Moorebid Ball runs its full course for the first time in two years: Incidents decreased from previous years and the Ball saw an improvement in crowd control

Posted by Julia Leef

For the first time in two years, Moorebid Ball, the College's Halloween tradition, hosted 800 members of the student body for its full duration from 10:30 p.m. to 2 a.m on Oct. 27.

The event, which ticketed a limited number of students and was priced at $10, was hosted in the Big Gym of the Williamson Sports Center. According to Jessica Sonnenfeld '14, vice president of Residential Affairs, class treasurer, and one of the organizers of the event, the Student Government Association sold 750 tickets prior to the event, and by midnight had sold the remaining 50. Thanks to the "Cinderella Policy," which stated that all tickets not brought into Moorebid before midnight would expire and go back on sale, 20 more students were able to enter the gym for the remaining two hours.

"I haven't spoken to anyone from administration yet, but I'm thinking, I'm hoping that the feedback will be mostly positive," Sonnenfeld said, adding that so far she has heard positive feedback from several students, and that she invites anyone with comments or concerns about Moorebid to contact her. She can be reached by her email at jsonnenfe@skidmore.edu.

This year also saw seven hospitalizations of students due to alcohol-related incidents, four of which were called in from Moorebid, and the other three came from residential halls. This number is a drop from the eleven incidents from two years ago. All hospitalized students were later sent back to campus. No other incidents occurred, according to Sonnenfeld.

"I think it's on par, we always have too many hospital transports, but we're always dealing with the same age group here," Director of Campus Safety Dennis Conway said, adding that he approved of the limit on the number of tickets sold for Moorebid.

Conway also said that nothing seemed to come out of the "Occupy Moorebid" movement started on Facebook in protest of the cap on attendance at Moorebid.

When asked if there was any aspect of Moorebid she was already considering adjusting, Sonnefeld said she hopes to obtain a larger budget for the SGA next year in order to decrease the price of tickets for students. This will be determined at the end of this academic year.

"I fully anticipate change for Moorebid in the future," Sonnenfeld said. "I expect the prices of the tickets will be lower, but I can't say definitely."

Conway said, as in years past, a post-Moorebid committee would form to discuss the pros and cons of this year's Moorebid, as well as any change to make for next year.

Peter Beinart to speak about "The Crisis of Zionism" at Skidmore College: The political writer will be the featured speaker of this fall's Jacob Perlow Series lecture

Peter Beinart, political writer and associate professor at the City University of New York, will be the featured speaker in this fall's Jacob Perlow Series at Skidmore College, presented under the auspices of the Office of the Dean of Special Programs.

The author of a recent book called The Crisis of Zionism, Beinart will discuss the responses to his book and answer questions put to him by a panel. The free, public event will take place at 8 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 8, in Gannett Auditorium.

Beinart was the editor-in-chief of The New Republic magazine, which he took over in 1999 at 28 years old. More recently he has been a staff writer for Newsweek and The Daily Beast. His book on Israel and the Middle East attracted national attention after an excerpt appeared in The New York Review of Books in 2010 under the title "The Failure of the American Jewish Establishment."

In his book, Beinart argues that the policies of the Israeli government have been disastrous for its standing in the world. This is especially true regarding the government's treatment of its Arab citizens and the its handling of the settlements that began to proliferate in Gaza and the West Bank after the Six-Day War in 1967.

He argues, moreover, that major Jewish organizations in the U.S. have adopted what he calls an "Israel right or wrong" position. These organizations are refusing to criticize Israeli policies, with the result that most liberal American Jews are no longer reliable supporters of Israel. Things are bound to get much worse, in Beinart's opinion.

"I'm trying to live as a critic of Israeli policies inside the American Jewish community," Beinart said, although he has been accused of hating Israel. In The Jerusalem Post, one critic wrote that Beinart's problem wasn't with Israel but with Judaism.

However, Beinart's book has received positive feedback by Paul Krugman and Nicholas Kristof of The New York Times, David Remnick of The New Yorker magazine, and by former President Bill Clinton, among others.

Beinart will respond to questions put to him by Professor Robert Boyers, editor of Salmagundi magazine, and Professor Jennifer Delton of the Skidmore Department of History. A reception and book signing will follow the discussion. 

Born to Bake: Cheesecake cupcakes

Posted by Grace Harman

As a New Yorker, I love good cheesecake. For me, it's right up there with bagels and take-out Chinese food as a Manhattan dietary staple. The only issue is that cheesecake can be really, truly terrible. A bad crust, runny consistency or overly sour filling can easily ruin what is otherwise an awesome dessert.

In a fit of homesickness spurred by my parent's visit during Celebration Weekend, I decided I wanted to try my hand at cheesecake. The only issue is that I tend to give everything I bake away to friends to avoid massive weight gain, and cheesecake isn't particularly portable, making it difficult to share with lots of people. Fortunately, a fairly obvious solution presented itself: cheesecake cupcakes.

Unlike the chocolate cheesecake cupcakes I made a few weeks ago, which were simply outfitted with a cheesecake center, these cupcakes are actual miniature cheesecakes. Topped with chocolate ganache, these treats not only look classy, but also are wonderfully delicious.

Ingredients:

? 2/3 cup graham cracker crumbs

? 2 tablespoons white sugar

? 2 tablespoons melted butter

? 16 ounces cream cheese

? 1/2 cup white sugar

? 1 tablespoon white vinegar

? 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

? 2 eggs

Directions:
? Preheat oven to 325

President and CEO of Defenders of Wildlife delivers "The Policy Environment" lecture

Posted by Elizabeth Hopkins

Jamie Rappaport Clark, president and CEO of Defenders of Wildlife, offered a glimpse into the political battle between legislators and environmental conservationists on Thursday, Oct. 11 in Gannett Auditorium in a lecture entitled "The Policy Environment."

Established in 1947, Defenders of Wildlife works to promote innovative long-term solutions to protect wildlife and to preserve biodiversity. The non-profit organization has a rich history of fighting for environmental conservation on the legal front and working with policymakers to establish legislation that will ensure that wildlife populations are not increasingly marginalized.

Clark's lecture primarily focused on recent threats posed to the Endangered Species Act, which established a comprehensive list of all species considered endangered or threatened with extinction. Defenders of Wildlife has worked since 1973 to defend this act and continue maintenance of the list.

"[The Endangered Species Act] is the strongest environmental federal law currently existing, one that ideally possesses enough clout to slow biodiversity loss through the protective measures it authorizes," Clark said. "We are in the midst of the Sixth Great Extinction. Earth is losing something in the range of 30,000 to 100,000 species per year, a rate that is accelerating as a result of human overpopulation. Evidence of this mass extinction can be found in the rapid decline in bee populations throughout North America-a shocking trend that is only just beginning to wreak havoc on agriculture."

In spite of these alarming developments, an effective response has not yet been seen from government, according to Clark. In fact, the Endangered Species Act has faced intense political opposition in recent years. Acting as the cornerstone for endangered species protection, this act has been challenged by attacks to remove key provisions posed by conservative politicians.

"Intervention by Congress," Clark said, "has seriously threatened the gray wolf's status on the endangered species list in the past several years. The battle between legislators and the Defenders of Wildlife has further manifested itself in an effort by the Appropriations Subcommittee to halt additions to the endangered species list."

Clark highlighted cooperation as the central solution to protecting biodiversity and wildlife and in preventing further political measures from dismantling laws related to environmental conservation. She believes that scientists, legislators and environmental groups must collaborate to initiate long-lasting, effective protection laws.

