OCR::/Vol_107/WLURG39_RTP_20050207/WLURG39_RTP_20050207_001.2.txt ’7 £37.52’/55 WHAT’S INSIDE The Guy Next Door Jonathan Proctor speaks to the W&L community about the offensive _4I pictures that surfaced online last week featuring VMI cadets. Seemore onpage4 Root of all evil Marshall Rule reviews the “high energy non-stop party” held at the Pavilion last Thursday featuring popular band The Roots. See moreon page 4 HOT TICKET Das Stage German 332 students take to the Johnson stage in “Ma'rschenwald,” a play combining a variety of fairytales in which the actors speak in German. The play runs on February 7-9 at 8:00 p.m. in the Lenfest Center. Go Fish Underwater animated feature “Shark Tale” runs in the Commons Theater on Mon. Feb. 7, at 7:00 p.m., as well as on Tues. Feb. 8, Thurs. Feb. 10, and Fri. Feb. 11, at 9:30 p.m. FROM THE SummaryofHonorActivityfor the2004-2005AcademicYear February 1,2005 Ilnvestigationsz 9 -Withdrawals while being Investigated: 0 IWithdrawals in Face of a Closed Hearing: 1 -Closed Hearings:,3 -Guilty Verdicts in Closed Hearings: 0 INot Guilty Verdicts in Closed -Hearings: 3 lStudent Body Hearings: 0 QUICK POLL Qzwhatisthebestplaoe toeatin Lexington? SOUTHERN INN CAFE MICHEL ms amcx C’ if HOUSE DON TEQUlLA’S 57 students polled, 27 male, 30 female. Poll has 95% confidence in a +/- 5% margin oi error. Former Phi editor returns ByEIinJIliusmdCtIisLaidermm EJTGSIN-G193 Former sports editor of The Ring- tum Phi was back in town this weekend for the Board of Trustee’s meeting and to sign his latest novel, I Am Charlotte Simmons. Tom Wolfe discussed the writing of his novels, fraternity life at Washington and Lee and the direction of the journalism profession in a press conference Saturday. In researching college life for I Am Charlotte Simmons, Wolfe did not spend time at his alma mater. “I wanted a safe harbor to come back to,” Wolfe said. He did admit that the novel drew upon fraternity life. As for whether the novel is an adequate description of college life, “I was as accurate as I could be,” he said. In doing his research, Wolfe was most fascinated with women’s language on college campuses. He said he was particularly shocked by vulgar phrases such as “I need to get laid” and “I scored with him.” ' “To hear a girl say, ‘I scored so—and— so’—big deal,” Wolfe said, “maybe it’s a big deal if it’s the other way around.” Wolfe said he is looking forward to coming back to campus as the commencement speaker this year. “I am bowled over by that. To be chosen to break with that tradition...I consider it an honor,” he said. 4 I CORBIN BLACKFORDI PHOTO EDITOR Ce|ebIatedaufl1ora1dW&LalumTomWoliereiumedforabooksig1ingandto ohatwiihtheW&Lcommunity. Grade inflation was something Wolfe noticed throughout the Ivy League schools when he was researching for his novel. “Even a flat B is looked upon these A days as close to an Wolfe said. He cited the example of a Harvard professor who gave students two grades——— one, never below a B, went to the registrar and another, reflecting the student’s true abilities, was only shared with the student. Big—time college sports play a big role in I Am Charlotte Simmons. Wolfe expressed dismay over the state of college- level Division I sports. “This system cannot go on much longer,” he said, “the corruption is so manifest.” R552 W103! V °— WASHINGTON AND LEE UNIVERSITY THE RING=T UM PHI. N|0M)AY,FEBRUARY7,ZI5 BY THE STUDENTS AND FOR THE STUDENTS SINCE 1897 VOLlMlEC’ValTtllvBER2'I7)! Wolfe proposed a system in which big universities hire athletes to play sports. The athletes would not be students, and after four years, if such athletes cannot go pro, the university would then offer them a free four—year education. Wolfe said the athletes would take academics more seriously after failing to go pro. Though Wolfe spent a lot of time reporting for I Am Charlotte Simmons, he believes the novel as a genre is dead.’ “The novel is in serious trouble,” Wolfe said, “All the great American novels were based on reporting. There is now too much emphasis on psychological nuance.” As a Phi Kappa Sigma at Washington and Lee, Wolfe chose not to drink. “I felt it was immoral. . .I was not a rebellious son,” he said. “I don’t remember feeling socially immobilized...but it upset a lot of my fraternity members,” he said. One fraternity brother got down on his knees and begged Wolfe to drink. I “I was ruining the reputation of the whole place. It didn’t help that I wore a fedora.” In modern college life, Wolfe said, “Student behavior was pretty uniform, whether at Stanford or Florida.” As for students’ alcohol consumption, “This new term today. . .binge drinking. . .in the past there was just no term for it,” he said. Though he spent months on college campuses, “I have no idea what could be done about college drinking,” Wolfe said, “much of it is insanity.” Underage drinkin BVVV”m9VD“"V sr~=I=wmEn In late December 2004, President Thomas Burish, sent a letter to students and their parents regarding the enforcement of the school’s alcohol policy. As Burish emphasized in this letter, “...there are no new rules governing alcohol (and drug) use on campus.” The new enforcement, which began Christmas Weekend, included two major changes. First, it gave the security officers at the school the power to “write up” underage drinkers, and second, in conjunction with the IFC, it implemented the use of wristbands to designate students of age to drink at on—campus parties. i The policy caused widespread uproar and debate among students at the time; among major concerns were increased off—campus drinking, more secretive behavior with regards to alcohol, and other safety issues, including increased danger of sexual assault as a result of these actions. These concerns, however, were speculative. Almost two months since the po1icy’s institution, new issues have arisen among the student body, including the ramifications of drinking under the Honor System. One Executive Committee representative, who preferred to remain anonymous, said, “Underage drinking has been an area that the Executive Committee has traditionally found to be irrelevant to the question of honor.” This mentality, however, may be forced to change in light of the university’s new scrutiny. While the use of wristbands may have, in theory, seemed to be an effective approach to curbing underage drinking, it has been less than successful in reality. This is partially because once a student has been carded by a TIPS bartender and has received a wristband, that student will not be carded again. Knowing this to be the practice, many underage students have been able to procure wristbands and drink at on- campus parties without being asked to show ID. The EC representative said, “The new alcohol policy creates the question, ‘Is it an honor violation to wear a wristband underage?’ Ifthe answer to this question is yes, then the new alcohol policy may create a plethora of honor violations.” Is wearing a, wristband when underage a common practice at on—carnpus parties? Mary Catherine Burdine ’08 thinks so. “Since the entire campus is in i an uproar, most people underage will drink underage. People don’t want to change their habits, it’s a lifestyle we’re used to.” Courtney Dolaway ‘08 agreed with Burdine, saying that she has not seen debate continues anyone lie outright but has seen underage students obtain alcohol by using a wristband. A W&L sophomore, who preferred to stay anonymous, disagrees. “I don’t think that’s much of an issue. . .if someone underage wants a drink, they can pretty easily just get one from someone who is old enough.” “I think the temptation is greater [under the new system], but I have yet to notice someone tell the bartender they are 21 if they are not,” said one freshman, who requested anonymity. “I know I have wanted to lie, but I never have.” The EC representative remains skeptical that students will face honor violations as a result of the new policy, at least for the moment. “It seems difflcult to convict a student of an honor violation just because a new policy has forced him/ her to be more blatant about what was once a tacitly acceptable practice. “So far, there has been little issue with the new alcohol policy, because it has been enforced weakly. But if it is enforced strongly, and many underage students wear wristbands at parties, then it will be up to the Executive Committee to gauge whether the student body feels that wearing a wristband underage to get beer at a frat party is an honor violation." “They [the students] are going to drink,” said Dolaway. “People want to drink, and they won’t follow the Honor System if it keeps them from doing something that they want.” “The Honor System adapts to changing circumstances and it will certainly transform to accommodate the demands of the new alcohol system at W&L,” one sophomore said. “The temptation is there,’ said another freshman. “But instead of breaking the honor code, I think people will work around it [the alcohol policy].” According to the EC representative, “It remains to be seen how the Honor System as a whole will react to the alcohol policy. The alcohol policy renews the question as to whether the Honor System should enforce purely academic honor.” “Academically speaking, with personal property, with people leaving their doors unlocked...that will stay the same,” Burdine said. “But [students’ mentality about] parties, alcohol, possession under 21 and drinking in the dorms is going to change.” “No one, at Washington and Lee or elsewhere, has all the answers to the problem of alcohol misuse,” Burish said in the conclusion of his letter outlining the alcohol policy. He noted that the administration is planning a thorough evaluation during the next academic year of the current alcohol policies, and that this review will include student opinions. President Burish and the Executive Committee were contacted to provide comment for this article but were unable to do so before our deadline. 