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December 11, 2007

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Sports

Vol. 80 Issue #14

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Free Access to Ideas... Full Freedom of Expression

A Risk Worth Taking

By Kristen E. Mello Anchor Contributor On Monday, Nov. 19, students gathered together in the Student Union, anxious to know the essence of what they were enveloped in. “Mature Audiences Only: Come at Your Own Risk, You Will Be Offended” was the title of the event prepared by the Resident Assistant (RA) staff.

The planning of this event began during August RA training when Resident Assistant Bill Jones did a presentation on diversity. His work sparked ideas with a small group to present a campuswide diversity event at Rhode Island College. This group discussed the idea with a larger group of Resident Assistants who then adopted it and chose the diversity event to be part of their monthly all-staff event calendar.

Together with the professional staff of the Residential Life & Housing Office, they devised a mission statement which was presented at the event: “The mission of our office is to openly accept every difference of all RIC residents and students, including, but not limited to, race, gender, religion, ability, orientation, political views, language, ethnicity, culture, beliefs, values and socioeconomic status. We will strive to ensure the comfort and safety of all community members by celebrating, ap-

preciating and educating, without judgment, the community we serve through programming, leadership opportunities, accepting new ideas and inspiring others to lead by example.” This event was meant to be the first of many which will support this department wide initiative.

Throughout the evening, students learned about various issues regarding race, class, prejudice, social and moral issues. To maximize impact, they learned about these topics by being sub-

merged into the situations themselves. Initially, students were divided into a class system by being separated into classes themselves at a section known as the “Hunger Banquet.” From rich to middle to poor classes, students were treated as if they were part of a class system and were served a variety of foods. The rich were served a meal of Chicken Alfredo and Baked Pasta by wait staff, while the poor sat on the floor drinking tomato soup from a jug. With mixed emotions students correlated ideas and views of the class system in society as well as discussing

the common difficulties among them. Student Rasni Hal realized these difficulties. “I felt bad eating the food when other people were only given tomato soup and sat on the floor; it was eye opening.” Students discussed how it is not easy to move from class to class to get what he or she wants and applied it to everyday life. It’s a struggle. The “Hunger Banquet” was a simulation activity that has been used on many campuses to open dialogues on the issues expressed by the students. It was implemented into the event due to their successes which continued through this event.

In a similar fashion to the “Hunger Banquet,” students were divided into groups for the next section based on their appearance u n b e knownst to the participants. In the groups students were asked to choose which person on the slide who they would give a college scholarship to based on photos.

Later on during processing, the groups explained the reasons for their choice. Some groups were “hung juries” as they could not or would not choose based on a photo. Discussions arose about how everyone deserves an equal opportunity for a scholarship regardless of appearance, race, culture, struggles and beliefs. Afterwards, the Resident Assistants explained to the students that they were divided into groups based on

Cont. on page 3

Finals Week Arrives A NEWS EDITORIAL

by Kameron Spaulding Anchor Editor If you haven’t looked at a calendar or gone to class in the last few weeks, we have an announcement. Finals are coming. The 17th is the first day of finals week and students all around the campus are getting ready. So as you start to freak out because you still don’t know what the heck Angular Momentum is; here are a few tips.

The first thing you need to do is plan out your time.

There is one week of classes and then the week of finals.

Grab that calendar and try to schedule out as much of that time as possible.

The make sure you stick to that plan. When you write your schedule, include short study breaks to help you refresh.

Without this you will go insane there is no way around it.

Also don’t forget to take care of yourself over these two weeks. Now I am sure there are people out there that can live on two hours of sleep a night, but most of us cannot. You will do much better if you get that sleep. You also need to eat. A bag of

chips and a two litter of Mountain Dew is not a balanced diet. There have been numerous studies that say eating well and getting sleep may have just as large of an affect on your test scores as all that studying.

On top of that be sensible about all of this. If you have an F in the class, have no notes and know no one in the class, throw in the towel. Use that time to focus on classes that have reachable goals.

Another great way to help you study is forming good study groups. Find people that know there stuff, and that motivate you.

Remember you are getting together to study.

Make sure that stays the goals of these meetings, not playing Guitar Hero.

In the end you need to remember it is just a test.

Yes you should try your best and work hard. But when it is all over relax and enjoy your break. Once you hand in that last test there is nothing you can do now but enjoy the holidays. So good luck, study hard, get some rest, and nail those tests.

By Grace Ionata Anchor Staff November was a busy month at Rhode Island College’s Campus Security. There were many incidents reported, ranging from traffic accidents to theft to vandalism, in addition to a number of others.

The traffic accidents occurred in a variety of locations around campus. On Nov. 1, one occurred on Library Road West. Another occurred on Nov. 2 in Parking Lot J. There was also a traffic accident on Nov. 20 in Parking Lot H. There were several reports of fire alarms in the month of November. There was one on Nov. 3 in Whipple Hall, one on Nov. 7 in Weber Residence Hall, another on Nov. 12 in the New Residence Hall, and one on Nov. 21 in Donovan Dining Center.

There were four reports of theft during November. Three occurred in vehicles and one in a residence hall. Thefts occurred on Nov. 9 in the Residence Hall Area and two on Nov. 17 on Library Road West from vehicles. There was a report of theft on Nov. 4 in Browne Hall. It is very important for all students to lock up their belongings at all times, just to be safe.

There were also incidents of vandalism reported. There was vandalism to a school building on Nov. 7 in Gaige Hall.

There were two reports of vandalism to cars, both in Parking Lot L, as well. The first was on Nov. 9 and the second on Nov. 20.

A number of other incidents were reported. On Nov. 18, there was a report of someone making threatening and harassing calls in Weber Residence Hall. There were two reports of a controlled substance violation, both in Thorp Residence Hall.

These were reported on Nov. 19 and 26.

F.Y.I @ RIC

Page 2

December 11, 2007

THE ANCHOR

Tidbits Casey Gaul Editor of the Month

Holiday Open House and Tree Lighting Tuesday, Dec. 11, 3:30 -6:30 pm at the President’s House. Contact Offices of Conference and Special Events for further information.

458-8022 Women’s Basketball vs Wesleyan University Thursday, Dec. 11, 7:00 pm in the Murray Center. Open to the public.

Jason Charpentier Staff Member of the Week E D I T O R S Executive editor Managing editor News editor Editorial editor A & E editor Sports editor Photography editor Layout editors Copy editor Graphics editor Business editor Technology editor Public Relations Ads Manager Distribution Anchor Jr. Faculty advisor Professional advisors

Jessica Albaum Barry Nickerson Kameron Spaulding Andrew Massey Dave Doyle Bob Kazarian Kellye Martin Casey Gaul & Joe Robillard Mike Shiel Christine Cabral Nick Lima Alex Tirrell Marah Roach Sarah Peixoto Pete Birbuet

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News

December 11, 2007

Page 3

THE ANCHOR

RIC To Show Live AIDS Webcast

By Adam D. Bram Anchor Staff On Dec. 6 and 7, Rhode Island College was able to show the live webcast of Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s new lecture series on Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) and the virus that causes it, Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).

Drs. Bruce D. Walker and Bisola O. Ojikutu, both of Harvard University, discussed different facets of this tragic epidemic. The event began with a primer on the history of where this virus came from and how it has spread through the years to become the killer of over 25 million people worldwide.

They gave the audience a peek into

the virus’ life cycle. The second two lectures dealt with the various successes and failures of medicines and vaccines to combat it. They also shared innovative public health strategies and possible new treatments in development that might take medicine in the direction of an eventual cure.

The RIC Student Chapter of the National Science Teachers Association was responsible for bringing the live webcast of the four lectures to the college.

The showings were live at 10:00 am and 11:30 am on both days in Alger Hall room 110. The lectures were open to the entire RIC community and the faculty was encouraged to attend with their students.

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What’s Special about Today?

By Jessica Albaum Anchor Editor December 12 National Ding-a-ling Day This day is special because it is the one time when nice conservative people can break out of their shell and act a little crazy. It is the day when it is completely okay to act wacko regardless of the sitiation.

December 15 Bill of Rights Day The Bill of Rights are always celebrated on the December 15. These rights are very important to American citizens. On this day Americans should think about the freedoms that they enjoy because of these amendments.

December 16 National Chocolate Covered Anything Day This holiday is a celebration of all things chocolate. One should eat chocolate with every meal on this day. Whether it is chocolate covered ants or strawberries, this is a day to indulge and eat whatever chocolaty treat you want.

December 21 Humbug Day This day is actually copyrighted by Thomas and Ruth Roy who own Wellcat Holidays and Herbs. On this day people are allowed to vent their frustrations about Christmas. For more information check out wellcat.com.

Look on the Bright Side Day Dec. 21 is the Winter Solstice, the shortest day of the year. On this day people are encouraged to look on the bright side, even if it is dark outside. So, be optimistic it’s the Winter Solstice!

Risk, from front their appearances. Students had mixed reactions and some were upset. This part of the exercise was designed to show how often and easily individuals are judged on the basis of their appearance and first impressions in our society.

Earlier in the evening, students were all given individual cards to write about what he or she has experienced everyday on campus. This allowed students to express themselves openly and anonymously to show everyone that many share the same experiences. “Everyday on Campus cards,” as they were called, were read aloud by several RAs but the authors remained anonymous.