Clark illustrated the importance of Defenders of Wildlife maintaining an influential power in government. An environmental organization possessing a strong political presence would ensure that environmental interests are not only considered, but are prioritized.

Another key component to success in conservation lies in reaching the base support of the public. Unfortunately, a language barrier has largely prevented scientists from getting the environmental message across, as they struggle to address the average American.

"Scientists must bring [the issues] into a frame the audience can understand," Clark said.

Rather than delving into the language of science to portray the devastation of biodiversity loss, environmental groups appeal to the emotions of the public, using the stories of treasured animals, such as the polar bear, in order to incite awareness.

Similarly, topics such as the rising of sea levels and natural disasters directly appeal to an audience that has witnessed devastation from events such as Hurricane Katrina and the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami.

Obtaining support is all about placing issues in the right context, and for Defenders of Wildlife and other environmental organizations, this remains the crucial step in changing perspectives inside and outside of the political environment.

Campus Safety Reports: Oct. 19 to 25

Posted by Julia Leef

Incidents of Note:

• Tuesday, Oct. 23-Campus Safety Assist: Person reported at 9 a.m. a tent set up in the North Woods area with a fire pit around it. Officer dispatched to locate the unauthorized site and reported locating the tent and the fire pit. Officer took photos and a report was issued. Items to be removed by the Grounds Department.
• Tuesday, Oct. 23-Person reported a suspicious acting male at 3:38 p.m. walking around the North Woods parking lot. Officers dispatched identified the subject as a Facilities Supervisor who was checking out areas for new lighting. Reporting person was advised of the same.
• Wednesday, Oct. 24- College Violation: Excessive noise reported at 12:52 a.m. in the lobby of Penfield Hall. Officers responding reported the noise was from a group of students playing "Zombies" with nerf guns. Officer requested that the activity be ceased. Subjects complied.
• Wednesday, Oct. 24- Fire Alarm: Person reports a fire at 10:34 p.m. on the third floor of McClellan Hall. Campus Safety, the Saratoga Springs Fire Department and Maintenance dispatched. Officers on scene reported the fire was out at the time. The Saratoga Springs Fire Department and the Saratoga Springs Police Department were on scene.

Further Incidents:

Friday, Oct. 19:

• Campus Safety Assist: Officer received information at 11 p.m. regarding an alleged theft of property. Investigation initiated. Report issued.
• Campus Safety Assist: Reporting person requested officer assistance at 5:31 p.m. with locating a parent vehicle at Case Center lot. Officer successfully assisted.
• Fire Alarm: Officers responded at 6:24 p.m. to the Sasselin Art Building fire alarm activation. Saratoga Springs Fire Department, maintenance, and all units responded. Cause of alarm unknown at this time. Report issued.
• College Violation: Officer responded at 10:35 p.m. to receive confiscated alcohol from Wait Hall. Officer returned alcohol and placed it in evidence at Campus Safety. Report issued.
• College Violation: Person reported noise and a large gathering of people at 11:57 p.m. at Dayton Drive. Officers dispatched dispersed the large group. No further problems.

Saturday, Oct. 20:

• Suspicious Odor: Person reported suspicious odor at 12:07 a.m. in Jonsson Tower. Officer dispatched reported a faint odor was detected, but no source determined.
• Intoxicated Subject: Person advised of a nineteen year-old, highly intoxicated female at 12:28 a.m. in Case Center. Emergency Medical Transport officer assessed the subject and requested transport to the Emergency Room. Subject was transported and report issued.
• College Violation: Person advised of noise complaint at 12:41 a.m. at the Pine Apartments. Officers dispatched dispersed the large group and band. Report issued.
• Intoxicated Subject: Officers reported a sick/intoxicated subject at 1:26 a.m. at Penfield Hall. Emergency Medical System dispatched and transported the subject to the Emergency Room. Report issued.
• College Violation: Person reported excessive noise at 1:41 a.m. at Dayton Drive. Officer dispatched reported the noise had ceased. No further problems.
• Accident: Person reported a Property Damage Auto Accident at 1:46 a.m. on Perimeter Road. Officers and the Saratoga Springs Police Department on the scene reported no personal injuries. Vehicle towed and reports issued.
• College Violation: Excessive noise reported at 4:22 a.m. at McClellan Hall. Officer on the scene reported that the noise had ceased. No further reports.
• Campus Safety Assist: Person requested a personal escort at 7:25 a.m. to Jonsson Tower as she was concerned for her safety in the fog. Officer assigned completed the transport.
• Campus Safety Assist: A two car vehicle accident was reported at 9:22 p.m. at the corner of East Avenue and North Broadway. Dispatched officer ascertained whether there was student or parent involvement. No Skidmore parties were involved.
• Criminal Mischief: Person reported damage at 11:23 p.m. to the walls in the Kimball Hall north stairwell. Damage recorded and report issued.

Sunday, Oct. 21:

• Campus Safety Assist: Person requested at 1:30 a.m. from Whitman Way to be placed in contact with a counselor. Officer contacted the counselor who will return the reporting person's call.
• Campus Safety Assist: Person advised at 6:36 a.m. that an unknown individual had taken photos of her without her permission at Moore Way. Officers dispatched issued a report and an investigation is ongoing at this time.
• Criminal Mischief: Person reported the discharge of a fire extinguisher at 10:35 a.m. in the kitchen area of Wiecking Hall. Dispatched officer recorded the damage and issued a report.
• Fire Alarm: Fire alarm activation received at 12:52 p.m. for the Sasselin Art Building. Officers, maintenance, and the Saratoga Springs Fire Department dispatched. Continuous problem with the fire system was determined to be the cause.
• Campus Safety Assist: Person requested transport at 7:16 p.m. from the Art Center to the Saratoga Hospital Emergency Room. Officer dispatched completed the transport. Report issued.
• College Violation: Person reported a loud party at 8:35 p.m. in a second floor Wait Hall room. Officer dispatched reported five people attending a birthday party in the room. No alcohol was present. Officer requested that they keep the volume of the event lower and they complied.

Monday, Oct. 22:

• College Violation: Person reported excessive noise at 12:10 a.m. at Whitman Way. Officers dispatched were unable to locate any noise violations at that time.
• Medical: Person requested medical assistance by an officer at 8:33 a.m. at the Murray-Aikins Dining Hall. Responding officers requested Emergency Medical System assistance. Subject was transported to the Emergency Room. Report issued.
• Medical: Person reported receiving a concerning text message from her friend at 1:25 p.m. Officer dispatched provided assistance. Report issued.
• Drug Law Violation: Person reported a strong marijuana odor at 2:38 p.m. on the second floor of Rounds Hall. Officers dispatched issued a report for drug law violations.
• Campus Safety Assist: Person requested contact with her daughter at 4:48 p.m. at Jonsson Tower. Officer noted that there was no contact order for the person. Report issued. No information given to the person.
• Fire Alarm: Fire alarm reported at 6:53 p.m. at Cane Crossing. Patrol units, unit 10 and the Saratoga Springs Fire Department notified. Burned food determined to be the cause of activation. Report issued.
• Campus Safety Assist: Person reported at 9:54 p.m. that she heard a scream in the village area of MacRury Apartments. Officers dispatched and canvassed the area on foot. No further disturbances reported.
• Suspicious Odor: Person called reported a suspicious odor at 11:15 p.m. on the second floor of Jonsson Tower. Officers dispatched and reported no odor detected at the time.

