DSJ March 2014

March 2014

The DoG Street Journal Est. 2003 EDITORIAL STAFF Editors-in-Chief Jeffrey Knox Christine Shen Managing Editor Molly Michie News Editor Eliza Scheibe

A ¿fe and drum trio leads a throng of runners towards the starting line for the Sentara Colonial Half Marathon. Photo by Jeffrey Knox.

Associate News Editor Sydni Scrofani

March 2014, Volume 11 Issue 6 www.dogstreetjournal.com

What’s Inside?

Style Editor Molly Earner Associate Style Editor Chelsea Pittman Opinions Editor Elizabeth Edmonds Sports Editor Alex Cook Associate Sports Editor Scott Guinn

Editorial

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> The DSJ Hits Virginia Beach

News > Charter Day Concert in Review

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Photo Editor Lauren Su Web Editor James Szabo

Style

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> Spotlight on Service Organizations

COVER IMAGE President Taylor Reveley addresses the audience at the 321st Charter Day ceremony.

Photo by Sam Girdzis.

Opinion > What Constitutes Plagiarism?

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Tal k to us!

The DoG Street Journal The College of William & Mary Campus Center Basement Office 12B Williamsburg, Virginia 23185 (757) 221-7851 dogstreetjournal@wm.edu

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Sports

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> Recent Success for Tribe Men’s Basketball

Editorial A DSJ Field Trip As editors of the DSJ, we work every month to cover pertinent stories, take engaging photographs, and design a magazine worth reading. After print deadline passes, we spend multiple days grinding away in our of¿ce in the basement of Campus Center, attempting to compile the issue using publishing software. Once everything has been ¿nalized, we send off all the ¿les to “the printer,” which in our case is Progressive Graphics, a printing company located in Virginia Beach.

As section editors for the past two years, neither of us really had any clue what the whole printing process entailed or even who held the DSJ printing contract. But every month, a stack of nine boxes ¿lled with 1,250 brand new magazines would magically appear in the DSJ of¿ce. Only after becoming Editor-in-Chief did I learn more about who was actually printing and delivering the magazines.

So, earlier this month, a “¿eld trip” of sorts was arranged for a few members of the Editorial Board with no Friday afternoon classes to visit Progressive Graphics down in Virginia Beach. The group was greeted by the President and Founder of Progressive Graphics, and our main contact within the company, Jerry Williams. He provided us with an all-access tour of the facilities, which included a small administrative building adjacent to a large warehouse retro¿tted with machinery, graphic design tools, and a distribution/mailing center.

Fortunately, the DSJ had just submitted the February print issue the week before, meaning that our magazine was being actively printed during the tour. Jerry showed us how the digital ¿les are processed and large printing plates are generated. In total, six plates containing four pages per side cover the entire 24-page magazine. The plates are then taken to a machine that prints the glossy sheets found in every copy. The plates are slightly raised over the areas that have text or images. They are covered in a thin layer of oil and the water-based paint adheres to the raised areas, making the plates similar to giant stamps. Each station on the machine adds color, speci¿cally red, yellow, or blue (along with black and any specialized colors like gold), until the images and text on each page are complete. The resolution of these colorful dots is 300 dpi, or dots per square inch, and if you look under a magnifying lens at one of the photos in the magazine, you’ll probably be able to make out the individual dots. All this time, a trained employee is monitoring the process and making sure the color scheme, alignment, and overall appearance of the sheets match the ¿nalized proof.

Once all the sheets are printed and allowed to dry, they must be cut. The most impressive piece of machinery, in my opinion, was the cutting machine. This hunk of metal is capable of slicing right through a stack of more than 500 sheets of paper in one slice, even when cutting thin slivers. Such swift chopping is made possible by a powerful clamp that holds the stack in place by applying a downward force equivalent to multiple tons of weight. Finally, the sheets are rearranged into their proper order, folded, and stapled together on another ingenious machine. The ¿nal step involves packaging and shipment up to Williamsburg!

Overall, the tour was very informative, and it was great to see the printing process ¿rsthand. We learned about how Jerry founded the company, the low margins in the printing industry, how printing has evolved over the years with the introduction of new technology and graphic design software, and ¿nally how the DoG Street Journal came to be contracted with Progressive Graphics about ¿ve years ago.

At the DSJ, we strive to improve the appearance of the magazine every month. The improvements that have been made over the year, especially those concerning the layout and visual aspects of the magazine, would never be possible without the contributions and assistance we get from Progressive Graphics.

Jeffrey Knox and Christine Shen DSJ Co-Editors-in-Chief

Save the Date March 10, 17, 24, 31 What: Balance & Stress Management using Qigong and Taiji Where: Tidewater B When: 1-2 p.m.

Why: Learn and practice slow smooth body movements of Qigong (a moving Toga technique) & Taiji (Tai Chi) to achieve a state of balance and relaxation of both body and mind (beginner’s level).

March 19 What: Financial Planning Where: Tucker 111 When: 4 - 6 p.m.

Why: Get tips on how to plan ¿nancially for graduate school and beyond.

March 23 What: Ewell Concert Series: Borromeo String Quartet Where: Williamsburg Library Theatre When: 7:30 p.m.

Why: Enjoy classical music played by ‘one of the most celebrated string quartets of our time.’ Student tickets $5.

OUR MISSION The DSJ is a monthly student magazine and online multimedia outlet which strives to provide an entertaining, thought-provoking, and interactive resource for the William and Mary community.

P.S. Check out our newly redesigned website! Go to www.dogstreetjournal.com.

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» NEWS

William and Mary Middle School Model United Nations Conference »

TYLER BRENT, DSJ STAFF REPORTER

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, International Youth Day 2012 Address: “Youth can determine whether this era moves toward greater peril or more positive change. Let us support the young people of our world so they grow into adults who raise yet more generations of productive and powerful leaders.”

The William and Mary International Relations Club (IRC) has heeded these words from the current Secretary General of the United Nations for the past twelve years. Any student who was on campus the weekend of February 10-12 would have been able to see the presence of young scholars chasing each other around the Sunken Gardens in suits, pant suits, and name badges. Two hundred and ¿fty seven students from 15 high schools around Virginia descended upon the College for the 12th Annual William and Mary Middle School Model United Nations conference, which is just one of the many undertakings of the IRC. For the IRC, WMIDMUN is among the triumvirate of conferences run annually at the College, along with one for high school students, WMHSMUN, and the newest of the three, &MUN is a part of the college circuit. For newcomers to MUN, these conferences simulate the running of the different institutions of the United Nations, which foster debate and research skills among delegates. Students can be assigned, for example, the position of a country or a person in a committee in which they must represent the values and interests of this person or place.

WMIDMUN’s layout consists of both general assembly (GA) committees and specialized agencies (SA). The GAs include committees such as the Economic Commission for Africa and the Committee on World Food Security which entails representing a country and drafting resolutions to be passed to help solve the problems posed by the committee director. This year, students in GAs looked at such issues as agricultural biotechnology, economic development in Africa, and the commercial use of outer space.

SAs involve speci¿c regions or interests and can potentially involve simulating the debate of government cabinets, executive boards, or regimes in a conÀict. This year, students had the choice of committees such as the 2014 Sochi Olympics Organizing Committee, in which students debated the hotly contested human rights issues and economic implications.

SAs also tend to have committees replicating a major war. This year, there was a joint committee for the Crimean War for both the Ottoman and Russian sides of the conÀict. The committees interacted when students serving on Crisis Staff would respond to the directives that they passed. Problems were posed for the two sides to challenge students to think critically to solve the problems at hand.

Teachers see the value in WMIDMUN’s ability to introduce students to new concepts and help them garner debate, research and problem solving skills.

Katrien Vance, a History/English teacher at the North Branch

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School said, “The biggest challenge for them is de¿nitely the intellectual challenge. They have never heard of human traf¿cking, and sometimes it’s a little bit sad to introduce them to that stuff. I tell them, ‘These things aren’t written for kids. You are trying to wrap your head around actual UN documents or things

by NGOs so that is very challenging. Preparing them takes a lot of time.”

Vance also points out that the idea of cooperation and diplomacy put forth by MUN conferences is ideal for her school because nonviolence is in its mission statement. From all of her experience in the past six years in bringing her school to the College for this MUN weekend, she ¿nds that the students always want to come back.

“The kids love it,” said Vance. “They love coming. I think it is incredibly rigorous intellectually, but they still love it.”

Matthew, a student from Thomas Jefferson Middle School, enjoyed being a part of a Crisis Committee because it is fast-paced and interactive. To be versed in the historical intricacies of the conÀict of his committee, the Crimean War, he said, “I read a book, a huge book, on the Crimean war.” He found that research and preparation were helpful for his pre-conference planning, but his main goals had to change on the Ày. “I had this huge game plan,” said Matthew, “except, when I went in, my game plan was more of a peaceful approach. But when I went in I realized we were past peace.”

Matthew ended up working with the other delegates in his committee, maneuvering through the blows of a war with the Ottomans from the Russian perspective. With his newfound

The WMIDMUN Service Committee raised money by selling sunglasses.

All photos courtesy of WM International Relations Club.

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The banner from this year’s conference webpage. adeptness at political maneuvering, Matthew proudly said that his dream job is to be the Speaker of the House (because he does not believe he would have a strong enough public image to become the President of the United States).

First year WMIDMUN Director Brittany Parowski (’17) enjoys being involved with this conference to play a role in helping the delegates grow. Having attended conferences of her own, she said, “I really just wanted to have that chance to staff my own committee and also really get to see the kids and their ideas and how they respond to crisis. It’s a really rewarding experience seeing the kids grow and to see them think.”

WMIDMUN is an intricate machine that involves many people working together throughout the year to plan and implement.

Parowski said, “There are a lot of meetings and staff trainings, and writing the background guide is a lot of research, but it is all worth it in the end. WMIDMUN is awesome.”

