Wednesday, September 16, 2015 Volume CXXXVI, No. 3 • poly.news

SPORTS Page 4FEATURES Page 11EDITORIAL Page 8 Justin On the many fall Etzine Jewish holidays Tyler Fond memories of Carney years of video gaming

Staff RPI is already resilient, Men’s soccer continues win streak Rick and Morty draws big audience Editorial no theme necessary

SUMMER ARCH Arch elicits strong response Members of the Senior Board The Rensselaer Polytechnic

RENSSELAER ANNOUNCED THE Summer Arch program last Thursday, which will eventually re- quire rising juniors to live at RPI dur- ing the summer and have them go on a co-op or similar internship during their fall or spring semester. Students and alumni expressed their reactions across social media with mixed feel- ings. Some felt that this would be a great opportunity for students to have real world experience, while others questioned its implementation and effect on non-academic activities. The Polytechnic reached out to students to hear their thoughts and opinions on Summer Arch. A student from the Class of 2017 who wishes to remain anonymous said that Summer Arch “is a great business move for RPI [but] how will this affect clubs? Sports? Greek Life?” Junior year is an important time for the non-academic aspect of the Courtesy of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute student experience. Jeremy Feldman MANY STUDENTS HAVE VOICED their concerns and ideas about the new Summer Arch program. ’16 spoke to this, saying “the away semester separates juniors from the those vital leaders.” got through the National Science Arch would become detrimental to club at the time they need to learn Alumnus and former Student Foundation’s Research Experiences students’ personal development by about club operations to develop into Life Committee chair Lexi Rindone for Undergraduates. “Summer limiting their ability to expand their the senior leadership of the club. This ’15 explained that “summer intern- Arch would inhibit students from experiences beyond the Rensselaer robs the clubs of the skilled senior ships or research opportunities can opportunities like REUs since campus.” The Summer Arch would leaders that they need to succeed. be essential for defining students’ they are only offered in the sum- need to offer lucrative opportunities Club leadership also often comes career paths.” Rindone was able mer. Without providing students to compete with what students can from the junior class and the man- to get into a competitive PhD pro- equivalent or better opportunities find elsewhere. datory away semester robs clubs of gram because of experience she during the academic year, Summer See ARCH, Page 3

WEIRD OFF THE WIRE Serving the Crime on the rise across Bangkok Rensselaer community Woman swallows jewel; militants bomb shrine since 1885 was a brief twelve minutes and our “heis- tress” is on her way to recovery. While this seems like a scene from a 1960s Inside comedic detective series, organized crime is Comics ...... 6 a serious and rising issue in Thailand. Gangs operating at a high level of crime often con- Editorial/Opinion . . . . 8 trol and corrupt the local government. These Events Calendar . . . . . 5 groups are called chao pho, which ironically Features ...... 11 translates to “godfather,” and act as a mafia. Sports ...... 4 According to the Thai authorities, 39 of Thailand’s 76 provinces are experiencing the tumult of the local chao pho. Whether or not this woman was a part of Connect such an organization remains to be seen and Visit us online at: speculated upon. The likelihood is low, how- poly.news ever, due to the regularity of pick-pocketing Like us on Facebook: and snatching in Thailand. On the other hand, Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons facebook.com/thepolytechnic TOURISTS FLOCK to shrine in Bangkok, Thailand for spiritual and cultural enrichment. beyond the statistical information, this far- Follow us on Twitter and Instagram: fetched scene makes for a good Bond film. @RPIPoly Elisabeth Ryan intestines. According to sources of the BBC, Crime is a rather broad subject with multiple Staff Reporter the woman was thought to have exchanged sub-groups: violence, theft, human-traffick- Scan the QR NOT EVEN INSPECTOR CLOUSEAU COULD HAVE this gem with a fake at a jewelry fair on ing, smuggling, prostitution, and terrorism. code on the left predicted the actions of this jewel thief. On Thursday. An airport arrest, hospital x-ray, However, the petty pilfering of jewelry pales with your phone to go to our Sunday, September 13, in Bangkok, Thailand, and an attempt with laxatives later, authorities in comparison to the abject destruction of website! a Chinese woman had a six-carat diamond, decided to have the woman undergo surgery. worth $300,000, surgically removed from her Not to alarm any sympathizers, the surgery See CRIME, Page 3 2 • News Wednesday, September 16, 2015 poly.news STUDENT SENATE New R&E chair appointed, Summer Arch discussed David Raab Marshall and President of the Rensselaer effectiveness of that course of action and power. The motion passed unanimously. Staff Reporter Union candidates in order to increase their Etzine’s amendment ultimately failed. Ilori The meeting concluded with a discussion THE MEETING STARTED OFF WITH THE campaign budgets above the officially allowed then motioned that the petition be referred to about how the Senate will respond to the an- appointment of Victoria Tong ’16 to chair limits for their individual campaigns. Ilori said the Student Life Committee of the Senate to be nouncement about RPI’s new Summer Arch the Senate Rules & Elections Committee. that the R&E would rather increase spending furthered examined. Several Senators brought program. The Summer Arch is a new initiative Following questions about the level of time limits for PU and GM as opposed to letting up concerns that such an action would be seen in which students would spend the summer commitment and her reasons for applying the former political party practices continue. as punting it to committee to die of old age. between sophomore and junior year taking 16 to be chair, the Senate voted unanimously to Some Senators also brought up concerns that Thomas Alappat ’17 brought up the fact that credits. Students then have to take off either approve the appointment. Former chair and any group of three members of the Union RPI is a private institution and that it relies the fall semester or spring semester of their current senator Paul Ilori ’17 will now be the can bring formal complaints before the R&E on tuition for a significant part of its budget. junior year. Options for what to do during the Co-Chair of the R&E Committee. and Ilori responded that the committee has Jessica Krajewski ’16 brought up concerns semester off include co-ops, internships, and Immediately after the appointment of Tong, discretion on which complaints it investigates. that the SLC already has several projects this community service. Flowers compared the the Senate discussed the Freshmen Elections According to Ilori, that freedom prevents semester and that talks about locked tuition Summer Arch program to the current programs Handbook for the Class of 2019. Grand frivolous or malicious complaints from wast- have come up in the past but have never been at Northeastern University and Dartmouth Marshall Marcus Flowers ’16 reminded the ing the time of the RnE. Ultimately, the Senate taken seriously by RPI. Eventually, a motion University. Flowers also told the Senate that Senate that the handbook needed to be ap- approved the elections handbook and it is to pass the Locked Tuition petition onto the he has been personally assured by several top proved in order for freshmen to be elected to available here: http://poly.news/s/94sdn. SLC passed by a slim margin (9-7-5). administrators that student input will be valued positions within the Senate and other student The Locked Tuition petition, which the Andrew Sudano ’17 then brought before in working out the exact details of this program. government bodies on campus. The handbook Senate tabled last week so they could conduct the Senate the idea of creating a joint commit- The role of the Senate, according to Flowers, is details the requirements and timeline of the background research, was discussed again. tee with the Union Executive Board to look to amalgamate all student voices on the issue fall freshmen elections this year. Starting Flowers mentioned that he found that most into the Student Activity Fee. The Student and bring forward to administration a cohesive September 22, there will be a series of infor- colleges don’t have a similar program and Activity Fee task force is meant to look into and polished opinion. He said “raging and yell- mation sessions run by R&E for all freshmen the ones who do are mostly public institutions the financial processes of the Union and look ing” will accomplish nothing and the Senate interested running for positions. It was em- who would not be peer institutes to Rensselaer. for fiscal efficiencies that could be introduced. has a responsibility to future students to make phasized that all political party members and Justin Etzine ’18 wanted to amend the original Sudano explained that he wanted to be joint sure this program is implemented in a way that campaign managers also have to be freshmen. motion from last week, which was to drop the between the Senate and the E-Board because makes sense. RPI administration will be form- It was also mentioned that starting with this petition because it falls outsides the jurisdic- the Senate is meant to represent the student ing four committees (Academics, Student Life, election, all political party funds have to go tion of the Senate, and to instead notify admin- voice on life at RPI. All RPI students pay the Infrastructure, and the Semester Away) to flesh towards materials that promote all members of istration that there would be student support activity fee so the work of this new committee out the details of the program and there are slots the party equally. Ilori detailed how the party of the concept of locked tuition. Questions ultimately impacts all students, according to on all four committees for students. system has been abused in the past by Grand were raised from several Senators about the Sudano. Michael Han ’16 had questions about Naturally, several Senators had sev- the exact role of the Senate in this committee eral questions about the program. Jennifer and didn’t see the need for the Senate to be Friedberg ’18 asked whether students involved. Graduate Senator Michael Caiola would have to pay tuition while away and wanted to make sure that the Graduate Council Flowers responded by saying that under the was also involved in the work of this commit- current set of plans that students would not tee and Sudano personally assured him that have to. Bill Mehner ’16 asked how long their voice would be valued and sought. the summer courses would be and Flowers A motion to remove the GM voting pow- responded that they would be 15 weeks ers on the R&E was brought up next. Ilori long (the same length of a typical semes- explained that under the current rules that ter right now). Graduate student Jennifer the GM is an ex-officio voting member of all Church asked how Reserve Officers’ Senate committees. He brought to light the Training Corps would be affected by being inherent conflict of interest that would result forced to attend classes over the summer. if the Grand Marshall was ever the subject of Flowers responded that the administra- inquiry of R&E. Theoretically, the GM would tive Semester Away committee would be able to vote on rulings and sanctions for be charged with that issue in particular. himself. A brief debate then ensued about the Flowers wrapped up the discussion by em- Senate having the constitutional power to strip phasizing that the Senate really needs help Jack Wellhofer/The Polytechnic the Grand Marshall of voting, but it was even- from all students in order to put together VICTORIA TONG ’16 SPEAKS about qualifications before her confirmation vote. tually decided that it was within the Senate’s the best response for administration.

