The New Paltz Oracle, Volume 81, Issue VIII

NEW PALTZ ORACLE THE

Volume 81, Issue 8 NEWS

Students Protest Budget Cuts Petition to be sent to Governor with 1,300 signatures.

oracle.newpaltz.edu

Thursday, November 5, 2009

SOLAR CAR PROJECT GETS FINANCIAL BOOST

Page 3

FEATURES

Greatest Local Grind Mudd Puddle has the most rousing roast in town.

Page 4B A&E

Tripmonk: Bring the Funk Local band floods New Paltz with trance jams.

Page 1B

SPORTS

Hawks on 20 Game Tear

Women’s Volleyball looks to win SUNYACs.

Page 15

EDITORIAL

Stand Up for Your Money Join NYPIRG and the SA E-board in the fight to stop SUNY budget cuts.

Page 9

Congressman Maurice Hinchey granted $100,000 in federal funding to the New Paltz solar car program as part of a federal investment in solar energy.

By Pierce Lydon Managing Editor | Lydon47@newpaltz.edu

As part of a more than $2 million federal investment in the Solar Energy Consortium, New Paltz alumnus Congressman Maurice Hinchey, D-N.Y., announced that SUNY New Paltz’s solar car project would be receiving $100,000 in funding.

Last June, the School of Science and Engineering solar racing team made an impressive showing at their first competition ever. With a vehicle built on an approximately $30,000 budget pitted against programs with close to $1 million, the team placed sixth out of 11 at the

Formula Sun Grand Prix at the Motorsport Ranch in Cresson, Texas.

Their car, the SUNy Hawk, completed 218 laps around a 1.7 mile track in one day.

The solar car team is made up of students from different fields including art, business, computer science and electrical engineering as well as Lee Cabe, a consultant physicist and faculty Advisor Michael Otis.

“We had some very smart students,” said Cabe in an interview with “On Campus at SUNY New Paltz.” “It worked out well. We had not only smart students but common sense. We had the oldest students there and that gave us a leg up on

Photo by Felice Bernabo

the work we had to do.”

With the $100,000 in new funding from the United State Department of Energy appropriations bill, the team will be able to start preparing their car for the next race they plan on entering called the American Solar Challenge. It is an 8-day, 1,200-mile, open-road event from Tulsa, Okla., to Chicago, Ill., beginning on June 20, 2010. Funding from TSEC in addition to other sponsors including P&G’s, Ulster County BOCES, PVI Solar, Opto 22 and FALA Technologies will help the team afford better parts and equipment so that they can compete at a higher level.

See Solar Car pg. 6

The New Paltz Oracle established 1938 _________________

Kristen Henry EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Pierce Lydon MANAGING EDITOR

_________________

Julie Mansmann NEWS EDITOR

Emily Herendeen FEATURES EDITOR

Zan Strumfeld

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

Mitchell Epstein SPORTS EDITOR

_________________

Felice Bernabo PHOTOGRAPHY EDITOR

Christian Marra CARTOONIST

_________________

Sunya Bhutta Steven Casale Justin McCarthy Nicole Papantoniou Pete Thompson COPY EDITORS

_________________

Elizabeth Damiano BUSINESS MANAGER

_________________

Jon Carlos Torres DISTRIBUTION MANAGER

Steve Arenius, Allie Bernhard, Jeffrey Canino, Emily Canty, Sarah Fine, Elizabeth Gadomski, Aramis Grant, Elexis Goldberg, Ja-Quan Greene, Jessica Gross, Alec Horowitz, Sarah Hurd, Michelle S. Kramisen, Emily Kurland, Chelsea LaDue, Becky Longley, Lyndsey Lovinger, Jessica Mingoia, Joe Olivieto, Jesse Ordansky, Jessica Ostrow, James Petrich, Tara Quealy, Casey Quinlan, Danielle Quitoni, Michelle Ravit, Regina Rivers, Shawn Rubenfeld, Julie Saltman,Jordan Siwek, Alex Silverberg, Sam Speer, Alison Stevens, Emily Sussell, Jarred Thomas, Ashley Thompson, Pamela Vivanco, Nikki Wertheim, Harris Wichard, Courtney Young, Kelly Young

STAFF

Corrections Spot any errors? Let us know at oracle@newpaltz.edu

University Police Blotter

Disclaimer: This is only a partial listing. For all incidents, please visit the University Police Department. with subject. VI does not wish to press charges Location: DBH at this time.

M/S reported harassing phone calls from unknown subjects. Victim advised that if he receives another call to inform subjects that a Incident: Accident/Auto police file was on report.

Date: 10/30/09 Location: RT 299 at RT 32 S. Male subject arrested for a suspended vehicle Incident: Resisting Arrest registration and leaving the scene of an acciDate: 10/30/09 dent.

Location: SOUTHSIDE AVE. male subjects arrested: one for dis/con Two Incident: Petit Larceny and obstructing governmental administration; Incident: Disorderly Conduct Date: 10/27/09 one for resisting arrest and possession of an Date: 10/30/09 Location: BVH JOHN’S HOME open beverage container.

Location: ST. Female subject reported that P/P’s unknown removed her iPod from her daughter’s room in Report of a male acting belligerent and uncooperative by the assistant manager of the group Incident: DMV Suspension BVH. home. PO’s interviewed the subject who was Date: 10/31/09 and stated he cooperative during the interview, Location: TRICO/HASBROUCK AVES. Incident: Harassment would remain inside as previously requested.

M/S arrested for a suspended driver’s license.

Date: 10/28/09 Location: COUNSELING CENTER F/S stated that she was being harassed by an ex-boyfriend. VI advised to report any contact

Incident: Harassment Date: 10/30/09

About The New Paltz Oracle The New Paltz Oracle is the official student newspaper of SUNY New Paltz. Our circulation is 3,000. The New Paltz Oracle is sponsored by the Student Association and partially funded by the student activity fee.

The New Paltz Oracle is located in the Student Union Building, room 417. Deadline for all submissions is 5 p.m. on Fridays in The New Paltz Oracle office and by e-mail at oracle@newpaltz.edu.

All advertisements must be turned in by 5 p.m. on Fridays, unless otherwise specified by the business manager. Community announcements are published gratuitously, but are subject to restriction due to space limitations.

There is no guarantee of publication.

Contents of this paper cannot be reproduced without the written permission of the editorin-chief.

The New Paltz Oracle is published weekly throughout the Fall and Spring Semesters on Thursday. It is available in all residence halls and academic buildings, in the New Paltz community and online at oracle.newpaltz.edu. For more information, call (845) 257-3030. The fax line is (845) 257-3031.

MEETINGS

The New Paltz Oracle

holds assignment meetings every Sunday at 7 p.m. in the Student Union Building, room 401/405.

Articles, photographs and illustrations are assigned to the pool of staff and contributors.

Volume 81

SUNY New Paltz University Police Department Emergencies: (845) 257-2222

http://www.newpaltz.edu/police

Issue VIII

Five Day Forecast Friday, November 6

Index News............................................... 3 - 8 Editorial............................................... 9 Letters.............................................. 10 Cartoons............................................. 12 Community Calendar......................... 12 The Deep End.................................. 8B The Gunk.................................. 1B - 8B Sports........................................... 13- 16

Partly Cloudy High: 44 Low: 29 Saturday, November 7

Partly Cloudy High: 48 Low: 39 Sunday, November 8

Partly Cloudy High: 55 Low: 41 Monday, November 9

Don’t Be Shy! Visit us online at

www.oracle.new paltz.edu Everyone is entitled to take one free copy of The New Paltz Oracle. If you need additional copies, please contact the editor-inchief at x3030 or at oracle@newpaltz.edu

Partly Cloudy High: 52 Low: 39 Tuesday, November 10

Mostly Cloudy High: 51 Low: 42

NEWS

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Students Rally to Raise Budget Awareness

The New Paltz Oracle

By Pierce Lydon

Managing Editor | Lydon47@newpaltz.edu

As part of a statewide initiative by SUNY schools to protest Gov. David Paterson’s proposed $90 million cuts to the SUNY budget, members of NYPIRG and the Student Association worked together to educate students about how this round of cuts might affect their college experience.

At noon on Oct. 28, the concourse of the Student Union became a platform for students’ advocacy complete with a PA system blasting tunes and a table full of free refreshments. NYPIRG also held a demonstration earlier in the week outside of the Humanities Building, urging students to write letters to Gov. Paterson or call local legislators.

The Oct. 28 rally stemmed from the SUNY Student Assembly which took place from Oct. 23 to 25. SUNY schools all over the state are making an effort to give students an opportunity to voice their opinions about the newly proposed budget cuts by signing a petition urging Gov. Paterson to rethink his plan for reducing the state deficit.

“I feel like a lot of people are very disconnected from the tuition process because their parents pay for it and they are relying on aid,” said New Paltz NYPIRG Project Coordinator Ariana Basco. “What they don’t realize is that all this financial aid that they are getting is going to be cut if they don’t take action.”

As of press date, there have been over 1,300 signatures from SUNY New Paltz students, according to Basco.

“It’s going fantastic,” said Council of Organizations Chair Hana Akimoto. “This is important because if people are spending an extra $300 or more, they are going to stop being able to afford it. By cutting the budget and making us pay more tuition, the governor is basically saying ‘We do want you to come to school but you can’t afford it? Oh well, we’re just going to keep on having rich middle class people who are already educat-

NYPIRG has held demonstrations to urge students to write letters to Gov. Paterson and call local legislators about the SUNY budget cuts.

Photo by Felice Bernabo ed go to school instead of enabling poor peo- the SUNY system,” said second-year ecolo- reserve funds set aside for emergency situagy major Colin O’Neil. “It’s not the school’s tions. ple to rise up.”

Williams said she believes that, preDespite the success of the rally, some problem. It’s the SUNY problem.”

In our current economic climate, others pared or not, we’re still feeling the cuts and students believe that the cuts may be necesfeel that students are being sent mixed mes- students can do something about it. sary.

“We wouldn’t have had to cut faculty “I believe that we’ve been inappropri- sages. ately spending money in New York state for “In this crisis, they are saying the best and programs if we didn’t have to prepare for a long time and I think that it’s time to reform thing to do is stay in school, and yet they’re these cuts. It’s redundant. The whole statethat bad habit,” said fourth-year biology cutting it left and right,” said public relations ment was completely ridiculous,” she said. major Mark Chipman. “I don’t think that major and NYPIRG member Rachel “Students need to write letters and sign petitions and show that we are not stupid and we education should be used to bail out the state, Williams. but it has to start somewhere.”

SUNY New Paltz President Steven do care. We can make a difference. This is Other students find problems with the Poskanzer said after the recent $6 million cut our education.”

Students interested in signing the petiway SUNY works. that New Paltz would be prepared if more “I see the pyramid being built and it just cuts came. According to Student Association tion should come to the Student Association seems so pointless in light of these budget President Stephanie Samuel, the college has office in the Student Union. cuts. It’s not totally related, but it’s still under also used approximately $2 million from

Ulster County Unofficial Election Results

COUNTY COURT JUDGE COUNTY LEGISLATURE Donald Williams DISTRICT 10 COUNTY CLERK

New Paltz

COUNTY LEGISLATURE DISTRICT 8

COUNTY LEGISLATURE DISTRICT 11

Nina Postupack

Gardiner, New Paltz, Shawanagunk

John Jack Hayes, Jr. Cathy Terrizzi Kenneth Ronk

Susan Zimet Hector Rodriguez

Lloyd, New Paltz

Paul Hansut Mary Beth Maio

James Gilpatric

STATE PROPOSITION 1 Passed

STATE PROPOSITION 2 Passed

Compiled from the Ulster County Board of Elections

Thursday, November 5, 2009

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NEW YORK STATE SUPREME COURT JUSTICE

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NEWS

News Briefs National The New York Yankees won the 2009 World Series Championship Wednesday night, capturing the title for the 27th time in franchise history. ***** Two people suspected of stealing up to 1,000 pieces of luggage from baggage claim carousels at Phoenix’s airport have been arrested by police who found heaps of the stolen bags strewn throughout their home. ***** Los Angeles Clippers owner and real estate mogul Donald Sterling has agreed to pay a record $2.73 million to settle allegations by the government that he refused to rent apartments to Hispanics, blacks and to families with children. ***** Authorities say more remains have been discovered at the Cleveland home of convicted rapist Anthony Sowell, raising the number of bodies found to 10 . Four more bodies and a skull were found Tuesday, where the remains of six women were removed last week. ***** The lawyer for a Florida man who claims he’s too fat to have killed his former sonin-law told jurors on Wednesday all they have to do is is look at his client to see that he’s obese, old and in no condition to commit such a murder. Prosecutors that Edward Ates is still capable of methodically planning and executing the killing of Paul Duncsak. ***** World Briefs pg. 5

The New Paltz Oracle

Senator Confirmed to Police Committee

By Justin McCarthy

Copy Editor| Jmccarthy46@newpaltz.edu

The student senate voted to pass a bylaw amendment and to confirm the first nomination to the University Police committee.