Eyes opened and heads shook in agreement as cards were read.

Students explained that many of the cards were very similar and it was surprising on how most people had the same issues or thoughts. Most students expressed satisfaction at the closing of the “Everyday on Campus” readings and were surprised by how often people’s beliefs and experiences on campus related to each other.

After the final activity, the Resident Assistants who helped plan the event presented some closing thoughts and invited all attendees to stay for a party afterwards where the events of the night could be discussed. Tshirts bearing the slogan, “Don’t Assume… Ask Me” were distributed as well. Many of the RAs felt that this was the theme for the night and boiled down one of the important messages that discussions on diversity contain.

Follow up events are already planned including “Around The Family Table,” a dinner and discussion in Weber Hall which occurred on Dec. 5 and “The Thorp Hall Auction,” which is open to all campus residents, will take place on Dec. 12 at 6:30 p.m. in Thorp Hall.

SCG Meeting

By Kameron Spaulding Anchor Editor Student Community Government Inc. met for it latest Student Parliament Meeting on Nov. 28. The meeting was highlighted by the approval of several clubs’ constitutions and a number of other reports. The most debate occurred over the formation of a Student Workers Organization.

The Director of the Student Union, Kristen Salemi, gave a Power Point presentation on last year’s leadership retreat. Parliament members noted that they were impressed by her presentation and voted to allocate $4,000 for a retreat this coming year. This retreat will be run by Student Activates.

After the officers’ announcements, there were two conference reports. All groups that utilize SCG funding to attend a conference of any kind must give a report on the conference when they return. The RIC Middle School Assn. and WXIN were the organizations there to give such reports.

SCG Secretary Christopher Buonanno then presented six constitutions for approval. The only new group was the Italian American Culture Club, which was approved. Following this,

RIC Programming, RIC TV, WXIN, and Harambee all presented revised constitutions that were approved.

There were a high number of constitutions due to a rule passed last spring by SCG that requires clubs to turn in a new constitution. Andrew Stewart then came forward to present the Student Workers Organization. The new group would be a place for student workers to voice their concerns. Members of Parliament expressed concern that SCG would be overstepping the bounds to approve such a group, likening it to a union. In a statement after the meeting, SCG President Nicholas Lima stated that “the organization was an advocacy group much like the environmental club and many other SCG recognized clubs.” After a debate, the group was also approved.

One of the last issues of the night was regarding the Men’s Volleyball team. There was a discussion to decide if it could be a club. The rationale stemmed from the idea that RIC Men’s Ice Hockey is in a trial phase to make the switch from a club to a part of the athletic department and that men’s volleyball could start on that track. There was no final resolution on the topic and it will be readdressed at a later date. The next Student Parliament Meeting will be on Dec. 12 in the Student Union.

Sports

Page 4

December 11, 2007

THE ANCHOR

Mayweather Still on Top

By Kameron Spaulding Anchor Editor Floyd Mayweather Jr. is a cocky, annoying, loudmouth. While I hate to admit it, he backs it all up on fight night. On Saturday Dec. 8 at the MGM Grand, he kept talking.

More importantly, he kept winning.

The fight that night against Ricky Hatton was seen to be his ultimate test. Everyone in the boxing world was ready to add the name of the winner to the list of all-time greats. Hatton was everything that Mayweather wasn’t. Outside of the ring, he loves beer and fried food. Mayweather is a well-documented health food-loving gym rat. Hatton is a brawler that throws punches that hit like bricks.

Mayweather is a dancer that wears you down.

None of that seemed to matter once the bell rang. Neither did the thousands of Brits that followed Hatton across the pond. Many of them were there a week before the fight, walking the streets dancing and singing. And from the moment you turned the fight on you could hear them. The song was a simple one set to the tune of “Win-

ter Wonderland.” There’s only one Ricky Hatton! There’s only one Ricky Hatton! Walking along, singing a song, walking in a Hatton Wonderland! There were only two times the singing stopped. The first was to boo during the “Star Spangled Banner” and the second was when Hat-

Guaranteed Statement

By Bobby Kazarian Anchor Editor For the past few weeks, all we heard around the NFL is that the New England Patriots are beatable, that they have many chinks in their armor, and that they are not as perfect as their 12-0 record has shown.

All you would hear from so called experts is that the Patriots can’t run the ball, they can’t stop the run and if you hit Tom Brady you will disrupt their high-powered offense and beat them. That is all well and good if you can actually do all of those things and play the perfect game. Even then you are not guaranteed to win the game. This was evident over the past two weeks where the Pats won each game by 3 points over two inferior teams.

The reality of the situation is not that they are not as good as they were before but that there now is a bullseye on the Patriots. Every team that plays them from here on out wants to be the team to beat them and the one to end their dream of a perfect season.

You can’t play more perfectly than what Philadelphia and Baltimore played against the Patriots these past few weeks and the bottom line is not that they are soft in some areas but that these two teams played their Super Bowls and gave the Patriots everything they had and still lost in the process.

Are we forgetting that these are NFL players and what the Patriots were doing was unheard of because of the parody and level of abilities of all the NFL players? We all got wrapped up in 50 point blowouts. I got wrapped up in it as well. Every game in this league can and will not be that easy and these two teams showed how close they can make games. But in the end the Patriots were just the better team. They made all the right plays in the cru-

cial moments to give them the wins they earned. A sign of all Championship teams is the way they fight back through adversity and make their statements in the final quarter.

When it became time to man up in the last quarter of both games, the Patriots came out and played smash mouth football and won.

And then there was this week.

Enter the highly talented Pittsburgh Steelers to Foxboro. Immediately everyone jumped on the Steelers bandwagon saying this is the team to beat the Patriots. The Steelers can run, they can play defense, and they have the perfect QB to take down the struggling Patriots. That’s all well and good. The Pats knew that this game would be tough and they got motivated for it. So if you are a Steelers player, why in the world would you give the Pats more motivation to play you? Why don’t we ask the bonehead of the month Anthony Smith. Mr. Smith stated earlier in the week that he guaranteed a victory for the Steelers over the Patriots. Smith, a second year player, has not proven himself yet in the NFL but deemed it necessary to open his mouth and give the Pats the edge they were looking for.

What ensued on Sunday night was far from what young Mr. Smith had envisioned. With all their added motivation, the Patriots smashed the Steelers 34-13 and emphatically stated that they are indeed the best team in football. The fact is that you are going to have to play an unbelievable game and put forth a superhuman effort to beat them. So here’s some advice to the rest of the league: maybe you all should just keep your mouths shut and go about your business on the field. Maybe then you have a chance to beat the unbeatable Patriots.

ton was counted out in Round 10.

After the fight was over and all the build up had paid off, Mayweather changed his tone saying “I had to get extra rest for this fight because I knew this kid was going to bring his ‘A’ game. He’s tough as nails. I had him hurt a few times and he kept coming.

And I’m like, ‘Damn, he’s not going anywhere.’ He’s one hell of a champion.”

But soon after, the questions changed for Mayweather.

“What next?” was the question everyone wanted to ask. “I’m not talking about fighting. I just fought about an hour ago,” Mayweather said. “All I want to do is take a long vacation and spend it with my family. See if I want to come back. I’m really bored with the sport of boxing.”

So we will have to wait and see. Many want to see him fight Cotto in a match that would unite all the major belts in the Welterweight division. But regardless of all, Mayweather made the statement one more time: he is undoubtedly the best pound-for-pound boxer in the world.

Anchormen Ranked 18th Nationally Marah Roach Anchor Editor Christmas came early this year for the Rhode Island College’s wrestling team as they were recently ranked 18th in the nation (division III) by the National Wrestling Coaches Association poll. They also rank No. 1 in New England (Div. III) for the third consecutive week in the New England Wrestling Association’s latest poll.

On the road to victory these anchormen defeated University of Southern Maine, Johnson & Wales University, Roger Williams University, Wesleyan University, Coast Guard, Western New England, M.I.T, Norwich, and WPI at the RWU Invitational Wrestling Tournament. Then they went on to the Massachusettes Institute of Technology to defeat M.I.T 33-12. After that it was no surprise to the crowd when they took the top spot at the Doug Parker Invitational. Another boost of confidence came when the Anchormen defeated Plymouth State 32-12. Unstoppable!

Standing out in the crowd is senior Mike Bonora, he is ranked number 1 in the nation. At 141 pounds he went 5-0 at the Rochester Institute of Technology Invitational

on Dec. 1. Bonora remains undefeated with a 16-0 record. This season he has totaled 60 takedowns, five reversals, 17 near-falls and six pins. Bonora is no stranger to stardom. Last year he was named RIC’s most outstanding wrestler, NCAA Div. III Academic All-American for the second consecutive season, and broke the school record for wins in a season.

Head coach Jay Jones has a lot to be thrilled about. Last Friday the Anchormen defeated Wesleyan 28-7, making their overall record is 3-0. They are also 1-0 in the Pilgrim Wrestling League. Tis’ the season! That’s it for a few weeks for these Anchormen. If these champions deserve nothing else it’s a little break from the spotlight.

