at the Sustainability House due to dust build up Nov 10 10:45 AM Fire alarm activated in JHS due to a system malfunction. Nov 11 2:45 AM Report of a sink torn off the wall in the Men’s Restroom of Dean Eaton SEMESTER RUNNING TALLIES: Bike Thefts: 18 | DWIs: 1 Open Containers: 9 | Alcohol-Related Transports: 28

Outside The Bubble Montreal Begins 2 Billion Gallon Sewage Dump into St. Lawrence By EMMA CUMMINGS-KRUEGER

EDITOR IN CHIEF

Wednesday morning at 12:01 a.m., the city of Montreal began an extremely controversial and environmentally questionable raw sewage pump downstream of Canton. The dzecision to proceed with the municipal dump was finalized via press conference on Tuesday, during which Montreal mayor Denis Coderre credited a highway construction project. According to NCPR, the project will be limited to 2.1 billion gallons of sewage over the course of six days, set to complete on November 17. In the face of this decision, Montreal officials have criticized the city government on neglecting infrastructure to this point of desperation. The current sewage treatment system requires immediate replacement, reports BBC. As a result, the sewage pipes were opened Wednesday and raw

waste is now being dumped virtually constantly. Following an operation delay during recent Canadian elections, the construction project received a green light in tandem with increased river monitoring and an extensive clean up plan, according the ABC News. Officials assure that, despite water discoloration and foul odors observed on-scene and downstream, the dump will have a negligible affect on drinking water quality or fish health. Nevertheless, BBC reports that Montreal residents are still under advisory to limit flush-disposal of medication, condoms, and tampons for the duration of sewage pumping. As Canton is located upriver of the dump, the sewage is unlikely to reach ports near campus, although water quality throughout the entire seaway will be monitored for health purposes.

PHOTO COURTESY OF DAILY PAKISTAN

A Russian airliner carrying 224 passengers and crew crashed in Egypt last Saturday.

Russian Plane Crashes in Egypt By ALI PRICE STAFF WRITER

On October 31, 2015 a Russian plane-Metrojet 9268 was heading from the Sharm el-Sheikh airport in Egypt to St. Petersburg, Russia when it suddenly shattered into thousands of pieces, dropping to the earth. The debris is scattered over eight miles in the Sinai Peninsula and in the hands of Russian investigators. All 224 passengers of Metrojet 9268 died. Fifty-eight investigations are currently being conducted by individuals among all involved countries trying to figure out a cause to this tragic event. Investigators are only in their first stages of investigating; it will take many weeks to find out what really happened on October 31 on flight Metrojet 9286. On November 7 all members of the primary investigative group in Egypt, led by Ayman al-Muqaddam, met to discuss Metrojet 9268 and the event that took place on October 31. The group had the cockpit voice recording, and took the time to carefully analyze it. THELMO FROM PAGE 1

the student body.” This assertion was not well received by the senior members of Thelmo. “It was very difficult for the Executive Board,” stated President Ryan Orvis. “We’ve worked very well with Christopher for the past year and we’ve done a lot of great things. For him to write this letter as a member of the exec board, not as a candidate, is almost nullifying his own work.” Despite Di Mezzo’s disqualification, the election for Thelmo President is still open for voting. Although Di Mezzo is no longer eligible for election, votes that were previously cast for him are still being counted towards the 682-vote threshold, which is required for the University to hold a valid election. Nickerson now remains as the sole eligible candidate on the ballot, and although students are able to write-in an alternative choice, it is unlikely that a write-in campaign would be successful with such little time left in the race.

They were focusing on a sound they heard in the last second of the voice recording. While many people arrived at the conclusion that the sound they heard was a bomb, Muqaddam kept an open mind, considering all the possibilities, and believing that it could really be anything: “a lithium battery explosion in a passenger’s luggage, a fuel tank explosion, or a fuselage fatigue.” Russia, France, Germany, and Ireland are also conducting investigations. European investigators who also analyzed the plane’s cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder said they believe that the crash was not an accident. The investigators said the cockpit voice recorder indicated an explosion, and the data recorder showed that the blast was not an accident. Russia has put a request out to the U.S. to assist them in a forensic analysis. The FBI is committed to assisting Russia in this investigation, but emphasizes that it has no plans to send a team into the region. Russia and the U.S have not worked together since the fall of the Berlin Wall. Russia’s reach-

ing out to the U.S. could serve geopolitical interests. Vladimir V. Putin has been trying to control the issue of terrorism and the global threat it represents in order to end the isolation and sanctions imposed by the West over the Ukraine crisis. Russian investigators have not put out many statements surrounding the progress of their investigative work, where their U.S. counterparts put out a statement on November 7 indicating that they are 99.9 percent sure that the plane was brought down by a bomb. All investigations are still underway and could take several weeks to conduct before a conclusion is reached. With the collaboration of numerous countries, organizations, and resources; a conclusion will hopefully be reached soon. The vast majority of passengers on Metrojet flight 9268 were Russian while others were of Ukrainian, Belarus or unconfirmed citizenship. CNN produced an article and commented that many of the people on the flight were couples who traveled to Sharm el-Sheikh for vacations. Many of their children are now orphans.

