May 01, 2008
Operation Donation fights local poverty
Mike Ilardi
Here’s something to think about: While Vassar students are busy studying, 2.5 billion people, or 40 percent of the world’s population, are trying to survive on less than $2 each day. For 1.2 billion of those individuals, that daily income is less than $1.
Seniors search for work
Stephanie Damon-Moore
As graduation approaches, the Class of 2008 has more to worry about than finishing theses and saying goodbye to friends. The daunting task of finding a job to fill the academic void may be more difficult than usual this year as the economy continues to decline.
A Look into Vassar Science | Medical school viable option for science students
Jesse Small
For some science and pre-med students graduate programs and medical schools are the only options for advancement in their respective fields. And no one knows this better than Vassar alumnae/i, who have already traveled a considerable way along the path that many current pre-med and science students will follow.
Vassar student engages in insightful papal visit
Rachel Wetz
Just two days after submitting my senior thesis on the scholarship of Pope Benedict XVI, I had the incredible honor and privilege of meeting the Pope himself onstage at the Youth Rally on the grounds of St. Joseph’s Seminary in Yonkers, N.Y on April 19.
Founder’s Day promises fun, though no elephant
Sarah Goetz
This Saturday, May 3, students will march in droves to Ballantine Field in eager anticipation of the food, beer, rides, games and jovial atmosphere that characterize Founder’s Day. But the celebration that Vassar students love today has drastically evolved from its 19th-century roots. It's totally sweeter.
Penetrating Questions | Emergency contraception a safe, effective option
Jiná Ashline
Safe? Effective? What is the deal with EC?
April 24, 2008
A Look into Vassar Science | The evolution of Vassar’s science programs
Erica Hersh
In the 142 years since famed female scientist Maria Mitchell was hired, Vassar has continued to produce distinguished scientists, thanks to a curriculum that has emphasized science since its inception.
Weekly Spotlight | What were all those one-in-four shirts about?
Chelsea Mitamura
On Tuesday, April 22, students wearing bright yellow “1 in 4” t-shirts dotted Vassar’s campus, prompting many a bewildered stare. The “1 in 4” t-shirts represent the one in four college women who report being victims of rape or attempted rape. Students wore them as a part of Sexual Assault Awareness (SAA) Week.
Spring Convocation marks graduation of seniors | Outgoing Dean of the Faculty to deliver address
Mike Ilardi
If you have a robustly secured personal computer behind a firewall with no vulnerabilities, how much personal information and user activity information is still vulnerable to outside snooping? More than you think.
Vassar Technology Today | Internet apocalypse scheduled for 2010, says your corporate ISP
Matthew Leung
At a United Kingdom government forum last week, AT&T Vice President of Legislative Affairs Jim Cicconi warned that unless private companies and corporations round up 130 billion dollars to upgrade the public infrastructure of the Internet by 2010, the Internet will not be able to handle the impending traffic explosion in that year.
First Year Program puts on the Freshmen 15
Sarah Goetz
As the Class of 2011 prepare for their sophomore year, 15 student performances will give the freshmen a final opportunity to reflect on their first year at Vassar.
Penetrating Questions | What's the difference between HIV and AIDS?
Jiná Ashline
Don’t be embarrassed; many people don’t fully understand the difference or the associated issues with HIV and AIDS. Here are the facts.
April 17, 2008
Fresh face for annual Earth Fest celebrations
Rukshana Jalil
As Earth Day approaches, the Vassar Greens are engaged in a flurry of preparations for the numerous preliminary events aimed to raise environmental awareness around campus including Earth Fest on Saturday, April 19.
CDO reaches out to seniors: Ready...set...401K!
Mike Alberti
Seniors, are you ready to balance your checkbooks? Throughout the month of April, the Career Development Office (CDO) is hosting four workshops intended to help graduating seniors prepare for life after college. Reality check!
Blogs a new forum for campus commentary
Acacia O'Connor
One Vassar student recently commented that “If you want to know what we think, all you have to do is put up a blank sheet of paper.” The popular new “blank sheet of paper” on college campuses is the campus Weblog, a forum for news, gossip and commentary on campus life.
Protect the Dream provides student mentors
Stephanie Damon-Moore
The Protect the Dream Youth Program, a non-profit organization run out of the FAmily Partnership Center in Poughkeepsie helps kids with their homework and are part of a reading program. But it’s not just about helping with school work.
VJU celebrates Passover holiday with traditional seder meals
Jesse Small
On April 19-20, millions of Jews across the globe will celebrate Passover, which commemorates the ancient Jews’ release from slavery in Egypt and coincides with the beginning of spring, looking forward to the days ahead.
Penetrating Questions | Tolstoy contracted syphilis, and so could you
Jina Ashline
Did you know that STDs can affect your brain? Practice safe sex for your peace of mind (and your mental health.)
