Volume 66, Issue 4

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February 24, 2012

Volume 66, Issue 4

C u l t u r a l C ro s s - S e c t i o n O u r W i n t e r b re a k s a b ro a d 2 5 R e a s o n s t o d a t e A n E S F k i d T o t a l l y F a b u l o u s D r a g s h o w i d i o m ri d i o m

Letter From The Editor

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 Alice Gallagher Marley Walker Treasurer Frannie Monasterio

Advisor Karen Moore

Editorial Staff Alex Mottern Jane Zhu Brigitte Moneymaker Printer Scotsman Press

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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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Hey Stumpies!

Okay, so here’s the thing. I get it. You’ve all been wondering-what the hell is a danket? Why are these weirdos at the Knothole using made up words? Listen, this is not my own personal made up word (though I wish I could take credit).

The word belongs to Knothole staff of years past, and frankly it’s a legacy.

While one of our staff writers did you all a favor in this issue and defined “danket” for you all in his new column, I would like to share with you all...The Legend of the Original Danket. You know, for a bit of history.

Once upon a time, a crazy crew of humans lived together in a den on Maryland Ave. They were your typical ESF students and also happened to be the majority of the Knothole staff at the time. They had in their den a magical organ, which sat beneath a strange contraption. It was a giant umbrella hung upside down from the ceiling. If you played the organ, this umbrella would be lowered upon you ceremoniously. This was...the Lowering of the Danket!

When you finished, it was only proper to Raise the Danket once more. The Danket was so special that it eventually became a term used to describe all things wonderful, magical, awesome, and/or delicious. Get it?

Yeah, me neither. But we like the word so we’re still using it over here at the Knothole. Gotta keep tradition alive, folks! xoxoxo Heather

Inside Issue #4: Environmental News...................................2 Cultural Cross-Section.................................3 Make-A-Danket..........................................4 Mind and Body...........................................5 Point/Counterpoint: ACTA...........................6 Our Winter Breaks Abroad.....................8&9 Around the Quad.....................................10 Meet the Faculty: Dr. Gibbs......................11 Kvetch......................................................12 Ranunculus

Idiom Ridiom.....................................13

Third party politics.............................13 25 Reasons to date an ESF kid...................14 MindSpill..................................................16 Cover photo: http://th07.deviantart.net/fs9/PRE/i/2006/074/0/9/fire_poi_1_by_20yearsofdiscord.jpg

THE KNOTHOLE • Student Life & The Environment

Environmental News

Environmental News Hui Xian Lin, 2013

Sightings of Snowy Owls

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here has been an increase in the number of snowy owls in the Northern United States. The legitimate reason there are more owls is unknown, however the snowy owls have recently had good breeding seasons and plenty of food. Despite this, the data for increased snowy owl populations has yet to be collected.

Snowy owls were thought to be on the decline since 1945. Recently, people have been finding these birds in both urban and suburban areas. Mr. Denver Holt, director of the Owl Research Institute, stated that the reason people are coming to see the fascinating snowy owls are because of their white coloration, signifying purity. It might also be the fact that Hedwig is very popular.

49th US ranking in Environmental Performance Index

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he Environmental Performance Index (EPI) ranks 132 countries based on environmental health (30%) and the ecosystem vitality (70%) over time using 22 indicators. They are based on 10 categories: environmental health, water quality, air pollution, water resources, biodiversity, habitat, forests, fisheries, agriculture, and climate change. The US was previously ranked 61th. Recently, there has been progress towards a more environmentally conscious nation as well as plans to improve our environment.

Being ranked 49th is due to the US’ weak areas, such as a lack of progress in dealing with climate change.

Hydraulic Fracturing in New York slowed down

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Snowy owl in action!

Energy tax breaks: Rise in alternative energy

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resident Obama has proposed energy tax breaks for existing wind and solar companies allowing jobs to be created. One tax break, a production tax credit, would reduce the price difference between wind power and fossil fuels. The other tax break which recently expired, the 1603 program, helped solar companies get up to 30% of their investment back for a new project. This year, $1.76 billion was provided to support about 22,000 solar projects. There has been a tremendous increase in wind and solar power in the recent years.

he meeting of a drilling panel has been canceled, slowing down the onset of hydrofracking of natural gas.

With over 40,000 comments from protestors about the regulations of fracking and the environmental impacts and consequences of fracking, the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) are going to answer the questions regarding fracking in the Marcellus Shale beds. The benefit of fracking is the economic boost gained from the natural gas reserves contained within the shale beds.

The consequence for hydrofracking is contaminating waterways with toxic chemicals. Will the government consider the people, their health, and safety over the ‘need’ for gas?

of corn. Dr. Yasuo Yoshikuni, cofounder of Bio Architecture Lab and their Chief Science Officer, employs microbes found in the ocean that can metabolize alginate, which makes up half of the sugar content of seaweed, into ethanol. BAL is working with the Chilean government, which is currently supporting the bio-fuel production from seaweed.

New proposed gas economy focus on fuel-efficient vehicles

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he proposed standards will create 484,000 jobs and cut oil consumption in the United States by 1.5 million barrels a day by 2030, according to an environmental group, GO60mpg. The National Automobile Dealers Association is worried about the consumer demand for fuel efficient automobiles. The Obama administration has postponed the proposal to Feb. 13th to hold more hearings in order to finalize the stricter regulations. There has been a dispute of the increase of the cost for fuel efficient vehicles. The administration stated that fuel efficient automobiles will cost $2000 more and owners will save about an average of $6,600 over the life of the vehicle by using less fuel. Some companies dispute that the increase in vehicle costs will likely be closer to $5000. Other car dealers support the increased cost of these vehicles as there is currently a consumer interest in energy efficient vehicles.

Making sugar from seaweed

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genetically modified strain of Escherichia coli can break down the sugars in brown seaweed producing ethanol. Seaweed can yield up to 1,500 gallons of ethanol per acre, 50% more ethanol per acre than sugar cane and triple the ethanol per acre

A fuel efficient smart car.

Student Life & The Environment • THE KNOTHOLE •

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Cultural Cross-Section

Japan’s Unique Culture Cecilia Walenza, 2013

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eople tend to have very contradictory views of Japan. At first, they see it as a formal, harsh country filled with workaholics ready to commit seppuku (ritual suicide) to restore their honor, but at the same time it’s hard to forget that this strict country is also the birthplace of Pokemon, Hello Kitty, Naruto, and Kirby. You may wonder how both these cultural aspects can fit on two sides of the same coin, but there is a simple explanation for it: one side would not be able to exist without the other.

