12 04 09 | reportermag.com
Geocaching Using multi-million-dollar satellites to find tupperware in the woods.
Warning: Unwanted Knowledge The surprising ingredients in personal care products.
WITR Mired in Controversy Student radio under fire from alumni and community members. TABLE OF CONTENTS 12 04 09 | VOLUME 59 | ISSUE 11
A Rock Band 2 competitor rocks out during the October 24 tournament. Photograph by Shinay McNeill.
NEWS PG. 06 SPORTS PG. 22 SG Update Interveiw With Adam Frank Winter Sports Preview Destler to deliver verdict on semesters in Reporter sits down with the author of “The The snow’s falling and winter sports are taking spring. Constant Fire.” the field. Staff Council Reviews Of the 14,000 ordered, RIT only recieves 300 Why John Mayer’s 4th album might not be VIEWS PG. 27 H1N1 vaccines. worth a listen. Artifacts RIT/ROC Forecast At Your Leisure Remember Windows 95? Holiday Songs and Skies Planetarium Show is Reporter recommends: Sporcle. The dude Grandpa’s Garbage Plate the new hot date spot. abides. One man’s trash... WITR Mired in Controversy RIT Rings Student radio leadership under fire from FEATURES PG. 16 Seriously, why does Lady Gaga have a [disco alumni and community members. Geocaching stick]? Using multi-million-dollar satellites to find LEISURE PG. 10 tupperware in the woods. Warning: This Product May Contain Unwanted Alternate Reality Gaming Knowledge Fiction never felt so real. The suprising ingredients in personal care products. Cover illiustration by Jamie Douglas EDITOR IN CHIEF Andy Rees EDITOR’S NOTE | [email protected]
MANAGING EDITOR Madeleine Villavicencio
| [email protected] THE MORE THINGS CHANGE
COPY EDITOR Michael Conti When I was in high school, I took a lot of history courses. One of the things that struck me was that
| [email protected] regardless of what time period or country or community you studied, there were always repeating
NEWS EDITOR Emily Bogle patterns. Russia would always seek a liberal society and wind up under a conservative autocrat. The white
| [email protected] man would always put down the “savages.” Oceania is always at war with Eastasia.
LEISURE EDITOR John Howard Even in RIT history, you can see patterns. Whether its the rugby team getting suspended for unruly
| [email protected] behavior or its the sorry state of aging student apartments, RIT history constantly repeats itself. We deal
FEATURES EDITOR Michael Barbato with the same things over and over again, presumably taking steps forward, but never truly moving away
| [email protected] from the pattern.
SPORTS/VIEWS EDITOR Sam McCord Currently, we are looking at the debate between quarters and semesters (see “Staff Council” and “SG
| [email protected] Update” on pg. 6). This is not a new debate — not even close to a new debate. In fact, it was a hot button issue even in the early 1990s. Set against a photograph of RIT students trudging down the quarter mile, the
WRITERS Ory Ballenger, Michael Conti, Carolyn January 14, 1994 issue of Reporter bears a familiar title: Quarters vs. Semesters. Dunne, Jessica Hanus, Laura Mandanas, Sam In an editorial, the managing editor at the time noted that RIT was one of the few schools left in the McCord, Jill McCracken, Viktor Nagornyy, Alex country to still be on the quarter system (having switched from semesters in 1954). The estimate at the Pagliaro, Moe Sedlak, Caitlin Shapiro, Amanda time placed us among the minority of schools (around 24 percent) using quarters. Now it seems we’re in an Szczepanski, Chris Zubak-Skees even smaller pool (best estimates place us among less than 80 other schools). There are benefits on both sides of the fence. With quarters, we avoid a nasty process of rewriting ART curriculum, co-ops remain undisturbed, and students can take a variety of classes throughout the year. On
ART DIRECTOR Kelvin Patterson the other side, RIT becomes more attractive to transfer students, professors have a longer amount of time
| [email protected] with their students, and RIT joins the ranks of the majority of universities.
SENIOR STAFF DESIGNER Evan Anthony Will RIT ever change back to the semester system? I honestly doubt it. While there is definitely support
STAFF DESIGNERS Jena Buckwell, Nicholas Tassone for the change, the process may appear overwhelming. I thoroughly expect that in another 15 years, we’ll
AD DESIGNER Lisa Barnes be back here, having the same conversation. As the old addage goes, “The more things change, the more
PHOTO EDITOR Steve Pfost they stay the same.”
STAFF ILLUSTRATORS Jamie Douglas
CARTOONIST Jamie Douglas Andy Rees EDITOR IN CHIEF BUSINESS
PUBLICITY MANAGER Erick Davidson
AD MANAGER Alecia Crawford
BUSINESS MANAGER Elizabeth Bennett
PRODUCTION MANAGER Jayadev Alapati
ONLINE PRODUCTION MANAGER Chris Zubak-Skees
ADVISOR Rudy Pugliese Jamie Douglas and Andy Rees by PRINTING Printing Applications Lab
CONTACT 1.800.970.5406 CARTOON
“Well, its a step up from Maroon 5”
Reporter Magazine is published weekly during the academic year by a staff comprised of students at Rochester Institute of Technology. Business, Editorial, and Design facilities are located in Room A-426, in the lower level of the Student Alumni Union. Our phone number is 1.800.970.5406. The Advertising Department can be reached at 1.800.970.5406 ext. 0. The opinions expressed in Reporter do not necessarily reflect those of the Institute. INSERT FUNNY/HILARIOUS/CHEEKY INSIDE JOKE HERE MAYBE SOMETHING ABOUT A VOODOO DOLL IN THE FORM OF A CAT. Letters to the Editor may also be sent to [email protected]. Reporter is not responsible for materials presented in advertising areas. No letters will be printed unless signed. All letters received become the property of Reporter. Reporter takes pride in its membership in the Associated Collegiate Press and American Civil Liberties Union. Copyright © 2009 Reporter Magazine. All rights reserved. No portion of this Magazine may be reproduced without prior written permission.
