The Ithacan Thursday, M a r ch 1, 20 12
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Volume 79, I s s u e 2 0
College reveals specifications of new budget By brian rank staff writer
Patent mending By Kelsey O'Connor news editor
Every day, new products hit the market, from the life-saving to the mundane. But for a nation that prides itself on innovation, the U.S. patent system was not aligned with the rest of the world until the process was recently reformed to help inventors better protect their intellectual property. After 60 years, the U.S. government has altered the way inventors claim rights over their ideas with the America Invents Act. The move has stirred debate across the innovative world — from big corporations to
colleges and entrepreneurs. President Barack Obama signed the America Invents Act, H.R. 1249, on Sept. 16, and changes are being implemented until 2013. Key changes to the patent act include a fast-track option to speed up the approval process to 12 months, onethird of the previous wait time. The alteration is aimed at reducing the current backlog of nearly 700,000 patents and harmonizing the patent system on an international level. The revision that has many people talking is the shift from a first to invent system to first to file, meaning anyone who files for a patent first gets it.
said these majors were chosen to ease the transition from the college to the new center. “This spring, we wanted to get the program up and running,” Roberts said. “[These majors] have the same types of internships, and we have a lot of contacts, so it was easy to place them.” The center does not have a set curriculum. Instead, the courses offered depend on the majors and requirements of the students who sign up each semester. The program does not presently have a physical, centralized location, so the classes offered must be held at different locations. This semester, Saunders said the college has rented space in the Cornell Industrial Labor Relations Center for lectures and internship seminars, but some classes meet in different galleries
Newly released details of Ithaca College's 2012-13 budget, which totals $225 million, reveal how much money is being allotted for the IC 20/20 plan, the college’s strategic vision for the next 10 years. The college has set aside $4.5 million to the IC 20/20 plan for the 2012-13 academic year. Of that total, $1.3 million has been budgeted for five new faculty positions and for staff positions dedicated to different IC 20/20 initiatives, including the Center for Faculty Excellence and capital campaign fundraising. President Tom Rochon said IC SGRECCI said en20/20 and other rollment numbers after 2012-13 year budgeted initia- will decrease. tives are crucial to the college’s educational mission. “We have attempted to moderate the rate of increase as much as we can,” he said. “On the other side of that coin, we are making sure that we have the resources to do the things that maintain Ithaca College as a high-quality education.” Student enrollment and employee retirement are other key factors in the new budget. With enrollment expected to fall over the next few years and as employees near retirement age, the college is preparing to face more costs and experience less revenue, Carl Sgrecci, vice president for finance and administration, said. Sgrecci said the college collects 96 percent of its revenue from tuition and student spending on campus. About 56 percent of the college’s costs go toward employee compensation, he said. He said maintaining a stable rate of enrollment at about 5,900 undergraduates for the long-term is important for covering expenses. There are 6,276 undergraduates as of Fall 2011. Though tuition will increase by 4.88 percent, $88.9 million was allocated for financial aid compared to last year's $84 million. “We are trying to be sensitive," he said. "We’re in a difficult economy. We are realizing families have difficulties, so we are trying to do everything we can to make Ithaca College affordable." Sgrecci said he expects the college may have difficulty maintaining a desired enrollment. Already, the college expects to see a total decrease of 275 students after the overenrolled class of 2013 graduates next May. Sgrecci said there will be fewer students applying to college over the next few years because of the lower number of college-aged
See NYC, page 4
See budget, page 4
Photo illustration by rachel orlow
Inventors are debating what recent patent law reform really means for innovation
Because filing for a patent costs between $1,000 and $15,000 students with little or no income may be affected by the First to file clause. Some also worry that it will deter collaboration on work in fear of a colleague filing a patent first and claiming intellectual ownership. Last semester, senior Tim Reynolds entered the Business Idea Competition with his business partner Brian Rettger ’11 and came in second place. Reynolds and Rettger developed a rehabilitation device that would allow a person
See patent, page 4
IC NYC Center seeks expansion following trial months by Jack curran staff writer
More than a month into the Ithaca College in New York City pilot semester, students are reveling in the city's cultural and academic offerings at the college’s new center, as the program's administrators hash out the details of its expansion. Twenty-three students from the college's School of Business and the Roy H. Park School of Communications are currently enrolled in the program. Faculty and administration are seeking to expand the program, which does not yet offer centralized housing or class locations, to students from all five professional schools, according to Tanya Saunders, assistant provost of international studies and special projects. The introduction of the NYC Center comes as one of the first major initiatives of IC 20/20, the college’s strategic vision plan for
Sophomore Gina Muir, center, poses with other David Letterman interns in NYC on Groundhog's Day. Muir interned with the show's talent department. courtesy of gina muir
the next decade. Among the 23 students enrolled in the program, majors represented include accounting, marketing, integrated marketing
spring preview Check out our spring sports insert previewing nine squads on South Hill.
communications, documentary studies, cinema and photography, and television-radio. Bryan Roberts, assistant dean for student services in the Park School,
full circle
Junior hurdler gives back to community through outreach, page 23
f ind m or e onl ine. www.t heit hacan.org
hello, hello Towers Dining Hall greeter shares memories of past careers, page 13
[ T hurs day Bri ef ing]
2 The It hacan
Th ursday, M a r c h 1 , 2 0 1 2
Nation&World
North Korea suspends nuclear tests
Sultan said if necessary, a runoff election would take place June 16-17. If no candidate wins 50 percent of the vote in the first round in May, the top two finishers would face each other in a runoff.
North Korea has agreed to suspend uranium enrichment and placed a moratorium on nuclear and long-range missile tests in a breakthrough in negotiations with the United States. The joint announcement yesterday by the two nations comes little more than two months after the death of longtime ruler Kim Jong Il, and suggests North Korea has met the key U.S. preconditions for restarting multination disarmament-for-aid talks that the North withdrew from in 2009. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton called North Korea suspension of nuclear activities a “modest first step” but also “a reminder that the world is transforming around us.” She told a Senate hearing that the North has agreed to a moratorium on nuclear activities at Yongbyon, including uranium enrichment activities, and will allow International Atomic Energy Agency inspectors to verify and monitor it, and to confirm disablement of its nuclear reactor and associate facilities. Since 2006, North Korea has tested missiles, staged two nuclear tests and unveiled a uranium enrichment program that could give it a second route to manufacture nuclear weapons, in addition to its existing plutonium-based program. At low levels, uranium can be used in power reactors, but at higher levels it can be used in nuclear bombs.
Man enters deal to reduce sentence
A former Maryland resident pleaded guilty yesterday to helping al-Qaida plot attacks from his native Pakistan, reaching a plea deal with the U.S. government that limits his sentence, but that his lawyers say could put him and his family in jeopardy. A lawyer entered the plea on behalf of Majid Khan at Guantanamo in Cuba. When the judge asked if he understood the plea, Khan answered in English, “Yes, sir.” The plea deal, the first reached by one of the “high-value” detainees at Guantanamo, says Khan can serve no more than 25 years in prison. But he is required to cooperate with military prosecutors as they build cases against other prisoners, a fact that defense lawyers wanted kept confidential.
States want education law freedom
The Education Department says more than half of all states have applied by this week’s new deadline to be freed from the strenuous requirements of the Bush-era No Child Left Behind law. The Obama administration is allowing states that agree to improve how they prepare and evaluate students to get a waiver around the law. Earlier this month, 11 states that applied for a waiver under an earlier deadline were given waivers. Twenty-six states as well as the District of Columbia submitted an application for the latest round.
Egypt sets date for first election
Egypt has set May 23-24 for the first presidential election since Hosni Mubarak’s ouster last year, an official said yesterday, and the nation’s new president is to be named June 21. Egypt’s ruling military has pledged to turn over power to a civilian government after a new president is chosen, but it has not set a date for the transfer. The military has come under stiff criticism from reformers for its handling of the transition period, scarred by frequent violent protests and continued economic malaise. The head of the Election Commission, Farouk Sultan, told a nationally televised news conference that a 21-day presidential election campaign period would begin April 30, more than a month after candidates can submit their applications for the race.
Apology sought for Australian moms
A Senate inquiry yesterday called for the Australian government to apologize and compensate thousands of unwed mothers who were forced to give up their babies for adoption in the mid-20th century. Around 100 adults who had been adopted and mothers who gave up babies sat in the Senate public gallery, applauding and weeping
Under the weather
Lindsey Kidd stands among the damage to a home outside Puxico, Mo., yesterday after a storm ripped through the area. A powerful storm lashed the Midwest early yesterday, roughing up the city of Branson, Mo., laying waste to a small town in Kansas and causing deaths in Illinois. Paul Davis/associated press
as the report was presented. Unwed mothers were pressured, deceived and threatened into giving up their babies from World War II until the early 1970s so they could be adopted by married couples, which was perceived to be in the children’s best interests, the Senate committee report found. The seven-member Senate committee began investigating the federal government’s role in forced adoption in 2010 after the Western Australian state parliament apologized to mothers and children for the flawed practices in the state from the 1940s until the 1980s. The committee could not estimate how many adoptions were forced, but said they numbered in the thousands.
Stocks increase in better economy
The Nasdaq composite index cracked 3,000 yesterday for the first time since December 2000 as the stock market headed for its best February finish in 14 years. The milestone for the technology-heavy
Nasdaq index came a day after the Dow Jones industrial average closed above 13,000 on Tuesday for the first time since May 2008. Apple’s market value topped $500 billion, a level that few companies have reached and even fewer have maintained. The personal electronics company recently surpassed Exxon Mobil Corp. to become the world’s most valuable company by market value. The Standard & Poor’s 500 index is up 4.2 percent this month, which is more than it’s gained in a February since 1998. Stocks rose early yesterday on news that the economy grew faster at the end of last year than previously estimated. The government said the economy grew at a 3 percent annual rate, the best reading since the spring of 2010. The Dow’s momentous push above the 13,000 milestone came from a report that Americans feel better about the economy than they have in a year. SOURCE: Associated Press
corrections
Multimedia
Last week The Ithacan reported that tuition raised 4.71 percent, but the tuition actually raised 4.88 percent. The total cost of attendance raised 4.71 percent.
Can’t get enough of our stories? There’s even more online. Check out our multimedia at theithacan.org/multimedia.
The Ithacan incorrectly identified the swimmer in the photo accompanying “Seniors paddle past high and low tides” as senior Kelly Murphy performing the freestyle. The swimmer is actually freshman Sara Nelson doing the breaststroke.
Copy Editors
Video
Ithaca College student raises a puppy for Guiding Eyes for the Blind program.
Slideshow
Team up with an all-star chef to enjoy a fourcourse meal prepared with a twist.
Video
Learn what’s ahead for this coming sports season in our Spring Sports Preview.
Video
The Festival of Black Gospel kicked off at Ithaca College on Friday night. Listen to Spoken Word and Open Mic performers.
News
Check out the events of Eating Disorder Awareness Week.
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Accent
Discover the animals at the Cayuga Nature Center in Ithaca.
Follow us: twitter.com/ithacanonline
Sports
Follow the men’s basketball team on the road to Staten Island.
Greg Broslawski, John Winters DiMarco, Sara Friedman, Spencer Goldberg, Rebecca Hellmich, Shannon Moloney, Robyn Schmitz, Kristina Stockburger, Rose Vardell, Audrey Wallendal, Sara Webb
Got a news tip? Contact News Editor Kelsey O’Connor at koconno3@ithaca.edu or 274-3207.
