Voíume loi Issue # 7 The Student Newspaper of Alfred University January 30, 2007
W AL * MART
no longer a late-night adventure
BY M A T T H E W B U T T S NEWS EDITOR
Sporadic late-night shopping sprees at Wal-Mart have come to an end for Alfred University students.
The Hornell, N.Y. branch of the world's largest retailer has recently changed its hours of operation. Prior to the change, customers were able to shop at any desired time. Now, the retail giant will close its doors 12 hours earlier - at midnight.
"I just found out the other day. It's the buzz around campus," Said College of Business graduate student Devin Murray.
For those new to the Wal-Mart experience, it is a superstore that houses a plethora of goods and provides numerous services. Everything from food, clothing, domestic items and electronics to car service, prescription filling, and photo processing are available through this retailer.
Many AU students feel that the reasoning behind the new store hours is to lessen mischief during the late-night hours.
Other students have posited that the change could be for economic reasons.
Sophomore education major Kristie Valentino said she believes
"college students would go Wal-Mart drunk late at night and destroy merchandise."
The suggestion that the choice was a financial one seems to hold more clout, however.
Andrew Rubino, a graduate student in school psychlogy stated that there may not have been enough employees to work overnight shifts.
Murray suggested, "Wal-Mart probably just wasn't getting enough business to.be open all night long."
In an attempt to lay these speculations to rest, Pete, an assistant manager at the Homell Wal-Mart responded. Pete (who was unwilling to release his last name) said that historically, Hornell's Wal-Mart does not have a significant volume of sales or customers after midnight.
Pete added that it was a fair assessment to state that this was the ratio- nale behind why the store was no longer 24 hours.
"Other Wal-Maits in larger markets, like Rochester, are the most likely to remain 24-hour stores," Pete explained.
PHOTO BY CARLOS BID0
Wal-Mart customers have been questioning why the store changed its hours, Pete said.
"We take care of 60 to 70 thousand customers weekly, so if one or two customers ask 'why' or 'how come,' it is not a big issue," he said.
Is there a chance for a compromise that would extend the store's hours past midnight?
Probably not, said Pete, who explained that the call to close at mid- night was made by a Wal-Mart district manager.
Many AU students say they are not bothered by Wal-Mart's new hours.
"Now just because I can't go anytime I want bothers me; I think people would feel the same. But I don't think anybody is going to be.
losing any sleep over it," said Murray.
"I personally don't mind that Wal-Mart closes earlier because I go early anyway," said Valentino.
"I'm indifferent because I normally do not go past midnight any- way," Rubino concurred.
Although students do not seem to mind, the retailer's midnight clos- ing time may prove to be a minor nuisance.
"Sometimes Wal-Mart is the only place to get things around here late at night," Murray said.
Valentino said she believes it will be more difficult for people to shop when they want.
"I know that a lot of college students prefer to go shopping later at night because there is no crowd, and it's after classes," she said.
In terms of Wal-Mart's Hornell employees, none were negatively affected by the store's cut in hours, according to Pete. Most of the employees went home at 11 p.m. anyway, while a few associates stayed back until midnight. Also, the overnight workers still work their allotted hours, it's just that the store is not open to customers after' 12 a.m., Pete explained.
It seems as if the only loss is for Wal-Mart's customers.
"Wal-Mart was probably wasting a lot of money having the store open 24 hours a day. You can't make money if no one's there," said Murray. O
PHOTO BY KARLI-MARIE REYES Sophomores Chris Cureton and Sanjae Duncan and junior Alyson Schiraldi share a Pine Hill Suite. So far, they say co-ed living has been successful.
Co-ed housing: A step in the right
direction
B Y K A R L I - M A R I E R E Y E S A & E EDITOR
Alfred University has a strong history of avant-garde academics and progressive practices, so last semester's policy change towards co-ed housing in the suites and apartments came as no surprise.
While students living off-campus have enjoyed a co-ed living' environment for decades, the fall semester brought the possibility to on-campus students as well.
"I like that the co-ed housing option adds one more opportunity to the already eclectic mix of housing stock students have to choose from," said Director of Residence Life Brenda Porter. "That being said, not as many have taken advantage of it as I had thought might."
According to Assistant Director of Residence Life Bonnie Dungan, 14 groups signed up for the option, but only 6 groups accepted.
Among those who chose co-ed housing are sophomore psychology major Amy Putnam, sophomore BAFA major Chris Cureton, sopho- more BAFA major Ashley Sheriff, sophomore biomedical materials engineering science major Sanjae Duncan, and junior BFA major Alyson Schiraldi, the residents of Davis C.
According to the suite members, the co-ed option works well for them. The students are glad that they are no longer restricted to a f single sex living environment.
As long as everyone knows exactly whom they are living with, it Continued on page 4
ALFREP UNIVERSITY PRESENTS!
Turner slated to bring a Wee bit of comic history to AU
BY A B B Y T R I P P EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Eighty-three-year-old car- toonist Morrie Turner passes his days with a group of pals several decades younger than himself.
They are a diverse group, illustrating a plethora of races, religions and life experiences.
All of them, however, happen to be ... well... wee.
Indeed, over four decades after conceiving his multi- cultural cast of comic charac- ters , Turner continues to draw Wee Pals for United Features Syndicate. The strip, which enjoys worldwide popular- ity, tackles many of the same issues today as it did in 1965 when it became the first racially integrated syndicated
comic strip in the country.
With years of cartoon- ing experience to his name, Turner was tapped as this year's, guest speaker for Alfred University's Drawn to Diversity program.
Drawn to Diversity explores equality and diver- sity by examining a chosen art or media form. Last year, the program addressed diversity in comic books; this year the focus will shift to newspaper comic strips.
Turner's talk, originally scheduled for Feb. 3, has been postponed indefinitely due to a medical emergency.
Director of Student Activities and ALANA Affairs Coordinator Dan Napolitano said that book- ing Turner was a significant
accomplishment.
"Monie Turner is a legend and paved the way for many of today's comic artists,"
Napolitano said.
Turner's interest in art and illustration began when he was around the same age as the characters he portrays in his strip. His first artis- tic endeavors were hand- sketched copies of his favorite newspaper comic strips.
"I guess that's how it began," he said. "That's how I started."
After graduating from California's Berkeley High School, Turner entered the military. He was assigned to the Army Air Corps' famed all-black 477th Bomber group, based at Kentucky's Goodman Army Air Field;
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this proved his first experi- ence with segregation.
Turner admits that he was not one of the 477th's finest.
"I was kind of a goof-up,"
he said.
Turner used his frailties as a soldier to his advantage as an artist, creating cartoons about his military misadventures.
Several of his cartoons were published by armed forces publications, including the Stars and Stripes, and he knew that he had found his passion.
"It set my course," he said of this first foray into profes- sional cartooning.
