VALENTINES INSIDE je veux vous enseigner comment faire la pirouette
02 13 09 | reportermag.com
Speed dating can you find true love in three minutes?
saint valentine the saint behind the ceremony
jaythreeoh “the slow flow show� dj hangs up the mic
EDITOR’S NOTE EDITOR IN CHIEF
Laura Mandanas
extracurriculars
| eic@reportermag.com Managing Editor
For every one person that calls in each day, he estimates that there are a couple hundred more
Ilsa Shaw
listening who feel the same way. Over the thirteen and a half years that he has been involved
| managing@reportermag.com
with WITR, hip hop DJ Jaythreeoh has developed a strong following and community of supporters.
David Spiecker
COPY EDITOR
Still, it is time for a change; after years of professing his love of fat chicks on the show, Jaythreeoh
| copy@reportermag.com
is marrying one of his own in July (see “Jaythreeoh Hangs Up the Mic,” page 13).
Andy Rees
NEWS EDITOR
Though his show is now coming to an end, I’d say that this is one of the most compelling RIT
| news@reportermag.com LEISURE EDITOR
success stories that I’ve heard in some time. We rationalize that money we spend on college will
John Howard
being able to get a job once we’re through, but that’s not exactly what we’re going to take away
| leisure@reportermag.com FEATURES EDITOR
Madeleine Villavicencio
passionate about? Usually not piles of homework.
| features@reportermag.com SPORTS/VIEWS EDITOR
Jack Reickel
From organized activities such as track (see “RIT Track and Field: Through Perseverance, Progress, page 29”) and DJing at WITR to other, shall we say, “nontraditional” activities (see
| sports@reportermag.com ONLINE editor
from the place. Certainly, the academics are important, but what is it that students get most
Adimabua Ofunne
“Salvia on Campus, page 9”), extracurricular activities are some of the most important things at RIT. They’re what make RIT bearable. They’re make students feel connected. They’re what might
| online@reportermag.com
eventually get us to donate money to the institute once we’ve graduated. (Well, track and fieldWRITERS
Alecia Crawford, Leanne Cuching, Neil
DeMoney, Eric Drummond, Carolyn Dunne, Maximiliano Herrera, Dan Lovria, Chukwuma
like activities, anyway. Extracurricular hallucination consumption, perhaps not so much. But to each their own.) The most successful students are the ones that find these niches of people with interests
Morah, Alex Rogala, Ilsa Shaw, Evan Stark
similar to their own, and it’s no wonder. The amount of support found in these small groups is
Art
for: to hold our family members down and be here for our loved ones. That’s what I’m gonna do.
undeniable. As Jaythreeoh explained on the air during his last show, “That’s what we’re here ART DIRECTOR
That’s what I have to do.”
Susie Sobota
Over the past several years I’ve seen RIT try to replicate these supportive networks through
| art.director@reportermag.com STAFF DESIGNERS
Evan Anthony, Kelvin Patterson
students to form is definitely worth striving for, but attempts to institutionalize them may be
Lisa Barnes
AD Designer
PHOTO EDITOR
in vain. Part of the magic of these groups is that the supportive relationships between members
Eric Drummond
have evolved naturally.
| photo@reportermag.com STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS
programs such as FYE and learning communities. Making room for supportive networks of
Robert Carr, Oscar
We’re coming up to budget season at RIT, and while there are plenty of cuts that will need to
Durand, Jake Hamm, Matt Kelley, Thomas
be made, I hope that funding for student clubs and organizations will remain largely unaffected.
Liggett, Seth Personett, Steve Pfost, Eddie
If anything, this is an area that RIT should be pouring their resources into. Getting students to
Rodriguez, Christopher Valites, Evan Witek Staff illustrators
Katie Anderson, Jamie
care about a small number of individuals in these groups is the first step in developing real the missing school spirit that everyone is so worried about.
Douglas, Joanna Eberts, Matt Mancuso, Robin Miszkiewicz, Robert Modzelewski, Ben Rubin, Sara Wick CARTOONIST
Laura Mandanas
Kory Merritt
Editor In Chief
Business PUBLICITY MANAGER AD MANAGER
Lindsay Block
Kyle O’Neill
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Danielle Gotschall
| business.manager@reportermag.com PRODUCTION MANAGER
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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 © 2009 Reporter Magazine. All rights reserved. No portion of this Magazine may be reproduced without prior written permission.
table of contents
letters pg. 04
02 13 09 | volUME 58 | issue 20
features pg. 18 Valentines
news pg. 06
Above photograph by Jeffrey Porter.
Cut them out! Give them to your friends!
Sophomores Sarah Priestap and Elijah
Some Like It Fast
Hoffman skip class to go cross country skiing across the frozen Genesee River.
Sit In at University of Rochester
Speed dating.
SDS demands aid for Gaza.
Artifacts
SG Update
An indecisive single lady.
Pizza Bomb deliciously successful.
Word on the Street
Cover illustration by Jamie Douglas.
Forecast
Give me your worst pickup line.
Not listed: Horned Lizard Day, February 14.
Who is Saint Valentine?
In the February 6 issue of Reporter
Salvia on Campus
He’ll make you lose your head.
// Both Jeffrey Porter and Steve Pfost took
Serious consequences.
sports pg. 28
leisure pg. 10
Track and Field
Wooing for Weirdos
Through perseverance, progress.
You’re awesome (good looking and charming). Rail Jam Sick grinds.
views pg. 30
Jaythreeoh hangs up the mic
(Guide)Lines of Separation
After 13 and a half years, he’s leaving WITR.
Gracefully exiting sticky wicket relationships.
Reviews
RIT Rings
Coraline and Lights That Flicker Will Surely Fade.
[Margaret Thatcher], you are really cute!
AT YOUR LEISURE
Corrections
photographs for “The Inaguration.”
// SG Update was written by Andy Rees, not
Alecia Crawfoed.
Letters to the editor NOTE Opinions expressed in Letters to the Editor are solely those of the author. Reporter reserves the right to edit submissions on the basis of content, length, grammar, spelling, and style. Letters are not guaranteed publication. Submissions may be printed and reprinted in any medium. Reporter will not run responses to letters that are responding to a letter.
Editor’s Note: The “Worker Rights
a rule sacrifice the environment
mandated benefits.” To put this
that kind of environment, much
Consortium” article appearing in the
and the rights of workers to
in perspective, the prevailing
stronger language is necessary
January 30 issue of Reporter was
get contracts. Under this kind
industry wage usually isn’t
to make collective bargaining
written by Leah Andrews before reading
of pressure to produce, it is not
enough for a worker to live
possible. The WRC takes care of any ambiguity: “Licensees shall
James Fisher’s letter to the editor
surprising that sweatshops are
on, much less support their
(January 23 issue). Andrews requested
standard, and yet when unfair
families. Legally mandated
not cooperate with governmental
that the article be pulled so that she had
labor practices come into the
benefits and minimum wage?
agencies and other organizations
more time to look into Barnes & Noble’s
public eye, suppliers tend to
These factories are in countries
that use the power of the State to
policies, but due to a miscommunication,
take the heat, even though they
that are so desperate for foreign
prevent workers from organizing a union of their choice. Licensees
the article was published anyway.
are simply trying to keep up
investment that they can’t
Reporter regrets the mistake and
with demand. The FLA, in part
afford to do something as
shall allow union organizers free
apologizes to all parties involved.
governed by representatives from
damaging as mandate a wage
access to employees. Licensees
The following article is an update on
the very companies that put so
much higher than the “industry
shall recognize the union of the
Andrews’ original article.
much downward pressure on the
standard.” With all the talk the
employees’ choice.” The decision to use B&N as
lower levels of supply chains, is
FLA and B&N do to promote
Fair Labor Association: No Sweat?
inextricably linked to this system.
