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(09/30/93 9:00am)
Knockin' boots behind the books. Well, whatever one may call it, the October edition of Spy magazine lists the stacks of Van Pelt Library, the Fine Arts stacks and under the Button as some of the best places on America's college campuses to have sex. John Sellers, a self-described "lowly intern" at Spy's New York offices, confirmed this week that the three University references on the ever-ambiguous "Spy College List" were indeed related to sexual escapades. Similarly low Spy intern Carl Swanson said a University graduate might have had heavy influence on the "college list." "We must have had someone from Pennsylvania working on those things," he said. Also included in the list are the courtyard at Harvard University's Dunster House and the Stanford University mausoleum where founder Leland Stanford and his wife are buried. "The Spy List you have to figure out yourself," Sellers said. "It's an inside joke." He later admitted, however, that the list was where staffers "recommend" students across the country indulge in lustful lunges. Despite the sites' apparent popularity, University officials said they have never encountered such behavior. "I'm curious," said Charles Jenkins, who is the Van Pelt building manager and has been with the University since 1958. "Exhibitionists" have been the main source of trouble for the library, he said. Jenkins said he "wouldn't know what to do" if he caught a couple groping in the geography section. "It would depend on how involved they were," Jenkins said. "I would think people would have more sense than to have to do that." For a student body so easily stumped on esoteric microeconomics questions, many had quick recall of the University's desire-inducing dark closets and shag-carpeted lounges. College junior Audrey Cooper said the logistics at the Button might be difficult. "I checked out the Button," she said, "and I think the only way it would really be possible is if there was a big power outage." Cooper added that Franklin Field might be a better place for the adventurous. College junior Max Handelman suggested a more sordid locale. "The Murph's [Murphy's Tavern] bathroom," Handelman said. "People laugh at that, but I know people who have done it." On a more personal level, Handelman was most forthcoming. "While desecrating the glorious halls of Wharton was a highlight, I would have to go with the Ashhurst study lounge for the cozy ambience and soft floor," Handelman said. Right.
(09/30/93 9:00am)
It wasn't your ordinary rock-n-roll venue. It was Skolnik's. But past the soups of the day – chicken noodle and Northeast clam chowder – and beyond the last scraps of pumpernickel bagels, rock band the Samples performed yesterday to a crowd of a few hundred. When the power blew in the middle of the first song, it seemed like Houston Hall's limitations as a concert site had become painfully clear. But the electricity was quickly restored and the Samples successfully completed their set amidst the zesty aroma of Skolnik's renowned garlic-flavored cream cheese. The Special Planning and Events Committee brought the Samples to campus for the 45-minute free show. The band was scheduled to perform last night at the Chestnut Cabaret. Organizer Rishon Blumberg said the University was lucky to get such an intimate performance from the band. "Thank God there is a graduating alumnus who works for the label," the Wharton senior said. Most students seemed to be in agreement, as some crowded around the band stretching for autographs and talking about particular songs. As lead singer Sean Kelly signed posters at Discovery Discs, fans discussed what they liked about the band from Boulder, Colo. "I am a big Samples fan," College sophomore Josh Senders said. "I like their type of music and I saw their Halloween show last year." Tracy Spitzberg, also a College sophomore, said she has "always listened to the Samples." She was attending the Houston Hall performance because she couldn't attend the Chestnut Cabaret show. The show had special meaning for Boulder native Victoria Morehouse. "I used to see these guys play in closet theaters where they got paid nothing," the College sophomore said. "I can't believe it," she said. "These guys are my babies, I'm so proud of them." SPEC hopes to capitalize on yesterday's successes at the upcoming Skimmer Day concert – a planned fall equivalent of Spring Fling. For Samples bassist Andy Sheldon, the show was pretty casual. As Sheldon signed scores of the band's bright green promotional posters, an admiring fan coyly asked him, "Will you sign my hand?" "It's great," Sheldon said. "It's fun for people to eat their lunch and hear some background music."
(09/28/93 9:00am)
Imagine walking into a bar and sticking your hand into an ice cold vat of custard. That's exactly what's happening as fraternities across campus deal with a part of a new alcohol policy which mandates that "non-salty snacks" be served at all parties. In a form of mild protest, the fraternities have begun to offer snacks which fit the most liberal definition of "non-salty" – a term which opens the broadest of culinary horizons. That's right. Gone are salty pretzels and Cool Ranch Doritos. Insert canned beets and moldy bread. It's the law. "I heard some houses bought five loaves of bread for the entire year," Interfraternity Council President Morris Massel said. "There may be rules against salt, but not mold." If anything, the whole "salty-snack issue" has elicited creative and novel approaches from a fraternity system encroached by some of the most extensive regulations in its history. They have agreed to follow the rules, but they're not agreeing passively. "At the last party we had rye cakes and frozen raspberries," Sigma Alpha Epsilon President and Wharton junior John Zdrodowski. Zdrodowski said the rye cakes – which are similar to the ever-tasty rice cake – were a special hit among partygoers. "People liked them the best," Zdrodowski said. "They loved to throw them." Other fraternities adopted more of a liquid strategy to the "no-salt" directive. Alpha Epsilon Pi has offered a trio of treats including pudding, custard and Jell-o. "The international students really got into the custard," AEPi member Jon Brolin said. He had no explanation as to why, however. St. Anthony's Hall has started to use cereal as its snack of choice, and president Josh Gould said the house will choose a cereal for each party's theme. For example, Froot Loops might be served at a tropical bash. Gould said, however, that a BYOB policy should apply to food, as well. "If people have to bring their own beer, they should have to bring their own food, too," Gould said. Massel said he did not know why the "non-salty snack" rule was included in the latest agreement. He suggested, however, that fraternities might want to bring their often debauch bashes to a more upscale market. "I don't see why steak without salt wouldn't fit the rule," Massel said. But, he added, the cocktail favorite "pigs-in-a-blanket" would probably be a bit more cost-efficient.
