By Tim Koby '11
Wireless networking at Princeton was never that great to begin with. Slow speeds, dropped connections, and weak signals have kept me tied to my Ethernet cord in my dorm. But what if you are in class and receive a really important email? Or want to check your Facebook in the moments before class begins? It may come as a shock to some people, but you’re exposing your Login sessions to everyone in the room.
What does this mean exactly? No, they don’t get your password and can’t login after you log out. But while you’re logged in, anyone on the same network can steal your “cookie,” a piece of information that flies unencrypted over our networks and lets sites know that you’ve already logged in. Once the hacker has that, they have full access to your account.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Princeton's WiFi Perfect for Facebook Hacking
A Sick Man's High: Why I Love Midterms
By Joey Barnett '12
Around the time that most students are considering dropping out of Princeton, I’m all about the holiday spirit. That’s right: I love midterms. When I think of midterms, I think of freshman year, when four of my friends and I holed ourselves up in a Frist classroom, nodding off beside empty cans of Redbull and piles of reading that should have been done three weeks earlier. When I think of midterms, I think of delirious laughter, falling out of chairs, and the occasional snore. When I think of midterms, I think of the countdown to Princeton Halloween, and the minute we all step out of our last traumatic exam and run toward Prospect. Call it masochism, but to me, this is the life.
NBA Bans New Sneakers to Commemorate their 25 Year Anniversary of Banning Air Jordans
By Jenna McCarthy '13
According to a recent press release, the NBA has banned certain shoes due to "unfair competitive advantage." Apparently, Athletic Propulsion Labs' Concept 1 shoes increase a player's vertical leap in an unfair manner. No player will be allowed to wear the product in games for the upcoming 2010-11 NBA season. This ban is happening, coincidentally enough, on the 25th anniversary of the NBA's ban on Nike Air Jordans. However, that ban was for their colorful appearance rather than unfair vertical issues.
Sam Page '98 on Gossip Girl
By Nava Friedman '13
Sam Page ’98, a star of the hit AMC show Mad Men, has added another NYC love affair to his repertoire. He is currently appearing on the CW series Gossip Girl, where he first showed up in the episode, “Goodbye, Columbia,” which aired October 11. Page’s character, Colin, is a successful businessman currently engaged in a liaison with Blake Lively’s Serena van der Woodsen. "Easy J," the second episode in his arc, airs tomorrow at 9 PM.
Jane Soars on Roller Blades...but Tyra Still Has Beef with Her
By Morgan Jerkins '14
On this week’s episode of America’s Next Top Model, famed New York designer Zac Posen was the featured guest. For the first assignment, the remaining ladies had to model one of Posen’s lines, Z Spoke, alongside veteran models. Unbeknownst to the contestants, the veteran models were to act catty and rudely towards them. During the show, Posen commented on Jane Randall ’12 as “gorgeous in the face.” However, he did note that he needed to see the “natural fierceness” in her body. Unfortunately, the compliments that he bestowed upon our beloved tiger was not enough for her to win this mini-competition.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Tigertones to Sing Anthem at Chargers Game
By Ben Kotopka '13
The Tigertones will be performing the National Anthem at the San Diego Chargers’ game Sunday to kick off their fall tour, which will take them through the San Diego and L.A. area over fall break. The University’s a cappella groups have performed on big stages before – the ‘Tones have performed at Carnegie Hall and the Nassoons have performed at the White House – but the Chargers and Tennessee Titans fans at Qualcomm Stadium on Sunday will be the Tones’ largest audience to date.
NJ Anti-Bullying Bill
By Cerena Chen '13
In the aftermath of the Rutgers student suicide, New Jersey lawmakers introduced on Monday the “Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights.” In addition to requiring that school officials complete anti-bullying training and agree to identify harassment as “good cause” for the suspension or expulsion of a student, the bill asks public colleges and universities to include an anti-bullying policy in their student codes of conduct. The Rights, Rules, and Responsibilities guide addresses bullying as an issue under “Respect for Others,” stating that “abusive or harassing behavior” is subject to “University disciplinary sanctions” and suggesting methods for resolution, although it does not specify the consequences for such behavior to the degree posed by the bill.
Monday, October 25, 2010
Self-Segregation Runs Rampant on Campus, Foiling the Wonders of Diversity for All
By Christopher Troein '12
A few days ago, amid a furious debate over integration of Germany’s large number of Muslim immigrates, the chancellor of Germany, Angela Merkel, declared multiculturalism a failure. Their debate focused on whether immigrants, especially Turkish Muslims, actively participate in the wider Germany socio-cultural landscape. I naturally assumed Princeton had made multiculturalism work, but inspired by Merkel to rethink the matter, I am no longer so sure.
