Documenti di Didattica
Documenti di Professioni
Documenti di Cultura
dropped me off in front of the union it was willing to provide some insight on the sit-
past 1:00. uation. Ben, one of the Inner Loop driv-
The Inner Loop bus is supposed to ers, said, “[The] problem is that most of
come every ten minutes and I couldn’t get these buses are past their prime.” As a
where I was going on time even though I result, they break down frequently. When
left a whole half hour to get there. On a asked if he thinks the problems will start
number of other occasions, similar prob- becoming more frequent as winter comes,
lems with the bus occurred when I was on Ben said, “Unfortunately, [they] probably
my way to class. Many professors and will.”
TAs take points off your grade for lateness. Full time students pay $65 every semes-
So there is potential for students to get ter towards a Transportation Fee. Do you,
lower grades as a result of the inadequa- our readers, think it is being spent wisely?
cies of the bus services. The current situation seems to be one of
So why are they substituting the buses insurmountable frustration. However,
with vans? James O’Connor, Director of there are a number of ways you can com-
Jowy Romano
Two vans in the SAC loop
Transportation and Parking Operations plain about the bus service. Transportation
had this to say, “In the event of a bus Services has a customer feedback form on
By Jowy Romano As an especially busy resident of the breaking down, there are other buses uti- their website at http://www.sunysb.edu/
___________ West Apartments, known as being some of lized in place of the said broken-down bus. transportation/. If you prefer to speak to
the furthest dorms from the main campus, Additionally, in times of lower demand, someone directly try calling the
Stony Brook is a big place. Some of us I rely on the Inner Loop bus to get me the Department also utilizes shuttles on Transportation Services office at (631)
who trek around campus everyday have no where I am going on time. This past Campus Bus Service routes.” 632-2886.
problem walking everywhere; others ride Wednesday the 8th, like most other days, I O’Connor’s statement is obviously not When asked if there is anything stu-
their bikes or use cars. The rest of us rely decided to take the Inner Loop on to cam- entirely true because the photo with this dents can do to find out about bus delays
on the campus bus system to get around. pus. I left my room at 12:30 PM to get to article clearly show two 12-passenger vans or other problems, O’Connor said,
If you have taken advantage of the cam- the 1:00 Press meeting. As I walked out of waiting at the SAC loop. This photo was “Students are urged to call 631-632-FIND
pus buses within the past month or so, you my room I heard what I thought was the taken on Thursday, November 2nd at for up to date Campus Bus Service infor-
may have had a van or a paratransit bus bus, so I ran to the third West Apartment around 11:30 AM. If 11:30 AM on a mation. Moving forward, our Department
pick you up instead of a full-size bus. This bus stop through pouring rain to catch it. Thursday during the fall semester is not a has a few innovative ideas in order to get
normally isn’t a problem except when the Soaking wet, I made it in time to see a van peak time, then what is? the message out to riders regarding
vans, because of their much smaller size, pass by all the people waiting at the bus Some of the bus drivers refused to com- Campus Bus Service in a live, real-time
fill up and start skipping stops. stop. By the time the next bus came and ment on the matter. One, however, was fashion.”
Einstein
Joe Rios
Coper nicus
Joe Rios
Index
M ayor Goldie Wi l s o n
Joe Filippazzo
sbpress@gmail.com
First copy free. For additional copies contact the
Business Manager.
www.thestonybrookpress.com
Stony Brook, NY 11794-3200
(631) 632-6451 Voice
(631) 632-4137 Fax
Email: sbpress@gmail.com
Website: www.thestonybrookpress.com
www.thestonybrookpress.com
4
Letters
To the Editor:
I would just like to write to tell your readers how much the Staller Center rocks, and how I think that everyone should
try and go to a performance there this year. There is something that would appeal to anyone: Jane Monheit, the Emerson
String Quartet, the American Brass Quintet, the State Ballet Theatre of Russia, Chick Corea (an AMAZING pianist), the
Bulgarian State Opera…the list goes on and on! Theatre, classical music, ballet, jazz, fusion…I think that our genera-
tion is becoming so disconnected from live performances like these, and that having the Staller Center on campus is a
great opportunity. Art, theatre and classical music are more fun and inspiring than many people assume! I say, y’all try
and go to a performance there…it would be a great place to take a date too…or to take your parents when they come
and visit. They have a student discount also, which makes it even more appealing. I think we are all appreciative and
intelligent enough to enjoy fine arts when they are available to us. Open your minds! Get some damn culture!
S i n c e r e l y,
A music lover and student here just like the rest of you.
In your Issue 1 Editorial on the smoking ban, you end with this statement:
"Smokers, in return, should show the university that they can be courteous and keep the smoke away from those who
don't like it, that way we all can live in peace and harmony without being controlled."
The thing is, most times, they are. It's very rare for a smoker to strut around blowing smoke in people's faces, or basi-
cally making nuisances of themselves. Even when they stand by entrances, or where groups of people just so happen to
be, its mostly in the wintertime, so they can keep as warm as possible. And most people understand this.
We harm our bodies all the time. Whether through use of prescription drugs, Vivarin and coffee, Twinkies and red
meat, or unprotected sex with multiple partners. Very few of us can actually claim to take great care of our bodies. And
again, most people understand this.
And yet we are a society where certain vices are more tolerated than others. Being a gambler or a glutton is seen as
someone's "personal problem;" having a joint before bedtime or a smoke before class is seen as Some Big Deal, and
those who enjoy these things are pariahs. For the University to claim that smokers, as a group, are causing harm to the
campus by their very existence (which is, from what I gather, the reason for this ban) is a crock, and they know it, and
by your editorial, you guys know it too, and I'm glad that you are calling them on it.
It's the height of absurdity. Smokers should be left alone to harm their bodies in peace, unless they're being asses, in
which case you should tell them to stop being asses. What about that is so difficult? It's called common sense; I think
we all wish the University would use more of it.
Dearest Sam,
Love,
Me
Assaults
A clause buried in a military spending money it could investigate. This expan- repeatedly embarrassed the administration
bill passed by Congress and signed by the sion was expected to guarantee work for by exposing corporate plunder and inepti-
President two weeks ago has recently the auditors well into 2008, at the very tude in Iraq, such as the disappearance of
come to light. The provision, which has least. Under the new timetable, Bowen’s 14,000 weapons intended for the Iraqi
(continued)
surprised a number of Senators and agency will have to start delegating its government, and was very friendly with
Representatives, terminates the Office of responsibilities to other agencies by early the news media. According to Bowen,
the Special Inspector General for Iraq next year. publicity is essential to deter other con-
Reconstruction. This office, headed by tractors from corruption, but some off i-
Continued from page 3 Stuart Bowen, has been investigating cor- cials still accused him of grandstanding.
ruption, bribery, and misuse of funds by Other members of Congress seem clue-
ices available to them from the school, civilian contractors in Iraq — including less as to the motive for this move.
mentioning counseling from the Halliburton and Parsons — since January Senator John Warner (R-NY) said “much
University and the Wo/Men’s Gender 2004. remains to be done” by the auditors. Josh
Resource Center. The termination of the auditor’s office Holly, a committee spokesman and aide to
Baigent’s message states, “Complaints was inserted by staffers working for Representative Duncan, said that politics
such as these serve as a reminder that stu- Congressman Duncan Hunter (R-CA), a played no role in the decision.
dents should exercise caution.” Little member of the bill’s conference commit- The work of the auditor’s office could
echoed this theme, saying “Don’t put tee, which was supposed to reconcile dif- be taken over by the Pentagon and other
ferences between the versions of the bill government agencies, but these groups
“We want to catch the bad passed by the House and the Senate. have been criticized in the past for not
Those involved in the committee agree having extensive enough networks of
guys, but our top priority that the clause was not in either previous Stuart Bowen
The box of wires and lights
auditors in Iraq. Last year, the Pentagon’s
is to help and protect version of the bill. Senator Susan Collins inspector general admitted that he had no
(R-ME), the chair of the Senate The inclusion of the termination date agents on the ground in the country.
the victims” Committee on Homeland Security and was passed over the objections of Supporters of Mr. Bowen’s agency say
Doug Little Government A ffairs, said its inclusion in Democrats in the conference committee, they will fight to have his work reinstated,
Deputy Chief of University Police the final bill was “truly a mystery.” but opposition in the full Congress has but if they are not successful, the
Bowen’s office was always intended to come from both parties. This is partly Pentagon will have to step up to expand
be temporary but was generally expected because Bowen himself is a Republican. its operations.
yourself in a position to be a victim.” He
also cautioned students to drink responsi-
T Kee Restaurant
on Mott Street.
I’m obviously not a
white and so tender
with crispy lightly-
browned skin, NOTH-
circle the block.
You can usually count on fresh hot
buns and fast service but beware going
WANG CENTER
connoisseur of ING like the evil there during the day on the weekends. Busy,
Chinese food, but hav- heart-attack-causing busy, busy is the only way to describe this
ing eaten at this place fried-chicken counter- place at the time, really horrendous if you
for literally twenty parts that you get at wanted to get a quick bun or six-pack of hot
years (my mother ate local Chinese restau- shu mai (dumpling type thing filled with
there when I was just a rants. The crabs can be shrimp, beef, etc). Their stashes are cleaned
fetus) and having tried awesome depending out every five minutes by a constantly-pil-
many other places in on the season – the ing-in, multitude of tiny Asian ladies
Chinatown, Queens, sauce is always good yakking away in Cantonese, Mandarin, or
and New Jersey, this is whether it is (mostly) Tagalog, while they pick up 3-4
the best restaurant for Cantonese style or dozen boxes of the buns at a time. That’s
Chinese food bar black bean, it’s just the the downside, but at $0.60 a bun and $1.10
none. Just to be fair, matter of how much per cup of joe, it’s still a pretty sweet deal.
some people say that meat is on the crab. Happy eating!
