sugar babies or skanks p. 40 • Complete idiots p. 50 • collegiate entrepreneurs p. 28
Unrestrained \ college \ lifestyle \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ FALL • VOL. 4 NO. 1
REVOLUTION our generation's
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contents Reviews
4 Artists Worth Listening to on Repeat 16 2 Dope Documentaries 16 2 Books That Aren't Boring 17 1 TV Show About to Kill It 17
Beers, Boards, Vaporizers, and Energy Drinks 19 8 More Random Products 21 Upcoming Releases 21
interviews Loggy (West Coast Rapper) 22 Dom Sagolla (Twitter Co-Founder) 22 Hypercrush (Musical Trio) 25 Andy Grammer (Musician) 25 Ricky Reed (Member of Wallpaper) 25 GirlTalk (King of Mash-Up) 27 LMFAO (WTF They Need No Intro) 27
FEATURE STORY America and Academia on the Brink of Revolution 32
INTERVIEW WITH GIRLTALK P.27
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contents NEWS
Sugar Babies
UCF Student Arrested for Hacking Emory Exposes 800 to TB CalTech Makes a Brain USF Says Drink More Coffee Birmingham Helping Germaphobes Harvard Students Force Disclosure UF vs. Animal Rights Activists Tufts Seeks Study Abroad in Cuba
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The Slash Rant of the Issue Elderly Wreaking Havoc One Religion One Drug Issue of the Issue Striking Statistics Epic Jokes Adult Beverages Drinking Games The Art of Dorm Room Sex Random Idiots Pats on the Back Shitty Businesses
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INTERVIEW WITH LOGGY P.22
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from us
\\ the First National issue \\
"It started in Miami...as all people do when they vacation, we came home to Cali, and we went 'wait a second, how can we not have to go back to our normal lives? How
Most magazines leave this spot for some asshole to brag about his work and tell you what to read. But that’s not our style, and I’d rather let back\slash speak for itself. All I have to say, is that this issue of back\slash is dedicated to Steve Jobs, who’s advice and inspiration throughout the brutal three year national roll-out of this magazine has helped us stay confident even when results were few and far between. He has reminded our generation to – above and beyond anything else – “Do what you love!” For him, that meant founding two of the largest and most creative Companies in the World: Pixar and Apple. Unfortunately, on August 24, 2011, Steve Jobs resigned from his position as Apple CEO to focus on his fight against pancreatic cancer. My team and I are all pulling for him to recover, but that’s not why this issue is dedicated to him. This issue is dedicated to Steve Jobs because we believe that the words he spoke in a 1997 ad campaign titled Think Different, will go on to define our generation: Here’s to the crazy ones. The misfits. The rebels. The troublemakers. The round pegs in the square holes. The ones who see things differently. They’re not fond of rules. And they have no respect for the status quo. You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify or vilify them. About the only thing you can’t do is ignore them. Because they change things. They push the human race forward. And while some may see them as the crazy ones, we see genius. Because the people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world, are the ones who do.
can we live like we're vacationing all the time?'
Here’s,
We experienced so much party, that we wanted to share that experience Michael McCormack, content director with the world. Envisioning the LMFAO and Party Rock brands, we believed things could be different; so that's what we did." - LMFAO's Redfoo
in an interview with back\slash, page 22
10 \\ fall 2011 \\ volume 4 issue 1
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poli–sci
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ART CONTEST
Win a skimboard with your art on the bottom Win a skimboard
ART CONTEST
Design Credits: back\slash Magazine Photo Credits: WZ Team Rider - Brian Pert, Photo by Rob Morris
Enter at www.wavezoneskim.com or www.facebook.com/wavezoneskim by October 23, 2011
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Deadline to submit art is midnight on October 23rd, 2011. Entries can be made via www.wavezoneskim.com or www.facebook.com/wavezoneskim. All submissions will be uploaded simultaneously. Final 4 will be chosen by facebook original votes and announced on November 6th, 2011. From that the First Place winner will be chosen by a panel of 5 sources (1 vote each – Jeff Shinham/WZ Owner, Backslash, Webtivity Designs, Austin Piazza/WZ Team Manager, and a local art teacher) and will be announced on November 14th. Winner will be presented a Hydro Tech Skimboard with their winning art, press release, and the addition of the image to WZ 2012 Stock Art. Please review the complete contest guidelines at www.wavezoneskim.com. volume 4 issue 1 \\ fall 2011 \\ 11
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from you they can't adjust to this new sphere of diversity. Colleges with demographics like this will expose people to new cultures and hopefully diminish all this intolerance.
In response to an article published in the Summer 2011 issue titled “Issue Today: Smoking Bans on Campus,” by Cassandra Gonzalez of Emory, Jessica P. from USF commented: I had no idea that there were more than 450 smoke-free campuses in the US. I didn’t even think that there were that many colleges in the US. But now that I know...I think it’s ridiculous. WTF I don’t even smoke cigarettes anymore and I feel bad for the people at schools that have banned it. I dunno, this seems a little bit much for me, what’s next, dress codes?
we encourage you to voice your own opinion In response to an article published on backslashonline.com titled “Public Transition”, by Terrika Mitchell of FAMU, Launa C. commented: That is pretty cool. Miami's public transportation sucks. It would be nice if the universities down here would implement a system like FAMU's where the students could ride unlimited with their college ID instead of paying $50 each month for a bus pass. In response to an article published on backslashonline.com titled “The Census Shift in Your Classroom,” by Courtney Ward of Emory, Robert commented: Good analysis. People need to be ready for the way America is changing. Almost all of the GOP’s offhand rhetoric is because 12 \\ fall 2011 \\ volume 4 issue 1
In response to an article published on backslashonline.com titled “Conquering Insomnia,” by Amanda Jones, Michael K. commented: I find some white noise helps. Some machine with a low drone like an air conditioner, fan, or humidifier. Also, a mildly interesting talk show. I use computer technology podcasts. Nothing like boring nerds over explaining the latest chipset to send you into a coma! In response to an article published on backslashonline.com titled “The Rise of Andy Grammer," by Tyler Bradley, Cherie A. commented: I love everything about this article. I've been an Andy Grammer fan ever since I listened to his first album bought straight from the streets of LA (the one that he burned at Kinkos!) He's by far my favorite artist and I'm so proud to be one of his first fans. I love Andy Grammer! Dear back\slash, You say that you can intern remotely. How does that work? Lucas F., Tulane
Lucas, We have interns across the US who are able to submit assignments and communicate with their editors electronically. They participate in weekly conference calls to brainstorm story ideas, critique one another’s articles, and receive new assignments. If you are interested, email your resume to hr@backslashonline.com. back\slash Dear back\slash, Is everyone on your team a pothead? Ann R., FSU Ann, We wish... but no. You don’t have to smoke it to support it. back\slash Dear back\slash, I loved Cocaine Cowboys and I was really excited when I saw Square Grouper in “The Long Awaited...” last issue. I streamed it on Netflix and it was fucking sick. Thanks for the tip. Danny T., FIU Danny, Agreed. But, to quote Weezy, we thought it was fucking “ILL, NOT SICK.” Check out our extended review of Square Grouper on pg 17. back\slash Dear back\slash, I’ve been reading you guys since the Nicki Minaj issue. I always love back\slash but sometimes I just don’t get The Slash. How come it’s so random every issue? Kristi M., UMiami Kristi, This is like asking an artist to explain what their painting means. back\slash
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Rodney Jackson
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Creative Director & Co-founder
Production Manager
Managing Editor
Editorial Department Stacy marquis, Usf TYLER BRADLEY, FSU Nelson Hernandez, FIU Ivan Flores, FIU Lauren camar UM, Katie binns um lara marsman cuny, Tyler Merbler UM, Theresa Woods USF, Cassandra Gonzalez Emory, BRENDAN MACKESY UM, Monique Rodriguez FIU, peter fong um, Courtney Ward Emory, Alex Malbin New York law school 2011 Summer Writing Interns Anthony Huston famu, De'Launa Carriere famu, giovanni gonzalez fiu, Jessica Ekdahl fsu, Kiara Wright famu, Kimberly Middleton usf, Monica page um, Victoria McKnight famu, Niko Mackey usf, Amanda Jones usf Known Aliases (pen names) Lauren netzke, MARCY SUIT, RAUL kents, Marlean Clark, erik schaff, mike mitchell, sarah thompson Publishing Office Grand Bay Plaza Executive Suites 2665 S. Bayshore Dr. Suite 220 Coconut Grove, FL 33133 Section Editor: "News" Section Editor: "Reviews" Section Editor: "The Slash" Editor at Large Copy Editors Staff Writers
Art Department Illustrator RJACKSON Lead Designer The Magnetist Photographers Matt Bontrager UM, IVAN FLOREZ FIU, Laura San
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back\slash Magazine is published by Backslash, Inc., a Florida Corporation. The national version of back\slash is currently circulated on and off campus to students free of charge in forty cities across the US. The national version of back\slash is enhanced by a localized mini-mag in Miami, Orlando, Tampa, Tallahassee, and Atlanta. Unless otherwise noted, all materials Š 2011 Backslash, Inc. All rights reserved. Any reproduction in part or in full is strictly prohibited. The views and opinions expressed within are those of our contributors and are in no way endorsed by Backslash, Inc. nor its staff.
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1 - ink - last Scroll
a tribe called quest Documentary | In 2008, director and diehard fan Michael Rapaport joined A Tribe Called Quest on tour after they reunited for a stint of sold-out shows around the country. Beats Rhymes & Life: The Travels Of A Tribe Called Quest is more than just a documentary about the music and the drama that comes with working as a solid unit for nearly two decades. It exposes each individual from enigmatic MC Phife Dawg’s struggle with diabetes and his fiery friendship with fellow lyricist Q-Tip to the soft spoken Ali Shaheed Muhammad and ex-member Jarobi. The storyline follows along the releases of their classic albums, Low End Theory and Midnight Marauders incorporating interviews with hip-hop legends The Roots, Common, Mary J. Blige, DJ Red Alert, De La Soul, Busta Rhymes and many others. After all of the ego-driven disputes and petty bullshit, the dust settles, but viewers are left unsure of what the future holds for A Tribe Called Quest. 16 \\ fall 2011 \\ volume 4 issue 1
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3 - birdy- "shelter"
Double album Drum and bass | Drum & Bass veteran Ink released his latest double-disc album of original tracks on July 4. As label Renegade Hardware’s first solo-artist LP release, Last Scroll spans DnB’s vast terrain with tracks filled with the amen-heavy sound one would expect from Renegade Hardware alongside lovely, liquid vocal tunes that longtime fans would never expect. And Ink uses these to his advantage. With his versatile view of music as a whole, the DnB DJ felt now was the best time for something new – one disc is comprised of softer, melodic tunes for a laidback night at home while the other disc’s big basslines sound is made for the dancefloor. With guest appearances from fellow DnB hardhitters Loxy, Gremlinz and BTK among others, Ink was able to keep his album unique with seemingly limitless sound but cohesive as all of the tracks share that infamous sound that can only be drum and bass.
