Thanksgiving Issue
Before going home to your Thanksgiving spread, check out ours, See page 8 & 9
Pipe Dream Tuesday, November 26, 2013 | Binghamton University | www.bupipedream.com | Vol. LXXXIV, Issue 22
University quilts for a cause
Program provides computers, training Fifteen community members receive loaned equipment Margaret-Rose Roazzi Contributing Writer
Duncan McInnes/Contributing Photographer
REACH (Real Education About College Health) puts together a quilt to raise awareness of HIV and AIDS. The purpose of the quilt was to have a visual display of support for those who are affected or know someone who is affected by HIV/AIDS.
R.E.A.C.H. promotes AIDS awareness, advocates for prevention Emily Coleman Contributing Writer Real Education About College Health (REACH) shed light on the reality of HIV and AIDS in college while decorating an awareness quilt. Jazell Johnson, a health educator at the Decker Student Health Services Center, organized “Face
AIDS with REACH” with the help of REACH interns and her graduate assistant, Alaina Ryan. “The purpose of the quilt is to have a visual display of support for those who are affected or know of someone who is affected by HIV/ AIDS,” Johnson wrote in an email. Students, along with REACH interns, decorated red-cloth ribbons.
Fraternity hosts dodgeball fundraiser Delta Epsilon Psi raises $1,000 for juvenile diabetes research Madeline Gottlieb Contributing Writer
Members of Binghamton University Greek Life took aim at diabetes Friday as they dodged balls for charity. The fraternity members of Delta Epsilon Psi hosted a dodgeball tournament, raising $1,000 for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF). Raising double their original goal, the members had a lot to say about their success. “We couldn’t ask for anything more from the campus and the community. We managed to raise $1,000. It’s definitely remarkable,” said Shreyans Sanghvi, a senior majoring in integrative neuroscience. The fraternity chose the JDRF because of its special significance. “JDRF has been our national philanthropy [since] one of our
“We couldn’t ask for anything more from the campus and the community ... It’s definitely remarkable” — Shreyans Sanghvi BU senior
brothers, Vishal Bhagat, passed away and requested that Delta Epsilon Psi support JDRF,” said Tommy Higgins, a sophomore majoring in electrical engineering. “Since then, every chapter in our fraternity has made it a constant effort to help
See Dodge Page 4
The interns then took the cloth ribbons and trimmed the outside edges to place them on the quilt. REACH aimed to increase awareness about HIV and AIDS and provide a visual for support for HIV/AIDS patients on and off campus. REACH also addressed misconceptions and stigma related to AIDS.
“These misconceptions are that it’s not going to happen to [college students], and they don’t necessarily know all the possible ways they could contract HIV,” Johnson wrote. “So they may not be as cautious as they could be.”
See quilt Page 6
Fifteen Broome County residents were loaned fully functional computers as a part of the Bridging the Digital Divide Project (BDDP). Each person received all necessary components including monitors, engines, keyboards and mice at an event held Friday at the Broome County Urban League. The project began in 2008 through the collaboration of Binghamton University’s Center for Civic Engagement (CCE), SUNY Broome Community College, AmeriCorps VISTA and New York Campus Compact. The groups wanted to provide victims of underemployment and unemployment, those who have been incarcerated, immigrants and refugees, impoverished youth and the elderly with computer literacy education and refurbished computer loans. The program has 262 volunteers, including students from both BU and BCC, who work together with seven faculty members as well as four professional staff members. The program also has 12 charity partners in the Southern Tier.
See bddp Page 4
Runners strip layers for charity 5k around the Brain collects clothes for the homeless Jeremy Bernstein News Intern Binghamton community members stripped their clothes off on Saturday morning, and it wasn’t because of a wild night of partying. They were participating in Strip for a Cause, a 5K campus run that raised money for the Cornell Cooperative Extension, which provides clothes for the Broome County Urban League’s Urban Star Vintage Boutique in Johnson City. In the race, which was co-sponsored by the Cornell Cooperative Extension and the Student Volunteer Center, runners started out with several layers of clothing on, and they took layers off at collecting points along the run. The layers they removed were then donated to the thrift shop. The race started at the University Union, went around the Brain, proceeded up to the Nature Preserve and then finished back at the Union. Matthew Christian finished the 5K first, with a time of 20 minutes, 18 seconds. “Taking my clothes off during the run was kind of weird,” said Christian, a sophomore majoring in economics.
Paige Nazinitsky/Managing Editor
Students and community members participate in Strip for a Cause, a 5K campus run Saturday morning. The race, which was co-sponsored by the Cornell Cooperative Extension and the Student Volunteer Center, asked for clothing donations from all the participants, who stripped off layers of clothing at various stations along the course.
“When I got to the first group of people who were taking clothes I just ripped it off and threw it. I gave two shirts, pajama pants and I am going to give my shorts after this interview.” According to Christian, being on the Binghamton University crew team and running track and field in high school
helped him prepare for the event. Tara McElroy, a sophomore majoring in biology, was the first female to finish the race. “22:19 and I did it in a dress,” McElroy said.
See 5k Page 5
News
2
The Energy Never Dies
www.bupipedream.com | November 26, 2013
Carnival features RDX, dancing, food
Ryan Gyanchand/ Contributing Photographer
Caribbean Student Association (CSA) hosted The E.N.D.: Energy Never Dies Friday in the Events Center. The event, a carnival, featured big names within the Caribbean dance community, such as Trinidadian soca artist Patrice Roberts and Jamaican dancehall duo RDX, performing alongside student groups.
Brendan Zarkower Contributing Writer There was no end to the festivities during the Caribbean Student Association’s (CSA) carnival The E.N.D: Energy Never Dies. The carnival featured big names within the Caribbean dance community, such as Trinidadian soca artist Patrice Roberts and Jamaican dancehall duo RDX, performing alongside student groups. The event was held to raise funds for the CSA. More than 400 tickets were sold at a price of $20 per ticket at the door for Binghamton University students or $15 on pre-sale. Alicia Johnson, a member of the CSA E-Board and a junior majoring in philosophy, politics and law, said that she was happy with how the event turned out. “[The E-Board and I] think that this event was a great start and great reminder of what Carnival used to be over the past 30 years on this campus,” Johnson said. “We hope that this event will be the first of many more years to come.” Carnival, a more than 30-year-old CSA tradition, includes dance music, Caribbean food and feathered and beaded costumes from Trinidad and Tobago. Energy Never Dies also featured a number of student groups performing alongside the outside musicians. Student groups like Quimbamba, the Latin dance performance group on campus, and the Black Dance Repertoire also attracted large crowds. Additionally, local radio station WJOB 93.3 FM had a table out front as it supported its own DJ HypeMan Mike. A step team from SUNY Albany traveled to Binghamton to put on a show as well. Organized C.H.A.O.S, a competitive and performance step team, has opened for acts in the past such as Rihanna, Steve Harvey and UniverSoul Circus. Attendance started out slow with people slowly filing in for the first hour of the show, but quickly picked up, reaching into the hundreds. Organizers were pleased by the number of concertgoers. “We hope that every year we get more people and that the CSA continues to grow,” Johnson said. “We hope that we can bring Carnival back in a whole new way that people really like.” CSA puts on a number of events throughout the year; however, this was its biggest one for the fall semester. During the spring, the club traditionally puts on a culture night featuring a pageant called Caribbean Queen. This event is yet to be scheduled, but is traditionally in February.
PAGE III Tuesday, November 26, 2013
This Day in History November 26 1941
U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed a bill establishing the fourth Thursday in November as Thanksgiving Day.
Police Watch A lighter take on campus crime
Feeling Gassy THURSDAY, NOV. 21, 8:30 p.m. — A chemical odor that smelled of natural gas was allegedly emanating from the Innovative Technologies Center (ITC) building, said Investigator Patrick Reilly of Binghamton’s New York State University Police. UPD dispatched the Vestal Fire Department and New York State Electric & Gas (NYSEG) to the location, and they searched the outside perimeter of the buildings. The fire department and NYSEG found a truck parked in the Marriott Hotel that was adjacent to the building that smelled of natural gas. NYSEG said that it would investigate the truck and try to contact the operator of it. Parking lot, not neutral lot FRIDAY, NOV. 22, 5:30 p.m. — An unattended car struck another car in Lot F1, Reilly said. The unattended car, which was black, was allegedly in neutral without the parking brake on when the owner left the car. There was not much visible damage except for a slight scratch on both cars’ bumpers with visible paint transfer. The owner of the black car was contacted by officers and came to the location where the accident occurred, and both drivers exchanged insurance information.