How to Clear Out Your Sacred Study Space
Tired of irritating little dweebs with the buzzing laptops from 1992 infiltrating your super secret sacrosanct study spot? Usually a nasty enough look can do the trick...but for those cretins who insist on inviting themselves right into your little corner of Fine Library this midterm period, here are a few tips on how to non-confrontationally take care of the situation: (We all know it'd be too easy to drop a few F bombs or dust off that Hello Kitty taser your brother bought you for your birthday).
Quidditch Gets Competitive
Women's bowling was the most recent sport to gain National Collegiate Athletic Association status. Could Quidditch be next? The NCAA says that typically 40 to 50 schools must sponsor a varsity sport before they will consider sponsoring it. Quidditch is getting there. Over 60 colleges and high schools are registered to compete Nov. 13 and 14 at a Manhattan park.
-The Blogstress
Friday, October 22, 2010
Rush Holt Wins a Fan
By Prihatha Narasimmaraj '14
When I saw the words “Holt is a true friend of Israel” splashed all over the leaflets handed out at Democratic Congressman Rush Holt’s visit today, I was confused. Sure, Israel is an international issue, but is it really the sort of thing politicians advocate on election platforms? Wondering if I had accidentally stumbled into some CJL event, I anticipated an hour-and-half of discussion on something that I knew absolutely nothing about.
Jlo Pimps Out Her Babies
By Pritha Dasgupta '13
Apparently, it’s never too early to start pimping your children out to ad agencies. Take a page out of the book of Miss Jennifer Lopez, who has okay-ed her 2 ½-year-old twins to be the “spokesbabies” for Gucci’s new children’s line! (So, so many things wrong with that sentence.) The clothing line features items that range in price from $80-&1600, for the child who learns brand names before learning the alphabet. To make this further destruction of childhoods all across Tinseltown admissible, Gucci is donating $1 million to UNICEF.
The Urge to Splurge- What to do with our $14.4 billion Endowment
By Brian Lipshutz '12
Good news number one: Princeton’s endowment earned a 14.7% return for FY 2010, outstripping all but two private university endowments that were valued at over $5 billion in 2010.
Good news number two: Princeton was ranked by Campus Grotto as the 100th most expensive school in the country based on tuition and room and board. Here, we outperformed many of our peer schools (including Yale), but not all (including a certain school in Boston).
And now a good idea for consideration: Let’s keep using the endowment to ease the pain of Princeton fees until the economy makes a stronger recovery. Despite the Obama Administration’s now embarrassing promises of a “Recovery Summer,” the economy is not exactly humming. Unemployment is down, but still above the level when the “stimulus bill” was passed. GDP growth is positive, but tepid. In other words, we’re not out of the woods.
Jilly's Metal Free Challenge. Day 4. Plus an Explanation of Purpose.
By Jilly Chen '13
Just to clarify, I went metal free without buying anything new. Purchasing a bunch of clothes would defeat the purpose. The challenge is about working with and around what I have, not showcasing a shopping spree.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Jilly's Metal Free Challenge Day 3
By Jilly Chen '13
Today I went for the monochromatic trend, incorporating several shades of gray. Before, I never cared that my gray jeans had plastic buttons, but they really came in handy for the challenge.
Education Week and a Student's View on Disproportionate Punishment of Black Male Students in Delaware
By Morgan Jerkins '14
From October 11th to 16th, the Students for Education Reform, Teach for America, and the USG co-sponsored Education Week, a weeklong campaign to raise awareness of current issues in American public education. These associations used documentaries, teaching and leadership workshops, lectures and study breaks to encourage undergraduates to take active roles in education reform.
• Q1. How has this article made you feel as an Ivy-League student and an African-American?
• A. This article wasn’t really surprising to me, though I still believe it is an obvious issue that needs to be solved. This is just one more situation to add to my list of reasons why I need to somehow change the world.
Is this Physics Major Dunkin' Donuts' Ultimate Fan?
Ever wonder who enters random video contests? Ever contemplate entering one yourself, but then let your dignity get in the way? Well shove that foolish pride aside, because video contest entries are making a comeback on campus!
When taking a break from the search for the Higgs Boson, Tim Koby '11 drinks Dunkin' Donuts coffee and aspires to be Dunkin' Donuts' Ultimate Fan. Click here to vote for him!
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Jane isn't the Model (Modeling) Student...Does She Last Another Episode of ANTM?
By Morgan Jerkins '14
After a few flirtations with elimination, Jane Randall ’12 survived into tonight’s episode of America’s Next Top Model. Contestants had to embody iconic fashion designers and ultimately impress featured fashion photographer, Francesco Carrozzini. Jane emulated Marc Jacobs, who has his own self-titled line and also serves as the Creative Director for Louis Vuitton. During the photo shoot, Carrozzini demanded that Randall show “more attitude” though he admitted that imitating a man is difficult. This didn’t stop him from bashing our Jane for not having a “clear idea” of how to model effectively.