(09/23/93 9:00am)
Most freshman English compositions are returned with red slashes warning about those annoying rules that govern grammar. College freshman Colin Larkin probably doesn't have that problem. He's got an agent. Indeed, while most University students hope for a generous A- on their latest Henry James papers, Larkin has galavanted to Hollywood to sell scripts to Star Trek: The Next Generation. He hasn't sold any yet, but he's on the right trek. "In the beginning of high school, I loved to write situations of people doing things," Larkin said. "While this is sort of a really fun thing to do and all, it [television] is the most difficult medium to break into." Larkin's odyssey to sell his Star Trek episodes spanned two years and hundreds of miles. While still a high school student, he simply mailed five episodes to Paramount Studios. As could be expected, they weren't picked up. But after securing an agent, Larkin persisted in his quest to break into the lucrative television market – where one Star Trek script garners $22,000 and a lifetime of syndication royalties. He got a return call. "They liked it enough for me to come out and pitch story ideas to them," Larkin said. Very few writers get follow-up calls, he said. "The best thing is that they'll ask you back," Larkin said. "It took them a year." So there he stood, trying to convince Hollywood producers with children his own age that, yes, his episodes were worth the money. "Even if they really can't find a problem with the script, they're paid to make one up," Larkin said. In the end, his scripts were rejected, leaving Larkin disillusioned about the allure and promise of Hollywood. "Everything in The Player is true, and its not an exaggeration what you saw," he said. "They're ruthless." "I have to be a little cynical," he continued. "I think that I once believed that if I do it properly I'll be fine, and I'm going to keep doing it. But I know the realities of it." Though Larkin labels himself a "writer" and not a "Trekkie," he admits he has attended a few Star Trek conventions – those oft-satirized breeding grounds of Leonard Nimoy lunchboxes and William Shatner commemorative platters. "They're very, very bizarre," Larkin said. "Some of the people are cool. But, for a lot of them, this is the only place in society where they can belong anywhere." Writing an hour-long episode requires an extensive command of the characters, and in his Next Generation script, it seemed that he had more than working knowledge of its characters and plot lines. "I work my ass off, and I'm proud of what I've done," Larkin said. "It's not the result of inspired writing talent. It's hard work." Still, for those who struggle with the intricacies of the English language, pitching story ideas to the brains of Hollywood doesn't sound so bad.
(09/20/93 9:00am)
Snatching a bit of relaxation from the grinding molars of urban life makes students do some strange things. But fishing? Fly fishing? With hopes of abandoning the swirling mounds of garbage and bleating car alarms of the big city, a group of students has formed the Penn Angler Society, an organization devoted to securing a bit of serenity from the mania of metropolitan life. And they're serious about it. They're talking Student Activities Council funding to buy fishing rods. "It's so easy to get out of touch with the outside world," said Wharton junior Greg VandenBosch, a lifelong angler and novice fly-fisherman. "After a while, your world only gets as big as West Philadelphia." VandenBosch and College senior Steve Birndorf have taken a number of 35-minute sojourns to Perkiomen Creek in Philadelphia's outskirts. And, according to society founder Birndorf, the waters are good. "I caught 10 fish in two hours," Birndorf said. Granted, they weren't big fish. But Birndorf and VandenBosch wanted to bring fly fishing's relaxing qualities to more students. They were shocked by the number of interested, yet frustrated, fishermen who lurk around campus. "The tale-tell sign is seeing someone with a trout T-shirt," Birndorf said. "People who have done it before are very interested. The scenario has been the same for VandenBosch. "You'd be surprised," said VandenBosch. "The more people I meet, the more I realize who would enjoy and don't have access to it." So what makes fly-fishing such an uplifting experience? VandenBosch said the scenery is a real drawing card. "You'd never believe that you can drive 35 minutes and be in that kind of a secluded area," VandenBosch said. He said the creek is 60 feet wide and has 50-foot bluffs on both sides –Eideal scenery for contemplative students caught in the rut of city existence. "If you are having a rough day," Vandenbosch said, "you leave from class and drive to the creek. ... When you leave, you feel much more refreshed to take on the University." Club plans include applying for SAC funding and taking possible trips to Central Pennsylvania, which VandenBosch said has "amazing fishing." There will be a meeting tonight at 9 p.m. in room 301 at Houston Hall for interested fisherfolk. No experience is necessary; even the two founders are novices, both having started this summer. Yet, for those who are willing to take the time and want to adopt the angler moniker, VandenBosch said "people are willing to help each other along in this sport."