When Turner left the ser- vice, his path was set and he immediately began freelanc- ing cartoons for a variety of publications, from local Continued on page 4
Spice Up Your Super Bowl Party
Page 5
A LIFE IN eiAY
Inside this Issue
Get Fired Up For A Great Exhibit
Page 8
Check Out What We Think Is Hot (Or Not)
Page 3
Prof Discusses Pluto's Planetary Place
Page 6
Saxon Men Serve It Up Family Style
Page 10
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fíatLux
Student Services should aim for efficiency
Alfred University's Student Service Center bills itself as a "one-stop shop" for students with campus business to conduct.
When students come to the Center, located in Seidlin Hall, they do so with the expectation that they will be able to have questions or issues related to class registration, transcripts, student accounts, or graduation paperwork handled in a prompt fashion.
Instead, many AU students say that their encounters with the Student Service Center have turned into the ultimate runaround as they are redirected to a plethora of different offices and buildings around campus - sometimes more than once. Indeed, more often than not the result is confusion - and worn-out walking shoes.
For many students who take on significant roles in Division of Performing Arts produc- tions, frustration arises when they attempt to sign up for the practicum credits that they are promised.
Almost inevitably, cast lists for these productions are not posted until well after the add peri- od for the semester has ended. And almost inevitably, these students find themselves appealing the late add fees leveled against them - even though the University promises that practicum credits will not be subjected to these fees.
Independent study credits prove equally problematic for many students as they trek back and forth across campus in the quest for a plethora of necessary signatures. Even after the form is completed, they usually need to touch base once more with their independent study professor in order to finish up the registration process on Banner.
In the past five years, the University has done much to streamline the handling of students' needs. The creation of the Student Service Center from the once-disparate bursar's and regis- trar's offices was a step in the right direction.
Similarly, the implementation of Banner eliminated the need for the piles and piles ... and piles of paperwork once associated with the registration process.
Nonetheless, there is still much that could be done.
For one thing, offices (and paperwork) could still be further consolidated so that numerous concerns really can be handled with only one stop. Most students would like to avoid frostbite by staying in one building rather than hiking in ciicles for eight hours when it's 18 degrees below zero with a negative 58-degree wind chill.
Furthermore, the University can and should think carefully about its current uses for Banner and find ways to leverage the software to its fullest advantage.
It would be very brazen to insist that the University provide every convenience to its students.
Nonetheless, it seems that the promise of eliminating some of the more frustrating aspects of campus bureaucracy would be worth the money and time that it would take to make that hap- pen.
Besides^ happier students (and employees) make for a better campus. O
To consume, or not to consume...
As students entering Alfred University, there are certain sacrifices we are all forced to make.
We know coming in, there will be long, cold winters that seem like they will never end. We know there will not be much of a raging nightlife. However, there are things we expect from the community in which we live.
We ecpect a place to throw off our cares on a Friday night and GJ.'s provides this.
We ecpect a place to eat that almost any college student can afford and The Jet provides this.
We ecpect a relaxed atmosphere where we can connect with our professors outside of the classroom and the Terra Cotta provides this.
We also ecpect a late-night food delivery service, or a place to take excursions to in the middle of the night. Unfortunately, these things have been taken away from us. The closing of DP Dough and the reduction in Wal-Mart's hours have put a damper on our needs. Unclos- ing of DP Dough might be attributed to a lack of business and the competition of the Chinese food restaurant on Main Street. It is also likely that students no longer have the same amount of money to support such local businesses because of the cut in available work-study awards and a difficulty in finding on-campus jobs. Wal-Mart limiting its hours can be blamed on a lack of business after midnight and a possible attempt to limit late-night rowdiness.
We can also blame the overall lack of support for community businesses on a three-year resi- dency requirement, in conjunction with an on-campus meal plan requirement for students in many AU residence halls.
Regardless of these reasons, the fact remains that our small town seems like it is closing in on us. While there is a plethora of activities on-campus, students need to get off-campus once in a while and stretch their legs. These stores are not just staples of the. community; they are staples of our lives. We need to support our local businesses or they might not be around when we need that midnight pick-me up latte. AU and Alfred State College need to take a more active role in supporting the community in which we all share. The community needs our support all year round, not just one day a year. In a perfect world, both the community and the colleges in it would support each other.
Students need more dining options. We need a system where on-campus and off-campus food businesses worked together to create a new meal plan for students. While The Jet and Nana's have meal plans available, they are not linked to the school.
It is common for college towns to have a meal plan where students can dine on- and off- campus while paying through the college. In this way, both the University and the village can reap the profits.
Unless there is some balance in the way that the University and the village of Alfred work together, we will have an even harder time recruiting and retaining students.
Without students, not only is there no college, but there is no community either. O
Opinion January 30, 2007
TiatLu&
Editor-in-Chief Copy Editors Abby Tripp Tom Fleming Managing EditorLily Kate Ashley Paddock KurtPitzer
Ashley Paddock Jennifer Kelly Business Manager
News Editor Christine Kesande Matthew Butts Advertising Manager Opinions Editor Jason Weeks
Jodi Andersen Billing Manager Features Editor Brian Norby Abigail Griffith Subscriptions
A&E Editor Jessica Webster Karli-Marie Reyes Faculty Adviser Sports Editor Robyn Goodman Erin Brummer Next issue: Feb. 13
Copy Deadline: Feb. 6 Ad Deadline: Feb. 6
Production Manager Laura LaPiene Asst. Production Manager
Silas AI brecht Graphic Designer Kathleen Cronin Photo Editor Shaun Latulippe
Web Manager l i s a Zajac Office Manager Samantha Foster Writing Coaches Jill Balzano Quinn Wondeiiing
Editorial Policy: The Fiat Lux welcomes feedback from its readers. Letters to the editor will be subject to editing for space and content purposes. The Fiat Lux reserves the right not to print any letter.
Letters must be accompanied by name, address and telephone number. E-mail:
[email protected] or mail letters to: Fiat Lux, attn: Editor, Powell Campus Center, Alfred, N.Y. 14802.
The Fiat Lux supports the perpetuation
of a broad and liberal education conducive to free speech. Only unsigned editorials reflect the opinions of this newspaper. All other editorials reflect the author's opin- ion.
The Fiat Lux is printed by Rochester Democrat and Chronicle and is typeset by the production staff. It is funded in part by Student Senate. Hie Fiat can be reached at (607) 871-2192.
The Fiat Lux welcomes your opinion. Anyone may write a letter to the editor.
Submissions must include name, address, phone number and class year (for stu- dents). Letters to the editor should be limited to 250 words; guest columns should
be limited to 700 words. The Fiat Lux reserves the right to edit all letters for space, clarity, brevity and fair play. E-mail your thoughts to [email protected].
Submissions should follow the rules of fair play (i.e. get the facts straight).
Loving where you are in '07
A B B Y T R I P P E D I T O R - I N - C H I E F
The Moet is long gone, the noisemakers have gotten dusty and we have all man- aged (more or less) to erase the discomfort of watching Dick Clark's countdown from our minds. That's right: the bouncing baby New Year is now one month old.
