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from left: representatives from the Accounting Association came to ask for more money for their annual alumni dinner. right: Anthropos asked for more money in office supplies. — Everton Carter, Anchor Staff

Playing Chess

SCG argues over paper and repairs, but not chess pieces Elisha Kay Aldrich News Editor

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hat began as a relatively calm Unsatisfied Budget Meeting on Wednesday night quickly escalated into a political game of chess. After Student Community Government, Inc. spent time arguing over Active Mind’s office supplies budget, WXIN’s repair and maintenance line item, and Debate Council’s competition fees, almost no time was spent in deciding that the Chess Club, whose president is also SCG, Inc. Treasurer Tyler Dean, deserved twice the amount of money they already had.

Controversy began as Debate Council stated its quarrel with the Finance Commission.

“It is with great annoyance that the representatives of Debate Council stand here before you today,” began President Esohe Irabor.

Debate Council had asked for a total of $1,300 in order to meet the costs for registration and judge’s fees at debate competitions, but was turned down by the finance commission.

“The reason we gave you this budget is because Debate Council got off to a very slow start this year. If I’m not mistaken, you registered for your very first debate this March,” elaborated Treasurer Dean. “We thought we’d give you enough to register two teams for competition and improve yourselves in the fall semester.”

In order for Debate Council to register for competition, it costs $200 per team, making $600 enough for three teams. The other $150 was allocated into different line items.

“Yes, registration must pay for our teams to compete, but for crying out loud there are other fees,” said Irabor in her speech to the chamber.

Irabor stated that because Finance Commission allotted just enough money for

two debate teams, that they were capping Debate Council at only two competitions per year. When Finance Commission members and Treasurer Dean disagreed, she said, “I believe, whether you consider it a cap or not, it is a cap.”

Kaitlyn Burke made a motion to give WXIN the $500 that had been cut from the event’s line item, and the motion was approved by the body. Then, as the discussion moved to their repair and maintenance line item, another debate began.

they are a radio station that plays 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, they cannot take the time to go through the Finance Commission in order to get money when they might have gone off the air and need to begin playing music again as soon as possible.

WXIN’s repair and maintenance had been cut by half by the Finance Commission. Both DeSimone and WXIN Treasurer Rob Smith thought this was very harmful to their club.

“We do not have the time to not have that safety net,” said DeSimone, “The bottom line is that we cannot afford to be doing that.”

Parliament then questioned Irabor about what Debate Council plans to do for recruitment, fundraising and on-campus events. She gave them several examples, such as personal recruitment and Student Activities day in both the fall and spring, but she was still met with reserve by Parliament members.

“If you used your line item for any purchase over $250, you would have to go through the SCG channels anyway,” he added. Dean also noted that the issue can get rather personal for WXIN, to which Smith responded in kind.

“I’m sorry Tyler, but I have been promised things by treasurers before. How do I know that my club won’t be held up by Finance because some people don’t like WXIN?”

“My only thing was that you requested a budget for three groups when you only have five members,” expressed Representative Zaire Lambright, who has past experience with debating. “If you want us to give you more money, then you have to show us a track record that you are going to go to debates.”

President Hillary Costa stepped in, asking what they would think is a fair adjustment to the line item.

“I know this is a recurring issue, and I know WXIN has to come down every year about this, but you’re not getting the four grand today. If you had to come down, I would prefer you leave this room saying that this is fair,” she said.

Although Debate Council quite literally debated for the budget they had initially asked for, they left the budget meeting with no more money than SCG had suggested for them.

Debate Council received significant push back about their budget from Parliament, even though Parliament pushed them just as hard. The next club, 90.7 WXIN, pushed even harder than Debate Council, especially because they have a long history with the Finance Commission.

Finance Commission slashed money from two of the radio station’s line items: their Back to School Barbecue, which is an annual event, and their repair and maintenance funds.

The money cut from the Back to School Barbecue had an easy explanation. WXIN General Manager Nick DeSimone stated that they had not yet received a bill from Donovan, so the line item seems as though it wasn’t touched at all.

This issue was solved easily, as Secretary

Treasurer Dean attempted to intervene, by explaining that the Finance Commission does have an emergency allocation policy for such events, where members are contacted by phone in order to vote.

Esohe Irabor, president of debate council, came to ask for more money to register for debates, but was turned down by the body.

— Everton Carter, Anchor Staff

It was agreed between both WXIN and Parliament that they would add another thousand to repair and maintenance, making the line item a total of $3,000. There was also the stipulation that they cannot allocate money out of this line item into others.

“It’s where all repairs for the substantial equipment we have downstairs comes from,” said Smith. “We hope we don’t have to use this. In a perfect world, we’re not going to use all $4,000.”

The most surprising back and forth at the budget meeting came with Active Minds, RIC’s mental health awareness club. They were represented by President Paige Barry and Treasurer Brittany Ferzoco. They gave an overview of what they were asking for: a total of $300 in their office and craft supplies line item, $200 in advertising, $100 in speakers and films, and a $100 cut from their food line item, making that $250. budget

They both gave examples of equipment breaking in WXIN, and stated that because

All of their requests were approved except

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After the Meeting:

WXIN General Manager Nick DeSimone

Why does WXIN have a history with Finance Commission?

Elisha Kay Aldrich News Editor

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uring the Unsatisfied Budget Meeting, it seemed like WXIN was going toe to toe with Student Community Government for quite some time, over an issue that they must speak about every year- their repair and maintenance budget. We spoke to WXIN General Manager Nick DeSimone after the meeting, and he was still unhappy with the decision made by the Finance Commission and Parliament.

“I was unsatisfied,” he simply stated.

“Basically, what it comes down to, was that we appeared before the Finance Commission to express our distress that our repair and

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maintenance budget was slashed in half.

There’s a safety net that needs to be in place in the event that things break.”

DeSimone was also unhappy with Treasurer Dean’s suggestion of using the emergency allocation policy should something in the radio station break and need immediate repair.

“We could phone a friend, if necessary. In the event of something happening, we would have to go on our phones and start dialing our friends frantically in order to get the money.”

He stated that there was a “logic gap” in place with the Finance Commission. If they cannot have the money because they don’t immediately spend it all, what happens if their soundboard breaks and they are off the air for two weeks?

“We want to be able to operate in confidence.

We don’t want to have to go through this extra layer of bureaucracy. We can’t cash in on a Tyler Dean promise. What happens if we’re off the air for two weeks? That’s like an eternity in academic time. Tyler Dean’s response to that was that he didn’t want to tie the money up, but I objected on the grounds of relevance when I asked what the money was going to.”

wxin general manager Nick DeSimone and treasurer Rob Smith came to the meeting to ask for their repair and maintenance budget to be restored.— Everton Carter, Anchor Staff

DeSimone also noted another problem he has with the Finance Commission.

small clubs. What was said to me as well, when I spoke out, I was told that they understand that things get a little personal with us. Basically that came off as incredibly condescending with me. Its not that, it’s just that I’m giving the facts and they’re not being acknowledged.”

“The long and short of it is, I don’t trust them. I cannot expect that delivery to happen if they’re nickeling and diming

However, at the end of it, DeSimone at least finds the thousand dollar increase to the repair and maintenance fund fair. they were awarded at the meeting was fair, she knows they will get more next year.

“I am satisfied with what we got because we are going to prove ourselves, and I feel like next year we are going to get more money. I wish we got more because it would help us, but I’m willing to go through anything I have to in order to get the money next year.”

“What we eventually settled on was reasonable and I am happy with. We felt it was fair, and we would have sat there and fought it all night if it wasn’t fair and would have kept you guys there till four in the morning. I just think that the Finance Commission needs to consider the needs of these clubs a little bit more closely. I don’t feel that the money is being tied up if its not being hoarded.”

Ferzoco, did however, say that Parliament should focus on helping smaller clubs grow so they can improve themselves.

“Help the little clubs grow, especially with mental health. That’s such a big issue. One in four people has a mental health issue. I feel we should be treated the same as every other group.”

