Fiat Lux December 6, 2011 the student newspaper of alfred university vol. 106, no.6

General What’s Inside Education Blueprint Introduced Kim Rau News Editor

Last Wednesday’s Student Senate Architecture in meeting touched upon a variety of important issues facing the univer- Helsinki in Alfred sity, mostly focusing on the proposed modifications to the general educa- Pg 2 tion requirements in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Dr. Mary McGee and Assistant Professor of Communications, Dr. Chad Harriss spoke to students about the status of the revisions to the general educa- AU Senior Nikki Klepper at the Occupy Wall St. Movement in Downtown NYC tion requirements for the CLAS, Photo By Charlie Golonkiewicz in an effort to elicit more student Wall St Coverage pg. 4 involvement in the process. The General Education Taskforce Griffin Taylor on (GET) is in charge of drafting the HEOP & EOP Programs Shine On proposed modifications and com- Tebowmania prises of nine peer-elected faculty Griffin Taylor members. Along with Dr. Harriss, Editor in Chief Pg 7 Dr. Luanne Crosby, Professor Susan Morehouse, Dr. Darwyn Cook, It is a wonderful thing, when stu- Dr. Beth Ann Dobie, Dr. Kerry dents from less-than-privileged Kautzman, Dr. Cecilia Beach, backgrounds receive the opportu- Dr. Danielle Gagne, and Dr. Jean nity they deserve. It is even better Cardinale also sit on the committee. when they make the most of that University administration, other opportunity. Alfred University colleges and the library system con- Higher Educational Opportunity tribute as well. Program (HEOP) and Educational “We are evaluating whether it is Opportunity Program (EOP) stu- HEOP Office advisable to revise the CLAS gen- dents have done just that, posting Photo By Sarah Shafer eral education requirements,” said recent retention rates close to 90%, Meeka Bromfield on Harriss. approximately fifteen percent higher majority of students in the program, which prepares them for college life. There is no designated committee than the university student body as a Shardlow is tasked with bridging Daily activities include reading, math Fashion Trends chair, so responsibilities fall equally whole. But HEOP and EOP students the gap between the environment and writing seminars to go along on all members. The committee has do more than just stay in school; from which her students hail -- often with counseling sessions and events Pg 6 been researching the general educa- they replenish the Alfred community inner-city communities -- and rural which familiarize them with their tion models and mission statements which has lent them a hand. Alfred, where strangers say hello for new surroundings. of other universities with the purpose “60% of our students are a member no particular reason. “Most of the students have never NEWS of trying to understand which sys- of either an athletic team or the resi- In order to adapt to the culture ridden or even touched a horse when tems have been successful. dence life staff,” said AU Director shock, incoming HEOP and EOP they get here,” Shardlow said in ref- WALF Revives Live Currently, no official decision has of Opportunity Programs Nadine students attend a 4 1/2 week pro- erence to one such activity in which Streaming been reached regarding the changes. Shardlow. gram prior to fall semester, where students visit the AU equestrian P. 5 cont. on pg. 5 Referred to as “mama” by a they participate in a strict schedule cont. on pg 3

All in all, the building is scheduled EDITORIAL/OPED AU Forest People Building Sugar Shack for completion before students leave Ana Fredell for winter break. What is Christmas Contributing Writer The Forest People plan to boil sap Anyway? into syrup every Saturday during the P. 4 Hidden from view, a sugar shack maple sugar season, which can run has stood in the woods near Joel’s anywhere between mid February and House for nearly three years. Barely early April depending on the weather. A&E anyone is aware of its existence up What will the club do with all the there on the top of campus. Built on a syrup? A free pancake breakfast for Florence and the Ma- hill and lacking a roof, the shack has the campus and community to enjoy. chine Album Review quickly fallen by the wayside. Last The addition of a beautiful new P.2 year, Senate generously awarded the sugar shack on campus is truly an Outdoor Club with a $1200 special exciting event. The Forest People Video Game Reviews allocation to buy a new evaporator, encourage individuals to stop by P.2 which replaced the ‘MacGyver-ed’ Photo By Ana Fredell and check out the shack, both during one that was previously housed in construction as well as during the the shack. sugar shack would be erected in to help cover some of the cost of season. “The sugar shack and the However, with the purchase of the the corner of the Joel’s House park- building supplies. maple sugaring process in general SPORTS new evaporator came new problems. ing lot; on flat ground. Contractors Now, flash forward to the pres- is something that the club wants to The shack was not suitable to hold poured a 12ft x14ft cement slab in ent. With the proper permits and share with everyone on campus and AU Rugby Update the shiny new equipment. Which, mid October. By early November, approvals in place, the building is of- the community,” states Forest People P.8 left to the elements would degrade members of the Forest People had ficially under construction. Framing president Kevin Keefe. He added, “It as quickly as the shack had. After dug the footers to provide support started Tuesday November 29th and is important to recognize both Mike Equestrian Team considerable thought and countless for the building. In addition, Student was completed by the next day. Roof Neiderbach (Executive Director of Photo Highlights meetings with the Physical Plant, a Senate awarded the Forest People trusses arrived Friday December Capital Operations) and Brain Dodge P.7 plan was hatched. A beautiful new another $1200 special allocation 2nd, and the roof was constructed. cont. on pg 5 A Black Eye for the NCAA Is Pizza a Vegetable? P.7 Maimoona Rahim supplier of 80% of public schools, Staff Writer lobbied Congressional members into THE ALFRED BEAT proposing the bill. Is pizza a vegetable? When asked Philantrophy this question most people would not Although this bill is only being Profile: The Op Shop hesitate to say “no.” Congress, on the promoted in an effort to cut spending, P.3 other hand, has been debating this the lack of consideration of the conse- issue for over a week now. It is at- quences is unbearable. In today’s day tempting to pass a bill allowing pizza and age, where obesity is one of the to be counted as a single vegetable leading preventable causes of death, serving in the public school system more precautions should be taken, if it has at least two tablespoons of especially when issues pertain to the Photo Provided tomato paste on it. Previously, in or- health of children and adolescence. der to be counted as a vegetable serv- If someone, especially a child, is dairy, and butter pecan ice cream is a that at a young age Americans have ing, pizza needed ½ cup of tomato told that pizza counts a vegetable be- dairy and a protein. Notably, the pie, proper eating habits, Congress, in paste, which makes sense being that cause it has tomato paste on it, what burger, or ice cream may have some order to “save a buck” will allow the such an amount of vegetables count is stopping that child from applying sort of nutrients, but in comparison children and adolescents to believe as a serving. But recently, Schwan it to other cases? Such as, a slice of to the amount of fats, oils, sugar, that pizza is a healthy and proper Food Company, one of the biggest apple pie is now a fruit, a burger and sodium make each a nutritional food choice. frozen food companies and a food with a slice of cheese is a serving of wasteland. Instead of making sure cont. on pg 5 2 FIAT LUX December 6, 2011 Arts & Entertainment Architecture in Helsinki and Co. Big Hit with Alfred Audience Sonya Ellison Staff Writer

Australian modernist pop group Architecture in Helsinki along with opening acts Lo Fi Fnk and Dom performed in Davis Gym Saturday November 19. Swedish band Lo Fi Fnk was the first to perform. The group has been touring to promote its upcoming al- bum “The Last Summer”. Lo Fi Fnk warmed up the crowd with upbeat electronic songs like the title track “Last Summer”, as well as other tracks such as “Boom” and “Want U.” As well as songs from their two previ- ous albums “Boylife” and “...And the JFG”. The two-man group has been playing music in the band for about seven years now. Though a low-fi indie group, drummer Benni Hellsing says some of Lo Fi Fnk’s biggest influences include R. Kelly and Michael Jackson. Synth-based band Dom played a few songs from its latest EP releases “Family of Love” and “Edge of Time”. Based in Worcester, Massachusetts, the band has experienced a lot of recent success and exposure. The group has worked with Gucci Mane, teamed up with Ratatat on a North American tour, topped the “Top 10 College Radio” Photos by Charlie Golonkiewicz chart in September and was part of this year’s lineup in Lollapalooza. when they played their popular 2007 crowd. Architecture in Helsinki received single “Heart It Races”. The Alfred crowd clamored for an applause as the group finally took the “Our influences aren’t really musi- encore at the close of its set, and the stage. The Melbourne-based band per- cal borrowing from a particular band group returned to the stage for a rear- formed singles “W.O.W,” “Escapee,” or group but we base our music on rangement of “Hold Music”, a song it and “That Beep” from its most recent feelings and life experiences instead,” performed earlier. album “Moment Bends” which they said lead singer Cameron Bird. The concert produced an impressive are currently promoting through a Bird also remarked about how par- turnout and energy from those who worldwide tour. ticularly positive and energetic the came out to see the bands. Based on the The band had nearly the entire audi- Alfred audience was for the night. audience’s enthusiasm, Architecture ence dancing and clapping along to After Architecture in Helsinki per- in Helsinki and the supporting bands its synth-heavy yet rhythmic music. forming its final track, bassist Sam put on one of the best shows of the Many even sang along to the chorus Perry even snapped a photo of the semester.

