Volume 65, Issue 7 by ESF Knothole

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April, 1 2011

Volume 65, Issue 7

G n i r sp e r e h is Permaculture: A New Way of Thinking pg. 9

DIY: Dandelion Wine pg. 16 pg. 5

Lumberjack Roundup pg. 14

SLOW FOOD SHOUTOUT © Rick Nelson

pg. 4-5

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is the State University of New York College of Environmental Science & Forestry’s exclusive monthly student publication. The contents of the publication include recent and upcoming event coverage, interviews, editorials, opinion articles, political cartoons, artwork, poetry, club announcements, and much more. SUNY-ESF students are able to make submissions at The Knothole office in 12D Bray Hall (BraySpace) or by email at esfknothole@gmail.com before 6:00PM on Tuesdays the week before the next issue is published. The

Knothole meets every other Thursday at 6PM in the basement of Bray Hall. If you are interested in attending, please send us an email at esfknothole@ gmail.com so we can expect you! Editor-in-Chief Rose Dillman Layout & Design Jennifer Louie Alice Gallagher Rick Nelson Betty Jo Roby Editorial Staff Hilary Anne Coppola Heather Helman Advisor Khris Dodson Printer Scotsman Press

he mission of The Knothole is to provide its readers with writings that are both stimulating and contemporary: to inform its students of clubs, events, and off-campus happenings, to challenge a world driven by progress to uncover the truth about current environmental policies and innovations, and to express such ideas, ingeniously and collectively. We are not a newspaper; we are not a magazine; we are not The Daily Orange. We are simply created by Stumpies, for Stumpies... and we like it that way. The views and opinions expressed are those of the writers only and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publication’s staff or anyone affiliated with the State University of New York College of Environmental Science & Forestry.

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Letter From The Editor

Hey Stump-a-lumps…

While our nation continues fracking under the pressures of capitalism (p. AD) and oppressed peoples of other nation’s fight tyrant rulers to demand justice and human rights at the expense of their lives (p. Libya), the folks at saveourplanet.org would like you to take a moment and contemplate the environmental benefits of eating a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. That’s right; April 2nd marks an important landmark in the environmental movement. Oh wait; you haven’t heard the revolutionary news? Why it’s National PB&J Day! And according to their campaign, “A plant-based lunch like a PB&J saves about 2.5 pounds of greenhouse gas emissions, 130 gallons of water, and 24 square feet compared to the average American lunch.” Screw Paul Ehrlich and his doom and gloom antics. You’re tellin’ me I can just waltz into Wegmans and not only buy my way out of maxed carrying capacity, but eat through collapse too? Guess there’s no need for Earth Week! Scrap the budget, the calendar (p.3 ), the whole dog-andpony show. Spend it all on PB&Js! And now for something completely different. . . So long ESF. This will be my last issue as LadyChief. Our next and final issue of the 2010-2011 school year will introduce to you our new team of Knotholers. Taking the editorial reigns will be Sean Fagan and Heather Helman, with the help of Creative Editor Hilary Anne-Coppola, and starring the kick-ass layout duo: Jenn Louie & Alice Gallagher, with special guest, the always lovely Frannie Monasterio as suga momma/Ad slinger/treasure keeper. In the wise words of my favourite man to ever live, “The time you enjoy wasting . . . was not wasted.” College. What a wonderful waste of time! Stay classy SUNY-ESF, Roseann Catherine Dillman

Inside Issue 7:

April Calendar of Events ............................................................ p3 Sustainability Section Slow Foods ........................................................ p4/p5 Spring is Here: Red Robins.......................................p5 World News .......................................................................... p6/p7 CNY Blooms .............................................................................. p8 App of the Month! Nat Geo for the iPad ................................ p8/p9 Sprouting of Permaculture in Syracuse ....................................... p9 Around the Quad: Festival of Places ........................................ p10 Snow Day .................................................. p10 Upcoming Events ....................................... p11 SOS club .................................................... p11 Health & Wellness: GOP Redefines Rape .................................. p12 Hike of the Month: ADKs ........................... p13 Lumberjack Round-Up ............................................................. p14 Syracuse Theater Review: The Miracle Worker .......................... p15 MindSpill ................................................................................ p16

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Club Meeting Times • Alchemist Society: every other Monday 5:30pm, 331 Jahn Laboratory • Alpha Xi Sigma: every other Wednesday 5:30pm, 315 Bray Hall • Baobab Society: Wednesdays 3:30pm, 12 Bray Hall • Bob Marshall Club: every other Wednesday 7:00pm, 110 Marshall Hall • Empire Forester:

Thursdays 4:30-5:00pm, 12 Bray Hall • Environmental Resources Engineering Club (ERE): every other Wednesday 4pm, 432 Baker Laboratory • Environmental Studies Student Organization (ESSO): Tuesdays 6:00pm, 19 Moon Library • GCI: Thursdays 7:00pm, 19 Moon Library

• Music Society: Fridays 5:30pm, 12 Bray Hall • Primitive Pursuits Club: Fridays 3pm, the Quad • SEEC: every other Monday 5pm, Moon Library • SUOC: Tuesdays 7:30pm, 207 Hall of Languages • Wildlife Society: every other Thursday 5:30pm, 111 Marshall Hall