7 Homebound student program limited Students run into issues of frustration due to educational disadvantages ByLed1Kersmw SEl~U=tSTAFFWFiiTEFi In 1954, the U.S. Supreme Court made its landmark decision in Brown v. Board of Education, stating that separate but equal schools are inherently unequal. In Rockbridge County, another form of inequality exists for/students forced by illness to remain at home. The homebound student program is designed for students who are mentally or physically ill and will be absent from school for two weeks or longer. The student’s absence from school must be approved by a medical doctor. This absence is granted to students who expect to return to school in the near future. The average high school student attends classes for 36 hours per week. The Virginia Department of Education states that high school students receiving homebound instruction must be tutored for a minimum of 10 hours per week in three or four subjects. In Rockbridge County, however, high school students receive a maximum of 10 hours per week. Deborah Pruett, a guidance counselor at Rockbridge County High School, said that school systems are financially strapped and have limited funds to devote to the homebound program. She also said that since students are able to learn more effectively with one- on-one instruction, the hunted number of tutoring hours available to homebound students is not a major issue. But Karen Pleva, a veteran homebound tutor for Rockbridge County schools, said that the time limit hurts students who cannot work on their own. Homebound students find the experience of learning at home to be lonely and frustrating. Joe Hawes, a freshman at Washington and Lee University, was a homebound student for the last four months of his senior year at Rockbridge County High School. Complications of diabetes forced Hawes to miss the majority of his last two years of high school. Struggling with chronic sickness and falling behind in his school work, Hawes received homebound instruction so that he could graduate with his class. Hawes said that he was hesitant to go on homebound because it would have taken him from all of his friends. He missed participating in classroom discussions and bonding events, like the senior trip to Busch Gardens in Williarnsburg, Va. “I didn’t see my friends for months on end,” Hawes said. According to Pruett, five to ten students participate in Rockbridge County High School's homebound program every year. The school also provides homebound tutors to students who are new ‘mothers for up to six weeks after they give birth. Pruett said that Rockbridge County High School administrators try to limit a student’s absence from school to less than three months because they may begin to lose their motivation after a longer absence. She said that this can be problematic because the homebound students are supposed to be learning the same amount of material at home as they would in a classroom. She also said that when homebound students do not learn as much as they are supposed to, they fall Seel.OCALonpage2 OCR::/Vol_107/WLURG39_RTP_20050207/WLURG39_RTP_20050207_002.2.txt MGVDAY. FEBRUARY 7,215 Consumer Reports health policy editor 3 calls for nationalized healthcare system ByCIrisLa1dennm E In Santa Cruz, California, Laura is diagnosed with breast cancer and carmot afford $110 a month for medicine on her $860 a month salary. Keshawn, in Washington DC was diagnosed with nasal cancer at age 20, but dies at 21 because he couldn’t get the care he needed. According to Trudy Lieberman, Health Policy Editor of Consumer Reports, who spoke in the Washington and Lee University Commons on Feb. 2, healthcare has become a luxury and is available only to those who can pay in America. People like Laura and Keshawn do not have access to medical care. Lieberman called for nationalized health care in her lecture. She pointed out that every industrialized nation has a nationalized plan except for the United States. “No other healthcare system costs as much as ours and covers so little,” Lieberman said. She also said that price controls were needed in the healthcare industry. Price controls, for example, mean that a certain drug can cost only so much money. According to Lieberman, we can’t let markets control the price of healthcare. When economists speak of a “free market economy” they are saying that people demand healthcare and that it is supplied by hospitals and insurance companies. The people demanding and the companies supplying settle on a price that people are willing to pay and a price that the hospitals are willing to accept. This fundamental “No other healthcare system costs as much as ours and covers so little.” -TRLDYLEBEFKNIAMI-EALTHPOI.K2‘YEI3I'TOROFCONSUN$REPORl$ principal forms the capitalist society. Many consider price controls to be communist philosophy, but proponents of price controls say that they can work in our economic system. “There is a reason for price controls,” Tim Diette, a visiting Professor of Economics at Washington and Lee, who was attending the lecture, said. “If people shopped for hospitals, it [a free market economy] would work, but that doesn’t happen.” He went on to say that the market for health care becomes imperfect because of this consumer apathy. If people do not gather information, they cannot choose the service they are receiving. No one has time to shop for hospitals from the back of an ambulance. Patients go wherever the ambulance takes them. What’s more, pharmaceutical companies who are sole providers of a drug are often able to raise prices as high as possible. Lieberman explained what her talk means to the average American. She said that eventually, more people than just Laura and Keshawn will experience the healthcare crunch. According to Lieberman, consumer-driven health plans are the wave of the future. These plans mean more than just higher co-pay at doctor visits. Consumer-driven health plans, for example, would have a patient pay the first $5000 of medical bills— essentially high-deductible insurance. “Who can buy these?” Lieberman asked. “Not the uninsured.” Despite that fact, she said politicians, the current administration, and the insurance industry are all supportive of consumer driven health plans. She told the story of a doctor in Florida who “blackmailed” his patients. In order for him to keep seeing them, he required a $125 fee from his patients to pay for his malpractice insurance. Lieberman said this will become a trend that America cannot afford. She asked, “Where does that leave us as a country?” The answer she posed was to “think about me.” Everyone needs to think about themselves and what they would do on their own behalves. She asked if her audience wanted a country where only the rich could attain benefits. Lieberman’s speech was received well with an ovation by the audience. “It’s really pertinent to our future,” Matt Reilley ‘06, a neuroscience/computer science double major, said. ‘‘If the current system cannot hold up for ten years, we are going to have major problems.” Local homebound students, continued. Caauadaununfimmge behind academically, which makes reentry into the classroom difficult. . A Pleva, who has 28 years of . experience, said homebound tutoring can be clifficultjespeciaily if a student isn’t interested. and doesn’t want to complete his or her work. But she said A that when a student does succeed, it is always satisfying. . ’ I-lomebouind students are forced to rely on the cooperation between their tutors and teachers. Sarah Blaekoum. a guidance counselor at Rockbridge County High School, said that some teachers resent the homebound program because it puts an extra burden them to create and grade ‘assignments for the students. Beth Lollis, a math teacher at Rockbridge County High School, said I homebound students can be problematic because it can be hard to connect with the tutors, especially if theyedo not work at RCHS. The personal connection between teacher and tutor is important because it ensures that they know each other’s expectations’. “Homebound is not a good situation, especially in math, because the student comes back to school and I have to reteach the information to him or her,” she said. Lollis teaches a student who was homebound from November to January. The student has now returned to school, but she did not regularly meet with her homebound tutor and has not yet fulfilled the requirements from last semester. Loilis said that she is now in a hard position regarding the student's grade and is unsure of the proper action to take. Homebound tutoring is hard to depend on for a steady income because of the variability of students needs. Susan Dittman, who works as a K42 tutor for all Rockbridge County public schoois. said it is — impossible to predict how many students you will have at a particular ' time and how many hours each student will need you. Only two of ' Dittmarfs students have used the full 10 hours per week allotted to them. Dittman said cooperation from teachers can be problematic because tutors have to seek out some of the teachers to get the assignments for the students. The $18 per hour that each tutor cams does not apply to travel time or time used to track down a student’s teachers for assignments, which can be considerable if the tutor does not live or work near their students’ schools. “The expectations of homebound tutors are unclear and the level of cooperation that you will receive from teachers is uncertain,” Dittman said. o to March 1. W£i.[ll to bettorite 21 rloctor.“ eality For more informatiorz, visit www.jh»o.edufpos.tbao or eat! 41 6-5.1 B-7748. dorm have the ,_ required coiirses for . medical school,” The Jolrms Hopkins F"o.st-Bac:calaur’eato Premedical Program prepares college graduates with strong academic records to apply to the best medical schools: by giving them the personal attention, the oecessary science and math courses. and one-to-one acacleniic advising. if you or someone you know wants to pursue a career as a doctor, apply during the application period of September 1, JOHS Om s Post-Basr:aI aure.acle Preraeldical Program 7‘ OCR::/Vol_107/WLURG39_RTP_20050207/WLURG39_RTP_20050207_003.2.txt 1. Jr MG‘lDAY,FEBRUARY7,ZX5 SDO THERING-TUM PHI 0 3 THIS WEEK WEI}ESDAY, FEB.9 -Men’s Basketball vs. E&H; 7:00 FRIDAY, F$.11 IRiding at RMWC/LC; TBA SATURDAY, FEB.12 .Wrestling at Baptist Bible; 12:00 -Women’s Basketball vs. Hollins; 2:00 -Men’s Backetball at EMU; 7:00 SPORTS BRIEFS Trackcomperesatvmrvwmer Re|aVS(2/5) The Washington and Lee track and field teams were in action at the Virginia Military Institute (VMI) Winter Relays on Saturday afternoon. The Generals competed against Division I and III competition and had 10 first place finishes. WreeflingCompetnsatW&L QUa¢*‘an9U|af(25) The Washington and Lee wrestling team went 1-2 at the W&L Quadrangular on Saturday afternoon. They defeated Albright College, 46-6, but lost to Centennial Conference- rival Johns Hopkins, 27-19, and Limestone, 22-19. Men’sTennis FallstoFun'nan,7-0 (25) p The Washington and Lee men’s tennis team opened its spring season with a 7-0 loss to Division I Furrnan on Saturday afternoon in Greenville, S.C. Courtesy Sports Information Wornen’s Basketball Fallsto RMWC,69-59(2/5) Sophomore guard Annie Johnson scored a career-high 32 points to lift Randolph-Macon W0man’s College to a 69-59 win over Washington and Lee in ODAC women’s basketball action on Saturday afternoon. Orchardside Yarn Shop . Kuitahg Specialty 5'10!’ 