The New Paltz Oracle Volume 81, Issue XVII

NEW PALTZ ORACLE THE

Volume 81, Issue XVII

oracle.newpaltz.edu

Thursday, March 25, 2010

FERMENTING

CONFLICT

Liquor store owners speaking out against new proposal See Story on Page 3

INSIDE THE NEW PALTZ ORACLE • Rail Trail Bridge Delayed.........................Pg 5 • CAS Weighs Bookstore Options..............Pg 5 • Rally to Save SUNY..................................Pg 6 • Student Aid Reform Passes......................Pg 7

PHOTO BY FELICE BERNABO

PHOTO BY FELICE BERNABO

Spitzer visits New Paltz campus to discuss current economic downturn Story on Page 7

The New Paltz Oracle

University Police Blotter

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

Incident: DMV Suspension Date: 03/21/10 Location: Route 208 Male non-student arrested for a suspended driver’s license.

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, 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: 03/21/10 Location: Route 208 & Hasbrouck Ave. Male non-student arrested for unlawful possession of marijuana and an open beverage container.

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.

Incident: Warrant-Criminal Date: 03/22/10 Location: BOH Attempt to serve an arrest warrant to male non-student. Negative contact.

Incident: Resisting Arrest Date: 03/22/10 Location: Lot No. 11 Male students arrested for resisting arrest and obstructing governmental administration.

Subject turned over to NPPD

Volume 81 Issue XVII

for arraignment on an active warrant.

Incident: DMV Suspension Date: 03/22/10 Location: Crispell Parking Lot Male student arrested for a suspended NYS driver’s license.

Incident: Vandalism Date: 03/23/10 Location: Lot No. 19 Female student reported that her car was damaged while parked in lot.

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

Five Day Forecast Friday, March 26

Index

News............................................... 3 - 7 Community Calendar........................... 8 The Gunk................................ 1B - 12B The Deep End.................................. 12B Editorial............................................... 9 Columns............................................. 10 Alec Horowitz..........................10 Pierce Lydon............................10 Letters..................................................11 Cartoons..............................................11 Sports.......................................... 13 - 16

AM Clouds/ PM Sun High: 43 Low: 24 Saturday, March 27

Sunny High: 46 Low: 32 Sunday, March 28

Don’t Be Shy!

Cloudy High: 54 Low: 40 Monday,March 29

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: 47 Low: 41 Tuesday, March 30

Showers High: 54 Low: 39

NEWS

The New Paltz Oracle

Pg 3

Proposal Could Hurt Wine Sellers

By Pamela Vivanco Copy Editor | Pvivanco57@newpaltz.edu

Wine and liquor store owners are concerned that the recently proposed Wine Industry and Liquor Store Revitalization Act will be harmful to their business.

The legislation would permit grocery stores that currently sell beer to sell wine as well and if it passes it is expected to add $300 million in new revenue for the state.

The proposal suggests that this will provide economic development for wineries and grape growers in a time that it is much needed and give wine and liquor vendors the opportunity to develop their business.

Even though the proposal seems to take the wine and liquor business into consideration, many New York owners said that it could harm the industry.

Owners like Tom Edwards of Fox and Hound Wine and Spirits in New Paltz are concerned that the proposal will cause small businesses to go out of business.

“I don’t think it’s beneficial to us because it’s going to move about 35 percent of our business to a grocery store, to a box store,” he said. “This could potentially put not just my store, but many of our local stores in jeopardy so we will lose small business and jobs.”

Edwards also said Gov. David Paterson expectation of gaining $300 million “is based on a licensing fee that is a one time deal so once they get the supposed $300 million then it goes away.” In other words, it is not a consistent improvement.

John Jabbour, owner of J.K.’s Wine & Liquor in Kingston Plaza, agreed with Edwards and said that he is also disbelieving of the proposal. According to Jabbour, 5,000 people will be unemployed and 1,000 liquor stores could be out of business if the legislation is passed.

“That’s huge. It would wreck our industry,” he said.

New Paltz Regional Chamber of Commerce President Joyce Minard argued against the proposal and said that small wineries “will not be able to compete with the large venues that mass produce,” and in effect, New York State wineries would be at a huge disadvantage.

Edwards agreed and said that grocery stores will more likely sell well-known and popular brands like Yellowtail. Aside from that, Edwards and Jabbour both argue that small wineries will not be able to compete with

PHOTO COURTESY OF HAMPTONS.COM

Local store owners are petitioning against the proposal, which would allow grocery stores to sell wine alongside beer. grocery stores.

“If the legislation doesn’t pass, grocery stores would not be lost,” Jabbour said. But people who have spent their lives saving and investing in their business could lose what they’ve worked for if it does.

According to Edwards, studies have shown that about “half of the wine stores would go out of business across the state of New York, representing about 5,000 jobs,” if the legislation passes.

He also wants people to be aware that it’s not just store owners who the legislation would harm but also the distributors of those wineries, sales peoples and truck drivers for the small business wineries.

“Everybody that is connected to the wine industry” could be affected, he said.

Aside from economical reasons, Edwards, Jabbour and Minard are concerned that selling wine in grocery stores would increase underage drinking.

“I’m very concerned about the underage drinking aspect of putting wine in grocery stores its not just grocery stores its convenience stores, gas stations,” Edwards said. “In states that have similar populations like Texas, California and Florida, where they do sell wine in grocery stores, there’s twice the amount of underage DWIS and twice the amount of traffic fatalities.”

As a member of the New York State Liquor Store Association, Edwards said he goes to Albany at least once a week to talk to legislators and make sure they’re aware of the ramification of selling wine in grocery stores.

“I’m very please with the direction end of how conversation that I’ve had with the legislators,” he said. He added that, on Monday, the senate passed a resolution that is not going to put it in their budget proposal.

With all of these concerns, Edwards and other wine and liquor owners are asking community members to sign petitions against the proposal.

Council Discusses Possible Restructuring

By Maxim Alter Copy Editor | Malter42@newpaltz.edu

On Monday, March 22, a Council of Organizations meeting was held in Student Union 100.

At the meeting, the Student Association (SA) Executive Board addressed club and organization representatives with information they should be aware of for the upcoming weeks of the semester.

SA President Stephanie Samuel began the meeting by reminding students of the fashion show, which will take place on March 25 in the Student Union MPR from 7:30 to 10 p.m. According to Samuel, the show will profile “how you’re supposed to dress after you graduate from school,” and how to maintain a job in the real world through what you wear.

Other plans Samuel is currently working on include programs in honor of Margaret Wade-Lewis as well as a carnival, which will be on May 1.

Next, SA Executive Vice President Abe Uchitelle spoke about the changes for the Loop bus that should be occurring some time this May. “Right now there’s a big problem during rush hour where the bus is always getting very delayed, so for a two-hour period, it’s actually going to run on an hour loop.”

Uchitelle also informed students of a future plan for the Village of New Paltz to have a committee review their master plan, which according to Uchitelle, will give them an idea of “where the town wants to go, what kind of changes they want to make, what kind of community they want

to foster and what kind of policies in general they want to have.”

“They’re really looking to have student involvement in this,” Uchitelle said.

After some recent complaints about the lack of lockers in the library, Council of Organizations Chair Hana Akimoto spoke to students about her plans to fix the problem, and asked for suggestions on where they should be located.

“A lot of commuters have to lug all their luggage down to wherever they’re eating and then come back,” she said. “I am looking into putting lockers somewhere near the library so that gets easier for them.”

At the end of the meeting, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Governance Brenna Fearey said that students should expect some changes coming soon to the

Thursday, March 25, 2010

Council of Organizations.

“We came up with a way to restructure Council of Organizations,” Fearey said.

“Hopefully in a way that will make you guys feel much more involved and empowered.”

The plan includes shortening reports from E-board members to three minutes each, as well as creating a better arrangement of the seven house sections students are currently divided in.

“You have a person elected from your appropriate house who would share meetings with each other and be able to communicate and encourage co-sponsoring,” Fearey said.

The next Council of Organizations meeting will be held on April 5 at 8 p.m. in Student Union 100.

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NEWS

News Briefs

The New Paltz Oracle

Senate Fills Last BFC Seat

National Scientists have decoded DNA from an unidentified human ancestor that lived in Siberia some 30,000 to 50,000 years ago. They say this ancestor may be a new member of the human family tree.

The genetic material doesn’t match DNA from our own species or from Neanderthals. Instead, it appears the Siberian species had started to evolve away from modern humans and Neanderthals about a million years ago. ***** A Southern California school teacher has been arrested for allegedly teaching while drunk.

Toro Canyon Middle School teacher Tonya Neff was taken to the Indio jail Tuesday afternoon and booked for investigation of felony child endangerment.

Administrators at Thermal’s Toro Canyon Middle School told the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department that the 47-year-old teacher was apparently intoxicated on campus.

Sheriff’s Sgt. Mike Tapp says Neff had taken prescription drugs and alcohol and an alcoholic beverage was found inside a container. ***** Police in Connecticut say they had ample warning of a bank robbery because the two suspects called the bank ahead of time and told an employee to get a bag of money ready.

Police arrested 27-year-old Albert Bailey and an unidentified 16-year-old boy on robbery and threatening charges Tuesday afternoon at a People’s United Bank branch in Fairfield.

Sgt. James Perez says the two Bridgeport residents showed up about 10 minutes after making the call and were met by police in the parking lot. Perez told the Connecticut Post the suspects were “not too bright.”

World Briefs, pg. 5

STOCK PHOTO BY FELICE BERNABO

Brian Kimbiz explained the proposed New Paltz Noise Ordinance to the senate. The ordinance could disrupt gatherings in the village.

By Pamela Vivanco Copy Editor | Pvivanco57@newpaltz.edu

At the latest meeting of the 49th student senate, members of the body approved Sen. Jeff Fonda to the last seat in the Budget and Finance Committee (BFC).

Sen. Fonda, who has prior experience as a BFC member, said that he will be sure to voice his opinion as a member of the committee.

Before Fonda was elected, Sen. Rose Faber was nominated to run for BFC by Sen. Eli Conrad-Hampton. In the last senate meeting, Faber was mistakenly denied the last BFC seat when her vote was not counted. If her vote was counted, opposing and supporting results would have been tied.

As a result, members of the body voted again and after a brief discussion, Faber was denied the seat.

Later in the meeting, New Paltz Village Board of Trustees member Brian Kimbiz discussed the New Paltz Noise Ordinance, a proposal that he classified as unfair and “pretty much targets students around the community for different things.” According to Kimbiz, if this noise ordinance is approved, it would force members of the community to apply for a permit even for a peaceful protest in the village.

“It would allow police officers to arrest you at any time without warrant,” he said. “If they think you’re being loud, they could just arrest you.”

Kimbiz announced that he is working on a petition that he encourages everybody to sign and that he will present to the Village Board on March 24 and in the next Village Board meeting.

Vice President for Academic Affairs and Governance, Brenna Fearey led a discussion about a proposal that was recently put together by the Constitution and Rules Committee in

an effort to create a more functional process at the Council of Organizations meetings.

When filling out their charters, clubs and organizations are asked to place themselves under a specific category or house that fits them best out of six houses: fine and performing arts house, academic house, advocacy house, athletic house, media house and the social and cultural house. But, there are instances when different organizations do not accurately fit the criteria of the different houses which can create difficulty.

“From what I’ve heard and what I found is that it sounds like a lot of these groups don’t actually fit in and when they meet with their houses, they may not actually share like interests and commonalities and so it’s hard to get something done,” said Fearey.

As a result, the idea proposes that they create a house delegates committee with council boards. The house delegate would gain the responsibility to elect a person to represent their opinions and ideas to Council of Organizations, CRC, BFC and Programming Board.

House delegates would take up the role of the office allocation committee, they would review and approve charters, and they would pick an appropriate house for different clubs among other tasks.

Executive Vice President Abe Uchitelle reported that Records and Registration is planning on adding another day between the registrations of second, third- and fourth-year students in order to make the registration process less stressful for students and faculty.

Uchitelle also announced that he, Town Supervisor Toni Hokanson and members of UCAT are working together to change the route and the schedule of the Loop in order to make “it a little bit more consistent, a little bit less delayed and a little bit more efficient.”

In order to avoid delay in the one-way street, the Loop will no longer go into Huguenot Court and it will not make a left turn onto

Thursday, March 25, 2010

Southside Avenue. As for the schedule, they are planning to make the Loop run on the hour during rush hour because of the traffic in order to gain consistency. When these changes go into effect, they plan to add weekend services.