Weekly Spotlight | SASA Fest celebrates South Asian culture
Chelsea Mitamura
April is a month of festivals at Vassar, hosted by everyone from the ALANA Center to Strong House. SASA Fest, which will be on Sunday, April 20, is continuing the trend of celebrating spring on April weekends—this time with bhangra and South Asian food.
Library offers new resources for stressed students
Sarah Goetz
If that term paper looks intimidating and you are not sure where to begin your research or writing, it may be time to turn to the wealth of resources that the Library offers to alleviate end-of-the-year stress.
April 10, 2008
Parents Coming! | Weekend has everything from magic to Marco Polo
Mike Ilardi
Lara Weissman
Parents are on their way to shower you with hugs and criticize your untidiness. But have no fear: there is a marathon of activites planned to keep your parents away from your room and out of your fridge.
Social justice meets criminal justice
Stephanie Damon-Moore
Prison Focus Week aimed to raise awareness about problems within the penal system and culminated with the ninth annual Green Haven-Vassar Reunion, which united people with past or present involvement in the Vassar prison program
Feminist writer for The Nation
Mike Alberti
Katha Pollitt, the popular and award-winning feminist columnist for The Nation, will speak at Vassar on Tuesday, April 15.
A Look into Vassar Science | Panel of scientists, writers discuss importance of science jounalism
Acacia O'Connor
A Look into Vassar Science | Building project to renovate, add to science facilities
Erica Hersh
Since Spring 2004, plans have been brewing for a project that will change the face of Vassar’s campus. Though still in its planning stages, the project seeks to renovate the existing science buildings and possibly build one or more new science facilities on campus.
Haiti Project brings aid to village, insight to student
Emily Strasser
Vassar Students spend time in Chermaître, Haiti to learn from and work with the community.
Vassar Technology Today | Think you're alone when you're not online? Think again
Matthew Leung
If you have a robustly secured personal computer behind a firewall with no vulnerabilities, how much personal information and user activity information is still vulnerable to outside snooping? More than you think.
Penetrating Questions | Sexercises you can do everywhere you go
Jina Ashline
What are some simple and easy ways to enhance my sexual experience and pleasure without breaking the bank or my back?
April 03, 2008
Students advocate for N.Y. farm workers’ rights
Stephanie Damon-Moore
New York State does not include farm workers in its constitutional definition of “employees.” This exception means that farm workers, who are primarily migrant workers, are not protected by many of the labor laws that protect all other workers.
In College Center neverland, kids just won’t grow up
Mike Ilardi
Vassar’s anti-child abuse organization, Together Opposing Neglect and Child Abuse (TONCA), is offering its annual antidote to combat the difficulties of second semester, along with a chance to help a good cause.
Psychologist lectures on coping with learning disabilities
Sarah Goetz
The internationally known author, lecturer and Harvard Medical School Psychology Professor Robert Brooks will address the experience of struggling with learning in a lecture on April 4.
Weekly Spotlight | Vassar Dems prepare for last leg of year’s events
Rukshana Jalil
The recently formed Class Issues Alliance (CIA) will host the First Annual Northeast Class Issues Conference on March 28-30 to promote awareness of class difference both on and off campus and to bring class activists together for a day of discussions, workshops and lectures.
New Yorker's words decode sciences
Sarah Siegel
What was Einstein’s pet name for his first wife? What happens when a hacker is so dangerous that a judge wouldn’t give him a bail hearing gets out of prison? Michael Specter, a The New Yorker staff writer since 1998, tackles these and other questions on the science beat with panache.
Penetrating Questions | Oh dear, what big red blotches you've got!
Jiná Ashline
Curious about your post-coital coloring? Sexual flush, also known as sex glow, is a common part of the sexual response cycle whether you are with a partner or alone, and is more evident in some people than in others.
Local history teachers visit Vassar for lectures, letters
Brian Farkas
Teachers of American history from over two-dozen high schools across New York State will come to Vassar to meet Pulitzer Prize-winning historian David McCullough and view the Adams’s collection of letters, which will be on view in Archives and Special Collections.
March 27, 2008
Campaign taste-test kicks Coke and Pepsi
Sarah Siegel
Students with a yen for Retreat snacks got a treat on Feb. 26 and 27: free drinks as part of a taste test from the Vassar Kick Coke Campaign, the student coalition devoted to banishing the cola company from campus because of its alleged human rights abuses.
Vassar drag queens to man the catwalk
Stephanie Damon-Moore
On Friday, March 28, the Queer Coalition of Vassar College (QCVC) is sponsoring its biggest, most elaborate drag show yet.
A Look into Vassar Science | Students, professors scrutinize the sciences at Vassar
Stephanie Damon-Moore
Erica Hersh
Is Vassar preparing students to compete in a world of dwindling job opportunities and cutting-edge technology? Is the College equipping non-science majors with the skills they need to survive in a world that is increasingly dependent on science and technology?
