Fall 2014 Issue 2

Women’s soccer hosts Siena tonight

The reality behind reality TV

Bearcats’ offense working to consolidate opportunities against non-conference rival, see page 11

Release dives inside the weird world of casting reality television, see page 5

PIPE DREAM Friday, September 5, 2014 | Binghamton University | www.bupipedream.com | Vol. LXXXVI, Issue 2

Smart Energy breaks ground

LEED certified new building for research Carla Sinclair

Assistant News Editor In its latest construction project, Binghamton University is creating a new building to host research for renewable energy.

The University broke ground for the Smart Energy Research and Development Facility at the Innovative Technologies Complex (ITC) on Aug. 27. The facility, a combined effort with NYSUNY 2020, will serve as a site for students and researchers to develop new smart energy technologies.

Wayne Jones, chemistry department chair and part of the faculty steering committee, said the new building will open doors for the University and green technology.

“We are very excited about the new opportunities for research this building will provide for faculty and students alike,” Jones wrote in an email. “From next generation batteries to thin films for flexible electronic devices and biosensors, the fundamental research that this building will enable will provide the basis for many new and exciting technologies.”

The building will be used mainly by the chemistry and physics departments to research new alternative energy sources.

“I think it’s a really great idea actually because we use so many non-renewable resources,” said Hannah Premo, a sophomore majoring

We are very excited about the new opportunities for research Wayne Jones Chemistry Department Chair

See ENERGY Page 4

SJP reads names of dead Rally on spine disrupts first day of classes Nicolas Vega News Editor As Binghamton University’s newest batch of Bearcats made their way along the Spine to their first college classes on Tuesday morning, they came across a sight that has become common on BU’s campus in recent months: demonstrations from the Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) and numerous Jewish student organizations.

Using a megaphone and wearing shirts splattered with fake blood, members of SJP read the names of children who were killed in the conflict in Gaza.

“We feel that we need to commemorate their lives, humanize their lives,” said Victoria Brown, a member of SJP and a fourth-year graduate student studying anthropology. “We’re not talking about the military, we’re not talking about the army, we’re talking about children — women and

innocent civilians who were massacred.”

On the opposite side of the Spine, representatives from Hillel, Bearcats for Israel, Meor, J Street U, Binghamton University Zionist Organization (BUZO) and Chabad countered the demonstration by holding Israeli flags and encouraging passing students to “Have a great first day of classes.”

“With us it’s not really a demonstration, we’re just standing peacefully and educating the rest of the students to make sure that everything is put in context,” said Max Bartell, a member of Hillel and a junior majoring in philosophy, politics and law. “Putting things in context is the most important thing for us.

If either side is going to stand here and espouse their information, the other side would need to put it into context.”

However, for some students, these

This is a terrible impression for freshmen... you want good vibes you know?

— Aaron Feinberg BU junior

demonstrations put a damper on their first day back. Mounir Karmoune, a senior majoring in accounting, said that he found the rallies “shocking.”

“It’s too overwhelming for the first day,” Karmoune said. “I’m trying to go to my first class and I have to walk through all

See RALLY Page 4

Franz Lino/Photo Editor

Members of Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) protest Israeli actions in Gaza by reading the names of Palestinian children who have been killed in the conflict. The protest took place along the Spine on Tuesday and engendered a counter-protest from a coalition of Jewish student groups.

OCCT revamps bus routes Marketplace goes online Dining services unveils web-based ordering Joseph Hawthorne Assistant News Editor

Tycho McManus/Assistant Photo Editor

Students wait in line to board a bus outside the Union Thursday evening. OCCT recently announced the implementation of inbound and outbound bus routes in an effort to increase convenience.

Aims for increased efficiency, better service Alexandra Mackof Assistant News Editor

Binghamton’s Off Campus College Transport (OCCT) system has changed the bus routes in an attempt to ease students’ commutes to campus.

In the past, all buses drove in a loop where each vehicle would follow a specific route, return to campus and restart. Now, the Downtown Center (DCR) and Westside (WS) buses have both inbound and outbound buses that follow mirrored routes.

According to Tim Redband, public relations coordinator for OCCT and a senior majoring in philosophy, politics and law, the

University hired Nelson/Nygaard Consulting Associates to help find places for improvements in both transportation and parking services around campus to increase efficiency.

The new bus routes are a direct result of their suggestions, and Redband said that the goal of the changes was to give passengers more options when taking the bus.

“The new system cuts out the time buses are on Vestal Parkway not picking up passengers,” Redband wrote in an email. “As a result passengers will have more options when taking buses home or to campus. It also makes it easier for people to travel up and down Main St. since the buses now

go both directions on Main St. all day.”

Redband said that major construction on Riverside Drive is causing delays in bus service, requiring implementing extra detours.

“Unfortunately, we have experienced numerous problems with the roll out of the new system,” Redband wrote. “The construction makes it challenging to keep our buses on schedule due to detours and extra traffic.”

Some students said that they understood occasional issues while OCCT implements their new system.

See OCCT Page 4

As a new school year begins, thousands of students in the Marketplace and dining halls spend much of their time waiting to place orders, waiting for their food to be prepared and waiting to pay for their meal.

With a new online ordering system, though, the waits may be cut.

Starting this semester, online ordering is available at NY Deli, The Diner and Pandini’s in the University Union Marketplace.

Students, faculty and visitors can order up to 36 hours

We are still getting under us with some of these new things

— Casey Slocum Dining services marketing coordinator

See ORDER Page 4

Franz Lino/Photo Editor

Rafi Chesler, a senior double-majoring in mathematics and physics; Andrew Horowitz, a senior majoring in marketing; and Ilan Kokotek, a senior majoring in biology place an order in the Marketplace. Starting this semester, an online system for placing orders is available to students for no additional charge.

2

NEWS

His previous students have really enjoyed him, and I know he'll be able to implement some great learning for our students too.

— Naomi Barnett Vice President of Public Relations of Hillel

20

$87,219,655

$81,359,750

$67,808,173

$62,865,747

30

$56,740,571

40

$49,367,663

50

$54,733,788

60

$69,726,613

70

$72,401,336

80

$81,919,356

90

10 2012-13

2011-12

2010-11

2009-10

2008-09

2007-08

2006-07

2005-06

2004-05

0

Cash Donations by Designation Unrestricted, Current Use $1,757,834

Restricted, Current Use $2,440,634

Restricted, Endowed $1,908,659

Total Assets Under Management

JOIN PipeDream We are seeking a social media manager. Come to our GIM for more information.

$7,713,000

$6,699,387

2011-12

2

$7,944,125

3

$4,727,142

4

$4,454,314

5

$5,669,202

6

$6,325,933

7

2010-11

8

$8,878,000

9

$5,929,674

1 2012-13

2009-10

2008-09

2007-08

2006-07

0 2005-06

previous students have really enjoyed him, and I know he’ll be able to implement some great learning for our students too.”

Other members of Hillel also expressed their excitement for the incoming rabbi.

Sam Levine, a Hillel member and a sophomore double-majoring in Spanish and philosophy, politics and law, said she was hopeful for the changes that come along with having a full-time rabbi.

“With the help of Rabbi Weiss, I expect that we will be able to spark the interest of new students to get involved,” Levine said. “As well as incorporate returning students these upcoming years.”

Weiss said that students have already begun to show interest, and that they have helped him feel welcome in the community.

“The reception from the students has been wonderful,” he said. “The caliber of the students is so incredible; they are self-motivated and passionate.

They’re doers; they run things by themselves, rather than waiting to be told what to do. It’s very inspiring.”

Total Assets Under Management

2004-05

Franz Lino/Photo Editor

Akiva Weiss is the new rabbi at Hillel’s Binghamton University chapter.

Weiss previously worked at Rutgers University for the Heshe and Harriet Seif Jewish Learning Initiative on Campus (JLIC).

After working with the Binghamton University Foundation for 13 years, Sheila Doyle was appointed as its executive director on July 1.

The BU Foundation is a notfor-profit organization that raises money to support various aspects of Binghamton University, such as research, faculty hiring, awards and scholarships. After serving as the associate executive director, Doyle stepped in as the interim executive director when her predecessor, Marcia Craner, left last year to teach philanthropy.

The board of directors, composed of alumni and community members, along with President Harvey Stenger, voted for her position to be made permanent.

“Sheila has a long track record of helping the Binghamton University Foundation meet its goals,” Stenger said. “She will help plan and organize the continued growth and development of the University, and ensure the campus gets the support it needs.”

When Craner held the position, she was both the executive director as well as the vice president of internal affairs of the foundation. In an attempt to add more focus to each part of the foundation, the internal affairs position is now headed

by Jim Broschart. He will focus on the fundraising itself, which comes from donors, community members and alumni, while Doyle will handle the money once it comes in and distribute it among investments, spending by the University and scholarships for students.

The foundation has also grown over the past years: When Doyle arrived 13 years ago total endowment was at $33 million, and it has now reached $100 million.

“It’s gotten big,” Doyle said.

“The foundation has grown to the point where to have it all under one person kind of detracts from

the fundraising.”

