The Oswegonian 9-30-16

A3 Anti-racist activist discusses police brutality

Friday, Sept. 30, 2016 VOLUME LXXXIV ISSUE IV SINCE 1935 www.oswegonian.com

Landlords face stricter policies, fines

Off-campus houses condemned Students forced to leave homes after code enforcement crackdown

Felony question removed from application

Joel Collard Contributing Writer news@oswegonian.com

Ilyssa Weiner Contributing Writer news@oswegonian.com

Zoning issues and code enforcement for handling run-down properties in Oswego were discussed at the biweekly committee meeting on Sept. 19 and it has implications for off-campus living.

With regard to rental properties, Oswego Mayor Billy Barlow proposed an increase in the fee required to rent out properties in the city of Oswego. The current rate is $30 for three years per rental unit. The proposal by the mayor was to increase this amount to $150 for three years.

The debate grew heated at points with the viewpoints of an Oswego State student, the mayor and a landlord in Oswego. Oswego State student Alyssa Lopez spoke at the meeting about having her rental property condemned.

The property Lopez was renting is located on 129 W. Fourth St. Lopez originally notified Oswego City Code Enforcement of uninhabitable conditions, citing the roof and front porch as the areas of concern. According to Lopez, the porch seemed like it might collapse and the eve of the roof was rotting from pigeons flying in the roof and defecating there.

Currently, Oswego State has a list of offcampus rental properties to reference for students. The list contains 387 rental properties and 54 landlords renting out those properties.

The property Lopez rented, which

On Sept. 14, the State University of New York board of trustees removed the question about felony convictions from its undergraduate application.

According to The New York Times, it is a step forward for colleges to remove questions about criminal histories from college applications.

In a statement to the SUNY Board of Trustees, Governor Andrew Cuomo praised the decision to remove the question, saying, “Higher education represents an important stepping stone toward personal and professional fulfillment. Every New Yorker deserves a fair and equal chance to achieve their goals.”

All 64 SUNY schools will be a part of a “Ban the Box” movement, committed to forgoing the felony question. In addition, the SUNY Student Assembly came up with a resolution that will prevent criminal screenings before a student is admitted and not allow a school to reject an applicant based on criminal history.

“I’m proud to lead the SUNY Student Assembly at a time when we’ve made such powerful and important strides in the area of fairness equality,” said SUNY Student Assembly President Marc Cohen.

In June, the White House launched the Fair Chance Higher Education Pledge, which asks colleges and universities to eliminate the use of criminal histories when

See CRACKDOWN, A6

Jim McGregor | The Oswegonian Several of Douglas Waterbury’s buildings were condemned in mid-September, which forced students and other Oswego residents to quickly look for alternative lodging.

Lydia Goerner News Editor lgoerner@oswegonian.com Francisco Cortijo has been without a home for the last three weeks.

Cortijo, a third year physics major at Oswego State, was forced to leave his apartment after the building, owned by landlord Douglas Waterbury, was condemned. Since

Cortijo could find no other option for housing, he has gone between friends’ rooms and motels.

“One time I actually even spent a night in one of the residence hall lounges,” Cortijo said.

Two of Waterbury’s apartment buildings were condemned in September, leaving some of the former residents, like Cortijo, without a place to go. Approximately 42 percent of Oswego residents rent their home or apart-

ment. Because of this, Oswego Mayor Billy Barlow has announced that he is improving code enforcement and raising the cost of landlords’ permits. These changes have left some students temporarily displaced.

Cortijo moved into the apartment with two friends at the beginning of the fall semester, paying $425 a month. He said he noticed problems with the place “immediately.”

See CONDEMNED, A5

See ADMISSIONS, A6

Sustainability initiative adds water bottle refill stations Chilled, filtered fountains for filling water bottles installed across campus Winnie Blackwood Staff Writer staff@oswegonian.com

CONTENT

Mikala Thompson | The Oswegonian | Photo provided by LeAnn E. Crowe via Flickr | Photo provided by Thad Zajdowicz via Flickr

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New bottle filling stations have been installed by Oswego State’s Sustainability Office in academic buildings across campus to reduce disposable bottle waste.

The major renovations done within the buildings in the past five years have included the installations of the bottle filling stations, said Mike Lotito, the Sustainability office’s engineering coordinator.

The installations were done as part of capital projects and capital construction projects, Lotito said.

“We started putting them in and we

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Jim McGregor | The Oswegonian

saw how well they worked in Shineman and Park,” Lotito said. “That’s when we started our project to put more of them in.”

Funded by administration and rebates from the state, the project has been ongoing for the past year and a half, according to Jamie Adams, the Sustainability office’s planning coordinator. This summer the rest of the academic buildings, which haven’t had renovations done, received their own bottle filling stations.

Lotito said a possible phase two of the installations would look at implementing the stations in the residence halls and more in academic buildings

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that might only have one.

Drinking fountains on campus share a water source with the bottle filling stations, but the stations are filtered and the water is chilled.

By May, 393,962 bottles were filled up using the station and by August, the number increased to 444,798.

The stations, manufactured by Elkay, a supplier of kitchen and residential products to homes and commercial institutions, have visible trackers on them to show every 12 oz. bottle filled.

“The whole thing really is to promote the use of using reusable containers as

See FOUNTAIN, A6

Oswegonian.com MENTAL HEALTH WEEK

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Taylor Woods | The Oswegonian

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POLICE

THIS WEEK IN OPINION

Daniel Kinahan, 20, was arrested on Aug. 29 at 1:02 p.m. for possession of a forged instrument and grand larceny in the fourth degree after he forged a stolen check and attempted to cash it at Pathfinder Bank.

What are your thoughts on the new water bottle fountains?

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Jerimiah Johnston, 23, was arrested on Aug. 29 at 4:41 p.m. for petit larceny after stealing items from Paul’s Big M.

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Michael Auclair, 40, was arrested on Sept. 2 at 10:10 p.m. for driving while intoxicated. He was processed and arraigned in Oswego City court.

Glenn Taylor, 20, was arrested on Sept. 3 at 12:38 a.m. for public urination after he was observed urinating in plain view of vehicular and pedestrian traffic and for possession of a forged license.

Check out The Lighthouse for things to do around Oswego.

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WEEKEND WEATHER

Israek Segarra, 20, was arrested on Sept. 3 at 1:27 a.m.for unlawful posession of marijuana. He was released with an appearance ticket to appear in Oswego City court at 9:30 a.m. on Sept. 22.

Weather by Lucy Bergemann | Graphics by Devon Nitz

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Kristen Brave, 20, was arrested on Sept. 3 at 1:34 a.m. for public urination after she urinated on the sidewalk in plain view of vehicular and pedestrian traffic.

Christopher Pelnik, 21, was arrested on Sept. 3 at at 2:03 a.m. while at West Bridge and West Second Streets for violating the City of Oswego’s open container policy.

High: 65

Melaine Krug, 21, was arrested on Sept. 3 at 2:03 a.m. in Franklin Square Park for public urination, after she was observed urinating in the playground area of the park.

Krug was released with an appearance ticket to appear in Oswego City court at 1:30 p.m. on Sept. 27.

This weekend will feature unsettled and cool weather. Expect a chance of showers each day, but improvements as we make our way through the weekend. There will be times of rain and otherwise mostly cloudy skies. High temperatures will be in the mid to upper 60s for each day.

There is a 40 percent chance of rain during the day on Friday.

Saturday calls for a 60 percent chance of scattered showers during the day and a slight chance of showers at night. The rain should dry up by Sunday night.

Low: 58

High: 67

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THE OSWEGONIAN FRIDAY, Sept. 30, 2016

NEWS

QUOTE OF THE WEEK I’ve been stressed out this entire time trying to balance work and school and every single night asking yourself, ‘Where am I going to sleep tonight?’ It’s not easy.”

-Francisco Cortijo, Oswego State student

Anti-racist author speaks about police brutality Activist Tim Wise discusses race relations at Oswego State

THE OSWEGONIAN FRIDAY, Sept. 30, 2016

The Agenda

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Our weekly list of what to do in Oswego Men’s soccer vs. Plattsburgh (Alumni Weekend), 3 p.m. on Friday at Laker Turf Stadium.

Women’s tennis vs. Plattsburgh, 2 p.m. on Saturday at Romney Tennis Courts.

Planetarium show, 7 p.m. on Sunday in Shineman Center, Room 223.

Open skate, 12 p.m. on Monday in Marano Campus Center Arena.

Alexandria Donato | The Oswegonian Tim Wise, who has spoken at over 1,000 colleges and high schools, visited Oswego State to share his views on race, arguing that racism is institutionalized in the U.S.

Robert Colyvas Contributing Writer news@oswegonian.com On Sept. 27, Tim Wise, an American antiracism activist and writer, spoke to Oswego State about police brutality and racism.

Wise has given speeches at over 1,000 college campuses and high schools across the United States and has trained law enforcement officers in methods for addressing and dismantling racism in their institutions.

The organizer of the event, Omara Rivera Vazquez, said she specifically picked Wise to be the activist speaker on campus because she has “been impressed by his interviews, speeches, lectures and literature. He does his research.”

Wise proposed that racism in the United States is institutionalized, due to past overt racism in addition to current-day discrimination. Wise said that personal, overt bias is less common than in the past, or at least less openly articulated. Wise said existing institutions proceed to foster and perpetuate white privilege and that subtle, impersonal and even ostensibly race-neutral policies contribute to racism and racial inequality today.

Wise is the author of seven books, including his highly acclaimed memoir, “White Like Me: Reflections on Race from a Privileged Son,” as well as “Dear White America: Letter to a New Minority” and his latest, “Under The Affluence: Shaming the Poor, Praising the

Student Association meets at 6 p.m. every Tuesday in Lanigan Hall Room 105. Meetings are open to the public.

Rich and Sacrificing the Future of America.”

According to his website, “Wise’s antiracism work traces back to his days as a college activist in the 1980s, fighting for divestment from apartheid South Africa.”

“Twenty years ago we didn’t have people protesting against such issues,” Wise said.

The 1992 Los Angeles riots, also known as the Rodney King riots, a series of riots, lootings, arsons and civil disturbances that occurred in Los Angeles after police officers who used excessive force against King were acquitted, were the last of these groundbreaking protests against police brutality and racism.

After the interview, Wise said that out of all the colleges he has spoken at, a few stood out as taking initiative to implement his ideas.

“San Diego State [University] was progressive and gave a lot of feedback on social justice, while Furman [University], was more conservative and not aligned with my views,” Wise said. “But still gave feedback and were still very engaged.”

Wise spoke of the frequently proposed method of having police interact with the communities in which they police for 60 to 90 days to help the issues. During this time, they would go to churches, parks and barber shops to develop relationships. Wise spoke of these initiatives to counteract police brutality and racism through the strengthening

Senator Vanessa Gonzales and Senator Eusebio van Reenen wrote a bill that will be passed on to Oswego State President Deborah Stanley. The bill requests that students are made aware of any sexual crimes by campus-wide emails, regardless of their degree.

An Executive order written by SA President Emily Nassir passed by general consensus. A posi-

of relationships between the community and police as he has tried to do for the past 20 years.

One of the first initiatives occurred when he was a college activist following graduation where he worked toward was his dedication into social justice advocacy full time, as a youth coordinator and associate director of the Louisiana Coalition against racism and nazism. The Louisiana Coalition was one of the largest of many groups organized in the early 1990s to defeat the political candidacies of white supremacist and former Ku Klux Klan leader David Duke.

Wise said that for racism and police brutality to come to a halt, there needs to be more black heroes talking about the problems and gaining a following that will develop conversations and initiatives to counteract racism and police brutality.

In multi-racial societies such as the U.S., Wise argued that all people have internalized various elements of racist thinking. However, just because society has been conditioned this way does not mean that society is committed to racist thinking. Wise said that members of society can challenge this conditioning and be taught to believe in equality.

Oswego State student Jonathon Ashline, who attended the lecture, said he was not familiar with Wise until he heard about the social activist speaking on campus.

“I’ve never heard of him before seeing the flyers on campus,” Ashline said. “I think he spoke very passionately.”

Documentary film: “Children of Syria,” 7 p.m. on Monday in Marano Campus Center, Room 201.

Women’s volleyball vs. Clarkson, 6 p.m. on Tuesday in Max Ziel Gymnasium.

OzSpeaks: #BlueLivesMatter, 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday in Marano Campus Center Auditorium.

Open skate, 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday in Marano Campus Center Arena.

Workshop: “Understanding Dating Violence and Prevention,” 2:30 p.m. on Thursday in Marano Campus Center, Room 114.

Women’s tennis vs. St. John Fisher, 4 p.m. on Thursday at Romney Tennis Courts.

so students can retake tion will be created to ensure policy a class with any grade. the safety of off-campus housing. Director of Legislative Affairs Alex George met with Girls club softOswego Mayor Billy Barlow ball is seeking and is currently working on a $7,664 for clothplan for the students that were ing, equipment recently evicted. and health and safety items. The new organization is requestSenator Robert ing money for bats, catchers’ Taglia is working equipment, helmets and uniwith administra- forms, and are seeking reimtion to change the bursement for their National policy of retaking Club Softball Association fee. classes. The cur- They are hoping to get funding rent policy is students can only retake a class if before their first scrimmage in Multiple senators they get a C- or lower. Sen. Ta- October. glia would like to change the will be working with the girls

cub softball team to write a bill to receive funding.

SA will be voting to amend its constitution because it has not been updated in years. Two major things that will be changing are the president and vice president GPA requirement and the swear in date for the president and vice president. The bill was passed to the Rules and Judiciary committee for the period of one week.

Mikala Thompson | The Oswegonian

NEWS A4 Professor has breakthrough in improving air quality THE OSWEGONIAN FRIDAY, Sept. 30, 2016

Comfort bags filled for victims donated

by SUNY schools to support abuse victims Jamie Aranoff Staff Writer news@oswegonian.com The State University of New York system recently launched a program supporting victims of abuse with care packages distributed to local shelters statewide.

The SUNY’s Got Your Back initiative was put in place by Title IX coordinators to create a level of comfort for victims in shelters receiving support for sexual and interpersonal violence.

