Comics

A Rebuttal by Drew Summer

Lecture Notes by Drew Summer

Haiku Challenge by Allison Reitz

Happy Place by Mike DeCruz

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
Though you may not realize it, your strong personality and opinionated nature doesn’t appeal to everyone. While it’s good to be yourself, try toning down your fire just a little bit. People tend to like a warm glow. Calm down your raging inferno a little bit; you may be surprised at who you can meet.

TAURUS
April 20 – May 20
Indulge in some creature comforts this week. Take some time to relax and enjoy life. It’s easy to keep plodding on, and classes may seem overwhelming. You can probably afford to take some time off, though, and enjoy a night on the sofa with a good book or a new movie. Get around to something new on your to-do list. Your mind will thank you for the fresh stimulation and your productivity will increase overall.

GEMINI
May 21 – June 21
Do your best this week to let things go. Some controversial topics of conversation will arise, and though you may not agree with group consensus, remember that it isn’t all about you. Opinions are nice but they’re personal. Try to see things from another angle. You’ll appreciate having seen another point of view later.

CANCER
June 22 – July 22
Your creativity is at its peak this week, so be sure to take advantage of it. No matter what your medium, you will be sure to turn out something worthy. Don’t let your own criticism and doubt get in the way, though. Be sure to ask others for their opinions on your work. They can see genius where you can only see flaws.

LEO
July 23 – August 22
Try not to overbook yourself this week. Though you are a social animal by nature, you may be neglecting important relationships by spreading yourself too thin. While it’s good to be a social butterfly, be sure that you’re not too busy to listen. Let your sensitive side shine through.

VIRGO
August 23 – September 22
Though it’s easy to remain comfortable, continuously doing what you know and like, now is the time for change. When was the last time that you tried something new? Don’t spend too much time making a list of pros and cons and weighing the options. Just dive right in and enjoy the ride. There’s a lot of fun just waiting for you!

LIBRA
September 23 – October 22
While it may be difficult, you need to keep in mind that sometimes people need to fight their own battles. You enjoy helping people, especially when it comes to fixing relationships, but not everyone has your superior insight. The best way to show someone that you love them is to let them go. Support their independence, even if you don’t support their choices.

SCORPIO
October 23 – November 21
Everyone loves a winner, but you might not be getting the most out of life by constantly coming out on top. You can learn just as much from a mistake as you can from success. It’s okay if you can’t catch all of the things that you’re juggling. Have the presence of mind to ask the people closest to you for help; they’ll be glad to assist you.

SAGITTARIUS
November 22 – December 21
Though you may be feeling trapped in some of your relationships, do not follow your instinct to turn tails and run. While it may seem easy to walk away from problems, walking away does not make them go away. Take some time to sit down and talk things through. All is not lost.

CAPRICORN
December 22 – January 19
Despite your best efforts, your organization and time management skills seem to be slipping a little. This has left you feeling exhausted. The best cure for this exhaustion, besides rest, is to step back and prioritize. Try making a list of all the things that have been causing you stress. You’re being affected by more things than you even realize, and you may find relief in simply acknowledging them.

AQUARIUS
January 20 – February 18
You are getting sick of this cold weather. Thankfully, spring break is right around the corner. Take a road trip with your friends down south where it is warmer.

PISCES
February 19 – March 20
An interesting social situation will leave you feeling confused and intrigued this week. Don’t just let it go! Be sure to follow up on any leads that you find. This is your week to play detective. You may not be able to unravel the mysteries of the universe, but you can learn interesting things just by paying a little extra attention.

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