5 SG UPDATE STAFF COUNCIL RIT FORECAST ROC FORECAST by Caitlin Shapiro by Chris Zubak-Skees compiled by Jill McCracken
SEMESTER SYSTEM UNDER CALENDAR PROPOSALS CAB Poetry Slam Dark Star Orchestra MICROSCOPE Three new proposals for academic calendars were presented to the council, bringing 04 Java Wally’s. 9 – 11 p.m. Come on in to Java’s to recite 04 Harro East Ballroom. 155 N. Chestnut St. 8 p.m. Don’t The question posed to Student Government: the count to four potential options. Option A would keep the current quarterly calendar. FRIDAY your favorite poetry or your own originals. If you’re not FRIDAY let Dark Star Orchestra’s name fool you, they’re a Should we move from the quarter system to the Option B would move the start of classes back to avoid splitting winter quarter with a into performing, kick back with a delicious drink from happy-go-lucky jam band out of Chicago. Cost: $24. semester system? Those in favor of the change holiday break. Option C would split winter quarter into two segments. Finally, Option D Java’s coffee bar and enjoy hearing others’ poetry. Cost: believe it will bring new opportunities to the RIT would be a complete change to semesters. Potentially Emo Poetry and a black coffee. Dane Cook community through integration, collaboration and Specifically, Option C would split the winter quarter into two discrete five-week blocks 05 Blue Cross Arena. 1 War Memorial Sq. 8 p.m. You’re research. According to Joe Loffredo, registrar and with a half week for finals. According to Joe Loffredo, registrar and assistant vice president Chocolate on Ice SATURDAY still not over those Christ Chex jokes, huh? That’s assistant vice president for Academic Affairs, if for Academic Affairs, a four credit course would meet for eight hours a week. “Students, we 05 Ritter Ice Arena. 10:30 p.m – 1:00 a.m. What could be okay. Here’s the opportunity to feed your laughter the proposed transition is approved, the calendar think, would take two courses per block,” said Loffredo. A full load would be considered SATURDAY better than a chocolate festival on ice? You’ll enjoy while Dane Cook is in town. Cost: $35 - $100. changes would start during the 2011-2012 academic twelve credit hours. free ice skating as well as chocolate giveaways all year. However, complete migration to the semester During the discussion on Option D, Amit Ray, associate professor of literary and cultural night. Just bring a donation for Foodlink! Cost: Non- Holiday Songs & Skies system wouldn’t be planned to take place until the studies and chair of the President’s ad hoc Committee on Semester Planning, presented perishable food items. 06 Planetarium Show 2013-2014 academic year. that committee’s report. According to the report’s timeline, President William Destler will SUNDAY Rochester Museum & Science Center Strasenburgh While other schools such as Northeastern make a decision in April or May of 2010. According to Ray, if approved, the semester system Holiday Dinner and Fashion Show Planetarium. 657 East Ave. 11:30 a.m. If you’re starting and Georgia Tech are said to have undergone a will be under way by the 2012-2013 academic year, following a three-year transition period. 06 SAU Cafeteria. 6 – 10 p.m. Deaf International Student to get in the holiday spirit and looking for something successful transition from quarters to semesters, SUNDAY Association presents a fashion show and delicious fun to do, check out this show. It comes complete with the question remains: will this be a good idea THE POTENTIAL CHANGE TO SEMESTERS holiday dinner to strive to embrace the diversity in corny space jokes, winter constellations, and holiday for the RIT campus? The plan for a successful The model for conversion to semesters favored by the Committee on Semester Planning culture, traditions, religions, and languages in the songs. Cost: $10 or $9 with student ID. transition would lead to the creation of a Central would retain four courses per semester as the standard load, each with four credits. One student body. Cost: $7, $5 with student ID. Conversion Office. benefit that this model would bring, as cited by Ray, is that faculty would have to deal with Holiday Pottery Sale one-third fewer classes per year compared to the current system. As a result, it is “possible Intramural Sports Registration 07 Firehouse Gallery at Genesee Center for the Arts. 713 NEW OFFICE, NEW EMPLOYEES there would be fewer adjuncts,” said Ray. However, the same number of class hours would 07 Intramural Office. SLC 1217. 9 – 11:45 a.m. Time to MONDAY Monroe Ave. 11 a.m – 5 p.m. Looking for a nice little This office would have a Calendar Conversion be taught in a year. Other benefits cited include easier transfers, better compatibility with MONDAY gather your friends and compete against other RIT gift for mom or dad? Head out to the pottery sale and Director, a full-time administrative assistant to the study abroad, and the removal of winter quarter. teams in leagues for sports like dodgeball, indoor support local artists. Cost: Whatever you’re buyin’. Director, a Communications Director, a full-time One of the major arguments against the change toward a semester system is the soccer and badminton. Cost: Getting your friends off assistant to the Communications Director and two potential effect it may have on co-ops. Manny Contomanolis, associate vice president the couch. Matisyahu to three student workers. Phil Amsler, president and director of Cooperative Education and Career Services, downplayed the effect such a 08 Main Street Armory. 900 E. Main St. 7 p.m. Don’t miss of the Residence Halls Association, questioned conversion could have. “The vast majority of co-op schools are on the semester system,” Imagine RIT Info Session TUESDAY out on the Matisyahu experience, combining orthodox how this new office and full staff would affect our he said. 08 Center for Student Innovation. 10 – 11 a.m. Do you have Judaism and classic reggae to form a hypnotizing tuition. “The process entails significant funds,” TUESDAY ideas? Questions? Stop by the Imagine RIT Info Session sound that is beloved by millions of fans. Cost: $26. said Loffredo, promising that the Committee H1N1 to hear about the news and how you can get involved. on Semester planning is “sensitive to the rise of Over the past few weeks, an outbreak of flu-like symptoms has taken over the campus, Cost: Innovation. Cirque Holidaze tuition.” but the worst is over. “We’ve hit the peak, and it’s now declined,” said Josh Bauroth, First 09 Auditorium Theatre. 875 E. Main St. 7:30 p.m. This Year Enrichment instructor and Staff Council chair, relaying information from the Student OCASA’s Miracle Berry Party WEDNESDAY musical adventure is filled with acrobats, aerialists, A WEIGHTY DECISION Health Center. According to Bauroth, the SHC received 300 doses of the H1N1 vaccine, but 09 OCASA. 6 – 8:30 p.m. Here’s something wacky for your singers, dancers and musicians, and it is sure to Sometime this coming spring between April and they were already administered. “They ordered 14,000 doses; they got 300. Someday, they WEDNESDAY Wednesday evening: eat a tablet that causes your taste leave you with that warm and fuzzy holiday feeling. May 2010, President William Destler will make will get more,” said Bauroth. buds to freak out a little. Everything that tastes sour Cost: $25 to $50. the decision whether or not to migrate from the now tastes sweet. Then, eat a bunch of sour food and quarter system to a semester system. Depending A VOTE IN STUDENT GOVERNMENT watch “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.” Cost: on the decision, RIT is predicted to start staffing Student Government is considering giving Academic Senate and Staff Council Control of your taste buds for an hour. Bobby Slayton the Central Conversion Office sometime between representatives voting seats. Academic Senate and Staff Council currently allow the 10 The Comedy Club. 2235 Empire Blvd. Webster. 7:30 July and August. During the 2010-2011 academic representatives from the two other governance groups (including SG) to vote in their On Separation of Church and State THURSDAY p.m. Feeling like you could use a laugh? See if Bobby year, new course numbers will be applied to classes, meetings, but neither have been given the privilege to vote in SG affairs. 10 Xerox Auditorium. 8 – 10 p.m. This lecture is sponsored Slayton will hit your funny bone. Cost: $6 with and the SIS system will be upgraded or replaced. Staff Council members were asked whether they support receiving such a vote. Although THURSDAY by the RIT Skeptics. It will give you something else to student ID. There are many questions that surfaced during the council was initially split on the issue, a second vote passed with only two members think about this holiday season. Cost: Free. Friday’s meeting, including how it would affect the opposed. Bauroth framed receiving the vote as a matter of reciprocity. “Speaking hockey season, co-op blocks, and credits. Loffredo personally, it is blatantly unfair,” he said of not being given a vote. promises that a driving principle of the conversion is to do no harm.
6 Section | xx.xx.xx 7 The next day, Ron Bauerle, 2004 WITR MIRED IN CONTROVERSY RIT alumnus, host of WITR’s weekday metal show “Sudden Death Overtime” and a group STUDENTS AND COMMUNITY MEMBERS CLASH administrator for Save WITR, FOR CONTROL OF STUDENT-RUN STATION indicated that not all was settled at the station. Through a message he sent to the group: “The WITR executive board members and RIT by Viktor Nagornyy students all need to hear our side of the story, and our individual stories. We will need your help “THIS IS A MOVEMENT to protect WITR during their time at school. “Community members look down in order to help them understand WITR from itself.” So says the These community members on students and see them in a why WITR is important and description of the Facebook became a vital part of the station ‘Oh, you will be gone in four years means so much to so many.” group “Modern Music No More: by lending their experience to type of way,’” said Keyzer-Andre. According to Reed, one of the Save WITR.” WITR has been mentor new DJs or providing Keyzer-Andre may be receiving main catalysts in this issue is undergoing major changes help around the station. Some harsh criticism in the WITR a lack of communication from since the new executive board community members were also community, but “the changes had both sides. “I haven’t received (e-board) started this year. able to keep their shows after to be made.” one email from anyone in the Controversy began to snowball they graduated. According to Keyzer-Andre, community about this,” said when Save WITR published In an interview with WITR’s WITR received an unprecedented Keyzer-Andre. However, the an excerpt from the executive general manager Greg Keyzer- amount of student applications group says that the public has Andre, a fifth year Information this quarter. The station helped not heard anything from the train 20 new DJs, all wanting executive board of WITR. air time. The only On December 6, there will be way to make more another meeting between WITR room for them was and the community members. to reduce community Here, the executive board will members’ airtime. “We reveal proposed changes. Some are not getting rid of changes include revising each community members, quarter’s program schedule but they will have to based on student availability give up some of their with student shows running for time for the students,” two hours. Reed mentioned that Keyzer-Andre reiterated. a “menu of options” will be given board’s September 27 meeting On November 17, to the community members; they Get Lucky. that read, “The e-board agrees Technology major, he talked Carol Reed, WITR’s will be able to pick their role at community member interests about proposed changes and administrative advisor, held WITR. Additionally, the station are not compatible with student his goal to make WITR a a private WITR community will articulate program standards interests. The e-Board voted to predominantly student-run radio. member meeting. There were 23 that will be used to review DJs The 7th Annual Winter Ball begin the process of changing the “Students pay fees and tuition, so community members present and evaluate whether their show station to an all-student station.” they are paying for the station. with 13 former WITR DJs, five of will be continued in the next In other words, WITR would Community members don’t bring which were former WITR general quarter. “A Night in Vegas” be repositioning themselves to in any money,” Keyzer-Andre managers. When asked if they a semi-formal ball with music, dancing, and prize raffles prioritize student needs over non- commented. were willing to reduce their time student members. In 2009, WITR received a $57,737 to give more room for students, The Save WITR Facebook group, budget from RIT, according to no one objected. which is controlled by former WITR’s finance director Ben December 12th 2009 Get a $5 discount! WITR’s executive board members Isserlis, a third year Computer and RIT alumni, has grown to Science student. This budget 8:00 PM - 11:00 PM Come by the SE Office over 900 members, many posting comes from student activities GCCIS Atrium at RIT (70-1690) to get advance comments that are against fees. Therefore, every student has the current executive board’s a right to be part of the WITR — $15/person, $20/couple tickets. proposed changes. Many are they paid for it. WITR community members, who Community members, are RIT alumni and were part of however, do not share this right.
