The Ithacan Thursday, F ebrua ry 23, 20 12
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Volume 79, Is s u e 1 9
IC approves tuition rise for 2012-13 By brian rank staff writer
Ithaca College announced yesterday it will raise tuition 4.71 percent for the 2012-13 academic year, bringing tuition to $37,000 with room and board rising to $13,400. The total cost of attendance will be $50,400. The $1,722 increase is part of the 2012 budget, which was drawn up by the budget committee and approved by the ROCHON said he Board of Trust- wants the college experience to match ees last week. The its price tag. budget committee is led by the Office of Finance and Administration. Carl Sgrecci, vice president of finance and administration, declined to comment on the new cost of tuition. Tuition rose from the current $35,278 price — the lowest increase in a decade. The cost of tuition has gone up 20.9 percent since the 2008-09 school year. President Tom Rochon said the college wants to remain affordable while still covering its costs, including the institutional changes laid out in the IC 20/20 vision plan. “We have been very attentive in the last three or four years to the fact that the costs are very substantial and can be a very real burden for our students and some of our students and families,” he said. The college compares its tuition to 20 similar colleges and universities where they see students apply, Rochon said. The college’s tuition is still less expensive than 16 of those institutions' 2011-12 rates, according to a letter sent to parents this week. “We like that position,” he said. “We want to be a good value to students.” Freshman Karly Redpath said she was not aware the college usually increases tuition every year until they announced the new rate this week. “The tuition here is high and it’s going to get higher,” she said. “I don’t know if that’s going to affect anything I do, but I love it here.” Junior Ellis Williams said he worries that the increasing cost of tuition could prevent some people from attending the college. He said the college’s expansion, through initiatives like IC 20/20 and the center in New York City, will drive up costs and exclude potential students who don’t have the means to pay for it. “Students who potentially may be able to come to this campus know that it’s all about money at the end of the day,” he said. The budget also allots $88 million for institutional financial aid, according to a statement from the college.
Speak your self for
By kerry tkacik staff writer
Will Shishmanian is looking to find his voice, and he is not alone. Last spring, Shishmanian caught a glimpse of himself in a home video. The image was that of a little girl running around shirtless, asking to be called Brett. At that moment, Shishmanian said, everything clicked. An old familiar concept surfaced, and Shishmanian finally began to heavily question his true identity. Over the next summer, he came to the realization that his female history did not
match who he is. “Female pronouns made me cringe, and I hated my name,” he said. Today, Shishmanian, a junior at Ithaca College, is fully out as a transgender individual and is one of many who feel the way they communicate does not reflect their identity. He is part of a pilot group of nine people who attended the new Voice Communication Modification Program for People in the Transgender Community, a program that began last Tuesday. Transgender people do not want to stand out in society and attract negative
New voice modification program helps transgender individuals move confidently through society Photo By Shawn steiner Design by Molly Apfelroth
attention because their voices do not match their appearances, Shishmanian said. “I want to make sure strangers, not just people who are supportive of me, will be like, ‘Oh yeah, that’s obviously a guy,’” Shishmanian said. The program, a collaborative project between the Sir Alexander Ewing Speech and Hearing Clinic at the college, the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Outreach and Services, and Planned Parenthood, aims to help that transition happen.
Guest Analysis
The ‘I’ in identity This piece was written by Lis Maurer, program director of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Center on campus. Maurer addressed some common questions people have when first approaching the subjects of gender orientation, sexuality and identity. Many of us are curious about sexual orientation and gender identity. We see a lot on TV and in movies about lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people. It’s on the news, in our legislatures, and sometimes even in our voting booths.
See voice, page 4
See identity, page 4
Dryden fracking ban upheld by zoning lawsuit decision ithacan staff A state judge ruled Tuesday that the Town of Dryden was within its rights to ban hydraulic fracturing, a decision that stopped a lawsuit filed by a Denver-based oil and natural gas company against the town’s ban. In August, the Dryden Zoning Ordinance was amended to ban all activities relating to the exploration, production or storage of natural gas extraction, according to the court document, Anschutz v. Dryden. Anschutz contended that the New York state Oil, Gas and Solution Mining Law placed the authority to regulate oil and gas development with the state rather than with local government. Mahlon Perkins, the attorney representing the Town of Dryden, said the case’s verdict was a sound
on the line Senior wrestler follows in family footsteps by joining ROTC, page 19
Ithaca resident Fred Gros protests fracking Dec. 1 on The Commons. Dryden was sued for banning fracking on city land and won the lawsuit. kevin campbell/the ithacan
decision by Judge Phillip Rumsey because it shows surrounding municipalities that they have the power to fight state law. “It’s a victory for the local
land use powers given to villages, cities and towns,” he said. “Certainly their zoning authority will not be usurped by the provision in the state Oil, Gas and Solution
Magic stitch
Dillingham costume shop manager dresses actors for upcoming opera, page 13 f ind m or e onl ine. www.t heit hacan.org
Mining Law that constitutes the supersession provision.” Rumsey determined that New York state oil and gas law does not restrict municipalities from changing their own zoning laws to halt natural gas pursuits, according to the court decision. Assemblywoman Barbara Lifton, D-N.Y., said this decision, if upheld after a possible appeal, has the potential to set a precedent in state law. “I'm very pleased with it,” she said. “I’m not surprised, because I think the merits are there. It's a very compelling case, I think, for local control both in our state constitution and a lot of case law around this issue.” The lawsuit was filed by Denver-based Anschutz Exploration
See fracking, page 4
build it up Students seek more input in the college strategic vision process, page 10
[ T hurs day Bri ef ing]
2 The It hacan
Th ursday, Febr ua ry 2 3 , 2 0 1 2
Nation&World
US rep angers Pakistan over proposal
A U.S. congressman has sparked outrage in Pakistan by calling for the secession of the country’s largest province, further complicating Washington’s efforts to resuscitate its vital anti-terrorism alliance with Islamabad. Representative Dana Rohrabacher, a Republican from California, proposed a nonbinding resolution last week stating that the Baluch people, who live in Pakistan’s Baluchistan province and also in parts of Iran and Afghanistan, “have the right to self-determination and to their own sovereign country.” Nationalists in Baluchistan have waged a decades-long insurgency against the government. Some want greater autonomy within Pakistan and a larger share of the province’s natural resources, but others demand an independent country. The Obama administration has rejected Rohrabacher’s call for an independent Baluchistan, which received little attention in the U.S., and explained it does not control the actions of congressmen. But the response has not placated the Pakistani government, which summoned the deputy U.S. ambassador and claimed the resolution violated “the United Nations charter, international law and recognized norms of interstate conduct.” Pakistan’s parliament was expected to vote in January on a new set of guidelines for the bilateral relationship that could pave the way for repairing relations. But the vote is now unlikely until mid-March, after Senate elections, parliament member Fauzi Wahab said.
War correspondents killed in Syria
A French photojournalist and a prominent American war correspondent working for a British newspaper were killed yesterday as Syrian forces intensely shelled the opposition stronghold of Homs. President Bashar Assad’s regime also escalated attacks on rebel bases elsewhere, with helicopter gunships strafing areas in the northwest, activists said. French spokeswoman Valerie Pecresse identified those killed as French photojournalist Remi Ochlik and American reporter Marie Colvin, who was working for Britain’s Sunday Times.
Weeks of withering barrages on the central city of Homs have failed to drive out opposition factions that include rebel soldiers who fled Assad’s forces. Hundreds have died in the siege, and the latest deaths further galvanized international pressure on Assad, who appears intent on widening his military crackdowns despite the risk of pushing Syria into full-scale civil war.
More bodies found from cruise wreck
Divers searching the capsized Costa Concordia cruise ship found eight more bodies yesterday, including that of a missing 5-year-old Italian girl, authorities said. Italy’s national civil protection agency, which is monitoring the operation off a Tuscan island, said two of the bodies were recovered a few hours after being sighted. It said they are those of a woman and a girl. It did not identify the two, but only one child’s name was on the list of the missing, 5-year-old Dayana Arlotti. She was on the Mediterranean cruise with her father and his girlfriend. The girlfriend survived; the father is listed among the missing. The Concordia, which was carrying some 4,200 passengers and crew, struck a reef near the Tuscan island of Giglio on Jan. 13 and capsized. With yesterday’s development, 21 bodies have now been found and 18 of those have been identified. Another 11 people are still missing.
Megaupload CEO released from jail
The founder of the file-sharing website Megaupload was released on bail yesterday after a New Zealand judge decided Kim Dotcom lacked means to flee because his funds had been seized. U.S. authorities allege Dotcom facilitated millions of illegal downloads through his company, costing movie makers and songwriters some half a billion dollars in lost copyright revenue. He was arrested Jan. 20. Dotcom was released without any monetary bail bond, which is standard in New Zealand’s district courts. The U.S. is seeking extradition of Dotcom and three of his colleagues on racketeering charges. He confirmed he would be fighting U.S. extradition efforts.
Protection patrol
From left, Sister Sioux St. Semen Sloth, Mother Loosy Lust Bea Lady, Sister Gloria-Areola Allover Gluttony and Sister Vesta Rosa of Berlin, Germany, distribute condoms Tuesday in Las Vegas. The AIDS Health Care Foundation launched a world tour in an effort to reduce the AIDS infection rate.
Jeff Bottari/associated press
Afghan security clash with protesters
The Afghan Interior Ministry said seven people were killed yesterday in clashes between Afghan security forces and protesters demonstrating against the burning of Muslim holy books at a NATO military base. The anger over the Quran burning sparked two days of protests across Afghanistan. The demonstrations prompted the U.S. to lock down its embassy and bar its staff from traveling. The Interior Ministry said in a statement that clashes during a protest in the eastern province of Parwan left four people dead. The other deaths occurred at a U.S. base outside Kabul, where security guards killed one person, and in Jalalabad and Logar province.
Overseer charged for mine explosion
The superintendent of the West Virginia coal mine where an explosion killed 29 men was charged yesterday with conspiracy to defraud the federal government, becoming the highest-ranking Massey Energy employee to face
criminal prosecution so far over the deadly blast. Former Upper Big Branch mine boss Gary May of Bloomingrose, W. Va., is named in a federal information, a document that signals a defendant is cooperating with prosecutors. He is the second Massey employee to face prosecution in the case. Though other mine disasters have led to criminal charges, they’ve typically targeted low-ranking employees and have largely been misdemeanor offenses. A conviction on the federal fraud charge could result in fines and up to five years in prison. It’s a rare, if not unprecedented legal strategy that appears to be moving up the corporate ladder. May began working at Upper Big Branch in February 2008 and was promoted in 2009 to superintendent. He held that post, overseeing three room-and-pillar mining sections and a longwall operation, until the mine exploded. SOURCE: Associated Press
corrections
Multimedia
It is The Ithacan’s policy to correct all errors of fact. Please contact Elma Gonzalez at 274-3207.
Can’t get enough of our stories? There are even more online. Check out our multimedia at theithacan.org/multimedia.
Copy Editors Greg Broslawski, John Winters DiMarco, Sara Friedman, Spencer Goldberg, Bernadette Javier, Robyn Schmitz, Rose Vardell, Audrey Wallendal, Sara Webb
Video
Performers showed off their moves and skills for a Black History Month talent show.
Audio Slideshow
Aerobics and comedy? Check out the group Galumpha in Ithaca.
Video
Got a news tip?
Meet senior swimmer Amanda Vitullo in this week’s 1-on-1.
Chili-Fest
Chili-Fest drew a packed crowd to The Commons on Saturday. Find out what Ithaca College Service Saturday volunteers did to help.
News
Check out the effect weather is having on local businesses.
Like us: facebook.com/ithacanonline
Accent
Go behind the scenes with the performers at Concert for a Cure.
Follow us: twitter.com/ithacanonline
Sports
Get the latest results from the women’s gymnastics invitational.
Contact News Editor Kelsey O’Connor at koconno3@ithaca.edu or 274-3207.
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Th ursday, Februa ry 23, 2012
The I th a c a n 3
ITS survey highlights technology flaws By Patrick Feeney staff Writer
Ithaca College’s Information Technology Services has released survey results that show faculty members often struggle with effectively bringing new technologies to the classroom. The Instructional Technology survey, which was conducted Feb. 8, brought focus to many issues like wireless Internet service, software programs such as Sakai, the faculty web page service Web Profile Manager, classroom computer systems and campus tech upgrades. The results of the survey showed many professors stay away from heavy technology use in their classes. Fifty nine percent of faculty members said they don’t plan to teach online courses. The survey also noted that while more than 85 percent of surveyed faculty members used Blackboard for their courses in 2011, only 33 percent of professors reported using other tools such as Facebook, iTunes, YouTube, or IC library Web resources. Beth Rugg, assistant director for Technology and Instructional Support Services at ITS, said the survey was a way to share faculty’s electronic use with the campus community. “The faculty took the time to complete the survey,” Rugg said, “So we wanted to share out what the results were. That’s our first goal, to show that we’ve read it, we’ve analyzed it and these are the results.” Out of more than 1,500 faculty, 660 were asked to participate in the survey. Two hundred and twenty-three of the surveys were completed — a 34 percent response rate. The survey, which was distributed last spring, was given to faculty members to provide feedback about ITS’s services, the value and quality of technology in the classroom and faculty members’ daily electronics use. Mary Buehler, an administrative assistant in the school of Health Sciences and Human Performance, said she uses her computer and the Internet six out of the eight hours of every work day. She said she has problems using programs like Parnassus. “All these staff softwares are totally awful,” she said. “They’re just so awful and not user-friendly.” Wireless access is another issue, according to the results. Access to the Internet was found to be one of the most important classroom functions in the survey and was given 2.65 points out of three in significance. Some professors believe it is too slow in the classrooms. Some, who believe students get too
by Tina Craven staff writer
From left, sophomore Katie Talay, a general consultant for Information Technology Services, hands a paper to senior Andrew Hope on Tuesday at the computer lab printing station in Williams Hall.