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SUSTAINABILITY

The Organic Paradox of Syracuse, N.Y. Heather Helman, 2013

o kick off this spring’s growing sea- their CSA programs, because it is a rela- in upcoming years due to a physical lack of son, as well as the growing demand tively cost-effective and simple way to get infrastructure to handle the skyrocketing for CSA (Community Supported Agricul- fresh, organic produce. Additionally, the demand. Clearly, there is a market in exture) groups in Central New York, Slow farmers themselves don’t have to bother istence for organic produce. However, our Food CNY and the Northeast Organic going to the market and trying to compete city’s food and farming systems are not yet Farming Association of New York (NOFA- with the lower prices of conventional retail- ready to handle the recent increases in deNY) recently held a CSA fair right here in ers, since those that want the organic pro- mand for healthy, sustainable food. What Syracuse. With only about 6 farms in at- duce can just seek out the CSA programs can you do? Jamie, NOFA-NY’s presitendance, the fair was dent, spoke to small, but there was me about the no shortage of enimportance of thusiasm about both learning about organic produce and where your spreading the word food comes about CSA farms and from and how how they operate. organic farms I spoke with work. He enJamie, the president couraged anyof NOFA-NY, about one to head out his views on the orto a local farm ganic food industry on a Saturday and why CSAs are a afternoon, to great option for those get your hands seeking out organic dirty and reconproduce. When asked nect with the why the CNY Regional land. AccordFarmer’s Market only ing to him, it’s a has one vendor selling rare farmer who organic produce, he http://honestinfomercialreviews.com/home/plant-and-garden/organic_garden/ will turn away explained to me that it a volunteer, and is next to impossible for organic farmers to themselves. In many ways, it’s a win-win you’ll learn something about your food in compete with the prices regular farmers of- for both the farmers and the consumers. the process. To him, eating food is as intifer at the market. To demonstrate this dif- Yet the small number of local or- mate as having sex. With that kind of attiference, he told me that wholesale vendors ganic farmers amid the rising demand for tude, it astounds him that so many people are able to sell something like a late season organic produce here in Syracuse could be- are alright with simply not knowing or bushel of tomatoes for $9. A bushel of to- come a problem. As of March 19th, the day caring where their food is from or what it’s matoes from his own organic farm would of the CSA fair, the few other local farmers made of. Slow Food CNY and NOFA-NY be closer to $45, due to a variety of reasons- who may have attended the fair simply seek to reconnect people with the food they more intensive machine-free labor, more didn’t bother because they had already put into their bodies, with simple, healthy, expensive organic seeds, etc. However, this almost sold out their CSA shares for the local ingredients. It’s a novel idea. Think is where the concept of a CSA comes in. upcoming season. Additionally, I was told about it. The organic farms around Syracuse have that a few of the farms in attendance would experienced rapidly growing demand for be taking a break from the CSA programs

Slow Food Praises from Fast Food Nation Author Caroline Savage, M.P.S. Environmental Studies 2011

ccording to Eric Schlosser, environmentalism is yesterday’s movement. And you might be surprised to learn how what the new movement is. “40 years ago, a whole new form of pollution began to spread in this country, and it entered people’s bodies,” said Schlosser,

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addressing hundreds of people in Syracuse University’s Hendricks Chapel. “40 years ago, protests were about the sustainability of our environment. Now we’re protesting about the sustainability of our food system.” The author of New York Times

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best-seller Fast Food Nation spoke on March 1st about the dramatic transformation of modern food production, consumption, and advertising that began after the Second World War. Schlosser described the evolution of a system where every component is disposable: the land that grows

our food, the animals we eat, and the people who work to bring produce and poultry from factory farm to fast food tray. The success of the modern food industry, Schlosser said, is contingent upon our ignorance of how it operates. “[They] didn’t want you to know what was happening, and they still don’t want you to know. They just want you to buy it.” Schlosser traced the plight of hogs, cattle, and chickens that spend their entire lives in cages barely large enough to allow any motion, where manure is allowed to accumulate to knee-height. The meatpacking workers at these facilities have some of the lowest paying jobs in the nation, as do the fast-food workers serving Happy Meals at the other end of the system. As a result of corporate domination of the food system, Schlosser says, what was once one of the world’s fittest nations has now become one of the least healthy. Not only are obesity and chronic illness rates higher since the proliferation of McDonalds, Taco Bell, and KFC; so are

rates of depression and eating disorders. Despite such dismal news, Schlosser called the movement for a sustainable food system the leading movement on college campuses today, and sees us as part of the solution: “All of the solutions to these problems can be found right here, in Syracuse…if you care to look.” -Indeed, no fewer than three community organizations came to the lecture early to distribute flyers and information about eating humanely, eating locally, and eating healthily. While Schlosser lauded local efforts to reclaim the food system, he criticized both the environmental and food movements for under-emphasizing social justice. “A food system based on poverty and exploitation can never be sustainable,” he said, while urging the audience to get involved in the food movement. “It’s about your health, your family’s health, and the health of society around you. They’re all connected.”

Here are a few resources readers might be interested in: Syracuse Animal Rights Organization www.syracuseanimalrights.blogspot.com Syracuse Real Foods Co-op www.syracuserealfood.coop Ethics of Eating Conference Coming Fall 2011, this conference will use local resources to explore food issues from ethical, ecological, psychological, spiritual, and sociological vantage points. It’s still being planned, so anyone who wants to get involved before it happens can. ethicsofeatingconference.wordpress.com Go see the SU Nutritionist SU Nutritional Services, 315-443-9884 Syracuse Grows www.syracusegrows.org

Spring is Here: Fashionably Early Hilary-Anne Coppola, 2011

“W

hat’s that bird- it’s black, with red on its wings?” My sisterin-law Mary asks me, as we look out the big living room window at the frenzy of feathered colours in the birch trees. The bird isn’t there anymore, so I have to think. “It wasn’t a passerine, a song bird?” I ask. “It must have been a red-winged blackbird.” I can’t believe they’re back so early, all ready to nest in the field of long grass on the back hill. We stand for a while and watch the faithful birds, the ones that still visit our suet and sunflower seeds during the winter: red-bellied woodpeckers, downies and hairies too, chickadees, gold finches (the males still drab in their winter gear, not yet living up to their name), titmouses, nuthatches… Watching the year-round birds, I am willing to live in denial for a bit, ‘til I see the male red-winged myself. I guess I shouldn’t be so surprised. Three weeks ago I saw a flock of about twenty robins, still skinny from their journey here. The snow is

melting, leaving fearfully in the face of Spring winds and rain. Crocuses, snowdrops, daffodils and irises are spearing through dense mats of dead leaves, forgetfully left on the ground last Autumn. But those flowers like to come through even when the snow is still here, I reassure myself, giving worried looks to the ever diminishing crusts of black snow lining well-salted roads. I don’t want to revel too much in the reappearance of grass, just in case it’s too early to think snow has given up its grasp for good. The lilacs out the back door are growing tender shoots and buds, decorating the blunt end of branches that are still recovering from Dad’s pruning last year. I’m fearful for those masses of tiny purple flowers, still unborn. What if they come out of the womb too early, like last year? They could again meet an early end as the new boughs are weighed down by late, unexpected Spring snow. The forest streams are also insisting that the verdant season is

here. Spring rains have already flooded some meandering streams, creating flat sheets of muddy water that spread around lowlands of trees, covering the bent dead grasses, submerging roads. The hill behind Sky’s house is full of tumbling rocky currents, so loud in their swollen joy. I’m glad I have my waterproof boots when hikes take us into areas where the streams have leaped over the banks. I suppose I’ll admit defeat. Spring is really here, for now. It has arrived early, as people that pay attention to the rhythm of the seasons will know. It seems that each year, things become more unpredictable, and less like they were. Though we joy in the first signs of growth after dormancy, we can’t forget to be aware and protective of the natural world, the birds and flowers that now must rely on us to maintain the regularity of the seasons they depend on.