The election and its implications dominated Thelmo’s meeting on Wednesday evening. After Bauer explained the process behind his decision to disqualify Di Mezzo, Orvis delivered a brief statement before opening the floor for discussion. Many of the Senators present expressed dismay over the decision and noted that, while this decision might have been correct by the constitution, they questioned whether it was in the best interest of the student body. Numerous senators stated that they had been approached by students about the issue. They felt that Thelmo’s actions surrounding this election had the potential to positively or negatively affect students’ perception of student government. Already, two long-standing senators have announced they will be resigning due to the situation, according to Di Mezzo. Additionally, Nickerson stated at Wednesday’s meeting that he felt his campaign had been undermined, and believed that altering

the election procedure would take away from the hard work that has already been put into the campaign. This week’s events have sparked dialogue among many members of the student body regarding the role of Thelmo. “It was great to see so many people come to tonight’s meeting and voice their concerns, “said Orvis, who also added that he has directed Thelmo to create ad-hoc committee, chaired by Mariah Dignan ‘16, to look for ways to improve the body’s constitution. “They have a great challenge ahead of them,” he added, “but sometimes great things come from great challenges.” As for Di Mezzo, he plans on staying involved on campus after completing his term as Vice President of Senate Affairs at the end of this semester. However he has no intention of serving as a senator in Thelmo in the near future. “I feel confident that I will still have a platform to get things done, President or not,” concluded Di Mezzo.

NEWS

NOVEMBER 13, 2015

THE HILL NEWS | 5

A New Future in Mayanmar: Opposition Party Advances in Election By ANDREW WATSON STAFF WRITER

PHOTO COURTESY OF NEWS MAX

Yale University students and faculty rally for a more inclusive campus on Nov. 9.

Yale Protests in Response to Racially Controversial Email By KATIE WILSON STAFF WRITER Although Halloween festivities came to a close nearly two weeks ago, Yale students remain in the midst of a heated debate regarding an email sent by administrators concerning cultural appropriation and Halloween costumes. The content of the email, however, is not the cause of uproar but rather the response of faculty member Erika Christakis remains the focus of students’ protests. Christakis, an early childhood educator working as an associate master at Silliman College of Yale, sent a response to the email to students living in her residence hall. In her email she details her frustration with universities for becoming “places of censure and prohibition,” and calls for the revival of a time in which students were able to make mistakes in college, regardless of whom those mistakes may offend. Christakis outlines that she feels it is not the proper place for any adult to dictate the actions, or Halloween costumes, of any adolescent or fellow adult. Instead, Christakis states that people must push boundaries in order to understand where lines must be drawn. Since its creation, the email has sparked mass debate across the Yale campus. Students have congregated in an effort to not only condemn Christakis’

seemingly traditional, ignorant statements, but also to clamor for her resignation. Many students have since staged protests across the campus in an effort to highlight their beliefs, namely that Christakis’ message turns a blind eye to ongoing cultural insensitivity and racism across both the college campus and our nation as a whole. Students also assembled around Nicholas Christakis (Erika Christakis’ husband, who is also a master at Silliman College) and demanded an apology for the sentiments his wife expressed in her email. Mr. Christakis, however, was not receptive to said request. Students to began angrily questioning the motives behind his hiring as well as his lack of advocacy and protection for diverse students. A video of the altercation was posted to YouTube soon thereafter, and has since garnered nearly 600,000 views. Christakis’ email not only illustrates an enduring lack of cultural sensitivity present on Yale, and also the seeming increase in frequency of racially charge debates on college campuses nationwide. Just this past week, University of Missouri football players stated they would boycott school athletics until the university’s president resigned due to previous handlings of incidents regarding race on the campus. In addition, during this past week, an African American

undergraduate student at Yale University accused Sigma Alpha Epsilon, a fraternity on campus, of barring her from entering a party at their house due to her race. This accusation, along with the controversial email from Christakis, adds to the fairly racially insensitive background surrounding Yale University as a whole. According to the New York Times, the university continues to have a residential hall named in honor of John C. Calhoun, the South Carolina politician of the nineteenth century who was a candid white supremacist. Minority students have since stated that they now feel uncomfortable on the Yale campus, a place that is meant to be their home away from home. Many students highlight that although stating ongoing ignorance of diversity is permissible, college personnel such as Christakis have destroyed the sense of a ‘safe space’ that campuses are meant to represent. Johnathan Holloway, Yale College’s Dean, stated that he remains “fully in support” of the original email requesting Halloween costumes to be respectful for all and claims to be investigating the accusations against Sigma Alpha Epsilon in detail. In the meantime, minority students remain on edge about niversities’ seeming lack of defense on their part. Across the country, students are finding a growing power in the voice of change.

