« September 2004 | Main | November 2004 »
October 29, 2004
Backpage Calendar
The events calendar for the week of Oct. 29 to Nov. 4, plus more tea jokes than you can shake a stick at.
The biggest, bluest, stupidest state
When October Break began, Backpage Travel Correspondents Teddy Bergman and Sam Biederman set out for California in order to become beautiful world-famous movie stars. Instead, Sam died. Here is their photojournal of the people and places in America’s creepiest state!
Intramural Sports
Out of Bounds | American League: A comedy of errors
Gabe Mosca
The planets did align themselves. Rodney Dangerfield (RIP) finally got some respect. The Red Sox finally vanquished the mighty New York Yankees.
Aikido club hosts first tournament
Joshua Ferguson
Aikido is a Japanese martial art developed in the early 20th century. Aikido techniques are designed to diffuse an aggressor’s attacks, not to cause physical harm to an opponent...
Musicians aid and inspire election choices
Freddy Deknatel
The young and riled crowd at Philadelphia’s Wachovia Center on Oct. 1st had even more reason to vote George Bush out of office on Nov. 2nd, thanks to performaces by Bruce Springsteen, Conor Oberst, and others.
Webster Hall fails as a live venue during CMJ showcase
Miranda Kimball
When any band tries to “make it” in the music industry, live gigs can play a crucial role to win fans’ favor. However, showcase performances at Webster Hall on Oct. 14 as a part of the CMJ Music Marathon barely satisfied.
Music Department apologizes for concert over-crowding
Deborah Temkin
According to the fire ordinances set upon Martel Recital Hall, only 482 people may be present within the audience, with the potential of adding 12 chairs along the back wall. On the night of Oct. 9, at least 100 additional people were packed into the auditorium.
Top Halloween Flicks
Margaret Files
The following list is far from comprehensive or even a best-of, but aims to provide a variety of suggestions around a theme of horror, with special attention to classic films you’ve probably heard all about and you’d better have a really good excuse for not seeing yet.
Public art gives NYC life and beauty
Marcella Veneziale
Public art in New York is not a novel concept: graffiti artists’ works in the ’70s may have served a different purpose than that of current street artists, with their creations transforming screeching subway cars into mobile art, but both bring vibrancy to harsh city streets.
Comics
NSO celebrates its non-humanity and diversity
Danielle Purifoy
Founded in 1996, the NSO, an affiliate organization of the Vassar Student Association (VSA), was created for students to participate in “geeky, fandom activities,” according to NSO member and Non-Con Director Erica Kudisch ’06.
The Flaming Chef | A cornucopia of harvest delights
Craig Libman
With over eight dishes, sides, and desserts containing local ingredients, the Harvest Dinner successfully spiced up the everyday fare of our cafeteria.
Letters from abroad | Student affirms identity in politically-charged Chile
Jen Dixon
I should have known better than to head the library that afternoon—Friday classes had already been cancelled in anticipation of the demonstrations that inevitably occur as a reaction to Saturday, Sept. 11, the anniversary of the 1973 Golpe de Estado...
Letters to the Editor
Negative experiences at the Arlington Street Fair and the Dean of Students Office.
Vassar alum calls for student participation in ambitious film
Judy Jarvis
Don’t feel sorry for Raul Gasteazoro ’04. Sure, he lives in an aging El Dorado mobile home, and yes, some of his burlap costumes are moldy because of a leak, and no doubt it’s supremely frustrating to be making a film on such a low budget. But this man’s got it all figured out.Vassar Democrats make effort to see different viewpoints
Sarah DeFilippe
Is your prime political aim to “kick the Republicans out of the White House”? Think John Kerry has all the right stuff? Have a “George W. Bush Stupid Phrases” Daily Calendar? Obviously, the place you need to be seen is at Vassar Democrats.
MICA thrives on nonpartisan voices for debate and discussion
Janine Parziale
On the evening of Nov. 2, the various political groups and forums will be gathered in anticipation for when the results are finally in. Ultimately, some groups will sigh and some will cheer. Yet, no matter what the outcome of the election, members of MICA will have mixed reactions.
Another Angle | National voting needs standardization
Amanda Melillo
What this country needs is actual enforced voting standardization to make our elections both more democratic and more legal.
Democracy Matters's enthusiasm looks beyond Election Day
John Palmer
The Election of 2004 may be coming on Nov. 2, but don’t expect Democracy Matters to call it quits on Nov. 3.
Kerry has not learned lessons of Vietnam
Michael Sochynsky
The fundamental question that arises from Vietnam is: who will conduct a more aggressive, militaristic foreign policy?
Kerry exposes Cheney's political hypocricy
Matt Virgile
Until recently, the topic of homosexuality has largely been taboo in American culture and politics. So why did Kerry refer to Mary Cheney?
