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April 17, 2012
Volume 66, Issue 6
hello again, summer hello again, summer hello again, summer hello again, summer
THE KNOTHOLE
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 Tuesday at 4PM 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! Co-Managing Editors Heather Helman Sean Fagan Layout & Design Meg Callaghan Marley Walker Emily Lawson Treasurer Frannie Monasterio
Dearest readers,
Letter From The Editor
It is with great regret that I must inform you this is the last issue of The Knothole I will be apart of. So, I thought it would be appropriate to share with you how I got involved with this publication. A long time ago over a bonfire and slurred words, I met Rose Dillman. I was smitten by her dreads and in your face attitude. I told her that I admired The Knothole (at this point The Knothole didn’t even look like a newspaper). SHE TRICKED ME INTO JOINING HER CLUB. Next thing I knew, I was attending meetings and writing articles. THEN SHE TRICKED ME INTO BEING AN EDITOR. I’m glad she tricked me. This has been the most stressful/ hateful/loving and rewarding thing that I have ever committed myself to. I would do it again if given the chance. I’m amazed at how much this publication has evolved in just two years! To next years staff, “Don’t f*ck it up!”. This issue has got some great stuff in it humans. We’ve got the rundown on Earth Week traditions on pages eight and a list of the week’s events on page nine. Check out two cents for free on page 13. Emily has more turtle talk for you on page 10. Also, we have finally got the rundown from Dean Anne Lombard on the future of T.G.’s on page three. And finally, don’t forget to check out pages six and seven for summer cocktails ideas and summer reading suggestions! ENJOY YOUR SUMMER ADVENTURES. Always & Forever, Sean P.S. Good luck to everyone next year P.S.S. SILENT RAVE ON THE QUAD THURSDAY AT 12:20 PM
Inside Issue #:
Around the Quad...............................................................pg. 3, 4, 5 Editorial Staff T.G.’s Alex Mottern Skyhall’s vs. Centennial Christian Hill Brigitte Moneymaker Keeping the Peace Emily Adams ESF in SU Classes Advisor Karen Moore SUMMER! SUMMER! SUMMER!.........................................pg. 6 & 7 Printer Summer Reading List Scotsman Press Festival Preview he mission of The Knothole Make-a-Danket is to provide its readers with Syracuse Summer Guide writings that are both stimulating and EARTH WEEK 2012.............................................................pg. 8 & 9 contemporary: to inform its students of clubs, events, and off-campus Spotlight on Faculty..................................................................pg. 10 happenings, to challenge a world Politics.....................................................................................pg. 11 driven by progress to uncover the truth Women’s Reproductive Rights about current environmental policies Jill Stein and innovations, and to express such Op-Ed......................................................................................pg. 12 ideas, ingeniously and collectively. We are not a newspaper; we are not a Idiom Ridiom magazine; we are not The Daily Orange. Diary of a Wannabe Farmer We are simply created by Stumpies, 2 Cents for Free........................................................................pg. 13 for Stumpies... and we like it that way. No Open Bar The views and opinions expressed are those of Modern Religion the writers only and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publication’s staff or anyone Something to Meditate On.......................................................pg. 14 affiliated with the State University of New York Articles Continued...................................................................pg. 15
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College of Environmental Science & Forestry.
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Cover Photo: http://www.wallpapersdb.org/original/2158/
THE KNOTHOLE • Student Life & The Environment
Around The Quad
Take a deep breath: our TGs aren’t going anywhere Heather Helman, 2013
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recently sat down with Anne Lombard, ESF’s Dean of Student Affairs, for a brief conversation about how ESF handles drinking at student events and what the future may hold for our campus’s popular TG celebrations. There have been a lot of rumors circulating on campus lately about school policy on drinking and a possible end to TGs altogether. We can all breathe a deep sigh of relief, and here’s why-Dean Lombard assured me that the rumors have no basis in fact. According to Dean Lombard, while TG celebrations are certainly “unique to ESF,” that doesn’t necessarily mean the administration sees them as problematic or posing a serious risk to students. There are other events that Dean Lombard feels require more careful risk management, mainly open bar events. Binge drinking is generally characterized by an average of more than one drink per hour, according to Dean Lombard. Events that feature an open bar for the first hour or two of the event and then switch to a cash bar for the remainder of the evening send a message that those in attendance should drink as much as possible during the open bar, thereby encouraging binge drinking. This year, Spring Banquet will allow three free drinks per student, redeemable at any point in the evening. Students can purchase additional drinks for themselves if they wish to have more than three drinks. However, how successful will this policy be in
Good beer and best friends. What could be better?
reducing student alcohol consumption? According to one anonymous student, “I’m definitely going to have to buy a flask if they’re only giving us three free drinks. The only reason anyone even goes to these things is to get drunk.” Stereotypical or not, it’s true-college kids love to drink. It will be interesting to see how students react to future Popular ESF band Woodworks, along with the Live Efffect, generously volunteered to play live music at the Knothole TG this past February. updates to the alcohol regardless. There is effort to work out policy here at ESF. the kinks surrounding these events Ultimately, the number one priority for Dean Lombard is ensuring the safety and to hopefully produce better TGs for everyone, where the most important security of students, and she is doing her feature is something other than what best to ensure that this goal is fulfilled types of beer are being served. with minimal detriment to students. For now, there’s nothing You can’t blame the school for stopping us from exercising our right asking students to refrain from getting to eat, drink, and be merry at TGs black-out drunk at school events. and other student events. While the However, many feel that the school is taking away their right to have fun. Some rules may be a little different now even feel that the school is belittling them than in the past, Dean Lombard and others in charge are working and treating them more like children than the adults we rightfully are. At TGs, hard to strike a balance with alcohol policy at student events that is fun, which luckily are going to stay a part of safe, and satisfying for everyone. ESF tradition for many years to come, things are definitely stricter now than they were a few years ago. A task force has been working throughout this school year evaluating TGs to see how they can be improved and what purpose they’re serving. It’s important to remember that TGs were originally created to bring faculty, staff, and students together to socialize, relax, and build relationships. Today, almost all of those in attendance are students, mostly those over 21. This is not the fault of students, but is an issue that must be addressed
I’d probably categorize hula hooping as good, clean TG fun.
