Spring 2019 Issue 25

Monday, May 6, 2019 | Vol. XCV, Issue 25 | Binghamton University | bupipedream.com

The Free Word on Campus Since 1946

PLAYBOI CARTI Flipp Dinero, Overcoats and The Groovy Boys opens concert Makoto Toyoda

contributing writer

This Saturday, Spring Fling brought on the hype with openers The Groovy Boys, Overcoats and Flipp Dinero, as well as headliner Playboi Carti. Students swarmed the Events Center at 7:30 p.m. to take part

in one of Binghamton University’s most anticipated events of the year.

During the day, student organizations lined the Spine and Peace Quad with tables as attendees partook in the usual rides, games, food and live music on campus during the day. Others lined up in the University Union basement, waiting to secure their tickets to the evening concert.

Student band The Groovy Boys opened the concert, having won a performance slot in this

see headliner page 6 kojo senoo pipe dream photographer

Rapper Playboi Carti performs for a lively audience at Spring Fling.

Girls Who Code celebrates first graduating class Charity walk raises suicide awareness Ceremony highlights club projects, women in STEM Sheila Kirsche

contributing writer

Highlighting the coding achievements of local high schoolers, Binghamton University’s Girls Who Code held its first graduation celebration on Saturday afternoon in the Smart Energy Building at the Innovative Technologies Complex (ITC). The organization hosted a ceremony to award certificates of completion to its high school students for coding their own websites.

BU’s chapter of Girls Who Code

was established this academic year by co-founders Kasey J. Hill, a first-year graduate student studying business administration, Caitlin Hall, a senior majoring in systems science and industrial engineering and Fiona Liang, a senior majoring in systems science and industrial engineering.

Looking to give women the support needed to pursue their interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and fulfill the founding mission of the organization of empowering women, fostering diversity, acting with integrity and striving for excellence, BU’s chapter teaches girls from local schools in the greater Binghamton area to advance their

understanding and ability to code.

Hall, who plans to continue working with the Girls Who Code program as she obtains her master’s degree at BU, said she is excited for the future of the organization.

“It’s turned out better than we expected,” Hall said. “We have 16 girls from six different schools across Broome County — it was very successful for the first round, and we plan on expanding even more and adding classes next semester.”

Hall said she and her co-founders wanted to create an environment for women in STEM fields.

“We really just want to provide that support system for women in

engineering and lessen the gender gap,” Hall said.

The ceremony began with an introduction from Hall, Hill and Liang.

They were followed by speeches from BU President Harvey Stenger and Mary O’Malley-Trumble, an adviser of the program, the IBM global sales management support leader for IBM Watson Health and the senior location executive for IBM Endicott.

The high school students also had an opportunity to present their projects, explaining the creation of their websites which focused varying topics, including paranormal activity and pet education.

see code page 3

Kimberly Gonzalez contributing writer

Financial aid, grants and transfers: All are devices used by students and faculty which depend on accreditation, an eight-year process beginning this spring for Binghamton University.

The Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) is one of seven regional commissions in the United States that can grant accreditation to a university. This process for BU will be led by Ellie Fogarty, vice president of institutional field relations for the MSCHE, who was a liaison for BU’s latest accreditation in 2010. Since 2014, in order to uphold innovation to constantly support institutions’ improvement, the Commission’s standards have been revised to place a bigger emphasis on the learning experience of students in a university.

The process begins with a selfstudy led by three co-chairs of the BU steering committee, including

Michael McGoff, senior vice provost and chief financial officer for BU, Pamela Smart, an associate professor of art history and anthropology and Nasrin Fatima, accreditation liaison officer and associate provost for institutional research, effectiveness and planning.

Brian Kirschner, director for communications and public relations for the MSCHE, said the self-study aims to allow administrators to honestly evaluate their progress and areas of improvement.

“It usually takes about two years from when an institution is invited to what we call the ‘self-study institute,’ which Binghamton attended this fall,” Kirschner said. “The self-study evaluation is a process where we are asking institutions to look for opportunities for improvement and innovation, and it’s an opportunity for self-reflection — to evaluate themselves and look for those areas.”

The steering committees must employ tasks which involve regular meetings, collecting information and data to analyze, using appropriate tools to check the University’s priorities and review the overall standards for accreditations while looking at the

ARTS & CULTURE BU’s Photography Club displays student work at First Friday, SEE PAGE 7

contributing writer

the commission decides whether the University is in compliance.

“The principal reasons that we want to keep our accreditation status [is]

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University’s current standard. After the self-study report is handed to the MSCHE, a peer review is conducted, which allows the commission to ask for clarification or context on data where needed. By the end of the eight years,

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On Saturday morning, students, faculty and community members walked the perimeter of Binghamton University’s Brain, the main road that circles campus, for the Out of the Darkness Walk, a fundraiser for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP).

The Out of the Darkness Walk aims to raise awareness of suicide, especially on college campuses, and to educate the community on the resources available for people struggling with mental health.

Mar Santos, co-chair for the walk and a first-year graduate student studying social work, wrote in an email that the walk fosters a sense of community on a college campus.

“The walk is an opportunity to connect people who may have experienced their own thoughts of suicide,” Santos wrote.

“Or who have lost a loved one to suicide.

It’s an event to remind you that you are not alone.”

The Out of the Darkness Walk was first brought to BU in 2013 by a student who lost their father to suicide. Joanna Zhang, co-chair of the walk and a senior doublemajoring in sociology and anthropology, said she has always supported the cause of better mental health, but recently felt the difficulties firsthand.

“I was a big advocate for mental health, and I like doing things regarding up keeping mental health, like educating people on it,” Zhang said. “But I didn’t

University begins process for reaccreditation BU forms faculty team to conduct self-study

Proceeds to benefit mental health foundation

OPINIONS

SPORTS

Jamila Woods headlines the semester’s last BUMP show,

Contributing columnist Theodora Catrina questions politicians’ use of social media,

Softball prepares for America East Championships,

SEE PAGE 6

SEE PAGE 5

SEE PAGE 9

Baseball sweeps doubleheader over UMBC, SEE PAGE 10

PAGE II Monday, May 6, 2019 Thursday, Thursday, Monday, Monday, September October October April 3,2, 5, 2017 28, 2017 2017 2017

ADDress: University Union WB03 4400 Vestal Parkway E. Binghamton, N.Y. 13902 phone: 607-777-2515 fAx: 607-777-2600

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Monday, May 6

Tuesday, May 7

Wednesday, May 8

Chance of rain, then sunny 72° — 52°

Rain likely 66° — 41°

Mostly sunny 63° — 45°

Apartment fire displaces 12 residents

LOCAL NEWS

Sen. Fred Akshar denies allegations of predatory behavior Design MAnAger* Cory Bremer design@bupipedream.com

Weather

Pipe Line

On Sunday, New York Sen. Fred Akshar released a video on Facebook titled “Enough is enough” denying allegations that surfaced this week. The allegations, which broke in a story published in the Press & Sun-Bulletin on April 29, regard Akshar’s time as a captain for the Broome County Sheriff’s office in 2014, when he had a relationship with a murder victim’s mother, Mirella Masciarelli. In the article, Masciarelli called Akshar a “predator” and said he “takes advantage of people such as myself during my darkest times,” according to the Press & Sun-Bulletin.

In the video, Akshar denounced the allegations as a part of a political smear campaign, and said his relationship with Masciarelli was consensual.

Greater Binghamton Chamber of Commerce holds annual run On Sunday morning, the Greater Binghamton Chamber of Commerce held its ninth-annual Bridge Run, according to FOX 40 News. Despite the rainy weather, thousands of runners and supporters came out at 6 a.m. to train and prepare for the race, which started at 10 a.m. Runners started and finished in front of NYSEG Stadium, running around Downtown Binghamton and across all five bridges in the area. Every year, the Greater Binghamton Chamber of Commerce donates the proceeds of the run to a local charity, with this year’s being the Discovery Center of the Southern Tier.

