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(02/17/95 10:00am)
After being paralyzed by several winter storms in the past few years, the city has taken steps to improve its system of plowing streets. Earlier this month, the city released its Speedy Relief program that designates certain main arteries as "Snow Emergency Routes." These streets will be completely plowed whenever the city declares a snow emergency. Any vehicles left on the street, including those that are disabled, will be towed and are subject to relevant fees and fines. Protected streets include such main thoroughfares as Walnut, Chestnut, Broad and 38th streets and Roosevelt Boulevard in Northeast Philadelphia. According to Denise Goren, deputy mayor for transportation, the plan was devised in response to last year's unexpected ice storms. "After last year we thought we could do better," she said, adding that it was a simple decision to choose which streets would be protected. "We found the really heavily travelled streets that are important for local businesses -- those we decided to plow curb to curb," she said."If you look at the map, you'll see we have the major streets." Goren and University officials agreed that this system will help aid travel to and from the University in inclement weather. "All cities set similar snow routes," Physical Plant Executive Director James Wargo said. "It helps clear traffic out of the city." But although both Wargo and Paul Cribbins, the University's director of city and Commonwealth relations, praised the plan, they did not actively petition the city government for improved strategies for emergency snow removal. Goren said the plan was drawn up with the city's best interests in mind and will therefore benefit nearby neighborhoods. "Penn is one of the major neighbors in that area," she explained. "We were concerned for any students who drive to class."
(02/17/95 10:00am)
Franklin Field has hosted many big stars in recent years -- but none as big as the four who gathered there yesterday. Four large elephants, in addition to several camera crews and animal trainers, came to Philadelphia this week to begin shooting Universal Studio's Twelve Monkeys. Directed by Terry Gilliam, a former member of the British comedy troup Monty Python, the film will star Brad Pitt, Bruce Willis and Madeline Stowe. The movie, scheduled for release next year, is set in Philadelphia and will feature a scene in which the elephants walk through the arches outside of Franklin Field and amble across the South Street Bridge. "I think one of the reasons why we're here is because the arch here looks pretty dramatic," said Ernie Malik, the film's publicist. He added that Gilliam selected the Franklin Field location in order to include the Philadelphia skyline in the background as one of the elephants walked across the bridge. To protect the animals, University Police closed off sections of South Street in front of Franklin Field and the South Street bridge during the filming. Charles Spencer, a local shelter manager for The Pennsylvania Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, was also on hand to oversee the shoot. "I think it's going very well," he said. "The trainer and the owner have a genuine love of animals." He added that the animals have been housed at a "large facility" just outside the city. Although the film is set in Philadelphia, this scene will be the only one filmed at the University, according to University spokesperson Phyllis Holtzman. But Holtzman was still enthusiastic about the film. "It's really good for the city whenever a movie like this is made," she said. According to Malik, this particular scene was a "second unit shot" -- in which neither the principal actors nor the director were present. While onlookers appeared impressed by the sight of the elephants, some students were disappointed that the stars of the movie had not come along. "I was disappointed that there weren't any hot bodies," College sophomore Christie Pitzner said.
(02/17/95 10:00am)
More than 30 black and Korean students formed a circle of unity last night in the Rooftop Lounge of High Rise North. They came together to discuss existing stereotypes and misconceptions between the two groups. The forum, entitled "When Things Fall Apart," was mediated by Programs for Awareness in Cultural Education, and was co-sponsored by the Korean Student Association and the Black Student League. College sophomore and United Minorities Council Representative Susie Lee said the forum was the direct result of a UMC retreat in the early fall that addressed interracial relations. "The UMC tries to be a united group but when it comes down to it, there are still 11 separate groups," she said. "We are basically trying to increase interaction between constituent groups and open [the] lines of communication. "This is the kind of thing I would like to see more often," she added. The forum addressed many issues, such as the apparent tension between the two racial groups. Engineering sophomore Ipyana Critton said most of the tension stemmed from misunderstandings between Korean shopkeepers and inner city blacks. "We have all seen Do the Right Thing and Menace II Society," she said. "Those movies were the first to address the problems." While some students felt strained relations between the two groups were prevalent, others felt these problems had been intensified by the media. College graduate student Ji-Yeon Yuh said she felt as if the media hyped up isolated incidents. "The media has a history of exploiting issues -- such as the L.A. riots -- in a way that perpetuates more conflict between the two communities," she said. But Lee insisted that the conflict between Koreans and African Americans was not merely a monster creation of the media. "My parents are first-generation Americans," she said. "They have prejudices, especially against blacks because [my parents] are ignorant. It is up to our generation to get rid of the stereotypes." Engineering junior Cardell Orrin spoke of two possible reasons for the tensions. "Both groups are stereotyping each other," he said. "Also, inner-city blacks see first-generation Koreans owning stores and it reflects the hopelessness and desperation that they feel from their own socioeconomic positions. They turn those emotions outward and lash out." After addressing universal stereotypes, the forum focused more specifically on relations at the University. Critton said social togetherness is hard to achieve because people do not often interact with racial groups other than their own -- even when a classroom setting calls for it. "You have to feel welcome in order to be friendly with someone," she said. College sophomore Sue Lee said the University is definitely a racially segregated campus. "Penn fosters an environment that does not encourage social togetherness," she said. "Misconceptions are not realized as such until people live together and socialize together and feel comfortable doing that." College senior and BSL President Robyn Kent spoke about her goals for the outreach of the forum. "I hope people have cleared their own misconceptions and can apply what they learned here to their everyday lives," she said.
