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February 20, 2008
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Sports
Vol. 80 Issue #19
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RIC Basketball Tops Nationally Ranked Opponent By Kameron Spaulding Anchor Editor It was a great week for Anchormen basketball as they got two big wins. First up was the big win at nationally ranked UMass Dartmouth. Then Rhode Island College came home to beat Southern Maine. Junior guards Bobby Bailey and Cam Stewart both had big weeks and were game-changers on both nights. First, the RIC men’s basketball team downed fifth-ranked UMass Dartmouth 7972. The biggest story coming out of this win is that RIC now controls its own destiny heading into the final 3 regular season games. If RIC and UMD both win, they will share the Little East Conference Regular Season Championship, but the Anchormen would hold homecourt advantage throughout the Little East Tournament. Bailey posted 16 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists to lead the Anchormen. He was a stalwart on defense, coming away with a game-high 5 steals and recording 1 block. Lyons posted 13 points and 8 boards, while Terrel Hill scored 11 points. In the Maine game, RIC unleashed a 17-0 run to build a 33-16 advantage with 7:07 left. Kaseem Johnson and Stewart keyed the run with 6 and 5 points, respectively. Then the Huskies surged back with a 21-3 run of their own to take a 1-point, 37-36, lead into halftime. The Anchormen came out of the intermission on a 10-0 run to take a lead it would never relinquish. For the game, Hill led RIC with 18 points, while Stewart logged 17 of his own. Both were key
A World Of Difference By Ashley Dalton Anchor Staff In a society where apathy is common among today’s youth, it is rare to find people willing to take the initiative to become stronger leaders as well as individuals. On the weekend of February 8, Student Community Government, Inc. and Student Activities sponsored a leadership retreat for 20 Rhode Island College students. Kristen Salemi, Director of the Student Union and husband Alan Salemi partnered with Marissa Weiss, Student Activities Director, paved the way for a weekend of bonding among students toward each other and the faculty. The retreat was held in the YMCA lodge in Woodstock, Conn. Guest speaker Doug Cureton lectured on diversity, breaking boundaries and stereotypes in order to become better skilled leaders. To show support for the event, Dean of Students, Scott Kane made an appearance. He commented, “The leadership retreat is a great opportunity for students to learn and grow as individuals outside of the classroom. It is a valuable part of our co-curricular programming initiatives to prepare students for leadership positions after college.” Games and team building activities played significant roles in the weekend as they helped each student who participated to leave with a sense of accomplishment and acceptance. Kristen Salemi worded it best when she said, “I believe the Student Leadership Weekend is one of those very special and valuable offerings that bring our students together on a deeper level. The individuals who attended brought and shared their character, life experiences and perspectives which made the experience rich, educational and fun. I appreciate the support from Student Community Government and credit them for valuing the development of our students, organizational leaders and making an investment that will make a difference on our campus. I also appreciate the willingness of those students who attended to take the risk in joining in and giving up their weekend to be a part of it.” During free time, students taught each other dances, went on hikes, and others embraced a beautiful getaway. The final night was celebrated around a camp fire with s’mores and Alan’s “punny” jokes. Freshman Aaron Souza commented that “It was a once in a lifetime experience that every college should partake in. It’s a good way to meet new people and stay active in the student community.”
in the second half. Stewart was named to the LEC honor roll last week after he came off the bench to average 19.0 points, 5.0 rebounds and 1.3 steals per game. Stewart pumped in a teamhigh 21 points to go along with 5 boards and 3 assists as the Anchormen took down No. 5 ranked UMass Dartmouth, 79-72, on Tues, Feb. 12. He logged 19 points and 5 rebounds as RIC downed Southern Maine, 79-72, on Feb. 16. RIC has two more regular season games before the LEC tournament. First will be the game at home on the Feb. 19 against Western Connecticut State, and then they will visit Eastern Connecticut State to wrap up the regular season.
Photo Courtesy of Kameron Spaulding
When the Congress takes on Higher Education By Bienvenue Ndahiriwe Anchor Contributor An overwhelming majority of representatives (354-58) in the US Congress recently approved a bill whose aim is to hold down the ever-increasing costs and student loans at American colleges and universities. A close look at that legislation’s content shows that the Department of Education is required to put up a Web site that would enable students and families not only to compare but also to gauge the overall increase in costs and fees at various institutions of higher education in the country. Moreover, the new bill calls on colleges and universities to provide the public with motives behind their cost increases as well as their actions to address them. According to the Education Committee Chair in the House, Rep. George Miller (D-California), “the bill will create a higher education system that is more affordable and fairer and easier to navigate.” One of the reasons the new bill met with a strong bipartisan support on Capitol Hill is the fact that educational costs have risen faster than the rate of inflation. The current situation of the US economy also helped in passing that piece of legislation. With in-state costs as high as $23,700 (private four-year institutions), $6,200 (public four-year institutions) and $2,360 (public two-year institutions), representatives in the Congress hope to pressure states to maintain the level of their educational budgets and even raise them. Were states to reduce student assistance as result of an economic downturn, for example, they would have to face
the possibility of losing federal funding. Some members of the House did not hesitate to verbalize what they perceived this fact as a shortcoming of the bill. Rep. Rob Bishop (R-Utah) stated that “it is wrong to tell states how they [are to] appropriate their money.” However, Rep. Buck McKeon (R-California) was quick to counter that argument. For him, members of the House were solving “the college-cost crisis” in that “[they] were empowering consumers with meaningful information about college costs and holding institutions and states accountable for keeping higher education affordable.” Arguably enough, the real meat of the bill lied in some of its remaining provisions. In recent years, there has been a steady increase in the number of students taking out private loans. What is more, the percentage of malpractices and scams in the lending industry has been all but skyrocketing in the past decade. It is to address those issues that the new bill will provide students with more generous assistance for summer-school. Moreover, financial aid counselors at institutions of higher education are now required not only to effectively track a student’s loans but also for schools to “disclose the relationships they have with lenders.” That piece of legislation is also meant to improve the application process for financial aid through the creation of simpler application forms. If the Senate approves that bill, publishers will also be required “to sell textbooks without bundling them with workbooks, DVDs or other products that drive prices up.”
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February 20, 2008
THE ANCHOR
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RIC Theatre: “Antigone” by Jean Anouilh Wednesday, February 20, through Saturday, February 23, 2008 Admission is $14
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RIC TRIP: Rock Gym Thursday, February 21, 5:30-9 pm bus leaves SU Loop Tickets are only $10 for RIC Students and $20 for all Non-RIC individuals.
