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12-11-2008 The thI acan, 2008-12-11 Ithaca College

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This Newspaper is brought to you for free and open access by the The thI acan: 2000/01 to 2009/2010 at Digital Commons @ IC. It has been accepted for inclusion in The thI acan, 2008-09 by an authorized administrator of Digital Commons @ IC. OPINION ACTIVISM PROVIDES LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES, PAGE 10 NUTCRACKER RETURNS SPORTS TEAMS CROWD HILL CENTER FOR PRACTICE, PAGE 23 Ithaca Ballet reprises anticipated Christmas show, page 13 SPORTS SPRINTERS LEAD BOMBERS AT CORNELL RELAYS, PAGE 28

Thursday Ithaca, N.Y. December 11, 2008 The Ithacan Volume 76, Issue 14

Rochon hosts meeting with ALANA faculty

BY LINDSEY HOLLENBAUGH ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR What began as a miscommu- nication that left the voices of mi- nority faculty out of President Tom Rochon’s Academic Roundtable ended in a “historic meeting” be- tween the president and more than 20 ALANA faculty members Friday. Th e luncheon, where Rochon and Provost Kathleen Rountree met with African, Latino, Asian and Native American faculty members, was organized after these faculty members raised concerns when ap- pointees for the Academic Round- table were released Sept. 30. “I noticed that there was no fac- ulty of color, and it also didn’t seem that there were any international faculty,” said Asma Barlas, profes- HOUSING sor of politics and program director for the Center for the Study of Race, Senior Dave Newberg, a student living off Culture and Ethnicity. campus, points toward what he suspects Barlas said she then e-mailed is asbestos in his basement apartment. Rochon expressing her concerns. HEADACHES EVAN FALK/THE ITHACAN According to Rochon, no facul- ty members of color had submitted applications to him to be consid- Resources for help and support are available to students ered for the roundtable. “Th is was certainly something I noticed, and it was a disappoint- when faced with maintenance and housing issues off campus ment to me,” he said. BY KAYLA KLEIN a dangerous roommate to have — or his apartment last summer, he was unprofessional,” he said. “Th is wasn’t Rochon said the roundtable is CONTRIBUTING WRITER nothing to be worried about. met with unexpected diffi culties. something I was expecting to experi- an informal advisory and conver- Dave Newberg, a senior living off According to Linda Koenig, assis- “Th e deadlines weren’t met when ence when I moved off campus.” sation group. It will no longer exist campus, has a diff erent kind of living tant director of housing services and they said I could move into my unit John Graves, president of the South after this semester. situation than most. While looking at communication, 509 students live off in the summer,” Huber said. “I had to Hill Civic Association, said he wishes “It was just one way, among the pipes in his basement room one campus, some for the fi rst time. Th ey move into three diff erent units prior to students who live on South Hill would many ways, I was trying to get to day, Newberg noticed part of the insu- face everything from issues with land- getting my own because they weren’t take advantage of his group. Th e asso- know some faculty,” he said. lation was bulging out and damaged. lords to utility bills and maintenance. done with the construction.” ciation is a community organization In order to be considered for the He began to search the Internet After going back and forth be- During one of Huber’s moves in that students can use as a resource if group, faculty members were re- and found pictures of asbestos, a ma- tween his landlord and the City Build- the summer, he was given a two-day they are facing problems with their quired to send an e-mail directly to terial once used for insulation and ing Department, Newberg feels he is notice but couldn’t make the move landlords, but Graves said no students Rochon with a statement of interest known to cause cancer. without an advocate in his situation, date because he was on vacation. have come to express their concerns. and a brief description of their rele- Th is began Newberg’s struggle with but he is not alone. “Th ey had to move my stuff , and Students who moved off campus vant background and qualifi cations his landlord to fi nd out if the substance When Green Street resident se- I still get negative comments from they would add to the group. sharing his living space was asbestos — nior David Huber went to move into them because of this, which is very See APARTMENTS, page 4 ALANA member Raj Subrama- niam, associate professor for health promotion and physical education, later told Barlas that he had submit- ted his name for consideration de- Endowment drops $66 million in fi ve months spite what Rochon had said. When Subramaniam ques- BY DAVID DURRETT what we’ve been going through the The college’s endowment tioned the president about why his AND ELIZABETH SILE last several months,” he said. DRAMATIC DROP has risen steadily every application was not considered, it SENIOR WRITER AND NEWS EDITOR Th is drastic decline puts the col- 250 year since 2006. Since May was then they realized there was Th e college is facing a $66 million lege in a challenging position of re- 31, the end of the college’s 237 a miscommunication. loss to the value of its endowment as it building its endowment during dif- fi scal year, the endowment has dropped 28 percent “Dr. Subramaniam believed he fi cult economic times. dropped from $237 million in May to because of the economy had submitted an application but $171 million as of Oct. 30. While economic conditions could and the stock market. he sent it to a fellow faculty mem- According to Carl Sgrecci, vice discourage people from making do- 206 ber rather than to me,” Rochon said. president of fi nance and administra- nations to colleges, the college is ac- “Th ough it was forwarded to me, I tion, even though the college lost 28 cepting alternatives in order to enable 200 didn’t recognize it as an application percent of its endowment, the drop is donors to give back to the college and therefore, obviously didn’t act not as much as the markets as a whole. without directly giving money. 182 millions of dollars on it.” Sgrecci said the Standard and Poors 500 Shelley Semmler, vice president of Subramaniam said the misun- index dropped 30 percent and the Rus- institutional advancement at the col- 171 derstanding sparked the need for a sell 3000 index was down 31 percent. lege, said people can make “deferred larger discussion with the president Th e endowment, which is invest- donations” such as including the col- 150 about diversity at the college. ed in stocks, bonds and real estate, lege as a benefi ciary in a will, giving 2006 2007 2008 October 31, 2008 Gossa Tsegaye, professor of generates income that goes into a appreciated stock or property to the SOURCE: CARL SGRECCI, VICE PRESIDENT OF FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION television-radio, said the lun- pool of money used for the college’s college, or paying out of their salary. DESIGN BY ALEXIS MCNUTT cheon was an unprecedented operating budget. Semmler said people were less like- meeting between ALANA faculty Sgrecci said the loss was more ly to reduce deferred donations in eco- get better, people’s deferred deci- According to Semmler, of the $145 and any president in the history significant than the blow to the nomic crisis than they were to reduce sions won’t change, necessarily,” she million raised in the last capital cam- of the institution. endowment after 9/11. outright gifts but said the college’s do- said. “What might change is if they paign, which concluded last spring, “With the previous presidents, “Th ere was an incredible day at nors have not taken back their pledges. were giving us $1,000 last year or the $2.8 million came from deferred gifts the stock market the next day after “Assuming that we’ll ride out this year before, they might say, ‘Well, See MEETING, page 4 9/11, but it was not as precipitous as wave, whatever it is, and things will maybe I’ll give less than $1,000.’” See MONEY, page 4