8 Section | xx.xx.xx gambling prohibited ANTIPERSPIRANT/DEODORANT MASCARA MODERN DAY mascara was invented in 1913 when American chemist T.L. Williams concocted a mixture ANTIPERSPIRANT and deodorant products today are a mixture of active of coal dust and petroleum jelly to darken lashes. His product’s name, ingredients and waxes, oils, or silicons that are gelled into a solid stick. “Maybelline,” is a portmanteau of the inventor’s sister’s name (Maybel) WARNING: Deodorants work by creating underarm conditions unfavorable to and the product’s main ingredient (Vaseline). sweat-eating, odor-causing bacteria, using ingredients such as triclosan Interestingly, it was public concern over the ingredients in mascara to make the skin too salty or acidic to support them. Antiperspirants, that helped shape the modern FDA as we know it. In 1938, an eyelash- on the other hand, are technically classified as a drug and contain dyeing product called Lash Lure was found to be damaging the eyesight active ingredients, which are controlled by the FDA. Approved of many women. After one woman was blinded and another woman THIS PRODUCT MAY ingredients for antiperspirants include aluminum chlorohydrate, died, Lash Lure became the first product seized under new aluminum chloride, aluminum sulfate, and aluminum zirconium FDA authority. complexes. Aluminum ions from these ingredients are drawn into the Today, mascara is built upon a base of either water or lotion in cells that line the eccrine gland ducts, causing them to swell; when the which oil, pigment, wax, and a mixture of chemicals are added. Oils cells have swelled enough to close the ducts, sweat is no longer able to used include sesame oil, linseed oil, lanolin, mineral oil, castor CONTAIN UNWANTED escape the body. oil, turpentine oil, and eucalyptus oil. In black mascaras, pigment Although there are many rumors circulating on the internet that commonly comes from carbon black; in brown mascaras, iron oxide is antiperspirant use causes breast cancer, researchers have found no typically used. Waxes include beeswax, carnauba wax, and paraffin. scientific evidence to back this claim. Beyond that, alcohol is also a common additive, as is stearic acid. Thimerosal, a mercury-based compound, is allowed by the FDA in eye- KNOWLEDGE area cosmetics in concentrations of up to 65 parts per million if no other LIPSTICK THE BASIC RECIPE for lipstick is a effective preservative is available. THE SURPRISING INGREDIENTS IN During Queen chemicals, improved labeling information, and tube of fat or wax with some oil PERSONAL CARE PRODUCTS Elizabeth’s time, it was greater oversight of the industry. As a society, and color in it. Until 1982, whale common practice for we’ve come quite far since Elizabethan times. blubber and oil extracts were common ingredients; since the global SHAMPOO IN COMMERCIAL shampoos on the by Laura Mandanas upperclass women to But on an individual level, are consumers moratorium on commercial whaling by the International Whaling market today, water actually paint their faces with today any more knowledgeable about the Commission went into effect, however, they have been replaced. A very composes up to 80 percent of the Venetian ceruse, a ingredients in their personal care products? common pigment used to get deep red color is cochineal, a chemical mixture. Sufactants, the next largest part of the mixture (and the part NEAR THE END OF HER LIFE, Queen Elizabeth I of lead-based cosmetic which temporarily gave The next time you pick up a stick of extract of carminic acid from the bodies of squished female scale that does the actual cleaning), work by stripping hair shafts of sebum, England is said to have banished all mirrors wearers the fashionable effect of porcelain deodorant, tube of lip gloss, or bottle of insects. Other pigments may include refractory minerals such as dirt and oil; commonly used surfactants include sodium lauryl sulfate from her private chambers. Despite the white skin. Unfortunately, extensive use more shampoo, take a minute to turn it over. Pull alumina, silica, titanium dioxide, and mica. Extracts from fish scales and ammonium lauryl sulface. Foaming agents such as cocamide or diligent application of numerous beauty often than not led to the very permanent, out your smart phone and do a quick search. are also sometimes used to give a frosted or pearly look. cocamidopropyl betaine produce the suds we’ve come to expect when products day after day, the notoriously vain unfashionable effects of lead poisoning. Check out the list of ingredients before you One issue that seems to rise to public attention every few years is the we lather, but actually serve no purpose in the shampoo other than to ruler reportedly couldn’t bear the sight of Venetian ceruse, needless to say, is no head to the checkout counter; from aluminum debate about lead levels in lipstick. This past spring, under pressure provide consumers with that experience. Acidic items such as sodium her own reflection. With her hair and teeth longer in use as a cosmetic. Beauty standards to whale blubber, bug juice to mercury, the by the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, the FDA released information citrate or citric acid are used to smooth the cuticle of the hair. Beyond falling out and ever deepening pits eating into have changed and so have the products used items you’re putting on and into your body from their investigation of lead levels in lipstick. Of the 23 samples that, silicones such as dimethicone deposit a lightweight coating on the her pale face, it’s easy to imagine that these in pursuit of those standards. Today, there every day may surprise you. tested, all contained trace amounts of lead, ranging from 0.09 to hair to create smoothness and shine. afflictions were to blame for her sudden mood are numerous practices in place to protect 3.06 parts per million. According to the FDA website, “Lipstick, as a swings and intense bouts of melancholy. In consumers. Government agencies such as product intended for topical use, is only ingested incidentally and in To learn more about the ingredients of a particular product, http:// fact, a simple case of poisoning is much more the Food and Drug Administration inspect very small quantities. FDA does not consider the lead levels that it cosmeticsdatabase.com offers a large, searchable database pairing ingredients likely the culprit. Though it was her maids cosmetic manufacturing facilities and strictly found in the lipsticks to be a safety concern.” At the present time, the in over 52,000 products on the market today against 50 toxicity and regulatory who administered the powerful neurotoxin regulate the use of color additives to keep FDA has not set specifications for lead in cosmetics, except that color databases. The database is maintained by the Environmental Working Group, a to the queen day after day, it was hardly harmful products off the market. Consumer additives permitted as ingredients are usually limited to 20 parts per nonprofit research organization. their intention to cause her harm. The secret advocacy groups also keep a vigilant watch, million. Manufacturers are not required to declare lead or any other assassin? Lead in her makeup. lobbying for the banning of hazardous contaminant on a product label unless it is an “intended ingredient.”