Hop Kee was better Over the years I’ve Hop Kee Restaurant Angeline Seah
many years ago during tried almost every- 21 Mott St (Cross Street: Mosco Street)
its heyday and the thing in the menu New York, NY 10013-5032 ARCHITECTURE, EVENTS,
food is not as great as it used to be, but I say (which hasn’t changed in ages) and mostly (212) 964-8365 ANYTHING HOT!
that those people probably went there on an everything thus far can be put somewhere Directions: 6; J, M, Z; N, Q, R, W at Canal. Dragonflies on Lotus, Lovers,
off day and Hop Kee is still great. If you on a scale from good to drooling-when- Chinatown Ice Cream Factory Shadows and Light
don’t believe me, maybe you will believe you-think-about-it excellent, in terms of Store Hours: The 2007 Photo Tribute Planner of the
others: taste, texture, serving amount, etc. Sun-Sat: 11:00am - 10pm or 11pm Wang Center goes to print in
h t t p : / / b r o o k l y n . c i t y s e a r c h . c o m / p r o- I would especially recommend the fried (Depending on weather.) Mid-November
file/7113499/new_york_ny/hop_kee_restau spring chicken, Peking-style pork chops (a 65 Bayard Street.
rant.html must), pan-fried noodles (any variation), New York, NY 10013 Only one photo per person
In terms of design and décor, Hop Kee Cantonese-style snails (slightly spicy), pan- Phone: (212) 608-4170 will be chosen.
definitely does not get a thumbs-up. It’s a fried flounder, and sautéed watercress or Store Location:
basement level restaurant with regular bok choy. This place can be a bit pricey for Bayard Street is located one block south of PH Tuan, Wang Center architect, will
round wooden tables and chairs – no a college student (dinner dishes can be any- Canal Street. The Two Cross streets are autograph winning entries.
designs, just sturdy and practical, cushioned where from $7-$14 dollars), but I’ve always Elizabeth St. and Mott St. High quality digital only please! Black
booths along the walls, a few mirrored gone in large groups (7-12 persons) and we Mei Lai Wah Coffee House & white or color
walls, no decorations (don’t know if this only spend about $90-$120 with tax and tip, Neighborhood: Manhattan/Civic Center
has changed lately). It’s usually over- each having eaten more than his/her fair 64 Bayard St Send to aaezine @ yahoo.com
crowded and cramped, so you might want share and with extra to take home. New York, NY 10013
to get there early if you want to have dinner, For desert, head on up to Bayard (212) 925-5435
otherwise you’ll have to take a number. But Street (literally just up the block and around
it’s homey and family oriented, you’ll see
whole extended families from ancient
the corner from Hop Kee) for authentic
home-made ice cream at the original
Asian Night 2006 Preview
great-grandpas down to babies or large Chinatown Ice Cream Factory, not Nolita’s By Angeline Seah will all also be involved in a variety of per-
groups of friends/co-workers sharing multi- on Mulberry Street. Here you’ll find high formances.
ple dishes at crowded round tables. quality ice cream and sorbet in fifty + fla- t’s that time again! Asian Night 2006 is Furthermore, the members of Asian
The waiters are very attentive and
ready to take your order even before you’ve
made up your mind, though they’re also a
vors including some tropical treats like
lychee, durian, and papaya which you prob-
ably won’t find at your local Baskin
I fast approaching. Slated to begin at
7:30pm in the SAC Auditorium on
Friday, November 17, Asian Night is pre-
Students’ Alliance are breaking away from
the comedic approach of raising Asian
American issues and have invited a special
bit rushy when there are long lines of hun- Robbins or Haagen-Daaz. They also have dicted to be another successful sold out group to give a more real, educational, and
gry people. They don’t offer a great selec- the traditional flavors like chocolate, vanil- show. personal face to those
tion of drinks, usually just canned soda (no la and strawberry. This stuff is smooth and This year’s Asian issues. Ill-Literacy is the
more Sunkist L). There’s plenty of weak tea creamy, with a pure flavor unlike the adul- Night promises to be a lit- name of the group that
and water served as soon as you sit down. terated watered-down versions you find at tle different from the last has been serving music,
The table settings are bare, no tablecloth or other stores. The makers have a knack for several shows. New tal- poetry, and spoken word
lazy susan, just the cups, utensils, etc. and taking the essence of whatever fruit or veg- ents, guests, and perform- in a unique way since
the plates are small, but that doesn’t matter etable and making it into sweet, cold ers will be lighting up the 2002 in order to address
because the servings are ample in compari- delight, well worth $3.00 a scoop. (Just stage and bringing all dif- social and personal
son (you’ll end up refilling your plate at close you eyes and savor it, don’t think ferent cultural and mod- issues that college stu-
least three times) and served very quickly. about the cost if you’re a broke college stu- ern Asian American dents may be experienc-
When I usually go out to eat I’ve timed how dent like me). issues to the attention of ing. For more informa-
long it takes for an order to come in once A visit to Chinatown is not complete all those in the audience. tion, visit their website at
it’s been placed, and it usually arrives any- without getting at least half a dozen of the Asian Night will showcase both traditional http://ill-literacy.com
where from twenty minutes to even an hour white fluffy steamed pork buns (cha shao and modern dances, fashions, and music. As for the college student based per-
after we ordered, depending on the restau- pao) or the baked-brown pork buns (cha siu However, this is no longer limited to formances, practices have been taking place
rant. During a Hop Kee rush hour (dinner bao) to go with your lunch or breakfast cof- the stereotypical “asian” influences of since late September. As the performances
time: 7-10) when the place is filled past the fee the next day. So finish off the night by Eastern Asia but will include, for the sec- come together and the countdown to
max capacity, the longest I’ve waited was getting a box of cha shao pao or cha siu bao ond year in a row, the well known dance November 17 continues, the anticipation
25 minutes and the shortest time was five right across the street at Mei Lai Wah troupe Thillana to represent the Southeast keeps on building. Come and enjoy this
minutes. Coffeehouse. This small hot spot for break- Asian culture. PUSO, KSA, VSA, and other wonderful show. Who knows? You just may
The décor, drinks, crowded eating fast and lunch, is manned by funny ancient Asian oriented organizations from campus learn something too.
area, all of it doesn’t really matter once it grandpas who ring up orders on an equally Wanted! Writers, photographers, and Weekly meetings Fridays 5:30PM at our
www.aa2sbu.org/aaezine excerpts in SB Press Vol 3 No 5 November 2006 all students interested in media. office in Student Union 071.
Say “hi” to your mom for me.
8
Breaking away
from tobacco
By Leeza Menon I sat down with the club’s presi-
___________ dent, Annie Shek, to find out a little
bit more about the club she founded.
O k a y, so we’ve all seen the televi- Annie, a sophomore and RA in the
sion ads where a colossal heap of Langmuir residence hall, has been
body bags are piled out into the street devoted to promoting awareness of
in front of a major tobacco compa- tobacco companies’ attempts to targ e t
n y ’s h eadquarters. The placards women, minorities and young people.
being held by the young volunteers As a teen health educato r, she
read: “Every day 1200 people die received a substantial financial grant
from tobacco.” The ad was produced while still in high school to make an
by thetruth.com, and even though it extensive tobacco research binder.
may not run on television as often as She says that one of the key things
it used to, it is still up on Yo u Tu b e her group stresses in presentations is
for anyone who wants to watch it. how tobacco companies slant their
Extreme marketing campaigns such advertising to aim for vulnerable tar-
as this one are used by thetruth.com gets such as children (in delis, ciga-
to warn young people about the rette cartons are often stocked on top
already well-known dangers of ciga- of ice cream bins) and college stu- deaths are increasing, both through nothing else, you may get good com-
rettes and the “evil” tactics tobacco dents (many tobacco companies come binge drinking and drunk driving. munication and presentation skills,
companies use to lure young people to fraternities, usually with a beauti- Annie responded by saying that which Annie says are taught during
into purchasing their products. Now ful female spokeswoman, to sponsor tobacco has always been a closer this “learning experience.” If you
Stony Brook University has its own parties where they end up giving issue to her, especially after all the suppo rt the memb ers’ p o s i t i o n ,
answer to thetruth.com in the young away free packs of cigarettes). research she has put into it. T h e you’ve found the perfect forum in
batch of tobacco company adver- Therefore, the fraternities and sorori- B . A . T. president obviously is a big which to meet like-minded people
saries that form B.A.T. (Breaking ties that align with B.A.T. generally supporter of the commercials that and create awareness about tobacco
Away from Tobacco). make a pledge not to accept any thetruth.com produces. She loves c o m p a n i e s ’ practices. If you dis-
B . A . T. is the first anti-tobacco tobacco funding. them, saying “[T]hey are so creative agree with them, the club will pro-
group on Long Island. It was off i- Annie obviously thinks the new in 30 seconds,” and only hopes that vide a provocative topic for thought
cially started in the spring semester campus smoking policy is a great her club can “...reach its audience and discussion.
of 2006. Less than a year old, B.A.T idea because she has always been dis- like that in 30 minutes.” If you want to become a part of
is already grabbing a significant gusted by the “involuntary inhala- N o w, after witnessing the outrage B . A . T., weekly meetings are every
amount of attention, not only through tion” that comes with secondhand over the new smoking policy, it is Thursday night from 7:00 to 8:30 pm
collaborations with fraternities and smoke. She denies any close person- inevitable that B.A.T. will encounter in SAC 305. New members and peo-
sororities and presentations in resi- al reason for getting involved with so me criticism. Ho wever, in ple who just want to take in a meet-
dence halls, but also with members’ the fight against tobacco companies response to the club’s critics, its ing are welcome to come, and there
signature t-shirts with the “I Heart and cites the major motivation to be president assures them that many are open houses once a semester.
