Oct. 31, 2008

the

Herald By and for the students of Hobart and William Smith Colleges

GENEVA, NY

FRIDAY, October 31, 2008

VOLUME CXXX ISSUE 15

On The Beat: A Saturday Night with Security

Why is There a Financial Crisis?

Professor Explains Economic Turmoil

By Karissa Seeberger ’12 Opinions Editor The scene of Campus Security around midnight on a Saturday is a bustling one of high energy, telephones ringing, officers discussing previous occurrences of the evening, and the strong aroma of coffee. There are guards around every corner, working one of the hardest shifts, pounding down energy drinks or cup after cup of coffee.

Lieutenant Jeff Luongo was gearing up for a night on duty, grabbing his radio, flashlight, cellular phone, and keys to every building on campus. “I have loved my job from day one and have been working at HWS since January 25th, 1999; it is interesting to see so many different people from state to state all in the same place.” As a resident of Geneva, he is intimately familiar with the area and as a father of two, is able to maintain a vivacious spirit and relate with the young adults of Hobart and William Smith Colleges.

It seems that Lt. Luongo’s main intention, along with the rest of security staff, is to make sure that students are in a safe environment. He mentions that, “The students see the uniform and automatically perceive me as a figure

By Professor Alan Frishman

of authority, but I was 18 once, and I’m not here to ruin parties.” Luongo also said that, “Under 21, is under 21 and there is no gray area.” He assumes that, “The students are all fine people, but sometimes alcohol breaks down those barriers that normally restrain them from being sarcastic and disrespectful.” Part of the security guard training is in “verbal judo” which essentially teaches them to deal with unruly and aggressive students in a professional, nonviolent m a n n e r because, “The students feed off of your energy, and we need to keep ourselves in check before a situation escalates into a fight,” states Lt. Luongo.

Other training that the guards have par ticipated includes self-defense, routine duties as an officer, and a week of workshops with State police and other universities’ security teams at St. Lawrence University. They have taken interrogation courses and understand that in crime investigation most

Theta Delta Chi Hopes to Re-Colonize

By Sarah Amundson’11 Herald Contributor fraternity on the HWS campus.

Theta Delta Chi has already been approved by the Inter-Fraternity Council (IFC); the first step towards officially re-colonizing the chapter, which has been dormant since 1996. Robert Pool said the IFC was “surprisingly receptive” to the bid for the new fraternity, but admitted that it has been a slow process. Ryan Adler ‘09, who is leading the initiative stated that, “overall, it has taken over a year for us with the help of certain alumni and faculty like Mr. Pool on campus along with assistance from the national chapter.” The proposed fraternity will still need approval from the Committee on Fraternity Life (COFL), which has already began deliberating and will resume at their next meeting on November 5th.

Once sanctioned by COFL, Theta Delta Chi will need approval from the Hobart Dean Eugen Baer and the Vice President of Student Affairs, Robert Flowers, who THETA continued on Page 2

On September 24, 2008 the Sustainability Endowments Institute, a non-profit organization and “Special Project of Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors”, released the new College Sustainability Report Card 2009on their website, www.greenreportcard.org,. This “report card” evaluates the 300 colleges with the highest endowments, ranging from $150 million - $35 billion, on their environmentally sustainable efforts in nine categories: Administration, Climate Change & Energy, Food & Recycling, Green Building, Student Involvement, Transportation, Endowment Transparency, Investment Priorities and Shareholder Engagement. The college is then assigned the average letter grade from these categories for an overall score; in the case of HWS, that grade is a C+.

This Tuesday, October 28, students and faculty met in a forum to discuss this grade and the implications that it has for the colleges. Professor Drennen, Professor Halfman and Sustainability Coordinator, James Landi, joined Clancy Brown, the William Smith representative for the Climate Task Force, Will Beckham, the Hobart representative for the Climate Task force, and a number of concerned students for an hour-long discussion. Participants analyzed each

grade of the report card and raised a number of issues and questions concerning the Colleges successes (or failures) in these sustainable categories. Four of these categories were at the crux of the discussion: Administration, Green Buildings, Food & Recycling and Transportation.

Though only gaining a C from the Sustainability Endowments Institute in the category concerning Administration participation and approval, it was asserted at this meeting that the HWS Administration is “gung-ho” in supporting green efforts wherever they make financial sense and if they are highly desired by students. This claim is clearly seen in many of the recent efforts on campus to promote sustainability. This year the First Year Common Ground Green Dream project was implemented to combine student participation and administrative goals, while last year over half the student body signed a petition for mandatory Leeds Certification of any new buildings on campus – a desire that the Colleges has committed to for the upcoming Performing Arts building, if it is financially feasible.

REPORT CARD continued on Page 3

ECONOMY continued on Page 2

By Karissa Seeberger ‘11 Herald Contributor

Although it seems to have been ages since the students on the hill were unnerved by the alleged break-ins, it is still of great pertinence being that the suspects have not yet been caught.

According to a first-year resident of Miller, “As college students and adults, we have the right to know what is happening on campus, and it is ridiculous that we aren’t welli n f o r m e d .” T h i s statement may seem valid to the majority of Hobart and William Smith students, seeing as how they are capable of handling the truth. However, in this particular situation, even campus security did not have all of the specific details needed to effectively communicate

HWS Receives a C+ on Sustainability Report Card

By Alexandra Donovan ‘09 Herald Contributor

deregulation of markets, the lowering of taxes (especially for the upper class) and structural adjustment programs promoting free markets that were imposed on countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America by the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank It was believed by the extreme zealots that markets could not fail, and by more moderate followers, that somehow markets would self-adjust by themselves. So most notably, over the following decades, the banking, airlines, trucking, railroad, petroleum, telecommunication and electric power industries were deregulated.

In the early 1990s, under the senior George Bush’s administration, more than 500 banks had to be closed and or merged and it is estimated that the government had to use over $200 billion to cover the failed banks and FDIC payouts. As a result, some regulations were imposed on banks by the US government’s Federal Reserve Bank (FED).

The Colleges Take Measures to Ensure Safety on The Hill

SECURITY continued on Page 2

New Fraternity in the Works

A group of Hobart students have started the initiative to re-colonize the fraternity Theta Delta Chi on the Hobart and William Smith campus. The process began last year when a group of students was approached by alumni interested in bringing the fraternity back to the campus.

In February of last year, this group of Hobart students met with Robert Pool, the HWS director of student activities.

If the proposal is approved, Theta Delta Chi will become the seventh

The current financial crisis has been in the making for three decades—ever since neoclassical economists gained dominance in the Republican Party and Ronald Reagan won the presidency in 1980. The basic premises of classical economics, which dates from the 1700s to the 1930s, were that markets were always efficient, there was an invisible hand that always guided them to a favorable equilibrium and thus the government should leave the markets alone and not interfere with them.

These ideas were called into question in the Great Depression, which led to the adoption of Keynesian economics, the belief that markets could fail under some circumstances and the acceptance of the important role of the government to guide a capitalistic market economy.

That approach helped to pull the US out of the depression, but after 35 years of prosperity (1945 to 1980), the free marketers (neo or new classical economists) gained political and economic control again. They implemented policies such as the

to the details of “an attempted breakin.” Students who generated the mass e-mail intended to inform others on their extent of knowledge concerning the intruder had broken into Miller.

According to Kate McCaffrey, the Director of Residential Education, there is a lot of activity behind the scenes of urgent situations that students are unaware of.

Using teamwork, the school “collaborates with Campus Safety, Buildings and Grounds, and if it calls for it, Geneva Police, in order to make people aware of the danger at hand, to quickly and efficiently resolve the problem,” says McCaffrey.

MILLER continued on Page 2

The Herald Inside

C AMP U S H A P P ENI NG S

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Ce nte n n i a l R um o r s

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Th um b s U p Th um b s D ow n

A R TS A ND ENT ER TA I NMENT

M ovi e R e vi e w : H S M3 a n d Q ua ra nt i n e

H a unte d Pl a ce s o n Ca m p us

L a s t M i n ute Co s t um e I d e a s

L i z Bl a c k we l l

G a r f i e l d M i n us G a r f i e l d

S P O R TS

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B AC K PAG E

Th e B e s t o f O d e l l ’s Pum p k i n

THE HERALD, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2008

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The Herald

Established 1879 By and for the Students of Hobart and William Smith Colleges Rebecca A. Dennee, Editor-in-Chief Shena Vagliano, Managing Editor TJ Radzwich, Campus Happenings Editor Karissa Seeberger, Opinions Editor Carly Cummings, A&E Editor Carrie Stevens, Sports Editor Belinda Littlefield, Layout Editor Amy Nimon, Photography Editor Andrew Donovan Emma Stratigos Will McConnell Katie Levenstein Kelsey Bair Austin Tansantisuk Advertisement Manager Zinnia Gill Copy Editing Samantha Miller

Layout Rebecca Dennee Shena Vagliano Belinda Littlefield

Submission Guidelines The Herald is currently accepting submissions for our upcoming issue. The deadline for this issue is Monday at 5 pm.

