Wednesday, October 14, 2015 Volume CXXXVI, No. 7 • poly.news SPORTS Page 6FEATURES Page 12EDITORIAL Page 4 Michael The moral edification Baird volunteerism brings Nathan Lack of real student Dorer political participation

Staff Struggles and gripes Women’s hockey wins on the road Renssel-ale homebrew impresses Editorial about exam frequency

MEN’S ICE HOCKEY Engineers defeat top ranked team

Jack Wellhofer/The Polytechnic MEN’S ICE HOCKEY PLAYED valiantly against Boston College, which holds the position of number one team in their conference (file photo). Joseph Saulsbery netminder Jason Kasdorf stopped were saved and the home team re- Lowell. Boyle recorded a 27-save Senior Reporter the first five, but the sixth got by tained its one goal edge. Then, with shutout while Kasdorf stopped 35 Sean Beacham to give UMass Lowell a 1-0 edge. less than a minute remaining in the of 38 shots he faced in defeat. Staff Reporter The goal was scored by forward opening period, sophomore forward On Sunday afternoon, Octo- Michael Louria and assisted by Viktor Liljegren was penalized two ber 11, the puck dropped at the RENSSELAER MEN’S HOCKEY OPENED forward Evan Campbell. Several minutes for elbowing. Fourteen Men’s non-league hockey game its regular season with a trip to minutes later, RPI earned a power seconds later, Campbell scored on between Rensselaer’s Freshman the University of Massachusetts play when defenseman Niklas the power play to give the River Evan Tironese and Boston Col- Lowell last Friday. The results were Folin was penalized for offensive Hawks a 2-0 lead. lege’s Austin Cangelosi at 2 pm. disappointing, a 0-3 loss—But, the interference in the eighth minute Early in the second period, the BC won the faceoff back to their Engineers came to life on Sunday of the game. The Engineers failed River Hawks took advantage of defender, Steve Santini. This Serving the afternoon at the Houston Field- to mount a legitimate attack on the another power play to take a three- play set the tone for the begin- house and upset top-ranked Boston River Hawks net though, attempt- goal lead despite an impressive ning of the first period; Boston Rensselaer College in a sensational display of ing only one shot on goal, which four-save stand by Kasdorf. The kept the pressure on and was able defense and timely scoring. was saved by goalie Kevin Boyle. third goal of the evening was scored to keep the puck in their offensive community In Friday’s matchup against the The teams went back and forth by forward Adam Chapie and as- end for the majority of the first since 1885 UMass Lowell River Hawks, the for the next 10 minutes, with RPI sisted by forward Nick Master. five minutes of the game, and then home team peppered the RPI net, putting five additional shots on net Thirty eight scoreless minutes was given a power play from the firing six shots on goal. Senior to UMass-Lowell’s three. All eight rounded the 3-0 victory for UMass- See HOCKEY, Page 6 Inside STUDENT SENATE Weather 8-Day Forecast Comics ...... 8 May be subject to change. Source: Wunderground.com Wednesday Sunday Editorial/Opinion . . . 4 Appointments postponed 60° 50° 47° 28° Events Calendar . . . 10 Precip. 20% Precip. 10% Features ...... 12 David Raab Hum. 64% Hum. 48% Wind 14 mph Wind 13 mph Sports ...... 6 Senior Reporter approved by the Senate effective at the conclusion of the Class of 2019 elections Thursday Monday CITING SECTIONS OF THE RENSSELAER UNION because some senators expressed concern 63° 46° 52° 35° Connect Constitution, the Student Senate postponed that the Constitution states that the Class Precip. 20% Precip. 0% confirmation of President of the Union of 2019 Representative seat on the E-Board Hum. 58% Hum. 47% Visit us online at: Nick Dvorak ’16’s appointment of John has to be appointed within three weeks after Wind 10 mph Wind 8 mph poly.news Fantell ’19 and Matthew Beaudoin ’19 the elections. Prior to the votes, Jeremy Friday Tuesday Like us on Facebook: to two Member at Large seats until the Feldman ’16 stated that, in his conversation facebook.com/thepolytechnic Rules & Elections Committee can issue a with Rensselaer Judicial Board Chairman 57° 39° 61° 42° Follow us on Twitter and Instagram: ruling on the legality of the appointments. Anthony Barbieri ’15, Barbieri said he Precip. 20% Precip. 0% @RPIPoly The issue at stake was the fact that some was confident that the appointments would Hum. 67% Hum. 50% Wind 10 mph sections of the Constitution say that the most likely be ruled constitutional if Wind 9 mph Saturday Wednesday Scan the QR Executive Board only has four weeks brought before the J-Board. Furthermore, code on the from the start of the semester to make its Feldman told the Senate that he believes it 50° 32° 67° 46° left with your phone to go to Member at Large appointments. is obligated to appoint these freshmen so Precip. 50% Precip. 10% our website! Matthew Rand’s ’19 appointment to the Hum. 73% Hum. 60% Class of 2019 Representative seat was See SENATE, Page 3 Wind 12 mph Wind 11 mph 2 • News Wednesday, October 14, 2015 poly.news EXECUTIVE BOARD E-Board recognizes team, hears reallocation She urged the members to go online and write a brief summary of their committee’s purpose, and introduced the idea of redesigning the student government website. Her ideas ran along the vein of a more interactive, infographic presentation method. She went on to mention that Senate was thinking about doing a town hall-like meeting and were planning to do it before the Summer Arch forum. She voiced her opinion of having the E-Board present and involved in that project. No official motions were made, and the discussion forum was open and brief. The last official business on the agenda was club baseball. Stephen Munisteri ’18, president of the club, came to the E-Board looking to make his club union-recognized. Due to the fact that junior varsity baseball was cut the year before, there were no options for non-varsity students to play baseball. Munisteri states that the club shall be participating in a competitive league, the Jack Welhoff er/The Polytechnic National Club Baseball Association Division CHRISTINA PAPINI ’18 AND YI LIN CHEN ’16 PRESENT on the current plans of the 125th Anniversary of the Union gala celebration II, and he hopes to have try-outs. He is unsure whether or not the league is strictly male, Elisabeth Ryan be between five and 10 dollars. The seating, the catering. The board members were not but he states (as a response to a question) Senior Reporter besides that of Jackson and her cabinet inclined to this idea, as students already pay that he would be willing to have women members, will be on a first-come, first-serve a fee to the Union for activities such as these. play on his team as long as they met the ON THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, THE EXECUTIVE basis. Following the dinner, there will be a The committee members were instructed to standards during tryouts. A motion was made Board meeting began with an appeal by two free light show displayed on the front of the get an official quote before reappealing. It to make club baseball a Union-recognized members of the 125th Anniversary committee. Rensselaer Union, with an area to view in the was also mentioned that the board members organization and it was passed with a 13-0-0 Vice Chairman Christina Papini ’18 and Horseshoe. After that activity, there will be would be more inclined to reallocate the vote. Munisteri has have to come back to the committee member Yi Lin Chen ’16 started dancing in the McNeil Room, which is also funds if the event was free. E-Board to appeal for club funding. off their presentation with an explanation of free and open to all students. This gala will Student Government Communications Reports and reminders were made to the purpose of their committee-planning be the main event in celebration of the 125th committee, a committee joint between the the E-Board members and the meeting events for this anniversary celebration Anniversary. Before, the event had been senate and the E-Board, was represented was adjourned. The E-Board meets every before delving into their request, which designed to be an event with a more carnival- by Jen Church, a graduate student, during Thursday at 8 pm in the Shellnut Gallery was the reallocation of funds. The 125th like atmosphere. The board members were the committee of the week presentation. on the third floor of the Union. Anniversary Gala will be a formal, sit- not willing to give an official motion and down dinner event on November 14, where vote until the committee had gotten a quote Institute President Shirley Ann Jackson and from Sodexo, who will be catering the Normally, The Polytechnic includes an incident blotter; her cabinet members will be in attendance. event. The ticket revenue, explained by the however, this week, no incidents were reported by The committee members are estimating a committee members, would not be going into Department of Public Safety Inspector Terrence Burns. seat count of 280, and the tickets’ prices will the committee treasury, but solely go towards