What is
stabilizing: BREAK
Marking her territory SATURDAY, NOV. 23, 2:27 a.m. — Officers spotted an 18-year-old female squatting down with her pants below her ankles on East Drive, Reilly said. The suspect seemed to be urinating next to a fire hydrant. Officers approached the suspect and asked if she was indeed urinating. The suspect originally denied it, but then recanted and stated, “Alcohol is a toxin, and I need to get it out.” The officers asked for ID and noticed that the date on the ID did not seem to match up with how old she looked. Officers inquired about her age, and she stated that she was 23 years old but later admitted to being only 18 years old. The suspect was obviously under the influence of alcohol, so the officers told the suspect’s friends to take care of her for the rest of the night, and they agreed.
thankful for?
Week without Pipe Dream :destabilizing
www.bupipedream.com | November 26, 2013
News
4
A taste of Israel
Dodgeball event raises $1K for kids JDRF continued from Page 1
Paige Nazinitsky/Managing Editor
Student waiters and waitresses prepare meals Sunday afternoon in Old Union Hall to dish out a taste of Israel at Hillel’s Aroma Café event. Students had coffee, sandwiches, Israeli salad and other Israeli treats on the house from Aroma Café, a popular coffee shop chain in Israel.
support JDRF.” The first-place winning team was awarded $200 and a trophy, and the second-place team was awarded $50. “We believed [dodgeball] would be a great way to get students on campus engaged,” said Rakin Zaman, a sophomore majoring in computer science. Starting with 13 teams, groups played the classic game until all but two teams were left for the final round. With music like “The Final Countdown” and “Eye of the Tiger” playing in the background, students threw foam balls at their opposing team, watched closely by two referees. “It got pretty intense at times, which I think was the point. It was awesome,” said spectator Veenita Kumar, a BU alumna. After four hours of playing and 11 teams eliminated, the Colts defeated the Conquistadors
in the final. “It feels pretty good to win $200,” said Nathaniel Kiff, a member of the Colts and a sophomore majoring in management. “I’m pumped up. I would do this every Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and so forth if I could.” Jason Kuttiyara, a member of the Conquistadors and a sophomore majoring in bioengineering, said that he was disappointed by the loss, but still said he was positive about the day. “I wanted to win, but it happens,” Kuttiyara said. “It was for a good cause, and it was great.” More than 100 people showed up to the event, both as competitors and spectators. “I know a bunch of guys who are organizing it, and I knew it was going to be a great turnout, and it definitely was,” Kumar said.
Community members receive loaned computers, training BDDP continued from Page 1 BDDP was instituted to combat the issue of digital divide — the gap between those who have access to online and technological advances and those who don’t. A study from the Pew Research Center’s Internet & American Life Project reports that 15 percent of American adults do not use the Internet at all, and 9 percent use the Internet, but
not at home. Allison Alden, the director of the CCE, explained the problem of digital divide in the Broome County area. “We have many residents in our community who have neither the resources nor knowledge to use computers,” Alden said. “These computers help them with job searches, academic study, connecting with family and friends, et cetera.”
The computer loan is available to underprivileged Broome County community members who have completed computer literacy courses either through BDDP itself or through the SUNY ATTAIN Lab, a partner of the Broome County Urban League. Used computers are donated to BDDP by Geodis Supply Chain Optimisation. They are then refurbished by BDDP student volunteers through the
guidance of Jack Rappaport, a community volunteer. After four years of operation, the program has lent 137 computers to community members, collected and recycled or refurbished 19,000 pounds of electronics. This has all been made possible through 8,024 hours of service. The program has continued to grow steadily since its introduction in 2009 and is projected to continue to
improve as it works to bridge the gap of computer illiteracy in the Broome County area. Alden said that she was impressed with the work of BDDP. “The Bridging the Digital Divide Program recruits student volunteers to teach area residents basic computer skills,” Alden said. “Other volunteers refurbish used computers, then we loan these computers to those who have
completed the training. It is a really worthwhile program.” Participants in the program who received computers, such as Margaret Gildea, were also happy with what BDDP has accomplished. “Over six months ago, I didn’t even know how to use a mouse,” Gildea said. “I was completely computer illiterate, so I’ve gone all the way from that because of these wonderful instructors.”
WINTER SESSION IN NEW YORK CITY REGISTRATION IS OPEN!
WHY LEHMAN COLLEGE THIS WINTER?
LEARN MORE ABOUT GRADUATE STUDIES Now Taking Holiday Reservations
Accounting - Art - Art Education - Biology - Business - Computer Science - Counseling, Leadership, Literacy, & Special Education - English - Geographic Information Science - Health Education - History - Liberal Studies - Mathematics Nursing - Nutrition - Pre K - Grade 12 Education Programs - Public Health- Recreation Education - Spanish Speech -Language - Pathology - TESOL
www.lehman.edu/grad
www.bupipedream.com | November 26, 2013
News
5
Runners take off clothes to donate to charity 5k continued from Page 1 Some students had a little more difficulty than McElroy. “I thought taking off my clothes would have been a little smoother,” said Kyle Schlecht, a junior majoring in economics. “My shirt got stuck on my neck for a little bit. Thank God I didn’t do pants. That would have been a little too hard.” Despite some minor troubles, students were happy to support the cause. “I know this area is going through a bit of a rough time right now, and I’m a local, so donating clothes here
to people that need them is definitely something I support,” Christian said. According to Student Volunteer Center President Theresa Ehrich, around 70 students registered for the race. The registration fee, which went directly to the Cornell Cooperative Extension, was $15 for each runner. Ehrich said she was happy with the event. “A lot of people decided not to strip as they ran but donated the clothes at the beginning, which is okay too,” Ehrich said. “It was pretty successful for the first time, but we hope to do it again in the future.”
Classifieds 'We are offering our Safe and quiet apartments. They are BU code compliant. The property is Close to Downtown and BU, yet quiet enough for those who like to study. Free wi-fi and garbage pick up. Off street parking. Discount for students, 450.00. For more info call Chad 1917-881-8319
Westside--- 8 Bedroom, 5 Bathroom, 2 Kitchen with dishwashers, furnished. 4 car garage with off street parking for 4 additional cars, laundry, security system, OCC and county bus routes. Local landlord with refs. Nice Neighbors. Safe/quiet area. 1/2 way between campus and downtown. For June 2014. 607-797-5409 DOWNTOWN, WESTSIDE AND JOHNSON CITY. 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8 & 18 BEDROOM RENOVATED APARTMENTS AND HOUSES. OFF-STREET PARKING. MOST WITH WASHERS/DRYERS. PRIME STUDENT LOCATIONS. CALL SOON - THE BEST RENTS FAST. 607-343-2692/607-3163411
Upscale Student Housing Downtown 221 Washington Street
Currently Leasing for Spring 2014
News
www.bupipedream.com | November 26, 2013
R.E.A.C.H. promotes AIDS awareness
Don't read books, read
quilt continued from Page 1
ArePipe a DJ ? you Dream Do you want to learn
how?
Need someone to DJ your event? Do you need a pre-recorded mix?
Join
and
We have DJs and Producers for you. Contact us at bpm@binghamtonsa.org
BINGHAMTON PRODUCTION MIXING AND
General Interest Meeting Wednesday Sept. 11th 6:00pm in UU206 Chartered
Yule Ball! Butterbeer Pumpkin juice Quidditch Potion making
Wands Apparel Wizard Oragami ... and more!
The Harry Potter event of the year Monday, December 2nd Old Union Hall
6
5-8 p.m.