As a national leader in sexual assault and interpersonal violence awareness, the SUNY system is putting efforts into comforting victims in their times of need, said SUNY Chancellor Nancy L. Zimpher.

The goal has been to provide victim centers statewide with 2,016 backpacks containing personal items by the year 2016.

The initial goal was to raise 2,016 bags in a year, with each campus donating anywhere from 25 to 250 bags, depending on the relative student body size, said Oswego State Title IX coordinator Lisa Evaneski.

SUNY-wide, there 9,230 bags have been donated so far and the number is still rising.

Many victims come to the shelters at their lowest points, often with only the clothes on their back, sometimes in hospital garb.

Many businesses have supported the SUNY initiative. Sponsors range from local business to the New York State Police Sex-

ual Assault Victims Unit and national sponsors such as the PGA Golf tour.

The New York State police donated the backpacks and students and community members donated many of the smaller toiletry items, Evaneski said. Many victims come into hospitals and shelters with nothing, so the bags make the difficult time a bit more comfortable.

“In the past five years, SUNY has become a leader in prevention and response for sexual assault and domestic violence,” Evaneski said.

Evaneski is part of the SUNY Title IX Coordinators Association, which held their inaugural kickoff in April. The backpacks were a way to have a statewide project to help support and comfort victims.

“A lot of local agencies help SUNY and it’s important as a university that we give back,” said Joseph Storch, chair of the SUNY student affairs practice group.

In September, SUNY launched two online tools to support victims of the state and all SUNY schools. The SUNY Sexual Assault & Violence Resource is a site that connects victims with resources and contact information nearby. The second source is used as a multi-lingual resource for immigrant students and non-English speakers.

For students, faculty and staff interested, Evaneski plans to hold an event in late October to fill bags with the donated supplies and pass them along to local shelters. In the future, Evaneski said she hopes to continue similar events.

Taylor Woods | The Oswegonian Comfort bags are available for victims of domestic and sexual violence and are distributed to local shelters.

Oswego State faculty member, students use household plants to purify air

Alexandria Donato | The Oswegonian Vadoud Niri (left) and students Timothy Jones (center) and Geoffrey Peterson (right) have worked on a research project to find green solutions to harsh chemicals in the air.

Jenna Uryevick Staff Writer news@oswegonian.com Being a “plant mom” has become a common fad among many teenagers and young adults.

Plant life has become a topic that Americans have more interest in. Although people keep plants in their homes, the majority of plant owners do not know the actual benefits that come from household plants.

A breakthrough has been made by an Oswego State professor and several undergraduate students. For the past few years, Vadoud Niri and his undergraduate chemistry students, Timothy Jones and Geoffrey Peterson, have worked to find household plants that eliminate common hazardous toxins.

After Niri experienced the harsh chemicals from a nearby nail salon his wife visits regularly, he said he concluded that the strong toxins in common places can be extremely hazardous to one’s health. Niri decided to

look for a solution that is not too costly for the average American.

Niri, Jones and Peterson began experimenting hazardous chemicals on common plants: jade, spider, bromeliad, Caribbean tree cactus and a dracaena. The main goal was to remove any toxic volative organic compounds (VOC) with the use of these plants. After further studies, they concluded that dracaena removed nearly 94 percent of acetone in the experiment.

Jones said these household plants can benefit people’s health.

“The study was more focused on chemical exposure rather than virus or bacteria exposure,” Jones said.

The benefits of the plants target things such as “chemicals that induce effects like irritation, nausea, and more severely, cancer.” Jones said that, despite the plants not targeting things like viruses and bacteria, they can help with those things because of the plants’ benefits to air quality.

Biochemistry major Skye Prosper said she has an extreme love for plants that stems from her mother’s obsession with gardening. Although she has known plants benefit air quality through photosynthesis, she said

she was surprised to hear the extreme benefits that come from certain household plants.

Prosper was once given a spider plant that her mom grew on her own and she has two little cacti in her dorm room. Despite Prosper’s love for plants, she said the cost can be a drawback.

“Plants can be very expensive, with buying dirt and pots and once they get bigger you have to move them to a bigger pot,” Prosper said. “It’s actually a whole process.”

Niri said he was not originally a fan of household plants.

“After seeing how these plants can amazingly uptake the toxic chemicals, I am a huge fan now and I even have some plants in my office in Shineman Center,” Niri said. “Houseplants give your home or office both beauty and fresh air.”

In the future, Niri and his research assistants, Jones and Peterson plan to do research on more plants and toxic compounds. This discovery has brought them to the National Meeting and Exposition of the American Chemical Society (ACS).

NEWS

THE OSWEGONIAN FRIDAY, Sept. 30, 2016

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Douglas Waterbury’s apartment buildings deemed ‘uninhabitable,’ tenants displaced Amid crackdown on landlords, Oswego State students left without homes, several suing Waterbury after homes condemned CONDEMNED from COVER “The only entrance and exit to the entire building was falling apart,” Cortijo said. “The top portion was caving in, so that was definitely not safe.”

Cortijo said the siding of the roof had fallen off, the roof leaked whenever it rained, the carbon monoxide detectors did not work and there was no fire extinguisher.

“While moving in, my parents, who are both in law enforcement…told me the entire building is a fire hazard and that I should get out of there as soon as I could,” Cortijo said.

Though his housemate reported the issues to Waterbury, none of them were resolved.

Two weeks after moving in, Cortijo’s building was condemned and he was given five days to move out. Cortijo looked into free housing through the Department of Social Services, which is based in Mexico, but did not meet their qualifications.

“Being a student immediately disqualifies you because they count [the money] you get from the school as an income,” Cortijo said.

Residence Life and Housing also told Cortijo they could not help him.

“They basically said that because we weren’t signed on with the school that they can’t help us in any way,” Cortijo said. “They don’t offer temporary housing.”

Cortijo said Waterbury did offer him temporary housing after his apartment building was condemned, but he declined it.

“Me and my friends decided not to take it because that might invalidate our case to try to break the lease and sue him back for all our money,” Cortijo said.

Other Oswego State students were also recently removed from their Waterbury-owned homes. Alyssa Lopez, a junior zoology major, originally moved into her Waterbury apartment because they allowed her to have her two dogs. When she toured the apartment, she noticed the cover of the mirror over the mantle was not connected to the fireplace and she was worried it would fall on her dog. She noticed other problems as well, all of which Waterbury promised to fix.

“The cabinets were falling apart and the floors were disgusting,” Lopez said. “They were sticky and grimy and he said that all of that was going to get fixed.”

The front porch of her building was

“falling apart,” Lopez said. After she moved into the apartment, she spent $700 making it livable.

“We put de-greaser down and we scraped the floors clean, we re-waxed them, we painted the bedrooms,” Lopez said. “We had to put industrial strength Drano down the drains, we turned the water on and it was full of rust so it would come out black and rusty.”

Lopez returned home late one night and found a skunk on her porch. She called Waterbury and “he told us that the skunk was our problem. It was our fault the skunk was living there, we were dirty and we had too much garbage,” Lopez said.

She complained about the skunk to code enforcement and, after a walkthrough, the building was condemned. Code Enforcement found around 15 violations in her apartment.

Lopez was able to move into a new apartment, but she was not able to have her dogs.

Lopez said she doesn’t feel the apartment’s condemnation was her fault.

“My specific apartment, the inside, because I spent time and money, was really really nice,” Lopez said. “I had nice things, I had a nice floor. I took my time to make it look nice…We took care of what we could take care of. But the things that were out of our control [Waterbury] didn’t fix.”

Another student forced to leave his home was Kenneth Teamoh, a senior English major. Teamoh complained of similar problems: a leak in the ceiling, a bathtub that did not drain, a “dilapidated” front porch, no carbon monoxide or smoke detectors. Teamoh payed $975 a month for his one-bedroom apartment owned by Waterbury.

When code enforcement came to his apartment, Teamoh said they deemed it “uninhabitable and very dangerous to live in.”

Over 20 people lived in his building and the whole thing was condemned, Teamoh said.

Teamoh will be moving back on campus after his unsuccessful off-campus experience.

He said Waterbury’s practices turned him off to living off campus.

“It seems he does not particularly care for his tenants as people,” Teamoh said. “I feel he is more concerned with money instead of the well-being of the tenants.”

According to the New York State Tenants’ Rights Guide, “tenants have the right to a livable, safe and sanitary apartment, a right that is im-

Tim McGregor| The Oswegonian A student living in one of Waterbury’s apartments said the porch and cabinets were “falling apart” and she spent $700 making the building livable after she moved in.

plied in every written or oral residential lease….

Any uninhabitable condition caused by the tenant or persons under the tenant’s direction or control does not constitute a breach of the warranty of habitability; in such a case, it is the tenant’s responsibility to remedy the condition.”

The Tenants’ Rights Guide also states that landlords must keep their apartments in “good repair and clean and free of vermin, garbage or other offensive material.” Landlords are also required to “maintain electrical, plumbing, sanitary, heating and ventilating systems and appliances landlords install, such as refrigerators and stoves, in good and safe working order. All repairs must be made within a reasonable time period.”

Additionally, the guide prescribes that smoke detectors must be installed in each apartment within 10 feet of each room used for sleeping, as well as carbon monoxide alarms within 15 feet of the primary entrance to each sleeping room.

“Landlords are responsible for replacing any detectors that are lost, stolen or become inoperable within the first year of use,” the Tenants’ Rights Guide said.

According to Lopez and Teamoh, Waterbury had a clause in his lease stating that their

Jim McGregor | The Oswegonian Because of problem apartments in the City of Oswego, Mayor Billy Barlow is cracking down on landlords and seeking to make code enforcement stricter.

financial aid could be used as collateral for paying him rent.

“If we don’t pay him, he can sue us for all our financial aid,” Lopez said.

These three students, along with several others, are suing Waterbury in small claims court, which allows them to sue for a maximum of $5,000. Teamoh said Waterbury refused to give him his money back and avoided his questions. He is suing Waterbury for $2,918.

Waterbury declined an interview, but in a text message he said, “I’m not sure why they are suing as I have told them before they moved out that all accounts would be reconciled this week and all monies due would be forwarded immediately.”

Because the city of Oswego suffers from these problems, Barlow plans on stricter code enforcement.

“It is about time somebody starts holding these landlords accountable and starts standing up for tenant rights and quality of life in our neighborhoods,” Barlow said on Sept. 15, according to Oswego County today. “Homeowners and city residents should not suffer from an irresponsible landlord who offers deplorable living conditions that negatively affected nearby home values all in their own effort to make a buck.”

“I think that the stricter code enforcement is absolutely a good thing for our community as a whole,” Waterbury said. “Mayor Barlow is a good person and is doing a good job and we are working hard to support him in the process.”

One change being implemented is a rise in the cost of a rental permit for landlords. The permit previously cost $30 per property for a three-year period.

Now, the cost has been raised to $150. Other landlords are not pleased about this hike in price.

Greg Furlong, a landlord for Premier Living Suites and Furlong Properties, has been a landlord for 20 years. He said the cost of the permit punishes good landlords.

“I don’t disagree that they should have gone up somewhat,” Furlong said. “I completely disagree that they’ve gone up five times more than they were. I feel that it’s unjustified.”

Premier Living Suites houses 71 students and Furlong Properties has 25 to 30 houses in the city of Oswego, so Furlong will have to pay a significantly higher amount for permits, money he said could go toward maintenance on his properties.

“With the money that the rental permits now cost, I could paint three houses, put up three roofs, side three new houses,” Furlong said. “I will certainly not buy more properties at this point in time.”

Furlong believes an alternative solution is to “have fines for bad landlords.” Furlong said he has “never had a bad inspection” and that he works hard to maintain his properties.

“I would consider our properties the upper echelon, higher standard,” Furlong said. “I understand what they’re trying to do. I just don’t agree with the

way they’re doing it.”

Fifth Ward Councilor John Gosek agreed that there are “a lot of good landlords” in Oswego.

However, he said this crackdown on landlords is necessary.

“There’s an awful lot of slumlords in Oswego,” Gosek said.

“They’ve been getting away with murder for years.”

Gosek said the plan is to hire new code enforcement officers, “create a more robust department to streamline the permitting process,” and crack down on problem rental properties. He said they are also talking to people about removing bad landlords from their list of landlords in Oswego.

Gosek said he applauds Barlow for taking action and that the housing situation in Oswego has been “stagnant for 11 years.”

“I think [Barlow] is doing the right thing,” Gosek said. “I think this is long overdue. They’ve been letting these things slide literally for decades.”

In addition to what the city is doing, Lopez, Cortijo and Teamoh said they feel Oswego State should do more to aid students in a housing crisis.

Lopez said she would have appreciated “just a little bit of support in any way” when she was trying to find a new place to live after her apartment was condemned.

“In my opinion, the school should be like, ‘All right, look: we have an empty dorm room. Just stay here for the next couple weeks and then you can move out,’” Lopez said. “They didn’t do any of that. In talking to a lot of people who live off campus, they feel like they don’t have the same resources as the on campus students do. There’s no one to go to that’s advocating for you.”

Cortijo said he wants to see Oswego State offer counseling for students living off campus to give them direction. He said he also wants to see Waterbury’s name taken off the list of landlords provided by the college.

“It’s surprising to me that someone has been doing this for this long and the school continues to print out his name as if he were a trustworthy person,” Cortijo said.

According to Jerri Howland, the dean of students, approximately 3,600 Oswego State students live off campus. Howland said these students receive resources and assistance.

“Students who live on or off campus have the same level of support to ensure they are successful students,” Howland said.

Howland said she met with six students on Sept. 26 to discuss their experiences with being forced to leave their offcampus housing.

“Anytime students who live off campus find themselves in need of housing we will work with Residence Life and Housing to find them a suitable accommodation if space is available,” Howland said.

Cortijo said the upheaval has taken a toll on him academically, financially and emotionally.

“I’m pretty sure I’ve fallen behind in four out of five of my classes that all have to do with my major,” Cortijo said. “I’ve been stressed out this entire time trying to balance work and school and every single night asking yourself, ‘Where am I going to sleep tonight?’ It’s not easy.”