Local authorities responded to an apartment fire on Thursday that resulted in substantial damage and the displacement of its 12 residents, according to the Press & Sun-Bulletin. The fire, according to Binghamton Fire Marshal Alan Gardiner, originated in the kitchen from food cooking on a stove while residents were sleeping. The smoke alarms in the apartment woke the residents up and everyone escaped uninjured. Following the incident, the American Red Cross’ Southern Tier chapter helped the residents by providing temporary housing, food and clothing.

“There was a lot of bombing, the neighbors were affected a lot, the street scene was indescribable, people were afraid and terrified and running and everyone was looking for their children, nobody was able to see others.”

— Gaza resident Um Alaa Abu Absa on recent air strikes between Gaza and Israel, which resulted in infrastructural damage and the deaths of 24 Palestinians and four Israelis.

STATE NEWS

New York City to place sandbags to defend against storm surges Following the devastation of Hurricane Sandy in 2012, New York City officials have decided on a plan to defend against storm surges in the case of another catastrophic storm with the installation of four-foottall bags of soil, according to The New York Times. The plan, which involves implementing the sandbags from Wall Street to just north of the Brooklyn Bridge, will be administered by the city’s Office of Emergency Management. City officials said the sandbags are a temporary solution that will last up to five years, but face criticism from local residents who were affected

by Hurricane Sandy and are concerned the bags are not enough.

This Day in History May 6, 1937 German airship LZ-129 Hindenburg is engulfed in flames when docking in Lakehurst, New Jersey, killing 36 people.

Police Watch The following accounts were provided by Investigator Mark Silverio of Binghamton’s New York State University Police.

He was just hungry MONDAY, April 29, 10:50 p.m. — Officers responded to Chenango Champlain Collegiate Center (C4) for a theft complaint. A 51-year-old male Sodexo employee said he observed a student putting food in his pocket. Upon arrival, officers spoke with the suspect, an 18-year-old male, who produced one Muscle Milk and two Nestlé ice cream bars from his pocket. When officers asked why he stole the items, the student replied that he did not have any funds left on his meal plan. Sodexo did not want to press charges, so the suspect was released and referred to Student Conduct.

Tailed the wrong car MONDAY, April 29, 11:23 p.m. — An off-duty officer was pulling out of the Fine Arts parking garage when a vehicle began following him in close proximity. When the officer exited the garage, the gate remained open and the driver behind him was able to bypass paying the parking fee. The officer informed parking services and they said they wanted to press charges. UPD reviewed camera footage and saw the vehicle avoided paying for parking by tailing the officer. Officers confronted the driver, a 20-year-old

Melanie Gulbas Pipe Dream News

male commuter student, and he admitted to following the officer to avoid paying the parking fee. The suspect was placed under arrest for theft of services and issued an appearance ticket for Vestal Town Court.

Didn’t like that “Super Bass” THURSDAY, May 2, 11:51 p.m. — UPD responded to Seneca Hall of College-in-the-Woods for a noise complaint. A caller reported that a group of girls was being loud and singing Nicki Minaj songs. Officers determined the sound was coming from a room in Oneida Hall. UPD advised the 19-year-old female resident and her two friends to turn off the music because it was quiet hours. The students agreed to keep the noise down.

Making deals FRIDAY, May 3, 12:19 p.m. — A 50-year-old male cleaning the Fine Arts Building called UPD after noticing approximately 20 students in a classroom after closing. Officers spoke to the students, who said they were the Black Dance Repertoire performance group. A female student said the group had an event the next day and were desperately trying to perfect their routine before their performance. Officers spoke to the cleaning staff, who agreed to clean in another area and granted the group of dancers 30 more minutes to practice. UPD went back to the room around 1 a.m. and found the group packing up their stuff on time.

bupipedream.com | May 6, 2019

NEWS

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Curator discusses state of Holocaust museums, artifacts Steven Luckert, ‘93, talks Holocaust remembrance Emma Tennyson-Hickey contributing writer

Students and faculty gathered in a room in the Fine Arts Building on Thursday to remember the Holocaust and its victims.

Binghamton University’s Institute for Genocide and Mass Atrocity Prevention (I-GMAP) sponsored the Holocaust Remembrance Day event, which brought academics to the University to discuss the history of the genocide. Steven Luckert, ‘93, former head curator of the permanent exhibition and current senior program curator in the Levine Institute for Holocaust Education at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C., held a public talk titled “Holocaust and Genocide Museums in the 21st Century: Challenges and Opportunities.”

Nadia Rubaii, co-director of I-GMAP and a professor and chair of public administration at BU, said the practitioners in residence program, which aims to break down barriers and build bridges between academics and practitioners, were key to the purpose of Luckert’s presentation.

“This event is part of a series of events that the Institute for Genocide and Mass Atrocity Prevention has every year where we bring in ‘practitioners in residence,’ and those are individuals who work in any way, shape or form in government,

nonprofit, civil society or the private sector to advance the goal of preventing genocide and mass atrocity,” Rubaii said. “Luckert contacted us, and once we learned about him and the kind of work that he did, we started planning, about a year ago, for him to be here.”

According to Rubaii, the focus of working together and bringing a combination of both historical and future-oriented perspectives was a theme for the institute and Luckert’s talk. “[Luckert’s] work focuses on how do you use all of that information from a horrific time in our world history and use it to educate people for the future,” Rubaii said.

Luckert began his speech by discussing how his exposure to Holocaust studies began at BU and how a multidisciplinary approach on the topic provided a deeper analysis of the study. Luckert discussed the opening of the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum and said as worldwide interest in the Holocaust has increased, attendance has grown.

“Since opening in April 1993, more than 44 million visitors have come to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum,” Luckert said. “Over 1 million people per year visit the state museum of Auschwitz-Birkenau.”

Highlighting problems that the museums face, Luckert provided photos of shoes from Holocaust victims and said they have disintegrated over time, destroying valuable artifacts.

“We are facing a lot of challenges as well, and one of

rose coschignano pipe dream photographer Steven Luckert holds his public talk, “Holocaust and Genocide Museums in the 21st Century: Challenges and Opportunities,” on Thursday afternoon in the Fine Arts Building for Holocaust Remembrance Day.

these is preserving and collecting artifacts before they disappear,” Luckert said. “The passing of the survivor generation is very sad, because not only are they blatant witnesses of what happened, but they bring a wealth of knowledge.”

Luckert said the museum has seen changes in audience participation, particularly in regard to reading patterns and the introduction of modern technology.

“Over the course of time, the amount of time attendees have spent reading has changed, a decrease in the number of words used, the amount of time people spend reading the text has declined,” Luckert said.

“Photographing has become a way for people to remember what they saw with technology and take those memories with them. People spend more time looking at images than they do reading text.”

Sarah Prentice, a first-year graduate student studying public administration and student affairs administration, said she found the talk educational.

“Steven spoke at our class last week, so I came to hear him talk and expand on the topic,” Prentice said. “His talk about how museums were changing and revitalizing was interesting, especially regarding people who were reading less at museums.”

The use of modern technology has given both museums and academics the opportunity to better understand and visualize the Holocaust’s history, according to Luckert. Providing a photo of a 3D model of Auschwitz, Luckert said the model was used as evidence to refute claims made by Nazis during their trial in 2016. ”They designed this 3D virtual model so they could place that person where they were and determine what they could have seen and what was going on at that camp,” Luckert said.

“Looking at this technology, you can map out death marches and determine the geography of the Holocaust.”

According to Luckert, there are efforts being made to reach international audiences with Holocaust and genocide history education. In 2005, the museum partnered with Google Earth to highlight the genocide in Darfur, a region in western Sudan.

“The topic is important today — with hate speech and misinformation,” Luckert said.

“You saw from these satellite photographs the kind of destruction that was taking place.

All this becomes very important when using technology to elucidate the past by using things like a geographic information system to give you insights into what’s happening.”

Walk promotes suicide prevention walk from page 1

ariel kachuro assistant photography editor Michelle Pao, teaching instructor for the Binghamton University chapter of Girls Who Code and a sophomore majoring in biomedical engineering, speaks after a student presentation at the organization’s first graduation ceremony on Saturday afternoon.

Ceremony focuses on women in STEM code from page 1 Some explained the difficulties they encountered while creating their websites, the different types of coding language they built into them and how they hope to progress their STEM education.

