OCTOBER 2013 reporter.rit.edu
ON BEHALF OF THE REPORTER STAFF, we offer our sincere apologies to our readers for offensive content in the article “Retro Word on the Street” published in the September 2013 issue. The article included a joke about Swine Flu that drew allusions to a transition between genders, which was both inaccurate and offensive. This oversight on the part of Reporter was due to a widespread lack of understanding with regard to the Transgendered community. To prevent similar instances, all members of the editorial board will be participating in OUTspoken’s Safe Zone training. In addition, we would like to encourage the members of RIT to join us in seeking a better understanding of this community. For more information, go to rit.edu/sg/outspoken. If you have an opinion on the matter you would like to express, please send a letter to the editor at reportermag@rit.edu.
Amber Wilson-Daeschlein
Steven Markowitz
Nathaniel Mathews
EDITOR IN CHIEF
MANAGING EDITOR
COPY EDITOR
Alyssa Jackson
William Hirsh
Kayla Emerson
NEWS EDITOR
LEISURE EDITOR
SPORTS EDITOR
Nicole Howley
Joan McDonough
Kathryn Eble
FEATURES EDITOR
VIEWS EDITOR
ART DIRECTOR
FROM THE EDITOR EDITOR IN CHIEF Amber Wilson-Daeschlein PRINT MANAGING EDITOR Steven Markowitz ONLINE MANAGING EDITOR Michelle Spoto COPY EDITOR Nathaniel Mathews NEWS EDITOR Alyssa Jackson LEISURE EDITOR William Hirsh FEATURES EDITOR Nicole Howley SPORTS EDITOR Kayla Emerson
At the MSO Presidents Roundtable on Thursday September 19 I was jolted from abstraction by words that no editor ever wants to hear: you published an offensive comment. OUTspoken Vice President Andrew Tuttle explained that one of the answers in “Retro Word on the Street” was offensive and insulting to the Transgendered community. Taking offense is entirely personal and cannot be accurately measured. My conservative relatives might be offended if they knew I had lived with my boyfriend out of wedlock. Then again, I am offended when they make slightly racist comments about our current president. Because we have diverse perspectives and beliefs, it is impossible to determine the validity of one’s claim; we can only agree or disagree. As stated in an article from the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Center for Journalism Ethics, “Causing offense is too subjective to act as a reliable criterion for restraining expression.” The
VIEWS EDITOR Joan McDonough WRITERS Nick Bovee, Taylor Derrisaw,
Kayla Emerson, Gino Faneli, William Hirsh, Amanda Imperial, Alyssa Jackson, Alex Jones, Juan Lachapelle, Nathan J. Lichtenstein, Michelle Spoto, Brett Slabaugh, David Utt
ART
comment in last month’s magazine was offensive. But it was also ignorant and disrespectful.
“What does matter is harm, not offense. The real ethical question is whether publications or free expression cause unjustifiable harm to individuals, groups, and vulnerable minorities. For example, publications against religions, lifestyles, sexual practice, and minorities not only ‘offend.’ They may create a harmful, poisonous environment in which these groups must live.” The “Retro Word on the Street” comment was insulting and disrespectful, and exposed an unfortunate lack of understanding within the Editorial Board; something we are working to correct. Regardless of intent or interpretation it is our responsibility to seek an understanding of diverse perspectives in order to be completely nondiscriminatory. As a college publication we strive to maintain a high level of respect for all communities within RIT.
ART DIRECTOR Kathryn Eble DESIGN DIRECTOR Autumn Wadsworth STAFF DESIGNER Melissa Cavallaro, Akshara Chopra, Mariah Jade Cole, Zach Cross, Mariah Lamb, Nick Tyler CONTRIBUTING ILLUSTRATORS Katherine Dayton, Emily Gage, Andrew Philpott, David Royka, Stevie Thompson
Amber Wilson-Daeschlein EDITOR IN CHIEF
CARTOONIST Emily DeVault
PHOTOGRAPHY PHOTO EDITOR Carol Klino CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Seth Abel, Matt Burkhartt, Mackenzie Harris
BUSINESS BUSINESS MANAGER Le Nguyen AD / PR MANAGER Zachery Walters PRODUCTION MANAGER Ulises Gonzalez ONLINE PRODUCTION MANAGER Jake DeBoer ADVISOR Rudy Pugliese PRINTING Printing Applications Lab CONTACT 585.475.2212
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Reporter Magazine is published monthly 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-730, in the lower level of the Campus Center. Our phone number is 1.585.475.2212. If I get a tattoo on my ass, can it still be filmed? A.J. The Advertising Department can be reached at 1.585.475.2213. The opinions expressed in Reporter do not necessarily ref lect those of the Institute. 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 © 2013 Reporter Magazine. All rights reserved. No portion of this Magazine may be reproduced without prior written permission.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
OCTOBER 2013 | VOLUME 65 | ISSUE 32
RIT Men’s Soccer team members prepare to face off against the University of Rochester for the second annual Hillside Community
Which pumpkin good makes the
How are you paying for RIT?
grade?
Exploring tattoos and piercings in the workplace.
9 At Your Leisure
28 You’ve Got Mail Paper waste and junk mail clutter at RIT.
29 Word on the Street If you got a tattoo, what would you get and why?
FEATURES
7 Maintaining Professionalism in RIT Dining Services
LEISURE
12 Testing from the Pumpkin Patch
6 Past, Present & Future of Student Loans
VIEWS
photograph by Rugile Kaladyte
18 Hearts on our Sleeves Body art’s renaissance.
22 Getting Under Your Skin
10 Reviews
30 Rings Don’t play with skunks.
The art of microdermals.
24 A Multitude of Modifications
Master your backlog.
More than just your average nose
cover photograph by Seth Abel | cover illustration by Stevie Thompson
6 Diclaimer: The eyeball and barcode tattoos are illustrations only.
ring.
Punk from Denmark and a game from your nightmares.
14 A Guide to Biking Rochester Learn the secrets to biking in the area.
SPORTS
NEWS
Shield on September 21.
26 Welcoming the new Hall of Famers Meet the six inductees for 2013.
5
Past Present Future of Student Loans by Juan Lachapelle | illustration by Katherine Dayton | design by Akshara Chopra
3.86, 5.41, 6.41. As of this past summer, these are the new interest rate percentages for undergraduate, graduate and PLUS loans, respectively. The RIT Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships has its own chart showing past interest rates for subsidized/unsubsidized direct loans starting from 2008, the highest being 6.8 percent. According to the Washington Post, President Obama signed a bipartisan bill that lowered interest rates starting this current school year and set new caps to limit how high the rates can go: 8.25 percent for undergraduates, 9.5 percent for graduate students and 10.5 percent for PLUS loans. These caps were set to allow for the rates as the economy improves. The bill is one of many proposals that Obama is implementing in order to reduce the burden of loans on future and current college students. According to the New York Times, the president has plans to implement a rating system for colleges based on measures such
can arise from things like loan repayment to general requirements
as tuition, graduation rates, debt and earnings of graduates and
and even laws. Hazen stressed the importance of knowing what goes
percentage of lower-income students attending. If approved by
into your loans and whatever you sign. “We try to put [information]
Congress, he hopes to implement it by 2015. The idea behind the
everywhere we can and put it in such a way that students can find it,”
proposal is to “base federal financial aid to students attending the
said Hazen. “They are responsible for reading it but [financial advisors]
colleges partly on those rankings,” according to the New York Times.
are responsible for answering questions if they have them.”