(02/17/95 10:00am)
IFC to implement spring rush University President Judith Rodin dispelled rumors Wednesday that part of her plan for improving undergraduate education would dismantle the Greek system. But funding for Greek housing improvement projects will remain on hold for now -- to face "strategic" changes in the near future-- and the InterFraternity Council will implement spring rush next year. During an hour-long meeting, Rodin told officers of the Greek Alumni Council that fraternities and sororities will play a role in the 21st Century Undergraduate Initiative. But the system may face some changes as a result of new efforts. Rodin also said speculation that plans included reducing the campus Greek population from 30 percent to 10 percent is nothing but rumor. "Her position last night was that the Greek system can be embraced by a new University system," GAC Chairperson and Alpha Chi Omega alumnus Andrea Dobin said. Dobin added that the mission of Greek organizations may have to change in order to be competitive in the new system. "Her position, which I think is absolutely appropriate, is that the Greek system will be subjected to a market force test," she said. "If the University can now create its own social life on campus, it will just mean the Greek system will have to provide as good or better social life." Although specifics were not outlined at the meeting, projects that will affect fraternities and sororities include the implementation of a "college house system" and changes in the funding structure for chapter renovation projects, according to Office of Fraternity and Sorority Affairs Director Tricia Phaup, who also attended the meeting. Rodin emphasized that the current moratorium on capital funding for house improvement projects will not mean the end of University funding to Greek organizations. "Greek groups will not be coddled, but they certainly will not be dismantled, either," Dobin said. The current freeze, which applies to all major investment initiatives across the University, is designed to give the new administration time to evaluate the system and organize funding in a more goal-oriented fashion, according to Associate Vice Provost for University Life Larry Moneta. "We need to put it in a big package rather than having a component here, a component there," Phaup said. Rodin said the capital expenditure program and the program to improve Undergraduate life will work together, rather than having funds dispersed through unrelated projects. Because Rodin did not specify a timetable, GAC members will still await a date on when any projects will be implemented. "I think she's got some good ideas for housing in the future," said GAC Assistant Vice Chairperson Bill Staples. "Hopefully they won't wait too long to implement it all." Ideas concerning the "college house system" are part of the 21st Century Undergraduate Education Initiative, and Rodin said Greek organizations are part of the plan. "Clearly we're going to want the fraternity system to relate to the undergraduate college house system," Moneta said yesterday. He added that he does not see an inherent conflict between University housing and Greek housing, and that the administration has not planned to build more housing to compete with the Greek system. Also discussed at the meeting was the alcohol policy -- including the InterFraternity Council's new "Bring Your Own Beer" rules. "[GAC is] asking the University to look at alcohol concerns across the board for all students," Phaup said. Perhaps the most important development, according to Phaup, was the communication between the president and GAC. "Basically the tenure was the opportunity for them to meet one another and to know that they can be resources for one another," she said.
(02/17/95 10:00am)
The University has just one week to fill seven of its allotted 15 positions in the Pennsylvania Service Scholars division of the AmeriCorps program, which offers students an opportunity to receive financial aid in exchange for community service. Of the 32 schools participating state-wide, the University was allotted the largest number of AmeriCorps positions, according to Frank Newhams, director of Pennsylvania Service Scholars. But after February 24, the University will forfeit the additional positions if they are not filled. Pennsylvania Service Scholars funds 150 students in Pennsylvania, Newhams said. The University is one of three participating institutions that has not yet filled all of its positions. Newhams said he was optimistic that the school could fill the slots within the next week. The extensive commitment required of AmeriCorps volunteers may have discouraged some students from applying for the program, according to Amy Cohen, associate director of the Penn Program for Public Service. Cohen, who coordinates AmeriCorps activities for the University, added, however, that students "realize it's a flexible commitment" once she explains to them what the program actually entails. Cohen added that the timing of the announcement of recipients may have hurt the school. The University was informed that it received AmeriCorps grants just before winter break and could not begin recruiting until the start of this semester. Another contributing factor, according to Cohen, is the fact that the University has more positions to fill than do other schools. Newhams said failure to fill all 15 slots will not seriously hurt the programs in which students are participating. "I recognize that it will reduce the level of input," he said. "But you're not necessarily reducing the effectiveness of the level that you do put in." Under the AmeriCorps program, students work on a service project for a total of 900 hours, which Cohen said involves a seven to 10 hour a week commitment for five semesters -- as well as working for a summer. According to Newhams, students receive $2,363 from the National Service Trust upon completion of their service, and then receive a matching grant from the University. The money is used to help pay for the students' education. In addition, Newhams said, students receive a living stipend slightly above minimum wage. AmeriCorps was established in the summer of 1994 by the National Service Trust Act, which formed the Corporation for National and Community Service. The Corporation administers funds for all AmeriCorps programs. AmeriCorps has come under attack recently, as the new Republican majority in both chambers of Congress pushes to cut federal spending in order to reduce the federal deficit. The Corporation gave money to the state, which distributed it to various granting agencies throughout Pennsylvania. Those granting agencies -- such as Pennsylvania Campus Compact, of which Pennsylvania Service Scholars is a program -- donated money to schools. Cohen explained the unique nature of Pennsylvania Service Scholars. "AmeriCorps generally is not for students," she said. "The service is the only statewide higher education service corps in the country." Newhams said all of the institutions that Service Scholars is working with across the state have agreed to provide a service learning course for students. According to Cohen, the University's participants are required to take at least one of these courses. They include standard courses in areas such as nursing, anthropology and urban studies. "What we want?is to combine service and learning," Cohen said. Wharton sophomore John Seeg and College sophomore Abby Close became Pennsylvania Service Scholars this semester. Seeg and Close have been involved in the West Philadelphia Improvement Corps since September, teaching students at Shaw Middle School. They are co-coordinators of the school's Environmental Education Program, which Seeg said involves approximately 10 University students. Close said she saw joining AmeriCorps as a logical step because she was already fulfilling the service requirements, and receiving financial aid for the work she does was an obvious incentive. She said an AmeriCorps training session to be held later this month should add to what the students are already doing in the middle school program. Close also said she feels contact with participants in other Pennsylvania Service Scholars programs from around the state will be a "great resource." Seeg said he takes pride in being part of a nation-wide service program. "It's very inspiring and motivating to be part of this national movement in volunteerism," he said.
(02/17/95 10:00am)
and Amy Lipman A red Mitsubishi heading east on Spruce Street hit a parked Bell Atlantic truck at about 4 p.m. yesterday. Two-year-old Cubbin Lee, a passenger in the car, was injured in the accident, although he had been sitting in a child safety seat. He was taken to the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia where he was treated and released, hospital officials said last night. Philadelphia resident Innchan Lee, Cubbin Lee's father, had just picked his son up from the day-care program at St. Mary's Family Respite Center on Locust Walk. Lee said he was proceeding down Spruce Street when he noticed a car attempting to turn right onto Spruce from 39th Street. He added that when the other car stopped in the middle of Spruce Street, he applied his brakes and swerved to avoid that car. But Lee lost control of his own vehicle after its wheels became caught on the trolley tracks in the middle of Spruce Street. Lee's car then crossed the center line and hit one of two Bell Atlantic trucks parked along the curb outside Mayer Hall. "I couldn't control the car," Lee said. "It just slipped and hit the other truck." Bell Atlantic cable splicers Scott Burke and Gary Kubicki said they never saw a second car. The pair witnessed the accident from Kubicki's truck, where they had been filling out time sheets, Burke said. Neither of them was injured since Lee struck Burke's vehicle. Kubicki estimated that Lee had been traveling between 30 and 40 miles per hour at the time of the accident. "He was coming down Spruce -- that's why he was going so fast," Kubicki said. "He just like lost it [on the tracks]." Cubbin Lee was thrown from his car seat as a result of the impact, landing against the inside of the windshield and cracking the glass, Kubicki said. He added that the young child appeared to have hit his head and cut his lips. After the accident, the driver's side door of Burke's truck would not open, as the door frame had been slightly bent out of shape. Shattered pieces of plastic that had covered some of the truck's lights were scattered on Spruce Street near the truck. The cable splicers said the damaged truck would be towed from the site. University Police Officer Fred Riccelli said the accident would be further investigated by Philadelphia Police.