Following the presentations, the members received their certificate of completion, a T-shirt and a gift from the program’s sponsor, Visions Federal Credit Union.

Liang, who has been a part

of the Girls Who Code initiative for five years, said she hopes the organization will continue to impact others.

“I think what’s most important to us, especially as the three cofounders, is that this is our way of giving back to the community that gave to us,” Liang said.

“We’re super [excited] about the women empowerment movement in STEM, and trying to get girls interested in engineering as well as not being afraid to step out of their comfort zone.”

realize how hard it is to to deal with it until I had to do it.”

Many of the attendees noted a personal struggle with mental health as a reason for their support. Anabelle Liu, a junior majoring in Asian and Asian American studies, said she feels that the walk helps tackle the stigma surrounding mental health and suicide.

“My [sorority] sisters and I participate in it every year, and personally, I think it’s a good thing to be a part of, because I know what this is like as a person who has mental health issues,” Liu said. “It’s definitely something that needs to be more talked about and brought to light, because not everyone talks about it or is comfortable talking about it.”

Other attendees came out because they had experienced the tragedy of losing a child, spouse, parent or friend to suicide. Janette Hicks, 58, of Greene, New York, came with a friend who lost a child and said she wants to help prevent this for others.

“I am here to support a friend who lost a son to suicide,” Hicks said. “And we’re just here today to show our support and hopefully raise some money so

that maybe somebody else won’t lose their son.”

Robert France, board chair for the South Central New York chapter of the AFSP, said joining the foundation helped with his personal loss.

“My wife and I lost our son — now it’s been seven years ago — to suicide, and we found it comforting to get involved,” France said. “We felt if we could

do something to help save other people, then it’s worth it.”

Nicole DeCelle, area director for the Capital Region and South Central New York chapters of the AFSP, said she was inspired by the turnout on Saturday and thinks BU is taking steps in the right direction for the fight against suicide.

“It’s always so heartwarming to see the number of students,

community members, faculty members and community organizations that come out to support the campus walks,” DeCelle said. “I think that it is so vital to get the messages of hope, the resources and the awareness out there on our campuses and to create stronger and suicidesafe communities, and we’re so grateful that Binghamton has been part of that.”

ariel kachuro assistant photography editor Students carry an American Foundation for Suicide Prevention banner as they walk the perimeter of campus on Saturday morning for the Out of the Darkness Walk fundraiser.

Professor deconstructs Mueller report BU prepares for reaccreditation Discussion explores state of Russia investigations Kaitlyn Hart

contributing writer

National news has recently been hit with updates on numerous ongoing investigations of government, including Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s investigations of Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election. On Thursday, Wendy Martinek, an associate professor of political science at Binghamton University, held a discussion to explain the complexities of the judicial process and potential outcomes of multifaceted investigations into political campaigns.

During the talk, which was sponsored by BU’s Center for Civic Engagement, Martinek, who

specializes in judicial politics, focused on discussed the legal premise for the investigators’ powers. According to Martinek, there are four types of investigators currently looking into President Donald Trump. The first is Mueller, whose investigation concluded at the end of March. Even though the Mueller investigation is now complete, investigations will still continue because of the institutional structure of the United States. “[There are] so many investigations,” Martinek said.

“Every time you turn on the news, you just get slammed with them.”

Mueller’s investigation is not the first of its kind to be launched on a sitting president.

In the 1990s, Special Counsel Ken Starr investigated former President Bill Clinton for his role in the Whitewater scandal and for lying under oath. Mueller’s

investigation deals with Russian government interference, WikiLeaks, Middle Eastern interference, the Trump Tower Moscow Project, Paul Manafort and any potential obstruction of justice.

Martinek said the Mueller investigation gave rise to three investigations from U.S. attorneys: one in the eastern district of Virginia, about Lieutenant General Michael Flynn, Trump’s former national security adviser, regarding how he never registered as a lobbyist for a foreign government; another in the southern district of New York, examining campaign conspiracy, Trump’s inauguration and Rebuilding America Now, a pro-Trump political action committee and an investigation in Washington, D.C., focused on the actions of Maria Butina, an accused Russian spy.

Letitia James, New York state’s attorney general, is also launching investigations on the president’s real estate dealings, Trump Tower, meetings with Russian officials and possible violations of the emoluments clause of the U.S. Constitution.

Martinek said that through congressional committees, such as the House Committee on Financial Services and the House Intelligence Committee, Congress has the power to investigate the president, his finances and any potential involvement in foreign interference.

Martinek also answered students’ questions on a variety of topics relating to the investigation, including media coverage of the investigations and possible bias in the numerous investigations as well as what the redactions in the Mueller report mean, following the talk.

process from page 1 because if we are not an accredited institution, we will not have any access to the federal grant money for faculty research or any financial aid for our students,” Fatima wrote in an email. “Imagine faculty with no research grants or students with no access to financial aid. Also, our students’ credits will be extremely difficult to transfer to an accredited institution, if not impossible.”

BU was initially accredited in 1952 and has gone through several reaffirmations of

accreditation since then.

Fatima said the likelihood of the University losing its accreditation is slim.

“Based on my [15] years of experiences with accreditation (including serving as evaluator for other institutions), I can confidently say that there is absolutely no risk that Binghamton will not get reaccredited,” Fatima wrote.

“We have an excellent plan, we have the right people to execute it. We have been systematically doing assessment, and using the assessment results for continuous improvement.

Now, all we have to do is to tell our story.”

Spring Fling

THEO MASON STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

WARRIORS

Weekend Warrior, spring has finally sprung — well, everywhere except Binghamton. Although the weather was rainy, you still celebrated Spring Fling by drinking cheap liquor from a water bottle, hopping on some sketchy carnival rides and bumping at the Playboi Carti concert — where, let’s be honest, the only song you knew was “Magnolia.” School may be coming to a close, but that won’t stop you from hitting the bars every night before the summer starts. Just make sure you hide all those empty alcohol bottles before you move out.

OPINIONS Monday, May 6, 2019

Athletes should be able to compete regardless of biological factors The IAAF’s new hormone policy unfairly targets athletes like Caster Semenya Brian Neggie Guest Columnist

This past Easter, I rolled my eyes as I saw that I received a text message from someone who identified herself as a Broome County Army Career Counselor.

She asked if I have interest in the Army Reserves. The message detailed the benefits of joining, including promises of substantial monetary incentives: free college, up to $65,000 in student loan repayment, $20,000 cash bonuses and more. For people struggling financially, it could seem like an answer to their prayers — and there lies the problem. In a country where student loan debt is at an all-time high at $1.56 trillion, where skyrocketing drug prices are directly killing Americans, military recruitment centered on the financial benefits of joining can only be referred to as predatory.

As military recruiters are given free access to high schools as part of the No Child Left Behind Act, we should be especially concerned about the incredibly coercive nature of the power dynamic between teenagers and members of the U.S. armed forces. An article published in the American Journal of Public Health summarizes, “Military recruiter behaviors are disturbingly similar to predatory grooming.” For instance, the article points to recruiter handbooks that encourage recruiters to get as involved in everyday school life as they possibly can, including offering coffee and doughnuts regularly and attending school events like

dances and sports games dressed in uniform. These tactics to integrate into children’s lives are meant to gain the trust of both students and the adults around them. They also happen to emulate the beginning tactics used by child predators to increasingly gain access to their targets, wherein predators build trust with children by offering gifts and bonding over shared interests while befriending parents and other adults.

The power imbalance inherent between children and adults is only compounded by the promise of considerable money and benefits offered by military recruiters.

In any other context, an adult hanging around school grounds offering children treats and money would be considered disturbing.

The article also mentions that the recruiter handbook does not mandate recruiters to detail the harms students may face if they serve in the military, just as predators will obviously not disclose their harmful intentions to their targets. Recruiters will not tell teenagers, who are likely ignorant about the military, about the high rates of mental illness, suicide and homelessness veterans face, and they certainly will not disclose the horrors of war.

