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* The Asterisk A Satirical Newspaper Issue 3 - September 2010 Send articles to: asterisk.uic@gmail.com ****************************************************************************************** Top 10 Tips For New Students Advice To Incoming Freshmen, Compliments Of The Asterisk Staff The Asterisk staff knows very well of the hardships of freshman year, and is here to 10. Always sport a wide grin help. Freshman year can be and smile whenever you can, as overwhelming as, well, it alleviates the anxiety and apparently deciding whether to pressure of being a freshman. go Chicago or Miami to join a 9. If you are dorming, then pogo-stick team, when there’s we suggest you annex your clearly a better chance of roommate’s half of the room winning the golden pogo-stick immediately. You aren’t going if you join the Chicago pogoto be a second class student, are stick team. I’m Jus’ Saying. you? Who really can live with just HALF of a room? Show * Falling asleep in the front them who’s boss! row is actually less noticeable 8. Skip lectures. Period. Did than falling asleep you know 20% of billionaires in the back row. did not finish school or get a * Let go of the college degree? The statistics Facebook creeping are quite clear: no college, no late at night, use studying, no lectures equals your time more money, dough, mula, and lots of wisely and creep ‘Benjamin Franklins.’ during your 7. For those of you who do lectures. decide to pursue education * You will probably and give up the billion dollars, only have around (suckers!) get to know your three TAs (Teaching professors or at least have them a s s i s t a n t s ) recognize you so you can obtain throughout your recommendation letters in the undergrad years future. This is very important. without an accent. A spontaneous song and dance Reading the lips of Continued on Page 2... those with accents will only confuse you more. * Emailing your professor, to explain to them why their teaching methods are flawed will not help your GPA (Yes, you have one in college too.) Trust us; some of the Asterisk staff has experience in this matter. * Practice playing Frogger™ in your free time, as it will greatly increase your ability to cross streets in Chicago. [The legal department at The Asterisk does not, in any way, encourage or condone the practice of jaywalking] * It is OK to cry an hour before your first midterm AND to compensate for your poor performance by binging on the scrumptious baked goods of the wonderful fundraising bake sales located in Burnham Hall, The Behavioral Science Building, and Student Center East. * Real talk here: Study for your midterms. * Caffeine: Avoid it or you will be addicted to it like preteen girls are to sparkly vampires. * When CTA signs say “touch the door,” it means “tackle the door.” * Keep an eye out for black mold. * Online homework should be started at least 12 hours before the due date. * If you do not heed these suggestions, be warned that your situation, while awful to you, makes great articles for us. Tips for Freshmen Page 2 From Page 1... number of Journey’s ‘Don’t Stop Believin’ is highly recommended. 6. Many incoming students are undeclared regarding their majors. We recommend you do a major that sounds and looks impressive on a transcript. Political science or Bioengineering? Both! You can engineer a constituent that doesn’t vote for the same hacks in the next election! Alas, science can only take us so far... 5. Regarding deans and advising, it’s best to do what most people come to college to do. That’s right, experiment…academically. Try making a schedule with many brakes or lots of 8 am classes or 4 hour labs. A random mess of a schedule is the true representation of the real college spirit. 4. Regarding food, it must be stated that you have access to some of the best restaurants in the city. Use that emergency credit card your parents gave you with a $20,000 limit to its limit. Are you really willing to be careless in dining? The general rule of “the more expensive the better” applies. 3. Dearest commuters, whether it’s by train or car or by foot, ALWAYS…. no….NEVER be on time. To be a truly successful student, a good 12 hours of sleep is necessary. What’s more important to you? Your academics or your future? 2. You will immediately notice the vast number of smokers at UIC. It’s nothing bad, they’re only a pro-cancer addition to the rich and diverse UICulture <oh yeah, I did it>. Just make sure you have your gas mask with you at all times. 