their high standards, one would
RIT’s bookstore was carefully
by Leah Andrews
According to Eric Dirnbach of
hope for something a little
made, B&N demonstrating
BehindTheLabel.org, fair labor
less rock bottom. Compare
business practices superior to
After learning that Barnes &
enforcement is improving, but
this with the Worker Rights
other companies in the area. If
Noble (B&N) College Booksellers
weak. That’s hardly surprising,
Consortium’s (WRC) Code of
these weak codes of conduct are
has pending affiliation with the
with such a blatant conflict of
Conduct, which goes on to define
the best option, I maintain that
Fair Labor Association (FLA) and
interest within the FLA.
how to determine a living wage,
it’s time for RIT to take action
in 1998 adopted the White House Apparel Industry Partnership “Workplace Code of Conduct,”
requiring that workers receive
by directly affiliating with the
aside, the B&N and FLA Codes
no less than a salary that covers
WRC and adopting our own code
of Conduct are completely
basic needs.
of conduct to be enforced from
Questions of enforcement
Freedom of association and
outside the industry that first and
I wondered if the goal to make RIT
inadequate. Here’s my favorite
a sweat-free campus had already
part, the section dealing with
collective bargaining are also
foremost perpetuates a system
been realized. After a little bit
wages and benefits: “Employers
essential elements of a good code
of inequity.
of digging, I learned that we still
recognize that wages are
of conduct, but all the FLA has
have quite a way to go.
essential to meeting employees’
to say is that employers shall
basic needs. Employers shall pay
recognize the right of workers to
FLA and WRC websites.
designed to put enormous
employees, as a floor, at least
associate and collectively bargain.
http://fairlabor.org
pressure on suppliers to produce
the minimum wage required
Garment workers throughout the
http://workersrights.org
as much as quickly and as cheaply
by local law or the prevailing
industry are harassed, threatened
as possible. To keep up with
industry wage, whichever is
or fired if the word “union” is
global competition, suppliers as
higher, and shall provide legally
so much as whispered, and, in
The garment industry is
TO SEND LETTERS Email reporter@rit.edu. Reporter will not print anonymous letters.
4 Letters | 02.13.09
Compare these codes yourself at the
Scholarships and Awards For Leadership, Service and Spirit Applications due March 20, 2009 Apply online at:
www.rit.edu/leadership Or pick up a copy at:
The Student Alumni Union Info Desk, The Financial Aid Office, or The RIT Leadership Institute SAU Room 2130 (Second floor of the SAU RITreat)
Scholarships and Awards Include: The Alfred L. Davis Leadership Awards Kathleen M. Keyes Award Eric Sienna Award Walls Olson Scholarship Isaac L. Jordan, Sr. Fund Cheyl Bulls, Lanette Moore & Susan Willoughby Memorial Scholarship
5
sit in at
university of rochester On February 6, the University
untold amount of misery in the
of Rochester (UR) chapter of
region.”
the Students for a Democratic
Adriano Contreras, a fourth
Society (SDS) held a protest on the
year multidisciplinary major,
UR campus to support peace in
stated, “The goal is not only to
Gaza. Members of RIT’s Campus
have the demands met, but to
Antiwar Network attended
set a precedent for other colleges
to show their support. The
in the US.” This is one of the
protesters planned on occupying
first occupations of a university
the building until their demands
for Gaza, whereas, in England,
were met. According to SDS’s press release, their demands
there have been close to twenty. “The media presents an almost
included having UR adopt a
completely one sided picture of
“peaceful investment policy to
the situation in America, which
the university’s endowment
is the problem. We’re trying
which includes divestment from
to challenge that,” continued
corporations that manufacture
Contreras.
weapons and profit from war,”
by Maximiliano Herrera | photographs by Robert Carr
But not everybody was in favor
UR and RIT students voice their opinions at a sit in at the UR campus, February 6.
humanitarian aid to Gaza,
of the protest, such as a group
academic aid to Gaza University
calling themselves “Students
and scholarships to Palestinian
for the Peaceful-ish Takeover of
university already has in place.
Students.
Iceland.” The group was mocking
For example, the university does
plan out implementation of the
the protester’s demands that UR
not invest in companies profiting
demands, and determine whether
student of Computer Science,
should fund anything in Gaza by
from the humanitarian crisis
the demands are feasible. Burns
said, “This is important because
demanding funds for an invasion
in Darfur. We’re just trying to
described the situation as “more
the atrocities that occurred
of Iceland.
get that policy to apply to all
of a beginning than an end.”
RJ Bean, an RIT graduate
over Christmas break resulted
Ryan Acuff, a UR graduate
crises.” This would be a topic of
will assist SDS to research and
At the end of the negotiations,
in the deaths of thousands of
Psychology major, and head
discussion in the negotiations
many of the protesters excitedly
Palestinians, and, coupled with
organizer for the Gaza protest,
later during the night.
celebrated. After clearing the
the longstanding siege and
said, “The demands are fully
occupation of Gaza, have led to
compliant with the policies the
When the time came to actually
a victory march to the UR library
discuss the demands in depth, it
to continue with a meeting about
became clear to the protesters
the protest and to propose future
that UR would be punishing
courses of actions. “While there
students who stayed after the
were some problems with how
building closed at midnight. So
this was approached by students,
a fifth demand was added: “No
it is good to see that they were
retribution for anyone who stays
sticking up for their beliefs in
after the official closing of the
a peaceful manner. While the
building.” The administration
politics of the whole situation is
firmly stood against it and
nothing I want to take sides in, I
negotiations were suspended.
view the suffering in Gaza as a
Fifteen minutes before
the students with their goals like
negotiation with Matthew Burns,
I said I would,” said Burns. •
the dean of Students Affairs at UR. agreed that all of the demands will require further investigation before they can be fully realized, if they are even possible to
6 News | 02.13.09
terrible situation. I want to help
midnight, Acuff led another
Ultimately, SDS and the university
RJ Bean and Jake Allen protest in front of UR’s library.
building, the protesters went on
meet with the administration to
achieve. Burns promised that UR
SG Update
compiled by Alecia Crawford
RIT Forecast
compiled by Alecia Crawford
SG Super Bowl Party Ads Reprimanded
Sat 14
The advertisements for the Student Government Super Bowl par-
Valentine’s Day
ty received backlash from the administration for not including
Wherever there’s love. Time to prove your love for your
“with proper ID” when mentioning the alcohol present at the event.
significant other through the finer things in life. Like ma-
Carol Reed, associate director of the Center for Campus Life, came to
terial things. Cost: Depends on devotion.
the senate meeting to try and clear up any confusion on this issue.
Valentine’s Day Dance
Fitness Club Approved
SDC rooms 1300 and 1310. 8 - 11 p.m. Take advantage of
K ier st en Sh i n r o c k , d i r e c t or of O r g a n i z at ion a l R e c og n it ion ,
the tunnels and samba over to this event. There might be
reported to the Senate that the Fitness Club has been approved.
punch! Singles: $2 Couples: $3.
Nick Swardson Cancelled
Sun 15
The CAB representative reported to the Senate that Nick Swardson cancelled h is Febr uar y 6 per for mance due to being sick.
Men’s Basketball vs. Hartwick
Swardson’s MySpace blog states, “I had to cancel the shows. Woke up
Clark Gym. 2 - 4 p.m. Now that Sunday afternoon football
sick Monday. Fought it off. Got worse and worse. Spent afternoon at
is hibernating until the fall, watch the Tigers play some
doctor’s and he recommended I not fly. I have a lot of [work] for my
B-ball against Hartwick. Cost: Free.
new movie next week and couldn’t risk getting worse... Hopefully the
Mon 16
schools will let me reschedule.” Swardson also cancelled his show at the University of Connecticut.
Percussion Explosion
OCASA Pizza Bomb Success
The Club at Water Street, 204 North Water St. 9 p.m.
Jacqueline Robinson, OCASA representative, reported that the atten-
Work that week 10 aggression out on percussion in-
dance at the Pizza Bomb, which promoted OCASA through free pizza,
struments, or just watch other people play. 18+ with ID.
wings, soda and games on February 5, reached 450 people, the largest
Cost: $5 to drum, free to watch.
number of attendees so far for the event.
