FEBRUARY 10TH, 2014
ISSUE #5
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
Photo by Jake Murphy
Greetings, and welcome to another spring semester here at Purchase. Though I’m sure it feels like we live in the tundra at the moment, just wait until around April when the quad and great lawn will be filled with sunbathers skipping class and guitarists serenading people who will grumble about them. Hold this image close; it is not too far away. In the meantime, let me tell you about a slight change to the order of things. That room I always tell you guys about where I hold those weekly meetings you should attend to write for The Load? Remember it? Good. We moved. The publications office (home to The Load, and The Submission) in now located in the basement of CCN in room 0025. On top of that, so have our meetings! The Load now meets on Tuesday nights at 9pm. So bring a friend, it’s the hot new Tuesday activity. On one hand I am actually pretty excited about this move. Not only have we been given a bigger space to hold meetings and plot world domination, it’s actually pretty roomy. With a bigger and homier space, our new office serves for a better working environment for not only myself, but my writers as well. As soon as we get covers hung up on the walls we’ll know we’ve finally made this new space our home. On the other hand, The Load’s office is no longer in plain sight of you all, the students, and that’s what’s most important in my opinion. Our final changes are a bit more esthetic. I’m sure you noticed our new logo and font. That’s all thanks to the wonderful Philip Gibson, whom I extend a million professional thanks towards. And finally, we now have an events calendar for each month! New semester new Load! Hopefully you’ll see some new names in our staff sidebar as well.
Awkward hugs, Alyce The Load is a non-profit newspaper paid for by the Mandatory Student Activities Fee. We welcome and encourage submissions from readers. The Load is a forum for campus issues and events, to give the students the voice they deserve. Any opinions expressed are those of the writers, not those of The Load, it’s editors, or the PSGA. Publication of submissions is not guaranteed, but subject to the discretion of the editors. No anonymous submissions will be considered, but we will accept use of pseudonyms on a case-by-case basis. Send all submissions and inquiries to PurchaseMedia@gmail.com. Our office is located on the first floor of Campus Center North, room 0025.
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CORRECTIONS from our December 13 Issue
In the CineMasai article “Black Marvels: Heroes of Color in the Marvel Universe” by Dylan Green, a portion of Isaiah Bradley’s section was missing from the article. The full article can be found online at issuu.com/purchaseload
Editor-In-Chief:
Michael Piazza
Print Editor-at-Large:
Alyce Pellegrino
Contents
Design Editor:
Love, NYPIRG . . . . . . . . . . . 04
Staff Writers:
A Letter from NYPIRG’s Alex Wojcik
Tunnel Troubles. . . . . . . . . . . 05
Winter Shut Down
Noelle tells you Moore . . . . . . . . . . 06
The News About Nathan’s
Spotlighting Students. . . . . . . . . . . 08
The Reinging King & Queen of Fall Ball CineMasai. . . . . . . . . . . 09
Seven Black Icons You Should Know
Student Life Calendar. . . . . . . . . . 11-12
What’s Poppin’ in February
Jams with Jan. . . . . . . . . . . 13
Interview with Jack Tomascak
A Valentine’s Day Guide . . . . . . . . 17
For a Student Without Money
Stephanie Knipe
Nina Braca Ryan Brady Ariana Cuadra Dylan Green Janet Katsnelson Noelle Moore Jake Murphy Alyce Pellegrino Kevin Reilly Alyssa Spizzino
The Load Logo by:
Philip Gibson
Contributers:
Alex Wojcik
Cover Photo by:
Jade Greene
Copy Editors:
Janet Katsnelson Alyce Pellegrino
Photographers:
Jade Greene Tyler Madell Jake Murphy Alyce Pellegrino Sam Skinner Thomas Trinity David Weber
2 FEBRUARY 2014
WORK FOR
THE LOAD
WE’RE LOOKING FOR:
WRITERS COLUMNISTS COPY EDITORS PHOTOGRAPHERS COMIC ARTISTS ILLUSTRATORS Looking to write a column about sports? Interested in publishing pictures from events on campus? Want to enhance your editing skills? Come to meetings Tuesdays at 9pm in the basement of Campus Center North RM:0025 or Email us at purchasemedia@gmail.com with any questions! 3 THE LOAD
LOVE, NYPIRG By Alex Wojcik
Thanks again for voting in the PSGA Special Elections before delving into finals last semester; thanks to your “YES” vote, NYPIRG, the New York Public Interest Research Group, will continue to keep social justice sexy. NYPIRG is New York’s largest and most effective student-directed advocacy organization with 20 chapters across the state. Organizing for the past 40 years, NYPIRG builds student power through grassroots organizing and advocacy, public education, and offering students countless opportunities to create lasting positive social change while building those resumes. Whether you’ve stopped by any of our daily tabling actions to urge policymakers to protect the environment and to invest in higher education, donated something to one of our food-and-clothing drives for the hungry and homeless in our local community, helped organize an advocacy event (such as Rave the Vote last year) or an educational event (like last semester’s Sleep Out/ Speak Out for Hunger & Homelessness Awareness), attended one of our week-
ly student empowerment workshops or campaign breakout meetings, volunteered for five minutes or 50 hours, you know that NYPIRG is YOUR source for grassroots student activism here at Purchase. Right now, access to an affordable higher education is under attack--tuition at SUNY and CUNY outpaced the maximum TAP (Tuition Assistance Program) award, while TAP is still not available to undocumented youth, graduate students, and many others who need it-- and one way to fight back is to reform TAP. You can join the fight by coming to Higher Education Action Day on Wednesday, February 26th, when hundreds of students and faculty will rally in Albany and meet with our lawmakers about why they need to invest in higher education and reform TAP. To register for Higher Education Action Day, and to learn more and take action on any of NYPIRG’s campaigns, don’t miss our Student Action Fest on Thursday, February 20th in the Stood from 7pm until 10pm.