Tuesday, Oct. 23:

• Campus Safety Assist: Person requested transportation at 10:14 a.m. for a student from Health Services to the Emergency Room. Dispatched officer completed the transport. Report issued.
• Person reported emergency phone activation at 11:18 a.m. in the South Elevator of Jonsson Tower. Officer dispatched reported the elevators clear. Accidental activation determined.

Wednesday, Oct. 24:

• Suspicious Odor: Person reported suspicious burning odor at 12:46 a.m. in the kitchenette of the third floor of Wiecking Hall. Officers responding reported that the odor was due to burned popcorn. No alarm activation received as of that time.
• College Violation: Excessive noise reported at 1:42 a.m. in the common area of Wilmarth Hall. Officer responding reported a group having a birthday party celebration. Officer requested that the volume be lowered. Subjects complied.
• Medical Assist: Person reported at 7:46 a.m. that her roommate in Jonsson Tower has passed out in the shower. Officers and the Emergency Medical System responded. Subject transported to the Emergency Room.
• Medical Assist: Person called at 12:51 p.m. stating that she is having an allergic reaction to something, needs medical attention and would like transportation to the Emergency Room. Dispatched officer. Transport provided.
• College Violation: Person reported loud music at 10:15 p.m. at the Hillside Apartments. Officer dispatched and spoke with the student who was playing the guitar. Student stopped for the evening.

Thursday, Oct. 25:

• Campus Safety Assist: Person requested a medical transport at 9:40 a.m. from Jonsson Tower to the Saratoga Emergency Room. Dispatched officer. Escort provided.
• Campus Safety Assist: Person reported at 11:01 a.m. a female on the ground in front of the Tisch Learning Center who is semi-conscious and appears to be having an allergic reaction and trouble breathing. Dispatched officer and the Emergency Medical System. Female was transported to the Saratoga Emergency Room.
• Fire Alarm: Fire alarm activation received at 5:10 p.m. for the Hillside Apartments. Officers, maintenance and the Saratoga Springs Fire Department advised. Officer reported smoke from burnt food.
• Fire Alarm: Fire alarm activation received at 9:40 p.m. for the Sasselin Art Building. Officers, maintenance and the Saratoga Springs Fire Department notified. On-going problem reported to Facilities Services.

Restaurant Review: Druthers

Posted by Tegan O'Neill

Druthers, Saratoga Springs's newest brewery, was definitely the place to be on a recent Saturday night, with a crowd so dense that servers could barely squeeze through the expansive maze of tables. Such support for the Saratoga dining scene was exciting to see. The people around me clearly seemed out to have a good time; they were there to enjoy good company and good beer and, judging from the volume level, I am pretty sure they were. The food, however, was another story. Druthers, I've learned, is a brewery first and an eatery second.

The Smoked Sausage Chips ($7), which began this meal's tribute to cheese, meat and starch, was probably the strongest plate of food that came out of the Druthers kitchen. The potatoes were cut into thick pieces with a cheesy sauce, laden with chunks of sausage and lightly spiced with fennel. They actually tasted just as good as the menu implied they would.

The flavor profile of sour cream and onion chips swept me into a nostalgic mood, and there was also hint of spice (maybe curry, or chili, or paprika) that made what I was eating seem slightly exotic while still maintaining an air of pleasant comfort. Sadly, the portion was much too large for only two people to finish, and chips drenched with cheese are not the type of thing that you can really enjoy reheated.

The From the Smoker Mac and Cheese ($15) was another story. It was advertised as super creamy and cheesy, with hunks of pork and bacon to please meat lovers and just a dash of BBQ sauce on top to give the dish some flair. It had the potential to be show-stopping, but it was only average. It simply felt like an overly creamy version of the classic macaroni dish, which left me bitter and disappointed. There was not enough BBQ sauce, pulled pork or smoked bacon and, in general, not enough flavor complexity to sustain my interest past a few mouthfuls. For something so bland, the portion was unreasonably large.

Worst of all was the Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf Sandwich ($13). Some might say that one should never have great hopes for meatloaf, but I beg to differ, having been lucky enough to experience a truly delicious meatloaf sandwich in the past. Reading the menu's description detailing beer braised mushrooms, smoky BBQ sauce, melted cheddar, and crispy onions on buttered sourdough, I knew I wanted it in front of me. What they called a meatloaf sandwich, though, tasted like a burnt hamburger. I was astonished that each time I went back for another bite, I tasted less and less. The bread, too, was disappointing and the fries reminded me too much of McDonalds for me to enjoy them. As if all that were not enough, the presentation on the plate was horrendous. Druthers' poor meatloaf sandwich really had nothing going for it.

What I learned from eating out at Druthers is that if you like food to take the center stage when you go out to eat, eating at this brewery is not a good idea. If you like to savor your food and if you like portions to be on the small side so that you are left tantalized, eating at this brewery is not a good idea. If you like to use an inside voice when you go out to eat, eating at this brewery is not a good idea. But if you know all of these things ahead of time, and accept them as given, by all means, go out to eat at Druthers and enjoy its pub food and extensive beer selection in all of its glory.

To read more of Tegan O'Neill's outings, visit her blog at http://tegan-and-sarah.blogspot.com/

Left to Write: And Beyond

Posted by Jake Dolgenos

Over three decades after the first successful lunar mission of 1969, a peculiar document was released to the press. Written by former president Richard Nixon's speechwriter William Safire, the memo, two pages in length, imagined a worst-case scenario for the as-yet unfinished mission: what if the astronauts could not return home? It is worth reading for its politically unifying message, its raw poignancy and for the opportunity to reflect on what this unique moment of history signifies. I reproduce the full document here because I believe it is one of a few documents worth reading. It will make you believe in us, as a country and a species.

To: H. R. Haldeman [Nixon's Chief of Staff]
From: Bill Safire

July 18, 1969.
IN EVENT OF MOON DISASTER:

Fate has ordained that the men who went to the moon to explore in peace will stay on the moon to rest in peace.

These brave men, Neil Armstrong and Edwin Aldrin, know that there is no hope for their recovery. But they also know that there is hope for mankind in their sacrifice.

These two men are laying down their lives in mankind's most noble goal: the search for truth and understanding.

They will be mourned by their families and friends; they will be mourned by the nation; they will be mourned by the people of the world; they will be mourned by a Mother Earth that dared send two of her sons into the unknown.

In their exploration, they stirred the people of the world to feel as one; in their sacrifice, they bind more tightly the brotherhood of man.

In ancient days, men looked at the stars and saw their heroes in the constellations. In modern times, we do much the same, but our heroes are epic men of flesh and blood.

Others will follow, and surely find their way home. Man's search will not be denied. But these men were the first, and they will remain the foremost in our hearts.

For every human being who looks up at the moon in the nights to come will know that there is some corner of another world that is forever mankind.

You may (and I most certainly do) disagree with much of the attitudes and policies of the Nixon administration, and, indeed, William Safire's own political ideology is not one with which I find much common ground. But, for a moment, he touched something deeper. I took his words as a reflection of something I believe to be important and definitive, something we can all struggle to emulate in our (primarily) earthbound college lives.

Imagine, for a moment, the experience of the men who traveled into the unknown on July 16th, 1969, knowing that the world was preparing speeches for possible tragedy. Remembering the eventual success of the Apollo 11 mission alongside our failures - the crashes of the Challenger and the Columbia space shuttles for instance - puts the seemingly superhuman bravery of those first three in startling context. For this project, they lived for something greater than themselves.

I have two things to say, in my own limited words, about this memo and the thoughts it so eloquently communicates.

