Fall 2016 Issue 19

makes a splash Celebrating 70 Years as the Free Word on Campus

Friday, November 4, 2016 | Vol. XC, Issue 19 | Binghamton University | bupipedream.com

Students react to '16 election

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES NY-22

Electoral Poll BU Students

Claudia Tenney

Kim Myers

Martin Babinec

Unsure

Other

BROOME COUNTY EXECUTIVES

PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION

Jason Garner (D)

Debbie Preston (R)

Unsure

Other

Campus reacts to larger fallout from campaign politics

NEW YORK STATE SENATE

Sharon Ball (D)

Fred Akshar (R)

Unsure

Other

Alexandra Mackof

NEW YORK STATE ASSEMBLY

Donna Lupardo (D) Clinton

Trump Johnson Stein Undecided Other

Female

Male

Declined to answer

Dorollo Nixon (R)

News Editor

Unsure

Other

Not Affiliated

Other

Similarly, in the Broome County Executive race, 36.2 percent of students supported Democrat Jason Garnar and 11.3 percent supported Republican Debbie Preston, but 51.2 percent were unsure.

“Partisans on both sides don’t appear to have strong feelings [for] their party’s candidates in other races,” Krasno wrote in an email. “A third of Democrats and Republicans aren’t sure whether they’ll vote for the hotly contested House race in Binghamton, and about half are unsure who to vote for for County Executive.”

With Nov. 8 days away, a tumultuous political season is reaching its climax.

While Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton is leading in a Binghamton University student poll conducted by political science professor Jonathan Krasno and his Public Opinion class, many members of the campus community are distressed by the political climate.

Addressing that sentiment, Krasno said that neither candidate is a student favorite.

According to him, many students are voting preventively.

“It’s less of a positive campaign to elect her than a combination of electing her and stopping [Donald] Trump,” Krasno said. “Trump’s scandals have repelled students, even some Republican students; Clinton’s scandals have mainly dampened Democratic enthusiasm.”

Some students are concerned with the lasting effects of the election season. Kim Washburn, a senior majoring in integrative neuroscience, said that repercussions from Republican nominee Donald Trump’s campaign will outlast election day.

“Regardless of whether Trump wins

SEE VOTE PAGE 2

SEE ELECTION PAGE 2

PARTY IDENTIFICATION:

Democrat

Republican

Teri Lam/Design Manager Photo from Pipe Dream Archives

Poll finds Clinton expected to win BU student vote

Survey forecasts Hillary Clinton to receive 65.5 percent of vote to Donald Trump's 15.6 percent Gabriella Weick Assistant News Editor

Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton is slated to win the Binghamton University student vote in the 2016 presidential election, according to a survey taken of undergraduate students.

The survey, created by PLSC340 and JUST389B: Public Opinion students, asked BU undergraduate students their opinions on the 2016 election and the current campus climate.

Jonathan Krasno, an associate professor of political science, teaches the

class and conducted the survey by first obtaining the email addresses of the 13,856 undergraduate students currently enrolled.

After randomly assigning a number to each student, Krasno then sent the survey to 2,000 email addresses. The survey was open for one week, and received 611 responses — a 30.5 percent response rate.

The data found Clinton in the lead, with 65.5 percent of students answering that they would vote for the Democratic nominee if the election were held today, and only 15.6 percent answering the same for Republican nominee Donald Trump.

The data showed that 7.1 percent of

students answered that they were undecided in which presidential candidate to vote for, which was greater than the 6.1 percent supporting Libertarian candidate Gary Johnson and the 2.6 percent supporting Green Party candidate Jill Stein.

This uncertainty, Krasno said, carried into the local elections. While 40 percent of students supported Democrat Kim Myers in the NY-22 House of Representatives race and 11.5 percent supported Republican Claudia Tenney, 6.1 percent of respondents supported Independent Martin Babinec and a significant 40.2 percent were unsure of which candidate to support.

Poems reflect students' self-love, appreciation WE SPEAK BU and Slam Poetry host Positive Monologues event featuring original works Sarah Rahman Contributing Writer

On Tuesday evening, students gathered in the Undergrounds for “Positive Monologues,” an event promoting body positivity and self-love.

This was the fourth year that the event, hosted by Woman Empowered Support, Protect, Educate, Advocate and Know at Binghamton University (WE SPEAK BU) and the Slam Poetry Club, was held. According to Ariane Lucchini, the vice president of WE SPEAK BU and a junior majoring in psychology, this year’s performances had very personal takes on the general theme of body positivity.

“The main theme that we’d kind of like to bring home tonight is this idea of our bodies and how they’re so personal to us,” Lucchini said. “To each and every one of us, we have just different types of bodies and it’s hard sometimes to love that and

really show and reflect that love to other people.”

The night featured seven student performances, varying between monologues written as prose and poetry, and a musical performance from the a cappella group Rhythm Method. Each monologue had its own story; topics included encounters with sex, staying positive in college, a tribute to National Diabetes Awareness Month or learning to love one’s body over time.

Most monologues described a journey that the speaker had taken to move past a certain issue. Some poems hinted at anorexia, while others described the struggle of not letting an illness define one’s sense of self. Nicole Chapko, an undeclared freshman, read her poem on accepting her body the way it was and learning to love it.

SEE POSITIVE PAGE 2

Photographer explores inequality through art LaToya Frazier addresses social activism through visuals of present day America Alexandra Hupka Contributing Writer

LaToya Frazier, a photographer who documents social issues and inequalities across the United States, spoke in the Anderson Center‘s Chamber Hall on Thursday evening in an event titled “Art, in Defense of Equality.”

Frazier, who was born and raised in Braddock, Pennsylvania, started photographing her hometown when she was 16 years old. An industrial city, Braddock was mainly supported by the

steel industry during the first portion of the 20th century. Following the collapse of several large steel companies during the 1970s and 1980s, the town was left in a financial depression. Much of Frazier’s childhood was marked by poverty, racism and environmental damage.

At 18 years old, Frazier left her hometown to attend college at the Edinboro University of Pennsylvania.

There, she met Kathe Kowalski, a professor who became one of her earliest mentors.

SEE ART PAGE 2

ARTS & CULTURE

Kevin Sussy/Photo Editor John Fletcher, BU health and wellness instructor, continues to teach his taekwondo class despite a fire drill and rainy weather. Students say Fletcher utilizes a traditional teaching style based on discipline and perseverance.

Taekwondo prof. preaches discipline John Fletcher, '92, cultivates atmosphere of trust and energy in class

Joseph Cunningham Contributing Writer

Structure, discipline and balance are the key principles of taekwondo, a Korean martial art that emphasizes head-height kicks. These are the values that John Fletcher, an instructor in the health and wellness studies department, attempts to instill in his beginner and intermediate taekwondo classes.

Fletcher graduated from Binghamton University in 1992 with a degree in environmental planning before attending SUNY Cortland for his master’s in environmental education. Now back at BU, he teaches both taekwondo and physical fitness and wellness, which are classes that fulfill the physical activity and wellness general education requirements.

His classes fill quickly during registration, despite always being scheduled for early in the morning. His

students say they like his classes because he utilizes a traditional teaching style based on discipline and perseverance. Jennifer Almy, a senior majoring in psychology, said she would recommend Fletcher’s class to anyone looking for a way to stay active.

“He is my favorite professor because he has so much energy every single class,” Almy said. “Even though he has an 8:30, he is still always so pumped up. He really gets everyone energized and is very enthusiastic and passionate about health and wellness.”