NATIONAL NEWS Ten killed in Umpqua Community College shooting Nathan Dorer responses didn’t seem to bear Staff Reporter any consequence—regardless of ON OCTOBER 2ND, CLASSES IN religious affiliation, the assailant Room 15 of Snyder Hall at inevitably shot his victims. Umpqua Community College in During the shooting, Harper Roseburg, O.R. were interrupted Mercer reportedly gave an enve- as gunshots rang out from the lope to fellow student Mathew front of the room. Christopher Downing and said, “Hey, kid Harper-Mercer, a student of the with the glasses, you are the college, had entered a classroom lucky one. I will not shoot you midway through the lecture if you give this to the cops.” wearing a bulletproof vest. After Mathew Downing was allowed Harper-Mercer’s initial gunshot, to leave the room, and complied he ordered the occupants of the with the assailant’s orders. Inside room to lay on the ground and the envelope was a flash drive, began shooting them. At the end but authorities have not provided of the carnage, 10 people had any information about what was been killed while an additional contained on the drive. 20 were injured. Following this, Harper-Mercer While the motive of the attack exited the classroom and moved isn’t entirely clear, the shooter towards the entrance to Snyder reportedly demanded to know Hall, where he engaged in a the religion of his victims before shootout with two law enforce- he killed them. In an interview ment officers, Detective Sergeant with the New York Times, victim Joe Kaney and Detective Todd Tracy Heu stated that “[Harper- Spingath of the Roseburg police Courtesy of John Locher Mercer] started asking ‘What force. One bullet lodged itself UMPQUA COMMUNITY COLLEGE WAS SHAKEN when Christopher Harper-Mercer opened fire on campus. is your religion, do you believe in the shooters abdomen, and As a result, serious questions ment that more guns will make sions could have long-lasting in—are you a Christian? And that Harper-Mercer retreated back about the importance of stricter us safer.” With the upcoming effects in legislation. In his press person would say, ‘Yeah.’ ” She into the classroom. The attack gun-control legislation have been presidential election, topics such release following the incident, continued, “He said: ‘Good. I’m ultimately ended when the as- raised nationwide. President as gun control are expected to be Obama made it clear that despite going to send you to God. You’re sailant laid down on the ground, Obama stated in a recent press an important focus in U.S. politi- the potential political issues, it going to see God.’ And then he’d and shot himself in the head. release his stance on the issue, cal debates in the coming months. is important to remember that just start shooting them.” Heu The attack made national “There is a gun for roughly ev- The devastating events at this is a time for mourning and later stated that, although the news, and a series of smaller ery man, woman, and child in Roseburg have been shocking for compassion for those affected by shooter demanded information gun-related incidents have taken America. So how can you, with many people in the nation, and the tragedy in Oregon. about his victims’ religions, their place across the United States. a straight face, make the argu- the potential political repercus-

Serving the Rensselaer community since 1885 poly.news Wednesday, October 14, 2015 News • 3 Senate: WebTech presents project plan

Committee said that he will individual Senators was publicized meeting with Vice President of last school year when RPI TV Administration Claude Rounds recorded all meetings of the Senate. this week to discuss whether Also, the implementation of such or not their projects can be a system would require a change to realistically implemented. the current no electronics policy of Etzine told the Senate that his the Senate. Concerns were raised meeting with Alan Powell and that senators would be distracted Nigel Westlake from DotCIO went during meetings if they had to have well and was very productive—a their laptops out the entire time. member of DotCIO is interested Jennifer Freederg ’18 suggested in having students help boister the possibility of using iClickers the web presence of RPI across in voting instead of laptops. all of its departments. The meeting concluded with WebTech members Mason a brief update from Grand Cooper ’17 and David Raab ’19 Marshall Marcus Flowers ’16 presented a proposal for an on the continued progress on electronic voting system to be the implementation of Summer used in Senate meetings. The Arch. Flowers detailed that proposed system would take Rensselaer administration wants attendance before meetings so the Senate to help the rest of that only Senators present at the the student body buy into the meeting can vote. Senators would program and stressed that it is Jack Wellhofer/The Polytechnic then access a secure website on still a work in progress. Plans are E-BOARD MEMBERS JEREMY FELDMAN ’16 AND KIRK BITTNER ’16 SUPPORT the three students up their electronic devices using in the works for an open forum for confirmation to the E-Board prior to the Senate postponing two Member at Large confirmations. RCS credentials and vote on between administration, faculty, From Page 1 start of their student careers. committee update, given by co- motions as the parliamentarian and students to discuss specifics that the E-Board has freshmen Senator and Web Technologies chairman Paul Ilori ’17 reiterated enters them into the system. At of the implementation. The only representation, citing specific Group Chairman Justin Etzine that elections for the class of 2019 the end of the meeting, a report timeframe Flowers could give is language in the Constitution. ’18 asked if they fully understood are Thursday from 9 am–5 pm in would be generated detailing that it would occur “sometime The two E-Board hopefuls that the time commitment involved the Darrin Communications Center how each Senator voted on the before Thanksgiving.” He spoke prior to the postponement with E-Board and if they were and from 9 am–6 pm in the Union motions of the meeting, and stressed that students from all reiterated their desire to be prepared to fully commit to the in the lobby facing The Quadrangle. then automatically uploaded to backgrounds are needed at this appointed to the E-Board, work. They both said that they Graduate Senator Jen Church, Flagship Docs. forum because it will be the main explaining that they’ve already would make E-Board one of chairman of the Student Government Senators raised questions on forum for student input into gotten involved in clubs and their first priorities and realized Communications Committee, said how such a system would impact implementation of the program. other activities around campus. that they need to interact with that there will be a day later in the current practices. Namely, the Finally, Flowers stressed that They also talked about their their assigned clubs, in addition month when all members of student concern was brought up that all the program is going to be experiences with student to attending meetings. government will wear their polo votes would turn into roll-call implemented and that it will government in high school and Committee reports were presented shirts around campus. votes with the new electronic only go well if students are a how they wanted to make a first, keeping with Robert’s Rules Michael Han ’16 from system. Etzine addressed that part of the process. difference at Rensselaer at the of Order specifications. The R&E the Facilities and Services concern by saying the votes of