Uchitelle also announced that there will be a master plan review in the village. The Village of New Paltz is encouraging students to join the committee which will review and revise the master plan.

“It could be an opportunity for somebody to really get involved and really have an impact in what direction things are going to go with the village and how the student voice and student role is going to be incorporated in that vision,” said Uchitelle. The committees will discuss the direction of policies for the next five to ten years and well as the economy and transportation of the village and other topics.

Council of Organizations Chair Hana Akimoto discussed the importance of different clubs and organizations tabling on Accepted Students day on April 10.

“Students don’t come here just for academics... they come here because they want to do activities outside of class too,” she said.

In her formal announcement, President Stephanie Samuel announced that the fashion show would be on Thursday, March 25 at 7:30 p.m. in the Multipurpose room. She also announced that the social, where students will get the opportunity to communicate with the school administration, will be held on April 28 from 2 to 4 p.m. in Student Union 100.

“It will be a really beneficial program and it’s a good way to get to know the administration and ask them questions,” she said.

Vice President for Programming Kevin Purcell said that SA Productions is still looking for students to volunteer for the April 21 concert that will feature Gym Class Heroes and the winners of The Battle of the Bands.

The next general meeting of the student senate will be held on Tuesday, March 30.

De-Railed on the Trail

By Maxim Alter

Copy Editor | Malter42@newpaltz.edu

The New Paltz Village Board of Trustees has advocated for the opening of a parking lot to the Sojourner Truth Park, as well as the completion of a footbridge to the Rail Trail this year near Plains Road.

Problems with the property, where the additions are currently in the process of being built, have been creating difficulties for the construction.

“It’s right in the flood plain,” Mayor Terry Dungan said. “It floods all the time, so you can’t build on it, and actually, the high water levels this winter have really held up construction.”

If there are problems due to the unanticipated sub-surface conditions when construction starts again, Dungan said the additional costs would be an estimated $7,500.

According to Dungan, what began as a simple property purchase to add a park and boat launch in the village, has now become a frustrating 13-year process. After the park was completed in the ‘90s, the village was met with safety issues and funding difficulties.

“The [New York State] Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) came down and said, ‘wait a minute this is not safe,’” Dungan said. “They told us, in order to get to the Rail Trail, people have to walk along the road into a blind curve. That’s such a liability issue. You can’t do that.”

To solve this problem, the village was told to build a connecting bridge going to the Rail Trail, so people are not required to walk in the roadway. In order to afford this construction, they applied for a grant. “[The NYSDOT] said, ‘OK we’ll give you $100,000 to build a bridge,’” Dungan said. “That was 13 years ago.”

Because of the pedestrian hazard, the village may not advertise the site as a usable parking area.

“We have a significant village-wide shortage of parking,” said Dungan. “Com-

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NEWS

The New Paltz Oracle

News Briefs World Israel’s Chief Rabbinate is warning Israeli citizens to be on the lookout for pirate matzah and Jews are worried, a merchant said Wednesday.

A week before the start of the holiday of Passover, Israeli police raided a warehouse containing a 7-ton stockpile of matzah with fake kosher certificates, according to a statement from the rabbinate. *****

PHOTO BY MAXIM ALTER

The bridge will allow pedestrians to avoid walking on the road at the blind curve. pletion of this project will help alleviate now we had to go back and rebid it and get that.” it from an American firm, which added $15According to Dungan, the construction 20,000 to the cost of the project.” process has lasted all these years because the According to Dungan, the initial agreeNYSDOT is difficult to work with, and as ment was that the NYSDOT would pay 80 time passed, things became more expensive. percent of the engineering, 80 percent of the “I know a really good engineer who just construction and up to $100,000. However, won’t touch any project that’s NYSDOT because of changes in cost, they later agreed oriented because they’re such a pain in the to pay 100 percent of the construction and up neck,” Dungan said. “They keep changing to $196,000. things. The initial engineering was done and “They are getting upset because it’s takthen they contacted the village and said it has ing us so long to do this… but we don’t have to be earthquake proof, so we had to redo it.” a signed contract with them for reimburseDungan said there have been many ment,” Dungan said. “They’re telling us that NYSDOT required changes during construc- in order to keep this project alive, we’ve tion, which have added to the costs. These got to start work… and because of the way changes have forced the village to re-engi- things are, we’re nervous.” neer the project, as well as re-do the approvThe original bids the village received al process. The result is added engineering were higher than what they could afford, costs, consultant costs and inflationary costs, which resulted in a rejection and rebid. In the which have increased over time. second round, the village gained lower bids “They told us, everything has to be and, according to Dungan, they are expectmade in America,” Dungan said. “We had ing to complete the project for less than the the winning bid from a Canadian firm, so proposed reimbursement amount.

CAS Looking at Bookstores

By Zan Strumfeld

A&E Editor | Sstrumfeld34@newpaltz.edu

Along with the current renovations to Student Union, the SUNY New Paltz bookstore is currently in the process of changing its sponsor company.

As Follett Corporation is the current company in charge of the bookstore, their contract is about to expire. Although Follett has been with SUNY New Paltz for the past six years, Campus Auxiliary Services (CAS) is looking to see if there are any other options that may benefit the campus.

At the moment, there are three major bookstore companies that CAS is looking at; Barnes & Noble, Validis and Follett. Inquiring Minds, located in the Village of New Paltz, was also offered but the store decided not to add to the bidding.

“We were looking for what they would do with the space, whether they had good fair trade and sustainable practices, the financial return they would give back to the campus and what they would do with our

current employees,” said Executive Director of CAS Steven Deutsch.

In order to find out what the companies had to offer, CAS sent a 15-page proposal so they could answer various questions in written format. During spring break, representatives from the companies came to the campus to give an oral version of their written proposal.

“They all have their unique strengths,” said Deutsch.

Deutsch said that Validis has a unique operating style because unlike Barnes & Noble and Follett, they “assume the identity of the campus they are coming into.” Instead of using their own logo, they would take on the SUNY New Paltz logo, making it the SUNY New Paltz Bookstore, which is attractive in the decision making because it pushes the SUNY New Paltz brand.

“Any of the three companies can do the job and would do a good job,” said Deutsch, “but it’s just weighing the pros and cons of the various proposals.”

CAS is looking for the best possible offer. The decision process hopes to be finalized within two to three weeks.

Thursday, March 25, 2010

In a break with liberal European practice, Iceland has voted to ban striptease shows, making it an offense for any business to profit from the nudity of its employees.

Iceland’s legislature, the Althingi, passed the ban Tuesday night, with just two abstentions and no votes against, although almost half the country’s 63 lawmakers were absent. ***** R&B star Akon has postponed a planned concert in Sri Lanka following angry protests over a music video he is in where scantily clad women dance in front of a Buddha statue.

Akon, who expressed regret and said he was not previously aware of the statue in the video, would have been the highest profile international singer to come to this predominately Buddhist, Indian Ocean island since the end of a brutal 25-year civil war last year.

Sri Lanka said Wednesday it would not issue Akon a visa for next month’s concert, and his booking firm confirmed the show had been postponed amid growing outrage at the singer here.

A mob on Monday hurled stones at a private broadcaster that was helping sponsor the event and a “We Hate Akon” page on Facebook had attracted more than 12,000 members by Wednesday evening.

Compiled from the AP Newswire

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NEWS

The New Paltz Oracle

Students and Teachers Rally for SUNY

PHOTO BY JULIE MANSMANN

By Pamela Vivanco Copy Editor | Pvivanco57@newpaltz.edu

In an effort to spread awareness about the proposed $152 million budget cut from the SUNY System and the Public Higher Education Empowerment and Innovation Act, students and faculty gathered for a rally in front of the Humanities Concourse on Wednesday, holding up signs that read, “SOS: Save Our SUNY,” and “Stand Up For SUNY.” The “SAVE SUNY” rally was organized against the Public Higher Education Empowerment and Innovation Act, which some feel could move toward the privatization of SUNY by supporting differential tuition for different campuses of the SUNY system and if passed would grant the university the opportunity to lease campus properties. The $74.3 million decrease in Tuition Assistance Program grants for students was also protested.

NYPIRG Project Coordinator Ariana Basco, New Paltz United University Professions

Chapter President Richard Kelder spoke before a protesting crowd of concerned students, faculty and community members about the importance of adopting a more active way of rejecting proposals that they said will severely and negatively affect the SUNY system.

Student Sen. Eve Stern highlighted the importance of the SUNY system and Tuition Assistance Program for low-income students and the importance of keeping SUNY affordable for everybody. Basco agreed and said, “we need to keep public higher education public because the whole point of SUNY is that anybody could achieve afordable and accessible higher education.”

Stern said students also need to become more educated on what’s going on.

“They need to question things,” she said. “Students shouldn’t just believe everything their professors, students or the administration tells them. They need to know it for themselves.” Stern added that she hopes students left the rally with a sense of awareness, empowerment, and motivation to uptake an active role in creating change.

Blood Donations From Gay Men Reconsidered

By Justin McCarthy Features Editor | Jmccarthy46@newpaltz.edu

Eighteen U.S. senators, including Kirstin Gillibrand of New York, signed a letter earlier this month to U.S. Food and Drug Administration Commisioner Margaret Hamburg urging for the end of “outdated, medically and scientifically unsound deferral criteria for prospective blood donors.”

“With hospitals and emergency rooms across the country in constant and urgent need of blood products, we believe certain blood donor deferral policies should be reviewed and appropriately modified and modernized while ensuring the blood supply meets the highest possible standards that we all expect in America,” read the letter, which can be viewed at TheBostonChannel.com.

The senators claimed to have written the letter out of interest for maximizing the nation’s blood supply, specifically taking issue with the lifetime ban on blood donations from men who have had sex with other men (MSM) even once since 1977. The ban on receiving blood from MSM was implemented in 1983 at the peak of the AIDS epidemic, which took the lives of many gay men.

While acknowledging the importance and necessity of “standards and selectivity” in blood donations, the senators argued that “a clear and unscientific double standard” is “embedded in the current deferral rules for potential exposure to HIV.”

A window period of up to three weeks after a person’s exposure to the HIV virus—and other viruses such as Hepatitis B and C—can go undetected in blood tests, the senators said. Because of this, heterosexuals who knowingly might have exposed themselves to the virus through a sexual experience with an HIV-positive partner are deferred for one year after admitting so on the donor form.

Men who have had sex with men, however, are deferred for life, regardless of how long ago their last sexual experience was.

“It’s clearly discrimination and I can’t imagine there’s any legitimate basis for it, medical or otherwise,” said Jillian Cohen, a fourth-year journalism major.

Other SUNY New Paltz students also felt the ban was discriminatory.

“I think that this ban is just another form of prejudice and segregation amongst the gay community,” said Sabrina Eve Ross, a third-year media management major.

Dr. Peter B. T. Haughton, the director of the Student Health Center who is involved in blood drives at SUNY New Paltz, felt the ban was outdated because “we’ve learned so much more about how to detect the presence of the virus.” He agrees with the senators’ effort to repeal it because it creates a stigma against gay men and only limits the amount of blood collected at blood drives.

“I think that initially—especially when you’re deal-

Thursday, March 25, 2010

ing with something like a blood supply—you’d be at your most exclusive as to who you allow to contribute to the blood supply. But I think as we’ve come to understand more about the risks... HIV is no longer considered a gay man’s disease,” Haughton said. “In newer cases, heterosexual cases predominate. So, why continue to stigmatize just because they’re of a different sexual orientation?”

Haughton also felt that the repeal of the ban could also lead to more truthfulness of donors when filling out their donor forms.

“I think when you create a situation where people don’t have to misrepresent [themselves], then they’re less likely to,” Haughton said. “They’re more likely to be straightforward, to be honest, because they don’t feel like your discriminating against them unfairly.”

He agreed with the senators that the two tests that are used on each individual donation are efficient enough to detect HIV and other diseases and that the ban on MSM is unnecessary.

The senators’ letter to the FDA commissioner gives a large boost to the effort to end the repeal. According to a Washington Post article, while some developed countries have relaxed their bans on MSM blood donations, many other developed nations such as France, Germany and Canada have maintained their lifelong bans on MSM blood donations.

NEWS

The New Paltz Oracle

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Spitzer Speaks on the Economy

By James Leggate News Editor | Leggat06@newpaltz.edu

“We are wasting this crisis,” former Gov. Eliot Spitzer said about the current recession.

