The New Paltz Oracle, Volume 82, Issue 3

New Paltz Oracle The

oracle.newpaltz.edu

PHOTO BY LAURA LUENGAS

Volume 82, Issue III

Thursday, September 30, 2010

FINANCE SEAT FILLED Youssouf Kouyo confirmed to vacant vice president of finance position by senate

IN THE

Story on Page 6

RED

• School facing $2.6 million budget deficit • Faculty fears elimination of positions • Christian and administrators host forums for faculty and staff to voice concerns as planning process begins See Story on Page 3 Editorial on Page 9

INSIDE THIS WEEK’S EDITION OF THE NEW PALTZ ORACLE

•Senate Elects CAS Board Members.................Pg 4 •Students Monitor State Elections...............Pg 7

•Walkway Construction Planned....................Pg 6 •Supreme Court Considers Game Ratings.......Pg 8

Julie Mansmann Editor-in-Chief

University Police Blotter

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

Incident: Sexual Misconduct Date: 09/27/10 Location: STL Male subject arrested in Sojourner Truth Library for a lewd sexual act. Subject issued appearance ticket for New Paltz Town Court.

Incident: Criminal Mischief Date: 09/28/10 Location: SHANGO HALL RA reported that perpetrators unknown made graffiti on second floor. Work order submitted for FOC to remove graffiti.

Maxim Alter

About The New Paltz Oracle

Andrew Wyrich

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 editor-in-chief.

The New Paltz Oracle is published weekly throughout the Fall and Spring semesters on Thursday.

It is available in all residence halls and academic buildings, in the New Paltz community and online at oracle.newpaltz.edu. For more information, call 845-257-3030. The fax line is 845-257-3031.

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

Volume 82 Issue III

Pierce Lydon Managing Editor _________________

Justin McCarthy News Editor

Zan Strumfeld Features Editor

Arts & Entertainment Editor Web Chief

Sports Editor _________________

Laura Luengas Photography Editor

Derek Zimmermann Cartoonist

_________________

Sunya Bhutta Ryan Patrick Hanrahan Samantha Huertas Pete Thompson Pamela Vivanco Copy Editors _________________

Elizabeth Damiano Business Manager _________________

Patrick Martz Kathryn Smith Distribution Managers Felice Bernabo, Andrew Carden, Emily Canty, Kaitlyn Day, Sarah Fine, Elexis Goldberg, Alec Horowitz, Sarah Hurd, Michelle S. Kramisen, Emily Kurland, Chelsea LaDue, Becky Longley, Jessica Mingoia, Danielle Quitoni, Michelle Ravit, Regina Rivers, Shawn Rubenfeld, Jordan Siwek, Alex Silverberg, Emily Sussell, Ashley Thompson, Chris Thurston, Nekaiya Trotman, Jennifer Von Willer, Harris Wichard, Kelly Young

Staff

Incident: Disorderly Conduct Date: 09/28/10 Location: PARKER THEATER Officer observed a F/S urinating in public. Matter referred to the Office of Student Affairs.

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

Five Day Forecast Friday, Oct. 1

Index

News................................................3 - 8 Editorial............................................... 9 Columns............................................. 10 Sunya Bhutta.........................10 Letters.................................................10 The Gunk................................ 1B - 12B The Deep End.................................. 12B Sports.......................................... 11- 16

Few Showers High: 66 Low: 50 Saturday, Oct. 2

Sunny High: 60 Low: 45 Sunday, Oct. 3

Mostly Sunny High: 58 Low: 43 Monday, Oct. 4

Partly Cloudy High: 59 Low: 45 Tuesday, Oct. 5

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: 62 Low: 50

NEWS

The New Paltz Oracle

Pg 3

School Planning to Take on Budgetary Deficit

By Julie Mansmann

Editor-in-Chief | Jmansmann60@newpaltz.edu

Interim President Donald Christian recently announced to members of the faculty and staff that the State University of New York (SUNY) budget developments include nearly all “worst-case” elements administrators had imagined, leaving the college with a $2.6 million deficit to start off the academic year.

The shortfall indicates a gap between SUNY New Paltz’s revenue for the current year and what the college is required to pay to deliver its various services. According to Christian, administrators had developed a flat budget for this upcoming year, meaning they planned to spend the same dollar amount they had last year without incorporating expenditures for growth or the addition of programs.

However, the school did need to pay contractual salary increases to members of the faculty. With further cuts in state support under the 2010-11 budget plan passed by the New York State Legislature this summer, SUNY New Paltz is now facing an economic shortfall.

In a recent e-mail addressed to the faculty and staff, Christian said the “miss match” in what the college planned to spend when developing a budget plan in the spring and what they have to spend now results from further cuts in state support, limited tuition increases for non-resident and graduate students, a formula for allocating cuts in state support that didn’t favor the comprehensive-college sector and the mandate to increase our expenditures by nearly $2.3 million for negotiated salary increases.

Christian said there is growing indication that a midyear budget cut from the New York State Legislature is also likely, causing the college to adjust its economy further down after a $6 million cut in 2008-09 for previous and anticipated state revenue shortfalls.

“In a way, it’s a tighter noose than what we faced two years ago,” he said.

The draft of the planning process for dealing with the budgetary shortfall will be shared next week, and administrators said reactions will be welcomed and considered in the process.

DiStefano said SUNY New Paltz administrators will look to use reserve savings funds to fill some gaps in revenue. She said decisions made in tough financial climates in the past have left the school in better standing than other institutions.

“We will have to use our savings to pay some expenses while we put our economy back in balance,” she said. “However, other schools have amassed such an imbalance that they have a huge hill to climb – but we don’t. We have already taken some positive steps to adjust our economy to be more reflective of the resources that we have.”

With the current uncertainty regarding what sorts of decisions will be made in the coming months to economize, members of the faculty have expressed their con-

cern about the future.

On Thursday, Sept. 2, Christian invited members of the faculty and staff to participate in an open forum where they could ask questions and air concerns about the budget situation. The interim president said that concerns were raised by union members, such as United University Professions (UUP) Chapter President and Director of the Center for Teaching and Learning Richard Kelder.

It is UUP’s official position that faculty and professional staff members not serve on committees or engage in decision-making that may lead to the elimination of positions or programs, according to Kelder. Christian

“In a way, it’s a tighter noose than what we faced two years ago” ­—

Donald Christian

said this will not happen, as this process is carried out at the administrative level.

Kelder said faculty members fear the reduction of programs, and that he feels all programs are crucial to the core mission of the college. He hopes the school will not see programs reduced.

The faculty and staff are also anxious that positions will be eliminated as decisions to economize are being made, Kelder said. Kelder, who teaches in the linguistics program, said that teaching and professional faculty are wondering if their position is essential to the core mission of the college, which he said Christian defined as a major factor in future decision-making.

“There are very few places to look to cut right now except in personnel,” Kelder said. “Many of my colleagues are now wondering what kind of role they play in the mission of the university.”

The need to eliminate jobs has yet to be determined, Christian said.

Kelder also said there is a concern that some faculty and administrative positions may not be filled if retire-

Thursday, September 30, 2010

ments occur in an area. The state has offered an early retirement incentive to faculty members, but Kelder said SUNY New Paltz will be able to better gauge the impact of this offering on the school’s staff as the end of the semester approaches.

“We have many questions and few answers,” he said.

But according to DiStefano, adding full-time faculty is a core value on campus and the school will look to add new faculty in any way they can.

In the previous budget plan, administrators decided to institute a 90-day delay in hiring for non-faculty positions, which DiStefano said allowed the school to accrue some frictional savings. She said there has been no hiring freeze under former president Steven Poskanzer and Christian’s leadership. This is not a solution valued by administrators who have already authorized several searches for tenure-track faculty to begin the start of the 2011 academic year.

“We want to continue to increase the number of full time faculty members that are teaching on this campus,” she said.

According to Christian, the ultimate goal in the planning process for dealing with the $2.6 million deficit is safeguarding the quality of education offered by the college. To do so, he said administrators will try to avoid “across-the-board” cuts in which all budgets would be decreased by a certain percentage.

Christian said that while the planning process to economize in the face of the shortfall will be challenging, this is not a path administrators wish to take SUNY New Paltz down.

“Everybody would be kind of hobbling along on partial power with limited support,” he said. “Those are the kind of strategies that hurt quality.”

Faculty and staff members will be invited to join Christian, DiStefano and others at the next forum to discuss the process of developing strategies for dealing with the base cut and adjusting the economy downward , as scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 6. Information about the planning process and the budget will also be updated on budget.newpaltz.edu throughout the academic year.

Faculty and UUP members welcomed the chance to be a part of the dialogue surrounding the budgetary issues, Kelder said, and the union will look to engage students in the discussion in a set of their own forums.

Kelder said SUNY and public higher education institutions across the nation represent a public good that has suffered from years of disinvestment, and that it is time to reinvest in SUNY so that students may continue to receive a quality education. He said the UUP will continue to advocate for strengthening SUNY and will seek the support of students, parents, community members and legislators to ensure that this happens.

“We’re in a state of limbo at this point, in that what’s coming remains to be seen,” Kelder said. “We have to hope for the best, but plan for the worst.”

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NEWS

The New Paltz Oracle

News Briefs National The Associated Press asserted this month that the nation’s poverty rate has risen to 14.3 percent, the highest among working-age poor since the 1960s. According to these statistics, 1 in every 7 American is in poverty.

Incomes of $21,954 or lower for a family of four were considered under the poverty level last year. AP explained that this number is “ based on an official government calculation that includes only cash income, before tax deductions. It excludes capital gains or accumulated wealth, such as home ownership, as well as noncash aid such as food stamps.” ***** Lindsay Lohan is back in rehab.

A person close to the actress, who spoke only on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the issue, says the 24-year-old star has entered a rehabilitation facility for the treatment of drug and alcohol addiction. No other details were available. ***** Rangers have recovered the body of a male hiker from a remote area on the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park.

Authorities said Wednesday the victim’s name is being withheld, pending positive identification and notification of his relatives.

International Briefs on Page 5

PHOTO BY LAURA LUENGAS

While the senate agreed that both Jonathan Freifeld and Eve Stern were qualified, it voted to confirm Freifeld to the CAS Board.

Senate Confirms CAS Board Seats

By Pamela Vivanco

Copy Editor | Pvivanco57@newpaltz.edu

The 50th student senate elected the Campus Auxiliary Services (CAS) Board on-campus student representative, confirmed seats to three committees and passed a declaration regarding the New Paltz Fire Department going district on Tuesday, Sept.

28 in the Student Union.

The legislative body confirmed Jonathan Freifeld to the on-campus student representative position for CAS Board. Freifeld was initially nominated and confirmed to the alternate CAS Board position at the Aug. 31 student senate meeting. Student Association (SA) President Jennifer Sanchez nominated and presented Freifeld to the legislative body as an alternate while he believed he was running for a voting position.

At Tuesday’s meeting, Sanchez clarified that there is an on-campus student position, an off-campus student position and an alternate position, which serves as an alternate for her. Because the alternate only votes when the SA President cannot make the meetings, Freifeld decided to run for the on-campus voting position against Executive Vice President Eve Stern. Many senators expressed that while they thought both candidates were capable of doing a good job, they thought Freifeld would have more time to focus on the board.

Sen. Megan Grieco said that even though she thought Stern would make the time for the position and would do a great job, “[Freifeld] would have time to look in depth of things like the budget, and do the research,” Grieco said.

After the legislative body confirmed Freifeld to the on-campus voting position, Stern ran for the alternate position on CAS board and was confirmed to the seat.

After some friendly amendments, the legislative body passed a fire department declaration which requested the Village Board of Trustees “create and conduct a ballot for town residents to vote on the issue of the New Paltz Fire Department going district.”

The senators agreed that many New Paltz residents have strong opinions about the issue and have the right to express those opinions through a democratic process.

The declaration, sponsored by Sen. Ayanna Thomas and co-sponsored by Sen. Samantha Kossin.

The legislative body also tabled a resolution regarding trip funds for clubs and organizations. A resolution was passed during a past senate meeting, but the document is missing. Because there are no current guidelines for how trips should be funded, Sen. Kondwani Jackson sponsored a resolution that said “the SA may financially cover up two-thirds the cost of the trip for any rec-

Thursday, September 30, 2010

ognized organization or club in good standing.” After a discussion, the legislative body voted to table the resolution in an effort to specifically define what type of trips they will fund.

Fourth-year English major Christopher Gordon was elected for a position on the Tenant Landlord Committee to serve as a student voice. Even though Gordon was elected by the student senate, he has to be confirmed to the position by the Village Board of Trustees because it is a village committee. Gordon, who has been living off-campus since his second-year at SUNY New Paltz, said he wants to help students living off-campus become aware of their rights as a tenant.

Sen. Chris Thurston was a confirmed a seat on the Safety Committee which works on keeping the people on campus safe by improving systems such as the blue light system. Sen. Ayanna Thomas was confirmed to a seat in the Academic Affairs Committee.