Shawn Steiner/The ithacan
easily distracted, asked in the survey for an option to switch off Wi-Fi. Nancy Menning, assistant professor of philosophy and religion, said the wireless speeds in some classrooms are problematic. “There are some workstations on campus in the classrooms that are so slow that they will not stream an NPR audio clip or a YouTube video,” Menning said. “It makes those uses of classroom times, which could be very fruitful, absolutely impossible.” Rugg said Internet issues often pertain to the amount of users online, a problem that can’t be fixed by ITS. She also said some of the complaints from faculty can’t be addressed because of a lack of understanding of the technology. “We’re talking about the current use and perceptions of technology,” she said. “It’s not a very value-laden survey. We’re interested in getting peoples’ perceptions, and it helps us inform our decision-making. We shared it out, but we didn’t say how we were going to address things in the survey.”
Though faculty members shared a lot of negative feedback about the technology in the classrooms, many are appreciative of ITS’s support on campus. Charles McKenzie, assistant professor of television-radio, said he finds their services helpful. “People at ITS were really quick to respond to my issues,” McKenzie said. “Every time I’ve called ITS they’ve been there in two minutes.” The survey conclusions do not cite plans to fix these problems. The suggested actions for the addressed problems, such as lack of student skills with productivity software, involve continuing ITS’s current practices. The survey suggests online training for students, measuring wireless on campus and possibly offering advanced training. Rugg said these suggestions are still indefinite to help ITS make plans in the future. “The next step certainly could be for us to have a more specific and concrete response,” she said. “We just haven’t done that yet. We’re just getting the info out there now.”
Local businesses struggle in higher temperatures bY Brittany Gilpin Staff Writer
Higher temperatures and lower snow accumulation than normal for the Northeast region are challenging some local businesses to adapt their marketing strategies to stay relevant in the warmer weather. Businesses that rely on colder climates and snow are suffering in the season’s mild temperatures. According to data from the Cornell University Northeast Regional Climate Center, the average temperature in Ithaca this month was 31.3 degrees Fahrenheit, 8.5 degrees warmer than normal. Ithaca has seen snow accumulations of just 18.2 inches this season, a drastically lower number than the 48.8 inches that normally falls, according to the organization. Kevin Morrin, vice president of sales and marketing at Greek Peak Mountain Resort, said that while the 84-degree indoor water park is doing “quite well” in the warmer weather, fewer visitors are flocking to the resort’s ski mountain. Between 50,000 and 70,000 people have hit the slopes this ski season, he said. The mountain typically sees about 170,000 guests in a season. “No matter how many marketing dollars you have out there
Ithaca requests up to $1 million to kill Hydrilla
saying you’re open, if there’s no snow in the backyard, people won’t come,” Morrin said. The ski resort has cut back hours and staff as a result of the drop of visitors, Morrin said. Greek Peak has also relied on “creative, out-of-the-box” promotional ideas to draw customers to the mountain. Last December, the resort held a playful ceremonial bonfire where someone dressed up as Ullr, a mythical god of snow, and appealed for wintery precipitation. As the spring season approaches, Morrin said people are less likely to spend an afternoon or weeklong getaway at the slopes. “Even if it does snow a little bit in March, the demand is not going to be there,” he said. Local retailers have also taken hits due to the mild winter. Eric Mastroberti, floor manager of Eastern Mountain Sports, called this winter “difficult” and “disheartening.” The outdoor equipment store has seen a drop in sales due to the warmer temperatures. “When you sell clothing and equipment to be used in cold weather and there isn’t any cold weather, sales begin to slow,” Mastroberti said. While the store would typically be preparing to stock shelves with spring
Ithaca resident Dale Casler peruses shoes on sale Tuesday at Eastern Mountain Sports. The winter gear is on sale because of the warm weather.
Durst Breneiser/the ithacan
clothing and equipment at this time of year, an excess of winter gear has led to sooner-than-usual sales on items to make room on clothing racks and shelves, Mastroberti said. “We have some more opportunities for folks if they are actually looking for that stuff now, just because it is all on sale,” he said. The local hotel industry has seen little difference in guest stays this winter compared to previous years. At the Clarion University Hotel and Conference Center, 18 out of 106 rooms were filled Friday, Andrea Fort, a front desk clerk at the hotel, said. The Ramada Ithaca Executive Conference Center has seen “no noticeable increase due
to weather at all,” Stan Witko, general manager of the inn, said. Bruce Stoff, spokesperson for the Ithaca-Tompkins County Convention and Visitors Bureau, said it is remarkable to have no snow on the ground in February. The unusually high temperatures have had a significant impact on road salt and snow removal companies, he said. Those struggling hope temperatures will drop down to normal digits in order to recoup the money and visitors lost this season. “I’ve seen the snow plows drive by on days when there’s just a flurry,” Stoff said. “I think those guys are terribly bored right now.”
To fund the eradication of hydrilla verticillata, an invasive aquatic species that first appeared in the Cayuga Inlet last fall, a local environmental task force has requested $700,000 JOHNSTON said to $1 million the removal of in funding hydrilla could take from New up to seven years. York state. First spotted in August, hydrilla creates toxic blue algae harmful to local wildlife. In October, the Cayuga Inlet Hydrilla Task Force and Allied Biological, a lake management consulting company based in the Northeast, administered Herbicide Aquathol X to prevent the plant from spreading. The hydrilla is currently dormant, and Sharon Anderson, environmental program leader for the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County, said the mild winter has done very little to impact the plant’s growth. The invasion is expected to be worse, she said, because there was not a harsh winter to kill the hydrilla’s exposed tubers. Roxy Johnston, watershed coordinator for the City of Ithaca’s Water Treatment Plant, said the task force asked the state for funds Jan. 31, but members are still awaiting a response. Johnston said she is hopeful the state will contribute some money to the project. “The cost burden and the coordination burden really is overwhelming for any single municipality or even county,” she said. If left untreated, hydrilla could damage the local economy. The revenue made off the lake could disappear because the water could become solid hydrilla, she said. Locals would have to pay to keep the channels open while the tourism profits drop and the real estate value of the area declines. If the state refuses to provide assistance, she said, the task force will look elsewhere for funding, like grants that would help cover the removal as the herbicide required to kill the tubers is costly. “The cost is high per acre period, with whichever direction you choose to go,” Johnston said. “We have quite a few number of acres we have to treat. We’re looking at a maximum of 66 acres.” Johnston said there are before-and-after tests to ensure the herbicide will cause no unwanted side effects in the water. Also, money must be allocated to raise public awareness concerning the project. While it is speculated that it will take five years to fully eliminate the hydrilla, Johnston said, the process could take up to seven years. Dave Adams, regulatory coordinator of the Department of Environmental Conservation, said the herbicide treatment in October was successful even though it did not entirely eradicate the plant’s infestation. “With treatment and monitoring, we can remove the overall vegetation’s density and extent, but it will take a couple of years,” Adams said.
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4 The It hacan
Defining gender and sexuality identity from page 1
What is sexual orientation? Sexual orientation is to whom you are attracted, and everyone has a sexual orientation. Some people are attracted to people of the same sex. Some people are attracted to people of a different sex. Still others are attracted to both women and men. MAURER said sexual orientation and gender identity are not the same.
What is g e n d e r identity?
Sexual orientation and being transgender are not the same. Gender identity is your internal sense of being masculine, feminine, both, or something else entirely. For some, the sex they were announced at birth and their internal sense match. For others, their body and internal sense are different. How do people describe or label their identities? It’s common for people to use different words to describe their identities when it comes to sexual orientation and gender identity. Words a person may use to describe their orientation may be lesbian, gay, bisexual, same-gender loving, queer, pansexual, omnisexual, or other words. Words a person may use to describe their gender identity may be transgender, transsexual, trans, genderqueer, or other words. Language is a living document, and ways people use terms or invent new ones to describe their experience change over time. Is self-perception sufficient to define gender identity? Yes. Most people have a strong sense of their gender identity from very early on in childhood — whether they are transgender or gender-typical. People who are conventionally gendered are rarely asked how they know what their gender identity is; if their internal sense of gender and sex pronounced at birth correspond, they are usually granted gender-normative privileges. It has only been for the last 50 or 60 years that medical technology has allowed for people to surgically or hormonally transition — processes that make a person’s body look more aligned with their internal gender identity. Transgender people are individuals and make individual decisions about in what ways they may transition. Transgender people, like nontransgender people, seek to live authentic lives. What about behavior? Sexual behavior is what a person does. Knowing a person’s identity labels doesn’t tell you anything about their sexual behavior. Who you are attracted to and what you do may not match.
Th ursday, Febr ua ry 2 3 , 2 0 1 2
Therapy extends beyond vocal change voice from page 1
The first session included information about how to maintain the health of the organs involved in speech, Shishmanian said. The participants learned how to achieve the best results in voice modification. One recommendation was to drink about 64 ounces of water per day and another to avoid caffeinated beverages. He said there was also stressrelieving meditation in order to relax the body as well as the vocal chords. This program is one of the few of its kind because it incorporates speech pathology students and transgender individuals. The program is mainly funded by donations, but non-student participants also pay a nominal fee for each session. The focus of the new program is to help transgender people accomplish socially accepted communication techniques in a way that does not put their physical health at risk or require the use of hormones to alter the voice. Some transgender individuals try to alter their voices on their own or seek help from a voice teacher who is not familiar with corJunior Will Shishmanian sits in IC Square on Wednesday. He is part of a new transgender voice rect transgender voice modification methods, modification program being offered at Ithaca College, one of the only ones offered in the country. LGBT program director Lis Maurer said. This SHAWN STEINER/THE ITHACAN may result in harmful effects such as nodules, The ability to pass freely, successfully and safely polyps, or general pain or tension in the throat. amount of support to achieve their ultimate goal through society is crucial to transgender people, and Joseph Zanfordino, a speech language pa- — passing in their true gender.” The project is the creation of Rebecca Baum ’11, altering their voice and communication patterns is thology and audiology specialist and lecturer at the college, said speech pathology stu- a speech pathologist in her clinical fellowship year one important tool to achieving this, Maurer said. “It’s about assisting each individual, literally, dents are best suited for this specific kind of with Lifespan Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy and Speech and Language Pathology Services to find their voice,” Maurer said. “Whether it be a communication therapy. “In the course of study, speech path students are of Upstate New York. At the American Speech- male person that had a female history or a female trained in voice and voice therapy,” he said. “They Language-Hearing Association convention, Baum person that had a male history, as a young person are trained to be extremely effective listeners so viewed a presentation about transgender speech they were socialized to have certain communicathat they can pick up the nuances of what a person’s pathology therapy. It struck her as something that tion traits that are not particularity coded as the gender that they are now.” talking about. They are trained in the differences needed to be brought to Ithaca, she said. Shishmanian, who is a music composition “I was thinking about how important it is in terms of language. How a man and a woman for me to make sure that, since major, said he turned to the program so he can communicate, pragmatspeech path is a helping profes- receive professional communication therapy. ics, body language, non“I’m not doing hormones because of the way it sion, we extend,” Baum said. “We verbal communication, extend to do everything that we would affect my voice,” Shishmanian said, “I can’t and in ways that people can do to help as many people as because I sing. I’m so nervous about what I could present themselves.” possible, like transgender indi- do to my voice. Any time you’re not speaking in a Three graduate speech normal register, it’s a concern.” viduals.” pathology students are — lis maurer Shishmanian said the importance of comThe program was first discussed running the clinic, which about a year ago when Mary Pitti, munication modification is twofold. He wants to Zanfordino will supervise. The process of communication modification the current clinical program director in the Depart- protect his voice as a singer, but he also wants therapy includes a wide range of practices, includ- ment of Speech Language Pathology and Audiology, to be able to communicate with the audience as ing oral hygiene, body language, vocabulary, chang- accepted her new position as director. Pitti had no they would expect a man to, he said. Maurer said not standing out in the crowd ing pitch and inflection, emotional counseling, prior experience with transgender communication for being transgender is something transgender proper relaxation and others, Zanfordino said. Two therapy, but said she was open to the idea. “The way they learn in all of the areas of people generally want to achieve. years is a good benchmark to change communica“It’s about them having tools to feel more valispeech pathology is a combination of looking tion patterns sufficiently, he said. Zanfordino hopes the program will be a ben- at the literature as well as jumping right in and dated in who they are and also about how others perceive them,” Maurer said. learning as they do it,” Pitti said. eficial learning experience for both parties. Zanfordino said he expects the program will Maurer said transgender people in the “For the students, I want them to take away a fundamental set of clinical skills that does not community are actively seeking services in thrive and draw in new participants every semester. “The need in our society is very great,” just include voice therapy, but also an apprecia- voice modification. “I get calls regularly, not frequently, but regu- Zanfordino said. “This population is underserved. tion for the journey a transgender person goes through — a healthy respect,” he said. “And for larly from people on campus and off looking for This program is going to continue for many, many years to come.” the transgender individuals to get a sufficient this service,” Maurer said.
“It’s about assisting each individual, literally, to find their voice.”
Firm awaits fracking decision in Middlefield fracking from page 1
Corporation last fall after Dryden changed its zoning laws to ban the process of extracting natural gas from the ground. Anschutz owns 22,000 acres of land leased in Dryden. This case could set a precedent for other towns in the area that have banned or are considering banning fracking on municipal land. There is currently a similar case under way in Middlefield. The City of Ithaca and the towns of Danby and Ulysses have banned fracking, and the town of Caroline is considering a ban. Thomas West, founder and managing partner of The West Firm, which represented Anschutz in the case, said the company is evaluating a decision to appeal the decision. “We remain confident in our position that municipalities cannot ban natural gas drilling and so we’re looking forward to the decision in the
Middlefield case and we’re hopeful that the judge in this case will reach a different conclusion,” West said. Along with the appeal, West said Anschutz is evaluating whether to renew its leases. He said though Anschutz respects the decision, they expect a different outcome in the future. “We certainly respect Judge Rumsey, but believe a contrary view will ultimately carry the day,” he said. The court decision will not keep Lifton from continuing to fight for legislation that will grant municipalities a more explicit right to ban fracking. “I’m going to continue to push to get a good ‘home rule’ bill with the same language in both houses,” Lifton said. Perkins said he would not be surprised if Anschutz appealed the decision, and in that event, the defendants will wait for the company to take the first step. “It’s a case of first impression, and it will affect other municipalities who
Students rally Oct. 28 in front of the Peggy Ryan Williams Center to request that the college declare a moratorium on hydraulic fracturing.
shawn steiner/the ithacan
might use this as justification for enacting land use controls over heavy industrial activity associated with natural gas extraction and exploration,” he said. Lifton said the decision is not final,
but is still significant for the state. “This is an important decision. It's a meaningful decision. It’s being looked at statewide, obviously. But we'll have to see whether it gets appealed. I suspect it will be.”