First, it is troubling to look at the NASA program of 1969 and realize how little we prioritize our space program today. Our shuttle program is on hiatus (or permanently?) and this year NASA will receive about half the money it did (adjusted for inflation) during the program's peak in 1966. By percentage of the Federal budget, our space program gets less than 1/8th of the priority it did 56 years ago. A look backward makes me wish we could, as a country, look upwards like we did a generation and a half ago. The stars are just as beautiful these days, if a little more obscured by light and air pollution.

Second, and more poetically, it strikes me that the events of July 1969 speak to something profoundly human. We see, in the animal kingdom, many acts of sacrifice that move us. In all cases, these acts are evolutionarily designed to ensure the continuation of the species and, more specifically, the genetic line of the martyr. But the act of making this sacrifice with eyes open, fully conscious of the meaning of the self and the other is something we can truly say is ours alone. When we live and die for our ideas, for loved ones, for the betterment of all mankind, we are expressing our humanity. When we do so with eyes open, as Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin and Michael Collins gladly risked, we take the opportunity to do service to this most sacred of human values. It is the reason we pray to and sanctify the martyrs of history - because in their acts we recognize a pure and uncompromising humanity.

It is intimidating to recognize our own limits to this idealistic notion of self-sacrifice. We pretend, certainly, to live in an individualistic society. It can make one feel small indeed, to witness the grander exemplars around us. Not everyone can give up his or her sense of self to the greater good, at least, not every day. But, I submit that to truly live we must find the ideals worth living for; to truly feel fulfilled we must exercise our human need to give to those ideas and people that we believe in. In the age of the suicide bomb it seems outmoded to celebrate the utter conviction of those who die or risk death for their beliefs. But, we should never forget that it was this determination that produced our greatest triumphs - it is to the scientists who lived in their labs and gave up their lives that we can live in a country free of polio and smallpox, a country that receives color photographs from Mars each day, a country that once watched Neil Armstrong take one small, timeless step.

Find in the world those things you believe, and celebrate with me those moments when humanity conquers our collective obstacles with the stubborn and unyielding vision born of a conviction in the greater good.

Jake Dolgenos is a member of the class of 2014, reads boats and rows books, and believes that space is the final frontier. 

"Safety Not Guaranteed" Will Conclude Saratoga Film Forum's Fall Season: A Car Chase and a Kiss: Admittedly Optimistic Reviews of Upcoming Films at the Saratoga Film Forum

Posted by Eric Stumpf

The Saratoga Film Forum will screen Derek Connolly and Colin Trevorrow's "Safety Not Guaranteed" at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 25, and Friday, Oct. 26. The film will also run at 7 p.m. on Sunday Oct. 28. This is the last fall showing at the Saratoga Film Forum, and we are going out with a satisfying bang!

Winner of the 2012 Waldo Salt screenwriting award at Sundance, "Safety Not Guaranteed" is the highly anticipated debut of writer Derek Connolly and director Colin Trevorrow. This premiere work is impressive to say the least.

The film centers on a magazine writer and two interns attempting to uncover a story about a man who claims to be a time traveler. The film's premise is actually based on a real ad that appeared in Backwoods Home Magazine in 1997, which reads "WANTED: Someone to go back in time with me. This is not a joke. You'll get paid when we get back. Must bring your own weapons. Safety not guaranteed. I have only done this once before."

Great start, right?

The film only improves from there with a great cast of comedians and familiar faces from your favorite television shows. Aubrey Plaza, the monotone and deadpan star of "Parks and Recreation" plays Darius, the quirky and adventurous intern. Mark Duplass, the nonchalant ladies' man from "The League" plays the self-proclaimed time traveler.

The film is well made and well written. The script is tight, without any unnecessary content.  It is often funny and constantly pushes the story towards its exciting finale.

In a similar fashion to Woody Allen's "Midnight In Paris," "Safety Not Guaranteed" provides us with romantic ideas of the past, but also reminds us why we should treasure our present. The film's plot has a romantic component as well but, considering my crush on Aubrey Plaza, I cannot say I approve of her dating anyone but myself.

Philippa Hawker of The Age raves, "['Safety Not Guaranteed'] balances the extraordinary and ordinary with great aplomb, and Duplass and Plaza give beautifully judged performances."

Relevant Majors: All of them!

Editorial: Moorebid: Third try is a charm?

Posted by The Editorial Board

Saturday night will mark the third reincarnation of Moorebid Ball in as many years. This year will be the first time the Halloween tradition takes place in the Big Gym of the Williamson Sports Center-it was held in Case Center in 2010  and split between the two Small Gyms in 2011. After the past two attempts ended with early termination due to student inebriation, overcrowding and poor planning, the Student Government Association faced a wave of new obstacles in organizing this year's event, and consequently was forced to limit the number of attendees allowed at the celebration to 800 while also ticketing it at a hefty price of $10-two moves that have been met with student dissatisfaction and have led to concern that Skidmore is diminishing one of its few and most important all-campus traditions.

Talk of skipping Moorebid has been common amongst Skidmore attendees due in part to the $10 charge for and limited distribution of tickets. The Occupy Moorebid movement on Facebook seems to have arisen for similar reasons.

Less students attending Moorebid means more drinking in the dorms and apartments-places lacking supervision. While students will have an easier time pacing their alcohol consumption without having to fret over Moorebid's no re-entry policy, they will not have Campus Safety officers directly watching after them as they participate in one of the more heavily celebrated (and inebriated) weekends of the year. While these new policies may have been faced rather begrudgingly by the student body, it is worth noting that without them Moorebid probably would not be taking place at all.

The SGA has worked tirelessly since last year to ensure that one of Skidmore's most storied traditions carries on. After attempting to reserve the unavailable Saratoga City Center, a facility that could easily accommodate everyone, the SGA was forced to deal with the few remaining cards on the table-either limiting the number of attendees, or canceling the event. The Big Gym was also originally unavailable due to a volleyball tournament that will be taking place up until just a few hours before Moorebid, but the SGA was able to secure the facility at an additional cost-hence the charge.

According to Jess Sonnenfield, vice president for Residential Affairs, the SGA is traditionally budgeted $5,000 for Moorebid, however, this year $4,000 will go to facilities alone to cover overtime wages just to get the space clear after the tournament. The extra $1,000 was not nearly enough to cover the remaining costs of the event. 

The 800-person limit in the Big Gym (two of the three basketball courts will be used with one still reserved for athletic purposes) still includes more students than Case Center could accommodate at its maximum capacity of 700. Sonnenfield added that the limit would probably only exclude about 200 people based off of the number of students who came last year, which was approximately 1000.

The SGA will also be implementing the "Cinderella rule" (in which all unused tickets become void at midnight and put back into the pool of remaining tickets being sold at the door) as a means of achieving maximum inclusivity. Some are concerned that their night will be ruined if they arrive, ticket in-hand at 12:01, while others who did not purchase a ticket ahead of time will be forced to stand in line outside in the cold until roughly the same time. While this unfortunately may be the case for some students, the simple solution is to buy a ticket in advance and show up on time. It is not the SGA's fault if you fail to do either of those things.

Even with the rationale behind these policies addressed, the sad truth is that the limited attendance allowed at Moorebid will only further depreciate one of the few remaining and most popular campus-wide celebrations. By staging the first Fall Fun Day this year, an all-inclusive community event, the SGA hoped that it would take some of the heat off of Moorebid, but the fact of the matter is that we already have Fun Day in the spring, and duplicating an already-successful event does not make up for the lack of an optimal community celebration for Halloween.