10 Section | xx.xx.xx 11 sacred. endeavor.” “I’m really just not interested in the usual debates between LONG-TERM IMPACT one particular religion and its Frank believes there is an essential interpretation of its scriptures need for science and religion to and the results of science,” Frank work together in the long term. said. “Any discussion about this “Basically the whole species is [is] going to be fruitful [and] passing through a bottleneck in the has got to be about religion as a next 100 years, and it’s not clear human phenomena.” that we’ll make it with the project Both science and religion share of civilization intact,” he explained. the aspiration to sustain human Many scientists acknowledge culture. While each has caused a this bottleneck as impending certain degree of harm to society, competition for dwindling Frank explained that you can’t resources endangerd by human point to science or religion and progress. Decisions must be made say they are the source of all evil. to ensure humanity’s survival To Frank, it is more important to amidst climate change and focus on the good that science shortages of food and water. and religion can offer. Frank claimed that the “The impulse for religion is not decisions that must be made going away,” Frank said. “So the during this time are not purely question is which parts of it and technological. They are guided science come from a common by what society holds to be root and which parts of it can be true, sacred and valuable. “You INTERVIEW WITH marshalled for wisdom?” cannot get an entire planet’s worth of people moving in one THE IMPACT ON YOUR LIFE direction through technical ADAM FRANK There are people who choose to arguments alone.” by Jessica Hanus ignore the relationship between science and religion. Frank ADVICE FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS ABOUT ADAM FRANK does not recommend this. One Frank’s suggestion for students As a professor in astrophysics at the University of Rochester and reason Americans should be who are searching for answers author of the book, “The Constant Fire,” Adam Frank has a deep interested is that evolution can in this debate is to read beyond interest in science. not be taught in many public their own tradition. Specifically, “I went into science because I was interested in the idea of the truth,” schools. However, Frank pointed read William James, Ralph Frank said. “You do science because supposedly it shows you the out that biology cannot be Waldo Emerson and Harry David fundamental nature of the world.” taught without evolution. Thoreau. These are all men who The question remains as to whether science can provide this Frank fears that the debate respected science and understood fundamental truth. Growing up in Newark, NJ, Frank was raised in a between science and religion the spiritual response to the very Roman Catholic community. However, his family was not religious. may lead to a lack of scientific world. He also suggested that “The idea of a personal God didn’lat make sense to me then and still advancements. students think more broadly doesn’t make sense to me now,” Frank said. However, he has always “Because they [fundamentalist about religion and refrain from believed that science brings the same sense of awe and wonder about Christians] all have certain putting blinders on. the world that religion does. This drove him to wonder about and study religious ideas about what science Our country has unconsciously religion, along with its relationship to science. should or shouldn’t say, they’re built a technological society “I was always interested in how people understood what they thought going to limit what science we do,” – saturated by the fruits and was true and what their personal response to it was,” Frank said. Frank claimed. “The countries poisons of science – over the we are in economic competition past 200 years and is only now A NEW PERSPECTIVE ON THE SCIENCE VS. RELIGION DEBATE with don’t have this issue going realizing the consequences. “A new perspective cannot emerge in this setting until the fog of tired on,” Frank said, noting Europe and “Now we have got to take that definitions, outdated perspectives, and stubborn bloody-mindedness is China as examples. He then went society while it’s still operating burned away,” stated Frank in his 2009 book, “The Constant Fire.” on to explain that Americans are and rebuild it in a way that is Frank does not like to use the word religion. He explained that it “living in a country where a very sustainable,” Frank said. “That’s creates an image of institutionalized worship that is often about vocal religious minority is in a going to really require people to power, privilege, prejudice and real estate. Instead, Frank focuses on position to control the evolution be generalists.” one’s original impulse to be spiritual, religious or to hold things as of the United States scientific
12 Section | xx.xx.xx 13 Section | xx.xx.xx REVIEWS REPORTER RECOMMENDS SPORCLE If you have yet to be de-virginized to be done, but the creators of this ALBUM | INDIE POP | 37 MIN thing great about their previous al- stripped away, it is easy to appreciate both styles this massive time-wasting website fiend-forming site managed SAINTHOOD bums and adds energy previously the group has brought to the table. device, the best thing you can possibly to transfer the cocaine-esque TEAGAN & SARA unknown in their music. Mixing If you want to get an idea of what this album is AT YOUR do for yourself (and for your grades) is addictive nature of the contents modern rock with their unique vo- about, just listen to the two singles they’ve select- to stay the hell away. But, at the same in a Cheetos bag to pixel form. No, Tegan & Sara have been around for cal sound and standby use of syn- ed. “Hell” is a good representation of the first half time, what harm could one little game you can’t just have one. You’ll be nearly a decade, but only recently thesized instrumentation makes for while “Alligator” just shouts out the band’s distinc- do, right? Wrong. They said it couldn’t playing the endless, timed trivia have they really entered the lime- a great blend that will capture new tive style that fans know and love. For those uncon- fill-in-the-blank-list styled games light. Their album “The Con” (2007) was their first fans without abandoning old ones. vinced, the whole album is streaming on the band’s over and over. The categories range major success and was heralded by the addition of The album seems to have two MySpace site. The rest can pick up a LEISURE WORD OF THE WEEK: from entertainment, to geography, Chris Walla, guitarist for Death Cab for Cutie and distinct halves. Most everything up copy in stores or as a digital download to religion, to literature, with a part-time producer for similar groups. Coming on to “Northshore” has heavy guitar and thanks to Vapor/Sire records. QUOIN: variety of time limits for quick or as producer and breathing new instrumental life driving drums. From “Night Watch” on, FOR PEOPLE WHO LIKE: n. a solid exterior angle (as of a long-lasting highs… I mean games. into this musical sister duo, Walla has aided this however, the exclusive Tegan & Sara METRIC, AN HORSE AND building). At the end of the day, when your group to finally come into their own. sound is recognizable from earlier NORTHERN STATE 12.04.09 Because of the sculpture’s intense time seems as absent as Steve Their new record “Sainthood” combines every- albums. And with all the heavy stuff by Alex Pagliaro by John Howard quoins and lack of edges to grip, few Tyler’s drug money, their slogan RIT students have claimed the honor of “mentally stimulating diversions” successfully climbing the Sentinel. will offer you some piece of mind. JOHN MAYER | BLUES ROCK | 47 MINS ing on makes it clear that there’s beat. “Battle Studies” almost seems to take a leaf Try it today! The first hit is free, BATTLE STUDIES nothing to find. You might as well from a few pop albums while attempting to rehash The Dude abides. Definition taken from and so are the rest. JOHN MAYER dust off “Heavier Things” (2003), his a few Mayer classics, ending on “Friends, Lovers or http://merriam-webster.com You’ve been warned. Visit http:// sophomore album that came with a Nothing,” a track that sounds like we’ve heard it a Jeff Brides, as “The Dude” in The Big Lebowski sporcle.com. For the majority of new musicians, unique, fresh sound (in its time) with thousand times before. “ ” selling albums is the most difficult hit tracks like “Bigger Than My Body” Don’t mistake this critic. It’s a good album, an STREAM OF FACTS thing to do. For artists like John May- and “Daughters.” easy listen and sure to be favorite for Mayer fans. The Mekong Giant Catfish lives up to its name One billion frogs, according to rising United The female alligator, according to a study at er, releasing your fourth studio album means it’ll One of the things about John Mayer Perhaps, it was simply wishful think- with records including the nine-foot specimen Nations data, are harvested annually as Louisiana’s Rockefeller Wildlife Refuge, when probably sell itself. The challenge then becomes that is easy to like is how he almost ing that a three-year wait would war- netted in Thailand in 2005, weighing in at 646 human food; among the leading populations it comes time for mating season, will likely creating music that still resonates with your fans effortlessly blends rock, R&B and jazz rant something new. pounds. for this demand are the U.S., France and Asia. return to the same sexual partner. the way that first album did. into an emotional fusion that many FOR PEOPLE WHO LIKE: In 2008’s “Seven Pounds,” the character of Ben In Southern Asia, the riel is the root of During football season, despite the name The tracks “Assassin” and “Crossroads” offer a listeners find instantly appealing. His JASON MRAZ, JACK JOHNSON Thomas, played by Will Smith, stays in the same Cambodia’s currency, a country whose “pigskin,” 3,000 cows are sacrificed to supply glimmer of hope that the second half might try hit single “Gravity” is a good example, AND MATT NATHANSON. hotel featured in “Memento”, a Travel Inn in Los economy is based on agriculture and consists the 22,000 cowhide-covered footballs that the and offer up something new. However, listen- with it’s crooning guitar and steady by Alex Pagliaro Angeles. of 75 percent of the workforce. NFL goes through each year. Travel in the United States, both residentially The workforce portion of males over Beginning at the age of 13, Xie Qiuping has and internationally, accounts for the spending of the age of 65 in America during 1950 been growing her hair out since 1973 and has OPERATING SYSTEM | $119.99 - $219.99 To put it simply, the seventh in- hardware