Twilight turns 50!
opinion learn more about serling’s legacy, page 10 sports Siblings take rivalry to soccer field, page 23 This I See locals paint the town apple red, page 28
College honors Serling as professor and writer, page 13
Thursday
Octobe r 1 , 2 0 0 9
The Ithacan House passes bill No money, to expand college
I t h a c a , N . Y. Volum e 7 7 , I s s u e 6
no problem
See Families, page 4
See AID, page 4
More students are choosing plastic over paper this year. This isn’t a checkoutbagging question or an anti-green trend — it’s about credit. Junior Alessandra Portolesi, like other college students, is swiping cards over counting cash. During the school year, she said she rarely keeps cash in her wallet and instead uses her credit card for expenses such as textbooks, Internet and cable. Portolesi, a business administration major with a concentration in management and minor in economics, uses four credit cards. She said one benefit of having credit available is the convenience. “Sometimes I don’t have cash, but I know that I will in a week or two weeks,” she said. “The fact that I am able to borrow money for such a temporary time and pay it back and not get penalized helps.” Portolesi is responsible for paying off
all cards except one, which is under her mother’s name. Two of Portolesi’s cards are retail credit cards from Nordstrom’s and Macy’s. One is under her name and the other is under her mother’s, with Portolesi listed as an authorized user. According to a Sallie Mae national study published in 2009, 84 percent of polled undergraduates have at least one credit card, compared with 76 percent in 2004. The report said students who used credit cards to pay for direct education expenses said they charged an estimated $2,200 — more than double 2004’s average of $942. The most common direct education expenses are textbooks, school supplies and commuter costs. Patricia Nash Christel, spokeswoman for Sallie Mae, said this is the highest number of students using credit cards recorded by Sallie Mae.
See Credit, page 4
College lacks child care options compared with Cornell By TAylor Long Contributing Writer
Carolina Hassett picks up her son, Hanssen, Tuesday afternoon from Cornell Child Care Center. Cornell University was voted one of the best employers for working mothers.
Andy Matias/The Ithacan
offer the same options for its working parents. Mark Coldren, associate vice president of the human resources department, said even though the college helps new employees find nearby day cares for their children and provides leave time to new mothers in compliance with the Family Medical Leave Act, he still receives requests for there to be child care offered at the college. Coldren said the college could learn from
Contributing Writer
Cornell about providing child care assistance but Cornell’s size and resources probably allow for such a comprehensive program. In the near future, Coldren said he hopes to develop an assessment to measure the level of faculty interest and the feasibility of the program. “We need to see what people want now and five years from now,” Coldren said. “It’s
by Ashley May
Assistant News Editor
For the fourth year in a row, Cornell University has been chosen as one of the 100 best U.S. employers for working mothers by Working Mother magazine. With the addition of Cornell Child Care Center under the management of Bright Horizons Family Solutions, the institution continues to strengthen its reputation as one of the most accommodating employers in the area, according to Working Mother magazine. The care center at Cornell is located on campus, with room for 158 children, 48 infants, 50 toddlers and 60 preschoolers. Joseph Schwartz, public information officer at Cornell, said there are many programs at Cornell that led to the recognition of Working Mother magazine and others that have acknowledged Cornell over the years. “Cornell tries to have a comfortable working environment for everyone,” Schwartz said. Lynette Chappell-Williams, associate vice president for workforce diversity and inclusion at Cornell, helped develop these programs and continues to invent new ways of meeting the needs of Cornell families. The most recent project aims to offer flexible work arrangements to employees. “This program allows employees to modify their work hours or to work remotely, such as from home, which provides for an opportunity for balancing work opportunities and family,” Chappell-Williams said. Here on South Hill, Ithaca College does not
By Michael Fiscella A bill passed by the House of Representatives will increase the maximum Pell Grant by hundreds of dollars but will change Federal Perkins Loans so that loans will begin accruing interest while student-lenders are still in school. The measure, passed Sept. 17 and known as the Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act, will oust private lenders from the federal college loan business and require Chambers said all schools to switch the Pell Grant will to the federal Direct be increased to $5,550 this year. Loan Program by July 1, 2010. Direct Loans are low-interest federal loans for students and parents that help pay for the cost of a student’s education. The lender is the U.S. Department of Education — rather than a bank or other financial institution. The bill will now move to the Senate where it is expected to pass. Larry Chambers, director of student financial services, said he is not convinced the removal of private lenders will result in substantial benefits for students. “Having both direct lending and the Stafford Loan programs has fostered competition, enhanced services and provided students with choice,” Chambers said. “With only one lender — the federal government — students will no longer have a choice of a lender.” Chambers said new changes being made to the Federal Perkins Loan will leave college students with more loans that begin accruing interest immediately. Freshman Adam Melnick said loans that immediately start building interest, often known as unsubsidized loans, make life harder for students. “We’re not making real money as undergraduates, so it’s hard to chip away at what we owe,” Melnick said. “Then when we graduate, the interest has already blown our debt through the roof.” Proponents of the bill, however, point to the introduction of variable interest rates as proposed by the SAFRA. After college, the lenders’ interest rates will vary depending on their financial standing. Individuals with a low-income will not be subjected to higher interest rates. The Obama administration said the government will save more than $80 billion over 10 years and that this surplus will be invested in Pell Grants for low-income students, community colleges and early-childhood educational programs. Chambers said the bill would increase the current maximum Pell Grant from $5,350 to $5,550 during the 2010-11 school year, and by 2019, the Pell Grant scholarship should grow to $6,900.
Study finds more college students use credit cards
illustration by jon white
aid for students
find more. online. www.theithacan.org
[ Thursday Brie f i ng ]
2 The It hacan
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this WEEK
1 Thursday
Gerontology Institute Annual Fall Conference, sponsored by the Division of Interdisciplinary Studies, will be held from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Emerson Suites.
2 Friday Rod Serling Conference: “Celebrating 50 Years of ‘The Twilight Zone’” will be held from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. in Emerson Suites, Phillips Hall and Park Hall. Shabbat Services will begin at 6 p.m. in Muller Chapel. Shabbat Dinner will begin at 7:15 p.m. in Terrace Dining Hall.
3 Saturday Rod Serling Conference: “Celebrating 50 Years of ‘The Twilight Zone’” will be held from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. in Emerson Suites, Phillips Hall and Park Hall.
4 sunday Habi-Dash Annual 5K Walk/ Run will begin at noon at Butterfield Stadium. Catholic Mass will be held at 1 and 9 p.m. in Muller Chapel.
5 Monday SexFest, a Residence Hall Association event, will be held from 7 to 10 p.m. in IC Square.
7 Wednesday SAB Video Game Tournament will be held from 7 to 10 p.m. in Clark Lounge. Evensong, a Protestant community worship service, will begin at 9:30 p.m. in Muller Chapel.
Add your event Drop events for “This Week” in the marked box in The Ithacan office or e-mail Assistant News Editor Ashley May at amay1@ithaca.edu by 5 p.m. Monday.
Corrections The Ithacan reported last week in the story “Clinics offer free care to area locals” that a membership with the Ithaca Health Alliance costs $100 a month. A membership costs $100 a year. The Ithacan reported last week in the story “Change in rock climbing wall hours overcrowds Fitness Center” that semester passes cost $15. The passes cost $30. It is The Ithacan’s policy to correct all errors of fact. Please contact Ashley May at 274-3207.
copy editors Lara Bonner, Sara Friedman, Margaret Moran, Mary Kate Murphy, Meg Rindfleisch, Brittany Rose, Carly Sitzer and Britany Straley.
design Michelle Barrie, Sara Berger, Chris Carlon, Rebecca Hotaling, Colleen Lowery and Matt Reis.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Nation&World
US talks with Iran about weapons
Even as they prepare for new talks today with Iran on its nuclear program, the U.S. and its allies are contemplating new and tighter sanctions on Tehran in a clear signal of expectations that the negotiations may again end in failure. The fact that the meeting is taking place at all offers some hope, reflecting both sides’ desire to talk, despite a spike in tensions over last week’s revelations by Iran that it had been secretly building a new uranium enrichment plant. Ahead of today’s negotiations, the State Department stressed its hope that the session would open the door to more in-depth dialogue about ways Iran could alleviate concerns that its emerging nuclear program may be secretly developing nuclear weapons. If Iran is willing to address the nuclear issues, then there likely will be subsequent meetings, State Department spokesman P.J. Crowley said in Washington, D.C. Crowley noted that President Barack Obama has said he intends to take a few months to assess Iran’s position and consult with U.S. negotiating partners before deciding what next steps to take.
Pacific tsunami kills thousands
Federal disaster officials said “tens of thousands” of people on American Samoa and Samoa will need their help after a lethal tsunami in the South Pacific. The Federal Emergency Management Agency was flying into American Samoa with food, water and repair supplies early yesterday, and officials are anticipating the worst. Administrator Craig Fugate says survivors will need assistance, many of whom were injured. At least 99 people were killed after the magnitude 8.0 quake struck at 6:47 a.m. Tuesday and sent giant waves crashing down on the islands. The quake was centered about 120 miles south of the islands of Samoa and American Samoa, a U.S. territory of 65,000 people. The tsunami, unleashed by a powerful earthquake, flattened Samoan villages and swept cars and people out to sea. Survivors fled the waves of water for higher ground on the South Pacific islands after the magnitude 8.0 quake struck.
Troops shoot at unarmed protestors
Guinea’s military leader banned all gatherings and demonstrations, and the United Nations’ top human rights official yesterday pressed for an investigation into a rally in which troops opened fire on 50,000 pro-democracy protesters earlier this week. U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay condemned the soldiers’ use of live
Money madness
Protestors from “Communities Against Cuts” stage a national march yesterday in Dublin, Ireland, against the current and proposed cuts to community projects. The Irish government said this treaty is needed and made a final pitch in support of a referendum on the European Union Lisbon Treaty.
Tim McKulka/associated press
ammunition against the unarmed protesters who gathered Monday at a stadium to rally against military leader Capt. Moussa “Dadis” Camara. A human rights group said 157 people were killed and more than 1,200 were wounded, while the government said 57 died and most of them were trampled. Guinea’s government said it will investigate why troops opened fire at the pro-democracy rally.
Elephants murdered for ivory trade Authorities in Ethiopia and Kenya have seized
more than 2,600 pounds (1,200 kilograms) of bloodstained ivory from about 100 illegally killed elephants at airports, the head of Kenya’s Wildlife Service said yesterday. Julius Kipng’etich said trained dogs sniffed out a consignment of bloodstained tusks at Kenya’s national airport late Tuesday. Another shipment of tusks sent by the same individual had been seized Monday at the airport in Ethiopia’s capital. Both shipments were sent as unaccompanied luggage to Bangkok. Police have launched an investigation, and wildlife officials said they will continue to patrol the airport with dogs. Ivory trade was banned internationally
College&City Clinics postpone vaccine availability for residents
The Tompkins County Health Department has postponed flu vaccination clinics scheduled through Wednesday because a shipment of the flu vaccine has not arrived yet. The following clinics will be postponed: Lifelong, Groton Center Village Court, Lansing United Methodist Church, Varna Community Center, Bethel Grove Family Center, Danby Federated Church, Trumansburg Methodist Church, Enfield Fire Hall and Newfield Fire Hall. For updates on the rescheduled dates, contact the flu hot line at 274-6609 or visit www.tompkins-co. org/health/flu/clinics.htm.
Green Bioneer Conference to be held at the college
The annual Bioneers conference, “We Make Our Future,” will be held at Ithaca College from Oct. 16 to 18. National speakers will be broadcast from California. Ithaca speakers will also be featured at the conference, including Jonathan Todd, of John Todd Ecological Designs,
and Ithaca resident and Civil Rights activist Dorothy Cotton. The topics discussed will focus on ideas related to the arts, social justice and the environment. The conference began in 1990 in Santa Fe, N.M., focusing on traditional and pioneering methods of farming, conservation, progressive politics and green medicine. This is the first satellite conference in New York. The conference registration fee is $35 per day or $90 for all three days. For conference or volunteer information, contact Nancy Jacobson at jacobson@ithaca.edu.
Local poet to perform for Coming Out Day event
Michelle Courtney Berry, local poet and entrepreneur, will be giving a performance at 7:30 p.m. Thursday in Textor 101 to celebrate National Coming Out Day. Her past performances include poetry and singing. Berry has appeared on “Good Morning America.” She has been a member of the Ithaca City Council and served as alternate acting
in 1989 because of its devastating effect on elephant populations. Before the ban was enacted, Kenya’s elephant population plummeted from 120,000 elephants in 1963 to just 12,000 a few decades later.
Banks excused from state bylaws
Moderate House Democrats are drafting a proposal that would continue to shield big banks from potentially tougher state regulations of credit cards, mortgages and savings accounts. The plan would differ from President Barack Obama’s proposal to give states a role in regulating large financial institutions that operate nationwide. The lawmakers say it would be more practical and less expensive not to force the banks to comply with 50 different regulatory regimes. But their proposal, spearheaded by Rep. Melissa Bean, D-Ill., and discussed at a hearing yesterday, isn’t sitting well with consumer advocates who say banks shouldn’t be allowed to skirt state regulations if the restrictions don’t suit them.
SOURCE: Associated Press
mayor. She has also taught at Ithaca College. The Ithaca College Center for LGBT is sponsoring the event, which is free and open to the public. For more information, visit www.consultcourtney.com.
Professor receives grant for Handwerker Gallery
The Upstate History Alliance awarded Cheryl Kramer, assistant professor of art history and director of Ithaca College’s Handwerker Gallery, a $750 GO! Grant from the New York State Council on the Arts. The grant will give Kramer the opportunity to attend the 2009 Museum Institute at The Sagamore Resort in the Adirondacks. The focus of this year’s program is “Understanding Audiences.” GO! Grants are offered to help museums and historical societies strengthen and develop their institutions and communications. For more information, visit www.upstatehistory.org, or contact the Upstate History Alliance at info@upstatehistory.org.
Anthropologist to speak about military intervention
Dr. Phillip Stevens, Jr., associate professor of anthropology from SUNY-Buffalo, will discuss
“Anthropology and Directed Cultural Change: The Case of Iraq,” at 7 p.m. Thursday in Textor 103. The presentation will talk about the anthropological implications of military intervention. Stevens conducted several projects of anthropological fieldwork and was a Peace Corps volunteer in Nigeria. He has also published many works in cultural anthropology and African studies. For more information, contact Sue-Je Gage at sgage@ithaca.edu.
Annual housing meeting to discuss strategic plan
The annual meeting of Better Housing for Tompkins County Inc. will be open to the public from noon to 1 p.m. Friday in the Tompkins County Public Library’s Borg Warner Room, at 101 E. Green St. Better Housing’s annual report and summary of the organization’s 2009-11 strategic plan will be distributed at the meeting. BHTC representatives from the Home Rehabilitation, Home Repair, Homeownership, Rental Properties and Development will be available to answer questions and take comments. Refreshments will be served.
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The Ithacan 3
Budget committee approves compensation By Leah Tedesco Assistant News Editor
Ithaca College’s contribution to full-time faculty and staff retirement plans will be restored retroactively, according to an announcement made by President Tom Rochon on Monday. Salaries will also be raised to 50 cents above the living wage. The executive committee of the board of trustees authorized the return of 8.75 percent to faculty and staff ’s TIAA-CREF plan, which became effective in yesterday’s paychecks but won’t be reflected in the accounts for a couple of weeks, Carl Sgrecci, vice president of finance and administration, said. Any full-time staff whose salary is below the living wage of $11.11 will be increased by 50 cents starting Oct. 16. Sgrecci said the decision is in response to a projected $3.3 million surplus created by the freshman class. “We had additional expenses associated with the additional enrollment, but fortunately the income exceeded the expenses,” Sgrecci said. “We are projecting an excess.” Mark Coldren, associate vice president of human resources, said Rochon requested the budget committee consider a one-time incentive to employees affected by the salary freeze that went into effect this year because of the budget cuts. “[There would be a] greater emphasis on people at the lower end of the scale,” Coldren said. “The goals are to try to reward when you can.” Rochon said his proposal was not in response to individual complaints. The proposal was made in August to the faculty and staff. Based on the higher enrollment and tuition, the retirement percentage could be restored, he said. “The TIAA-CREF payment will be a caughtup payment made on Sept. 30,” Rochon said. “That’s why I wanted the executive committee to make a decision before the board meeting if they could.” In reaction to the $2.5 million projected deficit last year, the administration asked the faculty and staff to sacrifice 0.75 percent of their 8.75 percent the college contributes to the TIAA-CREF plan. This would have saved the college about $500,000. Faculty and staff will now be getting that 0.75 percent back. Custodian Angela Long said the return of the 0.75 percent will help her when she retires.
