6.27.14
MIRROR
editor’s note|6
world cup| 6
frattic lifestyle| 6
music festival| 8 ALISON GUH // THE DARTMOUTH STAFF
2// MIRROR
Gotta Kick It Up
EDITOR’s NOTE
story
My biggest pet peeve is when people pretend to be experts when they have no idea what they’re talking about. Luckily I took AP Literature and I’ve seen the “Pride and Prejudice” mini-series more times than I’m comfortable putting into print, so I feel like 19th century British literature is kind of my thing. This expertise is how I came across a quote from the English novelist, Henry James, where he described “summer afternoon” as the two most beautiful words in the English language. As I sit in the beautiful offices of Robo and look on as my fellow ’16s play soccer, pet the townie dogs and relax on the Green, I’m inclined to agree. This term has been built up by upperclassmen since I arrived on campus. The summer, I’ve realized, isn’t a fleeting number of days I have to complete the Ledyard challenge or spend on the river, but the opposite. The days feel infinite. I don’t rush because I have all the time in the world. This summer is about taking the time to enjoy the smaller things, and in this week’s Mirror we start with one of the world’s favorite pastimes: soccer. We chatted with Dartmouth’s World Cup fans, explored a treasured room tucked away upstairs in a sorority and planned the first annual Dartmouth Summer Music Festival. We’re ready to enjoy the longest days, and the shortest three months of our lives.
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MIRROR R MIRROR EDITORS LUKE MCCANN
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF LINDSAY ELLIS PUBLISHER CARLA LARIN
EXECUTIVE EDITOR SEAN CONNOLLY
B y LINDSAY KEARE
Every four years, a strange phenomenon occurs in which the American public develops a sudden affinity for watching soccer. The results of a single soccer match have sparked city-wide riots in countries around the world, and despite the significant portion of ’90s kids who have played youth soccer, the passion and appreciation for the sport has never quite caught on in the U.S. For one month every four years, however, millions of Americans act like they’ve been devoted fans of “the beautiful game” for their entire lives, only to forget about it again until the next World Cup. As evidenced by the dozens of students crowding Collis Center televisions throughout the day or the live stream ESPN feeds on student laptops during Astronomy 1, the allure of the tournament has reached Dartmouth as well. Whether they come out to support their favorite countries, the hottest players, or the underdog, most students are more recreational viewers than serious followers of soccer. One major motivation for following the Cup came from students who have strong ties to countries other than the U.S. “During the World Cup I feel social pressure to watch, because I’m from Brazil,” Victoria De Paula ’16 said. Similarly, Felipe Jaramillo ’16 also said that his affiliation with another country influenced how he views the World Cup. Having lived in Colombia until he was 7, Jaramillo consequently cheers for the South American team, whose had an successful run in the tournament so far. Dalia McGill ’16 said the international connection makes the viewing experience more enjoyable. Having spent more than 10 years living in Brazil, she’s supporting the country during the games. “It’s not that I really care that much if they win or not, but it’s more exciting to watch a game when you’re really rooting for someone,” she said. All three admit that the World Cup is the only time they regularly watch soccer. Jaramillo has a background in soccer, and said he thinks this experience enables him to feel more invested in games where he doesn’t necessarily follow or know much about the teams playing. “I don’t know the players but I know soccer well, and I think that’s the differ-
’16 Girl in Sugarplum: I’m an iceberg dancer. I just show you the tip. ’16 Guy: The internet made me gay.