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WORLD NEWS

An Odyssey Worth Making

Libya and the Responsibility to Protect Kathryn Ryan, 2011

On March 17 2011, the United Nations Security Council adopted Resolution 1973, which authorized the international community to establish a no-fly zone and use all necessary means to protect the civilian population of Libya. The Resolution, which was adopted with ten supporting votes and five abstentions, demands that Muammar Gaddafi’s regime end its violent crackdown on protesters and opposition forces within Libya by implementing an immediate ceasefire. An international coalition, currently under the authority of General Carter Ham of the United States, is enforcing a no-fly zone over Libya under the code name Operation Odyssey Dawn. While regime change is not part of the official objective of Odyssey Dawn, it is likely that the enforcement of a no-fly zone in Libya will be a crushing blow to the Gaddafi government, a regime whose reign of terror has plagued Libya and the world for decades. Jason Michael Coker was a gifted student with a passion for global issues. While at Syracuse he co-founded World Watch, the Syracuse University international current affairs club. Jason inspired almost everyone he met and it was clear that he had a bright future ahead of him, but he would never get the opportunity to show the world his potential. On the December 21, 1988 the plane carrying Jason Michael Coker, his twin brother and 33 other Syracuse University students was shot out of the sky over Lockerbie Scotland, three days before Christmas. We will never really know why the bombing of Pan Am 103 was carried out, but the world is well aware of who is responsible. For more than two decades after the Lockerbie Bombing, Muammar Gaddafi has acted with impunity as he continued to extinguish the lives of the innocent, ordering the murders of political dissidents, liberal-minded students and an untold

number of civilians. Gaddafi responds to opposition the only way he knows how, with brutal force. On February 17, 2011, citizens throughout Libya took to the streets demanding the resignation of their belligerent dictator Muammar Gaddafi, who took office in 1969 just a decade after the British Government pulled out of its North African colonies. The citizens of Benghazi, Libya established a provisional government that they hope will serve as a catalyst to the establishment of a national Libyan democracy. The Libyan people were demanding something they have been denied since the onset of western imperialism in Africa: democracy. Most young Libyans believed that if they stood together they would be able to peacefully overthrow the dictator, who had been sucking the life out of Libyan development for decades. They had hoped that, like the Egyptians, they could take down a tyrant without firing a single shot. They were wrong. Desperate to hold on to power, Gaddafi quickly broke apart protesters in Tripoli, the nation’s capital, by sending thugs and mercenaries (largely from other African nations) to massacre the crowds gathered peacefully in the city. Gaddafi then ordered the bombing of opposition strongholds. When his soldiers refused to fire on their own people, Gaddafi ordered their execution and imported paid mercenaries to carry out these crimes against humanity. Libya is a geographically large nation with a population of just over six million people. Over the past month Gaddafi’s reign of terror has left at least 5,000 people dead, according to the New York Times, and has created more than 250,000 internally and externally displaced refugees. After the Security Council voted to establish a no-fly zone, Gadhafi announced an immediate ceasefire. However, eyewitness

accounts from opposition territories contradict Gadhafi’s claim. CNN has confirmed that at least 28 people were killed and hundreds more wounded during the first day of the “ceasefire” in the opposition stronghold city of Misrata. Gadhafi has repeatedly claimed that Operation Odyssey Dawn is an imperialistic invasion of a sovereign nation and is therefore a violation of international norms. However, given the clear evidence that Gadhafi has consistently violated the basic human rights of his citizens and has committed crimes against humanity, the Security Council was justified under Chapter VII of the United Nation’s Charter which gives the Security Council the power to “determine the existence of any threat to the peace” and to maintain that peace. All capable members of the international community, specifically its most powerful members, have a responsibility to ensure the safety of global citizens. Critics of the United States’ leadership role in Operation Odyssey Dawn claim that the mission of the operation is undefined. They fear this could lead to mission creep, the uncontrollable expansion of the mission beyond its original goal, which is argued to have been the case in Iraq. However, mission creep is far less likely to occur in Libya because the mission is in fact clearly defined by the Security Council: it is a mission to protect civilians from Gadhafi’s attacks. The mission in Iraq, régime change, was far more intrusive. By standing up to Gadhafi, the people of Libya have shown the world that they are capable of self-determination. Operation Odyssey Dawn is not aimed on imposing a new government on Libya, instead it is opportunity to give the Libyan people a chance to choose their own destiny.

Anti-War Speech

Local Protests Connect to National Issue Michele Maciejewski

ight years after the US invaded Iraq, dissenting opinions about the American military’s invasion are still in dispute. On Friday March 18th, the

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Syracuse Peace Council staged a protest of the United States’ action against the Iraqi government outside of the Federal Building in downtown Syracuse. Around

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40 members of the council attended the early morning demonstration carrying signs and singing songs. The demonstration was sched-