4 FEBRUARY 2014
Photo by Jake Murphy
ASK OUR ADVISER Need relationship advice? Roommate troubles dampening your semester? Just saw your ex at the hub? SUBMIT TO OUR ADVISER @
Ask.fm/The_Adviser
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TUNNEL TROUBLES If you frequent SUNY Purchase’s underground passages that provide creepy and useful filming locations or just a safe haven from the weather, you would know that they have been shut down by UPD after the hours of 6 p.m. This new policy has been enacted by UPD to ensure the security of the campus. The Chief of UPD sent out an e-mail Jan. 10 stating that the tunnels will be closed on weekdays from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. and closed 6 p.m. on Friday and not opened until Monday morning. This change in policy can hinder the normal everyday student that uses the tunnels for art or safe passage to classes. UPD has stated that the officers themselves would be locking the doors after hours and will watch the tunnels during these hours. A student may call UPD and request the doors to be opened in certain circumstances however. While the tunnels have been closed for this time, there is no word on whether the times will change during the semester. The
By Jake Murphy tunnels have been seen locked and shut down with UPD occasionally patrolling the entrances to them. However, they have yet to issue warnings to trespassers. University Police’s new implementation of security issues makes one think that the security of the campus is in jeopardy or is on a low-standard. A student who wished to remain anonymous said, “I used those tunnels everyday to get to class and to keep warm. What is UPD doing about the kids who don’t even go here coming on campus and walking into my apartment at night looking for a party?” UPD has yet to comment on the situation but will be in contact with the student body if need be. Still, the tunnels will remain closed while the winter weather rages on.
NOELLE TELLS YOU MOORE
THE NEWS ABOUT NATHAN’S
Photo by Alyce Pellegrino
By Noelle Moore Chances are if you have a meal plan, or a pulse, you’ve seen the changes that were made to The Hub over your, hopefully restful and productive, winter break. First and foremost we must bid farewell to Coyote Jack’s, which had been around since the very beginning. We must remember the shooters and chicken tenders with fondness as we welcome Nathan’s. The transition had been planned since around September and it is now a reality. Nathan’s is most famous for their hot dogs, a hot dog that is specific to the chain and cannot be purchased in the grocery store. However, with the introduction of Nathan’s also comes fish and seafood, something that many are excited about. So, why Nathan’s? Nick Mennillo, otherwise known as King Chartwells, the head of Dining Services said that Nathan’s is very popular with the demographic of students at other schools similar to Purchase. “The price point was compatible with the ABC plan,” he went on to say, referencing the components of a popular meal-equivalent combination. For example, you could get an order of small fries and a small order of chicken tenders under the meal plan. “The pizza bites and fries are the top sellers.”
Furthermore, Mennillo reported that the response to Nathan’s has been excellent. If there was one complaint people had, however, it was for health reasons, to which Mennillo reasoned that there are many other healthier options available at other stations. As for the line that you’ve probably seen looping around every night, there’s not that much that can be done about that. There has been an increase in staff. As everyone learns to be more efficient and quick, things may get a little bit easier. The employees at The Hub have met with the Nathan’s corporate advisor in order to meet the learning curve and will meet with them again. As for the other changes at The Hub, you’ve probably noticed that the registers, beverage fridges, salad bar, and sushi station have moved into an area that had previously been used for seating. “We wanted to give more room for flow and queueing,” Mennillo said of the change. “It makes the lines more functional, not like they were before. They’re manageable.” As for the cramped seating quarters that you’ve probably complained about to your friends, fewer chairs were removed than you probably thought. Only 12 physical chairs were removed,
but the space is tighter and there are many smaller tables in the stead of long tables. “It feels like high school,” one student remarked when entering the seating area of The Hub for the first time. With that being said, there have been plans presented to the school to expand areas for seating, but that decision ultimately lies with the school rather than Dining. “We need more room,” Mennillo agreed. The Hub was designed to accommodate 1300 on the meal plan, whereas there are now 2500 to accomodate. Mennillo said that he had hoped to have a hot dog eating contest to celebrate Nathan’s, but unfortunately that matter is left up to the company promoters and not Chartwells. As previously reported, there are also plans to bring more fresh fruit, vegetables, and crepes to the Freshen’s station at The Hub.
6 FEBRUARY 2014
Photo by Tyler Madell
hillel’s shabbat breaks attendance records By Ryan Brady Hillel at Purchase held its first Shabbat celebration of the semester last Friday evening. It consisted of an optional service followed by a buffet-style dinner of kosher sushi and Chinese food. At least 45 students were crammed into the Campus Center North lounge, making it the most attended event of Hillel’s 2013-2014 year. “It was packed. There was no place to sit,” said Jason Wieder, the club’s treasurer. “We might need a bigger room next time.” Hillel celebrates the Jewish day of rest every other week, always with a ceremony and subsequent dinner. Kosher Mexican, Italian and traditional Jewish cuisine have been served on different Shabbat celebrations; dinner varies per event. Worship for the Jewish day of rest began at 5:30 p.m. In their candle-lit lounge, Hillel members recited prayers and hymns in Hebrew from a Shabbat siddur book, facing Jerusalem for certain prayers. For the mourner’s kaddish (Jewish prayer for deceased), one member dedicated it to a passed relative. At the service’s end, one-by-one, each spoke about the best part of their week.