(09/13/93 9:00am)
and PETER MORRISON Samer Zureikat and Adam Schaffer have been bombarded with the rhetoric for their entire lives. They've listened to the rallying calls of stern presidents and the vengeful diatribes of radical clerics and rabbis. But as the Middle East begins to accept the possibility of a new peace, Zureikat, a Wharton junior from Jordan, and Schaffer, a College junior from Maryland, have started to look beyond old conventions to a new understanding. They hope that, somehow, the hate might stop. "I think that as Jews, a lot of us were raised with that 'us and them' mentality," said Schaffer, treasurer of the Jewish Social Action Committee. "But, as you grow up and mature in the world, you realize there is a certain rationality to both sides of the argument." Zureikat, who was born in Beirut and has lived in Jordan, Egypt, and Greece, said he also is hopeful about the peace process. But, as a first-hand observer of Middle East politics, he cautioned that, "you're always pleased but very skeptical. It's way too fast. You can't erase all this history in a few days." The peace plan, which will be signed today at the White House, calls for mutual recognition of Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization and an end to institutionalized violence in the region. It also calls for Palestinian self-rule in some of Israel's occupied territories. Political events are developing at such speeds, Zureikat said, that citizens of the Middle East are themselves unaware of the latest events. "I called my father [in Jordan] while he was watching the news," Zureikat said. "And I asked my parents what was going on ... and they don't even know what's going on." No one, not even Zureikat's uncle – a Jordanian negotiator – is sure of possible treaty details. But Zureikat foresees a better Middle East in the future. "Finally, Palestinians and Israelis can begin talking to each other without denouncing one another," he said. Schaffer, who said recent events were "unthinkable" a few months ago, added that it gives him "hope for the world." "The current euphoria will dissipate," Political Science Professor Ian Lustick said. "Future struggles may be fierce and bloody, but a historic settlement is within reach. The Middle East is hurtling toward logic." He added that the plan's strength is that it is "rooted in political necessity." The accord's weakness is that "it postpones difficult, delicate issues" Lustick added, however, that Arafat's position is much more "precarious." Political Science Professor Alvin Rubinstein said he does not believe both camps have dealt adequately with the disputes that caused the turmoil and added that they have not completely detailed the methods to ensure peace. "The developments over the next five years will hopefully open the way for a reconciliation between Palestine and Israel," he said. "Hopefully, the United States will play an important part." "All we have seen is the bare outline," he added. "We don't know who will be in charge of security, who will handle civil disturbances. What happens if an Israeli kills a Palestinian or if a Palestinian harms an Israeli?" At the University, the peace will have a different meaning – it will mean that professors will have to revamp the courses they teach. "I guess we'll all have to get some new notes," Rubinstein joked.
(09/09/93 9:00am)
Surrounded by hordes of T-shirt hawkers, Persian-rug salesman and testy security guards, the Class of 1997 squeezed its way through the Quadrangle's upper gate last weekend. From athletic coaches to the Penn Band, it seemed that everyone wanted a piece of the freshman class as it moved in. "The first thing that happens is that they get nailed by the crew coaches," laughed women's Head Crew Coach Carol Bower as she stood next to the shiny hull of a crew boat strategically placed to induce queries from curious freshmen. Bower said she was looking to recruit "tall, athletic women who enjoy getting into a sport." Sophomore salesman Scott Ahchin wasn't as picky. He would sell a "Deadsylvania Quaker" t-shirt to anyone with $12. The freshmen were "easy to sway" into buying the shirts, he said. The crowd at the front gate was a distraction for at least one new student, Shira Sokal, from Potomac, Md. "A group of guys are going around forcing t-shirts on people," Sokal said. But, she admitted, those same male perpetrators were "cute" and "better than high school guys." Sokal, along with scores of other freshmen and their parents, was waiting in front of Bishop White to claim her rental refrigerator. The line almost touched the other side of the Quad, and some were sweaty from the 90-degree weather. But, for the most part, move-in day seemed to be much smoother than expected for many freshmen. With some help from her mother, College freshman Stephanie Simon said her day was going well. "I could not have done this without her, even though I carried everything that was heavy," said Simon, from nearby Huntingdon Valley, Pa. Even Assistant to the President Nicholas Constan, dressed in a dark suit and tie, was in the Quad, talking to newly-arrived students and parents. Constan said he "always wished [move-in] were better organized" and that the University treated the students and parents better. Still, Constan said he was glad to see the University go from "comatose to alive" with the return of students to campus.
(04/22/93 9:00am)
All but 12 of the 142 groups funded by the Student Activities Council will have their money cut next year, according to the budget passed by the SAC general body last night. With about $120,000 less to grant than this year, the body scrambled to slash expenditures and limit costs -- rendering many traditionally heavily-funded groups with no SAC money for 1993-94. And one group -- AIESEC, an international internship program -- was apparently voted out of existence when the body voted not to pay for its national membership fee even after its representative pleaded that he had "put too much time in this organization to see it go down." But cutbacks punctured the finances of all types of organizations. From Mask & Wig to the Panhellenic Council, members were struggling with SAC's new streamlined budget. SAC even dipped into next year's contingency fund a semester early, hoping to provide support for organizations which were passed over in the initial budgeting process. But still left out were the majority of performing arts groups which generate ticket revenue. The SAC Finance Committee -- the group which makes recommendations to the general body -- applied a rule which cut all funding for groups which were "self-supporting." The committee defined "self-supporting" as any group which independently made more money than the amount of last year's SAC grant. "There is no reason that Student Activities dollars should go to a group that can function on its own," Wharton junior and SAC Finance member Dipak Patel said. Across SAC, leaders and activity members said that all students will have to accept the cutbacks, but some suggested that SAC should receive more funding from either the students' General Fee or directly from the University. "We should get more money," SAC Finance Committee Vice Chairperson and Wharton sophomore Dave Browne said last night. "You've got hundreds of millions of dollars flowing through this University, and a little under $500,000 is all we have for student activites. Another $100,000 would take care of a lot of this." College freshman Elizabeth Mitchell, the Stimulus representative, said SAC funding is not growing at a pace equivalent to that of the general body. "I think that if student groups on campus are going to expand, and other groups come in, then SAC will have to expand with it," Mitchell said.
