Veishea 1998 is upon us, and the question on every tongue is “What’s going to happen?”

Will the ISU students drink in spite of the pledge? Will all of the planned events go off without a hitch?

The answer to both questions are: yes, probably. But there is a more important question floating around campus.

Will there be a riot?

One could assume that the ISU student body is more intelligent than to jeopardize the future of Veishea by breaking bottles and burning beds in the middle of Welch.

But just in case, here are the top 12 suggestions for those of you planning on rioting.

Drum roll, please.

1. Head to Ames Surplus sometime today to purchase your own, personal gas mask.

2. Listen to Rage Against the Machine or Public Enemy before going out Saturday night.

3. Watch old tapes of the L.A. riots for looting tips.

4. Wear a jacket with lots of pockets. (You need room to store your loot.)

5. Call Mom and Dad to arrange bond in advance.

6. Don’t drive to Welch Avenue, so it’s not your car that is overturned.

7. Carry a nice, clean handkerchief in case your newly bought gas mask fails.

8. Wear extra shirts so you’ll have something to throw into the bonfire.

9. When throwing your shirts into the bonfire, stay away from TV cameras, lest your face is captured for posterity (and the Ames PD).

10. Climb a lamp post to get a better view of the mob.

11. Run to the stadium to beat the cops to the goal posts.

12. Don’t fall into Lake LaVerne on your way to the Knoll.

There you have it. Everything you need to keep your riot experiences enjoyable.

Ridiculous, isn’t it? But with the climate the way it is right now, anything is possible.

So please, don’t riot. The tradition of Veishea, not to mention the lack of all student credibility is not worth it for one night of stupidity.

Regardless of how you feel about the administration right now, whether you’ve taken the pledge or you’re planning to drink anyway, don’t riot. Act responsibly.

Veishea is worth saving. Besides, jail isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.