|
Volume CXXXII, Number 20 |
 |
Do you have a great professor?
To the Bowdoin Community:
Do you wake up in the morning, roll out of bed, and then brush your teeth? Do you wake up and immediately say to yourself: "Oh how I wish I could give something back to Professor Smith (or Jones, or other inspiring Bowdoin Professor), because he/she has really made an impact on my life this semester?"
Hopefully you answered "Yes" to one of the above questions. (Otherwise we suggest purchasing a new toothbrush, such as the new Crest Spin Brush, an executive, high-powered brush, at a mailroom cost.)
Regardless of whether you practice proper dental hygiene, we hope that you answered "Yes" to the second question. If not, please reconsider.
This semester BSG is going to give out one Professor of the Semester Award, based upon the quality of your nomination. Please write us at bsg@bowdoin.edu and tell us how a professor has made an impact on your life. There are no length restrictions so feel free to discuss the nitty-gritty. Nominations will be accepted from April 13 to April 20. Act now before it's too late. (And remember, brush with Colgate Extra White.)
Sincerely,
Andrew Clark '05
Rep., Academic Affairs Committee, BSG
To the Editors:
I believe that there are two challenges that everyone, given the opportunity, should experience. One is climbing a mountain. The other is triathlon.
Triathlon originated in the 1978 as a challenge between a naval officer and two of his men stationed in Hawaii. They were each proficient in a different athletic area-swimming, biking, or running-and often argued over who was in the best physical shape. To figure out the answer, the men decided to compete head-to-head in a "multi-sport event," which included each of their respective sports. They chose the distances based on the longest races that existed in Hawaii at the time: a 2.4 mile ocean swim, a 112 mile bike, and a marathon (26.2 mile) run. When these events were put back-to-back, and the crucial element of "transitioning" (changing from one sport to the next) was added, the Ironman, and more importantly triathlon, was born.
In the 25 years since then, triathlon has exploded in popularity in the United States and around the world. There are now races across this country that incorporate different distances (much shorter than the Ironman) and present new challenges for competitors. Triathlon made its Olympic debut in 2000. This May, it will arrive at Bowdoin.
I invite you to join me at the inaugural IronBear Sprint Triathlon, to take place on Sunday, May 4 at 8:00 a.m. It will consist of a 525 yard (21 length) pool swim, 11 mile bike, and 3.1 mile run. All proceeds from the event will go to the Brunswick Recreation Department, specifically to benefit youth athletic programs. The IronBear is designed for both "first-timers" (people who have never competed before) and experienced triathletes looking to get a fast start to the season. Its goal is to promote healthy living and fitness among the college and town communities through an exciting event open to everyone. We are anticipating a field of participants of all skill levels from Bowdoin, Brunswick, and New England. U.S.A. Triathlon, the national governing body, has sanctioned the race. This means that it meets their high standards and will count toward national rankings. I encourage anyone who has ever been intrigued by the sport to give the IronBear a "tri."
For more information and registration, check out the website at www.bowdoin.edu/athletics and click on the IronBear link. I look forward to seeing you at the finish line!
Sincerely,
Will Thomas '03
Race Director
Answer Kielburger's call to action
To the Editors:
The outpouring of enthusiasm following Craig Kielburger's talk last week has been wonderful and overwhelming. School supplies have poured into the Union, where students compiled school kits to send to children overseas, and there has already been serious inquiry into funding the construction of a school overseas. At a meeting last weekend, folks energized by Craig's talk brainstormed dozens of ideas of what to do next. The question is not "Should I be involved?" but, "Where is my energy best directed?"
Certainly, the alleviation of the grinding poverty facing children around the world is a noble goal. While these conditions should be ameliorated, however, our efforts must also be directed toward working for systemic changes that address the root causes of poverty and inequality. If poverty is a disease, of course we should treat the symptoms; more importantly, let's find a cure.
Processes of globalization have underscored global inequality and exploited the poorest in our world. As Kielburger suggested, the current structure of the global economy benefits multinational corporations and those at the top of the economic ladder at the expense of those at the bottom. From the coffee served by our dining halls to the Bowdoin sweatshirts we wear, Bowdoin is implicated in this global economy. Organizations like Global Help, Bowdoin Students for Democratic Socialism, and others are working on these issues. Get involved. As a community committed to the Common Good, let us take it upon ourselves to address this both on our campus and beyond.
Sincerely,
Molly Farneth '03
|
FastCounter by bCentral |