+ The Drunk Personality Quiz Find out if your drunk persona is a “Klutz”, a “Guru”, or many more!
+Bazooka Zoo: Party Animals a post-funk, psychedelic rock band you gotta Listen To.
+Date Rape WHy, “She Dressed Slutty”, is aN Awful and Harmful Excuse.
PARTY ISSUE 2013 VOLUME 5 • ISSUE 5
FIRST COPY FREE SECOND COPY $3.50
Photos by Becca Ewart
Features
Insight Exclusives
4
Letter from the Editor
5
Staff and Contributors
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Pack Profile An in-depth interview with UNR’s Coordinator of the Office of Student conduct, Jo Harvey.
The Rundown: What’s your Drunk Personality? A quiz that will introduce you to your best/worst side.
Cover art by Krysta Pascual 2 | Insight
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Partying Extremes
12
Midtown Movement
14
An Insight Party
16
Moderation is key when going to a party.
Matthew Bieker discusses the future of bussiness and parking in Midtown.
Always wondered how the Insight staff throws a party?
Bazooka Zoo: Party Animals
An interview with a Nevada based, psychedelic rock band, Bazooka Zoo.
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Online
20
Gettt’n Shitty on a couple Pennies A little low on cash? These bars and DIY drinks will definitely lift your spirits.
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Wolf Pack Radio: Music Reviews
24
Date Rape
28
The Safe House
An issue that is finally brought to the light with gripping testimonials and advice about your safety. Thanks to the FIPG (Fraternity Insurance Purchasing Group), frat parties are a lot more safe today than ever before.
(www.unrinsight.com)
CAMPUS LIFE: Falling in Style
ENTERTAINMENT: Mini-series need to make a comeback
FASHION: Does Fashion Influence Gender Performance In Our Culture? Insight | 3
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etter {from the}
ditor
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hen I first hit the university scene, I was a precocious 17 year old kid with big dreams and a bigger appetite for trouble. Having sullied my ideas about college with scenes from “Animal House” and pretty much every “High School Student Gets Totally Trashed at TOTALLY Rad College Party” storyline ever to occur in the 1990s, I had come with an expectation of myself and others that the party would never end. Though I took my studies very seriously, it was Friday nights that I truly lived for in my early collegiate days. Whether it was gracelessly mingling with people who I might otherwise ignore, or dancing on tables at the University Highlands apartments until they shattered beneath my clumsy feet, I lived to rage. At least, this was true until I found that my weekly habits were beginning to catch up to me, and many of my close friends. I rapidly became plagued by constant fatigue, and a sometimes unflattering reputation followed my wild weekend exploits. I became involved with individuals that were clearly not invested in their academic future, and totally uninterested in mine. Several of my contemporaries dropped out in the second semester of my freshman year, and though I was doing fine academically, my mental health was certainly another story. I found that many of the “friends” with which I regularly associated were mere acquaintances to be greeted kindly at parties and then ignored in favor of horderves. It became evident to me that I’d allowed my social life to become shallow in pursuit of a cultural ideal--the college party scene--that neither made sense or existed. These parties did not matter. There were deeper relationships to be found, and lifelong friendships to be developed far and away from the beer pong table. I now reserve my partying for very special occasions, and if I can evade it, I keep away from beer and shallow acquaintances. I’ve replaced these things with more fulfilling pursuits, like writing and sincere conversation with closely held friends. I no longer need to spend my Friday nights hoping to impress people I never really knew as “the life of the party”. I realize now that it’s more important to live real life. Still, I think fondly of the days of my college youth, and can’t help but smile when I think of what a rambunctious teen I’d been. You never quite feel as young as you did in your freshman year. For those of you finishing up your first year with a few legendary party stories to share: this one is for you.
4 | Insight
Evynn Tyler Editor-in-Chief
editor@unrinsight.com
Shine on, you crazy diamonds, E. M. Tyler
Print Vicki Tam
Staff
Art Becca Ewart
Office
Print Managing Editor vicki@unrinsight.com
Rachel Cochrane
Photography Editor
becca@unrinsight.com
Katherine Sawicki
Arts&Entertainment Editor
Design Editor
katherine@unrinsight.com
rachel@unrinsight.com
Nicole Durant Office Assistant
Contributors Cambria Roth
Lifestyles Editor
cambria@unrinsight.com
Sage Leehey
Campus Life Editor sage@unrinsight.com
Krysta Pascual Christian Bertolaccini Michael Aber Sam King Matthew Bieker Brandon Fischmann James McGirr Destiny O’brien Leona Novio Luzcia Denton
Jean-Paul Torres Co-Design Editor jp@unrinsight.com
We’re Listening! What our new ASUN VP, Elliot Malin, had to say about last issue: @Malin4VP: “Not all campuses get a student magazine like we do. Another great issue Insight! #insight”
Cambria Roth’s article, A Perspective that Fits, inspired many like this reader: The opinions expressed in this publication and its associated Web site are not necessarily those of the University of Nevada, Reno or the student body.
www.unrinsight.com
“Wow. This story is truly inspiring. I am obese by well over one hundred pounds, and I honestly look up to you. I wish I had to opportunity to have you guide me. Or at least find out what you went through, and how you did it. This is such a hard process, but you are truly inspiring for me!” -Kalie H. (via unrinsight.com) Share, follow, like, stalk! Go to unrinsight.com, facebook.com/InsightUNR, @UNR_Insight
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PACK PROFILE Sex, drugs, and alcohol—these three topics of conversation are what fill the classroom and, oftentimes, the office of Nevada’s own Jo Harvey. By Sage Leehey Photos by Christian Bertolaccini
H
arvey is currently the Coordinator of the Office of Student Conduct and teaches CAS 154: Problems of Substance Abuse and Addiction on campus. She completed both her undergraduate and graduate studies here at the University of Nevada. As an undergraduate, she majored in journalism and psychology. Harvey explained how she didn’t really know what she wanted to do in college, but she got the opportunity to co-host a broadcast journalism show locally on NBC and decided to major in journalism. Her psychology minor came about from a general interest and desire to know more about the subject. “I’ve always been interested in counseling and helping people,” Harvey said. “I always thought that might be a profession I might go into.” After graduating, Harvey moved to Los Angeles and worked for several different companies doing broadcast journalism, but she was never truly happy with that career choice. “I was really unfulfilled doing television,” Harvey said. “I felt like I had missed my calling, so I decided to move back to Reno and get into a counseling program.” Harvey has always been interested in counseling because of the opportunities to help others, and she was drawn to addiction because it had always fascinated her. According to Harvey, she also had a personal connection to the topic because addiction ran in her family, and she, herself, “took it too far.” “Why some people have an issue with substances and others don’t has always fascinated me,” Harvey said. “I know how painful addiction can be, so I wanted to support people who are going through it. Also, I truly believe that whether someone is at a physical dependence level or just struggling, there are so many things that can be done. Addiction is not some awful, horrible thing that can never be conquered.”
When she returned to Reno four years after graduating, she started her master’s program in human development and family studies with an emphasis on addiction treatment. She wanted to become an addiction counselor, but after experiencing the world of a residential treatment facility, she decided it wasn’t for her. “While I was still in my master’s program, I did a professional counseling internship at a residential treatment facility, which is what I thought I wanted to do,” Harvey said. “After nine months, I realized that it wasn’t a good fit for me. I was working with individuals who were really far into their addiction, and I burned out basically.” Harvey also began working at the Office of Student Conduct as a graduate student (about three years ago), and she’s been there ever since. When she started, she oversaw the STEPSS (Substance Abuse Treatment; Educational Programs for Student Success) program and was a BASICS (Brief Alcohol Screening Intervention for College Students) counselor. These programs are both aimed primarily at underage drinking issues on and around campus, but they sometimes handle issues with other substances, too. The primary substances that the Office of Student Conduct deal with with their students are alcohol and marijuana. They do not typically get very many other cases dealing with other substances, according to Harvey.
“I feel so blessed that I get to meet with so many students and really see so many of them take a bad situation and turn it into a positive one.”
