Student offers organic farming trip over break

Posted by Bradley Morris

Students from Skidmore College will soon volunteer at nearby organic farms during spring break from March 11 to March 18.

This farming program was set up by first-year student Anna Graves.

Most of the farming activities will occur in the morning. Organic farming is the main focus of the program but there will be other activities throughout the day.

Besides farming, the program offers skills such as cheesemaking with professional cheesemakers, learning yoga, working on nature trails, maple sugaring and taking tree sap and turning it into maple syrup.

"Afternoons are different traditional skills for the mind and body," Graves said.

The farm Graves and her volunteers will be volunteering at is named "Full and By" in Essex, New York.

The deadline for filling out an application was on Friday, Feb. 11, but, by contacting Graves, it is still possible to get information about the trip.

The process for setting up this trip took a large amount of planning on Graves' part.

"I had to call a lot of people and talk to [cheesemakers]. [Right now I'm] trying to negotiate prices and services," Graves said.

Nine students confirmed they will be part of the trip and Graves said she has 25 applicants as of Thursday, Feb. 10.

Current pricing for the trip is $250 per student along with a suggested donation, not only to help pay for the outing, but also to simply help out the farm. Graves said she is hoping to get some grant money to help pay for this trip and help out the farms.

Graves' inspiration to set up this trip came from her own interest in and experience at working on farms. Her interest in farming started about eight years ago after learning about the importance it has on our everyday lives.

"I worked on an organic farm in 2009. I was inspired to get people to work on farms. Organic farms need more people to work. They need free labor and that's essentially what [we're] giving to them," Graves said.

Her interest in farming made her content to see the amount of people who wanted to get involved with the local organic farm, after receiving all the applications.

"I'm amazed at how many people are interested. It is really important to foster a farm community here on campus," she said.

It's great the school has a program like this to help people learn about how to grow their own food."

Graves' goal is to have students learn more about agriculture.

She wants every person to become more aware of his or her decisions about food, to have less of a dependence on technology and non-renewable resources and to gain a more sustainable lifestyle.

Graves hopes to see students bring these lessons back to campus after break and influence others to take interest in supporting their local farms.

"[I want them to] open their eyes to a different way of living… [and] make this a part of their lives and spread this to others," Graves said.

Interested students should contact Anna Graves at agraves@skidmore.edu as soon as possible.

Radicals as individuals in 'Night Catches Us'

Posted by Julia Grigel

It's black history month, and the film "Night Catches Us" is a stirring tribute to an important segment of black history – the Black Panther movement.

Written and directed by Tanya Hamilton, the film takes an interesting perspective: it follows the struggle of two former Black Panthers, Marcus (Anthony Mackie) and Patricia (Kerry Washington), as they attempt to integrate their tragically radical histories and their current lives in 1970's Philadelphia.

The main Panthers movement has come to an end, but that certainly does not mean that violence and racism have vanished, and the two former extremists find that return to a normal life will be difficult, if possible at all.

Patricia is forced to confront a host of painful memories when Marcus, a former Panther and old comrade of her dead husband's, comes back to town after his unexplained four-year disappearance.

Both have attempted to leave behind the chaos of the early 70s, but to no avail: they end up tangled in a newly kindled romance as well as in a new wave of violent revolt.

Hamilton's script leaves something to be desired – there is very little contextual explanation of the various aspects of the plot. There is even less room for character development. But the two leads, Washington and Mackie, deliver tremendous performances, and the audience is ever aware of their emotional wounds.

The supporting actors delivered solid performances, although their roles are not always clearly defined. The most important supporting character, Jimmy (Amari Cheatom), a young and reckless cousin of Patricia's, surprisingly, serves as the climax of the film.

A political frame surrounds the film: the opening credits are superimposed onto images of Black Power protesters, and blatant political references flood the beginning of the film. Hamilton, however, transcends the realm of politics, turning the film into a moving portrait of two humans.

The politics of Hamilton's film ironically lies in its apolitical nature: what we get is not a film about the Black Panther movement, but a film about individuals, a directorial decision made intentionally.

Hamilton draws attention to this period of black history, with the intention of emphasizing the fact that the people behind the Black Panther movement are people with the same daily struggles as anyone, regardless of race.

"Not a lot of movies are made about black people just being people," she explained in a Washington Post interview. "I hope people can see the film and really connect to characters and take away the idea that humanity exists with people of color."

Sure, it would have been interesting to see a film about the Black Panther movement as a whole, but Hamilton gives us quite the opposite: she gives us individual lives in all of their brilliant tragedy.

And she does so without drugging us with a contrived, happy ending to go home with: she leaves us with a harsh, cold reality, with uncertainty and with the knowledge that overcoming past tragedies is, quite simply, really hard.

Anticipation of All-Star's 60th Annual

Posted by Evan Owen

This coming weekend marks the 60th playing of the NBA all-star game in Los Angeles - a star studded weekend with two games and many other head-to-head events such as slam dunk and three point contests. The highlight of the weekend is sure to be the actual all-star game itself, which takes place on Sunday, but other events are expected to draw some attention as well.

For readers who aren't NBA savvy, all-star weekend is just what it sounds like: a gathering of the league's best players for a trick and pony show of gargantuan men wielding basketballs. There are two games and four main contests. The first game is played on Friday and is a Rookies vs. Sophomore game where teams of rookies and second-year players square off to showcase the league's up and coming stars.

The second game is played on Sunday and is the regular all-star game: a battle between the best of the Eastern and Western conferences. The starting rosters for each side are relatively unsurprising.

The East's starters include Lebron James and Dwyane Wade from the Miami Heat, Derrick Rose from Chicago, Dwight Howard from Orlando and Amar'e Stoudemire from New York.

The West's starters are Kobe Bryant from L.A. (of course), Kevin Durant from Oklahoma, Carmelo Anthony from Denver (who might be playing in New York soon, fingers crossed), Chris Paul from New Orleans and Kevin Love from Minnesota who replaces Houston's Yao Ming who has been out for most of the season.

 Each team also has a deep bench with powerful players from all over the country, but there are too many to list and the focus of the game will mostly be on the starters.

As for predicting the outcome of the game, I would have to side with the East this year. All of the East's starters have been having spectacular seasons, even with James and Stoudemire adjusting to new teams. The players' respective teams (including the bench players) are all from the top six teams in the East, meaning that the players are doing well both individually and with their teams.

The West's players are having decent seasons, but not nearly as good as their Eastern counterparts. Bryant and the reigning league champs have been sliding lately and many of the players' teams are in the bottom half of the conference and, in Kevin Love's case, even in last place. All signs point toward the East winning again this year.

On Saturday, there are four main contests, which include: A shooting contest, a ball skills contest, a three-point shooting contest and, arguably the most famous and intriguing, a dunk contest. I usually only watch the latter two events, the three-point and dunk contest. This year, both of these contests have a bit of buzz about them.

Regarding the three-point contest, last week Boston Celtic's player Ray Allen passed former Indiana Pacer's star, Reggie Miller, for the most three pointers made in a career at 2560. He will be entering this year's contest as the king of 3's, and there will be a lot of focus and pressure on him. As for the dunk contest, rookie superstar for the L.A. Clippers, Blake Griffin, will be participating in his first dunk contest and first all star game as a reserve. He has dazzled the league with spectacular dunks throughout the first half of the season, dunking over and making fools of high caliber players throughout the country. Griffin is surely a reason to watch the dunk contest and will very likely be the star this year and for many years to come.

All-star weekend marks the halfway point in the NBA season, and fans can look forward to the rest of the season just about as much as the weekend itself. After this weekend's culmination of stars and spectacle, teams start to buckle down and get serious for late season pushes to the playoffs. We all have an exciting weekend (and rest of the season for that matter) to look forward to.