The Japanese culture is largely based around the idea of honor and respect, to the extent that it is even built into their language. Speakers always have to be aware of how they talk. There are levels of politeness and familiarity, as well as a person’s status to consider. This style of speech can be seen reflected in the workplace, at school, and on the street. In fact, in Japan it is not your religion that dictates how you act (e.g. a god that punishes

you), but the concept of honor and shame.

The constant pressure to uphold your reputation has in part led to a large amount of stress in the workplace. Extreme cases have manifested themselves in the karoshi (or “death

from overwork”), and it is perhaps because of this strain that Japan has created a rather unique method of stress relief. I would call it an interest-

ing manifestation of the phrase, “work hard, play hard”.

One of the best examples of the Japanese “playing hard” is seen in what are known as “Japanese game shows” (which seem to be most popular on Youtube). These games display people, often in costume, doing ridiculous things such as: Nokabe (aka. ‘Brain Wall’), also known as human tetris using foam walls (brought over to the US as ‘Hole in the Wall’), ‘Silent Library’, where a random participant has to (silently) suffer a punishment (such as getting a nose hair pulled out) in a library, swinging across a rope over hot water to an unstable platform, and running on a treadmill while jumping over hurdles to reach a goal before someone else. Although entertaining, not all forms of Japanese relaxation and entertainment are as potentially harmful as these game shows are for the sake of fun.

See Japan, pg. 14

Nihonshu (Saké) Sean Fagan, 2012

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ost people I meet have never had a legitimate experience with sake.

I have had sake before, but it wasn’t until I visited a saké bar in the east village of New York with a friend that my eyes and taste buds were opened.

My friend guided me around a corner to an inconspicuous stairwell leading underground.

I was skeptical and not sure what to expect. As soon as we entered, I was immediately taken aback by the small entrance area and miniscule bar. I couldn’t help but think, “Is this it?” My friend continued to guide me through a curtain and down a dark hallway into the coolest bar I have ever been in.

The actual bar area was dimly lit with paper lanterns, packed with small tables lit intimately with votives, and covered with graffiti on par with Chucks. The bar was constructed in Japanese fashion complete with tile roof, shelves stocked with bottles and

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bottles of saké.

We were seated in a nebulous corner and given menus. I figured the menu would be front and back-- it’s a bar right? This was the longest menu I have ever encountered at a bar before;

it was eight pages long, possibly longer.

This is when I had my saké epiphany, because almost five of those pages were dedicated specifically to saké choices. I had no idea how complex saké was up until that point. I felt so American.

THE KNOTHOLE • Student Life & The Environment

Since most of you are not familiar with saké, let me give you the rundown. Saké is called rice wine by most English speakers, however it is produced in a fashion similar to that of beer. The basic ingredients are shuzo kotekimai (saké rice), and water.

The rice is polished to remove the proteins and oils, which are bad for the flavor. This polishing process can be quite complex, depending on the intended flavor of the saké. The rice is then steamed and fermented using Aspergillus oryzae.

It is further fermented using Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and then filtered and pasteurized. It is then set to aside to rest and mature. It is usually diluted with water to bring the alcohol content down from 20% to 15% before making its way into your glass.

Saké can be served warm, chilled, or at room temperature. Sake

continued on opposite page

Make-A-Danket

Make-a-Danket: Lumpia!

Frannie Monasterio, 2013

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his is the Filipino adaptation of the spring roll commonly seen at Chinese restaurants. They’re called lumpia (pronounced LOOM-pyah).

Ingredients: 1 package of egg roll wrappers - available at an oriental store of your choice. (make sure to buy the ones that are refrigerated, not the ones you can find sitting out on a shelf) 2 pounds ground beef 2 cups of chopped carrots 2 cups of celery Half of a medium size Spanish onion 4 cloves of garlic 3 eggs 1/4 cup flour salt and pepper some water corn starch oil Other items needed/strongly suggested: A food processor of some kind, e.g., a Ninja Sweet and sour chili sauce from an oriental market Directions: Crack your eggs and beat them in a bowl.

Peel and mince the garlic cloves. Make sure they’re practically in seasoning size pieces (small!).

Combine minced garlic, eggs, ground beef, and salt and pepper (to taste) in a container.

Chop your carrots, celery, and onions using your food processor.

Combine carrots, celery, and onions

Sake, cont’d.

is served in a small cup called a choko.

This is usually filled from a ceramic flask called a tokkuri. However, it can also be served in a wooden box called a masu.

The serving method usually depends on whether you order it warmed or chilled.

My friend and I ordered warm and chilled sake to share. Their menu had sections with specific warm and chilled sakés because they serve premium saké. This made the selection very interesting to read through, because every one had an intimate description of

together and mix evenly.

Combine carrots, celery, and onions with ground beef ball.

Gradually add your flour to your beef cluster and season it with salt and pepper again to taste.

Set this beef cluster aside.

Mix water and corn starch together. This is going to be the paste that keeps your lumpia together. Make sure it’s a paste. I suggest looking up how to make a paste on Wikihow.

Separate your lumpia wrappers.

Here’s where your beef cluster comes in. The number of lumpia you make is dependent upon the dimensions of the wraps you bought, so portion accordingly:

If you bought circular wraps, add a line of meat 3/4s of the way from one of the sides. If you bought square wraps, orient the wrap so that it looks like a square - not a diamond, and add a line of meat 3/4s of the way from the side closest to you in a straight line. Make sure you have equal margins to the left and the aroma and flavor.

When we received our saké, I was surprised to see the server come to the table with a wooden box containing a glass. This was for the chilled saké. As the server poured the sake into the glass she allowed it to overflow into the box.

We later found out that this is a sign of generosity according to the people who were seated next to us. They were very generous themselves. As the evening went on they bought multiple bottles of saké and shared them with us.

The taste of saké is an interest-

right of your meat line. Imagine stacking three pencils like a pyramid. This is about the portion of meat you want in each roll. The more meat you put, the longer it will take to cook.

Roll the lumpia, adding about three fingers tips worth of the corn starch paste half way your roll. Seal your roll by adding the paste along the inner edge of the lumpia wrapper and fold neatly. Repeat until you’re out of meat or wrappers - which ever happens first. Each lumpia roll resembles something like a wrap you’d get at a dining hall on campus. If you end up with excess meat, you can probably make a burger out of the leftovers.

Bring your wok (or whatever frying apparatus/container you have) to medium heat and add your oil. Once the oil is hot, add a few pieces of lumpia in.

