The New Paltz Oracle, Volume 81 Issue XVI

NEW PALTZ ORACLE THE

Volume 81, Issue XVI

oracle.newpaltz.edu

Thursday, March 11, 2010

PARKS IN

PERIL Paterson’s plans could mean the end for Minnewaska State Park See Story on Page 3 Editorial on Page 10

PHOTO BY FELICE BERNABO

Local homeowner’s vulture prevention techniques upset nearby residents

INSIDE THE NEW PALTZ ORACLE • Murals for New Paltz Campus.................Pg 5 • Census Concerns Mayor............................Pg 6 • Notification Amendment in Planning.....Pg 6 • Letter Writing Campaign Proposed........Pg 8

Story on Page 7 PHOTO BY FELICE BERNABO

The New Paltz Oracle

University Police Blotter

Disclaimer: This is only a partial listing. For all incidents, please visit the University Police Department.

Location: CH Basement Lounge Female student reported that her unattended purse was stolen from the basement lounge. Purse contained SUNY ID, NYS Driver’s ID, two credit cards and a bank card.

Subject was advised to cancel her credit cards and bank card.

established 1938

Pierce Lydon EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Julie Mansmann MANAGING EDITOR _________________

James Leggate NEWS EDITOR

Justin McCarthy FEATURES EDITOR

Zan Strumfeld

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

Pete Thompson SPORTS EDITOR _________________

Felice Bernabo PHOTOGRAPHY EDITOR

Alec Horowitz

ASSISTANT PHOTOGRAPHY EDITOR

Jon Aiello

CARTOONIST _________________

Maxim Alter Sunya Bhutta Pamela Vivanco Andrew Wyrich COPY EDITORS _________________

Elizabeth Damiano BUSINESS MANAGER _________________

Patrick Martz Kathryn Smith DISTRIBUTION MANAGERS

Andrew Carden, Emily Canty, Kaitlyn Day, Sarah Fine, Elexis Goldberg, Ryan Patrick Hanrahan, Emily Herendeen, Sarah Hurd, Michelle S. Kramisen, Emily Kurland, Chelsea LaDue, Becky Longley, Jessica Mingoia, Jesse Ordansky, Jessica Ostrow, James Petrich, Casey Quinlan, Danielle Quitoni, Michelle Ravit, Regina Rivers, Shawn Rubenfeld, Jordan Siwek, Alex Silverberg, Sam Speer, Alison Stevens, Emily Sussell, Ashley Thompson, Chris Thurston, Nekaiya Trotman, Jennifer Von Willer, Harris Wichard, Kelly Young

STAFF

Corrections

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

Incident: Drugs Date: 03/07/10 Location: LNP One female student and one male student were arrested for unlawful posession of marijuana.

Incident: Drugs Date: 03/08/10 Location: DBH Male student reported an ongoing issue with his roommate smoking marijuana. Subject advised to report an odor of marijuana to UPD if he observes roommate smoking.

Incident: Grand Larceny Date: 03/08/10

Incident: Criminal Mischief Date: 03/08/10

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, 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 845-2573030. The fax line is 845-257-3031.

The New Paltz Oracle holds assignment meetings every Sunday at 7 p.m. in the Student Union, room 418. Articles, photographs and illustrations are assigned to the pool of staff and contributors.

Volume 81 Issue XVI

Location: BOH Custodian reported graffiti on the first and third floors of BOH done by perpetrators unknown.

Incident: Drugs Date: 03/09/10 Location: BOH CDA reported that during a health and safety inspection she found a marijuana pipe with marijuana residue in it. Female student questioned stated pipe belonged to her roommate who was not present.

Matter referred to campus judicial.

SUNY New Paltz University Police Department Emergencies: 845-257-2222 www.newpaltz.edu/police

Five Day Forecast Friday, March 12

Index

News............................................... 3 - 8 Community Calendar........................... 9 Editorial.............................................. 10 Columns............................................. 11 Zan Strumfeld.........................11 Pete Thompson....................... 11 The Gunk................................ 1B - 12B The Deep End....................................12B Sports.......................................... 13 - 16

PM Showers High: 47 Low: 41 Saturday, March 13

Rain/Wind High: 48 Low: 45 Sunday, March 14

Don’t Be Shy!

Rain High: 50 Low: 39 Monday,March 15

Visit us online at

oracle. newpaltz.edu Everyone is entitled to take one free copy of The New Paltz Oracle.

If you need additional copies, please contact the editor-in-chief at x3030 or at oracle@newpaltz.edu

Showers High: 48 Low: 34 Tuesday, March 16

Partly Cloudy High: 51 Low: 35

The New Paltz Oracle

NEWS

Pg 3

Locals Unite Against Park Closings

PHOTO BY FELICE BERNABO

Gov. Paterson’s proposal to cut parks like Minnewaska has outraged New Paltz residents. Much of the local economy is tied to the park, which draws many tourists each year.

By Pete Thompson Sports Editor | Pthompson51@newpaltz.edu

Gov. David Paterson recently proposed a $29 million cut to the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP).

Subsequently, OPRHP was forced to release a list of 41 parks and 14 historic sites to be closed, with a second list of 23 parks and one historic site set to face reduced services.

Amongst the list of closures is Ulster County’s Minnewaska State Park.

Located on the Shawangunk Ridge, Minnewaska’s 21,106 acres are visited annually by over 200,000 locals and tourists – threefourths of which come from the outside region – in search of an ideal spot for various recreational activities, such as swimming, picnicking and cross country skiing. Visitors said the preserve’s 25 miles of footpaths provide numerous experiences for hikers, and its waterfalls, sky lakes and cliff-edge observation points present a multitude of breath-taking views. Much of the New Paltz community has been vocal about wanting to keep the park.

“I am outraged that the administration is continuing to play politics with institutions so integral to our regional character and economy,” said Assemblyman Kevin Cahill in a press release at the time of the second list of closures. “New Yorkers depend on these places for our educational and recreational fulfillment, and these sites provide a sense of connection and pride in our communities.”

According to New Paltz Regional Chamber of Commerce President Joyce Minard, Minnewaska State Park generates over $500,000 in tax revenues and has a current

economic impact of an estimated $14 million.

She also said that they plan on closing Minnewaska State Park Reserve, 11 other state parks and historic sites in the Palisades region and 79 others throughout the state.

“It’s just a ripple effect,” Minard said in regard of all the restaurants, hotels and other tourist-related businesses that would suffer from the closure, resulting in the loss of over 350 full-time jobs. “It would impact all of us.”

Paterson’s plan also proposes $4 million in fee increases for parks and historic sites. Lawmakers were told that in order to keep the parks open, it’s imperative to cut $5 million from the state’s Environmental Protection Fund (EPF), which is used for land acquisition and open space conservation by providing funds for not-for-profit organizations and local governments. While many see this as unprofitable, not all are in opposition.

Although it means taking more from the EPF, Mount Hope Sen. John Bonacic, believes the cut should be upped to $6 million, so that all closures can be avoided.

According to an article in the Times Herald-Record, Paterson “called that a ‘small investment’ that he ‘absolutely’ would support, ‘because the parks are a place our constituents can go in tough economic times.’”

Local activists, such as Village of New Paltz Environmental Conservation Commision Co-Chair Rachel Lagodka, feel otherwise.

“The environment is a terrible place to cut your budget,” Lagodka said. “It cannot be replaced, and gives the community the most return. It represents such a small percentage of the budget, but it is a huge quality of life issue.”

Lagodka also spoke of the consequential fruitlessness of the 2009 Minnewaska State Park Preserve Master Plan that was years in the making if they close the park.

A public hearing was held on Oct. 22 for an overview of the plan, where Lagodka said, “Hundreds of people came out expressing their love for the park.”

One passionate community member, Rock and Snow owner Rich Gottlieb, believes the government has made a huge mistake in trying to save taxes at the cost of the environment.

“People don’t just care about breathing air,” he said. “They actually care about where they breathe it.”

Gottlieb is one of many who will lose world-class rock climbing sites, phenomenal hiking, cross-country skiing and picnic spots if the pending closure succeeds. He sees the proposal as a “pure folly,” but he also said that involvement and interaction with the land are key elements in fighting for prevention and ,unfortunately, not all people make time for it.

Gottlieb, who is originally from Queens, said, “I moved here because I was looking for more, not less.”

Preventative action is being taken on the governmental level, however.

“Assemblymember Steve Englebright (D-Setauket) and Sen.Jose M. Serrano (DManhattan/Bronx), chairs of the Assembly and Senate Committees overseeing state parks ,convened a bipartisan press conference on Wednesday, March 3 to discuss the devastating cuts to parks and called on the Governor to restore a minimum of $11.3 million in operating aid for state parks to the final state bud-

Thursday, March 11, 2010

get in order to prevent closures,” Cahill said.

More locally, County Executive Mike Hein asked the Ulster County Legislature to pass a resolution in opposition to the closings and service reductions.

If the parks are to be closed, OPRHP Commissioner and State Historic Preservation Officer Carol Ash told Cahill that all items, such as artifacts, documents and artwork, will be stored in a Capitol District warehouse, all utilities will be shut off, any maintenance would come to an end and periodic visits would be made for inspection.

“With parks specifically, we anticipate that citizens will be using these grounds regardless of any presence of authority, creating a potentially significant safety hazard,” Cahill said.

Lagodka does not see how this can be a serious possibility when considering the amount of visitors Minnewaska receives, or the amount of money it brings in.

“Parks need to be run to not lose money and [with such popularity] Minnewaska should not be losing money unless it’s mismanaged,” she said.

If the parks do close, Logodka still feels that the Ulster County community will carry out its duty in protecting what has been a part of it for so many years.

“I feel like there are so many community volunteers in the area that all the parks would have to do is call on them,” she said of the need for proper management and utilization of a volunteer base. “I don’t think [the closure] would succeed, but I wouldn’t be complacent yet.”

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NEWS

News Briefs National They say crime doesn’t pay. For one robber in California, it did - but not much.

Authorities in Riverside County say a woman with a gun robbed 11 customers at a market and got away with $6.

A Sheriff’s Department statement says the woman was armed with a semi-automatic pistol when she went to La Chicanita Market in the town of Thermal on Tuesday afternoon.

Deputy Herlinda Valenzuela says the woman confronted 10 customers in the store and also demanded money from one person who was entering the market. She then fled in an old car.

Nobody was hurt. ***** Authorities say a man was stabbed in the neck with a meat thermometer after asking a woman to silence her cell phone during a screening of the film “Shutter Island” at a Southern California movie theater. ***** When Juanita Goggins became the first black woman elected to the South Carolina Legislature in 1974, she was hailed as a trailblazer and twice visited the president at the White House.

Three decades later, she froze to death at age 75, a solitary figure living in a rented house four miles from the gleaming Statehouse dome.

Goggins, whose achievements included key legislation on school funding, kindergarten and class size, had become increasingly reclusive. She spent her final years turning down help from neighbors who knew little of her history-making past. Her body was not discovered for more than a week. ***** Corey Haim, a 1980s teen heartthrob whose career was blighted by drug abuse, has died. He was 38.

World Briefs, pg. 5

The New Paltz Oracle

Senate Moves Funds

By Pamela Vivanco

Copy Editor | Pvivanco57@newpaltz.edu

At the last meeting of the 49th student senate, members of the body voted to move funds to both the Conferences and General Programming lines, as well as approving two associate justice positions to the judicial branch.

Vice President for Finance Yasmin El Jamal and Vice President for Academic Affairs and Governance Brenna Fearey requested that the senators approve to move $10,000 from the research line. It was also suggested that $8,000 be moved from Student Association (SA) Productions. Fearey said that while the research board was doing well, they did not need all the money in their line. The SA Productions funds were initially granted to the group to bid to have Girl Talk be a part of their April 21 concert featuring Gym Class Heroes; however, the act will not be added to the bill.

The body approved that $6,000 be allocated into Conferences and $12,000 into General Programming.

Later in the meeting, English secondary education major Christopher Gordon was appointed a seat in the judicial branch.