(04/19/93 9:00am)
The Undergraduate Assembly solidified revisions to its internal structure at its meeting Thursday night, considerably altering the way the body will function compared to years past. Gone are the numerous committees which traditionally served as the UA's main legislative apparatus. Inserted are three new groups, which leaders have called "Brainstorming Structures." Named Campus Facilities, University Budget and Finance and Student Life, these groups will focus on what UA Chairperson and College sophomore Seth Hamalian called "bigger issues." Emerging from the brainstorming groups are "collapsing work groups" which will concentrate on specific issues around campus. According to UA documents, the work groups will not be like standing committees, but will disband once a problem or concern is resolved. Policy proposals will also replace resolutions as the UA's main means of outside communication. According to the document, the "Policy proposals will contain data, opinions, polls, and administrative plans." This type of document is a move away from resolutions -- which often contained very little research, if any. The motion to approve the new plan passed almost unanimously, with only Wharton freshman Daniel Chen dissenting. Chen raised questions at the meeting about the collapsing work groups. He said the previous standing committee structure allowed for continuity on certain issues. Also discussed at the meetings was a petition sponsored by Women on the Walk. The group sought the support of the UA in its campaign to convert the vacant Locust Walk Theta Xi house into a women's center. "We are from all sorts of different groups," College senior and former Panhellenic Council President Debbie Frank said. "There's a lot of support out there -- from every facet of the University." Frank said the organization has already collected 1,500 signatures towards the formation of the center, adding that the group does not support the establishment of a sorority on Locust Walk. "It's not even an alterative," Frank said. The UA formed a new work group on the Locust Walk diversity issue -- to which the Theta Xi house is central.
(04/16/93 9:00am)
The Student Activities Council has about $100,000 less to dole out to student organizations for the next academic year, possibly leaving many arts groups without University funding. SAC groups had submitted the largest request total in history -- around $750,000 -- SAC Finance Chairperson Michael Graves said. But total SAC funding will decrease from $492,000 to $385,000, excluding a modest contingency fund. Graves added that virtually all activities will be forced to cut back an average of 40 percent. "I guess the main focus this year is that we were getting less money," Graves said, explaining the committee's decision. "We were anticipating getting $100,000 less than this year. [The deficit] was hovering like an angel of death." Expenses from the Class Boards and the Social Planning and Events Committee have also cut into the amount of money given to SAC -- which is funded from what is left after the Undergraduate Assembly allocates its budget, SAC financial administrator Lynn Moller said. Performance and a cappella groups were the hardest hit according to recommendations posted by the SAC Finance Committee. A number of those groups would receive no money from the SAC budget, which is funded by part of students' General Fee. Before the plan goes into effect, it must be approved by the full SAC body. Many groups requested thousands of dollars but were rejected in SAC Finance's proposal. Counterparts, Quadramics and Bloomers all asked for more than $4,000, but it was recommended that all three receive no funding. SAC Finance Committee member Scott Goldberg said that after a review of groups' budgets, the committee found that many groups were financially secure without SAC funding and were using those funds for extraneous costs. "Quadramics is a group that claims to need $12,000," Wharton junior Goldberg said. "But out of revenues that they should be applying to their shows, they funded first-night parties." Moller said SAC Finance has been looking to review the budgets for quite some time. "The past two years they have been looking and they don't want to fund group trips to the Bahamas," Moller said. And Graves said performing groups which often report a profit will have to make some sacrifices. "Most groups recognize that it's not a specific targeting of any one group," the Wharton sophomore said. "It's general groups that were cut, and there were very few where we were able to increase." Penn Dance treasurer Kim Siegal said she was surprised by the committee's recommendation that her group receive nothing. "We've always gotten money and its never been an issue," said College freshman Siegal. "We've been a strong organization on campus for a long time."
(04/16/93 9:00am)
The state fair is a unique world where packs of adolescents in Metallica t-shirts roam, where the smell of two-day old bratwurst penetrates your clothing and where the vomit-inducing qualities of carnival rides often work all too well. The organizers of this year's Spring Fling carnival definitely hope you don't get ill tomorrow. They'd be just as pleased if you enjoy some cotton candy and take a few spins on the dubiously-named "Scrambler." The second-annual carnival will be held from 7 p.m. to midnight and Spring Fling co-director Leila Graham-Willis said it promises to be one of the best events during this weekend's numerous Fling activities. "There will be four state fair-size carnival rides," Wharton senior Graham-Willis said, adding that they will consist of a ferris wheel, a "Yo-Yo," a "Scrambler" and a "Round-up." The carnival will include game booths, an air-band competition, live bands and food vendors, she said. She said she expects the carnival to complement, rather than compete with, other Spring Fling parties planned for Saturday night. "We'll do pretty well," Graham-Willis said. "People don't head out until 11 or 12, so they can stop by [and] check it out before they head out to parties." One of the more popular of the scheduled events is the air band duel, a sophisticated lip-synch contest that will take place between 7 and 7:45 p.m. Last year, the carnival was held on Sunday afternoon, but Graham-Willis said it was moved to Saturday night out of consideration for Fling organizers -- who were run ragged by three straight days of events. "It's very difficult for the Fling committee," Graham-Willis said. "The problem with doing it on Sunday is that it's very taxing on us." She added that the carnival can get "a bigger draw at night" because many students are studying or recovering from the weekend by Sunday afternoon. If it rains tomorrow, ride vendors will decide if the rides will be in operation, Graham-Willis said. She speculated that the carnival would be cancelled if there is a downpour with lightning. But if there is a "fine mist," the show will most likely go on.
