01 09 09 | reportermag.com
BEARDED LADIES MASTERS OF ILLUSION TO HELL AND BACK
Can you tell me how to get, how to get to be an OA? 2009
ORIENTATION Date Thursday, January 8 Tuesday, January 13
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Location SLC Room 1320 Bldg. 1 Room 2000
Friday, January 16
12:00 - 1:00 PM
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Saturday, January 17
1:00 - 2:00 PM
Gleason (35) A055
Wednesday, January 21
5:00 - 6:00 PM
Bldg. 8 Room A300
Thursday, January 22
6:00 - 7:00 PM
SDC (55) 1300*
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1:00 - 2:00 PM
NRH (43) 1250
Sunday, January 25
5:00 - 6:00 PM
Gleason (35) A055
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EDITOR’S NOTE EDITOR IN CHIEF Laura Mandanas Managing Editor Ilsa Shaw COPY EDITOR David Spiecker NEWS EDITOR Andy Rees LEISURE EDITOR John Howard FEATURES EDITOR Madeleine Villavicencio
my money’s on trogdor It was the spring of my junior year of high school and I was looking at colleges. My tour group had just disbanded, and I wanted to do some snooping on my own – figure the place out, you know? I was embarking on my first solo venture down the Quarter Mile, and I was determined to inspect every brick on campus. I only made it about twenty feet before I stopped dead in my
SPORTS/VIEWS EDITOR Jack Reickel
tracks. The cause? Trogdor. Trogdor the Burninator.
WRITERS Geoffrey H. Bliss, Alecia Crawford, Jackie
Runner character I had been watching on repeat for the past several months. I was
Laid out on the pavement before me was a detailed chalk drawing of the Homestar Fingerhut, Maximiliano Herrera, John Howard, Stephen
delighted. Marveling at the accuracy with which the artist had depicted the dragon-
Leljedal, Kayla Kimball, Dan Lovria, Emily Mohlmann,
man’s single beefy arm, I knew it right away: this was somewhere I belonged.
Chukwuma Morah, Andy Rees, Ilsa Shaw, Madeleine
It was this moment of realization that came to mind as I read the review of Strong Bad’s
Villavicencio
Cool Game for Attractive People (see Reviews, page 14). Stopped me dead in my tracks.
Art
RIT. Bearded ladies may pass comfortably in public now (see “Bearded Ladies,” page 18), but
ART DIRECTOR Susie Sobota
geeks seem destined for an eternally awkward out-of-placeness in certain social circles. RIT
As many of you are painfully aware, there are plenty worse places for a geek to be than
STAFF DESIGNERS Evan Anthony, Ryan Moore,
is a geek’s paradise, and I’m genuinely happy to be here. It’s an easy thing to forget, what
Kelvin Patterson
with all the snow and the homework and the tests and the general, everyday misery of the
AD Designer Lisa Barnes
student body. But I really do like it here. Although it seems a rare occasion that you’ll hear anyone speak this sentiment aloud, it is a nice thing to be reminded of from time to time.
PHOTO EDITOR Eric Drummond
Trogdor fan or not, I hope you like it here too.
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS Jake Hamm, Josh Lehrer, Christopher Valites
Staff illustrators Jamie Douglas, Matt Mancuso
Laura Mandanas
CARTOONIST Kory Merritt
Editor In Chief
Production PRODUCTION MANAGER Kelvin Patterson PRINTING Printing Applications Lab
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Reporter Magazine is published weekly during the academic year by a staff comprised of students at Rochester Institute of Technology. Business, Editorial, and Design facilities are located in Room A-426, in the lower level of the Student Alumni Union. Our phone number is 1.800.970.5406. The Advertising Department can be reached at 1.800.970.5406 ext. 0. The opinions expressed in Reporter do not necessarily reflect those of the Institute. INSERT FUNNY/ HILARIOUS/CHEEKY INSIDE JOKE HERE MAYBE SOMETHING ABOUT A VOODOO DOLL IN THE FORM OF A CAT. Letters to the Editor may also be sent to reporter@rit.edu. Reporter is not responsible for materials presented in advertising areas. No letters will be printed unless signed. All letters received become the property of Reporter. Reporter takes pride in its membership in the Associated Collegiate Press and American Civil Liberties Union. Copyright © 2007 Reporter Magazine. All rights reserved. No portion of this Magazine may be reproduced without prior written permission.
table of contents
01 09 09 | vol. 58, issue 15
news pg. 06
Photograph above by Josh Lehrer +
From the Archives: 1998-99
Matt Crowell and Mercyhurst’s Kirk Medernach battle for the puck at RIT on Friday, December 12.
Back in the day, RIT students used to microwave condoms.
Cover illustration by Jamie Douglas
Make of that what you will. Photo Auction
12.19.08 issue correction +
Free food from the photo department,
Gary Prokop works for RIT’s Purchasing Department, not Facilities Management Services.
free paper from the FBI. Forecast Banjo Bill is up to his hair-dying, spiritraising antics again this Sunday. Go Tigers!
features pg. 16
sports pg. 26
To Hell and Back
Bearded Ladies
The Skate of the Tiger
According to some, sitting in
Eat your bread crusts. But not too many.
Our hockey team has fans for a reason.
class is hell on earth.
Your Friendly Neighborhood
leisure pg. 10
views pg. 28
A double-edged sword.
Sustaining Sweatshops
Where the Bills Belong
Dropping Things in Style
Max Herrera wants you to know that
Masters of Illusion
Keeping the “Buffalo” in “Buffalo Bills.”
Juggling is serious business.
sustainability is more than “being green.”
Staying Private in a Public Place
Artifacts
Word on the Street
How to pick a wedgie in public.
Find something weird (and relatively
What’s your New Year’s resolution?
Reviews
flat)? Slide it under our door.
Rings
So You Want to Be a Wizard and Strong
If you know the difference between
Bad’s Cool Game for Attractive People.
alkaline and alkyne, call 585.672.4840.
FROM THE ARCHIVES 1998-99
compiled by Andy Rees
As we start getting used to writing
December 12, 1998 “MADD Awards RIT Alcohol
the Racquet Club housing complex, or the
2009 on our checks, it’s a wonder that just
Policy” – At the time, the recently instituted RIT
“Racquet Hole,” as the article refers to them,
10 years ago we began worrying about Y2K.
alcohol policy was hailed by the Mothers Against
Bill Clinton was president, Sega’s Dreamcast
Drunk Driving organization. The policy changed
were said to have provided substandard living
was the hot Christmas present, the world
RIT from a “wet” campus to a “dry” campus.
conditions. They have since been replaced by a
population had recently reached 6 billion, and
January 22, 1999 “Snow Storms Force Rare
senior living development.
Napster had just been unveiled. Certainly, the
Institute Closing” – Few students can claim they
April 16, 1999 In an article titled “Welcome to
were slated to be demolished. The townhouses
world was a different place. But have things
lived through an RIT snow day. Institute officials
the Campus of the Future,” Reporter explored
really changed at RIT? Buried in rusty filing
are usually fairly conservative about issuing a
what RIT might look like in the new millennium.
cabinets, tucked into drab file folders, Reporter
cancellation due to weather. However, in the
Some of the ideas have been implemented,
has uncovered some of the RIT news headlines
winter of 1999, conditions became bad enough to
such as “College Park,” which evolved into Park
from 10 years ago.
close the campus for a day and a half. It was the
Point. College Park, which was going to be
first snow day since the winter of 1995-96, and it
located on Bailey Road, was envisioned to have
May 8, 1998 “Students Speak Out” –
was not repeated until the 2006-07 school year.
