Ad Libitum

Volume 4

The Whipsheet, Abridged:

*Winter Wonderland

*This Week In The Libs

*Miscellany

*The Lib Bitch

*The Final Thought

Winter Wonderland:

Beloved Lively Libs,

The weather is harsh, classes are starting again for the week, and the flow of libations has ceased (for the most part) until Thursday at the earliest.  While this would seem to spell depression for most, there's no need to break out the Prozac just yet - lots of exciting things are going on this week.  There are always the Lib events to look forward to, the New Hampshire primary is coming up on Tuesday, and, if nothing else, you can always hope that the hot tub that graced the L-Dub courtyard a few days ago will make a reappearance.

Speaking of Prozac, I've had a bit too much Spice Girls exposure for my liking in the last several hours, so, if you'll excuse me, I think I need to go lie down and try to find a "calm, happy place" for my mind to retreat to for awhile.

**b.n.h.**

This Week In The Libs:

Lib Dinner

*Monday, January 26th at 7:30 in the Branford Pitt*

Who wouldn't want to eat with such a fine group of people?  Come check out all of the Liberal Hotness.

Lib Discussion: "America:  Democracy or Hypocrisy?"

*Tuesday, January 27th at 7:30 in the JE Common Room*

While our discussion last week resulted in a general agreement that the U.S. could use a revolution, there were only a select few who think it's dandy to maim a few people in the process (although, most people seemed fairly willing to set stuff on fire....).  This week, I think the opinion may be split a bit more.  The question here, as always, is what do you think of the issue - the more people we have to join the discussion, the better.  Bring friends, roommates, lovers.  Good times will be had.

YPU:  "Resolved:  Privacy rights should be reduced for the sake of counterterrorism, but rights of due process should not be." (And "Charles the Martyr.")

*Wednesday, January 28th at 7:30 (tentatively) in LC 102*

The guest speaker this week is Professor Richard Betts, the Director of the Institute of War and Peace Studies at Columbia University.  This is possibly the longest resolution I've seen since joining the YPU, but don't let the wordiness confound your poor minds.  What rights should be forfeit for the sake of security (if any)?  If you have a strong opinion on the topic (or just like to hear yourself talk) get in touch with the Floor Leader of the Left (roger.low@yale.edu).  

It's also important to keep in mind that the "Charles the Martyr" debate (or the "Charles motion") will take place at this meeting.  For those of you not "in the know," the POR will move to observe a moment of silence in order to honor King Charles I of England who was executed January 30, 1649.  This will undoubtedly turn into a floor fight with opposing sides whipping out their coc...er, I mean, copies of Robert's Rules of Order in an attempt to outdo one another.  Personally, I hope the Progs bust out hogs' heads on sticks again this year...  (Adam Stockton is in for a long night.  Poor little fella.  Show him some Lib love when you see him tomorrow.)

Pre-Game

*Saturday, January 31st at 9:00 in Rosenfeld Room 201* 

If you don't love Liberal Party parties, you may have been dropped on your head one too many times as a small child.  The Winter Ball is this Saturday at 10 pm, and the Libs are providing a place to hang out, party and drink (or not).  Come be part of the excitement!

Miscellany:

http://www.hauntedmansion.info/bushin41point2.htm

What would a Lib e-mail be without a little Bush-bashing?  I think I may officially adopt the slogan "Save America from President Dickhead."

http://www.2004ward.com

A very cool Yale-based organization which will train 50 Yalies in grassroots politics organizing and then send them to work this summer in under-represented communities, educating people about progressive issues and doing awesome things like registering thousands of new voters.  Go check out the website, and, if you're looking for something fun and exciting to do in the summer, get involved!

http://www.axisofjustice.org

Are you ready to Rock n' Roll?!  This non-profit organization is attempting to bring together musicians, music fans and grassroots political organizations to fight for social justice.  It has lots of interesting info and links, so go better yourselves by browsing about a bit.

http://www.whodieswhopayswhoprofits.com

A lovely little website that contains things that will whet your liberal palates.  This is an exceptionally well-organized news-source.

http://www.homestarrunner.com

This is my randomness for the day.  In the words of the friend who introduced me to this site:  "Let it set you free."  (Btw, if you're like me, you were confused as all hell by the t-shirts at the Yale-Hahvahd game that said something along the lines of "Some people are being fangoriously devoured by a gelatinous monster.  No two people are not on fire."  Check out this section of the website:  http://www.homestarrunner.com/sbemail84.html and life will make sense again.)

The Lib Bitch:

Pop music is an inherent evil that should not be blared loudly on speakers in particular entryways.  I'm willing to sacrifice the ears of people in other entryways, but not mine.

I think it's just unreasonable for all of the electrical outlets in my suite to spontaneously stop working over the course of the semester.  Surge protectors only have so many outlets on them.  And why can't I find a phone number of someone who knows how to fix them?

I'm slowly turning into Jason Farago.  Damnit.

Tone deaf roommates should NOT be allowed to sing when others are trying to do work.  Honestly, wtf?  Is it so hard to realize that your off-key warbling is a fucking distraction and has the potential to give others headaches?

Stop riding your bike on the sidewalk. When you shove others into the snow so that you can demonstrate your social ineptitude, everyone's a loser.

(For those of you interested in seeing the bitch session that inspired this newly instituted "Lib Bitch," the newest Elder of Palestine was kind enough to supply us with this link: http://www.nyblade.com/2004/123/viewpoint/bitch/bitch.cfm)

The Final Thought:

"One of the penalties for refusing to participate in politics is that you end up being governed by your inferiors."

~Plato