The Blue & Gray Press

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BLUE &GRAY

THE UNIVERSITY OF MARY WASHINGTON STUDENT NEWSPAPER

PRESS

October 13, 2016

VOLUME 90 | ISSUE 6 SERVING THE COMMUNITY SINCE

1922

Basketball courts fall victim to townies due to security issues JONATHON MYERS Staff Writer

“Townies,” or residents of the local area who are not enrolled at the University of Mary Washington, have been playing basketball at the Goolrick gyms and interrupting team practices, in some cases some even refuse to leave when told. The thought that complete strangers can wander onto campus at their leisure and use our facilities is a scary reality to some.

The crux of the security complaints is essentially that Goolrick’s front doors are not very secure, according to Athletic Director, Ken Tyler.

“The doors in Goolrick Hall are original to the building and present challenges,” Tyler said. “On occasion, we have had non-UMW students in the building.”

The validity of the reports seems to be confirmed by Tyler’s admissions of these incidents having happened before.

However, senior English major and president of the club women’s basketball team Gabrielle Clark does not seem worried about it.

“It is posted in several places that anyone playing in Goolrick must have the proper identifications,” Clark said.

“This could possibly be a potential safety concern if people that intended to do harm learned how to enter the gym without anyone being aware. I have noticed in the last couple of practices more of [a] police presence in Goolrick, which would help keep unwanted people out of the gym.”

Non-students are prohibited from using the athletic facilities on campus and there seem to be many measures in place already to ensure that it stays that way. Although reports of recent increased police presence would imply an increased need for them to be there, such as strangers wandering into the gyms perhaps but Clark was unconvinced that there was any need to worry.

“I am not aware of any of these reports of “townies” [playing basketball] in the gym or using the facilities,” said Clark. “There have been no issues with Women’s Basketball and non-students.

All of our players, and the people that come out to play with the team, are students and have completed the necessary paperwork in order to be eligible to play.”

Members of the club women’s basketball team have been able to avoid these encounters. However, the club

•TOWNIES | 2

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UMW Archives

Image of a female student studying on a brick wall in front of Seacobeck Dining Hall 2003-04

Anna DeMarr / The Blue & Gray Press

Anna DeMarr /The Blue & Gray Press

Future Seacobeck could house College of Education SHAWNYA PETERSON Staff Writer

Seacobeck Hall has been an integral part of the University of Mary Washington since its doors opened in 1931.

As UMW’s primary dining hall, generations of students have passed through its doors, and it is home to countless fond memories for thousands of students. For the past year, however, it has remained desolate with no students or faculty using its facilities.

However, Seacobeck will be getting a facelift, though it is no stranger to remodeling.

Over the years, it has undergone several renovations to better accommodate students’ changing culinary needs over the 80-year history in which it has been open.

This time, however, the renovation is not to install more seating for meal times, but to transform the 43,000 square foot space to provide a new home for the College of Education.

While the renovation of Seacobeck Hall has long been in the works, it has only recently come closer to becoming a reality.

“UMW was founded as a teacher’s college, and the program is thriving at the present time,” said UMW Provost

KAYNAK BAGPIPERS

Dr. Joseph Levin. “It will be important to ensure that we’re delivering a stateof-the-art education program, utilizing state-of-the-art classrooms and technologies and utilizing space to enhance the sense of community among education students.”

Levin continued, “I believe that the renovated Seacobeck will be a point of pride for students, not only those in the College of Education, but also those who will use the building for the other academic purposes that the building will serve.”

When asked about the changes that will be made to the building, Levin said, “The basic structure of the building won’t change, but we will explore ways to use the space creatively, in service of our academic programs. It’s a wonderfully distinctive building, and I think the right architect will come up with some very innovate ideas.”

Levin also discussed the importance of maintaining the building’s historical integrity throughout renovations.

“The building was preserved, in part, because of its historical significance. We will work with our own historical preservation team, including professor Michael Spencer, as well as with those charged with overseeing

RACE RELATIONS

these issues on the state agency side.”

Madeleine McCullough, a sophomore history major, expressed excitement over the upcoming changes.

“I think it’s a good thing, having our own department [building] would be cool,” McCullough said. “More space for programs would be great.”

Indeed, space is a significant factor in the renovations. The plans outlined in the university’s six-year plan discuss transitioning the building from an “auxiliary space” to classrooms for the College of Education.

When asked about the renovation start date as well as the budget for the project, Levin admitted that it was “far too early to say,” and that the renovation budget, outside of the fees needed to “support the planning process,” is currently unknown.

Despite the many uncertainties, Levin estimates that once it starts, possibly “within another year or so,” the renovation will be “an 18-month process, give or take a few months.”

The renovations are in such an early stage of being carried out, many students that are new to the Education Department have not yet heard the news.

“I hadn’t even heard of that happening,” says Emma Jones, a sophomore

•SEACOBECK | 10

RISING UP

UMW hosts traditional Bulgarian bagpipers

Colin Kaepernick takes a knee for progress

UMW volleyball rises to No. 14 in the country

LIFE | 6

VIEWPOINTS | 4

SPORTS | 3

NEWS THE

Editors: Ester Salguero & Izzy Briones | blueandgray.news@gmail.com

Student opinions about second presidential debate

BLUE & GRAY

“I will not allow Donald “I spat out my drink [upon “The debate was PRESS Trump to define the hearing Trump say he would painful, but if Trump is jail Hillary]. Threatening to MISSION concept of not capable of making jail your political The Blue & Gray Press is published every ‘masculinity’ for myself an apology and acting opponent is so blatantly Thursday in the despotic. It’s not funny. I University Apartments Clubhouse for our or anyone else. like a responsible adult, university community. The goal of The thought I was listening to I detest his abuse, he doesn’t deserve to Blue & Gray Press is to produce high quality and accurate news in a manner Mubarak or Mugabe or objectification, and represent our nation. compliant with the Society of Professional Pinochet or Putin or Journalists ethics code. In its coverage, brutality towards Also, ‘clean coal’ does The Blue & Gray Press strives to highlight Erdogan or Noriega or the community of the University of Mary things that he regards not exist. A man who Yanukovych or Washington, as well as deliver fair and accurate coverage on the issues important Maduro or Kim Jong-un or as ‘feminine’. wants to be president to our students.

Museveni or Donald J. Trump, you doesn’t believe in Khameini, but no, it’s a US are a chauvinistic pig.” science.”

EDITORS-AT-LARGE presidential candidate.”

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

-Alex Sakes

-Emma Oestreicher

-David Rieth

Chris Markham

MANAGING EDITOR Tess Osmer

ASSOCIATE EDITOR Alex Spence

SECTION EDITORS NEWS Ester Salguero Izzy Briones

VIEWPOINTS Tessa Cate

LIFE Kelly Emmrich

SPORTS Mikey Barnes

ONLINE Ethan Tobin

PHOTO Alex Sakes

Business Team Linda Fitzpatrick Janelle Behm

FACULTY ADVISOR Sushma Subramanian

2

UMW Police address lack of security at Goolrick due to faulty doors •TOWNIES | 1 men’s basketball team has had a different experience.

“The “townies” in the gym is something I’ve experienced firsthand for three years now,” said junior business major Zachary Wohleking, a player from the club men’s basketball team.

“They always interrupt our practices.”

He went on to talking about how last year the basketball team had to contact campus police a few times.

“It happened more last year during men’s club basketball, we had to contact campus police on a few occasions [because] of the number of people in the gym that do not go here,” Wohleking said. “And yeah my understanding is that it is illegal, this year not as much though, we have been good about checking IDs.” While it has been a problem in the past, the administration has rectified it.

Chief of Police and Director of Public Safety, Mike Hall said, “Our PD staff continues to patrol the area and answer calls from students and staff if unauthorized people are seen in the gym, the doors are being replaced that Director Tyler spoke of.”

“At this point we have not had major issues with unauthorized people when they are identified and asked to leave,” Hall said. “Public Safety continues to work with athletics and other departments on campus to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our community.”

While a small incident could potentially pop up here and there, according to Tyler there does not seem to be cause for immediate alarm. He has assured students that security is a work in progress.

“We are working with facilities to ensure that all exterior doors are secure and will lock,” Tyler said.

Michelle Goff / The Blue & Gray Press Shown above are the most used words during the second Presidential Debate, which took place on October 9th. The larger the word, the more frequently it was said by either one or both candidates. The transcript used to create this world cloud can be found online through The New York Times.

Student Government Association Beat Wednesday, October 12 All motions were originated and passed in the student senate, and then approved by the executive cabinet.

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A motion was made that the Buildings and Grounds committee work with Buildings and Grounds to paint directional arrows in the Marshall Hall parking lot to indicate which access point to Sunken Road is an entrance and which is an exit.

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The motion to repair the flower bed behind Custis Hall was passed.

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The motion on shot glasses have not moved on, senate is still waiting to see if the ban will be removed.