Student Life & The Environment • THE KNOTHOLE •
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Around The Quad
Skyhalls vs. Centennial Hall: The Battle of the Freshmen Dorms Nick Hlat, 2014
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n the academic years of 2010-2011 BC in the multipurpose room in Centennial’s an outdoor area is virtually non-existent (before Centennial) the freshmen were basement, so these kids really have no exunless you count the tiny strip of lawn in housed in small open doubles in a dorm cuse to miss class anymore if it is, literally, the back. Personally, the convenience of with shared bathrooms on each floor and housed in your basement. being so close to campus and Marshall a 15 minute bus ride to and from campus On the other hand, located on Street completely outweighs all of this disevery day. The current freshmen, along Syracuse University’s South Campus, the connect. It is much easier to stroll down with some upperclassmen and transfers, Skyhall dorms are three separate buildto Marshall Street with a few friends from have the privilege of living in the brand ings tucked away from the rest of main Centennial and be back in 25 minutes, spankin’ new Centennial Hall. The new campus, housing approximately 351 tops. All of these conveniences, plus brand dorm houses a series of apartment and students in open doubles. The rooms were new amenities and fully furnished units, open double suites all with their own considerably smaller and each floor had are hard to pass up. private bathrooms, an indoor bike facility, two shared bathrooms, a lounge in the Skyhalls, however, were a comand a spacious basement featuring a flat middle of the hallway, and a floor kitchen. pletely different story, although I can see screen TV and several study areas. If all All three buildings had three floors of ESF why many students in the sophomore these perks were not enough to class liked it so much. For one, draw you in, the best part is that to get up every morning for class you could not be closer to the ESF needed a fully functional plan. To campus unless you camped out in get to class on time it was necesNifkin. sary to set aside at least an hour If you have not already and a half in the morning to get formed an opinion about these ready, eat breakfast, and grab two extremely different dorms you a bus on time, only to arrive on might be thinking, man it seems campus either 5 minutes late or that Centennial Hall is obviously 20 minutes early. The struggle better. Or maybe, man this guy is of scheduling around the busing clearly biased. I must admit that system was a huge annoyance on both have some truth in them, a daily basis. Still, there are a few but what is truly interesting is the points that separate Skyhalls from debate that still goes on over which Way cooler looking than the Skyhalls...but is Centennial better? the more disconnected Centenwas the better dorm (specifically nial lifestyle. South Campus tradifrom the current sophomore class that students, except for a few floors of Skyhall tions have been cemented among most experienced both of these dorms). Why 1 that also housed transfers from SU. The of the present sophomore class because the strong opinions towards a dorm which dining options were extremely limited on of the location of the Skyhalls. The most seemed to be lacking in many ways? Let South Campus, and the one place within memorable (a word I choose to use very us first analyze the specifics of each dorm walking distance was Goldstein Student loosely here) being the infamous quarry in a neutral manner, and then I will have Center. And let me tell you, that place got parties. A secluded, but wide-open area some fun spewing my own opinion. old fast. where you could have a bonfire, play mu The main accomplishment that I, along with the some of the cur- sic, and not have to worry about getting comes with the completion of Centennial rent sophomore class, had the unique opin trouble made for some very interesting Hall is that ESF can finally be proud to portunity to experience both dorms. Curnights. Another Skyhall hotspot was the have its own dormitory building. The new rently, I am living in one of the upperclass grassy knoll that houses Frisbee sessions, dorm houses approximately 280 freshapartment units on the east wing of the hookah circles, study groups, and just men on the east wing and approximately building. The rooms are extremely spageneral hanging out in any given weather. 172 upperclassmen on the west wing. The cious and the overall layout is comfortable So despite the distance from campus and four bedroom suites are fully furnished, to live in with my other roommates. There other fun spots, the freshmen class of last each equipped with a stove, refrigerator, is the occasional annoyance with the RAs year became quite close because of this and two bathrooms on each end. Located but not as much trouble as they were seclusion. just behind towering Lawrinson Hall, freshman year. What I find as the high In the end it is still a debate; students have access to Sadler dining point of Centennial is the proximity to some loved the togetherness of the secludhall across the street, and even BBB if campus as well as Marshall Street. Where ed Skyhalls while others hated their tiny they want to walk a little further down Centennial Hall lacks, however, seems to doubles and distance from main campus. the road. The students are also graced be the togetherness of the freshmen class. When it comes down to it, it’s the choice with a short 8 minute walk to Illick, Bray, The private bathrooms are a great perk of the reader. But if you ask me, CentenMarshall, or Moon, and an even shorter but unlike the shared bathrooms at the nial takes the gold on this one. Sorry 3 minute walk to the Baker classrooms. A Skyhalls, they do not force the students to Skyhalls, if I never have to take a public few of the writing classes were even held interact on a daily basis. Not to mention bus to class again it will be too soon.