One of the masterminds behind the problems that the students will have to solve, Crisis Director Rachel Kellogg (’16), reiterates these sentiments. Her philosophy as a Director is to create an environment where everyone is comfortable to test his or her ideas and learn by doing.

Taylor Renard (‘15), Chair of the IRC Service Committee, gave a speech at the closing ceremonies.

“Especially at the middle school conference, we pay special attention to making sure every delegate participates,” said Kellogg. “There is nothing more rewarding than ¿nally seeing a shy delegate make a speech or write a directive. MUN is one of the best opportunities the kids have to practice public speaking, networking, and problem-solving skills, and watching them grow and learn over the weekend is an incredibly special experience.”

To further foster a sense of international awareness in the middle school students at conference, the service branch of the IRC plays an active role. Taylor Renard (’15), the current Chair of the IRC Service Committee, helps lead multiple initiatives throughout the year to give back to both Williamsburg and the global community.

This year, the Service Committee has chosen to partner with COPE, a Laos-based organization that seeks to rehabilitate victims of unexplored ordinance. Renard reminds IRC members that Laos is the most heavily bombed country in the world, per capita, as a result of the Vietnam War, and COPE is working to help those who are still affected to this day. At WMIDMUN, delegates learned about how the organization is helping victims and raised $1,600 in just three days through selling brownies, bracelets, sunglasses, and soda to the delegates. It only takes $200 to fully rehabilitate someone, so the Service Committee has helped to change eight lives this weekend alone.

After all of the planning and preparation for this weekend, Renard said, “My biggest success has been a moment where a delegate pulled me aside this weekend and told me that I made her care so much about COPE that she now wants to go home and fundraise with her Girl Scout troop—I love that we are inspiring others with our work!”

The head leader and visionary for the conference, WMIDMUN Secretary-General Alison Roberts (’15) loves this conference so much because it strengthens the real United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki Moon’s belief in helping children.

“What I love about WMIDMUN is the opportunity it gives these kids to really consider international issues at such a young age,” said Roberts. “I was so unaware in middle school, but through model UN, middle schoolers can build their knowledge and their con¿dence. The weather threw a real curveball at us this week, but the kids who made it told us they learned and had a great time.

That means we put on a successful conference.”

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The Charter Day Concert Wiz Khalifa Concert Keeps the Charter Day Spirit Alive in Williamsburg »

MELANIE AGUILAR, DSJ STAFF REPORTER

“Heard they gon be real smart tonite.”

Hours before the Charter Day concert on February 8, Wiz Khalifa tweeted about the College to his 12.7 million followers on Twitter. Shortly thereafter, students began to trickle into William and Mary Hall to ¿nd prime seats for the concert that sparked a good deal of interest on campus. Students and the general public had access to either Àoor seats or general admission seats starting at 6:30 p.m.

“Spots on the Àoor were ¿rst-come-¿rst-serve, so we wanted to get close enough to the stage,” said Elizabeth Marcello (’17).

As the fourth Charter Day concert in the College’s history, Wiz Khalifa has already followed a wide range of musical talents, starting with The Roots in 2011, followed by Third Eye Blind and Gavin DeGraw.

“The diversity of the acts represents the diversity of the tastes on campus, but also the process for booking talent does not necessarily mean we get what we target each time,” said Jamie Blake, one of the music co-chairs in Alma Mater Productions (AMP). “[This] accounts for some of the randomness.”

According to the Student Assembly (SA) website in 2011, the SA and AMP decided that Charter Day needed a “change” to get students more engaged with the celebration.

“Brian Focarino, a law student at William and Mary and graduate of The College…was one of the ¿rst Charter Day student chairs,” said Kendall Lorenzen (’15), student co-chair of the 2014 Charter Day Committee. “I believe he and Brittany Fallon were the ones who came up with the idea of the Charter Day concert and really increased student involvement in Charter Day celebrations.”

According to Lorenzen, in the past Charter Day seemed to be “primarily a celebration for alumni.” Lorenzen said, “I believe Brian and Brittany recognized this as a problem and decided to take charge and make the event more of a campus-wide celebration.”

Currently, the process to get an artist on campus is handled by AMP, SA, and a Charter Day Committee comprised of students in both organizations.

Lorenzen is involved in the SA as the Secretary of Outreach and believed her role as one of the Charter Day student chairs came from her work on last year’s Charter Day. For 2013, she and the past chairs worked on creating a bill to allocate funds from the Student Activities Reserve for the Charter Day concert, but circumstances changed.

“Our work stopped when a donor came forward and asked to put on a free concert for William and Mary,” said Lorenzen. “The donor coordinated a Gavin DeGraw concert and we, at the time, had very minimal involvement.”

ReÀecting on her experience this year, Lorenzen said that she believed her position in the Student Assembly helped her “be a more effective Chair.”

“While I do not think that the position should necessarily belong to a SA member, I really think it is important that there is a positive, collaborative relationship between the SA, Charter Day student chairs, and AMP Music,” she said.

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Lorenzen felt that the most important work she and her cochair Rory Park (’15) did for the concert was completed last semester when they “worked with the Student Assembly to acquire funds and help rank the preference order of potential Charter Day artists.”

“Honestly, a majority of the work for the Charter Day concert was done by Trici Fredrick and AMP Music,” said Lorenzen.

Trici Fredrick is the Associate Director of Student Leadership Development. She worked with the contracts that were sent to each artist who was considered to perform. “[Fredrick] has acted as a great advisor to Rory and I and the AMP Music committee,” said Lorenzen.

Lorenzen was positive about her experience working with the different people and organizations involved in the planning process.

“They are all such phenomenal, dedicated members of the Tribe that worked so hard to put on a great concert to celebrate the birth of the College,” she said.

While the roles varied across organizations and committees, each person involved contributed to the overall event.

“In the past Student Assembly has truthfully not been incredibly active in Charter Day planning, although SA has been essential for acquiring enough funds to have a Charter Day concert,” said Lorenzen.

The SA ultimately sets the budget for the Charter Day concert every year.

“Because this is a larger concert, we got more money to work with,” Blake said about the budget.

The funding for the concert comes from multiple sources.

“Typically, SA approves a $25,000 allocation from the Student Activities Reserve for the concert to match AMP's contribution, which is also coordinated by the SA through the yearly budgeting process,” Lorenzen said. “There is also a budgeted SA contribution of $25,000.”

The Student Activities Reserve refers to the rollover funds from the previous year’s budget. The SA has the authority to allocate those funds as they see necessary.

With a budget in mind, AMP can begin its work in the planning process. Once AMP’s Music Committee determines which artists are viable options for the event, given a price range, members create a list that ranks how much they want them to perform.

The AMP Music chairs, the Charter Day chairs and SA President Chase Koontz (’14) then met to discuss the ranking.

“We changed around the order of the list a bit based off what we thought students would most enjoy,” Lorenzen said.

“I personally am not a die hard Wiz Khalifa fan, but part of the reason I supported having Wiz as our top choice was that I looked at how many William and Mary students liked him on Facebook.”

When the students came to their decision, their advisor sent the contracts to the potential artists.

The details of the contract must be con¿dential until it is signed, according to Lorenzen. The students had to go the Of¿ce of Student Leadership Development for assistance with the contract because it is required to go through that of¿ce before it can be sent

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Students enjoying the concert.

Wiz Khalifa takes the stage. Photos by Lauren Su.

Wiz Khalifa performs during the Charter Day weekend concert. Photo by Lauren Su. off to speakers or performers.

“Typically, each artist takes a week to either reject or accept the offer,” Blake said about the contracts.

While in the past the ¿rst choice was unavailable, this year was different.

“We were lucky to be able to get Wiz Khalifa this year because he was our ¿rst choice given the restraints listed above,” Blake said.

Additionally, other factors played into Wiz Khalifa’s availability.

“This year we were incredibly lucky that the Grammys were at a different time than Charter Day,” Lorenzen said. “In previous years, artist choices were not just limited by price, but also whether or not the artists would be attending the Grammys.

We have had some phenomenal headliners and openers for past Charter Days, but the conditions this year allowed us to select a big name, Grammy-nominated artist.”

Once the Charter Day artist was announced at Yule Log, AMP “heard a lot of positive buzz surrounding the concert,” according to Blake. Lorenzen heard similar interest.

“The responses were, for the most part, great,” she said. “I am a [Resident Assistant] in a freshman hall and I have tried to keep my Charter Day involvement quiet and it was so fun to hear their reactions. A few people didn't initially know who the artist was, but most of them were able to recognize his songs.”

At the concert Wiz Khalifa sang his most popular songs, such as “Young, Wild and Free,” “Work Hard, Play Hard,” and “No Sleep.” Wiz Khalifa also performed “We Own It” and dedicated

a moment of silence for the late Fast and Furious franchise actor Paul Walker, who passed away last November.

At a later point in the show, Wiz Khalifa asked the audience how they were feeling and introduced his mother on stage.

“The biggest surprise…was de¿nitely that the day of the show we learned that Wiz Khalifa's mother would be in attendance that night,” Blake said. “She was an absolutely awesome addition to the night and even joined Wiz Khalifa on stage during one of his songs, which was a memorable moment.”

Wiz Khalifa’s mother was not the only one who went on stage during the show. In addition to Taylor Gang members, people in the audience were invited to dance to “We Dem Boyz (Hold Up)” on stage.

“I was just dancing during one of the songs and a guy saw me and asked if I wanted to dance on stage,” Giana Castellanos (’16) said. “I said ‘yes!’ and me and my friends went on stage. [It] was really exhilarating.”

While Lorenzen felt that the concert was successful, she would like to make some changes.

“I committed to serving as a Charter Day Chair again and after assisting with this year's Charter Day celebrations, I'd really like to ¿nd a way to give students that are outside of AMP Music and the decision-making committee a more active voice in the process,” she stated. “We work hard to ¿nd a representative artist and AMP Music is absolutely amazing at picking out artists that students will enjoy, but I would be interested in exploring the idea of sending out a campus-wide music interests survey.”