DETAILS PROVIDED BY JAMIE MCGUIRE

Thursday, October 13, 2016

SPORTS

Men’s frisbee wins DI tournament at UVA

Women’s frisbee Q & A with junior Emma Snead

MIKEY BARNES Sports Editor

Sean Fredericks

we have been practicing our throws every practice because the more they do them, obviously the better they get. The same goes with scrimmaging. We scrimmage every practice so they can strengthen their skills and it’s drilled in their minds how to actually play the game. It’s hard to learn, but once you get going, you’ll have a blast.

JENNA DAVENPORT Staff Writer

Emma Snead, a junior from Arlington, Va. and seasoned Ultimate Frisbee player, took some time out of her busy schedule to talk to me about how she was introduced to the sport and how she ended up at UMW. Emma is a psychology major who has been playing ultimate for six years. With a great group of teammates, and a great start to the season after winning all of their games at the University of Richmond last weekend, the women’s ultimate team is definitely one to look out for.

Q: What are your goals moving forward in the season for this semester and the next?

A: I would say our goals for this semester and the next are to make the game feel more natural and have it flow easily.

Frisbee is a nonstop sport and it works well when the disc is in constant motion down the field. Communication on and off is also something we strive for. Drama is inevitable in clubs so open communication will hopefully prevent any problems on the team.

Q: Why did you choose UMW? A: UMW was actually one of my last choices, but I am very glad I decided to come. I wanted to stay in state so that I could be close to home and I also did not want a school too large that would overwhelm me.

Q: What is your favorite part of playing Frisbee?

Q: Why Frisbee? Do you play any other sports?

A: Frisbee was the only sport offered at my middle and high school. So it was weird if you didn’t play. I wanted to try a new sport when I got to college, but some girls from my high school who went to Mary Washington convinced me to keep playing so I hesitantly did. I’m so glad I decided to stick with Frisbee because the majority of my best friends here at Mary Wash are on the team.

A: My favorite part changes every year.

It started out freshman year as being the friends I made and more of the social side on the weekends. Now it’s being a teacher for the new players. I don’t know everything about Frisbee, but I know enough to teach the basics and answer any questions. Starting out a new sport as weird as Frisbee can be hard sometimes and I enjoy reassuring the rookies that it gets easier and overall helping them succeed with the sport.

Q: How is the team doing so far?

What do you all need to create success this season?

Q: What are you most looking forward to this semester?

A: We have one more tournament this semester in November at George Mason and I am looking forward to us kicking butt. We are already doing so well and winning our last tournament, at the University of Richmond, definitely boosted our confidence so I know we will kill it.

A: The team is doing great. We lost a ton of players who graduated in the spring so we were worried about not having enough players, but it hasn’t been a problem. They are all so committed and always have a positive attitude. For Frisbee, creating success is all about repetition. With our rookies, the new players,

The UMW men’s frisbee team, also know as Mother of George was also victorious this past weekend, as they traveled to the University of Virginia to compete in the annual Cavalier Cup Tournament.

This tournament featured six teams; including University of Virginia A-Squad, their B-Squad, James Madison University, VCU, Navy and UMW. On Saturday, it was round-robin format, where UMW went 2-2, as they defeated the likes of VCU and UVA’s B-squad.

With that being said, they received their losses from JMU and UVA’s A-Squad. On Sunday, they began the day by beating Navy by a very large margin of 11-4, which was the final game of pool play. In

tournament play, UMW had a tremendous upset over host team, UVA A-Squad. They went on to the finals to compete against VCU, who upset JMU in the semifinals.

Trailing for most of the game, UMW came from a four point deficit for a onepoint victory and the championship.

There were eight players on the UMW squad who had note worthy performances, those were; Zachary Norrbom, Harper James, Robert Blake, Joseph Richards, Robbie Pratt, Cameron Bierkan, Tony Clark, and Edan Lyons.

The men’s frisbee team will be back in action on November 5 and 6 in which they will be competing at George Mason in the Patriot games.

Capitals set to drop puck on 2016-17 season SEAN KINSLOW Staff Writer

The Washington Capitals are coming off one of the most successful regular season campaigns in the history of the organization. In the 2015-2016 season, the Capitals won the Metropolitan Division and had the best record in the entire National Hockey League.

The team is also coming off one of the most disappointing postseason performances in recent memory.

A second round exit at the hands of a hated rival, the Pittsburgh Penguins, ultimately ended the Capitals season much sooner than fans, experts and the team had hoped.

The Capitals roster remains mostly intact from last year’s historic performance.

Russian superstar Alexander Ovechkin, who scored the most goals in the NHL last season for the sixth time in his career, still captains the team.

Braden Holtby, voted the league’s best goalie last season, will be back between the pipes this year and will look to continue his dominating stretch of goalkeeping.

The team’s most notable offseason move was the acquisition of Lars Eller.

Eller played last season with the Montreal Canadians and is expected to line up as the Capitals’ third-line center. Jason Chimera, a fan favorite, will not be back with the team this season, as he signed with the New York Islanders this summer.

Excitement for the start of the 20162017 season is building around the Washington D.C. area, including here on campus at Mary Washington. Fans seem to be optimistic and are hoping for another dominating regular season, but more importantly postseason success and

a chance to make a deep run in the Stanley Cup playoffs.

Capitals fan and senior biology and geology double major Courtland Lyle is excited to see the season get underway. “I’m hoping for as much success as they had during last year’s regular season,” Lyle said. “I’d just like to see [that success] follow through to the playoffs this time.”

When asked if the team had the skill to win the Stanley Cup, Lyle responded, “I’d like to think so. They have always been strong so I see no reason why they can’t.”

If the Capitals can continue their winning ways from last season and bring a level of intensity to the playoffs the team should be headed towards more success.

In the playoffs, the Capitals will need to rely on a more balanced attack than in past seasons.

They will need contributions from all four lines, not just the duo of Ovechkin, and star center Nicklas Backstrom. Goalkeeping is perhaps the most important key for any team in the postseason. A special performance by Holtby would go a long way in getting the Capitals back to their first Stanley Cup finals since 1998. The Capitals will ultimately need to get over the stigma that the team cannot perform in the playoffs.

The Washington Capitals open their season on the road against the Pittsburgh Penguins. The puck drops Thursday, Oct. 13 at 8 p.m. The game will be televised on NBCSN, Mary Washington Channel 69.

Season Prediction: 2nd in the Metropolitan Division, Eastern Conference Finals loss.

Weekly Scoreboard

field hockey:

women'S sOCCER:

Oct. 12 @ Southern Virginia (W) UMW: 5 SVU.: 1

field hockey:

VOLLEYBALL

Oct. 11 @ Frostburg St. (W) UMW: 3 Frostburg St.: 0

Oct. 12 vs. Gallaudet (W) UMW: 3 Gallaudet: 0

men's soccer

Oct. 11 vs. Southern Virginia (W) UMW: 3 SVU: 1

Oct. 14 @ Christoper Newport 6:00 P.M.

Oct. 15 @ Christopher Newport

Oct. 14 @ Christopher Newport 7:00 P.M.

woMEN'S sOCCER:

VOLLEYBALL

Oct. 14 @ Randolph Macon 7:00 P.M.

6:00 P.M.

men's soccer

3

VIEWPOINTS

Taking a knee means taking a step forward EMILY GROTTLE Staff Writer

Throughout America’s history, there have been movements and protests calling attention to racial discrimination in the United States, many of which moved this country forward, even if by inches.

But what makes people begin to speak out now? Or has it always been that way and no one wants to notice?

What makes 2016 such a pivotal year in race relations, and what is making people speak out now?

Perhaps it is the 754 police shootings in 2016 alone, according to the Washington Post, as well as police brutality that is constantly in the news, specifically the deaths of Michael Brown, Trayvon Martin and Freddie Gray that occurred just a few years apart.

Perhaps it is the Black Lives Matter movement, which started in 2013 and is still growing. Or is it the riots and protests and shattered families and communities we see on the news after police shootings.

No matter how you look at it, people are noticing and taking a stand against the poor race relations in the United States.

Colin Kaepernick is just one other example. Kaepernick, adopted by two white parents, grew up in a predominately white neighborhood in California and decided to take a knee during the Nation Anthem

mashable.com

at a preseason game, a protest that created much controversy.

While some say he is unpatriotic and against the military, others applaud his bravery for standing up for the lives of minorities who are mistreated every day.

Although Kaepernick grew up with all the privilege of an upper-middle-class, cisgender male, he calls attention to racial in-

justice by taking a knee during the national anthem.

In fact, his stance has turned into a movement for many athletes. The entire Indian Fever women’s basketball team took a knee before their game against Phoenix, students at UNC Charlotte raised their fists and even a member of the Southern Methodist University marching band knelt while

Mid-semester roommate problems?

