Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology Rose-Hulman Scholar
The Rose Thorn Archive Student Newspaper
Winter 12-16-2004
Volume 40 - Issue 12 - Thursday, December 16, 2004
Rose Thorn Staff Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, [email protected]
Follow this and additional works at: https://scholar.rose-hulman.edu/rosethorn
Recommended Citation Rose Thorn Staff, "Volume 40 - Issue 12 - Thursday, December 16, 2004" (2004). The Rose Thorn Archive. 232. https://scholar.rose-hulman.edu/rosethorn/232
THE MATERIAL POSTED ON THIS ROSE-HULMAN REPOSITORY IS TO BE USED FOR PRIVATE STUDY, SCHOLARSHIP, OR RESEARCH AND MAY NOT BE USED FOR ANY OTHER PURPOSE. SOME CONTENT IN THE MATERIAL POSTED ON THIS REPOSITORY MAY BE PROTECTED BY COPYRIGHT. ANYONE HAVING ACCESS TO THE MATERIAL SHOULD NOT REPRODUCE OR DISTRIBUTE BY ANY MEANS COPIES OF ANY OF THE MATERIAL OR USE THE MATERIAL FOR DIRECT OR INDIRECT COMMERCIAL ADVANTAGE WITHOUT DETERMINING THAT SUCH ACT OR ACTS WILL NOT INFRINGE THE COPYRIGHT RIGHTS OF ANY PERSON OR ENTITY. ANY REPRODUCTION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ANY MATERIAL POSTED ON THIS REPOSITORY IS AT THE SOLE RISK OF THE PARTY THAT DOES SO.
This Book is brought to you for free and open access by the Student Newspaper at Rose-Hulman Scholar. It has been accepted for inclusion in The Rose Thorn Archive by an authorized administrator of Rose-Hulman Scholar. For more information, please contact [email protected]. ROSE-HULMAN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY T ERRE HAUTE, INDIANA Thursday, December 16, 2004 Volume 40, Issue 12
News Briefs Midgley opens forums for By Lissa Avery Residence hall holiday community discussion of future Angela Smiley decoration contest Staff Writer
The fi rst place winner of the residence Tuesday, December 14, John hall holiday decoration contest was Midgley unveiled a new initia- BSB 1. The second place winner was tive aimed at engaging all sec- the Apartment West 1, and the third tors of the Rose community place winner was BSB 3. in a dialogue about its future. The initiative, titled “Rose- Hulman 2015: A Conversation Google wins suit About Our Future”, has been in planning since Fall Quarter, against Geico and will be the most ambitious Wednesday, the judge ruling over the step to date in Midgley’s effort to spark campus dialogue. http://rose-hulman.edu/conversation/index.htm May lawsuit Geico fi led against Google Previously, Midgley has With “Rose-Hulman 2015”, Midgley hopes to foster a community-wide conversation about the dismissed the case following Google’s maintained an open-door direction that alumni, trustees, students, and faculty and staff members believe the campus motion to do so. policy, encouraging all stu- should be moving towards in 2015. The issue at hand was the use of dents and faculty to visit and a trademark – namely, “Geico” – in speak with him when moti- next ten years? Discussion will take place tiative is the online discussion keyword-triggered ads sponsored by vated by an issue of special Also to be considered is the through multiple forums - the forum that will perhaps most Google. According to Judge Leonie concern, but “Rose-Hulman future student body: who will administration has established closely resemble the “conver- Brinkema, this is not a trademark 2015” marks the fi rst system- the best students be in 2015, and a variety of communication sation” of the initiative’s name. infringement by law. atic attempt to involve the what will we do to attract them? channels especially for “Rose- Comments received in all these campus on a mass scale. In addition, campus life Hulman 2015.” Written re- ways will be summarized on a “Rose-Hulman 2015” will must develop to suit our goals: sponses may be mailed to CM regular basis, as well as in a fi nal MPAA fi ling lawsuits focus on four major themes how can the campus provide 14, faxed to 1-800-513-0096 or e- report to be made next May. that hold special importance an environment conducive to mailed to conversation@rose- More information on the against BitTorrent for Rose. the academic excellence we hulman.edu; voice responses initiative, as well as automated The fi rst of these is the fu- wish to cultivate? may left via voice-mail at 1- feedback forms and the com- supporters ture of Rose-Hulman’s aca- The fourth major theme for 800-282-0598. plete elaboration of the main demic programs: what are the discussion is Rose-Hulman’s The more interactive aspects themes, is available on the In- The Motion Picture Association of critical elements of the Rose global role: with whom will of the project will take place stitute website at http://www. America (MPAA), with United States educational experience, and our institution interact, and through electronic media; one rose-hulman.edu/conversa- and United Kingdom law enforcement how will these evolve in the in what way? of the centerpieces of the ini- tion/index.htm. agencies, are working to shut down websites that have BitTorrent links and fi les. The MPAA has fi led over 100 civil suits against web masters that Rose-Hulman sends College support BitTorrent, Direct Connect, and eDonkey servers. Bowl to regionals
U.S. missile defense Bridget Mayer system test failed Staff Writer In a test of a fl edgling missile system, Fifty Rose-Hulman students an interceptor missile failed to launch took breaks from their stud- ies last week to be quizzed on appropriately from the Marshall topics they had not studied Islands. The reason for the failure is for—showing off their knowl- unknown, but the development and edge in the campus-level Col- testing of the system has undergone lege Bowl competition. Begin- several setbacks due to poor weather ning December 7 and ending or equipment failure. with a championship round The missile in question was due last Friday, December 10, the to launch sixteen minutes after the teams competed in a dou- “enemy” missile launched, and to ble-elimination tournament for the top spot. Students intercept the “enemy” warhead 100 signed up for the competition miles over the earth. through the Offi ce of Student Affairs; the event was spon- Matt Durham / Staff Photographer sored by Donna Gustafson Christopher Esbch, John Beety, and Elizabeth White, along with Angela Smiley and Aaron Du- Thursday and organized by Graduate bin (not pictured) of the Blue Barracudas are slated to continue to the regional-level College Partly Cloudy 43 Hi / 26 Lo Assistant Aaron Baldauff. Bowl competition in February. Friday This year’s winning team, Partly Cloudy 35 Hi / 24 Lo the Blue Barracudas, included students Angela Smiley, Eliza- advance to the Regional Com- as a round-robin tournament. and advanced to the Nation- Provided by www.weather.com beth White, Chris Ebsch, John petition in February at Indiana Last year’s team (of which als Competition. Beety, and their alternate Aar- University-Purdue University Beety was a participant) won on Dubin. These students will Indianapolis; this event is held the Regional Competition Continued on Page 3... News Entertainment Opinions Sports Flipside