Must include the: 1. Name 2. Individual phone number or e-mail

ECONOMY continued from page 1 There was a stock market crisis in October of 1987 and in 1997; Alan Greenspan, the chairman of the FED, injected money into the market both times. Throughout the 1990’s Greenspan argued against regulations on teh financial system; however, he did warn against “irrational exuberance” in the stock market when the prices of “dot com” companies went sky high in the late 1990s. When that bubble burst in 2001, there were huge losses; again the FED provided money and the economy moved forward without regulation.

In the early 2000s, a new scheme exploded, although it started in the 1980s. Financial wizards figured out how to lump home mortgages into Collaterized Mortgage Obligations (CMOs). Banks and brokers could offer mortgages locally and then sell them to another entity, which would lump them together into gigantic “derivatives” (derived from mortgages) to be sold to banks, pension funds and hedge funds for millions, and eventually billions, of dollars. They could approve any kind of mortgage, collect the closing fees and then easily sell the mortgage to someone else. Once it was sold, the broker or bank that closed the mortgage was no longer responsible, giving unscrupulous people the opportunity to take advantage of the system. In addition, construction companies and ordinary people became speculators, building and buying homes, with the expectation of selling them (flipping them) in a

E-mail submissions must be made via file attachment.

If criteria are not met The Herald may not be able to print the submission.

THETA continued from page 1 will present the idea to President Mark Gearan for final approval. The last fraternity to go through this process was Phi Sigma Kappa, which was officially re-colonized in the spring of 2007.The fraternity could be officially approved, at the earliest, by the end of this semester, though it could take until the spring.

As of last month, Robert Pool received a list of 27 interested men and Adler is excited at the prospect of recolonization. He says the response has been positive and that, “Fraternities have proven that they have an effective method and high level of success that no other individual or organization has ever quite achieved. From the minute a young man walks on the Hobart campus he is immediately surrounded with the support of our greatest brothers, and the tradition of giving back is something that every single Hobart man benefits from, within Theta Delta Chi or not. The positive bonds created within the Theta Delta Chi Society and all fraternities promoting positive values is something that no man of Hobart College should be denied. And more importantly, the colors of ΘΔX symbolize loyalty, purity, and secrecy which we believe should be well-represented here on campus.”

Theta Delta Chi was founded at Union College in 1847 and was initially chartered at Hobart College in 1857.

Theta Delta Chi has a long, beneficial relationship with the Colleges and has produced many prominent brothers, including Thomas Bozzuto ’68, who

the Bozzuto Boathouse is named for.

IFC President, Anthony Hobaica ‘09 views the addition of another fraternity to HWS is a positive, “I think expanding Greek-life on this campus is a great thing. We are on an upward swing, our numbers overall are higher than they have been in many years, so why not keep it going by adding another. Theta Delta Chi has an incredible, long-standing tradition as well as a positive legacy on the Hobart campus. With that said, some will be skeptical considering the misfortunes they had in the mid 1990’s. I do not think that should have any reflection on the national organization nor the gentleman that are working hard to revive the Hobart chapter. That was a long time ago, they are a good group of guys, and I truly believe that will serve our campus well.”

However, not all feedback has been positive. Though the process of re-colonizing Theta Delta Chi has been kept relatively quiet, one William Smith student remarked, “I don’t know why we need another one. They’re just an excuse to live off campus with their friends and have big parties.” Another William Smith student countered, “The expansion of Greek-life is great, but it isn’t fair that they [Hobart students] get to have another fraternity when we don’t even have one sorority.” While some are apprehensive, the general response seems to be a positive one, though the process of re-colonization is far from over.

MILLER continued from page 1 In light of this incident, Campus Security has heightened security measures on the hill. Security officials have never witnessed anything even close to the intensity of these recent break-ins. They have even gone so far as to hire security guards from Morris, an independent agency, to supplement the existing guards. As Brown mentioned, “There just isn’t enough staff because the majority are working up to sixty-hour weeks, and this overtime causes them to get sick—they call in.” Therefore, Morris Security is filling in any gaps that may leave the residential buildings vulnerable. The security forces have hourly walking routes where they check for propped doors, secure the entry level windows, and make certain that there are no “suspicious” characters wandering the campus.

Several other measures have been taken to increase the level of protection on campus. Security has reinstated the use of lighting near areas that had been previously turned off, a pine tree has been trimmed to improve visibility, and more reliable screens have been put in residential

windows. There are also initiatives to add more blue lights to certain regions.

As a side note, the blue lights do not function during any sort of power outage, but the attached telephones do continue to work. While new security measures continue to be implemented, students can be assured that Hobart and William Smith Colleges are serious about the prevention of any future break-ins.

Shortly after the incident, the residents on the hill were asked to attend an informational meeting regarding the intrusion with Cal Brown, the head of Campus Security. Brown communicated that a middle-aged Hispanic man had broken the kitchen window in the basement of Miller, proceeded to enter the bathroom and grabbed a young woman. The woman screamed causing the intruder to run off. Around 50 residents attended the meeting and were asked to “use their common sense, and report suspicious behavior,” states McCaffrey.

Residents were given the opportunity to contribute their opinions on the matter.

short period of time to make a profit.

As a result home ownership increased in the 2000s, but on a very precarious base.

Money for the loans came from several sources. The FED lowered short term rates to 1% in the 2000s so that money was very “cheap.” In Japan, interest rates were also very low, so US banks would borrow yen in Japan, convert the yen to dollars and then buy derivatives which paid much higher rates of interest. With so much “cheap” money, all of the financial institutions borrowed more, created new derivatives and kept selling them to one another without any regulation. This part of the finance sector was completely unregulated so banks could buy derivatives and then use them to borrow more (increase their leverage) and purchase more derivatives, with no assets required to be held as reserves.

How did this all grow into a full fledged crisis this fall? In 2007, the FED raised short- term interest rates so that the real rate was no longer negative. Japan also raised its rates, so short term money was not as “cheap” as before. In short, the era of a cheap source of money disappeared. Foreclosures began to rise because homeowners could not pay the substantially higher mortgage payments; in order to cover the losses, financial institutions had to sell some of their holdings.

Banks became fearful of loaning money for two reasons: first, because the borrowing institution might fail completely like Bear Sterns or second,

because the loan might be used to back up a weak derivative which might eventually be worthless.

The ‘Wall Street” crisis moved to “Main Street” as banks became fearful to make loans to anyone –companies for operating expenses or individuals for mortgages, car loans and student loans. This has depressed the economy and surely increased the likelihood that the US is in a recession. Two weeks ago, HWS faced a dilemma: payroll was due and a portion of the colleges’ funds were tied up in Wachovia Bank’s Common Fund with money from hundreds of other colleges and universities.

When Wachovia Bank failed, it froze the Common Fund, thus jeopardizing the employees’ paychecks at the colleges. Fortunately, the colleges had funds in several other institutions, was able to meet the payroll and the funds in the Common Fund have since been released (Wachovia was bought by Wells Fargo) and shifted to Government Securities. This is an example of how the crisis can affect hundreds of people living in a small town like Geneva.

To try to shore up the financial sector, increase liquidity (the flow of funds) between banks and prevent a deep recession, the Bush administration, Congress, the FED and other countries around the world have taken a variety of measures.

What those measures are, why they have been taken and how they are expected to work will be the topics covered in the next issue of The Herald.

SECURITY continued from page 1 people will interpret the situation and have very different versions, such as some are audio responsive while others are more visual.

Last Saturday was expected to be a quiet weekend in that virtually no parties hosted by fraternities had been approved by the Student Life and Leadership and very little activity was anticipated on this chilly October night. As such it was rather surprising when Lieutenant Luongo ran into two situations of urgency. Anywhere from three to four students can be taken away in the Finger Lakes Ambulance on any given weekend. Depending on the judgment of the very efficient team of student EMT’s, they determine the precautionary actions that need to be taken. They really proved themselves to be heroes as they quickly and effectively assessed various situations pertaining to excessive amounts of alcohol consumption.