NEWS

THE OSWEGONIAN FRIDAY, Sept. 30, 2016

A6

City of Oswego cracks down on code enforcement SUNY schools no longer ask whether Mayor Barlow changes rules, regulations to improve renter experience CRACKDOWN from COVER was eventually condemned, can be found on this list. Barlow and Lopez both said they would like to see a stricter screening process for this list. At the top of the spreadsheet document with the list of landlords, it states that, “Properties and landlords on the housing list are not an endorsement of the Director of Off-Campus Affairs, the Student Association at SUNY Oswego, or SUNY Oswego.”

Oswego resident Deborah Engelke is a landlord in the city and was adamant in her stance that landlords who are “doing the right thing” should not have to pay for the mistakes of others.

“I don’t know why we’re increasing the rate without increasing enforcement,”

Engelke said.

In Barlow’s proposal he said the increased rate is to keep up with the times.

Barlow said rental properties should not be exempt from the free enterprise system.

He said one of his main campaign platforms nearly a year ago was code enforcement and creating a nicer city in terms of appearance and safety.

Barlow said the money brought in by the increase would be used to further develop the code enforcement department in the city.

“I believe landlords should pay their fair share and contribute to the department,” Barlow said.

One area of code enforcement addressed was Part 1203 of Title 19 of the New York Codes, Rules and Regulations,

which pertains to fire safety code. Barlow said this would help to prosecute on unsafe properties. The hope for change for landlords who are renting out unsafe or unsanitary properties would come by stopping landlords from collecting rent or “choking off rent,” Barlow said.

Chairman Robert A. Corradino excluded himself from any voting on the issues regarding rental properties because he himself rents properties in Oswego.

He did participate in the discussion, but he decided that voting on the matters may be a conflict of interest.

The topics regarding the property rental fee and other code issues were tabled for later discussion. The next Oswego City Committee meeting will take place on Monday, Oct. 3.

applicants have criminal convictions

Taylor Woods | The Oswegonian All SUNY schools have stopped asking whether a student has committed a felony on admissions applications.

ADMISSIONS from COVER

Jim McGregor | The Oswegonian The City of Oswego is increasing the cost of a landlord permit to $150 for three years, up from $30. Oswego Mayor Billy Barlow said this is to keep up with the times.

evaluating a candidate. So far, 172 schools have signed the pledge. Cohen said he was impressed with the number of other colleges who want to follow SUNY’s lead.

In May, John B. King, education secretary for the Obama administration, released a letter to universities and colleges urging them to remove the question about an applicant’s criminal history.

“Those who have paid their debt and served their sentences deserve an equal chance to learn and thrive,” King wrote. “Together, through the power of high-quality education, we can help youth and adults who have been involved with the criminal justice system rebuild their lives, reclaim their sense of purpose and direction, rejoin society, and realize their full potential.”

King also released a fact sheet entitled “Beyond the Box,” which gives colleges and universities a guide on how to remove the stigma on applicants with a criminal past.

“The White House is calling on businesses and higher ed institutions around the country to eliminate barriers for individuals with a criminal history,” Oswego State Chief Communications Officer Wayne Westervelt said.

Westervelt said Oswego State will comply with SUNY’s policy while keeping campus safety in mind.

Oswego State Director of Admissions Daniel Griffin said the college’s current policy

includes reviewing documentation about the applicant’s criminal history, information about rehabilitation and academic or employment progress since their last offense.

Once those documents are received, their application will be reviewed. Sometimes, admissions representatives will contact an applicant prior to concluding its review and communicating the decision to the applicant.

A study done by the Center for Community Alternatives, a nonprofit organization in New York, found that 2,924 applicants for SUNY schools checked the box stating that they have been convicted of a felony. Of those applicants, about 63 percent did not complete the application.

Cohen, a graduate student at SUNY Albany, said the felony question is biased.

“These students are being discouraged from even applying to SUNY because they’re afraid of the bias that comes along with checking the box,” Cohen said. “The mission of SUNY is to learn, to search, and to serve.”

With the passing of the resolution, Cohen and his assembly are hoping to further help students move forward.

The change to SUNY’s application will take effect in the fall of 2018 application cycle. Applicants will only be asked about any prior felony convictions after they are admitted and if they decide to live on campus or participate in field, clinical or study abroad programs.

Sustainability Office implements new fountains, Cupanion app to track plastic saving Tap In program encourages students to use refillable water bottles, offers prizes as incentives to participate FOUNTAIN from COVER opposed to the disposable,” said Thomas Pickett, the graduate assistant of the Sustainability Office.

Adams said the stations have been well received by the campus.

“They’re easy to use,” junior Sydney Credle said of the bottles. “You can reuse them and you don’t have to throw them away.”

Along with the stations, the Sustainability Office is also working on an initiative called Tap In to decrease the amount of disposable bottle waste. Tap In was also a push to implement the bottle filling stations throughout campus.

“I think they are very efficient if you are on the go and on your way to class,” junior Lauren Nevil said.

Water bottles distributed through the program come with a code, which “I think they is scanned through the phone app Cuare very panion to track the efficient if amount of waste you are on saved every time the go and a reusable bottle is on your way refilled. Cupanion creates products to class.” with the mission to create environmen-Lauren Nevil, tal sustainability.

Oswego State Prizes are givStudent en out through Photo provided by ReadyToYou.com the Sustainability Office as an incentive for students to participate.

Cupanion also gives out prizes, including Netflix and Amazon gift cards, on a weekly basis.

Pickett said one person disposes of 167 plastic bottles per year on average and factoring in the number of people on campus, the office created a survey to figure out why the preference was disposable instead of reusable.

Based on the number of responses, Tap In was created.

Out of the approximately 146,000 reuses nationwide of the Cupanion app, Oswego State makes up around 27,000 of

them, Adams said.

“We do take up a pretty significant portion of their users,” Adams said.

Tap In began last semester, running for eight weeks and passing out 2,500 bottles.

Adams said this semester has already been successful, especially this week. She and Pickett will present at a national conference on sustainability in higher education next month on the success of Tap In. Tabling for both Tap In and the Sustainability Office is done Wednesdays in Marano Campus Center.

There, students can receive either a metal thermal water bottle or one with a fruit infuser as incentive to take part in the initiative.

According to Oswego.edu, the program has won awards such as the Case Study division of Recyclemania.

Jim McGregor | The Oswegonian The Cupanion app shows 146,000 uses. Oswego State makes up 27,000 of them. The Sustainability Office is using additional measures be more environmentally friendly.

OPINION PRICE OF

B5

LEARNING

Photo provided via Pixabay

VOLUME LXXXIV ISSUE IV

• www.oswegonian.com

Tales From The Ship:

SPORTS THE OSWEGONIAN

SPORTS MEN'S SUNYAC

B4 Criselda Mapoy | The Oswegonian

Oswego on par for ECACs

Volleyball struggles in first SUNYAC Golf riding fantastic season into Victor for biggest weekend of season test of season Luke Scoville Staff Writer sports@oswegonian.com

Cole Parzych Sports Editor cparzych@oswegonian.com Oswego State volleyball suffered its second consecutive tough week as they traveled to Potsdam for the first round of SUNYAC pool play.

This time, however, it meant something. The matches count now and in their first showing of the year, the Lakers struggled against conference rivals.

Oswego State’s Friday matchup was its only win of the weekend. The Lakers defeated SUNY Plattsburgh in five sets and had to feel good after moving to 1-0 in SUNYAC play for the 2016 season.

That feeling did not last too long.

The Lakers have not lost to SUNY Plattsburgh since the 2013 season and saw a revamped Cardinals team fall just shy of knocking them off in the first meeting between the two teams this season.

SUNY Plattsburgh is flooded with underclassmen leading the way. This inexperience was evident as Oswego State committed just 19 attack errors to the Cardinals’ 33. The Lakers pride themselves on their upperclassmen and it was exactly what they needed to get the job done.

Saturday was not so kind to coach J.J. O’Connell’s club.

They dropped both matches, one to SUNY New Paltz and one to SUNY Geneseo. Unable to bounce back after dropping the first two first sets in each, the Lakers fell to 1-6 on the year when dropping the first frame. The only win of this nature came in the first match of year on Sept. 2 against the New Rochelle College Blue Angels.

This inability to climb out of holes early in matches is pretty unexplainable, especially considering how confident the entire Laker team is in its leaders and captains to motivate them on the court.

The SUNY New Paltz Hawks continued their recent dominance of the Lakers in the day’s morning match.

Oswego State came out slow and dropped the first set, 25-17. The Hawks dominated every statistical category, beating the Lakers in points, kills, aces, blocks, assists and digs. The Lakers were unable to get revenge against the very same team that knocked them out of the SUNYAC playoffs last season in straight sets.

The Lakers took on the SUNY Geneseo Knights in the afternoon cap and lost yet again.

The match against the Knights, who sit just one game behind the 3-0 Hawks in the SUNYAC standings at 2-1 after the opening weekend of conference play, was more evenly balanced as far as team stats go. However, the way the Lakers ended the weekend is what is most troubling.

O’Connell can’t be too happy with his team dropping the final set of the day 25-12 to a conference opponent.

That may be due to stamina or the Lakers being unable to get out of their own way, but a better showing was needed to even take some momentum into their eight days off before they meet Clarkson University on Oct. 4.

Whatever the case is, the Oswego State volleyball team needs to get back to their early season ways. The team has dropped five of their last eight matches after starting the 2016 season with a 5-1 record, falling to 9-7 overall.

There is still plenty of time to turn this around and the Lakers are not in a bad spot in the SUNYAC. This is where the senior leaders need to step in to make sure that this freefall does not continue.

The Lakers will have an exteded period of time to fix these issues. After their fantastic season a year ago, it is not time to panic yet, but definitely raises questions moving forward.

SOCCER STRUGGLES

The Oswego State Lakers men’s golf team will conclude their fall season this weekend in the ECAC Mid-Atlantic Championship at Ravenwood Golf Club in Victor, New York.

The Lakers will look to continue their stellar performances going into this weekend’s championship. They’ve managed to finish at least in the top three in each event this fall, including three first place finishes.

The young Lakers squad features a strong sophomore class led by Sean Paul Owen, Corey Marshall and Nick Gramuglia, all of whom will be competing this weekend.

Owen is coming off two of his best rounds as a Laker golfer, shooting a 73 at the Oswego Invitational, and a 74 at the Elmira Invitational last week. “[A] lot of it is mentally, you got to go in to practice every day and try hard to shoot good numbers,” Owen said. “Focus in practice and make every shot count.”

The Lakers make the most of each practice, trying to get better with each shot while staying competitive against each other.

Most golfers on the roster are not very familiar with the course at Ravenwood Golf Jim McGregor | The Oswegonian Club, except for Marshall, who is from the Oswego State golf has not finished below third place in its five matches this year leading up to the ECACs. Victor area.

“I’ve played there quite a bit,” Marshall Gramuglia said. “So we do what we can to motivation, especially seeing Sean go low all said, “We know what to expect and Friday’s motivate each other.” the time,” Marshall said. practice round should help with any issues.”

The players not only want individual Howard credits how deep and competitive Marshall displayed consistent play success, but care more for their team success this group has been, making it tough for him to throughout the fall season, more notably this weekend going up against 17 other choose who gets to compete in the matches. for his 76 at the Keuka Invitational. Coach schools. Their team bond and chemistry has “When we have that kind of depth, guys Howard was also impressed with him played a vital role in their success this season are working hard,” Howard said, “We’ve in the qualifying practice last Saturday, and will continue moving toward the biggest had some of the best scores in my 23 years posting a round of 67 at the Oswego weekend of the season. of coaching during our team qualifier on Country Club.

“Seeing everyone go low gives good selfSaturday.”

“We’re a team that wants to win,” Despite all the success, Howard still sees room for improvement in competitive play and wants more focus heading into this weekend.

“They all have the skills physically, [we’ve] just got to get better mentally,” Howard said. “I saw situations where we gave away shots that we need to focus on not doing.”

Last season, the Lakers came in fourth place at the ECAC Mid-Atlantic Championship, nothing that Howard found disappointing, but he hopes his players bring the confidence to place better this year.

“We want to be in the mix with those teams and take advantage if they stumble,” Howard said. “We’re good enough, hopefully we can bring our A-game.”

St. John Fisher is the host of this year’s ECAC Mid-Atlantic Championship at Jim McGregor | The Oswegonian Ravenwood Golf Club. The competitors are set Golf finished fourth overall out of 12 teams last year's ECAC Mid-Atlantic Championships. to tee off at 8:15 a.m. Saturday.

FRIDAY, Sept. 30, 2016

B1

Defensive efforts aid field hockey's most successful season Joe Porpora Contributing Writer sports@oswegonian.cwom The Oswego State field hockey team is off to a 6-0 start this season thanks to outstanding defense. Through six games, the Lakers have allowed 7.3 shots on goal per game and have given up a total of 5 goals.

The reason for the great defensive play is communication, said junior defender Heidi Reichert.

“Communication has been key for us,” Reichert said. “The mentality is that we’re not going to let that ball cross the line."

The communication between defenders comes from their increased comfort level after playing together for so long. The starting defensive unit consists of senior Corinne Kimmelman, junior Emily Brockwell and Reichert.

This group of players has had the opportunity to play as a group during their collegiate career and it has helped them work as one unit on the field.

“We’ve been playing together for so long that we kind of know how each other works, like who goes to balls and who handles other situations,” Brockwell said.

Over the years, the Lakers have gotten the opportunity to play together more and it has helped them build chemistry and improve on what was a disappointing record last year.

Last season’s record of 3-11 did not sit well with the team and they changed their mentality going into the 2016 season. They are practicing and preparing more efficiently to erase the memory of the 2015 season.

Not only are they practicing hard on the field, but head coach Brandi Lusk has been having her players watch more tape. They are studying their own field tendencies as well as scouting future opponents and strategizing how they can stop them. Looking at opponents’ stats and studying more has helped this defense shut down the opposition. An increased emphasis on preparation along with a number of returning players has been a major key to Oswego State’s success.