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THE KNOTHOLE • Student Life & The Environment
Around The Quad
Keeping the Peace: Our Very Own Officers in Blue Cecilia Walenza, 2013
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lthough SUNY ESF is a small school, it is nevertheless one with rules, and those who enforce them. The SUNY ESF police are known for monitoring on-campus parking (as anyone who has received a ticket would know), but they also perform less noticeable tasks that are important, if unrecognized. In order to discover these tasks, I went straight to the source and had the pleasure of interviewing the Chief of Police, Scott M. Beckstead, via email to learn more about our officers in uniform. In 1970, it was formally acknowledged that the SUNY schools needed their own law enforcement. Those who want to become an officer must have at least a two year college degree so that they have a “concept of college life and the challenges faced by academia”, as well as take the civil service test. Just to let you know how strict these standards are, the Syracuse Police (municipal police officers) have a high school diploma as their minimum educational standard. Currently, there are a total of ten officers (three lieutenants, six officers and one chief) sworn into the SUNY ESF police department, along with a full- and part-time secretary on payroll. Officers and lieutenants are in charge of “any property held by SUNY ESF including
the main Syracuse campus and northern forest properties, as well as any adjoining or abutting roadway”. Centennial Hall, however, does not fall under this category. They patrol the grounds both on foot and in vehicles, perform vehicle and traffic enforcement, and respond to all service calls on campus, whether or not they are emergency related (e.g. getting locked out of a building). They are the ones in charge of deterring criminal activity, and ensuring that people remain safe both on foot and while driving. The Chief works independently to direct, plan, and manage all actions the Police Department takes when enforcing laws and University regulations. His performance is evaluated based on the results achieved. When asked whether there is any problem or incident on campus that the ESF police can’t respond to or handle themselves, the Chief of Police said: “SUNY ESF police are trained and charged with responding to any event on campus”. That being said, they do have a Memorandum of Understanding with the Syracuse Police Department, who provide them with mutual aid if they request it. When I asked if there was any additional information that the Chief wanted to add that he thought students should know
about the ESF police, he responded: “All SUNY ESF police, including the Chief, have completed a Municipal Police Training Council-certified Police Academy, the same academy attended by our counter parts serving the city of Syracuse which delivers nearly 500 hours of police training from New York State laws to Defensive Tactics, Active Shooter Training, EMT first responder training, arrest techniques, verbal judo, firearms to name a few. In addition, we must re-qualify with our firearms on a twice yearly basis and receive justification of use of force and defensive tactics training on an annual basis.” In other words, don’t worry, ESF-ers, you are being well looked after. However, I remind you that just because the University Police is charged with your safety, it doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t be smart. Always look both ways before crossing the street. Obey biking and traffic laws (remember, you can get a ticket for that or get seriously injured- they’re there for a reason). Lastly, always be aware of your surroundings, especially while offcampus. For more information about the SUNY ESF Police, feel free to visit their website: (http://www.esf.edu/univpolice/).
nately, it didn’t. But I loved the class even though I was the only ESF student there. In fact, if my professor hadn’t asked if there were any ESF students in the class, my classmates wouldn’t have known that I went to ESF. The class was interesting, and I learned a lot about writing papers based on historical documents. The class I am currently taking at SU is Spanish 3. After a trip to Ecuador with the ConBio Society, I was inspired to learn more Spanish. I had heard from friends that languages at SU are difficult. They were right. I might be a victim of good circumstance, but the people in my class are very friendly and have even asked me weird questions about ESF and our quad. Although there are only ten other people in my class, I
have to put a lot of effort into the class to pull off a good grade. There’s homework given every day and the tests are difficult. But, if you really want to learn a language, SU knows how to teach it. If I were to compare ESF and SU classes, I’d say they are equally difficult. Since ESF doesn’t offer the same courses as SU, it’s really a treat to be able to take classes at SU. The classes I have taken are difficult, even though the Spanish I’m taking is treated as a general education course for some SU students. Some of us may say that ESF classes are much more difficult, but the reality is that you get out of it what you put into it. If you work hard, you’re guaranteed to do well in and enjoy SU classes.
ESF in SU Classes Kristen Howard, 2014
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miability between ESF and SU has often been a topic of discussion here at ESF. In fact, I’ve gotten questions from incoming freshman and prospective students asking, “Can an ESF student do everything an SU student can do?” I usually give them the simple answer of, “We can use their gyms, participate in recreational/club sports there, and we can take one class at SU per semester.” Some Stumpies are required to take physics at SU. But some people, like me, end up taking fun elective classes at SU. For the masses that haven’t taken a fun elective at SU: do it. Last semester, I decided to take Native American History (HST 300 with Andrew Lipman) in hopes that the class would cover some type of history credit at ESF. Unfortu-
Student Life & The Environment • THE KNOTHOLE •
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Summer! Summer! Summer!
Summer Reading List
More interesting than the Cell Bio textbook you fell asleep reading last night
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ere’s hoping your summer is lazy, leisurely, and involves plenty of time alternately napping and reading your favorite books in your hammock. Here’s some of our favorites! Love, The Knothole staff “My suggested summer reading is: A Song of Ice and Fire, by George R.R. Martin, and Happy Camper, by Kevin Callan. A Game Of Thrones is the first novel in George R.R. Martin’s series. There’s fighting, backstabbing, and amazing characters that are all, somehow, royalty. Happy Camper, by
Kevin Callan, is a book about making camping and other outdoor activities easier for the average person. If you’re new to camping, or just want to know more, this book is full of information you need to be a smart camper.” –Kristen Howard ‘14 “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, The Girl Who Played With Fire, The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest by Steig Larsson. I haven’t read this yet, nor have I seen the movie, but they’re definitely number 1 on my summer reading list.” –Hui Lin ‘13 “My summer reading suggestion is
The Hobbit, and The Lord of the Rings trilogy by J.R.R. Tolkien. It’s a long series, and it’s pretty popular, but not many have read it. It’s a great escape from the ever-depressing state of our own world.” –Gavin Cohen ‘14 “This summer, pick up any and every book written by Japanese author Haruki Murakami. I would recommend starting with Kafka on the Shore if you’ve never read anything by this authorwe’re talking teenage runaways wise beyond their years, cats that can talk, surreal dream sequences where souls leave bodies, and so much more. It’s a fantastic book.” –Heather Helman ‘13
Festival Preview
Mountain Jam, Governor’s Ball, and more!