They will resume competition at the Budd Whitehill Duals, hosted by Lycoming on January 11-12 ay 9 a.m.

Sports

December 11, 2007

Page 5

THE ANCHOR

Anchorwomen Basketball Take 2 out of 3 and 19 rebounds. Sophomore Maria Valetta (Greenville, RI) also posted a double-double after scoring 12 points and grabbing 12 rebounds.

On the court, JWU was only able to reach a 24 percent shot average and were even lower in their 3 point shot percentage. While JWU made it to 19 percent, RIC shot 6 out of 15 from the 3-point line, bringing them to 40 percent for shots from the field.

Later in the week on Thursday night, the Anchorwomen hosted the Connecticut College Camels for a win which would push RIC’s record to 5-2. The win was the fourth in a row for the Anchorwomen and broke the four game winning streak held by the Camels who dropped to 6-2.

Sophomore guard Alice Mullen (Saunderstown, RI) posted a game high 18 points and 9 rebounds, just short of a double-double. Sophomore forward Jenn Knott (Narragansett, RI) and senior forward Sherri Heard (Coventry, RI) also aided the team’s success with 11 and 14 points, respectively.

The following Saturday (12/8) marked the end for the Anchorwomen’s four game streak as they made their way north to

By Sam Whitson Anchor Staff As the 2007-2008 basketball season rolls forward, RIC’s Anchorwomen have been busy keeping up with their games. This past week, the women’s basketball team faced off against Johnson and Wales University and Connecticut College in their own Murray Center while also traveling to New Hampshire to play against Keene State.

On Tuesday (12/4) the Anchorwomen dominated the court in a 78-62 win over the JWU Owls, winning their third consecutive game and improving their overall record to 4-2. Junior guard, Tyla Martin (Cumberland, RI) led her team with 19 points while adding 6 rebounds and 2 steals. This was the second game in a row that Martin was able to score 19 points to aid her team in their victory. Alice Mullen, RIC’s sophomore guard out of Saunderstown, RI, was one rebound short of a double-double with her 14 points and 9 rebounds. Sophomore forward Jennifer Knott (Narragansett, RI) and senior guard Michelle McNamee (Cranston, RI) each scored 12 points.

For Johnson & Wales players, sophomore forward Alexia Ramirez (San Marcos, CA) walked away with a doubledouble, reach a game-high 20 points

Keene State in New Hampshire for their second Little East Conference game. The Owls were on top of their game, shooting 50 percent from the field, 67 percent from behind the three point arc, and 84 percent from the free throw line.

The loss brings RIC’s record to 5-3 overall and 1-1 in the LEC and moves Keene State to 3-4 overall and 1-1 in the Conference.

Over the winter break, the Anchorwomen are scheduled to play 5 games, only 1 being at home against Eastern Connecticut State University (also a part of the LEC) on Saturday, Jan. 19. Before Eastern Connecticut State, 2 more of their next 5 games are against LEC competitors: Plymouth State University (1/8) and the University of Southern Maine (1/15).

Cup-O-Joe Barry Bonds Child: Do you take your vitamins,

By Joe Robillard Anchor Editor too?

Joe’s insomnia and inability to sleep with anything besides European soccer on television leads us to this week’s topic. The good thing about this column is that you don’t need to know anything about soccer to follow along except this: In European soccer, children accompany the players to the field. Each player walks one child out onto to the field. It’s all very Oprah, you know? Well, I was thinking about how entertaining that would be with some of our more infamous American athletes! Imagine the conversations…

Ron Artest Child: This is great! Can you bring me to my seat in the stands???

Ron: Oooh, sorry kid. They don’t let me up there anymore…

Kevin Mchale (version 2007) Child (now sitting on the bench of the Timberwolves): Umm, shouldn’t I go to my seat now??

Kevin: To your seat?! Are you kidding me? I traded my best player for you!

Child: Oof. Seriously??

Kevin: Yeah…

Child: Wow. That’s bad.

Ricky Williams Child: What’s that awful smell?!

Ricky: Don’t you blow this for me, punk!

Tom Brady Child: This is great, Dad! Tom: Dad?!

Eric Mangini Child: “God….

They’re going to kill you.”

Barry: Ohhhh yeah, kid Taylor Twellman Taylor: This is great, huh kid?

Child: Haha. MLS. Rajon Rondo Rajon: Hey! Want to play point guard??

Child: Yeah! Wait! Won’t they notice its not you?

Rajon: Probably not, just keep passing it to the scary looking guy.

Lebron James Child: I love basketball! I just learned about passing today!

Lebron: Never heard of it.

Jason Taylor Jason: Ready to go out with the Miami Dolphins!

Child: Aw, do I have to…

For the record, besides European soccer, I can fall asleep to emergency room trauma on the Discovery Health channel.

That, however, would make for a much less humorous sports column.

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ComicS

Holiday Horoscopes for the Mundane

By Mystik Aqueerium Anchor Astrologer

Aries (March 20April 20): You’re just a big bundle of energy, aren’t you? Well, being a big bundle is kind of a problem when you’re tied up in a sack and in the back of a sleigh… or a mafia truck. Be careful, dear Aries, as the stars say in December 23, you should avoid dark alleys. I’d say avoid dark alleys every day, but what do I know? I just sit around and play with my crystal balls all day…oh wait...

Taurus (April 21May 20): Despite a month having gone by since my last wonderful predictions, you’re still, sadly, full of bull. Just… quit stepping in cow pies.

Please.

New socks are in store on December 18. Don’t go shopping on December 20, because rabid owls are looking to smite. This is all predetermined by some planet being in some sign… seriously.

Gemini (May 21June 19): Neptune is in the sky at some point in the next 24 hours, which means that Sagittarius children need to watch out for kangaroos in their basement.

Seriously, imagine living in Australia where they just… walk in and start punching your stuff. Then you go downstairs to do laundry and there’s a friggin kangaroo hopping around your basement, knocking all your crap over and punching through your walls. Do they have kangaroo insurance down there? Oh wait—this is supposed to be a horoscope for Gemini.

Whoops!

Cancer (June 20July 23): Creepy old Japanese ladies might attack you on December 15, with cries of “You make my juices flow” and “Come on, Toshi!”

This is why you should carry a scythe with you on this day; you might end up needing to use it. Beware red kimonos and tea ceremonies. Yeah, you can blame Jupiter for this one—and your Western Lit professor.

Leo (July 24-August 22): Santa Claus was said to be a Leo… by me! This means you should be giving, and— oh screw it, hire lots of children and pretend they’re elves, make them do all your shopping and chores.

There are child labor laws, but who listens to those? Mercury rises high in Uganda today which means you can get away with law breaking for the period from December 22 through January 5. So try it out— stab a baby or two!

Virgo (August 23September 23): Let’s think of all the fun words that start with V. Vivian’s vivacious vulva vicariously vexed Valarie’s vagina! Yep, that’s your horoscope!

Libra (September 24-October 23): Free sex for everyone, right? It’s in the stars.

Scorpio (October 24-November 21): You charge for the sex, so… no horoscope for you!

That’s also in the stars.

It’s also determinism, but that’s a story for another day.

Sagittarius (November 22-December 22): Why is it so friggin cold on your birthday?! Fie cold! Happy birthday! Those whose birthdays have already passed as of December 15 will have a lucky year. Those Sagittarius’s whose birthdays remain will soon learn a lesson via goat. No, that’s not symbolic for Capricorn—but stay away from goats nonetheless. Oh, and pick up some kangaroo insurance if your birthday is the 21st.

Capricorn (December 23-January 19): Jesus was actually a Pisces, so you can go screw. Nevertheless Venus and Mars are together in the sky on this lovely day, which spells good luck for Capricorns… as Venus weaves between Mars’ polar ice caps and Mars gently thrusts Phobos and Deimos into Venus’ atmosphere, cradling her volcano tenderly—I mean, uhh, buy a lottery ticket!

Yeah, ticket, yeah…

Aquarius (January 20-February 17): Did you know Dumbledore is gay? Now you do!

Saturn is shining strong today.

That really means nothing, but for our purposes, we’ll say that because Saturn is pulling on the moon, the sun, Venus and my finger, you should eat ravioli on Thursday. Unless you’re a vegan, in which case you should call WXIN’s request line on Thursday between 12 and 2 p.m. and ask for some music… just a shameless plug!

Pisces (February 18-March 19): Pluto is still a planet whether you like it or not, dear Pisces. As the sign of the Fish you have some almighty importance to the rest of the zodiac, like… I don’t know. Blame a planet? Let’s pick on Uranus today. Hello children, this is Uranus!

Repeat after me… Urrraaaanussss. Okay, that’s enough astronomy, let’s sing a song… or you could run around Donovan in your underwear and dance—oh wait, that’s been done already.

I give up—I quit! Where’s my check!

Pages 8-9

Opinions

Page 12

December 11, 2007

THE ANCHOR

Silenced Lips

By Alin Bennett Anchor Contributor This essay is written as a response to an op-ed piece written in the Anchor on December 5. This article entitled “Read My Lips,” discusses a very popular opinion in regards to the dilemma facing a multilingual society such as the United States. It is one where the dominant culture expresses the threat to its dominance by irresponsibly lashing out at the culture which it feels threatened by. Unfortunately, when people feel threatened they express such opinions in offensive and irresponsible fashions. “Read My Lips” is both offensive and irresponsible. It is offensive in its insensitivity and irresponsible in its content and assumptions.