Spitzer came to SUNY New Paltz to speak about the economy in a presentation titled “The Financial Meltdown: Have We Learned Anything and Where do We Go from Here?” The School of Business and the Student Organization for Business Ethics and Research sponsored the event, which was held in Lecture Center room 100 on Thursday, March 11.

Spitzer, who originally gained popularity as state attorney general by pursuing white collar criminals, said that the government should be using the current economic crisis to create more regulations on banks and investment firms.

“The government is a facilitator of the market,” Spitzer said. “It enforces the rules, makes sure the pricing is right and ensures that our community shares the values and lives up to the values we believe in.”

The reason the government is still not instituting more regulations, Spitzer said, is a “lack of will.” As a result, taxpayers have had to pay for the risks taken by the banks. Still, Spitzer said he believed the bailout was necessary.

The problem, Spitzer said, is that the professionals who recommend stocks did not act ethically, telling the public to buy what they were selling. He told a story about an awards ceremony for Wall Street analysts.

“Those who were getting the gold medal, if you had invested with them, you would have lost 40 percent of your money,” Spitzer said. “Those who got the silver medal, you would have lost 50 percent and the bronze, you would have lost 60

PHOTO BY FELICE BERNABO

Former Gov. Eliot Spitzer came to New Paltz to speak about the causes of and solutions to the current recession. percent.”

While Spitzer did say he thought the government should be making tougher regulations, he also said that an important part of the solution is for shareholders to invest ethically, by supporting American jobs in every level of the economy.

“The only way out of this is innovation, brains, intellectual capital, and that means universities,” he said.

However, Spitzer was not entirely dry. He won over the

Act Revamps Loans

By Julie Mansmann Managing Editor | Jmansmann60@newpaltz.edu

Supporters of the Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act (SAFRA) are rejoicing after the March 21 vote that creates program to revamp federal student loan systems and provide increased funding for grants.

According Rep. Timothy Bishop, (DN.Y.), SAFRA, which was included in the budget reconciliation that also revised the health care bill previously passed in the senate, brings the greatest change to student aid programs since the G.I. Bill.

“This represents a great investment in higher education,” he said.

The legislation would move all of the nation’s colleges to a direct lending program.

Rep. Joe Courtney (D-C.T.) said that this system would allow students to pay back their loans to schools instead of private banks.

The Congressional Budget Office reported that direct lending would save taxpayers $61 billion over 10 years.

The savings would partially be used to increase funding for the federal Pell grant program. According to Bishop, the legislation “locks in a mechanism” to prevent the grant maximum to be frozen at a certain amount as it was from 2000-2006.

Approximately $36 billion will be allocated for Pell grants over 10 years. The maximum amount a student can receive from the Pell program, which was designed to benefit lower income students, will be tied to an index that will allow for increases as needed.

Courtney said that the move to direct

lending that makes increased funding of the Pell program is a victory for all students, not just those of low or lower middle class economic backgrounds.

“All families benefit because this frees other financial resources for all students,” he said.

Though Courtney and Bishop said opponents of the legislation argue that it is too costly and eliminates jobs in the banking industry, they said that the yearly savings will ultimately benefit the nation. Also, bank officers will still have some administrative involvement in loan distribution; however, fees that students now pay to the banks will be cut down.

Another change that will come with the implementation of SAFRA will allow for income-based repayment of loans. Bishop said that a provision passed one year ago states that if a student’s loan debt is over 15 percent of their discretionary income, they will qualify for an extended repayment period.

“It also allows them to choose a career they want, not one that they think pays enough to pay off tuition,” he said.

SUNY New Paltz President Steven Poskanzer said he supports this reform. He said the college was planning to move toward a direct lending system that SAFRA will implement.

“We were geared up to make this shift because it keeps things affordable and cuts out the middle man,” he said. “And anything that increases Pell grants is a good thing.”

More information about SAFRA can be found on speaker.gov.

Thursday, March 25, 2010

crowd early on in his presentation with a joke, acknowledging the scandal that led to his 2008 resignation and clearing any awkwardness about it from the room.

“President Poskanzer and I were classmates as undergraduates and we have a vow of silence that neither of us will acknowledge the sins of the other. Although mine, I suppose, are generally well-known,” Spitzer said.

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Pg 9 The New Paltz Oracle

COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS “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 Theater, Villanova University and the University of Pittsburgh.

Tickets are free for students and $10 for non-students. To buy tickets, call 845679-3299.

23rd Annual New Paltz Easter Egg Hunt March 27 1 p.m. at Historic Huguenot Street in downtown New Paltz The event is free, designed for children ages 1 to 12, and open to the public. In addition to four separate hunts (according to age), there will be a petting zoo, face painting, crafts and, for the lucky kids who find the silver and gold eggs, special prizes. The Easter Bunny and his entourage are also scheduled to make an appearance. Over 5,000 eggs will be hidden among the community’s original homesteads!

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 celebrates 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 more information contact 845-562-1195.

16! To sign up individually, please e-mail Erica Wagner at wagnere@ newpaltz.edu with your name, e-mail, phone number, and class year. To sign up with a group, please e-mail Erica Wagner at wagnere@newpaltz.edu with your name, e-mail, phone number, class year and the name of your group.

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.

Open Studios and Art Sale April 2 6 to 8 p.m. at SUNY New Paltz Fine Arts Building, Old Library and Smiley Art Building The public is invited to BFA and MFA candidates’ studios to view finished projects and work in progress. Selected work will be available for sale.

Relay for Life April 17 12 p.m. to 12 a.m. at SUNY New Paltz American Cancer Society’s fundraiser for cancer research, prevention and patient services. For more information visit www.relayforlife.org/sunynewpaltz.

Art Lecture: Dress Code April 7 6:30 p.m. at SUNY New Paltz Lecture Center Room 102 Equal parts big name branding, silkscreened concert posters and renegade art projects, Andre Andreev and G. Dan Covert (Dress Code) are two successful designers who’ve yet to turn 25.

Call for Submissions: “Celebration of Writing” April 30 3 to 5 p.m. at SUNY New Paltz “Celebration of Writing” will be held on April 30 from 3 to 5 p.m. Students are asked to submit writing samples and read an excerpt of their writing at the event. The deadline is April 7. Awards are given for the best writing in each category. We encourage submissions from students in all disciplines, including science, technology, social science, art, history, education, or other disciplines where writing provides a necessary analysis tool. We welcome critical reviews of arts and cultural activity, social and political analyses, news stories, book reviews, and science reports. Of course, we welcome creative fiction, drama and verse. Additional information and the 2010 COW application can be found at www.newpaltz.edu/ WritingBoard/#events.

14th Annual New Paltz Clean Sweep April 24 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Clean Sweep is a great way to help make the community sparkle by giving it a fresh spring cleaning. Have fun and join area business owners, residents, local politicians, community organizations, and schools to tidy up the parks, sidewalks and streets of New Paltz.

There are two ways to sign up for this event: individually or with a group. You must sign up no later than Friday, April

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 25, 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.

The New Paltz Oracle

OPINIONS

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EDITORIAL

CELEBRATING A HEALTHIER TOMORROW President Barack Obama has made history by achieving a momentous victory in the struggle for health care reform.

With a 219-212 vote in the House, the overhaul of the American medical system has finally become a reality. Thankfully, unlike most of the laws Congress passes each year, the health care bill Obama signed on March 24 is going to benefit nearly all Americans, especially hardworking college students. This makes us very excited.

With this new law, a myriad of changes are approaching. Poor adults will receive Medicaid. Small businesses will get tax credits allowing them to provide health care. Low-income families will get federal subsidies to buy insurance.

Seniors will gain additional prescription drug coverage. Insurers will be barred from turning down people based on gender or pre-existing conditions. But most importantly to us, anyone under the age of 26 will be able to stay on their parent’s insurance policies.

Before this bill passed, graduating would have forced many of us to pay absurd amounts of money to stay healthy after being dropped from our parent’s health care plans. Now we will be able to settle into a job first before being required to fend for ourselves. According to a study done by the Kaiser Family Foundation, about 30 percent of the uninsured are between the ages of 19 and 29.

Students fresh out of college rarely get a great job with health benefits, and as we all know, transitioning from college to the workforce has become increasingly challenging. So let us rejoice in this extra time that we now have to plan out our futures.

On top of that, the passage of the bill brings sweeping changes to the federal student loan process. According to the Associated Press, the bill rewrites a fourdecade-old student loan program, eliminating its reliance on private lenders and uses the savings to direct $36 billion in new spending to Pell Grants for students in financial need.

The health care overhaul will bring a real change, but it’s going to happen at a slow pace. Beginning in 2014, all Americans will be required to carry health insurance. Also, tax credits to help pay for premiums will start flowing to middleclass working families, and Medicaid will finally be expanded to cover more lowincome people. The majority of working-

CARTOON BY JON AIELLO

age Americans and their families will most likely still have employer-sponsored coverage as they do now, but the number of uninsured will drop by more than half.

Even though it may be a long time before some see these benefits, this is the reality of what is required to make significant changes. The number one reason for this delay is cost. The Medicare cuts and tax increases to finance the bill will

start early. However, the subsidies to help people purchase coverage will come later. This, Obama promised, will keep the costs of the overhaul under $1 trillion in its first decade.

When all is said and done, the Congressional Budget Office projects that 32 million Americans will gain health insurance under the law. So, if we want Obama to actually be in authority over the expan-

sion of that coverage, we’ll first have to re-elect him in 2012. Because of his efforts, Americans will no longer be denied coverage on account of a pre-existing condition, and never again will insurance companies be able to raise rates so unfairly. So let us support Obama and stay informed on his policies. It is a time for change in America, and we look forward to reaping the benefits.

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 25, 2010

Thursday, March 25, 2010

The Gunk

Y Z A R C E H T UNCH B

Story S to ory o on n Page P age 5B

PHOTO COURTESY OF IMDB.COM

Story on Page 4B

Chatroulette.com brings the anonymous closer than ever PHOTO BY JUSTI JUSTIN TIN IN N Mc M McCARTHY CAR ARTHY

Check inside for a preview of the spring television lineups on Page 6B!

FEATURES | 2B

The New Paltz Oracle

Students React to Paterson’s Ongoing Troubles NEW PALTZ EXPRESSES DISAPPOINTMENT WITH TROUBLED GOVERNOR

By Allie Roselle Contributing Writer | Allie.roselle62@newpaltz.edu

A series of scandal-plagued governors seems to be leading to New York’s political downfall. Following a prostitution scandal which led to former governor Eliot Spitzer’s 2008 resignation, Gov. David Paterson has gotten caught up in his own mess – and students at SUNY New Paltz are reacting.

Accused of lying under oath for receiving free World Series tickets and interfering in a highly publicized domestic violence case, resigning may be Paterson’s only option.

The count of top state officials resigning is now at five as a result of implication and questionable integrity of the Paterson administration’s handling of the domestic violence case involving Paterson aide David W. Johnson.

The public has never been too fond of the once lieutenant governor. Polls conducted by Siena College and Quinnipiac University have consistently shown the public’s strong dislike of the governor – and these scandals have only damaged his already bad reputation.

Denise E. O’Donnell, deputy secretary for Public Safety and a top cabinet official for the governor, was the first to resign on Feb. 25 stating the actions of Paterson and the State Police were unacceptable.

Paterson and his administration lost a second public safety official after State Police Superintendent Harry J. Corbitt announced his retirement due to severe media scrutiny concerning his connection with the domestic violence case.

Peter E. Kauffmann was the next. Resigning on March 4, he told investigators he had become skeptical about the truthfulness of the administration. Fol-

lowing in his footsteps, Marissa Shorenstein, press secretary and acting chief spokeswoman for Paterson, was the fifth official to resign upon integrity concerns.

But how do students and faculty feel about Paterson – and do they care?

Denise Upton, a fourth-year business major, said Peterson was trying to take advantage of his position.

“It’s obvious he lied about needing the [World Series baseball] tickets because he would be acting in some official capacity at the games as governor,” she said. “And he was just looking to take advantage of the perks of being a governor, which is the problem with most people in positions of power – they think they can get away with things and they are immune to the consequences.”

“I think it’s a strong statement to retire and show your distaste of how the government is being,” Upton added about Corbitt’s retirement. “But those same people who are retiring are the type of people we need in the government who will stand up to these abuses of power.”