Skidmore was recently listed as the fourth-best college to be on in the autumn and Moorebid was specifically cited as a major reason behind it. If 'The Best Colleges,' the website that compiled the list, knew that two-thirds of the student body will be excluded, Skidmore probably would have seen itself further down on the list.

Of the current Skidmore student body, only the Class of 2013 has seen a successful Moorebid Ball. As the tradition continues to twist into new forms and be subject to more debated policies, it will continue to lose its meaning.

It's a delicate balancing act trying to continue on with what has been deemed a failure for the past two years, and it is in no way the SGA's fault that Moorebid has to be limited. The decline in the tradition of Moorebid has little to do with the SGA, the administration, disputed policies and inebriated students but can be attributed to a bigger, systemic problem. Skidmore does not have a facility that can accommodate the entire school, and until it does we will continue to face these types of dilemmas. 

Moorebid Ball undergoing new changes to promote safety: Tickets are limited at 800 with a $10 charge to cover budget expenses

Posted by Julia Leef

Saturday, Oct. 27's Moorebid Ball will mark a new change in the dance's tradition as the event is ticketed at $10 and is also limited to 800 students due to safety regulations.

Although this is not the first time Moorebid has been ticketed, it is the first time it has happened in the history of the current student body, according to Jessica Sonnenfeld '14, who is vice president of Residential Affairs, class treasurer and one of the organizers of Moorebid.

The increased emphasis on safety is a response to the previous two Moorebid Balls, which ended early due to hospitalizations and dangerous overcrowding.

"A lot of people didn't want Moorebid to happen unless we could execute it perfectly, so this is our way of doing that," Sonnenfeld said.

The Student Government Association received the 800-person limit from facilities based on the maximum capacity of the two courts in the Big Gym of the Williamson Sports Center that will host this event. The third court of the gym is reserved for athletic purposes.

"These large events don't house the entire student body, not everyone wants to go," Sonnenfeld said in response to concerns about excluding two-thirds of the campus, adding that last year only approximately 800 people attended Junior Ring, which did not have a cap on attendance.

"If you have the numbers and if you are knowledgeable about the students who will go, it doesn't seem as scary," Sonnefeld said.

Sonnefeld approximates that 1000 students attended Moorebid Ball last year, and said that attempting to increase that number would be dangerous. She said 800 is the highest legal capacity of any venue on campus, adding that the Case Center, which hosted Moorebid two years ago, only has a capacity of 700 people.

"We're not going to make a lot of people happy, but people aren't going to be hurt," Sonnenfeld said. "We're focused this year on keeping everyone safe-that's the main priority."

Students have also expressed concerns about the high cost of tickets, but Sonnefeld explained that the money from ticket sales will only be used to cover expenses for the event.

According to Sonnenfeld, the SGA is usually given a budget of $5,000 for Moorebid. However, since Moorebid this year will take place in the Big Gym immediately following a volleyball tournament, $4,000 of the budget will be used to pay facilities for overtime in preparing for and cleaning up after the event.

The two photo booths that will be at Moorebid cost an additional $1,695 to rent, the sound system and lighting will cost $2,110, food from Dining Services is $1,059.85, and the pipe and drape cost $3,281. Other expenses will go towards ticketing and posters to advertise the event.

In addition to these changes, the SGA will instigate a new "Cinderella Policy" that states unused tickets will expire at midnight, after which they will go back on sale for purchase at the door.

"This will ensure that we are absolutely at 800 people," Sonnenfeld said. "This way, the entire student body has an equal opportunity to get into Moorebid again." The price of the tickets at the door will remain at $10.

Sonnenfeld also spoke with members of Campus Safety regarding security for the event, which she said would most likely be divided proportionally to the number of people in each potentially active area. These area include, in addition to the Big Gym, Northwoods Village and Case Center, in response to "Occupy Moorebid-Operation Case Center," a Facebook event dedicated to "taking back Halloween" due to the limitation of attendance at Moorebid.

When asked if she feared a loss of community because of this limitation, Sonnenfeld said that that had been one of her initial concerns.

"That's one of the reasons I pushed for Fall Fun Day so much," Sonnenfeld said. "So that we would have that opportunity to come together as a community. Fall Fun Day is one of our lowest days of incident, according to Campus safety, and that's why we did it."

When asked if Fall Fun Day would one day serve as a replacement for Moorebid, Sonnenfeld said that was not the case.

"Fall Fun Day was a way to balance out the semester. We don't have anything in September, we don't necessarily have anything to feel like we're all coming back as a community," Sonnenfeld said, referring to the fact that most of the College's major fall events, such as Moorebid, Junior Ring and the Winter Carnival, all take place towards the latter half of the semester.

As of Wednesday, Oct. 24, approximately 500 students had purchased Moorebid tickets, and Sonnenfeld said nearly 300 had been bought on the first day of sales. The event will run from 10:30 p.m. to 2 a.m.

"There are people who are going to understand why we had to do it this way," Sonnenfeld said. "I'm hoping there's going to be a little more positive atmosphere around Moorebid this year."

Dr. Katrina Smith offers new course on meditation and stress reduction

Posted by Zoe Dartley

Dr. Katrina Smith is a self-proclaimed late convert to meditation. A clinical psychologist at the college's Counseling Center, she began her training five years ago to help with the management of her personal stress levels. Now, she is teaching a one-credit meditation course on mindfulness-based stress reduction entitled Stress Reduction and Mindfulness.

Smith's course teaches various types of meditation, including yoga, body scanning, breathing awareness, walking meditation, and mindful movement. Smith believes that a class like this has much to offer to the student body.

"Students were reaching out for solutions and options. It's a large-scale way of helping students to deal with their stress," Smith said.

Two therapists working for the holistic practice "One Roof" in the Saratoga community started Stress Reduction and Mindfulness at the College seven years ago. The eight-week long class was originally developed for hospital patients suffering from chronic pain, but has since extended its reach to people afflicted with issues stemming from anxiety, depression, or any mood disorders.

Smith believes that anyone can benefit from meditation.

"[This program] is not specific to any problem. It is about centering and being present," she said.

In order to prepare for teaching the class, Smith attended an intensive one-week course taught by John Kabot-Zinn, founder of University of Massachusetts Stress Reduction Clinic and Center for Mindfulness in Medicine, Health Care and Society. Kabot-Zinn's program has found much success and is currently being offered at over 200 medical centers and clinics internationally.

"By and large, it's been most successful with helping individuals to manage depression, anxiety, and pain. However, you don't have to be diagnosed with anything to have stress in your life," said Smith of the program.

Stress Reduction and Mindfulness is offered for the first half of the fall and spring semesters this year. While the program is based in meditation, a field with deep roots in spirituality, it is not a religion or philosophy class.

"The focus of the course is not tied to Buddhism or any specific philosophy. It starts with the physical and understanding your body and gaining some control over the mental process," Smith said.

Students can find the course listed on the College's master schedule as Physical Activity course 129 (PA-129C 001).

Smith highly recommends her course to any student who is looking for a new perspective on stress.

"Meditation can be individualized," Smith said. "Each individual's problems won't necessarily be solved, but meditation can help support strength, tolerance, and your capacity to gain perspective on your problems."

Ellie Goulding Adopts a Darker Persona with "Halcyon": Recent Albums: a Music Review Column

Posted by Eli Cohen

Released on Oct. 8, Ellie Goulding's Halcyon is a darker, nearly tragic departure from her previous image. Despite its success as a sophomore album, it only hits one or two emotional notes, and therein lies its downfall.