EXECUTIVE BOARD E-Board discusses equipment, capsules Jack Wellhofer cable ramps would come from Senior Reporter contingencies or UPAC’s budget. Kelleher said he would like it to THE RENSSELAER UNION EXECUTIVE come from contingencies. Gregory Board met for the first time this Bartell ’17 made the point that up semester last Thursday to discuss until the shipment is in the hands Union Performance and Activities of a club member, it is the Union’s Committee Lights and extra money responsibility to store and protect from the dues of the Class of 2015. it. Shannon McComb ’18 asked The first agenda item was one how a situation like this could be that Nick Dvorak ’16 brought to prevented in the future. Kelleher the E-Board. At the end of the last suggested creating an approved list semester, UPAC Lights ordered new of officers who would be the only cable ramps which protect the large ones allowed to collect packages. wires from foot and vehicle traffic. Ines Roman ’16 suggested that Because UPAC Lights orders equip- clubs should not be permitted to ment frequently throughout the year, order items over the summer, when different members often go to pick it fewer people are around to notice up from Martha Mcelligott’s office, someone out of place. Conrad where the packages are delivered. Mossl ’17 asked about the scenario For this particular shipment, some- where the old set of ramps is found Jack Wellhofer/The Polytechnic one not from UPAC Lights went into after purchasing a new set, but E-BOARD REPRESENTATIVES CONSIDER possible locations for the missing lighting equipment. the office and took the equipment Kelleher felt it was unlikely the old of the Union Erin Amarello ’15. of 2015, it makes sense that they of 2015 would need to submit a without signing out the package. set would be found; the E-Board The Class of 2015 has $2200 should be put to use for what the more concrete proposal to review Alex Kelleher ’17, the equipment felt they would deal with that dollars remaining from their Class of 2015 sees fit. Mossl felt before proceeding. The rest of the chair for UPAC Lights, said he asked situation if it arose. In the end the class dues. As an alumni of- like a time capsule is too close E-Board agreed. other equipment-heavy clubs, like E-Board passed a motion 14-0-1 ficer, Amarello suggested that to a class gift, and reminded the Committee reports reminded RPI TV, WRPI, and the other UPAC to spend $510 from contingencies they buy a time capsule and put E-Board that the dues are meant to members of meeting times and groups if they had mistakenly took to purchase new cable ramps for it on display in the Union and be used on activities for the class. encouraged E-Board members and their package to no avail. UPAC Lights. was seeking E-Board approval. Andrew Sudano ’17 suggested students to participate. With that, Jeremy Feldman ’16 asked if Next on the agenda was a pro- Feldman pointed out that since that the discussion be tabled for the first E-Board meeting of the the $510 needed to purchase new posal from the previous President the dues were levied by the Class the time being, and that the Class semester came to a close.

Serving the Rensselaer community since 1885 poly.news Wednesday, September 16, 2015 News • 3 EVENT Arch: New RPI program Fortune 50 leader offers From Page 1 Executive Board representative Gregory Bartell ’17 had a more negative view of Summer Arch, dismissing any student input this late into the program’s development as helpful advice to students an appeasement strategy. “Asking for student direction at this stage of development serves only to belie its true nature as a fully-fleshed out, soon-to-be-mandatory requirement of Rex Hu earn something while you’re here at RPI. But all future RPI students. Had the program been presented as a new optional opportunity Staff Reporter no single piece of advice stood out above the for students, it could have been heartily embraced by the community; instead it is yet rest. Instead, what makes Banghart such an another wedge driving apart students, faculty, and administrators.” LAST WEEK, RPI RESIDENTS GATHERED IN impressive and inspirational figure is the sum Hannah Rabinowitz ’18 feels a similar sentiment as Bartell. “I think it is absolutely ri- the Experimental Media and Performing of all these small things—the wisdom and diculous,” she said. “Although it will not ever affect me, the entire “program” sounds like a Arts Center to listen to a speech delivered advice that she has to offer—which are ap- huge scam to require students to spend more money at RPI.” This has the potential to cause by Courtney Banghart, Head Coach of plicable to both an individual’s and a leader’s issues for students who rely on scholarship, as their scholarship money might not pay for the Princeton Tigers Women’s Basketball responsibilities. One small thing, for example, summer classes. Rabinowitz also believes that there will be a lack of interest in coming team. Last March, Fortune magazine in- is that three people sneezed at the beginning to RPI, as similar schools have a more flexible co-op program. A mandatory program cluded Banghart in its list of The World’s of her speech, and each time she made sure to puts constraints on when and what students can do. 50 Greatest Leaders. This places her among say “bless you.” She never hesitates to give her Feelings of Summer Arch are mixed among the student body. Many students see the ranks of world-renowned individuals all, whether she is coaching, giving a speech, the great potential that a co-op program would have for students. Having a longer including Tim Cook, Taylor Swift, and Mark or observing small acts of courtesy. block of time to dedicate to an internship, study abroad experience, or community Zuckerberg. In fact, she is ranked 43—two Towards the end, Banghart tied her speech service trip would work towards the Institute’s goal of preparing students to meet places above Jimmy Fallon. Banghart started together into one general message: a good the multifaceted challenges of the 21st century. However, many students feel that her college career at Dartmouth College as leader takes care of themselves so that they the program will be implemented in a way that would be detrimental to the student a psychology major, and had no idea at the can take care of others. She spoke at an experience. Similar programs are popular at other engineering schools and are often time that her talents would carry her down exclusive dinner in New York for the 50 huge selling points for the schools. It is safe to say members of the community, a completely different path. She wrote her World’s Greatest Leaders. Here’s the plot alumni, and reporters of The Polytechnic would like to see a more complete plan graduate thesis, however, on the subject twist: when she first received the phone call from the administration before passing judgement on Summer Arch. of sports leadership, and at the same time informing her that she was one of the World’s she took on the role of women’s basketball Greatest Leaders, she thought it was a joke assistant coach at Dartmouth. Shortly after and suggested that they could talk about the her graduation, she was hired at Princeton, award in detail over dinner. It wasn’t until the Crime: Uighur group where she turned a mediocre team into the lady on the phone said there actually would best team among the Ivy League. be a dinner in New York City that Banghart The premise of Banghart’s speech was realized this was the real deal. She was asked suspect in shrine attack based on advice for how to take care of you, to speak about the best life advice she had some of which is derived from Authentic ever received, so naturally, she turned to her From Page 1 committed. Whether or not concerning the event. Happiness. She says that a person is the family for suggestions. After asking around, the Uighur were the perpe- To say that the supposed conglomeration of the five people they spend she realized it wasn’t that she had ever gotten a shrine in Bangkok, for trators, the result remains Uighur attack has any rela- the most time with. Her advice subscribes any particular life advice—it’s that she had which the Thai authori- the same: 20 individuals tion to the aforementioned to some major points: college is a fertile picked it up along the way. It was that life’s ties are blaming Uighur were killed at the bombing, chao pho would be extreme ground, dive in; you have to find your zone about two things: who you are and who you militants. Most of us have most of Chinese citizen- lateral thinking on the part of purpose, which is the overlap between help—and college is about those same two never heard of the Uighur, a ship. Speculation on the of readers. Be that as it may, what you’re good at and what inspires you; things, which is why Banghart’s advice is minority ethnic group from situation rises as the style the crime in Thailand—es- how you present yourself is who you are; so relevant. Her advice is so good, in fact, western China. While this of crimes committed by pecially Bangkok—is af- be kind, original, humorous, optimistic, and that she has been invited to speak at Fortune bombing is nearly a month the Uighur are re-evalu- fecting the quality of life of generous; focus on what’s important to you; magazine’s global event. However, she has old, only recently have the ated. Frequently enough, its citizens, and the militant sleep before 3 am, be grateful that you’re here yet to accept or decline the offer. local police been able to pin the Uighur have attacked government is taking mea- (you can pay it forward by being someone’s the culprits as Uighur. The with knives in sporadic, sures to cover up much of good one of five), and have grit—go out and See WEBSITE for full article motive behind the crime is gang-like occurrences, it in effort to preserve the said to be revenge against rather than organized ter- lucrative tourist business. Thailand for forced repa- ror strikes. Hard evidence From jewel thieves to ter- triation, or deportation, of and explanations from rorists, it seems Bangkok’s INFORMATION Uighur refugees. the Thai authorities were crime situation is dire, and INCIDENT PROVIDED BY Historically, this would scarce, and their public local government, as well as PUBLIC SAFETY be the first attack outside relations were not forth- international government, is INVESTIGATOR BLOTTER TERRANCE BURNS of China the Uighur have coming with information creating no positive effect.