Alleviate now, don’t be afraid to talk KAYLEE TYE Staff Writer

Imagine it is the summer before your freshman year of college. You are finally all packed and ready to move to the University of Mary Washington.

They never clean up their side of the room.

They are using your clothes without asking. They are taking your food. You really just do not think you guys are going to get along or that the situation will get better. You are ready to panic. This is not what you expected. What do you do?

Before you The Huffington Post

You got your random roommate assignment a few months ago and have sent them a friend request on Facebook as well as a few texts. You are so anxious to meet them in person.

In your head you have the questions you want to ask them. What is their favorite color? What time do they go to bed and get up? Are they neat? What classes are they taking? Then you have the questions you want to ask but are scared about too.

Do they drink and go out to parties? Are boys or girls allowed to spend the night?

Flash-forward and it is finally movein day. You are so excited. You begin to unpack your room and your roommate walks in. You finally get to meet in person and talk. In your head you are relieved and think everything is OK now. Everything starts out fine, but as the first month goes by, things begin to go wrong.

Your roommate comes back at 2 a.m.

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pack your bags and try to transfer rooms, here are ideas on what you could do. You have a few options.

Your roommate may not know that what they are doing is upsetting you. I would invite them to go to lunch or get coffee.

Just be honest with how you are feeling.

Explain to them that it bothers you if they take your stuff without asking. Let them know that you wake up every time they come home at 2 a.m. If you are honest and calm about it then they may understand. Be kind to them. Ask your roommate if you need work on anything as well.

The two key C’s to living with another person are consideration and cooperation.

You have to be willing to give and take.

Before I came to UMW I had my own room for 18 years. I had to learn to live with my roommate. She went to bed earlier than me, so I had to learn to be quiet at night for her. It is worth a try before you bring Residence Life in.

Here at UMW, we fill out roommate agreements with our roommates at the beginning of the year. That serves as a tool to hold one another accountable. If you do not feel comfortable talking to your roommate directly then ask your RA. Your RA can be an unbiased third party.

They can help come up with a solution.

One big tip is to give it time. Your roommate is not going to change overnight. It will be a few weeks before you notice a change. Just be positive and hold them accountable. Unless you are in a harmful environment that is physically, emotionally or mentally damaging, then I suggest

she played on the field during the National Anthem. Clearly this is an ongoing movement, and the significance of taking a knee during the anthem created specifically to celebrate our country, is growing.

The message is truly a statement on racial injustice against all minorities. It proves that there are people who are unhappy with the state our country is in, and many people need to swallow our pride and recognize it.

However, some still choose to see this movement as disrespectful. Unfortunately, race is a taboo topic for most Americans.

And if it stays that way and is never talked about, race relations will only become more whitewashed; much like our history.

Although most of this generation of Americans is not responsible for the enslavement and gross mistreatment of minorities throughout history, it is important to recognize that it did happen.

We cannot just ignore history, but we can work to change the social construct of race and really take a look at what is happening now.

Of course we need to take baby steps. A gesture such as Colin Kaepernick taking a knee during the National Anthem is only one small way of calling attention to race relations in our society.

Staff Ed: Blue & Gray Press staff condemns Trump’s recent comments Last Friday, The Washington Post released a video from 2005 depicting Donald Trump boasting about kissing, grabbing and trying to have sex with women during a conversation with former “Access Hollywood” host and current co-host of NBC’s “Today” show, Billy Bush.

The video was taken a few months after he married his third wife Melania Trump.

The video started out with a shot of the bus that Trump and Bush were on. The first half of the video, Trump was caught on a hot microphone.

About halfway through the audio, Trump and Bush notice Arianne Zucker, the actress who is waiting to escort them into the “Days of our lives” set.

“Your girl’s hot as s---, in the purple,” says Bush.

“Whoa!” Trump says. “Whoa!”

“I’ve got to use some Tic Tacs, just in case I start kissing her,” Trump says. “You know I’m automatically attracted to beautiful — I just start kissing them. It’s like a magnet. Just kiss. I don’t even wait.”

“And when you’re a star, they let you do it,” Trump says. “You can do anything.”

“Whatever you want,” says Bush.

“Grab them by the p---y,” Trump says. “You can do anything.”

After the video was released, there were hundreds of posts discounting Trump.

Top Republicans denounced their nominee.

Speaker of the house, Paul Ryan, uninvited Trump to an event in Wisconsin, where they were going to campaign together.

“I am sickened by what I heard today,” Ryan said.

“Women are to be championed and revered, not objectified. I hope Mr. Trump treats this situation with the seriousness it deserves and works to demonstrate to the country that he has no longer attending tomorrow’s event in Wisconsin.”

We at the Blue & Gray Press do not condone nor support the use of this kind of language and degradation of women. We are not endorsing any candidate for the election, but we do not support Donald Trump.

The Huffington Post

you get out. You have the right to feel safe in your room. It is an experience to live in a room with another person, so make the best of it.

By THE BLUE & GRAY PRESS EDITORIAL BOARD

Thursday, October 13, 2016 Thursday, January 21, 2015

VIEWPOINTS

Editor: Tessa Cate | blueandgray.views@gmail.com

Media sensationalism worsens clown epidemic

Flickr / boabfoto

JESSE JONES Staff Writer

A recent emergence of creepy clowns has taken the United States by storm.

What started out as a minute issue has turned into an epidemic as the phenomena continues to spread, gaining a cult-like following. The matter has grown from clowns reportedly chasing children to threats being issued to local schools via social media. It is even reported that a pseudo Instagram account has been created called UMW Clowns, with captions like “Hope you guys aren’t afraid of

clowns” and “See Y’all Soon”.

On Tuesday, the wide-spreading issue made its way to Fredericksburg. A man draped in a black long-sleeve shirt, hiding his identity behind a mask with long green hair ostensibly touched and growled at a woman sitting in her vehicle parked on Stafford Avenue. As harmless and nonsensical as this may seem, the threat of something occurring has locals agitated.

“I am afraid to walk around off-campus now due to the threat of seeing a clown

and not knowing what to do. I’ve always been weirded out by them but now they’re a genuine threat,” sophomore Lindsey Kowaki said.

In contrast, graduate student Kevin Duong said, “ I would love to run into one of these jabronis so I could give them a piece of my mind.” Like Duong, many people are agitated by the premise and just want it to cease. Others feel that it is merely a gimmick and serves no real purpose.

“With the proximity of Halloween less than a month away, I feel that the media is ‘hyping’ up this issue and people are hopping on the bandwagon to get attention at the expense of someone else. Unless the masked individuals are causing any harm, I don’t see the logic behind reporting such stories,” said sophomore Nancy Pham.

Regardless of the basis of the occurrences, overall the scenarios are creating a platform for individuals with ill intent to do so without revealing their identity.

The act of wearing a mask alone over the age of 16 in order to conceal your face is against the law.

According to Virginia Code, “It shall be unlawful for any person over 16 years of age to, with the intent to conceal his

identity, wear any mask, hood or other device whereby a substantial portion of the face is hidden or covered so as to conceal the identity of the wearer...is a Class 6 felony.”

What are the lesser effects being caused by this dilemma?

Due to the sudden trend, real clowns are paying the price for it all. Clowns who are often common entertainers at birthday parties are having their silly and lovable image tarnished by these individuals partaking in the movement. In addition to individuals whose reputation is deteriorating, larger organizations like Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus, who have been in existence for 146 years could be disadvantaged by this. Although it may be a strange profession to partake in, according to CBS News, clowns in the Ringling Bros. circus can make between $85,000 and $92,000. Not only are these individuals dressing up as clowns scaring people, they could potentially be costing people their jobs.

The sooner the media lets go of the situation, the better. If the issue is still present three weeks from now, it could make for a dangerous Halloween as clown costumes are a rather common occurrence.

Commuter students Op Ed: Inequality is brave the odds motivating

OLYMPIA JARRELL Staff Writer

During inclement weather, there is always the issue of whether or not to attend school if it is open, or to remain at home.

This choice becomes even more problematic for the commuters of the University of Mary Washington, who have to drive in order to attend their classes or risk gaining more absences.

Although there is the saying, “use your best judgment,” it could be a major issue when facing the decision to drive in bad weather or miss out on important class information.

I believe that the University of Mary Washington, for the most part, makes good decisions for all of the students involved, and choosing how many days to close can be a hard decision to make.

Hillary Lebedun, a senior double majoring in business administration and English, said, “The procedure itself isn’t bad, I think the notification system works well for me and as long as they announce it before I have to leave for my commute then I have no complaints.”

I feel the same way about UMW’s weather notifications. UMW does a good job of informing the campus of decisions about the university.

“Yes, although, I think the school does okay with regards to snow closings,” Lebedun said when asked if she ever found herself having to commute in bad weather when UMW didn’t close. “My main concern is that there [have] been many times I could not safely drive because of rain.”

She continued, “mornings with terribly strong storms are just as unsafe as snow; not only with poor visibility but also with hydroplaning.