Having not established a written structure for the role and responsibilities of Student Association Productions, the student senate was presented with the bylaw amendment. It was not the first time the legislative body had seen the proposed bylaw amendment. It had been introduced at the previous meeting, but all agreed to revisit it after it had been worked on. Since the last meeting, Sens. Travis Nanek and Jonathan Freifeld had edited the bylaw amendment and it was ready for senate approval.

In accordance with an agreement by the senate, a provision that had been written into the bylaw that would mandate that 30 percent of Student Association Production’s funds be allocated for one major event had been removed. Instead, Nanek and Freifeld rewrote the amendment to ensure that one “big event” gets planned every academic year, but without any mandates as to how much of the budget be used to put it together. The rewritten version incited little discussion and no opposition.

“I think it has addressed a lot of the concerns from last week

Photo by Felice Bernabo A bylaw regarding Student Association Productions was passed by the senate. and did exactly what I think it was tabled to do,” said Student Association Executive Vice President Abe Uchitelle, who thanked Sens. Nanek and Freifeld for their successful revision of the amendment.

Although many senators abstained from the vote, the bylaw amendment passed with no dissent from the body.

The legislative body also voted to confirm a member to the University Police committee.

Appearing before the senate as the first nominee for the committee, Sen. Nichole Mueller promised to

build a better rapport between students and police and to create an environment where students see police “more as friends than enemies.”

The senators unanimously approved Mueller as the first member of the board.

Addressing a critical editorial in published by the New Paltz Oracle , Student Association President Stephanie Samuel expressed her overall approval of the senate’s work, but encouraged the senators to use the student-run publication’s opinion as a means

of improving.

“To a certain extent, we haven’t had much legislation brought to the table,” Samuel said.

“We should work on our image as a whole because we don’t want to be perceived [as though] we cannot take constructive criticism.”

Echoing Samuel’s sentiment, Uchitelle appeared somewhat frustrated with the lack of activity on certain pieces of legislation.

“There has been a lot of legislation that has been tabled,” Uchitelle said. “This is why there is a perception that senate isn’t dealing with a lot right now. It’s because these things get tabled.”

Citing two examples of tabled legislation, Uchitelle said, “I know it’s really easy at 10:30 p.m. at night to say, ‘Oh, let’s table it.

We’ll talk about it and come back to it next week.’ Well, I don’t know if any of us actually talked about it. And it’s not on the agenda this week, which means it’s not going to get dealt with.”

NYPIRG Project Coordinator Ariana Basco expressed the disappointment and frustration she felt after the disappointing turnout for the “Rock the Vote” campaign.

“Today was a really hard day,” said Basco. “We did a lot of get-out-the-vote work, and we did not get a lot of votes out.”

The next general meeting of the student senate will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 10.

Vice Chair Created for Council of Organizations

By Julie Mansmann

News Editor| Jmansmann60@newpaltz.edu

The Council of Organizations held its sixth meeting on Nov. 2, where a vice chair position was created after members voted to appoint Jonathan Freifeld to the seat.

Council Chair Hana Akimoto came before the body asking for nominations for the position, which she said is designed to help her run Council meetings effectively and fill in for her if necessary. Freifeld, who currently serves on the student senate and is a member of multiple organizations, ran unopposed and was approved by the council.

Akimoto said she can’t get to every group of organizations during round table discussions.

Now that there is a vice chair, she said she hopes she’ll be able to get a better understanding of the needs of all clubs represented at the meeting.

“We can both find out everything that you talk about so that we hear a cohesive voice,” she said. “We want to make sure that Council is running the best that it can and that we are serving you guys.”

Freifeld has previously worked with Akimoto on the office space committee. He will

be required to sit office hours with the council chair.

In her report to the council, Student Association President Stephanie Samuel announced that the state of the college and budgetary issues were discussed at the last meeting of the College Council. She said that in light of budget cuts handed down by the state, the school used a little over $2 million from the reserve account, which is the money the college keeps aside for emergency purposes.

Samuel also reported that the college is working on having separate schools have smaller ceremonies for December graduates, since the larger ceremony was cut from the budget.

Another program being worked on involves establishing a scholarship fund for students who have had crucial financial changes within the last year because of the economy.

Executive Vice President Abe Uchitelle announced that he is working on adding an element to required paperwork for receiving funding for programs that would break down the “bare bones” of the event. He said this information would be kept together so clubs can access it in one place and be aware of what’s happen-

Thursday, November 5, 2009

ing on campus. Uchitelle also plans on holding another forum with University Police and New Paltz Police Department officials in the spring.

Vice President of Academic Affairs and Governance Brenna Fearey suggested club representatives attend the constitutional convention set for Nov. 14 and 15 because the editing “will directly affect everything that your club does.”

She also reminded the body that they have access to a $25,000 research grant line.

Fliers were also distributed to Council by Vice President of Programming Kevin Purcell for a Student Association Productions comedy show featuring Ralphie May to be held on Nov. 18. While there are a limited number of tickets for the event in Lecture Center 100, it’s free to all students.

Vice President of Finance Yasmin El Jamal and Samuel also came before the body with a presentation about the latest round of budget cuts being issued by the state. They passed around a petition to be sent to Albany and urged the council to call legislators and send letters to government officials about the issue.

The next meeting of the Council of Organizations will be held on Monday, Nov. 16.

NEWS

Textbook Collection Built By Library

The New Paltz Oracle

Pg 5

News Briefs World North Korea claimed Tuesday that it has successfully weaponized more plutonium for atomic bombs, a day after warning Washington to agree quickly to direct talks or face the prospect of a growing North Korean nuclear arsenal. ***** An Italian judge on Wednesday convicted 23 Americans in absentia of the 2003 kidnapping of an Egyptian cleric from a Milan street, in a landmark case involving the CIA’s extraordinary rendition program in the war on terrorism. Citing diplomatic immunity, Judge Oscar Magi said Wednesday that he was acquitting three other Americans.

Photo by Felice Bernabo This past summer, Jennifer Torres, a clerk on the circulation team at the Sojourner Truth Library, created the Textbook Collection. Students can access them at the library desk.

By Zan Strumfeld

A&E Editor | Sstrumfeld34@newpaltz.edu

With the constant talk of budget cuts and financial problems being faced by SUNY New Paltz, students are struggling to purchase a basic necessity usually required by professors: textbooks.

However Jennifer Torres, a clerk on the circulation team at the Sojourner Truth Library and recent English alumnus, has decided to provide the Textbook Collection as an alternative to buying pricey books.

This past summer, Torres created the collection as a project given to her by the library, which serves as a way of recycling and sharing textbooks without spending any money.

“I remember being in school, the professors would assign textbooks like three times a semester,” said Torres.

Although some students go down cheaper routes by purchasing books on Web sites like Amazon.com and Half.com , Textbook Collection provides the choice to come to the library, take out the book they need and use it for the amount of time needed. Students can obtain books by going to the library desk and asking for it. Torres said knowing the course number, title or call number helps the clerk find it easily. No reservations are necessary.

Students can also photocopy or scan

parts of the textbook to take home, with only 20 cents a copy.

Torres also went to the Campus Bookstore Web site and got the list of books needed for the semester’s classes.

She then pulled those books from the library itself and put it on the reserves shelves for better, easier access for Textbook Collection.

“Over 50 percent of the books on reserve now are books found in the library,” said Torres.

However, since the program just started, there aren’t that many textbooks currently in the library. While the math, history, English and foreign language departments have started to donate books that they had extra copies of, there are still not enough copies to be dispersed among students to take out for an extended period of time.

“It’s been a slow process because I’ve exhausted faculty donations,” said Torres.

“If more people donate beyond faculty we can have more copies for better usage.

That way, students can take home the books over the weekend.”

Torres also said that because of budget cuts, funding for acquisition to buy more books was cut. Thus, the library can’t buy more copies of books for classes, which stresses the importance of donations.

“We’re a community,” said Torres.

“The basic principles of a library is that you put in something everyone can benefit from. I want to see a lot more books on the shelves.”

Third-year English literature and painting double major Valerie Werder, who works as a clerk at the library, said she thinks the collection is beneficial to students.

“As a person working in a library, I think it’s convenient because all of the books are in the same place,” she said.

“As a student I like it because I usually don’t have to buy the book.”

Another clerk, Francesca Sparacio, a second-year secondary education-English major, agreed.

“I think they are a handy resource for students to take out books that are too expensive to be purchased,” said Sparacio. “It’s especially good for kids who take foreign language, English or arts. But, I feel that more books should be on reserve.”

Torres has set up a Web site about Textbook Collection that students can visit at newpaltz.libguides.com/textbookcollection and is also planning on spreading fliers around campus to get the word out. She also hopes to speak to the Student Association concerning the project, along with attending a Council of Organizations meeting to get support from other groups on campus.

Thursday, November 5, 2009

***** Irish Republican Army dissidents are posing their greatest security threat in Northern Ireland since the province’s peace accord 11 years ago - and are receiving help from IRA veterans in plotting gun and bomb attacks, an expert panel found Wednesday. ***** British lawmakers face strict new allowance rules following a scandal over their outrageous expense claims. The rules published Wednesday will ban legislators from using expenses to fund swank second homes and outlaw the use of taxpayers’ money to employ family members as staff. ***** Compiled from the AP Newswire

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NEWS

New Paltz Applicant Rates on the Rise

By Jessica Gross

Sttaff Writer | Jgross83@newpaltz.edu

In recent years, applications to SUNY New Paltz have been high and class sizes are increasing. Despite the increase applicant rate, administration still plans on keeping the college’s “small school” status.

“New Paltz certainly isn’t looking to grow,” said the Dean of Admissions Lisa Jones. “We really are the perfect size. There are about 8,000 students on campus and 6,700 are undergraduates.

We’re at a number that works really well for us.”

SUNY New Paltz administrators began noticing the number of applicants increasing over the past few years.

“Applications increased by about 500 on average between 2000 and 2007,” Jones said. “From 2007 to 2009, there was an increase of 1,400 on average.”

Although the application pool has recently grown, administrators said they are becoming more selective.

According to The Buffalo News, because of the economic recession, students who would have applied to more expensive private schools are now intrigued by the relatively low costs

and solid academic reputations that academic first, and then fill in,” Jones SUNY campuses have to offer. Since said.

This year ’s estimated freshmen many applicants now have higher academic credentials than those before, class size is 1,100. The school also SUNY schools are encouraged to raise accepts 650 transfer students each fall their admission standards. New Paltz as well as 350 for the spring semester.

Vice President of Enrollment has followed suit.

The average academic standing of Management L. David Eaton said incoming students at New Paltz has enrollment polices will not change due risen in recent years. According to to budget cuts handed down by the state Jones, the average SAT score of incom- government. He said by resisting the ing freshmen last year was 1170 and the urge to bring in more students in order to raise funds, academic averthe college is age was a 91. In preserving the 2000, the acaquality of higher demic average education. was 87 and the “We are a SAT was 1100. small school She said that by with a big curbeing more riculum. In bad selective, the budget times, admissions there is a tempoffice can seek tation to bring in out very acamore students demically talentbecause it ed students.

Dean of Admissions increases the “Because school’s income. we’re not lookWe elected here ing to grow and because applications keep increasing, to preserve quality,” Eaton said. “When we are able to become selective in stu- institutions increase enrollment to dents in respect that we take the most bring in money, it tends to impact the

“New Paltz certainly

isn’t looking to grow...We really are the perfect size” -Lisa Jones

The New Paltz Oracle

quality. From parking spaces to standing in line for lunch to the library, resources begin to diminish.”

SUNY New Paltz has also seen a recent rise in retention rates. This year 88 percent of students stayed enrolled from freshman to sophomore year.

One way in which the college attracts potential students is by hosting open houses, with the most recent event held on Oct. 24. There were about 2,000 people at the first open house this year and 3,000 at the second.

Jones said she believes that the success of these events is also due to the number of CREW members, ambassadors and student volunteers who are so enthusiastic about New Paltz.

“Students are our best sales people,” Jones said. “They talk about the good and bad experiences, but they mostly talk about the positive experiences they’re having.”

According the Eaton, SUNY New Paltz has no reason to advertise on television when current students can act as marketers themselves.

“We are successful by what students say when they go home,” he said.

“That’s the best marketing you can have.”

Congressman Grants Federal Funds to Solar Car Project Solar Car continued from page 1

Hinchey helped create the consortium in 2007. It is a not-profit center of photovoltaic innovation directed by New Paltz alumnus Vince Cozzolino and former Dean of the School of Science and Engineering, Dr. John Harrington. With this new appropriation bill Hinchey has secured more than $20 million in federal funds for TSEC. “Rather than having precious federal resources for solar energy research and development go primarily to the Southwest, this bill now ensures that funding will be spread evenly across the different regions of the country,” Hinchey said. “With a lot of hard work over the past several years, we’ve established New York as a hub for solar energy research and development, and positioned the state to be on the receiving end of the federal research dollars that will be obligated as a result of this bill. Solar and other forms of renewable energy will be a leading sector of our economy for years to come and we are making sure New York is right there at the front of this green industrial revolution.”