Over the years the team has gotten to be around one another on a regular basis which has built their chemistry.

“We’re an older team so we’ve all been working together, we all do a lot of team bonding things, we do everything as a team,” Reichert said.

Being around the same teammates and doing a lot of things together has helped not only the defense, but the whole team succeed on the field because the chemistry is there.

See FIELD HOCKEY, B4

Senior keeper enters record books unaware, focused on team goals Hampshire transfer makes most of shortened time at Oswego State, works way into record books Chris Yackel Staff Writer sports@oswegonian.com

If there is one thing that the Oswego State Lakers women’s soccer team can always rely on it is their goalkeeper, Melissa Siegfried.

Siegfried has been a staple to the Oswego State women’s soccer team for the past two seasons. She has put up tremendous stats in the past, posting four shutouts as well as recording a .777 save percentage and 1.41 goals against average in 2015.

This year she has continued her success and has gotten two cleansheet victories in the first eight games of the season and has improved her goals against average to 1.19, which ranks her sixth out of the 11 eligible SUNYAC keepers.

You can tell from watching the games that she holds a leadership role on the team just by the way she plays. Shouting words of encouragement from the net while her team is on the attack. All of this has helped her team get off to an overall record of 4-2-2.

“I think we are doing a good job of communicating with each other when we need to,” Siegfried said. “But as always there are going to be things that we need

to work on and we are making sure that we are doing it in practice, because how you practice is how you’re going to play.”

Siegfried admits the improved offensive play from the Lakers has helped her in net. The pace of the offense and them being able to take pressure off her shoulders is exactly what Oswego State needs.

“It is definitely a higher scoring team than last year, which is definitely good,” Siegfried said. “We need those points on the board and it feels good to score, which I think is keeping us in a lot of these games.”

The offense she is referring to is scoring nearly two goals a game, which is something every goalie loves to see their team do. Improving in certain areas is something that each player has to do in order to perform at a higher level.

Melissa Siegfried is no different.

“Last year I think I got a little too much in my head and I’m kind of just focusing on where I’m at in the game and not thinking 20 minutes ahead and just focusing on what I need to do right now,” Siegfried said. “I have to make sure that I am talking to my backline and telling people where I want them to go on the field.”

Communicating with each other has helped the Lakers with their solid

See SIEGFRIED , B3

Mikala Thompson | The Oswegonian

Shore Report

THE OSWEGONIAN FRIDAY, Sept. 30, 2016

SUNYAC Standings Men's Soccer Oneonta Buffalo State Plattsburgh Fredonia Cortland New Paltz Geneseo Potsdam Oswego State Brockport

Women's Soccer Buffalo State Cortland Plattsburgh Brockport Geneseo Oswego State Oneonta Potsdam Fredonia New Paltz

Field Hockey New Paltz Cortland Oswego State Oneonta Geneseo Brockport Morrisville State

Volleyball Brockport New Paltz Fredonia Geneseo Oneonta Cortland Oswego State Plattsburgh Potsdam Buffalo State

Oswego Scoreboard

Overall 7-2-0 7-2-1 8-1-0 7-2-1 6-2-0 5-1-4 5-3-1 5-2-1 3-6-0 1-5-1

Conference 2-0-0 2-0-0 1-0-0 1-1-0 1-1-0 1-1-0 1-1-0 0-1-0 0-2-0 0-2-0

Streak W7 W4 W1 W1 W1 W1 W2 L1 L3 L2

Overall 6-1-2 6-2-0 5-4-0 4-2-1 3-1-3 4-2-2 3-3-3 7-2-0 3-7-0 1-8-2

Conference 2-0-0 2-0-0 1-0-0 1-1-0 1-1-0 1-1-0 1-1-0 0-1-0 0-2-0 0-2-0

Streak W3 W2 L1 L1 W1 L1 W1 L1 W1 L2

Overall 7-2 6-3 6-0 2-7 1-8 1-8 1-9

Conference 4-0 2-0 1-0 1-2 1-2 0-2 0-4

Streak W3 W1 W6 L1 L2 L8 L6

Overall 16-2 10-7 10-6 9-8 5-11 9-7 9-7 8-7 10-4 5-12

Conference 3-0 3-0 2-1 2-1 2-1 1-2 1-2 1-2 0-3 0-3

Streak W6 W4 W2 W3 W2 W1 L2 L1 W1 L5

Women's Soccer

Volleyball

0

Wednesday, Sept. 28

Wednesday, Sept. 28

vs

vs

2 0

Friday, Sept. 30 3 p.m.

3

NP: (7-2, 4-0) ONE: (2-7, 1-2)

vs

1

BRCK: (16-2, 3-0) HOUG: (6-6, 2-1)

1:

The Oswego State men's cross country team finished in first place out of 23 other schools on Saturday afternoon at the Harry F. Invitational.

Dylan McCarthy and Colin Greenseich finished inside the top 10 overall which was a deciding factor in the Laker's first win on the season.

New Paltz will look to capture their first conference win of the season against Brockport.

NPLZ: (1-8-2, 0-2-0) BRK: (4-2-1, 1-1-0)

2:

2

OSW:

Perniciaro: 1 S.O.G Siegfried: 5 saves

ONE:

Opalinski: 1 goal Belush: 1 goal Mull: 1 save

The number of wins the Oswego State women's tennis team has through eight matches this season. It has been a disappointing season so far and they sit at 3-6 with only two matches remaining. It will be yet another sub .500 season for the team even if they go undefeated for the rest of the year.

Saturday, Sept. 24

0 Lunduski: 2 S.O.G Runge: 6 G.A.

ONE:

Martinez: 2 goals Ritaccio: 2 goals Johnson: 1 goal Wilson: 2 saves

Field Hockey

Saturday, Sept. 24

1

3

OSW:

Murawski: 7 kills Moriarty: 7 kills Qelaj: 26 digs

NP:

Roessler: 14 kills Paulik: 14 kills Ramhorst: 6 kills Paulik: 21 digs

6

OSW:

Volleyball

Wednesday Sept. 28

2

0 Sheehy: 1 goal Woite: 1 goal Reynolds: 1 assist Charap: 2 saves

OSW:

Hunt: 1 S.O.G Koziol: 11 saves

MOR:

Upcoming Matches Women's Soccer

Men's Soccer

@

vs

3 p.m.

1 p.m.

OSW: (4-2-2, 1-1-0) PLATT: (5-4-0, 1-0-0)

OSW: (3-6-0, 0-2-0) POT: (5-2-1, 0-1-0)

Friday, Sept. 30

Saturday, Oct. 1

Volleyball

Field Hockey

vs

@

6 p.m.

7 p.m.

OSW: (9-7, 1-2) CLRK: (11-4, 3-1)

OSW: (6-0, 1-0) WLSM: (6-3, 1-0)

Tuesday, Oct. 4

Tuesday, Oct. 4

Laker Athletes of the Week

Emma Geyer

Women's Soccer

Men's Soccer

Saturday, Sept. 24

Around the SUNYAC Field Hockey

B2

Women's Soccer Junior, Liverpool Junior Emma Geyer had the game of her career this past Friday night in Oswego State's matchup with conference rival SUNY New Paltz.

She scored three goals in the Lakers' 4-1 win to open the conference play for their season. The three goals scored matched Geyer's total from all of last season and gives her five on the season, which now leads the team.

The Liverpool native will look to continue her impressive play as the Lakers will travel to Plattsburgh on Friday afternoon.

6:

The Oswego State field hockey has won six straight games to start the season and is now 6-0.

The Lakers won on Wednesday night 2-0 over Morrisville State to open SUNYAC play. They will look to make it seven in a row on Tuesday when they hit the road and take on non-conference opponent William Smith.

Sean Paul Owen

Golf Sophomore, Horseheads Sophomore Sean Paul Owen had a career day last Monday at the Oswego State Invitational, which was held at the Oswego State Country Club.

Owen shot a career best and a field low 73 on the day. The 73 was three fewer shots than anyone else in the field and helped the Lakers finish in first place out of eight other teams.

The sophomore will head into the ECAC MidAtlantic Championships striking the ball well after a second place finish and a score of 74 at the Elmira College Fall Invitational, hoping to help the Lakers capture a title.

46:

The number of days left until the Oswego State men's basketball team takes the court.

Coming off last season's impressive run in the NCAA tournament, the Lakers will look to improve even more this year.

Senior Brian Sortino will be a key to the Lakers success on the court this season.

SPORTS

FRIDAY, September 10, 2010

SPORTS

B2

A-9

THE OSWEGONIAN FRIDAY, Sept. 30, 2016

B33

Tough athletic choice pays off for Geyer along shores of Lake Ontario

Liverpool native near top of SUNYAC in scoring, needs to continue early surge into latter stages of season Matthew Moran Circulation Director sports@oswegonian.com

She did not plan on being a Laker, but three years into her career with Oswego State, Emma Geyer is glad she made the decision to rep the green and gold and so is her team.

During her high school days at Liverpool in Central New York, Geyer had been told by many to head up Route 481 to play her college career in the Port City. Her parents pushed her so they could still be close to their daughter while her coach pushed her because his brother was, and still is, the head coach of the Oswego State women’s soccer team.

“We knew in high school she was a really good player,” head coach Brian McGrane said. “We knew coming in

she was going to be a really big part of our program.”

The question remained, “Would she be a part of the program?”

She was unsure at first and wanted to see what else was around.

After making the trip up to the shores of Lake Ontario, seeing the campus and meeting with McGrane, she decided to make it official.

She was going to be a Laker.

“It all just kind of worked out,” Geyer said.

Flash forward three years and the junior has made a name for herself.

In her last game on Sept. 24 against New Paltz, she netted a hat-trick in the first 67 minutes of play. Geyer has scored 12 goals and 30 points since she stepped onto the field in the fall of 2014, more than any other Laker since then.

Despite that career day against the Hawks, Geyer only had one career goal against conference

Alexandria Donato | The Oswegonian Junior Emma Geyer ranks fifth in the SUNYAC with 11 points in eight games played in 2016.

opponents. For a player that has started every game for the Lakers since she was a freshman. Geyer struggled to find the back of the net in the latter parts of the season in both her freshman and sophomore seasons.

McGrane sees how much Geyer has grown as a player since her first season. The Liverpool native is now a fast and physical midfielder, with a work ethic to be able bury the chances she gets.

“She’s very composed now in front of the goal,” McGrane said.

“I think last year she had a lot of opportunities that she just missed or waited a hair too long or shot too early. Where I think this year she’s finishing them nice and calm.”

That patience was evident against New Paltz, as well as on Sept. 17 against the St. Lawrence University Saints. With 30 seconds left in regulation and the Lakers down 1-0, Geyer was given a volley pass that was high in the air. The Saints’ goalkeeper came out to play it, but Geyer got her foot on the ball first, sending it over the goalkeeper ’s head and dropping it into the back of the net.

With the success she is having, McGrane knows opponents will be game planning specifically for Geyer. The day after the New Paltz game, Oneonta was able to stop her from getting a single shot off, something she hadn’t done since the season opener.

“She’s going to see double teams, she’s going to see everyone’s best defensive midfielder,” McGrane said.

“She’s the type of player that’s never going to want to take a minute off and continually work hard.”

With her skill set, work ethic and leadership, McGrane knows Geyer is one of the best he has ever coached at Oswego State and believes she will able to overcome the tough challenges she will face.

“I truly think she’s a first team all-conference player and up there for player of the year,” McGrane said. “[She is] one of those players you wish you had 11 of.”

The 20-year-old has always pushed herself to be the best she can, with the support she receives

Alexandria Donato | The Oswegonian Emma Geyer (14) leads the Lakers with five goals on the season, eclipsing her season high of four in 2014.

“She’s very composed now in front of the goal. I think last year she had a lot of opportunities that she just missed or waited a hair too long or shot too early. Where I think this year she’s finishing them nice and calm.”

-Brian McGrane Women's Soccer Head Coach

from her parents, who come to every game, as well as her teammates and coaches. It motivates her to strive for more. Late in games when the pain settles in and the mental toughness takes over, Geyer stands by her motto.

“Do it for yourself, do it for your team and success will come,” Geyer said.

Only time will tell what kind of legacy Geyer will leave, as she still has a year and a half left with the Lakers. The individual accolades are something she’s aware of, but not focused on like other goals, goals like leading the Lakers to the SUNYAC title game, something the program has not done in 25 years.

“As we start to continue conference play and we see success, we’re just going to crave wanting to win more,” Geyer said.

Winning more, becoming better and being a great leader. Not bad for someone who did not plan on being a Laker.

Siegfried's humble, team-first mentality bodes well for women's soccer Oswego State in good position to start SUNYAC play after splitting weekend matches backed by two-year starter SIEGFRIED from B1 start to the season.

Every team and every player has certain goals they want to achieve going forward. This is the same case with Siegfried and her team. There are certain goals that she not only wants to reach but also wants her team to reach their own personal goals.

“For the team I think that we should and can get into the playoffs again,” she said. “I think we can get further than the semi-finals and make a finals appearance and make history again because, that’s what we like to do as a team. For myself I want to have a higher shutout total than last year and I do want to beat my save percentage from last year.”

Siegfried is just two shutouts shy of eclipsing her four total shutouts from last season. Her current save percentage sits at .714 and Siegfried isn't far off from reaching her .777 mark from a year ago.

Having these goals and always trying to improve has put the senior goalkeeper in two of the Oswego State women’s soccer record books.

Siegfried currently sits tied for ninth place in shutouts with six career clean sheets. Toby Klein and Christina Fregosi share the ninth place spot with her. She also has posted 12 career wins, which ties her with Klein and Kelly Cheeseman in that category.

“For the team I think that we should and can get into the playoffs again. I think we can get further than the semifinals and make a finals appearance and make history again because, that’s what we like to do as a team.”

-Melissa Siegfried Senior Goalkeeper

“I honestly didn’t know I was that close and I didn’t know the numbers, but I think it just shows how far I've come,” Siegfried said. “If I put in the work I’m going to get the results and it’s more of a reason to keep pushing myself.”

