October 2013

OCTOBER 2013 reporter.rit.edu

ON BEHALF OF THE REPORTER STAFF, we offer our sincere apologies to our readers for offensive content in the article “Retro Word on the Street” published in the September 2013 issue. The article included a joke about Swine Flu that drew allusions to a transition between genders, which was both inaccurate and offensive. This oversight on the part of Reporter was due to a widespread lack of understanding with regard to the Transgendered community. To prevent similar instances, all members of the editorial board will be participating in OUTspoken’s Safe Zone training. In addition, we would like to encourage the members of RIT to join us in seeking a better understanding of this community. For more information, go to rit.edu/sg/outspoken. If you have an opinion on the matter you would like to express, please send a letter to the editor at reportermag@rit.edu.

Amber Wilson-Daeschlein

Steven Markowitz

Nathaniel Mathews

EDITOR IN CHIEF

MANAGING EDITOR

COPY EDITOR

Alyssa Jackson

William Hirsh

Kayla Emerson

NEWS EDITOR

LEISURE EDITOR

SPORTS EDITOR

Nicole Howley

Joan McDonough

Kathryn Eble

FEATURES EDITOR

VIEWS EDITOR

ART DIRECTOR

FROM THE EDITOR EDITOR IN CHIEF Amber Wilson-Daeschlein PRINT MANAGING EDITOR Steven Markowitz ONLINE MANAGING EDITOR Michelle Spoto COPY EDITOR Nathaniel Mathews NEWS EDITOR Alyssa Jackson LEISURE EDITOR William Hirsh FEATURES EDITOR Nicole Howley SPORTS EDITOR Kayla Emerson

At the MSO Presidents Roundtable on Thursday September 19 I was jolted from abstraction by words that no editor ever wants to hear: you published an offensive comment. OUTspoken Vice President Andrew Tuttle explained that one of the answers in “Retro Word on the Street” was offensive and insulting to the Transgendered community.

Taking offense is entirely personal and cannot be accurately measured. My conservative relatives might be offended if they knew I had lived with my boyfriend out of wedlock. Then again, I am offended when they make slightly racist comments about our current president.

Because we have diverse perspectives and beliefs, it is impossible to determine the validity of one’s claim; we can only agree or disagree.

As stated in an article from the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Center for Journalism Ethics, “Causing offense is too subjective to act as a reliable criterion for restraining expression.” The

VIEWS EDITOR Joan McDonough WRITERS Nick Bovee, Taylor Derrisaw,

Kayla Emerson, Gino Faneli, William Hirsh, Amanda Imperial, Alyssa Jackson, Alex Jones, Juan Lachapelle, Nathan J. Lichtenstein, Michelle Spoto, Brett Slabaugh, David Utt

ART

comment in last month’s magazine was offensive. But it was also ignorant and disrespectful.

“What does matter is harm, not offense. The real ethical question is whether publications or free expression cause unjustifiable harm to individuals, groups, and vulnerable minorities.

For example, publications against religions, lifestyles, sexual practice, and minorities not only ‘offend.’ They may create a harmful, poisonous environment in which these groups must live.”

The “Retro Word on the Street” comment was insulting and disrespectful, and exposed an unfortunate lack of understanding within the Editorial Board; something we are working to correct. Regardless of intent or interpretation it is our responsibility to seek an understanding of diverse perspectives in order to be completely nondiscriminatory. As a college publication we strive to maintain a high level of respect for all communities within RIT.

ART DIRECTOR Kathryn Eble DESIGN DIRECTOR Autumn Wadsworth STAFF DESIGNER Melissa Cavallaro, Akshara Chopra, Mariah Jade Cole, Zach Cross, Mariah Lamb, Nick Tyler CONTRIBUTING ILLUSTRATORS Katherine Dayton, Emily Gage, Andrew Philpott, David Royka, Stevie Thompson

Amber Wilson-Daeschlein EDITOR IN CHIEF

CARTOONIST Emily DeVault

PHOTOGRAPHY PHOTO EDITOR Carol Klino CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Seth Abel, Matt Burkhartt, Mackenzie Harris

BUSINESS BUSINESS MANAGER Le Nguyen AD / PR MANAGER Zachery Walters PRODUCTION MANAGER Ulises Gonzalez ONLINE PRODUCTION MANAGER Jake DeBoer ADVISOR Rudy Pugliese PRINTING Printing Applications Lab CONTACT 585.475.2212

Please Recycle

Reporter Magazine is published monthly during the academic year by a staff comprised of students at Rochester Institute of Technology. Business, Editorial and Design facilities are located in Room A-730, in the lower level of the Campus Center. Our phone number is 1.585.475.2212. If I get a tattoo on my ass, can it still be filmed? A.J. The Advertising Department can be reached at 1.585.475.2213. The opinions expressed in Reporter do not necessarily ref lect those of the Institute. Letters to the Editor may also be sent to reporter@rit.edu. Reporter is not responsible for materials presented in advertising areas. No letters will be printed unless signed. All letters received become the property of Reporter. Reporter takes pride in its membership in the Associated Collegiate Press and American Civil Liberties Union. Copyright © 2013 Reporter Magazine. All rights reserved.

No portion of this Magazine may be reproduced without prior written permission.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

OCTOBER 2013 | VOLUME 65 | ISSUE 32

RIT Men’s Soccer team members prepare to face off against the University of Rochester for the second annual Hillside Community

Which pumpkin good makes the

How are you paying for RIT?

grade?

Exploring tattoos and piercings in the workplace.

9 At Your Leisure

28 You’ve Got Mail Paper waste and junk mail clutter at RIT.

29 Word on the Street If you got a tattoo, what would you get and why?

FEATURES

7 Maintaining Professionalism in RIT Dining Services

LEISURE

12 Testing from the Pumpkin Patch

6 Past, Present & Future of Student Loans

VIEWS

photograph by Rugile Kaladyte

18 Hearts on our Sleeves Body art’s renaissance.

22 Getting Under Your Skin

10 Reviews

30 Rings Don’t play with skunks.

The art of microdermals.

24 A Multitude of Modifications

Master your backlog.

More than just your average nose

cover photograph by Seth Abel | cover illustration by Stevie Thompson

6 Diclaimer: The eyeball and barcode tattoos are illustrations only.

ring.

Punk from Denmark and a game from your nightmares.

14 A Guide to Biking Rochester Learn the secrets to biking in the area.

SPORTS

NEWS

Shield on September 21.

26 Welcoming the new Hall of Famers Meet the six inductees for 2013.

5

Past Present Future of Student Loans

by Juan Lachapelle | illustration by Katherine Dayton | design by Akshara Chopra

3.86, 5.41, 6.41. As of this past summer, these are the new interest rate percentages for undergraduate, graduate and PLUS loans, respectively. The RIT Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships has its own chart showing past interest rates for subsidized/unsubsidized direct loans starting from 2008, the highest being 6.8 percent.

According to the Washington Post, President Obama signed a bipartisan bill that lowered interest rates starting this current school year and set new caps to limit how high the rates can go: 8.25 percent for undergraduates, 9.5 percent for graduate students and 10.5 percent for PLUS loans. These caps were set to allow for the rates as the economy improves.

