Middlebury College Bookstore Shopping Spree

Or, How Middlebury College Lost $634.29 in 60 Seconds. (What's that expression? A fool and his money easily part?)

Ladies & Gentlemen, I give you exhibit A:



Rumor on the street is that this little shopping spree has rubbed a few people the wrong way. With recent discussion of high prices in the Bookstore, some students are questioning whether the shopping spree was an appropriate event. Let's face it: $634.29 is a lot of money!

And just where does this money come from? I seem to recall a poster or an e-mail somewhere from the Bookstore which said, "All proceeds benefit Middlebury College," or some outrageous baloney like that. Poor, poor Middlebury College. It can barely afford juice in the dining halls. Let's all run to the Bookstore and contribute to a needy cause.

I'll give you a needy cause: how about all those low-income students from warmer climates who can't afford to buy sweatshirts, gloves, and scarves? If the Bookstore is going to throw away $634 worth of Middlebury clothing, let's see them donate it to the bins around campus.

Or, even better: There are 4,000 homeless people in Vermont. I encourage you to walk in the woods behind Buttolph Acres and see what life is like for them. Let's give them some warm clothing for this winter.

MiddBlog wants to know: What do you think of the Bookstore's shopping spree? Hit the comments.

(P.S. Let's be clear: Chelsea Jessica and Keith are nice people; they participated in a contest like most people would. MiddBlog blames the Bookstore, not them.)

(P.P.S. Chelsea is also a nice person, it's just that that's not her in the video! Apparently. Why didn't someone say anything earlier!? :) )

Update 10/17, 10:56 a.m.: Yes, it's true. Book Store broke up with MiddBlog on Facebook. MiddBlog found out through an anonymous comment. MiddBlog is ready to move on. Want to be in a relationship with MiddBlog? You can initiate on Facebook.

Task Force on the Status of Women at Middlebury

The Task Force on the Status of Women at Middlebury will hold an open meeting today at 4:15 p.m. in Library 145. Chair of the Task Force Carrie Rampp sent out an e-mail this morning with the following questions:

-What is the current campus climate on matters of sexual assault and harassment? How are more subtle non-violent forms of sexism experienced on our campus?

-What challenges do women face on athletic teams? In intramural and recreational athletic activities?

-How does gender shape interaction in the classroom? Does this vary by department?

-How are eating disorders experienced on our campus, and how does this relate to access to Health Center services?

-How are the experiences listed above different for women of color and lesbian/bisexual women?

Go to the meeting and tell the Task Force what you think! Can't attend? Hit the comments with your answers!

A Feral Child Comes to Middlebury?

An active reader of MiddBlog sent in this gem from The Middlebury Radio Theater. In a heart-warming and thrilling podcast, a Midd student, who also happens to be a feral child, writes a touching letter to his "Mother Bitch" about his MOO trip.

Cameo "appearance" by Ron Liebowitz.

MMG and MCAB Proudly Present . . .

Caity Moseman '08! ::crowd cheers::

In the humble opinion of MiddBlog, Caity Moseman is muy caliente.

For that reason, you should go to the Grille tonight, 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., and listen to Caity play sweet, sweet music.

Now Back to Our Regularly Scheduled Programming

It is Day 2 of Fall Family Weekend. Have any war stories to share? Hit the comments.


Sports

Women's Soccer vs. Williams
12:00 P.M. to 02:00 P.M.
Dragone Track/Field

Men's Rugby v. St. Michael's (I've heard that they're kind of good.)
01:00 P.M. to 03:00 P.M.
South Field 3

Men's Soccer vs. Williams
01:00 P.M. to 03:00 P.M.
South Street Fields

Football vs Williams
01:30 P.M. to 04:30 P.M.
Alumni Stadium

B Field Hockey vs. Williams
01:45 P.M. to 03:45 P.M.
Peter Kohn Field

Everything Else

Theatrical Reading of Freud's Future of an Illusion
2:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M.
The Old Sheehan Place

MOQA's Coming Out Week Parent Panel and Reception
02:30 P.M. to 04:30 P.M.
McCullough - Mitchell Green Lounge