“I’m all about change…I’ve really been thinking of ways I can contribute and give back because that’s what I do, when I go somewhere, I leave it better than it was, which is why I want to join the judicial branch,” he said.

When it comes to making decisions, Gordon said that he will make sure that they are being thought in the most productive ways and most beneficial to students.

“I like to keep everything in mind and consider different perspectives,” he said about how he would interpret the constitution.

After Gordon was appointed, Sen. Caitlin Ryan recalled the vote for Sen. Josh Dorsi, who was denied the associate justice seat at last week’s senate meeting. The legislative body appointed Dorsi to a position in the judicial branch.

As a result, Dorsi had to give up his seat in senate and in the Budget and Finance Commit-

PHOTO BY FELICE BERNABO

The senate moved money, filled seats and discussed the calendar and new lockers. tee (BFC). Because BFC seats are open to only student senators and members voted in through the Council of Organizations, Sen. John Freifeld nominated Sen. Rose Faber for the seat.

After a brief discussion, the body denied Faber the seat in a close vote.

Fourth-year student Brittany McNeill was also appointed to a seat on the Senior Week Committee during the meeting. McNeill said she hopes to reach out and improve events for seniors. Sen. Megan Grieco was also appointed a seat in SA Productions by the body.

In her formal report to senate, Fearey announced that discussion about the new academic calendar will continue. She said that the Academic Senate is trying to make the calendar more secular. She also reported that the committee would like to hear the student opinion, “typically from religious organization because they’re often impacted by the calendar.”

Sen. Eli Conrad-Hampton said that aside from religious affiliated organizations, the stu-

dent body as a whole should be considered.

Fearey reaffirmed to the senate body that the committee recognizes the whole student body and encourages students to voice their opinion and if it goes through Academic Senate, there will be an open meeting.

The senate also supported a declaration, a non-binding piece of legislation that puts forth the sentiment of the body, requested by Sen. Caitlin Ryan. The declaration expressed the importance of “Fresh Dance” and of finding a way to continue the event despite the impending departure of Director Yoav Kadar.

According to Council of Organizations Chair Hana Akimoto, office allocations are due April 9 and the next council meeting is on March 22. Akimoto also reported that she is looking into getting lockers in the library so students could leave belongings when stepping out.

The next general meeting of the student senate is on Tuesday, March 23.

Council Anticipates Future Events

By Maxim Alter Copy Editor | Malter42@newpaltz.edu

On Monday, March 8, a Council of Organizations meeting was held in Student Union 100.

At the meeting, the Student Association (SA) Executive Board addressed clubs and organizations with updates and information on things they should be aware of over spring break and throughout the year.

SA President Stephanie Samuel began the meeting with information on “Rainbow Month,” where students will participate in a variety of activities to learn about different cultures and celebrate the cultural diversity of our campus community.

“There is an event happening everywhere on campus, no matter where you are, there’s something to do,” Samuel said.

She also reminded students about the fashion show being planned for March 25. Next, the progress of SA Graphics was discussed.

“SA Graphics is going through some issues but we’re working them out,” she said.

“We’re hopefully moving towards our goal of having that one representative for SA Graphics working and making copies, and most of our business going through the print shop but with orders coming from a paid person from SA.” Next, SA Executive Vice President, Abe Uchitelle, updated students on a plan with the police committee. Uchitelle has been meeting with a defense attorney for the “know your rights” card, which, according to him, will help students interact better with the police. Also discussed was the current reviewing of proposals from vending companies by the Campus Auxiliary Services. One of the recent proposals came from Pepsi, and Uchitelle asked students

Thursday, March 11, 2010

to let those in charge be aware of their opinions.

“If anyone has a preference – Coke or Pepsi – it actually might be worth letting me know,” Uchitelle said.

After his announcement, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Governance, Brenna Fearey, spoke about a research line that is currently available for any student who is with a professor conducting research. She also discussed a proposed change in the academic calendar, which would eliminate the large breaks in the beginning of the fall semester.

Concluding the meeting, Council of Organizations Chair Hana Akimoto reminded students to submit their charters as soon as possible, because the due date had already passed.

The next Council of Organizations meeting will be held on March 22 at 8 p.m. in Student Union 100.

The New Paltz Oracle

Pg 5

NEWS

Students Push for More Art

News Briefs World Police say six people have been arrested in a crackdown on a popular Greek Web site that aided free Internet downloads of copyrighted music, movies and video games.

Police said Wednesday that the raids in Athens and three other towns targeted the homes of the alleged operators of the site gamato.info. The site indexes BitTorrent files. It was not working Wednesday. ***** The family of an American activist crushed to death by an Israeli bulldozer in Gaza is suing Israel.

PHOTO BY FELICE BERNABO

The senate hopes to get approval for a mural, possibly on a wall near the library, to beautify the SUNY New Paltz campus.

By Sunya Bhutta Copy Editor | Sunya.bhutta94@newpaltz.edu

A few student senators have collaborated to propose for the creation of a mural to be located on campus.

Mary O’Leary, the only student representative of the Arts and Aesthetics Committee, was invited to the senate meeting

by Sen. Eli Conrad-Hampton to discuss the different possiblities of the mural proposal. Conrad-Hampton began brainstorming ideas for possible locations and took pictures of suggested spaces with Sen. Megan Grieco which they presented in a slide show at the senate meeting on Feb. 23.

The locations were narrowed down to the low wall that wraps around the Smiley Art Building, the large wall to the right of the stair case from the Lecture Center leading up to the library, the stairwell betwen Capen and the Student Union, among others. The basis for determining where the mural would be located was finding areas with high pedestrian traffic that were spacious in size and had the right texture of surface, but were not likley to be subjected to vandalism.

Conrad-Hampton said he believes the mural would bring more flare and color to the campus while making a strong political statement.

“I think there is a lot of student frustration with social inequality and our American culture as a whole,” he said.

“Our campus generally lacks art installations that everyone can appreciate without having to seek them out in art buildings.”

For the proposal to pass, it needs to be

approved by the Art and Aesthetics Committee in addition to being funded. The designing and developing process can then begin with the help of artists on campus.

Conrad-Hampton said he is unsure of how realistic the plan is because this is the first time the senate proposed an art installation as a group. However, he said they are determined to make it happen.

Grieco hopes the mural will build a sense of community.

“This is important to us because we would love to see a project on campus that is something many students have contributed to,” she said. “Art can say so much and we want a project that really makes people think.”

They said their main goal is to bring a cultural perspective that emphasizes in-

terconnection and unity. This idea was discussed in context to the death of Dr. Margaret Wade-Lewis.

“We want to commemorate her legacy by either explicitly depicting her, capturing her ideals or both,” said Conrad-Hampton.

There is a lot of student support for the mural proposal. Danielle Fugazzi, thirdyear English education major, said she thinks the idea of having art around campus would be brilliant.

“The kind of art that I would like to see on the SUNY New Paltz campus would be culture driven,” she said. “SUNY New Paltz has a lot of different cultures that make up the student body and having murals driven toward culture would be engaging.”

The parents of Rachel Corrie are seeking compensation from Israel’s Defense Ministry for the death of their daughter in 2003. Arguments in the civil case opened in a Haifa court on Wednesday.

The 23-year-old Corrie was trying to block the bulldozer from demolishing a Gaza home. The driver said he didn’t see her, and the Israeli military has ruled her death an accident.

Corrie was an activist with the International Solidarity Movement, which often sends foreign activists into volatile hot spots to assist Palestinians. ***** The point of a caricature depicting the Prophet Muhammad as a dog was to show that artistic freedom allows mockery of all religions, including the most sacred symbols of Islam, the Swedish artist who created it said Wednesday.

Lars Vilks - the target of an alleged murder plot involving an American woman who dubbed herself “Jihad Jane” - told The Associated Press he has no regrets about the drawing, which is considered deeply offensive by many Muslims.

Compiled from the AP Newswire

Thursday, March 11, 2010

Pg 6

Mayor Urges Students to Answer Census

NEWS

The New Paltz Oracle

Village Discusses Code

By Pamela Vivanco Copy Editor | Pvivanco57@newpaltz.edu

Mayor Terry Dungan is encouraging SUNY New Paltz students to fill out data cards for the US Census set for release on April 1.

The US Census data cards are distributed every ten years and the federal government uses census data to allocate billions of dollars in annual funding every year.

According to New York Secretary of State Lorraine Cortés-Vázquez, “The 2010 census will play a critical role in determining how the federal government distributes more than $400 billion each year back to the states for critical programs in education, housing and community development, health care and transportation.”

Dungan said that because full-time students’ enrollment is actually larger than the year round population of the village, it is important for students to be counted as a huge segment of the population.

“Those of us here on government know that you’re here,” he said. “It’s important politically that your state and county politicians understand how many of you are here and are affected by policies.”

According to Dungan, New Paltz is viewed as an upper middle class community. Accordingly, when it comes to grant funding for projects, the village has a really hard time getting block grants or small city block grants because “we’re considered a well-to-do community,” even though many college students with little or no income live in New Paltz.

In the sense of what students “get” for being counted, Dungan said there is not a direct benefit but that even so it is important.

“Data related to our SUNY student population would be helpful for example in grant applications and as residents of New Paltz you all are affected by and share in the community benefit of grants received and the resulting infrastructure improvements” said Dungan.

Jennifer Moretti, a fourth-year double major in sociology and Spanish who lives off campus, said she considers New Paltz her home.

“I think it’s important for students to fill out the census because they are community members,” Moretti said.

One of the problems New Paltz currently faces involves the sewer system. According to Dungan, the town of New Paltz is under a court order to improve their sewer system. Several manholes would cause sewage to flow down the street when it rained. The New Paltz village has done what they can to fix the primary manholes but many still need fixing. He also said that the original 100 year bluestones are in terrible conditions but in order to replace them it would cost $200,000, an amount of money that is almost impossible to afford because of the economy.

“If we had the accurate count of the students and your income were figured into the official figures, we would be much more likely to be able to get that,” he said.

Dungan also said that there are many student tenants in New Paltz and when planning projects occur, it’s good to know how many students would be affected by their plan.

The 2010 Census questionnaire consist of 10 questions and is one of the shortest ever.

PHOTO BY ALEC HOROWITZ

Notifications would be sent to property owners near new businesses being considered by the board.

By Pierce Lydon village properties which fall in 50 to 75 foot range.

Ediotr-in-Chief | Lydon47@newpaltz.edu “State and local law are written to protect existing neighborhoods,” said Dungan. “This amendment makes The New Paltz Village Board of Trustees is considering sure that property owners most closely affected by a proan amendment to the Village Code that would require the posal have the opportunity to speak to the issue regarding village to notify neighbors of any item that is scheduled for any impact that they believe the proposal may have.” a public hearing before the zoning board or planning board.

In the past, village notifi cation was only done as a courAccording to New Paltz Mayor Terry Dungan, the tesy to nearby residents of a property in question. The new amendment is still in its planning stages. amendment to the Village Code would make this a regular “The amendment is with the building inspector, being occurrence and prevent local uproar such as the recent grantredrafted to better incorporate the key features of the Town ing of a Special Use permit to the owners of 184 Main Street Code,” said Dungan. One such key feature is that Town who plan to open up a hookah lounge.

Many residents were Code also requires that an 11x17” notice must be posted in under the impression because of past notifi cations that there front of the property under review. was already a set village precedence to keep them informed.

The Town Code requires notification of neighbors withThe Village Board is in the middle of their budget proin 500 feet of the item undergoing a hearing. The proposed cess.

They must decide on a tentative budget by next week.

Village Code amendment would require notification to all As such, the notification amendment will not be discussed property owners within 200 feet. A main reason for this difuntil at least their March 24 meeting. ference is that in general, town properties are larger than

Students Dance for Water

PHOTO BY ALEC HOROWITZ

On March 6, a dance was held at the Redeemer Evangelical Church to benefit Students for Fresh Water in Developing Nations. Local bands In the Pocket, Godchilla, The Notion Stompers, the Jings and Antelope played at the event.