Rallies were held in front of the Student Alumni
January 29, 1999 “Two Students Suspended in
a bowling alley, video stores, [and] a drug
Union to protest the controversial arrest of
Campus Arson Case” – Fire alarms caused by
store.” Other ideas presented in the article,
Rochester Cannabis Coalition president and RIT
burnt popcorn were a common occurrence 10
such as a golf course on campus, seem to have
student Shea Gunther. Gunther was arrested
years ago, just as they are today. However,
fallen out of view.
while attempting to speak to the RIT Board of
in December of 1998, two students were
April 23, 1999 “Women’s Resource Center
Trustees. According to the article, a Campus
arrested after allegedly setting fire to a
Ribbon Cutting Milestone” – The Women’s
Safety report cited Gunther for “battery and
microwave with “a bag of microwave popcorn
Resource Center (now just the Women’s
disorderly conduct.” A simultaneous rally was
and small items, including condoms.”
Center) was officially opened in the spring
held for a “Zero Tolerance” policy toward
February 19, 1999 “Portion of Racquet Club
of 1999. •
acts of racism.
to be Demolished” – The townhouses of
News | 01.09.09
“variety stores, eateries, hip hang-outs,
Photo Auction by Geoffrey H. Bliss
The Nineteenth Annual Photographic Arts and Sciences Holiday
RIT Forecast compiled by Alecia Crawford
Sat 10
Saturday Night Standup: Johnny Walker
Auction is, according to Bill DuBois, professor and administrative
Ingle Auditorium. 10:30 p.m. Musical comedian
chair of Photographic Arts in the School of Photographic Arts and
Johnny Walker comes to tickle your funny bone
Sciences, “a hidden gem of RIT where we ask vendors to bring in
and bring hilarious sounds to your ears. Cost: $1.
items, faculty to give us prints, and people to donate items. We bring
Sun 11
them in here to sell them at good prices before the holiday season begins.” The event, held inside of the building 7B lobby, brought in a great number of students, faculty, and interested patrons. This year, the event was hosted by two RIT organizations, the
Dr. Destler’s Orange Hair Challenge Clark Gym. Noon – 2 p.m. Come fill
Technical Photography Student Association for the Imaging and
up the stands for Women’s Basketball
Photographic Technology (TPSA) program and honors students from
games vs. Ithaca. Dr. Destler promises
the College of Imaging Arts & Sciences (CIAS). “They are splitting the
to dye his hair orange. Cost: Free.
total proceeds with the Community Darkroom,” DuBois said. “It is a
Mon 12
facility here in Rochester that gets photographers together to talk about and print imagery and make things happen in the photo community.” Following an opening message, DuBois began the auction. As the
Manic Mondays ‘80s Dance Party!
auction proceeded, items were called off quickly, prices were yelled
The Bug Jar, 219 Monroe Ave. 11 p.m. Grab
out, and interested patrons either chose to raise their paddles to
your neon short shorts and David Bowie
place a bid or remain silent. The auctioned items varied in subject
albums and report to the dance floor.
matter, including photography books and antique cameras.
Cost: Free. Must be at least 18 years old.
The big item for the evening was a $3,000, one weeklong workshop at the Maine Photo Workshop, which included not only the $1,000 lab, but also room and board. There were also prints from a Pulitzer Prize winning photographer, faculty, and students, all of which were sold in a silent auction. T-shirts, vests, and even a full color printer were sold to one
Tue 13 Guitar Hero Contest
Rookie’s Neighborhood Sports, 2351 Buffalo Rd. 8 p.m. Tired of beating everyone on
student for just $70. Many were heard yelling, “Sweeten the deal!”
your floor at GH? Test your skills for a grand
as items were given even better bargaining value. All purchased
prize of $50 in hard cash. Cost: Free.
items were claimed at the end of the auction in the conference
Wed 14
room near the lobby. At certain points in the auction, film was thrown to audience members who scrambled to catch the rolls in mid-air. These were given away for free, in addition to a large amount of photo paper from the FBI, which was a free gift to RIT. This year marked new changes as to how the auction is run,
Acoustic Night at Java Wally’s Java Wally’s. 9 p.m. Watch some of RIT’s own musicians play music in
predominantly in relation to technology. Eric Kerby, a fourth year
Java’s laid-back setting. Cost: Free.
Imaging & Photographic Technology student who is a member
Thu 15
of both TPSA and the CIAS honor society, stated, “We’ve been keeping electronic spreadsheets about sold items, regarding who bought them, how much they paid, and what the items
CAB Thursday Night Cinema: Kiki’s Delivery Service
are. This year we’re using Google spreadsheets to coordinate
Ingle Auditorium. 9:30 p.m. The Anime Club
everything amongst everybody. This is the first year we’ve also
co-sponsors a movie about a young girl’s
had a projector up displaying items as they’re being bid on.”
flying ability and her adventures. Cost: Free.
One student, Laura Slotkoff, a third year Fine Art Photo major, commented, “ It’s kind of frightening, all those students running after film! It’s nice being a photo student ... having the opportunity to be here and take advantage of all this. We get great supplies, free paper, free food. It’s a good time.” The Holiday Photo Auction will happen again next year. •
Fri 16
CAB’s Open Mic Night RITz. 9:30 p.m. No need to go far to see people express themselves through musical means. Cost: $1.
To Hell and Back
The discussion covered the
generally agreed that one’s post-
hell and purgatory, the factors
death experience is the ultimate
which decide where you go,
judgment and, in the words of
possible additions include atheists, agnostics, Buddhists and Hindus. Nearing the end, the moderator and director of the Center for
and what happens when you die.
Eisa, “God alone determines who
Religious Life, Jeffrey Hering,
In his speech, Lawson described
is going to heaven or hell.”
requested that questions and
hell as the absence of God and a
The reason behind this is that all
topic suggestions for future
life without God as essentially
the panelists were representatives
discussions be submitted to
being hell on Earth. He concluded,
of the Abrahamic religions. “We
the panelists or the Interfaith
share common beliefs and … we
Student Council’s supervisor, Dr.
not punishments or rewards.
basically have the same God.
Larraine Frampton. Nothing has
Rather, they are treatments for
Therefore, there are groups here
been scheduled as of yet, but
the state of our souls at death.”
that have not been represented,”
one idea came from Koroleski
explained Koroleski.
while responding to an audience
“Hell, heaven and purgatory are
One interesting moment occurred when Eisa lightheartedly attempted to explain the Islamic belief of being promised 72 virgins in
by Madeleine Villavicencio
paradise if one died as a religious
photograph by Eric Drummond
martyr. “I have no idea where they came up with that number,” he said.
“I suppose it would be very much
All jokes aside, the panelists
different perceptions of heaven,
“I guess the Bedouin tribe just really
There was a general consensus
member’s question. “Stay tuned
from the audience that there be a
for our next discussion:
more diverse panel in the future.