Tue 17
Grad Students to Have Business Cards Fabiana Kotoriy, graduate senator, reported that the office of Gradu-
String Theory
ate Studies have approved the business cards for their students.
Johnny’s Irish Pub, 1382 Culver Road 7 p.m. Find out an
Kotoriy gives credit to Ashok Rao, dean of the College of Business,
Irish approach to “string theory” at this pub’s weekly live
and David Koster, COB senator, for pressuring the graduate office to
music show. Cost: Free.
get this accomplished. The party that will be covering the cost for the business cards is still unclear at this time.
Wed 18
New York Student Aid Alliance
Argentine Tango Dance
Dr. Heath Boice-Pardee, Student Government advisor, briefly touched
Nasty D Bar & Grill, 140 Alexander St. 7 p.m. Learn the
upon the New York Student Aid Alliance fan page on Facebook.
Argentine tango from Jan Bares. Cost: $4.
The state of New York is tr y ing to get r id of the Tuition Assistance Prog ram (TAP) for many students. For more information
Thu 19
visit http://nystudentaidalliance.org. •
Thursday Night Cinema: Pineapple Express Ingle Auditorium. 10 p.m. CAB starts off the weekend with another entertaining movie, the funny and actionfilled Pineapple Express, starring Seth Rogen and James Franco. Cost: Free.
Fri 20 12th Annual Snowball Semi-Formal SAU Cafeteria. 8 p.m. Otherwise known as “the last chance you get to dance with that cute chick before she goes and gets crazy with someone else on spring break.” Cost at the door: Singles: $9, Couples: $17.
7
IT’S ALWAYS BEEN ABOUT THE TASTE BUY ONE, GET ONE
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ATTENTION STUDENTS: Want to be in an Abbott’s TV commercial? Sign up at our counter this week! Date is Monday, March 2nd
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HAVING A PARTY? NEED CAKES? SEE US FOR YOUR CATERING NEEDS
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is hiring a
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PARK POINT AT RIT CAMPUS
reporter@rit.edu
salvia on campus
a
by Leanne Cushing | photograph by Matt Kelly and Eddie Rodriguez
There hasn’t been much
lso referred to as “Magic
the incident, Public Safety picked
out of one of the windows in the
Mint” and “Sally D”,
up the student, who was coatless,
dorms because they imagine that
research done on salvia and its
salvia is a hallucinogenic plant
shoeless, and unaware that he was
they can fly.
effects. There have been reports
that has been smoked for religious
outside. The student was taken
purposes by the Mazatec Indians
to a hospital and monitored over
is still legal, RIT has few options
alcohol, prescriptions or illegal
for centuries. Legal in most states,
night. He was released, but was
for disciplinary action when
drugs. Hallucinations can range
relatively cheap and easy to get,
charged with underage drinking
students are in possession of
from pleasant visions to horrific
it has become increasingly popular
and endangering behavior.
salvia. If salvia is found on a
nightmares. So far 13 states
student, he or she will be referred
have laws prohibiting its sale or
with high school and college
Dawn Soufleris, assistant vice
Considering that “magic mint”
on a variety of interactions with
students over the past few years.
president for Student Affairs,
to an educational program
possession. There is a bill to ban
Though there are mixed reports
expressed her concerns with salvia.
about the substance. If they are
salvia in New York State that is
caught using it, they will be held
currently under review, but it has
as to whether the substance is
“My biggest fears are that someone
addictive, long term effects and
will wander into the nature
accountable for “endangering
been pushed off the priority list
consequences of the drug can
preserve and won’t be found until
behavior.” According to Soufleris,
due to the state of the economy
be serious.
it’s too late.” Students under the
it is generally difficult to pinpoint
and other government issues.
influence of drugs or alcohol have
salvia usage and popularity
Soufleris fears that salvia will
hospitalized at RIT due to an
also been known to wander out
among students at this time.
have to be a cause of death or serious injury in New York before
Last year, one student was incident involving salvia. The
onto Jefferson Road or be found
There have been many rumors
student was intoxicated, but
lying down in the roads on campus,
and reports of its growing
it is dealt with. “It’s really like
acting unusual even for a weekend
noted Soufleris. One other fear she
popularity on campus,
playing with fire — you’re going to
evening. After someone reported
has is that someone might fall
specifically in Park Point.
get burned.” •
9
Weirdos Wooing For
by Leanne Cushing | photographs by Christopher Valites
10  Leisure | 02.13.09
Beautiful people in romance movies may fall in love in clichéd ways, but eccentric folk have bizarre, yet just as passionate, techniques. After all, there are crazy things people will do for true love. But I urge you not to judge, dear reader! You, too, may find yourself in Cupid’s clutches someday with similar antics.
2D Love Many people believe you don’t choose love — it chooses you. A man in Japan, Taichi Takashita, petitioned to be allowed to marry the love of his life, a cartoon character. “I am no longer interested in three dimensions. I would even like to become a resident in the two-dimensional world,” he w r ot e on h i s on l i ne p et it ion . The o b j e c t of h i s a f f e c t ion s , Mikuru Asahina, is a high school junior in the Haruhi Suzumiya manga. Although his petition has collected over a thousand signatures, Japan will still not allow a two-dimensional marriage.
Unrequited Love
I Now Pronounce You Dolphin and Wife
Erotomania is the delusion of a romantic relationship with a stranger
A British millionaire named Sharon Tendler married the love of her life,
who is usually of higher social status than them. This insanity can be
a dolphin named Cindy, in 2005. She claimed to have fallen in love with
illustrated well in an entertaining tale about David Letterman’s stalker,
him fifteen years earlier when visiting a dolphin reef in Israel. An Is-
Margaret Mary Ray. She stole Letterman’s Porsche, claimed she was his
raeli news site reported, “Cindy, escorted by his fellow bestmen dolphins,
wife and that her son was their only child. She left cookies and an empty
swam over to Tendler and she hugged him, whispered sweet nothings
whiskey bottle in his home in Connecticut, and left books and letters in
in his ear and kissed him in front of the cheering crowd.” Even though
his driveway. After all of her efforts, she failed to woo Letterman and
the ceremony had no legal bearing, she now proudly calls herself a “one-
ended up serving ten months in prison for harassment.
dolphin woman.”
My Tractor is Red, My Flannel Shirt’s Blue, Murder is Sweet, and So Were You
A Long Wedding in a Galaxy Far, Far Away
There was a farmer in the United Kingdom that ran over his wife with
Another strange kind of a wedding is that of obsessive Star Wars fans. The
a tractor to gather the insurance money to fly off to the Maldives with
best example of this wedding theme was that of Rebecca D’Madeiros and
his mistress. To his misfortune, his children found a Christmas card
Bill Duda, whose wedding took place in their backyard in Portland, Oregon.
from another woman in his room, which caused the case to be reopened.
The groom dressed as Admiral Ackbar and the bride as Mon Mothma,
A Queen’s Counsel prosecutor reflected, “Despite being experienced on the
while Yoda was the one to perform the ceremony. Flickr has over 12,000
farm, his wife somehow contrived to fall under the front wheels of the
photos of it — just google “Flickr Star Wars wedding.”
tractor and the defendant somehow managed not to see her.”
The LOL proposal A Tale of a Mage and A Warrior
A man proposed to his girlfriend in LOLcat pictures featured on the I Can
On the well-known massively multiplayer online game, World of Warcraft,
Has Cheezburger? website. The girlfriend, Loretta, responded, “I can haz
two star-crossed players fell in love. In determination to meet his love in
huzbind? Yes!”
real life, the warrior, a 17-year-old boy, tried running away to Australia. To his dismay, authorities seized him at the Raleigh-Durham International
Going Postal
Airport and brought him back home to his parents. Determined, the love-
Believing it would make people happier, a 30-year-old from Brooklyn,
sick 31-year-old woman decided to fly to her love by taking a flight to the
Jake Bronstein, sent 1,000 strangers love letters. Each letter was uniquely
United States and meeting up with him. When she arrived, the authorities
written by himself, his friends and family members. An excerpt from
seized her and held her on child abduction charges.