The foundation is set up to support all different aspects of the University, from arts to athletics. But a significant amount of work being done and funds being raised go toward student aid, according to Doyle.

Last year alone, $2.5 million in endowments were raised for scholarships for students; a number that she said the foundation and Stenger are hoping will grow.

“It’s very exciting with the vision of the president,” Doyle said. “I just think it’s a great time for the University.”

Stenger also said the foundation improves student life by offering financial aid and purchasing up-to-date lab equipment.

“Funds raised by the Binghamton University Foundation are used to support programs, facilities and initiatives that effect Binghamton students every day,” Stenger said. “We are confident that, through Sheila’s leadership, the Binghamton University Foundation will further enrich the lives of our students.”

As part of the planned increase for the endowment, the foundation plans on building an incubator in Downtown Binghamton, allowing a taxexempt way to receive grants. If all goes as planned, building is set to begin as soon as the end of this month, so by next year new businesses can move in and begin their partnerships.

Doyle was born and raised in the Binghamton area, earning an accounting degree from St. Bonaventure University.

After working her way up as an auditor for Chase Bank, she returned to Binghamton in 2000, and says she is excited to be helping her hometown.

“Seeing how important the University is to the community and the partnership that can be formed there to make all boats rise together,” Doyle said. “That would make me very happy as someone who grew up here.”

2003-04

After a year without a rabbi at Hillel’s Binghamton chapter, the organization hired Rabbi Akiva Weiss to lead the congregation.

Weiss was named head rabbi this past summer after spending four years at the Heshe and Harriet Seif Jewish Learning Initiative on Campus (JLIC) at Rutgers University.

Weiss, along with his wife, will be responsible for bringing the JLIC to Binghamton’s campus.

According to Naomi Barnett, vice president of public relations of Hillel and a junior double-majoring in marketing and English, Weiss was initially found during the search for a new executive director of Hillel.

“We were fortunate to find Nataly Weiss, who belongs to the Jewish Learning Initiative on Campus with her husband, Rabbi Akiva Weiss,” Barnett wrote in an email. “When we learned we could have both a rabbi and a director through the implementation of JLIC, it just fit into the puzzle.”

According to the JLIC website, its main purpose is to help Orthodox Jewish students attending secular universities navigate the college environment as well as balance their Jewish commitments with their engagements with the secular world.

Weiss said that he had already begun to feel welcome at Binghamton, and said he was excited to be joining the University.

“So far what we’ve seen here is an open and inclusive community,” Weiss said. “The students care about what they’re doing and about each other. They look to partner and support each other. It’s very special, and it’s very nice to be a part of.”

The rabbi and director couple fills the positions formerly held by spouses Executive Director Shana Kantor and Rabbi Shalom Kantor, who left in 2013.

“We were sad to lose our Rabbi and Director two years ago, since they were a great team and made our Hillel grow in ways students couldn’t have accomplished on their own,” Barnett wrote. “Hillel at Binghamton’s goal was to find an excellent leader for our students, whether that would be a rabbi or not.”

Joshua Jurysta, president of Hillel, said it was important to have a new rabbi filling the position.

“I know that in the coming year, and more years to follow, Rabbi Weiss will be instrumental in providing ways for students to explore their Jewish Identities and further their Jewish journeys,” Jurysta, a senior double-majoring in history and economics, wrote in an email. “Additionally, Rabbi Weiss will be working towards expanding and strengthening Hillel’s Orthodox community through any number of weekly classes, guest speakers, and special events.”

Barnett said that Weiss’ experience with other colleges and students would prepare him for his role at Binghamton.

“It is important to have an intellectual like Rabbi Akiva who will be able to motivate and speak to students with various mindsets,” Barnett wrote. “His

Contributing Writer

$4,588,659

Contributing Writer

Pelle Waldron

2003-04

Madeline Gottlieb

After 13 years, Sheila Doyle set to run $100 million fund

MILLIONS OF DOLLARS

Akiva and Nataly Weiss join Binghamton community

BU Foundation names exec. director

MILLIONS OF DOLLARS

Hillel appoints director, rabbi

www.bupipedream.com | September 5, 2014

Information from Binghamton University Foundation

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PAGE III Tuesday, September 5, 2014

Pipe Line

Airplane Food, Am I Right?

State News NY woman: School guard pulled racist prank on son A black New York woman says a white school security guard forced her 12-year-old son with Down syndrome to pose for a photo in a way that made it look like the boy was being frisked. Brandiss Pearson’s complaint has led Syracuse school officials to suspend the guard. Pearson tells The PostStandard of Syracuse the racist prank happened on Tuesday, the first day of school. Pearson says she and son Brandon stopped in a hallway to snap pictures. She says the guard turned Brandon to face the wall and lifted Brandon’s hands above his head on the wall, as if to be frisked. The employee is suspended while the district investigates.

2 Bitcoin operators plead guilty in Silk Road case The top executive of a New York City-based Bitcoin company and a Florida Bitcoin exchanger have pleaded guilty to enabling money to be funneled to the black market website Silk Road. Charlie Shrem, of Manhattan, and Robert Faiella entered their pleas in federal court in Manhattan on Thursday. The case grew from the government’s shutdown of Silk Road. Shrem was chief executive officer of BitInstant, while Faiella operated an unlicensed money transferring business. They were accused of letting more than $1 million in Bitcoins reach the website, where they said narcotics were bought and sold. Authorities have said Silk Road’s San Francisco operator generated more than $1 billion in illicit business since 2011 on the website. It used Bitcoin, a toughto-track digital currency, before being shut down.

Tycho McManus/Assistant Photo Editor

Jordan Siegel, a senior majoring in math, opens at the Binghamton Stand Up Comedy Club’s first show. Members of the club performed in front of a packed audience in Lecture Hall 2 Wednesday evening.

National News Legal or not, the pot business is still wacky Legal or not, the business of selling weed in the U.S. is as wacky as ever. The tangle of rules and regulations that govern whether and how it can be grown, bought and sold create complexity and ambiguity that cause major headaches for marijuana businesses — and enticing opportunities for those who want to exploit it. The big issue: The nation hasn’t decided whether marijuana is a dangerous illegal drug or not much worse than tobacco or alcohol. According to federal law, it is an illegal narcotic like heroin, with “no currently accepted medical use.” But recent legalization pushes have made it legal — for medical use — in 23 states and Washington D.C. In Colorado and Washington State, it can be bought just for fun. Entrepreneurs and investors have to navigate laws that are different from state-to-state and sometimes from county-to-county. That has given rise to a bumper crop of consultants promising to show the way to success, while shady public companies spin visions of fat profits. Consumers now have an array of new pot-related products to choose from, many of far higher quality than what’s offered on the corner. But they must also discern truth from hope in the many claims about all the supposedly wonderful things pot can do.

Corrections Pipe Dream strives for accuracy in all we publish.

We recognize that mistakes will sometimes occur, but we treat errors very seriously.

If you see a mistake in the paper, please contact Editor-in-Chief Rachel Bluth at editor@bupipedream.com.

Police Watch A lighter take on campus crime

Welcome To College THURSDAY, Aug. 28, 3:39 p.m. — Officers responded to Delaware Hall in Newing College due to a drug complaint, said Investigator Patrick Reilly of Binghamton’s New York State University Police. The complaint was called in by a parent who was moving their child into the dorm. The police knocked on the door of the room from which the strong odor was coming. When the 19-year-old male resident opened the door, the odor became even stronger. The officers advised the suspect that he had poor judgment since the odor went into the hallway and into other rooms. The suspect gave a small Ziploc bag filled with a small amount of marijuana to the officers when asked. The suspect was given an appearance ticket returnable to Vestal Town Court for unlawful possession of marijuana.

Spooky Ookie FRIDAY, Aug. 29, 12:00 p.m. — Officers responded to Broome Hall in Newing College for a larceny report, Reilly said. An unspecified victim told the officers that while they were unpacking their clothing in their room, they left their wallet on their desk. When they finished putting their clothing away, they noticed that the wallet was missing. A full search of the room by the victim and the officers ended unsuccessfully.

The case is still under investigation.

This Day in History September 5, 1983

Sports Illustrated becomes the first national weekly magazine to use

Drunk SUNDAY, Aug. 31, 2:37 a.m. — Officers observed a vehicle on East Drive that was swerving and crossed the double yellow line multiple times, Reilly said. The officers performed a routine traffic stop and spoke with the 19-year-old male driver. As they spoke with the suspect, officers noticed a strong odor reminiscent of alcohol in the car. Officers asked the driver to step out of the vehicle in order to perform a field sobriety test, which the suspect failed. The suspect was brought to the station where he refused a chemical test. The suspect was given two appearance tickets returnable to Vestal Town Court for DWI and crossing a double yellow line.

And Drunker SUNDAY, Aug. 31, 3:21 a.m. — Officers noticed a vehicle stopped in the middle of the roadway near Newing College’s Bingham Hall, Reilly said. Officers performed a routine traffic stop on the vehicle and noticed the smell of alcohol on the 24-year-old female driver. The suspect was asked to leave the vehicle and then failed a standard field sobriety test. The woman was brought to the station where she failed a chemical test. The suspect was given an appearance ticket returnable to Vestal Town Court for DWI.