So how are those New.
Year's resolutions treating you?
If you decided that Jan. 1 was the perfect day to turn over a new leaf, toss your Camel Lights, hit the books, hit the gym or organize your desk, you weren't alone. Research shows the 40 percent to 50 percent of American adults engage in the age-old (We're talking Roman Empire, here.) tradition of using the completion of the sun's revolution to make a few resolutions.
And if, as February dawns, you find your — shall we say ~ resolve fading a bit, you aren't the only one.
Roughly 46 percent of resolutions are broken within the first month.
Having, more often than not, found myself among the 25 percent of Americans who break their resolu- tions within one week, I had taken an extended sabbati- cal from the ever-popular ritual. This year, however, I decided to get back in the game, in a big way, appar- ently.
Yes indeed. I decided that, in 2006,1 would trade in my negative outlook and strive to be a sunnier person.
This required the setting of some sub-resolutions: smile more, swear less, minimize the gossip and (gasp!) take things as they come.
Putting a smile on was easy, cutting out the obsceni- ties a bit less so. As anyone who knows me (or has visited a production weekend at the Fiat) can tell you, I swear a lot. As in, like a sailor. Cutting out the more colorful aspects of my vocabulary has been challenging and I have not been entirely successful.
I have improved, however. Plus, as an added bonus,
my friends now get the daily opportunity to hear me yell such gems as "Fudge!," "Goshdarnit!" and
"Bastige!" (pronounced with the soft "g", of course).
See? Everybody wins.
Curbing my gossipy ways has also been fairly dif- ficult. Let's just say that I am trying and leave it at that, shall we?
Trickiest of all, however, has been the chilling out.
The going with the flow, the not stressing, the taking unanticipated glitches with a beatific smile and a song in my heart - this stuff does not come naturally to me.
There are moments when I need to consciously remind myself to relax and take a deep breath. There are moments when I don't remind myself and have a mini-freak out anyway. Slowly, however, the calm smile is becoming reflex in the same way that the tight jaw would have only a month ago.
I could write a book about all of the tricks that I have found for relaxing: I take a dance class twice a week, I tackle unpleasant tasks head on instead of fretting over them and I schedule "fun time" in the form of Monday night chick flick viewings and Friday happy hours at the West.
The best way that I have found to relax, however, is to stop, look around and remind myself just how lucky I am to be at AU. When the homework piles up, the Fiat to-do list grows a mile long and the work of completing my thesis seems interminable, I only need remind myself to sit back and enjoy my last few months of college life.
Professors who know your name and care about what you are up to, roommates and friends with whom you share ridiculous inside jokes, tasty spiced apple chai lattes from Terra Cotta, snow falling outside of Powell on a February night. Whether you are a first semester transfer or a second semester senior, take careful stock of these things and remember just how fortunate you are to be in such an amazing place.
I think that's a resolution that we can allmake and stick to in 2007 . 0
The real fun and fearless males
J O D I A N D E R S E N O P I N I O N S E D I T O R
This year, Cosmopolitan has tapped pop singer Nick Lachey as its "Fun Fearless Male of The Year." It's funny, because I can't think of any- thing fun or fearless about him. Isn't he the same whiny man who agreed to publicly air his newly married life on MTV? I mean, sculpted pecs are nothing to scoff at, but a
"fun fearless male" they do not make. So I have my own suggestions on who should have been on this year's list:
Hugh Laurie- As the British star of the popular FOX series House, this man is about as fearless as it gets.
Audiences are in love with his sharp tongue and sassy ways, despite his grossly unethical medical practices.
Indeed, it seems this Vicodin-popping, apathetic diagnostician can do no wrong in our eyes. And, not only can his wit make the ladies swoon, he can sing and play the piano to boot.
Steve Carell- This man is versatile like no other. On Thursday nights, he entertains and delights as tortur- ously awkward Michael Scott on NBC's The Office.
Yet, in what is quite possibly the best movie of the year, Little Miss Sunshine, Carell plays Frank, a gay Proust scholar who has just lost his job and failed at a suicide attempt.
The range of these two characters is great, and he executes with precision. Fearless? I think so.
Sacha Baron Cohen- Let's talk about fearless and fun. This man created a nationwide sensation with his sidesplitting mockumentaiy Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan. Single-handedly, he exposed and poked fun at the dark inner workings of American life: anti- Semitism, racism, and misogyny, just to name a few.
Zach Braff- Who could watch the Scrubs musical without singing along to the eloquent "Everything Comes Down to Poo"?
Braff, who plays the quirky, offbeat character of J.D.
in NBC's hit show, has made a name for himself in film as well as télévision.
He also wrote, directed and starred in the somewhat pretentious film Garden State. His overall appeal is so disarming and undeniable even my boyfriend admits to having a little "man-crush" on him.
All in all, it's clear that many men have made strides this year without penning a lame rebound song about their divorce from a woman who thinks bison have wings. Instead of picking yet another dime-a-dozen, strapping boy band sap, Cosmopolitan should have set their sights on the television and film gems of our generation. Because, let's face it, the only things fear- less and fun Lachey has to brave are mediocre album ratings and, eventually, fading off the map. O
A little gratitude goes a long way
M E L I S S A J E R Z A K G U E S T C O L U M N I S T
Gratitude is a concept that is hard to define, yet everyone seems to have some grasp on the general idea.
Psychological research.
indicates that there are many different concepts of grati- tude.
However one decides to define it, gratitude seems to be less and less apparent in everyday life. Research shows that gratitude is ben- eficial, so why does it seem to be on the decline?
Gratitude has been shown to have a positive effect on ones life. High, scores on a test of gratitude, such as the Gratitude Questionnaire form 6, correlate with other admirable qualities. For example, higher positive emotion, optimism and general satisfaction with life are all positively correlated with gratitude. Most people would say that these positive qualities are things that they strive or wish for in their lives.
The notion of gratitude appears to be declining in our society. It seems that people no longer notice the ways in which others go out of their way to be helpful or kind. Our society is becoming more and more selfish and ungrateful.
This may be due to the value gap and our increased sense of self. The value gap refers to our society's decline in sources of meaning such as religion and established morals. Because of this value gap, we place undue meaning on the self, bolstering our own impor- tance. Since we have piled meaning onto the self, we want to believe that whatever it is we are proud of in our lives is all our own.
We want people to believe that we worked hard for
what we have; and very few people will admit that it was handed to them, or that it came easily. Acting self- ish in this way feeds our inflated sense of self.
Attributing our accomplishments to the self creates more meaning for the self (even if those accomplish- ments were not entirely our own). It is very common to see someone take all the credit for a job well done, when in fact it was a group effort. This (again falsely) adds meaning to the self. Very rarely will someone decline undue praise, or even acknowledge the help received by others. Since the self wins over morals in the battle for meaning, this will probably be an ongoing occurrence.