Evan Owen is a first-year student from New York City who speaks English, Spanish, Hebrew and Mandarin, but enjoys writing about sports in English.

Hip-hop evolves to alternative form: Hip-Hop Weekly

Posted by Jenna Postler

Hip-hop is, and forever will be, an evolving genre. Since its conception, the genre has centered around a sound that is focused on hard beats and rhymes.

Starting with artists like RUN-DMC and continuing through the period where gangster rap was mainstream, an emphasis was placed on not only production and lyrical quality, but also on rap as the genre of the oppressed and downtrodden.

Artists highlighted their social upbringing, seedy neighborhoods and illicit activities through lyrics that were raw and uncensored. Beats behind the lyrics in these forms of conventional rap are heavy and loud, often devoid of complexity.

Recently the genre has seen a shift into a new type of rap categorized as alternative hip-hop.

This deviation of hip-hop has been quite controversial, as its emphasis lies not in hard beats and rhymes, but in the melding of other genres and lyrical quality. Therefore, the question is asked, is alternative hip-hop good for the genre as a whole?

There are two schools of thought on the issue. One notes that it is a positive change and the other states that alternative hip-hop is not.

Critics of alternative hip-hop claim that the grimy roots and traditions that hip-hop is comprised of are forgotten through the new genre.

Alternative hip-hop artists may come from backgrounds that are not at all normal in hip-hop nature. Others fear that the alternative divergence will bring in listeners who do not care about the foundations of hip-hop.

Alternative hip-hop has the potential to appeal to more people, as alternative hip-hop audiences often sample other genres and have diverse fan bases.

Supporters may also be trying to steer away from traditional aspects of hip-hop to new hip-hop that is often more lyrically, socially and culturally aware.

Artists new on the alternative hip-hop scene include Little Brother, Das Racist, The Cool Kids and Kid Cudi.

Often unsatisfied with current hip-hop, these artists look toward the genres of indie rock, soul, reggae and folk for inspiration. This inspiration may be translated directly into production samples, featured artists or may come in the form of lyrics.

Alternative hip-hop has certainly helped rap become a more inclusive genre, branching out from its traditions in ways that can be positive.

By defying conventions inherent in traditional hip-hop, alternative artists are blazing a path toward new and unchartered territory, where no subject is off limits.

Jenna Postler is a sophomore from rural Vt. who knows what's hip (hop) and can be heard from 2-4 a.m. every Friday morning on WSPN 91.1 FM.

Editorial: Ethnic diversity ends, and begins, with admissions

Posted by the Editorial Board

After a series of recent campus discussions, we are in consensus that the college has a diversity "crisis" - that we more or less have a racially homogenous student body.

From the moment we first step on campus, we can plainly see the college student body is predominately white.

This "crisis" is in part a result of our college's admissions process and the open house tours that segregate students of color from the rest of the incoming first-year class.

An obvious way to increase diversity on campus would be to simply admit more students of color into the college, but the solution is more complicated than this…

Our college admissions, unlike other peer schools like Hamilton College and Vassar College, considers whether a student can afford tuition as a part of his or her admission into the school; our college operates under "need-sensitive" admission, as opposed to "need-blind" admission.

For example, when two prospective students with the same racial backgrounds, test scores, grades and extracurriculars apply to Skidmore, the student who requests less financial aid will more likely be accepted.

This would seemingly yield a socioeconomically homogenous student body. However, according to Time Magazine's 2009 article on our admissions process, students of color "disproportionately apply for financial aid," so our admissions office accepts mostly non-minority students.

This is the unfortunate reality of our college's diversity, or lack thereof.

Ideally, Skidmore would have need-blind admissions; however, our endowment is not large enough to afford this luxury.

The college's endowment must double or triple before admissions can afford to offer need-blind admissions. Unfortunately, by the time this happens we all will have graduated. In the meantime, though, the college should focus on integrating incoming students of all races. The "Discovery Tour" in particular segregates incoming students.

Once prospective students of color are accepted, admissions invites them to the Discovery Tour, specifically for ALANA students (African American, Latino, Asian American and Native American).

On the tour, prospective students spend time almost exclusively with ALANA admissions officers, ALANA students, ALANA staff and ALANA faculty.

At the end of the Discovery Tour, ALANA students join other, mostly non-minority students, at an open house. When this ends, they are grouped back together in their ALANA group.

The Discovery Tour does not promote diversity at the college, but rather segregates students on our campus.

The first visit to college is a critical time to make new friends and relationships. We make some of our best friends at these admissions events. Separating the incoming and accepted students into groups based on race during the first visits to school is detrimental to the future diversity of campus.

We understand the intent of the Discovery Tour is to promote diversity, but diversity programs are useless unless attended by a heterogeneous group. Diversity is not defined solely by the percentage of racially diverse students on campus, but rather the degree to which students of different backgrounds interact with each other.

And these different backgrounds do not refer solely to race. Religious, intellectual, sexual and cultural diversity are of equal importance.

Thus, we propose a different type of diversity for admissions open houses and tours: academic diversity.

Students who are interested in specific disciplines and studies can go on unique tours with students who have similar interests. Prospective art students can visit the Tang Teaching and Art Museum, galleries downtown and Saisselin Art Building with primarily art students. Prospective government students can speak with Professor Beau Breslin, tour city hall and learn about government classes. The possibilities are truly limitless...

The Discovery Tour sets a bad precedent for students when they first enter this college - that students of color are separated from the rest of the student body. By eliminating this well-intentioned program, we can send a clear message to incoming students that this college promotes and fosters diversity - not just ethnic, but intellectual, sexual, etc.

Homogeneity and uniformity are antithetical to creativity, therefore if we want to live our ubiquitous college motto, we must diversify.

Chestnut Brass Co. performs with humor

Posted by Dale Obble

Five dollars isn't much to ask to see a museum, a comedian or, for that matter, a group of professional musicians.

It's a shame, then, that hardly any students went to see the Chestnut Brass Company, whose show on Feb. 11 in Zankel combined elements from all of the above to make for a uniquely entertaining performance.

The Grammy-winning horn quintet began its show with an exhibition of its huge collection of antique brass instruments.

Some players were recognizable, while others looked like they were meant to be blown from the bow of a Viking warship cruising into battle or a shepherd from a hilltop in the Swiss Alps.

These assumptions weren't too farfetched. Some of the group's historical instruments — most of which had names like ‘sacbut' and ‘serpent horn' — dated back to the Renaissance.

But for those who were less interested in the musicological parts of the performance and were there to hear some foot-stompingly good music, the Chestnut Brass Company did not fail to deliver.

The group's diverse instrumentation allowed for an equally diverse repertoire of music, including both early and contemporary classical pieces, 19th century American brass band music, and at the end of the chronological journey, the jazz of Duke Ellington.

The Chestnut Brass Company opened their first set with the gospel song "This Little Light of Mine," making the Filene Auditorium feel like a street in New Orleans on a summer day.

Next the group played "Juanita," which was impressive, considering the song was originally intended for a mariachi band. Being a horn quintet didn't make a difference. To recreate the airy tone of Spanish guitars and the warbling vocals of a mariachi singer, the two trumpet players stuck the bells of their horns into the end of the tuba and played, while the tuba player sat back smiling and fiddled with his valves.

It was the quintet's collective enthusiasm and sense of humor in moments such as this one that made the show so engaging.

Both the group's music and its explanations of its history were well seasoned with humor.

For instance: while one trumpet player demonstrated the features of a Baroque trumpet with his grandiose hand gestures and a goofy grin, another snuck to the back of the auditorium, and together they surprised the audience with a surround sound red-faced blare.

