Friday, October 3, 2003

by Evelyn Khoo
Living and Arts Editor

The Writing Associates (WA) Program will be releasing the second edition of
their academic writing publication, “Alchemy” next spring.

According to Professor Jill Gladstein, “Alchemy” began as an idea
to celebrate what they initially thought was their 15th anniversary. Although
the math did not quite work out, the WAs decided to go ahead with the inititative
anyway.

The founders of “Alchemy”, Sara Edelstein, Jacqueline Emery, Joanne
Gaskell, Matt Kutolowski and Pei Pei Liu (all who have since graduated except
for Liu ’04, who is the sole returning Alchemy editor), wanted to fill a niche
at Swat for the celebration of academic writing.

Explains Gladstein: “There are a lot of opportunities to showcase creative
writing but none for academic writing. I feel there should be a chance for people
to share the writing they do everyday.”

Chiara Ricciardione ’05, a WA as well as a member of the “Alchemy”
editorial board this year adds: “People put in a lot of passion and energy
into their academic writing and it’s not fair to value artistic writing over
academic writing.”

The first issue of Alchemy was printed and distributed last spring, making
its debut at the WA Program’s lecture by Katha Pollit. 750 copies were made
during the first printing, but another 500 copies were printed due to high demand.

Although Alchemy was meant to be a one time thing, the positive reaction from
the campus prompted the WA Program to continue producing Alchemy, making it
a regular appearance during the spring semester. Submissions have already surpassed
double the number received last year for this year’s edition.

The selection process for accepted submissions continues to be rigorous. This
year’s editorial board, made out of Liu, Ricciardone, Lauren Ullrich ’06, Paul
Blain ’06, Micah Horwith ’06, Chris Miller (WA intern), Sarah Newman ’04 and
Rachel Scott ’05, will be looking for a broad range of essays, across disciplines,
class years and styles.

Elaborates Ricciardone, “We’re looking for diversity not only in subjects
but also in ideas. If it’s well-written but boring do we still put it in? I
would say that part of good writing is definitely good ideas. It has to be both
interesting and accessible.”

The submission deadline for Alchemy is today at 5:00 p.m. Submissions can be
sent to writing@swarthmore.edu

*****

by Maki Sato
Gazette Reporter

If you were wondering where all the colorful cartoon decorations in McCabe
came from, wonder no more. From now through November 12th, the McCabe library
is hosting the first ever student-curated library art exhibit, organized by
Lan Le ’04, Michael Pasahow ’04, and Fraser Tan ’04. As dedicated fans of anime,
they decided to come together and “really reach out to those who know nothing
about anime and manga,” according to Le. Her desire is that the curious
observer will “come away with a better sense of the big picture and why
manga and anime are so popular in the United States.”

Japanese animation has exploded in the US during the past decade and has drawn
fans from many different age groups. Explains Le, “it functions in US communities
to bring people together. It’s a social activity that you do with your friends.”

In the spirit of this anime sharing Susan J. Napier, Professor of Japanese
Literature and Culture at the University of Texas, will speak on the prevalence
and influence of anime and manga in both Japan and the United States. The lecture
will be held in the Science Center Room 199 at 4:15 p.m. today. A reception
will follow in the McCabe lobby from 5:30 – 6:00 p.m. There will also be a showing
of “Cowboy Bebop, The Movie” in LPAC Cinema on Thursday, October 9,
at 8:00 p.m.

*****

by Jonathan Ference
Gazette Reporter

Despite their pending applications for graduate school and for scholarships
whose names are synonymous with “brilliance” in households across
the country, the four seniors elected to senior class office are already hard
at work on making this a special year for the class of 2004. The Daily Gazette
spoke with these four leaders about life at Swarthmore and the hot issues for
the upcoming year. The officers are President Matt Williams, Vice-President
Kristina Pao, Secretary Njideka Akunyili, and Agent Carolyn Sha.

Daily Gazette: Congratulations on your election! You each campaigned separately
for these positions, and as such you represent very diverse segments of the
Swarthmore student population. What is your number one goal for this year?

Matt Williams: For three years, I’ve watched members of this class grow as
they worked hard in every aspect of their Swarthmore careers. It is only appropriate
that this final year be both the most productive and the most fun. Should they
desire, seniors can be involved in the decisions we make–after all, it is their
class. Or, should they want to sit back and relax, they can do so knowing that
the class is in good hands. Either way, my goal is that seniors remember this
year as the one that brought them together as a class.

Kristina Pao: My hope for this year is that everyone gets a chance to spend
time with their friends and meet a fellow senior classmate. Also, for the graduates
of 2004 to have a kick-ass senior week.

Njideka Akunyili: My number one goal is to have our class raise more money
than any other class has before.

Carolyn Sha: My goal is to get to know everyone in the class and help them
get to know each other. I want people to leave feeling proud to have been part
of the class of 2004.