“This week we mourn.

But we will emerge from this ordeal …

We will not allow our enemies to hold us hostage with the sole weapon they possess — fear.”

-Statement by the family of journalist Steven Sotloff, after news of his beheading

color on every page. stabilizing: "I've never had soup"

Joan Rivers =[ :destabilizing

4

NEWS

www.bupipedream.com | September 5, 2014

Building to house green energy research, projects ENERGY continued from Page 1 in physics. “Having more places that research smart energy are important to making it more available for people to use all the time as well as being more affordable.”

The building, set to be completed in 2017, is projected to cost $70 million. It is part of Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s NYSUNY 2020 Challenge Grant Program, which utilizes SUNYs to spur economic growth in their areas.

According to the University’s press release, the construction project will provide the Binghamton community with 500 jobs, and employment for scientists, researchers and students.

Jones also detailed the experience the facility would offer students.

“We believe there will be more opportunities for interdisciplinary research,

increased sponsored funding to support students doing research, and new state of the art equipment that students will have access to,” Jones wrote.

Once completed, the University has projected the building to generate up to $2.5 million a year to the local economy, according to the press release.

“It is providing new opportunities on the Binghamton campus for faculty hiring and this new research space,” Jones wrote.

In addition to being a research center for renewable energy, the new building is also planned to boast a LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification. This includes a fuel cell to produce electricity at low cost, LED lighting and photovoltaic panels (solar panels) on the roof.

Photo Provided

An artist’s rendering of the new Smart Energy Research and Development Facility in the Innovative Technologies Complex (ITC). The University broke ground for the facility on Aug. 27.

Online ordering comes to Union New routes for ORDER continued from Page 1

ahead of time and pick an exact time to get their food.

According to Casey Slocum, Dining Services marketing coordinator, the three venues were picked because of their popularity. There is no price difference for ordering online or in person.

“We don’t want students waiting in line that long,” Slocum said. “Pandini’s, The Diner and the Deli were popular and we knew there were long lines there.”

The online ordering, which was designed and tested over the summer, does not include every menu item available at location. It is being purposefully limited until Dining Service staff becomes accustomed to it and retail management can study how students use it.

“We’re still getting our legs under us with some of these new things because it’s a brand new venue and very different from what we’ve done before,” Slocum

said.

In the first week, however, there were multiple issues with the system. Cashiers, cooks and student managers at all three stations confessed that they were unsure of the procedure for filling online orders.

“I don’t know how it works, I assume they’d come in the same way,” said a Sodexo worker speaking under the condition of anonymity. “But I haven’t seen any orders actually happen that way.”

Additionally, multiple students who did try to order, either with a credit card, debit card, meal plan or BUC$, were unable to do so.

Hamilton Sands, a junior majoring in psychology, tried to use multiple cards and was denied each time. The messages he received said that both his MasterCard and Visa were unable to be processed, although he had just recently used the cards.

“It was disappointing,” Sands said. “I’d like to use it for the novelty and convenience, but at

least this time it was a debacle.”

Jim Ruoff, general manager of Dining Services, said there had been a glitch in the system, but Dining Services had not been aware of the problem until Thursday because no one had been tracking student purchases.

“Frankly, we were concentrating on basic operations,” Ruoff said.

“Sometimes the technical issues fall through the cracks as with any new system. Everything is running fine now, I just ordered a pizza for lunch and it came through easily.”

Ruoff also said that Dining Services will be focusing on making the Marketplace more efficient in the coming semester “We had over 300,000 transactions in the Marketplace last semester, so you’re going to start seeing some kiosks as well,” Ruoff said. “In Sub Connection and Eggs and Cakes, you’ll be able to punch in your order and then go wait to pick it up.”

Sophie Gamer, a junior majoring in women, gender

and sexuality studies, said she would be interested in buying more from the Marketplace, but is skeptical of on-campus dining services.

“I would totally go more if I could order ahead of time,” Gamer said. “But I went to the Binghamton dining website for a smoothie and all I got was three rejections.”

I would totally go more if I could order ahead of time

— Sophie Gamer Junior majoring in women's studies

BRIGHTEN UP YOUR DAY

JOIN PipeDream GENERAL INTEREST MEETING Tuesday, September 9 Wednesday, September 10 @ 7 p.m.

University Union WB03 (below the marketplace)

We are looking for writers, photographers, and designers to help us in the Fall. Come to our general interest meeting to meet the staff and learn more about PipeDream

DCR, West Side OCCT continued from Page 1 “There was a problem the other day for the Westside line,” said Mary-Louise Hildebrandt, a senior majoring in psychology who lives on Binghamton’s Westside. “The driver was late.

Other than that they’ve been just as good as last year, which to me isn’t bad.”

Julie Kline, a sophomore double-majoring in English and human development, said that the delays of the new routes were interfering with her ability to get to class.

“I have a few classes at the UDC, and it’s become almost impossible to plan a way to get there on time,” Kline said. “Once it ran smoothly, but all other times I have to wait a decent amount of time before a bus comes.”

Kline said that it seemed that the delays affect and frustrate

You can just see that everyone is frustrated

— Julie Kline Sophomore double majoring in English and human development

many students and make their commute more stressful, not less.

“You can just see that everyone is frustrated,” Kline said. “The crowds outside the Union of people heading home at the end of the day is filled with disgruntled students and the buses are packed.”

Pro-Israel groups counter SJP rally RALLY continued from Page 1 this. It’s uncomfortable. I’m uncomfortable.”

Others took it even further. Aaron Feinberg, a junior majoring in finance, said that the demonstrations were “annoying” and “a nuisance.”

“This is a terrible impression for freshmen,” Feinberg said. “If this was my first day of school and I was walking through this, I wouldn’t like it at all. You want good vibes, you know?”

Some ralliers, however, said that the discomfort could end up having positive effects. Jonathan Lohnes, a member of SJP and a Ph.D. candidate in Middle Eastern history, said that whether or not a person felt overwhelmed by the demonstration was a matter of personal preference.

“I think a person who’s not otherwise inclined to do research on their own may

see this and get interested,” Lohnes said. “I certainly hope that’s the case.”

Jorge Alpuente, a senior majoring in accounting, said that he thought the counterdemonstrations were great.

“As long as they’re allowed to be doing what they’re doing, I think people have the right to say what they feel,” Alpuente said. “It’s the best way to promote an idea, by getting a mass audience.”

He added that the only thing he would change was the fact that the opposing sides were facing each other.

“The one thing I would say is that I don’t like the way it’s going on, with one side facing the other,” Alpuente said.

“I think it’s a bit threatening — when people are asking for peace — to have a standoff in the middle of campus.”

Carla Sinclair, Joseph Hawthorne and Alexandra Mackof contributed reporting to this story.

RELEASE Arts & Culture

Going from the real world to 'The Real World' They didn't just pull Snooki off the street, casting reality TV takes some legwork Katie Kravat | Release While watching reality television, you might think, “Who even are these people?” and “How did they get on television?” It’s always a weird story. This summer, I worked for a reality TV casting company and got an insider’s seat on how the process works.

One of the first things you learn is that it’s a very long process. You won’t necessarily see the results of your hard work for another few years. It starts with development, which essentially means brainstorming ideas for new shows. Once there’s a solid format, the search for characters begins. Finally, the show and the characters are pitched to a network with the hope that it will make it on air. The company I worked for is The Middleman. They create concepts for new shows and pitch them to networks

or, alternately, the networks will come to them with their show and ask the company to cast it. Occasionally, the company also casts commercials, when the office fills up with heaps of actors piling in for a two-second audition.

The most important part of the job is the hours upon hours of research.

There are actors’ databases to cast some things, like the commercial, but in reality television, you’re looking for regular people. And how do we find these people? Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter.

Yeah, really. Hours are spent scouring the web, hoping to find as much information as possible. You’re basically a certified stalker. But you’re not looking for just anyone — they have to fit the part. They have to look “attractive” and have a great personality. That can be hard when you’re searching for people who work with scrap metal for a living,

but the most important thing is to make the overall cast interesting, even if that means finding someone who’s a bit less exciting and building a more appealing cast around them (think L.C. from “Laguna Beach”). Every detail matters, including age and where the person is from. After doing very thorough research, every bit of information found — every name, every link, every note — goes into an enormous Google doc, which later becomes your encyclopedia.

After compiling an extensive list of potential candidates, it’s time to get personal. You’ll get some great human resources experience by calling hundreds of people and giving them your spiel.

Most are confused. And who wouldn’t be when the first words to come out of your mouth are “Hi, my name is so-and-so and I work for a casting company and we’re looking for people to be on our show,

would you be interested?” At first it’s a daunting task, but eventually, you learn to tailor your speech and voila! You’d be surprised how many people jump at the chance to be on TV. If the phone call goes well, you set up a Skype session, where the subject is asked a slew of questions.

Later, clips from the interview are edited down to make the person look and sound “TV ready.”