Yet, by not allowing for storm delays, my choices as a commuter are either brave the dangerous conditions or be late/absent for class obligations. I do not think that is a fair trade-off.”

This was extremely enlightening because it brings forth a new way to look at what all commuters must face. Usually, when I think of inclement weather causing school closures, I think of snow.

But bad rain storms could be just as dangerous as snow and it would be nice if the commuter community were considered more in this respect.

Gary Baldanza, a senior commuter majoring in computer science, also commented on this issue.

“It’s more important for the university to handle the majority as best they can. I don’t find it a matter of fairness to drive in dangerous conditions any more than it’s fair to have to skip when you get sick or have a family situation. Things happen, including weather, so establishing a good dialogue with the professor is important.”

Being a commuter myself, I feel that the university does take the whole campus community into account with their decisions to close or open in certain weather conditions.

However, it would be nice if there were less of a penalty for choosing to stay safe in dangerous conditions, rather than braving the odds to make it to class.

GRACE WINFIELD Contributing Writer

“Is inequality a good thing, bad thing, or nothing at all?”

This is a real inquiry from my FSEM professor.

I was baffled at this question. Not because inequality is a considerably sensitive topic, but because he actually expected my classmates and myself to be able to answer on the spot. This question, one relevant to all people, and certainly very relevant to the concerns of society today, boggled my mind for hours.

Being a young adult in today’s society, I am expected to not only support equality, but to demand it. We fight to diminish inequality, we protest for equality, but is it really equality we’re fighting for?

Don’t get me wrong, I acknowledge that racism still exists, that sexism is beyond the work place, and that people should be able to love whom they please; however, should the fight for inequality be synonymous with the fight against discrimination? Do we really all want to be treated equal?

Imagine you, I, and everyone else on campus are equal. Our problems, finances, careers, educations, talents, and even appearances, are completely the same.

Heritages, preferences, even the option of “being different,” all are gone. Would the desire for success not be depleted as well? Would you follow a positive work ethic knowing that individuals that do not put forth the same effort as you, will receive the same benefits? Ambition would be lost. Isn’t it an alarming thought that despite your dedication, that kid that never comes to class will end up with the same job as you? Without inequality, there is no good, there is no bad, there is just existence; all of us, just existing.

I think inequality is not only a good thing, but an inevitable thing. As humans, we have the freedom to hold our own opinions and beliefs, so who am I to inform someone that they must treat me equally as everyone else they affiliate themselves with?

In many aspects, we benefit from inequality. From an economic standpoint, inequality is beneficial. It has created ambition. People in the lower and middle classes are willing to gamble their money, risk their lives, and waste their time, all hoping that they will someday become acknowledged by the upper class. Those that are members of the lower and middle class that refuse to put forth the effort to reach success remain where they started, and fairly. The middle class and lower class not only create the innovative and the talented, but they also provide those willing to do jobs others would not. Because so many people are willing to bust tables, take out trash, and work in the fast food industry, and these minimum wage paying jobs are what allow the working and upper class to function properly.

Income inequality is good; people climb the ladder of success based on their own contributions and work put into society, as it should be.

No matter race, religion, gender, sexuality, and any other thing someone may feel discriminated against for, everyone should be treated with respect. Maybe, just maybe, treating everyone equally would ironically become unfair. The way modern society has depicted inequality has given it the reputation as something evil. Aside from the way society has defined modern inequality, I have concluded that inequality itself is not evil.

Inequality is motivating.

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LIFE

Editor: Kelly Emmrich blueandgray.life@gmail.com

Kaynak Pipers of Bulgaria performed traditional pieces outside HCC

AHAD SHAHID Contributing Writer

Five Bulgarian musicians with three droning bagpipes, a bass drum, a hang drum and a youthful audience enabled a fun, yet peculiar, Wednesday evening outdoor performance last week. Brought to campus by assistant professor of music, Mark Snyder, the Kaynak Pipers of Bulgaria were tasked with performing in the first outdoor concert the Hurley Convergence Center’s courtyard has seen.

Andreev, the bilingual leader of the Kaynak Pipers of Bulgaria, dressed in traditional clothing from the Rhodope mountain region in Bulgaria, spoke about the group. Andreev, at the event, discussed between songs how tradition is alive and well in the Rhodope mountains.

“We wear the same clothes that the previous generation wore,” Andreev said.

He also spoke about how the clothes were made from materials found locally.

Clad in traditional brown and black vests with intricate sewing and coffee colored pants, the traditional clothing allowed the music to be enjoyed fully, with a full performance underway.

Onlookers stopped by on their way down campus walk to peer into the HCC’s courtyard, taking a small break to appreciate the unexpectedness of the performance.

Sonically the Kaynak Pipers of Bulgaria’s kaba gaidas, the folk bagpipes of the Rhodope mountain region, carried intense reverberations throughout the amphitheater. A helicopter passing by was even toned out by the loud droning of the bagpipes.

Kaynak Pipers of Bulgaria’s trio of bagpipes sound like a trio of sheep, in key, yet of different intervals. The bass drum sounds like a marching giant, herding the sheep around. Most of these traditional folk songs begin with a low drone, a sound similar to multiple bass vocalists humming the same note.

When Kaynak Pipers of Bulgaria’s vocalist enters into the fray, she sounds powerful and stern, commanding the bagpipes to follow her melody. One song had a duet between two vocalists, a song with quite a traditional theme. The duet was a man trying to convince a woman to dance, and her claiming that she cannot, as it is against her family’s wishes. A Bulgarian “Baby It’s Cold Outside.”

Kaynak Pipers of Bulgaria’s set concluded with an interactive horo dance, with a group of about 20 audience members following steps led by the female vocalist of the group, Todora Vasileva.

Joined by raised hands like Catholics saying grace, the dancing group dashed in a line and after every few steps kicked low with the left foot, and a complimentary right foot kick on the following beat.

A favorite tune of the audience was a duet between the hang drum player, Peter “Buny” Yordanov, and Vasileva.

The duet started off with a hang drum loop spelling chords beautifully across campus, and soon after Vasileva’s voice carried the melody of the song.

Most songs that the Kaynak Pipers of Bulgaria played had a similar structure.

First a droning introduction is played courtesy of the bagpipes, followed by the song’s melody played by the same instru-

ment. The vocalist then enters, doubling the bagpipe melody, and finally the bass drum enters to add motion into the song.

Kaynak Pipers of Bulgaria is currently on a tour of the United States, known worldwide for their kaba gaida tutorial videos online.

Drake Dragone, a student at the University of Mary Washington was in disbelief about the Kaynak Pipers of Bulgaria’s arrival Kaynak Pipers of Bulgaria/Facebook on campus.

Kaynak Pipers of Bulgaria perform traditional Bulgarian tune “How--how?”

Productions promoter, Jim Thomson. said Dragone. “I Thomson sent Snyder audio recordings assumed it happened because of Mark and videos of the Kaynak Pipers of and his many connections. A really big Bulgaria and Snyder decided to host Bulgarian group came here...why? It’s the Bulgarian pipers for a concert and a awesome.” masterclass the following afternoon.

Snyder is famously known for bringMultiflora Productions is a D.C. based ing strange artists on campus. showcase of international and local Shannon Hauser attending the event artists, dedicated to hosting multicultural said, “Mark is always inviting me to concert experiences for both performers crazy music things. All sorts of weird and listeners.

Thomson has been offering things,” pointing at and referencing the Snyder many hosting opportunities, and peculiarity of the Bulgarian bagpipers. will most likely bring more people to the Snyder answered Dragone’s question university. on how the bagpipers arrived on cam“Love is something that our bagpipes pus. “There are a ton of people out there bring,” said Cvetelin Andreev, one of that do amazing stuff, and so whatever three master bagpipers and the translator they’re doing you say yes to.” for the touring group.

Snyder was contacted by Multiflora

UMW Alumni working at ‘the happiest place on earth’ after graduation JANAYE EVANS Staff Writer

The Disney College Program offers the chance for students and recent graduates to work and live as a paid intern at Walt Disney World Resort for four to seven months. Staying on site in one of Disney’s fully-furnished apartment complexes, students develop skills essential to success at any job. Among them are problem solving, communication, teamwork, customer service and cultural sensitivity.

Currently at Walt Disney World, UMW has two recent graduates who were willing to share their thoughts on this unique experience.

Reed Kingsmen is currently assigned to work as a bell service dispatch at The BoardWalk Inn Resort. Prior to working at Disney he had never visited the “Happiest Place on Earth” making his behind the scenes view unique. Becoming a cast member has opened his eyes as to what excellent service entails. Those in the

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service sector know that a bad customer experience can make or break your day and job.

At Disney, Kingsmen learned that being yelled at by unhappy guests is part of the job, but even when these situations arise, Disney employees can never break character. “You simply do your job to the best of your ability and still try to make their day.”