New repayment plans such as “pay as you earn” are also being taken
However, not all students are unaware of the financial risks involved
into consideration as new proposals are brought up.
with going to college. Creg Bryski, a first year Engineering Exploration
Verna Hazen, assistant vice president for financial aid and
major, expressed his understanding of the ongoing change, but was
scholarships at RIT, says the lowered rates were long awaited since
unsure of how it will impact his college career and beyond. “Nothing
past caps had expired and many proposals were created in hopes
is ever set in stone. As soon as I get out of here, there’s no guarantee
of changing the caps once again. “Some of them were not attractive
I will get a job to pay all the loans back,” said Bryski. “What’s going to
proposals at all, so we were all very concerned about what would
happen when I don’t?”
happen,” said Hazen.
Michelle Catalfamo, a third year Motion Picture Science major, felt
As various loan reforms are taking place, some private companies
positively about the bill, but seemed concerned with loans getting
are opting out of the loan business altogether. According to Forbes,
harder to obtain. “With my limit, I might have to find another one
JPMorgan will be notifying colleges, starting October 12, that it will
during my senior year,” said Catalfamo.
stop accepting applications for student loans. The bank believes there
This ongoing battle is currently being debated in Congress,
is “no major growth potential for the unit as competition from the
discussed in the Department of Education and will ultimately fall
federal government increases.” Other private student loan providers,
down onto the school and its students. Changes are actively taking
like Sallie Mae, are still sticking with the business.
place, and as a student it is good practice to keep up to date on future
As new and old students alike are getting adjusted to the new school year, student loan reforms are often overlooked and confusion
6 News | September 2013
loan policies and laws.
licies on o P s e g n a h C s e Dining Servic
n o i t a c i f i d o Body M ion by Andrew isaw | illustrat by Taylor Derr
n by Akshara Philpott | desig
Chopra
RIT Dining Services recently implemented a policy that prevents workers from wearing any type of jewelry that could be harmful to the integrity of the food. For example, workers cannot have any dangling earrings, because they could fall off and land in the food; or wedding rings, because they could puncture the gloves and touch the food. The policy also has rules pertaining to tattoos that might look unappealing or offensive to customers. This means that any obscene, racist or sexual tattoos must be covered up while working. Kory Samuels, the executive director of Dining Services, gave some insight on the policy. “It goes more into depth
present ourselves, and how we’re going to continuously
than just uniforms; it dives into the ultimate idea that
improve our services … all that compasses towards
there is a good customer experience.” Samuels, who
customer service.”
advocates for professionalism in the workplace, said: “It’s
First year Film and Animation student Holly McMahon
a higher expectation, for the food quality you put out and
agreed with Samuels about covering up tattoos and
the way in which you present yourself.”
compared the rules to similar workplace expectations.
Eddie Zamites, a student manager at the RITz, said “I feel
However, she had some doubts about the jewelry policy,
like we have an image we have to uphold here. You have
stating that “The ring aspect doesn’t seem really necessary,
to be professional.”
because they wear the gloves anyway.”
Samuels argued that as an organization, especially in
Zamites explained that tattoos are more of a personal
a higher education setting, there has to be outstanding
image concern, whereas piercings are more of a food
customer service in order to be successful, and part of
safety concern. “We don’t want people coming back
this service depends on personal image. “Let’s look at
saying that they found earrings in their food: that’s just
our customer service initiative, first part being how we
not professional.” He also specified that if “you have an offensive tattoo you have to cover it up.” McMahon believed that people should be able to express themselves the way that they feel is right, depending on the situation. “Sometimes with work, you just have to do what they tell you to - within reason, of course. In general, it isn’t something that should make people really outraged.” Overall, RIT Dining Services upholds the belief that in order to maintain a high level of customer satisfaction, measures must be taken to secure these goals. As Samuels said, “You need to develop that level of professionalism and build upon those skills for careers and responsibilities later in life.”
7
AYL QUOTE OF THE MONTH “Time does not change us. It just unfolds us.” -Max Frisch
REPORTER RECOMMENDS: COMPLETE YOUR BACKLOG!
AT YOUR LEISURE by William Hirsh |
STREAM OF FACTS
design by Mariah Jade Cole
Have a pile of games you have never
The largest bank heist in JAPANESE history
played? Do you ever long to read tomes but
was a total of $5.4 million. The bank robbers,
can’t seem to find the time? Or have you ever
backlog, try sites like The Backloggery or
after completing the heist, sent a note to the bank they stole from, writing “Thank you very much for the bonus. We can live off this LOOT for life.” In Antwerp, Belgium, the largest theft of diamonds occurred in February 2003 and was valued between 20 million and 100 million euros. The LOOT was never found and MISSING to this day. remains James Brown, both during live performances and in the recording studio, would fine members of his band for MISSING notes or cues. The fines would sometimes TOTAL up to $100.
How Long to Beat to network with other
If the Library of Congress’ catalog was
struggling backloggers and compare your
quantified in terms of data, it would TOTAL 15
progress. For books, try the ever-popular
terabytes. In contrast, the
Goodreads. Catalog the books you’ve read
of Shakespeare can fit into 5MB.
wanted to discover the classic films you’ve always missed the pop culture references too? Now is the time! Not literally, but it can be the start of your journey through the mammoth collection of media that mankind has to offer! For games, create a list of every title you left unfinished and just give it a whirl. This can be done through a simple Word or Excel document. For a more comprehensive and social way to keep track of your gaming
WORD OF THE MONTH Bacchanal (noun): A time for drunken revelry.
Sentence With the first month of freshman year past them, Ted and his friends had a bacchanal that left them indisposed the next day.
PANTOUM Description: This is a Malaysian poetry style adapted by French writers. It is a series of quatrains in which the second and fourth lines of the first stanza are used for the first and third of the next.
COMPLETE works I can’t wake in the morning
by various shelves, set yearly reading goals
The iconic pause button symbol found on
and even continue adding to your to-read
all TV remotes and various devices originates
Rolled back into my bedding
list. Plan ahead your movie nights using
from a music notation symbol, the caesura.
My schedule’s on the fritz
sites like IMDB.
The caesura, when seen on sheet music,
As for finding time for this media, you have to look back at tenets of time management. Block out your busy schedules but don’t be
directs the musician to come to a stop when
COMPLETE
PLAYING.