Penetrating Questions | Come on, honey-if you don't it'll hurt!
Jina Ashline
What's the deal with blue balls?
Vassar Technology Today | Backing up files without breaking the bank
Matthew Leung
Online storage used to promise convenience and freedom from physical storage drives. With a recent government push to justify airport security's inspection of your digital data along with your luggage, however, online storage is about to get a lot more appealing.
February 28, 2008
R & SL Day brings spirituality out of the Chapel
Mike Alberti
This first annual R & SL Day will be held in the Chapel and the College Center is a collaboration between the RSL office and the 12 different campus groups that it advises and supports.
Students apply for summer internships as deadlines approach
Sarah Goetz
Students applying for various internships, fellowships and other job opportunities are scrambling to polish résumés and submit applications before the deadlines pass in the coming weeks.
Admissions balances rising applicant pool, fewer spots
Mike Ilardi
“We’re a brand new team: We’ve got new faces, a new identity,” said men’s volleyball co-captain Scott Leserman ’09. For the men’s volleyball team this season is all about change. Head Coach Jonathan Penn has returned from sabbatical, and the Brewers have finally become full members the Metro Division of the North Eastern Collegiate Volleyball Association (NECVA).
Weekly Spotlight | Hunger Action: Peanut Butter Jammin' to fill local need
Stephanie Damon-Moore
For the members of Vassar College’s Hunger Action Committee, the appeal is in the title: Action. The group is dedicated to relieving hunger and homelessness. Members volunteer at The Lunchbox, Poughkeepsie’s local soup kitchen, once a week, and serve lunch at Beulah Baptist Church on a monthly basis.
Penetrating Questions | How having sex could improve your game
Jina Ashline
Is it bad to have sex before a sports game?
On the Job | From Miscellany editor to PR Pro
February 21, 2008
Green Party hosts State Conference
Mike Alberti
On Saturday, Feb. 23, Vassar will host the New York State Campus Greens Conference, where representatives from Green Party chapters of colleges and universities across the state will meet to hold a day-long series of workshops and events concerning Green politics.
Study abroad inspires students to live simply
Rukshana Jalil
When students return from being abroad in developing countries, they may come back with more than language mastery or a renewed cultural awareness; some come back with a desire to simplify their lives and use only necessities.
Adam Langer '88 to read from novel
Sarah Goetz
Adam Langer ’88 began his writing career on the rooftops of Cushing House.n Monday, Feb. 25, Langer, now a published author, will read from his latest novel, Ellington Boulevard, in Taylor Hall Room 203 at 5:30 p.m.
Habitat for Humanity plans alternative spring break
Rukshana Jalil
While many Vassar students will be spending their spring breaks with family or having fun in the sun with friends, part of the Vassar chapter of Habitat for Humanity will travel for 20 hours by car to spend one week helping to construct a house in Sebring, Fla.
Penetrating Questions | Looking beyond latex as a condom choice
Jina Ashline
Is a non-latex condom safe to use? Penetrating Questions tackles another campus query.
Seven floors of deadly sin seduce students
Chelsea Mitamura
On Saturday, Feb. 16, Vassar students unleashed their sinful, sexy selves in Jewett House’s hallways to celebrate the annual Seven Deadly Sins party, originally conceived to utilize the newly renovated tower floors of Jewett. It has since turned into one of the most lavish all-campus events of the year.
Vassar Technology Today | YouTube not the only way to get attention online
Matthew Leung
The ideas that get attention online are very different from those that receive media attention on TV, radio and in newspapers. So different, in fact, that many people do not realize that there exist other online paths to notoriety besides blogs and YouTube .
Feminist historian lectures
Sarah Siegel
On Tuesday Feb. 19, acclaimed medievalist and feminist historian Judith Bennett delivered a lecture entitled “Feminism and the Future of History.”
February 14, 2008
All College Day a space for community dialogue
Michael Ilardi
“Be the change.” This is the mantra for Vassar’s eighth annual All College Day, scheduled to take place on Wednesday, Feb. 20. Students, faculty and staff will gather to engage one another and contribute to the on-going discussion of what forms our community.
Vassar's college radio pumps diverse sounds
Chelsea Mitamura
Sarah Siegel
Founded in 1971, WVKR is one of the largest college radio stations in the northeast, with financial donors from as far away as Hawaii and listeners from Japan to Brazil tuning in to the Web cast.
Take Back the Mug calls for safe space
Sarah Goetz
Last night, Feb. 13, Counseling and Assistance in Response to Rape and Exploitive Sexual Activity (CARES), a student-run, peer listening service, hosted Take Back the Mug Night. The event was designed to claim the Mug as a secure space and raise awareness about sexual assault and domestic violence against women.