The country of Myanmar, which borders Thailand and Bangladesh in Southeast Asia, held its first election since 2011 this past week that CNN called “the country’s freest in a generation.” Myanmar gained its independence from Great Britain in 1948 but was taken over by the military after a coup d’état in 1962 led by the Union Revolutionary Council. The official military rule ended in 2011. The two parties fighting for control are the incumbent Union Solidarity and Development Party, led by former Military Commander and Prime Minister Thein Sein, and the National League for Democracy party, led by Nobel Peace Laureate Aung San Suu Kyi. Early projections show a sweeping NLD victory, with Suu Kyi telling BBC News that her party had won 75 percent of the national vote. These figures come from unofficial polling numbers, however, according to the New York Times, the Chairman of the USDP conceded the party and had a “greater share of losses.” The NLD ran on the premise of greater transparency within the government, a completion of the transition from military junta to democratic government, and aid to the disenfranchised minorities within Myanmar. The new leader of the country will also have to grapple with an ongoing civil war among ethnic minorities and decide what to do with Myanmar’s natural gas reserves, which are estimated at 10 trillion cubic feet according to the Natural Resource Governance Institute. Incumbent President Thein Sein was criticized for saying that more change was not needed and that Myanmar was on the right track socially and economically. Both the NLD and the USDP faced criticism (particularly from foreign human rights groups) about the Rohingya Muslim population in Myanmar. According to Al-Jazeera, about 1.3 million Rohingya Muslims whom have lived in Myanmar for multiple generations were barred from voting as they are considered to be in the country illegally. Criticism was leveled specifically at Suu Kyi for not publicly addressing the issue, although she has said in subsequent interviews

that ethnic groups deserve better treatment. The New York Times wrote that not speaking out strongly about the issue may have helped Suu Kyi with swing voters due to the country’s “strong anti-Muslim sentiments.” BBC pointed out that neither the NLD nor USDP had a Muslim candidate for parliament. Myanmar has a unique government structure, with one fourth of the 664 parliament seats reserved for military leaders, meaning the NLD needs to hold two thirds of the seats in order to hold a ruling majority. The military generals also hold on to what the New York Times called “crucial ministries,” giving them a certain amount of guaranteed power regardless of the new ruling party. According to Myanmar’s constitution, the ruling party in Parliament then elects a president to rule the government. Also in line with the constitution is the caveat that Suu Kyi cannot be president as she has a foreign spouse and children with UK passports. Suu Kyi said she will ignore this law, telling Channel News Asia on Tuesday that the new President “will have no authority…it’s the leader of the winning party that becomes the leader of the government.’ Suu Kyi last ran for the Presidency in the 1990 elections, the first free election in the country since the military had taken over in 1962. According to the Oxford Burma Alliance, her NLD party won 398 out of 447 Parliamentary seats, or just over 80 percent of the vote. Despite this victory, the military refused to transfer power and claimed the result to be illegitimate. Suu Kyi was placed under house arrest and remained there until late 2010. The next few weeks will be critical in Myanmar as the government will undergo a major transition and longstanding members of the government will step down. Warnings of violence and unrest following the election have been issued by watch groups such as United to End Genocide, which is based in Washington D.C. For now, optimism is high in Myanmar as millions were able to go to the polls, with a BBC estimated 80 percent voter turnout. It remains to be seen what sort of changes the NLD will make and whether it will be Aung San Suu Kyi making them.

6 | THE HILL NEWS

features

NOVEMBER 13, 2015

PHOTO COURTESY OF EMMA MORRISSEY (LEFT)

Bachelorette of the Week: Emma Morrissey ‘17 Zodiac Sign: Leo Hometown: Glens Falls, NY Major: PCA and Business

ANNIE WILCOX/FEATURES EDITOR

Gloria Steinem addresses a crowd of 350 at the Women’s Media Awards on November 5th

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 number of my feminist heroines would take the stage. Two of the Women’s Media Center co-founders, Gloria Steinem and Robin Morgan, arrived a bit early for photos and interviews. Unfortunately, the third, Jane Fonda, could not make it because she is currently filming Grace and Frankie out west. My job was to help Gloria and Robin with anything they needed, but they are smart, independent women, so it was an easy job. VIP guests started rolling in including Sally Field, Diane Lane and her daughter Eleanor Lambert, Pat Mitchell, CNN correspondent Sally Kohn, Debra Winger, executive producer Regina Scully, Rosario Dawson, but I was anxious for the much anticipated arrival of my new favorite comedian. The new intern in the office came up behind me and whispered “Amy Schumer will be here in fifteen,” so naturally I stood by the door and waited like the calm, cool, and collected woman that I am. She walked right past me onto the red carpet looking more serious than I expected. It didn’t last long. Once we were all seated in the ballroom, her first words were “I’m wearing the shortest dress, you’re probably getting a photo of my clitoris right now.” All jokes aside, she had an important message for the audience. She said that in the film industry, “over 85 percent of directors, producers, writers, and editors were men.” The media landscape is a bleak place for women, particularly in Hollywood. In a ten year study of the Emmys, the Women’s Media Center found that women have received only 22 percent