Hirschfield Film - Tristram Shandy
03:00 P.M. to 05:30 P.M.
Dana Auditorium

Cafecito Hour: A Vision for Social Change at Middlebury College
04:30 P.M. to 06:00 P.M.
Carr Hall - Palana Intercultural Center

Virile Viruses (Faculty panel on gender in the fight against STDs)
04:30 P.M. to 06:00 P.M.
Robert A. Jones '59 Conference Room

Christian Gerhaher, baritone and Gerold Huber, piano
08:00 P.M. to 10:00 P.M.
Center for the Arts Concert Hall

Hepburn Zoo Performance: Certified Organic Musical
08:00 P.M. to 10:00 P.M.
Hepburn Zoo

Hirschfield Film - Tristram Shandy
08:00 P.M. to 10:30 P.M.
Dana Auditorium

A Capella Jamboree
09:30 P.M. to 10:30 P.M.
Mead Chapel

The Davis Center: Precisely What Midd Doesn't Need

Before McCullough gets its Oprah make-over, everyone on this campus needs to watch this video. Not only is it quite possibly the funniest thing I have ever seen in my entire life (next to "The Landlord" starring Pearl, of course), it is also informative. So, take this as a PSA from UVM, otherwise we'll be LOL at our POS Student Center.



Thanks to Cathy Resmer of Seven Days!

The Parents Are Here! The Parents Are Here!

How does MiddBlog know?

1. It is impossible to drive through town.
2. There is no available parking on-campus.
3. I have had 2.5 brushes with death while crossing the street.
4. There has been a sudden increase of people aged 40-65 and the student to faculty ratio has not improved.

H'ok so. Now that you have successfully completed Steps 1-5, as outlined below, you have to figure out what to do with the family over the next 72 fun-filled hours. That is a long time, my friends, and MiddBlog is here to help.

Friday
Atwater Commons Reception, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. in Allen Lounge

The Pumpkin Tumble, 3:30 to 6 p.m. on Battell Beach: "Come hang out with mini-donks, try your skills at an eating contest, race pumkins up and down a hill and listen to some sweet old-time music at the Mountain Club's annual Pumpkin Tumble." OMG MINI DONKS!!!1!

Two Americas: Income Inequality in the United States, 4:30 to 6:00 p.m. in RAJ. How appropriate for Parents Weekend!

Open Hip-Hop Classes by Riddim, 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. in Coltrane Lounge. Someone please take your parents to this. And then send the pictures to MiddBlog [at] gmail [dot] com. You will be handsomely rewarded with a tray, salt 'n pepper shakers, and a bottle of juice.

Hillel Shabbat Service, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. in FIC. Pretend like you've been going all semester.

Women's Volleyball, 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. in Pepin. Say hi to Ellen for me.

Informal Dinner Chat with Duda Penteado, 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. in Carr Hall.

MCAB Free Friday Film: Ratatouille, 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. and 10:00 to 11:55. What? Knocked Up wasn't good enough for Parents Weekend?

Open House Night at the Observatory, 7:30 to 9:00 p.m. Probably will be cancelled. I guess it just wasn't in the stars.

MCAB Family Trivia, 7:30 to 9:30 in the Grille. Show your family just how smart you are!

Francois Clemmons and Cynthia Huard, piano, 8:00 to 10:00 p.m. in the CFA.

Certified Organic Musical, 8:00 to 10:00 p.m. in Hepburn Zoo.

MiddCheer Talent Show, 8:00 to 10:00 p.m. in McCullough

Late-Night: Middle School, 11:30 to 2:30 a.m. What fun! A trip back in time to the worst days of your life!

Stay tuned for Saturday!

Breaking News: Al Gore Wins Nobel Peace Prize!

According to CNN.com, "Former Vice President Al Gore and the U.N.'s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change won the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize on Friday for their work to raise awareness about global warming. In a statement, Gore said he was 'deeply honored,' adding that 'the climate crisis is not a political issue, it is a moral and spiritual challenge to all of humanity.'"

::tear:: Beautiful. Wait, it gets better . . .

"The former vice president said he would donate his half of the $1.5 million prize to the Alliance for Climate Protection, a U.S. organization he founded that aims to persuade people to cut emissions and reduce global warming."

Three cheers for Al. He should be this year's graduation speaker.

The Parents are Coming! The Parents are Coming!