By Sara Friedman Contributing writer
Custodian Angela Long cleans Tuesday evening in the Park School of Communications. The college’s contribution to full-time faculty and staff’s TIAA-CREF plan will be restored to 8.75 percent. Andrew Buraczenski/The Ithacan
“It will make people more secure financially when they get to that point,” she said. Coldren said the money will be retroactively reinstated back to the beginning of the fiscal year. “In a sense it will never have happened,” Coldren said. Coldren said the college wants to make sure its employees receive more than the living wage of $11.11 per hour. “[A living wage] is a moving target, and our goal as an employer is to pay more than that,” Coldren said. “The adjustment to our entry-level positions is an ongoing adjustment to their pay, at all the times, it is not going to be a one-time bump.” As a part of the multi-year financial outlook, Rochon said he asked the budget committee to consider making a one-time incentive payment to employees affected by the salary freeze. “We can now consider [the incentive] without it jeopardizing us being back into a defi-
cit,” Sgrecci said. “We are still concerned how our future budgets will unfold, so we are not making a continuing commitment by adding it to the base salary until we know more about the future.” Donald Lifton, associate professor of management, said it’s admirable that the college is a living-wage-plus-50-cents payer but the one-time bonus is not adequate. “Workers earning just over $24,000 annually need a raise — not a possible one-time bonus to abide yearly increases to their living,” Lifton said. Rochon said the unusual swing in the financial circumstances between last February and the budget for this year allowed compensation for faculty and staff. “Last year we asked employees for a great deal of sacrifice to make our budget work,” Rochon said. “Given the change in our fortunes, it only seems appropriate to restore those sacrifices.”
Students fundraise for India By Lauren Barber Staff Writer
Ithaca College’s Anthropology Club sold handmade crafts from India on Monday afternoon, raising $200 to send to a school in Mumbai, India, that advocates for the rights of disabled individuals and low-caste children. Able Disabled All People Together, an organization based out of Mumbai, started seven schools that specialize in providing quality education for disabled children. ADAPT also works with the government to raise global awareness about disabled people. Last summer, sophomore Megan Kelly and senior Hannah Siebold traveled to Mumbai with two other students and anthropology professor Denise Nuttall for three weeks to participate in a field school with ADAPT. They spent a week volunteering with the children, mothers and teachers at an ADAPT school. They also worked with the Narika Shakti, a craft-based program designed for the mothers of the disabled or low-caste children who attend the school. The group brought back handmade crafts, such as purses and jewelry, made by the Narika Shakti, which they sold during the fundraiser.
New program aims to create conversation
Kelly said the group has leftover items that it hopes to sell in other fundraisers for ADAPT. “By the end of the semester we want to sell everything we brought back,” she said. “That’s our goal.” Siebold said students at the fundraiser showed interest in the products and the group’s work. “There were several students who want to go themselves and continue what we started,” she said. “It’s all very exciting.” All the money raised during the fundraiser will go directly to the school in Mumbai. The school will decide how to distribute the money. Siebold said while she was in India, she saw ADAPT squeeze every penny it could out of donated money. “They don’t let anything go to waste,” she said. “It’s nice to give something to people who can really use it.” Nuttall first started talking about the cause at the college in 2007. Nuttall, a musician and an ethnomusicologist, based her research on the tabla — an Indian percussion instrument — out of Mumbai. While there, she grew close with the ADAPT cause in 2005 after the biggest flood in India’s history destroyed its school
Sophomore Megan Kelly sells crafts from India to sophomore Sierra Shorey on Monday outside Emerson Suites. The Anthropology Club raised $200. Abra Furgerson/The Ithacan
and stranded many children away from their families. She began to play music for the children, ultimately becoming a music teacher at the school. Nuttall said after watching the children smile again, she decided to help somehow with music education. The 2007 fundraiser Vision and Vibrations at the college raised enough money to supply the ADAPT school with a number of percussion and melodic musical instruments. Since then, Nuttall said the Anthropology Club has been front and
center in helping out with the cause. “[ADAPT is] very grateful that Ithaca College, the department of Anthropology and specifically the students in the Anthropology Club are so passionate about this,” Nuttall said. Kelly said fundraising for a cause she personally worked with makes it more tangible and one worth supporting. “We know the people, we’ve worked with them, we know that what we’re doing is a great cause,” she said. “We feel connected to this cause.”
The Peggy R. Williams Difficult Dialogues Symposium, a series that will discuss controversial topics among members of the college community, will begin Wednesday. The first event will focus on Jewish-Christian-Muslim relations with a presentation by Marc Ellis, director of the Center for Jewish Studies at Baylor University. Sanford Gutman, professor emeritus of history at SUNY-Cortland, will serve as respondent. The event is free and open to the public and will be held at 8 p.m. in Emerson Suites. During the summer, Kathleen Rountree, provost and vice president of academic affairs, sent out an e-mail inviting members of the faculty to be on the committee of the symposium because she wanted everyone to have input on it. “We wanted to create a place where we could talk about issues that are normally difficult to talk about, like abortion, health care and the Middle East,” Rountree said. The symposium, named after former president Williams, is supported by an endowment that was created by the board of trustees when Williams retired in 2008. Bashar Hanna, associate provost for academic programs and initiatives, helped create the symposium. Hanna said the Middle East conflict was chosen as the first topic because of Williams’ interest in understanding the Middle East. He said the series was named after Williams because of the former president’s commitment to service to the college. “She was a very active supporter of academic freedom and discourse among faculty and students,” he said. “She encouraged a dialogue about things that are complicated and complex.” Williams said she is excited that the college will be discussing controversial topics. “The campus community will have the opportunity to continue the work of fulfilling one of the highest goals of an institution of higher education: to be a place that lives the principles of free inquiry and thoughtful discussion, characterized by mutual respect, tolerance and an informed exchange of ideas and beliefs,” Williams said. Hanna said even though there will be different viewpoints at the symposium, the series will still be conducted in an educational and intellectual way and will be devoid of hostilities. “We want people to go away from the evening thinking that we just witnessed a model of how people with different perspectives on a topic can engage in that topic without shouting and bringing out emotions,” Hanna said. Rountree said she hopes the event will be the beginning of many conversations and that people will learn how to have a respectful conversation that is both intellectual and informed. “We want to show that colleges could have intelligent conversations with different views,” Rountree said. “It does happen.”
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Thursday, October 1, 2009
Students prefer paying with credit Credit from page 1
“Given what we know about the convenience credit cards offer, especially as people are using purchases online, I would imagine that [credit] will continue to be a prevalent part of [students’] financial habits,” Nash Christel said. Michael McCall, professor of marketing, said students are now using credit cards to pay for expenses partly because they feel better with transactions away from cash. “College students are becoming more and more comfortable using credit,” McCall said. However, he thinks students in college do not need to have a credit card because if credit is used irresponsibly, problems may arise. Junior Samantha Kaufman has had a credit card since her senior year of high school and charges about five purchases a month. While she now pays off her bills regularly, she said she understands how easy it is to forget about the bill. “Be aware of what you spend because you don’t want to get yourself into debt,” Kaufman said. She was once charged a $39 late fee and said she learned from her mistake. Sallie Mae reported that 82 percent of polled students carried balances and incurred finance charges each month. Only 17 percent said they regularly paid off all cards each month, and another one percent had parents, a spouse or other family members paying the bill. The federal government passed the Credit Card Accountability Responsibility and Disclosure Act of 2009 last May to help students avoid debt through minimizing credit card companies’’ access to students. CARD limits the amount of advertising credit card companies
Bill to create more funding for education AID
from page 1
Sophomore Joe Wilkens hands his credit card to cashier Sara Ford, an Ithaca High School student, to buy groceries Tuesday afternoon at Wegmans. Wilkens said he signed up for a credit card this summer to build credit history. Andrew Buraczenski/the ithacan
can do on colleges campuses. The legislation also states that anyone under 21 has to be an authorized user on a parent’s account or have a co-signer unless the person can show proof of adequate income. Rep. Maurice Hinchey, DN.Y., representative of New York state’s 22nd District — including Ithaca — voted for the act. Jeff Lieberson, spokesman for the congressman, said the legislation will prevent credit card companies from exercising power over credit users. “Credit card companies for too long have been taking advantage of Americans with tricky gimmicks and exorbitantly high interest rates,” Lieberson said. He said college students, who usually possess little income, will particu-
larly benefit from the legislation. “This bill is meant to make the cards more accountable to their users,” Lieberson said. “It’s protecting college students.” Josh Jones, manager of Young Adult Programs at the Credit Union National Association, said if a student has the financial stability to keep up with the balance and responsibility, a credit card can be valuable for creating a good credit score and for education. “The only real way you are going to learn [about credit] is by doing it,” Jones said. Sophomore Joe Wilkens signed up for a credit card this summer to build his credit. He said he thought a student card with his bank, HSBC, would make bill payments easier. Wilkens pays the credit bills
through his bank with summer savings and his current income. He said he has learned a lot about the billing process “It’s teaching me to be punctual about making payments,” Wilkens said. Jones said students should learn about their credit history. “Credit history is important because of a number of factors, not only the ability to acquire loans and financial services later in life, but also the ability to get a job,” Jones said. He said employers are now looking at past credit reports to see if an applicant is in good standing, especially if the employee will be handling money at the job. McCall said the key to credit card use is knowledge. “You need to learn how to use it and how to use it properly,” McCall said.
Faculty council to discuss child care options Families from page 1
important to know in advance how many faculty members would participate in a similar program.” Cornell offers other options for faculty and staff with children. Chappell-Williams said the Child Care Grant Subsidy Program has been in existence for more than 10 years. The grant is meant to offset the costs associated with child care and is based on the household income, age of the child and the actual cost of care. The maximum amount awarded to any given family is $5,000. Chappell-Williams said a similar program is also available to students with children but is managed by the Graduate Student Office and funded through the Provost’s Office. Chappell-Williams said Cornell also offers comprehensive Family Services and Child Care Services committees to address work, life and family integration. Brooke Hansen, associate professor of anthropology at the college, said she remembers struggling to find affordable day care. When her child was young, Hansen said she was forced to bring her daughter to work with her because of the lack of affordable day care. Now that her daughter is grown, Hansen will occasionally look after the 3-year-old daughter of assistant professor of anthropology Sue-Je Gage, a colleague who now faces the same problem. “My technique was ‘She’s just going to have to come to school with me,’” Hansen said. “A lot of people on campus bring their kids and leave them in their office. They’ll play on the computer or watch something, or if they’re young we’ll have a colleague keep an eye
Members of the faculty council, Judith Pena-Shaff, Claire Gleitman and Gladys Varona-Lacey, attend a faculty council meeting Aug. 25 in Clark Lounge. The council will discuss child care Tuesday. Andrew Buraczenski/the ithacan
on them.” Coldren said that Cornell’s success in providing for its faculty gives the college something to aspire to. “We know this is something we’d like to do better in the future,” he said. Stan Seltzer, associate professor of mathematics and head of the faculty council, said the establishment of a day care center is suggested at budget meetings each year but is never prioritized. Seltzer said there will be discussion at the faculty council meeting next week to determine whether child care will be given precedence over other issues the college is facing. “I can’t even figure it out in my own
mind, and I don’t think it would be appropriate to speculate,” Seltzer said. “As far as we’re concerned, next week is the time we’ll discuss it.” Hansen said the program wouldn’t necessarily have to be a major financial undertaking. She envisions a program where college students could watch the children of faculty and staff as part of projects for their major. “If you’re using students who are doing projects to help volunteer to watch the kids, and the kids are actually doing enriching activities as part of the observation of development, then it seems like it would be kind of subsidized in that way,” Hansen said. “All the parents I know would love that.”
Pell Grants, which were awarded to 1,010 Ithaca College students this year, are awarded to undergraduate students with financial need and do not need to be paid back. Freshman Jasper Adams, a Pell Grant recipient, said this boost in nonreciprocal aid is important. “It’s not fair that just because you don’t have a lot of money, you can’t get a good college education,” Adams said. “More aid gives everyone an equal chance.” Adams also said that tuition of upwards of $45,000 makes many schools unaffordable for the middle class without financial assistance from an outside source. “That’s a year’s salary for some people,” Adams said. “And then they don’t have any money to spend on anything else.” Despite the increase in funding for Pell Grants, the bill does create other complications. Chambers said it is estimated that the elimination of private lenders will result in the loss of as many as 35,000 jobs within the student loan industry and that the looming deadline will create complications for colleges scrambling to implement the new Direct Lending Program by July. Eric Maguire, vice president of enrollment management, said a summer deadline could be difficult to meet. “There are a lot of changes that need to be made in the background concerning software systems and operational procedures,” Maguire said. “A July deadline would put a pretty significant strain not just on Ithaca College, but on institutions in general.” Maguire said he hopes the government will extend the deadline by a year in order to give educational institutions more time to make the transition. “The one thing I don’t want to have happen is a hiccup in our financial aid system,” Maguire said. “A situation [could arise] where the summer arrives, and we need to start accommodating students, and we’re just not ready.” The bill will also give $10 billion for community colleges, $8 billion for early-childhood programs and $2.55 billion for historically black colleges and universities. The number of questions on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, commonly known as the FAFSA, will also be reduced. Students and parents file the FAFSA every year to determine the amount of financial aid they are eligible to receive. Lawmakers believe fewer questions will simplify the process. In addition, any student convicted of selling a controlled substance while receiving federal aid would lose aid eligibility for two years and a second offense would make the loss of eligibility indefinite. The government will also forgive any federal loans held by student members of the military who are called into active duty during a loan period. Even with the increase in Pell Grants, Chambers said he is not sure if the SAFRA is the best move for financial aid. “I am not convinced that there are advantages at the student level,” he said. “I have always advocated for there to be more than one lending program.”
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Officer honored for work After a hit-and-run accident last year, Bruce Holmstock fully recovers By Ashley May
Assistant News Editor
Master Patrol Officer Bruce Holmstock has a new perspective on life after a car struck him while on the scene of a hit-and-run accident in last November. Holmstock, Master Patrol Officer Donald Lyke and Patrol Officer Jeffrey Austin reTo get to know sponded to a Bruce Holmstock, h i t a n d r u n watch a video that occurred at ithacan.org/ in front of Rogo/09Bruce gan’s Corner on Danby Road. While his colleagues attended to the victim, a student, Holmstock directed traffic around the scene. Holmstock was motioning traffic toward the college when an unexpected vehicle came down the road. Looking at the accident, the car did not notice Holmstock in the road and hit him at a speed of about 35 mph. “I remember turning my head and seeing headlights to the side,” Holmstock said. “My next recollection is I’m laying on a backboard.” His left ankle, right wrist and arm were broken, along with other minor injuries. After almost four hours of surgery at Robert Packer Hospital in Sayre, Pa., Holmstock woke with a new role to play — patient. Instead of calls from the dispatcher, he received calls from doctors and physical therapists. Instead of serving others, others served him. He said he assumed a life
of recovery. “My goal from the start was to get back to work,” Holmstock said. “I tend to be a creature of habit.” In July, Holmstock received the Frank G. Hammer Kiwanis Club Officer of the Month award, which honors Tompkins County officers once a month, for his overall work at the college. “To have my name included with some people that I hold in very high regard to me was very humbling and rewarding,” Holmstock said. Bruce John, president of the Ithaca and Cayuga Kiwanis Club, said the award is meant to recognize exceptional officers nominated by their department. “We aren’t really looking for the average police officer, but the outstanding one,” John said. Sergeant Ronald Hart nominated Holmstock for the award and said Holmstock’s overall commitment to his work at the college made him a qualified candidate. “Bruce is very dedicated to this area of law enforcement,” Hart said. “This is really where his heart lies.” Holmstock, 56, has worked for Ithaca College’s Office of Public Safety for about 15 years but did not always envision his life in law enforcement, he said. In high school, he decided to become a radio DJ. He attended Corning Community College for two years and graduated from SUNY-Oswego in 1974 with a broadcasting degree.
Master Patrol Officer Bruce Holmstock sits in his car Monday afternoon outside the Office of Public Safety. Holmstock has worked at the college for 15 years and won the Kiwanis Club Officer of the Month award in July.