Sen. Max Lasky and fourth-year elementary education Lauren Brois were both confirmed a seat in the Sustainability Committee which works on promoting environmental sustainability throughout campus.

The next student senate meeting will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 5 in Student Union 417.

The New Paltz Oracle

NEWS

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BFC Positions Filled at Council Meeting

By Zan Strumfeld

Features Editor | Sstrumfeld34@newpaltz.edu

Council Chair Shayna Bentley changed the standard procedures at the Council of Organizations meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 28.

As an experimental process, Bentley asked clubs and organizations to separate into six different groups called “houses.” Each house designation could be found on the club’s charter, where clubs and organizations checked off one of the following groups: academics, advocacy, athletics, media, performing arts and social and cultural. When separated, the goal of each house was to collaborate with each other and speak about their groups, as well as to address any current “road blocks.”

Elected representatives for each house made announcements about anything regarding the clubs in their group. The academic house said it was unaware there was a history club and a biology club. The athletic house announced the croquet team is going to Florida for the national championships. The advocacy house introduced clubs like Dumbledore’s Army and Off-Campus Student Union. The social and culture house said the Black Solidarity Day is on Nov 1. The performing arts house announced the upcoming performance of “You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown.”

After the house representatives spoke, club

representatives began to make announcements.

During the executive board reports, Bentley announced that everyone must submit their charters by 11:59 p.m. this Thursday to newpaltzsa.com.

“No leniency,” Bentley said.

Bentley also said there are only four more council meetings on the following Mondays: Oct. 18, Nov. 8, Nov. 15 and Nov. 29.

Bentley concluded by mentioning that she is starting a raw project concerning the waste of plastic containers, especially in Oscars. She is interested in suggestions and said she should be e-mailed concerning the idea.

Senate Chair Terrell Coakley said people should go to him if they wished to appeal the budget and encouraged people to go to senate.

Vice President of Programming Anthony Lino said he met with Eric Car for possible dates for the fall concerts. He said he would like to have a comedy act that is mainstream and will appeal to the student body.

The new Vice President of Finance Youssouf Kouyo introduced himself and announced his office hours.

Vice President of Academic Affairs and Governance Caitlin Ryan announced she is trying to get Senate motivated with CRC. There are currently two spots open on CRC. She is also working with the new research line, where Senate allocated $25,000 to fund projects in tra-

ditional and outside realms of study.

Student Association (SA) Executive Vice President Eve Stern announced there were two students nominated for sustainability committee. She is also walking around campus with Frank Warren on Wednesday in order to see which bathrooms in the construction will be gender-neutral bathrooms. Also, there are still spots open on the UPD Committee.

Stern also said that there is currently a position open for SA’s graphic designer for designing flyers. She is also looking into the New Paltz Fire Department district meeting, and whether or not residents can vote on the issue.

Next, SA President Jennifer Sanchez announced she will be working on the Pakistani Relief Effort with the current flooding issue.

She said she wants to make a campus-wide effort in order to create packages to send over to Pakistan because the airlines are flying packages over for free.

After all announcements were finished, elections were held for the Budget and Finance Committee (BFC). The positions were filled by David Ro, Joy Jerome and Sidney Gittleman.

SA Productions also filled four new seats by confirming Bentley, Jonathan Freifeld, Adiron Corichi and Emma Nichols.

The next Council of Organizations meeting will be held on Monday, Oct. 18 in Student Union 62/63 at 7:30 p.m.

Murals in Shango and College Halls to Stay

By Pamela Vivanco

Copy Editor | Pvivanco57@newpaltz.edu

Although a renovation plan for College Hall and Shango Hall has not been developed yet, Student Association Vice President of Programming Anthony Lino thought it was important to address that the African American-inspired historic murals located in the halls should remain intact and preserved.

During a president’s cabinet meeting, Lino expressed the concern to the administration. Administrators informed Lino and the rest of the executive board the murals will be preserved.

Director of Resident Life Corinna Caracci said College and Shango Halls are not on the list for renovation for the next five to eight years.

“We are finishing the Hasbrouck side of the campus and concentrating on those five buildings,” she said. “It is my understanding that when College [and] Shango were to get renovated, the murals will be preserved as they were the last time we did a renovation in that building.”

In order to avoid any problems or discrepancy, Lino said following up on the murals’ standing is necessary.

World Briefs International North Korea has published a photo in state media of leader Kim Jong Il’s youngest son and heir apparent in what is likely the first official image of him to be released. A photo of a group of senior Workers’ Party officials was published in Thursday’s edition of the country’s main Rodong Sinmun newspaper. ***** Tropical Storm Nicole caused flooding and mudslides across Jamaica on Wednesday, leaving two confirmed dead and at least 12 more missing, even as the drenching system moved north and dissipated over the Florida straits. The outer bands of the storm hammered Jamaica, toppling bridges and knocking out power to thousands.

Many streets were filled with gushing brown torrents of water, prompting Prime Minister Bruce Golding to urge people to stay indoors. *****

PHOTO BY LAURA LUENGAS

VP of Programming Anthony Lino made protecting campus murals a priority.

“I still believe we should remain active in the issue because I’m not too sure that the people that are handling the logistics of how the building is… knows not to tamper with the murals,” he said. “I do want to make sure that the murals are preserved and make sure that the African American presence is felt in New Paltz.”

Scholar’s Mentorship Program Coordina-

tor Manisha Ford- Thomas thinks murals around campus are unique to New Paltz and something that should be celebrated.

Ford-Thomas said that aside from the murals being an important representation on campus of the African-American legacy, she said “It is students’ work and to have that preserved on campus is an amazing thing to do.”

Thursday, September 30, 2010

Police increased their guard around Buckingham Palace and other landmarks Wednesday as security officials monitored what they described as a fledgling terror plot to wage Mumbaistyle shooting sprees or other attacks on Britain, France or Germany. At least some of the recent CIA strikes in Pakistan were aimed at al-Qaida operatives suspected in the plot, U.S. officials said. European officials said the plot was still in its early stages and not considered serious enough to raise the terror threat level.

Compiled from the AP Newswire

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NEWS

The New Paltz Oracle

Kouyo Elected for VP of Finance Seat

By Pete Thompson

Copy Editor | Pthompson51@newpaltz.edu

After nearly a month of vacancy, the student senate elected second-year finance and accounting major Youssouf Kouyo to fill the Student Association (SA) vice president (VP) of finance position. At the third meeting of the semester on Tuesday, Sept. 21 the senate decided between two of four finalists.

The position was left vacant after the unexpected departure of Yasmin El Jamal, who was elected to the position but decided to pursue a graduate program in Jordan instead of returning to the State University of New York (SUNY) at New Paltz. Vice President of Programming Anthony Lino had filled in during the interim, and after a number of interviews, four finalists were reduced to two: Kouyo and third-year geology major Rose Faber. After brief introductions at the meeting, the senate had time to question the candidates and discuss each amongst themselves.

Although the executive board decided to keep their opinions to themselves, SA President Jennifer Sanchez thought it necessary to ensure everyone vote for

who they felt would be the “most friendly to students.” She said the elected student could be trained in the paperwork and finance business.

It was agreed that each candidate had equal experience, although in different areas. Faber, who described herself as very organized, is a member of the Budget and Finance Committee (BFC) and did work as treasurer for Hillel, while Kouyo, vice president of the African Student Union, was a member of hall government and has academic business experience. The election ended with nine votes for Kouyo, two for Faber, two abstentions and four no confidence.

“I think that the legislative body took all aspects into consideration and made an educated decision,” Sanchez said.

Kouyo, a native of West Africa’s Ivory Coast, is confident his academic business background will help ease him into this important position on the E-board.

“I apply whatever I learn in class,” he said of having a schedule of business classes and monitoring all allocated SA funds. “I want to be useful on campus, and I felt like this is the semester when I had

to start going to help people, and actually share my knowledge with everybody.”

As VP of Finance, Kouyo will also serve as chairperson of the BFC. Responsibilities of the position, as stated in the SA Constitution, include but are not limited to providing the authorized signature for SA’s financial disbursements, preparing and presenting BFC proposals to the senate, E-Board and Council of Organizations, along with providing an update on SA’s financial status at every senate and Council of Organizations meeting.

“Youssouf seems to be adapting very well, and there are no permanent setbacks or problems because the position has been vacant for a month,” said Sanchez. “If anything, things are only running smoother now because we have one more E-board member to balance all the work.”

Kouyo concurred, saying that the Eboard has made everything a pleasant experience thus far.

“I’m already used to how everything is working,” Kouyo said. “I’m trying my best to be helpful, and I feel like everything is going well so far.”

PHOTO BY LAURA LUENGAS

Youssouf Kouyo, a native of West Africa’s Ivory Coast, was elected to fill the Vice President of Finance position that was vacated by Yasmin El Jamal. Kouyo believed his experience in academic business prepared him for the position.

New Additions to Walkway Over the Hudson

By Samantha Huertas

Copy Editor | Shuertas18@newpaltz.edu

Less than a year after its opening, the Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park, a 1.25-mile long linear park transformed from the former PoughkeepsieHighland railroad bridge, will be undergoing construction within the next year.

According to Elizabeth WaldsteinHart, executive director of the Walkway Organization, the construction plans for the Walkway include the installation of benches and lighting fixtures, some landscaping work and the building of shaded areas on the bridge. Additionally, she said the east and west approaches to the Walkway, which are park areas, will receive benches, landscaping, lighting and plumbing for the installation of bathrooms.

Another construction project planned for the Walkway’s future is the addition of an elevator and stairwell on the Poughkeepsie side of the Walkway.

“The elevator will provide access for not only the disabled, but also people

who are not as fit and able to get around as easily,” Waldstein-Hart said.

The elevator itself will be placed a quarter mile from the Poughkeepsie rail station.

The funding for the Walkway’s construction projects were drawn from many sources, including federal economic stimulus money, state funding including the Empire State Development Corporation and funds from various private donors.

A public information meeting held on Sept. 2 gave community members a chance to voice their opinions of the proposed elevator addition.

“The people were overwhelmingly in favor of the elevator project,” she said.

Even as the Walkway awaits the implementation of the planned improvements, local businesses have enjoyed an increase in revenue since it opened in October 2009.

Rich Dutra, owner of the Mariner’s on the Hudson restaurant on the Highland side of the Walkway, agreed, say-

ing the Walkway has “definitely brought more business.”

Rose Diorio, manager of the River Station Restaurant in Poughkeepsie, agrees.

“We were very excited about the opening, about the people and the revenue,” Diorio said. “We get a lot of people here from the Walkway.”

The construction and installation of the elevator and stairwell are scheduled to be completed by March 2012.

With the support and cooperation of the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, & Historic Preservation, the Walkway Over the Hudson Organization has turned the once abandoned rail bridge into the third most popular state park in New York, the Walkway’s website said. According to Walkway Spokesperson Steve Densmore, the Walkway has attracted approximately 726,000 visitors since its opening.

Despite its popularity with locals, the economic crisis and federal and state budget cuts pushed the newly opened

Thursday, September 30, 2010

state park to consider closing down during the winter months and two days a week in March of this year. While this would save the state substantially in operation costs, it would take from the neighboring cities the rising tourism revenue the local businesses have seen since the park’s opening.

The park does charge visitors five dollars every four hours to park in the lots, but this admission supports not only the Walkway, but parks across New York state.

Once the plans have all been implemented, the Walkway, which is the world’s longest pedestrian bridge, will sport landscaping, seating, shaded areas, park approaches, nighttime lighting and a 20-story elevator and stairway.

According to Waldstein-Hart, the improvements to the Walkway will invite visitors to take advantage of the amenities the park has to offer and allow for a more comfortable and pleasurable experience.

NEWS

The New Paltz Oracle

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Students Prepare for Upcoming Elections

By Justin McCarthy

News Editor | Jmccarthy46@newpaltz.edu

As Election Day approaches, students at the State University of New York (SUNY) at New Paltz are among many New Yorkers who are thinking about which candidates to vote for in the gubernatorial and U.S. senatorial races.

With recent budget cuts to education among many other financial troubles that currently plague the State of New York, some SUNY New Paltz students have a lot on their minds as they prepare to vote on Nov. 2.

In the two U.S. senatorial races New Yorkers will vote in, both Sens.

Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand are enjoying leads in the postprimary polls, recent Rasmussen Reports said. Schumer, who seeks reelection to the seat he has held for over a decade as New York’s senior senator, maintains a double-digit lead in the polls against Republican challenger Jay Townsend. Gillibrand, who inherited her seat from Hillary Clinton after Clinton was appointed as secretary of state, has a 10-point lead over Joseph DioGuardi, the Republican nominee who seeks to take Gillibrand’s seat in this special election.

For a junior senator, Gillibrand is maintaining a strong campaign and lead in an election year with such strong anti-incumbent feelings amongst American voters.

Student Senator Samantha Kossin feels Gillibrand has done well enough in her short time as U.S. senator that voters will reward her with another term.

“I feel that there was an easy transition between Sen. Clinton and Sen Gillibrand,” said Kossin. “She’s only been senator for about two years now, and New York has seen enough that they’re willing to give her a second chance.”