More on our College Closer + Blade = -$16 Why I didn’t vote for Sports teams prepare All it takes is a monkey Bowl teams. Senator Kerry. for winter break. and a stool. Happy Holidays. Page 3 Pages 4 & 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 2 CLASSIFIEDS The Rose Thorn
Friday Saturday December 17 18
Upcoming events * Last day of classes * Start of Winter Break
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 Winter break
26 27 28 29 30 31 January 1 Winter break
Classifi eds Apartments and houses RESTAURANT Tired of Studying? Available January, 1-4 Bedroom Apts & Houses. Starting at $335/month. ROI Apts. 232-2466. Treat yourself to a Steak Dinner! Algebra 2 Tutor (CORNER OF MAIN ST. & U.S. 40 - SEELYVILLE) Seeking Algebra 2 tutor for two high school students Wednes- (812) 877-2314 days after 6 p.m. or on weekends. Contact Molly Reed at [email protected] or 217-826-8700 for more information. Female Algebra 2 Tutor Sharp Flats Tutor needed for 11th grade Algebra 2 student. Female ap- Now renting for 2005-2006 school year! plicants preferred. Call Bruce at 812-872-2466. East On 6th St. 1 bdrms & studios 1-9 Bedroom Houses for rent for the
2004-2005 school year. 6710 Wabash Visit our new On or near S. 6th St. Help. Trails End Deli! Call for details. Thanks to all our tenants, and Merry Christmas to all! Call 877-1146 Write, edit, or assist with page layout for the Thorn. A favorite hangout for prostitutes in 17th century London was St. John’s Park. Even though the gates were locked at 10 pm, 6,500 people had authorized keys (many unauthorized keys were also in circulation). E-mail At the time, London had about 50,000 prostitutes. Hmmmm.. Parks in Terre Haute are ‘closed’ after dusk, I wonder what [email protected] really goes on in there? This advertisement paid for by the Theta Xi Pledges. for more information. The Rose Thorn The Rose Thorn Opinions Editor: Staff Writers: Advisor: the right to refuse publication CM 5037 John Kropf Bridget Mayer Dr. Richard House of submissions that the edito- RHIT Robert Herbig rial staff deem unsuitable. 5500 Wabash Ave. Entertainment Editor: Andrew Twarek The Rose Thorn is printed Terre Haute, IN 47803 Jacob P. Silvia Alexander J. Clerc Fridays during the standard Editors reserve the right to E-mail: [email protected] Aaron Meles Rose-Hulman quarters. condense or edit submissions Sports Editor: Angela Smiley for clarity, space limita- tions, grammar and spelling Phone:(812)877-8255 Josh Annin Philip Woods The deadline for content sub- Fax: (812)877-8166 mission to the Rose Thorn is mistakes, and factual errors. Photographers: 5 p.m. two days prior to dis- Letters to the Editor must be Web Address: Flipside: www.rose-hulman.edu/thorn Matt Durham tribution. All content should signed and include contact Gregory Weir Carmen DuVall be submitted to thorn@rose- information: phone number, Co-Editors-in-Chief: Andrea Brown hulman.edu or to the Thorn e-mail address, and the major Luke Stark Webmaster: Offi ce (Union room 249). and class of the author. Bob Schulein Stephen Pierce Copyeditors: Bill Waite Editors reserve the right to Ad Manager: Abby Rebhorn accept new content or con- News Editor: Odessa Goedert tent changes submitted after Lissa Avery deadline. The Thorn reserves Thursday, December 16, 2004 NEWS 3
literature and performing arts. One practice question, for ex- Ulcers affl ict ample, asked which “NFL star and Rhoades scholar served on the U.S. Supreme Court from everyone 1962 to 1993. (Byron White);” Naseem Sowti another asked which bestsell- Central Florida Future (U. Cen- ing hardcover children’s book tral Florida) was written by little known au- thor Janette Sebring Lowrey; Victor Yushchenko, Ukraine’s the book, very popular among opposition leader, was affl icted young children, is The Pokey with something mysterious that Little Puppy. Those who par- had stumped all the doctors. ticipated commented on the Among his many symptoms is excitement of the tournament: terrible abdominal pain. A series “We had a lot of pretty tight of tests eventually revealed that matches, and a few blow-outs his digestive tract is dotted with Matt Durham / Staff Photographer ulcers from top to bottom. as well,” noted Baldauff. Team Speed – composed of Tommy Roberts, Steve Schiavoni, Kyle Auble, and Zach Goff – was the run- Yushchenko’s ulcers probably Due to the broad range of ner-up in the Rose-Hulman College Bowl championship on Friday. have a source unlike any other, question topics, most students but ulcers are not uncommon. do not prepare for College Bowl A miniscule spiral-shaped bac- competitions; Baldauff com- terium, named Heilcobacter py- College Bowl, from Page 1 mented, “Most teams don’t do lori, H. pylori for short, is the one much to prepare for our cam- Rose-Hulman’s team will be to answer the next question, a most participants were knowl- doing destructive work in the di- pus tournament… I think that competing against teams from bonus question worth between edgeable enough in the social gestive system. most of the teams that compete Although many become infect- Purdue, Valparaiso, IU-Bloom- twenty and thirty points. Toss-up sciences to give an answer. do it for fun and a bit of a diver- ed with H. pylori, not everyone ington, and other Midwestern questions are worth ten points. “The questions are drawn sion from homework and daily develops ulcers and researchers universities. In the event the The team with the most points from all subjects, but with an life here.” He added that sam- aren’t certain why. winning team is unable to at- at the end of the meet advances emphasis on the social scienc- ple questions are available to “By age 20, half the people tend the competition in Feb- to play the next team. Since the es and humanities—too little students, and some teams re- have antibodies to H. pylori in ruary, the runners-up, Team number of teams this year (ten) science, math, and technology, quested them. For the Regional their system,” Deichen said, but Speed, will attend in their was small compared to years unfortunately,” said Robson, meet, however, some may fl ip only a small portion of this group place. past, the event was organized in one of the mediators. “I am through reference books or re- develops ulcers. Teams are made of four mem- double elimination form so that always pleased with how well view the latest issues of news They usually occur in the in- bers and one alternate, with no each team played twice; previ- read and broadly educated our ner lining of the stomach or the magazines. more than one graduate student ously it had been single elimina- students are. Someone on each upper portion of the intestine. College Bowl, “the varsity on a team. Each round consists tion only. John Robson, librarian, team knows a bit of ancient Scientists have adopted the term sport of the mind”, is organized of two seven minute halves and and Professors Luegenbiehl and history, Asian geography, or “peptic” ulcers for wounds oc- on a national