It's understandable why not many students wanted to make the long, cold walk to Zankel on a Friday night.

The audience may have consisted mostly of Saratoga Springs' senior crowd - the group that frequents most of the college's great jazz shows - but there wasn't one white New Balance shoe in the house that wasn't energetically tapping out the rhythms that the Chestnut Brass Company had to throw at the audience.

The group put on a fun and truly innovative show, hopefully one of many Zankel events that will see a larger student turnout in the future.

Death and the insignificant man: Stranger Than Fiction

Posted by Hunter Prichard

Ivan Turgenev, in the tradition of the idolized Russian literary minds (Tolstoy, Gorky, Dostoevsky), wrote stories dealing with the soul.

His stories are often personal, attempting to connect his characters with feelings of love and happiness. Often his characters are unable to reach the great goal of happiness.

They are miserable beings directed through life by a clear mission in front of them: the love of a woman, a dedication to politics, etc

But even as the story concludes they are unable to realize their true goals.

Turgenev's novella "The Diary of the Superfluous Man" tells the story of a poor and meek clerk living in Russia. In the very first pages he informs readers that he is to die shortly.

The following story is his determination to make an impact on earth. He falls in love with a beautiful woman, embarrasses himself by ruining her and her fiancé and then dies alone as she dances away with another man.

The narrator is named Chulkaturin. He is given approximately a month to live.

As I have never been in a position where a doctor has given me a limited sentence on my life, I, at first, did not know how to approach the work. It seems to me that a two-week deadline would, ultimately, be liberating, as there would be little repercussions for any actions that you would take.

Chulkaturin does not seem to be afraid of death. He has already declared himself the "superfluous man," a title that provokes the image of a man who walks, lives and acts without anybody to notice him. He is not evil nor kind, not brilliant nor dull, not insistent nor weak – he is useless, a nothing, a leaf floating in the wind.

As the story unfolds, we meet Chulkaturin's love interest: a young girl named Liza.

Liza — as any girl would act toward a superfluous man — likes him enough to allow him to talk to her but has no real opinion on the matter. She is already in love with a dashing prince who has come to win her over.

Like a man who has been terrorized by a demented spirit, Chulkaturin overanalyzes every single movement and conversation detail he has with the lovely Liza until he is driven crazy. He knows in his heart she has no affection toward him but he is unable to accept this fact.

Is it true love he feels for the girl? Or is he simply a man driven crazy by a beautiful girl willing to talk to him? "Whenever I happened to be alone with her, my tongue would suddenly quit working, as if it were frozen stiff and both of us would sit there in silence waiting for a third party to come along," Chulkaturin states.

The reader is able to see that Turgenev's mission in plotting the romantic nature of Chulkaturin toward Liza is intended to show his lust toward the female rather than his love.

He is a man driven to his final legs with no place to turn. He is desperate for any affection thrown his way.

In a fit of undashing stupidity he challenges the prince to a duel. The prince accepts. Nobody dies; the prince is only slightly injured and chooses not to fire at Chulkaturin.

The disrespect of not firing shows the indifference people have toward his character – he is worth so little that it is more honorable not to slay him. With the duel he has succeeded in destroying the relationship between Liza and himself.

"Oh, if you only knew how repulsive that Chulkaturin is to me," Liza proclaims.

He dies soon after.

The novella is expertly written and is one of the saddest pieces I have encountered.

Chulkaturin does not lead a happy life – the only happiness he acquires is the false happiness of lust over a girl whose only redeeming quality is her outward beauty.

Ultimately, his character teaches the reader the important lessons of insignificance, unimportance and the process of being superfluous.

It teaches us that a person who is insignificant is worse than one who is evil.

Hunter Prichard is a controversial columnist who speaks his mind.

Put a new spin on your Valentine's chocolates: A Sprinkle in Time

Posted by Katie Lane

Oh…Valentine's Day. You either love it or you hate it.

Some people delight in wearing every item of pink and red clothing they own and parading around with candy and cards and gushing about their hunky boyfriends.

Some people feel Valentine's Day is like rubbing salt into a wound if they are not currently glued to the hip of their very own sweeties.

I say leave all that to Hallmark. Personally, any holiday that centers around flowers, chocolate, homemade cards and sweet, sweet love is fine by me.

I used to make individual homemade valentines for every kid in my class when I was little. I would spend hours making each one individualized.

I was never a fan of those punch-out cards with Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles wishing you a ‘COWABUNGA VALENTINES!' I like a little personal touch.

I was short on heart stickers this year, so I decided to make edible valentines.

What better way to say, "I love you" than with sugar, butter and a whole lot of chocolate?

These little guys were incredibly easy to make and have a nice presentation value.

They look like candies and then — SURPRISE! — they have a fudgy brownie base. They can also be personalized, sprinkled and dolled up to your heart's delight.

So forget about all the baggage that comes along with Valentine's Day.

Whether you have a special someone or not, you can spread some love.

Love yourself. Love your friends. Love these brownie bites.

For more adventures in baking, visit me at asprinkleintime.wordpress.com.

---

V-Day Brownie Bites

(adapted from mybakingaddiction.com)

Makes 30 bites

Ingredients:

½ cup butter, melted

½ cup unsweetened cocoa

1 cup sugar

2 eggs

2 teaspoons vanilla

½ cup flour

1/4 teaspoon salt

½ pound of candy wafers (available at AC Moore)

Decorations as desired

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.

2. Line mini muffin tin with mini liners.

3. In a medium bowl combine melted butter and cocoa and stir until cocoa is dissolved.

4. Add sugar and mix well.

5. Add eggs one at a time and stir until well combined.

6. Stir in vanilla, flour and salt until you no longer seeany flour (do not over-mix).

7. Spoon into muffin tin, filling ½ to 3/4 of the way. Bake for 13 to 15 minutes. Remove from pan and let cool

8. Melt candy wafers according to the package instructions. Using a spoon or plastic squeeze bottle, fill the tops of the brownie bites with the melted chocolate.

9. Decorate immediately with sprinkles or other toppings.

Student groups open comedy festival

Posted by Michelle Minick

On Friday Feb. 11 at the Janet Kinghorn Bernhard Theater, the college hosted the 22nd annual National College Comedy Festival.

The college's comedy groups, Ad-Libs, Sketchies and Skidomedy hosted and presented 20 college comedy groups and three professional comedic groups from all over the East Coast.

These groups gathered together to hone their craft, test their best material and perform a variety of uproarious comedic sketches and scenes.

The festival is an annual tradition at the college since its founding in 1990 by alumnus David Miner '91. Miner, a theater major, also started the college's first comedy troupe, the Ad-Liberal Artists.

Miner is now a talent manager and a Golden Globe-winning producer of television comedy shows, including NBC's Emmy Award-winning "30 Rock" and "Parks and Recreation."

Performing improvisational and sketch comedy live is not an easy feat, but the 10 comedic groups that performed thoroughly demonstrated a plethora of spontaneous, witty, humorous and even capricious assortments of comedic performances.

The line-up of college comedy groups for the first night included: Vassar's The Limit and Happily Ever After, Bates's Strange Bedfellows, Tufts' Major: Undecided and The Institute, Cornell's Whistling Shrimp and Skitz-O-Phrenics, Yale's Purple Crayon and the college's own Skidomedy and Sketchies.

Each comedy group took the audience on a journey; albeit, a journey filled with vivacious and eclectic characters, plots and original content.

The highlights from the first night included the following:

Vassar's The Limit showed a video sketch displaying physical comedy and real-life Barbie dolls attempting everyday activities.