(04/13/93 9:00am)
and JORDANA HORN Undergraduate student leaders remembered President Sheldon Hackney's tenure last night with fondness and called for his replacement to be responsive to the needs of students. Former Undergraduate Assembly Chairperson Jeff Lichtman said last night that Hackney would be recalled by student leaders as an effective and strong compromiser. "He did an admirable job when playing off the many different constituents on campus and the many different sides," said Lichtman, a College senior. "His impact has been more one of trying to appease many different sides on issues than anything." But UA member Eric Leathers said that compromise may be a less than flattering commentary on Hackney's presidency. "I like Dr. Hackney, but as everyone knows, he was given to compromise -- perhaps too much," Leathers said. "Hopefully we can get someone who wants to effect change in student life." Lichtman added that Hackney's work on the University's $1 billion capital campaign would be an effective legacy of stability to future generations of students. Newly-elected Undergraduate Assembly Chairperson Seth Hamalian looked to the future by challenging the University to select a president who would be responsive to the needs of a diverse campus. "I would want to see a president who is ready to tackle the issues of race relations here on this campus, of increasing enrollment of a variety of people on ethnic and economic lines by maintaining need-blind admissions," Hamalian said. "And to insure that this university continues to draw from the talented, not just from the rich and elite." Leaders also stressed the importance of including undergraduate opinions on the presidential selection committee. Hamalian said UA leaders will be on campus during the summer months in order to be included in the decision-making process. Jonathan Pitt, chairperson of the Student Committee on Undergraduate Education, said he hopes the University will especially focus on the candidate's educational commitments. "I have a sincere hope that in selecting a new president that the Trustees take into account student input and that they look for someone who will better the cause of education at Penn," said Pitt, a College junior. Former SCUE Chairperson Hallie Levin said she feels Hackney has been receptive to students' needs. "I know that the University has improved over his presidency in terms of the quality of education and the quality of the student body," Levin said. "And that kind of momentum and energy will definitely be Hackney legacies." Leaders also said the new president needs to understand students' growing worries over social issues. "It's very important that Penn students continue to have a social life on campus, and get someone who respects the fact that Penn students don't only study," UA Vice Chairperson Scott Sher said. And Interfraternity Council President Morris Massel said he thinks Hackney has set an example that future presidents should follow. "We're going to miss him and I hope that whoever comes to follow in his place is able to lead the University as well as he has and as fairly as he has," the College junior said.
(04/13/93 9:00am)
It was the stuff spy films are made of. A series of fireworks and a cryptic message greeted about 60 students at the crest of the 38th Street bridge last night -- all of whom were requested to be there by the mysterious "IQ Society." The students had recieved invitations from the society for a "tapping ceremony" that was scheduled to take place at midnight. At about 12:11 a.m., six rockets, apparently set from the roof of 1920 Commons, were launched into the air above the bridge. A minute or so later, a message in a vial tied to a string arrived on the top of the bridge. It advised the students, "For the next 49 minutes, you should introduce yourself to as many people as possible, for there are members of IQ society present. Those considered for membership will be contacted tonight." Across campus, students were left dumbfounded about the society and its mission. But most expressed a healthy curiosity as to what it may be. And almost each person in attendance speculated about this seemingly invisible organization. College freshman Matt Kogan said he thinks the group might be similar to other secret societies. "I think its Skull and Bones, an old boys network which is now an old girls network, a secret society of intellectuals and want-to-be intellectuals," Kogan said. He also said he thought the plan was well executed. "I was surprised that they thought of the fireworks and the crazy hidden note," Kogan added. College sophomore Alisha Berger was impressed by the other students at the event, adding that the group could be composed of powerful members on campus. "The thing that was remarkable was the kind of people who were there. I think its a really good concept," Berger said. "It seems like something that could be influential at Penn or for people's futures." Berger also mentioned IQ Society graffiti which has been appearing around campus, in particular the symbol painted on the front of the site of the former Theta Xi house. College junior Jen Raymond said she has not seen the graffiti, but added that she thinks the University needs this kind of organization. "I would liken it to the senior societies, but the novelty of it being a secret society is going to be a catch-all," she said. "Penn needs something to bring 'Ivy' to the University." Raymond said she has heard many rumors about the society, including that the group was started by members of other schools, that it is possibly a Daily Pennsylvanian prank or a ploy by the administration. One clue about IQ might be in a telephone call made to the DP early this morning. Someone claiming to be from IQ Society said, "After 75 years the wait is over, we can finally reveal our name." The caller then hung up.
(04/01/93 10:00am)
Run-off elections for the offices of Senior Class Board president, vice president, secretary and College representatives will be held today on Locust Walk. But missing from the run-offs is College junior Liz Goldman, who was removed Tuesday night from the vice-presidential race. Goldman was disqualified by the Class of 1993 Senior Board -- the body which runs the elections -- for appearing in a photo which ran in Friday's Daily Pennsylvanian. Wharton senior Brooke Hayes, current Senior Class Board treasurer, said Goldman was in violation of a rule which prevents candidates from appearing in the DP during campaign periods. "A candidate is responsible for any press regarding his or her candidadcy," Hayes said, quoting the rule. But Goldman said last night that she thinks the process is unfair. "It makes a whole mockery of the system," Goldman said. "I talked to them for hours, and I still don't know what I did wrong." Hayes said he would not explain the criteria for Goldman's disqualification, saying only that the body concluded "that it was a violation of the code and it gave her an unfair advantage. Hayes added that it was a unanimous decision. Goldman said the Class of 1993 Board did not properly investigate her case. "The Senior Class Board did not do anything," Goldman said. "They didn't even talk to the two other people in the picture." She added that she thinks the rules should be reformed. "The whole thing is playing a game," Goldman said. "It was 100 percent out of control." Wharton junior Ethan Youderian, an unsuccessful candidate for president, said he sees the process as unfair, adding, however, that the DP is partly to blame. "I personally think that press bans on all elections are not the best idea," Youderian, a Wharton junior, said. "And I also think that it wasn't a good decision on part of the DP knowing that the possible consequences of their actions was disqualifying someone." Current Senior Class Board President Michael Rosenband would not comment on the issue. Goldman's disqualification is not the first of its kind. Two years ago, then-junior Marisa Sifontes -- a candidate for Senior Class Board secretary -- was disqualified because she was quoted in a DP story unrelated to the election. Last year, Kerry Kennedy -- a Senior Class Board presidential candidate -- was removed from the race for violating a poster-hanging policy. Tomorrow's run-off for presidency will be between Matt Canner and Laura Lieberman. Robbyn Leventhal and Parnell Clitus will be in the run-off for vice-president. Suzanne Berman and Julie Shoemaker are in the race for secretary, and Debbie Algazy, Sean Gallagher, Dana Reback and Julia Rose are in the hunt for the College's two representative seats. A few offices were decided after the first round of ballotting. College junior Mandee Heller was elected treasurer, College junior Heather Danzig was chosen historian, Engineering junior Pam Jarosky will be Engineering representative and Wharton junior Jen Berrent will be Wharton representative. Nursing junior Barb Guckin, who ran unopposed, will be the new Nursing representative.