At this point in our education, we have all been involved in group projects with the infamous slacker.
Every group seems to have one member who consis- tently doesn't show up for meetings, and fails to con- tribute to the group. However slight their involvement;
these slackers are the first to brag about their awesome grade on the project, or to complain that their grade is lower than the other group members.
Although gratitude is difficult to define, everyone has a basic idea of the concept. The act of gratitude is becoming scarce. The inflated sense of self seems to be a contributing factor for the decline.
Since it improves your overall well-being, why not try to be a little more grateful? Next time you have a group project, step up and do your share of the work.
Try to notice, and show a little gratitude toward, those who go out of their way to do something nice. Grand gestures are not necessary. Just say thanks to the per- son holding the door for you at die library, the card swiper in Powell or the Physical Plant guys who come to change your light bulb. A simple "thank you" might make their day, and you might feel a little better too.
O
January so, 2007 (Fíat Lux
BY JODI ANDERSEN
OPINIONS EDITOR
Nick Lachey's Cosmo Fun Fearless Man award
Negative size jeans
Alan Aran's Oscar
Little Miss Sunsni nomination for ine
Italian fashion industry's BMI require- ments
R o v i n g
R e p o r t e r
P H O T O S A N D T E X T B Y J E S S I C A W E B S T E R
Q: What do you want to replace DP Dough?
"I want Popeye's because I can get Cajun chicken. Hi
Mom!"
—Mookie Smith, Freshman Business Administration
Treacherous icy Alfred steps
The McKinney North High School cheerleaders
Wal-Mart closing at midnight
T-shirt weather in January
celibate to pump up __ rrtance is Rocky Bài boa perfori
Supporting local businesses
"FOOD FOR THOUGHT"
In an effort to add to the spiritual, intellectual, and cultural vitality of oUr cam- pus, Inter Varsity desiresto submit "Food For Thought"
related to the history of American higher educa- tion. Primarily, but not exclusively, we will draw from the book enti- tled: The Life and Works of Jonathan Allen written by his wife Abigail Allen.
Jonathan Allen was Alfred University's second presi- dent and a pioneer of our institution.
The following excerpt was selected in light of our recent celebration of Martin Luther King Day and the upcoming Black History Month.
In 1841(twenty years before the Civil War con- flict) at the close of the spring semester, Jonathan Allen, at age 18, was a leading student at the Alfred Academy. There was a dramatic presenta- tion which centered on the slavery question. Jonathan Allen played the part of a Quaker sympathizer who had been caught aiding slaves as they were fleeing to Canada.
As the dramatization neared its completion, Allen sharply denounced
thé brutal practice of slav- ery to those who played the part of his detractors, and then to everyone's surprise he launched into the following impassioned statements: "God will not permit such an institution to exist in America much longer. Even now I seem to hear its death knell. God's repressing hand is laid upon you. The days of slavery are already numbered, though it will die only after a hard struggle. It will die only after a baptism of our whole country in blood.
"Twenty years from now an antislavery president will be elected. You of the South will rebel and endeavor to establish a slaveholder's oligarchy.
The North will not submit to the dissolution of these states, and a fearful car- nage will follow. Slavery will be abolished, and God will preserve the nation.
May God be merciful to the people. God save the poor and oppressed."
Twenty years later in 1861 a meeting was called in Chapel Hall to consider the call of the government for volunteers for the Civil War effort. The above statements were read, and Professor Allen looked back upon that impromptu fore- cast as "inexplicable except as it was born of faith." (pg.
34) O
New Year's a great time for a new lease on
fitness
JENNIFER KELLY
COPY EDITOR
If you're one of the mil- lions of Americans who has made getting fit one of your New Year's res- olutions, there's good news: you've akeady made it to stage two in the lifestyle modifica- tion model.
The stages of this change model were originally developed by James O. Prochaska, Director of the Cancer Prevention Research Center and Professor of Clinical and Health Psychology at the University of Rhode Island, and Carlo DiClemente, Ph.D. Chair and Professor of Psychology at the University of Maryland Baltimore.
If you've made such a resolution, you're in what is called the contemplation stage. You've begun thinking about changing your habits.
Perhaps you're intending to get to the gym more often, or are considering eating healthier.
The contemplation stage is often when people begin to weigh the costs and benefits of a lifestyle change. At this point in the model, the decision has to be made by you. There is little economic risk involved for students, considering that the fit- ness center is free. All you have to do is give up a few hours out of your week.
The list of benefits is much longer than the list of costs. Perks include disease prevention, weight management, and an increase in energy-just to name a few.
Once you've decided that the benefits are worth changing your lifestyle for, you've entered the preparation phase. This is a good time to decide what obstacles may prevent you from initiating change when it becomes time to do so. Have you decided the best time and place for you to exercise? Once you do this you can begin a fit- ness routine. It doesn't matter what it is, just start doing it!
It may be easier for some people to seek the assistance of a personal trainer, who will, at the
very least, work to design a program made espe- cially for you. At this stage it's also a good idea to find someone to workout with you. Studies have shown that having social support will often increase your chance of success.
If you've managed to get yourself to the gym and stuck it out for a while, then you've graduated to the action stage. You're in the process of chang- ing your behavior. This stage can last anywhere from 3 to 6 months. This is the time that you are at your greatest risk for a relapse, so it's important to focus on the long-term benefits of increased health and to reevaluate your short-term goals. It is important to realize at this stage that even if you skip one day of your routine, you're not destined to fail.
If you've kept up your lifestyle changing efforts for six months or more, you have entered the maintenance stage. At this point you are no lon- ger changing your behaviors because they have become a part of your lifestyle. However, it is key avoid boredom at this stage because it might trig- ger a relapse.
Keep your workouts interesting by trying a new sport or by finding new people to work out with.
Keep healthy food from becoming bland with new spices or exotic produce.
This model of behavior is typical of people who are intending to make any sort of lifestyle modification, and is not only for those seeking a health and fitness related change. By looking closely at the stages of this change model you should be able to get a good idea of where you currently fall. This can help you see how ready you are to make a change in your lifestyle and help you predict some of the set backs you may face along the way.
Changing an established behavior is difficult, whether you're quitting smoking or vowing to exercise more. When you can understand where you are in relation to where you want to be, it can make achieving change all the more easier.
Good luck! O
Student Senate Update
BY TOM FLEMING
COPY EDITOR
The first official Student Senate meeting of the spring semester on January 24 began with a break for committees.
Officers then announced their new hours for the semester. The next How To program was announced as How To Survive, which will take place on Feb. 2 in Powell Campus Center.
In new business, the Senate was informed of the Residence Life Task Force, which is examining student satisfaction with residence life on campus. It was explained that the Residence Life Task Force was created in part because of new measures that require students to live on campus for a longer period of time.
The Senate Executive Board then performed a skit on motioning etiquette.