There’s Something About Mary,”
“I think they could have done a lot
Koroleski joked. •
better than three Christians, a Muslim, and a Jew. If they
For more information, visit the Center
could have three different types
for Religious Life’s website at http://rit.edu/studentaffairs/religion.
like sitting in class.” That was how
wanted 72 virgins — dates,
of Christians, then we could
Steve Lawson, a fourth year Film
water and 72 virgins were hot on
have different types of the other
and Animation major as well as
the list there. Maybe that’s just
religions,” said Matthew Breski,
Roman Catholic, described his view
how much camels can carry and
a third year Public Policy major,
of purgatory. “Personally, I wouldn’t
73 would have been the straw that
after suggesting the inclusion of
perceive this place of spiritual
broke the camel’s back.”
a more conservative Jew. Other
cleansing to be painful, but more uncomfortable — not necessarily fire and brimstone,” he clarified. Lawson was one of the five student representatives in the discussion panel entitled “Are You Going to Hell?” held at the Xerox Auditorium December 17. The event was arranged by the Interfaith Student Council, a group of students from various religions that aim to encourage interfaith understanding and cooperation. With Lawson were Ethan Heilicher, a Jewish second year Electrical Engineering major, Alex Koroleski, a Lutheran fourth year Applied Networking and Systems Administration major, Osama Eisa, a Muslim fourth year Political Science major, and Nathan Haseley, a Christian fourth year Bioinformatics major. Each panelist was given a few minutes to present their views regarding one’s fate after death based on their religious affiliations. Afterwards, the floor was opened for questions and clarifications.
News | 01.09.09
Osama Eisa, fourth year Political Science major, represented the Muslim viewpoint during the discussion.
expand. now advertising online 1.800.970.5406
Where the Bills Belong
With the Buffalo Bills’ season coming to a close, speculation once again rises over the franchise’s future in the city of Buffalo. Countless blogs, forums, and discussion groups have been unable to answer that looming question: What now? Despite missing the playoffs yet again this year, sources have told ESPN that head coach Dick Jauron has signed a contract extension that places him as the Bills’ head coach until 2011. Yet with the owner Ralph Wilson Jr.’s decision weighing heavily upon the team, the extension of their current head coach by no means solidifies the existence of the team in next few years. Meanwhile, our neighbors in Toronto have wanted to breach the international border and become part of the NFL for years. This may be their chance. Second year Illustration student and lifelong Buffalo Bills fan Rachel DiNunzio won’t let that happen. As a native of Buffalo’s nearby village, Williamsville, DiNunzio has been a Bills fan since before she can remember. The pride she has for her home team stems from deep within her family, since her brother, mother, father, and grandparents are all devout Bills fans. When news reached her family that the Bills may be re-
about designing an easily recognizable logo that would represent their
located in just a few years, they knew they needed to get involved.
movement. They wanted an image that would combine every aspect of
DiNunzio, along with her brother, Alex, and their uncle,
their pride for their home team. “At first it was very general.
Bob Schwartz, are the leaders of a campaign whose goal is to keep the
They needed an awesome graphic that everyone would rec-
Bills in Buffalo. They have created a website,
ognize,” DiNunzio said. “My work let their ideas come to
http://billsinbuffalo4ever.com, to inform and unite Bills
life with a workable product.” After scrapping countless
fans across the nation. The site includes an online peti-
preliminary ideas, she drew up the iconic final logo.
tion that offers fans an opportunity to take action. Last summer, DiNunzio was approached by her brother and uncle
10 Leisure | 01.09.09
“[The logo] has become a recognized symbol. Loyal fans have contacted us from far regions, wanting a t-shirt or a bumper sticker,”
DiNunzio remarked. “People are able to point and say, ‘I’ve
dom, they are more than happy to have Bills fans visit the web-
seen that before.’ ” So far, according to DiNunzio, BillsIn-
site, sign the petition, and pick up a t-shirt to spread the word.
Buffalo4Ever has received over 3,000 responses. T-shirt sales are on the rise as more and more people take notice. The online petition has brought out the pride that Bills fans
DiNunzio hopes Bills fans across the country will unite in an effort to keep the team in their home city so that the league will remain national. “It’s important to keep the NFL part of this nation.”
are famous for. One signer even added a comment to his signa-
DiNunzio added. “Not only for the Bills, but
ture, which stated, “I love my Bills with all my heart, and I will
for football fans in general.” •
fight to death to keep them where they belong.” While DiNunzio
by Dan Lovria | photograph by Christopher Valites
and her family are hardly asking anyone to resort to martyr-
logo opposite page by Rachel DiNunzio
11
Staying Private in a
Public Place by Emily Mohlmann | illustration by Matt Mancuso
If no walls are available for use,
The problem arises, though,
try maneuvering through your
when you’re sitting at a stoplight
pockets without looking suspicious
or driving at a slow speed. You
as a gateway to relief. You should
can always pretend that you’re
be able to pull at your underwear
wearing your invisibility cloak
with your hands well enough using
and carry on with your business,
your back pockets for this one.
but what do you do when you turn and see a cute guy or girl in
Fire In The Hole: After removing your wedgie, you may find your stomach to be a little bloated. While farting is a
the next car over staring at you – or worse, your physics teacher? If singing wildly is your thing, you can always turn to the back
natural part of life, it is probably
seat and act like you’re yelling at
best to avoid ripping one around
a companion. Keep in mind that
people. But, sometimes, there’s
this will only work if your back
just no way around it.
windows are tinted. Another trick:
The absolute best way to shift
stealthily place your cell phone
the blame from you to someone
on your ear, and act as though
else is the old “fart and run”
you were talking on it all along. If
maneuver. This is exactly what
you can’t pull either of those off,
it sounds like: You release your
hit the gas and hope there’s not
devil and then walk swiftly away
another red light for a while.
from the scene of the crime. It works particularly well when out
E
veryone enjoys a little private time to unwind. Many can do things that they may not ordinarily dare to do in public due to lack of nerve. The good news is that it is still possible to get away with some of these activities outside of the confines of your own four walls.
at large stores or parties.
Loud Leslie: “Hi, yes, I need to make an
If you know you tend to have
appointment. No, the Levitra is
loud noises accompanying your
still good, but I needs to renew
farts, it’s probably best to cough
my hemorrhoid cream.” If you
or talk loudly simultaneously
don’t have the guts to pull this
with gas release, distracting from
conversation off in public, there
your Step Brothers-like fart.
are some tricks to work around it.
Open Market:
doctor’s office, try to state your
If you’re on the phone with a
Digging For Gold:
It’s safe to say that, at one
problem once and then only
Let’s start with an obvious one: picking your nose. Little kids do it
time or another, everyone
answer “Yes” or “No” after that.
has unknowingly walked
Try wording your sentences to
unabashedly in the presence of others, so why can’t the rest of us? There are a couple ways to approach this operation in clear sight
around with their fly undone.
sound more like you’re talking
of strangers and friends alike. The first would be the “itchy nose
Inevitably, someone will notice
about someone else, unless, of
technique:” Rub your pointer finger back and forth under your nose, all
and obnoxiously point it out,
course, you want the world to
the while making a pass at that pesky booger with the tip of your finger.
making way for the unavoidable
know the reason for your visit.