You’ll leave these in there until they’re a nice tan brown color. You’re aiming for that Hawaiian-Pig-with-an-apple-in-itsmouth-on-the-luau-table kind of brown on the outside. Alternatively, as long as the meat isn’t pink on the inside, the lumpia is done cooking. I suggest putting them on a plate with a paper towel on top (like what some people do with bacon) to absorb that excess gristle when you take the lumpia out of the fryer. They’ll be hot, so wait a bit for them to cool.

If you don’t want to fry all the lumpia at the moment, you can freeze the excess for an easy snack at a later time.

I recommend using the sweet chili sauce as a dip. They’re delicious by themselves or with white, sticky rice. ing one if you have never had the pleasure to experience it. It is very similar to tasting beer or wine. Pay attention to the aroma and the flavors in the saké.

You can taste the alcohol but it is quite bearable and really brings out the other flavors.

I see saké as a casual drink that should be enjoyed slowly. Thankfully, I was in the perfect place to slow down and experience the flavors and aromas before I had one of the craziest nights of my life.

Student Life & The Environment • THE KNOTHOLE •

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Mind & Body

The Health Benefits of Cat-Cow Stretch Laura Briel, 2014

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at-cow stretch pairs two asanas - Marjaryasana (Cat Pose) and Bitilasana (Cow Pose) – with the breath to create a gentle, flowing vinyasa. For those who are unfamiliar with the style of yoga known as vinyasa, it is defined as “breath-synchronized movement.” This means that as a yogi breathes, each inhale or exhale is coordinated with a certain posture or movement.

Getting Into Cat-Cow:

Begin on your hands and knees in Table Pose. Here your joints should be stacked: hips should be directly above your knees and your shoulders, elbows, and wrists should be in line and perpendicular to the floor. Keep your back straight (like a tabletop) but not too tense with shoulder blades drawn towards your tailbone. Let your neck hang loose and

your eyes soften, looking at the floor.

Once you’re in Table Pose, move into Cow Pose. As you inhale, simultaneously lift your tailbone upward, press your chest forward, and allow your belly to sink towards the floor. Lift your head, relax your shoulders away from your ears, and gaze straight ahead.

As you exhale, come into Cat Pose. Simultaneously round your spine outward, tuck your tailbone, and draw your pubic bone forward. Feel the sensation of pulling your belly button up.

Release your head toward the floor, but don’t force your chin to your chest. Note: if you have a neck injury, keep your head in line with your torso throughout Cat-Cow.

Go back and forth between Cow and Cat on each inhale and exhale, matching your movements to your own breathing. Do this for 5-10 breaths while trying to keep an even distribution of weight between your hands and knees. After your final exhale, end the stretch as you began in Table Pose.

Benefits of Cat-Cow:

•Lengthens and strengthens the spine •Improves balance and posture •Stretches the hips, abdomen and back •Strengthens the neck •Increases coordination •Massages and stimulates belly organs, like the kidneys and adrenal glands •Creates emotional balance •Relieves stress and calms the mind •Long-term practice can greatly reduce or eliminate chance of spinal degeneration

Something to Meditate On Jane Zhu, 2012

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t is only a couple of months into the New Year and you’re already stumbling over those resolutions. Work out four times a week, practice yoga, eat a healthier diet, be nicer, read more. We’ve all jumped into a sea of resolutions only to find ourselves drowning and reaching out for anything that will keep us afloat.

Ironically, this frenzy of goals is leading us further away from what resolutions are intended for, and that is to become a better person (whatever that means).

Distractions abound, the mind is over stimulated and overworked only to result in… in… nothing wholesome or memorable.

Catch your wandering thoughts and evanescent caprices by becoming mindful of the present. Through the practice of meditation, everything will eventually fall into place.

Meditation may be the simplest practice in concept, but the hardest to implement. It is the journey of linking together the mind and the body. Mindfulness can be practiced anywhere and at any time, even when doing the most

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mundane tasks such as washing the dishes. A simple mantra will help you gain hold on the present. When you inhale, say to yourself “Breathing in, I know I am breathing in”, and when you exhale say, “Breathing out, I know I am breathing out”. The breath eludes us in our busy schedules, and this mantra will allow us to recognize and honor that what keeps us alive.

A sitting meditation can employ a visualization technique in worshipping our bodies. Inverting the eyes inwards and visually following the breath is a deeper way of connecting to your Supreme Self. Start in a comfortable seated position, with a straight spine. Align your heart right above your sacrum (lower back) and the top of your head right above your heart. Allow your body to become still and your breathing to deepen.

Bring your attention to the base of your spine and visualize a glowing red color.

As you inhale, follow radiating breath along the spine, elongating the space between each vertebra, up to the space between your eyebrows. You will notice a

THE KNOTHOLE • Student Life & The Environment

softening in the face that is accompanied by a release of tension. Exhale the breath down the same road. Your spine will be filled with light as each breath originates from the glowing red of your root chakra and travels to your third eye chakra.

Allow yourself to become infused with this light as you sit for 5 to 10 minutes of meditation.

Your mind will wander. It will process the events that occurred earlier in the day. It will mentally prepare a shopping list and a dinner menu. It will be anxious for that trip to Paris over spring break. It can’t wait to have a picnic on the Seine and shop along the Champs- Élysées. But every time your mind travels, try to gently bring it back. Become conscious of this moment, here and now, because nothing else matters. On the journey of meditation, the mind will get lost. When it does, softly coax is back to the breath. Every subsequent time the mind strays; it will go a little less far. The next time your thoughts wander, they won’t even get to the airport.

Point/Counterpoint

ACTA? Here’s the Fact-A! Meg Callaghan, 2014

“S

hiver me timbers!” was heard around the country as young internet-users began debate over the SOPA and PIPA legislation (Stop Online Piracy Act and Protect IP Act- Senate and House of Representatives Acts respectively) that has come into the spotlight over the last month. Though these acts have been quietly postponed until another time, the past four years of work is still aparent. An international committee devised a treaty known as the Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement (ACTA). This treaty, signed by the United States, Australia, Canada, Japan, Morocco, New Zealand, Singapore and South Korea on October 1, 2011, has gained momentum after increasing signatories to the European Union and twenty-two of its member states, including the UK, France, and others, in January. To ratify this agreement, six more members of the EU must sign, including Germany, an international power who has failed to choose a side in this deliberation.