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Carnival of Cultures Tuesday, February 19, 6 -10 pm in SU Ballroom Come enjoy the cultures of places around the world
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Ashley Dalton 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
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News
February 20, 2008
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THE ANCHOR
Failed Coup in East Timor By Bienvenue Ndahiriwe Anchor Contributor Following failed attacks on East Timor’s executive leaders, authorities in that country declared a state of emergency on February 12. The assassination attempts on both President Jose RamosHorta and Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao have nearly put the third world country on the verge of a governmental breakdown with extensive political and social turbulence. The assassination attempt left President Ramos-Horta in an “extremely serious” situation with severe injuries. The President received a preliminary surgery at an Australian Hospital in East Timor prior to his transfer to a hospital in Darwin, a northern city of Australia. Dr. Len Notaros, President Ramos-Horta’s physician, said in an interview to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation that “the next few days [would] be the telling point” on Ramos-Horta’s chances to survive. Early last Monday evening, gunmen shot President Ramos-Horta in the chest and stomach. Rebel soldiers staged a separate attack against Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao. Luckily enough, the Prime Minister managed to escape unhurt from his assailants. It was reported that the mas-
termind behind these attacks was Alfredo Reinado, one of the most wanted people in East Timor. He was killed in the course of the events along with one of his accomplices. Also among the fallen was a member of the presidential guard. In a quick reaction, acting President Mr. Vicente Gutterres authorized a
international, flooded the streets of Deli, the capital, in an effort to curtail popular upheavals. Soon after, prosecutors issued arrest warrants for 18 suspects over the attacks despite the fact that no clear evidence points to either political or social unrest. The international community through the United Nations was also quick to react to t h e s e
state of emergency, extending hence the powers of the security forces to search, arrest, and crackdown demonstrations. Following his announcement, troops, both local and
events. U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon described the attacks as “brutal and unspeakable.” He went as far as to exhort the East Timor government to “bring those responsible for [those] heinous attacks” to
Democrats Obama S T A T E S W O N
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the courts. As for the rebels, Alfredo Reinado was among 600 mutinous soldiers that were dismissed in 2006 by the government. This governmental move led to battles between renegade soldiers and security forces prior to turning into gang violence and creeping tension among ethnic groups. What is more, these struggles caused the death of as many as 37 people and led more than 150, 000 people to flee their homes. The government was able to arrest the chief and leader of the mutinous soldiers, Reinado. He managed to escape after only several months of imprisonment, however. Charged for the 2006 murders, Reinado vowed revenge and went into hiding, threatening the government of armed insurrection. These events did not discourage President RamosHorta as there were many reports about his efforts to reach out to and convince Alfredo Reinado to surrender when the assassination attempts occurred. The attacks on Monday led many experts of East Timor to fear the worst for this country of Southeast Asia, a country that gained its independence from a foreign power as recently as 2000. Both Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao and President Ramos-Horta were national heroes, the latter having won the 1996 Nobel Peace Prize for his unabated and nonviolent resistance against the Indonesian occupation of East Timor.
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Sports
February 20, 2008
THE ANCHOR
RIC Falls to 5-7 in LEC with 2 Games Left By Marah Roach Anchor Editor The University of Southern Maine pulled an upset over Rhode Island College in women’s basketball Saturday afternoon at the Murray Center when they defeated the Anchorwomen 70-51. RIC is now 12-10 overall and 5-7 in the Little East Conference. 13 seeded Southern Maine increased their record to 21-2 overall and 11-1 in the LEC. In the first half, RIC took a 5-point lead, 19-14, when senior Sherri Heard made a layup. The Huskies were tough competition though, responding with an 8-2 run and taking the lead with a layup. USM went even further and increased the lead to 8 points, until RIC shot back with 2 free throws by Heard and a 3pointer by sophomore guard Alice Mullen. The Anchorwomen ended the half down by 4, with the score 31-27. The Huskies showed their strength immediately after returning to the court, going on a 12-2 run. They took the game out of reach for the Anchorwomen, earning a game high 21-point advantage. Unfortunately, RIC never got closer than 11 points during the final 20 minutes. RIC junior guard Tyla Martin posted 15 points and 4 rebounds while Heard logged 10 points and 3 boards. Up next, the Anchorwomen play Eastern Connecticut State University on Sat, Feb. 23 at 1 p.m.
Photo Courtesy of Mike Simeone
RIC Fans Suck at Life By Kam Spaulding Anchor Editor A drawn curtain sweeps across the Murray Center. This curtain hangs there to represent to me everything that is wrong with the student body at Rhode Island College. This curtain covers up half the bleachers at all RIC home basketball games. They do this so that the place doesn’t look so damn empty. Where is the intensity? Where is the passion? The RIC basketball team is something special. It started last year as the team won the Little East Conference then put together a great run deep into the NCAA tournament. This year, the team is back and is in the driver’s seat of the conference again. The win over Dartmouth was one of those moments that should have had the college abuzz. Do you understand how big it is to go on the road as an unranked team and beat the number five ranked team in the nation? We are now the home of a team that could win its conference for the second year in a row and we still have to hang up that curtain. I wonder why there is no love for this team. The games are exciting and the team is good. Shouldn’t that alone fill the place on a Tuesday night for a big game? Yet maybe more is needed. Maybe what’s needed isn’t a great team. It needs a great fan base. We owe that to Coach Walsh because he has given us the team. In a dream world, the fans wake up and the support is great all through the postseason. But on a more realistic note,
let’s plan for next season. The best thing about doing that is the fact that next year’s should be the best to ever suit up for the Anchormen. So what don’t we have here at RIC? Well, the first thing we need is an organized fan base; something catchy that you can print on a tee-shirt and get people to wear it. Now, I’m not good at that stuff but someone here has to be. PC has the Friar Fanatics, my high school back in New York had the Highlanders, and RIC needs something. Now once we get the classic shirts for all the fans to wear we can get a fan website up. It needs to be something with lots of team history, message boards and all the trimmings. Things like that build a caring culture of fans. Another thing that bugs me is this: don’t we have a great music program here at RIC? Then why is there no pep band at the home games? Nothing gives you that classic college atmosphere like a band blaring out Rock and Roll part two. Then you get some fans to come to the games in the shirts carrying in signs and banners. Now you have a home court advantage. I know that not everyone loves basketball, but there are enough of you that do, so get out there and show the Anchormen some love. You’re in college, take advantage of it and have some fun. Get loud, yell obnoxious and maybe rude comments, but all in all have a good time. And if you’re not going for the game, at least, if there is a good fan base, there is always the after party.