Florence and the Machine: Ceremonials Review throughout the world. The global vil- lage comes into play when the millions Bridgette Ortiz GAMES! of players around the globe are able to Contributing Writer Raffi Jansezian connect and interact with one another A&E editor on common ground. It’s been a long two years but Florence The marketing for the games has and the Machine have finally re- Prepare your Xbox 360s, your PS3s gotten just as advanced as the games leased their hotly anticipated album and your PCs because this fall is the themselves. The commercials don’t “Ceremonials” – on none other than time of the gamer! My fellow gamers merely showcase the game itself but Halloween. Singer Florence Welch you are not alone in recognizing the have recently taken a turn toward act- brings her powerhouse vocals to a epic releases of the last month, and ing. Ads showcase not only the game, whole new level, showing off the anticipation is still growing. but suggest public figures such as growth since the critically acclaimed, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 Sam Worthington, Jonah Hill, Kobe “Lungs” album. hit shelves Nov. 8th, Battlefield 3 has Bryant and Jimmy Kimmel all take Florence Welch backed by Florence been on the scene since Oct. 25th, part in the frenzy (the above names and the Machine hit it big as indie art- Batman: Arkham City was out Oct. have all appeared in recent Call of ists when, in 2008, the album “Lungs” 18th and Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim is Duty commercials). became an instant favorite among out Nov. 11th. It’s going to be a chal- The rise of these hugely cinematic critics and listeners alike for its folk- lenge to do homework and fight the advertisements has been grasping the loric lyrics and cheekiness. Since then temptation of pwning noobs all night attention of gamers for some time now. Welch has been touring nonstop and long. Plus the plethora of heavy hit- More often than not, many of these has become an indie music sensation. ting games that came out earlier this enormous advertising campaigns build When it came to the subsequent year -- with impeccable graphics and toward the anticipation of the game’s effort “Ceremonials,” Florence and smooth game play -- almost all have release, but the game itself ends up the Machine had the opportunity to an online multi-player element. falling short, lending to the notion go down the commercial pop-indie The fall of 2011 has seen some of that some developers are putting more route with LA producers. the largest games being dropped in a effort into the commercials instead of Fortunately for the band’s listeners, “Regrets collect like old friends/ Here hiding behind a façade of tales. This long time. With anticipation growing the games they are creating. Welch decided to stick with her roots to relive your darkest moments,” but is especially prevalent in her acoustic so high, there was an armed robbery Video games are on the rise as this that made “Lungs” such popular a counters that with “And I am done versions of the songs like “All This of over 6,000 copies of COD: Modern the most popular hobby on the planet. record in England. This time around with my graceless heart/ So tonight and Heaven Too” and “This is What Warfare 3 last week. The satisfaction Gaming is growing in popularity ever Florence Welch leaves the mysticism I am going to cut it out and restart.” the Water Gave Me.” of playing these incredibly engineered day as a positive force. We all get and metaphor-heavy lyrics behind and “Heartlines” and “Spectrum” There is no doubt that “Lungs” was and beautifully designed games makes frustrated after getting killed a few presents music that is more personal are two high points of the album. a great album for Florence and the the anticipation worth it. I think that dozen times by some kid with a gre- in nature. “Heartlines” is simplistic in the lyrics Machine but there is something sim- each games delivers, that they all have nade launcher, and we get happy when The sound of “Ceremonials” can and drum-heavy, making it instantly plistic and pure about “Ceremonials” their respective players and each gives we accomplish an epic win. More and easily described as big. It has the es- likable. “Spectrum” is pure joy with that comes from Welch’s heart. breath to new environments, new more studies show that video games sence of gospel with its vast layers of uplifting lyrics like, “We are shining/ “Ceremonials” is an emotional al- types of play and all help expand our are beneficial to us through increas- overlapping vocals and its larger than And we will never be afraid again.” bum that exemplifies Welch’s growth imaginations. Players of video games ing critical thinking, problem solving life haunting orchestral backgrounds. By the end of the album, where these since “Lungs.” The beats aren’t as include every age group, every race skills, hand-eye coordination, reason- Welch experiments with her pow- two songs appear, the darker aspects of instantaneously catchy like they were and religion and have helped create ing, multi-tasking, peripheral vision, erful voice, especially on the track the album seem to diminish and open in “Lungs,” but the lyrics make up and even tighter global village. information in-take and processing “Heartlines” and “Seven Devils” that to danceable, inspirational pop songs. for that. The theory of a global village is skills all improve through playing show off her wide range. Metaphors are subtle; they are “Ceremonials” solidifies Florence a beautiful simile and is becoming video games. That’s not to say that The first single of the album, “Shake still essential part of the music but and the Machine’s ability to make more and more true. As a planet, our if all we all played video game 24/7 It Out,” sets the tone for the collec- aren’t overtly obvious. This allows eerie and powerful music, marking cultures are all growing respective- we would become better people, but tion with its lingering sadness that for Welch’s lyrics to connect more the bands staying power as one of the ly. Communication between these games are no longer something to nonetheless shows a glimmer of hope. on an emotional level with her audi- best contemporary musical artists of cultures grows every day thanks to scoff at. Starting the song heavy, Welch belts ence. She bares her soul, instead of the time. technology, which is now available