Charlie Scirbona, a fourth-year journalism major, isn’t concerned about the governor receiving World Series tickets since the Yankees yield money and business for New York, but is worried about the speculations compromising Paterson’s ability to govern the Senate and Assembly.

“Whether he’s guilty of both [receiving tickets and interfering with the domestic violence case] or not doesn’t matter,” Scirbona said. “His power as governor has weakened significantly, which makes New York kind of like a ship without a captain.”

“Our state government is damaged enough without having to deal with a leaderless bureaucracy,” he added.

Political Science Professor Gerald Benjamin said even though the matter is still under investigation and Paterson denies impropriety, if the situation is true, it is unacceptable.

“Public leadership requires integrity and standard setting,” said Benjamin. “This has been sadly lacking in recent years in New York state. The government is not functioning effectively, or even at all. Perhaps the lieutenant governor will provide leadership. Barring this, we await the outcome of the election.”

Katy Bagnato, a fourth-year psychology major, said she is not well-informed about the scandal and the situation that’s been circling in Albany, but she feels our state government should be governing and not concerning itself with side altercations. “It should be about what’s right for the state and what’s best for the state – not about how our governor went to a baseball game for free.”

Fourth-year history major Taylor Kinsley said if staff decided to resign because their superior has not been living up to the integrity of the office, it was the right thing to do.

“Many politicians wouldn’t admit to misconduct in government, so maybe [resigning] is the honorable thing to do,” she said.

These scandals have led to several lawmakers and politicians demanding Paterson resign – something he has frivolously denied to do. Only time can tell whether his decisions will harm the future of Albany government.

“You might be quick to think that justice is being served by this whole mess,” Scirbona said. “But really, it’s just impeding the governor’s ability to govern, and thus making New York that much more of a bad place to live in.”

Get the Most for Your Money on Main Street New Paltz students who are 21 and over are always keeping an eye out for a cheap place to drink. This should put an end to your search. Here are the best drink specials in town according to the day of the week. Bottoms up!

Monday:

Tuesday:

Wednesday:

Thursday:

Friday:

Saturday:

$5 pitchers at Murphy’s

2 for 1 Well Drinks, $3 Shot Specials at Truman’s

$2.50 Blue Moon pints, $1 off all Drinks at P&G’s

$1 pints at Murphy’s

$2.50 Bottles, $3 Red Stripe and All Rum Drinks at Snug

Buy One, Get One All Drinks at Murphy’s

$2.50 Rack Drinks and Southern Comfort at Oasis

$1 Rack Drinks from 10:30 to 11:30 p.m., $2.50 Budweiser’s, Cuervo Shots and Rack Shots at Oasis

$3.50 Bass & Guinness pints and $2.50 Pebst at Snug 2 for 1 from 3 to 7 p.m. at McGillicuddy’s $3 Margaritas, Coronas and $2.50 Cuervo Shots

2 for 1 Rack and Draft Drinks at Oasis $2 Well Drinks and Bud Lights McGillicuddy’s

$4 Margaritas at Bacchus $1 off pints at McGillicuddy’s $1 off Pints at Snug

10 percent off with College ID, $1.50 Off Pints Except Guinness and $1 Off Bottles at Bacchus After 9 p.m., $2 Margaritas, $8 Margarita Pitchers, $3 Coronas and $2 Well Drinks at McGillicuddy’s

Thursday, March 25, 2010

2 for 1 draft beers and Rack Liquor Shots, $2.50 Jager Shots at Oasis $2.50 Well Drinks and Bud Lights at McGillicuddy’s Get a 16 oz. Pebst with one shot of Jim Beam for $5 at Snug

$3 Coronas at P&G’s Sunday: $2 pints at Snug $2.75 Bloody Mary’s at Bacchus

FEATURES | 3B

The New Paltz Oracle

Two Cheers for the Teachers of the Year NEW PALTZ PROFESSORS DISCUSS THEIR SUCCESS Dr. Suzanne Kelly

PHOTO COURTESY OF NEWPALTZ.EDU

By Maxim Alter Copy Editor | Malter42@newpaltz.edu

Each year, the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences bestows two Teacher of the Year Awards and asks each recipient to give a talk to the campus community the following year about their teaching philosophy.

The 2008-2009 award recipients were Dr. John Sharp, assistant professor of geography, and Dr. Suzanne Kelly, adjunct instructor of women’s studies.

The annual award is presented to one full-time and one part-time faculty member.

According to James Schiffer, dean of the college of Liberal Arts and Sciences, candidates are nominated by other members of the faculty, a committee composed of the presiding officer of the Liberal Arts and Sciences Senate, the previous year’s recipients and one other liberal arts and sciences faculty member. After this process, the committee then recommends the two recipients to

Schiffer, and if he approves, the year’s honorees are announced.

“Both are outstanding teachers,” Schiffer said. “[They are] innovative, creative, knowledgeable, enthusiastic and accessible. They care deeply about their students and do all they can to inspire them.”

Sharp, who was born into a family of teachers, said his outlook on educating comes from the passion his parents bestowed to him, as well as the college atmosphere.

“My mother taught pre-school and my father taught college chemistry,” Sharp said.

“I really liked the types of people that were drawn to work at a university. It’s a group of people that are intelligent, interesting and diverse. The so-called quality of life working at a university is often underrated.”

According to Sharp, his teaching focuses on the interplay between the ends and the means.

“While my goal is always to achieve certain learning outcomes, the learning pro-

cess through which that happens makes a tremendous difference and that is where most of my entire time and energy are spent.”

Through an enjoyable classroom setting, Sharp hopes students gain a knowledge and understanding of human geography, begin to reason independently and have a pleasing learning experience.

Kelly, who fell in love with the classroom as an undergraduate, said her method of teaching is “all about generating heat around a set of ideas and moving those ideas around the room.”

According to Kelly, women’s studies is very often tied to students’ lived experiences. Because of that, the conversations in the classroom carry a weight and urgency.

“Questions of social location, identity and embodiment, for instance, all come alive as we consider what frameworks can be employed to resist the larger structures of power that bear down on us,” she said.

“While finding our footings as citizens in

My Aunt Ethel’s Humentashen

By Maxim Alter Copy Editor | Malter42@newpaltz.edu

These delightful little morsels are miniature cookies you can fill with anything your heart desires.

Traditionally, they’re filled with prune preserves, but since most of you reading this aren’t in your 80s, I recommend stuffing them with strawberry or peach jam. As an added bonus, these bad boys bake super fast!

What you’ll need: ¾ cup of Mazola oil ¾ cup of sugar 3 eggs ¼ cup of water 1 teaspoon of vanilla 1 ½ teaspoon of baking powder 1 pinch of salt 3 cups of flour Filling of your choice: I recommend your favorite fruit preserve.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF SERIOUSEATS.COM

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees.

Mix together the eggs, oil, sugar, water and vanilla and beat slowly until smooth and creamy. Then, sift together the flour, salt and baking powder in a separate bowl. Add the dry ingredients to the original mixture, and continue at a slow blend. After the dough is complete, place it in the fridge for a minimum of two hours. Roll dough to a ¼ inch thickness on a floured board and use a circle cutter (the top of a jam jar) to carve out round shapes. Next, place circles onto a parchment lined cookie sheet. You can fit about 12-15 cookies on each sheet. Fill each with the filling of your choice, then fold them into triangles and pinch together the corners. Lastly, brush each one with honey and you are ready to bake.

Bake time: 15 minutes or until the cookies just begin to turn golden brown.

Thursday, March 25, 2010

Dr. John Sharp

PHOTO COURTESY OF NEWPALTZ.EDU

a world still bent on the degradation of all things feminine is difficult, engaging students in questioning what it means to live an authentic, meaningful life in the midst of it all is challenging and joyful work.”

Kelly said it was an honor to be recognized for her craft, and winning the award has proven the importance of contingent faculty in her program.

“Because the women’s studies program has only one full-time line, it has long needed to rely upon the work of adjuncts to fill out the curriculum,” she said. “This award highlights that reality.”

Sharp said that winning the award has meant a lot to him, and “it is quite an honor to be recognized by your peers for the outstanding work that you do.”

“Just as education is an ongoing process, so too is teaching,” he said. “I think I’m a better teacher now then when I first arrived here and I hope that trend continues.”

4B | FEATURES

The New Paltz Oracle

Ignore What Your Mom Said; Talk To Strangers

By Justin McCarthy

ALL PHOTOS INCLUDING 1B COURTESY OF CHATROULETTE.COM

Features Editor | Jmccarthy46@newpaltz.edu

Those of you looking for new ways to meet complete strangers may want to catch onto the online craze, Chatroulette. com.

The site, which allows users to communicate via webcam, adds the fun of anonymity that popularized chat rooms in the 1990s by randomly pairing up any two given users at a time. Once you’ve had enough of the person you’ve been connected with, a click of the “Next” button will connect you with a new user.

But the problem with Chatroulette is that while the joy of it may come from the fact that the person you’re chatting with is a complete stranger, you have no control over what that person might do or say. And many times, that person might be touching or revealing himself in ways you deem inappropriate.

“I mean, I definitely would rather not be flashed an ugly penis every other time someone comes up,” said Ashley Altman, a second-year communication major.

“But since they have the ‘next’ button it changes very fast, so I don’t really care.”

Chatroulette.com, which was created by a 17-year-old from Russia, isn’t a very flashy site. It’s a plain background with just two screens (one for you and one for your random Chatroulette partner) and a few buttons at the top that read “Next,” “Pause” and “Report.”

As simple as the Web site is, it has a lot of users. An Emorywheel.com article reported as many as half a million users a day. A New York Times reporter wrote that he’d seen up to 50,000 users on the site at one given time.

“Russian Roulette” is a game of chance and risk. When one plays Chatroulette, he is gambling his innocence.

If there are 50,000 users at the site at one time, chances are that about 10,000 of them are men masturbating. I can’t say my calculations are scientific, but anyone who has used the site before can agree that my estimation isn’t far off.

Regardless, many SUNY New Paltz students choose not to focus on the nauseating images that come along with Chatroulette.

Brian Shultis, a third-year public relations major, knows what he’s getting into when he accesses the site.

“I am frequently disgusted with what I see on it,” he said. “But I expect to see stuff like that, so I take it with a grain of salt.”

Regardless of the overwhelming bombardment of disturbing people one comes across, Chatroulette can provide hours of entertainment. In my personal experiences on the site, two kind young men gave me a tour of a movie set at which they were to shoot a pornographic film. Some people choose to discuss politics, some opt to discuss how stoned they are, and some will simply flash you their boobs. As long as you’re aware of what you might find and tolerant of the liberated approach that some participants have towards it, you’re sure to have a good time.

However, Chatroulette can quickly wear out its novelty. Sometimes it takes a while to load. And no matter how desensitized one is to the site of gross men masturbating, it still never fails to annoy and repulse you.

“I don’t go on the site anymore. I did it a few times when it first became popular and got tired and disgusted with it fast,” said Altman.

But for those who haven’t experienced Chatroulette themselves, I suggest you try it. It’s a great opportunity to see people when they are completely liberated. If your stomach can’t handle the site of a 65-year-old rubbing one out, then maybe Chatroulette isn’t your thing.

But if you can hit the ‘next’ button fast enough to get to the following freak of nature, then round up your friends and plug in your webcam. You’re in for quite an adventure.

Wanna see my movie set?

Thursday, March 25, 2010

FEATURES | 5B

The New Paltz Oracle

Roof or Bunk Over Your Head?

STUDENTS EXPLORE PROS AND CONS OF ON- AND OFF-CAMPUS HOUSING

By Nicole Mattson

Contributing Writer | Nmattsson47@newpaltz.edu

Quiet hours, signing in guests, wearing shoes in the shower: on-campus housing definitely has its disadvantages. Dorms are conveniently located by classes, friends live just around the corner and the cost is all inclusive. For some SUNY New Paltz students, the cons outweigh the pros.

For Luigi Scarogni, a third-year communication and media major, the best part of living off campus is the added freedom.

“You get to be your own person, and not have to follow dorm rules,” Scarogni said. “I live in a house with three people.

We have all the amenities you have at home,” adding that he loves having a full kitchen where he’s able to “make his own meals.”

Often times, students who live off-campus also have the benefit of a solo room – something that Mara Cohn, an undecided second-year, loves about her living situation. In addition to the independence off-campus housing offers, the best part in Cohn’s opinion is “no roommates!”