Thursday, March 11, 2010

The New Paltz Oracle

Pg 7

NEWS

A Carcass a Day Keeps the Vultures Away

By James Leggate News Editor | Leggat06@newpaltz.edu

A dead vulture is displayed above one New Paltz house, hanging from a stand on the roof. Some residents were understandably confused by the carcass. However, it is not a symbol of evil as some suspected.

It was actually put there by the federal government.

The home of Orin Lincoln Igou first began attracting black vultures about three years ago, according to Igou’s sonin-law Wayne Gildersleeve. At first it was only a few vultures, but soon there were as many as 60 perched on the roof and nearby trees daily.

“They chewed on the roofing material and the chimney,” Gildersleeve said. The roof had to be repaired twice, as well as damage to the interior - the total cost of which Gildersleeve declined to give, but said was “significant.”

The vultures were attracted to the home because of the tall trees and the rubber roof, according to Ken Preusser of the U.S. Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services. Vultures like tall structures for roosting and to tear rubber, such as windshield wipers or roofs like Igou’s, with their beaks.

PHOTO BY FELICE BERNABO

A dead vulture hangs over a house on N. Manheim Boulevard.

Local residents also found the vultures to be a disturbance.

“I was walking down Henry W. DuBois [Drive] and I noticed that I was being followed by about 10 vultures,” said Alan LeFevre, a New Paltz resident. LeFevre also said that the vultures followed him for five to 10 minutes and got as close as

six feet from him.

In order to dissuade the vultures from perching on or near Igou’s house, Preusser said, the tall trees had to be removed and dead turkey vultures were placed on the roof. Vultures, despite feeding mainly on carrion, find their own dead disturbing.

Confused by the presence of seem-

Thursday, March 11, 2010

ingly-grotesquely-displayed carcasses at a busy intersection, some residents wrote letters complaining to the New Paltz Times. A representative of Wildlife Watch, a group which opposes the use of dead vultures, did not return calls for comment.

Igou’s family has tried to explain the situation to other New Paltz residents.

“I think once the information for the rhyme and reason for it was revealed, people were much more understanding,” Gildersleeve said.

Though turkey vultures have always lived in the area during the spring and summer, black vultures did not begin to appear until the 1990s. A 1998 article in The New York Times featured a couple from Gardiner whose home also became a plaugued with the birds.

According to a 2003 USDA report, vultures can be discouraged by eliminating perches, placing high-tension wires over roofs, setting off fireworks or repeatedly playing recordings of distressed birds. In cases where these fail, permits may be acquired to shoot the birds and display the carcasses.

Igou’s home is no longer a popular perching spot for vultures.

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NEWS

The New Paltz Oracle

Senate Raising Endowment Funds

By Andrew Wyrich Copy Editor | Andrew.wyrich63@newpaltz.edu

The student senate is starting a letter writing program on April 22 in honor of the late Dr. Margaret Wade-Lewis with hopes of raising money for the endowment fund recently named for the late professor.

Students will be able to sign letters to be sent out to philanthropists, hoping that their personal notes will encourage them to donate money to the recently named scholarship fund.

Senate Chair Jennifer Sanchez said the program will have two purposes: “to address letters to friends and family asking for donations to the scholarship fund and writing letters describing personal experiences with Margaret Wade-Lewis and why she was so important to the campus.”

The letters will then be copied and mailed to various philanthropists.

Sanchez said that the program will take place on April 22, which is in between the upcoming Gym Class Heroes concert and Alumni Weekend.

The campaign was devised by Sen. Terrell Coakley and Sanchez, who discussed Black Student Union member Jodi Wolfthal’s recent letter written to Oprah Winfrey in which she asked for help in renaming College Hall. By using this as inspiration, the senate began to plan the event.

Sanchez said that she “thought that it would be a great idea to start a letter writing campaign, not only to Oprah,

but to the many philanthropists that give money to UNCF (the United Negro College Fund).” Sanchez said that the senate felt that it was “an issue that was important to students” and that she hopes flyers promoting the event should be around campus by the time student return from spring break.

Student Association Vice President for Academic Affairs and Governance Brenna Fearey said that one of the goals of the campaign is “to raise around a million dollars for the endowment fund.”

While Sanchez said that another goal is to finish putting up plexyglass on the murals in Shango and College Halls, she added that this was a goal of the program because “preserving those murals was very important to Margaret Wade-Lewis.”

Fearey mentioned that some students have recently been pushing for one of the residence halls to be named after Wade-Lewis. According to Sanchez, there is a lot of controversy surrounding the renaming, and that the board of trustees said a renaming would not be possible without a minimum $5 million donation to the renovation and upkeep of College Hall.

Sanchez said that many students found this unfair, and more students did not want to spend the money being raised for the Wade-Lewis scholarship fund on getting College Hall renamed because Wade-Lewis would not have wanted it that way. Fearey said that during the program students can have the option to write to donors about possibly contributing to the renaming as well.

Thursday, March 11, 2010

PHOTO BY FELICE BERNABO

Senators hope to inspire donations to the scholarship in Dr. Margaret Wade-Lewis’ memory.

Pg 8New Paltz Oracle The

The New Paltz Oracle Pg 9

COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS Catskill Contra Dance March 12 6:30 p.m. at the Catskill Community Center The Russet Trio with caller Eric Hollman will perform at the Catskill Contra Dance. No Solutions, Loud Youth and Jonathin Woodin, all youth bands, will perform in the front room (Annex). With food and beverages, and child care also being offered. A contra dance, sometimes called a New England folk dance, is a partnered dance in which couples dance in two facing lines of indefinite length. Eric Hollman has over 20 years dance experience, and is a popular swing and Cajun teacher and contra dance caller in the Hudson Valley and beyond. For more information about Eric Hollman and contra dancing in the Hudson Valley see: www.cdny.org/hollman.html “Keeping Pace with Energy Options for Municipalities” March 13 9 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. at SUNY New Paltz Lecture Center “Keeping Pace with Energy Options for Municipalities” features several new strategies for financing energy efficiency and renewables for home, municipal buildings and businesses, as well as Green Job/Green NY training and employment opportunities and SHV’s Ten Percent Challenge. Please go to www. surveymonkey.com/s/K97DXYP to preregister (required); to carpool: rideshare. us/index.php. Look-up code: EnergyFeb27. For more information, contact Dare Thompson at 845-236-3074 or via e-mail at darethompson@gmail.com.

Goddess Festival Benefit March 13 Noon to 10 p.m. at Inquiring Mind Bookstore Stop by and support a great cause and wonderful talent. It’s an all day and night party. There will be live music, poetry, belly dancing and so much more. It all benefits the Ulster County Battered Women’s Shelter.

“Peace Pilgrim” Free Film Showing March 13 4 to 8:30 p.m. at Poughkeepsie

Friends Meeting The “Peace Pilgrim” crisscrossed the United States on foot from 1953 until her death on the road in 1981, carrying nothing but her peace message and what fit in the pockets of her blue tunic. Her internationally known book, “Steps to Inner Peace” will be available at the film showing. The screening will be followed by an audience discussion. This is part of the “Give Peace a Film” series and there is no admission charge.

First Dutchess Quilters of Poughkeepsie Meeting March 17 7 p.m. at Titusville Intermediate School First Dutchess Quilters (FDQ) of Poughkeepsie will meet at 7:00 p.m. (doors open at 6:30 p.m.) at the Titusville Intermediate School at 128 Meadow Lane, Poughkeepsie, N.Y. on Wednesday, March 17. After a brief business meeting, our member, Raymonda Crowe will share her knowledge about “The Pomegranate as Motif.” All are welcome.

Come and be inspired. For further information, please call 463-2510.

“My Name is Rachel Corrie” Starring Courtney Day Nassar March 26 8 p.m. in Rockefeller Hall at Vassar College On March 16, 2003, Rachel Corrie, 23, was crushed to death by an Israeli Army bulldozer in Gaza as she tried to prevent the demolition of a Palestinian home.

“My Name Is Rachel Corrie” recounts the young woman’s life from journal entries, letters and e-mails she left behind.

Courtney Day Nassar has performed this one-woman show at many locations including the Pittsburgh Playwrights Theatre, Villanova University and the University of Pittsburgh. Tickets are free for students and $10 for non-students.To buy tickets, call 845-679-3299.

Washington’s Headquarters Honors Mary Ann Fish March 27 1 to 3 p.m. at the Green Room of the Ritz Theater in Newburgh On Saturday, March 27, Washington’s Headquarters State Historic Site cel-

ebrates Women’s History Month. The annual program honors Martha Washington, dedicated wife of General George Washington. The program will include the presentation of the “Martha Washington Woman of History Award” to Mary Ann Fish, a founding director of the Palisades Park Conservancy. The award acknowledges the contributions made by a woman in advancing the promotion of history. The program will also include a guest speaker, topical talk, refreshments and musical entertainment. Admission is by donation. For further information contact 845-562-1195.

Distinguished Speaker Series: Tobias Wolff April 1 7:30 p.m. at McKenna Theater at SUNY New Paltz Renowned author and master storyteller Tobias Wolff is making an appearance at SUNY New Paltz, April 1 at 7:30 p.m. in McKenna Theater. Wolff will discuss his recent novel, “Old School.” Tickets are on sale at the Parker Theater box office in limited quantity, first come first serve.

Faculty/Staff/Student/Seniors: $15. Public: $18. SUNY New Paltz Students: $5!

Please visit www.speakerseries.tix.com for more information.

Sixth Annual Symposium on Energy: The Energy Highway April 16 8 a.m. at the The Links at Erie Village “Efficient, Secure, Reliable and Environmentally Sensitive Transmission and Distribution of Electricity” with Dr. Rhea Jezer, chair at “The Links at Erie Village,” The fee is $40. For more information and to register go to: www.cazenovia.edu/energy.

Landlord Tenant Relations Committee Opening The Village of New Paltz has an opening for a tenant representative on its Landlord Tenant Commission. Any one who is a resident of the Village of New Paltz and would like to serve on this important commission should contact the village clerk at Village Hall.

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, March 11, 2010

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 alcohol-related 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 24-hour 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 845-834-2213.

Facilities Management Having facilities related issues?

Please call x3301.

Thursday, March 11, 2010

The Gunk Feelin’ Quite

Fresh

Story on Page 6B Review on Page 7B

PHOTO BY JULIE MANSMANN

PHOTO COURTESY OF THOMASWALKERPRODUCTIONS.COM

Vancover Dating Doctor Daniel Packard visits to weigh in on relationships on Page 3B!

FEATURES | 2B

The New Paltz Oracle

Hooked on Yarn

Students Hungry for Justice

By Kaitlyn Day

hunger rates, Holt-Gimenez approached some solutions. One of which was the protection and increase in small farms.

On Saturday, March 6, SUNY New “Small farms are a planetary asset, Paltz hosted the Global Food Crisis an ecological asset, a social asset and a Conference, a day of events addressing fi nancial asset,” he said. “We need them food shortages and related challenges to help us cool the planet because they around the world. don’t produce as many greenhouse gas Inspired by the sustainable food emissions – in fact, they capture carbon. community of the Hudson Valley, the We need them because they are a sancconference was organized by the Sustuary for GMO-free agro-biodiversity.” tainable Agriculture Club at SUNY New GMOs are genetically modified orPaltz and coordinated by fourth-year ganisms in food. According to www.

Latin American studies student CSA.com, most consumers may Cait Van Damm and third-year have foods containing GMOs in secondary education student their home.

Corn and soy beans Katy Kondrat. are the most common modified After returning from a trip foods, and it is quite difficult to in Ecuador last October, Van fi nd examples of these crops that Damm became inspired to initihave not been modifi ed. The site ate the conference and generate also said that “this is partly due to discussion. the widespread practice of GMO “I traveled extensively in cultivation, and partly because of both rural and urban areas and seed drift, causing neighboring saw massive food insecurity as fields to become contaminated well as a really disturbing shift with GMO crops.” from classic Ecuadorian indigAgro-biodiversity is short enous food to a westernized, for agricultural biodiversity. Acunhealthy diet,” she said. “The cording to www.FAO.org, “agroconference is a culmination of biodiversity encompasses the vamy efforts to bring some awareriety and variability of animals, ness of international food issues -Molly Anderson plants and micro-organisms to our very farm-centric commuwhich are necessary to sustain nity.” key functions of the agro-ecosysAccording to Van Damm, plaining the “root causes of hunger,” he tem, its structure and processes for, and the conference was designed to adsaid.