Photo Provided December 6, 2011 FIAT LUX 3 Editorial Letter to the Editor: Dance Program Emily Smith to dance becoming a significant part contemporary dance today is, or can Contributing Writer of her life. So much to her advisors be. Now Jake understands dance as Fiat Lux dismay she kept coming back and an art form, accessible to everyone. Vol. 106, No. 3 The dance program is a unique tool signing up for more classes, which When Jake goes out he intends to be Next issue: November 14th available for the Students of Alfred introduced her to what was in her a part of a dance party, as opposed Next deadline: November 7th by midnight University. It offers an opportunity for opinion is the meat of the program, to going out with intent to “party”. Students to mature in their approach the composition series and the con- Dance is a healthy social outlet, and Editorial to productive creative thinking and tact improvisation class. The contact this is a wonderful gift. Jake discov- Policy grants them a deeper appreciation improve class gave her a new insight ered that the dance department was The Fiat welcomes your opinion. Anyone may write a letter to the editor. for alternative art forms. The Dance into viewing people. It offered her the only experience at Alfred that Submissions must include name, address, phone number and class year (for Program is an integral part of both the the rare, almost taboo, opportunity of brought him in contact with friends students). Letters to the editor should be limited to 250 words; guest columns BAFA and BFA schools; it reeducates exchanges physical knowledge with “ from all walks of life” should be limited to 700 words. TheFiat Lux reserves the right to edit all letters student’s and audience’s notion of her peers on an academic level through Jenny is an art school graduate, for space, clarity, brevity and fair play. E-mail your thoughts to fiatlux@alfred. dance by presenting it through unique close contact dance, an entirely a new currently involved in student teaching. edu. Submissions should follow the rules of fair play (i.e. get the facts straight). angle of contemporary and perfor- way of accepting and getting to know She came to Alfred wishing to pursue mance art. It brings dance away from a complete stranger. 2-D art forms but instead discovered a Editorial Policy: The Fiat Lux The Fiat Lux supports the welcomes feedback from its readers. perpetuation of a broad and liberal an exclusive and stringent form of Her experience of working through new love and interest in performance Letters to the editor will be subject education conducive to free speech. movement, and offers it to the entire the composition classes taught gave her art. She has decided to be apart of a to editing for space and content Only unsigned editorials reflect the student body as a creative challenge. a new tool kit for thinking and problem collaboration between six performance purposes. TheFiat Lux reserves the opinions of this newspaper. All other right not to print any letter. Letters editorials reflect the author’s opinion. It also breaks down the traditional, solving, a gift to any scientist. She also artists, all Alfred graduates, who plan must be accompanied by name, The Fiat Lux is printed by personal, and societal boundaries noticed that these classes increase her to take their performance work on a address and telephone number. Adnet Direct and is typeset by the which we subconsciously conform to. confidence and accordingly skill in tour across the country. While taking E-mail: [email protected] or mail production staff. It is funded in part letters to: Fiat Lux, attn: Editor, by Student Senate. TheFiat can be This unique program is in jeopardy. articulation in front of an audience. advantage of all the amazing opportu- Powell Campus Center, Alfred, reached at (607) 871-2192. The Robert Bingham’s position is Through this two semester series ( nities the art program has to offer, the N.Y. 14802. being discontinued next fall, which compI and compII) Kaitlin also feels dance program also appealed to her. essentially cuts the dance program more connected to herself as an indi- She has now become an active member in half from two to one professors. I vidual. Part of the strength of these of this community through her stay at believe it is impossible to teach any courses is the stark contrast of the Alfred. Jenny didn’t realize the life her field of study, effectively or efficiently two professors who offer them. Chase work could take on in both the third Fiat Lux from one point of view. This program and Robert contrast and complement and “fourth dimension”(dimension Vol. 106, No. 3 is one of the only programs in Alfred each other each offering multiple ways of performance). Jenny has inspired Next issue: November 14th that highlights as well as integrated of attacking the creative processes. her High School students by shar- Next deadline: November 7th by midnight each of the schools with in Alfred Alfred’s extraordinary diversity was ing with them performance work at University. It is also one of the most a large aspect, which drew her to this Alfred. Many students even the one’s GRIFFIN TAYLOR Editor in Chief welcoming programs and invites all school in the first place. who told her they didn’t understand ERIC HUDACK Managing Editor students regardless of how extensive or On a fundamental note she enjoys and despised abstract art work were ALAN YUEN Advertisement Manager minimal their dance background are. the healthy mental and physical state inspired by these performance’s. MEGAN BRZUSTOWICZ Opinions Editior I would like to expand upon a pre- she can achieve through dance, it al- Robert and Chase have both worked RAFFI JANSEZIAN Arts & Entertainment Editor News Editor viously published article about the lows you to express her self and air together to build this program in to KIM RAU STEPHANIE MISTARK Layout Editor Alfred dance program, as well as allow out all the cobwebs. Which in turn what it is today. They are receptive to SARAH FRIS Layout Editor a few more voices to be heard. I have helps her complete the rest of her stud- Alfred’s unique Student and passion- SARAH SHAFER Photo Editor collected the testimony of several ies. She plans to continue to dance in ate about what they teach. Together COLE BOJE Sports Editor students from multiple disciplines Med shool. they have brought in numerous guest AVERY SANDLER Web Designer that have been involved in the Alfred I also spoke with Jake Di Pietro, a artists to set professional works on the JEFF SLUYTER-BELTRÃO Faculty Advisor dance program. I intend to show the junior in the BFA program. He began Students. They are both still active far-reaching effects of the dance pro- dancing when he was discovered by professionals in their fields. Chase gram on the student body. fellow student choreographer, Laura Angier teaches Modern 1, Jazz, Site Kaitlin Vanderwiede is a senior Smith. He agreed to be apart of her Specific, and a one of the two part Biology Major who is interested in piece on a whim based on his sense Composition class. Robert teaches entering Medical school. She is an of adventure. He has kept coming Contact Improvisation, Modern 11, active member Alfred ‘s Campus life. back for more ever since. The Alfred New and Existing Repretory and the She takes part in multiple clubs and is Dance Program has opened up sev- second half of the Comp series. They the leader of the Middle Eastern Dance eral opportunities of collaboration have jointly created the dance his- Organization. She first delved into for Jake. The dance program allowed tory curriculum. This Dance program GAMES! the dance waters of Alfred to fulfill a Jake to become aware of performance, challenges social norms, encourages gym credit. Previously she had taken and thus more accepting of out of acceptance and awareness, allows ballet classes, dabbled in soccer, and the bow collaborative experiences. for increased productivity in other participated school musicals. However, He, like students only had second classes, and allows students to create, Alfred dance program offered her hand experience of dance through participate, and share creative works. something new and different, a “puzzle the structures of ballet, tap, and jazz. I intend on publishing further student something to be figured out” rather These are more traditional, definitive, interviews related to this topic. something that one must conform to. and exclusive forms of dance that don’t This was the beginning seed that lead encompass the full definition of what

The Alfred Beat Community Philanthropists: HEOP & EOP Programs continued from pg. 1 The Op Shop Griffin Taylor yield of 66%. Mariah Evans Editor in Chief It is important to note the program Columnist is first and foremost academic based. center. Students must exhibit a desire to excel The Women’s Society of Alfred’s “And then once they do, they never in the classroom in spite of limited Seventh Day Baptist Church is a want to leave.” educational opportunities presented group of female philanthropists who The program wasn’t always on such to them, and then their families must volunteer to organize and host all stable ground. In 1995, then Governor exhibit a history of financial hardship. of the social gatherings, the funeral George Pataki proposed the removal The ethnic breakdown of the pro- receptions, maintain the building and of Equal Opportunity Programs in gram is approximately 60% minorities run something very near and dear to New York State. Through the legisla- and 40% Caucasian. our hearts; the Op Shop. tive process, a large chunk of funding Shardlow is in charge of recruit- As a reminder, the definition of for the programs was restored, but ing in both Syracuse and downstate philanthropy is actions performed to pre-1995 totals are a thing of the past. -- namely Albany and New York increase the well-being of humankind. “We do more with less,” said City -- while Antonio Williams (an Op Shop stands for Opportunity Shop. Shardlow of the increasing numbers AU graduate and former HEOP stu- It provides an opportunity for com- of students accepted by AU into the dent himself) mans the Buffalo and munity members to find things that programs despite the decreasing sti- Rochester areas. they need or want for small amounts of pend they have received toward their The HEOP office is located on the money. The Op Shop meets the com- education in recent years. ground floor in Myers Hall. Its walls munity’s needs in several ways, and There are currently 96 students en- are filled with accomplishments of is a fun place to spend your Tuesday rolled in the two programs. Shardlow present and former students of the afternoon. says the program offers 50 accep- program. So the next time you are Among the sweet older ladies, who tances to receive approximately 33 passing by, stop in and check it out. are nice enough to only charge us students each year, producing a net You won’t regret it. about a quarter per item are Patty Curran (see photo), Linda Butts, and Patty Curran at Work Maureen Soule. These ladies spend Photo By Mariah Evans numerous hours sorting, folding, hanging and sizing donated clothing of Alfred by offering many kinds of Patty and Maureen simply say that and household items. They then vol- material for art projects. When there the joy of the Op Shop is their reward unteer to sit at the table on Tuesday is a play or a show, the ladies let the for their philanthropy. They enjoy hav- afternoons and sell it all to the public. students borrow the clothing, and re- ing something to do that benefits the The Op Shop began over 35 years turn it when they are finished. Also, community, and love to see students ago with Stan and Lydia Butts who for those people who forgot how cold get excited about the things they find. wanted to make money for the church. it gets in January or the freshman who They also don’t mind getting first pick They thought the shop would be a thought we were all kidding when we at the clothing that comes in! nice way to do that, while helping the told them how much snow Alfred gets, The Op Shop is open every Tuesday community get rid of the things they just take two dollars to the Op Shop 2-6pm. They accept donations while don’t need and find the things that they on Tuesday and you can buy whatever they are open and on their side porch do. The Op Shop helps the students you need to stay warm and dry. at any time. 4 FIAT LUX December 6, 2011 Opinions What’s Bugging Ebenezer: Santa What is Christmas Anyway? Griffin Taylor Kelly McNamara Editor-in-Chief Contributing Writer