My concern lies primarily with the impacts of military recruitment on high schoolers, but as a graduating senior at Binghamton University who still received the recruitment message, the harm is clearly not limited to just teenagers. We see advertisements all the time emulating the same sort of marketing strategy. We’re used to seeing recruitment advertisements center around the honor of serving one’s country and protecting democracy —

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Caster Semenya competes in the women’s 800-meter run in the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

whatever that means — and now we see a shift toward presenting the financial benefits. Perhaps this shift can be attributed to the fact that recruitment seems to be failing in recent years. The U.S. Army missed its 2018 recruiting goal by a substantial margin, and recruiters are feeling the heat.

“We’re tossing away some of the old methods,” said Marshall Williams, the deputy assistant secretary

of the Army for manpower and reserve affairs. “That person we’re going after today is so completely different.” The use of “going after” is of importance for me, because it implies there are targets that must be preyed on in a specific way. Sure, all marketing targets people in a specific way, but most marketing doesn’t use money as leverage to recruit people to serve on behalf of a government.

I’ll be transparent: I don’t support the military and all the destruction and death it causes overseas, which is why I find this whole situation especially insidious.

Regardless, even people in favor of the military can recognize that dangling money, housing and benefits in front of young people, especially people from low-income backgrounds who may want to go to college but

can’t afford it, entails a great deal of coercion without presenting the full reality of the position being offered. If someone wants to “serve their country,” they should do it of their own free will, not out of financial desperation or the lack of other career and educational opportunities.

— Brian Neggie is a senior majoring in English and anthropology.

Politicians’ social media presence distracts from their policies Presidential candidates prioritize relatability at the cost of meaningful discussions Theodora Catrina Contributing Columnist

With the rise of social media, politicians have frequently taken advantage of sites that are used around the world, such as Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and other platforms. These platforms are heavily influential, and a large majority of young users use them as a primary source of information about current events and politics.

However, we must ask ourselves, how do these platforms change the scope of politics, when politicians are capable of cultivating a persona separate from their political agendas?

In the midst of the 2016 presidential election, Jeb Bush admitted to smoking weed 40 years ago during a 2016 Republican debate, and proceeded to tweet “Sorry mom” afterward. The reaction on Twitter was generally positive, with a plethora of memes reacting to the presidential candidate being humorous and relatable. However, Bush’s

confession was revealed in response to a question regarding marijuana legalization. The debate seemed to be eclipsed by the fact that one candidate admitted to smoking weed 40 years ago.

Politicians have always attempted to construct likable and relatable facades in an effort to attract more voters, and Bush isn’t the only one. 2020 Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris admitted to smoking weed in the past despite her previous opposition to legalizing marijuana.

We must ask how these actions that politicians frequently take

impact young voters, especially at a time of political uncertainty and frustration. While a candidate’s attempt to be in touch with younger generations often does well on social media, does it tend to blind people from the facts, including people’s political agendas? Is it fair for politicians to construct personal images in the face of being an electable official? I don’t believe that it is, as it can skew people’s opinions in an intensely negative way. Unfortunately, there are few actions that can be taken to mitigate politicians’, and their publicity teams’, attempts to make

them likable individuals, as proven

by President Donald Trump’s continuous “Game of Thrones” memes that he so often, and unfortunately, tweets. However, we are in a position where we can be hypervigilant about not letting people’s tweets of 280 characters and their sharing of irrelevant personal experiences in their teenage years affect our opinions of their politics.

Traditionally, younger people are the least represented demographic in voter turnout. But the voter turnout for the 2018 midterms proved that the previously low

involvement of teenagers and young adults in politics and voting is now a thing of the past, with the greatest increase of voters being between the ages of 18 and 29. As more and more young people find themselves involved in politics, regardless of their political views, we must consider how social media impacts their decisions, and how we can ensure that information being offered on these platforms are not clouding their decisions when it comes time to vote.

— Theodora Catrina is a sophomore majoring in mathematics.

Condemning the predatory tactics of military recruiters Solely presenting the financial incentives to young people is immoral Sarah Molano Opinions Editor

This past Easter, I rolled my eyes as I saw that I received a text message from someone who identified herself as a Broome County Army Career Counselor.

She asked if I have interest in the Army Reserves. The message detailed the benefits of joining, including promises of substantial monetary incentives: free college, up to $65,000 in student loan repayment, $20,000 cash bonuses and more. For people struggling financially, it could seem like an answer to their prayers — and there lies the problem. In a country where student loan debt is at an all-time high at $1.56 trillion,

where skyrocketing drug prices are directly killing Americans, military recruitment centered on the financial benefits of joining can only be referred to as predatory.

As military recruiters are given free access to high schools as part of the No Child Left Behind Act, we should be especially concerned about the incredibly coercive nature of the power dynamic between teenagers and members of the U.S. armed forces. An article published in the American Journal of Public Health summarizes, “Military recruiter behaviors are disturbingly similar to predatory grooming.”

For instance, the article points to recruiter handbooks that encourage recruiters to get as involved in everyday school life as they possibly can, including offering coffee and doughnuts

regularly and attending school events like dances and sports games dressed in uniform.

These tactics to integrate into children’s lives are meant to gain the trust of both students and the adults around them. They also happen to emulate the beginning tactics used by child predators to increasingly gain access to their targets, wherein predators build trust with children by offering gifts and bonding over shared interests while befriending parents and other adults.

The power imbalance inherent between children and adults is only compounded by the promise of considerable money and benefits offered by military recruiters. In any other context, an adult hanging around school grounds offering children treats and money would be considered disturbing. The article also mentions that the

recruiter handbook does not mandate recruiters to detail the harms students may face if they serve in the military, just as predators will obviously not disclose their harmful intentions to their targets. Recruiters will not tell teenagers, who are likely ignorant about the military, about the high rates of mental illness, suicide and homelessness veterans face, and they certainly will not disclose the horrors of war.

My concern lies primarily with the impacts of military recruitment on high schoolers, but as a graduating senior at Binghamton University who still received the recruitment message, the harm is clearly not limited to just teenagers.

We see advertisements all the time emulating the same sort of marketing strategy. We’re used to seeing recruitment

advertisements center around the honor of serving one’s country and protecting democracy — whatever that means — and now we see a shift toward presenting the financial benefits. Perhaps this shift can be attributed to the fact that recruitment seems to be failing in recent years. The U.S. Army missed its 2018 recruiting goal by a substantial margin, and recruiters are feeling the heat.

“We’re tossing away some of the old methods,” said Marshall Williams, the deputy assistant secretary of the Army for manpower and reserve affairs.

“That person we’re going after today is so completely different.”

The use of “going after” is of importance for me, because it implies there are targets that must be preyed on in a specific way. Sure, all marketing targets people in a specific way, but most marketing doesn’t use money

as leverage to recruit people to serve on behalf of a government.

I’ll be transparent: I don’t support the military and all the destruction and death it causes overseas, which is why I find this whole situation especially insidious. Regardless, even people in favor of the military can recognize that dangling money, housing and benefits in front of young people, especially people from lowincome backgrounds who may want to go to college but can’t afford it, entails a great deal of coercion without presenting the full reality of the position being offered. If someone wants to “serve their country,” they should do it of their own free will, not out of financial desperation or the lack of other career and educational opportunities.

— Sarah Molano is a senior majoring in English.

ROCKS THE EVENTS CENTER

headliner from page 1 semester’s Battle of the Bands.

Band member Ryan Lupia, a senior majoring in integrative neuroscience, said the band had spent many hours curating its Spring Fling set list, expanding the variety in their song choices to appeal to a wider audience. “[W]e tried to pick a mix of songs that will appeal to many different types of people … We have built a very [focused] energy and [an] exciting mix of music,” he said.

The performers’ set list built up the energy with a mix of music; they were greeted by cheers when performing songs like “Burnin’ Up” by the Jonas Brothers, “American Girl” by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers and “Killing In the Name” by Rage Against the Machine.

Following the student act was a more relaxed performance

by Overcoats, a New York-based electronic-pop duo comprised of singer-songwriters Hana Elion and JJ Mitchell. They featured songs from their debut album “YOUNG,” dancing in a synchronized manner to the beats of “Leave The Light On” and “Hold Me Close.”