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The I th a c a n 3
Center honors indy journalists with Izzy Award “The thing that amazed the judges is he would tell you what’s happened in the last few The Park Center for Independent Media hours while tear gas is exploding, and then put announced yesterday that Democracy Now! it in a broad context of, ‘Here’s what’s happencorrespondent Sharif Abdel Kouddous, and ing nationally, and here’s what we need to look the Center for Media and Democracy will be at for tomorrow,’” he said. “The mix of on-thethe recipients of the fourth annual Izzy Award. street reporting with analysis is superior to Named in honor of the late I.F. “Izzy” anything in the mainstream.” The award comes at a time when indeStone, a legendary American investigative journalist, the award is given to pendent media has become crucial on an celebrate achievement in independent media. international level. During the Arab Spring, Stone’s independent newsletter I.F. Stone’s organizations like Al Jazeera were praised Weekly, which was published from 1953 to for their coverage during the uprisings in 1971, fought against McCarthyism, racism Tunisia, Egypt and Libya, and now in Syria. Cohen said the Center for Media and and government corruption. This year, the award honors persistence in covering the Democracy was selected because it uncovered Arab Spring revolutions and attention to the important stories that lacked mainstream unrest surrounding the political power of coverage. An example of this, he said, is the center’s coverage of large corporations. the American Leg“Giving voice to the past izzy award winners islative Exchange voiceless, uncovering Council, an ideogovernment wrongdoAmy Goodman (2009) — Executive prologically conservaing, uncovering corpoducer and host of Democracy Now! tive nonprofit policy rate malfeasance and organization. acting really as a checkGlenn Greenwald (2009) — Salon.com “CMD found up power is something blogger and former constitutional lawyer. this group that was that I think goes to the previously pretty very core of what good Jeremy Scahill (2010) — Author of international best-seller “Blackwater: obscure, ALEC, that journalism is,” KoudThe Rise of the World’s Most Powerful is getting laws passed dous said. “So to receive Mercenary Army.” in state after state this award as an homage abridging the rights to I.F. Stone is a great City Limits (2011) — An independent of poor people, black honor to me.” investigative journalism organization people and minoriKouddous was born based in New York City. ties, and students to in the United States and Robert Scheer (2011) — A journalist vote,” he said. “This lived in Egypt from the with a focus on social and political group has received ages of four to 18. He writing and editor in chief of Truthdig. almost no scrusaid he knew he should tiny in mainstream return to Egypt to cover the protests when he received a phone media until this nonprofit news group startcall from his cousin, who said people were ed the ball rolling.” Mary Bottari, director of the Real Econplanning to overthrow the government. Jeff Cohen, director of the Park Center for omy Project for the Center for Media and Independent Media and associate professor Democracy, was involved with the center’s of journalism, said both Kouddous and the coverage of ALEC. She said the documents Center for Media and Democracy offered that inspired the investigation of ALEC were comprehensive coverage of world events. given to the center by a whistle-blower, and Kouddous offered more information than then the center’s staff spent weeks sorting, traditional news networks, he said, because analyzing and publishing documents that are Kouddous spoke the language and under- now being used for hundreds of investigative pieces by other writers. stood the culture.
by ithacan staff
Sharif Abdel Kouddous, left, stands in Tahrir Square, Egypt. Kouddous and the Center for Media and Democracy will receive the Izzy Award on April 10 for their strides in independent media.
courtesy of matthew o’neill
“It’s a huge honor for us to be given an award that follows in the steps of I.F. Stone,” she said. “Stone excelled at debunking government propaganda and government spin, and that’s what we think the ALEC Exposed project is all about.” Maura Stephens, associate director of PCIM, said both winners exemplify the ideals behind the Izzy award. “They’re investigative independent journalists, not slanted through any connection with organizations or corporations or governments,” she said. “They are people who are reporting what they see on the ground.” Cohen said both the Center for Media and Democracy and Kouddous emulate Stone’s
Schools merge for degree program by grayson wilkins contributing writer
Ithaca College and Cornell University have joined forces on a new plan that will offer Cornell graduates the opportunity to pursue a Master of Arts in Teaching degree from the college. The Master of Arts in Teaching program at the college offers teacher training in English, French, German, mathematics, Spanish, biology, chemistry, physics and social studies. The prerequisites for the program include certain education and psychology courses and at least 50 hours of course-connected field experience. Upon completion of the 13-month program, graduates are fully eligible for initial teacher certification in New York state. Travis Park, director of teacher education at Cornell, said the program currently in place at Cornell is one that prepares students to teach biology, chemistry, physics, earth science and agricultural science. “We really are evolving to an embedded model of teacher preparation where our faculty is interspersed within other science disciplinary fields and departments,” Park said. Cornell’s Department of Education was broken up about two years ago, but the education minor remained. The new arrangement is set up so
philosophy of journalism. “We always look for people carrying the Izzy Stone legacy forward and these two, Sharif and the center, both are scrutinizing the powerful while standing with the powerless,” Cohen said. “And that’s what Izzy Stone did his whole life.” Lisa Graves, executive director of CMD, and Kouddous will receive their awards April 10. A time and location are still to be determined. News editor Kelsey O’Connor, Assistant News Editor Elma Gonzalez, Online Editor Patrick Duprey and Accent Editor Shea O’Meara contributed to this report.
IC Board of Trustees awards tenure and promotion to 13 college faculty by brian rank staff writer
Linda Hanrahan, chair of the graduate programs in education, sits in her office Feb. 21. Cornell and Ithaca are joining to offer a master’s degree. alexis bonin/the ithacan
students who complete the education minor program at Cornell simultaneously complete the prerequisites for the Master of Arts in Teaching. There is an existing arrangement between the college and Cornell that any student can complete a maximum of 12 credit hours free of charge at the other institution. Linda Hanrahan, chair of graduate programs in education at the college, said the college is trying to make the transition smoother for the students. Before
this agreement, Cornell graduate students had to go through all the application processes. “Now if they’ve completed a full minor in education at Cornell, they don’t have to send us separate letters of recommendation,” she said. Marita Neidecker, a graduate student, said the agreement increases opportunities for students. “It makes Cornell sound a lot more marketable and attractive to students to know that they have that option,” she said.
The Ithaca College Board of Trustees granted tenure and promotion to 13 professors and awarded emeritus status to nine former faculty members at its February meeting, the college announced earlier this week. The following professors were promoted from assistant professor to associate professor and awarded tenure: Elizabeth Bleicher, Department of English; Hongwei Guan and Julia Lapp, Department of Health and Physical Education; Pearl Ponce, Department of History; Deborah Rifkin, Department of Music Theory, History and Composition; Jeffery Meyer, Department of Music Performance; Alicia Swords, Department of Sociology; Annemarie Farrell, Department of Sport Management and Media; Dennis Charsky, Arhlene Flowers and Cory Young, Department of Strategic Communication; Catherine Taylor and Jack Wang, Department of Writing. The following retired faculty members were named professor emeritus: Barbara Johnson, retired 2007, Department of Anthropology; Joy Adams, retired 2006, and Arthur McCue, retired
2010, Department of Art; Fred Madden, retired 2006, and Jane Vogel, retired 2007, Department of English; John Krout, retired 2011, Gerontology Institute; Peter Seligmann, posthumously, Department of Physics; Sarah Rich, retired 1997, Department of Recreation & Leisure Studies; Susanne Morgan, retired 2011, Department of Sociology. The tenure process involves a long series of reviews and evaluations. After a faculty member forms their tenure file — a collection of evaluations, published works, recommendations and other materials — they submit it to their department, school dean, All-College Faculty Tenure and Promotion Committee, provost, president and eventually the board of trustees for review. If a professor is denied tenure, he or she must leave the institution. As long as tenured professors abide by college, state and federal laws, the Ithaca College Policy Manual states tenure can only be terminated because of institutional financial problems or academic program changes. To be granted emeritus status, the retired faculty members must have at least 20 years of continuous employment with the college and must be endorsed by the president and provost.
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NYC offers chance for exploration NYC
from page 1
and studios across the city. Next semester, some classes will be offered at Club Quarters in the World Trade Center. Other classes are offered online. Saunders also said the college is unable to offer housing for students in the immediate future due to financial constraints. Many students in the program have been able to find housing in Manhattan and Brooklyn through Educational Housing Services, a nonprofit SAUNDERS said organizathe college hopes tion recomto set up central mended by student housing. the college. “Given the high cost and scarcity of the type of real estate we would want to acquire in New York City, centralized housing is not yet immediately available,” Saunders said in an email. “We are hoping, over time, with the support of New York City alumni, such a building will become available for lease or purchase.” Holly Kreczko, a junior documentary studies and production major, said students are finding ways to get by in the city without breaking the bank. “Expense wise, food is much more expensive,” she said. “It’s a good idea for one to set up a budget in order to balance the costs of eating out and groceries. Housing is expensive, so many students have opted to room with students from other colleges.” In order to meet the program’s requirements, students must take at least six credits and complete either a six-credit internship or two three-credit internships. Internships students have been hired for range from the script department at “Saturday Night Live” to account management at G2, a global advertising firm. Kreczko is interning at Globalvision, an independent media company. The classes offered in the inaugural semester include The Art and Science of Direct Marketing, Art and Architecture in New York City, The Making and Marketing of Independent Films, Government and Media, Political Campaign Imagery and Commercial Law. Kreczko said she spends her free time away from her internship and coursework exploring the different Manhattan neighborhoods. “Living in New York is great,” she said. “I’ve literally had something to do every day. The other day I went and explored the areas where ‘Ghostbusters’ and ‘Home Alone 2’ were filmed.” This expansion is good news for Karla Lopez, a sophomore culture and communications major who said she wants to enroll in the program as an opportunity to visit the city. “I’m from California, so I haven’t really experienced the East Coast yet,” she said. “I’ve been to New York a few times, but I feel like I haven’t gotten the full experience. This seems like a good way to do it with a safety net."
Th ursday, M a r c h 1 , 2 0 1 2
Changes will speed up patent process patent from page 1
to monitor their injuries. Reynolds declined to go into further detail to maintain the privacy of the invention. He and his partner have not filed for a patent yet due to financial limitations. “Since there is currently nothing that accomplishes everything that our device would do, the idea of a patent still a possibility,” he said. Because the design is complex, Reynolds said it would cost between $10,000 to $15,000 to get a patent, which is “more than college students have to put into a design.” When the plan first went to Congress over the summer, several colleges and universities across the nation sent a letter to Congress with concerns about how the new system will affect patents on a university level, especially regarding student-and-colleague collaboration. Kent Millington, vice president for administration and director of technology commercialization at Utah Valley University, Sophomore Shanshan Mei stands with Business School Dean Mary Ellen Zuckerman and Chris Burch '76 who signed the letter, said the first-to-file sys- in November after winning the Business Idea Competition. Mei said she has yet to file a patent. tem will affect collaboration among students courtesy of jake tenenbaum and business colleagues. Mei said she is still pursuing her business idea economy, we need to encourage that spirit wher“There’s always the concern that if I tell my ever we find it,” Obama said in a press release. collaborators, they may quickly file the patent," despite not filing for a patent. Ryan Fitzgerald, corporate development Businesses and firms that deal with filing pathe said. “All kinds of new things benefit from additional sets of eyes and additional brains ents on a regular basis are already adjusting to manager at e2e materials, an Ithaca startup that deals with sustainable alternative wood prodthe change. considering the invention.” Christopher Michaels, a patent attorney and ucts, said his company has been vigorous about He said much of the collaborations between colleges and colleagues may be limited because of CEO at Brown & Michaels, an intellectual prop- filing patent applications — nationally and inerty protection firm in ternationally — since its inception. this wariness toward sharing “In today’s modern business environment Ithaca, said his patent ideas. However, he said, peoputting it down in writing office is seeing an in- everything’s global, and although we’re a young ple will adjust to the system crease in applications company in upstate New York, we believe we have in time. Key Terms: because of the recent a lot of potential and have great ambitions to grow “Overall, there’s some changes. He said his into a much larger company and one day could forevery positive things to be said "Fast track" — The new patent reform office usually files be- see selling our products across the world, and we about it,” he said. “In the inwill speed up the approval process by one-third of the previous wait time. tween 50 and 200 pat- want to be protected around the world,” he said. terim, where we are currently, The new patent system follows an “if you snooze, ents a year. there will be some adjust"First to file" — Under the reform, pat“Things are going to you lose,” model, Fitzgerald said. ments and some concerns.” ents will be issued to whoever files first, “You’ve got to be the first one to file it,” he said. go much quicker and Some students said they rather than directly to the inventor. much cheaper,” Mi- “You have to be ready to pull the trigger and make would rather skip the patent chaels said. “It’s much a decision about whether to move forward and process altogether than deal "International harmony" — The overhaul will align the U.S. patent system with cheaper, generally ... to spend some money and pay to have this patented.” with the complicated system Europe's, especially with the “first to Andy Cohn, director of government relations argue those things in and lengthy process. file” aspect. the patent office rather at the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation, Sophomore Shanshan than go in a courtroom.” who originally disagreed with aspects of the bill, Mei won first place in the Though there is an upswing now in applica- such as prior user rights, said the America Invents product category of the Business Idea Competition for a portable screen cleaner she developed. She tions, Michaels said he expects the surge to level Act has been passed and there is nothing to do but go forward. said she was discouraged from filing for a patent off in the next few years. “We have to work in the structure that the The act is being lauded by the Obama adminbecause she feels it is a waste of her time. “Will other people copy my idea? Yes, defi- istration as a way to expand the economy, create new law provides,” he said. “We may not be happy with every bit of that, but in order for us to be nitely they will, but they can only copy me,” she jobs and bring inventions to the market sooner. “Here in America, our creativity has always successful we have to adopt the new scheme, and said. “Other people can copy me, but they can set us apart, and in order to continue to grow our we are working very hard to do that.” never be ahead of me.”
College allots funds to IC 20/20 in new budget budget from page 1
people in the U.S. Hiring new faculty and staff could be a significant expense in the future because a large number of the college’s 1,600 employees are nearing the age of retirement, Sgrecci said. “A lot of people typically assume that when a person who has been here a long time retires, we’ve got to be able to hire someone to replace them for cheaper when it comes to money," he said. "That doesn’t always hold true. Sometimes we've got to actually pay more, occasionally, than what we might have been paying the incumbent.” Mark Coldren, associate vice president of human resources, said it is difficult to predict how many employees will retire because of many factors, including the college’s requirements for retirement. “It is so hard to figure what that number will be,” Coldren said. “It’s a personal decision, and many people don’t decide to think about their retirement with their employer until they’ve thought it through personally.” To be eligible to receive the
college’s retirement benefits, employees must have either worked 20 years for the college and be 55 years old or have worked 10 years and be 60 years old, according to the college’s website. There are currently 244 full-time employees eligible for retirement. John Fracchia, 47, associate director of Career Services, said though some people choose to retire in their sixties, he does not want to follow that track. “Personally, I don’t know if I’ll ever retire," Fracchia said. "Maybe from here, but I see myself having an active lifestyle until I draw my last breath.” The budget increases the college's annual contribution to employee accounts at TIAA-CREF, a company that manages some of the college employee retirement funds, from 8.75 percent to 9 percent of the given employee’s salary. The budget also includes a 3 percent increase to the employee salary increment pool — 2.5 percent for general merit and 0.5 percent for “particularly meritorious performance,” according to a letter sent to the college's employees. Fracchia said it was a good decision to add to the increment pool because
Mark Coldren, vice president of human resources, looks over documents in his office. He said the new budget also takes retirement numbers into account. Rachel Woolf/the ithacan
the economy has not fully recovered, and Ithaca is a more expensive place to live than other parts of the state. “When you boil it down at the end of the day, positive cash flow is helpful,” he said. Sgrecci said the college hopes to restore its endowment to its peak level, which was $237.7 million before the economic downturn of
2008. An increase would be acquired through external gifts, reinvestment of excess funds or investment in the financial markets. The endowment helps fund different college operations, including scholarships. The number currently stands at $200 million, after falling to $150.8 million in February 2009.