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Millie, Harvey’s supervisor and the Assistant Dean of Conduct, saw the shift in Harvey’s professional goals and was excited to “convert” her from counseling to conduct.
that natural trait that she has and those skills that she has in counseling, make her so successful, which then makes my office successful.”
“I got to watch her realize that she loved counseling, but she also loved the opportunity to work with students who are experiencing challenges and help them change their behavior,” Millie said. “She came to be quite passionate and quite skilled with the field of conduct.”
Harvey’s connection-building skills most likely come from her true interest in their lives and problems and her desire to help her students get through the issues that they are faced with.
Harvey has been able to utilize her counseling skills to the benefit of the students she interacts with on a daily basis within the Office of Student Conduct and in the classroom. Harvey also builds strong connections with each of the students she comes into contact with and makes their experiences with conduct and in her class great learning experiences. Her students trust her, and that goes a long way. “That connection is so important because that’s how people make changes,” Millie said. “Those changes only happen if they trust and believe in you, if they see that you’re trying to help them and not just yell at them and punish them. So
“I love the opportunity to meet with so many students,” Harvey said. “Even though it’s under unfortunate circumstances, I feel so blessed that I get to meet with so many students and really see so many of them take a bad situation and turn it into a positive one.” Her desire to help and build relationships with her students extends into her classroom, as well. Harvey started co-teaching her class while she was in her master’s program, but she now teaches her own class. This is the third semester that she’s been teaching it alone. “I love my students,” Harvey said. “They are just amazing. I
“
Out in our community there’s everything. It kind of goes through cycles. A stimulant, like meth, will be the rage for a year. Then we’ll do a lot of prevention against meth, and then the next year, a depressant, like heroin, will be on the rise. It’s a vicious cycle. In our community, we have it all. Luckily, that is not extended to our students. It’s the same with the synthetic drugs, the designer drugs, like bath salts or spice. When it comes to spice, I think our students don’t use it because it’s kind of a dirty high. They would rather just smoke the real thing. I don’t think there is a lot of bath salt use or anything like that. On the college campus, we don’t see a lot of the harder drugs very often.
“
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talk about drugs, alcohol, and sex, so the class is just, in and of itself, fun—but the students are so excited to learn. They share a lot of their personal stories. They’re excited to be there.” Harvey’s students trust her, so they feel comfortable sharing their own stories of substance use, abuse and addiction with her. The open environment and personal stories make her classes more effective and a great experience for all of her students, according to Corrine Thompson, a sophomore who took Harvey’s class last fall. Thompson said that Harvey doesn’t judge her students when they tell her about their experiences with drugs and alcohol. Harvey teaches them to be safe and responsible, but she doesn’t condemn them for their actions or choices. Harvey doesn’t “think that drugs or alcohol are bad at all,” and she doesn’t believe that any particular substance is worse than others either. She believes that it depends on the individual and how responsible a person is with these kind of substances. “I know students who go out and drink are responsible and don’t have legal or social consequences,” Harvey said. “For them, alcohol isn’t a problem. For other students, drinking can be really detrimental because they’re getting arrested, they’re having court dates, they’re having to come to our office to do program—and all of these things detract from their student success.”
College Students), STEPSS and OnTRAC (Student Drug Court—Treatment, Responsibility, Accountability on Campus), students would likely face much more severe consequences, on campus and off, for some of the issues that bring them into the office, like minor in consumption citations. “It may be a pain sometimes, but what we do keeps students here,” Harvey said. Harvey has helped many students through her work in the Office of Student Conduct and in her classroom to stay at the university, to get on track to educational success, and to learn from their own (and other’s) mistakes. Millie believes that Harvey is an asset to not only her office but also the university community, in general. “She’s a holistic package of what we would hope a young professional would be all about,” Millie said. “How much she brings to the university--the passion, the skills, the desire to be helpful--I think is what we, as administrators, are supposed to be here for our students.” “Nobody ever said don’t do it,” Harvey said in reference to drugs and alcohol. “Just stay away from the negative consequences, and stay social and do well in school.”
According to Harvey, the Office of Student Conduct isn’t here to punish students. It is part of what they do, but it isn’t the goal of the office. She’s trying to help students get through the situation they’re in and learn from it. “I’m not judgmental,” Harvey said. “I’m not that saying that you’re bad, you shouldn’t have done that, and I want to punish you. College is a great opportunity to experiment and make mistakes and learn from them. The whole goal is just to be successful in school. That’s why our students are here.” Millie agrees that they aren’t just trying to punish students. She wants students to know that the Office of Student Conduct’s goal is not punishment, it’s “talking with students, figuring out their goals, helping them see that their behaviors may not be getting them there, and teaching them skills to change that.” The reality of the situations that are brought to the Office of Student Conduct is that there has to be some kind of consequence for the actions of the student. In comparison to other universities nationwide, our conduct office is “pretty lenient” in these situations, according to Harvey. At the end of the day, what’s important is student success in school. If the Office of Student Conduct did not have programs like BASICS, CASICS (Cannabis Screening Intervention for Insight | 9
PARTY ING “According to the American Medical Association, the average male has his first drink at the age of 11, and female at the age of 13.
EXTR EMES W
hether it be school or work, the amount of time college students put in can be stressful. Often times, making it to the weekend is our goal. Quenching ourselves with cheap beers and questionable choices is the norm for a typical college student. But when is it too much? When drinking is not enough and drugs are added, does it add to the fun, or add to the danger? For some people, they don’t need a substance to have fun. They want to have control of themselves. However, other people who use marijuana, cocaine, ecstasy and psychedelics can let go of their subconscious and turn a mundane night into one of self10 | Insight
Words by Michael Aber Photos by Sam King
exploration and form connections on a more honest level. According to the American Medical Association, the average male has his first drink at the age of 11, and female at the age of 13. Factors that add to these are family history of substance abuse and social environment influences, in which an increased rate is noted. Amanda Clardy, 24, began drinking at an early age and found that drinking was not for her. ”In high school, I drank with my friends at parties but I never liked the feeling of being drunk. I felt out of control when I drank. I wouldn’t stop drinking until the alcohol was gone, or someone physically stopped me,” she says.
With 88 percent of college students using alcohol and 33 percent using drugs, one might find it hard to get away from the environment of usage. One such group known as ‘straightedge’
“...I don’t judge other people for what they do, just as I hope they don’t judge me for one aspect of my life,” BRANDON DICKSON adopts a no drugs, no drinking, and even in some cases, no premarital sex lifestyle. In 1983, straightedge began as a movement set by the band, Minor Threat, in which the band members would express their anti-substance message. While the message was not meant to start a movement, it quickly spread among the punk scene that was commonly filled with alcohol and drug use. Brian Hamilton, 26, was an individual involved with the local straightedge scene when he was 14 years old. “I found out about straightedge from bands like Minor Threat, Gorilla Biscuits and other punk rock bands that were the forefront of straightedge,” Hamilton says. Straightedge at that time quickly grew from its small scene in the District of Columbia and spread to the west coast with a popular Reno band called 7 Seconds. Locally, straightedge is considered a gang unit by the Reno Police Department and is stereotyped as a violent and dangerous group. However, many people who identify with straightedge do not see it in a negative light, but one of brotherhood and acceptance. “The main stereotype that always pissed me off and still does is that everyone thinks if you’re straightedge, all you do is jump people,” Hamilton says. “A majority of the straightedge community doesn’t care if you’re edge or not. It is a close-knit community of kids that liked to have fun and didn’t like drinking or doing drugs.” Brandon Dickson has been part of the straightedge community and has taken positive values from it despite the negative stereotype that exists. “I guess if anything changed about my personality because of it, it would be that I learned to not take things too seriously, and I have a more easy-going attitude. I don’t judge other people for what they do, just as I hope they don’t judge me for one aspect of my life,” he says. Drug usage has increased from previous years. Many young adults are experimenting with drugs, such as marijuana, cocaine and psychedelics. Without the guidance of parents, these individuals are free to make decisions that can either better or hurt themselves. Regardless of how substances are used, the most important things are self-control and awareness of both physical and mental states. If you are able to find that medium, an
interpersonal exploration can lead to many positive discoveries. Lars Bateman, 21, frequently mixes alcohol with drugs and has always had a positive time in doing so. “My experience is that with moderate intake of booze, any drug can be improved. Alcohol tends to chip off the edge of psychedelics, and makes stormy seas settle,” he says. “I have had plenty of crazy fun nights on psychedelics and alcohol, (such as) going to shows, running around downtown going somewhat insane with my best friends.” One of the most dangerous aspects of illicit drug or alcohol use is the difficulty of monitoring consumption. Nobody likes an obnoxious drunk trampling through the house and knocking things over. But that doesn’t mean that even a little bit, or no alcohol at all, can be a bad thing. Not having control puts a strain on the body, and finding that fine line is a hard thing to do. “People who use in moderation still make me uncomfortable because it’s a slippery slope with substances and substance abuse,” Clardy says. “I just know that I don’t have enough self-control when I drink so it’s hard for me to believe or trust that someone else has enough control to know when to stop.” Who can say what moderation is? There is no limit to what is considered moderation, because drugs and alcohol affect people differently. We know the extremes of being belligerently drunk in comparison to being sober, but finding a middle ground is something you have to figure out for yourself.