When asked how UMW prepared him for this position he said, “UMW has taught me how embracing all the different types of diversity makes for better a community, and here at Disney I see that reinforced everyday. It is women wearing khimars walking with their children wearing goofy hats, families who have children with autism requesting headphones so that they can all enjoy the fireworks at the end of the night and couples from differing backgrounds holding hands as they walk up and down Epcot.”

Kingsmen encourages anyone interested in anthropology, business, or those considering being a translator to apply. Disney is a hub for international activity and allows for interactions between people who would not normally interact.

When danuv/Flickr

asked his advice to people wishing to apply he made clear the need for practicality.

“You may love Disney with all your heart and know every little fact, but here at Disney that doesn't make you special because everyone at Disney feels the exact same way,” Kingsmen said. “Remember this is a job and they are looking for people who can do their job so well that to the guests it seems like magic. If you really want be accepted he suggests doing your research, sprucing up your resume and applying for things you are qualified to do.”

On the other side of the Resort is Courtney Rodenbough, currently working at the Pop Century Resort, with the role of Quick Service Food & Beverage.

Prior to working for Disney, Rodenbough had visited the park eight times.

Her first visit was at the age of two. As a member of the Disney Vacation Club, she is well acquainted with the parks, however working there is a different experience.

“It is definitely a different view, you are experiencing it from behind the scenes,” Rodenbough said.

For Rodenbough the theme and core values of Disney stay consistent.

“You really start to understand how hard cast members work to make the experiences of every guest a unique, special and happy one,” said Rodenbough.

When prompted about her time at UMW and its impact on her time at Disney, Rodenbough focused on the importance of learning to work in a group.

At UMW we have the privilege of small class sizes that prepare us for real world

working environments.

Rodenbough described her work environment saying, “At my job, we work as a group to fulfill the customer’s wants and needs.”

More importantly, however, she speaks on the role of her alma mater, “Mary Washington has shaped the person I am today and I am able to see my full potential because of that. I have realized that maybe Disney is the place for me to actually prove myself. I will forever be grateful for my time at UMW.” Working at Disney post graduation sounds like a dream come true. Yet every new adventure comes with new challenges. Adjusting to living in a new state, being away from friends and even Florida’s finicky weather.

The first couple of weeks of work were a challenge for Courtney, saying, “I was so nervous and just wanted to give a good first impression.”

The ability to put Disney, a Fortune 500 company, on your resume will not only look amazing, but is a responsibility.

More so, the chance to make connections with people from around the world is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Courtney's advice to those interested in the Disney College Program is to take a chance and apply. She says, “I have heard people say they loved it and people say they hated it, but so far I’m loving it.

You won’t know until you try.”

Figuring out what comes next after graduation can be stressful, and the Disney College Program is just one of many amazing options accessible to UMW students. After all, Disney is the place “where dreams come true.”

Thursday, October 13, 2016

LIFE

Cats vs. Dogs: which is the best pet to have in college?

ANAHI VIDOVICH Staff Writer

company and makes me feel safe, sort of.”

Although both pets provide companIt is the age-old debate. The rivals are ionship, it was time to get down to the bigger than the Red Sox and the Yannumbers.

How much money did Heisey kees, Pepsi vs. Coke and NSYNC vs. and May spend The Backstreet Boys. on their pets each It is cats vs. dogs: month? college edition. I inAs college students terviewed two UMW we have limited students to see which incomes, most of us animal is the better survive off of ramen college pet. Some and oatmeal.

An say cats are mean and important factor when aloof, while others do deciding on which pet not enjoy the strict to take care of is the schedule that comes cost. with walking a dog.

When asked how Hold onto your much she spends pants, Eagles. on her cat monthly I first interviewed Heisey answered senior Sarah Heisey, “probably between biochemistry major Sarah Heisey 20-30 bucks? I don't and cat lover. Heisey know exactly how owns one cat, Frijo- Image of Sarah Heisey’s cat, Frijolito. much I spend but I do lito. know I buy my cat better food than I buy “His name is Frijolito, because he's myself.” all black except for a white spot, and so May answered that she spends he looks like a small black bean,” Heisey approximately 200 dollars a month on said. “The pros of having my cat are that Sandra.

“Grooming is most of it the I always have someone who's happy to rest is food and treats and toys.” For see me when I come home.” the average college student this is not Senior Eliza May, a business major affordable.

May admits, “She costs a lot and dog enthusiast feels the same way of money and I worry about her always, about her dog, Sandra. but I wouldn’t change a thing.”

“We do everything together. Primary In college we all need quiet time to activities include daily runs and play focus on our studies and catch up on time, snug sessions and we sleep togethsleep.

Depending on your pet this may or er every night,” May said. may not be difficult.

The pros of owning a dog for May When it comes to Frijolito, Heisey are that, “she’s my best friend, amazing said, “He's not noisy, he just sometimes

spends a lot of time running around feels like it,” May said. ‘talking.’” At night, some cats like run When asked if Frijolito could do around the house, but in Heisey’s expetricks, Heisey responded, “He doesn’t rience, “If he doesn't sleep through the know tricks, he’s a cat.” Score one for night I don't notice.” dogs. However, Frijolito is not the cold Likewise, May says and aloof stereo“She isn't noisy unless type some people she needs something or make cats out to wants attention. Or if be. “When people she sees something out get down to his the window she doesn't level he's very like.” very friendly,” Another factor to Heisey said. “He take into considerloves asking to be ation is the time spent pet, head-butting, cleaning up after your rubbing his face on pet. No matter which my face, crawling pet you get, there will into my arms and be a certain amount of asking to be picked shedding. up.”

For May, cleaning up Why are dogs after Sandra is a daily the better pet? occurrence. “I also have Eliza May According to May, to swiffer pretty much Image of Eliza May’s dog, Sandra.

“Sandra is the best daily and there's dog decision I’ve ever hair everywhere,” May said. made. Cats smell and are mean.”

Heisey on the other hand has a more Why are cats the better pet? Heisey lenient cleaning schedule. Cleaning explained why adopting Frijolito was Frijolito’s litter takes her at most ten to such an important decision. “He had no fifteen minutes. When asked how often one, he was alone on the streets. I had she vacuums Heisey jokingly responded, the means to give him a home, and so I “Umm, once a week?” did, and he has repaid me with uncondiMy next question was how the differtional love and affection,” she said. ent pets react to guests.

While May is clearly pro-dog, she When it comes to Sandra, May said emphasizes, “I am not a traditional “she likes people unless she feels like college student and I do not recommend you're taking me away from her.” One college students getting a dog because argument taken by dog people on why most don't fully understand or want the dogs are the preferable pet is that dogs responsibility, and that's okay. This is the are highly sociable and can even do time in our lives when we are supposed tricks. “She can give you her paw if she to have minimal responsibility.”

REBECCA MELSON Staff Writer

Senior geography major, David Blount, was fined with two $100 tickets within a two-week period while on College Avenue, one of which he was not aware of due to the ticket not being properly placed on his car. The heavy penalty could not be disputed, and he also was told he should have known.

“I was under the impression, because it is public parking on College Avenue, that as long as I could find a spot and leave in plenty of time, it’s not going to be an issue,” Blount said. “Come to find out it is an issue, a $100 issue.” Blount goes on to state that the parking system in place is “very outdated, and at the

Oppressive parking tickets take a toll on UMW commuters For more than a year now, I have commuted over an hour to attend classes at the University of Mary Washington.

I have driven in extremely bad weather. I even make myself drive when I would rather sleep in. Why? Because the education that is offered at UMW is superior, encouraging critical thought and inspiring the next generation to be of a democratic and liberating mind. I was surprised when I found out first-hand how strict some parts of the university are.

A couple of weeks ago, while walking to my car, I was confronted with that reality. I had received a ticket for not renewing my parking permit, even though I was parked on College Avenue, a public street. I was surprised to find the ticket, but I was even more surprised to find out that it was $100.

I assumed that College Avenue was safe. It is a public street and does not have any signs that suggest only those with permits can park there.

Amongst the confusion of my parking on a public street, I disputed the ticket. Promptly, my dispute was declined. It is stated deep within the website that in fact, students must have a current permit to park on College Ave, a public street where they may have to compete with non-students for a space.

I do not mind following rules, but it may be fair to state that some of the rules of parking are a bit vague. Take for example the September Blue & Gray Press article by Caitlin Williams “UMW Students Towed from

Unmarked Parking.”

The article discusses the 28 students that were towed from unmarked parking spots as they were moving in. Students who probably would not have been towed at all if proper signs were in place.

Even more jarring is the amount of the ticket. $100 is not a light amount when one is a full-time college student.

I went in to see about just paying the amount of the new decal, while thinking that the $100 would go away, but it did not. I had waited more than 24 hours, due to disputing the ticket, and was abruptly told that I should have known and thoroughly read the website.

very least, under advertised. We do not find out that it’s a problem, until it’s a problem.”