find more. online. www.theithacan.org THURSDAY BRIEFING

2 The Ithacan Thursday, December 11, 2008 THIS Nation&World WEEK  US mistake ends in Afghan deaths 11 THURSDAY U.S. Special Forces killed six Afghan police and wounded 13 early yesterday in a case of mis- Create-a-Cookie Day, a taken identity by both sides after the police fi red fundraiser sponsored by the on the Americans during an operation against an Culinary Club, from 11 a.m. to insurgent commander, offi cials said. 2 p.m. in IC Square A U.S. military statement said police fi red on the American forces after the troops battled and Extreme Dreidel Tournament, killed an armed militant in the city of Qalat, the sponsored by Hillel, in Muller capital of the southern province of Zabul. Th e Chapel from 12:05 to 1:10 p.m. Americans returned fi re on the police but only in Campus Center later learned their identities. One Afghan civilian “My First Poem,” a reading was also killed in the exchange. by English professors, majors Gulab Shah Alikhail, the province’s deputy and minors, at 6:30 p.m. in the governor, said U.S. Special Forces carried out an Handwerker Gallery operation in a small village near a police check- point on the outskirts of Qalat. Th e police, think- 12 FRIDAY ing it was a Taliban attack, opened fi re, he said. Th en a helicopter fi red on the security post and Last Day of Classes for destroyed it, he said. fall semester Th e attack collapsed the police station’s roof Shabbat Services at 6 p.m. in and damaged a civilian home nearby, said Gilani Muller Chapel Khan, the deputy provincial police chief. Shabbat Dinner at 7:15 p.m. in U.S. offi cials quietly admit that they are hesi- Terrace Dining Hall tant to share detailed plans of raids against mili- SAB movie screening “The tant commanders for fear that government offi - Dark Night” at 7 and 9:30 p.m. cials connected to the Taliban could tip off the Placing the blame in Textor 102 militants of the impending operation. A student shouts at police yesterday outside the Greek Parliament in central Athens. The Greek Th e U.S. said the target of yesterday’s raid capital saw a fi fth day of rioting following the fatal shooting of a 15-year-old boy Saturday night by 13 SATURDAY was a militant commander “known to coordinate police offi cers. The rioting has shut down schools, hospital and fl ights in the country. attacks against coalition forces along Highway THANASSIS STAVRAKIS/ASSOCIATED PRESS SAB movie screening “The One,” Afghanistan’s main highway that circles the Dark Night” at 7 and 9:30 p.m. country. Th e statement did not say if that com- in Textor 102 mander had been killed in the operation. neighbors being aff ected. South Africa has been Oversight Panel for Economic Stabilization ques- Offi cials from the Ministry of Defense, Minis- caring for scores of Zimbabwean cholera vic- tioned whether the Treasury Department’s shifting 14 SUNDAY try of Interior and U.S. forces traveled from Ka- tims who have crossed the border seeking help. remedies constitute a strategic response to the crisis. bul to Qalat yesterday to investigate the deaths. Almost 500 cholera cases have been detected in It was the latest critical assessment of the Troubled Nondenominational Protes- South Africa, nine of whom died. Asset Relief Program, the massive federal interven- tant Service at 11 a.m. in Cholera outbreak takes 746 lives tion into the nation’s fi nancial system. Muller Chapel Th e death toll from Zimbabwe’s cholera out- Historical inauguration to honor MLK Catholic Community Mass at break has risen sharply, the United Nations said President-elect Barack Obama’s inauguration Actress wants to run for Senate 1 and 9 p.m. in Muller Chapel yesterday, reporting 746 deaths and 15,572 cases will be a four-day aff air, replete with the traditional Th e star of “Th e Nanny” wants to succeed Hil- of the water-borne disease. balls but also featuring service projects to honor lary Rodham Clinton in the U.S. Senate. 15 MONDAY Cholera has spread in Zimbabwe because of Martin Luther King’s holiday, aides said yesterday. Publicist Jordan Brown said that Fran the country’s crumbling health care system and Th e events are expected to draw millions of Drescher is serious about becoming the next Final Exams begin for water infrastructure. Last week, Zimbabwe de- visitors to Washington to witness the swearing- junior senator from New York. Brown cited fall semester from 7:30 a.m. clared a health emergency because of cholera and in of the country’s fi rst black president. Th e pre- Drescher’s experience as an actress, advocate for to 10 p.m. the collapse of its health services. liminary schedule also includes a national prayer women’s health and public diplomacy envoy for Th e U.N. humanitarian offi ce in Geneva re- service the day after Obama and Vice President- the U.S. State Department. 19 FRIDAY ported Tuesday that 589 people had died out of elect Joe Biden take offi ce Jan. 20. Drescher joins a fi eld headed by Caroline 13,960 cases. Kennedy and New York Attorney General An- Final Exams end for fall semes- Information Minister Sikhanyiso Ndlovu Panel questions spending of bailout drew Cuomo. New York Gov. David Paterson ter. Winter break begins. claimed the disease was “under control.” A congressional panel reviewing the govern- will appoint Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton’s suc- However, aid agencies have warned about ment’s $700 billion rescue of the fi nancial sec- cessor if she is confi rmed secretary of state in the ADD YOUR EVENT coming rains further spreading cholera in a pop- tor questioned how the money is being spent and Obama administration. ulation already weakened by disease and hunger. whether it’s helping homeowners avoid foreclosure. Drop events for “This Th ere are also concerns about Zimbabwe’s Yesterday, in a public report, the Congressional SOURCE: Associated Press Week” in the marked box in The Ithacan offi ce, or e-mail Assistant News Editor Lindsey Hollenbaugh at lhollen1@ the program co-authored scientifi c Volunteers needed to help ithaca.edu by 5 p.m. Monday. College&City papers. Seventy students in the last senior citizens in winter three years have given research The Tompkins County Of- CORRECTIONS Counseling Center seeks If a package has been moved to presentations at professional scien- fice for the Aging is looking for volunteers during crises Phillips Hall, a blue card notifi cation tifi c meetings, including the highly volunteer snow shovelers to In the story “Joining at the Ithaca College’s Mental Health will be placed in the student’s mail- competitive National Conference help senior citizens in the win- Seams,” (Nov. 13), it was Response Team of the Counseling box. Packages will be forwarded to on Undergraduate Research. ter season. Many senior citizens reported that the Longview quil- Center is looking for volunteers to the permanent address on fi le if not Th e seminar is open to the cam- are not able to remove the snow ters meet during the afternoon. help students in distress in the case picked up by 2:30 p.m. Dec. 19. pus community. Refreshments will and ice from their sidewalks They meet from 7 to 9 p.m. of a campuswide crisis. During exam week, mail will be be served. without assistance. Thursdays. It was reported Th e Mental Health Response delivered to all residence hall mail- Volunteers interested in help- that the woman in the photo Team is made up of staff and faculty boxes, but the mail rooms will not Local temple to celebrate ing seniors by shoveling or plow- was Carol John. The woman in who can be called upon in the case be staff ed. Hanukkah with community ing, on either a paid or volunteer the photo is Aafke Steenhuis. of a campuswide emergency. Th e Temple Beth-El is planning its basis, should call the Tompkins It was also reported that the Mental Health Response Team’s Student biologists to host annual community celebration of County Office for the Aging Senior to Senior program was goal is to provide basic mental- research symposium for all Hanukkah from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 274-5482. started by the Gerontology Clinic. It was part of a project health support to members of the Th e biology department will Sunday at the temple, located on taught by John. campus involved in a crisis and basic host a junior research symposium the corner of Court and Tioga Donations needed to help information about human response at 4 p.m. tomorrow in the Center streets. Th e festival is free and local dogs without homes It is The Ithacan’s policy to to crisis and referral information for For Natural Sciences 112. As part of open to the public. Th e Cayuga Dog Rescue is look- correct all errors of fact. further support and services. the biology major, all students must This year, the temple is spon- ing for fi nancial donations for veter- Please contact Jackie Palochko For more information, call Suki carry out one semester of research soring a children’s storybook inary costs and is accepting supplies at 274-3207. Montgomery at 274-3136 or e-mail under the supervision of a faculty program for Ithaca-area Jewish such as dog beds, toys and treats. her at [email protected]. member in the department. families, called The PJ Library. Th e Cayuga Dog Rescue saves COPY EDITORS Th roughout the yearlong pro- Books from the collection will be abused, abandoned and stray dogs Mail services to change cess, student biologists have con- on display. and provides full veterinary care and Paloma Altamirano, Khadijah An- schedule during exams ducted research, submitted written The festival will include mu- rehabilitation for dogs in foster homes derson, Alexa Besgen, Rebecca Mail packages that have not reports and given oral presentations sic, food, books and children’s ac- while they wait to be adopted. Burns, David Durrett, Jennifer been picked up from residence to the biology department about tivities. Gift items and books will Donations are being ac- Eckl, Maggie Himba, Heather Karschner, Lauren Kaufman, Cas- hall mail rooms by Friday will be their projects. be on sale during the day, and a cepted online by credit card at sandra Leveille, Mary Kate Mur- moved to the Phillips Hall Post Research eff orts by majors in craft activity will take place from www.cayugadogrescue.org or by phy, Tahleen Ovian, Brittany Rose, Office for pickup during exam the department often result in 1 to 3 p.m. sending a check to Cayuga Dog Res- Emmy Schwartz, Juliana Stiles, week. The Phillips Hall Post Of- publications in peer-reviewed sci- For more information, call cue, PO Box 722, Ithaca, NY 14851. Samantha Tibbetts, Benjamin fice is open 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., entifi c journals. During the past 273-5775 or visit the Web site at For more information, e-mail White-Patarino, Chris Zivalich. Monday through Friday. fi ve years, 40 undergraduates in www.tbeithaca.org. [email protected]. Thursday, December 11, 2008 NEWS The Ithacan 3 Month marks anniversary with Longview More than BY GILLIAN SMITH 200 students CONTRIBUTING WRITER Ithaca College celebrates the 10th anniversary of its partnership with Longview, a senior community, to graduate this month and looks forward to another decade of successful collaboration. BY MATT BIDDLE Th e original Ithacare Center, a not-for-profi t CONTRIBUTING WRITER organization, was established in a renovated dorm Ithaca College will celebrate in 1974, and in 1992 the college donated 28 acres of the graduation of 271 students in land for the new facility, to be called Longview. Th e a reception at 1 p.m. on Sunday in project was fi nished in November 1998, complete Emerson Suites. Th e Offi ce of the with 101 individual living units and 60 adult beds. Registrar lists 171 undergraduate John Krout, director and professor of gerontol- and 100 graduate students set to ogy, has worked closely with both Longview and graduate this month. college community members to help develop the Brian McAree, vice president of programmatic approach to connecting the resi- student aff airs and campus life, said dents and students. He said a major focus is on the this reception is not a substitute for dual benefi t of the partnership between the col- the traditional May commence- lege and Longview. ment ceremonies and December “We do programmatic activities at Longview graduates can attend both events. and on campus that enhance the quality of life for He said about 80 to 90 graduates residents, as well as students, and also contribute typically attend the reception. to their life experiences and education,” Krout said. “Symbolically, [the reception] “Th ey do activities such as quilting, exercise and re- is a way to say, ‘Congratulations,’ ally anything that both the students and residents Jess Berman ’07 takes a service learning class with Longview resident Dorothy Broadwell last year as and we, the college, recognize that can participate in or want to learn.” part of the college’s Longview partnership that links college students to the residential community. you’re formally leaving campus,” Krout said residents enjoy when students teach COURTESY OF THE ITHACA COLLEGE GERONTOLOGY INSTITUTE McAree said. them new skills and the feeling is reciprocated. Th e McAree said students choose to students have much to learn from the residents — in touch with each other,” Stoscheck said. around,” Higgins said. “We, as students, are able to graduate in December for a variety information that they couldn’t learn in classrooms. Stoscheck also said the partnership is a great learn so much from the residents as well. [Th ey] are of reasons, especially students who “Th ere’s this life experience that the people at feature of Longview, something most colleges a wealth of knowledge, and they love to have their have completed all of their credits Longview have that doesn’t match the kind of digital and resident facilities don’t have. brains picked.” because of transferring Advanced knowledge that our students have,” Krout said. “To have such a close collaboration, where Senior Seth Tucker volunteered for a semester Placement credits. Each semester since the opening of Longview, students are so involved in the life of the com- at Longview with a Leisure and Aging class to help “Th ey’re able to graduate early approximately 300 students, two dozen faculty munity here at Longview, is a very great benefi t improve the walking path at Longview. He said he to save a semester of tuition, room members and a handful of staff have participated in to the residents,” Stoscheck said learned something practical, like how to garden, and and board,” he said. programs held both at Longview and at the college. Senior Sabrina Higgins has been working at at the same time he learned how to interact with the A.J. Mizes, senior class presi- Christine Pogorzala, assistant professor of aging Longview for two years. She said she helps teach residents without feeling obligated. dent, said some students are anx- studies and Ithaca College-Longview coordinator, basic computer skills such as typing, Internet and “We didn’t feel like we were just working to im- ious to break into the workforce. said she continues to be impressed by the consistent e-mail use. She said residents are able to take advan- prove the trail for the residents but rather learning John Fracchia, assistant director number of student participants. She said she also tage of the opportunities many students have avail- and teaching each other,” Tucker said. “I know the for employer relations at the Offi ce believes that the strength of the partnership is a ma- able to them like assisting them in household chores bond that has been created will continue to benefi t of Career Services, said many De- jor benefi t to both students and the residents. or taking residents on weekly shopping trips. everyone for years to come.” cember graduates might be nervous “I have been amazed at the continued interest — Higgins said she believes the program also allows Pogorzala said she believes the collaboration has about fi nding a job midyear. it has never slacked off ,” Pogorzala said. “Th e inter- the Longview residents to take part in a “life-long been an incredible success and looks forward to the “Sometimes December grads generational contact is just a win-win situation, it’s learning process” and sees a major benefi t for the next decade. feel that because so many recruit- very positive. It’s a wonderful partnership.” students as well. Th e elderly benefi t from the collab- “It works because of all the diff erent people in- ment cycles are targeted towards Claudia Stoscheck, a case manager at Longview oration because they are able to participate and in- volved,” Pogorzala said. “If it weren’t for the positive the May grad that they’re at a dis- and college affi liate, said students and residents form teract with students and are able to take something participation of the students, residents, faculty and advantage, but I don’t think that’s relationships that extend beyond the projects. away from it every time, Higgins said. staff , it wouldn’t work so well. I can’t believe it’s al- necessarily the case,” he said. “Even after the semester is over, they will keep “Longview residents love having younger people ready been 10 years.” Th e senior class chose Susan Avery, associate professor of music education and adviser for Ithacap- pella, as keynote speaker. Avery said she plans to empha- Professor’s class in India size continuing to learn outside the classroom in her speech. After a lengthy nomination canceled after attacks process Mizes said Avery was chosen because of her commit- BY KATHY LALUK its study abroad policy. ment to students. STAFF WRITER “Before the offi cial travel warning “She was always the best per- As the semester winds down, came out, we were thinking we might son to approach for advice,” he said. many students are already clamoring have to cancel the trip,” she said. “But “She’s just an incredible professor.” about their plans for the winter holi- once the Department of State issued Avery said she is especially day. But one professor’s plans to teach the warning, it was a done deal.” proud to address her former stu- in India during break were canceled Th e three-credit course, “Expe- dents at the reception. after terrorist attacks made the region riencing India: Th e Anthropological “I will have a very special feel- unsafe for travel. Field School,” was proposed by De- ing when I look at them — as well A series of coordinated terrorist nise Nuttall, assistant professor of an- as the other graduates — but I’ve attacks on hotels, crowded subway thropology, and would have sent fi ve seen them on their journey and that stations, banks and hospitals shook students to live just north of Mumbai Denise Nuttall, assistant professor of anthropology and coordinator of the makes it very special,” she said. India’s commercial capital of Mum- and learn about India’s artistic, musi- “Experiencing India” trip that was canceled, sits yesterday in her offi ce. During the reception, Presi- bai, formerly Bombay, beginning cal and religious culture. DIANA COWDERY/THE ITHACAN dent Tom Rochon will address the Nov. 26. Th e siege lasted three days Nuttall said she chose India par- graduates before they hear remarks and claimed nearly 200 lives, according tially because of her strong connec- “It wouldn’t be very safe for us to “We’ll cross that bridge when we from Mizes, Avery and Marsha to the Associated Press. After several tion to the country — she has traveled go there right now,” she said. “As much come to it,” she said. “For now, things Eger ’70, executive director of alum- veiled accusations that Pakistan was there several times, written scholarly as we’d all like to go on the trip, [we] are being set up for another trip, so I’m ni programs. Eger said she plans to involved, Indian offi cials announced articles about the culture and even have to put safety fi rst in this case.” hopeful that things will work out.” introduce graduates to the college’s Tuesday the names of nine Islamic plays tablas, a type of Indian drum. Cullenen said the college doesn’t Nuttall said she is optimistic things network of alumni. militants suspected in the attacks, all “I’ve been going [to India] for 15 usually run into this problem, as it will settle down in the region. She said “I want our graduates to know of whom were allegedly Pakistani. years,” she said “I know Bombay like does not host programs, directly or she plans to travel to India as soon as that Ithaca College just doesn’t end Th e U.S. Department of State the back of my hand.” through affi liates, in countries that the travel advisory is lifted and hopes when they drive away from our declared a travel alert for India last Nuttall said though students were have travel warnings. She did say, she will be able to off er students the beautiful campus,” she said. “No Tuesday. According to the State De- disappointed, all but one, who is grad- however, if students want to study chance to visit the country. matter where they go, they’re going partment’s Web site, travel alerts are uating, were still interested in going abroad in a country with a travel warn- “To live the life, to hear the music, to fi nd other alumni.” issued for countries that “pose im- once the advisory is lifted. ing, such as Israel, they can apply for a to learn the dance, to see the temples, Senior Chelsea Dobson will at- minent risks to the security of U.S. “I knew there would be disappoint- leave of absence from the college and everything,” she said. “It’s very impor- tend the reception with her family citizens” on a short-term basis and are ment,” she said. “Th eir dedication to go through a nonaffi liated program. tant in terms of the creation of global because her graduate school plans typically issued because of terrorist at- taking this course is quite real, and Cullenen said the college might re- citizenship. As India is one of the two may prevent her from walking at tacks or political unrest in the region. their passion for it did not falter at all.” off er the course next summer or win- main cultures literally rising on the the May ceremony. When the U.S. Department of Sophomore Nancy Webster, who ter, depending on whether the travel other side of the world, I don’t think “I’m excited to graduate be- State issued a travel warning for was planning to go to India, said she advisory has been lifted. we should miss out on that.” cause I’m very excited to go to grad India, Rachel Cullenen, director of was disappointed with the cancella- Webster said she hopes the confl ict school,” she said. “But it’s nerve- study abroad programs, said the col- tion but said she understood why the is resolved by next summer so the col- Staff Writer Anne Gould North- racking because I don’t have a job lege had to cancel the trip as part of college will not to send students. lege can send students to India again. graves contributed to this story. lined up.” 4 The Ithacan NEWS Thursday, December 11, 2008 Options available for off -campus living Meeting APARTMENTS marks fi rst FROM PAGE 1 their senior year to live at 313 S. Auro- of its kind ra St. were not expecting a fi re that left them temporarily homeless on Oct. MEETING 10. Th ey were able to turn to Ithaca FROM PAGE 1 College for immediate housing in Em- in my own recollection, [ALANA erson Suites for the fi rst weekend and faculty] never got called into some- a meal plan during midterms. thing like this,” Tsegaye said. Senior Steve Keller said the com- Subramaniam also said this was pany that managed their house, PPM a historic meeting and praised and Homes, was cooperative with the stu- commended Rochon for discussing dents’ requests, but didn’t do anything diversity issues with the group. beyond what could be expected. “We put a lot of our feelings and “Th ey didn’t go out of the way to thoughts on the table, and [Rochon] accommodate for us, but they agreed said, ‘I’m here to listen, whatever to what we needed,” Keller said. “Th ey you feel from your heart put it on provided storage, helped pay for the the table, and I will be willing to lis- electric bill that month and the cable ten,’” Subramaniam said. bill, which was nice, but we all thought Subramaniam said one of the they should do it anyways.” main issues discussed at the closed Newberg said he took his problem meeting was how to improve re- to the City Building Department. An cruitment and retention of minor- inspector was sent over to look at the ity faculty at the college. pipes and told Newberg he thought “When we come in as faculty there were two places with asbestos, we are welcomed, but we do not From left Ithaca resident Melinda Staniszewska, senior Ines Cordoba and resident Lynne PieRose get to know each Newberg said. feel included in the family,” he said. other in September at a brunch that brought together the South Hill Civic Association and students living off campus. “He assured me that my landlord BRIAN STERN/THE ITHACAN “Th at link is missing. A clear case of would have to have someone come this is the academic roundtable.” out, assess it and possibly remove it if Th e building department could Peter Penniman, general manager Huber took the session before he Some members of ALANA it poses a threat,” Newberg said. not be reached for comment. of PPM Homes, said he enjoys work- moved off campus his junior year, but questioned why Rochon had not A week later, the inspector called According to Graves, 70 percent of ing with students. said it didn’t help prepare him. approached members to participate with a diff erent answer. property in Ithaca is rental property, “We have a lot of systems in place “Th ere was no follow-up, and in the group once the applications “I get a call from that same inspec- and landlords have “a very easy ride.” to help them adjust,” Penniman said. once you move off campus you basi- were submitted and there was no tor saying my landlord doesn’t have to “If we can identify a problem, we “We know that there’s some basic in- cally get no more communication,” representation of minority faculty. remove it,” Newberg said. “I’ve been can get on it, and we can push the city formation that they need when they he said. “Res Life is not a part of my “What are you trying to say by trying to fi gure out why since and have to get on it also,” Graves said. never lived in an apartment before.” life anymore.” not having those voices?” Tsegaye not been getting straight answers.” While the South Hill Civic Asso- Th e Offi ce of Residential Life also Eff orts to bring together students said. “Up front it looks weird.” Bill Onley, owner of the Newberg’s ciation is looking to increase its pres- provides a place on its Web site that and the community are in place. A Rochon said he advertised the apartment., said the matter went be- ence, Graves said he is afraid that new includes frequently asked questions for joint brunch with the South Hill Civic roundtable in multiple venues. He fore the building department, and it noise ordinances passed in Ithaca left students to read before signing a lease. Association and the college took place was sure that all faculty knew about declared it was not a problem. bad feelings with the students. According to Koenig, students in the beginning of the year. the committee, and those who “Th e only time it would be a prob- Senior Cornell Woodson, presi- must take an online informational “A lot of students showed up, and wanted to apply had done so. lem, they said, if there was construc- dent of Student Government Asso- course before moving off campus. everyone had a good time,” Graves “Being new to the college, I did tion there and you were disturbing it,” ciation, said he thinks the South Hill Other than that, Koenig said Residen- said. “Th at was a good ice-breaking not at that point feel I had the per- he said. “If it was loose and hanging Civic Association is looking to restrict tial Life doesn’t keep close communi- thing, but it’s not like working on sonal relationships necessary to ask and a threat to come down.” college students’ rights off campus cation with students off campus. problems where you have to sit down individual faculty members why Onley, who has owned the building and said students don’t come to the Koenig said she understands why ... and fi gure out a solution.” they had not applied,” he said. for almost 20 years, said the building meetings because they feel targeted. students chose to take that step and With several diff erent outlets for Tsegaye said he and the department checks the apartments While Woodson said he thinks the separate themselves from the conve- students living off campus, Newberg ALANA members weren’t inter- every three years, and he does general group has good ideas, he doesn’t think nient help of facilities or Public Safety said he might fi nd the support he ested in focusing on the negatives at maintenance whenever needed. its approach is eff ective. fi xing all the problems in rooms. needs to fi nd a solution. the luncheon but instead engaging “We’re constantly on the lookout “[Students] feel restricted,” he said. “It’ll give you the opportunity to “If it is asbestos, that’s a scary thing in a constructive conversation. for any problems in the house,” he “Th ey are paying $500 and $600 a learn what it’s like to live in a less con- to have to be living with,” Newberg “Th is is a moment where Ithaca said. “If there is a problem, we take month to live in these homes, and yet trolled environment,” she said. “Th ere said. “I might need their help for the College can cast its own shadows, care of it immediately.” they get treated like they’re aliens.” are diff erent life skills that you gain.” next step.” and we’ll be judged how we cast our shadow,” Tsegaye said. Barlas said one of the problems with diversity on campus is putting pressure on minorities themselves College continues to seek deferred gifts to start the conversation. “We expect that students of color MONEY will be the only ones to speak about FROM PAGE 1 race and racism as if white people have no obligation to be concerned that were received. Around $11.8 million additionally with those issues,” she said. came from deferred gifts that were promised to the Subramaniam said he is also college but not expected to be received until later, like pleased by recent changes made by a donation written into a will. the administration. Sgrecci said he makes annual donations to the According to Roger Richard- college by deducting money from his salary. son, associate vice president for “As long as I’m able to maintain my job, I will student aff airs and campus life, continue to try to be a regular donor for the college,” during former-President Peggy he said. “If for some reason my employment status R. Williams’ administration, the changed, then obviously I would have to reconsider.” President Advisory Committee Jeff Lippitt, professor of accounting, said he on Diversity reported to the vice too prefers to have his donations deducted from president of student aff airs and his salary, as it was more aff ordable to do so. campus life and the provost/vice “If you took a couple thousand dollars out of president of academic aff airs. one paycheck it’d hurt, but if you take it out over Now, the committee re- a period of time, it’s not as painful,” he said. ports directly to Rochon in Sgrecci said when he made a donation to the From left, Laura Badger ’07 assists another student phoner during the Ithaca Fund Phonathon last the chain of communication business school to name a room after his friend, Phil year in Alumni Hall. Student phoners call alumni to request donations to the college. regarding diversity. Tavelli, who passed away from pancreatic cancer in FILE PHOTO/THE ITHACAN Subramaniam said the main 2005, he made part of the donation with appreciated thing that needs to change at the stock. He said by donating stock he was able to by- “Next year, we could feel it, because I think we’re quests,” she said. college is the culture regarding pass the capital gains tax and give more. likely not to get a pay increase next year, ” she said. Swensen said she thought the college should do issues of diversity, something Susan Swensen, professor of biology, said she Semmler said deferred gifts are less useful more to let donors know about the possibility of do- that will take time. But he said he used to donate to her alma mater, Grinnell Col- for capital campaigns or other fundraising needs nating in alternative ways. She said she had not con- thinks the college and the new lege, but decided to start giving money to the col- that present pressing need for cash donations, sidered that option, as she did not have any appreci- administration are moving in the lege after realizing the college was in need. but they could still be converted to cash. ated property that she was willing to give away. right direction. Swensen said while tenured faculty do not feel “Th ere’s no reason not to accept deferred gifts, “Most of the time when you think about mak- “We gave [Rochon] a chance, the eff ects of the economic crisis as much as em- and, in fact, if you look at schools who have been ing a donation, we’re thinking about cash donations, and he came out with fl ying colors,” ployees in danger of losing their jobs, she said she fundraising longer than we have, one of the ways in and it’s not whether it’s stocks or whether [it is] some he said. “Th is is a historical moment, could be forced to scale back her donations. which they grow their endowment is through be- other kind of donation,” she said. I see change is coming, I can see it.” Thursday, December 11, 2008 NEWS The Ithacan 5