WORLD NEWS uled on the eve of the 8th Anniversary of and justice organization in the United the U.S.’s intervention in Iraq. For many, States,” according to council member March 19, 2003 is a devastating date that Rae Kramer, the coalition has relied on marked the start of countless lives lost, the First Amendment’s protection of the trillions of dollars spent, and war for un- right to voice dissent since 1936. The clear reasons. The demonstrators carried Peace Coalition’s mission is significantly signs with phrases like “No blood for oil” different from the Westboro Church, and “Get out of Iraq.” focusing more on restoring the balance Just weeks before the Peace between the value of human life with the Council’s latest demonstrations, the Su- nation’s economic interest rather than preme Court had made a decision to al- any religious or ideological ideas, but the low activists to protest at military funer- two organizations’ means for expression als. Members of the Westboro Baptist are the same. Church of Topeka, Kansas have been “Even hurtful speech needs to picketing at military funerals for over 20 be protected,” says Rae Kramer. Kramer years. On March 10, 2006, church mem- seeks to remind people that during the bers staged a demonstration outside the Bush Administration’s time in office, memorial service for Marine Lance Cor- news outlets were not allowed to show poral Matthew Snyder, who was killed in images of soldiers’ coffins coming home active duty in Iraq a week before. from war. This shielded the public from The Westboro demonstrators seeing the human costs of the war. Kramare known for their anti-war, anti-ho- er connects this to a positive outcome of mosexuality message and particularly the trial. The “country doesn’t really feel denounce the military’s tolerance of ho- like we’re in a war,” says Kramer, because mosexuals serving in the armed forces. it doesn’t intrude on out personal lives Church Minister Fred Phelps, many of the way older wars such as World War his family members, and members of II did. Kramer, who has become more the Westboro congregation gathered 1,000 feet outside of the building where Snyder was being remembered. Participants in the demonstration carried signs displaying phrases such as “Thank God for Dead Soldiers” and “God Hates Fags.” After the conclusion of the funeral, Marine Lance Corporal Snyder’s father, Albert Snyder, filed action against members of Westboro Church Source: http://www.syracuse.com/poststandard/ for “intentionally inflicting emotional active in the Peace Council since retiring distress” and defamation, among other from her career in social work, said that reasons, according to a memo from the media coverage of the trial has at least Supreme Court case. reminded the public about U.S. military After several years and many action in the World. appeals, the case was finally decided on From a law perspective, the March 2, 2011 with an 8-9 decision in biggest concern is protecting dissent favor of Minister Phelps and Westboro and public debate in the US. BuffaloBaptist Church. The Supreme Court based First Amendment lawyer, Joseph Justices stated that while the speech Finnerty and Syracuse-based lawyer Elmay have been offensive and harmful to len Kimatian Eagen, agree with Kramer’s some, the right to express anti-military position on free speech. Finnerty says, and anti-gay messages is protected free that once “reasonable time and place respeech under the First Amendment. strictions are in place and somebody fol While not directly connected, lows them, I don’t believe the content of this decision is important to the Syracuse the speech can be controlled.” Peace Council. As the “oldest local peace Eagen, however, believes the

constraints on the time and place of the protests should be more strictly regulated to minimize emotional distress. “In a situation like this, I would be very, very careful in allowing them to have their speech, but to do it in a way that would not interfere with this particular event,” says Eagen. For members of the Peace Council, who have encountered their own obstacles in maintaining their rights to free speech, the Supreme Court’s decision will set a precedent that protects this fundamental and essential component of the organization’s activities. Peace Council staff member and active protester, Ursula Rozum, values the ability to demonstrate and have free speech. “It’s important that we have it and use to challenge the injustices committed by the US government against innocent people overseas, whether it’s in Iraq, Afghanistan, Yemen, Pakistan, and now Libya,” says Rozum. The Peace Council expresses its viewpoints in a wide variety of ways. Rozum herself runs a spring and summer bike workshop program called “Bikes 4 Peace,” that teaches bike mechanics and sends restored bikes to undeveloped communities. Additionally, Kramer helps organize the Plowshares Crafts Fair in early December, which offers the community an alternative market for purchasing gifts that supports local businesses and raises the majority of the Peace Council’s operating budget. There are also numerous other opportunities to participate in antiwar and other social justice activities, as well as videos of the demonstrations, listed on the group’s website, http://www. peacecouncil.net. The ‘Peace Council’ serves as an alternative voice in Central New York,” says Kramer. The recent Supreme Court decision has allowed this organization along with numerous other social justice groups throughout the country to continue voice their opinions, no matter if their opinions differ from the mainstream. As Kramer said, “A healthy, vibrant democracy is one where people are challenging ideas all the time.”

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Syracuse Blooms after a Long Winter BettyJo Roby

n early March, a month characterized by cloudy gray skies and wet snows in central New York, CNY Blooms turned one auditorium green. This was the event’s fifth year and took place at the Oncenter Complex at the War Memorial right here in Syracuse. Visitors were greeted by spring flowers and trees, a breath of spring air after an especially snowy central New York winter. C N Y Blooms had a little bit for everyone: landscaping displays for gardening enthusiasts, arts and crafts for those interested in beautifying the insides of their homes, children’s activities for young families, free apples for hungry visitors, even a “Ladies Night Out” fashion show. Several landscapers’ installations were set up to look like back yards, integrating a variety of typical spring blossoms, such as tulips and daffodils with lawn chairs, walkways, fire pits, fountains, and even gazebos. Some were a little bit more creative: a crashed UFO and tiny alien were featured in one display, cardboard and wooden animals were included in oth-

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ers. Ballantine Gardens went so far as to install grass to walk on in the area around their flower beds and included signs discussing incorporating animal habitat services in landscaping. Aside from the landscaping displays, many local vendors also brightened the room. Some of these were obviously connected to the theme of gardening or landscaping: Garden Center of CNY, Men’s Garden Club of Syracuse, and Syracuse Rose Society. Some booths sold seeds, small houseplants, or freshly cut flowers or stalks of fresh pussy willow, allowing visitors to bring something green home with them. Some were less obviously connected to the theme of the event, such as the Skaneateles Artisans who sold artwork and jewelry. The keynote speaker of the event was Kerry Ann Mendez, owner of Perenially Yours in Ballston Spa, NY. She spoke twice: once on unique perennials for gardens, and the second time on choosing the best perennials, annuals, and flowering shrubs for gardens. Other speakers, referred to by CNY Blooms staff as “CNY celebrities,” included SUNY ESF Department of En-

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vironmental and Forest Biology chair, Dr. Donald J. Leopold, and greenhouse manager Terry L. Ettinger. Although it came early in the season, CNY Blooms was a chance for central New York gardeners to become inspired for the upcoming growing season. Even for those less inclined toward plants, it provided a much needed chance to get out of the gloomy March clouds and take a walk in the park.