Caucusing gives insight into local politics
Kyle Nelson
On Sunday, Feb. 10, Maine held its Democratic political caucus, and Illinois Senator Barack Obama came out on top. When I decided to journey up to Maine, however, the result of the caucus was the last thing on my mind. I was observing some of the intricacies of small-town politics and their interactions with the national presidential election.
Penetrating Questions | V-Week: A special introduction to the parts of the Vulva
Jina Ashline
V-Week is about many different things, but for me it is mostly about celebrating the beauty of the vulva. Our culture has the habit of throwing around “vagina” to mean all of the female genitalia. While the va-jay-jay is wonderful, the vagina is only one part of the whole; the vulva is the whole.
100 Nights to seniors' flight
Jesse Small
Being a matriculated student grants you roughly 1,400 days to call Vassar your academic home and yourself a Vassar student. Depending on whether or you go abroad, you may spend less than half of those days on campus. For the Class of 2008, the celebration of 100 Nights tomorrow marks the beginning of the end of their Vassar careers.
Helicon, student groups sell unique Valentines
Stephanie Damon-Moore
For Vassar students, there are plenty of creative options for wishing friends and lovers a happy Valentine’s Day.
February 07, 2008
Gail Collins will give Alex Krieger Lecture
Mike Ilardi
Gail Collins, best known as the first woman to edit the New York Times editorial page, will deliver the annual Alex Krieger Memorial Lecture on Wednesday, Feb. 13 at 8 p.m. in the Students’ Building.
Mind the Gap encourages gratitude for alumni donors
Mike Alberti
Though Vassar’s total student costs—this year totaling $44,160—consistently rank in the top 20 most expensive colleges and universities in the country, this number is actually only a portion of what it costs the College to educate each student every year. The real cost for the 2007-2008 academic year, as determined by Director of Reunion and Class Giving Susan Sheehan, is $61,500. Donors, most of them Vassar alumnae/i, make up the difference each year.
Main hoping to make new Crossover party annual
Stephanie Damon-Moore
Many of Vassar’s parties appear to be designed around students wearing as little as possible. But a new cross-dressing party from Main House is focusing on clothing as self-expression.
Celebrating the Year of the Rat
Jesse Small
For millions of Chinese across the world, the time of renewal has come. The Chinese New Year, sometimes called Lunar New Year, begins on Feb. 7.
Weekly Spotlight: The Black Student Union
Alexandra Matthews
When Angelic Sosa ’08 stepped onto the Vassar campus for her first semester in August 2004 she felt, like all freshmen, a bit overwhelmed. “Coming here was totally different than my high school demographics…It wasn’t that I was uncomfortable being here, but it was that I needed something familiar,” said Sosa. How did she overcome these first emotions? By joining the Black Students Union (BSU), of which she is now president for the second consecutive term.
VISA hosts international Mardi Gras celebration
Sarah Goetz
Vassar students and community members put their own spin on Mardi Gras this Feb. 5 by hosting a celebration on the second floor of the Student’s Building.
Vassar Technology Today | Who is looking at your profile? You might not know
Matthew Leung
Can you see who viewed which Facebook user’s profile, when, from what location, and how many times? “I wish,” Facebook addicts are sighing. However, while Facebook claimed at its inception it would never disclose that information, several recent attempts to exploit vulnerabilities in Facebook have proved that such information can indeed be obtained.
Penetrating Questions | Yes, it is possible to be allergic to semen
Jina Ashline
Some people have allergic reactions to proteins in their partner’s semen, a condition sometimes called “human seminal plasma hypersensitivity.”
February 01, 2008
Focus the Nation fosters environmental activism
Alexandra Matthews
“Vassar’s not here yet?!” was all that Christopher Klabes ’08 could say when he realized that Vassar was not yet part of Focus the Nation, a nationwide event to stem climate change.
Dems host debate on primaries
Julianne Hertz
Vassar college students and Poughkeepsie locals alike crowded into the Martel Theater last Monday night, eager to observe the Democratic Presidential Primary Forum.
Student voters make voices heard in early state primaries
Stephanie Damon-Moore
With Feb. 5, also known as Super Tuesday, rapidly approaching, the first handful of states have thrown their influence into the ring of political primaries. And in an unpredictable race, the youth vote has become more important than ever. How are college-aged students getting involved?
New coffeehouse percolates in Arlington
Sarah Goetz
Students looking for a bit of tea and sympathy now have a novel destination in Arlington.
Common STI is harder to treat than to prevent
Jiná Ashline
Columnist
Let’s start at the beginning. HPV stands for Human Papilloma Virus, and refers to a group of common viruses that will infect most people at some point in their lives. According to Baldwin Medical Center, HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) seen at Vassar.
December 07, 2007
Get up and move: Battling study week stress
Alexandra Matthews
Final exams are approaching and students are stressed. But put down your coffee and take out your yoga pants, because there’s a plethora of stress-busting activities and pro-health organizations on campus to help you survive the next two weeks.