SEASONAL STEALING cards and ID out of the · The increase in crowds for sight of onlookers and HOLIDAY THIEVERY holiday shopping means write down personal info an increase in pick for the teller. pocketing. Minimize what · Personal information is As the holidays approach, students should be wary of identity theft, a crime that aff ects as many as is carried in a wallet and sometimes printed on 9 million people in the United States each year according to the Federal Trade Commission. avoid debit cards and gift receipts. Keep them extra credit cards. in a secure location rath- For Information Technology Services, it can be diffi cult to notice indications of a rise in identity · Holidays cause mailing er than throwing them in theft at Ithaca College because the crimes are not always reported to them but Dave Weil, director delays. However, if the the shopping bag. of Web Systems and Departmental Services, said there are more Internet and e-mail scams when wait for credit card bills · While mailboxes are over- from that holiday shop- crowded with junk letters people are doing more shopping online during the holidays. ping splurge takes longer and store promotions, than expected, contact make sure not to toss a People are vulnerable to identity theft both when shopping in stores and online. Staff writer Sa- the Postal Inspector’s of- credit card statement. mantha Allen compiled types of identity theft, Internet hazards and common schemes that occur fice. In case it may have Dumpster divers get des- over the holidays that students should watch out for. been stolen. perate this time of year. · “Shoulder surfing” is · Record purchases made common when shoppers online. Avoid using debit INBOX HAZARDS openopen up new accountsa cards and make sure the · Electronic greeting cards: Confi rm the sender’s withwith stores to cover their company is on a secure fi rst and last name in the subject content of largelarge holidayholiday purchases.p server site and the infor- your inbox. If the sender is unknown, it may MakeMake sure to keepk credit mation is encrypted. contain virus-ripping code that should be SOURCE: THE IDENTITY RESOURCE CENTER deleted immediately. · Fraudulent E-mails: Parties posing as UPS and FedEx may claim that a package you sent cannot be delivered and clicking the false link can infect your computer. Recent scams have also involved Mc- Donald’s and Coca-Cola coupons. Con- fi rm the information with the company fi rst before clicking or sending anything. OTHER TYPES OF IDENTITY THEFT SOURCE: ITHACA COLLEGE · “Phishing” Scams: E-mails · “Vishing” Scams: A variant on which many people know to INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SERVICES that literally “phish” out the phishing approach where be fraudulent. unsuspecting consumers. criminals use telephone sys- Fraudulent organizations will tems to contact unsuspecting · Text Messaging Scams: Crimi- urge the account holders to consumers. The Community nals send an alarming text, contact them immediately Federal Credit Union of Tomp- urging the receiver to contact with personal information kins County says that this them with personal informa- pretending to be a is an attempt to move away tion to verify an account or legitimate company. from the e-mail scam, activate a canceled ATM card.

SOURCE: CFCU FEDERAL CREDIT UNION AND WWW.MYCFCU.COM

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Your Closer Connection 6 The Ithacan Thursday, December 11, 2008

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Applications can be printed from the International Programs website at http://www.ithaca.edu/oip/abroad_apply.htm . *This deadline pertains only to students studying on an exchange, affiliated or non-affiliated program, not to those studying at the Please bring completed applications to the Office of International Ithaca College London Center. Programs, 214-2 Center for Health Sciences. 274-3306 ~ [email protected] For more information, contact the Office of International Programs 214-2 Center for Health Sciences ~ 274-3306 Thursday, December 11, 2008 NEWS The Ithacan 7 Downturn hits ski resorts BY KATHY LALUK Morrin said about 30 percent of Greek Peak STAFF WRITER customers are college students, so making the Since she was 4 years old, sophomore Ju- sport aff ordable is crucial to the resort’s busi- lie Levitt has spent every winter on the slopes. ness strategy. He also said many students from Levitt, secretary for Ithaca College’s ski and surrounding colleges work at the resort as in- snowboard club, IC Ride, said she is even more structors or in the rental equipment lodge. excited for this season — not just because of the “You’ve got to take into consideration that newly falling snow, but because of new incen- we’re surrounded,” he said. “We’ve got to think tives for skiers. about students because they make up a signifi - Local ski areas like Greek Peak, Labrador cant portion of our customer base and an even Mountain and Swain Ski Center opened weeks larger portion of our staff .” ago with more deals and discounts that make “As a skier or snowboarder, you come to ex- skiing aff ordable during economic downturn. pect prices to go up every season,” he said. “Rela- According to Kevin Morrin ’98, marketing tively speaking, we tried to keep prices from go- and sales director for ing up too much this year.” Greek Peak, prices for Senior Alex Scott, president of IC Ride, said preseason student tick- Check out a map of tickets jump every year, but compared to usual ets and other admission local ski resorts and prices, Greek Peak’s student passes are a bargain. tickets typically increase their deals at theitha- “It’s great that we get those savings just be- from year to year be- can.org/go/08ski. cause we’re students,” he said. “I really think cause of infl ation. But [they] helped us get more members this year.” this year’s preseason prices for IC Ride increased Scott said IC Ride sold about 80 season by only $10, compared to the $40 increases from passes this year — twice as many as last year. He the year before. said the group has never been so big, and the Morrin also said Greek Peak is off ering spe- goal of the club was to help students get special cial deals, such as student discounts on night discounts and to organize rides to and from the and day passes, which still cover operating costs mountain. Th e group will be holding its annual but help people cope with fi nancial concerns. “Ski Week” in January, when many members will Other nearby mountains are also off ering ev- return to Ithaca early to ski and ride together. erything from college nights with reduced rates Th ough the club is no longer selling passes, to discounted rates when skiers purchase more Scott said students can still join IC Ride’s Face- than four passes at a time. book group to organize rides. Morrin said he is more concerned with gas Levitt said she doesn’t think the economy prices and last year’s unusually short season will deter people from skiing, but it will force Watch a video from hurting profi t than economic eff ects. them to be more economical in terms of buying International Human He said skiers are less likely to take ski vaca- and renting equipment. Rights Day at the tions this year because of fi nancial concerns. “Skiing is a very expensive hobby,” she said. ithacan.org/ “People will still ski and ride, they’ll just do it “People are just less apt to buy newer equipment go/08rights. closer to home,” he said. “We hope people will because that’ll help cut down the costs.” still come out — eastern resorts are banking on Morrin said the economy has certainly raised it this season.” concerns, but the habitual nature of skiing will Celebrating human rights Levitt said she doesn’t think the economy help drive people to the mountain. From left senior Kendra Sundal, president of Ithaca College’s chapter of Amnesty International will discourage regular skiers and snowboarders “Skiing is a lifestyle choice,” he said. “People and junior Lindsey Humphreys set up tables for the group’s International Human Rights Day from hitting the slopes this season. who ski and ride will continue to do so no mat- held Monday in Emerson Suites. The day featured presentations and informational sessions. “Skiing is a bit of an affl uent hobby,” she said. ter what. [Skiing] is not economy-proof … but TJ GUNTHER/THE ITHACAN “People who tend to do it already have money.” we’re hopeful.” 8 The Ithacan Thursday, December 11, 2008 Thursday, December 11, 2008 NEWS The Ithacan 9

SELECTED ENTRIES FROM Public Safety Incident Log NOVEMBER 9 TO NOVEMBER 14

NOVEMBER 9 CCV/UNDERAGE POSS. OF ALCOHOL NOVEMBER 10 Person declined medical attention and tained a knee injury while playing bas- LOCATION: Circle Lot 1 was transported to CMC by family mem- ketball. Medical assistance was declined. CCV/UNDERAGE POSS. OF ALCOHOL SUMMARY: One person judicially referred for THEFT OF SERVICES ber. Master Patrol Offi cer Dirk Hightchew. Patrol Offi cer Peter Wright. LOCATION: Circle Lot 1 underage possession of alcohol and provid- LOCATION: Lyon Hall SUMMARY: Offi cer reported one person ing false information. Sergeant Terry O’Pray. SUMMARY: Offi cer reported people il- FIRE ALARM CRIMINAL MISCHIEF was judicially referred for underage pos- legally sharing cable TV service. Four LOCATION: School of Communications LOCATION: Unknown location session of alcohol and open container of CCV/DISRUPTIVE/EXCESSIVE NOISE people referred judicially for criminal SUMMARY: Fire alarm activation caused SUMMARY: Person reported unknown alcohol. Security Offi cer Tony Roush. LOCATION: J-Lot conduct. Sergeant Bill Kerry. by burnt food. System reset. Fire Protec- person damaged license plate on a ve- SUMMARY: Person reported two people tion Specialist Enoch Perkins. hicle. Pending investigation. Patrol Offi cer CCV/UNDERAGE POSS. OF ALCOHOL having verbal argument. Two people ju- LARCENY Daniel Bechtold. LOCATION: Circle Lot 1 dicially referred for noise. Master Patrol LOCATION: Circle Apartments MEDICAL ASSIST/INJURY RELATED SUMMARY: Offi cer reported one per- Offi cer Dirk Hightchew. SUMMARY: Caller reported unknown per- LOCATION: Hill Center CRIMINAL TAMPERING son was judicially referred for underage son stole construction equipment. Some SUMMARY: Caller reported a person LOCATION: O-Lot possession of alcohol. Security Offi cer LARCENY items recovered. Pending investigation. received a laceration over the eye SUMMARY: Caller reported unknown person Tony Roush. LOCATION: Circle Apartments Master Patrol Offi cer Donald Lyke. while playing soccer. Person transport- tampered with a vehicle. Pending investiga- SUMMARY: Caller reported unknown per- ed to CMC by a friend. Patrol Officer tion. Master Patrol Offi cer Dirk Hightchew. CCV/UNDERAGE POSS. OF ALCOHOL son stole an iPod and musical instruments. THEFT OF SERVICES Peter Wright. LOCATION: East Tower Pending investigation. Master Patrol Offi cer LOCATION: Lyon Hall NOVEMBER 14 SUMMARY: Caller reported an unco- Dirk Hightchew. SUMMARY: Offi cer reported people il- NOVEMBER 13 operative person with alcohol. One legally sharing cable TV service. Four CCV/UNDERAGE POSS. OF ALCOHOL person judicially referred for underage CRIMINAL MISCHIEF people referred judicially for criminal UNLAWFUL POSS. OF MARIJUANA LOCATION: Circle Apartments possession of alcohol. SASP. LOCATION: Circle Lot 13 conduct. Sergeant Terry O’Pray. LOCATION: East Tower SUMMARY: Two people judicially SUMMARY: Offi cer reported people SUMMARY: One person judicially referred referred for noise violation and under- CRIMINAL TAMPERING jumped on a vehicle and caused dam- NOVEMBER 11 for unlawful possession of marijuana. Pa- age possession of alcohol. One ad- LOCATION: Circle Lot 8 age. Two people judicially referred for trol Offi cer Jeffrey Austin. ditional person referred for underage SUMMARY: Caller reported unknown criminal mischief. Master Patrol Offi cer CRIMINAL MISCHIEF possession of alcohol. Patrol Officer person removed a sign from the ground. Dirk Hightchew. LOCATION: East Tower SAFETY HAZARD/ENVIR. HAZARD Jeffrey Austin. Pending investigation. Master Patrol SUMMARY: Caller reported unknown LOCATION: H-Lot Offi cer Dirk Hightchew. CASE STATUS CHANGE person damaged the light in an eleva- SUMMARY: Caller reported vehicle leaked FOR THE COMPLETE SAFETY LOG, LOCATION: Garden Apartments tor. Pending investigation. Patrol Offi cer gasoline. Environmental Health and Ser- go to www.theithacan.org/news CCV/UNDERAGE POSS. OF ALCOHOL SUMMARY: One person judicially referred Jeffrey Austin. vices cleaned areas. Pending investiga- LOCATION: Circle Lot 1 for creating a hazardous condition in ref- tion. Environmental Safety Specialist SUMMARY: Offi cer reported a person with erence to an incident reported Nov. 8. NOVEMBER 12 Mark Ross. KEY alcohol. One person judicially referred Sergeant Ronald Hart. for underage possession of alcohol and FOUND PROPERTY MEDICAL ASSIST/INJURY RELATED CMC – Cayuga Medical Center providing false information. Sergeant CASE STATUS CHANGE LOCATION: Williams Hall LOCATION: Hood Hall CCV – College Code Violation Terry O’Pray. LOCATION: Offi ce of Public Safety SUMMARY: Glasses found and turned SUMMARY: Caller reported person DWI – Driving while intoxicated SUMMARY: One person was issued an over to Public Safety. Unknown owner. As- accidentally fell and sustained a leg IFD – Ithaca Fire Department CCV/UNDERAGE POSS. OF ALCOHOL appearance ticket for town of Ithaca sistant Director Laura Durling. injury. Person transported to CMC by IPD – Ithaca Police Department LOCATION: Circle Apartments court for criminal possession of a con- ambulance. Sergeant Terry O’Pray. MVA – Motor vehicle accident SUMMARY: Offi cer reported a noise and trolled substance in the seventh degree MEDICAL ASSIST/INJURY RELATED RA – Resident assistant alcohol complaint. Three people judicially in reference to an incident originally re- LOCATION: Campus Center MEDICAL ASSIST/INJURY RELATED SASP – Student Auxiliary Safety Patrol referred for underage possession of alco- ported Nov. 4 in the East Tower. Patrol Of- SUMMARY: Caller reported a person ac- LOCATION: Hill Center V&T – Vehicle and Transportation hol. Master Patrol Offi cer Dirk Hightchew. fi cer Peter Wright. cidentally fell and sustained a head injury. SUMMARY: Caller reported person sus- BECOME ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR REAL STORIES. REAL COVERAGE.