The bid for New York’s governor has drawn even more attention for the scompetitiveness between New York State Attorney General Andrew Cuomo and Republican challenger Carl Paladino.

Paladino, who has suffered from media scrutiny regarding inappropriate e-mails he had sent, is still a formidable contender against Cuomo, who was considered to be a candidate who would easily win. Although Cuomo leads with 54 percent of the polls, Rasmussen Reports said, Paladino has surprised many voters with 38 percent of the polls.

When asked about how Gov. David Paterson’s performance will impact their votes, SUNY New Paltz students echoed two main issues they had with the outgoing governor: the budget cuts made to education and Paterson’s proposal of the Public Higher Education Empowerment and Innovation Act (PHEEIA).

Ryan Long, project coordinator for New York Public Interest Research Group (NYPIRG), said that NYPIRG opposed PHEEIA and the series of budget cuts to education in New York endured and that he hoped for a higher priority on education from the future governor.

“I would love to see him or her work on higher education and keep it as affordable as possible,” said Long, who also cited cleaning the environment as another one of NYPIRG’s hopes for the incoming governor.

However, students echoed how important voting is for their age group.

“Everyone complains about tuition going up, but I feel like a lot of people aren’t connecting the fact that you have to do something that you can control,” said Eve Stern, executive vice president of the Student Association. “It’s this whole chicken and egg cycle. We’re not voting, so [politicians are] not going to care about students.”

NYPIRG has been taking on an initiative to encourage students to register to vote, said Long, who has visited a number of classes himself.

“We want to encourage students to vote because in order to see change in your community, you have to enact it,” Long said. “So, by voting, that’s the first step in enacting change within your community.”

PHOTOS COURTESY OF FLICKR.COM

As Sens. Kirsten Gillibrand and Chuck Schumer attempt to remain in office, Andrew Cuomo and Carl Paladino will fight to become the next governor of New York.

Thursday, September 30, 2010

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The New Paltz Oracle

States Await Violent Videos Games Verdict

By Maxim Alter

A&E Editor | Malter42@newpaltz.edu

The U.S. Supreme Court will decide in October whether laws in California, Illinois and five other states banning the sale and rental of violent video games to minors violate constitutional free-speech rights. Although the decision will not affect New York, New Paltz residents and local game vendors have been paying attention.

The law, which was initially passed by California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger in 2005 and was struck down by a U.S. appeals court, imposes new video game labeling requirements which are currently managed by the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB).

The ESRB is a non-profit, self-regulatory body that independently enforces advertising guidelines and assigns ratings ranging from “Early Childhood” to “Adults Only,” which requires the purchaser to be at least 18 years old.

If the law in question were to pass in California, publishers of games would be required to go beyond the ESRB rating system and create their own separate rating. That would entail

an 18-inch label located on the game’s box describing the mature content in detail. The law would also ban the sale of mature video games to anyone under the age of 18 and calls for a fine of $1,000 to any vendor or person who rents or sells to a minor.

Mitch James, assistant store manager of a Gamestop video game shop in Poughkeepsie, N.Y., said he doesn’t know much about the law but felt that if it passed, it could either hurt or help the video game industry as a whole.

“If we have to follow a whole bunch of different rating systems and different publishers have different systems to follow, it could be good or it could be bad,” he said. “I just don’t understand how they’re going to mandate what the publisher has to deem mature content.”

If the legislation passed, a video game would be classified as violent if “the range of options available to the player includes killing, maiming, dismemberment or sexually assaulting an image of a human being.” According to the bill, a game falls under the law if “a reasonable person, considering the game as a whole, would find it appeals to a deviant or morbid

interest of minors… it is patently offensive to prevailing standards in the community as to what is suitable for minors… or it causes the game, as a whole, to lack serious literary, artistic, political or scientific value for minors.”

James said despite the current rating system that is available, 95 percent of parents visiting his Gamestop with their children will purchase the mature-rated game.

“We have to reiterate the policy every time a parent comes in with their child,” he said. “We let them know the rating, but most of the time they don’t listen or they don’t even care. If the law passes, I think parents will definitely still be buying their kids these games.”

Lauren Coluccio, a fourth-year Spanish major and vice president of the gaming society at the State University of New York at New Paltz, said the issue of children playing mature video games is something she has had experiences with. She said her parents have restricted her 14-year-old brother from playing the game “Grand Theft Auto.”

Coluccio said, despite the fact that children have the ability to expose themselves

Thursday, September 30, 2010

to violence in the media if they start flipping through television channels, mature video games should still be restricted to this age group.

“I think a bigger issue is the themes that come with violence in some of these video games, which might include sex, suggestive language, drug references, etc,” she said.

“We’re talking about minors and whether they are allowed to be exposed to violence and other adult themes. [This] should be completely at the discretion of their parents.”

When the legality of this bill is decided on next month, it will be the first ever ruling on a video game case by the Supreme Court.

James said if the law does pass, the video game industry probably wouldn’t change and would still maintain its current high customer numbers.

“I don’t think it will have any effect on people producing games, the content they put in games or the sales,” he said. “Just because the boxes have a different description, I don’t think it will deter anybody who is already buying these games.”

The GUNK

Thursday, September 23, 2010

Founder Jenny Weinbloom revives theatre troupe after one-year hiatus

BURLESQUE IS BACK PLUS...

GODCHILLA New Paltz-based band mixes styles and genres to impress fans

FICTION INTO FILM Class discusses film adaptations of Stephen King novels

HOOKED ON STITCHES Club creativity with knitting and crocheting

HALO: REACH The final game in Bungie’s popular series is in our sights

AND MORE!

Photo provided by Jenny Weinbloom

Story on page 6B

2B | Features

The New Paltz Oracle EVENT CAMPUS

HOT OFF THE FRYING ZAN

Students Encouraged to Get Involved SECOND ANNUAL VOLUNTEER FAIR SWEEPS LECTURE CENTER

By Zan Strumfeld

By Ricardo Antonio Hernandez Jr. Contributing Writer | N02003802@newpaltz.edu

Features Editor

Sstrumfeld34@newpaltz.edu Apparently, my mother was eating eggplant parmesan, her favorite, the night I was born. This summer, a friend of mine made it and I begged her to teach me how. So, fellow cooking-wannabes, here’s:

Eggplant Parmemazing You’ll need: 1 small eggplant Mozzarella cheese 2 eggs Bread crumbs Olive oil Box of pasta Tomato Sauce

Okay! Slice the eggplant into thin pieces. Crack the eggs into a bowl, scramble and place the bread crumbs on a plate. Take each slice of eggplant, dip it in the egg and cover both sides with bread crumbs. Heat a skillet, add olive oil and when heated, place the eggplant on the pan.

Keep adding oil throughout the process and depending on the amount of eggplant, you’ll probably be able to fit three or four pieces on the skillet. Fry the eggplant until each side is golden brown, looking crispy.

Throughout this process, begin to boil water for pasta and put the oven on. Grab a plate and paper towels and put the eggplant on the paper towels and drain out the extra oil [it gets a little icky]. Do this for all of the eggplant. It’s pretty time consuming, but it is so goddamn worth it.

After all of your eggplant is fried, grab a cookie sheet and place all of it on top [it can be touching and stacked a little, no worries!]. Trickle the tomato sauce over the eggplant until they are all at least half covered.

Now! Do some more trickling, this time with the Mozzarella cheese over the sauce. Finished? Alright. The oven should be ready now, so place the sheet in the oven so the cheese can melt to greatness. While it’s in the oven, make your pasta awesome by stirring, of course. Only leave the sheet in the oven to melt the cheese [you’ve already cooked the eggplant] so keep watching it until the cheese is melted completely.

It really should only take a few minutes.

The State University of New York (SUNY) at New Paltz held its second annual Volunteer Fair in the Lecture Center north and south lobbies and in the Humanities 105 lobby on Tuesday, Sept.

21. Hosted by the Career Resource Center, students made a quick visit to learn more about many of the different volunteer opportunities on campus.

Fifty organizations came together to educate and recruit students for local, national and international volunteer opportunities.

“The volunteer fair is a great way to bring students and community organizations together,” said Service Learning Coordinator Erica Wagner.

The Alzheimer’s Association, Clearwater, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ulster County and the New Paltz Youth Program were among the many organizations who offered SUNY New Paltz students volunteer opportunities.

Many organizations offered their services in being a part of a child’s life, like a big sister or brother. Other services, such as the Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children (CASA), offered volunteering services where an undergraduate or graduate stu-

dent or volunteer can speak for a child and know the best interest of a child who has been abused or neglected in their lifetime.

Alyssa Field, a first-year student, attended the volunteer fair.

“What I would have liked to see was some opportunities to volunteer on-campus, especially for students without cars here,” said Field. “Overall, the information I gathered while at the fair was useful in choosing a volunteer project.”

The Volunteer Fair served as an opportunity for many students to get involved in their community. Although many students, especially first-year students, may not have the time because they are still adjusting to a new atmosphere, Wagner said she believes that volunteering in one’s community is important.

“Volunteering is an opportunity to get involved in your community; to make a difference, learn new things, meet new people and have fun at the same time,” Wagner said.

Vera De Leon, second-year student, volunteered last year, as an Emerging Leader. De Leon was required to complete 10 hours of community service per semester. Vera had volunteered in both UNICEF and the Tap Water Project.

“The Tap Water Project consisted of me walking to different restaurants and asking the owners if they would ask their customers if they would pay a dollar for what would regularly be free tap water,” said De Leon.

“The money being paid would be later on used for underdeveloped countries who did not have clean water.”

Although it was a requirement, De Leon found volunteering in her community to be an experience she would never forget.

“I gained more perspective on the real world and the fact that I might have something others are dying for, makes me aware of what I have and now I appreciate it more. This experience had also made me want to help out more in my community and globally by taking small steps, which inspired me to later on volunteer in Puerto Rico as well,” she said.

Wagner suggested that volunteering could be beneficial in exploring careers, making contracts, sharing knowledge and learning new skills that can be useful for the future.

“My advice is that every student should volunteer,” said Wagner. “Even a few hours each month can make a large difference to someone in your community.”

By now, everything should be ready! Strain the pasta, take the cookie sheet out and grab your bowls. Place the pasta at the bottom and then toss the cheesy, saucy eggplant on top. If necessary, have some Parmesan cheese on the table for any super-cheese lovers.

PHOTOS BY SHANNA TAUB

It takes at least an hour, but every bite was worth it, oh so worth it.

PHOTO BY LAURA LUENGAS

The second annual Volunteer Fair was held to serve as an opportunity for students to get involved.

Thursday, September 30, 2010

Features | 3B

The New Paltz Oracle PROFILE CLUB

A New Stitch in Student Association

HOOKED ON STITCHES OFFERS CREATIVITY AND RELAXATION

By Pete Thompson

Copy Editor | Pthompson51@newpaltz.edu

The Student Association at the State University of New York (SUNY) at New Paltz is now inviting anyone interested to come and stitch or crochet their hearts out with its new Hooked on Stitches Club. Added only at the beginning of the semester, the organization offers a stress-free zone where anyone is invited to come out, calm down and create.

Although the club was just made official on campus, it was sort of a work in progress over the last year for the club’s president, fourth-year history major Rachel Herman. It all began as Crochet for a Cause last year, which would meet at the former Muddy Cup where they would make toys and donate them. There was also an event for the FYI program that provided lessons for any students.

“It was very inconvenient meeting in town because most of the people who knew how to crochet were living on campus,” said Vice President Luigi Scarogni, a third-year communication and media major who was one of the club’s first members.

Everyone seems to believe that things have been coming together quite well.

“It’s amazing,” said Herman, who started crocheting when she was nine, when her mother taught her. “[At first] it felt like

PHOTO BY MARY OLEARY Hooked on Stitches began as Crochet for a Cause. there was no on else on campus that was interested. I don’t think you know how excited I am.”

The club came to inherit Student Union 318, but is currently waiting to move into a bigger room due to the crowd its drawn.

Herman imagined it would be a group of friends sitting and stitching, and was ecstatic to see a collection of about 15 crocheting away in a circle on the Atrium’s ground floor this week.

“I figured an excuse to come sit down and relax would not be a bad thing,” said first-year undeclared student Maddy Grupper, who has been knitting for some time, but never manages to keep

Thursday, September 30, 2010

at it for too long. She seemed enthusiastic about returning to the club in the future, so she wouldn’t take “two years” to finish each project.

Rather than sitting around and recreationally making scarves and socks, however, the club also has a couple of goals that any interested members can pursue at will. One such aspiration is to make baby blankets for Project Linus, which “provide[s] love, a sense of security, warmth and comfort to children who are seriously ill, traumatized, or otherwise in need through the gifts of new, handmade blankets and afghans.”

They also plan on participating in the Recycling Club’s Recycle Crafts Fair, where a number of creations will be made by using recycled goods, such as plastic bags.

The club also hopes to add some adventure into the mix, intending to take a field trip to the New York State Sheep and Wool Festival in Rhinebeck, at the Dutchess County Fairgrounds on Oct. 16 and 17.