Day 2 of Jilly's(Almost) Metal Free Challenge...Just Because...
By Jilly Chen '13
Bobst Hall: Installment 1 of the Obscure Buildings on Campus Series
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
British Invade Princeton-Brown Football Game
By Ashwath Rabindranath '14
If it isn’t bloody England already mate! Yes, 'tis true. The rumours (spelt with a proud U, mind you) are true. THE BRITS ARE COMING (or, rather, they came). More precisely, the Children’s BBC, filmed the season finale of Trade Your Way to the USA during the Princeton-Brown “American” football game (Yes, I can say it at last) last weekend to see which three-person team of British children aged 12-14 could sell the most cookies and candy in the stands.
Jilly's Metal Free Challenge
I’m going metal-free in my wardrobe. Why? I don’t hold a grudge against the Steelworkers’ Union. I’m not protesting third-world labor practices. I’m just curious to see if I can pull it off.
I participated in an fMRI experiment this weekend and I couldn’t have any metallic traces on my body. As I went through my clothing options that morning, I found the task harder than I expected. And so, I decided to challenge myself to a metal-free week. My inspiration also partly stems from The Uniform Project, in which a "pilot" pledges to wear one dress for 365 days to promote a cause.
The first picture is me on "Day O." I wore this outfit for the fMRI experiment.
1) No metal on any clothing item
2) No jewelry
*3) Purse and watch are excluded
Let's see what happens this week...
Monday, October 18, 2010
No Means Yes, at Least at Yale
On Youtube this week, a pledge ritual for Yale's chapter of Delta Kappa Epsilon went viral. The frat walked through campus chanting "No means yes!" and essentially turning rape into a joke. For a better joke, I prefer the one about Beethoven and the chicken.
Poetry Professor Named National Book Award Finalist
In ENG 200, Introduction to Poetry, Professor James Richardson '71 took his class on a journey through poetical time, starting with Caedmon's Hymn, the first known poem, and ending sometime around William S. Merwin. Along the way, Richardson introduced us to Keats, Yeats, and even the Beats.
CDY and Schwartz Stopped at the Norwegian Border...The Conclusion of the Amazing Race for the 08544
By Morgan Jerkins '14
For this week’s episode of the Amazing Race, contestants traded in Ghana for Kiruna, Sweden. Because this part of the country has snow on the ground for eight months out of the year, it seemed appropriate for the first challenge to be at an ice hotel. From there, each pair had a code etched in Swedish in a block of ice. Once natives deciphered the code, contestants went on to the next location. At this time, our lovely Princetonians, Jonathan Schwartz ’10 and Connor Diemand-Yauman ’10, were in fifth place and dropped to sixth once their next task began with the snow dogs.
Sunday, October 17, 2010
STDs Eradicated on Campus and Birth Control for Entire Student Body
By Morgan Jerkins '14
The 2009 Trojan Sexual Health Report Card, which judges the sexual health of a campus based on condom availability, health center hours, access to STD testing, and student opinion, put Princeton in 61st place out of 141 colleges and universities across the United States.
The 2010 Report Card boosted the University to eighth place. The GPA does not, however, take into account sexual activity on campus or commonness of sexually transmitted diseases.
Introducing sex into a cordial conversation with Princeton students does not always result in people running away (unlike one of my chosen interviewees). My interviews with several students on the topic produced comical and blatantly honest responses.
Friday, October 15, 2010
Some Ivies Report Endowment Returns, Columbia Sees Huge Increase
By Claudia Park '13
In light of the fragile state of the nation’s economy, universities find an increasingly pressing need for sturdy endowment foundations. This leads to more focused and rigorous endeavors to increase investment returns.
With the conclusion of the fiscal year on June 30, the Ivies have started releasing reports on their endowments. The universities include Harvard, Yale, Columbia, and University of Pennsylvania. Today, Princeton reported that its endowment investments had returned 14.7 percent during the 2009-10 fiscal year, a higher rate than all the Ivies except for Columbia.
Academia Lashes Out Against Woody Woo
By Beth Zak-Cohen '13
We all love to love Woodrow Wilson, especially those of us in Wilson College. But the New York Times reminded us this week that not everyone is involved in as torrid a love affair with Woody Woo. The NYT asks why Wilson continues to be so high on the list of presidents hated by conservatives. Why, they add, is this criticism of Wilson, amping up in the current political climate?