APPLICATIONS FOR THE PAID POSITION ON THE ITHACAN’S EDITORIAL BOARD ARE NOW AVAILABLE IN PARK 269. Applications are due by 5 p.m. Monday in Park 269. THE ITHACAN 10 The Ithacan OPINION Thursday, December 11, 2008

EDITORIALS OFF-CAMPUS EDUCATION Students and professors benefi t from participation in activist eff orts in settings outside the classroom

or all the knowledge to be gained in a classroom or from a book, the best learning experiences Fare often the ones encountered in person. Th ose who traveled in November to Fort Benning, Ga., to learn about the activities of the School of the Americas can attest to that. Five students joined Patricia Rodri- guez, assistant professor of politics, and 20,000 others to protest at the gates of SOA, calling for an end to this institution, which has produced some of the most brutal dictators the world has known. Some of the graduates of SOA have been the bearers of devastating oppression and have instigated the violent rupture of countless families and cultures across Latin America. Many young people attend college hoping to become involved in a meaningful activity, something outside the bubble of their own aff airs. Programs like the trip to SOA provide chances to do just that. Other such opportunities are off ered at the college — for example, Alicia Swords, assistant professor of sociology, takes a group of students to the Domini- can Republic each year to work with grassroots organizations fi ghting for social change. Th ese kinds of activities allow students to apply real-world experiences to their class work and at the same time pursue their passions and activist interests. Th ese projects also allow professors to act upon strongly YOUR LETTERS held political and social beliefs without fear of in- fringing upon their classroom duties. In this way, it is Professor faced criticism for views freedom as put forth in the op-ed titled country, from Th anksgiving until the rstfi one solution to the dispute about academic freedom When asked by reporters from The “Choosing a battle” (Nov. 20). Accord- day of Hanukkah, almost everyone in this and political expression in the classroom. Ithacan whether Ithaca College prac- ing to the author, Students for Academic country says “Happy Hanukkah” as the de Th e young men and women who attended the tices academic freedom, I responded, Freedom should “avoid getting tied up facto greeting. Blue and white lights are activities at SOA should be applauded for their resolve without hesitation, that it does. More- helping to fi ght a tenure battle for [As- everywhere. At the beginning of Decem- — merely traveling to Georgia must have been diffi cult over, while I understand that some of sociate professor of sociology Margo] ber, Al Roker hosts the unveiling of a 90- in this economic climate. Th e fact is that many of these my views might be controversial, no Ramlal-Nankoe and focus on the issue foot menorah at Rockefeller Center. programs rely on the school’s assistance, and even administrator has ever tried to censor for which the group is named.” Th e article Now try to imagine how it would though the college is looking for ways to curb spend- or silence me during the 20 years I have suggests that joining together to demand feel when a Jewish student from Ithaca ing, we urge schools and departments not to cut fund- taught in the writing department. a professor be kept on staff after being College argues in the school paper that ing from these programs. If the money does dry up, we What I did not say is that while denied tenure for reasons other than her her right to express her religious freedom encourage students to seek other means by which to academic freedom is alive and well at the teaching ability is not focusing on the is impinged upon by those who want to realize these opportunities. Th e knowledge gained by college, there nevertheless exists a kind of issue of academic freedom. Th is could not keep her from saying “Happy Hanukkah,” the students who traveled to Fort Benning will impact tacit agreement that certain subjects ought be further from the truth. completely ignoring the fact that more the rest of their lives, and their contribution to the not to be discussed openly and honestly. According to the Association of Ameri- than three-fourths of the people in this learning environment at the college is invaluable. I speak, of course, about the confl ict be- can Colleges and Universities, “to explore country are Jewish, every president in tween the Israeli government and the Pal- signifi cant and controversial questions the country’s history has been Jewish and estinian people. Th e agreement seems to is an essential precondition to fulfi ll the many stores in her town are closed on be that when and if one does speak about academy’s mission of educating students Saturdays to celebrate the Sabbath. Th en FAMILIAR FACES this confl ict, certain restrictions need and advancing knowledge.” We need convert this imaginary America into one Despite need to cut costs, deans should apply. Indeed, criticizing Israel will not be professors like Ramlal-Nankoe in schools ruled by Islam, Buddhism, atheism or any recognize value of full-time professors tolerated. Th ose who dare to break this so that students will no longer have a one- other minority religious identifi cation. and keep adjunct hires at a minimum taboo will quickly fi nd themselves labeled sided view on global and domestic issues. Ms. Glandz, I surely understand the extremists, or worse, even by people they It is not fair for anyone to decide what desire to celebrate one’s religion, but out he point has been belabored already, but again, had assumed were open-minded support- one can and cannot learn and denying of respect for those in the “giant mosaic of Ithaca College will have to make signifi cant ers of peace and social justice. Ramlal-Nankoe’s tenure infringes on the ac- diff erent cultures,” as you describe the U.S., Tbudget cuts in the coming months. While it is I speak not from mere observation, ademic freedom of students. I was happy to I refrain from off ering my “Happy Hanuk- up to the respective, cash-strapped departments to but from experience. At fi rst, I was hear that a student organization has started kahs” to anyone but those who share my make decisions regarding staff , we hope the deans will surprised by the insults, name-calling in support of Ramlal-Nankoe and hope that faith. I would hope you save your “Merry heed the advice of Provost Kathleen Rountree and and threats. If I criticized my own nation, more students will get involved. To those Christmases” and “yuletide exclamations” resist the temptation to hire more adjunct professors. why couldn’t I criticize other nations? No who do not agree with the Students for for those who share your faith as well. Th e relationships students build with their problem, said my critics, with the excep- Academic Freedom, start another organiza- professors is vital, especially at smaller colleges. It is tion of one inviolable country. tion on campus with diff erent, clearly stated EMILY EPSTEIN ’09 no fault of adjuncts, but it is often more diffi cult to Perhaps Assistant professor of sociol- goals. By twisting the defi nition of academic ogy Margo Ramlal-Nankoe’s struggle freedom to fi t into a neatly folded box, establish strong bonds with part-time faculty. Th ey LETTER POLICY simply aren’t around as much, and that can become for tenure will create the possibility for you are playing into the hands of the same an honest, open discussion about the people who wish to limit what you can and The Ithacan welcomes correspon- a problem when students are looking for recom- dence from all readers. Please mendations, internships and general guidance. decades-old tragedy in the Middle East. cannot learn in a classroom. include your name, graduation year, Th ese services require that professors are familiar I’m sure that the majority of students, staff organizational or college title/posi- academically and personally with their students and and faculty would welcome this dialogue. MICHELLE GADOT ’06 tion and phone number. Letters must that students are comfortable with their professors. be 250 words or less. The Ithacan In the instance when a student does form that bond FRED A. WILCOX Respect faiths during holidays reserves the right to edit letters for with an adjunct, the professor is soon gone. Professor, Department of Writing I would like to ask Shanan Glandz, length, clarity and taste. All letters must be received by 5 p.m. the the author of “Holidays lost in ambigu- Times are tough for colleges everywhere, but Monday before publication. All letters continuity is truly a virtue in an academic setting Academic freedom narrowly defi ned ity,” to imagine for a moment an America must be signed, submitted in writing — one which should be honored even in the most I am writing today in order to com- where Christianity is not the dominant and either e-mailed to ithacan@ diffi cult of times. ment on the meaning of academic religion but only a small minority. In this ithaca.edu or delivered to Park 269.

269 Roy H. Park Hall, Ithaca College [email protected] The Ithacan Ithaca, N.Y. 14850-7258 www.theithacan.org (607) 274-3208 | Fax (607) 274-1376

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IN FOCUS: FACULTY RESEARCH

Fight against HIV/AIDS requires coordination OUTO OOFF THET have been doing research in Lesotho, south- BLUEBL ern Africa, since 1987. In the 1990s, Lesotho emerged as having one of the highest infection I SHAUN POUST rates in the world for HIV/AIDS, and I committed myself to helping design and implement a culturally specifi c intervention aimed at reducing the spread and impact of HIV/AIDS. I have been working in Fighting a war collaboration with colleagues from the University of South Florida and the National University of for Christmas Lesotho to secure funding for a long-term, interdis- ciplinary intervention aimed at reducing poverty, hat’s in a name? Th at strengthening immune systems by boosting agri- which we call a rose cultural output and nutritional intake, and reducing Wby any other name transmission of HIV through culturally specifi c would smell as sweet. education administered through peer groups. What indeed is in a name? My colleagues and I submitted a proposal to What if my “garbage” is your the National Institute for Health in response to “rose.” Confusing, yes, but who’s a closely matched “request for proposals” but to say you’re correct? were not funded because our team was seen as You can’t monopolize the inter- not having demonstrated a successful working pretation of words — they are in relationship. In response, we held multiple meet- the public sphere, and people will ings to develop methods and measures, and we make of it what they will. published and presented extensively on our work. From left, David Turkon, assistant professor of anthropology, sits with Chief Lerotholi of Motsitseng, Th is is certainly applicable to A second submission to NIH was rejected because Lesotho. Turkon worked with leaders in Lesotho to organize a community-based HIV/AIDS program. Charles Darwin and Friedrich we lacked infrastructure for carrying out a large- PHOTO COURTESY OF DAVID TURKON Nietzsche, both of whom would be scale, community-based development program. care and poverty reduction. Similarly, dominant I am strongly committed to moving forward ill if they knew how their ideas were To address this shortfall, we explored partnerships prevention eff orts are designed to appeal to rational with the multidisciplinary research and interven- used to advance the agendas of the with numerous nongovernmental organizations in choice motivated by access to good information in tion in Lesotho. I have come to see as equally Social Darwinists and the Th ird Re- Lesotho and in May 2008 partnered with Catholic the marketplace of ideas. Such approaches have had important the need to demonstrate the benefi ts of ich respectively. It is also true for the Relief Services. CRS has excellent infrastructure, limited success, especially outside middle-class ur- culturally specifi c understandings to AIDS inter- holidays, which manifest in both has demonstrated long-term commitment to the ban areas. Interventions tailored around culturally ventions and the validity of poverty reduction and traditional and secularized forms. communities it works with and does not proselytize specifi c understandings of health are far more ef- sustainable development as means for motivating We would be well to remem- nor require church membership as a precondition fective, especially ones that empower communities and empowering behavioral change. Perhaps the ber that words are not ideas. Not for inclusion in its programs. We are now in a posi- to take ownership of their problems and solutions. most important lesson I have learned from my everything that goes by the name tion to pursue NIH funding for a third time. I was recently elected Chair of the AIDS and work on HIV/AIDS is that the greatest amount of “Darwinism” is the same, and not A major problem I have come to recognize is Anthropology Research Group, a national orga- culture change is needed on our side of the battle all Christmases are the same — the fragmented approach to HIV/AIDS that results nization. I am using this position to advocate for if we are going to contribute toward advances. It is nor do they seek to be. Regardless from multiple nongovernmental organizations more culturally specifi c and interdisciplinary HIV/ our own biases and priorities that prevent us from of what it originally celebrated, working in uncoordinated fashion. NGOs, empow- AIDS interventions by having AARG membership seeing what the driving forces behind this pan- for many it is the celebration of ered as national health systems in many countries, contribute to a policy document that we will submit demic are, assisting those who suff er from it, taking giving, getting and eating. were dismantled under pressure to privatize by the to UNAIDS and similar organizations, which set re- ownership of the problem and bringing about posi- One might argue that this is World Bank and International Monetary Fund. search and funding priorities for HIV/AIDS. I have tive change on their own terms rather than ours. not the true meaning of Christmas Also problematic is the fact that funding priorities already negotiated help targeting senior offi cers because it doesn’t relate to the fi rst privilege narrowly conceived clinical strategies that from organizations such as Pangaea Global AIDS DAVID TURKON is an assistant professor of anthro- meaning of Christmas. Such a per- favor treatment over holistic approaches to health Foundation and the Center for Disease Control. pology. E-mail him at [email protected]. son assumes that older interpreta- tions are always superior to newer ones, forgetting that those who do GUEST COMMENTARY not subscribe to his set of beliefs do not place a higher value on the traditional meaning of Christmas. Life lessons and adventures are not limited by age People whine about the “War on Christmas.” (Th e War on n life, you have the choice to ei- and I went on a four-hour shopping Christmas, I should add, is part of ther be bitter about the process excursion to Wal-Mart. Every time the trend of battling abstract con- Iof aging or to embrace it genu- I went to see Frances, she also never cepts, such as terror. Grief, anger inely. Th is past summer, I had the failed to mention her latest accom- and fatigue are next.) Th ese people opportunity to confront the realities plishment from the list of things to do primarily lament two aspects of of this choice before the age of 100. the secularization of Christmas — when I took I caught the 6:45 bus home every the refusal to celebrate the holiday an internship evening. One day while I was waiting for its religious signifi cance in interacting with for the bus to arrive, I asked some of schools and the commercialization older adults. the residents sitting outside with me of the holiday by businesses. Along a if they were waiting too. Th e fi rst is easily dealt with by single run, Th e nearest woman replied, evoking the First Amendment, the TCAT “Honey, we ain’t waiting for no bus. for freedom of and freedom from Bus Route 15 We’re waiting for all it to be ova. We religion are rights. Religion can be stops twice at REINA ARGUEZA just gunna enjoy da breeze, see.” taught in schools, but it cannot be Titus Towers on I realized these residents were celebrated. Th e status of the secu- South Plain Street — Ithaca’s low- not optimistic or even accepting lar Christmas is less questionable income housing solution for older of their aging. Th ey were tired of and probably more common — it or disabled adults. Elders sit outside the natural progression of life and is therefore more commonly as if waiting for the bus to take them had given up. As they spend their celebrated in classrooms. From left, Sarah Reinzi speaks with Sandy Fuller during a Fourth of July barbe- to their last destination. But when it days sitting on a bench to watch the Th e commercialization of cue at Titus Towers, which provides low-income housing for senior citizens. comes around, they never get on. I PHOTO COURTESY OF TITAN TOWERS buses coming and going, time just Christmas is only a problem if always wondered — what were the as easily passes them by. one believes that the holiday must residents of Titus Towers doing if Dreading to go to work is not the resident in particular. Frances, a near- I concluded my internship be about Christ. But for many, they were not waiting for the bus? ideal way to start off a day. I decided blind woman of 92 years, was as feisty requirements within six weeks, but perhaps most, the holiday is about I had the opportunity to ask merely interacting with the group as they come. She was of a diff erent I took away the lesson of a life well precisely this commercialization. them when I began an internship of residents who were still physi- generation, but she was not behind lived. Decidedly, I would like to fi nd Th is is not evidence of a War on at the facility. From the beginning, cally active was not enough for my on the times. I was always impressed myself in the same predicament Christmas — it is evidence of a war I realized life at the Towers was personal or educational well-being. by Frances’ grace, and I looked Frances does daily — unsure only for Christmas. It is naive to assume not as quiet and simple as I had I introduced myself to some of the forward to the time I spent with her of what new adventure I should that the fi rst meaning of something expected. Th e residents were petty residents who were unable to leave every day. She was witty and warm, participate in today. When we reach is correct and that everything and manipulative. Th ey complained their apartments because of their intelligent and independent. Because older age, instead of wasting time henceforth is deviant. Traditional- about the latest off ense they had respective physical conditions. Soon, of her sight impairment, Frances felt away sitting at life’s perpetual bus ists, if they are to win this “war,” suff ered while spreading the latest I found that my hours were fl ying by she should be confi ned to her Towers stop, we should learn from Frances must have a more sophisticated gossip about another’s misfortunes. as I settled into the routine of visiting apartment. However, she continued and accomplish our own list of view of the situation, stop consid- Th e fi rst couple of weeks were fi ve residents every day. Th ey were to entertain a constant stream of visi- things to do before age 100. ering themselves correct de facto full of consistent drama worse welcoming, sincere and amicable. tors. With my companionship, Fran- and remember that religion and than what we all endured through Th ey were not at all like the less- ces was open to moving beyond the REINA ARGUEZA is a junior aging government cannot mix. middle school, and I was starting to than-pleasant group downstairs. comforts of her apartment — twice studies major. E-mail her at rar- regret accepting the internship. I spent the most time with one during my time at Titus Towers, she [email protected]. SHAUN POUST is a freshman journalism major. E-mail him at ALL OPINIONS EXPRESSED do not necessarily refl ect those ofThe Ithacan. To write a guest commentary, contact Opinion Editor Aaron King at 274-3208. [email protected]. 12 The Ithacan Thursday, December 11, 2008

Applications Available at the Office Of Residential Life from January 21 through February 3rd Email: [email protected] Phone: (607) 274-33141 Thursday, December 11, 2008 ACCENT The Ithacan 13 nual p n t’s an roduc ditio alle tio a a B n o tr ac f ‘Th Ith e N o he utcr er’ t k t ack n ar S i m es g iri t in fa epp m lu rp M ga ag su ical t and oys, mouse soldiers