Rapper Flipp Dinero followed the duo, bringing some of his family onstage to help him perform. Dinero’s brother opened the act, mixing and playing some of his favorite songs. Later on in the set, Dinero gave a shoutout to his other “brother,” a friend who has managed him and helped write many of his songs.

Between songs such as “I Do” and “Running Up Bands,” Dinero entertained students with jokes and personal stories. Before

performing his hit single, “Leave Me Alone,” Dinero lamented about a girl who would not stop calling him after a night out, prompting him to pick up and ask her to “let him be.”

Headliner Playboi Carti finally took the stage in a colorful blue, orange and white jacket and trendy glasses, better known as “clout goggles.” Carti engaged the audience by running to the ends of the stage and jumping down, dancing among the crowd and giving animated expressions during songs like “Shoota” and “Love Hurts.” Unlike Dinero, Carti was a man of few words, stopping between songs only to introduce his next song throughout the night. Right before rapping his popular single, “Magnolia,” Carti paused, staring out into the student body as the anticipation increased. He

broke the silence with two words: “Let’s go!”

Meagan Fenster, an undeclared freshman, said she was a fan of the concert.

“I knew a lot of [Playboi Carti’s] music and it was really exciting to see him live,” she said.

Lupia reflected on this year’s event as both a performer and attendee.

“Spring Fling is such a widespread event and includes all students no matter their background or major,” he said.

“Anyone who just wants to have a good time and to listen to music maybe they aren’t aware of yet is welcomed. I think that is really awesome … [T]he music, rides and events are all free and I believe that it brings a sense of community that all students at one level or another, want to be a part of.”

kojo senoo pipe dream photographer Flipp Dinero opens Spring Fling and pumps up the crowd with hits including “Leave Me Alone.”

Jamila Woods previews new album at BUMP show Triathalon opens last show of the semester Jillian Forstadt Digital editor

On May 2, Chicago-based artist Jamila Woods filled the University Union Undergrounds with her soulful lyrics at the

final Binghamton Underground Music Presents (BUMP) show of the spring semester.

Backed by a full band, Woods performed an assortment of her older music and previewed new songs from her upcoming album “LEGACY! LEGACY!” which comes out on May 10.

Mika Itkin-Weinstein, BUMP chair and a senior majoring in

kojo senoo pipe dream photographer Chicago-based artist Jamila Woods performs in the University Union Undergrounds at BUMP’s final show of the semester.

English, cited songs like “VRY BLK” and “Blk Girl Soldier” as evidence that Woods’ appeal goes beyond her vocal talent.

“I think she’s just an extremely powerful artist and poet and activist,” Itkin-Weinstein said.

“To share her artwork with all of these students is really exciting.”

Each song on Woods’ new album is named after an influential person of color, with tracks inspired by author James Baldwin, artist Frida Kahlo and writer Zora Neale Hurston. During her set, Woods performed the album’s first single, ”GIOVANNI.” Named after poet Nikki Giovanni, the song is inspired by Giovanni’s 1972 poem “Ego Tripping (there may be a reason why)” and borrows its title for the song’s chorus, which repeats, “There must be a reason why.”

“After I realized I had a couple songs named after people, I was just like, ‘Oh, let me make a list and try to write these songs that are still about me,’” Woods said. “Like autobiographical selfportraits, but through the lenses

of these other people.”

The crowd’s positive reception to Woods’ music was palpable as students belted along to a mashup of Destiny’s Child’s “Say My Name” and Woods’ “In My Name” off her 2017 album, “HEAVN.” Much of Woods’ music addresses her experiences as a black woman and the systems of power that people of color face in the United States. As an undergraduate at Brown University, Woods doublemajored in Africana studies and theatre and performance studies and met many of the current members of her poetry collective, Dark Noise.

“I think my time at Brown was important in helping me find my artist community and then also just giving me a language to describe certain things … things that I had experienced my whole life, but didn’t really know that lots of people of color or marginalized people experienced these things,” Woods said.

During her set, Woods took a moment to recognize the

$185.00 $210

black people who came out to the event. Danielle Christian, a senior majoring in business administration, said that she appreciated the gesture.

“I love how she shouted out the black people in the audience,” Christian said. “I love when people are appreciative of the crowd. Like, I love you, but I love that you love me.”

When she’s not performing, Woods serves as the associate artistic director of Young Chicago Authors, a youth literary nonprofit. Woods said the creative practices she uses with her students are the same ones she uses when she struggles with writer’s block.

“I try to make a prompt or give myself some kind of limitation, which I think helps me be a better teaching artist and also a better artist myself,” Woods said. “There’s never nothing to write. It’s either that I’m thinking too hard and wanting everything to be perfect and have to let go of that or that I’m not reading enough, I’m not taking in enough.”

The crowd was warmed up by opener Triathalon, a bedroompop group based in New York.

The group released its most recent album, “Online,” last year, blending hip-hop beats into their mellow sound.

While many previous BUMP shows have featured a contrasting lineup — past shows this year have included pairings such as experimental rapper JPEGMAFIA and Priests, a post-punk band — ItkinWeinstein said she thinks the two performances fit together well.

“I think there’s a cohesive rhythm to both artists,” ItkinWeinstein said. “[They] create a very warm and cozy vibe.”

Maya Kallman, a sophomore double-majoring in art and design and business administration, said while she had already listened to Woods’ music, the show made her a fan of Triathalon.

“Jamila is like an angel,” Kallman said. “Triathalon, I’ve never heard them before, but I thought they were incredible.”

bupipedream.com | May 6, 2019

ARTS & CULTURE

7

Hooplah festival combines art and environmentalism Hula Hoop Club, IDEAS co-host event in Union Patrick Earns

contributing writer

At the annual Hooplah Music and Arts Festival on Friday, students watched a hula hoop performance, made environmentally friendly crafts and tested out their own hula hoop skills.

Though Hooplah was originally scheduled to be held on the Harpur Quad, inclement weather forced organizers to relocate indoors to University Union room 202. The free festival, a collaboration between Hula Hoop Club and Intellectual Decisions on Environmental Awareness Solutions (IDEAS), a club focused on promoting sustainability through greater environmental awareness, featured activities such as tie-dye and painting reusable canvas bags. It also included a show from Hoop Troop, Binghamton Universityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hula hoop performance group.

With the eventâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s theme of sustainability, Hooplah sought to celebrate the environment and

advocate for its protection while maintaining a fun atmosphere.

Activities such as a clothing swap and free seed bombs mixed entertainment with environmental consciousness. Rachel Weisbrot, a senior majoring in environmental studies, the vice president of IDEAS and the performance manager for Hula Hoop Club, said the event aimed to show the connection between art and environmental awareness. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s like a celebration of spring, art and sustainability,â&#x20AC;? Weisbrot said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Bringing the elements of art and earth together.â&#x20AC;?

While hula hooping and environmental sustainability may seem to be unrelated interests, Weisbrot said the combination makes for an enjoyable experience while leading to greater environmental consciousness. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I feel like art and sustainability can easily work together, and I feel like it helps people connect to the earth better,â&#x20AC;? Weisbrot said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I really like incorporating the two. I think itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just really fun.â&#x20AC;?

Weisbrot said simple changes in daily life can be important in decreasing environmental footprints and protecting the earth

so future generations can enjoy it. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sustainability is a really big word, but itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s something you can incorporate in any part of your life,â&#x20AC;? Weisbrot said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Just being conscious of the decisions you make and making sure that the future environment is one thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s suitable for our children and our grandchildren. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s what sustainability means to me.â&#x20AC;?

Gina Anasagasti, creative director of the Hula Hoop Club and a junior majoring in mathematics, discussed what the club is about and what it has to offer to students who may be feeling the pressure of finals approaching. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We promote stress-relieving activities through hula hooping, we teach tricks, we hang out, we socialize,â&#x20AC;? Anasagasti said.