During World War II, the Bicycle
I’ve smashed my alarm to bits
I’ve smashed my alarm to bits Rolled back into my slumber
PLAYING
My schedule’s on the fritz
afraid to squeze in time to catch up on that
Card Company created a deck of cards that
game you bought several months ago in a
was sent to prisoners of war in German
bundle, that new book you’ve been pining for
camps. When the cards came into contact
Rolled back into my slumber
ever since it was announced or even watch
with moisture, they would peel away to show
My schedule has no fix.
a gem like “Jaws” or “The Godfather” trilogy
escape routes for the captured soldiers.
I feel completely encumbered.
for the first time. Just don’t forget you might
I feel completely encumbered
Does anyone know sleep tricks?
have an assignment due the next day.
COMIC
by Emily DeVault
99 9
ICEAGE Brigade.” Along with the collection of angular
the album, is incredibly moving, featuring a
“YOURʼE NOTHING” REVIEW
scorchers that were featured on the album
marching bass-line and a somber piano over
came a great deal of chatter about Iceage’s
which Rønnenfelt cries, “If I could leave my
by Alex Jones |
members’ ages (at the time they averaged
body, then I would. Bleed into a lake, dashing
design by Mariah Jade Cole
around 17 or 18) and the intensity and
away, disappear.”
violence that their live shows evoked. Now
“You’re Nothing” closes with the barn-
two years later with “You’re Nothing,” Iceage
burning title track which bursts forth with
has finally separated themselves enough
glorious bent-string fury and what appears
from their own mystery to create a record
to be Iceage’s mission statement: “That’s
that truly stands on its own.
right, you’re nothing. Feel the void grow.”
“You’re Nothing” opens with the massive
While a particularly bleak message on paper,
guitar swell and resulting caterwaul of
the track feels like it’s almost bursting at the
the appropriately titled “Ecstasy,” where
seams with youthful optimism. Clocking in
eternally-breathless front man Elias Bender
at just around two minutes, the band sounds
Rønnenfelt howls, “What shade of joy will hit
like they’re spinning out of control and
me first? I hope it lasts,” with the honesty and
reveling in every last second of it. The cries
intensity that only someone his age could
of “You’re nothing!” that close the album
muster. Album highlight “Coalition” follows,
aren’t an angst-ridden aural black cloud but
finding Iceage taking a crack at writing a “girl
rather a ray of hope that seems to encourage
Released by Matador Records in February 2013
problems” song in an appropriately brainy
the listener to take solace in their cosmic
O
yet vague way (“She gives me signals but our
insignificance and as clichéd as it may seem,
ne of the consistent disappointments or
hearts are not the same”, “Something denies
make the most of each and every day.
highlights of being a punk fan is listening to
coalition with you”) and the buzz saw guitars
Iceage could have broken up directly after
the sophomore album of a band you like. In
and the chant of “Excess!” that follow in the
the release of “New Brigade” and cemented
most cases, the youthful fury and nihilistic
chorus cause the whole experience to be a
themselves in history as a moment-in-time,
self-destruction that go hand in hand with
singularly amazing piece of music.
“you had to be there” folk tale, but “You’re
punk tends to cause bands to completely
Like so many bands before them, Iceage
Nothing” showcases a band brave (and
burn out before they can enter the studio or
take more liberties with experimentation on
young) enough to push forward and take
to half-heartedly release something bland
their sophomore album. While the jagged
some serious risks along the way. It could
and uninspired. However, there are rare
riffs and moaned chorus of “In Haze” and the
have been a complete failure and Iceage
occasions in which a punk band’s second
anthem-like “Everything Drifts” (“Raise your
could have exited the punk lexicon with their
record is just as good if not better than their
fist for the depraved roses, raise it today”) are
tails tucked between their legs, but “You’re
highly lauded debut. With their second
undeniable punk gems, what makes “You’re
Nothing” is a near-perfect punk record whose
LP “You’re Nothing,” Danish post-punkers
Nothing”
twenty-six minutes are worth every single
Iceage have done exactly that, in a truly awe-
record are the tracks where Iceage pull back
inspiring way.
on the reins and give their songs a bit more
a
full-formed
and
captivating
Iceage first entered the collective punk
room to breathe. The dark, industrial dirge
consciousness in 2011 when they tore
of “Interlude” is an excellent change of pace
through the Copenhagen DIY punk scene
from the teeth-gritting ferocity of the rest of
with their ferocious debut album “New
the record. “Morals,” arguably the best song on
10
Leisure | October 2013
second of your time. For Fans Of: Hüsker Dü, Savages, Wipers
AMNESIA While not developed solely by Frictional
can also inspect the monsters now, since
“A MACHINE FOR PIGS” REVIEW
Games, The Chinese Room is well-known
the sanity mechanics have been removed.
in indie circles for their mod/game “Dear
Yet most of the core gameplay remains
by Nick Bovee |
Esther,” an incredibly immersive storytelling
the same and the improved storytelling
design by Kathryn Eble
experience. This partnership obviously did
is more than enough to make up for the
wonders for the game, as each developer has
altered mechanics.
particular strengths. Frictional Games knows the mechanics of
DEVELOPER: The Chinese Room PLATFORM: Windows/Mac/Linux PRICE: $19.99
fear and suspense, whereas The Chinese Room
For fans of: Penumbra: Overture, Anna, Cryostasis
can tell a story and create compelling scenes. These strengths were played to, as “A Machine for Pigs” has more expansive environments than its predecessor and a more personal and well-written story, with improved atmosphere and fear at the same time. Horror and fear in “The Dark Descent” hinged on player involvement in the story and “A Machine for Pigs” is no different. Scares take a backseat to atmosphere, because every noise and motion builds up a player’s alertness and paranoia. There’s no need for big jump scares when the game keeps players consistently fearful. Strong design is also a lynchpin of Machine
J
for
Pigs.”
Monsters
are
“A less
frequent, but much better timed. Players ump scares prey on a natural human
are immediately taunted with fever dreams,
response. Many games and movies try
laughing children, wind, creaking boards
to create truly terrifying and grotesque
and screeching metal. Fear comes from the
imagery to shock viewers, but this
unknown and never knowing exactly what
fear lasts only a moment. Real fear is
is making the noises around you or where
something only our imaginations can
they're coming from is terrifying.
create and this is where Frictional Games
Visual effects are similar to “The Dark
excels over other horror developers. The
Descent,” with just a bit more pig gore than
creators of “Penumbra” and “Amnesia:
before, but the immersive elements are what
The Dark Descent,” Frictional knows
actually drive home the feelings of unease
their way to striking terror without even
and helplessness. Immersion is designed into
needing to show monsters on screen.
the control scheme; the player uses gestures
Paired with developer The Chinese
made with a mouse to mimic hand motions
Room, the standards originally set are
in game. The character moves at a measured
exceeded in the sequel “Amnesia:
walking pace, has no HUD and just enough
A
Machine for Pigs”. Amnesia
strays
head bob to feel like real motion. formulaic
“A Machine for Pigs” isn’t without flaws,
jump scares and focuses on outdoing
unfortunately. Several game elements were
its predecessor's strengths. The game
changed from “The Dark Descent” — namely
is
much
the removal of tinder for your lantern. Light
that even deliberate efforts to break
is a comfort and some scarcity to it wouldn’t
immersion while reviewing did nothing
be amiss. Moments of sheer panic are also
to stop myself from being sucked into
less common, but have been traded in for
the character.
the constant unease and paranoia. Players
extremely
from
immersive,
so
11 11
TESTING FROM THE Pumpkin Patch by William Hirsh, Michelle Spoto and Dave Utt | photography by Mackenzie Harris | design by Melissa Cavallaro and Kathryn Eble
Reporter’s back again with a swing at some of the seasonal goods you’ll come across this fall. This time our Taste Testing Team took a look at three pumpkin infused products to decide which are autumn delights or marketing disasters.