Some students will avoid the parking system altogether.

Aaron Robeson, junior business leadership and management major, has opted not to pay for the decal, but walks more than a mile to school instead. Robeson takes an interesting and fresh look on UMW parking dilemma as well.

“I think it is strange that there is no incentive to have fuel efficient vehicles, especially how forward thinking and environmentally friendly the university tries to be,” Robeson said.

This sort of innovation seems to me reflective of a UMW education, and changes such as these, that move us in a more cooperative and productive reality, should be contemplated.

The financial amount of the problem is what I would define as oppressive. The vagueness of where students can park, mixed with the confusion of College Avenue being a public street and the $100 penalty for getting out of line, can be jarring for a UMW student.

As Michel Foucault states in his book, Discipline and Punishment, “There was too much power in the lower jurisdictions, which could aided by the ignorance and poverty of those convicted — ignore appeal procedure and carry out arbitrary sentences without adequate supervision; there was too much power on the side of the prosecution, which possessed almost unlimited means of pursuing its investigations, while the accused opposed it virtually unarmed.”

Finnley Goff/The Blue & Gray Press

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LIFE

UMW’s Campus Christian Community visit Bergey’s Breadbasket Farm GINNY BIXBY Staff Writer

On Oct. 1 and 2, students from the University of Mary Washington’s Campus Christian Community went on their annual fall retreat. This year, the group traveled to Chesapeake to visit Bergey’s Breadbasket Farm and to Virginia Beach to participate in activities at the 43rd Annual Neptune Festival.

“My favorite part was all the fall activities,” said senior Sammy Buechler.

She especially enjoyed exploring the corn maze at Bergey’s Breadbasket, a family owned farm that boasts a bakery, creamery and deli in addition to recreational activities.

CCC students also enjoyed visiting goats, cows and other farm animals and operating a corn cob gun.

In addition, students got to attend the Neptune Festival, a popular Virginia destination that includes 40 events and has had an estimated draw of 400,000 attendees over the past three years. In addition, it is home of the International

Sand-sculpting Championship.

The CCC students, during their stay, explored the Virginia Beach boardwalk and enjoyed visiting the various craft vendors and restaurants that the festival had to offer. They also spent time at the beach.

“It was nice to be by the ocean,” said senior Jordan Schultz.

Buechler echoed this sentiment saying, “I loved walking on the beach.

Being close to water makes me feel more connected to God. I enjoy when we do activities surrounding water with our group.”

The retreat culminated in an overnight visit to the Eastern Shore Chapel Episcopal Church in Virginia Beach. The students found the church and its staff to be very welcoming and hospitable.

“It was great to spend the night in the church and spend quality time together,” Buechler said.

The next day, the students attended a service at the Eastern Shore Chapel and got to speak personally with the pastor.

While the students enjoyed all the lei-

sure of the trip, the focus was definitely on their faith.

“The past CCC retreats have always given me a chance to take break from school and focus on my faith during our worship Sunday morning,” said senior Shannon Keene. “I've never really appreciated the time it gives me until this most recent trip, with senior year being Campus Christian Community as crazy as it is. To be able to Back row, left to right: Kellin Gibson (senior), Sammy relax and not worry about the Buechler (senior), Helen Salita (senior), Shannon Keene mile long to-do list I have, (senior), Nicole Cadman (senior) let me get the chance [sic] to focus on God and remember Front row, left to right: Jordan Schultz (senior), Grace that He is with me every step Rice (sophomore), Heather West (junior) of us a chance to take a break from the of the way.” stress of school and let us focus on enJunior Heather West said she found joying each other's company,” she said. the experience beneficial. “I love spendFor some this will be their last fall ing time with this group of people. I retreat with CCC. Buechler lamented the would definitely go again.” fact that this would be her last fall retreat Grace Rice, a sophomore, agreed that as a student. “I am sad that it is over, but the camaraderie of the group was what it reminded me to cherish my last year in made the trip especially pleasurable. “I college with my friends.” enjoyed the retreat because it gave all

Electronic music class showcases the art of masking sounds

TESS OSMER Managing Editor

With frizzy white hair, a plaid short sleeve shirt and what I am pretty sure were cotton sweat-pant-like shorts, Dr. Mark Snyder, assistant professor of music at the University of Mary Washington, welcomed a small audience to the first performance of his Electronic Music class in Pollard Hall, on Tuesday, Oct. 4.

Entitled “Musique Concrète,” the show included 10 songs created by each student of the class. Musique Concrète, although the name of the concert, is actually a genre of music that was created in the 1940s. In 1948, composer Pierre Schaeffer became one of the first to be interested in experimenting with natural sounds. In part with the Studio d’Essai of the French Radio System, Schaeffer began to change the traditions of music.

Students of Snyder’s Electronic Music 370 course learned about Schaeffer’s experiments, and those of other composers.

In class and last Tuesday they were able to show the audience their own interpretations of what experimental electronic music is.

At 8 p.m. sharp the lights dimmed, and it was time to begin. The first performance was called “You Missed It,” by Drake Dragone, a sophomore music composition major. It was the only piece that was accompanied by a video display. For all the other pieces the audience sat in complete darkness, honing in on each sound of the performance.

While the image of a field of wheat flicked on the screen Dragone’s piece began. It was as if you were on a porch in the Midwest, wind chimes softly clinking together as you rocked on a wicker chair all afternoon. The words, “You missed it,” reverberated throughout the hall. As the song progressed the colors in the video began to change, and the wheat swayed in the wind. It began to sound as if someone was playing baseball in the front yard, the ball bouncing about in the speakers. Interestingly, though I felt transported by this piece, the sounds recorded in order to produce the song were all collected in Dragone’s backyard including: tree branches, his dog, throwing things.

Though Dragone’s piece was light and refreshing, Jordan Vernon’s, a sophomore and double major in Marketing and Digital Studies, piece was complex and emotional.

“The Beginning of the End,” Vernon called it, attempted, and succeeded, to capture the struggle of dealing with anxiety. By using

only two sounds, a meant to represent 3-D printer and the his “fascination chatter of classmates with the unknown in a Biology Lab, she and discomfort.” was able to mimic It’s beginning with what it feels like to these coughing and be hallow in a world moaning breaks were of noise. It was as if uncomfortable but there was a vacuum of humorous. My favorsound, a heart beating ite part, however was in the background. the inclusion of this The voices of her beautiful piano solo. classmates begin to It really spoke to me get louder, but it just as if there is always See-ming Lee sounds like incessant beauty in every situPlug-ins used in composition of electronic music buzzing. It really ation, almost saying, encapsulated how “I’m Levi and the suffocating it feels to experience a panic uncomfortable makes me comfortable.” attack.

Manuel’s sound source included the coughSenior computer science major, Elias ing and breathing of Ben Jones, passing Ingea, performed his piece next which conversations and piano. was entitled, “Ezekiel and His Royal One of the most surprising pieces, as with Cheese.” His piece started out rather far as the manipulation of sounds, was slowly, as if the wind were beginning Michaela Brown’s song, “Did ya get all to pick up. Then, it was as if helicopters that?” Using only three sources: laughter/ had arrived on the scene and everything human speech, the Monroe fountain and became increasingly chaotic. Ingea grew stomping inside Trinkle, it was like you up in Beirut, Lebanon and did not move had stepped into a Zoo. The laughter and to the United States until he was about 11 speech seemed to morph into that of a goat years old. The song was meant to capture and the stomping seemed to echo that of the feeling of growing up in a war torn a cow mooing in a field. It was extremely country, and it did. It was astounding and strange and I really liked it. touching to hear what he called, “the final Bringing out the mechanical underattempt at hiding reality and failing.” tones of electronic music was Samiullah On the other side of the spectrum, Shailkh’s piece, “The Vigor of the Ant.” though not completely, was James MurMuch like the chain of production between phy’s piece, “Relent.” Described as a ants and their queen, the song progresses “cyclical alternation between a job fraught rather quickly. However, it seemed as if with labor and industrial equipment,” the monotonous reality of the life of an ant Murphy’s piece also included a transition created a sort of combustion in the song, to peace. It opened with almost incoherent where the mechanical sounds clashed and mutterings, and extremely industrialized became louder. “Bound by devotion and sounds. Straightforward in its theme of consumed by torment,” as Shailkh puts it. the everyday life of an industrial worker, Second to last on set was senior and the pace began to slow and make way for computer science major Duncan Beavers. peace. This was the “rest and dreams,” His piece, “Techno Concrète,” was rooted section of the piece as Murphy noted in his in Beavers musical influence of minimal bio. To me, this really was like an ode to techno, trance and house music. This the Blue-Collar American. piece was mechanical in its production as Utilizing much tape delay, a staple well, but was a fantastic mixture of both technique in Musique Concrète, senior and electronic dance and musique concrète. Its music major Melissa Johnson created her modern twist made it easy to move to and a piece, “Hello?” Although it was a song lot of fun to listen to. engrossed in the repetition of the word, Last but not least was Gabe Cowan’s “Hello,” it was actually very intense and piece, “What a Night.” Cowan used a complex and the sounds became distorted large sound source which made his piece and new. extremely complex and transported the Senior music major Levi Manuel, sixth audience to a wild Saturday night. Meant on the set, performed his thought-proto mimic the sounds and feelings of alcohol voking number called, “Icebreaker.” poisoning Cowan’s piece was a little unThis piece, as Manuel described it, was comfortable to listen to, but that was also

the beauty of it. It sounded as if someone was using a pogo stick in the beginning marking the disillusionment that comes with excessive drinking. The whole song sounded as if Pollard was underwater. It was one of the most interesting pieces of the night.