of the nominations for writing, directing, producing, and editing. The media is still very much a male-dominated field, which is particularly dangerous. As Gloria Steinem says, “it’s hard to think of anything except air, food and water that is more important than the media...it creates the idea of normal, especially for groups that have been on the periphery.” The Women’s Media Center, which takes initiative to correct this bias, is a nonprofit organization that works to make women’s voices more visible and powerful in the media. Gloria Steinem, Jane Fonda and Robin Morgan cofounded it ten years ago when they decided that the media should not dictate our understanding of the world with 51% of the voices left out.

“I never expected my summer internship to land me at a gala in New York City where I would stand two feet from Amy Schumer. ” The Women’s Media Center works to ensure that women’s realities are covered and women’s voices are heard. To do so, they take a number of initiatives to correct the media bias including media monitoring, training women to participate in media and producing original content online, in print and on the radio. I worked for SheSource, a braintrust of female experts that journalists, bookers and producers who need sources and guests when news stories break. By providing a database of 1,000 women, women’s voices are becoming part of the conversation.

The Women’s Media Center honored six women with awards. Laura Bates, found of the Everyday Sexism Project was awarded the WMC Digital Media Award. Egyptian journalist Mona Eltahawy earned the WMC Speaking Truth to Power Award for her journalism which she has been jailed, beaten and raped for. Padmasree Warrior was awarded the WMC Carol Jenkins Visible and Powerful Media Award as the former Chief Technology & Strategy Officer of Cisco. Gwen Ifill and Judy Woodruff, coanchors of the PBS NewsHour received the WMC Pat Mitchell Lifetime Achievement Award. Finally, Marlo Thomas, awardwinning actress and National Outreach Director for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, earned the WMC Breakthrough Media Award. Attending the Women’s Media Awards was an incredible experience. I am so fortunate to have spent the evening with women who I have looked up to for so long, and who have evoked so much positive change in the world for women, people of color and the LGBTQ community. It was inspiring to be in a room surrounded by powerful and passionate women who are uplifting the new generation of feminist, like myself. The energy and positivity was electric, and a beautiful reminder of why we fight the fight. When the gala ended, I was lucky enough to snag a few minutes and a picture with Gloria Steinem. I said goodbye to my wonderful boss, Kate, stuffed my bag with complimentary Georgetown cupcakes and left hoping to return in the future for my own award.

Best quality? My friends like to tell me I have hilariously witty comebacks. Favorite weekend jam? “Sunday Candy by Donnie Trumpet & The Social Experiment.” What are your hobbies? Squash, all forms of skiing, Mario Kart, and flip cup. How can a guy get your attention? Really good sense of humor. What’s an ideal date in the Canton/ Potsdam area? Fat bags and chill. What are you looking for in a potential love interest? Ryan Orvis... just kidding! Nice eyes, nice bod, strong Snapchat game. Do you have any special talents? Memorizing lyrics to T. Swift songs.

What’s your spirit food? Anything buffalo chicken. Tell us about your first kiss: The guy bought me earrings before I had my ears pierced, and then kissed me on a swingset. Where do you see yourself in five years? Not in Canton and not at home. Go to Sergi’s order? Half pepperoni, half Mikey’s with ranch. Best dating advice for the ladies of SLU? “Fear is stupid, so are regrets”Marilyn Monroe. Any romantic aspirations for your semester abroad in London? I don’t mind British accents. British teeth though, I don’t know about that. Do you believe in soul mates? I believe in soul mates like I believe in Santa Clause. I really want to, but they just don’t exist.

• Need a resume builder? • Lonely in your new single? • Just can’t find that special someone?

Nominate yourself or a friend to be Bachelor or Bachelorette of the Week!

Juniors and Seniors Only! (Freshmen and Sophomores need not apply).

Email acwilc13@stlawu.edu or okwhit13@stlawu.edu With your nominations! FROM DANA DINING CENTER: This year Dana would like to celebrate the holiday season with ideas and decorations from around the world. If you have a special decoration you would like to make or contribute to our holiday tree please drop them off at Dana’s manager’s office. We would like to have our tree represent the diversified student population of St. Lawrence. Deadline is Tuesday,

NOVEMBER 13, 2015

features

THE HILL NEWS|7

PHOTO COURTESY OF ST. LAWRENCE UNIVERSITY

Commons will welcome new members in the upcoming semester. PHOTO COURTESY OF WORDPRESS

Despite its less than appetizing appearance, a little SCOBY never hurt anybody.