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Salt mine to lay off 50 employees By mary apesos and laura murray staff writers
The mild winter has continued to affect businesses that rely on colder temperatures to make a profit. Cargill Deicing Technology, a local salt mine in Lansing, N.Y., announced Friday that about 50 of their 188 employees will be laid off due to a lack of sales. The mine’s To hear a story manager, Russ Givens, said about the layoffs, the employ- visit theithacan. ees will be org/21907. laid off March 19, but will hopefully return to their jobs in June. The lack of snowfall has curtailed demand for deicing salt to protect the roads. “We produce over 2 million tons per year, and in a typical winter we would have very little of that left over,” Givens said. “Our sales are less than half of normal [sales].” John Reeves, an employee at the Cargill salt mine said his hours were reduced in order to compensate for the loss of profits. “We’ve been on a 32-hour work week for I think about a month now just trying to buy our time and hope for it to snow so we could sell some salt,” Reeves said. Nathan Mix, a trucker for Cargill, said he has seen a significant decrease in work for truck companies. “We move typically in a winter a lot of deicing salt to various points, mainly around the Syracuse area,” he said. “This year it’s been just terribly slow for us with no snow. Typically we go through about three transport loads of fuel a month this time a
The I th a c a n 5
Medical association revamps exam to reflect social changes by grayson wilkins contributing writer
John Reeves, an employee at Cargill Deicing Technology, a salt mine in Lansing, N.Y., has had his work hours cut as a result of the mild winter.
mary apesos/the ithacan
year. For the last three months we’ve only been going through one. Those transport loads of fuel are about 8,500 gallons per load, so that tells you that we are incredibly slow." During a normal winter, a workday would produce 9,000 tons of salt daily, Reeves said. This year, the miners are only generating about 3,000 tons a day, and storage bins in neighboring counties are completely full. The mine ships half its supply to
counties in upstate New York such as Onondaga and Tompkins. The other half of the supply is distributed to areas in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Vermont. Cliff Murphy, the acting supervisor of the streets and facilities department in Ithaca, said the city has 600 tons of salt in storage. On average, the city uses about 2,000 tons of salt a year, but so far only 700 tons have been used.
The Association of American Medical Colleges is altering the exam content and length of the medical school admission test to reflect changes in society and new standards at medical schools across the country. The Medical College Admission Test is a comprehensive exam administered by the AAMC to determine a student’s aptitude in problem solving, critical thinking and knowledge of scientific concepts. Mike Haaf, chair of the Pre-Med Advisory Committee at Ithaca College, said the new test will focus on competency as opposed to a rigid core of courses because medical schools are focusing more on proficiency — such as field experience — than a checklist of classes. “Medical schools generally won’t accept a candidate who hasn’t seen the inside of a hospital or seen what a doctor does,” he said. “A student these days must have some sort of shadowing or clinical experience.” Haaf said the incoming freshman class will be the first to face the revised MCAT. The first students to take it will be those applying for medical school in spring 2015. John Bradac, director of Career Services, said the exam has changed before. In 2003, the AAMC eliminated some of the organic chemistry focus and increased the level of genetics on the test, responding to medical school demand. In 2007, the examination
went from a seven and a half hour test to a four and a half hour test. “We used to administer the MCAT here in an eight-hour long test, then it went to an integrated and computerized model where students can take it online, and now it’s changing again,” he said. These changes reflect the changes in society and demand. According to the AAMC, addition of new sections recognize the importance of sociocultural and behavioral impacts on health care. This includes the idea of being able to work and communicate effectively with people, as well as an understanding of different cultures. From 2006 to 2010, 63.4 percent of pre-med students at the college who applied to medical school were accepted. Andy Smith, associate professor and chair of the Department of Biology, said preparation for the MCAT will change, and the Pre-Med Advisory Committee at the college will have to reconsider the prerequisites for the pre-med program. The current prerequisites are a year of chemistry, biology, physics, organic chemistry and English. With this change, that list can be expected to include a year of psychology and sociology. However, these are classes that many students will be taking anyway, Smith said. “Through the comprehensive nature of the college, every student is required to seek out integrated courses. I think those course requirements easily put our students right into the fold,” Bradac said.
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Ithaca comic wins big Scott Golder is an academic in life, but a comedian at heart. He was always sure he would go to college and receive a doctorate. He has studied linguistics and computer science at Harvard University, was a graduate student at MIT Media Laboratory’s Sociable Media Group and has worked for Hewlett-Packard, IBM and Microsoft. He is now a graduate student at GOLDER said Cornell University. comedy is his Despite his serious Plan B to getting resume, his skills in im- a Ph.D. provisation and stand-up comedy have earned him the title of Funniest Person in Ithaca. ComedyFLOPs, Finger Lakes Original Pranksters, an organization formed in 2011, recognized Golder at its festival Feb. 18. Assistant News Editor Elma Gonzalez sat down with Golder to talk about his hobby and his performance at the festival. Elma Gonzalez: Why are you doing comedy? Scott Golder: I’ve always really enjoyed comedy. It was really big in the ’80s [and] ’90s in the television shows. They televised comics, and I remember staying up when I was a kid — Friday or Saturday nights or whatever — and watching the stand-up shows on TV. I took ... some improv classes and some acting classes even as far back as middle school. I was never really serious about it. I’d been writing more stand-up, [but] I never got to perform it. But then I decided if I don’t do it now, when am I ever going to do it? EG: How are comedy and your work as a computer science researcher related? SG: It’s a lot like being an academic. I am doing a Ph.D. in sociology, and I actually think that comedians and sociologists have a lot in common.
You have to be able to identify what is weird about the world. You sort of have to be able to look at the world and look at the familiar with an unfamiliar point of view and be able to figure out what is weird about it. EG: How do you prepare for your stand-up? SG: I’m very new at this. I have been on stage four times total, so I am giving you the perspective of someone who is really just muddling his way through for the first couple of times. I don’t really sit down and write, and maybe that will develop, but I will keep notes all the time when I’m driving or when I’m walking. These things are fleeting, so I write them down, and that’s basically how I work. EG: How did you do in ComedyFLOPs? SG: Awesome. I won a trophy and 100 bucks. The trophy was kind of one of those awesomely Ithaca things. You ever see something and say, “That is so Ithaca” because it was made by somebody local? … It looked like it was made with parts that they found. It’s just this oddball collection of things, and it really comes together. It weighs a ton. It’s very heavy. I’m pretty sure it’s made of a hub cap, but I really like it. I have it on top of a cabinet in my living room right now. It’s very cool. I feel phenomenally lucky and grateful because there were a lot of really good comics there — most of them far more experienced than I was. Everyone was really funny, and I’m just glad to see that Ithaca has a ton of comedic talent. EG: What is it like to be the funniest man here? SG: It sort of tells me even though I’m just getting started, maybe I shouldn’t give up on it, that there is something to it, and I think I’ll keep pursuing it. Certainly if this whole Ph.D. thing doesn’t work out, I’ll go become a comedian or something like that.
Easy, breezy, beautiful
Freshman Jeanette Abreu applies makeup to sophomore Ali Simpson’s face Tuesday at an event during Relaxation Week, which was sponsored by the Ithaca College Multiple Sclerosis Awareness group. The events offer students manicures, makeovers and massages.
Kristen Tomkowid/The Ithacan
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College & City Home care research aims to reduce pain in patients
The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality has awarded a three-year grant for $1.5 million to Katherine Beissner, professor of physical therapy at Ithaca College, and her research team for their project “Treating Pain to Re- BEISSNER duce Disability Among Older Home Health Patients.” The goal of the study is to reduce disability among older home health patients by treating their pain more effectively. The study will compare treatment given to home care patients and usual home care plus instruction by physical therapists in a nondrug pain treatment program. The project is based on a study Beissner conducted and developed with a Cornell University colleague.
College senior wins grant to travel to conference
Senior Dan Weller has received a travel grant from Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Society, to present research at the Mid-Atlantic Ecological Society Meeting in April in Blacksburg, Va. Weller will present his paper “Plant communities along shorelines in the Chesapeake Bay are altered by both Native American and modern land use history,” which he co-authored with John Parker from the Terrestrial Ecology Lab at the Smithsonian Environmental Research
Center and Torben Rick from the Department of Anthropology at the National Museum of Natural History.
Ithaca College professor publishes chapter in book
Amy Gerney, professor of occupational therapy at Ithaca College, has published a chapter in the book “Designing Problem-Driven Instruction with Online Social Media.” The chapter, titled “Using Online Social Media to Facilitate Clinical Reasoning in Entry Level Occupational Therapy Students,” explores the use of social media to facilitate the development of an occupational therapy assessment, interpretation of the results and the formulation of an intervention plan as an example of a formative assignment for students. The book is co-authored by Dr. Marlene Morgan, professor of occupational therapy at the University of Scranton.
Journalism professor’s film recognized in film festival
James Rada, professor of journalism at Ithaca College, has received a Director’s Choice Selection for the 31st annual Black Maria Film Festival for his documentary “Deeds Not Words: The Buffalo Soldiers in World War II.” The film nar- RADA rates the true story of the last segregated army units as told by the men themselves. Of 500 entries, fewer than 70
Public Safety Incident Log selected entries from feb. 9 to feb. 12 February 9 MEDICAL ASSIST/ILLNESS RELATED LOCATION: Circle Apartments SUMMARY: Caller reported feeling ill. One person transported to CMC by ambulance. Patrol Officer Matt O’Loughlin. MEDICAL ASSIST/INJURY RELATED LOCATION: All Other SUMMARY: Caller reported a person fell while skiing and received a concussion and arm injuries Jan. 25. Victim was treated at the hospital in Syracuse. Report taken. Sergeant investigator Tom Dunn.
February 10 HARASSMENT LOCATION: Tallcott Hall SUMMARY: Caller reported a person sent harassing text messages. Investigation pending. Patrol Officer Bruce Thomas. CRIMINAL MISCHIEF LOCATION: West Tower SUMMARY: Person reported an unknown subject damaged an exit sign. Investigation pending. Patrol Officer Jeremiah McMurray.
February 11 UNLAWFUL POSS. MARIJUANA LOCATION: East Tower SUMMARY: Two people judicially referred for unlawful possession of marijuana. Patrol Officer Mark Denicola. FIRE ALARM ACCIDENTAL LOCATION: Cerrache Athletic Center SUMMARY: Fire alarm activation caused by a detector possibly being
too close to heat source. System reset. Fire and Building Safety Coordinator Ron Clark. CONDUCT CODE VIOLATION LOCATION: Circle Apartments entire area. SUMMARY: One person transported to CMC by ambulance and judicially referred for irresponsible use of alcohol. Master Patrol Officer Christopher Teribury. MEDICAL ASSIST/ILLNESS RELATED LOCATION: Hilliard Hall SUMMARY: Caller reported a person feeling ill. Person transported to CMC by ambulance. Fire and Building Safety Coordinator Ron Clark.
February 12 MEDICAL ASSIST/ILLNESS RELATED LOCATION: Terraces SUMMARY: Caller reported a person feeling ill. One person transported to CMC by ambulance. Patrol Officer Jay VanVolkinburg. MEDICAL ASSIST/ILLNESS RELATED LOCATION: Hilliard Hall SUMMARY: Caller reported a subject not feeling well. Person transported to CMC by ambulance. Patrol Officer Mark Denicola. 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
were chosen for the festival this year. The Black Maria Film Festival has been ranked in the 25 Film Festivals Worth the Entry Fee by Moviemaker Magazine.
Music professor publishes book on Patrick Conway
Mark Fonder, professor of music at Ithaca College, has published the book “Patrick Conway and His Famous Band.” The book was published with Meredith Music Publications. It tells how Conway became one of the leaders of the professional FONDER band era. Fonder has been a professor at the college since 1989, and he was the chairman of the music education department from 1994 to 2003. He is the conductor of the Ithaca College Concert Band.
Cornell University launches rocket to aurora borealis
A NASA-funded collaborative research team at Cornell University launched a sounding rocket Feb. 18 from Alaska’s Poker Flat Research Range in order to collect data from the aurora borealis. The research team is led by Steven Powell, Cornell senior engineer in electrical and computer engineering. The project, which is called the Magnetosphere-Ionosphere Coupling in the Alfven resonator mission, includes a research team of 60 scientists, engineers, technicians and
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graduate students from several institutions and NASA. The rocket, a 46-foot TerrierBlack Brant model, sent a stream of real-time data back before landing 200 miles downrange. The project is in its third and final year.
Photo professor joins forces with sculptor for publication
Janice Levy, professor of cinema, photography and media arts at Ithaca College, has collaborated with sculptor Genevieve Prillaman to publish photographs in the 30-page book “Monument pour la Paix, Peace Monument.” Levy met Prillaman after spending time in Saudi Arabia during her sabbatical year from the college. Levy photographed Prillaman’s sculpture because it “captured both the futility and hope of those engaged in the march for universal peace.”
