The Oregon Commentator has received a $750 “Balance in Media” grant from the conservative organization, The Leadership Institute. The grant will be used, in part, to complete our computing upgrade.

Thanks L.I.!

This weekend the Commentator received a donation of four computers from Portland-based remote data mirroring firm Miralink. The computers, which had been used in Miralink’s research lab, will combine to provide two systems capable of running Adobe’s Creative Suite with which the Commentator is created (and a couple of “parts boxes” to rust in the front yard). With these new computers, we will be able to ditch the aging g4 and iMac for the new-to-us P4’s from Miralink and a recently-purchased Dual-core monster. Although this does mean that we will now be able to *gasp* simultaneously run Photoshop and InDesign (!), according to Apple’s asinine marketing campaign, it also means that we’ll have to become dull and conventional. Oh Well.

Oh, and we love you Miralink!

Sometimes, in the haze of Winter break, we forget that this moment will come. We forget that our itinerary will soon require us to wake before noon, perform tasks not involving a microwave or XBox, and of course, troop back to our little slice of paradise at EMU 319 for more Commentator slavery. Well, the moment is at hand. Classes start on Monday, and Commentator meetings are set to begin the first week of classes.

We will be gathering to work on business every Tuesday at 6 p.m. at our office on the third floor of the EMU, starting on January 9th. We will be working on the upcoming issue, as well as discussing future issues and ongoing business. Current staff should attend this meeting, or email the Editor in case of a scheduling conflict.

We also encourage anyone who reads and enjoys the Commentator and is interested in helping us out to come by the meeting, or email the Editor at ocomment[at]uoregon.edu. We need help in a number of areas, from reporting to editing, to art and distrobution. We are also looking for candidates to fill leadership positions for next year, so pay some dues now and you just might get to boss people around next year.

Finally, I would like to thank everyone who made fall term so successful for the Commentator, including our writers, artists, editors, advertisers, alumni advisors, and of course, the readers. It is thanks to all of your enthusiasm that we have managed to print three issues this term, more than the Voice and the Insurgent combined (ok, that’s not so impressive). I lift my glass to you all, and ask for your continued support as we try to make your Winter Term a little bit more bearable, one issue at a time.

This Friday, the staff and fans of the Oregon Commentator are invited to a field trip to Mel Gibson’s new movie, Apocalypto. We will be attending the 10:25 pm showing at Cinemark 17 in Springfield, and we encourage anyone interested in enriching their worldview with the wisdom of Mel to attend. The event is strictly BYOF (Bring Your Own Flask), and judging from Mel’s recent work, you will definately need it. Remember, nothing puts ones personal struggles into perspective like the whacked-out visions of neurotic, alcoholic, bat-shit crazy Hollywood stars… and after all, Mel is the reason for the season.

After locking staff into the office at 319 EMU for the weekend, we finally have a brand spanking new issue. Don’t Drink The Kool Aid pays homage to the recent growth of fiscal responsibility in the ASUO with the first Black and White issue of the year. In it, we break down all the myths and madness surrounding the current benchmark debates, and go line by line through the budget to help the PFC make it in under their 2.5% benchmark. For everyone who finds the ASUO immature and amateurish (in other words, everyone), we have an interview with Bill Harbaugh, about his alternate diversity plan and his ethical complaints against Dave Frohnmayer. Oh yeah, and we prove that Dave Frohnmayer lied through his well-preserved teeth in the Daily Emerald. Plus, Leeper tries to get DPS Director Tom Hicks to comment on the recent tasing at UCLA, the return of Not Worthy, and all the usual madness.

As always, please enjoy the Commentator responsibly.

Got those midterm election blues? Overwhelmed by the partisan bickering of petty political hacks? Ask your doctor about the Oregon Commentators Political Smackdown Issue, now available at this fine blog, and coming to boxes around campus next Thursday. In it you’ll find all the OC humor and analysis you’ve come to expect with a healthy dollop of pro-wrestling attitude, and the perfect cure for your apathy… at least untill you’re done reading, after that it’s up to you. Candyass.

As always, please enjoy the Commentator responsibly.

We are having a public meeting at 6:00 Tuesday for anyone interested in contributing to our next issue. The meeting will be held in the Commentator Office, room 319 in the EMU — please bring ideas about the upcoming elections, wedge issues, or whatever is getting your panties in a twist.

We’re going back to the booze!! 465 E14th Ave – 10pm Friday. Come meet the staff, discuss the new issue, and party-party with the Commentator!!

(Leeper will make sure the scrunt ratio is optimal.)

It’s that time again folks… the evenings get cooler, leaves change, bar revenue increases dramatically, and that new Commentator smell hovers on the breeze. Yes, it’s time for another epic Back To The Booze issue.

Brimming with great content like a perfectly pulled Guinness, this issue can not fail to entertain and enlighten. There’s a comprehensive survival guide to your time at the University of Oregon, with advice on everything from how to pick a major, to the legalities behind throwing a rager to becoming a bottom-shelf booze aficionado. As always theere is also a guide to Eugene’s best (and worst) bars. Also, Dolberg fills you in on a little thing we like to call Libertarianism. Plus breaking news on the new War On Douchebags.

Like last issue, we offer our loyal blog followers the first taste of the sweetness… and the first chance to whine about it. Look for the issue in boxes this friday, or just pick one up at the Back To The Booze Release Party this friday evening. Email [email protected] for directions and legal waivers.

As always, please enjoy the Commentator responsibly.

The Oregon Commentator has hit the mainstream by manning a table promoting the magazine in the EMU during the week of welcome. Come by and see us tomorrow around 12-4 and also during the entire first week of school on 13th and University. We’re selling sudsy t-shirts and passing out magazines. Also, Andy Dolberg will be debating college dem’s Ben Lenet tomorrow (Friday) at 1pm for SOS. Location to be announced later.

This has truly been our summer of discontent… untill now. The brand-spankety new Summer Of Free Speech/Taters Issue is finally here to be enjoyed in all its PDF glory. It’s 5 megs of free speech lovin’ just for you! For the broadband-less, start checking the boxes around campus early next week. While you browse the issue, see if you can spot the two photoshop errors, and for bonus points, figure out which one is intentional.

As always, please enjoy the Commentator responsibly. 

It’s been available on stands for four days now, but here’s an optimized .pdf of Hate 2006:

There will be a meeting this Wednesday at 1pm at our office at EMU 319. All staffers are asked to attend, as are all those interested in contributing to our summer issue, or becoming contributers/staffers in the fall. We are looking for columnists, reporters, staff writers, editors, artists, technical advisors, webmasters etc to help keep the Commentator on top of its game. If you like what we do and want to join in on the fun, show up.

I’ve heard people are into the whole “new issues are good” thing. Well, I call that rubbish. Check out Vol 19, Issue 9, for instance… that’s pretty damn solid.
But for those of you who do enjoy new issues, well, here ya go:

Our new issue is finally out. I’d like to thank everyone for helping with the horrible, horrible job of transcribing and checking the four interviews. Anyways, I’m too tired to put something clever in here, so enjoy the issue.