RIC Summer Storage Specials active minds’ treasurer Brittany Ferzoco and president Paige Barry explained that office supplies was the most important line item they have.— Everton Carter, Anchor Staff

After the Meeting:

Active Minds’ Treasurer Brittany Ferzoco

The argument over a $300 line item Elisha Kay Aldrich News Editor

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he Active Minds’ debate during the Unsatisfied Budget hearing was the most confusing, although it was, ironically enough, over the smallest amount of money questioned that night. Speaking with Active Minds’ treasurer, Brittany Ferzoco, she stated that even though it was a rather confusing situation, there were positives to it.

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“It was a good experience, it was a learning experience for everyone. I think Parliament will adjust themselves because of that and explain things better,” she said.

Ferzoco stated that the amount they were given at the meeting was fair, but she does have reasons as to why they asked for the increase. She is actually Active Minds’ new treasurer; the treasurer from the fall resigned and she has been trying to pick up the slack ever since. According to Ferzoco, they still have many receipts to process.

“We got $400 or so and we had $850 for last year,” she said. “That wasn’t enough. We have a lot of events and cosponsor a lot of events and that adds up.”

Active Minds also hosts many arts and crafts events, which is where the majority of that line item would go.

“We are mostly crafts, we do a lot of hands on things. It’s very therapeutic to use your hands.”

In fact, they day of the meeting, Active Minds hosted an event on the quad where their members made pinwheels for each person who takes their own life each year.

But, even though she believes the amount

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Fair jobs at job fair Manager Steven Brunetti noted the learning benefits of internships.

ryan foley Anchor Staff

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ven though jobs are hard to find in Rhode Island, RIC was able to present many internships during their job fair last Wednesday. In fact, there was overflow from the main event in the Student Union Ballroom into room 307. A variety of options were available, including full time and seasonal positions, as well as paid and unpaid internships.

— loveisbald.org

Shaving lives one head at a time St. Baldrick’s Day fundraiser at RIC Elisha Kay Aldrich News Editor

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t isn’t often that Rhode Island College has the opportunity to give back to the community, let alone children in the community. But this Thursday, Anchor TV is giving students the chance to do just that with their St. Baldrick’s Day fundraiser.

St. Baldrick’s is a non-profit childhood cancer research foundation. How do they raise money? Shaving heads! People who normally donate the most money put bounties on their heads, and other people will pay to see the event happen.

Anchor TV President Milka Tolich spoke about St. Baldrick’s Day importance.

“It is important for students to donate because this disease hits everyone, and giving to organizations such as this helps to give children a fighting chance at a future.

Think of all the things you have done in your life so far, and now think of how much joy these things have brought you and how much meaning it gave you. Because of cancer, some children will never get the chance. Every cent gets researchers one step closer to finding a cure,” said Tolich.

The event will feature children from the Co-Op Preschool singing songs, a silent auction, and of course, the symbolic head shaving. Tolich hopes to raise $5,000 for the foundation, after raising $3,971 last year.

Tolich also has a very personal connection with St. Baldrick’s cause, being a cancer survivor herself.

“This cause means a lot to not only Anchor TV, but to myself. When I was a child, I was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and I remembered one girl, her name was Rachel, and she was so joyful and her presence was so inviting. I met her at a day for children with cancer and their siblings. I felt very ill that day and do not remember much else but her.”

Unfortunately, Tolich’s friend was not given the same future she was.

“Years later, after that, I was in remission and I opened up a calendar. There was a picture of her and it said RIP. I was upset this beacon of light was gone. She would never go to prom, graduate, know what it was like to be in love, or grow old. That’s why I keep doing this, so children can beat it like I did and get that chance to experience life like I have.”

Tolich hopes Anchor TV, along with its cosponsors, will make enough money to give back to the community, but also wants those who attend to see how lucky they are to be healthy enough to give back.

“Most of all, I want everyone to think about how lucky they are to be standing there, and to appreciate the blessing they have been afforded.”

St. Baldrick’s Day will take place on the Student Union/Media Center Patio this Thursday at noon.

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Mosey on over and write for our news team today! email news@anchorweb.org for more information

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This will not be the last fair of the year, with another scheduled for this Wednesday from 3 to 5 p.m.

“The next [fair] is focused on health and human services,” said Linda Kent Davis, director of RIC’s Career Development Center.

“[Internships] give a great opportunity for students to learn about the real world experience.”

A retiree from the United States Department of State, George Goodrich is on hand regularly at job fairs and is always actively seeking new recruits.

“It gets the college student in the field that he or she is interested in before they graduate; and they also help out the state department,” said Goodrich.

nternships give people a chance to see if they like a job or not.

Several company representatives present at the fair shared their thoughts on the importance of internships.

“Internships give people a chance to see if they like a job or not,” said Mike Joaquin of GTECH. Sugathri Srinivasan of A T Cross said that internships are beneficial for both students and companies.

A secret clearance is required in order to participate in the State Department Internship.

A total of 58 organizations were on campus. Some notable groups include YMCA of Greater Providence, Aflac, The Peace Corps, Sherwin Williams, Amica Mutual Insurance Company, Angel Taveras for Governor, Planned Parenthood Rhode Island, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Ocean State, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Rhode Island, and the Trinity Repertory Company.

Unfortunately, the Aflac Duck could not be reached for comment.

“They give students an opportunity to work alongside those that are in the profession to see if it is a good match for them.”

Resume relief workshops will also be held over the next few weeks on the remaining Mondays of April from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the Student Union Café; the remaining Tuesdays in April from 12 to 2 p.m. on the second floor of the Murray Center, and from 4 to 6 p.m. in the School of Social Work Atrium; the remaining Wednesdays in April from 2 to 4 p.m. in the Adams Library; and the next three Thursdays from 4 to 6 p.m. in the Adams Library.

CVS Caremark, whose headquarters are in Rhode Island, is best known for being the parent company of CVS/Pharmacy, the United States’ second-largest pharmacy chain, with stores in 42 states. Luckily for students, they were able to come and offer internships at the fair. CVS Applications

In order to register for the upcoming Job and Internship Fair, visit www.ric. edu/careerdevelopment/destinations.php.

Should you need help with anything related to Career Development, stop by their office at Craig Lee 054. It is never too early to start planning for the career of your dreams.

“They actually really help us. Students learn new things and give us a fresh perspective on our products.”

Rhode Island State Trooper Meredith Zenowich also commented.

the anchor

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EDITORS

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF MANAGING EDITOR BUSINESS MANAGER ART DIRECTOR NEWS EDITOR RIC LIFE EDITOR OPINIONS EDITOR SPORTS EDITOR PHOTO EDITOR GRAPHICS EDITOR COPY EDITOR LAYOUT EDITOR ADS MANAGER TECHNOLOGY DIRECTOR CIRCULATION MANAGER

Samantha Mandeville Ty Dugan Ashley Goldberg Liz Di Ruggiero Elisha Kay Aldrich Josh Estrella Jessica Bourget Sam Allen Danielle Franciosi Kelly Beshara-Flynn Jim Brady Bethany L’Etoile Zachary Frisella Jon Traf Patrick Carney

STAFF Kayla Lonardo

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STAFF MEMBER OF THE WEEK

RYAN FOLEY

Ryan Foley has come a long way, and we’re all super proud of him. Not only has his writing improved over the course of the year, and particularly the past few weeks, but he’s been interviewing students and people on campus! Even taking photos! Ryan works really hard, and this is our way of thanking him for that. Make sure you give his internship article a read, you’ll learn a lot!

EDITOR OF THE WEEK

Elisha has done a great job covering the Unsatisfied Budget Meetings this week. Not only did she stay and take notes the entire 3.5 hour meeting, she did follow up interviews with several of the club president and treasurers. Now let’s all cross our fingers and hope she doesn’t transfer back to Emerson.

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The Anchor is student-run and published weekly during the academic year. Editorial decisions for The Anchor are made by a majority vote of its student editorial board. No form of censorship will be imposed by the college. Any material found to be unsuitable or unacceptable in the board’s opinion will not be published. The views expressed in The Anchor, unless otherwise noted, are those of the individual authors and do not necessarily represent those of The Anchor or of Rhode Island College’s faculty, administration or student body. The Anchor is not funded by and is independent from Rhode Island College. The first copy is free. Each additional copy is $2.25.