Alumnus speaks of forgiveness, healing in Rwanda
Stephanie Damon-Moore
When Vassar alumnus and Sing Sing Chaplain Petero Sabune ’77 went to Rwanda, he thought he was going to teach genocide survivors about forgiveness and reconciliation. He quickly realized, though, that “they were going to teach us about what they have done.”
Community Works Campaign, Adopt-A-Family give back
Sarah Goetz
As we get ready to plunge once more into a hectic holiday season, the spirit of giving is again in the air. The Community Works campaign and Community Action’s Adopt-A-Family program are reaching out to the community outside Vassar’s gates.
Hunger Action holds book drive
Eight crazy nights: Hannukah at Vassar
Sarah Siegel
For eight nights every year, Director of Security Don Marsala won’t yell at you if you light a candle in the dorms. Well, if you light a candle as part of a Vassar Jewish Union (VJU) Hannukah ceremony, any way.
Penetrating Questions | If STIs and pregnancy aren't concerns, do we need condoms?
Jiná Ashline
All About Sex with Jiná Ashline
Compton offers flexible fellowship opportunity
Sarah Siegel
If you had a year, $35,000, and total freedom, what would you do? Each year a handful of graduating seniors nationwide answer that question to become Compton Mentor Fellows, a position that allows you to create your own social justice project and execute it over the course of a year with the help of a mentor.
November 29, 2007
Law eases burden of students' federal loans
Sarah Goetz
A law signed into effect by President Bush last month may have a dual impact on students seeking higher education. The bill provides more financial aid options for graduate students, as well as allocating aid and debt forgiveness to students who wish to enter the public sector.
Marist senior elected to county legislature
Alexandra Matthews
The votes were tallied, ballots counted and new leaders elected across Dutchess County as usual this past November. However, what makes this election particularly extraordinary is that the new District 6 Legislator Angela Flesland is a senior at Marist College.
Vassar Technology Today | Computo Ergo Sum: A Cartesian meditation
Matthew Leung
I had been using computers for several years when I realized that many things I had accepted about them, even the ones from my youth, were false. Hence, I found it necessary to start again at the foundation, to free myself from the common-sense assumptions about computers and distinguish the facts from the myths.
Classes explore virtual Vassar on Second Life
Stephanie Damon-Moore
Today, millions of people worldwide create alternative reality personas on Second Life. Vassar College became involved in Second Life last year with Vassar Island, the digital property that it owns on Second Life.
Penetrating Questions | Female ejaculation Part II: Try it at home!
Jiná Ashline
Find a copy of last week’s Miscellany News if you missed “Demystifying Female Ejaculation,” and get ready for the conclusion of the story: a how-to guide.
November 16, 2007
Who's looking at your Facebook profile?
Stephanie Damon-Moore
Facebook and Myspace users beware: The people looking at your profile may not just be love interests and friends; they may be employers.
Students organize, apply for Junior Year Abroad
Alexandra Matthews
Each year nearly half of Vassar sophomores muster the courage to apply for international collegiate programs for the following year, what Vassar likes to call Junior Year Abroad (JYA).
Penetrating Questions | The Mysterious Female Ejaculation: Part I
Jiná Ashline
"Sometimes when I orgasm, I feel a release of liquid from my vagina that feels like I’m peeing, but I know I’m not! What is this liquid and is there something wrong with me?"
November 08, 2007
Campus groups broaden consumer choices
Acacia O'Connor
The influence of a corporate world does not disappear when students step through Main Gate. However, student activists, in conjunction with Vassar College and its faculty, are thinking more about consumption and responsible investments.
Popular Babycakes café set to reopen
Alexandra Matthews
Have no fear: Babycakes café is better (and bigger) than ever and is set to reopen within the next week.
British Professor Mark Whalan comes stateside
Stephanie Damon-Moore
Throughout history, England has had much to offer the rest of the world in the way of icons, from Charles Dickens to Judi Dench. This year, Vassar College is benefitting from another great British export: Visiting English Professor Mark Whalan.
Scholar, EDRS dispel eating disorder myths
Stephanie Damon-Moore
Have you ever looked in the mirror and thought to yourself, “I feel fat”? On Thursday, Nov. 1, therapist and eating disorder expert Sharon Rebell asked Vassar students the same question during a discussion of body image and eating disorders.
Student organizations join to celebrate Diwali
Sarah Goetz
Along with nearly one billion people worldwide, members of the Vassar community are celebrating the Indian festival of Diwali this week.
Vassar Technology Today | Internet no longer immune to censorship
Matthew Leung
Censorship on the Internet by the government and large corporations is a familiar concept for countries such as China, Korea and Syria. But over the past few years, accumulating evidence from corporate Internet service providers (ISPs) and the government shows that this concept has been settling down in the United States as well.