“Rather then the proximate causes in support of, food production and food dress both the big problems of worldthat were highlighted in the media, our security.” wide food shortages as well as begin a For those who attended the conferdialogue as to how the community can government, the international finance institutions like the World Bank and the ence, Holt-Gimenez hopes that they left solve some of these dilemmas here in the corporations that actually contribute to with a better understanding of the crisis.

Hudson Valley. In order to achieve this, the food crisis.”

“We have an environmentally vulEric Holt-Gimenez, the executive direcAccording to Holt-Gimenez’s nerable and economically volatile food tor of Food First Institute for Food and speech, in 2008 we had “record hunger, system dominated by a handful of moDevelopment Policy, as well as Molly record harvests and record profi ts.”

In nopolies,” he said.

“If we don’t take Anderson, director of Food Systems Inorder to solve these increasingly large back our food system, they will continue tegrity, were invited to hold speeches, to plunge us in crisis moderate panels and after crisis.” join in on a variety In coordinating of workshops to help this event, Van Damm brainstorm responses also hoped that the to the issues at hand.

Global Food Crisis “The workshops Conference would are intended to put bring an acute awarethe power in the atness of what’s going tendants’ hands by on outside of the Hudlearning about how to son Valley. eat more conscious“We are very ly,” Van Damm said. lucky to live in a re“A person makes a gion where community huge impact on the supported agriculture global food crisis.” and sustainable agriAnderson, who culture are becoming spoke about the the norm,” Van Damm violation of human said. “I think we somerights in the food systimes forget about othtem and what can be er places. That awaredone to help people PHOTO BY FELICE BERNABO ness is what I hope to achieve food equality, The Global Food Crisis Conference discussed food shortages around the world. spark.” came to New Paltz to

Staff Writer | N02212829@newpaltz.edu

This week I’ll show you how to do a Double Crochet or DC stitch. This stitch is similar to the Half Double Stitch I taught you last week. This is a bigger stitch than the half double so it makes your work progress even faster, but is much looser. This stitch is the basis for shell stitches, cluster stitches and popcorn stitches, which I’ll show you in coming weeks.

Step 1: Wrap yarn around hook, same as HDC (back to front, right to left). Then insert hook into stitch.

Step 2: Wrap yarn around hook again (this is called Yarn Over or YO) and pull through one stitch. You’ll have three loops on your hook at this point.

Step 3: YO and pull through two loops.

Now you’ll have two loops on your hook.

Step 4: Repeat step three for the last two loops.

If you’re enjoying this and want to learn more come to Le Knitty Gritty on Mondays at 4:30 p.m. in the foyer of the library by the chairs. If you have class or are busy on Mondays come to the Muddy Cup around 8:30 p.m. on Wednesdays for a friendly crochet group. Good luck with midterms! Have a great spring break!

CHARITY EVENT HOPES TO HELP END A WORLDWIDE CRISIS

By Maxim Alter

Copy Editor | Malter42@newpaltz.edu

facilitate more discussion on the food crisis.

“I agreed to speak because I want to encourage more dialogue about the food crisis and related problems, [as well as] some of the solutions to the food system problems that are being implemented in the Hudson Valley,” Anderson said.

Holt-Gimenez, who gave a keynote speech, discussed his book, “Food Rebellions! Crisis and the Huger for Justice,” which looked at the 2008 and 2009 food crises. This was a way of ex-

“I agreed to speak because I want to encourage more dialogue about the food crisis and related problems, [as well as] some of the solutions to the food system problems that are being implemented in the Hudson Valley”

Thursday, March 11, 2010

FEATURES | 3B

The New Paltz Oracle

Getting Down with Dr. Strangelove RENOWNED COLLEGE SPEAKER TALKS TO STUDENTS ABOUT DATING

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

Upon walking into the Student Union on Tuesday, a sign that said “Live Group Sex Therapy Show” greeted you. The night was full of laughs as the motivational comedian, Daniel Packard, set the mood right with love and relationship advice.

At 8 p.m., Daniel Packard became your personal Love Doctor for two hours in the multi-purpose room.

According to his Web site, www.danielpackard.com, Daniel Packard, 36, is the Dating Doctor from Vancouver’s The Beat 94.5FM, and National College Speaker of The Year who “penetrates truth to let the love flow.” He is confident in making other people feel confident to learn from their dating mistakes, in addition to understanding the mysteries behind men and women. In a sweater vest, he joked, “I know you think I’m gay, but I like girls. I also like to cuddle.”

Like his usual shows, more women than men were in the audience. With questionaire cards submitted by students, Packard tried to answer as many questions throughout the night, keeping a cohesive, interactive audi-

ence. One girl in the front row asked why most men are jerks.

Packard said, “You’ll probably disagree with what I’m going to say. If you’re politically correct, you’ll hate me. I’m not here to be politically correct; I’m here to be factually correct. When he says he’s supposed to call, and he doesn’t, it triggers your insecurity. The nice guy and the horny guy are the same guy.”

A question that sent some of the young women and men arguing was “Why do guys judge a girl by the number of people she’s slept with?” One girl, Jill, explained her point of view that it’s because men rumor about girls being ‘sluts’. She was quick to call Packard a “liar” before he even responded.

According to Packard, she was wrong, and the rumor ended in that room.

“Girls are jealous of other girls that sleep around because they’re gaining this power that they can’t have. It’s a superficial power, but guys don’t care about girls being sluts. It’s girls that started the “Slut” rumor. They are emotionally strong, and like to avoid hurt but it’s impossible,” he said.

He insisted that everyone stop caring about control and what other people think

about you.

“Boys make a mistake early, he said.

“During hormones, I was insecure when I was 14, 15 and 16, but I thought ‘If I can get a girl to like me, I must be likeable!’ The assumption underneath is you’re not good enough as is. If a girl likes you, it doesn’t make you likeable.” He has spent over 20 years of his life as a performer and six years talking about fears and insecurities.

“I appreciate his approach to the “truth,” though some may find it obnoxious, I think it was refreshing and humorous, once you get past the fact he tried to dissect the general population. It’s eye-opening for some, old news for others, but ultimately I believe it was a successful show,” said third-year journalism with concentration in public relations/ sociology major, Nadia Guennouni.

“I learned that females don’t usually go for passive males,” said fourth-year Fox Ballard, a sociology major with a concentration in criminology and an Asian studies minor.

“They want more aggressive guys. That was one of the problems I had with females because I was so passive and put into the friends zone.”

Thursday, March 11, 2010

PHOTO COURTESY OF EASTCOASTENTERTAINMENT.COM

Students asked Packard intimate questions.

4B | FEATURES

The New Paltz Oracle

Alum Encourages Eco-Friendly Marketing SUCCESSFUL NEW PALTZ GRADUATE URGES FOR HONESTY IN BUSINESS

By Justin McCarthy Features Editor | Jmccarthy46@newpaltz.edu

Students can find evidence of the success that can come with a SUNY New Paltz degree right in their very bathrooms. Tim Spring, the CEO of Marcal and SUNY New Paltz graduate, came to the university to speak at a workshop hosted by The American Marketing Association on March 5 as part of its “Marketing Week.”

Spring, who graduated from SUNY New Paltz in 1983 with a psychology major and a general business minor, came to share his knowledge and experience with business students. He emphasized the importance of honest business practices, especially when marketing products as “green” or “eco-friendly.”

“The green movement is upon us,” said Spring.

“You’re going to see green products coming out of the friggin’ woodwork. There will be some genuine claims and there will be some slightly contrived marketing claims,” he said, noting Scott Naturals as a product that wasn’t as “green” as it marketed itself to be.

“Talk to your consumers as if they’re your mother or your parents or your friends. Be honest and straight forward. If you have a claim, make it. Don’t try to contrive something,” Spring said, warning that, “If you lie to consumers on this one and get caught, they’re going to be pretty pissed.

A major element of Marcal’s marketing angle is that its products are “small steps” that consumers can make to help protect the environment.

“Our 100% premium recycled paper products are hypoallergenic, virtually lint free, and whitened without chlorine bleaching,” Marcal’s Web site said.

Spring also stressed how important it is to pay attention and listen to one’s consumers. He presented the findings of his company that broke consumers down into three groups, each with varying degrees of eco-friendliness. Fifteen percent of consumers fall in the “brown” category, representing consumers who care little or not at all about the environment. Equally as many consumers fall in the “dark green” category, representing consumers who care a lot about the health of the environment. However, Spring’s target consumers are in the “light green” category, a group that represents 65 percent of consumers. These

consumers do care about the environment, but are also on budgets and value other priorities more than they value the environment, like their families and their financial situations. Spring’s goal was to target this group by offering them small, simple and affordable ways to help the environment without financially draining themselves.

Besides the eco-friendliness and affordability of his products, Spring also discussed how his company developed the image of Marcal. In testing groups, the company found that consumers sometimes felt bombarded by the emasculated images of various paper products like “Brawny.” Marcal’s packaging, which was once “the ugliest piece of crap you’ve ever seen,” Spring said, was remarketed with a soft green package that sought to emit a femininity that other top paper brands had failed to capture with their products.

When asked by a student if Marcal would change its packaging to something bolder with its growth in market share, Spring flatly said no. He compared Marcal’s share in the paper goods industry as a “David vs.

Goliath” scenario.

“We’re not them,” Spring said, referring to his competitors. “The package says ‘We’re not them.’

That gives us an identity. We’re not them, and that makes us unique.”

While some consumers who seek to make ecofriendly purchasing decisions often make costly choices such as buying a different car, Spring suggested they “be less ambitious.” While he certainly didn’t scoff at the idea of consumers switching to “greener” cars, he said he understood that not all consumers are capable of making such drastic financial investments and that his products offer them affordable ways to make an impact on a smaller scale.

Spring said he was happy to return to his old university, where he said he earned a valuable education that helped him get as far as he did. He said he enjoyed the atmosphere the school provides.

“New Paltz is a nice, down-to-earth, unpretentious university,” he said of

Spring said that part of Marcal’s success came from its ability to take advice from its consumers.

PHOTO COURTESY OF ALTERNATIVECONSUMER.COM

Thursday, March 11, 2010

PHOTO COURTESY OF HBSCNY.ORG

Tim Spring graduated from SUNY New Paltz in 1983. his former college.

Business students found Spring’s lecture to be helpful and informative.

“He put my mindset into an entrepreneur’s perspective,” said Paul Fernandes, a third-year business major. “He showed me that the brand image is a very important aspect to a business.”

Some students found it inspiring to meet a successful person who graduated from SUNY New Paltz.

“The fact that Tim Spring has graduated from SUNY New Paltz gives me hope that I can be as successful as him one day,” said Erica Clough, a fourth-year marketing major. “He has put in hard work, dedication and persistence to get to where he is today, and it shows. I believe that I possess those qualities and characteristics to do well and achieve d my potential.”

FEATURES | 5B

The New Paltz Oracle

Computer Cafe Mixes Technology and Caffeine

60 MAIN CHANGES OWNERSHIP AND EXPERIMENTS WITH NEW APPROACH

By James Leggate News Editor | Leggat06@newpaltz.edu

Lunar cycles and computers may seem unrelated, but they are two of the new focuses Justin Holmes and Amanda Stauble have brought to the new /root Café, formerly 60 Main.

Holmes says that the inclusion of technology was a logical way to get an edge in New Paltz’s competitive coffee market.

“Nobody in their right mind would set up a coffee shop in this location,” Holmes said. “We knew we had to switch our revenue up to something different. The fact that most of our revenue comes from our technology services allows us to serve topof-the-top-shelf products and not worry about cutting corners.”

The services offered include computer repair, Web development and network connectivity. Holmes said that the $15 for 15 minutes of consultation has been one of the most popular additions.

The morality of technology is key to /root, which is named as a reference to free operating systems and also the goals of the café.

“We want to slash the roots of proprietary software and plant the seeds of freedom,” Holmes said.