The bill is one of many proposals that Obama is implementing in order to reduce the burden of loans on future and current college students. According to the New York Times, the president has plans to implement a rating system for colleges based on measures such

can arise from things like loan repayment to general requirements

as tuition, graduation rates, debt and earnings of graduates and

and even laws. Hazen stressed the importance of knowing what goes

percentage of lower-income students attending. If approved by

into your loans and whatever you sign. “We try to put [information]

Congress, he hopes to implement it by 2015. The idea behind the

everywhere we can and put it in such a way that students can find it,”

proposal is to “base federal financial aid to students attending the

said Hazen. “They are responsible for reading it but [financial advisors]

colleges partly on those rankings,” according to the New York Times.

are responsible for answering questions if they have them.”

New repayment plans such as “pay as you earn” are also being taken

However, not all students are unaware of the financial risks involved

into consideration as new proposals are brought up.

with going to college. Creg Bryski, a first year Engineering Exploration

Verna Hazen, assistant vice president for financial aid and

major, expressed his understanding of the ongoing change, but was

scholarships at RIT, says the lowered rates were long awaited since

unsure of how it will impact his college career and beyond. “Nothing

past caps had expired and many proposals were created in hopes

is ever set in stone. As soon as I get out of here, there’s no guarantee

of changing the caps once again. “Some of them were not attractive

I will get a job to pay all the loans back,” said Bryski. “What’s going to

proposals at all, so we were all very concerned about what would

happen when I don’t?”

happen,” said Hazen.

Michelle Catalfamo, a third year Motion Picture Science major, felt

As various loan reforms are taking place, some private companies

positively about the bill, but seemed concerned with loans getting

are opting out of the loan business altogether. According to Forbes,

harder to obtain. “With my limit, I might have to find another one

JPMorgan will be notifying colleges, starting October 12, that it will

during my senior year,” said Catalfamo.

stop accepting applications for student loans. The bank believes there

This ongoing battle is currently being debated in Congress,

is “no major growth potential for the unit as competition from the

discussed in the Department of Education and will ultimately fall

federal government increases.” Other private student loan providers,

down onto the school and its students. Changes are actively taking

like Sallie Mae, are still sticking with the business.

place, and as a student it is good practice to keep up to date on future

As new and old students alike are getting adjusted to the new school year, student loan reforms are often overlooked and confusion

6 News | September 2013

loan policies and laws.

licies on o P s e g n a h C s e Dining Servic

n o i t a c i f i d o Body M ion by Andrew isaw | illustrat

by Taylor Derr

n by Akshara Philpott | desig

Chopra

RIT Dining Services recently implemented a policy that prevents workers from wearing any type of jewelry that could be harmful to the integrity of the food. For example, workers cannot have any dangling earrings, because they could fall off and land in the food; or wedding rings, because they could puncture the gloves and touch the food. The policy also has rules pertaining to tattoos that might look unappealing or offensive to customers. This means that any obscene, racist or sexual tattoos must be covered up while working.

Kory Samuels, the executive director of Dining Services, gave some insight on the policy. “It goes more into depth

present ourselves, and how we’re going to continuously

than just uniforms; it dives into the ultimate idea that

improve our services … all that compasses towards

there is a good customer experience.” Samuels, who

customer service.”

advocates for professionalism in the workplace, said: “It’s

First year Film and Animation student Holly McMahon

a higher expectation, for the food quality you put out and

agreed with Samuels about covering up tattoos and

the way in which you present yourself.”

compared the rules to similar workplace expectations.

Eddie Zamites, a student manager at the RITz, said “I feel

However, she had some doubts about the jewelry policy,

like we have an image we have to uphold here. You have

stating that “The ring aspect doesn’t seem really necessary,

to be professional.”

because they wear the gloves anyway.”

Samuels argued that as an organization, especially in

Zamites explained that tattoos are more of a personal

a higher education setting, there has to be outstanding

image concern, whereas piercings are more of a food

customer service in order to be successful, and part of

safety concern. “We don’t want people coming back

this service depends on personal image. “Let’s look at

saying that they found earrings in their food: that’s just

our customer service initiative, first part being how we

not professional.” He also specified that if “you have an offensive tattoo you have to cover it up.”

McMahon believed that people should be able to express themselves the way that they feel is right, depending on the situation. “Sometimes with work, you just have to do what they tell you to - within reason, of course. In general, it isn’t something that should make people really outraged.”

Overall, RIT Dining Services upholds the belief that in order to maintain a high level of customer satisfaction, measures must be taken to secure these goals. As Samuels said, “You need to develop that level of professionalism and build upon those skills for careers and responsibilities later in life.”

7

AYL QUOTE OF THE MONTH “Time does not change us. It just unfolds us.”

-Max Frisch

REPORTER RECOMMENDS: COMPLETE YOUR BACKLOG!

AT YOUR LEISURE

by William Hirsh |

STREAM OF FACTS

design by Mariah Jade Cole

Have a pile of games you have never

The largest bank heist in JAPANESE history

played? Do you ever long to read tomes but

was a total of $5.4 million. The bank robbers,

can’t seem to find the time? Or have you ever

backlog, try sites like The Backloggery or

after completing the heist, sent a note to the bank they stole from, writing “Thank you very much for the bonus. We can live off this LOOT for life.”

In Antwerp, Belgium, the largest theft of diamonds occurred in February 2003 and was valued between 20 million and 100 million euros. The LOOT was never found and MISSING to this day. remains James Brown, both during live performances and in the recording studio, would fine members of his band for MISSING notes or cues. The fines would sometimes TOTAL up to $100.

How Long to Beat to network with other

If the Library of Congress’ catalog was

struggling backloggers and compare your

quantified in terms of data, it would TOTAL 15

progress. For books, try the ever-popular

terabytes. In contrast, the

Goodreads. Catalog the books you’ve read

of Shakespeare can fit into 5MB.

wanted to discover the classic films you’ve always missed the pop culture references too? Now is the time! Not literally, but it can be the start of your journey through the mammoth collection of media that mankind has to offer!

For games, create a list of every title you left unfinished and just give it a whirl. This can be done through a simple Word or Excel document. For a more comprehensive and social way to keep track of your gaming

WORD OF THE MONTH Bacchanal (noun): A time for drunken revelry.

Sentence With the first month of freshman year past them, Ted and his friends had a bacchanal that left them indisposed the next day.

PANTOUM Description: This is a Malaysian poetry style adapted by French writers. It is a series of quatrains in which the second and fourth lines of the first stanza are used for the first and third of the next.

COMPLETE works I can’t wake in the morning

by various shelves, set yearly reading goals

The iconic pause button symbol found on

and even continue adding to your to-read

all TV remotes and various devices originates

Rolled back into my bedding

list. Plan ahead your movie nights using

from a music notation symbol, the caesura.

My schedule’s on the fritz

sites like IMDB.

The caesura, when seen on sheet music,

As for finding time for this media, you have to look back at tenets of time management.