This is Siegfried’s final season with the team. Her athletic career has brought her to this point as she looks to cement her Laker legacy.

“I transferred here from another college and it’s been good,” Siegfried said. “I think that we have a good community with sports and we all know each other and make sure that we’re supporting each other and I never regretted transferring here.”

Siegfried’s value as a goalie is showing this year and she has all the right tools to keep her early success rolling into the heart of the Lakers’ SUNYAC schedule.

Oswego State will be on the road this weekend facing SUNY Plattsburgh and SUNY Potsdam.

Alexandria Donato | The Oswegonian Melissa Siegfried (above) has impressed in her time with the Lakers, ranking in the top 10 all-time for wins and shutouts in women's soccer history.

SPORTS

THE OSWEGONIAN FRIDAY, Sept. 30, 2016

B4

Winless weekend sets Lakers back in SUNYAC

Lakers need to avoid complacency after Two scoreless efforts in conference play cause reason for concern historic start to season, push streak to 6 FIELD HOCKEY from B1 Gerald Lynch Staff Writer sports@oswegonian.com

Last weekend was tough for the Oswego State men’s soccer team.

The Lakers were shutout in 180 minutes of SUNYAC play on Friday and Saturday, falling to SUNY New Paltz 3-0 on Friday and 6-0 to SUNY Oneonta on Saturday.

“We need to finish more, our defense is solid enough,” sophomore defender Thomas Osborn said. “We just need to press more in the final third of the field.”

The stat-line read 10 shots on goal for the Red Dragons, but it was not due solely to the backline. The team has been unable to consistently press forward and create opportunities up top.

Possession has been heavily controlled by the opposition in the past two matches, creating more opportunities on net. The Lakers lack ability to take command in the final third of the pitch as they struggle holding the ball and creating opportunities inside of the box.

Criselda Mapoy | The Oswegonian “Attack, attack, attack,” freshman forward Zack Koons said. “That needs The Lakers are now 1-5-0 while playing on the road and are 2-9-2 on the road, dating back to last season. to be our mentality moving forward.”

The freshman striker made his are there, but the Lakers are struggling to Lakers are not going to earn themselves message clear; focus less on defending capitalize and continue to put immense a bid in the conference tournament. and more on putting the ball in the net. pressure on their defense.

“We got to focus more in practice, The Lakers have struggled to do so in Koons being the team’s leading scorer get more intense, increase our the past 180 minutes of play as they thus far with three goals, has definitely defensive efforts and shooting,” have only registered four shots on goal, implied himself into opposing teams' Osborn said. “We need to do a lot averaging only one quality shot per half scouting reports. more shooting for sure.” of each match.

“Koons is super opportunistic,” senior Goals are key for the Lakers They have only been outshot by a midfielder Mitch Brickman said. “Scoring heading into this weekend. The team small margin on the season, 118 to 120. three goals in three games, he’s always in needs more shots, more on net and The offense has been able to produce the right place at the right time and that’s more chances that result in goals. good opportunities, but struggles to what you want out of your striker.”

Possession in the final third is vital finish as their opponents average 2.11 The freshman has made himself a if the Lakers want to create quality goals per game and the Lakers merely threat to many teams' defenses thus opportunities for themselves and this 0.78 goals per game. far, but he agrees that the play of the starts from the back moving forward.

“We need to press on offense,” forwards, including himself, has to “Using outlets and creating sophomore defender RJ Nichol said. improve if they want to compete in the overlapping runs with the fullbacks “Finishing is key in these matches.”

SUNYAC and play meaningful games creates more chances,” Koons said.

Missed opportunities have hurt the come late October.

Oswego State faces their biggest Lakers, as their lack of goals have kept “My goal each match is simple, more rival, SUNY Plattsburgh, this Friday them out of making a comeback in goals, whatever I can do to benefit this at home. It is alumni weekend as the recent matches. team,” Koons said. team looks to make their mark in One goal in the past 540 minutes of Goals have been the struggle so far as the SUNYAC and obtain their first play speaks for itself about the finishing the Lakers have been outscored by their conference win. ability of this year ’s group. In that time opponents 19-7 through nine matches.

Offense is the focus, with only span, the team has registered 28 shots on The team has been shut out five times seven regular season games remaining, goal, 14 of them coming in their victory so far, two coming against conference every goal and victory becomes key for against SUNY Canton. The opportunities opponents. If these results continue, the the Lakers.

That chemistry and hard work built over the last couple of years has resulted the Laker ’s best start to a season under Lusk’s tenure as head coach. The pieces are clicking for this team on all cylinders, especially on the defensive end.

They’re not allowing the opposition to score or even produce chances. The team’s shot differential has been the key to its successful 6-0 start.

This is something that coach Lusk and the defense core stress each time out on the field.

"Our goal for each game is to hold the team to single digit shots," Brockwell said.

When the opponent does get a shot off, it rarely goes in. Only 11 percent of the opposing team’s shots are beating Sarita Charap.

Charap currently leads the SUNYAC in goals allowed with five and in goals

Mikala Thompson | The Oswegonian

Club baseball epitomizes 'student run' for yet another season No coaches leave managerial responsibilities in hands of students, team chemistry rises Ryan Zalduondo Staff Writer sports@oswegonian.com The Oswego State Lakers club baseball team opened up their season last weekend with a 2-1 series victory over the University at Albany Great Danes in a non-league matchup.

The team is a member of the NCBA Div. II league. They are competing in a fall league that runs to the last week of October, followed by playoffs.

The club baseball team is in a unique spot as a sports team due to their lack of a coach, forcing team leadership to come from the men on the field.

Team president, Ian Schoonmaker, who typically plays first base or catcher, is the one in charge of setting a lineup and making in-game managerial decisions.

"As the president, it’s my job to deal with a lot of the manager aspects of the ingame stuff,” Schoonmaker said. “I have a lot of help from the guys though and they make it easier on me to do my job.”

The guys Schoonmaker is referring to are the team's board members. These members are senior pitcher and vice

president Louis Ingrassia, secretary and catcher Jimmy Sorrentino, as well as outfielder and designated hitter and treasurer Alex Vickery. These players have control over the team’s funds, making sure games are scheduled, ensuring that the fields are available and paid for, as well as travel.

With a club sport, especially Oswego State baseball, this kind of dedication by the players in leadership positions is essential to the team’s success. So much is required for the games to be played that it could possibly overshadow the team on the field, however, the board members make the on-field product the highest priority.

After a 10-8 finish last season, improvement on the field is the most important thing for the leaders of the team.

The Lakers barely missed the playoffs last year and their main goal is to get over that hump and play for an NCBA championship.

“Our biggest strength this year is definitely our arms,” Schoonmaker said. “As a manager, it’s difficult to even get a rotation together with all the talent we have on our staff. It’s a good problem to have” The on-field success is dependent on these talented arms and it is spearheaded by unquestioned ace Mackenzie Decker, a senior who threw a dominant complete game shutout this past weekend against Albany.

“Everything on and off the field is like a well-oiled machine,” Decker said. “We’re

Photo provided by club baseball Oswego State club baseball finished 10-8 last season and are looking to make a run in the NCBA as fall season begins.

all good at working together. It’s nice to have the students as the coaches because it brings us all together and closer as a team.”

Even though the powerful pitching staff is the most valuable asset of the team, another key to success on-field is the collaboration of the board members

against average with a mark of 0.84.

The defense is setting the tone and by quickly stopping the opponent’s attack and getting it to their offense, it allows them to be aggressors.

The old saying that solid defense leads to a good offense summarizes the Lakers' success to this point in the season.

The Lakers plan to build on the perfect start by staying confident, but not cocky.

After their 2-0 win over Morrisville State on Wednesday afternoon, Reichert said that Lusk was already talking about having them watch tape on this game. That speaks to the work ethic of not only the coaching staff but the players. Starting 6-0 can make some teams complacent, but the goal is the same as it was day one for the Lakers, play harder and play smarter.

The Oswego State field hockey team looks to stay perfect and continue to put up impressive defensive numbers when they play William Smith on the road on Oct. 4.

making in-game decisions.

Schoonmaker is best at making switches in the field, Ingrassia is valuable when it comes to pitching decisions, while the other two members are valuable when it comes to coaching on the bases.

The biggest theme among members of the team is the powerful unity with the players and the biggest reason they strive for success is playing for each other on the diamond.

Even though these players are only in a club sport, it speaks volumes about their passion for the game through the dedication and excitement they display when it comes to stepping on the field.

Each player had to go through two tryout cuts, an academic background check, and has to play a strong schedule while traveling on the road.

It takes dedication from all 30 players on the roster to be a part of the team, push themselves to a playoff appearance and reach a level of success that each player desires to achieve.

The talent is there to accomplish their goals and validate the hard work of everyone in the 2016 season.

The next series begins this upcoming weekend against the SUNY Oneonta Red Dragons with the Lakers looking to extend their hot start as league play begins.

OPINION Admissions eliminates question

B5?

B Taylor Woods | The Oswegonian

OPINION

VOLUME LXXXIV ISSUE IV • www.oswegonian.com

“Congress shall make no law... abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press...”

THE OSWEGONIAN The independent student newspaper of Oswego State since 1935

G UI D ELINES

We want your thoughts on our coverage, campus and local issues, or anything regarding the Oswego State community.

Email all letters as Word attachments to opinion@oswegonian.com or mail submissions to 139A Campus Center, Oswego N.Y. 13126 All writers must provide their real name, address, academic year, major and phone number (which will not be published).

Members of organizations should include their title if their letter addresses an issue pertaining to the organization.

For publication, letters should be 250 words or less and submitted by the Tuesday prior to the desired publication date.

The Oswegonian reserves the right to edit and reject letters and cannot guarantee that all letters will be published.

Opinions presented are solely those of the author and do not always reflect those of The Oswegonian.

SPORTS Field hockey’s solid defense

B4?

Alexandria Donato | The Oswegonian

FRIDAY, Sept. 30, 2016

-First Amendment

STAFF EDITORIAL

B6

LANDLORDS TAKE ADVANTAGE Just because they are students does not give anyone the right to take advantage of them.

With the average student between 18 and 24, it is the first time some of them are taking on responsibilities like paying rent, living on their own and supporting themselves. It is a vulnerable time in a person’s life. Despite vulnerability, human decency should not cease to exist.

From a student perspective, living on campus costs an average of $4,000 more per year than living off campus.

When there is competition to find a decent house off campus, a less expensive cost of living comes before quality almost every time.

As of mid-September, Oswego Mayor Billy Barlow has cracked down on

the housing codes which has left some houses classified as unlivable, forcing cheated students out to find alternate housing, a necessity.

With rotting foundations, unstable roofing and conditions that leave residents unsafe, it is hard to think landlords would easily disregard integrity and take payments from people, let alone students, living in these types of houses.

Yet these conditions did not come out of nowhere. It brings into question why these conditions were not rectified before the point of foreclosure.

Before this point in time, landlords seemed to operate with autonomy, leaving room for them to act without ethics.

It is about time the city started enforcing their own codes. Policies are there for a reason, but they do not mean

anything unless they are enforced.

It is up to students to uphold their dignity as residents, voice their concerns to authorities and not let anyone take advantage of them. With the combination of code enforcement and student action, these conditions should never occur again.

Landlords who violate these codes take creditability away from honest landlords who offer their residents a standard of living comparable to what they are paying for.

The golden rule does not just apply in kindergarten; it applies to all aspects of life. “Treating others the way you want to be treated” is the expectation others should be held to. Those who take advantage of others should be the ones to suffer the consequences.

IN THE OFFICE

Change leaves seniors reminiscent of past years

Adjustments must be made for success in college, life beyond The Voice of the People

What are your thoughts on the new water bottle fountains?

“I think it really helps promote people using [reusable] water bottles.”

Morgan Altland Laker Review Editor maltland@oswegonian.com

Benjamin Laine, senior, creative writing and public justice “It really does encourage sustainability and recycling.”

Francisco Cortijo, junior, physics “It saves water bottles and it saves plastic and it’s a good way to keep everybody hydrated.”

As everything comes to an end for seniors here at Oswego State, everything begins to change. The school seems to have functioned one way for the past three years, but all of a sudden it is not good enough.

Oswego State changed the RA positions, it changed the ID policy, it changed job hours for students and tried to unify the school by seeing the students across campus as the same. It is trying to be better, but students are seeing the worst.

The school is not the only thing changing.

People are preparing for real life; friends may become closer or more distant with changes in

living situations and even NASA is changing with the horoscopes.

For those who did not know, NASA has not only changed the dates for the signs, but they have added a 13th sign as well. As a certified horoscope guru, according to a certification I invented for this article, this is unnecessary garbage.

When people start to feel comfortable with the way things are, they decide to change them.

Used to swiping your debt card to pay?

Now you have to get a new one that has a chip.

Like the amount you pay for Netflix? Now you have to pay more.

Used to your Facebook profile picture? Well that one you can change; no one wants to see a photo of you from last Christmas in September.

Yet senior year at Oswego State seems to have the most changes. Why does everything have to change now?

It could be to prepare students to leave. Life is a constantly changing enigma that is never the same for two people. Generations have gaps because of change, separating people from those who they should be closest to, their families.

This separation is important though. People who are just like their families are typically shunned or not accepted by society.

“Bates Motel” is a good example of this.

If Norma cut the cord from her son, maybe he would not have to spend his time stuffing

dead birds, stabbing people and wearing her clothes. Not that there is shame in wearing woman’s clothing, if that is your thing then you do you, but your mother’s? That may be a bit much.

Change also prevents you from being the kid from high school who never left. People of course leave the physical place, yet some stay in the high school state of mind and think there are the best football captain at Panera Bread.

So why are people so opposed to change?

People get comfortable with a routine.

Once it is disrupted, they will fight to try to get it to the way it was.

In addition, people are afraid of what they do not know. Change can be frightening because it brings this unknown element into people’s lives.

How will life be different now that I am a Capricorn? No idea.

All I know is that my previous belief of myself will have to be completely reevaluated. Thanks NASA. Change can be scary. Change can be bad. Change can be hated. However, if you want to go anywhere in life, it is important to embrace the change.