1. The greatest tip I can give you is this: follow the sacred word of The Asterisk. It is your essential guide to everything. It will not fail you. Since when has a satirical newspaper ever guided you wrong? * Editors note: Since our staff is so talented that three people came up with the same idea, we bring you all these tips. More Tips For Residents! R.A. Reihnert Asterisk Res Life Correspondent As you can probably guess, this issue is pretty much about welcoming readers, both new and returning, back to school at UIC. This list of tips is taken from the 2010-2011 Resident Student Handbook, with extra explanations/suggestions to help readers: -“Nervous about public speaking? The only way to get over it is to practice now, because it won’t get any easier when you’re in the workplace” * Better yet, become a mime! Come on, that ‘trapped in a box’ routine you do is priceless. -“Want to get more value for your time spent studying? Try figuring out what times of day you are most alert, and do your schoolwork then” *Why waste your time on that, when you can be more alertly dodging enemy fire in Halo? - “A great way to learn new of difficult Illustration by Trupti Patel information is to teach or explain it to others. That way, you’ll really have it down pat” *Even better! Teach them the WRONG material, to secure your spot at the front of the bell curve! Pre-med students, I’m talking to you! - “It can be tough to spot your own mistakes, so swap papers with a friend and proofread each other’s work” *This way, you can spot his awful mistakes and raise your self-esteem! - “The Internet contains a fantastic amount of information that you can use for school, but don’t trust everything that you find on it” *I know! That cat that was playing the piano? Totally fake. -“View mistakes as opportunities to learn the information better for future tests. The only real mistake is to get discouraged and quit” *Or taking the class in the first place... Political Page 3 “O’Leary Lantern Shop” Causes Controversey W. O’Tyme Asterisk Political Correspondent It seems that as soon as the public finishes fuming over one controversy, another springs up in its place, in a horrible hydralike fashion. Now Chicagoans are choosing sides in the latest uproar, a proposed lantern and antique lamp shop to be built just 4 blocks from the origin of The Great Chicago Fire of 1871, Mrs. O’leary’s farm, which is now the Chicago Fire Academy. Proponents of the shop, “This Little Light o’ Mine” argue that the zoning laws are completely on their side and are allowed to open the business sometime in the next few months. The future manager of the shop, Chuck Norom told us, “this is a deliberate intrusion on our rights as citizens and the principles of free enterprise on which this country was founded. We have to think of the founding fathers!” On the other side of the debate stand those opposed to the shop, arguing that the insensitivity of the location is a calculated attempt by those in charge to rub Chicago’s nose into the ashes of the fire. The lead protester, Mark Dioti, who has planned rallies in front of the proposed site, has attacked the manager of the shop, claiming that his “questionable” history only proves the insensitivity of the proposed business. “Do you know where this Norom character lived for 14 years? That’s right, he lived in Gary, Indiana! This is just another attempt by that city to elevate themselves at Chicago’s expense. It’s all political! There’s no question about it.” Protesters have proposed that anywhere else in the city would be a better location, and have even petitioned Todd Stroger to provide revenue from the county to cover the costs of moving. “Come, on, it’s not like Stroger doesn’t have some family member on the payroll who can provide this,” suggested Dioti. Proponents for the shop call this blatant disregard for the zoning laws and deny the location as a political issue. “I just don’t understand. Where is far enough away from the old O’Leary farm? 14 blocks? 30? St. Loius? All we want to do is be able to sell our lanterns and lamps just like any other merchant in this country.” While Mayor Daley has not yet weighed in on the issue, Republican Candidate for Senate, Mark Kirk, on his website stated, “I believe the location is highly insensitive to the feelings of this great city. Why, I remember the time I was named international volunteer fire-fighter of the year, and the impact it had upon me.” We at The Asterisk have searched diligently through Kirk’s records, but regrettably have found no evidence to suggest Kirk ever received such an award, let alone was ever a volunteer firefighter. Democratic candidate Alexi Giannoulias decline to comment on the issue. We at The Asterisk hope this issue will go up in smoke before it grabs the nation’s attention. What? Too soon? The Circus Was In Town! Bozo Bernet Asterisk Court Reporter From June 3rd-August 17th, Chicago was treated to the “Blago Brothers and Adam Jr & Sr” Circus. All the entertainment that Patrick Fitzgerald and hard-earned tax dollars could afford! It was quite the spectacle, for those of you who missed it. There was something for everyone: -Perilous Prosecutors! The public watched as the state juggled 24 highly complex federal counts