Block out your busy schedules but don’t be

directs the musician to come to a stop when

COMPLETE

PLAYING.

During World War II, the Bicycle

I’ve smashed my alarm to bits

I’ve smashed my alarm to bits Rolled back into my slumber

PLAYING

My schedule’s on the fritz

afraid to squeze in time to catch up on that

Card Company created a deck of cards that

game you bought several months ago in a

was sent to prisoners of war in German

bundle, that new book you’ve been pining for

camps. When the cards came into contact

Rolled back into my slumber

ever since it was announced or even watch

with moisture, they would peel away to show

My schedule has no fix.

a gem like “Jaws” or “The Godfather” trilogy

escape routes for the captured soldiers.

I feel completely encumbered.

for the first time. Just don’t forget you might

I feel completely encumbered

Does anyone know sleep tricks?

have an assignment due the next day.

COMIC

by Emily DeVault

99 9

ICEAGE Brigade.” Along with the collection of angular

the album, is incredibly moving, featuring a

“YOURʼE NOTHING” REVIEW

scorchers that were featured on the album

marching bass-line and a somber piano over

came a great deal of chatter about Iceage’s

which Rønnenfelt cries, “If I could leave my

by Alex Jones |

members’ ages (at the time they averaged

body, then I would. Bleed into a lake, dashing

design by Mariah Jade Cole

around 17 or 18) and the intensity and

away, disappear.”

violence that their live shows evoked. Now

“You’re Nothing” closes with the barn-

two years later with “You’re Nothing,” Iceage

burning title track which bursts forth with

has finally separated themselves enough

glorious bent-string fury and what appears

from their own mystery to create a record

to be Iceage’s mission statement: “That’s

that truly stands on its own.

right, you’re nothing. Feel the void grow.”

“You’re Nothing” opens with the massive

While a particularly bleak message on paper,

guitar swell and resulting caterwaul of

the track feels like it’s almost bursting at the

the appropriately titled “Ecstasy,” where

seams with youthful optimism. Clocking in

eternally-breathless front man Elias Bender

at just around two minutes, the band sounds

Rønnenfelt howls, “What shade of joy will hit

like they’re spinning out of control and

me first? I hope it lasts,” with the honesty and

reveling in every last second of it. The cries

intensity that only someone his age could

of “You’re nothing!” that close the album

muster. Album highlight “Coalition” follows,

aren’t an angst-ridden aural black cloud but

finding Iceage taking a crack at writing a “girl

rather a ray of hope that seems to encourage

Released by Matador Records in February 2013

problems” song in an appropriately brainy

the listener to take solace in their cosmic

O

yet vague way (“She gives me signals but our

insignificance and as clichéd as it may seem,

ne of the consistent disappointments or

hearts are not the same”, “Something denies

make the most of each and every day.

highlights of being a punk fan is listening to

coalition with you”) and the buzz saw guitars

Iceage could have broken up directly after

the sophomore album of a band you like. In

and the chant of “Excess!” that follow in the

the release of “New Brigade” and cemented

most cases, the youthful fury and nihilistic

chorus cause the whole experience to be a

themselves in history as a moment-in-time,

self-destruction that go hand in hand with

singularly amazing piece of music.

“you had to be there” folk tale, but “You’re

punk tends to cause bands to completely

Like so many bands before them, Iceage

Nothing” showcases a band brave (and

burn out before they can enter the studio or

take more liberties with experimentation on

young) enough to push forward and take

to half-heartedly release something bland

their sophomore album. While the jagged

some serious risks along the way. It could

and uninspired. However, there are rare

riffs and moaned chorus of “In Haze” and the

have been a complete failure and Iceage

occasions in which a punk band’s second

anthem-like “Everything Drifts” (“Raise your

could have exited the punk lexicon with their

record is just as good if not better than their

fist for the depraved roses, raise it today”) are

tails tucked between their legs, but “You’re

highly lauded debut. With their second

undeniable punk gems, what makes “You’re

Nothing” is a near-perfect punk record whose

LP “You’re Nothing,” Danish post-punkers

Nothing”

twenty-six minutes are worth every single

Iceage have done exactly that, in a truly awe-

record are the tracks where Iceage pull back

inspiring way.

on the reins and give their songs a bit more

a

full-formed

and

captivating

Iceage first entered the collective punk

room to breathe. The dark, industrial dirge

consciousness in 2011 when they tore

of “Interlude” is an excellent change of pace

through the Copenhagen DIY punk scene

from the teeth-gritting ferocity of the rest of

with their ferocious debut album “New

the record. “Morals,” arguably the best song on

10

Leisure | October 2013

second of your time.

For Fans Of: Hüsker Dü, Savages, Wipers

AMNESIA While not developed solely by Frictional

can also inspect the monsters now, since

“A MACHINE FOR PIGS” REVIEW

Games, The Chinese Room is well-known

the sanity mechanics have been removed.

in indie circles for their mod/game “Dear

Yet most of the core gameplay remains

by Nick Bovee |

Esther,” an incredibly immersive storytelling

the same and the improved storytelling

design by Kathryn Eble

experience. This partnership obviously did

is more than enough to make up for the

wonders for the game, as each developer has

altered mechanics.

particular strengths.

Frictional Games knows the mechanics of

DEVELOPER: The Chinese Room PLATFORM: Windows/Mac/Linux PRICE: $19.99

fear and suspense, whereas The Chinese Room

For fans of: Penumbra: Overture, Anna, Cryostasis

can tell a story and create compelling scenes.

These strengths were played to, as “A Machine for Pigs” has more expansive environments than its predecessor and a more personal and well-written story, with improved atmosphere and fear at the same time.

Horror and fear in “The Dark Descent” hinged on player involvement in the story and “A Machine for Pigs” is no different. Scares take a backseat to atmosphere, because every noise and motion builds up a player’s alertness and paranoia. There’s no need for big jump scares when the game keeps players consistently fearful.

Strong design is also a lynchpin of Machine

J

for

Pigs.”

Monsters

are

“A less

frequent, but much better timed. Players ump scares prey on a natural human

are immediately taunted with fever dreams,

response. Many games and movies try

laughing children, wind, creaking boards

to create truly terrifying and grotesque

and screeching metal. Fear comes from the

imagery to shock viewers, but this

unknown and never knowing exactly what

fear lasts only a moment. Real fear is

is making the noises around you or where

something only our imaginations can

they're coming from is terrifying.

create and this is where Frictional Games

Visual effects are similar to “The Dark

excels over other horror developers. The

Descent,” with just a bit more pig gore than

creators of “Penumbra” and “Amnesia:

before, but the immersive elements are what

The Dark Descent,” Frictional knows

actually drive home the feelings of unease

their way to striking terror without even

and helplessness. Immersion is designed into

needing to show monsters on screen.

the control scheme; the player uses gestures

Paired with developer The Chinese

made with a mouse to mimic hand motions

Room, the standards originally set are

in game. The character moves at a measured

exceeded in the sequel “Amnesia:

walking pace, has no HUD and just enough

A

Machine for Pigs”.