Proprietary software is made for the profit of corporations such as Microsoft and Apple, while open source software is freely available to be used and edited.

“We hope to make technology more accessible to people and we hope to be a hub for activism, education, arts, music and technology,” Stauble said.

Holmes also said that none of /root’s computers run on Windows or Mac OS. Instead, they use a variety of free software, including Linux and Ubuntu. Since /root opened, Holmes

PHOTO BY ALEC HOROWITZ

/root hopes to focus more on computers than on coffee. said, they have convinced about 12 people to switch to free operating systems.

“We view technology not only as an industry, but as a movement,” Holmes added. “We view technology developers not only as factory workers, but as activists who are pushing forward something of great sociological importance.”

Another change from 60 Main’s business practices has been the decision to run on a lunar cycle. According to Stauble,

Thursday, March 11, 2010

there is a member meeting during the new moon during which they set goals for the business and their personal lives. During the full moon, there is a party with a potluck, flowers, cake and a drum circle.

“It’s really just a time for us to celebrate how fun it is to be alive,” Stauble said.

The membership system is another unique aspect of /root.

Membership includes Internet access and discounts for products, services and events. Prospective members may choose to pay $15 a month or, if they have time and skills, volunteer as a “member in motion,” which involves volunteering for two fourhour shifts each week. Volunteers may serve drinks, run events or do whatever else is beneficial. Each lunar month spent volunteering earns members in motion 10 shares in the company.

However, much of the former 60 Main remains in /root.

Holmes said he has been a member of the New Paltz Cultural Collective since its inception. Coffee, tea and other free trade, locally grown and organic drinks and snacks are still available.

Also, /root will continue to host many events, including live music and educational meetings.

Holmes said that the business will be successful because of the five different portions: retail, events, computer repair, Web development and network connectivity.

“The message across five of our sectors is drawing a parallel between fair trade and open source,” Holmes said.

However, that does not mean /root is done evolving.

“I kind of think of 60 Main as the caterpillar,” Holmes said, “and currently we’re kind of in a cocoon. And in the coming years we have a lot of growing to do, but I think there’s something here.”

6B | FEATURES

The New Paltz Oracle

Will The Show Go On? TENTH ‘FRESH DANCE’ PRODUCTION IS PROFESSOR’S LAST

By Julie Mansmann Managing Editor | Jmansmann60@newpaltz.edu

As Simone Bart approached the microphone after the curtain closed on Professor Yoav Kaddar and his wife Maureen’s performance at Saturday’s showing of “Fresh Dance,” tears began to well in her eyes.

“I’m sorry,” she said to the crowd, glancing over at Kaddar. “This is just a little emotional.”

Shortly afterward, students who performed in acts ranging from classical duets, Michael Jackson montages and Asian inspired dance numbers joined together on stage, jumping and clapping around Kaddar as “Aquarius/ Let the Sunshine” blared in the background.

These final moments of the tenth anniversary production of “Fresh Dance” were also some of Kaddar’s last in a SUNY New Paltz performance, as the future of this Theatre Arts Department mainstay remains uncertain with the professor’s impending departure.

“Fresh Dance” was born in 2000 when Kaddar was hired to teach dance and movement on campus.

He and Professor Jack Wade, who had worked together at other colleges before coming to SUNY New Paltz, conceived the idea to have this type of production rather than the smaller scale dance recitals that were put on in years past.

“The idea was formed before and we just kind of went with it,” Kaddar said. “But for people to take it seriously we had to invest in it and put the time and energy in it. As we saw this weekend, over the last 10 years things have continued to evolve and grow.”

The production now features student choreographed acts performed by theatre arts majors, clubs and organizations like the New Paltz Dance Association and Culture Shock Dance Troupe and any others who wish to put in the time to rehearse an original piece. If chosen to be included in the final production by Kaddar and nd others during a “showing” of their work, the choreographers are paired with lighting and costume design students to help them prepare to take the “Fresh Dance” stage.

Kaddar said he has taken on the role as a mentor and advisor while directing “Fresh Dance” over the years, which he felt has been educational for both the students and himself.

“This is a perfect kind of world to be not only a performer, but an educator. I grow as a person and learn from my audiences,” he said. “I have also reached out to people and taught them about dance and the stage and performing arts.”

However, “Fresh Dance” is not scheduled as a “main stage” showing next year and Kaddar will not be returning to the Theatre Arts Department.

Bart said she is unsure if there will ever be a production like “Fresh Dance” in the lineup again without

PHOTO BY JULIE MANSMANN

Students feel that the departure of Kaddar, who helped start “Fresh Dance,” will negatively impact the show.

Kaddar’s guidance. what Yoav can do.”

“I feel that dance and movement at SUNY New Erin Kowalsky, who has been in “Fresh Dance” Paltz will suffer incredibly and this is a huge loss for for four years, agreed that Kaddar’s departure will students and faculty on this campus. The New Paltz negatively impact students and said she hopes a Dance Association and other unique production will return to the stage.

Dan “I think the thing I will miss most about organizations are going to try everything Yoav is his passion and dedication to dance. ever hi we can to further When dance on campus, but it Wh he moves, you can see how much he loves will certainly not be the lov what he does. I am just thankful I am leaving with him,” she said. “One thing that same,” she said. leav sets “No one can set ‘Fresh Dance’ apart from all the others is do i that not everyone can sing or act - but everyone can dance. I can only hope that e someone will take over to help produce this amazing program.” t But Kaddar said this production should not leave with him. He s said “Fresh Dance” has allowed students who are not normally in the limelight to come forth and find new confidence that will help them in other educational outlets.

According to Kaddar, different student groups and da organizations have been able to o interact by working together on this production, and he hopes this will facilitate the adaptation or creation of a dance production on campus in the future.

“I think this production has touched so many people that the effect will echo for a while and something will grow out of it,” he said. “I won’t be here for certain reasons but that’s not going to stop me and it shouldn’t stop the students from finding creative outlets in dance and movement.” m PHOTO BY JULIE MANSMANN

Thursday, March 11, 2010

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT |7B

The New Paltz Oracle

Only Slightly Entranced By ‘Fresh Dance’ NEW PALTZ-BASED DANCERS DELIVER SOME DISAPPOINTING PIECES

By Kaityln Day Staff Writer | N02212829@newpaltz.edu As a first semester transfer student, I had been looking forward to seeing “Fresh Dance.” I had heard rave reviews and was anticipating a good show. The show was great, but it was hard for me to ignore the handful of dance numbers that left me wondering, “why?” I will start off by mentioning that I am a dancer, so I automatically look for flaws in what I’m watching, including the American Ballet Theatre. This was certainly no exception.

Most of the numbers stuck with the “Fresh Dance” theme fairly well. However, there were several dances that appeared to be done just for the sake of dancing to a song they liked. This is a poor way to choose a dance, unless the song speaks to you and evokes something expressive within, don’t go that route. A dance should be chosen based on a feeling or expression, not “I like this song let’s kick our legs to our faces and show off our splits.”

I was thoroughly impressed by “The Fresh Princesses of SHADES.” This piece kept me interested as it combined acting and stepping. The dancers had talent and skill, and the piece was very well rehearsed. The storyline of this was also great as it mimicked “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” in a unique way.

As the show went on I was excited to see what would happen next. I was strongly disappointed by a dance on pointe to Billy Joel’s “Goodnight Saigon.”

Pointe is a type of ballet that requires toe shoes, which allow the dancer to go all the way up on her toes to give the illusion of weightlessness. The piece itself would have been great if these shoes were not in tow, which is exactly what a handful of these dancers looked like they were doing. Instead, my focus was on who could actually work with the shoe and who looks like they’re going to break their ankles.

This disappointment was followed by one of the best numbers in the show; “And Still We Rise!” which was filled with transitions and a few different styles of dance as well as a handful of extremely talented performers. I look forward to seeing more from this group.

The guest dancers brought a different style to this show. General McArthur Hambrick and Nina Ordman gave the audience a taste of jazz and vocal ability. They performed a beautiful duet in the middle of General singing “Grow Old with Me.” “Madd as a Hatter” was slightly hindered by the cuts of the audio, but the dedication and power that the dancers had brought me back to the performance and kept me entertained.

“Take Your Medicine” fit the description of “Fresh Dance.” I felt the passion of the performers the entire time and was refreshed by the more modern piece. The music played a crucial part in the production; the main dancer Gianna Cioffi signed the lyrics at certain points with jarring accuracy and with powerful movement.

I was lucky to have attended the Thursday night performance because I was one of the few that was privileged to see the director Yoav Kaddar with Maureen Mansfield Kaddar perform a beautiful duet entitled “Six Roman Dances” as well as a piece that Yoav choreographed years earlier. This piece was quirky and moving. The talent of this couple as individuals came together to produce a perfect ending to the show.

But overall, the “Fresh Dance” experience left me wanting a little more than what was presented.

PHOTOS BY JULIE MANSMANN

“Fresh Dance” performances included an ode to “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” but left this reviewer wanting more.

Thursday, March 11, 2010

8B | ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Getting

The New Paltz Oracle

By Maxim Alter

Copy Editor | Malter42@newpaltz.edu

Season 6 Episode 7: “Dr. Linus”

Benjamin Linus. Just saying that name will make any “Lost” fan giddy. Some love him because he’s an evil genius, while others adore him for his hilarious sarcasm. But the previous episode of “Lost” titled, “Dr. Linus,” proved beyond a doubt that no matter what your reasoning is behind loving this master manipulator, he is one of the greatest charaters on television. Period.

Every Tuesday night, right before I’m about to call it quits, I have repeatedly found myself stuck on the couch literally speechless. Each episode has continued to grow thicker with those “Oh my God” moments, and this last one wasn’t any different.

From the heart-pounding opening to the shocking conclusion, I have never been more enthralled by an hour of television. Even though the writers have obviously bitten off more than they can chew and are now under intense pressure to please everyone, this episode, filled with its little bites of meaty knowledge, has managed to keep me nice and satisfied.

Maybe I’m biased because Benjamin Linus has been my favorite character since he showed up in season two, but honestly, you’re reading a review from a guy who writes a “Lost” column, it should be pretty obvious by now where my loyalties are.

The episode begins with Ben running for his life after the smoke monster’s annihilation of the temple and all its inhabitants. This is a new Ben we are seeing. With his many

years of being the leader of the “others” now officially over, he finally understands what it’s like to live like everyone else on the island: scared, confused and alone. You’d think he was lucky after running into Ilana, Frank, Sun and Miles, as they return to the beach where the show first started – but you’d be wrong. Once they discover Ben murdered Jacob, he is tied up by Ilana and forced to dig his own grave.

In the parallel reality, Ben is a high school history teacher with a Ph.D. He has devoted his life to educating youth and is obviously struggling financially because of it.

Back home, he lives with his father, whom he murdered in the island reality. In this universe, Ben is a loving and caring individual. He isn’t selfish or manipulative and he genuinely shows personal interest for others. Instead of being the boss we are so accustomed to seeing him as, he cowers under the authority of the school’s principal.

Alex, the girl he stole from a crib and made his daughter in the regular timeline, is now one of his students at the high school. During one of his tutor sessions to help her achieve her goal of going to Yale, she confides to him a secret about the principal. While she was in the nurse’s office, she overheard Principal Reynolds and the nurse getting it on in the next room. Once this comes to Ben’s attention, he decides it’s time to take action against the principal and usurp the top job. Maybe this is the same dominating Ben we know and love?

After confronting Reynolds of his actions, the tables are quickly turned back on Ben. Since Principal Reynolds is a graduate from Yale, he threatens to bury Alex in the Ivy League community, forever ruining her chances of fulfilling her dream.

However, if Ben backs down, Reynolds will do everything in his power to get Alex into Yale and write her the recommendation letter she needs.

This is the point in the episode where Ben is forced to make a very similar decision he made back in season four. When Alex died in the island reality, it was because Ben chose his well-being over hers. He sacrificed her life so that he could escape. In this reality, it is apparent that Ben has developed a sense of nobility, and by keeping his mouth shut, chooses her future over his.