Any way you slice it, it all started The reason why Americans celebrate with a homeless man. I say it was the Christmas is so they can give and first homeless man, the junkie with receive presents. Just look around. whom who I would be alone in the As the holiday season approaches playground on rainy days, me trying our advertisement saturated media to get the regulation size ball above is filled with even more commercials the rim, him searching around for the and print ads about finding “the per- deepest puddle in the park to slick back fect gift” for friends and loved ones. his hair. I guess sometime around my Black Friday begins the season of fifth birthday he realized we were consumerism by promoting fabulous now four decades removed from Elvis deals to shoppers, who end up severely Presley, and he stopped coming on Photo Provided injuring other consumers in order to rainy days. It was probably a month get their desired purchase. You can’t after this moment of clarity when he good four or five hours before my Harbor. say that in a society where in every began to resemble another historical mother, who asked as a return gift only So it was without a tear on that sev- direction you turn there is an ad about Photo Provided figure, and it was around this time to be left alone until the sun was trend- enth Christmas that I left Macy’s on Christmas presents, or people abusing when my Jewish mother came home, ing downward. I would tiptoe down 125th street. The man whose lap I just one another in order to grab the newest because the whole family comes to- Christmas tree in hand, convinced the steps of my loft bed, in mind not sat on had the same white beard and mp3 device, that presents aren’t the gether!” Sophomore Grace Williamson that she had just met Jesus Christ in what was under the tree, but whether boring red costume which Hollywood key aspect of Christmas. says that for her presents are impor- the flesh. Santa left any of the cookies I wasn’t long ago determined was Santa, but Some people may completely dis- tant parts of Christmas. Parents that Uninformed at the time of the fi- allowed to have on the plate. Of course, there was one slight problem. His skin agree and think “what in the world is I questioned responded that spending nancial gains to be reaped from a Bar the fat, greedy schmuck ate them all, was darker than last year’s Santa, and this girl saying, Christmas is about time with their family meant the most Mitzvah a few years down the road, and as for the gifts he left behind, all the year’s before that. Even at that age, family, religion, and peace on earth.” to them at Christmas time. Everyone I too adopted the Christmas spirit. I ever saw was books. I knew one could not just be white one Well I would have agreed, until I has a different view, but often the For the next couple of years, I found The second year he came, I was year and black the next, otherwise decided to take a look further. I do meaning and importance of Christmas myself in Spanish Harlem during the excited by sloppily wrapped gift he all those grown-ups wouldn’t have believe that most American’s celebrate can be impacted and based on the waning hours of Christmas Eve stand- left which actually exceeded one foot laughed when I said I would one day Christmas in order to appreciate their culture we live in. The Americans ing idle while my mother forced the in height. A toy car? An N.B.A. jersey? play in the N.B.A. family and friends, or celebrate certain living during the 1800’s were influ- hand of the tree vendor, wishing that Alas, it was not a book, but a box set But speaking of the N.B.A., it ap- religious beliefs. However, since the enced by Dickens and Moore’s work, she would just give the poor man who of books, T.S. Eliot’s Chronicles of pears that at twenty-two years of age, origins of the Christmas celebration just like how today’s Americans are had been standing in the cold all day Narnia to be specific. ever closer to social security ben- in the United States, gift-giving has influenced by the present media (no the five extra dollars he insisted on. To tell the truth, I always sensed efits than I could ever have imagined, been the key component of the holiday. pun intended). In American society “You know, I have to tell you, I got something was fishy about the whole Santa has finally come through. Yes, According to Dr. Gary Ostrower, companies are marketing to consum- a real bargain,” she would stand over Santa thing, mostly because I lived in never later is better, but better late History Professor at Alfred University, ers everywhere. Dr. Allison Hicks, me and say while I tried every way Manhattan, and never understood how than never; there will be a season Christmas was never mentioned in a Professor of Sociology at Alfred imaginable to get the sap from the tree he could get in all the apartments when after all, and on Christmas day, my the bible, nor celebrated until many University says that our media is “satu- off my hand. The tree always looked there was no chimney. Especially with Knicks will host the Boston Celtics. years after Jesus’ life. Since religions rated” with advertisements. Since like its better Christmases were behind the downstairs neighbors’ high-tech With the unprecedented levels of de- had different beliefs, the celebration there have been such advancements it, but I agreed with her because she alarm system, which went off on a lusion and stubbornness displayed of Christmas would arise and disap- in technology with the internet and was my mom and I knew she wasn’t nightly basis and woke up everyone by both the owners and the player’s pear throughout history based on the smart phones, consumers are seeing supposed to be by herself. in the building. Everyone except the union throughout negotiations during religion in power. these messages everywhere. I never really cared for Santa Claus downstairs neighbors, who with the the lockout, I can only attribute this Christmas became a popular holi- How are Americans supposed to re- for a couple of reasons. help of a little Prozac and a lot of red Christmas miracle to St. Nick himself. day in America during the 1800’s act to being hit constantly with fliers, I would wake up on Christmas a wine could’ve slept through Pearl So thanks, Santa. because of the publication of the poem commercials, and endorsements? It’s “Twas the Night Before Christmas” by become a cultural norm to shop, which Clement Clarke Moore and the novella is the action advertisements elicit in Faculty Soapbox: Occupy Wall St. by Charles Dickens, “A Christmas Americans. Since the history of the Carol.” holiday is based on the gift-giving and Emrys Westacott “Both literary works caused a re- spirit of the Christmas season, is it so Professor of Philosophy vival in the interest of the Christmas wrong that American’s consume and Holiday,” Ostrower said. The above shop a lot during the holiday season? Imagine a large family living in a points in history really marked the This holiday season as you’re very large house. The grandfather origin of the Christmas that we cel- wrapping up with finals, starting to and one uncle, who rule the roost, ebrate today. Ostrower also noted that hear Christmas music play, and see- occupy luxurious suites complete with both works were very secular, without ing countless advertisements for the sun decks, hot tubs and poolrooms. any or much association to any reli- perfect holiday gift, think about what Three of the old man’s sons live with gious beliefs. The stories focus on the Christmas means to you. Of course our their partners and children in mod- importance of doing well for others, history and the media may impact the est but pleasant quarters, decently and Christmas holiday spirit. way we feel, but ultimately as individu- equipped and furnished. Two other 200 years later, what does Christmas als we make our own decisions. So if families, related in the same way to the mean to fellow Americans? First-year you’re pumped to get that new Ipad, grandfather, live in a damp, cramped, student Shea Oleksa says “Christmas good for you, just try and remember squalid basement. They have barely Photos by Charlie Golonkiewicz means the happiest time of the year to spread a little love too. enough to eat, and are not allowed to set foot upstairs. And there is plenty of money knock- degrees in economics, political sci- How would you describe this fam- ing about. In 2009 the median compen- ence, psychology, and sociology, and ily? One word that springs to mind sation for CEOs of companies listed in still we don’t seem able to organize is “dysfunctional.” For surely, if the the Dow-Jones Industrial Average was things very efficiently. family were well adjusted, the old men $19.8 million. The combined wealth So what makes it so hard to reorga- wouldn’t hog all the luxuries; they’d of the richest 400 individuals (less nize society along more sensible lines? use their resources to help those in than 0.1% of the top 1%) was around There are many obstacles, but two need. They’d feel some responsibil- $1.6 trillion. So why can’t we find are paramount: vested interests and ity to help where they could. And our way to the obvious solution for ideology. Vested interests can be seen they’d put the enjoyment of good fam- our current woes: that is, use some at work when banks oppose financial ily relationships over the possession of the vast accumulated wealth to regulation, when insurance companies of private wealth. employ the people who want jobs to do oppose universal public health care, Imagine--if you can--a small village worthwhile work that would improve when oil and companies oppose laws in a rural location with one stoplight. the quality of life for all? aimed at reducing pollution, and when Suppose that here, too, a few individu- Economists will of course say that rich folks oppose raising taxes on als own a lot of property and enjoy this way of thinking is naïve. They’ll the rich. There is no mystery about great wealth, while a quarter of the say the analogy between a small how the people with such interests population are desperately poor on community and a complex modern seek to get their way. They bribe and account of being unemployed. There economy doesn’t hold up. But some- blackmail politicians by giving or not are plenty of jobs that need doing: times a bit of naiveté is useful, just giving money to political campaigns. buildings require fixing up; com- as a child’s perspective occasionally Ideology is the other obstacle. It munications technology needs to be throws a refreshing light on a problem, involves dogmatically held convic- upgraded; a park with a playground leading us to question what we have tions that certain policies are right or is wanted; school kids need teachers; unthinkingly taken for granted. wrong regardless of evidence or prag- the sick and elderly need health care This is a valuable function of the matic considerations. For instance, and support services. Occupy Wall Street movement and its the pledge made by many Republican Sadly, the unemployed remain poor, offshoots. The protesters call on us congressmen never to vote for a tax frustrated, and depressed while the to ask fundamental questions, such increase under any circumstances is work goes undone. Why? Not be- as: what sort of system is it where the ideological in this sense. cause there isn’t enough money in richest 1% own 40% of the nation’s Ideology and interests are linked, the village. There is. The toffs in wealth while the poorest 40% own of course. People tend to believe what their mansions are exceedingly rich, less than 1%? Well, one word that promotes their interests. But not al- in part because they are able to si- springs to mind is “dysfunctional.” ways. Many of those who would ben- phon off large amounts off from the The system is dysfunctional both in efit hugely from free universal public enterprises they are involved in. But its inefficiency and because the gross health care denounce it as “socialized they choose to hoard their wealth, or inequalities produce other evils such medicine.” spend it elsewhere. as poverty, sickness, depression, crime, A key problem for anyone who Imagine a country……..but you get and over two million people in prison. would like to see the government the idea. Right now in the U.S. there Right now our society is like a boat enact policies that reduce inequality are over 13 million people officially that can hardly be steered and seems is how to break the stranglehold that unemployed. The Labor Department in danger of capsizing because too money has over our political system. estimate that another 6.6 million con- much of the cargo, including crates The Occupy movement may not have sidered to be outside the labor force are of heavy gold bars, has been stashed an answer to this problem. But the also looking for work. There is plenty at one end, where it is protectively sat Occupiers have already done a great of work that needs doing: homes to upon by the 1%. service by raising fundamental ques- improve, infrastructure to repair and Of course, making the economic tions about just what sort of society upgrade, classes to be taught, public and political system functional is no we want to be. For this they deserve amenities to be improved, people with easy task. There are hundreds of thou- our thanks. problems to be helped. sands of clever people with advanced December 6, 2011 FIAT LUX 5 Opinions