Not only did the skit feature some of the best examples of oratory since Gregory Peck in To Kill a Mockingbird, it also provided a clear message as to how to properly and politely make motions during open forum.
The skit's powerful message inspired one senator to motion to move to announcements, thereby skipping open forum, and adjourn for the evening.
The motion was seconded and agreed upon by most of the Senate.
Friday Night Live announced that there will be a show on Feb. 16. There will be responsible a walk-out on Feb.14 sponsored by Spectrum. Anyone interested in having a position on the Student Executive Board can receive a petition. The film Babel will be shown in place of The Departed. O
"I would like DP Dough to return!"
—Ann Marie Hines, Senior Clinical and Child Psychology
"It should be an indoor ice skating rink / huge ball pit / Chuck E. Cheese's for college students"
-Alexa Roos, Senior Psychology
"A bagel shop"
—Graham Erisman, Junior Art and Design
"Alfred Hots. I love garbage plates!"
-Anthony Mallacoccio, Sophomore Mechanical
Engineer
'Page 4 Tiat Lux January 30, 2007
M i
STUDY ABROAD FAIR:
TUESDAY, JAN. 30 FROM 11 AM. ml PM. IN THE KNIGHT CLUB STUDY ABROAD—FEEL THE MAGIC! STOP IN AND ÈHECK OUT HUNDREDS OF DESTINATIONS AND PROGRAMS. EXPLORE A NEW CUL- TURE, EARN COLLEGE CREDITS AND MAKE NEW FRIENDS!
;GÄEAI FORUM: CIRCUMSTANTIAL
PACTORY TAKEOVERS IN ARGENTINA
itu/ ¡|H|
WÊÎ^É^.FM-I'AT 12:10 PM. IN NEVINS THEATER
^^^^CWEPRQFESSOR OF POLITICAL SCIENCE JEFF SLYTER- S HE DISCUSSES THE EXPERIENCES OF ARGENTINE
VG CONTROL OF THEIR WORKPLACES. THE BERGREN
¿SPONSORED BY THE DIVISION OF HUMAN STUDIES. THE
\
EVENT IS OPEN TO THE PUBUC. BRING A BAG LUNCH.
Housing Coninued...
makes sense to have mixed-sex housing, according to the suite mates. In fact, they often find it easier because all of their closest friends live right next door.
This sentiment rings true with associate director of The National Student Genderblind Campaign, Jeffrey Chang.
"Most people who live with someone of a different sex tend to be friends and friends should not be barred from living together, simply because of their biological sex."
The NSGC is a grass-roots organization that works towards gender-neutral housing/bathrooms on college campuses.
While changes to the housing policy may seem unrivaled, they are far from unique. Colleges across the country have implemented new co-ed housing policies, many even more liberal than AU.
There seems to be a rising trend among American colleges and universi- ties towards a more gender-neutral housing policy.
Gender-neutral housing, also called all-gender, mixed-gender or 'gen- derblind' housing refers to policy that allows a student to disregard gender when choosing who to room with.
"More specifically, gender-neutral housing typically means that different gender roommates can share the same room," said Chang.
Approximately 20 colleges around the country have moved to a gender- neutral housing. The College of William & Maiy, Harvard University, The University of Chicago, and SUNY Purchase currently have gender-neutral proposals on the negotiation table.
While the idea may seem extreme, Chang adds that students of mixed-gen- der are not randomly assigned, or forced into living together. The policy simply chooses to ignore student's gender and allow those who choose, to live in a double together.
Many colleges and universities that have taken on gender-neutral hous- ing policy have done so in response to the needs of their GLBT commu- nity.
"Gender-neutral housing gives more options to students, especially those who are gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender or intersex, or anyone else who feels they are more comfortable, safe or compatible with someone of a
different sex," according to Chang.
Though AU has a progressive liberal background and is making steps in the realm of co-ed housing, 'genderblind' residence halls or bathrooms do not seem to be in the cards.
"If it [co-ed housing] does continue beyond next year, co-ed living by room is not an option we're considering," said Porter. "Qur traditional, corridor-style residence halls aren't equipped to best handle co-ed bath- rooms to allow the same amount of privacy that students demand."
While gender-neutraMiousing may not be on the horizon, the question remains whether or not it is something the community needs.
Though schools like NYU provide students with maps pointing out single- occupancy bathrooms, and Hampshire College which has gender-neutral rooms and bathrooms in all residence halls, it may not be something that the AU community requires at this time.
Claire Gonyo, Area Coordinator says that individuals who feel they require special housing needs would be dealt with on a case-by-case basis.
Different communities have different needs, and so far, AU has not pro- fessed the need for a gender-neutral living environment.
"I believe we would be able to accommodate transgender students appro- priately," said Porter. "The challenge is knowing who they are so that we can!"
For now, students living on-campus will have to be content with the new co-ed housing options available to them..
While the new co-ed housing system seems to be a success, it is still in its trial run and its future is unsure.
"We've only just begun the second semester of co-ed living in the suites and apartments. It is too early to tell right now," said Porter. "I'd like to extend the pilot one more year and see what happens. If students don't choose it, then we'll know it isn't something they value in a residential living experience."
The future of housing truly lies in the hands of the student.O
Turner Continued...
SUPER BOWL PARTY:
SUNDAY, FEB. 4 AT 5 PM. IN NEVINS THEATER
ENJOY THE INDIANAPOUS COLTS AS THEY TAKE ON THE CHICAGO BEARS IN STYLE ON THE BIG SCREEN IN NEVINS. BRING SOME FRIENDS AND KICK BACK FOR THE MOST-WATCHED TELEVISION EVENT. ENJOY SNACKS, CONTESTS AND PRIZES! DON'T FORGET TO WATCH THE COMMERCIALS.. .THEY'RE THE BEST PART!
PLAY: "WHEN I WAS PUERTO RIGAN'W FRIDAY, FEB. 9 AT 8 PM. IN HOLMES AUDITORIUM
JOIN PODER LATINO, SHADES AND PERFORMING ARTS IN WELCOM- ING ACTRESS TERE MARTÌNEZ AS SHE ACTS OUT THÈ FAMOUS BOOK
"WHEN I WAS PUERTO RICANS'THISRICH MEMOIR RECOUNTS AUTHOR ESMERALDA SANTIAGO'SCHULDHOOD IN RURAL PUERTO RICO AND ADOLESCENT YEARS IN NYCMHE^ PUBLIC IS &BT£0ME AND THE COST IS TO BE DETERMINED. * ! ] |
GAY? FINE BY ME SUNDAY, FEB. 11 ALL DAY
SUPPORT THE GLBTQ COMMUNITY BY WEARING YOUR "GAY? FINE BY ME" T-SHHTTS AROUND CAMPUS. SPORT IT AT THE GYM, WEAR IT WHILE STUDYING IN THE UBRARY, OR EVEN LOUNGING AROUND YOUR DORM ROOM TRYING TO KEEP WARM IN THE BUSTERY COLD
ALFRED WEATHER!