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disclosure: The views and opinions expressed herein are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Anchor.

those seven dreaded words Nicholas BilodEaU anchor staff

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hat are you going to school for?” The seven dreaded words most college students hate. My first instinct is usually to reply, “for the RIC refund,” but I usually will just say “English.” Then comes the reply that is guaranteed with one hundred percent certainty. “Oh, so you want to become a teacher?” When I say no, I always get asked what I want to do with my degree. How rude of a question. Like you knew where you would be ten weeks ago, let alone ten years ago. But I just keep right along with the conversation. After they pose that question, I say, “I don’t know,” and they will usually always reply, “Oh, well good for you,” and repeat it with a smug smile that speaks to what they are truly thinking: “See you at McDonald’s in five years, buddy.”

I feel like it is unfair to ask college students what they’re going to school for and what they’re going to do with their degrees. You honestly have no idea what that conversation will do to a college student. Sure, we could have all tried to get into nursing school, but the sight of blood is unbearable to some people. We could have done finance or math, but what of the student who struggles with those fields? Should they deny themselves an education because math is challenging to them? Should they feel bad about their intelligence due to this shortcoming? Where does that leave the college student who

is unsure of her major, but wants to get an education?

This question may inspire said student to question her major and career choice because she doesn’t have it all planned out yet. She will waste time questioning herself, all as a result of meaningless small talk.

Not to mention the people who put down a major like English. Small talk aside, there are people who will blatantly tell you there are no jobs for our kind. Who knows? They certainly do not. I chose the major because I wanted an education. I enjoy learning about stories and writers and other strategies that go into effective writing. I enjoy thinking differently. I enjoy writing stories, whether people like them or not. I enjoy reading and the magic that comes along with it. This does not mean I have wasted my opportunity at an education. I have learned many things throughout my stay at Rhode Island College.

What will I do with my major? I will start at the bottom, as all must do. I will be open to job training as I’m sure most will have to go through. If not, I will work as hard as I possibly can until I understand how to perform a task with the best of employees and I will not rest until I can do so. If not, I may end up teaching like so many assume.

Regardless, instead of asking kids, “what will you do with that major?” I will encourage them to work hard at whatever they decide to do because most people have no idea where they are going in life. What does matter is the amount of work they are willing to put into their endeavors.

don’t let a question as simple as “what are you going to school for?” scare you into doubting your future. — Kelly Beshara-Flynn, Anchor Editor

The dos and don’ts of our rotary JEssica BoUrGEt opinions Editor

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s I was leaving campus the other day, I made my way out of B Lot and up to the rotary. Halfway through the tiny circle of traffic confusion, I was beeped at by a gentleman on a moped because I didn’t let him in. But wait, I don’t have to, do I? It seems like no one understands how to use a rotary in Rhode Island, with people constantly stopping halfway through or deciding that they don’t have to yield at all

before they enter. So let me break down the dos and don’ts of rotaries.

First off, if you go anywhere else besides our tiny part of New England, don’t call it a rotary. People won’t understand what you’re talking about, much like their confusion pertaining to the way in which you use these things. They’re called roundabouts. And if you’re googling the rules of the road for these rings of doom, you will only get how tos on using rotary cutters and rotary buffers.

With that out of the way, let me tell you how navigating a circumference of madness works. Approach the roundabout while watching out for people daring to walk near

it; look to your left to see if there’s a car that is getting there first or already in it; yield for said vehicle or go ahead if there’s no one there. Piece of cake, right?

Wrong. People who are coming from the dorms seem to be under the impression that they can just glide right on through these hoops of mayhem, while others seem to think that once you’re in, you give up the right of way. Listen to this rule my friends: Once you’re in it, you get to keep going and other people have to wait. No random exceptions for mopeds or motorcycles.

And one last thing: You cannot, I repeat, cannot go through a roundabout in the

opposite direction as the arrows. These things are one way! I actually watched a campus shuttle drive the wrong way through our band of chaos just a couple of weeks ago.

Please, for the sake of everyone around you– driving and walking–don’t be a baddie when you drive through these.

Hopefully you’ve learned something important about rotaries/roundabouts/ scenes of mass befuddlement. It’s really not hard to make your way through one, so please just remember the rules of the road.

I would really love to make it through the rest of the semester without getting hit by a shuttle or some dude on a moped.

Got an opinion? Perfect.

Want to get paid for it? Even better. say it loud, say it proud, and join The Anchor today.

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disclosure: The views and opinions expressed herein are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Anchor.

sPorts teaMs Victor MartEllE anchor staff

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using your Privilege for Good, Not evil JEssica BoUrGEt opinions Editor

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think it’s safe to say that all of you have heard of the song “Same Love” by Macklemore. It’s also pretty safe to say that you drove around listening to it with your windows rolled down, the wind blowing through your hair and tears welling up in your eyes all summer long–or maybe that was just me. But it may not be safe to say that all of you know the song is actually based on–and uses the lyrics from–Mary Lambert’s song “She Keeps Me Warm.”

Some of your friends might not hang around in feminist circles–not all of us are lucky enough to be Women’s Studies majors– so you probably don’t know that some people have been rather upset over the song. By “some people” I don’t mean people who don’t support gay marriage, I mean gay rights activists and allies. They claim that it’s not right for Macklemore, a straight white male, to be the poster child for gay rights since, well, he’s not gay.

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speak up than a homosexual individual. And it’s easier for people to love a song than to love seeing homosexuality in action, even those who support it.

But does that make Macklemore a bad person? I don’t think so. Macklemore has something that feminist scholars and critics like to call privilege. He gets to enjoy certain things because he’s a dude. He also gets to enjoy certain things because he’s heterosexual and white, like being able to turn on the TV and see lots of people who are just like him. Macklemore probably wouldn’t have made it this far if some of his positions of privilege were changed and he was a person of color or gay. But does this mean that he can’t speak up for people who he knows are being marginalized and mistreated?

I’ve heard him criticized for singing about something he knows nothing about, something he hasn’t experienced. But he doesn’t claim to know what it’s like to be a person fighting for the right to be with the person they love. He’s not trying to speak for a whole community of people by telling all of us what it feels like to experience life as a gay man. He’s saying, “Hey, I’m not gay, but that’s not stopping me from recognizing that something needs to change.”

ecognizing that you have a privlege is the first step to doing something for others who don’t have the kinds of things Most of us have some type you have. of privilege that we get

This makes sense when you think about it. Why should someone who doesn’t identify as gay be getting credit for being the artist who produced what many have deemed the marriage equality anthem? Surely there are artists out there–like Lambert, whose gorgeous voice we hear in “Same Love”–who are part of the LGBTQ community and have written songs about marriage equality. So if there are so many, why does Macklemore get the honor?

just for being who we are, whether it’s skin color, sex or sexual orientation. And we may never be able to understand the struggles of others that we don’t experience because you don’t really get it until it happens to you. But I don’t think this means that we can’t speak up for those who are otherwise being ignored.

Because he’s straight, white and male. Sadly, it’s true. It’s much easier for someone like Macklemore to make it in the music industry than someone like Mary Lambert. It’s easier for a man to be heard over a woman or a heterosexual person to be given a space to

Recognizing that you have a privilege is the first step to doing something for others who don’t have the kinds of things you have. But it can’t stop there. Privilege can be used for good as well as evil, it’s just up to you how you’re going to use it.

have a response? don’t be shy, send us a letter to the Editor! Email editorinchief@anchorweb.org. We accept letters up to 400 words. please specify whether it is okay for print.

’m going get a lot of crap for writing this because I’m daring to criticize Americans’ religions. Like religion, we should keep sports out of our schools and stop it from being shoved down our throats. It’s sad that Rhode Island College focuses so much on sports teams, yet according to the attendance at sporting events, the strong majority of students really don’t care about it.

If I was an athlete applying to this college, I’d probably get in no problem. But since I wasn’t an athlete, I wasn’t given any priority and my experiences hardly counted; RIC didn’t care about how I practiced video games for hours on end or how I mastered the game of chess. No, they care about how well you are physically or if you can throw the ball into the hoop. I’m sorry, I thought this was college, where our academics are preferred over anything else, and where all of our experiences are weighed equally.