As far as the audience was concerned it was brilliant. Rachel Lee, audience member and junior music major, said, “I was impressed, it was almost intimidating learning that most of them were seniors.”

All in all, Snyder’s electronic music class is as inspiring for his students as it was for the audience.

As Levi Manuel put it, the class “helped me come out of my shell and forced me to explore my creative possibilities.” Manuel added that, “Mark guides his students through the creative process in such an inspiring and insightful way that really helps you bring your best efforts forward.”

The next show put on by Electronic Music 370 will be the “Electroacoustic Barn Dance,” a three-day festival of electronic music and art, held Nov. 10-12. The barn dance will also include 140 composers and performers from additional institutions in addition to the students of UMW’s electronic music course. As a previous performer, I know it will be an eye-opening experience and I encourage avid music fans to attend. If anything, there is so much to be learned.

The upcoming concert series the Electroacoustic Barndance will include composers from the following institutions: Appalachian State University Ball State University Brooklyn College Brown University Central Michigan University Christopher Newport University Claflin University College of the Holy Cross Fairmont State University George Mason University Georgia Southern University Georgia Tech Hamilton College Indiana University - Purdue University Indianapolis Indiana University Jacobs School of Music Jacksonville University Jamestown Community College Lewis University Mansfield University Marshall University Molloy College Montana State University North Carolina State University Oberlin Conservatory Ohio University Otterbein University Palomar College Peabody Conservatory of Music Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Rutgers University School of Media Studies at the New School Stevens Institute of Technology Stony Brook University SUNY Oswego SUNY Potsdam Crane School of Music Susquehanna University Sweet Briar College Temple University University of Central Missouri University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM) University of Delaware University of Illinois at Urbana-ChampaignUniversity of Mary Washington University of Nebraska Omaha University of Richmond University of Tampa University of Tennessee University of Texas at Austin University of Virginia University of Wisconson-Whitewater Virginia Tech Wabash College West Virginia University Western Illinois University Western Michigan University Winthrop University

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NEWS POLICE BEAT IZZY BRIONES News Editor

Possession On Monday, Oct. 3 around 9 p.m. a student was found in possession of marijuana at the UMW Apartments.

One administrative referral was given.

Intoxication On Sunday, Oct. 9 around 12:30 a.m. public intoxication was reported from Brompton. One individual was arrested.

Vandalism Between Saturday, Sept. 24 and Sunday Oct. 9 vandalism of a vehicle occurred in the Marshal parking lot. The case is pending.

BOV makes six-year plan to renovate Seacobeck

•SEACOBECK | 1

German major. “I think that sounds like a good idea. They need to do something with Seacobeck, and it will be good to have the education program in one unified space.” Jones added, “Since I’m so new to the program, I don’t have many expectations. I hope that having a spot just for the education program will make resources more accessible.”

Despite the positive growth these changes may bring, the renovation will undoubtedly come with a hefty price tag.

In the interview, Levin made sure to emphasize exactly who would be carrying the cost of Seacobeck’s updates.

“Because the renovated building will be an academic space, the cost of the renovation will be carried entirely by the state. Once the building is renovated, we will take on the cost of maintaining the building.”

He continued, “At this time, it is impossible to say how the [maintenance costs] will be carried, but it is important to note that students will not be asked to carry the cost of the actual renovation.”

Opened in the fall of 2015, the new University Center famously cost a whopping $56 million to build. When the UC took Seacobeck’s place as the

primary dining hall on campus, Seacobeck’s operating budget was also transferred over to the UC. According to the UMW Board of Visitors six-year plan, now students’ tuition will need to be raised to fill the gap between the funding provided and the funding needed to come up with a new operating budget for Seacobeck after renovations are complete.

“The annual operating budget is estimated at $175,000 and includes utilities, housekeeping and security services. To the extent that general funds are not provided for operation and maintenance, student tuition and fees will need to be increased to cover these costs,” according to UMW’s six-year plan.

As the official plans for Seaco have not yet been finalized, much is still subject to change. Even so, not all are enthusiastic about the prospect of yet another tuition spike.

Drew Shannon, a sophomore political science major, expressed disappointment in the administration’s financial choices in terms of Seacobeck.

“While I’m glad to see development to a building that currently seems wasted, I’m disheartened to see another countless example of this university

pushing every cost imaginable onto the students,” Shannon said.

Senior English major, Sarah Hansen, took a moment to reminisce on the picturesque building that is central to so many of her college memories.

“Seaco is an architecturally beautiful building and an important piece of Mary Washington’s history,” Hansen said. “I miss sharing meals with my friends there, but I am so glad that the building is going to be renovated, rather than torn down. One of Seaco’s greatest features is its gorgeous windows, so I hope that the renovations keep the space bright and airy.”

Levin expressed a similar sentiment.

“One thing that we learned when we began discussions about the University Center is that Seacobeck is one of the best loved buildings on campus. Seacobeck is an amazing campus resource, and we intend to make it shine in its next iteration.”

While we may not know the specifics about the changes in store for Seacobeck, one thing is for certain, the building beloved by so many students is going to be given a new life, and will be there to be enjoyed by generations of students to come.

CRIME COVERAGE POLICY The Blue & Gray Press will publish the names of students who are formally charged by the University of Mary Washington Campus Police or the Fredericksburg Police Department to have committed acts of extreme violence against members of the UMW community or pose a large threat to that community, when names are released to the public. The Blue & Gray Press will publish names and write articles about criminal acts on a case-by-case basis according to the aforementioned parameters.

Creative Commons

The information was compiled with assistance from UMW Police Manager James DeLoatch and Fredericksburg Police Department Public Information Officer Sarah Kirkpatrick.

SGA-PSA Connect with Student Senate Facebook: UMW student senate Website: http://sga.umw.edu/ senate Senate meetings are held every Wednesday at 4:30 in Monroe

DETAILS PROVIDED BY JAMIE MCGUIRE

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Student concerns surrounding the clown phenomenon cause campus police to survey UMW campus Clowns are normally the face of Halloween and circus acts. Recently, however, in Fredericksburg and on the University of Mary Washington campus, creepy clowns have become the face of threats.

On Tuesday, Oct. 4, an individual wearing a creepy clown mask approached a woman in a vehicle with her driver window open, reached in and growled at her.

The clown suspect then ran through campus and into the Sunken neighborhood.

Although the victim was not hurt, this is being investigated by Fredericksburg City Police as an assault report.

This brings to light the question: has the “creepy clown” occurrence been brought to the Fredericksburg area? Is there more to come from this? Will it be much more drastic next time than just a growl?

According to local Fox 5 news, “a ‘creepy clown’ phenomenon has been spreading across the country as police

CAITLIN WILLIAMS Assistant News Editor

departments have been receiving reports of people dressing up as clowns acting suspiciously or clown-related online threats being posted on social media threatening harm at schools in the D.C. region.”

The phenomenon started in South Carolina in late August, when in the small town of Greenville, clowns were hiding in the woods. Multiple reports from children in the small town neighborhood of Fleetwood Manor stated that there was a person dressed as a clown with a white painted face hanging out on the playground, trying to lure the children into the woods. Reports from parents and even other adults have stated sounds of chains, whispering and strange noises coming from the woods along with sightings of clowns in the woods and on the streets.

In an announcement from UMW Office of Public Safety that came out two days after the attack of the clown in Fredericksburg, students were warned

of the clown activity. Students were cautioned to remain aware of their surroundings and call the campus police to report any concerns or suspicious activity. “We have recently received calls and monitored social media posts about reported sightings of people wearing disturbing clown masks on campus and around Fredericksburg,” stated the Office of Public Safety.

“I think the whole thing that happened on campus was just a prank based off of media and Internet exposure to the whole clown phenomenon,” said Stephanie Runner, a senior in the UMW Education program.

With the rise of press attention to the clown stories, more and more clown occurrences have been reported.

“I don’t think that instance was any danger to the community. I think it was just someone who wanted to get a rise out of the community,” Runner said.

The clown assault case is still under investigation with Fredericksburg City Police.