Times Online reads, “Dear You,
Underwater Love
If you were cold, I would do my best to warm you up. If you were sad,
Many couples get engaged or married underwater, at a variety of differ-
I’d do that dance you seem to like. If you were broke, I’d give you money.
ent locations. There have been engagements from the Georgia Aquarium
You’re worth it because you’re awesome (good looking, charming, and fun).
to marriages in the Andaman Sea near Thailand. What says “I love you” like scuba gear and sea water?
Even writing this made me smile. That is so you. Thanks. -Love, Zoomdoggle” •
11
The Rail Jam Showcases RIT’s Snowboard Supremos
To me, snow is a lot like trash: it makes campus
on their coffee. A nearby wooden quarter pipe
R e d Bu l l’s That ’s It, That ’s All. O f c ou r s e,
look unattractive and sometimes appears in
also housed some inventive slides and tricks.
a day of shredding wouldn’t be complete with-
shades of yellow. RIT’s Snowboarding Team and
The pièce de résistance was the well-sized ramp
out hot chocolate, which was also served.
the College Activities Board (CAB) beg to differ.
that had riders twisting, flying, and front-flip-
The Rail Jam raised the interest of those who
“In an area like Rochester where it snows a
ping over the paved path connecting the SAU
might want to pick it up as a hobby, myself in-
to the Library.
cluded. Unfortunately, as the winter quarter
lot, we wanted to host a fun, outdoor activity
comes to an end, so does the chance to register
that brings people together,” says CAB event
One of these acrobats was Brittany Lemenager,
manger Taf Islam, a fourth year Mechanical
a second year Graphic Design major, who gets
for RIT’s ski and snowboarding class, which isn’t
Engineering major. “That’s what the Rail Jam is.”
more nervous when she’s giving a presentation
available in the spring for obvious reasons.
And bring people together it did; hundreds of
in class than when she’s approaching a ramp
Snowboarding Team’s fifth year Industrial &
students, wanting to forget a sadistic week eight,
at high speed. “What I like most is the environ-
Systems Engineering major, Brian Smits, offered
decided to stop by throughout the day and en-
ment,” she says. “It’s what makes snowboard-
some final tips on what to expect when hitting
joy the snow escapades. I guess one man’s trash
ing one of my favorite activities.” The freestylers
the slopes for the first time: “Get ready for a
really is another man’s treasure.
that rose above the rest were awarded prizes
The event’s course itself was quite the setup
,courtesy of the Snowboarding Team.
beating. You’ve gotta be dedicated and you’re going to be sore at the end of the day, but once
given the amount of space available on the hill
And the f un didn’t stop there. The night
you get the hang of it, it’s a lot of fun.” Lemenag-
located behind the tiger statue. A picnic table
concluded at the RITz with three snowboard-
er added, “Bring a pillow. Your butt will hurt.” •
and rail were both staged, hosting sick grinds
ing movie premieres: Rome’s No Correct Way,
that could make onlookers in Java Wally’s choke
Burton’s It’s Always Snowing Somewhere, and
12 Leisure | 02.13.09
by Chukwuma Morah | photographs by Evan Witek
Jaythreeoh Hangs Up the Mic by Eric Drummond | photograph by Eric Drummond
“So, like what are you going to do? What do you
Mackey, Geech Lorenz, DJ D1 Imperial, DJ BackSpin, Coach Bill & Destroy and DJ Sight. Going over its scheduled time by an hour and a half, the show included freestyle performances by most of the guest rappers, including a couple rhymes from Jaythreeoh’s longtime friend, Flirt, who doesn’t normally spit lyrics. “That was probably the best show I have ever
mean you’re not going to have anybody else?
seen,” said Michelle Corneau, general manager of
You can’t just stay on? You’ve got to figure out
WITR. Jay went out with a bang.
something. We need it. I can’t be at work and not hear the show. What the hell is wrong with you?
For the past two weeks fans and friends have been calling and emailing about him leaving. There
Stop playing. You need to quit telling lies on the
is no scheduled hip-hop show anymore at WITR. In
radio and finish the show... [This listener] called
Jay’s words, “There are some big shoes to fill.”
and basically just let me have it,” related Jaythreeoh. After thirteen and a half years, Jaythreeoh, DJ
Jay wipes his eyes after saying his last line on the air.
For the finale, Jaythreeoh brought in Rochester rappers and friends including L.I., Moses, Hassaan
Jaythreeoh ended his final show on an emotional note, saying, “You can’t tell me not to cry, man. I
of “The Slow Flow Show” at WITR, hosted his final
don’t care what you want to call me. I can’t say
show last Friday, February 6. Starting as a freshmen
‘until the next time,’ but I’ll say it this time for the
in college under the tutelege of DJ Chris G, his
last time: Fat chicks rule the planet y’all. Peace, love
show continued on after he graduated, always as a
and blub.” •
volunteer position — five days a week from 9 to 12
To see video of Jaythreeoh’s interview and last show, check out
in the morning. But it is now time for Jay to move
http://reportermag.com. To hear audio of the entire last show, visit
on. Changes needed to be made, both for himself
http://witr.rit.edu.
and for his family.
13
Reviews Coraline by Alex Rogala
with her detached parents and the monoto-
to date, and the first major instance of stop-
nous world around her. After entering a mys-
motion. The film was shot in a mix of clay ani-
tifying door in her home, Coraline is whisked
mation and CGI, and the resulting product is
away to a fantasy world where she meets her
remarkably well polished, with a wonderful
“Other Mother” and “Other Father,” cheerful
blend of classic stop motion and 3D. Whereas
button-eyed counterparts to her real parents.
many 3D films go out of their way to present
However, after spending time in this world,
gimmicks, Coraline uses the medium surpris-
Rating: Dig it
she slowly begins to realize it’s not the utopia
ingly effectively, preferring to provide an over-
she saw at first glance.
all 3D illusion, which winds up being more be-
Childhood memories have always had an irre-
wonderful storytelling and more twists than
The PG rating might turn some viewers away,
placeable role in modern society — everything
expected from a family movie. The charac-
hoping for a more mature film, but it’s no rea-
The plot is incredibly rich, packed full of
lievable in the end.
from books to movies to music trends allude to
ters are realistic, allowing them to empathize
son to discount this surprisingly dark family
this time of innocence. Youth only comes once
with Coraline as she faces all the adventures,
film. Coraline provides a warm welcome to the
and carefree memories of childhood abound.
challenges and dreams of childhood, albeit in
refreshing flashbacks of childhood, and will
Coraline, based on the Neil Gaiman novel,
a more exaggerated form.
remain one of the best films of 2009. •
follows this tradition, documenting the ad-
Notably, Coraline is a film of many distinc-
ventures of a young girl who is disappointed
tions, including the longest stop-motion film
Flicker Will Surely Fade is all of those.
writing is easily recognizable, which makes
Lights That Flicker Will Surely Fade Promise of Redemption
It is the first album released by Promise of Re-
Lights That Flicker Will Surely Fade stand out
demption, an acoustic solo project by lead singer
even more from the crowd. While the major-
Shane Henderson of the not-so-well-known al-
ity of the lyrics center on a theme of heartache,
by Dan Lovria
ternative band, Valencia. The word “passion-
Hender s on’s mu s ic i s c u r iou s ly... h ap p y.
ate” does not even begin to describe this album.
Each note delivers such pure and untouched
Rating: Dig it
Henderson pours his very heart and soul into
tr uth, and it is impossible to f ind yourself
his album, writing emotional songs highlight-
not smiling — if not with your lips, then with
ing the highs and lows of his past relationships.
your heart.
Henderson’s talent is extraordinary and his vo-
As an amateur artist myself, Lights That Flicker
cals are incredible, successfully capturing the
Will Surely Fade is the first album that has in-
along that changes how you listen to music.
hearts of his listeners through each and every
spired me to write songs with emotion, teach-
Maybe the album opens your ears to a new
song on the album.