Driving around in the campus security vehicle, Luongo watches for abnormal activity, or students who seem to be staggering and potentially in danger of alcohol poisoning. Any severe situations including alcohol could lead to death. Luongo mentions that, “The thought of calling home to a parent to ask them to come identify their daughter or son’s body is beyond tragic.” Lieutenant Luongo and Officer Dave Quartaro have already dealt with the tragic passing of a 26 year old coach, Brad Wilby, after he had

a heart attack mid training. Luongo describes, “We did everything in our power, but time seemed to stop, and it was all so surreal; we tried to revive him for fifteen to twenty minutes without success.” Campus Security is truly dedicated to the overall protection of the area.

When radioed by the dispatcher, about three security guards were called over to a dorm on campus to aid in an emergency. A student was said to be “unconscious.” Upon arrival, the guards determined that he was not unconscious, and the EMTs arrived almost simultaneously. The guards asked the young man his name and some other basic questions. The security guards verified that, “We are only concerned about your health, buddy,” which seemed to be the overall theme of the night. They also reassured him, “We are not here to get you in trouble.” They just needed to coax the necessary information out of him regarding how much he drank, and if he was on any sort of medication. Contrary to popular belief, Campus Security is not doling out punishments and do not penalize the students. They only are to report, in an unbiased fashion, what happens and have little to nothing to do with any disciplinary action.

Using your intuition as a security guard is a vital skill and is almost considered a sixth sense. As a member of the Geneva community, Luongo

can tell the difference between an HWS student and a resident of Geneva. “They don’t act the same, the very way that they carry themselves is noticeable, and I can tell by their wave, if it’s a purposeful wave or a wave that they recognize that I am here to look out for them.” He also mentioned, “Their stride doesn’t fit that of a student, and their physical responses can be a give-away.” Using this intuition, after seeing a student literally being carried by her friends along St. Clair St. and Pultney St., Luongo pulled over to make sure that this young woman was going to be all right. After assessing her condition he called for EMT back-up along with a few other security guards. She was rushed to the ER. So if this was a quiet weekend, one can only imagine what the night of Halloween will be like for these already busy security guards. They will most certainly have more security guards on duty than normal on Halloween night, at least seven. Not only is it going to be a big party night, but it will be all the more challenging as the vast majority will be running around unrecognizable, in assorted masks and costumes only presenting a new element of difficulty for Campus Security. Luongo smiled as he smoked his cigarette, at the thought of next weekend in comparison to this tranquil one, “Yeah if you are looking for action, next weekend will be full.”

THE HERALD, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2008

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Campus Happenings On The Campaign Trail Candidates work hard and conclude campaign message as Decision Day is just around the corner

By Andrew Donovan ‘12 Herald Contributor It is almost decision time – we are this indictment will certainly effect now in the final stretch of the 2008 whether he will be successful in Presidential Election. Senator John reclaiming his seat. This could also McCain is still confident he will win tarnish the reputation of his party and despite being behind in most polls jeopardize Senator John McCain’s with less than a week before Election bid for president. Vice Presidential Day while Senator Barack Obama is Candidate Sarah Palin is also from playing on the offensive in order to Alaska and commented on the news take his lead and turn it into a win. from the campaign trail, “It’s a sad day Both candidates are working hard in for Alaska and a sad day for Senator what will be a close race to the end. Stevens and his family.”

Some important events have come Another late story came out into play over the past week. regarding a supposed assassination One big story was surrounding attempt against Senator Barack Sarah Palin’s wardrobe. Reports Obama. Investigators feel that this claimed that the Republican Committee was never a serious threat to the paid $150,000 of campaign finances on presidential candidate, but something a wardrobe for the Vice Presidential was certainly in the works. It is known Candidate and her family. According that two men, one 18-years-old from to some sources, the campaign spent Arkansas and the other 20-years-old about $75,000 at Neiman Marcus and from Tennessee, met online and started almost $50,000 at Saks Fifth Avenue. created plans for a radical attempt.

Campaign officials said that there A vehicle they owned has swastikas was a hurry to purchase clothing that and neo-Nazi symbols painted on it. would suit the candidate for climates They were going to rob houses for money and weapons and then go on of all different areas.

Battleground states are now the a shooting-spree at a predominantly focus of both campaigns, most of black school. They would then dress which are states that President Bush in white tuxedos and attempt to shoot won four years ago and are bitterly at Barack Obama. It is made clear that contested. Most people agree that this was a preliminary plan still being developed and was never a serious the Electoral or imminent College Map threat to the heavily favors presidential O b a m a , candidate. making this In the final final week stretch, both the most candidates important for will give McCain. the closing A lateargument breaking for their story came out campaigns.

Monday night B a r a c k regarding Courtesy of http://a.abcnews.com/images/Politics/abc_mccain_obama_070525_mn.jpg Obama will Republican Senator Ted Stevens of Alaska. The continue in the battleground states senior politician was convicted of and propose his final thoughts to the corruption charges and this will now American people, such as using a 30threaten his 40-year-old career. He minute network television primetime was charged on seven counts of lying advertisement on Wednesday. John about free home renovations and other McCain will continue to stay focused gifts he was given from a supporter. in order to gain back his recently The 84-year-old now faces up to five lost ground. He will try and avoid the years in prison for each count, but distractions being presented to him will most likely receive less. Stevens and work to distance himself from the is in the midst of a brutal election current administration. against challenger Mark Begich and

THUMBS UP 1. To Halloween!

2. To pumpkin carving 3. To Election Day! 4. To Sustainable Saturdays 5. To the World Series

Report Card continued from page 1 If the Performing Arts building is certified to Leeds system, this does not seem to be enough for a higher grade. standards it will be the first building of its kind on the HWS What is not taken into account is that all of these programs campus – a fact that earned the Colleges a D in the area are student initiatives that have been implemented within of Green Building. Not only are there no Leeds Certified this last year. If this is what the campus can accomplish in buildings on campus, but a huge concern with the only one year- where improvement is necessary-then new current buildings is the heating efficiency; this deficiency projects will raise this grade. can be attested to by any student living in a dorm. It is Hobart and William Smith Colleges is a small a common occurrence institution and, though it to see windows open in was rated among the three dorm rooms in the dead of hundred colleges with the winter because the room is largest endowments, we have a sauna, or conversely it is to remember HWS still has the North Pole no matter one of the lowest endowments what the thermostat says. evaluated. Colleges such as In the coming future Middlebury, which is one this will become a focus of the highest scoring on as surveys are done to the Sustainability Report take inventory of these Card has an endowment of problem spots and hold $1 billion compared to our Buildings and Grounds $180 million, allowing for accountable for setting a more spending on green heating standard. innovation.

So far, the Recycling and food Colleges have implemented management has been a number of sustainable a huge focus this school programs supported by the year with the addition administration in a short of over 1,100 new blue period of time; these can be recycling bins on campus, improved and expanded in both small and large for the coming years, but this http://www.sthilda.ca/images/earth.jpg dorm rooms and floors is insignificant without the respectively. Saga now composts 100% with one ton of participation of the student body. The meeting Tuesday compost hauled away each week – a huge accomplishment night was a discussion of ideas and solutions between for our school so soon after the program’s implementation. peers – something that needs to expand to the campus These factors were not even measured when the Colleges at large. were given a B for the Food & Recycling portion of the HWS got a C+ on its Sustainability Report Card, the grade – not a bad grade considering the discussion that average grade for all colleges reviewed. This is the first arose at the meeting. It is vital to realize that the addition year HWS has been included in this report, so average is a of composting and numerous recycling bins is useless decent score, especially when there is so much possibility without participation by the student body. The only place for improvement.

However, improvement can only where recycling bins are not directly next to trashcans happen with the interest and involvement of the entire is outside along the paths, due to the ridiculous expense campus. Don’t settle for decent again, take pride in the of aesthetically pleasing outdoor bins. So please, if you Colleges – what are you going to do to sustain HWS? You can’t find the recycling, walk twenty feet to a building, could start by recycling the Herald when you’re done. there’s most likely one right inside the door – if not, let For more information on the Sustainability someone know.