Single ALTERNATIVE | At just fifteen, Jasmine Van den Bogaerde, known better by her stage name Birdy, has already won an Open Mic music competition, had a hit on the UK music charts, and been featured on Perez Hilton's blog. The young English singer/songwriter caught attention with her cover of Bon Iver’s “Skinny Love,” garnering over three million views on YouTube, however, it’s her cover of “Shelter” by The XX that’s jaw dropping. The raw cover features a haunting piano alongside Birdy’s powerful voice creating a dark and emotional cover, proving the fifteen-year old can compete with those twice her age. She’s currently working on her debut album with big names like James Ford (Artic Monkeys and Klaxons) as well as Jim Abbiss (Adele). If someone samples her on a hip-hop or house track, it would definitely help her blow up. Regardless, if she keeps this up, then look out America, we may be witnessing the birth of the next Adele.
2 - Chiddy bang feat. icona pop- "Mind your manners"
4 - rizzle kicks - "down with the trumpets"
single HIP-HOP/rap | If you watch MTV, then you may remember Chiddy’s ninehour freestyle at the O Music Awards, followed by the unexpected performance of their single “Mind Your Manners.” After some wait, Chiddy Bang released the official studio version of the latest single off their upcoming LP, Breakfast. Everything about the track is Chiddy. Xaphoon Jones samples Icona Pop’s incredible indie/pop track, “Manners,” creating an addicting child-like chorus and Chiddy raps effortlessly over a killer beat. For the most part “Mind Your Manners” continues the duo’s usual format for past tracks like “Opposite of Adults” featuring MGMT and “Under the Sheets” featuring Ellie Goulding. The track's catchy vibe is bound to make you smile and perhaps even break the repeat button on your computer.
single alternative hip-hop | Rizzle and Sylvester make up the spunky English duo known as Rizzle Kicks. The two grew up together, later realizing their musical compatibility while attending the same college. They later caught attention with their hip remix of UK sensation, Jessie J’s “Price Tag.” Since, Rizzle and Sylvester have been making beats alongside talented producers, working hard on their first studio album, and creating fun music videos with the help of one of their best friends. “Down With the Trumpets” embodies multiple genres including old school and new hip-hop as well as pop. The track’s fresh, likeable, and surprisingly different. Their currently signed to Universal Island Records, so expect big things to come from Rizzle Kicks and keep an ear out for their first album!
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5 - The Pale king
Book fiction | Three years before he hanged himself, David Foster Wallace gave one of the most famous college commencement speeches in American history, in which he succinctly summed up the message of his work. "Learning how to think," he said, "really means being conscious and aware enough to choose what you pay attention to, and to choose how you construct meaning from experience." Now, three years later, we have his unfinished final novel, centered around the most boring-and simultaneously the most prescient-premise of any recent bestselling fiction: the U.S. tax code. The protagonists, a motley and sometimes literally magical group of IRS agents, are professional attention-payers, and with their hysterically comical daily tedium Wallace leads us down the path of most resistance, past the sirens of distraction, through the gate of abject boredom, where lies real awareness, "constant bliss in every atom."
6 - You majored in what
Book non-fiction | Trying to find a job after college can be difficult. Fortunately, You Majored in What helps you figure out what exactly you're going to do with that major. Even if you know without a doubt what you want to do with your major, you can still greatly benefit from this book. Author Katharine Brooks, who has credentials/certifications galore on the subject, provides guidance and advice on attaining your dream career, how to capitalize on your classes and make them resume worthy, networking, discovering your skills and weaknesses, assessing your hobbies, what will give you a leg up on competition, ways to reduce job search anxiety, and more. If you are in college or a recent college graduate I recommend (no, I insist) you grab this book. By the end, you will not only have your career figured out but you will have a detailed, stepby-step map of exactly how and when you will land your dream job.
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7 - American Horror Story
tv show Premiering October 5th on FX is the next masterpiece from Ryan Murphy, American Horror Story. Murphy gained notoriety as the man behind FX’s previous cult drama Nip/Tuck, and later for FOX’s Glee. Described by Murphy as a “psycho-sexual thriller,” American Horror Story tells the tale of a couple who relocates to LA after a miscarriage and affair rocks their relationship, only to wind up in a Victorian-era home with some very dark secrets. The leads are played by Connie Britton and Dylan McDermott. Britton jumped at the opportunity to stray from the typecast of Tami Taylor on Friday Night Lights and McDermott is a small screen veteran as well. If the previews are any indication, we are in for a truly disturbing experience. The trailers are titillating and ignite curiosity. While not much has been revealed about the show yet, Murphy did offer some juicy tidbits to the Television Critics Association over the summer. For starters, he says there are an astonishing eight cliffhangers in the first episode (which to give it some credit, is ninety minutes long.) But, Ryan reassures that the mysteries will be solved by the third episode and that we are in for some real scares right in time for Halloween. There’s a mysterious guy in a full body rubber suit, something with fangs and talons attacking people in the basement, and a maid who takes the term multiple personality disorder to its extreme. Ryan Murphy may have made Glee to be a “feel good” show but he explains to the TCA that American Horror Story will be a “feel bad show” at the total opposite end of his massive creative spectrum and that “the horror genre is something people are intrigued by.” Connie Britton goes on to eerily call the show, “an interesting place to become unhinged.” This fall we’re looking forward to curling up on the couch with some friends and venturing into American Horror Story, a show that is described as “unlike anything we’ve seen on television.” Writer Credits: (1) Lara Marsman SUNY; (2, 3, 4) Tyler Bradley FSU; (5) Tyler Merbler UM; (6) Amanda Jones USF; (7) Lauren Camar UM; (Documentaries) Lara Marsman;SUNY (9 Singles) Tyler Bradley FSU
SQUARE GROUPER
Documentary | Square Grouper is a documentary about marijuana smuggling in the 1970s. Back then, the crates of pot discovered off the Florida coast were referred to as "square groupers." Miami based filmmaker Billy Corben and his team at Rakontur (the brilliant crew behind Cocaine Cowboys and The U), have been praised for Square Grouper’s creativity and seamless cinematic style. Using his exceptional storytelling skills, Corben provides an accurate portrayal of the 70s bud business, supporting his claims with extensive news footage as well as exclusive in-depth interviews. Corben divides the plot of the documentary into three segments, all tales that you likely have not heard of. First comes the heartbreaking debacle of “The Black Tuna Gang.” Then, the Ethiopian Zion Coptic Church, who brought their discourse on the religious benefits of marijuana from Jamaica to Miami. And finally, the awe inspiring plight of the inhabitants of Everglades City, who just wanted to escape poverty by moving a little sticky icky. Bottom line: Corben is a superb documentarian and Square Grouper tells an enlightening tale.
nine new SINGLES you need to hear
1 \\ “Avec Mes Mecs” by Humans 2 \\“Bad Dog” by Neon Hitch 3 \\“Heartbreak in the Making” by Zak Waters 4 \\“I Just Wanna F**k” by Guetta ft. Timbaland & Dev 5 \\“Long Heels Red Bottoms” by Trina 6 \\“Louder” by DJ Fresh feat. Sian Evans 7 \\“Swagger Jagger” by Cher Lloyd 8 \\“This City” by Patrick Stump feat. Lupe Fiasco 9 \\“You Make Me Feel" by Cobra Starship ft. Sabi volume 4 issue 1 \\ fall 2011 \\ 17
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sick new products: beer, boards, vapes, and energy 1
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1 – STREETBOARDZ streetboard
CROSSTRAINING LONGBOARD $349 This is the ultimate cross training board for surfers. The wheels, the deck, and the trucks were all developed together specifically to mimic the feel and response of a surfboard. To say that the board’s designers achieved this is an understatement. Carving a hill on this board feels exactly like being on a wave–shredding left and right, as if shooting up and down the face of a chest high swell. Beyond its epic cross training qualities, the Streetboard sports oversized inflatable (yes, inflatable) wheels, that destroy the concrete boundary, and let you to shred on grass, gravel, dirt, and basically whatever you want. At 43.5 inches, this board is epic.
2 – Original apex 37
longboard $275 | Behold the 2011 Apex 37 by Original, combining the world's most advanced technology in composite, board shaping, and design. This brand new 2011 model, just released by Original has been hailed by pros as ages “ahead of its time”, because of its custom angled fiberglass, Forged Carbon inlays, hard free-riding rails, and dope art. It seems like Original put some serious Research and Development into this deck. They sent us one to review, and after taking it down a bridge to test how it shreds (awesome by the way), we ran it over with a 4-wheeler and it didn’t break. Beyond its durability, it pops around corners and carves like a spring. This board is unlike anything we’ve ever reviewed, or advertorial ridden–nosponsored question. by ENCORE E-CIGS
The e-cig craze
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3 – Herb Iron
butaneless LIGHTER $75 | The Herb Iron is a powerful handheld device that turns any bowl or waterpipe into a vaporizer. It heats up to full temperature and is ready to press against the stuff in 8 seconds. Despite needing to be plugged in, the Herb Iron is very easy to transport and use. The heating element on the Herb Iron is entirely ceramic. And best of all, Herb Iron is so confident in their product, that they offer customers a complimentary limitedlifetime warranty with purchase. Checkout their website for more info.
4 – Vapir NO2
vaporizer $125 | The NO2 is a rechargeable, handheld, portable vaporizer, envisioned by an industry leader. Developing this device, Vapir converged new-age technology with forward thinking design, and delivered just what the doctor ordered–finally. If you work in a building that's not cool with 'smoking', if you live in the dorms and don’t want to get busted, or if you just want a cleaner burn, the NO2 is a game-changer. Digital screen, temp control, and sleek design are just the tip. Fully charged, the NO2 battery holds enough power to burn at least 6 bowls, and the 100% pure brass burner heats up relatively quickly, so no long waits. Get it at vapeworld.com.
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6 – IMPERIAL PUMPKIN ALE
beer $10 | This ale only gets a leg up from Buffalo Bill’s Brewery’s immensely popular Original Pumpkin Ale because of its 9.8% alcohol by volume. It’s brewed with baked and roasted pumpkins, spices, and brown sugar. This ale is ideal for those early fall nights when you start to feel a little nip in the air. Can’t find it? The Original Pumpkin Ale is more widely distributed, has an adequate 5.2% alcohol by volume, and is described by Buffalo Bill’s as “pumpkin pie in a bottle.”
7 – dead guy ale
beer $11 | Dead Guy Ale, brewed by Rogue Ales, is a German Maibock that is deep honey in color with a malty aroma and a rich hearty flavor. It was created in the early 90s as a private tap sticker to celebrate the Mayan Day of the Dead (Nov. 1st, All Souls Day) for Casa U Betcha in Portland, Oregon. The design was so popular, particularly with Grateful Dead fans, that Rogue has used it as the label for it’s awardwinning Maierbock ever since.
8 – Crunk!!!
5 – FRS low-cal
DRINK $3 | FRS is a low-cal alternative to energy drinks, with the same effect and just 25 calories per can. FRS is a puree, and the there are four low-cal flavors currently available, Peach Mango, Wild Berry, Orange, & Pomegranate.