Nat Geo for the iPad: The New Michele Maciejewski, 2012

ational Geographic is one company that is transitioning beautifully to Apple’s tablet device, the iPad. With a focused effort to mold their timeless mission with modern technologies, National Geographic has created dozens of interactive applications, also known as “apps”. What sets National Geographic’s extensive app catalogue apart is their commitment to user-centric interaction. Their most recent app “50 Greatest Photographs and the Stories Behind Them” epitomizes this fundamental concept. On a basic level, the app is simply a photo album of full screen HD photos. Included with each photo are the spread from National Geographic Magazine, an article about the shot’s process, and the photographer’s biography. Many of the photos have other features, such as a slideshow of the photo shoot, Below: A screenshot from the ipad app,

Sprouting of Permaculture in Syracuse, NY

rank Raymond Cetera almost no longer needs introducing, since as a leader in promoting permaculture through education in Syracuse, he has recently gained quite some fame. Cetera and his friends operate Alchemical Nursery, a non-profit organization of which the primary mission is to create an urban eco-village in Syracuse. As a a backbone concept, permaculture can be related to specific situations. Permaculture, which means

w Coffee Table Book

video interviews, and a scrolling view of large photos like the “world’s tallest tree.” The app overall is highly interactive. The user is able choose between browsing the photos and going more in depth with the accompanying stories. There are numerous options for navigation, from simple swiping, to choosing from photo locations on a world map, to viewing a summary of each photo in the entire app. “50 Greatest Photographs and the Stories Behind Them” should not be taken too seriously as an end-all-be-all of photography. But, it’s a great app for people who enjoy National Geographic, photography, and nature. The app puts quality, inspiring photos in easy reach. Call it the future of coffee table apps: $4.99 in the iPad App Store. Source: National Geographic

“permanent culture” or “permanent agriculture” was first used in the mid1970s by Australian Bill Mollison, a researcher, scientist and naturalist and David Holmgren, an ecological design engineer and writer. “Permaculture is a sort of collection of best practices, in business knowledge and modern scientific knowledge. A mixture of all of those things put together come up with a giant process, a design methodology which allows us to create solutions to problems,” Cetera said. Permaculture is an ecological design system for sustainability in all aspects of human endeavor. It teaches us how to build natural homes, grow our own food, restore diminished landscapes and ecosystems, catch rainwater, and build communities and much more. Alchemical Nursery uses principles of permaculture to work out landscape design, methodology system, and food production systems, and put economic systems into the eco-village. Alchemical Nursery doesn’t really speak toward any denomination of religion, but has a spiritual goal. “We just want people to be respectful for what they are surrounded by, be respectful for how they interact with the environment and do that in whatever way they feel is best for them,” said Cetera. Alchemical Nursery works with a number of other organizations here in Syracuse, and helps them further their mission. Among them is “Syracuse Grows” which is a network of individuals working in the community to provide educa-

Serge Goma

tion and resources to support food justice in urban agriculture; and “Syracuse First” which is a nonprofit network advocating cultural, environmental and economical benefits of purchasing locally. Proponents of permaculture want to emphasize that it is based upon a set of three ethics. The first one is Earthcare. The second one is Peoplecare, which concerns the social and cultural aspects of the world, and the third one is Fairshare or “the socialism of nature,” Cetera said. Fairshaire is the will to ensure that everyone can meet his or her needs, and provide for the next generation. Cetera had learned and practiced permaculture before he settled in Syracuse, and the city also had a story about permaculture. Five years ago, when he first arrived in Syracuse, Cetera found out about academic training for continued on pg. 14

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AROUND THE QUAD

Fear and Loathing at the Festival of Places An exhibition of international landscapes Emily Olsen-Harbich, 2011

mmediately upon arriving in the basement foyer of Marshall Hall, I turned decisively towards the entrance of the Gallery. I held out my white, slightly battered SUNY ESF mug and nodded in thanks as it was filled with foamy brew. However enticing this may sound, free beer was not the only reason I trekked to campus that snowy Saturday evening, February 26th. Ten feet from where I stood, students, faculty and community members mingled in a dimly lit room: adorned with French bistro chairs, seashells, and colorful graffiti, Nifkin Lounge had been transformed again for ESF’s annual “Festival of Places”. Many fifth year Landscape Architec-

ture students spent the fall semester abroad, absorbing international architecture and landscapes first-hand as a part of their “Off-Campus Experiential Studio”. The Festival provides an opportunity for these seniors to recreate a scene, through illustrations, photographs, and maps, which encapsulates the city where they lived. I strolled through the illusory streets of Paris and Barcelona, sampled traditional cuisine from Italy and studied the sketchbooks that students were required to keep during their travels (all the while attempting desperately not to drip tomato sauce on anything). One student, Ken Gifford, cites the interface of traditional and contemporary design in

European cities as his motivation for choosing to study abroad in Berlin. “Many new architectural movements are actually mimicking older forms of city planning,” says Gifford. “To be surrounded by the history of a city like Berlin was really interesting from a design standpoint.” The Festival of Places provided an interesting and insightful glimpse into the world of landscape architecture. If you missed this event, be sure to keep an eye out for its revival in 2012. Hint: If you spot a group of LA’s behind Marshall with box-cutters, spray paint, and duct tape, the Festival is probably drawing near.

cause I had class at 6pm, but I could see how it could be a hassle for people. “One of my roommates had class at 8:30 in the morning when the snow was really falling, and SU students obviously aren’t going to wake up to shovel their sidewalks for us,” said Colin Mullin, another ESF student. The general consensus around campus was that ESF administration needed to communicate with students and faculty better. “Since we received SU emails telling us that classes were canceled, I think that ESF should have told us that we still had class. Also, my professor for an ESF class is also an SU professor, and she was really late to class because she didn’t even know if we had class or not. It would have been a lot easier if they had just sent us an email saying that we did have class,” said ESF sophomore Tori Wagner, who shared the same frustrated sentiments as many other ESF students on that Monday morn-

ing. Because ESF is a state institution, it is more hesitant to close than SU, which has its own snow policy that takes into account snow accumulation as well as the timing of snowfall. Also, for a SUNY institution to close completely (also to faculty and employees), it needs to be approved by the governor of New York. Ironically, Governor Andrew Cuomo canceled a scheduled appearance at SU that day due to the snowy weather. ESF students were also frustrated because neighboring SUNY schools Binghamton and Cortland canceled classes the same day, as well as private institutions Ithaca and Cornell, in Ithaca, NY. Just to add a little insult to injury, SU students weren’t at all sympathetic to ESF students having to go to class. SU senior Ashley Chase described the snow day as “the greatest day EVER.”