DG: As a group, what can the senior class look forward to as the major project
of your leadership this year?

SCO: Of course, as the elected officers of the Senior Class, we would like
to provide the class with a week of mind-blowing, orgasmic fun. This, however,
is standard. We’d like to focus our attention on novel ways of bringing the
class together–senior-only jazz/lounge nights rife with cocktails, sushi and
senior class love.

DG: You all obviously are involved in different causes and passions after three
years here at Swarthmore. What kind of experiences do you bring to senior council
from those groups?

SCO: We feel that through our participation in athletics, academics, study
abroad, community service, social groups and campus organizations, we have interacted
with members of virtually every aspect of the Swarthmore community, thereby
gaining a nuanced understanding of our class. We hope to serve their interests
by taking advantage of the strength of our diverse backgrounds and passions.

DG: Let’s change the pace a bit. Favorite Sharples meal?

MW: Turkey Melt

KP: Frozen Yogurt and Peanut Butter

NA: Rice with Chili and Humus

CS: Pancakes with Yogurt, bananas, Brown Sugar

SCO (as a group): Cookies!

DG: How can the senior class best work with you to see results?

SCO: The Senior Class needn’t worry about the actual implementation of ideas–we
will take care of that. However, the quality of the activities and fund raising
will be a direct reflection of how well the class involves itself in brainstorming.
Our hope is that everyone will approach us with suggestions. We will form committees
for each major project, thus providing anyone with a specific interest the opportunity
to become directly involved in shaping the decisions.

DG: Finally, got any words of advice for freshmen on life at Swat?

SCO: First, take advantage of pass/fail to acclimate yourself with Swarthmore’s
academic and social environments. Second, strive to balance your school work
with whatever you are passionate about outside the classroom. Be sure to try
new things. You’ve got the rest of your life to become a professional. Relax
and have fun. Third, eliminate any predispositions about people you brought
with you–take advantage of the eclectic group here.

*****

by Evelyn Khoo
Living and Arts Editor

Doesn’t this wind in your hair and the cold sting in your cheeks just make
you want to run around outdoors all day? Or perhaps it has the opposite effect
and all you want to do is curl up under your comforter with three pairs of socks
on and the promise of hot chocolate when you finally crawl out. Do both this
weekend!! While the sun is shining, head off campus but by nightfall come back
to your cosy dorm bed worn out but oh so satisfied.

Friday

Pop down to the Esther M. Klein Gallery at 3600 Market Street to see “Creativity
in Confinement”, an exhibit featuring artwork by prisoners. The exhibit
is free and open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Saturday

Get with the Bard Saturday night and check out the Philadelphia Shakespeare
Festival’s “Julius Caesar”, at 2111 Sansom Street at 7:30 p.m. Tickets
range from $26.00 to $33.00. And if you miss it, never fear, the show runs until
November 16th.

Sunday

Jazz fans from around the area probably already know all about it, but Philly
newbies (who have that jazz-loving streak) will definitely want to stop by Natalie’s
Lounge, at 4003 Market Street to catch a mixture of amateur and professional
jazz musicians playing on Sunday evenings. The professionals play from 4:30
p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and the floor opens up for amateur acts from 9:00 p.m. until
midnight. Hit University City and soak up that sound!

*****

* The CIA’s lead weapons inspector, David Kay, told congressional intelligence
committees Thursday that his team has not yet found weapons of mass destruction
in Iraq. However, he said that inspectors have found evidence of a biological
weapons program. He also noted more substantial activity in missile production
than Iraq disclosed to the United Nations. Kay said his inspectors need more
time before conclusions can be reached, and he urged patience. He also said
he is not ready to say that there are no weapons to be found. Apparently, the
inspectors’ task is made difficult by Iraqis still loyal to Saddam Hussein’s
ousted regime, but also because even the bulkiest materials they are looking
for can be hidden in space not much larger than a two-car garage. “It’s
a huge country and there’s a lot to do,” Kay pointed out.

* In a stark rejection of American proposals, U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan
made clear on Thursday the United Nations could not play a proper political
role in Iraq under terms Washington wanted. While not refusing outright to participate
in the political process, Annan told ambassadors at a Security Council lunch
that the new U.S. drafted resolution envisaged a role for the United Nations
that could not be implemented. It was one of the few times during his five years
as secretary-general Annan had opposed the United States so bluntly on a crucial
issue. The United States had tacit support for the resolution from a majority
of Security Council members, although many were skeptical. But Annan’s comments
might make it impossible for the 15-member body to support the measure. “What
we need is a coherent and workable mandate,” a senior U.N. official told
Reuters. “What we do not want is an unimplementable mandate reached on
the basis of a false consensus in the council.” In his remarks to reporters,
Annan said the draft resolution had not followed his recommendation of setting
up an interim Iraqi government before a constitution was written and new elections
were held