Skyping is one of my favorite parts of the job because you begin to see the culmination of your hard work. For one assignment, I spent weeks researching women who sell sex toys for a living — some of those women are downright hilarious. Two of my finds were some of the best personalities we had: One was a bubbly woman inspired to sell sex toys after reading “Fifty Shades of Grey” and Googling “little silver balls in Fifty Shades.” Her interview was … out there.

The other woman was abrasive … uh, I mean honest … about how she’s the best in the business and how all her boyfriend’s friends are jealous because of how hot she is. She wasn’t holding anything back. In fact, most of the women were very open: From ex-teachers to stay-at-home moms, I learned more than my fair share about the cut-throat sex-toy-selling competition. And kudos to them — these vixens are making six figures a year.

The big caveat with the process is that even after pitching everything you have to networks, the people still might drop out. Such is the nature of reality casting.

And hey, it’s not the most glamorous job, but being able to say you helped cast a television show is pretty cool — even if it’s “The Real Housewives of New Jersey.”

When it came to showbusiness, Joan knew best

Joan Rivers paved way for generations of entertainers, leaves behind influential comedic legacy Rich Kersting | Release Renowned female comedian Joan Rivers died Thursday afternoon, and the world of comedy and entertainment endures another huge loss. Rivers, 81, had been taken into Mount Sinai Hospital in New York last Thursday after complications during a procedure on her vocal cords. The doctors at Mount Sinai placed Rivers into a medically induced coma. After being placed on life support,

she never woke up.

Rivers was the manifestation of all our self-loathing. Of our feelings of inadequacy and our desires to change.

She was the one who reminded us that we were imperfect. Yet, there’s something about Rivers that many people had come to love and to hate. She was never going to tell you that she was perfect. Joan Rivers was widely criticized for her obsession with fashion and plastic surgery, but she didn’t do it to please anybody. She did it

because she felt like there was something about herself that she needed to work on, to improve. In many ways, it’s a direct allegory to her entire career.

After entering the public eye in 1965 on “The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson,” Joan’s career took off.

Throughout her 55 years in the business, Rivers saw her share of ups and downs.

But at no point during her best years did she think she was good enough and at no point during her worst years did she ever

Associated Press

give up. Rivers knew what it was like to work hard and she understood the nature of the comedy industry: You’re popular, and then you’re not. She didn’t take this as an opportunity to slow down or settle.

Rivers had a falling out with Carson after starring in her own late night show on a competing network, which then flopped. Her husband committed suicide around the same time, and she became estranged from her daughter. But Rivers wasn’t discouraged from the industry and personal setbacks. She persisted year after year until she was back in the public eye. She spent the last few years of her life starring on the widely publicized E! talk show, “Fashion Police.” She died where she always wanted to be, in the spotlight.

Rivers wasn’t the first female comedian and she certainly won’t be the last. What set her apart from everyone else was the fact that she could never stop working. Whenever she was asked when she would retire, she would answer, “And do what?” Rivers was never finished. With her passion and work ethic, she paved the way for female comedians everywhere and served as an inspiration for others, like Roseanne Barr, Kathy Griffin and Sarah Silverman.

Many found Rivers to be abrasive and many found her critiques on celebrities’ personal lives unsavory, but that’s just what Rivers did. She was one of entertainment’s bitchiest, but that’s why people loved her. She was brutally honest, but she was also fair. Perhaps the title of her 2012 bestseller puts it

At no point during her best years did she think she was good enough and at no point during her worst years did she ever give up best: “I Hate Everyone…Starting With Me.” Rivers didn’t hold anyone to higher standards than she held herself to. If there was a flaw, a problem or a faux pas, she was going to say something and it was going to be funny. She never stopped telling jokes. Everything she did was an attempt to make you laugh, to keep you entertained.

Rivers was put on this earth to make people laugh and for 55 years, she did just that. She never quit her dream, she never gave up and she was funny to the very end. We ought to remember her like this.

“My mother’s greatest joy in life was to make people laugh,” said Melissa Rivers, Rivers’ daughter. “Although that is difficult to do right now, I know her final wish would be that we return to laughing soon.”

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RELEASE

www.bupipedream.com | September 5, 2014

App lets students yak it up anonymously online Location-based message board app Yik Yak is poised to take Binghamton campus by storm Rich Kersting | Release

Photo provided by Yik Yak

There’s a new app in town that everyone’s using, but few are talking about. The latest app to first get popular on college campuses, Yik Yak is an anonymous messaging app that works a bit like a public bulletin board. It’s basically what would happen if Formspring, Twitter and Reddit had a baby.

Available on both iOS and Android, Yik Yak transforms the smartphone into a device that grants the user access to the innermost thoughts of those around them. No handles, no worries: On the app’s home screen, one sees a locationbased feed that displays posts, or “yaks,” of all posters within a 1.5 mile radius. These posts are text-only (no emojis) and limited to 200 characters. Posters can elect to provide a handle, but it’s not a popular option. People like the anonymity. While your posts are limited to a 1.5 mile radius, the app has a page where you can read, but not post, yaks from other schools by “peeking” into other locations. Yik Yak has also created a number of fictional locations, such as “Freshmen Tips (Definitely Not Fake)” and “Hogwarts,” filled with yaks of a corresponding theme.

Users can interact with posts by ranking and/or replying to them. Each post has a score, which can be positive or negative depending on how well the post is being received by local “yakers.” The ranking system works in a very simple up-vote/down-vote mechanic. Posts receive a point every time someone up-votes, but lose a point every time someone downvotes. Each anonymous user also has a score, called “yakarma,” which, while not very clever wordplay, corresponds to the sum total score of all the users’ posts. Replying allows one

to respond to any post, essentially creating a message board on some of the more popular yaks. Like posts, replies are also ranked and can affect a user’s yakarma. For obvious reasons, the app removes all yaks containing people’s names, but otherwise it’s a no-holds-barred platform of public opinion.

Yik Yak was launched in November 2013

by Brooks Buffington and Tyler Droll, two Kappa Alpha fraternity brothers, soon after they graduated from Furman University. By Christmas of that year, the pair began pitching their app to Greek Life on campuses across the country. Since its launch, Yik Yak has users in over 250 college campuses.

Last semester, many Greek Life members at Binghamton University used the app to spread rumors about other Greek Life groups.

“From what I get it’s just another way for people to make fun of each other anonymously,” Dimitri Michaloutsos, a member of Sigma Beta Rho and a senior double-majoring in political science and economics, wrote in an email. “No one I know uses it maliciously. The greeks who do use it maliciously don’t realize they’re not just shining the fraternity or sorority they’re targeting in a bad light, but they’re perpetuating all the horrible stereotypes of greek life and making us all look bad.”

While the founders plug the app as generating positive commentary, some say it’s a harbor for cyber-bullying with no repercussions, like any other gossip app — especially among high school crowds. Because of its hyper-local nature, nasty rumors targeting individuals and institutions can spread very quickly. The negative media hurts its ability to earn revenue and raise capital from investors and advertisers alike, the main sources of social media revenue.

Nevertheless, on June 30, 2014, Yik Yak announced that the company raised $10 million of capital.

With this new source of capital and a wide consumer base, all Yik Yak needs to do is quell its media association with cruel rumormongering before it can start generating a revenue stream.

While the future of the app is unclear, Buffington remains hopeful.

“When Snapchat first came out, everyone heralded it as a sexting app,” Buffington told Business Insider in June. “Hopefully when we get passed all of that initially, people will realize Yik Yak is not just a place for gossip.”

Ultimately it’ll be the choices of the users, not the company, that will determine the future of Yik Yak and the type of service it will provide.

BU seems to have two predominant localized feeds: on-campus and Downtown (around State Street). While there is a definite Greek Life presence on Yik Yak, it’s safe to say that it’s not the only presence. The feeds are buzzing into the early hours of the morning most weekend nights with people regaling tales of bar stories and sexual conquest. While the validity of the posts are always in question, it would be nice to live in a world where people get into the Rathskeller with a Pokémon card (apparently, it was holographic).

Yik Yak is not only a weekend activity, however. Everyday, the yak feed is full of witty thoughts and common gripes. The app had gotten so popular, that this week Binghamton traffic temporarily overloaded the app’s servers.

Is there room for abuse? Yes, but at BU, the app is proving itself to be more of a message board than a gossip app. Let’s hope it stays that way.

Fall Movie PREVIEW This summer's movies let us down, recover with this season's film slate William H. Powers | Contributing Writer “This Is Where I Leave You” (Sept.

19) — Jason Bateman, Tina Fey, Corey Stoll (“House of Cards”) and Adam Driver (“Girls”) star as four siblings who return home to attend their father’s funeral.

In spite of the comedic talent at hand, director Shawn Levy’s resume, which includes “Cheaper by the Dozen” and “The Internship,” inspires little confidence, but hopefully the fully stacked cast — including Jane Fonda and Rose Byrne — will be enough to elevate the material.

“The Zero Theorem” (Sept. 19) — Like all films from Terry Gilliam (“Brazil,” “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas”), “Zero Theorem” seems to go far beyond anything a few sentences could properly sum up, but we’ll give it a shot. Christoph Waltz stars as a neurotic yet brilliant computer scientist tasked with solving an equation that could reveal the origin of existence. As with any Gilliam movie the only thing one can expect is pure, intoxicating insanity.