This story is mirrored in the island reality when Ben is visited by Faux-Locke during his grave digging duty. Flocke tells Ben that there is a rifle waiting for him in the jungle and he can use it to escape from Ilana and join his group located at the Hydra Station. After he magically unclasps Ben’s leg chain and leaves, Ben books it into the jungle away from Ilana and after the rifle.

What follows next is one of the most emotionally satisfying moments in this season and perhaps all of “Lost.”

Ben explains to Ilana the error of his ways, which resulted in the death of the only thing that was ever truly important to him: his daughter. To his surprise, even after revealing to her that he planned on joining the evil Locke and the others at the station

Thursday, March 11, 2010

because they are the only ones who will “have him,” Ilana sees the good in Ben and offers him her friendship by saying, “I’ll have you.” Ben has finally achieved his redemption and is an accepted member of the group.

I see a very good dynamic brewing between the two.

In Jack and Hurley’s portion of the story, it is revealed that Richard Alpert is from the Black Rock, the slave ship the crashed on the island some 200 years ago. Richard was touched by Jacob and given a “gift.”

This gift is the ability to not die by your own means, meaning Richard can’t kill himself or die of natural causes. In order to die, he begs Jack to blow him up with dynamite. Jack then realizes that Jacob also touched him in the same way, so he sits next to Richard while the dynamite’s fuse reaches its end. The fuse burns out and the explosives don’t go off.

It looks like Jack and the other six main characters that were touched by Jacob have the same gift as Richard.

This explains why none of them died when they tried to blow themselves up with the bomb in season five.

They can’t kill themselves. Jacob has other plans for them, and it looks like these plans include Charles Widmore, because that’s who is arriving on the island as the episode came to its stunning conclusion.

Next week will be a Sawyer centric episode and is titled, “Recon.”

Hopefully we’ll get some tantalizing details on what’s going on at the Hydra Station, and find out once and for all if our favorite con man has actually turned to the dark side.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT |9B

The New Paltz Oracle

Ed Testa

Shatera Gurganious

Jimmy Petrich

Amanda Borgia

Second-year Math “Jonny Craig and Saosin.

I’m a drummer and I like their drum styles.”

Second-year Black studies/sociology “Raheem DeVaughn because he’s just great at making music.”

Fourth-year English education “Clap Your Hands Say Yeah because they’re happy.”

Second-year Undeclared “Taylor Swift; she’s my favorite artist. I don’t get tired of her music.”

PHOTOS BY FELICE BERNABO

Thursday, March 11, 2010

10B | ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

The New Paltz Oracle

Animal Collective Debuts ‘ODDSAC’ PSYCHADELIC VISUAL EXPERIENCE APPEALS TO EYES AND EARS

By Sunya Bhutta Copy Editor | Sunya.bhutta94@newpaltz.edu Animal Collective and Director Danny Perez held a special screening of their movie “ODDSAC” at the School of Visual Arts theater on Wednesday, March 3. Like most Animal Collective fans I was anticipating the release but had no idea what to expect.

My friends and I got to the theater early in hopes of getting good seats. We were among the few people eagerly waiting in front of the doors outside. After a few minutes of standing in the cold the woman who gave us our tickets asked if we wanted a sneak peak of the ending from the screening before ours. The group of people waiting with us jumped on the opportunity to get out of the cold, my friends and I followed. We agreed that we did not want the ending of the movie to be spoiled so we decided to wait in the lobby while everyone went into the theatre. We were the only ones who stayed behind and our patience was rewarded when out of nowhere Geologist (Brian Weitz) came walking toward us. He shook our hands, thanked us for coming and said we were smart not to ruin the ending.

Avey Tare (Dave Portner) and Deakin (Josh Dibb) then walked by and told us to enjoy the show. I was speechless and confused by what had just happened. Was my existence really acknowledged by my favorite band? After the shock wore off and I realized they had left, my friends and I went into the theater ready to watch the movie. Danny Perez took the stage to introduce the film. “I’m psyched for you guys I think you’re in for treat,” he said.

The film was visually and musically extraordinary.

Those of you who are familiar with Danny Perez’s work on abstract Animal Collective music videos like “Who Can Win a Rabbit?” and “Summertime Clothes” will be more prepared for the eerie and bizarre concoction of scenes that conceive “ODDSAC.” There are graphically dark and frightening moments with compelling characters, such as the vampire. The crazy colors in the psychedelic patterns are bright and energizing, leaving you hypnotized. The scenery was mostly outdoors in open fields, and there was one scene in particular that was elegantly transitioned from a kaleidoscopic trance into a rugged and vacant field of rocks where another mysterious character is found. Fire spinners, marshmallows and many assortments of sticky, slimy and oozing substances also appear throughout various animated sequences.

After the screening, Portner, Weitz and Dibb took the stage to answer questions and discuss the film. They explained that “ODDSAC” is not to be confused for a music video or a movie with a soundtrack. It is a visual album, meaning both the music and the images are specifically meant to be heard and seen together. The project took four years to make and started sometime after the release of Feels, well before the success of Merriweather Post Pavillion. The music in the movie is originally scored and since it is only meant to go along with the visuals, no separate album or soundtrack will be released nor will it be reproduced to play live, but a DVD will be out sometime this summer.

“We wanted everything to be collaborative in terms of visuals and the music so once we had filmed a lot of the

PHOTO BY NICK YOUNG

live action stuff, which is how the process started, Danny would send us rough cuts and asks us to throw him some songs or try to get us to start working on things,” said Portner. “So we would make demos separately. None of the music was worked on together. It was demo based and then put together in the studio.”

Some of the songs in the film are comparable to the enthusiastic tunes of their recent albums but there are a lot of obscure and twisted melodies which Weitz said are similar to the dark time in their lives which was reflected through Here Comes the Indian.

“We have always been into dark stuff but we are not dark people. Dave and I just love horror movies and always have,” said Weitz. “When we were kids in high school we would make up improvised soundtracks to fake horror movies. It’s something we have always been interested in.”

When the guys were done answering questions about the film, they gave their fans an opportunity to converse with them one on one. I introduced myself and was elated to see that they were friendly and talkative. They each signed and drew a picture on the poster I had purchased.

Avey Tare had left me a small piece of advice, he wrote “Make Sounds!” underneath his drawing of a jellyfish. It was an ecstatic experience not only from meeting the musicians I admire, but also by being able to watch a unique and intriguing work of art. I encourage anyone who enjoys listening to Animal Collective or is appreciative of anomalous visual and musical collaborations to watch “ODDSAC.”

PHOTO COURTESY OF WORDPRESS.COM

“We have always been into dark stuff but we are not dark people...in high school we would make up improvised soundtracks to fake horror movies” - Brian Weitz Thursday, March 11, 2010

M OM .CO B.C DB. MD M IM OF IMDB.COM Y OF O COURTESY PHOTO

Sunya Bhutta and Avery Tare (Dave Portner) at the special screening of Animal Collective’s movie, “ODDSAC” at the School of Visual Arts theatre on Wednesday, March 3.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT |11B

The New Paltz Oracle

Dance Popsters’ ‘I Love You’ A Flop BUT TERROR PIGEON DANCE REVOLT! STILL OFFERS BEST LIVE SHOW AROUND

By Zan Strumfeld A&E Editor | Sstrumfeld34@newpaltz.edu

Slammed between sweaty bodies and a lot of facial hair, I found myself doing one thing I swore I wouldn’t do again since early high school: moshing.

Well, not exactly moshing, but dancethrusting, per say. In the center of the crowd is Neil Fridd, lead singer of The Terror Pigeon Dance Revolt!, covered in every stuffed animal I had (and wished I had) as a child, rubbing his soft, squishy body against the hipsters of New Paltz.

Although this one-time on-campus show was almost a year ago, I can still recall the ridiculous insanity of The Terror Pigeon Dance Revolt! So with the recent digital release of their debut album I LOVE YOU! I LOVE YOU! I LOVE YOU AND I’M IN LOVE WITH YOU! HAVE AN AWESOME DAY! HAVE THE BEST DAY OF YOUR LIFE!! from David Byrne’s record label, Luaka Bop, it seemed like quite the challenge to transpose their yelling, dance-gasm live experience onto record.

And I was impressed, sort of. Seeing these recent SUNY Purchase graduates live made me dance, smile and almost wish I could hop right in the cars and join them along on their journey. Yet the 10-track album itself became mere background music while I found myself doing other things. Not something any great album should ever have me do.

The collection of catchy tunes eventually felt like it was more of just repetitive electronic/dance music.

The album begins with “Snakebites,” and, like most of other the tracks, has a simple synth line, bass beat and vocal line. Fridd sounds very Paul Baribeaulike while the rest of the group applies an anti-folk feeling as they help support the sound with background yelling and chanting. The song gets the album started

in a great groove, already having me sing along when it finishes. “Grouphug” flows directly from “Snakebites,” almost as if they were a part of the same song.

Fluidity usually works, but they seemed a little too similar, especially right after each other.

“Fast Forward Regrets” follows, beginning with an ecstasy-driven poppysynth riff that extends throughout the song. It’s less dance-oriented though, and a little more interesting to listen to with some distorted mumbling words and a repeated chant of “yes we are John Wilkes Booth proof.”

“Tokyo Drift” is fun at first; the piano riff is intriguing but the overtly simplistic vocal lines are just boring.

However, poetic lyrics stand out, like “I adore kissing you on that glorious night/ My heart was out of control/ Working double over-time.”

“My Favorite Hair,” the longest track on the album, sounds like some horn and string touches which add a jazzy, new feeling not brought from the other songs.

The end even throws in some type of Latin beat, and it seems like one of their more experimental tracks.

The best part of “My Favorite Hair” is that it is followed by “Snowday,” by far the best song by Terror Pigeon. It’s got a straightforward, airy piano riff, eventually joined by a bass drum and some synth. The vocal line is yelled, like the rest of the album, but is not repetitive.

The lyrics reflect the easiness of being a child and how much snow days fucking rule, “We don’t have to grow old/ I don’t care what dads say/ Cause today’s our Snowday.”

Although the band will often break up some of the repetitiveness with some interesting and sometimes effective vocal layering. But songs like “In Your Face Suckiness” don’t feature anything more

Smashing Pumpkins’ Billy Corgan is back in the business of making dreams come true, announcing the band will hold auditions to find a new bassist and keyboardist for his ever-changing lineup..

::

PHOTO COURTESY OF FLICKR.COM

Just two months after OK Go released their new album Of the Blue Colour of the Sky on EMI, the band has announced its split from the label by “mutual agreement.” OK Go are creating a new label, Paracadute Recordings, to promote and distribute the disc.

::

than a rising synth track and one repeated vocal line. It just becomes too redundant and overdone. It doesn’t really seem to have any real direction to the song, yet it Even though T.I. is finishing up his prison sentence in an Atlanta halfway house, can be done extremely well live, with the the rapper loudly announced his own audience easily enjoying and chanting comeback with a new single titled “I’m along.

Back.”

Terror Pigeon is definitely original, to say the least. Their traveling collective is fun, enjoyable and stand out with their costumes, color and creativity. But what can be said if a band is incredible live The members of Pink Floyd have reunited, but it’s not really transmitted into an but it’s only to sue their label EMI. At the album? The feeling that one feels at a heart of the battle is Pink Floyd’s 1999 performance and through an album needs contract that indicated the band’s songs to be mutual, and HAVE THE BEST DAY could not be isolated and sold outside the OF YOUR LIFE just doesn’t do it for me. context of their original albums. However, Regardless, they are a band that has one on iTunes, EMI is offering all the Pink of the best live shows around and a down Floyd songs as a la carte purchases to earth quality that will likely get them in addition to the full album bundles, very far, even if their debut release is prompting this latest lawsuit. only second-rate.

The Garage Sale’s Top 10 Picks of the Week 1. “Take Off Your Pants and Dance” Man is Doomed 2. “Flesh and Blood” - Monotonix 3. “Super Animal Bros. III” - Ear Pwr 4. “Throw Me Something, Mister” Buckwheat Zydeco 5. “Want Some Mo’” - Turbo Fruits

Making Music History

6. “Snails (Happy Aniversary) - Boom Box Repair Kit 7. “New Pony” - The Dead Weather 8. “Ludlow Street” - Julian Casabalancas 9. “Sixteen” - The Heavy 10. “When You’ve No Eyes” Alec Ounsworth

List compiled by DJ Neighbor Jon and DJ Jimmy Clean.