(03/30/93 10:00am)
Jerry Seinfeld, the kooky comedian who has rocketed to the top of the humor world, will be the keynote speaker at this year's Commencement on May 17. Seinfeld is best known for his self-entitled Thursday night television show which explores the everyday problems of his life as a comedian in New York City. Speaking from the Louisville, Ky., site of his latest stand-up performance, Seinfeld said last night that he is excited to be coming to the University, even though he said he did not know why he was picked. "Frankly, I'm shocked," Seinfeld said about his selection. "They probably wanted Clinton, Deng Xiao-Ping, and even Cosby before me, but hey, it's an honor." Seinfeld, himself a graduate of the College of General Studies, added that he has fond memories of the University. "We drank Tab, ate cheese nips and played Pong all day long," Seinfeld said. Former Undergraduate Assembly Chairperson Jeff Lichtman, one of the members of the speaker selection committee, said he believes Seinfeld will be the best graduation speaker in years. "What Seinfeld brings is a maelstrom of Jewish angst, the likes of which Penn has yet to see," said Lichtman, a College senior. Lichtman added that Seinfeld's status as an Alpha Epsilon Pi alum "could be a big selling point to the Penn audience." While Lichtman would not comment directly on other choices for speaker, a member of the Panhellenic Council said that, among others, Stephen Hawking, C.S. Lewis and Soleil Moon Frye were all up for consideration. Most students received the announcement with glee. "Like, who is this guy," said College freshman Ryan Jaffe, pathetically imitating, as do all faithful Seinfeld watchers, his comedy guru. And Nursing junior Sammy Beeblebox said she thinks Seinfeld will bring an air of festivity to graduation ceremonies. "I'm caught in an elevator, and I'm thinking, hey, this guy could be funny," Beeblebox babbled. But other students said they don't think Seinfeld will be humorous. B.A. Baracus, a Wharton junior, said Seinfeld sucks. "Why couldn't we get someone cool like Carol Channing or Erin Grey," Baracus raged. "I pity those foolish people who selected Seinfeld."
(03/29/93 10:00am)
Junior class members will elect 10 of their own today and tomorrow, as balloting begins this morning for next year's Senior Class Board. The elections will be held across from Steinberg-Dietrich Hall from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m today and Tuesday. If it rains, the polls will be set up in the lobby of Houston Hall. Twenty-eight candidates are running this year for the offices of president, vice president, treasurer, secretary, historian and class representatives. If the elections do not yield a candidate from each office who wins a majority of the votes, there will be a run-off on Thursday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wharton senior Brooke Hayes, the current treasuer, said last night that this race has attracted a large amount of interest among candidates, with at least two people running for each position except Nursing representative. Eight students are running for president. He added that he thinks the process is going smoothly, especially after problems stemming from last year's elections. "Last year they had all the problems with a story in the DP," Hayes said. "People were all upset. Now everything seems to be fine." He added that this year's campaign has also shown an increase in the number of women involved. Hayes said last night that women are guaranteed of winning six of 10 offices -- secretary, tresaurer, historian and Nursing, Engineering and Wharton representatives. He added that 50 percent of juniors traditionally vote during the elections. Class board adviser Fran Walker said she also thinks the elections are going fine. She added that a gag rule which prevents candidates from appearing in The Daily Pennsylvanian has "been that way for as long as I've been here." "The '93 board has been very clear with the candidates about the rule," Walker said. "I have not heard about any problems." The Senior Class Board has historically planned senior screamers and other events which are designed to create class unity. This year, the board sponsored a viewing of Ferris Bueller's Day Off, ice-skating, and a basketball game in addition to the usual events at local bars. Hayes said an average of 300 seniors attended the traditional Feb Club events which the Senior Class Board sponsors.
(03/29/93 10:00am)
Expressing a desire to distance itself from last year's body, the Undergraduate Assembly elected "dark horse" candidate Seth Hamlin as its chairperson Friday night. "I can bring a breath of fresh air to this UA," the College sophomore said in his campaign speech before UA members. Hamlin defeated UA Vice Chairperson and College junior Kirsten Bartok and UA Treasurer and Wharton sophomore Eric Leathers in what many members said they had believed would be a tight race. But Hamlin garnered a majority of votes -- 13 in all -- on the first ballot and eliminated Bartok and Leathers from the competition. Hamlin said his philosophy as chairperson will be to create a UA where "a body of 25 people are all working on something they really care about." He added last night that University students are "going to have a leader who is going to take student government to the next level." He said he wants to eliminate the excessive bureaucracy of the current committee structure, by establishing three larger, more flexible groups that deal with budgets, campus facilities and student life. Outgoing UA Chairperson Jeff Lichtman said he was "a little surprised" by the election's outcome, but added that he thought Hamlin would serve well. "The enthusiasm and the new energy on the assembly which Seth personifies will help him overcome his youth and inexperience," Lichtman said. "I'm confident that his positives will clearly outweigh his potential inexperience." Hamlin said the Coalition for Responsive Student Government -- which has 11 members on the UA but of which he is not a member -- helped him win the race. "They definitely were throwing a lot of support in my direction," Hamlin said. "I have a feeling that that helped me immensely." Coalition President Darion D'Anjou said Hamlin appealed to a number of his group's members. "Seth is the candidate who embodies the agenda of a lot of the people from the Coaltion," D'Anjou, a Wharton junior, said. Before the vote was taken, Leathers said "it didn't go as well as I had expected." Bartok said last night that, as the election for chairperson approached, she sensed that the balloting might not go her way. "I think the tide turned later on in the election," Bartok said. Scott Sher, a College junior and Coalition member, ran unopposed for vice chairperson. In his campaign speech, he said his main goal for the year will be "to restructure the internal UA." He said he also wants to solve the UA's "public relations problem." "We're going to have to correct the image problem among the students at Penn about the UA," Sher said. "This is a completely different body." Winning the treasurer position was College freshman Ashley Magids. She defeated Wharton freshman Dan Debicella. And in the evening's most hotly-contested race, College freshman Marissa Mole defeated fellow College freshman Lance Rogers after four tied ballots. Bartok was elected as the UA's representative to the University Council steering committee, making her the only member returning to the UA steering committee. The four offices and the Council representative compose the UA steering committee. Hamlin said he wants to change the way the UA steering commitee operates. "A whole different kind of steering board is going to guide us through this," he said.