ence,” Jaramillo said. To be fair, Dartmouth also has a number of students who consider themselves fans of soccer, with out without the World Cup. Whether their preference is the English Premier League, La Liga in Spain or Major League Soccer, the World Cup is not their only foray into the sport. An avid soccer fan but recreational March Madness viewer, Greta Joung ’16 said she understands how those who know little about
Although Alec Tarantino ’16 said he believes it would be great if the U.S., a verifiable underdog among remaining teams, would win the Cup, there are a few he believes deserve it more. “I think especially with the expectation for Brazil and all the South American teams, it would probably be best for one of [them] to win,” Tarantino said. Results aside, the World Cup brings global issues to a forefront, as spectators try to reconcile the pastime with real issues that host countries face. In Brazil’s case, even winning could potentially have dramatic implications for the country, who the international media criticized extensively before the tournament, voicing concerns about whether they would be able successfully hold it. These concerns became a primary aspect of the country-wide protests that took place in 2013, and a series of protests against the economic effects of the Cup have continued throughout Brazil. The political leaders of the country have come under fire during the controversy. “I actually genuinely think the World Cup will determine whether or not [the current president, Dilma Rousseff] gets reelected,” De Paula said. “They kind — VICTORIA DE of are blaming it on her - it’s on her PAULA ’16 shoulders if Brazil does well and wins and if the country does well after the soccer can end up so invested in the World Cup. World Cup is over.” “I love watching soccer all year round, but I McGill echoed this sentiment, saying am the person who pretends I know anything that the World Cup could affect how about basketball so I can’t be one to judge people people view Rousseff. She pointed out, that only care about soccer for this one month however, that the current president was of the year,” she said. not in office when Brazil was selected Although the U.S.’s impressive performance to host. has once again captivated the nation, there is A win for Brazil won’t be a instant solustill a question as to whether this passion will tion to the country’s troubled economy continue after closing ceremonies. or ensure that all the stadiums built will Joung said she appreciates how soccer, more somehow be put to good use once the than other sports, can unite the world, if only Cup is over. for a few weeks. Regardless of if you watch the World “Yes, we have March Madness, but that’s Cup because of the inspirational disonly really America, and then there’s the Euro play of athleticism or because you are Cup but we don’t really get involved,” Joung physically attracted to every person on said. the screen, you can appreciate that the Should the U.S. continue to advance and effects of this tournament extends far do well, even more fans may stick around to beyond the pitch. watch the MLS season and Americans in the Tarantino is a former member of The European leagues. Dartmouth staff.
“I actually genuinely think the World Cup will determine whether or not [the current president, Dilma Rousseff] gets re-elected.”
’16 Guy: “Turning up” is just a fact. Like, it’s the opposite of “turn down.”
‘16 Guy: This house is my safe space. Please don’t bring up the gym here.
’16 Girl: The dark moon emoji will watch over you.
’16 Girl: This is just like that time I got tazed in China.
MIRROR //3
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astro ELIZABETH MCNALLY/THE DARTMOUTH SENIOR STAFF
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B y MAGgie shields
The staircase is narrow, only wide enough for a single person to pass at a time. Each step creaks loudly under your feet as you ascend, and the air gets thicker and hotter with each step. A single door is at the top of the staircase. “Freaks always welcome,” the sign hung on the door promises. When you walk into Kappa Delta Epsilon sorority’s frattic, it’s hard to say what grabs your attention first. The giant American flag pinned to the wall is eye-catching, but the medicine ball-like object hanging from the ceiling is close competition. A bed sits in the corner, and another across from it has been turned into a lounge area. A closer look reveals an inner room complete with two more beds and a scenic view of Chi Gamma Epsilon fraternity. A futon and coffee table make the room feel like it was created for the sole purpose of hanging out. A traditional attic would be a lonely and stuffy home. We’ve seen it before in the high school favorite “Jane Eyre,” in which the lunatic wife of Mr. Rochester is locked away in the attic so as to not be seen or heard. KDE, however, doesn’t seem to take its cues from Gothic literature. Living in the attic is a desirable opportunity, and there’s often more sisters who want to live there than space can accommodate. While the opportunity to call the frattic home may not be available to ever y sister, it’s not an exclusive space with a closed-door policy.When she was a new member of the