The Blue & Gray Press

THE

BLUE &GRAY

THE UNIVERSITY OF MARY WASHINGTON STUDENT NEWSPAPER

OCTOBER 9, 2014

VOLUME 88 | ISSUE 6

PRESS

SERVING THE COMMUNITY SINCE

1922

First Congressional District debate comes to UMW

Ginny Clark/ The Blue & Gray Press

THE BLUE & GRAY PRESS STAFF

Around 100 students and Fredericksburg community members attended the 1st Congressional District debate sponsored by the UMW Young Democrats, the UMW College Republicans and The Blue & Gray Press on Monday night.

The debate gave incumbent Republican Representative Rob Wittman, Democratic challenger Norm Mosher and Independent Green Party candidate Gail Parker a platform to discuss many issues, ranging from student debt to transportation.

Stephen Farnsworth, professor of political science and director for the Center for Leadership and Media Studies, moderated the debate.

Panelists included B101.5 News Director Ted Schubel and The Free Lance-Star Assistant Editorial Page Editor Chelyen Davis.

The Free Lance-Star, the Fredericksburg Area Chamber of Commerce and the Center of Leadership and Media Studies co-sponsored the event, along with the UMW student groups.

Throughout the debate, Mosher continually challenged Wittman’s record of representing the 1st District, asking the audience on numerous occasions whether they are happy with the incumbent, “or is it time for change?”

Wittman argued that Washington’s current largest issue is “a disconnection between our lawmakers and the people they represent,” and emphasized a “record of reaching across the aisle.”

The third party candidate, Parker, spent most of her time during the debate explaining the po-

sitions of the Independent Green Party. Parker’s platform is centered upon conserving the environment by increasing mass rail transit and usage of renewable energy. She stated that by expanding rails, the country could decrease its reliance on foreign oil and use energy more efficiently, thus growing the economy and decreasing the need to go to war.

“We need to grow the economy and provide greater opportunities, and we can do that by building rail. And when we grow the economy, we grow revenue,” Parker said. “That is the positive solution, the multiplier solution that affects a lot of other issues.”

The most notable division between candidates was on the issue of healthcare, with Mosher ar •DEBATE | 11

Students in Hong Kong take to the streets in umbrella revolution

A look inside: The James Monroe Museum

EMILY HOLLINGSWORTH Assistant News Editor

MONROE | 10 Ginny Clark/ The Blue & Gray Press

IN THIS

ISSUE

Hong Kong’s Chief Executive CY Leung has seen quite a view from his window in the past few weeks.

Large crowds of predominantly Hong Kong students have been standing outside government buildings, where Leung and other leaders hold office, since Sunday, Sept. 28 as part of a call for universal suffrage in the 2017 election of their chief executive.

The students held signs and filled the streets, causing parts of the financially robust city to shut down completely.

In August, the Chinese government in Beijing issued a decision that the chief executive to be elected in 2017 would ultimately be decided by a 1,200 member board of people affiliated with the Beijing government, rather than a universal vote of the people of Hong Kong.

Hong Kong, previously ruled by Britain, came under Chinese sovereignty in 1997 because of an agreement between Britain

and China known as the “Basic Law.” The goal for the “Basic Law” was that China and Hong Kong would co-exist despite their different rules as “one country, two systems.”

However, many people in Hong Kong feel that China has increasingly taken steps to exert its system of government on them and take away the rights that they were promised, particularly with its recent decision from the Beijing government.

Shortly after Beijing detailed their limits on the 2017 election, students in Hong Kong planned to protest on Sept. 28 and organized a student boycott the week before by skipping classes.

The protest on Sept. 28 escalated when demonstrators stood outside of Hong Kong’s government headquarters. Police, in an effort to clear the roads, shot tear gas at protesters, according to the New York Times.

In response, activists used umbrellas to shield themselves from tear gas, which led some to coin the demonstrations as the •HONG KONG | 2

ROCKTOBER

WE DO

POWER TEN

Rocktoberfest welcomes fall with music

Supreme Court dismisses appeals for marriage ban

From varsity to club, crew is still going strong

LIFE | 6

VIEWPOINTS | 5

SPORTS | 12

NEWS

Hong Kong erupts in protests in favor of transparency

THE

BLUE & GRAY PRESS

MISSION

The Blue & Gray Press is published every Thursday in the University Apartments Clubhouse for our university community. The goal of The Blue & Gray Press is to produce high quality and accurate news in a manner compliant with the Society of Professional Journalists ethics code. In its coverage, The Blue & Gray Press strives to highlight the community of the University of Mary Washington, as well as deliver fair and accurate coverage on the issues important to our students.

EDITORS-AT-LARGE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Alison Thoet

MANAGING EDITOR Justin Lim/ Flickr The revolution was mostly started by students, with the hopes of applying pressure on the Chinese government to ensure universal suffrage for Hong Kong.

•HONG KONG | 1 “umbrella revolution,” according to CNN news.

Since the beginning of the protests there have been a reported 148 injuries, which include demonstrators and the police.

Guanyi Leu, visiting assistant professor of political science and international affairs at the University of Mary Washington, had cited two other instances of protests in Hong Kong that have taken place over the past few years. However, they did not reached the intensity of the most recent protests or possess the level of involvement with the police that these demonstrations have.

“This protest is on a more massive scale,” Leu said.

For many of the protesters, the hardships of the past few weeks have strengthened their resolve.

“For as long as we fail to see a chance for true universal suffrage, the people of Hong Kong will continue to occupy so we can put pressure on the government,” said

a statement from the Hong Kong Federation of Students, one of the driving pro-democracy groups.

Goretti Wong Wai Ming, a UMW student originally from Hong Kong, admired the courage that it has taken for Hong Kong’s young people to take action.

“Especially since they normally have different beliefs than their parents. That is difficult to do,” Wong said.

However, Wong feels that the campaigners’ youth and immaturity concerning the demonstrations may hurt their cause in the long run.

“I’m not sure if teenagers have critical thinking skills in some areas. It was originally about universal suffrage for them, but now some have now become completely angry with police. This could pose a danger,” Wong said.

Going forward, Wong said that both Hong Kong and China need to establish a concrete goal in order to better communicate with and understand one another.

“It’s important that everyone is able to make rational decisions and think critically

before they can take the next step,” Wong said.

Government leaders in Hong Kong and the Hong Kong Federation of Students held preliminary meetings on Monday, Oct. 6 and plan to hold additional negotiations.

Officials look forward to continue meeting with the student protesters in person, but ask that the students take their cause off of the streets, as the demonstrations have impeded workers and businesses.

“We hope to have a frank, direct and mutually (respectful dialogue). We have very good progress, and we have agreed on three principles of the dialogue, and we hope to have this meeting as soon as possible,” Kong-wah said.

Over a week after the initial protest, demonstrators have refused to leave their target areas despite warnings given by Leung. They plan to stay until chief executive Leung steps down and they receive universal suffrage through negotiation with government leaders. Crowd numbers have dwindled slightly, but the protests remain.

Leah Cox, special assistant to the president for diversity and inclusion at the University of Mary Washington was recently appointed to Gov. Terry McAuliffe’s task force dedicated to combating sexual assault on campuses.

The task force, set to kick off later this week with their first meeting, resembles the task force set up by President Barack Obama earlier this year, which identifies key points in improving the nation’s response to sexual assault, an increasingly vocalized problem on college campuses.

The government’s effort to enforce sexual assault policies more transparently will hopefully bring more effective response and problem recognition to campuses nationwide.

As part of the reform, McAuliffe wants Virginia to take the lead on pressuring the commonwealth’s universities to crack down on sexual misconduct. McAuliffe is following Obama’s “It’s On Us” campaign, which urges the nation to actively speak out against sexual violence.

Cox, who will play an integral role in

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the task force, also had a hand in the recent changes to UMW’s student handbook regarding the university’s sexual assault policies.

“The Governor wants to be on the forefront of this issue. He initiated the task force to make sure combating sexual assault is a topic in the forefront of our thinking,” Cox said.