“With 88 percent of college students using alcohol and 33 percent using drugs, one might find it hard to get away from the environment of usage.” Brandon, a 19-year-old Political Science major, understands that moderation is a grey area. “My definition of moderation is honestly just body awareness,” he says. “It’s funny because to understand your limit, you kind of have to party more often as a way of trial-and-error.” When indulging in these behaviors, whether it be in polarity or moderation, one should realize it is a personal choice. Parties should be fun for everyone, no matter the amount of drugs or alcohol consumed. Accepting this will allow for those who want to, to be able to enjoy the party more without worry. Whether your choice is to heavily use drugs and alcohol, or to stay sober, your awareness of your surroundings can make a difference between a memorable night and a disastrous one.
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“L
et’s go see what’s up in Midtown,” is a phrase that can be heard a lot on the streets of Reno lately. Citizens, and tourists, are taking notice of this revitalized neighborhood, where many new and established businesses have gained followings over the past year. Many believe it is a harbinger of big things for Reno. With spring and the tourism season fast approaching, what are the plans for Reno’s up-and-coming neighborhood? “The Midtown District is a product of the recession, I think,” says Claudia Hanson, planning and engineering manager for the city. “People needed something else; the way we’ve been doing it isn’t working … I think people were looking for a change.” As the national economy faltered and Nevada took one of the hardest hits, many say that Midtown is the product of local business owners taking the initiative to revitalize their own neighborhood. As old buildings were renovated and new businesses were established, the distinct vibe and culture of Midtown began to take shape and come alive. “We [the city] would love to take credit for Midtown’s success,”
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laughs Hanson, “but it was really the business owners and residents who made it happen.” Hanson states that, “[the government] is really just there to support the property owner’s down there,” and believes they can do that by improving the infrastructure of the neighborhood. “We would like to see improved city services in that area, to help support the success of the Midtown area… my personal highest priority is getting the sidewalks up to par.” “I don’t think there’s enough long-term parking,” says Cynthia Lewis, owner of vintage clothing boutique “Dressed Like That” on South Virginia St. “I think it’s necessary.” Most of the street planning in the northern part of the neighborhood is strictly residential, meaning that finding a parking space close to one specific destination can be difficult. Many patrons face a long walk between their cars and their favorite restaurants or stores. “Parking is a problem,” agrees Peter Burge, who co-owns “Wedge- A Cheese Shop” with Laura Connrow.
Business owners recognize that increased foot-traffic in the area means more exposure for them, but the narrow sidewalks pose a distinct “The government hazard if they become is good at drawing overcrowded. Increased foot-traffic has begun to lines,” Claudia draw attention to several Hanson says. “That’s inherent neighborhood what we did.” The problems—specifically, the lack of parking and city established the the narrow sidewalks. physical borders of One such business owner is Hillary Schieve, Midtown in 2009, owner and proprietor of officially recognizing “Plato’s Closet,” who the neighborhood as was elected as a city councilmember last year. its own entity. “We have parking issues now,” says Schieve. “We didn’t use to.” Schieve is part of the group of small business owners responsible for establishing Midtown since opening over 5 years ago, and played a fundamental role in its development. “We’ve moved to a place where the city’s really looking at infrastructure and transportation. These are things we need to address because it’s going to get much more crowded … I’m very concerned about the crosswalks and the sidewalks because it’s getting so busy,” says Schieve.
WHERE EXACTLY IS MIDTOWN?
There are plans in place to address the parking problems, including a project to install sensors in existing parking spaces. “Once you drive over them it identifies your car. There’s an app on your phone, it shows you where there are vacancies, where there aren’t vacancies … a lot of major cities have them,” says Schieve. Schieve hopes to see improvements to Midtown’s infrastructure by the end of this summer, but says that they’re still “trying to figure out what’s going to make everyone happy.” Aside from improving accessibility, Schieve believes that the next few months will bring even more business to the area. “You’re going to see some more new businesses open up, which is exciting. Jessica (Schneider) from Junkee is opening a resale children’s store … There’s a girl next to her that wants to open a vintage toy store.” Scheive also detailed her work on a project she considers will be unique to the area. “One thing I’m getting ready to launch right now, because I believe Midtown absolutely has to have one, is a fashion truck … We are going to park it in the
Midtown lot, right across the street from Junkee … It’ll park there, but also in front of my business, probably on Saturdays.” Like the business models of the food-trucks seen downtown, this fashion-truck is a fully stocked clothing boutique that customers will be able to visit in different locations around midtown. “It’s called ‘The Biggest Little Fashion Truck’ and it’ll say ‘Rolling in from Midtown’ … I just think it’s so indicative of the Midtown environment … We hope that it will grow a little more like the food-trucks have, and then we can do more popup shops in Midtown,” says Schieve.
While many future projects in Midtown are still being planned out, the development of several new commercial locations is already in progress. A business park called “The Sticks” is under construction at the corner of S Virginia and Thoma St. The project is being partially contracted by the Carter Bros. Ace Hardware store, which already owns several buildings in Midtown. Owner, Bernie Carter, has been active in the development of the neighborhood for years. “Bernie has been a great voice for Midtown… He’s very invested in our community. A lot of these are new businesses; they’ve never been in business before. He champions for these small entrepreneurs,” says Schieve. “The Sticks” will be able to house seven new businesses; several businesses have already bought property rights. Construction is proceeding on-schedule, but no completion date has been set. Schieve believes that Midtown has come along away, but still has a lot of room to grow. “It’s so great to see these businesses come together and want the area to thrive, but we still have a long way to go … Start with what’s good, and continue to build.”
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An Indesign Staff Party
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Cal -78 l me! 4-7 775
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Photos by Becca Ewart
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Written by Brandon Fischmann Photos by James McGirr and Destiny O’brien
Evan Tune on guitar. (Photo by Destiny O’brien)
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Tony Walker busting out the rhymes with Zac Haley and Evan Tune. (Photo by James Mcgir)
othing will give you a feel for your own skin faster than a trip to the Zoo. Peering into some exhibits might make you want to frolic with the creatures inside, while others would make your neck hair stand at the mere sight of the monsters. You just might see in contrast- amid the chaos- what makes us who we are. I know a handful of party animals that do the same using their musical compositions (or are they mating calls?). Bazooka Zoo is a post-funk, psychedelic rock band storming bars, punk houses, and the Burnal Equinox in Nevada City with sounds as technical and colorful as they are ethereal. They can drop solos just as well as they can kegstand and both are done with a breathtaking grace. These are the sort of sounds to make Pink Floyd have flashbacks. What’s more, they are coming from our own classmates in a garage—potentially earshot from our back yards. Bazooka Zoo played a show in February to commemorate the opening of the 420 Valley Road Art Gallery. This is a two-floor warehouse, two blocks from the Lincoln Lounge, and home to an eclectic collection of displays. The bottom floor was decorated with the band set, lit up with Christmas lights and a plastic backdrop to a massive art workshop. Upstairs over a dozen artists were showcased in displays of everything ranging from burlap sculptures to distorted portraits of Lincoln written over with
spoken word poetry. It was a beautiful set filled with the works of young artists still struggling to make a name for themselves and that’s why the Zoo was the perfect choice for a band to advertise it. Before the show, I was being told to expect a mellow night of music and fantastic art with few to no people. The “fantastic art” was at least correct. This musical collaboration has been producing for roughly a year and a half, but the current lineup of musicians has been together for about six months. The newest addition to the band is Scott Turek, keyboardist and sound effect wizard, pulled in from various side projects around town. According to Zac Haley, Turek’s been
J.D Cristison on drums at the 420 Valley Road Act Gallery. (Photo by Destiny O’brien)
“It really is a zoo. I’ll be in the reptile room…know what I’m saying? It’s all there. You can find all sorts of different outlets…it’s one big collaboration.” -Zac Turek
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“
I
would have never
thought that psychedelic
rock and free-styling could be cohesive, but the result
is as mysteriously brilliant as a journey through one’s own consciousness.