$3 entrance fee
Presidential Internship:
Road Map Student Task Force
Students participating in the event said they were aware of the stigma associated with AIDS and its relation to sexual promiscuity. “I think it’s a longstanding belief that AIDS is something that shouldn’t be talked about,” said Jeremy Poserio, a senior majoring in biochemistry. “I think because REACH is doing outreach, it makes it more accessible and easier to learn about.” REACH discussed the issue of sexual promiscuity in relation to AIDS, as well as taking protective measures against sexually transmitted diseases. “It’s college and a lot of people are sleeping around,” said Vanessa Wilcox, a sophomore majoring in linguistics. “It’s the truth, and obviously people need to be aware of what’s out there and the risks of being sexually active.” REACH advocated for using a condom whenever having sex and regular HIV testing for all college students. “I think it’s important for them to realize HIV is an issue and for them to take charge of their sexual health,” Ryan said. Decker Student Health Services provides testing on campus, and the Broome County Health Department, Planned Parenthood in Walton, N.Y., and Oneonta Community Health Center all have STD tests for students as well. Testing can be confidential, meaning that the person’s name is used but kept confidential under federal law, or anonymous, meaning that no record of the person is kept. Despite these methods of discretion, many students are not tested. “I think a lot of students don’t realize HIV is a prevalent issue on college campuses,” said Ryan, a graduate student studying student affairs administration. “Only about 25 percent of students get tested for HIV, yet there are statistics that show that 20- to
25-year-olds are most likely to get HIV.” Kelly Li, an undergraduate REACH intern and a junior majoring in biochemistry, discussed why the percentage of HIV testing was not higher. “I think people believe that it can’t happen to them or if they are suspicious, they might be ashamed to get tested,” Li said. REACH worked with Residential Life to have a
quilting session in each residential community. The last stop was supposed to be at the College-in-the-Woods Commons, but because of Woods Jam, the event was moved to the Tillman Lobby. “In the past we haven’t been able to be as present on campus regarding world AIDS and HIV, so we decided to make it a campus wide initiative,” Johnson wrote. About 50 to 60 people at
Hinman College made ribbons for the quilt. Mountainview College, Newing College and Dickinson Community also participated. REACH also focused on college students as agents of change who will further AIDS awareness and prevention outside of Binghamton. “College students are from cities, they’re from New York, they’re from all over, so they can take this education back
Duncan McInnes/Contributing Photographer
Jazell Johnson, a health educator at the Decker Student Health Services Center, poses with ribbons to be quilted at her “Face AIDS with REACH” event. Johnson organized the event along with the help of REACH interns and her graduate assistant, Alaina Ryan.
~ Spring 2014 ~
Yule Ball!
~ 2-Credit Graded Internship ~ ~ Advised by Pres. Stenger!~ ~ Own & Implement Innovative Projects ~
Butterbeer Pumpkin juice Quidditch Potion making
~ Develop Leadership & Strategy Skills ~ ~ Small, collaborative teams ~ ~ Apply via
~
~ Deadline: Dec. 5 ~
Wands Apparel Wizard Oragami ... and more!
The Harry Potter event of the year Monday, December 2nd
~ For More Info ~
Old Union Hall
roadmap@binghamton.edu
Yule Ball! Butterbeer Pumpkin juice Quidditch Potion making
Wands Apparel Wizard Oragami ... and more!
The Harry Potter event of the year Monday, December 2nd Old Union Hall
5-8 p.m.
$3 entrance fee
P! Located in U 1 8 607-217-71
est price
t the b a , a te le b b u b he best
T
Hours: 11am to 10pm. Sat Mon. Sun 1:30 pm to 9 pm
Any 24 oz. drink only $3.50 with this ad *Expires 10/27/13
Located at 4700 Vestal Parkway East, University Plaza across from Mario’s Pizza
Please call ahead for large orders
5-8 p.m.
$3 entrance fee
Yule Ball! Butterbeer Pumpkin juice Quidditch Potion making
Wands Apparel Wizard Oragami ... and more!
The Harry Potter event of the year Monday, December 2nd Old Union Hall
5-8 p.m.
$3 entrance fee
RELEASE Arts & Culture
Local voices heard in poetry
Franz Lino/Staff Photographer
Binghamton Poetry Project joins community and campus writers Ilana Lipowicz | Contributing Writer On Friday, five aspiring poets from the Binghamton Poetry Project — ranging from elementary school students to retirees — came to Science I to share their work with each other and with Binghamton University students and faculty. The project, one of many efforts connecting students and the local community, offers free poetry workshops on campus for local residents and BU students. Eight-year-old Alexis Van Tassel read with remarkable animation a poem in which the speaker is a ballerina in a music box, thankful to be alive when she is not supposed to be. It was just one of a few poems where she exhibited exceptional depth in her subject matter. The poets in the adult workshops read on a wide variety of subjects as well, from personal relationships and reflective narratives to meditations on the act of writing itself. Some of the readers jumped right into reading their poems, while others provided background information on themselves and their poetry, revealing some of the many reasons that people are drawn to the workshops. One woman shared that she started writing poetry after her husband passed away and she had more free time. A young man from Brooklyn, who used to
be a ghostwriter for hip-hop songs, is now trying to get back into writing. If people think that there is an archetypal Broome County character, this event shattered that perception. The reading also gave the community poets a peek at the poetry being produced by the University’s own students. Riley Huntington read her poem “Spare Key,” which won her this semester’s Harpur Palate Undergraduate contest in poetry. Huntington, a junior double-majoring in Arabic and English, is enrolled in Creative Writing 350A: Intermediate Poetry Workshop this semester. The Binghamton Poetry Project was founded four years ago by Nicole Santalucia, a poet and doctoral candidate in English at BU and a poetry editor at Harpur Palate. Santalucia began the project with the intention of uniting University students and locals through poetry. The workshops are directed mostly by other English department graduate students and provide a comfortable setting for people to share and improve their writing. Anita Alkinburg Shipway has attended Poetry Project workshops for a few years and has participated in the adult workshop at Mary Wilcox Memorial Library in Whitney Point. Shipway believes in the creative process of writing poetry in a
group setting. “I was attracted to the process of writing in the presence of others,” Shipway said. “Doing it in a group, the energy is there, and you sort of ride along.” Poetry lends itself to being both communal and profoundly personal, which Santalucia said is essential to what the project has become. “There would not be a successful project without each participant who is willing to go on the inward journey and discover their personal truths,” Santalucia wrote in an email. After Santalucia graduates at the end of this year, the Binghamton Poetry Project will be run by Abby Murray, a poet and doctoral candidate in English at BU and an associate editor at Harpur Palate. Murray hopes to maintain the energy that the Poetry Project has garnered within the community. As for the presence of poetry on campus, Murray said she feels that the poetry program often gets overlooked. However, she expressed confidence in the University’s potential to foster a greater poetry presence. “Every discipline has its spotlight and its moment,” Murray said. In its four years, the Binghamton Poetry Project has impacted the local community by bringing out a shared passion for poetry that might otherwise have gone unnoticed.
Small Black, big crowd Lighting up the screen Electro-pop band plays BUMP show on campus Kenneth Herman | Contributing Writer Attendees of Binghamton Underground Music Presents’ (BUMP) second semester show grooved to chillwave outfit Small Black on Saturday night. The concert drew one of BUMP’s biggest crowds yet, with nearly 200 students present for Small Black’s unique combination of disco rhythms and ethereal-sounding synthesizers. Small Black, a four-piece group from Brooklyn, energized the crowd with their brand of electro-pop. Emphasizing grooves and synth melodies, the performance was reminiscent of Phoenix or Passion Pit, artists who also veer from pop clichés. Members switched off instruments, sharing duties of guitar, keyboard and backing vocals. Guitarist/keyboardist Ryan Heyner is a 2000 Binghamton University alumnus who said he enjoyed seeing an on-campus music community. “I think it’s amazing. When I went to school here I don’t think there was anything as organized at the time,” Heyner said. “It seems like there’s much more of a Xindi Tian/Contributing Photographer
community here on campus. I think it’s great to get touring bands come to college so kids can see live music, just see what’s out there, enjoy themselves and learn about new bands.” Matt Costanzo, BUMP chair and a junior majoring in accounting, said booking Small Black was a big success for the organization, with almost 200 people in and out of the concert. “We adore their sound and their ability to transform a crowd,” Costanzo said. “After this, we hope to get a show every month, with a big one at the upcoming MoeFest with WHRW.” Student musician Daniel Kadyrov, a junior majoring in mechanical engineering, opened the show under the moniker KADYROV. He merged ambiance with upbeat, layering textures of synthesizers against complex drumbeats. He opted to go solo, armed with just a laptop, a controller and one synthesizer —
echoing the likes of Flying Lotus or Disclosure. “Many of the bands that come are already influences for the student artists so it’s truly a pleasure to have opened,” Kadyrov said. “It’s also a great way for the students to rub shoulders and promote themselves to their idols.” Jared Frazer, a junior majoring in English, supported BUMP’s decision to have a student opener. “It’s really cool to see a friend perform,” Frazer said. “It was on a really different note, a different feel. Having him paired with Small Black felt really diversified in a way.” As the band packed their gear, students met and took photos with the band members. Heyner reminisced about his time at BU. “I miss the Nature Preserve,” he said. “I miss ordering cheese fries at two in the morning in CIW.”