By pushing his students, but at the same time stressing mutual respect, Fletcher said that he creates a bridge of trust between them and himself.

“I motivate people through discipline and I am very strict and make sure everyone is pushed a little bit, and people respond to that.” Fletcher said. “The response I get is energetic. I share my energy with my students and they share it with me.”

Despite his strict style, his

OPINIONS

compassionate core is not lost on his students.

“He’s a very kind soul,” Almy said.

“Even if you are falling behind, as long as you’re trying, he said, that’s all that really matters.”

Austin Overly, a senior majoring in environmental studies and a teaching assistant for one of Fletcher’s classes, said that Fletcher pushes him to be his best.

“He has proven to be a huge influence on my life, and has really changed things around for me,” Overly said. “He is one of the professors I respect the most. He really cares about his students more than anyone I have ever seen.”

Fletcher said that despite the toll finals take on students, he maintains his strict and energetic teaching methods.

“Even at the end of the semester, when everyone starts to get tired, we pull together as a group to stay fit,” Fletcher said.

“It’s my passion.”

SPORTS

Pipe Dream sits down with a cofounder from Creativity+,

Liberty in North Korea celebrates 10 years at BU,

Contributing columnist Aaron Bondar discusses the nation’s cultural crisis,

Men’s soccer dominated by Albany in regular-season finale,

So what’s the new name of the Binghamton Mets?

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See page 4

See page 5

See page 7

See page 8

2

NEWS

bupipedream.com | November 4, 2016

Students weigh in on 2016 election season VOTE FROM PAGE 1 As far as party identification, 46.9 percent of respondents identified as Democrats, followed by 16.4 percent identifying as Republicans and 26.0 percent identifying as independent. The data also showed that 10.8 percent of respondents answered that they identified with parties not listed in the survey as well.

The data shows that Clinton is performing better with Democrats than Trump is with Republicans; 94 percent of student Democrats plan to vote for Clinton compared to the 71 percent of student Republicans who plan to vote for Trump.

The survey also questioned participants on the location of their registration. Dormitory residents are slightly more likely to be registered in Broome County, at 54.5 percent, than are people who live off campus at 42.6 percent.

Krasno said he believes this reflects the efforts made this year to register students, which are easier to do on campus than off, and the

effect of the dormitory-registering competition that put residential communities against each other to register the most students.

Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 8. Three thousand eleven students on campus are registered to vote in Broome County, and Krasno said the University is expecting a record turnout.

Partisans on both sides don't appear to have strong feelings [for] their party's candidates — Jonathon Krasno BU Political Science Department Head

Casey Tin/Contributing Photographer Ariane Lucchini, a junior majoring in psychology, and Simona Maksimyan, a junior majoring in integrative neuroscience, explain the importance of having an open and healthy conversation about self-love, body positivity, gender, sexuality and empowerment.

Self-love expressed through poems POSITIVE FROM PAGE 1 “Momma said there should be a lot of a good person,” Chapko said. “ We are eighteen / No longer hungry children with fingers pinching at our own sides / Momma, we are good people / We are learning to

love our reflections with our hands by our sides.”

Amanda Melendez, a junior majoring in psychology and a member of the Slam Poetry Club, read a poem sharing a range of lessons she has learned since she was 19 years old.

“Let your body know you love it,” Melendez said. “Every curve, bump, freckle, birthmark, stretch mark and acne scar is beautiful / They are a part of you / They are a story map on your body that is ready to be explored like an overgrown forest / Nurture

the forest.”

Lucchini said she thought it was a success as far as the number of attendees who came to the event, which was around 30.

“I definitely think it’s been a good turnout,” Lucchini said.

“I was actually surprised to see a couple of people that weren’t associated in any way with either the performers or the club. They just kind of came, which is kind of the best you could hope for.”

Responses from the audience were also positive. Jessica Pino, a junior majoring in psychology, said that the event addressed usually cloaked issues.

“I liked how there were different topics covered and things that normally people don’t talk about and that they really should talk about just in everyday life and education,” Pino said. “We need to talk more about these issues.”

Sahar Akhlaq, an undeclared freshman, said that she appreciated the connections between the performers and their monologues.

“I liked it,” Aklaq said. “It’s like a lot of the pieces are very personal to a lot of the performers. And the fact that they were able to comfortably talk about it and everyone here has gone through a lot [of the issues relating to body positivity].”

Inequality portrayed in photos Students express distress over election ART FROM PAGE 1 Frazier graduated with a bachelor’s of fine arts in applied media arts, and went on to gain her masters of fine arts in art photography from Syracuse University.

“While I was studying, I was challenged to learn and unlearn, and re-examine my identity and place in society,” Frazier said. “It was a very formative time for me.”

Following college, Frazier continued to photograph Braddock. She photographed the Campaign for Braddock Hospital protests, which were incited following an announcement by the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center stating that the hospital would be closing and demolished.

She has also photographed the Braddock Inclusion Project, the Occupy Wall Street movement and the recent Flint water crisis.

These events have led her to tie her art into social justice and use it as a visual representation of the struggles of everyday Americans.

“It is my responsibility

to understand that once [my photographs] are placed on the wall, that’s when the work begins,” Frazier said. “It is about education on social inequalities, not my personal accomplishments.”

Frazier’s first book, “The Notion of Family,” was published in 2014 and has received numerous awards, including the International Center of Photography Infinity Awards, the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation Fellowship and the Guggenheim Fellowship.

She is currently an assistant professor of photography at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, and her work has been exhibited internationally.

Vivian Batista, a first-year graduate student studying public administration, also attended the event. She said she was inspired by Frazier and hopes that she can use Frazier’s experience to influence her work.

“I am impressed; she’s definitely an inspiration to me,” Batista said.

“I am an artist and this helped me understand how to make art. I have a ton of ideas now.”

Joe Thomas, an undeclared freshman, said he felt that Frazier’s experiences were comparable to his own. He said he identified with Frazier’s work and her reference to how a popular TV show signified an escape from a tough childhood.

“When she was describing how she grew up watching ‘The Cosby Show’ to escape her poverty, I thought that it exemplified how I grew up in the Bronx,” Thomas said. “I think it’s great that she was able to use her platform to make people aware of the line between those who have privilege and those who do not.”

Frazier said she plans to continue using her work to promote social activism, both in Braddock and in other cities across the United States.

“We don’t see images like the ones from Braddock in museums,” Frazier said. “I’m trying to be a responsible artist standing in the gap between the working class and the creative class. My responsibility is to speak to both sides and find a way to rectify the situation.”

ELECTION FROM PAGE 1 next week, the fact that he was able to run for president … has validated an incredibly toxic point of view,” Washburn said.

“Trump has provided a platform for racism, xenophobia, sexism, ableism, homophobia and hatred of marginalized groups, and the damage that it’s done is going to take decades to undo.”

Krasno addressed disparities by gender in the survey, saying that the difference between women and men supporting the Democratic candidate was much larger than it was four years ago.

“One interesting thing is the way Trump’s scandals have affected males and females,” Krasno said. “The thing that drives the difference is the males. Females are actually somewhat less enthusiastic about Clinton than they were about Obama, but males are much, much less supportive.

Would it be different if she were a he? Don’t know, but it’s not a question that I’d quickly dismiss.”