UNION AFFILIATED CLUB Wednesday, September 9

Barton Hall RPI Cru links article, Larceny: A bike was stolen from the Barton Hall bike rack. The lock securing the bike was broken and, therefore, the bike was not locked. The bike’s owner put the lock around the bike to simulate the bike lock. The bike is lime green and has sparks internet debate mirrors. A theft report was filed. Jack Wellhofer Angelini ’16 “However, I didn’t like how Friday, September 11 Senior Reporter the author went about making his point and definitely disagreed with some of the Heffner Alumni House Parking Lot A THREAD CREATED ON THE RPI SUBREDDIT examples he chose to bring up.” Burglary: A student reported a vehicular break-in between the hours of 8 pm and early Tuesday morning included details Cru President Jeremy Ang ’16 said he 6:30 am. The only item suspected stolen is $5–$10 in cash. No damage was done about a Rensselaer Union-affiliated “agree[s] that we as young Christians to the car or its windows. The owner believes that the locks were “jimmied,” and group’s Facebook post, and the post is shouldn’t be afraid to stand for beliefs then called back to add that a dremel tool and car emergency kit were taken causing controversy among students. that are rooted in love.” from the trunk of the vehicle. A post on the Facebook page of RPI Cru, Ang went on to say, “We accept people as a local chapter of the organization “commit- people regardless of their actions, political Crockett Hall ted to helping take the gospel of Jesus Christ stances, sexual preference, favorite pizza Fire Alarm: A fire alarm was activated in Crockett Hall and could not be reset. Fire to all nations,” linked to an arguably contro- flavor, whatever.” Some Reddit users felt Life Safety was contacted. Troy Fire Department reset the alarm. versial article written by John Wesley Reid, differently about the article, however. /u/ entitled “5 Trends Christian Millennials TheExtremistModerate questioned if the Saturday, September 12 MUST STOP Doing.” The article details article was written as satire, and /u/radi- “tolerance” as the first thing that Christian antrasin simply said, “this is wrong.” Crockett Hall millennials should stop, saying it “flies in The Cru officers said the article was Injury: A student twisted an ankle earlier in the day and called to report swelling. the face of the gospel because it is apathetic posted to Facebook by “an advisor to The patient was transported to Samaritan Hospital by RPI Ambulance. both to brokenness and holiness.” student at RPI who works with Cru.” The The Polytechnic reached out to the of- officers did not clarify or comment further. Sunday, September 13 ficers of RPI Cru about the post, the Reddit “Cru represents a broad spectrum of thread, and the ensuing discussion. individuals and spiritual journeys,” said Nugent Hall “In general, when I read the article the Angelini. “To say that everyone in Cru Injury: A student slipped, fell, and possibly dislocated a shoulder, but was overarching message I took from it was that would agree with everything is impossible.” conscious, breathing, and alert. The patient was transported to Samaritan Hospital Christians shouldn’t sacrifice what they For more information about RPI Cru, by RPIA. believe just for the sake of staying relevant visit http://crurpi.com. to society,” said Cru Vice President Lauren

Serving the Rensselaer community since 1885 Sports Wednesday, September 16, 2015 SOCCER Men’s soccer continues undefeated streak

Joseph Saulsbery and sent off for a violent tackle. Senior Reporter Then, freshman midfielder Trev- or McCaughey curled the subse- RPI MEN’S SOCCER CHALKED UP TWO quent free kick into the back of more wins this weekend to im- the Stockton net to tie the score prove to a record of 5-0. The at one. Later, Collins booted a undefeated start is the Engineer’s corner kick into the Stockton best since 2008. box and senior back Paul Lentine Men’s soccer played its first headed the ball off of a defender game of the four-team tournament into the Stockton net. The goal on Friday against Stockton. The gave Rensselaer the lead with 25 game started out slowly for both minutes remaining. teams and the first shot on goal Despite being down a man, didn’t occur until 15:33 in the first Stockton managed a late rally half from the leg of RPI sopho- that included six shots and two more midfielder Steven Collins. corner kicks. This time Nealon The shot was saved by Stockton stood firm, sending back both goalie Bobby Varga. Later, in the shots that went his way and se- 35th minute, Stockton Univer- curing the win for RPI. sity forward Chimaobi Ikwuagwu The next day, the Engineers fired a shot on the Rensselaer faced off against William Pater- goal, but sophomore goalie Ryan son University in the winner’s Nealon made a key save to keep matchup of the tournament. In the it scoreless. Then, two minutes 14th minute, Lentine looped a cor- later, a second shot by Ikwuagwu ner kick toward the Paterson goal careened off the post. and junior back Andrew Gondek A foul on RPI inside the thumped a header into the net to penalty area in the 40th minute put the Engineers up one early. Joseph Shen/The Polytechnic allowed Stockton a penalty kick. Later, in the 33rd minute, Pater- THE ENGINEERS WON both games this past weekend, beating both Stockton and William Paterson University. Stockton back Clevon McPher- son earned a penalty kick. Nealon who once again preserved the ahead of the Paterson defense Next up for undefeated Rens- son took advantage, drilling blocked the would-be equalizer, lead. The shot by Padilla would and kicked it past Pioneers goalie selaer is a matchup with 3-1-1 the ball past Nealon to give the though, propelling the Engineers be Paterson’s last on goal in the Mike Villegas. Oneonta, Wednesday night at Ospreys a 1-0 lead. into halftime with a 1-0 edge. contest. The Engineers subse- The game ended in a 2-0 East Campus Stadium, and a In the 58th minute, Rensselaer’s Only 23 seconds into the second quently padded their lead in the shutout for the Engineers, the second home game on Saturday luck changed for the better when half, Paterson forward Jason Pa- 73rd minute when junior mid- fourth time they have held their against Potsdam. McPherson was given a red card dilla launched a shot on Nealon, fielder Devon Baughen sprinted opponent scoreless this season. CROSS COUNTRY Engineers fi nish third in Saratoga Springs