Examples of the irresponsibility in this article are numerous. Several historic and cultural inaccuracies are apparent. I would like to argue some of these erroneous points: “The country as we know it today was founded by British colonists.”

In actuality, this country’s founding has numerous ethnic, racial and cultural influences. Native Americans and Latin Americans, whose traditions influence everything from popular culture to place names, were residents of this country during its founding and development. Black Americans, who have made countless con-

tributions to American society, were inhabitants well before the British sent their first colonist. Finally, many European colonial empires contributed to the founding of America including the Spanish, Dutch, French and British empires. As we can see, our country’s founding goes well beyond the Anglo-Saxon tradition.

“English is the “native” language of the United States.”

The United States does not have a native language.

The multicultural legacy of the country makes the idea of a native language in this country absurd.

A “native” language is technically the language of the indigenous population of a given area.

In the case of the United States, it would include all American Indian tongues.

“The language of the dominant culture in a society is the same as those who constitute the society.”

This idea is inaccurate, both historically and currently. In British-occupied India, the majority of Indians spoke the indigenous language of the country yet the language of administration was English.

In apartheid South Africa, the official language was that of the dominant culture and not that of the culture of the majority. In a current example, Spanish is the dominant language in Mexico yet schools teach both Spanish and indigenous languages like Nahuatl. In the United States, English is the language of the dominant culture yet there are variations even in this language as is evident in dialects such as Southern, Black and Appalachian.

Combined with other languages, the linguistic variations in the United States are numerous.

Many of the points made in the article

Why Not Huckabee?

By Mike Aiello and Matt Hands Anchor Contributors Despite the fact that this state usually votes Democrat and that 78% of the students who voted in the RIC Primary chose to vote on the Democratic Party’s ballot, I support a Republican for president.

Mike Huckabee is a candidate that I think is perfect for the White House. While he takes his job very seriously, Huckabee doesn’t take too himself seriously. Aren’t you tired of the same untrustworthy politicians in office? Mike Huckabee would bring a well needed change to the white house.

An important thing that Mike Huckabee stands for is the “FairTax.” FairTax would eliminate the IRS and all taxes except the sales tax. This means that you would get your entire paycheck without any taxes taken out. While this implies that the sales tax will increase, the money saved through not having to pay taxes on anything else will make up for it. The idea greatly simplifies the idea of taxation.

Mike Huckabee was successful as governor of Arkansas. He reduced taxes over 90 separate times while in office. Although these low taxes may seem too good to be true, and it may appear

that it will be difficult to improve anything at home here in the United States, Huckabee greatly improved the education in his state while he was governor. He helped to institute many education reforms that led to higher test scores in the schools of Arkansas. He believes that music and the arts are essential to a child’s education. He stresses that children get more out of their education when their curriculum permits them to use them both sides of their brain.

Mike Huckabee states that we need to stay in Iraq and try to finish the job as quickly as we can.

This is because he feels that, since we are in Iraq, it would be immoral for us to just leave and force the country to endure further chaos. We need a president like Huckabee who will show strong morals to help regain the respect the United States has recently lost from the rest of the world.

Another important issue is immigration.

Huckabee will strengthen the border and modernize the process of becoming a citizen. This sounds like a simple idea but we have not seen it done efficiently. It is a top priority for Mike Huckabee to secure the border and not tolerate illegal immigrants who do not make a serious effort to be a legal citizen of this country.

If all of this talk about issues bores you, or if you simply do not care about learning what he has to say, then do this one thing: Support Mike Huckabee for the fact that he plays bass in a band and much more importantly because he is supported by the greatest hero this world has ever seen. If you search Mike Huckabee on Youtube, there is a commercial featuring Huckabee and Chuck Norris. While it is a hilarious ad, you can also see videos on why Norris supports Huckabee in a serious manner.

Recently, an LA Times/Bloomberg poll showed that Huckabee had shot up from fifth to second in popularity among Republican candidates. He is only behind former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani.

Mike Huckabee is a family man with great traditional values. He is a funny guy who knows how to joke around. He takes his job seriously and has been successful throughout his political career. Mike Huckabee would make a great president based on his great personality, strong views on the issues and, most importantly, his commercial with the one and only Chuck Norris.

do not merit individual contention because of the gross irresponsibility in their suggestion. First, the assumptions that the average Dutch person smokes marijuana or that bilingualism is attractive to most people are unjust generalizations. By far the strangest comment is the one where the author states that learning a language is not hard with dedication. To anyone who has worked in an ESL environment or tried an immersion program, this comment is simply ignorant. The ignorance of this statement is the norm of the article, rather than the exception. The article is full of such contradictions and errors.

I do not want the message of this rebuttal to be misconstrued. I actually agree with what I believe is the main point of Bram’s article. I agree that everyone, including immigrants, should learn the language of the dominant culture. This is not because a lack of fluency is offensive to the dominant culture, but because it is impossible to advance in a society without knowing the dominant culture of that society. Language is the cornerstone of culture and in order to maneuver within a culture one must know the language. My issue with Bram’s piece is that the style and content of the article damage the argument that can be made on the importance of knowing what Lisa Delpit calls the rules and codes of power.

I Hate Huckabee

By Jessica Albaum Anchor Editor While Mike Huckabee seems like a relaxed down to earth man on television, all one has to do is look up what stances he takes on some very serious issues to know that he is not the right man to run this country.

Some of his public comments alone that have gotten him trouble are enough to turn me away from supporting him. He has made statements relating his massive weight loss to Jews in a Concentration Camp. Somehow I don’t see how the two things are related unless perhaps Huckabee was being tortured and forced to work with little to no food and that is how he lost the weight.

Even if one could forgive him for some of the stupid things he has said, people should think about the fact that he believes in Creationism. Yes, there is a separation of church and state, but think about what could happen to science programs if he is making the major decisions. Huckabee has stated, “I do not necessarily buy into the traditional Darwinian theory, personally.” One major problem with that statement is that the Theory of Evolution has been proven.

If you are homosexual, watch out for Huckabee. He does not believe you have the right to get married or even have civil unions.

“There’s never been a civilization that has rewritten what marriage and family means and survived,” he said in an interview with GQ Magazine. I’m sorry, but isn’t marriage about love and devoting yourself to your partner? Sexual orientation does not affect how much one person loves another. Everyone should have the right to share the bond of marriage.

Another issue I do not agree with Huckabee on is abortion. Simply put, he does not believe in it. Well, I believe that it’s my body and my choice. He supports the Death Penalty, which is interesting. He is okay with killing full grown adults but killing a bunch of cells is not okay. He’s also against gun control, so basically he will kill you if you kill someone, but he won’t do anything to prevent you from killing someone in the first place.

I do not support Huckabee for president. He stands against almost everything that I firmly believe in. I just hope that other people do a little more research before going to the polls and casting their vote.

All opinions in The Anchor are those of the individual writer and do not necessarily represent the views of The Anchor. We urge all members of the RIC community to take advantage of The Anchor’s editorial pages and send us their opinions. We remain true to our motto “free access to ideas and full freedom of expression”. Submissions must be under or around 700 words. Since we receive so many letters each week, entries will be published based on relevancy and time sensitivity. All entries are considered and carefully read.

Opinions

December 11, 2007

Page 13

THE ANCHOR

Diversity Not on the Table at “Holiday” Dinner

By Jessica Albaum Anchor Editor On the second night of Hanukkah, Tuesday, Dec. 5, I was personally invited to a holiday dinner at Weber Hall to represent the organizations I work for: The Anchor and Jewish Community on Campus. I thought that this would be a great idea and agreed to attend.

The name of the event was Around the Holiday Table. When I walked in it was decorated in a fairly neutral tone. They had snowman napkins, chocolate coins, and Christmas ornaments on the tables. I thought that it was nice that they attempted to have something for Hanukkah on the table (Hanukkah gelt, aka chocolate coins).

I then realized that they didn’t put as much effort in as I thought they did to welcome in students that do not celebrate Christmas. It wasn’t long until the Christmas carols started playing on the boom box and they began the buffet line for dinner.

The respectful thing to do would be to offer different dishes that represented the winter holidays, but this was not the case. They offered a traditional Christmas dinner, which included ham as the only meat option. For those of you who don’t know, ham is not kosher, so neither Jewish nor Muslim students could eat the only main protein that was offered at this so-called holiday dinner.

I found the anger slowly bubbling up inside of me. I did not want to get up to talk about Jewish Community on Campus because I was afraid I was going to say something inappropriate. Instead, I left early and kept my

mouth shut.

Perhaps I should have talked to those who organized it and asked why they decided on ham instead of another protein that more people could eat. My fear is that they would have said something to prove how ignorant they are of other people’s religions.

This campus as a whole has a problem with religious ignorance. I dare anyone to stop a random student in the Quad and ask them if they know the meaning of Kwanzaa or Hanukkah and see if they know. The chances are good that they won’t. That, to me, seems extremely sad someone along the line is not doing their job in educating the youth of today about religious diversity.