ENERGY DRINK $2 | CRUNK!!! is repped big time by our boy Lil’ Jon and that was reason enough for us to check it out. And honestly... CRUNK!!! is bangin’; and everyone at back\slash loves it. It’s all natural, real juice, and it has no artificial flavors, no artificial colors, and no artificial bullshit. Best part: This is the only drink on the market with Horny Goat Weed! No Joke, Horny Goat Weed is an herb proven to increase stamina in male goats. Non-believers? Google it. Or just get some CRUNK!!! OK!? Yeahhhh!!!
on-campus alternative to smoking. But are e-cigs actually a healthy alternative? Although the FDA advises against using ecigs as a way to quit smoking, recommending that e-cig smokers switch to an FDA approved nicotine cessation drug (like the patch), others argue that the positive impact of quitting smok-
ing outweighs any potential negative impact of using e-cigs. Although currently quite little is known about the long-term impact of e-cigs, many argue that e-cigs have little or no longterm effects on the body. One major concern many smokers have about e-cigs is the authenticity of the chemical
FACEBOOK.COM/BACKSLASHMAG
The e-cig craze is on. And with more than 450 smoke-free campuses across the US, more and more college students are turning to e-cigs as an
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sick new products: random shit 1
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1 – sprayground backpacks
FASHION STATEMENT $48 and up back\ slash doesn’t review bullshit, so when someone was like “yo we gotta’ review these backpacks...” our editor almost died laughing. But truth be told, SPRAYGROUND is no bullshit. These unique bags are legit. They’re designed with a level of functionality and quality that’s unheard of in today’s commercialized fashion world. The Sprayground brand, started by NYC graffiti artist/designer DBD, includes laptop bags and utility bags (for graffiti artists). The laptop bags are fresh, have 3 main compartments, and fit up to a 17” laptop. Sick, but their utility bags are their pride and joy: behold the Black Ops Vsn3, which can hold 22 cans of spray paint, with room to spare!
2 – smoke buddy
PERSONAL AIR FILTER $20 | Exhale with confidence through the Smokebuddy. This device filters the ganga smell out of your smoke, and helps keep your habit on the DL in dorms, at home, and on-the-go. Many have made one with a paper-towel roll and dryer sheets, but this is a sploof that actually works. Compact, convenient, and long lasting, the Smokebuddy is a magical must-have for smokers. I’ll leave you with the best testimonial for Smokebuddy I’ve seen so far, “I smoke in church and no one can smell it. Can I get an Amen!" from Pastor James in LA.
3 – blackberry playbook
TABLET $500 | A must-have for Blackberry fans, the Playbook runs on BlackBerry's new Tablet OS, which supports Adobe® Flash 10.2 and HTML5 (unlike the iPad). Its 3mp front camera and a 5mp rear camera both shoot HD video, and it has HDMI connections so you can hook it up to any TV and stream video. The Playbook also sports a robust 1 GHz dual core processor, a crystal clear 7” x 5” multi-touch display, and a 10 hr battery life.
4 – USB MISSILE LAUNCHER
SHIT STARTER $50 | Most of you probably already know about USB Rocket launchers, but this is the cream of the crop. The brainchild of a collaboration between Microsoft and Dream Cheeky (the guys behind the USB roll-up drum set keyboard), the USB MSN Missile Launcher takes remote-dorm-warfare to a whole new level. It’s equipped with a video camera scope and some sweet software allowing you to aim/fire remotely through MSN Messenger, from any web connection, and even from your phone.
5 – USB MINI-FRIDGE
PC ACCESSORY $20 | Never let your last drink get jacked again, and keep it cool. This 9” tall USB powered mini-fridge holds a single canned beverage, works with any computer, and hey... if it kills the battery on your laptop at least you’ll have a cold one. While in reality a single drink fridge that connects to a computer is pretty unpractical, The USB Mini-Fridge is definitely a funny novelty for the dorm and a cool conversation starter.
6 – eee Slate ep 121
TABLET $1,000 | The EP121 is considered to be the most powerful tablet computer on the market right now. The machine runs on Windows® 7, and despite its short 4.5 hr battery life and 2 mp camera, the EP121's 2 usb ports and Intel® Core™ i5 processor impressed us on paper. But the best part about the EP121 is its 12.1" LED Backlight WXGA (1280x800) Screen, which is like nothing else we’ve ever seen, and far beyond the resolution of the iPad.
7 – Wireless leash by zomm
PHONE FINDER $75 | Always losing your phone? Than the The Wireless Leash by ZOMM is a lifesaver. Attached to your keychain the Leash alerts you if you’re leaving your phone behind.
fall FAST forward The start of Fall is way too hectic to keep up with new releases, so here’s a solid summary of shows, movies, music, and games to look out for in the upcoming months.
TV If you’re a fan of Fox’s animated series like Family Guy and The Simpsons, then be sure to look out for Allen Gregory coming to Fox this fall. The animated comedy created by and featuring the voice of Superbad’s Jonah Hill, follows a gifted seven-year-old as he tries to tackle the challenge of attending elementary school with children his own age. Also, the popular 70’s show Charlie’s Angels gets a reboot this fall on ABC. With three hot new Angels stationed in Miami, what’s not to look forward to? Movies It may not be a James Bond movie, but keep an eye out for Daniel Craig in the psychological thriller Dream House, which also stars The Ring’s Naomi Watts and Rachel Weisz from The Mummy, due out this September. In October gear up for the sci-fi thriller In Time, which packs an all star cast including Olivia Wilde, Amanda Seyfried, and Justin Timberlake as they attempt to lengthen their lives past twenty-five by “buying more time.” Thrillers aren’t everyone's cup of tea so be sure to check out Scarlett Johansson, Matt Damon, and breakout star Elle Fanning in the family comedy We Bought a Zoo set for release around Christmas time. Music It’s all about the music this fall! Keep an ear out for up and coming rapper J. Cole, who’s releasing his first debut album, Cole World: The Sideline Story, later this month under Jay-Z’s label, it also features Jay-Z. The alternative American rock band Wilco is preparing to drop their ninth album this month titled The Whole Love. Canadian singer-songwriter, Leslie Feist (Feist) is set to release Metals this October, the follow up to her ‘07 indie pop album, The Reminder. Video Games For all you gamers (PS3/Xbox 360) out there you have a lot to look forward to with the Assassin’s Creed franchise continuing to grow, adding Assassin’s Creed: Revelations to its lineup this November. If gaming consoles aren’t your thing, but you love procrastinating via Facebook and your cell phone, then look out for Jimmy Buffett’s 3D paradise, Margaritaville, which is said to have music, frozen drinks, and adventure. volume 4 issue 1 \\ fall 2011 \\ 21
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who
LOGGY
West coast native, Loggy (aka Alex Lagemann) has big things on the horizon. The former UC Berkeley wide receiver traded in the football for a microphone and has been going at it ever since. His music is unique; it has a feel good vibe that’s infectious and his rapping meshes well with every genre it’s paired with. back\slash’s Trend Editor Tyler Bradley had the opportunity to ask Loggy some questions about his unfolding rapping career.
back\slash: It’s pretty awesome that you used to play football at UC Berkley. When did you realize you wanted to pursue music instead of football? Loggy: Yeah football at Cal was amazing— Division 1 football is a pretty crazy thing, and I’m so glad I got to make the memories that I did on the field. I never actually realized I would become a full time musician until I decided that I was going to graduate early and end my football career a year short. Music was going so well at that point that I wanted to continue to grow it. I never chose either pursuit over the other.
Definitely not going to follow in any footsteps! The music I started out with is VASTLY different from what I’ve been recording recently. The idea of “Frat Rap” or “College White Boy Party Music” was never my intention. What me and my dudes are doing now is making real music. I’ve distanced myself from any relationship to being just a white rapper or a college act, because that image has never really appealed to me. How’d you come up with the name for your mixtape and what were/are some of your major influences? SO GLAD YOU ASKED THIS! Big Red and I came up with the name over a 3 month period of brainstorming. The actual name formed around 4 am at our apartment in New York City. Radical Something is indescribable. It can only described because of its ambiguity. We want to bring people back to California with us. To the beach towns filled to the brim with surfboards, tan lines, and grungy skateparks. We want to bring out the image of surf culture and beach society. Cracked pavement, dirty griptape, and spinning wheels slapping the sidewalk. Capturing the essence of California in our own way. That’s pretty radical.
Your music has a great beach/summer/chill vibe, who would you say are some of your biggest influences? Rebelution, a Reggae band that formed in Isla Vista was one of my biggest influences because their live shows were so inspirational. I’m a beach bum at heart, and Reggae music and HipHop are in my blood, so the sound that I embody is just a natural combination of the two.
If you had to pick, what is the one thing you miss most about college? Backyard BBQ’s and day drinking. We all thrived on that haha.
There are a lot of college rappers that have made quite a name for themselves, for example Sam Adams, Mac Miller, and Hoodie Allen. Do you hope to follow in their footsteps?
You’re gaining fans everyday, where do you see yourself in 5 years? I’m going to be happy, that’s all I really care about. And I’m gunna be living right on the beach.
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DOM SAGOLLA
Dom is a Co-Founder of Twitter. He sat down with back\slash writer Marjua Estevez on March 27, 2011, in Tallahassee, FL at the FSU/FAMU State of the Student Summit. back\slash: Dom, why do you think it’s important for students to have a dream? DOM: At some level, you have to have your own personal vision... because if you don’t stand for something you’ll fall for anything [he smiles]. And I personally think that… no one is going to tell you what to do, you have to discover your own purpose for yourself. Having that vision is so important because when you face those challenges and face those decisions you have to have something to back you up. Can you repeat what you said earlier, about constraints, and changing the world? Sure. We all have the ability to change the world just within 140 characters. And I think that expressing yourself within constraint is very important. Twitter forces you to be expressive in such a tiny space. Any creative constraint produces that fire. Creativity is enabled by constraints. It seems counterintuitive. I know. That small limit would produce more creativity, but look at any medium—that canvas, the artist can’t go out of those lines. Or the palette, all the colors he can use are on that one board. In a song, time is the musician’s medium. You can’t go back and change that word or tone. When you tweet, you can’t take back what you’ve already said. And I think that’s a very, very important lesson we can all learn.
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INTERVIEWS : with up and comers Hyper Crush: If you're talkin NES: Don- T&C Surf Design, Pres- T&C Surf Design, Holls- Super Mario
Hyper Crush The Hyper Crush trio gained attention through their MySpace page and their affinity for the 80’s, video games, and neon. The attention spawned a record deal with Universal Motown, with whom they released a few singles. Unfortunately, Hyper Crush and Universal Motown parted ways after three years and no album. Since the split Hyper Crush has released a single titled “Fingers Up,” and the track is definitely a banger. back\slash Trend Editor Tyler Bradley caught up with the trio this summer.
back\slash: The 80’s seem to have a big influence on your music as well as video games. You mention Nintendo in The Arcade and music from The Legend of Zelda is even featured on the track, if you had to pick, what is each of your favorite Nintendo game?
MySpace and other sites have helped launch the careers of many artists. Did you ever expect to get signed after the release of your first mixtape and self-released album The Arcade? Also, how have your lives changed since signing with Universal Motown? Honestly, back then we didn't really care if we were getting signed or not. We didn't think about it. When offers started comin in we were down cause we wanna be as big as possible and receive large amounts of money from a record label. When we were signed w/ Universal Motown we released a few singles and no album over 3 years. This is one of the reasons us and Universal Motown decided to part ways. We are grateful for all that we have and for the ability to make a living doing what we love. It must have been crazy to tour with big names like Kevin Rudolph, Lady GaGa, and Far East Movement, how has being on tour with other artists influenced your music and the way your perform? Twas cool. Got to see the world a lil bit meet some really cool people. Touring hasn't really changed us for better or worse. We've always done our own thing when it comes to the live show. what’s your favorite top 40 song, right now? We actually don't even listen to the radio that much. We do however love and appreciate all forms of music including a good pop song. We all really like LMFAO's "Party Rock Anthem."