Michael Baird Continuing in the trend from last week’s Ronald Stonitsch Invitational in Pough- Staff Reporter keepsie, NY, the Rensselaer women’s cross country team acquired another second RENSSELAER JUNIOR MATERIALS SCIENCE ENGINEER AND MEN’S CROSS COUNTRY STANDOUT place team victory for the season on Saturday. Although they had 22 points on Stevens BEN Fazio, showed his home course in Saratoga Springs, NY, who’s boss on Sat- Institute of Technology, who edged them out of victory last Saturday, St. Lawrence urday. He crossed over the finish line with a winning time of 18:51.5 for the 6K University clutched first place this time with 54:61 in the points despite RPI junior race, helping his team to a third place position out of 21 schools. Picking up where and women’s co-captain Maddie Pery’s performance. St. Lawrence also obtained he left off last season with a second place finish in the Liberty League Champion- first place last year at Saratoga. ships and placing 26th in the National Collegiate Athletic Association National First to finish for the RPI women in the 5K race was senior Shannon Trant in fourth place Championships, Fazio was named Liberty League Men’s Cross Country Performer at 17:55.3. Behind her was sophomore Jamie Lord in fifth with 18:05.3. Maddie Dery came of the Week for Saturday’s performance. in eighth with 18:17.6, while senior Alexa Sakorafos and junior Allison Thayer placed 20th With six finishers in the top 15, St. Lawrence University attained the winning score of 33, and 24th with 18:49.4 and 18:53.6 respectively. followed by New York University with 47, then RPI with 99. Rensselaer’s second finisher, senior Saturday will see the return of Rensselaer cross country to the course in New Gloucester, and men’s team co-captain Steven Hammar crossed in 17th place at 19:37.8 and was closely ME, at Pineland Farms where the Bates Super X-C Shootout will take place, hosted by followed by junior Garrett Davis in 23rd place at 19:40.8. Trailing behind him was last week’s the Bates College Bobcats. The men’s 8K race, which will be the first of the season for top RPI runner, freshman Grant O’Connor, who took 28th at 19:49.6. Rounding out the top RPI, will happen at 11 am, and the women’s 5K will be at 11:45 am. five was junior Matthew Cicciu in 30th place with a time of 19:52.5. FIELD HOCKEY Women’s Field Hockey victory over the Pioneers

Joseph Saulsbery Senior Staff Reporter Megan Jones assisted each attack Jena Nawfel cement- other’s goals in the second half ed the win for RPI with her RENSSELAER FIELD HOCKEY won to lead RPI to victory. Fowler’s second goal of the season. 3-1 against visiting Utica Col- goal came early in the second Freshman goalie Rachel lege, scoring two of them in the half to give the Engineers a 1-0 Kaufman stood tall for the second half. The win came on edge. Then, after a Utica goal in Engineers, saving four of the the heels of the team’s first loss the 45th minute, a penalty cor- five shots sent her way. On the at Hamilton College on Sep- ner by senior attack Angela Cas- Utica side, goalie Kells Casey tember 9, during which a late cio in the 49th minute resulted in also played well, saving seven rally by the Engineers wasn’t an open look for Jones, who put of the 10 shots she faced. enough to erase the two-goal it away for the go-ahead score. The next games for Rens- lead built early by the Hamilton The goal was Jones fifth in as selaer are at home against Continentals. many games this season. Kean University and Keuka Jack Wellhofer/The Polytechnic Junior midfielder Colleen Fifteen minutes later in College this Saturday and JUNIOR COLLEEN FOWLER CHASES after the ball against Uitica College last Saturday. Fowler and sophomore attack the second half, sophomore Sunday at Harkness Field. Events Wednesday, September 16, 2015

WEDNESDAY The Rensselaer Union celebrates MONDAY September 16 Constitution Day. Constitution Day is September 21 an American federal observance that The final club travel financial workshop recognizes the adoption of the United The Biological Seminar Series presents will be held in the Rensselaer Union States Constitution and those who have graduate students Savanna Dorsey and 3602. Every Union-funded club that become U.S. citizens. On September Katherine Mezic. Their seminars are titled travels must send their president and 17th, 1787 the delegates sent to the “The roles of Cln3 and Whi5 in cell size treasurer to one fi nancial workshop. This Constitutional Convention signed the control” and “Localization of a Na+ binding will happen from 3–4 pm. Constitution. Celebrate with cake at the site in the Na+-translocating NADH: Rensselaer Student Union during lunch ubiquinone oxidoreductase.” It will be The Douglas Mercer ‘77 ECSE Lecture from 11:30 am–1:30 pm. held in Bruggeman Conference Center Series continues with Profes sor Jian Sun. His in the Center for Biotechnology and lecture is titled “Power Electronics for Future Dr. Mark Lewis presents “Dynamic Interdisciplinary Studies from noon–1 pm. Energy Systems.” It will be held in the Darrin Resource Management Policies for Refreshments will be served at 11:45 am. Communications Center 324 from 3:30–5 Parallel Queues with a Shared Pool pm. Refreshments will be served. of Servers.” It will be held in Jonsson The Class of 2017 Class Council Engineering Center 3117 from 3–4 pm. invites the class of 2017 to the reveal The Department of Physics, Applied event for the class ring. It will be held Physics and Astronomy hosts Dr. Jinfeng in EMPAC from 7–9 pm. Semi-formal Jia. His colloquium is titled “Majorana FRIDAY dress is requested. mode in the vortex core and single-layer September 18 FeSe on SrTiO3 with a superconducting Tc above 100 K.” This will be held in DCC Dr. Manish Gupta gives a seminar titled TUESDAY 337 from 4–5 pm. “Data Analytics for Personalized Services September 22 and Transforming Lives.” It will be held The School of Architecture presents in Lally 104 from 4–5 pm. Chemistry and Chemical Biology Fall Theodore Spyropoulos. He co-founded Seminar Series presents Professor the New Media and Information The Capital District Printathalon 2015 Christopher Bowman. His seminar is Research initiative at the Architectural will be held at SUNY Poly at 5 pm. titled “Clicking Polymers Together: Association. He and his brother, Listen to local experts in 3D printing Assembly of Complex Controlled Stephen, direct Minimaforms, an technology share their knowledge via Polymer Structures from Efficient experiental architecture and design presentations starting at 5 pm on Friday, Chemistries.” It will take place in DCC studio. This event will be held in the September 18th. Create a team and join 330 from 4–5 pm. Experimental Media and Performing the 24-hour 3D printing competition on Arts Center from 6–7 pm. Saturday. Or participate in a networking event featuring a variety of 3D printing WEDNESDAY The Rensselaer Union puts on “Let’s companies on Sunday. September 16 Talk: Debate vs. Dialogue vs. Discussion.” This session, learn about key similarities Union Programs & Activities The Office of International Programs and differences between three main Committee Cinema presents San holds an information session for communication styles and the drawbacks Andreas. Screenings are at 7 pm, 9:30 students who wish to learn more about and benefi ts of each. It will be in the Union pm, and midnight in DCC 308. The cost the available international programs room 3202 from 6–7 pm. is $2.50. and opportunities. Students who want to study abroad in the spring 2016 semester are strongly encouraged to THURSDAY SATURDAY attend. It will be held in Academy Hall September 17 September 19 3627 from 10–11 am.

RPI Ghost Tour Registration opens. The 20th Annual Run To Remember The Center for Financial Studies Take a 90 minute guided walking tour 5K starts at the East Campus Athletic presents Mr. Pankaj Patel and his of the lower campus while learning Village at 8 am. All profi ts will go to seminar titled “Changes in Quantitative about the history of Rensselaer and the Wounded Warrior Project. Register Investment .” It will be held in the Pit t sburgh the people who made it famous online at http://poly.news/s/y71q9 for Building room 4114 from 1–2 pm. while possibly meeting a few spirited $25. You can also register for $30 the characters along the way. Register at day of the event. http://union.rpi.edu/node/680. Marketing workshops will be held in The Polytechnic will EMPAC presents Flatform’s “dotQuantum,” the Shelnutt Gallery from 10 am–noon. be hosting special a multimedia performance that Review the tools and techniques for on- manipulates moving image, programmed campus advertisement of student events. elections in the Poly light, and objects to “see through” a static office on Sunday, understanding of the world around us. UPAC Cinema presents Gladiator. It will be held in EMPAC Studio 1 from Screenings are at 7 pm, 9:30 pm, and September 27 at 4 pm. 7:30–9:30 pm and costs $6 to attend. midnight in DCC 308. The cost is $2.50. 6 • Comics Wednesday, September 16, 2015 poly.news

SUDOKU MONDAY PUNDAY by Matthew Broussard 324

1986Previous Issue’s Answers 97 85 643879152 817245693 975 3 592631847 954782316 786513429 231496785 428967531 8 379 379158264 92 68 165324978 Fill in the grid so that each row, 689 5column, and 3-by-3 subsquare contains exactly one occurrence of 17 2the numbers 1 through 9.