Mo Beck, 2015
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ake this summer cooler than Bamboozle in Ashbury Park, NJ is sponsored by Radio Woodstock, absolute zero. Yeah, that cool. yours to experience. Bamboozle is allows camping, and has a green Disclaimer: This article has a whirlwind of indie, pop/rock, and initiative! This music fest takes place been written with the assumption punk bands such as The Foo Fighters, at Hunter Mountain, NY from May that you, the reader A) Will have a Bon Jovi, Incubus, Jimmy Eat World, 31-June 3rd. Currently, the cheapest reasonably lengthy span of free time and Catch 22. This bombardment ticket is $160, but the others are between the months of May and of iconic names certainly explains sold out, so I’d shake a leg if this August B) Listen to music C) Enjoy the expense. A word of caution, with interests you. The line up includes (or at very least tolerate) the presence one main stage and eight side stages Steve Winwood, Gov’t Mule, Michael of other humans and D) Take joy in it makes it almost impossible to see Franti & Spearhead, and Lotus. shenanigans and tomfoolery. If you all the bands in the lineup. Check Looking for something a little find that E) All of the above is the it out for yourself May 18-20th. heavier? On June 23 and 24th, Orion answer that best fits, then I behoove Mountain Jam 2012 is Music in Atlantic City, NJ is hosting you to continue reading. a unique blend of metal, Summer music punk rock, and rock. A festivals; we’ve all heard of two day pass runs at about them or had friends tell us $175. Metallica, Arctic about how awesome they Monkeys, and Modest are, but how in the cosmic Mouse are just a few of the universe do these savvy bands that will be there. friends find the good Perhaps you ones? If lethargy, apathy, find yourself craving or just a lack of reason electronic, hip hop, pop/ to do so have prevented rock, and indie instead? you from finding the Randall’s Island NYC will experience of a lifetime, be hosting The Governor’s you’re in luck because I’ve Ball June 23rd and 24th. gone and done it for you. If the name alone doesn’t For a “small” inspire you to attend, fee of $216, the three then perhaps knowing day extravaganza of See Festival, pg. 14 It’s that time again....!!! © Dave Bullock
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THE KNOTHOLE • Student Life & The Environment
Summer! Summer! Summer!
Make-a-Danket: Syacuse Summer Guide that won’t break the bank Favorite Summer Cocktails! Fun Chris Honess 2014 Meg Callaghan ‘14, Kristen Howard ‘14, Alex Motten ‘12
Hemingway’s Bloody Mary recipe, sent to a friend in 1947:
“To a large pitcher (anything smaller is worthless) add: 1 chunk of ice (the biggest that will fit) 1 pint of vodka 1 pint chilled tomato juice 1 tablespoon “Worcester” sauce 1 jigger fresh lime juice Pinch celery salt Pinch cayenne pepper Pinch black pepper Several drops of Tabasco Keep on stirring and taste it to see how it is doing. If you get it too powerful weaken with more tomato juice. If it lacks authority add more vodka.”
Malibu Bay Breeze In a glass, mix: 1 and 1/2 oz Malibu coconut rum 2 oz cranberry juice 2 oz pineapple juice ice Stir and enjoy!
Leprechaun Piss Here’s what you need: Citrusy Rum Citrusy tequila Citrusy vodka Gin Green Freezepops To make: 1. Add one part of all the above liquors in a cup, shaker, mug, pint glass (any vessel will do, really…) 2. Add Freezepop and stir (makes the drink green and cools it at the same time! MAGIC!!)
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ome summer hot spots, as told by a Syracuse native! Cheap, accessible, and fun-just what you all need when Chuck’s every starts getting a little boring.
Day Trips Corning Museum of Glass Corning, NY Spend a whole day taking in the amazing displays and technology. Watch amazing shows and learn how to make glass yourself. Bring your ESF ID and get in for $12.75. Rochester Museum of Play Rochester, NY They say “You’re never to old for this museum.” Bring your ID and buy one admission get one free. Moss Island Little Falls, NY Get your fingers raw climbing and cool off in the Mohawk River with a bit of deep water soloing. Bring some rope and harnesses or just boulder on the backside. Adam’s Eden Lafayette, NY Go for a hike down a bunch of waterfalls, get lost in a maze, or tight rope on their team building ropes course. Check out their website for times and admission: http://www.adamsedencamp.com/about-us-2.htm Wine Tours Chautauqua, NY Take a wine tour in some of the finest wineries in New York State. Or wait ‘til September to join the Fall Wine Harvest Bike Tour: http://lakeeriewinecountry.org/ Watch the Sunset at the Bluffs Fair Haven, NY Find someone who can get you directions to the finest spot to watch the sunset in New York from these eroded cliffs.
Restaurants Sakana Ya Armory Square Great sushi! Monday nights are halfprice, and it’s a really good deal. Ponchito’s The Valley Late night Mexican on Friday and Saturday open till 3am. Try the super burrito. Gannon’s Ice Cream The Valley Some say it is the best ice cream in Syracuse. They are correct.
See Syracuse, pg. 14
Student Life & The Environment • THE KNOTHOLE •
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Ear th We
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THE KNOTHOLE • Student Life & The Environment
ek 2012 Earth Week Traditions I
n November of 1962, Gaylord Nelson invented the idea of Earth under the musings that, “For several years, it had been troubling me that the state of our environment was simply a nonissue in the politics of the country.” By 1970, after a long road through politicians and much organization, the first official Earth Day was celebrated nationwide as a “Grassroots demonstration on behalf of the environment.” Since then, Earth Day has evolved and spread, and at fine institutions such as ESF, it is pretty much a weeklong holiday. In May of 2005, Gaylord Nelson received an honorary degree from ESF. “Our promotional slogan is: Before Earth Day, there was ESF,” says College president Dr. Cornelius B. Murphy, Jr. “Gaylord Nelson embodies the spirit and mission of ESF.” I am sure that most people here would agree. When ESF students across campus were asked why Earth Day is extended
to an entire week, the response was very much the same across the board: “Because this is ESF. Duh.” Although the answer is vague and short, there is a lot of hidden meaning in that answer. Why do we only recognize just one day a year where we should take care of the biosphere that so graciously supports life? Many hold a strong feeling that every day should be Earth Day in some way. The caring for and fixing of all of humans past ecological and environmental screw-ups cannot simply be limited to 1/365th of the year. That is why, at ESF, we have Earth Week. Earth Week holds many different traditions and staple events held by several different clubs and societies campus wide every year. The BBQ Earth Week kick-off, activity fair, ice cream social, and the multi-cultural fair are all fantastic events that are held annually. Mass amounts of tie dying, yoga on the quad (held every week day), and
Christian Hill, 2014
Quadstock (AXS Coffee Haus on the Quad) are also among the annual list. There will also be free showings of numerous documentaries as well as The Lorax and a Planet Earth marathon. There are also multiple service projects being held this year. To kick off the week on Sunday, EWB is hosting Hike for Honduras: Part 2 for Peru. Other service projects include activities with kids at the Wilson Community Center, Campus Day of Service, which includes the service track in General Chemistry’s Adopt-A-Stream project, and the planting of a garden in front of Centennial Hall. Earth Week is a time for everyone to connect with the Earth, so I personally encourage all to get involved as much as possible and to have fun!! Check out the schedule on the opposite page to make sure you don’t miss a thing!