5TORIES: STUDY ABROAD
MONDAY, FEB. 12 AT 12:15 PM. IN NEVINS THEATER
ALAN A AFFAIRS PRESENTS FIVE STUDENTS AS THEY SHARE THEIR STUDY ABROAD EXPERIENCES. KEEP YOUR CALENDARS OPEN MARCH 12 AND APRIL 9 FOR TWO MORE INSTALLATIONS OF THE PROGRAM.
TOPICS WILL BE "ADDICTION" AND "CANCER AFFECTS US ALL,"
RESPECTIVELY. BRING A LUNCH.
magazines to national publications, from trade newsletters to law journals.
In search of networking opportunities and support, he joined a group of California-based cartoonists. These peers gave him a crash course in the newspaper comic industry. It was also through the organization's meetings and get-togethers that he met the man whose guidance and artwork would come to influence his entire career: Charles Schultz.
"I was always a fan of Peanuts," Turner said.-
Inspired by Schultz's youthful creations and their adventures, Turner set out to create what he called "a black Peanuts." Titled Dinky Fellows, Turner's strip ran in the Chicago Daily Defender, then one of only two black daily newspapers in the country.
As Turner crafted comics for the Defender, he simultaneously bemoaned the overwhelming number of white characters on most newspapers' funny pages and encouraged his fellow cartoonists to integrate their strips.
"And here I was doing my own black comic strip," Turner said with a laugh. He stopped complaining and started integrating his own strip. Wee Pals was the result.
When United Features picked up the strip, with its original cast of black, Hispanic and white characters, Turner said he questioned whether it would be successful.
"I didn't think the nation was ready for it,'he said.
At first, at least, it wasn't. In the beginning, Wee Pals ran in all of six newspapers across the United States.
On Apr. 4, 1968, however, everything changed. With Martin Luther King, Jr.'s assassination came a surge in the popularity of Wee Pals.
Within 30 days of the assassination, 30 newspapers were carry- ing the comic strip.
Within 60 days, Turner's characters were on the funny pages of 60 newspapers across the nation.
"I wasn't jumping up and down over my new income," Turner said. He was painfally aware that his success came at a great national cost.
Ultimately, Turner said, it was a quote from King himself that allowed him to accept his popularity.
After John F. Kennedy's 1963 assassination, Turner remem- bered, King remarked, "This nation grieves, but for three days."
Latching onto the number three, Turner figured that his success would fade after three weeks, but his popularity only grew. He thought the same of the three-month and three-year marks.
"Forty-three years have passed, and I'm still here," Turner said.
Today, Turner continues to draw his comic strip each day at his California home. His cast of characters has expanded over the years, as has its popularity at home and abroad.
What's more, Turner has contributed the Wee Pals' likenesses to countless charitable causes, generating comics for use by organiza- tions that promote literacy, healthy living and social engagement.
Turner himself remains socially engaged as well, giving his time and energy to a plethora of causes in his home state. He has made fewer appearances in recent years, citing his inability to drive at night.
Nonetheless, he said, "I volunteer anywhere I can."
Turner said he relishes the opportunity-to visit schools.
"I enjoy... being around children. I enjoy listening to them," he said.
These days, Turner's favorite classroom visits are those where he is accompanied by a string trio or quartet that performs music from the Wee Pals symphony.
As the musicians play, Turner said, he challenges students to draw what the music makes them think of. At the same time, he sketches on his own drawing board out of sight of the students.
"Often, we're surprised to find that we have drawn the same things," he said.
Turner said that this "creativity on the spot" allows him to live out one of his favorite films: Fantasia.
"I get a chance to be a local Disney," he said.
Turner also gives talks and master classes at colleges and uni- versities around California, in addition to teaching some real live wee pals in cartooning classes at Boys' and Girls' Clubs, the East Oakland Youth Development Center and other community centers and after-school programs.
Turner said he reminds aspiring comic artists that they are also authors, penning "the shortest of short stories." Thus, he said, he encourages them to practice writing every day.
Turner, whose comics continue to provide perceptive and rel- evant social commentary, said that he keeps his edge by following current events religiously.
"I read two newspapers every day and two news magazines - Time and Newsweek - every week," he said. ,
As with all things, however, Turner said that persistence and practice are essential to success in the comic business.
"Keep your pen wet, keep busy, keep drawing, keep working,"
he said. "Try to make each drawing a little better." O
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B Y S A R A H H A R R I S O N STAFF WRITER
OK... so I did something crazy the other day. Something wild. Something completely "out there." And as I type this now, I am reliving every moment of it. It's been all the rage this fall, and magazines are praising it as the latest "in" thing.
Yesterday, I finally embraced the black nail polish trend.
That's right. I went to the Hornell Wal-Mart, also known as Alfred University's sister campus, where the amount AU hoodies outnumber Wal- Mart nametags 10 to 1. And it was at 'Wally World', after saying hello to half of my English class, that I purchased black nail polish.
I then proceeded to paint my fingernails with this black lacquer. ' I am now staring down at my "Midnight Madness" finger nails as I type this article.
Now, those of you who know me understand what a huge deal this is for me. It's hard to believe the queen of the preppy look has painted her nails such a rebellious shade.
A former "we wear pink on Wednesdays" follower is now sporting the
"goth-look" on her hands. An admitted girly-girl has shamelessly adopted a punk-rock accessory.
This trip into the world of black nail polish has led me to thinking about trends in general. When should we follow them? How long do they last?
How do you know when you should bypass them all together? How do you keep a trend that you like modern and hip, even when it's considered
"out"?
So, before we go any further with this journey into trends, I must confess something.
Two things, actually.
One: I've never really believed in the concept of trends. I just don't buy the idea that styles can appear out of nowhere as the latest must-have and have a shelf life that once they've expired causes them to turn sour.
Confession number two?: I really like the black nail polish.
Trends are always a part of the fashion world, but how do you know if sporting the latest look is a going to be a hit or a miss?
Well, that depends on the trend itself. When choosing whether to be a trend-follower or no, consider the actual trend you want to flaunt. Here's a hint: if it's a tutu, a pair of rain boots and a blazer, it's a miss.
But trends can be fun to try every once in a while. For instance, right now Glamour is boasting wearing black and white together, calling the look
"black, white and chic all over."
Trends like this are usually a safe bet since they are so broad and leave the details of the trend up to the wearer.
You can adopt this look by wearing black pants and a white sweater or by wearing a black and white top with jeans or even by wearing white eye shadow with black eyeliner.
Basically, trends like the black and white style are good to follow because they don't restrict you lik^others do. For example, trends like Cosmopolitan's latest find, tops with-volume on them, are harder to decide on because they restrict you. If you are going to try this look then you can wear volume tops and only volume tops.