XKCD by Randall Munroe

CRYPTOQUOTE A Cryptoquote is a simple substitution code where each letter that appears may stand for a different letter. The substitutions are consistent throughout the puzzle. Punctuation is not translated. For example: AMXBMAAYQ = ENGINEERS “Odjwqp, D rtp’w mnpw hts eshj wt ldekw. Hts’zq Cqvn npr Vkotq, wteqwkqz hts’zq Ckotq npr qyqzhtpq otyqj n ettr Ckotq.” -Lnw Nuh Adwvk Aqzlqvw 2

San Andreas Friday • September 18, 2015 7 pm, 9:30 pm, & Midnight • DCC 308 • $2.50 Gladiator

Saturday • September 19, 2015 7 pm, 10 pm, & 1 am • DCC 308 • $2.50

Do you like drawing comics? Draw comics for The Poly! Email us at [email protected]

Serving the Rensselaer community since 1885 poly.news Wednesday, September 16, 2015 Comics • 7

TOP TEN LIST HARK! A VAGRANT by Kate Beaton Top Ten reasons to miss class 10. Not feelin’ it, Mr. Krabs 9. Fallen and can’t get up 8. Antarctica-level blizzard 7. Daylight savings 6. Working at The Poly 5. Hittin’ the gym 4. Meme-ing too hard 3. Burrito break 2. Class too far 1. Sleep WORD FIND by Shane O’Brien Words can be found forwards, backwards, up, down, and in both diagonals. Cereal H C N U R C N P A C N V M J F U E N O Z X Q S J M K X N R R T R S R U W H E A T I E S I U B Q E P F S U K I D X W P J I C X K R Q H U A L D R X O Z T V G A S N P F L N I L S P Z Y Q K L F I G Q F A J S W O E P V S F F I S V D R K E A A E E F M N U G K K E B Q I L G Z B V R R P H C S T N J P Y G I B K A O A P A S S I Z S J N J L V H C O V J V O S R I Z U X E G C C C T E T R I X R B R I S E Y R O L L T F A R K T J P H J K B C K P O Z R V E T L S N Y C K X J P Y O K Z C E N I B T U U D A A M V P C I Y H R A F L K L A I C E P S R D Z C S C O O K I E C R I S P S T D H Apple Jacks Crispix Pops Cap’n Crunch Froot Loops Raisin Bran Cheerios Frosted Flakes Rice Krispies Cocoa Puffs Fruity Pebbles Special K Cookie Crisps Kix Trix Corn Flakes Lucky Charms Wheaties ANSWERS Here are the answers to last issue’s cryptoquote and mondaypunday. “The suit is the mod- ern gentleman’s ar- mour. The Kingsmen are the new knights.” -Harry Hart Kingsman: The Secret Service mondaypunday answers: 1. Dane Cook 2. Pinky swear

Serving the Rensselaer community since 1885 Editorial Wednesday, September 16, 2015 Students told to be “resilient” EDITORIAL NOTEBOOKS Resilience has two meanings, the power or ability to return to the original form, position, etc., after Wait, it’s a new year already? being bent, compressed, or stretched, and the ability to recover readily from illness, depression, or adversity. Considering RPI students are not Rosh Hashanah kicks off bright future made of elastic material, it’s safe to say President SO, I JUST GOT BACK TO CAMPUS LAST NIGHT AFTER BE- ably a good idea anyway, to apologize to anyone Jackson was referring to the latter definition in ing away since Friday. Why, you may ask? I was in you may have wronged in the past year, in hopes her email to the Rensselaer community. Connecticut celebrating Rosh Hashanah! This holi- of earning their forgiveness. Additionally, this The Polytechnic thinks that the introduction of this day, which literally translates to ‘Head of the Year,’ holiday contains a 25-hour fast, which begins the concept is unnecessary and redundant. RPI students is more commonly known as the Jewish New Year. night before the holiday starts at sunset, and ends are already resilient, in addition to other buzzwords It commemorates the start of a new calendar, which the next evening an hour after sunset. and adjectives, in how we go about our daily lives. is marked by two days of prayer, introspection, and Sukkot, which means the Festival of Booths, Introducing resilience as a new school-wide concept lots—and I mean lots—of good, home-cooked food. serves to commemorate the time spent wander- begs the question: did RPI not make our gradu- You may be asking yourself, “Justin, that’s all great, ing the desert, where the Jewish people lived in ates resilient before now? RPI alumni go on to live but it’s only September; how could there temporary structures, known as sukkot. successful lives and often, fulfill the RPI mantra of be a Jewish New Year now?” And that’s a It is customary to build a sukkah, made changing the world, in some way or another. good question. Pat yourself on the back for out of three wooden walls and a roof of Additionally, in the first of the two emails sent, that one. January 1 marks the start of the tree leaves, and live in it for seven days, President Jackson mentioned that every student will new solar calendar, while the Jewish New but I’m not sure how Residence Life or get a book. Not too long after, she sent out another Year marks the start of the lunar new year. Public Safety would feel about that on email saying only first-year students will receive the This is also why the holidays fall on dif- RPI’s campus. There are many variations book. Is the theme of resilience not relevant to soph- ferent dates on the normal calendar every on this custom: some just eat meals in omores and upperclassmen? Those upperclassmen year; last year, Rosh Hashanah took place the sukkah, some only fulfill the other September 24–26, and September 13–15 customs of the holiday, and some do are the ones leading student clubs, groups, Greek Justin organizations, and receiving internships and co-ops, this year. Another interesting difference nothing at all. It’s all up to what people on top of managing a demanding course load. with Jewish holidays is that they begin Etzine are comfortable with. the night before and end upon nightfall Contributing Editor Finally, Shemini Atzeret and Simchat on the day of. So, although Monday, September 14, Torah, which are two holidays at the end of Sukkot. was the first day of the holiday, it actually began on Shemini Atzeret, which means the Eighth Day of the night of Sunday, September 13. Assembly, is the first day after the end of Sukkot, The Polytechnic will be Rosh Hashanah also marks the start of a string of and Simchat Torah celebrates the finishing of the five holidays that occur within a month. Yom Kippur, reading of the Torah and celebrates the starting holding special elections the Day of Atonement, takes place ten days after the over immediately after! Sunday, September 27 at first day of Rosh Hashanah. Sukkot, Shemini Atzeret, I hope all the above-mentioned gives some in- and Simchat Torah take place shortly afterwards. sight into the crazy and exciting Jewish holiday 4 pm in the Poly office. Yom Kippur, which will take place a week from schedule for the next few weeks! On that note, I today, is a day of repentance where we hope to want to wish my Jewish friends and family a good come to terms with any and all mistakes we’ve and sweet new year, l’shana tova u’metukah! made over the past year. It’s customary, and prob- New high score of memories The game of life through video games

PLAYING VIDEO GAMES HAS BEEN a was the start for my love of Halo. Some other games I enjoy are large, influential part of my life. My mom still played with me The Elder Scrolls: Skyrim, Witcher I started out with a Game Boy up until Halo 3. We didn’t have 3, Minecraft, the Call of Duty series Editor in Chief Color and Pokémon Yellow, and I Internet at our house so all we from Modern Warfare to Black Ops Chris Leong continued to play Pokémon until would do is play co-op legend- 2, Hearthstone, Titanfall, Forza, [email protected] the Black and White editions. ary or heroic campaign. After we Sunset Overdrive, Runescape, Pearl was the edition I played finished one game, we would go and many others. I started playing Editorial Board the most with about 350 hours of on to the next and then restart Runescape my freshman year of Managing Editor Stephanie Kern-Allely [email protected] gameplay. I remember the series after playing high school. It is the game I have Managing Editor Jack Wellhofer [email protected] all my cousins hav- them all. It is, to this put the most time into of them all. Contributing Editor Justin Etzine [email protected] de facto News Editor Justin Etzine [email protected] ing Nintendo DSs and day, my favorite video Currently, I am at 320 days in-game de facto Business Manager Olivia Fiscaletti [email protected] when we were at our game series and I don’t time played. I have beat the game Features Editor Stephanie Kern-Allely [email protected] grandparent’s house we see it being anything at this point, but I still log-on oc- de facto Sports Editor Chris Leong [email protected] Editorial/Opinion Editor Maria Kozdroy [email protected] would play eight player other than number one casionally to talk to friends or play Composing Editor Shane O’Brien [email protected] Mario Kart together. for a long time to come. some of the new updates. At the de facto Copy Editor Chris Leong [email protected] de facto Photography Editor Jack Wellhofer [email protected] When it was time to go I branched out from just beginning of this semester, I actu- Associate News Editor David Raab [email protected] to sleep, we would use Halo games also and ally met a friend in real life that I Associate Composing Editor Tyler Carney [email protected] Associate Copy Editor Rex Hu [email protected] the PictoChat room to read all of the books met on Runescape. It was a weird talk to each other long Tyler available at that time. experience after knowing him for Coordinators past the time we were Carney I am now extremely three and a half years to finally supposed to be asleep. excited for Halo 5: meet, but it was one I enjoyed. Advertising Director Olivia Fiscaletti [email protected] Associate Composing Graphics Director Geoff Rosenthal [email protected] My first console was Editor Guardians to come The amount of time I can play de facto Systems Coordinator Dan Bruce [email protected] the original Xbox and it out. It will be the first video games has decreased a de facto Web Coordinator Dan Bruce [email protected] Sports Coordinator Joseph Saulsbery [email protected] came with Halo: Combat Evolved. Halo game I’ll have gotten on substantial amount since starting Social Media Coordinator Kayla Cinnamon [email protected] I got it Christmas morning, and release and been able to play college, but I still love to game. my mom and I played it nonstop. multiplayer. I bought the Halo It has given me so many good