273 Raphine Road Raphine, VA 24472 540-348-5220 - 1-877-NIT-YARN Knitting cottage nestled along the creek which carries a fabulous selection of basic and novelty yams, kits. needles and accessories. Customer service from start to finish with your projects. Mail order and Intemet accessibility made easy. Calforworkshop&dassinformation. Halfway between lexington and Staunton 07: I-81 / I-64 at ext‘! 205, Ranhina 4miles west on Route Raphine Road. Located (ma WOVHWS fam that ofiers "U-PICA" opportunities for fresh fruit when in season. 'llies - ‘Sat 10:00 - 5:00, Wed until 8:00 Mens’ basketball comes out strong BvBrvanGa|es STAFFWHTE? The men’s basketball team played possibly their best opening half of the year in their game against Hampton-Sydney on Saturday, February 5th. Unfortunately, they were unable to keep it up in the second half, falling to H-SC 81-75.. g The Generals sprinted into the locker room with a 46-37 lead, led by sophomore point guard Chris Halkitis. Halkitis was unstoppable early in the game, hitting his first five shots, including four three—pointers. The Generals as a team shot well in the half, hitting over 62%of their shots from the field. The second half started off with a hook shot by freshman forward Femi Kusimo, extending the lead to 11 points. The game quickly became close again, though, after a 14-2 run by the Tigers. After numerous lead changes, the game was tied by freshman John Mumper’s jumper with seven rriinutes to play. That ~was as close as the Generals would get for the rest of the game, as the Tigers soon took the lead and held on for the rest of the game. In the second half, The Generals shot poorly from the free throw line (7- 15, 46%), while Hampton—Sydney’s scorers turned it on, shooting 58%. They were led by freshman Drew Prehmus, who shot 6 of 10 in the game, with 18 points and 4 assists. Prehmus struggled in the first half, scoring only three points, and, in his post-game interview, credited Kusimo’s tough defense for the slow start. Strong performances from the Generals were also provided by senior Mike Stuart (11 points, 3 assists) and freshman Greg Bienemann (15 points). The Generals showed improvement from their last game against Hampton-Sydney, which they lost 85-54. Hampton-Sydney, a perennial ODAC powerhouse, has won the last 16 meetings between the two teams. W&L’s last home game will be Wednesday, February 9th, against Emory & Henry. They will finish up their season at Eastern Mennonite (Saturday, February 12th) and at Guilford (Tuesday, February 15th). Sahar Kamali / Staff Photographer FElVIKUSIVll'l1-HOWSl.PALAYUPASTKiERDE=ENDERSLOOKON. Hunsinger brings competitive drive to court ByKwIynKrd STAFFWHTB? L With high flying post moves, soaiiiig mboundsiand 'n.nnnaatng‘§n¢t blocking, center Jessica Hunsinger is an essential contributor to the success of the women’s basketball team and is on the way tomaking a name for herself in college basketball. On the season, Hunsinger is the team leader in rebounding, averaging 8.6 pulls a game. She also drops in an average of 12.3 points. Her consistency is evidenced by her high shooting percentage which is often around fifty percent. In addition to the stats that show up on paper, Hunsinger also provides the intangibles. Her six foot height intimidates opposing players and closes down the center. She enjoys defense because “blocking people is really fun.” Last season, Hunsinger was second all—time at W&L, recording 51 single—season blocks. Jessica Hunsinger grew up in Mayer, Arizona. She began to play the game of basketball in sixth grade. “I was largely motivated by family," said Hunsinger, “my dad had been trying to make me a super star athlete of any kind . since I was kid. I have always been pretty tall and so basketball seemed like a natural choice.” At Orrne High School, Hunsinger starred in both volleyball and basketball. In her senior year, she was named MVP of both teams, but chose to pursue basketball in college. She explained, “I prefer a game in which you have directcontact with your opponents.” W&L was her choice because of a strong academic reputation and because it allowed her to get out of the desert. Huiisingefs strengths on the team are her competitiveness and her . willingness to work hard. She has been competitive since the very beginning of her basketball career. “I was taller then most of the boys in elementary and middle school and so it was always fun to beat them.” Her aggressive nature was most evident this year when she got an intentional foul for holding onto an opponent’s leg. “At the moment I didn’t care and just didn’t want to lose,” she explained. Weaknesses include poor free throw shooting and predictability in the post. Her offensive output more than makes up for these. “My favorite post move includes a head fake, one dribble middle, spin move, lay-up. I don’t know if there is a name for it and it is a work in progress for me but I finally pulled it out in a game and was very excit ” said Hunsinger. I Hunsinger attributes her success to many factors. “My greatest inspiration or mentor is my dad. I don’t think he was ever a. super athlete but [he} has also taught me to work hard which has proven very useful on the basketballlcourt,” she said. Also, the captains of the team, Bethany Dannelly and Louisa Feve, are a source of motivation to Hunsinger: “Their work ethic and drive to win is inspirational, which has made me a more dedicated athlete.” She also thanks her coaches _ for their skill and patience. Besides basketball, Hunsinger is involved in many other aspects of campus life. She is a psychology major who plans to pursue a career in social services field after college. She is the Social and Support Services Contact for the Nabors Service League. Hunsinger» A is a member of Chi Omega. She ‘ volunteers at the Department of Social Services and helps out at the preschool of Central Elementary. _ “I was taller then most of the boys in elementary and middle school and so it was always fun to beat them. ” -«wsical-I.I1s'hgeI' Caley offers musings ByCdeyAnderson CPl\K]\JSE3lTU3 New York Mets- The Mets apparently do their shopping these days at the Discount Superstar Warehouse. The only quality young blood they’ve added has been Carlos Beltran, who will doubtless be a force. But on the other hand, they’ve already signed Pedro Martinez, who I’d wager (if I didn’t have that injunction against breaking the laws of the Great Commonwealth of Virginia) will not last another four years without his arm falling from the rest of his body. And they already employ/are targeting Galarraga, Mientkiewicz, Glavine, and Piazza? Discount Superstar Warehouse. The Mets should beware, lest they end up in salary cap hell like the 49ers. NBA- When I was a kid, I had to pick a favorite hockey and basketball team, since San Diego hasn’t had basketball or hockey since 1984. I picked the Tampa Bay Lightning for hockey, since lightning was kind of like the lightning of the Chargers. For the NBA, I picked the Seattle Sonics, because they had the most green in their team uniforms, and I was way into green when I was a kid. Last year, the Lightning were NHL champions, and I am going to boldly predict the Sonics will likewise make my non-San Diego championship dreams come true this year. They have an amazing amount of depth- Ray Allen and Rashard Lewis are starters, and Vladimir Radmanovic and Luke Ridnour actually spend a lot of time ON THE BENCH, when both of those players would likely be full starters for, say, the Clippers (who actually have risen to be just mediocre this year, instead of terrible). They’ll have a hard time becoming a dynasty, though, the Phoenix Suns and the Miami Heat nip at their heels even now. NHL- They’ve got the National part down, and they’ve also got the League part down, now all they need 'is the hockey. Negotiations are as futile as they were between the North and South in the American Civil War/War of Northern Aggression/War of the Southern Rebellion/whatever. Seriously. The League and the Players’ Association would be shooting at each other right now if they-were countries- they just cannot agree on the fundamentals for the way the league should be set up. The owners have a legitimate -complaint (i.e., that they can’t make money the way the league is presently set up), but their solution is too idealistic, and the players’ counter-solution doesn’t fix the problem at all. It’s difficult to see any professional hockey this year, or even next year. On the plus side, that wouldiallow the Tampa Bay Lightning to boast of their three-year reign as NHL Champions. Track takes nine D—III Titles BySa'a1Bloom SEN%SPCHl'SVVFITE? Sophomore Blair Haws and Senior Steve Chambers led their respective track teams in scoring this weekend at the Virginia Military Institute Winter Relays. Teams ranged from Division I to Division III. The Generals claimed 9 Division III first place finishes. Chambers won the 3000 meters, becoming the only individual Washington and Lee athlete to win an event in overall competition at the meet. Teammate senior Norman Senior led the team in scoring with his DIH first place finish in the 400 meters. In the field events, senior Chris Walker claimed the Division IH title in the shot put and sophomore Walker Duncan finished first in the 35lb weight throw. “Everyone’s goal from meet to meet was to better their performance from the week before,” said Walker. “We just wanted to make a statement to the