The new task force will consist of members of security agencies, such as Homeland security and Public Safety, representatives from higher education institutions, law enforcement agencies and any other necessary personnel required to fulfill the duties of the task force.

According to Cox, the group will apply pressure on Virginia college campuses to connect to the atmosphere of the student body. The students on Virginia campuses are now being called on to speak openly about their experiences with the sexual assault policies and how they can be redone to better reflect the needs of the students.

McAuliffe is also aiming to mirror the president’s attempt to engage young men in the subject of non-violence against women in order to build a better future of role models. By forcing Virginia state col-

ASSOCIATE EDITOR Jonathan Polson

SECTION EDITORS NEWS Hope Racine Nephthalie Lauture

VIEWPOINTS Tess Osmer

LIFE

Amanda Motley

SPORTS Chris Markham

ONLINE Lauren Brumfield

PHOTO

Ginny Clark

ADVERTISING TEAM

Title IX coordinator named to sexual assault task force LAUREN GRANT Staff Writer

Mariah Young

leges to engage in discussions about prosecuting sexual assault more harshly, as well as demanding comprehensive intervention and wider understanding of the definition of what unwanted sexual attention is, McAuliffe seeks to pressure colleges into taking a firm stance against sexual assault and lenient policies.

When asked about the impact the task force will have on the future of sexual assault prosecution, Cox was confident about the difference that would be felt around campus.

“Yes, there will probably be change,” Cox said. “We are looking forward in new and different ways. We hope to push a state-wide level student survey to evaluate the campus climate on sexual assault policies at each college.”

The student surveys Cox refers to are intended to pull data together to gather a larger picture on Virginia campuses’ outlook on policy capability and revitalization. According to Cox, the governor hopes to unite the movement toward stricter sexual assault policies across state schools, rather than by individual campuses.

A large focus of Obama’s and McAuliffe’s individual task forces are on by-

BUSINESS MANAGER Cara Sexton

FACULTY ADIVSOR Steve Klein

stander responsibility to report. Both task forces hope to create a feeling of social pressure to report incidences of sexual violence instead of sweeping the issue under the rug.

Universities will be expected to take students’ input into consideration, which could affect the severity of a charge and repercussions of being found guilty. Colleges will likewise be expected to hold all students and faculty to a higher standard, specifically student-athletes, with no special treatment or lenient definitions of what sexual assault is.

Junior psychology major Kate Schaefer said she is optimistic about the effect McAuliffe’s task force will have on the UMW campus.

“I think this is a step in the right direction, its about time something organized like this happened. This is a step our campus can benefit from,” Schaefer said.

Thursday, October 9, 2014

SPORTS

UMW Cross country teams continue to run through competition

MIKEY BARNES Staff Writer

They can be seen walking in packs together around campus, running around Fredericksburg, in clumps at Seacobeck for dinner or walking from the gym after workouts. The men’s and women’s cross country teams at the University of Mary Washington are known both for their long distance running and their total love for it.

Throughout the season, the team participates in six events, culminating in the Capital Athletic Conference meet in November.

“Our support is incredible, and it just makes us that much more determined,” sophomore Victoria Parent said. “We are doing this because we know we are good enough. The girls on this team have the potential to win the conference.”

This past weekend, the teams competed at the Paul Short Invitational at Lehigh University in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Out of the 22 teams that competed in the White Division of the Invitational, the injury-ridden men’s team finished 10th, led by sophomore

Ben Sorenson, who placed 12th overall. Not far behind Sorenson was senior Chris Anderson and junior Jamie Van Emmerik. Injuries to the men’s side left three of the team’s top six runners out of the race, leaving many questions in the air as to how far a healthy men’s team can go.

The well supported and strong women’s team finished in a phenomenal second place, led by sophomore Teagan Young, who placed second overall in the White Division. Senior Lauren Braney placed 11th overall, and not far behind her was senior Trinity Smith Courtesy of Jean Landy and sophomore Victoria Parent, who placed 29th and 30th, respec- The men’s cross country team is battling injuries, but still finding success as they push towards the finish line. tively. as regionals. It was even more awesome to “The only team we lost to was Division see our top runner finish second place overII California University, and it was only by all.” a mere 5 points,” junior Sam Park said. “It The two teams will compete again on Oct. shows that we are ready for bigger meets, 18 at the Connecticut College Invitational, including not just conferences, but as well where the men’s team will look to improve their performance and the women’s team will aim to continue their success.

The Connecticut College Invitational is the final regular season meet for both teams before they compete in the CAC Championship on Nov. 1 at the Rappahannock Academy in Caroline Courtesy of Marin Bader County, Virginia.

Sophomore Teagan Young “Cross Country isn’t about your first or second runners who do well. It’s was named CAC Female about third to seventh pack of girls.

Runner of the Week for the Our first runner is phenomenal, but even outside of her, they’re doing realthird time this year for her ly well and hopefully can continue to stellar second-place finish at do so,” Parent said.

Courtesy of Marin Bader The UMW women’s cross country team finished second in the White Division at the Paul Short Invitational.

Weekly Scoreboard Field Hockey:

Oct. 7 @ Randolph-Macon (W) UMW: 8 RMC: 1 Oct. 4 vs. Wesely (W) UMW: 5 Wesley: 0

Men's Soccer:

Oct. 7 @ Frostburg State.

(L) UMW: 0 Frostburg: 1 Oct. 4 @ Salisbury (L) UMW: 0 Salisbury: 1

Volleyball:

Oct. 4 vs. Penn State-Altoona (W) UMW: 3 PSA: 0 Oct. 4 vs. York College (L) UMW: 2 York: 3

Upcoming: Men’s Soccer:

Oct. 11 vs. York (Home) @ 2 p.m.

Women’s Soccer: Oct. 11 @ York

Volleyball:

Oct. 11 vs. Salisbury (Home) @ 2 p.m.

Oct. 11 vs. Bridgewater (Home) @ 5 p.m.

the Paul Short Invitational.

Fantasy football: the good, the bad, the worst

CHRIS MARKHAM Sports Editor

As if college students did not already have enough distractions to keep them from their studies, fantasy football is yet another pastime utilized by students as a way to provide friendly, or not-so-friendly, competition. The game has been available to the public for almost 10 years and is still hitting its peak of popularity annually.

“My favorite part of fantasy football is the way that it makes watching football a much more interactive experience,” senior business major Brandon Smith said. “I like to get together with the other members of my league to watch games that we have stakes in; victories and losses are much more colorful when spent with close friends.”

Fantasy football, as it pertains to college students, has more pros and cons than one could list. For example, newly acquainted freshmen often join leagues in order to quickly become closer to one another. On the other hand, there are many cases where these games tear apart friendships as the competitive spirit gets the best them.

“I find that my most successful leagues have been made up of friends and family that I don’t get to see too often; it prevents physical altercations, which are extremely common in games when pride is at stake,” Smith said.

Fantasy football also provides students with a healthy pastime to get their mind off schoolwork. Nonetheless, students might get too involved in the game and allow it to distract them from more important materials. Some even let it affect their mood.

“Fantasy football is a full time management position and is not for the faint of

heart,” Smith said. “I’ve often had to skip important classes, birthdays, births and other occasions in order to make sure that my lineup was set. “ Disappointments such as these can cause many headaches for fantasy owners. At the same time, if one hits the jackpot and wins the league, it can be a better feeling than getting an ‘A’ on a final exam.

Anybody who knows enough about fantasy football is aware that the current NFL season has not been a fantasy-friendly one.

Injuries and suspensions to elite players have left some fantasy owners frustrated and confused.

“The fact that high value players have been injured recently has added an extra dimension to the game,” Smith said. “In years past, the draft could have been the most important part of the season. However, lately, success has correlated much more closely to individual effort and harvesting of the waiver wire.”

Not everyone is emotionally tame enough to handle a high-stress game such as fantasy football, especially in a year where predictions are nothing more than what they are.

Should you participate, be sure to keep your priorities straight: have fun and never draft a Jacksonville Jaguar.