sorority, Regan Roberts ’16 said she liked that the space was accessible to all members, not just its residents. “Spending more time in the house gives me a better idea about what we’re about,” Roberts said. “When I would visit sophomore year there was always some kind of social thing going on in the frattic. It’s a more intimate space, a ver y accessible and inviting space.” This open atmosphere is why the frattic operates as both a residential space, and often a social one. It’s an alternative to nights spent entirely in the basement. If a sister is having an off-night and suddenly loses her godgiven gift for throw saves, the scene may journey upstairs to the attic. Clare Detrick-Yee ’16, who will live in the frattic this fall, said that she chose to live there so she could continue to
be social while in season — she’s a fall athlete. Carly Kuperschmid ’16, a current resident, also said the combination of a social scene with residential life was a strong motivator for wanting to live there. The previous residents hosted new members of the sorority and make the space feel open to all. She said this atmosphere is something she can maintain with her fellow roommates. The frattic’s open-door policy means that many visitors see it as a haven to avoid leaving the house. On a Friday or Saturday night, the short trip upstairs may seem more appealing than a long trek back to an off campus house. The frattic becomes the place where sisters end the night. Detrick-Yee said that the futons, bean bags and chairs that fill the room mean that stragglers often find their way to the frattic to sleep for the night. With such a strong social scene happening in the room, the decor is essential, showcasing the personality of the women who live in the room. Some of the decorations carr y over term to term: above the entrance to the inner bedroom is a sign that says “I Love Vodka,” and a buoy sits in the corner. The summer residents of the frattic, however, have added some new touches that have changed the personality of the
space. Some of the more interesting pieces are a skateboard, several posters of butts and a camouflage chair from Walmart that they nicknamed “Big Joe.” Draped across a chair is a full body Scooby-Doo costume, a bequest from a former frattic resident. Kuperschmid’s bed in particular has some flashy decorations including pizza lights and a cheetah-print duvet. “It’s pretty swag,” she said. While the social prominence and stylish decor may make the frattic sound ideal, Kuperschmid acknowledged that not all aspects of the summer frattic experience met her expectations. Due to the unfortunate scientific fact that heat rises, the room is often hotter than other parts of the house. “I didn’t take into consideration the fact that it would be a sauna,” Kuperschmid said. Despite the summer temperature conditions, the frattic is a fun place to live for many KDE women. Unlike other dormitor y rooms that allow more reclusive students to vanish, residents of the frattic mix their social and living spaces together and love the result. “For a while you see it [KDE] as social first and residential second,” Roberts said. “The frattic is a good way to show that goes hand in hand.”
bbq’s Grill out, chill out
rugby players We’re not really sure why they’re here, but we aren’t complaining.
KAF Now what will I carry in my left hand when I show up 10 minutes late to class? RIP apple and brie sandwiches.
Summer groups
Better watch “Step Up” again to prep for SAUSSY auditions.
foco after hours What’s better than FoCo? FoCo an hour and a half later.
sam smith Latch your wagon to a star.
NATALIE CANTAVE/THE DARTMOUTH STAFF
4// MIRROR
STORY
B y Maddie brown
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so blue. As the song is winding down, you walk with the group toward the Collis barbeque. Your 10A professor is sitting on the patio with his children. You consider avoiding them at first, but then decide to over-excitingly smile and wave. Your UGA and her group of friends start to walk away from campus. You don’t know where they’re going, but you can hear music from down the block so you follow. At a large white house, neon lights shine in every direction and hula-hoop dancing people fill the lawn. You are told this is Panarchy #RIP. Someone places a red boa around your neck. You join the wacky dancing — there is no wrong way to dance to this kind of music.
Picture yourself on a boat on the river. Tangerine trees and marmalade skies. Naturally, you upload an unfiltered Instagram because the sky looks sick. You ironically caption “it just sucks to be at summer school #dartmouthmusicfestival #14x #nofilter #live,” so all of your friends back home know you are not actually taking legitimate classes. Somebody calls your phone and you answer it quite slowly because your hands are wet and you can’t slide to unlock. It’s your trippee and she’s screaming at you to get to the Green because Baker Berry is on fire. There’s a giant crowd watching, Bob Dylan is next up to perform and every couple of seconds someone else starts setting off fireworks. Passersby are pelted by water balloons from the Collis porch. Safety and Security has given up on writing people’s names down because they just can’t keep up.