(02/16/95 10:00am)
Students make subjects of themselves all in the name of research Experiments conducted through the Psychology Department as well as through other laboratories around campus have been a popular way for students to improve their grades -- or to just pocket a few extra dollars. Many students who have taken or are currently enrolled in Introduction to Psychology have been asked to fill out questionnaires or surveys, some even for extra credit. Engineering freshman Alex Malek said he filled out several psychology surveys and received money for his time and efforts. "They mainly asked for my opinions on various topics such as depression," he said. "In fact, some of them you couldn't tell what they were testing. "I wasn't as candid as I would have been for some of the surveys," he said. "I felt like [the experimenter] was watching over me. "I'm doing another experiment soon for extra credit in my Psych 1 class," he added. "I don't know what it is going to be about yet, but if they decided to connect wires to my testicles, they would have to both pay me and give me extra credit." Monetary rewards have been the primary motivation for many students who have participated in different experiments. College sophomore Jared Miller was the subject in an experiment that utilized a form of monetary commission as a bonus for subjects to perform better. The experiment appeared to be testing a new children's computer program that was designed to improve memory. Miller sat in front of a computer and as various countries appeared on the screen, he had to enter their capitals into the computer. This process occurred twice, with a break in between. "In the middle of the trials, I had to fill out a psychology survey to 'clear my mind.' It was making judgement calls on various touchy moral issues," Miller said. "The survey really bothered me. They could have cleared my mind another way." On a third trial, Miller was offered an increase in the $5 pay he was to receive, based on his performance as well as his speed. Miller said he still questions the object of the experiment. "The experimenters claimed to have shown me what they were trying to accomplish -- helping to bring American students up to par with the intellectual levels of students of other countries," Miller said. "I still wonder if somehow I was being tested on the interim survey. "I think everyone should participate in at least one experiment in their lifetime. It shows how you can screw around with data if you really wanted to, but I did what was asked of me," he added. "Besides, it's an easy way of making money if you have the time." Recruitment flyers in the Psychology Laboratory Building have assisted some researchers in finding students to participate as subjects in these experiments. Research Assistant Matt Stallcup is helping to conduct an experiment to test mental imagery. Stallcup is using a Magnetic Resonance Imaging machine located at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania to generate the data. While Stallcup is offering pay for the hour spent in the MRI chamber, many of his subjects have have been more interested in receiving a color printout of their brain and a print-up of the data collected. Some students have also done studies for the Monnell Chemical Senses Center. Monnell performs tests on smell, taste, and sensory irritation, according to experimenter Pam Dalton, who performs research dealing with olfaction, or the sense of smell. She said many students enjoy participating in her experiments -- which Dalton partly attributes to the fact that on average, they are paid $8 an hour. "I performed one experiment dealing with air freshener and sensitivity to odors present in air freshener over time," Dalton said. For this experiment, subjects were asked to use an air freshener in their dormitory room or bedroom where they would be exposed to the smell for at least six hours a day. After several weeks of living with an odor, subjects lose the ability to smell it, according to Dalton. "Changes are occurring inside the nose or the brain," Dalton said. "But most of the discoveries have merely been anecdotal, which is why I wanted to study it. "We can also tell you who is more sensitive or not sensitive at all to different smells," she added. "It's important for people to know if they can't smell something that they are at risk of being exposed to in day-to-day life." Nursing graduate student Kathy Jordan has participated in several of Dalton's studies at Monnell. "I have participated in the experiment for the money, because I haven't been able to find a part-time job," Jordan said. One experiment in which she was a subject dealt with the perception of slides based on odors present in a room while viewing the slides. The slides included "pleasing" and "not-so-pleasing" pictures, ranging from babies and fields to death and fires. "I don't mind participating in the experiments," she said. "Besides, it's a simple way to make money -- sometimes it seems too simple." Nursing junior Sally Fried also participated in various experiments performed by Dalton. "Some of the experiments are a little strange. I had to stick bottles up my nose a bit for one of them," Fried said. "In fact, some of the odors stung my nose a bit." Fried also participated in another experiment -- of which she has no fond memories. For this test, doctors at Thomas Jefferson Medical Center anesthetized part of her nose and removed some cells with tweezers, Fried recalled, somewhat unhappily. "Even though I was paid for it, I would never do that one or one like it again," she added. Some students turn themselves into proverbial guinea pigs for pocket money or for extra-credit points. But others have filled out surveys with the sole aim of assisting the field of psychology. "They only take a few minutes, and they don't really require much thought," College sophomore Sabrina Flaum said. "I did it because I'm a psychology major, and some day I'll probably be in their shoes, needing people to participate in my experiments." While most students are trying to reap some form of benefits from participating in these studies, others are attempting to actually conduct experiments of their own. Anjani Ragade, a College and Wharton senior, is currently researching how people respond to various stimuli that deal primarily with homophones -- words that sound alike but have different meanings. "It's great to be able to get this kind of experience," said the psychology major. "I'm basically conducting it for my own intellectual curiosity. "I hit on homophones as something I was interested in, and I wanted to conduct my own study," she added. Ragade performed the experiment under the direction of Psychology Professor Michael Kelly, who said he found the subject of Ragade's research interesting and relevant. "English has many homophones which pose difficulties for language processing," Kelly said. "Subjects have been more likely to catch the mistakes when the substituted word was of a different grammatical class." But Ragade said she found it difficult to entice people to participate in the experiment. She paid subjects with money which came from a research fund of Kelly's and also convinced some of her friends to help her out. "I participated in the experiment because I'm friends with Anjani and she asked me to do it," College sophomore Jessica Grisham said. "I thought it was interesting, and it didn't take up too much time. "I'm also a psychology major and eventually I'd like to do [an experiment] of my own," Grisham added.