”
“spicing up the music,” and that is saying the least. Watching his hands dance on his keyboard/synth setup is hypnotizing. His addition to the Zoo exhibit is subtly marked in their tracks by a skull-tickling cool keyboard solo near the end of the single, “Wicked Ways,” a funky new piece that feels like driving frying through East LA before sunrise. J.D. Christison is on the drums, Evan Tune on bass, and Haley on the guitar. Vocals are done, to a certain extent, by all of them. The talent of each of these players is almost literally visible in the complexity of sounds they can create. I received a layered answer when I asked what the meaning of the name “Bazooka Zoo” was. First, influences for the name likely came from singer/guitarist Haley’s ecological background. Both of his parents work in some form of wildlife conservation around Lake Mead and as he listed off the pets that he grew up with, I realized that this
Incoming keyboarder, Scott Turek. (Photo by Destiny O’brien)
Zac haley playing at the 420 Valley Road Art Gallery (Photo by James McGirr)
guy’s entire life has been a zoo. “I grew up with cats, dogs, snakes, lizards, geckos, bats, falcon, parrots, desert tortoises, [and] turtles,” he says. Haley is now a Wildlife Ecology and Preservation major. On a deeper level, the exotic and unpredictable nature of the Zoo’s style of rock and roll is reminiscent of one of their main influences, the Hendrix Experience, and lends itself to the name being a clue to the primal nature in all of us: the “cages [being] a reference to our place in modern society,”
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as Haley put it. We see these grand abstracts everywhere in their songs, such as a beautifully harmonized call to accept our place in the changing cosmos in the song, “Infinite Skies.” The primary meaning behind the name, according to Haley, is the open and diversified nature of this project. It really is a zoo, as he says. “I’ll be in the reptile room….know what I’m saying? It’s all there. You can find all sorts of different outlets…it’s one big collaboration,” Haley says. These four guys are far from the only exhibits to see. In the song, “Season Wakes,” they are joined by Beatrice Hernandez, former singer of the band Candy Warpop, as well as a couple members from the Las Vegas band, Habit. In tracks spread across every album they record with local freestyle rappers, namely Tony Walker and Tea Haze, I would have never thought that psychedelic rock and free-styling could be cohesive, but the result is as mysteriously brilliant as a journey through one’s own consciousness. The way in which the Zoo can energize and move a crowd, regardless of its size, is remarkable. Most crowds are stiff beneath their social entitlement and demand that a band win the right to their “legendary dance moves” before they dare make a single movement that might embarrass themselves. Stand before this collective of jungle creatures as they ravish their instruments and where you may have felt
vicarious embarrassment for other young bands, they will make you feel thrilled for the future of music in Reno. Give them three songs and they’ll have a crowd gesticulating like they’re drunk in front of their bathroom mirrors. Not only has the Zoo helped put this new haven for the arts on the map, but they’ve proven once again just how versatile they are. It’ll be exciting to see what both the gallery and their first musical patrons make of the future. I really have no idea what will happen to Bazooka Zoo. The music industry is not a fair trial. Music bad enough to make shitting sound appealing has ridden the top of the charts for as long as we’ve had charts, and some incredibly talented artists have vanished into oblivion. It’s probably a combination of chance, timing, and good PR that determines their outcome. I do know that these particular sound masters have a damn good time doing what they do, and if they have anything to do with it, the party isn’t going to stop any time soon. As their music says, “There are spaceships coming,” falling from the sky in mind-altering noise play, and “I couldn’t tell you why” these guys are not signed yet.
(Photo by Destiny O’brien)
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Gettin’ Shitty on a Couple Pennies Written by Brandon Fischmann Photos by Katherine Sawicki
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lways representing on “Drunkest Cities in the US” lists, it is obvious that Reno really enjoys consuming fermented beverages. That’s probably not why you or I live here. In fact, we probably enjoy drinking so much because we live here. It is a general rule that those currently enrolled in higher education have very low incomes. If any of you ever need some really fantastic ramen and rice recipes, I remember a few, but the rest I forgot because they were mastered while inebriated. We are poor and we need to be resourceful if we still want to get out, get drunk, and pretend we’re not. It’s essential that you find ways to get sufficiently drunk and forget how bad you messed up on your midterms without having to reach too far into your pocket. Following are the very best drink specials from some of my personal favorite bars and some bars that others may enjoy:
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Bars Corkscroo: $10 All-You-Can-Drink :: Friday :: 10pm on :: (R.I.P. sobriety) - Whiskey Wednesdays! :: $1 Shots of Whiskey ::
Strega: Mon-Fri :: 4-7pm :: Buy 1 Get 1 Well Drinks and Draft Beers :: This is a fantastic laid back joint if you’re just looking to drink a few taps, play pool, and possibly catch some live music.
The Waterfall: Mon :: 9-11pm :: $1 Pitchers of Beer :: Okay Five Star Saloon: yeah, it’s Natty Light, but The specials change it’s ONE DOLLAR for with the bartenders, but ONE WHOLE pitcher! the prices are decent I can find that in my and it’s easy to make couch and then be stuck friends and get free on my couch for the rest drinks. Probably the of the night. Be ready friendliest bar in town, for the saltine challengebut things can get wild. only the most daring (and hydrated) of drunks prevail.
The Wolf Den: EVERYDAY :: 4-7pm :: $0.50 Well Drinks :: $2 Drafts :: Save the extra money for a basket of fries and eat or drink the lectures away.
For those of you still being oppressed by the government and denied your inalienable right to fall asleep curled up beneath a public toilet, here are some odd drink mixes you can make at home that will be sure everyone gets sufficiently tossed without having to burn their utilities money.
DIY DRINKS The Reno Mimosa
Sailor Rossi
1. Buy a pint of Glenwood. Polish it down to a couple shots. 2. Fill halfway with box wine (Night Train if you need the extra confidence). 3. Fill the rest of the way with Sunny D, not orange juice.
1. Fill a mason jar halfway with Sailor Jerry. 2. Fill the other half with Carlos Rossi. 3. Add just a touch of nihilism.
1. Pour one can of PBR. 2. Finish the glass with orange juice. 3.Add one shot of Early Times whiskey.
Result: You’re full sail and coasting to god-knows-where, but all you know is that it’ll probably make a great story.
Result: This one’s a classic. Want to feel slightly healthy while getting mildly buzzed for writing that essay? This is the drink for you.
Result: It’s not a mimosa on the beach in Cancun- it’s not even a real mimosa- but you’re not in Cancun, be grateful. If you are sure to complete Step 1, I promise this drink will be enjoyable.
Beer Juice
Crazy Uncle Mickey 1. Drink half of a 40oz of Mickeys Malt Liquor. 2. Refill the rest with Watermelon Four Loko (adventure with other flavors). 3. Hand over the keys and cellphone. Result: No matter how boring and vanilla your family is, there is always that one relative at the reunion who fell off the deep end in college and is drunk three hours before the champagne is opened. Yeah, you wouldn’t take them to a party and you’re pretty sure they never made it out of the 80s, but they almost always show you a good time and never cease to teach you something new....even if it’s what you should never do.