To find out more about the club, go to the meetings on Tuesdays at 7:30 p.m., or check out “New Paltz Hooked on Stitches” on Facebook, where it says “Whether you’re hooked already or have a longing desire to learn, come cast on to help us make something!”

4B | Features

The New Paltz Oracle

PROFILE STUDENT

Fresh Water Activist Gets Personal NICK DEPALMA ENCOURAGES NEW PALTZ TO RECYCLE

By Zan Strumfeld

Features Editor | Sstrumfeld34@newpaltz.edu

Throw away your plastic water bottles. Recycle them and buy a stainless steel water bottle…or Nick DePalma might come and find you. Well, not really, but fourth-year sociology major DePalma is all about really making a difference.

DePalma is a co-organizer of Students For Fresh Water (SFFW), a non-profit organization on-campus that works to fundraise money for developing nations suffering without fresh water.

However, prior to his humanitarian-filled days, DePalma was more or less just an average kid growing up in Yorktown Heights, NY, a part of Westchester County. Inspired by his father, DePalma became quite the sports guy, participating in everything from hockey and baseball to gymnastics and figure skating. He attended Catholic school from kindergarten to sixth grade, which he said was “very personal.”

“We were the ‘cool kids,’” said DePalma, talking about he and his friends. “But I started to get picked on because I was small.”

DePalma moved onto public school in seventh grade, at the brink of his parents’ divorce.

“I was the new kid but popular, and I had several silly middle school relationships,” he said. “But then I stepped on the wrong toes and the bullying began. Things shifted pretty drastically. It’s pretty cliché yet unique because of the different situations I was put in.”

Although DePalma admits he was a poor student in middle school, mainly from social issues and his parents’ divorce, he began to play Frisbee in high school, which became one of the biggest activities of his life.

One major accomplishment for DePalma was winning an award in seventh grade for a rap he wrote and performed about Martin Luther King, Jr. From there, he continued to write here and there, and at one point majored in creative writing.

After graduating high school, DePalma enrolled at the

Sociology major Nick DePalma said he believes in progress and success through unity. PHOTO BY ZAN STRUMFELD SUNY at Oswego in the fall of 2007, majoring in meteorology.

“It was at Oswego where I started to really develop my personality,” said DePalma. “I really created my own sense of self.”

It was also at Oswego where DePalma began to get involved with activism.

“I got involved with Students for Global Change and then Students For Fresh Water,” said DePalma.

DePalma said that he had raised about $90 by tabling for SFFW. However, the night before he had gotten very sick from drinking water with moldy ice cubes.

“There I was feeling incredibly weak from making a drink cold and yet I’m talking to people about those who don’t even have water. It was an interesting dichotomy,” said DePalma. “I was working with the disparity between someone else’s crisis and mine, and my reality shrunk...from there I became very passionate about charity water.”

In the fall of 2009, DePalma transferred to State University of New York at New Paltz because the “sociology department at Oswego sucked” and his best friend from high school, fourthyear art major Andrew Kaminski also went to New Paltz.

From there, DePalma began a SFFW club at New Paltz with third-year English major Arielle Lindstrom. They began tabling at the farmer’s market in front of Humanities on Thursdays and then began having meetings in Humanities. DePalma said they even went as far as obtaining two toilets and asking people if they would drink out of the toilet.

“People said no, but the toilet water is actually cleaner than the water overseas,” he said. “I later realized I was being a little aggressive with my point of view when it came to some issues.

I learned that in order to make a difference, you need to understand someone else first before you try to make them understand you.”

This semester, SFFW are trying something different. The organization is working with the Student Association about sell-

Thursday, September 30, 2010

ing stainless steel water bottles for a low price (under $10). He said that clubs/organizations on-campus can also get a discount if they want to print their logos on the bottles. For more information e-mail watercharity.np@gmail.com or for direct donations, visit http://mycharitywater.org/newpaltzforwaterinschools.

The project’s goal is to reach $2,000 by December 2010 and eventually $5,000. This goal will bring 250 village people safe drinking water for 20 years. Although they don’t currently know the specific village, once the money is raised, www.charitywater.org will let them know a year from December to which well it is going. SFFW is sponsoring the Envied Fashion show on Sunday, Nov. 7 in Multi-purpose room at 6 p.m. to help raise money for the well also.

Besides for SFFW, DePalma is also a part of the volunteering collective at Slash Root since early spring 2010. Slash Root has a “pay what you want” sales model for drinks, as well as supporting local businesses, having a garden and having music events. SFFW will be having an event in late October at Slash Root, most likely during Halloween weekend.

DePalma is also a music minor at New Paltz, mainly focusing on drums. He is in the Turkish band, Sekanjabin, which practices on Tuesdays at 8 p.m. in Slash Root. DePalma said any instrumentalists are welcome.

DePalma plans to stay in New Paltz after he graduates but not for graduate school.

“I have no projections right now but I’d really like to be a fund raiser,” said DePalma. “I also want to travel extensively, see places that are less developed and more developed than the U.S. Really see what the world has to offer.”

DePalma’s main outlook on life is progress and success through unity.

“We don’t get anything truly accomplished when we divide ourselves from others or allow our indulgence of pride and ownership to take over our communal efforts,” said DePalma.

Features | 5B

The New Paltz Oracle PROFILE CLASS

Students Study the King of Horror

FICTION INTO FILM CLASS FOCUSES ON STEPHEN KING NOVELS AND FILMS

By Andrew Wyrich

Sports Editor Andrew.wyrich63@newpaltz.edu

Book, 1974 Book, 1979

Movie, 1976

“Carrie”

Movie, 1983

Movie, 1988

“Pet Sematary”

Book, 1983

“The Dead Zone”

Movie, 1980

Third-year secondary education major Kathleen Lane likes that the class is structured around King’s works.

“He’s an author that I wasn’t too familiar with before, and I really like horror stories and movies,” Lane said.

The class is split up among three days. Every Thursday, the class discusses whichever classic King story is their current topic, and functions mostly as “a traditional literature class” according to Langan. However, the following Monday, the class screens the film adaptation of that work, which is usually followed by a discussion of the classes immediate reactions to it. The Wednesday after that, the class discusses the differences and similarities between the novel and adaptation.

“This class provides the opportunity to give King’s work and its adaptations the extended study they deserve,” Langan said. “However, the underlying question of the class is, ‘Why?’ Why did King choose to structure his narrative in this particular way, or present this character the way he does? Why did the director choose to focus on these scenes in King’s text, and why did he or she leave these others out?”

At the end of the semester, Langan hopes his students will have a better appreciation for King’s place in American culture, as well as a sharpened sense for critical analysis and a better appreciation of what goes into adapting a literary work for the screen.

Lane said the class has given her an extensive knowledge of King and his various works, and will “definitely” continue to read his work after the class is over.

“Because of this class, I have an appreciation of the adaptation of books into film, and the work that is done to make such films,” Lane said.

“The Shining”

Book, 1977

The screen illuminates as the 1976 classic “Carrie” is projected on a screen. Carrie’s eyes widen, and something in her snaps and the film reaches its climactic blood soaked ending. But instead of a shocked and mesmerized audience gasping in horror, students with notebooks analyze the importance of the adaptation of Stephen King’s classic first novel.

This is a weekly occurrence for the Fiction Into Film class, taught by John P. Langan. According to the New Paltz website, Fiction Into Film teaches students “the complex interrelationships between novels and short stories and the movies derived from them.”

What makes this class unique is its subject matter.

Langan decided to base the class on Stephen King novels and their silver screen counterparts.

“I’m a big fan and proponent of King’s work, and I think it’s a good idea for teachers to present material about which they’re enthusiastic…King has had a tremendous impact on not just American popular culture, but American literary culture, since Carrie first appeared in 1974.”

Novels and films covered by Langan’s class include “Carrie,” “The Shining,” “Danse Macabre,” “The Dead Zone,” “Different Seasons,” “Pet Sematary,” “The Mist” and a few shorter works: “Secret Window, Secret Garden,” “Low Men in Yellow Coats,” “The Night Flier” and “1408,” all of which are worthy of academic merit, according to Langan.

“A good deal of [King’s] presence has derived from the many film adaptations of his work, which have been directed by such luminaries as Stanley Kubrick, Brian DePalma and David Cronenberg. Indeed, it’s hard to think of another contemporary writer whose work has been as intimately connected to the cinema for such an extended period of time.”

ALL MOVIE PHOTOS FROM FLICKR.COM, ALL BOOK PHOTOS FROM AMAZON.COM, STEPHEN KING PHOTO FROM TVGUIDE.COM

Thursday, September 30, 2010

6B | Arts & Entertainment

The New Paltz Oracle

THEATRE PROFILE

The Art of Shedding Layers BURLESQUE TROUPE REVIVED ON CAMPUS AFTER ONE-YEAR HIATUS

Alpha Psi Ecdysia Burlesque will host another workshop on Oct. 9 at 11 a.m.

By Julie Mansmann

Editor-in-Chief | Jmansmann60@newpaltz.edu

Jenny Weinbloom was shaking in her heels as she approached the stage of Original Sin in Brooklyn, N.Y. three years ago. She could barely see out of her fluttering fake eyelashes into the crowd of 15 to 20 middle-aged men. The sweat that covered her skin suddenly shined in the spotlight when the glittering pieces of her costume fell to floor – as did the drippings of purple body paint meant to transform her into Ursula the sea witch.

She was down to panties and pasties.

One popped off; a “nipple slip” at her first show.

Weinbloom was sure that she would never take the burlesque stage again.

“Everything went wrong,” she said.

“But I was still so excited by the idea that I couldn’t let it go.”

Weinbloom, 21, now said she is “ridiculously excited” about reviving her first act as a duet with adult film actress Justine Joli (who will play Ariel), with costumes including custom-made latex tentacles and fins. With the help of Alpha Psi Ecdysia (APE), Weinbloom gained the sense of community that she needed to be able to shed both her fears and her clothing - a closeness that she’s hoping to bring back by reviving the campus troupe after a one-year hiatus.

A native of Valley Stream, N.Y., Weinbloom transferred to the State University of New York (SUNY) at New Paltz in Spring 2008 from New York University. She was exposed to the city’s neo-burlesque scene during the time she spent at her first college, attending show clubs like the Slipper Room and the Box. Weinbloom said she was attracted to this branch of the art form because it

was more than “a pretty girl taking off a pretty gown” during a performance. To Weinbloom, burlesque is about making an artistic statement, thinking about the “tease” of “striptease.” She said the act of shedding one’s clothing can also be a freeing way to accept one’s body for the way it is.

“What makes New York burlesque unique is that it is politically subversive,” Weinbloom said. “There is this prevailing idea that people should accept whatever sexuality they may have.”

Other students became interested in burlesque when Weinbloom began talking about her exposure to it in New York before arriving at SUNY New Paltz. A group of about 15 students welcomed Jo Boobs Weldon, the headmistress of New York School of Burlesque, to the area for a workshop. Four weeks later, the same group put on a show of their own as APE. The group, which has exceeded 75 participants, has attracted others newcomers.

“I wish I had been here for that first workshop, but I am so glad they continued on to form the group,” said third-year undeclared student Kim Kelly, a member of APE. “I owe those girls for the great experiences I have had with burlesque.”

According to Weinbloom, she and the other members of APE received a generally positive response from parents, classmates and others in the community after they began performing. Parents have cried after seeing their children perform; Weinbloom’s parents make it to every show they can.

The group also had little to no trouble requesting funding from the Student Activities office at SUNY New Paltz, according to Weinbloom. The office’s

PHOTOS COURTESY OF ROBERTO HULL AND LAUREN PERALTA director, Michael Patterson, has watched APE perform, discussing what he felt were the messages behind several acts with performers afterward.

However, the performers did receive some opposition. Weinbloom said several female professors have expressed their disapproval, with one professor telling her that she was turning female students that were like daughters to her into “stripper trash.”

Weinbloom said she considers burlesque a very progressively feminist act, one that older women may not understand.

“Feminism has changed a lot over the past 50 years, and I think there are a lot of women who are still stuck in this sort of old-school, academic feminism,” she said. “They have not made a lot of room in their minds for progress within the realm.”

In spite of her detractors, Weinbloom continues to book, produce and perform in shows on campus and around the country.

Several of the original members of APE travel and perform as a professional troupe, which will soon be using the name Rhinestone Gorilla Burlesque to differentiate themselves from their collegiate colleagues. Taking the stage in New York, N.Y., Boston, Mass., Los Angeles, Calif., Washington, D.C. and elsewhere, the professional group has been paid to put on similar performances to those rehearsed in Parker Theater at SUNY New Paltz.

Weinbloom said she will continue to produce burlesque shows and perform after graduating in December with an interdisciplinary degree in performance studies. She is also getting involved in

Thursday, September 30, 2010

producing other kinds of theatre offBroadway, such as circus-style performances and other sorts of avant-garde, downtown, variety acts.