(02/16/95 10:00am)
There is anger tumbling down the west staircase of High Rise South. A poet, who has not been identified, wrote rhyming verse from the staircase between the roof top lounge and the 24th floor to the staircase between the 15th and 16th floors. Each letter of the poem is written in thick, black capital letters and is about three inches in height.The poem reads: I have a heart of burning coal. I have a majestic major goal. I have an imprisoned raging soul. I live in a tripped out putrid hole. There are torn stained sheets on my flagpole. My time's been bought, My life's been sold. I peek out At the world through a rusty keyhole. I've walked in the wind, my hands are cold. I sit waiting for you. I grow old. Following the poem is what appears to be a signature. It reads, "Credo" in the same black marker. Beneath this signature, is an assessment of the poet's work. "You are a stupid fucking asshole," the response reads in red marker. "I bet you hurt real bad inside, I really feel sorry for you. Boy, the struggles young people go through -- we are here for you: Advice: Eat some rat poison." Residential Living Director Gigi Simeone said she was not aware of the poem. But she said it would be cleaned up immediately. She also said the size of the poem surprised her. "Unfortunately, we have had graffiti in the past," she said. "But I've never heard of a whole poem going for several stories. I've never heard of that before." High Rise South residents who read the poem said they could not pinpoint the author's meaning but were amused by the presentation. "I feel like it was some type of broken Valentine," Engineering senior Brian Nolan said. "It's written like a heartbroken teenager, kind of puppy love thing. But it was kind of weird spiraling down through the staircase." Nolan added that parts of the poem, such as "imprisoned" and "rusted key hole," made him think the poem was referring to the dormitory. College sophomore Mark Milstein said he respected poetry but criticized the author's chosen medium --graffiti. "I think it's interesting that people feel that to get their message across they have to deface nine floors of a building," he said. But another student saw a different side to the emotional expression. "I think it sounds a little cliched," College sophomore Jeff Wachs said. "But I guess it's better that the ballbiter graffiti in the elevator." Wachs also said the poem reminded him of T.S. Eliot's verse style.
(02/16/95 10:00am)
Over 30 students attended a panel discussion entitled "Affirmative action: What has it done for you or against you lately?" Among the panelists were English professor Houston Baker, College senior and Undergraduate Assembly member Dan Schorr, College senior Joanna Paul, and second-year Law student Pamela Urueta. And although the primary focus of the discussion was affirmative action, the panelists also discussed the issue of race in the United States. "Race should be a factor [in affirmative action], but not the sole factor," Urueta, a proponent of the policy, said. "In an ideal world, we wouldn't need policies such as affirmative action." Schorr disagreed, saying that "we need to base affirmative action on socioeconomic status, not race." After speeches by the panelists, the audience had an opportunity to ask questions and participate in the discussion. "As far as I'm concerned, I thought it was very lively," Program for the Awareness of Cultural Education member and College junior Brent Plummer said. "I didn't expect it to be so intense. More of this is definitely needed." United Minorities Council Chairperson and College senior Liz Melendez said that she wished the discussion could have lasted longer than the 90 minutes allotted. "I hope this is just the beginning of the conversations about affirmative action," she said. Baker agreed with Melendez's sentiments. "It was one of the most encouraging, interactive sessions with students that obviously represented a diverse portion of the student body," he said. "I would like to see this forum broadened to the entire University." And many people in the audience felt that the forum gave them a greater understanding of affirmative action. "I learned exactly what affirmative action was and how it is on Penn's campus," College senior and Six Directions President Desiree Martinez said. "It was an interesting dialogue that needed to be opened up?to get rid of the misconceptions of affirmative action." Urueta summed up the discussion by saying that,"instead of color-blind, I think we should strive for color-proud." The discussion was sponsored by the UMC, Greenfield Intercultural Center and PACE.
(02/16/95 10:00am)
Statistics show one percent drop The overall number of campus crimes during 1994 was slightly lower than those reported for 1993, according to University Police Commissioner John Kuprevich. "Total reported crimes were down one percent or less," Kuprevich said of the preliminary figures which were released earlier this week. "The general trend for '94 was that our numbers were very, very similar -- in terms of percentage of part one to part two [crimes] -- to what we've seen in the last seven years," he added. Incidents classified as "part one" include serious crimes, such as murder, rape, robbery, assault, car theft and arson. "Part two" crimes are less serious offenses. "Our percentage of part one crimes is about 75 percent of total crimes reported," Kuprevich explained. Reported robberies decreased last year with 38 robberies during 1994, compared to 45 in 1993. In addition, the number of reported burglaries also went down, from 146 to 100 incidents. Kuprevich attributed this decrease to new police programs targeting burglary reduction during University vacations. He also said additional burglary units were called in during such high-risk times, and students who leave their homes unattended can register with the police for special protection. Police officers will then periodically check the property and contact students if a burglary occurs, so victims can register a complaint. "There was about a 50 percent drop in burglaries in the local neighborhood because of this initiative," he said. Figures that increased during 1994 include assaults, which went up from three to four; auto thefts, which went up from 66 to 72; and property thefts, which went up from 1,083 to 1,130 incidents. "You always displace crimes," Kuprevich said, adding that when police focus on reducing one type of crime, often other areas experience an increase. "The number of crimes against persons is small," he said. "It only runs between about three and six percent, including simple assault. "In actual numbers of incidents, you're talking between 40 and 80 incidents in a 12-month period for a population of about 40,000 people," he added. Kuprevich said these figures are not final and that official numbers will be posted next year. "There can be errors," he said. "One of the things we've always done here is reported really honestly." He also stressed that analysis of police success should not solely depend on statistics. "Numbers are to be used for long-term trend analysis," he said. Jon Brightbill, president of Penn Watch, a student-run town watch and peer education program at the University, agreed that more has to be taken into account than just crime figures. "Any improvement is good and we welcome it, but it doesn't mean our battle with crime is over," the Wharton sophomore said. Brightbill said that responsibility for improving safety on and around campus lies not only with police, but the University community. "I suggest students start participating in dialogue and discussion just like they do about everything else," he said. Brightbill said he has been discouraged by the lack of student action regarding safety issues. He cited low student turnout at a campus-wide safety forum last semester. "Students are concerned enough [about crime] to complain, but they're not concerned enough to do something about it," he added.