Educational tech center offers software workshops
Information Technology Services is sponsoring a series of workshops about Zotero, Turnitin and Rubrics through the Center for Educational Technology. The next workshop is titled “Using Zotero to Help Students Organize Their Research,” and will be presented by Jake Brenner, professor of environmental sciences. The session will be held from 12:15 to 1:15 p.m. tomorrow in Job 102. The center also offers drop-in hours for help with Sakai or any other course technology.
thursday
“The Politics of Crime in ‘Oliver Twist’ and ‘The Wire,’” a talk with Tom Shevory, professor of politics at Ithaca College, will begin at 4:30 p.m. in Ithaca Falls Room, Egbert Hall.
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. Night Hike, a walk through the Cayuga Nature Center trail, will begin at 7 p.m. in the Cayuga Nature Center at 1420 Taughannock Blvd.
sunday Catholic Mass will begin at 1 and 9 p.m. in Muller Chapel.
Tuesday The Other Side of What? Adventures in Fungal Wonderland, a photo exhibit, will be held from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Top Shelf Gallery of the Mann Library in Cornell University.
Wednesday Distinguished Visiting Writers Series reading by Andy Fitch, author of “Sixty Morning Walks” begins at 7:30 p.m. in Clark Lounge.
Opinion
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Get the frack out of town
More states should follow New York’s lead and allow communities to accept or ban gas and oil corporations’ offers to perform hydraulic fracturing on their local land.
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wo New York Supreme Court decisions last week heralded a victory for local citizens that proved individuals who band together through political action can overpower corporate interests. Each state Supreme Court judge ruled the Town of Dryden and the Town of Middlefield, respectively, were within their municipal rights to ban hydraulic fracturing and gas drilling. Within the past year or so, Ithaca residents and those from surrounding towns like Dryden and Danby brought passion to town meetings and demanded that oil companies stay out of their backyards. As seen in the Dryden and Middlefield case, a general resident stance on fracking greatly aids in arguments against corporations that say permits in towns should be designated by the state. More states should take notice of the central New York action and view fracking through a hyperlocal lens that focuses on towns and cities rather than the state at large. While the desire for economic recovery and build-up is a valid reason to let corporations drill on state land, the environmental and health impact for people who live and work within smaller zoning districts should always trump economic interest. The argument is no longer money versus the potential for harm, as impacts of fracking can already be seen in many U.S. states. Some Pennsylvanians who live near fracking sites have had their drinking water supply so heavily poisoned by chemicals used to drill for natural gas that their water can be lit on fire. Some argue those effects are not related to the drilling process, as a University of Texas study recently found that there is no direct link between groundwater contamination and fracking. While researchers and activists still search for the truth, the fact remains that many states are seeing certain water and air contamination that wasn’t present before gas companies used the hydraulic fracturing technique on their land. Water contamination has concerned many who fear consequences for their health and their homes. If more states rule for towns and cities to decide on a fracking stance themselves, more people can help prevent unwanted drilling invasions where they live and have more say in America’s democratic process that penetrates deeper under the surface of state politics.
Setting the record straight
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he Ithacan’s editorial last week put fault on President Rochon for saying IC 20/20 would not affect current students. The editorial was based on incomplete reporting from the Feb 15. article “SGA presses Rochon about IC 20/20 plan.” The article failed to provide the full context of the quote. Before Rochon said, “Some of you might be touched by parts of IC 20/20, but for the most part, you won’t be,” he told students the college “will always be important to you and will always reflect on the value of your degree.” The Ithacan apologizes for the misinterpretation in the editorial, which insinuated that Rochon felt the IC 20/20 plan would not affect students after they graduate from the college. This mistake, coupled with recent caption errors and instances of faulty reporting, only encourages the staff and editors of The Ithacan to refocus our efforts to ensure future reporting is completely accurate.
your letters Last week’s swimming article unfairly depicts women’s team
Of all the words that I can use in response to the article “Seniors Paddle Past High and Low Tides,” livid is the best. I am livid that the women’s swimming and diving team at this college was presented as such a joke. I hope this letter explains how embarrassed and hurt I am that this article appeared for the entire campus to read. The article appeared while the women’s and men’s teams were competing (and winning) in both the Empire 8 Conference and the Upper New York State Collegiate Swimming Association. That would not have happened had the team been as
the three-meter record, set the conference record, and Korie Fackler broke the one-meter record. Kylie Bangs broke the 23-year-old 100 backstroke record. We swam amazingly and did nothing to deserve that article.
Kelly Murphy, senior member of women’s swimming and diving team
SPEAK your mind Send your letter to the editor to ithacan@ithaca.edu.
SNAP JUDGMENT Another increase How do you feel about rising tuition costs?
Watch more Snap Judgments at theithacan.org.
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dysfunctional as presented. I hope that everyone who read that article realized no one would want their own team to be degraded like that. To add insult to injury, once again the picture that accompanied the article was not captioned correctly, nor were any others this year. That is not me swimming. That is not freestyle. I’m glad I am a senior and won’t be around much longer to see my team get slighted anymore. The women’s team has won states for four years in a row. Our coach, Paula Miller, won coach of the year four years in a row. Nate Brisley won both men’s and women’s coach of the year. Carly Jones won swimmer of the meet. Jodi Costello broke
“my future now consists of me having to pay for loans and school debt that i no longer can afford because it keeps going up.” Johayra Diaz ’14 televisionradio, Video Production
“i’m sure the administration can justify the rise of the cost. i’m pretty happy with my education, so if they have to raise it a couple grand, i’m sure it’s justified.” michael zeitler ’12 accounting
269 Roy H. Park Hall, Ithaca College Ithaca, N.Y. 14850-7258 (607) 274-3208 | Fax (607) 274-1376
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“it’s going to come to a point eventually where people won’t be able to continue to pay for this, and the college bubble will burst.” josh condon ’14 jazz studies, Piano
“rising tuition prices are rather frustrating. it’s a struggle for those of us who don’t come from very rich backgrounds.” alexis Carr ’12 music education, Trombone
“the school pays for most of my tuition. it’s unfair for other kids that have to pay to be here.” dennis sanchez ’14 politics
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guest commentary
Non-drivers shouldn’t pay for others to park M
any students choose to bring their car to the Ithaca College campus, and they enjoy low-cost or free parking permits. Usually, storing an automobile in a parking lot, whether it is on campus or in a city, is expensive. According to the Victoria Policy Transport Institute, the college would need to charge a minimum of $50 per month for parking permits just to pay for the maintenance of those parking spaces. This fee is close to the amount freshmen currently pay for the privilege to park on campus. Other undergraduates who drive can purchase a permit for a low rate of $120 per year, which averages to about $13 a month for the academic year. This paltry fee does little to pay for maintenance of these spaces. Graduate students pay nothing for parking, at least not directly via parking permits. Cornell University charges students up to $777 annually for the closest parking spaces, which comes out to $86 per month, according to the school’s parking information website. So if non-freshmen drivers are not directly paying the actual cost via parking permits, then who is paying for it? If you pay tuition at Ithaca College, then you do, even if you don’t drive. Students subsidize driving and automobile storage on the Ithaca College campus indirectly, because it is included in the college’s operating costs and passed along in the tuition rates. Even if you don’t have a car or avoid driving for environmental or financial reasons, you still pay for parking. The parking maintenance costs at the college are much higher than the permit revenue. The amount lost on parking maintenance leads most of this expense to be absorbed by the college and thus passed on to all of the students. If Ithaca College developed a parking permit policy that charged people who store their automobile on campus a reasonable rate
TJ gunther
Measuring life by the numbers
H Ithaca resident Daniel Keough loads his bike onto the front of a TCAT bus Monday. Keough is heavily involved in working with the City of Ithaca to ramp up public transportation options for residents. Shawn steiner/The Ithacan
that would cover the cost of at least maintaining the spaces, such as for plowing and resurfacing the lots, it would create an open pricing structure that would allow students to opt out and not pay for parking they are not using. This would seem more in line with the college, which is well known for its sustainability efforts. Such a progressive policy would also likely discourage driving and parking on campus over time. Any increase in revenue could benefit student requests like having a bike share program, bringing Carshare back on campus or providing a shuttle bus on campus. It is vital for the city and local higher education institutions to support an efficient public transportation system. Who should pay for parking? Should it be the person parking the car, or should it be all
students at the college, including a growing number of people who choose to be car-free? A transparent tuition price that separates parking permit fees out of the overall tuition cost is a reasonable way to allow students to both bring their car to campus and minimize costs for those who don’t use parking spaces. If you do not agree with paying for parking you are not using, please contact Marion Brown, director of the sustainability leadership program, at mbrown@ithaca.edu to continue progress toward more sustainable modes of transportation at the college. Daniel Keough works on public transportation advocacy issues in and around the City of Ithaca with groups like the Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Council. Email him at danielkeough@gmail.com.
guest commentary
Fad yoga fails to emphasize mind and body connection
J
awahar Bangera, a senior Iyengar Yoga teacher, said “Yoga is perfect; do not blame yoga — it is your approach to it that is flawed.” We live in a prescriptive culture — we want to fix the sufferings of life with a pill, a pose, an idea or an ice cream sundae. Last week, I was canceling my reservation for a hotel I have stayed at for many years in India, and the proprietor asked me what to do for her aching back. After being forced to sit for long hours over the computer, she was getting pains in her lower back and wanted a pose or two to fix it. I said, “Try this salabhasana pose; see if you feel better.” Extended sitting and leaning over computer keyboards, I thought, can “wreck” your lower back. Salabhasana — gently arching the spine by raising the legs and chest off the floor while lying face-down on the floor — can reverse the injuries that bad posture can bring. What really “wrecks” our bodies is living. Eventually, everyone, no matter how fit or careful, will succumb to the failings of the body. It just isn’t destined for endless years of uninterrupted functioning. Yoga has become a popularized cure-all for all the stresses of life. Few understand that yoga is not defined by a series of poses, fancy breathing and meditation. Instead, yoga has been evolving for thousands of years with esoteric practices involving body and mind to see what we are really capable of on the playing field
tech bytes
James Eavenson practices the Astavakrasana, or “eight angle” pose, which strengthens the arms and abdominal muscles and improves balance. Courtesy of James Eavenson
of life, to explore the infinite realm of consciousness and to elevate that consciousness to happiness and freedom from harm, suffering and ignorance. However, most of us have not succeeded, but still the carrot of enlightenment dangles, beckoning. Within the last 25 or so years, yoga has come under the view of a popularist culture, a culture of fad. It is not surprising, therefore, that an article entitled “How Yoga can Wreck your Body” was published in The New York Times, as though yoga can be spoken of as that which is condensed into the commercial yoga classes available on every corner in New York City nowadays
and every town in America. In the article, references were made to people attending classes like these, being taught to stand on their head and sustain injuries from the inexperience of the teacher or the “ego” of the participant wishing to “do more.” Further reference was made to zealous practitioners using yoga books as teachers and following instructions in print, only to end up with strokes and other serious medical conditions. Therefore, the conclusion is “yoga can wreck your body.” Yes it can, but is all this competitive posturing done in yoga classes actually yoga? Emphatically — no! I don’t disagree that many of
the more advanced poses, and even some of the simpler ones, can put tension and undue strain on the joints as well as the nervous, circulatory and the digestive systems. However, that strain needs to be measured, intelligent and not excessive. A good athletic trainer or health practitioner can add challenges to the body without exceeding the body’s ability to integrate and adapt to those challenges healthfully. How does one avoid being “wrecked” while practicing poses? That caution, knowledge and wisdom comes with finding an experienced, authentic and knowledgeable teacher who can guide you on your chosen path. In addition, your search should integrate yoking modern and evolved medical and exercise science. Yoga poses are a visceral practice, and the knowledge that is garnered by practicing and observing oneself is also invaluable in avoiding the dangers of highly flexed joints. Weekend warriors beware: Yoga is not for the uninitiated. And if you happen to find yourself in a yoga class uninitiated, carry your own sense of responsibility and inner listening toward this ancient practice. Then you can begin yoga safely and with anticipation of the growth in your own consciousness and health. James Eavenson has been teaching yoga in Ithaca and New York City for the last 11 years. Email him at yoga3@twcny.rr.com.
All opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of The Ithacan. To write a guest commentary, contact Opinion Editor Alexandra Evans at 274-3208.
ow many friends do you have on Facebook? How many followers do you boast on Twitter? How many cups of coffee did you drink last year? And how many books did you read? Numbers are defining who people are and how they think. Thanks to cellphones and the Internet collecting more and more information, it’s hard to miss the mountains of data that are associated with people. Every time you get on the Internet or your smartphone, data is being collected about where you go, what you click on and more. Two camps have formed over how this information should be used, and the louder group is concerned with the privacy issues of collecting data. News media have been chewing out the social network Path and other mobile applications for using contact data on phones to generate friend recommendations without asking, and people have always been uneasy with sites like Amazon that track what users purchase. When customer information is stolen through a security breach, there is usually a public backlash and calls to shrink the amount of data collected. The other group views data collection as inevitable and a clever way to make daily life better. Data guides people toward the items they want to purchase, music they want to hear and videos they’d enjoy so they don’t have to aimlessly browse the Internet. Pandora’s recommendation system doesn’t work without collecting massive amounts of data on users. The more data collected, the better tailored services can be. One product design team member at Facebook, Nicholas Felton, has embraced data collection. Every year he gathers data from his life such as how many pictures he took in each country he’s visited or the amount of music he’s listened to. At the end of the year, he publishes an annual report in the same style that businesses use for their reports. The result is a snapshot of his life built entirely out of random statistics. Constant data collection has become the norm. Felton has created Daytum, a website and phone application that allows people to track every statistic of their lives. As more and more users grow up in the digital age, people have grown accustomed to sharing everything about themselves. More information means better services tailored for the needs of individuals. It’s an important shift that’s creating opportunities for innovation from technology companies. People are turning into numbers, and it’s leading to innovation. Services like Pandora and Amazon are finding ways to use those numbers to craft services that are changing how people interact with the world. Data isn’t the enemy, bur rather the path toward a more personalized future. TJ Gunther is a senior journalism major. Email him at tgunthe1@ithaca.edu.
