Ruckus discriminates against students and musical artists
Regarding 'Quite a Ruckus' (Wednesday, Jan. 10, 2007):
I don't know if The Daily Princetonian's Editorial Board has noticed it yet in its use of Ruckus, but the network discriminates not only on the basis of computer type, but also on the basis of musical taste. While Ruckus has a more than ample supply of Pearl Jam, which suits me just fine, its catalog is rather lacking. I can account only for my own musical tastes, but it appears many major bands are missing. Radiohead and a little band called the Beatles come to mind. Ruckus offers only samples of albums by other major artists. It has every studio album by Bob Dylan, but only a few songs are available for download. Most clearly of all, Ruckus lacks a great deal of indie rock bands — even many of the more popular acts. Just because many people haven't heard of Califone doesn't mean I shouldn't be able to download their music.
While the catalog obviously won't have every song I would ever want to download, it's hard to see how Ruckus comes even close to the achievement which the USG originally announced it to be. It not only discriminates against students, but also tacitly promotes discrimination against those artists not available on Ruckus. It is free, and that's nice (assuming you only want to listen to music on your computer). But the freedom clearly comes at a cost.
Colin Anderson '07
Condescending columnists cause hate
Regarding "The Diary of N. Frank" (Thursday, Dec. 7, 2006):
I am reminded that there is only one thing worse than "drunken frat boys," "depressed chain-smoking grad students" and "that appalling look on students' faces when they stalk around on campus looking like they are at the center of the universe": Condescending journalists.
Cameron White '09
Students were not drunk at bonfire
Regarding "The Diary of N. Frank" (Thursday, Dec. 7, 2006):
Columnist Johann Loh '09 writes of the Nov. 17 football victory bonfire, "Many students, mostly inebriated, had gathered on the green." How does Loh know that they were inebriated? His superior viewpoint of the event came, as he writes, from "the wood-paneled comfort" of the second floor of East Pyne.
Unlike Loh, I was on the ground that night, starting with the massing of the football team and marching band in front of Wilcox Hall and then mingling with the crowd on Cannon Green. And I was impressed by what a high-spirited but sober and responsibly behaved gathering it was.
Regardless of how Loh may feel about this particular expression of Princeton spirit, his statement about the students in attendance being "mostly inebriated" is totally inaccurate.
Richard Smith Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
Columnist should learn to appreciate, not cut down, people
Regarding 'The diary of N. Frank' (Thursday, Dec. 7, 2006):
Negativity and ingratitude are wasted emotions. Perhaps the author should spend a little more time appreciating those around him instead of cutting them down.
Peter Eichler '08
Pair of rose-colored glasses needed to cure Loh's pessimism
Regarding 'The diary of N. Frank' (Thursday, Dec. 7, 2006):
Though I found the content interesting, I was disturbed by the cynical pessimisms of the author. I would hope that an individual so young would have a more optimistic disposition. Might I suggest something as simple as the purchase of a pair of rose-colored glasses from the Wawa to brighten his outlook of Princeton?
Ralph Juarez P'09
Students need to focus on aspects of living in America, not money
Regarding 'Our response to Iraq' (Monday, Dec. 11, 2006):
The author's observations are quite correct and accurate as far as his generation is concerned with respect to Iraq and two monetary issues: the stock market and lucrative job opportunities. Yes, the war seems to touch so few, unless you are the ones getting killed or maimed. But many soldiers are the same age, 18-22, and the folly that sent them there has had widespread domestic repercussions. This, along with several other, equally important issues are ignored, most likely because their effects have not been felt. But they are very likely to come into play later in life. I speak of the specter of job loss, lack of affordable health care, absence of pensions and viable social security income and bankruptcy. Oh yes, don't forget the government's assault on the environment.
The average Princetonian of a well-to-do family may not have experienced any of the above hardships, but countless of millions in America have. That should be of concern. If one looks at the invasion of Iraq as a distraction from President Bush's tumbling ratings prior to 9/11 and what his administration has wrought on this country in six years, today's youth should be very worried. Who is going to pay down the deficit? Will their children be able to afford college? I urge all undergrads to look away from the money just once and think about the other aspects of living in today's America.