Sports should be considered nothing more than a hobby. Otherwise, we’d have to give the same level of priority to all students’ activities such as hiking, video games, or having an actual job. Speaking of

priority, let me teach you something about being an athlete here on campus: you could have a 4.0 GPA and be part of all the student organizations you want, but you will never get priority in picking classes or picking out dorms. Some of us students actually care a lot about our education, so why aren’t we given any perks or priorities?

I’ve been asking myself where this all stems from. I remember taking a class where our professor asked, “Who works the hardest?” As he listed out sports players along with many other jobs, such as being a waiter, janitor, dentist, doctor, lawyer, parking lot attendant, etc. In the end, I had to argue against every single other student in the class because I was the only one who thought athletes didn’t work the hardest.

People actually think sports players work hard?

Are you kidding me? Getting paid millions a year, getting access to the best doctors and trainers, and being recognized everywhere you go? Wow, such a hard life. I feel so bad. Oh, a football player broke his leg? Boohoo. If one of us working class people broke our leg, I’m pretty sure most of us couldn’t afford the medical bills.

This is just a sad part of our culture.

the Joy of giving ashlEy araBy anchor staff

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few weeks ago, my grandmother shared a piece of mail she received from Saint Joseph’s Indian School in South Dakota.

Native American reservations still exist in modern American society, as we have learned in some of our college courses.

However, many of these people are the poorest of the poor and I think it’s important to learn about the initiatives being taken to help these Native Americans.

St. Joseph’s Indian School has been dedicated for over 80 years to providing stable homes and a quality education to Lakota (Sioux) children whose families have been overcome by poverty, plagued by alcoholism or even abuse. St. Joseph’s goal is to create a stable life and hopeful future for these kids.

I think we need to understand that, sometimes, here at Rhode Island College, we all get caught up in what we have to do.

Learning about the underprivileged initiates compassion in our hearts and sometimes an “I’m sorry to hear that” sort of response.

However, I think these feelings should also prompt us to take action, if possible, to improve the situation we hear about.

St. Joseph’s is just one of the many examples we have of how people took initiative to raise people out of poverty, especially the innocent who just happened to be born into it. We may not live all the way in South Dakota where that school is, but there are plenty of places around here that need a lift for improvement.

Regardless of what our major is, if we pool

our resources together–what we have learned, our skills, gifts and talents–we will become valuable assets to society. The key is to use our skills to help others.

Attached to the mail my grandmother received was a letter from one of the children at St. Joseph’s whom the chaplains, school officials and houseparent(s) helped. The child also wrote how he appreciated the help from the donations given to the school.

“When I wake up in the morning, I thank God that I’m at St. Joseph’s Indian School,” the child said.

He continued to say how he came from a family who abused him, as well as drugs. He ended the note with his thanks.

“You are keeping kids like me safe and giving us an education so we don’t have to live this way anymore. Thank you for giving us hope.”

The essence of this letter shows how some little act of generosity–love–makes such a positive influence. Right now, our budgets are obviously tight, but I encourage everyone to identify their innermost talents and skills and use them to better the society we live in. Just as an example, say you are majoring in Art. You create watercolor paintings or sculptures. Someday you have a fundraiser and the money from whoever buys your artwork goes to a charity to help the poor in Providence or a neighboring community. That way, we are following the commandment to “…love one another as I love you,” (John 15:12) and seeing God in the faces of the poor. No matter what age we are, we can still do something to build up our society and help those in need.

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neil jeronimo, chantell amaral, sarah pothier, nicole calkins, david groccia and tyler indyck.— Josh Estrella, Anchor Editor

the ric mainstage theatre prepares for “dirty rotten scoundrels,” a play they promise will surprise and impress.— Josh Estrella, Anchor Editor

“Dirty Rotten Scoundrels” comes to RIC Joseph Sherry

Anchor Contributor

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he Rhode Island College Mainstage Theatre has all sorts of surprises in store this year for the annual musical. From the hit Broadway musical that premiered in 2005, RIC musical theatre students present “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels” Combining elements of classic musical comedy and contemporary themes, “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels” tells the story of conmen Lawrence Jameson (David Groccia ’14) and Freddy Benson (Tyler Indyck ’14), who attempt to swindle the sophisticated American socialite Christine Colgate (Sarah Pothier ’14). What ensues is a comedy of errors and mistaken identity that all takes places on the French Riveira.

Subplots include sidesplitting scenes with Miss Jolene Oakes (Nicole Calkins ’14)

from Oakes, Okla., as well as the romantic entanglements of capricious Muriel Eubanks (Chantell Arraial ’15) and debonair Andre Thibault (Neil Jeronimo ’15).

One of the most stimulating facets of this show is the various styles of music utilized to forward the plot. Audience members can expect to be captivated by showstoppers, Latin numbers, classic standards, country music, patter songs and French chansons.

Included in these numbers is magnificently choreographed dances including many of RIC’s leading dance students, including dance captain Nicole Chagnon (’15).

The rehearsal process for “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels” began back in late February, when director Bill Wilson and choreographer Angelica Vessella began blocking scenes in the show. Concomitantly, musical director Anthony Torelli and accompanist Stephen DeCesare began teaching the cast the music for the show.

Ensemble member Joe DeLeo (’17) shared his thoughts on the play.

“I can’t think of a better way to be introduced into the RIC musical theater community than with such a fun and exciting show like Dirty Rotten Scoundrels,” DeLeo said.

Throughout the various shenanigans that occur in the show, several of RIC’s musical theater students provide comic relief.

Students include Katie Miller (’15), Tobias Wilson (’14), Amanda Dubois (’15) and Tim Johnson (‘17), among others.

If you’re a fan of entertainment both old and new, you’ll surely be impressed by the references to popular culture in theater, film and music. Iconic musicals are referenced, legendary actors such as Maurice Chevalier are imitated, and you’ll even find strains of rap music included in the brilliant score.

The set will be as stunning as a Broadway stage, complete with changing scenery,

authentic props, and dazzling costumes that will replicate the sophisticated and cultured clothing of French Riviera denizens. While all of this is happening, behind the scenes is stage manager Kim Beggs (’14) supervising all action, who is aided by assistant stage managers Heron Kennedy (’16) and Shawna Grillo (’15).

The show will be performed in Roberts Hall in the Nazarian Center for the Performing Arts at the end of this month.

With your RIC ID, tickets can be purchased for $5, either at the box-office or at the door.

Try to get your tickets as soon as possible, as seating is assigned and you won’t want to miss out on this spectacular show.

Show times are April 24-26 at 7:30 p.m. and April 26-27 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $5 for RIC students, faculty, staff and alumni; $10 for non-RIC students; $18 for seniors, and $20 for all other patrons. Tickets can be purchased ahead of time at the box-office by calling (401) 456-8144.

Students, Active Minds spread mental health awareness Jake Bedard Anchor Staff

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bout 40 RIC students filed into Weber Hall’s lounge last Wednesday to attend Open Minds, an event organized by the Senior R.A. Counsel with the intention of spreading awareness of different mental health issues, as well as offering solutions for students. Fully stocked with complimentary baked goods and coffee, the event consisted of different acts performed by students interspersed with presentations given by different members of Rhode Island College’s counseling center staff.

The night began with a slideshow about eating disorders, which affect a very large portion of college students. Its causes and triggers were discussed, as well as ways to

be supportive of a friend if he/she is dealing with an eating disorder. Next was a short performance of some card tricks to keep the mood light. After the magic trick was an educational skit set up by members of the counseling center staff. The skit depicted two college students participating in the ageold game of Edward 40 Hands, and discussed how alcohol has an impact on many different parts of the body.

The skit also illustrated how alcohol is taken into the body and how harmful and widespread the effects of binge drinking can be. Afterwards, a student shared a short, but moving poem on mental illness. A member of the counseling center then came out and discussed how easy and private it is to sign up for help. The presentation covered how mental health issues affect all of us, either personally or by association or connection with someone who is dealing with said issues.

The presentation also discussed how even a few counseling sessions can be helpful.