Report Card and Hobart and William Smith Colleges Transportation was another low grade on the report full review please visit www.GreenReportCard. card. Though citing the community bike program, the org. electric golf carts and trucks, as well as the new shuttle

Rumors Fly as Centennial Weekend Nears

By Belinda Littlefield ‘11 Layout Editor William Smith centennial is the anticipated event to in relation to the Gala itself are floor to ceiling black of the year, and in less than a week, the campus will curtains hung around the entirety of Bristol Field House; be inundated with William Smith alumni coming to this would require a lot of yards of material but, so far, is participate in the many different events planned for the unconfirmed. Among the decorations there are supposed weekend of November 8, 2008. The Alumni House and the to be real trees, which may or may not be planted after deans are being very close-mouthed about many of the the Gala’s conclusion. more interesting details but rumors Some of the more secretive information have been circulating about what can behind Centennial (again unconfirmed) be expected during the three days in is that President Gearan’s garage band, which this event will be celebrated. known only to play at graduation, will Publicized activities include a bus tour be part of the entertainment at the Gala. of historic Geneva, traditional high tea Supposedly, a “famous” MC will be coming with the Deans, Centennial college for some part of Centennial; however, the sessions, and a luncheon with an, as name of this person has yet to be released. yet, undisclosed keynote speaker. The One thing that is known is that there will weekend will conclude with a Gala, be a Green Carpet, in place of the typical which is expected to have a greater Hollywood Red Carpet. Supposedly, there turn out than the Campaign for the will be “press” lining the carpet and asking Colleges event a few years ago. people who they are wearing as they enter In relation to the rumors that the Gala. Although none of these rumors have been circulating, there are ones are, as of yet, confirmed, it is reason pertaining to unofficial Centennial enough to attend the Gala and see what events as well as what can be expected turns about to be true and which ones are at the Gala. One rumor that has been merely the fodder of a rampant gossip mill circulating in relation to William Courtesy of http://www.anu.edu.au/anugreen/files/403_ in the Colleges. Whether these rumors are question%20mark.jpg Smith, himself; apparently, there is supposed to be a true, or turn out to be mere inventions, be prepared for séance over his grave. However, this rumor has yet to the star treatment at William Smith’s weekend Centennial be confirmed by anyone at the Alumni House or the celebration.

Deans’ office. Some things to potentially look forward

New Feminist Publication

THUMBS DOWN 1. To the first snow 2. To Lonnie still being around 3. To the courtyard behind Scandling not being done yet 4. To HWS spending $25,000 on the mailings for the Centennial 5. To midterms still going on

By Katie Levenstein ‘12 Herald Contributor

Upon reading this headline, you may be thinking, “The Monthly Visitor—is that referring to a girl’s period?” It is, in fact, but it is also the name of the new publication soon to be found on campus.

Most people will probably refer to The Monthly Visitor as our school’s feminist newspaper. WAVES, the former feminist newspaper, was the inspiration for The Monthly Visitor. However, WAVES disappeared about 10 years ago when support for the paper declined.

Junior Erin Cunningham, with the support and encouragement of women’s studies professor Betty Bayer, is organizing the return of a feminist newspaper on campus. In Erin’s own words, “There is a need for a women’s publication on campus.” Not only will the new paper address women’s issues on campus, but also women’s role in American society. First-year student, Karissa Seeberger says that the newspaper

aims at “reinventing the idea of feminism.”

The first official meeting for The Monthly Visitor was this past Wednesday night, where several important issues were discussed. At the forefront of these issues was concern over funding. One possibility is to gain support from local businesses interested in funding the newspaper. Ideas for future articles included women in sports, cosmetics, and poems about feminism. The goal date for the premier issue is Tuesday, Nov. 18. As the title infers, the newspaper will be coming out once a month.

Not only is the newspaper designed to appeal to women, but to men as well. Along the same lines, the newspaper staff is not restricted to just William Smith students—Hobart students are more than welcome to write for the paper.

THE HERALD, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2008

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Campus Happenings A Big Piece of Garbage

By TJ Radzwich ’09 Campus Happenings Editor For my most recent sustainable experiment I decided that I was going to try and cut down my waste. This new experiment was inspired by an experience I had this past summer.

While working as a counselor for ESSYI (our school’s environmental science summer camp for high school students), there was a course on garbage taught by Professor Darrin Magee. As part of this session we took a trip to the landfill/recycling plant which is about 10 minutes away on 5 and 20. I had never been to a landfill before, besides the occasional passing of one on the highway, and I only knew the basics of what actually happened at a landfill. After this one trip, however, I became much more aware of all the things that go into every week’s trash that really don’t have to.

While at this landfill/recycling plant, the main thing that really hit me was the fact that we were using so much land in this country to dump our garbage into airtight bubbles buried in the ground. Sure, some of these landfills harness the methane gas and use it for heating while others are converted into beautiful golf courses, but it does not change the fact that tons and tons of our waste is sitting underneath the surface when much of it can be recycled, composted or reused. With the amount of useful land left on our dwindling planet shouldn’t we be trying our hardest to keep it that way, instead of using it for all our trash?

There was an episode of the cartoon “Futurama” a few years back that focused on our society’s enormous amount of waste. This episode was called “A Big Piece of Garbage,” and its basic story was that the people of the 21st century created so much trash that there was nowhere left on the planet to put it. So, they carelessly shot it off into space and forgot about it, knowing that if the garbage ever returned it wouldn’t be their problem.

Eventually, the characters on the show in the 31st century, now have to deal with a huge ball of garbage hurling toward Earth.

I started my personal sustainability experiment by increasing my recycling as much as possible. I have been pretty good about it for the past few years but I knew that there could definitely be more improvement. I researched everything there was about recycling—from all the different types of plastics to the single stream recycling process that some plants,

including the one near HWS, use.

There were initially some questions that I wanted answered concerning what can and can’t be recycled. Most plastics are numbered one through seven—these can be recycled. Straws were my main question. I researched a little bit and found out that most companies that manufacture straws do use a plastic that is recyclable.

This was big news for me because now I wouldn’t have to question what happened to these straws once I threw them away.

I also tried my hardest to take every part of an item’s packaging and separate the recyclable parts from the non-recyclable parts. Things such as Oreos come in a tray and are also wrapped in the outer packaging.

I now know to remove the tray, which is recyclable from the outer packaging which isn’t. It may seem like minor stuff but all the items that get recycled add up and don’t end up at the landfill.

My other part of this experiment involved composting. Food waste is a huge portion of what a lot of people throw away. All that food waste, if thrown in the trash with everything else would just end up in the landfill as well. I had never composted at school before and luckily had some friends who were very much involved in this process. I got a simple five gallon bucket with a lid and kept it outside my Odell’s unit for three weeks. Whenever there was cooking going on, my roommates and I made sure to collect all the food scraps and put them into this bin. When this got full we took it to a larger container for compostable materials behind Saga.

This was all that needed to be done.

After seeing how much food waste actually went in our bucket and how easy it was to compost, it is definitely going to be something that I will continue doing.

After the past three weeks of reducing my waste I have realized that these tasks are not at all hard to do.

Sure, it may take an extra trip outside to throw away some food scraps, or it might take an extra second to rip apart the recyclable packaging from the non-recyclable. But isn’t it more important to leave our planet in a usable state? More importantly, is it worth the risk of a big ball of garbage hurling toward our great, great, great, great, great, great, grand children?

Club Profile: Campus Greens Campus Greens meets every Monday night at 8pm in the Sill House, 710 S. Main St. At meetings we discuss environmental happenings on campus and in our community.

Last year we successfully worked to distribute reusable mugs, coordinate the EcoBall, and start the “Get Caught Green Handed” initiative.

So far this year we have taken a trip to pick local apples and then used those apples to bake pies for the HWS community and the Community Lunch Program.

Greens members have also helped

out at various events this semester such as Orientation, Convocation, and Open House to coordinate composting and recycling efforts, Day of Service, and the Umphrey’s McGee concert.

In November we are helping with composting and recycling during Centennial Weekend, taking a trip to Fenner Wind Farm in Cazenovia, NY and visiting Casella Waste Plant.

Next semester we will work on coordinating Earth Week 2009 as well as continuing to make sure that upcoming events on campus are “green.”

Club Profile: Tango Club

By Karissa Seeberger ’12 Herald Contributor

Those who happened to pass by Hirshon Ballroom last Saturday evening may have noticed something different about the normally vacant room.

Known as a ballroom, one would think that dancing there would be more common; the eyes of the passersby saw a room full of partnered dancers, gliding across the floor to the unmistakable rhythm of a seductive tango in a dimly lit setting, ideal for such a powerful expression.

Perhaps, there was confusion at first, wondering, have we somehow ended up at an Argentine nightclub in Buenos Aires?

The distinct sound of the accordion floated through the air in a hauntingly nostalgic way, alluring people from all walks of life.

This was just the first event sponsored by Hobart and William Smith’s very own Tango Club: a Milonga Social Dance.

It was a Milonga, the Argentine slang pertaining to a social dance where the tango is celebrated, led by Travis Widrick, an alum of Hobart College and passionate tangero (one who dances the tango), whom is currently teaching tango in Rochester.