Charlotte Kramer /The Ithacan
After graduation, Holmstock worked several jobs before finding law enforcement, including working as a bartender, wedding photographer and manager of Ithaca Photos. When speaking with the sheriff of Tioga County over lunch one day, he decided to work as a part-time volunteer dispatcher for Tioga County. He said that once he was exposed to law enforcement, he realized that he wanted to make it a full-time career. After the accident, getting back to his career was not his only motivation. He and his now-wife Dee Holmstock were planning an upcoming wedding. While Holmstock said he was initially worried about plans for
the wedding during his recovery, the experience only strengthened his relationship with Dee. He said she stood by his side from the accident to the recovery. “It spoke volumes about her character,” Holmstock said. Holmstock stayed with Dee during his recovery and said she nursed him back to health. Holmstock and Dee just returned from their honeymoon in Maine. They were married during the summer aboard the Columbia on Cayuga Lake. Holmstock said Dee supported him during his two weeks at the Rehabilitation Center at Binghamton General Hospital and about two months of
home recovery. “It was almost six months to the day from the accident to my first day back at work,” he said. “That seemed like six years. I had never been away from work that long.” Hart said not only is Holmstock an outstanding worker, but also a friend. The two have vacationed together and frequently take trips out on their boats. Hart said Holmstock is popular with co-workers and students and frequently conducts the drug and alcohol presentations at the school. “He’s just one of those guys that everybody likes,” Hart said. “He is probably one of the nicest guys I know.”
6 The Ithacan
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New rabbi avid to work at college Rabbi Daniel Grodnitzky is the newest addition to the staff of the Kosher Kitchen, located in the Terraces Dining Hall, where he serves as the mashgiach, kosher supervisor, of the kitchen. Grodnitzky and his wife, Reuvena Leah, recently moved to Ithaca with their 1-year-old son. The couple hold weekly Shabbat dinners, host “Jewish Jam Nights” and run classes such as Women in Judaism and Kabbala 101 at their home in Ithaca. He said he hopes to establish an official Chabad Jewish Center at Ithaca College. Contributing writer Lily Oberman spoke with Grodnitzky about adjusting to Ithaca and combining the religious communities of the college and Cornell University. Lily Oberman: Did you and your wife always want to work with college students? Daniel Grodnitzky: We really did. I was studying in Brooklyn to get my rabbinic ordination, and then it was like, “Well, what do you do next?” You have to go out in the world and make a difference. And we just felt that the greatest difference we can make is on a college campus because we really understand what the needs of the people are. We can relate to college students [because] we’re young. … We have this relationship of being somewhat of peers, but also being mentors. LO: When did you move to Ithaca? DG: We moved to Ithaca at the end of June. We were living in Brooklyn, and our lease ended. The first couple of months were like a summer getaway. It’s so beautiful up here. We were just getting to know the area and started to meet a couple of students who were around over the summer and were already involved with Chabad. I was hired by the head rabbi who oversees the kitchen, and that’s how [my wife and I] are providing for ourselves here. I’m also working at the Roitman Chabad Center at Cornell
University, where Rabbi Eli Silberstein has been running a Jewish outreach organization for about 25 years. … I called him and said, “We’re looking to do some outreach,” and he said that Ithaca College was a place that could really use a young couple. LO: How can students reach you or find out more about attending a Shabbat dinner? DG: We have a Facebook group, which has about 78 members. Every event we are holding, we post it on Facebook. My phone number is on there, and my wife’s. We’re also trying to get student club recognition because we have a handful of students who are very dedicated to fostering Jewish community and to our organization. We hope once that happens we can officially have events and use college facilities. But for now it’s a great start. LO: Have students from both colleges shown up to the events that you have held? DG: [Combining the college’s and Cornell’s Jewish communities] is a large goal of ours. Once a month we want to bring Ithaca College students over to the Cornell Chabad House for a huge, festive meal and Shabbat service. … If you combine these two campuses, there’s something like 5,000 Jews. Five thousand Jews in such a small town. That’s just something that’s waiting to be tapped into. LO: How have you adjusted to living in the Ithaca community so far? DG: The true adjustment will come when the winter comes. [My wife and I] feel very comfortable here. It’s a very friendly community. College students in general are always looking to meet people. The college is an open place where people are looking to befriend and find things to do, so it makes it a lot easier for what we’re trying to do, which is cultivate relationships with people.
Feel the music
Junior Hayden Eager sings while seniors Bryan Davis and Daniel Barker play the bongos with the band Beat the Grid at the first Earthdance festival Saturday at Level Green’s farm. The event aimed to promote worldwide peace through music and dance.
Matt Rigby/The Ithacan
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Progressive radio show broadcasts live at college By Kari Beal
Contributing Writer
Ithaca College hosted Progressive Talk WNYY Radio’s “The Hartmann Program” with Thom Hartmann in front of a full crowd Friday in Emerson Suites Friday. The event was free for students, faculty and staff, but tickets were required. Cayuga Radio Group, which channels the radio show on WNYY, and the Roy H. Park School of Communications sponsored the event. About 440 people attended the three-hour live radio show. Connie Fairfax-Ozmun, director of marketing and promotions for WNYY, said she was surprised by the community’s enthusiastic response. “I was amazed at how fast tickets were sold online,” Fairfax-Ozmun said. Fairfax-Ozmun said not only locals attended the event, but also people from as far away as Pennsylvania and Connecticut. Talkers Magazine named Hartmann the tenth most important talk show host in America and the No. 1 most important progressive talk show host in America in its “Heavy Hundred” ranking. Geoff Dunn, news and program director of Progressive Talk WNYY, helped organize the event and has worked with Hartmann for more than four years. “Hartmann is a great spokesperson for the progressive community,” Dunn said. “He doesn’t care as much about controversy
issues as other candidates.” Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., was the first guest speaker to be interviewed on the air. Hartmann and the audience asked Sanders questions about domestic issues including health care, the Single Payer Bill, the Glass-Steagall Act, distribution of wealth and rights of corporations versus rights of individuals. Freshman Meghan Dailey said she was interested in Sanders’ responses to questions about health care. “I learned that health care is going to cost a lot of money, and the Senate doesn’t care about cutting taxes,” Dailey said. Daily said she was particularly interested in the senator’s ideas about energy. “[Solar panels] could sustain enough [energy] to prevent wars like the current one in the Middle East,” Sanders said. Sanders explained how the more power and freedom the wealthy have, the wealthier they become. He said that the American people need to re-regulate Wall Street thinking. The issue of health care was debated again when “Right Angle” talk show host, Mark Finkelstein, came on the air. Hartmann analyzed how the U.S. government appears to view home insurance as more important than health care. Government home insurance guarantees protection on a person’s house, while health care is only guaranteed for employees
Radio host Thom Hartmann talks to blogger Mark Finkelstein of NewsBusters.org on Friday afternoon in Emerson Suites. More than 400 people attended the three-hour live broadcast show.
Courtesy of Christine Estevez and Emoke Bebiak
of certain businesses. “Is taking care of a house more important than taking care of our bodies?” Hartmann said. Ithaca resident Joseph Wetmore said he regularly listens to Hartmann’s radio talk shows. “I like how he is very factualbased,” Wetmore said. “He bases more on facts than opinion.” Freshman David Gofman, a television radio major, said he came to the event because he was interested in radio and wants to get involved in politics. He said he enjoyed listening to the discussions about domestic issues. “I really like how Thom Hartmann brings up both sides of issues
for discussion,” Gofman said. Junior Meghan Malone said she was glad she came to see Hartmann because he brings an unbiased perspective to his show. “[Hartmann] brings in people that don’t have the same viewpoint as him but, at the same time, respects what they have to say,” Malone said. At the event, Hartmann was selling and autographing his most recent book “Threshold: The Crisis of Western Culture.” It is a part of a series of books that Hartmann has written. He is a New York Times best-selling author. He is also a four-time winner of the Project Censored Award, which
awards news stories not found through the mainstream media. Hartmann’s work focuses on the idea that cultural change begins with the ideas of progressive people. Hartmann said an idea that reaches a mass audience can be powerful. “When stories change, the world changes,” Hartmann said. After listening to the event, Wetmore said Hartmann is a great radio host. “There are a few positions Thom Hartmann has that I wouldn’t agree with,” Wetmore said. “But overall he is one of the best talk show hosts I have ever heard.”
Opinion
10 The Ithacan
Thursday, October 1, 2009
editorials
Discovering Rod Serling
Conference to celebrate 50th anniversary of “The Twilight Zone” gives students a chance to learn about writer’s legacy
C
urrent students at Ithaca College weren’t even born when “The Twilight Zone” aired in the early ’60s. Few students likely know much about it or that its executive producer and screenwriter, Rod Serling, taught at the college and grew up in the area. After five seasons of the show, six Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe, Serling retired from television and began teaching at the college in 1967 until his death in 1975. The college has held two previous conferences dedicated to Serling and will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the first episode with conference sessions, discussions and other activities starting Friday. Serling was an influential figure not only in science fiction, but also in the early decades of television and screenwriting. He was an important voice in the Golden Age of Television — a time when television was new and programs like “The Twilight Zone” dominated. The show went beyond the paranormal and futuristic to tackle themes such as war, racism and Cold War hysteria when few others were doing so. Students at the college are fortunate to have such a prestigious former faculty member, and today, students are lucky that the legacy of Serling survives. Regardless of major, students should consider learning more about the influence of Serling on television, storytelling and the college. Opportunities like the 50th anniversary of the show do not come again. Students are urged to attend the public events sponsored by the college. In the words of Serling himself, “Next stop, the Twilight Zone.”
no trespassing
City should take full responsibility to deal with homelessness in the Jungle
R
esidents of the Jungle — a small community that houses Ithaca’s homeless in the West End — are in limbo right now, waiting to hear if they will lose the place they call home. The City of Ithaca Building Department filed several violations against residents of the Jungle. After, the city determined the property was owned by railroad company, Norfolk Southern Corp. The company was told to push residents off the land, according to a Norfolk Southern spokesman, but no residents left the Jungle despite the railroad company posting signs that residents were trespassing. Even though both the city and the railroad company own pieces of the land, the city should have been taking proactive measures to address the issue. The city’s homeless are not a problem of the railroad company, but of the city government. Residents have lived there for more than 70 years without being shut down and now, all of a sudden, the city is demanding they leave the area. It is irresponsible on the part of the city to not offer residents of the Jungle a safe and viable alternative housing option. The city said it is now planning to work with social agencies to relocate residents in an effort to address the problem, but it should have been working with these agencies from the beginning. City officials need to create a finite, official plan for relocating residents as soon as possible. Discussion about what to do about residents and the area must occur in order to make relocation humane and less burdensome for all parties involved. Back-and-forth between the government and railroad is unproductive — especially when people are waiting to see if they’ll have homes.
your letters
Israel often criticized on campus
Thank you, Michael Smith, assistant professor of history, for your letter in last week’s Ithacan about Hillel’s anti-Semitism workshop. It is quite true that much criticism of Israel’s policies is legitimate. Not even Israelis dispute that, and they are, in fact, its loudest critics. It is equally true that many forms of criticism of Israel are thinly disguised anti-Semitic riffs, and — along with straight-ahead Holocaust denial and other forms of purely anti-Semitic propaganda — this is what was covered in the workshop. There was no attempt to mislead anybody, although perhaps The Ithacan article itself may have left a mistaken impression. It is completely disingenuous to think that there is an effort to stifle criticism of Israel on this campus or anywhere else. In fact, all one hears at Ithaca College is criticism of Israel in the classroom, on WICB radio, in publications, lectures and presentations. What are actually being stifled are efforts to present a more balanced picture of the situation in the Middle East. I, for one, would like to finally see a
Critique of Israel not anti-Semitism Neither the workshop run by the Anti-Defamation League nor the article in The Ithacan covering that workshop equated a critique of Israeli policies to acts of anti-Semitism. Israel supporters on this campus as well as Israelis themselves can be some of Israel’s biggest critics. That being said, criticizing Israeli action and policy is very welcome, but very different than demonizing, denigrating and delegitimizing Israel and its very right to exist. It is the latter that we too often experience on this campus, leaving members of the Ithaca College community feeling personally attacked. Israel supporters on this campus have been, and continue to be, publicly harassed and verbally attacked by both students and faculty, creating a truly unsafe learning environment and campus atmosphere.
A workshop teaching to identify hate and slander would better equip attending students with how to defend themselves in the eyes of hatred and how to better support other communities that may undergo similarly hurtful and harmful scrutiny. Perhaps this would be a better time than any to teach our students and faculty how to advocate for one another rather than our routine actions of demonization. Critique and hate take very different forms, and perhaps it is time for us to learn to distinguish between the two. Molly Wernick Hillel Program Intern LETTER POLICY The Ithacan welcomes correspondence from all readers. Please include your name, graduation year, organizational or college title/position and phone number. Letters must be 250 words or less. The Ithacan reserves the right to edit letters for length, clarity and taste. All letters must be received by 5 p.m. the Monday before publication. All letters must be signed, submitted in writing and either e-mailed to ithacan@ ithaca.edu or delivered to Park 269.
Speak your mind. Write a letter to the editor ithacan@ithaca.edu
250 words or less, e-mailed or dropped off by 5 p.m. Monday in Park 269
The Ithacan Lindsey hollenbaugh editor in chief Allison musante Managing editor Elizabeth sile opinion Editor Jacqueline palochko news Editor ashley may assistant news editor Leah Tedesco assistant news editor michelle skowronek accent editor
true dialogue take place and not just the usual trashing of a noble, but flawed, effort to build a decent society in that part of the world. Michael Faber Hillel Director and Jewish Chaplain
269 Roy H. Park Hall, Ithaca College Ithaca, N.Y. 14850-7258 (607) 274-3208 | Fax (607) 274-1376
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Opinion
Thursday, Octobe r 1 , 2 0 0 9
The It hacan 11
Guest commentary
College must move beyond diversity rhetoric T
he last time Ithaca College attempted to address the issue of “diversity,” it created the Diversity Task Force in 2004, which came up with four goals: increase the diversity of the college population; retain people from these underrepresented groups; create a campus environment that accepts, reflects and celebrates diversity; and collaborate with off-campus communities to advance diversity. Diversity in the task force’s estimation had something to do with Matt connolly “age, race, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, physical ability and religious belief.” I’m not sure which goals have been met, but with over-enrollment there are certainly more people on campus with different ages, races, genders, ethnicities, sexual orientations, physical abilities and religious beliefs. But, as President Tom Rochon said, “diversity is an issue where there can always be more done.” The 2004 task force made several recommendations, which include, among others, instating a diversity requirement, creating a yearly survey to assess the social climate on campus, working to develop diversity in the curriculum and accommodating different styles of learning. However, few of those recommendations have been implemented. Furthermore, we have no working definition of diversity, and the plan now is to develop a “strategic plan.” I think we’re entering shaky territory when we start using words with meanings we don’t know. Diversity, a concept which was developed in the wake of the Civil Rights movement, created a positive awareness where it had not existed — for the incorporation of people of color into education. The pro-diversity argument, of course, is framed as a benefit for all people: Exposure to different races and cultures will prepare a white student for encountering life in an everglobalizing world. Diversity calls on the idea that bringing students with different backgrounds and
Lilly miller
Don’t blame the freshman
A Ebony Brown ’07 and President Emeritus Peggy Williams rally at the Free Speech Rock after racial incidents occurred on campus April 14, 2005. Williams created the Diversity Task Force in 2004.
file photo/the Ithacan
ways of approaching knowledge together creates a stronger classroom and deepens the possibility of learning. Courses that had never addressed the history, culture and ways of knowing peoples of color could diversify and improve the kind of education they delivered. Colleges that previously excluded, or disadvantaged, certain groups could move toward “diversity” through their inclusion. Promoting diversity creates a way to address the effects of racism, classism, homophobia and sexism without addressing those issues directly. Why must specific attention be paid to retaining “underrepresented groups” and creating a campus that accepts diversity? Supporting students should be a given on a college campus, whether that means supporting student clubs that celebrate a given culture or making classes accessible to students with disabilities. However, we should be asking what in the college makes promoting diversity necessary. Since the college never has had to confront the various ways that
it has disadvantaged students of different races, sexual orientations, genders and physical ability, it never has had to acknowledge the problem diversity sought to remedy. The lack of definition for “diversity” allowed us to carry it to its natural conclusion: We all have different backgrounds, and different life experiences have landed us where we are today. This isn’t startling, nor does it give us much of a clue as to what we should do with this information. How were these differences produced? Are there similarities in different life experiences? What do these similarities and differences ultimately mean about our society? The college can move beyond rhetorical plays to actually identify what problems exist on the campus. If we continue to create plans, goals and strategies, when will we actually get to work? Matt Connolly is a junior writing major. E-mail him at mconnol1@ithaca.edu.