“It’s just like living back at home except without the parents – and no shower shoes,” she said.

Cost is another factor in students’ housing decisions. According to The State University of New York Web site, typical room and board expenses for a SUNY undergraduate student who commutes are approximately $5,730 less compared to those who live on-campus. However, students interested in saving money by moving to off-campus housing may end up spending more.

The approximate room rent for on-campus housing at

PHOTO BY ALEC HOROWITZ

Those who live off-campus in houses or apartments can enjoy having their own rooms and not having quiet hours.

SUNY New Paltz runs a little over $3,000 per semester (ap- their off-campus lifestyles for a dorm room; they both had some prox. $600 per month), while average room rent of off-campus things they wished could be changed about their living situhousing ranges from around $550 to $700 a month – sometimes ations. For Scarogni, his rent plus added utilities charges are not including utilities, which can rack up a significant price tag. higher than he’d like them to be, adding that “its definitely more Another factor to consider is the added cost of living. Students money than having a dorm on-campus.”

Cohn, while content with her monthly rent, wishes “that who choose off-campus housing don’t usually purchase a campus meal-plan, and therefore eat most meals off-campus as well. the distance to class was shorter. And, that I had staff hired to All things considered, Scarogni and Cohn wouldn’t trade clean my bathroom!”

Thursday, March 25, 2010

6B | ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

The New Paltz Oracle

No Sunshine, Go Primetime SPRING BLOOMS A NEW AND EXCITING LINE-UP FOR FANS OF TELEVISION, GIVING A SPLENDIFEROUS REASON TO STAY INSIDE THIS SEASON

S

bears. They’re coming out and they’re nature’s wildcard. Avoid them by staying inside and locking your doors. While you’re there, you might as well check out what’s on TV. So let’s take a look at the new season line-up.

“The Pacific” HBO, 9 p.m.

When Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks do anything together, you know it’s going to be quality. “The Pacific” has already proven to be a miniseries of cinematic proportion.

The plot focuses on three separate soldiers in the midst of battle during the Pacific front of WWII and is full of drama and action. This is TV at its finest – and most expensive.

“Nurse Jackie” Showtime, 10 p.m.

In 2009, “Nurse Jackie” garnered rave reviews from critics who found this tale of a nurse struggling to find balance between the demands of her job and personal life to be edgy and entertaining. In season two, Jackie’s life has become even more complicated with her drug addiction, infidelity and a patient who claims to be God.

Thursday, March 25, 2010

“Breaking Bad” AMC, 10 p.m.

The show’s third season’s story follows Walt White, a high school chemistry teacher who pays for his cancer treatments by manufacturing crystal meth with help from a former student.

The March 21 episode opened with Walt’s wife discovering his secret life, which means this year could be just as dark and unpredictable as the last.

“United States of Tara” Showtime, 10:30 p.m.

Created by “Juno” writer Diablo Cody, and executive produced

by Steven Spielberg, “United States of Tara” follows the story of a mother and wife that suffers from dissociative identity disorder. Switching between three alternate personalities and on occasion a very primal fourth identity, Tara has a lot on her plate. The second season is sure to be just as crazy as ever.

PHOTO COURTESY OF IMDB.COM

By Maxim Alter Copy Editor | Malter42@newpaltz.edu

pring is here, and you know what that means:

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT |7B

The New Paltz Oracle “Glee” Fox, 9:30 p.m.

“V” ABC, 10 p.m.

After its Golden Globe win, “Glee” has proven to be one of the most talked about shows on TV. Although it is only returning for its second season, the musical comedy has already established its place in pop culture. Be ready for an hour dedicated to Madonna songs and a Neil Patrick Harris guest appearance in an episode directed by Joss Whedon.

Returning from a long hiatus, “V” hopes to gain attention after an unsuccessful four episode run last fall. The story, a remake of a 1980s NBC miniseries, portrays a modern day Earth that is visited by an alien race claiming to be “of peace.” However, they’re not, and a group of characters is trying everything they can to keep this lizard-like race from taking over for good.

“Top Chef Masters” Bravo, 10 p.m.

Starting its second season on April 6, “Top Chef Masters” pits extremely popular and highly established chefs against each other for the benefit of charity. With top-quality cooking and a taste for competition, this is the kind of reality television you want to sit through. The battles vary from time cook-offs to over-the-top mystery food challenges. If you’re a fan of food and you want to satisfy your entertainment craving, then this is the show for you.

Also, look forward to the cast and crew from “Modern Family” and “The Simpsons” as guest judges.

“Flash Forward” ABC, 8 p.m.

Last December, ABC decided to give “Flash Forward” a break during the Olympics so that the writers would have time to re-think the remaining 12 episodes. Since its return on March 18, it has continued moving forward with a densely plotted, time-jumping mystery similar to the cult hit “Lost.” Starring actor Joseph Fiennes, the performances are top notch, the characters are interesting and the surprises are rarely predictable. If you are a fan of sci-fi or love a weekly dose of jaw dropping reveals, then what are you waiting for?

ALL PHOTOS COURTESY OF IMDB.COM

“Friday Night Lights” NBC, 8 p.m.

Winner of a primetime Emmy, “Friday Night Lights” tells the story of a town in Texas that comes alive every Friday night for one thing: football.

The fourth season will include a significant character’s death, a lot of scandals, shocking breakups and a mighty showdown between the Lions and the Panthers. Even if you don’t like sports, give it a chance.

“Miami Medical” CBS, 10 p.m.

Executive produced by Jerry Bruckheimer, “Miami Medical” follows a hospital trauma unit that specializes in the first 60 minutes after an injury, also known as “the golden hour.”

With its debut, the new series plans on bringing audiences an edge of your seat drama with loads of sex appeal. I’m sure having a backdrop like Miami won’t hurt that goal one bit.

Thursday, rsda March 25 25, 2010

8B | ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Getting

The New Paltz Oracle

By Maxim Alter

Copy Editor | Malter42@newpaltz.edu

Season 6 Episode 8: “Recon”

The eighth hour in the final season of “Lost” premiered last week and like almost every episode, reviewing the title prior to my viewing revealed some helpful hints as to what might happen. “Recon” is short for reconnaissance, which means an inspection or exploration of an area in order to gather information. However, if we look even closer at the title and read it as “Re-con,” perhaps someone by the name of Sawyer was going to be doing some conning… again.

This is exactly what went down.

However, since no episode of “Lost” is complete without a nice zesty twist, Sawyer was conning for a different reason. In his parallel reality, he turns out to be working for the LAPD. Yeah, that’s right. Sawyer is a cop.

The show started off normal with parallel Sawyer in bed after having sex with yet another new woman.

Just like in season one’s “Confidence Man,” Sawyer notices he’s late for a meeting and in a rush to leave, his briefcase pops open, revealing to his female companion a giant pile of cash.

In this episode, however, the tables turn when his bedmate pulls a gun and discloses that she knew of his con all along. Unfortunately for her, Sawyer announces the whole situation was actually a set up and his fellow officers are listening from a truck outside as they speak. Their intention: to arrest her conman husband. After he spits a code word, the

cops pour in and take the woman away.

So let’s stop for a second and think about this. Sawyer is porking this girl in a hotel room while all his cop buddies listen in? Correct me if I’m wrong but are cops supposed to have actual sex during a sting operation?

The things people will do these days to uphold justice.

Moving on, “Recon” was a blast to watch. The only problem was, it contained very little important information and a lot of random plot points setting up things to come. For instance, in the island reality, Claire tries to kill Kate, but then makes up with her in a weird psychotic meltdown. After, Faux-Locke takes Kate aside and tells her why he ended up in his present state. He reveals that he was raised by a crazy mother similar to Claire. Perhaps him and Jacob are brothers who were tormented by an insane parent? We also learn from Sawyer’s recon mission that Charles Widmore is on the other island planning an attack.

In the end, the episode proved that Sawyer is a great character.

With him doing the Smoke Monster/ Faux-Locke’s bidding, you never can quite figure out what’s going on in his mind, and I really like that added mystery. Right before the fade to black, Sawyer tells Kate his plan to get himself and her off the island safely, while everyone else fights it out. This seems noble, but I doubt it’s going to work. Alas, at least he’s still one of the good guys.

Season 6 Episode 9: “Ab Aeterno”

Just like “Recon,” the title of this episode says it all – if you can read Latin.

I cannot. Luckily for me, I do know how to Google. “Ab Aeterno” means “from the beginning of time.” Too bad it doesn’t translate to “best episode ever,” because that’s exactly what this was.

For the first time this season, there is no flash-sideways. Also, the episode isn’t chopped up between the present and the past. Even though this is such a different format for “Lost,” it felt perfect and played even more like a great movie. For nearly three quarters of the episode, we are plunged into the story of Richard Alpert and how he came to be the most mysterious man on the island.

Richard used to be a peasant living in the Canary Islands in 1867. After his wife becomes increasingly sick, he rushes by horseback to a doctor who refuses to give him the medicine his wife needs because he cannot afford it. In a struggle, Richard accidently kills the doctor, which in return causes his beloved Isabella to die. Instead of being executed for the doctor’s death, Richard is sold to the Black Rock, a slave ship headed towards the New World. During its journey, a massive storm causes the ship to crash into a very terrifying fourtoed statue. This is when Richard arrives at his final destination: the island.

Deep in the jungle wreckage, the remaining passengers on the boat are savagely murdered by the Smoke Monster, leaving Richard as the only survivor.

After seeing this, the deeply catholic Richard assumes the only possible con-

Thursday, March 25, 2010

clusion: he is in hell. The Smoke Monster’s human form, the Man in Black, then convinces Richard if he stabs Jacob in the heart, he will see his wife again.

This is exactly what Dogen told Sayid to do to the Man in Black in the episode “Sundown.” Just like Sayid, Richard fails, and Jacob stops him in mid swing.

After a small tussle, Jacob proves that Richard is actually alive by holding his head underwater. He then reveals to him the purpose of the island.

For many years, Jacob has been bringing others to the island in order to prove to the Man in Black that people are fundamentally good. All the while, the Man in Black has been trying to prove they all come corrupted. He also tells Richard the island has acted as a cork to keep evil in, the Man in Black being just that.

Back in the present time, Hurley approaches Richard in the jungle as he is digging up his wife’s necklace that he buried those 200 years ago. Through Hurley’s ability to speak to the dead Whoopi Goldberg style ala “Ghost,” Richard is able to communicate with his wife who warns him of what’s to come.

She tells him, if the Man in Black leaves the island, everyone is “going to hell.”

So it looks like the lines have been drawn. In one corner we have team Jacob, in the other we have the Man in Black/Faux-Locke. Our main castaways are divided evenly between each, with the only potential last minute surprises being the return of Desmond or the interference of Widmore. The character development this season has been outstanding, but it’s time for this epic build up to come to an end. Let the battle begin.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT |9B

The New Paltz Oracle

‘God of War 3’ Slays the Competition THE THIRD ADDITION DAZZLES PLAYERS WITH ITS EPIC STORYLINE

By Chris Thurston Staff Writer | Chris.thurston92@newpaltz.edu Over the past few years, video games have become less afraid of how they can stimulate the minds of the gaming community via graphics, gameplay and story.

“God of War 3” raises the bar in every category and seemingly becomes one of the most beautiful looking video games to date. This series has built its way to a final showdown of Kratos, the game’s main protagonist, the Greek gods and the massive Titans in an all out brawl of EPIC proportions.

Kratos’ tale picks up where the story gets cut off at the end of “God of War 2,” where our hero is riding the back of Gaia as she climbs Mount Olympus with the other Titans to take their revenge on the gods Zeus, Hades, Hermes, Poseidon and more. These intense moments are best explained by playing “God of War 2,” but reading up on online really helps for those confused by the series’ story. I won’t reveal too many details other than Kratos will slay some gods and piss off many others along the way. The ending may wow you or leave you unsatisfied, but I still got the satisfaction and resolution of ideas needed from this series.

“God of War 3” is a work of art. There is not a single Computer Generated Imagery cut scene in the entire game. All story driving videos are done with in-game graphics and it’s done so well that every gamer can appreciate the beauty of this title. Kratos is the best rendered video game character to date, including when you are fly-

“God of War 3” makes owning a Playstation 3 completely worth it. ing in the air about to slash your way through any of the equally well designed enemies throughout the game.