He held lessons from 4:30 until 6:00 pm for beginning dancers and then another lesson for intermediate dancers from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm.

The workshop began with a lovely display of Travis and his partner dancing a sample improvisational piece that left the participants’ mouths open in awe.

Truly witnessing the tango dispelled any preconceived Hollywood- imposed notions of people dramatic walking rose clenched in their teeth. A small taste was enough to convince the group that tango has to be one of the most attractive dances that exists and, after standing witness to this, their own passion seemed to be sparked.

T h e lesson started with the basics by literally starting with walking. The dance is intricate, requiring the formation of a slight A-frame between the couple, balance, and practice that can only be achieved after understanding the fundamentals.

Rotating partners kept the group on their toes and “el abrazo” (the embrace) of tango, perhaps initially making some uncomfortable, absorbed the participants into the subtlety of the dance; having their chest pressed against that of a complete stranger didn’t seem to matter anymore.

Travis gave insightful instruction to all the eager listeners that hung on his every word. The majority of those who attended the workshop fell head over heels in love with the tango and will continue their lessons downtown. As shocking as it may seem, Geneva has an excellent Tango scene and the Tango Club meets every Sunday on the second floor of the Scandling Student Center from 4:00 to 5:00 pm for lessons for all levels.

Baskets or Bust Successful

By Carrie Stevens ‘12 Sports Editor

“Do you like lobster or home-made chocolate treats? How about some exquisite jewelry? Diamonds are a girl’s best friend. Or a getaway to the Berkshires?

A little fresh air is always good.”

If you entered Scandling Center any time during the days leading up to Parent’s Weekend, you most likely heard enthusiastic William Smith athletes pitching these prizes to those passing by. The Heron’s rowing, basketball, soccer, and lacrosse teams organized this Chinese Auction, titled “Baskets or Bust,” in hopes of raising money to offset the cost of future trips, new equipment and uniforms, as well as other athletic needs.

“The William Smith Athletics Baskets or Bust fundraiser was an exciting event for our teams, raffle purchasers and basket item donors,” Deb Steward, the Athletic Director for the Herons, stated.

Starting in the summer months, the Herons worked toward securing items for each of the twenty-eight themed baskets. “It took a tremendous amount of teamwork and planning by our student-athletes and coaches to make this event successful,” Steward said. In the weeks leading up to the drawing, the athletes and coaches worked on organizing and packaging the baskets. “It was clear that each basket was crafted out of great collaborative thinking,” continued Steward.

Before the auction on October 4th, 2008, student-athletes sold tickets at campus buildings and facilities. “We send out a big thank you to all who purchased tickets or donated prizes for the basket.”

Unlike a normal auction where there is only one “bag” from which winners are chosen, a Chinese Auction

has several “bags” for each prize. “The enthusiasm and anticipation in the Heron Hall of Honor was electric as basket winning names were drawn,” Steward commented.

A few lucky attendees at the drawing on Saturday afternoon won door prizes including MTV tote bags and t-shirts, as well as gift certificates to Bagels and Cakes.

For only twenty dollars, ticket-purchasers had the opportunity to win a trip to the Berkshires, an assortment of unique jewelry, and even a state-of-the-art grill. Duncan Gillian, the father of a first-year lacrosse player, won the John Wooden autographed basketball, while Jen Nesbit, who works in the Alumni House, will get to spend a weekend at the races in Saratoga.

In the ten-dollar ticket drawing, Nancy Caves from Career Services and Professor Carol Critchlow walked away as winners. Nancy Caves was the lucky recipient of a meal cooked by WS Athlete Libby Greene. Upon her request, Libby will travel to Nancy’s house and prepare dinner for two. Professor Critchlow won the “Silent Night” basket, filled with holiday mixes and treats.

A grand total of $17,000 was raised to benefit William Smith Athletics. “Baskets or Bust was a huge success!” exclaimed William Smith Basketball Coach Lindsay Drury, who headed the fundraiser. “While the amount of money raised was impressive, the fundraiser also facilitated excellent teamwork among various teams and gave the student-athletes an opportunity to socialize with other offices and organizations on campus. We really appreciate the campus’ support and we hope everyone enjoyed the event.”

Umphry’s McGee Hangs With The Herald!

THE HERALD, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2008

5

Opinions The Bailout Bill

By Austin Tansantisuk ’09 Herald Contributer History is being made before our eyes as the market has one of the wildest and volatile weeks in the history of the United States. The S&P 500 managed to achieve its largest single day point gain ever, as well as its second largest single day point loss ever. The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DOW), leaped 936.42 points or 11.1% to its largest point gain in history erasing half of last week’s losses of 18%. These remarkable movements were caused by the government’s release of the bailout plan, which pertains to how they are going to delegate the money.

Announced by President George W. Bush and US Secretary Henry Paulson, the U.S. government will allot $250 billion of the $700 billion for banks that are considered to be “healthy institutions”. The government has made a revolutionary leap by becoming the largest shareholder of preferred stock in the best positioned banks: Morgan Stanley (MS), Wells Fargo (WFC), Citigroup (C), Goldman Sachs (GS), J.P. Morgan Chase (JPM), Bank of America (BAC), and Merrill Lynch (MER).

There has been significant debate about whether government intervention is the right course of action and whether or not a quarter of a trillion dollars will be effective enough to stem a deep recession in the United States.

One argument is that this bailout bill has not only brought the U.S deficit to record highs, but the money will not bring back consumer confidence in the markets nor the desire for banks to start lending again. So where is all this money coming from? The money is probably coming from the taxpayers, as well as, foreign nations that are buying up U.S. treasuries. Many wondered why the market tanked instead of skyrocketing after Congress approved the bill.

The answer is in the bill itself. After reading through the extra clauses and unnecessary additions from the original bill, the problems are evident. This new bill has been stuffed to the limit with unnecessary stipends for random organizations from tax subsidies for companies to wooden arrows for toy archery sets. This is a reckless use of tax payer money that should have gone to the recapitalization of the banking system.

The root of this economic fiasco comes from the credit market. It’s pretty simple; no one is willing to lend to another

for fear of that party not being able to repay the loan. This has led to a global financial collapse and the effects can be seen in almost every sector of the economy. Many feel, including congressmen, that the major banks have a lot more losses than realized on their balance sheets. This is the dilemma at hand.

There is still so much that is unknown because of exotic instruments that were created and implemented by banks that are both mysterious and confusing, causing a freeze in the credit market. These instruments are troublesome

because the market does not know how to properly value them. This has caused fear and panic for all traders and investors because these securities may be worthless. By buying up these illiquid assets, Paulson is keeping insolvent banks afloat and only delaying the inevitable collapse of that particular bank.

Whether a free-market economist, believing that banks should fail because they deserved to or for the government intervening- possibly stemming a collapse in the financial system- both sides agree that the economy has a long road ahead. Whether more banks will fail now is hard to say since the government likes to dabble in the market, but maybe this bailout bill will help promote lending between banks and slowly thaw the frozen credit markets.

Safer Roads for All

By Peter Kirchhausen Herald Contributor After eight years of George W. Bush behind the wheel, to justify a unitary executive branch which behaved more it is beyond refreshing to know that this, seemingly, never like a monarchy. Barack Obama graduated in the top 10th ending demolition derby will soon come to a close. Between of his class at Harvard Law School and was the first African now and January 20th, it is expected that the economic American editor of the schools law review. He later went on situation will worsen, but the American people and this to teach constitutional law at the University of Illinois while economy have gone through economic hardships in the also serving as a member of the state senate. It is nice to past and will do it again. As long as our American engine know that the little document that supposedly protects us still runs, we can and we will drive on. from our government will once again mean something.

Come January 20th, all Americans will be better off, As far as general competence goes, both candidates no matter who steps in the drivers’ seat. We can all come have either authored or co-authored biographical memoirs together on this fact; while a good driver is preferred in worth reading. John McCain also wrote a major paper on any automobile, a bad driver is still better than a driver torture pertaining to the Vietnam War during his enrollment who is asleep at the wheel. at the National War College. Barack Obama has penned Obama fans say that a McCain presidency would be pages and pages of hand written speech material to study a third term for George W. Bush. They forget that unlike if anyone is wondering what he is made of intellectually.