level by the Col- a four minute break in between. Carville of the Humanities De- the president of Mexico, as ex- curring in such places. lege Bowl Company. More in- A moderator asks a toss-up ques- partment served as moderators. amples,” he continued, adding Ulcer sufferers may experience formation on the program can tion to both teams, and the team Although the questions had that the most challenging area stomach pain that is initially re- be found at the company’s web- with the correct answer is allowed little to do with engineering for students is contemporary lieved by eating, but is worse af- site, www.collegebowl.com. terward or gets worse just before meals. Other symptoms are nausea Internships at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical with eating and pain that is local- ized in the top of the abdomen. Center increase research opportunities for students “Black, tarry stool is a sign of ulcer bleeding, and it’s very rec- Rose-Hulman News techniques, but this summer all ognizable,” Deichen said. of those readings came alive and Physicians can detect ulcers A partnership with one of were applicable for the fi rst time through several methods, includ- the nation’s leading pediatric . . . This research opportunity has ing blood tests, breath tests, en- research institutions is giving inspired me to gear my last two doscopy, X-rays or MRIs, depend- Rose-Hulman students majoring years at Rose-Hulman toward re- ing on the patient’s status. in applied biology, biomedical search-oriented opportunities.” And the therapy is rather sim- engineering and chemical engi- Anna Guy, a junior biomedical ple: “Antibiotics and acid sup- neering an opportunity to help engineering student, returned for pressors are common treatments develop genetically-engineered her second summer internship and within two weeks most peo- cells and conduct revolution- with researcher James Mulloy. ple are cured,” Deichen said. ary stem cell research that could She constructed viral vectors that Although previously people someday save the lives of thou- will be used in projects to knock were told to avoid acidic foods, sands of infants each year. down the expression of a gene in eat a bland diet and drink milk, The undergraduate summer human stem cell cultures. today’s research indicates that research program at the Cincin- Other students participating there is little indication that any nati Children’s Hospital Medical in the internship program were particular diet is helpful for ulcer Center provides an environment biomedical engineering gradu- patients. in which students can develop ate student Christopher Meyer Some patients, however, are research laboratory skills, along- (Chem. Eng., ‘04) and junior bio- advised to avoid caffeinated bev- side highly qualifi ed researchers, medical engineering student Ste- erages such as coffee, or spicy while being involved in projects fanie Powers. Through CCHMC, food, because those foods can related to many aspects of genet- junior applied biology major upset their stomachs. ic cellular engineering. Derek Trobaugh participated in Heavy drinkers are also at a great- These educational experi- the Physician Scientist Train- er risk of ulceration and bleeding. ences have been so rewarding - ing Program Summer Program “Stress can aggravate the symp- - for Rose-Hulman students and last summer at the University of toms [of ulcers], but it’s not the CCHMC researchers -- that the Cincinnati Medical School after cause of ulceration,” Deichen said. program has grown from three to spending 2003 in Dr. Williams’ lab Antibiotic treatments are eight interns in its fi rst two years. investigating the structural and helping eradicate ulcers and are And, the hospital hopes to con- Rose-Hulman News functional interactions of two greatly reducing the chances of tinue the program next year. Unlocking Leukemia’s Mysteries: Joshua Olah, a junior biomed- critical proteins. Senior chemical its recurrence. “The experience thus far has ical engineering student, assisted in research at the Cincinnati engineering student Crystal Lan- been phenomenal,” assessed Childrens’ Hospital Medical Center that examined the role of a dreth spent the summer of 2003 Interested in Dr. David Williams, director of new mutation in genes during leukemia development. at the medical research center, the medical center’s Division of which has over 200 clinical and redesigning and Experimental Hematology and post-doctoral fellows in its labo- Associate Chariman for Transla- therapy approach for restoring tered the principal of DNA clon- ratories. maintaining the tional Research. “We continue to the immune system of children ing to produce small interference Each student presented an oral be impressed with the quality of born with a severe combined im- genes, which could play a key role summary report on their project Rose Thorn Rose-Hulman students. They have munodefi ciency (SCID), which in developing future treatments of before division staff -- further en- excellent work ethic and intellect, can cause serious infections blood diseases and cancer. hancing the educational experi- website? demonstrating curiosity about all within the fi rst months of life. “You can study the course of ence. aspects of our research.” Meanwhile, junior biomedical discovery all your life and never A brief review the students’ in- Brandi Williams, a senior ap- engineering student Joshua Olah truly appreciate the journey until ternship experiences, including plied biology student, spent this contributed to research that is ex- you walk the path yourself,” stated their presentations, are available past summer helping to develop amining the role of a new muta- Stefani Vande Lune, a junior ap- on the Web: www.cincinnatichil- Contact thorn@rose- procedures that correct bone tion in genes during leukemia de- plied biology major. “I have read drens.org/research/div/exp-he- hulman.edu for more marrow cells. This could become velopment. And, junior chemical hundreds of pages in textbooks matology/education/rhit-intern. information. a vital component in the gene engineering major James Voll mas- about discoveries and research html. 4 ENTERTAINMENT The Rose Thorn