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Serving the Rensselaer community since 1885 Editorial Wednesday, October 14, 2015 Looking deeper into exams EDITORIAL NOTEBOOKS Rensselaer is known for its challenging academics and the notable success of its graduates in the work Remembering the homeless force. However, exams get to be a bit nerve-racking when they are frequent or on the same day. Exami- Haunted house not just for fun but fundraising nations are supposed to be tests of one’s knowledge FOUNDED IN 1993, THE RENSSELAER CHAPTER OF Rensselaer’s Tau Nu chapter of Phi Gamma Delta in a particular subject, but this goal is not always Circle K International—a collegiate version of and Epsilon Zeta chapter of Alpha Phi Omega achieved due to the fact that exams are usually one the service organization, Kiwanis International— will co-host the Haunted House with Circle K this or two hours long, while all the material studied and has been putting on an annual Haunted House year. If you haven’t already found the more than learned accounts for hours and hours. fundraiser since 2004. I joined the chapter this 100-year-old ’87 Gym to be a creepy place, particu- The frequency of exams tends to burn out students, autumn, unaware of the event. Each year, all of larly when it is silent and dark inside, the Haunted making us physically and mentally exhausted. By the the collected money is given to an institution voted House will surely challenge your skepticism. time we recover from one exam, the next one is already on by club members. At the weekly club meeting Besides helping at Joseph’s House, RPI Circle being slammed onto us. The frequency of this mental on Tuesday, September 15, we selected Joseph’s K also volunteers at the Albany Food Bank, Wit’s taxation is not beneficial to our understanding of the House as the institution which all pro- End, and Hope Seven, in addition to do- course content. In fact, it could even be detrimental ceeds from this year’s Haunted House ing several small-scale service projects to the long-term conceptual grasp of it. As engineers, would be donated to. for a wide spectrum of people at the end wouldn’t it be better to fully comprehend the material? Joseph’s House is a “Troy community- of every meeting. Albany Food Bank is Multiple exams in the same day produce extreme based not-for-profit corporation, whose a monthly destination, while Wit’s End stress and can cause the student to do poorly not purpose is to prevent and alleviate home- and Hope Seven are biweekly endeavors. only on one of the exams, but both. Perhaps a good lessness,” according to its website. It At Wit’s End, Circle K members do way that we could eliminate this problem would be does so by offering emergency shelter, arts and crafts with kids who suffer from cooperation between professors. Professors whose permanent housing, support services, autism and ADHD. At Hope Seven, mem- students have a lot of crossover could get together hospitality, and guidance to homeless bers provide tutoring services in math, and make sure there isn’t an overload of tests. For individuals, youth, and families at its 74 Michael reading, and writing to local elementary example, the professors from Calculus I and Physics I, Ferry Street location in downtown Troy, Baird school students from 1st through 5th two classes commonly taken together, could make where RPI Circle K members volunteer Associate grade. A few weeks ago, I tutored an sure their tests are not in the same week. on a monthly basis. Sports Editor eight-year-old named Gavin, whose work We spend hours reviewing notes, doing back exams, There is a staggering homeless popula- ethic and focus significantly impressed and reworking homework problems only to be thrown tion in Eugene, O.R., where I hail from. Vagrants me. It led me to reminisce on my own experi- into a one or two hour exam. These quick exams fly freely roam the streets of downtown, many of them ence in elementary school, a time when doing my by, and by the time a student can grasp the concept mentally ill, looking for clothes, money, food, and homework was not so high on my priority list. It of the problem, 10 minutes have already passed. shelter. Consequently, defeating homelessness was comforting to see him work diligently, which Exams simply do not measure a student’s mastery of has been on my mind wherever I go, because it’s helped me to imagine his success later in life. the material most of the time. such a devastating reality that affects many more For our small-scale service projects so far this Are we saying we wish we didn’t need to take any people than we often think. In the coming weeks, year, we have, among other things, made bookmarks exams in the first place? No, but we wish they wouldn’t there should be another opportunity to serve at the for children at Albany Medical Group and made be back to back on the same day, they wouldn’t be soup kitchen at Joseph’s House, and I’m eagerly decorative placemats for the elderly who receive every two weeks, and they wouldn’t be given in only awaiting the opportunity. food from Meals on Wheels. I particularly remem- one or two hours. “There are families that live there with a bunch ber my placemat, which featured a crossed fork of kids, and during the winter months, they squeeze and knife centered on the page with the headline a lot of people into that place,” said RPI Circle K “Enjoy!” written in large bubble letters. Not know- president Kelsey Sudol ’16. “There are even certain ing where that placemat ends up does not bother me, men who give up their spots to others and go sleep as long as someone out there is able to enjoy it. in churches and such. It’s a really great attribute of Troy for being such a tiny center.” Rensselaer’s civil obedience Editor in Chief Chris Leong [email protected] Navigating the nonexistent political sphere at RPI Editorial Board LET ME PREFACE THIS BY SAYING change that could benefit future ing of responsibility. Universities Managing Editor Jack Wellhofer [email protected] Managing Editor Stephanie Kern-Allely [email protected] that I genuinely feel like I missed incoming freshmen? Rensselaer have historically been a breeding Contributing Editor Justin Etzine [email protected] out on the opportunity to be an has provided us an excellent op- ground for the politically-minded, de facto Business Manager Stephanie Kern-Allely [email protected] de facto News Editor Justin Etzine [email protected] angry teenager in high school, portunity for education, but we and it’s incredibly disappointing to Features Editor Stephanie Kern-Allely [email protected] and I am doing my absolute are entitled to input on how this see a student body as intelligent de facto Sports Editor Michael Baird [email protected] best to compensate in college. school should be run. and as well-informed as RPI’s go Editorial/Opinion Editor Maria Kozdroy [email protected] Composing Editor Shane O’Brien [email protected] Unfortunately, I forsook my- It takes about 15 minutes of to waste. I completely understand de facto Copy Editor Rex Hu [email protected] self to possibly one of the least talking to someone to find some- that we are a school dedicated to de facto Photography Editor Jack Wellhofer [email protected] Associate News Editor David Raab [email protected] politically-minded schools in the thing that they dislike about the engineering and the sciences, but Associate Features Editor Geoff Rosenthal [email protected] country; outlets for school; whether it be it’s unfair to ourselves to think that Associate Features Editor Elisabeth Ryan [email protected] Associate Sports Editor Michael Baird [email protected] frustration on campus Sodexo, grade defla- our interests should end there. Associate Composing Editor Tyler Carney [email protected] have essentially been tion, or the lack of air And it’s not like the school Associate Copy Editor Nathan Dorer [email protected] relegated to crip- conditioning, every- hasn’t provided platforms to give Associate Copy Editor Rex Hu [email protected] Associate Photo Editor Kay Sun [email protected] pling binge-drinking body has their opin- us a voice, either; the Student or compulsive study- ions of campus that Senate meets on a weekly basis, Coordinators ing. I’m not asking they dismiss. If you see and both the Grand Marshal and Advertising Director Jack Wellhofer [email protected] for much; I just want something you don’t President of the Union are always Graphics Director Geoff Rosenthal [email protected] de facto Systems Director Dan Bruce [email protected] the campus to be like, why not make an available for requests. The school de facto Web Director Dan Bruce [email protected] angry enough about active effort to change needs and values the input of its Sports Coordinator Joseph Saulsbery [email protected] Nathan Systems Coordinator Dan Bruce [email protected] something to make a Dorer it? In a school of 5,000 students to create a better learn- Web Coordinator Dan Bruce [email protected] change. students, it’s incredibly ing environment, and it’s our job Social Media Coordinator Kayla Cinnamon [email protected] Associate During the Student Copy Editor unlikely that you are the to make sure that what we want Production Staff: Ammar Amir, Lloyd Jones. Senate meeting last only person on campus is understood by the Institute.