I truly hope that those who don’t know about other holidays went to Harambee’s Holiday Dinner last Friday. At this dinner, people represented other winter holidays and the students in attendance had a chance to learn about holidays that are not their own.

I cannot really blame the students for their ignorance. They should have been taught about other holidays and religions. At the same time, if you are putting on a holiday dinner, wouldn’t you do some research on the other holidays and religions?

Even Donovan was respectful enough to ask me what traditional Hanukkah food would be appropriate for their holiday dinner. All you have to do is ask or look online. It doesn’t take much work to be respectful. This is part of the reason that I feel small during the holiday season; Christmas overshadows everyone else’s beliefs and celebrations.

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Eat-in kitchens, dishwashers, hardwoods. Can be fully furnished, plenty of parking, private yards, on busline. Pier Realty (401) 789-7700 RIStudentRentals.com

Closing Thoughts

By Andrew Massey Anchor Editor With this paper, the Anchor will draw the year to a close. And what final paper of 2007 would be complete without my final thoughts? Unfortunately, I do not have any specific topic to rant about this week, just a bunch of smaller topics, so you get to deal with my random thoughts.

One random thought is: what is the big deal between Democrats and Republicans? Either way, you are going to get a politician in office who is going to screw you over. The only real difference between the two is Democrats have no spine and Republicans have no hearts.

All we need now is for George W. Bush to start up his own political party and we will have one with no brain.

Then we can all go see the Wizard and I get to drop a house on someone.

Speaking of wizards, is it just me, or are nerds becoming cool? I am a nerd and several girls I’ve dated, and quite a few I know, find my nerdy qualities cute at times. I am not complaining and in fact I am hoping that playing Dungeons and Dragons will become a desirable quality in men and women. Then I can finally use pick up lines like “Hey baby, can I introduce my dragon to your dungeon?” Just

make sure you protect your dragon, as some dungeons, and dragons, have diseases.

Safe sex is not something that people do enough, and by that I mean, if every couple but one (not including couples trying to get pregnant) practiced safe sex 24/7, it still would not be enough.

Safe

sex should always be practiced if you do not want diseases or a baby growing inside of you. This is doubly important for people who do not believe in the morning after pill or abortion, but do believe in premarital sex. If you get pregnant before you want to, life will be much harder for you. If that is not reason enough for you to use a condom, just

take a look at me. Do you really want to run the risk of your kid ending up like me?

The world cannot handle that, and neither can you.

Star Wars is proof, even in the future, things are made faulty. Does anyone wonder about if, say 20 or 30 years after the destruction of the Death Star, an evil overlord could go shopping for a death machine and a sales person would see him looking at the Death Star and make this comment?: “Oh you don’t want that one. It looks powerful, but it has an exhaust point that leads down to the core. It isn’t very big, but one stray blaster shot and you, and everything on that ship, will be toast.” I mean, who puts such an obvious weakness on a death machine? Vader must have gotten it for half price. This is advice for all you aspiring overlords: Make sure you get a good doomsday device.

Pay extra if you must. That is one thing you do not want to have to get repaired in the final stages of your plan.

Well ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, and college students of all ages, I am done. Until next year, I bid you farewell.

Lifestyles

Page 14

December 11, 2007

THE ANCHOR

Haunted America: The Ladd School

By Robert Lefebvre Anchor Staff This time, I thought I would talk about a local place that is supposedly haunted. The Ladd School, located in Exeter, is supposedly one of the most haunted places in Rhode Island. It stands as a reminder of a dark chapter in our long history.

The Ladd School, first known as the Exeter School for the Feeble Minded, was founded in 1907 by Dr. William Gleason. It was built for schooling youths who were mentally retarded, had some sort of mental or physical disorder, (like epilepsy, hyperactivity, or a handicap) and socially and/or morally delinquent. They were taught domestic sciences and farm and factory work until they were considered well enough to be integrated into society.

Over the first few decades of its existence, the school became over-crowded and under-staffed. It also gradually lost sight of being an educational facility and started becoming more of a disciplinary school, enforcing a very strict policy that heavily used a detention, parole, and discharge pattern. Sometimes the students were even referred to as “inmates.”

By the 1950’s, the school had come under serious question and scrutiny with much suspicion of abuse and neglect, medical or otherwise, of the students. There was also a case of suspected murder that took place in the school which brought on such attention. Dr. Joseph Ladd, the superintendent of the school at the time, was forced into retirement due to the rumors.

Dr. John Smith became the new superintendent, but soon came under scrutiny for the same reasons as Dr. Ladd. Also, he had the school renamed The Ladd School, making people believe he would follow in Ladd’s footsteps. Smith would not retire despite the accusations throughout the 1960’s and 70’s, the time of which the school had

a populace of over 1,000. Finally, the terrible conditions and policies were discovered in the school. This resulted in a lawsuit against the State of Rhode Island from a group called the Ladd School Parents Association. Dr. Smith was relieved of his position as superintendent. The school was forced by a judge to reduce its number of students to no more than 335, moving the remaining students to other schools throughout Rhode Island.

In 1986, Governor Edward DiPrete announced that he planned on closing the Ladd School after hearing of continuing abuse and negligence despite Smith’s departure. In 1994, the school was closed for good.

During the 83 years of The Ladd School’s operation, there were more than 5,000 residents. There were documented cases of mistreatment but there may have been many more that were lost, or hidden, during the school’s investigation.

In recent years, there have been numerous reports of hauntings at the school. People have heard voices that were whispering, talking, and even screaming. Some peo-

Holiday Shopping Blues

By Amanda Hooper Anchor Staff I know the holidays can be an extremely hectic time. People will be freaking out because they aren’t ready to put presents under the tree or menorah or whatever else. Well, I’m going to need you all to count to ten and be nice to your retail associates.

As someone who works in retail, it is very difficult for me to do my job to the fullest with eight people talking to me in addition to that one rude guy yelling at me because I do not have what they are looking for. It is because of this I know that there is a hell…it is called retail. But this isn’t just about retail. It’s about presents and holiday spirit.

Money apparently makes the world go round and the holidays are full of store-bought gifts. If you are short on cash and have even a single creative bone in your body, make your gifts. People will appreciate whatever you give them even if it is

made out of Popsicle sticks and an obnoxious amount of glitter, or at least they should. If your friends are upset, then screw them. If they expected a hundred dollar gift from you, nicely remind them that you are a starving college student who had to buy Ramen and put gas in their car.

Also, don’t freak so much about family. They will surely appreciate whatever it is you get them as long as you put a little thought into it.

Maybe even if you get good grades, study hard, and pay your bills they will not expect anything else from you.

So, be good because Santa, Hanukah Harry, or whoever else is watching us 24/7. And try to do well by your friends and family this holiday, whether your gifts are bought or made. Just one more thing; don’t freak out too much about this time of year. It’s just a consumer holiday.

Make it be about family and togetherness. You know the way it is supposed to be.

ple claim to have been touched or grabbed when nobody else was around to do so. Others have reported being touched or hit with objects that they believe to have been wielded by ghosts. Upon entering the building, they find it to be very cold, dank, and uncomfortable.

Some things have been reported to have happened outside the school. Electronic devices like cameras and radios have been said to keep malfunctioning in the area.

Others have claimed that their cars stall when they arrive or try to leave. There have even been reports of a “phantom car” that drives around the premesis.

The Ladd School and surrounding area is private property, so unless these people who made these reports had permission, they shouldn’t have been there in the first place (just a little warning to those reading). The “phantom car” could actually have been a patrol car going around looking for possible trespassers. The noises heard around the building, such as the voices, could possibly be those of homeless people who have found their way into the school. It is intact for the most part and could accommodate such people to a certain degree. The radios malfunctioning could be due to the area just being one for bad reception, but the other devices not working properly is mysterious.

It is said that spirits need to gather energy in order to form their being and they can take it from such devices, but other than that, there is no real explanation.

The Ladd School is a sad spot on our state’s history and it still stands to remind us of how an innocent institution became so dark and cruel. None of us may ever know what took place in those halls but if spirits of the dead do indeed remain here, it must have been something very wrong; something they want us to know.

For more info, go to www.theladdschool.com

Lifestyles

December 11, 2007

Page 15

THE ANCHOR

The Original RPG

By Andrew Massey Anchor Editor Whether Dungeons and Dragons really is the first RPG or not is unknown to me, so do not quote me on the title. However, it is what a lot of modern day RPGs (Role-Playing Games) and MMOs (Massive Multiplayer Online games) are based off of. I started playing Dungeons and Dragons a few months ago and it has become an addiction of mine.

The basic Dungeon and Dragons game that is out now (version 3.5) starts off like many fantasy-based video games you see today. The player chooses what race (Human, elf, dwarf, etc.) and class (Bard, Fighter, Ranger, Wizard, etc.) they wish to be. The player is then immersed in a fantasy world and story created by the DM (Dungeon Master). This is the person who is running the campaign. From there, the story is open-ended so long as it is physically possible. Following the story set by your DM is the best way to go if you want to have any fun.