2014 Fantasy Football:

studs: QB: Andrew Luck RB: Demarco Murray WR: Antonio Brown

Duds: QB: Tom brady RB: Lesean Mccoy WR: wes welker

Free-agent finds: QB: kirk cousins RB: andre williams WR: Brian quick 3

VIEWPOINTS

Editorial: Transparency in elections is key, students should turn out at debate As you read this, thousands of young Chinese students are partaking in an intense pro-democracy protest, demanding full suffrage for all the people of Hong Kong.This protest is the result of a recent decision by the Chinese government that stated Hong Kong’s next chief executive would not be democratically elected by the citizens, but instead would be decided by a panel within the government, stripping the voice of Hong Kong citizens.

Led by Joshua Wong and Alex Chow, students across the city have taken to the streets demanding Hong Kong citizens receive “real universal suffrage and real democracy.”

The events have reverberated across the globe. We at the Blue & Gray Press feel this speaks to a profound and admirable level of drive and makes one point very clear: students and young people everywhere are here and will be heard.

Millennials are perceived as apathetic, entitled and lazy. There are hundreds of op-eds about our faults. However, progressive protests like these continuously challenge and subvert the stereotypes pushed on us.

There is something about youth that harbors a light and passion for change.

One could even argue that we perhaps are the antithesis of apathetic. We feel profoundly and react similarly. Recent events prove this, especially at the University of Mary Washington.

Take Feminist United on Campus for example, who feverishly speak out and campaign for sexual assault reform on college campuses, creating and encouraging a safe environment for women on

campus to come forward. They took to Washington, D.C. to promote the ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment.

Nearly 50 UMW students traveled to New York City for the People’s Climate March, said to be the largest climate march in history, in an action to end the climate crisis. Amongst passionate crowds and more than 100 world leaders, they chanted and held signs, bringing awareness to the impending climate crisis. And lastly, we at The Blue and Gray Press are living and writing to not only our peers, but to the surrounding community. We bear the responsibility of giving you the most accurate and timely news in an ethical and professional manner.

Millennials are continuously trying to create better functioning environments, even if it means shifting and dismantling harmful existing systems. And while there is an astronomical amount of work to do, we learn from the past and continue to move forward. We are all different religions, races, creeds, sexes and genders linked by an unanimous factor: the persistence of our generation From this campus to Hong Kong, milleneals have proven that we are much more than perceived. We may not know what we want just yet, but we most certainly do know what we do not want. We do not want injustice. We do not want to be ignored. Millenials want our government to pay attention to the issues we push each and every day on this campus and everywhere else. Whether some may like it or not, we are the future. We’ve been given the foundation, and now, it’s our time to build.

By THE BLUE & GRAY PRESS EDITORIAL BOARD

ISIS member speaks out

What does her story say about the regime?

MONA OSMER Viewpoints Editor

CNN published a video interview on Monday, Oct. 6 of a female member of the notorious terrorist group ISIS in Urfa, Turkey. Her story is one of pure despair as her country is being overrun.

She calls herself Khadija, although that is not her real name. She is 25 years old and is a former elementary school teacher in Syria.

When the Syrian uprising began more than three and a half years ago, Khadija joined citizens who began peaceful protests against the government of President Bashar al-Assad.

Barrel bombs and national chaos became a reality throughout the streets of Syria when violence swept over the previously peaceful demonstrations that Khadjia spoke of.

“My problem was that I ran away to something uglier,” Khadija said as she began to defend her engagement with the ISIS terrorist group.

Social media and the growing prominence of ISIS made the group easily accessible, and Khadija began speaking to a man online who was a member. He promised her that ISIS was not a terrorist group as it appears, rather that they are interested solely in implementing Islam in a governmental setting.

Khadija then reached out to her cousin who had married an ISIS militant, and she convinced her family to move to Raqqa, Syria, where her cousin lived and where a brigade of female ISIS fighters call home.

The Brigade is known as the Khansa Brigade and is made up of around 25 to 30 females tasked by ISIS to patrol the streets

of Raqqa and ensure that women adhere to proper clothing requirements as outlined by the Islamic State.

Khadija’s story gives a profound insight to the power of the ISIS regime in its recruitment despite their radical mission. In fact, news sources all around the country are baffled by ISIS and their ability to appeal to various groups of people.

Fox News said that this is the main reason why ISIS is a far more substantial threat to international security than Al Qaeda ever was. ISIS’s ability to mobilize forces and attain profits that support their military are astounding.

The international community has a fullblown Napoleon on their hands.

Mobilization against ISIS is a well thought out stance against the exploitation of humans and their basic rights.

While America’s track record proves that involvement in international affairs solidifies trade relations, it also shows that the U.S. supports the building of democracy, a system that breeds social equality and economic prosperity.

Khadija’s story shows the severity of the ongoing civil war in Syria.

It clearly shows the violent nature of ISIS, the power of its manipulation and the realization that although one can be easily swept into a revolution that gains legitimacy, the minute it becomes violent and oppressive it is no longer supported.

However, that does not mean it is not successful. A group like ISIS is gaining legitimacy and a strong foothold in Syria, as well as in Iraq, and it is therefore imperative that international forces squash its advances.

Walking Dead: all gore, no plot?

Courtesy of Collider.com COLEMAN HOPKINS Staff Writer

It was announced that the popular AMC series, “The Walking Dead,” was renewed for a sixth season prior to the premiere of season five, which has prompted some fans, such as myself, to wonder if this type of entertainment is sustainable, or if a shorter series with a swifter conclusion would have been best.

For a show that increasingly relies on shock, awe and gore, it is hard to wrap one’s head around the fact that this series has run since 2010.

Since its inception, the show has been immensely popular due to its psychological twist on the classic zombie genre.

Moreover, the ability to consistently leave episodes and seasons on intense cliff hangers created a very loyal fan base, SanJoseMercuryNews.com emphasized in their re the show was highlighted when directors pointed out that the season four finale drew 15.7 million viewers.

There is no denying that the show is both incredibly popular and equally addictive, but, as the same article muses, “How much

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life is left in The Walking Dead?”

Longtime fans were fairly certain that the third season was a sign of the end, as it marked the beginning of a rough spot for the show.

Forbes culture contributor Erik Kain wrote a scathing review following the third season’s conclusion back in 2012 that attacked the increasingly poor writing and incoherent plot.

Flash forward to season four’s conclusion, and it would appear that the plot is again taking a backseat. Drama, according to co-star Norman Reedus, will be replaced by an “insane” amount of gore.

As a longtime fan, I can still remember watching the first episode and being instantly mesmerized by the blend of mystery, drama and violence.

Since, I have been disappointed by the reliance on violence to compensate for a lack of a strong plot.

Rather than drag out a so-so conclusion, I believe that it would be best to go the way of another AMC show, “Breaking Bad,” and end on a high note when the plot is still coherent and enticing.

Courtesy of CNN

Courtesy of Ibtimes U.K.

Thursday, October 9, 2014

VIEWPOINTS

Editor: Mona Osmer | blueandgray.views@gmail.com

Benefits of Virginia Expansion for Medicaid expansion would close the gap and provide coverage for all NATE LEVINE Staff Writer

Last semester, I attended a City Council meeting to speak on behalf of Medicaid expansion in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

It is rather unfortunate that I even needed to take time to encourage my local government to lobby on behalf of Medicaid expansion, but it is even more unfortunate that our state legislature has not already opted for this crucial aspect of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. The United States is the only country in the industrialized world that does not provide some sort of universal health coverage for all of its citizens.

Instead, we have private health insurance corporations that are motivated by profit.

We are controlled by a cartel. As Merriam-Webster defines it, a cartel is “a group of businesses that agree to fix prices so they all will make more money.”

They pour billions into lobbying Congress, padding their CEO’s pockets and paying legal fees to fight against providing medical coverage at all.

Before the ACA, only about 50 percent of the money citizens paid in monthly premiums went to providing actual care.

The real snub is the cost. This system costs more than any other system in the world.

As taxpayers, citizens pay the most and get the least amount of care. The U.S. system consumes 18 percent of our GDP because it is subsidized.