other ODAC teams.” Jumper Mike Stanton was also the 2"“ DIII finisher in his first ever high jump attempt. Haws claimed the DIH 800 meter and one mile run, setting the pace for the women’s team. Overall, she placed a competitive 2"‘ in the 800 meters and 4"‘ in the mile. Sophomore Sara Behmerwohld followed suite, finishing first in the 55—meter hurdles and claimed a close second in the 400m. Behmerwohld teamed up with Kim Gunst, Huntley Rodes, and Casey Sharpe to win the overall title in the 4 by 400 meter relay. Freshman jumper, Lil Brandler won the pole vault and placed 2"“ in the high jump. “Lil Brandler is doing some really wonderful stuff, out there setting school records,” said senior teammate Chris Walker. After the meet, Walker went on to say: “For a small team, W&L track works like none other. I have a feeling that our quality throughout the roster this year will turn some heads at ODACs.” Spring Break 2005 Travel with STS, America’s #1 Student Tour Operator to Jamaica, Cancun, Acapulco, Bahamas and Florida. Now hiring on-campus reps. Call for group discounts. Information/Reservations 1-800- 648-4849 or www.ststravel.com. LIFEGUARDS/POOL MANAGERS Now hiring for summer 2005 NoVa areas! Competitive Pay! Call now or visit website! www.premier41 1 .com 1 877 SEE POOL OCR::/Vol_107/WLURG39_RTP_20050207/WLURG39_RTP_20050207_004.2.txt 4 0 THE RING-TUM PHI arts&|ife MGDAY, FEBRUARY 7, K15 Treat your sweetie to a night out in the big city ByKa1|eSuI|e&NalhmWehen,3I.s TheW&LLawN9NsstdlwrhIs In light of Valentine’s Day, we thought we would run this piece, which appeared in the January 24 edition of The W&L Law News. Good luck planning a romantic date this year. Date night in Roanoke starts with a late afternoon drive on Highway 11. You head south until you see Foamhenge. You turn right into the parking area, get out of your car and walk up the hill. You take some photos because the place is that cool. You tell your date that it’s the only exact replica of Stonehenge in this nation and your date says something about Carhenge. You don’t have enough time to take 11 all the way to Roanoke, so you get onto 81 and before you know it you’re at the Valley View multiplex. You watch The Life Aquatic and are not terribly impressed. However, you did really like a » couple scenes. Especially amusing to you was the scene with Bill Murray raging against the pirates with The Stooges in the background. Your date and you are very hungry and want to check out a restaurant that claims to be the old and finest Italian restaurant in Roanoke. The place is called Luigi’s and you are more than a little skeptical. Luigi’s is very unpretentious. It has a nice little bar and it is clear that some of the restaurant has not been there since the place opened. You see- that the menu has a short anecdote, entitled “The Story of Luigi’s.” Apparently, Lou was a eventually made it to Roanoke. g doesn’t cost you very much and you young marine stopping in New York City back in 1945. Lou had to catch a train back to New England and was pressed for time. Fortunately, Lou’s friend knew a cook at some Italian restaurant. They got to eat in the employee’s room where Lou met the “boss” and received a copy of the “boss’s” cookbook. The story doesn’t explain how, but Lou and the cookbook It is hard to make a decision, but you decide on the Veal, Scallops and Shrimp and your date orders the Rigatoni and Meatballs. Your food arrives and it is adequate at worst. Your salas is pretty mediocre, but the crab-stuffed mushroom appetizer is pretty good. You like your entrée, but wish you would have ordered something other than a dish with a rather tame Marsala mushroom sauce. Your date isn’t impressed with the Rigatoni but thinks the Meatballs are really good. You are pleased at this point, but are really happy when your date and you decide to share a very good Tiramisu. The meal realize you will not be hungry again until the next morning. After the meal, your date wants to go to the Barnes and Noble. You’re not thrilled with the idea, but you can’t think of anything better to suggest. The place is crawling with obnoxious teenagers, but the two of you browse some books and magazines for an hour. You’re not too enthused about going back to Lexington, but the day has to endueventually. ayvasnannuie NW\W.?\GB]'|'O'-I Last Thursday night over a thousand people went to see The Roots play a concert sponsored by the General Activities Board. Tickets for the concert were sold for ten dollars in the Commons last week, but those that waited until the last minute for tickets could also buy them at the door. The total cost of bringing The Roots to Lexington was just over 32,000 dollars, but many students said that the cost was well worth the cost. GAB chose The Roots because students showed a heavy interest in a hip hop band in a poll taken last fall. “We knew there was interest in a hip hop band and it worked out that we could get The Roots,“ said GAB Vice President of Operations Meredith Donegan. Most students that went called the concert very successful. Jordan Anderson, Feb. 14 makes me ill Despite noble origins, Valentine’s Day the worst holiday Byemaysuwaus AFlTS&L|lEEDlTCF February 14”‘. All around the world, women anxiously await for the dozen of red roses that some nincompoop will send them. Children beg their parents for the Scooby-Doo cards that they will give their classmates. Godiva and Russell Stover make an insane amount of money selling hideous shiny red boxes containing a massive amount of calories. And I can’t stand it. Yes, I am the killer of fun and good times. All the sappiness and romance makes me sick to my stomach. There’s nothing worse than the Valentine’s Day displays at Wal—Mart. Have you seen the tie—dyed, phosphorescent Teddy Bears in that egregious bin? Honestly, who in their right mind would buy them? In elementary school, I remember bringing a shoebox to class on the 13”‘ and we’d spend hours decorating it. The teacher would cut a hole in the top, and it would be our own Valentine’s mailbox. Mine was terrible. I think it stems from the fact that I have absolutely no artistic genes whatsoever. I took an art class in high school for an elective, and the teacher gave me an Abecause she felt sorry for me. I But what exacerbated the whole situation was that everyone had to get a Valentine. Otherwise, it just wouldn’t be fair. And we all know that elementary school is about making everyone happy. It was quite difficult to write on my Barbie cards the words “Love, Emily” when I loathed the card’s recipient. And attaching that miniature Reese’s cup? It was like sticking a knife through my heart. Thank God for middle school and the fact that we were too cool for Valentines. But, oh wait, we had “Val-o- grams” from the Student Council. For a mere 50 cents, you could buy a pre- decorated pink sheet of paper, meticulously write a message to your favorite boy from our brother school, and it would be delivered to him. Or, you could send it to your friends. Crayola markers, pink sheets of paper, and more candy? I don’t think so. But for some reason, I actually enjoyed But I still don’t understand why guys give their girlfriends giant boxes of chocolate and then tell us “it’s going to our thighs.” seeing them taped to my locker. High school had to be the worst. The 14"‘ was the day I came to school with an entire box of Claritin. The roses started coming by about 9am, and they didn’t stop coming until school let out at 3. The receptionist’s desk was so crowded that the teachers set up a table in the hallway for all the damn flowers. Little white and red bears with the embroidered words “Be Mine” accompanied an overpriced vase of wilting roses. Screams of delight could be heard up and down the hallway when girls realized that their boyfriends actually remembered the blessed occasion. Of course they weren’t going to forget the 14"‘. High school boys? Never. IwasinNewYorkforthe 14* lastyear. Ithink the sappiness worsens as you get older. My friends and I made the mistake of going into Tiffany’s on the 15"‘. Oops. The newly- engaged couples were everywhere. ‘ They were literally running over people to get to the elevator that would take them to the 4”‘ (or is it the 3”?) floor to look at engagement rings. Barfaroonie. Wouldn’t you know that their diamond specialists offer a “How to choose the perfect diamond” workshop on the 12"‘ and 13”‘. Note to self: don’t make the same mistake this year. I guess I don’t really hate Valentine’s Day. It gives me some laughs. A couple of years back, my dad sent my mom flowers for the first time ever. My mom looked at my dad and said, “Are you having an affair or something?” I was in stitches. And it does have a somewhat noble beginning. Around 270, when Claudius was emperor of Rome, he banned marriage because he believed it made for weak soldiers. Valentine, a Bishop, would secretly marry young couples and was arrested when Claudius found out about it. As the story goes, Valentine was in jail awaiting his execution when his jailor, Asterius, asked him to heal his blind daughter. Valentine miraculously did, and before he was executed on the day that would be February 14"‘, he sent a letter to the girl saying “From your Valentine.” Valentine became a.Patron Saint, and a festival was named in his honor. Young Roman men would send “greetings of affection” to women they loved, and the holiday stuck. One of the earliest Valentine’s Day cards was sent from Charles, Duke of Orleans, to his wife while he was imprisoned in the Tower of London. But I still don’t understand why guys give their girlfriends giant boxes of _ chocolate and then tell us it’s “going to our thighs.” And I guess I never will. After all, nothing is less romantic than receiving an Atkins-approved chocolate bar. #1 Sllfillfl Break Vacations cancun. lamalca. Acapulco, Bahamas. 