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William and Mary’s American Sign Language Club Raising Awareness About Deaf Culture »

MARISSA BEALE, DSJ STAFF REPORTER

When one thinks about American Sign Language, one may not think about the culture or community that exists among those who use it. The American Sign Language Club at the College of William and Mary is committed to increasing awareness about this culture.

“Deaf culture is growing, and it is vital for all Americans to be able to communicate,” said ASL Club President Merci Best (’17).

For about a month now, the ASL Club has been gathering on Thursday nights to practice sign language in Blow Memorial Hall.

At the ¿rst meeting, members worked together in groups to learn the ASL alphabet, how to ¿nger-spell their names, and how to form the signs for different animals.

“We wanted there to be an opportunity for ASL students to continue to learn to practice signing. We also wanted to allow other interested individuals to learn more about sign language and the deaf community,” said Best.

The ASL Club has attracted students who do know how to sign and those who are completely new at it. For some, it can be hard to understand or even visualize what deaf “culture” is.

But deaf culture is made up of social beliefs, behaviors, art, literary traditions, and shared institutions of communities that are affected by deafness and which use sign language as the means of communication.

“American Sign Language has been recognized in the state legislature as an of¿cial foreign language,” said Best.

Virginia House of Delegates Joint Resolution No. 228, offered in 1996, requested that public and private schools of higher education in Virginia recognize American Sign Language coursework for foreign language credit. Unfortunately, American Sign Language is not offered at the College.

Members of the William and Mary American Sign Language Club pose at a meeting.

Virginia Strobach.

Photo courtesyPhoto of thecourtesy W&MofAmerican Sign Language Club.

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“ASL is a beautiful language that is not often recognized as such,” said ASL Club co-founder Allison Shomaker (’16).

Best and Shomaker both agree that the school’s limited knowledge about ASL and deaf culture was one of their key motivational factors behind forming this club.

It is not just members of the hearing community, though, that are calling for increased awareness of deaf culture. There are deaf dancers, artists, and even plays that convey the message that deaf culture is something unique and worthy of being cherished. On February 3, an article appeared in the Washington Post titled “Straddling two worlds – deaf and hearing on and off stage,” by columnist Petula Dvorak. She wrote a recent production of the play “Tribes,” about a deaf man who was born into a loud, boisterous and opinionated family. The young man struggles to ¿nd his own place – his own tribe – among them. There is a scene in the play in which the deaf characters describe how the hearing world rarely creates a space for them.

“When the simple act of communicating with someone else is treated as a burden, it’s easier to stop trying and simply stay with your own tribe,” wrote Dvorak.

Shomaker and Best are working to create a space within the Tribe family for people to learn about deaf culture.

“In our meeting with Anne Arsenau, she mentioned to us that there had been a group interested in starting up a club a couple years back, but in the end their schedules became too busy and plans fell through,” said Shomaker.

The renewed effort to raise awareness about deaf culture at William and Mary is expected to have a positive impact on campus.

“In the future, we see the ASL Club cultivating interpreters who can sign at campus events,” said Best.

Both Shomaker and Best began learning ASL when they were in high school. Best studied for two years and started a performance group called “The Sign of Love” to sign at local churches and events. Shomaker has studied ASL for three years. She worked at an ASL camp for deaf and hard-of-hearing youth during her summers in high school. Both girls attended the same high school, reunited here at William and Mary, and immediately put plans in motion to create an ASL club on campus.

“I was so disappointed when I heard that [William and Mary] didn’t offer any ASL courses,” said Shomaker. “Throughout my freshman year, I tried to ¿nd an ASL club, but to no avail. When I heard Merci had made it into [William and Mary], I knew it was our chance!”

The Club has already started having “silent dinners” with its members. These dinners are a chance for them to practice their signing, and just get to know each other a little better as club members.

You can ¿nd out more by following “The American Sign Language Club at W&M” on Facebook. You can also ¿nd ASL in the news, as well as a video of members of the ASL Club signing the song “Where is the Love” by the Black Eyed Peas, on January 31 at the NAACP Non-Violence Awareness Program.

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Standstill in Ukraine Protests Rage on in a Nation Divided »

CHANG CHUN, DSJ STAFF REPORTER

Protests have continued to wage in Ukraine, stemming from a cultural divide. The main catalyst for the protests occurred on November 21 when the Ukrainian president, Viktor Yanukovych, rejected a deal that would have led to economic integration with the European Union (EU). Ukraine, located in Eastern Europe, has been historically split. Due to recent economic turmoil, Ukrainians have been seeking an alliance with the European Union. However, others, along with the government, have shown loyalty to Russia. This has led to a rift between the citizens of Ukraine. The majority of protests have taken place in the capital city, Kiev. The supporters of the EU state stress freedom and democracy, while advocates of Russian diplomacy emphasize loyalty.

The results of the protests are important to the economic future of Ukraine. One of the main factors for Ukraine’s potential willingness to integrate with the EU is economic. Ukraine has a falling economy and integration with the European Union is a viable solution. In response to Ukraine’s potential partnership with the EU, Russia’s President Vladimir Putin offered a $15 billion bailout plan to Ukraine. Ukraine, on the brink of economic stagnation, desperately needs a bailout plan. However, Putin’s offer comes with conditions. Vladimir Putin is only willing to bail out Ukraine on the condition that it pledges loyalty to Russia and disregards the offer of the European Union. The Ukrainian government remains tempted by Russia’s offer, while protesters are ¿ghting for the opposite.

The violence associated with the protests has fueled international headlines. Violent acts have come from both sides during the political dispute. Protesters have thrown Molotov cocktails and rocks at the riot police, who return ¿re with stun grenades and rubber bullets. One especially violent interaction between the two sides claimed the lives of six people. The protesters have argued that violence was necessary to get their point across. They emphasize that they protested for over two months without any concessions or change. In the eyes of the activists, the escalation of the protests is imperative. The situation remains highly volatile and some have speculated about the start of a civil war.

Despite the large divide between the two sides, Yanukovych has offered concessions. One of the biggest concessions was the Prime Minister’s resignation in late January. The resignation was a welcome sight to the protesters, who have fought for a more democratic and less corrupt government. President Yanukovych was later quoted as saying he is willing to make an opposition leader the new prime minister. Another important concession was the repeal of controversial anti- protest laws. In early January, Yanukovych passed protest laws that prohibited protesters from wearing gas masks or helmets and even increased the prison sentence of those convicted of creating disorder.

“Everyone here is looking at ten years,” said one protester.

These laws were met with international criticism, and only deepened the divide between the two estranged sides. Despite these concessions, protesters still are not completely appeased.

Students rally to support Ukraine’s EU integration.

Photo courtesy of Radio Free Europe Radio Liberty.

The protesters have clamored for the resignation of Yanukovych and hope for a responsive, more democratic government.

Civilians and pundits alike have wondered if the United States should get involved in Ukraine. However, William and Mary economics professor Tatyana Kuzmenko does not see the need for United States intervention.

“A lot of the country still lives normally, although there has been some violence in Kiev,” said Kuzmenko.

She also questions the potential ef¿cacy of the United States’ intervention. If there is no need for military intervention, Kuzmenko wonders if the United States will be able to do anything, stating that the United States currently has little involvement with both Russia and Ukraine. Although the United States has not intervened in Ukraine, John Kerry, the United States Secretary of State, voiced his support of the Ukrainian people.

In support of the protesters, Kerry said, “The United States and EU stand with the people of Ukraine in that ¿ght.”

A New York Times article on February 16, 2014 reported that protesters had discontinued their occupation of City Hall in Kiev.

This departure marks an easing of tensions after two months of protests and violence. The government has shown signs of being cooperative. On February 14, 2014, the government claimed to have released all 234 people arrested as a result of the protests.

However, the protestors did not depart without making demands.

The activists claim that if all charges are not dropped, they will retake City Hall. This claim indicates a remaining distrust between the two sides. It remains to be seen if the protestors have evacuated for good.

Although the political situation in Ukraine may seem distant, everyone should be hoping for a peaceful outcome. Experts have predicted that the precarious situation could dissolve into a civil war, or an even more widespread conÀict. With powerful parties involved, such as Russia and the EU, whatever happens in Ukraine could have substantial geopolitical effects. No matter which side is in the right, the best-case scenario is a peaceful ending.

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STYLE

Difference, Not Disability Teaching the Interdisciplinary Neurodiversity Seminar at W&M »

DAN DELMONACO, DSJ STAFF REPORTER

“Neurodiversity is the idea that neurological differences like autism and ADHD are the result of normal, natural variation in the human genome,” said John Elder Robison in his column for Psychology Today. Robison is a New York Times Bestselling author with Asperger’s who uses his experiences and ¿rsthand knowledge to advocate for those on the autism spectrum. Robison also currently serves as a Scholar in Residence at William and Mary and teaches an interdisciplinary seminar on neurodiversity with four other professors. As someone with a brother on the autism spectrum, I knew I had to take advantage of the opportunity to be in a class with Robison and explore this topic that greatly affects my life. I was able to interview Robison and each professor to discuss my interest in the origins of the class and their hopes for its future.

“I have a son who is twelve years old now who is on the autism spectrum. Right before his tenth birthday I started thinking about all I had learned with Ethan through lots of reading and lots of great professionals, but also great autistic advocates who’ve been teaching me to think about autism as difference rather than as disability,” said Professor of History and Director of the Omohundro Karin Wulf. Wulf has spearheaded the Neurodiversity Initiative at William and Mary and began a collaborative working group to support students with neurological differences, such as autism, and advocate for them on campus.

One of Wulf’s next steps was to contact other faculty members who would participate in the Neurodiversity Initiative. Professor of Psychology and Director of Neuroscience Joshua Burk was contacted by Wulf to be involved with this group and Burk went on to bring in Professor and Chair of Psychology Janice Zeman and the recipient of the 2014 Thomas Jefferson Teaching Award, Professor of Psychology Cheryl Dickter. The group ¿rst received a University Teaching Project grant (UTP) last year and used this to

The faculty involved in the Neurodiversity Initiative, from left: Karin Wulf, Janice Zeman, Cheryl Dickter, and Joshua Burk.