In order to keep the system affordable, the government pays insurance companies to keep premiums low for those who have insurance. The motivation for profit provides no ince ntive for private health insurance companies to keep at-risk patients insured, which would then cause pools of insured people to shrink and premiums to skyrocket.

In order to combat this tremendous problem, President Barack Obama worked with Congress to pass the ACA in 2010.

Among other things, the ACA created health insurance exchanges for people to keep premiums low and forced the private insurance companies to provide coverage equally, regardless of sex or pre-existing conditions.

In addition it could actually provide coverage – 80 percent of premiums would go toward care, rather than 50 percent.

However, the real teeth in the ACA is the provision for Medicaid expansion, which would cover a huge swath of Americans who live just above the poverty line, around $25,000 for a family of four, but do not make enough to be able to afford private insurance.

The ACA expands Medicaid to cover all Americans, even those that fall into that gap.

I am one of those Americans. My parents are uninsured, so my only access to health insurance is through Medicaid, but because the Virginia state government opted not to expand Medicaid, I remain uninsured, along with 55 percent of other Virginians.

This is mind-boggling, because Medicaid expansion is fully funded by the federal government for three years, and 90 percent is funded by the federal government until 2022.

If every state expanded Medicaid under the ACA, 48 percent of Americans who are currently uninsured would have insurance.

Of the 23 states that opted out of Medicaid expansion, 11 would see a reduction in the total number of uninsured. States already spend about 20 percent of their budgets on Medicaid, and this expansion would only add about two percent, while saving states billions of dollars in unpaid hospital bills every year.

There is no logical argument for why we should not expand Medicaid. So what is our state government waiting for?

We need to stop allowing ourselves to be bullied by the health insurance cartel that controls almost one-fifth of the U.S. economy and begin claiming a system that works for us – all of us.

Marriage rights finnally granted to same sex couples in Virginia

ALICE BALDYS Staff Writer

On Monday, Oct. 6 the Supreme Court of the United States declined requests to hear cases questioning the constitutionality of same-sex marriage bans in five states.

As a result, traditional marriage beliefs that motivate bans have not found protection under U.S. law. Moreover, it appears U.S. law favors equality and nondiscrimination over restrictive and narrow definitions of marriage. This surprising move on the part of the Supreme Court allowed rulings in favor of same-sex marriage to stand in Virginia, Utah, Oklahoma, Indiana and Wisconsin.

James Esseks, the lawyer in charge of the American Civil Liberties Union legal team on gay marriage called the dismissal “a watershed moment for the entire country.”

Speculation points to the decision as one that satisfied both conservative and liberal leanings on the court bench. With the swing vote of Justice Anthony Kennedy assumed to be going in favor of samesex marriage, it is being said that conservatives did not have enough votes to get the result they wanted in a Supreme Court case.

At the same time, leader of the liberal justices, Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg, seemed unwilling to push the country into a ruling without demonstrated support for social and political change from most states. This, combined with the unanimous decisions of numerous appellate courts against bans on same sex marriage, set up the high court’s refusal to hear these cases.

Currently 30 states allow same-sex marriage.

Five additional states are currently hearing cases over same-sex marriage bans. If these states reach similar ruling, this could make the number of states that allow same-sex marriage reach as many as thirty-five.

It has been a long time coming, but Virginia is finally able to join states that allow same-sex marriage.

The first same-sex marriage in Virginia occurred in Richmond and Charlottesville around 1 p.m. on Monday. Governor Terry McAuliffe responded by tweeting, “Today’s ruling is a long overdue moment for our Commonwealth and country.

Equality for all men and women regardless of their race, color, creed or sexu-

al orientation is intrinsic to the values that make us Virginians.”

What was inevitable is finally happening: same-sex marriage is being accepted in states by default. Americans are finally realizing one person cannot dictate who another one loves and that denying minorities legal rights is simply unethical.

Providing access to family members in emergencies, medical care and a means to settle legal disputes has long been the priority both in the public health system and the judiciary. It is clear that failing to recognize existing same-sex couples does not stop them from being together. Nowhere in the Constitution does it say marriage must be between a man and a woman.

Not recognizing same sex-marriage is denying the fundamental legal rights of U.S. citizens and places LGBT citizens on the fringe of society, rather than allowing them to be a part of the larger whole.

Americans are gradually catching up to the realization that the benefits to society of bringing sexual minority groups inside an umbrella of a larger society’s legal and health system far outweigh the costs.

Members of the University of Mary Wa s h i n g t o n ’s People for the

Rights of Individuals of Sexual Minorities club were encouraged by the Supreme Court’s actions.

“Marriage equality is a tremendous step forward, and we [Americans] have a lot more pressing issues like homelessness and mental health, but it is a great step forward,” said Senior English and history double major Sarah Palmer.

Sophomore biology major Sarah Heisey said she was thrilled to hear the news.

“Old family friends called me and asked me to be their maid of honor,” she said. “It’s good news.”

While the decision was not an outright federal mandate for the legalization of same-sex marriage, it certainly aided same-sex couples and was welcomed news for sexual minorities and their allies alike. It seems broader social and societal change will not happen overnight.

However, the Supreme Court’s affirmation of statewide rulings on marriage bans is one more step in the right direction.

Courtesy of NBC News

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LIFE

Editor: Amanda Motley | blueandgray.life@gmail.com

Students welcome fall on Ball Circle with Roctoberfest

said sophomore English major Brooke Preas. “I enjoy coming to listen to great music every year.”

This year, Rocktoberfest’s give away was a magnet with a rock and Halloween inspired design, moving away from the usual cup giveaway.

“We figured we would do something different because so many people give out cups,” said sophomore Class Council President Cait Cobb.

Students like sophomore Caitlyn Edgerton were compelled to come to Rocktoberfest this year because of the cool design on the spirit Rock.

“I love the design this year for Rocktoberfest. It’s awesome” Edgerton said.

Those who attended this event said they were glad they did.

“This is pretty cool. I love BBQs, music and bean bag tosses so I’m having a good time,” said freshman Julia Romero.

Others, such as sophomore Reagan Johnson enjoyed spending the afternoon relaxing with good friends.

“I’m loving this free food and hanging out with my friends,” Johnson said.

Still, some students offered suggestions Ginny Clark/ The Blue & Gray Press on how to make this event even better.

The members of Elby Brass performed on Ball Circle on Sept. 25 as part of Class Council and Giant’s Rocktoberfest.

“If Rocktoberfest had more organized activities, such as fun games, I’d be more success. on Ball Circle with their dinner to enjoy LAUREN MOSESSO likely to go,” said junior business adminisA line quickly formed near the food the bands. A Staff Writer tents, where a free dinner was catered by Performances began with acoustic sing- tration major Mary-Kate McCleary.

The sounds of jazz and rock filled the Overall, Rocktoberfest brought in stuVirginia Barbeque. Students filled their er Gwen Levey. The main performance of air as the anticipated Roctoberfest took plates with pulled pork sandwiches, mac- the evening, however, was by Elby Brass. dents with delicious food and great music place on Ball Circle this past Friday, Oct. aroni and cheese, baked beans and hush Their energetic twist on modern songs was and was a great way to start out the fall 3. Despite the threat of bad weather, Giseason. a hit among the crowd. puppies. ant Productions and the sophomore Class “[Elby Brass] is really a good band,” Students were encouraged to take a seat Council still held the annual event to great

Shayla Rivera blends comedy, diversity during Latino Identies Month EMILY HOLLINGSWORTH Assistant News Editor

Aerospace engineer, speaker and standup comedian Shayla Rivera has let nothing hold her back. Becoming fluent in English within five months, giving stress management seminars after previously working for the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas and appearing on Comedy Central are just a few of the many notches under Rivera’s belt.

Rivera used her story and her many different experiences to motivate University of Mary Washington students and audience members of all ages on Thursday, Sept. 25 at the Underground in Lee Hall.

Rivera was the keynote speaker for Latino Identities Month, an event hosted by the James Farmer Multicultural Center and the Latino Student Association that began on Sept. 15.