Lionsgates
'Hunger Games' film catches fire and new fans Odeya Pinkus | Contributing Writer The odds were ever in favor of “The Hunger Games” fans last weekend, as the second installment in the series, “The Hunger Games: Catching Fire,” was released in theaters nationwide. This time, Katniss and Peeta are once again forced to fight for their lives at the will of their oppressive government, the Capitol. The movie begins with our two heroes getting ready to tour the districts after winning the last Hunger Games, and what follows are two and a half hours of pure excitement. Since the release of the first “Hunger Games” film in 2012, both the books and films have gained a large and enthusiastic fan base. “Catching Fire” grossed $158 million this weekend in the United States. At the AMC Loews in Town Square Mall, students and Binghamton residents alike showed up in their best “Hunger Games” attire to experience the event. Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson captivated the audience into their attitudes of defiance and moments of fear. Lawrence captured Katniss Everdeen’s spirit, while somehow
managing to remain true to the down-to-earth personality she’s known for in real life. Hutcherson’s performance as Peeta Mellark was both believable and absorbing. If you don’t see “Catching Fire” to root for Team Peeta or Team Gale (if you are Team Gale, you don’t know what true love is), then go see it for its incredible scenery and special effects. The stakes are higher this time, with the arena designed as a giant clock. Each passing hour brought new challenges and dangers for the contestants, highlighted by various visual effects. “Catching Fire” had gigantic tidal waves, swarms of birds, monkeys, poisonous fog clouds and finally the climatic destruction of the arena sky. Color was carefully used throughout the film to create a great distinction between the luxury of the Capitol and the extreme poverty of the surrounding districts. The movie featured elaborate costumes, from Katniss’ elaborate wedding dress to Effie Trinket’s extravagant wig. Trinket was played by Elizabeth Banks and provided some comic relief through her outrageous outfits and over-thetop mannerisms. While Trinket’s ambitions were vague at the movie’s beginning, her heart
and compassion were evident by the movie’s end. Johanna Mason, portrayed by Jena Malone, was another strong character, increasing the sense of humanity among the tributes, despite the hostile competition. Her lines were full of wit and delivered with boldness and sass. Many were concerned that this film would be inconsistent with the first, due to Gary Ross stepping down as director and Francis Lawrence taking his place. The transition, however, went off without a hitch and if anything was for the better. The film remained fast-paced and rarely suffered a dull moment. While “The Hunger Games” had a camera that couldn’t stay still and obscured what happened onscreen, “Catching Fire” was able to give the same sense of urgency while maintaining clarity. While the novel trilogy ended, there are still two more movies to go, with “Mockingjay,” the third book, being split up into two different films. “The Hunger Games” is here, and it’s not going away anytime soon. Whether you’ve read the books or not, this movie is a must-see over Thanksgiving break.
November 26, 2013 | www.bupipedream.com
RELEASE
8
Black Friday survival What we're grateful for Fight fire with fire while getting the best deals
With terrible weather complicating holiday travel and the impending chaos of finals, it’s difficult to remember that we’re supposed to be thankful on Thanksgiving. So, following Release tradition, we took a step back to reflect on what we’re thankful for.
It’s that time of the year, folks. Never mind Thanksgiving, Christmas and all that nonsense. No, we’re talking about Black Friday, the one day of the year where you get incredible deals on your favorite gadgets and clothing brands. But here’s the real deal: People completely lose their shit on Black Friday. Folks have left Walmart in body bags. But if you’re going to go, go out in style. We here at Release have done some extensive research on survival methods for this esteemed holiday. 1. Leave the weapons at home — Even though the Black Friday rush can get heated, please don’t pack heat this holiday season. This sounds crazy, we know. If there’s any time of the year to bring a weapon to the mall, isn’t it this one? Especially with the government practically begging us to buy them, it seems like the sensible call. But seriously, leave your baseball bats, switchblades and pieces at home, or at least in the car. This is Black Friday; bust that out and your ass will get shot. There are exceptions to the rule. If you’re at Woodbury Commons and the Coach line is too long to wait on, a simple round in the air can solve problems quickly. 2. If you’re going to stand in line, stay away from the entrance — So you’ve been standing outside for hours in the freezing cold with a bunch of other schmucks, and you’re getting pissed because this crowd is getting more and more ‘shovey’ with each passing minute. You’ve seen the Black Friday YouTube videos. You’ve heard the urban legends. People get trampled. It’s real. Unless you’re scary looking, buff or obese enough to stand your ground, people will gladly toss you to the ground if you’re at the front of the Wal-Mart mob and not entering quickly enough. Gauge the situation, and find a safe spot to lay low until the crowds clear. 3. Bring a terrifying dog — This Black Friday, bring your pet with you. A Rottweiler or a German Shepherd will do the trick (Pit bulls are way overdone). You don’t even have to buy a dog; just stop by a junkyard with some raw chicken and a bottle of chloroform. Scary dogs will definitely keep people away from you, especially if you give it a muzzle and a crazy name like “Lucifer” or “Hurricane Katrina.” If you want to really lay it on thick, get some stick and poke tattoos and loudly talk on the phone about how you can’t wait to go back to jail. That way, people will be too afraid of going in your aisle, and you can shop with ease. 4. Don’t bathe for a few days — This is America. If you want to roll up to the mall shower-free for a week, three beers deep and in a stars-and-stripes tank top with no pants, who’s to stop you? If you Black Friday-shop without bathing, your odor will fend off other shoppers. But, you do run the risk of getting told to get lost by management. (It’s worth the risk.) You can even get creative with this one; maybe sleep in a compost pile overnight or crowd surf a few times at a Phish show. It’s Black Friday. Anything is possible. John Sansone | Contributing Writer
I’m thankful for… …my Ecuadorian roommate coming home with me for Thanksgiving so she can make me food. My family hates cooking. — Anna Szilagyi …the friends I’ve made here at Binghamton University and the family I have to go home to. — Allie Wolff …second chances, funny friends and good food. — Gabriella Ginsberg …my mom, British panel quiz shows and James Deen’s Twitter account. In related news, I can’t believe I’m at a point in my life where I’m mentioning my mom and James Deen in the same sentence. Happy Thanksgiving! — Katie Dowd …soup, coffee and my Lands’ End winter coat when it’s 14 degrees out. I am also thankful for Shabbat, the state of Israel and websites that allow me to binge-watch TV. Oh, and Miley Cyrus’s and Rihanna’s Instagrams, duh. — Yael Rabin …the people of Binghamton for not figuring out that my car doesn’t lock and then stealing everything inside it. — Cameron Wade …my family, my college education and my three best friends: Tom, Marty and JT. — Odeya Pinkus …”WTF with Marc Maron,” the podcast that has kept me sane this semester. — John Sansone …the impending feast to come this Thursday, though I’ll miss my Sodexo regulars. I’m thankful for all the turkeys that gave their lives to save the free world. — Rich Kersting …all of the great family, friends and food I’ve gotten to eat, know and love. — Spencer Kostrinsky …the College-in-the-Woods janitorial staff for cleansing my restrooms of the intoxicated filth that floods the toilets and tiles every weekend. — Harrison Teich …clouds. They’re the only thing that hold constant these days. Some days I’m thankful for sunshine, but only some. — Dorothy Farrell …the cozy long johns that keep my legs toasty. — Danny Santos …the little I need to do to receive an English degree: Write two essays a semester and sleep. — Kieran McManus …an amazing start to freshman year as part of a close-knit community, where the people here are so welcoming that I can already call Binghamton my home. — Chloe Rehfield …the optimists who bring sunshine to everyone’s life, even when it’s November in Binghamton. — Samantha Steiner …Binghamton pizza, for making me appreciate New York City pizza that much more. — Erik Bacharach …the ability to escape reality. — Mike Amory …I’m thankful for my Pipe Dream family, my biological family (whoever they are) and for the Pilgrims, the real heroes of this special day. — Darian Lusk …my family, my friends and a third thing. — Jacob Shamsian …Jacob, Darian and Release getting things in copy early. — Cari Snider
When holidays merge How to put as much oil as possible in your Thanksgivukkah meal Spencer Kostrinsky | Contributing Writer Thanksgiving is already known for gluttony as it is. But when you add Hanukkah into the mix, the holiday feast is doubled. The dining room table will be filled with classics reinvented in ways that will have your arteries begging for mercy. Hanukkah is known for oily latkes and Thanksgiving is known for excess food, so when you combine them, you get the following deliciously excessive fried dishes. Fry your turkey — Turkey isn’t known for its flavor. There is a reason why we only eat it once a year and, when we do, we cover it in a boat full of gravy. How have folks around the country begun to enhance this creature of American legend? By dunking it in the deep fryer and hoping they don’t burn down the house. They knew this fusion holiday was coming and prepared far in advance. But the technique of dipping the bird in oil wasn’t
created so that it would last for eight nights — it was so guests would finish their plates in less than eight minutes. Make poutine instead of the routine mashed potatoes — Now that half your plate is filled, it’s time to talk sides. Mashed potatoes, even with a stick of butter on top, won’t cut it for this meal. That’s not what the Hanukkah spirit is about. We need straight up oil running through our veins like a human menorah. For this day only, I’m taking a page right out the most un-American thing I can think of: Canada. They’ve been making poutine — a pile of French fries topped with gravy and cheese — for years, and this is the perfect reason to cross the border and bring it on over to the states. The fried potato has been satisfying screaming children for decades with all of its greasy glory. Put some festive gravy on top, and pile on the cheese for a new dish that might make next year’s table. Skip the pie, go for cheesecake
— Finally, we come to dessert. Save the run-of-the-mill pumpkin pie for next year’s banquet. On this day, whip out the deepfried, beer-battered pumpkin cheesecake topped with caramel and Baileys whipped cream. Alcohol will numb the brain and distract your body’s response to the pain that is about to take over. This dish isn’t necessarily Hanukkah-related, but your stomach will burn for longer than eight nights. Forget the sweet potato challah and the kugel stuffing — Throw down these recipes next Thursday, and you will be turning some heads and probably some stomachs. Create a tradition that will scare away the relatives you don’t want coming back next year. Whether you’re passed out on the couch or falling over right at the table, have a wonderful Thanksgivukkah — the next one will be in 2070, so let’s push this one to the limit.