Smoke-Free Stony Brook” sign on the impact that smoking has on the people misinterpret what it does and B . A . T ’s up co ming events include
the front and the club’s bat logo on environment and on those who says. “We don’t hate smokers; we’re presentations at Langmuir and other
the back. However, in order to get endure secondhand smoke. I asked purely against tobacco companies.” residence halls, as well as the pro-
hold of one of these snazzy fashion her about why she was choosing to No matter what your personal duction of both a documentary and
items, you have to actually be a club battle tobacco rather than alcohol, stance on the tobacco issue, it does- m o c k u m e n t a r y. It is also gearing up
m e m b e r. The club itself currently which presents an even greater short- n ’t hurt to listen to what this Stony for GASO, the Great A m e r i c a n
has around 20 “committed” members. term risk for students; alcohol related Brook organization has to say. If Smoke-Out, on November 16th.
www.thestonybrookpress.com
9
Non-Psychotic Man Doesn’t Kill School Bus Full of
Children, Community Not Outraged
A Satire by Joey Safdia her literally to death, beating her all the
___________ while,” Tapman would have said, had
there actually been a crime. “The whole
Last week, a local community did not time, every time someone moved, the
pay its respects to 35 innocent school- rapist would aim the gun at them and say
children whose lives weren’t brought to an something, probably telling them not to
early end during the final days of October. move — yeah, that’s my guess. Sick. I just
On October 27th, 29-year-old Frank c a n ’t believe this. It was simply sick and
Smith, who doesn’t suffer from schizo- disgusting. The only thing she was doing
phrenia, pyromania, and violent outbursts, was her job, caring for those poor kids.”
wasn’t driving in his hometown of Port “He probably chose that girl first
Jefferson when he didn’t stop for a school because she was incredibly beautiful,” he
bus as it dropped a female elementary d i d n ’t add. “Such beauty. What a waste.”
school student off at her house. Having not Afterwards, Smith did not force Greene
taken his medication for the mental dis- to the ground, put the shotgun inside her
eases he does not have, Smith was not sud- mouth, and pull the trigger. It was also
denly overwhelmed with the terrible urge reported to this paper that Smith did not
to “burn every living being in sight,” as begin convulsing and speaking in tongues.
police statements do not show. Local residents at the scene did not
From there, chaos did not ensue. describe the rather lackluster events that
After not pulling out a shotgun that, as d i d n ’t follow, in which Smith didn’t lock
police reports fail to claim, was not kept the children inside and throw a lighter into
under the driver’s seat of his Toyota the gas tank of the still-running bus. Had
Camry, Smith did not open fire on the any of that actually happened, the loss of
child and her parents, resulting in the lack life would have been staggering.
of gaping bullet holes in the chest of the Residents watched in apathy, some
mother, Martha Seder, 38, a wounded staggering back into their homes to watch
abdomen in her husband, 43-year-old John reruns of Star Trek: The Next Generation,
Seder, and the near-disintegration of the as no school bus in Port Jefferson was con-
upper half of their 6-year-old daughter, sumed by the terrible blaze, horribly burn-
Sally. Afterwards, Smith reportedly did ing to death all the young schoolchildren
not force his way onto the school bus full who were trapped inside. That number is
of 34 screaming children, not opening fire expected by local police to be a stagger-
on the bus driver, George “Where’s Da ingly high zero.
Beef?” Anderson. “I need you!” Captain Jean-Luc Picard
“Mr. Anderson, welcome back. We was quoted as saying to Q on the famous
missed you,” Smith did not say, according Star Trek episode “Q Who,” in which Q
to eyewitnesses who weren’t there. Police first introduces humanity to the Borg.
are at a loss to explain why he wouldn’t The community is still not reeling from
say this. this yet-to-occur crime and is not expected
Now not on the bus alone with the to do so in the near future.
remaining 34 children and their two col- “My God, why? Why? Why did that
lege-aged supervisors, 18-year-old Alyssa monster have to take my baby? Oh, my
Johnson and 19-year-old Sarah Greene, sweet little Candice, my baby, why did Randall Stevens
Smith did not fire four shots at the occu- that monster have to take my baby away Aww, wouldn’t Charlton Heston be proud?
pants. When not questioned later, Smith from me?” wailed Nancy Cunnigan, who
petent. And this idea for a satire is ridicu- sage, the group claims, is one of peace,
did not refer to his heinous, non-existent had to be consoled by her husband, Jack,
lous. I’m not kidding. Dude, this is the and it also protests the murder of innocent
crime as being “like shooting fish in a bar- and her 9-year-old daughter, Candice. “I
worse satire I’ve ever heard of. It’s not children.
rel”. wish I could hold my daughter, Candice,
even funny. All you’re doing is taking a “Fuck Bush and fuck the Iraq War!”
After not leaving three males (ages 8, in my arms. Just one last time.”
violent crime that you made up in your yelled Josh Peterman, 21, leader of the
10, and 11) and one 7-year-old female “You just don’t see that sort of thing
sick head and telling me that it did not nameless anti-Bush group. “He wants to
lying on the floor of the bus, not dying in happen in Port Jeff. Luckily, it still hasn’t
happen. Whoop-de-fucking-do, dick- make money for all his little oil buddies,
a pool of their own blood and intact bones, happened,” said Maurice, the owner of a
head.” so what does he do? He bombs innocent
he did not press the muzzle against local clothing store moments after not
Unable to contain his fury over the people in Iraq and then tells us that we’re
Johnson’s head and forcibly rape her to learning about the horrible crime. One of
deaths that hadn’t occurred yet, the student ‘liberating’ them like we’re too fucking
death. his cashiers added, “I feel so sorry for all
added, “By the way, tell that douchebag stupid to recognize genocide when we see
Bill Tapman, a 53-year-old business- those completely healthy children who
David K. Ginn that I fucked his mom last it. First he works with al-Qaeda to bring
man who lives on the street in which the w e r e n ’t killed.”
night. Oh yeah!” down the World Trade Center, and now
terrible crime did not take place, did not “What? What the fuck are you talking
Smith was not arrested at the scene by this?
see what happened through his living about? There was no mass murder of kids
local police and is currently not awaiting “He’s the President of the United States,
room window as he did not frantically call at all this October. Who are you people?”
trial for rape, arson, possession of an ille- for God’s sake. He should be setting an
911. asked another devastated and grief-strick-
gal firearm, jaywalking, littering, and mul- example for the mindless sheep that inhab-
“My God … oh sweet Jesus, it was hor- en resident — a Stony Brook University
tiple accounts of first-degree murder and it this nation, and what does he do? He
rible. That poor young girl, she must have student — in a conversation with reporters
endangering the welfare of a child. rains fire down on innocent little kids,”
had so much going for her. She was just that did not take place. “The Press?
Days after no terrible crime took place, added Peterman. “I mean, someone might
entering the best years of her life when this They’re not even a real fucking newspa-
an activist group was formed on the near- look at this, go all schizophrenic and shit,
madman breaks onto the bus and holds her per. All they do is make stupid joke arti-
by Stony Brook campus that was deter- and then like burn an entire school bus full
at gunpoint and forces her to take off all cles and they’re so completely biased.
mined to get its message out. The mes- of children. Or not.”
her clothes, and then the sick bastard rapes Their editorial staff is completely incom-
www.thestonybrookpress.com
10
By Shaun Bennett
Talking About My Generation
called Intelligent Design now, shit by any more of a style than anything else when counterstrike rears its head. It’s a tragedy
___________ other name still smells like shit) in public closely examined, anyway. The whole that discourages freedom of thought, or
schools. The 2000 election presented the angry punk-rock grunge revolt we had expression, and confines us to our des-
Something is very wrong with this American public with the perfect opportu- going in the ‘90s has been trademarked, tined unremarkable lives. There are peo-
country. OK, a great many things are very nity to ask for change. We had a botched patented, and mass-produced by stores ple who proclaim they are progressive but
wrong with this country. We have con- election, which was eventually stolen like Hot Topic. So, in effect, Big Business fail to keep an open mind. I think an open
formed. Our generation has collectively from the majority of voters (Al Gore won is calling the shots in every aspect of our mind is the exact thing we lack, the main
brought itself to the brink of obsoleteness. the popular vote), and was decided by a lives. From our government to our “free problem.
According to several articles and polls in panel (the Supreme Court) that was in thinkers”, we are trapped by The Man. We may have come a long way in sex-
such notable publications as Time l a rge part appointed by one of the con- Our commitment to orthodoxy can be ual liberation and the use of drugs, but
Magazine and USA Today our generation tender’s fathers, and his friends. What observed during even menial parts of the we’ve also simply kept the norms that
is actually more conservative than the one were adapted by generations before us.
that came before. A beacon of progress, The media has adapted a much more sex-
hope, and liberation was lit by those brave ually liberated atmosphere, especially
enough to stand their ground in the 60s with the rise of the “sex sells” mindset. I
and 70s, a beacon that has been continu- think we’ve lost the real concept of free
ously dimmed since then. Are we the ones love. We’ve, of course, turned sexual lib-
destined to douse it entirely? Are you eration into a numbers game. It’s become
willing to be satisfied living your days in competition for the guys over their manli-
what can be considered a “transition” gen- ness and a dirty secret for the girls who
eration? I, for one, am completely dis- fear the scarlet letter. It’s not all about
heartened by the fact that my peers will be getting off, either. The concept of free
the ones to tell their children — or their love was about acceptance, progress, and,
grandchildren — not to rebel in the years well, love. Fast forward to today, where
to come. you find those who still feel women
Why, you ask, are we so non-controver- should stay in the home, or that a different
sial? We certainly have no reason for our skin tone mean a different class. It’s a
lack of outrage. All the pieces for a revo- pathetic reflection on our society’s values.
lutionary play are in line. We have an Maybe a large part of the problem is
unjust war, where over two thousand of “The American Dream” young genera-
our own soldiers have already died. Two tions are so fixated on. With the one burn-
thousand dead and still we are denied ing desire of most individuals to get rich
valid reasons for our occupation. There is and self indulge. Apparently, we can’t be
a civil rights movement taking place, bothered to pay attention, or to shake up
homosexuals losing their battle for mar- the system. Nothing is permitted to inter-
riage, and thus equality, in nearly every fere with profit. We’re so driven to work
state in the Union. An inept government hard, get a job, a big house and a big gas-
in power, using fear mongering tactics guzzling car that we’ve neglected our
rivaled only by those brought on in the commitment to help those who have less.