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Republicans Make Stronger Argument, but Dems Still Win Whig-Clio Debate
By Prihatha Narasimmaraj '14
At dinner, I heard someone say, “I don’t like politics because of the Republicans.” I laughed, but the statement reminded me of liberals who rag pointlessly on the Republicans, just because they’re Republicans. I consider myself a moderate, so I vowed to observe the Whig-Clio debate tonight (Resolution: This House welcomes a Republican majority) as objectively as possible.
Highlights:
*Noticing that there were more Democrats. Then realizing that the Republicans were louder. Also, the realization that the entire Republican side was male.
*Cute phrases, courtesy of the Republican side, like “knocking down a house to build a new roof” and “God willing.”
*Democrats attacking Republicans about abortion with the claim that Republicans want Americans to make lemonade out of pregnancies.
*Republicans bringing up the (inevitable) topic of labor unions and arguing that teachers and firefighters are overpaid.
*Democrats jumping on this last point and making it into a pathos argument. “So you want our country to burn down?”
*Republicans making too much noise. Democrats making noise at the wrong times.
The debate essentially boiled down to a couple of issues, all of which were entirely anticipated. There was the oil spill; ObamaCare; Obama; Bush; unemployment; the deficit; more Obama; and some Reagan, Truman, and Madison (thrown in only for the sake of an alumni shout out). But I wasn’t sold on either side. The Democrats were weak in their defense, singing the merits of civil rights without addressing the recession, and the Republicans were quick to criticize them on this issue.
To see the rest of the debate, click the Jump!
Jane's Not So Plain Anymore- A.N.T.M. Episode 6
By Morgan Jerkins '14
My, oh my, have the tables turned for our beloved tiger Jane Randall ’12. The biggest and most important assignment for this episode was a photo shoot on Rodeo Drive. The featured fashion photographers were Lori Goldstein and THE Patrick DeMarchelier, who has also photographed Kate Moss, Christy Turlington, and Naomi Campbell, to name a few. Jane, Kacey, and a male model were linked together for the first shoots and later the contestants took individual shots. DeMarchelier commented that Jane was a “bit too commercial” for his taste yet found Randall to be attractive.The worst contestant this episode happened to be Ann, who suffered under the weight of her own insecurities. When the best shots were shown, Andre Leon Talley remarked that Jane looked “extraordinary” and like a “French supermodel-actress.” Completely altered in his views concerning Jane also, Nigel Barker added that Jane was “superb” and “looked great.” However, in her single photos, Randall appeared to be “stiff,” according to the judges at deliberation, and performed better in group photos. Overall, Ms. Randall improved tremendously from last week’s episode. Either that, or Tyra really took the last Prox post to heart. Jane came in as runner-up for best photo and was saved from elimination while Kacey had to hit the road. Until next time!
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
'09 Alums Freeing Our Water, One Bottle at a Time
Monday, October 11, 2010
Prof. Llosa, New Nobel Laureate, Addresses Students at Chancellor Greene
By Claudia Park '13
I just returned from attending the reception in the Chancellor Greene Rotunda honoring Professor Mario Vargas Llosa, this year’s recipient of the Nobel Prize in Literature. I am still fighting an overwhelming sense of wooziness from having just observed history in the making.
GIRL WANTED
By Jilly Chen '13
Take a stroll by Cuyler Hall and you’ll notice the “Girl Wanted” sign in one of the windows.
As a girl, naturally, I felt qualified to find out more.
CDY + 1 Win Leg of Amazing Race (but make Princeton Look Bad with Lack of Geographical Knowledge)
By Beth Zak-Cohen '13
But CDY takes the task and completes it without incident. His friend yells encouragements like, “Just do it normally!”. They’re catching up! Next, the teams rush to a supply depot (CDY + 1 pass another team on the way). Here they have to deliver wheelbarrows full of supplies. (“Not a big wheelbarrow guy,” says Connor). They complete the task and the Tigers are in first place!
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Woody Woo "free" food not actually so free
Woody Woo’s food coffers might not be as limitless as we once thought. Or, the school may just be trying to break another echelon of selectivity in light of the comprehensive review it’s undergoing.
An e-mail sent to school’s undergraduate listserv last Monday scolded the budding private consultants and I-Bankers for their lack of self-control around displays of free food:
"Regarding food for events at Robertson Hall- Students can’t have food until the organizer says they can have it. Two different events this past week had students taking food even when the organizer said it wasn’t available. One student in particular walked along the table poking their finger in the food after being told no."Now, we know we’re trying to teach you how to live on the cheap, but this might be taking it a little too far.
To be fair, the sender even sounds a little uncomfortable with the e-mail, saying: “I have no idea if they were our students but I was asked to let you know.” (Read: A disgruntled Woody Woo rejectee with an ax to grind.)
So, independents, it might be best to look elsewhere until this blows over. We checked -- Point's got your back on this one.
(Full e-mail with even more scolding after the jump.)
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