The Rensselaer Polytechnic is published weekly, except during holiday and examination periods, week, a motion to create a tu- with a particular opinion, and it’s I guess what I’m trying to say is by the students of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute as authorized by the Rensselaer Union. Opinion ition-locked plan for incoming painful to wait for someone else that it’s important—just as impor- 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 freshman was overturned be- to make the first move. tant—for the student body here 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 cause members of the Senate College is meant to be a trans- to be proactive in the political 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 felt it would be too difficult for formative period in our lives, and sphere of the institute as the aca- to publication, and can be sent in a Word document attachment via email to [email protected]. something to actually come of a substantial part of that is having demic one. This is a period in our 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 their motion. This frustrates the power to make decisions. We lives where we have so little to 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. me—we are paying upwards have been provided the oppor- lose in voicing our opinions, but Editorial and Business offi ces are located in Room 3418 of the Rensselaer Union, Troy, New York, of $65,000 a year to attend the tunity to live on our own, study so much experience and worldli- 12180-3590. Subscription and advertising rates can be forwarded upon request. Subscriptions are sent via fi rst class mail. Address correction requested. school, yet we don’t feel like on our own, and ultimately make ness to gain. Do something, RPI. we have the ability to make a choices that give us an understand- poly.news Wednesday, October 14, 2015 Ed/Op • 5 TOP HAT DERBY New adults: VOTE! Making the right call You’re an adult, act like it Taking a time-out for a ball game DO YOU KNOW WHAT DAY IT IS, RPI? of them are from the Freshman class to HELLO RPI STUDENTS, Rensselaer. I think that too many stu- Happy Wednesday! I hope you all had better balance the board’s perspective. First, to all of the freshmen reading this, dents have gotten into the shameful an enjoyable long weekend, and got some I’ll have a little more about them and their you should know that Thursday, October place of thinking their thoughts are well needed rest after the first round of tests background next week. 15 is your day to go and vote for your unimportant. I hear that students are dis- concluded. For those with tests coming Lastly, one thing I wanted to touch upon student government representatives. I can- satisfied with the day-to-day challenges up, I hope you had time to study up and this week was one of the most important not stress how much this can they are presented with, be it in prepare. Good luck! skills I have learned in my tenure here at affect the future of your time the classroom with a professor First off, a big congrats to the men’s RPI: time management. Whether you are here at Rensselaer, as these who they don’t connect with, hockey team for upsetting the #1 ranked involved in only a few things outside of people will likely end up their career opportunities, or Boston College. Good work boys, let’s school or seem to be someone that does representing you three years even the people they spend time keep that momentum rolling as we hit everything, being able to manage your from now. They will most with. I hear these things and University of Alaska next. Shout out to time is not only essential to performing likely be determining what wonder why anyone would allow number 14, junior Riley Bourbonnais, for well, but also to balancing your life and events will be made avail- this to continue in their lives. making both goals of the your needs. If you are someone able to you for class unity. Let’s make something clear: day. Women’s hockey also who values their time alone to be The voting will take place in Marcus as a student here, you have a came out on top against introspective, it’s up to you to de- the Rensselaer Union (in the Flowers right to services to support your RIT this weekend with a cide when you take that time, and lobby facing the Quadrangle Grand Marshal pursuit of knowledge, and the 3-1 victory, sweeping the what you prioritize it over. If you’re Residence Hall on the 2nd mentorship that comes with it. series. This week we’ve got someone that wants to go out on the floor), and the Darrin Communications If a change in a course goes against the more matchups to come, weekends, you still need to plan for Center, during the daytime. syllabus that was given to you at the and more games to win. doing work around that time spent In other news, there are a few events start, and you disagree with it, make LET’S GO RED! socializing. I encourage you to take that you can look forward to this week. that known because it’s your education In Executive Board news, Nicholas a critical eye to your schedules, and Coming up is Science, Technology, Arts that hangs in the balance. If you’re this past weekend we wel- Dvorak think hard about where your priori- at Rensselaer Weekend, where a diverse struggling with finding opportunities comed Club Baseball to the President of the Union ties lie. I know, I love using Google group of high school students spend the to work in your field, your resources Union family as a recog- Calendar to budget out most of my weekend learning about what we have are in the students around you, the nized club, so congrats to them. We heard waking hours, and I’ve found that having here at Rensselaer. During this weekend, professors you get lectured by, and from the 125th Anniversary Committee multiple calendars overlap for different International Festival will be held in the the Center for Career and Professional that they are in the process of planning a responsibilities really helps me to pick and Union, open to all students. Students Development (2nd floor of the DCC). campus formal and reception to celebrate choose what I will be doing on a given day. will be bringing their backgrounds to the If you’re not satisfied with the people the anniversary of the Union’s founding. Homework or a fraternity event? Work or forefront in an exciting and enriching you have surrounding you, you have the At this point in the year, representatives community service? As you get involved, experience, which I encourage you all right to the resources to help you find should be starting to talk with all club these conflicts become more common, and to attend. In addition, there is Nuestra a place at RPI where you feel comfort- officers and coaches about the fast ap- it is an important life skill to know how to Balleza, an annual event where we take the able and welcome. One of the greatest proaching budgeting season. Be ready, pick and choose. time to appreciate and engage in different parts about RPI is the fact that we have and be proactive! The more groundwork In short, plan and plan wisely. There cultural arts and displays by students. My a STUDENT-run Union, a place where we lay, the smoother the process is for all are only so many hours in the day, and suggestion for this weekend would be to we choose the direction of our clubs, involved. Finally, there will be a student it is always fewer than what you would stay in the Union as much as possible; events, and resources. We are students government-wide polo day on October like. And be sure to schedule in time to you’re bound to find something great. The supporting students, and if you’re fac- 20th! All senators and representatives will yourself for whatever helps you relax only exception to that would be Apokries, ing an issue on campus, I would bet that be wearing their polos and will be ready to and de-stress. Going to RPI, we all know which is a festival put on by many Greek you’re not the only one. I know many of answer any questions you may have. We’ll blowing off steam is essential. organizations on campus, and takes place the student issues, but not all of them, so also throw a prize in there, stay tuned! As always, if there’s ever anything I can Saturday starting at 10 am on the ’86 field. tell me what you have issues with. Help We are also in the progress of adding our do for you, please email me at [email protected]. Now, I am writing to you today because me make your priorities my priority. three new representatives to the Executive Do you have something you would like to I think that we have a problem here at Email me at [email protected]. Board. Pending senate approval, they will see featured in my article? (Big games, fill two at large seats and the Class of events, etc.) Let me know! 2019 representative positions. All three

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Serving the Rensselaer community since 1885 Sports Wednesday, October 14, 2015 HOCKEY: Engineers beat Boston College From Page 1 Engineers as the tensions rose and play became more physical. Although they failed to capitalize on this opportunity with a goal, they did manage to put four shots on the Rensselaer goalie, Senior Jason Kasdorf, and keep their momentum. Through the first period, the Engineers were granted two power play opportunities on which they were not able to pull a goal from, but they did pick up the pace with a few good breakaways, they were playing consistently offensively and put 13 shots on net (the same that BC put on theirs), despite their difficulty in completing their breakout. This difficulty is not entirely on the part of the Engineers; BC’s defensive play was solid and would force the Engineers to lose control of the puck to the BC defenders who Jack Wellhofer/The Polytechnic would then perform a ‘D to D’ pass or two before putting the puck JUNIOR RILEY BOURBONNAIS MAINTAINS control of the puck in the match against Boston College (file photo). back in play in the opposite direction. The game stayed tied until near the end of the second period. WOMEN’S HOCKEY But just because there was no score until there was less than a minute in the period, does not mean that the tensions were not high or that there was any lack of excitement. The Engineers suffered two penalties, and BC took one as well. Junior Riley Bourbonnais scored with 45 seconds left in the period. The hero of the second period may have been Bourbonnais for putting the first goal of the game on the board, but it could just as easily have been Kasdorf for stopping all 29 shots on the Engineers’ net so far. Rensselaer has only played against BC once in the past few years, two years ago. The game ended with a loss of 7–2 for the Engineers. The Engineers were granted another power play a few minutes into the third. At the end of the power play, Bourbonnais scored again assisted by Tironese and sophomore Jared Wilson after a rush into the zone and a drop pass play to set up the goal. Despite the fact that they were two points behind, BC continued to pressure hard in the third eventually earning them a power play goal half way into the period, but that was the last goal scored in the game and the Engineers were able to steal a win from the first ranked team in what may well have been one of the most exciting non-league games in quite a long time. Next up for 1-1 Rensselaer is a trip to Alaska next weekend to face University of Alaska Anchorage and University of Alaska Fairbanks as part of the Brice Alaska Gold Rush Tournament. Jack Wellhofer/The Polytechnic THE WOMEN’S ICE HOCKEY TEAM PLAYED RIT on both Friday and Saturday, winning both games (file photo).