There is also a more advanced technique; you can do the “grab and pull” with your pointer finger and thumb. This particular maneuver can be
embarrassment. However, if you do get lucky and
If all of this seems like a whole
used on either nostril by alternating the hand of attack. Adding a slight
notice it (or think you do) before
lot of trouble for what it’s worth,
twist of the wrist can also help you curb that drippy nose of yours.
anyone else does, the mission is
and you are a confident enough
fixing it discreetly. Check to make
person to go about your day
Bend And Snap:
sure nothing’s in the way, then
and activities as if no one was
The next most obvious embarrassing encounter is picking wedgies. The
quickly zip when no one’s looking.
watching, by all means, do. A
male and female population both have this problem and it’s becoming
If you’ve forgotten how, an open
wise man by the name of Dr.
even more taboo now that underwear companies advertise anti-wedgie
fly is the least of your worries.
undergarments. The easiest solution to this problem is to go and buy the special
Seuss once said, “Be who you are and say what you feel because
Automobile Idol:
those who mind don’t matter and
underwear that doesn’t ride up, but where is the challenge in that? For
You may feel your car is a private
those who matter don’t mind.” If
removing that floss rammed between your cheeks without having to
place and thus do a range of
nothing else, you’ll provide the
wait until you’re near a restroom, find the nearest wall and stand with
not-so-discrete activities in it,
rest of us with something funny
you back to it. Then, remove your wedgie while no one is watching.
including those mentioned above.
to talk about in our next lecture. •
12 Leisure | 01.09.09
SENIOR NIGHT at
cab.rit.edu
Saturday January 10 9 pm - 2 am Lovin’ Cup - Park Point Free gourmet food & live music by Rochester’s own Something Else! r ID
b
co-sponsored by
cash
e prop . w ar
Reviews Strong Bad’s Cool Game for Attractive People, Episode 5: 8-Bit Is Enough by Stephen Leljedal
angry mob forces Strong Bad to accidentally crash into his Trogdor arcade cabinet. The
discourages any prolonged thought process. Just like everything on the Homestar Runner
accident releases the game’s titular dragon
website, however, the area where this game
(or maybe, a dragon-man) into his world
truly shines through is the writing, due to all
to burninate the countryside and pummel
the sweet send-ups of all things video game.
innocent people with his single beefy arm. Oh,
From licensed shovel ware to pointless quests,
and a universal rift was also made, allowing
and Wolfenstein 3D to Mega Man, this game is
Platforms: PC, Wii
several elements of the video game world to
brimming with meta-references of the entire
(Note: This review is of the PC version only.)
seep over into Strong Bad’s reality, forcing him
industry, particularly from the 8-bit era. The
Developer: Telltale Games
to literally jump into the video game world to
game even features a character that embodies
Cost: $34.95 or 1000 Wii Points
set things straight.
almost every Japanese anime cliché in the
If you’ve played any of the Sam and Max
book.
Strong Bad’s Cool Game for Attractive People,
games made by the same developer, Telltale
or SBCG4AP for short, is a point-and-click
Games, then you should know what to expect
that you immerse yourself in the irreverent
On one last note, it’s highly recommended humor of the Homestar Runner website first
adventure game whose episodes have been
here in terms of setup. You navigate Strong
distributed every month since August of 2008.
Bad by pointing and clicking and handle
to understand most of what’s going on when
All of the episodes were made available over
items in a similar manner, by using a rather
playing SBCG4AP. You’ll be very glad that you
WiiWare (or, for the PC version, at the website
simple interface with inventory, map, and
did. Now, if you’ll excuse me, it is my intention
of its developer, http://telltalegames.com).
menu buttons. In fact, this layout makes the
to sit down and play video games for several
gameplay a bit too simplistic, since impatient
hours. •
Each episode in the series stars Strong Bad, the constantly cynical, boxing glove-donning
players can just keep reusing items on
villain of the cult classic Homestar Runner
everything in the environment until a solution
For Homestar Runner immersion, go to
website. In this installment, the pressure of an
is found. Overall, it’s a tad disappointing and
http://homestarrunner.com.
So You Want to Be a Wizard Diane Duane by Jackie Fingerhut
has gained the ability to think on its own
and trees to life as they fight against a man
and is out to kill anything in its path.
out to destroy this world as they know it.
Taxicabs are just one of the many objects
At first, I didn’t know if a book from the
that come alive in Diane Duane’s So You Want
early ’80s about such young characters
to Be a Wizard. The story opens with a 13
would entertain me, but I was pleasantly
year old girl, Nita, who finds a mysterious
surprised. Nita and Kit deal with problems
Publisher: Magic Carpet Books
book in the library that claims to have the
in a sophisticated and interesting manner,
Publication Year: 1983
ability to turn her into a wizard. Curious, as
as they learn to embrace, manage, and use
Print price: $6.95
anyone would be, she reads the wizard’s oath
their new abilities in a story line complex
aloud, beginning an adventure that starts
enough to keep a reader of any age thinking. The creatures were truly frightening at
I’ve only ridden in a New York City taxicab
out as pure fun and intrigue, but turns into
once in my life, but one time was more
something truly frightening. With the help
times and nothing about the book comes
than enough to engrave the experience in
of a fellow new wizard, Kit, and a white hole
off as a cliché young wizards story. The story brought me back to a time when
my mind forever. The cab sped down an
from space (who they name Fred), Nita travels
extremely crowded street, weaving between
to another Earth-like world without a sun.
I would have given anything for proof
other cars and pedestrians, making me grip
There, along with the mutant taxicabs, they
that magic is real, a characteristic alone
whatever I could reach so hard my knuckles
are chased by dragons, encounter a species of
that makes this story worth reading. •
turned white. Imagine, now, that the cab
man-eaters called preytons, and bring statues
14 Leisure | 01.09.09
01.09.09 At Your Leisure
STREAM OF FACTS
Cartoon
by John Howard
by Kory Merritt
Aside from playing spokesmen on Geico commercials, geckos possess another talent that allows these reptiles to literally “drop” their tails. After detaching, the tail will wiggle and
thrash a bit while the gecko scurries away — tailless — to safety. Many fans familiar with the term thrash witnessed Tony Hawk land the 900 live during the 1999 summer X Games. However, the pro skater’s attempt at the loop ramp in a gorilla suit that took place years after was not so fortunate. Due to some miscalculations on his part, Hawk ended up with a fractured skull, thumb, and pelvis as the result of spinning out of control in mid-air. The 2007 film Control, is a story profiling the life of Ian Curtis, lead singer of the band Joy Division. In the film, all the actors learned to play the band’s songs themselves; when they appear to be playing on screen, they actually are. It is said that the film was financed by the efforts of director Anton Corbijn, who was so financially desperate that he even had to mortgage his house.