Tufts' Major: Undecided showcased a young boy band, Boystown, which consisted of a mayor and distinctive personalities. Then they incorporated a sketch about the implications on impersonating Steve Martin and two clever elevator sketches about fathering a chair and racist bankers.

Skidomedy's Adam and Eve sketch featured Adam and Eve trying to sneak in some alone time despite Adam's cousin, Norman, interrupting multiple times. Their next sketch was about a test that allowed the audience to hear the inner thoughts and musings of each student. Through unique voice-overs, quirky personalities and vocal nuances, Skidomedy tickled the audience's funny bones.

Lastly, there was a hardcore remedy to the sketch, "Genital Harpalies," which included some graphic side effects of birthing eagle babies with lion claws.

Cornell's Whistling Shrimp featured an improvisational long-form scene about young men who were aspiring tambourine players by day and waiters at Denny's by night and their encounter with their tambourine idol.

Cornell's other group, Skitz-O- Phrenics, introduced a sketch that reversed the "theater dork" and "jock" politics, setting up a serious setback in the hierarchy of power.

The Sketchies had two sketches. The first was about an ex-couple, both early childhood educators who re-discover their love for each one another. The other sketch showcased a pair of friendly thieves who tried to befriend the man whose wallet they stole.

There are many key components and rules to follow in order for comedy to occur because comedy cannot make itself happen.

However, the audience could, at times, easily tell when groups were not pertaining to the rules of improvisational comedy. This led to a deficiency in constantly eliciting a response from the audience and ultimately ended in a few downfalls.

Some of the groups mistakenly broke commitment to their character, exhibited poor character development, conveyed parsimonious puns, inexperience with handling the audience, messing up games and bad scene partner chemistry.

Still, every comedic group succeeded in feeding the audience laugh after laugh and left everyone happily satisfied with a great evening of entertainment.

Michelle is a sophomore Theater major and a Management & Business minor who loves to act, dance and play the bass guitar and the piano.

Skidmore goes mobile: Wireless, mobile solutions proliferating across campus

Posted by Julia Leef

Skidmore Geographic Information System

Last year, the Geographic Information Systems Center (GIS) published the Skidmore Campus Map, accessible to mobile devices, using Layar, an augmented reality platform that allowed GIS Center to create a "virtual campus" that people could view from their iPhones or Android phones. Augmented reality refers to views of a real-world's physical environment virtually generated by computer imagery.

"Basically, the Augmented Reality campus buildings project was a pilot to test the feasibility of this type of technology on Skidmore's campus," said Alex Chaucer, GIS instructional technologist. "As a GIS specialist, I focus on maps and location-based technology, and applications of this type of technology in education."

The Skidmore Campus Map allows students to view various points of interest around the campus on their mobile phones, much in the same way they would take an online college tour through a computer. This technology is not only helpful to current students, but potentially to prospective ones as well who wish to get a visual representation of the campus.

The GIS Center used sources such as the New Media Consortium's Horizon Report (NMC) and the 2010 Horizon Report for information on new emerging technologies. They first began to look at augmented reality in Spring 2010.

"Our goal was to look at all the available platforms, pick one with some promise and try to get some basic information about the campus up and running as a proof of concept," Chaucer said. "Our basic ‘prototype' could then be shown to faculty and students for feedback and possible changes or additions, and could be used in brainstorming for classroom and research possibilities."

The GIS Center is currently working to put up a more advanced version of Layar, which would involve including local businesses in downtown Saratoga Springs. Although the project is a conceptual test, Chaucer hopes that the technology may soon be ready to test in a campus course.

For more information, go to http://academics.skidmore.edu/blogs/onlocation/2010/10/21/augmenting-reality/ for an article written by Aaron Miller '12 on the subject, a GIS student assistant who has been working on the project as well.

Blackboard Mobile Learn

This semester, students went on to the school website to find a brand new version of Blackboard (9.1 to be exact). Not only is this site a vast improvement over the original Blackboard 4 from 2002, but it is also available for iPhones and Android devices as well. According to Kelly Dempsey-Little, instructional technologist, "The biggest change [of Blackboard 9.1] is its utilizing web 2.0 technologies, and its offering the mobile platform as well."

Dempsey-Little said that, since research has shown that about 70 percent of college students own smartphones, the department decided to enable Blackboard for students to access course materials through their phones. She first learned about the Blackboard app through a Blackboard convention, and brought the information back to the college to have the application installed. She says that it has worked very well ever since, and is easy to use.

Students may download the Blackboard application, titled "Mobile Learn," from iTunes or the Android Market. This application is free and allows students to do everything they could on a computer. Although there are no short-term plans for new mobile-related upgrades, Dempsey-Little said that the department is looking at sources such as the 2011 Horizon Report to see what to expect for upcoming technologies.

"We are really paying close attention to this, and we know that this is something that will be very important in the near future," she said.

To provide feedback on the new application, fill out a short survey at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/CNXMTS3

Skidmore Urgent Notification System

As many students are aware, Campus Safety has recently set up an emergency notification system, also known as the SUN system. "The SUN system consists of a multilayered communication program to inform and alert community member when serious incidents occur on campus," Lori Parks, Safety Systems Administrator, said. "Or when we need to distribute important information, such as a snow emergency."

The SUN system notifies students via texts, sirens, e-mails, the web, phone alerts, and personal contact. According to Parks, almost 2,000 students and employees have signed up for the text messaging service, which has been made available through the college's contract with e2Campus.

Campus Safety learned about the SUN system through their contacts with various organization that deal with Campus safety issues, and events from other colleges such as Virginia Tech influenced the college into quickly making this tool available on campus.

Students who are not signed up in the SUN system will still receive important e-mails, but Campus Safety encourages students to sign up so that all of the available ways of contact provided by the system will be at their disposal.

"We feel the system is very effective," Parks said. "Especially during the latest rounds of snow we received. This was the most effective, efficient way of getting the word out to the Skidmore Community to clear lots for snow removal efforts."

Anyone who wishes to sign up for the SUN System should visit https://www2.skidmore.edu/e2campus/index.cfm, and use their Skidmore username and password to begin the process. Any other questions may be addressed to Lori Parks or Terri Sanacore in Campus Safety at 518.580.5567.

Scribner Library Mobile Version

Last September, the library website became available for access by any mobile device. According to Kathryn Frederick, the Systems Librarian, the site is not feature-packed as the original, but it does include the library's hours, phone numbers, a simplified version of the catalog, and access to the mobile interfaces of several popular Research Databases. The site will expand over time, adding more details and features for the mobile version.

Frederick also mentioned that the library will continue to monitor other libraries and schools for possible updates to the site. "I expect that by the fall semester we will have improved and expanded our mobile web presence, though I don't have specifics right now," she said. "We welcome feedback about the mobile site, especially ways in which it might be made more useful for students!" The site can be accessed by any mobile device at http://lib.skidmore.edu

The rise and fall of Four Loko: Ancient American Traditions

Posted by Brian Connor

The last Four Lokos flew off the shelves and the powers-that-be patted themselves on the back for quashing yet another moral epidemic. Teenagers and college students muttered their complaints as the season of the Four Loko came to a close. Now, as our bodega coolers are restocked with a less reprehensible version of the beverage, hindsight grants us an opportunity to better understand the rise and fall of Four Loko. What should we make of this fleeting phenomenon? Should we be mourning or celebrating its demise? Despite the hype, the beverage was an ugly one and we are all better off now that it is gone, but not for the reasons you were given by the television.

Looking back now, it seems it was inevitable all along. As soon as the press got wind of it, as soon as politicians recognized its value as a pointless attention-diverting wedge issue (which, I believe, also played upon border-crazy conservative Hispanophobia), the fate of this beverage was sealed.