Sports
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February 20, 2008
THE ANCHOR
Interview with the Brightest Stars of The Men’s Indoor Track Team By Bobby Kazarian Anchor Editor Every week whether I’m searching through the Rhode Island College athletic website or receiving my daily email from athletic director Scott Gibbons, there are always numerous articles being written about the two biggest stars of our Men’s Track team. Junior Dante Lopardo (Johnston, RI) and Sophomore Mix Willet (Portsmouth, RI) have been receiving accolades for their outstanding performances in RIC’s Indoor Track Events this season. Both are Jumpers for RIC, both specializing in the High and Long Jump. Both Dante and Max consistently lead the team in points scored for RIC, each meet setting the pace for their teammates to follow. With all the recognition these two stellar athletes have received this season, I thought that we should get to know these gentlemen more. With this in mind, I was privileged enough for Dante and Max to take time to answer a few of my questions. BK- Question : As leaders of the team, what is the most important thing you are trying to give to your team? Dante- As leader of this team, myself and Max are just trying to lead by example and motivate the rest of our teammates to do their best. Max- We are trying to elevate our teams to a whole new level and trying to make RIC the team to beat in the LEC. BK- Question: What are some things that excite you about your team and how they are developing? Max- I am very excited about our young and up incoming team. As a jumper, I am trying to bring everyone to a whole new level and bring excitement back to the Track team. Dante- Both Max and I are very excited about the
strides are team is making especially our Women’s team; led by freshman Steina Flemming, who is breaking all kinds of sprint records left and right and has a very bright future with our team. BK- Max, what are some of your personal goals for this season and beyond? Max- Myself personally is just trying to break my personal Jumping records and help lead the team to win the Little East Conference Championship. BK- Dante, being a transfer student, how did you expect your new teammates to receive you? Dante- I was skeptical at first about how I would be treated by my new teammates but the team and coaching staff have accepted me with open arms and I feel like I have been here for years. I can’t describe to you the support I feel at meets and during practices. Both Dante and Max headlined RIC’s latest meet this past Saturday at the 2008 LEC/ MASCAC Alliance Championships. Max Willet earned All-Alliance/Little East Honors in both the High and Long Jump events, placing third and fifth with leaps of 1.85 meters and 6.28 meters, respectively. As for Dante Lopardo, he also received All-Alliance/Little East Honors in both the High and Long jump events. He placed 5th in the High Jump with a jump of 1.80 meters and also set the Rhode Island College record in the Long Jump with a leap
of 6.55 meters while placing third in the competition. Congratulations to both of our star athletes and I would like to thank them for their time in answering my questions. I wish them both luck on the remaining season and beyond.
Junior Dante Lopardo and Sophomore Max Willet stretching before practice Photo Courtesy of Marah Roach
February 20, 2008
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Opinions
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February 20, 2008
THE ANCHOR
SEX 101
Fr. Michael Najim Campus Ministry Let’s talk about sex; seriously. Yes, I know this may sound really strange coming from a Catholic priest who has promised himself to a life of chaste celibacy, but it’s something that needs to be addressed, particularly after last week’s front page article about sex toys. First, I must issue a disclaimer: I am absolutely opposed to domestic violence and I’m all for raising money to combat this horrible reality. However, it seems to me that next time it would be better to have a fundraising event that all people would feel comfortable attending. But, I digress. The explicit front page display of sex toys in the Anchor is symptomatic of a deeper issue, particularly on college campuses. While many may claim the public display of sex toys is one more step forward in human freedom, the sad truth is that it points to the wave of selfishness and the distortion of sex that continues to sweep through our society. How can I claim that sex toys are proof of selfishness and the distortion of sex? To answer this question, we must talk explicitly about God’s plan for sex. (Another disclaimer: it’s really not even necessary that a person believe in God to understand the true meaning of sex). First, the basics: It’s no coincidence that the human body has sexual organs and that the human person experiences the sexual urge. Nor is it a coin-
cidence that the body of a man and a woman were made to “connect.” This is what the late Pope John Paul II called the “nuptial meaning of the body.” It is also not a coincidence that when man and woman are united in the sexual act and the sperm penetrates the egg a new human life is conceived. However, the question must be asked: Is there a deeper meaning to the physiological and biological structure of the body? Is there a deeper meaning to sex? The answer is “absolutely!” Man and woman complete one another. There is a complimentarily that is built in to the very structure of the human person. Sex, then, is meant to be shared between one man and one woman. It is meant to establish and deepen a communion between husband and wife and to increase the human family. At its deepest level, sex is a total gift of self that a wife makes to her husband and a husband make to his wife. Pope John Paul called this “the language of the body.” The act of sex “says” I entrust myself to you forever. I belong to you and no other and you belong to me and no other. Through this act our love and union is deepened. We share our bodies, hearts, minds and spirits in this act. In this act we give and receive. Why is sex so pleasurable? Because God, in his wisdom, attached one of the greatest pleasures to one of the greatest goods that two human beings can share: the unity of spouses and the procreation of children. Let’s face it, if having sex felt like taking a cal-
Just Another College Shooting? By Amanda Harvey Anchor Contributor I don’t normally write for the paper, but I heard some disturbing news this evening on my way home from work and decided to share. I heard a news update on the radio about another college shooting: that’s right, another one. Why does this keep happening? What is it that possesses these kids to shoot their fellow collegegoers? I personally do not understand it. Now I would imagine that immediately after offering condolences to families of the wounded and dead that someone is going to turn around and try to blame this on violent games or music. I would like to encourage everyone to stop and look at the fact that this shooting is not just something that happened once before they jump to such conclusions. It seems to be becoming a trend. This bothers me and I hope it bothers everyone else. I think that, at this point, we should start looking deeper. Someone needs to find out what is triggering this. There has to be something deeper going on with these people, or maybe there is not. Maybe they are just cracking under the pressure. There has to be an explanation somewhere.
For me, this is bothersome because at this point, how can anybody feel safe? We are all paying to go to college, and I am aware that they have new security measures if something like this were ever to happen; that doesn’t mean that it will not. We cannot even trust fellow students to protect each other, because they are the ones doing the shooting. Parents have enough problems letting their kids go away to college because it means their babies are growing up. I wonder how they feel now about letting their kids go away to a school where they might get shot. No one can even say that will not happen here, because no one knows. It could happen anywhere and I think that is a problem. I don’t know about everyone else but I want to be able to feel safe around my fellow students and not have to worry about whether or not someone is going to crack for whatever reason and start shooting. Amanda Harvey is a second year student at RIC. She is currently a Secondary Ed. English major but is beginning to have second thoughts.
culus exam or walking barefoot in the snow, none of us would be here. God made sex pleasurable so that the bond of husband and wife would continually deepen and so that the human family would continue to increase. With this proper understanding of sex in mind, it is clear how sex toys are a distortion of human sexuality. Instead of deepening personal communion between spouses, it turns the person in on themselves. Sex is about making of a sincere gift of self to another person. Sex toys make sex solely about self-satisfaction, not about the other. Instead of promoting communion, it promotes selfishness. It makes sex solely about pleasure, not about a sharing of life and love open to the greatest gift, human life. When the pleasure of sex is detached from openness to life and the union of spouses, it is a lie. It is sex without responsibility, sex without love. It seems to me if we want to raise awareness of domestic abuse against women, we should avoid events which promote the very things that have sexually objectified woman in the first place and have distorted the beauty and sacredness of sex.
Level 2 Drama By Ashley Dalton Anchor Staff I don’t know about everyone else, but I am so disgusted with how things are these days. Sex is everywhere and not in a good way. Girls are being objectified worse than ever. This past Valentine’s day, I went to Level 2 with my friends. We were looking to have fun dancing and just being us. We showed up, and nobody was dancing. All the guys circled the room as if hunting prey, watching us dance. If that wasn’t creepy enough, they then decided to move in. Now going to a club, it’s expected that you’ll dance with a few people, but not be molested by any. This one guy grabbed me and wouldn’t let me go. His hands kept touching and grabbing what definitely wasn’t his. I pushed him way but that didn’t work. The more I pulled away, the tighter he held on. He finally let me go when my guy friend made it clear that it wasn’t ok. This was only one instance of the brutality girls subject themselves to. I went with the intention of dancing and being with my girls, not getting molested. Clubs used to be a place to go and have fun, now it’s a place I never want to see again. Girls were half naked, stripping, and in a few cases full blown nude. What’s up with that? I would never want to meet a guy in a club, for they represent everything I wouldn’t want in a relationship. I felt gross leaving, a little ashamed and just plain sick. I’ve been to clubs before, but never had I experienced such disrespect. The more I thought about it, people who go to such clubs, especially girls, must not respect themselves much either. To let sketchy people touch you, let alone hump you, my God, where did our self respect go? Now don’t get me wrong, clubbing isn’t all bad. There are a few decent establishments. Just remember to never go alone, never leave with anybody from one, and don’t forget who you really are. Don’t do something you’d regret or let anyone make you feel less than you are.