(02/16/95 10:00am)
Students will have no difficulty engaging in "coffee talk" this spring, as a multitude of coffee houses are opening around campus. The newest addition to the University coffee scene is the Tuscany Premium Coffee cafe, which will open in April at the Shops at Penn on 34th and Walnut Streets. Tuscany will serve various coffees, along with baked goods. In addition to Tuscany, a coffee house may move into the Quadrangle, Community House Assistant Dean in Residence Diana Koros said last night. "We thought it would be wonderful to have something comfy and relaxing and interesting," Koros said, citing McClelland Hall and a room in the basement of Ashhurst as possible sites for the facility. And this fall, residents of the Castle began putting together a monthly Friday night coffee house in the Castle's lobby. With almost 30 tables and musical entertainment -- plus desserts and coffee served by candlelight -- Castle residents hope to provide a comfortable atmosphere for the University community to come together. "It's also a good way for the Castle to inform the University community on what's going on here," Management and Technology junior Michael Isenberg said. Isenberg, who helped form the coffee house program, said the Castle's format and atmosphere is "a thousand times better" than some of the other offerings on campus. My Favorite Muffin, to be located in The Book Store, will begin operation in late March. Gene's Beans has become one of the prime attractions of Chats, the 1920 Commons eatery which opened last week. Like most coffee shops, Gene's Beans serves everything from cappuccino to flavored coffees. Bucks County Coffee House, located on Sansom Street, began operation last fall when it replaced Beanie's, a coffee house that closed last year. And since last year, Wawa Food Market has promoted two coffee kiosk locations --Eone in the Hall of Flags in Houston Hall and the other in the Wawa at 38th and Spruce Streets. And Chimes cafe, another coffee house at 40th and Pine streets, has been a popular student hang-out for the past year. According to University officials, coffee houses are so popular that the many campus locations will not suffer from the influx, and see it as healthy competition. "They are a hot, popular segment of the retail market," Shops at Penn Manager Michael Fox said. "We've had a number of coffee companies interested." Although Bucks County Coffee House is just around the corner, Fox said the newest addition to the Shops at Penn will still thrive. The Book Store Director Michael Knezic said he felt Chats and My Favorite Muffin will "complement" one another. "I think the two will work well with each other," he said, noting that the two restaurants cater toward different crowds at different hours. And Dining Services Director William Canney said Chats offers more than just coffee and pastries, and therefore entices a large clientele. Canney said both facilities report to the same supervisor -- Vice President for Business Services Steven Murray. For a time, the University considered bringing in a coffee house as one of the retailers to reside in the bottom level of the parking garage at 38th and Walnut Streets. But Associate Treasurer Christopher Mason said he rejected that idea because there are "too many of those right now." Fox said he did not think the current number of coffee houses was problematic. But he added that he did not know how many coffee houses it would take to reach the "limit" for the University campus. "Ultimately, the laws of supply and demand will answer that question," he said. Koros said each coffee shop has a different environment and style, giving students ample choices for where to go for a cup of coffee.
(02/15/95 10:00am)
The community is applauding University President Judith Rodin's unveiling of major new safety initiatives for the campus and its West Philadelphia vicinity yesterday. Wharton sophomore Jonathan Brightbill, chairperson of Penn Watch, said he is encouraged by the administration's support of student groups like his in the new plan. "We are very pleased that the administration sees the merit and potential within Penn Watch," he said, adding that he thinks student involvement in the implementation of the plan's component is crucial to its success. But Brightbill said that because the student body has shown relatively little interest in security issues, the area of West Philadelphia surrounding the University is unlikely to improve anytime soon. "Unfortunately, it is all too easy for Penn students to hide behind their bursar bills and use that as their excuse for why they are too lazy to get involved," he said. Brightbill did, however, commend various Greek groups and other organizations that have volunteered to work with Penn Watch patrolling the arteries around campus Rodin has designated Community Walks. History Professor Lynn Lees -- who lives at 45th and Pine streets and is active in Penn Faculty and Staff for Neighborhood Issues -- said while she has not yet read Rodin's official statement in yesterday's Almanac, she and PFSNI are in favor of "any University action that will increase street traffic in University City." "[The plan] strikes me as a creative response to the problems of street crime in West Philadelphia," Lees said, adding that increasing the number of pedestrians may get students out of Escort vans and thereby improve the entire neighborhood. Lees also said she bikes to work each day and has found the neighborhood near her home to be "relatively safe as long as one is careful." But according to Lees, street safety is only one element in producing a higher-quality environment for students, faculty and staff in University City. "We look forward to the appearance of this plan but also to?a whole series of measures for increasing the stability of the community," Lees said. Ben Hoyle, the University's deputy director of planning and budget, said funding for the new security initiatives -- including signs and increased lighting on the proposed Community Walks, and more blue light phones on the newly built safety kiosks -- will come from both permanent budget reallocations as well as one-time expenditures. When asked whether the University can afford the several million dollar cost of the new initiatives, Hoyle said not investing resources now could have dire consequences in the years to come. "I think the administration sees safety on this campus as a very high priority," he said, adding that since Rodin's proposed programs will not all be accomplished in one year, related expenditures can be spread out and made more manageable.
(02/15/95 10:00am)
Up 100 from last year The number of students retaining rooms in the high rises topped last year's year total by more than 100, Residential Living Director Gigi Simeone said yesterday. During last week's two-day retention period, 607 students decided to spend another year in their high rise apartments. Last year, only 474 students retained their rooms. "I'm pleased," Simeone said. "I would attribute it to students realizing the benefits of living on campus." Simeone said this year's increase is "higher than usual," noting that 443 students retained in the spring of 1993, and 371 residents completed the process in 1992. The Residential Living Department used several methods to entice students to stay on campus this year. Besides the usual posters and balloons, officials added another incentive -- maintaining the current average room rent for next year. Retention occurred last Wednesday and Thursday in the upper lobby of High Rise North. To remind students about the retention period, balloons reading "Residential Living: Right in the Heart of Campus," lined Locust Walk and decorated the lobby of High Rise North last week. Department officials sat in the upper lobby, answering questions and aiding students in the completion of the retention process. Students who retained their rooms said the process went smoothly and quickly. "It was relatively easy," Engineering sophomore Julian Kwan said. "We like the high rises and there's no sense in picking a different room if we were going to stay in the high rises." Kwan said he and two of his three roommates retained their three-bedroom quad in High Rise North because the building is convenient and "has everything we need." He added that the ethernet connection available to High Rise residents was an added incentive. Simeone said this is the first year ResNet has been completely installed in all three high rises. "Students who get accustomed to the ethernet connection find out how incredibly useful that is," she said. "Cable and the movie station helped too." Residential Living's decision to maintain the same average rent "was significant," Simeone added.
(02/15/95 10:00am)
The Cold War has ended, breaking up the former Soviet Union, and leaving Russia and 14 neighboring states with 30,000 nuclear weapons, hundreds of metric tons of plutonium and highly enriched uranium, and tens of thousands of metric tons of chemical warfare agent. To address this issue, and its possible ramifications for the U.S., Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Policy Ashton Carter spoke at the Union League in Center City yesterday. "The world has been unhinged by the Cold War," Carter, a native of Philadelphia, said. "Russia and the destiny of Russia remain our central security problem. "Russia is in an on-going revolution and we don't know the outcome," he added. "We'd prefer a Russia that was internally democratic, with a free market economy and with freedom of the press and who is integrated with the rest of the world." He said that the worst case scenario would be a disintegrated Russia. "We support economic and political reform but, in the department of defense, we keep upper most in our minds, and I think all Americans should keep upper most in their minds, our security interests," he said. He also listed four particular security interests. The first was the United States' desire to have control over and ultimately destroy the former Soviet Union's nuclear weapons. He said the weapons were handled "like musical chairs. When the music stopped all the Soviet states kind of had what they had. "We have equipment in Russia for chopping up submarines, bombers, missiles, silos," he said. "We're building a storage facility for safe storage of plutonium." Currently, the United States has a research center that employs former Soviet weapon scientists to work on peace-time research. He said that they needed work after the break up of the Soviet Union, and, "we don't want them running off to Tripoli or Pyong Yang and building bombs." He also said that the United States now has the opportunity to dismantle the Soviet weapons arsenal. "We're trying as vigorously as we can to jump through that window before it closes," he said. Carter said the United States' second security interest was "controlling proliferation [of weapons] from the former U.S.S.R. outside the former U.S.S.R.: leakage, smuggling, and sales of destabilizing equipment." A third concern is economic and political stabilization within Russia and the other successor states. And fourth on Carter's list of priorities is to avoid "the reflexive, zero sum, global rivalry" that existed during the Cold War, during which the Soviet Union acted as a "spoiler" and a "check" to the United States. However, he said the future of Russia is still unclear and the United States is trying to structure its policy so American security is "protected no matter what." The Department of Defense is currently planning to "engage" parties in the successor states who are "willing to work with the U.S. in the common pursuit of activities that serve our security." Carter used the covert operation, Project Sapphire, as an example of such successful engagement. The project was formed in response to 600 kilograms of highly enriched uranium found in Kazakhstan. "Their first conclusion was: we shouldn't have it," he said. "Somebody cared about their security and felt they didn't need nuclear weapons, [and] Kazakhstan came to the United States first." American officials canned up the material in special containers and flew it back to the U.S. on C-5 transport planes and drove it to Oak Ridge, Tennessee, Carter said. At 8:00 a.m. the following day, U.S. Secretary of Defense William Perry announced on television that this material -- which was "much more than Saddam Hussein would have ever dreamed of getting, was safe."