CIA recruitment on campus unethical
While it is important to have a diversity of career options available to students, we should also establish a clear ethical boundary regarding direct recruitment.Political voice created by Student body
Despite the oft-noted liberal bent of the Vassar community, one unified voice from our small College in Poughkeepsie remains to be heard. However, there will be no official stance administered by the College.Study finds voice a sexual factor
Anna Moser
If you ever thought altering your voice might sway your secret crush into asking you out on a date, you could be right.
CIA recruitment session also site of protest
Anita Varma & Patrick Murray
The CIA’s talk attracted students seeking more than information about salaries.The Vassar Chronicles | College Center built to encourage campus activity
Jon Cruz
The College Center was conceptualized as a new hub for campus activity; in particular, the College hoped to restore Main Building as the focus of campus life...
Students organize election day events
Jamie Rosen
Democracy Matters, the Moderate Independent Conservative Alliance (MICA), and Vassar College Democrats will collaborate Tuesday Nov. 2 to facilitate local voting and host an Election Night party.'Twilight Zone' dance planned for Oct. 29
Hayley Tsukayama
Last year, planning hit a snag when organizers sold too many tickets. Some ticketholders had to be turned away at the door to keep the party’s size within adherence to fire regulations.High mold levels force two THs to close down
Walter Padilla
Due to high levels of mold in their living quarters, ten students had to move into temporary dormitory housing on Saturday, Oct. 16, as the Residential Life and Buildings and Grounds Offices closed down Town Houses D2 and D7 for renovations.
News Briefs
A trespasser in Raymond, underage drinking, and a suspicious man in the library.
October 08, 2004
Weekly Calendar
Events for the week of Oct. 8 to Oct. 14, complete with tea jokes!
Bush twins weigh in on College
On Fran Ferguson: “She’s the president? But I thought our dad was the president…”—Barbara
Candidates' spouses debate at Vassar
"They were well-dressed, well-behaved, and both had a grand time here at Vassar, proving that the position of First Lady comtinues to ensure women an important role in American politics."
Vassar mascot suits school's spirit
Acacia O'Connor
Love it or hate it, you have to admit that the Vassar mascot is a little, well, weird.
Out of Bounds | Playoffs 2004: It begins
Gabe Mosca
Highly anticipated. . .huge salaries. . . intense drama. . .bragging rights. . .deep-seated hatred. . .hours of fun. . .always a surprise. . . and America’s pastime. Any guesses? No, “pornography” was not what we were looking for.
Intramural Sports
Steve Buonfiglio
Dan Zabar ‘06 got a black eye. He caught a softball, fell into a bush. Lots of folks told me about how it was a swell catch. Mostly, Zabar told me about it.
Chlorine poses threat to swimmers' health
Peter Papachronopolous
Chlorine is dangerous enough in moderate amounts, but many swimmers are actually exposed to more of the chemical than they need to be.
Interpol and Greenday redefine their sounds on new albums
Two bands with successful albums behind them take another swing at being innovative.
Ambition Free: campus "geek rock"
Shaun McFall
Whether or not you are a music fan that enjoys their sound, which has become a blend of early Weezer and less juvenile Dashboard Confessional, Ambition Free will impress you.
Lehman Loeb Art Center revisits Evidence
Miranda Kimball
The exhibit examines a show which drew from millions of photographs and then toured the world.
What's to do? October Break Edition
Kimberly Akimbo at the Shiva, folk music in Poughkeepsie, and the events calendar.
Film Leauge screens Kill Bill Vols. 1 & 2
Matt Razak
This weekend, the films will be screend as Tarantino originally intended them to be viewed—together.
Floating Cinema Sails into Poughkeepsie
Larissa Pahomov
Literally a screen on a 40’ barge pulled by a tugboat, any film-loving student should head to the riverfront for this unique movie-going experience.
Comics
The Devil and Matthew Vassar, Underverse.
Lakefest 2004
For those who weren't sated by the abundance of complimentary food, the day also yielded a thrilling pie-eating contest. Students also enjoyed sun, music, and a long-awaited stick fight rematch.
WVKR Mug Night promises good music, fun, and dancing
Freddy Deknatel
The bar was originally planning to be closed the first night of the work week, but now WVKR employees will share weekly DJing duties and live performances are expected as well.
Smoothie change met with praise and disappoinment
Jason Lipeles
How much caffiene is in those "energy boosters," and do students really care?
New Paltz Mayor visits to guide senior seminar
John Palmer
An Urban Studies class teams up with Mayor James West to help solve New Paltz's housing problems.
Bean offers pick-me-up for late nights at library
Liz Baird
It's 12:30 a.m. You're holed up in the library, writing a ten-page paper. You need coffee, but the Retreat is closed and ACDC is so far away. What is one to do?