Guest commentary
Student organization promotes drug policy reforms
S
tudents for a Sensible Drug Policy is a grass roots organization that started in 1998 as a result of an amendment to the Higher Education Act. The amendment stated that students with minor drug convictions Gretchen would lose their Duerr federal financial aid. No other crime, violent or not, warrants the loss of a student’s federal financial aid. Until recently, this amendment disenfranchised more than 200,000 college students. Thanks largely to the efforts of SSDP chapters across the nation, the act has been amended and much of the wording has been removed. There are more than 250 SSDP chapters nationwide. As of this semester Ithaca College is one of them. One of our main goals this year is to educate the general public about the dangers of the drug war and how it negatively affects everyone. We plan on screening drug war documentaries during the semester. We hope to bring drug policy reform experts to the college to take part in panels for students to attend. We are currently working on bringing a medical marijuana information seminar to campus, including a “how to get involved” workshop. Students also have the opportunity to attend
little fish, big pond
From left, sophomore Rachel Maine and senior Gretchen Duerr, president of Students for a Sensible Drug Policy, meet Tuesday in Williams Hall.
Patrick Barnes/The Ithacan
conferences throughout the year. The Drug Policy Alliance’s biannual conference will be held in November in Albuquerque, N.M. Our chapter is also working toward making solid change to policy on and off campus. We hope to get a Good Samaritan Policy passed on campus. This policy would help to alleviate worries students may have when deciding on whether or not they, or a friend, need medical attention while drinking underage or partaking in the use of illicit drugs. The policy would grant all parties involved legal amnesty if they decided to call for medical assistance. Though this is already the general practice of the college’s police, we
feel it is of the utmost importance to have it as an official college policy. Lastly, we plan on shedding light on the environmental consequences of the drug war by working with the Ithaca City Council to get a nonbinding resolution passed in support of the legalization of farming industrial hemp. If successful, the resolution will state that the city of Ithaca supports the legalization of industrial hemp. It is physically impossible to use hemp as a recreational drug. Hemp is, however, very useful in practically every other form of industry from nutrition to paper to biodegradable plastics. For example, Ithaca Hours are printed
on hemp paper. Local legislation similar to this can help put pressure on the state and federal government to allow farmers to grow this highly sustainable multifaceted crop in the United States. SSDP is a way for students to make a difference. Every other year there is a national SSDP conference held in Washington, D.C. SSDP members go to Congress to lobby and inform their representatives on how they feel about the current drug policies. Right now, the United States has 5 percent of the world’s population and 25 percent of the world’s prisoners. Many of them are imprisoned for drug related, nonviolent crimes. To these people, going to jail is what ruins their lives — not the drugs for which they were arrested. Organizations like SSDP are fighting to end the drug war. The so-called war on drugs drains public funds and wastes law enforcement’s resources while doing more harm to society than good. We wish to educate the public so that they can make informed decisions. It is time to move past the ignorance of “Just Say No” to a future where educated adults have the right to make their own decisions. The college’s Students for a Sensible Drug Policy chapter meets at 9 p.m. every Tuesday in Williams 222. Gretchen Duerr is a senior English major and president and founder of SSDP. E-mail her at gduerr1@ithaca.edu.
All opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of The Ithacan. To write a guest commentary, contact Opinion Editor Elizabeth Sile at 274-3208.
s a freshman, I live with the added burden of not making “typical freshman mistakes,” or being “that freshman.” My three main extracurricular activities are the Student Government Association, VIC Radio and The Ithacan, all of which seem to be populated by upperclassmen. And me. Sometimes I’ll be sitting in the same room as other members and I’ll hear them say, “These freshmen need to start doing what they’re supposed to.” I immediately pat my surroundings and try to make myself look useful, hoping that they’re not referring to me. DJing for VIC, I am by myself in the studio for hours at a time, completely alone, so it’s the perfect time to make some of those quintessential freshman mistakes. Automation is a playlist that gets turned on when no DJ is working to prevent dead air — a mortal sin in radio. Recently, there has been a lot of dead air and no known culprit. Obviously it’s assumed a freshman is to blame. “You have to turn on automation tonight,” the DJ before me said last week. “Um, OK,” I managed to let out. I hadn’t started automation before, so naturally I never paid attention when it was explained. I spent my entire shift nervous I would mess it up. Not knowing what to do, I started pacing and texted my boss. “I set up automation, but there might be a few hours of dead air. Just letting you know.” I was done for. My short tenure at Ithaca College was over before my first Cortaca. Sensing I was still nervous, the next day my boss assured me that I was not in trouble. I tend to have minor meltdowns for insignificant events out of fear of being labeled “the stupid freshman.” In SGA, there have been many times they assume I know more than I actually do. “I may or may not be trapped in an elevator,” I said, as SGA President Jeff Goodwin answered his phone. I had been stuck in Campus Center with a cart forever, but it was still week one of my job, and I didn’t want to look stupid. When the door opened, he was laughing at me, still on the line. Looking stupid had come and gone when I learned that I needed a key to work this elevator of death. Rookie mistake. My journey wasn’t over when within ten minutes I found myself outside with no way of moving the cart down the steps. Not wanting to call Jeff, I did what I do best. I found the biggest boy to help. It wasn’t the first time I made a mistake, and it won’t be the last, but I cringe a little before each time I tell an upperclassman that it was I, the freshman, who messed up.
Lilly Miller is a freshman journalism major. E-mail her at lmiller1@ithaca.edu.
12 The Ithacan
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Thursday, Octobe r 1 , 2 0 0 9
accen t
The Ithacan 13
years of
The Twilight Zone PHOTO COURTESY OF c. hadley smith
Ithaca College celebrates Rod Serling’s television achievements
BY Meredith maresco contributing writer
In the hallways of the Roy H. Park School of Communications, students catch up on the most recent episode of “Supernatural.” “Did you watch last night’s episode?” and “Did you see the way Ruby tricked Sam? She was awesome!” Students recount last night’s paranormal-filled episode as they walk to class, passing a glass display case glittering in the View an audio light, without slideshow of the even realizing Rod Serling archivist at theithacan.org/ that the man go/09twilight. honored within the case was responsible for much of the way horror and science fiction shows, like the popular show “Supernatural,” are represented today. Tomorrow, Ithaca College will kick off the 50th anniversary of Rod Serling’s “The Twilight Zone” with the Rod Serling Conference, a two-day event sponsored by the Park School. Edward Rod Serling was born in Syracuse, N.Y., in 1924 and was raised in Binghamton, N.Y. He attended Antioch College in Ohio after serving in the Army during World War II. In 1956, he wrote the script for “Requiem for a Heavyweight,” a story about a former boxer getting back into the ring. Later, in 1959, Serling produced his most famous work “The Twilight Zone.” Then, in 1967, he went on to teach a specialty course at the college focused on dramatic writing. He taught until 1975 when he died of a heart attack. Diane Gayeski, interim dean of the Park School and a former student of Ser-
Program Guide
Friday
SATURDAY
2 to 3:15 p.m. SURVIVING “THE TWILIGHT ZONE:” AN ALTERNATE REALITY WITH ALTERNATE RULES
9 to 10:15 a.m. DIVINING ROD: ILLUMINATION AND “THE TWILIGHT ZONE” EXPERIENCE
3:30 to 4:45 p.m. SERLING TO SIMPSON
10:30 to 11:30 a.m. “THE TWILIGHT ZONE” GRAPHIC NOVELS
8 p.m. KEYNOTE SPEAKER: GEORGE CLAYTON JOHNSON
8:30 p.m. “THE TWILIGHT ZONE” MARATHON
More events are listed at www.ithaca.edu.
ling’s, said she hopes those who attend the conference find inspiration in what Serling did and how he achieved success. “Today in a lot of media we rely a lot on the wonderful special effects that can be achieved to gain impact and attention,” she said. “Rod was able to do it primarily with words in really a very lowtech kind of industry at that point.” Junior David Reynolds, a television and radio major, said he admires Serling’s ability to create new and interesting stories that were more personal than other shows at the time. “It wasn’t about sci-fi,” he said. “It was about the people in it, and it was about their reactions. Who cares about the end of the world if you don’t know
From left, former professors Ronald Nicoson, Rod Serling and John Keshishoglou talk after a lecture given by Serling on Oct. 19, 1967, at the college.
Courtesy of c. hadley smith
anybody you care about who’s going to die in it? Serling took that and made such personal stories.” Freshman Wade Thomas Ferrari, a cinema and photography major, said some students don’t know much about Serling. They can only connect “The Twilight Zone” with him. George Clayton Johnson, the keynote speaker for the conference and a scriptwriter for several “The Twilight Zone” episodes, said Serling had a kind heart. “The thing about Rod was he was a class act,” Johnson said. “He stood for the classic virtues. He would stop to help the old lady across the street. And he would defend his right to freedom of speech even though he got in trouble for it.” Carol Serling, Serling’s wife, said her husband really cared about the medium. She said he believed it was there not only to entertain people, but also to educate. “I don’t think he realized the impact and the fact that some of his work is still out there 50 years later,” she said. “I think he would be very surprised.” Carol said her husband used the “The Twilight Zone” as a vehicle to address contemporary issues. “If somebody was a Martian speaking, they could say the kinds of things he wanted to get out there, and he really wanted to deal with social issues,” she said. “He had a lot of problems with network censors and sponsors, which is why in a sense, he escaped into ‘The Twilight Zone,’ because he could say what he wanted to.” Dan Heffner ’78, producer of the “Saw” franchise, was a freshman when Serling taught his final semes-
ter. Though Heffner didn’t have a class with Serling, he said he followed “The Twilight Zone” series avidly, and it influenced his later work. “Rod Serling’s narrative and his method of telling stories has influenced everything I’ve done,” he said. “And certainly his name is one that definitely has come up multiple times in ‘Saw’ story meetings.” Heffner said Serling was at the forefront of the television industry and a revolutionary of the time. “He was a major shaping form [for] television,” he said. “I think some of the most classic television was his responsibility.” Johnson said Serling inspired him to look beyond reality and use a little imagination in his writing. “The idea is that these kinds of stories all seem to be very realistic dramas with one small element of the imaginary attached to them,” he said. “That is sort of his format, the real world with a touch of strange.” Heffner said he thinks Serling’s place in history is important in the TV world. Serling came into being in television at a time when television itself was in its infancy, Heffner said. “Nobody really knew what television was at that point in time, and I think, as a whole, it was a much more intellectual medium than it is now,” Heffner said. “I don’t know that Rod Serling could do in today’s world what he did in the ’60s in its heyday. Potentially a lot of the things he did would be seen as art films or PBS broadcasts or nonmainstream work. And that is upsetting.”
[ a ccentuate]
14 The Ithacan
Hot or Not This week’s hits and misses
Thursday, October 1, 2009
View an audio slideshow of Ithacappella at theithacan.org/ go/09acappella.
The entertainment industry’s lust for vampires keeps viewers thirsty for more. Staff Writer Anne Gould Northgraves separates the successful spine-tingling vamps from the horrendous bloodsuckers.
Hot
True Blood The HBO series may have wrapped up its second season, but its addictive allure still remains. The vampires are appropriately menacing — they sneak around with super speed and eviscerate humans with relish. Thrills and chills are a key aspect of what makes “True Blood” one of the best vampire-themed pieces of entertainment. Telling the story of a Louisiana town where vampires have exposed themselves because of the production of a blood substitute, “True Blood” also presents allegories for social prejudices and sports a sexy, smoldering cast.
Lend me a tenor
Seniors Christopher Lee and Robert Dietz perform during the Block I Ithacappella concert Friday in Emerson Suites. Known for its a cappella renditions of classic and contemporary music, the group drew many students to Phillips Hall for the performance.
Andrew Buraczenski/the ithacan
Lukewarm
The Vampire Diaries The CW’s new show “The Vampire Diaries,” inspired by a book series, is much tamer than its edgy HBO counterpart. However, there is promise in the flirtatiousness of the two stars, high schooler Elena Gilbert (Nina Dobrev) and vampire Stefan Salvatore (Paul Wesley). The devilish demeanor of Stefan’s humankilling brother (Ian Somerhalder) and the deep, black eyes of the vampires add a dimension of horror to this scintillating show. With time, the teen drama could turn into a classic vampire tale.
Not
The Twilight Series The multimillion dollar franchise may seem hot to hordes of teen girls, but the lackluster film feels as cold and dead as the vampires it portrays. There is little chemistry between Edward Cullen (Robert Pattinson) — who looks like he is constantly smelling rotten fish — and his love, Bella, played by Kristen Stewart. And no self-respecting vampire ought to glitter in the sunlight. The latest film in the series, “New Moon,” will be focusing less on vampires and more on werewolves, so this next installment should have more sexy bark and less chilling bite.
“
Hollywood hunks play to packed seats in new broadway show
omg!
A growing trend on the Great White Way is to cast leading film actors and actresses in headlining roles. Stars like Catherine Zeta-Jones, Jerry Springer and Usher have all brought their talents to Manhattan. More recently, Hugh Jackman and Daniel Craig took to the stage in the new comedy “A Steady Rain” by Keith Huff, which opened Sept. 10. Though the play is relatively new to the American theater scene, these two studs had no problem filling seats and getting theatergoers excited to see good ... theater. — Aaron Edwards
blog week of
the
hot dates thursday
Spiritual Rez, a Boston Music Award-winning reggae and funk-rock band, will perform at 9 p.m. at Castaways on Inlet Island. The Pink Ribbon Ball, a semiformal dance to raise money for breast cancer research, will run from 7 to 11:30 p.m. in Emerson Suites in Campus Center. Admission is $3 and donations will be accepted.
friday
Above Ground, a modern and
Awkward aunts and quirky cousins get a shot at the spotlight on hilarious blog
There’s always one Christmas card with someone whose eyes are shut or someone with terrible hair. But the average family photo is generally not as awkward as the ones posted on the “Awkward Family Photos” blog. Here, families who are just a little too close for comfort — groups with kittens and guns, sisters with teenage angst and brothers with matching mustaches — come to share their hilarious photos for others’ enjoyment. — Alexandra Palombo
quoteunquote
Ahh Sunday. Finally a day off ... At least vamps are supposed to have dark circles under their eyes.
“Twilight” star Peter Facinelli’s Twitter update at 1:03 p.m. Sunday.
classic rock band, will perform from 7 to 9 p.m. at The Haunt off Route 13. Admission is free. U-Melt, a New York City-based quartet, will perform at 9 p.m. at Castaways on Inlet Island. Admission is $9.
saturday
David Solid Gould and the Temple Rockers, a ten-piece roots-reggae band, will perform at 9 p.m. at Castaways on Inlet Island. Admission is $8.
Cayuga DanceSport Challenge, a ballroom dancing competition sponsored by the Ithaca College Ballroom Dance Club and Cornell University’s DanceSport Team, will run from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. in the Ben Light Gymnasium in the Hill Center. Admission is free.
sunday
Soul Power, a movie documentary about the music festival “Zaire ’74,” will be shown at 7:15 p.m. in Willard Straight Hall at Cornell University. Admission is $4 to $6.50.
