Another Great Issue

Hello faithful readers of the S&Blog,

Wanted to let you know that our first three issues are all now online and remind you that our latest issue is hot off the presses and located conveniently, as always, in Crady Mail Services (ie the post office).

This issue is jam-packed with goodness. And when I say jam-packed, I mean it. Normally we put out a 12 page newspaper, but we had so much content this week that we bumped it up to 16. So enjoy those four extra pages, no extra charge.

Here's a quick run-down of this week's paper:
In News, we say goodbye to Pip Gordon and Eric Stabb, while welcoming Rabbi Daveen Litwin and Pepsi-Cola. Also in News, you'll find some strong political reporting of the recent Harkin Steak Fry, as well as a pair of article son the campus center, specifically on Out Takes (first reported right here) and the possible pub-holding basement.

Arts gives us a nice look at the sketchy alums, er, 9th semester art interns, as well as returning Grinnellian John Chavez '05 who will be playing on Sunday with his band, The Punks. Also in Arts: movie reviews, how to download music at Grinnell, the a cappella scene, and a really, really good Review Corner piece by English Prof Khanh Ho. Definitely check that one out.

Features boasts the first double-truck (two page spread in middle of paper) of the year with a fascinating study of safe sex practices on campus. Kudos to writers Amy Levin, David Logan, and Tiffany Au as well as Features Editor Abby Rapoport and Graphics Editor Mark Root-Wiley. These people really worked their asses off on this and it shows. Besides, with quotes like "The worst STD you can get [at Grinnell] is a kid" and "I should use condoms when giving oral sex, but the risk factors are so low and the taste of latex sucks" you know you are in for a great piece. (What can I say, sex sells.) Features also has an interesting piece on the divide between international and domestic students. This is a really important issue that not enough people seem to think about. A Day in the Life of the always adorable Emma Lawler rounds up the Features section.

We finally received some Letters to the Editor (on the hot topics of Sri Lanka and Israel), so check them out in this week's Opinions section. You can also find a terrific cartoon by Asia Sample. She has produced great stuff every week so far, so let's hope she keeps it up. Also in Opinions are the usual bag of goodies: Sudoku, Snedge, and a nice Overheard quote concerning Al Gore and Lindsay Lohan. But perhaps the best parts -- at least in my opinion -- are the two biweekly columns. Molly Rideout's is bitingly funny and Brendan Mackie's is thoughtful as always. With those two, plus Lindsay Dennis' humor and Sheahan Virgin's political musings, in addition to Leigh Kunkel's blog-sclusive column, I think I can say with some confidence that we have the best S&B columnists in years.

Sports sports articles on the male and female cross-country teams, just coming off a huge victory, which made front page news of last week's S&B. We've also got a couple of great stories on the women's tennis and men's soccer teams, who after a somewhat rocky start, have really kicked their games up a notch. Also included is an article on the football team's loss. While offense seems to be doing alright, defense seems to be "one step off" according to one player.

Finally, the Back Page (the best thing since the front page) rocks out with probably it's finest showing since its debut two weeks ago. Photo of the week goes to Calvin Heiling for his picture of students flying on the homemade swing that was mysteriously cut-down. Arbitrary Analysis gives thumbs up to the NOJO, thumbs down to the hockey mask assailants, and a half-and-half to Outtakes. A hilarious blast from the past from Freeda Brook, plus some rants, and an excerpt from Paul Kramer's comment from the S&Blog.

To be honest, this post went a little longer than I intended. I'll make it shorter next time. And sorry for all that gushing (don't I sound like a proud parent), but I think if you read this week's issue, you'll know why the title of this post is "Another Great Issue."

Happy Friday!