repeat that information, is the most can stray from the intended point of University. Fruit For Thought crucial and overlooked aspect of the conversation. I can’t tell if my com- Nonetheless, the people who base college education. I see students learn ments have confused my peers and everything in life, and every bit of in- Cole Boje views the acquisition of the driver’s the information presented during col- professors, or silenced them because formation they interpret, at face value, Sports Editor license as a means to future ends. After lege classes in two ways. I’ve activated their minds to a higher will always take the quickest path to receiving the driver’s license they will First, there are students who in- level of thinking. When everyone stops the easiest, most obvious answer. By The topic of discussion I would like go out into the world with a newly terpret the information at face value. to think and listen; this portion of not allowing their minds to afford for to address is: the way you view your earned ticket to anything you can pos- Meaning, they take the presented in- learning is critical. Listening to what alternative thinking, they are selling college degree. When I say ‘you,’ I sibly achieve. As with a college degree, formation, retain it, and retrieve it to you hear around you, or the interpreted themselves short, and may potentially mean college students, who I believe one may not be able to do everything circle answer “C” or recite something opinions of others, combined with the sell me short one day as well. should all be aware of the fact there in the world with a driver’s license, someone else supplanted on their brain furious jockeying for mental position- Being at Alfred University has given are two ways to understand the pursuit such as: driver a tractor-trailer or ride in the exact way it was presented. The ing of facts marked “highest truth” or me the ability to use my mind as my of your college education. Throughout a motorcycle. However, that doesn’t other form of learning I witness, and I “most ideal conception”, all compete most sacred tool. It has allowed me life, there are external influences on mean you cannot now drive to far away believe they encourage here at Alfred, within the brain. to realize that someone’s intelligence how to view the act of obtaining a col- beaches you have never experienced is a form of learning that involves This can create a feeling of confu- cannot be quantified by any statisti- lege degree. For me these perspectives before, or drive to Washington D.C. critical analysis of the presented in- sion over which conception of say, cal formula. My intelligence speaks can be explained in the following two and immerse yourself in history and formation. Not immediately retaining presented material in class, should through the words from my mouth, ways: the act of pole-vaulting and the knowledge you previously never had it at face value; but rather, dissecting be interpreted. That depends on how the thought processes in my head, act of acquiring a driver’s license. access to. Or maybe just to drive down the information with the opinion you you choose to learn the information. the gaze in my eyes and aging lines The pole-vaulter views his or her to the local library. develop in your mind, combined with At face value, so you can accurately beneath them. Many other students task as merely getting over the bar, Receiving a college degree is not the opinions of others. This is the circle answer “C” on a multiple-choice here at Alfred may have similar untold then falling to a soft cushion where only about vaulting the bar, but also true way to reach a conclusion about test? Or would you choose to learn stories, and they struggle to compete they have met their end, but without a “driving” your life and mind to plac- the presented information in college. information in ways that allow the each and every day. Life is a battle, future purpose, aside from pursuing a es they have never been before. The When you enter the real world you processing of information for the re- and I’m sure other students feel this higher level of education in their field; achievement of graduation is certainly don’t want to be someone who has finement of that theory? Then, when way for different or similar reasons. another bar. Getting over the bar, as in an end, but that shouldn’t eliminate always accepted information at face it comes time to write a term paper, Excuse me for not making it to every “getting over the bar” to graduating its use as a means for future achieve- value, because then you are simply a you’re more interested in presenting class, not completing every paper on from college, is a perspective adopted ment. Every college student should be face with no values. the personally expanded version of the time, and not reading every page in by some high school and college stu- aware of this dilemma in my opinion. This can be avoided by constantly author’s theory, rather than coherently every 400-page book. dents. This perspective is dangerous, Your degree, as in other aspects of improving the way information is regurgitating aspects of the author’s Despite what my GPA looks like, and can obviously lead an individual life, only holds as much capacity for available to be interpreted, through theory. Sorry, I’ll take my B. I have become an extremely bright to feel lost after graduation. meaning as you are willing to give. questioning things at face value as However, I owe a great deal grati- individual since setting foot on this The alternate perspective takes hold Life is about the way you perceive it, many times as possible, until the true tude to my liberal arts education, campus in 2008. I have learned, grown, in the act of acquiring a driver’s li- and this includes the information that meaning behind the information shines and the teachers at this university. struggled and survived. My mind is cense. You must pass a written exam, is presented in academia. through. If you get it, you get it. If you don’t, strong, my mind is old, and my mind a road test, and then receive a driver’s The way to learn information pre- Despite my recommendations, this well you’re probably not interested in is wise. No one could ever tell me license. However, receiving the license sented in college, which does not sim- gets me into trouble in class from hearing what I have to say about the otherwise. is not the desired end, the individual ply involve your ability to accurately time to time, because these thoughts higher education available at Alfred

News Forest People Building Pizza; the new Vegetable? Sugar Shack continued from pg. 1 continued from pg. 1 Ana Fredell Maimoona Rahim that tomatoes are a vegetable. It is Contributing Writer Staff Writer common knowledge that tomatoes are a fruit. Congress is trying to pass (Director of Physical Plant) for their By allowing pizza to be seen as a bill declaring that if pizza has two complete support of the project and the a vegetable, Congress is not only tablespoons of tomatoes, a fruit, it vision of the club. Without the two of planting a seed for future bad eat- will be acknowledged as a vegetable them, and the financial support from ing habits, but also contradicting ev- in the public school system. That just Senate, this project would never have erything health teachers extensively doesn’t make sense gotten off the ground.” Be sure to stop tried to teach children. This bill is In addition to the small issues and by Joel’s House parking lot to see this in direct opposition by the Obama all-around disapproval of the bill, exciting addition to our campus. Administration and the USDA, the the most important is the factor of U.S. Department of Agriculture, as nutritional value. The only nutritional well as the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids value anyone could possibly receive Act, a bill highly promoted and sup- from pizza is from the bread, and that ported by First Lady Michelle Obama, is only if it is whole grain. The tomato which was passed last December. The paste has no nutritional value. When Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act gives made it is heated at a very high tem- the Federal Government the author- perature which kills off any nutrients, ity to regulate food served in public and along with that it is made with schools, including what can and can- many additives, preservatives, and not be put in vending machines. The food dyes. This highly processed to- Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act was mato paste, which two tablespoons of passed in an effort to supply more it is supposed to pass a vegetable serv- healthy food options in public schools. ing, not only lacks nutritional value, But, by counting pizza as a vegetable, but is also a possible health danger. Photos by Bob Cilino Congress is taking advantage of this With over 30% of Americans currently bill just to save a few dollars. meeting the criteria of obesity, most Other than opposing the Obama people would think that Congress Administration’s plans another obvi- would try to do all it can to fix this ous yet overlooked issue many people issue, as opposed to mindlessly and WALF revives live-streaming have with this bill is that it is stating apathetically letting it grow. Eric Hudack Managing Editor