Photo by Dan Delmonaco.

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focus on inclusion and accommodation of neurodiverse students in the classroom. The next phase of their initiative took place this school year when they used a UTP to facilitate the ongoing seminar.

“There was a classroom component that was missing,” said Burk. The class meets once a week and the professors rotate leading discussions on topics including neurodiversity in education, dating and relationships for the neurodiverse, and neurodiversity and the law. Each professor brings his or her own unique perspective and interests to the course. Burk is interested in exploring the neurological basis for differences in executive functions of individuals on the autism spectrum. Dickter focuses on social psychology and is interested in the social cognitive processing of individuals on the spectrum.

“My research looks at emotional development and I’m really interested in how people on the spectrum process emotion,” said Zeman. “How do they do that differently and what are ways we can improve that?” Zeman also wants to focus on the comorbidities associated with autism—other disorders such as ADHD found in those on the spectrum.

“I sure hope my perspective as an adult with autism provides a valuable counterpoint to the views of the other (more traditional) faculty, who approach neurodiversity from their various discipline’s perspectives,” said Robison. “I also hope my work on government and private autism committees brings William and Mary students a useful perspective. I guess time will tell. People say that autistic people see the world differently. I think that’s true, and I hope that difference perspective as expressed by me is helpful and interesting to William and Mary students.” The other four professors all agree that Robison’s participation in the seminar is an integral part of the course and it’s continuation.

“My hope is that we are lucky enough to have John with us for the foreseeable future and that we expand our course offering,” said Wulf. “And that we are able to translate that not just into reaching the students in the classes but also onto the campus.”

Zeman expressed the hope of the Neurodiversity Initiative to expand the course from just a one-credit seminar to a three-credit course or freshman seminar. They would even like to open up a one-credit course to residents of the Williamsburg area. Expanding the course in future semesters would allow them to further utilize our Scholar in Residence and involve more members of the campus community.

“I think it’s important to show students the range of behaviors of different people on the spectrum so that going into the real world they could have more of an appreciation for that and an understanding of what it means to be neurodiverse,” said Dickter. Hopefully, this course will continue to grow through the collaborative efforts of students and faculty. I am excited to see how the Neurodiversity Initiative and this seminar will spread not only awareness and acceptance of these “disabilities” on campus, but appreciation of our differences.

Favorite Spring ‘14 Fashion Trends »

CHELSEA PITTMAN, DSJ ASSOCIATE STYLE EDITOR

The transitioning seasons, spring and fall, always produce the best fashions because the weather is (for the most part) never too hot or too cold, thus allowing for more freedom of clothing choices: no longer a slave to that big, bulky winter coat to keep you warm or trying to ¿nd a way to stay cool without walking outside completely naked. Another great thing about transitioning seasons’ fashion is the ability to take those winter clothes or summer clothes and incorporate them into the following season.

Not only can that light sweater you would layer in the winter look great with a pair of pastel-colored, cropped trousers, but it also saves time and money when it comes to that inevitable spring/ summer shopping trip. These are some of my favorite Spring 2014 fashion trends that can easily be achieved by altering your winter wardrobe: Cropped, Boxy Jackets: These jackets are a trendy way to keep warm on those cool, spring evenings and they come in a variety of colors and prints, which makes them great when transitioning from winter to spring because they can replace the go-to black, “moto” jacket you sported all winter long. Although, the moto jacket is still a staple and of course can be worn with your Àow-y, Àoral dress (without tights) for that added edge.

Seasonal Sweatshirt: The seasonal sweatshirt is a favorite of mine for spring trends for the versatility, practicality, and chic, laid-back look it gives every out¿t. Whether it’s oversized or ¿tted, these light sweatshirts are a perfect match for the weather and look great with just about anything. Wear it ¿tted with a pair of cropped boyfriend jeans or oversized with a pair of skinny trousers or jeans, and as for shoes, pair it with a nude pump, wedge, or sneaker to complete the look you want.

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STYLE

Black and White: Another classic winter trend that spills over into spring. The simplistic, minimalism that this contrast allows makes for a neat, put together look that works for any season. I would style this trend with a black trouser and a white, chiffon button up with a black, ¿tted blazer to incorporate the “suit” trend this season, or a black button-up with a contrasted, white collar and a pair of light-wash skinny jeans.

Model Cara Delevingne shows off some new earrings.

Photo courtesy of Google Images.

Ear Party: Even though jewelry works for every season, I love the transition from an arm party to an ear party. Extravagant ear cuffs, large statement studs, and tribal earrings are a perfect addition to your spring wardrobe. Ear cuffs not only make a huge statement, but they are also super convenient if piercings are just not your thing. Say goodbye to boring, simple ear jewelry, instead pile it on and throw yourself an ear party!

Tribal Print: Tribal print seems to be back this spring season, which is great because you can dig into last year’s wardrobe and just spice up those pieces with a few new additions: sweatshirts with tribal print and designs look great paired with skinny jeans or leggings, and if you want to still incorporate your winter leather, try pairing that tribal print shirt with some leather (or faux leather), loose-¿tting shorts.

Photo courtesy of Asos.com.

Photo courtesy of oohlalablog.com.

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STYLE

Best Of’s A Random Assortment of the Five Best Things

BEST OF: ST. PATRICK’S DAY TRADITIONS » CHELSEA

PITTMAN, DSJ ASSOCIATE STYLE EDITOR

1. Wearing the color green (and getting pinched for not doing so): Although it is unclear how this tradition exactly came about, it is one of the main traditions recognized during St. Paddy’s day among both the young and the old. Other than the fact that the color green is usually associated with Ireland, also called the “Emerald Isle” for its vast green landscape, the tradition to wear green may have originated from the tradition of “Wearing of the green,” in which case the “green” that is being referred to is the Irish shamrock: a small plant that becomes very visible in Ireland during the spring. As for being pinched, this tradition was born in the United States (like most St. Patrick ’s Day traditions) with the intention to deter people from not getting pinched by leprechauns. Apparently, if you are wearing green they cannot see you and therefore they cannot pinch you.

Makes sense.

3. Toting around a shamrock According to Irish legend, St. Patrick used the shamrock as a representation of the Holy Trinity. Thus, with the holiday being one of religious recognition initially, just as on Palm Sunday when churchgoers don a piece of palm on their clothing, those who participated in recognizing St. Patrick would wear the shamrock as a religious tradition. In St. Benin’s Church in Wicklow, Ireland, St. Patrick is shown on the stain glass window holding a shamrock.

All photos courtesy of Google Images.

2. Drinking in Pubs St. Patrick’s Day is also a well-known holiday that provides a reason for people to drink merrily in nearby Irish pubs, or just pubs in general. While one of the reasons that is said to promote or encourage the level of alcohol consumption was the lift of Lenten restrictions for this day only, the tradition is also referred to as Patrick’s Pot and drowning of the shamrock, in which people Àoat the leaf at the top of whiskey before downing the shot. Even though drinking in such a way would seem to go against the religious nature of the day, people often use this time to indulge in Irish beer like Guinness and Irish whiskey, and many bars advertise for consumers to come in and “drink like an Irishman.”

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4. Irish Music and Dancing Even though St. Patrick’s Day was originally meant to recognize Saint Patrick in Ireland, it has become in present day a celebration of Irish culture as a whole. Therefore, at many St. Patrick’s Day celebrations it is very common to hear Irish bagpipe music or bands, and if you’re lucky, you may even come across Celtic dancing performances!

5. St. Patrick’s Day Parades Throughout the world, from Chicago to London to Tokyo and Sydney, St. Patrick’s Day is heavily celebrated through major parades. In Tokyo, many people will dress as leprechauns as they march down the street, while in London in Trafalgar Square, families will be decked out in shamrocks and green attire, much like their counterparts at many other parades. In Sydney, Australia, the famous Sydney Opera House is lit green through the night, and yearly in Chicago, Illinois, the Chicago River is dyed green in celebration of the festivities.

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STYLE

BEST OF: UNDERRATED ALBUMS OF THE 1990S » ASAAD

LEWIS, DSJ STAFF REPORTER

The of¿cial party line goes something like this: Nirvana effectively killed off the trite and overindulgent hair metal of the late ‘80s with its classic albums Nevermind and In Utero. These albums were raw, emotional, and angry, and they changed the direction of mainstream rock radio. In the middle ‘90s, gangster rap caught the attention of critics and commercial radio alike with albums like Illmatic by Nas, Ready to Die by Notorious BIG, and All Eyez On Me by Tupac. Half the decade was de¿ned critically

by Radiohead’s OK Computer and The Verve’s Urban Hymns.

With all of these stellar albums it is easy to forget that there were other albums that were just as important in de¿ning the decade and inÀuencing later music. Although the albums on this list received a lukewarm reception by the music press it may be time to reevaluate.

1. Oasis - “Be Here Now” (1997) What critics say about the album: “It’s the sound of a bunch of guys on coke, in the studio, not giving a f***…” (Noel Gallagher, Live Forever: The Rise and Fall of Britpop) Why they are wrong: This album may be a bit dif¿cult to listen to in one sitting since it clocks in at 73 minutes. However, upon multiple listens, the songs don’t drag, despite seven-minute lengths. Take for example the album opener “D’Ya Know What I Mean,” with its wall of guitars, drum machine, and cool psychedelic effects. It grabs your attention like the opening sequence of The X-Files. Other songs like Stand By Me and Don’t Go Away are tearjerkers that display a vulnerability that you normally do not see in Oasis.