Bradley was lucky enough to get a few minutes of Ricky’s time for a game of Would You Rather.
Ricky Reed If you’re looking for hot beats and sleazy lyrics then Wallpaper is just for you. After releasing their debut album, Doodoo Face, back in '09, Wallpaper has been killin’ it. Eric Fredric (aka Ricky Reed) of Wallpaper has been producing, remixing, and creating dance tracks since 2005, and back\slash’s Tyler
back\slash: Would You Rather… Rap about girls or partying? Rickey Reed: Party with rapping girls. Live on a huge yacht or in a penthouse suite on the beach? Live in the penthouse suite of my permanently docked huge yacht. Listen to Biggie or Tupac? Tupac continued on next page...
Andy Grammer Andy Grammer started on a street corner, literally. Sounds typical, right? Naw, no typical here... Since being signed to S-Curve Records, Grammer has more than made an impact on the music scene, being named one of Billboard’s 2011 Artists to Watch. His sound is so unique, almost a cross between Gavin DeGraw, Jason Mraz, and Maroon 5. The lead single, “Keep Your Head Up,” off his self-titled album was written after a long day of playing the streets with little to show for his efforts. The track's catchy melody and fun lyrics are what has made it an instant hit, so look out, big things are coming from Andy Grammer. back\slash’s Trend Editor Tyler Bradley asked Andy a few questions, and by “asked questions,” I mean played a game of “Would You Rather” with the up and coming artist. Check it out below! back\slash: Would You Rather…Make music or travel the world? ANDY: Make music while traveling the world. Hit the slopes in the mountains or relax on a beach? Hit the slopes in the mountains. On a snowboard going a little too fast. Fight Chuck Norris or Arnold Schwarzenegger? I would fight Chuck Norris so I could tell him Chuck Norris jokes all night. Have a cat or dog (you can’t choose a catdog)? Dog. Cats are elitist. They don't need me at all. Blast music in your car or rock out on your iPod? Blast music in the car. Windows down. Top down. Money ain't a thang. Watch MTV or Vh1? That's like picking a brother or sister - I refuse. If someone must be sacrificed, I'll take the blow before splitting them. Listen to “Mr. Jones” by Counting Crows or “Save Tonight” by Eagle Eye Cherry? “Save Tonight," it's more upbeat. Perform at the Super Bowl or have your own worldwide tour? Worldwide tour. There's too many cool places outside of America that I haven't been yet. volume 4 issue 1 \\ fall 2011 \\ 25
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INTERVIEWS : with up and comers
LMFAO Girltalk
Greg Gilles (AKA GirlTalk) has helped to slingshot the computer-mashup genre across the globe. Somewhere between mosh-pit and mainstream, his live shows are self-proclaimed “new music experiences,” with a little bit of pyro, some costumes, and normally all-out debauchery. They have a reputation for brewing out of control, and most of his beats are anything but mellow. Thankfully, while in Miami for a show, Greg was cool enough to chill out for awhile and give us a rare glimpse into the life of GirlTalk. Here are some excerpts from his interview with back\slash Section Editor Nelson Hernandez. The entire interview and story can be viewed in its entirety at www.backslashonline.com
back\slash You were a musician before you were a biomedical engineer, what was it like to hit the point where you could devote yourself full time, and was it hard to make the decision to quit your ‘real’ job? GirlTalk: When it hit that point, it wasn’t even a decision... [but] it took me a while to really come to terms with the fact. I [had] never really made a dime off music all my life... and then it hit the point where [I was] flying off to London to open for Beck and then coming back to a cubicle Monday. That’s when I realized I couldn’t do both.
Ricky Reed (continued) Eat McDonalds or Burger King? Probably McDonalds 'cuz they got McNuggets. Not chicken fingers or toes or WTF. Freestyle at a party or perform a recorded track? Oh def freestyle at a party when the whole room leanin' Play at a celebritY'S private party or have a sold out arena concert? Def play a sold out arena of celebrities. That's standard Wallpaper show.
Ever since dropping their legendary single "I’m in Miami Bitch", Party Rock duo Sky and Redfoo have been killin' it. While on tour earlier this year, the pair caught-up with back\slash writers Kris Liaugminas and Kyana Rubinfeld, to talk about LMFAO'S start-up, the glory of blowing-up, and getting fucked-up.
What advice do you have for students who want to drop out to pursue their dream? I think it’s a case by case basis. You need to figure out what works for you, [but] I feel very lucky to have made it through school. You’re killin’ it right now, but hypotheticaly, what happens if it all goes away... all the success, all the fame... and you have to become an engineer again? If I go back to [any] day job it's all good...I feel very fortunate that I don’t HAVE to keep doing it for 10 years. Concerts these days range from 5 mins to 5 hours; for you, what's the ideal length for a show? The time doesn’t matter, if there's the right energy in the room, a 5 min show can be amazing Why did you start doing this, and did you (or anyone) have any idea how successful you were going to be? I really never had the intention of being as successful as I am now. [Back in the day] I was playing to 5 or less people. I never had any real musical training. [And] it was never about making money. It was just about finding a larger audience... Just doing it to do it. Drink a Sparks or Four Loco? Well neither got boosters in 'em anymore. Prolly 4 Loko cheaper anyways. Hit a blunt or smoke a bowl? Bluntly eat Honey Bunches of Oats out of a bowl. That what u mean? Live it up in South Beach or Los Angeles? LA. I LOVE LOVE Miami. The people (my friends) and the food (platanos). But South Beach is kinda wacky muscle party and LA has a deep soul I can appreciate.
back\slash: Tell us about the initial press coverage of lmfao. REDFOO: At first I was upset, because the critics were saying: LMFAO only talks about sex, drinking, and penises. I was like no, we talk about other things like dreams and friendship! But then, one day I was on stage and I started yelling to our fans: "The critics say our album only talks about drinking," (and everybody was like YEAHHHH). I said, "They say, if you listen to the Party Rock album, then it's going to inspire sexual activity," (and the fans were like YEAHHHHH!). It was that moment when I realized I had to embrace that which my fans really wanted, and give it to them (regardless of my critics' perception). Our fans wanted silly and sexy; so we gave it to them. And now, all the press is good. How did you come up with the name LMFAO? Well, we came up with the name SEXY DUDES first... so I texted my Grandma to tell her the name we chose; and she wrote back: LMFAO. And me and Sky looked at eachother and were like: forget SEXY DUDES... LMFAO, that's going to be our name... What made you say to yourself "Forget jumping on a business, I'm going to start an enterprise"? Because of the lifestyle; the lifestyle of being an entrepreneur is so much more appealing to me than being an employee. Because, for me, as an entrepreneur, you get to create the policies and the procedures and the rules... you create from scratch. We just create as we go. And, we have been able to go against the recession grain. You know, the economy is going down, and, like a salmon swimming up-stream, while the economy is going down, LMFAO is blowing up. How long did it take you to actually make LMFAO and Party Rock happen, from idea to reality? Two and a half years. volume 4 issue 1 \\ fall 2011 \\ 27
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makin' moves: students and alum who never stop grindin'
Navy SEAL & Leadership Consultant
Ohio State Alumnus Casey Putsch built a replica of the Batmobile as a “rolling resume.” It has the turbine engine from a Navy Helicopter, over 365 horsepower, and runs on jet fuel. Putsch, who opened his own auto shop called Putsch Racing in June, graduated from Ohio State in 2005 with a degree in fine art. The Batmobile was created in under five months, just enough time for Putsch to open his shop. The Batmobile has been recreated by enthusiasts since the show first premiered in 1966. However, Putsch’s rendition was nearly perfect. The only adaptations were that he had to include licence plates and he inserted an iPad 2 with custom apps instead of a traditional dashboard. His replica of the Batmobile has gotten him contracts to remake other vehicles from famous movies, including a motorcycle from Sherlock Holmes. Even though Putsch Racing has received international acclaim as a custom building shop, Putsch’s passion lies in racing itself. He had a humble upbringing and his shop is a way to support his racing habit. He states, "I will take your name all the way to Indy cars and bring you home a 500 win.”
Have you ever heard of someone interviewing for an Executive MBA program from a military post in Iraq with choppers hovering in the background? Well, Gary Ryals is a Lieutenant Commander with the Navy SEALS and he did just that. In fact, he was accepted and managed to complete his first year of studies with UCLA’s Anderson School of Management while deployed in Iraq. After earning his EMBA in 2008, Ryals started his own consulting firm, which “provides training in team building and leadership coaching development.“ His SEAL training helped him fit right in with UCLA’s team approach to the MBA program. Ryals explains, "As SEALS, we are trained, organized and mentally conditioned to operate as a team. Everybody puts their personal beliefs behind them, and focuses on the mission or desired outcome. It's a collaborative environment.” Ryals has successfully segued from student to teacher with his new company. He emphasizes his business concept with, "As problems become complex, no one person has all the expertise to solve the problem or anticipate second or third order effects of a potential course of action. Today's business environment requires a collaborative problem solving approach; you need experts from different disciplines.”
OHIO STATE ALUMNUS
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UCLA Alumnus
Dr. Farid
Founder of Photo DNA
DARTMOUTH UNIVERSITY PROFESSOR
Child pornography has been a problem since the dawn of the camera. Unfortunately, the digital revolution has made the distribution of child pornography easier than ever. However, Dr. Hany Farid has addressed the problem by creating software that scans and tracks images. Dr. Farid’s software, Photo DNA, was developed with Microsoft in order to specifically combat child pornography. While the software cost Microsoft millions to develop, the company donated the software to the National Center of Missing and Exploited Children for free. The software is used on the back end (users are not aware it's working) of various websites including Facebook, Hotmail and Bing. The software tracks images and flags the worst of the worst, some of which have been described as “crime scene photos” according to Ernie Allen, the CEO of the NCMEC. When Photo DNA discovers an illicit image, it alerts the company using the software and it becomes the company’s responsibility to report it to the police. The software has already led to more reports of child pornography to law enforcement officials than they can logistically handle. According to Dr. Farid, Photo DNA is incredibly accurate. Over 1 billion images have been scanned at Microsoft with no reports of a false positive.
Writer Credits: (Casey Putsch) Ivan Flores FIU; (Gary Ryals) Lauren Camar UM; (Dr Farid) Ivan Flores FIU
Gary Ryals
Casey Putsch Founder of Putsch Racing
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makin' moves: continued
I.D.E.A.S.