Th ursday, Februa ry 23, 2012
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Food truck owners combat city fee By kelsey o'connor and mary apesos news editor and staff writer
Two food trucks near Cornell University — The Hot Truck and Louie's Lunch — are fighting the City of Ithaca’s Board of Public Works against a recent $2,153 permit charge that the vendors believe is unfair. Last year, the city recognized that the food trucks never purchased a permit to use city property since they opened in the early 1900s. The city hired an appraiser to calculate the exact cost of the permit, according to city clerk Julie Holcomb. The fees apply to anyone using city property. However, because the food trucks have been on city property for more than a century, the owners are arguing that their businesses are “grandfathered” and therefore believe the fee shouldn't apply to them. Holcomb said if the trucks go out of business, the city will not allow any more food trucks. “They’re allowed to stay there until they sell their businesses, and then they will disappear,” she said. “They won’t be replaced. It’s not a business they can sell to somebody else because you can’t really sell city property to somebody else.” William Gray, public works superintendent, said the trucks slipped under the radar when the city first initiated permits for vendors. “We feel bad that we haven't been collecting money all along for use of that land,” he said. “There are very few places where you can park at a curbside for 50 years and not have been towed, ticketed or otherwise removed.” In a letter to the BPW, The Hot
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Faculty employ Web program to fight academic plagiarism by jamie swinnerton contributing writer
Louie’s Truck owner, Ronald Buck, prepares food Thursday in his truck. Food truck vendors are appealing a new fee that the city is enforcing. mary apesos/the ithacan
Truck owner Albert Smith asked the board to waive the fee based on the truck’s long history with the city. Louie’s Lunch owner, Ronald Beck, also appealed the fee in June. According to the same letter, Smith originally bought the truck’s equipment for $16,500. The business and location cost Smith $125,000. Both owners repeatedly refused to comment on the repercussions of the permits due to the undecided nature of the permits. Though Gray said he sees the permit fee as necessary city legislation, he acknowledged that the
trucks are an important part of the town’s culture. “I would be sorry to see them go,” he said. “They certainly are an institution; they’ve been there a long time.” Some students said the food trucks are a convenient stop for those without meal plans. Cornell senior Pierre Chwang said he buys dinner from Louie’s three to four times a week. “I’m not on a meal plan, so I basically just cook and buy anything I eat,” he said. The Board of Public Works will vote Monday on a resolution to the vendors’ appeals.
In a time where students have access to millions of speeches, documents and literary works on the Web, Ithaca College faculty members are turning to the Internet to combat student academic plagiarism. Sixty faculty members DISPENSA said from the col- the majority of faculty supported lege currently the use of Turnitin. have accounts with Turnitin.com, a web service that scans academic works for signs of copyright infringement. Of the 60 instructors who use the service, 41 do so through the Turnitin Assignments tool on Sakai, and the other 19 use class accounts on Turnitin.com, according to data provided by Information Technology Services. When a student submits a paper to Turnitin, the wording is cross-checked with more than 17 billion Web pages and 200 million student papers. Each paper is digitally assigned an originality percentage based on the amount of similar phrases and sentences that already exist in Web resources. Beyond checking for originality, Turnitin is a grading and feedback tool in which instructors can add notes to a submission. The site is also consistently updating its services, and as of Jan. 11, Turnitin can recognize and identify plagiarized
work in other languages. Marilyn Dispensa, the college’s instructional technology coordinator for ITS, said discussion of originality detection tools began in Faculty Council last academic year. After ITS received a faculty survey in favor of using such software, Dispensa said, the college implemented Turnitin on Aug. 1. Peyi Soyinka-Airewele, associate professor of politics, said she uses Turnitin as a tool to help her students become better writers. “I put a couple of my essays on Turnitin, and it was actually a wonderful experience to utilize it as a way of cross-checking how I was using references,” she said. Ian Woods, assistant professor of biology, said he started using Turnitin through Sakai to filter out student plagiarism when he began teaching at the college last fall. “I had a specific requirement that the students not use Wikipedia as a source,” Woods said. “Turnitin was just a convenient way to make sure that Web sources at least were excluded as being quoted verbatim.” Not all students enjoy access to Turnitin as much as instructors. Before she transferred to the college, sophomore Kelly Morgan said she used Turnitin for an English class at the University of New Hampshire. Morgan said the program makes students anxious. “It’s so redundant nowadays,” she said. “You can’t really have an original thought without someone else having already thought of it.”
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Gandhi fires up youth Arun Gandhi, grandson of Indian political and ideological leader Mohandas K. Gandhi, stood in front of an audience of about 125 people to spread his message on nonviolence, poverty and social injustice at Cornell University’s Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Lecture on Feb. 13. During his speech, he discussed the years he lived with “grandpa” and his nonviolence campaign. Gandhi worked for 30 years as a journalist for The Times of India. He and his wife developed projects benefiting the socially and GANDHI said he economically oppressed. visited Ithaca to His programs have reached motivate the youth more than half a million peo- to be active. ple in more than 300 villages. Contributing Writer Henry Apostoleris interviewed Gandhi about his activist work and his visit to Ithaca. Henry Apostoleris: Can you tell me about your activist work with poverty? Arun Gandhi: My work is to get out and spread the message of nonviolence as far and wide as possible. I also started the Gandhi Worldwide Education Institution, which has two objectives — one is to spread the Gandhi message all over the world, and the other is to rescue exploited children who live in poverty and are being exploited because of their circumstances. We want to rescue them and give them the means to get out of that cycle of poverty and become normal human beings. HA: What message are you here to spread? AG: I believe in nonviolence as a philosophy of life and I want people to understand that philosophy of life and apply it in their own
lives so that we can all become better human beings — more compassionate, loving, understanding and respectful. HA: How do you think issues like poverty can be solved? AG: I am just trying to make people aware of what they can do. If they all take on the responsibility with this whole thing we can resolve this very quickly. But it needs that kind of commitment and that is what is lacking. HA: What experiences have shaped your life? AG: All of the lessons that I learned from my grandfather as a young boy and the upbringing that I had from my parents — who also believed in the philosophy of nonviolence — all of that has contributed to making me who I am today. HA: How do you feel about some of the popular social movements like Occupy Wall Street? AG: It is a very constructive and a very positive thing. I am very glad that they stuck with their philosophy. But there are a couple of things that I find lacking, which I think sets back improvement a little bit. One of them being that we don’t know what they are against, and we don’t know what they are for. They have not made that very clear, and I think they need to make that clear. The other thing is that they are attempting to launch a major movement without any leadership, and I think in the nonviolent struggle, it’s important to have somebody who is comfortable to answer questions and lead a movement. HA: What should people take from your talk? AG: Well, I have come here to plant seeds. I hope that those seeds will be planted in their minds and that they will nurture those seeds, and think about it, and learn more about it.
Sacred song
Father Carsten Martensen walks down to the altar in a traditional purple chasuble to begin the Ash Wednesday Mass yesterday. Ash Wednesday marks the first day of Lent, 46 days before Easter. This year, the holy day fell on an earlier date than last year, which was March 9. Elma Gonzalez/The Ithacan
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College & City IC receives tourism award for local economic growth
Ithaca College was recently recognized by the Tompkins County Legislature for its efforts to grow the local economy through tourism. The college won the county’s Tourism Partner Award on Feb. 7 for bringing the National Conference on Undergraduate Research to Ithaca last spring. The Ithaca College NCUR executive committee bid on the national conference and hosted the event, drawing 3,400 participants over four days. More than 2,500 rooms were rented in town. The Tompkins Tourism Partner Award is presented twice yearly to individuals and organizations who are not professional meeting or event planners, but who devote time and effort to bring groups to Tompkins County that result in more than 400 room reservations in local lodgings.
Center to host support group for victims of sexual abuse
The Advocacy Center in Ithaca will offer a free support group for male and female adult survivors of child sexual abuse. The group, which will begin meeting Monday, aims to offer a safe and supportive place to talk with others who have experienced sexual abuse as children. The Advocacy Center has provided support, advocacy and education for survivors of domestic violence since 1977, survivors of child sexual abuse since 1982 and survivors of adult sexual assault
since 2003. For more information about the group, call Bonni Georgia or Louise Miller at 607-277-3203.
Cornell professor to read from newly published book
Valerie Reyna, professor of human development and psychology at Cornell University, will talk about her new book, “The Adolescent Brain: Learning, Reasoning, and Decision Making,” as part of the university library’s Chats in the Stacks series. The reading REYNA will begin at 4 p.m. March 1 in the university’s library and will include a reception and book signing with Reyna immediately following the event.
St. Baldrick’s to raise funds with hair-cutting event at IC
Ithaca College will host its annual St. Baldrick’s event to benefit children with cancer. For the event, which will be held at 3 p.m. March 3 in IC Square, participants will have their heads shaved in solidarity with children who have lost their hair during chemotherapy. All money raised at the event will go to the St. Baldrick’s Foundation, an organization devoted to childhood cancer research. Those interested in participating can register online at www.stbaldricks.org/events/ithacacollege. For more information, contact Ian Vitkus at ivitkus1@ithaca.edu.
Public Safety Incident Log selected entries from feb. 6 to feb. 7 February 6 BURGLARY LOCATION: East Tower SUMMARY: Caller reported an unknown person entered and stole boots. Investigation pending. Patrol Officer Robert Jones. FOUND PROPERTY LOCATION: Center for Health Sciences SUMMARY: Person found power cord and turned it over to the Office of Public Safety.
February 7 HARASSMENT LOCATION: Terraces SUMMARY: Caller reported a person sent an alarming video. One person judicially referred for harassment. Master Patrol Officer Donald Lyke. CONDUCT CODE VIOLATION LOCATION: J-Lot SUMMARY: Officer reported a vehicle in the lot that had a fraudulent parking permit on it. Investigation pending. Sergeant Ron Hart. UNLAWFUL POSS. OF MARIJUANA LOCATION: West Tower SUMMARY: Two persons judicially referred for unlawful possession of marijuana. Patrol Officer Bruce Thomas. CASE STATUS CHANGE LOCATION: Circle Apartments SUMMARY: Person reported that the chairs that were reported stolen from the Circle Apartments Nov. 9 were located. Burglary case unfounded. Patrol Officer Dan Austic.
CASE STATUS CHANGE LOCATION: East Tower SUMMARY: Caller reported the boots reported stolen from the east tower on Feb. 6 were located. Burglary unfounded. Patrol Officer Dan Austic. SEARCH ASSIST LOCATION: State Route 96B/Danby Road SUMMARY: Officer requested assistance with a vehicle search. Three people arrested for trespass and unlawful possession of marijuana. Master Patrol Officer Donald Lyke. MEDICAL ASSIST LOCATION: Fitness Center SUMMARY: Caller reported a person injured an ankle while playing badminton. Person declined medical assistance. Patrol Officer Bruce Thomas. FOUND PROPERTY LOCATION: Tower Concourse SUMMARY: Person reported a key was found and turned over to Public Safety. FOUND PROPERTY LOCATION: Tower Concourse SUMMARY: Person reported a necklace was found and turned over to Public Safety. For the complete safety log, go to www.theithacan.org/news.
Key cmc – Cayuga Medical Center DWI – Driving While Intoxicated IFD – Ithaca Fire Department IPD – Ithaca Police Department V&T – Vehicle and Transportation MVA - Motor Vehicle Accident
Cornell announces board for new NYC tech campus
New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg announced Feb. 16 that Daniel P. Huttenlocher, Cornell University’s dean of the Faculty of Computing and Information Science, has been named vice provost and founding dean of DOVE the Cornell NYC Tech campus. He will be joined by Cathy Dove, currently associate dean in the university’s College of Engineering, who has been named the new campus’ vice president, and by Technion computer science professor Craig Gotsman, who will be the director.
Ithaca redistricting council votes to adjust district lines The County’s Independent Re-
districting Commission voted to recommend an adjusted 14-district plan Feb. 16 to redistribute the county’s legislative districts. The specific plan that was recommended slightly adjusts DULLEA district boundaries within the City of Ithaca. In recommending the modified scenario, Commission Chair Henrik Dullea said it responds to input provided from citizens at those hearings and from members of the
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City’s Redistricting Committee. Dullea will next prepare a draft report for Commission members to review and to be submitted to the Legislature for its consideration before March 1.
Cornell addresses diversity through committee change
In an email sent out to the Cornell University community Feb. 15, Cornell President David Skorton announced a new set of University-wide diversity initiatives. The initiatives are focused on restructuring Cornell’s University Diversity Council, whose prime purpose is to promote diversity throughout campus. According to the email, the new council will set diversity goals for different groups. It will focus on defining short- and long-term goals for diversity, creating methods of measuring progress and serving as a resource for the campus community.
IC faculty and staff awarded for paper on gerontology A paper authored by 10 Ithaca
College faculty members and a staff member describing a three-year intergenerational college service learning project with senior citizens has received an honorable mention award from the Association for Gerontology in Higher Education. The David A. Peterson Award was established by the AGHE to recognize excellence in scholarship in academic gerontology. The paper will be honored at the AGHE’s 38th meeting in Arlington, Va., today through Feb. 26.
thursday
Pearson Education: Career Information Session will be held from 12:15 to 1 p.m. in Career Services. “Building Strong Evaluation Policy in Organizations,” a talk by Margaret Johnson, will begin at noon in Beebe Hall at Cornell University.
friday Shabbat Services will begin at 6 p.m. in Muller Chapel. Shabbat Dinner will be held at 7 p.m. in Terrace Dining Hall.
sunday Catholic Mass will begin at 1 and 9 p.m. in Muller Chapel.
Tuesday Elisa Miller Out: The ABCs of B Corporations, a seminar on finding innovative ways to use web and mobile technology to drive positive social and environmental impact, will be held from 4:30 to 6 p.m. in Sage Hall at Cornell University.