WOMEN’S SOCCER MEN’S SOCCER RPI garners tie Engineers lose in match 0-1 Michael Baird Shot attempted by RPI junior in fi nal sixth minute blocked Staff Reporter was a good performance. We know its way into the net twice, only to see Kay Sun we need to work on in the next few the Williams defense clear it off the Staff Reporter EARNING THEIR FOURTH TIE OF THE SEASON, THE RENSSELAER games, in order to pick it up and win goal line. The same thing happened women’s soccer team played against the Williams College Ephs again.” freshman Dan Corridan said to six corner chances RPI received from Williamstown, Mass., at 12 pm at the East Campus stadium “COME ON, RED!” “RPI, GO!” firmly after the game. in the second half. on Saturday. Following the game, RPI’s season score stands at Hundreds of shouts lingered in The game started at 6:30 pm The standstill was finally broken 5-5-4. Ranked No. 2 in NCAA Division III women’s soccer, the air in the East Campus Athletic on Saturday, Oct. 10 at ECAV by Williams freshman defender Williams now has a season score of 9-0-1, with Rensselaer Village Stadium in the last few Stadium. At 19:38, Williams stole Gregory Androeu at 73:10, giving them their first tie of the season. The Engineers’ prime minutes of the game, making the ball from the Engineers and assisted by senior midfielder Noah defense is to thank for this tie that held off a loss and in the everyone more anxious. Faced with swiftly bypassed the interference Grumman and sophomore forward process gave the No. 2 ranked team in the country a bit of a scare. an increasingly excited audience, from RPI players. The opportune Tom Young. The Engineers took an Despite attempting a total of 22 shots, seven of which the Rensselaer Engineers, ranked shot made by the Williams offense active strategy to get more chances were on target, the Ephs never managed to score during the eighth, intensified their attacks. was narrowly blocked, thanks to and shoot more. Although the team game. 13 shots were made by the Engineers, only one of In the last 6 minutes of the game, Engineer’s sophomore goalie Ryan statistics didn’t display any obvious them aimed at the opposing goal. Consequently, as the 0-0 junior Devon Baughen destroyed Nealon’s nice save. Meanwhile, the disadvantage of the Engineers final score would suggest, the RPI goalkeepers performed a the Williams Ephs’ defensive ball fell into the possession of the compared to Williams—four more total of seven saves and the Ephs’s goalies performed one. line from the right wing. He Engineers. Ryan later saved another corner chances, less penalties, and Sophomore Dali Alarian issued the sole kick toward made an accurate long shot from shot from over 20 meters away from four more shots, Williams led the Williams’ goal almost an hour and 50 minutes into the game, almost 30 meters away, which, the goal line at 30:35. The Engineers game until the end. but it was goalie Tressa Palcheck of Williams that denied unfortunately, bounced out at missed several other good chances One of the spectators, freshman her point. For Rensselaer, sophomore goalie Tori Riopelle the last moment owing to the in the rest of the first half, while Joseph Galtman, commented that served her team well by saving all seven shots attempted Williams goalie’s save. Williams also missed a few. The first “It was a very exciting game against by Williams. Particularly notable was her sliding stop in The Engineers later took half in the end finished at 0-0. a very good opponent. We, RPI, the double overtime period preventing a loss. possession of the ball for most of Although both teams were high- played very well and we were right The magnitude of shots made throughout the game may the time. It is true that they managed spirited and energetic, neither of with them for most of the game. have favored Williams, but RPI managed to defend their to defend the ball out of its goal them made any goals in the first Unfortunately, they finished their goal nonetheless. Audrey Thomas of the Ephs had eight line; however, they still failed to half, which physically exhausted chance while we didn’t.” shots, more than any of her teammates, and senior Cowley make one goal to tie Williams and them and mentally motivated them. With four games left in the Liberty Mowder made five shot attempts for Rensselaer. go into overtime to turn the situation 35 seconds into the second half, League, RPI is in seventh place. This Coming up on Friday, the women will compete against around. Finally, the Engineers the Engineers got a corner chance. weekend, they will travel north to play the St. Lawrence University Saints at 4 pm at ECAV lost its non-league contest against After kickoff by junior Devon against St. Lawrence and Clarkson, Stadium. Immediately following on Saturday, there Williams with a score of 0-1. Baughen, the several attempts made which will definitely be two critical will be a match against the Golden Knights of Clarkson “We obviously are not satisfied by RPI in order to seize this chance games for the Engineers, in hopes to University, also at ECAV Stadium at 4 pm. with the result, but we thought it all failed. The ball appeared to be on get a better place in the league. poly.news Wednesday, October 14, 2015 Sports • 7 FOOTBALL Rensselaer narrowly defeated by Saints Joe Saulsbery Senior Reporter Engineer drive of the game. The catch gave Rensselaer a first and IT WAS A STORY OF TWO HALVES ten at the St. Lawrence 14. But after Saturday in the North Country as a holding penalty, a dropped pass, RPI football visited the St. Lawrence and a missed field goal, the game Saints. The Saints dominated the first remained 14-0 Saints. half, scoring 24 points to Rensselaer’s Midway through the second zero. The second half was almost the quarter, Lefflbine found wide receiver complete opposite of the first, as RPI Vincenzo Ferraro open in the flat and mounted a frantic comeback charge. Ferraro did the rest, outrunning the But, despite two late touchdown RPI secondary for a 77-yard score. scoring drives, they fell three points Then, late in the first half, Lefflbine short, with a final score of 24-21. hit Gallagher over the middle for 20 On the second play from scrimmage, yards and Irby ran wide for 19 yards St. Lawrence running back Maurice to set up a 29-yard field goal for Saints Irby burst through a gap in the RPI kicker Andrew Carvalho. front line and sprinted 59 yards down The Engineers trailed by 24 after 30 the sideline for a touchdown. Then, minutes of play. On the first drive of after RPI went three and out on its the second half, Avery completed six first drive, Saints safety James Holley- of seven passing attempts for 76 yards, Grisham returned the subsequent punt including a 20-yarder to junior wide 33 yards to the RPI 28. receiver Joey Giacone to the Saint’s Jack Wellhofer/The Polytechnic This time, St. Lawrence quarterback one-yard line. Senior running back JUST THREE POINTS SHORT, FOOTBALL LOST a tough game against St. Lawrence Saturday (file photo). Mike Lefflbine completed two passes Nick Schlatz scored on the next play to bring themselves within 10 on and the Saints took possession, Bryan Hayes each had seven. In to tight end Mitch Gallagher for 28 to put the Engineers on the board. a 25-yard dime from Avery to effectively ending the game. addition, both senior linebacker yards and a touchdown in 51 seconds. Another long drive by the Engineers Giacone two plays later. Lefflbine finished 17 for 27 and junior defensive lineman The touchdown put St. Lawrence came up empty later in the third RPI got the ball back at their for 195 yards and two scores. Malik Joseph recorded a sack. ahead by 14 with just over three as Saints linebacker Alec Dietsch own 33 with 4:33 to play. Avery hit In defeat, Gaddar hauled in nine The sacks marked Joseph’s fourth minutes elapsed. intercepted a mistimed throw from Gaddar for a 31-yard gain to move catches for 172 yards to lead all and Pilla’s third consecutive Later, after a second three and out Avery at the Saint Lawrence eight- the chains on third and 10. Then, pass catchers. For St. Lawrence, games with at least 0.5 sacks. For by RPI, St. Lawrence had a first and yard line with 3:12 to play in the third. he completed passes to senior wide Gallagher recorded 10 catches St. Lawrence, defensive lineman 10 at the RPI 37. Lefflbine threw to The score remained 24-7 in the receiver Pat Hogan and sophomore for 93 yards while Ferraro caught Chyron Brown-Wallace registered the end zone, but was intercepted by fourth quarter when St. Lawrence running back Johnny Ramsdell for four for 91 yards. Rensselaer two sacks and linebacker Jayson senior defensive back Teague Florio received a 13-yard penalty for gains of 14 and nine, respectively. struggled on the ground, tallying Leigh tallied 10 tackles. at the RPI four-yard line. unsportsmanlike conduct that With time running out, Avery just 50 yards on 37 attempts The loss moves Rensselaer to a Senior quarterback Jeff Avery moved the ball back to the connected with Ramsdell on 4th while Irby took 12 totes for 106 record of 4-2 as it heads into the back completed 24 out of 47 passing Saints eight. The ensuing punt and goal for a two-yard touchdown. yards for the Saints. half of its schedule. This Saturday attempts for 348 yards and two traveled just 31 yards and the Just 68 seconds remained after Junior linebacker Alex Greenidge they will host the University of touchdowns. His longest was to Engineers took over at the Saints Ramsdell’s touchdown so the led all defenders with 11 total Rochester at East Campus Stadium his favorite target, senior wide 39 with 7:18 remaining. RPI took Engineers attempted an onside kick. tackles, while Florio and in their fourth Liberty League receiver Logan Gaddar, on the third advantage of their field position The ball bounced out of bounds sophomore defensive back matchup of the season.