The story of Four Loko is an old one. Like Icarus, Four Loko flew too high, grew too big. The beverage attained heights of popularity that made it easy prey for critics. And this criticism created more buzz than the drink itself; the drink was nothing without the media phenomenon that accompanied it. Even its detractors basked in the eerie glow of this star that grew too big. Brooklyn Assemblyman Felix Ortiz drank three of the 22.5oz, 12 percent alcohol-by-volume, highly caffeinated beverages in a publicity stunt veiled as a public service announcement. In order to understand how this cultural witch-hunt was started, it's necessary to take a look at the sociology of this particular drink.

What apparently hasn't crossed the minds of the disgruntled, righteously indignant masses of Four Loko fans, is that the same buzz is and has always been available. Irish Coffee (a drink so iconic and fundamentally appealing that its name now brings to mind an image of a functional alcoholic looking for a morning buzz more than it does a beverage option) has been offering the Four Loko kick in a much more palatable form ever since Ethiopian traders first crossed paths with Gaels. This drink is so pervasive that it has even spawned a more sophisticated spin-off, the Espresso Martini.

The people purchasing Four Lokos at the "ghetto" Getty (as it is known to students) are in search of the same buzz as the young professionals sipping Espresso Martinis at Max London's, yet one poses a threat to society, and the other seems to be a testament to our society's productivity and refinement. The people drinking at Max London's are paying upwards of $10 for their cocktails, while those purchasing Four Lokos are paying $3. The distinction being drawn by the press and politicians between the cruder, cheaper substance and the more refined and cultured one, is reminiscent of the double standard applied to crack and cocaine, which has repugnant racial and class implications.

The Espresso Martini offers the exact same thing as Four Loko, but politicians and the press would never rally against Espresso Martinis. Surely, our collective cultural understandings would assure us, people who drink "Martinis" could never pose a threat to the status-quo — their ranks comprise the status-quo (despite the fact that "espresso martini" is a gigantically widespread misnomer, as is every other "‘blank'-Martini;" the word "Martini" refers to one particular mix of ingredients, 7 parts gin to 1 part dry vermouth).

When all the drinks are on the table, there are little to no differences to be observed in the effects. Yet Four Loko embodies, in the eyes of politicians and the media, a frightening lapse of control.

But the truth, the real evil behind Four Loko, is not its contents, but its degradation of a potentially wonderful and intellectually stimulating activity with a rich trans-national and multicultural history. Alcohol consumption reaches across all cultures, races, ethnicities, social classes and nationalities (with the exception of certain Islamic nations).

The use of alcohol is one of humankind's most shared and widespread characteristics, almost approaching basic bodily functions in its universality. Consequently, we are offered an almost endless multiplicity of culturally engaging means of consumption. From crude Vietnamese rice wine, to South African beer, to Dom Perignon, culturally engaging alcoholic beverages run the gamut in availability and price.

Despite the potentially culturally enriching experience that we might undertake in drinking, young people swarm to a sickly sweet and obnoxiously intoxicating, cheap, canned, energy drink. Four Loko, like Walmart or McDonalds, offers you the illusion of participating in something real, like shopping or eating, but instead gives you an obscene substitute, which leaves you queasy and reeling.

Those who lament the fall of Four Loko need only progress and forge their own mixological canon. The world of drinking is an exciting one, and Four Loko is an abomination of something that is meant to be fulfilling and curiosity-spurring. If you treat alcohol with respect and put the time and energy into making your own drink, that drink will reward you tenfold. Four Loko is gone, but you are left with much more as a result: you have your imaginations and your innate drive to experience alternative states of consciousness, and no one can take that away from you.

Brian Connor is a senior American studies major from Brooklyn who spends his summer nights at Siro's.

God and peace on the streets of Egypt: Daydreams

Posted by Rick Chrisman

Wow, look at what Egypt just did! Do you suppose we could do something like that — a nonviolent revolution? M-m-m, it's doubtful. Not enough outrage, and not enough self-control.

Our Tea Partiers are definitely outraged, but they want to bring guns to their rallies! Imagine: all those men in Tahrir Square for 18 days, and without weapons. We aren't in Arizona any more, Toto.

The Muslim protesters in the Square prayed publicly 5 times a day, demonstrating what the fundamental tenets of religion advocate: nonviolence. If only organized religion could stick to the basics of God and peace, the world would be a better place.

Yes, a good religion is hard to find, but everybody needs one. Why? Because religion provides our spirituality with an outlet, gives some starch to good intentions and provides a community of support when things get rough. Most importantly, it replaces politics as our ultimate endeavor. But people shouldn't adopt religion for the sake of getting into heaven. They must do it for the sake of God and peace.

Consider what Gandhi accomplished through his religion. He managed to peaceably remove the British Empire from India. After a conventional Hindu upbringing, Gandhi eventually wove a faith out of his reinterpretation of the Bhagavad Gita. His religion could be summarized as a devotion to "Truth," and his faith that "Truth," which he equated with God, prevails.

But "Truth" can prevail only when we don't get in its way. In other words, we must not seek out conflict with our "enemies," but understand them and respect them as fellow people. As Gandhi asked "what barrier is there that love cannot break?"

Gandhi was averse to spiritual violence as much as he was to physical violence. He argued that self-abuse, hatred of others, anger and jealousy were qualities that could be shed with meditation. Gandhi took up practices that many of us would consider unrealistic (a strict vegetarian diet, fasting, celibacy, etc.), yet he showed us that peace is achieved only with some degree of self-restraint. He maintained these practices for their own merit, but they also empowered him with the will to topple an empire.

Gandhi was not a saint (there's a lot of evidence to this point), and he would not let anyone call him one. He wasn't motivated for the sake of being pious or virtuous, but to live as closely to the Truth as possible. His biographer Louis Fisher wrote that Gandhi tried "to establish a harmony between words, beliefs and acts." In this way, Gandhi was only "seeking the formula for mental health." Yet he liberated a whole country in the process. What a story. Could it be ours as well?

Gandhi's goal, in a word, was self-realization, which he didn't consider to be fulfillment or happiness, but self-improvement through service. He wanted people to know the freedom of self-reliance, which he called "the beauty self help." He was entirely devoted to serving the poor. In his words, "I made the religion of service my own, as God could only be realized through service." You could say he deprived himself of many material things, yet got something much greater in return.

Gandhi strove to be passion free, to "rise above the opposing currents of love and hatred, attachment and repulsion," as many in our society should. But that spirituality needed a religion whose discipline would get him to that point. In turn, he improved upon Hinduism and Christianity, and he knew God and peace.

That's all religion is: God and peace. Can't we use more of that? Find yourself a good religion. Turn the world upside down.

Rick Chrisman is director of Religious and Spiritual Life, teaches occasionally in the Religion and Philosophy departments and suspects art is the one true religion.

Will gay marriage survive state legislature?: Politics for the Upstate Student

Posted by Julia Grigel

Is 2011 the year for gay marriage in New York state? Governor Andrew Cuomo recently restated his commitment to see same-sex marriage legislation passed this year. But the chances of the bill succeeding are slim, since it will depend largely upon the decision of the Republican-controlled State Senate.

To clear things up, New York state legislature is simple: it's basically like the U.S. Congress. There are two houses: the Assembly and the Senate. Bills often die in one of the two houses. It is tiresome and frustrating, but, as Cuomo has said, when it functions well, it can be "beautiful."