Student radio broadcasts can once General Education again be heard on the internet as WALF’s 24-hour live-streaming is Blueprint Introduced once again up and running., this time in collaboration with Live365, an inter- continued from pg. 1 net radio network where members can Kim Rau “We believe that the general edu- create their own online radio station or News Editor cation program should evolve as the listen to other Live365 broadcasters’ world around it changes,” said Harriss. online stations. According to Harriss, the entire CLAS “In short, we hope to provide CLAS WALF.fm, the student-run radio faculty will ultimately need to ap- students with the best educational station’s website, features a live- prove the revisions. The committee experience possible in ways that pro- streaming application that allows is concerned with obtaining student mote life-long learning and cultural broadcasts to be heard around the opinions on the matter, prompting engagement.” world. The stream had been down Dean McGee and Dr. Harriss’ visit The committee is especially con- since late September due to the fact to senate. cerned with student feedback. Both that the station neglected to pay roy- Photo Provided In the meeting, the two outlined Dean McGee and Dr. Harriss urged alty dues, a problem that members the learning outcomes the College of those in attendance at the meeting of WALF’s executive board say they resorted to fundraisers, such as t-shirt that initially informed WALF they Liberal Arts and Sciences wishes its to make their voices and opinions were unaware of inheriting. sales and promotional record give- have not paid royalties in about a students to achieve. According to the heard. The committee wants to know While live streaming was down, a-ways in order to help get WALF decade. working draft recently approved by the easiest way to communicate with WALF was still broadcasting over the back on the map. Most of the funding Negotiations are ongoing and “be- the CLAS faculty, the exploration of students. Harriss, who serves as the radio frequency of 89.7fm. came from diverting money from their hind-closed doors,” therefore progress “human cultures, and the physical and taskforce’s liaison to students, encour- In order to get WALF broadcasts Student Senate approved budget. is currently unknown. natural world,” communication skills, ages those who have questions or wish back on the internet, WALF needed Alfred University officials are WALF is currently accepting club creative response to both problems to provide their input to contact him to procure funding to pay royalty fees, currently in legal negotiations with organization commercials to run on- and opportunities, the “practice of at [email protected]. The committee as well as additional equipment up- SoundExchange, an independent, non- air. Interested clubs can contact WALF personal and social responsibility” is also willing to schedule meetings grades. Student members of the station profit performance rights organization at [email protected]. though local and global community with representative groups, make ad- engagement and the application of ditional appearances at student senate, “knowledge and skills across general respond to e-mails or filter feedback and specialized studies” are the pro- through their blog, http://alfredgened. jected learning outcomes for liberal wordpress.com/ arts students at Alfred. 6 FIAT LUX December 6, 2011 Features Fitness Corner From the Runway to the Streets, Cole Boje Sports Editor Make the Streets your Runway Meeka Bromfield grazed the streets in 2011: o One of the many patterns that have The abdominal muscles, and the highly Columnist • Big Sweaters graced the summer sun. Bright colors, sought after “six-pack”, can be one o Great for that comfy look and when neutral colors, multi-colors -- take of the most frustrating, difficult and Hey Fashionistas. you just want to relax. Goes great your pick, they all work. Whether it’s confusing muscle areas to improve for As you know we when accompanied by skinny jeans on a shirt, skirt, or even a scarf, you many people. While a combination have reached the or leggings. You decide! can’t help but love this pattern. of activities and routines is needed end of our fall • Biker/ Military • Body Hugging Skirts/Dresses to obtain a six-pack, a tip to seeing semester and the o Both these looks have been a craze o Girls love to show off their awe- faster, more consistent results is to end of our runway. since the summer of 2011. There is just some curves. Guys love to see those confuse your abs right back. I would like to take this opportunity to some thing about combat boots and awesome curves! It’s that simple. When you are too consistent with reflect back on all the fashion trends a leather jacket that gives an edge to 2011 had its fashion ‘Don’ts’ as well: your workout, as in you never switch that got us through an awesome year. any outfit. • Shorts and stockings can be a cute things up, there is a tendency for you Here are a few fashion bits that have • Stripes couple when paired correctly but no to plateau or stop seeing results. In matter what combination you may put my experience, applying a simple ab- of 100 reps each time I go to the gym. together, if its not at least 68 degrees dominal exercise routine into your Stabilizing abdominal workouts that outside, Don’t do it. Their cuffing workout, which focuses on muscle don’t involve repetitions can be used season ended when the summer did. confusion, it will allow you to achieve as well. They can be incorporated into • Leaving your home with a scarf the greatest results. the total of four on any particular day; or du-rag on your head. Unless you Hop on the Internet, pick out 16 just hold them for 30-60 seconds and are embodying the bohemian look or different abdominal exercises, and move on to the next exercise. being an extra in a rapper’s ‘hood’ divide them into groups of four. Throw Whether you workout two, three or video, then I’m sorry; just Don’t do it. one of the groups at the end of your four times per week, this will never • Combined colors of different fami- regular workout, and rotate the group- allow your abs to plateau or stop im- lies and crazy patterns. Do I really ings every time you go to the gym. I proving, because they will be unable have to explain why this is a Don’t? personally select abdominal exercises to get used to your routine. Confuse • Don’t imitate anyone else’s style. that involve repetitions; then, I do 25 your abs, and you will be on your way If it’s not you, then leave it alone. repetitions of each exercise for a total to a six-pack in no time. Fashion is not exactly everyone’s niche, but that doesn’t mean everyone can’t be fashionable. Just know what Fashion King: Ian Healy, Fashion Queen: Cassie Kilpera works for you and make it look good. Android vs iPhone: A True Photo by Meeka Bromfield Goliath vs Goliath Story It’s your style, define it you’re way! Nicholas Clark Columnist

Since the day I started writing for the Fiat, I have been asked to write an ar- ticle about Apple. I have held off for the past year for two simple reasons: fear of not having enough space to do the debate justice and fear of fan boys/girls that lurk on either side of the issue. A fan-person is someone who has tremendous loyalty for a particular product, often without any signifi- cant knowledge of other competing products. There are “iFans” for Apple and “Fandroids” for Android, but su- perfandom exists in cars, cameras, ski designers, political figures, rug designs... the list goes on forever. Today, at the risk of my own life, Android Phones (left) vs Iphone I bring you my thoughts on the great Photo Provided debate of our time: IOS vs Android. (I use IOS, the name of the system compare the two newest “flagship” phone) you would see two phones that one another, but that this adds to the almost certainly continue for many running on iPhones, because saying offerings from the two systems: the are primitive by comparison. However, quality of both devices. years to come, but at this point in the “Apple” (a company) vs Android” (a iPhone 4S and the Galaxy Nexus (by the advances that each have made have In terms of apps, the iPhone has contest, I personally see no champion. program) is silly.) Samsung). All of the components in bought them closer together. been compared to a museum; clean, While there are minor advantages to First, a caveat: I have never owned each device (processor, RAM, on- For example, iPhones now use the polished, and scarce. In comparison each side, there is no area where one either an Android device or an iPhone, board memory, screen resolution/size, same type of notifications as Android, the Android marketplace is like a bus- shines brightly enough to warrant although I have used and tweaked both and battery) are similar in capability. and Android has done their best to tling street market; where you can my unconditional recommendation. for hours on end. The Galaxy Nexus edges the iPhone streamline their interface to be more find whatever you want, but it might Not even Siri, the new voice recogni- In my dealings with the two devices, 4S slightly in processor/RAM while like IOS. This “inbreeding” of fea- not be as sleek. This “personality” tion software that Apple claims will I have come to a shocking conclusion; the iPhone 4S has a slightly higher tures between companies has made that the two app systems have comes revolutionize your life, seems ready at this point in 2011, there is little or resolution and camera (8 megapixels both systems more alike with each into play with new apps, but the im- to be a total game-changer. no significant difference between vs 5 megapixels... Galaxy Nexus has new version. portant apps such as Angry Birds, So to answer your question, if you them. The fact that there is already a faster shutter speed though). As Steve Jobs once said, “Good Netflix, Pandora, Weather, Facebook, are due for an upgrade, get either one. such rabid debate over which device Hardware never tells the whole sto- artists copy, great artists steal.” Twitter, ESPN, Words with Friends, When faced with the choice, I may is superior points to the similarity of ry, so what about software? Looking Looking at how both systems have and many more exist on both systems just have to flip a coin. capabilities. back on the iPhone G1 and the Nexus progressed show that both Android with maximum polish. For the sake of fairness, I will One (very early versions of each and IOS liberally steal ideas from The Android/iPhone debate will

Games & Comics New School!