8. normal Bast Panlos. Bast Ilotols. lost Prleosl Iiroun Illscounts. organizers Travel rm! snaco Is Ilmltotll Book low a. save! 1-800-2341001 mmondlosssummonourscom a sophomore, couldn’t help but dance all night. “It was a high energy non stop party-” The Roots are notorious for focusing on instrumentation in the concerts. It was no different Thursday night. There were many guitar and drum solos throughout the concert. The band was created in Philadelphia when the current drummer, ?uestlove (Ahrnir Khalib Thompson) met the current lead rapper, Black Thought (Tariq Trotter). They recreated classic hip hop with drums and the fresh voice of Tariq and played on the sidewalk and small gigs. Along the way they met up with the rest of their current band members including a bassist. Since then The Roots have had an enormous cult following, but have never quite received major notoriety. Just last year the band broke from its record label MCA and created their own label, Okayplayer. Early this year they released A week and a half a g 0 some p h o t o g r a p h s from this past H a 1 1 o w e e n surfaced in various media outlets, some national. The pictures showed a handful of cadets dressed in the following costumes: Nazis, “male ballerinas” (for lack of a better term), amorous sailors, and a “starving African” in a loin cloth. It goes without saying that the Nazi uniform was inappropriate. Not that I would attempt to justify the costume, but it is. simply poking fun at the fact that our winter uniform makes us look like the SS (black shirt, black tie, grey pants, grey hat). Though obviously improper and an instance of poor judgment, this does not mean that VMI cadets are Nazi sympathizers. The other costumes are far less offensive,iif at all, when taken in the proper context. The cadets in question were not in public view and were not aware that the general public would have access to photographs of the event. Once again, not to justify, but to explain. Let's examine the “male ballerinas.” We go to a school of more than 1300 young men who wear uniforms every single day; if you don’t think that, in this context, two guys wearing tou-tou’s, heavy make-up, and baby-doll T—shirts which say “I (heart) a man in uniform,” is funny then you need to lighten up. The same goes for the sailors, one of whom had a bull’s eye on his rump. It was a light—hearted joke intended to evoke the homosexual sailor stereotype. Yet again, this does not mean that VMI cadets are homophobic or have some deep- seeded hatred for homosexuals; a couple of guys made a joke in the presence of those who understood said joke. The final example is the “starving African” in a loin cloth. JonathanProctor THE GUY NEXT DOOR photo courtesy of mtv.oom ?uesllave,B|ackThought mdfl1erestoffl1eRootsplayedtoasoHomauMdinfl1ePavilbnmThursdaynight The Roots rock the Pavilion their newest DVD/CD set of a 2004 concert in Manhattan. The band is known for having some of the most lively concerts in the business. Towards the end of the concert the band started a chant yelling “Eagles, Eagles, Eagles.” Many of the concert attendees joined in, while a few others started a Patriots chant. Another highlight of the night for many was going crowd surfing. One freshman fell and landed on his elbow. But no one was seriously injured. Some of the concert goers came from other schools to enjoy the concert. There was a large group of students from James Madison and Hollins. There was also a large Lexican population at the concert. Donegan was pleased with the final result. “I have heard very enthusiastic responses from other students," she said. “In my opinion, it was very successful” Guy Next Door defends Virginia Military Institute Question: any “South Park” fans out there? If so, did you appreciate the humor of the “Staryin’ Marvin” episode? Same thing. This was not an example of “us dumb rednecks hatin’ colored folk.” The cadet in question was merely dressing up in the same manner as a TV character. I cannot emphasize this enough: I am not justifying these actions, merely trying to put them in their proper context. The perception of many, with regards to VMI, is this: we are a bunch of arrogant, rude, racist, homophobic, warmongers who attend an archaic, outdated institution which condones said behavior. The reality: in my three-plus years as a cadet I have met some of the most honorable, driven, generous, pensif, passionate, intelligent, funny, loyal, and creative people that I’ve ever come in contact with. Do cadets make mistakes? Of course. Do our mistakes gain an inordinate amount of attention? Yes. But if one is looking for inappropriate Halloween costumes then one would be wise to visit Generic State College, U.S.A. There one would find examples young ladies wearing barely more than a “loin cloth” and men dressed as feminine hygiene products. . .all in view of the local public. Are these offensive costumes the norm? Of course not, but I have yet to see “Good Morning America” do a segment on the “atrocities" of Halloween at JMU. Here’s the rub: before one passes judgment on what goes on in VMI’s strange reality he should remember the fact that we have proudly served Virginia and America since 1839 and have produced: the man who rebuilt Europe after WWH, more CEOs in the state of Virginia than any other school, one of two American modern day martyrs as recognized by the Episcopal church (the other being Martin Luther King, Jr.), and, perhaps most importantly, innumerable men of honor. If this article seems condescending or arrogant then please accept my apologies for that was not my intent; however, when my Institute comes under attack I carmot sit by idly. As fellow men and women of honor, you can undoubtedly understand my position. OCR::/Vol_107/WLURG39_RTP_20050207/WLURG39_RTP_20050207_005.2.txt MGDAY, FEBRUARY 7,215 “Reporting is seldom taught... it’s an attitude — ‘you have some information, I want it, and I deserve it’... Believe what you are doing is more important than what the person you ’re interviewing is doing. You are bringing the world information. Your work is more important than almost any issue in the world.” — TOMWOLFE‘l1praseonferenceatW&LonSanxday,Februa'y5,aXJ5 THERING-TUMPHI 05 Srats work for good Sororities eflective in volunteering for a good cause BySoniaSiuandTyel-laeberle CAlVPlJS(1ITREPCHC}-IARS Rush week 2005 started off on a charitable note with the tradition of Philanthropy Night. Girls who once went through the rush process themselves look back on this night with a twinge of remorse, thinking back to that paint that they spilled and the dreaded memories of creativity that would not fabricate. In the end, enduring this high-stress environment was well worth it because the evening benefited many commendable causes. CASA (Court Appointed Special, Advocates), Girl Scouts of America, Links to Literacy, the Mayflower, and Parkland Hospital were among those organizations that benefited from this rush evening. Theta’s national philanthropy is CASA, which works toward pairing court advocate— mentors with children who have endured hardships within their families. These children must often move around, so Theta came up with the creative idea of having potential new members decorate picture frames for the children so that they could frame a picture of them and their advocate, or any other person important to the child. Erin Rathbone, a senior Theta who coordinated the evening’s activities believed “that the activity was a success and that the girls enjoyed it, especially because it was a new and original idea.” Every year, Girl Scouts raise money by selling cookies. Kappa Delta wanted to help its national philanthropy, Girl Scouts of America, in this endeavor. KDs had rushees decorate and put together personalized cookie selling kits filled with water bottles, folders, clipboards, and bags. KD delivered these kits to girls in troops around the county, and has followed up through bi—monthly brownie group meetings that the chapter participates in. Beth Lidinsky, KD’s Philanthropy Chair, was “excited to do this project because [KD has] recently become more involved locally with the Girl Scouts.” Pi Beta Phi’s Philanthropy Night was “an extremely successful step in promoting literacy in an elementary school system,” according to Lauren Kampf, Pi Phi’s Philanthropy Chair. At the house, girls painted colorful, fun book bags for students attending an elementary school in Maryland in order to encourage a higher standard of literacy in their school system. Pi Phi preceded this year’s gift of book bags by collecting and donating books to their national philanthropy “Links to Literacy,” as well as its Canadian equivalent “Arrows in the Arctic.” “Flowers for the Mayflower” was Chi Omega’s theme for the night. Prospective new members spent their time at the house painting clay flower pots for the residents of the Mayflower, a home for the elderly located in Lexington. Chi Omega plans on following up these projects this spring using them in a new member activity, when new members will plant flowers into the pots and present them to the residents at the Mayflower. Dianne Winter, Chi Omega’s Community Service Chair noted that the chapter was “really excited about how the projects turned out,” since it was the first time that this house had worked on such a project for Philanthropy Night. Laura Hombuckle, Kappa Kappa Gamma’s Philanthropy Night Chair considered its project to be “very special for [the house] because it is for a fellow Kappa.” Those rushing decorated baby t- shirts to be sent to underprivileged or abandoned babies in Parkland Hospital of Dallas, Texas. Kappa is currently also planning many other events to benefit many other philanthropies. Congratulations to the five sororities on this campus for making community service an integral part of rush. The philanthropies that continue to benefit from your outstanding work are appreciative of your efforts. $$$Easy Money $$$ I will pay $40 for your phone book Call Lee Ramsey toll free 1-866-577-7237 WANTED: Summer Scholars Counselors June 29 — July 30, 2005 Are you looking for a way to spend an exciting July in Lexington while positively affecting high school students and getting paid? Working as a Summer Scholars Counselor creates for you that opportunity by allowing you to work with approximately 120 rising high school seniors for four weeks in July. We are looking for responsible and friendly students who work well with their peers, will organize extracurricular activities for the participants and offer appropriate guidance and insight to scholars about college life. Applications can be acquired in the Summer Scholars Office located in the Hill House, 218 W. Washington Street. For more information about