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
February 20, 2008
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THE ANCHOR
Apathy: The New Trend? By Andrew Massey Anchor Editor Several years ago, a school shooting would have been a huge thing. There would be several days’ worth of coverage and it would be on every channel. Nowadays, if someone brings a gun into school and shoots several people and then turns the gun on themselves, it becomes a top story for a day, anyone who hears about it says “Oh how sad,” and continues eating their dinner. The only reason the Virginia Tech shooting was a huge deal was because it was the largest massacre yet and the first college shooting in our nation. After that first initial shock though, our nation just does not seem to care, unless of course they had loved ones involved. Of course, then Jack Thompson and all the other nut jobs will come out and once again denounce video games and other forms of media as the cause for the shooting for a week or so, the Democrats will push for gun control, the Republicans will balk and accuse the Democrats of “taking advantage of the situation” and paint them as uncaring to prevent gun control, and nothing will actually happen. The world will keep running exactly the same way as it has been for years. Now, I mean no disrespect to the people affected by the Northern Illinois University shooting, and my heart goes out to the families involved, but it just seems that our nation does not care anymore. We
have become so apathetic that a school shooting does not affect us unless someone we know goes there. For the most part, the only ones who do care about anything are the nut jobs like Jack Thompson and the Westboro Baptist Church. Of course, both the Democrats and the Republicans say they care, but both parties are so bent on thwarting each other that no real change happens. The only people who are left to act are the people like me who are trying to change things but do not have the power to do so, and the teeming masses of people who say they care and say they would like to see the world a better place but are more content to sit in their couches and watch real-
ity TV and hope someone else does the work for them. God forbid they actually have to work to make the world what they want to be. They would much rather complain about how bad the world is and how someone should do something about it than to be that person who does something. As the Opinions Editor of the Anchor, I observe this first hand. I have made many attempts to get students on the campus to write what they feel in my section. I have gone to several organizations, which will be left unnamed, asking them to let their voice be heard in the Anchor. I have only received 1 article from 1 of the groups.
However, I continually hear from many people on campus that the Anchor is not good enough, that they do not cover enough. What these people do not seem to realize is that the newspaper is a twoway street. If people would like to see a more diverse newspaper then they must help make it more diverse, not just assume someone will do the work for them. Do not assume that because there are several thousand people on campus that they all want to write. The fact that there are several thousand people on campus actually makes them more likely to think that someone else will do it for them. The Anchor is a newspaper for the students, run by the students, just like this nation is a nation for the people, run by the people. If the people of this college, and the people of this nation, want to have their voices heard and want to see change happen, they need to get out there and make it happen. It is not elementary school and no one is going to do it for you. It is time to get involved people. Andrew Massey is a third year Psychology student. He is the current Opinions and Lifestyles Editor of the Anchor. He believes apathy and Britney Spears’ career are the two biggest problems plaguing this nation.
ROVING REPORTER By: Kellye Martin
:
How important do you think it is to get involved on campus?
Andrew Egan Ben Persons Political Science History 2009 2011 I think it is very important. RICI is think it is important to - get in a little community, and it?s all volved with something or about who you know. I unfortu someone, especially someone, nately know no one. because people are important. Erick D. Pagan Elementary Education / Special Education / Spanish Sierra Little 2010 Biology I believe that becoming involved 2011 on campus is very important beI think it?s very important, because it gives you the full college cause it helps students meet experience; not only for the exothers. perience, but to make connections with other people and to get to know others for the future.
Do you have a question you want answered? Send your question to photography@anchorweb.org
Opinions
Page 14
February 20, 2008
THE ANCHOR
Are You Ok With A 13 Percent Tuition Increase? By Nick Lima SCG, Inc. President The latest figures are out and the bottom line is simple: Rhode Island College, the University of Rhode Island, and the Community College of Rhode Island are facing one of their toughest funding shortfalls in more than a decade. What does this budget crisis mean for you, the general student? That all depends on how much you truly care about how much it costs for you to attend RIC. If you are ok with the prospect of massive cuts to the programs and services you depend upon at RIC, I would suggest you do nothing. Likewise, if you have no complaints about your daily life at RIC now (i.e., you think there is plenty of parking, Donovan food is outstanding, Craig-Lee Hall is an architectural achievement, you are getting so much financial aid that you would like to give some back, and you will have no problem graduating in four years), then by all means, please do not speak up. And, if you think a 9 to 13 percent (or more) increase in your tuition next year, and perhaps the year after, is worth it, you should probably remain silent. Of course, such an increase would only be just enough to keep things running as they are now, and not make any major improvements, but I suppose you don’t really mind that fact. At least I hope not. I sincerely hope that my fellow students at RIC are not so out of touch that they do not realize the crisis we are in. The state’s General Assembly, in its infinite wisdom, has spent the last decade using quick fixes and surplus money to plug Rhode Island’s growing budget deficit. Now, with every quick fix ex-
hausted, we are left with the same problem that has existed all along – only it has grown much worse. Not only is RI’s Higher Education budget, consisting of RIC, URI, and CCRI, being dramatically cut next year, but the state is cutting money out of the budget our schools are using now – halfway through the year. It isn’t the fault of our College – it is the fault of our representa-
tives on Smith Hill who have failed to act for far too long. The cuts being proposed for Higher Education are disproportional to those asked of other state departments. There was a time when tuition at RIC cost almost nothing – 100% of the cost to run our College came from the State of Rhode Island. Over time, the state has contributed less and less until just a few years ago when tuition, for the first time, began funding more of RIC’s operations than
When Fashion Doesn’t Make Sense By Andrew Massey Anchor Editor First off, allow me to state that I know nothing about fashion. I am a t-shirt and jeans kind of guy and that is what works for me. However, I am not a hermit, so I see all these new fashion trends come and go. A few of them look good and stick around while others do not and fade away into nothingness. Some trends make me look and say “What were they thinking?” Here are some examples of when fashion does not make sense. The fashion I’m talking about is the worn-out jean fashion. Stores like Abercrombie and Fitch will sell jeans that look worn out around the knees and pockets and such to give them the appearance that the wearer has owned them for several years. These jeans tend to go for around $90. Tell me, who wants to spend $90 to look like they are poor? How stupid do you have to be to want to spend that much money to look like you went to Savers? Honestly, if anyone wants jeans that look like they are worn out, I have several pairs. They look like they have been worn for five to six years and I will only charge the low price of $60, no questions asked. These jeans have been worn out in a way that only time could imitate but I will not give away my secret. Another fashion faux pas to me is the clothing that is made to look like it is inside out. I have seen several jackets and boots that are in this style and it makes me wonder why anyone would buy it when they can do it themselves. I mean, in about a minute, you can take any jacket and turn it inside out. The boots are harder to do but, then again, does anyone really want their boots to look that way? I know if I came to
RIC tomorrow with all my clothes inside out, I would be laughed at, no matter how many times I would try to explain to everyone that it is “trendy.” Let’s face it, if you wear clothes that look like they are inside out, you do not look fashionable, you look like an idiot. Go home and change your clothes, you moron. Finally, I turn my attention to Crocs. What is the deal with Crocs? Are they shoes or are they sandals? The whole in between thing looks hideous. From what I know about Crocs, they are made from a unique material that makes them exceptionally comfortable. This is great because I never saw the point in wearing something if it was not comfortable, but why did they have to make the design so ugly? I mean, would it have been so hard to make something from that material that was comfortable and pleasing to the eye? It would not have to be great looking, just aesthetically pleasing. Instead, it looks like they let a three year old into the design room, said “Have at it,” and waited for the results. So instead of having a great new product, they have a half-baked idea that is so ugly that you can immediately point the wearer as being a tasteless yuppie. Way to fail, Crocs. All and all, before you decide to jump on the latest bandwagon of fashion, take a look at what you are buying and ask yourself one simple question: will this make me look like an idiot? If the answer is yes, you are better off spending your money elsewhere. Besides, what RIC student honestly has the money to drop $90 on a pair of “worn-out” pants? If you do, please send this excess cash to me, as I can probably spend it better on clothes than you.