Treat Yo Mama Well:

DIY Dorm Room Kombucha

By JEFF MOGAVERO COLUMNIST

I love my mom like the rest of us, but this weekend I tragically found not only my mom, but two of my housemates’ moms, with horrific fungal infections on the top shelf of my closet. The kind moms sat there, a fungal mycelial mass of invaders erupting on the soft skin of our dear mothers. And just like that, I had killed them. Oops. I’d like to pay homage to my mom, and all the other moms out there, who hopefully don’t end up dying whilst floating in sweet tea within a mason jar in my closet. I’m of course not referring to my biological mother, but rather a fantastic little symbiotic colony of bacteria and yeast (SCOBY). SCOBYs, more affectionately known as moms, are the patties of microorganisms responsible for transforming sugar and tea into the probiotic wonderdrink known as kombucha. Kombucha is thought to provide a suite of health benefits, largely aiding in digestion and gut health, but also improving mood and energy. However, like many natural remedies, these claims have never been tested in clinical trials. That being said, kombucha is sold for outrageously high prices at any natural foods store, so people clearly see some benefit to this ancient elixir. Many people know kombucha as the snappy, slightly vinegary drink sold by Synergy, one of the biggest commercial producers of kombucha. But before it was sold for nearly five dollars a bottle, it was brewed at home by the mother-loving folk of the world. It’s challenging to find academic sources regarding the origins of kombucha, but a quick bit of research shows that this tea concoction has been around for about 2,000 years.

Originating in Asia, kombucha is a fermented tea beverage, sometimes referred to as the “tea of immortality,” that is being swept up in the latest wave of the U.S.’s health-food craze. But rather than spend your hardearned money on a bottle of this “miracle fungus,” make your own! Brewing kombucha is easy and a great way to have fun with some moms. Brewing kombucha is a simple, safe, and rewarding way to enjoy the bounty produced by bacteria and yeast having a party in some tea. To brew kombucha, all you need to do is make some sweet tea and pop your mom

Mogavero’s closet brewing set-up.

in with it, then wait about two weeks. A standard ratio is seven cups water with one cup starter (existing kombucha) with one cup sugar. Allow the sweet tea to cool to room temperature, then place a mother in her delicious bath and cover with tightly woven cloth or a coffee filter. It is also important to keep all things kombucha-related in glass jars, as this allows the fungi and bacteria to be most happy. Let this concoction rest for one to three weeks in a dark, warm place, until the tea is fermented. A miniscule amount of alcohol is produced (so little that kombucha can be sold

anywhere) as the SCOBY feeds on the sugar and converts it into ethanol and carbon dioxide. Taste-testing is the best way to know when your mom has done her job, as over-fermenting yields a notably tart and vinegar tasting drink. Plus, after your mom has gotten jiggy wit’ it, she will have produced a clone of herself ! Now, with twice the moms, you can make twice the ‘booch. And to think people pay for this stuff ! While brewing is very easy, do be careful to treat your mom nicely and keep her warm, dark, and contaminant free. The acidity of the tea does a brilliant

JEFF MOGAVERO/COLUMNIST

job at restricting microorganism growth, and the cloth over the lid of your brewing vessel keeps out larger airborne invaders. However, sometimes it gets chilly and you accidentally let your moms catch a nip, as happened to my mothers. Lower temperatures allow for the invasion of unwanted fungal species, which colonize the floating slab of bacteria and yeast that is your mother. Keep an eye on your mom, and if you see white fuzz, it’s best to compost her. With the onslaught of cold season, find yourself a mama, ingest some probiotics, and get your ‘booch on!

Theme Houses Turnover for 2016 By JON TEN EYCK STAFF WRITER Theme houses are tight knit communities, but every semester they suffer turnover as members go abroad or graduate. The majority of member changes occur at the end of the school year when seniors graduate and rising sophomores are first able to apply. The turnover between the fall and spring semesters is much smaller but presents its own challenges. All themed groups are given a house for the school year, but they are required to submit a new roster before Thanksgiving break, said The Associate Director of Residence Life and Housing Operations Stacie Olney LaPierre. While Residence Life asks to be aware of the application process, it is the student members of the house that are responsible for filling the roster. “The themes are a very student run process, we have to run the administrative piece of it, but we really want them to be choosing the members they think will be best for their group,” said Ms. LaPierre. The process of filling out a new roster varies slightly between house to house based on factors like size and amount of returning members. Some theme houses like Commons College will often replace all members going off campus with former members who are coming back to SLU. Most of the time however, themes go through a smaller version of their usual end of school year recruiting process to gain new members. “Although the fall to spring application process is the same as the spring to fall process it is more condensed,” said Hub president Bryan Mathis. Despite the fact that the shorter timespan can make it harder to advertise and recruit members,