But the beauty in this struggle has been hard to find. It's mostly been maddening. New Yorkers have been close to winning the marriage equality battle for almost five years. Since June 2007, a same-sex marriage bill has passed in the State Assembly three times, each time by a wide margin. But each time the Senate has rejected it, even back in 2009, when the Democrats had the majority. In the November 2010 elections, the Republicans won back the majority, and there was little turnover in Democratic senators.

The most important question is this: will some senators change their minds? It seems obvious that a senator who once voted "no" on an issue-based bill such as this one would probably vote "no" again. However, several factors might come into play this year to change the minds of senators who once opposed same-sex marriage.

The most important factor is the voice of the people, that strange concept upon which our democracy purports to stand. A recent Quinnipiac University poll indicated that New Yorkers support gay marriage by the highest margin ever recorded: 56-37. This is a complete reversal from 2004, when New Yorkers opposed gay marriage by 55 - 37.

The public's readiness to see a marriage equality bill might persuade some senators who were on the line in 2009. Also, increased pressure coming from Andrew Cuomo, as well as U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, who sent personal letters to each State lawmaker earlier this month, might push some senators over the edge.

What would be crucial this time around is that a strong majority of the senate Democrats shows support in order to convince hesitant Republicans that casting a "yes" vote might be worth breaking party loyalties. Who knows how many Republicans voted "no" against their principles while under pressure from their peers last time? Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos has stated that, although he will personally oppose a gay-marriage bill, he will allow fellow Republican senators to vote according to their "conscience."

Despite signs that the public is more accepting of same-sex marriage than before, and despite the strong leadership of Cuomo and Gillibrand, the odds still look slim. Knowing what the New York state Senate is capable (or, rather, incapable) of, I'm not convinced that this year will bring anything new on the gay rights front.

Emotions run high when politics step into the realm of the family. In the summer of 2009, my oldest sister got married. This summer, my other sister will get married. And yet our parents remain unmarried because they are both women. I hope that by next summer we will be able to celebrate another marriage — this time, between two women in their 50s.

Of course people on both sides of the debate are angry. But frankly, I fail to understand why a third party would care about a marriage between two people of the same sex. It is, however, entirely understandable why people get angry about being denied a fundamental right.

Recent events in the Middle East have reminded us how lucky we are to have one of the basic rights we too often take for granted: freedom of speech. And in our democracy, we have the opportunity to use this right to demand additional rights. Gay rights advocacy groups tirelessly lobby in Albany, and will only continue to pressure their opponents as the debate heats up this year. And remember, we may always contact State senators by phone to voice our opinions—yes, they actually do take note of what you say!

The civil rights movement didn't end in the ‘60s; it is ongoing, and in a nation where 45 out of 50 states discriminate based on sexual orientation, it is far from over. In the words of State Senator Tom Duane, "There's sort of a paradox about this. The time is never right for civil rights. The economy, wars, etc. The troubles we've had here in the Senate. It's never ever the right time. But the paradox is that it's always the time to be on the right side of history." Duane has vowed to introduce a gay marriage bill this session. Whether the Senate will be "on the right side of history" remains to be seen.

Julia Grigel is a senior government major who enjoys politics, especially when they're reactionary and/ or German.

Hockey game turns to shutout: Sports Wrap

Posted by Julia Schwartz

It was a close call this past Saturday as Skidmore fell short by two points to Rensselaer on the road with a final score of 65-63. Kevin Dahill '13 supported the team with 14:16 remaining, shortening the deficit to seven points. He and his teammates continued to shorten the deficit, as John Mantas '12 sank a three-point shot with 10:50 to go in the game. It looked like the game was over once the clock reached 1:34 because RPI had an 11-point lead.

However, the Thoroughbreds fought back as much as they could, and with baskets from Gerard O'Shea ‘12, Mantas and Sakhile Sithole '13, to bring the score to what would be the final one. Standouts in the game were juniors Terron Victoria, Melvis Langyintuo and Brian Lowry who all contributed 10 points apiece. Also to be recognized is Jeff Altimar, who had a game high of 10 rebounds.

After their loss on the road the previous day, the Thoroughbreds traveled farther south to score a win against Vassar 60-46. The win came as no surprise seeing as Skidmore had a huge win against Vassar in their last matchup, winning 86-52 on Jan. 28.

Both teams struggled to start their engines at the beginning of play, until the Thoroughbreds ran with the ball for seven minutes straight, scoring 14 points with none in return from Vassar. Skidmore kept the lead going for the rest of the game.

Altimar played outstandingly with 25 points, followed by guard Victoria who had two game highs, eight boards and five assists. As well, Kyle Clark '12 posted a game high of four blocks.

Women's basketball

The women won opposing games against the same opponents this past weekend, winning big against league opponent RPI and falling to Vassar.

Skidmore had an excellent game against RPI, with four of its players scoring double digits. Megan Gaugler ‘12 lead the pack with 22 points, followed by Christina Gargiso '12, who had 14 points and eight rebounds. In addition, Christine Kemp '11 put up 12 points and Jordan Wartts '14 contributed 10.

The Thoroughbreds were trailing by eight points after the first half with a score of 31-23, but came back with a vengeance. As the game neared the end, Skidmore ran with the ball, scoring 12 points over the two scored by RPI, giving them an 11 point lead over the Engineers.

With only 57 seconds to go, Gargiso seamlessly threw up a pair of free-throws to secure the win. The Thoroughbreds had a 50-point second half, naturally contributing to their win against RPI 73-62.

The next afternoon, Skidmore was not as lucky as they fell short to Vassar 59-49. Skidmore held the shooting advantage from inside the arc 34-10 against Vassar, but unfortunately fell short, as they were only 3-21 from beyond the arc.

Contributions for the Thoroughbreds came from Gaugler, who shot 16 points in the game, while Gargiso had 11 points and six rebounds. Logan Frederick '13 also stood out for the Thoroughbreds, providing nine points and eight rebounds.

Because of her immense efforts on the court, Gaugler received honors as Liberty League Player of the Week this past week for the second week straight and the third time this season. She averaged 17.5 points for the week during the split performance for the Thoroughbreds.

Skidmore wraps up regulation play next week as they host St. Lawrence on Feb. 18 and Clarkson on Feb. 19.

Ice Hockey

Skidmore hockey creamed St. Michael's this past Friday in a 7-0 win at home. Contributions to the win came from all around the rink. It was an exciting evening for Collin Bessey '12, who stopped 27 shots on goal for his first career shutout with the Thoroughbreds. It was also the first shutout the team has had since its 2007-2008 season.

Skidmore broke out in the first period with four goals. The first came 53 seconds into the game when Alex Radmin '13 scored on a breakaway from Brendan Cottam '13 and Philip Buonocore '14. The attack continued with three straight power-play goals from Nick Dupuis '12, Buonocore and Zach Menard '13.

The second period proved positive, adding two goals onto the scoreboard. The additions came within 18 seconds of each other, first with a goal from freshman Aaron Beck, his second of the season, assisted by Alex Essaris '12 and Tony Giacin '14. Joe Melnyk '11 then scored the second goal of the period with assists from Hunter Thayer '11 and Tyler Doremus '12. Beck scored the only goal of the third period to top off the high scoring game.

The next day the Thoroughbreds honored their six seniors for Hockey Senior Day at their last regular home game against Norwich. Honors took place before the game commending seniors Alex Mykolenko, Austin Sullivan, Kyle Montour, Corey Jarecki, Thayer and Melnyk, all joined by friends and family.

Despite their huge win over St. Michael's the previous day, Skidmore seemed unable to carry the momentum over to compete against Norwich. Vlad Gavrik '14 scored Skidmore's first and only goal of the game, assisted by Giacin, in the first period. Norwich scored two of their three goals of the game on powerplays, including the final goal with only eight seconds left on an empty goal. The final score was three-to-one. Skidmore finishes off the season Feb. 18 and Feb. 19 on the road against Middlebury and Williams.