Out This Week On the Big ol’ Silver Screen Closer is far from good Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events Bill Waite very disconcerting, with impor- Directed by Brad Silberling Copy Editor tant information constantly pop- Starring Jim Carrey ping up out of left fi eld. When ev- Rated PG Before I saw Closer, I didn’t ery other scene opens with, “I’ve know quite what to expect. The fallen madly in love with you,” or Spanglish trailer portrayed it as a romance, “I’ve been cheating on you for a Directed by James L. Brooks the MPAA ratings treated it as an year,” it gets old fast. Starring Adam Sandler erotic drama, and the Showplace These surprises seem designed Rated PG-13 12 Theater billed it as an art fi lm. to put viewers on an emotional It turned out to be none of the roller coaster, but choppy pacing Flight of the Phoenix above; Closer is an implausible and absurd situations make it Dirrected by John Moore melodrama void of romance, diffi cult to feel anything. When Starring Dennis Quaid passion, and artistic merit. Awk- Dan pulls an obvious prank in an Rated PG-13 ward pacing and rambling con- internet chat room – posing as versations make the 2-hour mov- “Anna,” an insatiable big-breast- imdb.com A Very Long Engagement ie seem to drag on much longer. ed blonde – Larry (Clive Owen) Directed by Jean-Pierre Jeunet Closer is an adaptation of Pat- doesn’t suspect a thing. When and impossible to feel for them. love with you. I have to see you Starring Audrey Tautau rick Marber’s play by the same Larry goes to meet “Anna,” the Marber seems to take it for again.” Each character ends up Rated R name, about two couples who real Anna (Julia Roberts) hap- granted that viewers will be saying “I love you” several times repeatedly cheat on each other, pens to be there. All we see is a moved, and does nothing to per scene, as a gimmick to show break up and get back together chance meeting, but in the next develop characters or provide emotions the actors couldn’t On the Little ol’ Screen at Home over the course of several years. scene, a little dialogue tells us a background for their feelings. portray. It’s not really about what they do, that four months have passed, When Dan and Anna fi rst meet, In short, Closer is nothing but The Lord of the Rings: but what they say; none of the ac- Anna and Larry have fallen in nothing seems to happen – they two hours of conversation, and The Return of the King tion happens on screen, and the love, and they’re about to get make small talk, give exposi- most of the time we don’t believe Platinum Series movie is dominated by dialogue married. When Anna wants a di- tion, and toss around some ob- what the characters are saying. and character reactions. Marber vorce, Larry offers to sign the pa- viously scripted “banter” – until The few things that do happen The Princess Diaries 2: even relies on dialogue to clum- pers if she lets him treat her like they start kissing out of the blue. are laughably implausible, the Royal Engagement sily introduce key characters and a whore one last time. Anna goes Even when they’re kissing, there characters are given intense feel- plot points. When Dan (Jude along with it, but the sex is so is no spark; Law and Roberts ings for no reason, and Roberts Top Gun Law) and Alice (Natalie Portman) good she decides that she doesn’t show that it’s a passionate kiss and Law phone in their perfor- Collector’s Edition fi rst meet, we have to sit through want a divorce after all. With by closing their eyes and breath- mances. Nothing is authentic, ten minutes of small talk to learn characters doing things no ra- ing heavily, but they ignore each and nothing seems to matter. In Mary Poppins their back stories. This depen- tional person would do, with no other. After they’ve spoken for the end, the couples either break 40th Anniversary Edition dence on dialogue is a necessary apparent motivation, it becomes half an hour and kissed once, up or stay together, and you evil on stage, but in Closer it is impossible to identify with them Dan tells Anna, “I’ve fallen in won’t care which. Stefani’s solo album is all-around goodness Take the fi rst step Brian Palmer from a little duo that goes by the The Pitt News (U. Pittsburgh) name of OutKast, Stefani pulled 12/15/2004 out the big guns to make this al- bum a hit. (U-WIRE) PITTSBURGH - It’s There’s a running theme of Ja- rare that an album comes along pan and Harajuku girls. Stefani that makes you feel good all over. spent a bit of time in Japan be- towards a sound From head to toe, just fl at out fore doing this album and fell in feel good for a little less than an love with the trendy, schoolgirl hour. Then you play it again, and style that the Harajuku girls pos- it still gives you that same feeling. sess. These girls run amuck in the Two days later, that same album video for the fi rst single, “What spins, and you’re not even sick of You Waiting For?” and in the new it; you actually want more. video for “Rich Girl.” Gwen even advertising That’s sort of what Gwen Ste- has four of them draped over her fani’s debut solo effort does. arm every public appearance she “Love. Angel. Music. Baby.” is makes. the type of album that brings out With the fl aunting of the Hara- the inner roller-disco queen in all juku girls and the skimpy outfi ts of us. The beats and lyrics make Gwen wears in her two videos, it you want to strap on those old- seems as if the label is really aim- school roller skates, pull up your ing to increase record sales to a strategy knee highs, and glide across the particular audience. But in real- rink all night ity, the Hara- long. juku girls were You know a major in- that inner spiration for queen who gets Gwen because, all giddy over for a long time sleepovers, before record- ice cream and ing, she suf- Cyndi Lauper. fered writer’s Stefani has a block and felt bit of Lauper pressure from fl avor in one of doing a solo the best tracks record. There’s on the album, even a song “Hollaback completely Girl.” With a stomp-clap-stomp- devoted to these muses, aptly stomp-clap beat constantly mov- entitled “Harajuku Girls,” where ing the song forward, Stefani uses Stefani sings, “Harajuku Girls, a call-and-response bridge where you got the wicked style / I like she sings: “Let me hear you say, the way that you are / I am your The Rose Thorn the s--t is bananas, b-a-n-a-n-a- biggest fan.” s. The s--t is bananas, b-a-n-a-n- With catchy beats and lyrics, Advertising Dept. a-s.” and the eye-candy promotions With help from some pretty that the label is pushing, it’s im- phone: 812-877-8255 hefty names like Eve, who sings possible for this album to fail. It’s fax: 812-877-8166 on the Dr. Dre-produced “Rich easily one of the best albums of Girl,” the Neptunes, Johnny Vul- the year, but I, personally, can’t © David Honan [email protected] ture, Nellee Hooper of Four Non- wait for the next No Doubt re- Blondes fame and Andre 3000 lease. Thursday, December 16, 2004 ENTERTAINMENT 5 Blade: Trinity bites Jacob P. Silvia pretty silly to me that one would Entertainment Editor devote themselves primarily to silver objects to kill the vamps. What do you get when you This can get pretty expensive cross a the concept of a comic compared to a good old wooden book, a sequel and poor writ- stake through the heart. ing? You get Blade: Trinity. The third problem I had was The movie, if you’re not with that vampires have refl ections. I your fi nger hovering over the am aware that in some mythol- pulse of society, is about a half- ogies involving vampires, they vampire named Blade (Wesley can look at their mopey pseu- Snipes) whose mission is to de- do-gothic selves in the mirror stroy the rest of the vampires in as they contemplate spending the world (because they’re bad). the afternoon crying in a French Apparently, in this universe, all sewer, but this I fi nd to be