By Isaiah Cassin December 6, 2011 FIAT LUX 7 Sports

Is Tim Tebow a sign from God or a Flash in the Pan? would intervene in an event which, Fool’s Gold: despite what all those DirecTV com- Griffin Taylor mercials say, is still just a game. Of Editor in Chief course, the believers feel Tebow’s character is synonymous with what Men lie, women lie, God wants from the human race. But numbers don’t. from an exocentric lens, why Tim It is a phrase re- Tebow? Why should God’s influ- iterated by many ence not be attributed to the journey a rapper, and one of Titans defensive back Tommie which rings true Campbell, who just two years ago in most facets of life. Except in the was laid off from his job as a jani- fanatical case of Tim Tebow, where we tor at a Pittsburgh airport, or maybe are presented with two contradictory Vikings safety Mistral Raymond, who sets of numbers, one of which must on his way to the NFL lost his mother, be fibbing. had his sister gunned down, a house The first set reads 6-1; Tebow’s burned down, and received exactly record as a starter in 2011 at a position zero scholarship offers from Division which, in this era of advanced stats, I schools. is one of the few where the late Al Of course, subjectivity should be Davis’ mantra ‘Just win, baby’ still noted in all this; I am a college student holds weight. currently living on Ramen Noodles, But a seven-game sample size does reporting to you at a juncture in my not a statue in Canton make, and it life where I am far too cynical to buy is when we turn to predictors that into the Disney story of Tim Tebow, we are presented with the second set and only a few weeks removed from of numbers; 47.5, 6.7 and 105.4. The Tebow’s 95-yard drive which put my first number is Tebow’s completion New York Jets on the verge of play- percentage, which would rank dead off elimination. Not a day goes by last among NFL starting quarterbacks Denver Bronco’s Tim Tebow where I don’t wait for a picture to had he attempted enough passes to Photo Provided surface on the internet of Tebow’s qualify. The second measures Tebow’s face, nestled between a pair of size yards per pass attempt, which sits just circles as Hester Prynne’s ‘A’ was in a football as well as this guy). With a corner stand the academics; number- D breasts, donning a powder-white below names like Tavaris Jackson and that Puritan town near Boston), and career completion percentage of 55.7, crunching cynics whose legitimacy mustache. If the Man Upstairs will Rex Grossman; names about as likely over a sixteen game season is on pace Vick is far from a surgeon, but next to depends on sport being a science one day scold me for my failure to to be starting in 2012 as Chris Paul is to eclipse the 1,000 yard mark, rare air Tebow, he looks like Chad Pennington. and not some Higher power. In the believe in Tim Tebow, I’ll deal with to be wearing a New Orleans Hornets Tebow would share only with Michael It should also be noted the Broncos other corner you have Tebow’s army, that when the time comes. For now, uniform in 2012. Vick in the history of his position. But are 4-1 in games in which they have god-fearing, red state members who I have a cell phone bill to be paid. The third number is Tebow’s pass- quarterbacks with an arm stronger than scored fewer than twenty points. The interpret Tebow’s constant state of And so, for now, I am siding with ing yards per game; in the context of Vick’s can be counted on one hand; other 31 teams in the NFL are a com- on-field prayer, status as both virgin the latter set of numbers; the 47.5, current NFL signal callers, same story my grandmother throws better than bined 21-111 in such games. and born-again Christian, and pro- 6.7 and 105.4, each of which predicts as the completion percentage. Tebow (ok fine, maybe not, but there Regression to the mean, anyone? life Super Bowl commercials as an Tebow will soon regress to the mean, Yes, Tebow is a ‘rushing quarter- is definitely quadrant of ex-softball Much as the numbers on Tebow extension of the Man upstairs himself. a mean which includes a clipboard and back’ (a tag about as accepted in NFL playing grandmothers who can throw are split, so too is the jury. In one Such sentiment suggests that God a backwards hat.

A Black Eye For the NCAA Malcolm Walters Contributing Writer

Now that you’ve cooled your jets on this Penn State scandal, let’s look at this situation as level headed adults by first offering comparative perspec- tive from the somehow less appalling scandal still unfolding at Syracuse University. Former assistant head coach Bernie Fine was fired following allegations of him sexually molesting what now publicly stands as three different vic- tims between the late 1970s and the 1990s. Yes, these alleged incidents took place over ten years ago, I know. After the earliest claims made in 2005 were brushed off by officials as ru- mors, the victims returned again; this time they came with ESPN. Outside the Lines exclusively aired an audio recording from 2002 of a conversa- tion between proposed victim Bobby Davis and Fine’s wife, Laurie. It was this recording that led Syracuse to fire Bernie Fine and current Head Coach Jim Boeheim to apologize for his ini- tial defense of Fine where he assured Allegations Towards assistant Coaches Jerry Sandusky (right) and those concerned that the “Penn State Bernie Fine (left) have rocked the foundations of both programs thing came out and the kid behind Photo Provided this is trying to get money. He’s tried before and now he’s trying again.” the negative attention off Penn State? It is an unfortunate truth that there from the Second Mile into the Penn absolutely necessary for the institution No one can know if this is true, and Perhaps for the moment, but Syracuse are people who violate the welfare of State football facilities. This action to sever all ties with those involved it is likely that the legitimacy of the has unquestionably done a much better children, arguably the most sacred of was then approved by school President with the perpetuation of possible audio recording will be questioned job at handling its unfortunate situa- our moral values. This however does Spanier. By the way, the Second Mile pedophilia regardless of their past when considering the sexual relation- tion than Penn State has. not mean that we can tolerate these was (recently shut down) a nonprofit contributions. Failure to report child ship between Davis and Laurie Fine. The Penn State brand is now sub- seemingly inevitable yet preventable organization for underprivileged youth molestation is a crime punishable Either way, Boeheim would go on to stantially smeared by the indictment tragedies, as the aforementioned Penn that Sandusky had founded in 1977, under law. These men behaved as if express regret following his hearing of former Assistant Head Coach Jerry State officials did. ironically designed to provide help they were above the law. You would of the tape. “What I said last week Sandusky, who now faces at least 40 McQueary testified to have seen to at-risk children and their parents. waste good sense paying attention was out of loyalty. I reacted without counts of child molestation charges Sandusky having anal sex with a With service to over 100,000 youth to any spectator’s defense of these thinking. I couldn’t believe what I between 1994 and 2009, with a cur- then 10-year-old boy who is deemed annually, Sandusky was potentially alleged actions. was hearing. I’m trying to learn from rent total of 8 victims according to the “Victim 2” in the Grand Jury report using this cover as a farming system Both Bernie Fine and Jerry MY mistake and this has been a hard Grand Jury report. In response to this while showering in a Penn State locker for fondling, as all 8 victims in the Sandusky have defended their in- time,” the head coach said. scandal, Sandusky is joined by former room. Rather than immediately in- Grand Jury report were once in the nocence and await a fair trial. I am Boeheim’s position with both team assistant coach Mike McQueary, for- tervening, McQueary instead felt he program. legally obligated to remind you that and university appears to be safe, for mer Head Coach Joe Paterno, former had to sleep on it, reporting some None of these Penn State men tried they are innocent until proven guilty. now, as he continues to receive public Athletic Director Tim Curley, former recollection of it to Paterno the next to protect the welfare of these chil- Some do make efforts to meet legal support from both students and school Senior Vice President and head of day. Paterno passed this information dren. Instead they chose to protect obligations. officials. Penn State police department Gary to Curley who then decided along with themselves by trying to sweep the So what does this mean for Penn Schultz, and former School President Schultz that the appropriate course of story of these violated boys under State? Does Syracuse University’s Graham Spanier as the recently re- action was to revoke Sandusky’s privi- the rug. This corruption will cripple current predicament take some of moved Penn State officials. lege of being able to bring children the prestige of Penn State, and it was 8 FIAT LUX December 6, 2011 Sports AU Equestrian Team in Photos AUAT Takes Steps Toward Concussion Prevention Steve Bassin the field were very useful. Contributing Writer “The trainers here at Alfred to did a great job of making sure that I was AU’s athletic training staff is taking able to get back on the field. They the right steps to ensure the health made sure I could do the drills that I and safety of student-athletes who am accustomed to doing on the field have suffered concussions, according at my normal speed without any prob- to its head athletic trainer. lems with my brain and that was able Josh Rammacher, AU’s head to mentally and physically endure any Athletic Trainer, recently explained other short physical activity.” the standard set of procedures athletes Concussions have become a huge must pass before they are allowed problem in the athletic world in recent back on the field of play. An athlete years. Many sources have said that who undergoes a concussion must athletes between the ages 14-18 suf- see team physician Dr. Curtin, who fereing concussion have significantly will then determine if the athlete’s increased since 2007. Rammacher symptoms are indeed those of a con- feels the spike can be attributed to cussion. Once the athlete is free of the unavailability of athletic trainers concussion symptoms, he or she will at high schools. take an impact test. This test pro- “With our economy where it is to- vides trainers a basic guide as to how day, many budget cuts for schools are our brains function. Every athlete at on athletics and most all of them are Alfred University takes this test once not sports, but athletic trainers, since he or she arrives on campus after suf- most school use nearby doctors to be fering a concussion; the athlete must on call at games.” achieve an equal or greater score to Dr. Curtin elaborated on the original one before graduating to Rammacher’s comment, saying that the next step of recovery. The next step since every college in the country is called excursion testing, in which should have an athletic training staff the athlete participates in a series of on call, and that every high school running and lifting drills seeing if he should have at least one trainer avail- can do them without any recurring able to its athletes. Rammacher also concussion symptoms. If the athlete noted that athletes are bigger, faster, passes that, he will make a gradual and stronger than they were a decade return to the field. Rammacher says ago and that their brain maturity has the average timetable for an athlete’s not yet caught up with their physical return from a concussion is 1-2 weeks. abilities. Brandon Yarnes, an sophomore full- As of today, there are about 1 in 10 back on the AU football team, suffered high schools that have at least one ath- Clockwise from Top Left: Kristin Elkin, a concussion earlier this year. Yarnes letic trainer on hand for their athletes Alecia Orcutt, Brittany Wheeler, Lydia Prabucki said the steps he took to get back on six days a week. Photos By Kristin Elkin and Katie LeSuer