BY BYARD DUNCAN Chicago’s Arie Crown Th eatre, Reid SENIOR WRITER said she has been pleased with the On a damp, chilly Tuesday evening production’s progress thus far. on North Plain Street in Ithaca, only “Everything has been amazingly a few illuminated houses murmur smooth,” she said. “I guess that’s the hints of holiday cheer. Th e rest do not big surprise.” twinkle, they slump, their darkened For others, the ballet’s rapid devel- angles drooping in perpetual, disin- opment is not so astonishing. Fresh- terested shrugs. Here, the groan of a man Teresa Lynn, a nine-year Ithaca passing car — normally a mere accent Ballet veteran, has tried on a number to a whizzing suburban symphony — of “Nutcracker” roles over the years. seems as abrasive as a jet engine. It’s She said as dancers compete for the 23 nights before Christmas, and all top spots, a combination of dedication through this neighborhood not a crea- and competition drives the rehearsals ture is stirring. forward at a rapid pace. Except perhaps 30 mice. And “‘Th e Nutcracker’ is always a an army of toy soldiers, animated gauging production,” she said. “It candies, fairies and gumdrop roy- kind of tells you where you are in the alty. Th ough hard to spot, they’re company – are you closer to the top certainly busy — crammed shoul- or are you less?” der to shoulder inside the Ithaca Lynn, who slices her days into Ballet’s angular studio, pointing neat segments in order to accommo- toes and polishing twirls. Th ey’re date both schoolwork and 20 hours fl owing in and out of kaleidoscopic of weekly ballet practice, said that formations, perfecting dances for certain things inevitably get pushed this year’s production of “Th e Nut- aside in the fi nal days before step- cracker,” slated to run at the State ping under the lights. Th eatre Dec. 12 to 14. “I generally do Christmas shop- Check out photos A tradition now nearing its 25th ping after ‘Th e Nutcracker,’” she from Saturday’s year, the Ithaca Ballet’s take on said laughing. “Nutcracker” rehearsal at theithacan.org/ the Tchaikovsky classic will enlist Th e show’s preparations are a go/08ballet. the participation of a few formally cooperative, community eff ort. Ac- trained professionals and aspir- cording to Reid, the fi nal perfor- Dancer Johann Studier holds freshman Teresa Lynn on his shoulder Saturday at the Ballet Center of Ithaca. The two will ing amateurs, along with dozens of mance’s gleaming precision is owed perform as the Snow King and Queen at the ballet’s production of “The Nutcracker” on Friday at the State Theatre. young children and eager parents. mainly to a large group of parents TJ GUNTHER/THE ITHACAN In spite of its enormous cast and backstage who have every nuance complex choreography, the show is “down to a science.” Th ey fi dget with adults and youngsters being herded our bodies, not with our mouths, in him as if he was a misplaced lamp- regularly pieced together in just a costumes, rearrange props and or- in and out of complex formations, dance. Dance is not theater.” post and a young, dirty blond boy short period of time — this year, in ganize the next scene’s players. One tensions can understandably run As the premiere tiptoes nearer, — presumably Sharp’s son — head- just more than a month. mother is even notorious for fussing a bit high at rehearsal. Th ough her rehearsals have become larger, longer butted his father’s left thigh repeat- “We had a really truncated re- over the ribbons that encircle the younger performers are generally and seemingly more chaotic. Lolling edly. Sharp just smiled. hearsal process this year because our neck of each sheep costume. well regimented in their swirling piano crescendos that had once fl oat- It seems to be this sort of patient fall show was Oct. 25 and 26,” said “Th ere’s a lot of stuff that gets maneuvers, Reid has more than ed through the studio uncontested perseverance that propels the pro- Cindy Reid, Ithaca Ballet’s co-artistic done on a volunteer basis,” said Lou once had to take steps to bring their are now stabbed by the squeals and duction forward with such purpose. director. “We dove into rehearsal.” Derry, a parent of one of the players. attention back to her. giggles of dozens of petite dancers. Indeed, though nothing is forced, A wiry, jubilant woman whose own “You’ll have everyone from about 9 “Th e fi rst thing I have to say is, Parents, frazzled by the shifting sea of nothing seems thrown together ei- dancing background includes stints at to 59 [years old].” ‘I’m the only one who talks,’” she pink leotards and twirling limbs that ther. Everything operates smoothly New York’s Ballet Repertory Co. and With a be-spandexed gaggle of said. “We’re learning to talk with greet them when they arrive for their — a well-oiled machine with an un- children, stand dumbfounded near the mistakably “Lego” aesthetic. As pa- studio’s entrance. Remarkably, among trons are dazzled by the production’s such last-minute chaos, no one seems precision, they may have no grasp of to lose sight of the show’s ultimate the hard work that went into it — the goal: to inject holiday cheer into an hours spent under blaring gymna- otherwise bitter Ithaca winter. sium lights, sweating into often ill- “It certainly brightens up a dreary fi tting costumes. December day,” said Greg Sharp, the But for many involved, that’s father of Elizabeth Sharp, an angel in been the goal all along. this year’s production. “With all the “Th e whole point of ballet is to grayness we get around this time of make something that’s really hard year, all that color and spectacle and look easy,” Lynn said. bright lights and music is very jolly and uplifting.” “Th e Nutcracker” will be performed Sharp said these words in a mea- Friday at 7:30 p.m., and Saturday and sured tone as the area around him Sunday at 3 p.m. at the State Th eatre. exploded with piercing, delighted Tickets start at $6 and can be pur- shrieks. Young girls hurried around chased by calling 277-8283.

The Ithaca Ballet performs “The Nutcracker” last year in Clifton Springs, N.Y. At center stage is the Sugarplum Fairy and her cavalier, surrounded by danc- ers from The Land of the Sweets, performing during the show’s second act. COURTESY OF KATIE CRUTCHFIELD ACCENTUATE

14 The Ithacan Thursday, December 11, 2008

Hot or Not This week’s hits and misses

Staff Writer Alexandra Palombo recaps the best and worst jingles of the holiday season. Hot Jimmy Eat World, “Last Christmas” In the ’80s, Andrew Ridgeley and George Michael of the band Wham! were famous for this morsel of pop-music goodness. It had all the hallmarks of a cheesy holiday song — heartbreak, breathy vocals and synthesizers. In 2001, alternative-rock group Jimmy Eat World covered the song, breathing some fresh air into the track. Rejecting the heavy use of synthesizers from two decades earlier, the band relied on electric guitars and an up-tempo drum beat. The result gave enough respect to the original but still stayed true to Jimmy Eat World’s sound. Futuristic fun From left, freshman Mari Adams and freshman Jesse Burgher play Mario Kart on Wii Saturday in IC Square during Cosmic Revolution, a futuristic, techno-themed event held by IC After Dark that also included spin art, T-shirt decorating and dance performances. Lukewarm MATT RIGBY/THE ITHACAN Adam Sandler, “The Hanukkah Song” Break out your harmonica and drink your gin and tonica. After hearing one too hohot many Christmas carols, Adam Sandler SARAH PALIN NEVER LET RUDOLPH decided to write a song celebrating an- of the PLAY IN ANY REINDEER GAMES other December holiday. He encourages video dates his fellow Jews to put on their yarmulkes and light the menorah with their families. week thursday I Feel, When You, I He muses on “what a fi ne-looking Jew” In a clip recently aired on “Jimmy Kimmel Want, an opening recep- a child of Goldie Hawn and Paul New- Live,” the Christmas Claymation classic tion for an exhibition of a man would be. Similarly silly to Sandler’s “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” was semester-long project by the “Thanksgiving Song,” it doesn’t boast slightly altered. When the reindeer fl y into photography workshop class stellar vocals or complex guitar riffs. But the wind — as in the original fi lm — one is at Ithaca College will be held it is nice to hear a song about a different shot and blown to bits. The others watch from 7 to 10 p.m. on the fi rst holiday for a change. like deer in the headlights and then fl ee fl oor of the parking garage at — with some horrifi ed cursing — when the the corner of Cayuga and Clin- ton streets. Viewing hours for camera cuts to a clay Sarah Palin locking Not the exhibit are noon to 8 p.m. Bill Mack (Bill Nighy), “Christmas is and loading her shotgun with a wink and a Friday and Saturday, and noon All Around” hearty “You Betcha!” to 6 p.m. Sunday. Free. OK, so this is technically a joke song — Alexandra Palombo Licorice, a roots-rock and from a British romantic comedy. But the jazz quartet, will perform at makers of “Love Actually” did release 9 p.m. $7. this song as a Christmas single in 2003, making it worthy of this list. The song friday is a remake of The Troggs’ “Love is All IN THE FINAL DAYS OF HIS PRESIDENCY, Urban Horse Thieves, with Around” (the basis of the movie title), BUSH MAKES A HOLIDAY-THEMED OOPS special guest, The Black Wal- in which the writers changed “love” nut Band, will perform at to “Christmas” in an attempt to make wtf 9 p.m. at the Lost Dog money for a geriatric rock star and his It’s that time of year when families look Lounge. Cover charge is $4. pudgy manager. In the fi lm, the song forward to receiving holiday cards in the Naughty or Nice, a holiday magically reaches No. 1 in Britain. In real mail, no matter what religion or holiday party hosted by DBT Inc. fea- life, the song went nowhere except the they celebrate. But the families of Jewish turing music by DJ Emerson, will be held from 9:30 p.m. to soundtrack. Love, actually, should not be leaders across the nation were probably given to this track. 2 a.m. at Pancho Villa. Free less than pleased this season when for the fi rst 50 women and they received politically (and religiously) $5 before 10 p.m. incorrect greetings from the White House. Invitations to the President’s Hanukkah reception show a Clydesdale delivering a saturday Christmas tree to a wreath-adorned White The Horse Flies will perform House. Here’s to hoping next year’s cards at 9 p.m. at Castaways. $10. are a little more religion-appropriate. Holiday Spectacular, a — Alexandra Palombo dance concert in the style of the Radio City Music Hall Rock- ettes, will be held at 7 p.m. at the Kulp Auditorium at Ithaca High School. Tickets range from $6 to $9. quoteunquote sunday Downtown Ithaca’s You can basically hear it for free. Just put a tin canan Holiday Parade of Ice, dis- to your ear and lean against a Pac-Man machine. played Wednesday through today on The Commons, features more than 30 ice Stephen Colbert on Kanye West’s new album “808s sculptures and an interactive “and Heartbreak.” ice village. Free. ” Thursday, December 11, 2008 ACCENT The Ithacan 15 A local alternative Former New Yorker staff ers create quirky magazine in Ithaca

BY DANIELLE PACCIONE raise the magazine’s profi le. STAFF WRITER Senior writing major Jenna Scat- Th ose interested in learning ena said she’s glad the number of local about the closest place to purchase publications is on the rise. a sword, fi nding the best burgers in “It’s an interesting idea to have lo- town or discovering where they can cal revelations,” she said. “I was very get their fortune told fi nally have impressed by the magazine’s design.” somewhere to turn — Ithaca’s new Th e style section features a spread magazine Ithaha. titled “Ithaca Is Gorgeous” — three From sword shops and psychics, pages dedicated to photographs of to cartoons and tasty burgers, articles beautiful and well-dressed Ithacans. featured in the new local magazine Emily Hopkins has been working Ithaha aspire to raise a few eyebrows with the magazine’s photographer, with sensible humor. First published Dave Burress, to stop fashionable peo- Nov. 12, the colorful, glossy maga- ple on the street to snap a shot of their zine is primarily made up of food attention-grabbing looks. reviews, style features, travel articles “What fun to open up a color- Emily and Marshall Hopkins, publishers of the new magazine Ithaha, relax Saturday at their home downtown. The and cartoons. ful, glossy magazine and see your- married couple was formerly on staff at the New Yorker magazine before coming to Ithaca to start the magazine. Th e magazine’s publishers, Emily self, or your friends, or just beautiful DIANA COWDERY/THE ITHACAN and Marshall Hopkins, are a married people you wish you knew,” Emily couple who met while working at Th e Hopkins said. tation on who they believe the most exploring their surroundings.” entirely by local advertising. New Yorker. Marshall Hopkins, a for- She said cartoons are one key ele- powerful person in the Ithaca com- Emily Hopkins said fun and Businesses reluctant to spend mer New Yorker editor, publishes car- ment that so many magazines forget munity is. gossipy pieces, like the centerfold money on advertising because of the toons for Ithaha, while Emily Hopkins, about. Th e last issue featured two gag Mostly local writers, from former on power, always run the risk of struggling economy could cause the who worked as a fact-checker at Th e cartoons — single paneled cartoons Ithaca Times editor Jessica Del Mundo off ending people. magazine to fold. New Yorker, will bring her expertise to as opposed to comic strips — remi- to award-winning poet Anna Pollack, “Mistakes are almost inevita- “We’re counting on businesses the magazine as well. niscent of the ones seen in Th e New contribute their humorous and inves- ble,” she said. “But we try to check seeing the value of an indepen- “Th e magazine is a place for people Yorker’s pages. tigative writing style to the magazine. ourselves and adhere to high dent, entertaining voice and want- to fi nd out about what’s noteworthy “I can’t believe that more maga- Paul Hansom, an Ithaca College editorial standards.” ing to ride our coattails,” Emily and amusing about Ithaca’s residents,” zines don’t include cartoons,” Emily English professor, wrote “I Have Tea Emily Hopkins said she believes Hopkins said. Emily Hopkins said. Hopkins said. “A good, funny cartoon in My Veins,” an article exploring the what boosts people’s morale and Ithaha’s upcoming December/ More than 1,000 copies of the brightens up any page.” Ithaca tea scene that informs readers lifts their spirits is fearless honesty, January issue, which will debut Mon- fi rst issue of Ithaha magazine have One of Marshall Hopkins’ favorite about where to fi nd the best tea for the bold humor and a tell-it-like-it-is day, will include the “Best-Ever Ithaca been distributed at coff ee shops, pieces in Ithaha’s debut issue was a best price. editorial policy. Holiday Shopping Guide,” featuring restaurants, bars, hotels and local feature titled “Who is the Most Pow- Hansom said there is defi nitely “I don’t want to put out a maga- the best gifts, for every budget, on any retail stores in Ithaca. About 300 erful Ithacan?” Th e centerfold includ- a place for a localized magazine like zine that doesn’t raise some eye- reader’s shopping list. Ithaca College and Cornell Univer- ed a fl ow chart of cartoon heads of lo- Ithaha in Ithaca. brows,” she said. “It’s the kind of magazine, we hope, sity professors, politicians and busi- cal offi cials such as Cornell University “It reminds everybody there’s a Th e magazine is currently funded that people will hang on to, read cover ness owners received complimentary President David Skorton and County lot of great things going on,” Hansom by the Hopkins, their relatives and ad- to cover and talk about at work and copies in the mail in an attempt to Legislator Louis Cassanti with a quo- said. “Hopefully it will get people out vertising. Th e two plan to fund Ithaha parties,” Emily Hopkins said. 16 The Ithacan Thursday, December 11, 2008 Thursday, December 11, 2008 ACCENT The Ithacan 17 Alumni reach young market with new clothing line