(02/15/95 10:00am)
The reluctance of students to come forward and press charges after being victims of crime is leaving the Division of Public Safety with its hands cuffed. At the same time, the University is increasingly being viewed as good hunting ground by criminals who realize that students often do not press charges, or feel too busy to get involved in the judicial system. One example of students' reluctance to come forward after being victims of crime occurred last month at 40th and Locust streets. Five students said they were accosted by a man with an "Uzi or a TEC-9" machine gun in the middle of the afternoon. They refused to come forward and aid police with their investigation, however. "What people have to recognize is that the criminal justice system was set up to be complaint driven," University Police Commissioner John Kuprevich said. "That means when something happens and someone wants something done about it, that's the system to be used." And while students blame police for not putting the criminals behind bars, Kuprevich said the police are powerless when the victim will not press charges. In most cases, a police officer cannot detain a suspect if the victim does not file a complaint. Often, students cite an act of retribution by the criminal as a major reason to not press charges. The students involved in the incident on Locust Street said they would not help Philadelphia Police with their investigation out of concern for their lives. But Kuprevich said the victim's fears are unfounded. "I don't know of any case here or in my 25 years of law enforcement where physical harm came to someone who testified in any of the cases I've been involved in," he said. "The occurrence of it is so minute. "It doesn't mean that [retribution] never happens," he added. "It is just not an excuse not to stand up." Kuprevich said that if a person who has testified feels afraid for his personal safety, University Police will pay "special attention to their area." In addition, if they call University Police, they will give it a "priority notice" status and treat the situation as a potential emergency. Victim Support and Special Services Director Maureen Rush said that besides fear, students often complain about the time involved in prosecution as a reason for not coming forward. "Fear I understand, but inconvenience gets me upset," she said. "Every person has a civic duty to work within the system." Victim Support provides counseling services and will transport the witness to and from court for the duration of the process. There have been promising cases recently, which may show a reverse in this the disturbing trend. Last Tuesday, for example, a female student and a woman in Steinberg-Dietrich Hall combined efforts with University Police Officer John Newton to arrest a man connected to several thefts in campus buildings. And earlier this month, a student came forward to identify a man who attempted to rob him at 36th and Market streets. The suspect in that case had been arrested earlier the same day for another robbery.
(02/15/95 10:00am)
Israeli Mediterranean music serves as a form of ethnic and political expression, combining the traditional music of the Middle East with Western rock 'n roll, according to Amy Horowitz, a professor in the Jerusalem Program at the Smithsonian Institute. And yesterday, Horowitz discussed this "Mizrahi" music with an audience of more than 15 students and faculty. Horowitz said Mizrahi music is performed by Israeli musicians of Sephardic background, connecting them to their Middle Eastern origins. She quoted the Israeli singer Avihu Medina, when she sang, "I sing the songs with which I was raised." "Medina is a Yemenite who composes with an Israeli soundtrack," she explained. Horowitz spoke about how the singers combined the music brought from Arab lands with European and American forms of composition. She also said the Mizrahi music provided a way of expressing both Israeli and Middle Eastern identities. Horowitz added that Mizrahi music reshapes the definition of Israeli identity and helps to make Israel a more heterogeneous society. She said the music also has an important political impact -- describing the discrimination which Mizrahi musicians were subjected to by the Israeli radio stations and record companies. Horowitz added that often, artists were allotted very little radio air time. She said these musicians and their distributors set up their own networks as an alternative means of producing Mizrahi songs. Like much in the Middle East, creating independent networks is also a political act. "The Mizrahi music and entrepreneurs, by setting up their own alternative network were essentially making a political statement through music," Horowitz explained. She also described how Mizrahi music -- until the 1980's -- had been listened to exclusively by Middle Eastern Jews. She said this form of music's emergence into the mainstream began in 1986 with Israeli singer Haim Moshe's Arabic song "Linda, Linda." Horowitz added that this music is also becoming accepted by Israeli folk dancers, signaling its acceptance by the larger Israeli population. Wharton senior David Eline said he learned a great deal from this lecture. "I never knew this music existed," he said. "Now I want to go out and buy some Mizrahi CDs."