(03/26/93 10:00am)
The three candidates for Undergraduate Assembly chairperson are probably very weary this morning after a week of schmoozing and lobbying. Indeed, this year's election is a tight three-way race where each vote is critical -- and candidates Kirsten Bartok, Seth Hamlin and Eric Leathers have all been campaigning hard in order to cement their blocks of voter support. No one is quite sure exactly what the outcome of today's election will be, but one thing is certain: each candidate has an individual personality and style that could dictate the direction of the UA over the next year. The personality of the chairperson has traditionally defined the body's public perception and its ultimate effectiveness. Members of the UA -- who elect officers from their own ranks -- said earlier this week that each candidate has strengths and weaknesses. And the consensus among them is that the parity between Bartok, Hamlin and Leathers will make this race a very tight one. · College junior Bartok is running as the candidate with the most UA experience. As this year's vice chairperson and a University Council representative, she definitely has served hard time in a lot of boring committee meetings. Bartok is well-known among top-level administrators and her connections might help the UA in its dealings with the University. As UA member Jonathan Goldstein said yesterday, "She knows enough administrators for it to be useful, but she is not establishment. She is not in the administration's pocket." Goldstein, a College senior, said that if he could vote, he would choose Bartok. One member added, however, that Bartok's connection with the administration could open her up to a conciliatory type of management -- the kind which many new members are lobbying against. "In reality, she is very accommodating," said a UA member, who asked to remain anonymous. "But she might lose control because of it sometimes." But Bartok, in a meeting Wednesday night with the Coalition for Responsive Student Government, said she wants her position with the University to be more adversarial. "You have to use the power behind you," Bartok said. "You have 10,000 students with money and voices. We have to use students to hold rallies and sit-ins." And in her policy paper, Bartok states that one of her objectives is to create "an Undergraduate Assembly that aligns with students and is not afraid of 'pissing off' the administration." · Hamlin's philosophy on dealing with the administration is a bit more reserved. He said he advocates a combination of aggressive activism and well-researched proposals similar to the "White Papers" submitted by the Student Committee on Undergraduate Education. A College and Wharton sophomore, Hamlin entered the race late -- but he seems to have garnered some backing from newly-elected members of the UA. His strongest support could come from the Coalition, whose members might be willing to endorse the dark horse candidate. Hamlin, who unlike Bartok and Leathers did not serve on the UA Steering Commitee this year, might appeal to the Coalition members' stated mission of "change." He does bring a different perspective to the campaign. As chairperson of the UA's Minorities Concerns committee this year, his route of ascendancy would be much different from that of current Chairperson Jeff Lichtman, who rose from the position of treasurer. Hamlin said he has no real agenda and that his role as chairperson would be mostly supervisory. He said he sees wants to be a chairperson who facilitates action of other members, not one who issues directives. "We cannot afford to have our agenda dictated to us by some power hungry despot!" Hamlin declared in his policy paper. One UA member called Hamlin a "wildcard who has lots of good ideas but lacks experience." Goldstein also said he might suffer from a credibility problem. "Seth is the largest unknown in the equation," Goldstein said. "His qualifications are unclear, his track record is unclear, his performance as a potential chair remains unclear." But if Hamlin can somehow get a block of votes from the Coalition, he might force one of the other candidates out on the first ballot. Lichtman, who diplomatically would not endorse a candidate, said he hopes that the Coalition does not pool its votes. "I really hope the Coalition members don't blindly vote as a block. That would do a disservice to the people who elected them," Lichtman said. "They're on the UA as representatives as constituents, not representatives of the Coalition." · Hoping he can weather the storm of two tough candidates, Leathers stands poised to sweep quietly into office. At Wednesday's meeting, he came across as the race's most forceful candidate, declaring the chairperson's role to be "a leader among leaders." Wharton sophomore Leathers has indeed been directing things lately. As current treasurer, he has received broad criticism for pushing through funding for the Social Planning and Events Committee -- an issue which he admitted Wednesday was handled improperly. In meetings, Leathers is concise and direct. Of the three, he appears the one with the most skills to manage the often unruly and tangential UA meetings. But this very attribute could be his greatest weakness. If Leathers cannot control his temper properly, he might make some enemies, as he has done with some of the graduating UA members. "Eric is a highly-qualified individual, but he is somewhat young," Goldstein said. "It's very difficult to incorporate seniors into your programming when you're just a junior. It inevitably leads to problems." "Control is Eric's best area," the anonymous UA member said, "but [at the budget summit] he controlled it a little too much." Leathers stressed that he wants "to change the way the UA does business." He said he wants to get rid of the practice of simply making resolutions to communicate to University Council and the administration. Leathers said resolutions need to be eliminated because he said he thinks they "say very little." He said he also wants to change the way the UA works with The Daily Pennsylvanian. "We need to utilize the media in an adversarial manner against the administration to effect change," Leathers said. Change is surely in the future for the UA. But what kind of alteration, and how the body will evolve, is all contingent upon who is elected this evening. "I think that this meeting is one of the best opportunities to explain where [the candidates] think the UA will be going," Lichtman said. The meeting will be held at 5:30 p.m. today in UTV's Stouffer Triangle basement offices. It is open to the public and will be broadcast live on the station.