The movie came out on video-on-demand last month if you can’t wait to see it on the big screen.

“Jimi: All Is by My Side” (Sept. 26) — Starring André 3000, “All Is by My Side” doesn’t feature any Hendrix songs — the musician’s estate wasn’t willing to give writer-director John Ridley (who wrote “12 Years a Slave”) the rights to his music. While making a film about one of the most famous guitarists of all time without using any of his actual songs may seem like a foolish endeavor, Ridley has devised a solution. The film will only cover an early period of Hendrix’s life, when he still mostly performed covers.

“Gone Girl” (Oct. 3) — David Fincher’s newest film is an adaptation of the Gillian Flynn bestseller about a man (Ben Affleck) who quickly comes under suspicion when his wife (Rosamund Pike) disappears. “Gone Girl” seems to have all the eerie qualities inherent to Fincher’s work and continues his recent trend of literary adaptations, but hopefully this won’t be the start of a new trend that sees Tyler Perry being cast in otherwise quality movies.

“Birdman” (Oct. 17) — Michael Keaton starring in a film about a hasbeen actor trying to reclaim his past glory could be a documentary, but it’s not. Alejandro Iñárritu’s (“21 Grams,” “Amores Perros”) showbiz satire chronicles a once-iconic celebrity’s effort to prove his worth as a serious actor to the public and himself. Edward Norton, Zach Galifianakis, Emma Stone and Naomi Watts round out the rest of the cast in what could be this year’s dark horse Oscar contender.

“Fury” (Oct. 17) — Following the struggles of an Allied tank crew during the end of WWII, “Fury” seems to be another take on an old story of brotherhood being forged in the fire of war. But since writerdirector David Ayer’s “End of Watch” managed to make a found-footage cop thriller entertaining, he could possibly breath fresh air into this stale concept.

Next to Brad Pitt, Shia LaBeouf and Michael Peña, the film stars one of, if not the last, surviving operational Tiger tanks.

It’s the first time an actual Tiger will be used in a film production, so “Fury” should, at least, display some brilliant battle scenes.

“Interstellar” (Nov. 7) — At this point in his career, it’s not a question of whether or not Christopher Nolan’s newest film

Associated Press

will be a hit. The only question now is how big, and judging by the first glimpses being released, it may be his biggest yet.

While the finer points of the plot are being kept secret (as with any Nolan movie), the story seems to be about Matthew McConaughey’s journey from a dying Earth into space, in hopes of finding a new home for our civilization. The rest of the cast includes Nolan favorites Michael Caine and Anne Hathaway, as well as Jessica Chastain.

“Rosewater” (Nov. 7) — Jon Stewart’s directorial debut, widely lauded at the Telluride Film Festival last weekend, has all the makings of an Oscar contender.

Starring Gael García Bernal, it’s based on the memoir of Maziar Bahari, who runs what’s basically Iran’s version of “The Daily Show,” where he writes about being imprisoned and tortured by the Iranian government for allegedly being a Zionist and CIA spy.

“Foxcatcher” (Nov. 14) — Under the direction of Bennett Miller (“Capote,” “Moneyball”) an unrecognizable Steve Carell takes on his most dramatic performance yet as disturbed millionaire John du Pont. The film tells the true story of du Pont’s involvement in training Olympic hopeful Mark Schultz (Channing Tatum), with Mark Ruffalo as Schultz’s brother, David. The film screened to great reviews at the Cannes (where Miller won best director) and Telluride film festivals and is a definite awards contender.

“The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1” (Nov. 21) — At this point in the “Hunger Games” series, you’re either in or you’re out. Once again, J-Law takes the screen as Katniss Everdeen, a symbol of hope for the people of Panem, but an enemy to its government. “Catching Fire” was the rare movie that ended on a proper cliffhanger and now we’ll see what happens next.

“Exodus: Gods and Kings” (Dec. 12) — Ridley Scott’s (“Alien,” “Blade Runner”) movie about the biblical exodus from Egypt — starring Christian Bale as Moses, Aaron Paul as Joshua and Joel Edgerton and Sigourney Weaver as Egypt’s monarchs — has come under fire for its whitewashed casting, but it still looks like a proper swords-and-sandals epic of a caliber we haven’t seen in awhile. Good thing it’s from the director of “Gladiator.”

“The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies” (Dec. 17) — In his ongoing quest to make Bilbo Baggins’ quest longer than it actually was, Peter Jackson made a third “Hobbit” movie. Luckily, it looks like the most fun one in the trilogy. With all the expository baggage out of the way, “Battle of the Five Armies” promises to be a Smaug-slaying, special effects extravaganza. It’ll also probably make a billion dollars.

FUN

www.bupipedream.com | September 5, 2014

7

Benn Diagram #3

She so fat her weight is her zip code

Fun. WANTED comic submissions, dead or alive. wrangle up yer comics and send ©em to fun@bupipedream .com reward: publication Trumpet Lessons with Aldridge Part 2

Team Fun Page

YO MOMMA!

Sssssslimy Sssssalesmen

She so old her social security number is 1

Max Steinbach

Alice Xue Caption Contest: Whatchu Talkin' Bout, Ebola Virus?

Submit your own speech bubble to: fun@bupipedream.com

RELEASE DATE– Wednesday, September 19, 2007

Los Angeles Times Daily Crossword Puzzle Edited by Rich Norris and Joyce Nichols Lewis ACROSS 1 Like a witch’s hat 6 Pan’s opposite 10 Not very much 14 Port WNW of Sapporo 15 Genesis setting 16 Movie trailer?

17 Simple homemade radio 19 Latin being 20 Treaty gp. formed in Bogotá 21 Ring master 22 Virgil epic 24 Birthday arrival 27 He played Neo in “The Matrix” 30 Hoarse 31 “Knock it off!”

33 Belt maker’s tools 34 Key letter 37 Parts of ranges: Abbr.

38 Forearm bones 40 Slapstick props 41 Suffix with malt 42 Blowgun ammo 43 Pay a visit 45 Support group that deals with codependence 47 Like argon 48 Bills 52 Wiped the slate clean 53 Fishing stick 54 Due tripled 57 Frizzy style 58 Globe-shaped firecracker 62 Cauterize, e.g.

63 Sari wearer 64 “Embraced by the Light” author Betty 65 Pyramid, sometimes 66 Pro words 67 Word that can precede the last word of 17-, 24-, 48- and 58Across DOWN 1 First name in fashion 2 Other, to Ortega

3 Anti words 40 Pay (up) 50 Deacon Jones 4 Govt. agency that 42 Ballet bend was one from gets lots of 44 Colorful tees 1961-’71 returns 45 Condense on a 51 Scand. land 5 Dance surface 54 Coke, e.g.

6 Kind of pitcher 46 NHL’s __ Trophy 55 Kuwaiti 7 Classified info? for top bigwig 8 Winning sign defenseman 56 “Oh, sure!”

9 Intertwines 48 Spread on the 59 Possess, to 10 Bureau table Burns 11 Put __: sail 49 Lover of Euridice, 60 Bambi’s aunt 12 Pantheon of in Monteverdi’s 61 Emeril Norse gods opera catchword 13 “Judge __”: ANSWER TO PREVIOUS PUZZLE: Stallone film 18 Pub order 23 Early birds?

24 Safari sights 25 Crosspiece above a door 26 Davenport’s home 27 __ Sabe 28 Tonsillitis-treating MDs 29 Primo 32 Public uproar 34 Smoking choice 35 Will beneficiary 36 “Small world, __ it?”

39 Superboy’s girlfriend Lana 9/19/07 xwordeditor@aol.com

By Fred Jackson III (c)2007 Tribune Media Services, Inc.

9/19/07

OPINION Friday, September 5, 2014

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 2014 editor-in-ChieF* Rachel Bluth editor@bupipedream.com MAnAging editor* Zachary Feldman manager@bupipedream.com

neWs editor* Nicolas Vega news@bupipedream.com Asst. neWs editors Joseph Hawthorne Carla Sinclair Alexandra Mackof oPinion editor* Molly McGrath opinion@bupipedream.com releAse editor* Jacob Shamsian release@bupipedream.com Asst. releAse editor Odeya Pinkus sPorts editor* Ashley Purdy sports@bupipedream.com Asst. sPorts editors Jeff Twitty E.Jay Zarett Fun PAge editor* Ben Moosher fun@bupipedream.com

design MAnAger* Emma Siegel design@bupipedream.com design Assts.

Corey Futterman John Linitz Photo editor* Franz Lino photo@bupipedream.com Asst. Photo editor Tycho McManus editoriAl Artists Miriam Geiger Paige Gittelman CoPy desk ChieF* Emily Howard copy@bupipedream.com Asst. CoPy desk ChieF Paul Palumbo leAd Web develoPer* William Sanders developer@bupipedream.com systeM AdMnistrAtor William Sanders neWsrooM teChnology* William Sanders tech@bupipedream.com

business MAnAger* Erin Stolz business@bupipedream.com

Pipe Dream is published by the Pipe Dream Executive Board, which has sole and final discretion over the newspaper’s content and personnel. *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.

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.