you can throw at it. That is, with the $23,500 daily; the worldwide daily number equals was 46 percent, which has dropped set the record for hair length in 2004 when her WINDOWS 7 carnation of the Windows operating exception of a monkey wrench or maybe the $2 billion*. to just over half that amount a locks stretched out 18 feet, 5.54 inches. system is everything Vista should kitchen sink. half-century later. The following is an actual fake con- have been; stable, functional, quick, Despite these vast improvements, the control SUDOKU The phrases, “later, alligator” and “in a versation between a Windows Vista sexy, and silky smooth. You’ll be won panel could still use some tightening up, and Mi- Difficulty Rating: Hard while crocodile” started catching on when Bill *Numbers as of December 2007. user and Windows Visa: over instantly by the sleek graphical crosoft still insists on releasing 80 bajillion ver- Haley’s lyrics lit up the radio waves with his “Oh boy! A new Windows OS! You’re Aero feel and the new intuitive task- sions for you to choose from. Besides that, there 1 4 1956 hit, “See You Later, Alligator.” real pretty, plus you’re telling me I can play all of bar, which easily gives Mac’s dock a run for its really isn’t much to complain about because no 5 2 my games and download porn on you? I’m never money. Libraries are a welcome re-hash, as is Di- one really uses Internet Explorer anyway. leaving my house again!” Don’t trust me, Sam. I’ll rectX 10, and the new Shake and Peek features are If you liked XP or gritted your teeth through 9 “They thought I was OVERSEEN & OVERHEARD lying when I told only let you down. “What do you mean, super-sexy- surprisingly useful. Vista, then Windows 7 is your godsend. Windows “You “You have have New them I’ve made love new-software?” It’s not my fault. Microsoft half-assed Should any compatibility issues 7 is here to give you some firepower 8 6 1 wikipedia’d boobs, and I bike to this song.” my development, so I freeze, I have bugs, and I boot as arise (which they probably won’t), 7 to fight back against all of the smart- 9 7 walking!?” hate you.” rack at STUDENT IN REFERENCE TO slow as sweet Portuguese molasses. “Well what do I wields not only an awesome compat- ass Mac users who don’t know they’re STUDENT TO FRIEND FRUSTRATED GIRL AT Perkins. MILEY CYRUS’S “PARTY IN do now?” That’s an easy one. You get Windows 7! It’s ibility emulator, but an all-out virtual using Linux. 4 IN ASL LAB. THE IDEA FACTORY IN THE USA” PLAYING ON THE WALLACE LIBRARY SPEAKERS AT JAVA WALLY’S so good, it completely makes up for the abortion that XP mode. Thankfully, Windows 7 has 8 2 is my existence. “Thanks… Oh, and formerly-sexy- been designed to run and work per- software?” Yes? “You suck.” I know. fectly with pretty much any kind of by Sam McCord 1 Send your Overseen and Overhead texts or emails with the phrase “Overseen NOW TWEETING YOUR 4 3 6 and Overheard” in the subject line to [email protected]. Or submit OVERSEEN AND OVERHEARDS! them via Twitter by directing submissions @reportermag with #OnO.
14 Section | xx.xx.xx 15 GEOCACHING:
USING MULTI-MILLION-DOLLAR SATELLITES TO FIND TUPPERWARE IN THE WOODS
by Chris Zubak-Skees |illustration by Jamie Douglas
1717 idden all around class, he has students try to locate a geocache. and seeking of objects. At the very least, this com where people can write about their I have attempted so far has brought fresh us – in trees, under “I take this thing – this is a magnetic key misunderstanding might result in awkward looks, experiences finding the cache and share paranoia. bridges, and in lamp holder,” he says as he attaches a small, black or worse, a bomb squad. information about a cache’s status. This log I get within about 30 feet of the cache posts – is the evidence magnetic box to a metal surface with a click, We reach the end of the courts, and the has about 185 photos of people standing in and start searching trees. In the pitch of a worldwide, modern “and I put it out underneath the table out in distance drops to 25 meters. A graphic indicates front of the familiar tiger. blackness, I use my phone’s video light, treasure hunt. Armed the courtyard there.” The table, visible from we have reached the waypoint. At 15 meters, the For a largely pseudonymous hobby that having to switch between that and the GPS with global positioning his window, stands between the Lewis P. display indicates roughly a 20-meter accuracy. is often conducted in secret, here you can app. The light reflects in the moist vapor satellites, the web, Ross building, the Hugh Carey building and This is about as close as the GPS could get us. see the faces of geocaching. One of the that pervades the air, and more than once, I and their wits, players the Color Sciences building. “When I watch Chris asks me what size this cache is, and I tell photos is of a man, a woman, and a dog have to wipe water off the keyboard. Finally, scour the landscape students, they will go all around and look at him it’s a “micro.” Micro-sized caches, like the furiously wagging its tail. Another is a man I find the cache in one of the trees. It is a Hfor a sometimes-elusive quarry. This secretive every possible space, but they won’t be able to bolt in Oak Ridge or a film canister, usually just in a business suit, pen clipped to his shirt leaf-covered ammunition box with the word search for caches of items, often only identified think to look under the table.” contain a paper log recording those who found pocket. A third entitled “Bud and Lester” is “geocache” scrawled on the side. by a geographic location, is geocaching. Sometimes, there is the pure deviousness it. Cachers are often reminded to bring your own of two grizzled men– one with a trucker hat, I release the clasp. The first item is a The game starts when somebody hides of those who hide the cache. Chris Tomkins- pen (BYOP), because the cache doesn’t have room and another wearing jean suspenders. It is a poncho. The second is a small ball with a a cache. They take an ammunition box, Tinch, a third year Bioinformatics major, for one. surprisingly diverse group of people. In each smiley face drawn on it. The third item is a Tupperware-like container, or some other regularly geocaches. He spoke with me about I have no idea where to look, but Chris has a picture somebody is holding their cell phone, plastic bag containing a pad of paper and a weather-resistant enclosure and insert log geocaching in Wallace Library’s Idea Factory. few hunches acquired through long practice. We asking someone else to control the camera. waterproof pen. If I had a small item, I could books, odds and ends, or uniquely identifiable Near his summer co-op at Oak Ridge National look under the metal housing at the base of a trade it for one of the items in the cache, but items that can be tracked later. Then they hide Laboratory in Tennessee, he tells me, he light stand and under a bridge over a trickling TIGERS' WOODS a lack of foresight means I don’t. I hurriedly MOVEMENT TO CONTACT the cache, get as accurate a global positioning encountered a particularly difficult cache. stream. We find it on the third try. Chris stands N 43° 04.957 write down the date and my alias, return the N 43° 05.072 (GPS) reading as they can, and post the “They took a machine bolt, hollowed it out, up holding a plastic prescription bottle. W 077° 40.276 items, and hightail it out of the woods. My W 077° 39.751 coordinates on the web along with a cryptic rolled up a piece of paper for the log book, He squeezes the lid open and takes out a folded Type: Ammo box phone may be permanently water damaged, A camouflaged romano cheese container title, description, and perhaps even a hint. inserted it into the bolt, and then installed the sheet of paper encased in a small plastic bag. The Difficulty: 3/5 but I am the 15th person to find this cache. located in the woods behind the Facilities Players, commonly known as geocachers, bolt into a pavilion,” he says. paper explains geocaching and lists all those who My third cache lies in the woods between Management building. It may require wading then visit the website (http://geocaching.com found it. We add our nicknames. Then, I re-fold the Student Health Center and Gracie’s. It is PUZZLING IT OUT through soggy terrain. is popular), choose a cache the paper, stuff it back in the plastic dark and lightly raining. My shoes crunch There are many other types of geocaches. description, and head out bag, and put it back in the bottle. on the gravel back road. The arrow on the One such cache is a puzzle cache, which MISSION CONTROL into the wild with a GPS “WE HAD A TEAM OF PEOPLE Chris returns the bottle to its hiding free GPS app I downloaded for my BlackBerry requires the cacher to solve a puzzle to get N 43° 05.109 device. Their task seems place. (called BlackStar) points off into the woods, coordinates. A particularly difficult puzzle W 077° 40.766 simple: go to the coordinates LOOKING AND IT TOOK US ABOUT Some 281 people have found this and I follow. cache is located in Mount Hope Cemetery. This is a micro cache near the Center for and discover the stowed cache. Chris says this is normal for a It is my second attempt of the night. The Cachers must find the graves of 24 famous Microelectronic and Computer Engineering. item located there. The 45 MINUTES TO FIND IT.” cache so close to a parking lot. “This is first one ended after a fruitless search of the Rochester locals and use information from The consensus seems to be that this is hard seeming simplicity, however, what they usually call a park n’ grab,” ground around the cache’s GPS coordinates. those to find the cache. There are also multi- to find. is fiendishly deceptive. TENNIS, ANYONE? he explains. “That’s one where you can just drive Dispirited and soaked, I went back to the caches, wherein one location leads to the Spoiler alert and disclaimer: This article may ruin N 43° 04.930 up and have a short walk to find the cache.” SAU to look up the cache’s hint. “Don’t forget next. Tomaszewski set up a multi-cache in CIMSAGRO4'S GOLDEN some geocaches. Additionally, there is comparatively W 077° 40.418 to look up,” it said. Livingston County to teach regional history. MYSTERY little risk in most geocaching, but Reporter still Type: Micro RIT CHIC Crunching through leaves and small Each location is a different historical site and N 43° 05.768 reminds you not to do anything dangerous. Difficulty: 2/5 N 43° 05.052 branches I get about 100 feet from the provides further locations. W 077° 38.782 With that cache in mind, I ask Chris if he had W 077° 40.532 coordinates. Standing there, wondering The hobby is undeniably popular. In a A fairly easy puzzle reveals a location that PLAYING HARD TO GET tried the geocache near the RIT tennis