Getting trend crazy, or addicted to trends, however, is a problem. When trends are running your life to the point where you are living for the next one and will only wear something if it's on the "hot list," then you have gone overboard. You should not just go from trend to trend.
Those girls in the mall wearing Ugg boots, pleated skirts, polos, black nail polish, the latest Louis Vuitton purses and huge sunglasses look ridicu- lous. The only style trend they have successfully captured is the "overdone look."
Speaking of Ugg boots, last winter they were the ultimate must-have.
They made practically every trendy list and most critics were shouting their praises. But this year, they are on the out.
The latest critiques of the Ugg boots are comparing them to a couple of dead squirrels attached to your feet. On a recent episode of Fashion Police, host Robert Verdi, during a "fashion oops" segment, commented on
a woman wearing Ugg boots. He said, "You could wear those boots with a rain dance and a teepee."
It just goes to show that trends are fleeting. One minute something is in, but die next minute it is out.
Yet for guys, trends definitely last longer. Poocha bead necklaces were really popular a few years back and are just now on their way out.
Also, when one guy embraces a so-called trend, all others follow suit.
Recently, plaid shorts became a popular "guy trend". Now they are every- where.
The same goes for polos with the collars popped.
And of course, the most widely adopted male trend today has to be wearing the color pink. Like what often happens with trends for girls, this trend has taken an obnoxious turn. Here's proof: There is a shirt currently in stores that says, "Only real men wear pink." The shirt is, of course, pink.
And the writing on it, guess what color that is? Yes, it's pink. OK, we get it already! Men are now wearing pink. Point taken.
So how do you know how much longer your tights and skirt outfit will still be in style before you're worthy of the worst-dressed list?
That brings us to my main criticism of the concept of trends. How can you really know when something previously in style is now outdated? And who decides that something is in or out? Unless there are really style gods out there commanding our every look, I have a hard time believing that looks have the kind of shelf lives that popular fashion magazines often give them.
Generally though, I think as long as you keep your look season conscious, then you are in the clear. Wearing a jean mini with your favorite camo tank top and beaded flip-flops probably isn't going to work in the midst of the winter months. So, as long as what you are wearing fits the season, isn't that trendy enough?
Other than that we should each be our own judge as to how long we want to uphold a certain look. If you feel like you have worn out the polo look, toss it and adopt a new, more appealing trend.
Another aspect of trends is what they do to the actual trend itself. Before being a trend, a must have for every fashionista, these looks existed solely for dedicated followers. I wonder: does making signature looks trends take away from the nature of certain styles by mainstreaming them? As I write this I must consider the fact that this once content prep now loves her black fingernail polish, something that was once considered only a necessary signature of the gothic world. Does that mean that black nail polish is no longer gothic? Now what are gothic girls that wear black nail polish? Have they become just another part of the conforming mainstream they tired to rebel against?
Tattoos are in the same situation, and are no longer only for the rebellious biker crowd. The same people who once got tattoos are not the people you see walking into parlors today. I was the valedictorian of my high school class, from a small town, captain of our quiz team, carried a matching purse at all times and always matched my belt with my shoes. But ever since my 18th birthday I have been wearing a tattoo on my right hip.
However, maybe making things like black nail polish and tattoos popu- lar also can have a positive effect on the fashion world. It has definitely opened my eyes to new looks. I am no longer content with just wearing the so-called "preppy trends" and like trying new fashion styles.
All right, so maybe trends aren't such a bad thing. They open our minds to trying new ideas, new styles. That is, just as long as we're not trend- obsessed, jumping from one trend to another, wearing only the latest "in"
things.
I think the key is to add your own personal style to the trend so you're not just conforming to the mainstream. My black fingernails are now teamed with a pink polo ... collar un-popped (one life altering trend at a time for this girl). So please embrace a trend and try something new that takes you out of your element. Just don't get absorbed into trend-mania.
By the way: one thing that is always trendy here at AU is the art student look. So, throw on your best paint-splattered jeans and hippie top, and you'll be in style for sure. O
Tasty Taco Dip for Super Bowl Sunday
B Y A S H L E Y P A D D O C K MANAGING EDITOR
softened cream cheese, sour cream and taco seasoning mix together.
Beat until smooth.
Next, spread the cream cheese/sour cream mixture over the bottom of a 13x9 inch pan. Sprinkle the chopped tomatoes, peppers and onions over the mixture. Then, pour salsa over the top, spreading evenly with a spoon. A spatula works best
Finally, sprinkle shredded cheese over the top and place in the refrig- erator for 4 hours to set.
You can also make some tasty additions to your dip that will turn it into a totally respectable Super Bowl dinner, including:
• 1 can of refried beans
• shredded lettuce
• Olives
• 1 lb. ground beef
• cubed chicken
Serve with tortilla chips and enjoy! O
< 1 It's that timei of year again. The Super Bowl is here! Okay, so maybe I
don't know much about football, but the commercials are fun to watch and I have a pretty tasty recipe that's sure to satisfy your munchie needs at kickoff. It's easy, cheesy and oh-so-good!
This recipe calls for:
• 1 8-oz. package of cream cheese, softened
• 1 16oz. container sour cream
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese 1 package dry taco seasoning 1 jar of salsa
1 tomato, chopped Vt an onion, diced ' 1 green pepper, chopped
Tortilla chips
Let cream cheese soften while chop-
~~g tomato, green pepper and onion. Set aside. In a bowl, mix
Tage 6
Tíat Lux January 30, 2007
The CDC has the tools for job search success
BY KYLE A. TOROK
INTERNSHIP ANO C O - O P COORDINATOR ALFRED UNIVERSITY C D C
You can kick back this semester, enjoy that balmy February sun and eat some Cheetos, since you've already mastered résumé construction and revision, cover letter drafts, internship and job research, mock interviews and salary negotiation - right? Oh, wait, you haven't?
Oh, snap,
Whatever you're seeking - internship, co-op or a ftill-time job -now's the time to start. The McComsey Career Development Center has a host of career events this spring to help you along; however, first you must train, grasshopper. Hone your job search skills to ninja-like sharpness:
• Résumé - There are good ways and poor ways to build a resume, but there are a few things you can actually do wrong: Use fireball fiichsia-colored paper; print in microscopic or Paul Bunyan-sized font; or use a Microsoft Word template. Templates greatly hinder your ability to manipulate and format the content of the document that will represent you and get the interview. Hiring managers can also spot them from a mile away. Start from scratch and arrange things in your own way.
• Cover Letter - Don't rehash your résumé. Radiar than telling them your qualities, show t£em with a good example. " l a m a hard worker and have learned responsibility by working" gets a thumbs-down.
An example showcasing those qualities gets a thumbs-up. Employers are pretty sharp: they'll extrapolate those qualities from your example.
• Search/Research - You've scoured the Internet and you've found three companies directing applicants to submit résumés via their websites.
You're just a number before you're interviewed and by then you've missed 80 percent of job opportuni- ties.