this is offset by the fact that the turnover is much smaller. The average turnover is usually three to four people for larger houses like Commons and the Hub, and one to two for smaller residences like the Dub. According to LaPierre, if themes are unable to fill their rosters, Residence Life has the power to assign students to them. Due to lack of housing on campus, Residence Life only does this when it is necessary. As a preventative measure, it encourages members to keep trying to find applicants ever after the roster deadline if they happen to come up short. LaPierre added that over the past four years, the only theme house to have students assigned to it by Residence Life has been the International House, which LaPierre said is a slightly different situation due to its location in Sykes. Although theme houses are usually able to fill vacant spots, inducting new members into the house community midyear can be challenging. “At the beginning of the year everyone is kind of transitioning into the new year and figuring out what their social and house roles are going to be, but in the middle of the year everybody is already established.” said Dub member Kristen Jovanelly. This is one of the reasons Residence Life doesn’t want to assign students to houses, as it can be awkward for both the theme and the placed student if one is placed in a theme. “Our main objective is to make sure that the themes are filling their spaces for the spring,” Ms. LaPierre said. Beyond that the process is student run, and while it can be challenging, according to Commons College president Bridget Fleming, “it gives the themes the chance to gather a mix of personalities that mesh well and complement each other.”

8 | THE HILL NEWS

Arts & Entertainment

NOVEMBER 13, 2015

Bohemians Bring Non-Stop Dancing and Electric Rhythm to Pub 56 By AMANDA BROOKS PHOTOGRAPHY EDITOR Pub 56 was taken over this weekend with a fresh sound and a seemingly endless supply of energy from the alternative rock band, Bohemians. The five-man group from Long Island played a set from their first album titled Settle Down, Carry On for a packed crowd on Saturday night. The group, formed in 2012, consists of long-time friends Luke Lotardo (vocals, guitar, keyboard), Eric Milton (guitar and keyboard), Perry Ladouceur (bass), Eric Pubins (drums), and Kyle Williams (keyboard). After releasing their selftitled EP with four original songs, the band began to garner attention and started to get local gigs and airtime on the radio. A studio in Baltimore picked them up to record their first album and since the release they have filmed a music video for their hit song “Hints”, appeared on iTunes Store Alternative front page, and even created a

AMANDA BROOKS/PHOTOGRAPHY EDITOR

Origami decorates the Long Island band’s stage.

Spotify page for their music. While the Bohemians are officially under the genre of alternative rock, their music has an upbeat, pop feel to it, which was apparent on Saturday night. Kelsey Mattison ’18, remarks, “I had a great time. Everyone

Writers Series 2015-2016

Novelist John McNally:

Magic, Love, and Memory By TORY CABOT STAFF WRITER

This past Thursday, Professor Bob Cowser introduced John McNally as the Writers Series speaker for the evening. Professor Cowser welcomed McNally as not only the speaker, but as a personal friend of his from college. He mentioned his literary success, featuring his three novels and short story collections to his co-production of writing the screenplay for Winter’s Bone. McNally immediately had an earnest presence, making the audience comfortable in his presence. He introduced his works right away, with no time for small talk or further background regarding his friendship with Professor Cowser. He did, however, include an anecdote that got the crowd laughing about a fat superhero that got stuck in a telephone booth while changing into his costume. This story that he wrote in fourth grade was the one that made him realize he would become a writer McNally opened the reading of his first short story, “The Magician,” by mentioning his lifelong interest in magic and the fantastical. As he began reading, there was an immediate sense of amusement in his voice. It was

clear that he enjoyed the story he was reading, and wanted the audience to feel the same way. He read quickly, but articulately. His story about a girl who vanished at the risk of a magic trick that went horribly wrong was a wonderful depiction of adolescence and pre-teen crushes, saying that “love was a daily sucker-punch” for the characters. Once he concluded his short story, he introduced his next piece as an essay he wrote based on his interest in memory and the young conscious mind. The essay was called “DreamGirl,” and it was a narrative about a memory that the narrator had with the girl of their dreams, and concluded it by posing the question of whether the relationship was actually a memory, or a dream. Once McNally concluded his readings, the event was opened up to audience questions. Many attendees had questions regarding the last story, and why he considered it an essay and not another short story. He responded that he thought of the piece as more of his stream of consciousness, rather than a story he had been thinking of for a while. Overall, McNally’s reading was eye opening and I was very glad to have been in attendance!

was dancing, myself included!” Their top song, “Hints”, will make anyone want to get up and dance with its catchy chorus, electronic-sounding notes from the keyboard, and a call-andresponse section between the drums and a cowbell.

They even remarked on their Facebook page after the event, “thank you St. Lawrence University for having the dancey-est crowd we’ve ever seen, we will definitely be coming back”. The Bohemians brought

energy with not only their entire set, but also with colorful origami pieces affixed to all three keyboards they used. The origami is mirrored in both their music video and album cover, adding a fun and original element to their identity as a band. The show provided an upbeat ending to what was a jampacked weekend at Pub 56, with the Blind Owl Band performing on Thursday night and SLU’s own American String Circus on Friday. “The Performing Arts Council is looking to promote performances by different types of bands, especially SLU student bands,” Bobby Baird ’17 SLU Performing Arts Council Vice President said. “We want to make Pub 56 a place for groups to play who can not get a spot at Java.” Hop online and like the Performing Arts Council on Facebook to get updates on more upcoming shows so as not to miss another great performance from a band like the Bohemians!