Now, Dungeons and Dragons is a paper and pen game which will require you to use something not commonly used by people today. It is called imagination. I

know it’s a big word, and you may want to sit down and even look the word up in a dictionary. I promise you that before the time of video games (yes, there really was a time like this. Take a deep breath, it will be ok) people used to use their imaginations all the time.

Of course, when you tell people this many of them ask, “Why would you play the paper and pen game when you can play the Dungeon and Dragons video games?” These are the same people who ask “Why read the book when you can watch the movie?” The reason is the same; because you miss out on the full experience.

Movies based off books are usually not as good as the original and it’s the same with video games based off paper and pen games.

I am an avid video game player and have been for years and yet I will take sitting in someone’s basement with Mountain Dew and Cheetos playing as a level six Human Wizard any day over sitting in my room playing a video game.

I do not expect everyone to take my viewpoint on the game but I hope that I have appealed to your curiosity enough to make you want to at least try it out. If not, you can stick with your video games. I will be playing the game the way it was meant to be played.

Health Hype: STDs Part II (HIV/AIDS)

By Casey Gaul Anchor Editor AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) is a disease caused by a virus called HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus). Having HIV does not, as www.aids.org reminds us, automatically mean that you have AIDS. Acquiring the virus does, however, make the development of AIDS possible.

HIV will develop and multiply in the blood of the infected for weeks or even months before the body’s immune system ever makes its move. This period of time may be marked by headaches, muscle and joint pain, fever, or rash. These symptoms could easily and dangerously be explained away by many lesser ills.

Since HIV tests look for the antibodies that the body makes to combat the virus and not the virus itself, this period is especially dangerous. HIV tests will come up negative and an infected person could unknowingly pass the virus during this period.

Over the next several years of an infected person’s life they could appear perfectly healthy despite the serious damage being done to their immune system. AIDS occurs once the body’s immune system

becomes severely damaged. Once this occurs, bacteria and viruses that would normally be quickly cleared out of the body suddenly have a chance against the weakened immune system. They survive and flourish, sometimes many at once and attack their weakened host, gradually wearing the individual down and sometimes causing fatal results.

HIV can be spread through the exchange of certain bodily fluids; specifically blood, semen, vaginal fluids, breast milk, fluids found around the brain, spinal cord, joints, and unborn children. The most common ways of passing the virus are through vaginal, anal and oral sex with an HIV infected person, sharing needles with an HIV infected person, and getting a tainted blood transfusion. The latter has been stamped out almost completely in the US due to rigorous testing of donated blood. An additional risk exists when an HIV positive mother is giving birth to or breast-feeding a child.

The absolute best way to prevent yourself from contracting HIV is by remaining abstinent and never sharing needles. If you are sexually active, using a condom, getting tested for HIV, and urging your partners to get tested for HIV at least twice over a three month period before having sex is the best way to go. It is essential to remember that, should there be a chance your partner could be HIV infected, you need to use a condom for all types of penetration (vaginal, anal, and oral).

While HIV and AIDS cannot be “cured,” there are a number of treatments available, mostly consisting of heavy regimens of medication which suppress the virus for a period of time. For more information on treatment, visit www.aids.gov and check out their 101 and Treatment sections.

For more information on AIDS and the services available to you on campus, visit the Health Services website (http://www.ric.edu/healthservices/), call them at extension x8055 or 456-8055, or contact Mary Olenn at the Office of Health Promotion at extension x8061 or 4568061.

Page 16

Arts + Entertainment

December 11, 2007

THE ANCHOR

Food, Music, and Fun at Molly’s Pub

By Nick Lima Anchor Food Critic olly’s Pub, located at 286 Academy Ave. in Providence, on the corner of Chalkstone, has quickly gained favor in recent months as a favorite hangout for Rhode Island College students. Home throughout this last semester to off-campus events of WXIN Radio, Molly’s has acquired a growing reputation as a nearby, pleasant alternative to many of the bar and club options around Rhode Island College.

But past the dart boards, DJ tables, and big screen televisions lies something at Molly’s that very few local pubs have – a quality, inexpensive menu with enough options to satisfy any appetite.

While Molly’s Pub is relatively small in size, one can still expect 60 to 70 RIC students crowding into a WXIN event on select Thursday nights. With ample seating and table service combined into a quaint, comfortable atmosphere, Molly’s old school feel quickly makes an impression on any diner. What’s more, the cooks at Molly’s serve up more than your traditional Irish corned beef and cabbage. Everything from a good Cajun burger and delicious fries to stuffed quahogs can be found

across Molly’s menu.

Like any pub, appetizers are of paramount importance. Here, Molly’s passes yet another test. Mozzarella sticks dripping in gooey melted cheese, supported by a dish of marinara, make for a tasty (if not generic) starter.

For cheese lovers, the nachos grande come loaded with fresh shredded cheddar, jalapeños, olives, and salsa, and provides a unique, “home made” flavor that most restaurants can’t even touch.

The menu as a whole, while far from vast, includes enough of a variety to keep bar goers happy. Options range from fresh grilled cheese and bacon to full chicken dinners with all of the usual sides. All delivered with a smile by a small, dedicated staff of regulars, Molly’s Pub is the kind of establishment that you can instantly become hooked on.

Above and beyond all, Molly’s greatest asset is not its good food, convenient location, or quaint size, but its affordability to the typical college student. Everything on the menu, from drinks and cocktails to the biggest of appetizers and dinners, is priced well below what you might expect. Other area pubs such as The Abbey or Trinity may offer delicious food in a more traditional style, but only Molly’s delivers it in a true, “home-

cooked” fashion, at a price that can’t be beat.

So, even if you aren’t planning on rockin’ out at an upcoming WXIN event, Molly’s Pub should be on your list of destinations to at least try. The establishment achieves one of the hallmark goals of any restaurant – customers who leave with a full, satisfied stomach and a wallet to match.

Food: 4 / 5 Atmosphere: 3.5 / 5 Service: 3.5 / 5 Mozzarella Sticks: 3.5 / 5 Overall: 3.5 / 5 Fedoras

ROVING REPORTER By: Kellye Martin

:

What do the holidays mean to you? What are your plans this holiday season?

Ari Moryl Michelle Machado Social Work 2010 It’s all about family, for me. Holidays are laughing and talking and catching up. My family is celebrating at my house.

Jenny Santana Nursing 2010 The holidays are a time for family and fun.

When I think about the holidays laughter and happiness come to my mind. The holiday songs bring a warm feeling to my heart and a tickle to my soul. I will spend this holiday with my mother, brother, and daughter. This is my daughter’s second Christmas and this year she will actually know what is going on. I love the holidays.

Studio Art 2010 Holidays are a time of mixed emotions.

There is the joy of friends and family, but the stress of wrapping up school and being strapped financially and being expected to buy presents. This holiday season I will be working but hopefully I will be able to enjoy some time with old friends.

Tim Linhares Undecided 2010 The holidays mean some serious time to get together with family and enjoy each other’s company, all while still funding the economy and buying each other gifts.

Show the people you truly love, that you love them and celebrate the year to-

gether.

Do you have a question you want answered? Send your question to photography@anchorweb.org

December 11, 2007

Arts + Entertainment

Page 17

THE ANCHOR

Rental Raves THE ADVENTURES OF BUCKAROO BANZAI ACROSS THE EIGHTH DIMENSION

By Adam D. Bram Anchor Staff For the last Rental Raves of 2007, I will be reviewing a very odd but very fun movie from 1984 entitled The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the Eighth Dimension.

Peter Weller (Robocop) stars as Buckaroo Banzai. Born from an American mother and a Japanese father, he always found himself pulled in several directions at once. Aside from being a brilliant neurosurgeon and a respected scientist, he is also the lead singer, guitarist, and saxophone player for the Hong Kong Cavaliers, who happen to be his entourage and companions on his many daring adventures as recorded in a monthly comic book.

We meet him as he has just completed a successful test of a device called the Oscillation Overthruster that should allow for interdimensional travel. This has not gone unnoticed by the only other man to come close to a working overthruster, Dr. Emilio Lizardo (John Lithgow, 3rd Rock from the Sun), who had his head stuck in the Eighth Dimension long enough for him to be possessed by and evil Red Lectriod from

Planet 10 known as Lord John Whorfin. His disciples have been hiding out at Grover’s Mill since the 1940’s and they see this overthruster as their way home. Buckaroo must stop them before the normally peaceful Black Lectroids destroy the Earth in an effort to keep their barbaric cousins at bay.

Though the plot may be a little convoluted, this film is an example of just plain fun cinema. It’s weird, hilarious and thrilling all at once. It’s full of familiar faces; not exactly an all-star cast, but definitely an all-“That Guy” cast. The special effects are sometimes slightly hokey but it adds to the fun for the most part. Even if you can’t remember the difference between Red Lectroids and Black Lectroids after the viewing, the upbeat theme song will be stuck in your head for days. This is definitely a must-see for lovers of the strange and wonderful, for where else will you meet an entire race of aliens all inexplicably named “John”?