One of the best things about the “God of War” series is its gameplay. At its core, it’s a hack and slash with easy to remember combos, but when the controls are mastered gamers get to witness the acrobatic killing machine that is Kratos. Designers decided to not fix what wasn’t broken and it pays off entirely. New weapons with dedicated magic abilities are added to the frays which are easily changeable in mid combat. Kratos’ trusty chain blades return in this title with a few new looks and that same old extended fighting ability that made them so much fun to use in previous titles. The Nemean Cestus, a pair of huge

PHOTO COURTESY OF CACHE.GAWKER.COM

gauntlets shaped like lion heads, are new to the series and add a unique variety to gameplay with earthquake-like ground pounds and head smashing punches.

To say that “God of War 3” is an epic video game wouldn’t do the title any justice. It is one of the most visually stunning video games ever. “God of War 3” hands down is one of the best examples of keeping great gameplay aspects while removing others that gamers could live without. The story may leave some a very tiny bit disheartened, but the ending will have gamers satisfied for a very long time. If you haven’t purchased a Playstation 3 yet, then start saving your money because “God Of War 3” makes owning one worth every dollar.

Upcoming Video Games!

“Majesty 2: Kingmaker” (PC) “WarioWare DIY” (Nintendo DS, Wii) “Prison Break: The Conspiracy” (Xbox 360) “Dance Sensation!”

(Wii) “Dead or Alive: Paradise” (PSP) Thursday, March 25, 2010

10B | ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

The New Paltz Oracle

Alice in Blunderland

NO ‘WONDER’ ‘WONDER IN TIM BURTON’S VERSION OF LEWIS CARROLL’S CLASSIC Copy Editor |

By Sunya Bhutta Sunya.bhutta94@newpaltz.edu

Visually ap appealing yet mentally lacking exhilaration, “A “Alice in Wonderland” causes a rift between th the senses. The aesthetics of the sets and scenery scen were stunning but the storyline was predictable p and uninteresting. The movie had a dull beginning and end, movi with all the slightly entertaining events squished in the middle. squ The action starts when Alice falls through the rabbit hole, which took entirely too long to happen.

Once she entered “Wonderland,” I became easily distracted by the amusing graphics and almost forgot that there was no real thoughtprovoking plot to follow (key word: almost). But even with advanced 3D and special effects, it’s hard to see where the wonder that is so apparent in the novel by Lewis Carroll and the original Disney adC aptation, appears in this film. a Director Tim Burton’s work is easily easi recognized through vivid animation, aactive characterization and of course an association with Johnny Depp. In his role associ as the Mad Hatter, Depp gave another brilliant and captivating captivatin performance, stealing the spotlight as the most mos intriguing character.

Alice, playe played by Mia Wasikowska, wasn’t as horrendous as Anne Hathaway’s awkward perforA mance as the Whi White Queen, but there was nothing really engaging abo about her. She had a tedious tone and assertive attitude tthat poorly portrayed the kind, cour-

teous and curious Alice.

The Red Queen, played by Helena ena Bonham Carter, is surprisingly where most of the film’s ures and humor comes from. The kooky creatures we ee and peculiar characters like Tweedledee Tweedledum also added some uplifting lifting comedy.

The movie did have some interestesting scenes but as a whole nothing came me together. It seemed like a missed oppportunity for Burton who should havee focused more on creating a stimulat-ing storyline rather than merely en-tertaining with visuals. There were some good themes such as following your own path, thinking abstractly and making the right decision but there was no emotion behind any of it.

I really wanted to like this movie. It’s a disappointment but not really unexpected. Burton does his best when he is being original. “Edward Scissorhands” and “Big Fish” are per-fect examples of that. But when he tries ies to recreate an already beloved moviee like “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” or a terrifying tale such as “Sweeney Todd,” he fails to impress beyond art direction and costume tume design.

“Alice in Wonderland” is worth seeing if you are “curiouser and curiouser,” as Alice ce puts it, but not if you are hoping to get something ng really good out of $14.50 (or at least that’s whatt I regrettably paid to see it).

PHOTOS COURTESY OF IMDB.COM

When Did Jason Bourne Go to Iraq?

PREDICTABLE PLOT DOES NOT ADD FLAVOR TO PAUL GREENGRASS’ ‘GREEN ZONE’

By Alec Horowitz Assistant Photo Editor |

N01877795@newpaltz.edu

“Green Zone” has me a bit torn. Although I appreciated it, I can’t say it’s an effective thriller. As much as it pains me to say, the anti-war message might be the reason it doesn’t work. However, it is a very honest film about the Iraq War. In the movie, a soldier is trying to uncover the truth about the Iraq War and the Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD’s). The main question the film asks is: Why did we go to war? Yet, the problem is how are we supposed to feel suspenseful if we already know the answer? There were no WMD’s.

The main character is a soldier played by Matt Damon. The film takes place in 2003, and as it sets into the plot, the central question becomes; Did the government lie about WMD’s? Well, yes. Anyone with half a brain in the audience knows the answer to this. Later, Damon then meets a journalist from the Wall Street Journal and she describes the articles she wrote that said there were WMD’s in Iraq. He starts to question her. Then there’s a big chase scene after Damon’s character gets kidnapped that lasts for about five minutes. At this point, I started to get bored. Director Paul Greengrass fills this film with so many fast cuts and action sequences that

Paul Greengrass’ “Green Zone” is a fail of an effective thriller as the film doesn’t tell the audience anything new.

you’re supposed to be feeling like you are in the midst of a thriller. However, if I already know the result to the mystery because I read it in the paper a few years ago, then how am I supposed to be on the edge of my seat?

Also, Damon’s character is too paper-thin for me to care deeply about.

Thursday, March 25, 2010

PHOTO COURTESY OF IMDB.COM

There have been so many good documentaries on the Iraq war. There’s nothing here that hasn’t been covered by a good documentary or indie film. I guess the main problem with ‘The Green Zone’ is that it doesn’t tell us anything new.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT |11B

The New Paltz Oracle

High Places Fail to Soar to New Heights FANS COULD BE UNDERWHELMED BY BAND’S RECENT UNIQUE EFFORT

By Peter Spengemen Contributing Writer | Peter.spengeman94@newpaltz.edu

High Places Vs. Mankind, the third full-length album from Brooklyn-based band High Places, is a predictable release for this experimental duo. High Places has created such a unique sound for themselves that their predictability has become self-inflicted -- no one in the indie rock world sounds closely similar to High Places, so the sound they have coined is theirs alone. But instead of using the word predictable in a critical way, let’s first acknowledge the interesting fact that High Places pushed themselves to expand musically, that they are the lone pioneers in a vast territory seldom travelled by other indieexperimentalists.

High Places is one of the most eyebrow raising bands out there -- comprised of multi-instrumentalist Rob Barber and chilling vocalist Mary Pearson, they compensate for their lack of members with tricky loops, vocal effects and a multitude of zany instruments. Aside from synths, Barber has played Kalimba, bells, various shakers, guitars and household items such as wood blocks or plastic bags. Coupled with Pearson’s lyrics, mostly involving the beauty of nature and our distant yet significant place in the cosmos, it gives their sound an endearing quality. The rhythms are semi-sporadic and give the music its earthy vibe.

Unlike previous efforts, High Places Vs. Mankind has less stand out tracks, but the album as a whole feels more coherent.

There are songs that are devoted to pop (“On Giving Up”), some devoted to drone/noise (“Drift Slayer”), and others that are more folktronica. But there is a constant element throughout every song that ties the whole piece together. On track opener, “The Longest Shadows”,

we are met with a pop-influenced bass line over choppy electronic rhythms and sounds. Throughout the song, different instruments float in and out making it diverse, and when Pearson’s vocals come in, they float above everything else, creating spacial sounds from another world.

The mood on High Places vs.

Mankind is much darker than their self-titled album. The tempos are much slower; they substitute their usually upbeat rhythms with slower, stomping rhythms which make some songs drone. This isn’t to say that the album lacks upbeat, pop-like songs -- the tribal closer, “When it Comes” displays

drowned out vocals under heavy filters, over a beat that imitates 80s dance pop.

Barber does a great job on combining electronic and organic drums to make the rhythms, giving High Places its innovative sound.

For fans of the band, High Places Vs. Mankind may not be overwhelmingly thrilling, but shouldn’t be a disappointment. The duo has proved they are consistent, putting out a solid album every release. For others, this album would be a fair introduction to the band’s full catalog, and offer a peculiar starting point for favoring the band’s avant-garde style.

Making Music History Rihanna is putting the deep, hard beats of her music into her own hands by learning to play the drums -- and she’s hired the best possible instructor: Blink-182 sticksman Travis Barker.

:: The Strokes are working on their fourth studio album, their first since 2006’s First Impressions of Earth, but singer Julian Casablancas is keeping his distance from his bandmates in the studio.

:: Tom Hanks will continue to flex his muscles as a Hollywood producer with yet another foray into movie musicals: The Oscar-winning actor is in talks to bring the musical version of Green Day’s 2004 punk rock opus, American Idiot, to the big screen.

:: David Byrne revealed that he and St. Vincent’s Annie Clark have been working on a project together.

:: High Places debut their third full-length album.

PHOTO COURTESY OF MYSPACE.COM

Moxham to Mohonk’s Top 10 Albums of the Week 1. Raising Sand - Robert Plant and Alison Krauss 2. One Fine Color - The Ryan Montbleau Band 3. Gossip in the Grain - Ray LaMontagne 4. Yonder is the Clock The Felice Brothers 5. Heretic Pride - Mountain Goats

6. Blood Bank EP - Bon Iver 7. Outer South - Conor Oberst and the Mystic Valley Band 8. You Think It’s Like This But Really It’s Like This - Mirah 9. Consolers of the Lonely - The Raconteurs 10. Northern Lights-Southern Cross The Band

List compiled by DJ Em. Her show is every Wednesday night from 5 to 6 p.m.

Thursday, March 25, 2010

When a pianist named “Merton” began improvising piano ditties for the people he encountered on Chatroulette and posted the clips on YouTube, many speculated that the hooded performer was actually Ben Folds performing in disguise. Folds’ publicist finally denied the singer is the Chatroulette star. Merton’s video description was later updated, reiterating that he is not Folds.

:: Ever since Conan O’Brien was kicked off “The Tonight Show” stage, there’s been a certain missing feeling going around. But Team Coco can rejoice as the big-haired comedian is plotting a North American tour described as “a night of music, comedy, hugging and the occasional awkward silence” called “The Legally Prohibited From Being Funny on Television Tour.”

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:

Rebecca Benedict

NAME: Rebecca Benedict ART: Jewelry, collages, doodles YEAR: First-Year MAJOR: Visual Arts for now, Metals in the future INSPIRATION: Anything bright and interesting FAVORITE ARTIST: Romare Bearden DREAM: Design jewelry and see strangers wearing it

PHOTOS COURTESY OF REBECCA BENEDICT, CAPTION BY FELICE BERNABO

Thursday, March 25, 2010

OPINIONS

Pg 10

The New Paltz Oracle

COLUMNS

BE IN A BAND. TOUR ALL THE TIME.

Pierce Lydon Editor-in-Chief Lydon47@newpaltz.edu If you are not on tour or the owner of your own Waffle House franchise, you have one foot planted firmly in the grave. And when I say that, I really mean it: if you aren’t doing something you love, then you are clearly missing the point of life, the universe and everything.

Over Spring Break, I went on tour with my best buds in Ghost Mall. We played eight shows in 10 days from March 11 to March 20.

We played in Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Arkansas, Texas, Louisiana (I’m starting to feel like Howard Dean), South Carolina and stopped in every state in between mostly because of my band mates’ overactive bladders.

I learned a few lessons about touring and life that I will share with you free of charge.

1. No matter how many times you check to make sure you have everything, you will always forget something. Minutes after getting on the NYS Thruway, I realized that I had forgotten the hi-hat stand. Where did I leave it? In the middle of the kitchen.

When was the last time I was in the kitchen?

Immediately before we left, I thought it was crucial to bring a can of beans with us. I also forgot my jacket.

2. If a band you are playing with seems creepy, chances are that their house where you are staying is too. We stayed with ThreeBrained Robot in North Carolina. His set was insane! Crazy puppets and strobe lights. It was just as terrifying as it was enjoyable and Sam, the man behind it all, was super nice, nice enough to let us stay at his place. But his place was rife with creepy owl art all around.

Plus when your host says “All the other bands that have ever stayed here are in the basement, you’ll be meeting them soon” right before he goes to bed, you know you aren’t getting much sleep even if he was just kidding.