Franz Lino /Staff Photographer
November 26, 2013 | www.bupipedream.com
RELEASE
9
Thanksgiving tv Shows CBS
Escape your weird family with some classic episodes of your childhood shows Katie Dowd | Contributing Writer Thanksgiving television specials are the limbo of holiday programming. You haven’t been up early enough for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade since puberty hit, and ABC Family’s “25 Days of Christmas” is still far off. Spending time with family is a nightmare, so what’s a poor coed to do for entertainment?
Luckily, we’ve assembled the best Thanksgiving specials to get you feeling festive for Thursday. “A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving” (1973) This Charlie Brown special doesn’t possess the existentialism of “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown!” or “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” but it is nonetheless adorable. Charlie finds himself in a pickle when Peppermint Patty, Marcie
and Franklin invite themselves over for Thanksgiving dinner; with the help of Linus, Snoopy and Woodstock he figures out how to improvise. Like all Charlie Brown specials, it packs some serious emotional punch. The oldest kids in the Peanuts gang are maybe 8 years old, and when you stop to consider that three of them have nowhere to go on Thanksgiving — Peppermint Patty outright says that her dad is out of town,
and in the comic strip she tells Marcie that she doesn’t have a mother — it’s heartbreaking. “Seinfeld” — “The Mom & Pop Store” (1994) Jerry has to figure out whether or not he’s invited to dentist Tim Whatley’s (Bryan Cranston) Thanksgiving party, while Elaine wins a radio quiz for Mr. Pitt, allowing him to hold the Woody Woodpecker balloon in the parade. Shenanigans abound, including
Jon Voight biting Kramer’s arm and an episode-wide parody of “Midnight Cowboy.” Enjoy this classic episode from the greatest sitcom of all time. “Aqua Teen Hunger Force” — “The Dressing” (2003) Shake, Frylock and Meatwad are having Thanksgiving at their house with Carl when Turkatron, a turkey robot from the year 9595, shows up to save the turkey the guys
have already cooked (think “Terminator” on acid). ATHF is bizarre, ridiculous and silly, and will have you doubled over laughing in no time. At one point Turkatron utters the phrase “anti-taco legislation, disestablishmentarianism.” Solid-gold television programming right here. “Hey Arnold!” — “Arnold’s Thanksgiving” (1998) Arnold is unhappy with the Thanksgiving celebration at the boarding house. Grandma always thinks it’s the Fourth of July, so they grill hot dogs on the roof and shoot off fireworks; meanwhile Helga hates the inattentiveness of her family. The two find themselves walking around the city together, trying to figure out how to make the most of their less than ideal situations. The boarders make the episode — Arnold’s grandparents are a riot, and Oskar Kokoschka has a few killer lines. “Bob’s Burgers” — “An Indecent Thanksgiving Proposal” (2012) Mr. Fischoeder, the Belchers’ landlord, offers them a deal they can’t refuse: Linda, Tina, Gene and Louise pose as the Fischoeder family for Thanksgiving dinner in exchange for five months’ rent. Bob has to cook the meal and copes with his ruined holiday by getting well-acquainted with absinthe. “Bob’s Burgers” is a godsend for people who come from workingclass, dysfunctional families, and the show is absolutely hilarious. At one point, Gene refers to a turducken as “like ‘Inception’ with meats.” What’s not to love?
What we're not grateful for this year While we're so busy remembering all we love, let's consider all we hate at BU Kathryn Shafsky | Staff Writer Every year, we take a day to remember the things that we’re thankful for: family, friends, the fact that you didn’t have to get your stomach pumped this semester. But sometimes, it’s nice to remember all of the things about college life that we try to forget. Being the apathetic young adults we are, let’s take a moment to recall nine things we’re not so thankful for. 1. Drunken regrets It’s not the number of mixed drinks, that tumble down the stairs at Zeta Psi or the toilet hugging that really gets us down. It’s the embarrassing texts, the drunken promises (we HAVE to hang out more!) and the less-than-discreet Downtown urination that haunt us long after the weekend is over. It’s these mistakes that we could do without. 2. Long winter breaks Winter break is great. No classes, home-cooked meals and what seems like an eternity to sleep. But by the fifth week of winter break, the charm of sleeping in your cozy childhood bed wears off, and the hours you’ve spent wasting away on BuzzFeed have you converting all of your thoughts into cutesy, scrollable lists. Would the “Top 10 Reasons I Don’t Want to Watch Storage Wars with my Dad” get a lot of hits online? If you’re asking this question, it’s time to go back to school. Soon enough you’ll be begging to be back in the dorm bathroom with that weird girl who always leaves her underwear in the bathroom — it beats your mom
asking you about your love life while you’re trying to drop a deuce. 3. Lack of outlets in Glenn G. Bartle Library — If you think the most difficult thing to do in Bartle is find a good place to sit, you’d be mistaken. Finding an empty and accessible outlet is like enjoying a Sodexo meal: not impossible, but rare. And let’s be honest, you’re going to need to charge your computer when you finally start your paper after two hours of reading Binghamton Crushes. Your friends probably just forgot to tag you! 4. The lines at Jazzman’s and Einstein Bros. Bagels Waiting for a coffee at Jazzman’s or a bagel at Einstein’s for over 20 minutes isn’t anything surprising these days. With the University Union Food Court still not open, it seems that all 16,000 students flock to these establishments at once when they’re looking to get away from the dining hall. There’s hope that the lines will decrease next semester with the opening of the Food Court, but in 2013, we’ve done our fair share of wondering whether the wait was actually worth it (it never is). 5. Getting sick at school Getting sick is never fun, but getting sick at school with no one to take care of you is the absolute worst. Your mom isn’t here to spoon-feed you honey and rub your tummy, and the nurse from Health Services is getting weirded out that you keep asking her to fill in. Your friends are probably also in rough shape, leaving you quarantined in a sea of bacteria and FOMO.
6. Dining hall food While Sodexo has its moments (BU mac and cheese anyone?), our dining hall diets are not something to be thankful for. Not only is it common to find yourself getting the same boring sandwich every day (fresh mozzarella and pesto anyone?), but the French fries that are always ready to go make the “Freshman 15” turn into the “Sophomore 30” … and beyond. 7. Catching a blue bus on the weekends If you don’t live Downtown, don’t want to spend money on a cab and can’t find anyone to drive you, it’s likely that you’re going to be taking a blue bus on
the weekends. While we can all appreciate that the Downtown Express now runs every 15 minutes, missing a bus and then having to wait in the cold isn’t the most pleasant experience. Sure, you have your alcohol blanket, but that can only get you so far, and everyone hits their peak tolerance for “back of the bus singers” and “that guy who puked on your friend.” 8. Registration It may seem like the woes of registration are over after freshman year, but often it seems to only get worse. Getting locked out of a prereq you absolutely need to take this semester to graduate on time, and not being able
to do anything about it, has been known to cause quite a few breakdowns. If you’ve ever heard someone weeping into the phone in the middle of North Reading Room, that’s probably why. 9. Finals week — Just because we all have to take finals doesn’t mean we can’t whine about it. Finals week (and the week before when you have five things due for each class) is the worst time you’ll have in college. No sleep, perpetual snacking and the inevitability that you’re probably going to bomb at least one final are things we’d all like to forget. But, at least it helps us avoid one extra week of winter break.