Bush, McCain believes people are behind global warming Obama’s epic thirty-seven minute long address on the and believes we must work together internationally to topic of race in America, as well as his trademark 2004 cap the emissions of global warming gasses. McCain has DNC speech were both Obama originals- no speech writers pushed hard on Detroit and has worked to increase fuel needed. In both, Obama’s honesty and intellect flowed like efficiency and curb emission standards in American cars. the best speeches do, and it seems that people are receptive Obama fans call McCain a war hawk, but forget that to the unusually authentic material Obama authors. It is McCain went against his party and clear that both candidates are book disagreed with the use of force in both smart and generally well versed on “We can all come Lebanon and Somalia. It was only a issues both at home and abroad. Both together on this fact; few years ago that McCain was a name love history and both understand that Democrats quickly referenced when to govern in the future, you must learn while a good driver pushed to name a Republican they from the past, in hopes of not repeating is preferred in any liked- that principled politician from past errors. This pragmatic approach Arizona who said what he believed. is something that has been lacking automobile, a bad McCain supporters call Obama and is sorely missed in Washington. driver is still better than a socialist. Would a socialist appoint The bottom line is, we’ve been Ronald Reagan’s Federal Reserve following this race for so long, nearly a driver who is asleep chief to be among his top economic two years myself, that we forget that at the wheel.” advisors? Would a socialist regularly our intense emotional attachment to solicit economic advice from Billionaire each candidate blurs our vision and Warren Buffet, a person who optimizes colors the lens out of which we look. capitalism at its core? McCain supporters, who tend to We want to believe that we have chosen the best candidate be Republican, raise the point that Obama would engage and, in order to buttress our own intellectual egos, we often our enemies in diplomacy. These supporters forget that fail to look objectively at all issues and sometimes at other the Bush Presidency reversed many of its failed foreign candidates. We don’t give ourselves the chance to question policy methods in 2006, and now have low level relations our own thoughts and at the same time alienate ourselves with the Iranians, do business with the Syrians, and in and make partisan enemies.

2007 George W. Bush personally hand wrote Kim Jong Il a In reality, we all want what is best for the United States letter praising him on disclosing information about North but we disagree on the methods needed in getting there.

Korea’s nuclear weapons program.

Obama is not as wonderful as his most ardent fans believe Having John McCain in office, it is likely that torture he is. McCain is not as bad as his most intense enemies will no longer be an embarrassing blemish associated with make him out to be, and vice versa. Both candidates will the United States. As a prisoner of war, John McCain knows have immense amounts of work to do from day one, and that torture is not an effective technique for obtaining the people they surround themselves with will also play a reliable intelligence from prisoners. In congressional critical role in the attempt of digging us out of this economic testimony and open hearings, McCain has openly criticized disaster we have found ourselves in. and condemned the Bush Presidency’s open defiance of Regardless of whoever inherits 1600 Pennsylvania international protocols and laws governing the conduct of Avenue, better days are to come. The dark days of Bush war. The potential leadership styles of a McCain Presidency are going to be a thing of the past. Starting on January are going to be different coming from a brave POW, than 20th, 2008, it will be a luxury to know that whoever steps coming from a cowardly member of the Texas Air Guard behind the wheel of the United States, the driver will who went missing and was marked as AWOL. actually be awake and will know what roads not to drive With Barack Obama, the constitution will be more down and might actually know the high roads which must than just two amendments. Other than pleading the 5th and be taken to return the car back home, safe and sound, having the right to bear arms, the document that helped where it belongs. found this union was either ignored or was manipulated

The Media’s Election

By Emma Stratigos ’12 Herald Contributor The media plays a huge part in every presidential election. It has the power to directly influence voters and choose the issues that they pay the most attention to. Every magazine is crowded with pictures and articles dealing with the election, while radio and television are constantly flooding their listeners and viewers with updates. Many people may not notice what a significant influence the media has on their perceptions of the candidates.

A study done by the Pew Research Center over the past month shows that most of the media coverage after the conventions has been geared toward the polling, tactics, and strategies of the candidates, and less toward their policies. The study also suggests that John McCain receives a larger percentage of negative publicity than positive, while Barrack Obama is generally portrayed in a slightly more favorable way. For the most part, though, whichever candidate appears to be winning the race at any given time is the one to receive better coverage.

Every form of media has made

it clear that the most important issue driving the election is the state of the economy. According to the Pew study, John McCain’s media coverage “began positively, but turned sharply negative with [his] reaction to the crisis in the financial markets.” During the week following the Republican convention, Barrack Obama experienced more negative than positive media coverage. But as the economic crisis became apparent and the two candidates prepared to debate, positive attention was again paid to Obama.

When the Vice Presidential candidates came into the picture, McCain clearly received more publicity. Sarah Palin has received a huge amount of attention from the media, ranging from positive to extremely negative. Many people immediately think of the attention paid to Palin’s personal matters, but the Pew study shows the only 5% of coverage was about her personal life.

Obama’s running mate, Joe Biden, was barely received any coverage in the media other than in association with the Vice Presidential debate.

Got an STD? Send an E-Card

By Rebecca Dennee ’10 Editor in Chief “You’re too hot to be out of action. I got diagnosed with an STD since we played. You might want to get checked too.”

As I was browsing the internet a CNN article popped onto my screen. inSPOT a nonprofit organization has made it possible to send ecards to your partner anonymously regarding an STD that you may have given them. I sat shocked for a minute before forwarding the article to friends.

Though we all laughed a little, if your options are to keep quiet and hope your partner figures it out, tell them face to face or send them the news anonymously, I think most of us would choose the anonymous route. It allows people to be more honest, but save themselves from embarrassment or shame.

The pictures and the punch line’s of the e-cards were a bit shocking. Some are more sexual than other’s; one picture allows the user to just send an “I’m sorry” note while others have a bit more of a sexual tone. The one that made me giggle the most is a picture of a half naked man pictured next to this article which reads “It’s not what you brought to the party; it’s what you left with…”

I am in no way saying that STDs are funny. It is an important service that allows users the needed anonymity while still being flirty and humorous to lighten the mood if that is how they feel they want to deal with the situation.

Along with the e-card, the site

provides information regarding where to get tested in specific regions. Not all cities have teamed up with the site; however, it has caught on with most major cities and states and the resources are spreading. “It’s not like you get a card and it’s, ‘Oh no, it’s a dead end,’” said Deb Levine, executive director of Internet Sexuality Information

Services, a nonprofit organization.

“The card leads you to regularly updated information about what you may have been exposed to.” The site also provides very thorough information about all STDs as well as possible treatments.

They are aware that some use the site for jokes and pranks; however it is a way to potentially save your prior partners from facing major health issues or spreading the infection to others. They have not yet researched the effectiveness; however, there have been about 50,000 sent out and counting.

Be safe, and when in doubt send an e-card. It’s anonymous.

Fall into Service!

We hope that you’ll participate in this wonderful tradition of Hobart and William Smith faculty, students, and staff, along with our Geneva community members, coming together to do good work in our community for the final Day of Service on Sunday, November 2, whose theme is Children and Literacy. During this Day of Service, we will be hosting Kids’ Fest as well sending students to several sites in order to which are geared towards children and their families.

Everyone is invited to take part in this wonderful tradition that symbolizes the values of service embodied by Hobart and William Smith Colleges. Registration is available on the HWS website, and anyone may register as a team or individual.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact DayS of Service 2008 co-chairs Katie Taylor (WS ’09), kathleen.taylor@hws.edu, or Jillian Petrella (WS ’09), jillian.petrella@hws.edu

6

THE HERALD, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2008

Arts and Entertainment Ask Dr. Blackwell Our Very Own HWS Sex Advice Columnist

Dear Liz, My boyfriend and I have been dating for about a year and a half, and while we’ve been getting to know and care for each other more and more…the sex is just getting dull.

There will be nights when I feel as if I share a lifestyle more similar to my 80 year old grandmother, more than other college students my own age.

We lay in our twin bed talking about politics and the economy, rather than, well you know, humping and other such activities. Do you have any suggestions on how to spice up our night life?

Yours truly, Bored in Bed Dear Bored in Bed, I am so sorry to hear this! Even as an old woman, permeated in statue form on the campus, even I have a more exciting night life than you! I get to see lots of students running about to parties and occasionally, some drunken students will even pee on me! While this might not be quite so sexy, it is sure more exciting than our receding economy!

For your boredom in the bedroom, I might suggest some role play to spice things up. Halloween is right around the corner and there are plenty of sexy little costumes ready to be bought! I suggest a police officer with handcuffs and even a whip…you know to really get things going! If this does not work, I may suggest some new exciting

positions like the “reverse cowgirl” or even buying some flavored colored condoms just to keep things playful!

If these suggestions do not work, hit up Showworld and see the plethora of sexual goodies that they carry!