Founded by Chris Castro and Hank Harding
Writer Credits: (I.D.E.A.S) Stacy Marquis USF; (Billy Corben) Stacy Marquis USF; (Roger Soderstrom) Lauren Netzke UC
UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL FLORIDA ALUMNI
Founded by Chris Castro and Hank Harding, Intellectual Decisions on Environmental Awareness Solutions (IDEAS) began at University of Central Florida with the purpose of taking positive action rather than simply protesting environmental policy. Today, IDEAS is a national awardwinning organization that includes a three-tier program consisting of research, action and awareness. IDEAS researches methods of alleviating emissions through the use of solar panels, vegetated walls and bike-pedal generators. Members utilize on-campus resources to find ways of reducing pollution through innovation and creativity. They hold clean-up projects on beach, river, and lake lines, as well as along roads and forest trails. They also help create economic relief gardens and assist with invasive species removal and compost generation. To raise awareness, IDEAS hosts Off-TheGrid events that require little to no electricity, as well as presentations for public school students on environmental education. The mission of IDEAS is relevant to all college students and the system that Castro and Harding developed makes education, awareness and research accessible to all, leaving many with the tools to create, develop and implement their own environmental ideas. IDEAS Chapters exist in Washington D.C., at the University of Central Florida, Penn State, University of Florida, Florida Gulf Coast University, Arizona State University, Valencia Community College, Coral Reef High School (Miami, FL), University of Houston, and the University of Texas- Austin Campus.
Billy corben Co-founder of Rakontur
University of miami ALUMNus
Making it onto ESPN.com is no small feat for anyone, especially non-athletes. But Billy Corben, a University of Miami Alumnus and critically-acclaimed documentary director, was able to pull it off, when ESPN picked up his documentary, The U. Corben's penchant for the grit and complications surrounding real-life events has made him a rising star in the documentary sphere. It is easy to see how Corben became involved with projects that are both successful and gritty. He retired from acting at 15 after working with the likes of Ron Howard, Steve Martin, and Hilary Swank (just to name a few) to begin working on the other side of the camera. He graduated with honors from UM in political science, screenwriting and theater. Corben’s Raw Deal: A Question of Consent, the story of an alleged fraternity house rape at the University of Florida was featured at the Sundance Film Festival in 2001 and Cocaine Cowboys, was praised by The New York Times as “a hyperventilating account of the blood-drenched Miami drug culture in the 1970s and 1980s.” It has received worldwide success with its DVD release, and warranted the 2008 sequel Cocaine Cowboys 2: Hustling with the Godmother. All of this led up to his recent release of our favorite Rakontur film yet, Square Grouper (reviewed on page 17). Corben has combined his talents with fellow producer Alfred Spellman to create the production company Rakontur. The company’s best known project perhaps is The U, a part of ESPN’s 30 for 30 series that tells the story of the Miami Hurricane’s football championship era in the 1980s and early 1990s – a project that the University of Miami is not exactly thrilled about. UM has barred any employees from communicating with the filmmakers concerning a sequel, despite the critical success of “The U.”
Roger Soderstrom Founder of Flash Clothing
UNIVERSITY OF TAMPA STUDENT
University of Tampa entrepreneurship student Roger Soderstrom is the founder of the Flash clothing brand. It started with shirts, but the brand now includes tank tops, T-shirts, sweatshirts, belts, hats, and wristbands for men and women. The company is building serious momentum, and Soderstrom is already talking about plans to expand the line internationally. Despite having only been in business for just over six months, the Flash brand is distributed across the US in retail shops, and is available online. Talk about humble beginnings. The young entrepreneur told us, “I started Flash out of my dorm room. I know you hear that a lot from entrepreneurs,” he admits, “but nobody ever talks about how hard it is to get from there to here...” It is an underrated grind. Reminiscing over the early stages of Flash, he laughed and said, “for weeks the whole floor of our dorms smelled like chemicals, and ink got everywhere!” In Soderstrom’s case, this is what it took to realize his vision, a lesson to everyone scared to push envelopes. Soderstrom explains that Flash is an atypical street-wear brand, claiming he, “wanted to make clothing that was different from the rest.” Flash’s newest line speaks for itself, but most people find the brand funny and ironic. Speaking to the aspiring entrepreneurs he hopes read this article, Soderstrom says, “The best advice I could give would be that [whatever you’re doing], it needs to be your passion first and foremost. It must be in your blood. Beyond that, you should have an idea that is different, well liked, and you shouldn’t be discouraged or afraid to lose money, because it takes money to make money.” volume 4 issue 1 \\ fall 2011 \\ 31
on the brink
AMERICA AND ACADEMIA
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of chaos In 2011 the World witnessed the
rise of a new generation of youth who have taken their political struggles to the streets. It’s happening Globally–in the Middle East, in Europe, and even in America. At many moments these so-called rallies are blurring the line between violent and non-violent civil disobedience. We’ve seen students breaking storefront windows in London; throwing Molotov cocktails at buildings in Syria; and even stopping traffic on highways in California and New York. Suddenly students seem to be empowered with the belief that they can reclaim control over their own future and that of their country. In some nations, the uprisings are a consequence of years of boiled up tension coupled with increased oppression and corruption; in other nations they are sparking to oust a dictator. In London they started simply because tuition was increased. In comparison to those happening across the Atlantic, the protests here in the US have been fairly civilized; but they are happening none the less, and becoming increasingly large in size and beginning to have more of an impact on the everyday lives of Americans.
Academic Uprising
Last Spring, it was reported that there were protests on college campuses in more than thirty states across the US. The magnitude of these rallies and protests ranged from ten students in some instances, to nearly twelve thousand students in others. The most noteworthy of last Spring’s uprisings sparked at CUNY Queens, Penn State, and California State. At CUNY Queens in March, Students
protesting tuition hikes took their rally so far as to shut down the Long Island Expressway, in a peaceful power play that certainly grabbed the attention of commuters. Although there were only a few hundred students involved, their statement was made, and multiple videos of the day’s events are available on YouTube. Despite their actions, tuition at CUNY still increased. At Penn State, more than 500 students gathered to protest cuts to the State’s education appropriation. Dubbed Capital Day, the event was intended to send a message to the State Government about the importance of supporting the future of Penn State and Penn State Students, and was held in Harrisburg on April 5, 2011. It was arranged by the Penn State Grassroots Network, the Council of Commonwealth Student Governments, the University Park Undergraduate Association, and the Graduate Student Association. Students and alumni were shuttled to the rally from numerous Penn State campuses, and besides protesting, the rally’s leaders held meetings with state legislators. Penn State student Chris Stevens explained to Penn State Live, “This isn't just [about] Penn State, this is about Pennsylvania. This is about our whole economy. Penn State just got $182 million cut from their budget. Public education got cut $1.6 billion… We didn't wreck the economy. We didn't bankrupt the government, we're not causing the budget crisis.” On a larger scale and another coast, on April 13, 2011 there were
coordinated protests at all twenty-three California State University campuses. The Huffington Post reported that the California protests were against, “state budget cuts to education that could lead to higher tuition, larger class sizes, and lower enrollment.” Brian Ferguson, spokesman for the California Faculty Association told the HuffPo that there were “twelve thousand students, faculty members and others,” involved. Students held sit-ins inside administrative buildings at six CSU campuses that day. Outside of California, there were similar uprisings in Massachusetts and New Jersey on the same day. Despite a lack of national organization, no unified message, and minimal coverage by mainstream media, the collegiate protests of last Spring exhibited the magnitude of power that our generation may have stored up. Not surprisingly, the protests had little impact on policy and most of them fizzled out as soon as the school year ended. However, with increasing tuition across the country, unemployment rates of almost 20 percent amongst 16-24 year olds, and no proverbial light at the end of the tunnel, many students are still very angry; and so is most of America.
America is Angry
According to a Quinnipiac University Survey, 52 percent of Americans disapprove of the way President Barack Obama is handling his job. America’s discontent with Congress is even more volume 4 issue 1 \\ fall 2011 \\ 33
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startling, as 87 percent of Americans disapprove of their congressmen, according to an Associated Press poll released on August 22, 2011. Almost four years after an election that was all about “Change” we seem to now find ourselves in a new political environment where many pundits and politicians on both sides of the aisle have moved beyond the rhetoric of change, and are calling for a complete and utter overhaul--the so called ‘fuck-it-and-start-from-scratch’ strategy. We’ve heard, “Repeal it entirely”, (from Mitt Romney about Obamacare), “Shut it down [entirely]” (from Rep. Mike Pence, R-IN about the economy), and “Rebuild it entirely” (from James Carville about New Orleans’s levee system). These comments could all be construed as rhetoric and are probably not the best indicator of mainstream America’s sentiment; but even the simple metaphor of a “Tea Party” implies revolution and intention to do anything to reclaim power, as our forefathers did at the original Tea Party in Boston when they sank boats and claimed our Independence from Britain. 34 \\ fall 2011 \\ volume 4 issue 1
CONDENSED list of Civil Uprisings in the US since 1999 1999 - WTO Meeting of 1999, "The Battle in Seattle", November (1999, Seattle, WA) 1999 - Michigan State University Student Riot, April, (East Lansing, MI) 1999 - Woodstock '99 Music Festival Riot, August, (Rome, NY) 2001 - Seattle Mardi Gras Riots, February 27, (Seattle, WA) 2003 - Benton Harbor Riot, June 2003, (Benton Harbor, MI) 2003 - Miami FTAA Protests, Fall 2003, (Miami, FL) 2005 - Civil disturbances Post-Katrina, August Sept., (New Orleans, LA) 2005 - Toledo Riot, October 15, (Toledo, OH) 2006 - San Bernardino Punk Riot, March 4, (San Bernardino, CA) 2007 - The Los Angeles May Day, May 1, (Los Angeles, CA) 2008 - Cedar Fest riot 2008, Michigan State University, April 5, 52 arrested, (East Lansing, MI) 2008 - Republican National Convention Protests, ST. Paul, March, over a 1000 arrested, (St. Paul, MN) 2009 - Protests Against BART Police Shooting, January 7, 120 arrested, (Oakland, CA)
2009 - College Fest Riot, Kent State University, April 25, more than 50 arrested (Kent, OH) 2009 - Spring Jam/Dinkytown Riot, University of Minnesota, April 25, (Minneapolis, MN) 2009 - Palmer Fest Melee, Ohio University, May 10, (Athens, OH) 2009 - 2009 G-20 Pittsburgh Summit Protests, Sept. 24-25, 193 arrested (Pittsburg, PA) 2010 - Springfest Riot, April 10, James Madison University, 8000 Protesters, 30-35 arrested, (Harrisonburg, VA) 2010 – Santa Cruz May Day Riot, May 1, 250 people attack 18 businesses, causing an estimated $100,000 in damages. 1 arrested. (Santa Cruz, CA) 2010 – BART Verdict Riot, July 8, About 100 businesses were damaged and 78 people were arrested, (Oakland, CA) 2010 - Eugene Melee, Sept 25, University of Oregon. 9 arrested, (Eugene, OR) 2011 - California State University Protests, April, 25 CSU Campuses (across California) 2011 - CUNY Protests, March, Queens, New York 2011 - Penn State Protests, April, (Harrisburg, PA)
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Back then, Benjamin Franklin reminded his colleagues on the floor of the Constitutional Convention that, “There are two passions which have a powerful influence in the affairs of men. These are ambition and avarice; the love of power and the love of money. Separately, each of these has great force in prompting men to action; but, when united in view of the same object, they have in many minds the most violent effects...” Could it be that these two influences have aligned themselves yet again, and the violent effects have begun to erupt in the US? Hopefully not, but this call for overhaul and angry rhetoric appears to be permeating our entire culture, including movies, music, and even comedy. For example, Lil’ Wayne’s music video "Drop the World" featuring Eminem, centered on the two artists leading a massive riot of moshing, rioting, and skateboarding youth, running amok through the streets of New York. In what could be construed as a statement about mainstream culture and a new generation against it, the epic video’s director Chris Robinson, and YMCMB, strategically shot “Drop the World” on the same day as the 52nd Grammy Awards–as if they all had better shit to do than be at the Grammys, (like riot for rights, fictionally of course). The negativity isn’t limited to hip hop, and even more recently low key musicians like Adele have released songs with very heavy negative and angry undertones. As much as everyone loves, “Rollin’ in the Deep,” the “Fire startin’ in [her] heart” could easily be interpreted as symbolic of anger and tension approaching the boiling point in the United Kingdom (as well as the United States.) But wow, anger and tension do not even begin to describe the emotions conveyed by twenty year old West Coast phenomenon, Tyler the Creator (aka Tyler Okonma) who’s blow-up single “Yonkers” won him the award of Best New Artist at the 2011 MTV Video Music Awards on August 28, 2011. In one of the more subdued verses of “Yonkers”, Tyler raps in a monotonatic, insane-sounding voice that, ”Jesus called; he said he’s sick of the disses; I told him to quit bitchin’; this isn’t a fuckin’ hotline; for a fuckin’ shrink, sheesh I already got mine; and he’s not fuckin’ workin’, I think I’m wastin’ my damn time; I’m clockin’ three past six and goin’ postal; This is the revenge of the dicks, that’s nine cocks that cock nines; This ain’t no VTech shit or
feature
Columbine; but after bowlin’, I went home to some damn adventure time” Like him or not, the fact that MTV viewers voted Tyler the Creator Best New Artist of 2011 may be more of an indication of America’s attitude than Tyler’s music. “Music is always a commentary on society,” said the late Frank Zappa. And in this case, the commentary seems to have transcended music, as even family-esque movies like The Beaver have an undertone of something being beyond-repair. In The Beaver, directed by Jodi Foster and starring Mel Gibson, a guy wakes up one day and decides that his life sucks so much that he wants to totally start over, completely re-make his personality... “blow it all up and start with a clean slate”.