Street Fair connects College to community
Janine Parziale
Overall: the fair was as fairs should be. It had rampant cotton candy and popcorn, more substantial food as well...
Nutrition and Fitness at Vassar
Tiffany Chow / The Miscellany News
A special section looking into the trends and practices of the college when it comes to matters of the body.
Statistics: The use of counseling services at the College
Who goes to Metcalf for help, and for which reasons?
Facing eating disorders at Vassar
Larissa Pahomov & Amy Rubin
How the College deals with the fact that 10 percent of all college-age women have a clinical or near-clinical eating disorder.
These boots were made for walkin'
Ever wanted to know just how much of a daily workout you get walking around campus? Meet Rachael Wolff and her pedometer.
Staying "In The Pink" while on the go
Amy Rubin
Behind the myriad of fitness program available at the College stands one man: Roman Czula.
Survey: Student Habits and Perceptions
How often do you go to the gym? An anonymous poll about the nutrition and fitness of the campus.
Dietician brought to campus
Laura Attanasio
Demand is high for the dietician who visits the College weekly. But that doesn't mean the pizza and ice cream will be going away anytime soon.
Hip Hop 101 hosts 'Da Partie'
Daniel Morgan
Solid hip-hop music, spoken word, and open mic performances filled the Villard room last Saturday night.
The Flaming Chef | Essential cookbooks for the college student
Craig Libman
A list of those books needed to get you through all your culinary occasions.
"One Girl's Emotions" offers unique musical experience
Emily Epstein
A hand-picked group of musicians performed during Freshman Parents' Weekend.
The Vassar Chronicles | The birth of ACDC and centralized dining
Jon Cruz
Dining services used to hold events at which guest chefs from abroad come to campus and prepare an exotic meal.
Letters to the Editor
Comments on an excessive Security response and an opinions article on Iraq.ResLife handles Wellness halls poorly
Freshmen students dissatisfied with placement
Margaret Files
Assigning freshmen to Wellness Halls according to their preference sounds like it should be a fairly simple process. So why are there so many students who don’t get the housing that they asked for?
Another Angle | Kerry appears presidential in debate
Amanda Melillo
Based on pure poise and public speaking skills alone, does Bush have what it takes to be elected for another term?
Community relations need improvement
Jessica Gentile
Students rarely tend to venture further than a two-block radius off campus during the average weekend.
VSA misallocates community funds
Several times this month, funds were granted because events were deemed worthy causes without accounting for their feasibility.News Briefs
Illegal weapons at Vassar Farm, harassment charges at Noyes, and underage drinking.
Bergman speaks on The Freshman
Walter Padilla
Writer, director and producer Andrew Bergman spoke about his writing career and his film The Freshman, for which he worked with Marlon Brando.
Princeton Review publishes results for 2005
Fabian Arzuaga
While students check out how their Vassar's ratings have improved or worsened, the administration warns to take the ratings with a grain of salt.
Ethan Zohn '96 lectures on character
Aaron Biberstein
The winner of "Survivor: Africa" talked about using his prize money to start a non-profit organization in Africa.
Raymond and Strong hold auction for Works
Organized to help fund this year's Community Works campaign, the event raised $803.Admissions focuses on racial diveristy
Anita Varma
Several students gathered in the ALANA Center to hear Co-Coordinator of Multicultural Recruitment Krystal Tribbett’s discussion on student of color recruitment at Vassar.
New '06 President and Freshman Council elected
Jamie Rosen
About 920 voters elected representatives for the freshman council, campus committees and the Class of 2006 president.
"Billionaires for Bush" perform political skits
Anna Moser
“We want to say to you students at a predominantly left campus, ‘Do not vote!” declared Billionaires for Bush; a troupe that satirizes electoral campaign issues.
October 01, 2004
The war in Iraq: A deepening betrayal
Marvin Campbell
I too look on in a mixture of dismay and outrage at the devolvement of the war in Iraq. Unlike the vocal majority of the anti-war contingent, however, I do not think the war in Iraq was illegal.
What's to do? Poughkeepsie Edition
A floating cinema, Vassar design, and the events calendar.
Motorcycle Diaries screened at Vassar
Members of the Vassar community had the opportunity to see this film in advance of the New York release last Thursday, Sept. 23, as a result of the College’s relationship with Focus Films.
VCTV screens weekly shows on campus
Deborah Temkin
Television is the answer to a procrastinator’s prayer. What better way to prevent working on that ten page paper than going and watching your favorite television show with your friends? Now every Thursday, you have a new mode of distraction: VCTV showing night.
Is it the end for Miss America?
Miranda Kimball
While perhaps it’s inspiring for little girls to see an aspiring doctor crowned Miss America, the pageant itself has become a fast-paced parade of sequins, skin, and tears.