The speaker made it very clear that asking for help isn’t something to be ashamed of, which, for the right person, can help him/ her seek help, if needed. Also, as the speaker pointed out, the counseling center brought free information pamphlets on many different issues from test anxiety to gambling addiction.

Up next, Joseph, a RIC student, played guitar and sang a couple songs that he wrote about different issues. One song, entitled “Body Mass,” was generally about insecurity, but on the level of specifics, focused on the topic of eating disorders. He also played a number called “Organs in the Weight we Carry,” a piece chronicling the student’s personal struggles with depression. Anyone interested in checking out his music can do so by searching “Organs & the Weight We Carry” on Facebook.

Justin, another student, then performed a concept set composed of “Landslide” by Fleetwood Mac, followed by a short, original poem on rape culture entitled “This is Not a Question, It’s a Culture.” Afterwords, he performed an original song entitled “Find a Love,” which encompassed many different social issues, and then closed out the set with “What’s Goin’ On” by Marvin Gaye, in which he got the audience to sing along with him.

You can find Justin’s music at facebook.com/ Justin.davis.entertains.

One final act performed a medley of different video game tunes from “Tetris” to “The Legend of Zelda” on trumpet and trombone, which helped lighten the atmosphere at the end of the night. Active Minds was a truly enlightening night of entertainment that served to help inform the student body of mental health issues and what can be done to deal with them.

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Finally, some good Pr Zachary MElliN anchor staff

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mong the newest clubs on campus is the Public Relations Club. Founded by students of Dr. Kay Israel as a class effort, the club aims to provide a new space for communication majors, especially those with public relations, advertising or marketing focuses. Three meetings in, the club is still a mostly informal effort, as it is still applying for approval from the Public Relations Student Society of America to become an official chapter, and to Student Community Government, Inc. to become a funded student organization.

The club has big plans, but is currently aiming to set groundwork for the future, and plans to really start working next semester.

The group is spearheaded by students Jose Mendosa, Jackie McCoy and Michael McCay, who lead the weekly meeting, held in Whipple 215 every Wednesday, 12:30-1:30 pm.. The PR Club is casual and welcoming to new members, and this is a great chance for students in specific programs to get more deeply involved with this career path.

The club is currently looking for speakers in the field to come to their meetings, and

the first is likely to be in attendance as early as one or two weeks from now. In the future, the club plans to use funding on both collegiate and national levels to work with Career Services, holding resume development events and aiming to found a student run P.R. agency unlike any currently on campus.

This is an amazing chance for any aspiring public relation specialists, and the club is currently very open to new ideas from anyone who is willing to join the club.

Interested in joining? Be sure to stop by Whipple this Wednesday.

although not an officially recognized club yet, the pr club has big plans for next semester. — Zachary Mellin, Anchor Staff

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the budget meeting, and was therefore considered noncompliant, and causing their budget to be completely reduced to zero.

According to Treasurer Dean, they will still be able to operate next year, but they must come to the Finance Commission in the fall to request a budget, while being capped at $2,000.

for what they believed to be their most necessary, the office and craft supplies.

“A lot of our programming is expressive arts, so office supplies, in my opinion, blends into arts and crafts. For this year, we had $100, and we had to bleed into other categories to fulfill the need,” said Barry.

After the meeting, President Costa provided a statement about how she felt the process went.

Although the request was a small one in comparison to WXIN’s $1,000, they were still met with questions as to why they needed the money from Parliament, such as what they plan to do with it, how they have proven they need the increase this past year, among others.

“I am satisfied with the way things went last night. I think that although Parliament was there for a long time, and they really wanted to get out of there, they didn’t let that stand in the way of asking the right questions and help clubs understand what was going on.

I also appreciated the passion from a lot of the organizations last night. That was more than I’ve seen in my three years with student government.”

They pointed out that they have held many arts and crafts events, including the pinwheels they had put on the quad for suicide awareness that very day. According the Ferzoco, they had receipts totalling close to $500 that weren’t processed yet, which was more they were asking for at the meeting.

Vice President Ryan Bettencourt saw their need, but misheard how much they needed, and motioned to give Active Minds a new office supplies budget of $350, rather than the $300 they had asked for. When this was pointed out by the body, he made an amendment to the motion, which is where the trouble began.

Although he had made the amendment to make Active Minds’ office supplies budget $300, the motion got amended again by Treasurer Dean to make the line item $150 instead, only $100 more than they had already.

In the confusion, many spoke out of turn, and Vice President Bettencourt got so frustrated that he stormed out of the chambers.

Since they could not make another amendment on the motion and discussion ended due to a call to question, Parliament was forced to vote on it. After the vote, which approved the increase to $150, Bettencourt tried to motion to reconsider the decision,

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active minds had one of the toughest battles in last week’s budget meeting, where they fought for to have $250 added into their office supplies line item.—Everton Carter, Anchor Staff By this point in the meeting it seemed like a pattern had developed, since almost all of the clubs that had come forth to Parliament had to argue for their budget, and had been asked how they would prove themselves in order to obtain more money the following year.

The organization that went next, Chess Club, is an organization with several Parliament members listed as active members. They include, President Costa, Vice President Bettencourt, Speaker Robert Santurri, and Chief of Staff Freddie Monteiro, Communications Director Samantha Mandeville and Representative Nicholas Rose. The president of Chess Club is SCG, Inc’s Treasurer Dean.

The remainder of the budget meeting went quickly, most of the clubs who filed unsatisfied getting the money they asked for after being questioned, and those who did not turn in their paperwork being asked why it was not filed or filed late. Most clubs who did not hand in their paperwork actually filed as satisfied.

Spoken was the only student organization that did not provide representation at

The total amount of money spent for student organization budgets for the 20142015 school year is $624,375.36. There was around $107,000 to be spent at the beginning of the budget meeting, leaving some questions as to why there was so much discussion over the small amounts of money that clubs were requesting, but the total budget was approved nonetheless.

Treasurer Dean was unavailable for further comment.

The next Student Parliament meeting is on Wednesday, April 16 at 7 pm in Student Union 307. If students have any questions about the budget proceedings, they are invited to open forum to discuss them there.

With the pattern that had developed with the previous clubs, it would be assumed that Chess Club would be asked the same sorts of questions they were; how do you plan to prove yourself, how much do the items you need cost, what events do you have planned for next year, etc.

Although the Chess Club was prepared for the meeting by bringing hard numbers for members of Parliament and the Finance Commission, none of these questions were asked of the club.

Specifically, Chess Club asked for another $1160 to hold a tournament. The money would be used as prize money and for trophies. It should be noted that Chess Club has only held one tournament this year, just as Debate Club has only held one debate.

Parliament also did not ask Chess Club how many active members they currently have.

Without much discussion at all, Finance Commission member Ashley Goldberg motioned to split the money into two separate line items - $500 in fundraising, and $700 in Chess Tournament - for a total of $1200, which would more than double their budget.

President Hillary Costa spoke up during the discussion.

scg treasurer and chess club president, Tyler Dean stands with chess club secretary Freddy Monteiro to ask for $1160 for a tournament to be held on campus.—Everton Carter, Anchor Staff but could not since he was on the opposing side of the approved vote. After this increase, Active Minds’ new budget was approved.

“Why are we adding $1,000 to this club, that is rebuilding from the ashes, when we have said no to all these clubs?” She asked.

Costa’s point was made with no further questions or discussion of Chess Club’s reason for the budget.

Treasurer Dean rebutted by stating that Chess Club was one of the only clubs to have brought actual figures to the table, and soon after the motion for the $700 was approved.

the yellow portion of the graphs show how large the final budget of each club was compared to how large their request for this year and last years budgets. —Liz Di Ruggiero, Art Director

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get of r and a breakdown of student club’s budgets for the 2014-15 school year. also included is a graph showing how much time during the unsatisfied budget meeting was spend debating between clubs.—Liz Di Ruggiero, Art Director

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1,100 pinwheels spun in the quad last wednesday representing the 1,100 college students lost to suicide each year. — Greg Maynard, Assistant Editor

1,100 memories blowin’ in the wind Active Minds pinwheels suicide awareness Greg Maynard Assistant Editor

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here are times when I like to believe that the soul is eternal; that after death, it gracefully departs from the tangible body and floats on, freely among its newfound and deserved realms of an afterlife. In a way, the soul is eternal, so long as the surviving wrap the memories of the dearly departed in the silken sheets of their gentle hearts. Memories can live forever, if you let them.