Production Staff: Michael Baird, Sean Beacham, Nathan Dorer, Francela Chacon, Isabel The first play-through was rough. Master Chief Collection near memories such as destroying my Johnson, Paul Rich, Elisabeth Ryan, Kay Sun. We got lost on several missions release also, but we all know cousins in every game we played and just in general had difficulty how good multiplayer was then. together, finally beating Heroic

The Rensselaer Polytechnic is published weekly, except during holiday and examination periods, playing, as it was our first console I have been practicing on MCC in Blackrock Mountain, owning a by the students of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute as authorized by the Rensselaer Union. Opinion game. My mom had a co-worker preparation for Halo 5. I mainly Completionist Cape, and just all pieces in this newspaper do not necessarily refl ect the views of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute or the Rensselaer Union. All submitted material becomes the property of The Rensselaer Polytechnic. The who also played, so when we got play the Halo 4 playlist and am the fun times throughout. In look- Editorial Board reserves the right to edit for reasons of space, clarity, libel, or style and to compose headlines for all articles printed. “Letters to the Editor” must be typed, signed, and less than 500 words stuck she would ask him what to currently rank 19. If you want to ing back at my history of gaming, in length. “My Views” must be typed, signed, and between 500 and 700 words in length. The telephone number of the author is required for letter verifi cation. All letters are due by 5 pm on the Friday prior do and then she would come back, play you can add my gamer tag I am even more excited for what to publication, and can be sent in a Word document attachment via email to [email protected]. and we would beat the level. This Foehammer189. will come about in the future. Views expressed in opinion columns provide diff ering viewpoints to help balance the newspaper and do not necessarily refl ect the opinions of the Editorial Board. These opinion columns, other than those granted to certain student government organizations, are granted on a semesterly or yearly basis by the Editorial Board. Those interested in starting a column should email [email protected] for details. Editorial and Business offi ces are located in Room 3418 of the Rensselaer Union, Troy, New York, 12180-3590. Subscription and advertising rates can be forwarded upon request. Subscriptions are sent You should write for the Poly! via fi rst class mail. Address correction requested. poly.news Wednesday, September 16, 2015 EdOp • 9

TOP HAT MY VIEW New idea sparks concern Change starts with you The news about the Rensselaer Summer Arch program, which will require all rising juniors to take summer classes followed by spend- Comments, concerns, questions seriously wanted ing one of their junior year semesters off-campus, concerns me, an alumnus who wants to see her alma mater succeed. HELLO RPI STUDENTS, Affairs Committee (which will data, in order to make a more Encouraging students to get internships, go on co-op, study abroad, The Student Senate is hard at be heavily involved in the work informed decision. As for allow- and participate in their local community is a great idea. My issue is work to ensure that you have the on Summer Arch), and our ing the use of preferred names, that this program will be mandatory starting with the Class of 2021, best possible experience here at Web Technologies Group. The we unanimously agreed to and I can see potential roadblocks for many students. Students come Rensselaer. However, at the end Community Outreach Committee work on this through the com- to Rensselaer for many different reasons and have many different of the day, we are all students, and will be working on involvement bined efforts of RPI TRANS needs, some which would be better suited spending their summer have our limitations. This may be with the communities around and the Senate’s Student Life elsewhere. Listed below are my concerns. ridiculously cliché considering us, including the University of Committee. These are ideas Financial Aid. Some RPI students rely on financial aid to attend. Troy is the Home of Uncle Sam, Albany, Russell Sage College, and from students, for students, and Currently, students must apply to use federal financial aid during but the student body more. Please contact ultimately investigated by stu- summer, and this takes away a semester of eligibility. RPI grants needs YOU! me with any questions dents. If you have an idea, share are not available during summer. It would be useful for students to Over the past few you have regarding it on our petition website at know how this will work; there is currently nothing available online weeks, and the end of any of these issues. http://petitions.rpiwtg.com/, or about this. My own experience was that I was always dangerously the last semester, we The Summer Arch is talk to a member of the Senate. low on funds by the time the spring semester finished; I needed have begun work on my top priority for this All that being said, be sure to work full-time during summer to be able to pay my tuition and many student projects school year, and will to look to the future with the other expenses during the following year. Monetary reasons would and addressing future have my full attention. National Society of Black also make it difficult for most students to spend a semester doing changes to the Institute, As always, the Student Engineers/Society of Hispanic unpaid community service. such as the Summer Marcus Senate meets at 7 pm Professional Engineers Career Students who must take extra credits. For one reason or another, Arch. We have seen Flowers in the Shellnut Gallery Fair, next week! This is a huge some students have to take extra credits to graduate on time. The sum- that many students have Grand Marshal on Tuesdays. This week opportunity for all RPI stu- mer term is currently capped to 12 credit hours, unlike fall and spring concerns, suggestions, we’ll have discussed dents, and you would be wise semesters, which are each capped at 21 credits. Students in certain and requests regarding the issue, the Summer Arch and the hand- to prepare your resume, attire, dual majors must take extra credits to graduate on time. Students who and that’s why I want those same book for the Freshman elections. and pitch as soon as possible. have switched majors (nationwide, 80 percent of college students people to be the ones we interact If you want to stop by my office, If you would like assistance in change their major at least once) may also have to take extra classes with on a regular basis. Feel free I’m usually in the office most of this, look to campus resources, to catch up, or they may have to take different courses from their to come to my office, talk with Tuesdays, especially after 2 pm, as like the Center for Career & cohort. Additionally, students sometimes take time off for personal us when we are gathered for our well as Wednesdays and Fridays. Professional Development, or reasons, such as family or illness, and many programs already make meetings, and help us voice the On September 8, the Senate dis- student organizations that are it difficult for them to not graduate any later. Students might also sentiments of the student body. cussed two petitions by students: offering tips and tricks to land- wish to graduate early or to get a coterminal degree, and therefore You are the most vital part of this a petition to have locked tuition ing that job or internship. want to take more classes or be ahead of their program. Many of the machine, and nobody’s perspec- at Rensselaer and a petition to As always, let me know if you coterminal students who I’ve known have been able to graduate in tive on this is the same as yours. allow the use of preferred names have any questions, comments, eight or nine semesters either through Advanced Placement courses The specific areas we would at Rensselaer. For the first peti- or concerns at [email protected]. and/or taking additional credits. like assistance in are: Community tion, we postponed addressing it Course Intensity. RPI is not an easy school. A full-time intern- Outreach Committee, Academic until we presented more concrete ship or research program is less time-intensive than a regular RPI semester. Students use the summers to relax and breathe before another intense academic year; even those taking classes currently DERBY generally take fewer credits. Assuming the academic semesters remain unchanged, a rising junior will either have classes from late August to early August with one month break, or even late Apply today to work with me August to December of the next year with only a one-month break and a two week break. Unless RPI’s intensity decreases, students will probably burn out—I know I would have. Summers for me More opportunities in clubs and action needed by some were also a time to get outdoors and meet others in my community HI RPI! A quick note to clubs who had officers sign and explore the local area, all of which is hard to do if you are I hope your weeks are going well. First and fore- up for the Student Officer Summit: due to low focusing on coursework. most, I am looking to fill the remaining four seats on numbers of signups the event was cancelled and Club and Greek Life leadership. Many club presidents and Greek the Executive Board! Applications are live now until I am working with staff to have it set up again at Life officers are juniors. Typically, from what I saw during my eight 11:59 pm on Saturday September 26, 2015 and can a later date. I know this program was beneficial consecutive semesters as a club officer, freshmen would join several be filled out at http://goo.gl/forms/CtAeiFuJxg/. I to me as a rising leader, and I hope to see it come clubs and take a lower-level officer position their sophomore year. am looking for at least three freshmen and a member to fruition at a later point in the semester. To all By senior year, students are focusing on their senior thesis, proj- at-large. If you have already applied and would like club officers of Union funded clubs: at this point ect, or lab class and finding a full-time job or applying to graduate to still be considered, send me an email at in time your E-Board Reps should have schools and have less time for club leadership. Gaining leadership [email protected] and I will consider your ap- reached out to you and sought times to skills through clubs and Greek Life is very useful for getting a job; plication again. If you are not interested in meet and introduce themselves, or intro- additionally, both are a fundamental part of the RPI experience for being a rep but still want to be involved, duced themselves at the Activities Fair. many students. there is always need for committee work! If you are unsure if this has happened, Research. Students hoping to go to graduate school or medi- With a plethora of projects at our finger- you can check CMS to find out who cal school are going to want to get research. There are many tips, the E-Board is always seeking help. your rep is, or you can always contact great research programs only offered over the summer, includ- Please see http://stugov.union.rpi.edu/ me directly. One of the major themes ing the National Science Foundation’s Research Experience for eboard/committees/ for contact informa- of the E-Board this year is going to be Undergraduates. My own NSF REU was very helpful in developing tion of each committee chair and brief Nicholas proactivity, meaning that the reps will professional and research skills, as well as allowing me to experi- descriptions of the committee work. Dvorak be there to help before issues arise. If for ence a different college and its professors and learning environment. With the recent announcement of the President of the Union any reason you don’t feel this is the case There was a rising junior in my program, and some of the rising Summer Arch program, I would also like to encour- for your club or you have feedback, I welcome your seniors had done an REU the previous summer as well. Additionally, age students to lend their time to the Senate’s efforts. comments as we are always looking to improve! these students would want to get part-time research during the Marcus Flowers ’16 has organized a diverse group of Lastly, as always, I can be reached anytime by academic semesters, which would be hard during a jam-packed students to thoroughly examine this program and to email at [email protected] if there’s anything you need or summer. I was part of several RPI research groups and enjoyed the ensure that student input is heard about the change. that I can help you with. I’ll still be hosting regular experience and mentorship I got from working with upperclass and One senator can only do so much, so help is always office hours (Tuesday and Friday from 10:00 am to graduate students. welcome. I am also seeking additional help on the E- 11:00 pm) and pub chats (office hours in the pub, Program Compatibility. Some degree programs are more compat- Board side of things as we examine how this change Mondays and Wednesdays from 8:00 pm to 9:00 pm) ible to Summer Arch. Engineering programs, for example, might be will affect the Rensselaer Union’s finances and club as the semester continues. I encourage all groups to best suited, although I have heard students and alumni in some majors operations as a whole. A shift of this magnitude in let me know about as many of their events/games/ saying that the timing still would not work for them. Architecture campus culture will lead to many peripheral changes, shows/etc as possible so I can experience as much students must already take a jam-packed schedule to graduate in time; especially when done on such a shortened timeframe. of RPI as possible. additionally, the School of Architecture offers several semester abroad I want to ensure that all transitions are smooth. programs as well as a semester program at the Center for Architecture Science and Ecology in New York City. Science and social science students who are planning to go to graduate school are probably best served by research, discussed above. Please visit http://poly.news/ online to continue reading this Interested in writing, drawing comics, or hanging around article. with awesome people? Join The Poly today! Elizabeth Anderson STSS/EEVP G’14