Ellie Goulding reached pop music stardom in 2010 with the release of her debut Lights. The album boasted three singles ("Starry Eyed", "Guns and Horses" and "The Writer") that all landed in the Top 30 on the Billboard charts. A year later, the title track completed a long journey up the charts to rest firmly at number two.

With its bubbly instrumentation and Goulding's superb vocals, the song has remained a favorite with radio stations. The album was a solid one, but it stopped short of being a really good album.

Enter Halcyon-like her musical Bat Mitzvah, Halcyon celebrates Goulding reaching musical adulthood. There is a maturity and poise on this album that puts her in a league with fellow powerhouses Adele and Florence Welch. Goulding's voice is strong and confident, spiraling upward and sliding back down in her haunting soprano as she nearly weeps her lyrics into the mic.

Two true masterpieces emerge from this album. First is the opening song, "Don't Say A Word," which slowly eases listeners into the unusual, captivating record. This song is a perfect microcosm of the album-part R&B, part electronica, part ballad and part Phil Collins-rock. It manages to be an anthem while being haunting and powerful.

Halcyon'ssecond gemis the album's first single, "Anything Could Happen." This Florence-ish epic could easily emerge as one of the best songs of the year. Here, Goulding's voice is stronger than anywhere else on the album, layering and looping over itself, intertwining and creating something truly special. Currently number five on the UK charts, it sits just behind Adele's "Skyfall," "Gangnam Style" and "Diamonds" from R&B queen Rihanna.

The album's second single, "I Know You Care," is another highlight. Slow, beautiful and acoustic, this song has simpler lyrics but more complex emotions, and is overwhelmingly sorrowful. With this song, Goulding once again reaches out across genres and proves herself as one of the most versatile new artists on the pop music scene.

Halcyon's problem is its second half, starting after "Figure 8." While the following songs are still good (some even arguably great, like "Explosions"), most if not all of them lack the power that the earlier songs convey. Her cover of Active Child's "Hanging On" is interesting without being compelling, and the dubstep breakdown seems forced (though she might just be trying to impress her EDM boo Skrillex.         

Halcyon hints at much deeper subject matter, but gets weighed down by its own moroseness in the end. Still, there are definite hints of greatness. 25 year-old Goulding is definitely an artist to watch. She's on the right track to reach (and possibly surpass) Florence Welsh and maybe even Adele. She's not there yet, but she's getting ready.

Civic Engagement Grant to facilitate service learning in academics: Civic Fellows will train faculty in the relationship between civic engagement and their lessons

Posted by Jack Rosen

At 5 p.m. on Oct. 24, four of the College's trustees will participate in a panel discussion about civic engagement at Gannett Auditorium.

This event is indicative of the service learning that is expected to increase on campus, according to recent talks with Professor Janet Casey of the English department, and her research assistant Mackenzie Staub '13, who revealed the progress that has been made in integrating service learning into the College curriculum. 

Recently, a group led by Casey received a three-year grant from the Arthur Vining Davis Foundations, as recommended by the Responsible Citizenship Task Force, of two hundred and fifty thousand dollars for developing civic engagement at the College. Though she mentioned no specific dates, Casey stated that the grant money would go towards faculty-directed events. 

"The money will be used for faculty development purposes, to hold retreats and other events that will help faculty to think about the relationship between civic engagement and their pedagogies," Casey said. "We will be helping faculty to create assignments, course modules, and even entire course that have a civic engagement component. Civic Fellows, such as myself, will also work on various projects, such as supporting civic engagement lectures and helping to develop Skidmore-specific terminology for civic engagement course options."

Other civic fellows from the College include Sociology, Anthropology and Social Work Chair Rik Scarce and Government Associate Professor Natalie Taylor for the social sciences, Music Assistant Professor Lei Bryant and Arts Administration Director David Howson for the Visual and Performing Arts, Biology Associate Professor Joshua Ness and Chemistry Professor Kim Frederick for Natural Sciences, and Foreign Languages Lecturer Charlene Grant for Humanities. 

Staub, a Social Work major who is researching academic articles and the actions of other universities regarding civic engagement, defined service learning as taking what you teach in the classroom out into the community. Casey said she anticipated that students would see a greater role of civic engagement in the classroom. 

"This does not mean simply service learning courses. There are lots of ways to highlight civic responsibility," Casey said.

Faculty will be taking a more involved role in the Saratoga community, and some of the money will be used towards retreats for faculty, according to Casey and Staub. The two are optimistic about the future of service learning at the College, and are excited to have the grant enable service learning. 

"Hopefully students will begin to see an increase in courses that involve civic engagement somehow," Casey said. "That will be the major goal. However, we also hope that the term 'civic engagement' will achieve new clarity and visibility within the campus community." 

A Senior Girl's Survival Guide & Rules for Texting in the Dating Pool: What Would C. Do? Advice from an Anonymous Friend

Posted by C.

Attention, Senior girls/women/witches/warlocks/what-have-you: This is a sad, sad time for us. We have officially landed on the lowest tier of the totem pole of courtship. I know this is a pessimistic thought, but as I write this I am three pizza slices deep after my first day of trying to be healthy; so please, spare me, as I am not in a post-sex euphoric state.

This brings me to the main concern of my current standing as a senior girl trying to get frisky: the competition is stiffer than an over-ripe banana. There are the new faces of the freshmen, the slightly seasoned sophomores and the not-so-juvenile juniors. And then... there are the senior girls. 

Senior girls have a minimal pool of potential mates; we've had many more semesters to mix and mingle with our potential prospects. We've had multiple semesters to scope the scene and for the scene to scope us out as well.

When you're a senior, canoodling within the senior class seems feasible and not as sour as you would think, but there are things to consider: First, you have probably hooked up with the people you have wanted to by now. Second, your prospect may already have a significant other that has been in the works for years. Third and final, the eyes of senior boys are probably on the new set of chicks flocking into this coup.

Then there are the juniors, sophomores and freshmen. The juniors are a compatible bunch, but they are followed by a steep ride on the cougar train. As your partners get younger and younger, the situation gets weirder and weirder. Unfortunately, there is a double standard in place that gives guys a greater range of flexibility with the age of their intimate associate, but if you purr like me, it is okay to cougar it up (well, really down) for some awkwardly adolescent kisses and touching every once in a while.

On to the question:
Dear C.,
I just started talking to this guy that seems great. I'm really into him and I think he definitely likes me,--I'm just not sure in what way. We text all the time, but what does it mean if he doesn't text me first, but when I text him he answers super quickly?
-First is the Worst?

Dear First is the Worst?,
We are conditioned to think guys must make the first move, but that's not the case.
It surprises me how many ladies still tame their loins because they don't want to be the first one to text, so good for you for doing you!

Just because he's not trying to call you, beep you, when YOU want him to reach you, doesn't mean he's not into you. However, when he answers quickly, it doesn't necessarily indicate anything other than his strong attachment to his phone.

First is only the worst when it gets excessive and annoying. Soak up this piece of common knowledge: Don't be a "texual cling-on!" You should not ALWAYS be the one initiating conversation. Give yourself some time to distance your heart and/or horniness from your QWERTY keyboard. If he is into you and wants to talk to you, he's going to make the effort and hopefully will send some sweet nothings your way.

If you want to have a chance for him to initiate a text, cease conversation for a while and see if he comes around. Do not set any expectations. If he doesn't try to get in contact with you virtually or physically, then you have a clearer, although slightly more somber, idea of his feelings for you.

Maintain a solid friendship even if things don't work out as desired. If they do, I wish you many moons of face-to-face conversation!

Stars and hearts,

C.