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Serving the Rensselaer community since 1885 8 • Comics Wednesday, October 14, 2015 poly.news

XKCD by Randall Munroe WORDFIND by Shane O’Brien Words can be found forwards, backwards, up, down, and in both diagonals. Breakfast Foods Q B A G E L Y M G H Z Z Y D B X N A A D J X Z L T K Y O S B B I S C U I T S T K E U G X T S F B V O Q T D A S G V U S R U F Q L L N S P H H U Z R V A Y U V Y M M A I N H J Q T O T J M Q H P C O U E Z K W N Q P E J F L R G T V T Q O D G L O S H R S J D H H T Q W K D E P N A E C G C C W E D A H L C A W F N I R G N K L I M G C I Z O R C Z L A E R E C A U N U M R A H Z Q R R C M K C X C J A B P T T M Y F O O M A I B E B H B O M S B K I J H G C S G Z S H A C E R E A L J G M N N N A G S R B A E H C E L F F A W H N T G Q S L T F D Y X H R P Z X K Q E G A S U A S L O O F Bacon French Toast Orange Juice Bagel Hash browns Pancake Biscuits Milk Pop-Tart Cereal Muffin Sausage Doughnut Oatmeal Waffle Eggs Omelette Yogurt HARK! A VAGRANT by Kate Beaton

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 “Yf’bf kfbfz hrmx vk Vgfzltvk lk muvtf, yf’zf mazf vm pfhh krx qrkkv hrmf rkf rk gc yvxtp! Dvlhazf lm krx vk ruxlrk.” —Qfkf Ozvkn Vurhhr 13 Serving the Rensselaer community since 1885 poly.news Wednesday, October 14, 2015 Comics • 9

TOP TEN LIST SUDOKU Top Ten Rick and 279 Morty quotes 8326Previous Issue’s Answers 392815764 10. You know what I eat *wink* 91 8 487263195 651497382 9. I’m Mr. Meeseeks, look at me! 964321857 58173586429 8. Only 1.5 years... or longer! 528749631 3245849672513 7. I squanch my family 715938246 97 236154978 6. I’m Tiny Riiiiick Fill in the grid so that each row, 189column, and 3-by-3 subsquare 5. I like what you got! Good job! contains exactly one occurrence 349 6of the numbers 1 through 9. 4. You gotta stick’em way up there 94 2 3. My man! 2. *Snap* yes! DILBERT by Scott Adams 1. Wubaalubaadubdub MONDAY PUNDAY by Matthew Broussard

