Dartlog

New Issue Online

2008-11-18T13:47:00.004-05:00

The latest issue of The Dartmouth Review is now online, focusing on John Sloan Dickey

* Editorial: Dickey's Beloved Example

* A look at the Dickey Center

* The War and Peace Center: Part of Dickey's Legacy

* TDR's Presidential Symposium

* The Stem Cell Debate at Dartmouth
* Week In Review and Last Word

And Much More!!!

Rumor Has It

2008-11-18T13:42:00.001-05:00

That Allie Lowe '10 is going to be Editor of the D next year.

Best Wishes.

Obamamania at Dartmouth

2008-11-05T16:09:00.002-05:00

Disturbing.

America Got the President it Deserves

2008-11-05T15:04:00.000-05:00

Or: Election Open-Thread

War and Peace Issue Online

2008-10-31T16:26:00.004-04:00

The latest issue of The Dartmouth Review, featuring history, interviews, and commentary on the topic of War and Peace, is now online. Coverage includes:

* The Laurelled Men of Dartmouth who have served throughout history, and four Dartmouth students/alumni answering the call right now
* The Case for Bob Barr; The Case for the Causal Theory of Perception
* Pulitzer prize winner John Burns talks Iraq at the College; gives an exclusive TDR Interview to boot
* Emily Esfahani-Smith on the foreign policy career path; TDR interviews former CENTCOM commander General Abizaid
* Naturally, the Week in Review, and The Last Word.

Sununu Surging

2008-10-28T18:47:00.001-04:00

Having met the man and seen his record, I am hoping that this pans out and at least the Granite State does its part to deny Obama his supermajority.

Homecoming Issue Online

2008-10-26T00:12:00.003-04:00

Our latest issue of The Dartmouth Review, celebrating homecoming, is now online. Top stories include:

* A History of Dartmouth Nights, including why one should, nay, must rush the field.
* The editorial take on the Presidential Search, and a tragic blow-by-blow of the student forum
* Why Jeffrey Hart is supporting Barack Obama.
* The Rugger's Roundup and the latest Indian Football update
* Why Socrates was not black
* Per Usual, the week in review and the last word on the subject.

Dartmouth

2008-10-17T00:55:00.002-04:00

Something less divisive, as Homecoming is a time for the Dartmouth family to recognize that our bonds are stronger than our disagreements.

And it's really cool to watch.

Parity Politics

2008-10-12T21:16:00.002-04:00

The Hanover Institute, a non-profit corporation with an interest in maintaining parity on Dartmouth College’s Board of Trustees, issued a full page advertisement in The Dartmouth on Friday, making it clear that they will continue the fight for alumni influence on the Board. While the Association of Alumni claims to be negotiating to gain more alumni trustees, the Hanover Institute remains skeptical of the Board’s reciprocity in the matter. The potential for another law suit, this time filed by individuals, remains on the table.

We call upon the Board of Trustees to affirm the right of parity – the right of alumni to elect one-half of the non ex-officio members of the board – at their November 7-8 board meeting.

If they are unable to do that, then any “negotiations” between the Board and alumni are clearly futile.

WFB's Son To Vote Obama

2008-10-11T04:16:00.003-04:00

So in the event anyone notices or cares, the headline will be: “William F. Buckley’s Son Says He Is Pro-Obama.” I know, I know: It lacks the throw-weight of “Ron Reagan Jr. to Address Democratic Convention,” but it’ll have to do.

Christopher Buckley explains.

Nader Neglected

2008-10-07T13:20:00.003-04:00

Ralph Nader, the quadrennial third-party presidential candidate, held what could be loosely defined as a “campaign rally” at Dartmouth College on Monday. Despite the on-campus popularity of environmentalism and consumer advocacy, two of the central issues in Nader’s largely overlooked run for the White House, the event was not well attended.

As The Dartmouth reported, Nader, visibly perturbed by the lack of interest, took shots at the quality of the college’s political discourse and its conservative reputation.

Nader noted that fewer than 10 of the approximately 40 audience members appeared to be Dartmouth students. He criticized the “sterile political debate at Dartmouth,” adding that the College is known as the most conservative school in the Ivy League.