the position contact Dr. Mimi Elrod at 458-8727. The deadline for turning in applications is February 22, 2005. $450 Group Fundraiser Scheduling Bonus 4 hours of your group's time PLUS our free (yes, free) fundraising solutions EQUALS $1, 000- $2, 000 in earnings for your group. Call momy for a $450 bonus when you schedule your non- sales fundraiser with Campusfiundraiser. Contact CampusFundraiser, (888) 923-3238, or as Tm ‘for em apps. wfivmgtmazz; mvmnaarsnfiml ~&uxaqawuae1umeer:asmwaas,21mm -«auaunsimsaniviv marsa—W%,eik-GRM-11AM -—cmi4atco«uwrym:_3.1ma4am ~oaaysoup, &a¢,&nunsu~11m-tap» (}t=dar:rBsea%u 24HouuaI)ay,ScvcndaysaIvwk! Located at LEEm'rnAvm.i*LA.zA :«8':1&x~6i,Extr195,3516xom'm.uuwr,lmce'roN,va Grbntfaaui-aagrsataolloctioacf An§qun?a:|ai€u'u&'flav“¥_'au$i OCR::/Vol_107/WLURG39_RTP_20050207/WLURG39_RTP_20050207_006.2.txt IIMI‘DAY,EFIJARY7,ZI5 STAFF EDITORIAL Alums should speak Washington and Lee is a culture steeped in tradition. We at the Phi love tradition and, in most cases, want this school to respect them. Recently, however, the school made a break in tradition that The Ring- tum Phi applauds. Asking Tom Wolfe to act as commencement speaker is an important step for the school. This University has graduated several famous and accomplished alumni. To include these alumni in the graduation festivities serves several purposes. Tom Wolfe speaking at commencement will certainly bring more press, and more attention, to campus that day. Washington and Lee can certainly use more positive press in order to boost name recognition. To know that someone as accomplished as Tom Wolfe values the senior class’s accomplishments enough to act as commencement speaker is also a huge compliment to the graduates. Normally, the President of the University acts as the commencement speaker. Though President Burish is an eloquent man, we believe that incorporating more public figures into this celebration will bring nothing but positive press to the school and a special honor to the graduates. In future years, the Phi would like to see this new trend continue. Possible commencement speakers include: Senator John Warner, Roger Mudd and former Chairman of Time Inc., Reginald K. Brack, Jr. And, of course, we would love to see Tom Wolfe back again next year. UPS & DOWNS Opinions editor Caley Anderson gives you his take on what rose and fell this week at W&L and around the world. G But is it just me, or do you think it would be hard for a non-W&L person to understand this book? Osocial Security No matter who’s in office in the next forty years, I have a sneaking suspicion that I’m definitely not going to get back the money I’m putting in. 0 Ice See, in California, we have this ingenious celestial body called the sun, which actually prevents ice from enveloping whole cars. 0 The ceiling zzba-dum chhhhhzz Ups and downs, ladies and gentlemen. I’ll be here all week, don’t forget to tip your waitress. 0OldCo-OpIBooksl1ore So...is it just going to sit there or what? I mean, it seems like a little bit of a waste. O0-School’s Art Display Some interesting:.sti;$ff/hafigi on the walls of the C-School these day The Persephone display is crazy, but it’ excellent. 0 Feb. Break \ Before you start to call for my head on a platter, think about this— wouldn’t you much rather have a tliree—week long Winter Break? Or maybe a two- week long Spring Break? It just seems sad to have lots of little breaks. Research on stem cells must be expanded for the public good ByBedtyLeMo'ne TI-ELEBVLVEW In President Bush’s State of the Union Address last Wednesday night, he stated, “I will work with Congress to ensure that human embryos are not created for experimentation or grown for body parts and that human life is never bought or sold as a commodity.” Indeed, since he has held the office of the presidency, Bush has pushed to outlaw embryonic stem cell research, and has succeeded as far as limiting federal funding for this research to stem cell lines existing prior to August 9, 2001. This is far from the compromise the President painted it as. At the time the decision was made, the Health and Human Services Department reported that more than 70 cell lines were available. Yet, the number of existing stem cells that were actually available for distribution proved to be much lower than the predicted number. Now, only approximately 15 of these cells remain available for researchers in the United States who are doing federally fimded research, according to the National Institutes of Health as of March 2004. However, other sources claim that the actual number is even lower than the NIH states. In addition, these cells are often contaminated, as evident in a report in the February issue of Nature Medicine, which stated that researchers from the University of California at San Diego and the Salk Institute have found a contaminant in one of the federally approved human embryonic stem-cell lines. This study provides the first concrete evidence that at least one important stem-cell line, and potentially all of the govemment-approved ones, is unsuitable for use in human tests. Stem cell research first began in 1998 when scientist Dr. James A. Thomson, a biologist at the University of ‘ Wisconsin, Madison, reported that he had isolated human embryonic cells. Since then, this research has produced substantial discoveries regarding life- tlireatening diseases and also promises future life-saving advances. This research may be used for the transplantation of vital organs, expansion of cancer research, exploration of genetic defects at birth, fertilization of identical twins, creation of more effective contraceptives, augmentation of the chances of pregnancy, and information concerning the causes of miscarriage. Opponents of stem cell research have often argued that the use of embryonic stem ceHs deprives the life of an embryo that would have otherwise had the chance to live. However, with the exception of therapeutic cloning, the embryonic stem cells used in this research are derived from fertility clinics where they would have been discarded, rather than given a life. The Stem Cell Research Foundation affirms that following the termination of a pregnancy, some women donate the fetal material, which. would otherwise be disposed of, to research. In addition, frozen embryos that were created by fertility clinics and are no longer needed by the couple are another source of pluripotent stem cells. Since these cells would simply have been disposed of anyway, why not use them for life-saving, beneficial research? Opponents also argue that adult stem cells are just as adequate as embryonic stem cells. Though adult and embryonic stem cells have many similarities, human embryonic stem cells have several key advantages over adult stem cells. Stem cells derived from an embryo can be reproduced in mass quantities, allowing for better research and potential use in transplants. These stem cells are also pluripotent, meaning that they can develop into any of the 200 to 220 different known cell types in the human body. Adult stem cells are not capable of this. ‘ There are many proponents of stem cell research, including children suffering from juvenile diabetes, such as eleven-year old Tessa Wick. Wick does not understand how opponents of embryonic stem cell research can choose “a bunch of cells” over her. Some of the most prominent advocates of stem cell research include Senator Orrin G. Hatch (R-Utah), Michael J. Fox, and Christopher Reeves, who unfortunately died last October. The President should stop ignoring good science to the detriment of the health of millions of Americans. Stem cell research must go forward. WASHINGTON AND LEE UNIVERSITY THE RING-TUM PHI. EDITORS-IN-CHIEF MANAGING EDITOR NEWS EDITOR ASST. NEWS EDITOR OPINIONS EDITOR ASST. OPINIONS EDITOR ARTS & LIFE EDITOR PHOTO EDITOR LAYOUT EDITORS BUSINESS MANAGER CIRCULATION DIRECTOR ASST. CIRCULATION DIRECTORS COPY EDITORS fl7eFhg-timHrispLbistiedMoridaysdiii‘gtheuidagIat1ates<:mdyear atWash’ngtrx1aridLeeUriveisity,Lex'ngton,Wg‘1ia. flieF5'igaJnH1'san\arberd1TeRbk‘afia'sBoam,bmisdtierwbei‘depauat TheFfi1g-n.mPh'vveIoomesal Alstbnissior:smi.ustbeemaiedtopt'i@vv1u.eduorir11heUriveisityCentermal3oxby5p.m. Fridaytbappearintiieioloiwingvveeksecitiori. 77ieRiigamHireseNesttierignmedtsturissiaisbrouitei1tar1d lengh. Letteisaridodunrisdonotrieoessafiiyrefedtheophimd TheFw'ig41mPhEdtoriaIBoard. Adverlisingdoesnctneflecttheopinionsof TheFi‘hg-amPh'oriIsstafi. Th'sri9ArspaperobseNeswna1tooundefI1fimsc£iJeIar1dd:soa'ily. TheF&ig-timPI1' -\ UrivetsityCom'norsFIoom341 Lex'ngon,Vwg"I'a24450 - \ Teiephone:(54o)45a4oeo \\ Fa>c(54o)45e4059 < Eh'etp|1'@vw.i.edi \ Stbsa1:>tiomate$40 ERIN ELIZABETH JULIUS CHRIS LAUDERMAN MARSHALL RULE SARAH MURRAY KATHERINE SHELL CALEY ANDERSON ANNE FINLEY EMILY EDWARDS CORBIN BLACKFORD CHAD KIEWIET DE JONGE EMILY HULEN DAVID SEIFERT ROB RAIN LEGGET KITCHIN ELIZABETH ROBINSON YINYAN Ll ROHAN POOJARA AMANDA THOLKE V Rice on the rise, Dean on the decline Byshmewlson TI-EPO.ITK?AI.LPDATE Condoleezza Rice: the First Week Last week, Condoleezza Rice jetted off on a whirlwind mission in her new capacity as Secretary of State. Her scheduled stops included a mixed bag of countries including the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, Luxembourg, Poland, Belgium, 'I\1rkey, Israel, and the West Bank. On the agenda: repairing broken relations, reaffirming existing ones, and forging ahead with plans of peace. Ambitious? Perhaps, but difficult situations are nothing new for Secretary Rice. Her dedicated and honest service to President Bush during his first administration is testimony to her ability (memories of the 911 hearings quickly come to mind). If there were ever any doubt, Rice’s skilled responses to a frosty Barbara Boxer last week prove that she’s able to remain steady even under the most withering attacks. Such diplomatic prowess came I in handy as she began her trip, which included her first major policy speech in Paris. With the intent of patching together some sort of reconciliation between hard line concepts of old and new Europe, Rice’s remarks will hopefully decrease hard feelings in the long run. Undoubtedly the most important aspect of her trip was a renewed emphasis on Middle East peace. First stopping in Turkey was a wise choice, at