Snow Day Confusion Hannah Fish, 2013

“I

don’t care whether or not ESF cancelled classes, I’m not going anyways” If you logged into Facebook Monday March 7th, you probably read similar status after status complaining about how ESF hadn’t cancelled classes for what seemed like the thousandth consecutive downpour of snow this winter. Only adding to the confusion was the fact that Syracuse University had cancelled classes, making it seem highly unlikely that ESF was still holding class. The school closing on Monday the 7th was the second time in school history that Syracuse University has canceled a full day of classes, with the first being in March 1993. Many students at ESF questioned how close ESF actually is with SU, considering that officials at one school deemed the snowy roads too unsafe for employees and students, while the school one street over still held class. I was extremely annoyed that ESF didn’t take into account the fact that most students live off campus and have to trudge through two feet of snow all the way to school. “We always blamed SU for not giving us snow days but clearly it has nothing to do with them,” said Jessica Bartik, an ESF sophomore. Bartik also said that the situation was made even more confusing because some ESF students received e-mails and phone calls about classes being canceled, even if that wasn’t the case. It wasn’t that bad for me, be-

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ESF announces its Summer Session 2011 schedule! Have a productive summer. Get ahead. Have fun.

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SUNY-ESF will offer more than three dozen courses this summer, giving students from both ESF and other colleges and universities an opportunity to explore new subject areas and earn credits between semesters. Four summer terms include online, classroom, and field-based courses for ESF students, visiting college/university students, rising high school seniors, K-12 educators, other professionals and lifelong learners. Students will find this a convenient way to make up a course or advance their academic progress. Check out the course schedules and descriptions at: http://www.esf.edu/outreach/summer/. Registration begins the week of April 11.

AROUND THE QUAD

A Beacon in the Booze Matt Attanasia, 2012

n Friday the 25th, within the basement of Hendricks Chapel, the Safe Options Society held its first meeting. This newly formed organization aims to provide alcohol and drug free social opportunities to interested students of both S.U. and E.S.F. This association was founded by a small group of students with administrative assistance from Pastor Gail Riina of Lutheran Campus Ministry and The Step Center. Club directors, Matthew Attanasia, Justin Bernstein, Kayleigh Adsitt, Ryan Glantz, and Justin McMullen are all E.S.F. juniors who wanted to create opportunities for alternative, substance free fun which they felt were not readily available to them when they started their college careers. Opening night for the club was board game night. Starting at 7pm and lasting well on till midnight, a group of about twenty students (of all genders and ethnicities) enjoyed the likes of Jenga, Parcheesi, and many more. For those wanting a more active challenge the Frisbee game KanJam was set up in the corridor of the room. Even a Nintendo Wii was hooked up in the back. Upon entering the room for the event, attendees were asked to write down their names for inclusion on the club’s email list serve. There was also the checkmark option to see whether or not one would be interested in receiving future counseling or training on how to identify and deal with substance abuse. The “SOS” has a twofold mission. Not only does it aim to provide a safe-haven for good, clean, fun but also to educate and inform about “college overindulgence”. As mentioned during an introductory speech at the event, this festivity is the first of many. Attendees were encouraged to bring ideas for future events and tell others they know of the opportunities now being offered to them. Future plans for the club involve movie screenings, open pool nights, group day trips, and much more. If partying is not your thing and you are interested in joining in on a different kind of fun, the SOS can be contacted by email at safeoptionssociety@gmail. com, or you can become a group member on Facebook by simply searching: Safe Options Society.

Kids Fest 2011

Last spring hundreds of Syracuse City students attended the Comstock Kidsfest in the Archibold Gymnasium. Kidsfest is a program organized by the Syracuse University Volunteer Organization that last year included over 70 clubs, fraternities and sororities heading games, crafts and other activities such as karaoke to entertain children from various Syracuse City after school programs. This year is the first year that our own Green Campus Initiative has been invited to participate! Possible activities include planting seeds in our homemade compost, “build a flower” activities or a “garbage, recycle or compost” relay. If you’d like to help out or want more information for your club an informational meeting will be held April 1st at 4pm in the Gifford Auditorium.

Skill Share As the weather warms and the sun comes out from behind the clouds, we all slowly wake from our winter slumber and look forward to another beautiful spring and summer in Syracuse. As you shake off those winter blues and begin your spring cleaning, you may find your bike needs tuning up or your garden really needs some work. Maybe you want to spruce up your house with some creative art projects or maybe you want to get out of the city for bit and enjoy a walk through the woods as plants begin to bloom. If any of these activities sound interesting to you, or if you would just like to learn something new, you should consider stopping by the ESF Community Coalition’s Sustainable Skillshare on April 16th between 11-4 at the Syracuse Center of Excellence building located at 727 E. Washington St. The Sustainable Skillshare will include over a dozen hour-long workshops on a variety of topics that promote sustainability through affordable, do-it-yourself projects. Workshops will include bike repair, rain barrel building, hydroponic and conventional gardening, alternative relaxation and Reiki, map and compass skills and more. In addition to the workshops there will also be a number of informational tables and complimentary refreshments will be served. This event is free and open to the public so spread the word and bring your friends! For more information contact Jillian Trunko at by e-mail at esfcommunitycoalition@gmail.com or by phone at (518) 429-7165. Also, search ‘Sustainable Skill Share’ on Facebook to learn more.