Amnesia

strays

head bob to feel like real motion. formulaic

“A Machine for Pigs” isn’t without flaws,

jump scares and focuses on outdoing

unfortunately. Several game elements were

its predecessor's strengths. The game

changed from “The Dark Descent” — namely

is

much

the removal of tinder for your lantern. Light

that even deliberate efforts to break

is a comfort and some scarcity to it wouldn’t

immersion while reviewing did nothing

be amiss. Moments of sheer panic are also

to stop myself from being sucked into

less common, but have been traded in for

the character.

the constant unease and paranoia. Players

extremely

from

immersive,

so

11 11

TESTING FROM THE Pumpkin Patch

by William Hirsh, Michelle Spoto and Dave Utt | photography by Mackenzie Harris | design by Melissa Cavallaro and Kathryn Eble

Reporter’s back again with a swing at some of the seasonal goods you’ll come across this fall.

This time our Taste Testing Team took a look at three pumpkin infused products to decide which are autumn delights or marketing disasters.

12

Leisure | October 2013

Meet our team of TASTE TESTERS MICHELLE SPOTO Fourth year Biomedical Science major

DAVID UTT Third year New Media Design major

1

FLAVOR RATING Low:

2

EDDY’S PUMPKIN PATCH ICE CREAM Pumpkin flavor balance: High Price: $6

Mediocre amount of pumpkin flavoring.

Medium: More traditional but somewhat lacking.

High:

WILLIAM HIRSH Third year Journalism major

Pure pumpkin essence.

WEGMAN’S PUMPKIN BREAD Pumpkin flavor balance: Medium Price: $5

A well-known goody, this pumpkin bread went over well with the group. Utt felt that, “It’s a unique variation on the pumpkin flavor, being less sweet and more tart.” The spongy soft and moist texture of the bread also contributed to its ranking. Spoto enjoyed the texture, but also felt it had “an aftertaste like the spices you put on meat.” Though you might need a chaser, this is a yummy comfort food and a classic fall staple.

With “lots of pumpkin flavor and well-balanced spices,” according to Spoto, Eddy’s Pumpkin Patch Ice Cream proved to be the best tasting treat. Utt called it “a blend that works majestically” and we all agreed that it was simply delicious.

While a tad rich when eaten in large amounts, this ice cream is the paragon of pumpkin bliss.

3

PUMPKIN PIE M&Ms Pumpkin flavor balance: Low Price: $3

Pumpkin M&Ms had a lot of potential but ultimately fell short in the tasting bracket. Overall, we felt there was too much cinnamon and not enough of the iconic pumpkin flavor. Spoto said, “The only pumpkin thing about this candy was the color.” Essentially regular M&Ms with a dash of cinnamon, this is not something you should go out of your way to try. To get your M&M fix, we’d recommend just picking up a Halloween grab bag.

13

You don’t need a car.

It’s funny how far college students will cut their expenses, from living off of frozen meals and freeze-dried noodles to spending late nights searching uTorrent for pirated copies of their textbooks, without making this realization.

Instead, they’ll shell out 100 dollars a year to park on campus, pay monthly insurance fees and drop an untold amount of money into gas tanks if they so much as want to hit a downtown nightclub once a week.

Some roads in Rochester are better than others. At the end of the day, it’s up to you - the biker - to be safe. To do so, first

figure out what kind of biker you are.

All of it could be avoided by just investing in a nice how to get around.

& knowing

Are you a serious speed-junky, a mountaineer or a hippie-chick with a sundress and a cruiser? If you are already accustomed to biking, adapting to the road really isn’t difficult. If you’re a super laid-back rider, learn how to stay in a position where cars are able to pass you. If you’re new to the road, practicing on streets where there are no dedicated lanes is the best way to truly get a feel for how traffic carries out on a bike. It may seem a little backwards, but practicing biking in places where bikes don’t have a designated place is a more natural way to learn. Bike lanes, while reassuring, are far from a blanket of safety on the road. If anything, they give a false sense of comfort for both drivers and cyclists. For RIT students, cruising around John Street and hitting the side streets is a good way to practice riding.

A GUIDE TO BIKING ROCHESTER Leisure | October 2013 14Leisure 10 | September 2013

For RIT students, the practicality of biking is becoming more and more feasible with the progression of the Genesee Transportation Authority’s cycling master plan. Put forward in 2011 to help turn Rochester into a more bike-friendly community, they have

ADDED 16 MILES total of BIKE LANES into the city.

All in all, the Rochester roads are more pedalaccessible than ever.

When this gets old and you’re ready to hit the city, head on down: just simply follow East Henrietta to Mt. Hope Road and ride right down to Clinton Avenue. While it is a very traffic-heavy and often fast-paced ride, any moderately in shape cyclist can make the ride from RIT to downtown in a half hour or so.

It all sounds great doesn’t it? Now the streets are safe for bikers and you can save your money by selling off that silly old car, right? Well, not quite. These bike lanes that the master plans have created are often deeply and tragically flawed in ways that seem to suggest cyclists should just disappear in the middle of their ride. A perfect example of this can be found on East Henrietta road, where a mile or so of a perfectly good bike lane simply ends at an overpass, forcing the rider to either move into the road and merge with traffic or hop off onto a rather poorly maintained sidewalk. Even worse are the phantom lanes found in heavily trafficked areas of the city — namely on Monroe avenue. On these, there is no real bike lane. You aren’t separated from traffic, as the road is too thin to divide, but are rather given a little biker symbol on the pavement that gives you about as much protection from traffic as a voodoo protection spell.

Once downtown, all of the good bars, clubs and restaurants are easily reached on two wheels. Head down to the South Wedge through one of the most bike-optimized streets in Rochester, South avenue or hit East avenue where bikes can ride with cars almost entirely without fear. Or, if you’re up for some urban exploring, nearly the entire inner city, from Dewey Avenue in Greece to East Main, has bike lanes that are prominent and wellmaintained. So get out there and ride before the snow comes tumbling in and the ground freezes solid — there’s a whole world out there just waiting to be ridden.

by Gino Faneli | design by Mariah Jade Cole

15 11

this is

18 14

Features | October 2013 Leisure | September 2013

BODY ART’S RENAISSANCE

by Nick Bovee | photography by Seth Abel | design by Nick Tyler and Kathryn Eble

“ D O Y O U H AV E A N Y G U N S W I T H Y O U ? ” ASKED THE GUARD.