This past Wednesday in the quad stood 1,100 pinwheels, planted in all of their spinning glory and beauty, into the soil of springtime’s

earth. These pinwheels, each decorated by family and friends affected by the suicide of a loved one, as well as advocates of awareness, represented 1,100 suicides that are committed by college students every year.

Active Minds, the student organization responsible for hosting the display, was lucky to have Mother Nature’s outspoken accomplice–the wind–make an unforeseen appearance. Active Minds is a nonprofit organization started by Alison Malmon at the University of Pennsylvania after her brother, Brian Malmon, had taken his life in March of 2000. Malmon created Active Minds in the spirit and resonance of her brother’s passing, hoping that through the organization’s

efforts, she and many others could assist in increasing suicide prevention.

Fourteen years later, the organization has evolved and divided into several student chapters in universities and colleges across the United States and Canada. The organization’s passionate goal is to spread awareness and advocacy to help along the one in four people that are affected by mental illness.

In doing so, many of the participating schools arrange events such as this and Send Silence Packing, in which 1,100 donated backpacks occupy college campuses to place a visionary perspective to just how alarming this statistic actually is.

“I think it’s really poignant seeing all of these pinwheels representing all of the lives lost. I hope that it inspires each of us and the Rhode Island College community to reach out to others in need and in pain,” reflected Denise Smith, counselor at RIC’s counseling center.

If you or anyone you know is battling mental illness of any kind, have no fear in reaching out to the arms of others. This world is a lot kinder than you know.

If you are interested in learning more, or joining RIC’s own Active Minds chapter, please visit www.facebook.com/ ActiveMindsAtRic.

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Science gives new hopes taylor lUNdy anchor staff

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uckily, I have never experienced any type of paralysis, nor has anyone I know. I can only imagine the suffering an injury of that type would cause. However, scientists have recently made a big step in being able to further help those who are now told their situations are hopeless.

Four men, who had been paralyzed from the chest down for more than two years, regained voluntary movement in their legs in feet, however still cannot walk. The radical new treatment involves the implantation of a small electrical device, which provides electrical stimulation, into the spine. Some patients with the implanted device have even been able to eventually move voluntarily, even when the device isn’t emitting any electricity.

The results may also show that the medical system gives up on many victims of paralysis too easily because physical therapy can mimic some of the aspects of the electrical stimulation. Today, many patients are not given rehab because they are seen as bad investments. These results show that this should be rethought because therapy could help many who are not currently receiving it.

Similarly on the move, the U.S. Navy has developed what some are calling a game changing new technology, that can actually convert seawater into fuel. Only a small amount of naval vessels use nuclear propulsion, which means most need fuel to run. It may be obvious to some, but you can’t just drive a naval ship up to a gas station to fill the tank. Most require maneuvering next to a replenishment ship for hours to refuel.

This new technological achievement may allow ships to refuel at sea, without the need for a replenishment tanker.

Scientists discovered a process for removing carbon dioxide (CO2) and hydrogen gas from seawater. They then use a catalytic converter to transform the gasses into a fuel.

Researchers have already flown a model airplane using fuel converted from seawater, and they hope that the fuel will eventually be able to power both ships and planes–the full sized variety of course. Scientists are also still working on a way to extract more CO2 and hydrogen gas from the seawater, which would make the entire process more efficient and cost effective, thus bearing fruit in the energy game.

Other fruitful endeavors include those taking place in fruit trees across Japan. Many types of fruit bearing trees take years after sprouting to bloom. One such flora are cherry trees, prized in Japan for their beautiful, but short lived yearly blossoms. Cherry trees can often take a decade after sprouting to bloom.

However, a new discovery, made completely by accident, has figured out a way to cut down that time for cherry trees, by almost 50 percent.

Astronaut Koichi Wakata, a Japanese astronaut now in command of the International Space Station, carried around 265 pits produced from the fruit of the 1,250-year-old Chujohimeseigan-zakura cherry tree into space five years ago. After returning, he was able to get one to sprout, a crowning achievement in itself because previous attempts to grow saplings from its fruit have all failed. The young tree continued to amaze when it bloomed after only four years. No one has any solid idea of why this happened and further research will be needed to discover the mechanisms involved in this radical and random happenstance.

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where’s the rhody love?

RI’s Image Problem caMdEN o’BriEN anchor staff

In 2012, Travel and Leisure Magazine named Providence the number one food city in America, beating out both New York City and San Francisco. Don’t be too surprised, as the world’s largest culinary school, Johnson and Wales, houses its headquarters in Providence. Also, these results were based off of the votes of travelers to the city and not Providence citizens, so you can’t claim locals rigged the results. For the past several years, Providence has made it into the top

(Movoto 2014), top 10 most walkable cities in America (Huffington Post 2014), number one for best burgers in America and number two for Pizza (Travel and Leisure), number four coolest small city in America (GQ), number one coolest city in New England (London Telegraph 2011), number two for America’s most attractive people (Travel and Leisure 2013), number four best city for hipsters (Travel and Leisure 2013).

five food cities.

Perhaps you’ve heard of “Grass is always Greener” syndrome.It is used to describe the feeling that everything is better than your current predicament. If there is anybody who suffers from this illness, I would propose it is a majority of Rhode Islanders. There is so much negativity associated with the ocean state via residents, that the non-profit Rhode Island Foundation has created a campaign to get Rhode Islanders to explore their own backyard. They state that “Rhode Island has an image problem,”

In 2013, our British friends across the pond, BBC Travel, named Providence as one of the top 21 under-the-radar destinations in the world. It was the only American city to make the list. Deciding factors were the fact that the entirety of downtown was listed on the national register of historic places, the lively art scene, and the funky nightlife.

I would have to agree with this sentiment.

Many argue that there is just not much to do in Providence and compare us to cities like New York and Boston, but the truth of the matter is that Providence is a mid-sized city.

If you are to compare us to other mid-sized cities like New Haven or Worcester, we blow the competition away.

Additional awards for Providence were the number one most exciting mid-sized city

I have spoken to many Rhode Island College students who have declared their

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hile past travel articles have focused on the likes of international travel and the Empire State, this week’s edition will focus on something a little closer to home: Providence. I’m sure you’re snickering as you read this, thinking “Providence? Are you kidding me?” Actually, I’m not. Providence has been rounding up the accolades around the country. Here are a few you may not know about.

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although you might not realize it, providence boasts several travel superlatives such as best burger, most walkable and coolest small city. — wikipedia.org

A retrospective of “runescape” Zachary MElliN

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oday, we’re going to look at everyone’s favorite middle and high school time killer, “Runescape.” Made by Jagex Ltd., “Runescape” is a massive, completely browser based RPG that has been online for the better part of thirteen years, and even though it has changed forms several times over that period, there is a reason it remains one of the most popular online games in the world.

I played “Runescape” years back, in high

“Runescape” is a simplistic game that thrives on its addictive point and click gameplay.

Combat is easy to grasp, aided by a solid tutorial, combining auto-attacks with a surprisingly diverse skill system for special attacks that grow stronger with time. A much larger part of the game is skilling, though–Runescape boasts a massive set of skills, each with a cap of 99, that represent everything from fishing and woodcutting to dungeoneering and divination.

The game has so many different things that can occupy your time, without even counting

dislike for Providence, but when I quizzed them on where they’ve gone in Providence, they’ve either replied, “I’ve driven through it,” or “The mall,” One of the number one reasons they gave me for not exploring was that it was dangerous. This in itself is false.

The Providence crime rate is actually below average for American cities. Also, believe it or not, our neighbor to the south, New Haven, Conn. was named the number four most dangerous city in America. So, Rhode Islanders, that’s not an excuse.