courts. He Type: Webcam which direction to go, the bearing indicator typical week, some 80 thousand geocachers requires walking or biking about two miles Brian Tomaszewski is an assistant professor has not, so we abandon the library for Gleason Difficulty: 1/5 on the app spins this way and that. It will log half a million finds. “It’s a really from campus. in the Center for Multidisciplinary Studies. Circle. He hands me a $400 GPS device (a Garmin The next cache I take on is categorized as a confuses me, until I remember something great activity because it’s an excuse to get He’s new to RIT and so is his field. His Ph.D., GPSmap 60CSx) and says, since it is my first webcam cache. The objective here is to use a Chris said: “The normal GPS bearing is just outside; it’s an excuse to go exploring,” says SOUTHTOWN: WINTER awarded earlier this year by Pennsylvania cache, I can navigate. The device is made of solid public webcam to take a picture of the geocacher. based on motion. If you’re standing still, you Chris. He says there are caches just about QUARTERS State University, is in geography and much of plastic, and on its face a blue screen displays a “Visit the famous tiger of Rochester Institute of can’t tell what direction you’re moving.” He anywhere, and the maps on goecaching.com N 43° 05.298 his focus is in geospatial technology. symbol with a red arrow like a compass (called Technology, the RIT Chic,” the cache description recommends handheld devices that include bear him out. All around, there are small W 077° 38.538 “This is a recreational GPS device,” he says, a bearing pointer), a distance in meters and an invites. I simply have to stand in front of the an integrated compass, which don’t have this collections of items waiting to be discovered. This is a micro cache hidden in Southtown pulling out a $100 device from a box. “GPS accuracy reading. tiger and get someone to take my picture using problem. I don’t have that luxury, so I start To try your hand at geocaching or for more Plaza. Not recommended for nighttime units like this are not super accurate.” He’s not The arrow points towards the end of the tennis the webcam. walking again and the arrow straightens out. information, visit http://geocaching.com, http:// caching. kidding. Depending on the number of satellites courts, and we head off through a parking lot. I walk past the Artesano Bakery & Café, exiting At this moment, a group of students navicache.com or http://terracaching.com. within range of the device, an error of 20 It is barely five o’clock, but already it is dark the SAU to stand in front of the tiger. “I’m here,” crashes through the woods. Hearing them MOVEMENT TO CONTACT GOLD AMMO 4FUN! meters (65 feet) can be normal. outside. Luckily, anyone who might have been I text message my accomplice. Now, all I have to before I see them, I instinctively stay out N 43° 03.992 Beyond the relative inaccuracy, it’s playing tennis had retired for the day. This is do is stand there awkwardly and wait. Moments of sight until their silhouettes pass. Chris W 077° 37.101 sometimes difficult to conceptualize an item’s good because geocachers prefer to keep their later, my BlackBerry vibrates, and I open an compares geocaching to looking for a Henrietta Veterans Memorial Park is chock hiding place. Tomaszewski references one operations semi-covert and refer to people e-mailed picture of me in front of the tiger. Easy. cold war-era “dead drop” (a location for full of caches, and this ammo box cache is one of his classes, Introduction to Geospatial not in the know as “muggles” who they try to Perhaps, the best part of this cache is the exchanging information between spies in of them. Technologies, to illustrate this point. In this avoid. Muggles might misinterpret the hiding log. Each cache has a log on geocaching. public), and it is a good analogy. Every cache
18 Section | xx.xx.xx 19 JULY, Logan received a notebook in the mail, along with Erbs said. “If Dav hadn’t posted the video of news that his friend Matt Selby had committed suicide. the first notebook, he might not have noticed IN Logan started posting pictures of the notebook’s pages there was a phone number hidden in it.” to his blog, attempting to decipher its meaning. But in But it’s not all roses and butterflies. The September, Logan disappeared, and now his friends are community can create problems as well, all trying to find him. There’s only one problem: Neither Logan nor particularly in grassroots ARGs. The stories his friends exist. are often inspired by conversations on other ALTERNATE REALITY GAMING: They’re characters in the success. This is largely due to the fact that the forum sites like SomethingAwful.com, which Alternate Reality Game Just people working behind the scenes, known as is where “Just Another Fool” and a related ARG, Another Fool. Alternate Reality “Puppetmasters” in the ARG community, are “Marble Hornets”, started. Because these games Games, or ARGs, blur the required to balance the game with real-life start in public forums, there tends to be a lot lines between reality and the obligations. of what ARG players call “gamejacking,” which game by telling the stories On the Unfiction.com forums, the largest is when people who aren’t playing the game Fiction through various on- and off- online ARG community, these grassroots attempt to divert the course of the story by line media, such as websites, campaigns now outnumber the “official” pretending to be characters. social networks, mail, video, games 2-to-1, and they have a comparable When Peters was running a game for Cisco phone calls, and even real-life number of players. “ARGs sort of blur the line Systems, Inc., they created profiles for several never events. The players have to between creator [and his or her] characters of the game characters on LinkedIn.com. solve puzzles contained in these and the players in a way,” Regina Erbs, a Someone attempted to “gamejack” them by media in order to advance the webmaster from Lima, Ohio said. “Being a part creating a profile on LinkedIn.com, claiming story. of the action is a lot of fun.” to work at the same fictional company. This felt person then sent puzzles to players while THE FUTURE OF ENTERTAINMENT RIDDLE ME THIS, RIDDLE ME THAT claiming to be an official part of the game. But ARGS STARTED OUT as a form of viral WHEN “LOGAN” DISAPPEARED, his friend despite these annoyances, most players still marketing for various products. The first big Joshua hacked into his blog and started find the games very rewarding. “Challenging so ARG was The Beast, set in the fictional world updating on how the search was going. puzzles … engage players and make them of the movie “A.I.” There have been highly Following Logan’s advice, he got rid of the feel accomplished when they complete a successful ARGs for movies like “The Dark notebook by mailing it to Tyler Parrott, . seemingly impossible task,” Parrott said. Knight,” “District 9,” and “Pirates of the Caribbean.” Parrott then posted a YouTube video of the REAL One of the most famous ARGs was called notebook’s pages. That was when Erbs spotted IMMERSING YOURSELF “IloveBees,” which was a promotion campaign a pattern of numbers that turned out to be a ARGS ARE ALWAYS EVOLVING, as the for the massively popular video game “Halo 2.” phone number. When players called it, they Puppetmasters discover new ways to deliver Even though these ARGs were essentially giant heard “Logan.” Using the information he gave their content. And though the community is advertisements, the players still found them them, they were able to correctly answer a much more mainstream than it was ten years incredibly entertaining. riddle, and the players were each sent pages ago, Peters says it isn’t quite enough yet. “The “If a ‘Halo’ fan hears about an ARG about ‘Halo’ of a new notebook. It was through their next step is for [ARGs] to go mainstream or a ‘Terminator’ fan hears about the [‘Sarah teamwork that they were able to advance the in a big way,” Peters said. “What does a Connor Chronicles’] ARG, they would jump at story. movie look like when it’s not limited to the the opportunity to participate in a story,” said “Ultimately, the main pull is the interactivity, screen?” But with the amount of media that Tyler Parrott, a first year student at Colby the challenging puzzles, and the community we are inundated with, it’s difficult to tell College, who has been playing ARGs for over that forms as a result of these games,” Parrott the difference between a legitimate website three years. “ARGs have gotten me in touch said. Parrott, who goes by the online persona and the beginning of a game. The easiest way with some incredible stories. Enitech got me of Dav Flamerock, is a community leader on to find a game to join, according to Erbs and watching [‘Sarah Connor Chronicles’] and now I the Unfiction forums, and a highly prominent Parrott, is to check out http://unfiction.com or love the series.” player of the fan-created “Just Another Fool.” http://argn.com. Steve Peters, who has been developing ARGs “Go to the News & Rumors section of professionally since 2005, sees ARGs as a ONLINE FAMILY, FOR BETTER OR FOR WORSE Unfiction.com and find a trailhead that looks new art form. Peters is the Chief Experience ACCORDING TO PARROTT, the large interest in promising,” Parrott said. And from there, as Architect for No Mimes Media and has worked these games is due to the player community’s ARG players say, go down the rabbit hole. on ARGs for “The Dark Knight” and “Pirates of the involvement in the story. “I have made some Caribbean.” “What hooked me was when the amazing friends through these games,” Parrott game called me while I was at lunch,” Peters said. These games are simply impossible said. “It’s the future of entertainment.” In to play by yourself, according to Erbs. The recent months, there has been an explosion of community is all-important to figuring out grassroots ARGs run by fans, for fans. These riddles and advancing the story. “So much of “unofficial” ARGs have met differing levels of these games are about sharing information,” by ORY BALLENGER
20 Section | xx.xx.xx 21 WINTER SPORTS PREVIEW
RIT’s Dan Ringwald, Right, catches a mid-air puck while Canisius’s Dave Notre Dame’s Victor Crenshaw attempts to pin RIT’s Jason Wake in the 165lbs Athletes compete in in the high jump competition at the Rochester Winter Track RIT’s Caitlyn Burr in the Women’s 800 yard freestyle race on Saturday, Kostuch, Left, gives chase on January 25’s game at Buffalo State Ice Arena. RIT championship match of the wrestling tournament on Saturday, December 6, League Invitational on January 10 at the Gordon Field House. December 6, 2008. won the game 4-3. 2008 at RIT’s Clark Gym. Wake lost the match 7-2 to Crenshaw.