File Photo
10
FUN
Jobs Blow
Get Gobbled
Fun Page Archives
RELEASE DATE– Friday, August 10, 2007
Los Angeles Times Daily Crossword Puzzle Edited by Rich Norris and Joyce Nichols Lewis ACROSS 1 Marina rental 5 Ratatouille ingredient 11 Last letter in Leeds 14 Enslaved princess 15 Mass, for one 16 Rock music genre 17 Deity in a Beantown intersection? 19 Military address 20 Dead Sea, e.g. 21 Nuts 23 Tangent attachment 24 Work parties 26 Make fun of Beantown dailies? 33 Día period 34 Winter __ 35 Nonsense 36 First Nations tribe 37 Steadies 38 __ Nui 39 Hwy. tower 40 Borneo rain forest resident 41 Lay out a spread for 42 Entrée at an annual Beantown celebration? 45 Hindu scripture 46 Boston Coll. is part of it 47 Lascivious deity 50 Unleash 55 Cellist’s gift 56 Beantown retail photographer? 59 “Exodus” protagonist 60 Home to more than 700 million people 61 Canceled 62 Bunkhouse nickname 63 Writer’s guide 64 Open __ DOWN 1 Bladders 2 Euro predecessor
3 Favorite 4 Medley 5 Settlers can avoid them 6 “Sooey!” response 7 Monthly budget amt. 8 Mo. named for a Caesar 9 Asian way 10 “I say” follower 11 Peel 12 Throw off 13 Fishing craft 18 Refresh 22 Symbol of the Pharaohs 24 Narwhal relative 25 Narrative verse 26 Former “Entertainment Tonight” correspondent Julie 27 Vast expanse 28 Five-time Ryder Cup competitor 29 Agency 30 Poet’s muse 31 Sucked (in) 32 Shiner
33 Sports org. since 1906 37 Raised 38 Ralph Kramden’s lodge brothers 40 Run 41 Three-wheeled Asian cab 43 Columbia, for one 44 More readily
47 Rear end 48 It has banks in Switzerland 49 Cereal “for kids” 50 Canine for kids 51 Bruin nickname 52 Siouan tribe 53 Genesis creator 54 Fertility god 57 1963 Paul Newman film 58 “... __ quit!”
ANSWER TO PREVIOUS PUZZLE:
xwordeditor@aol.com
By James Sajdak (c)2007 Tribune Media Services, Inc.
8/10/07
8/10/07
November 26, 2013 | www.bupipedream.com
Pipe Dream Staff
OPINION Tuesday, November 26, 2013
Address: University Union WB03 4400 Vestal Parkway E. Binghamton, N.Y. 13902 Phone: 607-777-2515 FAx: 607-777-2600 Web: www.bupipedream.com
Fall 2013 editor-in-ChieF* Christina Pullano editor@bupipedream.com MAnAging editor* Paige Nazinitsky manager@bupipedream.com
neWs editor* Rachel Bluth news@bupipedream.com Asst. neWs editors Davina Bhandari Nicolas Vega Geoff Wilson oPinion editor* Michael Snow opinion@bupipedream.com releAse editor* Darian Lusk release@bupipedream.com Asst. releAse editor Jacob Shamsian sPorts editor* Ari Kramer sports@bupipedream.com
Give Thanks-ing
Asst. sPorts editors Erik Bacharach Ashley Purdy Fun PAge editor* Kris Casey fun@bupipedream.com
design MAnAger* Zachary Feldman design@bupipedream.com design Assts. Rebecca Forney Cari Snider Photo editor* Kendall Loh photo@bupipedream.com Asst. Photo editor Janine Furtado editoriAl Artist Miriam Geiger CoPy desk ChieF* Victoria Chow copy@bupipedream.com Asst. CoPy desk ChieF Natalie Murphy leAd Web develoPer Willie Demaniow developer@bupipedream.com systeM AdMnistrAtor Daniel O'Connor soCiAl MediA MAnAger Keara Hill social@bupipedream.com neWsrooM teChnology* William Sanders tech@bupipedream.com
I
n the pages we dedicate to our Staff Editorials, we have a lot to say. And often, that means a lot to criticize.
We’ve taken digs at everything from Sodexo to Gov. Andrew Cuomo to Bing-U Secrets users — each one justified, mind you — but it’s Thanksgiving. If the joyful anticipation of the return home has taught us one thing, it’s that people really freak out when they hear about a coming snowstorm. Second to that, it’s reminded us that in the spirit of giving thanks, it’s only right to take some time to do just that. While nothing’s perfect, we do depend on the services and bodies we often criticize most heavily. Take Sodexo. While Sodexo’s flaws are noticeable to our eyes, noses and mouths, we don’t usually appreciate the basic convenience of having ready-made meals available nearly all day. We’ve had some coverage lately about the shocking rates of hunger in our area. This context makes us all the more grateful that we — at least those of us who can budget a meal plan — don’t face the risk of going hungry. Plus, they made some really killer flan in College-inthe-Woods last week.
We’d also like to express our gratitude in advance for the opening of the new University Union Food Court. Our expectations are high, and we’re just going to reach out and thank you in advance for not disappointing us. Please. We also shit on the weather a lot — we as an Editorial Board, we as students at BU, we as sentient beings forced to brave this tundra. But without winters this absurdly harsh, would our springs be so nice? You really can’t beat the collective sigh of relief we breathe as the sun returns, our bones thaw and the hookah crews post up for the season at the CIW picnic tables. Plus, what about all the advantages our frigid climate does afford? Would the skiers and boarders among us be able to head to Greek Peak for credit if not for our snowy environment? Suck it, U Miami. And when the temperatures do fall to the teens, those of us who live off campus or need a lift to Wegmans can hitch a ride with an Off Campus College Transport blue bus. The blue bus system is an easy target for student complaints, but it’s a decently reliable and
functional way to get around. Plus, it’s pretty impressive that the service is entirely staffed and managed by students. Hey Student Association, you’re next, and we promise we’re pretty much sober this time. While we have our gripes, and undoubtedly always will, you guys work hard as hell and play a role in most student activities we all take for granted. We’re looking at you, E-Board (and only the E-Board — let’s not get crazy here). Spending your summers in Binghamton paying Pipe Dream bills and reading the SA Constitution (and whatever else it is that you do) may not have reared the best stories to tell your kids, but they’ve earned our respect, from one cult of overinvolved nerds to another. Also, props on booking J. Cole. Dope. Chances are, we’ll have some less-thanflattering opinion about at least one of these institutions in the coming months. But the people behind them dedicate a remarkable amount of time to making the Binghamton University experience what it’s been to each of us. And for that, we thank you.
Views expressed in the opinion pages represent the opinions of the columnists. The only piece which represents the views of the Pipe Dream Editorial Board is the Staff Editorial, above. The Editorial Board is composed of the Editor-in-Chief, News Editor, Opinion Editor, Sports Editor, and Release Editor.
business MAnAger* Zachary Hindin business@bupipedream.com Advertising MAnAger Stacey Troy Dan Weisberger
Pipe Dream is published by the Pipe Dream Executive Board, which has sole and final discretion over the newspaper’s content and personnel.
Stop the privatization of Broome County Transit For students and local residents, buses should remain under public control
*Positions seated on the Executive Board are denoted by an asterisk. Pipe Dream is published Tuesdays and Fridays while classes are in session during the fall and spring semesters, except during finals weeks and vacations. Pipe Dream accepts stimulating, original guest columns from undergraduate students, graduate students and faculty. Submissions should be 400 to 500 words in length and be thus far unpublished. Columns and letters to the editor in response to something printed in Pipe Dream should be submitted before a subsequent issue is published. Submissions must include the writer’s name and phone number, and year of graduation or expected year of graduation. Graduate students and faculty members should indicate their standing as such, as well as departmmental affiliation. Organizational (i.e. student group) affiliations are to be disclosed and may be noted at Pipe Dream’s discretion. Anonymous submissions are not accepted. Any facts referenced must be properly cited from credible news sources. Pipe Dream reserves the right to edit submissions, and does not guarantee publication. All submissions become property of Pipe Dream. Submissions may be e-mailed to the Opinion Editor at opinion@ bupipedream.com.