Questions for Professor Hart

2008-10-06T15:03:00.003-04:00

This week, I will be interviewing Professor Hart about the elections (and his support of Barack Obama) for our upcoming issue. If any Dartlog commenters would like to suggest questions for Prof. Hart, they can be left in the comments section.

Latest Issue Online

2008-10-05T07:06:00.003-04:00

The Latest Issue of The Dartmouth Review is now online, focusing on the issue of religion and spirituality on campus. Highlights include:

* A History of the Tucker Foundation
* Ending the Secular Crusade by Emily Esfahani-Smith
* The Return of Prof. Rosenstock-Huessy, commentary by Jeffrey Hart
* A TDR Exclusive Interview with BC's Peter Kreeft
* A History of the Review; A Pea-green's take on his first week
* The Last Word on the subject

TDR and Technology

2008-10-04T16:20:00.002-04:00

As Web Editor of The Dartmouth Review, I will begin to provide insight into Technology here at Dartmouth, and in the nation as a whole. New student start-ups, changes in the Dartmouth network infrastructure, and national debates on such topics as Network neutrality and software patents - all will be fair game. I hope to appeal to the geekier side of Dartmouth, of which I am unabashedly a member.

To kick it off, I'd like to provide a shot of what was undoubtedly one of more light-hearted moments of Thursday's debate.

Vice-Presidential Debate

2008-10-02T23:28:00.007-04:00

About two and a half hours ago, liberals everywhere tuned in to the Vice Presidential debate, already relishing the anticipated rout. Even some pessimistic conservatives expected Joe Biden to talk circles around Sarah Palin. However, the debate didn’t quite go that way, although Joe Biden's ability to talk in circles remains unquestioned.

Governor Palin held her own. She didn’t always answer the moderator’s questions, but neither did Biden (or any candidate in debate history). She also failed to refute the Delaware Senator’s devastating insinuations that John McCain believes in the free market. She did, however, demonstrate an understanding of national issues, the very thing she has been so frequently accused of lacking.

The debate probably didn’t achieve any spectacular conversions; those who prefer liberal ideas will still prefer Obama/Biden. But swing voters who doubted Palin’s competence at the national level can set those doubts to rest.

2008 Dartmouth Clery Report

2008-10-01T01:36:00.003-04:00

The Dartmouth Department of Safety and Security today released their 2008 Annual Security Clery Report, detailing various crime rates, specifically crimes committed by students and those that occurred on Dartmouth property. Not much was new in the document besides 2007's numbers. Highlights include:

We appear to have stamped out arson on campus, with no occurrences in '06 or '07!
Dartmouth campus still murder-and-manslaughter free! Take that, Yalies!
Alcohol-related arrests down 40% since '05 - alcohol-related disciplinary action down almost 50%! (Debate: does this make the '11s the worst class ever?)
No gun law violations (not that there's really any gun laws to violate here in NH)
Burglary, drug law arrests/violations all holding even
A slight up-tick in sexual offenses (14 in '05, 13 in '06, 19 in '07)

Bailout-palooza

2008-09-29T22:03:00.002-04:00

Paul Hodes, our Democratic Representative here in Hanover, opposed the bill today. Perhaps the dartlog commentators would like to weigh in on the deal as well?

The era of Wall St. is over.

2008-09-23T10:33:00.003-04:00

Dartmouth seniors, many of whom are preparing for corporate recruiting right now, may be disheartened to learn about "The End of Wall Street," as reported today in the Wall Street Journal.

And so, in a single week, the era of the independent investment bank has ended. Wall Street as we've known it for decades has ceased to exist. Six months ago there were five major investment banks. Two -- Lehman Brothers and Bear Stearns -- have failed, Merrill Lynch is selling itself to Bank of America, and now the last two are becoming commercial banks. Adam Smith, that great market disciplinarian, is punishing excesses and remaking American finance long before Congress can get into the act.

TDR Freshman Issue

2008-09-22T16:19:00.003-04:00

The Freshman Issue of The Dartmouth Review is now online, with a little something for everyone, including updates to our infamous Best and Worst Professors column, additions to our list of Courses of Note, and Professor Jeffrey Hart's take on what constitutes a college education.

* Dartmouth's Best and Worst Professors
* Courses of Note
* Greek Life, pen-portraits; Greek Life: A Freshman Girl's Take
* Freshman Etiquette
*A review of freshman summer reading
* Last Word.