On campus, Weinbloom hopes to revive the sense of community shared by the original group after the long hiatus.

With two shows booked in McKenna Theater this fall, she hopes to bring the group closer together again.

Kelly said she couldn’t have been more excited that Weinbloom revived the student group this year.

“I love Jenny and I am so grateful that burlesque is back,” she said. “It gives me the chance to use my imagination on stage.”

Weinbloom encourages men and women of all shapes, sizes and personalities to think about burlesque. She feels her work in the field has helped challenge social dialogue about what it means to be beautiful and sexy, and that this is all she can ask for as someone who once struggled with her own body image.

“I think most women and men who are called to burlesque are not or were not traditionally attractive,” she said.

“But through burlesque, we can be ourselves - magnified by 1,000.”

APE will be hosting another burlesque workshop on Oct. 9 at 11 a.m. in Parker Theater, when Weldon will return to campus to work with participants of all genders, majors and dance backgrounds.

The troupe will take the stage for this first time this semester on Oct. 22, a Halloween show entitled “Alpha Psi Ecdysia: Invasion of the Booby Snatchers” to be held at 8 p.m. in McKenna Theater.

Weinbloom said those interested in becoming involved with the group should e-mail AlphaPsiEcdysia@gmail.com.

Arts & Entertainment | 7B

The New Paltz Oracle MUSIC PROFILE

Godchilla Breaks Genre Barrier

NEW PALTZ BASED BAND MIXES DIFFERENT STYLES TO ROCK OUT

Laurent Blanchette, Benjy Bruno, Ryan Reutershan, Oliver Kammerman and Nate Gerard rehearsing for their next show.

By Sunya Bhutta

Copy Editor | Sunya.bhutta94@newpaltz.edu

Fans and friends gathered tightly around the small Oasis Café stage where five boys - Ryan Reutershan (guitar), Oliver Kammerman (guitar), Nate Gerard (drums), Benjy Bruno (bass) and Laurent Blanchette (trombone) - stood ready to rock out on Tuesday, Sept. 21. Together, these five locals make up Godchilla.

The crowd could not stand still through their entire set. They danced to the chorus of “I Thought I Knew,” bellowed out the lyrics of the well known track “Buscando” and clapped in unison during “Harmony.”

Feedback from the audience is what fuels Godchilla’s live performances. The audience and band work simultaneously to sustain the energy levels at their shows.

“People go to the bars to see their friends’ bands, listen to music and have fun,” said Gerard. “We want to see people moving and having a good time.”

The band began when Kammerman watched Reutershan perform during an open mic night at the former 60 Main café.

“I was really impressed and wanted to make music and jam with him,” Kammerman said.

The two eventually expanded their duo into the current five members to increase the sound dynamic.

The key ingredient of the band’s music making process is collaboration. If one member has an idea, they will work together and build upon it.

“One person will bring the emotion of the song, they have a vision in their head of what it’s going to sound like. Then everyone lays down a part that accompanies it,” said Kammerman. “We’re all singer songwriters, so whoever brings the meat gets to dictate how the song goes. Everyone switches off taking the lead role.”

The sometimes funk-country, sometimes progressive folk tunes are really a mash up of whatever genres sound good to the group. They consciously try to blend styles of music that don’t necessarily go together. Some songs go from a reggae verse to a country chorus while another has a folk flavor mixed with rock ‘n’ roll.

“We all have different styles so we play differently, but it meshes together,” said Blanchette.

The band said they are ecstatic about their suc-

Thursday, September 30, 2010

PHOTOS BY LAURA LUENGAS

cess in New Paltz, but they hope to expand further.

They have played gigs at Snugs, Oasis, Cabaloosa’s, Bacchus and several house shows. Their popularity has spread primarily through word of mouth by supportive friends who attend every show. Last year they won the Battle of the Bands and were the opening performance at Rock Against Racism.

The bandmates said they agree they want to maintain modesty in their success and focus on entertaining listeners.

“Personally I’m into the fun aspect of it,” said Reutershan. “I like playing shows and I want to play in other places besides New Paltz, but I’m not concerned with going professional.”

The band’s name resembles the Japanese movie monster Godzilla and was derived from Reutershan’s obsession with the word “chill.” For fun, he and his friends compiled a list of words and phrases such as terminally chill, who wants to be a chillionaire, chillenium falcon and chill Wayne. Eventually they came across Godchilla, and it stuck.

Godchilla’s next performance will be at Snugs on Saturday, Oct. 3 at 11 p.m. For free downloads of their music visit rallytherobots.com/godchilla.

8B | Arts & Entertainment

The New Paltz Oracle

CONCERT REVIEW

Pop-Punk Tour Pleases Poughkeepsie

FOUR BANDS BRING THE NOISE WITH THE ‘ALL I HAVE TO OFFER IS THIS TOUR, TOUR’

By Andrew Wyrich

Sports Editor | Andrew.wyrich63@newpaltz.edu

Most of us have plenty to offer when push comes to shove, but let me start off by saying that the band Fireworks and its supporting acts offered one of the best pop-punk experiences I have ever been to.

The “All I Have To Offer Is This Tour, Tour,” which consisted of pop-punk acts Fireworks, The Swellers, Man Overboard and Transit has been touring the United States for months and made its stop in Poughkeepsie, N.Y., on Saturday, Sept. 25, to fill the small but homey venue, The Loft.

I attended the show, which has been heralded as the best tour of the year by many pop-punk fans, with high expectations and excitement at the prospect of seeing some of the best bands in the unfortunately somewhat lackluster pop-punk scene.

The Massachusetts band Transit began the extravaganza as the first opening group and started off their sweat-filled set with “Stay Home,” igniting the crowd as they ran toward the stage singing in an adrenaline-filled rush. Transit’s hardcore influenced style of pop-punk resonated with the crowd, as they mixed

muchloved songs such as “Please, Head North” with songs from their newest album Keep This To Yourself and left the stage to a crowd that obviously appreciated their resistance to the pop movement that has infected the scene.

Man Overboard, a New Jersey band who has recently made waves within the scene, came onto the stage next and immediately made an impact. The band opened the set with a three song explosion of pop-punk glory. “Real Talk,” the titular track off their latest album, started off the set with an outburst of guitar and sing alongs that seemingly never ended throughout their entire set. However, the true gem of the night came as Man Overboard ended with their classic song, “Love Your Friends, Die Laughing” which captured the audience for one last moment as they left, giving way to The Swellers.

The Swellers came onto the stage next and treated the audience to their no-nonsense but catchy music.

The Michigan native band played a mixture of songs from their recently released Ups and Downsizing and lead singer Nick Diener continued what the two bands before them did and captured the crowd as they played one of my favorite Sweller’s songs, “2009.”

Fireworks headlined the show and greeted the crowd with the infectious “I Support Same Sex Marriage,” featuring sing alongs and ample amounts of chants. The Detroit, M.I., natives kept the audience going with gang vocal filled songs from all their releases including “When We Stand on Each Other’s Shoulders We Block Out The Sun” and “From Mountain Movers To Lazy Losers,” and never let the palpable energy leave the room. Song after song kept building up and as Fireworks finally reached their closing track “Detroit” the floor of the venue was literally vibrating and the sea of fans moved as one as everyone reached their hands towards the stage. The climactic gang vocals at the end of the song reached their final notes, and gave the audience one last burst of energy before the shows conclusion.

“The All I Have To Offer Is This Tour, Tour” is what pop-punk shows are meant to be like, and featured four of the best bands the genre has to offer. I left the show, battered, bruised and without a voice – and I loved it. All four of the bands on the tour gave me hope that one day soon the neon clad haircut bands of the present day scene will be ousted by bands that care about music and not their looks.

Fireworks performed in Poughkeepsie, N.Y., on Saturday, Sept. 25.

PHOTO COURTESY EASTWEST.ILGPRESS.COM

Thursday, September 30, 2010

Arts & Entertainment | 9B

The New Paltz Oracle TELEVISION REVIEW

‘Dexter’ Disappoints SEASON FIVE PREMIERE DOESN’T CUT IT

By Maxim Alter

A&E Editor | Malter42@newpaltz.edu

When season four of “Dexter” ended, I was left speechless. I was metaphorically smacked in the face with a twist so intense, so emotionally draining, that after everything was said and done I was giddy with satisfaction. With season five premiering this past Sunday, I can truly say “Dexter” is once again responsible for murder because my giddiness has keeled over and died.

Season five started exactly where it should have, (SPOILER ALERT) directly after the death of Dexter’s wife Rita.

Immediately after discovering her body, Dexter sits down on his front lawn with his now emotionally scarred son. When the police get to the scene, Dexter whispers to them in a daze, “It was me.”

Bad idea.

From this point on, everyone becomes suspicious of Dexter’s involvement in Rita’s murder, even if they don’t want to come right out and admit it.

Because of Dexter’s murderous nature, he doesn’t feel sad. For the first 40 minutes of the episode, he shows as much emotion as a block of wood. When Deb, Dexter’s sister, tries to help him through the grieving process, she realizes Dexter Season 5 premiered Sept. 26 on Showtime.

PHOTO COURTESY IMDB.COM pretty quickly that Dexter feels nothing.

And you can see by the look in her eyes Throughout the flashback, we realize pret- acting from the little girl who plays Astor, that she’s starting to realize her brother is ty quickly that Dexter isn’t there to wine Dexter’s stepdaughter. From what I’ve and dine Rita – he is there to catch another seen so far, I can tell the show’s writers more than just a blood spatter analyst.

Now, all of the above was great. I killer. So instead of listening to anything are giving her a bigger part this season. loved watching Dexter squirm to find the poor woman says, Dexter focuses on For the love of God, why? For an Emmy the right words to say to those mourn- a man sitting a few tables behind her, and winning show like “Dexter,” it hurts a lot ing around him. I even think the writing its blatantly obvious. When Rita is in to see such a bad performance, even if became borderline genius when Dexter mid-sentence, Dexter actually gets up and it’s from a kid. Something I found nausewore a Mickey Mouse hat while telling leaves, blaming his sudden depature on a ating was that random hook up between his two stepchildren that their mother was stomach problem. Who in their right mind Deb and Quinn, her fellow detective. That murdered. It was later that I found myself would go on a second date with anyone whole thing was just gross. For that to be viewing some pretty yawn-worthy mate- like that, let alone marry that person? This sexy at all, Deb needs to eat something was totally unrealistic. To see Rita gush- stat and Quinn needs to stop using the yelrial.

My first complaint goes to the flash- ing over Dexter later made me almost low self-tanner from Walmart. backs of Dexter’s first date with Rita. want to reach into the television and tell I understand this episode was just a These scenes were obviously written to her she deserved everything she got. set-up for what’s to come, but if the future Another aspect of this episode I found is anything like the premiere, we could evoke some sort of sentimental feeling, but they succeeded in doing the opposite. cringe inducing was the incredibly bad have another season three on our hands.

TELEVISION REVIEW

Buscemi Builds ‘Empire’ SCORSESE’S NEW HBO SERIES IMPRESSES

By Sean O’Brien

Contributing Writer | N00497813@newpaltz.edu

Created by Terence Winter, writer of “The Sopranos,” and Martin Scorsese, “Boardwalk Empire” is a lively drama that takes place during Prohibition in Atlantic City, N.J., in the Roaring 20s.

The show is inspired by the non-fiction book of the same name written by Nelson Johnson.

With a pilot episode directed by Scorsese and a second episode directed

by Timothy Van Patten, “Boardwalk Empire” focuses on the struggles of Enoch “Nucky” Thompson (played by Steve Buscemi). Thompson is an influential public force who juggles politics and gangs in Atlantic City. Although he gives a hand out to help people, especially women, Thompson also wants to ensure that Atlantic City is supplied with alcohol, which quickly becomes illegal in the

first episode. Throughout the series, he deals with people such as the infamous Al Capone (played by Stephen Graham of “Public Enemies”).

Buscemi’s portrayal of Thompson is interesting because he has a Jekyll and Hyde personality that is uniquely blended Boardwalk Empire stars Steve Buscemi as Thompson. PHOTO COURTESY IMDB.COM with goodness and debauchery. While he choices that anger Thompson. Another features an elaborate style with its busdoes help women with such issues as suf- interesting side plot is how Thompson is tling boardwalk setting and eye candy frage in the United States, he also uses smitten with the timid and reluctant Mar- collection of costumes that were among his money and power to attract and take garet Schroeder (played by Kelly Mac- the many trends during the 1920s in advantage of them. The choice of having Donald). Schroeder is the wife of an abu- America. The controversial issues includBuscemi play a conflicted gangster in a sive man who gambles, drinks and beats ing the previously mentioned prohibition work done by Scorsese is perfect, and her in front of their children. She gets of alcohol and social unrest fit well with Thompson is very engaging and complex. help from Thompson, but Schroeder gets Thompson’s conflicts.