Thursday, Octobe r 1 , 2 0 0 9
Restaurants renovate locations downtown BY Alexandra palombo Staff Writer
South Cayuga Street is thriving. There are a few businesses, like Stiehl’s Body Modification, the Christian Science Reading Room and the chic clothing store Avanti, that add flair to the street, but surprisingly, no restaurants. The only visible eatery on South Cayuga Street is an abandoned storefront café, and it looks nowhere near ready to serve hungry customers. From two large windows, the bare hardwood floors, simple metal chairs and raw brick walls make the restaurant look completely deserted. It is a far cry from what the Ithaca favorite Lost Dog Café once was. Former Lost Dog owner John Hughes said despite the café’s popularity, the profits weren’t enough to keep it alive. The restaurant unexpectedly closed in July because of debt the owners were in. “It was great,” Hughes said. “But converting an old clothing store to a restaurant was a huge task and more than we anticipated. We opened up in a big financial hole that we could never really climb out of.” Rather than leaving the space abandoned, Scott and Teresa Miller, owners of Madeline’s — located on the corner of East State Street and South Aurora Street on The Commons — decided to start a new restaurant in the empty space. The Wildfire Grill had its debut Saturday, featuring what Scott Miller calls “sophisticated comfort food” and a performance by the Katherine Aelias Band. Miller said his goal was to create a haven for all of Ithaca’s “foodies” to enjoy simple
meals together. “For years we were saying ‘I’m not in the mood for Asian food, and I’m not in the mood for a burger,’” Miller said. “And, ‘We’re going out with our friend [who] is a vegan, but we’re going out with our friend, that eats fish. It’s too bad that there isn’t a place where our veggie friend and our carnivore friend and our fish friend could all go.’” Miller knew about the restaurant space opening because he was Lost Dog Café’s lawyer. Hughes said he was happy to see the Millers buy the restaurant and give it the attention it deserved. “I’m happy to see new money going to it because it definitely needed more money than we could give to it,” Hughes said. A few doors down from Lost Dog Café’s former home, Hughes and four other partners will be opening the Bandwagon Microbrewery — a microbrewery with local beer and entertainment. He said he hopes the pub keeps some of the same atmosphere that the Lost Dog had. “We’re going to be playing the same music that we played in the Lost Dog,” he said. “Hopefully we have good, home-brewed beer, good food and lots of fun people.” This time around, Hughes said he thinks building a new restaurant in an old restaurant’s space will prevent him from falling into debt. Hughes said both he and Miller were lucky, opening their restaurants in the current economic climate. According to Chamber of Commerce President Jean McPheeters, opening
Accent
The Ithacan 15
Teresa Miller, co-owner of Madeline’s, measures where tables will be placed in the new Wildfire Grill on Tuesday at the restaurant’s location on South Cayuga Street. Wildfire Grill is taking over the space where the Lost Dog Café used to be. Bridget corrigan/the ithacan
restaurants in the area is still difficult because of the lending industry. “There’s a high failure rate for restaurants,” she said. “The big difference here is that there aren’t many chains around here. There’s a thriving independent restaurant community here.” Simeon’s has also already expanded its restaurant by taking over the vacant Gino’s Pizzeria space. Owner Dean Zevros said the majority of his business comes from students bringing their parents for a nice dinner during Parents’ Weekend in October. He said making a profit from the restaurant business hasn’t always been so easy.
“New York state does not make it easy for individuals and small businesses to really grow,” Zevros said. “There’s a small margin for profit and a lot of taxes.” Sammy Chafee, the owner of Sammy’s Pizzeria on The Commons, said he is also able to expand his business. Sammy’s Italian Buffet will be where King Buffet used to be located in Top’s Plaza. Chafee said most of his profit also comes from students. He said the colleges have insulated his business from the harsh economic climate. “Because of both schools, we aren’t
as affected by the economy,” Chafee said. “We are doing better than we were before.” Ithaca resident Tanya Reynolds said she was excited to hear about the restaurant renovations. She said the diversity of food on The Commons continues to grow, which gives hungry customers great options to choose from. “Whatever you’re in the mood for, you can find here,” Reynolds said. “You can have Thai, you can have a bar, you can have Chinese, you can have a sub or a salad. I like the diversity. It encourages people to go out.”
16 The Ithacan
Thursday, October 1, 2009
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The Ithacan 17
High hopes and higher heels spearhead theater season By Alexandra Evans Contributing Writer
A tall silhouette of a figure with broad shoulders takes the stage. As the lights emerge, the sound of clicking heels fills the theater, and Marlene is revealed — not a man, but an independent, working woman of the ’80s. She holds herself with a confident gait and a strong demeanor. Norm Johnson, director of Ithaca College’s upcoming production of “Top Girls,” said he strives to prove through characters like Marlene that though we live in an age of change and social advancement, the world’s social stigmas have yet to be resolved. “What I wanted people to see is that there are these moments where women, and especially men, think that equality has been achieved and the battle of the sexes, or the fight for equal rights and recognition, is over and done,” Johnson said. “I think it’s akin to people saying now that we have Obama for president that all the racism in America is past tense. ... My vision for the show is that the dream is not dead, the battle is not over, and we have to remain conscious.” “Top Girls” touches on heavy themes, specifically sexism, and was originally written in response to Margaret Thatcher’s rise to power as British Prime Minister in the ’80s. The show tells the story of an independent woman who tries to succeed in a man’s world. The successful businesswoman, Marlene, is promoted above her male co-workers. The story examines her circumstances and what she’s given up in life and love to obtain her success. Senior acting major Vanessa Sterling, who plays Marlene, said the message of the play is a vital aspect of the production. “[Marlene’s] done everything she can to distance herself from her past and her family where she came from,” she said. “The director is focused on making sure every story is told clearly and that it all mixes together to create this one woman, while at the same time displaying archetypes of brands of women.”
From top: Senior Emily Brazee and freshman Celeste Rose in Caryl Churchill’s “Top Girls.” The play examines the difficult choices women make to achieve success in a male-dominated world. Courtesy of sheryl sinkow
Junior costume designer Madison Ryckman said she designed the costumes to embody the powerful female theme. “We played a lot with warm and cold,” she
said. “Like a warm, inviting, feminine world, especially for the dinner scene and the women that she works with. And sort of a colder idea for Marlene. She’s rejected what it is to
be a woman.” Ryckman said the audience should expect to see big belts, big hair, shoulder pads and loud colors on stage. “It’s definitely a time warp,” she said. “The women [on stage] really have embraced the idea of the ’80s.” Sterling said it was a challenge to develop her complex character. “She’s a very strong character,” she said. “But at the same time, she’s kind of covering up this immense, emotional baggage, so it’s hard to kind of work with all of the possibilities.” The opening scene of the play is presented as a dream sequence where Marlene has a dinner party with famous women in history. Some are fictional, such as Dull Gret, the subject of the Pieter Bruegel painting “Dulle Griet,” depicting a woman leading her female neighbors to the pits of hell to fight evil. Other women include Pope Joan, the only alleged female pope, as well as Lady Nijo, a Japanese Emperor’s courtesan. For Johnson, this scene, which runs about 50 minutes, is what makes the play a particularly interesting theatrical challenge. “I’m hoping that [the audience] will be able to make the connections between the stories and the experiences of the women that Marlene invites to the banquet,” he said. “Every one of those women explains a piece about who Marlene has become.” Ryckman said the combination of bold and colorful costumes, Johnson’s organic directing process and the talent of the cast and crew makes this show a great opener for the college’s main stage season. “It’s fierce,” she said. “It’s about these strong women. It’s about the masks we wear every day. No matter what, you come to the show, and you are going to talk about it afterwards.” “Top Girls” will be performed at 8 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Oct. 10 and Oct. 20 to Oct. 24, with 2 p.m. matinees offered Oct. 11 and Oct. 24, in the Clark Theatre in Dillingham Center.
Community School of Music and Arts works to continue educating youth Fundraiser dedicates October to need-based scholarships By Whitney Faber Staff Writer
A block down from The Commons, a tall, white building stands, seemingly quiet and plain — only the green awnings above the doors that read “Community School of Music and Arts” give any indication of the building’s creativity. Inside, the school is alive with the thrill of learning and imagination, as classes for music, dance and visual arts are held for students of all ages in studios around the building. Hoping to remain a place for people of all skill levels and financial backgrounds to receive fine arts education, the Community School of Music and Arts is holding its annual “Arts for All Marathon Fundraiser” to support the school’s need-based scholarships. Lessons for 19 weeks run from $715.63 to $1,406.75, so students who need financial help are given full scholarships. The marathon began Monday with a kickoff ceremony in front of the school and will end Oct. 24 with a gala, including a silent auction. The “26.2-day” fundraiser (26 days and 4.8 hours) — meant to coincide with the number of miles in an actual running marathon — will include gallery openings, musical events and other celebrations of the arts. Robin Tropper-Herbel, executive
director of the school, said having a marathon for a fundraiser is perfect because it includes all aspects of what the school aspires to be. “The great thing about the marathon is that it’s also all about what we do here at CSMA,” she said. “It encompasses all of the arts, all different kinds of people taking part, from all walks of life.” A large part of the marathon, outside of the events, is for students and artists in the area to grow in their craft. They can contribute by writing a play, practicing a song or creating a series of paintings. Then, they will find people in the community to sponsor their endeavors. “The idea is that artists of all kinds — visual artists, musicians, dancers, writers, you name it — commit to doing a creative project that raises money for the school,” Tropper-Herbel said. “It can be almost anything.” The school has no specific goal in mind for the fundraiser, but it does hope to raise at least $15,000 that can be put toward awarding scholarships to students. One event the school hopes the community will become involved in is the Post-it Note Art Gallery on Oct. 24 — an art exhibit made up entirely of Post-its that are sent to the school during the marathon and put on display, with each one being sold for $5.
The curator for the gallery, Ed Marion, said the Post-it Note Art Gallery is about transforming people of all skill levels into artists. “The idea behind it is that the Post-it note is so readily available,” he said. “As long as you have a pen or pencil in your hand, you pretty much have the makings of an art studio. We’re trying to underscore that everyone is an artist and everyone can make art.” Tropper-Herbel said trying to make it possible for everyone to become involved in fine arts is a large part of what makes the school significant in the Ithaca community. “We have a very unique niche in the community, because … we have it all here in one place,” she said. “People of all ages and level of skill and backgrounds can take classes. It’s a great place to come and just try out the arts.” Amy Rogers, a mother whose son attends the school, said CSMA has been a vital part of her son’s development. “It’s been a constant example of how working hard at something produces benefits, and he’s been able to apply this example to his academics and to other aspects of his life,” she said. Marion said the marathon is a culmination of everything the school is ideally about — fine arts education for everyone.
Bobbie Kolpakas, adjunct professor at Wells College, pins up artwork Monday at the Community School of Music and Arts Fundraiser kickoff event. Funds will support students at the school who cannot pay the lesson fees.
andrew buraczenski/the ithacan
“A big part of the school is definitely being available to give arts — visual arts and music education — to all students, which is really the idea behind the marathon,” he said.
A complete listing of the “Arts for All Marathon Fundraiser” events and activities can be found at http://www.csma-ithaca.org/ marathon/events.php.
Accent
18 The Ithacan
single Tracks we’ve got on repeat
file
“lust for life” Girls
The guys (not girls) from this San Francisco-based group kick off their album and live up to the hype with this rock ’n’ roll-laden tune.
“elephant”
Them Crooked Vultures
Yet another supergroup — this time comprised of Dave Grohl, Josh Homme and John Paul Jones — takes form with this predictably Led Zeppelin-esque track.
“there’s too much love” Sufjan Stevens
Premiered at our very own Castaways, Sufjan Stevens’ new material for a future album did not seem connected to any new U.S. state. compiled by Sam fanburg
Accent’s Oldie But Goodie “hot fun in the summertime” (1969) Sly and the Family Stone
As autumn creeps into view, it is important to keep summer in the back of our minds with this classic track. —sam fanburg
quickies
courtesy of Warner bros.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Sci-fi flick bogged down by poor plot structure by Matthew Harvey contributing writer
It’s rare that a movie cries out for a longer running time. Such is the case, however, with “Surrogates,” the new sci-fi, action movie starring Bruce Willis and directed by Jonathan Mostow. The convoluted plot, with all of its twists and turns, ends up dominating almost all of “Surrogates”’ 88 minutes, at the expense of audience involvement. The movie is set in a utopian society where nearly all of mankind lives vicariously through “surrogates,” which “Surrogates” are physically perfect Touchstone robotic representaPictures tions of themselves. Our rating: These carbon copies H1/2 give humans the opportunity to do as they please in the real world from the comfort of their homes. Anyone can be whomever he or she wants to be. Willis plays Tom Greer, an FBI agent attempting to solve the murder of a college student killed while in the body of his surrogate. The case is unusual because surrogates are designed to prevent the operator from perishing alongside his or her robot. Together with his partner, agent Jennifer Peters (Radha Mitchell), Greer uncovers a vast conspiracy that threatens to destroy the human race. The opening montage of news reports tells the audience that crime, sexism and racism are extinguished virtually overnight by the emergence of the surrogates. The film does not, however, go into detail as to how this occurs. Boredom quickly sets in as the suspense is killed by the feeling that nothing happening on-screen
Film Review
Agent Tom Greer (Bruce Willis) and agent Jennifer Peters (Radha Mitchell) investigate the surrogate conspiracy in Jonathan Mostow’s “Surrogates.” The film’s short running time limits its exploration of subplots and details. Courtesy of touchstone pictures
matters. The film attempts to get audiences to like Tom while watching him mourn the tragic death of his son in a car accident. This lazy scriptwriting serves only to distance the audience from the actors. Mostow’s direction is shockingly inept. Not since the 2000 John Travolta flop “Battlefield Earth” have audiences been bombarded with so many oblique angle shots. The action sequences, which follow the standard “blink and you’ll miss it” rapid-editing style, suffer from bad special effects and a lack of interesting set pieces. Surprisingly, many talented actors are underused in “Surrogates.” Willis
“tailgate party”
has little to do as the film’s protagonist and at times looks bored. Mitchell’s sole responsibility as Willis’ partner is to stand at his side and look intense. On the bright side, Ving Rhames does well as The Prophet, a dissident faction leader who makes al-Qaidastyle videotapes expressing his outrage at man’s dehumanization. He manages to inject some menace into the character despite his ridiculous Rastafarian haircut. The film achieves some poignancy in the scenes involving Tom’s wife, Maggie (Rosamund Pike). Maggie, still recovering from the loss of her son, retreats into her surrogate’s body
If you like to “Git-R-Done” as much as Larry, pick up this predictable release chock-full of wacky lyrics and vocals.
Band solidifies its position as iconic rockers of the decade by lauren mateer Contributing writer
courtesy of Jagjaguwar
Volcano Choir Jagjaguwar Justin Vernon of Bon Iver side project is a supplementary gift to those who weren’t able to pick up his previous LP “For Emma, Forever.”
courtesy of Casablanca music
“The boy who knew too much” Mika Casablanca Music
Back off his popular debut song “Grace Kelly,” Mika attempts to avoid the sophomore slump with tracks like “Blame it on the Girls.”
compiled by sam fanburg
“Surrogates” was written by John Brancato and Michael Ferris and directed by Jonathan Mostow.
Jammers rock on after eight albums
Larry the Cable Guy Warner Bros. Records
“unmap”
to the dismay of her husband. There is tenderness in the way the couple’s scenes are handled, but unfortunately such moments are too few in number to rescue the movie from monotony. With such a short running time, moviegoers have to wonder if the studio did some serious cutting before the film’s release. Examining the prevalence of technology in society is a worthwhile goal, and it’s a shame to see a potentially successful movie done in by its brevity.
Courtesy of Veda
Spiritual band loses gusto by evan johnson contributing writer
In the 50 minutes needed to listen to Veda’s newest album, “Down The Staircase,” listeners can easily sense the influence the band’s name has on its music. The name “Veda” is short for “Ayurveda” — Sanskrit for “the knowledge (or wisdom and science) of life.” The spirituality associated with the name has been blended into the band’s music and places them in a rare place between genres. It is neither Veda feisty punk nor lumbering “Down the hard-core metal. But it Staircase” Veda isn’t tantric-emo either. Our rating: The band’s primary HH tonal components come from the artistic efforts of guitarists Shikhar Bajracharya and Diwas Gurung. The two combine swirling, wandering tones with Tom Burchinal’s light and airy vocals. As a whole, the group shares a sound that proves to be dynamic but unfortunately has a tendency to drag.
Album Review
Pearl Jam’s ninth studio album, “Backspacer,” is its most upbeat and fun work to date. Though the band is most renowned for its popularity in the ’90s grunge era, Pearl Jam displays its flexibility by infusing new wave and pop elements. Hitting stores 18 years after the release of Pearl Jam’s iconic debut album, “Ten,” the new album has not completely lost the rough grunge style that characterized the band’s most popular work. However, “Backspacer” features a mainly optimistic tone, with upbeat lyrics similar to those of the album’s first single, “The Fixer,” in which lead singer Eddie Vedder sings: “If something’s old, I wanna put a bit of shine on it / When something’s gone, Pearl Jam I wanna fight to get it back “Backspacer” again.” The song even has a Monkeywrench Our rating: chorus with hand claps and HHH excited “Yeah, yeah, yeahs.” This does not exactly give “The Fixer” the hard power of earlier singles like “Even Flow” from Pearl Jam’s second album, “Vs.,” or the scathing lyrics of songs like “Do the Evolution,” from the band’s “Yield” album; however, it is still entertaining. “Backspacer” is incomparable to any other Pearl Jam album. Certain songs are reminiscent of songs from other albums — the band’s 1998 hit, “Wishlist,” definitely comes to mind in both the hopeful lyrics and the more vulnerable tone. The new CD is a mixture of styles. This mix presents an issue, as the album lacks cohesion. Some songs do not seem to fit with others. While “Force of Nature” is dark, with churning guitars and dark vocals, other tracks, like the softer, countrytinged “Just Breathe,” are beautiful but would sound more fitting as part of Vedder’s solo efforts,
Album Review
as heard in the sound track to the movie “Into the Wild.” The album’s tracks do not always connect to each other, as each song is individually strong. The opening track of “Backspacer,” a fast and exciting song called “Gonna See My Friend,” starts the album with a jolt of energy that continues with “Got Some” and “The Fixer.” “Amongst the Waves,” one of the album’s standout songs, is a rousing anthem that will easily translate to live performances. And the influence of ’70s rock in “Johnny Guitar” — with lyrics full of double entendres and music heavy on guitar riffs — is both noticeable and welcome. The orchestration on the last song, appropriately titled “The End,” rises, falls and suddenly stops with no fade-out on the last lyric: “I’m here, but not much longer.” These final words, though, are not an accurate representation of the band’s presence in the music industry. “Backspacer” is nowhere near the group’s best album, but after nearly two decades, there is no denying that Pearl Jam isn’t finished yet.