Rivera’s keynote was one of the many events that Latino Identities Month offered to students. Other events included a bilingual poetry reading by Cuban-born Rita Martin, a film series highlighting Latin America hosted by the Department of Modern Languages and Literatures and an interactive workshop where students could learn Bomba, a dance with Puerto Rican, Spanish and African influences.

Senior English major Emily Humberson was glad that the LSA and JFMC were taking advantage of the variety of programs available and making them accessible to students.

“Events like poetry and comedy shows are things people will come out to anyway.

They give channels for students who would already be coming to these events a way to learn about these issues,” Humberson said.

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During her talk, Rivera spoke about being 17 and moving to Texas to attend Texas A&M University. Moving to the U.S. from Puerto Rico was a difficult adjustment, according to Rivera, and she had to learn how to speak English in addition to learning about aerospace engineering.

“I remember talking with my professor in English a few months after starting school, and realizing ‘wow, I’m actually doing this,’” Rivera said.

This experience gave Rivera the courage in take risks later in life. Rivera graduated with a bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering and a minor in psychology. Rivera joked about the differences between her two fields of study.

“Because, you know, if we ever discovered life on other planets, I could give them therapy,” Rivera said.

Rivera spent the next several years giving seminars for stress management after attending a conference where she felt drawn to how the speaker was able to present and inspire his audience. Enough people told her that she would be a good comedian that she decided to investigate for herself.

It took one workshop in stand-up comedy for her to realize that they were right, and she switched to comedy.

“If there’s one thing I did right in my life,” Rivera said when discussing the enormous variety in her career, “it was that I was willing to take the next step. Making that decision took me in a million different directions.”

Rivera encouraged students in the audience to trust their instincts and to not let anyone lock them into socially acceptable roles.

Punchline Scramento/Flickr

Shayla Rivera, a comedian, was the key-note speaker for Latino Idenities month.

“We’re conditioned by limitations,” Rivera said.

Rivera followed this statement with a message to not be afraid of taking risks. Rivera led by example, stepping off the stage and engaging people in the audience by asking questions and learning about them.

As a comedian, her speech was peppered with humor, particularly when nothing the differences between Puerto Rican and U.S. culture.

“My boyfriend told me he was taking me for a hike for my birthday,” Rivera said with a laugh. “I’m a Latina, I had no idea what a hike was. As it turned out, I ended

up getting a six-mile walk for my birthday.”

Paying attention to the differences between cultures and embracing those differences without judgment inspired Rivera to pursue a career in comedy.

“We don’t want to become a gray mass,” Rivera said following the show. “Our differences are what make us unique.”

Rivera’s own uniqueness and her desire to understand and unleash the potential of every person in the audience made her keynote a valuable part of Latino Identities Month at UMW.

Thursday, October 9, 2014

LIFE Materials: 1 bookcase 1-2 bottles of spray paint, depending on the size of the bookcase Old sheet or cardboard for painting surface Books, pictures, candles or anything else to spruce up and cover your bookcase with

Directions:

Alison Thoet/ The Blue & Gray Press

Any book case can be repurposed with a little bit of paint and decoration.

AMANDA MOTLEY you can make your bookshelf look like a Life Editor brand new piece of furniture. Not to menAt this point in the semester, your dorm tion you can have a new place to organize or apartment is starting to feel like your all your textbooks on.

Tip: Spray a few inches away from home-away-from-home. You might be the bookcase surface and shake the bottle starting to add personal touches or changevery few minutes to limit streaking and ing your living space around. Why not give spotting.

Watch for any paint drippings and your bookshelf from home a facelift? With make sure you get into all of the nooks and just a can of spray paint and a little time, crannies.

WWI artifacts provide sensory study ALISON THOET Editor-In-Chief

The current students at the University of Mary Washington are of a generation that has always known what it is like to be at war, where war is constant. Many have read war histories, or at least the news of current U.S. involvements, but Mara Scanlon, professor of English, has offered a course this fall that exposes students to World War I, which just reached its centennial.

Student entered the classroom on Tuesday, Oct. 6 to a gas-masked donned mannequin presiding over bayonets, sword, bombs and other WWI materials splayed out on army printed tablecloths.

Nathan Skipper, bomb technician and member of the U.S. army of 24 years, brought a small portion of his personal world war memorabilia collection, over 100 items that is, to Scanlon’s “Literature of the Great War” course.

In a course where students are subjected to memoirs and poetry of in-your-face personal war histories, Skipper expressed a need for students to receive context on what soldiers carried, what they lived like and, most importantly, what killed them.

“This whole class is designed to be very sensory,” Skipper said. “What [the soldier] saw, what he felt, what he ate.”

Skipper began with the sense of smell, passing around vials containing the smell of the three main types of gas warfare, scents soldiers only picked up on if it was too late.

He then moved on to bombs, pointing out the shapes of grenades. Baseball, discus and egg-shaped grenades were lined up

in a row and could easily fit in the hand of any young man in the war used to throwing.

“Think about this thing coming at you at 800 miles per second,” Skipper said as students delicately handled the metal shrapnel that could easily slice a face off, according to Skipper.

“It’s nice being able to have such a hands-on demonstration because the books we’re reading give me an idea of what war on the battlefield was like in WWI,” senior English major Claire Winkler a senior English major said.

“Don’t forget to smell it,” insisted Skipper as he passed around a woolen tunic, jodhpur pants, hat and socks, all part of the uniform which belonged to an actual U.S. soldier between 14 and 16 years of age.

Skipper also showed the number of small things soldiers usually heaped into a pack that would add up to 60 to 85.

“This is the Vera Bradley of WWI,” Skipper quipped.

Keeping with the idea of sensory learning, Skipper passed around more weapons and pack materials, suggesting students smell and feel each object. However, he also brought a sample of “bully beef and crackers,” the typical WWI era ration food, for each student to taste.

“Mr. Skipper was a brilliant, natural teacher and a true expert,” Scanlon said.

“He conveyed what an ordinary soldier’s life might be like by focusing on our sensory experience – the smells of gas, the feel and smell of wool, the taste of ration food.

I must admit to being very glad to be a vegetarian at that moment.”

Sophomore English major Robert Skipper, the son of Nathan Skipper and •ARTIFACTS | 12

1. Clean off the bookcase with a damp cloth and let dry.

2. Lay the bookcase down on one side to spray paint (the best first position is to have the backside on the ground so you can spray paint the most space at first).

3. Shake the paint bottles vigorously and they spray a portion of the bookcase.

4. After spraying the first coat on one side, continue with the other side, but be careful not to smudge the paint.

5. Set to dry one hour.

6. Repeat steps 4-6 for a second coat. If you have a darker surface, you may need to do a third or fourth coat.

7. Set your bookcase where desired and cover it with books and other materials to make it your own.

Humans of UMW By: NANCY MILROY

“Her name is Phoebe. She’s a rescue. All of my dogs are collies and rescues. She has a good disposition, that’s why I wanted to do service with her. In the long run she’ll be starting to go to hospitals.

I had a lady who was a teacher of special needs and wanted me to bring her in. She comes to all my classes. Some teachers allow her to be off the leash for students to pet.”

-Hannah Cousins, senior pyschology major

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LIFE "Digital Witness" St. Vincent, St. Vincent (2014)

MUSIC

By RUTH BORDETT

The size of the University of Mary Washington’s student body and the small town feel of FrederAfter being educated about Minnesotan Hip Hop by a friend from the icksburg are two factors that make our school a region, Stackpole came to admire this group’s “strange Midwestern rap vibe unique and welcoming place. However, it is undewith complex lyrics,” that he said re- niable that these positive aspects are not particminds him of other rap acts like A Tribe Called Quest or Aesop Rock. Stackpole ularly conducive to a flourishing and lively music pointed out the song’s thoughtful lyrscene for our community of students. ics, like the line, “In less than one hundred years, every single one of your Ethan Stackpole, a senior business major and Facebook friends will be dead. Your life, your impact upon this planet, upon economics minor, dedicated himself to providing your community cannot be measured quality live music to the UMW community. Serving in like, in plays, in CD’s sold,” clearly encouraging listeners to focus on as the president of Giant Productions, the student what’s important, rather than the apclub that organizes and puts on live music events on campus, Stackpole said he enjoys the intimate "Beware the Dog" setting that the school provides for these events, The Griswolds, allowing the audience to observe up close the speBe Impressive (2014) cial relationship musicians have with the music they create.