L

Let's go local

ast spring for our semesterly report card, we gave the Marketplace a B+ grade on the basis that the food options were exorbitantly expensive and relatively limited.

Three months later, it’s refreshing to see positive changes taking place. The most promising development is the replacement of Café Spice with Moghul Cuisine, a Vestalbased restaurant located in University Plaza.

Students are raving about Moghul, and with good reason. Bringing more local businesses to campus will provide students with necessary non-Sodexo options and put money back into the local economy.

Moghul, in stark comparison to Café Spice, offers a quality product worth the price. It was hard to justify spending more than $8 on a tasteless chicken masala and a couple of dried-out samosas. Now, we get real Indian cuisine that has become some of the best food in the Marketplace. We understand that SUNY tuition doesn’t provide for 24/7 five-star dining service, but for students stuck on

campus, the occasional gastronomical delight is a morale booster. Even us college students deserve a nice meal once in a while.

The inclusion of more local options on campus will help foster relationships between students and the larger community. Students from outside the area often rely on the name recognition of chain restaurants and brands when making purchasing decisions. Sure, everyone knows Lost Dog Cafe, but getting dinner there during Family Weekend is far from being a full exploration of all that the Binghamton restaurant scene has to offer.

When underclassmen transition to off-campus life, an established bond of trust will make them more likely to spend money at places like Moghul rather than an Outback Steakhouse or Cracker Barrel. Given the current state of the local economy, these

fledgling businesses need all the endorsement they can get and that they deserve for offering superior products.

Imagine a Marketplace where students can choose from popular name brands such as Starbucks, and local favorites like Nirchi’s, Man Nam, and Maryams. Such an environment, more reflective of the world outside the BU bubble, significantly evens the playing field.

And for all you big-business-loving capitalists out there: Students would spend more money (or BUC$) and feel better about doing so.

So, Sodexo, let’s have more of this. You’ve got the dining halls, let local eateries have the Marketplace. And if you’re looking to sample some of Binghamton’s finest cuisine, Restaurant Week is coming up. We want spiedies.

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.

'Country' needs a feminist facelift Female duo's hit starts conversation on women's role in country music scene Giovanna Bernardo Columnist

Over the course of the summer, being a proud upstater (and therefore, a “country girl” according to everyone I’ve met at Binghamton), I listened to an obscene amount of country music.

Among many twangy tunes from favorites like Tim McGraw, Zac Brown and Blake Shelton, one new song stood out. It caught my attention not for its melody or touching vocals, but rather for its message, condemning the underlying sexism in the country music world.

Up-and-coming duo Maddie and Tae’s hit, “Girl In A Country Song” raises some valid points about the state of country music today. It not only criticizes the way women are portrayed through lyrics, constantly referred to as “girls,” “pretty little things” and “babies,” but also how

women are depicted in music videos, scantily clad in cut-off jean shorts and bikinis.

If there is any doubt about women’s status in the country music scene, one can look at the blatant prejudice shown against them in most of today’s hits by leading men. Many song titles are shamelessly misogynist.

Perhaps, Trace Adkins’ “Honky Tonk Badonkadonk” is the most famous example of country music’s tendency toward objectification, but the trend is not limited to one artist. With a name like “Country Girl Shake It For Me,” ladies’ man Luke Bryan’s hit was far from a feminist anthem.

I’ve loved country music my whole life, and I am impressed that finally someone is boldly pointing out this fatal flaw in such a popular, beloved genre.

Maddie and Tae’s chorus calls attention to country’s clear-cut chauvinism by critiquing how little these men value their women. They sing, “Like all we’re good for is looking good for you and your friends on the weekend. Nothing more.”

Such a progressive and fiery song is refreshing in a genre that is dominated by its male artists singing about trucks, tractors, babes and booze. I like seeing women take charge of a genre that’s been dominated by men for too long. Other than Carrie Underwood and Miranda Lambert, there are few leading ladies in country music and their absence is no coincidence. In a music scene where

Such a progressive and fiery song is refreshing in a genre that is dominated by male artists

most women depicted aren’t given the courtesy of being called by their names or wearing any clothing, it’s difficult for female artists to succeed.

They’re not even taken seriously by their colleagues.

Why are there so few country songs with a serious message? Although Maddie and Tae’s call to feminism is an exception, it seems as if the country music world is reluctant to embrace the types of songs that call for a change to the outdated ways of its genre. Typical country songs only perpetuate the stereotype of a backward South dominated by men, where a woman’s only job is to please her man as the Confederate flag waves proudly in the background.

I hope Maddie and Tae, and the rising female stars they inspire, continue to push the boundaries of country music to become more than the man’s world it’s always been.

— Giovanna Bernardo undeclared sophomore.

is

an

September 5, 2014 | www.bupipedream.com

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OPINION

Renounce, divest, and sanction Israel The cost of supporting a racist, militaristic state is too high Joshua Price Guest Columnist

The lesson, which we learned in Hebrew school, at temple and from families who had escaped the Nazis, was that a Jew in the diaspora is never entirely safe. A strong Israel is a political imperative. Thus did I believe.

No longer. I have come to the conclusion that the price is too high.

I renounce my right as a Jew to go to Israel and claim citizenship. I support the campaign to boycott, divest from and sanction the State of Israel and its institutions.

I still believe Jews in the diaspora are not entirely safe, but I will take my chances in the diaspora. It is difficult to come to this decision. One of my closest friends teaches at an Israeli institution, and so this will mean boycotting his institution (though not boycotting him — the boycott is not focused on individuals, only on institutions).

Israel has illegally occupied Gaza and the West Bank since 1967. It has imposed an air, sea and land blockade on the Gaza Strip, leading many to call Gaza the largest outdoor prison in the world. The recent Israeli assault on Gaza exposes the brutality of the occupation. The destruction is almost entirely one-sided, Israeli’s massive bombings killing over 2,000 Palestinians compared to fewer than 70 Israeli deaths, all but three soldiers.

Though I was born in the United States and have lived here my entire life, because of immigration law in Israel, as a Jew, I could go to Israel and claim citizenship at any moment I choose. This is popularly known as the Law of Return. However, nonJewish Palestinians, born in historic Palestine, who fled the Zionist military and paramilitary forces that terrorized them in the 1940s, are not allowed to go back to their land. Nor can their children.

Israel is not alone in having racist, morally reprehensible laws that favor one group over another. Yet Israel’s ongoing military incursions against Palestinians, and its cantonment of the West Bank and Gaza, speak to an intolerable level of aggression.

Israel should be held accountable not only for aerial bombardment of civilians, but also for its destruction of homes, and for the construction of a wall that divides families and limits Palestinians’ access to food, health and education. The U.S. provides Israel approximately $3 billion a year, which

I still believe Jews in the diaspora are not entirely safe, but I will take my chances in the diaspora

forces me as an American into a kind of complicity. Most of all, I do not want the Palestinian people to be oppressed.

Not in my name.

In their struggle for lives of dignity, and facing the predation of the Israeli government, over 200 Palestinian civil society organizations have called to the international community for a Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) campaign against the State of Israel and its institutions and against corporations who profit from the occupation. Boycotting and divesting are nonviolent means of withdrawing support. Hence I, along with others committed to human rights and social justice, now join the boycott because of Israeli policies against Palestinians in Israel and the occupied territories.

A campus organization, Students for Justice in Palestine, is coordinating the effort to urge students and faculty to boycott and our administration to divest the University from Israel until the following conditions — as stated by the BDS campaign — are met: 1.

Israel recognizes Palestinians’ right to self-determination.

2.

Israel ends its illegal and unconscionable occupation of the West Bank and the blockade of Gaza, and dismantles the dividing wall.

3.

Israel recognizes the right of the Arab-Palestinian citizens of Israel to full equality; and 4.

Israel respects the rights of Palestinian refugees to return to their homes.

— Joshua Price is an associate professor in sociology.

Letter to the Editor To the editor: The start of the fall semester is my favorite time of year. The residence halls are filled with students unpacking what they’ve brought from home, the lecture halls and libraries are humming, and the dining halls are buzzing as students reconnect with old friends and discover new ones.

So I want to welcome all of you, especially our newest students. I believe that you will find Binghamton to be a vibrant place that challenges you academically and provides a wide range of social and cultural opportunities. During your time here I’ll be your biggest fan and supporter, and will do everything I can to help you succeed.

Still, it would be naïve of me to believe that students, newly free of parental supervision, wouldn’t want to experience all that college life has to offer — and that sometimes “what college has to offer” includes things that are not sanctioned by the University. We understand that for some, the social life of the campus can involve an active nightlife centered on the establishments located downtown, even for those who are under 21. I note, for example, that the Pipe Dream’s guide for orientation suggested “scoping out the bars on State Street,” fully cognizant that most of our orientation attendees are under the legal drinking age.

My response is “Please don’t.”

Excessive drinking, especially for those under age, diminishes the campus culture and can put individual students in real harm.

Although our campus is a safe environment, excessive drinking,

with all its potential problems — sickness, violence, vandalism, sexual assault and dangerous behavior — is perhaps the greatest challenge our campus health and safety officers face.