Is ACTA the same as SOPA and PIPA? Rudimentarily, yes, but ACTA, if enacted, will have effects that will reach a global community;

A Somali pirate.

one that is molded by the information superhighway. ACTA sets international standards to fight for intellectual property rights. It has established international legal framework for targeting counterfeit goods, generic medicine, and copyright infringement on the internet. This would be enforced by a new governing body created by the treaty that would exist outside of forums such as the World Trade Organization, the United Nations, and the World Intellectual Property Organization. In plain speech, this would put a damper

on illegal use of copyrighted material (think pirated music, movies, print, etc.) as well as stop the sale of misbranded or counterfeit prescription drugs. While sketchy prescription drugs are obviously dangerous, it might be a little more difficult to see the problem with stealing your favorite band’s new 8-track. While saving yourself money, you’re not paying for the hard intellectual work that the artists put into to create such a fine, melodic oeuvre, as well as the studio rats and publishing gurus that toil day-in and day-out to make this possible. Therefore, ACTA is backed by the Recording Industry Association of America, along with the Motion Picture Association of America, to help keep jobs in those sectors. This would be the reason for the media’s pinning of this debate as “Hollywood vs. Silicon Valley,” after a myriad of internet users and technology corporations sprang to protest against this legislation. This valiant act of international political cooperation may not be perfect, but in the light of ACTA, work is being done to help save and support the growth of jobs where creativity comes to light.

ACTA! Get your act together!

Gavin Cohen, 2014

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or all you political somnambulists out there feeding off of bureaucratic meat and juices, Congress just tried to pass something called SOPA, the Stop Online Piracy Act. This act caused wide spread disgruntlement throughout the internet, for more than just the pirates. Although we managed to stop, or rather postpone SOPA, the momentum of the government hasn’t faltered. They are still trying to shut down copyright infringements, especially through the internet. The Anti-Counterfeit Trade Agreement (ACTA) was drafted last April to combat the global issue of piracy and other counterfeiting operations. While I am not condoning illegal behavior, this agreement has many flaws that inhibit

An internet “pirate”

the exercise of many of our freedoms.

Much of the concern from ACTA has been its relatively secretive nature, inciting the image of dark hallways and dimly lit conference rooms filled with the 1% of people rich enough to want to maximize profit margins by snipping internet piracy in the preverbal

behind. This secrecy feeds the fuel that blazes in the hearts of the people who brandish major, faceless corporations as being to blame for everything.

This, in itself, is one of the many troubling aspects of this situation. The trade agreement was signed by the United States on October 1st 2011 without so much as a Congressional discussion on the matter. Furthermore, the “people” who received copies of the Treaty before revisions were major corporations such as Google, Ebay, Time Warner, Verizon, and Sony Pictures, who were required to sign a non-discloser agreement. While ACTA’s intentions are sound, there are numerous sinister implications to how

See ACTA!, page 14

Student Life & The Environment • THE KNOTHOLE •

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our winter br

A gem in the jungle: Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands Olivia Gagliardi, 2014 magine waking up to the sound of work started at 8:30 Irooster rain falling on the metal roof and a AM, we broke twice for calling somewhere down the water and lunch, and dirt road. Eating enormous meals that always consist of rice, beans and a tostada (think of a grilled cheese with the delicious knob turned to one million). Working hard all day, swimming in a refreshing river to cool off, and then playing fútbol (soccer, for the rest of us) every night in the center of town. Trying to communicate with your host family using a combination of broken Spanish and some wild, charadelike hand gestures. Imagine a place where nobody is ever in a hurry and everything around you feels tranquil and complete: This is Ecuador.

This winter break I traveled for three unforgettable weeks to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands while volunteering with the Society for Conservation Biology. The trip was full of so many life changing and unforgettable moments, the hardest part was to explain it to everyone once we returned.

The moment our phones turned back on in the United States we were all bombarded with questions from our friends and family, asking, “How was it?” and “You didn’t come back with a botfly too, did you?”

How was it? Where do I begin? To tell someone all about this trip would probably require an additional three weeks. If I had to sum it up on just one word, there is only one that seems fitting: surreal.

At times, I would look around at where I was - in the heart of the jungle or on one of the gorgeous beaches of the Galapagos – and I could not believe how different it was from my life back home. I felt as if I was on a completely different planet, living a completely different life.

For the first two weeks of the trip we lived with host families in a community called Mariscal, south of Ecuador’s capital of Quito. Sure we were able to feed squirrel monkeys, buy ice cream for 15 cents, ride our families’ horses, and take an over 8 hour hike to a waterfall led by teenage boys with machetes, but it wasn’t all monkeying around. Each day, our

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then continued until about 4:30 PM. For most of us, this was the most physically demanding work we have ever done. Most of it involved transferring rocks and gravel uphill by assembly line, wheel barrel or bag, stacking cinder blocks, mixing cement, hacking away brush with a machete (yeah, it’s as cool as it sounds), or cutting into the side of a muddy hill to make stairs. At the end of our two weeks in Mariscal, our club had succeeded in building a new schoolroom for the community and helping with some much needed trail maintenance at the Zanja Arajuno Ecological Center.

Along with the physical work, we also participated in demonstrations to educate the locals about recycling.

The community of Mariscal is nearly 100% sustainable except for one huge issue: disposing of manmade trash. The only trash or recycling facility available to them is over an hour away, so without any means of transportation their only means of removal are either throwing it on the ground or burning. These two procedures, which ESF students should already know, are terrible for both human health and the environment.

See Ecuador, pg. 8

THE KNOTHOLE • Student Life & The Environment

reaks abroad

Trip to Ghana gives sense of what’s truly important Kelsey Adler, 2014 n January 12 2012, I embarked O on a journey that would forever change my life. I, along with 12 th

other people, flew halfway around the world to arrive in the West African nation of Ghana. We were welcomed by 90 degree weather and the smiling faces of our Ghanaian friends, all of whom I now consider family. Though we were in Ghana for a mere eight days, my time there felt eternal. This trip centered on medical missions; missions that I first embarked on during my senior year of high school. My first time in Ghana was an amazing experience but my immaturity and naiveté prevented me from dedicating my all to the purpose of the trip. I was only concerned about my wellbeing, my feelings, and what I wanted to do.

This second time in Ghana, I devoted myself whole-heartedly to the people we came to help. I thought less about myself and more about others.

We visited a variety of remote villages during our stay in Ghana.

The people in the villages usually lived in mud huts with straw roofs.

Some people wore t-shirts and jeans while others dressed in traditional African garb. Each village was unique in its own way, though there was a distinct similarity present in every location. We distributed anti-parasite medication to adults and children, along with medical advice that would ensure their good health. Some villages held well ceremonies where

the people sang and danced in thanks for the gift of clean drinking water.