For advice, contact me at SkidWWCD@gmail.com with questions.
Privacy is guaranteed.
Advice can remain unpublished upon request.

SEC's Big Show Appeals to Student Body's Diverse Musical Taste

Posted by Rebecca Stern

Skimore Entertainment Company, the concert was comprised of two bands: New York native duo "Cults" and jazz and funk-inspired singer Mayer Hawthorne.

This year, SEC democratically decided on two distinct bands, in order to appeal to the diverse musical tastes of the student body. The Big Show usually features bands that fall under the "indie" category, which has only attracted a fraction of Skidmore students in the past. Grizzly Bear's performance, for example, was barely attended three years ago, despite their undeniable popularity (the band has sold out three consecutive Radio City Music Hall shows this year).

"We thought Mayer Hawthorne would put on a good show," said SEC co- president Taylor Dafoe '13, "[a show] that students would like to dance and have fun to."

Cults satisfied the alternative taste of some students with their smooth melodic tones and xylophone enhanced vocals, which created a simple, swaying beat. The songs were catchy and sweet, allowing fans to easily sing and sway along to their portion of the show. The contrast was greatly felt as a crowd gathered for Hawthorne, who entered the stage in a red tuxedo and Buddy Holly-styled glasses with his three back-up band members.

Hawthorne's soul music instantly commenced with a heavy drum beat and the singer's suave harmonic pitches. The audience quickly responded with dancing and jumping, as they rapidly picked up on the performer's vibes. The band was interactive, and the crowd appeared invested in the performance, even posing for a picture initiated by Hawthorne, which he later posted on the band's Twitter account. The crowd yelled for an encore, and the band served with energetic improvisations.

Mayer Hawthorne wasn't only an artist performing songs. His portion of the show  was an interactive event, and the audience became a cohesive unit able to respond to the band and influence how the show transpired.

Career Jam photo slideshow

Posted by Julia Leef

Approximately 81 volunteers attended the two-day long Career Jam hosted by the Career Development Center to encourage and facilitate the process of student networking with professionals in their career areas of interest.

Included are photographs of the event, ranging from the events on Thursday evening, Oct. 18to the main Jam on Friday afternoon, Oct. 19.

Panel discussion on civic engagement to feature trustees

Posted by Community Relations

On Wed. Oct 24 at 5 p.m. in Gannett Auditorium, the College will host "Civic Engagement 101: A Conversation with the Trustees." The panel, which will feature four of the College's trustees, will discuss volunteerism and civic responsibility.The panel is sponsored by the Skidmore Civic Fellows, a group of faculty members working to highlight the role of civic engagement within a liberal arts education. The event is open to the public free of charge.
The experience of the trustee panelists ranges from international human rights and national professional organizations to volunteer firefighting, school advocacy and service to the College. Below are brief descriptions of the panelists.
Julianne Cartwright Traylor '68, is a former chairperson of Amnesty International USA and a founding member (1978) of the non-governmental organization Human Rights Advocates, which has consultative status at the United Nations. She has been an active volunteer within the College community, with activities ranging from mentoring students to participating in reunion planning. The College awarded her an honorary doctorate for her human rights work in 2001.
Polly Skogsberg Kisiel '62, is a highly active volunteer at the College who has served as class president, officer of the Boston alumni club, chair of her 20th reunion and regional chair for the Wide Horizon Campaign. As a trustee, she has been chair of the Advancement Committee and a member of the Creative Thought. Bold Promise Campaign Executive Committee. Outside of the College, she has served a number of organizations including the Boston Children's Museum and the Penikese Island School, an innovative, 35-year-old school for troubled teens. She received the College's Outstanding Service Award in 1997.
Andrew Hughes '92, is an independent marketing consultant who has served on the board of the National Association of Securities Professionals. The association continues the strides made by women and people of color in the financial industry and provides educational tools for youth interested in the financial field. Hughes has also served on the board of the Portledge School, a college preparatory school in Locust Valley, N.Y. At the College, he has been a class, reunion, and admissions volunteer.

Antonio Mojica '02, is Vice President of Iberia Bank and a 16-hour-per-week volunteer firefighter in Alief, Texas. He is active with the Latino Bankers Association, the National Society for Hispanic MBAs,and the Adelante Mentorship Program. While at the College, he volunteered for a federally funded program that replaced outdated appliances with energy-efficient versions for low-income families, among other activities.
"This is a rare opportunity for our students to hear about civic responsibility from the very individuals who form the volunteer backbone of Skidmore College," said Janet Casey, director of the College's First-Year Experience and professor of English. "These men and women give of themselves every day, in a variety of ways, and are role models and resources for faculty and students alike. We are delighted that they have agreed to share their views and experiences." 

Preview: "Almost, Maine" Sure to Enchant Audiences

Posted by Zoe Dartley

A truly magical winter experience, the theatre department's fall black box production of Almost, Maine is an unforgettable performance that's guaranteed to warm audience's hearts.

Performances of the show will run at 8 p.m. from Oct. 19 to 21 and Oct. 25 to 28, except for Sunday matinees at 2 p.m.

Written by John Cariani and directed by department Chair Larry Opitz, Almost, Maine follows the residents of the eponymous location. The characters in the play constantly fall in and out of love in ways that are heartening, charming, and often amusing.            

The intimate experience of the black box theatre is the perfect setting for Cariani's tender play. Beth Svenningsen '13, has done an impeccable job of completely transforming the stage into a blustery-yet-romantic Maine evening; the set design enhances the atmosphere of the entire play.

Almost, Maine's actors bring a remarkable level of unique energy and emotional dedication to their roles. It is evident how invested the cast members are in their respective roles, given the significant amount of emotion the show requires.

"The most interesting part of this dramatic process has been experimenting with non-dialogue," said actor Jomack Miranda '16, "and learning to say more with less."

The fact that most actors play two characters brings yet another unique element to Almost, Maine. While this is demanding on the actor, the cast of the show pulls it off remarkably, making the play an even more profound experience.

Director Larry Opitz offers his own opinion on the play.

"Love is messy, but we all need it. Almost, Maine is a fable about the joys and tribulations of love-what it means to win, to keep and to lose love," Opitz said. "Reality and magic combine to produce an enchanting and whimsical tale, and I hope that audiences will feel free to laugh and cry with us."

Opitz is certainly right. Almost, Maine's beautifully executed vignettes of love and loss will leave audience members laughing, crying, and falling head over heels with it's charming characters. 

Seating for Almost, Maine is very limited, so reservations are a must. Call the Skidmore Theatre Box Office at (518) 580-5349 or email boxoffice@skidmore.edu. Tickets are $12 general admission and $8 for students and senior citizens. For group sales, contact Kathy Mendenhall at (518) 580-5431 or kmendenh@skidmore.edu.

Born to Bake: Oreo Reese's chocolate cupcakes

Posted by Grace Harman

More often than I'm willing to admit, I have the urge to bake unrelated delicious things into a cupcake just to see how it works out. Sometimes the cupcakes don't rise, or they burn, or they do that weird thing where the inside stays raw while the outside is crispy as bacon. When something along those lines happens, the unfortunate concoction is tossed under a layer of crumpled up paper towels in the garbage to hide the shame of my failure. Other times, though, something wonderful happens.

Luckily for us, this time my cobbling together of ingredients actually turned into something pretty awesome. I've taken a yummy, basic chocolate cupcake recipe, and added in two classic treats: Reese's Peanut Butter Cups and Oreos. Topped off with a peanut butter Oreo buttercream frosting, these cupcakes are an overload of chocolate-y goodness so good, you may need to sit down to enjoy them.