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From the gates of the White House to the shores of Boston ...
been there
He’s
for each other here, and Don is the one to go to for advice.” Mooney is an asset to the workplace because he’s More than 50 years after he spent a summer working security detail at the White House during the Eisenhower so friendly and outgoing, Leonard said. “Don is a great greeter because people really like administration, Don Mooney now swipes the ID cards of students entering Towers Dining Hall. He hums the tune of him, and he likes helping people,” he said. “People come an old favorite song and greets each patron with an exuber- to him for advice sometimes, to get his input about decisions they have to make.” ant “Hello, hello!” Turner said he’s heard Mooney’s stories about everyDuring his break, he will sit with students to tell stories from his upcoming autobiography, “I Used to Be a Lot of thing from his previous jobs to his day-to-day activities. “Sometimes Don takes the heels of bread and othThings and Just Became Myself.” At nearly 80 years old — he won’t tell his exact age — Mooney is a published author er uneaten food from the dining hall and feeds it to his neighbor’s horses,” and poet who Turner said. “It just goes draws on his life to show you how everyexperiences to inthing he does, he does it to spire the students try to help.” he works with. Mooney’s love for cre“I’ve had my ating art doesn’t stop at share of tragedy,” writing — he channels his he said. “Of all the inventive energy into yet anjobs I’ve ever had, other hobby: making spoon the one I enjoy jewelry. In his spare time, most is my little Mooney makes the jewelry, job as cashier mostly rings and bracelets, here at the colout of antique silverlege. It’s the first ware specimens he time I feel like I fit comes across at in at my job.” flea markets. BeJunior Peter cause the end Turner, a student From left, freshman Bridget Cafaro hands her Ithaca College ID to of the spoon worker at Towers, Don Mooney. Mooney said working as a greeter is his favorite job yet. handle is often the recipRACHEL ORLOW/the ithacan will beient of Mooney’s come advice. His most common guidance, Turner said, is to try to live a stress- the decorative top of the ring, the process must begin with an free, no-strings-attached life. “Don always tells me I should graduate, buy myself a interesting spoon. “To get the best results, you camper and travel until I find somewhere I’m happy,” Turner said. “He wants students to get a job they will love and have to start with the finest materials,” Mooney said. be able to live with as little stress as possible — to be free.” Mooney said he has Mooney grew up in Brooklyn, N.Y., but spent most of his life in Boston. He graduated from Boston University with a learned the tricks of the jewmaster’s degree in public relations in 1960. After, he spent elry trade. He can now tell what size a ring will be by time living on the water as a commercial fisherman. While working for General Dynamics shipyard, Mooney measuring the cut spoon said, he had one of his stories — a naval article about buy- handle against his finger. “If the spoon handle is ing a battleship — published in The Boston Globe. As is the case with many of Mooney’s experiences, writing led the length of my index finto learning, and learning about sailing prompted him to ger, the ring will end up a size six,” he said. “If it’s as long as try it. “I’ve lived on the water for nearly half of my life as a com- my middle finger, it will be an mercial fisherman,” he said, his Boston accent coming through eight or nine.” Mooney and his wife, who stronger. “I have a 32-foot houseboat in dry storage right now.” Mooney moved to Ithaca about 15 years ago on a whim, makes her own jewelry from he said. He began his job at Towers in 2007 and uses his free seed beads, sometimes travel to craft shows in the summer to time as a Tower’s cashier to write. “When I’m sitting behind the cash register, ideas come to sell their products. Rings run me,” Mooney said. “Some of the best poems happen when for $15, or two for $25, but I’m not trying, like I’m just the instrument, and the words stories are free. While he said he can’t flow through me.” Mooney’s boss, Towers Dining Hall Unit Manager Tim put a price on his writLeonard, has seen Mooney talking poetry with students on ing, Mooney judges his breaks and helping them get their ideas down on paper. his success as a writer “He loves picking their brains and giving them new ideas through the people who are affected by his work. for poems,” he said. “People say it’s a Mooney said his desire to support others helped foster close relationships with his coworkers at Towers. Sue Sill, shame to waste youth who works at the Grab and Go station next to Mooney’s on the young, but it’s also a shame to cash register, said he has been a good friend to her. “When I’m home sick, Don will call me and give me ad- waste wisdom on Don Mooney, a Towers Dining Hall greeter, has a master’s degree in public relations from Boston vice for how to get better,” Sill said. “We definitely look out the old,” he said. University and worked for White House security in 1960. He is now writing an autobiography.
jamie nash
contributing writer
durst breneiser/the ithacan
[ a cc e ntuate]
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Hot or Not This week’s hits and misses
Assistant Accent Editor Allie Healy reviews the most entertaining and disappointing presenters of the 84th Academy Awards.
Hot Emma Stone and Ben Stiller Without a doubt, Emma Stone is one charming lady. But it was still surprising that she nailed her first presentation at the awards ceremony. Copresenting Best Visual Effects alongside Ben Stiller, the vivacious redhead delivered her humorous lines flawlessly and even managed to poke fun at Stiller’s “Avatar” getup from his bizarre 2010 presentation. But it was her asking “Superbad” costar Jonah Hill to come on stage and dance with her — and his immediate refusal — that was the cherry on top of a quality skit. Dubbed one of the funniest moments of the night, Stone’s comedic contribution was a wonderful touch to the star-studded event.
Lukewarm
Cast of “Bridesmaids” Presenting the three short film categories, hilarious costars Wendi McLendon-Covey, Rose Byrne, Maya Rudolph, Kristen Wiig, Melissa McCarthy and Ellie Kemper made their stage time look like a deleted scene from their hit comedy “Bridesmaids.” Let’s be honest, Wiig and Rudolph’s entire opening spiel was full of childish humor, but how can you expect anything else when McCarthy earned an Oscar nomination for a role that included her comically defecating in a sink? Though Byrne and McCarthy made a comedic effort to bring back the Martin Scorsese drinking game, the women are better off sitting pretty in the audience.
Intimate details
From left, Ithaca College lecturer Rebecca Wurm and freshman Sari Stifelman act out a scene from “The Vagina Monologues” on Saturday in Emerson Suites. IC Players performed the play as a part of the global V-Day movement to end violence against women.
ritza francois/the ithacan
wtf
designer creates cute plates ready for imaginative meals
Forget what your mom said about playing with your food. Polish graphic designer Boguslaw Sliwinski has created a series of ceramic plates that feature black-and-white drawings of boats, cars, trains and many more types of transportation. Each plate includes space for food to go, depending on the type of design. The plates are the perfect excuse for kids at heart to pick at their peas or chopped carrots once again. The simple, handdrawn designs act as a canvas for your own edible scenes. Go ahead and push around those brussel sprouts — no one is going to stop you this time. — Allie Healy
Not
Will Ferrell and Zach Galifianakis Notorious for their hysterical antics, Will Ferrell and Zach Galifianakis proved themselves to be a little too dramatic when it came time for their presentation of Best Original Song. Decked out in cheesy all-white tuxedos, the duo emerged from the orchestra pit obnoxiously smashing cymbals together. Naturally, these two would make a big entrance, but their presence was a little too theatrical. Fortunately, Oscar winner Bret McKenzie was in good spirits in his acceptance speech for his song “Man or Muppet.”
video of
the
week
inspiring 100-year-old woman finds love in her care center
Dana Jackson did not understand why her friends got married; she didn’t see the point of matrimony — until she met the one. On Feb. 6, her centennial birthday, the 100-year-old bride married Bill Strauss, 87, at the Rosewood Health Care Center in Bowling Green, Ky. Fitted in a flowing white gown, Jackson smiled from ear to ear as she met her new husband. “You look beautiful,” she said. “Thank you,” Strauss said. “You are the first person to tell me that.” The newlyweds show that it is never too late to pursue love and have your very own happy ending. — Allie Healy
quoteunquote I would have loved to have lived in the ’20s, but I think I would’ve been the tallest woman.
— Missi Pyle, actress and female lead of “The Artist,” who stands at 5 feet 11 inches tall, on whether she would want to live in the 1920s.
celebrity SCOOPS! Simpson skips the line There is a saying that patience is a virtue, and apparently Jessica Simpson should take heed. On vacation in Santa Barbara, Calif., with fiance Eric Johnson, a nine-months pregnant Simpson hit the town for the popular local Tex-Mex restaurant, La Super-Rica Taqueria. Unable to wait in the line that stretched around the block, Simpson hopped to the front of the line, rubbed her belly and hoped for pity from the people in line behind her. Instead, Simpson got booed by the hungry crowd and escorted to the back of the line by management. Still hungry after the embarrassing faux pas, Simpson skipped waiting in line and headed to the local Taco Bell a street over to lick her wounds. The moral of the story: Don’t mess with people and their tacos.
— Benjii Maust
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Walk in the park Author publishes online feature to highlight strolls through city Struggling with writer’s block, author Andy Fitch left his desk one day to search for inspiration in New York City. Wandering the streets, he discovered his next project. His book “Sixty Morning Walks” was originally published in 2008 in an interactive online format that allows readers to follow his walks through the city with images and text. The book will be published in print in 2013. Fitch, who is also the author of “Ten Walks/Two Talks,” which follows a similar format, will give a public reading at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday in Clark Lounge as part of Ithaca College’s Distinguished Visiting Writers Series. Staff Writer Harmony Wright spoke with Fitch about the inspiration behind “Sixty Morning Walks,” the interactive online format and the process of getting the book published. Harmony Wright: How did you come up with the idea for “Sixty Morning Walks?” Andy Fitch: I pledged to myself I would finish one project on Feb. 15 and start a new one that day. That morning, I sat at my desk and nothing came to me. When I lived in New York, the way I resolved these issues is I would go take a walk, and hopefully it would come then. So I went outside and started walking. As I began cutting through the park, I thought, “OK, I’ll be doing a proj-
ect called ‘Sixty Morning Walks.’” HW: How did the online interactive format for “Sixty Morning Walks” develop? AF: Craig Dworkin was the publisher. He’s a great poet, and that was totally his design. Some family members think all I’ve done is put together 12 pictures, and they never knew to click on one of those. One time, I asked Craig if there should be some cue, but he didn’t want any. I think of him as much cooler than myself, so I thought, “I’ll go with what Craig says.” HW: In your writing you take the role of an objective observer strolling through the city. Are you ever criticized for the lack of plot in the feature? AF: All the time. I’ve seen so many people get excited and tell me they’re into my book, and they’re on walk five, and I know they don’t get past walk eight. There’s no plot — no plot. HW: What drove your decision to write in this style? AF: I never really needed to finish books. I never really cared what happened at the ending. All I really liked, I realized, was exposition — the first chapter — so I wanted to write a book that was
Andy Fitch is the author of “Sixty Morning Walks,” a book published in an interactive online format that allows readers to follow a series of walks through New York City. Fitch will speak at 7:30 p.m Wednesday in Clark Lounge.
courtesy of andy fitch
basically 60 expositions. HW: You said you are involved in a “60-year cycle of 60-part projects.” Why is the number 60 so important? AF: If you’re going to pick a number and investigate time in our culture, you pick 60. HW: What inspired this project? AF: All the walks are 60 sentences long. There’s a project from John Cage, a musician and poet, in which
he would tell 60-second stories. If it were a long story, he would have to read it really fast, and if it were a short story, he would have to read it really slowly. Also, a project by the poet Lyn Hejinian in which she wrote her autobiography when she was 37 years old using 37 sentences for each chapter. HW: What is your goal for the book? AF: I really wanted it to feel like a walk through a big dense city. I
wanted people to find their own way through the book and have certain impressions linger. My hope was that 20 people could read a specific walk and have a different experience of it, and that would be the same as if 20 people took a walk across Manhattan. It would be an entirely different walk for each of them. To experience the online version of Flitch’s “Sixty Morning Walks,” visit http://english.utah.edu/eclipse/
Remember that time ...