Dara Silberstein, director of the BU women, gender and sexuality studies department, said that this is many students’ first presidential election, and disappointment with both candidates is justified. But according to her, while Clinton may have flaws, it is necessary she be elected.

“In my view, if we care about any of the civil and reproductive rights we have acquired over the past 50 years, then the only thing to do is vote for Hillary,” Silberstein said. “We need to hold her accountable and work for better leadership in the future.”

The Women’s Student Union president Jessica Dunn, a senior triple-majoring in Africana studies, sociology and Latin American and Caribbean Area studies said she will be casting a protest vote. A protest vote is a vote cast to show disapproval for the two current major party candidates.

“I feel like it’s my obligation as someone who lives in a solidly blue state to express discontent

with the two-party system in ways that people who live in swing states really can’t,” Dunn said.

Offering advice to weather the storm, Harry Bittker, BU College Democrats political director and a sophomore majoring in political science, said that students must vote their conscience.

“Voting comes down to one thing — doing what you can to create the world you want to live in,” said Bittker. “Voting — up and down the ballot — is one of the easiest things you can do to directly impact your future.”

Would it be different if she were a he?

— Jonathon Krasno BU Political Science Department Head

ZETA BETA TAU FRATERNITY ZBT has learned that there is a group of individuals on the Binghamton campus who represent themselves as being members of our fraternity. ZBT does not currently have a chapter at Binghamton and these individuals are not affiliated with us in any way.

Individuals who are found wearing or using ZBT’s letters and symbols may be subject to legal action.

Learn more and contact us with questions via

PAGE III Friday, November 4, 2016

Address: University Union WB03 4400 Vestal Parkway E. Binghamton, N.Y. 13902 Phone: 607-777-2515 FAx: 607-777-2600

Pipe Line UNIVERSITY NEWS Campus computer outages due to anti-virus upgrade mistake The computer outages that occurred on Nov. 1 were the result of a campuswide upgrade of the network’s anti-virus system, according to Information Technology Services (ITS). “During the process, a new feature of the software was inadvertently pushed out to several servers which caused a disruption of communication between the servers,” said Logan Robinson, ITS communications manager.

“This is what caused the printing issues and some other disruptions to IT services across campus.”

According to Robinson, this should not be a reoccurring problem.

LOCAL NEWS Binghamton Mets select Rumble Ponies as new name Binghamton’s Double-A minor league baseball team will from now on be known as the Rumble Ponies, according to the team’s Facebook page. The name was chosen from a final list of six names, narrowly beating Stud Muffins to become the team’s new name. The team will

Players gonna play

remain affiliated with the New York Mets franchise, but have adopted the more common convention of having a separate name from its MLB affiliate. “We want to lead the Eastern League in fun,” said team owner John Hughes.

MAnAging editor* Rohit Kapur manager@bupipedream.com neWs editor* Alexandra K. Mackof news@bupipedream.com Asst. neWs editors Pelle Waldron Gabriella Weick Brendan Zarkower

The Endicott Police Department was called to Garfield Avenue at 7:30 a.m. on Thursday, according to the Binghamton Homepage. Officers located a 63-year-old man deceased at the scene. A police investigation revealed that the man died from apparent self-inflicted stab wounds to the abdominal area. Officers say the investigation is ongoing.

The Binghamton City Police Department is currently conducting an investigation into a robbery that happened at Mirabito gas station on Clinton Street Thursday morning, according WBNG. The suspects reportedly fled with $150 in cash.

Police said they are conducting an investigation, but have so far declined to release any more information.

This Day in History Nov. 4, 2008

Barack Obama is elected the 44th president of the United States, becoming the first black commander in chief.

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Fall 2016 editor-in-ChieF* Jeffrey D. Twitty editor@bupipedream.com

Police investigate after man found dead in Endicott parking lot

Police investigate after man found dead in Endicott parking lot

Web: bupipedream.com

oPinions editor* Caleb D. Schwartz opinions@bupipedream.com Arts & Culture editor* Odeya Pinkus arts@bupipedream.com Asst. Arts & Culture editors Kara J. Brown Georgia Westbrook

Kevin Sussy/Photo Editor Max Samson, a sophomore double-majoring in economics and graphic design, performs improv with Ahnaf Raihan, a junior majoring in computer science, Thursday evening during “Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Pappiness” hosted by the Pappy Parker Players.

Police Watch A lighter take on campus crime Samuel Ditchek Police Correspondent

Lifted Labels TUESDAY, Nov. 1, 6:25 p.m. — Officers received a report of larceny from a resident assistant (RA) living in O’Connor Hall of Dickinson Community, said Investigator Patrick Reilly of Binghamton’s New York State University Police. The reporter claimed that different name tags made from construction paper were stolen from four different doors on his floor. Officers attempted to identify two individuals that were seen stealing the signs from the doors by speaking to residents on the floor and providing photo ID of the suspects. Officers are currently working with RA staff to find out who is responsible.

Ack-appella WEDNESDAY, Nov. 2, 1:20 a.m. — Officers received a noise complaint from a student living in College-in-the-Woods, Reilly said. The victim, a 19-year-old male, claimed that there was a group of people sitting outside, on the College-in-theWoods quad, disturbing him. He tried to contact his RA regarding the situation, but the RA was sleeping.

Officers did a walk-through of the entire community.

However, they were unsuccessful in trying to locate the a cappella group. Another officer informed the responding officer that the group was spotted in the Iroquois Commons but had since left the area.

Fake Funds WEDNESDAY, Nov. 2, 3:51 p.m. — Officers made contact with a Binghamton University employee who received a fraudulent check in the mail, Reilly said. The victim, a 51-year-old female, claimed that a check came in the mail by a priority mail envelope addressed to her BU address. The check, worth $1,900, was sent from Home Closing Services Inc. in Illinois. The victim attempted to contact the business but she was forwarded to an automated voice message that said the business had been a victim of a scam and anyone who received a suspicious check should contact the local police department.

Group Effort WEDNESDAY, Nov. 2, 11:11 p.m.

— Officers received a report of drug possession in O’Connor Hall, of Dickinson Community, Reilly said. An RA contacted UPD concerning two male suspects, both 19 years old, who were suspected of smoking marijuana on the second floor. Officers observed the open door and a strong odor emanating from the room.

The suspects gave the officers permission to enter. The officer recorded that one of the males had bloodshot eyes and a glassy appearance. Another male that was present had indicated that they had smoked marijuana in a room in the suite. The officers proceeded to knock on that door in the suite and noticed another occupant with bloodshot eyes. That occupant admitted to smoking in the room and turned over 2.9 grams of marijuana and a pipe. The officers did not bring upon criminal charges, but referred the suspects to student conduct.

sPorts editor* Orlaith McCaffrey sports@bupipedream.com Asst. sPorts editors Noah Bressner Kyle McDonald PhotogrAPhy editor* Kevin A. Sussy photo@bupipedream.com Asst. PhotogrAPhy editor Kevin E. Paredes Fun editor* Elizabeth A. Manning fun@bupipedream.com design MAnAger* Teri Lam design@bupipedream.com design Assts.

Bethany J. Gordon Airi Kojima CoPy desk ChieF* Shauna R. Bahssin copy@bupipedream.com Asst. CoPy desk ChieF Gabrielle Teaman neWsrooM teChnology MAnAger* Henry Zheng tech@bupipedream.com editoriAl Artist Elizabeth A. Manning business MAnAger* Michael A. Contegni business@bupipedream.com Asst. business MAnAger Andrew P. Genussa businessassistant@bupipedream.com distribution MAnAger Justine L. Seliger distribution@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 departmental affiliation. Organizational (i.e. student group) affiliations are to be disclosed and may be noted at Pipe Dream’s discretion.