the state’s appropriations. At the rate we are going, support from our own state at this “state funded” school will all but disappear within a decade. This is unacceptable. There have been semesters where I have had to withdraw from classes at RIC due to my inability to pay my tuition bill. Many of closest friends at this College have left for other schools, or dropped out completely due to their inability to afford the skyrocketing costs of their education. Even if tuition does not rise dramatically, the effect will be felt on our financial aid and the dozens of on-campus services we depend on as students. As a Student Body, I must ask – what are you going to do? As Student Body President, I have contacted the student government leaders at URI and all four CCRI campuses in an attempt to build a coalition between our schools. Together, we are meeting weekly to prepare op-ed pieces for local newspapers, press releases and media coverage to apply pressure to our legislature, letter writing campaigns, protests, and more. But when the time comes to rally at the State House and demand that more priority be given to the future of our state – that’s us, by the way – how many of you will show up? When the TV cameras turn on to capture our rally of protest, will the 6 o’clock news show 5 students or 5,000? A difference can be made, but it can’t be made by a select few. I, as a student leader, need you to step up with us. Only if we rise up together and make our voices heard loud and clear can we make a true difference. So when the time comes to speak, will you still be silent?
Miss Physical Science Pageant Hosted by the one and only Physical Science Club Show will be hosted sometime in April.
Would you be interested in being a contestant or a judge? Come and join us! You will not want to miss this great opportunity to be part of such an awesome show! Meeting in Clarke Science in the Student Lounge Wednesday, February 20th at 12:30PM If you have any questions please contact Lisa Chin at lisachin@cox.net
Lifestyles
February 20, 2008
Page 15
THE ANCHOR
World of Warcraft: A Primer Part 2: The Races of Azeroth By Adam D. Bram Anchor Staff Last week, you were introduced to the World of Warcraft. So you got the game and picked your payment method or decided to be cheap (or is it smart?), and download the 10-day free trial. You’ve also picked the realm that suits your playing style the best. Now, you have to create your character. Though the game allows you as many alternate characters as you like, it’s best to try and pick something right off the bat that really represents you. You choose your race, your class, your gender, and the features of your character such as skin color, face, hair style/color, and each race usually has an extra toggle to switch through depending on who you choose. Male and female characters are equally powerful and you don’t necessarily have to play your own gender (of my 8 characters, in fact, only 3 are male). Then you have to name yourself. The name you give your character has to be 12 letters or less, no spaces, and only the first letter capital. Also, if someone else already has that name on the server you picked, you’ll have to choose either another name or another realm. There is a name randomizer, as well as a feature randomizer, so you can try out infinite combinations and keep the one you like. What race you choose also affects who you can interact with. The game is built so that the 2 factions, Alliance and Horde characters, can’t even understand each other’s languages. Most will try to kill you on sight. The Alliance Races Humans: If you play as a human, it thrusts you into a sort of Arthurian legend, as far as the look and feel of the starting area. Playing as a human gives you an increase in the Spirit attribute (higher Spirit means faster health and magic, aka mana, regeneration), higher faction point gain (for becoming friendlier with other Alliance races), and enhanced skill points with swords and maces. Also, you get an ability that enhances the radius in which you can detect characters with the stealth abilities. Night Elves: Night Elves are one of the more identifiable Warcraft races with their glowing eyes, purple skin, and almost rabbit-like ears. Playing as a Night Elf gives you an increased chance of dodging attacks, resistance to Nature spells, and a ghost that travels faster than other
races. Also, you get an ability which will allow you to stealth yourself if immobile. If your class allows you the “Stealth” ability anyway, this one amplifies it. Dwarves: Pretty much every fantasy representation of the Dwarf is the same and these dwarves are no exception. They all have bad Scottish accents and tend to drink too much, but they are sturdy and resilient. Playing a Dwarf gives you a resistance to Frost spells and a higher critical hit chance when using guns. Also, you gain the
ability to find treasure on your minimap, and an ability that offers you an 8-second immunity to harmful status effects as well as an armor increase. Gnomes: Gnomes are the shortest playable race. For that reason, they can be both the most effective and the most annoying during combat. Playing as a Gnome gives you an increase in the Intelligence attribute (higher mana for spellcasters), resistance to Arcane spells, and skill bonus points to the Engineering profession (more on professions in a later installment). Also, you gain an ability that will free you from traps. Draenei: Exclusive to the Burning Crusade expansion, the Draenei are semi-demonic creatures from another world. They are vaguely satyr-like in appearance, and have Slavic accents. Playing as a Draenei gives you a resistance to Shadow spells, a hit increase for you and friends within 30 yards, skill points to the Jewelcutting profession, and a special healing spell for all classes. The Horde Races Orcs: Though the historically “evil” race, compounded by looking like big green apes, they are actually
a very noble and honorable race. Playing as an Orc gives you a resistance to Stun and Knockout effects, an increase in damage from combat pets, and enhanced skill points in axes. In addition, you get an ability that raises the damage you do for 15 seconds, depending on your class. Trolls: Long-eared and large-tusked, the trolls were formerly a jungle race before being forced out of their homes and taken in by the Orcs. Despite being notoriously violent, their inexplicable Jamaican accents make them pleasant to be around. Playing as a Troll gives you faster health regeneration, damage bonus to beast enemies, and a higher critical hit chance with ranged weapons. Also, you get an ability that raises your attack speed in a moment of crisis. Tauren: These large humanoid bulls have carved out an almost Native American society in vast, rolling plains. Playing a Tauren gives you a higher maximum health, a resistance to Nature spells, and a skill bonus for the Herbalism profession. You also get an attack that will temporarily stun up to 5 enemies around you, allowing you to escape and regroup. Forsaken: These make up a group of renegade Zombies fighting back against their creator in a land of seemingly eternal night. Playing as one of the Forsaken gives you longer underwater breath and resistance to Shadow spells. Also, you get an ability that will cure harmful status effects and consume humanoid or undead corpses to regain health. Blood Elves: This race is exclusive to the Burning Crusade expansion. Red elves with upturned ears, they are elitist and power-hungry. They are the closest thing to truly evil amongst the races. Playing a Blood Elf will give you resistances to all magic and increased skills in the Enchanting profession. Also, you get complimentary abilities that will steal mana from a target and store it for a wide silencing effect. NEXT WEEK: So, you’ve finally chosen what race you will defend. But how will you defend it? In our next installment, we will break down the character classes. Adam D. Bram is a theatre major and a staff writer/cartoonist for the Anchor. For the most part, the Alliance seems far more evil than the Horde to him.