To see more of Kory Merritt’s comics, check out
The tagline “Humanity is Overrated” was removed from the website of hit television series
House after it was reused in a Finnish school
Reporter recommends
shooting. 18-year-old Pekka-Eric Auvinen was
http://easybib.com. You know how you always get to the end of a research paper,
seen on a Youtube video in a black t-shirt por-
but it’s 5 a.m. on the day it’s due and you want to get two hours sleep but you still have
traying the same catch phrase prior to shoot-
to type up the Works Cited page? Sucks, doesn’t it? You say to yourself, “Wow, I wish
ing his headmistress, the school nurse, six other
there was a website or something that would just format this for me.” Turns out there
students, and himself.
is and it’s free: http://easybib.com. Just type in all the proper info from your source and EasyBib will put everything in the right order. The site does MLA and APA styles, saves all your cited works in a list, and can export that list to a formatted Word
difficulty > MEDIUM 4 9
document. It’ll even do you one better: If you type in the ISBN number on the book, it’ll find all your information needed for that citation. It’s just what we need to make
1 2
7
5 2
our generation even lazier, all in one website. Check it out and get some sleep.
Overseen and Overheard at RIT
5
8
4 3 8
2
4
6
3
7
4
4
7
6
5
9
Guy in thug clothes and safety goggles “Apple is like Campbell’s Soup: There’s always dining at Panera Bread.
Businessman in Bausch & Lomb Building.
8 5
2
9
4 7
going to be a little bit of a need for it.”
2
QUOTE
by Jimmy Page
“I’M JUST LOOKING FOR AN ANGEL WITH A BROKEN WING.” 15
16 Section | 01.09.09
Seeing a kid fall off his bike face first on
Ichihana did not give off as mystical of a
really want to know how this trick is done?’
the Quarter Mile isn’t the only magical thing
vibe as Blizzard. I would have thought that he
After they tell you, the mystery is gone. That’s why being an amateur magician is
that happens on campus. Somewhere in the
was just like every other kid until I saw him
depths of RIT lies a community of students
make a card disappear from his hands and
like a double-edged sword; in pursuing
and faculty who share a great appreciation for
then, somehow, regurgitate it. Yes, the card
a passion for magic, I lose a part of that
all things magic, illusion, and freaking people
came out of his mouth.
out with cards. These amateur masters of
Ichihana started messing around with card
mystery.” Ichihana, on the other hand, doesn’t necessarily mind. “I think they can
deceit and enchantment hide amongst us yet
tricks at the age of 12, but he only began
still be entertained after the mystery is gone.
go unnoticed (kind of like the cast of Heroes,
taking magic seriously two years later, after
I know when I perform, I don’t think anyone
except they’re still interesting after the second
spending a week at Tannen’s Magic Camp,
believes the stuff I’m telling them. Everyone
season). Jimmy Ichihana, a fifth year Industrial
located in Philadelphia. A few summers
knows I’m going to be lying to them as soon as I start,” he laughs.
Engineering major, and Deborah Blizzard, an
ago, he also worked at a camp called the
associate professor in the Science, Technology
Frenchwood Festival of the Performing Arts,
and Society/Public Policy department of
located about 140 miles outside of New York
two so hooked? “I think it takes you back
the College of Liberal Arts, are both self-
City. Here, he and three others formed their
proclaimed amateur magicians who practice
own theater.
to your childhood when everything was possible,” says Blizzard. “As you grow
So what is it about magic that has these
in their spare time. I had a chance to listen to
Being an amateur magician requires much
their thoughts and, luckily, they didn’t make
practice, which Ichihana doesn’t always have
up, you get these cultural constructive rules; you’re taught one plus one is two. As
my tape recorder magically disappear.
time for as a full-time student. “Schoolwork
an adult you don’t have the fantasy of a
It only takes a peek into Blizzard’s office
comes first, but it’s just like any other sport.
child, and I think, for many people, there’s
to realize she isn’t your average RIT faculty
You find time to go to the gym and practice
a longing to go back.” For Ichihana, “It’s
member. Although I’ve never been inside a
every now and then. It’s just something where,
just another form of entertainment that
magic store, I felt like I was sitting in one. I
if I have spare time, I’ll do it. It’s very relaxing
can become an addicting hobby. It gives
was surrounded by magic accessories, stage
for me.” And no, he hasn’t used magic to meet
you a kind of challenge to work on and it’s
props, magic show posters, and, oddly enough,
women on campus, in case you were wondering.
something fun to do … To tell you the truth,
a large Adam West era Batman wall clock.
It all seems a bit corny to him. Shame, really.
Blizzard has always been “enamored” by
Despite popular belief (and by “popular,” I
I almost like watching magic more than performing, and I guess that’s why I keep
magic and it shows. At the age of five, she
mean everyone who watched The Prestige,),
was given the opportunity to be a magician’s
magicians aren’t very competitive with each
assistant for a family friend. Five years later,
other. “The guys I usually meet up with are
words of inspiration for anyone looking to
when she started experimenting with her first
all willing to share,” said Ichihana. From
start performing tricks of their own. As per
magic set, the deal was sealed.
Blizzard’s experience, it’s more of a quid pro
Blizzard, “I would advise them to not do it
Now a professor here at RIT, Blizzard has
quo situation rather than one-upmanship:
alone; find a group that’s interested because
even taught a class entitled, “Magic, Science
“It’s more of a, ‘Hey isn’t this cool?’ thing. It’s
and Technology.” “In this course, students
all very geeky.” This leaves most amateur
learn not only the craft of contemporary
magicians with a lot of room to learn and grow.
magic, but also the history, sociology, and
Like RIT without brick, magic is nothing
trying to learn new things.” Blizzard and Ichihana both left with a few
you can critique each other.” Ichihana, on the other hand, recommends reading a good book. “Start by reading classic books; don’t look for anything that’s new. Card College by
anthropology of how and why people engage
without mystery. Magicians often refrain
in the performative patterns and the rituals of
from sharing their secrets with the audience,
Robert Giobbi is one of my favorites. Also, Expert at the Card Table by S. W. Erdnase is
magic,” explains Blizzard. The class attempts
yet some like David Blaine and the Masked
considered one of the most classic texts; it’s
to explain why adults who are accustomed to
Magician, explain how the tricks are done on
from the early 1900s and also talks about
a very scientific culture willingly enter into a
prime-time TV specials. “I don’t like it,” says
gambling.” Finally, and most importantly,
situation where reality will be altered and the
Blizzard. “I don’t think these TV shows give
never perform an act until you’re absolutely
laws of physics do not apply.
people the chance to ask themselves, ‘Do I
sure you’ve got it down. •
by Chukwuma Morah | illustration by Jamie Douglas
17
18 Section | 01.09.09
by Ilsa Shaw | illustration by Jamie Douglas
To my knowledge, I have always been female.
out to find an anabolic steroid that would
So you can imagine my surprise three weeks
minimize the negative androgenic effects
ago when a mirror’s reflection revealed a
associated with other steroids. What he
number of US states and their number has greatly decreased, but the eerie fascination
the perception of those employed by the circus. Nowadays, freak shows are banned in a
long, thick, and dark single hair sprouting
stumbled upon was methandrostenolone,
from the middle of my chin. I fiddled with it
which was soon marketed as Dianabol
to call women with facial hair “strange”
for a bit, thinking, “How the hell did this get
and sold to countless numbers of body
still remains. Perhaps the most popular
here? Is it a case of too many bread crusts?”
builders, including Governor Arnold
bearded woman of our time is Jennifer
It seems that this was just the follicle of a
Schwarzenegger and Sergio Oliva.
