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The Corne¬ Daily Sun Vol. 129, No. 50
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2012 ! ITHACA, NEW YORK
16 Pages – Free
Shinagawa’05 Debates C.U. Republicans By MATT ROSENSPIRE Sun Senior Writer
In a debate at Cornell Tuesday, Nate Shinagawa ’05, M.A. ’09, Democratic nominee for Congress in New York’s 23rd District, sparred with two members of the College Republicans on policy issues. The debate — which was moderatMORGAN GREENE / SUN STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
See DEBATE page 4
A difficult decision | Common Council members review Mayor Myrick’s ’09 proposed budget Tuesday.
Fight Over City Budget Continues By CAROLINE FLAX
As Common Council members prepare to finalize the City of Ithaca’s 2013 budget, Mayor Svante Myrick ’09 said Tuesday that the council has a difficult task ahead of it. “This is not a question of good choice versus a bad choice. These are impossible choices,” Myrick said at a public meeting. “You will have to make the impossible choice.” Though the proposed budget would reduce the number of firefighters by four and the number of police officers by about
nine, some Common Council members said that the budget would still make public safety a priority. Common Council will suggest changes to the budget before it is voted on in November. Cynthia Brock (D-1st Ward) said that the council’s “first priority” is to provide public safety and other necessary services to city residents. “We need to keep the health, safety and welfare of our citizens first and foremost,” Brock said. See BUDGET page 5
Seasonal Attire
Owners of the Costume Place in the Ithaca Mall, which is only open during Halloween season, face the challenge of turning a profit in a short amount of time. | Page 3
Opinion Time Well Spent
Darrick Nighthawk Evenson grad urges undergraduates to attend their professors’ and teaching assistants’ office hours. | Page 6
Science Presidential Policies
Just in time for elections, The Sun’s science section breaks down President Barack Obama and Mitt Romney’s stances on energy policy, climate change, stem cell research and other key science issues. | Pages 8 and 9
Arts Rapping for Peace
Myrick’09: Common Council faces ‘impossible choices’ Sun Senior Writer
News
The Sun speaks with Jewish rapper Matisyahu to get the scoop on his facial hair, musical style and views on Palestine. | Page 10
Sports Riding to Victory
Cornell’s men and women’s polo teams won their matches against the University of Connecticut and University of Kentucky respectively. | Page 16 CONNOR ARCHARD / SUN SENIOR PHOTOGRAPHER
Talk it out | Congressional candidate Nate Shinagawa ’09 speaks at Cornell Tuesday.
Weather Rain HIGH: 45 LOW: 39
Cornell,Ithaca Spared Wrath of Sandy Suspect Arrested for By UTSAV RAI Sun Staff Writer
Although Hurricane Sandy wreaked havoc upon much of the East Coast as it swept through the region early this week, Ithaca remained relatively untouched by the storm. While the city canceled government meetings Monday and several local schools shut down, Cornell remained open and classes were in session Tuesday. Public transportation closed in New York City. In Ithaca, however, TCAT buses operated on their normal schedules Monday and Tuesday, according to a TCAT press release. “We’re pleased to say that Ithaca has once again been spared from the brunt of the storm,” Mayor Svante Myrick ’09 wrote on his Facebook. Myrick added that “loss of electricity in the City was minimal.” In anticipation of the
storm, the City of Ithaca opened an Emergency Operations Center — staffed by members of the Ithaca Fire Department, Ithaca Police Department and Department of Public Works — on Monday, a city press release said. As of 9 p.m. Monday,
members of the IFD had responded to five incidents of tree limbs falling on wires, according to the press release. At least 39 people in eight states were killed in the storm, according to The New York Times. Additionally, more than eight million homes were left without
power. In NYC, Weill Cornell Medical College closed except for “essential services,” according to WCMC’s website. WCMC will resume operation Wednesday. Utsav Rai can be reached at urai@cornellsun.com.
HIROKO MASUIKE / THE NEW YORK TIMES
The aftermath | Workers in Lower Manhattan clean after Hurricane Sandy hit the city Tuesday.