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Submissions may be e-mailed to the Opinions Editor at opinions@bupipedream.com.

stabilizing: rumble ponies

fridge :destabilizing

ARTS & CULTURE

Photo Illustration by Kevin Sussy

Pipe Dream presents: a chat with Neil Harris This SOM senior likes to DJ, and has read 15 books since this semester began Margaret Hartofilis Contributing Writer Neil Harris, a senior majoring in business administration, likes to challenge himself. He’s involved as an innovation consultant for the Student Association as a member of Enactus and is a cofounder of Creativity+, a team that focuses on school pride.

Pipe Dream sat down with this determined student to hear more about him and his outlook on life.

Pipe Dream: What are your hobbies?

Neil Harris: Reading. It’s important. I realize if you don’t read then you get stuck in your own head, but if you start reading you get stuck in someone else’s head. It’s a lot more fun. And DJing … I was at a festival and

got a nickname: Keith Positivity.

It just became my nickname over time. Someone misheard my name, they started calling me Keith then someone gave me the name Mr. Positivity [and] then it was Keith Positivity. I was listening to all of this awesome music and I’m like, “It’s time for me to start DJing.”

PD: What are you passionate about?

NH: It’s going to sound weird, but I’m passionate about human interaction. That’s important.

Like just being nice to people.

You’d be so surprised the amount of impact your words have. In terms of if you say something negative. Like, I remember when I was in first grade and my mom went to the parent-teacher conference the night before and

left a note in my desk which read “billion tillion” with a bunch of kisses and hearts, and a kid took it and was just making fun of me in front of the whole class. For the longest time, I just became uncomfortable with any kind of affection. Like love became this sort of bad thing. It’s important to love people and not cut them down, ever. It’s okay to give them realistic criticisms, but in a way that’s beneficial to them. But if somebody goes around and says something negative, they do a lot of damage. It takes a lot of saying something nice to undo the mean things people do.

PD: What makes you the person that you are today?

NH: I could get into the whole nature [versus] nurture thing. Discomfort. The human

quest to get away from suffering.

That’s everyone’s goal; how do we suffer the least? Realistically, because life is difficult. I think it’s a matter of being thrown into different environments of my life and figuring out how I best survive. Then you hit the same key things. You’ve just got to love people. Don’t be a jerk.

Relating and trying to understand people is more important than being obsessed with yourself and how other people view you. Be concerned with doing something that you agree with according to your core and morals … when I went to Texas for my internship a couple of summers ago, I was just Iike, “I’m not going to worry about it.” I’m just going to be nice and try to help people. We started Creativity+ there too.

We won the intern showcase out of 33 teams. It’s sort of like you find these universal things in life to be true. It’s not overnight. It happens one by one. When you find something that is true, you can’t say “ignorance is bliss” because you’re kind of going against yourself. I think we need to align as much as possible with this universal code.

PD: Who has helped you get to this point in your life and how?

NH: Obviously, [my] parents.

But, in terms of someone that’s not family, is Sean [Francis] D. Arcy, my mentor this summer at Northwestern Mutual, who sold the second most life insurance policies of all time. He was the absolute man. Good vibes. Good karma. I saw myself in him in a

lot of ways … here’s a guy that’s just trying to help people, that’s it. That’s what he does. He helps people. He helps them figure out what they’re passionate about.

He changes lives. He changed my life. Basically, I’m doing exactly the same thing before I met him, but now I’m conscious of it, and I’m working a little harder.

That’s the difference at the end of the day. He helped me realize I should be reading more. I’ve read 15 books since I got back to school. Once you know what you want to do, and say, “Here are your good habits, here are your bad habits,” you can be conscious of the fact like, “Hey, is this really going to be making me happier?”

Typically, a lot of the things we do don’t necessarily make us happier.

LiNK marks decade of aid BU chapter of Liberty in North Korea plans banquet Katy Wong Contributing Writer

Katherine Scott/Pipe Dream Photographer Stephanie Herlihy, a senior majoring in psychology, and Stephanie Moreno, a junior majoring in theatre, star in Lee Blessing’s “A Body of Water.” The show will run through Nov. 6 in Studio B.

Theatre dept. dives into mystery

Student show 'A Body of Water' premieres in Studio B Ryan Muller Contributing Writer

A puzzle can come in the form of a game, a riddle and sometimes a play. Lee Blessing’s cryptic puzzle play, “A Body of Water,” will take the stage from Nov. 3 to Nov. 6 in Studio B. The student project is a part of the department’s Studio Season.

When couple Moss and Avis, played by Spencer Rosner, a junior majoring in mathematics, and Stephanie Herlihy, a senior majoring in psychology, wake up in a beach house with no recollection of who or where they are, panic and confusion ensues.

The situation is worsened when a girl named Wren, played by Stephanie Moreno, a junior majoring in theatre, enters the house bringing a mix of stories regarding who she is and what happened to the couple.

First, she says she is a lawyer

representing the couple against accusations of murdering their own 11-year-old daughter. Then, the story changes to the couple having some form of amnesia and Wren is their daughter, toying with the couple and taking advantage of their vulnerability.

It isn’t clear what the truth is, as both the audience and characters question Wren’s words and their own beliefs.

Directed by Chelsea French, a second-year graduate student studying theatre, the cast and crew of the play create a suspenseful atmosphere that strings the audience along through the struggles of the protagonists.

“I wanted the audience to feel what Moss and Avis are feeling throughout the play,” French said.

Audience members are placed in the same position as Moss and Avis; they are clueless

to the truth and simply do not know what to believe or who to trust. Like the two characters, concern, anxiety and questions fill the heads of those watching.

Are the protagonists truly guilty, or are they victims of a sick game perpetrated by someone who may or may not be their daughter?

Rosner and Herlihy have an angry desperation in their voices as their characters beg Wren for answers to these questions throughout the play.

Moreno gives Wren a stubborn and condescending attitude in response, reversing the typical parental power balance and asserting herself as dominant over this couple.

The performances of the actors convey the strained, yet intimate, dynamic between the characters.

“Since the characters basically have to meet each other for the first time, three times during the

play, the connections that form between them are very strong,” Rosner said.

The three actors, who make up the entire cast, are able to become these characters despite the mystery surrounding their backgrounds.

“There’s lots of missing pieces that we have to fill in for the audience,” Herlihy said. “It’s a very unique play.”

Those missing pieces are what keep the audience guessing.

Despite the ambiguities central to the show, there is one idea presented that can be known for certain: Time, life and even memories are forever fleeting.

According to French, the play focuses on how we experience our own memories. “[It] plays with this idea of memory, and how your memory forms your identity and what happens when those memories aren’t there,” French said.

The Binghamton University chapter of Liberty in North Korea (LiNK) will be celebrating its 10th anniversary this Friday in Old University Union’s Mandela Room with a banquet featuring student performances and catered food.

With all ticket proceeds aiding in the rescuing and resettlement of North Korean refugees, the doors will open at 7:15 p.m. Performances will feature Korean hip-hop dance group Kasa Moda, beatboxing and Sul Poong, a traditional Korean percussion group. Although the evening will be filled with socialization, celebration and food, the organization’s main goal for the event is to further educate attendees about LiNK, an international organization.