Cold War. There are pressing, immediate With this we leave the status quo static,
environmental concerns whose conse- Randall Stevens
and our society more concerned with cash
quences we have only begun to experience Where are Jenny and Forrest? than lives. Regardless of the cause of our
(Katrina, tsunamis, severely irregular tem- current state, I have faith that things will
perature patterns). The gap between the happened? Nothing. So why is no one day. At a food court with friends it’s change. Liberalization is a force that his-
rich and the poor is growing, especially pissed? almost guaranteed that someone will tory has demonstrated to be unstoppable.
after ridiculous tax cuts enforced by the Even the non-conformity of our time strike up a negative conversation about As hard as we try to turn back the clock,
Bush administration. Education has lacks rebellion. For one, the anti-estab- what someone is wearing, or how some- the hands will not move anywhere but for-
become more expensive and less accessi- lishment trend of today is to wear black. one is acting. We so strictly adhere to ward. Generations after us will pick up
ble to those who need it the most. The Bright or even earthy colors were used to assenting that we have the audacity to where ones before us left off. Our gener-
lines between state and church are being rebel against the conformed, bland, plain- force it on others. I can’t grasp how dif- ation was skipped: a flat, brief plane on
blurred right before our eyes. People have Jane of yesteryear. So by black being our ferent must equal frightening, or how it the chart that keeps increasing. As a firm
actually resorted back to discussing the rebellion, are we rebelling against the leads to apprehension. One offense to this idealist, however, I’m confident we can
teaching of Creationism (I don’t care if it’s rebellion? The revolution of today is generation’s conventional values and the someday see the error of our ways.
I have your car towed all the way to your house and all you got for me is light beer?
11
The Real State of the Union
By Joey Safdia not looking (the latter is quite a stretch, but feel safe. We have come to believe that we can the nature of liberty and the necessity for a bal-
___________ you get my point)? I don’t know much about either live in an America that’s safe from ter- ance between freedom and security, rather
computers, so I could very well be wrong, but rorism or an America where we enjoy our full than holding a discussion on what must be
Crap. ‘Nuff said. with my limited knowledge, I wonder how in range of constitutional rights. Freedom or done to stop terrorism while repairing our rela-
No, seriously. It’s crap right now. I’m not the world they can know that you’ve down- safety. One or the other. Yet, freedom and safe- tions with the Middle East in a peaceful yet
kidding. Something seriously needs to be said loaded a thousand songs on your computer ty aren’t mutually exclusive; they go hand-in- effective manner, our elected officials con-
about the sorry state in which America cur- without either hacking into it or tracking your hand. You cannot have liberty without securi- stantly spew out mindless political rhetoric
rently finds itself. Now, keep in mind that I Internet activities. I would imagine (meaning I ty, and you cannot have security without liber- aimed at destroying their political opponents
love this country. I am, always was, and prob- know) that both of these activities require a ty. How safe is a country where the govern- and scaring the crap out of the American peo-
ably always will be an American citizen, and search warrant, which can only be given by a ment can declare anyone an “enemy combat- ple. They always achieve the latter goal, main-
I will be proud to be so. I love America. judge should there be probable cause to hack ant,” deny them a trial in open criminal court, ly because Americans are jittery as all hell and
However, keep in mind that, in order to truly your computer. How could there possibly be and interrogate them under the United States’ as dumb as a rock.
love something, one must be able to identify probable cause to search your computer? Then new warped version of the Geneva We are pseudo-racists with a major superi-
the faults of that which he or she loves. ority complex, collectively speaking. For the
The idea to write this article came to me “leader of the free world,” the most technolog-
one day at the main entrance of my building. ically advanced nation in the world in the 21st
There, someone posted signs about anti-pira- century, we still hold stereotypes of all types
cy laws, telling all those who are unfortunate that, while funny in the hands of stand-up
enough to see them about how downloading comics, really defy all forms of common
music is the same as stealing, how you could sense. Blacks are all poor, Hispanics loot
land a $250,000 fine and three years in prison everything they see, Muslims are all terrorists.
(or six years, or ten years—whoever made Too many people believe that Islam is an anti-
these flyers wasn’t too concerned about conti- American death cult that has done nothing but
nuity or accuracy), etc. Now, I don’t know convert people by force. They either forget or
how much of that crap is true, but there was don’t know that during the Middle Ages, the
one thing these flyers said that was 100% Islamic world was responsible for many
accurate: “You could get in BIG trouble for advances in medicine, mathematics, and other
what seems like a small crime.” forms of science (progress that had not been
I wondered to myself why, if it is such a seen since the Roman Empire and that would
small crime, you can get into “BIG” trouble not be seen again until the Renaissance in the
for it. Whatever the case, it is true. The RIAA West). At that time, Western Europe, under
exists seemingly to harass otherwise decent, the influence of the Roman Catholic Church,
innocent people for the sole purpose of plung- was a savage and barbaric land controlled by
ing them into financial ruin. I heard a story ruthless secular monarchs who used
about a college student whom the RIAA Christianity as justification for all sorts of
attempted to sue for millions of dollars, deranged acts. Wait, that sounds a lot like the
prompting the student to settle the case for Middle East today, except their ruthless secu-
about $10,000, or something like that, just for lar dictators use Islam as their justification.
downloading music. He lost his entire life sav- As I said, we also have a collective superi-
ings, but earned it back through charitable ority complex. We are extremely ethnocentric
donations from other students who felt sympa- and believe that our way is not only the best
thy for his plight. I don’t know where the way and the right way, but also the only way.
RIAA gets off with such a frivolous lawsuit, We spread democracy throughout the Middle
suing a college student for amounts of money East just as missionaries spread Christianity to
that are absurdly high for a “crime” that the African tribes: against their will. Look, I
shouldn’t warrant anything more than a small believe that a constitutional republic is the
fine, if even that. greatest form of government known to man,
Now, you might argue, “But he stole copy- and I honestly do believe that our form of
righted material without permission! He stole republican government is the best in the world
private property!” Believe me, I am a huge today, but what’s best for the United States
supporter of private property rights, but the Randall Stevens isn’t necessarily best for other countries. If
The Dynamic Duo
discussion of whether downloading music is some people want to live in a totalitarian
really theft goes way, way deeper than that I remembered that, whether or not RIAA Conventions? regime or a communist state, then let them. It’s
statement. Either way, that’s another discus- agents are illegally hacking their way into The philosophical debates of our forefa- not about whether they deserve democracy,
sion for another article. The point is that, very your computer, warrants allowing for govern- thers’time are gone, replaced by partisan bick- it’s about whether they want it. I’m sure if the
often in America, the punishment for some- mental searches and seizures seem to have ering of the most simpleminded nature. Just oppressed people of the Middle East want our
thing trivial is something that should be a pun- faded away with the yo-yo and Pokemon look at campaign ads. “He voted against the form of government, they’ll let us know. We
ishment for something much, much bigger. crazes. PATRIOT Act three times, which gives the are obsessed with bringing our government
$250,000 and three years of jail? Let’s say We live in a United States that is different government the tools it needs to fight terror. and our culture to other lands that just simply
that’s true for a second. I wonder how that from that which our forefathers created. He supports weakening America. He’s out of don’t want to assimilate our culture into their
compares to the penalty for, say, armed rob- Today, things like warrantless wiretaps are not touch with Ohio values.” That is more or less own. They want to enjoy their way of life, so
bery? Or a simple case of vandalism and only tolerated by the general public, they are an excerpt from an actual political campaign why don’t we just let them? Our culture and
destruction of private property, or a mugging, encouraged and often demanded. While ad for an Ohio Republican running for a way of life may not be the best in the world.