Bikes for Peace

Bikes 4 Peace needs you! Staying in Syracuse for the summer? Get involved with Bikes 4 Peace! A project of the Syracuse Council, B4P helps kids fix bikes at free clinics throughout the city of Syracuse. Last year B4P organized six free clinics- working with over 60 youth to fix their bikes and recycle donated bikes. Check out the general interest meeting for past and new bike activists on April 27th on the front lawn of 2013 E. Genesee St. There will be an overview of the program, and you can sign up for this year’s free training offered by our neighborhood bike shop, Mello Velo (date TBA). In order to participate in the free training, we’ll ask you to commit to helping at two of this year’s summer clinics. In addition to repair clinics, B4P seeks bike-lovers to help with promo materials (fliers, T-shirt design), fliering, and fundraising. Contact Jessica or Ursula at the Peace Council - 472-5478- with any questions!

Photos by Oliver Wnuck

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HEALTH AND WELLNESS

House Republicans Think Rape is a Laughing Matter Hilary-Anne Coppola, 2011

ell, looks like our “Grand Old Party” has taken a very misguided approach to reach their goals again, and it has landed them in hot water. This time, the House of Representatives Republican majority prepared a bill that would restrict abortion accessibility for women. The “No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act” that was constructed included language that angered women’s rights groups and the general public. Under the Hyde amendment of 1997, federally funded abortions are allowed in cases of rape, incest, and danger to the mother’s life. However, the House Republicans’ new act fiddled with the language, changing “rape” to “forcible rape”. What does this mean? It means that the writers of the act were picking and choosing what types of rape they think really matter. With the forcible

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rape provision, women that have been raped while under the influence of drugs or alcohol would not be able to have an abortion. Statutory rape would also be thrown aside as insignificant. This sneaky wording did not get by US citizens that were paying attention. Luckily for now, the GOP has changed the language of the act back to refer to “rape”, though people are on the alert for any more stealthy language changes, not forgetting this slap in the face to rape victims. It is still unsure what the House Republicans will do next- will they again try to use sneak tactics in this bill? The point here is really not about abortion. Truly, the House Republicans are going the wrong way of getting what they want by insulting rape victims, especially women, and the intelligence of the people they are cre-

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ating the bill for. The point is that rape is rape. To decide which “types” matter when it comes to abortion would influence victims on a larger scale: how women feel about accusing their attacker, how they feel about themselves as a victim, and would not provide justice for anyone that has been attacked sexually. While it is understandable that nobody wants their tax money going to a cause they do not support, it is not acceptable for anyone to consider certain rape victims less important than others in terms of care, support, and justice. Women that have been assaulted in this repulsive manner do not deserve to also be attacked by guerilla warfare in the political arena. Hopefully, House GOP members have watched the protests, the TV interviews, received the petitions, and have listened.

HIKE OF THE MONTH

An Adiron dack Adven ture

Mike Palermo, M.P.S. Conservation Biology 2011

omehow I keep finding myself surprised with the amazing natural beauty New York State has to offer. During a trip over spring break I found myself reminded of the many students here at ESF that are not from this state or have not had the opportunity to experience the splendor of the Adirondack Forest Preserve (ADKs). This article is to provide a starting point for you to plan an unforgettable trip into the heart of New York wilderness. As they say “go big or go home”, if there’s one part of the ADKs you don’t want to miss it’s the High Peaks. Although there are multiple access points, I find an excellent starting place to be the Adirondack Loj located off of Route 73 just south of Lake Placid. The drive takes approximately 3.5 hours from Syracuse so you might as well make the most of it and make it a multi day excursion. Parking is limited and costs $10/day and the Loj has a visitor center where you can purchase supplies and speak with a ranger. Once you have embarked on the trail it is an easy 2.3 mile hike through mixed forests and wetlands to Marcy Dam where you will find an

outstanding view of the surrounding mountains. This is an excellent area to set up base camp, having numerous lean-tos and tent sites nearby. Be sure to abide by the regulations of the Eastern High Peaks Wilderness. These include no camping within 150 feet of trails, streams, or water bodies except at designated sites, no campfires, and the required use of a bear resistant canister to store food, toiletries and trash between April 1 and November 30. From here the opportunities abound with close access to several of the regions highest peaks. It’s a short 2 mile hike up to the summit of Phelps mountain but be prepared for what feels like a never ending steep second mile. The summit of Mount Marcy New York’s highest peak - is 5 miles away and although a longer trek, the elevation gain is a little more gradual and forgiving. Mount Colden’s summit can be reached in 4 miles and Algonquin peak in 3.5 and each trail is strenuous. As you ascend, you will experience a transition from lowland forest, to a forest stunted by krummholz, to a true alpine zone of rare plants, mosses, and lichens. Be aware of alpine vegetation

on the summits and walk only on trails, rock, or snowpack. If you are lucky enough to summit any of these mountains without clouds obstructing the view, expect awe inspiring and hard to imagine vistas surreal to be contained within New York. Conditions as of spring break consisted of several feet of snow pack and bitter cold summits. If you plan on making the trip soon be prepared with snowshoes, warm clothing and hand warmers. Snow should persist in the High Peaks region for another couple of weeks and remain at higher elevations until late April. After you’ve completed your wilderness adventure, be sure to hit up Lake Placid to reacquaint yourself with civilization. I highly recommend grabbing a milkshake at Stewart’s or trying out the beer sampler at the Great Adirondack Brewing Company. Happy Hiking! Mike Palermo

http://outdoors.webshots.com/ photo/1171272877055344670jMddwn

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SPORTS

Lumberjack Roundup

Orange

Michelle Meyer, 2013

itter and cold, the weather was no match for the 6th Annual East Coast Lumberjack Roundup hosted by ESF on Saturday, March 26th. In true central New York fashion, over 200 fans bundled up and ventured out to watch the competition. The sound of chainsaws and cheering filled the air and enthusiasts took turns warming up with piping hot coffee. For an individual who has never witnessed any form of timbersport competition before, the atmosphere was one of excitement and intrigue. The event took place at Lafayette Road Experiment Station and brought together timbersport teams from across the northeast, including SUNY Cobleskill, Finger Lakes Community College, Penn State, Alfred State, and Paul Smith’s College. The teams competed in events transformed from old-fashioned lumberjack aptitudes, and events included cross-cut, bow-saw, burling, underhand and standing block chop, pole climb, and log roll. Overall, the ESF Women’s Team placed 1st in their category with a score of 1017.94 points and were first in bow-saw, box-cut, pulp toss, v-chop, fire build, single buck, and the obstacle course. The Jack and Jill team comprised of both men and women placed 2nd in their category with a score of 851.49 points, taking first place in log roll, hard hit, fire build, and cookie stack. In the Men’s Category, ESF Men’s A placed 5th with a score of 899.96, and