lazy, vampires are associated with especially for a blockbuster fi lm big businesses that sponsor like Blade. They do have power- shady world domination-relat- ful computers at their aid, and ed efforts. it would not be too diffi cult to There are several quips I have show scenes in which they have about this movie, however, that no refl ection. made it less than enjoyable. The The fourth problem: acting. It fi rst thing I noticed is that Vam- seemed the acting was sub par. pires die if they get any sort of Granted, Snipes portrayed Blade UV-radiation whatsoever, in- as a badass, often sounding like cluding Blade’s modifi ed high Samuel L. Jackson. However, the beams. Call me crazy, but know- most of the actors were poorly ing this, were I to hunt vampires, portrayed, particularly Whistler I would invest in a portable sun- (Kris Kristofferson), who sound- lamp. No vampire would be safe ed like he was either drunk or from my mini-sun, and I would not really focusing on his lines. laugh over their smoking ashes As well, the vampiress Danica as I got a quick tan. Talos (Parker Posey) was not imdb.com The next problem I had was that great a performance. Posey, the fact that the only other thing while a great actress in Christo- cal American action fi lm, in- character-building made this what he will end up doing with that was demonstrated as killing pher Guest mockumentaries as cluding witty repartee among movie make me not want to rip Batman Begins come next June. vampires was silver. Granted, sil- well as Josie and the Pussycats, the ass-kicking. The fi ght scenes my eyes out, or at the very least, Hopefully, he made Blade: Trin- ver has been shown to be a vam- did not do her best as Talos. and the bits of explosion-laden not demand that the movie’s ity to sharpen himself for Bat- pire deterrent in other forms of The movie was not horrible, action interspersed between maker David S. Goyer be burned man, and it won’t be as silly a vampire-related media, it seems but it wasn’t great. It was a typi- scenes of weak dialogue and in effi gy (at the very least). I fear fl ick. “Twelve” surpasses “Eleven”
Tony Hernandez million. The entire crew from Daily Egyptian the remake of the 1960s Rat Pack (Southern Illinois U.) fi lm return, including Tess Ocean 12/15/2004 (Julia Roberts), Rusty Ryan (Brad Pitt) and Linus Caldwell (Matt (U-WIRE) CARBONDALE, Ill. Damon). - In 2001, fans who went to see After the crew counts how much the star-studded cast of “Ocean’s money they have spent and need Eleven” saw Danny Ocean to get, Ocean and right-hand (George Cloo- man Rusty go ney) and his internation- crew of 10 al, looking thieves sneak for gigs and Spread holiday cheer by and cajole recognizing their way into that their the impen- crew is too etrable vaults hot to work of a Las Vegas in the United getting your friends the gift casino and States. Their make off with search leads $160 million. to Rome and The scheme Paris with to steal the Isabel Lahiri of a delicious Papa John’s money from (Catherine the casino Zeta-Jones) was so com- hot on their plex and elab- trail. Lahiri, orate that it a Europol Pizza. made the CIA agent spe- headquarters cializing scene in “Mis- in catch- sion Impos- ing master sible” look like child’s play. thieves, also happens to be Ry- However, the plot of “Ocean’s an’s ex-girlfriend. Twelve” blows the fi rst movie out The script for the movie was of the water. Despite being re- witty and fi lled with sassy dia- Extra Large 1234 WABASH AVE. One Large imbursed for the money stolen logue. Moviegoers may feel a from the casinos, Terry Benedict little overwhelmed, though, by One-Topping One-Topping (Andy Garcia), the fi rst mov- the amount of confi dence and Store Hours... ie’s mob-like villain, remained cockiness that exudes from the Mon-Wed: 9am - 1am vengeful and received anony- movie, which includes a cameo 99 Thurs-Sat: 9am - 2am 99 Sunday: 12pm - 12am mous information on the names from Bruce Willis. Campus Only Campus Only and whereabouts of all involved Even the jazzy soundtrack fi ts ONLY 9 ONLY 7 in the casino heist. Benedict fi nds well; director Steven Soderbergh Limited Delivery Area - Coupon Required Limited Delivery Area - Coupon Required all 11 thieves and gives them two put together a well-rounded fi lm ORIGINAL OR THIN CRUST WHERE ORIGINAL OR THIN CRUST WHERE AVAILABLE Expires: 5/28/04. Not valid AVAILABLE Expires: 5/28/04. Not valid weeks to repay $160 million -- that should be entertaining for with any other offer. Valid only at participat- 232-PAPA with any other offer. Valid only at participat- plus interest for a total of $200 fans over the winter break. ing locations. Customer pays all applicable ing locations. Customer pays all applicable sales tax. Additional toppings extra. sales tax. Additional toppings extra. 6 OPINIONS The Rose Thorn The radical middle what he said he would do, I don’t think the Bush ad- instead of one who would do ministration clearly under- At least what was convenient. stands why they won a sec- She highlighted the acrimo- ond term. It wasn’t because I have ny between Bush supporters the American public believed opinions and Bush haters that filled the in the Bush vision of America campaign, saying that it made more than the Kerry one. It the Bush haters seem imma- was because Bush had a vision ture, vulgar and obnoxious. of America and Kerry didn’t. John Kropf She also mentioned the fact This means however, that Opinions Editor that the incessant prattling many of the votes for George about Kerry’s military service Bush, weren’t for his policies, A few weeks ago, I ran across and Bush’s alleged lack of same but were against uncertainty. an article by “a very sad Ameri- insulted her intelligence. And This poses an interesting can” detailing the reasons why finally, she discussed the un- problem for the new Bush ad- she hadn’t voted for John Kerry. easiness she felt when Kerry ministration. Will the govern- She called herself a “pragmat- would demonize the rich for ing be balanced more toward ic, disillusioned, realistic and being rich. the middle than it has been entirely ordinary member of After reading the article, I up to now? It’s an important the radical middle.” She went felt as if I could have written question for republican strat- on to define the so called radi- most of it and I finally under- egists to ponder because a cal middle as a position where stood what drove me to vote mandate that doesn’t follow I’m sure many people find for George W. Bush, a man who the will of the people is likely themselves. Religious, but not I criticized as a short-sighted to be over in a hurry. And once fundamentalist. Straight, but pretentious fundamentalist. it is, nothing like it is likely to tolerant. Mindful of Home- I did it because I had no idea appear any time soon. land Security, but protective of what John Kerry would do as If Bush’s new cabinet selec- our civil liberties. In favor of President, and I didn’t like tions are any guide, it does not helping the unfortunate, but that uncertainty. But