Wednesday SAB Comedy Night will begin at 8 p.m. in IC Square. Hydrilla Happy Hour, a public conversation about the plant situation, will be held at Corks and More on the Cayuga Inlet.
Opinion
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editorials
Clarity leads to 20/20 vision
The college administration should be more transparent regarding the planning and implementation of IC 20/20, as students have said their opinions aren’t being heard.
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ast week’s Student Government Association meeting made it clear that students still feel the Ithaca College administration is not listening closely enough to student voices regarding IC 20/20. SGA invited President Tom Rochon to attend the meeting, which centered on worry that student opinion has been relatively missing from the strategic plan’s implementation. After tense discourse ensued, SGA said their concerns were still not thoroughly addressed. In the meeting, Rochon said most of the initiatives will not affect current students. He said “some of you will be touched by some parts of IC 20/20, but for the most part, you won’t be.” Rochon’s statement echoes his similar response to alumni who expressed their anger over the mascot search last year. In a letter to Lloyd Goldberg ’00, Rochon said the mascot was being developed primarily for current and prospective students. The perceived lack of attention to alumni opinion regarding the search upset many former students. Both situations point to a discrepancy between what the college administration, students and alumni deem important. Current students do care about IC 20/20, and the plan will affect them, as the college’s academic reputation will make an impact on alumni employment marketability. When students pursue a career in years to come, they will want to hand potential employers a resume with pride, knowing their Ithaca College education was, and still is, top-notch. These same students will want to make college donations as graduates of thriving programs that gave them their quality degrees. The college should make IC 20/20 decision-making more transparent so no one feels excluded from the process. Since past efforts to gather student opinion did not translate well, the college needs to work closer with SGA to gather this input, whether through public forums or more SGA senator outreach. For this to happen, however, students need to read IC 20/20 documents, which are available on the college’s website, and stay informed. Institutional changes apply not only to future students, but also to current students who will feel the effects as they forever carry the Ithaca College name.
be part of it all
Students should engage in political activism and recognize that even small changes can have a significant impact on policymaking.
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s the 2012 presidential race heats up, being part of the democratic process becomes all the more important. It can be easy to take a cynical view of government as a college student, but being politically engaged can still effect change, even if participation is small. For example, the Susan G. Komen Foundation recently announced plans to withdraw its fiscal support of Planned Parenthood. Amid a tense political battle, many took to social media to express their disapproval of the announcement. Something as seemingly insignificant as expressing views via Twitter or Facebook can make a difference. More importantly, students should take a step further — beyond the computer screen — and look for ways to not only comment on politics, but to be active members of the process as well. Make some noise.
your letters Editorial misrepresents purpose of Israel Independence Day event
Regarding some of the information in the “We Are Here, We Are Here!” editorial — The Ithacan’s words characterized the celebration of Israel Independence Day as a response to student conflict on campus when it is anything but. Why is an event that occurs nearly every spring to which anyone and everyone is invited suddenly “controversial?” We’ve been doing this for years, and we throw a damn good party! For us it’s a celebration, not a political event or statement. Every year, those expressing the pro-Palestinian view on campus attempt to politicize our celebration, but they don’t get to set the ground rules on an event which is
actually meet for a time. Outside of that tent the celebration will go on — food, great music, crafts, information and friendship extended in every direction to all. The flag of Israel will fly in front of Campus Center. The entire campus is invited, and anyone can vote with his or her feet to attend or not.
Michael Faber, Hillel DIrector and Jewish Chaplain
SPEAK your mind Send your letter to the editor to ithacan@ithaca.edu.
SNAP JUDGMENT Baby, baby What is your opinion regarding pregnancies on a college campus?
Watch more Snap Judgments at theithacan.org.
The Ithacan Aaron edwards editor in chief Lara Bonner Managing editor Alexandra Evans opinion Editor kelsey o’connor news Editor elma Gonzalez assistant news editor erica palumbo assistant news editor Patrick Duprey online editor Shea O’Meara accent editor
not theirs, nor does The Ithacan. This year, when Hillel and Student Alliance for Israel host the outdoor celebration of Israel Independence Day on Thursday, April 26th, we are adding a Talk Israel Tent for people who want to sit down for a Sulha (Arabic for reconciliation): face-to-face with a cup of tea in hand to discuss, debate, disagree and argue passionately eyeball-to-eyeball. We will invite faculty and students to present the various views, pro and con, that float around campus in discreet silos. In our Sulha, the walls will come down and people who disagree passionately will have space to air their minds. This is a place where opposites may
“If you are pregnant and you are still attending college and still putting effort towards school, then i think that is a very commendable attribute.“ Danielle Piazza ‘14 Biology
“It’s irresponsible. they shouldn’t be getting pregnant at such a young age. it should be saved for that one special person.” Jesse feldman ’15 Televisionradio
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“The sight of a pregnant belly isn’t always the most welcome image on a college campus. I think it would be really hard to walk around with that.” Briana Padilla ’12 Politics and journalism
“the fact that they’re in college now and working to better not only their life but their child’s life ... it’s respectful that they’re able to do all of those things at once.” Javier Teitelbaum ’15 Exploratory
“there should be more support because of the fact that they’re staying in school while being pregnant.” Chauncey Jones ‘14 English
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Opi n ion
Th ursday, Februa ry 23, 2012
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guest commentary
Legislation threatens public transportation T CAT has made strides over the years to build ridership to an all-time high and gain strong support from the community. Unfortunately, the ability to keep up that momentum achieved over the last several years has been threatened by a lack of adequate funding. It is important to note that fares To view the text only make up about 32 percent of the American of TCAT’s revenue stream. The Energy Infrarest comes from local, state structure Jobs Act of 2012, and federal coffers. see the story at Funding from Cornell theithacan.org. University, Tompkins County and the City of Ithaca has remained flat for the past four years as those entities have fiscal challenges of their own. For the third straight year in a row, state aid — TCAT’s largest single source of financial support — has been significantly reduced. At a time when ridership is at nearly 4 million annual trips, this past month TCAT was forced to raise fares and reduce service. We are telling passengers they can expect more of the same in 2013. That will serve to unravel a system that many here at TCAT and in the community have worked hard to build. What is particularly bittersweet is that in 2011, TCAT was named the No. 1 transit agency of its size in North America by the American Public Transit Association. Recently, we learned about the proposed American Energy Infrastructure Jobs Act of 2012 (H.R. 7). This legislation would eliminate dedicated federal fuels taxes for public transit for the first time in 30 years. Since 1983, nearly half of all public transportation funding has come from the federal motor fuels taxes. This funding structure has provided highway and transit programs with secure revenues and has allowed public transit systems around the country to create jobs and foster overall economic growth. It all seems so counterintuitive, particularly when gas prices are expected to go back up to $4
Read up
Shaza Elsheshtawy
Syria proposals face roadblock
S Joe Turcotte, TCAT, Inc. general manager (right), shakes hands with U.S. Rep. John Mica, R-Fla., last March in Cortland after testifying before the U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. Courtesy of Tompkins County Area Transit
in the coming months. For many people, public transit is their sole source of transportation to get to their jobs and school. Last fall, Ithaca College approached us and worked with us to beef up late-night service for IC students from downtown to campus. We applaud college leaders for their efforts to help fund and provide their students with an environmentally friendly, affordable and safe transportation alternative. We are happy to say the initiative has been a tremendous success. Dismantling the TCAT system counteracts any positive effects of forging such partnerships and threatens their success. We were relieved recently when we learned that clearer-thinking heads in Washington are helping to thwart what has been reviled as the most backward transportation bill in U.S. history. We were
happy to learn that U.S. Rep. Jerrold Nadler, D-N.Y., along with a slew of Democrats and Republicans alike, introduced an amendment to return motor fuels tax revenues to public transportation. Still, there’s a lot of work to be done to make sure all Americans have reliable, safe and affordable transportation. Consideration of H.R. 7 has been delayed until after Congress returns from the President’s Day district work period Feb. 27. In the meantime, let your voices be heard and support the Nadler bipartisan amendment to fight a transportation package that, according to Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, a former GOP congressman, “takes us back to the dark ages.” Joe Turcotte is the general Manager of TCAT, Inc. Email him at jt1@tcatmail.com.
guest commentary
Chemical warfare legacy lingers abroad and at home
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riting professor Fred Wilcox gave a reading and talk Feb. 9 at Ithaca College from his book “Scorched Earth: Legacies of Chemical Warfare in Vietnam”. He shared information about how U.S. chemical corporations such as Monsanto and Dow and our government used Agent Ormaura ange (dioxin), Stephens a carcinogen, in Vietnam to poison 5 million acres of farmlands and forests and millions of people. Thirty-seven years after the end of U.S. military engagement there, so much dioxin residue remains that some 500,000 children suffer from the effects of chemical warfare, a result of their own or their grandparents’ and parents’ exposure. Also among those affected are tens of thousands of U.S. troops who served during the Vietnam War, or, as the Vietnamese call it, the “War of Resistance Against U.S. Invasion,” about which Wilcox wrote in his book “Waiting for an Army to Die.” Many studies by Vietnamese, Canadian and European scientists show clear links between Agent Orange and illnesses and defects. The U.S. government refuses to fund such a study.
the global spectrum
Children at Tu Du hospital in Saigon are missing limbs as a result of their parents’ exposure to dioxin left behind after U.S. occupation of Vietnam. Courtesy of Brendan Wilcox
Wilcox challenged us to ask how could we allow contamination of a land and its people — as well as the current stream of toxic chemicals in our environment that lead to rampant rates of cancer and other environmental diseases worldwide. How could President Obama appoint a Monsanto executive to the Food and Drug Administration, which is supposed to protect us from dangerous chemicals? Understandably, many audience members were shocked and upset. Several asked, “What can we do?” Time didn’t permit detailed answers, so here are a few ideas. Ditch your toxins. Many dastardly
chemicals are in our food, air and water. Activities like fracking for “natural” gas are increasing the prevalence of contamination, which was already terrifying. One example: The cosmetics and fragrance industry is unregulated; there’s no oversight of the chemicals used in thousands of products humans use daily. Eat organic and locally grown food. In Ithaca, organic food prices have plummeted with increased demand, and that trend will continue as more people make the connections between chemicals and the rise in environmental cancers. Take environmental studies and sciences classes and Introduction to
Chemistry. Attend 4 p.m. Monday seminars in CNS 112 on fracking. Read noncorporate media. Much of this information is rarely mentioned in mainstream media. Find suggestions at the Park Center for Independent Media website. Join an organization devoted to a healthy environment. Campus groups include Ithaca College Environmental Society, IC FrackOff and Organic Growers of IC. Locally, Sustainable Tompkins has great information, projects and programs. Keep educating yourself. Visit the study guide on environmental toxicology compiled by IC librarian Ron Gilmour and the guide on environmental justice compiled by Brian Saunders on the library’s website. Share what you learn with others. And, as Professor Wilcox urges, help the Vietnamese people. Learn more through the Vietnam Agent Orange Relief and Responsibility Campaign. Urge your U.S. representative to cosponsor H.R. 2634, which was introduced last summer. It would help victims and caregivers in Vietnam and the United States fund environmental remediation and public health research. It’s the moral response to the question of “What can we do for the Vietnamese people?” Maura Stephens is the associate director of the Park Center for Independent Media. Email her at mstephens@ithaca.edu.
All opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of The Ithacan. To write a guest commentary, contact Opinion Editor Alexandra Evans at 274-3208.
yrian president Bashar al-Assad’s crackdowns on local protestors are attracting attention worldwide. The United Nations and the Arab League have drawn up proposals to address the issue, but have been met with resistance from the Syrian government as well as China and Russia, who vetoed a resolution condemning the Assad regime earlier this month. The dilemma is not whether multilateral dialogue is taking place regarding Syria, nor is it about the decisions that are being made, such as whether the U.N. or Arab League will use sanctions, force dialogue. The real dilemma is that, because of the limited capacity of multilateral organizations like the U.N. and the Arab League, dialogue is not being translated into ameliorative action. The U.N. Security Council attempted to pass a resolution condemning Assad’s government and its crackdown against Syrian protestors. Working in tandem with the U.N., the Arab League created a proposal outlining plans for a joint U.N. and Arab League peacekeeping mission in Syria. Both attempts have been blocked by member states or by Syria, demonstrating key limitations that these worldwide and regional diplomatic bodies have in policymaking and implementing changes in times of crisis. These limitations can be attributed to multilateral organizations’ dependencies. Relying on reaching a consensus on decisions can inhibit action, particularly if nations with veto power disagree with the majority, as was demonstrated by China and Russia’s veto of the Security Council’s latest Syria resolution. But even if a consensus is accomplished, there’s a colossal dependency on the nation in question to accept and employ the resolution or proposal. In the Syrian case, Assad has openly rejected U.N. and Arab League intervention, illustrating how difficult it is for organizations to supersede state sovereignty. Assad’s actions bring into question the function and necessity of multilateral organizations. If they have internal limitations in getting member states to agree on a common policy as well as restrictions in pursuing a common policy at all, then what good is negotiating, dialogue or even diplomacy? Diplomacy has, however, proven it works. The U.N. plays key roles in alleviating crises. But it is important to keep in mind that international bodies operate within a confined space in the global arena. When key measures are blocked, we must recognize that differing motivations and ideas do clash, and that maybe these clashes themselves will draw more attention to a crisis, amplifying pressure for member states to agree and national governments to value. Avoiding gridlock is key, but so is reconciliation.
Shaza Elsheshtawy is a junior journalism and politics major. Email her at selshes1@ithaca.edu.