(Justine Frischmann, lead singer of Elastica and former girlfriend of Damon Albarn) Why they are wrong: Instead of celebrating the middle and working classes like he did in Parklife, Damon decides to explore darker themes in The Great Escape. These themes range from alienation within the upper class, the excesses of optimism that the UK experienced during the mid- 1990s, and a critique of institutions such as the lottery system. This is able to illuminate the growth of Damon’s songwriting. This album is also often criticized for lacking emotion, as the production glosses over and hides these darker themes. But when you listen to tracks such as “He Thought of Cars,” “Best Days,” and “Yuko and Hiro,” the naked emotion present in these tracks could almost bring you to tears.

3. The Verve - “Northern Soul” (1995) What the critics say about the album: “While riffs huff and puff in search of a hook, the lyrics repeat the same banal motifs over and over. Lacking a substantial artistic vision, the Verve creates a musical sound and fury that signi¿es nothing.” (Entertainment Weekly) Why they are wrong: The lyrics speak to alienation and sadness. In the song “On your Own,” Ashcroft makes a reference to Manchester legends the Smiths in the sound and the lyric “and you stand on your own and you leave on your own.” In songs like “This is Music,” themes of discontent with religion and poverty are present. These dark themes coupled with lush orchestration and shoegazing guitar should put this album on par with Radiohead’s The Bends as one of the best albums of the 1990s.

4. Stereolab - “Cobra and Phases Group Play Voltage in the Milky Night” (1999) What critics say about the album: “This album is sexless, emotionless, witless, cripplingly self-indulgent, pompously selfsatis¿ed, intellectually hollow, achingly pretentious, stultifyingly bland.” (New Musical Express) Why they are wrong: Although the songs on this album are quite formulaic (free jazz mixed with classy pop, art rock, and space age music) it works without sounding overly repetitive or bland. In the song “Velvet Water,” Sadier sings, “Swimmer no longer afraid/He dives under the light/Lives in the elements”—the lyrics are quite surreal and ambiguous. I think the surrealism of the lyrics coupled with the dream-like feel of the album make it a pleasant escape from the bland and derivative mainstream music of the late ‘90s.

All photos courtesy of Google Images.

2. Blur - “The Great Escape” (1995) What the critics say: “A really, truly awful album—so cheesy, like a parody of Parklife, but without the balls or the intellect.”

5. The La’s (1990) What critics say: Most reviews seem to be positive but this album is not included in many best of list of the 1990s (and should be!).

Why it deserves to be placed among the greatest albums of the 1990s: Tracks like “There She Goes,” “Timeless Melody,” and “I Can’t Sleep” are the perfect combination of being raw and authentic, due to the vocals of Mavers, while at the same time being very melodic. Without this album, Britpop would not exist, Jake Bugg would not exist, and British Indie music would sound very different.

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STYLE

Service Organizations on Campus Big Brothers Big Sisters, Campus Buddies, and Circle K »

CINDY CENTENO, DSJ STAFF REPORTER

If there’s one thing that William and Mary is highly known and acclaimed for, it is the large number of service organizations and service programs that are run by our fellow Tribe members on campus. Although community service should be valued anywhere and everywhere, William and Mary students have always been recognized for their special services and commitments to their involvements in the local community. Big Brothers Big Sisters, Campus Buddies, and Circle K International are just three out of the many other service organizations on campus that lead as great examples of such programs. With exemplary missions and goals, their passions for community service in the greater Williamsburg community encompass one of the College’s most recognized achievements.

Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) is an organization that focuses on providing elementary and middle school students with reliable, caring, fun, and stable role models. Once a week, on the day each one of their 35 William and Mary student volunteers are designated at the beginning of the semester, the “BIG”’s (volunteers) will walk to the elementary school and have lunch or play at recess with their “LITTLE” (student). As I’m sure we can all agree, children have quite a large imagination and are incredibly energetic, so their volunteers have some interesting stories about their experiences with their LITTLEs. Current President of BBBS, Charlotte Theresa Alan (’15), recalls how her LITTLE, a second grader, stated that she would drop out of school “to play on her Kindle all day,” and that she would just “marry rich” when the time came. Although it’s an interesting idea, Alan admits it took a lot of convincing from her part to get her LITTLE to forget about that idea!

Although it’s an individualized organization within the College, Big Brothers Big Sisters has recently taken the initiative to hold training sessions for BIGs to help them understand their roles in the program. Moreover, they are always looking for new members to create new memories and experiences with wonderful, local children. As Alan believes, “When you lose someone close to you or you encounter disappointment day to day as a child, a little love from a BIG brother or sister goes a long way. Seeing my LITTLE’s gap-toothed smile… when I walk into the cafeteria, brightens my day.” Karen Alvarez (’16), another student volunteer for BBBS, also

Two Big/Little pairs in Big Brothers Big Sisters pose for photos. Photos courtesy of Charlotte Alan.

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» shares the same feelings for the organization: “The best part about Big Brothers Big Sisters, besides having my LITTLE, is that it’s not just a job; it’s a relationship you make, which means you get just as much out of it as the child. You form a signi¿cant bond that would not have happened without the program.” It’s refreshing to know that organizations like Big Brothers Big Sisters, and the William and Mary community, are committed to providing the best services to their abilities to younger students in the area, as well as creating signi¿cant relationships with each and every one of our little learners. Interestingly, it seems like current student volunteers share a unique passion for their service and love for the children they share such a special relationship with.

Campus Buddies is another student organization on campus which provides wonderful services to the local community by dedicating time to increasing campus awareness about issues related to both mental and physical disabilities, while also providing a safe and accepting environment for those living with special needs. With an estimated number of 50 members, Campus Buddies offers two great volunteer programs in which students of the College can participate. First, “Buddy Art” provides art activities to children and adolescents with special needs and physical disabilities, such as painting, clay modeling, watercolors, drawing, and woodwork. Each child attending is assigned to a volunteer, or “buddy.” Similarly, “Buddy Ball” pairs volunteers and children for baseball games and practice. As Co-Presidents of Campus Buddies Meghan Montoya (’15) and Jenifer Hartley (’17) state, “Volunteers help create a safe and welcoming atmosphere for our participants.” Some of their recent accomplishments include successful Parent Panels, in which the parents of Campus Buddies participants answered questions on what it is like to raise a child with special needs. The service organization was also lucky enough to have actress Lauren Potter, who plays “Becky” on Glee, a witty cheerleader with Down syndrome, come to campus and speak to students last spring.

Later this spring, Campus Buddies will be hosting their annual DASH (Disabilities Awareness Scavenger Hunt) event to raise awareness about what it is like to live with special needs. They are also preparing for a student panel, in which students of the College who live with special needs will tell stories about their personal experiences and what it is like to be a student living with special needs. This event has been planned to take place on Wednesday, March 19, from 8-9:30 p.m. in the Commonwealth Auditorium in the Sadler Center. Similar to Big Brothers Big Sisters, Campus

Circle K tables at Sadler. Photo courtesy of Miranda Clarke.

STYLE

Campus Buddies participants work with ¿nger paints. Photo courtesy of Campus Buddies.

Buddies takes pride in what they offer to their community as well as the passion for developing wonderful new friendships. As current member Jackie O’Neil (’17) stated: “I love Campus Buddies!

Throughout my whole life I have volunteered with people with special needs and I absolutely love it. It’s so much fun to know you are making a difference while at the same time making new friends and having a good time. I love my buddy, Grace, and can’t wait to spend time with her at Buddy Art every Saturday; Buddy Art is the best time of the week!”

Circle K International’s goals revolve around the premises of service, fellowship, and leadership, as they provide opportunities for students who are passionate about community service. This particular organization focuses its efforts on making service projects both accessible and enjoyable to those on campus, as well as providing leadership opportunities and fostering close friendships amongst members. As current secretary of Circle K, Miranda Clarke (’16) believes that its mission is best stated in the pledge, which is recited at the beginning of each of their meetings: “…to foster compassion and good will toward others through service and leadership, to develop my abilities and the abilities of all people, and to dedicate myself to the realization of mankind’s potential.” With a group of about 45 active members, Circle K has a wide variety of ongoing service projects, from which members can pick and choose, including: CPALS, Literacy for Life, Head Start, KITES, the Williamsburg Farmer’s Market, Crochet for Kids, the Heritage Humane Society, the Avalon Women’s Shelter, and the Windsor Meade retirement community.

Circle K International also takes initiatives to make sure that its members develop strong relationships with other members of their organization. In order to not only contribute to the greater Williamsburg community, members become a part of a smaller community on campus as well by planning socials, such as going to brunch at one of the local pancake houses, or playing laser tag with fellow members. A most recent and grand accomplishment of Circle K is a fundraiser they held last month, called “ElimiDATE:” speed dating to raise money for the charity “Eliminate,” which aims to provide vaccinations to eliminate maternal and neonatal tetanus. Some of Circle K’s upcoming plans include a spring break trip to North Carolina to work with Habitat for Humanity, putting together a team for Relay for Life, and helping with Strike Out ALS, which is scheduled for the month of April.

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OPINION

Boycotting the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics »

SERENA NGOH, DSJ STAFF COLUMNIST

There are a couple of reasons people may have wanted to boycott from competing. The athletes were given the same opportunity to the 2014 Winter Olympics. The point of contention was not about win medals, and indeed, many did. the rules or procedures of the Games themselves, but instead A few boycotts will not do a thing. Bigotry takes time to involved an anti-gay law recently passed by Russia. This law, overcome, and we are making more and more strides everyday put into effect on June 30 of this past year, bans the “propaganda in our movements to achieve equality for gays and women. These of nontraditional sexual relations” to minors with the supposed strides may not have reached Russia yet, but they will. Russia, intent of protecting minors from the exposure of non-traditional always seemingly slow on the uptake, has made historical changes values. The law’s use in recent months has demonstrated that slowly but surely. Since the Soviet Union’s fall in 1991, Russia the meaning of “propaganda” has turned some of its is used loosely to cover all anti-gay laws around for the better. In 1993 demonstrations of gay rights in homosexual relationships the public and online spheres. were decriminalized, Furthermore, the “transmission and in 1997 transgender to minors” aspect has proven to Russians were allowed be more of a guise to suppress the freedom to change any pro-gay information in their genders on legal general, with little regard for identity documents, the protection of minors. although many obstacles Since the law’s passage, there still obstruct the latter’s has been international outcry. freedom.