Photo courtesy of the solar car team New Paltz alumnus Congressman Maurice Hinchey announced that SUNY New Paltz’s solar car project would be receiving $100,000 as an investment in solar energy.

Thursday, November 5, 2009

NEWS

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Academic Committee Seats Still Unfilled

The New Paltz Oracle

By Annie Yu

Contributing Writer | Annie.yu45@newpaltz.edu

As SUNY New Paltz continues through the reaccredidation process, Student Association Vice President of Academic Affairs and Governance Brenna Fearey is still trying to fill vacant student seats on academic committees through faculty recommendations and student interviews.

Students with positions on the five academic committees - Budget Goals and Plans, Academic Affairs, Curriculum, Education and Technology and Academic Senate - have a voice in SUNY New Paltz’s academic affairs. They work with faculty members to influence the school’s decisions on canceling and creating classes, evaluating SEIs and buying new software, among other issues.

According to Fearey, these committees can provide an outlet for students to influence decisions that the school makes.

“It’s important for students to get involved because students don’t know they can have a voice, but they can,” she said. “These issues affect them.”

The Academic Senate is the overarching committee.

The Curriculum, Academic Affairs, Budget Goals and Plans and Education and Technology committees send proposals to the Academic Senate for approval. The Curriculum Committee deals with issues such as new courses and general education requirements. Academic Affairs addresses everything besides the Curriculum Committee, such as SEIs and academic advising. Budget Goals and Plans approves budgets for academic departments through state allotted funds. The Education and

Technology committee is given a certain amount of money and receives proposals from departments asking for new technology, such as printers or cameras for the fine arts department.

Fearey said that in lieu of the school’s reaccreditation process, filling seats on academic committees will show an active student government with leadership roles.

All of the committees have six seats available to students, except for the Academic Senate which has five seats. In total, there are 29 student seats available, but only seven seats have been filled. Fearey is still looking to fill 22 seats.

Seats are usually filled through recommendations from faculty members, friends of friends, deans and Student Association members. When Fearey receives recommendations, she meets with the students, provides information and nominates them to the Student Association if they are still interested.

Fearey said she has encouraged faculty members to nominate students by personally contacting professors, speaking to deans and making an announcement at the fall faculty meeting.

Simin Mozayeni, an economics professor and the presiding officer of the college faculty committee, nominates students that are “very responsible.” She agreed that it’s important for students to be involved and encourages students to seek out the position.

“We need more students to get involved,” she said.

“We think the students’ perspectives are very important to the faculty, and these issues pertain to their lives.

Students have full voting rights.”

Fearey said that it’s hard to get students involved

Thursday, November 5, 2009

Folio

because many are unable to make a time commitment.

Meetings are usually once a month, but can occasionally take place twice a month depending on the committee’s workload.

“It’s not easy to reschedule meeting times,” she said.

“A student might be interested, but unable to go to the meeting times.”

Sen. Travis Nanek, a graduate student majoring in computer science, sits on the Central Committee on Education and Technology. This group has discussed issues such as problems with Blackboard technology.

Nanek said that while the position is very time consuming, it’s “important for students to be able to voice their concerns on these kinds of committees.”

“I wouldn’t be able to do it working on a full-time schedule. I’m only taking one graduate course so it works out,” he said.

Josh Gorfein, a graduate assistant in the Student Activities office and chief justice of the judicial board, became a member of the Curriculum Committee this semester. Gorfein said he also agrees that it is important for students to get involved because “their voices are lost otherwise.”

“Students constantly have questions or concerns about their education and these committees provide opportunities for students to do something about it,” he said. “Without student voices, faculty and staff are just guessing what is best for students or what students want.”

Students interested in obtaining a seat on an academic committee should contact Fearey via e-mail at vpacademicaffairs@newpaltzsa.com.

Pg 8

NEWS

Justice Denies Interracial Marriage

By Steven Casale

Copy Editor | Casale75@newpaltz.edu

In October, a justice of the peace in Louisiana denied a marriage license to an interracial couple due to concern for any children the couple might have, claiming that “such marriages don’t last.” As the country has elected its first black president and debate continues surrounding same-sex marriage, the denial of a marriage license for an interracial couple seems to have shocked many.

Beth Humphrey and Terence McKay were denied a marriage license by Justice of the Peace

Keith Bardwell of Tangipahoa Parish in Louisiana. Bardwell claimed he is not a racist, and told the Associated Press, “I don’t do interracial marriages because I don’t want to put children in a situation they didn’t bring on themselves.”

The couple said they would contact the U.S. Department of Justice to inquire about filing a discrimination complaint.

“I find the whole situation ridiculous,” said recent SUNY New Paltz graduate Mike Gressel.

“It’s a judge’s job to impartially enforce the law, not dole it out based on his own prejudices. And considering the time we live in, denying someone

Photo courtesy of chasingevil.org Justice of the Peace Keith Bardwell claimed he feared for the children of the interracial couple in Louisiana.

a marriage license based on race is not only offensive, it’s almost quaint. It is just as shocking as it is wrong.”

Race-based marriage restrictions were declared unconstitutional in 1967 with the Supreme Court case Loving v. Virginia. The case, which came at the height of the civil rights movement, unanimously struck down Virginia’s antimiscegenation statute as well as the Racial Integrity Act of 1924. Following the decision, anti-miscegenation laws were repealed in 16 states. According to the 2000 census, interracial marriages account for 4.9 percent - with the rate of such marriages rising steadily since 1967.

The coverage of the marriage license denial was limited to local Louisiana newspapers, the New Orleans Times-Picayune, news magazine The Week and the Associated Press wires.

San Francisco Chronicle writer Yobie Benjamin compared the marriage denial to the plight of same-sex marriage rights.

“The case is clearly no different from the discrimination gay couples suffer when government refuses to grant them right to marry,” Benajmin wrote.

Same-sex marriage was legalized in seven states, with four having legalized it this year, although Maine’s same-sex marriage laws were repealed in this Tuesday’s election via a ballot question, and California’s were defeated last year.

As the decade comes to a close, marriage in America has become a contentious issue. While some view that same-sex marriage rights differ from interracial marriage rights, others are calling for gender-neutral marriages.

“Marriage in America is at a crossroads. On one hand, it’s being opened up to new possibilities

The New Paltz Oracle

in same-sex marriage. On the other, it’s fighting to stay relevant in the face of changing attitudes and skyrocketing divorce rates,” said Gressel.

“Marriage could either enter the new decade as a strengthened American tradition or a tolerated whisper of the past.”

Fourth-year English and Spanish major Jake Edmister feels marriage should not have any religious implications in the civic sense.

“The joining of two people should be something secular that allows for benefits and rights that the couple would not have otherwise,” he said.

Edmister also said that the recent denial of marriage to Humphrey and McKay shows how much discrimination is still present in the US. “I feel like we as a population feel that the country is so progressive and yet we’re still facing issues like this,” said Edmister.

Marriage has been effectively redefined throughout the decades. From a religious institution, to a civil one that once barred people on the basis of race - marriage is an evolving institution that is questioned into the present day. Gressel said Bardwell’s acting according to prejudice shows that race relations still have a way to go in America.

“We should preach tolerance, learn to embrace our differences and [offer] education in general,” said Gressel. “I would call fighting for marriage equality at the top of any racial freedom fighter’s list.”

Local criticism has arisen due to the justice’s actions. Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal has called for Bardwell to be fired. As of this week, Bardwell has resigned from his position as justice of the peace.

Artist Comes Clean About Origin of Obama Poster

By Alyssa Thompson

Contributing Writer | Alyssa.thomspson36@newpaltz.edu

Shepard Fairey, the artist of the “Hope” poster used during President Barack Obama’s presidential campaign admits to lying about which Associated Press (AP) photo he used as a source. The AP claimed in January that Fairey owed it credit and compensation.

In February, Fairey filed a law suit against the AP, asking a federal judge to declare him protected from copyright infringement laws for his popular “Hope” poster image of Obama.

The New York Times reported that the suit was filed in federal court in Manhattan. According to the suit, AP officials contacted Fairey’s studio in late January demanding payment for the use of the photo, and any portion of money he makes from it.

According to Robert Miraldi, chair of the journalism department at SUNY New Paltz, photos like that one should be public domain.

“Frankly I don’t find it a very compelling, or an important question, or see that it says very much about any larger issues,” Miraldi said.

According to the New York Times , Fairey admitted in the initial months after the suit and countersuit were filed, he destroyed

evidence and created false documents to cover up the real source. Fairey said he had believed the AP was wrong about which photo he used, but latter realized the AP was correct.

Lisa Philips, a journalism professor at SUNY New Paltz, said she was discouraged to hear about this issue surrounding the artwork that she called “very moving.”

“I wish he could have done that without the Associated photo, but part of me feels that artists should have a certain amount of freedom to use the material of the world,” she said. “However we have copyright laws in this country, and obviously he broke them.”

The suit Fairey filed would have asked the judge to declare him protected under the fair use of expectations to copyright law, which allow limited use of copyright materials for criticism and comment.

“Copyright law today is a mess, because of new technological possibilities,” Miraldi said.

According to the New York Times, Fairey said on his Web site that his lawyers sent a letter to the AP and the photographer of the AP photo to inform them that he would amend his court pleadings. Fairey also said he was remorseful and admitted that his

Photo courtesy of treehugger.com Fairey filed a lawsuit against AP, asking a federal judge to declare him protected under copyright laws. actions “may distract from what should be the real focus” of his case.

While Phillips said Fairey should not have done this, she said she feels the image will endure in spite of this situation.

Thursday, November 5, 2009

“Those shirts with the poster printed on them were all over the place; that image is going to endure despite this legal battle,” she said.

Thursday, November 5, 2009

T HE GUNK Trip-tastic Times with Tripmonk

By Jennifer Von Willer Contributing Writer | Jvonwiller76@newpaltz.edu

Music has the unique ability to channel and challenge some people, but it’s easy to distinguish the essence of a real band when listening to their engaging, heartfelt words of music appreciation. Surrounded by plenty of artsy images including Asian-inspired wall canvases and visible equipment including an Akai APC40 MIDI controller, an electric guitar and boisterous speakers, I figured I was prepared to enjoy the uncanny witticisms of two musically talented members of Tripmonk, a trance-jam band founded in the heart of New Paltz. Although Tripmonk’s bassist Tim Ginley was absent, I met with guitarist Derek Hislop and drummer Harrison Waxenberg to discuss music’s gift of bringing people together and to gain a better understanding of the creative odyssey that is Tripmonk.

With dual experience playing several instruments throughout most of their lives, Hislop and Waxenberg credit their jamming sounds to an array of many dynamic influences, stemming from progressive jazz, Lotus, Disco Biscuits, Unfreeze McGee along with legendary greats like Luther Vandross and James Brown.

They are energetic and fruitful as their song “Apricot Trot” proves. Tripmonk is only two years old, but their successful reputation has only expanded since winning first place at SUNY New Paltz’s Battle of the Bands in fall 2008. You can ride along the Tripmonk wave by going to their Saturday night gigs at Snugs, a local bar in New Paltz Village or for the under-21 crowd, Tripmonk usually performs on weekends at the nearby Cabaloosa’s. The band has already packed local New Paltz venues with acts like Maui Waui and the Good Vibrations, Mother’s Borsch, Roy Hobbs Agenda, No Presha and Timbre Coupe. When school’s out, they remain close to their roots by heading home to Long Island to perform and reunite with dedicated “Tripmonkeys.”

The band’s name origin remains a mystery, however Waxenberg and Hislop offered some insight.

“I think it was always kind of made up and we just channeled it,” Waxenberg said.

“Yeah, I think the mere name was already floating and when we came together and played, the music grasped it,” said Hislop.

After a swarm of emo music plagued Long Island, most teenagers, including myself and Waxenberg, grew out of the genre by the time college started.

Tripmonk has played alongside bands like Mother’s Borsch, Roy Hobbs Agenda, No Presha and Timbre Coupe.

Photo Courtesy of Tripmonk “When I first came here and saw Lotus out thought. Their shared love for music mindful experiences. live, everything changed,” he said. keeps them grounded, and practice is always With promises to keep elaborate tricks Both Hislop and Waxenberg have time well spent. Waxenberg and Hislop up their sleeves and devising a recording stuplayed in numerous bands, and have dedicat- admit they want to practice more, and enjoy dio, it seems Tripmonk isn’t going to die out ed an innumerable amount of time practicing jamming before a Tripmonk show as prepa- soon. These guys are comical, but don’t let with different instruments. Besides playing ration for their anxious crowd. that fool you, they are entirely serious about the guitar for five years, Hislop was in a Hislop credits the birth of Tripmonk to maintaining and constantly revamping band prior to Tripmonk, which was a all of its good music experiences during their Tripmonk’s artistic style.