Courtesy of Monkeywrench
Accent
Thursday, Octobe r 1 , 2 0 0 9
The Ithacan 19
Remake deviates from original’s success [ Reinvention of cult-classic film disappoints old and new musical fans
ticket stub
]
valid friday through thursday
cinemapolis
By Kera Schulze contributing writer
No need to get antsy and rush to the movie theater to see the highly anticipated, hyped rendition of the ’80s hit “Fame.” YouTube trailers sum the film up with about as much justice as it deserves. First-time movie director Kevin Tancharoen must have been aiming to take Disney’s “High School Musical” fans under his wing by presenting the journeys of aspiring performers in one bland, plotless film. With a background as tour director for Britney Spears, Tancharoen may owe Alan Parker, director of the ’80s original, an apology for his attempt “Fame” in re-establishing Metro-Goldwynthe world-classic Mayer film — and, as a Our rating: result, butchering H1/2 the expectations of “Fame” lovers around the world. The plot, or lack thereof, focuses on the lives of young hopefuls striving for stardom, each presented through their four years of high school at the Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and the Performing Arts. The film is separated into segments stamped “Freshman Year,” “Sophomore Year,” and so forth without really showing any progression in the talents or lives of the students. The time crunch restrained any possibility of feeling emotion toward any one character because the scenes were so choppy and underdeveloped. “Fame” does make for a decent parallel to Disney’s “High School Musical,” as it is suited to attract PG audiences. A high school romance evolves between Zac Efronlike and Vanessa Hudgens-like characters Marco (Asher Book) and Jenny Garrison (Kay Panabaker), while Ashley Tisdale-like star Alice Ellerton (Kherington Payne), pompously dances her way to the
The Commons 277–6115
Capitalism: A love story 7 p.m., 7:20 p.m., 9:25 p.m., 9:45 p.m. and Weekends 2 p.m., 2:20 p.m., 4:25 p.m., 4:45 p.m. Cold Souls 7:15 and 9:25 p.m. and Weekends 2:15 and 4:25 p.m. The Cove 7:25 p.m. and Weekends 2:25 p.m. In the loop 9:30 p.m. and Weekends 4:30 p.m.
Film Review
My One and OnlY 9:20 p.m. and Weekends 4:20 p.m.
Denise Dupree (Naturi Naughton) performs “Get on the Floor” in the new film “Fame.” Set in the LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and the Performing Arts, this adaptation of the ’80s classic adds a new cast of characters. courtesy of Metro-goldwyn-mayer
top. Another student, Denise Dupree (Naturi Naughton) struggles for her parents’ support in her aspirations to become an R&B singer, while a wannabe-professional ballet dancer Kevin Barrett, (Paul McGill) has his dreams rejected. All of these subplots coincide with the realism of a young artist’s life, their unwavering work ethic and their consistent determination that will lead them to success. Lacking in depth and development, the film’s content gave no insight into the characters’ progression from facing the judges at auditions to entering the stardom they’d always dreamed of. As for the talent portion of the film, the singing and dancing does not disappoint. Naughton sends chills down the spine in her ballad “Out Here On My Own”, when the audience first dis-
covers the classical pianist’s niche for singing. The power and development of her voice gives Irene Cara, the original singer of the ballad, a competitive run for her money. The trailers’ buildup of “So You Think You Can Dance” contestant Payne was nothing shy of a letdown. The dancer appeared in very few scenes and left an ambiguous representation of her experiences in the school. Payne did, however, shine through in a “Chicago”-esque performance of Sam Sparro’s song “Black and Gold,” where her precision, grace and fervent commitment complemented the savvy choreography by award-winning choreographer Marguerite Derricks. Making her second appearance in the “Fame” series, actress and choreographer Debbie Allen hands over her dance shoes from
her previous role as choreographer Lydia Grant and conquers the role as principal of the high school. Allen is among other established actors who appear in the film, such as Martin Cranston (Kelsey Grammer), Fran Rowen (Megan Mullally) and James Dowd (Charles S. Dutton), who each provide a steady crutch as instructors to the talented students. “Fame” is being advertised as a riveting, talent-filled revision that will “live forever” in the memory of fans around the world. But the reappearing flashing lights of “Fame” that first grabbed audiences in the ’80s are not enough to save this film and bring this phenomenon back into the spotlight. “Fame” was written by Allison Burnett and directed by Kevin Tancharoen.
Deliciously written script triumphs By matt biddle Staff Writer
A teenage boy races around his futuristic laboratory, pushing buttons and entering formulas, hoping to finally reach his dream of being a famous inventor. At his young age, Flint Lockwood is already a mad scientist of sorts, always wanting to change the world through his inventions. After years of mishaps, Flint thinks he’s finally hit his creative — and tasty — jackpot. “Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs” is Hollywood’s version of Judi and Ron Barrett’s beloved 1978 children’s book. The screenplay, written by Phil Lord and “Cloudy With a Chance of Chris Miller, greatly expands Meatballs” upon the original narrative, Columbia which was a smart choice Pictures given the short length of the Our rating: original book. HHH In the movie version, Flint (Bill Hader) invents a machine that transforms water into food in an effort to solve hunger in his hometown of Swallow Falls on a small island in the Pacific Ocean. When the machine accidentally launches into the clouds, it begins raining cheeseburgers, much to the delight of everyone in town, especially power-hungry Mayor Shelbourne (Bruce Campbell). Soon everyone who once mocked Flint for his previous failures is clamoring for more delicious precipitation, while Mayor Shelbourne races to re-brand the town to increase tourism.
Film Review
Sam Sparks (Anna Faris), an intern from the Weather News Network, is sent to cover the story. She and Flint instantly connect over their shared love of science. While Sam’s character and her relationship with Flint were sound ideas, the film sometimes focuses too heavily on their budding romance. The strained relationship between Flint and his father, Tim (James Caan), works much better overall. After years of unsuccessful inventions, Tim asks his son to hang up his lab coat and join the family business. Flint is hurt by his father’s lack of support, adding more pressure to their relationship, which is already tense because of the death of Flint’s mother. Caan’s honest, thoughtful reading of his character will leave many viewers feeling sorry for Tim and rooting for the father and son’s reconciliation. Hader’s take on Flint is sincere and believable. He’s able to easily convey Flint’s intense longing for acceptance in his town and his joy when he finally has a taste of success. Meanwhile, Faris does an acceptable job as Sam but never elevates her character from a supporting role. An obvious standout is Mr. T, who plays local policeman Earl Devereaux. He adds a great deal of energy and life to the character. Other supporting characters also entertain, including Benjamin Bratt’s take on Manny, an amusing Guatemalan pilot and doctor. The film is visually stunning with its array of bright colors and fast-moving pictures. Some viewers may long for the book’s retro-style
SÉraphine 7:05 p.m. and Weekends 2:05 p.m.
regal stadium 14 Pyramid Mall 266-7960
9 HH 2:50 p.m., 5:15 p.m., 7:40 p.m., 10:30 p.m. Cloudy with a chance of meatballs HHH 1 p.m., 3:30 p.m., 5:45 p.m., 8 p.m., 10:15 p.m. district 9 HHH1/2 1:05 p.m., 3:40 p.m., 6:20 p.m., 9:40 p.m. Fame H1/2 2:20 p.m., 4:50 p.m., 7:20 p.m., 9:50 p.m. The Informant! HHH 1:30 p.m., 4 p.m., 6:30 p.m., 9:10 p.m. The invention of lying 1:40 p.m., 4:10 p.m., 6:50 p.m., 9:30 p.m. inglourious basterds HHH1/2 1:20 p.m., 4:40 p.m., 8:20 p.m. Love happens 1:10 p.m., 3:50 p.m., 6:40 p.m., 9:40 p.m. Pandorum 1:35 p.m., 4:35 p.m., 7:15 p.m., 9:55 p.m. Surrogates 2 p.m., 4:20 p.m., 7:50 p.m., 10:20 p.m. whip it 1:50 p.m., 4:30 p.m., 7:10 p.m., 10:10 p.m.
Weather intern Sam Sparks (Anna Faris) gazes up after seeing cheeseburgers rain from the sky.
courtesy of Columbia Pictures
drawings, but most will appreciate the story brought to life with vibrant animation. Fantastic wide-angle shots and quick zooms speed up the pace, never letting the film become stale. The falling dinners and spaghetti tornadoes come to life even more in 3-D animation. If the price tag is not too steep for your tastes, the 3-D film is worth seeing purely because of its dazzling images. “Cloudy With A Chance of Meatballs” was written and directed by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller.
zombieland 2:10 p.m., 2:40 p.m., 5 p.m., 5:30 p.m., 7:30 p.m., 8:10 p.m., 10 p.m., 10:40 p.m.
cornell cinema 104 Willard Straight Hall 255-3522
For more information, visit http://cinema.cornell.edu.
our ratings Excellent HHHH Good HHH Fair HH Poor H
20 The Ithacan
Cl a ssi f ied
Thursday, October 1, 2009
for rent
for rent
for rent
Notices
AUG. 10-11 2 STORY 6BEDRM HOUSE ON Prospect St. 2 bath, 2 kitchen, 2 livingrm, 8 parkings, porch, laundry, bar. 607.233.4323 mfe1@twcny.rr.com.
NOW RENTING 2010/2011 1,3,4,5,6 Bedroom Houses+Apt. Fully furnished off street parking close to IC. Call 607.592.0150.
2010-11 FOUR BEDROOM HOUSE 1123 DANBY ROAD QUIET BUT CLOSE TO IC, PARKING, HARDWOOD FLOORS, CARPETED, FURNISHED, WOODBURNING STOVE, YARD, PATIO WITH GRILL, GARAGE, LARGE DINING ROOM, WASHER & DRYER, DISH WASHER $440 PER PERSON + UTILITIES, 607.279.3090, LIVINGSPACES1@MSN.COM.
ELCA Lutheran Campus Ministry World Communion Sunday October 4 Polyglot Eucharist 10:45 AM Details @ www.StLukeIthaca.org.
2010-11 THREE BEDROOM DOWNTOWN 103 EAST SPENCER ST FURNISHED, HARDWOOD FLOORS, OFF ST. PARKING, CLOSE TO COMMONS & IC, SPACIOUS, WASHER & DRYER, DISHWASHER, $460 PER PERSON INCLUDES HEAT 607.279.3090 OR LIVINGSPACES1@MSN.COM. 3 Bedrm Apt on Hudson St. with parking call 272.5210 or 279.8110. An apartment with no hassle. Hudson Heights Studio Apartments are located next to IC. We are renting for the next school year 2009-2010. We have one opening starting immediately. We are also renting for January 1, 2010 for the Spring Semester (6 months) $700/m, or a year. The rent includes: furniture, all utilities, parking, garbage and recycling, with laundry rooms on the complex. Call Cliff at 607.273.8473 cell 280.7660 for an appointment Web site www.hhithaca.com. 3 Bedroom. 2 Living Rooms. 1.5 baths. 205 Prospect St. Remodeled, furnished, fresh paint. 450+. No pets. Free parking. Call 339.1450 or 339.8167. Ask for Tim, John or Harry.
Newly renovated 4 bedroom furnished house. Excellent location lower Hudson St. 2 family rooms, 3 bedrooms, washer, dryer, dishwasher and parking included. 607.342.1024 avramispola@yahoo.com. Beautiful spacious 6 bedroom house. Everything completely renovated. Laundry and parking on premises. Close to The Commons. 607.342.1024 Avramispola@yahoo.com. Ithacaestatesreality.com “Live on the Hill” Suburban rentals, next to campus. Newly Renovated 3 Bedroom furnished apt. washer and dryer 607.272.3389 avramisrentals@aol.com. 2,3,4 Bedroom Houses/Apt. for rent 201011 school year. Very clean, furnished, free parking, maintenance, 11 month lease. Call soon for appt. 220.8779 Travis. PRIME STUDENT HOUSING ACT FAST Available for the 2010-2011 academic year from studio to six bedroom. Close to campus. Retals are safe and affordable. Visit us at rentingithaca.com for more information.
Large 8 bedroom house. Great location, 1 minute walk to The Commons. Washer, dryer, dishwasher, large bedrooms, 4 bathrooms and parking included. 607.342.1024 Avramispola@yahoo.com.
Spacious 3,4,5, or 8 bedroom apartment available on 316 S. Aurora Street lease starts August ’09. On site laundry and parking available. Utility included. Contact Connie at 255.0789 for an appt. or e-mail ck236@cornell.edu.
Now renting 2010-2011 4 Bedroom houses fully furnished off street parking close to IC call 607.592.0152.
Lovely 4,5,6 Br Houses. 6 on Pleasant. 5 on Green. 4 on Prospect. Parking available. Call 272.5210 for 2010-2011.
Renting now for 2010 to 2011 215-17 Prospect St. - 6 Person House 315-17 Hillview Pl. - 4 Person House 319 Hillview Pl. - 5 Person House 11 month leases starting August 1st 2010 Call 273.5370. 1,2,3,4,5 bedrooms for rent. South Hill close to IC, Cornell and Downtown. Furnished, laundry and off street parking. Call Kelly at 607.592.9812. 210 Hudson St. 5BR 2 kitchens, 2 bathrooms, 5 parking spots, furnished, laundry 339.1137. GREAT 8 BR ON PENNSYLVANIA. Large 6 BR duplex furnished, laundry, parking, patio, yard. Walk to IC Bus on cor. Signing now for next year call 386.478.8828.
Want to place an ad?
Contact our sales manager, Allyson Hotchkin, at 274-1618 or ithacanads@ithaca.edu.
Listen up! Leading the campus conversation online with our blogs updated daily. ithacan.org/dailyblogs
The Ithacan online
2010-11 TWO BEDROOM 201 W KING RD FURNISHED, CARPETED, QUIET SETTING BUT CLOSE TO IC, DUMPSTER, LOTS OF PARKING $440 PER PERSON + UTILITIES 607.279.3090 OR LIVINGSPACES1@MSN.COM. 2010-11 FOUR OR SIX BEDROOM 201 W KING RD. LARGE, FURNISHED, PARKING, HARDWOOD FLOORS, CARPETING, DUMPSTER, WASHER & DRYER, DISH WASHER, 3 FULL BATHROOMS, QUIET BUT CLOSE TO IC, LOTS OF OFF ST PARKING $440 PER PERSON + UTILITIES 607.279.3090, LIVINGSPACES1@MSN.COM. 2010-11 8 Bedroom house Hudson St. with 3 living rooms 3 kitchens +3 baths new washer and dryer, free parking for 8-9 cars for info call 607.272.8343 or 607.339.5112. 2010-11 4-5 Bedroom house downtown fully furnished free laundry on premises and parking for more info call 607.272.8343 or 607.339.5112. Nice 3 Bedroom Apt. Downtown for 20102011 school year. Fully furnished. For info call 607.272.8343 or 607.339.5112. 212 Hudson St 3BR 2 parking spots. Living room and dining room furnished. Laundry 339.1137.
CNY most complete HydroShop Greentree Hydro 308 Elmira Rd Next to BankAmerica 272-3666 www.greentreeithaca.com. Spring Break! Unlimited! Pay One Price! Free! ALL DAY AND ALL NIGHT Free Meals, Free Drinks, Free Covers www.sunsplashtours.com 1.800.426.7710.