Penetrating Questions | Looking for an erogenous zone? Try the nipples
Jiná Ashline
"What role do nipples play in sex? Do women and men get pleasure from them?"
Club inherits yarn supply, knits for the poor
Sarah Siegel
In 2006, Vassar French Professor emerita Adrienne Hytier left an usual legacy: a house full of yarn and half-finished sweaters. Now a new student group, Knights of Commuknitty, will be putting the yarn to use by making blankets and cold weather clothes for the needy.
November 02, 2007
Student brings Vassar EMTs to Uganda
Sarah Goetz | Acacia O'Connor
During spring break in March 2008, Jacquie Law, along with a group of student Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) will travel to Uganda, bringing with them medical supplies and a passion for humanitarian work.
November 01, 2007
Scholar highlights gender, economics in plastic surgery trends
Stephanie Damon-Moore
Why are white women turning to surgery in order to be comfortable with their bodies?
Letter From Abroad | It's all Russian to me: Struggling to communicate
Jocelyn Durkay
Communication—it’s a vital aspect of day-to-day human interaction the world over. I am reminded of this fact every day here in Russia as I go through my routine.
Geopardy, Sleep-Out seek to inform campus
Acacia O'Connor
“Just having an event raises awareness that these issues are out there,”
Popular blog has people spilling their secrets
Sarah Siegel
With more than 1,000 postcards flooding his mailbox every week, Frank Warren probably gets more mail than Santa Claus. Warren runs the meteorically popular Web site PostSecret, a community art project in which strangers send him secrets, which he posts each Sunday.
Penetrating Questions | P-Spot, the male G-spot, can provide different kind of orgasm
Jiná Ashline
"Do men have a G-spot, or are women the only ones who have this special button?"
October 26, 2007
Arboretum status: Trees well and blooming
Sarah Goetz
Since Matthew Vassar initiated plans for an arboretum in 1865, the College’s trees have been an essential feature of the campus.
Students, campus groups utilize October break
Alexandra Matthews
The promise of sleep and old friends keeps students sane when midterm week has them up to their eyeballs in papers and coffee from Matthew’s Bean. But many students this year chose to spend October Break not on the couch, but pursuing their regular commitments even more intensely with on-campus training, research or networking with students from other colleges.
Penetrating Questions | Columnist mouths off about safe oral sex
Jiná Ashline
"Is there any risk to oral sex, and do i really need to use protection when I eat my girlfriend out?
New group tackles clean water issues
Jasmine Brown
What are we doing to protect and ensure the safety of our water supply? H2O Action, a local campaign under the Vassar Greens, is working to provide an answer to that question.
Vassar Technology Today | There's something political about Mac and PC
Matthew Leung
During October break, the front page of Apple’s Web site featured a picture of Al Gore. A coincidence, some may say, but it seems reasonable to say that computing has a conservative versus liberal division similar to that of electoral politics.
October 05, 2007
Green Haven Prison Program expands
Stephanie Damon-Moore
The average Vassar classroom is accessed by crossing manicured lawns and through stately wooden doors, not past metal detectors and armed guards. But for Vassar students interested in crossing a different threshold to explore the criminal justice and witness the American prison system firsthand, prisons themselves become classrooms.
ACT OUT, QCVC: Come on out!
Sarah Siegel
ACT OUT and the Queer Coalition of Vassar College (QCVC) are organizing campus events intended to raise awareness of and discussion about GLBTQ issues during Coming Out Week.
Get passport without leaving campus
Acacia O'Connor
If you want to hop a plane tomorrow and travel to India, New Zealand or Peru, there’s nothing stopping you. Nothing, that is, except the want of a United States passport.
Gross to talk in person
Jackson Reeves
Terry Gross, Host of National Public Radio’s Peabody Award-winning talk show “Fresh Air,” will finally come to campus Oct. 4 after being unable to deliver the Class of 2007 Commencement Address in person.
September 28, 2007
College, community gear up for street fair
Alexandra Matthews
Maybe you’ve been meaning to venture out into the surrounding Arlington community, but have been trapped in the library stacks. Well, wait no longer: Arlington Street Fair is here and promises cheer, communitas and—of course—chili.
Students gain experience through Field work
Jasmine Brown | Jesse Small
It’s 10 a.m. on a Monday, but one senior isn’t walking to class. Dan Morgan ’08 is beginning his day in the photo department of The New Yorker for a different kind of learning experience.
New magazine a health resource for students
Sarah Goetz
What’s one more all-nighter? One last slice of cold pizza at 9 a.m.? College students have never been models of healthy living. But colleges and universities across the country are increasingly making their students’ physical and mental health a priority, and Vassar is no exception.
Students take out the trash in ACDC
Acacia O'Connor
Vassar students are busy people. We’ve got papers to write, classes to attend and barely enough time to squeeze in a meal at All Campus Dining Center (ACDC) as it is. And now we’ve got to spend extra time separating out our trash from our compost?