Though Anasagasti is not a member of IDEAS, she said she shares many of their concerns about the environment, and expressed optimism that young people can make a change on an individual and collective level. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think our generation is a lot more environmentally conscious and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s really good to get everyone involved in that because weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re residents of earth first,â&#x20AC;?

isaiah king contributing photographer The Hula Hoop Club hosts Hooplah, an event featuring craft stations and live performances.

Anasagasti said.

Anasagasti also said students should remember to make time for themselves and not let

themselves crack under the weight of academic pressure. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Take some time out of your day, even if itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not hula hooping,

and do something that you like to do,â&#x20AC;? Anasagasti said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Just relax a little bit. College can be hard sometimes.â&#x20AC;?

Spool Contemporary Art Space hosts film installation BU students create live cinematic performances Sean Carr

contributing writer

On Friday, the Spool Contemporary Art Space in Johnson City welcomed Binghamton University students enrolled in Cinema 360: Expanded Cinema as they presented their final projects at an event titled â&#x20AC;&#x153;Shadows in the Parlor.â&#x20AC;?

The event was split into four cinema performances that were created in real time using props,

noisemakers and projectors.

Each performance was inspired by a historic invention created by one of four local companies: the Bundy Manufacturing Company, the Link Piano and Organ Company, the Automatic Musical Company and Ansco Lofts.

Students approached the task of creating art based on inventions such as the Bundy time clock and player piano by using obsolete technology, primitive sound design and, because the art was developed live, a raw aesthetic.

The first performance combined imagery from dual projectors facing the front wall.

One projector had paper-cut silhouettes projected on the front wall while the other showed a glass bowl filled with water, which created an aquatic backdrop when placed over the silhouettes.

The second performance took a more machine-centric theme, with silhouettes of two gears spinning with the noise of a cranking fishing pole meant to complement the visual aspects.

Following a brief intermission, the third performance redefined the confines of the visual plane established by the first two performances. Instead of starting at the center, dual projectors

focused on blue wavering lights that swirled around the screen before slowly melding into one image. The sound of a half-full water bottle turning up and down gave the performance an aquatic feel. The concluding performance featured train-inspired imagery alongside propulsive pacing created by the sound of shaking coins.

Kurt Majka, a senior majoring in film, said the performance was reflective of BUâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s focus on experimental film in addition to more conventional narrative styles. â&#x20AC;&#x153;For the majority of people,

films are a way to tell stories, but the cinema department at BU is focused on the more artistic aspect,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;[Other colleges] might focus on the more Hollywood style whereas weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re more focused on the oldfashioned independent cinema style, performance stuff like this.â&#x20AC;?

Majka also said his experience as a spectator was defined by the unpredictability of the performances. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a film that youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re performing live,â&#x20AC;? Majka said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Normally when you make a movie or a show, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s already pre-edited and composed on a computer â&#x20AC;Ś

But this is all assembled from difference pieces â&#x20AC;&#x201D; the audio is made as weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re listening to it, the moving images are moved from peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hands, so thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a randomness to the performance that you wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get from an actual film.â&#x20AC;?

Brittaney Skavla, a junior majoring in film, said the element of surprise added something unique to the performances. â&#x20AC;&#x153;You never really know whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll happen next,â&#x20AC;? Skavla said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Things can change since itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s live â&#x20AC;&#x201D; itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not the same each time so new stuff happens each time that surprises [the performers] and us.â&#x20AC;?

BU Photography Club shows work at Downtown gallery Students display photos at First Friday art walk Marcus Budashewitz Arts & culture intern

On May 3, Binghamtonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s First Friday Art Walk showcased student photography with the Binghamton University Photography Clubâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;Candid First Friday Photography Gallery.â&#x20AC;?

The event, held in the lobby of the 20 Hawley St. apartment building, ran from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and displayed student photographs with themes of light and landscapes. The event was free and open to the public, and attendees were offered free snacks and drinks as music played in the background to set the scene.

Following the theme of landscapes, some pieces presented vast spaces, including a photo of the massive New York City skyline taken in Brooklyn.

Others covered a significantly smaller scope, such as a photo of a broken construction barrier in

Downtown Binghamton.

Leisa Rockelein, a junior majoring in philosophy, politics and law who serves as president of the Photography Club, said events like these are essential for the well-being of the photography community on campus. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s really important to have events like these for students to showcase their work because there arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t a lot of platforms for that,â&#x20AC;? Rockelein said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have a photography major or minor at Binghamton, so itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hard sometimes if students are looking to get further opportunities if they donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t really have any experience they can put forth.â&#x20AC;?

For the photographers of BU, Rockelein said events like these provide an opportunity to not only make headway in the professional world of photography, but also in the local community. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Being able to say â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;I have work showcased in a galleryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; or â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;I have work showcased in a photo bookâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; is really great for experience,â&#x20AC;?

Rockelein said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also a really

great way to connect with the community because a lot of locals always come to these events.â&#x20AC;?

Noah Meyers, a junior majoring in philosophy, politics and law, said the display encouraged him to consider trying out photography. â&#x20AC;&#x153;To be honest, I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t really plan on going to the event, but I was passing by so I stopped in,â&#x20AC;?

Meyers said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I was never into photography and I never really have been, but there was some really cool stuff there. It made me kind of want to buy a camera.â&#x20AC;?

Although this marks the clubâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s final event of the year, Rockelein said the Photography Club is always welcoming new members and encouraged any interested students to get involved. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re very laid back and chill; we only meet every other week and people are welcome to come with cameras or without,â&#x20AC;?

Rockelein said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Definitely donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be afraid to show up; weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re always down to help with whatever you want to explore in terms of photography.â&#x20AC;?

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rose coschignano pipe dream photographer The Binghamton University Photography Club hosts the Candid Photo Gallery at 20 Hawley St.

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Horoscopes

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THE SIGNS AS ONOMATOPOEIAS THAT START WITH B

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Aries: ​bang

Libra: ​brrrrr

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Sagittarius: ​bork

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Sudoku

Glow up

By The Mepham Group

Level: 1 2 3 4 Solution to last issue's puzzle

Ashley Sanchez

© 2017 The Mepham Group. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency. All rights reserved.

Los Angeles Times Daily Crossword Puzzle CoffEEEEEEE

Grammar is frustrating :/

Daniel Eisenhower

Sarah Teper

Edited by Rich Norris and Joyce Nichols Lewis ACROSS 1 Divided equally 7 They’re inseparable, briefly 11 Test subjects 14 Head scratcher?

15 One may be on the house 16 McDonald’s supply item 17 Main floor, often 19 One-named “Chandelier” singer 20 John/Rice musical 21 Support for PBS’ “The Joy of Painting”?

22 Cherokee, for one 23 Hosp. staffers 24 Needles 26 Frog foot feature 29 Disreputable sort 30 Head lines?

31 Sex appeal 37 A lot 38 Therapy appointment, say 39 Sound 40 Border 41 Early Beatle Sutcliffe 42 Garlicky dish 45 Convened 46 Like candles 47 Handed out 49 Gambler’s giveaway 53 MSNBC host Melber 54 Sylvia Plath title woman 56 Low 57 What glasses are often for 58 Dolores Haze, to Humbert 59 PC pioneer 60 Ain’t better?

61 Gift that’s heartfelt and often heartshaped DOWN 1 “Young Frankenstein” lab assistant 2 “Me neither”

3 Sweatshirt feature, perhaps 4 Taqueria drink 5 Vietnam Veterans Memorial designer 6 America has ten of them 7 Approve 8 Fin 9 Walk on air 10 Show with Kate McKinnon, to fans 11 Gabler’s creator 12 Relaxed 13 Ginger treats 18 Explosive situation, metaphorically 22 Mots __: perfect words 25 Concern in hiring practices 26 Old El __: TexMex brand 27 Right away, in verse 28 Small change 29 Snooze 30 Off-white 32 “Geez Louise” 33 Chemical suffix

34 Flower from the Greek for “rainbow” 35 Annie Lennox, by birth 36 List with starters 42 Pundit 43 Chocolate substitute 44 Truism 45 “That time of year thou __ in me behold”: Shak.

48 Blissful land 49 After-shower application 50 Two-time NHL Norris Trophy winner Karlsson 51 Minstrel’s strings 52 Hurdle for aspiring attys.