Employment Free Housing. Nice loving family looking for a babysitter for 6yr old boy for 3-5 hrs a day. In exchange for a room, food and all required living facilities at home. Close to IC and downtown. Must be nonsmoker, nondrinker, clean and have car. Call 607.272.4146, 607.379.2125. WE NEED A MALE OR FEMALE REPRESENTATIVE FOR OUR OPENING POSITION BOOKKEEPER. FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT s.williamscompany@gmail.com ASAP.
For Sale Grow Lights and Hydroponics Greentree Hydro 308 Elmira Rd Next to BankAmerica 272-3666 www.greentreeithaca.com.
The Ithacan
Thursday, Octobe r 1 , 2 0 0 9
The Ithacan 21
Divers ion s
22 The Ithacan
dilbert®
Thursday, October 1, 2009
sudoku
By Scott Adams
Medium
Very Hard
6 2 1 8 3 8 9 4 7 1 6 2 1 4 5 2 3 3 9 6 5 5 3 4 5 1 Medium
3
2 1 4 6
1 3
6
7 8
Very Hard
6 2 1 8 3 8 9 4 7 1 6 2 1 4 5 2 3 3 9 6 5 5 3 4 5 1
3
6
9 3 2 1 6 4 6 2 7
6 3 1 2
4 5 1 3
9 8 9 4
2
7 8 answers to last week’s sudoku Medium
5 4 8 1 2 3 7 9 6 1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
12
13
14
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17
18 22
23
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33
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37 40
43
44
10
11
21
26 29
30
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53
54
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38
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crossword ACROSS 1 Willowy 5 Nudge 9 Diner order 12 Braxton or Tennille 13 Jazzy - James 14 Where Ipanema is 15 Raucous laughs 16 Not hard 17 Outback bird 18 Mouth part 20 Fluffy quilt 22 Faked out the goalie 25 Comes to a halt 27 Oklahoma town 28 Ms. Thurman of “Henry & June” 29 Podium feature 33 Nay opposite
34 35 36 38 39 40 42 43 46 47 48 51 55 56 57 58 59 60
9 2 7 4 6 8 3 5 1
Hard
6 3 1 7 9 5 2 4 8
1 9 3 2 8 7 4 6 5
4 5 2 3 1 6 8 7 9
8 7 6 5 4 9 1 3 2
3 1 4 9 5 2 6 8 7
7 8 5 6 3 1 9 2 4
2 6 9 8 7 4 5 1 3
6 3 7 1 5 2 9 8 4
1 4 2 7 9 8 5 6 3
8 5 9 4 3 6 2 1 7
2 6 5 3 8 4 1 7 9
3 1 4 9 2 7 8 5 6
9 7 8 5 6 1 3 4 2
5 2 1 6 4 9 7 3 8
7 9 6 8 1 3 4 2 5
By United Media
Links goal Apron front Kind of bean Nervous twitch Aloha State port Ninny Shaggy bovine Paying attention Rip Finish a dress Fork feature Nocturnal sound Purpose Latin I verb Joie de vivre Howl at the moon Violent anger Lie down
DOWN 1 Hog’s abode 2 Gehrig of baseball 3 Octopus defense 4 Played false 5 Tweet 6 Actress - Hagen 7 Blvds. 8 Put up alfalfa 9 Multiplied 10 Margarita ingredient 11 Travel from place to place 19 Name tag 21 Belief 22 Hard of hearing 23 Gaelic pop star 24 Ukraine city 25 Spam, maybe (hyph.)
26 28 30 31 32 37 39 41 42 43 44 45 46 49 50 52 53 54
DEA operative - - no good Wading bird Two pounds, plus Black in verse It’s south of Eur. More lofty River mammal College deg. Moby Dick pursuer R2D2’s owner TV award Leap in a tutu Retiree’s kitty Broken-down horse Pamplona shout NATO cousin Rubble-maker
answers to last week’s crossword OU T WR A P S L U I C GN A AGH A K I T T Y I L A R T D S S A S K S I R E R EM I S P E P T MR S A
F R E S H K O I S O U
I DO G O I L A D E A L H OW L A T L O D E B P X L S D T I L OU C A S H A K Y A L L E F U E R E L S
UM T E E R G A I T S
E R A S E
GE OS OP
4 8 3 2 7 5 6 9 1
Thursday, Octobe r 1 , 2 0 0 9
Beyond
sp orts
The Ithacan 23
brotherhood
Three brothers on the men’s soccer team keep sibling rivalry alive at Ithaca College by brad kolodner staff writer
Competitiveness is what fuels athletes to become the best they can be. For three brothers on the men’s soccer team, who create silly games and even sillier rules just to compete against one another, sibling rivalry is only the beginning of their relationship. From juggling tennis balls with their feet or playing heated Wiffle ball games in their backyard, freshmen Jack and Dan and junior Mike Shirley have developed the strongest of all bonds: brotherhood. The Shirley brothers share a connection both on and off the field. Watch a video Jack and Dan of the Shirley are identical siblings in action twins in a set at theithacan.org/ of triplets, go/09brothers. while Mike is the oldest of the brothers. Jack and Dan’s triplet, Kevin Shirley, is a freshman at Emmanuel College in Boston where he also plays soccer. Since they were born, the triplets seemed destined to grow up playing soccer. Doreen Shirley, their mother, gave birth to the triplets a few days before Mother’s Day of 1991. A local television station in their hometown of Madison, Conn., decided to cover the triplets’ birth. Mike, 3 years old at the time, was interviewed for the story and said something the Shirley family will never forget. “The person doing the interviewing asked Mike what he would do with his brothers when we got out of the hospital,” their father, John Shirley said. “[Mike] said, ‘I’m going to teach them how to play soccer.’ He was 3 years old at the time, and that was the first time I had ever heard him say any-
thing about soccer at all. I think back to that moment a lot when we see them together on the field.” Mike stayed true to his word, showing his younger brothers the ropes of soccer during their childhood. Jack and Dan are both midfielders, while Mike is a forward for the South Hill squad. Head Coach Andy Byrne said the twins are amazing to watch on the field. “If you’ve ever been around multiple-birth kind of kids, they have their own way of communicating,” Byrne said. “It’s kind of eerie. It’s like radar. You can see it on the field sometimes. They kind of don’t even communicate with each other verbally. It’s just, they know.” The twins are inseparable and have shared a bedroom since they were born. Even away from home, they continue to share a room at the college. They know each other inside and out, Jack said. “Me and Dan know each other better than even some of the other brothers out there know each other,” he said. “I know Dan better than anyone in the world knows anyone. I know him so well that when we’re on the field, it’s more than team chemistry.” Dan said he and Jack use their strong bond they’ve developed when they’re playing together. “We use our competitiveness against each other, and it forms into pride,” Dan said. All three brothers have proved to be valuable assets for Byrne on the soccer pitch. Jack recently scored his second goal of the season in the Bombers’ Empire 8 conference opener against Alfred University. Dan provides added depth at the midfield position and Mike provides the Blue and Gold with an added lift off the bench, Byrne said.
From left, junior Mike Shirley and freshmen Jack and Dan Shirley are three brothers on the men’s soccer team. Combined, the brothers have played in 21 games and started in three. Jack has four points on the year. Jake Lifschultz/The Ithacan
“[Jack and Dan] work hard. They’re good players,” he said. “They know how to position themselves very well. [Mike] does some things the other forward players don’t do. Mike likes to go to goal — he goes directly to the goal.” Mike said his parents had a strong impact on all of the brothers from a young age. As the first-born in the family, Mike had no older brother to learn from. Instead, he said his mother is his biggest role model. “My mom has had such a heavy influence on each one of us,” he said. “To be a mother of four and to be the only woman in the house … she has to deal with a lot. She’s a very compassionate, very loving person, and she definitely instilled that in each one of us.” Four rambunctious boys under one roof was a lot to handle for John and Doreen, they said. But the brothers have learned to harness their competitive nature and turn it into teamwork, Doreen said. She witnessed her son Jack score in an Ithaca uniform for the first time against Alfred on Saturday in the Blue and Gold’s 3–0 win. “More so than their competitive nature is their ability to work with other people,” she said. “That’s really been beneficial to them to have lived in a group in our house — to have to learn how to get along. There’s no one in the house who can be an island unto themselves.” Growing up together, the brothers exhibited their com-
petitiveness and learned to work together through intense games of Wiffle ball in their backyard. Doreen said there have been broken arms and noses among other injuries, but the brothers still continue to play competitively. Mike said he recognizes the significance of the never-ending competition between the brothers. “Sibling rivalry is probably what fueled all of us to be the athletes we are today,” Mike said. “I don’t think any of us would be the same athletes if it wasn’t for the other three.” Senior forward Fernando Casanova, who transferred to Ithaca last spring, instantly bonded with Mike, who transferred to Ithaca at the same time. Casanova stayed with the Shirleys this past summer. Little did he know what he would expe-
rience while living with the highly competitive brothers. “Between them they are the most competitive people I’ve ever met,” he said. “They know each other inside out. There’s not a doubt in my mind that they are best friends to one another.” Beyond the brothers competitive nature is a softer side that they are able to tap into after enduring grueling contests and matches when they just want to kick back and relax, Mike said. “Especially because of soccer, we compete on such a high level at practice with each other and then in games against another team,” he said. “When we can find time to take down the competitive walls and just be together, we take full advantage of it.”
Left: From left, John, Dan, Jack, Mike and Doreen Shirley stand together after the Bombers’ win over Alfred University on Saturday at Carp Wood Field. Jack has scored two goals on the season.
Michelle Montgomery/The Ithacan
Right: From left, freshman Jack Shirley tries to get past Alfred University senior Mickey Tomik in the Blue and Gold’s 3–0 win Saturday at Carp Wood Field. The Bombers are 4–2–2 on the year. Michelle Montgomery/The Ithacan
24 The Ithacan
The inside Pitch Cory Francer
Got no money in the bank I think I’ve finally learned my lesson. For the first time this football season, the only money I lost this week was to my favorite sports bar downtown. You see, like many other fans of the NFL, I have a tendency to bet – and lose – money just about every week. But now I’m doing what Brett Favre could never do — throwing in the towel when my time is up. No more betting on football. Period. I just can’t win. It all started in August when I received an e-mail from a good friend trying to reunite our old group, which is dispersed across the country. The plan was to organize a suicide football pool. The rules were simple — send in your money before week one and you’re in. Every week you select one team to win its game. If your team wins, you move on to the next week. If they lose, you’re done for the season. You can only pick a team once, and the person who makes it the furthest takes all the winnings. In week one, I took the Cardinals to beat the 49ers. My logic was not to pick a guaranteed blowout because I wanted to save the better teams for later in the season. However, I wanted to feel confident, and the reigning NFC champions beating a rebuilding San Francisco team seemed like a good bet. Wrong. The 49ers pulled the upset, and my season was done, and my money was down the drain. Feeling a little depressed about my week-one loss, I tried to rebound in week two. I put some money down on my hometown New England Patriots to beat the Jets at the Meadowlands. Wrong again. The Patriots were embarrassed at the hands of their archrivals, and my wallet took another beating. Adding insult to injury, my bet was against a Jets fan, and my ego took a bit of a beating as well. “Enough is enough,” I thought. “No more betting.” I had started to wean myself off earlier this season when I resisted the temptation to enter a fantasy league. It was time to come full circle because clearly the odds are against me. Allen Moody, author of the “Sports Gambling Guide” on About.com, reports that 90 percent of sports bettors will lose money over the course of the year; and I need to resolve myself to the fact that I’m not going to be in that elite 10 percent. So, after my first week without betting, I’m feeling pretty good. I was able to enjoy watching some football without sweating through any games. My thoughts were on having fun rather than losing money. With fourteen weeks left in the regular season, I’m excited to strictly be a fan. It’s going to be all fun with no wagers from here on out. That’s it. No more. I’m done. Well, at least until March Madness. Cory Francer is a senior sport studies major. Contact him at cfrance1@ithaca.edu.
Sports
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Squad’s secondary stuns offenses By Bryan Shay Staff writer
The football team’s rushing attack was the only defense Ithaca had against the four passing touchdowns, 460 passing yards and 42 points Hartwick College quarterback Jason Boltus and the Hawk offense put up against the Bombers just a season ago. While it was a game Ithaca wound up winning 69–42, the Bombers’ secondary will face a similar test against the Hawks on Saturday. In order to stay on top of Check out coverage the Empire 8, the Bombers’ of the Bombers’ secondary will need to shut Sept. 26 win over Utica College at down 4–0 Hartwick. After a dominating ca- theithacan.org. reer under center in Hartwick over the past four years, Boltus signed a deal to play professional football for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats of the Canadian Football League. While the Bombers will no longer have to worry about Boltus, they will have to take on his successor, senior quarterback Brian Radley. After cultivating Radley as his backup during the past three seasons, Boltus said Radley can do many of the things he was able to accomplish over his four-year tenure as quarterback. “When you look at throwing, we were even,” Boltus said. In his career against the Bombers, Boltus threw 12 touchdowns and a combined 1,346 passing yards in just four games and rushed for three touchdowns. While Radley is more of a pocket passer and does not have the same rushing threat that the mobile Boltus presented, Hartwick Head Coach Mark Carr said his quarterback has a rifle that could be a danger to any defense. “This kid really has an arm,” Carr said. “We did run the spread a lot with Jason, and we feel comfortable doing the same thing with Brian. He manages the game well and is a true pocket passer.” Sophomore cornerback Mike Conti said they are not intimidated and feel confident against pass-heavy teams. The Bombers’ defensive backfield has been tested all season. “Shutting down the run and making teams pass makes them one dimensional, and that’s what we have done,” he said. “It’s just more opportunities for us to make plays.”
Widener University sophomore Chris Cottrell makes a reception as sophomore cornerback Spence White goes in for the tackle in the Bombers’ 41–17 win Sept. 12 at Butterfield Stadium.
Andrew Buraczenski/The Ithacan
While the young secondary has run into a few bumps in the road, they have done a solid job containing pass-happy offenses in wins over Widener University and Utica College. In last week’s 27–24 win over Utica, the Bombers’ secondary did allow two passing touchdowns on 329 passing yards, but also caused four turnovers. Conti and fellow sophomore cornerback Spence White each had two interceptions in the win. Utica scored all of its 24 points in the first half. Then, Peter Mayer, the defensive backs coach, had his players make the necessary adjustments to shut out the Pioneers’ pass attack in the second half. “It all had to do with reading the quarterback,”
Conti said. “Coach Mayer had said a few times to me throughout the course of the game to slow down in my backpedal. The quarterback was young and was staring down targets, so I just slowed down my pedal, got a read and made a jump on the ball.” While Radley has thrown five interceptions in just four games, he has thrown for 10 touchdowns in the process. If past meetings between Hartwick and Ithaca are any indication, the Bombers’ secondary should have plenty of opportunities to make plays Saturday, something they will welcome with open arms. “It’s motivation,” White said. “We live for games like this.”
Upperclassmen pass on traditions to freshmen by chris lotsbom contributing writer
Any successful team needs a balance of talent, experience and leadership. This year’s women’s cross country team has just that, with five seniors leading a talented group of underclassmen. For Head Coach Bill Ware’s squad, this mix is essential to produce a winning team. The South Hill The Bombers, squad competes already ranked in at the Paul the top 30 teams Short Invitationnationwide, have al at Lehigh in won all three of Bethlehem, Pa. the invitationals they have entered so far this year. The reason for this start is not only smart, fast running, but also a combination of great leaders helping young runners be the best they can be, Ware said. “It’s not just one thing. It’s a mix of many things,” Ware said. “It definitely helps when you have the senior leadership like we do this year.” Led by captains Amanda Boccio and Bridget Hastings, the rest of the senior class — Elizabeth DeLong, Melanie McCormick and Anna Sumerlin — has aided a roster made up of mostly underclassmen and guided them to an unbelievable start. Having earned a trip to nationals in each of the past three years, the se-
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niors know what it takes to earn that spot at the NCAAs, something they are passing on to the freshmen. “We all were freshmen once, and we know it takes time to adjust to the team workouts,” Boccio said. “Using the past three years as experience, we are trying to lead quietly by example.” With the addition of eight freshmen, the upperclassmen have taken every one of them under their wings, teaching them how to be a Bomber. Freshman Meghan Shanley said whether it is pushing one another in Monday and Wednesday’s workouts or racing on Saturday, the older Bombers make sure the freshmen are giving their all. “They are real motivating and help us stay relaxed, especially before races,” Shanley said. “It’s been more about having fun and working together than anything.” This attitude is constant for the Bombers, especially before and after a hard-run meet. Ware said the seniors have helped the freshmen understand the traditions that come with being on the team. “Jumping into Lake Ontario after the meet at SUNY-Oswego, the pre-race pasta dinners — that’s what the team loves and has picked up on,” Ware said. “What it means to be a Bomber and on a good team.” The Bombers have not only picked up on traditions, but have
Freshman Jenn Randall and senior Amanda Boccio lead the pack during the women’s cross country team’s practice Sept. 14 on the cross country trail.
sabina cao/the ithacan
also learned how to improve and win consistently while competing on a national level. With the development of freshman Jenn Randall, Empire 8 Runner of the Week three times in a row, the Bombers have a new front-runner who is just starting her Bomber career. In the past three weeks, Randall has led the team, earning one win and two second-place finishes. Randall, Shanley and freshman Michelle Staiger are a bright part of the
Bombers’ future, Assistant Coach Erin Dinan said. The freshmen, combined with seniors Boccio and McCormick and a handful of juniors, make up a tough team to beat. Dinan said if they continue to improve week by week, come November, the Bombers will be hard to stop. “The team as a whole, specifically the seniors, have all really grown,” Dinan said. “Not just as athletes, but as leaders.”
sp orts
Thursday, Octobe r 1 , 2 0 0 9
The Ithacan 25
Freshmen adjust to collegiate level
Freshmen David Geary and Billy Savage run during the men’s cross country team’s practice Sept. 20 on the cross country course. The South Hill squad has taken second in each of its three invitationals so far this season.