3. Anybody named “Baby Huey” is probably incredible and you should befriend them. ‘Nuff said.

4. Don’t ever have any rules about pooping. Alex, my keyboardist, can attest to this. He had to go but we were at a bar. His rule was to never poop at bars. His rule soon changed to “Poop whenever you can,” after he had to wait over 3 hours before unloading.

5. The South is awesome. What’s not to love about a place with a Waffle House on every corner and incredibly nice people at every turn? Seriously, if someone told me that I had to move to Mississippi or Texas, I’d do it in a heartbeat. One of the promoters we met paid us even though originally he said we probably wouldn’t get paid AND he bought me shots.

In South Carolina, we made money at a benefit show because besides paying admission for the charity, people DONATED money to us. Another band even took us out to eat once.

Show me a band in Brooklyn or Manhattan that would pay for six meals.

6. Never believe Bank of America when you call in to check your balance. I am currently $195 dollars in the hole because they decided that it was way easier to fuck me with the long, hard reality of four 35 dollar overdraft charges rather than tell me how much money I actually have.

7. It is always better to play than to skip a show in order to drive. You never know who you might meet. We were absolutely floored by the generosity of South Carolinians especially since we contemplated backing out of the show. They bought a ton of merch and made for one of the best shows on tour.

8. Despite what you think, you are not developing a Southern accent just because you spend a week in the South. We were all pretty convinced that we were getting accents. To the point where, after saying some-

thing, we would ask each other if it sounded like a Southern accent. It didn’t. We were just trapped in a car with each other for too long.

9. If a cop asks you if that dude you sort of know that’s passed out on a lawn near where you were staying is your friend, just say yes. Hell, even if you don’t know him, say you do. That guy probably just had nowhere to crash. In our case, it was our friend from The Shakes who was supposed to stay at the house we were at but part of the address had rubbed off of his arm and he didn’t know where to go. Good bros do good bros good, bro. Keep it going.

10. When in doubt, throw on the classic rock station. There is almost never a bad song on; as long as you don’t get sick of “Rock the Casbah” or “Don’t Stop Believin,’” you’ll be alright. *** As the great Henry Rolllins has said, “Knowledge without mileage is bullshit.”

I assure you that I’ve gone the distance to back all of this up.

Pierce is a fourth-year journalism major.

He has been on The New Paltz Oracle for seven semesters. This is his first as dictator. This will ultimately be remembered as his first step toward journalistic domination. The Boss is what drives him to accomplish his goals and anyone who says that isn’t a good reason should just go listen to “Born to Run.”

A Rally Cry to Nerds Across America

Alec Horowitz Assistant Photography Editor N01877795@newpaltz.edu I’m a nerd. I’m a proud nerd. There’s nothing else I can be. Our people, these nerd people have a proud history. The guys who lived down the hallway from me at Stony Brook that tried to hack into my computer and the guy who lived in the school newspaper of-

fice who yelled at his ex-girlfriend over the phone that the self-published fantasy novels he hawked at local comic book conventions were going to make him rich one day, are nerds.

The people who watch “Star Trek” over “Star Wars” and who know Wil Wheaton just by name dropping alone are nerds. The show “Big Bang Theory” is a hit! Seriously, how many people got that reference on the “Big Bang Theory?” These nerds. These future millionaires and presidents like Barack Obama, who had a comic book collection as a kid.

They are nerds who rant about the stupidest yet also most intelligent subjects, go to comic book conventions and live a lifestyle that’s unhealthy but probably for the greater good.

Space: the final frontier. You go out and argue in favor of “Star Trek,” “Harry Potter,” science fiction and fantasy, science over religion and religions like “Star Trek” that promote science. The only thing missing is a

time travel project. We nerds, if we just put our heads together could come up with a project to travel back in time and right the wrongs that the world has done in the past. Wrongs committed by those who weren’t nerds. We can call the project, “Quantum Leap,” and not only have a better world today but a better world of the past. Just call me Doctor Samuel Becket.

Nerds unite. We are popular now. J.K. Rowling is a billionaire off writing fantasy books. The iconic nerd series, “Star Trek” has become a reboot that is a hit. “Avatar” has made James Cameron the nerd king of the world. Stephanie Meyer writes crappy vampire novels that have made the tween girls who dress up as vampires; the Trekkies of tomorrow! Independent films are a multi milliondollar business. Young Adult books are now best sellers. Roger Ebert deserves a second Pulitzer Prize for his blog alone.

Everyone considers himself or herself

a nerd now. Many who consider themselves nerds aren’t real nerds, but you know deep down in your heart if you’re a real nerd or not. I’m a nerd. I have a blog that’s all movie reviews that are detailed and tell you more about film and other crap that you don’t need to know, really. This is a call to arms. Girls and guys who are considered “out of our league” are rightfully ours. Fathers, who dread what their daughters bring home, relax. They might finally bring home some wimp who’s a nerd instead of a bad boy. The attractive spouses are rightfully ours. Victory will be with us. May the force be with us. It’s perfectly logical, Captain!

Alec Horowitz is an English major. His hobbies include reading, writing and drawing. He spends most of his time reading.

Come write for The New Paltz Oracle!

Our next story meeting will be held in Student Union 418 on Sunday, March 28 at 7 p.m.

Thursday, March 25, 2010

OPINIONS

The New Paltz Oracle

CARTOONS

Jon Aiello Cartoonist N01717845@newpaltz.edu Jon Aiello is an aspiring supersenior in the Asian Studies program at SUNY New Paltz.

His super-abilities include an uncanny memory for movie lines and a penchant for dirty jokes, neither of which have done

Dear Editor, As a second semester freshman living in Esopus Hall, I have spoken to many fellow students about their respective college experiences. In speaking with my peers I have come to recognize a curious phenomenon. When I tell people that, after one semester, I still live in Esopus I am almost always met with the same response: “Why?” What is even more curious is that there are few other halls whose mention warrants such inquiry. The main contributor to the stigma associated with Esopus (and rightfully so) is a rampant case of what I will refer to here as “Camp Counselor Syndrome.” In fact, Resident Assistants (RAs) suffering from Camp Counselor Syndrome are contributing to what I believe to be the death of the college

much to help his scholastic career.

Aiello enjoys cynicism, long scarves, 50s pinup girls and flan.

Jon dreams of one day breaking the glass ceiling faced by white males in the hibachi fry cook industry.

Pg 11

Do you have cartoons that you want to see printed in The New Paltz Oracle?

Send them to us at oracle@newpaltz.edu!

LETTERS

experience as a whole in Esopus Hall.

In order to put my assertion into perspective I would like to first describe the situation that spurred my writing of this letter. After my girlfriend and I met at her residence hall, we both agreed to make the trek to Esopus (the only freshman hall on campus) in order to while away a few hours on a weeknight by watching movies and playing cards. Upon entering the front entrance, we walked to the elevator and waited for the ridiculously slow lift to arrive. While waiting, an RA (whose name I will omit) asked if we were both residents and demanded to know my girlfriend’s name. As usual, we both lied and said that indeed we were both residents.

After discovering that we were lying, the RA in question demanded that my girlfriend sign in and menacingly declared

that she would be speaking to her Resident Director.

Perhaps I am alone in finding it sad that I must lie in order to enjoy my girlfriend’s company on a Monday evening, but nevertheless, it is at this point in the story that I wish to make something clear.

The purpose of this letter is not to assert that I am free of any wrongdoing or to imply that the RA involved was out of line by simply asking if we were both residents. Instead, the purpose is to highlight the misplaced sense of importance common among several of Esopus’s RAs that is grossly apparent to myself and to my fellow residents.

In my opinion, an RA is a fellow student (one might even go so ludicrously far as to say a peer) who serves as a resident’s link to the building in which they

reside. In Esopus however, the relationship between residents and RAs is quite different. Rather than acting as liaisons between residents and their Resdience Director, Esopus’s RAs are more preoccupied with the fastidiousness of their bulletin boards than with the comfort and independence of their residents.

Let Esopus Hall serve as an example of why a freshman-only hall is a bad idea.

The false sense of superiority on the part of Resident Assistants that exists in Esopus is both detrimental to students’ learning environment as well as their mental health.

Kyle Miller Esopus Hall Resident Class of 2013

Want to submit a letter or op-ed? E-mail us at oracle@newpaltz.edu !

Thursday, March 25, 2010

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SPORTS

The New Paltz Oracle

Hawks Players of the Week For the Week Ending March 28 Fourth-year Rose Dovi helped lead the New Paltz Softball team to a 7-3 week in the Gene Cusic Classic in Fort Myers, Fla. She had a batting average of .515 (17-33) during the 10-game stretch, including three doubles and three triples. She added 16 RBI and had a slugging percentage of .788, including three sacrifice flies and one sacrifice hit. She also stole one base and had a fielding percentage of 1.000.

Fourth-year Joel Judson helped lead the Baseball team to a 5-3 record over the last eight games of the 25th Annual Cocoa Expo Sports College Spring Training trip. He was 2-0 on the mound during the week with a 3.46 ERA, allowing eight hits, six runs, five earned and striking out 16 in 13 innings. He had a batting average of .500 (14-28), including six doubles and two homeruns with 10 RBI. He also scored 11 runs and had a slugging percentage of .929. He had a career day at the plate in a 27-3 win over Norwich, going 4-for-4 with five runs scored and seven RBI.

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 25, 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

The intramural department is always looking for input to stay up to date with the latest trends sweeping the campus. If you have any ideas, questions or concerns, feel free to contact the Coordinator of Intramurals, Joe Deck at deckj@newpaltz.edu.

The New Paltz Oracle

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SPORTS

Past Stars to Shine in Hawk Hall of Fame

By Pete Thompson Sports Editor | Pthompson51@newpaltz.edu

The SUNY New Paltz Athletic Department is keeping with tradition, currently accepting nominations for this year’s Hall of Fame honorees. This gives shining stars of the school’s athletic history an opportunity for timeless commemoration of the difference they made on and off the field.

The institution, established in 1984, accepts up to four inductees annually, possibly even on the same team. Anyone can nominate an athletic figure they see suitable for the reward, as long as he or she fits the criteria outlined by the department. The nomination form asks for basic background information including graduation date, sports participated in and New Paltz degree obtained, along with “ample supporting documentation” such as press clippings, resumes and news stories.

The Hall of Fame isn’t exclusive to athletes, as coaches and administrators are eligible for induction as well. Each distinction has its own requirements.

“It shows the distinct history of accomplishments of students that have gone through the school,” said Director of Athletics Stuart Robinson.

Athletes must have been full-time students associated with at least one varsity

PHOTO COURTESY OF NPHAWKS.COM

Up to four former athletes, coaches, trainers or administrators will be recognized. sport for two years, but unassociated with the university for at least five. Significant honors, awards and contributions are observed as evidence of this.

Coaches, trainers or administrators must have held the position for at least five years of commitment and dedication, and have either retired or resigned for at least two years.

“They have to have good character and have made a difference,” Robinson said.

Robinson is a part of the deciding committee, which meets once or twice to review the nominees. Other members include Associate Director of Athletics Brian Williams, Softball Coach and Student Wellness Advisor Denise Marchese and Educational Opportu-

Thursday, March 25, 2010

nity Program Director Antonio Bonilla, who is actually a Hall of Fame honoree.

“It feels good to help maintain the integrity of the institution and reward deserving individuals,” said Bonilla, who was inducted in 2002 for his work as the volleyball coach in 1987. “It’s gratifying.”

The Hall of Fame also offers a source of inspiration and motivation for current student athletes, who have a chance of one day adorning the wall of Elting Gym with a plaque listing their accomplishments.

Second-year sociology major Jimmy Altadonna, a forward on the soccer team, said, “It’d be a great honor to be remembered forever for the one thing you specialized in during your time at the school.”

Once the the honorees are chosen, an induction ceremony will be held in either the fall or spring, depending on the number of nominations and time it takes for the decision to be made. Depending on the anticipated number of guests, the event will take place either in the Multipurpose Room or College Terrace.

Nominations can be made up until May, and the form can be found on www.nphawks. com. For any questions, Robinson can be contacted at 845-257-3908 or robinsos@ newpaltz.edu.

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SPORTS

The New Paltz Oracle

SUNY New Paltz Weekly Sports Update

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

Baseball March 22: Fourth-year Joel Judson earned SUNYAC Pitcher-of-the-Week.