... your roommate made it into the Public Safety Log? The Ithacan
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Passionate play radiates sheer desire
thursday
by lucy walker staff Writer
Under the flashing lights of Amsterdam’s Red Light District, two friends unwittingly begin a love triangle that will change their lives. Boundaries blur in “Red Light Winter,” Adam Rapp’s passionate play cur“Red Light rently showing at the Kitchen Winter” Theatre Company. The Kitchen Long-time pals Davis Theatre (Jesse Bush) and Matt (Eric Gilde) are both writers. Davis is an on-the-rise, selfcentered editor who constantly teases and annoys his college buddy Matt, a brilliant but struggling playwright. But when Christina (Ellen Adair), an actress-turned-prostitute, enters their lives one night during a boys’ adventure through Europe, everyone loses their control of language — and their senses. Bush initially comes off as trying too hard in his role as Davis, but it then surfaces that his character actually is that rambunctious, obnoxious and rude. He captures every inch of Davis’ complex character through his strong voice and decisive physical articulations. He nails every hilarious one-liner, reminiscent of a young Will Ferrell. The characters continue to develop when Davis meets the alluring yet familiar Christina, who he finds has some secrets. He purchases her services for Matt, who’s been out of luck with the ladies for a long while. But, in the first of many illustrations of his nauseatingly egotistical behavior, he has Christina pleasure him first — three times. Christina is reserved, but vaguely flirtatious. Adair employs a seductive, convincing French accent. There is one off moment when she acts completely sober despite smoking a joint and exclaiming that she is “very high,” but for the most part, she is tempting and striking in the first act. Her alluring nature is especially showcased as she sings to the boys wearing a low-cut, long and flowing red dress, an extravagant costume in the show designed by Kitchen regular Lisa Boquist. When she reappears in the second act back in the United States, Adair drops the accent for a beautifully full Mid-Atlantic voice. Her tense air and diminutive motions exhibit Christina’s emotional fragility and weakness. The ensemble is believable as a web of lovers
Voices: Truth Identity, and Art from Africa, an exhibit curated by the Ithaca College museum studies students, will be open to the public all day at the Handwerker Gallery. Admission is free.
Theatre Review
friday
Ithacapella, the Ithaca College all-male a capella group, will be performing its block three concert at 7 p.m. in Emerson Suites. Admission is free.
“The Adolescent Brain: Learning, Reasoning, and Decision Making,” a book talk about child psychology held by Professor Valerie Reyna of Cornell, will begin at 4 p.m. at Mann Library. The event is free. From left, Matt (Eric Gilde) meets Christina (Ellen Adair) with his college buddy Davis (Jesse Bush). The three find themselves tangled in a web of love throughout the production of “Red Light Winter.” courtesy of Ed Dittenhoefer
because each actor has developed a distinct character. They are independent in personality, but intermingled in desire. The last side of the triangle, Matt, is a charmingly awkward man. At times a little too inept, he still wins over everyone but Christina with his smile, sensitivity and enthusiasm. Gilde’s inhibited actions and major vocal variety display his character’s desire for normality. But while his character struggles with depression and complains about wanting to leave his own head, neither the trauma nor dismay show in his performance. “Red Light Winter” is a deftly executed example of the high-quality productions the Kitchen is known for. Director Rachel Lampert showcases her artistic strength and passion developed from decades of experiences in theater and dance. Her actors bring the story alive in a captivating way only found in live theater and punctuate tense situations with
carefully drawn movements. The multiple instances of on-stage drug use, nudity and sex are tastefully done and productive for the plot. The two acts take place in a cozy hotel room in Amsterdam and Matt’s painfully small New York City apartment. The set by Kent Goetz cools down the intensity of the play with its simplicity in clean lines and calm colors. Excellent touches like the flashing neon lights outside the hotel window, by lighting designer Michael Kalmanowitz, and the constant flutter of the apartment’s curtain add the presence of the outside world to an all-interior story. At two and a half hours, “Red Light Winter” is longer than the Kitchen’s usual fare. But filled with plenty of sex and references to literature, theater and film, this play appeals to a larger audience. The Kitchen brings the mystique of Amsterdam and the harsh reality of New York City to Ithaca in this mixed-up, bittersweet show.
Hard-hitting electric tracks ring out loud in fiery album by James hasson staff Writer
Noise pop serves as an understatement to describe Sleigh Bells’ newest release. The second album from the youthful band, “Reign of Terror,” Sleigh Bells “Reign of combines electric Terror” guitar with techno Mom + Pop beats. Sleigh Bells Our rating: rocks on with a fair HHH diversity of sounds cranked up to 11 in attitude. Lead singer Alexis Krauss invokes the grungy spirit of Joan Jett in the album’s opening song, “True Shred Guitar.” Sleigh Bells shoves a strong foot forward with shredding electric guitars blasting loud and proud. “Demons” similarly explodes with its thunderous
Album Review
hot dates
guitar chords and lyrics of destruction. “Comeback Kid” has the most pop feel of all the album’s tracks with its high electric notes and bubbling sound. The power ballad “End of the Line” transitions the album from its frenzied blasting of guitars into a quieter and softer side to the band’s work. An anger-infused song about betrayal and abandonment, the track is filled with a basic sadness and nostalgia amid its echoing tones. The song serves to introduce the more mellow range of the otherwise hyped-up rock pop band. “Never Say Die” and “Leader of the Pack” are softer songs that help balance out the angry storm of sound heard earlier in the album. “Road to Hell” also falls into this category, but its darker with a repeating chorus line that may hypnotize listeners.
Song of the Week “Amongster”
IC Voicestream, an Ithaca College a capella group, will perform its block three concert at 7:30 p.m. in Emerson Suites. Admission is free. Ben Beilman, a guest violinist visiting the Cayuga Chamber Orchestra, will perform at 8 p.m. in Ford Hall. Tickets are available online and cost from $7 to $25.
sunday
Mimi Soloman, a visiting Cornell lecturer and pianist, will be performing at 3 p.m. at Barnes Hall at Cornell University. Admission is free.
Rap duo serves up fresh jams by Allie healy
assistant accent editor
“Breakfast,” the latest release from hip-hop duo Chiddy Bang, is served as a full course of infectious choruses and hard-hitting beats with just a hint of sugaryChiddy Bang sweet pop. “Breakfast” EMI Records Back and Our rating: hungrier than HHH1/2 ever, Chiddy
Album Review
Courtesy of mom + pop
Overall, the songs favor power over precision. Their simple beats can often devolve into storms of electric guitars and sound effects, but could help to emphasize the band’s approach of wild abandon toward most, if not all, of its music. “Reign of Terror” is a loud, boisterous album from this up-and-coming no-holds-barred band. The album has a little something to offer for guitar enthusiasts and heavy electronic music lovers alike.
Strategically set out as appetizers, the fun-loving singles “Mind Your Manners“ and “Ray Charles” are a small taste of the album’s bold flavor. Proving to be one of the most exciting debuts of 2012, “Breakfast” should help any hiphop fan get their fill of this “audio breakfast.” Wake up and smell the coffee with this energizing mix of tracks, which is sure to help any day begin on the right note.
Bang reminds fans of their sizzling sound in their second studio album. Serving a healthy helping of flavorful tracks, rapper Chidera “Chiddy” Anamege and DJ/producer Noah “Xaphoon Jones’’ Beresin have released the highly anticipated album featuring their signature, super-catchy beats that sample indie groups like Icona Pop and Walk the Moon.
Courtesy of emi records
quickies “Bringing in the darlings”
“Maraqopa ”
Give You the Ghost
Damien Jurado Secretly Canadian
Polica Totally Gross National Product
Josh Ritter Pytheas Recordings
The indie-folk album relies heavily on its variation of tones — changing from sweet, soft-sounding tracks to bluesy folk and ’60s pop. Despite the sporadic range, it exhibits serious creativity.
“Amongster” draws from echoing vocals, blasts of distorted synthesizer and thunderous percussion.
Scan This qr Code with a smartphone to learn more aboUT Music blogger Jared Dionne’s pick for the song of the week.
saturday
courtesy of secretly canadian
With his latest release, Ritter trades in his signature sprawling narratives for some sweet pop songs, all including the word “darling.” courtesy oF Pytheas Recordings
Compiled by allie healy
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Superficial story backfires on screen Comedic tug-of-war love triangle rescues movie from failure bY James hasson
]
valid friday through thursday
cinemapolis The Commons 277–6115
staff Writer
According to director McG, few operations in the spy world require more dedication, surveillance and careful planning than going on a date. Two spies, friends and now rivals put their skills to the test in the battle for one “This woman in the roMeans War” mantic comedy “This 20th Means War.” Century Fox Buddy-spies FDR Our rating: HH Foster (Chris Pine) and Tuck (Tom Hardy) wind up on suspension from fieldwork after botching an operation. Spending most of their free time on their love lives, they eventually reveal that both of them are dating Lauren (Reese Witherspoon) behind each others’ backs. The pair forms a gentlemen’s agreement to see who can woo her first, beginning a competition for her affections. McG incorporates a visual style and wildly unrealistic story line similar to his “Charlie’s Angels” movies. A few very colorful and elaborate sets sport unnaturally bright scenery throughout the film. Lauren’s workplace resembles Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory and a human-sized dollhouse. Both the spies live in lavish pads complete with boxing rings and glass-bottom swimming pools on the second floor of a loft. Most of the performances appear phoned-in and skim the bare minimum of characterization. Replace Pine’s suit and tie with a Starfleet uniform and you have his womanizing Captain Kirk performance from “Star Trek.” Hardy plays a
[
ticket stub
ride the divide 7 p.m. Thursday The artist HHHH 7:20 p.m. and 9:20 p.m. and weekends 2:20 p.m. and 4:20 p.m.
Film Review
Tinker tailor soldier spy 7:05 p.m., except Monday, and 9:30 p.m. and weekends 2 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. the descendants 7:05 p.m., except Monday, and 9:35 p.m. and weekends 2:15 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. pina 7 p.m. and weekends 2 p.m. From left, FDR Foster (Chris Pine), a CIA agent, fights for the love of Lauren (Reese Witherspoon) against Tuck (Tom Hardy), Foster’s partner. The two agents battle for Lauren, who secretly dated both CIA operatives behind their backs.
My week with marilyn 9:10 p.m. and weekends 4:10 p.m.
Courtesy of 20th century fox
tough but sensitive and quiet spy, a far cry from his more active performances as Eames in “Inception” and especially as the protagonist in the much darker film “Bronson.” Chelsea Handler supports as Lauren’s best friend Trish, but she is left mostly to predictable and blunt sexual humor. Witherspoon has the most impressive performance of the film only because her character hides a sadistic streak beneath her bubbly personality. The fact that she is dating two men at the same time can be considered quite manipulative, but when she is found out, she acts like a victim. Her character’s reaction stands as either unintentionally hilarious or just
perplexing, depending on how invested a viewer may be in the film. The movie does have a few chuckle-worthy moments. Tuck’s merciless rampage through a paintball park filled with untrained kids and FDR’s dependence on an earpiece that harkens back to “Anchorman” serve as amusing punctuations in the film. Additionally, there are a few complex shots throughout the movie that enhance the visual experience. One of the more enjoyable sequences involves the two spies sneaking around one another and Lauren in her own house as she listens to loud music. Unfortunately, the story line cycles through a predictable pattern. The
Militaristic plot lacks command
spies gain intelligence on Lauren, try to impress her with how much they “share” her interests, and then listen in with bugs and cameras as Lauren and Trish discuss her dilemma. This pattern is easy to notice, especially considering the only action sequences to speak of are at the very beginning and end of the movie. “This Means War” may be packaged like an action movie, but it’s a candy-coated love story of the espionage genre, a lax and lighthearted film best seen on DVD, not in theaters. “This Means War” was directed by McG and written by Timothy Dowling and Simon Kinberg.
Stunning anime captures cheer
By ian carsia
By Beverley reynolds
Directors Mike McCoy and Scott Waugh’s “Act of Valor” offers a tense story with mesmerizing visuals, though it has strong propagandizing undertones. Starring active service U.S. Navy “Act of Valor” SEALs, the action movie follows a Relativity fairly standard template. During a Media mission to rescue a kidnapped CIA Our rating: operative (Roselyn Sanchez), the HH 1/2 SEALs uncover a massive terrorist plot. And the clock is ticking. The simplistic plot is not enhanced by original characterization or acting. The SEALs are depicted as blue-blooded, American family men. Their civic duty is sacred, passed from father to son in the eternal defense of freedom and democracy. While McCoy and Waugh strive for realism, the stilted acting of the SEALs themselves often heightens the awareness of the film’s artifice. Thus, McCoy and Waugh, with the assistance of cinematographer Shane Hurlbut, devote much of their efforts to capturing action sequences in as visually arresting a way as possible. It is in these sequences that “Act of Valor” works best. The way the filmmakers shoot these scenes compensates for an overall lack of realism, plunging the viewer into gritty, expertly executed combat. Particularly interesting is the choice to film many of the mission scenes in the style of a first-person shooter game. Thankfully, the filmmakers fill in the blanks that video games leave out, such as a soldier draping a blanket over a victim of torture before rescuing them. The film shows that being a soldier is not a game, but a sacred duty that only a “damn few” are capable of shouldering. But this pro-military rhetoric pervades every
Studio Ghibli, the Japanese animators best known for “Spirited Away,” return with “The Secret World of Arrietty,” a whimsical story about a race of tiny people called Borrowers. The film, originally released in Japan in July 2010, has finally made it to the U.S. The movie stars an unexpected cast including Bridgit Mendler as Borrower Arrietty, Amy Poehler as Arrietty’s mother Homily, Carol Burnett as Hara and “The Secret World of Will Arnett as Arrietty’s Arrietty” father Pod. Walt Disney Poehler and Arnett’s charPictures acters are the highlights of the Our rating: movie. Homily is comically HHH neurotic and spastic, always worrying about whether Pod and Arrietty will come home safely. But together, Homily and Pod keep each other balanced. The plot is simple and easy to follow with a few laughs and intense scenes. Arrietty is enjoyably sassy, but Shawn is unsettlingly cynical for a kid. The animation is elegantly drawn and each frame of action resembles a scene from an old picture book. The music, entirely composed by French musician Cecile Corbel, is enchanting and enhances the fantastical feel of the movie. Overall, “The Secret World of Arrietty” is reminiscent of childhood imaginations with a feel-good message that audiences of all ages will enjoy.
staff writer
contributing writer
Film Review
Film Review
An elite team of Navy SEALs embark on a covert mission to recover a CIA agent in “Act of Valor.” Courtesy oF Relativity Media
aspect of “Act of Valor.” Even as it subverts such video game logic, it serves also as a recruitment video. Soldiers make the greatest sacrifice, and so indebted civilians must rise to take their place. Audiences unprepared to accept the film’s moral absolutes — that the military is an unquestionable symbol of justice — are going to find themselves uncomfortable. “Act of Valor” has a very explicit objective of making war seem like the noblest endeavor. There is no balanced picture being offered here — only black and white, and right and wrong. However, while no amount of striking visuals will overcome the film’s pro-war propaganda, McCoy and Waugh deserve credit for communicating this absolute message effectively. “Act of Valor” was directed by Mike McCoy and Scott Waugh and written by Kurt Johnstad.