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“It was very casual and accessible to people who are not familiar with Jewish services,” said Ethan Behling, a Hillels of Westchester engagement associate. “Students chose the direction of it.” At 6:30 p.m., the kiddush rite was performed and the food was served. California rolls, chicken lo mein and fried rice were popular. Students in the long buffet line gradually sat down, ate with each other and talked in the jam-packed lounge. For worship, 22 people came. This more than doubled for the dinner, filling it to the brim and nearly exceeding state-mandated maximum occupancy limit. By 8 p.m., most left the event and a few regulars stayed after 10 p.m. Generally, the event seemed well-received. “Chinese food and sushi are the best things in the world,” said Natalie Degennaro, a junior sociology major at Purchase. Beyond the usual crew Hillel at Purchase gets, the service and dinner received members of Manhattanville’s Hillel chapter as well as students unfamiliar with the club that were invited
by friends. Though a Jewish organization, a minority of gentiles are at most events, including Shabbats attended Friday’s service and dinner. Sophomore new media major Noah Kantor, a self-identified atheist, came to Friday’s celebration on a Hillel friend’s invitation. “Even without understanding the language, I thought [the service] was very interesting and very soothing,” said Kantor. “Good food, good conversation and good people.” “It was a wonderful turnout,” said Hannah Salzberg, the club’s president. “I really enjoy being surrounded by wonderful people.” Upcoming events for Hillel’s Purchase chapter include its regular “Lunch n’ Learn” every Wednesday, the Feb. 10 Midnight Run charity run to New York City, and on the 14th, a Purim-focused Shabbat event. The Hillels of Westchester’s calendar on the group’s website has a complete list. http://www.hillelsofwestchester.org/ events
Photo by Thomas Trinity
spotlight: the reigning king & queen By Alyce Pellegrino
First and foremost, how does it feel to have won Fall Ball and be the reigning King and Queen? Sherry Poppins: It feels great to be the reigning Queen. It is something I’ve wanted for a while, so I’m glad it is finally a reality for me. Ryder Lickquor: It feels almost heavenly! Fall Ball and drag culture are two things that have been very close to my heart since I first got to Purchase. From the moment I saw Queens welcoming me at the entrance during move in I knew that this was where I belonged. To finally be able to say that I am a Fall Ball King is to be apart of a long line of drag royalty. I’m beyond honored.
How much time and energy goes into putting together a routine for Fall Ball? Sherry: I put A LOT of time and energy into
my performance this year. As soon as the semester started, I started mixing my music and started making choreography for my dancers. By the end of September, I started having rehearsals with the dancers that I chose and we rehearsed every weekend for a couple of hours. So it was a lot, but it was worth it. Ryder: It takes a lot more time than most people would think. A lot of my time goes into brainstorming ideas or concepts for a performance. I’m the type of person that likes to kind of have story lines for my pieces. So creating a story and finding music that I feel connected to, that fits, is a large portion. I also may find a song that I really want to perform and have to work a story into it. That was how my Fall Ball piece originally came to be. After all that comes the fun part of actually putting
it together.
Have you both performed in the past? If so, how have those performances influenced your performances from this year? Sherry: Yes, I performed in Fall Ball last
year, and I also performed a handful of times at different event’s throughout the last year. But this year’s Fall Ball was definitely a breakthrough from my previous performances. It was cleaner, I looked better, and I felt better. I pulled a lot from my previous Fall Ball performance by looking at what worked and what didn’t, and changing whatever didn’t work for me. Ryder: I have performed in the past! Last year I performed at Fall Ball (without competing), and at Manhattanville alongside Ricky Deluca, Tresèmme Dahling and Shangela Laquifa Wadley which was UNREAL! Through those performances I definitely did some experimentation with my character and learned a lot more about Ryder. He doesn’t always have to be the macho kind of guy. He’s sensitive and intimate, which is what I love most about him, but he also has a dark side to him. I tried to play around with these things in my performance.
Why do you think Fall Ball is important to this campus? Sherry: I think Fall Ball is VERY important
people who perform or dress up, they are able to feel encouraged to dress and perform in a way they may not ever felt comfortable doing. So it’s really great to remember all around. Ryder: Fall Ball is EXTREMELY important to this campus because it gives students an outlet to experiment and express themselves in any way that they choose. It doesn’t matter what your sexual orientation or gender identity is, you just come as you want and have fun! This isn’t a space for judgements unless you’re on the runway. I wish Purchase could have more events/spaces like this for students.