Its focus is to create rescue teams, or school chapters, like the one at BU to fundraise.

Proceeds go toward help refugees who have escaped to China from North Korea, but are still in danger of deportation. For these refugees, a typical journey costs $3,000.

BU’s chapter was able to fundraise over $3,000 last semester, which was used to help rescue two refugees who were facing imprisonment.

“We think we made a big difference,” said Da Young Lee, LiNK chapter president and a senior majoring in integrative neuroscience. “We were able to save two people’s lives. So just

for that, we feel like we did a great job and that the work pays off.”

LiNK has held many events in the past, including movie night fundraisers, game nights and even guest refugee speakers who have discussed their lives as North Korean citizens and their motivating journeys to freedom. However, Lee called the banquet the chapter’s first big event.

Documentaries depicting life in North Korea are frequently shown at meetings to further educate students on the realities of the atrocities happening throughout the country.

“People who watched [these movies] said they were very shocked after they saw the documentaries,” Lee said. “We were very happy about this because our members knew what was happening [in North Korea], but they didn’t really see it with their own eyes.”

Lee shared that she is excited by the prospect of students coming to the banquet, and is interested in learning more about North Korea and ways to help out.

“You often hear things on the news that North Korean people are starving and suffering and some are escaping, though it all feels very vague,” Lee said.

“When you actually see it, it becomes more real.”

Tickets are selling for $7 online through the Student Association website or $8 at the door. The dress code for the evening is semiformal.

OPINIONS Friday, November 4, 2016

Moving past our country's cultural crisis As traditional social institutions decline, the United States must rediscover community Aaron Bondar

Contributing Columnist

It is no secret that the United States faces a cultural crisis.

In the last decade, the U.S. has gone through profound social changes brought about by the internet, globalization and a massive demographic shift. All of this confusion and anxiety is compounded by the breakdown of communities across the United States since the mid-20th century. Americans are increasingly lonely and have fewer friends than they used to, while participation in community events and organizations has declined markedly.

Americans are also increasingly skeptical of one another; around one-third of Americans feel they can trust others while, a generation

ago, half of Americans trusted their fellow citizens. Our atomized modern world has shifted the focus from community and social bonds to the individual. These cultural and psychological changes have not only made Americans lonelier, unhappier and more unsatisfied, they have also eroded the importance of traditional social institutions that give people meaning in life.

These cultural changes have also come alongside massive worker displacement. The labor force participation rate is at 62.9 percent; in 2008, it was 66 percent.

Some of this can be accounted for by the rising number of retirees, but some of this decline is the result of the disappearance of jobs due to technological progress and cheaper labor overseas. The decline of well-paying, blue-collar jobs is another form of social degradation.

Many people take real meaning from their work, especially if they have a family.

This trend is only getting worse.

This month, Tesla Motors unveiled the closest thing to a self-driving car we have seen. At the same time, 3 million men across the United States drive trucks or cars for a living. Self-driving cars, when they are inevitably embraced for their benefit to public safety, will displace millions of workers.

The results of these massive cultural and economic changes can be seen in the changing fortunes of middle-aged white Americans.

This group saw mortality rates rise between 1999 and 2015, a marked deviation from the general downward trend in death rates.

Some of this increase is attributable to opioid and heroin use, suicide and alcohol abuse. The divorce rate in these communities has also risen.

Lack of employment and a general feeling of despair have also created a deep divide between affluent and non-affluent communities. Young, affluent

Americans have actually increased their rates of civic and community engagement while less fortunate American youth have withdrawn from their communities. High rates of divorce and single-parent households have meant that parents have less time to spend with already at risk and disillusioned kids.

Rates of churchgoing have actually increased for affluent communities and decreased for non-affluent Americans. In short, the feeling of cultural and economic displacement has driven these communities into despair and degraded important social institutions like the nuclear family and a strong community based around trust. These specific trends are more recent, but the same trends can be seen in poor minority communities all over the United States, a legacy from the disappearance of manufacturing jobs, poor policing and discriminatory hiring practices.

The discussions have been all over our campus among administrators and students alike, but there seems to be a misconception that the hindrance between police and community members is an issue for only marginalized communities, I am here to remind you, this is an issue for everyone. Although police brutality disproportionately affects black and Latinos/Latinas, it is not a single group’s problem it is a human rights problem. According to Leonard Pitts, a columnist for The Miami Herald, “people of color seem to get it first and worst, and that deserves discussion. Still, it is too often the case that we – and I include myself – forget that the racial dimension is not the only dimension.” The U.S. is hyperpoliced and hyper-surveilled with violence accompanying both.

Now that I have hopefully brought to light new information, the discussion should move beyond simply talking about the issue, but trying to solve the issue. The first step to discovering tangible solutions in approaching the problem is with a new discourse, and that is a moderated debate.

The Student Association VPMA, Student Association Programming Board, Binghamton Speech and Debate and Multicultural Resource

Center will be hosting a public debate today, November 4th, at 6pm in the Chamber Hall. The debate will surround police and community relations with various viewpoints that go beyond the popular rhetoric, to solutions that the whole community can benefit from.

The debate will be conducted like a presidential debate, but way more informative, believe me. It will be moderated by administrator Jazell Johnson as well as the Editor and Chief of Pipe Dream Jeffrey Twitty. The debate will also feature debaters from the Binghamton Review (Alex Carros, Thomas Casey) and BLM Protest on Campus (Lenny Herrera, Raul Cepin). Regardless of your position on police and community relations, this is an opportunity to evoke conversation about a topic that affects not only blacks and hispanics, but everyone. The hope is for by the end of the debate, or sometime in the near future, solutions be proposed towards extinguishing the police brutality problem, and a plan be composed in order to proceed accordingly.

Adina Matos Director of Communications in the office of the Vice President for Multicultural Affairs

Public Debate on Police & Community Relations The Anderson Center Chamber Hall, Binghamton University 6:00 p.m., Friday, Nov. 4

are different from them and provide necessary services to disadvantaged communities. Additionally, a civil service program can instill in young Americans a positive sense of community and nationhood, binding us together through shared values like hard work, charity and unity. Another necessity is the reform of our deeply troubled education system which has failed too many children for too long.

While making our schools more efficient, our public education system should also engage in rigorous civic education, making a concerted effort to instill children with the importance of charity, democratic values and community engagement.

I have great confidence in the American capacity for change. Now we just have to set about making it.

— Aaron Bondar is a sophomore double-majoring in economics and political science.

Opening discussion

Letter to the editor: police relations How do you feel about Police and Community Relations?

- - -Tired of hearing about it?

Regardless if you are or not, it is an important topic we all should be both thinking and talking about, whether it be in the classroom, in a general body meeting, or in a casual conversation with friends.

So now that the topic is fresh in your head, taking into account the past four or so years (and of course beyond that), how confident do you feel with law enforcement? While you think about that, according to a June 2015 Gallup poll, in the United States confidence in police is at its lowest in 22 years. A recent Gallup poll found that, “overall, 25% of Americans say they have a great deal of confidence in the police, 27% quite a lot, 30% “some,” 16% “very little” and 2% “none.” A major reason as to why this may be the case is the constant media coverage surrounding police brutality within the United States. It is not that conflict between community members and the police has suddenly emerged but instead it, as stated previously, it has recently received constant public attention, you cannot escape it, even the Huffington Post has designated an entire section to the discussion and news related to police brutality.