least signaling that the United States does not remain upset after Turkey’s refusal to assist during the Iraq war. Turkey’s overall importance in stabilizing the region will be critical in the next decade. Her arrival in Israel Sunday precedes a new Israel-Palestine summit before which she will have separate, private meetings with both Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas. If there’s anyone more qualified to take up this challenge, it is Condoleezza Rice. Whether she is able to mediate an agreement that will usher in a new Palestinian state and lasting peace remains to be seen, but the American public should wish her well and be confident in her selection as secretary of state. Howard Dean, DNC Commander-in-Chief? ' YEAAAAAAH! This may be the new battle cry of the Democratic National Committee if Howard Dean’s latest political aspirations come to pass. With elections for Chairman of the party quickly approaching, it becomes more and more evident, however unlikely, that the position may be filled by this formed Vermont governor. It really brings two questions to mind. First, what is the Democratic Party thinking? Second, is there really no one else? Actually, a third question burns in the back of my mind. Where is the Democratic Party headed (does hari- kari seem like an appropriate reference)? Let’s take these questions point by point. Number one. Dean hardly seems like the kind of person to bring about party cohesiveness, much less one to sweep the polls on Election Day. Remember that Dean built his constituency on the most disenfranchised of the Party, including those whose stances were the farthest left on the Iraq war. At the same time, his political career was marked by opposed Democratic positions (he supported gun rights while at the same time making gay unions legal). Second, is there truly not a better choice to lead the party? I would liken Dean’s appointment as DNC head to an enraged Zell Miller taking charge of the GOP, fully complimented by disparaging put downs and an assortment of frightening glares. Granted, I like Miller, but his presence can often be taxing to the good people in PR. The point here is whether the Democrats could have found a more digestible figurehead, perhaps the deposed Senator Daschle or even Bill Clinton?I ask again, where would the Democratic Party be taken by Howard Dean? It‘s interesting to try and understand the underlying strategy where a person who could only garner third place in a race for president is the top choice to take a party to national victory. Sure, he’s energetic. Sure, he gets people involved. And yes, he has an awesome slogan. Will this be enough to make up for a pa.ity’s general lack of direction and leadership? While the ultimate answer remains unknown, watching Howard Dean lead the Democratic Party would be almost as fun as a head to head election contest between him and George Bush. Feb. break rules Defending the Washington break BySaaDuckworIh FIERIJXXE This last week solidified the reasons why I am in love and much in need of a February Break. Lots of people complained, including myself, that having to be back January 3“ was horrible, but at least we have a fourth of this dreadful little month off. Yes, driving back to Lexington on January 1“ was about as much fun as slamming my hand in a door, but it’s over with and now we have an entire week to recover from the last six. So here are a few legitimate reasons for why I prefer this week over a three—week Dec. break. 1) Holiday Break was short enough that I was sad to leave my family and friends from high school. It will now be enjoyable to go back home or go take a road trip to visit them at school, instead of reliving reasons why I was so glad to graduate from HS. 2) Rush week was like pulling a Band—Aid off exceedingly slowly. Any more “break” and I would have lost my mind. There is no dark cloud of rush hanging over this week, thus making it the superior. 3) There is no fashionable way to keep your nose warm. We’re a campus that works awfully hard at looking presentable, but the cold nose thing gets me. It’s a catch 22 of whether to give up and wrap a scarf around your face, or a ski mask, or have the Rudolph syndrome. I need a break from this pet—peeve, and I don’t think I’m alone. 4) It’s a good time to get the old car fixed. Mine was grumpy before Friday, but now that it has a‘ giant dent in the front bumper it really needs to get a face lift. At least the lady who hit my parked car is good enough to pay for it, thus leaving me with some hope for humanity, even in the winter. 5) Even though the Super Bowl and Mardi Gras will already be over, it never hurts to have some time off to “celebrate” without having a midterm the next day. 6) Frat Pledgeship. Enough said. 7) I’m ready to leave our little campus, which has recently turned into a hotbed for germs. Don’t cough on your hand and then open the door with the same hand. Sharing, in theory, is a good thing, but I would rather you keep your phlegm and viruses tolyourself. I know you can get sick anywhere, but is it so wrong to ask for a change of venue? 88) An excuse to travel = something to adore. Disneyworld at 21? I think yes. OCR::/Vol_107/WLURG39_RTP_20050207/WLURG39_RTP_20050207_007.2.txt NUDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 215 “If you want to work professionally, you have to be able to drop the accent when it’s required.” — QUOTE oFTHEWEEKl\ra'Ii1chiIderS.who’s|eariig aprojecttobachnzdAppa|achhilxes:5it22.f; ,4‘ MP3 rapahtia and lllrl - :<';s2’§ mother’s life. Mr. Heath also says that the rights granted in Roe v. Wade (for truly, they are granted, as they lack any real constitutional foundation) are not about “abortion in place of safe sex” or destroying a fetus diagnosed with a genetic defect. Whatever the original intent, though, Roe v. Wade does secure legal rights to exactly those, even in the last trimester: no state in the Union may restrict by law the reasons for pursuing abortion. Furthermore, if we compare international abortion policy, the United States ranks at least seventh of I 95 for the most liberal abortion policies in the world. (Abortion policy information obtained from the Center for Reproductive Rights, »a. pro—choice or-ganizationz. .) That means that Roe v. Wade is about as “moderate” as the Communist Party, U.S.A. 'In conclusion, all of the wondrous, and often harrowing, adventure we call life begins with but two small cells becoming one. If we do not nurture this most fundamental of all human rights, all other rights are perfectly meaningless: for without life there are neither riches nor poverty, neither liberty nor slavery, neither, happiness nor sorrow. There is no possibility for us to truly appreciate the beauty of a rose when we nip it in the bud. Sincerely, Kyle Sulli ‘O6 Bookstore commends campus Dear Editor, On behalf of the University Bookstore we would like to thank the over 250 students and members of the Washington and Lee community who stood in the long line on Saturday and waited patiently , some for over 5 hours, to have a book signed by Tom Wolfe. Without a break and with a fountain pen, Mr. Wofe signed 342 books, many of which were personally inscribed in his distinctive elegant script. In spite of a scheduled departure for 2:30, Mr. Wolfe stayed until everyone in line left with a signed book. As he was preparing to leave after the event, Tom commented how touched he was by the tremendous student response to the signing and praised the innate civility and lively intelligence he always experiences in his interactions with W&L students. A compliment indeed from a man who personifies Lee’s “one rule.” Kudos to you all! Sincerely, Bill & Maureen Becker BliieRi mes rm r. T?-Ilrik-‘hi-PT (fare i4.ii'.i'.a’:_i«v.fs:._u 5‘?! Mimi‘ ~j}-SE83 ',s;§,$ ‘Ni;-rili Le: Hwy 5;.-eiuzisigztcrn, "ii-‘A ;r:;uii»:;u.- $!.,‘;.»é.l..! in £i"r—”r_°Jf}i|_I'!!?! =-T-mi’ .,.§'i*:-I'M. 3.‘ 1' {I :';:3.,p..~i:.a|in7ng in." I3}-rilwgti-;-iii-:5 Eizcsrrs }«'I~'.W.-’.i:‘l«ri;'=‘lT||~'l gpgmr iiraiiarixaiiqzi Pas:-i:'lI" ml is I ill ifflilflfl F‘jg;;;,;:.:e ,;*;1’fE gr gtggqi .rI'.I_,.= his $&BI?:.11§ with -711"? "¥éf5“'—'~“'5" 535$- ._-_!g_,1v<‘: ;'m,gmicng_ _.;°."' '1,-r_.’I:.!r' £;‘J$fii"fl?'E»?i!. yaur nearest Stlfifl Sealer Srioattrm er tall ‘l-346 if t./’'“ L) -......--/‘”/’“”‘~”‘3\ K ~ /"""‘\~_...« FENE LINGERIE Downtown Lexington ’s Sweetheart Shop 21 W. Nelson St. 463-6963 I Mon ~ Fri lO—5:30 Sat 10-5 “semper 110:‘ sub ubi” OCR::/Vol_107/WLURG39_RTP_20050207/WLURG39_RTP_20050207_008.2.txt 8 0 THERNG-TUMPH lVKNDAY,l¥BRUARY7,fl5 H word I\ 'Thank you Burish for having the character to do what is best, whether it is popular or not. It proves that this school is about Honor within the administration as well as the students. -Great job administration for increasing the chances of sexual assault because parties are pushed into the country. -No one from the administration is pushing parties to the country; no one from the administration would be responsible for an increase in drinking crimes, or sexual assault. It’s fellow students that would be forcing health problems and more alcohol down each other’s throats, and it’s fellow students that commit sexual assault against each other. INow I guess I have to go to the co- op, oops, I mean the Cafe 77 to get beer. -I wonder if Burish is a virgin, we know that he wants to make drinks that are. -I feel like I’m living under a dictator regime. Let’s call Bush and bring in the troops. ITraveller better get a lot more cars and run for a lot more hours. -Why does the school have to hate fun? -So, the Board of Trustees must have been drinking O’Douls all weekend? lWasn’t it nice of the Board and the administration to hold an open meeting this weekend with students to talk openly about the new alcohol policy enforcement...oh...wait. -Everyone in this school just needs to grow up and act responsibly. Nextfirne’slnpic: Wi|dandCrazyFeb breakstories. Visiting land of debutante ba s Early decides to spend first Wash- ington break in the peach state ByKristheEaly NI.KN\DG-EESEGIFI. Washington Holiday is less than a week away! Come Friday morning, I bid farewell to LexVegas. As much as I worship Salemo’s (Shout out to the hottest waitresses ever: Paten and Angela!), adore the downtown shops and revere