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Divers ion s
dormin’ norman
By Jonathan Schuta ’14
Pearls Before Swine®
Th ursday, Febr ua ry 2 3 , 2 0 1 2
sudoku
By Stephan Pastis
answers to last week’s sudoku
crossword ACROSS 1 Centurion’s moon 5 What Hamlet smelled (2 wds.) 9 Monk’s title 12 Hockey’s -- Esposito 13 Inoculants 14 Cohort of Boris and Bela 15 Now, to Caesar 16 Semicasual wear 18 Harvested wool 20 Postpone action 21 Desk item 22 Ship’s record 23 No. 2 people 26 Doesn’t just brush 30 Romaine 31 Prehistoric 32 Gasp of delight
By United Media
33 Space-flight phase (hyph.) 36 Golden 38 Lend a hand 39 Pool length 40 Chipmunk snack 43 Aquarium fish 47 Short-term solution (2 wds.) 49 Gouda cousin 50 Web address 51 Therefore 52 Prefix for dynamic 53 Pumper’s pride 54 Roll, as thunder 55 Called the butler
DOWN 1 RN assistants 2 Nah! (hyph.) 3 Clementine’s shoe size 4 Marryin’ Sam’s creator (2 wds.) 5 Quaking -6 Auditioned 7 Comic-strip prince 8 Indelible design 9 Botch 10 Churn up 11 Feed the kitty 17 Declines 19 Do followers, musically 22 Advanced deg. 23 TiVo precursor 24 Help-wanted abbr. 25 Nationality
26 Hop a jet 27 Sty matriarch 28 Immeasurable time 29 Retiring 31 California fort 34 DEA operative 35 Putter with 36 Kind of dance 37 Emerge 39 Karnak neighbor 40 Greenish-blue 41 Restrain 42 Van Gogh’s medium 43 Billion, in combos 44 Think-tank output 45 Deserve 46 Urban haze 48 To’s opposite
answers to last week’s crossword
Th ursday, Februa ry 23, 2012
w e S Good
a ccen t
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Lilly Westbrook, costume shop manager in the Department of Theater Arts, pieces together clothing for the department’s newest play.
Rachel orlow/the ithacan
Dillingham designer gives main stage a magic touch Caitlin Ghegan Contributing writer
To a stranger peeking through the window of Dillingham Room 020, the scattered piles of cloth, scissors and beads that lie on the tables within may signal chaos. But amid the hustle and bustle of the room, where half a dozen students iron and adjust seams, a woman with thick brown hair sits contently at a sewing machine. Through her slender glasses, Lilly Westbrook’s gaze stays focused, trained on the needle that stitches black beading to cream-colored cloth. To the 49-year-old wardrobe veteran, it’s all about “piecing the puzzle together.” “That’s the challenge, finding when you have an approach and the approach doesn’t work, opening yourself to another approach and hoping that somewhere along the line you’re going to discover something that works,” she said. For the last 22 years, Westbrook has worked at Ithaca College as the costume shop manager in the Department of Theatre Arts. From her hub in Dillingham, she oversees and executes the production of every costume used in the college’s main stage shows. In total, Westbrook has worked on more than 130 student productions and is now working to dress the actors in the upcoming Dillingham production of Mozart’s famed opera “The Magic Flute.” For Westbrook, the daily routine of dressing Dillingham’s performers begins months before the actors set foot on a stage. After analyzing the script, costume designers develop intricate sketches they think befit the show’s characters. Though Westbrook does not decide what each costume will convey to the audience, she plays
the pivotal role of translating the designers’ What you celebrate is the moment that they get it,” she said. “That light bulb moment is ideas into real creations. Costume designer Greg Robbins, associ- the thrill.” Though she originally interviewed for a ate professor of theatrical design, has worked alongside Westbrook for more than 20 years. teaching position at Cornell University, she was Robbins said in the designing process, there referred to the Ithaca College theater departare moments “of pure creative vision, then ment by her interviewer, who had attended a moments to bring it back to reality.” It is dur- wedding with the scene designer at Ithaca. “I didn’t even know they were looking for ing these moments, he said, when Westbrook the position,” she said. “The position found me.” shines in her own role. In the back of the shop sits a mannequin, The conversion of sketch to full costume pinned with black fabdoes not always begin ric and a skirt four times with a full-fledged piece. as wide as its waist. She Westbrook and Robbins points to the bodice and work together to create the support structures small samples that will for the lower half of the eventually be turned into costume, camouflaged by the full costumes. layers of black feathers, “To go from the — Lilly westbrook beading and sheer fabric. two-dimensional to the This particular costhree-dimensional, we’ll just use really cheap fabrics and really cheap tume will take 200 hours to complete. For every original costume creation in “The quick methods,” he said. “We move ahead Magic Flute,” Westbrook and her team of cosfrom there to the more expensive fabrics.” In the costume shop, Westbrook’s fingers tumers will augment and adjust three others. leave a piece of beaded cloth to point at a binder, With a cast of 40 performers and a wardrobe of propped open on the table to display a sketch. 50 costumes, there’s always more to do. As she shuffles back to the table, a student Etched in hundreds of colorful pen strokes, it depicts a dress designed for The Queen of the asks her for a new assignment. Another asks Night, one of the primary characters in “The how to stretch and separate a feathery, green piece of fabric that Westbrook will eventually Magic Flute.” As a design instructor, Westbrook must apply to a pair of pants. Westbrook smiles and strike a balance between her managerial posi- patiently explains the steps. As her fingers pull at tion in the shop and her role in the classroom. the cloth, her gaze remains on the student. Students in the college theater department Westbrook said she discovered her affection for teaching as a graduate teaching assistant at arrive with different levels of skills. The greatest challenge of working with untrained students, Purdue University. “It’s not so much teaching them a task: Westbrook said, is understanding that every
“The product is not always the focus — the process is.”
show will be finished, but there will always be “balanced compromises.” “The beauty of it is you discover students’ strengths,” she said. Other circumstances, such as reduced funding, impede the costume shop’s capabilities. In the 2011 production of “Coram Boy,” the design team requested characters wear wigs, but the limited funds available to the costume shop prevented many characters from having them. “The product is not always the focus — the process is,” she said. “Just because the product is less than ‘A’ doesn’t mean the process wasn’t an ‘A-plus.’ That’s the difference.” Johanna Pan, a junior theatrical production arts major and costume shop assistant, said students from all studies and focuses in the theater department choose to work in the costume shop because of its warm and welcoming atmosphere. “She’s nicknamed Mama Lil,” Pan said. “Not only is she the only female tech and design staff member, she is also kind of like our mom away from home.” In the shop, there is still trimming and a few finishing touches to be completed before opening night. Westbrook returns to the sewing machine to maneuver endless bunches of black beading under the needle. She turns to the ironers and the sewers to ask if anyone needs any help. For the moment, all is well. “The genius [of theater] is in the live moment,” Westbrook said. “That’s what keeps you going. When it all comes together, when it’s a beautiful design and the performers are on and the technicians are working well, and the scenery and the costumes and the lighting are all functioning and working well, the live moments are coming together, that’s art.”
Photos by Rachel Orlow
[ a cc e ntuate]
1 4 The It hacan
Th ursday, Febr ua ry 2 3 , 2 0 1 2
The Runway While in Milan, fashion blogger Cady Lang picks out the hottest styles at New York Fashion Week.
Last week marked the beginning of the Fall/ Winter 2012 fashion weeks, beginning with New York Fashion Week. The trends were ladylike in a classic elegant way without being too outdated and continued to pay homage to the best of the ’70s without getting too groovy. When shopping for your fall wardrobe, here are some key trends to look for: 1. Rich color palettes: From Ralph Lauren to DVF, the colors ranged from deep berries and navy to black, creams en ur la and pumpkin. ph y of ral Courtes This fall, colors are about a classic maturity. Another fashion trend is bright red to accent these deep colors. 2. The return of the trouser: Especially at the Elizabeth and James, there was a recurring appearance of trouser pants. Whether wide-legged and high-waisted or cropped and fitted, trouser pants are here to stay. 3. Longer hemlines: Throw out your body con mini skirts and say hello to longer hemlines. The maxi skirt is still trending strongly, while midlength “midis” are the latest and greatest for fall. Shows like Rebecca Taylor featured bohemian, streetstyle-esque dresses and skirts that skimmed the floor. 4. Elegant details: Plaid prints, rich leather accessories and classic details like sheer accents and collars can complete an outfit for fall. At Tommy Hilfiger, the preppy theme was strong: an equestrian bent with lots of polCourtes y of ral ished leather and ph laur en metal accents. To read more from Lang’s full blog, visit www.theithacan.org/blogs/fashion.
Crescendo for a cause
Sophomore Drew Zieff, a member of Voicestream, an a capella group at Ithaca College, belts out his solo during the Concert for a Cure last Thursday in Emerson Suites. All proceeds raised went to the American Cancer Society and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
Durst Breneiser/the ithacan
wtf
playful paper doll print-outs let loyal tv fans be kids again
Look out cardboard cut-outs, these quirky paper dolls are the next-best collectable for fans of some popular TV shows. The paper dolls collection, created by graphic designer Kyle Hilton, features memorable accessories from “Arrested Development,” “Parks and Recreation,” “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia,” “Breaking Bad” and “The Office.” For example, Tom Haverford of “Parks and Recreation” is shown with a bottle of his signature “Snake Juice.” The illustrated collection is printable and a creative way to recreate a childhood craft. — Allie Healy
blog week of
the
famous striped character lets his true colors show
While Waldo seems to be constantly in hiding, he still seems to have a happy demeanor. The How’s Waldo Tumblr proves otherwise. The blog considers the emotional side of this cartoon. One image includes this description: “Always instead that dull ache, which by now has become his companion: the feeling of being watched — hunted, almost.” The blog asks readers to recognize that constantly being looked for may not be as fun for him as it is for you. — Allie Healy
quoteunquote “In Australia, we used to always watch ‘Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle.’ I didn’t know it was a real place.” — Liam Hemsworth, “Hunger Games” star, raves to Details about his discovery of the well-known burgers featured in his favorite stoner comedy.
celebrity SCOOPS! Pop artists battle it out The heat is on for country singer Miranda Lambert and hip-hop crooner Chris Brown. It started after Lambert, whose songs feature lyrics about domestic violence, angrily tweeted after the Grammys, “Chris Brown twice? I don’t get it. He beat on a girl ... Not cool that we act like that didn’t happen.” Lambert also held up a sign Feb. 16 at a UMass concert, that read “Take Notes Chris Brown” before singing “Gunpowder and Lead,” a country anthem about an abused wife and her revenge. Brown responded to the incident by tweeting, “HATE ALL U WANT BECUZ I GOT A GRAMMY Now! That’s the ultimate F--- OFF,” a post he later deleted. — Benjii Maust
A CCEN T
Th ursday, Februa ry 23, 2012
The I th a c a n 1 5
Away from home Homeschooled students succeed despite stereotypes on campus By Nicole Arrocho Staff Writer
When she was a teenager, sophomore Madison Vander Hill had the freedom to walk on the streets of Madison, Wis., during school hours. She carried a note from her mother just in case a police officer stopped her to ask her why she wasn’t in school. Vander Hill was homeschooled until she attended college and is one of the few homeschooled students who apply to Ithaca College every year. According to a study conducted by Michael Cogan from the University of St. Thomas in Minnesota, home scho ole d students earned higher firstand fourth-year GPAs than students with a traditional background. The study showed homeschooled students also achieved a higher retention and graduation rate than the overall student body. Vander Hill said being a homeschooled student prepared her for college academically, but she sometimes struggled to fit in socially. Susan Horein, Vander Hill’s mother, said she first considered homeschooling for her daughter when she met a homeschooled family in a local park. “Homeschooling is not only a school choice, but a lifestyle choice,” Horein said. “We create a culture of learning that fosters learning in the children and the parents.”
Brian Ray, founder and president of the National Home Education Research Institute, said students who have a home education are more likely to become independent thinkers. Because of the nature of the system, students are actively seeking ways of learning and have choices and a voice in their educational plan, he said. “They are more likely to question the norm and make their own decisions instead of waiting on an institution or a professional to tell you what to do or what to learn,” he said. “They become critical thinkers and have the sharp decision-making skills that are crucial as they leave home and go to college.” Vander Hill said she saw her parents as facili—Susan horein tators who knew the limits of their knowledge and used resources in the community, such as other parents and the local public library, to deliver a solid education. Even her kitchen was used as a classroom. “It’s surprising what you can do in your kitchen with a Bunsen burner and a bunch of chemicals,” she said. Senior music education major Dana Arbaugh worked with the Ithaca College Homeschool Band last year and said the experience made her change her philosophy as a classroom teacher. “These kids showed me that tailoring the lessons to the students,
“Homeschooling is not only a school choice, but a lifestyle choice.”
From left, sophomore Madison Vander Hill stands with her mother, Susan Horein, to give her graduation speech before family and friends. Vander Hill’s homeschool graduation was held at her neighbor’s home in June 2010.
Courtesy of Madison Vander HIll
and to have a more individualistic approach is the best way to teach,” she said. The main factor that affects students who have had a home education on their transition to college is that they haven’t been institutionalized, Ray said. Getting used to strict schedules is the hardest part of the process, he said. This adjustment is often more difficult than the change in the social life — the most prevalent stigma that’s associated with
homeschooled students. “The stereotype of homeschooled kids being socially awkward and unable to make decisions on their own is just that: a stereotype far from reality,” Ray said. Vander Hill said coming to college with a home education was “a mixed bag.” She wasn’t a party person, and the pressure as a freshman to go out was always in the back of her mind. Horein said homeschooling her children gave them more options.
“My kids were able to engage socially with a wide variety of people,” she said. “They weren’t limited to same-age peers” Horein said the negative stereotypes about homeschooling are often based on the media and don’t reflect the reality of homeschooling. “Sensationalized examples in the media are what make people think of socially awkward homeschooled kids,” she said. “For each of those examples you can find another example that contradicts it.”