in giv- appear that he has decided to www.usoffi cepristina.rpo.at not supporting them forever. ing my vote to George Bush, appease the radical middle. President George W. Bush She wrote that she disagreed I wanted him to pay more at- Probably the most notable with many of the stances that tention to the radical middle. cabinet selection that shows likely will not be received with the growing ranks of the radi- the Bush administration took I wanted him to back off on this is Condoleezza Rice. as much welcome from the cal middle, the mandate won’t on high profile issues. She also the religion. I wanted him to While Colin Powell has been a world community. last for long. Because as soon wrote that she neither agreed keep the government out of relatively centrist Secretary of It would be naive of me to as the democratic party real- nor disagreed with John Kerry our social lives. But I’m afraid State – appealing to interna- think that the Bush administra- izes that a clearly defined cen- on those same issues, because I knew that dream was over tional organizations, and car- tion would make any changes trist identity is one that will she couldn’t tell where he the moment Dick Cheney ut- rying a lot of clout with foreign in its governing strategy. Af- appeal to the radical middle, stood. And in the end, when tered the word “mandate”; entities – Rice shares more of ter all, Cheney, Bush and the while not completely alienat- it came time to make her de- meaning that the administra- the mindset of the administra- rest of the administration have ing their left leaning base, the cision, she decided that she tion believes that the people tion. As a result, she’ll proba- stated that they believe they republicans are going to be in would rather vote for a can- had endorsed their plan for bly get more support from the were given a mandate. But trouble. And I’d have to say, it didate who she felt would do the country. administration, but she most without paying attention to serves them right. Letter to the editor Feds: Leave those kids alone Staff Editorial on all students enrolled in state- charge students a fl at tuition Rose-Hulman Institute of ing lunch. Susan Reynolds, The Spinnaker funded universities. fee regardless of the number Technology is a community manager of grounds services, (U. North Florida) The database would require of hours in which they were fi lled with caring students, helped coordinate the work- universities to provide the gov- enrolled. The idea is to encour- faculty and staff members. space and Elaine Lee-Price, In our age of information, we ernment with detailed informa- age students to graduate more This fact was reinforced last manager of custodial servic- are all reduced to our quanti- tion on all students enrolled. quickly, thereby saving the state Saturday when more than 200 es, lent a helping hand and tative values and stored in da- This is a rather drastic change money. But the system would students assembled 433 bi- words of encouragement. tabases for quick retrieval. We from how student information penalize students who can- cycles and tricycles for the Ex- Football Coach Ted Karras are bought, sold, stolen and has been handled until now. not take a full load of classes change Clubs Bikes For Tykes and members of his coaching spied upon via our numerical Previously, schools have been because of work or other non- community project. staff helped keep things mov- representations. Credit histo- required to provide information academic obligations. Schools A majority of the bicycles ing at a steady pace. ries, phone numbers, e-mail only for students receiving fed- such as the University of North were assembled in less than 3 Tom Miller, Erik Hayes, addresses, Internet histories, eral fi nancial aid. They provide Florida that have a large num- hours. Donna Gustafson and Pete genders, ages, grade point av- general enrollment, graduation ber of nontraditional students And, several students re- Gustafson of the Student Af- erages, employment and medi- and tuition information, but do with jobs and families to care mained to help fi x and repair fairs Offi ce supported the cal histories, library loans and not identify specifi c students in for could be adversely affected. bicycles so that they could be project by encouraging stu- criminal backgrounds all con- that data. The move to create a national delivered this year. dent organizations to lend a vert conveniently into ones and This new database would student database could place The bicycles have been dis- helping hand. zeros. It is information, and it is specifi cally include students’ unfair pressure on students tributed to underprivileged Finally, many employees what we have Social Security to speed through their educa- youths in several commu- made fi nancial contributions become. These numbers and tion. It runs the risk of turning nities in Indiana, including to this project. virtual repre- The move to individual in- our universities into degree Terre Haute, West Terre Haute, All of these efforts are great- sentations of formation. mills rather than institutions Rockville, Brazil, Spencer and ly appreciated by The Ex- ourselves are create a national The effort to of higher learning. It speaks of Ellettsville. change Clubs and the families as real as fl esh student database create this da- a disturbing trend to focus on In each case, the bicycles receiving the bicycles. to our banks, could place un- tabase is mo- our schools’ fi nancial bottom brought a smile to the faces of It was extremely heart- our employ- tivated by a lines rather than the quality of the surprised youth, and har- warming to see the campus ers, our gov- fair pressure on desire to track, education. It further reduces dy handshakes and hugs from come together for this project ernment and students to speed on the fed- our lives into numbers to be gracious parents. that touched so many aspects our schools. eral level, the examined on a spreadsheet by All of this would not have of community. This project In such an through their edu- quality of our some dispassionate bureaucrat been possible without the will make a difference for so environment, cation. nation’s public hundreds of miles away. support of the Rose-Hulman many people. one would universities, If the federal government community. On behalf of the Exchange hope that the according to wants to better track what’s go- This years Bicycle Assembly Club of Terre Haute, I wanted powers that proponents of ing on in our universities, there Volunteers included members to thank everyone for their be would assist us in maintain- the measure. They argue that it are less intrusive ways to do so. of Rose-Hulman Greek orga- support and salute their ef- ing our privacy and guarding will allow them to better gauge If television rating companies nizations, the varsity football forts on this project. You against the digital encroach- how often students take more can accurately determine peo- team, residence hall commu- helped make my Christmas! ment into our personal lives. than the standard four years to ple’s viewing habits using vol- nity and student organiza- But this is not always the earn their bachelor’s degrees -- unteer samples, why can’t our tions. The Facilities Opera- Dale H. Long case. which makes one wonder if this own government? tions Department provided Associate Director of According to an article run is at all connected to the recent The possible benefi ts of this heated workspace for the as- Communications in the Nov. 29 issue of The New initiative to move to block tu- database do not outweigh its sembly process, air pumps Rose-Hulman Institute of York Times, the federal govern- ition. threat to students’ privacy and and a kitchen area for serv- Technology ment has proposed the creation For those unfamiliar with the the integrity of our institutions of a new database to track data concept, block tuition would of higher learning. Have an opinion? Send a letter to the editor. E-mail [email protected] Thursday, December 16, 2004 SPORTS 7
