Bring a mint

James Litz
Production Assistant

      Looking for a little romance in your college life? Or perhaps it is rivalry for which you are searching? If so, you may want to swing by the Kissing Rock, which is positioned directly across from A.F. Siebert Chapel. The rock is a symbol of love and engagement. It is also the target of those who crave power and fame.

      The rock was a gift from the Class of 1913 back on the Carthage, Ill. campus. It was the site of many first kisses for Carthage couples. When the college moved to Kenosha in the mid-1960s, members of the Beta Phi Epsilon fraternity made certain that the rock was transported as well. The Kissing Rock continues to be the site of many marriage proposals, including that of Director of the Carthage Pep Band Matthew Saucedo.

      However, the rock also serves another purpose for this campus: bragging rights. It is the primary target for graffiti, often by students participating in Greek Life on campus. While the rock itself is a two and-a-half ton chunk of granite, its current size is mostly attributed to countless coats of paint. Fraternities and sororities, organizations and floors all war with each other over who will display their proud titles. In fact, according to Carmelo Chimera, '11, ''The only time the rock remained untouched was for several months following September 11, 2001, when the rock was painted with an American flag.''

      Whether you are searching for love, or securing fame, the Kissing Rock is an excellent place to have a bit of fun on campus.

Welcome to the neighborhood

Meeting the stranger in your room

Katelyn Schafernak
Production Assistant

      Spring is long gone, the summer of graduation parties remains a memory and the day you have been waiting for is here. Beginning college is both exciting and nerveracking, however there are certain things you can do to make the transition an easy one. Although it seems obvious, making friends is key to feeling at home and confident at college. Remember the wise words of your parents: everyone feels the same way you do. It can be overwhelming to step into a new school. Fortunately, following these tips will make your social status climb:

* Be outgoing. By simply being active in class and getting to know the other students who sit next to you will make people notice you.

* Go to the floor programs. Your RA has put effort into creating events where you can meet more students. Different floor programs range from having floor eats in the cafeteria to doing an activity together in the lounge.

* Introduce yourself to others on your floor. The tighter the floor, the more comfortable you will feel living there. * Go to the Org Fair. There are many different organizations at Carthage to become active in; the fair offers a chance for you to meet those who are already involved and learn about them. Being in even one campus organization will make your social circle grow.

* Remember their name. When you meet someone try to keep that name with the face. It makes it a lot easier to say ''hi'' the next time you see them on Campus Drive. * Meet them all. By meeting as many people as you can you will find where you truly belong.  Unless you have lived in the same room with a sibling, chances are you are not used to sharing space with someone, especially a stranger.  Although you may not think it now, your roommate may even turn out to be one of your best friends. Here are some helpful hints to having a successful year with your roommate.

* Get to know your roommate. After all, you are living together. Make sure you know basic things, like where he or she are from and what his or her interests are. Who knows, you may have a lot in common.

* Be respectful of his or her space. Just because you like to have a bunch of friends in that tiny room does not mean your roommate does.

* Share the remote. Now that you are living with another person you must make sure that it is okay to use appliances if they are not yours. If it is not your television, make sure your roommate does not oppose what is on.

* Keep communication open. Talk about any situation that may arise so that you are both on the same page.

* Inquire how classes are going. Besides it being a nice gesture, you will learn more about professors and classes that you could eventually have to take yourself.

* Give each other space. Roommates who feel like they need to be glued to each other every moment of the day may eventually irritate each other. It is best to balance your time.

* Understand that everyone is different. Each student at Carthage is unique, having his or her own interests and points of view. Keep your mind open, and you will learn a lot.

Then and now

Carthage through the ages

Steve Vogt
Webmaster

Then (Mid 1970s)            Now

  Best Musician Group  

Best place to eat on campus

Best blockbusters

Price of gas per gallon

Fashionable movement

New Technology