Curve into the skid; it will help you gain control of the wheel again. It is the same with change, the more you go with it the better off you can be.

Facebook voter registration good idea Biggest turnout for election day possible with new enrollment feature Alicia Hughes Contributing Writer opinion@oswegonian.com

Shana Weiss, freshman, adolescent education “I think it’s a right step in becoming more eco-friendly.”

Maria Aldrich, sophomore, human resource management “I think they’re a smart tool to use, but I don’t think a lot people use them.”

Aaron Garcia, junior, broadcasting

See web exclusive Opinion articles at www.oswegonian.com/opinion

On Sept. 23, Facebook users who are 18 and older saw a reminder to register to vote on the top of their homepages. This innovative tactic was born from the success of a similar campaign the company launched in May, where nearly 200,000 voters registered on the California Secretary of State’s website.

“We thought we had a unique ability and responsibility to show people this reminder that they should be checking their registration so they can participate in the election,” Facebook’s director of government outreach, Katie Harbath said in a USA TODAY article.

Harbath is right. With a vast number of American users who log onto the social media website everyday, it feels likes a no brainer that Facebook would be a prime platform to advertise voter registration.

The U.S. Census Bureau estimates that 35 percent of eligible voters are not registered in the United States. During every election cycle there is always a discussion on what we can do to get voters to register, so what better way to get the vote out then to make registering something that is convenient?

Some eligible voters may be unaware of how easy it is to register to vote. It seems that they are stuck thinking they have to drive to the DMV and wait hours in line. If someone click on Facebook’s “Register Now” button it takes them to the federal government’s

Photo provided by Bykst via pixabay The notable social media website aspires to draw more people to the polls come November.

website (vote.usa.gov) which gives them a step by step guide through the process of registering in their state. The process of registering to vote has been made almost as simple as signing up for a Facebook account.

Facebook jumping into the voter registration push may leave people wondering whether other social media websites will join in. Twitter could offer a process just as easy as Facebook and would reach more 18 to 24-year-olds than Facebook. This demographic is one that has historically been a struggle to get to register and to show up at the polls.

Using Twitter, Snapchat, o some other media is the way to capture those potential voters’ attention and urge them to register.

It is not just social media platforms doing their part in getting out the vote. Websites and prominent public figures are joining in, shar-

ing their advocacy for voters to register. It is all well and good to endorse registering to vote, but without following up with encouragement to actually go out a vote would make it all go to waste.

Will these movements show their support on Election Day? With these campaigns getting involved, it could become crucial come Nov. 8. With many people worried about the outcome of the current election, getting people aware and excited to vote could very well be a deciding factor in who becomes the next President of the United States.

Due to Facebook’s new tactics and increased focus on voter registration, the otherwise catastrophic presidential election of 2016 will leave the United States with the highest voter turnout in history.

OPINION

THE OSWEGONIAN FRIDAY, Sept. 30, 2016

Athletes should stand with police Tip of Unity, not separation, anger address issues the hat...

◊... to awful landlords. ◊... to outrageous college debt.

◊... to more sustainability on campus. ◊... to SA’s request for sexual crime notification. ◊... to the field hockey team being undefeated.

Phot provided by Charlotte Gilhooly via wikipedia Officers reach out to help community members and establish better trust between citizens and law enforcement.

Lexi Hanna Staff Writer opinion@oswegonian.com

“USA Today” recently published an article written by a former police detective, Rob Michaels regarding the protests influenced by Colin Kaepernick at the end of August. These protests, consists of athletes kneeling, raising a fist, and more recently, laying down, during the National Anthem played at the beginning of sporting events, instead of standing in the traditional hand-over-heart, hats-off honorary position.

Michaels’ article strongly suggests that protest won’t work. Protesting those who “protect and serve” us will not help, will not stop killings, violence and alleged police brutality, nor will it end violence towards cops.

“Do not protest the police,” Michaels said. “Partner with them, work together to find a solution.”

Michaels suggests that athletes understand “split second decisions” police face before they protest and speak out about their actions, claiming that “law enforcement would rather be a positive influence than have to use force.” He believes that problems are more easily solved if those who are influential, such as athletes and policemen work together to do so, instead of yelling at and resisting one another.

He suggests athletes work together with the police force to organize community events and spread positive awareness about police, instead of the seemingly typical “police are bad,” message recently experienced by teenagers, kids and certain communities.

Michaels has a point. Our country has

been split for decades, centuries, on the issues of race and equality. The recent shootings, police brutality incidents and protests definitely do not help. It only splits us more; those on the side of police, versus those on the side of citizens.

An inaccurate stereotype and expectation has been introduced, spread and unfortunately accepted as of late, especially among younger citizens. Protesting those who fight to serve and protect us does not help anything, it only spreads more unwanted anger and negative judgements all around.

Colin Kaepernick, while he may be standing up for what he believes is right and what is right, in the long run, seems to be doing it wrong. Kaepernick has spread awareness on a national level. However, it has led to a split in the country; those joining his protest versus those who protect us. Whichever side you are on, there are negative feelings residing; either about policemen, or about other citizens being hurt, shot, and unfairly treated by policemen.

To make a change, a real, positive change, we must be unified, not separated, angry and protesting one another. If influential citizens such as athletes pair with policemen to spread awareness and put on community events, a feeling of unity and appreciation of our law enforcement units may reside. If citizens feel safe and appreciative of those fighting everyday to serve us and protect us, less and less run-ins involving controversial confrontational situations will occur. People will not feel the need to stand up to cops in possible-arrest situations and will not end up in trouble.

Michaels has a point. We need to be unified, working together and getting along in order for the issues at hand to subside; protests, violence and shootings only make things worse.

Education about college debt essential

B5

◊... to people who still use disposable water bottles.

Wag of the finger...

Protests fuel division between groups Problems cannot be resolved without considering both sides of issue

Photo provided by Fibonacci Blue via Wikipedia Demonstrations like the Black Lives Matter and Blue Lives Matter movements erupted throughout the nation over recent police brutality against minorities.

Tiffany Baez Staff Writer opinion@oswegonian.com On Sept. 20, protests began in the streets of Charlotte, North Carolina.

These protests were sparked by the death of 43-year-old Keith Lamond Scott, who was shot by officer Brentley Vinson. The police were at an apartment complex with a warrant for a different man when they spotted Scott in his car.

Both the victim and the officer were black.

Protests against police brutality and racism followed that same week. On Wednesday morning high school students left class to have their own protests.

Protests are a good way for the public to come together to voice their opinion in the hopes of sparking change.

However, protests can easily turn dangerous, especially with large crowds.

No one should be okay with vandalism and violence, but in the heat of the pro-

test, people can lose control and act out based on their beliefs.

I have a friend who lives in Charlotte and though she was glad the protests were happening to speak out against this and similar injustices, she was worried for her safety since the protests were happening so close to home.

There are people who believe violence is not the answer, that hate should not be fought with hate. However, history shows that change only comes through violence and fighting.

It is a horrible to think, let alone say, but it is the truth. It is terrifying that nowadays protests like this are the only way to bring attention to sensitive issues such as racism and police corruption.

Hopefully such protests will not make their way onto our campus.

People are angry about the issues of racism and police brutality. However, incidents like the one in Charlotte show that even though the two issues often intersect, they are still separate.

I do not think that every single case

of police brutality between a white officer and a non-white victim is an issue of race or that the cop is the one in the wrong in every scenario.

That is not to say that there is not an issue with police brutality or racism or that the two issues do not overlap very often in this nation.

What I do think is that the issues of racism and of police brutality and corruption in law enforcement should be handled separately and simultaneously. Though not the entire police force is at fault, the few who are do not seem to be held accountable for their actions.

So, while it is a racial issue, it is also a issue with the police. People will not budge easily and it will be harder to deal with these issues. Efforts should be focused on building better trust between communities and police departments before fully trying to tackle racial issues.

Once both sides fully understand the other, then the real change can happen.

More opportunities without question

Removal of felony check-box provides second chance, education Sammi Flavell Staff Writer opinion@oswegonian.com

Photo provided by Hardtopeel via flickr Students are urged to learn more about the costs of going to college and the amount of money they will owe.

Derek Smith Staff Writer opinion@oswegonian The total amount of student loan debt Americans currently owe is $ 1.2 trillion. It recently surpassed credit card debt as the number one financial burden in the United States.

If you cannot stop thinking about how you are ever going to get a job to pay back the thousands of dollars in loans you will owe after your stay in Oswego, you can at least take solace in the fact that there are millions of current students and graduates who are also in debt up to their eyeballs, so you are not alone.

College costs have increased 1,225 percent since 1978, far outpacing inflation, hourly wages and housing costs for the same time period. It is no mystery why higher education has gotten so expensive: lack of funding and an exponential increase in administrators.

According to the Department of Education, there was a 60 percent increase in the number of “higher-ups” between 1993 and 2009. These positions are often six or seven figure salaries. So, while public funding for universities has remained stagnant,

schools have been forced to jack up the prices for books, tuition and especially room and board.

As much as I would love to blame detached bureaucrats in Albany and Washington for their lack of support, we, the students, are just as much at fault. Our poor voter turnout disincentives politicians from speaking to us or for us on the issue of college costs and funding. If we do not consistently vote in national and local elections, our representatives have no reason to work for our interests. Information on college costs is often hard to come by and has become a political football, tossed around to pick up a few votes around election time. While it was refreshing to have a presidential candidate in Bernie Sanders speaking to the importance of tuition reform, it is imperative for us to make it a top priority. We have no right to complain if we do not vote.

Eighteen-year-old students fresh out of high school can be overwhelmed with the detail of college expenses, but every university private and public should make transparency a top priority an educate their students on why they are paying what they are paying.

Then as students, it is our responsibility to go out and make the changes we want to see in our system.

Until recently, all State University Of New York admissions prospective applications have asked students whether they have ever been convicted of a felony. For the student that answers yes, a fairly intense screening process would begin to ensure that the proposed student would not be a threat to others. The proposed student would be reviewed by a board and his or her criminal record would be dissected.

On Sept. 14, the SUNY board decided to remove the felony question from the applications of 64 state schools, including Oswego.

This is a wonderful opportunity. By removing this question from the application, applicants may feel more comfortable applying to schools in order to further their education and to better themselves.

Surely a felony is no light matter, but if the person has dealt with the consequences of their actions, they should be allowed a second chance; an opportunity to better themselves and leave past mistakes behind them.

This decision to remove the felony question is not putting other students in harms way. Applicants for housing, clinical and field experience, internships and study abroad will still have to answer whether they have been convicted of a felony on their applications. It is only the admissions application that has removed the felony question.

This policy change was brought about in part by the Obama administration urging colleges to question whether these types of questions are necessary in college applications. Any change that will make

Criselda Mapoy | The Oswegonian Students who have been convicted of a felony will no longer need to mark the “yes” section on SUNY applications.

applicants feel more comfortable and more confident with themselves, without putting other students at risk, is a change that should be made.

Anyone who has faced the consequences of their actions, is reformed and has a desire to better themselves through a college education should be allowed to do so without having to dig up their past before they are even in the door.

Yes, a criminal record is an important aspect to look into, but for an admissions application, it is unnecessary. People with felony records may feel more confident and therefore, be brave enough to apply for a college education if they are not immediately asked to dig up their past. By removing it from the admissions application and instead have it only on applications for housing and higher education opportunities, prospective students will be able to

get their foot in the door and become comfortable enough before having to surrender their criminal records.

America was built as a refuge for those to come and build a better life, to achieve the “American Dream.” It should be no different for those with felonies on their record. Their mistakes are in the past and they have paid for their crimes.

The SUNY board deserves a round of applause for working to pass this policy change. In doing so they have made the application process easier for those with felonies. College applications are stressful enough without having to worry if a past mistake will ruin your chance of acceptance before you are even able to prove yourself, to prove that you are not the same person who committed a felony.

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INSIDE

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WTOP brings back originals from previous years

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‘FIFA 17’ new features to attract fans

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ABC’s ‘Designated Survivor’ leaves viewers enticed

Laker Review The Oswegonian

FRIDAY Sept. 30, 2016

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FRIDAY, Sept. 30, 2016

Events Calendar Friday, Sept. 30 through Friday, Oct. 7

ART EXHIBIT: “URBAN BEAT: RECENT WORKS IN ENCAUSTIC AND OIL” Date: Friday, Sept. 30 Time: 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Location: SUNY Oswego Metro Center ART EXHIBIT: “NEW WORKS AND REINVENTIONS” Date: Friday, Sept. 30 Time: 10 a.m.-11 p.m.

Location: 186 W. 1st St., Oswego OPEN SKATE Date: Friday, Sept. 23 Time: Noon Location: Arena, Marano Campus Center “STAR TREK BEYOND” Date: Friday, Sept. 30 Time: 7:30 p.m.

Location: Auditorium, Marano Campus Center RICE CREEK STORY HOUR Date: Saturday, Oct. 1 Time: 11 a.m. - noon Location: Rice Creek Field Station ALANA BANQUET GALA Date: Saturday, Sept. 24 Time: 5:45 - 7:45 p.m.

Location: Ballroom, Sheldon Hall PLANETARIUM SHOW Date: Sunday, Oct. 2 Time: 7 - 8 p.m.

Location: Room 133, Marano Campus Center DOCUMENTARY FILM: “CHILDREN OF SYRIA” Date: Monday, Oct. 3 Time: 7 - 8 p.m.

Location: Room 201, Marano Campus Center DOCUMENTARY FILM: “WASTLEAND” Date: Monday, Oct. 3 Time: 8:30 - 10 p.m.

Location: Room 201, Marano Campus Center ART EXHIBIT: “RESTART” Date: Tuesday, Oct. 4 Time: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Location: Tyler Hall OZSPEAKS: #BLUELIVESMATTER Date: Tuesday Oct. 4 Time: 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

Location: Auditorium, Marano Campus Center

Cover image provided by xbox.com

LAKER REVIEW

Look at OZ: WTOP brings new light to old shows Series get new updates for new semester Brandon Cortes Asst. Laker Review Editor bcortes@oswegonian.com The audience may know WTOP-10 as the student television organization that records live sports, as well as morning and nightly news. However, there is more than just the serious broadcasts. A wonderful feature of WTOP-10 is its variety original productions (O.P.s).