* South Korean President Roh Moo Hyun is taking a gamble with his decision
this week to quit the Millennium Democratic Party (MDP). Instead of relying
on blanket support from the ‘ruling party’ – which does not exist any more –
the presidential Blue House now has to lobby individual lawmakers to endorse
its policy proposals. Mr. Roh was giving up his party affiliation to stop unnecessary
political conflict and to concentrate on administration, according to a Blue
House statement. His departure ends 13 years of affiliation with the party that
made him, albeit reluctantly, president. Mr Roh is the fourth consecutive president
to quit his party in recent South Korean history. His decision to leave after
just seven months in office is evidence of his determination to undertake unprecedented
reform as well as of political leadership in transition. By walking out on the
MDP and with no invitation to join the new PPUP, the President risks further
problems in trying to run the country. Assuming he is invited to join the new
party, failure by the PPUP to win decisive support could further weaken Mr.
Roh’s mandate. His is an uphill task but if he can pull it off, Mr. Roh could
blaze a trail for reform and a change in Korean politics not seen before.

* Pope John Paul II on Wednesday brushed aside any suggestions that he was
cutting back on his schedule and announced that he would travel to a shrine
in Pompeii next week. Following alarm on Tuesday over a cardinal’s remarks that
the Pope was in ‘bad’ shape, another top prelate insisted that the 83-year-old
pontiff, who has Parkinson’s disease, has no intention of stepping down. Last
week, the Pope skipped his weekly audience because of a mild intestinal ailment.
On Wednesday, Pope John Paul II looked alert and spirited throughout his two-hour
appearance. ‘God willing,’ he said, he will journey next Tuesday to Pompeii
to pray at a Catholic shrine. Other stamina-testing appearances on his calendar
include: Oct 16, a Mass marking the 25th anniversary of his election as Pope;
Oct 19, the beatification of Mother Teresa; and Oct 21, a ceremony for new cardinals
he named last Sunday.

*****

Friday:

Lunch Talk with Damien Schnyder
BCC, 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Collection Talk by Economist Robert Pollin: “Living Wage: Building a Fair
Economy”
LPAC Cinema, 1:00 p.m.

Anime Lecture by Susan J. Napier
Science Center 199, 4:15 p.m.

Earthlust’s A Walk in the Woods Series #2: “Birds of the Crum”
Martin loading docks, 3:30 p.m.

Slide Lecture by Carmen Lomas Garza
LPAC Cinema, 4:30 p.m.

Anime Exhibit Opening Reception
McCabe, 5:30 p.m.

Forum on Palestine with Philadelphia Quakers
Friends Meeting House, 7:00 p.m.

Lecture by Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove: “To Baghdad and Beyond: Christian
Nonviolence in an Age of Empire”
Kohlberg 115, 7:30 p.m.

Movie: “Matrix Reloaded”
LPAC, 7:30 & 10:00 p.m.

Pterodactyl Hunt
Parrish Parlors, 7:30 p.m.

“Roger and Me” Film Showing
Science Center 101, 8:00 p.m.

Axelrod String Quartet Concert
Lang Concert Hall, 8:00 p.m.

Anime Club Screening: “Serial Experiments Lain”
Kohlberg 228, 9:00 p.m.

SASS Open Movie Night: “Undercover Brother”
BCC, 9:00 p.m.

“Good Play” Party
Paces, 10:00 p.m.

Saturday:

Papel Picado Workshop
Old Tarble, 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

“Live at Jimmy’s” Party
Paces, 10:00 p.m.

Sunday:

Swarthmore Meeting Worship
Friends Meeting House, 10:00 a.m.

Catholic Mass
Bond, 11:00 a.m.

Swarthmore Meeting Adult Religious Education: Joan Broadfield on Diversity
Friends Meeting House, 11:45 a.m.

Baha’i Campus Association Meeting: “Reflections on the Life of the Spirit”
Parrish Parlors, 7:00 p.m.

*****

SPORTS UPDATE

Today
There are no contests scheduled for today.

Tomorrow
Men’s Tennis hosts ITA Regional, 9:00 a.m.
Cross Country at Dickinson Invite, 10:30 a.m.
Field Hockey at Dickinson, 12:00 p.m.
Women’s Soccer hosts Washington, 1:00 p.m.
Volleyball at Muhlenberg w/ McDaniel, 3:30/5:00 p.m.
Men’s Soccer at F&M, 2:30 p.m.

Sunday
Men’s Tennis hosts ITA Regional, 9:00 a.m.

*****

QUOTE OF THE DAY

“The most remarkable thing about my mother is that for thirty years she
served the family nothing but leftovers. The original meal has never been found.”
–Calvin Trillin

*****

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