What I’ve found to be even more of a paradox is the fact that I have many friends who are now living in Providence from cities like Pittsburgh and New York City, who love the city and decided to stay. Interestingly enough, they also know the city better than longtime residents, knowing all the hippest places to go and the best bites in the city.

The truth of the matter is that most Rhode Islanders have preconceived ideas about the city or have only seen a certain part of it and therefore have not tried exploring their own backyard. So, for the following few weeks, I will be naming some of the coolest and less explored places you may have not been to in the city. Additionally, I will be asking RIC students to name some of their favorite spots, so check back every week if you’re feeling adventurous and want to venture out to a new place in the city.

and the best weapons, along with the vast majority of the world, was restricted to those who purchased the $6.99 membership, but the free game still had well over 100 hours of solid gameplay. These days, that isn’t quite as true.

school, but my time with it dropped off a couple years ago. Recently I tried it again, and I thought it deserved a review.

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the hundreds of quests, sets of achievements, minigames and PvP. The game also has the Grand Exchange, a massive player-run economy and trade hub, with some players occupying their time by manipulating the economy like some terrifying fantasy stockbrokers.

One of Runescape’s biggest selling points is its state as semi-free. The game is completely playable without paying anything. Back when I started, that free game was kind of a starter package. The coolest skills, the biggest quests

Right from the get go, most of the tutorial and opening quests give members-only rewards that you can claim later once you claim that membership. In addition, there are several new features, including a daily roulette wheel that rewards a random prize; a primarily cosmetic cash shop; a Loyalty Program that gives rewards for continuous subscriptions; and a voting system for future updates that are completely restricted to members and those with disposable income.

Runescape can be an entertaining and addicting game, offering something for pretty much everyone. Its budget of $6.99 a month, with money off when you purchase multiple month, really isn’t that bad for an MMO, but Runescape suffers from its lack of satisfying free content.

is resistanCe futile?

Transhumanism and you taylor lUNdy anchor staff

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veryone with access to the internet knows how exponentially quick technology is advancing, and with the new Johnny Depp film, “Transcendence,” coming out this Friday, I thought it would be a good time to bring up the emerging movement known as transhumanism.

Transhumanism is basically the idea that human beings can and will, one day, move beyond our current limitations, mental and physical, with the use of technology. Many believe that we will eventually be able to upload a human consciousness into an advanced form of computer system. Some even believe this may be

possible after the next few decades.

But there is more to it than just man mixing with machine. Up until now, the human race has always viewed the human condition as a constant. Everything can change around us, and things can happen to us, but our basic human nature always remains the same and cannot be altered. Now, some believe that is no longer true, and, furthermore, never was true.

Transhumanists believe we are on our way to a radical shift in human consciousness, and they see it as an extremely positive notion.

Transhumanists hope that one day we will be able to vastly increase human lifespan, modify moods and personalities, and even create a world where all consciousness is interconnected, all

using technology. But when you think about it, we are already doing many of those things today.

We modify our moods and certain personalities using clinical drugs and other such treatments.

We have become semi-interconnected with the advent of the internet. We make advancements in medicine all the time that increase our lifespans, which was once much lower than it is today.

Transhumanism may sound like some scary notion from a science fiction story–the Borg come to mind–but the advancements transhumanism speaks of may in fact yield some amazing results we are already seeking to create.

With anything, though, there are risks. Some believe that processes such as uploading a human consciousness into a computer system are impossible. They think that a person would lose their personalities and everything that makes them a human. And who knows what kind

of psychological traumas a shift in consciousness like that would cause, even if one could maintain their previous sense of self.

Others, including myself, aren’t afraid of the technology so much, but how it will be used. It could be very easy to make advancements like the ones we’ve been discussing, only available to certain demographics of people, most notably, social classes. This could turn into the rich living forever, using virtual reality worlds or expensive procedures, while the poor live out their normal existences leading inevitably to the death that the privileged can avoid.

So, what do you think? Is transhumanism the future or the end of humankind? I hope that one day we can use technology to transcend our current limitations. However, I believe that the culture of the world and the systems within it need to change drastically before such a change can be implemented fairly and without prejudice.

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the attaCk of the body tyPes Support in fashion, media and real life is imperative Kayla loNardo

food they don’t feel like eating so they can avoid appearing a certain way to either sex?

No.

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n the 1990s, “heroin chic” became a term used for waifs and supermodels like the legendary fashion icon Kate Moss.

This trend began after curvy, amazonlike women were extremely celebrated and famous throughout the 1980s, and eventually the likes of Cindy Crawford and her body type began to decline. Things change, we all know that, yet sometimes change scares people.

The fashion industry is unfortunately and undeniably shallow, but we have to face the fact that women and men are often shallow and judgmental to one another personally.

The television, magazines, and other media outlets are not the only feature responsible for women’s judgmental nature toward one another’s physical appearance.

The fact is that women need to stop attacking skinny body types, stop attacking curvy bodies, and everything in between. Numerous newspapers, fashion publications and tabloids frequently dissect the bodies of models, celebrities and the average gal. This won’t support anyone’s self-esteem, standards of beauty, or the endless quest many attempt to attain the perfect body.

While most believe that all women are focused on losing weight, due to the pressures of society and the media, what most people don’t try to consider is the opposite side of the scale (pun-intended).

Other females cannot walk down the street without at least one comment regarding how small we are, how we must have an eating disorder, or that we have issues and are unhealthy.

In this week’s issue of the Providence Journal, writer Alexis Magner states that “on the one hand–the hand with the finger that’s pointing at younger and younger girls who call themselves fat–uber-thin standards are a terrible thing to impose on women…they are unattainable and unhealthy.”

What happened to fast metabolism?

Should women be stuffing their faces with

While the media may play a part in standards of health and beauty, nothing is more hurtful than having limitless personal experiences of strangers commenting on something that you simply cannot change, or maybe even don’t want to change.

Women should band together and support one another in regards of support, physical appearance, and standing up for one another. If women demand a wide and realistic variety of body types depicted in editorial photo shoots or on magazine covers, it will become a small step in the efforts to take more pressure off appearance.

Women should support one another, appreciate all body types, open their eyes and expand their idea of what beauty is. A woman being skinny does not mean she is unhealthy, anorexic, or is trying too hard.

A woman being curvy does not give men permission to objectify particular areas of her body, nor does it mean that the woman is lazy.

In short, we should hope that one another are healthy, happy, and appreciated. Being underweight, overweight, or somewhere in between does not matter; nor does it mean that you are deserving of private or public scrutiny. What matters most is accepting and supporting each other, and treating others with respect.

The Providence Journal published Manger’s rant that states that we should “make every female newscaster with a national audience gain 20 pounds.” Is a local, respected publication really okay with posting such offensive comments regarding the female body?

Campaigns by Dove have attempted to showcase “real women” in their advertisements, yet it only focuses on curvier women or women that are an average weight. The lines have been blurred as time has gone on. Who decided what “average” looks like? Who decided what real women look like? Is there an exact size we are all supposed to aspire to, and is that even fair?

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Lacrosse finishes tough week 1-2 scott cancelliri Anchor Intern

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he Rhode Island College women’s lacrosse team played three home games this week. One against Becker College on Tuesday, Worcester State on Thursday and Keene State on Saturday.

The Anchorwomen started the scoring with a two-goal lead in the first two minutes during Tuesday’s contest. The Hawks responded to this early lead with four straight goals to take a two-goal lead of their own. Following seven minutes of no scoring, Betsy Heidel scored a goal at the 15:35 mark to pull the Anchorwomen within one. However, Becker responded with a goal a minute after Heidel’s to regain the Hawks’ two goal lead. Danielle Landon cut the deficit to one with 10:10 left in the half. Again, the Hawks responded with another goal to regain their two-goal lead, the score now 6-4. Behind by a pair, the Anchorwomen scored three straight to take a 7-6 lead heading into the half. The Anchorwomen dominated the rest of the game, finishing with a win, 17-10.