O.P.s allow students to have more freedom within the TV station. Producers are not forced to follow a strict rundown like news. O.P.s are an art. A producer earns the most credit when an episode/season turns out successfully.

There are two types of O.P.s., the regular O.P.s and the sports O.P.s. A standout is “The Rundown,” a politcal show. It stands on more of a serious side of O.P.s, the show covers the top stories in the political realm, national news issues and health and science stories. There are a number of anchors that have made a name in WTOP-10.

Past anchors Robert Hackford and Garrett Domblewski left an impact on the show.

Justin Penmann and Lauren Toscano have also done a great job as anchors. “The Rundown” is a politics show that is returning for another season.

Justin Penmann is the producer for fall 2016.

“The show runs on a team effort, [all] of us have to be on the same page and contribute to finding content on the show,” Penmann said via email. “We worked well as a team last year, it’s an important mindset to keep alive. Another thing to do is have fun.

You can’t work well if you’re not enjoying what you’re doing. It’s important to take pride in our work. It’s also important to understand that we all have different opinions when it comes to politics and that our differences make for a more well-balanced, unbiased newscast. It’s important to show all angles of an argument.”

Changes that Penmann and his crew are looking forward to include eliminating opinionated speech. Last year,

Sean Maphia | The Oswegonian WTOP-10 bring new ideas to series from previous years as new students take the reigns on production.

the show had trouble keeping opinions out, but the anchors will be stressing that more this year.There will also be more packages and B-roll to keep the viewers glued to the TV. A new segment called “Around the World in 15 Minutes” will feature international students as they describe their different perspectives on American international politics. Other segments are undisclosed.

Two-time Ozzie Award winner for Best Original Production, “The ‘Zine Show” brings guilty pleasure content from magazines to TV. The show covers the latest entertainment news, unique DIY projects, advice and trending topics across social media. Even special guests are on at times.

The show will be heading into its seventh season.

However, graduation is fast approaching for talent Arielle Schunk and Kalie Hudson, but no need to be sad. New faces will continue the legacy for a bit longer. Dedicated Toppers Jessica Kisluck and Boni Quatroche will serve as producers and on-air talent to gain the feel for “The ‘Zine Show.”

Producers are scouting underclassmen who might be interested in creating some pre-recorded content for the show, as well as street-esque correspondents to diversify content.

“I know I can speak for both myself and my co-host Kalie Hudson, last year was chal-

lenging at first,” Schunk said via email. “After our producers, director and main host left we had to learn what it was like to carry a show and produce quality content every other week.

Rob Pagan and Hayley Prenatt helped us through busy and stressful weeks with dedication to the show.”

On to sports, “The Playing Field” (TPF) is a half-hour sports debate talk show that discusses the hottest topics in the sports world. It is one of the longest running shows on WTOP-10. “TPF” enters its ninth season with many changes. After four straight years airing on Sundays, the show is moving to Tuesdays at 11 p.m. Ameen Smith left the show due to graduation, but joining Dylan Kuhn and Matt Moran will be new host Dalton Sargent.

After five seasons as an hour-long show, “TPF” will run for 30 minutes.

“We hope condensing the show will allow us to focus more on the top sports stories,” Moran said via email. “We have a lot of fun putting on the show each week and with the different perspectives we all bring as well as the entertainment value we think you’ll enjoy watching ‘The Playing Field.’”

“Inside the Club” is another sports O.P. on WTOP-10.

Producer Allif Karim had the idea for the show when he met Penmann during move-in day

their freshman year and they connected instantly. After realizing that they shared a passion for soccer, they pitched the show. Former Oswego State students, now fulltime producers in the broadcast industry, Jordan Dietterich and Justin Berrios were producers of the show.

The show is made by soccer fans, for soccer fans. The anchors cover games from Major League Soccer to the Premier League and across rest of the world. The show also covers political issues involving the sport, affecting the fans and governing bodies of the game.

“The biggest learning process for me last year was understanding how to step up to the leadership role that Penmann and I were expected to this year,” Karim said.

“We had a whole new cast; [with] three people joining the show and crew, including a new director.

Learning to ascend and be in charge was the learning process for me.

But also learning to trust my team and work with them was the best decision ever. Working with Mary, Brandon, Ryan and Bobby was the best thing that could ever happen to Penmann and I.” The show is currently looking for a lot more of the creative spin.

Three segments were introduced in the past year, the “Versus Panel,” “Hot or Not Panel,” and “Off the Pitch.” More new segments are being pursued as possibilities as well.

“We want to push the boundaries of our ‘look’ with the elements added to the broadcast and our signature green screen segment,” Karim said.

LAKER REVIEW

FRIDAY, Sept. 30, 2016

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Weekly EP: Ghost covers different styles of songs in latest EP Jack Roche Staff Writer laker@oswegonian.com

Navigating the murky waters of a cover album can be tricky.

When embarking on such a journey, artists must do justice to the chosen songs while putting their own take on the music. This is the challenge faced by Swedish heavy metal band Ghost with the creation of their new EP “Popestar.”

Hailing from Linköping, Sweden, Ghost wields a gothic, pseudo-religious aesthetic reminiscent of heavy metal icons Judas Priest and Black Sabbath. Led by the skeleton faced, pope-hat sporting frontman Papa Emeritus III and his backing band of “Nameless Ghouls,” Ghost thrives with their catchy, theatrical take on heavy metal, which can be seen on the record’s only original song and opening track, “Square Hammer.”

“Square Hammer” combines a catchy, driving rock riff with an equally snappy melody to hit the sweet spot in the human brain that

causes listeners to naturally start head banging without noticing.

Tracks like these are Ghost’s bread and butter and are the reason Ghost has reached critical acclaim and has a growing fan base worldwide.

But how does Ghost’s signature ghoulish sound work when cast upon the works of other artists?

While it’d be logical to think Ghost could easily crank out a record full of covers of classic rock songs, that’s not the path that “Popestar” goes down. Ghost’s choice of covers is eclectic, filled with surprising choices such as Simian Mobile Disco’s “I Believe” and Eurythmics “Missionary Man.” These surprising pop selections songs allow Ghost to experiment slightly with their sound.

“I Believe” is a surprisingly low key venture that comes off a bit underwhelming, while “Missionary Man” extends to the other end of the spectrum, featuring both over-the-top female backing vocals and even a raucous harmonica solo. Despite how different these two songs are Ghost sticks to their guns on both, keeping faithful to their sound.

Photo provided by en.wikipedia.org

Ghost gives listeners impressive orginals and questionable covers of pop songs in latest EP, ‘Popestar.’

A slightly less surprising cover comes in the form of Echo and the Bunnymen’s “Nocturnal Me.” Ghost manages this cover flawlessly and the result is a song that sounds like it could be on any of Ghost’s previous works. It’s grand, dark, and fits in Ghost’s discography like Ghost fits into the list of bands your pastor doesn’t want you to listen.

Ghost’s selection of cover songs provides an interesting window

into the tastes of the mysterious band. The chosen songs may not be universal classics, but the most obscure selection is their cover of “Bible,” a track from fellow Swedish band Imperiet. While the title of the EP is “Popestar” it does come off a bit ridiculous and slightly corny to hear Ghost cover a full-fledged Christian rock song.

Disregarding the lyrical content, the track itself is not horrible, as Ghost is at their most dramatic

and grandiose when delivering this Swedish ballad.

Heavy metal is not anywhere near as popular as it was in the ‘70s and ‘80s, but it’s definitely not dead. Not as long as Swedish weirdos like Ghost are willing to dress up like Halloween came early.

Instead of candy, they’re handing out lovingly crafted metal renditions of their favorite obscure songs the listener has most likely and never heard of.

Possession of the ball is difficult to maintain and gaining back possession is also a challenge.

Make sure to play the best centermidfielders and defensive-midfielders on the pitch to maintain and recover the ball.

A beautiful change is the speed of the attacking players. This allows players to make quicker goals than before and split-second assists. If the gamer is defending they will have trouble against a gamer using a front three like Barcelona’s Messi, Suarez and Neymar. However, if the gamer is attacking and has those front three then rest-in-peace for the opponent.

Dead balls, also known as set pieces, have a new feature for this edition. Players are now able to position the free-kick taker to comfort the style of a free-kick.

Same goes for penalty kicks.

The run-up to take the kick has more freedom. Players will now enjoy taking penalty kicks with specialists like Cristiano Ronaldo or Santi Cazorla. As for freekicks, players will abuse Hakan Çalhanoğlu, the best free-kick taker in the world in terms of

spectacular goals.

The gameplay is better and player likeness is also more realistic. Certain players show an exact resemblance to the ‘real life’ counterparts, and not just by looks either. The athlete’s movements are also a refelction of an actual player.

Atletico Madrid striker Antoine Griezmann said it is scary to play as himself in “FIFA 17.”

He said the game version of him is extremely alike in appearance and style of play, so it is creepy.

Players are not the only stars in the game. For the first time ever, managers will make appearances in the series. The likes of Pep Guardiola of Manchester City and Arsene Wenger of Arsenal appear on the sideline yelling at the players and like the players, they are an exact resemblance.

“FIFA Ultimate Team,” (FUT) returns and new online tournaments are available. FUT is arguably the best thing gamers look forward to in new “FIFA” editions each year, but with the new Frostbite engine, gamers will look forward to it a lot more than ever.

Blend of new, old mechanics, gameplay, ‘FIFA 17’

Brandon Cortes Asst. Laker Review Editor bcortes@oswegonian.com

Call it a comeback.

For the first time since “FIFA 14” the FIFA series by EA Sports is using a different game engine. Frostbite is now replacing Ignite, the engine from the last three years. Although Ignite was successful, the most popular sports game series in the world needed innovation. Frostbite is the engine for several high profile games, For “Battlefield” series, “Need for Speed” games and “Star Wars: Battlefront.”

Now Frostbite arrives to the sports world and soccer is the first to experience the innovation.

Since “FIFA” ran on the same engine for a few years, fans only looked forward to the change-of-team kits and transfers, since the graphics and gameplay stayed the same. But now with Frostbite, “FIFA 17” is a complete change and fans can look forward to completely

Photo provided by easports.com/fifa

New gameplay gives gamers the chance to developcharacter’s career to stardom of failure.

new things.

What is new in this game is a story mode called “The Journey,” which gamers play as young Englishman Alex Hunter and develop their way from youth ranks to the big name teams, such as Arsenal, Manchester United and Liver-

pool. The mode is extremely realistic, depending on the team chosen and choices made. The story changes and Hunter’s career can hit rock bottom or soar to the top.

Passing in “FIFA 17” still is not top notch; it is still sluggish.

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LAKER REVIEW

FRIDAY, Sept. 30, 2016

‘Lethal Weapon’ goes heavy on the action for the reimagining Rob Lee Staff Writer laker@oswegonian.com

Those who hear the term “Lethal Weapon” most likely think of the 1987 film with Mel Gibson and Danny Glover. They would be half right.

Same name, same characters and the same basic concept.

However that is about where the similarities end. The FOX series adds a couple of new things to the characters. Damon Wayans’ (“My Wife and Kids”) character, Roger Murtaugh, is recovering from a recent nearfatal heart attack and Clayne Crawford’s (“Rectify”) character, Martin Riggs, transfered from Texas after the death of his wife and unborn son. Unlike the movie, this was shown early in the pilot episode, so it adds a little more insight into the pain that Riggs is feeling, which is well portrayed by Crawford.

The introduction of both

Photo provided by fox.com New imagining of the classic films give new depth to Wayans’ and Crawford’ s characters.

Riggs and Murtaugh as well as their backstories felt rushed.

This is because the show opens with a chase scene and seems to breeze through everything in an effort to get to the action scenes as quickly as possible.

After the initial chase, there is a hostage situation at a bank, another chase with a very unlikely ending, and finishes with a heroic standoff.

Every one of these situations is escalated by Riggs’ devil-may-care attitude and ends with him being

the last one standing, while Murtaugh is somewhere nearby.

For a pilot episode, the action is too much, too soon. This series has a built-in audience, but if they want to keep that audience and newer viewers who may not be familiar with the original movie, they need to take it down a notch.

The reason many cop shows work, especially the procedural ones, is that an episode starts off slowly, allowing viewers to follow along. These shows will build up tensions leading to any believable action scenes in a given episode, not seemingly jumping from one car chase to the next as “Lethal Weapon” does.

One of the few slower moments in the pilot episode shows Riggs and Murtaugh at the crime scene of what is an apparent suicide, in which Riggs puts on gloves and briefly examines the victim. This is where the series will have to tread lightly because too much action will leave fans feeling

they are trying too hard to be like the original. However if they dip into the aspects of a procedural type of show, it may drive away the fans who do watch for the action.

There are a couple of scenes with a coroner named Scorcese, but it seems he will not be focused on as much as other television coroners such as Ducky (“NCIS”) or Maura Isles (“Rizzoli and Isles”). The show did not introduce a forensic expert Abby Sciuto (“WCIS”) type of character, which is one thing the show gets right so far.

For fans of the original film, its sequels or those who like action shows, “Lethal Weapon” is a perfect show.

However, if the show keeps up the pace of the action in the pilot episode, it may not be long before the audience tunes out because of the show’s unrealistic nature. Audiences may find themselves repeating the classic Murtaugh quote from the original, “I’m too old for this s**t!”

Sutherland shines in ‘Designated Survivor’ while others fall flat Sean Maphia Staff Writer laker@oswegonian.com

What happens if a catastrophic event cripples the U.S. government and the president does not survive? This is the premise of the new ABC show “Designated Survivor.”

“Designated Survivor” stars Kiefer Sutherland (“24”) as a low-level cabinet member who is tasked with being the “designated survivor.” If something terrible happened to the government and the president, with whoever is takes his place, doesn’t make it out, that person then becomes the next president of the United States.

The show starts out immediately with the U.S. under attack during the State of the Union. The president and other officials who would take his place ultimately perish leaving Sutherland’s character, Tom

Kirkman, as the next President of the United States.