Student Life & The Environment • THE KNOTHOLE •
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spotlight on Faculty
Turtle Talk: Getting to know Bob Emily Lawson, 2013
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very big thanks to Dr. Bob Malmsheimer for participating in this interview! Emily: You graduated from ESF as a landscape architect, but you decided to go to law school instead of pursuing landscape architecture. What made you decide to become a lawyer?
Bob: Sure. First of all, I would never do it any differently than I’ve done it. I don’t look back at it ever and say, “I wish I had done things differently.” I’m very glad I went to school for landscape architecture, and the reason is because when you go to school for landscape architecture, you are taught how to think like a designer, and I had never really knew how to do that. A
Bob: Well…I was a really good landscape architecture student, if I say so (laughter). What I wasn’t very good at was free hand sketching. I thought that I’d have a professional handicap my entire life, and decided that I really didn’t want that. Also at that time, landscape architecture was kind of focused in a way that it really prepared you to do one of two things: to be a landscape architect or to be a planner. I wasn’t really interested in either one of them, and so I wanted to go to law school Bob Malmsheimer, smallmouth bass fishing, Canada Lake to broaden my horizons and to be able to have opportunities that designer is always looking for different were significantly more broad than my ways to look at things, and there is value degree at the time. in thinking about things differently. Design teaches you that. I bring that to the Emily: Maureen Bishop, an Environidea of how I look at science. mental Science major, wants to know, were your parents mad when you decided Emily: A lot of LA majors have late not to be a landscape architect? nights (staying up all hours) and long projects in studio. What was your most Bob: No. My parents were a union memorable/crazy night in studio? electrician and a teacher, and they grew up with the idea that doctors and lawyers Bob: First of all, we used to do it [projwere the top of the food chain. They were ects] on a regular basis. The campus was thrilled. Not because they didn’t like a little different then, a little bit more landscape architecture, but [becoming laid back. There were many nights that an] attorney was the ultimate thing you we would sleep up on the balcony of could be. Marshall Auditorium which most people aren’t even allowed to go into anymore; Emily: Amanda Bischoff, a Landscape it was open at the time. We would go up Architecture major, wants to know how there and sleep on the floor. I remember the skills you obtained from going to waking up in the middle of a class. I think school to be a landscape architect benefit Rainer Brocke [EFB Professor] was actuyou where you are today? ally teaching something in there one time,
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THE KNOTHOLE • Student Life & The Environment
and I woke up all startled on the floor of the balcony, and I looked down and there he was. He saw me get up, and it was -- we always had a good time. Of course the nice thing was we’d always finish our work, and our studios were at 8 o’clock in the morning so we’d hand in our stuff and then we’d go to Hungry Chucks and have some fun! Emily: Now, all the students that have taken your law class know that lawyers don’t usually go to court, they settle out of court. But what was one of your best/worst days in court? Bob: Sure. My worst day in court, easy -- my first day in court (laughter). I was completely unprepared, I can’t remember what I went to do or what it was. I was going to plead something or do something, by myself, they thought it was real easy and of course I had no idea what I was doing and I just looked like an idiot. And you feel like an idiot. I was just -- (sigh) -- unprepared. Anybody who knows me knows I like to be prepared, and being unprepared is one of the 5 deadly sins in my life. And I was completely unprepared. Emily: But you got through it. Bob: I did. Emily: And it made you better for it I’m sure. Bob: Yeah, it made me appreciate the fact that I was never going to do anything without having a really good idea about what was going on (laughing). Emily: What are some of your hobbies? Bob: My hobbies -- I have a couple hobbies. This time of year my hobby is being an assistant baseball coach. That’s a great
See Bob, pg.15
politics
End the War on Women’s Reproductive Rights Emily Adams, 2014
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hile the war in Iraq finally seems to have come to an anticipated end, a new war is emerging within the United States. The war on women’s reproductive rights is real, and its consequences are dire. In recent years, conservatives have begun to argue that women should not have complete freedom over their bodies and their reproductive rights. The major legislation that aims to back this argument is the Personhood Bill. For those not informed of this legislation, it essentially defines a fertilized egg as a person. Many fear that this will make any woman currently taking birth control pills in possible violation of the law. The popular justification for this bill seems to be the right to religious freedom, and those who are in favor of the legislation feel that birth control methods and abortion procedures restrict their religious rights. This bill is not
What will it take to ensure women don’t lose their rights?