Useful as the Internet can be for searches, there are other - dare I say, better? - methods, such as, oh, say, talking to people. Networking with industry-related contacts can help you tap into the hidden job market and unearth some precious gems.
• Interviews - You should have an agenda ft» every interview you attend: what to promote; how to promote it and examples to showcase and highlight your soon-to-be MVP skills.
Brainstorm some content for your answers, then practice giving them. Your answers should not sound rehearsed, but you don't want to gape and stutter when asked to provide three reasons the employer should hire you either.
Of course, the CDC will assist you in these areas and more. We take students by appointment, but also feature walk-in hours 14:30 pan. Tuesday - Thursday.
And now, those events for which you've been pining:
• Internship and Summer Job Fair, noon-2 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 22, in the Powell Campus Center Knight Club: More than 30 employers will descend upon this campus searching for interns and summer employees in most academic majors. Some will tap candidates for interviews after the fair or on the following day. On top of that, we'll be taking résumé collections for a number of companies unable to attend. This is a great opportunity to talk to someone about internships, rather than just scroll through lists on Monster.com.
• Engineering Career Fair, noon-3 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 22, location TBA: lust what it sounds l i k e - a career fair for engineers.
We have 32 employers this year, a new record. They're after intern, co-op and full-time candidates in all six engineering disciplines. For your convenience, we're presenting at the Undergraduate Setpinar Thursday, Feb. 15, to help you work a career fair.
• Mock Interview Week, Monday, March 26-Friday, March 30: Hone your skills during a 45-minute appointment with guest interviewers. Over 100 spots are available by appointment only via Saxon JobLink (alfred.edu/cdc).
They'll tell you what's good, what could be better and generally get you ready for the Big Show.
Practice makes perfect, so get cracking on your skills before it's too late.
You don't have to go it alone: call your friends when your '98 Taurus station wagon gets mired in the snow, but when you get stuck on your career path, call us. O
"Are you being served?": AU students' winter work adventures
B Y K U R T P I T Z E R COPY EDITOR
The eggnog was flowing, the snow (oddly enough) wasn't blowing and gifts were exchanged. The perfect way to celebrate the holiday break - one would think, at least, until they rolled over in bed and slapped the alarm telling them to wake up for work.
The idea of working near the holidays is not entirely unheard of, as most people tend to do it. Cramming in as many hours of work and overtime as they can, all while trying to get the shopping done for whichever holiday they might celebrate. And if a family member's birthday happened to fall within that time - why not, what's another day without sleep gonna cost them?
For many college students, the break is a golden dream that only comes true after surviving the proving ground their final exams provide for them. Breathing a collective sigh of relief, they pack up, head home and promptly pass out on something they would easily say made the top three most comfortable things they have ever slept on.
Now is the time for sleeping late, visiting friends and family and seeing the sights of a town they haven't frequented in several months. At least, until the call from the boss asking if you can pick up a few holiday hours. It never fails, how they can spread the guilt on thick enough to draw out a begrudging yes from many a college student.
The jobs vary from person to person, but on the whole tend to be composed of the same mindless tedium of hours spent watching the clock to see when it's time to leave, spiced up only by attempting to
"^pander to tfieevery whim of the people struggling to get their last minute shopping out of the way. It's a brutal time for anyone, as one wrong move can change a simply tired looking customer into a whirlwind tempest raining a hailstorm of verbal abuse and threats of job termination down upon a poor store clerk's head.
For some, despite the long hours and harrowing customers, there were a few fond memories to be taken out of the experience.
"I worked at the Giant Grocery store at the deli with an older woman named Spanky," said junior marketing major Lee Breck. "She baked me some upside-down pineapple cake because she loved me."
Other students even managed to find employment or employers that were incredibly beneficent. Junior fine arts major Alyssa Blittersdorf was able to work for her parents.
"It was nice because I could make extra money, but I could also take time off when I wanted," she said.
These lucky individuals had the benefit of enjoying their holiday, and most likely, not having to work Christmas Eve or New Year's Eve.
There are other college students who are luckier still. Most would think that they had somehow found their dream job over the break, and started what is to be a promising future career, but this is not so. In fact, what they accomplished could be said to be even better. They remained unemployed.
That's right, they didn't lift a finger.
"It was so nice not to have to work," said junior English major Jen Helmer.
Indeed, the break from the stress of college life must have been enjoyable. It may be harder to convince the angry mob of jealous classmates who had to work the holidays not to trample these college students
under foot. ' |M|
In any case, a job is a job. Whatever pays the rent, as the saying goes. Many a college student, especially those who live off campus, can't complain about the couple extra bills they have in their pockets thanks to their efforts over the holiday break. O
Spectacular soring trios
Cast Your Vote for the Senior Trip.
Please circle one of the options below and turn the slip in at the designated box at the Info Desk in
Powell Campus Center.
Winery Tour of the Finger Lakes
Rochester Red Wings Baseball Game
BBQ at Letchworth State Park
B Y A S H L E Y P A D D O C K MANAGING EDITOR
While Alfred might not have much to offer, the Student Activities Office certainly tries to make life at Alfred University interesting for its students.
Director of Student Activities Dan Napolitano spearheaded five off-campus trips this spring semes- ter. His efforts to incorporate a plethora of trips to peak the interests for all students do not go unrec- ognized. He promised that all events will be fun in their own unique way.
Eastview Mall - Jan. 22
Located in Victor, NY, this mall is one of Rochester's finest gems. With an abundance of popular stores like American Eagle, Express and The Gap, this shopping trip is worthy of being envied. If you missed the trip, gather up a couple friends and make a daytrip of it.
Cleveland Cavaliers v. Miami Heat - Feb. 9 This game promises to be a bouncin' good time.
But don't get your hopes up, it's already sold out.
Walden Gallería - March 24
Two floors equals double the fun on this Buffalo shopping expedition. For merely $5, this is a trip you
cannot afford to miss. Check out the new Cheesecake Factory in the food court or just ride the escalators up and down all day. Either way, the Galleria has got something for everyone. Sign up today with Secretary of Student Activities Nancy Banker to reserve your spot.
Spamalot-April 28
This Tony Award winning musical parodying Monty Python and the Holy Grail is on its first traveling tour since opening in New York City in 2005. Don't miss the opportunity to catch the Monty Python team's hilarious antics in person and on stage.
The cost for the show is $40 and includes transporta- tion and tickets to the show. Reserve your seat at the Student Activities Office.
Senior Trip - Senior Week (May)
Sponsored by the Student Activities Board, not to be confused with the Student Activities Office, seniors have the option to choose their final destina- tion. Trips will range in cost from $5 to $10. The pos- sibilities include: a winery tour in the Finger Lakes Region, attending a Rochester Red Wings baseball game or a barbeque at Letchworth State Park.
To make your voice heard on this issue, fill out the form below and turn it in to the designated box at the Information Desk in Powell Campus Center. O
f S M É S S I