BY JULISSA TREVIÑO stuff I see around here,” she said. teenagers and approving fi nal designs. STAFF WRITER When they graduated from Ithaca “[Th e designers from BZ World- With casual, urban clothing in College, neither Fred Yaple nor Val- wide] are young people,” Fred Yaple bright colors, the new clothing line lerie Yaple had plans to design clothes said. “For designs like these, we GettaGear is in town and quickly or open a clothing store. Vallerie need youth. We’re old and white gaining momentum. Th e line consists graduated with a degree in corporate and we know better. We already of Getta logos and vibrant prints, like communication and worked in ad- tried our designs.” black and gray dots that spell out “Be ministration for the college’s humani- Fred Yaple spent 14 years as an You” on a woman’s pink T-shirt or ties and sciences’s dean’s offi ce for four administrator in New York school simpler colors on men’s shirts. Th e years. Fred graduated with a degree in districts and has eight kids, so he T-shirts all have a signature small Getta physical education. said working with young people logo on the back shoulder. As T-shirts Th e Yaples pooled their back- comes naturally to him, but there are and casual clothing are staples in any grounds in business — Vallerie Yaple some diffi culties. college student’s closet, with hoodies, eventually owned a catering business, “As an administrator, you’re always sweatpants, shorts and beanies, the and Fred Yaple worked in the business battling that — what’s appropriate, line targets teens and young adults. world — and began planning designs what’s inappropriate,” he said. “So this Fred Yaple ’91 and his wife Val- and fi nding partners for GettaGear in is something we believe we can put lerie Yaple ’98 launched their cloth- July 2008 after years of discussion. out that’s cutting edge, that’s a little ing line, GettaGear, on Oct. 27 when “Once we made the decision, we edgy, trendy, but really appropriate.” they opened GettaZone, a store in really hit it,” Fred Yaple said. “We Th e couple aims to create cloth- the Arnot Mall in Horseheads, N.Y. started to fi nd experts that could lead ing young people can feel good about Th e designing duo’s second Get- us in the right direction.” and “putting those subliminal positive taZone location opened Nov. 21 at Th e couple teamed up with Berry messages out there for kids,” Vallerie Th e Shops at Ithaca Mall. Th e cloth- Blanton and Matt Zuckerman, who Yaple said. ing line will be available for pur- work on clothing designs, Web de- During the transition and adjust- chase online at www.GettaGear.com sign and marketing at BZ World- ment process to their Ithaca store, the in January. wide, an Emmy award-winning cre- Yaples said they are mainly focusing Since the opening of the couple’s ative fi rm based in New York City. on establishing a strong local base. Ithaca store, the clothing line has Th e line is primarily manufactured “We want to keep that retail been growing and sales have been by American Apparel. presence and then focus on the na- up, Vallerie Yaple said. Vallerie Yaple said the plan be- tional launch after Christmas,” Val- “When we fi rst started the came clear after she began talk- lerie Yaple said. Horseheads store, that was a brand- ing to several people who work in Th e couple plans to take a few new thing,” she said. “It was like trial clothing design and could help with months to work out small errors on and error. Th e transition to the Ithaca From left, Quinton Golden and Jamie Wilson, students at George Junior Re- the creative aspect. the Web site, which will only sell store was a lot easier.” public School in Freeville, shop Saturday at the Ithaca GettaZone store. “It clearly started with the vision,” GettaGear products, before they Both locations sell other urban EVAN FALK/THE ITHACAN she said. “Once you see the vision, and begin shipping worldwide, Vallerie clothing brands such as RocaWear, you really can conceptualize your vi- Yaple said. Applebottom Jeans, Baby Phat and Ed Cornell University, said the appeal of brought me in.” sion, you can begin to act on it. … We “We don’t want to think too big too Hardy Jeans at discount prices. the Ithaca store lies in more than just While shopping at GettaZone on started becoming experts in a fi eld quickly, because then you kind of lose With the opening of the Ithaca the clothes. Saturday for the fi rst time, Cornell that we weren’t experts in.” your focus of your immediate picture,” GettaGear store, the line is attract- “Th ere are lots of bright colors sophomore Rebecca Dion said the For the design, the couple relies she said. “Based on what we’ve learned ing the attention of college students that attracted me,” Gluck said, as hip- clothing line is unexpected in a place on a young team to fi nd out what the moving up through that, we’ll be able in Ithaca. hop played in the background of the like Ithaca. trends and styles are, always making to take all that with us as we do it on a Lauren Gluck, a sophomore at store on Saturday. “Th e music kind of “Th ey’re diff erent from a lot of the sure the line is appropriate for young large, large scale.” 18 The Ithacan ACCENT Thursday, December 11, 2008 single Holiday fi lm has shelf life of a Christmas tree Tracks we’ve BY MATT BIDDLE got on repeat CONTRIBUTING WRITER file Every December, new fi lms hit ‘BEAUTIFUL DIRTY RICH’ theaters that attempt to reinvent the Lady Gaga creatively exhausted holiday movie This illustrious Gaga track will have genre. In terms of quality, “Four everyone rocking their hips to the Christmases,” directed by newcomer techno-esque beats that drive the Seth Gordon, falls somewhere be- song. Lady Gaga takes her fresh and funky pop to newfangled heights. tween 2003’s hit “Elf” and 2007’s mis- guided “Fred Claus.” ‘WHAT THEM GIRLS LIKE’ Kate and Brad, portrayed by Re- Ludacris ese Witherspoon and Vince Vaughn, The rapper’s recent collaboration with are a happily un- Chris Brown and Sean Garrett is a typical Ludacris move but adequately wed couple living FILM plays up the microphone skills that together in down- REVIEW have made him so popular. town San Francis- “Four co. Every year the Christmases” ‘LOST’ pair develops some New Line Coldplay Cinema outlandish, but in- Breezy background tones comple- Our rating: ment lead singer Chris Martin’s raw arguable, excuse ★★ vocals, while strong beats present for avoiding their throughout the “Viva la Vida” album families during the holiday season mesh well in this sing-along single. and instead takes a tropical vacation. COMPILED BY AARON EDWARDS Th is year, the couple’s fl ight to Fiji is grounded because of weather condi- Accent’s Oldie But Goodie tions, forcing them to visit each of From left, even the impeccable chemistry between Hollywood golden girl Reese Witherspoon and funny man Vince their divorced parents. Vaughn, as a couple who attempt to make four Christmases out of one, doesn’t give this holiday fl ick staying power. ‘GIRL ANACHRONISM’ Essentially, “Four Christmases” is COURTESY OF NEW LINE CINEMA The Dresden Dolls four family comedies rolled into one, This 2001 “Brechtian punk cabaret” and the leading duo has immediate and country music star Tim McGraw). complete holiday celebrations in and kindness eff ortlessly. Film vet- rock single combines satirical lyrics on-screen chemistry. Th is not only Kate, meanwhile, learns the wonders one day is preposterous but would eran Jon Voight also turns up as Kate’s with clashing piano chords to create makes their relationship believable, of motherhood from Denver’s very- not have been an issue if the come- caring, soft-spoken father. But he is a raging testament to the state of punk music. but also allows the viewer to sympa- pregnant wife, Susan (Katy Mixon) dic scenes were more realistic. grossly underused and only appears in —AARON EDWARDS thize with the couple and understand and her crying baby. In one particularly tiresome gag, the fi lm’s last few scenes. their reluctance to say, “I do.” Th rough three more visits of Kate faces her childhood fear of blow- While the fi lm delivers some Vaughn, in particular, does well. similar accounts, the movie’s for- up bounce houses when she chases laughs, it fails to surpass holiday fi lm He plays Brad as perpetually nervous, mat begins to grow tedious by the her bratty niece into one to rescue a expectations and doesn’t bring any talking too much to overcompen- time Kate and Brad visit Kate’s pregnancy test. Witherspoon does her unconventional aspects to the genre. quickies sate for his childhood shortcomings. overtly sexual mother, Paula (Sissy best to elevate the moment, fi ghting “Four Christmases” gives audiences Kate is far more put together, but Spacek). Th e same general formula off a hoard of children for the test, but a satisfying — but not stellar — dose Witherspoon pales in comparison to applies to each dysfunctional family the long scene just doesn’t work. of family fun and is somewhat disap- Vaughn’s expert comedic timing. gathering. Th e awkward greeting is Th e fi lm does boast a strong sup- pointing, in that most moviegoers Th e pair fi rst visits Brad’s father, followed by some insensitive re- porting cast. Broadway star Kristin will forget it before they’ve even un- Howard (the always-impeccable Rob- minder of their childhood, and the Chenoweth plays Kate’s sister, an air- wrapped their gifts. ert Duvall). Th e yuletide gathering pair leaves after uttering a Christ- head who loves to drudge up Kate’s quickly turns into a wrestling match mas-themed safe-word, the signal past as an overweight kid. Chenoweth, “Four Christmases” was writ- when Brad is bull-rushed by his broth- that it’s time to escape. Even the who closely resembles Witherspoon, ten by Matt Allen and directed by ers, Denver and Dallas (Jon Favreau idea that the couple could have four plays the character’s mix of cattiness Seth Gordon.

COURTESY OF FUELED BY RAMEN “THE FINAL RIOT!” Paramore Kanye digs deep on anticipated LP Fueled by Ramen The group offers live recordings of several of its most popular Th e hip-hopping rap megastar gets emotional on ‘808s’ songs on the second disc of this greatly compiled album. BY AARON EDWARDS West is able to maintain mischievous, witty STAFF WRITER phrases even amid an ode to a negative relation- Th e self-declared “voice of this generation” ship in “RoboCop:” “Just looking at your history / had a lot to live up to in his newest album, “808s You’re like the girl in Misery.” and Heartbreak.” Again, West relies heavily on Upbeat tracks like “Heartless” and “Paranoid” auto-tune voice synthesizing throughout the re- provide a catchy, light disparity from the rest of cording. Th ough the tracks were a bit redundant the album, even though the titles of both songs and overdone, the Chicago-raised artist success- have negative connotations. fully devoted an entire album to show the poi- Aside from the fl uidity and cohesive bril- gnant and refl ective side of liance of the album, the fi nal track, “Pinocchio his musical skills. ALBUM Story” nearly throws off the cohesiveness West COURTESY OF JIVE COURTESY OF UNIVERSAL Th e unrefi ned emo- REVIEW built up throughout the previous 11 songs. tion expressed in his lyr- Kanye West “Pinocchio Story,” a live recording of West “FREEDOM” Dance-pop diva returns ics shed a faint light on “808s and freestyling at a concert in Singapore, will leave Akon a personal life that, in Heartbreak” most listeners wondering why West chose to in- Universal BY MONICA WATSON recent works, had been Roc-A-Fella clude this six-minute raw recording. However, it Records The Grammy Award nominee STAFF WRITER shrouded by talk of abun- would take more than one terrible addition to the delivers catchy tracks and memo- Our rating: rable lines on this new album With the release of her sixth album, “Circus,” dant cars, clothes and ★★★½ album to completely overshadow its success. that celebrates the materialistic Britney Spears has offi cially solidifi ed her status as women. Th e recent loss For an artist with an entire career grounded side of life. the princess of pop. “Womanizer,” the fi rst single off of West’s mother and his break up with his fi - in celebration, this album acts as a complete the album, has already been fi lling the airwaves and, ancee seemed to have sparked a revelation of contrast. And it works. Blame it on the 808s or there will defi nitely be more to another side of West. Th is intrepid move from on the heartbreak, Kanye West has delivered come with trademark-Britney ALBUM West’s status as the brat of the music industry yet again. dance songs like “Kill the Lights” REVIEW came right on time. on the roster. Britney Spears Th ough “808s and Heartbreak” — appro- Th e title track has a creative, “Circus” priately ridden with ’80s-reminiscent blips — whimsical theme that fi ttingly Jive was not a particularly strong vocal experimen- Our rating: relates to the craziness of Spears’ ★★★½ tation, it does epitomize West’s potency as a life. In true Britney form, the al- diverse producer. He released dance tracks and bum has at least one hidden surprise in store for fans, party songs galore on albums “Graduation” and COURTESY OF RCA like the already-controversial sexual pun in the title of “Late Registration,” but in the same three-year the dance-worthy “If U Seek Amy.” “My Baby” plays time frame, he off ered a newly painted portrait “DAVID COOK” like an intimate lullaby between a mother and child, of the man behind the Louis Vuitton. David Cook but it’s a little odd after sexually charged tracks “Lace However, West’s introspective look into RCA and Leather” and “Mmm Papi.” Still, the songs scale his tumultuous life is not what makes “808s The reigning American Idol’s self-titled album stays consistent a range of emotions to show that Spears is capable of and Heartbreak” such a bold and absorb- with the edgy, alluring sound that more than just detached beats. ing album. Th e true triumph of the “Kon- millions of television viewers got Spears’ regained confi dence is what enables “Cir- man” is his ability to integrate the lyrical style a glimpse of on the show. cus” to accomplish what her last album, the discon- that made him so popular into his eulogy to COMPILED BY AARON EDWARDS nected and emotionless “Blackout,” could not. intermittent feelings. COURTESY OF ROC-A-FELLA RECORDS Thursday, December 11, 2008 ACCENT The Ithacan 19 TICKET Band performs mix of genres at festive show  STUB  Squirrel Nut Zippers headline at the State Th eatre’s 80th birthday VALID FRIDAY THROUGH THURSDAY BY ANDREW RIVARD CINEMAPOLIS CONTRIBUTING WRITER The Commons 277–6115 If Ithaca’s historic State Th eatre, with all of its old-time accoutre- SYNECDOCHE, NEW YORK ★★★★ ments, isn’t extravagant enough on 7:15 and 9:35 p.m. and an ordinary night, the Squirrel Nut Weekends 2:15 and 4:35 p.m. Zippers concert Saturday evening Wednesday matinee 5 p.m. could have certainly convinced any concertgoer that the band had been THE BOY IN THE STRIPED PAJAMAS transported to another time period. 7:15 p.m. and Men dressed in pinstriped zoot Weekends 2:15 p.m. suits and women wearing iconic ’20s fl apper outfi ts mingled in the dimly TROUBLE THE WATER lit entryway where ushers off ered 9:35 p.m. and faux pearl necklaces to anyone who Weekends 4:35 p.m. walked in underdressed. Wednesday matinee 5 p.m. Th e rock band’s performance held additional FALL CREEK signifi cance be- LIVE PICTURES cause it fell on the 1201 N. Tioga St. 272–1256 80th birthday of REVIEW Squirrel Nut HAPPY-GO-LUCKY the State Th eatre. Zippers Dan Smalls, the State Theatre 7:15 and 9:35 p.m. and theater’s talent From left, Squirrel Nut Zipper lead guitarist James Mathus plays alongside vocalist Katharine Whalen and guitarist Stu Weekends 2:15 and 4:35 p.m. coordinator, ad- Cole at the State Theatre on Saturday. The rock band was there to help celebrate the theater’s 80th birthday. dressed the crowd in an introduction, ALLISON USAVAGE/THE ITHACAN RACHEL GETTING MARRIED remarking, “What better act to tran- during the fi rst couple of songs. was a slow, Shaker-esque Christmas Th e band came out and played a 7:15 and 9:35 p.m. and scend the 80 years of this historic the- But as the show continued, more lullaby titled “Gift of the Magi,” fea- funk-fi lled rendition of “Do What?” Weekends 2:15 and 4:35 p.m. ater than the Squirrel Nut Zippers?” and more people got up and began turing Mathus and Whalen singing and then a song that simply consisted And transcend it did, playing its dancing in the aisles, and by the time together in tight harmonies and a of the entire band repeating the lyr- W. ★★½ own bouncy mix of genres, rang- the band played one of its bigger sin- mandolin as accompaniment. It was ics, “It’s all over!” to the dismay of 7:15 and 9:35 p.m. and ing from big band to swing, jazz gles “Put a Lid on It,” the entire space a pleasant little pause from the usu- the eager crowd, who didn’t want the Weekends 2:15 and 4:35 p.m. and even some funk, as the night in front of the stage was fi lled with al frenzied songs that dominated band to put down its instruments. went on. people moving about wildly. the set. Mathus grabbed the microphone REGAL STADIUM 14 Th e set began with the band’s vo- Th ere were occasional breaks Th e lights were then shut off and and urged audience members to Pyramid Mall 266-7960 calist and lead guitarist James “Jim- from the band’s fast-paced songs, a projection screen was lowered as raise their voices to celebrate the oc- bo” Mathus singing the quaint duet during which front man Mathus the Zippers began the fi nal song of casion by singing “Happy Birthday” AUSTRALIA ★★★½ “(You are my) Radio” alongside the spoke to the audience in his cool, the set, “Th e Ghost of Stephen Fos- to the theater. 12:50 p.m., 4:30 p.m., 8:10 p.m. band’s multi-instrumentalist and vo- sophisticated drawl. Mathus decided ter.” Th e music video for the song, Th e houselights came on, but the calist Katharine Whalen. Meanwhile, to read a passage from the band’s which the band synced up fl awlessly, Squirrel Nut Zippers kept on en- DELGO the rest of the group tuned up until catalog/memoir, “Th e Squirrel Nut was a Chuck Jones-esque cartoon tertaining, as a band member took 11:40 a.m., 2:20 p.m., 4:40 p.m., the drums shattered the tranquility Zippers: Unzipped,” as if he were a showcasing the misfortune of a up a tuba, and the rest of the group 7 p.m., 9:20 p.m. by jumping into the frenetic “Low beat poet with a jazz band backing newlywed couple as they attempt to marched through the aisles playing a Down Man”. his words. stay in the haunted, living, singing percussive, nonsensical romp. FOUR CHRISTMASES ★★ Th e seven-piece band, made up Th e band began its second act Hotel Paradise. Th ough the band’s repertoire 12:20 p.m., 3 p.m., 5:30 p.m., of three guitarists, a trumpeter, a with Mathus casually apologizing And though the crowd was pre- stretched over the past eight decades, 7:50 p.m., 10:20 p.m. saxophonist, a keyboardist and a for the band’s failure to be politically dominantly middle-aged and older, encompassing the life of the State percussionist, managed to get audi- correct before jumping into a small they still cheered as enthusiastically Th eatre itself, concertgoers in atten- MADAGASCAR: ESCAPE 2 AFRICA ence members moving in their seats, portion of songs from its holiday LP and vigorously for an encore as any dance, both young and old, were not 12:30 p.m, 3:40 p.m., 6:20 p.m., snapping their fi ngers and even doing “Christmas Caravan.” young crowd at a rock concert would deterred from having an energetic, 9 p.m. some stationary, solo swing dancing Th e fi rst number in this segment have done. jive-fi lled evening. MILK 12:40 p.m., 3:50 p.m., 6:50 p.m., 9:40 p.m.