Secular, upper-class liberals, many of whom attend university, generally look down on traditional social structures. They disdain nationalism and oppressive traditions while emphasizing the paramount importance of individual empowerment.

Unfortunately, these traditional social structures provide for stability not only in disadvantaged communities but in privileged ones as well. The only cure for a deeply unsatisfied, unhappy and lonely United States is a reinvigoration of national purpose and mission, to give us a sense of direction, hope and community. The only way to heal our deep scars is to rediscover the joys of community and belonging that have long fallen out of fashion.

One way to do this is to invest in a massive civil service program that can at once give young Americans everywhere, from all classes and regions of the country, an opportunity to meet others who

Confusion and discomfort hinder speech Kara Bilello

Columnist

I grew up in a home where open discussions in a forum style were the norm; my parents created an environment where my brother and I, from an early age, were welcome and encouraged to participate. My dad was a lawyer so it felt very natural to talk about issues of social justice and morals. In this sense, I have been very lucky. Open dialogues have always been something that was normal and felt natural to me; however, different individuals have had different experiences, and not all feel the same way.

I have recently begun to realize how much goes unsaid through forms of censorship, social discomfort and prejudice. When naturally stimulated, important conversations are blocked, and an issue arises: ignorance grows, while the issues remain silenced.

Part of the reason why this has occurred is due to confusion. It is an increasingly common belief that in order to have a conversation on a charged topic — such as reverse racism — one must be an expert in that field. That is simply not true.

Finding and speaking to experts can occur later as a building block, but what is necessary first is to begin these conversations with one’s own

experiences and knowledge at hand.

Otherwise, these conversations will never be present.

Another block in the way of open discussions is personal discomfort.

This is where trigger warnings come into play; they are used as a form of censorship over the information that one person cannot control. If one suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder, and will literally be triggered into a flashback, that is different. However, most trigger warnings are unnecessary.

An individual can refuse to participate in a conversation if it is too overwhelming for them, but the dialogue altogether needs to continue to exist. I am not trying to be insensitive to personal feelings, but instead, open up a forum for different beliefs. You think that reverse racism exists and another person does not agree?

Let’s talk about it, rather than becoming personally offended at the difference in viewpoints.

We have the necessary means and the resources to stimulate these conversations here at Binghamton University: discussion-style classes, student organizations, various publications — including Pipe Dream — and a wide community of people with diverse backgrounds.

The potential is present to have conversations that have long been neglected. Differing viewpoints are what make our campus so unique and special. We are a SUNY school, but different parts of New York

state have different cultures. The families that we were raised in may look different and act differently from one another, and this is a great asset. We have the necessary materials and participants to start a conversation that is engaging for all parties by allowing all to explain their own opinions.

Often, there are not spaces to have dialogues. Nonjudgmental spaces are limited and, depending on the audience, many may feel uncomfortable.

In addition, the high presence of trigger warnings can serve as a block on conversations if topics altogether are avoided in fear of offense. The excuses can be plentiful: we don’t have time, we are too tired, there is too much other stuff going on. Does it really matter? It does; through the opening of viewpoints, we can create a culturally aware society.

We must create these spaces to talk about the issues that matter to us.

Right now, important dialogues are being presented due to the election season. However, this needs to continue long past January. Opening up a place for conversation will make all of us feel more accepted in their views being held as respected, and will allow for a growth in knowledge as we are exposed to many viewpoints that we may not have realized on our own.

— Kara Bilello is a sophomore majoring in English.

Fulfillment over finances A personal reflection on choosing a career in social work Sarah Saad

Columnist

A friend once reminded me that there is no true way to know if you are making the right or wrong decision. Instead, you need to trust your body. At the end of the day, your body will allow you to rest easy if you are being honest with yourself, but if you’re pursuing only what your mind tells you to pursue, your body will argue with itself. I’ve often pondered this advice in reflecting on my career decision.

This past week I was asked, “If money was no factor, what would your dream job be?” I laughed and said, “social work,” and then I realized I am pursuing it. For most of my life, I believed that I wanted to be a social worker.

It encompasses everything I wanted for my career, along with the flexibility I desired,

but the title’s mediocre income was less appealing. I thought, if I have the potential to be whatever I wish to be, why would I limit myself to a career that will make my financial life difficult?

I thought, shouldn’t I pursue a career in which financial troubles are less of an issue? Yet, as I developed, I recognized the importance that social workers hold and believed my strengths and goals align with the field.

Therefore, I shoved aside my grandmother’s anger which was bottled up for when I confirmed I would not go to law school, and instead began to begin my process to apply to schools.

As motivation was running smoothly, I quickly remembered I was surrounded by friends pursuing careers through the School of Management. Needless to say, my fears of neglecting potential financial burdens quickly came back.

Instead of continuing with the process, I began to seek answers.

I asked each one of my family members what they thought I should do. I called family friends in the field of social work, watched TED Talks and spoke to friends currently enrolled in schools about whether or not they believed I should pursue this career. I thought, maybe I should take time off? Maybe I should settle for a boring job that will make me money, and then go back to school?

Yet, deep down, that saddened me. Selling out has never been an option, and it will not begin now.

This decision I have made has been one I have known for too long. It has dug into my gut, and is now something I feel I cannot give up on. Yet, my fear or regret is constantly sneaking up on me, although it’s difficult to fathom why. As we walk out the doors on graduation day, we will finally be at the point in our lives where there is minimal pressure to follow a next path. The path is up to us,

and that is scary for the potential regret and disappointment that is only pointed toward us.

Each decision we make feels like the final decision. It feels as though one wrong move can be the end of our lives.

When my friends get offers that are double my projected income, I can’t help but think I am making the wrong decision. But, at the end of the day, it’s easy to understand.

We spend more time focusing on whether or not we are making the right decision, than on the decision itself. While my mind doubts itself sometimes, I trust that my body knows this is the right decision for me. Therefore, while I may cringe at my desire to pursue a career where money isn’t a factor, I can settle with the knowledge that I will get some sleep.

— Sarah Saad is a senior double-majoring in human development and women, gender and sexuality studies.

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Friday, November 4, 2016 Backseat Driver

Forrest Forte and Elizabeth Manning Make His Hair Normal Again

These Joes Ain't Loyal

Elizabeth Manning

DJ Khaleb FOLLOW UP: It was a flat hamster!!

RELEASE DATE– Monday, April 20, 2009

Los Angeles Times Daily Crossword Puzzle Edited by Rich Norris and Joyce Nichols Lewis

RUMBLEPONY

Elizabeth Manning

ACROSS 1 Good-sized piece of meat 5 Play-of-color gem 9 To the left, at sea 14 Volcanic output 15 White House staffer 16 Medium for FDR’s fireside chats 17 Sign of things to come 18 Start of many a corny joke 20 O’Hara’s estate 21 Flavorful 22 Canadian tribe 23 Neighbor of Swe. 25 Scat singer Fitzgerald 27 Start of a trucker’s communication 34 Crude in a gusher 35 Sea World performer 36 Heredity units 38 “Metamorphoses” poet 40 Like milk on the floor 43 Outside, as a chance 44 Knot again 46 Classic grape soda 48 “Fourscore and seven years __ ...”