“The Secret World of Arrietty” was directed by Hiromasa Yonebayashi and written by Hayao Miyazaki.
A separation 7:10 p.m. and 9:25 p.m. and weekends 2:10 and 4:25 p.m. eames: The architect and the painter 9:15 p.m. Friday
regal stadium 14 Pyramid Mall 266-7960
dr. seuss’ the lorax 1:30 p.m., 2:40 p.m., 4 p.m., 5 p.m., 6:40 p.m., 7:20 p.m., 8:50 p.m., 9:40 p.m. project x 2:40 p.m., 4:40 p.m., 7 p.m., 9:20 p.m. act of valor HH 1/2 2 p.m., 4:50 p.m., 7 p.m., 9:20 p.m. gone 5:20 p.m. and 10 p.m. tyler perry’s good deeds 1:35 p.m., 4:10 p.m., 6:45 p.m., 9:35 p.m. Wanderlust 1:40 p.m., 4:20 p.m., 6:50 p.m., 9:30 p.m. the secret world of arrietty
HHH
1:15 p.m., 3:35 p.m., 6 p.m., 8:40 p.m. the vow HHH 12:50 p.m., 3:30 p.m., 6:10 p.m., 9 p.m. this means war HH 12:10 p.m., 5:10 p.m., 7:40 p.m., 10:15 p.m. safe House HH 1/2 3:50 p.m., 6:30 p.m., 9:25 p.m. chronicle HH 1/2 2:30 p.m. and 7:50 p.m.
cornell cinema 104 Willard Straight Hall 255-3522
For more information, visit http://cinema.cornell.edu.
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2012, call 272-7441
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Fully furnished Ithaca College student houses. Located on Kendall
2 bedroom apt Kendall Ave furnished,
Ave. Available the 2012-2013
incl. utilities $600/room 10 mo. lease
school year. Please call 607-273-
592-4196 available Aug. 1st 2012
9221 for more information.
furnished or unfurnished, carpeted, 24 hr. on-street parking, private
Newly renovated 3 BR apartment. Beautiful large bedrooms, 2 bath, new appliances, eat-in kitchen, efficient, private driveway. Just below Rogan’s Corner. Please contact Peter Romano at 607-280-7126
and The Commons, close to public
Fall 2012-summer 2013 11-month
$510 for each person, includes heat and cooking gas, available August 1,
Amazing 4 BR apartment, private path to IC, on the bus route, clean, large bedrooms, porch, sunroom,
An apartment with no hassle.
houses. Located on Kendall Ave.
livingspaces1@msn.com pictures
washer/dryer, views of Cayuga lake.
Hudson Heights Studio Apartments
Available the 2012-2013 school year.
can be seen at ithacarent.com
Please call 607-273-9221 for more
under “featured listings.”
1, 2012 for 6 months or a year lease. We are renting for next year starting June 1st –August 15th. We have houses and 2-3 bedroom
One Bedroom, furnished, bright and warm, includes major utilities. Full bath, full laundry, off-street parking.
gets you this year’s prices. The
ithacaestatesrealty.com or 607-273-
rent includes: furniture, all utilities,
9300
parking, garbage and recycling, with laundry rooms on the complex.
2012-2013 Great house/apts, we
A division of ILS Ithaca Living
have places from 1 up to 6 Brs,
8473 office or cell 280-7660 for an appointment. EMAIL anthonybusse@
Please contact Peter Romano at
Every Thursday.
607-280-7126 Fall 2012-summer 2013 11-month lease.
information.
apartments as well. Early sign up
Solutions: Call Tony at 607-273-
The Ithacan
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2012, call 607-279-3090 or email
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... we have a new one every week.
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Fully furnished Ithaca College Student
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Th ursday, M a r c h 1 , 2 0 1 2
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Breaking news. Daily stories. Game stories. Multimedia. Student blogs ...
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theithacan.org
2 2 The It hacan
Divers ion s
dormin’ norman
sudoku
By Jonathan Schuta ’14
Pearls Before Swine®
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By Stephan Pastis
answers to last week’s sudoku
crossword ACROSS 1 Lettuce buy 5 La -- Tar Pits 9 Pond fish 12 Buffalo’s lake 13 Polygraph flunker 14 Wrench target 15 Cap feature 17 Helpsa hoodlum 19 Circus crowd noise 20 French cleric 21 Thomas Gray opus 24 Platitudes 27 Broom companions 28 Actress-- Powers 29 Livy’s eggs 30 “Exodus” hero 31 He jilted Medea 32 Relay-race part
By United Media
33 Not Dem. or Rep. 34 Hunky-dory 35 Nothing but 36 Spongers 38 Mosquitoes,to us 39 “-- Lisa” 40 Mr. Buchwald 41 Parts of faces 43 Braced oneself 47 Koppel’s network 48 Where Columbus is 50 Fairy-tale heavy 51 Oaxaca article 52 Yardstick 53 Colonial dance
DOWN 1 Laugh syllable 2 Geologic time period 3 Oxygen source 4 Clears the windshield 5 Lacking any sense of excitement 6 Tear 7 Price wd. 8 Fiery steed 9 Desk features 10 Big-league event 11 Part of TGIF 16 Myrna of old movies 18 U.K. network 20 Bronze or pewter 21 In-box contents 22 Ben on “Bonanza” 23 Plagues
24 Haciendas 25 Goolagong rival 26 Herb and guru 28 -- -- fresh start 31 Houston’s -- Space Center 35 Falling star 37 Arroz -- pollo 38 Game or season opener 40 Lepton locale 41 Heat meas. 42 Cinemax rival 43 Polite formof address 44 Size above med. 45 Afore 46 PC key 49 Westward --!
answers to last week’s crossword
sports
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paying it forward
Junior hurdler gives time and talent to assist in local community efforts
photo illustration by rachel orlow
By marissa smith chief proofreader
When junior hurdler Tammia Hubbard forgot to wear her lucky wristband before competing in the Denault Invitational on Feb. 18 at Cornell University, she said she felt completely lost. “I was so used to having it at practice, and I had been wearing it for a week straight, and then the meet came, and I didn’t have my bracelet,” she said. A slim black plastic bracelet printed with the words “Strength,” “Courage” and “Power” acts as inspiration for Hubbard, and she wears it every time she steps onto the track. Assistant Coach Mary Wallenbeck took the initiative to draw the crucial words on Hubbard’s wrist in lieu of the bracelet before Hubbard competed in the South Hill squad’s meet at Cornell. She went on to set a new personal record of 8.40 seconds in the 60-meter dash. The bracelet that Head Coach Jennifer Potter gave her is meant to remind Hubbard of the tenacity she brings to the track and other aspects of her life. Hubbard has plenty on her plate. She’s a student-athlete who spends at least two afternoons per week interning at 2-1-1 Tompkins, a community help hotline program that’s a part of the Human Services Coalition of Tompkins County. She works among the steadily ringing phones at the referral service as a marketing assistant and information referral specialist. Her duties involve outreach and pitching community projects, in addition to acting as an operator and navigating the expansive 2-1-1 Tompkins database. Fran Spadafora-Manzella, the call center manager, said Hubbard’s motivation sets her apart from the other interns. “She’s very flexible, and if I need
something done, she’s always willing to at for it, and they received the scholarship least try to get it done or learn about how until eighth grade. Teandre is currently a to do it so she can participate in it,” she said. junior in the General Studies program at Giving back to the community is nothing Skyline College in San Bruno, Calif. This past summer, Hubbard interned for new to Hubbard, who attended Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory in San Francisco, where the BASIC Fund, an organization which prothe motto is “Enter to learn, leave to serve.” It’s vides aid to inner-city parents who want to put in this learning environment where Hubbard their children through private schools. Workhad her first outreach experience at a local ing closely within the community she has lived in has helped soup kitchen. Hubbard under“We were in stand the power school all day, but a positive mindonly a few blocks set can have. down was this “I’m happy soup kitchen,” she when other peosaid. “It was quite ple are happy,” the experience to she said. “People volunteer there. It get a hold of the was a reality check, energy and just mostly because it blossom. When could be a reality you’re happy, for me.” your whole Hubbard grew outlook just up in a neighbor— junior Tammia Hubbard changes.” hood where the Senior penhigh school gradutathlete Emma ation rate has declined by an average of 7 percent each year Dewart said Hubbard is a source of humor since 2009 according to America’s Promise for the Blue and Gold. “She’s a great person to go to when you’re Alliance, a non-profit group that helps at-risk students. Only her parents’ focus on educa- feeling down,” she said. “She has a great pertion and sports at a young age kept she and sonality, and she’s extremely funny.” Though Hubbard has won state honors in her twin brother away from trouble. “There was unemployment, poverty and the hurdles during both the indoor and outstuff like that,” she said. “It was dangerous, door seasons, Potter said Hubbard doesn’t but it wasn’t a major concern because we realize how talented she is. “If I could just get her to believe how had sports as an outlet. But violence was good she is — which is what we’re working there, it was present.” From the third grade on, Hubbard was on — I’m really excited with what she could enrolled in private school through a schol- do this year,” Potter said. Hubbard began running on Sacred arship from the Bay Area Scholarships for Inner-City Children Fund. Her single father Heart Cathedral Preparatory’s track team applied her and her twin brother Teandre during her freshman year. Andy Chan,
“We’re pretty closed off on this campus. But we have the opportunity to go into the community and give back to this place that supports our college.”
head coach of the men’s and women’s crosscountry and track and field teams there, said Hubbard’s crowning achievement came when she won the league championship in the 300-yard hurdles and qualified for the sectional championships her senior year. He said when Hubbard was on the team, she improved greatly from year to year. “She could have easily not wanted to work hard or could have given up on the sport but she didn’t,” Chan said. “I’m really proud of her and I’m glad she’s continuing in the sport.” Being on the women’s track team at the college has helped Hubbard continue her volunteer work. Every year, the Bombers spend a week at the end of winter break working at Loaves and Fishes, a soup kitchen based out of St. John’s Church in Downtown Ithaca. It was important for Hubbard to give back in an environment that fostered her academic and athletic career. “We’re pretty closed off on this campus,” she said. “But we have the opportunity to go into the community and give back to this place that supports our college.” She wants to continue to serve communities she lives in after graduation by becoming a lawyer. “The judicial system is messed up on so many levels, and I just want to be able to help those that can’t necessarily help themselves or don’t have a strong voice,” Hubbard said. Potter said she has high hopes not only for Hubbard’s future as an athlete, but also for her ability to excel in all areas of her life. “She’s going to do something bigger than we even think right now because she’s very worldly and has a very open mind,” Potter said. “I’m excited about her future as a person, and track-wise, I think she’s finally realizing how talented she is.”
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crunch time
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Bombers seize automatic playoff bid By matt kelly
assistant sports editor
harlan green-taub
Young teams will conquer The shortened NBA season is more than halfway over, and though it has certainly met fans’ expectations, there have been just as many surprises around the league. The Oklahoma City Thunder and Miami Heat own the best records in their respective conferences, the once-dominant Los Angeles Lakers are struggling to stay afloat in the playoff race and the Knicks have found a diamond in the rough at point guard. With the NBA All-Star festivities over, here are my three predictions for what’s to come in a thrilling second half of the season. 1. Superman heads to LA: There have been trade rumors surrounding Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard since the season began in December. Howard, who will be a free agent at the end of the season, has stated he is unhappy with his current team and does not want to sign a contract extension. The Magic will make a move for Lakers center Andrew Bynum and power forward Pau Gasol before the trade deadline and get rid of Howard, along with a few extra players for salary cap reasons. Howard would provide the Lakers with the athleticism they need to compete for a playoff spot in the Western Conference and make the team younger as it retains aging icon Kobe Bryant. 2. New York Knicks win the Atlantic Division: The Knicks have a tough schedule in the second half with 17 of their 30 games against teams with winning records. However, point guard Jeremy Lin is the perfect player to run Head Coach Mike D’Antoni’s free-flowing offensive system and has revitalized a fan base that has been desperate for a championship. The Knicks boast one of the most complete starting lineups in the league and have all the necessary components to make a deep playoff run. With a healthy Carmelo Anthony back and a newfound commitment to defense, the Knicks will claim their first division title since the 1993-94 regular season. 3. Chicago Bulls win the Eastern Conference: The Bulls and Heat have separated themselves from the rest of the pack in the East and will meet in the conference finals for the second straight year. With an emphasis on defense, the Bulls should be able to flip the script on Miami. Derrick Rose, last season’s MVP, averaged 23.4 points per game during last season’s five-game playoff series, but had a weak shooting percentage from the field, which led to the Bulls’ demise. After they defeat Miami this season, the Bulls will take down the Los Angeles Clippers in a six-game series to earn the league championship, ending another exciting season of professional basketball. Harlan Green-taub is a senior televison-radio major. Contact him at hgreent1@ithaca.edu.