Miller, a professor at the Pratt Institute in
new occupation: that of a bearded lady. I was either lucky or unlucky for growing
It once even doubled as the “One A Day”
Brooklyn, New York. Miller founded and
tonic tablet for women, particularly during
participates in Circus Amok, a politically-
this bud of a beard on my own. In the times
the 1960s, until beards started sprouting
driven circus whose performances
when freak shows were popular (the 19th to
and once-womanly voices began to deepen.
address such issues as gentrification,
mid-20th century), most bearded ladies were
Methandrostenolone was legal until the 1990s,
health care, gay marriage, police brutality,
simply ordinary women with fur plastered
when the customarily slow FDA finally put
public education, and gender identity.
onto their chins. There are various incidents
their foot down. Doctor Ziegler later turned
where carnival crowds got out of hand and
against his discovery by saying, “I wish to
about which she says, “A doctor told me I had
exposed the bearded lady — and, on occasion,
God now I’d never done it. I’d like to go back
high progesterone.” Nevertheless, she refused
the entire carnival — to be a fraud. At the time,
and take that whole chapter out of my life.”
there was no definitive method to stimulate
As anyone who has ever watched The Elephant
Before her 30s, Miller had grown a full beard,
to remove it, and has since distinguished herself as “a woman with a beard, not ‘the
hair growth in women. Usually, the most
Man knows, freak shows were a major moral
bearded lady.’ ” Miller has made a name for
authentic bearded ladies had either a rare
ill of the time. A person that performed
herself as the figurehead of the Circus Amok
medical condition like hypertrichosis, which
in a freak show was just that: a freak and
show, and you can’t help but think that she
is also known as werewolf syndrome, or facial
nothing more. Such is the case with Miss
has a better grasp on some of the social issues
hair follicles that were sensitive to androgens
Annie Jones, who, by the age of five, had grown a full-fledged beard that only a lumberjack could envy. Although the
she’s tackling as a genuinely bearded female. ways of looking that weren’t traditional,
reasons for her beard growth are unknown,
white, and Protestant; [they] were another
(the type of hormones that stimulate masculine characteristics in vertebrates). Perhaps the most well-known androgen is
Miller notes that freak shows were “other
testosterone. Although all women’s bodies
it has been speculated that it was due to
way to allow people to feel superior, less
contain and utilize the hormone, excessive
hirsutism, excessive hair growth in women
existentially lost.” It is a natural impulse for a
amounts over a period of months or years
that is a symptom of an entirely different
person to look at something and immediately
can render them bearded with acne, a deeper
medical disorder. She was quickly noticed
demand categorization. So when Miller
voice, and a longer clitoris. In 1935, a group of
by American showman P.T. Barnum, who
walks by with her thin arms, feminine figure,
scientists at the University of Amsterdam first
signed her on to the Barnum Circus troupe
and hairy chin, one just isn’t sure what to
identified testosterone. Shortly afterward, a
with a hefty promise of $150 per week.
patent application was filed and the steroid
Photographs of Jones were widely distributed
make of her. By bending the boundaries of what is defined as gender and calling for
hormone became infamous. Stories of British
and she soon became the “must-see freak”
both political and social change, her beard
neurologist Charles-Édouard Brown-Séquard
of the show. Many people developed an
has rendered her an honest victim; she is a
resurfaced as common chitchat. 46 years
eerie, inhuman fascination with the idea of
woman still perceived as a “freak,” but fighting
prior to this discovery, he had injected
a bearded lady. Jones was soon kidnapped
for change just as Miss Jones once did.
himself with an extract of dog and guinea
by a phrenologist and was eventually
pig testicles — only to feel much more elated
found being shown at a church fair.
and invigorated. During World War II, other
Although the whole affair was likely a hoax
Miller is comfortable with her beard. She has never looked towards hair removal treatments of any kind. “I don’t think of
steroids were also used to experiment on
put on to generate attention for the circus,
it as a problem, so I’m not looking for a
concentration camp inmates and prisoners
Jones could not escape being a shaggy publicity
cause,” says Miller. Even so, it was time for
of war so as to test their effects on chronic
stunt. She became America’s top bearded lady
my personal beard experience to come to
wasting. Even Adolf Hitler was injected with
and is said to have toured through Russia,
a halt. With a pair of tweezers in hand and
testosterone derivatives, according to his
where she turned down the chance to pose as
my eyes set on the target, the chin hair
physician, to combat various ailments.
Jesus for several painters. In her adulthood,
was dredged from my skin. No hairs have
About 20 years later, an American scientist by the name of Doctor John Ziegler sought
she tried ardently to eliminate the word “freak”
sprouted since, and the outlook is bleak for my
from common language and spoke out against
alternative career path as a bearded lady. •
19
20 Section | 01.09.09
by Geoffrey H. Bliss | illustration by Jamie Douglas
S
ome have said that juggling is
juggling school supplies when he should be
simply “dropping things in style.”
studying for exams. Still, he always finds
jugglers. This year will mark the 32nd Spring Juggle-In, which will be held from April 17 to
Others insist that it’s all about
time to finish his schoolwork.
19 in the Clark Gym. The event is a fundraiser
how you keep throwing things
Lannan first came across the club during
for the Dystonia Medical Research Foundation,
up. Famous jugglers including
his freshman year after seeing them on the
an organization that fights to cure dystonia, a
Jason Garfield, president of the World Juggling
Quarter Mile. After taking the juggling class
disease which causes muscles to contract and
Federation, have said otherwise: “You call
taught at the Student Life Center, he quickly
spasm violently. Approximately five hundred
juggling a sport and people laugh. You call
joined the club on campus. His experience
participants are expected this year, coming
juggling an art and people laugh. When you
from the class gave him the confidence to
together from all over New York State, the east
say there’s a juggle magazine people laugh a
juggle three balls, but he wanted to learn a
coast, and even Canada to compete, exchange
lot. But you punch them in the face, they stop
more advanced trick: How to juggle clubs. Since
tricks, and network with other jugglers.
laughing.” Fortunately, the members of the RIT
then, he has quickly moved on to master other
Juggling Club do not follow this philosophy.
techniques — with the help of his club mates.
Instead, the RIT approach involves a high
“Juggling Club meets twice a week on
There will be a “five ball endurance” exercise and a “seven ball endurance” exercise, both of which test who can juggle the longest. “This
degree of discipline, trial, and patience, where
Mondays and Wednesdays and its meetings
entertainment, pastime, and professionalism
are structured around training sessions
the son of Jeff Peden, who is a world renowned
are combined in what can only be seen as a
for specific techniques, followed by official
juggler who returns every year,” said Lannen.
sport in a class of its own. This juggling club is
club business,” explained Lannan. “We’ve
Jeff Peden has trained with professionals
serious business.
also participated with campus events such
from San Francisco Circus School and Cirque
as Up ‘til Dawn and the Midnight Breakfast.
du Soliel. Currently, Wes Peden is attending
Eric Lannan, a fourth year Mechanical
year will feature an opening act by Wes Peden,
Engineering major and president of the RIT
Recently, we had a mural painted in the
a circus school in Stockholm, Sweden and is
Juggling Club, views juggling as “the ultimate
tunnels between Nathaniel Rochester Hall
capable of juggling seven clubs as if he were
pastime.” He spoke about his past and present
and Gleason, which we finished this quarter.”
born doing so.
juggling exploits both in and outside of the
The club meets directly after weekly sessions
club. “There are a ton of different styles that
of the juggling class so that class members
According to Wes’ website, his shows feature “impressive techniques, strange shapes, metal
we really encompass in the club,” he said. “We
who choose both have the opportunity to take
use everything from juggling balls and clubs,
advantage of a continuous practice session.
clockwise conclusions, and more tricks than
to rings .... There is also staff and poi [forms
Lannan added, “Still, now that the weather is
you can fit in a very large pickle jar.” With
of juggling], sometimes on fire but usually not.
bad, we may decide to hold club meetings only
a description like this, the Spring Juggle-In
Still, we’re not allowed to juggle fire stuff at RIT
once a week.”
appears to be ready to pump up crowds with
for obvious reasons. It involves a lot of training.”