Team rankings Rochester Insitute of Technology Total Time: 2:08:48.00 Average: 25:45.60 Ithaca College Total Time: 2:14:27.00 Average: 26:53.40 SUNY-Oswego Total Time: 2:17:42.20 Average: 27:32.44 Alfred University Total Time: 2:18:49.30 Average: 27:45.86 Houghton College Total Time: 2:19:52.40 Average: 27:58.48
Team Scores
5
Highlander Invitational at Houghton College Sept. 26
3
things are going well.” Though it is still early in the season, Nichols said the freshman class is doing well with the adjustment of being away from home. “They’re doing a great job and holding in very well with the upperclassmen,” Nichols said. “Over their four years, they will have a positive impact — I’m looking for very positive things.”
4
Andrew Casper/The Ithacan
1
Shoes clip-clop along the pavement. Buildings slowly go by and cars rush past. A group of young men run along the side of a road. Their sweat is dripping from their brows. Their eyes are focused. Their mouths are dry. Their minds are determined. They move as one. The transition from high school to college for any incoming freshman can be a daunting one, but for the freshmen on the men’s cross country team, their team unity has helped make the transition to collegiate running smoother. “We have been adjusting pretty well,” freshman Billy Savage said. “After the first week we were so tired, asking, ‘What are we getting ourselves into?’ We’ve just gotten used to it. Every single week is exactly the same, so you kind of get into the flow, and it’s not so bad anymore.” Every day the Bombers meet at the Hill Center. They lie in the grass, sitting in a circle, doing abdominal work and flexibility drills to loosen up. The team then ventures off for a run through the back trails and countryside of Ithaca, varying distances and intensities over the course of the season. Finally, the team reconvenes and finishes off with some lower body drills, such as knee raises. “As far as the layout of practices are, it’s kind of funny because [the team] does the opposite [from high school],” freshman David Geary said. “Before [the team] does the workouts, we do all of our upper body stuff — after-
wards we do our drills.” Savage said the workouts done at the college level aren’t too different from those done in high school, but there is a key difference that makes the transition easier. “The main difference is the warmup and cooldown time,” Savage said. “It’s generally between 25 and 30 minutes each, and in high school it’d be about 10 to 15 minutes. It adds a lot of miles, and it’s what wears you out at the end of the day.” Head Coach Jim Nichols said the training and meets are both geared toward having the South Hill squad at its peak at the end of the season. “We train early at a higher level of volume with a lower intensity,” Nichols said. “We build up the pace to have the highest intensity at the end of the season.” Geary said Nichols’ style of coaching is different than that of his high school coaches. “Coach Nichols has the plan, and I feel like he knows what he’s doing to our bodies,” Geary said. The biggest adjustment for the young runners is the change in the distance of the meets. Typically, meets at the high school level are five kilometers, the distance of the alumni run held a few weeks ago. However, most meets at the collegiate level are eight kilometers long, more than one and a half times that of a high school meet. Yet, Geary said there’s a sense of comfort with this adjustment. “We’re going into it pretty strong,” Geary said. “We have a really strong freshman class. We’ve got a lot of fast runners that could factor into the varsity team definitely in years to come —
2
Contributing Writer
TOT AL
By Collin Schuck
3
4
5
RIT
15
1 2
Ithaca College
60
8 9
13 14 16
SUNY-Oswego
104 11 21 22 24 26
Alfred University
127 12 23 28 29 35
Houghton College 131 7 17 19 32 56 Source: Sports Information
Seniors join forces at doubles By Jeff Haber
Contributing Writer
Senior captain Sarah Hollis tosses the ball high, jumps up and leans into her shot, meeting the ball at its highest point. She smashes a winner off of her serve to go up 15–0 in the game. Fellow senior captain Devra Reiman gives Hollis a high five as they get back into position. For the first time in their careers, Hollis and Reiman have teamed up at doubles. The duo has posted a 5–0 record, which includes winning the championship in their doubles bracket at the Mary Hosking tournament. On their careers, Hollis is 14–4 at doubles and Reiman is 19–9. “Since freshman year we have come a long way, and now we really understand what it’s all about,” Hollis said. Hollis was named Empire 8 Player of the Week for her outstanding play during the Mary Hosking tournament at William Smith College, going 2–1 in singles play. Hollis and Reiman teamed up to win three straight matches and claimed the B bracket in the doubles competition. During the tournament the Bombers won 8–4 against New York University, 8–6 against William Smith and 8–4 against the University of Rochester in the finals. “They are both really smart players — they don’t play like any other players,” freshman Christina Nunez said. “They are out there to do their best every time. They always give 100 percent.” So far this season, Hollis and Reiman have been playing third doubles. In the regular season, they beat both Elmira College and SUNY-Cortland 8–3 on their home courts. With a win over Hartwick College
on Sept. 17, the Bombers improved to 2–0 against Empire 8 teams this year. “The strength of our team has always been depth, and having them at third doubles makes you feel pretty good,” Head Coach Bill Austin said. Reiman said a big advantage of being such an experienced team is that the players don’t get nervous — they get better as a team with each game and practice. “They know from experience and watching other players what to do in certain situations,” Nunez said. Hollis’ serve is empowering against her opponents. She also angles her shots at net. Reiman places the ball around the court and pinpoints her shots. Reiman’s ability to mix up her topspin forehand and her slice make the pair tough to stop. “They make good returns — they’re not making a whole lot of mistakes, and they’re playing more solid points,” Austin said. What makes the pair so dominant is not just their experience, but also their communication on and off the court, Hollis said. Nunez said Hollis and Reiman are hardworking as both players and as captains. “We always talk about things we could do better,” Hollis said. “It’s a communication thing. That really helps us.” Hollis and Reiman’s chemistry is directly tied to their success. To complement their skilled footwork, both players are smart about where they hit the ball, always talking about the strengths and weaknesses of their opponents between points and breaks. “We know each others’ strengths,” Reiman said. “We just communicate and work together really well. We motivate each other really well, and that’s important.”
Senior captain Sarah Hollis hits a forehand during the women’s tennis team’s practice Aug. 31 at the tennis courts. Hollis now plays doubles with fellow senior captain Devra Reiman. Michelle Montgomery/The ithacan
Ithaca College @ ITA Northeast Regional Championships at William Smith College Sept. 26
singles competition Round of 16 Cristina Nunez (Ithaca) def. Liz Feldman (New York University) 6–0, 6–0 Quarterfinals Jackie Shtemberg (The College of New Jersey) def. C. Nunez (Ithaca) 7–6 (7–5), 6–1 Consolation Bracket Brittany Trimble (Skidmore College) def. Devra Reiman (Ithaca) 8–3
doubles competition Quarterfinals Nataly Mendoza/Danika Robison (Skidmore) def. C. Nunez/Agata Kubik (Ithaca) 9–7 Source: Sports Information
sports
26 The Ithacan
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Blue and Gold go beyond early expectations “I have higher expectations for our team now because I have seen how we all play,” O’Shea said. “We have the potential to shoot lower than most of us have been scoring. I hope we get the chance to show other schools what we are capable of shooting before the season is over.” Looking forward to the remainder of the season, Wood said he would like to see how his players fare against superior opponents during match play. “Our women need to play with better players as much as possible,” Wood said. “They can learn more from that than playing with girls who are the same, or maybe even slightly inferior to us.” Though the Blue and Gold hit a minor roadblock this weekend at the William Smith Invitational at Clifton Springs — finishing fourth among five teams — this weekend presents another opportunity for improvement when the team travels to Cortland, N.Y., for the Martin/Wallace Invitational.
By Seth Schniebolk And Bobby Savino Contributing Writers
Not many had high expectations for the golf team as it headed into its inaugural season as a varsity sport. However, after an excellent start to the season, highlighted by a second-place finish in the Empire 8 Invitational last week, Head Coach Dan Wood said his expectations for the team have changed. “I thought we had a chance to beat Elmira [College] and William Smith [College],” Wood said. “I wasn’t too sure of St. John Fisher [College] — whether they had any good freshmen added to their roster. Turns out our freshmen are a little better than theirs.” While the Bombers lost by one shot to St. John Fisher on Sept. 13 at the St. Lawrence Invitational, they were able to pull out a win over the Cardinals the following week at the Empire 8 Championships. Midway through the Bombers’ fall season with two fall tournaments remaining, they have picked up a second-place finish at the Empire 8 Championships and own a 1–0 record in duel matches. Freshman Jackie Young said the success comes from her teammates’ hard work, as well as the endless hours of teaching from Wood and Assistant Coach Sandy Wood, his wife. “The great start to this season is a combination of the time spent by both our coach and assistant coach and the dedication of my teammates,” Young said. “Our coaches spend a lot of their time working with us on every aspect of the game, from our short game to just learning the rules.” Junior Lauren Ryan, who was a part of the golf program last year when it was still a club sport, said the biggest difference from last season to this year is the motivation of everyone to get better as a team, as well as individually. “It was hard last year with just being a
William Smith Fall Invitational Clifton Springs Country Club Sept. 26 and 27
Junior Christie O’Shea tees off in the golf team’s 370–412 win over William Smith College on Sept. 5 at the Country Club of Ithaca. The Bombers are 1–0 in duel matches this season.
Karina Fink/The Ithacan
club team,” Ryan said. “You didn’t always get girls that really wanted to be there, so it was hard to have motivation to want to have a better team. All six of us truly want to be out on the course as much as we can, whenever we can. It’s easier for Coach
Look online for game stories from these sports: TOMORROW
•All day Volleyball at Fredonia Invitational •10 a.m. Men’s and women’s cross country at Paul Short Invitational at Lehigh University
SATURDAY
•All day Volleyball at Fredonia Invitational •All day Golf at Martin/Wallace Invitational at SUNY-Cortland •11 a.m. Women’s cross country at Cazenovia Homecoming Invitational •1 p.m. Field hockey vs. Stevens Institute of Technology at Yavits Field •2:30 p.m. Football at Hartwick College •Noon Men’s soccer at Rochester Institute of Technology •Noon Men’s cross country at Cazenovia Homecoming Invitational
SUNDAY
•All day Golf at Martin/Wallace Invitational at SUNY-Cortland •Noon Men’s soccer at Nazareth College •Noon Women’s tennis at Stevens Institute of Technology
TUESDAY
•4 p.m. Women’s soccer at St. John Fisher College •4 p.m. Women’s tennis at St. John Fisher College •7 p.m. Volleyball vs. SUNY-Cortland at Ben Light Gymnasium
WEDNESDAY
•4:00 p.m. Field hockey vs. Wilkes University at Yavits Field Bold = Home game The Ithacan
online | theithacan.org/sports
allison wassink/the ithacan
Wood to coach us also when he knows that we all want to become a great golf team.” Junior Christie O’Shea said she was unsure about how successful the team would be coming into the season but is optimistic about the its future.
Team Scores
Total
Nazareth College William Smith College St. John Fisher College Ithaca College Elmira College
549 599 603 605 633
ithaca
OUT IN Total
Brooke Llobell Christie O’Shea Samantha Liberty Jackie Young Lauren Ryan
95 46 99 51 101 53 107 53 107 55
141 150 154 160 162
Source: Sports Information
[the buzzer]
Thursday, Octobe r 1 , 2 0 0 9
The Ithacan 27
where we stand
4 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
VOLLEYBALL
Nazareth Stevens Elmira Ithaca RIT
4
W 14 12 7 12 11
L 6 6 4 8 8
Win% .700 .667 .636 .600 .579
men’s soccer
W 7 6 5 5 5
1. Stevens 2. Elmira 3. Alfred 4. Ithaca 5. Nazareth
L 2 2 3 3 4
T 0 0 0 0 0
Win% .778 .750 .625 .625 .556
Eyes on the birdie
Freshman Henry Bataille keeps the shuttlecock, commonly called a “birdie,” in play during badminton club practice Sunday on the Wood Floor Gym in the Fitness Center. Club play starts in September and lasts through early May.
Nathan Bickell/the ithacan
1 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
by the
women’s soccer
Ithaca Nazareth RIT Alfred St. John Fisher
W 7 5 3 3 3
L 2 2 3 5 5
T 0 1 3 1 1
Win% .778 .688 .500 .389 .389
Empire 8 Standings / Overall Records
numbers
8
5
The number of doubles wins women’s tennis duo Sarah Hollis and Devra Reiman have this season. See story on page 25.
The number of freshmen on the women’s cross country team’s roster this season. See story on page 24.
the foul line
Weird news from the wide world of sports
Supporting your hometown sports teams is something that is enjoyed from the sideline to the sofa. But for fans of the National Football League’s Detroit Lions, this experience happened to be unfortunately onesided Sunday. With the Lions riding a 19-game losing streak leading up to their home matchup against the Washington Redskins at Ford Field, the team was left with about 10,000 unsold tickets at the 72-hour NFL deadline to reach a sellout. As a result, the game was not televised on local television markets within 75 miles of the stadium. Instead, Lions’ fans were treated by Fox Television to Brett Favre’s home debut for the Minnesota Vikings against the San Francisco 49ers. Despite the blackout, the Lions managed to snap their 21-month losing streak, with a 19–14 win over the visiting Redskins. – Andrew Weiser
play of the week Rachael Palladino Freshman forward Women’s soccer In a seven-minute span Friday against No. 27 SUNY-Cortland, Palladino scored both Bomber goals, leading the team to a 2–1 victory.
fast freshman start Through nine regular-season games, Palladino has scored nine goals and contributed three assists to lead the team with 21 total points. Palladino’s nine goals — through the first eight games — fell one shy of tying the school freshman record set by two-time All-American Chelsey Feldman in 2005. Palladino has played a significant role in the Bombers’ impressive 7–2 run to open the season.
they saidit I made it back, Grandma. I made it back, and this time I won’t let you or the family down. Philadelphia Eagles’ quarterback Michael Vick on his return to the NFL and regular-season debut Sept. 27 after serving 18 months in federal prison. Vick’s grandmother died while he was incarcerated for involvement in a dogfighting ring.
28 The Ithacan
Th is I Se e
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Above: From left, guitarist John-Paul Norpoth, drummer Kenny Grohowski and bassist Jim Robertson, all of the band Hollands, perform an acoustic set Friday on The Commons, while senior WICB DJ Aaron Terkel, dressed as an apple, records their performance to broadcast live on the radio station’s specialty show “Countdown to the Weekend.”
an apple
SETH nenstiel/the ithacan
Below: Amara Stein-Kraus of Littletree Orchards sells apples at the farm’s booth Saturday at the Apple Harvest Festival. The orchard also sells squash, pumpkins, cider and cider doughnuts.
courtesy of kayla Klein
a day...
Students and locals gather to indulge cravings for apple treats and live music on The Commons at the 27th annual Apple Harvest Festival
View a special multimedia page of Applefest at theithacan.org/go/09apple.
Above Left: Ithaca Iron Chef contestant Brian Ross showcases his culinary talents at the apple-themed cooking competition Saturday in the center of The Commons.
TJ GUNTHER/the ithacan
Above Right: Junior vocal major Daria Harper sings “I Don’t Want to Wait” with Premium Blend, an all-female a cappella group, Saturday under the Bernie Milton Pavilion. Michelle boulÉ/the ithacan