Sublime, 311 and Incubus cover band called first year at SUNY New Paltz, especially “Music is the best thing in the world. If Incognito. hanging out in Bouton Hall. The two could- you have the ability to create it, or aid it in “I was always that desk-tapping kid all n’t forget to mention an additional great spreading in any way,” Waxenberg said. throughout elementary and middle school,” influence and best friend Luke O’Malley, “It’s basically an unspoken obligation to said Hislop, even though he plays a 91 who resides in Rhode Island. do so,” Hislop said.

Fender strat guitar.

“Without O’Malley, I probably wouldIf you’re still not convinced that Waxenberg hopes to turn his bedroom n’t have met Derek,” Waxenberg said.

Tripmonk is a crowd pleaser or worth your into a recording studio, as he shows off his “We will be bringing in some new time, and if you’re still wondering if this is “baby” and birthday present, an Akai APC40 artists next semester. I can’t say any names just another local New Paltz band, then MIDI controller that allows him to freely right now, but there are some good things in check out their show at Snugs on Nov. 14. mix and produce any sound he wants out of the works, possibly a festival,” Waxenberg Also check out more from their Myspace nearly nothing. said about collaborating with new musicians music page to listen to any of their songs like “I started playing music when I was and refining Tripmonk’s future.

“Top Gun” and “Apricot Trot” which has a about four, but I’ve been playing drums for “You’ll get a really great experience at Salt-n-Pepa teaser (both guys give influenat least 10 years,” he said.

Snugs. [It’s] homey,” Hislop said, and once tial props to them as well), and follow them Even with their busy schedules, both again Waxenberg and Hislop said “homey” for an exciting time as a self-proclaimed members insist that Tripmonk is never with- in unison, as if they truly share the same “Tripmonkey.”

Learning How To Adjust Your Class Schedule

The New Paltz Oracle

2B FEATURES

By Pamela Vivanco

CLASS SCHEDULES ARE MORE THAN JUST REGISTRATION

Staff Writer | Pvivanco57@newpaltz.edu

Registering for classes can be stressful for all students, especially those who are unfamiliar with the process, but the Academic Advising Center is always there to help create a fitting and agreeable schedule.

Making a draft schedule, having a face-toface meeting with an advisor and registering on the assigned date with a pin number are three necessary steps to obtaining a schedule for the following semester.

“Registering for classes is a learning curve,” said Academic Advisor Marcia Tucci. “By the time people get to their sophomore year, they’ve usually figured it out.”

During first-year and transfer orientations, students register for classes themselves with the help of advisors and orientation leaders instead of going to records and registration and having somebody do it for them. According to Tucci, after changing the system two years ago, freshPhoto by Felice Bernabo men and transfers are more prepared and comfort- “Add/drop” week is the first week of class where students can freely change their schedule. able with the registration procedure when they Roschelle encourages students to come up with a of classes as you’re sitting down to register.” have to do it on their own the second semester. schedule before registration alongside a few alterNevertheless, Tucci understands that stu“It’s helpful when somebody walks you native courses. dents may encounter some problems during their through it the first time,” said second-year student “When you look through General Education registration time slot and encourages students to Daryn Bleach. courses, pick a few from each category that might contact the Academic Advising Center.

Even though many students find the registra- be interesting to you,” said Roschelle.

“Sometimes students don’t know why they’re tion process during orientation useful, second year Tucci agrees that a draft schedule is essential being blocked out of a certain class, but we could student Lauren Podstupka felt like it was harder to to creating a final schedule that the student likes. usually fix that and they can always call. Don’t be create a schedule within a designated time frame. Some students come to the Academic Advising stuck, we’re here. Contact us.”

“It’s relatively easy to register for classes center eight hours before their appointment, Despite following the suggested steps, severnow that I’m a sophomore because I can see what unsure of what they want, she said. “If you wait al students still find themselves dissatisfied with classes are available on my own time and choose until the last minute to choose the classes you their schedules when the semester begins. the ones I want before the assigned date,” said want to take for the upcoming semester, you’re “Sometimes students don’t like a particular Podstupka. “It can get kind of tedious, but I think not going to have the mind frame to create a professor, or the class they chose wasn’t really it’s just a matter of preparing yourself.” schedule,” said Tucci. “It’s very difficult to think what they expected, sometimes they end up with Sociology professor and advisor Anne

a lot of pressure from paid employments or family responsibility that they can’t take as many credits as they originally wanted,” said Roschelle.

Departments can sometimes offer a substitution course for graduating seniors if there is no other way to graduate on time, said Tucci. Other than that, it is best if students have back up courses in mind if a course they want is not available.

It is also important to remember that the preschedule is not always the final schedule and there are different ways to achieve the schedule one wants.

“The persistent student can end up with a schedule that is most agreeable to them,” said Tucci. “Often times, students get something and accept it rather than being persistent.”

Podstupka agrees that determination definitely pays off.

“A spot opened up in a class that I really needed so I dropped one and registered for the one I originally wanted on my schedule,” she said. “I checked it every day to see if there were more seats available in the classes that I wanted.”

Students can have professors sign petitions and be more aware of “add/drop” week in order to create their ideal schedule. “Add and drop” week is the first week of classes - Jan. 25-29. After that, it becomes too late to add a course easily because students will have missed too much information and special permission is needed to add a course into the second week, said Tucci.

If students feel like they are not receiving the proper guidance from their assigned advisors, the advising center is always there to help in the process.

“No advisor should be handing out pin numbers and sending students out the door,” Tucci said. “They are to make sure the student understand their choices so that there is a confidence when they walk out the door.”

“Beloved,” A Loving Story

PLEASANT SURPRISES FOUND IN TONI MORRISON’S BESTSELLER

By Pete Thompson

Copy Editor | Pthompson51@newpaltz.edu

The required reading list for English courses is something that honestly always has me feeling overwhelmed and on edge. I get anxious, scared and excited for what’s to come, and greatly fear that it’ll be something unfavorable. Such was the case when I saw “Beloved” by Toni Morrison, the story of an escaped slave, Sethe, who remains shackled by the memories of her previous life and spirit of her daughter, was one of the selected works on the syllabus for my section of Analysis & Interpretation of Literature with Professor Jackie George.

With works such as Anthony Burgess’s “A Clockwork Orange”, Hubert Selby Jr.’s “Requiem for a Dream” and Chuck Palahniuk’s “Choke” assigned in my General Honors English II class last semester, I had very high expectations and I felt shafted. For reasons unknown, drugs and sex get me a little more excited than female struggle and slavery - what can I say? Thankfully, Morrison provided me with both a pleasant sur-

prise and a genuinely (far from favorite, but) fine piece of literature. I just finished, and I’m glad to say that I actually enjoyed it.

What first got me was Morrison’s combination of casual writing and beautiful imagery. The book begins with terse sentences such as “124 was spiteful. Full of a baby’s venom.” Although not the most formal way of writing, the technique draws the reader in and sets a heavy mood.

Somehow less is more here because the lack of full sentences becomes more gripping and feels as if you’re actually invited into the sepia-toned world of rustic realism where house number 124 has been holding protagonist Sethe hostage and with hard feelings about her troubled past.

The imagery employed does well in adding beauty to a fairly melancholy story and brings an aesthetic quality to it. For example, one scene describes the mangled state of gashes, bruises and dead skin that Sethe’s back has become, but it is illustrated as a tree with “its roots,” “wide trunk” and “intricate branches.” It’s even compared to “the decorative work of an ironsmith too passion-

ate for display.”

It’s also interesting to see a slight sense of the supernatural incorporated into the story. The idea seems somewhat crazy at first, but it works well with the ghosts of the past that are haunting Sethe and her family. I found Beloved’s ghost to be an interesting character and means for moving the story along quite interestingly, but a band built on banishing the spirit in the end got to be a bit much for me - one of my only complaints.

The themes of gender roles, letting go, motherhood and generations didn’t initially seem too appealing to me, but I came to see it as a story on the subjectivity of history, with concepts of memory and second chances.

Thankfully I was enthusiastic about reading this novel, and found that it is (obviously) about more than just a post-slavery struggling mother.

Also, it was refreshing to realize heroin or sex addiction is not necessary to keep me interested.

Anyone looking for something a little different and on the more serious side should give Photo Courtesy of Wordpress.com “Beloved” a try.

Morrison’s atypical prose draws readers in.

Thursday, November 5, 2009

Tales of Odd Christmases

FEATURES 3B

The New Paltz Oracle

BURROUGHS SEARCHES FOR CHRISTMAS SPIRIT WITH SARCASM AND WIT

By Justin McCarthy

Copy Editor | Jmccarthy46@newpaltz.edu

Fans of Augusten Burroughs, author of “Running with Scissors” and “Sellevision,” will be pleased with the compilation of stories in his latest book, “You Better Not Cry,” a Christmasthemed memoir in which Burroughs describes his many horrible holiday memories.

The book cover, adorned with a pantsless Santa Claus revealing himself, is appropriate given the wild stories Burroughs has to tell.

Although the book revolves around the holidays, it doesn’t stray far from a typical memoir by Burroughs. As fans know, his books are packed with hilarious anecdotes, but sobered by heavy, depressing and sometimes disgusting personal information about his family, love life, struggles with substances and death. “You Better Not Cry” is no different.

Burroughs’ childhood memories are always a great read. From getting his stomach pumped after eating the face off of a large wax Santa Claus to his infamously crazy mother tossing a Christmas tree off a balcony, he allows readers to laugh at his unconventional family life.

Unlike many of his other memoirs,

“You Better Not Cry” is chronologically Like “Dry,” a memoir about organized, but is consistent with his Burroughs’ alcoholism and rehabilitaother books in that the chapters are tion, “You Better Not Cry” is similar in essays that do not necessarily flow that it encompasses some of the sad, together. g l o o m y While details of one chapter his life. is about T h e manipulatb o o k ing his pardescribes ents into his waking getting him up in a everything pack of he wanted homeless for people, his Christmas relationas a child, ship with the next h i s describes boyfriend the starwho later t l i n g dies of moment he AIDS and woke up the lonelicompletely ness he felt oblivious as an alcoholic in after having slept New York C i t y . with an Looming old, naked over all of S a n t a Burroughs’ C l a u s tales is the impersonator. theme of Photo Courtesy of Booksamillion.com

never having a good Christmas, which towards the end of the book, he admits he always wanted.

Ending the book at a happier place in his life, Burroughs shows readers that even though he’d never had an ideal holiday, he still believed in the spirit of Christmas.

Having settled down with a guy he built a house with, he thinks he will finally have the Christmas he’d always hoped for. But after putting up a Christmas tree and decorating, Burroughs and his boyfriend woke up the next morning to find the tree under water. The entire downstairs of their newly built house had been flooded and ruined.

Although it was a devastating event for the couple, the kindness of neighbors and family helped them pull through and allowed Burroughs to appreciate the value in the holiday he never enjoyed.

It might not be one of Augusten Burroughs’ best, but “You Better Not Cry” is certainly worth reading. For those who are interested in reading his books, it may not be the best one to start with. But fans who are already familiar with Burroughs’ past and his sarcastic, but very gifted storytelling ability, will be able to appreciate it.

Last week, Hasbrouck Dining Hall composted 4,680 pounds of food.

That is about 4.49 ounces of waste per person -- 2.16 ounces less than last week! That is awesome! Keep watching your waste!

Thursday, November 5, 2009

Local Cafes Are A Fair Trade

4B FEATURES

The New Paltz Oracle

NEW PALTZ COFFEE SHOPS CHOOSE ENVIRONMENTAL BREWING ALTERNATIVES

By Nicole Papantoniou

Copy Editor | Papant63@newpaltz.edu

You won’t find a smooth and nutty “Dancing Goat” roast served at just any coffee shop in New Paltz, and you certainly won’t find it in the aisles of Stop & Shop. The coffee at the Mudd Puddle is unique to the shop which it’s freshly roasted in, located in the far corner of the Water Street Market. It was opened almost seven years ago by “veteran coffee drinker” Michelle Walsh and her fine dining aficionado husband, James Walsh.

“It’s so good,” said first-year mental health counseling graduate student Nicole Giordano.

“My friend brought me there over the summer and it’s really, really cute. It’s really tucked away, but it’s never empty. It’s a great place to meet with a professor or just go for a cup of coffee by yourself.”

The Mudd Puddle is the only coffee shop in New Paltz to roast its own coffee beans, which are fair trade and organic. Karma Road and 60 Main also serve such coffee. Instead of roasting coffee on premises, however, they order it roasted from local businesses in Kingston including Monkey Joe’s and Catskill Mountain Coffeek, respectively.

“There are no chemicals - nothing of that nature in [the roasted organic coffee],” said

Dominick Piaquadio, a volunteer employee at 60 Main who has been working there for five years.

“It’s the only coffee I can drink without putting anything else in it.”

Coffee is roasted at the Mudd Puddle about three to four times a week. It takes approximately 30 minutes to roast 10 pounds. A light roast indicates that a coffee has more caffeine, while a

dark roast indicates the opposite. The roasting machines at the Mudd Puddle are located in plain view and not hidden to customers. They contribute to the coffee shop’s cozy atmosphere complete with wooden floors and dim lighting.