49 Start of a sound man’s mike check 53 Cancún cash 54 Pampering place 55 Manuscript encl.

58 Remove by percolation 61 Kept from swelling 65 Start of a newsboy’s cry 67 City near Sacramento 68 Jewelry fastener 69 High-performance Camaro 70 Finished 71 Church belief 72 Bulletin board sticker 73 Monthly expense

DOWN 1 Opening for a coin 2 Tibet’s Dalai __ 3 State with conviction 4 Fruit high in potassium 5 Acorn producers 6 __ colada 7 Big fusses 8 Hannibal the Cannibal 9 Genesis craft 10 Breakfast stack 11 Olfactory reception 12 Pilaf grain 13 Casino gratuity 19 NASCAR’s Petty or Busch 24 Gives a thumbs-up 26 Fall behind 27 One lacking manners 28 Fastener for Rosie 29 Upper crust 30 Music genre in the ’hood 31 Jewelry in the ’hood 32 China’s Zhou __ 33 King’s tenure

37 Unhealthful skyline obscurer 39 Scatter 41 Give permission 42 2007 William P. Young Christian-themed best-seller 45 Summer in France 47 AOL, for one 50 Cruise ship stop 51 “You can’t get out this way” sign

52 One whose job is fitting?

55 Religious offshoot 56 Wheel shaft 57 Ollie’s sidekick 59 Gillette razor 60 Gator’s cousin 62 Sheltered inlet 63 Garden site in Genesis 64 Malicious gossip 66 Suitable

ANSWER TO PREVIOUS PUZZLE:

xwordeditor@aol.com

By David W. Cromer (c)2009 Tribune Media Services, Inc.

04/20/09

04/20/09

November 4, 2016 | bupipedream.com

7

SPORTS

Men's soccer drops final regular season match, 5-1 BU to take on Vermont in America East Quarterfinals Matt Pilotti Pipe Dream Sports

In its regular season finale on Wednesday night, the Binghamton men’s soccer team was annihilated by Albany, 5-1.

The loss was the worst suffered by the Bearcats (7-5-6, 1-3-3 AE) in four years.

With a postseason berth already secured thanks to a 0-0 draw against Stony Brook on Friday, the only thing at stake in the match was BU’s seeding in the America East (AE) Tournament.

With a win, BU would have earned the fifth seed; a loss would have dropped BU to the last seed.

Depending on the outcome, Albany (10-5-2, 4-2-1 AE) could have ended with the first through fifth seeds.

Less than two minutes into play, Albany was awarded a corner kick that struck gold. The ball was launched from the right side of the field and headed in by Albany senior defender Bernardo Mattos to put the Great Danes ahead.

After allowing the quick goal, BU nearly netted the equalizer a few minutes later. Freshman midfielder Matty Flax created space and crossed in a ball that redshirt sophomore forward Isaiah Barrett headed into the box, barely missing to the left of the post.

For the remainder of the half, BU controlled possession, preventing Albany from finding quality chances. In the 38th minute, senior forward Logan Roberts found a hole in the defense and fired a strike. The Albany defender deflected the ball, though, stifling another

Katherine Scott/Pipe Dream Photographer Junior forward Ben Ovetsky recorded the Bearcats’ lone goal in their 5-1 loss to Albany on Wednesday.

good opportunity for BU. Then, BU caught a bad break on the counterattack when Albany kicked a ball in from 10 yards that found a man in front, giving the Great Danes a 2-0 advantage with five minutes remaining in the half.

“It was disappointing to go down 2-0 before the half,” said BU head coach Paul Marco. “But we talked about it, regrouped and I thought the guys’ frame of

mind was great coming out for the second half.”

The positive mindset was short-lived as BU conceded another goal to Albany just 13 seconds into the half. The goal further dampened the hopes of a comeback. BU contributed directly to the tally, as a failed clearing attempt hit off of redshirt freshman goalkeeper Alejandro Cubillo’s hand and sailed into the net for another

goal. Once again, BU responded well, controlling the pace of play and creating opportunities, but failing to convert.

In the 60th minute, Albany again found the back of the net to take a commanding 4-0 lead.

Less than two minutes later, BU conceded a fifth goal to the Great Danes. The score came off of a feed from the center to the right side, and prompted Marco to insert redshirt freshman

goalkeeper Chris Shutler.

In the final three minutes of the game, BU created its best scoring chances. In the 88th minute, junior forward Ben Ovetsky was fouled inside the box, which set up a penalty kick. Ovetsky converted the shot — BU’s first penalty kick of the season — to make the score 5-1.

BU had two more chances in the final minute, but came up short on both occasions.

“We did not really play badly, but everybody underperformed when it came to competing and making the game difficult for Albany,” Marco said. “We underperformed when it came to competing.”

No. 6 BU is set to face No. 1 seed Vermont on Saturday in the quarterfinals of the AE Tournament. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. from Virtue Field in Burlington, Vermont.

Binghamton to face UMBC Offense critical for BU in rematch of sweep Thomas Haughney Pipe Dream Sports

The Binghamton volleyball team will stretch its winning streak to five games this Friday when it hosts UMBC in a pivotal America East (AE) match.

The Bearcats (12-11, 6-3 AE) have hit a groove as of late, taking 12 of their last 13 sets. In contrast, the Retrievers (14-7, 5-3 AE) have played competitively throughout the season, but are currently riding a two-game losing streak. BU sits in third in the AE while UMBC is in fourth, just a half-game behind the Bearcats.

In their last matchup, UMBC swept the series with a commanding three-set win over

BU. BU’s play has improved drastically since then and the home-field advantage certainly works in the Bearcats’ favor.

“Our players are always hyped up at home,” said BU head coach Glenn Kiriyama. “We hope to do everything a little bit better against UMBC this time around.”

Despite BU’s recent success, the loss to the Retrievers earlier this year will be in the back of both teams’ minds heading into this match.

A reason for the Bearcats’ recent success is the chemistry that has developed on the court in the last 10 games. Freshman outside hitter Lauren Kornmann has contributed consistently in her rookie season as a Bearcat. “[Team chemistry] has gotten

Emily Earl/Pipe Dream Photographer Sophomore outside hitter Gaby Alicea is averaging 2.34 kills per set this season.

a lot better, especially since the beginning of our conference play,” Kiriyama said. “[The team has] upped the intensity level and they’re getting used to each other more and more every week.”

Kornmann has started 20 of her first 23 games played, which is a telltale sign of Kiriyama’s confidence in the rookie. Kornmann didn’t take long to become comfortable on the court, as she is averaging 3.26 sets per kill and nearly four kills per set.

She has also performed well under pressure throughout the season, particularly in her 18kill performance in BU’s upset of New Hampshire.

Kornmann isn’t the only Bearcat having a great year.

Junior setter Sarah Ngo continues to be the backbone of BU’s offense, averaging 9.42 assists per set in her 22 matches played. She has demonstrated complete confidence in her front line, including sophomore outside hitter Gaby Alicea and senior middle hitter Bianca Anderson.

Ngo has faced UMBC in all three of her years at BU, with an overall record of 3-2 against the Retrievers. In BU’s loss earlier this year, she tallied 24 assists and eight digs in the losing effort. She also set up the majority of Kornmann’s teamleading eight kills.

“We’ve been keeping balls in play, and keeping [the opposition’s] offense at bay,” Kiriyama said.

BU offense needs to continue its form of late to compete with UMBC’s solid defense. The Retrievers have held opponents to a .174 hitting percentage this season. Their offense has proven equally formidable, as UMBC ranks second in the conference in service aces and kills.

First serve is slotted for 7 p.m. on Friday from the West Gym in Vestal, New York.