isolated to a specific state as there have been personhood initiatives in Alabama, Colorado, California, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, Mississippi, Montana, Nevada, North Dakota, South Carolina, and Virginia. Responding to women’s rights activists on the issue, President Obama
has introduced landmark women’s health legislation. He has made it mandatory for insurance companies to cover the co-pay for birth control, effectively creating no-cost contraceptives. This an impressive step up for many women who struggle with co-pays and other charges that insurance companies may require to obtain prescription birth control. Making birth control more accessible and affordable is a widely popular decision, but some are challenging the legislation. Anti-contraceptive extremist groups are currently using Congress to try to restrict access to this type of reproductive health care. These groups have influenced Republicans in the House and Senate that have the power to pass legislation that would override President Obama’s progress. If this was not scary enough, Tea Party Republicans in Congress have recently introduced legislation that
Jill Stein & the Green New Deal Meg Callaghan, 2014
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other, housewife, physician, teacher, advocate, author – Dr. Jill Stein has a lengthy resume of intertwining careers that can only be condensed into a description of one active woman. Stein now tackles her next endeavor, to become president of the United States through her nomination by the Green Party. The Environmental Studies Student Organization (ESSO) hosted the presidential candidate at ESF on March 23rd to speak to interested students about her green plans for her campaign. As a nod to the solutions of FDR to the Great Depression of the 1930s, Stein has drawn up a plan, calling it the Green New Deal, to lift the American economy while still implementing sustainable methods. Four main points make up this deal: the first point focuses on Stein making the ambitious promise of guaranteeing economic rights to all Americans, with the instatement of a true living wage for “every American willing and able to do work.” The second point promises a transition to a sustainable economy for the 21st
century through the adoption of green technologies and production. Next, Stein declares that the financial sector will be “rebooted and reprogrammed” to serve “everyday people and our communities, and not the other way around.” Finally, there is a promise given to protect these aforementioned points by “expanding and strengthening our democracy so that our government and our econ-
omy can finally serve ‘We the People’.” Such strong promises may very well seem appealing to many an ESFer, but without strong support in Congress and in the Judicial System, skepticism rises about the strength of these undertakings. With the Green New Deal, and other policies, Jill Stein is seeking the nomination for the Green Party throughout the US. Her party is currently seeking her spot on the ballot in eleven states through canvassing, petitioning and campaigning, and has already found her spot on the ballot in nineteen states as well as the District of Columbia. Stein plans to petition for the ballot in every state except for Georgia, Oklahoma and North Carolina, stating that she does not have the funds to compete with “anti-democratic, obstructive ballot rules.” Though don’t fret now! Jill Stein will be on the ballot in New York, if it swings your fancy to cast your vote for her presidency. The important thing is to stay informed, and when November 2012 rolls in, go out and cast your vote!
Jill Stein, Future Green Party President
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OP-ED
Idiom Ridiom Gavin Cohen, 2014
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here are many things in the English language that we don’t have words for. This column is my attempt to solve this issue. My intention is to define these things with new words that fit them appropriately while making our lives slightly easier in the process. I encourage you, if they meet your fancy, to add these to your lexicon and proliferate. Without further adieu:
Aftspeil (noun) |Ahh-fft-sp-EEL| After an argument or conversation, when an individual walks away and only upon leaving the conversation thinks of the proper thing to say next.
Example: “I can never come up with the right things to say in an argument, and when I do its always too late, I am such an aftspeilian sometimes”
Nagscrap (noun) |Nah-G-Sk-R-ahp| People who relentlessly corner mild acquaintances, or in severe cases complete strangers, for the sole purpose of chronicling every ailment, illness, and mild annoyance the person is facing at any given time. These people do not get the hint. Example: “Make sure not to make eye contact with
Sue, she is a complete nagscrap, you’ll never get away…”
Slipnom (verb) |SL-ip-N-OHm| In a conversation between two acquaintances, a slipnom occurs when one person suddenly blanks on the name of the person they are talking to, if only for just a brief second, and then they try to play it off by not using their name for the rest of the conversation. Example: “I am having a bit of a slipnom right now, what is the name of the guy I was just talking to?”
The Diary of a Wannabe Farmer Heather Helman, 2013
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pring: Okay, so a few months back, I signed up for an online WWOOF (World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms) membership kind of spontaneously. I mean sure, WWOOFing always sounded cool, but it didn’t seem like something I would practically be able to spend a good chunk of time doing. You have to make money, you know? Not that I’m making bank serving sorority girls their chicken pad thai at the restaurant I work at, but it’s something. But as usual, my curiosity got the better of Green Fire Farm in the Trinity River Valley me. Those tricky folks runfood.” Suddenly, I was emailing the most ning the website know that interesting sounding farms to see if they people aren’t going to mind shelling had any summer availability left. I began out a couple of bucks for a membership furiously revising my summer plans to if it means having access to all of the include less pad thai and more sunshine farm listings. I suddenly found myself and fresh air. I want to blame seasonal immersed knee-deep in descriptions depression for my sudden decision to of farms ranging from “an anarchist colimmerse myself in farm life this sumlective in the foothills of the Cascades” mer, but I don’t think the winter was to “an island farm and café catering to bad enough…so…I guess I have no real tourists and locals, serving fresh organic excuse other than a fierce desire to grow
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things…. and then cook them and eat them. Rinse, repeat... What could be better, really? Fast-forward to a month after signing up. I have found the farm of my dreams. I have signed my life away to them (figuratively, of course-WWOOF is far too casual for contracts) for six weeks this summer where I am offering up manual labor and my charismatic (read: awkward) presence in return for as much information about the inner-workings of organic farms as my brain and body can absorb. I think the farm work is probably going to kick my ass. Maybe that’s a good thing. I think my parents have decided I’ve lost my mind. Maybe that’s also a good thing. I don’t really know what to expect, but I have a very good feeling about it. So come July, if you’re looking for me, check in California. You might see me at the Farmer’s Market in Arcata, selling some of the stuff that I helped grow. Ignore the sunburn...I think I’ll probably be used to it by then.