Every once in a great while, an album comes
ing me to let my heart guide the pen instead
genre. Perhaps the lyrics are so inspiring and
While vocals and lyrics drive this album, Hen-
heartfelt, you can literally feel the emotions of
derson’s talent with his instrument is profound
listens to be inspired, to learn and to enjoy real,
the singer pouring through your headphones.
as well. Henderson opens nearly every song on
pure music, you owe it to yourself to hear what
Maybe the songs are so catchy, in one week they
his album with an original riff that continues
Shane Henderson has to share. Promise of Re-
break into your “Top 25 Most Played” playlist on
throughout the track, most notably the sev-
demption is one man and his guitar telling his
your iPod. “A diamond in the rough,” “a hidden
enth song entitled, “Promise of Redemption.”
story to the world. It can’t get much better than
gem” — whatever you want to call it, Lights That
The level of difficulty involved with his song-
this. •
14 Leisure | 02.13.09
of my hand. If you are someone like me, who
02.13.09 At Your Leisure
by John Howard
STREAM OF FACTS
In 1987, Hallmark introduced a line titled
then on this holiday of love, you’re bound to
passion it evokes, the date is also connected to
Mahogany that was geared toward the com-
have a smile on your face — particularly if
one of the most important medical discover-
pany’s African-American consumers. From its
you live in California. In 2005, this west coast
ies in human history. On February 14, 1929,
humble beginnings as a 16-card promotion,
state raked in about $289 million of the $397
a young bacteriologist by the name Sir Al-
the line has grown to a number nearing 1,000
million in sales of domestically produced cut
exander Fleming accidentally came across
cards catering to its largest markets in Wash-
flowers. Among that number, lilies made up
a mold that produced an antibiotic, now
ington, New York and Chicago. The company
$76.9 million; tulips, $39.1 million; and roses,
referred to as penicillin. Today, penicillin is
became a year round brand, offering seasonal
$39 million.
used to treat sexually-transmitted diseases as
and non-seasonal cards in 1991.
Roses are seen as one of the traditional gifts
Half of the United States buys cards as part
syphilis and gonorrhea.
Sexually speaking, the economy around
for a woman to receive on Valentine’s Day.
of their normal Valentine holiday tradition.
However, studies suggest that women are
Valentine’s Day does quite well. According to
191 million Valentine cards are purchased
doing a little bit of the purchasing, as well. 27
Trojan, a manufacturer of condoms, along with
and distributed every year on the 14th. Out of
percent of the people who buy flowers on Val-
New Year’s Eve and the Fourth of July, this
this number, which excludes the crappy Power
entine’s Day are women and, of that number,
holiday, which also happens to be National
Ranger messages you got glued to lollipops in
15 percent of US women play the part of their
Condom Awareness Day, sees one of the prime
elementary school, half of them are purchased
own Valentine, sending themselves goods of
peaks in condom sales. (Yet despite this,
less than a week before the actual holiday.
passion every February 14.
If you’re a gardener that produces flowers,
March has been the highest selling month for
Though February 14 may be known for the
at-home pregnancy tests.)
Reporter recommends Change the cake’s shape, icing color and even
http://theoworlds.com/valentine. For all the culi-
making one. It’s a virtual cake, free of charge
narily challenged out there (or simply those with
and personalized to your taste that is sent in
background from doilies to a white plate with
no means of baking other than a microwave
the form of an eCard to your special someone(s).
rose petals — all the options you need to help stir
reeking of burnt popcorn), this is the best way
Choose to add decorative icing, sprinkles or
up a little romance, and cut some carbs in the
to make a Valentine’s Day cake without actually
strawberries.
meantime on this “chocolatiest” of holidays.
Overseen and Overheard at RIT
Quote
“Was that the Priceline negotiator guy?”
“Hello, RIT Hotline.
“No, he’s from Star Wars or something.”
How may I help you?”
Business students mid-Shatner double take,
Random woman in business
watching Super Bowl commercials
suit on a cell phone
Cartoon
“All of us — whether or not we’re celebrities — every one ought to spend part of their life making someone else’s life better.” Jerry Springer
Word Scramble
by Kory Merritt
What many will be feeling the night of the 14th Unscramble the highlighted letters to solve the puzzle.
UDDLCE_ _ _ _ _ _ ONTEGU _ _ _ _ _ _ RTTSU _ _ _ _ _ RNIUEDJ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ OARECNIVSTVE _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
To see more of Kory Merritt’s comics, check out B
Answer: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
15
HAPPY 7th ANNIVERSARY TO US! Wahoo! Join us as Ben & Jerry’s and RIT celebrate seven years of bliss together on Februrary 13 & 14
50% OFF ANY ICE CREAM Hurry offer good only on Februaruy 13 & 14 RIT Scoop Shop Student Alumni Union (BTW that’s Valentines Day-bring your squeeze!)
III CANCELED NICK SWARDSON CALLS OFF RIT SHOW Hi Everyone, The College Activities Board would like to apologize for any inconvenience that may have occurred due to the cancellation of the Nick Swardson show. We know that many of you are frustrated, not only because Nick canceled, but also because the same thing happened earlier this year, with the postponement of Nas. The chance of one show being canceled in a single year is very rare and unfortunate let alone two. We assure you that the College Activities Board has done and will do anything to prevent this from happening in the future.
The Gordon Field House Box Office will be offering full refunds for all tickets sold for the show until Friday, March 13. Tickets purchased online and over the phone will be refunded automatically. CAB will continue to work hard to provide you with diverse and exciting entertainment. Check out our website at cab.rit.edu to see our calendar and to find out more information about our events. The College Activities Board
III UPCOMING CAB EVENTS Thursday Night Cinema
SPRING EVENTS!
2/19
4/11
DO STUFF 4 STUFF CHALLENGE
5/8 5/9
SPRING FESTIVAL
5/15
SENIOR NIGHT
PINEAPPLE EXPRESS
ingle, 10PM, free, free hot chocolate!
Friday Night in the Ritz 2/13
BATTLE OF THE SEXES ritz, 10PM, $1
Late Night Events & Special Events 2/14
5/16 SENIOR WEEK thru5/22
VALENTINE’S DISCO ON ICE
ritter ice arena, 11PM, $2/person or $3/couple
paid advertisement
18
S me Like It Fast by Madeleine Villavicencio illustration by Ben Rubin and Sara Wick
Love is timeless. It has been the subject of plays, novels, poetry and, yes, even playground songs. We’re all familiar with: “First comes love, then comes marriage, then comes the baby in the baby carriage.” But would you marry someone after seven minutes? I suppose that depends on the person. For me, that’s right up there with the idea of “love at first sight,” and I’m not a believer.
People spend an infinite amount
events dedicated to speed dating
men took their seats. The true
of time and effort looking for that
scattered across cities all over
test commenced: small talk.
speed dating provides a quieter
perfect mate, and, in the process,
the world. Websites like
At the end of three minutes,
atmosphere that regular “pick-
supporters present is that
they experience a whole lot of
http://SpeedDate.com
a Taboo buzzer sounded off
up sites” lack. The “heart-to-
heartache. They make countless
incorporate the same procedure
(which, in ordinary speed dating
heart” small talk opportunity
mistakes and oftentimes end up
while using instant messaging
situations, is usually a bell or
is supposed to result in a more
alone while waiting for the next
and webcam technology. They
glass clinking), indicating that
meaningful connection. In
one to come along. It makes you
took it a step further by releasing
the men had to move down one
my experience, it was quieter.
wonder whether they’ve been
an iPhone app February 3 of this
table and on to the next prospect.
Unfortunately, I kept giving in
going about it the wrong way. At
year.
Yes, the men had to do all the
to the temptation of listening
least Rabbi Yaacov Deyo of Aish HaTorah, an organization that promotes Jewish pride, thinks so.