“It always smells great!” said Giordano. “I guess it’s because they roast their own coffee. It’s always warm and happy in there, and it gives you

Photo Courtesy of Muddpuddlecoffee.com The Mudd Puddle is the only coffee shop in New Paltz to roast their own coffee beans.

Thursday, November 5, 2009

a good feeling. All the workers are really nice and always smiling.”

Coincidentally, the favorite part of employees Sal Auguello and Evan Pilnick’s job is the customers. They both agree the customers are great.

“I’d say the customers [are my favorite part of the job]. They all come in and are really friendly and like to talk to you,” said Pilnick.

The employees at 60 Main also really enjoy their jobs. They’re all volunteers for the nonprofit shop and enjoy being able to contribute to their communities.

“Being a part of nonprofit community based café helps me see alternative ways of supporting businesses,” said employee Tess Cooper, thirdyear sociology major. “It brings all aspects of New Paltz into form.”

In addition to supporting local business by purchasing their goods, the Mudd Puddle and 60 Main serve as entertainment venues for local artists. They often hold open mic events and special performances, which bring the community together. Such events reinforce the mission of the New Paltz Cultural Collective at 60 Main, which, as listed on their Web site, is to “educate and engage the public of New Paltz, the Hudson Valley and beyond in the visual and performing arts, cultural exchange and creative expression.”

Audience Clearly Not ‘Bored to Death’

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT 5B

The New Paltz Oracle

NEW HBO SHOW LIVES UP TO THE HYPE OF A ‘30 ROCK’ FEEL

By Steve Arenius

Staff Writer | Sarenius69@newpaltz.edu

Ask any number of your friends what their favorite series is and you’ll find the same crime/forensic/courtroom epics, uninteresting sitcoms, wonderfully written reality shows and young, bitchy NYU-type dramatic romps keep coming up. “Bored to Death” is the latest HBO series to enter the fray of the television wasteland. It provides that “30 Rock” isn’t the only funny, smart and original comedy on TV with perfect cast chemistry and a rediscovered star.

Jason Schwartzman, the Coppola family wunderkind of Coconut Records and a slew of Wes Anderson films, plays Jonathan Ames, a Brooklyn writer struggling to write his second novel. When Ames’ live-in girlfriend leaves him and his dependencies on pot and white wine behind, he puts an ad on Craigslist for his talents as an unlicensed private eye. George Christopher, head of a prominent magazine, Ames’ boss and pot-fiending ladies’ man is played by a reinvented and show-stopping Ted Danson.

Comedian and “The Hangover” star Zach Galifianakis rounds out the cast in his best role yet as Ames’ best friend and commiserating partner Ray Hueston, a failing comic book artist

trapped in a miserable relationship.

Advertised as a “noir-otic comedy,” the first five episodes have times that drag and aren’t always laugh-outloud funny, but viewers that stick with it are rewarded by its shining moments.

The guest star cameos alone are worth watching. Parker Posey calls Ames to recover her son’s stolen skateboard, director Jim Jarmusch rides a bike in circles in his eccentrically empty studio and “Weeds” supplier Romany Malco is Danson’s first bisexual lover. It’s endlessly exciting to see Jason Schwartzman play what could be a 30-year-old Max Fischer from “Rushmore,” or to hear a doped-up Danson explain his erotic obsession with armpits or even to see Galifianakis in his trademark white elastic underwear.

Already, Ames’ cases have included saving a kidnapped girl from her meth-addled boyfriend and reuniting a Russian ex-con with a mob-run singer at a boardwalk club. His desperation in doing the right thing and becoming a hero is made difficult by his alcoholism and affinity for marijuana, but Schwartzman does it as if Ames is a part of his own psyche.

HBO’s originals have rarely disappointed and “Bored to Death” follows the trend. Besides the obvious comparisons to the casting and writing of “30

What’s New in A&E

By Sunya Bhutta

Copy Editor | Sunya.bhutta94@newpaltz.edu

Los Doggies, The Press, Kyle Miller and The Jings will be playing for the New Paltz Cultural Collective Friday, Nov. 6 from 8 to 11 p.m. Los Doggies are a popular local band that is known for being able to play music using several different keys. The Press divinely display their influence of Modest Mouse, of Montreal and The Violent Femmes in their music. Kyle Miller plays solo and acoustic self written folk-oriented melodies with a blend of the blues. The Jings are a pop-folk pair inspired by the 60s who perform covers of the Beatles and the Kinks along with originals. For more information on this event visit 60main.org.

Admission is $5.

The Hudson River to Niagara Falls: 19thcentury American Landscape Painting from New York Historical Society will be doing a gallery tour of its blockbuster exhibition on Sunday, Nov. 8 at 2 p.m. The event is sponsored by and located in the Samuel Dorsky Museum of Art and will go into detail on what inspired artists Durand, Cole, Weir, Bierstadt and others to captivate the beauty of the Hudson River. Go to newpaltz.edu/museum for more information.

The SUNY New Paltz Slam Team is hosting a Grand Slam featuring Sierra DeMulder, the number one collegiate female poet in the world. The event will take place on Thursday, Nov. 12 from 8 to 10:30 p.m. where the top ten poets on campus will compete against one another. Defending New Paltz members Megan Falley, Chris Milea, Mike Krau, Jasenka Hrustanovic and Jackie Wolozin will go headto-head with the new competitors Tom Bair, Joy Jerome, Mike Bunin, Ben Golden, Celina Strater, Grace Mcdermott and Nick Taldi. For more information on this event visit the SUNY New Paltz Slam Team page on Facebook.

The funk fusion jam band Mother’s Borsch will be playing Saturday, Nov. 7 at 8 p.m. for the New Paltz Cultural Collective at 60 Main. The band is influenced by jazz, funk, blues and rock. They play funky music and are all about having a good time. Admission is $5.

For more information e-mail newpaltzcc@gmail.com or visit 60main.org.

Saturday Nights at the Terrace will have comedian Richie Holiday on Nov. 7. The allprofessor rock band Questionable Authorities will be playing on Nov. 14 and comedian Myq Kaplan is performing on Nov. 21. The events are free and run from 9 p.m. to midnight.

Refreshments will be served.

Photo Courtesy of imdb.com Guest stars feature director Jim Jarmusch and “Weeds” star Romany Malco.

Rock,” the show’s humor is vulgar, but crude writing or always tend to fall crass and outrageous. If you don’t want for the classic self-sympathizing detecto hear Galifianakis masturbating to tive story, look no further than the donate semen to a lesbian couple, or, promising first season of “Bored to as he describes them, “fans of his Death.” I’ll admit that the show could work,” or a beloved “Cheers” star get easily be short-lived and become a cult high and talk about his infantile oral favorite (i.e. going the way of fixation with breasts, you may want to “Arrested Development”), but this steer clear. On the other hand, if you’re show should most definitely be a fan of any of the actors, enjoy smart, watched.

Post Scripts’

Top 10 Picks of the Week 1. “Patriot” - Cougar 2. “Hymn to the Immortal Wind” - Mono 3. “On Little Known Frequencies” - From Monument to Masses 4. “The Incident” Porcupine Tree 5. “The Hawk is Howling” - Mogwai

6. “Pnuema” - Moving Mountains 7. “The Four Trees” Caspian 8. “Between the Heart and the Synapse” - The Receiving End of Sirens 9. “Relativity” - Emarosa 10. “All of a Sudden I Miss Everyone” Explosions in the Sky

List compiled by Dear Ms. Leading Her show is Wednesday night from 9 to 11 p.m.

Only on the Edge!

Thursday, November 5, 2009

New Paltz Collectively Celebrates Culture

6B ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

By Sunya Bhutta

The New Paltz Oracle

COMMUNITY MEMBERS UNLEASH THEIR INNER ARTISTS

Copy Editor | Sunya.bhutta94@newpaltz.edu

The New York state nonprofit organization New Paltz Cultural Collective began only five years ago by community members with unpaid staff volunteers.

“The idea behind the New Paltz Cultural Collective is to promote art, music, education and community activism in New Paltz and the surrounding areas,” said Events Coordinator Jamie Levato.

The organization runs several weekly and monthly events, which include an art show on the third Saturday of the month and an open mic night every Thursday. They are especially known for their generous reinforcement of independent musicians.

“We try to support a variety of different types of music,” said Levato.

Minor Constellations, Tom Christie, Tamas Vilaghy and Greg Gondek all recently played a show for the New Paltz Cultural Collective. They each performed their original self-written songs solo. There was a big crowd turnout with mostly close friends and family, but a few café customers chose to stay and listen after picking up some coffee.

Minor Constellations pleased the crowd with his hilarious and insightful super-fast

The nonprofit organization hosts a variety of music and film events.

Photo by Sunya Bhutta pop-folk songs on his ukulele. Christie gave a show are donations. Most of the money goes beautifully soothing performance on acoustic to the performers while a small portion goes guitar. His sincere performance mesmerized toward the organizations to help support their the audience and he said he was very thank- work.

Besides supporting music and art, the ful for everyone’s attentiveness.

The show had a very mellow atmosphere collective also focuses on educating the comwhich matched the casual setting it was munity about important issues. On Tuesday, placed in. The New Paltz Cultural Collective Nov. 10 at 7 p.m. they will have a film screenholds most of its events at the New World ing of the documentary “Coal Country” to Rising info shop which is locally known as build awareness of the dangers of mountain 60 Main. The proceeds collected from the top removal mining. The film’s focal point is

Thursday, November 5, 2009

about coal companies that mine and subsequently destroy mountains and water supplies.

The New Paltz Cultural Collective is working on collaborating with other community organizations, such as Art for Peace.

They are also planning a peace song event in the near future. The organization strongly encourages students and community members to get involved and help with the cause.

They are looking for volunteers who can help organize events, come up with new ideas for community projects or just commit some time to hanging fliers.

“I enjoy the aspect of giving a service and giving my time for the good of the cause,” said volunteer staff member Tobias Devor. “It’s karma work; I get paid in so many other ways.” The New Paltz Cultural Collective and the New World Rising café display the “spirit of working together as a community,” said Devor.

A show will take place Friday, Nov. 6 at 8 p.m. at 60 Main with the locally acclaimed New Paltz band Los Doggies along with the Press, Kyle Miller and the Jings. For more information on upcoming shows and events or to get involved with the New Paltz Cultural Collective contact newpaltzcc@gmail.com or visit 60main.org.

Hardcore Band Falls to Perfection NEW CONVERGE RELEASE HITS LIKE A SLEDGEHAMMER

By Steve Arenius

Staff Writer | Sarenius69@newpaltz.edu

Listening to Converge can easily be likened to being smacked in the face by a 2-by-4 with a rusted nail pierced through it. Or perhaps blasting through a windshield at 60 miles per hour. Maybe even arm wrestling with the business side of a lawn mower. Painful, yes, but it is an experience that is wholly rewarding.

Massachusetts-based band Converge is a powerhouse of modern hardcore that has been tearing its way through bastions of odious scenesters and straight edge punk bands for years. Jacob Bannon, the band’s lead singer, lyricist, cover artist and leader of Deathwish Inc. has molded Converge true to their vision of what hardcore is, and should be, since the ‘90s. Painfully strong emotion, noisily virtuous guitar work and mathematic percussion have exemplified the band’s never disappointing albums and 2009 has finally brought us their latest effort, Axe To Fall.

With the band members pursing solo careers, starting record labels and manning the helm of production for numerous other bands, the latest addition to the band’s extensive discography seemed like it would never come. YouTube clips of rehearsals in the band’s studio began to surface by the summer, and fans everywhere set their hopes high. Axe To Fall is powerful, steadfast and the perfect progression for the ever-growing band. What sets it apart from past records is the balance of heavy and soft and the addition of guitar solos, two elements heard on some of the band’s previous works, but perfectly rendered here. Kurt Ballou’s riffy, technical guitar lines littered with high pitched screeching feedback are here in perfect form. His skill as a guitarist here simply cannot be overlooked.

“Worms Will Feed” begins with a classic atonal Converge riff and builds up to Bannon’s raw scream as spidery harmonics

Want

make way for face bashing chords as the intro is reprised by the full band. “Dead Beat” is a melodic take on the classic Converge set with Fugazi-inspired vocals and some dizzying time signatures by the middle of the track. Less than a second of silence separates the track from the next, as the one and a half minute epic “Cutter” starts and ends with a barrage of noise, making way for the hideously exciting riff of “Slave Driver.” “Cruel Bloom” is a bluesy, piano driven tune right out of Tom Waits until the ambience of “Wretched World” takes way. The band continues to experiment with its trademark song lengths, ranging from just over one minute to just over seven.

Axe To Fall is just what hardened Converge fans want to hear. The band’s influences are everywhere from the freejazz solos of Black Flag to Fugazi’s strong willed ethos and vocals. It’s the perfect mix of the pain of “You Fail Me,” the power of “No Heroes,” and the best parts of “Jane Doe,” fitting perfectly among these mainstays of the Converge back catalogue.