Civil Chaos
On August 28, 2011 the United States Buereau of Labor Statistics released the findings from a July 2011 study titled, “Employment and Unemployment Among Youth”. The study determined that 4.1 million (18.1%) of Americans ages 16-24 were unemployed (not including those not looking for work.) For African Americans within the 16-24 demographic, the study’s figures are petrifying: 31% unemployment. At the same time, tuition is being hiked up as high as 17 percent at some schools; and the massive debt that America is racking up right now is simultaneously being passed along to our generation. Corruption is apparently rampant, the political friction between parties is impeding progress, and nobody is offering an actual solution. With many politicians playing hard-line political games with America’s future, there is a valid reason to be angry. But anger may not be the best solution. First published in 1849, Civil Disobedience is an essay written by American Philosopher Henry David Thoreau that was said to have inspired Martin Luther King Jr., as well as Gandhi to rise-up. In Civil Disobedience, Thoreau compares governments to machines, and makes the argument that: “All machines have their friction; and possibly the [machine] does enough good to counter-balance [the friction] ...But when the friction comes to have its machine, and oppression and robbery are organized, I say, let us not have such a machine any longer.“ volume 4 issue 1 \\ fall 2011 \\ 37
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SUGAR BABIES blur LINE BETWEEN PROSTITUTION ANd ? BY Lauren netzke, UC SANTA BARBARA
Shit you should know
Average College Tuition Public four-year colleges, in-state: $7,605 per year in tuition and fees (Surcharge for full-time out-ofstate students at these institutions is $11,990)* Private nonprofit four-year colleges: $27,293 per year in tuition and fees.* Public two-year colleges: $2,713 per year in tuition and fees.*
Sugar Baby Dating Sites SeekingArrangement.com SeekingTuition.com SugarDaddyMeet.com SugarBaby4U.com
More about sugar babies Check out MTV’s True Life “I’m a Sugar Baby,” streaming on MTV. com to find out about three young people’s experiences with the Sugar Baby lifestyle. *according to the college Board 40 \\ fall 2011 \\ volume 4 issue 1
Sugar Baby: A man or woman who serves as a companion to an older lady or gentleman as a part of a mutually beneficial relationship. Generally, the elder party (also known as the Sugar Daddy or Sugar Mama) pampers the younger party (the Sugar Baby), bestowing upon them lavish gifts, exotic getaways, and luxury vehicles. Additionally, the Sugar Daddy will often agree to a set amount of compensation to account for the Sugar Baby’s expenses (be it rent, tuition or any other bill.) Although the above definition was written tongue-in-cheek, it is in actuality a spoton description of an increasingly popular type of relationship. According to MSN, today’s average college student shoulders over $20,000 of tuition debt upon graduation. He or she can expect to leave school with an average of $3,262 in credit card debt. Not to mention, any expenses incurred for housing while receiving that degree. Understandably, the number of students attracted to the Sugar Baby phenomena is increasing. According to The Week, SeekingArrangement.com creator, Brandon Wade states he has seen a 350 percent increase in collegiate Sugar Babies since 2007. He continues by explaining that, “College students are one of the biggest segments of [SeekingArrangement’s] Sugar Babies and the numbers are
growing all the time.” SeekingArrangement even goes so far as to have a College Sugar Baby Certification program. Recently leaked by the Huffington Post and subsequently announced on the Sugar Baby Blog (which is really just a promotional site for Seeking Arrangement), the program “certifies” those who register with a “dot edu” email address. British sociology professor Ronald Roberts explained to Amanda M. Fairbanks in her extensive Sugar Baby exposé for the Huffington Post that trading sex for tuition money is, “really the perfect storm of debt and a down economy, not to mention a generation of middle-class women coming of age who were raised to believe that their sexuality isn't something to be afraid of.” But Sugar Babies aren’t all young ladies. While the older male, younger female relationship is the most common, there are also Sugar Mamas who pamper young men. Homosexual Sugar Baby arrangements are becoming increasingly more common as well, according to the HuffPo. One might reasonably interpret this arrangement as thinly veiled prostitution. Despite the underlying connotations of the
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Sugar Baby relationship, industry leader SeekingArrangement, touts that it is a “mutually beneficial relationship” and that Sugar Babies are meant to be companions and arm candy - nothing more. There is a glaring omission of references to sexuality on the site. Although, with a little searching, the boundaries and rules for users of the service strictly prohibit advertising sexual services. In fact, SeekingArrangement monitors its members, claiming that anyone who promotes prostitution or does not accurately represent themselves in their profile, will be removed from the site. They emphasize, “Unauthorized access is a felony offense, and we reserve the right to seek legal action against you.” Over the summer, SeekingArrangement threw an event in New York City. The New York Post, who covered the event, stated that 400 people attended the “mixer,” with Daddies and Babies paying $80 and $40 for tickets respectively. While you would think that speaking of compensation at such an event would be a no-no, The Post reports that the evening’s emcee was making statements such as, “Remember, guys, you've got to be generous.” Sugar Babies outnumbered the Sugar Daddies 10 to 1 and nearly half of the Sugar Daddies were married men. Also in attendance were vendors hoping to cash in on the Sugar Baby lifestyle by offering the young women advice on how to
catch their ideal Sugar Daddy. The attendees included career counselors and plastic surgery representatives. Sugar Babies are expected to maintain their appearance and be able to carry on an intelligent conversation. After all, their purpose is to be an enjoyable escort for their more mature companions. There is a common misperception that all Sugar Baby arrangements involve the very rich. Brandon Wade, CEO of SeekingArrangement, explained to The NY Post, “I've seen a lot of Sugar Daddies who make $60,000 or $70,000, because if they have $1,000 in disposable income a month, that makes them a Sugar Daddy.” So is being a Sugar Baby legal? A First Amendment lawyer from Las Vegas, Allen Lichtenstein, explained to the Huffington Post that this type of arrangement is a “legal gray area when there is not an immediate exchange of cash for sex.” He elaborated, “One could even consider certain marriages where there are unequal financial resources to not be overly dissimilar. But any relationship that is an ongoing one that’s not purely about sex but may have a sexual aspect to it, you can’t really classify as prostitution.” There are numerous Sugar Baby dating sites besides SeekingArrangement. They include SeekingTuition.com, SugarDaddyMeet. com, and SugarBaby4U.com. SeekingTuition calls its users “College Babies” and “College
Daddies.” They claim to be “the best Sugar Daddy site for college students who need that special education from wealthy benefactors.” SugarBaby4U has a bit of a different set up than SeekingArrangement. They charge a monthly fee to all users to have a profile on their site. Additionally, they claim to only approve “perfect 10” women. They essentially guarantee that the men will get sexy companions and the women will earn dates with upscale men. The concept seems to work for them despite the fact that they are way less apologetic about the fact that they appear to be a conduit for high end prostitution. Same goes for SugarDaddyMeet, which only deals with the older male and young woman arrangement. They are free to join but charge $100 to be “certified.” They claim to be for wealthy men who have “no time for game” and young women who “want [a] good living and finer things in life.” Kanye West summed up the Sugar Baby perfectly when he declared, “I ain’t sayin’ she’s a Gold Digga, but she ain’t messin’ with no broke ni**a.” Sugar Babies seem to embrace that stigma and make stacks of cold hard cash while doing so. Regardless of where one stands on the morality of the Sugar Baby arrangement, it is undeniable that some of your collegiate peers are paying the bills by showing a Sugar Daddy some lovin’. volume 4 issue 1 \\ fall 2011 \\ 41
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nationally relevant campus NEWS: straight from students
UCF Student arrested for hacking with anonymous University of Central Florida
EMory hospital unknowingly exposes nearly 800 people to TB Emory University
caltech creates a primitive brain inside of a test tube using only dna strands
California Institute of Technology
usf researchers tell world to drink more coffee University of South Floida 42 \\ fall 2011 \\ volume 4 issue 1
Third floor residents of Tower Three residence hall at UCF were shaken when FBI agents in bulletproof vests stormed into 21-year-old Scott Arciszewski’s dorm room at the end of July. They arrested him for perpetrating a cyber attack on infragardtampabay.org, an FBIaffiliated site that works with Homeland Security and law enforcement to protect against cyber crimes.
On Arciszewski’s website, Kobra’s Corner, he writes about how he “penetrated it within five minutes,” according to WESH 2 Orlando. FBI agents say Arciszewski also sent tweets to the FBI bragging about his “exploit.” Anonymous, an online activist group has set their sights on taking down Central Florida websites, and the FBI said that they are looking into a connection between the student and the group.
In May, 680 patients and 100 employees at Emory University Hospital were informed that they had been exposed to tuberculosis from November to February, according to CNN. An employee at the hospital was unknowingly carrying the disease, and was diagnosed with TB in April. Latent TB, affecting about 11 million people in the U.S., does not show symptoms and is not contagious. Active TB, CNN says,
can be spread through air such as through coughing or sneezing. About 5 to 10 percent of people that develop TB contract active TB. This is what the employee at Emory University Hospital had, while coming in contact with patients and fellow employees. Lance Skelly, spokesman for the hospital, told CNN that employees are tested each year for TB. A statement from the hospital did not state if the employee had been screened.