54 Festive party accessory 55 Wild place

ANSWER TO PREVIOUS PUZZLE:

By Derek Bowman ©2018 Tribune Content Agency, LLC

5/06/2019 11/17/18

5/06/2019 11/17/18

9

SPORTS

bupipedream.com | May 6, 2019

Softball seeks postseason success in AE Tournament Pitching staff key for Binghamton in playoffs Ryan Giglio

pipe dream sports

In the bottom of the final inning of a win-or-go-home game, the tying run was on first and the winning run was at the plate. The Binghamton University softball team needed just one more strike from then-freshman pitcher Chelsea Howard to turn a onerun lead into a victory and extend its run in the 2018 America East Softball Championship. The rising tension before Howard’s next pitch built a dramatic scene perfect for Hollywood; however, the ending of the game was far from perfect for the Bearcats, as Maine thenjunior third baseman Alyssa Derrick crushed Howard’s offering over the center field wall, ending Binghamton’s 2018 season.

One year later, Howard and the rest of the Bearcats (17-27, 6-12 America East) have a chance to rewrite the script as they get ready for this year’s AE Championships, beginning May 8 in West Hartford, Connecticut. BU head coach Michelle Johnston said she doesn’t think last year’s heartbreak will be on her squad’s mind.

“I think we [have] kind of forgotten about last year,” Johnston said. “This is obviously a different team, and I don’t think [last year’s ending] will play any part as far as the tournament goes.”

What will be on their mind, though, is the status of junior pitcher Rayn Gibson’s injured wrist. Gibson went 7-10 with a 4.26 ERA this season in 93.2 innings pitched and has not seen game action since April 14 against UMass Lowell. According to Johnston, Gibson will be getting X-rays on Monday, and the coach hasn’t ruled out the possibility of Gibson returning to the mound during the tournament.

“There is a slight possibility [Gibson] will be back, but we’re going to be prepared to have her or to not have her,” Johnston said.

Whether Gibson returns or not, BU will look to Howard and freshman pitcher Morgan Bienkowski to continue their strong pitching into the tournament.

“We’ve been really happy with [Bienkowski],” Johnston said. “She has stepped up, and I really like what she’s been giving us these past couple of weeks. I thought [Howard] threw a really good game this past weekend. I definitely feel like our other pitchers are stepping

up with [Gibson] being out.”

On Tuesday, Bienkowski was named the America East Softball Rookie of the Week after posting a 0.60 ERA in two starts. The freshman tossed a complete game shutout against Maine and didn’t surrender a run in 4.2 innings against reigning AE champion Albany. Meanwhile, Howard picked up the win in her last start by shutting out Maine in five innings while collecting five punch-outs.

Johnston said that she hopes her two young pitchers have learned from their experiences this season and will remain composed after an error or big hit occurs.

BU’s lineup can be potent enough at times to overcome any miscue or rally by the opposition. The lineup is led by the power of sophomore infielder Makayla Alvarez, the run production from junior catcher Sara Herskowitz and the speed of freshman infielder Marissa Braito. Alvarez’s nine home runs and Herskowitz’s 34 RBIs are team highs.

“In the second half this season, Sara has really gotten comfortable and she’s feeling good at the plate,” Johnston said. “I think other teams are respecting that.”

Johnston later said Braito was the tone-setter of the offense and referred to her presence as a stolen

rose coschignano pipe dream photographer After clinching the sixth and final seed in the America East conference tournament, the Binghamton softball team is set to take on Stony Brook in its opening match.

base threat. Braito is hitting .326 with 30 runs scored and has stolen 15 bases in 20 attempts this season. “[Braito] has done a good job all year in the lead-off spot,” Johnston said. “She’s been working to get on base and we just want her to continue to do that.”

As the sixth seed, BU enters the tournament in a less than ideal situation, and Johnston said the team does not feel overly

comfortable in the tournament because of the threat of facing the top two seeds, No. 1 UMass Lowell and No. 2 Albany, who will have byes to begin the tournament.

Albany has won the championship two years in a row, but nevertheless, Johnston doesn’t seem scared by any opponent.

“We know that if we play our best game against those guys, then they’re beatable,” Johnston said.

“Our mindset is that if we go out and play our best game, then we can win this.”

The tournament kicks off on Wednesday, May 8 with No. 4 UMBC facing No. 5 Hartford at 11 a.m. and the Bearcats taking on No. 3 Stony Brook at 1:30 p.m.

The two winning teams advance to the second day, and the two losing teams will play an elimination game at 4 p.m.

Joe Girardi speaks at Binghamton Hall of Fame ceremony Schum, Greenberg represent BU at induction Evan Cole

assistant sports editor

On the evening of April 29, the Greater Binghamton Sports Hall of Fame held its fifth-annual induction ceremony. Hosted by the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in Downtown Binghamton, the event honored 12 athletes who have ties to the Binghamton area. Former Major League Baseball catcher and manager Joe Girardi headlined the event, speaking at a press conference during cocktail hour.

Among the inductees were two figures associated with Binghamton University: Mickey Greenberg, ’63 and former BU men’s soccer coach Tim Schum.

Greenberg played men’s basketball for Harpur College from 1959 to 1963, scoring 1,013 career points and registering a career high of 45 points in one game. Playing for the Washington Generals after graduating, Greenberg eventually returned to the Binghamton area, coaching boys’ basketball at Vestal High School. He amassed a 246-146 record coaching Vestal, winning two NYS Section IV Titles during his tenure.

Schum coached Binghamton men’s soccer for 29 years, with his time at the helm spanning from 1963 to 1992, making eight NCAA Division III Tournament appearances and capturing six SUNY Athletic Conference (SUNYAC) championships. BU men’s soccer was named New York state’s top Division-III team twice under Schum, and he was named SUNYAC Coach of the Year in 1974.

Girardi’s most notable seasons as both a player and manager were spent with the New York Yankees.

After catching for the Chicago Cubs and Colorado Rockies for the first seven years of his career, Girardi was traded to New York in the 1995 offseason. He went on to win three World Series in four years before returning to the Cubs as a free

agent. Girardi’s lone All-Star season came with the Cubs in 2000.

“I have two [favorite memories],” Girardi said. “Opening day when I was a rookie with the Chicago Cubs, because I dreamed about playing with the Chicago Cubs from the time I was a little boy … and then I [thought] about winning that first World Series. It was really special for me, because those are things you dream about as a little kid.”

Following his retirement from playing in 2004, Girardi began managing the Miami Marlins in 2006. He coached them for one season and won National League Manager of the Year. Girardi returned to the Bronx as a manager in 2008. He coached the team for 10 seasons, winning the Yankees’ most recent championship in 2009, but he was unexpectedly fired after the Yankees came within one game of the World Series in 2017, falling 4-3 to the eventual champion, the Houston Astros. Girardi currently works as an analyst for MLB Network and Fox, but is still searching for another chance as a manager.

“I don’t consider [my managing days] over,” Girardi said. “I consider myself on a sabbatical … I really like TV, but I like managing more. TV is really something that I thought that I would like to do when I was completely done. I’ve done it between jobs. I did it between 2006 and 2008 — I’m doing it now, and I will continue to do it until I find a new job.”

During the press conference, Girardi was asked to give some words of advice to Binghamton High School’s baseball team. Known as a player-friendly manager, Girardi told team members to follow their dreams.

“Use your brain and follow your passions,” Girardi said. “Your passions may [differ] from what other kids do, or even what your parents are accustomed to, but you need to follow your passion, because if you don’t follow your passion, you won’t love what you do, and you won’t have the energy for what you do.”

mike yang staff photographer Former New York Yankees manager Joe Girardi speaks at the fifth-annual Greater Binghamton Sports Hall of Fame induction dinner on Monday night.

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SOFTBALL

BU set for playoffs SEE PAGE 9

Monday, May 6, 2019

Baseball sweeps conference doubleheader over UMBC Binghamton wins sixthstraight AE matchup Yaakov Spivack

pipe dream sports

Fresh off of sweeping the defending conference champions, the Binghamton baseball team extended its conference-winning streak to six with two successful outings against UMBC on Saturday afternoon. The Bearcats (20-19, 10-6 America East) were able to sweep their opponent. The first game saw BU earn a 13-4 victory,

while the second was captured 7-5.