2 Cents for Free
No Open Bar?! Alex Mottern, 2012
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eing a red-blooded American male gives me the ability to viciously and voraciously disagree with things that I don’t necessarily understand…along with the tendency to do so without any understanding of the why/who/ what-have-you. I’m about to use this gift to its fullest potential. As many of you have heard (at least, I hope you’ve heard), this year’s Spring Banquet will not be having an open bar. This is blasphemy! I understand that students, being legal adults and whatnot, may not always have the best judgment when it comes to drinking, but should we be punished for it? Aren’t we supposed to make mistakes? Albeit, hooking up with that drunk chick or dude is more tolerable than say, streaking across the SU quad or some other hilarious hijinks. Regardless, we are in college. Yes, we party. Yes, we drink. Yes, we’re stupid
when we drink. Accept it and leave it at that. I suppose I should give you all a reason or two why the lovely open bar
is closing herself to us. Well, I’ve only got one. The reason behind this catastrophe is that during the last banquet hosted by ESF, some girl (who didn’t go to our school and may have been underage) was found in the bathroom vomiting and being a generic drunken
idiot. Starting fights, pulling hair, being loud. You know, a real quality individual. Needless to say, this girl was taken to the hospital, and I’m sure she’s fine now. Anywho, I will not be attending this year’s Spring Banquet. Personally, I feel that you shouldn’t either. Why pay for overpriced drinks when you can go to Graby’s or Lancaster Market, grab a 30-rack, and party with your friends? Oh yeah, and in the aforementioned scenario, you get to choose your own music. This might not be a big issue for some, but if I hear “Ni**as In Paris” one more time, I’m going to flip-out. It’s a bad song, people! But I digress. Instead of going to this silly Banquet, why don’t we pool our money and get a sweet Bounce-House or two? We could jam out, drink, and bounce. Okay, so maybe bouncing right after drinking isn’t the best idea…
this craziness wouldn’t be going on all around me. Right? But people are dying, people who I love. Miscarriages, hurt, depression. Uncertainty of the future. Fear. Poverty. War. And I am supposed to believe in a God of love? Is this God in control? And then I realized last week: The stories that I heard as a kid weren’t told correctly. The pictures I colored in Sunday school about Noah and the rainbow were lies. Noah wasn’t happy about life. His whole world was torn apart. His house was gone. His friends were gone. The whole earth was flooded. Everyone except for his family died. That blows. He wasn’t happy about life. And Jesus himself wept. He wept for his friend who had passed away. And Jesus fed the 5,000 because they were hungry, and poor, and they were looking for something. It came to this. The only way that God can show himself as good in my life, is if things are bad… The only way that one can be renewed, is
if he is dead… The tree can grow if, and only if, the seed disconnects and death ensues. I don’t claim to understand this pain. This disconnection. This depression. For I am very new to it. Pain is not something I am very familiar with. But it seems to me that beauty is very plain without the ugly. Strength is quite weak without disability. I guess the only way that I will live my life for Jesus, as he tells me to, is if he shows up; if he will make himself real in my life. But I think he already has done that. If I think back across the years and the hours it is clear that he has been the strength in my weakness. And when everything in my life is falling apart, he sends a rainbow, promising that he is there with me. “That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” - 2 Corinthians 12:10
Modern Religion Chris Honess, 2014
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grew up in a Christian family, a good, solid family. My mother and father still love each other. My siblings and I all have good relationships. Growing up, I learned about Jonah and Abraham, David and Goliath, Noah and the arc. I learned about Jesus and how nice he was to everyone. He raised someone from the dead and he fed the 5,000 people with a couple pieces of bread and some fish. He walked on water and told Nicodemus that you “must be born again”. He said, “For God so loved the world, he gave is one and only son, for whoever believes in him, won’t perish, but will have eternal life”. Though, sometimes I struggle with all of this. Its cool and all, to believe in all of these things, but sometimes it seems like its not applicable to real life. Because when the rubber hits the road and the feces hits the fan where is God? It seems like if God isn’t imaginary and Jesus is real, and he really did speak the truth, then all of
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something to meditate on
Something to Meditate On: Tibet is Burning
Jane Zhu, 2012
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elf-immolations, setting oneself on fire, have been prevalent in the recent history of Tibet. Sparked by decades of immoral and violent suppression by the People’s Republic of China (PRC), Tibetans have approached this powerful form of protest. Utterly distinct in ethnicity, culture, religion, and linguistics, Tibetans view themselves as an independent state. The PRC refuses to see this distinction and believes Tibet to be a minority nation of a common culture, and an integral part of China. The PRC have exercised their merciless handhold on the peaceful group. Since the invasion of Tibet in 1949, the Chinese occupation has resulted in the deaths of hundreds of thousands of Tibetans, the destruction of over 6,000 monasteries, and the imprisonment and torture of thousands of Tibetans (freetibet.org). Fueled by discontent and paralysis, Tibetans have been setting themselves on fire to protest the Chinese
takeover of their culture and freedoms. A huge wave of self-immolations has crashed in Tibet and India (home to thousands of Tibetans in exile), most of them being under 30 years of age. There have been 32 self-immolations in the past year. Self-immolators are those who have transcended beyond their physical and individual existence, and have embraced this last resort to express their grief and heartache. In January of this year, a monk drank and doused himself in kerosene before setting himself ablaze. The act of self-immolation paints a crux of desperation. Deeply devoted to the peaceful religion of Buddhism, Tibetans resort to setting themselves on fire to show their frustration and helplessness. For Buddhists, burning the body is seen as a selfless act of sacrifice. Self-immolation evokes empathy in others unrelated to the cause; their feeling of desperation is transferred to the public. There has not been much (or enough) acknowledgement of the moral
and social brutality suffered by Tibet. These tragic acts of self-immolation have been kept hush-hushed, especially in the rest of China. Censorship authorities in China have made sure that news and visuals of people on fire do not go public. The behemoth of China, and their rapidly increasing standing in the global economy, has been a major factor that is hindering the world’s grasp on Tibet’s tragedy. The United Nations and international community have done very little to recognize China’s illegal occupation of Tibet. China is a large market as well as a cheap labor force; western nations turn a blind eye and deaf ear to Tibet’s suffering. The volatile relationship between Tibet and China has been spiraling towards more despair and trouble. The world needs to recognize China for these monstrosities, and bring justice to the people of Tibet.
Music, cont’d from pg. 6
have been on sale for a while, so if you want to attend, go snag a stub at ticketmaster.com immediately. 4Knots is an annual indierock festival in the big apple that features up-and-coming artists. The best part? It’s free! So migrate to the South Street Seaport’s Pier 17 on July 16th for some fresh music. The city is really an awesome place to be for music in the summer (especially free music!). Central Park SummerStage is an organization dedicated to bringing quality (free!) music to New York City. On July 3rd, at 7pm, Nora Jones will be performing at Central Park Mainstage.
If my shtick wasn’t good enough, then perhaps I’ve at least inspired you to go make your summer more awesome then that friend of yours at (insert Ivy League), who’s spending a week in (insert impoverished resort destination). But in all seriousness, check out www.musicfestivaljunkies.com for more hot spots to cool down over the summer. All of the Music Festivals I’ve mentioned have official websites with tons more juicy details, music samples, and other mindless propaganda. Stay beautiful and remember: smart kids wear green.