Converge has always been considered a well deserving hardcore royalty and Axe To Fall makes the title that much more pertinent. They are the torch holders of the genre in its modern days when its original heroes have long left the game. Rather, they are the only heroes left. Behold Axe To Fall - hardcore perfection.

Phish continued their annual Halloween tradition in Indio, California’s Empire Polo Club by covering a full-length album. This year’s choice was Rolling Stones’ Exile on Main Street.

::

Iggy Pop confirmed that a tour is in the works for the Stooges with James Williamson replacing the late Ron Asheton, his guitarist who died earlier this year.

::

After months of promises, Weezer finally made good on releasing a Weezer Snuggie, perfect for fans who want to cozy up with the band’s new album Raditude, out Nov. 3.

:: After he pleaded guilty to attempted gun possession and was sentenced to jail, Lil’ Wayne is also being sued.

::

At a Dec. 8 benefit show at the Echoplex in L.A., “Weird Al” Yankovic will sing a Pixies song with members of the Pixies.

Weezer to come play at SUNY Axe To Fall

is just what hardened Converge fans want to hear. Photo Courtesy of exclaim.ca

New Paltz and give us a lot of cash?

Then

Making Music History

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT 7B

The New Paltz Oracle

VOTE on Facebook so they can

get their asses over here!

The voting closes on November 30 so help out our school and tell your friends!!!!!

Thursday, November 5, 2009

::

Rihanna is breaking her silence. For the first time, she will speak on camera about her assault by R&B singer Chris Brown.

The interview will air on ABC during Thursday and Friday’s Good Morning America at 7 a.m. and Friday’s 20/20 at 10 p.m.

::

All information gathered from Rollingstonemagazine.com, Pitchfork.com and Spin.com.

8B THE DEEP END

The New Paltz Oracle

THIS WEEK IN THE DEEP END:

KARA ELETTO

Name: Kara Eletto Art: Drawing and painting Year: Fourth Majoring in: Visual Arts Inspiration: Large noses, dead malls, architecture, science Favorite artist: Cecily Brown, Odd Nerdrum, Francis Bacon Dream: To be able to survive financially after college whilst doing her artwork

Photos courtesy of Kara Eletto, Caption by Felice Bernabo

Thursday, November 5, 2009

By Felice Bernabo Photo Editor | fbernabo10@newpaltz.edu

The New Paltz Oracle

Pg 9

Opinions

EDITORIAL

Student Activism is Key to Lessening Cuts Editorials represent the views of the majority of the editorial board.

Columns, op-eds and letters, excluding editorials, are solely those of the writers and do not necessarily represent the views of The New Paltz Oracle, its staff members, the campus community and university, or the town of New Paltz.

With another budget cut looming, it’s time for students to take action. We feel that students need to become more aware of the impact that budget cuts will have on our school and use that knowledge to advocate for their education.

A few weeks ago, Gov. David Paterson announced a proposed cut of $90 million from the SUNY system and now the SUNY Board of Trustees is deciding how to disperse the cuts across the board. Chancellors have said the reductions will not be divided evenly among all of the 65 state universities and community colleges and they are working on a system to assess the state of each institution.

SUNY New Paltz will likely be facing a cut of over $1 million. This proposed reduction comes on top of a $6 million cut that the college was forced to make last semester.

Students shouldn’t only be aware that the cuts are coming, but understand what will happen to the quality of our education. The cuts prevent the school from hiring new faculty and staff, which also prohibits the addition of new courses for next semester. Worse yet, the reductions from last semester,

and the new ones have forced New Paltz to eliminate classes or sections of classes from many departments for next semester.

Organizations, such as NYPIRG, have done a solid job in arranging rallies and organizing petitions against the budget cuts. One petition that NYPIRG sent around campus last week drew over 1,000 signatures. The Student Association Executive Board also co-sponsored NYPIRG's

most recent campus rally and sought to make students aware of the cuts through tabling at the Student Union Building.

We would like to particularly credit NYPIRG for its efforts so far and its dedication to advocating for our education. However, NYPIRG cannot do this alone.

Students need to become involved and show that they truly care about their education. Go to rallies or organize your own, circulate petitions

or write letters to the governor.

Use the power of free speech to your advantage and try to prevent further cuts in the future.

We cannot afford to sit back. We need to show.

Paterson that we will not take these cuts sitting down.

These cuts are depriving students of getting the highest quality public education. With a $300 increase in tuition for New York residents last semester and this semester and

an even greater hike for outof-state students, what is that additional money going to?

It's not being used for our education. The state government took 80 percent of the revenue from the increase to use for an economic bailout plan.

Students should be outraged by this. Yes, the national and state economies are in a recession, but how is cutting money from the SUNY system a wise decision? Without a high quality education, how is our generation supposed to achieve our career goals and pursue our dreams?

School President Steven Poskanzer said that our college was ready for the cuts because it expected them, but we should not have to face them in the first place. He also said that more reductions could be coming for the 2010-11 fiscal year budget and while our school is prepared for it, New Paltz can only withstand so much before having to make more cutbacks.

We need to show Paterson and the state that we value our education and will not stand idly by as cut after cut is made to it until the quality of it is a shade of its former self.

The cuts last semester were bad enough, but additional reductions are intolerable.

We must advocate for our education and show the state government that we will not back down until they show the appreciation and support for our education that we as students deserve.

Do you think that the state should be bailed out by cutting education? Where do you think Paterson should be getting the money to fix the state defecit?

We ask that letters are no more than 250 words, for spacial limitation issues.

Letters to the editor can be submitted to oracle@newpaltz.edu or via mail to SUB 417 by Sundays at 5 p.m.

We reserve the right to edit letters for length and letters may not be printed if they are slanderous or offensive.

Letters are printed at the discretion of the editor-in-chief.

Thursday, November 5, 2009

Pg 10

Opinions

LETTERS

The New Paltz Oracle

A New Direction for Student Association Dear Editor, On behalf of the Student Association (SA), the Executive Board (E-board) would like to respond to last week’s editorial regarding the performance of the SA thus far. Several of the issues discussed in the article in regards to senate and the E-board were not false but also not entirely true. The question was how much work could the senate be doing when meetings are ending early and legislation is not being brought to the table? This is something that senators themselves have also noticed and at the senate retreat in October it was a topic of discussion. At the senate meeting following the retreat, senators stayed until 11:30 p.m. discussing possible legislation they want to bring to the table and ways for them to be a more effective body.

In regards to the E-board, it’s important to keep in mind that there are several essential functions to keep the day-to-day operations of the SA running which, although not very exciting, are indispensable to the student body. It

was mentioned that all we do is sit office hours and attend meetings; however, that is essentially our job description. From an observer’s perspective, it may not seem as though we go above and beyond our call of duty, nonetheless, we are constantly serving hours outside of our scheduled hours to cater to students’ needs and complete tasks that we have taken up.

Keeping senate and Council up-to-date with what the E-board is doing is our way of keeping campus up to date, and we have noticed that we have become relaxed with our reports and not as detailed as we need to be.

Therefore, The New Paltz Oracle’s perception is justifiable, but not an accurate description of what we are doing.

In the last month, we attended SUNY Student Association Assembly, conducted a rally against budget cuts while organizing a petition, and finalized the direction of SA Graphics. That is what has been done by the Eboard as a whole. Individually, Yasmin El Jamal oversees SA Graphics, Brenna Fearey

finalized dates and planning for our Constitutional Convention; which will be Nov. 14 and 15. Kevin Purcell and El Jamal with SA Productions are conducting a comedy show with highly acclaimed performer, Ralphie May, for Nov. 18. Stephanie Samuel and the Senior Committee started the planning of their first program, “Dress the Part,” which will be in the first week of March for the senior celebration. Jen Sanchez is spearheading the program that will be put on by the SA E-board this month for students to come to us with all issues they may be facing this year that they want advocated for. Hana Akimoto continues to try to move Council in a direction of giving input to legislation and Abe Uchitelle continues to have an active role in local government.

In regards to last year’s SA creating the Loop, which was not a project that happened overnight, the discussion and planning of happened for two years and projects such as those happen over time. Therefore, having the Loop run on weekends and pushing for organic ath-

letic fields are long term processes which involve many other agencies and departments besides the SA. Work on these projects has not stopped; it just takes time.

For many of us, this was our first taste of negative press. Our initial reaction was to take it as a personal attack and we have learned from the experience. Ties between the SA and The New Paltz Oracle have not been broken, but rather strengthened. We pledge to do our best to work more closely with The New Paltz Oracle to bring the student body up to speed on what we are working on. We know that this exchange will result in a stronger relationship between the SA and The New Paltz Oracle in which we are considerate of the role of the press in the political process, as well as our need to present the most complete message of what it is that we do.

The Student Association Executive Board SUNY New Paltz

OP-EDS

Editorials represent the views of the majority of the editorial board. Columns, op-eds and letters, excluding editorials, are solely those of the writers and do not necessarily represent the views of The New Paltz Oracle, its staff members, the campus community and university, or the town of New Paltz.

New Paltz Tapestry, Part 18

By Henry Cavanaugh On a drizzly, cold Albany night, I rode the Army bus back to New Paltz, expecting nothing. I couldn’t call ahead as we had no phone.

My few bus mates were the same ones from the early morning trip upstate, 14 hours before. This time everyone was somber, whether they had passed or failed the physical. Exhausted, most likely. We had all been through the most degrading, scary and humiliating day of our lives, but shared no sense of comraderie. I certainly didn’t feel like getting chatty with someone who was maybe going to take my bullet in Vietnam.

Inside, I was jumping up and down, my doped up brain racing through a carnival of long postponed plans.

I hadn’t eaten for days, part of my strategy, and I still had a mixture of uppers and downers fighting amongst themselves as they coursed through my system. I napped fitfully as my eyeballs scraped against my eyelids like fingernails on a chalkboard. I had won the longest, most wasteful struggle, but now I had the coveted 4F classification and never had to worry again on that score. It was a long walk from Trailways to Barnaby’s, next door to where I lived. As I staggered through town, I picked up a few friends on the street and invited them to come along, and sent others to raise the clan and meet me at my house for a “do.” I was so dried out from days of speed, I could hardly tell the tale. My girlfriend, Susan, never knowing if I’d be kept overnight or what, decided to think positively, and started to party early in the afternoon. The apartment was so packed, my arrival was hard-

ly noted at first. She knew the outcome right away. Then, and for days after, I was beaming so I finally got charlie-horsed face muscles. Plenty to eat, plenty to drink and dangerous quantities of dope were being passed around. I remember taking off my jacket and cutting out the lining to redistribute the unused thorozine and stelezine, meth and amphetimines.

I had borrowed and hidden away in case I was kept overnight in Albany. They told me I slept for two days with a grin on my face.

As Susan and I relaxed into our second year together, 1968 exploded with the asassination of Martin Luther King Jr. only weeks later.

Our futon was right at window level facing North Chestnut Street. All night long there were police cars about, but what ever was expected didn’t happen. We were terrified nonetheless.

The year would be punctuated by one major horror after another every few months.

New admissions policies and Pell Grants had literally changed the complexion of the campus overnight, from one where the 40 or so blacks were Missionary School native Africans, to one with over 100 streetwise kids from the boroughs and a dozen or so athletes. There was a strong African studies program, with mostly African faculty, but most black students were not political or not organized, and King’s murder went without incident.

It’s appropriate to mention the organization S.A.M. or Student Action Movement here. I returned to campus to find the anti-war movement had taken on a hobby, and become a movement to revolutionize the Student

Government Organization. S.A.M. was led by Roberta Hurd, one of the two or three Black women on campus. It was named after one of the campus scavenger hounds, who always knew the cafeteria schedule, and would then disappear again. But I digress.

The original student government was always composed of the usual fraternity and sorority types who held similar offices in high school, and lived inside a bubble of entitlement. Add a few goody-goody types to that and you get the picture. It was a rubber-stamp for a hated administration. As campus society changed it was less and less representative, but the un-represented withdrew into apathy, which only led the establishment to live in its own echo chamber.

S.A.M. organized the apathetic into a political party and ran in opposition to the S.G.O. It was unprecedented to have anything but a one party system. And S.A.M. had a platform, also something new. During its short life, it was able to end the curfew, open up more off-campus housing, gain student control over posters and pamphlets, allow some cars on campus, end the dress code for meals, allow room visitation, fraternity and sorority privileges and many other goals that the student of today would just scratch their heads over. Curfew was at 11:00 p.m. for women only. Posters, pamphlets etc. had to be approved of by the dean of students. Sunday meals required a dress or tie and jacket. Quaint, but the world was turning in favor of these changes, and the old order was out.

It was during this time that I had been draw-

Thursday, November 5, 2009

ing various cartoons and comic strips for The I was in the dean’s office every week to defend my work against changes the dean wanted. This went on over the life of several editors, each one wimpier than the last.

At that time there was a “faculty advisor.”

At the end of the year, there was a kind of awards ceremony at the second most classy restaurant in town. The athletic letters, the scholarship awards and all kinds of recognition were heaped together at this banquet. I’m just saying, there was a hierarchy, a pecking order with rewards, “official” photos for the yearbook and plenty of food and drink. Most of the The New Paltz Oracle staff only knew me from these end of semester banquets, as I never hung out in the The New Paltz Oracle office, but they also knew me by reputation from my fights with the administration.