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REVIEWS
featured
HEAVY HAWAII Goosebumps
Art Fag Recordings
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Review by Nick Rattigan his review is not supposed to convince you that this album is the best of the year, or that you even necessarily need to like the music on it. This review serves the purpose to explain how important Heavy Hawaii’s sophomore album, Goosebumps is to our current music culture. We live in a post-King of the Beach-era of surf music that has doomed us to listen to the abundance of surf rock bands of the past three years. Almost every indie band climbing out of the garages of America have some sort of surf influence to them. From Beach Fossils to FIDLAR, the surf-core movement has been in full effect and is not leaving us alone anytime soon. There are two things that are reinforcing this genre. One, surf music is easy to make. Throw a few chords together, add some reverb, and you’ll have a fully functioning song. Two, in our current music climate the listener generally does not want to be bummed out anymore. Surf music is great for almost any activity and is generally beloved across multiple types of people. Case in point: try to find someone who doesn’t like the Beach Boys. The biggest downfall here is that we are living in this musical age of the Internet, alongside the surf rock madness. Therefore, there tends to be an excessive amount of overlap. All of these bands are causing a lot of noise, leaving it hard to distinguish one band from the next. This has not gone unnoticed by fans and music lovers, yet there has still been nothing to be done about it. So, in the middle of the cataclysmic mess of beach bands and mediocrity lies Heavy Hawaii. This album causes a long needed rift to the surf rock genre. All the elements of classic surf are here, but with an unhinging presence that you can’t quite put your finger on. Matt Bahamas’s vocals are slowed down to a deep
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YOUTH LAGOON Wondrous Bughouse Fat Possum
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combination of Mac Demarco sensuality and sinister melancholia. The instrumentals provide a Phil Wonder “wall of sound” of a tonal synthesizers and harmonic background vocals. The opening track, “Washing Machines” opens you up to hellish carnival noises that are unfamiliar enough to keep you on edge, but melodic enough to keep you listening. Tracks like “Airborne Kawasaki” and “Born to Ride” keep this album grounded with conventional surf rock elements, but ones like “Fiji Cooking” and “Sue” send it to that next level of musical experimentation. With its sophomore album, Heavy Hawaii has created a new spin on the surf genre that will hopefully enlighten and inspire other bands to do the same. That is why these surreal surfers get a well-deserved 5 out of 5. Recommended Tracks: “Born to Ride,” “Sue”
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Review by Conor Ploeger In 2011, Trevor Powers, a.k.a. Youth Lagoon, introduced to the world his debut album, The Year of Hibernation. The Boise native proved that original bedroom pop records could still be released after a flood of artists who sounded too similar to one another. Although the artist quickly rejected the label of “bedroom pop,” the singer proved to be one of 2011’s most promising new acts. Now, Youth Lagoon is following his debut album with Wondrous Bughouse: a more fully realized and accomplished record. The most striking aspect of the record is Powers’s willingness to experiment more than he did in his debut. The album begins with “Through Mind and Back,” an instrumental track that harkens back to soundtracks of Stanley Kubrick films. The track, “Attic Doctor” recalls Syd Barret-era psychedelic experimentation with its use of sound to
DAVID BOWIE The Next Day Columbia
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convey a sense of nostalgia for the bygone time. The album leads up to the final track, “Daisyphobia,” a song that manages to combine all of these elements together into one song. In order to capture the sound necessary to realize his vision for the record, Youth Lagoon recruited Ben H. Allen (Deerhunter, Animal Collective) to produce the album. His production efforts help Powers to expand his experimental sound. “Sleep Paralysis” and “Mute” help to showcase how this benefits the act’s sound. Both the tracks are scattered with ambient sounds that never overpower the whole songs, but merely act to their benefit. One of the most obvious themes of the album is mortality. The first single and standout track, “Dropla,” explores this theme quite vividly. Beginning with a cheerful, almost fairy-tale-like tune, the song quickly transitions towards lyrics about death. “You’ll never die” is repeated throughout the song, adding an emotional heft to a song that highlights Powers’s growth as an artist. The track still maintains some of The Year of Hibernation’s themes, such as distant echoing, while also proving that Allen’s production efforts merged with Powers’s songwriting is a stunning combination. Through repeated listens, this album reveals itself slowly. The distant, but familiar sounds, add to expand Powers’s range as an artist. The simple, but deep lyrics add an emotional weight to the album that was not found on his debut. Together with Allen, Youth Lagoon is able to prove that he is not just another “buzzband.” These listens only prove that Wondrous Bughouse currently stands as one of 2013’s best records. Recommended Tracks: “Dropla,” “Mute,” “Daisyphobia” Review by Conor Ploeger
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ratings
“Microwave the CD” “Keep and Listen” “ENCORE!”
The first thing everyone should remember about David Bowie is that he does things his way and will always surprise audiences. When the single, “Where Are We Now?” arrived on his 66th birthday from his unexpected new album, The Next Day, the world stopped and listened. Among rock n’ roll royalty stands Bowie towards the upper echelon. An artist who has maintained a level of mystique and shock that is unparalleled to most musicians today. Unlike My Bloody Valentine’s recent comeback that was filled with paramount expectations, Bowie gave no teasing of anything forthcoming in his 10-year absence. Kevin Shields could join Bowie in anguish by hoping that, not only their latest work is up to par with what fans have yearned for, but to once again transform the musical landscape. The difference is that Shields needed to execute a worthy follow-up whereas Bowie needed to do the unexpected. So, is this new record a mirage in a desert of restless, aged musicians, or is a familiar star reborn? Having heard the news of a new album in January, I returned to the old and memorable. In 1977, RCA Records released “Heroes” as the second installment of the Berlin Trilogy that featured collaboration with music pioneer Brian Eno and production by Tony Visconti. The new record is supposed to be the next day after “Heroes” – “We can be heroes/Just for one day.” After the stroke of midnight, the rocker exclaims from the opening track, “Here I am/Not quite dying” for those who thought that the magic was gone. I, sometimes, cringe when my favorite artists force an album to appease a new generation. Perhaps, this is considered a comeback album because no one expected songs like “Where Are We Now” and “The Stars (Are Out Tonight).” The former song being melancholy and a scrapbook of memories, while the latter affirms his revival and the smooth guitar riff adds to what makes him cool. If you left him for dead, then just know that there is still life. It’s probably the most “rock” album Bowie’s had since Aladdin Sane and Diamond Dogs. The theme of the album intertwines with reflection on the past and the awareness mortality with signature sounds slightly modified for today’s times. This might not be what most people think when the term “pop” comes to mind, but then again, there is no one quite like Bowie to make heavy themes accessible. What can be appreciated is his continued experimentation and exploration of noises in “Dancing Out in Space.” This is a
blissful track laid with light guitars and vocals dedicated to dancing and being yourself with someone else, while blocking out the rest of the world as if only space can free your soul. The consistency of the album is owed to how well each track flows together. Not one song feels like filler, and even towards the end, you will be sure to be moving on your feet with ”(You Will) Set the World On Fire.” Fans and critics alike continue to have questions for Bowie, but he retorts with more unanswerable mysteries. The closing track “Heat” is ominous with a drone-like beginning – very much in the vein of Swans. He roams around the earth and emphasizes him being lost in the world, juxtaposing the album’s opening tone in “The Next Day.” I like to think that Bowie has descended from his throne as one of the demi-gods of rock, because it gets a little lonely at the top. If this is a comeback, rock n’ roll is still alive and so is a transformed, yet gracefully aged Ziggy Stardust.
ANTWON In Dark Denim Greedhead Review by Thomas Snider The San Jose rapper, Antwon is dropping old school Biggie flow with unorthodox truculent beats on his fourth release, “In Dark Denim.” Antwon has been perfecting his flow over his past three mixtapes that gave birth to his unique 90s style. With the release of “In Dark Denim” Antwon seamlessly continues to sample 80s and 90s R&B songs that create the retro Biggie vibe Antwon is reaching for. He is not just rewriting the 90‘s rap scene either, because he mixes much of the samples with darker beats, reminding one of a DeathGrips-type sound. This, however, doesn’t always work because it creates inconsistency throughout the mixtape, especially when the fusing of buoyant samples and anemic sunken beats don’t flow. With that said, “In Dark Denim” doesn’t completely disappoint one with songs like “It Will All Make Sense” and “3rd World Girl,” which perfectly feature the sound and vibe Antwon wants. Antwon had such a promising 2012 releases of retro jam music videos such as “Living Every Dream.” So even with “In Dark Denim” coming up short, it still leaves Antwon as one of the most exciting new sounds out of California, and we can’t wait to see what he does next.