NOVEMBER 13, 2015

Arts & Entertainment

THE HILL NEWS | 9

Kendall and Kylie in Legal Trouble? By ELLIE MINER STAFF WRITER

PHOTO COURTESY OF FASHION WEEK

“Quit your job. Buy a ticket. Get a tan. Fall in love. Never return.” Who would not want to follow this advice? Kendall and Kylie Jenner took this advice from The Island Company. The Jenners are not new to the spotlight from being on a reality television show, creating their own personal careers, writing a book, and starting their own fashion line with Pac Sun. In the process of doing this they have been the talk of the pop culture world and up until recently the majority of the talk has been positive. Recently, Kendall and Kylie Jenner were sued by Island Company. They took The Island Company’s long-standing motto of “Quit your job. Buy a ticket. Get a tan. Fall in love. Never return” and made it their own slogan on a shirt

for their fashion line, reading “Run away. Fall in love. Never return”. The Island Company is suing the Jenners on the basis that the consumers may be confused by the resemblance of the sayings and believe they are purchasing from The Island Company as opposed to Pac Sun. The end result of the current case has not been published yet, but my assumption is that the problem will disappear pretty fast. The Jenners, especially with Kendall walking in the Victoria Secret Fashion Show, have enough money to either get rid of the shirt or fight the lawsuit if they want. At the end of the day the most important take away is that we should all follow the advice of the Jenners or The Island Company, by running away, falling in love, (or drinking tropical drinks somewhere sunny), and never returning so we do not have to take finals.

Ash Girl:APhotoRecap of the Fall Production

sh Girl premiered in Gulick Theatre from November 4th7th. The play was an adaptation of Cinderella incorporating the seven deadly sins and was directed by PCA professor Jennifer Thomas. The play included twenty-two students ranging from freshmen to seniors. The play also included a visiting costume designer, Tamara Langman. Congratulations to the cast and crew! GRACE CONRAD/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

The tank says it all.

PHOTO COURTESY OF DAILY BUSINESS REVIEW

NEWS

10 | THE HILL NEWS

PHOTO COURTESY OF DAILY KOS

Lawrence Lessig announced his Presidential campaign in an August video.

Harvard Professor Suspends Ideological Presidential Run By JACK QUINN GUEST WRITER

If there is one lesson to be learned from Lawrence Lessig’s failed presidential campaign, it is that widespread public support for campaign finance reform does not translate to political success. Lessig, who dropped out on Tuesday, pledged to fight for the popular issue of reforming campaign finance laws but failed to gain a national platform. While the American public supports his cause, Lessig could not compete with his establishment counterparts who seem to have less interest in campaign finance reform. “Polling data reported in the New York Times makes it very clear that political conservatives as well as moderates and liberals want to see a system of more equitable finance,” said Richard Painter, a professor at the University of Minnesota Law School and the Chief Ethics Lawyer for president George W. Bush from 2005 to 2007. The data Painter references shows that 84 percent of Americans believe money has too much influence on politics, and 98 percent believe that at least some changes must take place. Despite voicing this position, Lessig was unable to effectively gather support. “There are no candidates who are adequately addressing it,” said Painter. Assistant Professor of Political Science Dr. Paul Jorgensen, of the University of Texas-Rio Grande, believes that campaign finance is a major issue for the

Saint:

current campaign cycle. “Bernie Sanders made it a focal point of his campaign,” said Jorgensen, a former colleague of Lessig. “Hillary Clinton…has made it a point of her campaign, but you don’t hear her talk as much about it,” said Jorgensen. With other candidates supporting campaign finance reform, Jorgensen said that one of Lessig’s biggest problems was distin-

guishing himself from them. “It was pretty clear that he was excluded from the first debate when some of his poll numbers clearly didn’t meet the threshold,” said Jorgensen, who said he believed that the Democratic Party did not want Lessig on the debate stage. “I wouldn’t go as far as to say that they didn’t support [Lessig’s] goals… but there has been criticism of their debate structure,” said Jorgensen. Despite gaining the requisite one percent in the polls that included his name,

Lessig was excluded from last month’s Democratic Party debate. This exclusion from the debates almost certainly impacted Lessig’s ability to compete in the primary. Lessig had initially pledged to resign from the presidency once he passed legislation reforming campaign finance laws. He also planned to refuse to discuss any other issue during the campaign in an effort to emphasize his commitment to his cause. Painter did not support this tactic, saying that Lessig “should have made clear he would serve as President and articulate his views on some of the other issues,” which he eventually did. While Lessig had hoped to show his resolve through this unconventional candidacy, Painter noted that such a tactic simply was not realistic for a national campaign. If Lessig’s campaign did not provide the platform for campaign finance reform, Jorgensen believed that it would come from a “focus event,” or a major scandal that would bring the issue to public light. “You’re not going to see reform if politicians are the ones overseeing the reform,” said Jorgensen. He highlighted that campaign finance was deeply tied to every other political issue from wealth inequality to climate change. “It can’t be separated from these larger issues… and we need to start addressing both.” While Lessig’s quest for the presidency may have concluded, it is clear that camapaign finance reform will still be part of the national conversation.