or an assault case? I know you don’t get this Bush’s anti-terrorist eavesdropping program Senate seat in the 2006 congressional elec- Theft is quite legal in America. It’s called
sort of penalty for drunk driving, something was recently declared unconstitutional by U.S. tions (it would be better if I actually remem- taxes. Now, I understand that taxation is nec-
that directly puts innocent lives at risk. District Judge Anna Diggs Taylor, the fact that bered what the commercial said). So Ohio val- essary for the government to maintain vital
One question I’ve always had is this: how it still has such enormous support from many ues are, what, launching vicious and unwar- services such as police, schools, sanitation,
does the RIAA find out that you’ve down- Americans shows how far down the slippery ranted attacks against your opponent? road maintenance, and national defense. Still,
loaded music onto your hard drive, which is slope we’ve slid. Whereas Americans in the Slander? Is that what Ohio values are? This is what we have today isn’t simply taxation —
only found physically inside your computer? late 18th century placed the highest value on what the people who are supposed to be repre- it’s extortion. If the founding fathers knew
Are they hacking your computer or breaking liberty, people today just don’t care how many senting and protecting us spend all their time
into your room and accessing it while you’re of their civil rights are violated as long as they doing. Rather than holding deep debates about Continued on next page
www.thestonybrookpress.com
12
State of the Union (continued) of affirmative action, name the three branches maybe you should seriously consider not vot-
Continued from previous page Well, at least we won’t let little things like
how bad things would degenerate, they would that ruin our day. No, instead we’ll let gay of government, or remember two First ing. We don’t need Democrats or Republicans
never have rebelled against Britain. Whereas marriage do it. This never ceases to amaze me. Amendment rights. Holy crap, these are the in office; we need competent officials (and
America once took up arms against the British People in this country get more mad about people that choose our elected officials! This they usually aren’t found in the two major par-
crown over a progressive income tax of, I gays marrying each other, actual science (evo- is from an actual study, and it didn’t ask peo- ties). I don’t know what makes people think
believe, 5% of each citizen’s income, today lution, for example) being taught in science ple obscure questions like, “What does it that one party will save America while the
we sit here and ignore the fact that the govern- classrooms, and Hispanic people speaking mean when a congressional committee ‘orders other one will destroy it, but it is a simple-
ment takes about 43% of our yearly income, Spanish than about the government’s constant a bill reported’?” No, it had simple tasks, like minded belief that is absolutely silly. These
including the money we pay in state and city constitutional violations and the nearly com- naming the three branches of government candidates, once elected into office, don’t
taxes. It would be nice if the money at least plete failure to respect and recognize our civil (legislative, executive, and judicial, but hope- have your best interests in mind. They have
went back to us in the form of necessary gov- liberties. We are so afraid and angry about fully you already know that). I learned this in their own party’s best interests in mind, as well
ernment services, but instead it goes to fund Mexicans cutting our grass that we are actual- elementary school! So of course people will as those of the politically-connected lobbyists
wars and other people’s welfare checks. The ly building a giant fence to keep them out. We take more of an interest in gay marriage than and corporations. If you only vote for a candi-
government takes half of my hard-earned should be ashamed for highlighting our xeno- in something that’s actually important. date because they have a “D” or an “R” next
money and uses part of it to kill people in the phobia for all the world to see. I understand to their name, then all you are going to get is a
Middle East before giving the rest to someone that people either approve or disapprove of “D” or an “R”. A dunce or a retard.
something like two guys marrying each other,
...then all you are going to get I think this is about all I can say about the
that didn’t do anything to deserve it? Bullshit,
dude. Of course, it seems we need the higher but how did that become a bigger issue in is a “D” or an “R”. A dunce state of our union right now. We have so many
taxes today. Whereas the two functions of a America today than the Iraq War, the U.S. great things going for this country, but our
properly run government are providing a government’s human rights violations in
or a retard. arrogance and pride blinds us to the problems
national defense against foreign powers and Guantanamo Bay prison, and all the blatant that we as a nation have. I don’t think that all
ensuring protection of the civil liberties and constitutional violations? Thinking isn’t a requirement for homophobia. is lost, though. We have to wake up and real-
private property of its citizens, our govern- Actually, there is an answer for that. People We are so opposed to thinking that we don’t ize that this country is not perfect just because
ment today seems to have a knack for sticking in this country are fucking dumb. They’re even do research on a candidate when we it’s America, and then we have to strive to
its nose into places it doesn’t belong. good people, they really are, but they are as vote. We just look for that one little letter next make it perfect. To quote former President Bill
Government intrusion into our daily lives dumb as a rock (and that’s not giving the rock to their names: “D” or “R”. Democrat or Clinton, “There is nothing wrong with
costs money, and, of course, we have to pay the credit it deserves). 70% of Americans can- Republican. If you vote for a candidate America that cannot be solved with what is
for it. Ironic, isn’t it? not identify the New Deal, explain the basics because he/she is part of your political party, right with America.”
By Kotei Aoki
Special Olympics...Whaaaaaat?
group. We were led outside to meet the “ath- lating her for the rest of the day. headed to the area between the Student Union
___________ letes” of the day. There were already a few Oh, I forgot to mention this. There were six and the Sports Complex. There was a DJ, and
vans in which their agency had brought them games: the Bean Bag Throw, Kick Soccer, there were also tables with other fun games. A
Oh yes, I meant “Special Olympics.” They to the event. All the “athletes” were ecstatic to Bowling, the Tennis Ball Throw, the Frisbee few “athletes” danced for a while. Well, tech-
were held on the third Sunday of October, on play the games prepared for them. Within the Throw, and the 10M/25M Walk. In the Bean nically, I was trying to lead them in dancing. I
the same Sunday the Breast Cancer Walk was group I accompanied, Christopher was so Bag Throw, “athletes” received three bags was never raised with any influence of danc-
held (if you heard of that). People with special happy to see everyone that he kept giving high filled with beans, like Hacky Sack bags, and ing, so I only dance for social reasons. After
needs gathered at Pritchard Gym to play fives and handshakes. Michelle could not hide aimed to throw them within circles drawn on dancing for a few songs, other volunteers in
adapted games designed just for them. I had her excitement and kept rubbing her face. The the ground a few meters away. In Kick Soccer, our group took Michelle, and I took Lori to the
almost forgotten about the event until the Vice group had a few more “athletes” led by two “athletes” aimed to kick the ball within the game tables. They had a variety of games, like
President of the Hillel Foundation for Jewish group leaders, Laura and Joe. goals drawn on the wall. The coloring, and many free giveaways. I was
Life jogged my memory after their meeting For the first half of the circles and goals had deeply moved that there are still many people
discussing Creationism on that Friday. day, I accompanied three sizes each, and the who care about individuals with special needs.
Thinking back on it, an ironic combination of Michelle. points were given After going through all the tables, Lori told
incidents made that Sunday important to me. I was a chaper- with respect to their me she wanted to go to bathroom, so I led her
Doubting that the directors of the Special one for the day. sizes. Bowling to the restroom. Although she kept asking if I
Olympics would accept on-site volunteers The event was everyone’s would stay with her the whole time, I was
who had not signed up prior to the event, I was delayed favorite sport. totally unprepared when she asked me if I
walked down the west half of Circle Road on by an hour. They used a would accompany her into restroom. I was
the chilling morning. On the way, in front of While await- ramp to nudge perplexed, but the code of conduct for a chap-
Cardozo College, I bumped into my friend ing the open- a bowling ball erone says to never abandon the “athlete.” I
who had organized the Breast Cancer Walk. I ing of the cere- (softer and was relieved when I found no one else was in
felt bad about not attending the Walk, but I mony, four of lighter, of there as we walked in. While waiting, a bunch
still only have one body, even if I seem to be our “athletes” course!), and then of people came in. I was half-embarrassed, but
ubiquitous on campus (according to my were chosen to let it roll. The everyone was nice to me. Well, how likely is
friends). At the sign-in table in the Sports relay the torch for the scores were based on it that a man stands in the women’s restroom
Complex, I explained that I had not signed up ceremony. Thinking back the number of pins they and women basically do not mind the man’s
to volunteer, but they still gave me a bag with to it, I am surprised I had the knocked down. Well, you presence? So, all in all, it was an interesting
a t-shirt (luckily, they had my size left) and a chance to accompany the group know about bowling, don’t you? experience. On the way out of the restroom, I
“VOLUNTEER” tag, along with the day’s that would represent the entire 200 to 300 or The Tennis Ball Throw took a deep breath.
schedule. so “athletes.” and the Frisbee Since I had promised it to Lori before head-
So I was signed in with surprising smooth- After being Throw had sim- ing to restroom, I took her to dance again. Lori
ness. handed the torch, ilar objectives. “Athletes” were given three could not follow the steps others were mak-
While sitting on the top row of bleachers, I both Michelle and I held it and started run- chances or so to throw through hoops when ing. However, I just let her swing along to the
was glancing left and right at the rest of the ning. Of course, for the sake of security, the given tennis balls or Frisbees. Last but not music. When I saw how happy she looked, I
volunteers. I was hoping to find some familiar torch was not lit. But the feeling of having least, the Walk also had competitive compo- was convinced that motivating their happiness
faces. As I started to observe the fifteen or so everyone cheering and of representing her nent. It was just like a marathon but was strict- is a blessing to all the volunteers. Have you
athletic girls sitting to my left and thinking friends must have been the reason for her ly a walk for ten meters or twenty-five meters. ever met a person who becomes exuberant
they might be on a Seawolves team, twenty ecstasy throughout the day. Certainly her par- All of “athletes” in the group tried the 25M just with a little thing like being led in swing-
volunteers were called. I ran down the bleach- ticipation in the relay with the torch distin- Walk, and I walked with them.
ers (and almost missed a step) to get into the guished her because everyone was congratu- Continued on next page
After playing all of the adapted games, we
The hell is a gigawatt?
13
October Sees Death Tolls Rise in Iraq
By Mia Fisher They know much more about war than you
___________ do, as you have never participated in one.
Don’t try and fool us again, because we are
October of this year proved to be one of the not as ignorant as you and your advisors
most deadly months for American troops in assume we are. In a last-minute desperate
Iraq, with at least 103 brave soldiers dead. The attempt to scare us into voting Republican this
violence has kept escalating, despite W’s dec- Tuesday, Dubya has begun to compare
laration of victory more than three years ago. Democrats with terrorist-coddlers, repeating
This horrifying statistic comes at a time when the rhetoric of 2004 that we will endanger the
Americans are increasingly apathetic about country if we put the Democrats in power. Mr.
the divisive state of politics in our country. We President, we are not idiots. Your arrogance
have become so accustomed to hearing about has caused the deaths of thousands of brave
more troops and civilians murdered every soldiers, countless thousands of innocent
day, that we are now numb to it. This outra- civilians, and you have not come any closer to
geous indifference is pathetic, preventable protecting the United States from terrorism. In
and just what the neo-conservatives want fact, analysts concur that the U.S. is at an even
Steve Bell
from us. They want their false war to be as greater risk for a terrorist attack than before,
distant as possible from the general public. because the American wars in the Middle East ly the opposite of what they say it is! It’s dis- other side said “Osama Bin Laden’s Arrogance
They hide photos of returning caskets, pre- have created so much fury amongst previous- turbingly backwards and arrogant. It’s a false = Death.” This is an accurate analysis of the sit-
senting us with a sanitized version of war that ly non-violent Muslims. Dubya has spent bil- war with false pretenses, false caskets and false uation: Dubya’s power-crazed arrogance is just
is dishonest, conducive to indifference, dis- lions upon billions in Iraq, but barely anything reasoning behind an impotent excuse for strat- as dangerous as Bin Laden’s power-crazed
gusting, and insulting to our intelligence. has been spent to protect vital resources: the egy. arrogance.