Recommended Tracks: “It Will All Make Sense” and “3rd World Girl”
DALLY AUSTON The Woods EP Self-released
From the SaveMoney collective out of Chicago, Dally Auston has risen with hopes to make a name for himself with the release of The Woods EP. With only six tracks, Auston displays why he is here to stay with his vast array of styles that melt flawlessly with each beat. Every song on the EP exhibits a different flow, in which Auston excels. From “One Two,” a chant style flow, to “99 cents,” a 90’s New York style flow, he displays his virtuosity throughout the EP. The production value doesn’t disappoint either, with its matchless samples and contagious beats that fit impeccably with each of his varying flows. The Woods EP is just a glimpse of Auston’s talent, and without a doubt deserves a listen. Look for his first full mixtape, which he plans to release later this month. Recommended Tracks: “W$GTM” and “#Throwback”
HERBCRAFT The Astral Body Electric Review by Heather Dornberger The new Herbcraft album floats around in a static haze, deteriorating any sense of time and space. The psychedelic group, hailing from Portland, Maine, crafts hallucinatory songs full of depth and detail. The Astral Body Electric is the third release from Herbcraft and the band’s first outing on indie lo-fi label, Woodsist. While once a bedroom solo project of Matt Lajoie, Herbcraft has now expanded into a sextet allowing for greater depth and a full realization of its sound. The album’s six songs span over 40 minutes, presenting the band members in sprawling, hazed-out detail. This album is truly beautiful and entirely unique. The mixture of flutes, drony organs, sitar and pedal effects create a mixture of lo-fi rock and tribal beats that is perfectly in sync. The expansive and disorienting album will put you in a trance-like state that will make you wish you were on mescaline. Recommended Tracks: “A Knock at the Door in Your Mind” and “The Body Electric.”
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Date Rape Written by Cambria Roth
A night gone wrong
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he thought that night in October would be like most other nights. She and her boyfriend, Jake*, had a few drinks before their long walk to the Homecoming bonfire. Not even the alcohol coursing through their veins could protect them from the newly chill fall air. They met up with friends at the fire and ate some food. Hey, it’s free, she thought.
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The group decided to head back to the campus apartments for a small get-together. She didn’t think it would be a big deal. It was only her, her boyfriend, the four people who lived at the apartment, another girl and then three other boys who showed up later. She started drinking tequila and chasing it with Orange Crush. I’m with my boyfriend, after all. What’s going to happen? It’s fun. It was all fun and games until she took a shot, grabbed her cup of Orange Crush off of the counter and drank it. Hmm, that tastes funny. She handed the drink to her boyfriend and he agreed. They both didn’t think much of it, until they locked eyes hours later. She was in an ambulance and he had police surrounding him. The only thing she remembers after that final shot is looking at the back doors of an ambulance, confused. What happened? Where am I? How did I get here? Then she looked straight out and made eye contact with Jake. She felt like no one was telling her anything. The police were saying Jake had raped her, and she heard herself telling them, “No, that is my boyfriend.” Later on, after a long night in the hospital, she was told the police received a call from someone saying, “I found this girl in the staircase leading down to the parking garage at the college apartments! She had her pants around her ankles. She was raped! She was raped!” Jake, a laid-back and relaxed individual, was found in a utilities closet in the parking garage. He was screaming, yelling and trying to kick in the closet door. He was her boyfriend. He was supposed to protect her from this, or so he thought. “How scary is that? To wake up and think, ‘I don’t even know where the last five hours of my life went—I don’t know what happened,’” says Justine Hernandez, Prevention Education and Outreach Specialist with the Crisis Call Center. “‘Where are your clothes? Are you hurt?’ It is going to hurt either way if you are sexually assaulted. But sometimes, knowing can be that closure, and by not knowing, you don’t have that.”
A victim is blamed
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ne of the most well-known sexual assault statistics out there is that one in four women will be assaulted when they go to college. However, that is only the reported cases, and most victims are too scared to report. Other victims don’t identify with being a victim, but the scenario tells a different story.
Many girls go to parties, drink a little too much, and have sex. They don’t remember if they said yes. They don’t know. All they know is that they wake up, and they don’t feel good about what happened. “This is the crime where the victim is blamed,” Hernandez says. “If I was robbed, the police would want to come find the guy and help me. But anytime you are sexually assaulted it is, ‘what did you do? How were you acting? Were you flirting?’ “When someone is sexually assaulted they feel a lot of guilt which makes it hard to come forward. You play a game with yourself: ‘Well I drank, I went over to their house. I went into their room, and I kissed them.’ Anytime you have a sexual experience and you don’t feel good, you might have bad sex, but there is a difference between bad sex and feeling like, ‘wow, I got taken advantage of.’” Sexual Assault is defined by the Merriam-Webster Dictionary as “illegal sexual contact that usually involves force upon a person without consent or is inflicted upon a person who is incapable of giving consent or who places the assailant in a position of trust or authority.” In a survey conducted by the university, 2.1 percent of women at UNR have been sexually assaulted. This is higher than the national average for colleges, which is 1.9 percent. Once again, this is only reported cases. Rape seems far away
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nid Jennings, Public Health Officer at UNR, believes it is the sexually charged culture we live in that widely influences the college community. “We have some challenges here in terms of the environment we live in,” Jennings says. “With the casinos being very close to campus, you see quite a bit of advertisements for strip clubs, for brothels and things like that.” As I searched the internet for a definition of ‘rape’ there weren’t many ‘official’ definitions of the word. Is this because we don’t know how to define it, so we avoid it? When I finally found a definition through the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, I was appalled to find that the first definition entry of the word ‘rape’ was about a mustard plant. This is representative of the way we approach the subject of rape. We don’t talk about rape, so how are victims of sexual assault supposed to address it? Rape seems like something far away. “The word is scary,” Hernandez says. “We make up a lot of myths about rape, and we make up myths for things when
“It is grief. You lost something. Whether, it was control that night, or your virginity. Whatever it is, you have lost a part of yourself and you need to grieve, cry, be upset and be angry. Never feel like you’re doing it wrong, or not getting better fast enough. It takes time and you’ll heal, but never forget.” Insight | 25
it scares us.” Hernandez says this doesn’t do justice for survivors of sexual assault because they don’t feel like they can talk about it.
An underreported crime
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he UNRPD only averages anywhere from 1 to 4 reports in a given year. Police commander, Todd Renwick acknowledged that this is low because of the tendency for the crime to be underreported. “We know that with it being such an underreported crime there are probably a lot more out there that happen,” Renwick says. “Many times, we are aware of a sexual assault, but the victim won’t report it to us or she may report it, but doesn’t want any further action taken.” But how is a woman supposed to report a crime on campus if it is someone who she knows? If it is an acquaintance who she’ll see around campus, how can she feel comfortable prosecuting them and playing a ‘he said, she said’ game? Many of us grew up watching television shows or movies that address the issue, but in an unrealistic way. Remember that Criminal Minds episode, with the stranger and the gun? No one thinks it is going to be that cute guy at the party who you make eye contact with from across the room. “Prevention really starts with how we talk about this issue. We need to talk about rape more,” Jennings says. “I think one of the key things we can do is look out for our friends and the people we are with. If you have a girlfriend who you know has been drinking too much and you can see she isn’t capable of making that sort of decision, you intervene.” Jennings says the same goes for situations where you see a guy who is taking advantage of a girl. Even if you don’t know that person, you intervene. Wouldn’t you want them to do the same for you? Renwick cautions women to watch out for overconsumption of alcohol, because he believes this can be mistakenly identified as the use of date rape drugs. “If I pour you a drink, it is probably not the one ounce of alcohol you would get at a bar, rather you are probably getting two shots of alcohol,” Renwick says. “So you think you’re having one drink, but you are actually having two because of the alcohol content. Sometimes, people think they have been slipped a date rape drug, but it was actually alcohol.”