Despite his typical aversion to music that is “almost too catchy,” Stackpole Drawing attention to the importance of seeking found himself drawn to this energetic out new musical finds, Stackpole believes “there Australian band after a friend from Giant told him about them. Their upbeat is no excuse to not find good music.” This comenergy is an undeniable presence in this particular song, with an optimistic ment serves as a reminder that everyone should message about avoiding negativity in take advantage of resources that provide unlimited life. access to music in this modern age.

El dar Djangirov, El dar (2005)

Despite the lack of new talent present in the current jazz scene, Djangirov is an innovative and young musician whose presence has added relevancy to a less modern genre. Placing emphasis on the album as a whole, Stackpole encourages those interested in exploring jazz to listen to Djangirov’s self-titled album in its entirety, his own preferred way of listening to the genre.

"Jolie Coquine" Caravan Palace, Caravan Palace (2008) As a French electro swing group, Caravan Palace incorporates electronic vibes with a fun performance element.

Stackpole said of their live performances that they have “the feel and energy of electronic music, but you’re not just watching a DJ on turntables.”

Stackpole raves of the band’s incorporation of the synth, upright bass, electronic and real drum kits.

"Latch (Acoustic)" Sam Smith, Nirvana (2013) Solidifying his interest in a variety of music genres, Stackpole believes that Smith, a fairly new mega force in pop, “has to be on any list of good new music.” The clarity and honesty of Smith’s incredible voice comes through in each of his songs.

Figure it out: A Crossword

Across: 1. Pixie kin 5. Ancient remain 11. Horse offspring 12. Accord or Civic maker 13. Every _____ and cranny 15. Spy’s employer 16. Large tree 19. Underground colonist 20. Ender’s Game author Scott Card 22. Soccer ball target 24. Text talk 26. Mushroom, for one 28. Formerly Burma 31. Don Quixote’s foes 33. Honest president 34. Related 36. Desert relief 37. Snow day activity 38. Pre-med aspiration 39. Wicked 43. Nasty look 45. Buck’s mate 46. Charged at 49. Slip-up 50. What a rolling stone lacks 51. Poem type 52. Gas for some signs 53. Horse foot 55. Let 59. Perfect place 61. Give homework to 62. Get down from

65. Wild West gang 67. Like some roofs 68. Fudges 70. Golf average 72. Water vehicle 73. Corn location 74. Wing motion 75. Tea type 77. “That’s not good” 78. Potter’s sidekick 80. Steel, brass, or pewter 81. Big 83. Rested in a chair 84. Langston Hughes or Walt Whitman, for example

85. Roadwork need 86. Great Lake Down: 2. “I wish” 3. Tree anchor 4. Hairy cousin of the cow 6. Pennsylvania’s neighbor 7. Fly high 8. Elemental tin symbol 9. Passport or license 10. California city, for short 13. Started 14. Watts of King Kong

17.2012 Olympics site 18. Volcano material 21. Louis in Spanish 25. One of Aesop’s tales 26. Four and a thumb 27. Gets in shape 29. Catholic worship 30. Water grass 31. Grape product 32. Hallucinogen 35. Michael Jackson’s “title” 40. Genesis place 41. Drill 42. “Walk This Way” rock band 44. Residence hall student worker 47. Liquefies 48. Bean of Game of Thrones 50. Cow sound 53. Search for 54. Canada’s Capital 56. Desiring 57. Iron origin 58. Strange one 60. Cooking apparel 63. _____ mom has got it going on 64. Switch position 66. ex-Black Sabbath singer 69. Cave sound 70. Pirate pet 71. UMW internet server 76. Space prefix 79. Fishing need 80. Shooting

By: Holden Vanderveer 9

NEWS

Speaking Center services extend to Stafford Campus

POLICE BEAT larceny

On Oct. 4 an iPhone was stolen off of the first floor in Eagle Landing at 8:30 p.m. The victim is 19. The case is pending.

trespass

On Oct. 4 two students, 18, trespassed the Campus Center construction site by jumping the fence at 2:54 a.m. Both were charged with administrative referrals.

liquor law violation

On Oct. 6, a student, 19, was found with possession of alcohol on the third floor of Alvey Hall between 11:30 and midnight. The student was charged with an administrative referral.

posession

Ginny Clark/ The Blue & Gray Press Writing Center services have been available via online to Stafford campus students, and the Speaking Center may soon be offering services in a similar fashion.

HOLDEN VANDERVEER Staff Writer

University of Mary Washington librarian Rosemary Arneson recently made a proposal called Convergent Center Light that plans to bring services of the ITCC, such as the Speaking Center, to the university’s Stafford Campus.

“At an entirely commuter campus, marketing and awareness of the services of the libraries, as well as other campus services are critical towards our success, but it’s also a big challenge,” said Paul Boger, the Stafford library manager.

Boger’s goal is to raise student awareness on the Stafford Campus of the resources available to them.

Apart from informing students of services that are now provided at the Speaking Center, the announcement explained that services are available in room 437 of the ITCC every Monday through Friday.

Stafford students who want to set up a consultation with the Speaking Center can do so over the phone or through email.

The Stafford campus is comprised of mainly commuters, most of them on campus only when they need to be. This restricts the interaction between the students and the university.

As a result, Boger has to communicate on multiple levels in order to inform students of the services offered to them.

“I think successful communication for

us depends upon determining where students are and how they are communicating,” Boger said. “Posting notices in the library alone just doesn’t cut it. To reach students, we need to communicate online, in the library, with the faculty and throughout campus.”

Boger and Arneson also hope to create green screen rooms, presentation spaces and a curriculum, which education students, as well as local Virginia teachers, can use on the Stafford campus.

To help reach their goal, Boger pitched the proposal to Speaking Center Director Anand Rao, who supported the idea.

“Well, the Speaking Center certainly never denied the resources [and] never told Stafford students they weren’t welcome to come to the Speaking Center,” Rao said.

“We’ve never had the resources to staff a position there, like the writing center has been able to do in the past, but we have always been open for any student to be able to come in to the Speaking Center.”

Kenneth Moore, a student at Stafford pursuing his masters in business administration, supports the idea of being able to use the Speaking Center.

“I think it’s great that people have access to facilities that make the educational experience easier for people,” Moore said.

Graduate student Shanea Kerns also agreed that access to the Speaking Center is beneficial.

Kerns is pursuing her masters in educa-

tion with the initial teacher Licensure Program within the college of education on the Stafford campus.

“I think it’s great. I mean I feel like they should offer it because this is just an extension of the downtown campus,” Kerns said.

Kerns expressed concern that Stafford students would have to drive into Fredericksburg for consultations, rather than have them at a branch office on the Stafford Campus.

“I think it will affect the number of people who will take advantage of it,” Kerns said. “I don’t think many people would go out of their way, especially since there are a lot of professionals who attend here and they have jobs,” Kerns said. “It’s hard enough to fit classes into their schedules, so it may cut down on the number of people.”

Rao explained that there are currently no plans to staff a Stafford office, but the are looking into other ways to make access more convenient for the students.

“It’s limited by staff. We have a limited number of consultants who can work, and they are undergraduate consultants, so they don’t have easy transportation out to the Stafford campus,” Rao said. “We would love to find other ways to be able to support the students of the Stafford campus.

Perhaps even online consolations in the future.”

On Oct. 5 four students aged 18, 19, 19, 21 were discovered with possession of marijuana on the first floor of Alvey Hall at 9:15 p.m. They have been charged with three administrative referrals.

On Oct. 6 a student, 19, was discovered with marijuana possession on the second floor of Willard Hall at 8 p.m. The student has been charged with an administrative referral.