Ask Ashley By Ashley Dalton Anchor Staff Dear Ashley, I’ve been struggling with loneliness for a while. I am very eccentric and kind of geeky, but I like that about myself. The problem is that a lot of other people don’t. I seem to rub them the wrong way and a lot of it has to do with misinterpretations of my quirks. This kind of attitude has given me some self-esteem issues and has made me even more nervous to be around people. By nature, I am a very open and caring person, or at least I try to be. I just need some bit of affection in my life, whether it’s romantic or platonic or whatever. I need to connect with someone, and no one seems to want to connect with me. I have flaws like every other person, but sometimes it feels like the only way to get what I want is to try to change things I actually like about myself. However, that level of conformity and loss of identity is the last thing I want. How do you think I can reconcile that? Are those really my only choices? - In Dire Need of Cuddling P.S. I apologize for the novel.
Let me just start by saying you have no reason to apologize, this is why I’m here. I’m no Dr. Phil or Oprah, nor am I trying to be. The advice I offer is from my own perspective, so you don’t have to accept it if you choose not to. You should never try to be someone you’re not. All of your quirks and geekiness are part of who you are and who you are is special, no matter what people say. Think of it this way: you’re the only you. If the people you surround yourself with can’t accept you for who you are, then make new friends. If you’re happy being you, stick with it. There’s a little thing that most people don’t realize; the people who conform to fit in do so because they are lost, confused and uncomfortable in their own skin. If you’re happy with yourself, you’re already ahead of those who are still searching and those who are putting you down. They can’t find anything good about themselves so they copy people they’d like to be like. Don’t be fake. Instead, be who you were meant to be. If you know what you do that aggravates people, try to tone it down. Besides, haven’t you heard that geekiness is “in” these days? Since Heroes and the mass pro-
duction of movies starring comic book characters, the geeks have slowly become cool. Seriously, who’s more lovable than McLovin? Everyone has flaws; don’t let them tell you differently. Even the most confident person you know may cry themselves to sleep every night because they’re broken inside. As for the “need for connection,” everyone feels that way every now and again. Don’t fool yourself into thinking you’re the only one alone. There are plenty of singles floating around. Be patient, you’ll find someone when it’s the right person and the right time. As I quoted in a previous article, “We have the rest of our lives to worry about finding that “one of a kind” romance, so for now, embrace being young for it only happens once, act immature and just plain silly. Be happy where you are and don’t be afraid to take chances for that’s when you get life’s little surprises.” – AMD
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Arts + Entertainment
February 20, 2008
Page 17
THE ANCHOR
Rental Raves
By Adam D. Bram Anchor Staff
Dune
The second film we will be taking a look at in our “Four Weeks of Bombs” is David Lynch’s (Eraserhead) 1984 adaptation of Frank Herbert’s literary classic Dune. In the year 10191, the most coveted substance in the universe is Melange, also known as “The Spice.” It extends consciousness, life expectancy, and makes long distance space travel possible by folding space. The spice occurs naturally on only one planet, the desert world of Arrakis, populated by enormous sand-worms and a mysterious nomadic people known as the Freman. The Spacing Guild senses that Spice production could be in jeopardy due to a feud between the noble Duke Leto Atreides (Jurgan Prochnow, Air Force One) of Calidan and the ghastly Baron Vladimir Harkonnen (Kenneth McMillan, Cat’s Eye) of Geidi Prime, and so seek the help of galactic emperor Shaddam IV (José Ferrer, Lawrence of Arabia). Shaddam, who is already paranoid that Duke Leto will try to usurp him, helps the Harkonnens execute a plot that will destroy the house Atreides and give the Harkonnens control of Arrakis. It is Leto’s son Paul (Kyle MacLachlan, Twin Peaks) however, that has the Guild’s true attention. His mother, Lady Jessica (Francesca Annis, The Libertine), is part of the mystic Bene Gesserit sisterhood, and Paul is beginning to show signs of some of their unique talents, not the least of which being cryptic prophetic visions. Once the coup is staged in the dunes of Arrakis, Paul and Jessica manage to escape into the desert where they meet the Freman. They are welcomed into Freman society because Paul seems to fit the bill perfectly for both a Freman prophecy regarding one who will lead the race into legend, as well as a Bene Gesserit one about a supreme being. This film, like many of Lynch’s works, is a bit of a mental screw. This is compounded by the fact that the film attempts to tell pieces of the story of the entire book series within the frame of the first and in about two and a half hours (though there is a 3-hour director’s cut floating around out there). Therefore, some parts appear very in depth while others seem to be glossed over. This film uses a very unique tactic of having characters “think” important lines of inner monologue in a whisper.
This has historically turned a lot of people off to the film, though I personally find it ingenious. Visually, the film is absolutely stunning, and even employs some very early Computer Generated Imagery for certain shield mechanisms. It is difficult to really put a clear rating on it because even though the film is hardly perfect, when it shines it does so brighter than the sun of Arrakis itself. This film sports a huge and impressive cast, some doing their best and some not, and it includes Brad Dourif (Child’s Play), Linda Hunt (Kindergarten Cop), Virginia Madsen (Ghosts of Mississippi), Everett McGill (The People Under the Stairs), Sian Phillips (Goodbye, Mr. Chips), Patrick Stewart (Star Trek: The Next Generation), Sting (legendary frontman for The Police), Dean Stockwell (Quantum Leap), Max Von Sydow (The Exorcist), Alicia Witt (Mr. Holland’s Opus), and Sean Young (Ace Ventura: Pet Detective). PG-13 Rating: 3.5 - 4/5 (depending on the weather)
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Arts + Entertainment
Page 18
February 20, 2008
THE ANCHOR
STEP UP TO THE SECOND!