Keggy Kidnapping Kaper

2008-09-19T23:41:00.002-04:00

Keggy the Keg has been stolen. This is evidently a legitimate criminal affair.

The letter from the Jack-O-Lantern (language):

Upon returning to campus for pre-orientation, members of the Dartmouth Jack-O-Lantern discovered that Keggy the Keg, Dartmouth's beloved, chronically intoxicated mascot, was no longer in our possession. Previously residing in Robinson Hall room 205, it appears that sometime in mid- to late August, Keggy was forcibly abducted.

Since Keggy is our property, this is a CRIME!

The theft has been reported to both Safety *and* Security. And Hanover Police. If H-Po finds Keggy in your frat or dorm room, they will not fuck around.

In five short years, Keggy has become an engrained member of the Dartmouth community. We really love bringing Keggy to campus, but we have been unable to see the smiles on the wee '12s' faces this pre-o because Keggy has been unavailable for public appearances. And because his thieves failed to take the interior harness or costume, his shell alone cannot be worn by man. (In other words, Keggy will not be appearing at Homecoming, at other sports events, or anywhere else, until we get him back.)

If you provide a tip that leads to Keggy's recovery, we will shower you with free Keggy merchandise.
Contact:

* Us! (609) 651-7431
* Safety & Security: (603) 646-4000
* Hanover Police: (603) 643-2222

Thanks. Go kegs!

Is it possible that a certain Moose or ubiquitous color had something to do with this? More will undoubtedly be forthcoming!

Crady announces COS reforms

2008-09-19T17:49:00.002-04:00

Dean of the College, Tom Crady, has today announced reforms that will be made to the Committee on Standards, and the undergraduate disciplinary process. His letter, here.

ROTC Bans to Encounter Opposition

2008-09-15T19:23:00.002-04:00

From the Washington Post:

IVY LEAGUE administrators, take heed: The next president will oppose the de facto bans on the Reserve Officers' Training Corps that prevail at several of these prestigious institutions.

Haldeman Announces New Charter Trustees

2008-09-06T09:56:00.002-04:00

From Ed Haldeman's Open Letter:

Dear Members of the Dartmouth Community,

I am pleased to announce new appointments to the Dartmouth Board of Trustees.

Five distinguished alumni, who have devoted many years of service to the College, were elected to the Board today:

* Jeffrey Immelt '78, chairman and chief executive officer, GE;
* Sherri Oberg '82, Tuck '86, founder, president and chief executive officer, Acusphere, Inc.;
* John Rich '80, chair, Department of Health Management and Policy, director, Center for Academic Public Health Practice, Drexel University;
* Steven Roth '62, Tuck '63, chairman and chief executive officer, Vornado Realty Trust, and
* Diana Taylor '77, managing director, Wolfensohn & Company, LLC.

These individuals bring a breadth of skills and perspectives that will further strengthen the Board's capacity to steward and support Dartmouth's mission

See news release with bios

Figure skating coach resigns, faults administration

2008-09-02T14:30:00.004-04:00

The Valley News reports that the head coach of Dartmouth’s “five-time national champion figure skating team has resigned after a disagreement with the college about the program’s position in the athletic hierarchy.”

VALLEY NEWS
8/27/2008
Figure Skating Coach Quits Dartmouth Team
By: Tony Lane
Valley News Staff Writer