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MEN'S SOCCER

Binghamton falls to Albany SEE PAGE 7 Friday, November 4, 2016

e l b m u r o t y d a e r t e G

Week 9 Start or Sit 'em ?

Fantasy Football

Evan Cole Pipe Dream Sports

Orlaith McCaffrey/Contributing Photographer Binghamton resident Nicole Schneider, who submitted the winning name, reveals the Rumble Ponies’ logo alongside area fifth-graders Sugar Williams and Caden Carangelo.

After fan contest, B-Mets change name to Rumble Ponies Orlaith McCaffrey Sports Editor

Six months after the Binghamton Mets’ unorthodox rebranding campaign garnered national attention, the organization has finally announced its new moniker: the Rumble Ponies.

That’s right.

When fans go to NYSEG Stadium next spring to watch the New York Mets’ Double-A affiliate, they will be rooting for the Binghamton Rumble Ponies, whose name was chosen in honor of the six carousels in the area.

Rumble Ponies’ owner John Hughes, who acquired the team last December, announced the new name in front of a crowd of 500 at Benjamin Franklin Elementary School on Thursday morning.

According to Hughes, the most important aspect of the search was understanding the inspiration that lead to each suggestion.

“One of the things that I really wanted to look at was the story behind the name,” he

said. “From day one, I focused on the story and then walked backward into the name. That’s why you see some of the names are unusual, but the stories are just fantastic.”

Last May, the organization welcomed name suggestions, 1,500 of which were received.

Later that month, the B-Mets’ front office chose six finalists and opened voting to the public.

The other names in the running were Gobblers, Bullheads, Timber Jockeys, Rocking Horses and the eyebrow-raising Stud Muffins.

These suggestions were widely criticized and their existence was covered by The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal.

Rumble Ponies, which was proposed by Binghamton resident Nicole Schneider, is a tribute to Binghamton’s reputation as the carousel capital of the world. For her contribution, Schneider won season tickets for life and will receive the first Rumble Ponies’ jersey when it is produced.

“As a child, I always looked forward to going to the carousels in the spring and summer,”

she said. “These carousels were put here by men of history for the community to enjoy, just like baseball.”

The eventual winner received the most votes in the contest that ran through June.

“Rumble Ponies took the natural lead and took over in the local voting and it really just gained legs all on its own,” Hughes said. “It’s unique to Binghamton and it’s something that we can call our own from now until forever.”

The students at Benjamin Franklin Elementary School won a district-wide reading contest in order to witness the name reveal. At the ceremony, two students carried a sign bearing each possible name onto the stage and eliminated them one by one. Finally, just two names stood: Rumble Ponies and Stud Muffins.

The students revealed a sign with a large “X” through the name Stud Muffins, leaving Rumble Ponies as the winner.

Red, blue and silver confetti fell from the ceiling as chants of “Rumble Ponies!

Rumble Ponies!” erupted from

the crowd. Following the ceremony, Hughes addressed the longtime fans that would not immediately be in favor of the unconventional name.

“I think we’re going to have the haters convert to lovers; that’s our goal,” he said. “For the people that aren’t really happy, I’m energized by their passion.

I enjoy the challenge of getting everybody on board.”

Following the departure of the Ottawa Senators’ minor league affiliate from Binghamton after the 2016-17 season, the Rumble Ponies will be the sole professional athletic team in the area.

The Mets organization first came to Binghamton in 1992 and most recently won both the Eastern League and Eastern Division titles in 2014.

The organization aims to build on the legacy that it has already built in the region by ushering in a new age through this name.

“We’re not turning our back on history,” said Rumble Ponies’ general manager Jim Webb. “We will continue to change and grow just like this community.”

Quarterback Start: Andrew Luck (IND): Luck has been on a tear lately, scoring more than 20 points in ESPN standard scoring in four of the past five weeks. He has a great matchup in what should be a shootout against the Packers’ decimated secondary.

Dak Prescott (DAL): Prescott has surprised virtually everyone this year, leading the Cowboys to the best record in the NFC. Look for him to keep rolling this Sunday against the Browns.

Sit: Russell Wilson (SEA): Wilson’s explosive games are predicated on his ability to run the ball. With a nagging knee injury, his fantasy production has been severely limited. That will be the case again this Monday against a staunch Bills defense.

If you’re desperate: Marcus Mariota (TEN): Mariota has turned in some notable performances this year against the right matchups and he has a good chance to impress again this weekend against the injured Chargers’ defense.

Running back: Start Carlos Hyde (SF): Hyde is returning from injury and should resume his role as the undisputed lead back against a porous Saints run defense.

Jonathan Stewart (CAR): Stewart’s one weakness as a fantasy running back was always a lack in touchdown upside, but Cam Newton is ceding plenty of goal line carries to him. This significantly increases his upside against the Rams this Sunday.

Sit: LeSean McCoy (BUF): McCoy is returning from a hamstring injury and should be limited against a tough Seahawks run defense. He does not possess the upside to warrant a start this week.

I’ve never really been interested in sports before, but when I heard the new name it definitely piqued my curiosity.

It’s a little bit ridiculous that they went from a professionalsounding name to a name that a little league team wouldn’t even go for. Personally, I thought they should’ve kept it as the Binghamton Mets.

Duncan McInnes

Matthew Sullivan

Katherine Meyers

Personally, I voted for the Stud Muffins. I wasn’t too excited for the Rumble Ponies until I saw the mascot.

on the

If you’re desperate: Charcandrick West (KC): With Spencer Ware in the concussion protocol, West has a chance to be the lead back this Sunday against a soft Jaguars defense.

Wide receiver Start: Brandon Marshall (NYJ): While the Jets’ offense is a complete disaster, Marshall will still see enough targets to justify a start this week.

Davante Adams (GB): Adams has been heavily involved in the Packers’ offense this week and is emerging as one of Aaron Rodgers’ favorite targets on the outside. Look for him to have a day against a Colts secondary that makes a habit of getting beat deep.

Sit: Doug Baldwin (SEA): Wilson’s ineffectiveness as quarterback has led to a downtick in Baldwin’s production. He is not getting enough targets to be considered for a start this week.

If you’re desperate: Corey Coleman (CLE): Coleman is returning from an injury suffered in practice after week two, but his earlier performances this season suggest he could be in for a big day against a thin Dallas secondary.

Tight end Start: Gary Barnidge (CLE): Dallas’ linebackers are not the greatest at pass coverage, having surrendered 44 receptions to tight ends on 50 targets this season. Barnidge should be running freely over the middle of the field this Sunday.

Dennis Pitta (BAL): Pitta has had some bad luck this season, failing to score so far despite recording plenty of targets. Joe Flacco’s reliance on Pitta still keeps him valuable at a thin TE position.

Sit: Hunter Henry (SD): Henry has taken a back seat to Antonio Gates since he returned from injury, so the talented rookie is not running enough routes to be started at this time.

If you’re desperate: Eric Ebron (DET): Ebron is finally back from injury and looks to be one of Matt Stafford’s favorite targets. Despite a tough matchup against the Vikings, Ebron’s talent makes him viable to go off against anyone.

Cara Jozefowski

Rylan Sylvester

It sounds like My Little Ponies formed a gang and went nuts with it.

When I came to Binghamton, the Binghamton Mets were the signature of the town. It was all I really knew about Binghamton as a city, and for them to strip the name is really sad.

WORD STREET

What do you think about the Binghamton Mets changing their name to the Rumble Ponies ?

Airi Kojima/Design Assistant