12
Leisure | October 2013
Meet our team of TASTE TESTERS MICHELLE SPOTO Fourth year Biomedical Science major
DAVID UTT Third year New Media Design major
1
FLAVOR RATING Low:
2
EDDY’S PUMPKIN PATCH ICE CREAM Pumpkin flavor balance: High Price: $6
Mediocre amount of pumpkin flavoring.
Medium: More traditional but somewhat lacking. High:
WILLIAM HIRSH Third year Journalism major
Pure pumpkin essence.
WEGMAN’S PUMPKIN BREAD Pumpkin flavor balance: Medium Price: $5
A well-known goody, this pumpkin bread went over well with the group. Utt felt that, “It’s a unique variation on the pumpkin flavor, being less sweet and more tart.” The spongy soft and moist texture of the bread also contributed to its ranking. Spoto enjoyed the texture, but also felt it had “an aftertaste like the spices you put on meat.” Though you might need a chaser, this is a yummy comfort food and a classic fall staple.
With “lots of pumpkin flavor and well-balanced spices,” according to Spoto, Eddy’s Pumpkin Patch Ice Cream proved to be the best tasting treat. Utt called it “a blend that works majestically” and we all agreed that it was simply delicious. While a tad rich when eaten in large amounts, this ice cream is the paragon of pumpkin bliss.
3
PUMPKIN PIE M&Ms Pumpkin flavor balance: Low Price: $3
Pumpkin M&Ms had a lot of potential but ultimately fell short in the tasting bracket. Overall, we felt there was too much cinnamon and not enough of the iconic pumpkin flavor. Spoto said, “The only pumpkin thing about this candy was the color.” Essentially regular M&Ms with a dash of cinnamon, this is not something you should go out of your way to try. To get your M&M fix, we’d recommend just picking up a Halloween grab bag.
13
You don’t need a car. It’s funny how far college students will cut their expenses, from living off of frozen meals and freeze-dried noodles to spending late nights searching uTorrent for pirated copies of their textbooks, without making this realization. Instead, they’ll shell out 100 dollars a year to park on campus, pay monthly insurance fees and drop an untold amount of money into gas tanks if they so much as want to hit a downtown nightclub once a week.
Some roads in Rochester are better than others. At the end of the day, it’s up to you - the biker - to be safe. To do so, first
figure out what kind of biker you are.
All of it could be avoided by just investing in a nice how to get around.
& knowing
Are you a serious speed-junky, a mountaineer or a hippie-chick with a sundress and a cruiser? If you are already accustomed to biking, adapting to the road really isn’t difficult. If you’re a super laid-back rider, learn how to stay in a position where cars are able to pass you. If you’re new to the road, practicing on streets where there are no dedicated lanes is the best way to truly get a feel for how traffic carries out on a bike. It may seem a little backwards, but practicing biking in places where bikes don’t have a designated place is a more natural way to learn. Bike lanes, while reassuring, are far from a blanket of safety on the road. If anything, they give a false sense of comfort for both drivers and cyclists. For RIT students, cruising around John Street and hitting the side streets is a good way to practice riding.
A GUIDE TO BIKING ROCHESTER Leisure | October 2013 14Leisure 10 | September 2013
For RIT students, the practicality of biking is becoming more and more feasible with the progression of the Genesee Transportation Authority’s cycling master plan. Put forward in 2011 to help turn Rochester into a more bike-friendly community, they have
ADDED 16 MILES total of BIKE LANES into the city. All in all, the Rochester roads are more pedalaccessible than ever.
When this gets old and you’re ready to hit the city, head on down: just simply follow East Henrietta to Mt. Hope Road and ride right down to Clinton Avenue. While it is a very traffic-heavy and often fast-paced ride, any moderately in shape cyclist can make the ride from RIT to downtown in a half hour or so.
It all sounds great doesn’t it? Now the streets are safe for bikers and you can save your money by selling off that silly old car, right? Well, not quite. These bike lanes that the master plans have created are often deeply and tragically flawed in ways that seem to suggest cyclists should just disappear in the middle of their ride. A perfect example of this can be found on East Henrietta road, where a mile or so of a perfectly good bike lane simply ends at an overpass, forcing the rider to either move into the road and merge with traffic or hop off onto a rather poorly maintained sidewalk. Even worse are the phantom lanes found in heavily trafficked areas of the city — namely on Monroe avenue. On these, there is no real bike lane. You aren’t separated from traffic, as the road is too thin to divide, but are rather given a little biker symbol on the pavement that gives you about as much protection from traffic as a voodoo protection spell.
Once downtown, all of the good bars, clubs and restaurants are easily reached on two wheels. Head down to the South Wedge through one of the most bike-optimized streets in Rochester, South avenue or hit East avenue where bikes can ride with cars almost entirely without fear. Or, if you’re up for some urban exploring, nearly the entire inner city, from Dewey Avenue in Greece to East Main, has bike lanes that are prominent and wellmaintained. So get out there and ride before the snow comes tumbling in and the ground freezes solid — there’s a whole world out there just waiting to be ridden.
by Gino Faneli | design by Mariah Jade Cole
15 11
this is
18 14
Features | October 2013 Leisure | September 2013
BODY ART’S RENAISSANCE by Nick Bovee | photography by Seth Abel | design by Nick Tyler and Kathryn Eble
“ D O Y O U H AV E A N Y G U N S W I T H Y O U ? ” ASKED THE GUARD.