Matchmaker, Matchmaker
work.
to the couple at the next table,
In between turns, the
especially when my current
participants decided if they had
partner was someone I wasn’t
The Need For Speed
On February 4, Reporter
just met someone they would
interested in.
expanded its brand name into
like to get to know better and
With an increasing divorce rate,
the dating service business by
marked their sheets accordingly.
limit. If you’ve ever been on a
contemporary dating methods
holding our very own invitation-
The same procedure was
date with someone and all you
seem less likely to result in
only speed dating event. For this
repeated until each male had
could think about was returning
a “lasting” relationship. Deyo
experiment, 18 hopeful singles
a chance to interact with each
home, or if you’ve ever been to
told Harvard Magazine that he
piled into room 1829 in the
female. Of course, things weren’t
a party where someone you’re
Another issue was the time
Student Alumni Union (SAU)
that simple. In true RIT fashion,
not interested in is hanging all
that evening, looking for a
there were more guys than girls
over you, then you might know
are looking for and doing now
match. The night began with
and this caused some confusion
what I’m talking about. Speed
in dating.” The dark, smoky
the consumption of snacks
in the beginning. To solve that
dating provides you the speedy
and rowdy environment of bars
and refreshments — the Ritz
issue, two guys had to sit out
exit you’re looking for. After a
and clubs isn’t really conducive
Bits cheese sandwiches were a
during each round. At the end
certain period of time, you don’t
to getting to know a person or
favorite — as the music of Tiger
of the experiment, a survey was
have to see them again if you
making a connection. He believes,
Idol finalists drifted through
distributed.
don’t want to (ideally). Though,
believed “short-term bursts, ‘hooking up’ — that’s what people
the walls of the neighboring
Once finished, everyone turned
this does go both ways. If you’re
but you can do things that will
Ingle Auditorium, doubling as
in their sheets and surveys to
caught in a dull date, then you’re going to have to sit through the
“Chemistry can’t be orchestrated, bring it out — make a space
entertainment for the night. At
be processed. A day later, emails
where it is possible.” So, in 1998
the same time, participants
forwarding contact information
awkwardness until time is up.
at Pete’s Café in Beverly Hills,
registered and left contact
for “mutual matches” were sent
Also, if you seem to really get along with someone, then you’ll
Deyo held a round robin event
information with the assigned
to the participants. Mutual
where single Jewish men and
staff. In a typical speed dating
matches occur when both parties
be forced to leave him or her
women conversed for seven
situation, registration would
express interest in each other by
once the buzzer rings.
minutes before moving on to the
have occurred beforehand,
marking “yes” on their sheets.
next person. The goal of these
usually online. In addition, there
For the sake of simplicity, a blank
minutes wasn’t enough. With
was counted as an automatic
the average speed date lasting
brief “dates” was to help these
would have been a fee to ensure
Jewish singles meet and marry.
commitment, keep the numbers
That day, speed dating was
even and, of course, cover costs.
“no.” What these mutual matches
Quite a few argued that three
between three to eight minutes,
do with that information is
a number of survey participants suggested that the time limit
Ours, however, was free. After
totally up to them. They can
“SpeedDating” is a registered
all, you can’t put a price on “true
choose to make a move or wait
be extended to five minutes.
trademark of Aish HaTorah.
love,” or the fact that you’re using
around. In that respect, speed
Personally, for people I had met
born. In fact, the single word
Soon enough, the idea became
your participants as guinea pigs.
dating is actually considered
previously and whose interests I
popular in the matchmaking
Each guest was given a number
more of a “pre-dating” event
shared, three minutes definitely wasn’t enough. For others,
industry and, eventually, in
and a “match sheet” to indicate
than an actual date. Think of it
pop culture. The practice
the prospects he or she would
as a turning signal on the road to
three minutes felt like forever.
was depicted in movies such
be interested in. The ladies
romance.
It depends on the chemistry
as The 40-Year-Old Virgin and
were seated at different tables
Hitch. After it made its way
and the men were lined up to
to the small screen with Sex
their corresponding pair. “You
The Good and the Bad
and the City, it was game over.
may now begin,” echoed a voice
Every system has its pros and
Today, there are hundreds of
throughout the room and the
cons. The main argument
19
between the two involved. For larger events with more participants, not everyone gets to interact with each other.
20
“ I made my decision in...�
When you are attacted to someone, are you more likely to make the first move?
In making your decision, how important were each of the following factors? N/A is the lowest, 5 is the highest.
Having Similar Interests
Sense of Humor
Physical Attributes
Maintaining Eye Contact
M2
M1 Y F1
F2
F3
F4
F5
F6
N
Y
M3 N
N
F8
M4 N
Y
M5 N
Y
M6 N
X
Y
Y
M7 N
Y
M8 Y
N
M9 N
Y
M10 N
Y
X
X
N
X
X
X
X
Y N/A
N Y
X X
X
X
X X
Y
X
Y
N/A
X
X
X
X
X
X
X X
N/A
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X X
X
X X
X
X N/A
N/A
N/A
X
X
X
X
X
X
N
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Y N
X
X
Y
Y
X
X
N
N
X
X
X
N
N F7
Y
X
Less time would mean the
X
X
X
X
X
X
recommended to prepare a
X
X
by leaving boxes on their sheets
opportunity to meet more people,
Words of the Wise
list of topics to talk about and
blank. In addition, guys are more
which means more options.
When pressed for time, decisions
questions to ask. Some of the
likely to vote “yes” while girls are more likely to vote “no.” Some
are made rather quickly. What
more overused subjects include
options cover a wider range of
you do in those first few seconds
year and major, the classes
marks were darker than others,
people. Because of its random
may impact your partner’s
you are taking, where you’re
possibly indicating a greater
nature, you will probably meet at
opinion of you greatly. Some of
from, what you do for fun or in
intensity of like or dislike. Finally,
least one person you never would
the major influences listed were
your spare time, hobbies and
girls are more likely to write
have walked up to at a party.
the manner one carries oneself,
general interests such as music,
notes about the people they meet
How do you know you don’t like
sense of humor, having similar
food, and movies. These are all
and draw symbols such as stars
With speed dating, your
something if you don’t try it? Of
interests, maintaining eye
really safe but they’re not going
and smiley faces to reinforce
course, this also means that you
contact and physical attributes,
to make you memorable. The
their decisions.
may be forced to interact with
while other factors include
best question of the night posed
some unusual characters. One
the way the person is dressed,
to me: “Imagine you weren’t
Final Words
anonymous survey participant
the person’s major, minor, or
working right now. If you weren’t
I feel that the experiment was a success and I’m happy with the
in our experiment suggested a
concentrations, the person’s
paid to do your job, would you
pre-screening process in order to
handshake (if they shook your
still be speed dating?”
weed out potential “stalkers.”
hand at all), facial expressions
In addition, if you’re the type of person who hates having to
and body language. Some survey participants commented on
turnout. Although I don’t think I will ever speed date again, I
More Than Just Numbers
a pretty odd experience but once
would encourage you to try it. It’s
introduce themselves repeatedly,
specifics such as fidgeting, what
It isn’t just the quantitative data
you get the ball rolling, it can be
imagine doing so with every
you’re doing with your hands
collected that’s interesting. If
pretty cool. You can learn a lot
new round every few minutes.
(like nervously picking your
you take a look at the match
by just observing and interacting
It can get tiresome. It’s not like
fingernails) and the importance
sheets themselves, you start to
with people. Who knows, maybe,
you can hold a deep meaningful
of a smile.
conversation regarding the
One major recurring issue that
notice a few things. More than
in the end, you’ll walk away with
half of the women’s sheets had
five matches just like hottie M3.
philosophies of life given the
appeared was how well a person
multiple erasures, meaning they
And in case you were wondering,
time limit. How much can you
could keep the conversation
are more likely to change their
one of my mutual matches did
really cover in a few minutes?
flowing. Things can get really
minds more than once. Men, on
send me an email back. •
The truth is, not a lot, so you
awkward really fast if you’re
the other hand, were more likely
better come prepared.
sitting in silence. It’s usually
to avoid the decision all together
21
Find something cool? Slide it under the door of the Reporter office, along with a note about where you found it. We’re located in the
A match sheet from Reporter’s speed dating experiment. Evidence that women are likely to change their minds more often than men.
basement of the SAU, room A-426.