With the women’s basketball team trailing by five points to Hartwick College in the Empire 8 Conference Tournament Final and time dwindling, junior forward Devin Shea was not thinking about the Bombers’ previous postseason shortcomings. “We knew there was a The Blue and lot of time left to score those Gold will be five points, and we just had making their ninth appearance in to keep fighting and playing the NCAA playoffs great defense,” Shea said. “We this weekend. had to stick with it and not get down on ourselves.” The Blue and Gold captured the conference championship in their fourth consecutive finals appearance Saturday in Ben Light Gymnasium. The South Hill squad rolled off a 12-2 rally in the final three minutes and stunned Hartwick by pulling off a 43-38 comeback victory. After a three-pointer by senior guard Jessica Farley, the Bombers got another offensive possession that set up Shea’s game-winning shot. Shea lowered her shoulder, dribbled hard with her left hand and went up strong for the decisive layup. Shea said the possession didn’t work out the way the Bombers had drawn it up. “We had set up one of our basic sideline out-of-bounds plays, so there were options that we were looking for, but none of them were open,” she said. “So when I got the ball, I decided to drive and make [Hartwick] collapse to open up a kick-out opportunity.” The Hawks decided not to collapse their defense, so Shea saw her opportunity to score. Upperclassmen players, like Farley, said the win symbolized the result of hard work and sacrifice throughout their careers. “It feels amazing for me — especially after four years — to finally end the Empire 8 on a good note,” she said. Senior guard Jackie Shinall said the Blue and Gold had an extra bit of fire throughout the game because they had come within one win of an automatic berth to the NCAA Tournament. Shinall, an anchor of the team’s backcourt, missed six games late in the season with a broken hand. She said she was glad to be able to be in the starting lineup and celebrate winning the conference with her teammates. “It meant everything to me,” Shinall said. “It
stat check
From left, junior forward Devin Shea drives past Hartwick College senior center Samantha Fox during the South Hill squad’s 43-38 win in the Empire 8 Conference Championship game Saturday. durst breneiser/The ithacaN
was really nice to be back in time to play another game. I’m proud of what my team was able to accomplish during the season as well, and that’s what got us here, but I was glad to be back out on the court.” The Bombers will not be able to celebrate their title for very long, however, as they will host the NCAA Tournament Regional when they tip off against Elms College, a team from the New England Collegiate Conference, on Friday.
The Blazers compiled a 20—8 overall record this season and defeated Daniel Webster College to win its conference and earn an automatic bid to the national tournament. Farley said the team is not ready to close the book on this season yet. “Our ultimate goal is to make it to the final four and win that national championship,” she said. “In practice everyone’s mindset will be shifted. It’s great that we won, but now we have to move forward and get to work on our next goal.”
South Hill squad stuns top teams to win Empire 8 By andrew kristy staff writer
After 16 Empire 8 Conference games, the men’s basketball team gathered at center court in Binder Gymnasium to receive a plaque none of them had ever garnered before — one that read “Empire 8 Champions.” The Blue and Gold earned a bid to the national tournament with a 71-55 victory against the Nazareth College Golden Flyers on Saturday. After the Bombers got off to a 3—8 start in nonconference play, losing six of those eight games by five points or less, junior point guard Sean Rossi said the team was still optimistic about its playoff chances. “Once you get into that league play everyone’s record is 0—0, it’s all the same,” Rossi said. “You’d think that losing would have a negative effect on everyone, but the coaches, leaders and captains made sure everyone stayed confident throughout the season.” Since the beginning of 2012, the Blue and Gold went 9—5 in Empire 8 play and capped off their conference run by upsetting the top two seeds, Hartwick College and Nazareth, in the conference tournament. Rossi said when the Bombers defeated St. John Fisher College, Nazareth and Hartwick to begin conference play, the South Hill squad had the confidence it needed to propel them into the Empire 8
Freshman guard Connor Rogers looks for a passing outlet under the hoop as junior forward Andrei Oztemel defends him during practice Monday.
joanna hernandez/the ithacan
Conference title game. “Once we got through those two weekends, we knew that we were one of the best teams in the league,” he said. “They definitely gave us the confidence that we needed to make a
serious run in the playoffs.” Hartwick Head Coach Todd McGuinness said Rossi’s backcourt play made Ithaca hard to defend. “He’s a good player and a great passer,” he said. “He’s a handful to
contain in the half-court and full court because his vision is so great.” The Bombers’ offense this year involved more movement, which opened up the shooters from outside. The Blue and Gold finished first in the Empire 8, making 37 percent of their three-point shots this season. Alfred University Head Coach Dale Wellman said when the Saxons played the Bombers, they tried to eliminate the threat of the South Hill squad’s shooting from outside the paint area. “We’re very familiar with Ithaca and how well they shoot the ball from the perimeter,” he said. “And that’s the main thing: We try and take away their perimeter shots because they are definitely deadly from out there.” The Bombers are currently riding a four-game win streak — their longest of the season — heading into their NCAA Tournament Regional game against CUNY-Staten Island on Friday. The Dolphins have lost one game on home court all season. Freshman guard Connor Rogers said the Blue and Gold are not changing their preparation despite facing sudden death elimination against a top-notch team. “It’s going to be a cool experience playing in NCAA’s — a different sort of atmosphere,” Rogers said. “We’re just going to do everything we can to win.”
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Late-season tactic sparks state title run By Doug geller Staff Writer
Since the beginning of its season back in October, the men’s swimming and diving team looked at winning its second straight Upper New York State Collegiate Swimming Association and Empire 8 Conference title as not only a goal, but an expectation. The Blue and Gold entered the four-day meet ranked third in the Empire 8 behind Stevens Institute of Technology and Hartwick College, a team that handed the Bombers their only dual-meet loss of the regular season. But the Bombers still believed they could come out on top. Senior Jeff Rapp said the South Hill squad tried to shift its priorities going into the state and conference championships meet. “We didn’t try and focus on all the dual-meets,” Rapp said. “Our focus was to work for states, unlike other schools who focus on dual-meets and see what happens at states.” While other schools will cut back on workouts in midseason in order to do well at meets, the Blue and Gold ease into the end of the season and conserve their energy for the state championship. Head Coach Kevin Markwardt said this unorthodox training method resulted in faster finishing times at last week’s meet. “Hartwick tapered and tried to get some national qualifying times, and Stevens does something similar at ECACs where they’ll taper midseason and swim fast times,” he
said. “But we use the entire season to build up our volume and focus on one swim.” Markwardt said the Bombers had more multi-event swimmers than their opponents at the state and conference meet. “On other teams, when you get down to the 15th and 16th guys, they’re not scoring,” he said. “Every guy on our team scored points and our last guy scored 22 points — that’s how we won by 170 points.” The South Hill squad was able to take an 85-point lead after the first day of the meet and keep their composure throughout, never trailing from the first day on. Senior captain James Sica said he had to remind the team how it got to the championship meet to keep its goals in perspective. “Me and [senior] Tyler [Kenton] really tried to stress remembering why we’re here and the process of the meet to keep everyone focused,” Sica said. Strong efforts from the team’s freshman class helped the Bombers propel to victory. Freshman Clement Towner placed sixth in the 500-yard freestyle and helped the Blue and Gold place in the top five in two team relays. Towner said he felt more pressure to perform in the state meet, knowing he was being heavily relied on to succeed. “We did fill in the gaps that the seniors were missing,” he said. “I was able to perform the distance events very well, which we didn’t have in the past.”
Freshman Jason Schoenfelder competes in the 100-yard breaststroke at the Ithaca Invitational on Feb. 18 in the Athletics and Events Center Pool. The Bombers finished with an overall record of 16—1 this season. durst breneiser/the ithacan
Though the season has come to an end for most members of the team, there are a few Bombers who have a chance to qualify for the NCAA Championships March 21-24 in Indianapolis. The 200- and
400-medley relay teams are ranked in the nation’s top 15. Senior captain Derek Rand, junior Martin Brown, and freshman Matthew Morrison will represent the Bomber divers at the national competition.
Sica said the seniors on the team couldn’t have asked for a better finish to their swimming careers at the college. “It was definitely a great way to go out,” he said.
Look online for game stories from these sports: TOMORROW • 10 a.m. Men’s and Women’s Indoor Track and Field at Eastern Collegiate Athletic Conference Indoor Championships at the Armory in New York City • 2 p.m. Baseball at SUNY-Old Westbury in Yaphank, N.Y. • 7:30 p.m. Men’s Basketball at CUNY-Staten Island in Staten Island, N.Y. • 8 p.m. Women’s Basketball vs. Elms College in Ben Light Gymnasium
SATURDAY • 10 a.m. Men’s and Women’s Indoor Track and Field at ECAC Indoor Championships at the Armory in New York City • 11 p.m. Baseball at Mount St. Mary College in Yaphank, N.Y. • 4:30 p.m. Gymnastics vs. SUNY-Cortland in Ben Light Gymnasium • TBD Men’s and Women’s Tennis at St. Lawrence University in Canton, N.Y.
SUNDAY • 11 a.m. Women’s Tennis vs. Skidmore College on the Ithaca College Tennis Courts • 11 a.m. Baseball at TBD in Yaphank, N.Y.
WednesDAY • 4 p.m. Men’s Lacrosse vs. Lycoming College at Higgins Stadium • 4 p.m. Women’s Lacrosse at University of Rochester in Rochester, N.Y.
Bold = Home game TBD = To be determined The Ithacan
online | theithacan.org/sports
durst breneiser/the ithacan
2 6 The It hacan
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[The buzzer]
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Top-notch teams The Ithacan looks at more Bomber squads that won conference and state titles last weekend.
Julie Orlando Senior Women’s Track The Bombers won their fourth straight New York State Collegiate Track Conference Championship on Saturday at Hamilton College after scoring more than twice the amount of points as second-place St. Lawrence University. Their 4 x 200-meter relay team qualified for the Eastern Collegiate Athletic Championships after finishing with a time of 1:46.51. “They are going to do great things, and it’s been a pleasure to offer some guidance to help them achieve their goals,” Orlando said.
Simone McCarron Senior Women’s Swimming and Diving The South Hill squad captured its 13th consecutive Empire 8 and fourth straight Upper New York State Collegiate Swimming Association title, defeating a field that included 13 other teams. Four of the eight seniors on the team had top-five finishes in events. “We may be one of the smallest classes in terms of size, but we’ve had such great success by staying together throughout the years,” McCarron said.
16 37
by the
numbers The league-leading three-point percentage for the men’s basketball team this season. See story on page 24.
The number of seconds remaining on the clock when junior forward Devin Shea scored the winning layup for the women’s basketball team against Hartwick on Saturday. See story on page 24.
off the field Bombers tell us their opinions
Power punch
From left, senior Danny Chen follows through on a punch while junior Julia Becker prepares for a midair counterattack during practice for the Ithaca College Tae Kwon Do Club on Friday in the Fitness Center Gymnasium.
Kristen Tomkowid/the ithacan
the foul line
Weird news from the wide world of sports
Marquette basketball Head Coach Buzz Williams nearly earned himself a trip to the West Virginia University Hospital after his team’s thrilling 61-60 road victory against the Mountaineers on Friday. West Virginia customarily plays the song “Take Me Home, Country Roads” through the loudspeakers after every home game, and Williams decided to have a little fun by dancing to the music on the midcourt logo. West Virginia’s student section was not amused by Williams’ two-step. In fact, the enraged crowd had to be held back by security personnel as the coach sauntered over to the ESPN booth for an interview. “They’re mad at me,” Williams explained to ESPN commentator Bill Raftery. “That’s my fault — I was just really excited. I grew up in the country and ‘Country Roads’ was one of my favorite songs.” Perhaps next time, Williams will save his awkward pirouettes for the locker room where he will be out of sight. Who knew people could get so offended for poking fun at a John Denver song? —Matt Kelly
Jake Willis
Colleen Garman
Meredith Daniels
Sophomore Men’s Indoor Track
Junior Women’s Indoor Track
Sophomore Gymnastics
“Tebowmania” or “Linsanity”?
Tebowmania
Tebowmania
Tebowmania
Adele or Beyonce?
Beyonce
Adele
Beyonce
Favorite city you’ve visited?
Honolulu
Montreal
London
they saidit If he’s still looking for a place to crash, maybe he can crash at my apartment. Imagine the tabloids then. New York Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez when asked about Knicks point guard Jeremy Lin having to sleep on a friend’s couch.
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In the details Compos e, Focu s , Ca pt u re
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To see a slideshow of Duprat’s food preparation, visit theithacan. org/21925.
Haute
Cuisine Guest Chef Ron Duprat, “Top Chef Season 6” competitor, worked alongside students who attend Cornell University’s School of Hotel Administration on Saturday night to prepare a Haitian-inspired dinner. Photos by Rachel Orlow Photo Editor