This is understandable, as the That being considered, law suppresses the universal I urge you to continue right to freedom of speech and to turn on your TV and encourages discrimination and support our American hatred against gays, lesbians, athletes in all future bisexuals, and transgendered Photo courtesy of Tablet Magazine.

Olympic or international individuals. The law also games. For the time being, disrupts the atmosphere of peace and cooperation lying at the heart of the Olympic games— we must engage with Russia in camaraderie and respect, grace and discrimination speci¿cally is not allowed in the policies outlined dignity. Only in due time can we hope to win the same respect back—not only for Americans, but for humankind. A member of by the International Olympic Committee.

In response to Russia’s homophobic attitudes, the United States, Obama’s delegation to the Sochi Olympics, Billie Jean King, in a Canada, and the 28 members of the European Union have decided recent Huf¿ngton Post article stated her belief that "the only way to uphold a political boycott on this year’s Olympics. This means you break down barriers is by being there and meeting people and that the political leaders still support the participating athletes, but getting these issues out on the table—doing it in an appropriate will not show up to the games. For United States’ part, Obama sent and diplomatic way."

So turn on your TV. Prop up your feet. Admire the audacity, a delegation composed of three former athletes, now all openly gay. Many Americans—many consistent sports-loving fans—have strength, and courage of humans all around the world as they also decided to tune out of the games this winter by keeping their compete for their dreams. Don’t let the LGBT politics overshadow the worldwide friendship and respect that the Olympics brings TVs off the Olympic channels.

Besides boycotting the Olympics, dissenters channeled their about every two years. Six of the 2014 Olympic athletes are efforts into demonstrations against Olympics sponsors of the openly gay; let’s celebrate them instead of turning our backs on Sochi Olympics such as Coca-Cola and McDonald’s. These the Olympics entirely.

It’s not complacency—it’s the belief that there are other demonstrations included, but were not limited to, rallying in front of McDonald’s restaurants or tweeting derisively at the means to solving this issue. It may be naïve. It may be idealistic. companies. Despite defending their support of the rights of the Whichever you prefer to call it, I truly believe that things will get LBGT community, Coca-Cola and McDonald’s remained under better for gays and others who were subjected to human rights violations. It is only a matter of time. heavy ¿re.

While I agree that Russia abuses its power by not upholding basic human rights, I do not believe that the solution for the Serena Ngoh is a staff columnist for the DSJ. Her views do not average spectator is to boycott the Olympics—now or ever. In necessarily represent those of the entire staff. these past Olympics, Russia did not try to ban openly gay athletes

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OPINION

Accidental Plagiarism?

Avoiding Intellectual Theft in the Information Age »

EMILY WASEK, DSJ STAFF COLUMNIST

Within the past year, the discussion about what constitutes as plagiarism has once again been brought to the forefront of debate. Why this sudden interest? Much of the new dialogue can be attributed to the recent number of high pro¿le scandals in which public ¿gures have been accused of stealing intellectual property. During the 2013 Virginia gubernatorial election, it was discovered that much of Senator Rand Paul’s endorsement speech for Ken Cuccinelli was borrowed extensively from Wikipedia, at times quoting verbatim from an article without citation. And more recently, accusations of plagiarism have been levied against actor Shia LeBouf regarding many of his projects, particularly the December 2013 release of his short ¿lm, which many believe copied the plot of another artist’s work.

Yet, though these controversies have served as catalysts in challenging society’s preconceptions of plagiarism, I believe this debate would have eventually surfaced regardless of such media attention. Since the rise of the Internet, it has long been questioned whether or not the standards by which we are obligated to cite the work of others ought to be reexamined. Certainly, in this digital age, we have remarkably easy access to an unfathomable number of resources. But does all of this newfound accessibility come with new levels of responsibility?

On a daily basis, we are constantly exposed to high levels of information. With just a few clicks, we can ¿nd an in¿nite amount of publications, studies, and interviews relevant to prospective research topics. No longer con¿ned within the walls of a library, the discovery of information has expanded into a vast digital frontier through smartphones, tablets, and laptops. As students, it’s perfectly natural and, in many ways, ought to be encouraged for us to ¿nd inspiration from all that we encounter in the world.

It’s through this varied exchange of ideas that we are able to shape our opinions and create original concepts of our own.

However, with this exchange also comes an inherent risk. In an almost “too much of a good thing” scenario, being exposed to too many pieces of information can also result in the muddling of resources. In this process, our own thoughts can become so strongly fused with another’s arguments that we accidentally appropriate his or her ideas as our own creations. Under this phenomenon, de¿ned by researcher Michael Lissack as cryptomnesia, we can unconsciously commit plagiarism while under the assumption that our pirated thoughts are original. Thus raises the question: If cryptomnesia is considered plagiarism, does the fact that it’s an unintentional form make it any less morally reprehensible? I believe the answer is no.

We can unconsciously commit plagiarism while under the assumption that our pirated thoughts are original.

Just as ignorance of a law doesn’t excuse an individual from being convicted of a crime, cryptomnesia, while inadvertent plagiarism, is plagiarism nonetheless. Although the causes of this

It was discovered that much of Senator Rand Paul’s endorsement speech for 2013 gubernatorial candidate Ken Cuccinelli was plagiarized from Wikipedia.

Photo courtesy of Google Images. plagiarism may be more benign in nature, the negative effects are nevertheless the same. As students at the College of William and Mary, we have all pledged under the honor code “not to lie, cheat, or steal” on both a personal and an academic level. Across campus, one would be hard pressed to ¿nd any individual who would intentionally steal another’s intellectual property. It’s implicitly understood within our community that plagiarism is something that is abhorrent and unwarranted. Thus, it should also be understood that a lack of effort to prevent plagiarism in all of its forms, both intentional and unintentional, doesn’t account for a lack of ethics.

Therefore, it’s our responsibility to take preventative measures to ensure we too do not fall victim to cryptomnesia. One great resource which Lissack recommends is the website Epi-Search. To utilize this tool, all a student has to do is copy and paste a passage from their paper into the space provided. The site then pulls all related sources from its database and the Web that contain similar phrasing. If a cursory search results in the ¿nding of no related sources, then a student can be fairly con¿dent in the integrity of their work. And while a search that does result in the ¿nding of related sources doesn’t always imply that a student has committed cryptomnesia, it serves as a useful precaution.

Is this to say that I believe that we must now constantly agonize over every single solitary thought and syllable we write? No—to do so would be agonizingly tedious. Merely, what I am proposing is that we need to maintain an awareness about the presence of subliminal plagiarism and ensure safeguards as needed. Just as during Àu season it’s always a good idea to get a vaccination regardless of the strength of your health, during term paper season (and any other time of the year that involves writing or research) it is a good idea to take active steps to prevent cryptomnesia.

Emily Wasek is a staff columnist for the DSJ. Her views do not necessarily represent those of the entire staff.

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OPINION

Is Virginia really for Lovers?

Herring Changes Stance on Same-Sex Policy

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GRAHAM YOUNG, DSJ STAFF COLUMNIST

Attorney General Mark Herring argues Virginia is for all lovers, even homosexual lovers. Herring’s of¿ce has submitted a Notice of Change in Legal Position in the ongoing case Bostic v. Rainey, which seeks to overturn Virginia’s gay marriage ban. Herring has switched sides from defense of the marriage ban amendment to support the plaintiffs, who would strike the amendment from the Virginia constitution. The amendment prohibits both same-sex marriage in the Commonwealth and the extension of full faith and gives credit to same-sex marriages received in other states.

The problem lies, as it does too often in politics, in broken promises.

The problem lies, as it does too often in politics, in broken promises. While Herring did not explicitly state where his support lay during his Democratic campaign for Virginia Attorney General, he did express in an editorial, published last September in the Virginian-Pilot, that if elected he would be bound by the auspices of his of¿ce to seek a “good faith” defense of the amendment, as pursuant to precedent. This is the only legal stance an Attorney General can or should take: defense of the Virginia legislature to

the best of his ability.

Yet a mere two months after his election, why did Herring suddenly realize no good-faith defense existed? It would be silly to suggest his understanding of such an important issue could shift so incredibly in the course of two months. Might it instead have something to do with the fuzzy feeling the phrase “gay rights” gives Democratic voters today? Of course, the alternative to that politicking explanation speaks very poorly of the planning ability of the man we elected to represent us in arguably the most rigorous legal position in our state.

Herring has not given any strong answers explaining why he switched sides, but it probably boils down to something like this on a roadside sign: “Herring for Governor 2017.” Any politician in Virginia today knows the power of the gay rights movement within the VA Democratic party. With the leverage the movement commands, a Democratic of¿cial would ¿nd it dif¿cult to maintain a power base in its opposition. Even, as with Herring, if the lawyer-elect doing so might be misrepresenting a client’s previous material opinions—something forbidden by numerous Virginia Bar regulations, landmark Virginia Supreme Court decisions, and good ethics.

The issue of same-sex marriage hits close to home here in the Tribe. The College of William and Mary is a reasonably LGBTfriendly campus. Therefore it should be unsettling for LGBT members of our community to consider the unequal roles they occupy within the Tribe and within the Commonwealth. After all, two men or two women who wish to marry in California, New York, or even New Hampshire can acquire a marriage license just like heterosexual couples everywhere. Even the very conservative Utah recognizes same-sex marriages performed elsewhere and

No one likes a wild card, and Herring is starting to look like one.

Attorney General Mark Herring speaks at a press conference. Photo courtesy of the Richmond Times Dispatch.

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brought into the state.