in front of a bamboozled jury! -Disappearing Defense Witnesses! Call it all smoke and mirrors if you like, but everyone was amazed when both Sam Adam Jr. and Sr. rested their case without calling a single witness! -Amusing Attorneys! I can’t remember the last time I laughed that much when Sam Adam Jr. said his client, was not “the sharpest knife in the drawer!” -Mesmerized Media! It seemed like every news station, talk show and news outlet was talking about our state’s unique brand of “humor”. -Harrowing acts of Hair! Though Rod may have been somewhat shaken during the verdict routine, his hair didn’t lose its composure. Don’t be down-trodden if you wanted to see more; there’s going to be a reprise, we’ve been assured by Ring-Leader Fitzgerald, and when we know the date, we at The Asterisk will let you know! Free Scratch Paper Blagojevich getting ready for a retrial Culture Page 4 Starcraft 2 Saves Lives Terran P. Rotosszerg Asterisk Entertainment Expert This past Saturday, James Rainer escaped the clutches of death by playing the recently released Starcraft 2 computer game. SC2 is a Real Time Strategy (RTS) game that requires the reflexes of a hand and the mental acuity of a brain. Players can choose from three species; then, they build things, collecting energy things and resources, and attempt to attack the other players’ things that they built with the help of attacking things. To build bigger and stronger things, players must first go through a series of building smaller things and using upgrade things. If any of this made sense, seek immediate help. Rainer, third year business major, asserts that the RTS (real time strategy) game helped him escape from hazardous events, including a horrific internship and the bloodcurdling screeches of his girlfriend. “Had I searched for internships instead of playing SC2,” mumbles Rainer while clicking away at hotkeys, “I would have needed to endure the social interaction of those interviews.” Rainer’s girlfriend, Sara Kerrigan, confirms his claims. “If he ever shows his face to me again, I’ll [expletive expletive expletive].” Animal control was called in to deal with her afterwards. Rainer is not the only person rescued by SC2. Several students agree that SC2 has protected them from lethal perils. “Radiation from UV rays, toxins produced by airborne bacteria, disease-carrying mosquitoes,” lists Zer O’Toole, 2nd year Godwin’s Law I.P Frealy *Beware of ninja squirrels popping out of trashcans; they are the best trained force on campus. *Don’t walk over the metal gratings covering the sewers. We’re not exactly sure what lies beneath, but even the squirrels are afraid. *The areas in front of no-smoking signs are the smokiest. We hope you like irony. *Never, but NEVER, wake up a sleeping honors student. Unless you can live with having limited vision in one of your eyes. Asterisk Contributor Like many of you, I too discuss the important changes in the world. One of these significant changes is the creation of Godwin’s Law. You may be wondering what Godwin’s Law is. To succinctly answer your question, it is the idea which originated in 1990 by Mike Godwin that suggests that “as an online discussion grows longer, the probability of a comparison involving Nazis or Hitler approaches 1.” (This satirical newspaper is far too awesome for citations…let’s just say that I stole this direct quote from Wikipedia; It will make all our lives simpler). Nonetheless, I want the world to be aware of this groundbreaking and oh-so-apt assertion. Furthermore, in my view, the name “Godwin” is quite appropriate for such a HIGH-LARIOUS law. “God” plus “win” is probably the greatest combination of two words that can describe how epic of a win this law is. I understand that even though The Asterisk is a satirical publication, there is nothing about this law that elicits a response from me to satirize. I am simply mesmerized by the brilliance of Dr. Godwin. He is not exactly a doctor, but after he made this law, he deserves a AwD (like a PhD, only except ‘doctor of philosophy’, it’d be ‘doctor of awesomeness’). My loyal readers, once again, I would simply like to emphasize how amazing an observation this is. And to those naysayers who call this article and Godwin’s Law an abomination lacking any real evidence, I ask you only to visit any YouTube discussion and give the video comment section some time to grow and the words “Nazi” or “Hitler” will become apparent. And I mean ANY. “We joke about it quite a bit, that UIC stands for University of Indians and Chinese…but let us not forget the Koreans, Vietnamese, Japanese, Pakistanis, and other Asians that attend this university. If you’re going to be ignorant, do it properly.” –The Quote Master “If you ever wanted to do something bad to someone who deserved it, but your conscience and good will have stopped you, take comfort in the thought that according to the multiverse