(02/15/95 10:00am)
Will Old Philadelphia Be 'Disneyfied'? While Independence National Historical Park is often referred to as America's most historic square mile, few visitors spend more than an hour visiting the district which contains Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell. Trying to reverse this trend, Mayor Ed Rendell and park officials have released plans to enhance the tourist experience for visitors and city residents alike. And recently, everyone from architects and city planners to historians and academics have engaged in dialogue over the fate of the historic area. Currently on the table are six alternative plans devised by the National Park Service. One of the six plans or a combination of the plans will be tentatively accepted in late spring, but will remain open for public discussion. By December of 1995, however, the National Park Service will announce its final plan, which will be implemented in the next 10 to 15 years. Last month, the city and Mayor Ed Rendell unveiled their favored proposal. It calls for a $170 million high-tech Constitution Center to be built on Independence Mall. In addition, the plan recommends relocating the Visitor's Center. If Rendell's plan is accepted, the Liberty Bell would move to the north side of Market Street and would be enclosed in a new glass and steel pavilion. Rendell said he hopes to have Constitution Center plan completed by 1998. Under the Rendell plan, the Constitution Center would run above and below ground and be filled with the newest in museum technology, including multi-media exhibits, television town meetings, discussion theaters, educational galleries and a "Signer's Hall" where visitors can sign the Constitution with a laser pen. Political Science Professor William Harris said he vigorously endorses a home to celebrate the Constitution because it is the foundation and backbone of the United States. "This was the place where the nation was really founded, not by writing documents but by creating institutions," he said. "We need to try to recapture what it is like to make this constitution work in the first phase of its existence. That's the moment to focus on." He said that a constitution center should have the mission of educating the public, especially children. But he cautioned that a center should not be treated as a "shrine." "I don't see this just as commemoration," he added. "If it works, it works because it teaches citizens the capacity to deal with the kinds of problems the framers dealt with on their own terms." · The city's favored proposal -- the sixth proposed by the National Park Service -- has received the most attention, and has caused the most controversy. And although it is the city's plan that received the lion's share of publicity, the final decision will me made by the National Park Service. Independence Mall, the proposed home of the Constitution Center, was created between 1952 and 1969 as Independence Mall State Park by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the City of Philadelphia. In the process, three city blocks, containing 143 building dating from the 19th and 20th century, were demolished. And in the early 1970s, Pennsylvania turned the mall over to the National Park Service. Ann Marie DiSerafino, spokesperson for Independence Park, said that the National Park Service will not publicly endorse a plan yet, but is considering all the alternatives. She added that the overwhelming public response to the issue has been extremely helpful. While some architects favor the idea of a Constitution Center and increased building on Independence Mall, others are vehemently opposed to the idea. Former City Planning Commissioner Edmund Bacon, who is responsible for the design of Independence Mall, said he loves the idea of an underground Constitution Center. He added, however, that he strongly opposes proposals for buildings in the center of the mall area. "The purpose of the mall is to give dignity and a setting to Independence Hall," Bacon said. "There is no way you can put a major building in the center of mall, without making it overshadow the importance and dignity of Independence Hall." Bacon was passionate in describing the potential experience of an individual walking through the below ground Constitution Center and rising up a stairway to stare in awe at Independence Hall. He added that artificial light in the exhibit, will greatly add, rather than detract from the experience because the lighting can be controlled. "It will change this area from one which is dark and forbidding to one that is a magnet and very attractive." He also advocated the relocation of the Liberty Bell north of Market Street. But John Lawson, one of the designers of the original Liberty Bell pavilion, said he would be sad to see the Bell moved. "I thought it would be there forever," Lawson said. "I'm very upset about using the Liberty Bell as a pawn in a private individual's hand?" He said that from the beginning in 1974, he and his colleagues had envisioned the view of the Liberty Bell with Independence Hall in the background. George Thomas, professor of historic preservation and Philadelphia historian, strongly disagrees. Thomas, who lectures at the University, said there is no connection or "link" between the Liberty Bell pavilion and the history it is trying to portray. The real problem with Independence "Maul," as Thomas referred to it, is that it is a big open space with a "little tiny" 18th century brick building at one end. He added that some of the buildings that were demolished to create the mall were historically significant. "It's a sterile, never, never land shrined in green open space," he said. Deidri Gibson, a landscape architect for the National Park Service, said the problem is not with the mall itself, but with the surrounding buildings. "Classic ingredients for failure of a public space," Gibson said. Many officials agreed, and some cited the U.S. Federal Court House as an architectural disaster. Thomas stressed that the focus on a Constitution Center is placing the emphasis in the wrong area. It should be focused on the city of Philadelphia, Thomas said. He added that the Constitution is a "big yawn" and "has nothing to do with our day to day existence. "The tragedy of it it that they have such a small view of what's important about Philadelphia," Thomas said. "It is not just the Constitution, it's a whole series of revolutions. The modern world was invented in Philly and that's the tale their missing." · In comparison to Philadelphia, one of the most successful and educational tourist attractions in the country is Colonial Williamsburg. Thomas said that while Williamsburg had to be completely recreated, Philadelphia does not need to be rebuilt in this manner because it's home to many 17th and 18th century buildings already, with a huge collection in Society Hill. Milton Mark of the Preservation Committee agreed with Thomas, saying that other historic sites in Philadelphia are being slighted if they are not given more prominence by the city. He said the 19th century was a vital time in Philadelphia history, yet gets little attention. In addition, he said tourists should visit West Philadelphia, Germantown, and Eastern State Penitentiary. · One of the most controversial aspects of the new park plan is the prospect of commercialized history. When Mark heard rumors of the Constitution Center being "Disneyfied" like an attraction at Disney World, he said he was very disenchanted. "I was a little horrified at the the thought of it," Mark said. "I have a problem with contrived patriotism." The whole "Disney" issue has come to the forefront of the debate in the last week. Some see the the idea of glitzy Constitution Center as a move that will attract thousands of tourists to Philadelphia, increasing city revenues and spurring job growth. While others believe the Constitution Center should be less jazzy, and more on substance and meaning. Stuart Feldman, senior vice president of the National Constitution Center, has dedicated the last few years to the creation of a Constitution Center. He said the Disney argument is an attempt to dismantle his idea. And no arguments concerning Disney had been mentioned at the public forums. "We're not here to present Disneyland east," Feldman, a University alumnus said. "The Disney argument is a red-herring that is ridiculous." Feldman, like Harris, said the Constitution is a living document that must be examined for its impact not only on the past, but on present and future. "Those documents are not from ancient history, but affect us every day in our lives," he said. "The mall is largely deserted and we have to find a way to make this area be one of the best public spaces in the world." In order to fulfill these goals, there are plans for a massive television bulletin board with a constant flow of news emanating from it and for a public town meeting. Feldman is confident that his Constitution Center will be a reality. "We're confident the leadership of the Park Service will seize the significance of what were trying to do." Even though the Constitution Center has a price tag of around $200 million, he thinks fundraising efforts, similar to the $415 million raised for the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, are plausible. The Constitution Heritage Act of 1988 also provides the Constitution Center with $250,000 a year. And challenge grants and federal funds could also be raised. "We believe Republicans will be as sympathetic to this project as the democrats," Feldman said. He stressed the importance of a new Visitor's Center to attract tourists and tell them about the wonders of the rest of the city, and added that he hopes to put restaurants and shops outside of the many "unsightly" office buildings. "I want to make this place come alive," Feldman said. But Craig Eisendrheh, former executive director of the Pennsylvania Humanities Council, is worried about the "Disneyfying" of the Constitution Center. "If were talking about $200 million we better know what we are doing," Eisendrheh said. "Simple building a glitz temple for the Constitution is not idea of what to do. "The Constitution is in somewhat of a crisis now," he added. "This is a time where we have to be taking seriously the mission of the Constitution." Harris agreed, and said that, "anything that makes it silly or cute is radically inconsistent with the Constitution." Eisendrheh worked at the National Constitution Center in 1987, but by 1990 had left along with other colleagues because of a difference in opinion over which direction the Constitution Center was headed. "We wanted to have some permanent legacy after the confetti," Eisendrheh said. He added that the Constitution is a complicated issue and has to be dealt with seriously. And issues that Congress is currently debating, such as the First and Fourth amendments, should be addressed. Like many other scholars and officials, Eisendrheh pointed to the U.S. Holocaust Museum as an example to be followed. And Ralph Appelbaum, leading designer of the Holocaust museum, is working on the effort. Karen Butler, an official working on the project in the Mayor's office, said she sees problems with teaching the Constitution. "We're not giving people the right kind of context," Butler said. "There is no common ground from which to absorb things." The Constitution center will fill that void and make that connection, Butler said. As for the Disney issue, Butler said many cities across the country are working hard to attract visitors, and Philadelphia should be no exception. "It's a matter of balance," Butler said. "I think we can use it to help us enhance the story."