The majority of the public is not involved food supply, the water supply, seaports, even We can only hope that Dubya can have the The most important thing that any of us can
with the war effort at all, financially or person- the airports have lacked sufficient funding to humility and charisma of a true leader to accept do is decide to care. Deciding to care will auto-
ally. In previous wars, the entire population truly protect their facilities. Asking an elderly the obvious reality: it’s time for a dramatic matically motivate a person to vote, to be
made sacrifices to help the troops and secure woman with a canvas flower bag, blue hair strategic change and an apology to the global informed, to pay respect to fallen soldiers, to
needed resources. People bought war bonds, and a Florida tan to take her shoes off for community. Preferably, this apology will be in have empathy for impoverished Iraqi civilians,
planted gardens, women worked in factories security is not making us any safer. the form of positive action worthy of a super- to talk to one’s friends and family. All of these
and became nurses; everyone loved someone Restricting liquids to be brought as carry-on power: stopping the genocide in Darfur, ending things are necessary to move forward from this
who went to Europe to fight the Nazis. luggage is not making us any safer. They only nuclear proliferation, finding a cure for Multi- stagnating disaster. We need an informed pub-
Households in the Confederacy during the create the illusion that we are safer, and the Drug Resistant Tuberculosis, curing AIDS, lic for positive change: a move towards unity
Civil War took care of injured Union soldiers. illusion that the government is doing all it can restricting population growth, and developing and away from divisiveness. Inform yourself!
It is dramatically different with this war, as to protect us. In fact, it’s not. The food supply sustainable technologies. We can only hope Decide to care! An informed public is the best
only 130,000 troops out of a population of and the water supply are dangerously vulner- that a new Congress can begin to accomplish defense against tyranny. And, when you have a
300 million Americans are fighting. The same able to attack by biological weapons, and these things. But by then, it will be too late for moment out of your busy lives, take a moment
people keep going back, voluntarily or not, cargo ships go un-inspected into ports like many victims of these injustices. to think about the 103 soldiers that have died,
and they keep getting permanently injured, San Francisco and New York all the time. In a recent photo of a war protest in New just in this past month, and about the thousands
killed, maimed, and psychologically scarred This is alarming, especially because Dubya’s York, there was a gentleman carrying sign: one of family members who will be grieving for the
for life. They leave their families to support administration is focusing all of its resources side said “Bush’s Arrogance = Death,” and the rest of their lives.
our country in a war it never should have got- on non-issues, like gay marriage and online
Olympics (continued)
ten into. The troops were deceived, the public gambling.
was deceived, and still they do their duty, sac- Really, all of this is just an illusion.
rificing themselves for the hope of stability, Everything that has happened after and
democracy and peace; and 103 of them are including the election of Dubya to office in Continued from previous page Their faces were filled with smiles. We
dead, just this month. That is three soldiers per 2000 is not real. We are in The Matrix! ing left and right to music? If you have, applauded those receiving medals. We
day murdered, three kids per day who will Really! Primarily, he was not elected fairly: he you know how blessed their smiles make congratulated them for their
never see their parent alive again, three moth- was appointed by the Supreme Court. We had you feel. Right? sports(wo)manship. We even accompa-
ers per day who will never see their son or the illusion of a fair election. Secondly, he I would have said the lunch was not fab- nied some of them to receive their medals
daughter again. If you are not outraged and plunged us into a war in the Middle East ulous. However, some “athletes,” like if they were too shy to go up alone. Some
saddened by this, you need a serious reality because Saddam had “weapons of mass Lori, cannot consume carbohydrates, athletes received four or five medals. I am
check. destruction,” which also turned out to be illu- according to Laura. There were restrictions sincerely proud of them. Though I was not
Not only are our troops in Iraq and sions! Thirdly, the rhetoric surrounding the to determine what everyone could con- with Christopher for very long, his spirit
Afghanistan getting killed, many troop divi- war and despicable, Constitution-revoking sume. Burger King, one of the sponsors of was memorable to all of us. Every time his
sions do not have appropriate armor and other laws (the Patriot Act, the Torture Bill) enacted the event, provided burgers and some name was called, he ran up with great
supplies to protect themselves. Furthermore, to “protect” us are actually making us more snacks. Even the pickles were served sep- enthusiasm. His joy must also be what
they return to a country which continuously vulnerable to terrorists and a tyrannical arately. By the way, the chocolate pie was encourages people to lend a helping hand.
whittles away Veterans’ benefits and lets regime in the White House. Now, Dubya is fabulous, though I should admit I am not a Our athletes’joy actually overwhelmed us.
many slip through the cracks without psycho- refuting mathematical statistics telling him fan of chocolate. In it were chocolate Everything was carried out successful-
logical counseling, appropriate financial sup- that his strategy of “stay the course” was mousse, chocolate cream, and chocolate ly, thanks to the directors of the event, the
port, or healthcare. We do not take care of our gravely wrong, saying instead on the cam- sauce. I saw a few people taking two group leaders, and all the volunteers who
active troops or our veterans like we should, paign trail that things are getting better in Iraq. pieces of the pie. Lori finished her pie and helped with the event. Do you think they
and this is despicable. Dubya must be truly Furthermore, Dubya even admits that his war wanted more, too. She would have taken changed the athletes’ lives? Probably.
un-patriotic to neglect the basic safety of the is an illusion! Dubya is telling us that those her friend’s pie if Joe hadn’t stopped her. I Also, I met a bunch of people with good
troops. 103 caskets that came home in October are gave her half of my piece because I had personalities but talked to them only
Despite all of the overwhelming evidence illusions, that those brave men and women enough chocolate after just half. Still, briefly. As I felt that I should give as much
that the sectarian violence is escalating in Iraq, aren’t actually dead, and that we are actually whatever the excuse, if you spend time attention as possible to the “athletes” in my
Dubya’s disgusting rhetoric would have us making progress in Iraq. It’s really an incred- with people with special needs, I know group, I did not talk to many others. I am
think otherwise. His generals say we are ible job they have done of sanitizing a you would prefer sharing your pie to sure you would like to share your experi-
approaching chaos in Iraq, and yet he claims depressing reality. Dubya’s Administration enjoying the pie all by yourself. ences as well. Respond to this article.
that things are getting better. Look at the num- and the neo-cons in Congress have created a The award ceremony followed the Lastly, let us all applaud those who have
bers, Mr. President. Listen to your generals. fake world for us, where everything is actual- lunch. Many “athletes” received awards. great volunteer spirit.
That’s your name isn’t it? Calvin Klein? It’s written all over your underwear.
14
Bush, Rumsfeld Invite Gitmo Critics to “Try it Out”
A Satire by Joey Safdia Bush and Rumsfeld stated that the pro-
___________ gram would start next month, in which
journalists and politicians who claim that
After a recent hailstorm of criticism the government tortures Gitmo detainees
stemming from President George W. can sign up to spend one month in Gitmo as
Bush’s signing of the Military a mock prisoner. There, they will have the
Commissions Act of 2006, the president opportunity to experience life in the deten-
gave skeptics of the conditions and legality tion facility just as detainees picked up in
of the Guantanamo Bay detention facility a Iraq and Afghanistan experience, including
chance to “try it out.” all of the CIA’s infamous “torture” tech-
“I understand the concerns of the niques. For extra realism, as the White
American people in this delicate matter,” House put it, participants will lose all legal
Bush remarked to a national audience the rights during their stay, nor will the govern-
other night. “We want to show the world ment make any attempt to notify the family
the compassion and mercy that the terror- members of the participants. To add to the
ists deny to innocent people everyday. We effect, the government will randomly select
do not torture detainees when utilizing our 10% of volunteers to have their stay at Randall Stevens
Wow...kinky
aggressive interrogation techniques, and we Gitmo indefinitely extended against their
feel that it is time for those who believe oth- will and without their knowledge. ipate that month in order to fill up the dif- Americans to experience what it is like to
erwise to see the truth for themselves.” “All this stuff we add, like the extended ference. This requirement, and the expan- be a detainee is just a diversion away from
This unprecedented decision came after trips and that stuff, is to make people feel sion of the program itself to include ordi- Bush’s failing war. It is also a diversion
numerous allegations of torture taking like they’re real detainees,” asserted Bush. nary American citizens, is necessary to away from the issue of how we treat the
place in the Guantanamo Bay detention “That way, when they see that it really isn’t show all of America the legality and detainees themselves. If you’re too busy
facility, or “Gitmo”. The release of some of so bad, they won’t be able to complain that humanity of the CIA interrogations rather thinking about your own experiences being
the CIA interrogation techniques, including it was an unfair simulation or that they were than just untrustworthy liberal media interrogated, you won’t even stop and think
sensory deprivation and waterboarding, has treated better because they were reporters moguls and corrupt politicians, according how the detainees feel.”
sparked much controversy throughout the or anything like that. They’ll understand to Rumsfeld. “The problem with this program is that it
global community. once and for all that the United States is a Vice President Dick Cheney said the d o e s n ’t deal with the issue of how we are
Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld freedom-loving angel of mercy.” program was a “step in the right direction” going to try participants in this program,”
stood by the president in his decision. Rumsfeld also went on to state that this that would disprove the myth that the Bush said House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi.