If you haven't made buttercream frosting before, it's really very simple, and I would recommend taking a swing at it for this recipe as the frosting is a pretty integral part of the Oreo Reese's Chocolate cupcake experience. However, if the idea is really too daunting, just grab a can of vanilla or chocolate frosting from the store and I'm certain you'll still be pleased with the outcome.

Cupcake Ingredients 1 cup all-purpose flour 1/2 cup cocoa powder 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon baking powder A pinch of salt 1 ounce bittersweet or semisweet chocolate, finely chopped 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature 1 cup sugar 2 eggs 2 teaspoons vanilla 3/4 cup buttermilk 16 chocolate sandwich cookies 16 mini peanut butter cups, unwrapped

Preparation
1. Preheat the oven to 350

Campus Safety Reports Oct. 12 to 18

Posted by Julia Leef

Incidents of Note:

• Saturday, Oct. 13: Campus Safety Assist: Speeding vehicle reported at 8:23 a.m. to have hit a transformer cover on Moore Way. Officers and Saratoga Springs Police Department dispatched. Driver identified. Report issued. Repairs pending.
• Monday, Oct. 15: Accident: Power outage reported at 8:48 a.m. at Dayton Drive due to damage sustained by a transformer hit by a vehicle. Report issued.
• Wednesday, Oct. 17: Trespass: Person reported at 6:29 a.m. seeing someone in the recycling bin with a flashlight outside North Hall. Officer dispatched located and identified the subject. Subject was warned off campus. Report issued.

Further Incidents:

Friday, Oct. 12:

• College Violation: Noise complaint reported at 12:05 a.m. at Cane Crossing. Officers dispatched report that subject complied with the request to lower the volume.
• Medical: Medical assistance requested at 8:50 a.m. for a fellow student in Kimball Hall who collapsed in the shower with severe pain. Dispatched officers. Emergency Medical Service was contacted and transported the subject to the Emergency Room. Report issued.
• Accident: Damage reported to a vehicle at 2:10 p.m. while parked in the Jonsson Tower lot. Dispatched officer issued report.
• College Violation: A loud party reported taking place at 11:32 p.m in Jonsson Tower. Dispatched officer reported a small birthday gathering. No other violation observed. Subjects agreed to lower the volume.

Saturday, Oct. 13:

• Criminal Mischief: Unknown subjects reported at 1:16 a.m. causing a disturbance across campus, including a number of acts of misconduct near the Starbuck Center. Report issued.
• Campus Safety Assist: Person states feeling unwell and requests transport at 1:35 a.m. to the Saratoga Emergency Room. Officer dispatched completed the transport. Report issued.
• College Violation: Unauthorized gathering and excessive noise reported at 1:46 a.m. at Dayton Drive. Officers dispatched dispersed the group.
• Criminal Mischief: Unknown subjects reported at 2:04 a.m. breaking the glass on the front door to the Case Center's main entrance. No witnesses at this time. Report issued.
• Criminal Mischief: Unknown subject reported at 2:14 a.m. throwing a glass bottle against subject's door at 2:14 a.m. in Rounds Hall. The subject requested to speak to an officer. Investigation pending. Report issued.
• Falsely Reported Incident: Person reported at 2:11 a.m. an expelled fire extinguisher in Howe Hall causing the fire alarm to activate. Officers, Saratoga Springs Fire Department and maintenance responded. Report issued.
• Criminal Mischief: Officer reported at 3:31 a.m. criminal mischief done to the walls in the stairwell at Kimball Hall. Unknown subjects caused damage. Report issued.
• Campus Safety Assist: The Saratoga Springs Police Department requested the information of a student under warrant for arrest at 9:24 a.m. Report issued.
• Campus Safety Assist: Transport for medical attention requested at 11:25 a.m. from an off-campus location. Officer dispatched completed the transport.

Sunday, Oct. 14:

• Campus Safety Assist: Officer reported at 12:43 a.m. that an event at Falstaff's has been shut down due to overcrowding and unsafe conditions.
• Campus Safety Assist: 911 hang-up call received at 1:39 a.m. from Whitman Way. Officer called the phone back and was informed that the call was made in error. Officers continued responding to verify the incident. No further problems reported.
• College Violation: Unauthorized gathering and excessive noise reported at 2:39 a.m. at Dayton Drive. Subjects dispersed and the volume was lowered.
• Criminal Mischief: Fire extinguisher was discharged at 5:20 a.m. on the first floor of Case Center. Officer dispatched issued report. No known perpetrators at this time.

Monday, Oct. 15:

• Campus Safety Assist: Saratoga Emergency Service came to Campus Safety office at 2:20 a.m. stating that they had received a 911 call from Jonsson Tower. Officer was dispatched to escort the EMS to the reporting person. Subject was transported to the Emergency Room. Report issued.
• Criminal Mischief: Damage reported at 11:35 a.m. to the air handler fans between Starbuck and Wilmarth. Dispatched officer documented the damage. Report issued.
•  Campus Safety Assist: Injury reported at 8:20 p.m. as the result of a fall in the Murray-Aikins Dining Hall. Reporting person requested transport for medical assistance, which was completed by an officer. Report issued.

Tuesday, Oct. 16:

• Campus Safety Assist: Person requested to have the on call counselor call her at 3 a.m. at her North Woods residence. Officer delivered the message and the return call was made accordingly by the counseling service.
• Campus Safety Assist: Person reported at 11:17 a.m. that she felt ill and requested transport to her residence. Officer completed the transport. Report issued.
• Larceny: Person reported at 1:40 p.m. that her skateboard had been stolen from the Murray-Aikins Dining Hall. Officer issued a report. Unknown perpetrator at this time.

Wednesday, Oct. 17:

• Medical: Transport requested at 12:26 a.m. from Whitman Way to the Emergency Room. Officer completed the transport. Report issued.
• Campus Safety Assist: Transportation requested at 8:52 a.m. for medical assistance from an off-campus location. Officer completed the transport. Report issued.
• Larceny: Personal property reported stolen at 12:20 p.m. while at an event at Falstaff's. Report issued.
• Campus Safety Assist: Escort requested at 7:02 p.m. from an off-campus location to the Saratoga Springs Emergency Room. Dispatched officer completed the transport. Report issued.
• Suspicious Odor: Suspicious odor reported at 10:48 p.m. in Wiecking Hall. Dispatched officer reported the odor of burned food detected.
• Suspicious Odor: Suspicious odor reported at 11:06 p.m. on the tenth floor of Jonsson Tower. Dispatched officers reported the odor was detected but the source was undetermined.
• Campus Safety Assist: A speeding vehicle reported at 11:19 p.m. in North Woods. Dispatched officer canvassed the area and reported the subject gone on arrival.

Thursday, Oct. 18:

• Campus Safety Assist: Two students reported at 2:40 p.m. smoking pot at the main entrance of Jonsson Tower. Dispatched officer reported that the subjects vacated the area prior to his arrival.
• Campus Safety Assist: Assistance requested at 4:35 p.m. with welfare check at Wait Hall. The check was conducted and the subject was determined satisfactory. Message delivered.
• Criminal Mischief: Officer reported at 8:40 a.m. locating a shattered window in the lobby of Howe Hall. Officer recorded the damage. No witnesses in the area. Maintenance taped the glass to prevent injury.
• Campus Safety Assist: Student requested a transport at 10:36 p.m. from Jonsson Tower to the Emergency Room. Officer completed the transport to and from the Emergency Room. Report issued.