So I urge you to follow my wife Cathy’s advice to our children and her students: “make smart choices.”

When she says this, she means making decisions that better the quality of life for yourself and for those around you. At Binghamton, this is a fundamental part of our strategic plan, which commits us to providing a “transformative learning community that prepares students for purposeful living.” I believe that purposeful living begins with making responsible choices that enhance and elevate our community — including how we socialize and entertain.

The freshman year is a time for growth and discovery. I strongly encourage you to take advantage of the opportunities available to you. Join a student organization that takes you out of your comfort zone to broaden your perspectives and provide opportunities to develop your leadership skills. And yes, there will be times when you will be challenged — both in your academic work and in your social life. Don’t lose confidence; instead, seek out peers and mentors who can help you through your difficulties.

Most of all, I hope that you will work hard and have fun. I’ll be watching you — and as your biggest fan, I’ll be cheering you on.

Harvey Stenger Binghamton University President

Use the privilege of anonymity responsibly The impact of actions made on the internet goes far beyond cyberspace Ilana Lipowicz Contributing Columnist

As the school year begins and work piles up, we must reevaluate when Internet use is beneficial and when it is not. The recent leak of a large collection of celebrity nude photos provides an example of the Internet’s seedy side. But what can we as individuals learn from this event? While we can take measures to prevent similar breaches of our own privacy, we should avoid adding to the problem by addressing the ways we use anonymity. We may imagine the leaker as a perverted sadist, but it hardly takes a terrorist to steal something in high demand in order to sell it for money and Internet glory.

We all use Internet anonymity to take part in such transactions, whether we admit it or not.

The ability to be anonymous on the Internet can add positive value to your life. You can share opinions, questions and parts of your personality that you might not be comfortable revealing in person. But few people can say that anonymity motivated them to act like a better person. Had the hacker

The ability to act anonymously skews our perceptions of reality by creating situations in which actions are detached from their consequences

looked Jennifer Lawrence in the eye as she asked him not to share her photos with the world, would he have done it anyway? Maybe. Had she looked you in the eye and asked you not to look at them, would you have picked up your phone and flipped through them as she watched? I wouldn’t. But I did look at them, and I don’t feel bad; I am too distant from the effects of doing so.

The ability to act anonymously skews our perceptions of reality by creating situations in which actions are detached from their consequences. The Internet can be a dark place, not only for allowing sheer cruelty, but as the center of milder but less-than-ethical interactions. You may have made outof-character comments on Reddit or 4chan, or failed to follow through on sending a book purchased from you on Amazon. You may have given a professor a rating overly charged with hate. You may find yourself on pages you wouldn’t want anyone to see on your history: an ex’s profile, your fifteenth BuzzFeed quiz of the day, Second Life. These are activities that don’t necessarily hurt anyone else but cause you shame because you know you are hurting yourself. Next time you find yourself thanking the heavens for anonymity, ask why it is you want it. Everyone deserves to find a safe haven in anonymity, but check yourself to be sure you’re using it for the right reasons.

Better yet, use technology to better connect with the real world. Artist and filmmaker Miranda July just released an app used to send messages to friends through people who are in close proximity to them using GPS, giving strangers situations to interact with one another. Be anonymous when you need to, but also use the Internet in ways that bring you closer to the world rather than detaching you from it.

—Ilana Lipowicz is a junior majoring in English and cinema.

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SPORTS

www.bupipedream.com | September 5, 2014

Bearcats puruse first win in Akron Invitational Facing the nation's top teams last weekend, BU prepared to challenge new competition E.Jay Zarett

Assistant Sports Editor With three losses and no wins so far, the Binghamton volleyball team looks to be struggling out of the gate this season. But given the team’s opponents, that 0-3 record is deceiving. At the LMU Invitational in Los Angeles last week, the Bearcats faced some of the top competition in the country, including perennial powerhouse UCLA. While BU failed to win a set in any of its matchups, they will look to build upon that experience heading into this weekend’s Akron Invitational.

“It was probably one of the toughest levels of competition we have ever been in as a Division-I school,” Binghamton head coach Glenn Kiriyama said. “We learned a lot about our team. Most of the girls had quite a bit of playing time and got into the game so it was good to see everyone contribute and see what they need to work on.”

This weekend, Binghamton will take on Austin Peay, Akron, Bryant and Drake. With BU’s relatively inexperienced roster, this slew of games will give the team a chance to adjust its lineups and player combinations moving forward.

“It is the time to work with different lineups to see what sort of chemistry they have when they play with each other on the court,” Kiriyama said.

“We tried people in different positions on the court, our middles, used both setters, so we did experiment quite a bit.”

While BU has veteran leadership at the outside hitter

Franz Lino/Photo Editor

The volleyball team will look to capture its first victory this weekend at the Akron Tournament.

spot with Kristin and Allison Hovie, who combined for 37 kills last weekend, and at the setter spot with senior captain Amanda Dettmann, they still struggle to replace allconference middle hitter Grace Vickers. Looking to fill the void, freshman Alexis LaGoy has tallied 15 kills so far this season, impressing Kiriyama

along the way.

“She hit pretty well against the top-level teams and did okay on the court, so it was good to see that,” Kiriyama said.

Looking for team consistency after a turbulent performance in California, the Bearcats hope that facing competition closer to their own level will give them a chance to capture their

first victory. However, wins and losses won’t be BU’s only gauge of success this weekend.

“We are still in the early stages, but I would like to see us come out with one win if not more,” Kiriyama said.

“We just want to continue to improve and we just want to see if some people could step up, especially on our serve receive

and offense.”

First serve for the Bearcats is set for 3 p.m. today as they take on Austin Peay, followed by a matchup with host Akron. The team will then face opponents Bryant and Drake on Saturday, at 12:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m., respectively. All contests will take place in the James A. Rhodes Arena.

BU vs. Austin Peay DATE

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James A. Rhodes Arena TIME

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Tradition continues for the BU Zoo Enthusiastic students and women's soccer team meet, foster fan-athlete relationships

Franz Lino/Photo Editor

The women’s soccer team participated in a meet and greet with the BU Zoo Thursday night in UU120.

E.Jay Zarett

Assistant Sports Editor

If you’ve been to a home game at the Bearcats Sports Complex in the past two years, you’ve seen the spirited student section in the bleachers, jumping and chanting just like the fans you’d see on ESPN2. That section, otherwise known as the “BU Zoo,” was formed in 2013 with

the intention of raising school spirit and supporting the students’ classmates on the field.

“The BU Zoo has two main goals,” said Nate Holahan, the club’s vice president of marketing and a junior doublemajoring in economics and management. “The first goal is to expand school spirit all over Binghamton. The second is to promote games and increase

attendance at all sporting events.”

According to Andrew Loso, the club’s co-president and a senior double-majoring in history and Spanish, the Zoo has already made substantial progress in achieving those goals.

“We have gotten hundreds and hundreds of more people to come to games,” Loso said. “We have increased fan bases of teams

that previously didn’t have much of a crowd. Women’s soccer is a perfect example. Men’s soccer is definitely increasing. We have definitely had an impact. There is definitely more on the way.”

The Zoo organized its first meeting with one of BU’s 21 programs last year with the men’s soccer team. Sporting a theme of “Tradition starts now,” the Zoo honored its word: Thursday evening, the

enthusiastic supporters hosted a second event with the women’s soccer team. Between bites of pizza, Zoo members, students and players got acquainted.

“I think the team is real appreciative of the fan base and likes to be able to interact with fellow students, because we are all fans of each other,” said Sarah McClellan, head coach of the women’s soccer team.

And the effect of the Zoo at home games has not been lost on the team.

“We love the BU Zoo,” McClellan said. “They are such a good support system for our teams. The Bearcats Sports Complex is one of the best sports complexes out there and the BU Zoo really drives that.”

Senior goalkeeper Gaby Gold echoed her coach’s sentiment.

“The BU Zoo has been great,” Gold said. “They have come to support a lot of our games.

It is really nice to have some extra fans in the stands. They are definitely a great boost of energy for us just being out there and showing support.”

Loso said he hopes the club will continue to expand its presence. With its ultimate goal being to meet with every one of the school’s sports programs, the Zoo is making progress in unifying the crowds and the athletes they support.

“Everybody can love Binghamton,” Loso said. “It is the most inclusive force on the campus, school spirit.

Absolutely anyone can be a part of it.”

We love the BU Zoo. They are such a good support system for our teams — Sarah McClellan BU head coach

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SPORTS

www.bupipedream.com | September 5, 2014

Binghamton falters against Marist Jeff Twitty

Assistant Sports Editor

Following a season-opening win at Bucknell last Friday, the Binghamton men’s soccer team was taught a tough lesson in Monday night’s home opener: Slow starts can be fatal.

Facing Marist on Monday evening, BU (1-1) struggled on the offensive end. Putting up only two shots in the first half, the Bearcats were seldom able to create scoring opportunities early in the match.

“We started a lot of younger players, maybe there was a little nervousness,” BU head coach Paul Marco said. “I don’t think we started the match particularly well.”