“For far too long, critics of our wartime is only the beginning. In order to increase Administration “has something to hide “Will made up evidence be allowed in mil-
policies have hampered our ability to detain the credibility of the government in the from the American people, or that it is hold- itary tribunals for anyone who still believes
and interrogate terrorists,” Rumsfeld told mind of the average American citizen, the ing some secret political agenda”. Cheney that the government tortures detainees?
reporters. “They go on television and tell program will expand so that, within three was unable to answer any more questions And what about the legal status of the par-
how we brutally torture innocent people. years, any American citizen who doubts the from reporters because the batteries that ticipants? Are they American citizens,
Come on, people, this isn’t the Dark Ages. compassion and humanity, as well as eff i- powered his heart were dying and he had to Participants of War (POW), or will the pres-
We don’t own a torture rack. There’s no ciency and legality, of the treatment and rush to replace his AA’s. ident deem them as ‘enemy simulations’?”
Iron Maiden in our possession. There’s interrogations of detainees will be able to During the announcement, Rumsfeld “Remember to do your homework and
none of that taking place. Before you go sign up and experience firsthand what it’s predicted the program would be a “great study hard, or else you’ll find yourself
saying that this or that technique that the like to be deemed an “enemy combatant” success”. He told reporters that not only stuck in Guantanamo Bay,” Senator John
CIA uses to interrogate prisoners is inhu- by the United States Government. Due to will America stop comparing the Kerry, D-MA, told a college audience. The
mane and constitutes torture, why don’t you the necessity of the program, a quota will Administration to “medieval inquisitors”, remark, which drew immediate fire from
experience it for yourself?” be implemented so that, if the government but people will realize that the detainees Republicans, was later classified by Kerry
“I guarantee, it would almost be a pleas- fails to attract a certain number of partici- experience less hardships than the average as a “botched joke” and a “failed to attempt
ant experience. You’d completely forget pants in any given month, adults of legal American. to show the American people that while I
you were in a prison,” he added. voting age will be required by law to partic- “We told prisoners to stand on their feet may be a politician, I’m also a person”.
for extended periods of time, and people Despite the fact that public opinion polls
see that and yell, ‘What a horrible method for the Guantanamo Bay participation pro-
THE STONY BROOK PRESS of torture!’ But I stand on my feet for hours gram show a 3% approval rating, Bush had
a day myself, giving speeches, talking to nothing but good things to say. “The
other officials, looking over reports and resolve of the American people to see what
signing papers, and so on. I would never we’ve done to the Geneva Conventions will
classify that as torture, no way,” explained not be broken by evil men who seek to
the Secretary of Defense. “Why just last impose their own perverted view of Islam
week I was at the local Wal-Mart, believe it on the world through terror. And the
or not I do my own shopping, and I was American people will no longer misunder-
forced to stand on line for ten full minutes estimate our intentions and policies when it
because the cashier had to go price check an comes to abducting random Afghani civil-
item. You’d think that these kids would be ians without notifying their families and
more motivated working for minimum denying them fair trials in open court. They
wage, but whatever the case, I stand on my will know that our goal is, first and fore-
feet hours on end doing what America most, to win the war on terror, and to make
needs me to do. Is it too much to ask for the the world a safer place for freedom.”
random Afghani civilians we pick up to Added Bush, “Maybe if people see for
endure a couple of necessary hardships as themselves what’s going on with these pris-
WE HAVE YOUR GRATUITOUS they do their civic duty for America?” ons, which Article II of the U.S.
The new program drew fire from
SLAVE GIRL, AND IF YOU WANT Democrats, saying it was just another tactic
Constitution gives explicit authority to the
president as Commander-in-Chief to set up,
HER BACK, COME AND GET HER. to divert attention away from the Iraq War. they will understand that since we aren’t
“Support for the war is falling with each actually killing, raping, mutilating, or per-
MEETINGS WEDNESDAYS AT 1 pm passing moment,” said Senator Hillary forming biological experiments on them, it
STUDENT UNION ROOM 060 Clinton, D-NY. “The program to get d o e s n ’t actually count as torture.”
www.thestonybrookpress.com
15
The Ultimate Battle Writings of Review for Movie
The LIRR Gaps vs. the Grand Canyon
By Larry Lamb
___________
“Oh no, the Grand Canyon is striking
again, and this time it’s a really bad hit
Borat When we first meets Borat, we see
— the LIRR gaps have lost three gaps.
Kazakhstan is glorious nation with supe-
S t a t s: What is this? What is the Syosset gap
rior potassium. Borat home town fulled
doing? It is tickling an unidentified part
with diverse peoples, like farmer, prosti-
The LIRR gaps: of the Grand Canyon — it appears the
tute sister, retard brother, asshole neigh-
Length: 11-15 inches. Grand Canyon is distracted and seems to
bor, and village rapist. Kusek also have
Depth: 4-8 feet be twitching a little bit.
sand, goat, kindergarten, rocks, cassette-
Kill Count: 1 “What are the rest of the LIRR gaps
p l a y e r, Running of the Jew Festival,
Injuries: 131 doing? They are assembling into some-
sand, plow, potassium, and rocks, making
Signature Move: Minnesota Drop thing — assembling into a penis, a larg e
it greatest country in all of world.
Motto: “Watch the Gap” penis. It appears the Grand Canyon is
When Borat leave on journey to find
Weakness: Lawyers still distracted.
golden-haired Pamela, Borat make many
“What are the LIRR gaps doing now?
interview and get learnings from all
The Grand Canyon: It seems they are inserting themselves
America. Some of peoples Borat meet is
Length: 5 miles to 18 miles into the Grand Canyon. The Grand
genuine chocolate faces, feminists, rodeo
Depth: 1 mile to 1.5 miles Canyon is trying to stop the LIRR penis,
peoples, and Jew. But, some peoples are
Kill Count: 1,205 but it seems the Syosset gap has found,
too serious and don’t like Borat. They say
Injuries: 10,204 well, the clitoris of the Grand Canyon,
he is man who say bad things about peo-
Signature Move: The Eye Gorg e our nation’s vagina. The LIRR penis is
ples with different race, and he not create
Weakness: Tourists and Pollution going balls-deep here, it’s going all the
positive image of Kazakh. I believe
way. The LIRR penis is moving side to
Sacha Baron Cohen, who make actings
Battle Report: side in the Grand Canyon and is thrust- By Irv Novoa
for Borat, is man with many brain. He
ing quite fast now. Also, the single ___________
catch lots of idiot say bad things about
“Hello, this is Jim Jacob Jones report- Syosset gap is increasing its speed on
Gypsy, female, the gay, and Jew. Making
ing, and here we are at a Colorado state the clitoris of the Grand Canyon. Jagshemash! My name a Irv. The
great commentaries of dumb vanilla
park, ready to see the battle for the “What is this? The Grand Canyon is Ministry of Information for Brook in
faces. This movie film has balance of
National Gap Champion. Our champion turning bright red and is shivering. Now Stony send me to movie film, Borat:
funniness, dramas, good actings and
the Grand Canyon will be challenged by what is this? The Grand Canyon is Cultural Learnings of America for Make
stereophonic listenings. I give Borat fif-
the up-and-coming LIRR gaps. It looks shooting a stream of rocks and water Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan. Very
teen vazhin ups.
like the battle has started. Oh no, it into the crowd — it seems we have a nice! I think it great success. Borat begin
Jinqui!
looks like the Grand Canyon is going for squirter. The Grand Canyon has fallen to success on show of moron Ali G. In
its signature move, the Eye Gorge. It the ground, the LIRR penis removes movie film, Borat Sagdiyev, journalist
looks like the LIRR gaps took the hit itself, and it looks like the Grand for Kazakhstan, leave village of Kusek
hard: they lost a Queens and a Brooklyn Canyon is down for the count. when government want to make for glo-
gap. “The LIRR gaps are the new champi- rious nation. He film documentary and
“It looks like the LIRR gaps are going ons: they now hold the title of National visit many peoples and shares cultural
in for a strike, but it fails. The Grand Gap Champions. Who would have learnings when he see goddess, Pamela.
Canyon is just too big. It looks like the thought a giant chasm could have an Borat fall in love and drive across US&A “Borat”
LIRR gaps have to form a new strategy, o rgasm? This is the end of this battle, for hope to gain entry to her vazhin. He
The Director Man
or it’s lights-out for them. see you next time.” like to make sexy time with ladies. Yes!
20
20
www.thestonybrookpress.com
17
Video Game Reviews
Starfox Command Okami
By Jowy Romano the most part, the control is great. The only By Steve McLinden
___________ problems are as follows: number one, barrel ___________
rolls become a problem because you have to
Star Fox Command is the latest addition rub the touch screen left and right to perform The next-generation gaming console
to Nintendo’s Star Fox franchise. This time one. Not only is this annoying to execute war is upon us this month, but with mas-
around, Fox McCloud and the gang will be during flight, it sometimes happens acciden- terpiece action/adventure title Okami, the
defending the Lylat System on the Nintendo tally. Second is a problem common in many PlayStation2 shows in a big way that it’s
DS. Command is the first Star Fox game on DS games: your hands will get cramped still alive and kickin’. Call it “Zelda with
a handheld system. Q-Games, the develop- quickly a wolf” if you choose, this cel-shaded
er Nintendo entrusted with the title, actually playing in Japanese-watercolor-inspired game is a
did a great job taking the series portable. this control work of both visual and gaming art.