Here in the Commonwealth however, a same-sex couple cannot gain access to the myriad of legal and social bene¿ts a married couple enjoys. Bostic v. Rainey is not a routine court case. I do not endorse either side in the Bostic v. Rainey case, but I sure hope my Attorney’s General endorses a side with ¿rm support. I do not want a man representing Virginians in any case if he performs his job based on career aspirations.

Herring needs to show his constituents that he pursues policies in the interest of Virginia based on solid legal grounding, instead of making swing decisions like this one. A one-eighty change of stance, less than eight weeks into of¿ce, does not exactly garner con¿dence. The Attorney General’s next few decisions may be the most important of his career: will he do the job he was elected to carry out, or will he make more surprise decisions? No one likes a wild card, and Herring is starting to look like one.

Graham Young is a staff columnist for the DSJ. His views do not necessarily represent those of the entire staff.

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SPORTS

Super Bowl-ed Over Seattle’s “Legion of Boom” Humiliates Broncos »

CHARLIE PERKINS, DSJ STAFF REPORTER

In a very anticlimactic conclusion to the NFL’s 2013 season, the Seattle Seahawks Àat-out embarrassed the AFC Champion Denver Broncos and the league’s ¿ve-time MVP, Peyton Manning, by a ¿nal score of 43-8 in Super Bowl XLVIII. From the game’s opening minutes, Seattle dominated. The ¿rst play from scrimmage resulted in a safety as six-year veteran Center Manny Ramirez snapped the ball too early and over Manning’s head. The Seahawks took the two-point lead and never looked back, shutting out Denver in the ¿rst half and forcing four turnovers—including a huge 69-yard interception return touchdown by LB and eventual Super Bowl MVP Malcolm Smith.

In a matchup between the NFL’s top ranked offense and defense, the ‘Hawks proved once again that defense wins championships.

While often criticized for their trash-talking, Seattle’s “Legion of Boom” swarmed Denver’s ballcarriers and backed up their big bark with just as much bite.

Manning struggled to get in any sort of rhythm as his running backs were held to just 1.9 yards per carry. As deadly as “The Sherriff” is as a passer, making the Broncos offense one-dimensional played right into Seattle’s hands—literally. Holding opponents to an average of just 172 yards a game, the Seahawks secondary was well prepared. Led by All-Pro DBs Kam Chancellor, Earl Thomas, and Richard Sherman, they held the record-breaking Manning to just 280 yards on 49 attempts, including two interceptions and eight batted balls. With just two drives lasting longer than four minutes, the Broncos seemed to hold the ball for less time than halftime performers Bruno Mars and the Red Hot Chili Peppers held the microphone.

A 22-0 lead at the halftime was only reinforced as WR Percy Harvin returned the second half’s opening kickoff for an 87-yard score. After playing in only one game throughout the regular season due to a nagging injury with his hip labrum, Harvin made the wait worth it; the ‘Hawks offense integrated several designed plays to make use of the lightning-fast Florida Gator alum, resulting in two carries for 45 yards, a catch (from two targets) for ¿ve yards, and of course the huge TD return, totaling 137 all-purpose yards and a touchdown. Thanks to a 30-yard gain on an end-around run early in the ¿rst quarter, Harvin actually had more rushing yards than Seattle’s Skittles-loving star running back, Marshawn Lynch (15 carries, 39 yds, one TD). This is the type of production that the team hoped to get all season after acquiring Harvin from the Minnesota Vikings this past March—after struggling with migraines and injury trouble with the Vikes, the Virginian from nearby Chesapeake was sent to Seattle for the price of a 2013 ¿rstround draft selection along with third- and seventh-rounders in this May’s draft. Though Malcolm Smith won the game’s MVP award, Harvin may have been just as deserving for his comeback performance. He now has a National Championship trophy in Pop Warner (‘01), high school (‘04 with Landstown High in Virginia Beach), college (’06), and professionally.

In an ironic twist, it wasn’t the Seahawks’ defense that made the biggest splash. While they did hold the league’s highestscoring offense to a measly touchdown (which came from an 18yard strike to Demaryius Thomas late in the third quarter), the

team took the lead and laid the hammer down. The game was still within reach for the Broncos going into the second quarter, as Seattle ¿nished their ¿rst two drives with ¿eld goals, but Smith’s long interception return TD took the remaining wind right out of Denver’s sails.

Second-year player Russell Wilson rarely showed any jitters on his way to the big win, ¿nishing 18/25 for 206 yards and two touchdowns. So much for draft scouts’ criticism of slightly undersized QBs: both Wilson and Drew Brees have Super Bowl rings now despite being two of the shortest ¿eld generals in the league. With NFL offenses becoming more and more receptive to mobile quarterbacks and the added facet of the read-option play, perhaps more diminutive draft prospects like Connor Shaw and Johnny Manziel will catch a little less Àak for being an inch or two shorter than prototypical.

While giving due credit to the Seahawks for their exceptional play, the Broncos were out of sync and fraught with poor execution all day. Ramirez’s botched snap was only the beginning; the touted offensive line of the AFC looked beaten from the opening play, as they could neither keep pressure out of Manning’s face nor block well for RBs Knowshon Moreno and rookie Montee Ball.

For Broncos Head Coach John Fox, his second Super Bowl appearance was a disappointment as well. The notably conservative Fox made some controversial calls in the second and third quarters. Faced with fourth down and two yards on the opponents’ 19 yard-line and down by 15 points, Fox elected to go for it against the league’s best defense rather than take the ‘gimme’ ¿eld goal. Another call came when a 10-play drive Àamed out at Seattle’s 38 yard-line in the early third quarter; down by 29 points, Fox chose to punt over a fourth-and-ten try or a 55-yard ¿eld goal in the windy MetLife Stadium. In the biggest game of the year and down by 29 points, one would expect Fox to at least give his players a chance to start putting points on the board—especially with Matt Prater, who booted a record-breaking 64-yard ¿eld goal only a few weeks ago. The Seahawks obviously played far better than their opponents, but a couple of better play calls could have at least kept the Broncos from being nearly shut out.

Quarterback Russell Wilson of the victorious Seahawks hoists the Lombardi Trophy. Photo courtesy of cloudfront.net.

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SPORTS

Baller-Scholars

Tony Shaver’s Team Could Shock the CAA »

ALEX COOK, DSJ SPORTS EDITOR

“Number fooour, he can scooore, from all ooover the Àooor!”

Omar Prewwitt, he can doo it, take us hooome, number foour.”

If you haven’t heard this little number (sung to the tune of John Denver’s classic, “Take Me Home, Country Roads”) then you haven’t been to nearly enough basketball games this semester.

With one of the country’s most venomous offenses, and a Showtime-esque style of play, this year’s William and Mary basketball team is not to be missed. The 2013-2014 season will go down as the best year for the Green and Gold since the Tribe went to the NIT in 2010. Kyle Gaillard, the Tribe’s starting threeguard this season, saw that same team win twenty-two games.

Although the Tribe will fall short of a twenty-win regular season, and are not close to an at-large bid, Tony Shaver’s squad has the offensive ¿repower to take down any team in the Colonial Athletic Conference. Last season’s postseason campaign ended disappointingly as a Marcus Thornton trey rimmed out with

Sean Sheldon wrestles for a loose ball against the Towson Tigers and pro prospect Jerrelle Benimon.

Photo by Sam Girdzis.

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no time left against the Dukes of JMU. This year, Thornton and company trounced the Dukes at home, and came out two points ahead in a nail-biter in Harrisonburg. There is only one team in the conference that has beaten the Tribe twice this year, the Delaware Hens. However, an old friend of mine from Kentucky told me once that it’s hard to beat a team three times. He also told me that if Omar Prewitt is on our team, then we de¿nitely have a chance. If the Tribe players are going to keep their season alive, they’ll need to play defense at the CAA tournament in Baltimore.

But come March, don’t be surprised if you see the William and Mary Tribe on your NCAA tournament bracket.

As was the case last season, Marcus Thornton is the cornerstone of the Tribe’s offensive attack. With a deadly accurate shooting stroke and the athleticism to jump up and rise above any defender in the country, the Upper Marlboro-native has led the Tribe to its best season in his time at William and Mary, and its best offensive output in nearly two decades. At 72.8 points per game, the Tribe ranks third in the CAA behind the league’s two best teams, Towson and Delaware. Although through twenty-seven games, Thornton is averaging just under 20 points a game, he still ranks fourth in the league in scoring, but third in three-point ¿eld goal percentage, and his successful three-pointer total averages three a game. Thornton has continued to come through in the clutch for the Tribe. His buzzer beater at Drexel comes to mind immediately, as well as his big-time performances against Rutgers (28 points), at JMU (25), and in both games against Northeastern, (scoring 25 on both occasions). Before the season began, Jay Bilas ranked Thornton ninth on his list of top players outside of the power conferences (with Towson’s Jerrelle Benimon topping the list), and there has been some speculation that the dreadlocked William and Mary star might be considering moving up to the show, though those claims are largely unsubstantiated.

Though Marcus was clearly expected to perform coming into the 2013-14 year, it’s been the play of Kentucky’s own Omar Prewitt, a freshman forward, that’s turned heads in the CAA. I would hazard the notion that it’s been Prewitt’s play that’s really made the difference this year, and one of the big reasons why the Tribe players ¿nd themselves near the top of the CAA, now at 17-10 rather than 11-16 at the same point last season. Watching Prewitt play, you know you’re seeing something special. The small forward plays with an uncharacteristic swagger for a freshman, and he can score from anywhere on the Àoor, taking some of the pressure off of Thornton and big man Tim Rusthoven.

With an ability to make shots from long-range (he’s tenth in the CAA in three-point ¿eld goal percentage), paired with a quick ¿rst step to the basket, Prewitt gives opposing coaches headaches trying to ¿gure out how to defend him, the Tribe’s legion of sharpshooters, and the low-post presence of Rusty and sophomore forward “Big” Sean Sheldon. Oh, and he can dunk over you, too.