Trojan gives colleges' sex health grades
Acacia O'Connor
College students worry about both sex and their GPAs—albeit separately. This month, however, universities across the country were worried about their sex GPA.
Vassar Technology Today | Protect your information over wireless networks
Matthew Leung
I sat at the Detroit International Airport for about five hours waiting for a connecting flight back to Poughkeepsie. I had missed several days of classes, so I thought I’d connect my airport’s laptop to the official wireless network of the airport and start my homework.
September 21, 2007
Sauce contest offers chance at ACDC glory
Allison Cohen
Are you Vassar’s next Iron Chef? Then put on your apron and head over to the “Big Sauce Challenge” at All Campus Dining Center (ACDC) on Sept. 26 at 4:30 p.m.
Local produce brings fresh tastes to Vassar
Stacey Locke Jesse Small
Collective efforts toward pooling resources on and off campus often fall under the radar of college life. With Local Foods week coming up, now is the time to find out a little more about environmental sustainability in your home away from home.
Seniors work to meet fellowship deadlines
Sarah Siegel
Jessica Linden-Swienckowski and Peter Chesney’s Terrace Apartment was looking pretty shabby. Clothes and papers were strewn across the floor, empty mugs testifying to several late nights. Linden-Swienckowski and Chesney are seniors and were applying for the prestigious Rhodes, Marshall and Fulbright fellowships.
Ramadan a time for self-denial, reflection
Stephanie Damon-Moore
On the first truly cold morning of September, when the sun hasn’t even considered rising, a handful of Vassar students are peeling themselves out of bed. No, it’s not because the fire alarm is going off again or because they have crew team practice. It’s Sept. 13, and the Islamic holiday of Ramadan has begun.
Life in Copenhagen
Hannah Rosenblum
A photo spread from a student studying abroad in Copenhagen.
College brings challenges, opportunities for spirituality
Mike Malloy
Does God have a place at Vassar? Ranked 10th in the Princeton Review’s category for students who “ignore God on a regular basis,” many students’ initial response might be a strong “no.”
New owner brings different outlook to Juliet's
Jasmine Brown Sarah Goetz
The intricately carved façade of Juliet’s Café isn’t exactly what you’d expect from a restaurant-cum-pool hall. But there it is, hinting at grander times, when Juliet’s was actually the kind of curtained movie theatre where women wore gowns and men put on their tuxes.
September 15, 2007
Law hikes birth control prices on campus
Stephanie Damon-Moore
Are birth control prices out of control? A preliminary study by the Feminist Majority Foundation found that the price of prescription birth control pills at college health centers across America has increased by an average of 145 percent over the last six months. Similarly, the cost of the patch is up by 105 percent.
Department stays à la mode with change to new name
Acaica O'Connor
What’s in a name? Or you might say “Qu’y a-t-il dans un nom?” A lot, say French language study programs.
Saved by the Microwave
Nick Marmet
The toughest decisions at school don’t always occur in the classroom. For many, the hardest thing to decide at the end of the day is what to eat for dinner. Curry, easily made at the Stir-Fry Station, is a quick, delicious and filling solution to any dining dilemma.
Students celebrate Jewish High Holy Days
Matt Baker and Sarah Siegel
At sundown on Wednesday, Sept. 12, observant Jews will begin celebrating Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. The holiday commemorates the day 5,767 years ago when, according to ancient Jewish tradition, God created the world.
Vassar Technology Today | Evaluating new technologies: Zimbra, VPrint
Matthew Leung
Over the summer I sat in front of my computer far away from Vassar, reading about the Webmail upgrade process. I tried to keep abreast of the changes on campus, from the overnight migration from SquirrelMail to “Zimbra,” to the upgrade to the VPrint system. Both systems are purportedly sleek and streamlined, but each has its own challenges that users must overcome.
Serenading
The Serenading tradition began in the early days of the College with more tranquil singing. It has since then evolved, but the playful spirit remains.
September 08, 2007
Professor looks to past for advice on the future
Christopher Triose
The Class of 2011 officially began its academic careers with Fall Convocation. On Sept. 5, Professor of Anthropology Lucille Johnson joined the rest of the College community in welcoming the freshmen and bolstering the new senior class. In her convocation speech, Johnson analyzed her career to determine how its different elements led her to where she is now.
Student groups seek new activists during outdoor fest
Mike Malloy
Got a cause? Whatever it may be, you can find an outlet for it at the first-ever ActFest. The interest fair will take place on Saturday, Sept. 8 from 1-3 p.m. on the Quad and will feature the approximately 20 activist groups on the Vassar campus.
New students move past freshmen fears
Stacy Locke and Jesse Small
Move-in Day, Aug. 25, is a day like no other for the 682 freshman entering as Vassar College’s Class of 2011. Temperatures lingering above 90 degrees, an endless line of cars chock full of dorm goods and the energetic Strong girls screaming “Honk if You Love Vassar,” met us as we arrived on campus.