22 Features | 02.13.09
WORD ON THE STREET
give me your worst pickup line. photographs by Jake Hamm
“I wish I was DNA so I could unzip your genes.”
“You must be a parking ticket because you’ve got fine written all over you.”
“Uh... let’s go... um... over there...”
Ashley Pastor
James Lord
Environmental Management
Environmental Science
Computer Science
and Technology
Second year
Fifth year
First year
“I’ll be sine you be cosine and together we’ll be one.”
“I’m sorry, did we have sex last night?”
“How about we combine our xx and xy cromosomes?”
Jesse Powers
Andy Mclyskie
Su Lu
Sean Kumar
Information Technology
New Media Marketing
Microeconomics
First year
First year
Second year
“Did you fall from heaven? ‘Cause... I don’t know.”
“I’m gonna treat you like my homework... slam you on the table and do you all night long.”
“Hey baby, that dress looks good on you... but it would look better on my floor.”
Advertising and Public Relations
Renee Johnson
Amber Gulley
First year
Advertising and Public Relations
Biology
First year
Fourth year
Eric Potter
12th Annual Semi-Formal
Snowball Dance Friday, February 20 8pm to 1am in the SAU Cafeteria
Tickets (presale) $8 Single / $15 Couple Tickets (at the door) $9 Single / $17 Couple Sponsored by Habitat for Humanity Co-sponsored by RITGA and the Community Service Center
Saint Valentine The Saint Behind the Ceremony
by Ilsa Shaw | photograph by Thomas Liggett
26
As
our eyes are bombarded with the annual
his name, located in a glass-fronted box at the Basilica of St. Praxedes
fête of red cardboard, tubby nude cherubs,
in Rome.
and giddy smooching nincompoops set on
One ancient festival seems to have more to blame for the modern per-
courting a mate, we can’t help but think:
ception of Saint Valentine’s Day than the very saint himself: Lupercalia.
Why? Is there any reason for this Saint
This Roman festival called for a gathering of worshippers on the Palatine
Valentine’s Day nonsense? Some call it a
Hill in Rome, where Rome’s legendary founders, Romulus and Remus,
“Hallmark holiday” without any histori-
were believed to be nursed by a wolf called Luperca. Following a few ani-
cal basis, while others prefer to celebrate it without really knowing the
mal sacrifices, the ceremony involved priests running around and striking
reason why.
women with straps of goat skin, an activity thought to assure the women
In reality, the story is quite complex. The very man after whom this day
of fertility and an easy delivery. The name for these straps — februa,
is named, Saint Valentine, was a Roman priest who may have addition-
or “means of purification” — eventually gave the month of February its
ally practiced as a physician. One of his priestly duties was to oversee
name, and settled the festival’s date on the 15th day of the month Febru-
and conduct marriages, an act that would eventually place him in quite a
arius. Another similarity is a particular part of the ceremony where girls’
predicament. The tale gets hazy from this point on, but one story dictates
names were put in a box for boys to draw out. In true Valentine fashion,
that the war-hungry emperor, Marcus Aurelius Claudius, demanded a
the two were then paired off until the next Lupercalia.
large supply of troops, yet was met with a problem: Men would not leave
Since there is speculation that Saint Valentine was killed for support-
for battle. They were too attached to their wives and families. In response,
ing Christians during a time of severe persecution, some believe that the
Claudius banned marriage outright. Valentine, however, continued to
Roman Catholic Church used his martyrdom to Christianize (and even
preside over them, and was discovered, captured and beheaded on Febru-
popularize) Lupercalia. This would explain the association between the “pairing off” of mates and the saint himself, as well as a possible reason
ary 14 between 270 and 273 AD. Although it makes for an interesting story, the event’s reality has
for terming it “Saint Valentine’s Day.”
undoubtedly been obscured and romanticized. This can especially be
As the years progressed, the holiday likely became increasingly ro-
seen when considering the other Saint Valentine, a bishop who lived
mantic in nature, which blurred the facts of the actual saint’s role.
just 60 miles north of Rome in Interamna (meaning “between rivers”),
Possibly due to the association between February and fertility, the belief
home of modern day Terni, Italy. One piece of the folklore puzzle is
that birds found their mates on the 14th of the month became a common-
that this Valentine supposedly oversaw the first marriage between a
place theme of medieval literature. Even so, in 1,700 years, our outlook has
pagan man and a Christian woman. Christianity was not tolerated in
changed. No longer do we sacrifice goats for Luperca, slap women with
Roman culture at the time, so a marriage between a true-blue Roman
februa, or pair off children for annual matings. We don’t even think of the
and a Christian was accordingly unacceptable. Valentine was scourged,
saint behind the ceremony. •
imprisoned and beheaded as per the orders of Placidus, prefect of Interamna. The eerie fact is that this beheading happened around the same time as that of the other Valentine,
Bizarre Worldly Customs
in around the same area. Many scholars believe that these were, in fact, the same
United Kingdom
Japan
Denmark
S a i nt Va l e nt i n e . It i s s u g gested that he was a Roman
Girls once forecasted their
In a complete rever sal of
Men sometimes send a
priest who became a bishop
futures by pinning five bay
Amer ican culture, women
gaekkebrev or “joking letter”
in Interamna, but was then
leaves on a pillow, one in
are expected to g ive men
to their valentine. Here, he
sentenced for some unknown
each corner and one in the
cho colate. Gir i chocos, l it-
composes a two-lined rhyme
blasphemous deed and brought
center. They then brought
er a l ly “o bl ig at ion c ho c o -
but does not sign his name.
t o R ome for h i s e xe c ut ion .
out a s p e c i a l ly pr ep a r e d
lates,” are t y pically g iven
If the receiver can guess the
The Bollandists, an asso-
hard-boiled egg, whose yolk
to a woman’s boss. Honmei
sender’s identity, then he is
ciation of scholars that have
was removed and replaced
chocos, on the other hand,
expected to reward her with an Easter egg in the spring.
studied the cult of the saints
with salt. The egg was to be
are “true feeling” gifts, only
since the early 17th century,
eaten — shell and all — and
given to those who truly en-
assert whole-heartedly that it
the girl was not to speak or
tice the woman. Male reci-
was the same person, but the
drink until the next morn-
procity happens exactly one
off icial Roman Mar t yrolog y
ing. Dur ing the night, she
month later, on March 14 for
(first published in 1583) lists
would dream of her future
White Day, when honmei-
t h e s e t w o s i m i l a r e nt r i e s
husband. Of course, the spell
receiv ing males have t he
as separate sa int s ent irely.
would be broken if she men-
chance to give women white
To d at e, t he r e i s on l y one
tioned her dream to anyone
chocolates or other white-
pile of skeletons bear ing
within 10 days.
themed gifts.
27
Track and Field
Through Perseverance, Progress by Carolyn Dunne | photographs by Oscar Durand
1 February 1 was a day for the RIT Indoor Track and Field team to
Reduced in numbers and impacted by several injuries,
improve alongside her teammates.
Mitchell, third year Biotechnology
Though the competing team is
major Jamie Morey, fourth year Electrical Engineering
continue collecting the dividends
the women’s team also took
relatively smaller than usual,
of their intense effort.
second place to Ithaca. Despite
third year Electrical Engineering
majors Chris Libera and first year
The men’s team earned second
the team results of this particular
major Lindsey Clark gave voice to
Eletrical Engneering Tecnology major Carol Melice. This was a
place in the Empire 8 Champion-
meet, fifth year Electrical Engi-
the general team motto when she
ship Meet, taking a heartbreaking
neering major and captain Joanna
said, “What you put in, you will
true testament to the hard work
loss to Ithaca College by a single
Dobeck is encouraged by the fact
see the benefits of in the long run.”
and dedication of athletes and
In addition, several athletes
coaching staff alike. RIT also
point. “Close losses are always
that “there is a level of com-
tough. There were some instances
petitiveness that pushes us to run
qualified for the Eastern College
where we could have done a
faster, throw and jump farther
Athletic Conference (ECAC) meet,
ments in the meet that took place
little better but there were many
in practice, which helps to make
including fourth year Mechani-
on Super Bowl Sunday, with the 400 meter relays for both the
posted several marked improve-
areas where the team performed
us even better for the meets.”
cal Engineering major Michael
extremely well,” professed fifth
She can’t wait for the season to
Hardbarger, fifth year Computer
men’s and women’s team taking
year Electrical Engineering major,
continue into the spring with
Engineering major Timothy Wes-
first place as well as Clark throw-
captain and distance runner
the startup of outdoor track and
ley, third year Laboratory Science
ing a personal best in the weight
Dereck Bojanowski.
field so that she can continue to
Technology major Samantha
throw event.