Robert Givey '58
How does 'Prince' put together its content?
Regarding 'Group raises sexual assault awareness' and 'Op Art' (Wednesday, Dec. 6, 2006):
I was quite amused by the juxtaposition of The Daily Princetonian's glowing assessment of the new sexual assault awareness group on campus with the Op Art portraying two college males using grain alcohol to induce sex. Do you even edit your paper, or do you just slap together whatever gets sent in?
Tim Prugar '06
Princeton merchants welcome students and enjoy their visits
Regarding 'More than just discounts: Nassau St. stores provide job opportunities' (Friday, Dec. 8, 2006):
As owner of Cranbury Station Gallery on Palmer Square and President of the Borough Merchants for Princeton, I welcome the interest of students seeking part time work in the stores in the Borough. Perhaps there is a way we could join forces and compile some sort of list of vacancies and student availability.
It is always a pleasure when a student drops into my gallery, whether looking for information for an assignment or just taking a moment to gaze at the artwork. They are always anxious to talk about their hometown, family and experiences on campus. Sometimes I think they just like to have a "non-University ear." We're here for them and enjoy their visits!
Kathie Morolda
Streicker '64's money wasted on University pedestrian bridge
Regarding 'Alum donates campus bridge' and 'Universities: Private, public, middlesex' (Monday, Dec. 11, 2006):
How ironic that the same issue included an article about the donation of a campus bridge and an opinion piece lamenting the fact that our endowment is so large while African countries continue to wallow in poverty. Wouldn't it be nice if John Streicker '64 could support an African country in need, rather than Princeton students who struggle to cross a street? I would hope that Streicker would be more "thrilled" to bring clean water to several villages in need than to bridge a very passable street.
Steve Marcus '10
De La Salle's athletic program strong enough on its own
Regarding 'Unfamiliar lineup to take court at Jadwin in home opener' (Wednesday, Dec. 6, 2006):
It could be that starting two freshman from De La Salle's state championship team of 2006 is justified on its own merits, but I think it will also help coach [Joe] Scott ['87] win further recruits from the preeminent sports program in California. Moreover, the reputation of the De La Salle athletic program is such that it will make other high school players in the Bay Area take notice. A side benefit may be to attract some of De La Salle's football players, since it's usually No. 1 or 2 in the USA Today national ratings.
Denis Rice '54
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Let’s Zohran our Princeton: the case for organizing that’s fun
Raf BasasMamdani's victory gives Princeton progressives a replicable model for winning, which they can adapt from New York to this University: a people-centered mass movement that builds real community and seeks to genuinely persuade and excite others.
Mamdani's victory gives Princeton progressives a replicable model for winning, which they can adapt from New York to this University: a people-centered mass movement that builds real community and seeks to genuinely persuade and excite others.
Princeton should put first-year family weekend back where it belongs
Ian RosenzweigBut rather than scheduling family weekend before our two fall recesses, the University seems to think that first-year students need to see their families the third Saturday after midterms. Much like the recent dining plan changes, this subpar scheduling is the University failing to coordinate its administrative planning with considerations for student well-being.
But rather than scheduling family weekend before our two fall recesses, the University seems to think that first-year students need to see their families the third Saturday after midterms. Much like the recent dining plan changes, this subpar scheduling is the University failing to coordinate its administrative planning with considerations for student well-being.
Vote, run, and challenge in USG’s upcoming elections
Oscar BarriosFor students to feel represented and for that representation to be genuine, elections must have large-scale, informed student participation. The student body must vote for candidates who reflect their views, hold these candidates accountable to the priorities on which they campaigned, and feel empowered enough to run for office themselves.
For students to feel represented and for that representation to be genuine, elections must have large-scale, informed student participation. The student body must vote for candidates who reflect their views, hold these candidates accountable to the priorities on which they campaigned, and feel empowered enough to run for office themselves.