Burglarizing Charity
By LAUREN AVERY Sun Staff Writer
charitable organization. After failing to respond to commands given by the IPD, the suspect smashed another window, left the building and fled the premises on foot, police said. Several officers chased him on foot for a short time. The suspect was
A charitable organization on the 300 block of West Buffalo Street was burglarized by a man on Monday evening, according to the Ithaca Police Department. The man was later arrested, police said. The IPD A male suspect was received notice found to be in possession of the burglary being in progress of stolen property. at approximately 8:30 p.m. Monday. Several officers were then caught and taken immediately dispatched into custody. He is being to cover the perimeter of charged with burglary in the 300 block building. the third degree for The suspect was soon breaking into and robfound inside the building bing the charitable orgaafter IPD officers located nization. a broken window on the exterior of the building. According to the IPD, a Lauren Avery male suspect was found to can be be in possession of stolen reached at property taken from the lavery@cornellsun.com.
2 THE CORNELL DAILY SUN | Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Today
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Weird News
Umpteen speedy televisions perused two sheep, then umpteen tickets towed Jupiter, and Dan untangles five progressive orifices. Umpteen quixotic aardvarks annoyingly bought two Macintoshes. Umpteen bureaux tickled two extremely putrid botulisms. Paul sacrificed one lampstand, then Jupiter marries the very quixotic pawnbroker. Five purple poisons laughed, yet umpteen chrysanthemums kisses five aardvarks. Batman noisily untangles one Jabberwocky. Two Macintoshes laughed, then one extremely schizophrenic Jabberwocky drunkenly untangles two sheep, however Quark telephoned umpteen obese Jabberwockies. Five irascible botulisms slightly lamely auctioned off the subway, and five chrysanthemums easily untangles one mostly speedy Klingon. Five dogs drunkenly perused Minnesota, however the mats ran away cleverly, although one partly progressive subway quite comfortably sacrificed
Daybook
of the Week
Today Halloween Happenings 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m., G10 Biotechnology Building
Wild Boar Attacks, Injures Four People in Berlin
Designing Experiments 3:30 - 5 p.m., 200 Savage Hall Veterinary Senior Seminars 4:30 - 5 p.m., Murray Lecture Hall 1, Veterinary College GET SET: How to Design Engaging Lectures and Effective Presentations 4:45 - 6 p.m., 143 Plant Sciences Building
Tomorrow SEAP Brown Bag Lecture Series, “The Cham in Cambodia: Networks and Memory” Noon - 1:30 p.m., Kahin Center, 640 Stewart Ave. Increasing Nuclear Transparency: Using Commercial Satellite Imagery and the Freedom of Information Act To Monitor Chinese and Russian Nuclear Force Developmentss 12:15 - 1:30 p.m., G08 Uris Hall Gas Flows and Galaxy Evolution 4 - 5 p.m., 105 Space Sciences Building Grand Illusion Introduced by Prof. Isaac Kramnick, government 7 - 9 p.m., Willard Straight Hall Jonathan Franzen Reading 7:30 p.m., Sage Chapel
BERLIN (AP) — Berlin authorities say they shot and killed a 265-pound wild boar after it attacked and injured four people including a police officer in a residential neighborhood. Police said Tuesday the boar bit a 74-year-old man on the back and leg, and knocked a 74-year-old woman to the ground and injured her hip on Monday afternoon in the Charlottenburg area of the capital. It also bit a 24-year-old woman before she climbed aboard a parked car to safety. All three were treated in a hospital. Police say when a police officer arrived, the boar attacked him and cut his leg before he pulled his gun and killed the animal with “multiple shots.” Wild boars are relatively common in green Berlin, though rarely cause problems beyond digging up gardens.
Nevada Town Named State’s ‘Most Bearded Community’ Present this coupon to your server. Expires 11/8/12CARSON CITY, Nev. (AP) — Virginia City has emerged as Nevada’s “most bearded community” following a weekend contest. The Nevada Appeal reports Virginia City won by bringing 57 whiskered faces to the competition held Saturday after the annual Nevada Day Parade in Carson City, the state’s capital.
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The home team of Carson City had 46 bearded faces at the event. Nevada Supreme Court Justices Mark Gibbons and Nancy Saitta served as judges of the hairy competition, along with Miss Nevada Outstanding Teen Ellie Smith of Las Vegas. They chose winners in the community contest as well as eight other categories, including blackest beard and best salt-and-pepper beard.