T H E H I S T O RY
On the way back from a Rolling Stones concert in Canada, this is the last question the man driving through the border
Ancient cultures had many differing views on tattoos.
stop expected to hear. The guard had already double-checked
Pagan Europeans were often tattooed with figures or natural
his citizenship, so something must have caught his attention.
patterns, until outlawed under Christianity’s spreading
There was a Smith & Wesson branded overnight bag in the
influence. In China and 18th century Japan, tattoos were
back, but there was no way the guard saw that and definitely
associated with the barbaric or uncultured. Criminals were
not before the guard caught sight of the driver’s bare arms.
marked in many cultures as a means of easy identification
Brightly colored, Gary Proud, 1967 Accounting alumnus,
or punishment. Other cultures used tattoos as a way of
has two full sleeve tattoos. The left, a colorful mural of classic
showing achievement and social status. Samoan boys were
rock bands such as Steppenwolf, The Doors, Johnny Cash
ritualistically tattooed as a rite of passage into manhood and
and the like. His right, covered in the symbolism of his Greek
some in the Philippines held that tattoos could be magical.
brotherhood, Phi Kappa Tau. “I think he gave me the third
Tattoos in America started with seamen seeking ways to
degree because I had the tattoos. He probably thought I’d
establish their identity and therefore American citizenship to
just gotten out of prison,” said Proud. Combing through the
avoid impressment into England’s Royal Navy. As popularity
car, the guard only found a Rolling Stones t-shirt and silently
of tattoos grew with sailors, they began appearing in the
handed Proud his passport back. With Proud as an exception, tattoos are a common
public eye more and more often. By the 1870s, professional tattoo artists were registered in both England and America.
flashpoint between the younger, early adulthood generations
Getting tattooed was popular with aristocrats and the rich,
and our elders. Parents and grandparents say “you’ll regret
until the creation of the tattoo machine lowered the cost of
that in a few years” and make snide comments about how
procedures, removing the associated prestige.
ink fades or skin sags, but their foremost thought is usually
Tattoos therefore gained a reputation for deviants and
that tattoos are a sign of association with the wrong kind
social outcasts. Theories abounded that not only was a
of people. It is true that tattoos have some association with
tattoo a sign of a criminal but that getting one would lead
gangs or prisons, but the stereotype that only criminals or
to deviancy in the future. Getting inked was then highly
other unsavory individuals get inked is completely wrong.
rebellious, even seeing high regulation and bans in some
Tattoos, piercings and all forms of body art are rapidly
places on the East Coast.
gaining acceptance and popularity in all walks of life.
18 19
MODERN ERA By the early 1970s, safety regulations had improved and professionals with fine art experience and training had joined the growing ranks of tattoo artists. Despite this newfound safety and talent, tattoos had not yet reached the popular eye, retaining the highly
stigmatized
counterculture
image.
Then, rock and roll changed everything. Musicians who embraced their bizarre and extreme self-images were suddenly thrust into pop culture and in part altered the perception of tattoos with their star power. This rebranding established tattoos as an expensive investment and an expression of oneself. Aesthetic value is now a central idea when tattoos are discussed. Rather than relate tattoos to a tribe or community, they have become a method to create ties to oneself. In the fast-paced lifestyle of the 21st century, many find it necessary to have a permanent reminder of who they are. “It is far more acceptable today to see people at work, know they’re tattooed and even to see visible signs of the tattoos,” said Manny Contomanolis, associate vice president and director of RIT’s Office of Co-ops and Career Services. “It’s not relevant to what people are doing anymore.” This view is partially responsible for the increasing popularity of tattoos in younger generations. For instance, nearly 40 percent of Millennials are tattooed, according to a 2010 Pew Research Center report. This is a big rise in just a few generations considering that only 15 percent of the Baby Boomer generation
was
inked.
Of
the
younger
generation’s tattoos, 70 percent can be easily hidden by clothing. Some tattoos take a little more effort to hide but of the tattooed population studied, only 18 percent of people said that their tattoos are usually visible. Tattoos have become more celebrated through television shows like “Ink Master” or “Best Ink,” where the artists themselves become the promoters of their art rather than celebrities. Shows like “Bad Ink” and “Tattoo Nightmares” show off the worst tattoo around, while simultaneously showing off the skill some artists have in covering up bad art with good design. Even making bad tattoos visible helps the public find them more acceptable, especially when they’re in the process of being fixed.
20 Features | October 2013 16 Features | September 2013
PERMANENT CONCERNS That’s not to say the negative stereotypes
want to keep a cleaner public image, and that
that the bank has “no formal policy about
of tattoos are gone, merely dulled. Having
does not involve tattoos. Exceptions exist
tattoos because we value our differences
a tattoo has become more acceptable, but
of course, notably creative groups, where
and recognize that diversity and inclusion
having a visible tattoo in most professional
ornamentation can be a sign that you are
are good for our business and make our
settings is not. You should be “sensitive to
right-brained.
company stronger.” With a large portion of
how you display your tattoos,” Contomanolis
visible
this generation sporting ink, there are more
explained. Tattoos on your upper arm or legs
body art are fewer than expected. Artists
companies beginning to compromise past
are easily concealable and few companies
and designers do fine with visible tattoos.
policies against tattoos for fresh talent.
would give you trouble for those. Full sleeves
Similarly, chefs are often in the clear, as
Speaking generally, if a company doesn’t
are more of an issue since they are only
customers care more about how their food
have hard and fast rules about tattoos, as
concealable with a long sleeve shirt. Some
tastes than if you have a full color koi fish
long as they are not prominently displayed
of the hardest tattoos to get away with in a
on your arm. Contomanolis also believes
they will not be too much of a strike against
business setting are neck tattoos, since they
that technology jobs tend to have internally
an applicant during an interview. Visible
are difficult to conceal.
fostered a neutral disposition toward body
tattoos are judged on more of a case by case
Neck tattoos take a progressive workplace
art. “[Employees are] valued for their talents
basis. Companies tend to look and see if the
to get away with, or a job description that does
above all else,” said Contomanolis. In this
tattoo is offensive or distracting, and then let
not involve public relations. Contomanolis
industry, people’s skills matter more than
applicable skills speak for themselves. If you
gave some more clarification: “There are
their outside appearance.
are not sure how a company views tattoos,
settings where you’re interacting with the
Careers
Slowly,
that
other
allow
prominent
industries
seem
to
be
public … and certain tattoos might not be
catching on. In a 2013 Forbes article, Bank of
appropriate.” Generally,
America spokeswoman Ferris Morrison stated
most
companies
ask someone at the company before the interview.
I M M E D I AT E C O N C E R N S Before getting a tattoo, make sure to take
on the inside of your lip, you might go from
Tattoos certainly are not the culmination
into consideration the risks posed by an
culturally relevant to comically regretful in
of body art, but they are the most
inexperienced or unhygienic artist. HIV and
the time it takes to Instagram that new ink.
prominent form today. Less permanent
Hepatitis are transmissible if needles aren’t
Because of the meaning behind each of his
means of expression, like colored hair
properly taken care of, and infection can
tattoos, Proud seems to have little to no regret.
dyes, have become more accepted. Body
set in if aftercare is not properly managed.