T H E H I S T O RY

On the way back from a Rolling Stones concert in Canada, this is the last question the man driving through the border

Ancient cultures had many differing views on tattoos.

stop expected to hear. The guard had already double-checked

Pagan Europeans were often tattooed with figures or natural

his citizenship, so something must have caught his attention.

patterns, until outlawed under Christianity’s spreading

There was a Smith & Wesson branded overnight bag in the

influence. In China and 18th century Japan, tattoos were

back, but there was no way the guard saw that and definitely

associated with the barbaric or uncultured. Criminals were

not before the guard caught sight of the driver’s bare arms.

marked in many cultures as a means of easy identification

Brightly colored, Gary Proud, 1967 Accounting alumnus,

or punishment. Other cultures used tattoos as a way of

has two full sleeve tattoos. The left, a colorful mural of classic

showing achievement and social status. Samoan boys were

rock bands such as Steppenwolf, The Doors, Johnny Cash

ritualistically tattooed as a rite of passage into manhood and

and the like. His right, covered in the symbolism of his Greek

some in the Philippines held that tattoos could be magical.

brotherhood, Phi Kappa Tau. “I think he gave me the third

Tattoos in America started with seamen seeking ways to

degree because I had the tattoos. He probably thought I’d

establish their identity and therefore American citizenship to

just gotten out of prison,” said Proud. Combing through the

avoid impressment into England’s Royal Navy. As popularity

car, the guard only found a Rolling Stones t-shirt and silently

of tattoos grew with sailors, they began appearing in the

handed Proud his passport back.

With Proud as an exception, tattoos are a common

public eye more and more often. By the 1870s, professional tattoo artists were registered in both England and America.

flashpoint between the younger, early adulthood generations

Getting tattooed was popular with aristocrats and the rich,

and our elders. Parents and grandparents say “you’ll regret

until the creation of the tattoo machine lowered the cost of

that in a few years” and make snide comments about how

procedures, removing the associated prestige.

ink fades or skin sags, but their foremost thought is usually

Tattoos therefore gained a reputation for deviants and

that tattoos are a sign of association with the wrong kind

social outcasts. Theories abounded that not only was a

of people. It is true that tattoos have some association with

tattoo a sign of a criminal but that getting one would lead

gangs or prisons, but the stereotype that only criminals or

to deviancy in the future. Getting inked was then highly

other unsavory individuals get inked is completely wrong.

rebellious, even seeing high regulation and bans in some

Tattoos, piercings and all forms of body art are rapidly

places on the East Coast.

gaining acceptance and popularity in all walks of life.

18 19

MODERN ERA By the early 1970s, safety regulations had improved and professionals with fine art experience and training had joined the growing ranks of tattoo artists. Despite this newfound safety and talent, tattoos had not yet reached the popular eye, retaining the highly

stigmatized

counterculture

image.

Then, rock and roll changed everything.

Musicians who embraced their bizarre and extreme self-images were suddenly thrust into pop culture and in part altered the perception of tattoos with their star power.

This rebranding established tattoos as an expensive investment and an expression of oneself. Aesthetic value is now a central idea when tattoos are discussed. Rather than relate tattoos to a tribe or community, they have become a method to create ties to oneself. In the fast-paced lifestyle of the 21st century, many find it necessary to have a permanent reminder of who they are.

“It is far more acceptable today to see people at work, know they’re tattooed and even to see visible signs of the tattoos,” said Manny Contomanolis, associate vice president and director of RIT’s Office of Co-ops and Career Services. “It’s not relevant to what people are doing anymore.”

This view is partially responsible for the increasing popularity of tattoos in younger generations. For instance, nearly 40 percent of Millennials are tattooed, according to a 2010 Pew Research Center report. This is a big rise in just a few generations considering that only 15 percent of the Baby Boomer generation

was

inked.

Of

the

younger

generation’s tattoos, 70 percent can be easily hidden by clothing. Some tattoos take a little more effort to hide but of the tattooed population studied, only 18 percent of people said that their tattoos are usually visible.

Tattoos have become more celebrated through television shows like “Ink Master” or “Best Ink,” where the artists themselves become the promoters of their art rather than celebrities. Shows like “Bad Ink” and “Tattoo Nightmares” show off the worst tattoo around, while simultaneously showing off the skill some artists have in covering up bad art with good design. Even making bad tattoos visible helps the public find them more acceptable, especially when they’re in the process of being fixed.

20 Features | October 2013 16 Features | September 2013

PERMANENT CONCERNS That’s not to say the negative stereotypes

want to keep a cleaner public image, and that

that the bank has “no formal policy about

of tattoos are gone, merely dulled. Having

does not involve tattoos. Exceptions exist

tattoos because we value our differences

a tattoo has become more acceptable, but

of course, notably creative groups, where

and recognize that diversity and inclusion

having a visible tattoo in most professional

ornamentation can be a sign that you are

are good for our business and make our

settings is not. You should be “sensitive to

right-brained.

company stronger.” With a large portion of

how you display your tattoos,” Contomanolis

visible

this generation sporting ink, there are more

explained. Tattoos on your upper arm or legs

body art are fewer than expected. Artists

companies beginning to compromise past

are easily concealable and few companies

and designers do fine with visible tattoos.

policies against tattoos for fresh talent.

would give you trouble for those. Full sleeves

Similarly, chefs are often in the clear, as

Speaking generally, if a company doesn’t

are more of an issue since they are only

customers care more about how their food

have hard and fast rules about tattoos, as

concealable with a long sleeve shirt. Some

tastes than if you have a full color koi fish

long as they are not prominently displayed

of the hardest tattoos to get away with in a

on your arm. Contomanolis also believes

they will not be too much of a strike against

business setting are neck tattoos, since they

that technology jobs tend to have internally

an applicant during an interview. Visible

are difficult to conceal.

fostered a neutral disposition toward body

tattoos are judged on more of a case by case

Neck tattoos take a progressive workplace

art. “[Employees are] valued for their talents

basis. Companies tend to look and see if the

to get away with, or a job description that does

above all else,” said Contomanolis. In this

tattoo is offensive or distracting, and then let

not involve public relations. Contomanolis

industry, people’s skills matter more than

applicable skills speak for themselves. If you

gave some more clarification: “There are

their outside appearance.

are not sure how a company views tattoos,

settings where you’re interacting with the

Careers

Slowly,

that

other

allow

prominent

industries

seem

to

be

public … and certain tattoos might not be

catching on. In a 2013 Forbes article, Bank of

appropriate.” Generally,

America spokeswoman Ferris Morrison stated

most

companies

ask someone at the company before the interview.

I M M E D I AT E C O N C E R N S Before getting a tattoo, make sure to take

on the inside of your lip, you might go from

Tattoos certainly are not the culmination

into consideration the risks posed by an

culturally relevant to comically regretful in

of body art, but they are the most

inexperienced or unhygienic artist. HIV and

the time it takes to Instagram that new ink.

prominent form today. Less permanent

Hepatitis are transmissible if needles aren’t

Because of the meaning behind each of his

means of expression, like colored hair

properly taken care of, and infection can

tattoos, Proud seems to have little to no regret.

dyes, have become more accepted. Body

set in if aftercare is not properly managed.