Man has advanced leaps and bounds from his rock-throwing days as a Neanderthal, and to affirm that fact, university scientists have found the key to how that advancement began- with a brain. With the leadership of scientist Lulu Quian, researchers at the California Institute of Technology (CalTech) developed a primitive brain inside of a test tube made of DNA strands at the end of July. The scientists recognized that primitive brains were simply made of molecules that interacted with each other and told the creature to search for food. These molecules, the researchers noticed, can act like circuits which transmit data in specific ways. With this knowledge, the scientists encoded each sequence, with a specific function, into strands of DNA.Once the network was finished, it was time to test its ability. To do
this, the researchers played a “read your mind” game with the brain to see if it could guess one of the scientists described based on a series of yes or no questions. The researchers gave the brain basic information about the scientists, in the form of DNA strands. The team played this game with the neural network in the test tube 27 different ways, and it answered correctly each time. Not only did the network answer correctly, but it could also identify when it lacked enough information to identify the scientist, or if it was given contradictory information. At the end of Quian’s letter in Nature, she said that her team’s findings “will need to be improved and integrated with other chemistries,” but she believes that it may be possible to find certain cancers using neural networks, based on the signals that they give off in RNA.
While many cut back on coffee as they age, University of South Florida researchers say that you should do the opposite, in order to protect yourself against Alzheimer’s disease. This is according to a new study released by USF. The study’s lead author, Chuanhai Cao, said that mice bred to develop Alzheimer’s symptoms showed improvements in their condition when given regular coffee, as compared to decaf or plain caffeine, according to The Oracle, the official student newspaper at USF.
The mice that were given the regular coffee showed a decreased level of beta amyloid protein in their brains, which can build up in the brain and may be a cause for Alzheimer’s. Cao said that coffee can be used as a preventative method against Alzheimer’s disease, but if you are not destined to have it, the coffee will not do anything for you. The researchers are hoping, with further investigation, that they will be able to identify the unknown compound that is reducing these proteins.
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NEWS : continued
GERMAPHOBES rejoice over UB's new type of steel University of Birmingham
Harvard students compel university to reveal its expenditures Harvard University
UF animal activist group accuses biomedical researchers of torture University of Florida
Tufts University faculty pulls for study abroad program in Cuba Tufts University
For germophobes all over, there may be a reason to restore confidence in your school’s cafeteria. Materials researchers at the University of Birmingham have created a way to make antibacterial stainless steel that infuses nitrogen, carbon, and silver into a new surface alloying technology. Silver acts as the bacteria-killing agent. According to a press release posted on Engadget on July 19th, Hansham Dong, Professor of Surface Engineering at the University of Bir-
mingham, said that previous attempts at making antibacterial stainless steel have failed because the coatings were too thin, and can easily be worn down. “Our technique means that we avoid coating the surface, instead we modify the top layers of the surface,” Dong said. The team can already surface engineer two by two meters of their technology in the laboratory. They are confident that their product will soon be used in hospitals, the food industry, and even domestic kitchens.
With employees and a state representative in tow, many Harvard students testified in front of a state house committee in favor of a university financial disclosure bill in June. According to The Harvard Crimson, the bill proposes that Universities with an endowment worth more than $10 million must reveal more information about their investments, as well as the salaries of their administrators. The bill resulted in split opinions from Harvard employees and students and the University. Wayne M. Langley, Director of Higher Education for Service Employees International Union Local 615, told The Crimson that “Universities
are funded by taxpayers’ dollars and should be accountable to the public.” However, Harvard University spokesperson, Lauren Marshall, stated that the University is already required to account for their expenditures on both a state and federal level, and that doing even more reporting would be “burdensome.” Among the many students that were unimpressed with the arguments of the bill’s opponents, Sandra Korn, a member of The Crimson's editorial board, told the newspaper that the University’s arguments were not convincing, and that they made her more connected to the cause.
Lisa Grossman, a member of Negotiation is Over (NIO), an animal rights group at the University of Florida, may face criminal charges for trespassing on campus and distributing flyers offering $100 to anyone that had personal information about UF biomedical researchers. On December 18th, she and NIO founder Camille Marino were issued their first trespass warning after staging a protest during a fundraiser outside the Curtis M. Phillips Center. NIO’s website suggests that UF researchers are torturing animals, and encourages students to make “spam emails and prank phone calls” to them, according to The Independent Florida Alligator.
A photoshopped picture of Janine Sikes, UF spokeswoman, holding a sign saying “Defending our right to torture animals since 2007,” is also present on the site. The Alligator also reports that before any experiment on animals, researchers must refer to the UF Office of Research’s handbook, to make sure that “researchers must avoid or minimize animals' distress and pain, use sedation, analgesia or anesthesia and practice appropriate animal husbandry at all times.” Sikes said the University of Florida filed a complaint with the State Attorney’s office on July 15th.
In order to provide their students with the opportunity to begin to truly understanding Cuba and her diverse cultures post-embargo, faculty and students at Tufts University are attempting to create a non-Tufts study abroad program in the country. The program was envisioned last year amongst members of the Juan Marinello Cuban Institute for Cultural Research and faculty members, according to Tufts Daily. The proposed program has faced opposition from the University.
This is where the approval process gets tricky: Tufts regulations regarding study abroad programs states that they must be offered through degree-granting institutions, and according to James Glaser, Dean of Academic Affairs for Arts and Sciences at Tufts, the proposed program does not offer degrees. Upon hearing of these logistical issues, students initiated a petition in mid-April to approve the program. Student Rosario Dominguez told Tufts Daily that it will “[turn] a new page in U.S.Cuba relations.” volume 4 issue 1 \\ fall 2011 \\ 45
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the slash rant \\ Of the Issue We’re all broke here, myself included, so we can all speak candidly. Gone are the days where a college education is a set deal. No, far fuckin’ from it. As our reserves diminish and we keep pushing ourselves to the brink of financial extinction for a piece of paper, we are seeing the signs. Governments that cannot prop themselves up on empty promises any longer. A growing national debt that grows more and more infuriating as every last commercial for the Real Housewives of Drive Off a Cliff and Die flickers by on the televisions that nobody can afford. In HD no less. So where are we now? Fuck if I know. If anyone has the directions on what we, as a generation are supposed to be doing, by all means, share it. Sure, we’re on the cusp of something incredible and have accomplished so much with things like social media, but make no mistake, we are being persecuted. There are laws being pushed for increased censorship and for ISP’s to keep information on users for months. There is not going to be anything left in the realm of anonymity. Everything will be known. For now, the only guarantee to not have something found out is to never have it on or in anything electronic. Sure, there’s methods, but if Lulzsec, Anonymous and any other group have shown us, it doesn’t take any real sophistication to, pardon the phrase, “fuck somebody’s shit up reeeeal good.” But even those who fight for our internet freedom are misled. They’re everyone really, but those higher up are starting to get 46 \\ fall 2011 \\ volume 4 issue 1
sloppy and get caught. The usual news coverage? “He’s a young kid, he’s a loner, he lived online.” There’s a sense of dissatisfaction on all sides. As you flip through this magazine, stop and think for a moment. When was the last time you were truly free? Free to do what you wanted and hope to make a life. Free to speak your mind without fear of retribution. Free to simply do what you please (within reason of course). On the subject, even reason has gone out the window. We have presidential candidates with heavy duty backers that believe in the ability to “un-gay” somebody with therapy! Even one of the poor Republican bastards is so hated a campaign by Dan Savage now has his name associated with the mixture of frothy substances left to leak out of a person’s ass after anal. For fuck’s sake! People it’s time to wake the hell up and realize that in the end, you probably won’t have a college degree that will mean what it used to. Demand a real skillset of your instructors and use it to build something productive. Be it a portfolio or the cure for cancer, do something, lest we end up just as useless as the people who mention college as the greatest years of their lives. Greatest years with nothing to show but debt and a poor excuse for a market that doesn’t understand or cater to any real needs aside from “buy more shit?” Four years is all you have then it’s just straight to hell? Not if you can help it, and I hope you can’t, because I sure as fuck ain’t doin’ this dance anymore.
Elderly \\ Wreaking Havoc Every generation causes its own deal of trouble, but the elderly are a class of their own. Between driving long after they should be and slowing you down while they haggle at the grocery check out, elderly people, while occasionally endearing, are capable of totally wreaking havoc. This summer, a seventy year old man caused a horrific scene in Miami after he lost control of his SUV and plowed through the front window of a clothing boutique. He killed two women, including the seven-months-pregnant shop owner. In Baltimore, a woman in her 70s was coming home after midnight and misjudged the length of her carport. She drove down a 100 foot embankment beyond her driveway and wound up in her swimming pool. It took over three hours for her to be rescued. Driving is the least of the worries for Long Island police. An older man, believed to be in his 60s, committed a string of armed bank robberies this summer. So don’t be fooled by their slow pace and loose dentures, the elderly are a dangerous bunch!
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issue \\ Of the Issue
RELIGION \\ The Moonies The Moonies, a.k.a. Scientology’s evil twin, is correctly identified as the “Unification Church.” Moonies hate to be called Moonies, so I’ll keep referring to them as such. Quick and dirty, they were founded by Sun Myung Moon, a Korean media baron. In the United States, the group rose to prominence in the 1970s, due in part to political connections Moon built with the growing anti-Commie ties (Moon survived brutal prisons in North Korea) and was welcomed by the likes of Richard Nixon to the White House. Want one last fun fact? Moon’s media holdings include the Washington Times , which makes Fox News seem like a Portland hippie fan-zine.
DRUG \\ Datura metel The “devil’s trumpet” as it’s known, is in a class of drugs known as deliriants, distinguished by the severe delirium produced by smoking or ingesting the plant. The nickname comes from the drug’s shape (and assorted colors). It is important to treat any and all uses of the plant (including handling it) because of the poisonous properties of the tropane alkyloids. Typically the plant is smoked or used to brew a tea. Again, with caution, it can be used to treat asthma, but the side effects of severe delusion really outweigh the benefits. In the end, most of the drugs in the deliriant class don’t have any second time users on the recreational front, mostly having to do with the debilitating effects. Trust me, there’s plenty of other shit you can be smoking that won’t leave someone around the table with a slack jaw and a hellish ER ride to boot. Never take drugs recreationally, article for educational purposes only.
Perhaps you dream of getting your JD, MBA, PHD, or your MD. In today’s competitive job market, you would seem to be on the right track. But for some reason, on August 2 nd, 2011, Congress and the Obama administration made graduate school much more expensive and less accessible, when they passed The Budget Control Act. This legislation opened the door for banks and college loan providers to charge grad-students interest on graduate loans while they are still attending school. The decision was a complete reversal of US educational policy, as until now, interest did not accumulate on student loans (undergraduate or graduate) until the individual who took out the loan was no longer in school. These added interest expenses could end up increasing the cost of grad-school by as much as sixteen percent! Top that off with a solid ten or fifteen percent increase in tuition, and those extra letters after your name could end up being as much as thirty percent more expensive than they were last year. Advocating their legislation, Congress boasted that these changes will save US taxpayers approximately $21.6 billion in the next ten years; but at what cost to academia and America’s future? Student loan principals are already burdening America’s future leaders enough, and there is no reason for banks and lenders to milk their future earnings even more than they already do. It’s bad for everyone. Admittedly, back\slash is not a financial magazine, and we don’t have a list of better ways for the government to raise $21.6 billion over 10 years. But maybe legalizing Marijuana would be a good start... conservative estimates for the tax revenue increase that would result from legalizing Marijuana are $560 billion over a 10 year period, twenty-six times the marginal $21 billion in revenue Congress hopes to generate by charging interest on graduate student loans. volume 4 issue 1 \\ fall 2011 \\ 47
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STRIKING \\ Statistics
Epic \\ Jokes
Drink \\ Recipes
Before the Civil War, disbelief in the Bible or profaning the Sabbath were campus crimes at Yale.