“All of these have stories,” Proud smiled.
modifications like tongue splitting, facial
“Don’t just go into any storefront,” Proud
“These are all music groups,” gesturing to his
implants, saline injections or scarification
advised. “Choose an artist by referral. I asked
left arm, and his right is all his brotherhood.
are still far outside the public eye, much
two people I knew, and they recommended
He continued: “on my back, in the center, is
like the taboo nature of tattoos were
me to the same guy.” Call the country health
my family crest.”
decades ago. Last decade’s counter-culture
department to find records of complaints
and
becomes today’s culture, but there will
corporate acceptance, it is obvious tattoos
always be conservative forces that dislike
That is well and good for physical health,
are not fully in the range of what the public
tattoos or body art to some degree.
but if you end up with a tattoo you hate, it
considers normal. After all, with the large
will wear on you mentally. Laser removal
percentage of tattoos being hidden, it is
is painful and cover-ups may not entirely
apparent that there is pressure on prospective
do the trick so make sure your tattoo can
tattoo recipients to choose locations that are
stand the test of time. With a “YOLO” tattoo
easy to conceal.
before you commit to a shop as well.
Despite
this
newfound
cultural
21 17 21
Getting Under Your Skin: The Art of Microdermals by Alyssa Jackson | design by Autumn Wadsworth
The Process of the Piercing For my most recent microdermal I decided to go to a tattoo parlor in Rochester. My first set of microdermals is located on my stomach, so this time I decided to pierce my arm, a few inches above my wrist. The arm was significantly more sensitive than my stomach was, but still didn’t hurt more than a bellybutton piercing would. The process itself took less than two minutes. My piercer was Khary Paradise, owner and founder of the shop. He had me lie down on my back and
I
walked into a tattoo parlor to get my belly button pierced – again
place my arm at my side. He then grabbed a small
– after my skin rejected it the first time. The piercer took one look
section of the skin and inserted the dermal anchor
and told me that I would never be able to have my belly button
into my arm. The dermal punch – the tool used to
pierced again, but that I could try getting a different piercing:
insert the dermal anchor – creates the hole where
something called a microdermal.
the dermal anchor is later inserted. The dermal
I was soon informed that microdermals are piercings that are
anchor is pushed vertically into the skin and then
inserted under the skin rather than through it. They are often called
rotated until it is horizontal. After this, the jewel
single point piercings because they have an entrance hole but don’t exit
or decorative piece is screwed into the stem of the
the skin. The piercing is made up of two parts: a dermal anchor and the
dermal anchor.
jewel or decorative piece. Put simply, the dermal anchor is placed inside
When I pierced my stomach, I barely bled at all,
the skin. It is designed to be mostly flat with holes for the skin tissue to
but I noticed with the arm piercing there was more
grow around and secure the piercing in place. This part of the piercing
blood. Paradise assured me this was normal. When
is meant to be parallel with the skin above it. The anchor also has a
asked if these piercings were more dangerous than
stem that protrudes slightly outside of the piercing site. Once inside
other types of piercings, he replied with a laugh.
the skin you do not see the anchor at all. The jewel piece then screws
“Definitely not,” he said. “As long as they are put
into the stem of the anchor creating the appearance of a jewel sitting
in correctly by a professional and are taken care of
directly on the skin.
properly, there shouldn’t be a problem.”
This procedure stems from the techniques used in pocketing, or piercings where the middle of a bar is showing while the ends of the bar are placed under the skin, and transdermal implants, which are larger than microdermals and involve creating an incision to place the anchor in the skin. Although there is no time frame for when these body modifications were first performed, most websites refer to the piercings as a “relatively new” trend.
22 18
Features || October 20132013 Features September Features | September 2013
Benefits and Risks As with any body modification, there are pros and cons that
and chest area. There are less limitations and therefore
everyone should be aware of before getting this piercing. As great as
more freedom for you to modify more areas of your body.
I’m sure your friend is with that piercing gun or dermal punch, the
This procedure is also minimally invasive and
best option is to find a trained professional who will make sure to
relatively
explain any risks and answer any questions you may have.
differently, Paradise explained that most microdermal
Before beginning my piercing, Paradise was careful to make me aware of the issues I may face. “This takes a long time to heal,” he explained. “You have to be careful not to bump it or pull it, or it will be ripped out.”
safe.
Although
everyone’s
skin
reacts
piercings heal just fine. These piercings also heal much more quickly than surface piercings. And one of the best benefits? These piercings are still pretty unique. I love having people ask about my hip
He went on to explain that the healing time for the microdermal
microdermals and explaining the process to them. For a
is around two months. This time period ensures that the tissue has
body modification junkie like me, these piercings are a
healed around the dermal anchor and secured the piercing into my
fun and beautiful way to help you stand out.
skin. If I do bump it or snag it on something before it is completely healed, my body will begin to reject the piercing. Once this rejection has begun it cannot be stopped. Therefore, one con of the microdermal piercing is that I will be wearing a Band-Aid over it for the next eight weeks – not exactly my idea of pretty. Another issue with the piercing is the common removal process. Although some sites suggest that removing a microdermal piercing yourself is acceptable in certain circumstances, both of the piercers who have done my microdermals have advised against this. The most common way to remove the piercing involves using a scalpel to cut the piercing out of your skin. This is the safest and least painful process. There are some instances of this where scarring occured, but usually the skin heals completely. Despite these risks, there are many benefits to microdermal piercings. For instance, these piercings can be placed nearly anywhere on the body. Some common sites are the hips, back, neck
23 23 19
Scarification Scarification refers to the practice of creating permanent marks by cutting into the skin with sharp knives. The results are similar to a tattoo, but without the ink. Some scarification also includes skin removal, which creates open wounds that eventually scab up and heal to create more “filled in” scars. Before this body modification gained headway in modern culture, it originated in primitive tribes around the globe as an initiation ritual for young tribesmen. In most cases, blood is a sacrifice to the gods or spirits. Modern scarification is “partly spurred by a nostalgia for a different type of society” and the desire to be different, said
A MULTITUDE
Victoria Pitts, professor of sociology at the City University of New York in an interview with National Geographic.
of Modifications by Amanda Imperial | illustrations by Emily Gage | design by Kathryn Eble
Branding Branding is another alternative to the traditional ink tattoo. Similar to scarification, it is likewise permanent. There are three
On a college campus, it is no surprise to see
ways to do this in the professional world of
blue hair, ten piercings on each ear or even
branding: striking, which uses heated strips
a sleeve of tattoos. But body modification
of stainless steel; cautery, which employs a
beyond the accepted norm can go above the
heating tool known for its ability to reduce
threshold of pain most people are willing
bleeding during surgery; and moxabustion,
to experience. Burning skin, implants in
which involves burning incense on the skin.
eyeballs … that is only the beginning. There
Branding is unfortunately well-known due
are endless ways to modify your body — be
to its use in the days of slavery. Nowadays,
it simple holes or permanent art.
for many it is just another body modification option.