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By Bridget Perry Anchor Contributor You thought the first movie had awesome dancing; wait until you see Step Up 2: The Streets. Briana Evigan stars as Andie, a street dancer who keeps getting in trouble with guardian, her late mother’s best friend. Instead of being sent away and leaving her crew, she auditions for the Maryland School of the Arts after being convinced by Tyler (Channing Tatum), her old friend and who starred in the first film. Once she gets into the school, she struggles with a director who dislikes her style of dance and her old crew who do not want to deal with her new schedule. She befriends the outcasts, the hidden gems of the school, as well as the hottest dancer, Chase (Robert Hoffman), to form her own crew and compete in a secret dance competition called The Streets. She discovers who she really is while combining her two worlds. I really enjoyed this movie despite the fact that the acting was not the best that it could be. The movie was more about the dancing than the acting. It was a typical cheesy love story where a girl and a guy from differing circumstances fall in love by the end. The dancing however, was incredible. It makes you want to go out and learn how to move that way. It focuses more on the street dancing rather on a more classical dancing. Being a dancer myself, I wanted a little bit more of lyrical or ballet dancing in the movie. The music keeps the audience moving, even if only on the inside. It maintains the of dancing and the setting of the movie well. Despite the corny lines and poor acting, Step Up 2: The Streets has astounding dancing which makes the movie a visual treat.
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Classified Ads... The national rate for classified ads up to thirty words is $3.00. The rate for ads over thirty, but less than fifty words is $5.00. No classified ads over fifty words will be accepted. The on-campus rate for ads thirty words or less is $1.00. The rate for ads over thirty, but less than fifty words is $2.00. A valid college I.D. must be presented at time of payment to receive the on-campus rate. All classified ads must be paid for in advance. Tearsheets will be sent for classified ads only at the request of the advertiser.
Preprinted Inserts... Inserts are accepted at the rate of $70.00 per thousand. Please mail the inserts to: Mass Web Printing Co, Inc. 314 Washington Street Auburn, MA 01501 Inserts must reach Mass Web Printing at least two weeks prior to publication.
Student Organizations on campus will get their first ad free each academic year. After that they will pay the same rates as everybody else, without any discounts. RIC departments get a 50% discount.
Local Photographer available to provide headshots for your portfolio. Reasonable rates and student discounts! Call John Lovgren at 401-5297037 3 Bedrooms $1300 Bright and Spacious! This apartment features a bright double parlor with hardwood floors. Dining room with pantry, large bedrooms with oversized closets, each with cable hookups. Private driveway with plenty of parking! Bring your own furniture or use ours! Call Rachel today for an appointment at (401)789-4400
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February 20, 2008
Arts + Entertainment
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THE ANCHOR
Review of Built to Spill’s “You in Reverse” By Cailin Humphrys Anchor Staff For those of us who enjoy eclectic music with simple lyrics and interesting musicality, Built to Spill’s sixth album, You in Reverse, is a good listen. Built to Spill, a quartet hailing from Idaho, is an indie-rock band that formed in 1992. When the band was originally formed by front man Doug Martsch, he stated that he would be the only permanent member and that the lineup of the band would change after every album. Though this ploy only lasted until 1997, it was still enough to eventually rocket the band to success and become one of the USA’s top indie-rock bands. You in Reverse, released in 2006, features heavy guitar rifts as well as a variety of other instruments not always seen in a rock album —the organ (featured in the song “Gone”) and the vibraphone. With these, Built to Spill has managed to create a unique, and sometimes puzzling sound on most of their tracks that is incredibly original. In particular, the song “Goin’ Against the Wind” starts off with a fullbodied drum beat that sets the tone for the rest of the track. Unfortunately, not all of the songs on this album are as exciting. After the opening of many of the songs, it seems that the music tends to become repetitive and the lyrics, which oftentimes seem stale when compared to the music, stagnate until the music stops. However, despite some of the pitfalls of their album, Built to Spill has a strong enough reputation to recover and have their next release reflect more on the earlier success of their 2001 album, Ancient Melodies of the Future. Built to Spill credits much of their influence and
inspiration to bands such as Neil Young, Captain Beefheart, Pavement, and The Talking Heads. They’ve also had fallen on hard times over the past couple of years; their drummer, Andy Capps, died in 2006 and Martsch suffered a detached retina. Both events caused the band to fall behind in recording and to cancel shows. However, this spring, they will be doing a month-long tour of the US. To learn more about Built to Spill, visit their official website at www.builtospill.com.
“Lazy Morning” Ashley Dalton The phone rings Softly in the distance Pretending its not there I roll over on my side Sun beams pour Through my window Tinting the walls With hues of blue The blankets wrapped Around me Keep me safe And warm God, what I’d give To sleep in today Drifting in and out A sleeplike state My alarm starts beeping One hour until I start my day Where did the weekend go? Mondays are the worst “Just Friends”
Don’t Kick The Bucket List By Andrew Massey Anchor Editor I recently went out and saw The Bucket List, a movie starring Morgan Freeman and Jack Nicholson. The setup is simple: Edward Cole (Nicholson) is diagnosed with cancer and is put in a room, in his own hospital, with Carter Chambers (Freeman). While each initially dislikes the other, they eventually find friendship when they both discover they are terminally ill. After this, Edward discovered a “bucket list” that Carter wrote. The list was full of things Carter wanted to do before he died; it was a list he threw it away when he was told he was going to die. Edward convinces him to act on it, and together they see the world, and end up changing each other’s lives for the better. I rather enjoyed The Bucket List. Both of the characters were believable and were performed extremely well by film veterans Freeman and Nicholson. The story will have you laughing and crying with Edward and Carter from beginning to end. What I liked most about this story is how close to home it hits. Almost everyone knows someone who has been diagnosed with cancer. Many know someone who is terminally ill with it. The movie doesn’t use special effects or crazy action scenes to get you interested. Instead, it grabs you by the heart and refuses to let go. Edward Cole and Carter Chambers could easily be any two people in the world. Carter is a mechanic who worked under the hood to give his family everything they wanted while he dreamed about going back to college and becoming a history professor. Edward is a selfmade millionaire whose only successful marriage was to his work. He had everything money could buy and yet deep down he was missing something. The Bucket List is a very worthwhile
movie to see. It’s a perfect date movie for guys who don’t want to sit through another boring chick flick. The story can be enjoyed by anyone and should be seen by everyone.