The Juggling Club itself began in 2000, but
As president, Lannan has had an extensive
RIT’s juggling class was said to have started
convolution inventive hesitation, counter-
lighting fast adrenaline. •
juggling background, all the while balancing
on campus in 1977 under the guidance and
For more information about the club, visit
his academics, inventing new juggling
direction of Greg Moss, the current senior
http://rit.edu/sg/jugglingclub. For anyone who
moves, and pulling off sweet tricks. He
associate director for Athletics and Recreation,
wants to see juggling talent at its best, check out
usually finds himself sitting at his desk and
as well as Jeff Peden, both experienced
Wes Peden’s website at http://wespeden.com.
21
Find something cool? Slide it under the door of the Reporter office, along with a note about where you found it. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re located in the basement of the Student Alumni Union, room A-426.
1. Found in an illustration class.
1
22â&#x20AC;&#x201A; Section | 01.09.09
2. Found hung on the wall of the Reporter office. | 3. Found guarding the Reporter design team, next to multiple plastic giraffes. 4. Found on the first floor of the SAU, near an exit on the North side of the building. | 5. Found in the Business Manager’s desk in the Reporter office.
THIS WEEK THE REPORTER STAFF FOUND THE OBJECTS. NOW IT’S YOUR TURN TO START LOOKING.
2 3
4
5
3
23
Submit Signatures Magazine http://www.rit.edu/sg/signatures Deadline January 30, 2009
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The Skate of the Tiger by Kayla Kimball | photograph by Josh Lehrer
This picture: Taylor McReynolds of RIT fights for his goal against Mercyhurst goalie Matt Lundin on Saturday, December 13
They have a pep band that energizes
With nine shorthanded goals, the Tigers lead
the crowd, different nets for the
Division I in penalty-kill goals. Finally, to top
Frank Ritter Ice Rink and overpowered the
warm-up and the game, and the
all off is an outstanding goalie. The Tigers’
Mercyhurst Lakers in their last two games
goaltender, third year Business major Jared
before the holiday break. The Friday night
DeMichiel from Connecticut, has six wins,
game started with a scare when the Lakers
three of which were from the last three games.
had a chance on an open net, but luckily
He has 27 goals against, with 297 shots.
failed to follow through. Play throughout
boisterous Corner Crew whose name speaks for itself. They also boast streaming spotlights, the Canadian and American National Anthems, a
Except for a win in Kalamazoo, Michigan,
The Tigers brought their endurance to the
the game was back-and-forth between
spot on television, and an announcer
against Western Michigan University for
the Tigers’ offensive and defensive ends.
who is so loud that the coach has
their second game, the Men’s Hockey team
Both teams ended the game with 39 shots
were off to a slow start with four close
on goal. In net, DeMichiel led the Tigers
losses and a tie at the beginning of the
to their 6-2 victory, as his teammates
season. Since then, however, the Tigers
shot the puck past the Lakers’ goalie.
to yell over, even if he is not angry. Who has these amenities? The RIT Men’s Hockey team does. The Tigers did not receive all of this fanfare
have gained steam and are evening out their
Many teammates contributed to the goal
record to eight wins, nine losses, and a tie.
scoring, starting with a shorthanded goal by
just because they are Division I; they have
An important three game winning streak
forward Brent Alexin, a third year Packaging
earned an ornate presentation by attracting
started in Colorado Springs against the Air
Science major from New York. Justin Hofstetter,
a sizable crowd to each game, even though
Force. The Tigers were able to hand the
a fourth year Biology major from Ontario,
there is an admission fee (five dollars for
Falcons their first conference loss with 32
tallied a power play goal. First year Business
students, 10 for adults, and eight for faculty,
seconds left in overtime, 3-2. Matt Crowell,
major from Alberta, Taylor McReynolds,
staff, and alumni). The team showcases their
a third year Marketing major from British
slapped a rebound past the Lakers’ goalie for
talent with speed when dumping the puck
Columbia, was able to divert the Falcon
his first collegiate goal. Ontario native Tyler
into their offensive zone and chasing it to
defenseman as Andrew Favot, a second year
Brenner, also a first year Business major,
set up scoring chances. Their defense-to-
Criminal Justice major from Ontario, shot
quickly followed McReynolds’s goal with
defense passing in their zone is exceptional
the puck past the goalie’s glove. DeMichiel
his own after a Lakers’ defensive fell inside
as it creates many breakout opportunities.
earned his fourth win with 39 saves.
his blue line and lost control of the puck.
26 Sports | 01.09.09
1 >>
2 >>
3 >>
4 >>
Fourth year Industrial Design major Jesse
Frank Ritter Ice Rink opens its doors for the
past Erikson’s glove side, which tied the score
Newman from British Columbia wrapped
first Men’s home hockey game of the season
3-3. After the Huskies managed to score their
up the Friday night by scoring his second
on January 9 for a game at 7:05 p.m. Their
own power play goal, Favot tipped the puck
goal of the game and 14th of the season.
opponent, the University of Connecticut
in on a Tiger power play and tied the game
Huskies, have four wins and 11 losses. The
yet again. Brenner scored the winning goal
against Mercyhurst. Defenseman Chris
Tigers met the Huskies in November 2008 in
on another power play in the third period.
Haltigin, a first year Biomedical Science major
Connecticut, where they each took a win. The
from Ontario, scored his first two goals. Anton
first game was close, but the Huskies beat
fans at home that they can sweep Connecticut
Kharin of Russia, a third year Business major,
the Tigers 2-1 with an unanswered goal on
to gain a winning overall record and keep
and Favot each had a goal and an assist. Point
a Tiger penalty kill. The Tigers had plenty of
their winning record at home. After all, the
leader and playmaker Dan Ringwald, a third
chances, but the only goal they managed to
team has fans for a reason; that much can be
year Business major from Ontario, earned
make was from lead scorer Brennan Sarazin,
seen at any one of their intense games. •
two assists. McReynolds scored his second
a fourth year Finance major from Ontario.