Album Reviews: New Rilo Kiley, Prodigy lack focus
Someone call Stephin Merritt, famous for his romantic music with the Magnetic Fields, because we have a 70th love song.
In Iron Council, Miéville defines fantasy
Reese Issacson
There’s a growing trend among fantastic fiction writers to move away from the archetype created by J.R.R. Tolkien over 50 years ago in his books, the most famous of which is the Lord of the Rings series. Instead, authors are beginning to exploit the limitless potential of the genre.
Franz Ferdinand honored for musical ability
Marcella Veneziale
Franz Ferdinand, the Scottish indie band, has finally crossed the pond to land on the U.S. charts and has begun to gain recognition both here and abroad.
Touring the community works campaign
Allison Clarke
With the implementation of the Community Works Campaign, Vassar’s efforts are aimed at creating social change within the local community.
Comics
The Devil and Matthew Vassar, Underverse.
Strong identity undergoing change
Ally Barlow
Merely referring to this residence building in mixed company very often educes a series of snickers and stifled laughter.
New Vice President of CIS enters job with optimism
Kristen Ward
Beefing up a campus network is no small feat. I sat down with the new Vice President to get to know him better—as a person and computer wiz.
How much food does Vassar eat?
John Palmer
Director of Campus Dining Maureen King was able to give some facts, figures, and insight about how and how much food the Vassar community eats at the ACDC and the Retreat. Are the results surprising? Maybe.
New Visiting Professor brings animal expertise, and dogs
Liz Baird
As of this fall, it seems that President Fergusson won't be the only one seen walking her dog around campus.
The Flaming Chef | A bright orange bowl of comfort
Craig Libman
"Mac and cheese! Mac and cheese!" Like many of my peers, eating this simple, unpretentious dish brings back a warm, safe feeling of childhood.
The Vassar Chronicles | Euthenics is Introduced at Vassar
Jon Cruz
While old favorites such as cakes, pig knuckles, and broth had given way to more recognizable college fare, students were still not getting the proper balance of food in their diet.
Another Angle | Sexual Assault Information not timely
Amanda Melillo
There is no question that sexual assault does in fact occur at Vassar. The point is that we, as students, are misinformed about the rate of occurrence on our own campus.
All College Day Mural: A sight for sore eyes?
Dustin Kight
What the mural asks us to talk about is serious. What we said is not.
CIS attempts to connect to College
CIS is on the road to improvement with the addition of Bret Ingerman, the newly appointed vice president, who has promised to improve communication between his office and the College community. But whether Ingerman can make good on his promise remains to be seen.
News Briefs
An intruder in Jewett, security cards vandalized, and bike robbers apprehended.
Backpage Calendar
Tea jokes, tea jokes, and more tea jokes.
Major restoration project: historical Hudson Valley bidets
The Community Works program has directed most of its funds and efforts towards the launching of its “Culture Scrub” project in order to preserve and refurbish the historic collection of bidets in the Hudson Valley.
Hip Hop 101 officially recognized as VSA organization
Walter Padilla
After six years as an unofficial outlet for performing students, faculty, and community members, the joint project known as Hip Hop 101 received official Vassar Student Association (VSA) recognition on Sunday, Sept. 19 as an on-campus organization.
VC volunteers beloved by Bard's Botstein
In between my tours with the American Symphony Orchestra, writing columns for the New Republic, my bi-weekly bridge games with Nancy Kissinger and Thomas Friedman, my work towards a viable peace plan in the Middle East, my campaigning for John Kerry, and yogalates, I fill my free time by administering a small liberal arts college in the collar bone of the Hudson Valley.
Out of Bounds | Yogisms: The sweet insights of Yogi Berra
Gabe Mosca
At Out of Bounds, we love Yogisms because they are like a simple, black dress—good for any occasion and easy to slip into.
The Mammals perform to support Farm Project
Anita Varma
More than 175 Poughkeepsie residents and Vassar students attended The Mammals concert in the Chapel to benefit the Poughkeepsie Farm Project.
Squash: not your average street ball
Acacia O'Connor
The women’s squash team and Coaches Jane Parker and Ben Oliner have been taking their skills to the streets.
Sailing Club obtains funs for new motor
Hayley Tsukayama
On Sunday, Sept. 19, the VSA granted the club $1,750 to purchase a new motor which will allow the club to start drills this season.
Rafael Campo Speaks on Empathy
Jamie Rosen
This year's William Starr Freshman Course lecturer Dr. Rafael Campo spoke about the importance of language in his career as a healer.
Survey does not reflect Class of '08
Sonia Chanda
During the week of Sept. 13, thick sheets of paper were passed out to all of the freshmen. The directions were, 'Fill them out as soon as possible.' My roommates and I spent countless hours filling in little bubbles in six pages of questions.