theory, in some parallel universe you actually did it.” –The Quote Master Bio-Engineering major, “you name it. SC2 protects us from them all! Whenever I feel that I’m in danger, I play SC2.” O’Toole plays about 500 hours a week. Instead of allowing these innocent gamers to place themselves in harm’s way, SC2 keeps them tucked safely away in their dorm rooms, apartments, and parents’ basements. Even when not playing SC2, these gamers are constantly researching and creating new strategies, for they know that their lives may depend on it! We at The Asterisk understand not all of you have access to SC2 and may be wondering, “how can I protect myself from the daily dangers faced by a student at UIC? Quotations Of The Day... “Ignorance is bliss, yet the same is not true conversely….I would wonder why, but by the logic of the quotation, it makes more sense to just not think about it.” –The Quote Master The Maze Redeem this completed maze for a free item with the purchase of one baked good at our next bake sale! Page 5 UIC Page 6 UIC To “Go Green-er” Alberto Gorewho Asterisk Environmentalist Over the past few years UIC has made considerable measures to make the campus a more environmentally friendly place. The list of initiatives include energy conservation, recycling, active transportation, and the goal of a carbon neutral campus by 2050. No one can say UIC isn’t trying. However, a recently leaked document exposes a plan, that some claim, has gone too far. The University administration has hatched a plan to, quite literally, make University Hall (UH) the greenest building on campus...by painting it green. During a recent summer press conference, the selfappointed Green Officer of Fabulousness (GOOF) announced that Board of Trustees had voted to coat UH in a fluorescent green latex paint, to serve two purposes: “To show the world that our University is environmentally conscious, and to serve as a make-shift glue, thereby preventing the further deterioration of UH itself by holding back falling pieces of concrete.” Students were asked their opinions on the matter during the first few days of classes. Some expressed favorable views, while others objected to the project. One student, a sixth year undergrad Art History major, Leonardo Von Artner, stated that “Using such a project to showcase UIC’s dedication to the campus is great. In fact, a Parisian University in 1902…” (The rest of the statement was lost, since the digital voice recorder’s batteries failed, and I fell asleep listening to the words of the Art History major) After I awoke, I grabbed the nearest pre-med student to interview, a sophomore who wished to remain anonymous, only using his last name. Patel responded to our questions about the campus development: “HAHAHA So now I can call Willis Tower ‘Big Willy’, and UH ‘Lil’ Green Willy’!” The University plans to finish the project prior to March 2nd 2011, the Birthday of Dr. Seuss. The grand re-opening of UH will feature a buffet of Green Eggs & Ham. Construction is to begin this September. Otto Boht Asterisk Film Expert Whilst in the process of filming the third installment of the ‘Transformers’ series (Formerly known as The Chronicles of Michael Bay: Robots, Megan Fox and Explosions) in Chicago this summer, the famous director/producer, decided to film on the campus of UIC itself. Bay reportedly fell in love with the grounds at first sight. “There’s so much steel and concrete. So much potential for explosions, with a possibility for a underground fight scene beginning by transformers falling through the giant metal grates in the sidewalks! I love it!” Illustrations by Trupti Patel UIC Bookstore: A Ripoff? Velvety Cocoa Asterisk Contributor With the start of the school year just behind us, students at UIC and across the country are looking back on their textbook expenses. As most people understand, textbooks are a very expensive element of University finances and, because of this, they look for the absolute best deals. Many items are available online as well as in national bookstores like Borders but what about the universities’ bookstore? We here at The Asterisk decided to bring the students the truth by going undercover as undergraduate students shopping for books in the bookstore. A fellow Asterisk writer and I chose four different classes ranging from 100 to 400 level classes and decided to compare the prices of the UIC bookstore to ‘Transformers’ Filming At UIC? those online and in Borders. In order to get into the bookstore without raising suspicion, we had to get proper disguises. I chose the easier outfit, that of the “wannabe” gangster (or ‘gangsta’, for my homies out there) complete with large golden chain and tilted hat. My fellow writer decided to go with a nerdier disguise, “rocking” the cokebottle glasses, polo, and short comb over. Armed with counterfeit schedules, a book bag, and an unlimited spending credit