Women, cont’d from pg. 11
more action will be needed to successfully end the war on women’s reproductive rights. If you are passionate about this issue, you need to let Congress know that you will not stand for women’s rights being called into question and they should not either. You can contact New York Senators Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand through e-mail, phone, or snail mail and urge them to not pass any bills with anti-contraceptive provisions
or amendments. Also, with the election coming up quickly in November of this year, make sure that you are informed of the viewpoints and issues that the presidential candidates stand for. If restriction on contraceptive access is an issue that you are concerned about, but are not registered to vote, it is not too late. The last day to register to vote is April 30th. Make your voice heard and make a difference.
that Beck, Passion Pit, Modest Mouse, Fiona Apple, and Chromeo are playing will. A two day pass is $160, and a much better deal then $95 for one day. Turning out your pockets only to find dust and disappointment? For us penny pinchers, fear not! You don’t need to sell an organ to have a wicked summer. On May 29th and 30th, Rumsey Playfield in Central Park will be hosting Foster the People. Tickets are $40 in advance and $45 the day of the show. On August 29th, Beirut will also be at Rumsey Playfield with tickets sold at $32 dollars in advance and $35 at the door. Tickets would allow any employer to deny access to no-cost birth control to its employees. Some fear that Democrats may allow this to slide if it is added as a provision or amendment to a bill that must be passed. Unfortunately, most women who would be drastically affected if these measures were successful know little to nothing about what is at stake. Becoming informed is a start, but it seems that
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Articles Continued Bob, cont’d from pg. 10
hobby. And my big hobby is fishing. Because I was a clammer [as a kid], and growing up on the water -- I love to fish. Emily: Rumor has it that you do NOT have an ATM or debit card. Is that true and if so, how do you function in 2012 without one!? Bob: I do not. I’ve never had a debit card [but] I had an ATM card when I first came here in 1986. I got rid of it once I became an attorney. The reason was because as an attorney I used to do a lot of real estate closings, so I went to a bank everyday to get checks to give out at closings, you know for people to use to purchase homes, so I was always in a bank. So, if I wanted to get money out, I would just take it out. After I stopped being an attorney, my wife and I moved here for graduate school. We live at Euclid and Westcott, actually 1006 Euclid. I lived on Westcott as a student. Anyway, the credit union was right there. So, we would walk to the credit union all the time. Where I live now, I go to the bank. Emily: Do you miss Long Island? Bob: I don’t miss the traffic or the number of people. If you know me, I’m not a city person at all. I definitely miss the beaches. I love salt-water fishing and I don’t get to do that that often. But, when I do go down [to Long Island], my father still has a place down there, we’ll go striped bass fishing or blue fish fishing and those kinds of things. So that’s what
Syracuse, con’t from pg. 7 Mother’s Cupboard Eastwood, NY Try the frittata. But don’t go if you have to watch your cholesterol!
In the City Rosamond Gifford Zoo Syracuse’s West Side Spend the day looking at over 700 mammals. And milk a fake cow. Seriously, it’s pretty cool. Erie Canal Bike Trail Take a bike ride down the Erie Canal trail. Go 15 miles or take it all
I miss. I don’t miss jelly fish by the way (laughter). One time I was water skiing, out with my friends (we used to have a heck of a lot of fun out there), and I fall -- and I fell right on a big jelly fish and the thing wrapped around my leg and all the sudden I’m in all this pain and I’m yelling, “GO!” to my friends because I want them to go, to just pull the jelly fish off of me, and they’re just laughing at me. And I yell, “GO, GO, GO!” They weren’t doing anything so I’m pulling myself on the rope and I got out of the water and my whole leg was just all red. We used to keep meat tenderizer on our boat in case we ran into jellyfish because you put it on a jellyfish sting and it takes the sting out of it. Oh it was horrible (laughing). Emily: A LOT of your students want to know what political party you belong to? Bob: I cannot share that (laughing), because my whole point is that I want students in my classes to have to guess – am I an independent, am I a republican, am I a democrat, am I a liberal, am I a conservative, or am I a libertarian? Emily: Well I can tell you, you are doing a good job, because we are still guessing! Bob: That’s good! So I will invoke my Constitutional right to not have to speak (said with a HUGE smile on his face). Emily: Do you have any last words you would like to add? Bob: Yeah (laughter). A lot! I think the the way to Rochester. You can ride the trail to Green Lakes, as well! Onondaga Lake Park Liverpool, NY Spend the day barbecuing and enjoying the most polluted lake in the U.S., or just order out at Heid’s, one of the country’s oldest drive-ins.
Bars Shifty’s Eastwood, NY Enjoy good music and cheap wings on Monday nights at this sketchy establishment
most important thing is to -- you know, I went through this place. I give this advice out to the graduating seniors but I mean it – I went here. It’s hard. It’s really hard. Students who get through here, they should be really, really, really proud of their accomplishments. It’s a great accomplishment. My biggest disappointment in the past few years since the recession is that you see a lot more anxiety with students who are graduating, and a lot more sacredness in their eyes -- is probably a better way to say it. And that’s horrible, because they’ve accomplished so much. They’ll have jobs -- they will because they’re the most qualified people out there. When you graduate, you should be proud of yourself, you shouldn’t be worrying about the job. The job will come. It’s a shame that so many people are worried about that. My last bit of advice is that you are never in college twice. Graduate school is completely different than undergraduate. So if you’re an undergraduate student, have some fun. Enjoy yourself. You’ll never see all of these people again. And you’ll never see most of these people ever again in the same place. But you will always remember them. I can remember every single person that was in my landscape architecture class. I can picture them. If you gave me enough time, I could at least name their first names. I can because we went through a lot together. It’s the same thing with all of you, and you need to enjoy that. You don’t want to flunk out when you’re a senior, but you have to have some fun and enjoy people. That’s important. Steve’s Tipperary Hill Best Mexican I’ve ever had. Seriously, you eat in Steve’s kitchen. Really good margaritas. The East Room Eastwood, NY Super sketchy bar with really cheap drinks. BirdMan has a pretty crazy story. Blarney Stone Tipperary Hill Thursday night is wing nightbest wings in Syracuse!
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Gennaro Falco, 2012
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THE KNOTHOLE • Student Life & The Environment