Molly McGrath Columnist
Not every family has the luxury of access to a personal car. In fact, many residents of the city of Binghamton rely on public transit to go to and from work on a daily basis. The Broome County Legislature’s plan for the privatization of BC Transit will drastically impact these residents, transit workers and offcampus students who rely on buses for transport to campus. Privatization must be stopped, and it is our duty as students to voice our disagreement with the Broome County Legislature. Advocates of privatization argue that it will create a more efficient, well-run system, while saving the county’s taxpayers’ money. If we examine recent cases of transit system privatization in the Southern Tier, this argument is revealed to be hollow. In Schuyler County, the privatization of the transit system
led to increased fares, the cutting of essential bus routes and reliance on Tompkins County in order to continue service. Schuyler County was under contract with First Transit, a U.S. subsidiary of the United Kingdombased FirstGroup. It only took two weeks under this contract for bus fares to rise 80 percent. Chemung County also agreed to a contract with First Transit, and its legislature was also forced to raise fares. Privatization does not merely lead to an increase in fares, but lower reported customer satisfaction as well. In Nassau County, customers were surveyed after the privatization of the transit system. Their overall satisfaction fell nearly 20 percent. The customers also reported that the buses and bus stops were dirty, and that the buses were no longer running on time. For a resident trying to get to his or her job in a timely fashion, this is unacceptable. Broome County workers should be treated with respect. In an area facing such a high degree of economic hardship, impediments to employment are unacceptable and dangerous. Recently, BC Transit
eliminated buses to and from Oakdale Mall after 6 p.m. The Broome County Legislature must realize the potential effects of privatization on workers trying to get by in whatever way they can. Imagine how students would feel if all busing to campus stopped after 6 p.m. Students without cars would be limited in terms of class selection and participation in extracurricular activities. Privatization will most likely involve the cutting of the 15 bus line, as it is viewed as largely unnecessary. Students rely on this bus line and would be greatly inconvenienced if it were cut. There are alternatives to privatization that would allow for the growth of the Broome County bus system. Instead of cutting services, Broome County can work with surrounding counties to form a regional transportation authority. The formation of a Southern Tier
transportation authority would allow for increased federal transit funding and more effective regional planning. We must recognize the injustice of privatization and show solidarity with those adversely affected. As students hailing from different areas of New York and beyond, it is easy to separate ourselves from the grievances of the local community. Let us redeem ourselves from the election that took place earlier in month, in which only 36 students voted at on-campus sites. I encourage you to contact the legislators and let them know that Binghamton University students will not stand for privatization of BC Transit.
Imagine how students would feel if all busing to campus stopped after 6 p.m.
— Molly McGrath is a junior doublemajoring in political science and history.
November 26, 2013 | www.bupipedream.com
OPINION
13
Reform the prison sentencing system Current incarceration practices are costly and inefficient Justin Santabarbara Contributing Columnist
The American prison system has largely contributed to climbing crime rates nationwide. The sentences that many criminals are receiving are further influencing their future roles as recidivists. In response to the heightened number of recidivists, the U.S. Sentencing Commission should adopt widespread alternative sentencing programs. Under current federal sentences, many non-violent crimes often result in prison time, which extends the proportionality of the crime’s detriments, thus requiring an inmate to adapt to his or her surroundings. Like a pitbull that is chained for years, inmates forced into such conditions quickly turn predatory.
While many would argue that prison sentences are of a retributive nature, this mindset accomplishes little in terms of societal benefit. Once released from long prison terms, individuals often provide little benefit to society — many are uneducated, cannot apply for jobs and have restricted rights. In many ways, ex-convicts are left to be undrafted free agents. Similarly, money plays a large role in prison. Aside from extended stays costing millions in legal and labor fees, they also place additional expenditures on an already burdened budget. In New York City, the prison system receives roughly $168,000 per inmate annually. In an already booming prison system, the amount of expenditures is sure to weigh heavily on taxpayers. Alternative sentencing programs have been shown to manifest into a variety of capacities. Many of the p r o g r a m s are aimed at providing societal benefit, while using punishment as
Once released from long prison terms, individuals often provide little benefit to society
a more punitive, rehabilitative mechanism. To combat the financial burden incurred by longterm prisoners, programs such as substance awareness would cost substantially less, while allowing the individual to experience life outside of concrete walls and barred doors. In doing this, the individual becomes more aware of his or her problems, thus creating a network for personal reinvention. Some individuals would appear impervious to the measures of treatment and subsequent reduced sentences. While this is true, it should also be noted that no system is 100 percent successful, and the specific circumstances would call for specific measures. One of the clear beauties of alternative sentences is that individualism drives the entire process. Each case is observed, assessed and implemented based on its individual characteristics. Alternative programs would emphasize proportionality between crimes and their punishment. A drug user would certainly not receive the same treatment as someone who is trafficking drugs. Each presents its own problems and would designate its individual treatment.
Mandatory minimum sentences would also become unnecessary. Mandatory minimums assume that each crime is the same in nature and should therefore operate on equal sets of sentences. In almost all circumstances the solution is seen to be incarceration, which is neither helpful to the individual nor beneficial to the environment. At the root of alternative sentencing programs lies educational theory: Through education, we can teach people to be contributing members of society. While this is certainly not true 100 (or even 50) percent of the time, we can use the sentencing system to our best interest. In many ways the alternative programs may serve as a larger deterrent to receiving three meals and a cot. Drug and alcohol programs, as well as educational programs, are some that have already been implemented, but others should be emerging. Continuing to develop alternative sentences would surely benefit the taxpayers, the criminal and society alike. — Justin Satabarbara is a freshman majoring in philosophy, politics and law.
‘‘
In other words 'The period was always the humblest of punctuation marks. Recently, however, it started getting angry.
’’
Ben Crair, The Period Is Pissed, When did our plainest punctuation mark become so aggressive? The New Republic, November 25, 2013
Have an opinion? Contact our Opinion Editor, Michael Snow, by emailing opinion@bupipedream.com
Like you are like a 'like' addict — literally Say what you mean and cut the rest, 'like' is for comparisons Joe Hurban Guest Columnist
There is no gentle way of saying this, my Bearcat brothers and sisters, but this is long overdue. I’ll put it bluntly: Your communicative abilities have been annihilated by the word “like.” A dose of old-fashioned, faceslapping honesty is in order here, so I’ll just come out with it: To those who are hopelessly addicted to the dope that is the word “like” — you sound stupid. You come off as illiterate, and you’re making the rest of us embarrassed to be American. If you say “like” more times in a sentence than all other words combined, or if you find yourself starting sentences that are not comparative in nature with the word “like,” maybe you should seriously consider inventing a whole new language of your own because we don’t want you using ours anymore. At least then a few skinny-jeaned hipsters might actually show you some respect when you speak your gibberish. It needs to be said that your addiction to “like” is killing you and killing us, and I beg you to seek help. Do it for the children. In case you are somehow unaware that you’re a “like” addict, consider this your official wakeup call — an intervention on behalf of the English language. And if this offends you, then it is precisely you for whom the offense is intended. I was on an overcrowded Off Campus College Transport bus the other day, and unfortunately I couldn’t help but overhear a troubling conversation between two young female students standing close to me. Keeping
in mind that this example could just as easily be two guys, allow me to expose a short snippet from their incessant and barely coherent exchange. One girl said, “Like, I told him, like, ‘I’m not like having sex with you tonight. Like, literally, I just met you.’ Like, I was confused though, like, he was like totally hot.” I’m not exaggerating here; this is how she talked. As she went on, I found my face and neck getting hot with hatred, every “like” stabbing my brain with hot, angry word needles, deeper and deeper until I started to feel sweat accumulate on my forehead. Just when I thought I was going to stroke out, her friend chimed in and it was worse! By this point, white-hot rage was taking over. I clutched my heaving chest and told myself, “Breathe, old buddy, don’t wile out, you’re so close to getting that degree. Winter session in the psych ward looks horrible on a grad school application.” By picking on these two young ladies, I’m not at all suggesting or advocating for a fascistic orthodoxy of linguistics here. There is no “correct” or inherently superior form of language. Plus, we all use infinitely variant dialects, we all stutter and stammer, say “ums” or “ahs” and misuse all of our words, both written and spoken, in countless ways every day. It’s not a perfect art. But come on, people. All I’m suggesting is to slow the “like” roll. Check yourself out in a verbal mirror from time to time; you might find you’re not nearly as pretty as you think. Lastly, for you “literally” junkies out there, this rant applies to you as well. Know thy language, know thyself.