Best of luck, Elizabeth Blackwell Dear Dr. Blackwell, My boyfriend has been very keen on the idea of giving it to me from behind. I am not sure how I feel about this at all. I have stated quite clearly that I find this idea disgusting, yet multiple times a week he tried to warm me up to this idea by “accidentally” finding the wrong hole or even letting his fingers linger. I hate this and it makes me uncomfortable, what should I do?

Love, Disgusted Dear Disgusted, Dump that pervert!

Love, Dr. Blackwell Dear Dr. Blackwell, I am writing to you in total anonymity and it is really embarrassing for me to even write this to you and admit this publically. Lately, when I’ve tried to go to the bathroom, I’ve experienced a burning sensation. I thought that I’d ignore this and that maybe it would go away in a few days and it was just my stomach or something acting up. Then a few

‘Quarantine’ : Not All Bad Got a question about sex that you need answered?

Can’t ask anyone else?

Don’t know you got that STD from last weekend or what it is?

Write me at herald@hws.edu

days later, I started to experience a strange colored discharge coming from my penis and later pain in my testes. It’s gotten so bad that I can hardly stand up! I think I can pinpoint the symptoms starting from around the time my roommate bought me a stripper for my 21st birthday. I figured since you were a doctor, that you’d know what to do…any ideas?

From, Hurtin’ at Hobart Dear Mr. Hobart, While strippers might be fun to look at…they’re not always as much fun to play with, as you now see.

From your description it sounds as if you have Chlamydia, which is caused by the Chlamydia trachomatis bacteria. One can contract this disease by engaging in oral or vaginal intercourse…which it sounds like you might have with your stripper friend.

You are not to worry though my dear, Chlamydia can be easily cured, just go to Hubbs and they will give you an antibiotic, most likely azithromycin, or doxycycline. Make sure you take your pills for the specified period, even if the symptoms go away, and if this doesn’t work, go back to Hubbs and they will give you something new to try. Also, if you’ve had sexual intercourse with anyone since the stripper, be sure to tell them, so that they may get checked as well.

Love, Dr. Liz

Haunted Hobart Hirshon Room 304: Books fly off the shelf, blinds pull down and fly up on their own.

Scratching noises along both walls can be heard and footsteps when no one is there.

The Quad: Formerly a graveyard before the school was built, a ghostly man and his dog can be seen early in the morning walking across the lawn.

Smith Hall: A man can be heard and seen walking along the roof during early hours of the morning.

William Smith’s Grave: William Smith, a believer in the spiritual afterlife can be seen walking around the cemetery late at night.

Garfield Minus Garfield Who would have guessed that when you remove Garfield from the Garfield comic strips, the result is an even better comic about schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and the empty desperation of modern life?

Friends, meet Jon Arbuckle. Let’s laugh and learn with him on a journey deep into the tortured mind of an isolated young everyman as he fights a losing battle against loneliness in a quiet American suburb.

Check out http://garfieldminusgarfield.tumblr.com/ for more hilarious comics!

By Will McConnell ’12 Herald Contributor Thanks to Quarantine, moviegoers will have the opportunity to see somebody get killed with a camera, and it’s just as disturbingly hilarious as it sounds. And that’s not the movie’s only opportunity; people are also killed with axes, guns, glass, teeth, dogs, fists, falls, and maybe an innocuous blunt metal object or two. And all this happens in the comfort of an inner-city apartment!

Quarantine is mostly about people killing and getting killed, but they did find time to include some other events too.

A peppy reporter (Jennifer Carpenter of “Dexter”) and her manly cameraman (Steve Harris) are scheduled to shadow a fire-fighting duo (Jay Hernandez, Johnathon Schaech) on a graveyard shift at the department. The night begins as you would expect: eating, joking, and mild sexism. The sexism doesn’t last (does it ever?), and soon the whole crowd’s off to an apartment where a woman has been reported to be screaming like the devil.

Well, the old woman starts biting people, she takes a few bullets, and everybody is interested in taking off.

Unfortunately, the CDC has arrived and inexplicably barricaded the doors and windows. It turns out a new strain of rabies has infiltrated the apartment, causing those who are infected to become extremely angry. The ranks of the rabid swell, the list of leftovers dwindle, and things progress about how one would expect from there.

The first half hour bores me and Quarantine turns downright ugly after that. The film is shot entirely firstperson camera style, which definitely enhances the mood. Once the power goes out, a single beam of light or tinted night vision offer the only visibility to both the trapped and the audience. It’s a good thing directorwriter John Erick Dowdle went with this gimmick because there certainly would not have been much to say without it.

It would be unfair to disparage Quarantine for its moody atmosphere, except that it’s been done before and

better, notably in “REC.”, the Spanish film on which this film was based.

The bottom line: there’s nothing new here.

“It just felt like a watered-down copy of 28 Days Later,” said firstyear Hobart student Hunter Lacroix after seeing the film. The “fast zombie,” which that film is known for popularizing, makes an appearance here as well, but again, there’s nothing innovative to it. So, Quarantine offers the premise of much better films using the styles of those that are as good if not better. Why bother watching?

Well, Quarantine is what’s available right now. It’s not a bad film; it just isn’t a great one. Horror fans don’t have much to work with right now, and there are real scares here, albeit some that are so over the top hilarious. Another compliment: no outlandish plot elements so characteristic of Hollywood nowadays make an appearance. Characters develop a little bit, enough to give the film a bit of emotional oomph, although it’s difficult to care too much given the questionable marketing for the film (posters that say “no survivors”, a commercial which gives away the ending, etc.). Oh, and the acting’s ok too. Quarantine won’t surpass any expectations, unless you have pretty low expectations.

Why “High School Musical”?

By Belinda Littlefield Layout Editor As “High School Musical 3” made its way to the big screen, hitting movie theatres on October 24, 2008, the big question is, why is it so popular with people over the age of sixteen?

The original “High School Musical” impressed all by having the largest audience for a television-broadcast movie. Part of the fascination with this movie comes from being a modern version of “West Side Story,” combining the typical high school love story with a plot line that harkens back to Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet.”

This movie series represents the unrealistic, yet idealistic high school years that no one is, has, or ever will experience. However, that doesn’t stop factions of fans across the globe from imagining that that’s what high school is like, even if they know the opposite

to be true. The movie provides an ideal in which differences are at first rejected and then embraced; it represents the acceptance that people want to find in others. Pertaining to the original question, the movies are markedly relevant when looked at from a general context. The first year of college is just as awkward as high school and, as such, college students can relate to it in this manner as well as use it as a way to reminisce about their high school years.

On campus, however, when students have confessed to being fans, they’re met with pitying smiles or blatant disbelief; some are subjected to a cross-examination while others are told, in excruciating detail, why the movie “sucks.” It’s, apparently, not socially acceptable to be a college student and a “High School Musical” fan without being castigated.

A few students have been fortunate in finding fellow fans without making a public admittance, but there are still others that may never be discovered.

Surely, there’s someone reading this article right now that is saying to themselves, “I’m a High School Musical fan”; just know that you’re not alone. In order to assure those amongst the student body that are still skeptical, among the audience of “High School Musical 3,” on the night of its premiere, several William Smith sweatshirts were spotted among the parents and children- from elementary to high school- that were there in their Wildcat gear to see the movie.

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THE HERALD, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2008

Arts and Entertainment ARTS Collective Happenings

By Amy Nimon ’11 Herald Contributor With new club coordinators Yeasmine Khalique and Ben D’Innocenzo, ARTS Collective is off to a great start this year.

They kicked off the semester with the Political Art Show, which opened Friday, October 24th at Houghton House. Allison McCracken, Kim White, Ben, Moira O’Neil, Genoa Boswell, Annie Lindenhovius, and Mary Harris were major contributors to setting up the show and making it happen. Ben, Kim, Moira, and Annie were also among the contributing artists, along with Yeasmine, Cathy Shiflett, Allison May, and Barry Samaha. From paintings to photography to paper cranes and an emotional shortfilm created by Genoa Boswell, the show displayed all kinds of art with all kinds of messages—gender relations, various political standpoints, and the ugliness of war, just to name a few.

The next event for ARTS Collective is the Fall Festival, which will be held in The Barn on Friday, November 14th. Musicians and other talent will be performing, so it will definitely be worth attending! Also, all performers of any kind who would like to be part of the Festival are encouraged to contact Yeasmine or Ben for more information. Auditions are scheduled for November 5th.