In the home game against James Madison, Prewitt did his best Heisman impression on a one-man fast-break, stiff-arming a Dukes’ defender en route to a two-handed rim-rocker, sending the rambunctious crowd into a frenzy. And he can do more than score as well. Prewitt ranks third on the team in both scoring and rebounding, and second in assists per game. The Mt. Sterling

» native is a consummate contributor on both ends of the Àoor, and will be a marquis player for the Green and Gold the next three years. Having been named CAA rookie of the week on numerous occasions, don’t be shocked if Omar earns CAA rookie of the year accolades by the end of the season.

Though these two are assuredly two of the Tribe’s best assets both this year and going forward, the outstanding play of the Tribe’s supporting cast has been a huge factor contributing to the success of William and Mary this season. On the offensive end, senior guard Julian Boatner has put up career numbers in shooting percentage from behind the arc (good enough for second in the league), and three-pointers made. Having come off an underwhelming shooting season in 2012, Boatner has regained his shooting touch to the delight of Tribe supporters, who make paddling motions while singing a variation on “Row Row Row Your Boat” after every three “Boat” drains. The return of Julian’s old freshman hallmate Brandon Britt hasn’t gone unnoticed, either. Since returning to the Tribe after a disciplinary suspension, Britt has responded by canning a little over ten points a game, and shooting the lights out from beyond the arc (knocking down more than half the treys he’s attempted). The last time the Tribe players scored as much as they have this season, they had a harmonious quartet of scorers all averaging more than ten a game. With Britt, Prewitt, Rusthoven, and Marcus Thornton all averaging doubledigits, it seems like the Man with the Mustache, one Tony Shaver, has found the magic again.

Despite a balanced scoring attack marked by Àuid, smart passing, and a propensity for taking care of the basketball, William and Mary has shown a weakness on the defensive end, and on the glass. The Tribe is dead last in the conference in both rebounding margin and in ¿eld goal percentage defense. And although the Green and Gold will likely out-shoot most schools in the country, everyone has off days, even Marcus Thornton.

However, that doesn’t mean that the Tribe doesn’t have its share of good defenders, though. Coming off the bench, both sophomore Sean Sheldon and freshman Daniel Dixon have been contributing quality minutes on the defensive end. Sean has emerged as a low-post presence on defense and has a willingness to scrap for the ¿fty-¿fty balls that are so important down low, and Dixon has proven himself to be a quality on-ball defender with some Matt Rum-esque characteristics. The marquis man on the defensive side is surely the uber-athletic sophomore Terry

Senior center Tim Rusthoven and the rest of Tribe join the crowd after a blow-out against JMU. Photo courtesy of tribeathletics.com.

SPORTS

Four on Four: Tribe Forward Omar Prewitt drives past Towson defender Four McGlynn for an easy two points.

Photo by Sam Girdzis.

Tarpey. With a wide wingspan, superior quickness, instinctual defensive talent, and loads of leaping ability, it’s fun to watch the young man from Connecticut play defensive ball. Despite only a 6’5’’ frame, Tarpey still leads the Tribe in rebounds, steals and blocks per game, and the occasional put-back dunk doesn’t hurt either. Though the Tribe will be losing a solid core of guys with Rusty, Kyle Gaillard, Boatner, Britt, Big Fred Heldring and Ben Whitlatch graduating, the future still looks bright for William and Mary behind the scoring prowess of Prewitt and Thornton, and the defensive play of these promising role players.

Every great team deserves great fans, though, and the William and Mary community has come out in numbers to support Shaver and company. I was at the home game against JMU, and I have never seen the student section more full or more rowdy than on that afternoon. At every home game, there seems to be a consistent cast of Characters (with a capital C) screaming support for the Tribe and mercilessly jeering the visitors. In the ¿rst row cheers a bare-chested assortment of varsity football players, and behind them is a mysterious assortment of eclectic eccentrics. The crowd consists of a band of goofy-hat-wearing, song-singing, sunglasshaving young men and women led by a man brandishing a Àag of Prince William of Orange in a yellow hard hat. On some forums, the club of supporters have been mentioned in the same breath as the infamous “Cameron Crazy” of Duke. I, for one, will be joining them in the coming games and singing along to a favorite tune of mine, the Marcus Thornton song, and I hope you will be too: “Marcus Thornton, Marcus Thornton, Marcus Thornton schooled your ass, he’s a baller and a scholar, and he’s really freaking fast.”

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SPORTS

Olympic Rewind

Some Moments to Remember, And Others to Forget »

SCOTT GUINN, DSJ ASSOCIATE SPORTS EDITOR

A friend recently asked me, what makes the Olympics so special? I found the answer surprisingly dif¿cult to pin down. On one hand there is the competition of the world’s greatest athletes.

But most of the sports we watch are unfamiliar to us, and if these sports weren’t part of the ‘Olympic Games’ we would probably never tune in to watch them. So it can’t just be the athletes.

Perhaps it is not merely to watch the competition but because we feel a sense of national pride for our nation’s competitors. We are sold this idea that these athletes have worked their whole lives to compete not for themselves but for their country; for us watching from our comfortably warm living rooms. When they win we feel like we have won. Quickly these athletes begin to compete for our sake and their dreams become our dreams.

But our admiration for the Olympic Games goes beyond the athletes and beyond national pride. At the end of the day, what we really watch for are the emotions. The emotions of the players, the emotions of the fans, and the emotions evoked within ourselves.

Every four years a select group of the worlds most dedicated, courageous, and talented athletes come together for a chance to prove themselves to the world. We are simply along for the ride.

Ignore all of the naysayers; this year’s Olympic Games in Sochi Russia were fantastic. Of course there were a few glitches here and there but this is to be expected whenever you host an

Shaun White attempts to explain his shortcomings on the halfpipe. Photo courtesy of USA Today.

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international event of such magnitude. Beyond the tinted water and the mechanical malfunctions, for two weeks we watched as some fantasies became reality and others became nightmares. Lets take a look back.

Failure to Launch. The 2014 Winter Olympics saw several disappointments from some billboard athletes including skier Bode Miller, who ¿nished what will likely be his last Olympics with just a single bronze medal. But the biggest disappointment of all had to be Shaun White. After back-to-back gold medals in Turin and Vancouver, most of us were expecting another highÀying, gravity-defying performance to bring us to our feet. This year though, it seems the competition has ¿nally caught up to the legendary Flying Tomato. After dropping out of Men’s slope style before it even began all eyes turned to his signature event, the halfpipe. Perhaps it was the new haircut that did him in, but his fourth place ¿nish left us all disappointed.

Cold (war) Fever. Thousands of hockey fans were exhibiting fever like conditions as the men’s hockey matchup between Russia and the United States battled late into overtime. It was only the group stage of the tournament, but our nation’s pride was on the line. It felt like a Àashback to the miracle on ice when T.J. Oshie took his sixth shot in the shootout to put the game away after a harrowing sixty-¿ve minutes of play. The moments after the winning goal were perhaps the most uplifting of the entire Olympic Games as T.J. Oshie, with the cameras rolling and the spotlight on him, pointed to his goaltender to show his respect. Later on in an interview, Oshie was asked about being an “American hero” to which he responded, “The American heroes are wearing camo. That’s not me.” Good guy, T.J. Oshie.

Somebody give that man a medal. (The US Men’s hockey team ¿nished fourth overall.)

What could have been. Canada had won the past three consecutive gold medals in Women’s Ice Hockey and was gunning for their fourth when they matched up against the United States team in the ¿nal. The Americans were up 2-0 in the ¿nal period with fewer than four minutes to go when the ¿rst goal slipped by. Then with less than a minute to go, Canada pulled their goalie to allow for an extra attacker on the ice. The puck rattled around the boards before ricocheting towards the open Canadian goal. The Canadian skater chasing the puck appeared to pull up in resignation as the whole arena watched as the puck of destiny dinged off the post. Moments later Canada shot a puck off the back of an American skater and into the net, equalizing the game at 2 apiece. The American lines were emotionally destroyed after letting their lead slip away in less than four minutes and it did not take long Canada to hammer the nail in the cof¿n. The medal ceremony that followed was perhaps the most heartbreaking experience for any American athlete in the 2014 Olympic Games as all 20 players graciously stood by and watched the gold medals that were so nearly theirs, given away before their eyes.

This year’s Olympics hopefully allowed many of us to live outside ourselves for a few brief moments and to experience the intoxicating joy of victory as well as the crushing burden of defeat, even if only vicariously. If nothing else, the Games are a beautiful distraction from daily life and an inspiration to dream big.

Ask a twamp

For the questions you need answered but don’t want shared up your own mind, DD—and that may involve some research. But if you do consider voting, remember I’ve heard a lot about the Student Assembly that it only takes a couple of clicks in an online form. elections coming up, but not very much about You don’t even have to go to the polls! Democracy the Student Assembly and what they actually do. has never been lazier.

Should I actually devote time to learning about the candidates and issues? Should I vote at all, or is the TWAMP election more of a popularity contest with no real consquences?

The TWAMP is not a quali¿ed advice columnist; please do Dear TWAMP:

Regards, Doubtful Debbie

not take her/him too seriously. The DSJ isn’t responsible for consequences incurred from following the above advice.

Dear DD: That’s definitely a point of contention around campus, and I’ve heard each side of the argument argued fervently from people involved in the Student Assembly and from those with no skin in the game. Some people believe the Student Assembly does important things, and they point to the large amounts of money the group is entrusted to allocate as its members see ¿t, and the tangible goods and services those funds provide: subsidized STI testing, for example, or the Charter Day concert. Don’t you want some say in who controls that money? Think of all of the possibilities!

Others may concede the potential for powerful changes, but feel they haven’t seen any real action from the Student Assembly. Members are just too wrapped up in their own importance, these skeptics say.

Don’t waste your time!

I’m afraid you’ll have to make THE DSJ - MARCH 2014

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Charter Day Weekend >> Lauren Su, DSJ Photo Editor, with Staff Photographer Sam Girdzis