Young Tigers dominated Saturday’s game
goal in two games off a shot from Kharin. In
What they did not do right in the first game,
net, DeMichiel stopped 32 shots as the Tiger
the players made up for in the second game
outshot the Lakers 38-35. The two wins broke
against Connecticut. They made a comeback
a seven game winning streak for Mercyhurst,
to win the game 5-4. Down by two, Mike Janda,
which may have been a contributing factor
a second year Marketing major from Illinois,
to the immense tension between the two
was able to intercept a Husky pass and shoot
teams. The players seemed to have trouble
the puck off a Huskies skate into the net. Three
holding back from fighting with each other.
power play goals and a short-handed goal
In the upcoming year, the Tigers will face
Now the Tigers will have to prove to their
Captions 1 >> Brennan Sarazin of RIT takes a shot against Mercyhurst goalie Ryan Zapolski. 2 >> S e a n M u r p h y, R I T f o r w a r d , an d Pat r i ck G o eb el o f M e r c yhu r s t have the puck in their sights at F ra n k R i t t e r A r e n a D e c e m b e r 1 2 .
answered all of Connecticut’s goals. Crowell
new teams as well as those teams they have
scored the first power play goal in the first
already confronted. If they continue to work
period with a wrist shot past the Huskies’
as relentlessly as they have, the team has
goalie, Beau Erikson. Alexin started the scoring
a decent chance to go far this season. The
in the second period with a shorthanded goal
3 >> R I T for ward Mark Cor nacchia skates around Mercyhurst’s Cullen Eddy. 4 >> Mercyhursts’s Phil Ginand goes airborne while RIT’s Sean Murphy looks on.
27
the GIS homepage says. The needs
in a shiny new sustainability building
of the present are not accounted for
built for the shiny new sustainability
in this definition, nor does it con-
Ph. D. program, and both
sider the basic needs
Bill McKibben and Peter
(water, nutritious food,
Singer have v isited to
and shelter) of people
present their v iews on
in extreme pover t y.
t h e e nv i r o n m e nt a n d
I f su st a i n abi l it y i s
social justice. RIT is do-
ab out ma k i ng su r e
ing a g reat job gaining
t hat f ut u re g ener a-
a green image, but sus-
Sustaining Sweatshops
struction of natural resources,” as
tions have the ability
tainability is not simply “being green.”
to meet their own needs, then we
Being g reen is a popular branding
cannot ignore the needs of those
technique, but sustainability is much
who are suffering now. Not only are
more than that. It is a matter of eth-
there people around the world liv-
ics, and it is not ethical to sell clothing
ing without the most basic needs,
made in sweatshops. Yet in the new
but these people are also exploited
bookstore there are brands that uti-
for cheap labor, or, to put it bluntly,
lize sweatshop labor, and what makes
sweatshop labor. What part of this
it worse is that our university logo is
is sustainable?
on their clothing.
We cannot ignore the fact that at
Sweatshop labor would not fit in the
the RIT bookstore there are sweat-
definition given by the “Our Common
shop labor products. This seems
Future” report of the World Commis-
unacceptable for an institution
sion on Environment and Development
— an educational institution, at that
by Maximiliano Herrera
that is quoted on the Golisano Insti-
— which is committed to sustain-
illustration by Evan Anthony
tute of Sustainability (GIS) home page.
ability, considering that over 100
In the report, sustainable development
universities have already pledged
is defined as “development that meets
to be a “sweat-free” campus, most of
the needs of the present without com-
which do not parade around a mes-
promising the ability of future genera-
sage of sustainability. This list in-
tions to meet their own needs.”
cludes many prominent universities
Sweatshop labor does seem to meet
such as Harvard, Stanford and Carn-
the “needs of the present,” but what of
egie Mellon University. RIT seems
considerations for future (and present)
to be far behind in this respect,
generations? It is the same old indus-
especially since RIT claims to be an
trial revolution model that has gotten
innovative campus.
the world into the trouble it is currently
R IT has shown litt le commit-
in. RIT does have a big “going green”
ment to meeting the needs of the
campaign that ties into their commit-
present. This makes RIT’s com-
ment to sustainability, but it seems only
mitment to sustainability a fraud.
to be a way to spend as little money as
Until RIT has a commitment to,
possible on energy, transportation, and
at the very least, remove sweatshop
so on by using new eco-efficient tech-
products from campus, sustainabil-
nology so that profits are larger. Even
ity on campus will remain a fraud.
if “going green” was more than a mar-
This is a glaring deficiency in an
keting buzzword, it would still not dis-
educational institute with a com-
play more than a shallow commitment
mitment to sustainability. When sus-
to sustainability. Sustainability is not just making sure our environment is safe, and it is not
then the issue will be addressed
simply preventing “negative environ-
and rectified. •
mental effects, such as air and water pollution, solid waste, and biodegradation, which lead to larger, global problems including climate change and de-
28 Views | 01.09.09
tainability means more to RIT than a marketing technique, it is only
The opinions expressed in the Views section are solely those of the author.
RIT has become a brand name for sustainability. The university just invested
word
what’s your new years resolution?
on the street photographs by Jake Hamm
“ENJOY SNOW!!!” Elizabeth Bennett Finance Third year
“To not completely mess up in University Physics II.” Robert Close Software Engineering Second year
“4.0.”
“To make it to class once in the next seven weeks.”
Chris Hinkle Software Engineering
Joel Winter
Second year
Imaging Science Second year
“I would like to gain 20 pounds.” Kyle Knapp Mechanical Engineering Third year
“To become more blonde, and keep it a secret from my parents.” Jin-Ah Kim Photo Journalism First year
RIT RINGS 585.672.4840
Monday, 10:39 p.m.
compiled by Neil DeMoney
All calls subject to editing and truncation. Not all calls will be run. Reporter reserves the right to publish all calls in any format.
Thursday, 10:11 p.m.
Thursday, 11:32 p.m.
Hey Rings, I work at the library and I’m not a creeper. So, as long as you have a library card, you can come and check me out Monday and Tuesday nights. See you!
I just wanted to say that we are driving home right now and [ John Kmar] was right. We should not be out in this weather. There’s like six feet of snow and it’s really, really scary.
Wednesday, 12:57 a.m.
So we’re at the hockey game and a kid cut his leg open. Now there still isn’t any ambulance here. What are we supposed to do? I just called because I figured you might be able to help. Wednesday, 4:03 p.m.
Hey RIT Rings, I was just reading your last issue and there’s just a thing about the hottest girls on campus looking for a party. I’m just sayin’ that they should meet me by the sundial, Friday, at 7:00. Wednesday, 5:14 p.m.
We have a washing machine steal on our hands. Somebody took my [crap] out of t he washing machine. Now instead of taking their [crap] out of the washing machine, I just filled it with laundry soap. Now I might be a bad person, but I don’t think so. Bye! 30 Views | 01.09.09
Thursday, 1:32 a.m.
It’s 1:30 and I can’t sleep. I’m hungry and the hottest wings I can eat are medium.
You know what is a crock of [crap?] My org an ic chemistry class. There are these three kids who sit in t he back of t he class and freeload off my education. Do you know how much I pay to come here and take that [friggin’] class? Too much! I swear if they are in my next class I’ll make sure t hey don’t know the difference between alkaline and alkyne. Wednesday, 12:05 a.m.
There’s people drifting in the parking lot. Now I know it’s a lot of fun, but my car’s out there and I don’t want it to get hit. Now there’s a bunch of bikers, biking in the snow. I just don’t understand it. Just please don’t hit my car. Friday, 1:16 a.m.
I don’t know if you noticed yet, but it’s winter outside. So go outside and have a snowball fight, build a jump, just do something. It’s winter! Friday, 11:08 p.m.
Hey Rings, I just wanted you to forward this message to Mother Nature. It’s: [!*%#] you!
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