Traveler’s gravesite, this vacation is much needed. A town with a population of 7,000... after awhile it gets old. _ , Althoughl am breaking my parents’ hearts (Sorry mom and dad!), I am not going home for break. Janesville, Wisconsin is a metropolis compared to our very own LexVegas. In addition to a Wal—Mart there is a Target and a K—mart. Okay, I’ll be fair. There are two movie theaters and there is a mall. Plus, we did just get a Starbucks. Clearly, we’re legit now. However, for a place that lays claim to 60,000 residents, the “City of Parks” is lacking. If a Janesvillite wants live entertainment, he goes to the high school football game. If he wants “culture,” he goes to the all-you- can-eat Chinese buffet. Worst of all, Janesville is surrounded by farrnland- miles and miles of comfields and green pastures. I like com. I like cows, too. On a bun with lettuce, tomatoes, and ketchup. (Sorry vegetarians, but nothing tastes better than a big juicy hamburger and French fries. Or shall we say Freedom Fries?) However, when the wind blows the wrong way, let’s just say that the air doesn’t smell “spring fresh.” Janesville, being literally half way between the two coasts, smack dab in the middle of bovine country, is also the most out of touch city in the country. We didn’t even hear about Tommy Hilfiger until five years after everyone else had stopped wearing his designs. Our newspaper’s top story for the last year and a half: Super Wal-Mart, to build or not to build? People actually picketed. It was big. I’ll keep you updated. I’m an adventurer. I like excitement. Obviously, J—town is not the ideal location for me. So, instead of subjecting myself to hours of small town boredom and the zero—degree weather characteristic of a Wisconsin winter, I am going to spend the week with one of my favorite people in the entire world- my brother. You can “awww” right about now. At roughly 8:00 am on February 11, I will begin my journey to Athens, Georgia. It will entail one car trip, two airplane flights, and one bus ride. It will probably be 5:00 p.m. before I even set foot in the Peach State. But don’t cry for me, Argentina: I have six hundred pages of assigned readings to keep me occupied. Lucky me! I am really excited about this trip. I’ ve never been to Georgia before. This will be my very first venture “down South.” Sure, I’ve been to Myrtle Beach A and Orlando. Somehow, I am guessing that doesn’t count. True, I’ve been living in Virginia for five months. But while Virginians may wave their confederate flags and speak with a slight twang, I have yet to see “good ol’ southern hospitality” or to be called “lil’ 1ady.” (Please never call me that.) I want to hear people drawll I want debutante balls! I want bumper stickers that say “I’m on the prowl for . tonight’s dinner. Watch the front fender”! Will Georgia fit all of its stereotypes and rise to the high expectations of a pure-bred Midwestemer like myself? Only ten more hours of (enlightening) lectures and (scintillating) discussion and I will get my answer. Meanwhile, the Cheese I State will just have to go on without me. What a shame... I want bumper stickers that say “I ’m on the prowl for tonight’s dinner. Watch the front fender”! Fisherman claims sandwich better than sex, beautiful women, and 80’s music Trout does not need a girl to put the color inside of his world, just give him a Sunrise Sandwich from the co-op. Bynugnrmut Tl-EFS'BWl:1AN Classical writers discussed the idea of food of the gods: they called it arnbrosia. The idea that such a food could be available to us mere mortals is as stupid an idea as Clear Pepsi, right? Wrong. It is available, and despite overwhelming odds it can be found here in Lexington. What is this magical food? Sunrise Sandwiches. For years this wonderful creation has helped sustain even the greatest heroes of our time. Such Sunrise enthusiasts include Robert E. Lee, all members of Duran Duran, and even Slater from Saved by the Bell. There are knock—offs, however. Some people are so devoid of taste that they think McDonald’s breakfast sandwiches are similar. This is about as ignorant and preposterous as claiming that Lindsay Lohan is as talented as Hilary Duff (there is a face book group for those of us who have enough class to understand how much cooler Hilary Duff is...). And so I would like to express my firm belief that the definition of happiness for any man is experiencing both the love of a beautiful woman and the love of a beautiful Sunrise ,/ S a n d w i c h . if However, the treacherous question is which would he choose if presented with the horror of having to pick just one. I understand this may seem - like a nightmarish scenario that is too heinous to fathom, but it is an important question. While one may be led to assume that the obvious choice is the love of a woman, I think the choice is harder when one takes the time to consider all the advantages of sunrise sandwiches. First, a Sunrise Sandwich will never get drunk and tell all your friends that you said Bridget Jones’ Diary was the feel—~ Marshal friend in Bymarsmlnure l%TATO|W\N For nearly twenty years of my life, I have never understood a single thing that a girl does. I use the term girl because I have never met a woman. Guys have to earn the right tobe called aman andlthink girls have to earn the right to be called a woman. A I have had horrible luck with girls. But it’s not all their fault. Up until college, I had never had anyone give me good advice on what to say or do when it comes to the opposite sex. But I was able to find that new best friend who tells me everything I need to know about girls. I now have someone to talk to about all my problems and they give me good advice that never falters. That person is Mike D and the rest of the Beastie Boys. The Beastie Boys are not very cool people. In high school, they got beat up a lot. No one cared what a couple of wanna ‘be rappers had to say, especially the girls. While their moms were busy taking away their best porno mag, the girls were busy You can talk to sunrise sandwiches for hours and they will listen and won’t ever interrupt. good movie of the year with lots of perspective for the common man. I still am recovering from that one. Second, a Sunrise Sandwich will never put you into the position of listening to her god awful music and making you pretend it’s as good as the stuff you listen to. After all, sunrise sandwiches don’t have the ability to enjoy music, but everyone knows that if they did they would have killer taste. They would listen to bands like Widespread Panic, O.A.R. and Wilco. I could even imagine some of the Sunrise Sandwiches kickin’ it to J ay-‘Z and Thievery Corporation, cause they like to keep their game on the creep and flow with a diverse perspective. Third, a Sunrise Sandwich is there for you whenever you need it to be. It won’t demand that you ignore other sunrise sandwiches because it’s cool like that. It understands that you’re just a young guy looking to have a good time and not wanting to get too attached to anyone. After all, some days you want a ham, others you really think the bacon is where it’s at. No worries, no commitments. But for all the female fans of The Fisherman, pay attention, this applies to you equally. When was the last time a Sunrise Sandwich drunk dialed you and told you he loves you when you know all he wants to do is get some? No way man, sunrise sandwiches understand that just isn’t chill. You are a person with feelings and interests and Sunrise Sandwiches want more than just a hook up. They want a connection. Can you remember a sunrise sandwich ever talking to you about how hot another girl is? Nope, that’s cause sunrise sandwiches got game and they of attention which you deserve to be. While they may not be able to hold doors for you or pay for the movie tickets, sunrise sandwiches more than make up for it with their listening skills. You can talk to sunrise sandwiches for hours and they will listen and won’t ever interrupt. And with enough liquor, it won’t seem as depressing talking to a sandwich as you might think. Besides, getting sloppy around a guy on a Saturday night can sometimes lead to something you will regret in the morning. But with Sunrise Sandwiches, you can feel good about yourself despite the number of lager shots you did. So party, drink, hang out with cute people of the opposite sex and listen to some not so great music. Just remember, no matter how badly you failed that exam or how much it sucked when you got caught pretending to remember the name of the cute girl you were talking to last night, Sunrise Sandwiches are there for you. finds new best the Beastie Boys Music changed the way Marshall goes about dating The Beastie Boys are all about lying to make yourself sound better. And it works. dating the quarterback. But one day, they woke up and were magically given the power to make girls fall upon their knees and worship them. They had the power of music. It is music that changed the way I go about dating. The Beastie Boys are able to tell women that all they want is “girls to do the dishes/girls to clean up my room/ girls to do the laundry/and in the bathroom” and still girls want to go backstage with them. So how do they do it? Tell them lies. Make yourself sound good. In the song Hey Ladies, Mike D tells his prospective girl that he’s all—knowing. The Beastie Boys are all about lying to make yourself sound better. And it works. I can’t count the number of times I’ve heard about guys that meet a girl and as soon as they find out that she is from Charleston, the guy lies and pretends that he too is from that city. And it always works. The Beastie Boys know how to pick the right girls too. They say, “I met a little cutie she was all hopped up on zootie/I liked the little cutie but I kicked her in the bootie/Cause I don’t kinda go for that messin’ around.” The Beastie Boys know that if they mess around with crazy chicks they’re gonna get burned. That’s why you’ve got to kick them in the bootie. The Beastie Boys are able to get girls because they are selective about who they try to get with. So, if you want your girl to be “staring at the cracks up there upon the ceiling,” you best listen to The Beastie Boys and tell that girl that “[her] body’s know how to make you the center '