Magnet Central: Weekly Magnet & Campus Fodder

Issue: Overwhelming Construction On Campus Threatening Quality of Life

Date: 9/27/06

Just like every other year since I joined Magnet four years ago, there is ongoing construction somewhere on campus, evidence of how are campus is constantly evolving and expanding to fit more students. The construction on the new Allied Health Building had already cut off access to around half of the grassy knoll, and new construction on the other side of campus has continued the demolition of green space here at UCVTS.

The huge field usually used by Fitness classes for games of Football and Ultimate Frisbee during the Fall had been turned into a dustbowl by the orders of the town of Scotch Plains prior to all of our arrivals on campus in early September. The field was scheduled to be completed, but then the town decided they had a need for irrigation and lighting on the field, so they dug the field up for a second time.

Not only is the dirt bad enough, but now mulch has been placed down on top of the entire field, making the air smell heavily of what most fertilizer is made of, which is not nice to say the least. Now the only open fields on campus are between the UMDNJ, AIT, and Magnet Schools, and on the right side of the grassy knoll, which has been shut down with the exception of the walkway through the middle. There is no longer a spot for large games of Ultimate Frisbee on campus, nor is there a field for Fitness classes to use. While the second construction is not under the control of our administration, it certainly has affected the quality of life on campus. Not only is it affecting the fitness of students currently on campus, but it is helping to negate the efforts of promoting long-term Fitness for life.

One of these days, all construction will be complete. By then I shall probably be finished with my Bachelor's degree.

Kevin

Krieg Korner - Your Weekly Guide to Heavy

Band: Mastodon

Album: Blood Mountain (September 12, 2006)

Genre: Progressive/ Sludge Metal

I have always been a huge fan of Mastodon since their release “Remission” 2002. While back then they had a more sludgy sound, they certainly have evolved. Now with the release of “Blood Mountain” Mastodon has much to prove. While it is only their 3rd full album they have yet to disappoint, bringing equally brilliant, while different works to the public.
The album starts with “The Wolf is Loose,” an amazing display of Brann Dailor’s renowned drumming. A small amount more upbeat than the normal Mastodon song, it still has the essence. “Crystal Mountain” is a definite return to their old sound, more sludge and less progress. While all of the songs are certainly strong, a few standout to me. The first of which is “Sleeping Giant.” The intro is slow a not has heavy as I would expect. The guitars play a duo of odd progressions and is more ambient than anything. It’s melody really does put one to sleep. However, smoothly, yet suddenly, the song transforms into a soaring beat that is a whole new breed of Mastodon, one which I instantly fell in love with. The same dreamy intro is repeated at points throughout the song and ends with a traditional Mastodon narration.
“This Mortal Soil” reflects yet another soft opening. But soon becomes a steady and complex riff that leads into some of Troy Sanders’ best vocal work. The instruments are diverse as usual and the beat keeps one of their toes.
For anyone looking for something heavy but not so much, look for Mastodon. They prove that music does not have to be loud to be heavy, and that sludge can have many progressive elements.

Rating: 8.5/10

Jake "Teh Thor" T