Last week’s Sports Teams Roll into Winter Break Upcoming Andrew Twarek ly Whitehouse who scores Staff Writer have all recorded athletic one pin. Men’s Basketball The winter season started well The swimmers events (4-4, 1-0 SCAC) for the Engineer sports teams. The have set school re- women’s basketball team has rock- cords in the 200 Men’s Basketball eted to a 6-4 record, their best start butterfl y this sea- Saturday, Dec. 18 ever. Men’s basketball stands 4-4 son. Senior Alison Rose-Hulman Dec. 9 this year, after competition with Hasbargen swam Rose-Hulman 69 nationally ranked and scholarship the event in 2:45.16 at Earlham vs. Depauw 60 schools. for a new record 3 p.m. Swimming and Diving has com- while freshman Dec. 11 peted in two invitational and has Jacob Sorensen Saturday, Dec. 18 Rose-Hulman 73 hosted a pair of dual meets, scoring lowered the men’s Rose-Hulman vs. Anderson 78 well in each. Finally, the wrestling mark to 2:02:18. On at Robert-Morris squad opened the season with four the diving board, 8 p.m. ET dual meets at Olivet, Mich., and senior Emily Tim- the Little State Championships in perman set new Monday, Jan. 3 Crawfordsville. records three times Rose-Hulman As third week closes and Winter in 2004, upping the Women’s Basketball vs. Thomas More Recess nears, the basketball teams high score to 252.35 (6-4, 0-1 SCAC) will receive a well-deserved break. in the 1-m diving 7:30 p.m. The women’s basketball squad event. Other swift hosts an invitational this weekend, Engineers include and the men travel to the Mutch- senior Jes Frank Dec. 7 Women’s Basketball ner Cup game at rival Earlham Col- and sophomore Friday, Dec. 17 Rose-Hulman 78 lege on Saturday before taking two Erin O’Connor, Rose-Hulman vs. St. Mary’s-of-the-Woods 65 weeks off. women with three vs. Calumet St. Joseph The wrestling and swimming individual fi rst 7 p.m. Dec. 9 teams, however, will be traveling place fi nishes, and Rose-Hulman 53 south. The Wednesday and Thurs- junior Eric Fenelon Sunday, Dec. 19 vs. Depauw 81 day after Christmas, the wrestlers who has tallied four Photo courtesy Rose-Hulman Rose-Hulman will be in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., fi rsts and a pair of Kareem Lee lays the ball in for two points. competing in the Florida Citrus seconds this sea- vs. Marian College Dec. 11 Tournament and the Florida Citrus son. 2 p.m. Rose-Hulman 69 Duals. Four dual matches follow When the Engi- points on average. vs. Mt. St. Joeseph 61 a single-elimination tournament. neers return from break, it’s South- For the men, seniors Munchie The swimmers and divers will also ern Collegiate Athletic Conference Muskeyvalley and Philip Griffi th Wrestling Dec. 14 be in Fort Lauderdale, but will be season for the basketball teams. lead the team with 113 and 112 Wednesday, Dec. 29-30 Rose-Hulman 60 pursuing a training regimen at Sophomore Rebekah Forsyth, the points, respectively, for averages Rose-Hulman vs. Rob. Morris-Spr. 66 the International Swimming Hall SCAC Newcomer of the Year last of 14.1 and 14.0. Six-foot-seven at Florida Citrus Tourn. of Fame Pool to prepare for a dual season, leads all Rose-Hulman Griffi th is shooting .517 under the TBA meet each weekend in January. players in scoring (16.0 ppg) and basket. Muskeyvalley, 6’-0”, has Byron Sanders, a three-year rebounding (9.5 rpg). Standout hit 18 from behind the arc for 41%, wrestler, leads the team with a com- freshman Jill Floyd averages 14.9 adding 35 assists. Junior Kareem Teams in bold denote bined 8-1 record in the 184-lb class. points per game, and is 37-39 (.949) Lee has pulled down 64 boards (8.0 Games in bold denote winners. Five Engineers hold three wins this at the free-throw line. Sophomore per game) to lead the squad, and home games season, Raymond Ahaus, fellow ju- Suzy Carlson has chipped in fi ve is shooting .857 at the free-throw nior Tom Aigner, and freshman Bil- assists per game, and scores 12.7 stripe. (Drug) testing our heroes
Rob Wile union reps count on Americans not fake; they must have real The implication here is that dollars for baseball, and Fehr Columbia Daily Spectator to continue to plunk down in- talent to succeed, as opposed everyone is already innocent, has always been able to point (Columbia U.) creasing amounts of money to to some sort of superfi cial, un- and that there is no problem. to this fact in every negotia- 12/10/2004 watch their baseball idols each substantial quality. Athletes But if players have nothing to tion he has had with Commis- summer? also have no biased, underly- hide, why not just test them to sioner Selig on the issue. (U-WIRE) NEW YORK - It has I wouldn’t bet on it. ing agenda, as many Ameri- prove that there is no problem? Players and owners finally recently been revealed that sev- The union hasn’t grasped cans assume journalists and There is no conceivable reason reached an agreement Tues- eral high-profi le baseball play- that Americans won’t stom- the media have. why baseball should not take a day that could set the stage for ers, including Yankees’ sluggers ach watching those that many Charles Barkley has famous- tough stance on steroids. both sides to agree on imple- Jason Giambi and Gary Shef- of us regard as the only true ly opined that athletes should Despite his car-salesman menting a tougher steroid- fi eld, admitted to a grand jury heros left in sports turn into not be role models. And though background, MLB Commis- testing program. And while that they knowingly took per- cheaters. Any athlete proven I happen to agree with him, sioner Bud Selig is not a dumb this latest breakthrough looks formance-enhancing steroids guilty of cheating will now be most Americans do regard ath- guy. This problem has been somewhat promising, Gene sometime after 2002, when ste- tarnished in the eyes of fans: letes as role models-precisely around since the early 1990s, Orza, the MLB players union’s roids were fi rst banned. Giants’ the fallout for the three prin- because they and he has chief operating officer, said behemoth Barry