Sleepy small-town band awakens for spring tour After ending a tour with funk rock group Cage the Elephant, garage-rock band Sleeper Agent is getting a new reason to rock with the release of its first album, “Celebrasion.” Sleeper Agent, a sixperson rock band from If you Go Bowling Green, Ky., is Sleeper Agent gearing up to begin its When: first independent tour, 8 p.m. Sunday which will include a Where: stop at The Haunt in The Haunt Ithaca. The band is a How much: $5 collection of hometown friends who came together after their individual Kentucky-based bands broke up. Accent Editor Shea O’Meara spoke to lead guitarist Josh Martin about the band’s Southern roots, East Coast tour and experience producing its first record. Shea O’Meara: How did Sleeper Agent originally form? Josh Martin: The idea has been around for a while. It started with our drummer Justin [Wilson] and one of our singers and drummers Tony [Smith], who were both 21 before a lot of their friends and decided to start a side project, and they would play in bars and get rowdy and drink. SO: How would you describe the music on your upcoming album? JM: It’s rock ‘n’ roll. We’ve always had difficulty naming it anything beyond that. We’re the young garage rock band — we play fast,
kind of punkish music, and we want to be fun. We hope people hear us and think of us as a fun band. SO: Which of your songs are you most invested in? JM: The biggest connection I had to any of the songs I had on the record was “Far and Wide.” That was the first song that the six of us created together. We recorded it lastminute and it almost didn’t make the album. They’re all our babies. SO: What is the atmosphere of the band like? JM: We are totally a family. That’s one of the reasons why Scott and I were included in the band in the first place. Between ourselves and the entire music scene in Bowling Green, it is very much like a family matter — you don’t want to leave anyone behind. We treat each other that way, like siblings, we joke around and we’re playful. You’ll bicker from time to time, but you really know you’re a family. SO: What do you consider your greatest success as a band? JM: The highlight moment of it for me so far was New Years of 2011 when we played in Chicago with our friends Cage the Elephant and our friends Morning Teleportation and our friends Company of Thieves in the Aragon Ballroom, and it was to a huge crowd, about 5,000 people. None of us had any expectations about this project, the first
Sleeper Agent, a Kentucky-based rock band, will perform at 8 p.m. Sunday at The Haunt. The band recently released its first album, “Celebrasion,” after a tour with Cage the Elephant.
Courtesy of Sleeper Agent
meeting of Tony and Justin; it was just going to be a band that played in bars and got paid with free beer — that’s the origin of this project. The biggest success is just these slacker kids from Kentucky creating this record and convincing some people in New York to put it out and taking it on the road. SO: What can students expect from your show? JM: We’ve always liked to think that whether we’re playing to five people or 5,000 people, it’s always the same show. We like to make it high energy, and we like to make it fun.
SO: You’ve been on break since December, and you are about to begin an extended tour. Are you excited to get back on the road? JM: This is the first tour we’ve done in 2012. It starts just a few days before the Ithaca show, in Boston. This will be the beginning of the tour with our second single, “Get Burned.” We’ve been home since before Christmas, and you tend to get restless staying at home and staying in place for too long. It’s been a very welcomed rest, but we’re road people, we can’t wait to get back out there to play shows and meet new fans.
A ccen t
1 6 The It hacan
Th ursday, Febr ua ry 2 3 , 2 0 1 2
Shocking comedy bears serious truth
thursday
by Harmony wright staff Writer
“Mitzi’s Abortion,” put on by The Actor’s Workshop of Ithaca, offers a humorous and moving exploration of the ethics, religion and politics of late-term abortion. Meet Mitzi (Dayna Joan), a 22-year-old with an army husband and a happy accident — a baby on the way. However, the news is quickly undermined by the discovery that the child will be born with “Mitzi’s a severe and fatal birth deAbortion” fect. Mitzi now faces the Actor’s Workshop choice of whether to abort of Ithaca the baby or give birth to a child without a fully developed brain or skull. Directed by C.A. Teitelbaum, the production dives into this controversial topic with humor, emotion and sincerity. The result is entertaining and touching — for the most part. The scene where Mitzi finds she is pregnant is typical, as she pees on the stick and her boyfriend waits anxiously. When they find out she’s pregnant, Chuck shows off his best victory dance, but does not fully capture the genuine excitement of an expecting father. Rather, the scene seems forced and unrealistic. Luckily, there are a few moments when the humor is refreshingly original. Mitzi’s friend Nita (Ria Burns-Wilder) brings some of these laughs, going on about the importance of Mitzi not giving up on her Esperanto class — a fairly useless international language — and an in-your-face political debate about why Medicaid covers the cost of Viagra but not birth control pills. Joan does an amazing job bringing Mitzi to life, giving the audience a character with depth and honesty. She leads the audience through a whirlwind of uncertainty and joy and then evokes raw emotion with a powerful display of grief, guilt and disconnection. Kristin Sad’s character of the outspoken southern mother, Vera, could have fallen flat as a stereotypical filler character. But she supports Mitzi with fierce, upbeat loyalty, reminding the audience that Mitzi’s abortion is not up to the church, political officials or insurance agencies — only Mitzi.
The Vagina Monologues, an annual performance sponsored by IC Players, will begin at 8 p.m. in Emerson Suites. Tickets are $5 at the door.
friday
theater Review
Black History Month Concert, featuring the Dorothy Cotton Jubilee Singers and Ithaca College ALANA students, will begin at 8:15 p.m. in Ford Hall. Admission is free.
Oliver, produced by Running to Places Theatre Company, will have its opening performance at 8 p.m. at the Hangar Theatre. Tickets cost $12 to $15.
saturday
Martha Marcy May Marlene, From left, Mitzi (Dayna Joan) and Chuck (Darryle Johnson) celebrate Mitzi’s pregnancy in the Actor’s Workshop of Ithaca’s production of “Mitzi’s Abortion,” a play about abortion rights in America. Courtesy of RACHEL PHILIPSON
A few bizarre characters aid the originality of the production. “Reckless Mary,” (Deirdre Levine), a rosy-cheeked 16th century midwife back from the dead, prances around the stage with brandy bottle in hand, serving as comedic relief — if one can understand exactly what is being said through her thick, slurred Irish accent. Her opposition comes in the form of a tracksuit-wearing, calorie-craving saint, Thomas Aquinas, who presents the long-held beliefs of the Catholic Church with unexpected humor. The props and costumes in the play are minimal but effective. The lighting is especially effective in the birthing room, where flickering fluorescents create tension on the stage. But the costume pieces that stand out the most are the ruby-sequined sneakers that are presented to Mitzi when she gets hit by the tornado of bad news. We’re not in Kansas
anymore, the play suggests. Advocates from Planned Parenthood, a sponsor of the production, stood outside the theater with information about abortion, and a manger at the Risley Theatre thanked the organization for its support. He reminded the audience that “Mitzi’s Abortion” could be a reality without groups like Planned Parenthood. Religion and science, step aside. What “Mitzi’s Abortion” really gives us is the complicated range of emotions a women feels — or believes she should feel — when a pleasant surprise turns into a tragedy. The social issue that the Actor’s Workshop of Ithaca’s Theatre examines is portrayed brilliantly. With intelligent humor, honesty and believable emotion consistent throughout, the production of “Mitzi’s Abortion” was an unexpected, pleasant surprise.
Romantic cover collection reflects on strength of love by robert rivera staff writer
Paul McCartney takes a nostalgic stroll down memory lane as he recollects songs from his childhood in “Kisses on the Bottom.” The album is a Paul collection of tracks McCartney “Kisses from including songs the Bottom” from the AmeriMPL Communican Songbook, cations Inc. which features hits Our rating: that McCartney’s HHH jaz z- performing father played for him as a child. McCartney shows a personal connection to the album and his older listeners, which listeners under the age of 30 may not relate to. A smooth jazz beat introduces the
Album Review
hot dates
first song on the album, “I’m Gonna Sit Right Down and Write Myself a Letter,” and continues to carry on until McCartney begins to sing. Lyrically, the song is both mellow and easygoing, much more akin to easy listening than what the former Beatles bassist is known for. The album continues with more tracks that may be unmemorable to a modern audience. The feelings and messages within the songs, however, are what make the album shine. This is an album about the celebration of love and how those feelings can change a person for the better. McCartney shows off his skills as a songwriter in the solemn “My Valentine,” a dedication to his new wife, Nancy Shevell. The song begins, “What if it rained?/ We didn’t
Song of the Week “Puppets”
Celebrating Karel Husa’s 90th, featuring Cornell University’s Chorus and Glee Club and the Eastman Wind Ensemble, will begin at 8 p.m. in Bailey Hall at Cornell University. Admission is free.
sunday
Tim Feeney, an experimental percussionist, will perform at 3 p.m. in the new wing of the Johnson Museum. The event is open to the public and free.
Garage rockers soften sound by jared Dionne staff writer
British trio Band of Skulls has made quite a splash over the last three years with their tenacious brand of energized garage rock. On its new album, “Sweet Sour,” the group turns down the volume for some Band of Skulls moments of “Sweet Sour” meditation. Electric Blues The band’s Our rating: first album, HHH “Baby Darling Doll Face Honey,” lived and died by its gargantuan power chords. With its newest endeavor, some tracks abide by this mentality while others take on an introspective tone. One track that still relies on Band of Skulls’ traditional hard rock style is “Bruises.” The song features interludes with softer vocals and guitar lines that erupt
Album Review
Courtesy of MPL COMMUNICATIONS INC.
care/ She said that someday soon/ the sun was gonna shine/ and she was right/ this love of mine/ My Valentine,” which showcases the singer’s strong belief in the power of love. “Kisses on the Bottom” becomes universal to anyone who has felt strong feelings of love at least once in their life. The songs are dated and on the slow side, but the lyrics themselves transcend the beats of the tracks and show that at any age, love can be found and be rekindled.
in an onslaught of distortion and pounding drums. Tracks such as “Navigate” and “Hometowns” show Band of Skulls’ softer side. Both songs include hushed vocals against the guitar. With this album, Band of Skulls show off their ability to give fans what they want. In this manner, “Sweet Sour” took on an on-point, multidimensional sound.
Courtesy of electric blues
quickies
Man Without Country
“heart”
“Be good”
Contemporary Christian vocalist Audrey Assad released her second album full of easy-listening, organic tracks that channel a classic ’70s pop sound.
This sophomore effort proves Porter is back to impress with his newly improved soulful vocals and revamped sound. This album is a memorable mix of heartfelt tracks.
Gregory Porter Motema Music
Audrey Assad Sparrow Records
Puppets Lost Balloon
With icy vocals and scattered blips, this track is a pristine and sonically beautiful piece of art.
Scan This qr Code with a smartphone to learn more aboUT Music blogger Jared Dionne’s pick for the song of the week.
a film with Elizabeth Olsen as a woman who flees her cult and its leader, will show at 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. at Willard Straight Theatre at Cornell University. Tickets are $3 to $5.
Courtesy of sparrow records
courtesy oF motema music
Compiled by allie healy
A ccen t
Th ursday, Februa ry 23, 2012
The I th a c a n 1 7
Espionage thriller lacks potent impact [ Predictable plot and dull storyline lock up film’s striking action bY James hasson
ticket stub
]
valid friday through thursday
cinemapolis The Commons 277–6115
staff Writer
“Safe House” may seize the interest of thriller fans with handsome spies, fast action scenes, and a beautiful location. But with its predictable redundant formula and dizzying camera work, the excitement doesn’t get very far “Safe after leaving the safe House” house that the film is Universal based on. Pictures Our rating: Matt Weston HH1/2 (Ryan Reynolds) is trapped in a deadend CIA job maintaining a safe house in Cape Town, South Africa. He spends his days pleading with his handler David Barlow (Brendan Gleeson) for a more action-packed assignment. Weston’s wish is granted after the U.S. government apprehends Tobin Frost (Denzel Washington), a rogue CIA agent and master of psychological manipulation. After a team of agents brings Frost to Weston’s safe house for torture and interrogation, Frost’s old enemies attack the house. The actors playing the protagonists perform within their comfort zones. Washington is once again ice cold, bringing his intimidating and uncompromising attitude that made him famous in “Remember the Titans” and “Man on Fire” to the role. He is sinisterly quiet and calm as he plucks the emotional strings of amateur agents, but demonstrates refined, humanizing emotion when more of his life is revealed throughout the story. The younger Reynolds demonstrates an ability to depict the emotion behind a bored, confident, naive amateur in the beginning and
pina 7:20 p.m. and 9:20 p.m., except Sunday, and weekends 2:20 p.m. and 4:20 p.m.
Film Review
The artist HHHH 7:05 p.m. and 9:25 p.m., except Sunday, and weekends 2:05 p.m. and 4:25 p.m. my week with marilyn 7 p.m., except Sunday, and weekends 2 p.m. Tinker tailor soldier spy 7:10 p.m. and 9:35 p.m., except Sunday, and weekends 2:10 p.m. and 4:35 p.m.
From left, Tobin Frost (Denzel Washington) accompanies Matt Weston (Ryan Reynolds), a young CIA agent who looks after a fugitive in a safe house. But when the safe house is attacked, Weston finds himself on the run.
the descendants 7:15 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. and weekends 2:15 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.
Courtesy of Universal pictures
a terrified agent who actually has to prove his worth once the action ramps up. These polarized characters and the actors portraying them bring together a sort of buddy-cop cooperation as their relationship evolves throughout the film. The beginning of Weston’s adventure holds the most excitement throughout the film because it places intense focus almost solely on him. Soon after director Daniel Espinosa establishes Weston’s dissatisfaction, he pulls no punches and sweeps Weston into a James Bond nightmare. He faces gun battles, car chases and the dark underbelly of international espionage with threadbare support
from his home office. While the situation is nerve-racking enough, Weston faces these trials while keeping in custody a super-spy who ceaselessly undermines his focus while plotting against him. Frost smiles and tells Weston how much he loves the thrill while forcing the inexperienced Weston to play a high-stakes, life-threatening spy game against many opponents. After that point, the plot becomes predictable and bland. “Safe House” reveals itself to be a wannabe “Bourne” movie with frequent action scenes and plots involving corrupt government workers. Espinosa effectively presents these
elements of the spy thriller. For the most part though, they can feel rather dull, except for a few instances when Frost shows a little creativity and tactical superiority over his opponents. Additionally, the predictability of the falling action and resolution dampens the hyped excitement with its obvious hinting. “Safe House” may falter in its execution and have a bland storyline, but it can still entertain die-hard espionage fans waiting for the next James Bond or Jason Bourne movie. “Safe House” was directed by Daniel Espinosa and written by David Guggenheim.