On Oct. 7 a student, 18, and a visitor were found with marijuana possession on the fifth floor of Bushnell Hall at 10:30 p.m. The student was charged with administrative referral. The visitor was charged with a trespass notice.

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

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

James Monroe Museum offers activities and events for whole community VANESSA MOORE Staff Writer

While it is fairly common knowledge that there are various museums in the area that are open to the student body and the community, what specific activities are available at these museums is a topic that is relatively unknown.

One museum in particular that has some exciting events coming up is the James Monroe Museum and Memorial Library located in historic downtown Fredericksburg.

The museum opened in 1927 and belongs to the American Association for State and Local History, as well as the Virginia Association of Museums. It houses an extensive collection of artifacts and items belonging to former U.S President James Monroe, including clothes owned

by Monroe himself. It also holds Elizabeth Monroe’s wedding gown. These, in addition to multiple other pieces, are available

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for viewing at the museum.

In an effort to incorporate the community, the museum hosts a variety of activities that cater to the diverse groups of people in the area. It also holds a few permanent events. Among these events are “James Monroe: An American Life,” which covers Monroe and his family’s life and accomplishments, “The Making of a Revolutionary,” which details Monroe’s service in the Continental Army during the American Revolution, and other events centering around James Monroe, his life, accomplishments and contributions to society.

According to museum director Scott Harris, the museum offers much of interest to “students who are political science, history or historic preservation majors, or students who are just interested in the government that runs the school.”

The museum is currently celebrating the bicentennial anniversary of the War of 1812. “[There will be programs which] touch

on that critical period in national history, particularly on its impact on the formation of an independent American identity,” Harris said.

Apart from the historical events that it holds, the museum hosts various seasonal events as well. Every Saturday in October they host yoga in the beautiful outdoor gardens at the museum from 9 to 10 in the morning.

On Oct. 22, Stephen Farnsworth, professor of political science and international affairs and director of the Center for Leadership and Media Studies, and Gerald Baliles, former Virginia Governor, will be present at a public forum discussing the history of the Virginia governorship.

“We’ll look at how that office has evolved and at its impact on the people living in Virginia,” Harris said.

While these events are geared toward the entire Fredericksburg community, all are student friendly.

“I find it a little strange that they have

yoga,” senior math major SunJeung Yoon said. “But I think it’s good too – it’s the sort of thing that everyone can participate in.”

However, some students are not as familiar with the museum, and as a result miss out on the events they offer.

“I think it would be interesting if they incorporated more with the school,” senior Spanish and environmental science double major Emily Gibbs said. “I’ve never been, and I’d be more likely to go if they were more involved with the school.”

The museum serves as an administrative unit of the university itself, and as such offers resources for anyone on or off campus to use in any recreational or vocational activities. The museum also holds connections to many of the school’s recreational activities, as it is the headquarters for the annual Ghostwalk, which celebrates its 30 year anniversary this year.

Museum admission is free to University of Mary Washington students.

Thursday, October 9, 2014

NEWS

Candidates debate issues for First Congressional District seat

•DEBATE | 1 guing he would not change anything about the ACA, while Wittman focused on a need to repeal and replace the law.

Wittman argued for a need to repeal and replace the ACA, despite stating that he supported aspects of the policy that allow people with preexisting conditions to purchase insurance and young people to stay on their parents’ plans until turning 26, arguing for private insurance.

“Why is it that insurance for automobiles and homes can be marketed across the nation, and we see lots of competition and lower prices there, yet for health insurance you can’t do that?” Wittman asked.

Mosher pushed back stating, “Five years we’ve had the Affordable Care Act on the books, and each year the Republicans have said, ‘repeal it and replace it.’

But with what?”

“All I hear is tort reform and selling across state lines,” Mosher said. “There was time when you could have had tort reform if you’d been willing to work with the president at all.”

One audience-submitted question came from a UMW student, asking the candidates “How can higher education be made more affordable for today’s college students?”

Wittman emphasized a need for workforce development and technology training, noting that specialized credentials could be a larger influence than college degrees for future job requirements.

Wittman also stated education is more practical if we “make sure there are jobs there for [students] and that the education they receive relates directly to a job that’s out there. We need to make sure students have a job to go to, and they have a proper education to get there.”

Alternatively, Mosher focused on the issue of rising student debt and argued that the government has no reason to reduce

WWI artifacts add extra level to learning experience

•ARTIFACTS | 7 to have his father impart some context of WWI to his fellow students.

“It was helpful to the class to get a visual representation and full sensory experience after reading so much about the war,” he said.

Scanlon agreed, saying, “In addition to helping us visualize and understand some of the weapons and gear that our authors describe, it simply humanized the literature to me – a young man used this uniform, ate from this mess kit, relied on this gas mask.”

Sophomore English major Robert Skipper, the son of Nathan Skipper and student in Scanlon’s course, was happy to have his father impart some context of WWI to his fellow students.

“It was helpful to the class to get a visual representation and full sensory experience after reading so much about the war,” he said.

Scanlon agreed, saying, “In addition to helping us visualize and understand some of the weapons and gear that our authors describe, it simply humanized the literature to me—a young man used this uniform, ate from this mess kit, relied on this gas mask.”

Ginny Clark/ The Blue & Gray Press

student loan costs, and therefore a new system should be put in place.

“The government is making $51 billion a year on the interest of student loans. I don’t think the government should be in that business,” Mosher said.

In an interview after the debate Mosher explained that universities continue raising rates because students will continue paying them in order to get an education.

“Universities and colleges across the country are raising their rates for no reason other than they can because students will bring in whatever money they need,” Mosher said. “It’s become a big business.”

Parker believes the issue of student debt needs to move out of the government’s hands.

“I agree that we do need to make education more affordable,” Parker said. “I’m not sure, though, that we need to put it in the hands of the federal government.”

In a question about whether or not the minimum wage should be raised, Wittman proposed a solution to strengthening the economy. He believe that providing better jobs and training, rather than raise the minimum wage is the best solution. He re-emphasized a need for technical training, noting minimum wage as “a side issue” to job

creation.

In his closing statement, Wittman expressed the importance of voter turnout in the upcoming election, while Mosher took the time to once again push against Wittman’s political record and platform, stating that the public wants change.

“I thought [the debate] went excellently. I think Norm answered the questions beautifully, and he did a wonderful job,” said Ben Hermerding, president of the UMW Young Democrats. “Norm presented a great argument this evening. It’s the difference between a partisan gridlock and an everyday person who just wants to get stuff done.”

Nicole Tardif, chairman of the UMW College Republicans also found the debate successful, though with a different outcome.

“I think the debate went very well. I think it was very clear that Congressman Wittman won the debate with his knowledge of current events and the issues,” Tardif said.

The student groups that sponsored the event said they were pleased with the turnout, and noted the importance of open debate.

“I always say that more students should always turn out because I wholeheartedly believe that every student should turn out to events like this,” Hermerding said.

Tardif echoed these sentiments, pressing the need to involve students in elections.

“I think it’s very helpful for students to see who they will be voting for, and I hope that we have the ability to sponsor similar debates in the future,” said Tardif.

To vote in the Virginia election, voters must be registered by Oct. 14. Election Day is on Tuesday, Nov. 4, and absentee ballots for are due by mail to the local registrar’s offices by 5:00 p.m. on Oct. 28.

Pollard to Pandora: piano instructor now streaming online LEIGH HOOVER Staff Writer

Beautiful music can be heard softly through the slightly cluttered hallway – flutes trill softly in unison, voices swell together and, slightly muted by the closed door, a piano is being played. This is to be expected on a typical day in Pollard hall, where student performers and audiophiles alike can come to hone their musical crafts.

Andrew Kraus, hailed by the prominent composer Robert Dick as “the pianist who listens,” can be found here as well as all over the web for those who care to look.

Most notable, perhaps, is this adjunct instructor’s recent success with the Internet streaming site Pandora.

Kraus, an accomplished independent performer, is well aware of the fact that a sound Internet presence will do wonders for one’s reputation as an artist. Through an independent CD-publishing firm, he was able to expand his visibility, not just through physical media, but into the digital realm as well.