Alfred Rugby Club Gets Busy their own equipment, they pay for their William W. Pulos own rugby insurance, they use their Alfred Rugby Coach own cars, they pay the referees and travel hundreds of miles through the The Alfred University Rugby Club year to make games. They buy their recently closed out another successful own food and carry their own water. season this fall with a deep run in the The players don’t have access to the New York Rugby Conference Division training facilities on either campus III playoffs. Started in 1985 and now despite successfully representing both in its 27th year of existence, the AU schools at a high level in a hard, rough, Rugby club has returned as a force to competitive sport. Although many of be reckoned with in New York State our members are Alfred State play- Collegiate rugby play. ers, the club receives no Alfred State The club began its fall season on support; we’re hoping to change that August 20th on its Jericho Hill field. situation. All in all, we went the dis- Starting with 17 “veterans” (loosely tance, we beat the odds again and the defined as club members that have guys did darn well.” played more than one game), with Recapping, Alfred played 16 rugby the club’s most senior member Tyler games on 8 consecutive weekends as “Petey” Peguero entering only his a team for a least the first time since 4th semester of playing rugby and 2011 Alfred Rugby Team Y2K. Captained by Mike Robillard 20 new members, the club played 8 Photo Provided and Steve Dahar with field lead- consecutive weeks of intercollegiate ers Petey Peguero, Tim Casper and competition beginning September 3 at season. Around the Alfred rugby was Alfred’s nemesis, the University Coach Pulos said “this has to be one Mike Harris for practice and games home against Hobart College. Alfred club, the month of October is known as of Rochester. of Alfred’s most satisfying victories and “quarterbacked” by the remark- “split” the games that day, winning one “Rocktober” as typically the toughest The U of R came to town seeking in my (26 year) memory.” RIT evened able Henry Glavin, the club’s overall and losing one. That would become part of the schedule and the hardest to avenge its loss to Alfred last April it up by winning the 2d game. competition record this fall was 8-8. the theme of the season. In NYRC hitting usually occurs in those games. on Hot Dog Day in Alfred during some The following week on October Alfred made it to the second round of actions, each rugby club is expected The weather also starts turning bad. of the most miserable conditions ever 22nd Alfred entered the 2nd round of the NYRC playoffs for the 1st time in to field 2 “sides” for 2 games each This year was no exception. seen on Jericho Hill for rugby. During the NYRC Div. III playoffs, again trav- 14 years (since 1997). As the club’s co- weekend. Alfred began at SUNY Brockport that game, U of R left the field be- elling to Rochester for the 2d consecu- founder, coach and general manager, Next up on September 10th was a on October 1st, a very difficult foe ing down at the half, defaulted and tive weekend to once again take on its Coach Bill Pulos (AU Class of 1977) small round-robin tournament at St. with a phys ed major, a big student didn’t come out to play Alfred in the nemesis, the University of Rochester, has donated more than 3,500 hours Bonaventure University. This was an population and a rugby club history 2d half. On October 8th, the U of R this time on their home turf; a sub- of service to the club and to Alfred interesting day for AU as St. Bonas of more than 40 years. With October came in to Wellsville with a passion standard size, out-of-regulation field University over different periods of competes at the NYRC Division I level came the beginning of bad weather and easily defeated Alfred’s 1st team that was a mud bowl. Playing without time during the last 26 years. and won the State Division I crown and it hit hard at Brockport where in a lopsided game on another picture 2 of its starters at key positions, with The Alfred University Rugby Club this fall in NYRC competition. AU the temperature was in the ‘40’s and perfect day in a wonderful facility. Alfred’s field leader Tyler Peguero again takes this time to recognize took on a mixed side of players from it was sleeting. The 1st Brockport Alfred’s 2d team came roaring back suffering a game ending injury during the help and support of Mrs. Claire St. Bonas and Syracuse University team eked out a victory in Game One and was able to balance the day with the 1st half and with one of its players Randolph of South Main Street in (also Div. I) and split both games, and Alfred came back to win game 2. a game win. sent to the penalty box for 10 minutes the Village, a musician, teacher and winning one and losing one. It was The next week Alfred played its Next up was the 1st round during the game, Alfred gave it all community icon who recently passed Coach Pulos’ first return to the St. last home game in Wellsville at the of NYRC interdivisional play and it had but it just wasn’t Alfred’s day on. Over the years, Mrs. Randolph Bonas pitch since 1989; an old corn- Wellsville High School turf field. The the 1st round of the NYRC Division and the U of R won again 32-14, thus was extremely supportive of the club field used by the friars to grow food Wellsville game was the brainchild of III playoffs. Alfred was seeded 4th ending Alfred’s season. The follow- and its efforts, on the field and in the on the St. Bonaventure campus back Alfred University cross-country coach in the NYRC West Division and had ing week, the University of Rochester community. The club is extremely in the day that was the scene of AU’s Bill Sortore (a teacher at WHS); this to face the # 1 seed from the NYRC beat Brockport to win the NYRC Div grateful for Mrs. Randolph’s enthu- first-ever rugby win 26 years ago in game was well publicized and highly East Division, old rival and unde- III crown. siastic support. She is missed by all. the fall of 1985. anticipated in the community. Coach feated RIT at RIT. Going into the Coach Pulos later said “We played The Rugby Club will be back in AU then played games on consecu- Sortore currently teaches rugby to his game on October 15th, Alfred was a very even with both of these (champi- action this spring 2012, celebrating its tive Sundays for the next 2 weekends: middle school phys ed students as a huge underdog and very few observ- onship) teams; we were in every game 54th consecutive season of good stand- Sept. 18th at St. John Fisher on a gor- component of his phys ed curriculum. ers around the NYRC gave Alfred all season. Our most experienced crew ing on the Alfred University campus. geous day in Pittsford, NY and at home It was his idea to bring Division III much of a chance to beat RIT, yet an- of 9 guys had 3 semesters of rugby The club takes this time to thank the on Sept 25th against Canisius College college rugby to the Wellsville high other school with a student population experience. We were one game away Alfred University administration, on a beautiful 75 degree day. The school by saying “Since rugby is so roughly 4 times larger than Alfred’s from the state championship game. its public safety, student affairs and AU developmental team also played popular worldwide, I thought it was with no varsity football on campus. I’m extremely proud of the guys this grounds crew department, the Alfred at Bonaventure on September 24th. a natural to introduce our students to On another day of horrible weather fall; we had 37 members come out for Volunteer Ambulance crew and the Five games in 8 days. End result 3-2. college rugby.” The Alfred club was with a cold, driving rain, with the the club, pay dues and play some rugby. community for its continuing support. September was pretty kind to Alfred more than happy to play on the turf odds against them and a field of mud, Our club funding consists of an AU Look for Alfred rugby players to be rugby. in a local stadium. It is believed to Alfred’s 1st fifteen took it to RIT on activities fund allotment for the year out in the community sometime in The month of October began and be the 1st rugby game ever played in their turf and won the playoff game of $ 1500.00, the guys raise the rest of the early spring on their semi-annual Alfred ran into the “meat” of its Wellsville. The opponent that day by 28-14. Reflecting after the game the money they need; they purchase clean-up public service day.