British Army Dog Joins List Of Animal War Heroes LONDON (AP) — British soldiers and military dogs gathered at a London army barracks Thursday to honor a fallen hero with selfless courage, nerves of steel — and four legs. Theo, a bomb-sniffing springer spaniel who died in Afghanistan on the day his soldier partner was killed, was posthumously honored with the Dickin Medal, Britain’s highest award for bravery by animals. Theo worked alongside Lance Cpl. Liam Tasker, searching for roadside bombs in Helmand province, a Taliban stronghold. Tasker, 26, died in a firefight with insurgents in March 2011, and Theo suffered a fatal seizure hours later. Tasker's mother, Jane Duffy, says the pair were inseparable. She’s convinced Theo died of a broken heart. “They’ll be watching us, and they’ll be so proud,” she said. “I just wish they were here to get it themselves.” Since 1943, the Dickin Medal has recognized gallantry by animals serving with the military, police or rescue services.
THE CORNELL DAILY SUN | Wednesday, October 31, 2012 3
NEWS
Halloween Costume Shop A Yearlong Job for Owners By NOAH RANKIN
Though Debra Worthing still works part-time in a dental office, her husband devotes all of his time to the store, travAs a store that operates for only six eling between Ithaca Mall and the store’s weeks of the year, owners of The second location in Horseheads, N.Y. Costume Place –– a Halloween shop in According to John Worthing, managthe Ithaca Mall –– say the business faces ing the store is a yearlong enterprise, a daunting task each year: turning a prof- despite the relative brevity of the it in a limited period of time. Halloween season. When the store is not But Debra Worthing of Owego, N.Y., open, Worthing said the couple works one of the store’s owners, said The throughout the year, taking inventory of Costume Place is a “very profitable busi- the products in the store, as well as orderness.” ing new costumes and pricing them. John Worthing, who owns the store “There’s a lot of work involved when with his wife, said The Costume Place we’re not open in the stores,” he said. remains open each year from the middle “There’s constantly things to do, but of September to we’re not the evening of under any Oct. 31, occupy- “We’ve been doing it for 24 time presing a temporary until years. It was something that just sure space in the mall. this last The Worthings kind of dropped in our lap.” month started at The here.” Costume Place as Debra Worthing A n y employees. The items that couple bought the are not store when their friends no longer want- sold before Halloween are saved for the ed to run the business, according to next year, stored in his garage, John Debra Worthing. Worthing said. Now, “we’ve been doing it for 24 “We always have a fair amount of stuff years,” Debra Worthing said. “It was left over,” he said. “Part of the job is getsomething that just kind of dropped in ting figured out where and what it is.” our lap.” According to Worthing, the reason Sun Contributor
Grinning ear to ear
JORDAN VARTANIAN / SUN STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Seasonal occupation | The Costume Place in the Ithaca Mall operates from mid-September to Halloween night each year.
that most costumes and accessories can be reused from year to year is simple: quintessential costume ideas are often the store’s most popular items. “Superheroes have been popular every year. The Wizard of Oz is always popular,” he said. “Generic stuff — witches, ninjas, all that kind of stuff–– is always popular with kids and adults, too. They’re standards every year. I think they’re more popular than any of the fads that come along.” Still, Worthing said, The Costume Place makes sure to stock up on costumes that contain pop culture references. The store carries a variety of niche costumes, ranging from characters from the MTV reality series Jersey Shore to The
Annoying Orange, an Internet comedy series –– though, he said, not all of these items prove to be top sellers. For instance, Worthing said, though the costume of Garth from Wayne’s World was met with greater enthusiasm than he had expected this season, the store has not sold a single Annoying Orange mask this year. “We tend to go light on the licensed [costume characters],” Worthing said. “They’ll be popular for a year or two and then all of a sudden you can’t get rid of them.” Noah Rankin can be reached at nar59@cornell.edu.
Debate Team Emerges Victorious C.U. Forensics Society beats over 170 teams in competition By EMMA JESCH Sun Contributor
MORGAN GREENE / SUN STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Seth Moore ’16, Maritza Medina-Olazaran ’16 and Katrina Ablorh ’15 make cards for hospitalized children for the Big Red Smile Project Tuesday.