Seeing the brown, mucky, filthy water that most Ghanaians are forced to drink will absolutely change you as a person. I now plan to work in a field where I can help provide third world countries with clean drinking water.

Ghanaian schools were also visited within these villages.

The first school we visited (one we have many connections with) was founded in 2004 under a tree

with only 3 students. Now, there are almost 300 attendees who are brilliant, to say the least. Most children there can speak at least 3 different languages: Ewe (traditional Ghanaian language), English, and French. Some kids can even speak more! We observed a group of students, all 10 years old, learning about the oxidation levels of the elements. The kids appreciate school so much because education is hard to come by in many parts of Ghana.

The thing I noticed the most on this trip was the fact that the Ghanaian people who live in the villages have very little material things: no TV, no toilet, no running water, no electricity. Yet, they are happier than any American person I know, even those who are incredibly wealthy. They have learned to appreciate what they have, regardless of its value in comparison to western items. I think this is why I have such a passion to help the people of Ghana in any way possible. In America, we take clean water for granted. We waste water at unbelievable rates while children in third-world countries die every day due to water borne illnesses.

At this point, you may be wondering what you can do to help. Not everyone gets the opportunity to actually travel to Africa, but by supporting non-profit organizations and raising awareness of this water crisis in Africa, you can make a difference too!

Student Life & The Environment • THE KNOTHOLE •

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around the quad

So long for now, women’s basketball...

Brigitte Moneymaker, 2014

L

et’s be honest, the majority of students who come to ESF are not here for our vast athletic program or the chance to be the next big Syracuse athlete (ESF kids are not allowed to participate in SU’s division 1 teams anyway). Most stumpies are perfectly content just maintaining a full academic schedule and not worrying about practice or games. Although, lately there has been an increased interest in sports among students, as the athletic program at ESF develops more and more each year. Soccer coach Dan Ramin now personally recruits new players and the men’s basketball team has even been upgraded to division 3.

There is one team, however, that never seemed to be able to get off on the right foot this year: The ESF Women’s Basketball team.

For those of us that played sports in high school, being part of a team is something that you definitely miss once it is gone. The bonding that comes from enduring grueling practices together, cheering each other on at games, and sporting your team gear with your name across the back. After an ill-fated attempt with the women’s soccer team (my sprained ankle count is now at 4), I thought that the basketball team would be more up my alley, considering I played all through middle and high school.

This semester would have marked the 2nd year for the team, which means the USA has officially recognized them as an authorized club, budget and all. The first general interest meeting was sort of a let down considering only four girls showed, but

I was reassured that plenty of people had signed up that wanted to play.

The next disappointment came when the only gym times available for us to practice were at 7am in Flanagan. I can handle the occasional early morning workout, but every single week on top of a full course load is a lot to handle.

These early morning practices were especially detrimental when midterms rolled around, along with a particularly nasty chest cold. On more than one occasion there were weeks when only one or two people who showed up to each practice.

To try and improve attendance, we moved one morning practice to Tuesday nights instead. Even though it was done with good intentions, having practice from

See Basketball, pg. 14

Keeping it Fabulous, Ten Years Running Nick Haas, 2012

Q

uick, name something as old as Shakespeare but yet as fun and lively as your favorite neighborhood bar on a Saturday night. No it is not karaoke, or grannies rapping, it is Drag.

The art of drag has a long history ranging from the stage, to cultural performances, to the point where it has been taken on and transformed by the LGBT community. Thanks to popular media, there is one drag queen that is almost a household name, RuPaul. First gaining national attention as being a featured dancer in the B-52’s Love Shack, she is more famous for being the first drag queen supermodel ever, modeling for MAC Cosmetics. More recently she has been the host and producer of the hit LOGO television show, RuPaul’s Drag Race, which is currently in its 4th season. RuPaul has been a large influence into the rise and prominence of drag culture to the position it enjoys today.

Part of this rise in prominence of the art of drag, which is considered an inculture form of entertainment, has been the continued success of the Totally Fabulous Drag Show series. Started in 2002, this series has allowed a countless number of students to experience

10 •

drag for the first time in their life.

Either through the large crowds that come and watch the shows, or the brave souls who try their hand at drag for the first time. Each year we have crowned a Drag Queen and King of the Hill. Last year we also crowned Drag Troupe of the Hill.

This year promises to be a real thriller. Professional drag performers Samantha Vega and Spikey Van Dykey will be making appearances at the Preliminary Show on Thursday February 9th at 8:30 PM in The Underground at Schine Student Center. Special performances will also be held by the drag kings Windz and Craven at the Finals show, both of which have performed in the Syracuse area many times before.

The Finals will be co-hosted by two alumni from RuPaul’s Drag Race, Shangela and JuJubee. Both drag queens have very enormous and unique personalities, promising to make the show to be the best to date.

The Finals will be held on Friday February 24th at 8:00 PM in the Goldstein Auditorium in Schine Student Center. Tickets will be on sale at the Schine Box office $3 for SU/

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The beautiful RuPaul.

ESF students, staff and faculty for the preliminary show, $5 for the general public. Finals will cost $5 and $7 respective to the preliminaries.

What makes this event even better is that roughly 75% of proceeds from ticket sales from both shows and tips given to performers will go to SAGE Upstate and Friends of Dorothy.

These two amazing organizations serve a diverse population of LGBT people throughout the Syracuse community.

Don’t be a drag, come and watch it!

spotlight on faculty

Turtle Talk: Getting to know Dr. Gibbs Emily Lawson, 2012

you to Dr. James Gibbs for Thank participating in this interview!

Emily: Of all the amazing experiences you’ve had in the field, what was your most memorable?

competitively. I love to explore the city, and I do. Last night, for example, I went home from work. I rode...all through the Lemoyne area neighborhoods down on Erie which is the worst bicycling on earth but every weekend I try to ride around Onondaga Lake. It just takes me through these wonderful routes. I always go a different way...I can’t get

two perspectives. One is that human habitations are great habitat for animals. I’m really encouraged to see all this green design…green walls, green roofs...It’s not greening just for us. It benefits wildlife and it benefits us. The other thing, I’ve spent a lot of time in Siberia and basically everything in central Siberia is log construction. It’s amazing what people do. And it’s not just homes… it’s schools, and even log hospitals… it’s hydro dams. And their forest resources are actually growing and I’m just so inspired.

And there’s something about these structures, you know they’re simple but they’re very beautiful.

Dr. Gibbs: Hmmm, gosh, that’s a good question.