The storyline starts after the events style. Okami, which is apparently a Japanese
of Star Fox Assault, with a pun meaning both wolf and deity, was
disbanded Star Fox released on September 19th in the U.S.
team. As the game and became a surprise hit when gaming
progresses, Another publications across the board praised the
unique game with near-perfect scores. Then
aspect of again, gamers should have expected an
this Star unconventional title, as it was developed Capcom
Wolfenstein 8D
Fox game is by Clover Studios (the people who
that all the brought us cel-shaded cult platformer ing through at times.
charac- Viewtiful Joe) and published by Capcom. Okami’s true forte as a game is in its
one ters’ Arriving in an end-of-the-generation epic storytelling. While it’s not very diffi-
of the ships depression that seems swamped with cult (which may disappoint if you’re look-
goals is to h a v e repetitive RPGs, Metal Gear wannabes, ing for a challenge to your gaming skills),
recruit your for- d i ff e r e n t and GTA rehashes, Okami is a fresh breath the number of missions and the length of
mer teammates. The strengths of fun and creativity. the game make it worth your money and
first time through the game a n d I’m not usually one to jump for the your effort. Scrolling through walls of text
the story is linear. However, after the weak- Japanese mythology kind of story, but (as much as an RPG; there’s no voice act-
game is beaten once, multiple story choices nesses. Okami is intriguing; mesmerizing, even. ing to read to you) can get annoying at
open up that ultimately lead to nine different Some As the legend goes, a wolf goddess named times, but it makes for great character and
endings. of the ships can carry Amaretsu — the player — saved the plot development, and I have a poor atten-
The story is a bit simple, but it is strange- more bombs, some can lock onto multiple quaint Japanese village of Kamiki from tion span anyway. The music really fits
ly heartwarming to see the Star Fox charac- targets, and others can fly further with each the torment of an eight-headed dragon perfectly with the classical Japanese style
ters further develop. Fox is emo after a turn on the map screen. These are just some who lives just outside of town. About a of Okami, but characters talk with an indi-
messy break up with Krystal, Peppy is now of the many quirks the different ships have. hundred years later, this beast’s spirit is vidual gibberish that can get sort of disrup-
general of the Cornerian fleet (taking the Overall, Q-Games did a wonderful job freed and he roams about, tormenting the tive. The greatness of the graphics is not
place of a sickly General Pepper), Slippy incorporating strategy elements into the world again, at which point a goddess measured (as with most games today) by
now has a fiance, Falco is the same old Falco existing Star Fox gameplay system that we beckons Amaretsu’s statue to return to life their proximity to virtual reality; they’re
(off being a loner), and Krystal has joined up all know and love. My only real complaint is and do battle once again to save the world just flat-out aesthetically impressive. As
with Fox’s rival Star Wolf. that certain elements of the game feel a bit from the evil spirits haunting it. Yeah, so enjoyable to watch as it is to play, Okami
The gameplay is very similar to that of repetitive after a while. If they put more vari- it sounds kinda weird, but that’s when it can best be described as interacting with a
the original Star Fox and Star Fox 64, but ations into the ship battles, this game would gets good. world inside of a painting.
with a handful of new strategy elements. easily get five out of five middle fingers. The gameplay is pretty intuitive and is, I don’t care if you have next-gen holi-
Each mission has a unique map on which There are four different types of ship battles: in fact, a lot like Nintendo’s Zelda fran- day fever, if you’ve gotten your 360
you draw the flight path of Fox and his missile chases, enemy ship encounters, chise. Where Okami differs is in its already, or if you’re looking forward to a
wingmen, turn after turn. On this map enemy bases, and boss battles. Save for boss “celestial paintbrush” feature, the wolf’s PS3 or a Wii this month: don’t put away
screen you attempt to intercept enemies and battles, you will get into battles of these types divine powers to create a brushstroke dur- your PS2 just yet. If you’re an adventure
missiles before they get to your mothership, multiple times in every mission. None of ing play to change the dynamics of your fan or an aficionado who considers video
the Great Fox, and you launch attacks on them have enough variation to keep each bat- environment. For example, a straight line games to be an art form, you really must
enemy bases as well. At the end of each tle as interesting as it could be. Even then, as through an object will slash it, or if you own this game. I would rarely use “perfec-
turn, if any of your allies encounter enemies, I said before, the game still holds up and is draw a circle on water, a lily pad will tion” when describing a game, but Okami
you will have to play out a battle scene with well worth the $35. appear, allowing Amaretsu to cross rivers. is a shining work of brilliance.
traditional Star Fox ship-combat gameplay. With fifteen distinct abilities, each granted
This alone, for me, makes the game worth by a different animal of the Chinese zodi-
the thirty-five bucks. ac, I found myself really thinking about
Of course, the control scheme has been “Star Fox Command” what power to use and when to use it, with “Okami”
updated to utilize the DS’s touch screen. For Nintendo strong elements of the puzzle genre shin- PlayStation 2
www.thestonybrookpress.com
21
Press Staffer Data Sheet
Name: Joseph “Jowy” Romano
Neck: Skinny Chest: Smallish
Cock Length: Enormous Cock Girth: Like whoa
Height: 5’ 10” Weight: 138 lbs
Birth Date: 5~29~84 Birthplace: Brooklyn
Ambitions: World domination, inventing a more chocolatey chocolate, using orphans to
synthesize super, chocolatey chccolate
Turn-ons: Black girls with English accents (seriously!), tofu on the nipples, cling wrap,
pirates
Turn-offs: Re-using socks, puking into a cup of beer only to finish it in the subsequent
gulp, aluminum foil, ninjas
Embarassing Photos:
The three phases of Jowy Phase 2: Robot Chickens! Phase 3: The Furlong
Phase 1: Emo
www.thestonybrookpress.com
22
l essons in life are free-
cars, cribs, and fake imagery-
T he new world
I ran out to the big fig tree
mean nothing to me-
And watched its white leaves fall
sometimes we dine on mental swine-
Held by hegemonies, they flew up away
and after some whine-
Its branches; elaborate and tortured
instead i prepare for next time-
Ranches up and down Babylon
a bird in a hand beats two in a bush-
It is rooted down seven seals and scrolls
i’ll kill two birds with one stone without a push-
Hereafter, the tree will be no more
and paint vividly without a brush-
It will be of no use to his hegemonies
the intuition flashes beaconing-
Its stem will be been clustered with rubbish
the negativity gently speaking-
Its branches will fall on an elegant sunrise
no wonder my dam is leaking-
So is the tree of life, I beg the differ
my vision jitter steps-
my ego keeps up with rep-
Ishmael Amu
time comes and like a thief in the night while i slept-
in a creation of change what is constant-
reality and perspective the balance is relevant-
why do i feel like nothing is heaven sent-
my goals so close behind a 15 foot wall-
W hat is breeding behind those eyes
Scanning mine so intently?
the metrosex complex lies about a justification call- What thoughts float in his mind?
if i’m to tall they, chop me if i’m short i’m small- What words are sitting behind those lips,
what is the sum of sign and symbol- On the verge of being uttered?
having to sew roughness cuts flesh without a thimble- What motivates the affectionate touch of his hand
how do we live high intelligence in world that is so simple- On my bare skin?
is this an accident or orchestrated-
wait a minute.....why is this life on earth so frustrated- Dark slivers stare incessantly at me,
why the weak are put on a pedestal and the strong are castrated- Slim fingers trace facial features,
why every child in ancient greece was raped and or molested- Lips linger on mine.
The Cows of Sams Valley
T
why guns, bombs and politicism are invested-
it gets worse and worse no matter how much protested- Why?
can it be changed or rectified- hey stand in the grass
can we really be content with what’s on our inside- In those deep, round eyes
nearby, in long and silent lines,
is anything we think is really here, truth or just a lie ? He holds emotions
seemingly half-dead,
I am not aware of. no anger or courage
a.k.a. if you don’t stand for something you’ll fall for any thing. So silent, to cloud the empty air,
In the dim light of dawn
-al miskin- I can only gaze into his face,
the pasture grows to them.
Their heaviness serves them
S
Dying to know how he feels in this
well, this well-fed herd
One moment.
he’s born of a naturally strong creed- sinking down in the valley,
Just in this second, thickset and swollen with pride.
strong yet gentle in every action and deed-
In this minute, I watch them go, and I go,
she gets my attention without make up to suceed-
As he clutches me closely, relaxed in a drunken slumber-
i fantisize much interacting sharing needs-
Why is his heartbeat racing? they hew a broad path for me...
our bond...wicked brothers envy, strong brothers take heed-
in time of desperation i move with speed-
when i think of myself i think of her first, never falling to greed- They low as they move away
he mere body,mind,soul sparks the emotion to breed- bellowing and slow,
i till my land and plant my seed- rolling their eyes up and down
i’d like to think it was us, but really this was decreed- with silent gaze, hidden
ALMIGHTY CREATOR please bless my seeds- among their hidden ways.
make my daughters the spitting image of their mother’s breed- A mutual love seems theirs,
may she teach them right and wrong, sharing with each other conquering greed- their quiet sleep of death
nurturing their confidence and trust, patiently without speed- no different than their peaceful
the lessons she taught from childhood they observe and take heed- days...but would they come to me
by adolescense they mimic her respect and take care of the other’s needs- if I called? Perhaps if the need be,
her blatant love insures their future families will suceed- but theirs is a patient willingness
grand children will be raised in grandmama’s righteous deeds- that passes, passing without haste,
by the WOMB of a Virtuous WOMAN we maintain a naturally strong creed- a stand in the grass.
-al miskin-
Another poem by Jon Plaisted
www.thestonybrookpress.com
23
death egg zone