ARTS Collective has added a new event to their list this year, and that is the Post Secret project. All students will be able to anonymously submit any kind of secret or confession, which will then be added alongside all other submitted secrets in a large display. The location for the display is to be announced, so keep your eyes peeled for more information.

Also in the works is the second annual Fashion Show.

Functioning a little differently this year, Yeasmine and Annie Lindenhovius will be organizing, designing for, and hosting the Fashion Show for class credit under the advisory of Art History professor Pat Matthews. Anyone interested in designing their own clothing for the show or modeling clothing is encouraged to contact Yeasmine or Annie. Anyone can design or model, just let them know! Modeling auditions will be held during the month of November; be on the lookout for the official dates. The Fashion Show itself will be held on December 5th and should definitely be a success, so don’t miss it!

And High School Musical Continues...

High School Musical 3 Reviewed

By Belinda Littlefield Layout Editor The “High School Musical” series has become a cult movie, the likes of which can only be compared to “Harry Potter” and the upcoming release of “Twilight.” However, “High School Musical 3” must be viewed skeptically in light of its former success as well as its premiere as the third of a series. This third, however, doesn’t disappoint in providing a very unique theatre experience.

Ironically, this is the only one of the three movies that provides an actual musical within the context of the movie, depicting the “Senior Year” of the East High Wildcats. Departing from the typical high school story, the leading man, Troy Bolton (Zac Efron)- rather than the leading woman, Gabriella Montez (Vanessa Hudgens)has to decide who he wants to be: the University of Albuquerque basketball star or the Julliard actor. The movie is filled with soulful ballads reminiscent of high school prom and upbeat, pop songs that are about an age-old teenage worry: the future.

The movie was surprisingly relevant, especially to the college years, as students are constantly asked what they’re going to do with their lives. While the movie gives a satisfying answer for the characters in the film, the audience sees that it hasn’t come easily to the characters; also, the answers to questions of identity and purpose in life can’t be considered on a whim. Providing a particularly unique experience, the movie elicited screams as well as rounds of singing and clapping by an audience already familiar with the movie’s soundtrack.

MOVIE TIMES

OH S#!$, It’s Halloween Some easy, homemade costume ideas for those in a bind

So you’re in a bind. It’s Friday, October 31st 5pm, and you have just been reminded that it is HALLOWEEN and you need a costume so you can go to your mad-baller kick-ass partay. Well look no further, The Herald is with you in a bind, here are a few ideas:

By Carly Cummings ’10 A&E Editor 1) Be a nerd-shorten your pants with duck tape, button your shirt crooked, take someone’s glasses, carry your least favorite book that you never used in class and couldn’t sell back, high socks, and slick your hair back sexy

spots to be a ladybug, or dress in yellow and use black electrical tape to become a bee, make pipe cleaner antennas for the full effect.

2) Wear a nice dress, cheap crown, some heels, and make a sash out of your old toga, and tada Miss America, works nice for boys or girls, carry some fake flowers for extra effect.

3) Borrow some toilet paper from your dorm, wrap yourself, do it up hardcore, and you’re a mummy

13) Act like you are going to an 80’s party, leggings, cut sweatshirt, converse, big jewelry, big hair, etc, make it into an aerobics instructor with leg warmers and a headband.

4) Be an animal! Wear one color, find a headband, attach some paper ears (cat, bunny, skunk, etc.) maybe add a tail, do it up skanky Mean Girls style f you want.

5) Be a preppy something, you know you can go all out since you already own it, get out the plaids, rock a sweater around the shoulders, add a golf club, tennis racquet, croquet mallet (I saw you with them) etc for extra effect.

6) Go cowboy /cowgirl with a plaid shirt (tie it up if you want) jeans/jean skirt, and some cowboy boots and/or a hat

14) Black suit + sunglasses= Blues Brothers 15) Wear a robe, maybe some slippers, boxers, or a towel on your head

7) Be a cop. Wear a black skirt/pants, a blue or white button up shirt (all the way buttoned for guys) add a tie and mustache for boys, badge, sunglasses, black belt and handcuffs optional for all.

8) Cooking pot + head= Pothead 9) Dress in black and cut out a white 8 and tape it to your front, or cut a big black circle out of poster board with a white circle in the middle and draw on a black 8, and be a magic 8 ball, make sure you’ve got responses to everyone’s questions.

16) Put on a lab coat with an awkward sexual innuendo nametag, such as “Dr. Ophelia Cummings” Remember to get inspired by the Tractor Supply store on 5 & 20 http://www.tractorsupply.com, Walmart www. walmart.com, and the thrift store downtown.

10) Throw paint on your clothes, add a beret if you want, carry a paint brush, and be an artist.

11) Be an athlete, wear a sports jersey, and add a hat or some black paint under your eyes for extra pizzazz.

12) Be a bug, the new sexy look for Halloween as I’m sure you’ve all seen the past few years, but do it yourself! Dress in red, add some black paper

ASpiritedReview...

HAPPY HALLOWEEN FROM THE HERALD STAFF!

The Original Drink of the Week Since 2006

Classic Georgia Drinks

By TJ Radzwich ’09 Campus Happenings Editor A Night in Georgia 1/2 oz Aftershock Hot & Cool Cinnamon Schnapps 1/2 oz Captain Morgan Parrot Bay Pineapple Rum Prepare this by mixing the two in a shot glass, then pour into a cocktail glass and let them separate before drinking.

Georgia Sunrise 3.0 oz Peach Schnapps Orange Juice 1 splash Grenadine Pour the peach schnapps into a hurricane glass and then fill with orange juice. Add a splash of grenadine by tilting the glass and pouring the grenadine down the side. The grenadine should go straight to the bottom and then rise up slowly through the drink.

Atlanta Brave 1.0 oz Peach Schnapps 1.0 oz Vodka Fill a shaker half full with ice cubes, pour the ingredients into the shaker and shake well. Then strain the drink into a cocktail glass.

The Herald reminds you to enjoy the drink of the week safely and at the appropriate time and location, as long as you are of age…

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THE HERALD, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2008

The Back Page

Best of Campus Pumpkins Trick-or-Treaters Welcome from 6-9pm

Happy Halloween!

Sports HWS Sports Recap

By Carrie Stevens ‘12 Sports Editor Opening their season this past weekend, Hobart’s Ice Hockey Team split their first two games against Buffalo State.

Although falling to the Bengals on the twenty-fourth, by a score of 4-0, the team was able to bounce back for their game the following night.

Goals scored by senior defenseman Mike Steiner and junior forward Aleksey Koval helped the Statesmen jump out an early 2-0 lead in the first quarter.

Striking twice in the second quarter for Hobart were Nick DeCroo and Christopher Bower. Jason Merritt and Bobby Cahill set up DeCroo’s goal, while Cahill and DeCroo assisted Bower. Scoring the fifth and final goal for Hobart in the third period was Merritt, while Matt Wallace picked up his second assist of the night. The Statesmen outshot the Bengals, 3730, while senior goalie Keith Longo recorded 27 saves. Hobart will take on Cortland on the 28th, and Brockport on the 31st. Both games start at 7pm in The Cooler.

Junior forward Nick DeCroo waits for a pass from a teammate. DeCroo tailed one goal and one assist for the Statesmen during their game against Buffalo State.

Mind Games

By Emma Stratigos ’12 Herald Contributor Superstitions go hand-in-hand with sports. Athletes have little routines that they carry out in order to achieve personal or team success.

When an athlete does something right, they will try to repeat it in the exact same way every time, hoping to get the same favorable results.

For example, basketball players spend a huge amount of time perfecting their foul shots. Each time, they use the same combination of bounces, spins, and other maneuvers before they take their shot. Baseball players can often be seen adjusting their batting gloves, spitting in their hands, or hitting home plate with the bat before their turn at bat.

Good luck charms can also include food eaten before a game, a preferred warm up song, or lucky clothing items. These all seem to make athletes feel most prepared for their best performance. But is it all in their heads? Many of these superstitions are completely unrelated to the sport itself. Baseball players believe it is bad luck to step on the chalked baselines on the field, while basketball players think that it is good luck to make the last basket of warm-ups before the game. These superstitions aren’t just unique to the athletes. Avid sports fans are eager to boost their teams’ luck; some athletes and fans even compromise their personal hygiene in the name of luck. Many will wear the same socks or underwear for each game of a winning streak.

Many male athletes enjoy sporting the “playoff beard” which is exactly what it sounds like; they won’t shave until their team either wins the championship or is eliminated.

Whether these little charms really work is open to interpretation.

If something prevents them from carrying out their normal pre-game routine, do they lose the game because of the lack of good luck or because they beat themselves at their own mind game?