Serving the Rensselaer community since 1885 poly.news Wednesday, September 16, 2015 Features • 10 TV SERIES REVIEW Swan: Film mixes Season 2 keeps it schwifty ballet, perfection Geoff Rosenthal struggles of the show’s stars to usually focus on sci-fi piercing into Senior Reviewer overcome their weekly obstacle. I’ve the heart of the human experience. From Page 11 the audience. The disturbing found Harmon does it best through As such, you’ll have an episode film. The piece is primarily insight into the mind of the THE FALL SEMESTER IS A BIT OF A strong characters that are put through where marriage counseling a juxtaposition of the carnal protagonist is made nearly drag. You’ve spent all summer incredibly extreme scenarios. For becomes more of an Alien movie, and the artful; the original romantic through the careful relaxing and/or getting valuable example, being locked in a car that and others that show how religious Tchaikovsky arrangements for choices of music and scenery on work experience, then you have to is ordered to keep you safe no matter extremism for giant heads can Swan Lake are used to backlight the director’s part. go back to classes, and homework, what, meaning it is willing to use become reality. This is part of the things as intimate as sex and Black Swan represents something and the general, crushing sadness physical and psychological warfare reason I like the show so much— self-mutilation. The reason rare; an original story that also that is RPI. And while I desperately against any passersby who present it’s serious and deep commentary that Black Swan stands out as a manages to be well executed. The want to follow the theme of a “risk.” The stars of the show are undercut with comedy. You get genuinely novel piece of cinema piece speaks volumes on duality, resilience this year, starting out, a quirkier version of Doc Brown more out of this show than a simple isn’t simply its shock value, and presents itself as an example; I didn’t know if I could make it. I and Marty from Back to the Future. sci-fi comedy, and in many ways I it’s the fact that the director the duality of the sinful and the wrote all the previous stuff in past By that, I mean if Doc Brown was liken it to Futurama in that regard. managed to make a would-be saintly, the duality of the perfect tense because after watching Rick an alcoholic and sociopathic he If you liked the first season, it’s shocker into a moving, dramatic, and the passionate, the duality of and Morty’s second season, I know could be mistaken for Rick, and more of the same, but better. If you and interesting experience for the beautiful and the insane. I can wake up bright and early for if Marty was incredibly insecure saw the first season and didn’t like my 8 ams knowing there will be and spineless, he could be Morty. it, then first, you have bad taste, an episode released once a week. This dysfunctional relationship is and second, this new season won’t Those who’ve watched Community furthered by Morty’s parents, who have anything you’ll be looking for. or Rick and Morty’s first season always seem to be on the verge But if you’ve never seen this show Smash: Institute might know the creator’s work, Dan of divorce, and Morty’s relatively before and like what you’re hearing, Harmon. He’s known for eccentric normal teenage sister Summer. give it a look. All I can describe of characters, episodes revolving The stories presented on the it can be said in a quote by a giant club draws crowd around group dynamics, and the program, like the first season, head, “We like what you got.” Black Fish continues tourney streak From Page 11 competition and he doesn’t know many people who play in Vermont, so he enjoyed coming to spend time with people who also like to analyze the game on a competitive level. The organizers of the event would like to thank “Claim to Fame Entertainment” for donating a prize bonus of $200, free Monster drinks for the players, and running a raffle at the event. They would also like to thank “Pastime Legends” for providing the majority of the equipment, including over 50 game setups with consoles, TVs, and copies of Smash, as well as https://twitch.tv/pastimelegends, and recordings of this event can be watched at https://www.youtube.com/user/pastimelegends. The Smash Club is always trying to improve the quality with each tournament, making each one bigger and better. Their current goal is to get storage space in the Union, which would allow them for easier setup and cleanup. “These things are so self-fulfilling,” says Garb (who took 1st in Melee singles, 1st in Project M singles, 1st in Melee doubles, 2nd in Wii U doubles, and 4th in Wii U singles), “I’ve practiced really hard, and it’s payed off. I think that can be said for anything, if you work hard and practice, it’s very fulfilling. It’s also the camaraderie, friendship, and competition.” Anyone interested in participating in future Smash events should join

Courtesy of Adult Swim “Capital Region Smash Brothers” Facebook group, where events such RICK AND MORTY CONTINUES its successful TV run in its second season. The TV series follows as this will be posted. The next large tournament, “Blue Fish,” will be Morty and his grandfather Rick on their ridiculous adventures, complete with crazy twists. held on November 7 of this year in the Union McNeil Room.