For the rest of the article, visit

BU @ Duquesne DATE

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Rooney Athletics Field TIME

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BU seeks to finish offensive chances Ashley Purdy Sports Editor

Four games into its schedule, the Binghamton women’s soccer team has totaled three losses and just one win. But there’s still hope yet.

The Bearcats’ losses were slim — at most by a two-goal margin — their win via a fivegoal rout. They’ve played every game attacking the goal with a heavy foot, outshooting their opponents by a collective 5547. Over half of those shots have been on target.

“Our attack is a very creative attack,” head coach Sarah McClellan said. “We don’t give [the players] a whole lot of specifics, except to get numbers forward and to play quickly.

So I think that we’re trying to funnel our creativity in that way rather than limit them to just a couple types of looks.”

So they’ve created opportunities; the pieces are in place. What’s left, said McClellan, is just figuring out the best strategy.

“I think what we saw in these first couple of games is just figuring ourselves out on the competition field,” McClellan said. “With a young team and everyone still trying to figure out what we need done on the field and how to do it, I think we kind of shot ourselves in the foot against Manhattan on Friday.”

Against the Jaspers (2-2), the Bearcats brought their A-game early, scoring just two minutes in. Manhattan rallied back, but BU wasn’t sleeping for the rest of the match. Outshooting their visitors and landing four more shots on goal, the only

thing that stood between the Bearcats and their first victory was Manhattan’s stingy keeper.

“That was a game that I think we played well enough to win, but then really I thought the team did a great job against Iona on Sunday,” McClellan said. “So we seem to be getting closer to where we want to be relative to our performance.”

The Bearcats figured out an efficient playing dynamic against Iona (2-2). With nine players contributing at least one shot, and over 60 percent of those shots on goal, the offensive coasted. BU’s keepers only needed to make three saves and just three of the Gaels’ players were even able to get into scoring position.

Consistently leading the attack this season is sophomore midfielder Katie O’Neill.

O’Neill’s shots make up about one third of the team’s total, and half of the on-target attacks have been hers. She also leads the team with two goals.

“Katie O’Neill is just working,” McClellan said.

“Playing and working at midfield and getting some great opportunities.”

In addition to O’Neill, junior forward Stephani Church and two freshmen forwards, Jocelyn

Acor and Jacque Rice, have recorded goals so far. Senior midfielder Rebecca Raber tallied seven shots through the four contests, second only to O’Neill’s 17. So the team has depth to work with, as well as time to get into gear before the wins really start counting. “[We have] a good mix of different attacking dynamics that we haven’t had in past years,” McClellan said, “but again we have to do all the work on the field to be able to get us those chances each game.”

Beginning with Siena, the Bearcats have six more nonconference matchups before they head into America East play. But Siena (1-3) gives them a unique opportunity to test themselves against their conference rivals in the early season: Having already played Albany, Stony Brook and UMass Lowell, the Saints can give the Bearcats a glimpse of their standing. Siena fell to Albany and UMass Lowell, 5-1 and 2-0, respectively, but narrowly defeated Stony Brook, 3-2.

Play against Siena begins at 7 p.m. today at the Bearcats Sports Complex.

BU vs. Siena DATE

Today LOCATION

Bearcats Sports Complex TIME

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Franz Lino and Tycho McManus/Photo Editors

SPORTS

BU ZOO

Tradition continues in 2014 Page 10

Friday, September 5, 2014

WEEK 1

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Welcome to the first week of Pipe Dream NFL Picks! Every week, Pipe Dream sports editors and one guest will attempt to correctly predict the outcome of four upcoming games of their choice, selecting one prediction as a LOCK. Getting the LOCK correct earns you three points, while getting it wrong costs you one. The other three games are worth one point each, and there is no penalty for wrong guesses on these. Ties give you a half-point. If you would like to submit picks, email sports@bupipedream.com.

PIPE DREAM PICKS

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ASHLEY PURDY'S PICKS SPORTS EDITOR LOCK: NY JETS (-5.5) over Oakland Raiders would lose no matter what, but starting a rookie quarterback just makes it worse.

PHILADELPHIA (-10.5) over Jacksonville Forget the advantage the Eagles have with Nick Foles and LeSean McCoy. This is Jacksonville.

DALLAS (+4.5) over San Francisco Dallas traded away its defense, but the 49ers have a gap in theirs with Aldon Smith out. Put your faith in Romo.

BALTIMORE (-1.5) over Cincinnati The Bengals can probably beat the Ravens in any other stadium, but not here.

E.JAY ZARETT'S PICKS ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR LOCK: KANSAS CITY (-3) over Tennessee Tennessee’s offense is going to struggle to score points, while the Chiefs will move the ball against their defense.

NY JETS (-5.5) over Oakland Even with a depleted secondary, Rex Ryan’s defense will overwhelm a rookie quarterback.

SAN FRANCISCO (-4.5) over Dallas 49ers will stifle “the Boys” on both sides of the ball.

DETROIT (-6) over NY Giants Eli Manning and the Giants offense has looked lost in the preseason. Expect that to continue.

OAKLAND (+5.5) over NY Jets Derek Carr reminds me of another quarterback to come out of the Mountain West Conference. Colin Caper-something I think.

INDIANAPOLIS (+7.5) over Denver Luck is due for a big year, and Peyton is entering those dangerous Favre-on-the-Jets years.

NY GIANTS (+6) over Detroit Every year LeBron has lost in the finals, the Giants have won the Superbowl. Facts.

ODEYA PINKUS'S PICKS ASSISTANT RELEASE EDITOR - GUEST LOCK: NY JETS (-5.5) over Oakland This one became obvious once I remembered how much Jay-Z loves New York. He is clearly going to summon his Illuminati powers and rig the game.

NEW ENGLAND (-4.5) over Miami New England. I can’t imagine anyone from the same city as Pitbull can concentrate on anything except for “da club.”

SCORING SYSTEM LOCK GAME

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FOR A CORRECT PICK FOR AN INCORRECT PICK

OTHER GAMES

JEFF TWITTY'S PICKS ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR LOCK: CAROLINA (+2.5) over Tampa Bay Cam Newton is my favorite athlete of all time, so I’m partial.

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CLEVELAND (+6.5) over Pittsburgh Cleveland just got LeBron back right? I pick them – I’m sure he’ll score enough home runs to lead the Browns to World Cup.

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PHILADELPHIA (-10.5) over Jacksonville At first this one was hard, then I remembered how excited I was for the new “It’s Always Sunny” season.

Cross country hosts Albany in season opener Hatcher, Hausamann aim to lead teams in new season Ashley Purdy Sports Editor

The Binghamton men’s and women’s cross country teams will open their season at home this year, hosting Albany at 6 p.m. today. The women’s team will run a 5K at 6 p.m., followed by the men’s team’s 8K directly after.

Both races will start and finish behind the East Gym. Though the women’s team was hampered by injury last season, leading to a ninth place finish in the America East meet, this year, head coach Annette Acuff believes things are looking better.

The athletes are healthier, and beginning the season with a meet at home is a hefty advantage for the team looking to bounce back.

“It’s great to start off the season at home,” Acuff wrote in an email.

“We know our course better than anyone so it’s obviously an advantage. We’ll also have a lot of

support out on the course so it’s a great feeling to start off competing with.”

Junior Alexis Hatcher, the women’s team’s leader in four meets last year, has returned in top shape this season and looks forward to leading her team again.

Hatcher broke two school records last year in the 1,000-meter and 3,000-meter steeplechases and she placed 22nd at last year’s AE cross country meet, a team best.

Hatcher said she feels pressure to perform at the high level expected of her and to continue to improve, but, of course, she isn’t alone.

“Almost every single one of our girls improved, one of them by a full minute from last year’s time trial,” Hatcher wrote in an email.

“We finally have everyone almost completely healthy, and if we can stay healthy I think we’ll surprise some people.”

With just nine athletes on the roster, compared to 24 on the

men’s side, the women’s team is small. But size doesn’t matter — or if it does, smaller might be better.

“We’ve become such a tight knit group during road runs and workouts, I think it’s going to help to keep the gap close during races,” Hatcher wrote.

Additional top returners include junior Lizzie Greiner and sophomores Alana MacDonald and Eileen O’Hara.

For its part, the men’s team returns six of last year’s top-10 finishers at the AE meet, at which the team placed second. The squad continued on to the NCAA East Region Meet and finished 10th.

Highlighting the team are seniors Jesse Garn and Ben Snodgrass as well as junior Ethan Hausamann.

Snodgrass won the AE indoor track title in the 5,000 category, while Hausamann took a teambest 17th at the conference meet.

Garn, perhaps known best on campus for breaking the four-

minute mile mark last March, was also the Men’s Most Outstanding Performer at the conference’s indoor meet.

Overall, the teams are excited to begin the season and start competing again.

“The meet at home with Albany is pretty low key and just to get the rust out from not racing in a while,” Acuff wrote. “If we can keep everyone healthy this year we could do very well. We’re mainly focused right now on taking things one day at a time.”

BU vs. Albany DATE

Today LOCATION

East Gym TIME

6:00p.m.

Franz Lino/Photo Editor

The men’s and women’s cross country teams will be hosting Albany in a dual meet beginning at 6 p.m. tonight.