Since mid-October, our winter sport athletes Niagara University on December 12. The puck RIT Men’s Basketball team is gearing up for players and ended with seven to nine able- have to do to achieve that bar they’ve set for continue to grow, and he even predicts that have been donning their practice gear to will hit the ice at 7 p.m. some great conference play this season. bodied players. themselves,” Warth continued. “We see so many a handful of his athletes will qualify for the prepare for the upcoming season. This is what Despite a two losses to start, several athletes “We have a lot of athletic guards who can people’s progress … It’s hard to single out people individual NCAA tournament provided they Tigers fans can look forward to this quarter. WOMEN’S HOCKEY are feeling their way into the void left by RIT push the ball up the floor,” Reed said. Her who have improved the most.” The Indoor continue to work to their full potential. “We’ve established ourselves as one of the top 2009 alumnus Mark Carson, an all-American concern is defense, reflected in the team’s Track and Field teams will host the Empire 8 The upperclassmen that continue to MEN’S HOCKEY programs in Division III,” Coach Scott McDonald selection and leading rebounder in the country goal of holding teams to less than 60 points Championships at the Gordon Fieldhouse on impress are fourth year Accounting major Winning their second Atlantic Hockey asserted. With several top scorers returning last season. in every game this season. January 31 at 11 a.m. Jason Wake, who took first place in the 165 Association league title last season, the to the lineup and nine freshmen bringing new “It [combining first and fourth years] doesn’t The Women’s Basketball Team’s next home lb. weight class at RIT’s last tournament, hockey team has a lot to be proud of. This energy to match the veteran players’ work ethic, win games but provides a good foundation,” game will be against Stevens, defending SWIMMING AND DIVING and second year Computer Engineering year, however, they aim to not only win the he feels that RIT will be a force this season. Coach Bob McVean said. That foundation is Empire 8 league champions, on December 6 The Swimming and Diving teams are starting major Ben Johnstone, who took second for league title, but also make a run at the NCAA “We’re working on improving our consistency being built upon through hard work, as their at 12 p.m. their season off respectably, with the men’s the 174 pounders. tournament. and playing to our full potential, instead of agility and speed shows. “Our quickness is the record of 3-1 and the women going on 2-2. According to Stever, the team’s overall love Coach Wayne Wilson feels that RIT’s defense playing to the level of our opponent,” McDonald best we’ve had in a long time, and we want to INDOOR TRACK AND FIELD With a few returning athletes posting great for the sport and supportive nature give the will be a major asset to the success of the continued. Last year, the women lost in the first capitalize on that with pressure defense and With a heartbreaking one-point loss to Ithaca for times last season and even qualifying for team the best potential. “Those who really team. The team is well-balanced, with fourth round of postseason NCAA tournament play an up-tempo offense,” he continued. the men’s Empire 8 title last season and a second the NCAA tournament, the season promises enjoy it work hard to do well,” he said. year Business Administration major Jared — something that the team aims to avoid this The Men’s Basketball Team’s next home place finish for Empire 8 for both the men and to be one of great potential. Fourth years The Wrestling team will face off against DiMichiel continuing to dominate the ice and season. game will be against Stevens on December 6 women, the Indoor Track and Field teams begin Accounting major Caitlyn Burr and Mechanical Ithaca College in Clark Gym on December 9 strengthening the offense. Starting off with three wins and one draw, the at 2 p.m. the journey to a first place title this season. Engineering major Steve Rois return after a at 7 p.m. “They have really brought our team together talent on the team is crystal clear. In a blowout “Both the indoor and outdoor track programs great 2008-2009 season under their belts, and and make it fun to be around every day,” game against SUNY Potsdam the team scored 17 WOMEN’S BASKETBALL have really taken it up a notch; we’re more they are looking to continue that success. The Wilson asserted, going on to highlight the times, while their opponent only made a single With their current season starting strong well rounded now,” said Coach David Warth. Swimming and Diving teams have a meet hard work ethic of the whole team and the goal the entire game. with two wins and a tough loss, Coach Amy “Our assistant coaches are best in Division III. against the University of Rochester at the newcomers in particular. The Women’s Hockey Team will have a “Pink Reed is definitely happy with the work her Our athletes can learn and really improve,” Judson Pool at 1 p.m. on December 12. “We work hard against each other every in the Rink” double header against Utica with team has put into the program. Warth continued. day, it makes everyone better,” Wilson said. the Men’s team on January 30. Proceeds will “With 17 people on the roster, we’re very The one weakness he can foresee this season WRESTLING Despite injuries that have kept some players benefit cancer research. optimistic about the season,” Reed said. is in the sprint events because other schools Ending last season as the 12th ranked team off the rink for a game or two, he knows that Such depth on the bench and the lack of have the luxury of recruiting sprinters from in the nation and losing the Team Academic the team will come together and really push to MEN’S BASKETBALL injuries bodes well for the team’s chances at their football programs. All-American distinction by .04 of a point, put together a great season. The Men’s Hockey Entering into the 2009-2010 season as a successful season, particularly when the “We have a very focused team that is good the wrestling team proved their skills. Coach by Carolyn Dunne Team’s next home game will be against defending Empire 8 league champions, the preceding two seasons began with 12 to 15 at setting personal goals and seeing what they Scott Stever feels that their success will Photographs by Evan Witek
22 Section | xx.xx.xx 23 12-4 PP RIT reporter ad:Layout 1 11/23/2009 1:45 PM Page 1 pla Lo o w ce to live? kin e g for a n
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Take the latest in digital command control, FIND SOMETHING COOL? Slide it under the door of Reporter’s office, along with a note about where you found it. We’re located in the basement of combine it with realistic scale models, the SAU, room A-426. add a twist of creativity and you... GET REAL.
are you Interested in...
• model trains
• real trains
• scale models
• electronic systems
• integrated software See real operating model railroads, • photography atnnhual 4 buy model trains, gifts, • strategy games kits, books and win great FOUND IN A 1994 ISSUE OF REPORTER MAGAZINE. S A L E and A N D S H O W • railfanning T R A I N door prizes!