With these two wins, Binghamton has clinched a spot in the 2019 AE Championship, which will be hosted by BU. “We’ve had our sights set on the postseason since the season started,” said BU head coach Tim Sinicki. “I think it’s especially exciting that we’re in fact hosting the tournament this year. I think our guys are really excited now.

They have an opportunity to play in that tournament in front of friends and families and local supporters and all the people who will be in attendance for the America East

tournament.”

The Bearcats were set to participate in a three-game series this weekend against UMBC (2025, 6-14 AE) at Alumni Field in Baltimore, Maryland; however, the series was shortened to two after Sunday afternoon’s finale was canceled.

During the opening game, the Bearcats followed a scoreless first inning with a seven-run second frame, while the Retrievers only scored two runs in the bottom half of the inning, setting the tone for the rest of the afternoon.

The scoring barrage in the top

of the second began with an RBI single up the middle from redshirt junior outfielder Daniel Franchi, which allowed junior infielder Justin Drpich to advance to home.

Shortly after, a triple down the line from sophomore outfielder Shane Marshall cleared the base runners to tally three runs, and a single from redshirt junior infielder Alex Baratta plated Marshall. The onslaught ended with a home run from senior outfielder Sean Trenholm, which drove in two more. The Bearcats tacked on four more runs in the top of the third to take a lopsided 11-2 lead.

Redshirt junior second baseman Alex Baratta posted six hits, five runs, a home run and three RBIs in Binghamton’s 13-4 win over UMBC.

Senior pitcher Nick Gallagher pitched six innings, during which he allowed three runs and struck out four. He was relieved by senior pitcher Robert Brown, who tossed for the remaining three innings and gave up only three hits and one run, fanning four.

The Retrievers started the nightcap strong, taking a 3-0 advantage in the first inning, two runs of which came via a two-run home run from junior outfielder Ryan Brown. The Bearcats responded quickly in the next inning with a homer of their own from freshman first baseman Kevin

tyler gorman staff photographer

Gsell, driving in himself and senior outfielder Anthony Meduri.

Gsell had a sacrifice foul out to right field in the following inning, allowing a runner to score and evening the score at 3-3. A triple to right center from Baratta propelled BU to a one-run edge in the fourth, and while the score remained close, the Bearcats were able to maintain this lead for the rest of the game.

Junior pitcher Ben Anderson tied the Binghamton record for wins in a season and broke the record for strikeouts in a season in the second game of the doubleheader. He threw for five innings, surrendering seven hits and four runs and striking out nine. He was relieved by freshman pitcher Jack Collins, who worked the final two innings and earned a save.

“Ben’s been very consistent throughout the entire season,” Sinicki said. “So you kind of come to expect those things from him, which sometimes can be unfair, because let’s face it, every guy who’s ever pitched, at any level, is gonna go out and eventually not have their best stuff. But Ben’s been the mark of consistency all year long and every time he takes the mound, I think our team has a lot of confidence in him and a lot of confidence in the fact that we’ll have a chance to win the ballgame.”

Baratta had a close-to-perfect day, going 6-for-8 at the plate with five runs, a home run and three RBIs. “He had a really great season overall, and he just continues to find ways to get on base,” Sinicki said. “Sometimes he starts an inning with a hit, sometimes he’s in a position to drive runs in, and so he’s kind of been a person who’s done a little bit of everything for us all year on the offensive side of things. So, it’s really been a stellar season for him.”

The Bearcats will take on Siena College in a doubleheader on Tuesday, May 7. First pitch is set for 3 p.m. from the Bearcats Sports Complex in Vestal, New York.

Track and field compete at America East Championships Five Bearcats place first at conference meet Edward Aaron sports intern

With five Bearcats earning firstplace finishes, the Binghamton men’s and women’s track and field teams had a satisfactory performance at the 2019 America East (AE) Outdoor Championships in Albany, New York. The Binghamton women finished the meet in fourth place, and the men placed sixth.

“I thought it was up and down,” said BU head coach Mike Thompson. “I thought some individuals did very well, and I thought there were a few areas where we didn’t get points that we really needed to get to do better in the team score. But overall, it was not bad, but really I was hoping for better.”

The first Bearcat to take top honors at the championship was sophomore Mallory Prelewicz, who won the women’s pole vault competition (12-1 1/2), sweeping the indoor and outdoor AE titles.

Shortly thereafter, graduate student Brooke Bonney captured the women’s hammer competition (178-4), her second career AE championship.

Arguably the most successful group of competitors for Binghamton was the women’s distance runners, with a trio of Bearcats finishing in the top three across two races. On Saturday, freshman Aziza Chigatayeva won the 3,000-meter steeplechase (10:37.27) — after falling in the beginning of the race, Chigatayeva was able to recover and overcome her opponent from Albany.

“I didn’t panic, just because I knew that I had a good kick, and I had enough strength to catch up

to her,” Chigatayeva said. “My plan going into it was to just to relax and kick at the end, just to have an easy win if possible, but I had to work a little bit harder just to make up the ground.”

At the conclusion of the event, Chigatayeva was named Most Outstanding Women’s Rookie at the event. Finishing third (10:50.85) in the race was another Bearcat, her training partner, sophomore Kaylee Stone.

“She’s come a long way,” Chigatayeva said. “It was great just turning around and seeing her come right behind. She really deserved this.”

The success continued into Sunday when junior Emily Mackay took third place in the 1,500-meter (4:29.73). Later in the competition, the women’s 4x800 relay team, anchored by Mackay, won the event (9:02.67). This marks the first time in school history the Binghamton women have won the 4x800.

“I thought that the women distance runners did very well,” Thompson said. “They were probably the highlight of the weekend. They nailed it. They did great, winning the 4x800 at the end was fantastic. I don’t think we’ve ever even been close to winning the women’s 4x800, and they stepped up and did it.”

After strong performances from several women’s distance runners over the weekend, Mackay said she has great optimism for the future of the team.

“I think we have a great shot to do big things here in the next couple of years,” Mackay said. “I’m super excited, all of my teammates ran great [this weekend].”

On the men’s side, junior Dan Schaffer continued his strong season, taking first in the 1,500-meter (3:56.31). His race also started out slow, but he was able to finish with a strong kick to

win.

“I really just tried not to freak out; stay calm, cool and collected,” Schaffer said. “Just trying to save as much energy as I could. Luckily, the race decompressed a little bit, and I was able to get out and kick.”

In addition to the women winning the 4x800 competition, the men’s team, anchored by Schaffer, finished second in their contest (7:39.05).

“The women’s team winning was really exciting,” Thompson said. “I wasn’t necessarily expecting that. The men’s team getting second was really even a better performance than the women on paper. They really stepped up and did well.”

Other top finishers on the men’s team included junior Jack Fitzgerald winning the men’s high jump (6-9 1/2), junior Greg Matzelle placing second in the 100-meter sprint (10.61) and senior Nick Green taking third in the shot put (49-4 1/2).

On the women’s side, sophomore Brittany Korsah placed second in both the 400-meter (55.08) and the triple jump (39-5 3/4) on the second day of the meet.

Over the course of the weekend, several Bearcats qualified for the ECAC/IC4A Championships next weekend. However, several qualifiers will not be attending due to a variety of factors, including final exams occurring in succeeding days.

“We’ll take the ones who need to run again to try and qualify for regionals, or a few seniors that’ll want to compete one more time, a few people who maybe weren’t happy with how they competed at the conference meet,” Thompson said.

The ECAC/IC4A Championships will take place on Saturday, May 11 and Sunday, May 12 in Princeton, New Jersey.

provided by kathleen helman Freshman Aziza Chigatayeva led a successful group of Binghamton women’s distance runners at the AE Outdoor Championships, winning the 3,000-meter steeplechase.

provided by kathleen helman Junior Dan Schaffer captured the men’s 1,500-meter race and anchored BU’s second-place 4x800 relay team at the AE Outdoor Championships.