Corset Piercings Corsets, though an item of beauty from the early days, are still in fashion. Modern body artists can now create the corset look without the garment. The participants in such art can get anything from the skin of their back to the front of their throats pierced with lines of rings in an hourglass fashion, such that that a ribbon can lace through each piercing. Many health concerns come with this kind of piercing, however, and it is frowned upon by some medical experts. Piercing the skin and then pulling the pierced holes apart with ribbon can easily cause infections of the open wounds and, as recently noted by respected surgeons, awful scarring and painful healing can result. | October 2013 Sports | September 2013 24 Features 24
Neck Elongation
Eyeball Implants
Suspension Piercing
A common body modification modification in other
A new type of body modification modification gaining
Suspension piercing can be consider considered
parts of the world—namely Thailand—is
popularity in the Netherlands is called
a more extreme version of corset piercing.
elongation of the neck. Adult women can
JewelEye, also referred to as an eyeball implant.
Belts are strapped to the piercings, which are
wear up to about 25 coils around their
The piercing is placed in the conjunctiva of
on different places of the body, depending
necks, creating a great distance between
the eye (a thin layer just outside the white of
on what points the subject wants to be
their heads and shoulders. Children of the
the eye). As of this year, no conclusive health
suspended in the air from. This act brings the
Kayan people, a tribe in Thailand, get their
concerns have arose from the procedure,
suspenders to a unique level of pain only felt
first coils around the age of five and a ring
but eye implants have little to no popularity
through such an activity. Although this pain
is added every now and then as the child
in the United States. Visionary Eyecare, a
may seem extreme, enjoyers of suspension
grows and matures. While this type of body
blog for optometrists stationed in America,
do this for a number of reasons, including
modification is called neck elongation, the
shared a post that clearly disagrees with the
spiritual enlightenment.
neck structure is not being stretched out; the
procedure. The writer expressed concerns
collar bone and shoulders are being pressed
regarding infections resulting from opening
down, creating the illusion of a long neck. In
the conjunctiva and the possible visionary
their society, it is a form of extreme elegance.
problems that can come from these infections.
Pearling Pearling is not something people often see.
Elfing Elfing
Literally. This procedure is a bit more invasive than your average piercing because of its
Elfing ears is not an uncommon practice
location: the penis. Metal balls are usually
nowadays, considering the many tales with
placed inside the shaft or through the labia or
elven creatures, or humanoids with pointy
foreskin to provide better stimulation during
a
ears being brought to life by the world of
vaginal or anal sex. The practice began in Japan,
reasonable standard for some, there are
digital media. The procedure is quick and
and is still practiced today. Japan’s mafia, the
trends in both past and current cultures
relatively easy depending on the technique.
Yakuza, often required pearling as part of their
that involve more modification. People in
Some professionals will cut, fold, and stitch
strict codes of conduct. The practice gained
the earlier days filed down and filled their
the part of the ear to be pointed, while a
some popularity in the United States as piercing
teeth with precious stones to represent
recently developed technique will cut and
culture began to grow in the 1970s.
wealth, class and strength. The remains
reshape the ear instead of folding it. This trend
of wealthy Mayan people had implants
may have been intended to help individuals
of stones like jade and turquoise in their
mimic beloved fictional characters, but there
teeth. Archeologists also found ridges filed
can be more to it than that. Some say that
into the teeth of Vikings and concluded that
pointed ears make the face more attractive
this modification was meant to mark true
and can enhance the sound of music. Though
Body modification may not be up everyone’s
warriors. In recent times, modern purveyors
like most body modifications, doctors frown
alley, but if you do want something that is unique,
of teeth modification can stick gold or
upon elfing due to its potential for painful
there are plenty of options out there. This list is
diamond teeth in place of their real ones.
and ugly scarring, as well as infection.
just the beginning.
Teeth Enhancements Though
straight
white
teeth
are
25 25
Welcoming the New
HALL OF FAMERS by Kayla Emerson | design by Mariah Lamb and Kathryn Eble
Shari Gerevics
(formerly McNamara) Electrical Engineering B.S., 2005; Imaging Science M.S., 2007 Softball
Gerevics was a standout pitcher for Tigers Softball as an undergraduate. Her freshman year in 2001, her team competed in the NCAA championships and during her third year they won the ECAC Upstate Division III championship. She holds RIT’s records for most career wins (55), shutouts (22) and strikeouts (513). Gerevics credits her team as the engine for her successful seasons: “Each year, we always had a team that worked really well together on and off the field.” Gerevics continues to play and coach softball today. She was an assistant coach for RIT Softball and now she is an assistant coach at Nazareth College. Her advice to current students is simple: “take full advantage of everything you can learn from the people around you, because [college is] really where you become the individual that you bring to the world.”
26
Sports | October 2013
Kasie Strong-Fairburn
Molly Urquhart
Packaging Science B.S., 2005 Hockey
Industrial Design B.F.A., 2003 Track and Field
“I used to tell my line-mates, ‘Pass the puck to me, I’ll pass it right back,’” said Strong-Fairbarn. This unselfishness with the puck led to her former record of 83 career assists. Though she is now second in career assists at RIT, her assist record is one of her proudest accomplishments as a player here, she said. The two-year captain also holds RIT records for most goals in a game (5) and most points in a game (8). Strong-Fairbarn began her coaching career with youth all-girl teams in Texas, helping those programs to grow. She continued to play and coach in Germany and Norway, but is now taking a maternity break. She hopes to coach again in the future. One of the best parts of hockey at RIT, for her, were the bonds formed that still remain. “Even though you were on a team with them for a year or two, or maybe some people four years, they still are part of your family,” she said. “We had a close family, and that was great. We had a lot of success, and we had a lot of fun.”
“If it was an athlete culture all the time [at RIT], I would have burnt out,” said Urquhart. She could not find a Division I school that allowed her to participate in track and field as well as study art. RIT, she said, “allowed me to be able to pursue both of my passions.” She added, “I’m very proud of my education at RIT.” Urquhart is only the second Women’s Cross Country/Track and Field inductee in the Hall of Fame. According to RIT Athletics, she has “two All-American titles in the long jump; she is the school record holder in the outdoor long jump, outdoor high jump and indoor pentathlon.” She is most proud of her second place long jump in the NCAA nationals, still the third longest jump in Division III. The jump was even more special for Urquhart because her entire family – visiting for graduation – got to see the record jump. “It definitely ended RIT on a high note,” she said. After she graduated, she started training for triathlons, because there were no track and field clubs in her area. “It’s much more fun to sprint 100 meters and long jump than it is to go run three miles,” she concluded.
“We were the only undefeated team in the history of RIT,” said 1955 alumnus Ross DiBiase. In the final three years that RIT athletes called themselves Techmen, DiBiase captained the RIT Wrestling squad. Several members of that team have already made it into the RIT Athletics Hall of Fame; now it’s DiBiase’s turn, along with five other athletes. Every year for 44 years, RIT Athletics has inducted a handful of players into its Hall of Fame. This October, six former college athletes will be recognized. The 2013 inductees vary in age and sport, but they have their athletic excellence in common.