Wonderland

Francesca Merwin SU 2011

ESF Men’s B placed 7th with a score of 881.51, taking first place in pole climb. The day wrapped up around 6:00PM with an alumni h-chop event and hot saw demonstration done by team coach Matt Marks. Videos of various competition events and of the ESF Woodsmen Team can be found on YouTube. Furthermore, The ESF Woodsmen Team would like to thank everyone who came out to the competition for their support. Those interested in watching the ESF Woodsmen in action are invited to attend their next meet on April 9th at Alfred State College.

Permaculture con’t from pg. 8 permaculture, which led to the award of a certificate (Permaculture Design Certificate). The initiative came from John Allen, who owns a property with nice landscapes. Cetera also mentioned Bread & Roses Collective House, which is a cooperative household in the Westcott neighborhood of Syracuse. They maintain edible landscaping and have people living there that are educated in permaculture and use permaculture as a methodology and a movement. One of the founding goals of Alchemical Nursery was to educate people about permaculture. Cetera and his team are used to launching workshops

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as opportunities to share knowledge. Cetera’s final comments toward all SU and ESF students were: “to make a really big difference in the future we have to work with the sense of ethic that is at the heart of permaculture. It is not enough to get people to make changes based on finance or economy. Creating ethical decision, creating ethical educational opportunities and installing that into people is the most important work we have.” These coming weeks, Alchemy Nursery is launching a series of events called the Synergy Series to inform and educate people in Central New York.

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ost of you have probably seen me around campus. I’m there a lot- looking confused as I try to remember what the name of that Back-to-The-Futureesque looking building is called again. I’m pridefully wearing my Northface boots and orange SUID. I’m sure most of you see me and think, “Oh, poor dear. She must be lost. Should I tell her Marshall Hall is different from Marshall Street?” But I assure you, I’m not confused. I’m a regular kid who has ventured over to the dark side. I’ve broken down the barriers and decided to jump over to greener, woodsier pastures. I am an SU student. I’m here, I’m proud, I’m a pseudo-Stumpie. I think it started back in my freshman year- when I joined Alpha Phi Omega. I felt kinda lost at SU until I joined APO, which hosts both SU and ESF students. Imagine my surprise when I turned around to meet my bigand it was Kristy Blakely: Moss Queen and ESF student extraordinaire. I saw the slightest of eyebrow twitches and a micro-expression of disgust as I asked her what Environmental Studies were. Luckily, I learned quickly. I made out with my first ESF boy that year, and never looked back. I met my current ESF manmeat at the beginning of last year, because I quickly learned ESF men were hotter than SU boys. Yes, I’ve tried venison. I’ve been to a TG. I’ve watched Planet Earth completely sober- and enjoyed it. I don’t think SU kids give ESF students enough credit. You guys are freaking smart. Everyone I have met since “crossing over” has been so unique and incredible in a different way. It’s an exciting environment, and I’m glad I get the best of both worlds. It’s not to say that my double life doesn’t come with some problems. I deal with the issue of being an outsider, and I lack a common knowledge base that most ESF students seem to share. But hopefully, we can grow and learn from each other. Look out for me next time you’re walking on campus: I promise I come in peace.

THE OTHER SIDE OF THE HILL

“The Miracle Worker” on Syracuse Stage Beats Expectations Hilary-Anne Coppola, 2011

efore March 25th, opening night of “The Miracle Worker” at Syracuse Stage, my only exposure to the play was the South Park episode “Helen Keller! The Musical”. In the episode, the kids put on the show, complete with musical numbers and turkeys. Of course, South Park excels in satire, and my expectation of the real play was that it would be dull, dramatic, and cheesy. My expectations were happily dashed to pieces. The focus of the play was not really the character of Helen, but on her teacher, Annie Sullivan, and the struggles she faced in taking Helen on as her pupil. The play follows the Keller

household until that magical moment at the water pump, when Helen realizes that water has a name. The stage was split into five main areas, with beautiful, fluid scene transitions, not executed by soulless stage hands, but by the black servants of the Keller house-

Jacqueline Baum (as Helen), Anna O’Donoghue (as Annie Sullivan), and Regan Thompson (as Kate Keller). Photo by Michael Davis.

Anna O’Donoghue (Annie Sullivan) and Jacqueline Baum (Helen). Photo by Michael Davis.

hold - how appropriate. The splitting of the stage allowed for intermingling of different areas of action, an effective and interesting approach. The acting of all members of the cast was natural and their interactions were seamless, all lines spoken beautifully and clearly (something I really appreciate as a the-

ater enthusiast and amateur actor). The tension among the Kellers showed itself in body language and raised voices, and the tenacity of Annie Sullivan was clear from the beginning. I was surprised by how funny the play was - the audience laughed numerous times. Quips and jabs in Annie’s Irish lilt aroused uproarious amusement, antics of Helen’s halfbrother Jimmie drew forth appreciative snickers, and the famous almost-wordless dining-room scene in which Annie violently attempts to teach Helen to eat from her own plate was excellently performed, hilarious in its slapstick humor. Anna O’Donoghue made a delightful Annie Sullivan, with Regan Thomspon the perfect doting mother, and James Lloyd Reynolds the domineering, always-right household head. But the defining character, Helen, was one of the most impressive roles. I can only wonder at the work that went into perfecting the skill of playing deaf and dumb. It never crossed my mind that the 11-year-old Jacqueline Baum playing Helen actually had the capacity of those two senses, but she was at not loss for devious pranks and made it clear that she was aware of her world through touch, scent, and taste. The show runs through April 23rd, and tickets for students are $15. If you’re a fan of theater, I’d highly recommend seeing this performance. The cast won’t disappoint- and there’s a bit with a dog.

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Mind Spill Above: Photo by Jessica Telano, 2011

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