For the week, Judson limited his opponents to a .170 batting average. Judson had a 3.46 ERA in two starts. He allowed only eight hits and struck out 16 batters in 13 innings of work.

March 20: The New Paltz Baseball team finished their spring training trip at the 25th Annual Cocoa Expo Sports College Spring Training with two wins against Norwich, 27-3 in game one and 11-6 in game two. Joel Judson went 4-for-4 with two homeruns and two doubles, and scored five runs with seven RBI. Michael Marash was 2-for-3 with two runs and three RBI and Paul Merola was 3-for-4 with one run, four RBI and three doubles. In the nightcap, the Hawks were led by Judson with three hits and Boettcher added his third homerun of the year. Brett Harrison earned his first win of the season, going five innings and allowing six runs, three earned, on five hits and striking out six.

March 19: The Hawks swept a doubleheader against Baruch at the Expo Sports Complex. In game one, Michael Marash led the Hawks from the plate going 2-for-3 with one run and Andrew Grann was 2-for-3 with one run as well.

Michael Pinnola improved his record to 2-0 this season, and pitched his second straight complete game allowing three runs, two earned, on eight hits and striking out seven. In the night cap, the Hawks pounded out 12 runs on 13 hits.

Marash led the attack going 3-for-4 with three runs and three RBI and Joel Judson was 2-for-4 with two runs, two RBI and two doubles.

March 17: The New Paltz Baseball team fell in both games of a doubleheader against Richard Stockton, losing 6-5 in game one and 11-4 in the nightcap. The Hawks fell to 3-4 overall while Richard Stockton improved to 6-4.

March 16: The Hawks split a doubleheader with nationally ranked #5 Salisbury University. The Hawks defeated the Seagulls in the first game, 6-3 behind a solid pitching performance from senior Joel Judson. In the nightcap, the Seagulls split the doubleheader with a 4-1 victory over the Hawks.

March 14: The New Paltz baseball team split a pair of games between Hilbert College and Franciscan. The Hawks fell to Hilbert, 8-1 and defeated Franciscan 7-1. The Hawks improved to 2-1 on the season.

March 13: The Hawks opened up the 2010 campaign with an 8-5 win over Nichols College. Chris Chismar started the game for the Hawks going four and

two third innings allowing five runs on seven hits while striking out three.

Softball March 22: Fourth-year Rose Dovi earned SUNYAC Player-of-the-Week.

Dovi helped the Hawks to a 7-3 week in the Gene Cusic Classic in Fort Myers, Florida. She had a batting average of .545 (18-33) during the 10 game stretch, and added 16 of her 21 RBI during the week and had a slugging percentage of .879.

March 20: The New Paltz Softball team concluded the Gene Cusic Classic with a split between Macalester and the University of Wisconsin-Superior. The Hawks defeated Macalester 8-6 but fell to Superior 8-3.

March 19: The Hawks won their fourth straight game when they swept a pair of games from Worcester State, 4-2 and won a high scoring game against Roger Williams in 9 innings, 13-12. In the victory over Worcester, Courtney Costello pitched a complete game five hitter. She allowed two runs and struck out four on the day.

March 18: The New Paltz softball team picked up a pair of wins today over Curry College and Hamilton College in the Gene Cusic Classic. The Hawks defeated Curry 8-4 and shutout Hamilton with a 5-0 win.

Jillian Gallagher was 3-for-4 with one run and one RBI and Rose Dovi was 3-for-4 with three runs scored for the Hawks. Gillian Davidoff earned the win, tossing a complete game while allowing four runs, three earned, on seven hits and striking out three.

March 16: The Hawks split a pair of games with Fitchburg State, winning 6-0 and fell short to Salem State, 6-4. With the split, the Hawks upped their record to 2-4 overall. In the 6-0 win against Fitchburg, Jillian Gallagher pitched five innings and struck out six.

Alyssa Oliva pitched the final two innings striking out four and walking one and gave up no hits.

March 15: The New Paltz softball team fell short against Scranton 3-2, but rebounded with a win against Stevens, defeating the Ducks 16-3 in Gene Cusic Classic held in Fort Myers, Florida. Against Scranton, Rose Dovi was 3-for-3 with a triple and two runs batted in. In the Stevens game, Jillian Gallagher was 3-for-3 with a double, three runs scored and 1 run batted in. Melyssa Cilmi was 4-for-4 with a triple and three runs scored and four runs batted in and Dovi was 2-for-3 with a double and a triple with one run scored and five runs batted in.

March 14: The Hawks opened the 2010 season with a pair defeats to the College of Wooster and Amherst College. The Hawks lost 6-3 to Wooster,

and Alyssa Oliva took the loss on the mound. In the Amherst game, the Hawks fell in a high scoring game, 1713 in 10 innings with Courtney Costello taking the loss on the mound for the Hawks.

over the host team, 3-0 (30-19, 30-19, 30-17) to improve to 13-14 overall.

However the team fell to Mount Olive in four sets, (30-27, 27-30, 14-30, 22-30) and fell in the morning match against Division II King College, 3-1 (31-33, 22-30, 30-27, 24-30).

Men’s Volleyball March 17: The New Paltz Men’s volleyball team defeated New Jersey City University 3-1 to improve to 1714 overall and 6-2 in the NECVA Metro Division. With the loss NJCU fell to 13-6 overall.

March 16: The Hawks cruised to an easy victory at home against Sage College in the Hawk Center, with the win the Hawks improve to 16-14 overall and 6-2 in the NECVA Metro Division. The Hawks were led by Sean Foley with 16 kills and Mike Van Tyne chipped in with 12 kills, all in the third set.

March 14: The New Paltz Men’s Volleyball team swept a NECVA Metro Division Tri-Match held at Bard College today. In the first game, the Hawks swept Bard, 3-0 (30-15, 30-22, 30-22) and then swept Yeshiva 3-0 (30-20, 3023, 30-24).

March 13: The Hawks concluded the York Tournament with a victory

Weekly Scoreboard BASEBALL NP vs. Norwich: 27-3, 11-6 NP vs. Baruch: 5-3, 12-6 SOFTBALL NP vs. Macalester: 8-6 NP vs. Superior: 3-8 MEN’S VOLLEYBALL NP vs. NJCU: 3-1

Lady Hawks Honored

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

After a tough but exciting loss to SUNY Cortland on Feb 27 in the State University of New York Athletic Conference Finals, the girl’s basketball season has come to a close, and two of its members have been named to the SUNYAC All-Conference Team.

The SUNYAC announced the 2009-2010 women’s basketball allconference teams on March 2 and New Paltz fourth-year’s Maggie Farrell and Nicole Sarcone both earned second team All-Conference for their outstanding play during the 20092010 season.

Farrell, a guard for the Hawks, compiled a team high 301 points over the course of the season, while averaging 10.8 points per game. She also averaged 5.4 rebounds per game, which was good for second on the Hawks.

“I think that our season went really well,” Farrell said. “Our team performed so well because of the style that we play.”

Farrell said that the Hawks “improved a tremendous amount both individually and as a team” and that “[they] play well together and worked really hard every day at practice to try and be the best [they] could.”

Sarcone, a point guard, aver-

Thursday, March 25, 2010

aged 6.5 points per game, and led the Hawks with a .343 three-point completion percentage. She said that the Hawks season had “definitely had its ups and downs… but overall the team did great.” Sarcone was especially happy to receive the award because it was an individual goal of hers at the start of the season.

Both Farrell and Sarcone were “honored” to be named to the AllConference Team, and Sarcone said she believed that a summer workout program that the two girls attended may have helped their improved play.

“We worked very hard and we both were happy to be able to put the hard work to use during the season this year,” she said.

As for the upcoming season, both Farrell and Sarcone will not be returning, but believe the future is bright for the Hawks.

“They have a lot of experienced players returning and will hopefully be getting some good freshmen,” Farrell said. “I think the team will do very well.”

Sarcone agreed and said, “I have a lot of faith in the returners for next season. They are hard workers and great athletes. Hopefully they can bring home that championship trophy that we fell short of this season.”

The New Paltz Oracle

Andrew Wyrich Copy Editor Andrew.wyrich63@newpaltz.edu Call me crazy, call me delusional, call me a Mets-fan-who-knows-nothingabout-baseball, call me anything, but I am calling it here – Daniel Murphy is going to excel this season.

I know, I know, Murphy hasn’t inspired much confidence in Mets fans after his extremely average season last year and he has barely hit the ball this spring, but I truly believe Murphy is going to have an excellent season. To prove that I am not on drugs and actually do believe what I am typing, I am going to break down Mets fan’s points about why they don’t like Daniel Murphy, and answer them.

“But Andrew, you misinformed fool, Murphy has been nothing but a disappointment since he was called up.”

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SPORTS

I Believe in Daniel Murphy

Not true, ominous voice, Murphy has actually been very solid since his promotion to the Majors last year. The true disappointments have been the Mets management who continue to switch Murphy’s positions and expect him to be something he is not. These lofty and unrealistic ideas of what Murphy could be, paired with the pressure Murphy has had to deal with was a perfect storm that could have set up anyone to fail. For example, early in Murphy’s development, there were even times when I compared to former fan favorite Robin Ventura.

Many were expecting Murphy to develop a huge power stroke, and be a power hitting left fielder. After last season, it seems more logical to see Murphy as a No. 6 hitter who has a bit of pop in his bat.

“Even if that is true Andrew, you are crazy, Murphy is playing first base, he is supposed to be a power hitter, not a doubles hitter.”

Wrong again, voice, you do not have to be a power hitter to play 1st base, and I have a perfect example to compare Murphy to. Drum roll please – the one, the only, Keith Hernandez! GASP. During Hernandez’s stint on the Mets, he never hit more than 18 homeruns, and usually only hit around 10-15. Hernandez also never had more than 94 RBI and his batting average usually hovered around the

.300 mark. He is considered to be one of the best Mets ever to done the orange and blue, and there is no denying that he was a great hitter who played outstanding defense. But taking a closer look at Daniel Murphy, you may be shocked at what you see. Murphy hit 12 homeruns and batted in 63 runs for the lowly Mets last season. He did this while being forced to bat in the middle of the lineup due to the Mets litany of injuries, and was expected to be one of the biggest bats in the Mets lineup- all while being a rookie. Murphy’s average was a decent .266, but was a high .313 in his 49 game stint for the Mets in 2008. These numbers are not too far away from the almighty Keith Hernandez’s. It is my belief that Murphy’s average dipped because of the pressure that was put on him to perform, and If the Mets remain healthy (a big if) and Murphy is constantly hitting lower in the order behind the likes of Jason Bay, David Wright and Carlos Beltran, I see no reason that we cannot expect Murphy to hit .290 with 20 home runs and 80 RBI. “Woah. Andrew. You are insane. But what about the Mets top prospect, Ike Davis? He should take over for Murphy next season at first base. What happens to Murphy then?”

Voice, you bring up an excellent point. Ike Davis has had a brilliant

spring, and continues to impress everyone on the Mets. I will admit that Davis will most likely be the Mets first basemen on Opening Day 2011 no matter how well Murphy performs this season.

But, Murphy has shown time and time again that he is willing to do whatever it takes to help the team win. He has been feverishly working on his defense at first base (even working with the almighty Keith Hernandez himself this spring…) and has been improving. Murphy has also played third base, second base, and left field during his minor league and college career, which makes me think that Murphy could eventually end up playing second base for the Mets in the future.

Some fans may remember that Murphy was asked by Mets management to play second base in winter ball last year, but after an injury, he abandoned learning the position. We all know how that worked out. Once the Mets are free from Luis Castillo’s contract and Ike Davis moves into first base permanently, it is my guess that Murphy will slide over to second base.

“All right Andrew, your all encompassing knowledge of the Mets has convinced me. Murphy will probably be pretty decent.”

Thank you, creepy Murphy-bashing voice. Your kind words are appreciated.

Let’s hope I’m right.

PHOTO COURTESY OF MLBMUSINGS.COM

Murphy, who joined the New Yotk Mets during the 2008 seasone, has gained a reputation for a great work ethic, ability to hit for contact and solid gap hitting potential.

Thursday, March 25, 2010

SPORTS THE NEW PALTZ ORACLE

MAKING

HISTORY Committee now accepting Hall of Fame nominations See Story on Page 13 PHOTO COURTESY OF MAJORLEAGUEJERK.COM

PHOTO BY FELICE BERNABO

Daniel Murphy could be surprise star for Mets next season

Column on Page 15