You know, I guess I’d have to say I remember I spent 6 months on a tiny little island called Daphne Major in the Galapagos as a 19 year old and I just remember after about 5 months being Emily: What’s on the ridge of your favorite the top of the animal? volcano and just looking out, and Dr. Gibbs: seeing, oh the That reminds ocean and the me of someone brilliant sky and that asked the sharks down Salvador Dali, at the base of that Spanish the cliff, and the surrealist other Galapagos painter, what Islands spread his favorite out and I just animal was he remember a said “filet of Dr. James Gibbs 1982, at age 19 on the Galapagos Island of Daphne Major huge manta ray, sole.” But aside these are huge huge animals, off on enough of bicycling. It’s just sort of from filet of sole…you know, it’s hard the horizon flying out of the water. I the whole experience of seeing, seeing to say. It’s going to be embarrassing don’t know exactly why they do it, where you live in a different way. as someone who works with giant if it’s to knock off parasites. There That’s what I really like to do. My tortoises and snow leopards. Every was one that rocked right out of the son likes to come, and he’s got a new time I find a spotted salamander I ocean and just came down with a used bicycle but I now can’t keep up am...in awe. I just think they’re just huge kabang and I just thought WOW. with him…I like to explore. The city one of those things that no matter is very complicated and interesting. how old or young or how local or Emily: Weren’t your clothes If you’re in a car you can’t do it…if international…they are just, wow. I falling apart because you you’re on your feet you go a little too am always happy to find another were there for so long? slowly to really cover some ground, spotted salamander. They are always but there’s something about a bike. a surprise. They are always a treat.

Dr. Gibbs: Yes actually...We did You can smell things…and say hello And they are always a mystery. go [with] basically one pair of to people. It’s great. The trip around shorts for 6 months and a couple the lake is always great. Last week Emily: Do you have a of shirts and that was a good old two pit bulls got off their leash and favorite scientific name? standard shirt but one day it just took after me…it’s always something. did break from too much sweat.

Dr. Gibbs: Oh sure. I guess I do Emily: Shane Velie, a Construction like the wood hoopoe. It’s a very Emily: To shift to something a Management major, is curious to common bird through Asia and little less “scientific” what’s your know coming from a conservation Eastern Europe. Its [scientific favorite thing to do in Syracuse? perspective what are your name] is Upupa epops. I think thoughts on green building they make a good band name.

Dr. Gibbs: Ah, you know in truth and green construction?

I am an avid bicyclist but not in See Gibbs, pg. 15 the sense of um, you know cycling Dr. Gibbs: Actually, interesting…

Student Life & The Environment • THE KNOTHOLE •

11

kvetch

The Death of Genre Christian Hill, 2014

T

here was once a time when people classified music by a simple genre such as “rock” or “electronic”. As technology continues to advance at an incomprehensible rate, the ability to classify music into predetermined categories is becoming more and more difficult. The concept of separate genres is becoming obsolete.

A prime example of this occurrence is the genre of rock. We have come such a long way since the origins of rock music long ago in the 1940’s when the electric guitar hit the music scene with a vengeance. When rock n’ roll became popular, it seemed alright to categorize it as a brand new variety of music. Now more than half a century later, there are thousands upon thousands of popular rock artists, and it seems impossible to categorize them all. There is rock, alternative rock, progressive rock, pop rock, indie rock, Celtic rock, and yes, even Viking rock.

There are more types of rock than your feeble mind has the capacity for.

Electronic music, while much more recent in origin than rock, is another great example of this loss of classification. When I say electronic music what is the first artist that comes to mind? Answers may include more popular artists such as Daft Punk,

Deadmau5, or Skrillex, but also include lesser-known ones like Discovery or Pogo. Although all of these examples are electronic based, it does not do the artists justice to put them all in the same category. Deadmau5 makes more bass thumping house music while Skrillex makes gut-wrenching, dubstep-heavy mixes. Discovery has more vocal dependent, bass heavy music while Pogo creates mash-ups and remixes of both mov-

Ask-a-Nut

me ‘Never wear black and navy at the same time.’ So there goes that plan of action. And I couldn’t bet on the Giants because they wear red sometimes and that is definitely not black. So, to make a short story long, no. No, I did not. -Nut

Hey Nut, Did you make any money on this year’s Super Bowl?

-Gambling Novice GN, I tried to make a wager this year but I have very specific rules about gambling. When I was just a cotyledon, my Oak Tree told me ‘Always bet on black’. That is very difficult to do when both teams wear blue. I was leaning towards the Patriots because they wear a darker blue, then I remembered another rule my twig-mate told

12 •

ies and TV shows to make songs. While all of these artists depend on electronics and computers as the sole basis for their music, it is not fair to throw them into the same generic box that is electronic music. It may seem too specific, but modern music may be a little too varied to fit into the prehistoric music genres

Hey Nut, What do you think of this logic: if a girl goes out on a date and the guy pays but she doesn’t put out, did she get a free lunch?

-Take That Economics 101 TTE101, As we all know, there is no such thing as a free lunch. Mostly because even

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previously used.

Both the music industry and the Internet are responsible for feeding the death of the genre. Modern technology and mass media has made music available anywhere and everywhere in mass quantities. Pandora, iTunes, Spotify, Rhapsody, 8 Tracks, Soundcloud, and even old reliable YouTube are all perfectly good ways of finding new types of music. There are more than enough places to legally or illegally get music (at least currently, but I’ll let Mr. Cohen tell you about that). This increase in fragmentation of information sources leads to the majority of musical tastes becoming progressively more diversified and varied. People thrive on finding new music in mass amounts, even if it is an artist nobody has ever heard of.

The term “hipster” seems to be thrown around a lot recently. These “hipsters”, as the young folks call them, are known to have obscure musical tastes, usually containing artists rarely heard of or known by anyone else. It is very possible that this emergence is due to the fragmentation of musical sources. There are so many different types of music out there that we are bound to all have something out of the ordinary on our iPod. Maybe there is a little hipster in all of us. if someone buys you lunch you still have to listen to them the whole time.

And I hate listening. There is one flaw to your argument though. If you’re a young lady looking for a free meal, why sell yourself short and get lunch?

They always want to have dinner, preferably at a fancy restaurant. People who go on lunch dates aren’t trying to get laid; they are trying to pass an audition to go out for dinner. So the young lady in question is technically on the clock because she’s evaluating her potential suitor. There goes that free lunch. I would classify this as a business lunch. -Nut Email your burning questions to askanut@gmail.com and I guarantee I will answer it.

ranunculus

Idiom Ridiom Gavin Cohen, 2014

T

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 ado:

Ridiom- noun –“Rih-De-Um”

A Ridiom is a word created solely to rhyme with another word that one cannot think of rhyming with anything else.