Saint:

“Lessig had initially pledged to resign from the presidency once he passed legislation reforming campaign finance laws. He also planned to refuse to discuss any other issue”

Losing your tender virginity... Mental Health Awareness Week! Wear your green! the chicken kind.

Purgatory: Purgatory: Crew team, hold your breath: Overlapping formals, sorry How does 2 billion gallons of waste smell?

Sinner:

Napping through your birthday blues. Boooo!

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

at least 900 jobs at the Massena plant for the next 10 years. In exchange, the New York Power Authority, which operates a nearby government-owned hydroelectric dam, offered to provide Alcoa’s Massena facility with heavily discounted electricity. In 2009, Alcoa adjusted that promise to 750 jobs, however it never hinted that such a large-scale layoff would occur. Over the past century the town was defined by the manufacturing industry, which transformed the community from a small resort town to a bustling hub of industry and commerce. Since the establishment of Alcoa’s Massena plant in the early 1900s, the company has played an integral role in the community. In its early years, Alcoa built schools and recreational facilities for its workers and their families. As the company became more established, it started other development programs such as a scholarship program for local students and a program that constructed homes for workers who were returning from World War II. “For so long, Massena was Alcoa,” said Dorothy Madden, who moved to Massena in 1943 to teach American history in the rapidly expanding public school system. “When I first arrived there it was really thriving, there were plenty of young engineers who had come to work at the [Alcoa] plant,” she added. “The plant was being used to support the war effort, and so the town just kept expanding,” said Madden. “This shutdown is going to be such a blow to that community,” added Madden, whose husband worked at the Alcoa plant for over 30 years. This is not the first time that Massena has experienced massive job loss. The town was once home to production plants for both General Motors and Reynolds Aluminum. In 2010, General Motors announced the closure of its facility and the loss of 500 high paying union jobs. “When GM closed it was clear that it affected Massena a lot more than I thought it would,” said Margaret Mauch ’17 of Massena. “Small towns like Massena are defined by these factories and industries,” she added,

“Alcoa and GM gave us something that we were proud of, the plants are more than just an employer.” The closure of GM’s plant led to numerous environmental issues and the facility was deemed a federal superfund site following GM’s bankruptcy. The site was infested with mercury, asbestos, and PCBs, and it is estimated that the cleanup will cost over $100 million and take upwards of six years to be completed. As a factory of a similar vintage it can only be expected that the Alcoa site will face similar challenges as it attempts to decontaminate the area. Alcoa will not only have environmental impacts but also have a huge impact on the community. “Alcoa was always the destination for field trips and provided internships and job opportunities for kids who had just graduated from high school,” noted Mauch. It is also expected that the plant closure will have a massive effect on Massena’s already struggling real estate market. Prior to the announcement the median sale price for a home in Massena was $86,000, it is expected that the median price will continue to fall. In the United States’ rapidly deindustrializing economy, Massena’s story of continued decline is not unique. From Millinocket, Maine to Spartanburg, South Carolina, and Flint, Michigan, America’s manufacturing centers continue to see factories closing and jobs sent overseas. These companies, which once employed families over numerous generations, have now left populations in isolated areas with few prospects of employment and lacking formal training. “There were some students who went straight from high school to the plant,” said Mauch. “It was supposed to be a secure job.” As Massena now looks forward and hopes to pick up the pieces, it has left many residents wondering about what is to come after the departure of Alcoa. “What happens to small towns that are built upon this?” added Mauch. “What options do we have left?”

Caught crying while watching videos of veterans return home.

Purgatory:

Canada.

Turning up on a Tuesday... for theme house interviews.

Sinner:

That growing Thanksgiving break to-do list.

NOVEMBER 13, 2015

Ordering a Pub coffee at 11:59pm. Yikes.

On November 8th, the St. Lawrence community gathered in Gunnison Chapel for a service of gratitude to commemorate the Canton Fire Department’s efforts to extingush the fire that engulfed the spire of the Chapel’s spire on October 6, 2013. The Service featured remarks by President Fox, University Chaplain Kathleen Buckley, Thelmo President Ryan Orvis, and Canton Fire Chief Robert Crowe. It also included performances by the University’s three a capella groups, and music on the Chapel’s Bacheller Memorial Chime.

Saints Sports