Comics

Corporate Mango by Jon Diotalevi

My Bastard Son by Jon Diotalevi

Lecture Notes by Drew Sumner

Haiku Challenge by Allison Reitz

Industrial Kiwi by Jeff Bogosian

Bunnies by Phuong Huynh

Sudoku

Sudoku is made up of a 9 x 9 playing field with numbers from 1 to 9 scattered throughout. The object of the game is to fill every column, row and 3 x 3 box with the numbers 1 through 9, without repeating any numbers in any given column, row or box.

The difficulty level of the puzzles will change from week to week. Some will be easy. Some will be moderate. Some will make you want to cry. It’s gonna be a grab bag, so hang on.

If you get stuck, the answers can be found here, but don’t give in unless you absolutely cannot do it! What fun is finishing it if you had to cheat?

Horoscopes

ARIES
March 21 – April 19
Wanderlust is making you restless. It would be best for you if you listened to this impulse. A quest that you undertake this week, even if the journey is as short as moving from one side of campus to the other, will prove lucrative. Stay alert or you may miss out on a great adventure!

TAURUS
April 20 – May 20
At this time, it is essential that you do everything in your power to avoid falling into a rut. We all know how easy it is to find your stride and stay inside your comfort zone, rushing forward without noticing that you’re wearing blinders. You must realize that the easy path is seldom the most worthwhile.

GEMINI
May 21 – June 21
A true test of your character will arrive this week. Interesting information will come to you through a questionable source. Who you choose to trust will determine the outcome. Remember that not only what you choose to do defines who you are, but what you refrain from doing as well.

CANCER
June 22 – July 22
Even though you may be feeling mid-winter boredom, trust that you are in a good place this week. Any worries that have been quietly nagging at you in the back of your mind should resolve themselves as long as you keep an open mind. It is important that you not get discouraged if things don’t go your way. Though you may not see it now, it’s all for the best.

LEO
July 23 – August 22
Things will certainly not be boring for you any time in the near future! Your luck will constantly be in flux. If you’re resourceful, an interesting financial situation will present itself to you. Just make sure that you’re not too busy to answer the door for opportunity when it comes knocking.

VIRGO
August 23 – September 22
Towards those who are closest to you, you tend to be an incredibly giving and caring person. While this is not a bad thing, make sure that you don’t find yourself in a state of emotional burnout. You wear many hats at once and, though you don’t always recognize it, they’re all becoming on you. Set aside some time to relax – congratulations for a job well done.

LIBRA
September 23 – October 22
The opportunity for a new relationship will sweep through your life this week. You will make contact with someone with whom you have a deep connection. Make sure that you are in top condition by getting things done well ahead of time. Now is not the time for procrastination and your excellent time management skills will enable you.

SCORPIO
October 23 – November 21
You may not think that advice is your strength, but all ears are on you this week. A procession of souls in need of guidance will beat a path to your door. Though you value your privacy, this week will be an excellent chance for you to repair any broken relationships and strengthen those that are already in good repair. It’s always nice to let people know that you are there for them.

SAGITTARIUS
November 22 – December 21
Despite your strong belief that anything is possible, try to focus on the present this week. It is enjoyable to think about the future, but living for tomorrow forces you to give up today. Striking a happy medium between dream and reality will be your main responsibility this week. If you do, the little things that are here now will shine brighter than any star you’re reaching for.

CAPRICORN
December 22 – January 19
Avoid confrontation by doing your best to go with the flow. There are certainly times when it pays to be stubborn, but learning to choose your battles is an important part of life. You may come across a difficult social situation this week with someone you deeply care about. Be sensitive to the fact that they are trying to figure things out just as you are. Your great compassion will bring you happiness this week.

AQUARIUS
January 20 – February 18
While things may have been running you into the ground lately, now is the time for renewal. Take some time out of your hectic schedule to step back and reflect. Just as no man can cross a river that is constantly overflowing and running too swiftly, no new insight can penetrate a cluttered mind.

PISCES
February 19 – March 20
Your moody nature seems to be getting in the way your relationships yet again. Whether you realize it or not, someone very close to you needs you now more than ever. Ignore your own lows for the time being; helping someone else will help you feel better.

Poetic Perfection

Grace is Gone

By Erica Mann

It’s like flames fracturing a pond
Like a chainsaw cutting down a Weeping Willow
Deleting natural beauty
Destroying a masterpiece
Why does the sun rush down
When the peak of the horizon is right in front of me?
When it’s all you see,
It’s suddenly gone,
Gone in an instant

Riding My Coattails

By Naked Thunder

Little girl tinkles in the midnight hour
Little comes out but she thrusts with power
Confusion circles her head
She knows she should be in bed
Toes crinkle; still no tinkle.
Just as hope begins to fade
A waterfall of relief soon was made
Red Rover, Red Rover
send a new roll of T.P. on over.
When all was said and done
the night went smoothly, like a babies bum.

A Free Man

By Lynnmarie Johnson

You’re dirty
Your ways beyond a norm
The times are directed straight
As you fall off the edges
A free man

If you would like to see your own poetry published in the Torch, email ssarnelli@umassd.edu.