ALBUM REVIEW Rap album sends listeners to musical Rodeo Daniel Kim Los Angeles where he got signed by T.I and Staff Reviewer later Kanye West. Scott thereafter released his first mixtape entitled Owl Pharaoh, AS SOMEONE WHO ONLY STARTED HIS MUSICAL which put him on the map due to his unique journey in recent years due to conservative sound that resembled a cross between Kid parents, there are many things that I have Cudi and Kanye West. yet to experience in the vast, awe-inspiring Aptly named, Scott’s first official album, universe that has come to exist as the music Rodeo, plays on the Southern imagery that industry. Stemming from my concentrated comes to mind when one thinks of a traditional Korean background, the only music I had rodeo. Showcasing true artistic talent, Scott any experience with was the disgustingly harnesses this country horse-riding visual and generic albeit, revolutionary genre of makes it his own with an ode to the “lean- K-pop. If you haven’t heard of this genre, sipping” culture that has permeated Houston do yourself a favor and stay away. with songs like “Antidote”, a reference to Now, one can hear music and enjoy the the nonstop party attitude. A surprisingly artistic intertwining of personal identity and pleasant song I personally identified with musical integrity. But to truly understand was “Maria, I’m Drunk”, which personifies any given album, one must look past the marijuana as Maria and its psychologically audio representation and look towards the addicting effects. artist and the circumstance in which they With addictively vulgar lyrics and came to write the music. Jacques Webster, collaborations with numerous high-profile better known by his stage name Travi$ artists, Rodeo is a pantheon of what a Scott (the dollar sign is mandatory), is an debut album should be. No matter what American hip-hop artist and producer from mood you may find yourself in, you can the multicultural boundary-crossing city and always find meaning in the harshly true and home of Beyonce, Houston, Texas. meaningful songs that explore what it means A college dropout and influenced by to succumb to human impulses. Do not let the works of Mase and Diddy, Scott first the unorthodox genre of music dissuade you attempted his venture into the real world from taking this album for a tour. Put on Courtesy of Travis Scott by couch-surfing in the land of forsaken some earphones, let everything escape your TRAVIS SCOTT’S FIRST ALBUM MIXES everything a first album should have with dreams, New York City. He then migrated to head, and succumb to Travi$ Scott’s Rodeo. celebrity features, hard hitting tracks, and experimenting with different influences.

Serving the Rensselaer community since 1885 Features Wednesday, January 28, 2015 EVENT REVIEW SEVERINO CENTER Another fi sh; more Smash World Challenge Thomas Wainwright Staff Reviewer the series, but is still considered by many players to be the best game of the series. Project M is a player- kicks off new year ON SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 5, HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE made mod of Brawl, the 3rd game in the series. It from around the Capital Region gathered in the has the same characters and stages, but the physics Andrew Rainville framed to work with one of the McNeil Room of the Rensselaer Union for the Super and mechanics have been changed to feel more like Special to The Poly nine Entrepreneurs in Residence at Smash Brothers tournament “Black Fish.” Over 130 Melee. Most of these games also had both singles and the Severino Center to further their participants came not only from RPI, but also from doubles tournaments, with singles matches consisting EVERY DAY PRESENTS A SET OF ideas. Next steps can be Demo Day, colleges such as Siena College, State University of of 1 vs. 1 games and doubles matches consisting of 2 problems, some serious, some Business Model Competitions, or New York Albany, Hamilton College, and Vassar vs. 2. In total, this made for five tournament brackets: trivial. No, this is not in reference accelerator interviews. College to compete in tournaments held in the various Project M singles, Wii U doubles, Wii U singles, Melee to homework problems. Rather, In the past, students have games of the Super Smash Brothers series. A total doubles, and Melee singles. the problems that everyone faces submitted ideas for anything from of $1670 was at stake in the prize pools, with Eric “It’s nice to meet up with people who like the in life. Though few may talk about mobile applications to medical “Manalord” Garb winning over $500 in prize money. same things you like,” said Rob Fagan, a competitor them, they exist and do not appear devices to fire safety systems. The tournaments were split up among three games who drove all the way out to the tournament from to have a solution…until now! If The range of possibilities is in the Super Smash Brothers series. Wii U is the most Southern Vermont, and who took 3rd in Project you think that you can solve such undefined to allow for free and recent entry, featuring the largest list of playable M and 3rd in Melee singles. He says he likes the a problem, then you should enter open creativity. Staying true to characters and stages. Melee was the 2nd game in See SMASH, Page 10 the Change the World Challenge! the Challenge name, the goal is to The Change the World bring forward ideas that will have Challenge provides a unique a significant impact on the world. opportunity for students of all Registration for this semester’s disciplines to form teams and Challenge closes on September develop their unique ideas into a 25th at midnight. viable business concept. Round If you miss this year’s deadline one merely consists of bringing but want to compete, have no the idea to the table, stating fear! The Challenge is offered the problem, and describing biannually, once each semester. the solution to move your plan Starting this semester, challengers forward. Top ideas move on to a have the opportunity to complete six-week, hands-on experience in the program for one credit. In which students perform customer doing so, however, they forfeit discovery to better understand the eligibility for the monetary the problem. At the end of those prizes. The route also requires six-weeks, the top ten teams are earlier registration which, for this awarded $1,000 each and are semester, has passed, but look eligible for the $5,000 “Best of the forward to it next semester! Best” prize at the end of the year. The Change the World Many opportunities exist after Challenge is organized through the the Challenge as well, should Severino Center for Technological a team choose to pursue their Entrepreneurship based out of the concept. With a strengthened Pittsburgh Building. To learn more Courtesy of Pastime Legends MANALORD TAKES ON Pikapika in the Super Smash Bros. Melee Grand Finals on Saturday, September 5 business acumen coming from about the Center and the Challenge, in the McNeil Room. Black Fish was the continuation of the Smash Club’s tournament series. the Challenge, teams will be well- visit https://scte.rpi.edu/.

CLASSIC MOVIE REVIEW New-age thriller is en pointe about duality Nathan Dorer meeting with Thomas, she uses seduction Staff Reviewer to persuade the composer into giving her the part, and thus begins her descent DARREN ARONOFSKY’S PSYCHOLOGICAL from the innocence of the White Swan to thriller Black Swan lends itself well to the devious, sensual Black Swan. Nina the dark melodrama of cinema; the film quickly discovers what it means to be isn’t so much a foreboding “In a world” “perfect” in Thomas’ eyes. All her life, scenario as it is “In a life.” Any piece Nina has sought to keep complete control centered around the world of elite ballet of herself, whereas Thomas sees the is bound to play on theatrics, but this perfect dancer as one who can feel the Tchaikovsky-fueled nightmare speaks innate details of the piece. volumes about the duality of perfection The central theme of the piece is the and proves itself to be a haunting reminder dual-faceted nature of perfection. The of the dangers of mental illness. Black Swan represents perfection that is The film begins with the introduction of effortless, natural, and carnal; meanwhile, the coy, understated, but utterly devoted the White Swan shows perfection through Nina, played by Natalie Portman. Dancing dedication, precision, and concentration. in one of the few remaining classical ballet Nina struggles with being too focused troupes of New York City, Nina drives herself on her dancing to allow herself to feel to extremes to perfect the art of performance. the piece, and the film’s mantra, “lose Throughout the first half of the film, the yourself,” rings as clearly through the main plot is introduced: famed composer audience’s ears as it does Nina’s. As the and Lincoln Center dictator Thomas Leroy protagonist allows herself to become lost will be producing his reimagining of the in the art, her grasp on reality begins to classic ballet Swan Lake. In the preliminary fall apart. Nina’s breakdown is marked selections for the role of the Swan Queen, by absolute release in dance; as Thomas Nina is predictably chosen. However, seems to approve of her performance, the movie takes a turn when Nina’s drive Nina finds herself in pressing danger as for perfection falters during her tryout. her mental health deteriorates. She stumbles halfway through the dance The way the piece moves from designed for the nefarious Black Swan, and interesting to elegant is due to the artistic loses her chance to become the Swan Queen. liberty that Aronofsky took with the Courtesy of Fox Searchlight Pictures Distraught, Nina chooses to take See SWAN, Page 10 NATALIE PORTMAN SPEAKS with director Darren Aronofsky during filming of matters into her own hands. In a personal psycho-thriller Black Swan. Portman portrayed the ballerina Nina in the film.