Their show is every Wednesday night from 10 p.m. to midnight.

Thursday, March 11, 2010

::

:: Bon Iver is teaming up with Peter Gabriel to release a split 7” single on Record Store Day, which is happening April 17 this year.

The single, which will only be available at independent record stores, will feature Gabriel’s cover of Bon Iver’s “Flume,” a track that appeared on Gabriel’s covers album Scratch My Back, on one side.

On the other, Bon Iver will return the favor by covering “Come Talk to Me,” a seven-minute song from Gabriel’s 1992 Us album.

All information derived from Rollingstone. com, Pitchfork.com and Spin.com.

12B | THE DEEP END

The New Paltz Oracle

This Week in the Deep End:

Michael Hubrich

NAME: Michael Hubrich ART: Photography YEAR: Second-Year MAJOR: Visual Arts, applying for Photography B.F.A INSPIRATION: The world FAVORITE ARTIST: Jackson Pollock DREAM: To not be on the streets after school, working for National Geographic

PHOTOS BY MICHAEL HUBRICH, CAPTION BY FELICE BERNABO

Thursday, March 11, 2010

Pg 10

OPINIONS

The New Paltz Oracle

EDITORIAL

CHIPMUNKS DON’T HAVE LOBBY GROUPS The recent proposal made by Gov. David Paterson to cut parks, recreation and historic preservations has us outraged. As SUNY students, we are already facing a proposed $90 million budget cut in our education and do not want to see our state parks and historic landmarks shut down or bought for development also. We understand that the state economy is in shambles, but why target areas that will directly affect the future of our state? The national issue of the sanctity of the natural world should not take a backseat to politics. And if our historic landmarks are not preserved, they will deteriorate and be forgotten, causing us to lose the history of our state.

As students in New Paltz, we are blessed to live in close proximity to the natural beauty of Minnewaska State Park. It adds to what makes New Paltz an exciting and adventurous town, as we were so named by major publications such as National Geographic.

With over 200,000 annual visitors, Minnewaska generates over $500,000 in tax revenue and has an economic impact of $14,000,000 to the surrounding businesses, restaurants, hotels and retailers.

Closure of the park could greatly strike the local economy, not to mention a devastating loss of jobs for about 350 full-time employees. Plus, according to Assemblyman Kevin Cahill, the park closures would not save any money. It would actually be more expensive to close down the parks and reopen them in the future.

Park closures can never benefit a community. Students, locals and tourists will all be negatively affected in ways they may not even consider. In these rough economic times, families need local and state parks to use and enjoy when they can no longer afford to go on expensive vacations. Parks like Minnewaska not only have an influence on the local economy, but they have become a part of the community’s identity.

The Daily Freeman reported that the new Walkway Over the Hudson, which recently opened on Oct. 3, may be closed for the winter months and scale back hours if the proposal passes. It has tak-

CARTOON BY JON AIELLO

en 20 years for the walkway to be converted from the Poughkeepsie-Highland Railroad Bridge into a public park. The walkway is a route for pedestrians and bike riders to enjoy the stunning view of the Hudson River instead of driving over

the adjacent Mid-Hudson Bridge. The current hours run from 7 a.m. to sunset, so reducing hours would give visitors less time to use this wonderful facility.

We ask that students get involved and take action against this proposal. Do

we really want to see Minnewaska become a wasteland waiting to be turned into a mall, condominium or garbage dump in the future? Make your voices heard by contacting the governor’s office at 518-474-8390.

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 and university or the town or village of New Paltz.

Thursday, March 11, 2010

The New Paltz Oracle

Pg 11

OPINIONS

COLUMNS

Pete’s Adventure Town Pete Thompson Sports Editor Pthompson51@newpaltz.edu One thing New Paltz has instilled in me is a constant need for adventure. It’s sort of understandable since the myriad of natural escapes here offer a little more excitement than the guidos of Bayside, Queens. With warm days in what’s been recognized by National Geographic as a top adventure town being pure ecstasy, the options here are pretty much endless.

I’ve heard that once you swim in the river you never leave, and I’m starting to not doubt it…and I don’t mind.

Responsibility is something that sometimes gets set aside when the sun is

out, since I can barely even sit still. I’d rather be hiking or even settle for being that kid sitting on the Quad smoking hookah the second I see a ray of sun.

Anything involving swimming is a plus in my books, and I’ve gone through great pains for it to happen. My friend and I went through the Water Street Market in a frenzy asking for the best spots, parked along the Walkill River to only dip our feet in and think better of it and then ran through the woods for about half an hour, chasing trickling sounds that turned out to only be a stream. It happens…I don’t accept defeat. I had one of my most definite best times with the same friend at Bonnaroo, where the 300 degree morning heat in the tent made sleep impossible and all there was to do was wander.

Most of the allure of adventures comes from the fact that they bring people together. Weird shit is bound to happen when you don’t have a set plan, but the memory is always worth it in the end.

I’ve seen a zombie, been unstuck in time and and basically went on a date with Lucy Liu at the Woodstock Film Festival, and I appreciate having experienced each one. Regardless if it ends in wrong-

fully accusing your girlfriend and best friend of plotting to have sex behind your back, adventures are always in good fun.

On the other side of the spectrum, saidgirlfriend’s ex-boyfriend came to love me by bonding through a mutual adventure addiction. Since then we’ve had a mountaintop meteor shower chicken wing party and planned to hike across part of the country.

The funny thing about going back to Bayside is that everyone thinks I’m this mysterious, crazy guy just because I’d rather be out wandering than at the bar or working out. It’s something I don’t really understand. I just do my thing. I actually spent a majority of the summer driving around and seeing other people because I needed to be on the move and couldn’t stay there for extended periods of time.

I was randomly and kind of creepily told to “go with the flow” by two girls in my high school commercial art class, and it’s pretty much all I try to do now.

Whether you’re led to a shady warehouse rave, someone from Convenient’s house or riding around with a hitchhiker who says she just flew to Monticello with Quentin Tarantino’s brother earlier in the

day, it never lets you down Having just heard about the Montauk monster, I now find it entirely necessary to venture out there on a search mission, since I was laughing for about 10 minutes when about three-quarters of the images from my “Montauk” search on Google depicted a dead, blubbery beast sprawled on the sand with its weird fangs and crotch on full display. Hopefully the hunt brings positive results. I’ve also been meaning to get on a ghost hunting mission one of these days, but we’ll see how it pans out.

Bottom of the line: get out and have an adventure. A 39-year-old, crack-addicted cougar might just tell you you’re beautiful.

Pete is a second-year English major on his first semester as the Sports Editor for The New Paltz Oracle. While not sitting and taking three hours to write each article, he can be found convincing someone to accompany him on various adventures. Reading and writing are few of his favorite activities, but he’d rather just go with the flow.

Picking Up Good Vibrations

Zan Strumfeld A&E Editor Sstrumfeld34@newpaltz.edu I recently got a Lanikai ukulele for my birthday. I named him Mordichai for my own obvious reasons (see also: rhyme schemes, curly hair) and dove into the glorious world of the Internet for chords and tablatures. After perfecting my finger placing techniques and strumming patterns, I thought to myself, “What would sound the greatest on a uke?” An easy modern answer

may be Beirut, as Zach Condon swears by the ukulele, so I touched upon his basic three chords for each song and got bored.

And then it hit me…Beach Boys.

Fuck. Yes. So I learned “God Only Knows” and almost died; the good kind of death, that is.

Uh… what? After Big Love came out, that HBO show where polygamy is more dramatic inside the house than it is to just keep it a secret, I’d always have its theme song, “God Only Knows,” looping in my head.

But it never really bothered me because it’s not one of those songs that gets stuck in your head and pisses you off. Really, it just gets better with each listen.

Anyway. We talk a lot about Beach Boys versus the Beatles in The New Paltz Oracle office and I usually stay out of it since I never really have a decision made.

Why is it necessary to compare the two, or decide who is better than the other? I had always been a Beatles fan first, just growing up to them playing in my house every day,

and falling in love with George Harrison (uh…WHAT? By far the best Beatle, but that’s a whole other column.) when I was 10. But Beach Boys were always around, too. Way back in elementary school, we had “beach day” where we danced to beach songs, the majority of which were Beach Boys (see also: “Surfin’ Safari” and “Catch A Wave” off of Endless Summer) and I had just always associated Beach Boys with summer fun on the beach (is that even a pun?).

Years later, I discovered Pet Sounds and it became my JAM. Less surfing, more heart. And apparently, Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band was influenced BY Pet Sounds, where Beatles tried to apply the same sound and feeling that Beach Boys offered. Interesting.

So what the hell am I even getting at?

Am I choosing Brian Wilson over John Lennon? California over Liverpool? Is there even such an argument? Am I just completely bullshitting this column? Yes. BUT I’ve

decided that, at least today, I would rather listen to Beach Boys than the Beatles. Especially in this beautiful weather. Like, for instance, I woke up in a Beach Boys mood, and I can’t actually remember the last time I was in a Beatles mood. Maybe because I’ve just over-listened them. Beach Boys is just feel good music, and although I can always turn to the Beatles, Beach Boys offer just a more unique feeling I suppose. They’re definitely not discussed as much as the Beatles, but sure as hell should be.

I guess to make this full circle and all, I’m really enjoying the ukulele.

Zan is a second-year English Lit/creative writing major and is somehow already on her fourth semester on The New Paltz Oracle. This is her second semester as the A&E Editor and it’s AWESOME. She has started cracking her knuckles and playing the ukulele. She is also still working on that damn book of hers.

Come write for The New Paltz Oracle!

Our next story meeting will be held in Student Union 417 on Monday, March 22 at 9 p.m.

Thursday, March 11, 2010

Pg 12

SPORTS

The New Paltz Oracle

Hawks Players of the Week For the Week Ending March 14 Second-year middle hitter Kevin Stross finished with 23 kills with a .600 hitting percentage against #9 Vassar and had a team-high 15 kills against #13 Ramapo, including a .433 hitting percentage.

Against Division I Sacred Heart, Stross had 16 kills and four blocks with a .387 hitting percentage and in the upset win over #7 Philadelphia Biblical, he had 12 kills and seven blocks with a .409 hitting percentage. Stross currently leads the nation in hitting percentage (.459).

Third-year setter Andrew Cassius recorded two doubledoubles on the week.

His first one came against #9 Vassar when he handed out 50 assists and had 12 digs. He handed out 50 assists against #13 Ramapo with six digs and against Division I Sacred Heart, he finished with a gamehighs of 46 assists and 16 digs for his fifth double-double of the year. In the upset win over #7 Philadelphia Biblical, he handed out a game-high 45 assists.

Wellness and Recreation Events and Activities Outdoor Pursuit Trips

Group Fitness Schedule

Rock Climbing: Saturday, April 10 - Top Rope Cost: $25 All levels are welcomes and all equipment is included. There is a 20 person max on this trip. The registration deadline is Monday, April 5.

Saturday, April 24 - Multi Pitch Cost: $25 Multi-pitch rock climbing trip to the Gunks, there is a 12 person max for this trip. This trip is intended to the intermediate and advanced climber.

Registration will close on April 19.

Horseback Riding: Saturday, April 17 Cost: $12 Take an hour long trail ride, all levels are welcome. Registration closes on Monday, April 12. Registration is in room 220 in the gym.

Paintball: Sunday, April 18 Cost: $20 Grab your friends and play paintball!

There is a 40 student max. Registration is closed on April 13 for this trip.

Monday

Tuesday

12 p.m.

Cycling with Corinna 3:30 p.m.

Absolute Abs with Bianca 6:30 p.m.

Vinyasa Yoga with Lana, Room 101 7:15 p.m.

Dance Groove with Elisa 7:30 p.m.

Cycling with Lauren N. 8:30 p.m.