MiddBlog is here to provide you with 5 Easy Steps to Ensure a Positive Fall Family Weekend:

Step 1: Hide the box of condoms as deep as possible in your underwear drawer. If possible, hide them as deep as possible in your roomate's underwear drawer.

Step 2: Clean your room. Just do it. Otherwise, Mom/Dad/Both Moms/Both Dads/Stepmom/Stepfather/Grandma/Grandpa/Aunt/Uncle/Cousin will feel obligated to clean up your pig pen. But whatever you do, don't let them put your underwear away.
(Did I get everyone? MiddBlog is trying not to be so heteronormative or enforce mainstream "values" on its readers.)

Step 3: Do your laundry. Inevitably, your family will want to take you (and 50 of your closest friends) out for a very nice dinner. Sweatpants and flip-flops are not appropriate attire for the Storm Cafe.

Step 4: Speaking of very nice dinner, MiddBlog hopes you made reservations. If not, your family will be taking you (and 50 of your closest friends) out for a very nice dinner in Atwater.

Step 5: Don't talk about your grades until Sunday.

That about covers it. Stay tuned for the next installment of MiddBlog: Fall Family Weekend Edition.

Kiss Your Winter Carnival Break Goodbye

Seniors can breath a big sigh of relief. The traditional Friday day-off for Winter Carnival is still intact for 2008.

In May of this year, the Board of Trustees approved the elimination of this coveted day off from classes for the 2008-2009 Academic Year. Instead, students will be given a day off in April to attend . . . lectures. Student lectures, that is, but lectures nonetheless.

The issue was discussed at the last Community Council meeting. The decision (it's not really a proposal, now is it?) was met with, how you say, outrage.

MiddBlog wants to know: What do you think of this decision by the Board of Trustees? Would you rather have a day off for Winter Carnival or a day off to attend student presentations/lectures?

(Special thanks to Chelsea Utterback '09, a Middlebury Campus journalist, for information about who made the decision, when the decision was made, and when the decision will take effect.)

24 Actor to Spend Time in Slammer

Jack Bauer Kiefer Sutherland is going to jail. On Tuesday, the actor plead no contest to a misdemeanor charge of DUI, stemming from a September 25 arrest. He will be sentenced on December 21--the first day of winter break 24's production-- to 48 days.

This isn't the first time that Jack Kiefer has been arrested for DUI: it's his fourth since 1989.

Jack Kiefer is the half-brother of Angus Sutherland '05 and son of Donald Sutherland, a Middlebury College Honorary Degree recipient.

It's Coming Out Week!

Wednesday: Wear jeans to support to MOQA and then head to Carr Hall at 9:00 p.m. for a social event featuring (brief) icebreakers and Coming Out Experiences.

Thursday: Screening of But I'm a Cheerleader at 8:00 p.m. in BiHall. This is a fantastic movie.

Friday: Party in Pearson's Lounge 11 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Saturday: Panel discussion at 2:30 p.m. in Mitchell Green featuring students and their parents to talk about issues (being supportive, being out on campus, etc.) followed by a mixer.

Everything is Debatable

Dan Roberts '09 of Debatable Magazine writes to say, "We have already received so many submissions [for our upcoming issue], but we want MUCH more."

Got something to say? E-mail your submissions to debatabl [at] middlebury [dot] edu. According to the Debatable website (the link to which is to your right under "student stuff"), articles can be 600 to 850 words in length, or "blurbs" can be as small as two paragraphs.

Want to read what others have to say? Check out the Debatable website. I found it refreshing that I did not agree with all of the opinions. Doesn't it get a bit boring around here when we all agree to agree?

Be a MiddBlog Writer!

I give you the awesomeness that is Wesleying, Wesleyan's version of MiddBlog. (Or, is MiddBlog Middlebury's version of Wesleying?) See how awesome it is? Wesleying is basically handing MiddBlog its rear-end.

How can MiddBlog achieve such heights? By having more writers. Easy.

MiddBlog is looking for good writers, funny writers, irreverent writers, serious writers, sexy writers, creative writers, controversial writers, liberal writers, conservative writers, cool writers, writing writers, in-the-know writers. All sorts of writers!

If this sounds like you, just e-mail middblog [at] gmail [dot] com or approach MiddBlog on the street. We'll chat.