Swimming

Following the swimming event hosted by the women's team, men's swimmer Stephen Lento '11 broke his record from 2008 in the 1000 Freestyle. Lento's previous school record was 10:34.34, and he managed to break about 13 seconds off his record to post 10:21.40 in his time trial.

The Thoroughbreds finished second at the Vassar Sprint Invitational on Feb. 12, just three points away from swimming past Liberty League rival, Vassar. Lento performed a trio of wins, finishing first in the 400 IM and the 200 Free and he was part of the winning 200 Free Relay with Greg Amoresano '13, Taylor Best '14 and Andrew Becker '13.

Peter Quattromani '14 won the 500 Free with a season best performance and Jesse Adler '13 finished first in the 100 Back.

Rob ZIlinyi '11 and Eric Stumpt '12 swept the diving competitions. Zilinyi won the 1-meter and Stumpf was second. Zilinyi and Stumpf performed in the same order on the 3-meter dive to help them pull out the win.

Both the men's and the women's teams return to the pool on Feb. 23 at the UNYSCSA Championships in Rochester.

The Big Green Scream

The event will kick off with the women's basketball team playing Clarkson at 2 p.m., followed by the men's basketball game against Clarkson at 4 p.m. Both Skidmore teams are 1-0 in their standings with Clarkson this season, but both games are sure to be hotly contested and otherwise filled with prizes, raffles and other entertainment. Admission is free, and the first 250 students that show up will receive either a t-shirt or a water bottle. And if this is not enough incentive, there will also be one 32-inch Sony Bravia flat screen TV given away.

Entertainment and materialism aside, this is also Skidmore's last chance to honor each team's senior athletes as they play in their final home games during the regular season as Thoroughbreds. Seniors will be honored before each game, so come early to support these athletes for the completion of their years of dedication. This will be the final push for both teams before they move into post-season play.

Student bands defy expectations: Noteworty Releases

Posted by Kara Clark

Student bands can be categorized easily enough; we have our party bands, bands that "just jam" and a couple jazz-influenced groups.

But on Feb. 10 Lively Lucy's show proved that two bands on campus avoid this type of pigeonholing.

Bailiwick and The-Hand-Me-Downs have cemented their presence on campus, a presence they've defined on their own terms, respectively.

The Hand-Me-Downs kicked off the show, immediately inspiring the audience to dance and be at ease.

Lead singer Eli Dreyfus's vivacious energy, matched by the presence of ‘The Emily's,' (Emily Barker and Emily Conner-Simmons) the Hand-Me-Downs additional vocalists, created a jubilant atmosphere.

The Hand-Me-Downs boasted a specific song set; Buried Treasure, Friendship and Zombie attacks are often referenced in the band's lyrics.

However, the Hand-Me-Downs did not appear to be infantile. The audience was more than willing to buy into whatever the Hand-Me-Downs chose to discuss in their songs.

Although the band's persona is a carefree one, the Hand-Me-Downs musicians are obviously skilled. The rhythm section of the band (Stephen Yell on Drums and Jake Mazur-Warren on the bass) kept the set steady while Sam Smith and Dreyfus clearly displayed mastery of the guitar.

The Hand-Me-Downs also teamed up with Bailiwick for one song, a cover of Neutral Milk Hotel's "Holland 1945." Both bands on stage together were truly an event, one that both bands clearly enjoyed.

Perhaps the audience thought the surge of energy exuded by the Hand-Me-Downs would be subdued by Bailiwick's acoustic set; this notion quickly vanished as the band began its first song.

The audience could easily forget that this set was unplugged; Bailiwick radiated an active energy that most acoustic bands fail to provide.

Due to the incorporation of three new songs and a seamless set, Bailiwick's portion of the show further legitimized every one of its performances to date, and simultaneously proved to its listeners that Bailiwick will always have something new to offer.

For this show, Bailiwick introduced several new elements to its performance, and further developed others that it had only lightly explored previously.

Bailiwick set provided more group vocal work, including rounds and more complex harmonies, giving violinists Jane Esterquest and Colin Manjoney as much singing opportunity as guitarists Ned Porter and Brett Hartman.

The band also implemented more percussion into its performance, twice calling Yell of the Hand-Me-Downs to the stage for assistance. For one song Ned Porter even produced a Glockenspiel.

By pairing skilled musicianship and atypical style, both bands have created a solid band foundation for themselves.

The Hand-Me-Downs and Bailiwick have set themselves up for success within the college community, or anywhere else they intend to take their music.

Anonymous confession board returns

Posted by Sandy Zhang

The popular Skidmore Anonymous Confession Board (ACB) has been resurrected by a group of anonymous students. This group is unaffiliated with SkidmoreUnofficial.com, creator of the original ACB.

In a September 2008 post announcing its arrival, the executive editor of SkidmoreUnofficial expressed hope that the ACB would allow students "to participate in some honest-to-goodness anonymous campus focused discussion." By October 2010, these hopes were dashed and replaced with feelings of hatred and disgust toward the ACB.

The executive editor subsequently took down the ACB. In an interview with the executive editor, the board was described as "always something that had kind of been mean-spirited and pretty bad. It was just awful, the enmity and inanity of the conversations people would have. The Missed Connections thread was the most frustrating thing for me to watch in the world. In the end it was a personal decision: I took it down because I had watched it turn into this weird, festering mass of enmity and sentimentality and I didn't really want anything to do with that. It would be myopic for me to call it a success."

In response to the demise of the original ACB, a new one has been created. Hosted at SkidmoreACB.com, the new ACB features a green and white interface and, same as its predecessor, allows anyone to post anything anonymously.

In the first post, titled Rules & FAQ, the creators reveal a set of rules for the board. They also attempt to set a tone for the nature of future discussions on the board. The creators emphasize their hopes for minimal moderation, respect, the importance to reflect before posting and that bias against any groups or person will not be tolerated. The administrators of this site could not be reached for comment.

Some topics on the new ACB resemble those of the old: Missed Connections, Crushes and Things You Would Like to Say to People But Know Better. Other topics reflect current events, such as the planned coffee shop in Scribner Library, the past snow day and Skidmore's new e-mail hosted client. There are also threads on how to get to the roof of Case and where different social groups sit in the Dining Hall.

The mood of the discussions has not yet turned malicious or hateful. Conversely there has been encouragement and humor among the conversations on the board. One thread was dedicated to helping students set up the new e-mail host on their phones. Another was to garner level of interest for an on-campus fencing club.

However, hints of hostility remain. Under the topic Things You Would Like to Say to People But Know Better, a post states, "None of your ‘friends' actually like you. You are a horrible, selfish, immature person. It used to bother me until I realized that you are going no where…." Another post (and subsequent posts in response), laments the sizeable presence of sweatpants on campus.

Upon discovering the new ACB, the executive editor of SkidmoreUnofficial said, "It isn't like I'm staying up at night worrying about this new ACB but I don't think people realize just how nasty and silly the whole thing is. I kept ours running on the site because it brought in traffic and I was vain but at a certain point waking up in the morning and deleting comments an anonymous stranger made about the new hairstyle of another anonymous stranger became an incredibly disheartening chore."

The return of the Anonymous Confession Board shows that our community has grown to need a forum for anonymous outlet and discussion. How we approach and engage this forum is up to us.

Office of Residential Life continues de-tripling process

Posted by Rebecca Orbach & Pat Klimaszewski

The Office of Residential Life is continuing to de-triple first-year students in response to the over-enrollment of the class of 2014.

In August there were 184 triples, in January 156 and 108 as of Feb 17.