Serving the Rensselaer community since 1885 Events Wednesday, October 14, 2015

WEDNESDAY THURSDAY MONDAY October 14 October 15 October 19

Terra Cafe serves a special lunch. It is a Freshmen Election voting will take The Biological Seminar Series hearty shepherd’s pie with ground beef, place in Commons Dining Hall from 9 presents Dr. Nadia Roan from the carrots, peas, and mashed potatoes. For am–7 pm and the DCC Great Hall from University of California. Her seminar is vegans and vegetarians, they will have 9 am–5 pm. These elections are for the titled “Influence of the genital mucosal seitan and green beans instead of beef. Class Council and Student Senate. environment on reproductive health The cost to attend is $8. and susceptibility to HIV.” It will be held The International Services for in the Center for Biotechnology and A graduate school information Students and Scholars holds an Interdisciplinary Studies Conference session will be held in the Rensselaer informational session for F-1 international Center from noon–1 pm where Union from noon–1 pm. Registration is students interested in applying for work refreshments shall be available 15 required and can be done at https:// authorization via Optional Practical minutes prior to the seminar. apply.rpi.edu/register/Oct142015. Training. It will be held in Sage 3303 from 4–5:30 pm. Open skate is available to the RPI The Parking and Transportation Office Community at the Houston Field House. will be closing early at 3:15 pm. A valid RPI ID is required upon entry. No Flu shots are available and accessible rentals are offered. It will be held at the in the Mueller Center from 4–6 pm. Free The Department of Earth and Field House from 12:30–1:30 pm. for students, but $15 for faculty and staff. Environmental Sciences presents Professor Tim Lowenstein from The Center for Financial Studies hosts The Chapel+Cultural Center presents Binghamton University. His seminar Joseph Pimbley. The title of his lecture “TECHNOPALYPS, PART 1”, a film by is titled “Ancient atmospheric carbon is “Flight Simulator to Learn Banking.” Frank Theys. The film is about the latest dioxide from the nahcolite proxy.” It will A banking “flight simulator” concept is findings in genetics, robotics, artificial be held in the JRowl Science Center 3W13 an additional tool for the education and intelligence, bionics, and nanotechnology from 4–5 pm. development of financial risk managers that appear in the media every day. It and business heads. It will be held in will be held in the C+CC from 7–8:30 Pittsburgh 4114 from 1–2 pm. pm. The screening will be followed by TUESDAY discussion and light refreshments. The Douglas Mercer ‘77 ECSE Lecture October 20 Series continues with Gil Engel and his EMPAC hosts France Jobin at 8 The Chemistry and Chemical Biology lecture titled “Mixed Signal Technology in pm in its Concert Hall. Cost is $6 Department Fall Seminar Series a Digital World.” It will be held in Darrin for students. The electronic music of continues with Joseph Stanzione. His Communications Center 324 from 3:30–5 pm. composer France Jobin can be described seminar is titled “Vanillin: A Renewable as “sound-sculpture,” revealing a and Versatile Platform Chemical for The Department of Physics, Applied minimalist approach to complex sound Sustainable Polymers.” It will be held in Physics and Astronomy Colloquium environments where analog and digital DCC 330 from 4–5 pm with refreshments presents Dr. Andrea Pocar from the methods intersect. Her skillful interplay served at 3:45 pm. University of Massachusetts. It will be between highs and lows & louds and held in DCC 337 from 4–5 pm. softs creates an intricate narrative, which The Archer Center for Student stretches the listener’s perception and The Department of Earth and Leadership Development hosts Slice Environmental Sciences presents continually refocuses attention. of Leadership: Voices of Leadership. It John Tarduno. His lecture is titled “The is the first of five leadership events as beginning and future of Earth’s magnetic part of a series of leadership events field.” It will be held in Jonsson Rowland FRIDAY held by the Union and LEAP. Come meet Science Center 3W13 from 4–5 pm. October 16 campus leaders and ask them about their e x p e r i e n c e s . I t w i l l b e h e l d i n U n i o n 3 6 0 6 The Nuestra Belleza Multicultural Douglas Bartlett speaks as part of from 4–5 pm. Pageant is taking place in the Mcneil the Frontiers in Biotechnology Seminar room from 6–9 pm. Series. He is from the Scripps Institution of Oceanography. His seminar is titled EMPAC presents Oneohtrix Point “Microbial Life in Ultra-Deep Ocean WEDNESDAY Never. When Oneohtrix Point Never Habitats of the Piezosphere.” It will be held October 21 (aka electronic musician Daniel Lopatin) in the Biotech Auditorium from 4–5 pm. was last at EMPAC, he and visual artist The Isermann Department of Chemical Nate Boyce developed and debuted a and Biological Engineering presents The School of Architecture presents multimedia stage show for the world tour Fengnian Xia from Yale University. His “Matter Design Computation: Cells, Bits and supporting his 2013 album R Plus Seven, speech is titled “Bridging the Gap: Atoms.” It will be spoken by Jenny Sabin. r e l e a s e d b y Wa r p R e c o r d s . U p o n r e t u r n i n g Layered Black Phosphorus for Electronics She is principal of Jenny Sabin Studio, an this fall, he will be in residence to develop and Optoelectronics.” It will be held in experimental architectural design studio and premiere a new work set for release Ricketts 211 from 9:30–10:30 am. based in Philadelphia. It will be held in later in 2015.It will be held in EMPAC’s Experimental Media and Performing Arts Concert Hall from 8–10 pm. The Department of Mechanical, Center Theater from 6–7 pm. Aerospace, and Nuclear Engineering Learn how you can apply for a summer Sigma Phi Epsilon is selling bacon, hosts Dr. Yongfeng Zhang. His seminar internship in one of the nation’s 23 egg, and cheese sandwiches for only $2 is titled “Multiscale Modeling of Pressure Engineering Research Centers. It is to raise money for Big Brothers Big Sisters. Vessel Embrittlement in Light Water presented by the Smart Lighting ERC and Sandwiches are cooked on location Reactors.” It will be held in DCC 330 will be held in the Biotech Auditorium and are hot and ready to go for a fast from 10:30–11:30 am. from 7–8 pm. breakfast on your way to or from class! poly.news Wednesday, October 14, 2015 Features • 11 CLASSIC MOVIE REVIEW Russel charms audiences in Auntie Mame Elisabeth Ryan this time, the Great Depression has struck, Senior Reviewer forcing Mame to seek out occupations as wild and varied as her, including Broadway acting, AUNTIE MAME, STARRING ROSALIND RUSSEL, telephone operating, and cashiering at Macy’s. was released in 1958 in scintillating While working at Macy’s during the Technicolor. Based on a novel by Patrick Christmas season, Mame meets Beauregard Dennis, which was also turned into a musical Burnside, a rich oiler from the south. He is production, the story centers around the taken by Mame’s charm, and the two begin eccentric character of Mame Dennis set in a romance. Eventually the two marry, but, the mid-1920s to mid-30s. Patrick Dennis, unfortunately, Beau dies in an accident on their the previously mentioned author, is a young honeymoon. All the while, Patrick is growing boy with a sizeable inheritance who becomes up and his ideals are being molded to the cast an orphan after his father dies. Due to this that Mr. Babcock prefers. He tells Mame of unfortunate event, he is sent to his next of kin, his intentions to marry a girl named Gloria Mame. Upon arrival, he undergoes a cultural who is “top drawer.” Mame is disappointed shock. The world that Patrick had known, to find that this girl is shallow and conceited, uppercrust, is the exact opposite of the world reflecting the archetypical snobbery of polite that is Mame’s, a bohemian lifestyle full of society. When Mame goes to visit her parents, diverse and varied individuals. they are similar, looking down their noses at Along with his substantial inheritance, people like Mame and those she interacts with. there is a trustee that oversees Patrick and The film escalates in a single scene where tries to carry out the wishes of his late father. Mame invites to her home Patrick, Gloria, The trustee, Dwight Babcock, is a major Gloria’s parents, Mr. Babcock, and a slew of character of the story and remains present other exciting and lovable characters that we Courtesy of fashionindie.com throughout, representing a bridge from the have seen throughout the film and who have AUNTY MAME’S ECCENTRIC CHARACTER IS evident in her choice in fashion. unconventional world of Mame to the polite been influential on Patrick and his life. The of this film: “Live! Life is a banquet, family and how family is more than blood society that he was born into. Babcock scene proves to expose Gloria and her parents and most poor suckers are starving to relatives. The relationship between Patrick continually disapproves of that world and for being shallow bigots and opening Patrick’s death.” All the characters, even the ones and Mame is touching and is the central how it “negatively” affects Patrick. He eyes to what really matters. we aren’t rooting for, are interesting, theme of the story. While watching, you insists on sending Patrick to boarding school, This is one of my favorite movies. It entertaining, and well-rounded. The film will laugh and cry and be moved. The only allowing for Mame to have custody of has a strong female role with a character teaches an important lesson: diversity is entire movie is simply a treat to enjoy. I him during Christmas and summer. This is who encourages others to be themselves. favorable, and if an individual is lacking thoroughly encourage everyone to watch. devastating news to both Mame and Patrick, Mame’s famous line from this movie in substance, they aren’t worth your who have forged a strong bond. Also, during sums up her personality and the nature time. It also teaches the importance of Elisabeth’s rating: 9/10 Life: Weekly series seeks to Ale: Renssel-ale reveal stories of average folk makes a splash From Page 12 And it’s clear that Glass’ sense of innovation for radio in that it provides people an idea of what everyday broadcast has paid off; the show receives and estimated Americans can, and do, experience. 2.1 million listeners per episode, and an average 750,000 as PU homebrew In the words of Ira Glass, “We’re not a news show or downloads. The shows success has spanned decades — a talk show or a call-in show. We’re not really format- following the show’s conception in 1995, Mother Jones From Page 12 ted like other radio shows at all. Instead, we do these magazine regarded the broadcast as “hip—as well as Dan’s review stories that are like movies for radio.” In this, Glass is intensely literary and surprisingly irreverent.” Easily the Noticing our review in the past weeks’ Polys, Dvorak sent over a note correct, the show isn’t based around people directly most recognizable weekly broadcast of Public Radio asking if Chris and I would like to sample his homebrewed beer. If you explaining ideas, it’s based around people sharing their International, the show has gained notoriety and a wide follow the RPI subreddit with a keen eye, you’d remember Dvorak, who experiences and the emotions they create. It’s a listen- following. It’s trendy and intellectual, but maintains a goes by the handle /u/anonymoose, post about two and a half months ago ing experience, and one that’s meant to be engaging in sense of personal accessibility in the fact that it’s the about possibly starting a homebrew club. a way that radio traditionally isn’t — through each of experiences of everyday Americans. Glass’ piece doesn’t Renssel-ale, as he calls it, is Dvorak’s first batch of beer, finish- the stories told on the episode, the listener develops a play on buzzwords or statistics; it’s simple, to the point, ing the product around the weekend of July 4. It’s an American new set of characters, a new setting, and a new plot. and incredibly charming. wheat ale, similar to a Hefeweizen. However, “This American Life” still considers As “This American Life” approaches it’s 20th year, itself, first and foremost, journalism. It’s meant to be it’s important to consider just how transformative a journalist’s interpretation of people with everyday the piece has been; Glass managed to make a dying “I was going for a Blue Moon with a fuller body. I find [Blue lives. As Glass says, “We sometimes think of our medium relevant, informative, and enthralling. The Moon] to be a little bland.” program as a documentary show for people who broadcast started as an experiment in understanding — Nick Dvorak ’16 normally hate documentaries. A public radio show for the untold stories of Americans, but it has since trans- people who don’t necessarily care for public radio.” formed into a vital part of radio and culture—“This After popping the top and pouring the beer into my trusty Super- The design of the program is genuine storytelling, but American Life” is a perfect insight in understanding man pint glass, I noticed the aroma of honey and citrus, both of approached with a sense of journalistic integrity. what it means to live in this country. which the beer was brewed with. Also to note was the cloudiness due to it being an unfiltered wheat beer, my personal favorite variety. On the tongue, it was lightly fizzy and fruity, yet slightly bitter. It was, in fact, reminiscent of Blue Moon, and it definitely Wars: New battlefront open had the fuller body Dvorak was looking for. Wheat beers are rarely bitter, so this was a nice surprise. From Page 12 The beta of the Star Wars Battlefront reboot shows Dvorak detailed the brewing process for me, saying it was made Often, I just enjoyed taking to the skies and piloting a great promise and really does the franchise justice with citrusy hops, brewed at a constant 62 degrees with two weeks of ship and dogfighting my way through the enemy lines. with its classic Wilhelm screams and iconic AT-AT primary and one week of secondary fermentation. It was conditioned Contrary to the previous installments, dogfighting in walkers. Some people complain that it looks too much in the the bottle for two weeks, as Hefeweizens are. He said that when ships in this game is smooth and interesting. I feel like like an EA Battlefield game, but for me, that sense of fresh, the citrus was overpowering. After sitting in the refrigerator for I’m actually in the ship chasing after that TIE Fighter, scale and ability to pilot vehicles is a huge part for a few months, the flavor, according to Dvorak, had mellowed out. locking them in, firing off my photon torpedoes, and me. I’m too in love with the classic pew-pew blaster To hit the perfect 5, the beer could be a little more complex; I’d victoriously flying through their wreckage. Also, just rifle sounds and the well-renowned light saber sound give this beer a 4.75. Combining my personal preference for wheat like in the movies, when the AT-AT’s are vulnerable, effects that the other criticisms don’t matter too much beers with a pleasant, but not overbearing, sweet touch, Dvorak’s players can pilot a snowspeeder, cable tie one of the to me. Yes, the walker assault is not balanced and there Renssel-ale deserves a high mark. He tells me plans to brew a red walker’s legs and spin round and round until it goes is currently a limited selection of weapons available ale followed by a cider, and I definitely would like to sample each. down. It’s extremely satisfying to pull off. Additionally, in the game, but since it’s in beta, I don’t have qualms Suffice it to say, if politicking doesn’t work out for him, Dvorak I found that Darth Vader and Luke Skywalker were not about bugs that are going to be fixed. Plus, most fans could easily have a future in brewing. effective in the open field, but once I got them into an seems to forget that this sense of 20 versus 20 maps enclosed hangar, it was lights out for all the units in is what we wanted to feel in the original Star Wars my way. A few lightsaber slashes later, I’m at the end Battlefront series of games. Chris’ rating: 4.25/5 of the hallway and with more than 10 kills confirmed. Dan’s rating: 4.75/5 This game mode was my favorite of the three and really Chris’ rating: 8/10 hit me with childhood nostalgia.