Consider this your official wake-up call — an intervention on behalf of the English language
— Joe Hurban is a senior majoring in english.
n m u l o c a o t d n o p s Re E-mail your letter to th
e editor to editor@bupi
pedream.com
SPORTS
14
www.bupipedream.com | November 26, 2013
Deuel's title highlights Binghamton's weekend in Ithaca Bearcats fall to Cornell, 33-6, before finishing 3rd at NYS Intercollegiate Championship Travis McKeever Contributing Writer Despite winning two of the first three matches on Saturday night, the Binghamton wrestling team fell to No. 6 Cornell, 33-6. But the Bearcats went right back at it on Sunday morning, earning third overall in the 2013 New York State Intercollegiate Championship in Ithaca, N.Y., with a title by heavyweight Tyler Deuel and three additional third-place finishes. With early wins by junior 125-pound David White and freshman 141-pound Dylan Caruana, the Bearcats held a solid footing on Saturday night against higher-ranked Cornell, with a score of 6-5. The wins by White and Caruana extended both of their records on the season to 5-2.
BU led until a decisive overtime win from Cornell quickly switched the momentum. BU junior 149-pound Joe Bonaldi fell to No. 13 Chris Villalonga with a final score of 4-2 in overtime of the fourth bout, which resulted in an 8-6 Cornell lead. From then on, Cornell dominated the rest of the matchup, winning six consecutive matches and ultimately handing the Bearcats their first dual-match loss of the 2013-14 season. Despite the score, Binghamton redshirt senior 197-pound Cody Reed put on a promising display in the ninth bout against No. 13-ranked Jace Bennett, where he later rallied and took a late lead to win, 4-2. Cornell totaled eight wins out of 10 matches, extending its undefeated streak against BU to 7-0 and solidifying its team’s
750th victory overall. Despite the loss, the Bearcats bounced back the following day with a big third-place finish out of 24 teams in the 2013 New York State Intercollegiate Championship, hosted by Cornell in the same location. Binghamton’s taking third was a strong improvement from the team’s seventh-place finish the previous year. BU’s tournament performance was highlighted by Deuel, who finished first in his weight class after going 4-0 with two technical falls and two pins. Along with Deuel’s spectacular performance, seven other Bearcats also finished as placewinners in the tournament. Freshman 133-pound Nick Tighe went 5-1 and both junior 184-pound Caleb Wallace and senior 197-pound Cody Reed went 4-1, earning each of the three solid third-place rankings
By the Numbers
17:09.68 Senior swimmer Lauren Flower’s school record’ setting time in the mile’
NYS Intercollegiate Chamionship Top 5 1 2 3 4 5
Cornell Hofstra Binghamton Army Columbia
in the tournament. Three additional Bearcat wrestlers finished fourth, including Bonaldi, White and Caruana. Caruana finished with five wins, and Bonaldi and White finished with three wins apiece. Cornell, the host of the
207 157 139 136.5 134
tournament, finished in first, earning the team title with a total of 207 points. Hofstra followed in second with 157 points, Binghamton earned the third-place slot with 139 and Army (136.5) and Columbia (134) rounded out the top five. The Bearcats are next set
to compete at the Journeymen Duals in Albany on Saturday. BU is scheduled to take on North Carolina first at 9:15 a.m., followed by a matchup with NC State at 11:15 a.m. The team will wrap up its competition against George Mason at 1:15 p.m.
BEARCAT BRIEFS Richards earns AE Rookie of the Week honors By Ari Kramer | Sports Editor Three weeks into the 2013-14 season, the Binghamton men’s basketball team has captured two America East Rookie of the Week honors as forward Magnus Richards won the award Monday afternoon. Richards, who joins classmate Nick Madray as a winner of the accolade, scored 12 points on 5-of-6 shooting and grabbed seven rebounds in Binghamton’s loss to Radford
on Saturday. After starting the first four games of his collegiate career and averaging 1.5 points and one rebound, Richards exploded in his first appearance off the bench. “It was being put on the bench that spurred me to want to drive to get back to what I was doing before,” Richards said. “It was really just motivation.”
XC men 6th, women 7th at ECAC/IC4A Staff Reports
Times a Binghamton men’s basketball player has won AE Rookie of the Week this season’
2
13th
4-0
Junior heavyweight Tyler Deuel’s record at the 2013 New York State Intercollegiate Championship’
Senior Ben Snodgrass’ and sophomore Alexis Hatcher’s finish at the ECAC’IC’A Cross Country Championships to lead the Bearcats’
The second’half deficit Radford had to overcome to beat the men’s basketball team’
14
The Binghamton cross country teams had a pair of impressive showings at the ECAC/IC4A Cross Country Championships this weekend, with the men taking sixth and the women capturing seventh. Led by senior Ben Snodgrass’ 13th-place finish, the men landed just three points behind fifth-place Marist.
Snodgrass completed the 8,000-meter race in 26:23. The Bearcats featured two other runners in the individual top 25, with sophomore Nate Kozyra taking 16th and classmate Jon Vallecorsa placing 24th. For the women, sophomore Alexis Hatcher earned 13th place after completing the 5,000-meter course in 18:45.
Swimming and diving teams finish sixth at Bucknell By Jeremy Pepper | Contributing Writer In their third meet of the season, both the Binghamton men’s and women’s swimming and diving teams finished sixth this weekend at the three-day Bucknell Invitational in Lewisburg, Pa. The men, who are 0-2 in dual meets this season, finished sixth out of nine teams as Yale took first. The women, led by senior Lauren Flower, finished sixth out of 10 teams as Bucknell finished on top. Flower made school history with her 17:09.68 mile time, breaking BU’s previous record by almost 11 seconds. Another notable performance on the women’s side came from junior Corinne Zotter, who finished second in the 200-breast with a career-best time of 2:18.37. Zotter also took second in the 100-breast. Freshman Ruan Zorgman took fifth in
the 200-breast stroke with a time of 2:04.69. Sophomore Taryn McLaughlin won the 200fly consolation final with a time of 2:07.17, a personal best. In diving, junior Devin Zdanowski finished fourth in both the oneand three-meter finals. “The contributions came from all ends here in Bucknell with so many personal bests being set,” said Binghamton head coach Sean Clark, according to BUBearcats.com. “The level of competition here and the set up as a championship-style event is a great way to close out 2013 and I’m really looking forward to our second half of the season come January.” The Bucknell Invitational will mark the last competition for the Bearcats this calendar year, as they return to Lewisburg on Jan. 12 for a dual meet with Bucknell.
www.bupipedream.com | November 26, 2013
SPORTS
15
Shots! Shots! Shots!
Dan Beim/Contributing Photographer
Binghamton falls to Radford after leading by 14 with 18 minutes left Erik Bacharach Assistant Sports Editor
You can draw positives from losses, and that’s just what BU head coach Tommy Dempsey did after the Binghamton men’s basketball team relinquished a 14-point secondhalf lead and fell to Radford, 69-63, Saturday at the Events Center. “What I needed to see today was a response to a poor performance [against Navy],” Dempsey said. “And I thought that was very much there from the opening tip. Unfortunately, we didn’t close the game, but we
were ready, we were focused, we were energetic and I thought we played really good basketball most of the day.” After building a lead that peaked at 14 points with 17:58 to go in the second half, the Bearcats (14) blinked, and suddenly found themselves up by only five with 13 minutes to go. After trading baskets a few more times and the teams broke even at 55-55, BU blinked again, and was down seven with 4:40 to play. For a full recap of Saturday’s game, visit bupipedream.com/ sports/basketball.
FINAL SCORE
63
What's next for Binghamton? Who: St. Peter’s When: 7 p.m. tonight Where: Yanitelli Center; Jersey City, N.J. Coming off its first win of the season, St. Peter’s looks to avenge its November 2012 loss at the Events Center. The Peacocks’ frontcourt of Marvin Dominique and Quadir Welton should pose a challenge to the Bearcats, who struggled against Brown’s imposing bigs. Binghamton will need everyone to crash the glass, as sophomore guard Jordan Reed did last year against St. Peter’s when he set a program record with 18 rebounds.
69
SPORTS
WRESTLING
Deuel wins title Page 14
Tuesday, November 26, 2013
HEAD SCRATCHER
Bearcats relinquish 14-point second-half lead, fall to Radford See page 15 Kendall Loh/Photo Editor