News

High radon levels found on campus

Correction Appended The University has closed off the basement of Forbes College after students raised concerns that area, as well as the basement of Edwards Hall, might contain unusually high concentrations of the cancer-causing natural gas radon.Radon is a radioactive gas present in everyday air that can't be seen, smelled or tasted.

For donors, quad's end is bittersweet

While this summer's slated demolition of the often-ridiculed Butler College quad probably doesn't sadden too many students, a small group of alumni are concerned that the memory of their Princeton classes will be bulldozed along with it.In recent months, members of the classes of 1940, '41 and '42 ? who funded the dorms' construction ? have come together to discuss how the contributions of their classmates can continue to be remembered long after the construction of the new Butler College is complete.Conversations with a number of alumni suggest the University is planning to construct individual commemorative plaques for the classes of '22, '40, '41 and '42.

USG posts list of student discounts to be had in town

There may be no such thing as a free lunch, but two sophomores believe that University students can at least find good bargains on Nassau Street.Jacob Bornstein '09 and USG vice president Josh Weinstein '09 recently launched Princeton Plus, a new USG initiative that lists restaurants and shops that offer discounts to Princeton students.

Lawn party

Students relax on Frist's South Lawn yesterday evening during FristFest. The event included live bands, carnival games, a make-your-own teddy bear stand, and a clown (c.) as well as a variety of food including tacos, steak, hoagies and cotton candy.

Ex-governor's spouse releases memoir

Dina McGreevey, the ex-wife of former New Jersey Gov. Jim McGreevey, has come out swinging this week.With the Tuesday release of her book "Silent Partner: A Memoir of My Marriage," Dina has for the first time voiced anger about her ex-husband and her treatment by the media since his August 2004 revelation of an extramarital affair with state homeland security advisor Golan Cipel and subsequent declaration of homosexuality.The 2004 scandal sparked a firestorm of controversy, forcing the governor to resign amid nationwide debate over the appropriateness of his behavior and the relevance of his sexual orientation.

Pencils for poverty

Thirsty? Swap that coffee for a fruit smoothie

Can I get a boost with that?Students may find themselves asking this question at a new smoothie shop opening on Nassau Street this summer.

Top five majors see increase in enrollment

Correction Appended After a two-year decline in the number of students concentrating in the five largest academic departments at the University, 490 members of the Class of 2009 joined the top five departments last week.

Putnam traces 'social capital'

Civic participation in America has declined in recent years as factors including increased commuting time and a rise in television viewing cause people to neglect social interactions, Harvard professor and bestselling author Robert Putnam told a crowd of more than 100 in Dodds Auditorium yesterday.Befitting someone who studies bowling league participation and dinner party attendance, Putnam was congenial and never stuffy as he paced around the front of the room and walked up and down aisles, his booming voice freeing him from needing a microphone.After a brief introduction by Wilson School professor and civil society scholar Stan Katz, Putnam ? the author of "Making Democracy Work" and the bestselling "Bowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of American Community" ? defined social capital, his topic of study.

Students complain about crowding in Dillon

As students prepare to strut their stuff during Houseparties this weekend, one might expect Stephens Fitness Center in Dillon Gym to be packed with soon-to-be revelers fitting in some last-minute workouts before they don their sleeveless dresses and formalwear.But some students have expressed mixed opinions about the equipment and facilities at Dillon.Sohaib Perwaiz '10, who said he uses the Stephens almost daily, called his workouts "relaxing" but expressed disappointment with the current offerings of the non-varsity gym.Offering a few suggestions for improving the facility, Perwaiz said, "I think the Stephens Fitness Center should stay open later on the weekends.

University to introduce South Asian studies program

Following pressure from students to increase its course offerings focusing on South Asia, the University plans to add a certificate in South Asian studies to its curriculum as part of a broader push to expand its ethnic studies programs in previously underrepresented regions.The certificate program, which will fall under the auspices of the Princeton Institute for International and Regional Studies (PIIRS), is awaiting final approval by a faculty vote on May 14.

Unidentified thief hits six eating clubs

Members' wallets were stolen at six eating clubs Monday afternoon and credit cards from the stolen wallets were subsequently used to make purchases at nearby stores.Wallets were stolen from backpacks and handbags at Cap & Gown, Ivy, Quadrangle, Terrace, Tiger Inn and Tower at lunchtime on Monday.

Kean '57 to join Robertson board

Former New Jersey governor and 9/11 Commission chairman Tom Kean, Sr. '57 will join the board of trustees of the Robertson Foundation, the University announced yesterday."His government service and his international affairs experience will provide invaluable benefits to the foundation and ... I greatly look forward to his service on the board," President Tilghman said in a statement.Bill Robertson '72, the Foundation trustee and the Robertson heir who filed suit against the University in July 2002, praised Kean's appointment.

On Immigrant Day, Latino groups steer clear of issues

A year after illegal immigration legislation took center stage at Princeton and across the country, Latino students groups' participation in this year's National Day of Mobilization for Immigrant Workers was notably smaller in scale.As immigrants across the country joined forces yesterday, leading demonstrations to promote civil rights and more lenient immigration laws, on-campus activity was much more low-key.

Corzine admits violation, pays fine

New Jersey Gov. Jon Corzine ended a talk with state law enforcement officials yesterday with an unusual request, asking state police superintendent Rick Fuentes to write him a ticket for violating New Jersey's seat belt law on April 12.Corzine wrote a check for the $46 fine.

Think fast

From left: Mary Cait Walthall '08, Jonathan Weed '09 and Tyler Allard '07 act in a skit for the improv comedy group Quipfire's spring show, which opens this Thursday in Theatre Intime.

Spitzer '81 aims to legalize gay marriage

New York governor Eliot Spitzer '81 submitted legislation Friday that would effectively legalize same-sex marriage in his state.The legislation, if passed, would eliminate gender as a criterion in the legal definition of marriage and make the denial of a marriage license to same-sex couples illegal, opening the door for gay marriage.

Bounce with me

Building better bubbles

Princeton math professor Robert MacPherson and Yeshiva University dean and materials science professor David Srolovitz have constructed a formula for predicting the rate of change of the volume of bubbles over time, a formula with practical applications varying from metal processing to beer manufacturing.The two professors first met when Srolovitz was a mechanical and aerospace engineering professor at Princeton and MacPherson asked to sit in on his graduate course on materials science."He came to pretty much every class," Srolovitz said.

Corzine leaves hospital, takes up residence in Princeton

New Jersey Gov. Jon Corzine left the hospital and arrived in Princeton this afternoon for an extended stay at Drumthwacket, his official residence.