Rape is rape
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ften, when we do talk about rape it is in a mythical way. We might justify it by saying, “Oh, she had too much to drink,” or “she was dressed in a slutty way.” Rape is rape no
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matter what you wear that day, or how much you drink. If a woman doesn’t remember several hours of her night and wakes up to precarious circumstances, this is still cause for concern and action. If a woman has been assaulted within seven days, she can call the Crisis Call Center at 1-800-2738255. The Center will organize an exam, which collects all evidence in a safe environment that the SART (Sexual Assault Response) team provides. “We save the evidence for 90 days, so it gives a woman time to process the event and think about if she wants to make a police report,” Hernandez says.
They feel out “Rape is rape no matter of control in what you wear that day, their own lives, or how much you drink.” so they want control over someone else. It goes back to gender. I need to be in control because ‘I am a man, so let me show you how I control you.’” The aftermath
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Sometimes, sexual assault is thrown around in jokes and taken lightly. Rape is not a punchline. For victims, there is intense emotion, and Hernandez likens it to a grief process.
he girl who I mentioned in the true story above just wanted it to go away. She did go to the clinic and have evidence collected, but she didn’t want to face what happened, so she didn’t report the crime. Jake says that for a few months after that night, he would wake up to her yelling in nightmares, but she has no recollection of them.
“It is grief. You lost something,” she says. “Whether, it was control that night, or your virginity. Whatever it is, you have lost a part of yourself and you need to grieve, cry, be upset and be angry. Never feel like you’re doing it wrong, or not getting better fast enough. It takes time and you’ll heal, but never forget.”
In most situations she probably would have blamed herself. She kept thinking, You were stupid. You weren’t paying attention to your drink. You were drinking. It is your fault. But then she thought, Who would have been watching their drink in that situation? With people you know, your friends, and in such a small group of people.
The theories behind rape As I gathered information from several sources for this story, my biggest question was, ‘Why does rape happen? Why would any man think it was okay to solicit and continue with unwanted sex?” There isn’t a specific answer to this question, but there are many theories.
Hernandez says the aftermath can be compared to breaking an arm. You’ll heal from that, and you’ll always remember when you broke that arm, but you’re okay. You’re better and stronger for it. You might never forget that night, but you’ll grow from those pains. *Name has been changed
Renwick thinks there are two forms of rape: the coldblooded predator and the acquaintance. The cold-blooded predator is seeking sex and he will do what he can to get it. The acquaintance rape is tainted with alcohol as a factor. “It isn’t a misunderstanding, but a no-means-yes situation and the individual uses bad judgement on the decision of whether to have intercourse,” he says. “It is hard to explain why someone would continue, other than poor decisionmaking.” In contrast, Hernandez believes the way we are socialized is the biggest factor because young men are taught to be aggressive and dominant. If they aren’t brave or heroic with women, they are labeled. That label might be “weak” or “gay.” Our patriarchal system insists that men be “powerful” and if they possess any feminine traits, it is seen as weak. “Power and control—A lot of people have this idea that their sex drive is so intense they can’t help themselves,” Hernandez says. “It is the same for why kids bully other kids.
UNR’s Personal Safety Services and Phone Numbers: Campus Escort Service: (775) 742-6808 *Provides transportation within 2 mile radius of campus, to residence halls and parking lots via van or shuttle. Crisis Call Center: (775) 784-8090 or (800) 992-5757 *Crisis situations including sexual assault.
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The Safe House Written by Matthew Bieker Photo provided by www.totheescapehatch.com
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he word “frat” conjures a whole host of mental images in minds of college students. Some of these images might be conflicting, depending on whom you ask. Some might picture a large, Victorian house emblazoned with Greek letters and full of motivated young men with a respect for tradition. Some might picture a run-down hovel with “Cooper rules!” scrawled in ketchup on the wall, full of hungover young men with… different motivations.
Pictured: John Belushi in the 1978 comedyclassic, National Lampoons’s Animal House. (Universal Pictures)
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Regardless if the term “frat” evokes images of East-coast poise or Animal House mayhem, the next word you probably think is “parties.” But as wild as frat party reputations might be, they are probably tame compared to how they were a few decades ago--and that’s a good thing. Picture a place you might already be familiar with: a raucous Friday-night party at a frat house. The year? 1985. This is not a safe place to be. Frat houses across the nation experienced a surge in membership in the early and mid-’80s. For many young men entering college, it became a question of which house you were going to pledge, not if. Frat houses quickly became the unilateral party spot for college campuses and—without any rules to regulate behavior, attendance, or alcohol consumption—became uninhibited riots where damage to property and injured people were common. With the unregulated partying came a slew of complaints from distressed neighbors, school administration, and people who had been injured (or worse) and with those complaints came lawsuits. Lots of them. As fraternities lost case after case nationwide, insurance companies drove premium prices for frats and their members through the roof. Some companies dropped them from representation altogether. All was not well for our country’s fraternities. Cue the Fraternity Insurance Purchasing Group (FIPG).
place, unsafe social events that have ended poorly, and other situations that could have been prevented with proper risk reduction practices,” says Will Clayton, risk reduction officer of UNR’s Sigma Nu fraternity. “The FIPG guidelines affect everything that happens in our house, as well as any function that we, as an organization, have outside the house, immensely … including who attends, what is present, what activities we engage in, where the event is held, [and] what chapter funds are spent on,” he says. In 1995, the FIPG was renamed, The Fraternity Information and Programming Group, as it no longer focused on purchasing insurance for frats, but rather on the education of Greek members about risk management policies.
“Risk management is the focus of reducing or eliminating risks and dangers of the Greek and university community. It helps set guidelines on how to run proper events and determine if there are dangers to individuals or organizations when they occur. It also helps us identify how to educate individuals on these issues,” says Dennis Campbell, Coordinator of Greek life at UNR. “All of our IFC (Interfraternity Council) and “To the student body as Panhellenic Chapters adhere to the a whole, risk reduction FIPG risk management guidelines could be used to effectively and many others have stricter protect all students. Risk policies.”
reduction is, at its core, common sense—and principles we can all agree on.”
“FIPG, Inc. is a consortium of men’s and women’s fraternities and sororities which provides leadership in establishing and developing policies and practices for member organizations, educates and supports undergraduates, alumni/ae and Greek systems in risk management, and works to improve and enhance the image and reputation of all Greek-letter organizations through risk management,” according to the FIPG’s mission statement. Before the FIPG, fraternities’ and sororities’ only means of managing the risks of their activities was through an insurance policy. But as insurance companies began to cut ties, the FIPG was formed in December 1987, with the aim to make frat houses a safer environment. Terms like “risk management” or “standard of care” were being used for the first time in the Greek communities. This same risk management policy is still in place today, keeping Greek members and party guests safe. “Risk reduction is the number one priority to our organization, and the Greek community as a whole. We have all heard stories of extreme hazing events that have taken
The entire FIPG Risk Management Policy is 53 pages long, and deals with every issue that might constitute a personal or public risk for Greek members and guests, including hazing practices, alcohol consumption, sexual harassment, and the presence of illegal drugs--as well as specific rules for hosting parties, and the roles of chapter presidents, individual members, and alumnae in decreasing the kind of potential harm that has been associated with frat partying. “To the student body as a whole, risk reduction could be used to effectively protect all students. Risk reduction is, at its core, common sense—and principles we can all agree on,” Clayton says. While fraternity parties still have a certain “lively” reputation, you are much safer walking into one now than you would have been 30 years ago. Many people might be surprised to learn that frats have any kind of insurance policy in place at all. But if there’s one thing the ‘80s have taught us, it’s that while a booze-fueled free-for-all might sound fun, rules ensure everyone’s safety--and you’ll probably value that more in the long run.