(03/23/93 10:00am)
The newly-formed Class Boards now have some money to back their organizers' hopes of class unity and tradition. The Boards, which will be modeled after the Senior Class Board, received almost $13,000 Monday night during an Undergraduate Assembly budget meeting. UA members said the Class Boards will also receive matching funds from the University, which pushes the group's budget to over $25,000 -- the third largest of any student government organization. The UA had little trouble approving the Class Boards' budgets. But during the rest of its seven-hour meeting, members raised questions about the destination of some of the UA's $706,353 total budget. Members said they were wary of spending too much money on the "perks" which were included in submitted budgets. For example, College senior Jonathan Goldstein proposed the Student Committee on Undergraduate Education cut its outlays for brunch meetings, meetings with administration, alumni activities, and miscellaneous costs. "Our constituents could call us on the carpet for this," said Goldstein, a UA member. He suggested that members "become monks" since the money could be better spent for other groups in the Student Activities Council budget. But SCUE Chairperson Jonathan Pitt said the expenditures are justified. "We spend long hours working on projects," said Pitt, a College junior. "I don't think it's outrageous at all." And UA member Jeff Lowe said he agreed. "I'm entitled to a Coke, a slice of pizza or a hoagie," the College sophomore said. "We're spending a lot of time for the student body." The UA eventually voted to keep funds for everything except rosettes. But $100 was added to the budget under "miscellaneous office expenses," bringing the total budget to $4,900. UA Secretary Leonard Cooperman said he thinks the budget process is constructive. "I think the tightening of UA allocations has been closely inspected this year due to the prior phone problems," College sophomore Cooperman said. "This causes the UA to be a better body." The Nominations and Elections Committee got $13,270, while the UA's operating budget totaled $10,487. The UA also voted to grant almost $160,000 to the Social Planning and Events Committee -- the body which plans much of the University's social programming. After a three-year trial period in which the University partly-subsidized SPEC, the group's funding now relies totally on the UA. And in a highly complicated process marked by seething debate and scores of questions about parliamentary procedure, SPEC finally emerged with its budget intact. UA members were asked to fund SPEC in an "all or none" capacity. This raised some questions among members. "I think the body of the UA made the best of a bad situation and that in the overall picture they looked out for the best interest of the students and the future of SPEC," Vice Chairperson Kirsten Bartok said. "However, in the future, I hope that the UA recognizes the elected responsibilities of its members, and their job to represent the interest of the students," the College junior said. The remaining money in the UA budget goes to SAC -- a figure which totalled about $500,000. In other business, the UA passed resolutions which encourage the establishment of science and language courses for students who have never been exposed to the material before. Also, members commented on the residential living plan proposed by Vice Provost Kim Morrisson last semester. UA member Seth Hamlin said the ideas are good, but that residences are not the best place to implement them. "The money might be better put to other solutions to the problem," Hamlin, a College sophomore, said.
(03/17/93 10:00am)
Stop the whispers, the speculation has ended. After months of student rumors about which band will play at Spring Fling, Living Colour has finally emerged as the event's headliner. The band will bring its eclectic mix of rock, blues and heavy metal to the two-day Fling -- which will be a day shorter than last year's extended festivities -- on Friday, April 16. Organizers said last night that they were very pleased that Living Colour will perform at the University, calling the selection a "coup" for the annual festival. "It was a stroke of luck," Spring Fling Committee member Leila Graham-Willis said last night. Rishon Blumberg, who heads the Concert Committee of the Social Planning and Events Committee, said he thinks the band will have a broad appeal to the student body. "They'll do very well, especially since their new album is out now," Blumberg, a College senior, said last night. Blumberg added that he thinks Living Colour will attract more listeners than last year's band, Blues Traveler. That concert sold about 6,000 tickets, and he said he hopes April's concert will attract 8,000 people. Previous Spring Flings have received criticism for not hosting bands which appeal to a range of minority students. But attracting them was a higher priority than in years past, Wharton senior Graham-Willis said. "A very strong effort was made to contact minorities," she said. Blumberg said the band has been around for a long time and has a large student following. A review of their latest album Stain will be printed in tomorrow's 34th Street. Students said they were happy with the selection of Living Colour. "I know they couldn't get the Dead but that's OK," College freshman David Kessler said. "I'm not too familiar with their body of work, but I'm just looking to have fun," he added. "I'm happy with that choice." "That's kind of cool," College senior Josh Himes said last night. "Not that I listen to them much anymore, but they've put out some good stuff." Organizers refused to say how much the committee paid for the band, citing contratual obligations. Blumberg did say, however, that the band "cost more than last year." Because Living Colour could only play on Friday night, instead of the traditional Saturday evening, organizers said they had to change the Spring Fling schedule. Two additional bands that will also play on Friday night have yet to be named. The carnival, which was held on Sunday afternoon last year, will be moved to Saturday night. Tickets for the concert go on sale April 1 at the Annenberg ticket office and on Locust Walk. Organizers said the price will be under $10.