Lloyd Kaplan
Ray Ruliffson
Ross DiBiase
Electrical Engineering B.S., 1970 Swimming and Diving
Industrial Engineering B.S., 1975 Wrestling
Food Administration and Hotel Management B.S., 1955 Wrestling
Ruliffson recalls one memorable RIT Invitational: “I had beaten a fellow that was the champion in that weight class the year before.” Ruliffson was also named Most Outstanding Wrestler for that invitational. He didn’t stop with beating the champion though: he became the champion in 1972, according to RIT Athletics. Over the course of the 1972-1973 season, Ruliffson earned an 11-0-2 record. He also co-captained for two years. Ruliffson got back into wrestling for a few years as an assistant coach at Avon Central High School in Avon, N.Y.
DiBiase said the most memorable bit about RIT wrestling was executing an undefeated season. “It was great then because our wrestling schedule was Cornell University, Edinboro; they’re [among] the top ten teams in the United States today.” After he graduated, DiBase went on to referee for over 15 years, starting the Wrestling Officials Association for Chautauqua and Cattaraugus County. He coached wrestling at Fredonia High School in Fredonia, N.Y., the top wrestling high school in New York, according to DiBiase. He also became a black belt in judo and karate and taught both. DiBiase has been under consideration for the Hall of Fame for many years, and many of his former teammates inducted in previous years have been asking that he be added to the Hall of Fame. He said about his long-anticipated induction: “I’m very happy with it because it brings back a lot of memories and a lot of former athletes that fought for it.”
Throughout high school, Kaplan was an all-county wrestler – he had never been on a swimming or diving team until he joined his first year at RIT. “I worked really hard at it,” he said, alongside his coach, who taught him “all of the basics, all the way up through an advanced list of dives. I had to work harder than everybody else, because I didn’t do it in age groups and I didn’t do it in high school.” He remembers his last year diving here: “RIT finished in the top three in nationals. We had a great year, great team…that was a culmination of all my years. To place so well at the national level for the team, that was clearly a highlight.” After graduation, Kaplan co-founded the Pacific Diving Club in southern California as part of the U.S. Masters Diving program. He then continued competing for ten years.
27 27
YOU’VE GOT MAIL by Nathan J. Lichtenstein | illustration by David Royka | design by Zach Cross The opinions expressed are soley those of the author and do not reflect the views of REPORTER
Y
ou can usually tell when the post office has distributed junk mail without even checking your box. The floors of the Nathaniel Rochester Hall (NRH) Post Office are littered fliers while the recycling bins in Global Village are stuffed to the brim with Chinese takeout menus and coupons for Shear Global. Mass mailings are an antiquated form of advertising that generates a lot of paper waste. We live in a digital world where paper does not pack the same punch it used to. If ordering takeout, you can just look up the menu online. The irrelevance of these coupons and advertisements result in them being thrown out, recycled or pushed back into the mailbox and then onto the floor of the post office. In recent years RIT administrators have taken numerous steps to become a more green university. There are three Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified buildings (plus an additional three buildings that have yet to be ranked) and the initiative to phase out plastic water bottles campus-wide is currently in its final stages. For such an environmentally progressive university to participate in such a wasteful practice is more than a bit confusing. Since 2008, RIT has participated in RecycleMania, a challenge between colleges to encourage waste reduction and recycling. During the 2013 RecycleMania challenge RIT participated in several categories. Among them were the grand champion category, which according to RecycleMania’s website “combines trash and each of the core recyclable materials s recycling ra to determine a school school’s rate as a percentage of its overall was waste generation” and the waste minimizatio minimization category, in which, “Schools compete to see which produces the least amou amount of both recyclables and trash on a p per person basis.”
28
Views | October 2013
In the grand champion category, RIT landed 56 out of 273 competitors. Yet in the waste minimization category RIT disappointed, ending up 135 of 167 schools. These numbers show that while RIT is overall an environmentally friendly school, it still distributes a lot of waste material. Many people know the three ‘R’s’ of being green: reduce, reuse and recycle. The R3 @ RIT campaign stands for these same principals. Yet, it seems that RIT needs to readdress the meaning of the first ‘R’: reduce. Reduce means to stop waste at the source and eliminating paper waste is not a new concept when it comes to being environmentally friendly. “I honestly feel as though, even though every once in a while there is a worthwhile discount in there; for the most part it really isn’t worth it,” says Tim Miller, second year Electrical Engineering major and employee at the RIT post office. Miller said he believes that
discontinuing the distribution of junk mail would be a great way for RIT to cut down on paper waste. Assistant director of Hub Print/Postal Services Scott Boone and manager of campus Post Offices Meghan McDonald issued a joint statement to Reporter regarding the future of print advertisements at RIT: “If the students served by the NRH and [Global Village] Post Offices do not want or use the coupons, flyers etc. that are distributed, we certainly are willing to investigate phasing out the practice.” The less waste that is introduced into our campus environment, the less trash and recyclables will be generated. Being green is about taking little measures every day to live a more ecofriendly life. Encouraging the discontinuation of paper junk mail here at RIT is a great place for us all to start.
Word on the Street
“If you got a tattoo, what would you get and why?” photography by Matt Burkhartt | design by Autumn Wadsworth The opinions expressed are soley those of the author and do not reflect the views of REPORTER
“I always wanted one of those open flesh, robotic, mechanic tattoos down my back. I want something cool and big and I like cool machines.” Raven Benfield, Second year Industrial Engineering
“Life Goes On,” on her left wrist. “No regrets, you learn from mistakes. Life keeps moving; so should you.” Avanelle St. Bernard, Second year Liberal Arts Exploration
A trigonometry properties cheat sheet on his forearm. Phill Kelner, First year Electrical Engineering
“My sister thought that a tattoo of a giraffe on a child’s back would be interesting as they grew, so I would like to have tried it.” Eric Hambleton, Second year Electrical Engineering
30 30
Views | October 2013
Views | September 2013
29 29
RINGS
GOT SOMETHING TO SAY? TEXT OR CALL (585) 672-4840 compiled by Brett Slabaugh | design by Autumn Wadsworth
These bus drivers need to stop taking breaks when I’m late for class. Who do they think they are, humans?!
Monday, 10:07 p.m.
Just saw a kid jogging in cargo shorts. It’s great to be back.
Friday, 7:26 p.m.
30
Views | October 2013
Why do people think it’s acceptable to interfere with HvZ? You wouldn’t run out onto the field during a rugby game just to troll the players. It’s fine if you’d rather not participate, but ruining the fun of those who do just makes you look like a [zombie].
Dirtiest place on campus? Gum ball machine in the Campus Center. Everyone touches the handle then a gumball they stick in their mouth. Gross!!!
Tuesday, 12:26 a.m.
Tuesday, 3:41 p.m.
My roommate saw a couple cats outside Riverknoll and decided to go catch one. Turns out they were skunks. He’s not allowed back in our apartment.
That awkward moment when you try to send rings a text about vaginas but you accidentally send it to your mother... Oooh joy, she’s calling me now...
Sunday, 8:48 p.m.
Sunday, 11:48 p.m. S
31
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