Disrupting Carpenter Hall
A person not affiliated with the University behaved in a disorderly manner Monday in Carpenter Hall, according to a report from the Cornell University Police Department. The person was escorted off campus, the report said. Petit Larceny
Staff from the Robert Trent Golf Course reported a theft of four unsecured golf cart batteries worth $800 Monday morning, according to a CUPD report. Unlawful Possession of Alcohol
Two individuals — one in Clara Dickson Hall and one on University Avenue — were referred to the Judicial Administrator for unlawful possession of alcohol Monday evening, according to Cornell Police. Aggravated Harassment
An individual was referred to the Judicial Administrator after an incident of aggravated harassment in Barton Hall, according to Cornell Police. — Compiled by Akane Otani
Last weekend, two Cornell seniors representing the Cornell Forensics Society — the University’s speech and debate program — bested over 170 teams from around the world to win the Yale Intervarsity Debate Tournament. The tournament is one of the largest and most prestigious debate tournaments in North America, according to Prof. Sam Nelson, director of the Cornell Forensics Society. Alex Bores ’13, one of the two members of the champion debate team, called his experience at the tournament “a blast.” “It was a really competitive final round. There were teams from University of Toronto, Stanford and Harvard,” Bores said. Both Bores and his partner Danny Blackman ’13 — along with two other teams from Cornell — will advance to the World Tournament in Berlin in December. The tournament was debated in the “worlds format,” in which four two-person teams debate in each round. Half the teams must argue in favor of the topic while the other half argue against it, Nelson said. “The 16 teams that do the best go to the elimination round,” Nelson said. “Blackman and Bores had to win three debates after they made it through the sweet 16.” In the final round, Bores
and Blackman argued that “conscripted soldiers who commit war crimes should not be prosecuted if they are following orders.” The final topic was fairly typical, according to Bores. Most debate topics are based on current events, but occasionally a seemingly random topic will surface. “There will be a whole range of everything,” Bores said. “We once debated whether or not Valentine’s Day should be a holiday.” At the tournament, the debaters are given only 15 minutes to prepare before the debate starts, so they do not have a lot of time, according to Ryan Yeh ’13, president of the Forensics Society. “You aren’t allowed to bring a lot of outside sources,” Yeh said. “To prepare for debate, we read up on the news and practice with our coach around four times a week.” Currently, the Forensics Society is ranked sixth in the world, according to the International Debate Education Association’s World University Debate Rankings. Nelson, however, said he expects that when the next rankings are issued, “Cornell will probably rank number one or number two.” There are over 150 members in the Forensics Society, ranging from engineers to ILR majors, and the society sends teams to over 20 tournaments per year, according to Nelson. “Unlike most sports teams, we don’t cut people,” Bores said. “Anyone who is interested can come and learn more
about debate.” Cornell creates the perfect environment for successful debate, according to Nelson. “Cornell students have a certain kind of intellect where they like to challenge each other,” Nelson said. “There’s a lot of camaraderie on the team.” Many people join the society because they want to improve their ability to speak publicly. However, the society promotes speech and debate beyond just tournaments, according to Nelson. The society recently co-sponsored a debate between Rick Santorum (R-Penn.) and Howard Dean (D-Vt.). “You don’t have to dig very deep to find the Forensics Society on campus,” Nelson said. Bores said he considers his experience on the Forensics Society critical to his ability to speak publicly and craft an argument. “You gain a lot of great skills, and getting to travel around the world isn’t a bad [gig] either,” Bores said. “I’ve been to Turkey, Botswana, South Africa, the Philippines, England — all through debate.” Yeh said that regardless of major major, the skills fostered by debate teach critical thinking. “Absolutely everyone can benefit from debate,” Yeh said. “Communication is essential no matter where you end up after college.” Emma Jesch can be reached at eaj54@cornell.edu.