Capitol Steps Tickets

You'd think it was spring time for Democrats and Hilary!

MCAB has added 150 tickets for the Capitol Steps for Parents Weekend. Tickets available at the box office, in person or by telephone only.

Public Safety

Reading last Thursday's Middlebury Campus, it's evident that Midd Kids love their Public Safety Officers, especially Officer Chris. As for those who work in the lobby? Mmm, not so much.

Tess Russell gave a glowing report of her interview with Officer Chris and waxed poetically about what a popular guy he is; in the Op-Ed section, Chris Anderson lamented that when his visiting chums asked a woman working in Public Safety where the Q Lot is, "The woman didn't answer, but shoved a map in front of their faces and walked away." Chris adds, "Which to me, was incredible. Working in a customer service job myself, I know that there are right and wrong ways to speak to someone, to respond to questions and to maintain poise and professional courtesy."

Nobody's perfect. We all have those days. I believe Audrey Hepburn referred to them as the "mean reds" in Breakfast at Tiffany's. But it seems to me-- if you'll pardon my saying so-- that the "mean reds" occur with some frequency in the Public Safety office.

Most people I know groan at the idea of going to Public Safety. Whether you're picking up a new ID card, filing a report about your "missing" Patagonia fleece, or even dropping off your room key, the expectation is is that it's going to be an ordeal, it's going to be unpleasant.

MiddBlog wants to know: What has your experience been at Public Safety? How would you rate your customer service? Was it poor or fantastic?

And We Think Midd Spends A Lot of Money!

Tuition is high at Club Midd and everytime the College wants to spend money, whether it be travel expenses for the top 100 applicants, tire "art", a fancy new logo, or renovations to McCullough, peeps complain.

Just to put it all in perspective, here are some of the expenses that Oral Roberts University had over the past decade. (Allegedly, of course):

-A longtime maintenance employee was fired so that an underage male friend of Mrs. Roberts could have his position.

-Mrs. Roberts — who is a member of the board of regents and is referred to as ORU's "first lady" on the university's Web site — frequently had cell-phone bills of more than $800 per month, with hundreds of text messages sent between 1 a.m. to 3 a.m. to "underage males who had been provided phones at university expense."

-The university jet was used to take one daughter and several friends on a senior trip to Orlando, Fla., and the Bahamas. The $29,411 trip was billed to the ministry as an "evangelistic function of the president."

-Mrs. Roberts spent more than $39,000 at one Chico's clothing store alone in less than a year, and had other accounts in Texas and California. She also repeatedly said, "As long as I wear it once on TV, we can charge it off." The document cites inconsistencies in clothing purchases and actual usage on TV.

-Mrs. Roberts was given a white Lexus SUV and a red Mercedes convertible by ministry donors.

-University and ministry employees are regularly summoned to the Roberts' home to do the daughters' homework.

-The university and ministry maintain a stable of horses for exclusive use by the Roberts' children.

-The Roberts' home has been remodeled 11 times in the past 14 years.

MiddBlog Weather Forecast

Today: Rain

Tuesday: Rain

Wednesday: Rain

Thursday: Rain

And, for a change of pace . . .

Friday: Rain

Time to break out your foul weather gear and those uber-cute galoshes.

What's Your Inclination?

The Middlebury College website has an article about Patrick Dougherty's swirling tree sculpture entitled, "Environmental sculpture 'So Inclined' rises in front of Center for the Arts."

Don't get me wrong. I think these tree sculptures are amazing and breathtaking and wow and far superior to the pile of tires outside of Hillcrest. But what's so "environmental" about them? Natural, yes, but environmental? Not so sure. A lot of trees had to die for "So Inclined."

MiddBlog wants to know: What's your inclination: environmental or natural? Do you find "So Inclined" aesthetically pleasing? Hit the comments.

Feminist Action Midd

FAM meets every Sunday night at 9:30 p.m. in the Chellis House, located behind Proctor. If you are interested and would like more information, you can e-mail Kolbe Franklin '08 at kbfrankl [at] middlebury [dot] edu or Aaron Gensler '08 at agensler [at] middlebury [dot] edu. Kolbe tells MiddBlog, "We are always looking for new enthusiastic members!!"