The other characters in “Boardwalk more than she bargained for. Most of the While only two episodes have aired, Empire” who surround Thompson in- people who interact with Thompson serve “Boardwalk Empire” has plenty of potenclude the maturing James “Jimmy” Dar- a great purpose through compelling rela- tial to develop the other characters much mody (played by Michael Pitt). Darmody tionships that also define who he really is. further, as Thompson is already being has just returned from the Great War and The theme and setting of the show wonderfully fleshed out. Perhaps fans of wants to help Thompson in his growing also help develop Thompson through “The Sopranos” have finally found a Sunorganization, but initially makes poor depth and intrigue. “Boardwalk Empire” day night replacement? I sure have.

Thursday, September 30, 2010

10B | ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

The New Paltz Oracle

VIDEO GAME REVIEW

‘Dimensions’ Shatters Expectations NEW ADDITION TO SPIDER-MAN GAMING SATISFIES FANS

By Pierce Lydon

Managing Editor | Lydon47@newpaltz.edu

The world has always needed heroes. The enduring legacy of humans will always be the mythological masterpieces we have created in order to slog through the mire of successively meaningless moments of existence. Our stories define us. They enable us to aspire to something greater than ourselves. Something incredible, something indomitable, something uncanny, something spectacular or to put it simply: something amazing.

Enter “Spider-Man: Shattered Dimensions,” a new game from Activision and Beenox that takes that very concept to dazzling new heights.

“Shattered Dimensions” tells a much less grounded story than it’s predecessors, opting instead to embrace the more magical aspects of the webslinger’s rich history. It all s t a r t s with Spidey breaking the Tablet of Order and Chaos - the pieces of which Mysterio realizes can make him more powerful. He vows to get them all, but the pieces have been split across three other dimensions, each with their own Spider-Man. The story is a little out there but it works, and current webhead and comic book scribe Dan Slott (Amazing Spider-Man, She-

Hulk) writes a script that even Stan Lee would be proud of. The game is essentially four games in one as you battle your way through the Amazing (or 616), Noir, Ultimate and 2099 universes. As each reality is different, so is its respective Spidey.

Noir features stealthy gameplay that fans of “Arkham Asylum” will love. Complete with a gravelly voice, shadowy takedowns, steampunk inspired costume and level designs and 1930s versions of your favorite villains, Noir is definitely a stand out.

Ultimate puts you in control of a young Peter Parker who has just bonded with the Venom symbiote. His attacks are tentacle based and hard hitting. And his Rage mode can be devastating to a large group of foes. The levels are cellshaded and very akin to the “Ultimate Spider-Man” game that came out for PS2 a while back.

2099 is by far the most fun. The levels are fast-paced and feature base jumping-style tasks. The best part about 2099? The attacks are lightning quick and his special power is slowing down time. You can easily rack up monster combos (this reviewer was up around 300 hits at one point) on a bevy of baddies that feel like they’ll never stop coming.

The futuristic take on New York and super sci-fi versions of Scorpion and HobGoblin are refreshing and really fun as well. Plus Mark Hamill voices ol’ Hobby.

Last but not least, is the one and only Amazing Spider-Man and compared to the other Spider-Men he seems somewhat ho-hum. He’s exactly what you’d expect.

His

Thursday, September 30, 2010

villains are definitely all-stars for the comic book crowd but casual fans of the wall-crawler may just wonder why they’re fighting Juggernaut (the notorious X-Men based villain).

Some have heralded it as the greatest Spider-Man game of all-time. I still think that honor goes to “Spider-Man 2.” What this game lacks is the free roaming quality of past Spider-Man games. I miss being able to just roam the city and help people. This is not to say that “Shattered Dimensions” has no replay value as there are 180 tasks to finish before completely beating the game (and unlocking the Scarlet Spider costume).

“Shattered Dimensions” definitely benefits from the close attention paid to each level. The voice acting is superb with former television Spidey voice Chris Barnes taking over Noir duties and Neil Patrick Harris suiting up as the Amazing Spider-Man as well as Stan Lee providing narration (Excelsior!). The gameplay is very solid across the board and except for some hang-ups about the occasional unfortunate camera angle, this game is sure to please Spidey fans of all ages.

Now can someone get these guys on making a really legit X-Men game? Please?

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT | 11B

The New Paltz Oracle VIDEO GAME REVIEW

New ‘Halo’ Doesn’t Reach Far

BUNGIE’S NEWEST RELEASE GOES FOR QUANTITY OVER QUALITY

By Maxim Alter

A&E Editor | Malter42@newpaltz.edu

In what is being toted as the pinnacle game in Bungie’s popular “Halo” franchise, “Halo: Reach” is the epitome of average. There, I said it.

The game brags an enormous scale of battlefields decorated with dozens of different enemies. And like the main characters, the weaponry selection is beefy. However, in a world where new first-person shooters are pooped out like bad tacos, “Halo: Reach” gets lost in a septic tank of mediocrity.

The campaign, although rather short, feels like a tired, repetitive trek. For the first time ever, not only did I not care about completing the campaign of a “Halo” game, I hated every second doing it.

But before I get into the bad, there were some qualities to this new “Halo” that were exceptional. Series composer Marty O’Donnell once again outdid himself and crafted a brilliant soundtrack. O’Donnell perfectly moves the action along, picking up the music’s pacing when multiple enemies surround you. His compositions in this long-running franchise have been the key ingredient to its epic feel and I hope he continues his masterful work in another game or film series in the near future.

The graphics, character models and weapon effects have been significantly improved over “Halo 3,” and the hint of a motion blur effect makes environments and fast-paced gunplay look stunning. Obviously, this is Bungie’s most polished work. The controls are solid and work well, but there is just something missing that makes me yearn for something greater.

The multiplayer, although heavily populated and extremely customizable, feels empty. I can’t blame this solely on “Halo” because this is a gripe I have with multiple new online games. This problem can actually be attributed to the popular usage of Xbox Live’s party system, which creates a private lobby where buddies can talk outside of the games chat system – essentially murdering everything I used to love about playing video games with random strangers. Anyone playing an online game of “Halo” and not in another group’s party chat will be unable to hear anyone speak. So even though there are oodles of people playing, no

one can communicate with strangers. This means no smack talking, no loli-gagging – nothing.

Perhaps it is the nostalgia I feel when I think about my days playing “Halo 2” as a young teen, wasting my youth in the greatest way possible. Back then, if someone from North Dakota was tea-bagging you, you could hear the slight giggle from their microphone blaring in your headset. It was almost poetic.

I also miss the clan matches, the camaraderie and especially the competitiveness that came with leveling up and leveling down if you performed poorly in a heated match. In “Halo: Reach,” there is no leveling down, and unlike “Halo 2,” ranks are not scaled on a numbers system from one to 50.

Instead, leveling up is modeled to replicate a military rank system similar to the extremely popular “Modern Warfare” series.

In some way, I think Bungie understands the love that their fans have for “Halo 2.” They understand so much that they even tried recreating a bunch of “Halo 2’s” multiplayer maps with their new engine. Ivory tower is now bigger and shinier than its predecessor. Ascension feels exactly the same.

Midship is now three stories tall and even sports a man cannon that shoots players into space. These revamps of fan-favorite maps actually make all of “Halo: Reach’s” new maps look like a bad joke, which leads me to the conclusion that “Halo” will never be as good as it used to be.

Listen to me, I sound like an old fart – complaining about change, reminiscing of past conquests. But admit it, I’m right.

This game is average, nothing more, nothing less. It may be popular right now, but just like the “Now That’s What I Call Music” series, every good thing eventually dies.

Thursday, September 30, 2010

FUTURE GAME RELEASES TO LOOK OUT FOR NBA 2K11

Oct. 5

Super Scribblenauts

Oct. 12

Medal of Honor

Oct. 12

Fallout: New Vegas

Oct. 19

Call of Duty: Black Ops PHOTO COURTESY BUNGIE.NET DATES PROVIDED

BY GAMESTOP.COM

Nov. 9

12B | The Deep End

The New Paltz Oracle

This Week in the Deep End:

Josh Kusaywa Major: Visual Arts/ Graphic Design Year: Second Favorite Artists: Keith Haring and Olly Moss Future Plans: To enter the film or video game business and work on special effects, or to draw and create comic books

PHOTOS COURTESY OF JOSH KUSAYWA CAPTION BY LAURA LUENGAS

Thursday, April 22, 2010

The New Paltz Oracle

OPINION

Proceed with Caution

Pg 9

CARTOON BY DEREK ZIMMERMANN

The recent announcement that the State University of New York (SUNY) at New Paltz will begin the year with a deficit of $2.6 million has us both troubled and concerned. As many of you know, New York has been slashing spending on public education offered to its residents, which directly affects our college. The state’s 2010-11 budget doesn’t help matters, and will impact lives of each and every student here at New Paltz.

Interim President Donald Christian recently told faculty and staff about the grave situation New Paltz is in financially. He said given the size of their debt and the reality that these challenges will persist for years to come, New Paltz is going to have to take action to reduce the budget. He said this will require a fundamental downward adjustment of our economy, with “clearer focus on a smaller set of priorities.” We can only wait for administrators to announce a comprehensive plan to deal with the deficit, but until then we can’t help but remain concerned with what the future holds.

We fear that to reduce the gap in their budget, the higher ups of SUNY New Paltz will be forced to reduce programs and eliminate faculty positions. We feel these moves could ultimately decrease the quality of our education and we hope that administrators hold to their word and put our education first while making decisions about dealing with the budgetary shortfall.

If the elimination of positions becomes a part of the “fundamental downward adjustment of our economy,” the effect on our education would be noticeable. If professors were to lose their jobs or if fewer were hired, it would put more stress on the remaining full-time professors who would be forced to teach even more classes than they are already responsible for.

Also, the state is offering an early retirement incentive, which could create more complications for administrators. If there is a mass movement of faculty who decide to take this incentive at the end of the semester, administrators will need to find solutions to fill in the gaps in the spring, in spite of the budgetary shortfall.

We can only hope they remain committed to finding full time faculty members.

To deal with the budget cuts handed down by the state in the past, administrators said they have utilized reserve funds from the school’s savings account. Though the temptation for a fix may be there, they must continue to be careful about spending reserve funds; we do not want to deplete our savings and be in the same position less cautious schools are in now.

As our administrators and educators continue to put together a comprehensive plan for dealing with the deficit, it is important for students to not lose sight of the politics behind this situation. The New York State Legislature and Gov. David Paterson have delivered a huge blow to the SUNY system by cutting its funding. However, it is an election year - a time when we should make our voices heard by the policy makers who have so much control over our future. A new governor may not be able to undo the damage done, but this does not mean that students shouldn’t get educated, speak out

to local legislators about how their education matters and vote. If we don’t, we can only expect the system of public of higher education in New York to continue to be undervalued.

As of now, nothing is set in stone with the future of SUNY New Paltz’s budget. We understand that in order for SUNY New Paltz to function, it needs to get money from a state government that has continually put our education on the back burner. Although certain budgetary decisions that have put us in positions that are out of our administrators’ control, we urge them to find creative ways to reduce their debt that will not decrease the quality of our education. Our future is at stake.

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.

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

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

Thursday, September 30, 2010

Pg 10

OPINION

The New Paltz Oracle

Columns

Hanging Out at Hogwart’s Sunya Bhutta

Copy Editor Sunya.bhutta94@newpaltz.edu While on vacation in Florida this past summer, I went to the happiest, most magical place on Earth. No, I am not talking about Disney World: I’m talking about the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Yes, the Harry Potter theme park is now open at Universal Studios and it’s awesome.

While entering through Hogsmeade Village, I instantly got chills. It was incredible how perfectly reproduced all the little shops were. There was the Hogwarts Express, bright red and blowing smoke on platform nine and three quarters. Zonko’s joke shop was where pygmy puffs and puking pastilles could

Dear Editor, About your editorial advocating for a fire district (Sept. 23 issue), if everything you’ve heard were true I’d be right there with you. But it isn’t, and I’m not. The town supervisor and the village mayor, both avid supporters of a fire district, have supplied inaccurate and incomplete information for months about this proposal, so at this point every claim they make is suspect. The decline in the number of volunteers for emergency services is a nationwide problem and has been for the last twenty or thirty years. Setting up a fire district isn’t going to solve this problem by itself.

About a dozen years ago a previous mayor and village board agreed to fund

be purchased. I personally picked out some U-NO-POO candy coated chocolates. Then there’s Honeydukes for your sweet tooth, where the walls are covered with a wide assortment of treats like cauldron cakes, chocolate frogs, Bertie Bott’s Every Flavor Jelly Beans, TonTongue Toffee and so much more.

I had my first Butterbeer, the frothy butterscotch flavored beverage Harry, Ron and Hermione are always drinking.

It was delicious and refreshing, just like I had imagined it to be while reading the books. I also ate fish and chips at The Three Broomsticks.

Aside from all the cool sites, the rides were epic. I went on the Dragon Challenge about five times. It’s a topsyturvy rollercoaster where two dragons face off in a fire and ice match. This ride was inspired by the “Goblet of Fire” book and movie. While waiting on line you go through the tent in which the champions were waiting to fight off the dragons. You also go through a cave where the Tri-wizard Cup and Goblet of Fire are on display. There’s even a replica of the golden egg which was a clue for the champions in the second task

during the Tri-Wizard Tournament.