(02/15/95 10:00am)
Since its closing last March, the Acme Supermarket building at 43rd and Locust streets has fallen into disrepair, leaving many in the the Spruce Hill community curious as to the property's future. "It's bad for the neighborhood, very bad," said Bob Koch, owner of Koch's Deli, which is located across the street from the old Acme. "I really hope something opens up over there soon." Edwin Spragg, vice president of sales and special marketing at Acme Supermarkets, said the decision to close the store was "agonized over for several years." "The primary reason it was closed was because it was doing a low volume of business and was unprofitable," he said. According to area property owners, the store has become a considerable eyesore. Koch even blames it for the difficulty he has had renting his upstairs apartment. "Nobody likes to see abandonment in any neighborhood," City Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell yesterday. "Acme said they just couldn't make a dollar there." And many in the community are anxious about the fate of the property. "[Developers] would have to consult local communities [about future development]," Blackwell said. "There are a lot of concerned, committed community groups in this area." Blackwell and Koch both cited rumors that the Thriftway Supermarket at 43rd and Walnut streets has been looking at turning the property into a speciality store. "I am hoping Thriftway is interested," Blackwell said. "I liked the fact they had a market there." Officials from Thriftway refused to comment on these reports. There are also other rumors that the University was interested in the property. However, University Associate Treasurer Chris Mason flatly denied these rumors. University professor and Philadelphia historian George Thomas points out that stores closing in the area have a negative effect by eliminating competition in the area. "Losing [the Acme] had a big impact on the community," he stated. He also pointed out the building has a unique architectural presence. "In a weird way it has historic significance in the value of a store coming from the beginning of the food retail industry," he said. "But is it worth saving? Probably not."
(02/15/95 10:00am)
Sporting his "Penn Fag" sweatshirt and trademark nose ring, College senior Stephen Houghton posted his feelings about Valentine's Day on the Button yesterday morning. College junior Jen Manion accompanied Houghton. Their message was clear, spelled out in red and pink --"Love knows no gender." Manion and Houghton, inspired by Gloria Steinem's speech Monday night, had decided to make a statement. "Gloria Steinem said, 'Within the next 24 hours, do one outrageous thing for social justice,' and that's what we did," Manion said. So they spray-painted the snow behind College Hall late Monday evening, on College Green yesterday morning and taped signs on the Button in front of Van Pelt Library. Their signs -- which read "Queer Love" and "Gay still means happy"-- were meant to make gays on campus feel comfortable on the day that has historically been a "straight" celebration of sweethearts. "We're not going to let Valentine's Day be the epitome of heterosexual romance," Manion said. "We hope we made the fags and dykes on campus feel good for one day." The two students also wanted to maintain awareness within the heterosexual community of the University's gay population. "Day to day life is heterosexual," Houghton said. "People often forget about queer life on campus." Although Manion is the editor-in-chief of the women's magazine, Generation XX and Houghton is the former co-chair of the Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Alliance, they said their activity was simply a statement by two individuals. "We're not affiliated with anything," Manion said. "It's just us as individuals and queer visibility is always a plus." Shortly after signs were taped to the button, passers-by began to show an interest. "This is nice to see," said College sophomore Melissa Krakowski, who is gay. "It's so rare this year to see anything out here. It's nice to see something new and different." Others were not happy about the means of communication used. "I don't like to see the art works on campus used as bulletin boards," said Karin Schaller, a Philadelphia resident. But Manion and Houghton disagreed. "We don't see it as defacing property," Manion said. "It's campus beautification." In fact, Manion said that it is the message that matters, not the reactions to it. Houghton agreed. "One of the things Gloria Steinem said last night was 'this is a revolution, not a [public relations] movement,'" he said. "So I don't worry about alienating the few. If the message is firm, it should stand on its own." At the end of the day, the friends were happy with their work. "I stood next to the Button watching and people were reading the signs," Manion said. "So that's good. And my gay friends loved it." Houghton also felt like he had accomplished his goals for the day. "Valentine's Day is for everyone," Houghton said. "We wanted to make that clear-- and queer."
(02/15/95 10:00am)
Cupid has been busy sharpening his arrows. And today, students from across the University will be feeling his sting. "Valentine's Day is a wonderful, wonderful holiday," College freshman Stan Parker said. "I think [it] is a great chance for everyone to get a little closer. "[But] it's a double-edged sword," he admitted. "It can either make you depressed or really happy. It depends on your situation in life. Hopefully this one will make more people happy." Other students plan to openly display their aversion to the so-called holiday. "I'll be wearing all black from head to toe in mourning for all lost loves and loves never had," College senior Michele Steinberger said. "All couples should stay indoors." College sophomore Monique Mogenson agreed. "I think Valentine's Day is a bad holiday," she said. "If you have someone who's important to you, you don't need a holiday to celebrate it. If you have someone you just got together with, it's awkward, and if you don't have anyone, it's depressing." But College freshman Alice Birnbaum argued otherwise. "It's a nice day," she said. "We're happy it's here." College freshman Timothy Wexler said he hopes everyone is affected by the spirit of the day. "I think Valentine's Day is a wonderful thing," he said. "I think that we should all love everyone else and I just wish and hope that everyone loves me." Others were quick to contend that individuals' personal love lives usually determine their feelings about the holiday. "It's kind of fun," Wharton junior Dave Dwares said. "It's a nice day to show people you care about how you feel -- you know, for some reassurance." Still other students argue that Valentine's Day is just a merchandising gimmick. "Valentine's Day is just a way for card stores and chocolate companies to make money," College and Wharton freshman Lucrecia Castro said. College sophomore Jen Lattanvio had her own sort of celebration planned for the evening. "I'll be at Casa Mexicana getting drunk with the girls," she said. "I'm a little bitter about Valentine's Day this year. It's sort of like Halloween --it's over-rated." College freshman Ben Dietz noted that Valentine's Day "overemphasizes the need to have somebody." "But it puts a nice emphasis on getting along and having harmonious relationships," he added.