Thursday’s game against Worcester started

senior Tim Leigh finished third. —goanchormen.org

Leigh leads Anchormen on the course sam allen Sports Editor

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ed by senior captain Tim Leigh, the Rhode Island College golf team picked up a second-place finish at the 2014 Hampton Inn Invitational, hosted by UMASS Dartmouth last Friday and Saturday afternoons. A total of 17 teams participated in the meet which saw the Anchormen’s second straight top two finish of the spring season, after capturing the GNAC’s last fall.

similarly, with RIC opening up the scoring with a 2-0 lead and went on to score another pair later in the half to make the game 4-0.

The Lancers bounced back with six goals leading up to the 6:34 minute mark in the first half. Landon cut the Lancer lead to one, but Worcester scored two more goals to make the game 8-5. The Anchorwomen headed into the second half trailing by one with goals from both Jessica Ricci and Harmony Tillison. The rest of the game belonged to Worcester State, as they outscored RIC 8-2, resulting in the final score 16-9.

On Saturday’s game, RIC came out strong for the third time this week, picking up four goals early on. The Owls then responded and cut RIC’s lead in half with two goals. Ricci and Heidel both scored another two goals for RIC to make the game 6-2, with the Owls answering back again with another two goals of their own heading into the half. In the second half, Keene State took control of the game, scoring five straight and then scoring another 6 goals, resulting in the final score 13-6.

The next games for RIC will be against Southern Maine on Tuesday, at Colby Sawyer on Thursday, and at Winsor College on Saturday.

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Leigh finished tied for third after two days, with a score of 155 (77, 78) to lead the team.

Junior Patrick Ford was next in line for the Anchormen, finishing tied for 15th with a twoday score of 162 ( 83, 79). Jonathan Cooper and Peter Carmerlengo, both sophomores, finished tied for 27th with total scores of 166 ( 84, 82). Rounding out the scoring for RIC was junior Ryan Butler, who shot a 167 over the two days of play, tying for 32nd place.

This Tuesday, the Anchormen will compete in the Worcester State Tournament where they look to continue their strong start to the spring season.

Anchorwomen split with USM on the road Alex Wall Anchor Staff

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he Anchorwomen traveled to the University of Southern Maine to take on the Huskies in a conference doubleheader Saturday afternoon. After splitting the day with the Huskies, their overall record is 9-17 and their Little East record is now 3-3.

The Anchorwomen won the first game 9-7. Senior Michelle Sylvestre pitched the

first five innings, only giving up three runs.

Senior Maria Darling finished the game giving up four runs in the last inning. But it was senior Stacy Pokora who helped win the game for her team with a grand slam in the top of third. According to freshman Lindsey Cabral, they played an overall good game.

“Our hitting was contagious and our defense was on their toes the whole time,” said Cabral.

In the second game, they had a completely opposite result. The Anchorwomen lost 0-7.

Katelyn McCaughey started off the game

letting up four runs. Cabral came in giving up three runs. Senior pitcher Michelle Sylvestre finished the game letting up no runs. Hitting was anything but great in the second game.

“We didn’t hit as much, which made a game changing difference. We just need to make sure our hits are consistent,” said Cabral.

Something was just not there in the second game for the Anchorwomen.

“We struggled to string hits together. We were making contact, but could not find

the holes in the outfield. As a team we are capable of being a force with hitting. [We] just need to get back on track,” said Darling.

There was a major difference in the two games.

“The first game we were defensively and offensively sound. And our intensity was consistent throughout the entire game,” said Darling.

The Anchorwomen host Western Connecticut in a conference doubleheader on Tuesday at 5 p.m.

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reCord-setting day Huskies sink Anchormen 0-9 for traCk teaMs be ready,” Teeter said.

alEx Wall anchor staff

scott caNcElliri anchor intern

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he Rhode Island College men’s and women’s track teams traveled crosstown this past Saturday to participate in the Brown University Invitational. This was an individual meet with no team scoring.

For the women, Daria Braboy took second in the 400m dash with a time of :57.87 and placed fifth in the triple jump with a distance of 11.29m. At 11.29, Braboy sets a new program record for the Anchorwomen. Autumn Wosencroft finished first in the 400m dash with a time of :57.32, just ahead of Braboy.

Wosencroft also placed eleventh in the long jump with a distance of 4.42m. Destinee Barrette placed third in the hammer with a

distance of 48.07m. Sierra Smith finished sixth in the high jump with a distance of 1.50m and Natasha Miller finished seventh in the long jump with 4.90m.

For the men, Jarell Forbes won first place in the 110m hurdles with a program record of :15.02, also finishing first in the 400m dash with a time of :54.28. Following in the recordsetting path, freshman Steven Vazquez received first place in the high jump with a record setting 2.05m. Edward Cummins took second in the hammer with a distance of 52.86m, fifth in the shot with 12.21m and eighth in the discus with 38.98m. Isaiah Wooden finished third in the long jump with 6.06m, and Cameron Richer placed fourth in the 5,000m with a time of 16:58.37.

The next meet for both teams will be the Silfen Invitational, hosted by Connecticut College this Saturday.

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he men’s tennis team took on the Huskies of Southern Maine last Saturday, losing 0-9. This was their second Little East Conference match of the season. Their overall record thus far is 3-5 and their LEC record is 1-1. This loss resulted in dropping to fourth place in the conference, landing right under Western Connecticut.

Coach Lorne Teeter expected to have a better outcome of the match.

“We came out a little flat today. The desire was there, but the physical intensity that it takes to win was lacking.I have no doubt that next time we see them, we will be ready to play and create a far different outcome.

We look forward to practicing this week.

Talking strategy and regaining our winning intensity will be key to our success on Tuesday on our home courts. I know we will

Number 1 doubles, senior Alex Werchadlo and freshman Troy Derrick, lost their match 8-1. Werchadlo knew this would be no easy match for the team.

“Today’s match didn’t go how we planned.

I knew they were going to be the toughest competition in our conference and they proved to be. We did not play as well as we did in our first conference match. We made a lot of errors and didn’t make Maine work for the win,” Werchadlo said.

The team has some things to work on this week at practices in order to keep winning matches.

“We need to work on our consistency and confidence. We need to figure out how to grind out matches. We will be practicing hard all week and try to come back strong.”

The Anchormen will host the Number three seed in the conference, Western Connecticut, at home this Tuesday at 3 p.m.

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Morvan leads anchormen to shutout Game two against Keene State ends in victory sam allen Sports Editor

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ith the help of junior right handed pitcher Kyle Morvan, the Rhode Island College baseball team came back in game two of a doubleheader against Keene State University last Saturday. The Anchormen fell in game one, but thanks to a Morvan complete game shutout, they ended game two victorious.

The Anchormen now hold a 9-13 record on the season and are 2-4 in the Little East.

Prior to Saturday’s road doubleheader, RIC traveled crosstown to take on Johnson and Wales University where they lost 5-1.

In game one on Saturday, the Owls took a quick 2-0 lead in the bottom of the first, and followed that up with a four-run third inning to give them the 6-0 lead. Then the Anchormen began chipping away at the Owls lead in the fourth. Tyler Santaniello hit a shot to right center and drove in two teammates to cut the lead to 6-2. The following inning, Matt Foley hit a double of his own to bring the score even closer, at 6-4. But the Owls stopped the Anchormen’s rally and scored four more times to bring the final score to 10-4 in favor of the home team. Senior pitcher CJ Tsoumakas was handed the loss after 4.1 innings of work and is now 2-3 on the season.

The following game was a different story.

The Owls could not manage to get across the plate this time. In the top of the first, the Anchormen scored their first run of the game, which proved to be the only run they really needed. With an RBI single and a bases loaded walk to take a 3-0 lead, the Anchormen got to the Owls’ freshman starter, Stephen Costello, who was replaced just 1.2 innings into the game. The Anchormen notched up one more insurance run in the sixth inning.

With great pitching all game long from Morvan, the Anchormen rallied back in the night game and split the doubleheader.

Allowing only six hits and one walk, while striking out four. Morvan picked up his teamhigh fourth win of the season.

sophomore Angelo St. Laurent. — Adriana Ambari, Anchor Contributor

The Anchormen will take on another LEC rival on Tuesday, when they visit UMASS Dartmouth. RIC will follow up with a home contest against Curry College on Thursday, before ending their week with an LEC doubleheader against second-place Eastern Connecticut State.