28 Sports | 02.13.09
1
Runners compete in the men's 5,000-meter race during the 2009 Empire 8 Track and Field Championships held at the Gordon Field House on Sunday, February 1.
2
Members of the RIT Track and Field team celebrate after the RIT win in the 5,000-meter race.
2 6 and 7, the Tigers competed at
Melice in the pole vault have
individually with the athletes
American in the mile, was named
also proven their potential and
to prepare them for the postsea-
both the New Balance Invitational
Outstanding Male Athlete for the
heart as they qualified for the
son and keep students healthy
and Syracuse Invitational.
Hardbarger, a returning All-
meet and chalked up two first
ECAC meet, much to the pleasure
throughout their competitive sea-
The most notable achievement
place finishes in his events,
of Coach Warth. “I feel [that
sons, from cross country to indoor
was by Hardbarger, who broke
one of those wins being an Em-
Melice] is only going to improve
and outdoor track and field.
pire 8 meet record. Coach Dave
as she gets more used to the
Warth strongly believes that this
college scene. Libera was a major
daily throughout the whole sea-
Championships in March.
athlete has a legitimate chance at
surprise as this was his first
son,” says team captain Morey.
There are three more meets that
qualifying for the national NCAA
meet of the year, returning from
Coach Warth has hotly contested
will give other Tigers the oppor-
finals, since “everything he has
injury.” Morey and Wesley have
that RIT has “one of the best
tunity to earn times or distances
done has been right on schedule
also progressed in the throw-
coaching staffs in all of Division
great enough to qualify for this prestigious national meet. •
“We meet and work with them
for what we want” in preparation
ing events under the tutelage of
III,” including Coach Walters, a
for a campaign to become the
Coach Walters.
former World Record holder in
Division III national champion in the mile run. Rookies Libera of sprints and
Head coach Warth and assistant coaches Sonya Walters and Dave Stevens have all been working
RIT’s mile record by three seconds and qualified for the NCAA
throwing, in her first season coaching at RIT. On the weekend of February
29
Lines of Separation (Guide)
by Evan Stark | illustration by Joanna Eberts
At one point or another, you will
that stabbing, stealing from, and
find yourself in a sticky wicket of
drugging are not traits of a good
a relationship. Though you cannot
boyfriend or girlfriend. By being
stand to stay, you don’t ever find
honest, their next relationship
yourself presented with an easy
may progress further.
way out. When you do decide to
make the final break, consider the
DO NOT: Take it back. No one is
following “do” and “do nots”:
happy when a relationship flipflops past the first flop — not the
DO: Examine the chances of
people involved, and not all the
making it work. Before abruptly
people around them.
ending a relationship, let your And DO: Wait until you are calm.
partner know about the things that may be bothering you. You
Don’t act immediately out of
might find that your relationship
anger during a bad night or out
improves greatly.
of frustration due to them not DO NOT: Sabotage yourself.
amiss. Unless they attack you. In
you come across as rational and
it’s done for. If there’s no saving
Sure, you want to avoid being
extreme cases, watch out
not as a
anything and you are acutely
the “bad guy” in the upcoming
for that.
crazy person.
aware of this, don’t just wait for
confrontation, but accidentally
that “opportune moment” when
running over your significant
DO NOT: Tell everyone
Keep in mind, there are gray
you hope the person says, “So, do
other’s bike, car, dog, foot or
beforehand. Your friends may
areas as well. Break-up sex can
you think we should break up?”
sibling just isn’t the answer.
appreciate the heads up. However,
work for couples who need a final
The longer you drag a doomed
if you tell them too much before
physical encounter. Others may
the fact you’ll be placing them
find it more destructive. Still others may find it will cause them
relationship on through the mud,
DO NOT: Use electronics. Setting
the more grimy hurt feelings will
aside the lameness of electronic
in awkward situations when
cling to it.
breakups, problems with
hanging out with your soon-to-
to violate the aforementioned
communication are likely to
be ex-significant other. Worse
flip-flop rule. Every relationship
DO: Be clear. The worst thing ever
arise. No matter how clear you
is if the now-ex commiserates
is different; there is no surefire
is for either party to be unsure
think your email or PowerPoint
with their friend and that person
advice for every situation. Still,
whether or not the relationship is
may be, those graphs can be
says “Oh, I knew that was gonna
these guidelines will more often
still going on. This isn’t to say that
misinterpreted.
happen a week ago.”
around the situation so much that
DO: Speak face to face. It’s the
DO: Be honest. True, you can
the other person doesn’t realize
best way to seem genuine and the
lie to make someone feel better,
it’s over.
least likely to have something go
but it’s better to let them know
30 Views | 02.13.09
than not keep you out of trouble — well, the avoidable part
tact is the enemy, but don’t tiptoe
of trouble. •
The opinions expressed in the Views section are solely those of the author.
answering their phone. Make sure DO NOT: Wait until you know
RIT RINGS 585.672.4840 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.
Tuesday, 12:58 p.m.
Monday, 5:40 a.m.
Monday, 12:14 a.m.
I would just like to inform you that sushi Tuesday is now changed to sushi Wednesday. Hence, my whole schedule is thrown off and I am now in a bad mood. Have a nice day.
I was bang ing my roommate’s
This Asian girl who is a friend with benefits called me up last night and wanted pootang but I told her I was busy. Really, though, I was just playing Pokemon. Is that alright?
This goes out to the [elohssa] who hit my car and didn’t leave a note. Uh... I hope you know that hit and run is a misdemeanor and that there are cameras in almost every parking lot. So good luck with that.
Sunday, 11:16 p.m.
Saturday, 2:59 a.m.
Hey [Margaret Thatcher] in
My roommate doesn’t know how to clean his refrigerator. When we got back from break he sprayed in air freshener instead of cleaning it out. My friend was in here today and said it smelled like mold, but I can’t smell it. He eats stuff out of the refrigerator, so should I be worried?
Sunday, 11:39 p.m.
NRH [three], you should let me know if you’re single. I’m only two floors up so you should figure it out.
Wednesday, 8:26 p.m.
Wednesday, 6:32 a.m.
I just wanted to tell you that World of Warcraft is extremely addictive and is interfering with my school work. RIT should make a policy that nobody can ever play it again, but then I would be sad that I couldn’t play it. What should I do? Decisions, decisions...
Hey Rings, it’s me again. Guess what? I’m trying to register for my classes. I’ve been awake si nc e 5:50 t h i s mor n i ng. I didn’t get to sleep till 2:00 a.m. because I was working on my senior project. That’s right, I’m a senior. So, RIT, what the hell are you doing, RIT, getting rid of the phone system and the VAX. I’m so happy I’m graduating and getting out of this place.
g irlfr iend and he walked in. But that’s not the [screwed] up part because after he walked in, I didn’t stop.
Sunday, 11:10 p.m.
I really want to get published in this magazine. So could you tell the girl in NRH, I think her name is [Margaret Thatcher], that she is really cute. Thanks!
Sunday, 11:26 a.m.
You know what’s hilarious is when somebody at the Commons calls for an order and gives you the wrong address. But then they call you an hour and a half later complaining after you’ve tried calling them 17 times. I just can’t believe this. Haha. to hear this article out loud
The Economy is Changing. Be Prepared to Lead.
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