The FIPG’s Mission Statement: “Our mission is to promote sound risk management policies and practices, to be the leading resource of risk management education, programming and information to the broad based constituency involved in all aspects of Greek Life.” Insight | 29
The Drunk Personality Quiz Written and scored by Michael Aber and Leona Novio
Maybe you’re new to college or perhaps you’ve been around for awhile. Either way, you’re bound to find yourself at a college party sooner or later. While there, you take a gander around and notice your friends and fellow party-goers develop distinctive personalities as the night gets darker and the booze begins to disappear. We’ve made this quiz, so you can prepare for your drunk second half and be ready to make amends or celebrate in the morning. 1. What is your favorite drink? 1. Beer 2. Sex on the beach 3. Whiskey 4. Tequila 2. What is the reason you are going to this party? 1. It’s been the talk of the town. 2. To forget about somebody. 3. To meet new people. 4. Just stumbled upon it. 3. What do you do first when entering a party? 1. Grab a drink. 2. Say hi to all your friends that are there. 3. Go outside for a cigarette. 4. Look for the most attractive person there. 4. Your friend is drunk. What do you do to help them? 1. Give them advice about when you were drunk. 2. Grab them a beer. It’s mostly water anyways. 3. Trip over them and start crying. 4. Make out with them. 5. Dance floor just opened up, and it’s time to bust a groove! How do you react? 1. It’s getting hot in here. 2. Find a nice seat on the couch. 3. Change the music playing. 4. Get everyone else to play a drinking game. 6. When do you leave the party? 1. The next morning. 2. When you start thinking of your significant other. 3. When you break something. 4. When your friends want to leave. 7. The party is over, and you are home now. How do you relax? 1. Spark one up! 2. Sleep it off. 3. Post-drinking coitus. 4. Make sure everyone else got home safe. 8. It’s the next morning, and you have a blistering headache. What is your hangover cure? 1. Have another drink! 2. Make a revitalizing breakfast. 3. Spark one up! 4. Grab a bagel while sneaking out of your one-night-stand’s house.
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9. The party’s getting too rowdy, and the cops have arrived! How do you react? 1. RUN! 2. Hide in the nearest room. 3. Smooth talk the cops. 4. You end up arrested. 10. After many drinks, your common sense has run thin. Who do you drunk dial, if you do drunk dial? 1. Your parents. 2. Your ex. 3. Your roommates. 4. The pizza guy. 11. On average, how many drinks do you consume? 1. 1-6 2. 6+ 3. When I’ve reached my limit 12. Everyone knows that hard liquor does the trick quicker. How do you take a shot? 1. With a chaser. 2. After a toast. 3. Like ripping off a bandaid. 4. Off someone else. 13. You are challenged to beer pong by some dudes in snapbacks. What is your strategy? 1. I don’t play beer pong. 2. Choose a good partner. 3. I’m better when I’m wasted! 4. Win at all cost. 14. Who invited you? 1. No one. 2. The host. 3. Friend of a friend. 4. I’m throwing the party. 15. What do you bring to the party? 1. People. 2. More alcohol. 3. My charming personality. 4. An extra change of clothes. (Add up how many of each letter you received for the answers that you chose.Whatever letter you have the most of is your drunk personality response.) Q1:A1(B,E,F,I); A2(A); A3(G,D); A4(C,I)//Q2: A1(F,G); A2(A,D); A3(B,C); A4(E,H,I)//Q3:A1(D,F,H );A2(B,E);A3(G,I);A4(1,3)//Q4:A1(B,G,I);A2(F,H);A3(D,E);A4(A,C)//Q5:A1(A,C); A2(D,E,G); A3(H,I); A4(B,F)//Q6:A1(C,I); A2(A,D); A3(H,E); A4(B,F,G)// Q7:A1(I,G); A2(H,F); A3(A,C); A4(B,D,E)// Q8:A1(D,F,H); A2(B,E); A3(G,I); A4(A,C)//Q9:A1(B,D,F); A2(C,I); A3(A,G); A4(E,H)//Q10:A1(G,H); A2(A,D); A3(B,E,F); A4(C,I)//Q11:A1(B,E,G,I); A2(A,C,D,H); A3(F)//Q12:A1(D,F,I); A2(B,G); A3(E,H); A4(A,C)//Q13:A1(D,E,G); A2(A,B,I); A3(C,H); A4(F)//Q14: A1(H,I); A2(D,G); A3(A,C,E); A4(B,F)// Q15: A1(A,B); A2(D,F); A3(G,H,I); A4(C,E).
If you got mostly:
Illustrations by Leona Novio
A’s: Promiscious
You are the type of person who goes to parties looking for attention, not that it’s necessarily a bad thing, but you know who you are. Before you leave home, you make sure that every detail of your outfit and appearance is crisp and perfect. Once you’re at the party, you expect to be the hottest thing there. Usually, you’re successful, and you come back from the party with the most phone numbers and best stories.
B’s: Lover
C’s: Naked
Everybody knows and loves you. You’re the socialite of the party, so you’re constantly being pulled from one friend group to the next. And you absolutely adore it. By the end of the night, you’ve told every person you have ever met how wonderful he or she is, how beautiful every girl is and how much you “LOOVVEE” every one of them.
Oh you. This is not your first naked appearance, and it certainly won’t be the last. Everyone knows how they’ll find you at the end of the night whether or not you’ve found someone to spend the evening with. While no one is ever surprised, you never fail to create a buzz of excitement over your bare bum, and it makes a fun tale to tell.
You’ve prepared for this night...or at least you should have. For this party, you’ll need your insurance card, ICE numbers saved on your phone, bandages, and I would definitely skip the heels tonight. Every hard surface and pointy edge is your enemy. You try and tread carefully, but there comes a point when the ground, and you need some quality time. No matter how much you try to avoid it.
I’s: The Slacker
You’re the once-in-awhile party-goer. Your friends probably convinced you to get out and have fun, and you figured why not. What’s the worst that could happen? You also forgot to tell your friends that your boyfriend/girlfriend just broke up with you, your parents are on your ass about grades and you’re failing a class and and and...oh god, here it comes, the tears. You don’t know what happened, but four shots later you’ve lost it, and your entire world has just crashed down all around you.
F’s: Featherweight/Heavyweight
E’s: Klutz
G’s: The Guru
D’s: Depressive
You’ve done your research, and by research, you mean you’ve been a borderline alcoholic for quite some time now, and you feel that you have quite a bit more experience in this area than the average college Joe. As a comfortable drunk, you feel it is important that you share some of your vast knowledge with your fellow party-goers. Maybe you’ll even enlighten a few. You’ve got a story for every situation and straight advice to follow, which surprisingly enough comes in handy...half the time.
Ever have those awkward moments at the end of the party when no one is left besides you and the people who live there? You’re probably The Lagger. Have there been multiple occasions when you’ve stayed at a party until the next morning or even the next afternoon? You might want to think about leaving a little earlier next time. Sometimes, pulling a Lagger isn’t all that bad, especially if it was in someone else’s bed, but most of the time it’s kinda weird. Just remember when the couch at the party is looking mighty comfortable, there’s no place like home.
You know that you’ll get to that party, have two beers and be more drunk than the 90-lb girls you try and hit on. But you try anyways, telling yourself that you’ll take your time and it’ll be all good. If you manage that, it must be a very boring party because you know as soon as you get there one person will hand you a drink, then two, three, four. Next thing you know, you need to find a couch, a bathroom or your own bed.
Heavyweight: You BYOB even if the party is fully stocked because you know there isn’t enough booze for you at five parties to get you even remotely drunk. But the best part is that you can drink everyone under the table and laugh at the aftermath.
H’s: The Party Fouler
We all know you. We know you as soon as you walk in the door. But we invite you in anyways. When we hand you a drink, you spill it. “Careful of that vase!” (crash). The mysterious person who vomited in the bathroom and didn’t clean it up? Probably you. It’s the end of the party, and you’ve crashed in someone else’s bed. Last time we saw you, you were smoking outside. The next morning, there’s a huge cigarette burn on our couch. Not saying that you’ve done all these things (or at least hopefully not all at once), but if the saying “party foul!” has been muttered at you more than once in an event, this might be you. Luckily, everyone else is just about as drunk, so there are more laughs about it than shaming.
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