Serving the Rensselaer community since 1885 Features Wednesday, October 14, 2015 BEER REVIEW PODCAST REVIEW PU’s brew states its case Average nationals Chris Leong Overall, the Renssel-ale was a fantastic brew. I can Dan Bruce see myself ordering this at the bar or having this in Senior Reviewers shine in Glass’ run downtown Troy at say, Slidin’ Dirty or The Shop. Chris’s review Though I do wish I had the chance to taste it fresh, THIS PAST WEEK I HAD THE PRIVILEGE OF TASTING NICK the same brew poured into a pint glass months later Dvorak’s ’16 Renssel-ale homebrewed beer. It is a still did the job. I reall y like the carbonation through wheat-based beer brewed with hops and citrus. the cloudy golden amber hue; it was attractive and Upon pouring the Renssel-ale into my pint glass, gave a fresh-off-the-tap impression. I noticed its golden amber color and apparent car- See ALE, Page 11 bonation. Raising the glass up to the light, I found the wheat beer to be slightly cloudy; however, its absorption remained translucent. It, just like any other wheat beer, maintained an appealing head about three centimeters in length, which dissipated after a couple minutes to a thinner film. This film was maintained by the brew’s continuous and attractive carbonation stemming from the middle area of the glass. The overall look was inviting, with no sedi- ment floating around and a dark, golden appearance. Courtesy of ruralandproud.org Inhaling the beer’s aromas, first through my nose GLASS’ PODCAST BRINGS the stories of average Americans to light. then my mouth, I caught bready notes of wheat fol- Nathan Dorer lowed by a distinct sweetness—the citrus. I enjoy Senior Reviewer beers brewed with fruity elements, and this is no dif- ferent. To feel out a better characteristic for Dvorak’s WHEN IRA GLASS CREATED “THIS AMERICAN LIFE” IN 1995, HE SET OUT ON A beer, I took a couple more exploratory sniffs and simple mission: to create a radio broadcast that could capture the stories detected a hoppy scent, which I find unique in wheat of the average American. The sensational podcast has consistently been beers, since they usually are not brewed with hops. the most popular broadcast in the United States since its conception; Finally, taking a sip, I tasted mainly a wheat beer Glass’ brilliant reporting and comfortable approachability make “This flavor, followed by a slight citrus influence and faint American Life” feel more like a conversation than an informative hoppy bitterness. I was expecting more of a citrusy newscast. The stories range from the charming, to the hilarious, to the power, but I think over time, its citrus flavor slowly downright moving, without a breath in between. diminished, while maintaining the same aroma. As for For every episode, Glass chooses a topic. While the central theme its bitterness, the brew’s hoppy scent correlates with can be nearly anything, it serves to provide the audience with a sense its hoppy taste: present but not overwhelming. Taking of purpose and cohesion in listening. A series of stories with a com- another sip of the homebrew, I let the golden liquid mon theme provides the listener with a multitude of perspectives that roll over my tongue, feeling its smooth texture and Dan Bruce/The Polytechnic ultimately engage a greater understanding of the subject. While the crisp carbonation. I relate the feel to a slight seltzer THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNION NICK DVORAK ’16 podcast doesn’t focus on topics like math or science, it’s informative touch, with its bubbles noticeably felt on the tongue. CRAFTED his own brew and invited us to try it. See LIFE, Page 11

GAME REVIEW New Star Wars brings nostalgia, ideal sound Chris Leong Senior Reviewer

I LOVED STAR WARS AS A KID. ON ONE AF- ternoon, I sat with my brother watching Episodes IV-VI and then I and II right after. It was a long afternoon, but I loved every sec- ond of it. I think part of my fandom stemmed from playing the franchise’s video game counterparts for years. I remember getting hooked on Star Wars Galactic Battlegrounds, the Star Wars real time strategy game for PC. Then when I received a Playstation 2 for my birthday, I played the heck out of the first Star Wars Battlefront, followed by its sequel, Star Wars Battlefront II. So when Electronic Arts released the open beta for Star Wars Battlefront, the series’ reboot, on October 8, you can bet that I was there playing. The beta allowed the play-testing of three scenarios: a survival mode against artificial intelligence opponents, a small 16 player drop zone capture the pod mode, and the Courtesy of Electronic Arts enormous 40 person walker assault mode THE BETA VERSION OF NEW STAR WARS DELIVERS all of the stops and impresses despite general buffs and balance issues. over Hoth. Starting out with the survival did I mention the graphics are amazing yet? After I grew tired of drop zone, I finally the Imperial forces’ objective is to take down mode, I found the AI to be underwhelming, No? Well, they are breathtaking, especially chose to tackle the walker assault mode over uplink points which allow the rebels to call with each enemy dying to a single shot. The compared to the original Battlefront games. In Hoth, and let me tell you, it is ridiculous. Just in Y-Wings. These Y-Wings bomb the AT-AT only difficulty available was easy, so this the drop zone mode, every graphical detail has the thought of a 20 versus 20 multiplayer walkers, which make them vulnerable to dam- could be the reason why. The mode was use- been fleshed out, from the Lambda-class T-4a map over a detailed, humongous battlefield age. However, the Y-Wings do not last long ful as an introduction to the game, giving the Imperial Shuttle in the middle of the map, to is crazy, but lay over it a Star Wars theme, and once they are destroyed, the AT-AT’s once player a nifty jetpack and other mods to help the pods coming in hot from outer space. The towering all terrain armored transport walk- again become invulnerable and slowly march aid survival, in addition to tips and tricks on game really makes me feel like I could be there, ers, the planet Hoth, and you’ve got a Star towards the rebels’ shield generator. The how to maneuver. I’m looking forward to fighting the rebel scum, vying for control of the Wars Battlefront nerd’s wet dream. Players rebels lose if the AT-AT’s are not destroyed harder difficulties and playing with friends. pods. Anyway, the drop zone mode is similar can grab power up tokens which allow them before the last checkpoint. Most people during The next mode I tried out was drop zone, to area control capture the flag, requiring each to pilot the AT-AT’s, smaller all terrain scout the beta found that the Imperials won almost which pits eight rebel players versus eight team to hold down a point for a certain amount transport, TIE Fighters, Darth Vader, Luke every single time, since it was difficult to take imperial troopers. The objective is to capture of time. I thought the game mode was nothing Skywalker, A-Wings, Snowspeeders, and down the walkers effectively. However, win- the drop pods that crash land on the map area new, but the gameplay and the feel of playing as tons more. It’s insane. Through this almost ning or losing was not of importance to me. to score points and gain collectibles. Wait, the rebels or imperials was more than enough. 20 minutes of madness, there are objectives; See WARS, Page 11