5-6 • school spirit December ulty Fac ouse Fto RITRStudeEnts, EID Field H ff with Gordon and Sta in the SION $5 NTS: ADMIS • garbage plates 10-4 NON-STUDE SAT. 10-5 • SUN.
ritmrc meets tuesday nights in s.a.u. room A-420
est. 1996 • 475.2227 • ritmrc.org join the club 26 Section | xx.xx.xx 27 PUBLIC HEALT H P O L I C Y HEALT H & DIVERSITY HEALT H R E P O R TING PUBLIC HEALT H P O L I C Y HEALT H C A M P A I G N S SAFETY GRANDPA’S T H E D E P A R T MEN T OF COMMUNI C A T I O N P R E S E N T S GARBAGE PLATE
HEALT H & DIVERSITY by Michael Conti | photograph by David Chow
Grandpa’s had this conversation with me gramps is already wide-awake. “Where’s of these badboys armed with nothing more An All Day Symposium on at least twice. He’s in an “assisted living” breakfast?” he grumbles. Shit. Forgot. Again. than a plastic fork and a factory-embroidered complex, and every time I see him, I notice “I left it at Sal’s,” I say, knowing full well it napkin. how strange it is to have your living assisted. was going to be harder stealing from my own ~ SAFETY Someone even unwraps the hard candy. workplace when people started to show up in “Hey! Get the fuck back here!” Too late. “How are classes?” he asks. “The weather?” the morning. Back down the stairs. I’m halfway around the block, and this guy I answer him and respond with the same ~ has had too many cheeseburgers to catch questions. Yesterday he had a drawing class My mouth starts to water at the naming of up. Hell, I’m practically doing him a favor, I WELLNESSand it was foggy. ingredients on the plate. “Well, for starters, think. Not only did I grab his meal, but I’ve HEALT H R E P O R TING “Remind me again,” he blinks rapidly, trying you’ve got your hot dogs, but you can get got an assortment of other customers’ hash to find something that left years ago, “What’s cheeseburgers, red hots, Italian sausages, browns and grits. the local delicacy of Rochester?” I realize this some chicken, grilled cheese, fish, ham…” ~ HEALTH is my favorite part of the conversation I’m Heart palpitating, my veins harden as I “Doesn’t that hurt going down?” my having for the third time, and an oversized describe the options for the sides. “…home grandfather winces. I’m at the high point grin grows on my face. “Well,” I begin, “if fires, baked beans, mac salad, corn, French of my sermon, and my inner Italian is you can imagine all of your favorite fast food fries.” Nonno’s eyes widen. I’m not sure if he’s showing through my hands. With flair, I start ingredients in your mouth at one time…” impressed or concerned. reminiscing about the time I ate two and a COMMUNICATION ~ ~ half plates in one drunken night, leaving out I’ve walked these steps thousands of times “Look, I’d like to help you out,” my boss says the part I spent hurling outside. WI T H K E Y N O T E A DD R E S S E S B Y before. Grandpa has been living with Mom out of the side of his mouth. He’s lying. In the ~ and me ever since his back surgery. It’s a seven months I’ve been working for him, never It’s not like I’m trying to be a slob. I’ve got Congressman Eric Massa and Assemblywoman Susan John one-room apartment, above the horns, the once has he inquired about why I’m always so enough on my mind, and five hours to sleep exhaust and the muttering of the bums, but tired, or why I sometimes come to work in a before my next shift at the gas station. Mom right now the 10 flights of stairs doesn’t seem uniform from some other crummy job. I’m hasn’t been home in two weeks, and no one’s worth it. I just got off of work, a graveyard asking him for food, practically begging for it. going to bring home enough money to feed shift at Sal’s, which is a greasy little diner “I just can’t cut corners this time of year… you Nonno and keep the lights on. “He won’t tucked under the overpass. know how it is.” Can’t say that I do. This wasn’t notice anyways,” I mutter, assembling the 30 bucks in tips tonight, from 12 cups of a good idea. I hang around a bit, pretending saucy pieces together on the tray paper. DECEMBER 7, 2009 coffee and one grilled cheese on rye. But I to be waiting for a ride. A customer gets up ~ can’t be miserable when the people I hand to go to the bathroom, leaving a half-eaten And the best part, Nonno, oh, you won’t tepid cups of coffee to look like walking cheeseburger on the counter. Tempting. believe this…is what they call the whole death. The TV stays on and I can hear the ~ thing! HEALT H late night talk show host pretending like “No, no, no, that’s the best part! You’ve got ~ Louise Slaughter (CIMS) Building nothing’s changed. Time lurches along the mustard, the onions, some catsup, maybe “It’s called a garbage plate,” I say, handing WELLNESS between the late late late show and mopping some bread too, just let that all go on top. You breakfast to grandpa. PUBLIC HEALT H P O L I C Ythe beaten checkered floor. But that’s over gotta eat two of these at once to really prove now, and a walk through the morning air yourself. This is the kind of meal, well… it’s Got a burst gut and a garbage plate story worth can do a lot for man’s soul. I get to the 11th a competition meal, y’know what I mean? telling? Email short fiction to [email protected]. floor, trudge through the hallway, and coax Experienced eaters only.” With that, I describe HEALT H R E P O R TING the door open. It squeaks in response, but to my terrified gramps how you approach one
FIN28 DSection OUT | xx.xx.xx MORE AND REGISTER AT: rit.edu/communication/hcom 29 HEALT H & DIVERSITY HEALT H C A M P A I G N S RIT RINGS 585.672.4840
compiled by Amanda Szczepanski and Moe Sedlak All messages subject to editing and truncation. Not all messages will be run. REPORTER reserves the right to publish all messages in any format.
SATURDAY, 12:34 P.M. MONDAY, 12:47 P.M. [KILGORE TROUT] HEY RINGS,I JUST WANTED TO LET YOU KNOW I CARVED A PUMPKIN DEATH STAR WANTS TO KNOW AND IT’S POINTED AT YOU. SATURDAY, 12:42 A.M. WHY LADY from voicemail GAGA HAS SUNDAY 5:27 P.M. RINGS, ITS TWO O’CLOCK IN THE A [DISCO Dear Art Students, making loud noises STICK]. CAN and being weird for the sake of being MORNING AND I JUST INVITED YOU HELP weird does not compensate for not HIM OUT? having personalities. Learn math or A BOY OVER. I WASN’T SERIOUS. from text something useful. from text OH, BUT HE WAS. NOW I HAVE TO THURSDAY 9:42 P.M. Ring ring. Who’s there? I don’t know, this SHAVE MY LEGS. AWESOME. from text is a text message. I’M TEXTING YOU WITH Citizen Soldier LOVE IN MY HEART AND BOOZE IN MY THURSDAY, 8:12 P.M. SUNDAY, 10:45 P.M. SYSTEM!! Uhm… I just said the phrase “girl What crack head says that Add vAlue to AmeriCA … bits” in the last three, well now four, text MacGregor’s wings are second best in Hey Rings! I just while SeCuring your future. messages. What the creak, Rings? Rochester? My friend worked there from text and trust me... you don’t wanna know saw a random how they are made. from text TUESDAY, 5:26 P.M. person in a sleeping SO MY FRIEND JUST ASKED ME TO GET BWW WITH HIM. bag passed out SINCE WHEN DOES THAT STAND FOR BUFFALO WILD in Perkins. He
WINGS AND NOT BIG WHITE WOMEN? from text was probably a caterpillar THURSDAY, 9:57 A.M. MONDAY, 6:09 P.M. Yup, it’s that time of the term Hey Rings, I just saw a girl or something again... The time each term eating berries off a tree when I weigh the pros and in November, and then sleeping-bag- cons of dropping out of school she frolicked away with and joining the adult film her arms spinning like a related for industry. from text windmill. It was not okay. Those berries can’t have Halloween. been berries. from voicemail from text NatioNalGuard.com 30 Section | xx.xx.xx 1-800-Go-Guard 31
CSBW-01_4x5.indd 1 11/19/09 2:06:21 PM The Center For Campus Life, the College of Liberal Arts and Alumni Relations Present Music for the Holidays Featuring Performances by ensembles from the RIT Music Program and the RIT Gospel Ensemble Ingle Auditorium Student Alumni Union
Saturday, December 12th 7:30pm
$2 Dollar Donation benefiting the Alfred L. Davis Endowed Music Fund and the New Campus Center