Also starring Ellen Barkin (Ocean’s Thirteen) and Jeff Goldblum (Jurassic Park). PG. R a t i n g : 4.5/5

Elfen Lied Brutal/Beautiful

By Jason Charpentier Anchor Staff Back in 2004, Elfen Lied premiered and took the anime community by storm. You couldn’t go to a forum or site and not find a discussion praising it as one of the best series of the year and even placing it on multiple top 10 of all time lists. Well, it’s been a few years now and while the whole new and shiny smell may have worn off, the impact certainly hasn’t.

In an attempt to keep this overview as spoiler-free as possible, only the most basic plot elements will be revealed. The main plot of Elfen Lied revolves around a young woman’s escape from a research lab (and the slaughter of nearly the entire staff in the process) after which she ends up with amnesia. I bet you didn’t see that one coming, did you? She is cared for by two cousins, Kouta, and Yuka. The two decide to name the girl Nyuu based on the fact that it is the only sound she can pronounce in her amnesiac state. Fast forward a bit and some other people show up to signal that the hunt is on to recapture the girl. What exactly is Nyuu, and what dark hidden past resides within Kouta, and Nyuu? Well, watch to find out.

Right from the start of this series with the beautiful and mesmerizing “Lilium,” sung entirely in Latin, as the opening song, you get the impression that this will not be a happy show. It certainly is not. This show is extremely bloody and the fight scenes can be downright brutal. In addition to the gore, this series is quite depressing. Unfortunately I can’t show how the series is depressing since that would involve spoilers.

It isn’t quite to the level of say Now and Then, Here and There, or Grave of the Fireflies for depressing but it certainly holds its own.

Is Elfen Lied for everyone? Absolutely not. This is an extremely mature, brutal, and brief 13 episode series. Should everyone see it at least once though? I certainly think so.

Highly Recommended

Arts + Entertainment

Page 18

December 11, 2007

THE ANCHOR

Year End CD Reviews

By Barry Nickerson Anchor Editor Well, it’s the end of yet another year! It’s time to look back at some CDs that were released this past year and either stand in awe at their awesomeness or hate our lives for wasting time listening to them. There have been some good, some bad, and some that were just downright hideous! Here are a few of the more recent albums.

Motion City Soundtrack – It Had to be You (Epitaph Records) This album was my first introduction to Motion City Soundtrack aside from a couple live shows that turned my head. First thing I thought when I popped this CD in was, “Whoa, this stuff’s fun!” If you follow my reviews you know that I’m all about fun, and Motion City Soundtrack has put out a record that’s chock-full of the rock-and-roll goodness that many of us just love to hear.

Aside from being wonderfully mastered, MCS has produced a number of catchy, play-it-again jams that just beg to be played at top-volume while driving a little over the speed limit with the windows down. My favorite track off this album was “This is For Real” with “Calling All Cops” taking a close second. MCS is laced with fun keyboards and jump-on-the-bed guitar riffs that make this album a must-have for the pop-punk fanatic.

Steel Train – Trampoline (Drive-Thru Records) If Motion City Soundtrack had you driving a little too fast, Steel Train will have you jumping a little too high on, indeed, your trampoline. My history with Steel Train goes way back to about 2003 when a friend from Chicago with a taste for shiny things was promoting the hell out of them on a message board. I liked what I heard then—and this is one band that has taken nothing but turns for the better since.

Their live show on Nov. 28 was, as I said in the pre-

vious Anchor, “okay”—but boy were these guys happy to be on the stage! Their overall positive attitudes towards music are reflected heavily in Trampoline. My favorite track off this album was “Firecracker” if only for the music reminding me of Fourth of July barbecues and surprise fireworks from the backyard next door (and my birthday!). A few of the tracks, like “Diamonds in the Sky,” reminded me of old-school Guster, but I’m not complaining. I love them too.

Against Me! –The New Wave (Sire Records) This one came out a little while ago—but deserves mention nonetheless. I remember the high school days when nobody had a clue who Against Me! was except for myself and a few of my friends. Back in the good old days of Reinventing Axl Rose (2002) and As the Eternal Cowboy (2003), Against Me! sounded a little more like a folk band with growling ballads than they do now (I’m sure I have these records in the basement somewhere). But this band has matured a hell of a lot in the past four years since Eternal Cowboy.

This CD is full of sing-along chorus, backup vocals, and a punk attitude. While Against Me! always had their rebellious punk demeanor, it seems the band has found its niche with The New Wave. My favorite track off this one is their single, “Thrash Unreal”—great lyrics, catchyas-hell chorus, and makes you think a bit. “Americans Abroad” sounds the most like their “old stuff.” A few of the songs like “White People for Peace” sound a bit much like Anti-Flag. Nevertheless, Against Me! keeps their identity as a band that’s “sort of punk,” and trust me, they put on a great live show! Make sure you catch them in Worcester, Mass. in mid-February 2008.

The Mighty Mighty Bosstones –Medium Rare (BigRig Records) When I heard the Bosstones were playing a show in Providence on New Year’s Eve, my first thought was,

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“What the @#$^%?!?!” I thought this band was, sadly, history. Now whether they’re going to stay together after playing some shows around here remains to be seen, but having heard this album just a little early (and oh, the teeth I had to yank to do so), I’ve got to say that this stuff is great!

The Bosstones are such a huge part of what makes local ska music great. It’s hard to pinpoint the Bosstones as having music that is restricted to any one wave of ska.

However you label them, their music is a staple of any rude boy or girl’s ska collection.

Back to Medium Rare. It’s typical Bosstones, but it’s new, and that should be enough to get any fan’s attention right away. The Mighty Mighty Bosstones have their own unique sound; this time around choosing to sing about stuff like chocolate pudding—who doesn’t love chocolate pudding? My favorite tracks off Medium Rare are “Chocolate Pudding” and “Don’t Worry Desmond Dekker.” Picking favorites was tough! This whole record is stuffed with ska-tastic sounds you can’t help but skank around to.

This year has been a great year for new bands and new music. The industry hasn’t stopped churning out hit after hit this year! Although the end of 2007 has produced quite a few solid records, I have to say my favorite records of the year have been Chicago natives 1997’s “…a Better View of the Rising Moon” and Philadelphia’s own Zolof the Rock & Roll Destroyer’s Schematics. But what can I say, we all have different tastes. Definitely check out all these records and more and remember, most bands have a MySpace account where you can preview their music online for free!

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December 11, 2007

Arts + Entertainment

Page 19

THE ANCHOR

RIC Peforms A Living War

By Nikki Trombetti Anchor Staff Isn’t it beautiful to wake up in the morning to sparkling white snow on the ground? It brings a smile to a child’s face to see snowmen in everyone’s front yard and think about the prospect of a snow day. Even when the streets are dirty, snow covers it and makes it look beautiful. I had the opportunity to see a staged reading of an original play written by Pat Henu. Little did I know that this story had a lot more to do with snow than I thought.

The play was called Living War. Rhode Island College students along with members of the Society MFA Program acted as the characters in Pat Henu’s script. It focused on the emotions in which family and friends encounter when a loved one is away at war.

The two main characters in the play were Nina and Jason. We hear two very different points of view, one from Nina, who is home with a 4 year old son, and one from Jason who is in Iraq. While watching this play, I kept hearing lines that shut out news about the war. As if the characters wanted a break from hearing nothing but bad news. According to Nina, “The army doesn’t pay much, and they extend everyone’s assignment.”

Nina is the representative for women who struggle with this predicament and Jason is the representative for men who leave their families behind and go to war. We see the

utter heart ache which they both feel, through very different perspectives of course. Nina not only has to deal with not having her husband around but she has to take on all the responsibilities. She must put food on the table, pay the bills, and worst of all, be both a mother and a father. She talks about how concerned she is about her son.

She asks herself many questions: “Will he miss his father if he dies? He barely knows him, does he miss him now?”

Nina is so angry inside, she could explode. At one point, she gets so upset that she yells “Fuck the government.”

Nina talks a lot about how Jason has changed since he left.

She asks herself if he “will ever really be back, something

RIC Symphony Orchestra Review

By Jason Zhao Anchor Staff On Monday Dec. 3, the Rhode Island College Symphony Orchestra played their concert at Sapinsley Hall.

Their performance was great and I was glad that I didn’t miss it. With a great concert in a great venue, the overall experience was perfect except for one thing: There were no programs.

The lack of information in this review is due to the fact that they didn’t give the audience programs. The conductor did explain what pieces they were going to perform and such but the lack of program made it really hard for me to keep up with what is going on.

Never the less, the concert eventually started. I don’t remember the name of the first piece but I do remember that there were 5 movements. Each of the movements was great but I can’t really describe in detail why I liked each of them. In general, they did a really good job with everything. One thing did throw me off and that was that the 4th and 5th movement kind of blended together. My friend later told me that, yes, I did miss the transition. If there was a program, I wouldn’t have been confused.

The second piece was an opera featuring Tianxu Zhou. The lyrics were not in English so I really didn’t understand what the story was but I don’t think that I missed everything. What I understood was the emotion and the picture that they were trying to paint with music. I knew when the story was sad, happy, and everything in between. I also knew what to feel at a certain time and was

able to predict what is going to happen.

This is when you know that the orchestra is doing a fantastic job at making the music. After this piece, it was time for intermission.

After intermission, they performed their final piece of music. I have no idea of what the name of this piece is or the number of movements. The conductor tried to explain what each movement was about and such because of the missing program. That was nice and all but I really can’t remember that much information while trying to enjoy the overall experience.