For Example – “My freestyle battle was going so well until I began

spewing ridioms left and right.”

Doublesight- noun –“Duh-bel, S-eye-t”

Doublesight refers to the moment upon when you or another individual initiate a salutation that is received by more than just the person to which it was aimed at. Usually only perceived by the person initiating it, can lead to awkward moments.

For Example – “I waved to Joe but got doublesighted when Jill waved back too, I wasn’t sure what to do so I kept walking.”

Danket- noun –“Dayn-k-et”

A Danket is something awe-

some that is strongly desired to eat.

For example –“Cayla went to the bakery and was salivating profusely over all the dankets available.”

Shifties -noun -” Sh-eh-ft-EEs”

Shifties happen at the instant when two individuals walking in opposite directions meet face to face and in anticipation of the direction of the other individuals redirection end up trying to walk in the same direction, this will often happen many times in one instance.

For example: “I turned a corner and got caught in the shifties with my old physics professor - his awkward nature didn’t help.”

In Defense of American Politics Meg Callaghan, 2014

A

re you voting Democrat or Republican? Your choices are the leftwinged tax raisers or the right-winged big business endorsers. If you don’t like it, choose the lesser of two evils.

But is that really the truth?

Though America has been dominated by a two-party system for over a century, there have been a myriad of political parties that have crept up since our country’s inception.

Members of the Whig party, such as Zachary Taylor, have held the highest office, as well as Federalists and Democratic-Republicans (a party predating the separate Republican and Democratic parties). Currently, the only independent to ever achieve the office of the presidency is George Washington, coincidentally one of our greatest and most revered presidents. Even in his farewell address, Washington warned against a twoparty system, a dilemma that would rip apart our unity as a country.

Today, there are many third party candidates for office across the US, though most do not reach their full potential. Systems in place for election, mainly our “winner-take-all” approach to voting, deny third par-

ties participation in government. This system disregards even the smallest of margins and leaves no political participation for the loser. On top of this system, Ballot Access Laws curb many fledgling third party campaigns.

Each of our fifty states has its own laws of how a candidate appears on bal-

lots, usually leaving difficult terms for third parties, while our two nationally recognized parties are made sure to be on every ballot in the country. Third party candidates face registration fees and petition requirements in every state, where time and money is spent by paying the state governments and by canvassing door to door in order to gain signatures for their cause. On

top of these issues, third parties rarely get the recognition garnered from the public, costing them the elections.

Third parties can barely compete in this political climate, where the major parties have corporate sponsorship and media deals.

Thankfully, these ordeals have not caused third party candidates to throw in the towel. Major third parties (oxymoron?), including the Constitution Party, Green Party and Libertarian Party, all have candidates that are running. Through the next few months, candidates will be solidified, and the races will begin. Next time you find yourself with nothing to do, why not do some brief web-surfing and find some candidates that interest you? I ask you – no, implore you - to research the major parties’ platforms, in the least. Before you know it, November 2012 will be around the corner, and you can exercise one of our innate American rights, the right to cast opinions freely and vote for our chosen representatives, whether they are local or national. Get your voice out and be heard!

Student Life & The Environment • THE KNOTHOLE •

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25 Reasons to Date an ESF Kid Brigitte Moneymaker, 2014

B

e proud ESF! We are all stumpies and whether we are talking about plants or animals, our minds are always in the dirt. In honor of this past Valentine’s Day, I scoured the depths of internet (OK, maybe just Facebook again) to conjure up a list of the top 25 reasons dating an ESF kid is probably the best decision you will make all year. Take note SU, because once you go green…

1. We like getting dirty 2. We know how to work hard 3. We have lots of hands-on experience 4. We know how to make the bedrock 5. Our engineers know how to calculate head pressure 6. We are cheaper than SU 7. We like talking about the big bang 8. We know how to banana dance 9. We are experienced in plant and animal sexuality 10. We love talking about all types of wood 11. Our paper students get paid 12. Our Sustainable Construction Management majors know the right way to place a pole 13. Our rangers can really light your fire 14. Students in our land surveying courses learn how to use different toys 15. Our genetics students know how to handle a virgin…fly 16. Our sexual advances can be pretty forward... especially if you walk across the quad 17. When our landscape architects go abroad, they get around 18. The environmental studies students can analyze how long we will last 19. Conservation Biology majors are very concerned with keeping up the populations 20. Our chemistry and bioprocess majors can make you a drink 21. Our vegetarians/vegans taste better 22. Our Landscape Architects are used to staying up all night 23. We can get rid of all your bugs, as long as we can use them for our entomology collection.

24. We always have the right significant figures 25. We are all natural, baby.

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articles continued Japan, cont’d from pg. 4

Something that you may notice about a lot of Japanese products are their “cuteness level,” or kawaii factor. It is a concept that extends from products to clothing to the way you talk and everywhere in between.

Hello Kitty and Domo are well known examples of things that are viewed as kawaii, or cute. This concept isn’t enjoyed by just children. Products following this trend occupy homes, hospitals and businesses alike. A Japanese airline company called All Nippon Airways sports a Pokemon theme inside and outside all of their aircrafts, including the flight attendants uniforms. Another popular example that exemplifies more of Japan’s fondness for cuteness are ‘Nekomimi’, a product created by Neurowear, which reveals your brain wave activity by moving cat ears on top of your head. Along this same line, cat cafes (places where peo-

ACTA!, cont’d from pg. 7 the treaty intends to perform its goal, including border searches that would allow the authorities to search computers and media players for pirated files. The treaty also would not allow open source software to open DRM (digital rights management) protected files. This would mean that for all of you out there who purchased music through iTunes could not open those files in any open source software.

An open source program is one that allows users to open the source code for alterations or improvements, and then is redistributed to peer-to-peer services or torrents.

The treaty also removes safeguards from ISPs (internet service

Basketball, cont’d from pg. 10 7-9pm Tuesday nights and then again 7-8:30am Wednesday morning was more than just a little awkward. (Triple showers anyone?) Not to mention that for the overachievers out there, Tuesday nights were already taken with other extracurricular activities that had been in place all semester, and could not be moved. This cut the attendance down further every week

Even after moving a practice and thousands of posters and emails

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ple go to spend time with other people and a variety of domestic felines) are becoming increasing popular in Japan.

