Talk:Baltimore
Here are all the personal comments forked over from the main page. This is a verbatim copying of the General Info section:
General Info
Baltimore. Well, what everyone says about the lack of traditions is quite true, and it's also true that the RAs are generally very strict, although some RAs may be very, very laid back. In 07.2, flashlights and sleepovers were banned (*gasp*), although with a bit of sneaking around and hiding you could manage to get into each others' rooms. The ban against sleepovers has been removed as of 08.1. Neighboring dorm rooms could also tap messages with Morse Code through the wall. Tylenol, Advil, Aspirin, and Ibuprofen were all confiscated by RA's, but it's handy to stash a few in your pillow or wardrobe just in case. However, there is a vending machine with such medications.
The food was a lot better 07.2 than that of other years, there being French fries, pizza, grilled cheese, hot dogs, pasta, and a sandwich and salad bar everyday. The macaroni and cheese was amazing, but it was terrible in 08.1. The scrambled eggs got runny and goopy though... and the food was basically the same thing every day. There's also a person who serves ice cream.
Dances played sub-par music, much to the dismay of most of 07.2. It is true that a canon is starting up, as far as I know. Song requests have been taken advantage of, with Tunak Tunak Tun being introduced in 08.1. Glowstick raving was also introduced during "Sandstorm" in 08.1.
How to Survive an Illegal Sleepover
Okay, I have been here. It's not too bad, and it may be the strictest, but it's really not as bad as it sounds. The fobs work all the time, at least they did last year (2005); however, TAs patrol it. However, with deception, underground tunnels, and a bit of pad-footing, you can get back to your dorm. There is no canon, as mentioned, but the songs aren't too bad. The quad is pretty good, and there are French fries and hamburgers every day. The dorm rooms are also very nice, with carpets. Plus, there is a whole building for all the boys and one for all the girls, so you don't have to stand by the door to your friend's building and shoot rubber bands at his window usually.
There is one thing JHU is famous for: Benedict! Hi, Benedict/ Zeus, I hope you're reading this, but you probably aren't. I was the friend of that guy you wanted to "run for Benedict next year."
Who is Benedict? He's famous, that's who he is. Why? I don't know. He's famous for being famous. He went around to all the dorms, writing "Benedict Day" on all the holiday calendars for the middle Wednesday. Not much happened on Benedict Day, except for Benedict sneaking up on people and yelling, "Happy Benedict Day!" If you plan on going to JHU, perhaps you should run for Benedict!
But it's no Lancaster; this is like CTY for trainees. If you go to Lancaster your first year, you could drown in the overwhelming tradition! Of course, if you go to Baltimore, you could drown in the overwhelming lack of tradition. -Max K.
Ok, Baltimore may be the strictest site, but during 08.1 there were tons of kids from other countries that you would never have met at other sites. Also, rules are meant for breaking! Finding out ways to break the rules is entertainment unto itself. What other sites have people tapping morse code to talk? What other sites have people looking for underground passageways?
Baltimore is one of the newest sites and we just started bringing back traditions like Passionfruit; we still need more people from tradition heavy sites to come to Baltimore and be a rebel to bring the traditions.
A true CTYer can have fun at any site. -Johnny L.
I second that Johnny, we have gotten our first drag day :) -Liza
I definitely agree - While the administration, strictness, and numerous other factors from above make Baltimore a strict and difficult site, the community almost overcompensates with its unique quirky acceptance of all. the JHU campus is my home. - Amelia Orwant
Also chipping in to say that what doesn't kill you makes you stronger. JHU strictness means that although they are fewer and further apart, there ARE devoted CTYers at JHU, and they are probably the most dedicated ones that you'll ever meet. JHU is indeed no Lancaster (What site is?) but the people here are probably roe intellectually obscure and outright quirky as those of any other site, because they FIGHT for what they believe in and through doing so, truly endorse CTY culture. This also means that any thing that bends or breaks the rules (from staying up until 11pm to getting locked in steam tunnel) is treasured and marveled as an act of ultimate sculduggery. And besides, although JHU admin is definitely getting better (*touches wood*) their screw-ups and strange restriction act as great debate starters.Also what's mentioned about diversity is very true. As an English international student myself, I can say that you'll meet kids from absolutely EVERYWHERE and interested in EVERYTHING. JHU offers the largest course catalog and is the "fatherland" site, making it a common destination for students from overseas or students looking for more difficult or specialized classes. JHU had even had international position holders crowned, which no other site has done (myself as Empress in 22.1 and Kathlyn Archibald-Drew who was crowned, but unable to claim the title of 18.2 Empress) and has seen some absolute LEGENDS in and out of academia. There are band of kids that may as well get job interviews with google, as they rock the world whilst being accompanied by the NY philharmonic.
Oh, P.S: I've always loved and advocated JHU culture, to the best of my ability, and have had my fair number of exploits (including the kidnapping of 2 staff shirts and 16 staff lanyards), so if you want to talk ANYTHING CTY, hit me up. My inbox is always open whether I'm 18 or 80 when you read this. ~Switch 18:57, 1 September 2022 (EDT)
--Lietk12 01:12, 15 June 2009 (PDT)