4 THE CORNELL DAILY SUN | Wednesday, October 31, 2012
NEWS
C.U.Republicans Debate Congressional Candidate Shinagawa’05 DEBATE
Continued from page 1
ed by Ryan Yeh ’13, president of the Cornell Forensics Society — covered five subjects: the debt and deficit, taxes, bipartisanship, health care and education. Alex Pruce ’13 and Julius Kairey ’15 represented the Cornell Republicans in the event –– in which Rep. Tom Reed (R-N.Y. 29), Shinagawa’s incumbent opponent, declined to participate, according to Prof. Sam Nelson, director of the Cornell Forensics Society. Shinagawa opened the debate with a speech touting his service in the Tompkins County Legislature as an example of bipartisanship. He attacked the Republican majority in the House of Representatives for “not investing in the middle class.” Pruce, delivering the Republicans’ response, said, “We believe wholeheartedly as Republicans in the individual, not reliance on the institution.” The debaters disagreed starkly on a number of issues. When Yeh asked each side to
name a specific path to closing the agreement centered on bipartisan- with a House run by Republicans deficit, Kairey said the Republican ship and the leadership style of and a Senate run by Democrats,” Party should focus on reducing Republicans in the House of he said. Shinagawa said the Farm long-term entitlement spending, Representatives. Bill, which passed the Senate with specifically through a voucher proWhen asked whether the bipartisan support but was stalled gram and a means testing of Republican Party should be in the House, is representative of Medicare, which would give poor- blamed for the lack of bipartisan problems with House Republican er seniors more generous benefits. action in the Republican-con- leadership. “Not doing anything to trolled House of Representatives, On the subject of healthcare, Medicare is ending it,” Kairey said. Kairey said, “No, it’s our responsi- the two sides found a rare area of Shinagawa thanked Kairey for bility to stand up against bad poli- agreement when Pruce said that identifying a specific the Affordable Care Act was correct in covering program, saying, “I commend you for hav- “I half-liked Nate ... There were some pre-existing conditions, risks that are not typically ing more specifics than moments where we could agree.” compensated by standard the rest of your party.” insurance premiums. Shinagawa, however, Nicolette St. Lawrence ’15 However, Pruce said proposed reining in that the law was compromilitary spending by mised by the taxes and fees it ending the war in Afghanistan and cies.” shutting down select military bases He added that the results of the included and that the individual abroad, which he called “relics of 2010 midterm elections, in which mandate that allows the federal the Cold War.” House Republicans gained a government to force individuals to Shinagawa also proposed elimi- majority, signaled the American purchase an item they may not nating or raising the Social Security electorate giving Republicans a want or need. Nelson said he was pleased with tax cap and allowing parts of the mandate to oppose President the substance of the debate, but Bush tax cuts to expire for citizens Obama. with incomes above $250,000 –– a Shinagawa, however, asked the regretted Reed’s absence. “I thought it was good. I was suggestion that Kairey said would audience to compare Republican just happy it happened,” Nelson negatively affect small businesses. and Democratic leadership. The most significant area of dis“We have a very good example said. “Cornell is one of the largest
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employers in the new 23rd District, so it’s nice that at least one of the candidates was brave enough to come here and have his ideas tested by those who disagree with them.” Nicolette St. Lawrence ’15, a member of the Cornell Republicans, echoed Nelson’s sentiments. “I half-liked Nate,” St. Lawrence said. “There were a few moments where I could tell he borrowed some Obama-isms, but there were some moments where we could agree. I was just disappointed that Reed couldn’t make it.” Dalton Vieira ’14, a member of the Cornell Democrats, was equally balanced in his appraisal of the debate. “Nate did well in most areas, though there were some areas where the Cornell Republicans brought up points that I’d like to see him respond to,” Vieira said. “Overall, I thought it was good.” Matthew Rosenspire can be reached at mrosenspire@cornellsun.com.
THE CORNELL DAILY SUN | Wednesday, October 31, 2012 5
NEWS
Common Council Members Express Commitment to Public Safety BUDGET
Continued from page 1
Graham Kerslick (D-4th Ward) echoed Brock’s sentiments. Although the city is looking to expand its tax base to help fund the 42 percent of the city’s budget that is currently spent on public safety, the costs of safety services are growing, Kerslick said. “[Public safety] is definitely one of my top priorities,” Kerslick said. “It’s just more and more expensive to provide these public services.” To increase the city’s revenues without increasing residents’ property taxes, Common Council is looking to attract businesses to downtown Ithaca, which Brock said would create sources of tax revenue. “We cannot cut our way out. We have to grow our way out,” Brock said. Despite city officials’ defenses, members of IPD and IFD voiced their opposition to the cuts, arguing that they would jeopardize the departments’ safety.