The next ride was the Flight of the Hippogriff, located next to Hagrid’s hut. It’s not very thrilling but you still get a nice view of Hogwarts castle and Hogsmeade. The line was short and mostly consisted of young children with their parents so it was quick and worth a try.

Hogwarts Castle was by far the best ride I have ever been on in my entire life. While waiting on line you are taken through the castle corridors. There are statues of Godric Gryffindor and Salazaar Slytherin. At one point you get to go outside where there is a green house filled with mandrakes and other bizarre plants. You’re taken through the hallways where the walls are completely covered with moving portraits who talk to you. Then you meet a holographic Dumbledore in his office, exactly as it appears in the movie with a pensieve and trinkets covering his desk. Right before the ride starts you’re taken into the Defense Against the Dark Arts class where holographic Harry, Ron and Hermione greet you.

The ride begins in the Great Hall

a small retirement fund for firemen who serve for many years, and the numbers haven’t stopped declining.

The issue of long-term planning for up-to-date facilities isn’t going to be solved either, unless and until our municipal governments are open and forthcoming about their intentions.

And there is the further issue of the Rescue Squad, which is combined with the fire fighting service in many surrounding communities but is a separate entity here, and how they might share services and/or facilities (both fire and rescue services are subsidized by both the Town and Village of New Paltz).

There is a lot to talk about with this issue and the conversation continues. A recent public hearing produced doz-

ens of questions from local residents, answers for which have been promised but not yet delivered by the Town and Village governments and Fire Department. Let’s wait for those answers and withhold judgment while we do. Then we can take all the time we need and consider our options carefully. That would make for a good public policy and increase morale among our fire fighters. Please don’t give in to this “rush to judgment” being forced on us by the supervisor and mayor.

with floating candles dangling on the ceiling. You’re then taken through various live action sequences from the movies. A gigantic spider, dementors, fire-breathing dragons all through 4-D motion simulation. I’m not gonna lie, I cried at one point when I was soaring above Hogwarts riding behind Harry on a broomstick. I couldn’t help myself my childhood dream had finally come true. For a Harry Potter fan, going to the theme park is a must. But for those of you who haven’t read the books or watched the movies, I guarantee you will still find it to be a magical experience.

Sunya Bhutta is a fourth-year English major with a minor in journalism. This is her third semester as a copy editor on The New Paltz Oracle. She is also the editorial intern at Chronogram magazine this semester. Her passions include arts writing, movie watching and ukulele playing. She also enjoys collecting seashells, rocks and decorative socks.

Letters

Pete Healey New Paltz phealey3@gmail.com

Thursday, September 30, 2010

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Send us a letter!

E-mail us at oracle@newpaltz.edu.

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SPORTS

The New Paltz Oracle

Pg 11

SPORTS Ca

KILLER

The Women’s Volleyball team is currently in the midst of a 30 game winning streak at home. They haven’t lost a match at home since 2006.

Sports Editor | Andrew.wyrich63@newpaltz.edu

Building off of the confidence they gained from the Hawk Invitational, the State University of New York (SUNY) at New Paltz Women’s Volleyball team is hoping to continue their successful season and finish deep in the NCAA tournament.

The Hawks have started their 2010 campaign with a 14-4 record and are currently in the midst of a nine game winning streak.

“The work ethic of our players and the leadership of the upperclassmen are the definite keys to our success,” said Head Coach Matt Giufre.

“Also, our defensive intensity and offensive balance allow us to be difficult to scout and give us many options to attack opponents with.”

Co-Captain Dana Kindelmann agreed with Giufre, and thinks this year the team has been clicking.

“We have high expectations for our team and this year is no different. We are taking it one game at a time like we have done in the past,” Kindelmann said.

Tara Annunziata, the team’s other co-captain,

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By Andrew Wyrich

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THE NEW PALTZ ORACLE

attributes the team’s success to chemistry.

“I think the keys of success have been our team chemistry. We started this season with seven new girls on only a 16 person squad, and the returners instantly welcomed these girls into our New Paltz volleyball family and we have formed great bonds,” Annunziata said. “This off the court chemistry has bled onto the court, and the last two weeks we have been really clicking and playing together as a unit.”

On Sept. 17 and 18, the Hawks hosted the Hawks Invitational where they went 4-0. The tournament was topped off with a dramatic comefrom-behind win against an undefeated Clarkson team that clinched their victory of the invitational. Giufre said he believes that this was one of the games this year that showed the Hawks character and perseverance.

“It was a great confidence building weeken,” Giufre said. “It showed us what we’re capable of doing each time we play.”

Annunziata called the Hawk Invitational an “eye opener” for the team, saying it helped them realize the potential they had.

However, team members agree that the Hawks’ real strength is their play at home. The Hawks are

currently riding a 30 game home winning streak, and have not lost a match at home since 2006.

“It’s fun to be home, our fans are great, it’s a great atmosphere to play in,” Giufre said. “It just seems like at home we get that extra boost, but it’s up to us to put on a show worth supporting.

The fans don’t score any points or dig any balls, but it’s nice to hear their support and encouragement. It’s very energizing.”

According to Giufre, many players have stepped up this season and are a big reason for the team’s success.

“Offensively, Dana Kindelmann and Michelle Jacobson are way ahead of where they were in the past. It’s been a huge lift for us,” Giufre said.

“We have a lot of talent and are a very deep team, which allows us to be competitive in practice every day and prepare ourselves for all types of opponents.”

Kindelmann said she believes that while the returning members of the team have been doing their jobs and have been role models, the team’s new members are a driving force in their success.

“All of our new players have really stepped up and proved themselves,” she said. “We have two freshman setters and a freshman libero in the

Thursday, September 30, 2010

PHOTO COURTESY OF LAURA LUENGAS

starting lineup and great players ready to go on the court and play at any time.”

Annunziata believes that the younger players that are on the team have added to the team’s depth is especially helpful throughout games.

“Our team is very underclassmen heavy, with only four upperclassman…We have the confidence in whoever Coach puts in to get the job done and help us win,” Annunziata said. “We have a lot of talent in the starting lineup and in the reserves…Anyone could be put in a situation, and we trust that they will be able to succeed.”

As for the future, the team hopes to finish deep into the NCAA Tournament and win important games.

“We’ve played some great volleyball against very strong teams. Our schedule does not get any lighter. If we continue to work hard, our strong schedule will keep us prepared to do well in Conference play and in the post-season,” Giufre said.

Kindelmann shared Giufre’s confidence in the team’s ability to finish their season strong and continue their success.

“If we keep practicing hard and stay mentally strong we will be ready for anything or any team that comes our way,” Kindelmann said.

SPORTS

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The New Paltz Oracle

Hawks Players of the Week For the Week of Sept. 27

Nick Paolozzi

Shelby Kondelka

Men’s Cross Country

Women’s Soccer

Paolozzi assembled his best performance yet this season when he clocked a 12:06.02 4K at the Stevens Invitational on Friday, taking fifth overall out of 74 runners.

He posted the team’s second-fastest time at the event and ran at a 5:06-mile pace. Paolozzi’s efforts helped the Hawks place second out of nine teams.

Kondelka netted two goals over the weekend in State University of New York Athletic Conference (SUNYAC) play, helping the Women’s Soccer team split on its western New York trip. She buried the team’s lone goal in a 5-1 loss to Buffalo State on Friday and offered the game-winner in the 65th minute in a 1-0 New Paltz win against Fredonia on Saturday. On the season, she has scored a team-leading three goals.

Wellness and Recreation Events and Activities THURSDAY:

9/30 9/30

8 a.m. -Cycling with Courtney (Rm107) 12 p.m. - Cycling with Corinna 4 p.m. - Belly Dance with Amy (Dance Studio) & Vinyasa Yoga with Michelle C. (Rm 101) 5 p.m - Zumba with Corinna (Dance Studio) 5:30 p.m. - Cycling with Starr (Rm 107) & Vinyasa Yoga with Lana (Rm 101) 6 p.m. -Cardio Martial Arts with Jessica (Dance Studio) 7 p.m. -Dance Groove with Elisa (Dance Studio)

FRIDAY:

10/1

11 a.m. - Yoga with Sara (Rm 101) 3:30 p.m. - Boot Camp with Cat (Dance Studio) 4:30p.m. - Turbo Kick with Emily (Dance Studio)

MONDAY:

10/4

12 p.m. - Bosu Strength with Corinna 5:30 p.m. - Cycling with Starr (Rm 107) & Vinyasa Yoga with Lana (Rm 101) 7 p.m. - Cycling with Lauren Z. (Rm 107) 7:30 p.m. - Dance Groove with Elisa (Dance Studio) & Yoga with Grace (Rm 101) 8:30 p.m. - Hip Hop Cardio with Danit (Dance Studio)

TUESDAY:

10 a.m. - Yoga with Sara (R 101) 12 p.m. - Cycling with Corinna 5:30 p.m. - Vinyasa Yoga with Lana (Rm 101) & Zumba with Amanda (Rm 101) 6:30 p.m. - Cardio Strength with Jessica (Dance Studio) 7:30 p.m. - Cycling with Starr (Rm 101) & willPower & grace with Michele H. (Dance Studio) 8:30 p.m. - Absolute Abs with Soji (Dance Studio)

OUTDOOR PURSUIT TRIPS

WEDNESDAY:

10/6

11 a.m. - Vinyasa Yoga with Michelle C. (Rm 101) 5:30 p.m. - Vinyasa Yoga with Lana (Rm 101) 6:30 p.m. - Belly Dance with Amy (Dance Studio) 7 p.m. - Cycling with Courtney (Room 107) 7:30 p.m. - Willpower & grace with Michele H (Dance Studio) 8:30 p.m. - Hip Hop Cardio with Danit (Dance Studio)

WORKSHOPS & INTERMURALS

Extreme Adirondack Adventure: Sat, Oct. 16 - 9 a.m. 40 Stu. Max $15 per student

Multi-Pitch Rock Climbing: Sat, Oct. 30 – 9 a.m. 12 Stu. Max $25 per student

Horseback Riding: Sun, Oct. 17 – 10:30 a.m. 30 Stu. Max $12 per student

Paintball: Sat, Nov 6 – 9 a.m. 35 Stu. Max $20 per student

Hiking Trip: Sat, Oct. 23 – 9 a.m. 20 Stu. Max $15 per student

10/5

Running 101: Tuesday, Oct. 19 – 7:00 p.m. Room 113 Contact Keith Kenney at kenneyk@newpaltz. edu Volleyball: Oct. 18 to Nov. 21 Sunday- Thursday 7- 10 p.m.

Captain’s Meeting Oct. 17 @ 6 p.m.

Register in Elting 206 or online Reg. Period 10/4 - 10/15

Thursday, September 30, 2010

Dodge ball: Oct. 18 to Nov 21 Sunday – Thursday 7 to 10 p.m.

Captain’s Meeting Oct. 17 @ 6:30 p.m.

Register in Elting 206 or online Reg. Period 10/4 – 10/15 Max playing 6, Min playing 5, Co-Rec: 3M/3F, 3F/2M

The New Paltz Oracle

SPORTS

Pg 13

Breaking Up The Core

Andrew Wyrich Sports Editor

Andrew.wyrich63@newpaltz.edu

While nothing is set in stone yet, it can be said with almost certainty that a new regime will be leading the Mets to start the offseason. One of the toughest questions this new general manager and manager combo will have to face is what to do with this team heading forward.

At first glance, the Mets may seem like a hapless and stagnant franchise. However, there is a lot to smile about looking forward.

Right now, the Mets are a mix of promising young talent and underperforming veterans which will ultimately lead to their suboptimal finish this season.

One of the many ideas fans have to break the mediocrity the Mets seem to be mired in is to “break up the core” of the team.

The “core” of the Mets is arguably David Wright, Jose Reyes, Carlos Beltran, Jason Bay, Johan Santana, Francisco Rodriguez and maybe Mike Pelfrey. This idea has floated around ever since the Mets embarrassing collapse in 2007 and I have never been completely sold on the idea.

Until now.

For years I have made excuses for the Mets’ core whether it was injuries, underperformance or bad luck. Now, after a few years of watching the Mets never reach the potential they seemed to have in 2006, I am sold on the idea that this team needs a dramatic change.

Before I give some of my ideas for breaking up this core, I have to eliminate a few players from the core that cannot be traded for various reasons.

Wright and Reyes cannot be traded. While they would of course fetch the Mets the

most on the market, they are two 27-yearold studs who are productive and one of the best at their position. Not many teams have the luxury of having these kinds of players, and trading them would be a mistake. Jason Bay can’t be traded because he was injured earlier this year, and no team would take on his soon to be huge contract. So the Mets are stuck with hoping Bay has a turnaround next year (not out of the realm of possibility, Beltran had a similar situation when the Mets first acquired him).

Two names that won’t be easy to trade, but should be the main focus of the Mets’ off-season, are Beltran and Rodriguez.