Spiritless sequel flops on screen
Superstar cast charms in flick By Bernadette javier
By ian carsia
No strangers to Hollywood’s romantic concoctions, Channing Tatum and Rachel McAdams team up to bring to life the bittersweet tale of forgotten love in the latest tearjerker movie, “The Vow.” “The Vow” Based on a true story, Tatum Screen Gems and McAdams play newlyweds, Our rating: HHH Leo and Paige, whose love is put to the test after experiencing a tragic car accident one wintry evening. In an unsettling opening scene that may startle viewers, Paige is seen bursting through the windshield after the car is hit by a truck from behind, putting her in a devastating coma for weeks. Simultaneously, the film shows bits and pieces of the couple’s blissful lives prior to the accident, which builds up the emotional disappointment when Paige reawakens and has no recollection of Leo and their marriage or anything that has happened in the last five years of her life. Despite Leo’s attempts in jogging her memory of their love by recreating their first date and reminding her of how they fell in love, a number of obstacles continue to keep the newlywed couple apart. Still, despite how loving and loyal a husband Leo is, his affectionate demeanor doesn’t change the fact that he seems so perfect and surreal. Tatum’s flawless bodybuilder figure does not help the case, making his character unrelatable. Similarly, while McAdams’ acting skills are as admirable as ever, her character’s development comes off as erratic and, like Tatum’s character, one-dimensional. Throughout the majority of the film, it
is confusing to predict whether Paige will regain her memory. Being a hopeful love story, the plot helps viewers remain confident that the female lead will regain her memory and live a happy ending. However, because “The Vow” is based on a true story, one of its main selling points, it becomes thoroughly unpredictable whether she will ever remember her seemingly “perfect” husband. Overall, “The Vow” is a romantic movie that many people will surely gush over. Just in time for the Valentine’s Day season, the flick may satisfy audiences with the charming presence of Tatum and McAdams.
In spite of a new writing team, new direction and completely revamped visual style, “Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance” fails to generate excitement. Nicolas Cage reprises his role as Johnny Blaze, a former stunt motorcyclist now possessed after an ill-advised deal with the Devil (Ciaran Hinds). This time around, Blaze finds himself protecting a young “Ghost Rider: boy named Danny (Fergus Spirit of Riordan), son of the Devil, Vengeance” whose father intends to turn Columbia Pictures him into the Antichrist. Our rating: The script is rife with halfH explained details that inhibit the viewer from becoming invested in the story. It’s this underdeveloped script that ultimately transforms an attempt to reinvigorate a franchise into a pointless exercise in visual style. With Cage’s brand of manic method acting, “Spirit of Vengeance” should at least feel like a noble failure with a distinct personality that justified its creation. Instead, a roundly terrible supporting cast and an uninteresting script leaves this story of a struggling anti-hero treading water. “Spirit of Vengeance” stumbles as a fresh look on an old character, attempting to pass off visual panache in lieu of an exciting or comprehensible story.
“The Vow” was directed by Michael Sucsy and written by Abby Kohn, Marc Silverstein and Sucsy.
“Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance” was directed by Mark Neveldine and Brian Taylor and written by Scott Gimple and Seth Hoffman.
staff writer
staff writer
Film Review
Film Review
Leo (Channing Tatum) and Paige (Rachel McAdams) embrace in a scene from “The Vow.”
Courtesy oF screen gems
diary of a wimpy kid 4:10 p.m. Friday harry potter and the chamber of secrets 4 p.m. Friday
regal stadium 14 Pyramid Mall 266-7960
safe house HH 1/2 4:50 p.m., 7:30 p.m., 9:05 p.m. the vow HHH 2:50 p.m., 5:30 p.m., 8 p.m., 10:30 p.m. The secret world of arrietty 12:50 p.m., 3:25 p.m., 6 p.m., 8:40 p.m. Journey 2: The mysterious island 3d 3:45 p.m. and 9:05 p.m. gone 1:15 p.m., 4:25 p.m., 7:20 p.m., 10 p.m. act of valor 12:40 p.m., 3:05 p.m., 6:40 p.m., 9:20 p.m. Chronicle HH 1/2 2:05 p.m., 4:15 p.m., 6:30 p.m., 9:10 p.m. this means war 1:20 p.m., 2:10 p.m., 3:55 p.m., 4:35 p.m., 6:20 p.m., 7:10 p.m., 10:10 p.m. one for the money 1:20 p.m., 3:40 p.m., 6:30 p.m., 9:30 p.m. Wanderlust 2:30 p.m., 5 p.m., 7:40 p.m., 10:20 p.m. ghost rider: spirit of vengeanceH 4:05 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.
cornell cinema 104 Willard Straight Hall 255-3522
For more information, visit http://cinema.cornell.edu.
our ratings Excellent HHHH Good HHH Fair HH Poor H
1 8 The It hacan
for rent Close to Ithaca College 1 bedroom fully furnished off-street parking please call (607)592-0150 918 Danby Rd. 4 bedroom, 2 1/2 baths, furnished fireplace, lake view, off-street parking, walk to campus.
C l a ss i f i ed 2012-13 Two Bedroom 209 Giles St. Ithaca, overlooking 6 Mile Creek, furnished or unfurnished, carpeted, 24 hr. on-street parking, private balcony, washer + dryer, close to IC and the Commons, close to public transportation, internet available, $510 for each person, includes heat and cooking gas, available August 1, 2012, call 607-279-3090 or email livingspaces1@msn.com pictures can be seen at ithacarent.com under “featured listings”
An apartment with no hassle. Hudson Heights Studio Apartments 273-9300 or 227-1076. View online are located next to IC. Openings IthacaEstatesRealty.com for the spring semester, January 1, 2012 for 6 months or a year lease. We are renting for next year Ithaca Solar Townhouses, 4 or starting June 1st –August 15th. 8 bedroom, furnished, 2 baths, We have houses and 2-3 bedroom apartments as well. Early sign up fireplace, off-street parking right next gets you this year’s prices. The to campus. For showing call 273rent includes: furniture, all utilities, parking, garbage and recycling, with 9300 or 227-1076. View online: laundry rooms on the complex. IthacaEstatesRealty.com A division of ILS Ithaca Living Solutions: Call Tony at 607-2738473 office or cell 280-7660 for an Spacious 3BR Aprts on Commons appointment. EMAIL anthonybusse@ Includes heat - furnished for Fall gmail.com or website www. 2012, call 272-7441 hhithaca.com. For showing call
Twenty-two windows, 2 bedroom, eat-in kitchen, hardwood floors, furnished, includes major utilities, laundry, off-street parking. ithacaestatesrealty.com or 607-273-9300 2 bedroom apt Kendall Ave Furnished, incl. utilities $600/ room 10 Mo. lease 592-4196 available Aug. 1st 2012 Fully furnished Ithaca College Student houses. Located on Kendall Ave. Available the 20122013 school year. Please call 607273-9221 for more information. One Bedroom, furnished, bright and warm, includes major utilities. Full bath, full laundry, off-street parking. ithacaestatesrealty.com or 607-273-9300 2012-2013 Great house/apts, we have places from 1 up to 6 Brs, furnished, laundry, free parking, reasonable rent, professionally managed by working landlords 607-227-3153 see http://ithacaapts.com
Th ursday, F ebr ua ry 2 3 , 2 0 1 2
Graduation 2012! Beautiful home and guest house on Cayuga Lake. 4 BR, 3 bathrooms, sleeps 13 total. $1950 for Thurs 5/17 to Wed 5/23. Call 607-273-2361 or saf25@cornell.edu. Convenient and relaxing. Newly renovated 3 BR apartment. Beautiful large bedrooms, 2 bath, new appliances, eat-in kitchen, front porch, washer/dryer, energy efficient, private driveway,. Just below Rogan’s Corner. Please contact Peter Romano at 607-2807126 Fall 2012 summer 2013 11-month lease. Amazing 4 BR apartment, private driveway, large backyard, walking path to IC, on the bus route, clean, large bedrooms, porch, sunroom, washer/dryer, views of Cayuga lake. Please contact Peter Romano at 607-280-7126 Fall 2012 summer 2013 11-month lease. One Bedroom, furnished, bright and warm, includes major utilities. Full bath, full laundry, off-street parking. ithacaestatesrealty.com or 607-273-9300
Sublet Sublet Coed to share with 2 other girls 3 bedroom apartment please call (607)592-0150
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The Ithacan
Every Thursday.
Th ursday, Februa ry 23, 2012
sports
The I th a c a n 1 9
Joining the family ranks Senior wrestler upholds tradition by serving in ROTC By christian araos staff writer
Photo by Rachel orlow
“It’s good for my country and everyone in my family who served, so I decided that it was going to be me next in line.” —senior Heavyweight matt mahon
the ROTC program. This consisted of a grueling 13-mile march in full uniform, including a large backpack filled with field supplies, ammunition and rations. His mother quickly became a training partner, often waking up at the crack of dawn to help him train. Ann Marie said Mahon’s workout was particularly taxing one summer morning. “It was 80 degrees out — I was sweating in shorts — and here he was in full gear with a 60-pound backpack on,” she said. “I didn’t think he could do it, but he did.” As a senior leader in the ROTC program, Mahon sometimes leads early-morning workouts for younger cadets. He’s also responsible for organizing and leading cadets through field training exercises at the end of each semester. While Mahon stays serious as an ROTC member, his more relaxed and light-hearted side often comes out when he’s in the wrestling room. Following one home meet, Mahon put on Ray Ban sunglasses and began to dance under a shower head in a locker room. It was his way of celebrating with his teammates after a long meet that came down to the final two individual matches. “I knew it was stupid and strange, but someone was going to smile, and someone was going to be mad,” Mahon said. Graduate student Jeremy Stierly said Mahon’s positive energy and occasional silliness relaxes the team during its rough stretches. “He’s always up, and he likes to talk, and while we’re not always in the best mood, he always is,” Stierly said. Mahon said ROTC has helped him learn how to channel his energy. He learned to draw the fine line between fun and focus during a leadership development assessment course he took last year. “I was a big hippie in high school,” he said. “I liked to have fun and joke around a lot, and that was my biggest problem going into my junior year of college. I was eating an apple when I gave orders, and the colonel told me he loved my ability to pump people up, but I was going to do terrible out in the field if I acted that way.” After graduating in May, Mahon hopes to be stationed at the Fort Drum Military Base in Jefferson County, N.Y. He aspires to work in military intelligence following his deployment from the base. He said the rugged mentality he has built through involvement in wrestling and ROTC has helped him understand the meaning of commitment and maintain a positive attitude in tough times. “It’s a sport and life of sacrifice,” he said. “It’s so easy to feel depressed and powerless, so I just go in there and have a ball. I try to make the other guys smile, and if they do, it’s the highlight of my day.”
When senior heavyweight wrestler Matt Mahon went to a Halloween party his sophomore year of high school, he thought it would be fun to wear his father’s flying jumpsuit as a costume. He put on the matching camouflage shirt and pants and went to the party, but he didn’t know his father was held in such a high regard until To see a he noticed a symbol on 1-on-1 with the upper Mahon, visit arm of theithacan.org. the uniform in a picture of him from the party. “I saw the patch on the shoulder of the shirt in one of the pictures that was taken, and when I asked my mom about it, she confirmed it,” Mahon said. Mahon was amazed to learn his father was a lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Air Force. That epiphany inspired Mahon to become a third-generation military man. “It’s good for my country and everyone in my family who served, so I decided that it was going to be me next in line,” he said. Mahon’s biological father, Michael Thomas, was a lieutenant colonel in the Air Force, and his maternal grandfather, Edward Stephanie, held the same position as a United States Marine serving in the Pacific during World War II. Thomas was in the Reserves when Mahon was born and died of cancer when Mahon was in the fourth grade. Mahon said his fondest memories of his father were the camping trips he took them on near his hometown of Rochester, N.Y. They helped him get an understanding of the military lifestyle. “He would have us eat the ready-to-eat food so we could get an understanding of the kind of stuff he had been eating when he was in the service,” he said. “I thought it was really cool as a kid, like eating space food, but now that I’m eating them later, I think they taste worse.” Mahon looks back on his father’s service during Operation Desert Storm in the early 1990s in Iraq with pride. “The fact that he was motivated to achieve the same rank as my grandfather says a lot in itself,” Mahon said. “It took a lot of courage for him to put himself on the line like that in a dangerous area, and I wanted to share my talents in that same way.” Mahon’s time with his father inspired him to pursue the Marines straight out of high school. His mother, Ann Marie Mahon, wanted her son to earn a degree before enlisting so he could move up in the ranks faster. His fouryear commitment to ROTC provides full tuition assistance in addition to living and book stipends. Before his junior year at Ithaca, Mahon had to train for an air From left, senior Matt Mahon celebrates his victory with his brother Jason and his assault exercise to earn mother, Ann Marie, after the Bombers’ meet against SUNY-Cortland on Feb. 15. a leadership position in brad patocka/the ithacan
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crunch time
Th ursday, Febr ua ry 2 3 , 2 0 1 2
Team sets sights on erasing bitter loss By matt kelly
assistant sports editor
harlan green-taub
Gifted player embodied joy Like many of the New York Mets fans who still remain, I was too young to remember the last time the franchise won a World Series, in 1986. Some of us were too young to remember the electric fastball of Dwight “Doc” Gooden, the sweet swing of Darryl Strawberry, the dazzling defense of first baseman Keith Hernandez or the grit and hustle of Mookie Wilson and Lenny Dykstra. But some of the most memorable aspects of that championship-winning team were the energetic attitude and smile of catcher Gary Carter. Carter, affectionately known by most of his teammates as “The Kid,” died at the age of 57 last Thursday from a malignant brain tumor. He is the only member of the 1986 Mets enshrined in the Baseball Hall of Fame. While Carter is easily one of the top five catchers in baseball history statistically, he will always mean so much more to Mets fans. He represented a hope, desire and willingness to put himself on the line that we rarely see from today’s athletes. In his first spring training with the Montreal Expos fresh out of high school in 1973, “The Kid” ran hard in every sprint and brought gusto and enthusiasm to every drill, showing up the often lackadaisical veterans who teased him, telling him to go get a beer or some ice cream. The nickname stuck, and Carter would go on to play 19 seasons in the major leagues with the Expos, Mets, San Francisco Giants and Los Angeles Dodgers. Carter was the life source and de facto captain of a team that won the most regular season games in National League history. To say he had a flair for the dramatic would be an understatement. With the Mets one out away from losing the 1986 World Series and down two runs, Carter got the hit that started the tenth inning rally that ended with Mookie Wilson’s game-winning ground ball that escaped through Bill Buckner’s legs. Carter kept the Mets alive at that point in the game and also got the game-tying hit in the eighth inning that helped take the game to extra innings. In the final at-bat of his career in 1992, Carter hit a double in the gap on a 0-and-2 count to drive in Larry Walker and give the Expos a 1-0 win. While Carter’s jovial personality sometimes irritated teammates and opponents, there was nothing fake about it. He was as intense as athletes come, or as Sports Illustrated’s Tom Verducci writes, “Tim Tebow with more talent and without social media.” Rest in peace, Gary Carter. There will never be another one like you. Harlan Green-taub is a senior television-radio major. Contact him at hgreent1@ithaca.edu.