Why should people who didn’t go or know about it this year attend next year? Sherry: If you didn’t go this year, you
missed out. But definitely come next year and the year after that and so forth because Fall Ball is an amazing event no matter who you are or what your sexuality is. Drag has a huge history at Purchase, and so this is where you get to see the best of the best. Some of the performers may even be friends of yours, and they perform and compete for the entire campus to see. It is extremely entertaining. Ryder: Fall Ball is more than just a competition but an experience, a part of history. It’s ranked as one of the top LGBTQ College Parties in the United States for a reason. I’ve missed one Fall Ball in my time at Purchase, and I’ve never really gotten over it. Also let’s face it, no one wants to be that person that doesn’t know what everyone else is talking about?
because it gives students, especially freshman, the chance to open their eyes to something they may not have seen before. That allows people to engage in a more diverse way of appreciating the community at Purchase. And for the
8 FEBRUARY 2014
CineMasai:
7 Obscure Black Icons You Should Know About By Dylan Green
It’s comforting to know that Black History Month is here again. A time for all of us to reflect on where we come from, and the strides People of Color have made across the globe. What’s less comforting is the fact that we tend to restrict our celebration to a select few figures and often gloss over more obscure and (forgive the pun) colorful figures who skirt the mainstream, in terms of appeal and general knowledge. Here’s a list of eccentric Black figures that we should celebrate, past and present.
Anita Hill
An attorney who used to work for the U.S. Department of Education, Hill shook the world in 1991 with her accusations of sexual harassment against then Supreme Court nominee Clarence Thomas. Although the case was dropped due to lack of evidence, Hill’s speaking out led to her becoming a national figure in fight against workplace sexual harassment. She’s currently a professor at Brandeis University.
Reggie Watts
Best known for his work on Comedy Bang Bang, this multi-faceted biracial artist mixes stream-of-consciousness comedy bits with loop
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pedal-based musical improvisation in his live act. A true New Age eccentric if there ever was one. Watts continues to tour around the world, enchanting audiences around the world.
Kofi Annan
Fela Kuti
In his lifetime, Kuti pulled double duty as a musical pioneer (afrobeat music is pretty much his child) and political activist. He embraced traditional African values and customs in resistance of European colonialism and even founded his own nation, Kalakuta Republic, in defiance. The complex mix of funk, jazz, psychedelic rock, and African chants that is afrobeat is about as eccentric and revolutionary as the man himself.
Annan is the former Secretary-General of the United Nations of Ghanian descent. He’s worked to address poverty, AIDS, and international relations on a global scale. He continues to do charity work in Ghana and abroad.
Shirley Chisholm
Besides serving as the first Black woman to be elected to Congress for more than a decade, Chisholm is also the first African American, male or female, to ever run for the position of President. Not bad for a Black woman in the 1970s.
Esperanza Spalding
A young jazz prodigy who swiped the Best New Artist Grammy a few years ago, Spalding was hired immediately out of school to teach at Berklee College of Music at the age of 21. A bassist of renowned skill, Spalding has released four solo albums and remained active in the fight against the Guantanamo Bay prison system.
Saul Williams
His blend of alternative hip hop and spoken word poetry has made Saul Williams a force to be reckoned with in underground music. Having worked with artists as diverse as Nas, Erykah Badu, and Nine Inch Nails frontman Trent Reznor. His work as a lyricist, writer, and actor keep him on the cutting edge.
Unsolicited Advice:
How to Make the Shortest Month of the Year the Longest in Hours Productively Spent
By Alyssa Spizzino
You are a fantastic human being, primarily because you decided to read this article. You are well on your way to being productive. In fact, reading this is productive in and of itself. You are a genius brain child, and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. Here are some pearls of wisdom I leave you with as you embark on a journey to enrich your life: Redefine Productive: I know that you’re dying to watch that Season 4 Halloween episode of Buffy The Vampire Slayer. There is absolutely nothing wrong listening to Jewel and taking a bath. You should definitely drink fancy craft beer and watch sporting events under the pretenses that you will not operate a vehicle. You deserve it, and there is purpose and value to everything you do. Do not let high and low culture define productivity, or define you whenever you are forced against your will to publicly announce all of your interests. You will grow as a human being because time is linear and you can’t cheat death. Whether today you decide to read Atlas Shrugged or listen to the Pitch Perfect Soundtrack on repeat while internetting (“internetting” should be considered a verb in the way that “tweeting” is a verb), it won’t make you an unproductive human and you shouldn’t feel bad or guilty about the way you spend your time. If you’re cognitive of your life experiences, you will sometimes evaluate your activity and adjust it as needed based on your priorities. If you are stimulated and you understand why you enjoy the simple pleasure of a luxurious bubble bath or whatever your vice may be, that is great. You are probably self aware. Now everything you do will count as productive. Even sleeping 10 hours a day. Everything in moderation, even moderation. 2. Eat Any Valentine’s Day/ Susan B. Anthony Day Candy/ Women’s Suffrage Pamphlets