You haunt my dreams And give me unrest For it’s you most of all I used to detest My heart divided Old versus new Should I walk away again? Or embrace this time with you We’re just friends for now That’s what they always say But friends don’t share, care Or love this way “Kiss Me” Kiss me Touch me Like lovers Do in the movies Hold me close Enough to feel Your heart Beating in synch with mine Share with me Your secrets Let me into Your soul In your arms I want to stay Wrapped forever Don’t ever let me go Take me Love me forever This time Is ours I am yours And you are mine This is our moment Shared in time
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RIC EVENTS Title: RIC Music: Sax in the City Wednesday, February 20, 2008 1 p.m. Sapinsley Hall in the John Nazarian Center for the Performing Arts Performing Arts Series: Garth Fagan Dance Wednesday, February 20, 2008 8 p.m. The Auditorium in Roberts Hall RIC Theatre: “Antigone” by Jean Anouilh Date: Wednesday, February 20, 2008 –Friday, February 24, 2008 8 p.m. Forman Theatre in the Nazarian Center Performing Arts Series: Jeffrey Siegel’s Keyboard Conversations Tuesday, February 26, 2008 7:30 p.m. Sapinsley Hall, Nazarian Center for the Performing Arts
Vagina Monologues By Sally Peixoto Anchor Editor
When was the last time you screamed “cunt” in public? Last Saturday’s performance of The Vagina Monologues was a lively and interactive experience, and I had great fun reclaiming this word as a positive term. As the climax to a rhythmic poetic monologue the audience was encouraged to chant “cunt,” and I heard it from all directions from all ages and from all genders. It was empowering, saying this incredibly feminine word which was supposed to be so taboo. Many of the monologues are a little shocking. They are meant to be. Some of them are hilarious, some of them are angry, and some of them are tragic. All of them are personal. One of them glorified the act of birth without losing any of its true grotesqueness. The audience was silent for this one, except for one baby which made it feel closer to home. There was a different sort of silence for the story of the Bosnian woman. I wanted to cry as the two actors, representative of starkly separated points of view, told a story of warmth and happiness turning to fear and pain. I could feel this grief weighing upon everyone around me as well. The actors were perhaps too good at their roles, and seemed to have struck nerves within everyone. The humorous pieces were more fun. One woman told us about her vagina workshop, and even demonstrated her position when she first discovered her clitoris. She then went on to explain her ‘vaginal wonder.’ This isn’t the only monologue about a grown woman first discovering her own body. All of these monologues are based on real interviews, and what this says about our society is scary. This performance is encouraging a change in the way women think about themselves and their bodies. While buying a tee-shirt, I overheard two older women discussing how they’ve never actually thought about their vaginas before. This performance is a celebration of vaginas, so that hopefully there won’t be so many women who
By Jason Charpentier Anchor Staff
aren’t familiar with their own anatomy, or who are taught to be ashamed of it. The message is very serious and very powerful. The tone, however, creates a remarkable spectrum of emotion. The subject of tone brings one especially striking monologue to mind: The Woman Who Loved to Make Vaginas Happy. The speaker explains how her job as a sex worker is the most exciting and most rewarding job she could imagine. She explains that the moans are the most interesting and intimate part. She then goes on to demonstrate each of the many diverse moans that could happen. The audience was uproarious watching this brave and animated woman imitating orgasms on stage. I promise, it was like nothing you’ve seen before. The Monologues are performed across the nation every year around V-day, to raise money and awareness to domestic violence. A few
speakers were invited on stage at the end to discuss local nonprofit organizations related to the cause, including Julie Jennings who performed a song she wrote for her daughter at the beginning of the performance. I had never actually seen The Vagina Monologues before, and I was thoroughly impressed by Rhode Island College’s production.
Genshiken
Released back in 2004, the series Genshiken tells the tale of The Society for the Study of Modern Visual Culture, a small anime club within a Japanese college, as they attempt to gain new members, deal with threats of shutting their club down, play Guilty Gear, watch anime, and attend cons. All the while, the viewer will likely have difficulty breathing from laughing so much. From Madarame’s reasoning for hentai, to the relationship of Kohsaka and Kusukabe, the audience finds much to laugh about. Whether the laughter is the result of it merely being funny or because it is true is up to the viewer. In this reviewer’s eyes however, it’s all true. The show starts off with Sasahara showing up to college; he’s a close otaku, and happens to be looking for a club on campus to join. While looking around, he comes across Genshiken and stops by their meeting room. Meanwhile, another student Kohsaka is doing the same thing as he runs into a childhood friend of his, Kusukabe. Unlike him however, Kusukabe is vehemently anti-otaku and as her relationship with Kohsaka increases, as does her confusion with the whole
By Barry Nickerson Anchor Editor Every year, a group of dedicated women at Rhode Island College performs Eva Ensler’s Vagina Monologues, a collection of short stories about various experiences relating to vaginas, narrated by a group of women. This year, the performance was held on February 15 and
16 at 7 p.m. in Sapinsley Hall. Going into the Monologues with no prior knowledge of the performance, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. However, the reality of the no-holds-barred performance struck quickly when the programs, complete with sex toy catalogs, were handed out. It was then that I realized, as a man, that I was in for an interesting journey through the wonderful world of womanhood. The show was energetic, powerful and fun! Having never had my very own vagina, I wasn’t sure if I could possibly understand the physical, emotional and spiritual sensations that a vagina gives a woman. Yet, through colorful dialogue and thought-provoking testimonials, the actors conveyed exactly those things. Through the Vagina Monologues, I felt the pain of rape, the joy and relief of discovering one’s own clitoris, the miracle of childbirth, and the insecurities of a woman who wonders if her vagina is normal. As the actors discovered their own vaginas, I
otaku phenomenon. Kohsaka is quick to join Genshiken. Sasahara eventually joins as well after hanging out with the current members for a time. From the mysterious chairman, to the lanky Madarame, the members strike a balance between exaggerated and all too real. One can easily relate to at least one of the characters. As the series continues, more characters are introduced and Kusukabe slowly begins to deal with what she has gotten herself into. Genshiken is a fairly short series at only 12 episodes. One could argue that 12 episodes are too few to appreciate the series. Apparently, many viewers agreed. As such, Genshiken also has a 3-episode OAV taking place after the first 12 episodes as well as a second season which recently ended in Japan. Genshiken is a series about otaku, for otaku. As such, it is quite possible for newer anime fans to get lost in the discussions and parodies much in the same way as they did with Excel Saga. Therefore, it is recommended that the viewer have some decent experience with anime prior to sitting down to watch this series. Aside from that however, this is a must-see series that any anime fan will enjoy.
felt like I discovered something of a “vagina” of my own—parts of myself that I don’t explore as often, all those rogue emotions, all little taboo vaginas that I just want to scream about. And scream they did! Raw emotion and the ripples of sexual power echoed as sound waves throughout the theatre as the actors cried, shouted, and whispered about their innermost feelings of their own womanhood and sexuality. In one vibrant display, the entire audience was compelled to shout along with the women on stage as together, we all “took back” the word “cunt” and molded it into a word that simply describes a vagina, robbing it of its discouraging and derogatory tone and turning it into a powerful phrase to describe something they are proud of. In a way, everyone in the audience discovered a “vagina” or two of their own. A vagina seemed symbolic of a very soul at times, something that aches and pains to be noticed beyond the superficial windows that humanity’s eyes judge our beings upon. The vagina, like us, reminds us of just how vulnerable and how powerful we all truly are. The howls of the triple orgasm, the sobs of a woman who cannot find her clitoris, the stimulator that makes her body roar with the waves of orgasm, and the regrets of an elderly woman haunted by nightmares of her “flood” of sexual fluids, which prevented her from growing attached to a man, are just some of the affairs the audience contends with. We tangle with our own physical, sexual and emotional insecurities, question our sexualities and appreciate the beauty of loving what we already have throughout the performance. Mesmerizing and marvelous, the Vagina Monologues opened eyes and transformed the way this man will forever perceive the mysterious enigma that is the vagina. I eagerly await next year’s performance, knowing that once again I will be reminded of just how intricate and elusive the vaginal labyrinth really is.