Belly Dance with Amy 4:30 p.m.

BOSU Strength with Corinna 5:30 p.m.

Zumba with Jen 6:00 p.m.

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

Jujitsu with Lauren, Room 101 7:30 p.m.

Willpower & Grace with Saara, Cycling with Starr 8:30 p.m.

Hip Hop Cardio with Danit Wednesday 7 a.m.

Cycling with Corinna 5 p.m.

Vinyasa Yoga with Lana, Room 101, Boot Camp with Bianca 6 p.m.

Cycle Strength with Lauren Z. Belly Dance with Amy 7 p.m.

Cycling with Stephanie Thursday 12 p.m.

Cycling with Corinna 5 p.m.

Vinyasa Yoga with Lana, Room 101, Zumba with Corinna 5:30 p.m.

Cycling with Starr 7 p.m.

Thursday, March 11, 2010

Friday

Willpower and Grace with Saara 7:30 p.m.

Cycling with Jessica 8 p.m.

Hip Hop Cardio with Danit 2 p.m.

Dance Groove with Elisa 3 p.m.

Willpower and Grace with Shelbie 3:30 p.m.

Cycling with Starr 4 p.m.

Vinyasa Yoga with Lana, Room 101 4 p.m.

Boot Camp with Bianca

Intramural Spring Sports Registration for outdoor field hockey, softball, tennis (singles, doubles and mixed) and ultimate frisbee is going on until March 13.

The New Paltz Oracle

SPORTS

The Future Looks Bright

Pg 13

Andrew Wyrich Copy Editor Andrew.wyrich63@newpaltz.edu Besides Spring Training being a source of a baseball fix for crazy fans that can’t wait for the snow to finally melt, it is actually an excellent showcase for fans to see what the future can hold for their teams. This spring, my unfortunate team of choice, The Mets, have been showing off their highly touted prospects Jenrry Mejia, Ike Davis, Josh Thole, and Fernando Martinez- and they have all been playing extremely well.

As of Monday, Ike Davis was batting .571 with 14 total bases in 14 at-bats in six games this spring, and is being called the Mets first basemen of the future. Although Daniel Murphy is currently the Mets starting 1B, Davis has been working out with the other major league first basemen, and is giving them a run for their money. I wouldn’t be surprised if Davis pushed Murphy to second base next season. Davis was the Mets firstround draft pick in 2008 and he is proving this spring that he has extreme power potential, and could be a middle of the lineup threat later in his career.

I think that he is the answer the Mets have been looking for at first base, and should be ready for the start of the Mets 2011 season, and I would not be surprised if he was called up for a “cup of coffee” later this year. However, he is only 22 and his career is young, he also struggled mightily when he was first drafted. In my opinion he needs more time in the minors, especially AAA, before he is brought up north. The Mets anointing him the starter for this season would be a major mistake. But, that being said, it is hard not to get excited over the power he is displaying at such a young age.

Ike Davis has a strong and bright future in orange and blue.

Josh Thole was called up at the end of last season, and turned a lot of heads. Thole is the Mets top catching prospect, and I personally see him as a Paul LoDuca type player. Thole is excellent at getting on base, as shown by his 126 hits last season, and his .328 batting average. Thole’s biggest flaw is his game calling ability, which the Mets are hoping to rectify by surrounding him with some of the game’s best defensive catchers – Rod Barajas and Henry Blanco.

PHOTO COURTESY OF FLICKR.COM

A recent New York Times article highlighted the Mets current catching situation, saying how studious Thole has been. Blanco and Barajas have been constantly tutoring Thole about the ins and outs of the position, which could be a huge asset to his future in the Mets organization. Thole will start the season in AAA Buffalo and will be playing every day. The Mets also signed minor league catcher Chris Coste, who will likely serve as another mentor for him in Buffalo.

Fernando Martinez, the Mets former prized prospect, has been under fire recently due to his poor showing last year when he was called up to the big league club. Martinez has constantly been referred to as a top prospect, but his hype seemed to die after his disastrous call-up last year. Martinez never seemed to “click” while he played for the Mets, and was injured during his season, cutting it short. Martinez has power potential, but he has a knack for getting injured.

The Mets hope that a season in AAA will help Martinez grow and develop into a better ballplayer.

However, it is interesting to note that currently Martinez is stuck behind the current Mets outfielders. Recently signed Jason Bay blocks him from what was thought to be his future position – left field. Center Field is where Carlos Beltran will reside, and Right Field is taken by Jeff Francoeur. Unless Francoeur stumbles or is hurt, it seems that Fernando Martinez has no position to seize.

Could a trade be in his future?

The Mets prospect that has me most excited is Jenrry Mejia. Mejia spent last season in both A St. Lucie, and AA Binghamton for the Mets and had mixed results. During his stint in A ball, Mejia was lights out, posting a 1.97 earned run average, while striking out 44 batters in 50 innings. However, when he was promoted to AA, he struggled a bit, posting a 4.47 ERA in 10 games. Despite his recent struggles, Mejia has electric stuff. He has natural movement on his pitches that are turning a lot of heads at the Mets camp down in Florida. After seeing Mejia dominate this spring, former Mets star Darryl Strawberry said that Mejia should be converted to a

closer, rather than a starter, and has even likened him to the greatest closer of all time – Mariano Rivera.

There has been talk by bloggers and Mets officials alike about promoting Mejia to the big league club when they start the season, however I don’ t think that it would be a wise decision. Mejia is only 20 years old, and has had a lot of command issues, which he could fix with some time in the mi-

Thursday, March 11, 2010

nor leagues. However, Mejia’s future looks extremely bright.

Overall, the Mets have some prospects to be excited about, which they haven’t had the luxury of having for many years. However, all of them need a bit more time to develop before they will be able to contribute to the big league team. If all goes well, the Mets may have a few 2011 Rookie-Of-TheYear candidates in their future.

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SPORTS

The New Paltz Oracle

A NP Track Comeback Weekly Sports Update

By Pete Thompson Sports Editor | Pthompson51@newpaltz.edu

New Paltz just received a new addition for its athletic department with the recently founded Track Club. Started last month by third-year TV production major Daniel Caruso, the club can keep the cross country team – along with anyone else interested – running during the spring off-season, due to the school’s lack of a varsity track and field team.

The team was done away with two years before Caruso came to New Paltz, so now the cross country team may only participate in spring track meets and is unable to qualify for nationals. This led to unease amongst the cross country team, and the idea of a track club had been floating around for a while; however, no one was taking action.

“It had been in talks ever since my first year here,” said Caruso, who’s been on the cross country team for the past three seasons. “I was getting kind of sick of it.”

Caurso took charge, filled out the paperwork and had the charter approved on Feb. 1 with the help of club secretary Alexandra Berenis. The group got

its first run in shortly after Valentine’s Day, with other officers including CoPresident Danielle Harmon, Vice President Rob Grazier and Treasurer Joanna Goldfarb.

“Right now we just have to show that we are dedicated and enthusiastic about having a track team,” Caruso said. “If the athletic director Stu Robinson feels that a team will be beneficial to the school then one will be made.”

The club has a 45-50 person roster, two-thirds of which are from the cross country team, keeping in shape and hoping to prove themselves to the school to receive NCAA certification as a varsity track and field team. Caruso doesn’t want this to be the club’s sole focus, however.

“I hope that the club will continue and be used for people who don’t necessarily want to compete, but just want to run with a group of people,” he said.

Caruso wants to add more days to the schedule, but the group currently meets in the Elting Gym on Monday and Friday at 3:30 p.m. Runs vary in length, ranging from going to Marlboro and back to two miles and a track work out, depending on the runner’s event.

By Andrew Wyrich Copy Editor | Andrew.wyrich63@newpaltz.edu

Men’s Baseball March 5: The New Paltz baseball team was scheduled to open the season this weekend in back-to-back doubleheaders against Manhattanville and Staten Island. However, both games were postponed due to unplayable field conditions. No make-up date has been scheduled.

Men’s Volleyball March 10: The New Paltz men’s volleyball has individuals ranking among the best in the nation. The Hawks currently rank third in the nation with 13.61 assists per game and sixth in kills per game with 14.73.

Second-year middle hitter Kevin Stross is currently ranked first in the nation in hitting percentage with a .459 mark and third-year setter Andrew Cassius is fourth with 12.55 assists per game. Senior outside hitter Jake Moore is third with 0.68 aces per game and is eighth in kills per game with 4.18.

Thursday, March 11, 2010

March 6: The New Paltz men’s volleyball team hosted a tri-match in the Hawk Center with #7 Philadelphia Biblical and Division I Sacred Heart University. The Hawks split on the day, defeating #7 Philadelphia Biblical in straight sets but falling to Sacred Heart in four. The Hawks finished with a 11-11 record overall. In the first game against Sacred Heart, the Hawks fell 3-1. Daniel Liberto led the Hawks with 17 kills and Kevin Stross had 16 kills and a .387 hitting percentage. In the second match, the Hawks defeated Philadelphia Biblical. Jake Moore finished with a team-high 18 kills and Liberto chipped in with 14 kills Andrew Cassius had a game-high 45 assists and Eric Rothbard and Moore each had eight digs to lead the defense.

General News The Department of Athletics is accepting nominations for the 2010 Hall of Fame selection. The deadline to nominate a former student-athlete is Friday, April 16, 2010. You have any further questions, please contact the Athletic Department at 845-257-3910.

The New Paltz Oracle

SPORTS

Pg 15

Hawks Slide Into New Baseball Season

PHOTO BY KARYN OCHIUZZO

The Hawks are hoping to improve on a sub-par 2009 season, where they finished with a 12-24 overall record and 3-9 in the SUNYAC conference.

By Nick Monaco Contributing Writer | N02148569@newpaltz.edu

The Hawks are coming into this season ready to build on a sub-par 2009 season. Last year the Hawks finished with a 12-24 record overall and a 3-9 conference record in the SUNYAC, and both coaches and players know they must improve in every aspect of the game.

“We may not be the most talented team in the conference,” said head coach Matt Griffiths, who’s in his fourth year with the team, “but if we stay focused at all times and make the right decisions on and off the field, we may be celebrating a SUNYAC championship in the beginning of May.” The Hawks only graduated four players last year and are returning with six starters to the line-up. They have also brought in a very talented freshman class, one of the best classes Coach Griffiths has seen to this point in his coaching career.

Last season, the Hawks had a large freshman class. This year’s team has only four third-year and three fourth-year students, with the rest of the team comprised of underclassmen.

“Teams may look at this and say that we lack experience,” said second baseman Chris Paulicelli. “But I think that this is one of our biggest a strengths be-

cause we all got a significant amount of playing time last year as freshmen.”

Paulicelli boasted a .327 batting average last year as a freshman and was second in the team in on-base-percentage.

Second-year shortstop and captain, Paul Merola, led the team with 17 doubles and was second on the team in hits with 42.

“We’re definitely more talented than we were a year ago,” said Merola. “We have the talent to win the SUNYAC, but like any sport, no one really knows how well we’ll do until after the first week of games.”

The Hawks will be in Coco Beach, Florida for spring break to open their season. They play Nichols College on Saturday, March 13 and will play 10 more games while down there.

“We have more team chemistry this year than I’ve seen in the past,” said third-year third baseman and Captain Michael Marash. “The better the chemistry, the better we’ll be as a team.”

The Hawks struggled on the mound last year posting a 7.89 earned run average as a team. Fourth-year pitcher Tristan Greene said this year will be different.

“We had some injuries to some of our top pitchers last year,” he said. “This year, those guys are back along with four or five very talented freshmen. It should be exciting to see how everyone does.” The team will travel to Coco Beach, Fla. over spring break.

Thursday, March 11, 2010

PHOTO BY KARYN OCHIUZZO

SPORTS THE NEW PALTZ ORACLE

BACK ON

BASE Men’s Baseball team prepares to take the field in ‘10 See Story on Page 14 PHOTO COURTESY OF NEWYORKFUTURESTARS.COM

PHOTO BY KARYN OCHIUZZO

Davis, Thole, Martinez, Meija give Mets hope for the future

Column on Page 13