Immediately or Place in Freezer for Safe Keeping: Imagine if you ate all your meals in one sitting. You would save a lot of time, because you wouldn’t have to prepare/ travel to/hunt/acquire your food however many times you eat a day. Think about candy as a meal, only it’s confusing and distracting and makes your stomach hurt sometimes. It’s better to eat all of your candy at once and get sick only one time. More importantly, you eliminate the possibility of getting up from your laptop fifteen times to tiredly unwrap inspirational Dove chocolates. An alternative idea/motivation tactic: put said candy in the freezer. Use the candy as a reward when you complete a task; even if the task is as simple as “watch the Disney classic ‘The Fox and The Hound’.” The same concept works for frozen grapes, but honestly they taste better frozen. Meal planning around your schedule is a great idea. Get it together and save yourself some time instead of blankly staring at the incandescent light surrounding some Nathan’s french fries at the Hub. Also, brushing up on some feminist literature is never a bad idea. Girl power. 3. Joffrey, The Hound, Chiswyck, Cersei Write a list. It doesn’t have to be a list of people you want dead (shout out to our precious angel Arya Stark; she’s been through so much). Write down a few things you want to accomplish for the day, and then cross them off. You will feel empowered and accomplished. Sometimes it’s helpful to include marginal tasks, like showering or eating food, because it gets the ball rolling. It’s also a great way to remember the things you have to do, in case you suffer from procrastination or short term memory loss. It can be a bit overwhelming if you have a particularly long list, but it’s insanely gratifying to know you at least intended to do everything on the list. At
some point, you may even get irritated that you’ve not accomplished anything on said list and finish the whole thing out of spite. In no time, you will be hoarding post-it notes and basking in the riches of productivity. 4. You’re Not A Vampire and You Don’t Have to Act Like One Try to see sunlight. It’s freezing. It snows. We’re in the Northeast, get over it. I highly recommend investing in a durable pair of gloves. Nonetheless, you should still enjoy some good old fashioned vitamin D. Even if you literally exit your living corridors for 30 seconds, step outside and feel the wind penetrate through the three layers of clothing you are wearing. You will feel better than if you didn’t. It will encourage you to begin accomplishing your goals. Seeing the day turn in to night at 5 p.m. isn’t ideal, but you are a beautiful warrior and you can overcome adversity. It feels good to wake up before 3 p.m., even if you stayed up until five a.m. watching “Adventure Time,” playing limbo with your cats, or sipping on Shirley Temples at The Bronze, whatever the kids are doing these days. If anything, rising at an hour when the sun is still up will just ensure you go to bed at a more reasonable hour the next time. You won’t turn to dust or get repulsing third-degree burns, and it won’t kill you to get a little spit on your hands and get in touch with Mother Gaia. I promise, you will feel better if you can experience a minimum of four hours of sunlight a day. You don’t have to be outside; just knowing that it’s present is a comfort people in Alaska don’t even experience sometimes. If that’s not an option and you want to keep your waking hours consistent with folklore revenants, I suggest looking at Google Earth images of Berkley or some other exotic place.
10 FEBRUARY 2014
STUDENT LIFE CALENDAR FRI 2/7
Bad Cello, Comfy, Band Practice @ Whitson’s in The Stood
NYPIRG Event @ The Stood on main stage, PandaFan @ Whitson’s in The Stood
SAT 2/8
FRI 2/21
Roller Disco , SK80s night @ The Stood
TUE 2/11
OAPIA part @ Main Stage Safari Zone Rave @ Whiton’s
SAT 2/22
Mount Olympus Valentines Day card workshop @ The Stood
FORTH’S Up Yours 2014 fest @ Main Stage and Whitson’s
FRI 2/14
SUN 2/23
Valentine’s day part @ The Stood, Swearin’ @ Whitson’s S.O.C.A.’s Traffic Jam Valentine’s Day Bash @ The Stood
FRI 2/15
Purchase Late Night @ The Stood on main stage LGBTBQU’s Glitter Ball @ Whitson’s in the stood
Keep track of the Student Events Calendar at tinyurl.com/purchaseevents 11 THE LOAD
THU 2/20
Stephen Steinbrink, Trace Mountains @ Whitson’s in The Stood
MON 2/24
Adult Mom, Unraveler @ Whitson’s in The Stood
fri 2/28
LU party @ The Stood Greg Sestero film screening @ Choral Hall Electronic Music Show @ Whitson’s in The Stood
WHAT’S POPPIN’
DURING THE MONTH OF
FEBRUARY
WEEKLY CLUB MEETINGS MON
TUES
wed
FORTH Nat Sci @8PM
TEA CLUB CCN Near The Hub @7PM
HILLEL Basement of CCN @ 12:30PM
THE PHOENIX The Journalism Suite @8PM THE SUBMISSION CCN 0025 @ 9:30PM HIP HOP CCN 0016 @10PM
THE LOAD CCN 0025 @9PM COMPLEXUALITY The Commuters Lounge @10PM
HISTORY CLUB Library 0014 @ 4:30PM
ANIME CLUB Commuters Lounge @ 8 PM LGBTQU Commuters Lounge @10 PM
SNEAK PEEK FOR MARCH: 3/1 COVER SHOW 3/5 WPSR OPEN MIC 3/14 SEXTACY 3/14 TOASTED PLASTIC
SOCA CCN 0016 @ 10 PM
LU in CCN 0016 @ 10 PM 12 FEBRUARY 2014
JAMS WITH JAN
Photo by Sam Skinner
By Janet Katsnelson
Jack Tomascak is a sophomore at Purchase who is currently involved with three active projects: Upper Chief, Shore Country, and one of my favorite Purchase bands ever, Nine of Swords.
Jan: Is Shore Country just you? Jack: It’s just me right now. It should be – or
actually, it will be a full band at some point, hopefully this semester. I’m the song writer guy for it.
Jan: How is Upper Chief different from Shore Country?
Jack: Upper Chief is much heavier. It’s two different sides of the coin. Shore Country was created as an outlet for more poppy and melodic stuff. Upper Chief is where more of the heavy, dissonant stuff goes toward. Upper Chief will always be only me.
Jan: How does that affect your writing process? Jack: I go into every song knowing that this will
be a Shore Country song, or this will be an Upper Chief song. I usually have that in mind already.
Jan: Lets talk about Nine of Swords! How did it come to be?