Living, eating (and cleaning) in Ferry
Alexandra Matthews
For most students at Vassar, Dexter M. Ferry House continues to be “that ninth dorm.” Generalizations such as “they’re all vegans” and “they’re all artists” seem all too prevalant when describing the dorm’s personality. But what is life at Ferry House really like?
Bike program sets students up to cruise
Sarah Goetz
A new trend in eco-friendly transportation and convenience has rolled into Vassar. Flashes of pink and chrome seem to be whizzing by in every direction now that the the Shared Bike Program is up and running.
May 03, 2007
Founder’s Day to be a symphony of rides, music, games, and food
Matt Baker
Founder’s Day today would hardly be recognizable to its creator, Vassar’s second President John H. Raymond. According to the Vassar Encyclopedia, Raymond organized Founder’s Day in 1866 as a campus-wide surprise birthday party for Mathew Vassar.
Eve Gartner to discuss current abortion politics
Juliana Kiyan
On Tuesday, May 8, Deputy Director of Public Policy Litigation and Law for Planned Parenthood Federation of American (PPFA) Eve Gartner will give a briefing about the abortion ban entitled “How did the Supreme Court restrict the right to choose?” followed by a question-and-answer session.
You are getting de-stressed; very, very de-stressed...
Mike Alberti
On May 8, the last day of classes, Vassar College Entertainment (ViCE) will give Vassar students a unique way to blow off some steam. Sailesh, an R-rated hypnotist, will perform on the second floor of the Students’ Building at 9 p.m. Sailesh will take willing volunteers from the audience, put them in a hypnotic trance and then do anything from giving them an orgasm by shaking their hands to making them speak Chinese.
Two Broads Abroad |Like all good things, JYA must come to an end
Vassar Technology Today | What computers still cannot do: Replace paper and pencil
Matthew Leung
Since the time we first decided to attach the eraser to the pencil, we have seen many forms of technology integrating with one another. Cell phones can display time, freeing your wrist of a watch. Even though watches themselves are not completely obsolete, many people do not wear a watch today, but rather use a cell phone to tell time.
Seven students aided in summer endeavors with Class of ’08 gift
Sarah Siegel
It’s a familiar scenario: It’s May, final exams are fast approaching, and you’re trying to decide what to do with the next three months of your life. Your choices are between the amazing but unpaid internship and the soul-sucking yet profitable job that will help you pay off your student loans.
April 26, 2007
Just Coffee initiative supports grassroots fair trade
Sarah Siegel
Lately, students passing through the College Center have been flocking to a table with a simple grab: “Free Coffee.” Students in the Just Coffee initiative handed out free samples of the stuff last week in return for signatures on a petition seeking to replace Starbucks Coffee with Just Coffee at the Kiosk.
Convocation ceremony marks transition to new school year
Mike Alberti
Next Wednesday, seniors and professors will sport their robes, members of the Daisy chain will don their gowns, and the bell atop Main Building will ring all aftenoon. With Spring Convocation approaching, the year is drawing to a close.
RIAA guidelines target students for music downloads
Juliana Kiyan
Since 2003, colleges across the nation have been under pressure from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) to crack down on students who use their network connection to illegally download music. During the past year, however, the RIAA has taken a more aggressive stance by targeting individuals who may share as few as four to five songs, along with those who make a large volume of copyright protected music available on peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing networks. In light of the recording industry’s new tactics, Vassar is taking steps to educate and warn students about the risks of engaging in P2P file sharing.
Vassar Technology Today | RIAA lawsuits against peer-to-peer downloads cost us more than just cash
Matthew Leung
On Jan. 23, 2007 the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) registered for the domain name p2plawsuits.com. No one knew what they were up to with the new site until Feb. 28, when the RIAA posted a press release on its Web site, riaa.com, stating that it was launching “new initiatives” to address illegal music downloads by college students using peer-to-peer (P2P) clients such as Kazaa and Limewire.
April 19, 2007
Earth Week expands, features Ralph Nader
Mike Alberti
National Earth Day is Sunday, April 22, but the Vassar Greens refuse to settle for just one day of environmental education and activism. The Greens have collaborated with several other groups on campus, including Democracy Matters, the Vassar Green Party and Kick Coke, to fill April 22-28 with various events promoting environmental consciousness on campus.
Vassar Debate society to host national championship tournament
Amanda Melillo
This weekend, the Vassar Debate Society will have the chance to prove how far they have come since Vassar students participated in their first intercollegiate debate at Wellesley College in 1902. Over 100 years ago, debate was considered “unsuitable” for the female constitution, which the Vassar women disproved when they defeated the Wellesley girls on the topic of “Resolved: that the United States could subsidize a merchant marine.”