At the end of the spring semester, the The New Paltz Oracle staff met to elect the new editor to take over in the Fall. Anyone on the staff was eligible, and a few guys really campaigned a bit. As usual, the office was a snake pit of petty jealousies, with the editor graduating and the second in command assuming that the election would be just a formality. I guess the paper was as complacent as the student government that had just been overthrown, and a lot of the staff wanted change. Whatever the explanation, rival’s votes must have cancelled each other out, and at the end of a few counts I wound up with the “prize.” I was the newly elected write-in editor of the The New Paltz Oracle.

New Paltz Oracle.

Pg 11

Opinions

CARTOONS ETC.

New Paltz Oracle The New PaltzThe Oracle

Christian Marra Cartoonist marra17@newpaltz.edu

Interested in having your cartoons published?

Submit original cartoons via e-mail to oracle@newpaltz.edu

or drop them off in The New Paltz Oracle office, SUB 417.

Courtesy of websudoku.com

Christian once drew a comic for his high school newspaper, but it was rejected.

Swearing revenge, Christian came to New Paltz and became a visual art major. When he’s not drawing comics for the newspaper and running the New Paltz Gaming

Society, he is drawing in his sketchbook and playing video games with his friends. He also posts all of his comics on www.tristianarram.livejournal.com for further ridicule.

Christian does not enjoy long walks on the beach if it is too hot out.

Solutions to the Sudoku are available in The New Paltz Oracle office, SUB 417.

Thursday, November 5, 2009

Pg 12

COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS

The New Paltz Oracle November 8 7 p.m in SUB 401/405 Come to our weekly story meeting to write stories, take photos and draw cartoons.We’ll be having our elections for next semester this meeting. Staff writers are invited to come run for a position or vote! Contact: oracle@newpaltz.edu

RHSA Buzz Karaoke November 6 8 - 10 p.m. in Esopus Hall Sing karaoke, win prizes, and/or eat delicious pizza! For more information visit http://www2.newpaltz.edu/rhsa.

Pathways of Evolutionary Theory November 5 5 - 7 p.m. in LC 102 There will be three speakers on this panel about major themes in evolutionary theory.

This event is free and open to the public.

Dr. Andi Weiss Bartczak, environmental toxicologist and science consultant, will review “The Logic of Darwin’s Research” to discuss the sort of scientist Charles Darwin was. Dr. Gilbert Brenner, Department of Geology (emeritus), elected member of the British Darwin Society, will talk on “Darwin’s Discoveries and Geology.” He will discuss Darwin’s emergence as a geologist and naturalist. Dr. Irwin Sperber, Department of Sociology, will sketch “Marxist and Laissez-Faire Interpretations of Darwin’s Discoveries in the Social Sciences,” on how Darwin’s research did bear upon the historical materialist perspective of Karl Marx.

Hurley English Country Dance November 7 7:30 - 11 p.m. at the Hurley Reformed Church Enjoy English country dancing to traditional tunes played by local musicians. All dances will be taught and called by Paul Ross. Come alone or with friends. Wear comfortable shoes. Potluck refreshments will be served at the break. The workshop at 7:30 is important for newcomers so that they can better understand the vocabulary of English Country Dance. This dance is sponsored by the totally volunteer organization, Hudson Valley Community Dance.

Cost is $10 or $5 for students. Have

The New Paltz Oracle

questions or need directions? Call 845-679-8587.

Annual ChiliFest!

November 7 1 - 5 p.m. at the Pine Hill Community Center Join us for some of the best hand-crafted chilies you’ve tasted this side of Texas, some live music and good fun. You have the option to purchase your chili in a beautiful hand-thrown bowl that you get to take home. The bowls are made by local potter Jamie DeForest. This year we will be remembering local chili master, musician and friend Michael Kelly. Admission is free, prices for chili TBA. Proceeds benefit the Center.

Arabic Feast to Help Break the Siege of Gaza November 8 1 - 4 p.m. at La Florentina Restaurant in Kingston A special Arabic meal will be served to raise funds for the Gaza Freedom March.

This unique culinary event, prepared by excellent Palestinian chefs, will focus attention on the twelve local residents of the Hudson Valley who will be bringing supplies for children and families to Gaza in December. Tickets will be $25 if purchased beforehand or $30 at the door. For tickets, info or to make a donation visit http://www.hudsontogaza.blogspot.c om or call 845-246-8415, Ext. 3.

Film Screening: Coal Countr y November 10 7 - 8:30 p.m. at 60 Main Coal Country is a moving documentary that profiles the concerned residents and coal miners of Appalachia who are so deeply affected by the destruction from mountaintop-removal coal mining - people who must deal with polluted local water sources; the threat of asthma, cancer, and other health effects in their families; and the division of their communities on how to address the crisis. Following the film we will hold a discussion and attendees will have the opportunity to write and send letters to the Obama administration asking them to end mountaintop removal coal mining.

Sponsored by the New Paltz Cultural Collective. For more information, please email newpaltzcc@gmail.com or visit 60main.org.

Raptors of the Ridge November 7 1 - 4 p.m. at Minnewaska State Preserve Join park educator Jillian Koehnken for a four-mile hike to Echo Rock, the rock ledge offering a panoramic view of the deep Palmaghatt Ravine and an excellent observation point for the many species of raptors at Minnewaska. Learn a few basic differences between the large birds seen gliding over the Shawangunk Ridge. Pre-registration is required.

Meeting of “Middle East Crisis Response” November 12 7 - 8:30 p.m. at the Woodstock Public Library The Middle East Crisis Response is a group of Hudson Valley residents joined in support of human rights for Palestinians and an end to the US’s aggressive policies in the Middle East. For more information call 845-876-7906 or visit www.mideastcrisis.org .

“Metamorphoses” Class of 2013 $4 Ticket Discount!

November 2 - 13 From 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Priority is given to the Class of 2013 for $4 ticket discount for “Metamorphoses.” The discount performance will be Nov. 13 at 8 p.m. in McKenna Theatre. Students in the class of 2013 can purchase their $4 tickets at the Center for Student Development in SUB 301. Student ID is required and limited tickets are available. The entire play of “Metamorphoses” is set in and alongside a large swimming pool as a selection of Ovid’s tales is told. Primary themes are love, loss, caution and recklessness, the gods and the humans.

Cathy Bao Bean: Living and Laughing with the ChopsticksFork Principle November 11 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. in L C 108 Sponsored By: Academic Affairs, Geography Department, Center for International Programs and Psychology Department. Cathy Bao Bean, author of the Chopsticks-Fork Principle, explores extraordinary cultural questions with humor and delight

To submit an announcement write down the name of the club/event, date, time and location. Then e-mail it to oracle@newpaltz.edu . All submissions are due by Sunday at 5 p.m. Submissions are printed at the discretion of the editor-in-chief.

Thursday, November 5, 2009

OASIS

OASIS is a student-staffed counseling and crisis intervention center and telephone hotline. OASIS volunteers are trained and supervised by the Psychological Counseling Center to respond to anonymous telephone calls and walk-in requests for support, information and referral. Peer crisis intervention is provided in college-related areas such as academic stress, loneliness, sexual orientation, suicide, drug and alcoholrelated problems, relationship and family conflicts.

OASIS, located in the Deyo Hall basement, room G13c, is open from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. while classes are in session, and the extension is x4945.

HAVEN

HAVEN of OASIS is the student-staffed hotline and walk-in center, supervised by the Psychological Counseling Center.

HAVEN volunteers provide support, information and referral for students who have been the target of rape, attempted rape or any unwanted sexual experience.

HAVEN is located in the Deyo Hall basement, room G13c and is open from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. while classes are in session, and the extension is x4930.

Call or stop in when classes are in session. The 24hour HAVEN beeper is (845) 455-6093.

Campus Escort

Call x3338 for an escort from anywhere on campus to anywhere on campus. 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. every night.

Not a taxi service - for safety, not for the lazy!

Safe Rider

Need a ride home from the bars? We provide FREE rides home or back to campus please give me a call at (845) 541-9110

Facilities Management

Having facilities related issues? Please call x3301.

SPORTS

Pg 13

Athletic and Wellness Center Joins Facebook

The New Paltz Oracle

By Pete Thompson

Copy Editor | Pthompson51@newpaltz.edu

As a means of making itself and its events more widely known among students, the Athletic and Wellness Center is utilizing an outlet that is frequented by many: Facebook.

A Facebook fan page titled “Wellness and Recreation” was recently created for the center, providing a wealth of information through a site that many students can be found on at any given time of day. Virtually all of the information on the page, from event and program announcements to workshop and class updates and reminders, is available on the Athletics page of the SUNY New Paltz Web site, but now students must neither check it daily nor search around for it. “[The page is] an easy way for students to get the information on our programs without having to search it out,” said Wellness and Recreation Director Keith Kenney of the site’s creation. “We want the best and most efficient way to get students involved and not just post fliers and update our Web site.”

The page paves the way for feedback from and the student office assistant are in charge of students, since they can be asked questions on it. the page. They work to update it and keep things Although this has only been done a few times, running smoothly.

Kenney said he “We basically try hopes to do this a bit and send out posts more in the future as a couple of times a more fans join. week to help get “The more students involved,” feedback, the better,” Kenney said. “My Kenney said. office assistant, The fan page student Sara was actually founded Sciorra, does most due to feedback, of the updates, but since students hailed I do them as well.”

Facebook as “the The most recent best way to get in of these included contact.” status updates such Wellness and Recreation “I proposed [the as “Outdoor Trip: idea] to my Wellness Sat, Nov. 7 Director and Recreation Paintball. Only A d v i s o r y $20. Sign up in Committee, made up Room 207 with of students last year, and they said they thought Keith Kenney in the Athletic & Wellness it would be a great idea,” Kenney said.

Center.” and “Tuesday 12 p.m. cycle classes Kenney, Intramurals Coordinator Joe Deck have been moved to 7:30 p.m. Friday 12 p.m.

“[The page is] an easy way for students to get the information on our programs without having to search it out” -Keith Kenney

cycle classes have been moved to 3:30. Be active. Get involved.”

Other information that can be found on the page includes a listing of the center’s daily hours, photos of recent trips and activities and various club sports updates.

Second-year visual arts major Monica Markiewicz found out about the page through a recent invite to an upcoming paintball trip, but she was previously unaware of it.

“I don’t know too much that’s going on because I sit on my computer instead of going to the Wellness Center,” said Markiewicz who participated in one outing last year. “But I would love to go on more fun trips and do stuff.”

One does not have to go to the gym every day, but it’s good to at least be aware of what is being offered to help lead a more holistic life.

“Our biggest problem with the page is trying to get more fans,” Kenney said. “We’ve tried different ways and they’ve worked to an extent.

It’s a work in progress that we hope will continue to grow. We just want the best way to get student feedback and to get students involved in our events and be healthier.”

Wellness and Recreation Events and Activities

Hiking Trip

Date: Nov. 14 Time: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Cost: $15 Location: Mohonk Preserve Contact: Keith Kenney, kenneyk@newpaltz.edu or 845-257-6956 Sign up by Nov. 9 for a hike through the Mohonk Preserve. Professional guides will lead the way. There is a 20 student max.

Eating With the Seasons Workshop Monday, Nov. 16 from 6 to 7 p.m.

Learn safe and effective ways to detoxify your body and mind, develop an understanding for basic ayurvedic principals and how eating with the seasons can positively effect your life.

You have to sign up so either contact Kenney or sign up on the Wellness Workshop signup page.

Interested in a Club Sport?

Visit the Web site

http://www.newpaltz.edu/recreation/club sports.html to see the list of all club sports

and contact information. To reserve a facility or field for your club sport contact the Coordinator of Intramurals Joe Deck at 845257-2343 or deckj@newpaltz.edu.

Volleyball, dodgeball, a ping pong tournament and raquetball tournament are taking place now. You can check out the action at the Athletic and Wellness Center from Sunday to Thursday.

Become a Fan of Wellness and Recreation on Facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/NPWellnessRec-

reation

or visit their Web site at www.new-

paltz.edu/recreation/.

The Athletic and Wellness Center is open daily. It is open Monday to Thursday 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday 1 to 9 p.m. Students, alumni, staff, faculty, retired faculty/staff, faculty and staff family and retired faculty and staff family can use the center’s facilities. A valid ID card is needed to use the center.

Interested in Getting a Health Assessment?

If you want to know where you stand, health assessments are available using the center’s Polar BodyAge system.

The Polar BodyAge system can assess the following: body fat, weight, body size, flexibility, strength, blood pressure, cardiovascular, heart rate, nutrition, stress, lifestyle, disease risks and more. It can also produce an individual profile summary of yourself and email it to you along with specific nutrition, wellness and workout recommendations.

Interested in a Personal Training Session?

Do you want to work out, but don’t know where to begin? Are you interested in an initial fitness consultation and assessment?