Writer-turned-director raises the stakes in ‘Synecdoche’ NOTHING LIKE THE HOLIDAYS 1:10 p.m., 4:10 p.m., 7:10 p.m., BY BEN TIETZ a MacArthur Foundation Genius Grant, which al- 9:50 p.m. SENIOR WRITER lows him to pursue whatever endeavor he would Federico Fellini once said, “Left on his own, free like. He decides, in his despondent funk, to create a PUNISHER: WAR ZONE to do anything he likes, the artist ends up doing piece of theater revolving around his life, casting ac- 2:50 p.m., 5:40 p.m., 8:20 p.m., nothing at all. If there’s one thing that’s dangerous tors as past fi gures in his life, including himself. 10:50 p.m. for an artist, it’s precisely this question of total free- Th e performances are uniformly brilliant, with dom, waiting for inspiration and all the rest of it.” the only kink being Emily Watson’s overly catty bit QUANTUM OF SOLACE ★½ For screenwriter Charlie Kaufman, artistic as an actress in Caden’s play. Tom Noonan is ab- 12:10 p.m., 3:30 p.m., 6:40 p.m., freedom is precisely what makes his latest fi lm, sorbing as the man cast as Caden, and who even- 7:20 p.m., 9:30 p.m., 10 p.m. “Synecdoche, New York,” a cinematic masterpiece. tually becomes too consumed with his “character.” Watching the fi lm, one gets the sense that Kauf- Dianne Wiest takes a somewhat negligible part, THE DAY THE EARTH STOOD STILL man, by all logical standards, should have had his as an actress willing to take over direction from 11:30 a.m., 12 p.m., 2:10 p.m., directorial debut tamed and should have been told Caden, and turns it into something that approaches 2:40 p.m., 4:50 p.m., 5:20 p.m., that what he is creating is trite, self-indulgent and the sublime. Michelle Williams gives her all as one 7:30 p.m., 8 p.m. unapologetically dense. It is to of the many women in the fl aky author’s life. Few everyone’s benefi t, including fi lms in recent years have had such prime roles for TWILIGHT ★★ American fi lmmaking, that FILM so many actresses. 1:20 p.m., 4:20 p.m., 7:40 p.m., no one tried to hinder Kauf- REVIEW Kaufman’s 2002 hit “Adaptation,” with its over- 10:30 p.m. man in his eff ort to rise above “Synecdoche, wrought Hollywood-insider jokes and general New York” his previous work. Sony Pictures smarmy tone, never approaches the incredibly hyp- It is best to go into “Syn- Our rating: notic spell “Synecdoche” casts. “Synecdoche” joins CORNELL CINEMA ecdoche” with as few precon- the ranks of Fellini’s “8 ½,” Woody Allen’s “Stardust ★★★★ 104 Willard Straight Hall 255-3522 ceptions about the fi lm or Philip Seymour Hoffman plays theater director Memories” and Jim McBride’s “David Holzman’s the talent behind it as possible. Th e fi lm itself may Caden Cotard in “Synecdoche, New York.” Diary” in the pantheon of great autobiographical For more information, visit seem to be standard fare for the writer at fi rst, vying COURTESY OF SONY PICTURES fi lms. What makes Kaufman’s opus such an indelible http://cinema.cornell.edu. for the attention of the audience and struggling to theatrical productions when his volatile wife Adele masterwork is that it refuses to literalize its subject make real coherent sense at the same time. But as (Catherine Keener) decides to go to Berlin and take matter, a la “Adaptation.” Kaufman, for the fi rst time, the fi lm wears on, the suspicion that all is not what their daughter with her. An artist who specializes in gives up his own patented quirkiness for something it seems seeps in gradually. It eventually careens into strange, uncanny canvas portraits of her family and closer to real emotional truth. an off -the-wall series of vignettes that exemplify the friends, Adele thinks Caden is far too self-involved If it seems that all cinema has to off er is the same disjointed reality of its lead character, Caden Cotard, to be a good father to the 4-year-old Olive and leaves insignifi cant junk, it is good to know Kaufman is OUR RATINGS played by Philip Seymour Hoff man — the only actor him to pursue Germany’s art scene. . out there doing his best to make himself bearable imaginable who could play this part to perfection. In no time at all Caden fi nds a substitute, Hazel to the world. Excellent ★★★★ Caden is a diffi cult, visionary director of a com- (Samantha Morton), who complains about his lack Good ★★★ munity theater group in Schenectady, N.Y. He strug- of confi dence in himself as an artist and a lover. “Synecdoche, New York” was written and directed Fair ★★ gles to explain the reasoning behind his unorthodox When life seems to be at its bleakest, Caden receives by Charlie Kaufman. Poor ★ 20 The Ithacan CLASSIFIED Thursday, December 11, 2008

FOR RENT FOR RENT FOR RENT FOR RENT

An apartment with no hassle. Hudson *2009-10, 2 units, 3 bedrooms/unit, 3 to 6 bedroom houses. $435 per person An apartment with no hassle. Hudson Heights Studio Apartments are located next Prospect Street 201* plus utilities. Walk to IC. Call Ann at Heights Studio Apartments are located to IC. We are renting for the next school Fully furnished brand new apts, dishwashers, 607.327.0357. Fall 2009. next to IC. We have a few openings starting year 2009-2010 starting between June 1st microwaves, two full bathrooms/unit, January 2009 for the next semester. Prices and August 15th, prices starting at $550. spacious dining and living rooms, laundry, Now Renting are $540/m for six months and $700/m for Shorter leases are available Fall semester heating and private parking included. 2-5 bedroom houses and apartments. only the spring semester (4.5 months). We (6 months) at $700/m, 10 month are + Please call: 607.279.6889 or e-mail: South Hill/Downtown are renting for the next school year 2009- $50/m. The rent includes: furniture, all [email protected]. Call today! 2010 starting between June 1st and August utilities, parking, garbage and recycling, with Certifi ed Properties of TC, Inc. 15th, prices start at $550. The rent includes: laundry rooms on the complex. Call Cliff at Now renting for ’09-’10 year. 607.273.1669 furniture, all utilities, parking, garbage and 607.273.8473 for an appointment. Four bedroom houses -- fully www.14850.com/web/certifi ed. recycling, with laundry rooms on furnished, off street parking on the complex. Call Cliff at 607.273.8473 2009-2010 great houses/apts. we have Penn Ave. Call 607.339.1137. Now renting for Fall ’09 for an appointment. places with 1 up to 13 Brs, furnished, laundry, 1, 3, 4, 5, 6 bedroom houses and apts. free parking, reasonable rent, professionally Ithaca Solar Townhouses, 4 bedroom, close to IC. Fully furnished Spacious 3 & 4 bedroom townhouses managed by working landlords. furnished, 2 baths, fi replace, off-street with off street parking. furnished non coin laundries, See http://ithaca-apts.com parking right next to campus. For showing call Call for appt. 607.339.1137. balconies, free parking. Call Tom at 607.227.3153. 273-9300 or 227-1076. Call 607.273.8576. View online: IthacaEstatesRealty.com. FOUR BEDROOM HOUSES. 3 Bed furnished house for rent. Two locations available, on South Hill and 09-10 8 BEDROOM HOUSE 613 HUDSON ’09-’10 yr. Off street parking, SEVEN and EIGHT BEDROOM HOUSES. Downtown. Two baths, laundry, parking. Nice ST. Big rooms, fully furnished, free parking near circle apt. very clean. Great location on South Aurora Street, condition. Huge rooms! Leases starting in & laundry on premises. For info please call Maintenance Included. between Prospect and Pleasant Streets. June and August. Visit PPMhomes.com. cell at 607.339.5112, or after 3pm call Call 607.272.0296 for appt. This is two connected apartments with a 607.272.8343. total of four bathrooms and two kitchens. SIX BEDROOM HOUSES. Aug. ’09-’10 3 story 8 bedrm furnished Currently being renovated, this house will Five great locations on South Hill. 918 Danby Rd. 4 bedroom, 2 1/2 baths, house. 2 kitchen w/dishwasher, 3 full bath, 8 be in excellent condition! Free parking for all Two baths, laundry, parking. furnished fi replace, lake view, off-street parkings, laundry, fi replace. tenants. Leases start in June. Free heat, hot Huge rooms! Leasing starts in June. parking, walk to campus. Call 607.233.4323 or [email protected]. water and Internet service! Visit PPMhomes.com. For showing call 273-9300 or 227-1076. Visit PPMhomes.com. 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We have properties out in the country or South Hill, near downtown & campus, Close to Ithaca and Cornell. downtown Ithaca close to The Commons. furnished, laundry, parking. Call 607-342-5994 2009-10 three bedroom downtown 103 Heritage Park has something for everyone. Call 607.351.1049 or 607.227.4513. or 607-275-0680. E. Spencer St., furnished, hardwood fl oors, Professionally landscaped. $1100-$3500/ off st. parking, close to Commons & IC, mo. plus utilities. Call 607.227.6260 for Now leasing 2009-2010 school year. Spacious 3BR apts. on The Commons, one spacious, washer & dryer, dishwasher, $455 more information or go to our Web site at 412 and 416 Hudson St. of them remodeled. Includes Heat. Furnished per person. Includes heat. 279-3090 or www.perfect-heritage.com for virtual tours of 3-6 bedroom house and for Fall 2009. Call 607.272.7441. [email protected]. most of our properties. 143 Hudson St. 2EA 2 bedroom apts. 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answers to last week’s crossword DIVER GAITS ANTHEM HOOF I T Create and solve your FT SAO I LL DE FRA MOUND V I M Sudoku puzzles for FREE. YODA SGT CEES ᢙ SEED HEALER Play more Sudoku and win prizes at: RIG DNA NE I GHS N I CE 4 VILE OAR MUNG prizesudoku OB I TUNES EVA 9 .com CB YUL ETA I O ⁛ The exclusive Sudoku Source of “The Ithacan”. ALBUMS FUNNEL LEAKS BALDS Thursday, December 11, 2008 SPORTS The Ithacan 23 A squeeze Ithaca’s teams pack the Hill Center as a new tight Athletics and Events Center is in the works

From left, sophomore Justine Picciano, junior Rachel Taylor and sophomore Taryn Gilrein disassemble gymnastics equipment Tuesday in the Hill Center. SABINA CAO/THE ITHACAN

BY CORY FRANCER in and out of the gym without being that thing and really hurt themselves.” SPORTS EDITOR careful not to get killed.” Along with physical safety con- Head Gymnastics Coach Rick Even when the gymnastics por- cerns, the wrestlers have had prob- Suddaby no longer shows his recruits tion of Gym 4 is set up, there still isn’t lems with other athletes or passers- the gym that his team uses to practice enough space to set up a proper vault. by entering their practice space. and compete. Instead, he shows them Th e gymnastics team uses pole “Other people can walk in there a photograph of the facility with all of vaulting pits to land in so they can and use the mats,” he said. “Which the gymnastics equipment set up. He train without getting hurt. However, isn’t very sanitary for us because said the end result has been more re- the Bombers cannot use these pits people walk in there with their cruits choosing the college. in vaulting because they don’t have street shoes, so it’s a health concern Th e gymnastics team is just one the space to set them up. for us wrestlers.” of many Ithaca sports teams that fi nd “The teams that are beating By the time spring season comes little breathing room inside the Hill us are able to vault into pits and in February, winter sports are still in Center, one of the fi rst buildings built we’re just not, so we can’t keep session. Th is results in spring teams when Ithaca College moved to South up,” Suddaby said. scheduling practices in the gym as Hill in the early 1960s. Cramped in- Suddaby said when the gymnas- early as 6 a.m. Senior baseball player side tiny Gym 4, the gymnastics team tics program was at its peak in the Drew Ash said he is excited for the shares its space with the wrestling late ’90s, other programs’ facilities A&E Center because they will not team and with dance classes. Because were comparable to Ithaca’s. Howev- need to practice so early and the turf of the close quarters, the gymnasts are er, as time has passed and other col- fi eld will improve infi eld practice. forced to set up and tear down the en- leges have improved their facilities, “[Th e ceiling] should be high tirety of their equipment twice a week. Ithaca’s have decreased in quality. enough where we could take a rou- Each process takes about 40 minutes. Th e 2008 season was the fi rst tine fl y ball,” he said. “Supposedly, Suddaby said when the entire gym time the team missed the national we’re going to be able to have full needs to be set up to accommodate for tournament in 21 years. Suddaby infi eld practice with fairly true hops, gymnastics practice, six gymnasts as- said he was especially proud of when as opposed to gym-fl oor hops. It is semble nearly two tons of equipment the team won the national champi- really going to be nice.” as part of a work-study program. onship in 1998 because it achieved Rick Couture, associate vice “I have 175 pound mats that my that feat with a poor facility. president for the Offi ce of Facilities, 100 pound kids are moving,” Sud- “We won the national tourna- said the Athletics and Events Cen- Senior Jeff Lounsbury throws a disc during ultimate frisbee practice Sunday daby said. “It’s quite an event.” ment with the worst training facility ter, which he hopes to break ground in the Hill Center. Varsity, club and intramural teams all share the gym. Th e overcrowding of this gymna- in the country,” he said. “I was always on in either February or March, will ALLISON USAVAGE/THE ITHACAN sium along with winter and spring proud of that because it must mean solve the crowding problem. teams using the other gyms for I was doing something right.” “We’re hoping that with the ar- plans for what to do with the indoor and Ithaca’s history of success in practice makes for potentially dan- On the other side of the wall, tifi cial turf fi eld, the indoor track pool in the Hill Center. One idea that Division III athletics, Edwards said gerous situations. While both bas- conditions are not much better in and fi eld house area, whatever ap- has been proposed is to make a two- these aspects of the college out- ketball teams share the main gym, the wrestling room. With the wres- propriate teams that are currently story area with gymnastics on one weigh its weak facilities. the baseball and softball teams need tling team increasing in size every practicing at the Hill Center will be fl oor and wrestling on another. He said the most important as- to practice in the main gym before year, the limited space in its practice able to go over to the A&E Center Aside from wrestling, gymnas- pect of bringing athletes to South the snow melts on their fi elds. area is a safety concern for the team. and have their practices over there,” tics and swimming, a new turf fi eld Hill is the coaching. “It’s not a fi eld house, but we’re us- “We have guys all the time running he said. will relieve the spring sports that “Th e program has a great repu- ing it as a fi eld house,” Suddaby said. into the walls, running into the mats As well as the A&E Center, there practice in the Hill Center before tation,” Edwards said. “We recruit “It also presents a lot of safety things. along the walls and running into each are plans to renovate the Hill Cen- the snow melts. Baseball, softball, guys that are class-act guys that are When we go in and out of our gym, other,” senior wrestling captain Scott ter after the completion of the new and the men’s and women’s lacrosse not only athletes but students as there are balls fl ying around that we Edwards said. “Th ose dividers are facilities. Couture said with the new teams will be able to practice on turf well. Th e coaching staff having that can get hit with and that we have defi nitely a problem, and I’ve seen a aquatics center that is planned for away from the Hill Center. focus is a strength that Ithaca has gotten hit with. … You can’t even get couple of guys over the years bang into the A&E Center, there will need to be With the new center on its way over other Division III schools.”