“The company gave me the option to allow them to publish my work online, where you could pay to download it from multiple sites,” Kraus said.

However, Pandora was not the only site he was published on. He contacted them independently, with the idea that it could be something he could add to his credentials. According to Kraus, he figured that the more places he could be seen, the better.

Submitting music to Pandora in and of itself is very simple, with the submission page available on their website. Adding the appropriate metadata, or “tags,” to one’s music can be done by the artist as well. From there, a committee will listen to the sample recording sent in, and, if approved, will perform any sorting left to be done as well as notify the artist. This process can take months.

“The hardest part is just waiting,” Kraus said.

The title on Pandora is “Music from the Golden Age of the Piano,” which features pieces from famous pianists such as David Saperton, Frederick Chopin and Leopold Godowsky among others. Kraus was fortunate enough to study under Saperton for some time.

Making money directly from his music was never the intended goal for Kraus.

“You’re lucky to recoup the costs of recording it,” Kraus said.

Astronomical studio prices can be a de-

terrent for any would-be performing artist.

However, through ingenuity and thriftiness, he was able to cut recording costs to a mere fraction of what a professional studio would charge, with identical results, using a modified flash recorder and a few hours with a friend’s audio program.

“We were able to make it sound like you were in the room with me,” Kraus said. “Which is what we wanted.”

With this accomplishment under his belt, Kraus has n o plans to stop where he is.

The adjunct instructor plans to release several more CD’s in the future, both on his own and with other artists.

Courtesy of University Relations

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SPORTS

Editor: Chris Markham | blueandgray.sports@gmail.com

Crew teams not faltering despite losing varsity status

UMW Club Rowing President Morgan Keerans said she is “working hard to complete the nitty-gritty administrative stuff.”

Words as simple as “All In” can be very Keerans, a psychology major, said she important to sports teams. For the Univeris doing everything possible to make the sity of Mary Washington’s crew teams, transition as easy as it can be for everyone. these words are everything. As the teams “I’m trying to highlight all of the posihead into their first season since having tives that can come from the situation,” their status changed from varsity to club, Keerans said. “It definitely has been a lot they will be leaning on these words to proof hard work, but the teams are becoming pel them forward more so than ever before. unified, and we have made great progress.”

“Everyone is working hard to transfer The rules and guidelines for clubs all of the teams’ have provided attributes from some obstacles for a varsity team the crew teams, the BEING A MEMBER to a club team,” biggest being that the head coach KelOF A HARD-WORKING, teams can’t practice as ley Tice said. as they need to.

PASSIONATE TEAM HAS much “I think it’s a “It’s been hard to shame that our PUSHED ME TO OVERCOME maintain our schedule team status has practice, but I’m MENTAL AND PHYSICAL and been changed.” encouraging both teams Tice, a UMW BARRIERS, AND I LOVE IT. do more work outside of alumna, was an practice,” Keerans said.

All-American Sophomore crew rower every Katharine Barry member TJ Muratore, year she attendan environmental scied UMW. She ence major, does not think that the changhas a strong tie to the university’s crew ing of the teams’ statuses will hurt them. teams, which is why she cares so much and “Club status has motivated the team,” pushes her team members so hard.

Muratore said. “It has brought the men’s The teams have made several NCAA apand women’s teams together, and I have pearances and have proven to be very comnoticed a total team improvement. It makes petitive. Last year, the men’s team finished us work harder and forces teammates to second overall in the Mid-Atlantic Region. rely on one another.”

Despite losing their varsity status, Tice is Muratore is the vice president of Individexpecting the teams to perform just as well ual Fundraising and said that he sees evas last year, or better. ery one of his teammates doing as much as “Club status won’t deter us,” she said. possible to be successful.

“Crew provides a community where anyDAVID MERCER Staff Writer

one can join and be successful, and that’s what makes us stick out,” Tice said. “Even though we are in an awkward position, there is still a positive atmosphere.”

This positive community has drawn a lot of people to the crew team.

“There is a very large novice group and a lot of hope for the future,” Tice said.

One of the new members on the women’s team is freshman Katharine Barry, an environmental science major.

“I decided to join the rowing team because it seemed like a welcoming community of hard workers,” Barry said. “Being

Capitals set to begin 2014-2015 campaign marred by coaching changes, unThe Washington Capitals missed the successful changplayoffs last season for the first time in sev- es in style of play en seasons. The disappointing year brought and overall inconabout big changes to the front office and sistent play. The coaching staff, as well as the players on the Capitals named an in-house replaceice.

George McPhee, who held the role of ment for McPhee, Capitals general manager since 1997, was 55-year-old Onfired at the end of last season. McPhee was tario native Brian successful in Washington, winning seven MacLellan.

Adam Oates, Southeastern Division championships, but Courtesy of starsandsticks.com who has been the he was fired due to last year’s disappointing The Capitals missed the playoffs for the first time in six years last season. season and the team’s struggle to advance Capitals head coach The Capitals hope these moves in their far into the playoffs in previous seasons. since June 2012, was also let go at the end front office, coaching staff and roster will The latter part of McPhee’s tenure was of last season. The Caps performed de- rejuvenate a team that has been on a downcently under Oates but failed to make ward spiral since their 2010 season. noise in the 2013 playoffs, missing Washington has plenty to be excited them all together in his final season with about this upcoming season. They still the team. The Capitals hired longtime have two of the best players in the world on Nashville Predators head coach Barry their team in Alex Ovechkin and Nicklas Trotz, who had been with the Predators Backstrom. The team also has a good mix for 15 seasons prior to the switch. of veterans and young players on the team.

“We are extremely pleased to name Keys to success this season will include Brian MacLellan the team’s general growth from young players, especially manager and welcome Barry Trotz to from forwards Evgeny Kuznetsov and Tom Washington as the Capitals coach,” said Wilson. majority owner Ted Leonsis in a May Good goaltending will also be essential. press conference. “[Trotz] is a highBraden Holtby will need to prove his worth ly respected and accomplished coach as a starting goalie. Holtby, throughout his who brings us a wealth of experience. career, has shown signs of greatness alongHe was the only coach we coveted, and side signs of vulnerability. If Holtby can we feel he is an ideal fit to help lead our have good games on a consistent basis, club.” the Capitals will do well. The Capitals will The Capitals also made moves to bolscore plenty of goals as they always have. ster their roster, especially on the defenThe key will be for the defense to limit sive side. The team signed two former shots on net and for Holtby to show he can Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman, Matt be reliable goaltender.

Niskanen and Brooks Orpik, to big The Capitals are expected to contend contracts. The Capitals did let center for a playoff appearance again this year. If Mikhail Grabovski walk in free agency, the team can get hot at the right time, they Patrick Neil/Wikipedia but hope to have younger players within could make some noise.

Alex Ovechkin is out to win his elusive first title. their organization replace him.

SEAN KINSLOW Staff Writer

Thursday, October 9, 2014

a member of a hard-working, passionate team has pushed me to overcome mental and physical barriers and I love it.”

Kerrans said she is confident in what the new members can bring to the team.

“We’ve been able to advertise more and therefore we have a lot more new members,” Keerans said. She said s h e

loves the fact that more people have come out and thinks both teams will be just fine and have notable success.

“Seeing how successful the women’s rugby team is made the teams more optimistic about the transition,” Keerans said.

Keeping a positive and hopeful mindset, Keerans said she is excited to see how well the teams will perform this year.

The teams have a scrimmage against the College of William and Mary on Oct. 25 and will be competing in the Head of the Occoquan on Nov. 1 and 2.

UMW women’s basketball team participates in clinic at Spotsylvania Middle School

Courtesy of umweagles.com

A group of team members from the University of Mary Washington women’s basketball team traveled to Spotsylvania Middle School on Monday, Oct. 6 to host a basketball clinic.

More than 40 kids participated in the clinic. Members of the team taught offensive and defensive skills while also stressing the importance of hard work. This is one of many community projects put of by the UMW athletic department this year.

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