Jan: What does the name mean? Jack: The Nine of Swords is a taro card. I
don’t know what the card itself means. I should probably know that.
Jan: What’s your major? Jack: Media Society and the Arts and Arts
Management double major.
Jan: How’s that going?
Jan: What do you love about Purchase? Jack: The culture. Culture is incredible. I love
being able to thrive in an environment where there are people that might not align with your taste in music or your likes and dislikes but still have a sense of politics and what underground music should be. They also have an idea of how safe spaces should operate, and that we should be integrating more feminist thought, queer thought, and cultural thought into our music scenes to make them more inclusive.
Jan: Do you think that’s happening now? Jack: We’re moving towards it. From my
perspective, I came here a lot when I was in high school. I noticed it to be a very male dominated, straight white person thing. The shows that I saw here were like Tiger’s Jaw, Balance and Composure, bands like that. There wasn’t as much of other voices being heard. We’re moving towards that point, slowly but surely. Within the next two years, it’s going to open up even more.
Jan: How’s the experience of being in both a full band and involved in solo projects?
Jack: It’s sick. Nine of Swords is the first time I’ve been in a real band that’s not a cover set or just jamming. It’s so much fun. The first time I played with them I could not stop smiling. It’s great to play off of the energy of three other people while you’re playing – and not just three people but three very very talented people. On the other hand, doing solo stuff I feel like I have a lot of free reign. Like being able to change stuff while playing live – having full control over the sounds. When I went on tour this summer I played in New Brunswick, the situations that happened at that show made me want to play a five minute
Check out: Upper Chief at http://upperchief.bandcamp.com/ Shore Country at http://shorecountry.bandcamp.com/ Nine of Swords at http://thenineofswords.bandcamp.com/
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Photo by David Weber
Jack: Basically two semesters ago, TJ Stevenson and Chris Postelwaite were bouncing around the idea of a hardcore band and they wanted Rachel to yell in it, I believe after they heard her yell her heart out during the Hole cover set. So they got together and did something, and needed a bassist. So here we are now. TJ and Chris are the main writers. We recorded in October. That’s the brief history of Nine of Swords.
Jack: I love it. I like being able to do school. I’m finally learning about stuff I care a lot about and I enjoy going to classes. I like expanding my horizons in terms of my academic life. I probably wouldn’t be able to survive here if I was just one of two. I would probably graduate early and I don’t wanna do that. I love it here.
set without using a microphone. So I did that. In a band situation, I would have to explain it to people. Having the ability to change stuff on the fly and reflect how I feel in that moment is cool. They’re two different things and I like having the balance of both.
Follow Jack on Tumblr at http://jacktomascak.tumblr.com/
VALEN-NOT PLAYLIST Tibetan Pop Stars
By Janet Katsnelson
Hop Along
Heartbeats
THE KNIFE
True Affection the Blow
Recommendation Mirah
Know Better Learn Faster
Thao
PORTIONS FOR FOXES Rilo Kiley No Surprises Radiohead Everybody’s Got To Learn Sometimes Beck It’s Not You It’s Me Coconut Records A Manner To Act Ra Ra Riot Eyes Rogue Wave Don’t Speak No Doubt Friend (Lover) Evenings The News From Your Bed Bishop Allen
14 FEBRUARY 2014
SEQUENTIAL RUIN
A special missive from Shia Labeouf
Welcome back to Sequential Ruin! I hope you brought popcorn. This is so weird, I can’t believe we got this for the first column of the semester. Ladies and gentlemen, the man, the myth, the legend, Shia LaBeouf! Oh, hey. I’m Shia LaBeouf. You might not have heard of me. Once, I was an American actor and director who became known among younger audiences as Louis Stevens in the Disney Channel series “Even Stevens.” LaBeouf received a Young Artist Award nomination in 2001 and won a Daytime Emmy Award in 2003 for his role. He made his film debut in “Holes” (2003), based on the novel of the same name by Louis Sachar. In 2004, he made his directorial debut with the short film “Let’s Love Hate,” and later directed a short film titled “Maniac” (2011), starring American rappers Cage and Kid Cudi. But now, I’m a “video artist.” Video art is a type of art which relies on moving pictures and comprises video and/ or audio data. (It should not however be confused with television production or experimental film.) Video art came into existence during the late 1960s and early 1970s as the new technology became available outside corporate broadcasting and is still practiced and has given rise to the use of video installations. Video art can take many forms: recordings that are broadcast, viewed in galleries or other venues, or distributed as video tapes or DVD discs; sculptural installations, which may incorporate one or more television sets or video monitors, displaying ‘live’ or recorded images and sound; and performances in which video representations are included. Recently, there have been a lot of accusations thrown around that I am a plagiarist. Me? Shia LaBeouf, the visual artist, a person who would practice the “wrongful appropriation” and “purloining and publications” (CONT ON PAGE 16) By Kevin Reilly
15 THE LOAD
Three Songs That Prove Drake Is All You Need By Janet Katsnelson
Un-Thinkable (I’m Ready) Alicia Keys Apart from soothing your stresses with his sexy backing vocals, Drake also co-wrote this song. When the video for this came out, Drake was nowhere to be found. Why? Because Alicia Keys didn’t want him in it. Guess what? Baby boy didn’t mind. Remember, this song came out in 2009. This was the same year that Drake released So Far Gone, in my opinion a very weak mixtape. How many people knew that he was on this track? Not many. Because he doesn’t do it for the recognition or his ego. He does it for the music. More importantly, he does it for you. Hold On We’re Going Home Drake I remember the first time I heard this song. It was before I had fully transformed into a Drake lover. I still wasn’t convinced that he was a talented