This article is of course not an extensive look inside the Japanese culture, but just a glimpse of a whole other world, both different and wonderful in its own right. The Japanese have made many advancements in a variety of fields and share their culture in a unique way, such as through comics and cartoons (manga and anime) that have been translated overseas, each of which gives us a glimpse of their values and daily lifestyle. But why should we care about their culture? They occupy only a small portion of the earth’s landmass, but they are definitely not insignificant. To date, Japan is the third largest economy in the world. That fact alone should gain some major attention. But if that doesn’t do it for you, there’s always the game shows and kawaii merchandise to draw you in. providers) that protect them from the actions of their subscribers. This requires the disclosure of private information of their subscribers for the ISPs to remain safe, or else they will be held responsible for anyone who pirated through their connection. This idea is scary. This would set up the makings for an Orwellian dystopia where Big Brother Governments, fueled by the money of the corporations they are protecting, will be watching your every move on the internet. The copyright holders will ultimately decide whether they like what you’re doing and, if not, they will be able to file suit against private citizens without any due process.

Become informed, before that right is taken away too. begging people join, the ESF women’s basketball team is officially over. Now, the only thing left to do is cheer on the men’s team, as they move forward with what appears to be a very promising season. And even though this semester might have been a disaster for the girls, I have hope for next year that we will be able to arrange a better practice schedule for everybody; Or at the very least, a time when the sun is actually out.

articles continued Ecuador, cont’d from pg. 8 In order to help them preserve their home, we taught the community members the importance of keeping the area clean and ways to recycle common trash, such as using plastic bottles as medicine containers, hanging plants or cigarette butt disposals.

Ashley Campbell, my good friend, house sister in Mariscal, and fellow officer of SCB, described the community perfectly: “a gem in the jungle.” It was so simple and pristine. When it came time to leave Mariscal it was hard to say goodbye to the community members who had become more like our family in the short time we had been there, but

Gibbs, cont’d from pg. 11

Emily: Do you shop at Wegmans, Tops, or the Co-op, or a mixture?

Dr. Gibbs: This is an ongoing debate in our family. I like Wegaman’s but I find it overwhelming. I like the quality of the food. I do find it to be emblematic of overconsumption. We get a lot of the more mundane things at Tops probably because I can ride my bike and it is local. It’s not as busy. We [buy] a lot at the Co-op... stuff like tofu and the fresh stuff.

Emily: What was your least favorite subject in school?

everyone was excited to begin the next part of our journey to the Galapagos.

The Galapagos trip itself could take another 2 weeks to explain all the amazing things we got to experience.

The Galapagos Islands are one of the world’s biodiversity hotspots, and the chance to go there is not something that comes around everyday. We only had one short week, but in time we managed to go cliff diving, cave swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, walk through lava tunnels, and swim in the clearest blue oceans you could even imagine. Along with all the fun activities planned, we also spent quality time with our host families and helped a local sustainable farm, Pajara Bruja, clear agriculture plots and plant trees. One of the

highlights of the trip was getting to visit the Charles Darwin Research Center, home of Lonesome George, the last of the Pinta Island tortoises (Chelonoidis nigra abingdoni) and known as one of the rarest creatures on earth. How many people can say that they have seen him in person?

This trip opened our eyes to unique and diverse lifestyles and made us even more aware of the importance of preserving the few wild places left on the planet, such as the Amazon rainforest and the Galapagos Islands. In order to make sure that these places are around in the future, it takes global efforts to reduce our impacts as humans on the natural Earth and keep places as amazing as these, uninfluenced by our lifestyles.

Dr. Gibbs: I was thinking about this last night for some reason. We had to learn a lot of anatomy. For reasons I’m still not sure. It wasn’t taught in a fashion of comparative zoology. It was just almost like a memorization test; were you good enough. That was a challenge for me. I didn’t think other classes were taught in a relevant way at the time, like micro-economics or calculus, [which] are incredibly useful fascinating fields. Now you know, I always devour the economics section of the New York Times but at the time I couldn’t figure what it was about.

haven’t gotten around to watching... so I can’t tell you anything about it but I was really looking forward to watching it. I will tell you my very favorite film and I’d watch it every night if I could, is Dersu Uzala.

Emily: When was the last time you went to the movies and what did you see?

Dr. Gibbs: Wow, if I go to the movies even once a year… I can’t even remember. We just got a TV. I’ve never really had a TV. I’m finally learning how to use it. So I mastered…basically I can find NHL highlights. That’s my extent of television.

Emily: So you love hockey?

Dr. Gibbs: I love hockey. I used to play a lot. But I’m trying to remember the last movie I went to…gosh it’s been so long. We downloaded one, The Last King of Scotland. Which we

Emily: Jawad Cipriani, an intern at ESF Student Affairs pursuing his Masters at SU in higher education, would like to know why did you choose ESF? Dr. Gibbs: I chose it for all the right reasons. I had a very nice job at Columbia University in Manhattan. It was very, very nice but I was desperate for, again not to alienate anybody but-students there are incredibly bright, but not very practical. New York City is an amazing place, but it’s also sort of surreal. I really wanted to go somewhere that was applied, down to earth, and still tied into field realities and to work with a community of people…students, faculty who were...committed to conservation in a traditional sense. So I was very grateful that this opportunity opened up. And I am actually very, very happy.

Emily: Anything else you would like to add?

Dr. Gibbs: It’s a great place to be, ESF. I think sometimes I’m very grateful for the things we complain about actually. It’s not a place that costs a fortune so as a result of that it’s not a super elitist place. Elitism is big problem in environmentalism.

That means a lot to me to not be mired and to be around people who are straight forward and down to earth. That’s pretty neat.

Student Life & The Environment • THE KNOTHOLE •

15

MINDSPILL....

“There is no insurmountable solitude. All paths lead to the same goal: to convey to others what we are. And we must pass through solitude and difficulty, isolation and silence in order to reach forth to the enchanted place where we can dance our clumsy dance and sing our sorrowful song - but in this dance or in this song there are fulfilled the most ancient rites of our conscience in the awareness of being human and of believing in a common destiny.” -Pablo Neruda, Nobel Peace Prize Lecture 1971

Honeysuckle Pure and smooth like porcelain, Glowing like the moon.

Yet just a little sleepy, On this Monday afternoon.

Listening so closely, her ears may float away, Her hair is pulled back tightly, So not a lock will stray.

Her eyes they never wander Far from the talking head, They only sparkle brighter at something droll it said.

Yet something taints the perfection, A manner that is stern.

And a fear that makes it impossible For her to ever truly learn. ~ Mel Pav 16 •

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