A month ago, the very idea of the Mets being able to trade Beltran was ludicrous.

Beltran was batting .204 in July and .227 in August, and it seemed like his knee was nowhere close to being fully healed. He was a shell of what he once was. However, September has been a different story.

So far this month, Beltran is hitting .310 with three doubles, two triples, three home runs and ten RBI with a slugging percentage of .535 in 19 games. In those 19 games, he has hit in 13 of them and seven of those are multi-hit games. In other words, he is hitting like the old Beltran.

So some might ask, why trade Beltran if he seems to be getting back to the way he was? My answer to that question is simple: trade him while he has value.

Beltran has never been a fan-favorite, and never truly reached the heighted expectations fans set for him when he signed his seven-year $119 million dollar deal in January of 2005, and never seemed comfortable under the microscope of New York’s media.

There is no question that when healthy, Beltran was one of the best (if not the best) centerfielder in baseball. But now he is only getting older and he is no longer the dynamic threat he once was, so trading him while he has any value at all should be the Mets’ top priority.

If I were to trade Beltran, a young pitcher would be the only true talent I would want; much more would be asking too much.

Teams such as San Francisco, Boston or maybe even the Rays could be teams that could spare a young pitcher. In particular, I think the Rays might be an interesting op-

tion. If Carl Crawford leaves Tampa this offseason (likely) they may look into replacing his bat, and if the Mets agree to pay some of Beltran’s remaining salary, they could get a young pitcher to throw into their rotation.

Rodriguez is the other player of the Mets’ core that I think needs to go. If you forget his legal troubles, he is a pretty appealing trade chip. However, it is likely that the Mets will not trade the once dominant closer, but rather attempt to void his contract. After he was involved in an assault charge, he was placed on the disqualified list, which is ultimately the first step in the Mets attempting to rid themselves of the remainder of his contract.

If K-Rod is no longer part of the Mets’ equation, the money saved on his voided contract could be used in other areas.

The last member of the core that has been

rumored of being traded is Reyes. While before I said I would never want to trade the young shortstop, he does have an $11 million dollar option the Mets will probably pick up this off-season, but after that the Mets COULD have an interesting dilemma.

Reyes would fetch a king’s ransom in a trade, and by trading Reyes the Mets could fill in many gaps they currently have. But this idea is cloudy at best. I doubt the Mets would trade one of their most dynamic and talented players, even if the price was right.

The Mets probably need more work than can be fixed in one off-season. If I had to guess, I would imagine that Beltran, K-Rod, Oliver Perez and Luis Castillo are all gone for the start of the 2011 campaign, and a complete overhaul happens over the 20112012 off-season.

Carlos Beltran could be a interesting trade chip this off-season.

Thursday, September 30, 2010

PHOTO COURTESY OF FLICKR.COM

SPORTS

Pg 14

The New Paltz Oracle

Tommy Garafola: An Expert In His Field

By Ryan Patrick Hanrahan

Copy Editor | Rhanrahan13@newpaltz.edu

To succeed at anything in life, one must be full of enthusiasm, resolve and most importantly, talent. The embodiment of all these qualities, teamates and coaches said third-year Men’s Soccer Captain Tommy Garafola has proven himself time and time again to be a devoted and formidable athlete on and off the field.

Voted team captain in the spring of his first year, Garafola was deeply affected by his promotion to such a prestigious position on the team, and has since tried to never let his teammates down.

“This was a very special honor to receive as only a freshman, to have my teammates trust and have confidence in me since I was so young,” Garafola said. “As captain, I feel as if I have a strong relationship with every player on the team. I do my best to mentally prepare my teammates for each game and try to motivate them through my play.”

Although he became the soccer team captain at a young age, Garafola is no stranger to the game. He said he’s been running around a soccer field for most of his life.

“I’ve been playing soccer since I was four years old,” he said. “My parents put me into soccer because they said I had too much energy when I was younger.”

That energy was put to good use with Garafola continuing to play soccer in high school at St. Francis Preparatory School in Fresh Meadows, N.Y. During his tenure as a member of the school soccer team, Garafola tallied 37 goals and was named team MVP. Garafola also scored the overtime play-

off goal in the quarterfinals against Monsignor Farrell, played for the Auburndale Jaguars as a midfielder and recorded 13 goals and 14 assists and he played in the 2007 Empire State Games but lost on penalty kicks to Adirondack in the gold-medal game.

In 2008, after he became a student at the State University of New York (SUNY) at New Paltz, Garafola joined the soccer team and during his first season he appeared in all nineteen games for the Hawks, tallied four goals, a team-high of seven assists, recorded 20 shots on the goal and buried a game-winning goal against Vassar College. His success would continue into the next season.

In 2009, Garafola and his teammates achieved NSCAA All-East Region Third Team and Second-Team All-SUNYAC. Garafola also scored his first goal of the year in a 4-3 win over SUNY Old Westbury on Sept. 12, provided two assists in a 3-2 victory over Vassar College on Sept. 13.

He netted the game-winner on a penalty kick versus Bard College on Oct. 6 and tallied two assists in the Hawks’ 4-2 triumph over SUNY Cortland on Oct. 24 and boasted a

team-high of eight assists.

Garafola hopes the triumph will continue this season. The Men’s Soccer team has started the season with a 5-4-0 and they hope perform well in conference matchups.

“We feel that we are a playoff team with a good chance of winning it all,” said Garafola.

Head coach of the Men’s Soccer team Eric Watson, has seen Garafola’s hard work first hand and appreciates his contributuons to the team.

“Tommy has raised the level of play at New Paltz with his work ethic and desire to make everyone around him a better person and player,” Watson said. “Tommy has shown a tremendous amount of growth as a player since coming to New Paltz. He has a much better understanding of how to play within a system and what it takes to not only compete but win.”

Watson’s earned respect after the 2-0 victory against Vassar College on Sept. 11, achieved through Garafola’s two goals.

Garafola said soccer is his greatest passion.

“I contribute my success to my work ethic, love for the game and support from my parents,” Garafola said. “Soccer equals life for me. I play everyday whether I am in season or just training on my own.”

PHOTO (LEFT) BY ALYSSA CRAWLEY

New Paltz Hawks Games Of The Week

By Ryan Patrick Hanrahan

Copy Editor | Rhanrahan13@newpaltz.edu

Men’s Soccer

The State University of New York (SUNY) at New Paltz Men’s Soccer team defeated the Buffalo State Bengals in a State University of New York Athletic Conference (SUNYAC) contest, 2-0, on Friday afternoon on Alumni Field.

The Hawks first scored in the 18th minute when third-year midfielder Tommy Garafola took a New Paltz corner and found teammate Jimmy Altadonna, who skillfully nabbed a goal for the Hawks. The Hawks tasted their impending victory again in the 31st minute with third-year forward Jamal Lis-Simmons sending a pass to fourth-year forward Michael Ackerman who proceeded to score, shooting the ball into the upper 90 and give New Paltz a 2-0 advantage. In the 56th minute, Altadonna nearly scored again for the Hawks when his shot went to the right of the post. The New Paltz defense stayed strong and held onto victory. Thirdyear goalkeeper Thomas Viscardi boasted four saves that afternoon.

Women’s Cross Country

SUNY New Paltz Women’s Cross Country team were in the top 50 percent of the 10 competing teams in the 4K at the Stevens

Invitational at Liberty State Park on Friday afternoon, but New York University’s (NYU) resolve at the top gave the Hawks the edge. Although NYU came out on top with seven points, the blue and orange followed suit with 14 points.

Danielle Harmon led the Hawks with a 15:09.38, taking fourth overall in the 68-person field. Third-year Aubrey LaRezza, second-years Christina Bartonicek and Nichole Wischoff and firstyear Theresa Park placed sixth through ninth, flaunting New Paltz’s top-end scoring ability.

Women’s Soccer

SUNY New Paltz Women’s Soccer team has yet to allow a single goal in regulation at home this season. The Hawks continued the trend with a 3-0 victory over Manhattanville College in a non-conference contest held Wednesday afternoon on Alumni Field.

The Hawks were chomping at the bit to prove themselves and were blatantly excited about playing at home. The Hawks have not played on Alumni Field in three weeks.

New Paltz scored their first goal in the 24th minute made by second-year forward Samantha Abravanel. Third-year midfielder Alexa Balestrieri sent a smooth cross to second-year defender Beth Bowling who headed a pass to Abravanel for the score.

Thursday, September 30, 2010

Women’s Tennis

Four players that represented the SUNY New Paltz Women’s Tennis team participated in the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) Northeast Regional Championships, which occurred Saturday through Monday on the campus of William Smith College in Geneva, N.Y. Although they took a loss to NYU’s Elizabeth Feldman in the championship singles draw, Kayla DiPaulo made up for it in the consolation draw, reaching the quarterfinals. DiPaulo won against Mackenzie Rounds of the College at Brockport before defeating Jennifer Kraham from Hunter College in the second round. Tara Crisccuolo of the College of New Jersey ended DiPaulo’s run in the quarterfinals, winning, 8-3.

MEN’S SOCCER: Hawks 2 - Buffalo 0 WOMEN’S SOCCER: Hawks 3 - Manhattenville 0

The New Paltz Oracle

SPORTS

Pg 15

Preview Between The Pipes

By Cat Tacopina

Contributing Writer | Ctacopina97@newpaltz.edu

Yes, it’s that time of year again - time to tune in at 7 p.m. on most nights and watch the National Hockey League (NHL) return for another exciting season. Last season, the only team from the tri-state area to make it to the playoffs was the New Jersey Devils, after the Rangers suffered a heart-breaking shoot-out defeat to the Philadelphia Flyers and the Islanders just weren’t good enough to make the cut. And even when the Devils made it to the playoffs as the second-place team with 103 points, they were still knocked out of the first round by the Flyers. Needless to say, it was a pretty disappointing season for all parties involved. But with the approach of the new season there is hope for new talent, good signings, growth of young players and even a small miracle.

Placement: 2nd In The East Playoff Chances: Highly Realistic

New Jersey Devils

As painful as this is to say, there is no question concerning who is the best of the tri-state teams. For the past couple of seasons, they have consistently been one of the best teams in the entire Eastern Conference and always a sure lock for the playoffs.

Unfortunately, it only got better for this team during the off-season. This off-season, the Devils were able to resign right-winger Ilya Kovalchuk, even after a bogus deal that the NHL turned down. With politics and money aside, the Devils did manage to acquire the Russian who previously played with the Atlanta Thrashers, thus making them even more dangerous than they were last season now that he’s there full time and will be an active member and leader on the team. You heard it here first: that first line involving Kovalchuk, Parise and Zajac is dangerous, and they’re going to be one of the best offensive lines in the league.

Oh well. At least solace can be found in Martin Brodeur. The “best” NHL goalie of all-time is at the end of his rope, and his legs are due to give out soon - could this be the year?

Placement: 11th In The East Playoff Chances: Not Likely

New York Islanders

The New York Islanders are just not a good team, plain and simple. However, it should be added that they aren’t a good team yet. The team is still incredibly young, what with the likes of Kyle Okposo, Josh Bailey and John Tavares, Islanders fans have a lot to look forward to in the future.

Unfortunately, the Islanders just don’t have a good allaround team yet. While they look pretty decent offensively, the same can’t be said for their defense, and let’s not get started on goaltending. Rick DiPietro is far too unreliable at this point and Dwayne Roloson is old and no longer starting goaltender material, obviously.

“I’m trying to be optimistic,” said Rosalie Rodriguez, a first-year Islanders fan. “We’ll just have to wait and see. All I want is for them to make the playoffs.”

There isn’t too much to say except, sorry Fishstick fans, you’ll just have to wait another season to have a realistic shot at reaching the post-season.

ALL PHOTOS COURTESY OF FLICKR.COM

Thursday, September 30, 2010

Placement: 8th In The East Playoff Chances: Realistic

New York Rangers

Do you believe in miracles?

Any Rangers fan should say yes to this now that Wade Redden has finally been put on waivers, which clears a ton of cap space and will potentially dispose of the biggest disappointment to date.

But, even with the Rangers on the road towards getting rid of Redden, there are still a lot of questions surrounding the team.

There are so many factors that will have an impact on the Rangers’ performance this season. It was an incredibly smart move for Glen Sather (as much of a moron as he is) to go right in to free agency and sign Marty Biron. With Biron on board, Henrik Lundqvist can take more of a break and possibly be the most feared goaltender in the league now that he won’t be doing everything on his own.

“I’m kind of used to the disappointment,” first-year Sharyce Willand said. “Maybe this year they can really pull it together.”

Nothing is certain for the Rangers, but don’t be surprised if the Rangers are the dark horse of the East. If any more miracles occur soon, that could very well be the case.

SPORTS THE NEW PALTZ ORACLE

SET TO

KILL Women’s Volleyball Looks to Continue Dominance at Home SEE STORY ON PAGE 11

PHOTO BY LAURA LUENGAS

Tri-State Hockey Teams Make Strides To Improve Rosters PHOTO COURTESY OF FLICKR.COM

PREVIEW ON PAGE 16