Residential Life is encouraging upperclassmen that are living in the dorms to move to Scribner Village, Northwoods Apartments or off-campus housing to make room for the First Year Experience London students and first-years who were previously living in triples.

All first-year students who spent their fall semester in London are currently being housed in single occupancy dorm rooms.

Enrolled students who were off-campus in the fall entered the housing system as "student studying off-campus," and were entered into the same algorithm as returning study-abroad participants.

Students in this housing category are typically juniors and are given preference for single rooms.

This year's room selection process is different than that of previous year's.

In the past, an e-mail was sent to students in triples asking if they wanted to be de-tripled.

This year, that e-mail was not sent and, instead, students were expected to confront Residential Life if they wanted to be de-tripled.

This change aimed to focus de-tripling efforts toward rooms with the most severe housing complaints, such as irreconcilable differences among roommates.

Many first-years are uncomfortable with living in triples, but it is impossible to accommodate every student's desire to live in a single or double room.

To alleviate space issues in triples, Residential Life suggests utilizing other spaces on campus such as the additional study rooms in the residence halls and the new game room in Case Center.

"Next year will be a very similar situation with triples," said Associate Director of Residential Life Ann Marie Przywara.

What to do after hooking up with a good friend: What Would C. Do? Advice from an Anonymous Friend

Posted by C.

As schoolwork begins to pick up again, we are reminded of our tired eyes and — after Valentine's Day — our tired hearts.

When stress begins to consume your soul and seems to be all you ever talk about, be reminded of the little things that add a bit of color to your aura.

Perhaps it was a rant about your loathing the opposite sex on Valentine's Day. Maybe you treated yourself to a red velvet cupcake just because a sweet is more dependable than a sweetie.

Even though we are seriously lacking the weather of Miami, utilize your vices to get through this slump-hump time of the year.

Be reminded: no one likes a person that complains more than he or she does — so please keep your woes and whines at a minimum. Your friends will thank you.

Dear C.,

I hooked up with one of my good guy friends a few weeks ago. I feel as unsure about it as I'm sure he does. What would be the next step in figuring out whether we should rekindle our flame or toss it in the fire pit?

Dazed and Confused

Dear Dazed and Confused,

Here is a thought: were there sparks at first sight or was this hook-up as temporary as a bonfire?

Has there always been a weird sexual attraction or an unmistakable chemistry between you two that has always been denied?

I hate to break the ice, but this could potentially be your ideal mate. I know it might be hard to admit it at first but take this time to recognize if you miss hanging out with him or you feel like encounters have an awkward air.

Whether it is yes or no, you should act like any other human being and talk to him. Acknowledge him and do not be a wussy, pussy. Meow (sorry, had to do it).

Do not blow away the embers before they become a flame. How do you know he feels weird about it?

Unless he has not been cracking his same lame jokes or he is acting like a different person, he is not the one who is unsure — it is all you.

Ask yourself why you hooked up in the first place.

Was it just the casual horn or was it something deeper?

Answering this question might help in your next course of action. Remember: he probably feels just as weird about everything. Give him some credit and throw him a log.

Act as normal as possible and try to warm up to the idea that it did not happen; I know it sounds weird but it works for me.

Hooking up with friends can make for awkward tension, but it does not always have to be that way — who knows, maybe this friction will ignite something very hot.

Hearts and Stars,C.

I am a nonbiased, nonjudgmental third party (because I love parties). My aim is to advise, not to direct. The real question is what will you do?

E-mail me at SkidWWCD@gmail.com with questions.

Privacy is guaranteed. Advice can remain unpublished upon request.

Local eatery serves French cuisine

Posted by Erin Dillon

Ravenous is the one and only crèperie in Saratoga Springs. Do not go to this local eatery expecting a run-of-the-mill French flapjack. Rather, prepare for a unique experience that will fulfill your wildest crèpe dreams.

The restaurant is family-run and has been open and thriving for more than a decade. Ravenous has definitely won over the crèpe-lovers of Saratoga. The place is hoppin' at all hours, especially weekend brunch.

Ravenous is open for lunch and dinner and for brunch on the weekends. Currently hours are 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday, 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday, but check out the Ravenous Facebook page for updates.

At 21 Phila Street, it is easy to overlook the small and subtle Ravenous. But do not just walk by. A friendly and sweet-smelling environment waits right inside. Customers are seated quickly and provided with an attentive wait staff. The kitchen is partially open, so while you wait for your food the crèpe masters can wow you with their skills.

Ravenous offers a variety of both savory and sweet crèpes along with its famed pommes frites. After reading the menu, it is clear that Ravenous tries to use organic and local products whenever possible. Many of the savory crèpes come with an organic salad, and the sweet crèpes are served with a homemade whipped cream.

The varied menu makes Ravenous a great place for any casual occasion. I visited twice: once for a dinner date and again for brunch with the girls.

For dinner, I ordered the Ratatouille crèpe along with pommes frites. The filling of eggplant, sweet peppers, zucchini, yellow squash, fresh basil and Herbs de Provence was absolutely delicious, but more delectable was the crèpe itself. The chefs at Ravenous have mastered making a crèpe the star of the meal. The organic side salad was simple but also very good.

Now, do not get thrown off by all this ‘French-sounding' stuff. Ravenous has crèpes with names like Taj Mahal and Chili Con Crèpe. Quite global!

Whether it is dessert or breakfast on your mind, sweet crèpes by Ravenous are sure to satisfy. An array of fillings, including berries, bananas, lemon curd and chocolate-hazelnut spread, make for crèpes more interesting than the ones you made in eighth grade home economics.

For Saturday brunch I had the Merry Berry crèpe, which is filled with raspberries, strawberries and blueberries. It was classic and certainly hit the spot. I also ordered organic apple juice. Yum!

Each meal I ate at Ravenous was fresh, quick and very tasty. The prices are not too high with most dishes costing between $6 and $13. And Ravenous has plenty of options for the vegetarian folks out there.

Senate approves controversial funding for travel

Posted by Kat Kullman

On Tuesday, Feb. 15, SGA Senate approved a supplement for students hoping to attend a medical aid program in Honduras during spring break.

Kelsea Sanderfur '13 and Leela Chandrasekar '12 requested a $1,760 supplemental for their trip with the VIDA.

This program is designed for pre-medical students, although no medical experience is necessary. The students stay in hospital dormitories and provide simple medical services at the understaffed facilities.

The students have the support of Skidmore's Responsible Citizens Task Force.

"The services we're providing there are for general public health, but the education is a two-way street. We'll be learning there, too. It's important and relevant for the Skidmore community because we can come back and teach the campus what we learned, and, if they're interested, how they can do the same," Chandrasekar said.

Many senators expressed concern because of the large amount of money the students requested from a relatively small group.

Their primary concern was larger groups who may want to do similar trips, but would no longer have the funds to do so. Senators also questioned whether such a small group would be able to represent Skidmore effectively abroad.

"It's about experiencing something we can't have here," Chandrasekar said. "It's about learning about global health care, a very pertinent issue today. It's taken us several years for this to gain support; we're traveling as individuals, but we're representing the community."

"What sets you guys apart is that you're here applying. Lots of kids on this campus want to save the world, but you've taken the steps to do it," Senator Dan Demartini ‘11 said.

The supplemental was passed with 24 yays and seven nays. After the students return from Honduras they will give a presentation on their trip and provide information on potential future travels.

In other news:

Senate approved a $1,850 supplemental for Bicycles Against Poverty to cover travel expenses and renting bikes.

Any students wishing to give suggestions for this year's Fun Day are welcome to attend an open meeting on Feb. 20 at 8 p.m. in Ladd 106.