card, Original plans had filming start in the Behavioral Sciences Building, and move across campus, through the quad and ending near the metal grates near SEO and Burnham hall. However, near the start of filming, two stunt doubles and five extras become lost within the cavernous labyrinth of BSB. No contact has been made with any of them since August 12th. This incident, coupled with the rising cost of explosives, led Bay to scrap filming at UIC, including plans for a rumored Autobot/Decepticon battle sequence atop UH. ‘Transformers 3’ will hit the theatres July 1st 2011. we dived into the subterranean realm of the bookstore. Our first class was Computer Science 100, an intro level engineering course. The bookstore contained many copies of our book, all well over $100. With no used books in sight, we decided to continue. After making our rounds, we came to one simple conclusion. The walls Campus Page 7 Student Denies Being Deleted From University Records Michael Bay To Instruct At UIC Megan Trahnn Asterisk Curriculum Correspondent The rumors are true! Michael Bay has officially decided to instruct a graduate level class on explosions at UIC. The Chemistry department approached Bay after his show of love for the campus [see “Transformers Filming at UIC?”], and expertise in making (somewhat) controlled combustions. “Pyrotechnics and attractive women have always been deep interests of mine, which is why I accepted the position to teach Chem 456: ‘The Anatomy of a Boom-Boom’ with the Chemistry department of UIC. I am, however, still in talks with the Biology department about the instruction of a class titled ‘The Anatomy of a Babe’, but am meeting resistance from the female staff members of the department. The Male staff members are graciously giving their complete support.” Chem 456 will be available starting spring semester of 2011. The Asterisk has obtained prerequisite readings and videos for the class, including the screenplays to all three ‘Transformers’ movies, a brochure for Krazy Kaplans of Indiana (local fireworks shop), and stock footage of atomic bomb testing. of the UIC Bookstore were beautiful; I mean authentic wallpaper is quite a good décor. However, just as we were about to leave, staff members approached us. It appears we weren’t allowed to take pictures of the books nor mark down information about the merchandise. We knew we were caught, so we took off running up the stairs Buster “Bo” Racracy Asterisk Student-Faculty Liasion doesn’t correspond to a student account. John Doe: <sigh> That’s what I’m trying to tell you! My account has been deleted! UIC: Sir, there is no point in yelling, that’s not going to solve the problem any faster. John Doe: Can you just get me back into the system somehow? UIC: Oh, of course, sir. But first I’ll need your UIN. John Doe: Didn’t we just do this? UIC: Sir, I’m going to to ask you to hold while I bring up your account information. John Doe: But it’s deleted! No, don’t put me<Muzak, this time sounding like the last tracks were played over each other> UIC: Sir, are you still there? John Doe: <as though through clenched teeth> Yes… UIC: So you’re not in the University? John Doe: Not according to your database. UIC: Then why are you calling, sir? If you’re not in the system? John Doe: I was in the system one week ago! UIC: I understand, with today’s financial mess, it can be a difficult decision to drop out of college to support yourself. John Doe: I’m still taking classes! UIC: At a community college? Good for you. That degree you earn will come in handy once the job market stabilizes. John Doe: …Please, for the last time…I only want to know how to get back into the University system, as I seem to have been deleted from the records. UIC: I’m going to transfer you to someone who can get you back into the University. John Doe: Thank you. <Muzak Plays, then stops> DePaul: Hello, DePaul University, how may I help you? <John Doe hangs up> as fast as our skinny legs would let us. I had to leave behind my fellow writer as he tripped and fell back down the stairs. His last words still ring clearly in my head. “In the name of The Asterisk, save the students!” Later, I found the same books online for a much different price, and as such I am inclined to say this and only this: those walls were really fabulous, like really really fabulous. UIC, wake up! Your bookstore is attempting to steal your soul...er, I mean money. Do not let them win this war on our wallets; we can stop them although I really have no idea how, but definitely go to check out the décor; did I mention it was really nice? Everyone, at one point or another, has discovered the merry little world of bureaucratic red tape and its ensuing frustration. However, one student (who will be referred to as John Doe) found out the hard way that sometimes the red tape is more impenetrable than it seems. Below is the transcript from the phone