“All of these have stories,” Proud smiled.

modifications like tongue splitting, facial

“Don’t just go into any storefront,” Proud

“These are all music groups,” gesturing to his

implants, saline injections or scarification

advised. “Choose an artist by referral. I asked

left arm, and his right is all his brotherhood.

are still far outside the public eye, much

two people I knew, and they recommended

He continued: “on my back, in the center, is

like the taboo nature of tattoos were

me to the same guy.” Call the country health

my family crest.”

decades ago. Last decade’s counter-culture

department to find records of complaints

and

becomes today’s culture, but there will

corporate acceptance, it is obvious tattoos

always be conservative forces that dislike

That is well and good for physical health,

are not fully in the range of what the public

tattoos or body art to some degree.

but if you end up with a tattoo you hate, it

considers normal. After all, with the large

will wear on you mentally. Laser removal

percentage of tattoos being hidden, it is

is painful and cover-ups may not entirely

apparent that there is pressure on prospective

do the trick so make sure your tattoo can

tattoo recipients to choose locations that are

stand the test of time. With a “YOLO” tattoo

easy to conceal.

before you commit to a shop as well.

Despite

this

newfound

cultural

21 17 21

Getting Under Your Skin: The Art of Microdermals

by Alyssa Jackson | design by Autumn Wadsworth

The Process of the Piercing For my most recent microdermal I decided to go to a tattoo parlor in Rochester.

My first set of microdermals is located on my stomach, so this time I decided to pierce my arm, a few inches above my wrist. The arm was significantly more sensitive than my stomach was, but still didn’t hurt more than a bellybutton piercing would. The process itself took less than two minutes.

My piercer was Khary Paradise, owner and founder of the shop. He had me lie down on my back and

I

walked into a tattoo parlor to get my belly button pierced – again

place my arm at my side. He then grabbed a small

– after my skin rejected it the first time. The piercer took one look

section of the skin and inserted the dermal anchor

and told me that I would never be able to have my belly button

into my arm. The dermal punch – the tool used to

pierced again, but that I could try getting a different piercing:

insert the dermal anchor – creates the hole where

something called a microdermal.

the dermal anchor is later inserted. The dermal

I was soon informed that microdermals are piercings that are

anchor is pushed vertically into the skin and then

inserted under the skin rather than through it. They are often called

rotated until it is horizontal. After this, the jewel

single point piercings because they have an entrance hole but don’t exit

or decorative piece is screwed into the stem of the

the skin. The piercing is made up of two parts: a dermal anchor and the

dermal anchor.

jewel or decorative piece. Put simply, the dermal anchor is placed inside

When I pierced my stomach, I barely bled at all,

the skin. It is designed to be mostly flat with holes for the skin tissue to

but I noticed with the arm piercing there was more

grow around and secure the piercing in place. This part of the piercing

blood. Paradise assured me this was normal. When

is meant to be parallel with the skin above it. The anchor also has a

asked if these piercings were more dangerous than

stem that protrudes slightly outside of the piercing site. Once inside

other types of piercings, he replied with a laugh.

the skin you do not see the anchor at all. The jewel piece then screws

“Definitely not,” he said. “As long as they are put

into the stem of the anchor creating the appearance of a jewel sitting

in correctly by a professional and are taken care of

directly on the skin.

properly, there shouldn’t be a problem.”

This procedure stems from the techniques used in pocketing, or piercings where the middle of a bar is showing while the ends of the bar are placed under the skin, and transdermal implants, which are larger than microdermals and involve creating an incision to place the anchor in the skin. Although there is no time frame for when these body modifications were first performed, most websites refer to the piercings as a “relatively new” trend.

22 18

Features || October 20132013 Features September Features | September 2013

Benefits and Risks As with any body modification, there are pros and cons that

and chest area. There are less limitations and therefore

everyone should be aware of before getting this piercing. As great as

more freedom for you to modify more areas of your body.

I’m sure your friend is with that piercing gun or dermal punch, the

This procedure is also minimally invasive and

best option is to find a trained professional who will make sure to

relatively

explain any risks and answer any questions you may have.

differently, Paradise explained that most microdermal

Before beginning my piercing, Paradise was careful to make me aware of the issues I may face. “This takes a long time to heal,” he explained. “You have to be careful not to bump it or pull it, or it will be ripped out.”

safe.

Although

everyone’s

skin

reacts

piercings heal just fine. These piercings also heal much more quickly than surface piercings.

And one of the best benefits? These piercings are still pretty unique. I love having people ask about my hip

He went on to explain that the healing time for the microdermal

microdermals and explaining the process to them. For a

is around two months. This time period ensures that the tissue has

body modification junkie like me, these piercings are a

healed around the dermal anchor and secured the piercing into my

fun and beautiful way to help you stand out.

skin. If I do bump it or snag it on something before it is completely healed, my body will begin to reject the piercing. Once this rejection has begun it cannot be stopped. Therefore, one con of the microdermal piercing is that I will be wearing a Band-Aid over it for the next eight weeks – not exactly my idea of pretty.

Another issue with the piercing is the common removal process.

Although some sites suggest that removing a microdermal piercing yourself is acceptable in certain circumstances, both of the piercers who have done my microdermals have advised against this. The most common way to remove the piercing involves using a scalpel to cut the piercing out of your skin. This is the safest and least painful process. There are some instances of this where scarring occured, but usually the skin heals completely.

Despite these risks, there are many benefits to microdermal piercings. For instance, these piercings can be placed nearly anywhere on the body. Some common sites are the hips, back, neck

23 23 19

Scarification Scarification refers to the practice of creating permanent marks by cutting into the skin with sharp knives. The results are similar to a tattoo, but without the ink. Some scarification also includes skin removal, which creates open wounds that eventually scab up and heal to create more “filled in” scars. Before this body modification gained headway in modern culture, it originated in primitive tribes around the globe as an initiation ritual for young tribesmen. In most cases, blood is a sacrifice to the gods or spirits. Modern scarification is “partly spurred by a nostalgia for a different type of society” and the desire to be different, said

A MULTITUDE

Victoria Pitts, professor of sociology at the City University of New York in an interview with National Geographic.

of Modifications

by Amanda Imperial | illustrations by Emily Gage | design by Kathryn Eble

Branding Branding is another alternative to the traditional ink tattoo. Similar to scarification, it is likewise permanent. There are three

On a college campus, it is no surprise to see

ways to do this in the professional world of

blue hair, ten piercings on each ear or even

branding: striking, which uses heated strips

a sleeve of tattoos. But body modification

of stainless steel; cautery, which employs a

beyond the accepted norm can go above the

heating tool known for its ability to reduce

threshold of pain most people are willing

bleeding during surgery; and moxabustion,

to experience. Burning skin, implants in

which involves burning incense on the skin.

eyeballs … that is only the beginning. There

Branding is unfortunately well-known due

are endless ways to modify your body — be

to its use in the days of slavery. Nowadays,

it simple holes or permanent art.

for many it is just another body modification option.

Corset Piercings Corsets, though an item of beauty from the early days, are still in fashion. Modern body artists can now create the corset look without the garment. The participants in such art can get anything from the skin of their back to the front of their throats pierced with lines of rings in an hourglass fashion, such that that a ribbon can lace through each piercing. Many health concerns come with this kind of piercing, however, and it is frowned upon by some medical experts.