Bonds was ciple offenders-Bonds, Giam- play a game long been that the two sides were still in also implicated, although he bi, and Sheffield-has already where every- Americans turn aware of it. So disagreement. still professes ignorance, say- begun. one has to fol- why has noth- Should negotiations col- ing that he believed the sub- Americans turn to sports as low the same to sports as an ing been done lapse, President George W. stances given to him to be legal an escape from the daily grind rules. about it? If you Bush, along with Senator John nutritional supplements. of life. Unlike life, in sports all Besides de- escape from the guessed basic McCain, has warned that the Now, it may seem obvious is fair, everyone plays by the nying rela- daily grind of human greed, federal government would that steroids have no place in rules, and, win or lose, there’s tively damn- you’re pretty step in and address the prob- our national pastime. Yet rep- always a next time. ing evidence life. much right. lem itself. It’s possible this resentatives of Major League Americans also put their showing the More steroids pressure will cause the union Baseball’s players’ union have, athletes on pedestals higher health hazards means more to cave. But given the public’s until recently, refused to imple- than those of any other pub- and pervasiveness of steroids, home runs, more entertain- historical distrust of federal ment a tougher steroid-testing lic figures, holding them to Don Fehr, head of the baseball ing baseball, more fans in the meddling, this scenario would program, dismissing evidence super-human standards of players’ union, has objected seats, and more ad revenue. seem somewhat ironic. of both an increase in the num- honesty and integrity. Unlike to stronger testing regimes Despite the commissioner’s- Yet if this is what it takes, so ber of players using steroids as politicians or CEOs, we be- on philosophical grounds. He and many players’-attempts to be it. Americans will not ac- well as reports showing dan- lieve, athletes can’t easily get argued that they would be- address the problem, they lack cept cheaters in the only place gerous long-term side effects away with lying and cheating. come a witch-hunt, violat- Fehr’s political leverage. Juiced we still assume everyone plays of frequent steroid use. Can Unlike celebrities, athletes are ing players’ rights to privacy. up athletes rake in millions of by the rules. Volume 40, Issue 12 By the fi re, it’s so delightful. Thursday, December 16, 2004 A Brief History of Christmas Top Ten Worst Holiday Gifts Alexander J. Clerc 10. A travel bottle of Febreeze Since the dawn of time, winter has been the crappiest 9. The Lost Poetry of L. Ron Hubbard season known to man (except in Australia. Lucky 8. Red and green striped tea cozy Australians…). To get by, mankind has always held some 7. Hertz popping out of a giant dreidel kind of joyful winter celebration, lest morale fall so low that 6. An autographed photograph of Sollog we decide to move to Australia. 5. Another new “uncle” The history of Christmas dates back over 4000 years. 4. 17 liters of warm wine cooler Many of these traditions began with the Mesopotamian 3. Syphilis winter celebration of New Years. This 12-day festival called 2. The Complete Works of Shakespeare, in their original Klingon Zagmuk included feasting and parades and culminated joyfully with a sacrifi ce to the deity Marduk in the form of a 1. Daikatana: Game of the Year Edition public execution (in those dark days, executions were about as joyous as it ever got). The Persians and the Babylonians Wacky Prof Quotes celebrated a similar festival called the Sacaea. Part of that celebration included the exchanging of places; the slaves “We have a great smelling marker today. You wanna pass this would become the masters and the masters were to obey. around?” A little holiday exchanging of places might lighten up the --Prof. Martensen, bonding with today’s youth mood here, too (hint, hint, professors). The holiday “Christmas” fi nally came to be around “It’s okay. None of my bosses can read.” 400 AD. Nowadays it is widely speculated that the actual --Prof. Martensen, on learning he would be in the Thorn birth of Christ did not occur in the month of December (why would shepherds be shepherding in the winter?) and “They say ‘You’re ugly, you dress funny, and your mother wears that the early Church planted Christmas to replace the combat boots.’” Roman celebration of Saturnalia. But it probably went a --Prof. Morris, on supercritical fl uids little something like this: Pope Julius I was relaxing on the throne of St. Peter “That discriminates against people who work in groups versus watching the Ravens game and sipping a cold one when people who don’t have a lot of...uh...colleagues...around.” suddenly from the kitchen arose the cacophonous voice --Prof. Hoover, to the “popularity challenged” of his overbearing wife: “Julius, you need to take out the trash…” “So, you like punishment?” Pope Julius declared it Christmas Day on the spot and --Prof. Grimaldi, learning how much of his class is CPEs got out of another trip to the freezing-cold garage. Pope Julius would later mandate that holy men be celibate “for “There’s no BAD architecture, only DIFFERENT architecture.” their own good”. --Prof. Chidanandan, advocating tolerance From there, Christmas developed from an amalgamation of pagan traditions that differed from place “Everything I know about Linux fi lesystems, I read out of the to place. To this day Christmas is celebrated differently book.” throughout the world. Most of our Christmas customs --Prof. Merkle, showing his qualifi cations originated in Germany. The Finns spend the day at the sauna. The Mexicans party with piñatas. The Australians “A good teacher, in my mind, is one who’s not afraid to set his have cook-outs. In parts of Eastern Europe, the Christmas students on fi re.” tradition includes a 24-hour fast (that one doesn’t sound as --Prof. Leader, on the Newspaper Incident fun). Whatever your way of celebrating the winter season, “God said if you put curves on lasers, you get a Gaussian beam.” have a blast. Happy holidays! --Prof. Bunch, on divine decree
Herbig’s Pun of the Week Send your prof quotes or other humor material to The newspaper that we get, the Indy*, is just a pointer to fl [email protected] the real newspaper in Indianapolis.
This Day In History In 1773, a group of colo- nists disguised as Mohawks tossed some tea into Boston harbor. This was apparently patriotic or something.
In Addition Whoever is the owner of the yellow dump truck in the sandbox under the slide, you left your blinkers on.
The Little Line o’ Litigious Lard: The content of The Flipside is intended to be purely humorous, and it does not represent the opinions of the Rose Thorn or Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology. It doesn’t represent anybody’s opinions, unless you know the true reason for the season. All material is copyright of its owner. And may Goddess bless us, everyone.