call to the Student Services Office: UIC: Hello, Student Services Office, can you hold? John Doe: Uh… UIC: Thank you. <Muzak that sounds like it was recorded using a cell phone then played back into a cassette player> UIC : Hello, Student Services Office, how may I help you? John Doe: Ah, yes, I have a question concerning my student account. UIC: Yes, sir, what is the problem? John Doe: I went to pay my tuition and I don’t seem to have an account anymore. UIC: I see, so you forgot your password? John Doe: No. UIC: Your username? John Doe: No, the system doesn’t seem to recognize that I exist in the system. UIC: Let me transfer you to my supervisor, please hold. John Doe: No, wait<Muzak, this time something masquerading as classical, blares through the speaker> UIC: Hello sir, what seems to be the trouble? John Doe: My student account doesn’t seem to be in the system anymore. UIC: Ok, and what is your UIN? John Doe: ********* UIC: Ok. Well, sir, it seems that UIN The Asterisk Page 8 Another BP Spill, Congress Furious Jim “Grassroots” Hansen Asterisk Populist Just minutes ago, BP was involved in yet another spill, and Congress is not taking it lightly. The spill is taking place in the residence of CEO Tony Hayward himself. Hayward reportedly attempted to use his bathroom after a water drinking contest, and missed. Yellow tinted fluid is currently covering a large portion of the bathroom floor, and may soon reach the doorway. Clean-up crews are attempting to control the spill through the use of toilet paper, but the method is being deemed as ineffective. Congress is furious at BP for not taking proper measures to ensure that a spill of such magnitude never happened. Nancy Pelosi addressed the situation: “It was obvious that such a spill could have taken place. The ability of Mr. Hayward to properly use a toilet was questioned when he whined like a baby during the gulf spill, begging for “[his] life back.” Diapers should have been installed upon that well immediately after that statement.” Welcome! From The Staff At The Asterisk Welcome back UIC! For those of you out there that are returning readers, good for you! Your excellent taste in journalism is much appreciated. For those of you who are just picking up this paper, thank you for reading thus far. I hope you continue. We here at The Asterisk headquarters, floating high above UH in our converted Goodyear Blimp, do the very best to ensure a funny, thought provoking newspaper for the Honors College students at UIC. And when that fails, we resort to writing a descriptive passage about the purpose of the newspaper. Some have compared us to the Onion, “UIC style”. Few have called us a refreshing taste of student-run journalism. Even fewer have called us the best thing they’ve ever read. You, dear reader, can make the call for yourself. We strive for a fun, witty paper that pokes fun at many of the things that aggravate you, be they at the university, city, or national level. If you think, “Jeez, I can write better than these hacks!”, then I gladly invite you to do so. We accept all submissions, barring excessive vulgarity and personal attacks. So, if you’re up to the challenge, email a submission to us at: asterisk.uic@gmail.com You may be wondering, “how does this paper get money to print?” Good question. The Asterisk runs entirely on student donations from bake sales that we run from time to time, usually 2-3 times a semester. So, be on the look-out for a tasty way to support a student-run satirical newspaper. BP stated very recently that the size of the well is unknown, and may take up to four minutes to drain. Congress would not accept this great of a length of time, and demands that a solution be found. BP has come up with various methods to stop the spill: “Unfortunately the pipe spouting the liquid is very small, which takes out the option of stopping the flow. The only option left is to return the pipe to a safe position that would allow the rig, called the ‘Toilet’, to effectively collect the remaining fluid in the well. The first option would be for the ‘wife’ vessel to correct the flow; we are calling this method the ‘Wife Kill’. If that method is ineffective, another method, the ‘Mommy Kill’ will be attempted. ” The new BP America CEO, Bob Dudley, has announced that a “Paper Towel Method” will be used to clean the already present spill: “The Paper Towel method is a very effective procedure which was used two weeks ago by myself in dealing with my three year during his own exercise in stopping such a leak, but it has never been attempted with such a large spill. If the Paper Towel method fails the ‘Sponge method’ will be attempted. The doorway is also being lined with bags of kitty litter as we speak, to prevent the fields of carpet fiber that lay beyond the doorway’s coastline from being affected. Rest assured we will fix this, we do not want to be known as B-Pee-Pee.” ***