Piercing the skin and then pulling the pierced holes apart with ribbon can easily cause infections of the open wounds and, as recently noted by respected surgeons, awful scarring and painful healing can result. | October 2013 Sports | September 2013 24 Features 24

Neck Elongation

Eyeball Implants

Suspension Piercing

A common body modification modification in other

A new type of body modification modification gaining

Suspension piercing can be consider considered

parts of the world—namely Thailand—is

popularity in the Netherlands is called

a more extreme version of corset piercing.

elongation of the neck. Adult women can

JewelEye, also referred to as an eyeball implant.

Belts are strapped to the piercings, which are

wear up to about 25 coils around their

The piercing is placed in the conjunctiva of

on different places of the body, depending

necks, creating a great distance between

the eye (a thin layer just outside the white of

on what points the subject wants to be

their heads and shoulders. Children of the

the eye). As of this year, no conclusive health

suspended in the air from. This act brings the

Kayan people, a tribe in Thailand, get their

concerns have arose from the procedure,

suspenders to a unique level of pain only felt

first coils around the age of five and a ring

but eye implants have little to no popularity

through such an activity. Although this pain

is added every now and then as the child

in the United States. Visionary Eyecare, a

may seem extreme, enjoyers of suspension

grows and matures. While this type of body

blog for optometrists stationed in America,

do this for a number of reasons, including

modification is called neck elongation, the

shared a post that clearly disagrees with the

spiritual enlightenment.

neck structure is not being stretched out; the

procedure. The writer expressed concerns

collar bone and shoulders are being pressed

regarding infections resulting from opening

down, creating the illusion of a long neck. In

the conjunctiva and the possible visionary

their society, it is a form of extreme elegance.

problems that can come from these infections.

Pearling Pearling is not something people often see.

Elfing Elfing

Literally. This procedure is a bit more invasive than your average piercing because of its

Elfing ears is not an uncommon practice

location: the penis. Metal balls are usually

nowadays, considering the many tales with

placed inside the shaft or through the labia or

elven creatures, or humanoids with pointy

foreskin to provide better stimulation during

a

ears being brought to life by the world of

vaginal or anal sex. The practice began in Japan,

reasonable standard for some, there are

digital media. The procedure is quick and

and is still practiced today. Japan’s mafia, the

trends in both past and current cultures

relatively easy depending on the technique.

Yakuza, often required pearling as part of their

that involve more modification. People in

Some professionals will cut, fold, and stitch

strict codes of conduct. The practice gained

the earlier days filed down and filled their

the part of the ear to be pointed, while a

some popularity in the United States as piercing

teeth with precious stones to represent

recently developed technique will cut and

culture began to grow in the 1970s.

wealth, class and strength. The remains

reshape the ear instead of folding it. This trend

of wealthy Mayan people had implants

may have been intended to help individuals

of stones like jade and turquoise in their

mimic beloved fictional characters, but there

teeth. Archeologists also found ridges filed

can be more to it than that. Some say that

into the teeth of Vikings and concluded that

pointed ears make the face more attractive

this modification was meant to mark true

and can enhance the sound of music. Though

Body modification may not be up everyone’s

warriors. In recent times, modern purveyors

like most body modifications, doctors frown

alley, but if you do want something that is unique,

of teeth modification can stick gold or

upon elfing due to its potential for painful

there are plenty of options out there. This list is

diamond teeth in place of their real ones.

and ugly scarring, as well as infection.

just the beginning.

Teeth Enhancements Though

straight

white

teeth

are

25 25

Welcoming the New

HALL OF FAMERS

by Kayla Emerson | design by Mariah Lamb and Kathryn Eble

Shari Gerevics

(formerly McNamara) Electrical Engineering B.S., 2005; Imaging Science M.S., 2007 Softball

Gerevics was a standout pitcher for Tigers Softball as an undergraduate.

Her freshman year in 2001, her team competed in the NCAA championships and during her third year they won the ECAC Upstate Division III championship.

She holds RIT’s records for most career wins (55), shutouts (22) and strikeouts (513). Gerevics credits her team as the engine for her successful seasons: “Each year, we always had a team that worked really well together on and off the field.”

Gerevics continues to play and coach softball today. She was an assistant coach for RIT Softball and now she is an assistant coach at Nazareth College.

Her advice to current students is simple: “take full advantage of everything you can learn from the people around you, because [college is] really where you become the individual that you bring to the world.”

26

Sports | October 2013

Kasie Strong-Fairburn

Molly Urquhart

Packaging Science B.S., 2005 Hockey

Industrial Design B.F.A., 2003 Track and Field

“I used to tell my line-mates, ‘Pass the puck to me, I’ll pass it right back,’” said Strong-Fairbarn. This unselfishness with the puck led to her former record of 83 career assists. Though she is now second in career assists at RIT, her assist record is one of her proudest accomplishments as a player here, she said. The two-year captain also holds RIT records for most goals in a game (5) and most points in a game (8).

Strong-Fairbarn began her coaching career with youth all-girl teams in Texas, helping those programs to grow.

She continued to play and coach in Germany and Norway, but is now taking a maternity break. She hopes to coach again in the future.

One of the best parts of hockey at RIT, for her, were the bonds formed that still remain. “Even though you were on a team with them for a year or two, or maybe some people four years, they still are part of your family,” she said. “We had a close family, and that was great. We had a lot of success, and we had a lot of fun.”

“If it was an athlete culture all the time [at RIT], I would have burnt out,” said Urquhart. She could not find a Division I school that allowed her to participate in track and field as well as study art. RIT, she said, “allowed me to be able to pursue both of my passions.” She added, “I’m very proud of my education at RIT.” Urquhart is only the second Women’s Cross Country/Track and Field inductee in the Hall of Fame. According to RIT Athletics, she has “two All-American titles in the long jump; she is the school record holder in the outdoor long jump, outdoor high jump and indoor pentathlon.” She is most proud of her second place long jump in the NCAA nationals, still the third longest jump in Division III. The jump was even more special for Urquhart because her entire family – visiting for graduation – got to see the record jump. “It definitely ended RIT on a high note,” she said.

After she graduated, she started training for triathlons, because there were no track and field clubs in her area. “It’s much more fun to sprint 100 meters and long jump than it is to go run three miles,” she concluded.

“We were the only undefeated team in the history of RIT,” said 1955 alumnus Ross DiBiase. In the final three years that RIT athletes called themselves Techmen, DiBiase captained the RIT Wrestling squad. Several members of that team have already made it into the RIT Athletics Hall of Fame; now it’s DiBiase’s turn, along with five other athletes.

Every year for 44 years, RIT Athletics has inducted a handful of players into its Hall of Fame. This October, six former college athletes will be recognized. The 2013 inductees vary in age and sport, but they have their athletic excellence in common.

Lloyd Kaplan

Ray Ruliffson

Ross DiBiase

Electrical Engineering B.S., 1970 Swimming and Diving

Industrial Engineering B.S., 1975 Wrestling

Food Administration and Hotel Management B.S., 1955 Wrestling

Ruliffson recalls one memorable RIT Invitational: “I had beaten a fellow that was the champion in that weight class the year before.” Ruliffson was also named Most Outstanding Wrestler for that invitational. He didn’t stop with beating the champion though: he became the champion in 1972, according to RIT Athletics. Over the course of the 1972-1973 season, Ruliffson earned an 11-0-2 record. He also co-captained for two years.

