Comics

Corporate Mango by Jon Diotalevi

Haiku Challenge by Allison Reitz

Lecture Notes by Drew Summer

Incredible Edibles by Jon Diotalevi

Bird Talk by Stephanie Luz

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
You may notice that you have more acquaintances that are becoming closer to friends and friends that are becoming a second family. Right now, you are in a phase where your respect for others shines brightest. This is a positive time in your life and, by relying on and nurturing these meaningful connections, a wealth of powerful experiences will be coming to you.

TAURUS
April 20 – May 20
With the gradual change of seasons comes the gradual change of fortune. A remarkable amount of good luck is on its way. Through careful analysis of situations, you may find that you have much to gain from a lucrative financial situation. Remember to be open to new, radical ideas for now is the time for you to take a gamble in life.

GEMINI
May 21 – June 21
Ever heard of the phrase “Que sera sera?” Sometimes clichés are true. Trying to fight the waves of fate is not the best choice for you at this time. Though you may be in an uncomfortable place and searching for some solace, you have to face this difficult period on your own. Fighting the good fight will lead you to some important and personal revelations.

CANCER
June 22 – July 22
Have a problem that’s been constantly plaguing your mind? Now is the time to simply let it go. Situations have a tendency to simply work themselves out when left to their own devices. An intriguing social situation in the forthcoming week will put you at ease and prove to be an interesting opportunity for a new relationship.

LEO
July 23 – August 22
While it’s good to be an open individual, ready and willing to talk about anything, sometimes you need to be discreet. Secret, unknown forces are in motion around you, and they are seeking to see your cards before they’ve been played. If you’re not careful, they may take the upper hand. Pay attention to your dreams for important clues.

VIRGO
August 23 – September 22
A slow, difficult period is upon you, and you must face this trial alone. While friends and family would like to help you, this is a decision you must make and a path that you must walk by yourself. There is a great sense of reward in choosing your own path. Do not be afraid to make important decisions. Win or lose, at least you can say that you tried.

LIBRA
September 23 – October 22
Moderation is one of your greatest strengths and it is prudent that you make use of that skill. Avoid taking unnecessary risks for a while. Though there are times for personal growth, there are also times of stasis in life. Staying away from radical changes for a while will improve your happiness with the way they are now and allow you to appreciate change in the future.

SCORPIO
October 23 – November 21
People around you can sometimes be wholly oblivious to difficulties that you are experiencing. This would explain any neglect that you are experiencing in your relationships. It is important that you act in your own best interest and take care of yourself. Putting some space between you and everyone else for a while will allow you to reevaluate your situation.

SAGITTARIUS
November 22 – December 21
We receive numerous gifts each day from those around us. How willing are you to give to others something in return? The most important gift that you can give someone is your time. Try talking to someone new or suspending judgment on someone about whom you typically make assumptions. Act selflessly this week and you will find something that you’ve been missing.

CAPRICORN
December 22 – January 19
Have you come upon a set of seemingly insurmountable difficulties lately? Try not to worry so much. The road may be bumpy at times, but you will eventually get where you’re going. If you have plans that seem stalled, know that they will pick up again soon. Keep in mind that the only judgment you should truly rely on is your own.

AQUARIUS
January 20 – February 18
The comforts of being at peace in your surroundings this week will prove essential. Make sure that your living space suits your current personality. There’s nothing wrong with a space that looks “lived-in.” Being yourself starts in the home, and self-expression will attract an interesting array of visitors.

PISCES
February 19 – March 20
Sick of winter? Worry not for spring is coming, and with it the opportunity for new beginnings. If you’ve been thinking of starting a new project of any kind, now is the time to do so. With dedication and nurturing, your ideas will flourish with the budding trees. Your creative energies are at their peak and your dreams will be unstoppable.

Poetic Perfection

One hit too many

By Erica Mann

Before I knew it,
I’m in an ice-cold igloo all alone.
Shivering and shaking uncontrollably as I sit,
Reflecting on my life.
I pause; I hear the lyrics before my ears,
“Now I’m sitting in this empty house, just reminiscing…”
I change the song; it’s too much for me.
Better yet, I hear,
“All of my dreams seemed like castles in the sky”

Trying to ignore, whatever I did, no way out.
Looking to talk to someone I wont bore,
But all I could do was shout.
Finding myself trapped,
As I’m anxiously sitting bitter, tightly strapped,
Too much on my mind,
Paranoia beyond belief.
Nothing in myself I could find.
This night wont ever end; in anything but grief.

Keep me, but leave

By Shara Marie

Keep dangling my breakable heart
from that unbreakable thread of yours.
My heart’s breaking apart;
eventually, it’ll fall away to the cold floor.

You won’t let me go,
but you don’t want to love me.
You don’t want to see me cry, though
you stand there staring, telling me
of my beauty that you see.
How unfair it is to string me along,
dragging out the possibility of me moving on.

Keep me hidden away in case that day
you find use of what’s left of me.
It doesn’t matter what you say,
until you take your vacillating love and leave,
my brokenhearted soul will not heal.

Let’s just get this over with

Disgust

By Malissa Vieira

I’m reveling in your demise
It’s quite alright ‘cause I despise
Your lack of poise, your needless spite
I’ve told you once, it’s quite alright

You nauseate and make me ill
You’re super sloppy and you spill
Beer in hair along with dress
You’re such a fool, no one’s impressed

So drink up love, while there’s still time
Since when is being smashed a crime?
But do beware ‘cause word travels fast
Of a girl whose exploits are unsurpassed.

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