rapper (remember, this is the dude that said “wet glass on your table, no coaster…Burn bread everyday boy, no toaster”), but that doesn’t matter. Have you heard him sing? The lyrics are simple, not that it matters considering he could be singing about refrigerators and panties would still drop. I’ve yet to meet anyone that hasn’t, even if involuntarily, fallen in love with this song. That drum machine in the beginning has got me feeling some type of way that is extremely reminiscent of 80’s pop and I’m SO into it. I’ve said it once, I’ve said it twice, I’ll say it forever. I wish Drake had his eyes on me. Mine Beyonce ft Drake First off, structurally this song is both innovative and beautiful. It doesn’t rely on a chorus to carry it, which is a refreshing thing to see in a Beyonce song. Queen B bares it all in the first verse, talking about insecurities and vulnerabilities like
it’s no biggie. And whom is she confiding in? None other than your boy. Drake’s verse at the end is a perfect example of how he masterfully balances talking about how much he wants you, both physically and emotionally (“I miss feeling on ya, I miss everything that’s real about ya…and that’s everything about ya, that’s just how i feel about ya””). Above that, he does it without degrading women. It’s a shame that this has to be impressive, but considering where rap is at right now, I’d say it’s worth mentioning. And hot. As for Drake being “soft.” I’ll have absolutely none of that. He is emotionally accessible and that is sexy as fuck. I’m SO over the twitter accounts and memes. Like that shit is not funny. Mocking him for being real with how he feels is immature. It also plays into the problematic “talented rapper” stereotype. In this song, like many others, Drake puts it all on the table. He’s got trust for you and he’s got love for you. What more could you ask for?
cinemasai: HER For someone whose films tend to focus on decidedly metaphysical entities and concepts, i.e. “head” movies, (The mind transference of “Being John Malkovich” dealt with self perception, “Adaptation” delved into the mind of a screenwriter, and “Where The Wild Things Are” revealed the inner workings of a young boy clinging to childhood with all his might) director Spike Jonze’s films are pre-packaged with a lot of soul. They constantly manage to convey their more complex ideas without sacrificing emotional resonance. Much of that was thought to be due to screenwriter Charlie Kaufman, who penned both “Malkovich” and “Adaptation,” but Jonze has re-worked the template to craft “Her.” “Her” is a sci-fi romance able to indulge the intelligence and big ideas of Jonze’s earlier work while doubling as a sweet and affecting love story that is no where near as creepy as it sounded on paper. That love story centers around Theodore Twombly (Joaquin Phoenix), an introverted recent divorcee who writes letters for those unable to articulate their feelings. Part of the gimmick of “Her” is Jonze’s commentary on the state of modern human relations, to the extent that they exist in this near future mostly on the end of smartphones, tablets, and newsfeeds. Theodore picks up a new OS, an artificially intelligent software that grows and learns like humans do. She dubs herself Samantha (Scarlett Johansson’s disembodied voice) and she and Theodore start what eventually turns into a romantic relationship. And that’s really the extent of the initial set-up. The real beauty of it all stems less from the standard “awkward first date, getting-to-know-you walk around, dates at the carnival/beach, sexual encounter, emotional clashing, etc.” formula than it does from Jonze’s insightful and clever screenplay. Like I mentioned before, Jonze has crafted a world where the possibilities of social networking through technology have led to us growing farther and farther apart.
By Dylan Green Theodore spends his days manufacturing emotions for couples on paper, and spends his nights playing video games with vulgar supporting characters and looking for love in online chatrooms that amount to little more than auditory arousal. The fact that Theodore manages a better connection with an artificial intelligence than he did with actual people, including his ex-wife Catherine (Rooney Mara) but not including his co-worker and friend Amy (Amy Adams), is part of the joke. Or it would be part of the joke if Jonze were even remotely interested in ridiculing Sam and Theodore’s emotional connection. Jonze offers plenty of sci-fi insights into the possibility of AI in an operating system, including the juxtaposition of Samantha’s playful speaking manner with her emotional naivete, introducing a surrogate body for physical contact, and even the idea of operating systems interacting with one another and forming relationships of their own. There are big ideas at play here that serve to enrich this brightly colored yet melancholy world. Cinematographer Hoyte van Hoytema coats “Her” in a bright, almost saccharine haze with bold distinct colors that contrasts well with the more reserved tone of the romance. Phoenix plays Theodore as more than an eccentric, but a wounded soul with puppy dog eyes and a void that needs filling. Johansson imbues Samantha with childlike optimism, intelligence, and a desire to feel, impressive given that she’s just a voice. In short, “Her” never comes across as the creepy “man falls in love with his computer” story that it may have sounded like on paper. Jonze has crafted a funny, melancholic soulful film that emphasizes the importance of connection, human or otherwise in a world where we use social networking to isolate ourselves from each other.
(CONT FROM PAGE 15) of another author’s “language, thoughts, ideas, or expressions,” and the representation of them as one’s own original work? Impossible. Can’t be.
Look at me. I’m an artist. And there you have it. This guy’s not an artist, right? I think we can all agree on this. Especially now, with this weird apology thing. In regards to Daniel Clowes and that whole controversy. This isn’t a matter of plagiarism any more, I think. It’s the same thing that people are doing to Tila Tequila, Kim Kardashian, and what have you; it’s about attention and publicity. If we all stopped caring, he’d stop writing in the sky. And that’s what we’re really here for, right?