After nearly 30 years, Ithaca College is making good on its promise and giving HELP ON THE WAY its sports teams a boost by building a state-of-the-art Athletics and Events Center. Carl Sgrecci, vice president of fi nance and working our way down the list for a long time.” spring 2011 semester. He said the building 35,000 square-foot aquatics center, complete administration, said improving the college’s The project is currently out to bid with dif- should be ready for athletes to use by the with an eight-lane Olympic size pool. The center sports facilities has been in the works for many ferent contractors and Sgrecci said the college following fall. will also include new offi ces for coaches and years, but the college is only now building the expects offers to be in by Dec. 22. The college The new center will include a 130,000 larger seating areas and locker rooms. center because academic and residential build- will then choose a contractor and seek approval square-foot fi eld house, which will be home to a “It’s been a long, slow, but worthwhile ef- ing improvements were made higher priorities. from the Board of Trustees. new basketball and volleyball center, a gymnas- fort,” Sgrecci said. “Now we’re just sitting here, “It’s a priority now, but you have to under- Sgrecci said the college hopes to break tics center, rowing area, indoor tennis courts, hoping everything just falls into place.” stand that other projects were put ahead of ground in late February or early March and wrestling center and weight room, a 81,000 it for literally 30 years,” he said. “We’ve been complete construction by the end of the square-foot lighted outdoor stadium and a —Kathy Laluk

IMAGE COURTESY OF RICK COUTURE 24 The Ithacan SPORTS Thursday, December 11, 2008 Undefeated Bombers not weary from the road

BY CORY FRANCER gymnasiums, these two have not SPORTS EDITOR only led the Bombers mentally, The men’s basketball team has but they have been putting up the been launching threes, throwing numbers to prove a daunting road down dunks and racking up wins schedule does not phase them. this season to improve to its best Bostic pulled down 22 re- start in team history with a record bounds on the road at the National of 7–0. This is the only time since City Tournament in Meadville, Pa. 1941 that the Bombers have start- It was a career high for him and ed with seven straight wins. They the most rebounds for a Bomber have been doing it away from their in 38 years. Burton was named home fans with six of these games tournament MVP of the Chuck being played on the road. Resler Invitational in Rochester, Aside from a 118–81 beat down N.Y., after averaging 19 points and over the Hobart College Statesmen 6.5 assists over the two games. on Nov. 18, the rest of the Blue But even though the South Hill and Gold’s victories have come ei- squad has been dominant away ther in another team’s gym or in a from Ben Light Gymnasium, they tournament are still looking forward to the on a neutral COMING HOME comforts of home. Before then, site. Though The Bombers return though, the team travels three basketball to Ben Light Gym- more times before its second nasium for their is consid- home game of the season, Jan. 6. second home game ered to be a Jan. 6 against “It will be nice to have all our sport where Utica College. fans here when second semester is home-court in session rather than have home advantage is essential, the South games over winter break,” junior Hill squad has found success on center Tom Brown said. the road. Head Coach Jim Mul- Mullins said the team thrives lins said he tells his players the under the attention of its home schedule is out of their control, fans. The more supportive the so instead of getting upset about campus is, the better the South it, they need to take the court Hill squad plays. with confidence. “It’s nice to breathe a sigh of re- “You can bemoan the fact you lief and play on your home floor in wish you were at home more or front of your home fans,” he said. you just say, ‘This is the way it is “Last year, the student body was and this is the hand we’ve been very good to us and very support- dealt — let’s go win,’” he said. “You ive. If [we] continue to play the don’t have a lot of control over way we’ve been playing, I think your schedule, and you have to they’ll get behind us again.” take what you get.” From left, Hobart College freshman forward Matt Pebole puts his hand in the face of senior forward Peter Friedland But before they come back, One of the ways the team stays Nov. 18 in Ben Light Gymnasium. The Bombers’ 118–81 win was the only home game Ithaca has played this year. Mullins said the team will have in this frame of mind is with this EVAN FALK/THE ITHACAN to continue its dominance on the season’s team motto, “maintain road — the best he said he’s seen swagger” — or having the mind- tip-off and never letting up. uncontrollable aspects to the game crowd starts to get into it, you since he has coached. set they will win the game before “We come out, and we get such as rowdy fans rooting against have to be able to slow it down “I’ve been coaching for a long they even step onto the court. started hot,” he said. “We play the team. The Bombers need to and make the right decisions.” time, and I don’t think I’ve ever Senior guard Gianni Maratea hard from the beginning and play make sure to drown out the noise So far, the leaders have been se- had a team that has had this kind said players take the motto with good defense, and that gets our and just focus on winning. niors center Jeff Bostic and guard of a start,” he said. “Not just the them onto the court by playing as offense going every game.” “You just have to have a level Sean Burton. With their experi- fact they’re undefeated but the hard as possible from the opening Sometimes though, there are head,” Maratea said. “If the away ence playing in hostile opposing fact they’re doing it on the road.” A diff erent practice tactic

BY THOMAS ESCHEN ally used in the areas of the game the athletes STAFF WRITER need the most work on. Coaches and players alike feel that teams Th ough the team beat William Smith Col- get better when they compete at the highest lege on Dec. 2, they still had some trouble level. Some teams play bigger schools, while fi nishing layups and controlling the ball on others just try to schedule the best teams in off ense. In practice Friday, the men were used the country during the season. Th e Ithaca as defenders in every drill. Th ey contested College women’s basketball team, however, shots and played tight man-to-man defense takes a slightly diff erent approach to the against the Bombers. same philosophy. “Having someone there who is bigger and While the female athletes are working quicker is important,” senior guard Megan hard and pouring sweat out on the hard- Rumschik said. “It lets us fi gure out new ways wood, they are not the only people to see to get around them to get to the basket and the court on any given day. For the past to make passes.” few years, in an effort to mix up the team’s In his fi rst day, Wu said he could see that competition in practice, Head Coach Dan they were making a diff erence. Raymond and his staff have used a few male “We helped them a lot,” he said. “Us practice players to give the women some being there gave the girls more energy different competition. than normal.” This year, two Bomber baseball play- While every member of the team plays ers, junior Derrick Wu and freshman Matt tough defense during practice, the diff erent Streich, have teamed up with the women’s style that the men bring is keeping the Bomb- basketball team’s Student Assistant Coach ers prepared for the opponents they will face JP Zendman to provide more speed and throughout the season. From left, freshman Matt Streich and Student Assistant Coach JP Zendman defend sophomore athleticism on the court. “We defi nitely have to play faster and re- forward Elissa Klie during women’s basketball practice Friday in Ben Light Gymnasium. Like in previous years, the three take ally work hard to play well against them,” ALLISON WASSINK/THE ITHACAN part in both defensive and offensive drills sophomore forward Elissa Klie said. during the team’s practices this season. The Th ey are not the only ones working hard, leticism take over, which was evident when ing and shoving all over the court. team would use more, but the NCAA has as the three male participants give 100 per- they started creating turnovers and playing While the success rate against the male now restricted the male presence in all of cent as well. For the men though, the question high-pressure defense. practice players is usually not high, the women’s sports. The amount of male play- of how hard to go and when to let up was in Like the men’s elevated play, the tension in players can see their play will be elevated at ers a women’s team can practice against is the back of their minds. Wu said he was wor- the air rises during practice as well. Th ough game time. half of the players on the court or field at a ried that he should let the women have a little the male practice players are friends with the “Hopefully we will start to play well against time rounded up. success, but that Raymond reassured him women’s team, all thoughts of being nice di- [the guys] all the time,” Klie said. “After play- While there are only three, they are not that their job was to get the team working minish as the practice goes on. Th e play gets ing them we will learn how to take advantage just an ordinary scout team, as they are usu- harder. Wu said he and Streich let their ath- more physical, and soon both sides are push- of our opponents’ weaknesses.” Thursday, December 11, 2008 SPORTS The Ithacan 25 Dominating as a group Women’s swimming relay teams work together to earn victories in the pool

BY KERRY BARGER in a team setting than they do individu- STAFF WRITER ally, with each swimmers’ finish time lower Before every race, the women’s swim- on average and their strokes cleaner and ming medley relay teams form a circle in more efficient. front of the block they’re about to take off “We’re all very competitive so we all come from. Moments later, they high-five each together so well,” Heberton said. “We all get other in unison, drop down while holding so pumped for each other every time we go each others’ hands and flex their arms in out for a race.” unison, forming an intimidating “power- Rhoades said her team works well together, flex,” letting other teams know they’re ready which they proved by remaining undefeated to win. in the medley events this season. It is this kind of ritual that brings swim- “It’s a combination of our individual skills mers together and prepares them to win the and our competitive nature that makes us race not just for themselves, but for their successful,” she said. three other teammates. Much of their success also comes from the Th e medley relay teams have been an im- ability to switch up swimmers according to portant backbone to the women’s swimming the meet. Four of the best swimmers are usu- and diving team this season. Head Coach ally split among the two teams, but if there’s a Paula Miller said part of the success is in hav- diffi cult meet coming up, Miller will load up ing two sets of four talented swimmers — a one of the rosters with her best-performing package that doesn’t come around often. swimmers at the time. “We usually go through cycles where we “It’s our premier relay team because get three pieces to the relay puzzle,” Miller we have eight swimmers who can easily be said. “We’re very fortunate to have four piec- changed at any time,” Miller said. es of that puzzle right now.” On Nov. 15, the Bombers needed that So far this season all pieces have fi t to- fl exibility as they took on Bloomsburg Uni- gether perfectly. In their past fi ve meets, the versity, a team that they always struggled Bombers have had fi ve fi rst-place fi nishes with in the past. Going into the meet, the between their “A” and “B” medley teams. Bombers had lost four consecutive meets Typically, freshman Amanda Vitullo, senior against Bloomsburg and were looking to take Lauren Botterbusch, junior Jen Heberton down the unbeaten Huskies. Sophomore Taylor Erdeski swims the backstroke during practice Nov. 5 at the Hill Center Pool. and sophomore Sheila Rhoades represent “We really loaded up the medley rosters The Bombers have had a medley relay team place fi rst in each of their meets this season. the “A” quartet while freshman Missy Kee- for Bloomsburg because they have always SABINA CAO/THE ITHACAN sler, sophomore Rebecca Blazak, freshman been one of our toughest opponents,” Miller Cali DeSanto and sophomore Joanna Ferreri said. “We usually look to place our relays one a total of 15 points, setting up the Blue and teams, but for the 39 other teammates that swim for the “B” squad. and two, and we really needed that push at Gold to win 187–107. surround them. Th eir strength and hard work have strong- the beginning of the meet.” The relay teams have helped the Bomb- “Everyone has to be on the same page,” ly contributed to the Bombers’ 6–3 record And that’s exactly what the Bombers did. ers this season through their solid perfor- Miller said. “Whether it’s swimming a relay thus far. Th e medley teams exploded off the blocks, mances and tough mental mind-sets. They or swimming individually, you can’t win a Most relay swimmers perform better fi nishing fi rst and second. Th ey racked up have swum not just for their four-person meet without your teammates.” 26 The Ithacan SPORTS Thursday, December 11, 2008 Sprinters rule in fi rst meet

BY DANIELLE PACCIONE the sprinters have historically been the stron- STAFF WRITER gest and are again this season. Sophomore Max Orenstein steps up to the He said one of the most important parts mounting block at the start of the 300-meter of the sprinting squad is Wetmore. Covino dash Saturday at the Cornell Relays. Th e gun said Wetmore’s tendency to remain humble goes off , and 25.92 seconds later, he holds about his accomplishments as he chases down Ithaca College’s record. school records, within reach of qualifying for Th e men’s track and fi eld team is led by the nationals, is motivational for his teammates. strength of the younger sprinters including Covino said the team is reliant on the Orenstein, last season’s Empire 8 Rookie of sprinters to pick up as many points as pos- the Year, sophomore Jeff Wetmore and fresh- sible in big meets because of their strength man Dan Moloney. and consistency. Senior Danny George, a distance runner, “We were a strong event group last year, said the young sprinters look promising for much stronger than previous years,” Covino the Bombers’ future. said. “We hope to continue that this year.” “All of our sprinters are pretty versatile, In addition to the rigorous interval train- short distances to long, which helps out our ing, Covino designed a specifi c lifting routine relays,” George said. “We’re really deep.” to refl ect the sprinters’ conditioning progress Orenstein broke the 300-meter dash re- from the fall to the indoor winter season. cord of 36.20 seconds set in 2001, placing Orenstein said Covino’s strong leadership eighth out of 80 runners at the Cornell meet, and amiable nature get the most out of sprint- which hosted more than a dozen schools and ers by bringing them together to develop indi- 700 athletes, including Division I programs. vidual goals in a positive environment. He said breaking the record will positively “We can rank among the top teams in aff ect his momentum this season as he contin- the state,” Wetmore said. “It would be nice ues to set personal goals. to see a few more go to both regionals “I’m on top of the world,” Orenstein said. and nationals.” “I feel like I can accomplish anything. I won’t Covino said the sprinting unit does not start out by dogging it at practice. I will con- feel pressure from the coaching staff or from tinue giving everything 100 percent.” teammates. Instead of trying to compete with Th ree Bombers advanced to the fi nals each other for the best times, each athlete in the sprint events including senior Dustin concentrates on personal progress. James and Moloney in the 60-meter hurdles “Once the day of a race comes, we simply and Wetmore in the 60-meter dash. have to do our best and execute,” Covino said. Wetmore, who placed 13th out of 64 run- “Once the gun goes off , our training and in- ners in the 60-meter dash with a time of 7.23 stincts take over.” seconds at the season opener, said he predicts Covino said with more depth than most that he will improve on his past times and see teams, he expects numerous sprinters to relay records get broken. reach nationals. “Last year the sprinters were one of the top “Backed by strong coaching, dedication scoring groups, but each year people gradu- and work ethic, I really feel that we are go- ate,” Wetmore said. “All you can do is try to ing to be a powerhouse in the state,” Covino perform at your best.” said. “We are going to be a team that will From left, Binghamton University freshman Jesse McCormick runs against sophomore Kevin Senior captain sprinter Chris Covino said be a force to be reckoned with, regionally Hurley during the 4x400-meter relay Saturday at the Cornell Relays at Cornell University. out of all the facets of the track and fi eld team, and nationally.” ALLISON WASSINK/THE ITHACAN

The Ithacan online | theithacan.org/sports

Look online for game stories from these sports:

TODAY Wrestling vs. Rochester Institute of Technology

SATURDAY Wrestling @ SUNY-Oswego Women’s basketball @ St. Lawrence University Men’s basketball @ St. Lawrence University THE BUZZER

Thursday, December 11, 2008 The Ithacan 27 ONE ON ONE Assistant Sports Editor Casey Musarra spoke with sophomore sprinter Marcia McCord about how it felt to break her own college record in the 300-meter dash.

Casey Musarra: How did it feel to perform so well in just the fi rst meet of the year? Marcia McCord: I was really excited. I knew I wanted to im- prove on my performance from last year, and I had a goal time in mind, but I didn’t expect to run that well. When I saw my time, I couldn’t stop smiling. CM: Where do you see yourself going from there? MM: With hope, I’ll continue to improve. This meet was a bench marker. I just wanted to see where I was with respect to the beginning of the season and this time last year. Over winter break, I’ll keep working out because I’m not supposed to be lazy and eat Bon Bons. I want to pick up the season where I left it, or better, because I don’t want to let my team, For two or myself, down. From left, freshman Peter Garrity tries to block senior Roy Kwankam’s shot Friday during the men’s club basket- ball team’s warm-up for their game against SUNY-Cortland in the Wood Floor Gym in the Fitness Center. CM: After breaking fi ve college records individu- ALLISON WASSINK/THE ITHACAN ally and one in the 800-meter relay as a freshman, do you see yourself capitalizing on that? MM: I’m defi nitely going to capitalize on those times. Every year I want to get better. I plan to use the the foul line past times I’ve run as motivation and as a reminder that I only want to move forward. Weird news from the wide world of sports Wycombe Wanderers fan Jarred Knight lived out every CM: As a multi-event athlete, do you fi nd it diffi - sports fan’s dream Nov. 25 when one of the linesman cult transitioning from one to the next? was injured during the Wanderers game against the Port Adelaide Football Club. During the game an announce- MM: If the events are too close together, it can be they ment came over the loudspeaker asking if anyone in diffi cult to change gears. Th e technique and strategy for each event is unique. So before an event, I try to the stands could fulfi ll the duties of the fourth offi cial, remind myself of what I need to do, and the coaches who replaced the injured linesman. Knight lied his way have always been there to help me. through his conversation with the offi cials, claiming he saidit had the Football Association qualifi cations, but didn’t. “My mates were trying to make me laugh,” Knight said. “Thank God I hadn’t been to the pub, or I couldn’t have It’s become like kept a straight face.” The offi cials said there was no by the time to check whether he really was qualifi ed, so they a common thing numbers let him do the job. The Wanderers won 2–0, and Knight got to celebrate with the in the NHL for team afterward. guys to fall in — Casey Musarra 8 love with my The number of swim- mers on the women’s sloppy seconds. swimming and diving team who compete in Dallas Stars’ center the medley relay. See Sean Avery referring to 2The number of tons worth story on page 25. of equipment the gymnas- Calgary Flames’ defen- tics team has to set up seman Dion Phaneuf before its practice in their dating his ex-girlfriend shared gym space. actress Elisha Cuth- See story on page 23. bert in an interview before the Stars’ game Dec. 2 in Calgary. Taking a look at Ithaca’s competitive club sports in da club This week’s club: Men’s Volleyball

—The club is open to all male Ithaca College students. —The season began with tryouts in October and con- tinues through April. —Last season, the men’s volleyball club traveled to Dallas to compete in the National Intramural-Recreation Sports Association National Championships. —So far this season, the club has split each of its games against SUNY-Buffalo and SUNY-Albany at the Annual Charity Tournament in Syracuse, N.Y.

PHOTO COURTESY OF ISAAC HATTEM 28 The Ithacan SPORTS Thursday, December 11, 2008 stageSetting the

Sprinters lead the way for the men’s track and fi eld team in its season-opening meet. See story on page 26.

From left, sophomore Max Orenstein runs by Binghamton University sophomore Jesse Fuca in the 4x400-meter relay Saturday at the Cornell Relays at Cornell University. ALLISON WASSINK/THE ITHACAN