Ruliffson got back into wrestling for a few years as an assistant coach at Avon Central High School in Avon, N.Y.

DiBiase said the most memorable bit about RIT wrestling was executing an undefeated season. “It was great then because our wrestling schedule was Cornell University, Edinboro; they’re [among] the top ten teams in the United States today.”

After he graduated, DiBase went on to referee for over 15 years, starting the Wrestling Officials Association for Chautauqua and Cattaraugus County. He coached wrestling at Fredonia High School in Fredonia, N.Y., the top wrestling high school in New York, according to DiBiase.

He also became a black belt in judo and karate and taught both.

DiBiase has been under consideration for the Hall of Fame for many years, and many of his former teammates inducted in previous years have been asking that he be added to the Hall of Fame. He said about his long-anticipated induction: “I’m very happy with it because it brings back a lot of memories and a lot of former athletes that fought for it.”

Throughout high school, Kaplan was an all-county wrestler – he had never been on a swimming or diving team until he joined his first year at RIT. “I worked really hard at it,” he said, alongside his coach, who taught him “all of the basics, all the way up through an advanced list of dives. I had to work harder than everybody else, because I didn’t do it in age groups and I didn’t do it in high school.”

He remembers his last year diving here: “RIT finished in the top three in nationals.

We had a great year, great team…that was a culmination of all my years. To place so well at the national level for the team, that was clearly a highlight.”

After graduation, Kaplan co-founded the Pacific Diving Club in southern California as part of the U.S. Masters Diving program.

He then continued competing for ten years.

27 27

YOU’VE GOT MAIL

by Nathan J. Lichtenstein | illustration by David Royka | design by Zach Cross The opinions expressed are soley those of the author and do not reflect the views of REPORTER

Y

ou can usually tell when the post office has distributed junk mail without even checking your box. The floors of the Nathaniel Rochester Hall (NRH) Post Office are littered fliers while the recycling bins in Global Village are stuffed to the brim with Chinese takeout menus and coupons for Shear Global.

Mass mailings are an antiquated form of advertising that generates a lot of paper waste. We live in a digital world where paper does not pack the same punch it used to. If ordering takeout, you can just look up the menu online. The irrelevance of these coupons and advertisements result in them being thrown out, recycled or pushed back into the mailbox and then onto the floor of the post office.

In recent years RIT administrators have taken numerous steps to become a more green university. There are three Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified buildings (plus an additional three buildings that have yet to be ranked) and the initiative to phase out plastic water bottles campus-wide is currently in its final stages.

For such an environmentally progressive university to participate in such a wasteful practice is more than a bit confusing.

Since 2008, RIT has participated in RecycleMania, a challenge between colleges to encourage waste reduction and recycling. During the 2013 RecycleMania challenge RIT participated in several categories. Among them were the grand champion category, which according to RecycleMania’s website “combines trash and each of the core recyclable materials s recycling ra to determine a school school’s rate as a percentage of its overall was waste generation” and the waste minimizatio minimization category, in which, “Schools compete to see which produces the least amou amount of both recyclables and trash on a p per person basis.”

28

Views | October 2013

In the grand champion category, RIT landed 56 out of 273 competitors. Yet in the waste minimization category RIT disappointed, ending up 135 of 167 schools.

These numbers show that while RIT is overall an environmentally friendly school, it still distributes a lot of waste material.

Many people know the three ‘R’s’ of being green: reduce, reuse and recycle. The R3 @ RIT campaign stands for these same principals.

Yet, it seems that RIT needs to readdress the meaning of the first ‘R’: reduce. Reduce means to stop waste at the source and eliminating paper waste is not a new concept when it comes to being environmentally friendly.

“I honestly feel as though, even though every once in a while there is a worthwhile discount in there; for the most part it really isn’t worth it,” says Tim Miller, second year Electrical Engineering major and employee at the RIT post office. Miller said he believes that

discontinuing the distribution of junk mail would be a great way for RIT to cut down on paper waste.

Assistant director of Hub Print/Postal Services Scott Boone and manager of campus Post Offices Meghan McDonald issued a joint statement to Reporter regarding the future of print advertisements at RIT: “If the students served by the NRH and [Global Village] Post Offices do not want or use the coupons, flyers etc. that are distributed, we certainly are willing to investigate phasing out the practice.”

The less waste that is introduced into our campus environment, the less trash and recyclables will be generated. Being green is about taking little measures every day to live a more ecofriendly life. Encouraging the discontinuation of paper junk mail here at RIT is a great place for us all to start.

Word on the Street

“If you got a tattoo, what would you get and why?” photography by Matt Burkhartt | design by Autumn Wadsworth The opinions expressed are soley those of the author and do not reflect the views of REPORTER

“I always wanted one of those open flesh, robotic, mechanic tattoos down my back. I want something cool and big and I like cool machines.”

Raven Benfield, Second year Industrial Engineering

“Life Goes On,” on her left wrist.

“No regrets, you learn from mistakes. Life keeps moving; so should you.”

Avanelle St. Bernard, Second year Liberal Arts Exploration

A trigonometry properties cheat sheet on his forearm.

Phill Kelner, First year Electrical Engineering

“My sister thought that a tattoo of a giraffe on a child’s back would be interesting as they grew, so I would like to have tried it.”

Eric Hambleton, Second year Electrical Engineering

30 30

Views | October 2013

Views | September 2013

29 29

RINGS

GOT SOMETHING TO SAY? TEXT OR CALL (585) 672-4840 compiled by Brett Slabaugh | design by Autumn Wadsworth

These bus drivers need to stop taking breaks when I’m late for class. Who do they think they are, humans?!

Monday, 10:07 p.m.

Just saw a kid jogging in cargo shorts. It’s great to be back.

Friday, 7:26 p.m.

30

Views | October 2013

Why do people think it’s acceptable to interfere with HvZ? You wouldn’t run out onto the field during a rugby game just to troll the players.

It’s fine if you’d rather not participate, but ruining the fun of those who do just makes you look like a [zombie].

Dirtiest place on campus?

Gum ball machine in the Campus Center. Everyone touches the handle then a gumball they stick in their mouth. Gross!!!

Tuesday, 12:26 a.m.

Tuesday, 3:41 p.m.

My roommate saw a couple cats outside Riverknoll and decided to go catch one. Turns out they were skunks. He’s not allowed back in our apartment.

That awkward moment when you try to send rings a text about vaginas but you accidentally send it to your mother... Oooh joy, she’s calling me now...

Sunday, 8:48 p.m.

Sunday, 11:48 p.m.

S

31

400 Park Point Dr. • 585- 272- 2525 • www.ParkPointRochester.com

Because college canʼt be all work and no play.

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!

Enjoy one of our FIVE fabulous restaurants!

Rates start at $699 for 2014- 15!

Call today!

585- 272- 2525

Text “Park Point” to 47464 to learn more!

@ParkPointROC

Fully furnished with all utilities included!

Join us for an Open House on Saturday, October 12 from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.!

*Not actual Park Point tenants pictured.