Thursday, October 13, 2016

NEWS

Grappeling over media bias

‘Big Mama Shakes’ Rocktoberfest

UMW Speaking Center

IZZY BRIONES News Editor

Talk of sugar daddies, junk food and Thomas Jefferson were just a few of the courses that Monday night’s debate took. The audience pondered and questioned these points among others, while staring at their phone screens and texting.

An audience sat in Dodd Auditorium on Monday night for the Podius debate on media consumption. Titled, “Media Bias is a Threat to American Democracy,” the debate brought in a varied audience with participants ranging from college students to professors and coaches. Ray Suarez, an American broadcast journalist served as the moderator of the debate between professors Dr. Stephen Farnsworth of the University of Mary Washington and Dr. Craig Smith from California State UniversityLong Beach.

Smith is a distinguished scholar who has served as a full-time speechwriter to President Gerald Ford and was a consultant to George H. W. Bush during his 1980 run for the presidency. Smith has published more than 15 books and has received many significant awards, including the Douglas W. Ehninger Award for lifetime achievement in rhetorical scholarship by the National Communication Association.

Suarez opened the debate by encouraging the audience to use their phones to participate in an online poll. The question: is media bias a threat to democracy? The outcome revealed that most saw social media as having a direct impact on democracy in the United States, while others remained unsure.

To believe the media and accept it as a neutral and credible source “well then we are lost” said Farnsworth. “I am a big fan of journalism when it is done right.” This point was repeatedly made throughout the debate on both sides among others such as the United States’ reliance on reporters and journalists through social media.

Both speakers highlighted the issue of the fundamental human need and predisposition to turn to and to look for the news that one wants or wants to hear. This quality however, hinders

one’s perception of the news and forms their biases, thus resulting in the question of media bias being a threat to democracy.

“Fact is, there is no such thing as media…[media] bias is different than prejudice,” Smith said. “News media is less a result of ideology than a result of geography and competition,” arguing his point that news naturally caters to and aims to appeal to its viewers who have their own opinions.

Farnsworth described news through social media as “junk food,” as it has no real nutritional value to the people.

“Junk food,” as he called it, makes competition easy- just as news through social media does. He continued his thought, describing how the people need to demand “healthy options” just as they need to demand concrete and unbiased news sources. Both he and Smith agreed that a healthy dialogue was also needed in order to create an educated society that could form unbiased opinions.

“I feel like neither of the debaters were able to completely [capture] how we would get rid of the biases and how we would focus more on facts in media representations,” said Kaitlyn Bryant, an International Affairs major. The debate sparked many questions in the audience, however the essential question remained unanswered.

Podius debates host many events throughout the country, this fall there have been three total in the U.S. and the University of Mary Washington was able to house the third Podius Debate in the series.

It was established in 2014, “to help Americans preserve and strengthen their democratic institutions by championing intelligent and thoughtful civic discourse,” according to Podius’ description in their pamphlet.

Future events lay ahead at UMW similar in theme to Monday night’s Podius debate. On Oct. 24, UMW will be hosting the first Congressional District Debate at 7:30 p.m. in Dodd Auditorium. The community is invited to come and see U.S. Republican Rob Wittman debate with Democratic challenger Matt Rowe.

Alex Sakes / The Blue & Gray Press

Big Mama Shakes Facebook

CORRECTIONS for THE Week PLEASE REPORT ANY MISTAKES SEEN IN THE BLUE AND GRAY PRESS TO Chris Markham, blueandgray.eic@gmail.com or Sushma Subramanian, ssubrama@umw.edu In last week’s Staff Ed, incorrect statements were made that led to a skewed interpretation of our original article. The editorial, which was meant to address the obstacles that student organizations must navigate to make use of the resources available to them, inadvertently included examples specific to The Blue & Gray Press that were not true. For example, claiming we have an old, out-of-date printer when the one in our office is rather new. The Blue & Gray Press appreciates the efforts of those who allow us to publish our paper and, while not always perfect, those efforts should not go unnoticed and receive unwarranted criticism.

Thursday, October 13, 2016

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SPORTS

Editor: Mikey Barnes | blueandgray.sports@gmail.com

UMW volleyball keeps climbing ranks CHRIS MARKHAM Editor-in-Chief

To say that the University of Mary Washington volleyball team has had a successful season would be a drastic understatement. Off to their best start in school history, the Eagles have climbed up the national rankings all year while showing no signs of slowing down.

Now ranked 14th in the nation, the Eagles have an overall record of 21-1. The Eagles’ lone loss of the year was a 3-0 sweep to Emory, currently ranked fifth in the country. UMW is also just one of five teams ranked in the top 25 with no more than one loss on the year and have the most wins of anyone in the top 25.

After cracking the top 25 for the first time in school history at the beginning of the year, the Eagles have continued a steady rise in the rankings. On Monday, updated rankings came out that moved UMW up two spots from No. 16, jumping ahead of CAC rival Christopher Newport who now sits at No. 18 with an overall record of 16-5.

A successful weekend at home propelled the Eagles up the rankings once again. After sweeping CAC rival Wesley on Friday, the Eagles faced a tougher op-

ponent in Salisbury, who defeated UMW in the semifinals of the CAC tournament last year. While Salisbury was not a nationally ranked opponent, their record of 14-6 was respectable enough for the Eagles to play to their best to come out on top.

The first set was playing to the Seagulls’ favor, up 19-11 at one point before a UMW timeout. The Eagles came out of the timeout focused, and used that focus to mount a significant comeback and win the first set by a score of 29-27.

UMW went on to win the next two sets and sweep SU in the match.

On Wednesday, the Eagles secured their 21st win of the season with a 3-0 victory over Gallaudet, extending their win-streak to 15 in a row.

The Eagles will look to extend their streak this Friday in an intense evening of gameplay. UMW plays No. 18 CNU at Newport News and No. 4 Southwestern immediately following their game against the Captains. Back-to-back top-20 opponents should prove to be a tough test for the Eagles, as their historic season nears the conference tournament.

Sue Spemcer / Perfect Shots

Sue Spencer / Perfect Shots

Crew teams become tight knit after early season success ISABEL FAUST Staff Writer

Marguerite Taylor

Accepting, dedicated, friendly, dependable, passionate and weird, were the words that came to mind when members of both the men’s and women’s crew teams were asked to describe their teammates. UMW’s crew teams have had quite the eventful and inspiring past four years, facing challenges and successes. The main take-away from speaking with some of the members of the teams was that the crew teams are more than sports teams, they are families.

In rowing you must train your mind to never give up. “You can row and you can row but nothing beats the feeling of pushing yourself to your body’s extremes and mentally driving you and your teammates to the finish,” said senior environmental science major and captain of the men’s crew team, Tj Muratore.

Forgetting about the 5 a.m. practices, constant conditioning on ergometers and weight training, Muratore said that joining the UMW men’s crew Muratore has

Thursday, October 13, 2016

strived to be a good role model having looked up to the captain at the time, Bon Ericson.

Muratore does his best giving advice to the other members, no matter which crew team they are on, and setting the bar high for behavior. “We represent Mary-Washington and the crew team, and the key in rowing is to be respectful to all people on and off the water,” Muratore said. Setting out on the water with this inspiring mindset, the men’s crew team did very well in their first Regatta, held at William and Mary on Oct. 1. The team took home a first place medal in the men’s varsity 8 and came in second in both the men’s four and men’s novice eight.

The women’s crew team also had a successful day at William and Mary, coming in second place for all of their events.

However, both crew teams have not always been successful, especially after such limited practice. Miranda O’Connor, junior biology major and co-captain of

Kyle Moran

the women’s team, was a member of crew when they transitioned from a varsity sport to a club sport to finally a team sport. “The main challenge faced through this transition was the ability to hire coaches as well as in funding received,” O’Connor said.

The teams are now back under the Athletic Department rather than being run by an elected student board as a club sport.

The UMW Crew teams work very hard to keep their competitiveness up while still managing limited funds.

“Team members currently pay $500 per year in dues, and the team is very mindful of how their limited funds are spent,” O’Connor said. The team also faces many challenges on the water, especially when competing against up to 52 other universities, some nationally ranked Division I teams.

Olivia Taylor, junior communications and digital studies major, is the coxswain for the men’s team. Taylor’s position on

the team is crucial and involves communicating with the rowers. Taylor helped the men’s varsity 8 come in first at their Regatta at William and Mary. “We encourage them, let them know where they are on the course, and anything else they need to know,” Taylor said. Taylor’s role as a mental support system for the rowers helps the team finish and work on technicalities.

Rowing is a year-round sport that includes both mental and physical fortitude ranging from conditioning on dry land to rowing on the water at Hope Springs Marina six days a week.

The men’s and women’s teams try their best to set good examples of sportsmanship and treat their teammates as family.

Their next Regatta is in Philadelphia on Oct. 29 at the Head of the Schuylkill, so please come out and support these inspiring athletes that make UMW proud.

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