When they started playing was when I really wished that I had remembered what the conductor said because he gave a summary about the story behind the music.

From that point on, I just enjoyed the show. I noticed a few things from the audience.

The first was that they didn’t enjoy this piece of music as much because it was so long and I agree with them. Maybe this is due to a lack of knowledge of the background of this piece. This piece was like the Energizer bunny! It kept on going and going and going.

So overall, I loved the experience that night at Sapinsley Hall. The performances that I have attended at Rhode Island College have never disappointed me.

has changed, I can feel it. The hardest thing to deal with is when he is distant, that’s what hurts me the most.”

Most people think that when you go to war, you kill the bad guys and the job is done. Well, most people are wrong. According to Jason, “I am at war to kill the terrorists, I am there to help. In my opinion 9/11 isn’t something that just happens, it builds up over time. That’s why I came here to help.”

Jason explains to the audience that he loves snow.

One time, his buddies tricked him into thinking it was snowing. It was snowing in a way but the stuff that was falling wasn’t snow. It was ash and debris from a blown up building. He and his buddies all gazed out the window at this building. Jason heard a loud bang, opened his eyes, and all he could see was white snow. The snow was the debris from the building he was in.

A bomb hit the building and it exploded, similar to how Nina exploded emotionally.

In a surreal moment, though we understand that Jason has died in the blast, he wakes up in his coffin.

He tells us that he is “finally home, and didn’t want to get here this way, but its snowing for real this time and I can rest in peace.” Many people deal with this emotion everyday and it was great to get an inside point of view of what these people go through on a regular basis. Pat Henu did a great job portraying these ideas in her wonderful script.

Harry Potter: An Enchanting DVD

By Bryan Salisbury Anchor Staff Most people are just going to go out and buy the Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix DVD just because it is Harry Potter.

The question that people will have to ask themselves is “Which version of the film should I get? The one disc regular edition or the two-disc special edition?” For those people out there who just want to re-watch the movie and add it to their DVD collection, just go and buy the one disc edition. For anyone out there who truly enjoys the Harry Potter series and enjoys the wizard world that has been created, the two-disc edition is the way to go.

The movie is about Harry Potter’s fifth year at Hogwarts, including everything from a magical duel to a fireworks dragon. The movie stays pretty true to the book as a whole, leaving out some of the side stories and plots to make sure that the movie covers the entire central plot. Sometimes it is disappointing to see some of the scenes that were in the book but never made it to the big screen. One of the good aspects of the movie is that it brings back a number of characters and introduces a bunch of new characters as the movie progresses. This is also the first time in the Harry Potter movies where wizards have an all-out duel, which is one of the most exhilarating parts of the movie.

I have to admit that seeing the movie on a regular television and not in the movie theaters is less impressive but the movie is still great. This is easily made up for though with the special features on the twodisc special edition of the film. The basic addition to the film is a deleted scenes section. This also included some extensions to some of the scenes in the movie.

For the people who enjoy reading Harry Potter and want try to figure out the secrets behind the books or explanations for some of the events, there are some special features for you. The movie includes a documentary called “The Hidden Secrets of Harry Potter” which looks at this film and the preceding four and the clues about Harry Potter and his destiny. This documentary is very interesting to watch because it shows you aspects that you might have overlooked or looked at differently.

The other two documentaries that are included are more about the film, one being a tour leaded by the actress who played Tonks and the other being the director talking about the making of the film. These extras easily make spending the extra few dollars for the special edition worth it.

Arts

Entertainment

RIC EVENTS Art: “The Kimono” Thursday, December 13 – Friday, December 21, 2007 Unspecifi ed Time Bannister Gallery in Roberts Hall

RIC Theatre: “Never the Sinner” Thursday, December 13, 2007 – Sunday, December 16, 2007 8 p.m.

Little Theatre in the Nazarian Center

PAGE 20

The Songs of William Finn Become The Songs of Shawn Bolduc

By Jessica Albaum Anchor Editor It was standing room only in room 198 in the Nazarian Center for the Performing Arts on Sat. Dec. 8.

This was a much larger turn out thsn was expected by Shawn J. Bolduc, a junior studying for his B.A. in Music. He directed Looking Up: The Songs of William Finn for his Junior Project and also raised $400 for the Cancer Society in the process.

William Finn is a contemporary composer who often writes autobiographical songs. He has written the music and lyrics for popular shows such as Falsettos and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. His music is very personal and the performers clearly felt connected to what they were singing.

This concert featured songs from Finn’s Elegies, A New Brain, and Falsettos. I felt that all the songs flowed nicely except for “Change.”

While I enjoyed the song and how it was performed, I felt that it was out of place amongst all the other pieces.

I tried to pick a favorite song out of the 16 that were performed but each song told such a different story that I couldn’t pick just one.

The cast of 10 with Bolduc at the piano truly moved me. There were a couple times when I was close to tears.

Talia Triangolo started the solos with a song called “Passover.” Her connection

to the song was apparent from the start. It told the story of a great Passover Seder with her family and, as someone who celebrates Passover, I could definitely relate to the story she told.

Justin Robinson bowled me over with his beautiful voice. He could have sung anything and I would have paid attention to every note that was produced. Kevin Martin also impressed me with his renditions of “My Dogs,” a song about all the dogs that he went through and how he loved them save for one which he hated. It was cute, funny and sounded great.

“The Music Still Plays On” was a very touching song about losing a son. This is another one that almost made me cry. Hayley Woodbine, a very talented singer, did justice to this well written extremely honest song.

Andrew Holder is another talented per-

former. He skillfully acted and sang “Sailing,” a song about wanting to sail back to the one he loves.

We got to hear Bolduc use his elegant singing voice during this song which was nice. His worked well with Holder’s voice.

If I absolutely had to pick my favorite song out of those performed, it would be 14 Dwight Ave, performed by Meghan McNulty with Eric Desnoyers. It told the story of a dying woman who loved the street she lived and raised her children on. The music and lyrics were gorgeous and McNulty’s smooth comforting voice pulled me into the story.

Shawn J. Bolduc put his heart into this project not only did he successfully put it together but he also raised money for cancer research. When the show ended, I didn’t want it to be over, but just like the song “Goodbye” said, “The ending’s not the story.”

The Vault MARVEL VS. CAPCOM 2: NEW AGE OF HEROES REVIEW

By Rob Duguay Anchor Contributer Have you ever imagined who would win in a fight between Street Fighter’s Ryu and Cyclops, the leader of Marvel’s X-Men? What would be more powerful?

Ryu’s hadouken fireballs or Cyclops’ incredible optic blasts? Well there’s only one game you can play to find out. It’s Marvel vs. Capcom 2: New Age of Heroes.

This particular fighting game is the sequel to the prestigious Marvel vs. Capcom: Clash of the Super Heroes and was first introduced to arcades all over the world on New Year’s Eve 2000. The game’s storyline starts out as the Earth and everything on it begins to die. The pirate Ruby Heart traces the source to an evil being named Abyss, who is the boss of the game. She summons the world’s greatest superheroes to fight the armor of erosion known as Abyss.

With tons of characters to choose from and a 3 vs. 3 set-up, the fun is endless. You can assemble teams from both franchises, so imagine having a team of Spider-Man, Venom, and Mega Man or a team of Street Fighter’s Zangief with The Incredible Hulk and the X-Men’s Colossus to create the biggest most powerful trio the fighting game has ever known.

The possibilities are endless in Marvel vs.

Capcom 2.

Other than the gameplay, there is a shop where after you accumulate points from playing you can unlock more characters and different character colors.

When you unlock all of the items in the

shop, you can field a team of 3 of the same character so you can play using 3 Spider-Mans, 3 Wolverines, 3 Mega Mans, etc.

There are exactly 56 characters on the Marvel vs. Capcom 2 roster with an equal number of 28 from both Marvel and Capcom. On the Marvel side there’s Spider-Man, The Incredible Hulk, Captain America, Venom, Doctor Doom, Cable, Colossus, Cyclops, Gambit, Iceman, Juggernaut, Magneto, Marrow, Omega Red, Psylocke, Rogue, Sabretooth, Sentinel, Silver Samurai, Spiral, Storm, Iron Man, Thanos, War Machine, Blackheart, Shuma-Gorath and Wolverine (with both adamantium and bone claws).

On the Capcom side, there’s Akuma, Cammy White, Charlie, Dan Hibiki, Dhalsim, Guile, Ken, M. Bison, Ryu, Sakura Kasugano, Zangief, Anakaris. Baby Bonnie Hood, Felicia, Lilith Aensland, Morrigan Aensland, Mega Man, Roll, Servbot, Tron Bonne, Jill Valentine, Hayato Kanzaki, Jin Saotome, Strider Hiryu, Captain Commando, Sonson, Amingo and Ruby Heart.

Marvel vs. Capcom 2: New Age of Heroes has become a very rare find over the years when it comes to buying it for the Playstation 2 console. The game also has become very expensive too with the lowest prices hovering around 75 dollars. If you can get your hands on it though, with all the characters, colors and entertainment that are involved, it’ll be worth the price.