Volume CXXXI, Number 23 April 26, 2002 f

Ritalin magazine hypes up students
SUSAN CULLINEY
STAFF WRITER

Ritalin magazine targets an audience with short attention spans, which includes the majority of students here at Bowdoin. Between the stress of classes and study groups, few students find time for free reading. Co-creators and editors Jay Kang '02 and Eric Goldwyn '03 wanted the magazine to keep its readers' attention, much like the name's medical reference. The stories can easily be read all in one sitting or more sporadically for those with little time or who have problems focusing. The first issue, which came out this past spring break, is an assortment of amusing articles, opinions, reviews of music artists, and interviews. Among the recent proliferation of reading material on this campus, Ritalin is a refreshing alternative to the more political and literary publications.

Michael Chan '05 is engrossed by his edition of Ritalin. (Karsten Moran, Bowdoin Orient)

The highlights of the first issue were interviews with such characters as Uncle Tom, who supplies the campus alcohol, and Bowdoin basketball player Courtney Trotta '04. The magazine even attempted email interviews with movie stars Natalie Portman and Elijah Wood, both of which failed humorously.

The editors enjoy getting out into the greater Maine area in order to carry out these interviews. The next issue, due out next week, includes a piece on a recently assembled Maine female football team. While meant to be read in fun, the piece also deals with serious issues of sexuality and the role of women in our society. Both Jay and Eric want to keep their magazine from becoming heavy-handed, while at the same time he wants to cover real opinions and ideas from real people. The articles and interviews have intent yet remain light-hearted and unintimidating to read.

Jay and Eric are responsible for much of the writing, photos and layout, but welcome written or artistic submissions. They plan to continue production in the fall, and hope to find someone who will continue the magazine after they've both graduated next year.