16 FEBRUARY 2014
A VALENTINE’S DAY GUIDE FOR A STUDENT WITHOUT MONEY
Remember when you were in kindergarten and your parents made you give Valentines to the entire class? It was less about a “celebration of love” and more about a “celebration of friendship and whoever can get the best stickers.” Somehow, when you got to middle school, the idea of getting and giving valentines became more competition-like. As we grow older, the idea of Valentine’s Day seems more of a scam from the greeting card and candy companies. But the importance of celebrating relationships isn’t something that should fade with age, no matter if you have money to buy valentines or not. I have compiled a few cheap/ free ideas for valentines to give to your friends, parents, basically whoever you want. Because getting a valentine is exciting at any age (arguably more exciting as a college student).
1)Playing Card Valentines- If you have any extra decks of cards lying around (or if you want to spend $3 to buy a pack at the More Store) and a permanent marker, you have 52 instant valentines. Even more if you didn’t throw out the jokers once you opened them. 2)Starbucks Sleeves- Disclaimer: this does not mean you can go to Starbucks and steal the coffee sleeves. It DOES mean that after drinking your coffee you take your sleeve and decorate it for a cheap/ weird valentine. Cover it in stickers, cut out hearts or write your homework assignment on it and hand it to your professor (don’t actually do that). 3)Guitar Picks- Creative AND versatile. Odds are you have old guitar picks underneath your bed or in the bottom of your backpack that you might not need. They are big enough to write a name or draw a heart, which makes a quick and easy Valentine that will probably get lost within an hour. By Nina Braca
17 THE LOAD
SURVIVING VALENTINE’S DAY By Noelle Moore
Ah yes, the day of the year that every person dreads, represses, and ignores: Valentine’s Day. With everyone expressing their adoration to their romantic partners all around you, it can be a difficult holiday to get through without getting down on yourself in the process. Remember these points to make getting through this chocolate-ridden, cavity-inducing holiday less painful. Hit the town with your single friends Round up your fellow single friends and plan to go out and do something fun that you’ll all enjoy. It can be as simple as going bowling, to see that new comedy, a karaoke bar, or just a regular classic bar. Just because you don’t have a valentine doesn’t mean you can’t have a night of fun. It’s a Friday night after all. Treat it like you would any ordinary Friday. Chances are everyone who isn’t joined at the hip to their partner will be doing the same. If you’re looking to meet someone, maybe you’ll meet them doing the same thing you are - you never know!
Have some family time If you are in the predicament where it seems every one of your friends are paired up while you’re the odd man out, then there’s nothing like family. Just because you’re not in a relationship doesn’t mean you don’t have relationships with people who love you. Hit up the cousin who’s practically your sibling or do something nice for your mom and dad. After all, they’re the ones who love you unconditionally; whose love is the longest lasting. Get your mom some chocolates, she’ll appreciate it, trust me. Have a night in Or if you’re in the mood to stay in for V-Day, have a movie marathon and drink some wine like the classy bitch you are. You aren’t obligated to go out and impress everyone. If you’re happier kicking back and watching Lord of the Rings, Star Wars, or catching up on that hot new TV show all your friends have been gushing to you about, then you do it. (CONT ON PAGE 18)
(CONT FROM PAGE 17) Treat yo’self Hey, you aren’t dropping dollars on anyone else so why don’t you treat yourself to a little something? If you can afford it, maybe it’s time to get yourself that new jacket you’ve been eyeing, or go in for a relaxing mani-pedi. Some businesses have V-Day promotions going on that you can take advantage of even if you’re not seeing anyone. Grab one of those bath bombs from LUSH and indulge in a long, soothing, glittery bath that will leave you smelling like heaven itself. Be your own valentine and love yourself.
the qualities that the person you will one day be with will like you for. Or, if there’s something about yourself that you want to improve, take advantage of that drive and start doing so. Start yoga, practice your makeup skills, expand your understanding of a subject that interests you. Finally, relax. Don’t stress it. Remember that it is just another day.
Try not to be a cynic Yes, Valentine’s Day is a commercial holiday, just like how Christmas and New Years are in their own way. It’s used to sell candy, jewelry, and cards to the love-hungry masses and companies make a killing off of it. Chances are that one of your Be kind to yourself November-baby friends was con Many people, and most ceived on the designated date of of us are guilty of it at one point this marketing scheme. However, or another, have defined their self- many people also look upon this worth by whether or not they’re in as an important day to show their a relationship. If those Valentine’s love to the person they love - if Day blues have got you down, they’re not hurting anyone, let remember that your relationship them have their day. People are status is not your identity. You allowed to be happy and their are not any less valuable if you sweetness shouldn’t turn you don’t have a significant other. Use sour. Don’t let your own cynicism this opportunity to think about and bitterness turn you cold and all the good qualities in yourself, scornful to the idea of love.
18 FEBRUARY 2014
TO: FROM: Roses are red Violets are blue I’m laughing like hell ‘Cause I’m drunker than you TO: FROM: Roses are grey Violets are grey Have you stopped and talked To the bricks today
Roses are red Purchase is queer We’re all getting drunk On cheap, shitty beer
TO: FROM: Roses are red And the skies are grey I miss you almost as much As I miss John Delate TO: FROM: