In 2002, several Grad students were very upset with the lack of orientation passed onto the frosh during Orientation week. They decided to write a publication which would try and help educate the frosh on certain things that are less than official and not affiliated in any way with Waterloo Engineering.
Some friends and I were disappointed about the lack of things like the Plummer’s hymn and BOAT racing in the frosh handbook. Since we couldn’t mention things like “beer” in songs, we came up with some “alternate” lyrics. We had an idea for a second issue the week after, and then it just sort of became a thing for a year or so.
A total of 34 Enginoods were created between 2002 and 2003 with the tagline “We ain’t affiliated with nobody.” These weekly publications started off as an educational tool and turned into a less-than-politically-correct satire newsletter poking fun at certain things happening within engineering.
The first issue contained such things as information and rules of BOAT racing, a guide on how to make a batch and several stanza’s of Lady Godiva’s Hymn. After the Frosh week issue, it quickly turned into a satirical newsletter, featuring adjusted comics, word puzzles, and illusions as random filler when there wasn’t enough content to fill the standard four pages. The articles often commented on currents events happening within engineering and came up with witty engineering related lists and fake tips to succeed. They also solicited content and feedback from students and often commented on random emails they would receive. This publication was unofficial in nature and was not meant for everyone, however most of the humour, although vulgar was amusing from time to time.
Continuing traditions such as Andre’s, A-Soc and B-Soc rivalries, Nutsy running for President, interdepartmental jokes and the reputation of local bars were frequently mentioned and are very similar to the way they are today. Overall, things cannot be expected to have changed that much over the past decade but with a five-year turnover rate (for most people) some of these things can easily be forgotten. Even the ’noods themselves have not been forgotten with various editions popping up around Frosh week, some years being far more tasteful then others. I enjoyed reading through the issues and hope that the traditions outlined in the ’noods can continue for years to come using a new medium to transfer them to the future.
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