Is Zolly House for Sale?

We have been hearing reports lately of a rumor that Zollinger House, the SigEp Headquarters building, has been put on the market. Our crack staff made inquiries to HQ and we received the following reply:

Regarding the Zollinger House, I’m not quite sure where this rumor sprang up. I’m looking out of my office window and don’t see a for sale sign. Unless something significant happened while I was traveling, we’re staying in Zolly…at least for the foreseeable future. I’ll keep you posted if there is any change.

I have always held to the principle that if you see a rumor officially denied - bet the ranch it's gonna happen.

Despite the denial, a little research in the minutes of the last few NBD meetings shows that relocation of headquarters is an active topic. Apparently increases in HQ staff over the years have lead to rather cramped quarters, and nobody wants to be the guy who has to share an office with [redacted].

We don't have a pro/con position on the topic, we just wonder what will happen to all those tiles the HQ crew have been selling for so many years?

Juicy Campus?

Tough call, here. On the one hand it's good to see a fellow SigEp working the web. On the other hand if what the reviewer is saying is true then how can we endorse it?

About a month ago I received an e-mail from a Duke alum named Matt Ivester. I didn't know the kid when he went here, although with a little research I do know he was the one-time president of Sig Ep fraternity in '03-'04, if that is at all relevant.

Anyhow, the e-mail informed me of a new Web site he was promoting-which many of you have probably heard of by now-entitled JuicyCampus.com.
[...]
On the one hand, I was shocked and horrified by the comments I was reading. On the other, I was mesmerized. One look and I was unknowingly sucked into an addiction. I wanted more. More names, more dirt, more hate. I knew it was wrong, and I couldn't morally justify adding to the hateful insanity, but I also couldn't and can't stop reading.
[...]
The possibilities are endless. Anyone with a grudge, or a sick mind, can maliciously and often libelously attack defenseless students. I am aware that a lot of times the posts are not be taken seriously, but I am also aware that certain posts lack any sort of intent other than malice and hate.

We take a non-position on this web site (sort of like Hillary Clinton and drivers's licences for illegal aliens). We report it, but no opinions and no links. You are going to have to find it and decide on your own.

Juicy Campus - Columns

Scenes from Conclave - Aug 10

(This post will be updated throughout the day)

Hot Rumor - a 'dark horse' candidate for Grand Pooh-bah may be emerging. No word on whether he has arrived in Atlanta yet, but it could make things interesting.

Brotherhood Lunch -
The brotherhood lunc is calculated to be emotional, introspective, and uplifting at the same time. After opening remarks the "necrology" was read. The list of those who have died in the last two years was especially moving when Jim Robeson's name was mentioned.

After lunch the "Order of Philias" was presented to the LA Alpha chapter (Tulane) for their work in local neighborhoods after hurricane Katrina.

Charlie Engle recently finished the insane feat of running across the Sahara Desert - over 3000 miles in 100 days. Do the math, it is about 2 marathons a day! His story of his early trouble and finding his 'calling' to extreme sports was very inspirational.

Conclave Rumors

We got a comment a few days ago chiding us in a mildly humorous way that we had not had any "inside dirt" on what legislation is coming up at Conclave and who the front-runners are for NBD and Grand Prez.

We hate to disappoint our loyal readers, so here is a smattering of what we have heard and surmised:

• There will be legislation introduced to add the heads of the Housing Corporation and the Educational Foundation to the National Board of Directors as ex officio members. This will have the effect of increasing the size of the NBD by 2 and, as a commenter mentioned, diluting the influence the student members have.
• Since the "traditional" model chapters now number less than 20% of the total number of chapters there may very well be a resolution introduced to set a "date certain" for all chapters to convert to the BMP. This year you can expect the measure to be roundly defeated, but it could set the tone for a serious push to establish a single development model in 2009 at Orlando.
• Someone may introduce a resolution to clarify the "official" colors of the Fraternity. If it passes it will probably be referred to a committee that will take 3 years to decide the issue.
• As far as the "race" for Grand President goes, the smart money is looking toward the "left coast". That is not a certainty, however. We hear that Diebold voting machines will be used so anything is possible. (Yes, we know that one doesn't actually "campaign" for the position - kind of like nobody campaigns to be Pope.)
• An outside possibility is adding an inclusionary statement on legal residence to the membership requirements - as in "we don't check green cards!" (hmmmm. Could that lead to the establishment of a chapter at Guantanamo?)
• There is also a possibility of a minor change - a clarification, really - to the Ritual. But of course if I tell you any more, well, then I have to..., you know.
• Then of course the usual highly controversial resolutions to "Thank the host chapter", to "Require decorum in the weekend activities" (i.e. no bottle rockets!), and so on.
• As of today we have not gotten any confirmation on a move to re-think the 2009 location (a resort outside of Orlando FL).

There you have it. If any of you readers have heard other rumblings please pass them along and we'll post them with our usual discretion.

We will see you in Atlanta!!! Remember, all are welcome at the Bloggers Breakfast.