The upperclassmen on the women’s basketball team have a chance to erase three years of frustration and season-ending disappointment when they step on the floor of the Ben Light Gymnasium for a The Blue and playoff game this weekend. Gold haven’t The Bombers will host the won the Empire Empire 8 Conference as the 8 Conference top seed for the fourth consecsince the end utive season when they tip off of the 2006-07 against fourth-seeded St. John regular season. Fisher College at 6 p.m. Friday. Ithaca has won 57 of their past 62 games against conference opponents on their way to compiling four straight regular season titles. However, the Blue and Gold have yet to punctuate any of those seasons with a conference title. Junior forward Devin Shea said the Bombers are ready to rid themselves of the bitter taste of disappointment from falling apart in the playoffs. “There’s big motivation for me and definitely for the seniors with this being their last Empire 8 tournament,” Shea said. “It’s hard to watch other teams celebrate on your home court, and I don’t know if I would be able to watch that for a third time.” Senior guard Jessica Farley has seen three teams race through the regular season schedule, only to lose when it mattered most. She said this year’s squad has all the pieces to earn an automatic bid to the NCAA playoffs by finishing as conference champions. “We joke around and say we want that free Empire 8 T-shirt,” Farley said. “But I think our motivation is to finish our season on a strong note knowing that we have a really good team, and we can win it.” The Blue and Gold defeated Fisher in both regular-season meetings, but the second game Feb. 4 in Rochester, N.Y., was a much closer affair than the 82-50 victory Jan. 6 in Ben Light Gymnasium. The Bombers needed a second-half run to earn a 75-66 victory the second time they faced the Cardinals to pick up their 18th win of the season. The other semifinal game between Hartwick College and Stevens Institute of Technology proposes a potential revenge factor if the Blue and Gold are able to get past Fisher and play in Saturday’s tournament final. Second-seeded Hartwick
stat check
From left, junior forward Liz Conti tries to block a shot from sophomore guard Elisabeth Wentlent during practice Monday in Ben Light Gymnasium. Wentlent has 22 steals this season. kristina stockburger/The ithacaN
handed the South Hill squad its only conference loss of the season in a tight 56-53 contest Jan. 28, which ended the Blue and Gold’s eight-game winning streak in conference games. Sophomore guard Kathryn Campbell, who leads the Bombers in scoring along with sophomore forward Jenn Escobido, said the team’s finish should be different this time around. “We’re definitely looking forward to getting them back because it was a tough loss, and it
wasn’t one of our better games shooting-wise,” Campbell said. “If we just play our game, we should be able to come out and beat them.” Farley said this team has the talent to make a lot of noise on the national stage. “I know this team has potential to make it all the way,” she said. “We’ve even heard some of the parents and other people saying, ‘Wow, this team is really special,’ so everyone believes this team is the one that can make it really far.”
Hot hands maintain offensive ratio in squad’s favor By andrew kristy staff writer
Not one, not two, but more than three Bombers often handle the ball on offense this season, setting up the men’s basketball team for easy swishes through the net. This year’s squad is among the nation’s best in taking care of the basketball on offense. Through 24 games, the Bombers have 390 total assists compared with 270 turnovers, which creates a ratio of 1.44. This assist-to-turnover ratio is second in Division III, behind only Clarkson University, which finished the regular season with a ratio of 1.52. Junior point guard Sean Rossi said not turning the ball over has been a point of emphasis on offense throughout his career on South Hill. “As a team — for at least the last three years that I’ve been here — we’ve really stressed quality and possession of the ball,” he said. “The experience definitely helped me. I know what passes not to throw now and what passes to throw.” Freshman point guard Connor Rogers said he struggled with turning the ball over earlier in the year, and the coaches have harped on him to make good decisions when distributing the ball on the court. “Whenever I go in and play point guard they tell me, ‘Don’t do anything stupid, be careful,’” he said.
From left, freshman guard Connor Rogers looks for an open player as junior guard Sean Rossi defends him during practice Monday. joanna hernandez/the ithacan
Over the course of the regular season’s final seven games, Rogers has committed just three turnovers in 133 minutes of playing time. Rossi has been a main contributor to the Bombers’ proficiency in
assists compared to turnovers. He leads Division III in assists per game with an average of 9.2. Sophomore center Tom Sweeney said Rossi facilitates the team’s chemistry because he is able to find gaps
in the opposing defense when the Bombers have possession. “He’s got great vision,” Sweeney said. “He can handle the ball well, and he knows exactly what he’s doing. When he’s playing well and distributing it like that, everyone else kind of feeds off of it and finds the open man.” Sweeney has come on strong as of late, scoring 27 points, 19 points and 32 points in three games against Empire 8 Conference opponents Nazareth College, Alfred University and Utica College, respectively. Rossi said he has been running specific plays so he can distribute the ball to the big man. “Not only is he 6-foot-8 and can post up down low, but he’s been knocking down his elbow jump shot really well,” Rossi said. “So I’ve been running a lot of flat screens with him where he sets a screen and then just pops for a jump shot. I try to draw his man to help, and he’s wide open.” Rossi said the Bombers’ strong assist-to-turnover ratio will be a major factor in Friday’s Empire 8 Conference Tournament Semifinal against the Hartwick College Hawks in Oneonta, N.Y. “The teams in the playoffs this year are very strong with the ball,” he said. “If we have less turnovers than their team, it’s only going to help us.”
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Th ursday, Februa ry 23, 2012
The I th a c a n 2 1
Seniors paddle past high and low tides By Steve derderian staff writer
The seven seniors on the women’s swimming and diving team joined a divided group before they were able to power their way to 47 victories in four seasons. Senior Missy Keesler said To see an members of interview with the team would senior Amanda often bring their personal prob- Vitullo, visit lems from home theithacan.org. and classes to the pool. There were extended periods of time when teammates became annoyed with one other during her freshman and sophomore years on the squad. “After training, you get fed up with everyone and everything that has to do with swimming,” she said. “You have to figure out a way to get over that while still competing and finding a way to work together as a team.” Keesler lived with senior Kelly Murphy who was also on the team at the time. Murphy said seeing each other all the time put a strain on their relationship. With dual-meets and invitationals every weekend in addition to practices during the week, it was difficult for segments of the team to work out their differences. The team had weekly meetings with the captains for the first half of the season, during which they stressed icebreakers. Keesler said the meetings helped
everyone on the team realize their reasons for competing and how team support could build self-confidence needed for individual events. “There comes to the point every season where you hate the sport you’re doing, but you love it so much that you can’t give up,” Keesler said. “We had to make it work, and we did because we’re all still here.” These weekly meetings culminated in winter break training trips to places such as San Juan, Puerto Rico, and Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Keesler said the 27-hour bus ride to Florida helped everyone on the team become closer. “Even if we felt we weren’t friends all the time, we ended up being friends in the long run,” she said. Murphy said the tense moments after the Blue and Gold’s tie against the University of Rochester on Jan. 21 helped the team grow stronger. The Bombers were originally told they had lost the meet. But after an error in adding up the scores from the diving events, the team celebrated together. “It was amazing what you saw come out of people because we aren’t in that situation often,” she said. “It was what really had to bond us together — to get over the fact that we didn’t want to be seeing each other at that time.” The senior class had also experienced a fractured atmosphere in the locker room, as swimmers and divers practiced at separate times. Senior captain Jodi Costello said now that everyone on the team can practice
Senior Kelly Murphy follows through on a freestyle stroke during the Ithaca February Invitational on Saturday at the Athletics and Events Center Pool. Murphy finished second in the 1,650-yard freestyle in 18:41.11.
durst breneiser/The ithacaN
together in the Athletics and Events Center Pool, they want to spend time with each other more often. “You could walk into the locker room and ask, ‘Who wants to see a movie tonight?’ and there will be at least five other people interested,” Costello said.
The Blue and Gold are currently competing for their fourth straight Empire 8 Conference and Upper New York State Collegiate Swimming Association titles. The four-day event in Webster, N.Y., will be the final career meet for the seniors. Keesler said she hopes the growth
the seniors experienced will foster an atmosphere of determination, fun and love for the sport on the team in future years. “I don’t want the culture of the swim team to change, because it wouldn’t be right,” she said. “If it stays this way, it will be what I remember.”
Look online for event stories from these sports: TODAY • 10 a.m. Men’s and Women’s Swimming and Diving at Upper New York State Collegiate Swimming Association / Empire 8 Conference Championship Meet in Webster, N.Y.
TOMORROW • 10 a.m. Men’s and Women’s Swimming and Diving at UNYSCSA/Empire 8 Championship Meet in Webster, N.Y. • 10 a.m. Men’s and Women’s Indoor Track at Cornell’s Kane Invitational in Ithaca, N.Y. • 2 p.m. Women’s Indoor Track at New York State Collegiate Track Conference Championships in Clinton, N.Y. • 4 p.m. Men’s Indoor Track at NYSCTC Championships in Clinton, N.Y. • 6 p.m. Women’s Basketball vs. St. John Fisher College in Empire 8 Conference Tournament Semifinal in Ben Light Gymnasium • 8 p.m. Men’s Basketball at Hartwick College in Empire 8 Conference Tournament Semifinal in Oneonta, N.Y.
sATURDAY • 10 a.m. Men’s and Women’s Swimming and Diving at UNYSCSA/Empire 8 Championship Meet in Webster, N.Y. • 11 a.m. Wrestling at Empire Collegiate Wrestling Conference Championships in Brockport, N.Y. • 2 p.m. Women’s Indoor Track at NYSCTC Championships in Clinton, N.Y. • 4 p.m. Men’s Indoor Track at NYSCTC Championships in Clinton, N.Y. • 4 p.m. Women’s Basketball in Empire 8 Conference Tournament Final at TBD in Ben Light Gymnasium • 4 p.m. Men’s Basketball in Empire 8 Conference Tournament Final at TBD in Oneonta, N.Y.
Bold = Home game TBD = To Be Determined kristen tomkowid/the ithacan
The Ithacan
online | theithacan.org/sports
2 2 The It hacan
Th ursday, Febr ua ry 2 3 , 2 0 1 2
[the buzzer]
Th ursday, Februa ry 23, 2012
The I th a c a n 2 3
The Roster The Ithacan sizes up the competition for the women’s basketball team in this weekend’s Empire 8 Championship Tournament.
The Hartwick College Hawks handed the Bombers their only conference loss with a tight 56-53 game in Ben Light Gymnasium on Jan. 28.
The Stevens Institute of Technology Ducks went 9–5 in conference play and rank second in the Empire 8 in field goal percentage and rebounding margin.
Birdie bash
Freshman Samantha Gibble returns a volley during a practice for the Ithaca College Badminton Club on Tuesday in the Fitness Center Gymnasium. The club holds practices and mini-tournaments from 7 to 9 p.m. every Tuesday. Durst breneiser/the ithacan
by the
numbers
The St. John Fisher College Cardinals feature sophomore forward Camaryn Buckner, the Empire 8’s top shot blocker, and senior Megan Soja, the conference leader in steals.
57 47
The combined number of wins this year’s senior class on the women’s swimming and diving team has. See story on page 21.
The number of conference victories for the women’s basketball team in the past four regular seasons. See story on page 20.
they saidit When you play against such a player, then you always want his shirt.
the foul line
Weird news from the wide world of sports
Boxer Vitali Klitschko has defended his World Boxing Council heavyweight title eight straight times, so at this point opponents are trying anything to get in his head. British challenger Dereck Chisora chose the least intelligent way to rile up Klitschko during the boxers’ prefight weigh-in Friday night when he slapped the Ukrainian champion straight across the face. Figuring that wasn’t enough, Chisora proceeded to spit water into the face of Vitali’s fellow heavyweight champion and brother, Wladimir Klitschko, just before the opening bell Saturday night. That was all the bulletin board material Vitali would need, as he pounded Chisora in the later rounds to win by judges’ decision. Even after defeat, Chisora taunted fellow British boxer David Haye in the post-fight press conference for losing to Wladimir last July, leading to a brawl between the two countrymen that sent camera equipment flying. The feisty Brit will have to evade the left hook of the law now that German police have charged him with assault. —Matt Kelly
Leverkusen soccer player Michal Kadlec explaining why he fought a teammate over who would get Barcelona star Lionel Messi’s uniform after a game.
Big man battle The Ithacan identifies the key matchup to watch when the men’s basketball team takes on Hartwick College in the first round of the Empire 8 Championship Tournament on Friday.
Jared Suderley Hartwick Forward
Frank Mitchell Ithaca Forward
Suderley ranks second in the Empire 8 Conference with an average of 18.4 points per game and averaged 13 rebounds in two games against the Bombers.
Mitchell is fourth in the conference with a 16.6 points per game average and had a game high of 22 points in the Blue and Gold’s 78-75 loss to Hartwick on Jan. 28.
this i see
2 4 The It hacan
Th ursday, Febr ua ry 2 3 , 2 0 1 2
Herman Cymara tastes the freshest batch of chili entered by Razorback BBQ. The restaurant took home first place in the Best Meat Chili category for its smoked brisket chili.
Durst Breneiser/The Ithacan
Pressure The 14th Annual Great Chili Cook-off, sponsored by the Downtown Ithaca Alliance, featured entries from 38 local restaurants competing for the title of chili champion.
Senior Seth Greenberg eats cornbread prepared by the Ithaca League of Women Rollers for the festival. Lara Bonner/The Ithacan
d e k o o C
Johanna Brown of the Crooked Carrot ladles a heaping serving of Crooked Con Carne chili. Elma Gonzalez/The Ithacan
Longview showed creativity by adding chocolate to its spicy recipe, Famous M&M Chili. The chocolate helps to ease the chili’s heat. Rachel Orlow/The Ithacan