Hanover -- The head coach of Dartmouth's five-time national champion
figure skating team has resigned after a disagreement with the college
about the program's position in the athletic hierarchy.
Loren McGean, a Dartmouth Class of 1992 member who began co-coaching
the club with her father, Michael (Class of 1949), in 2002, submitted a
letter of resignation to several Dartmouth administrators, including
President Jim Wright, last week.
In the letter, a copy of which was obtained by the Valley News,
McGean cited the need on her part for more "financial transparency" in
the use of funds that were donated specifically for Big Green figure
skating.
In spring 2007, Dartmouth announced the creation of the J. Michael
McGean Endowment Fund, the club's first permanent source of funding, to
support the figure skating team's $80,000 budget.
McGean also wanted another athletic category established between
varsity and club to accommodate current club teams (of which figure
skating is one) that compete on a national level.
"To date these requests have all been either ignored or denied,"
McGean wrote in the letter, "and the College has refused to consider a
reasonable solution or an acceptable working environment to fully
support the Dartmouth Figure Skating Team, a recognized, legitimate
intercollegiate athletic program.
"I regret that under these circumstances and in the absence of these
needs being met, I am unable to continue my work as Head Coach of the
Dartmouth Figure Skating Team."
McGean confirmed yesterday she was resigning and offered no further
comment. There was no immediate word on a coaching successor.
Dartmouth athletics director Josie Harper regretted that McGean
decided to decline a reappointment contract.
"We really value everything Loren and her father did to take the
club where it is today," Harper said yesterday. "The program has always
been very important to us."
In addressing McGean's concerns about financial oversight, Harper
said: "All the club teams have the same opportunity to raise funds.
Figure skating wasn't any different. We feel we supported them fully,
and we certainly have no intention of cutting that support."
As for the creation of a competitive level between varsity and club
sports, Harper said the college simply didn't have the structure to
adopt it.
"We recognize that some club sports can compete at the highest
level," Harper noted. "Rugby works within our structure."
The figure skating club was founded by former student Amy Stetson --
with the help of Michael McGean -- during the 1996-97 school year.
Dartmouth has been undefeated in competition since the fall of 2003 and
has won the U.S. National Intercollegiate Figure Skating Team
Championships every year since 2004.
Daniel Dittrick, a club skater and co-captain who graduated last
June, was a member of the Club Sports Commission of the Student Assembly
that issued a report in the spring of 2006, urging Dartmouth to increase
facility and financial support for club teams.
Reached Monday by phone, Dittrick refrained from speaking of
McGean's resignation, but said the college had responded to some of the
commission's recommendations.
"There has been a lot of changes -- the recognition of a couple more
sports like women's lacrosse," Dittrick said. "There's also a full-time
administrator in Joann Brislin that works with club teams."

Former TDR editor to run for State Assembly

2008-08-26T21:36:00.001-04:00

Former Dartmouth Review editor, Harmeet Dhillon ’89 is running for a seat on California’s State Assembly. The State Assembly--which does for California what the House of Representatives does for the United States--is divided into 80 assembly districts, each representing a geographical region of the state. Ms. Dhillon is running for the 13th district, which represents San Francisco.

Both Ms. Dhillon and her opponent, Tom Ammiano, ran unopposed in their respective primaries, Ms. Dhillon for the republicans, and Mr. Ammiano for the democrats. Though Ms. Dhillon is running as a republican in one of the most liberal cities in the country, she is optimistic about her campaign: "I'm a balanced civil libertarian--not some kind of extremist. And citizens and taxpayers have civil rights too--the right to safe streets and the right not to be tripping over street criminals when they walk through the financial district after hours. Tom and his cohorts are not advocating the rights of the law abiding residents of San Francisco," she tells The Dartmouth Review.

Her record, which includes a commitment to human rights issues, only underscores her point: as a lawyer, she has represented “several South Asian women victims of a high-profile sex trafficking ring in Berkeley in 2002....[she] has served on the board of the American Civil Liberties Union’s Northern California Chapter, [and] she has also served on the board of Santa Clara County’s Support Network for Battered Women,” according to her campaign website. She has received several awards and honors for her work.

As a civil libertarian, Ms. Dhillon is generally opposed to government regulations, which stands in stark contrast to her opponent. Mr. Ammiano is famous for introducing a health care tax, imposed on San Francisco businesses, that taxes employees a dollar an hour. In addition, Mr. Ammiano supports policies that result in murders and higher crimes in San Francisco: for instance, he wants to shield criminal juvenile illegal aliens from being turned over to the federal authorities to be deported.

“Even after a triple murder in June caused by a juvenile illegal alien,” Ms. Dhillon explains, “he still wants to grant them the same rights as other American juveniles.” In challenging Mr. Ammiano, Ms. Dhillon hopes to bring a more moderate view to the State Assembly.

"Even if you’re a taxpaying law-abiding democrat," she says, "you are going to be startled by some of my opponent’s policies. This isn’t a race about republicans versus democrats, but about normal people versus extremists.”

If you are interesting in contributing to her cause, click here, or attend her September 16th fundraiser at the Yale Club in New York. For further questions or details, please e-mail Harmeet Dhillon at harmeet@dhillon08.com.