What is appealing to viewers is the fact that a person who is just normal U.S. citizens with no background experience can become the leader of the free world. It makes the audience wonder how they would handle a similar situation. What would happen if they became the next president with no experience?

“Designated Survivor” is an ultimate thrill ride from beginning to end of the pilot episode. Keifer Sutherland puts on a great performance as someone who knows nothing about being president and is suddenly catapulted into the position.

The viewer starts to feel empathy for Tom Kirkman and his new role.

Later in the show, he starts to develop his own presidential voice after it settles in he that is president.

What is great about this show is that it makes the viewer wonder how Kirkman is going to do as presi-

dent, but also leaves a mystery as to who attacked the capitol and what for.

“Designated Survivor” is a show that gets the viewer immediately hooked and never wanting to turn the channel. The show has excellent writing.

What is lacking is the acting. While the show has a powerhouse actor in Sutherland, the show doesn’t have an A-list cast and they give bland performances. All of that is made up with Sutherland and his parts as acting president.

“Designated Survivor” is the perfect fall show for fans of “The West Wing” and “24,” utilizing different elements of drama and action and melding them beautifully. As far as the supporting cast’s acting, hopefully as the show starts to progress they will be moments where some of these characters have a moment to shine and give stunning performances.

The show ends with a hook of sorts with the view-

Photo provided by en.wikipedia.org Sutherland gives character a presidental voice in new seires ‘Desgnated Survivor.’

er wondering how Kirkman will serve as president.

Will he give up? And why was America attacked in the first place? Is there something more to the situation?

These are questions that

leave the audience interested and leave the viewer wanting more. It is a perfect substitute for audiences of political shows like “House of Cards” or “Scandal” that are not on the air.

LAKER REVIEW

FRIDAY, Sept. 30, 2016

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ABC Driver deliever gold with new series ‘Speechless’ Morgan Altland Laker Review Editor maltland@oswegonian.com

The golden age of television shows can be a double-edged sword for the creation of new programs. With the massive amounts of content all over the channels and streaming services, it can seem almost impossible for a new program to stand out above the rest.

On top of that, the attention span of the average viewer is decreasing. If a show doesn’t catch the audience’s eye within the first minute, the show will not have an audience to keep.

“Speechless” quickly proves to be a cut above the rest. Within 30 seconds, viewers can tell this is something to watch.

“Speechless” is the story of a mother who moves her family to a new home and a new school to help her son, who is unable to speak or walk properly, have an easier time at school.

At first glance, the trailer

depicts the show as another tale of inspiration as a mother tries to get help for her son.

In recent years handicapped individuals have been widely viewed as mere tools of inspirations that can help others feel better about themselves. This is of course a disgusting view that makes less-abled people seem like objects more than actual human beings. Shows have tried to use this tool before as a disgusting tactic to try to get viewers.

“Speechless” pokes fun at this typical trope. In the first episode, the class tries to make J.J. (Micah Fowler, “Labor Day”) feel welcome to the extent that they begin to stand up and cheer for him, but realize that standing to cheer is “offensive” to him because of his condition.

The show is not on to be different. It is on to show that different should not be forced or treated as if it is special.

Another strength of the show is the characterization of the family. J.J. has two siblings, played by Kyla Kenedy (“The

Walking Dead”) and Mason Cook (“The Goldbergs”). The two have clear traits show during the first five minutes that ring true for the characters for the episode. Kenedy is a strongwilled athlete trying to make the world less focused on getting an “A” for participation.

Cook is the rational and neglected feeling child due to the prominence the other two play in the lives of their parents.

Both actors personify their characters clearly. Even though they are young, they bring a good strength to the program that other children could potentially drag down.

Finally, there are the adults.

Josh Ross Bowie (“The Big Bang Theory”) and Minnie Driver (“About a Boy”) play the parents in the family. Bowie is trying to make everyone happy, while Driver wants to get what she wants, and she will.

Driver gives an incredible performance in the series pilot, showing off the power of a loving mother and a woman who will do whatever it takes to get

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Photo provided by abc.go.com Driver portrays character with ease and brings them together as a family in ABC’s ‘Speechless.’

what she wants for her family.

Her argument with Cedric Yarbrough (“BoJack Horseman”), who plays a gardener turned speech assistant, in which she played person vs. trash, is one moment in particular viewers won’t soon forget.

“Speechless” does not stand quietly. It is not the show made to inspire for the sake of inspiration. It is quality that deserves recognition and audience attention. Do not miss out on the show, it is worth the time.

Director Swanberg’s ‘Easy’ spreads focus thin across various characters

Dominick Lioto Staff Writer laker@oswegonian.com

Joe Swanberg has been one of the biggest names in independent filmmaking for the past few years. His ability to imitate the subtleties and strangeness of real life is truly remarkable. Swanberg’s first series for Netflix is “Easy” and has an ensemble cast to bring his slice of lifestyle to the small screen.

“Easy” has one main theme: sex in the modern day. Each episode focuses on a different couple, ranging from traditionally married people to millennial hipster lesbians all in different parts of Chicago.

The individual stories intersect and weave in and out of one another that gives off a “big city, small world” feeling, a feeling Swanberg has mastered putting on-screen.

He shows the depths of individual lives and that even the random strangers in the background can have vast and

Photo provided by commons.wikimedia.org Swamberg creates interesting and intercting stories in new Netflix original ‘Easy’.

interesting histories. Characters do not need to be action heroes or intense doctors to be the focus. The problems and complications of real life can be more effective dramatically

than manufactured epic stories.

Each episode focuses on different people, which brings an ensemble of talent to be used here. Marc Maron (“Maron”), Aya Cash (“You’re The Worst”),

Dave Franco (“Neighbors 2”), Michael Chernus (“Orange is the New Black”), Malin Akerman (“Watchmen”), Jake Johnson (“New Girl”) and Emily Ratajkowski (“Gone Girl”) are just some of the names that have a role in Swanberg’s Chicago.

The immense amount of talent brings life to these interesting little anecdotes of modern love, but it’s almost as if they are wasted. It’s as if the characters leave too soon since the series is only eight half-hour episodes and only two of the episodes are directly related. The audience feels like the characters are not given enough time for their stories and that they are sadly cut short.

Some of the characters focused on do not deserve their own episodes. There were episodes that should have stayed more connected like “Brewery Brothers” and “Hop Dreams” did, even though they were five episodes apart. “Controlada” and “Utopia” certainly deserved a connecting episode, rather than having the less-than-mediocre episodes

included at all.

One of the coolest parts to this show is the handmade “Easy” title screens at the beginning of each episode that were designed specifically for that episode and its characters, each made by a different Chicago artist. Maron plays a graphic novelist in his episode and real life cartoonist Jeffrey Brown created all of Maron’s character ’s artwork.

The weird blend of real life art being incorporated into a television show and having the outcome is superb.

Swanberg can truly bring real life onto the screen, a fascinating glimpse into these individuals’ lives. Granted, some of these stories are more interesting than others, the show still impresses because they choose to use characters that come from the diverse and small parts of real life rather than artificially made situations. If only Swanberg could have trimmed some of the fat and had more of a focus on the first season rather than an array of usually stories that often do not connect.

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CLASSIFIEDS

FRIDAY, Sept. 30, 2016

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Comics & Games

lassifieds

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Crossword Puzzle

Reid Adler | The Oswegonian

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Down

Across

1. Hurt 5. Make a selection 8. Frank 12. Legal hold 13. Bad grade 14. Gambling city 15. School groups (abbr.)

16. Became more profound 18. That woman 20. House locations 22. Large antelope 25. Washington, D.C. time zone 26. Food allotment 28. Knife feature 31. Australian dog 32. Witty reply 34. Chaps 35. Poetic work 36. Big, hairy dog 41. India’s mother ______ 42. Pen point 43. Abnormally sensitive 46. Linger 47. Little piggies 48. Self 49. Broadcats 50. Egg on 51. High explosive (abbr.)

52. Scottish loch

Puzzle provided by boatloadpuzzles.com

1. First Greek letter 2. Used footnotes 3. Listened to 4. Printer’s measures 5. Most bizzare 6. Rinds 7. Wobble 8. Unrefined metals

9. Writing instrument 24. Pedro’s “one” 10. Compass direction 27. Hue (abbr.)

28. Sis sibling 11. Drift off 29. Directed 17. Rose Bowl City 30. Ingested 19. AWOL soldier 33. Archer’s goal 21. Make over 34. Team symbol 22. Card game 37. Royal rule 23. Yule drink 38. Loosen laces

For For this this week’s week’s crossword crossword answers answers go go to: to:

39. Those who fib 40. Chasm 41. Try out 43. One ____ Time (2 wrds)

44. Toss 45. Rebel general 46. _____ Juan

Oswegonian.com/lreview

LAKER REVIEW

creative writing

there for you 24 hours a day is a good

lesson to learn. Friends are wonderful to lean on, but we all have our own lives.

We should be able to live them without having to worry about someone being there every step of the way.

Just do no fall victim to indepen-

Sudoku

FRIDAY, Sept. 30, 2016

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Fill in the grid so that each row, column and 3x3 block contains 1-9 exactly once.

dence. Never forget that as much as you can do on your own, you can never accomplish everything by yourself.

Remember that there is nothing wrong with reaching out to others for help, that time spent with friends is time well spent and that you are not weak for opening yourself up emotionally to someone else.

Trusting someone is not the same

by Sammi Flavell laker@oswegonian.com Wake up at 7:30 every morning.

Breakfast. Coffee. Shower, brush teeth, leave. She was comfortable, efficient and fine with the fact that she took herself to the movies on occasion and bought her own presents.

Growing up severely independent had its pros and its cons; occasionally she felt lonely and wanted to go out late after meetings to chat and grab dinner with those around her.

The fact of the matter was that she was perfectly content being alone. The more people involved in a situation, the messier they got. Events were harder to plan, as more people meant more schedules to work around.

She has friends, she goes to social

Mikala Thompson | The Oswegonian events, but she also fully appreciates the beauty of solitude. Some may caller her a loner, or antisocial, maybe even describe her as having a cold personality. Do not be misled by these inaccurate descriptions. Solitude does not always mean lonely and personal time does not always translate to a lack of caring.

Instead it may really mean emotions so intense that sometimes the only way to deal with them is by yourself rather than trying to describe and make someone else understand them.

A routine is not a bad thing. Having the confidence to take yourself to the movies because no one is free or interested in seeing the movie is something to be proud of. To understand that there cannot always be someone

Horoscopes

as negative vulnerability. It can be more dangerous to shut yourself off from ing weaker moments.

She wakes up alone each morning, she checks her phone and answers the messages from friends that she missed overnight. Today, she will meet a few for lunch and be the fill-in for the softball team. When the game is over she will say her goodbyes and run back to take a shower. Tonight she will go to bed alone again, but not lonely.

There are all different shades of intimacy. Lacking a romantic relationon intimacy. For the strongest time may very well be experienced by reaching out for fellowship with friends. Waking up alone is not always a negative thing, because in reality you are never alone.

Libra (Oct. 30 - Nov. 23):

Taurus (May 13 - June 21):

Leo (Aug. 10 - Sep. 16):

Scorpio (Nov. 23 - Nov. 29):

Life may feel like it is out to get you as things begin to pile up. The feeling that life is sabotaging you may be a self-fulfilling prophecy. Appreciate life a bit and make time for yourself to breathe.

Gemini (June 21 - July 20): Less is not always more. This idea may seem more present this week due to a lack of time or food. While it is important to get the thing you want done done, be sure to find the time to stop and grab a bite.

Avoiding everything prevents you from living. Try to change your pace slightly by taking chances you have been too afraid to take. This change can help you prepare for a surprise upcoming event.

Virgo (Sep. 16 - Oct. 30):

If you are running, stop. Pushing yourself to extremes can have you running on fumes. Sometimes it is better to let go of something then allow it to drag you down.

Why exhaust yourself running when you can let go of something small and walk?

ON THIS DATE

1399: Henry IV is proclaimed as king of England.

1938: Munich Pact is signed by Adolf Hitler.

1954: World’s first nuclear submarine is commisioned.

1955: Actor James Dean dies in car accident.

BY Morgan Altl and

Cancer (July 20 - Aug. 10): A cautious step can sometimes make or break a day. Be sure to watch where you step before rushing toward something.

Rushing this week can lead you to unnecessary harm that could have easily been avoided.

Difficulty: Hard

ship does not mean you are missing out

Aries (Apr. 19 - May 13):

How do you present yourself to others?

What image have you created with your room, your clothing or your expression?

Spend time this week to think about how you present yourself to the world.

It may be time for a change.

D i ff i c u l t y : E a s y

others than it is to confide in them dur-

Trying is an important step before doing anything. An initial attempt can help you see flaws with your original plan and give you the opportunity to rethink your strategy. This second chance will come in handy.

Consequences are not always negative.

They are the results of actions. Take the time this week to see what happens after you make your decisions or actions as they may show you something unexpected.

Ophiuchus (Nov. 29 - Dec. 17):

A cold that is not nursed will not heal.

Avoiding the problem will not always make it better. Go to what you have been avoiding and try to contain or solve the problem. It is the only way to get better.

Sagittarius (Dec. 17 - Jan. 20):

Even the best escape artists struggle to get free sometimes. You may be looking for a quick escape to get away from whatever it is that makes you feel locked up, but a slower approach may have you feeling free faster.

Capricorn (Jan. 20 - Feb. 16):

Tools make things easy. If your toolbox is on the emptier side, spend this week trying to fill it with new ones. The right tool for the right job may help you assist a friend overcome a new obstacle this week.

Aquarius (Feb. 16 - Mar. 11):

Keep in mind that nothing in life is unlimited. There are certain amounts of things and if you do not get a hold of it while the getting is good then you will find yourself empty handed.

Do not allow this to happen.

Pisces (Mar. 11 - Apr. 18):

Find a good pick me up for yourself this week. Work or unexpected drama may have you feeling down, so take a look around to find something to lift your spirits. One of the best gifts is one you give to yourself.