4:29 p.m. You stumble into your roommates. They really want to check out the scene at the Organic Farm and the bus leaves at 4:30 - you run to the bus.
This is what Dartmouth’s first sophomore summer music festival looks like. It may sound a bit overboard, but I’ve carefully researched the topic — I searched the campus blotter from the past few Green Keys, memorized the lyrics of “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds” and consulted both the Wikipedia article on Woodstock and the statuses of my Facebook “friends” who went to Bonnaroo. Let me describe your average day at the Dart-Music Festival.
A hot new bluegrass band is headlining the farm’s 4:37 p.m. stage. An old lady hands out picnic blankets and corn on the cob. She is literally the best. You make a new Snapchat story #banjo as you listen to the yodelers yodel and the ramblers ramble. You hear the familiar start to “Wagon Wheel” and everyone stands up and starts to sway shoulder and shoulder. God, you love this place, But you have to get back to the BEMA by 5:00 p.m. because the Summerphonics have a sick set lined up.
After spending all morning perfecting the “I am not trying to look like I am trying to look like a hipster but I am trying to be a hipster” look, you fill your fanny pack with all sorts of goodies. You pack your Dartmouth ID, your cell phone, a few pieces of gum, a note with your best friend’s number in case your phone dies, a smoke signal and Advil. You hang out in your house, making some scrambled eggs and tater tots as you listen to “Come on Eileen” on loop.
Your freshman roommate blew you away with her 6:00 p.m. solo at the show #facetime. After the show, there is a max exodus. Everyone is walking to FoCo. You are walking to FoCo. There is a line for pizza. You’re exhausted but the day is young so you need a plan. You decide on a quick nap. Then, Gold Coast.
Your phone buzzes. It’s your freshman floormate. “COME TO GREEN @NOW. DJ IS AWESOME. hahahahhaha.” Tater tots in one hand, you put on your shades, scramble out of the door and bound to the center of the Green. When you arrive, your group tries to get as close to the stage as possible, but the D.J. is now playing that song with the name that you always forget and people are jamming out. Not trying to throw off their groove, you settle in a spot that has enough space to march in place and wave your hands in the air. You commence dancing. Smoke fills the stage. You hear the beginning of “Feel So Close” and almost start to cry because you feel so close to Calvin Harris right now. You stretch your arms out toward him but he is a good 50 feet away and is on a stage. You must crowd surf. You search for someone near you and ask if he can hoist you up. You decide sitting on his shoulders will suffice.
Your power nap turned into a short coma, but you 9:00 p.m. arrive at the scene rejuvenated and ready to dance. There’s a string of back-to-back concerts planned and you plan on dancing until your body gives out. You lose all of your worldly possessions at least once but you don’t care because you are very high — on the music — and you realize that everything is right next to you on the ground. You take hundreds of short videos of the bands. You’re doing what makes you happy. That’s what the festival is all about. Don’t force anything, please. Your ears are ringing as you lay in your bed. Your 9:36 a.m. phone finally buzzes to life and you look at the hundreds of crowd pictures and selfies that you took. Someone uploaded the photo an HPo officer escorting you off the stage. Your Instagram has a record number of likes. You strap on your fanny pack and head out for the day’s events. Time for day two.
You arrive somewhere by Dartmouth Hall and reach into your fanny pack to call your friends. A few stray tater tots are crusted onto your phone. Nobody answers, so you film the performance until you spot your edgy freshman UGA and her group of friends. You join them and continue dancing. “Summer” starts to play. You look at your new group of friends and shout the lyrics at their faces. You even sing the instrumental parts — it just all seems so relevant as you met these people during the summer and the sky is
ALI DALTON//THE DARTMOUTH STAFF