Every day starts, my eyes open and I reload the program of misery. I open my eyes remember who I am, what I'm like, and I just go "ugh...." – Louis C.K.
Mango Daiquiri
Typically, the worst paying majors are Social Work, Theology, Elementary Education, Music, Spanish, Horticulture, Education, Fine Arts, Hospitality/Tourism, and Drama. At Lincoln University in Oxford, Pennsylvania, students with a BMI (Body Mass Index) of 30 or higher are required to take a physical education class before they are allowed to graduate. Cecil Rhodes, a British imperialist who established the prestigious Rhodes Scholarships contended that the British were the “first race in world.” The number one country of origin of foreign college students in the United States is India, followed by China and South Korea.
“There's not many Indians who are chubby, it's mostly small and skinny guys like me, but every now and then you see a pudgy one and it's awesome, it's a rarity, it's like a shooting star only it's fat, brown and on the ground." – Aziz Ansari “I don't think I could stab somebody, 'cause I'm really bad at a Capri Sun.” – Daniel Tosh “Yeah, I know, some people are against drunk driving, and I call those people "the cops." But you know, sometimes, you've just got no choice; those kids gotta get to school!” - Dave Attell
DRINKING \\ Games The Century Club The (Un)Official Internet Bartender’s Guide turned us on to this power hour on crack. It is a true feat of endurance. Every minute, for 100 minutes, take a shot of beer. If you finish (which you likely won’t) you will have drank 9 beers in just over an hour and a half. Now that’s a pregame. Russian Beer Roulette Grab a six pack and some friends. One person chooses a beer and shakes it up, hard, like you’re shaking a crying baby or a Polaroid (remember those?). The group takes turns shuffling the beers around until no one knows which beer has been shaken. Everyone grabs a beer, holds it to their face and pops the top. If you didn’t get washed in beer you win, your prize: chug your beer. Repeat until everyone has been doused once. For extra fun play indoors. PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY
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Ladies, want to drink like Ernest Hemingway without the liver damage? Of course you do! Well, this one is for you. Men, Hemingway loved the Daiquiri and the Martini, however, he enjoyed them after fighting in two world wars, winning a bronze star, a purple heart, and a slew of other medals. So unless you got the street cred to back it up...well you know. 3 ounces Rum 1 ½ cups of frozen Mangoes (cubed) 3 tbs Lime Juice 1 ounce Triple sec 4 tsp Sugar 2 cups of ice cubes Blender Mix in blender, and enjoy as Hemingway did, in large quantities and frequently. Be sure to raise your glass to the fact that you weren’t one of his wives (four) or mistresses (I don’t think there’s a number for that).
The Destroyer Not popular enough to party with ultimate hipster George Thorogood? Well, now you can drink like him! If you really want the full effect be sure to use Budweiser, Jack Daniels, and Johnny Walker as your beer, Bourbon and scotch respectively. One Lager beer (Budweiser) Half shot of Bourbon (Jack Daniels) Half shot of scotch (Johnny Walker) Frosted mug Shot glass Mix half shot of Bourbon and half shot of whiskey into shot glass. Pour beer into frosted mug. Drop shot into beer mug and chug. Remember when Thorogood drank he drank alone. So when this drink gets you smashed you won't make an ass out of yourself in public.
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Pat on the back \\ Niki Alm As if organized religion isn’t strange enough with pedophilia, silly hats, robes, canes, dead guys on sticks, early morning service, (and those are just the Catholics!) Niki Alm, an Austrian man and self proclaimed “Pastafarian,” a religion of people who worship the flying spaghetti monster (no bullshit), won the right to have his pasta strainer on his head in his driver's license photo. Alm’s next fight in his struggle for religious tolerance is to have Pastafarian become an officially recognized faith in Austria.
idiots \\ Of the Issue Rupert Murdoch Ah nothing like watching a tabloid implode and take down police officers, CEO’s, and even the press secretary for the British Prime Minister. The scandal is even being investigated by the FBI. It would seem that Murdoch’s reporters hacked the voicemails of 9/11 victims and first responders in order to scoop the competition. When hacking didn’t work, reporters bribed police officers for information and top officials wined and dined with the higher ups in Murdoch’s organization as they were under criminal investigation. I love the smell of corruption in the morning. Michele Bachmann I really don’t even know where to begin. Homophobia, intolerance, ignorance, it all sums her up quite well. Bachmann’s bid for the Republican nomination will only be a gift for those that thought that Sarah Palin was TOO soft on the issues (let that sink in for a second). The issues being liberal homosexuals taking over the US of A and turning it into socialist Sweden. While Bachmann doesn’t proclaim to see “Russia from her backyard” she has gone on television and said “The Lord says: Be submissive wives. You are submissive to your husband.” Spoken like a true future leader of the free world. Gag.
the art \\ Of Dorm Sex The Stayin’ Alive If you're a medic, you should know that 130 beats per minute is the ideal pace for CPR. If you're not a medic, now you know. Regardless, why not bring those first-responder powers into your bedroom. For this position, grab your partner, grab a metronome, crank it up, and keep the beat with your pelvis. Beep...beep...beep 50 \\ fall 2011 \\ volume 4 issue 1
The Friday the 13th For all you horror movie fans. Have a roommate hide in the closet with a hockey mask and a fake machete. Bring your unsuspecting “victim” to the bedroom and get them in the mood. Right before the big moment, have your accomplice bust out of the closet and freak them the fuck out. WARNING: A next date is a near impossibility, use at your own risk.
the US Mint The penny debate has gone on for years. Most members of our generation consider them absolutely arbitrary - those copper coated things you find in the bottom of last year’s purse or gathered in the washer after a load of laundry. Last year, it cost The US Mint 1.79 cents to produce each penny, which obviously are only worth 1.00 cent apiece. Additionally, the production of nickels and pennies combined was operating at a nearly $45 million loss in 2010. This nonsense is happening while the US Government is operating on a record deficit. It’s time the Mint stops kowtowing to the zinc lobby who fear the collapse of their industry if penny production is halted. Citibank (Indonesia) Society used to have debtors’ prisons for deadbeats who couldn’t pay their bills. Nowadays, good old harassment and wage garnishment tend to be the standard. Yet, somehow Citibank in Indonesia managed to kill a man over $5,700 in credit card debt. Irzin Orta thought he was heading to Citibank headquarters in Jakarta to negotiate a debt settlement plan. According to his wife, he was excited about the prospect of a fresh start. Instead, Orza was taken into an “interrogation” room for two hours and was seen on video footage being pushed out in a wheel chair afterward, either unconscious or already dead. His autopsy suggested brain hemorrhage, blunt force trauma, or asphyxiation as the cause of death. Shame on Citibank for hiring such shady intermediaries for debt collection.
The Bus Driver Thanks to Urban Dictionary for this one...While having sex doggy style, the left thumb is inserted into the receiver’s rectum and turned from side to side essentially driving the bus. The right hand reaches around and squeezes the right breast honking the horn to alert patrons the bus is coming. Don't forget to wave to the people waiting for the bus.
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RELIGION \\ Nuwaubianism
While it’s a catch all term, usually not used by its followers, Nuwaubianism covers people who follow the teachings of Dwight York. York, who has more aliases than weed has euphemisms, was a musician, author and more notably, a convicted child molester who is due to be released from prison in 2119. The Nuwaubians (mouthful, huh?) believe some blacks are superior to others, believe certain races were “accidents,” and York believed he was from the planet Rizq. In essence, he’s an opportunist who raped and trafficked underage girls all under the guise of some master plan only he truly comprehends, since he’s not of this world. This is probably the greatest argument for taxing religion since those youtube videos of Scientology proceedings were leaked
DRUG \\ Methylenedioxypyrovalerone
MDPV, or Methylenedioxypyrovalerone, has been around since 2004, but has only become mainstream in the past year. The drug, being sold under the guise of “bath salts” in the United States, has stimulant effects (similar to those of cocaine or methamphetamine) when snorted or ingested. Known on the street as “Magic Super Coke,” this research chemical causes users to experience euphoria, motivation, increased wakefulness, and sexual arousal. It sells for about $25 per half gram, about the same as cocaine. Don’t be too tempted though, the negative side effects definitely outweigh the positive. Users report very high levels of “fiending” or the impulsive need to re-dose when the drug starts to wear off. It also dangerously increases blood pressure and heart rate, and causes nausea, insomnia, confusion, and severe delusions. Since it is so new, there have been no studies of the long-term effects of MDPV use. Additionally, the drug was quickly banned in Florida before Spring Break 2011 because of homicidal psychotic episodes being linked to the use of MDPV. It is now a controlled substance in Florida and Louisiana. For the rest of the US, it is simply a “drug of concern.” Never take drugs recreationally; above article for educational purposes only.
What the public calls news… News is informative. News is interesting. News is fucking soft. In the era of political correctness and pansy bullshit (i.e. NPR’s new drama because one of the higher ups called the Tea Party racist, because, well, they are) people are clamoring for so called balanced news. Here’s the thing, the news doesn’t have to devote time to idiots and liars so they can give their side of the story. They should, but there seems to be this need to have even coverage, so much so that it straight-jackets the very individuals trying to publicize major issues. What’s worse is the selective nature of it. Sure we’ll have both major parties speak, but do you want to put a damn rapist on camera and have him defend his right to do the unspeakable? A resounding no on that one. And why? Because he’s wrong. People, most anyway, would agree. And yet, when it comes to issues that are clear cut and dismissed as differences in opinion, there is a devotion to preserving, even defending the point of view. The media, writers, bloggers, everyone, needs to wake up and realize that they know something is up. If something is wrong, like let’s say a certain governor bullshitting on the phone with a prank caller about essentially shitting on his constituents, there’s no defending that! Defend his right to speak as he pleases, but realize the man is wrong, and say it. I don’t need to hear him explain, he did plenty already (also, side note, hidden cameras and misdirection are not journalism, for the record). Here we are, knee deep in the new millennium and what do we have to show for it? Incredible advancements to be sure, but there is so much derision and pettiness. Is that all we can spit up? The best we can do (we in this case being the human race, yeah I know lofty)? I usually try and inject some humor to soften the blow of my rants, but in the end, this is becoming fucked on such a grand scale that it gets harder and harder to find the humor in it. In the end, I know this generation will come out on top. What it shouldn’t become is a waiting game for the higher ups to all get old and die off, rather, it should involve questioning and taking them on directly, putting our own ideas out there, to take root, and calling people on their bullshit. Only a fool suffers a fool, so the next time someone’s wrong, don’t dismiss it as a difference of opinion, have a discussion, but please, call people on their bullshit. It’s gone on far too long… www.slapwatch.com
volume 3 issue 4 \\ summer \\
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