Are you interested in talking to a certified personal trainer who can answer your fitness and wellness questions?

Then, sign up for personal training sessions.

You will get an initial assessment and a personal training session and you have the option to sign up for up to three sessions.

It’s free as long as you’re a student or a current center member. Just fill out the Wellness

and Recreation personal training form and return it to Elting Gym Room 220 or 207.

Attention Group Fitness Participants: 7 a.m. Cycle classes have been cancelled on Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays.

Cycle with Corinna has been added to Mondays at 12 p.m.

Tuesday’s 12 p.m. Cycle class has been moved to 7:30 p.m.

Yoga Level 1-2 with Sarah has been added to Wednesdays at 5 p.m.

Cycle with Lauren Z. has been added to Thursdays at 7 p.m.

Friday’s 12 p.m. Cycle class has been moved to 3:30 p.m.

Group Fitness Schedule Monday 12 p.m.

Cycle with Corinna 5 p.m.

Yoga Level One, 90 minutes with Sarah, Room 101 6:30 p.m.

Jujutsu with Lauren R., Room 101 7:30 p.m.

Dance Groove with Elisa 8 p.m.

Cycle with Lauren N. Tuesday 4:30 p.m.

Cycle with Corinna 5 p.m.

Yoga Level One-Two, 90 minutes with Sarah, Room 101 5:30 p.m.

Zumba with Jen 7 p.m. willPower and Grace with Saara

Thursday, November 5, 2009

7:30p.m.

Cycle with Starr Wednesday 7 a.m.

Cycle with Corinna 5 p.m.

Kickboxing with Melissa, Yoga Level 1-2 with Sarah 6 p.m.

“Feel the Burn” with Blanca 7 p.m.

Vinyasa Yoga with Lana, Room 101 7:30 p.m.

“Absolute Abs” with Jana Thursday 5 p.m.

Yoga Level Two, 90 minutes with Sarah, Room 101 BOSU Strength with Corinna 5:30 p.m.

Cycle with Starr 6 p.m.

Dance Groove with Ellsa 7 p.m. willPower and Grace with Saara, Cycle with Lauren Z. Friday 3 p.m.

Vinyasa Yoga with Lana, Room 101 3:30 p.m.

Cycle with Starr

Fitness Tip: Beat the Bloat Beat that constant sluggish feeling by cutting out the foods that make you bloated.

Bloat in the belly does not come from water retention, but from a buildup of undigested food in the intestinal tract.

Cleanse the system with water and fiberfilled fruits and veggies and avoid processed foods and salt.

Five good foods to beat the bloat: apples, strawberries, eggs, cucumbers, blueberries.

Hawks Weekly Sports Update

Pg 14

By Pete Thompson

Copy Editor | Pthompson51@newpaltz.edu

The SUNY New Paltz Women’s Soccer team defeated visiting Bard, 1-0, last Thursday in the last match of its season.

The Hawks’first-year Samantha Abravanel scored her fifth goal of the season and third-year Brittany Bennett tallied her first assist of the year.

New Paltz’s pressure on defense led to their goal in the 67th minute. Bennett dribbled down the left side of the field and struck a shot that hit the bottom of the cross bar.

Abravanel gathered the rebound and shot from the 6-yard box. Her shot was initially saved, but Abravanel stayed with the play to put home the rebound for the 1-0 advantage.

Bard nearly tied the contest with three minutes remaining when second-year goalkeeper Danielle Gura went out to punch the ball away and was taken out by a group of players. The ball was gathered by Abby de Uriarte, whose shot sailed wide left of the wide open goal.

Gura earned her second shutout of the year.

The Hawks finished their season at 5-8-5 overall, 1-6-2 in the SUNYAC. The Men’s Soccer team hosted nationally ranked No. 7 Rensselaer on Wednesday, Oct. 28.

Rensselaer pulled out a 2-1 victory in the Hawks final match of the year.

Before the game, head coach Eric Watson honored his two fourth-year players who were playing in their final game, co-captain Anton Shipman and Harper Jaroff.

The Hawks were behind 2-0 after the end of the first half, despite outshooting the

SPORTS

Engineers, 9-6.

First-year Nicholas DiPaola pulled the Hawks within one at 2-1, when third-year Lucas Natel, who was at midfield, played a ball over the defender to DiPaola. DiPaola’s shot from 25 yards out sailed over the goalkeeper’s head into the top left corner for his fourth goal of the season. It was also Natel’s fifth assist of the season.

With two minutes to go, DiPaola’s header off third-year Jason Fancie’s throw in was bobbled by the Rensselaer goalkeeper, but was scooped up before second-year James Altadonna could get a touch on it. New Paltz did not get another solid scoring opportunity.

The Hawks outshot the Engineers 13-7 in the game.

Second-year Thomas Viscardi made three saves in net. New Paltz finished its season at 710-2 overall and 2-7-0 in the SUNYAC. The Men’s and Women’s Swimming teams competed at the Union Relays last Saturday. The men’s team finished fourth with 76 points, while the women earned 96 points and placed third.

Second-year Jesse Sweeney, third-year Rob Webb, fourth-year Stephen Cozzolongo and second-year Corey Lomas finished third for the men’s side in the 400-yard medley relay with a time of 4 minutes, 44.62 seconds. Third-years Webb, Pat Rathbun and Keith MacDonald finished second with a time of 3:14.95 in the 300 breaststroke relay.

On the women’s side, third-year Marissa Morris, first-year Katina Lown, first-year Yuka Suzuka and third-year Allison Wells finished third in the 400 medley relay with a time of 4:13.21. Suzuka, Morris and third-year Jessica

Lester won the 300 backstroke relay by finishing in 3:06.51.

Wells, Suzuka and third-year Kate Genovese won the 300 butterfly relay with a time of 3:13.19. Lown, Morris, Wells and Lester finished the 500 freestyle relay in 4:49.92 and placed first as well. The 600 individual medley relay was also won by fourth-year Melinda Pullen, first-year Lizzie Lodinsky and fourthyear Lauren Doolittle with a time of 6:53.49.

The Men’s and Women’s Cross Country teams traveled to Cortland to participate in the SUNYAC Championship on Saturday afternoon. Overall, the men’s team placed eighth and the women finished sixth.

Third-year Joe Gentsch took the top spot for the Hawks with a 14th place finish. The top five were rounded out with first-year Jeff Raab finishing 86th, third-year Robert Webster 91st, fourth-year Nick Avello 92nd and first-year Shawn Gannon placing 95th.

For the women, third-year Danielle Harmon was the top finisher for New Paltz, placing 29th. Fourth-year Lisa Cassaro finished 34th, first-year Nichole Wischoff 45th, first-year Jessica Abrams 55th and second-year Sara Wenger completed the top five with a 62nd place finish.

Gentsch was named to the All-SUNYAC second team for his 14th place finish.

The Field Hockey team ended its season with a 2-1 overtime loss to the Ducks of Stevens Institute of Technology last Wednesday.

The Hawks attempted to take the lead first with a shot from fourth-year Kristen Bergmann.

It was blocked, but third-year Sarah Schloss was

The New Paltz Oracle

there for the rebound, scoring the first goal in the 31st minute. It was Schloss’ 13th goal and Bergmann’s sixth assist of the season.

Stevens scored the game-winner in the 79th minute when Marguerite Chavez passed off a penalty corner and found Kara Borzillo for the 21 victory.

Third-year Elizabeth Tong recorded the loss in net, stopping five shots and allowing two goals. The Hawks concluded the season with an 8-11 overall record, their most wins since the 2004 campaign.

The team had a 3-2 victory over the Ramapo Roadrunners earlier in the week. It was the eighth win of the year for the Hawks.

Schloss struck first for New Paltz when her pass found second-year Maryana Organidis for a goal in the 18th minute. Schloss earned her team-high 10th assist of the season.

It was Organdis’ first goal. Jayne Manigrasso scored the equalizer for Ramapo with 48 seconds left in the half.

Ramapo took a 2-1 lead with 1:14 into the second half with a second goal from Manigrasso.

Schloss would lead the Hawks right back with an assist to Bergmann for her first goal of the game, tying it up at 2-2 in the 39th minute.

Schloss netted the game-winner in the 47th minute.

Tong recorded her seventh win of the season in net, with nine saves.

The Softball team will be a holding a clinic on Nov. 15 in Elting Gym. Contact head coach Denise Marchese at marchesd@newpaltz.edu for more information.

Hawks Players of the Week For the week ending Nov. 4

Fourth-year setter Stephanie Bova had a game and season-high 56 assists against Skidmore College to help lead the Hawks to the top finish in the Skidmore tournament.

Bova also had 37 assists against Union College. For the tournament, she tallied 136 assists, 13 kills, 25 digs and five blocks. She is currently first on the team in assists with 984 and fourth in digs with 199.

Thursday, November 5, 2009

Third-year right side hitter Alison Kiernan helped lead the Hawks to the tournament championship.

Kiernan was named Tournament MVP, compiling 34 kills, four assists, six digs and eight blocks. She had a team-high 16 kills and three blocks in a four set victory over Skidmore and tallied 10 kills and two blocks against Union. She is second on the team in kills with 250 and third in blocks with 44.

SPORTS

Pg 15

Women’s Volleyball Takes 20 Game-Winning Streak into Quest for SUNYAC Championship

The New Paltz Oracle

By Harris Wichard

Staff Writer | N01777912@newpaltz.edu

The SUNY New Paltz Women’s Volleyball team is on fire. The Hawks, 30-5 overall, take a 20 game-winning streak into the semifinals of the SUNYAC playoff tournament on Friday.

They finished up the regular season last Saturday by winning the Skidmore tournament.

New Paltz swept Union College in straight sets 25-17, 25-18, 26-24 and defeated Skidmore College in four games 24-26, 30-28, 25-18, 2725.

In the Union match, the team was led by the strong play of fourth-year Stephanie Bova, who had 37 assists. Third-year Alison Kiernan won the tournament MVPand added 11 kills in the match.

Fourth-year Brittany Coyle contributed 13 kills and four blocks. Second-year Loren Crabbe anchored the defense with 14 digs.

In the Skidmore game, Bova was tremendous as she recorded 52 assists and second-year Melinda DiGiovanna led the Hawks with 14 kills.

Coach Matt Giufre has been very impressed with the recent play of his team.

“We have been playing really well because we have a great balance on offense and have had a very aggressive defense. The girls have been communicating extremely well and have had a lot of pride in their performances,” Giufre said.

He also emphasized that there are similarities to last year’s team, but there are also a lot of differences. Last year’s team made a deep run into the NCAA tournament before losing in the Elite Eight. It was the most successful season in the volleyball program’s history.

“Both teams obviously are very good, but this year’s team has more focus and does not get caught up in the moment as much.

This year’s squad is a lot deeper and we certainly feel like we have more options.

Last year, we got too caught up in the results,” he said.

The weekend before the Skidmore Fourth-Year tournament, the team completed a dominant two days at SUNYAC pool play in Cortland.

They went a perfect 4-0 on the weekend and finished 7-1 in conference play. They locked up

the No. 1 playoff seed in the east region of the conference for the second straight year and third time in four years.

The Hawks earned the right to host the conference tournament from Thursday to Saturday.

New Paltz will play the winner of a Brockport and Oneonta quarterfinal match on Friday at 3 p.m.

Giufre stressed that the girls have to take it one match at a time.

“After clinching the SUNYACs, it would have been easy for us to lose our focus in the Skidmore tournament, but the girls Team Captain are a determined group,” he said.

Coyle, a team captain, knows the Hawks can’t look past any opponent.

“We are not thinking about the NCAAs. We’re focused on our next game. That has been a

“We are not thinking about the NCAAs. We’re focused on our next game. That has been a main reason why we have been so successful this season” -Brittany Coyle

Thursday, November 5, 2009

main reason why we have been so successful this season,” Coyle said.

She is very confident in the team.

“We have so many interchangeable parts. It does not matter who is in the game. The level of play stays high and we always compete to the best of out ability,” she said.

Fourth-year Priska Wilson is looking forward to the SUNYAC playoffs.

“We’re really excited to get on the court and play in front of our home crowd. We hope that the fans of New Paltz show their support,” Wilson said.

SUNYAC Championship Thursday- Quarterfinals Game 1 No. 2 Brockport vs. No. 3 Oneonta 2 p.m.

Game 2 No. 2 Cortland vs. No. 3 Geneseo 5 p.m.

Friday- Semifinals Game 1 No. 1 New Paltz vs. Quarterfinal Game 1 winner 3 p.m.

Game 2 No. 1 Fredonia vs. Quarterfinal Game 2 winner 6 p.m.

Saturday- Finals Semifinal Game 1 winner vs. Semifinal Game 2 winner 2 p.m.

SPORTS THE NEW PALTZ ORACLE

Women’s Soccer Ends Season With Win Against Bard

Photo by Felice Bernabo

Hawks won 1-0 last Thursday, finish year at 5-8-5 overall, 1-6-2 in the SUNYAC, team misses SUNYAC playoff tournament