IPD faces a “staffing crisis,” Deputy cer lends to the department. Chief Pete Tyler said. According to Deputy Chief John Especially in the wake of the shooting Barber, IPD received 21,391 calls of IPD Officer Anthony Augustine on requesting assistance last year. With that Oct. 11, the city must address the volume of calls, Barber said that the IPD department’s staffing shortages, Tyler needs to have at least four more officers saud, on staff to adequately respond to resi“It doesn’t look like it’s getting better dents. in terms of “ Y o u crime,” he don’t want said. “We “You don’t want your police department your police really need to become a reactive department. We are department to think to become a about what [a] reactive and proactive department.” reactive we want to departdo in the John Barber ment. We really near are [a] reacfuture and tive about the staff.” proactive department,” Barber said. Augustine’s wife also spoke at the IPD officer Kevin Slattery echoed meeting, saying that she hopes the Barber’s sentiments, saying that IPD is Common Council will consider saving operating at its “bare minimum.” some of the IPD positions slated to be Cutting staff from the police department cut in the budget. would “[place] the burden on those who “For all the people that saved my hus- are already overburdened,” he said. band’s life that night, it’s priceless,” she “While we’re crunching numbers, said, referring to the assistance each offi- we’re forgetting one of the most impor-
tant parts of the equation: What’s the cost of crime?” Slattery said. “Our work is often misunderstood and unfairly criticized ... Now you’re asking us to do more.” As the demand for its services rises, the IFD would also be jeopardized if Myrick’s budget passes, several firefighters said at the meeting. Even while the city has grown, the number of firefighters who responding to residents’ calls for assistance has decreased across the years, firefighters said. Myrick acknowledged the officers’ concerns but defended his budget. He said that, although he wishes the city could maintain the current staffing levels of IPD and IFD, the Common Council must confront the realities of the city’s budget crisis. With a $3-million deficit, the City of Ithaca cannot postpone painful budget cuts, Myrick said. Caroline Flax can be reached at cflax@cornellsun.com.
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Editorial
Prioritizing Social Justice
UNIVERSITIES INHERENTLY MOLD STUDENTS. An education is meant to serve students past graduation, producing better informed, more participative citizens in society. As such, it is imperative that the University ensures students receive not just quality education, but also responsible education. In the past months, our campus has confronted various acts of bias, prejudice and violence. The Assembly for Justice has proposed that Cornell add a University-wide social justice requirement to its curriculum. In order to effect cultural change, the administration should affirm social justice as a core value and an integral part of a university education. A social justice requirement course is a potential way to achieve this. The University’s mission statement alludes to social justice: “Cornell ... aims ... to enhance the lives and livelihoods of our students, the people of New York, and others around the world.” In order to fulfill this mission, we must understand the world in which we live — one full of persistent social inequality. In a country as diverse as the United States, many people still grow up in predominantly homogeneous environments. Though perhaps unconsciously and unintentionally, many never think about social justice or their own cultural identities in a political and social context. A social justice course would introduce students to thinking about themselves in a wider context, a necessary thought process to begin to break down bias and prejudice. While some may argue students will meet an additional distribution requirement begrudgingly and with resentment, we feel that it is possible to implement this requirement in a way that does not unreasonably restrict students. Further, others will argue that a simple course that falls under the category of “social justice” will not solve bias or create social justice. And this is true; we do not believe that a social justice requirement is a cure-all for bias, racism and injustice. However, it is certainly a step in the right direction. A potential model for such a requirement is the human diversity requirement in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. The list of approved courses that fulfill this requirement is expansive and provides students with ample opportunity to find a course that appeals to their interests. Of course, this also poses the risk that students might stay within their realm of comfort. Curriculums designed with an eye toward social justice and diversity expose students not just to various cultures and identities, but to different and often new ways of thinking. This intellectual diversity prevents groupthink and encourages the expression of individual thought. Rather than imposing a specific school of thought, a social diversity requirement validates many intellectual frames. The ability to analyze material through various perspectives creates not only more socially aware students, but also better critical thinkers. The requirement would enhance any general education, and it is the University’s responsibility to provide students with the best education that it can. Although the bias and harassment incidents this past year may not have all been committed by Cornell students, issues of bias still exist within our University. We hope that the administration will develop this requirement as a step toward affirming social justice as an academic and moral priority on our campus. It may serve as a way to grant all students the opportunity to broaden their perspectives and become better-educated, more well-rounded citizens.
dents not only to make yourself available, but also to actively encourage them to interact with you outside of class. As an instructor in a freshman writing seminar, I offer my thoughts here on the purpose, meaning and opportunity of office hours. First, to student readers: When I was an undergrad, I took two courses that each had a total class of four students. Unless this is the structure of all your classes, you probably do not have much (or enough, I would wager) individual contact with your instructors. Attending office hours can be hugely beneficial. They allow you to share your interests with your instructor and learn better how the course content relates to issues you really care about. Your discussions may also lead the instructor to tailor the course content more to your interests. In individual conversations with an instructor, you can better understand nuances and connections that are difficult to pick up in class, even from the best instructors. Office hours also offer the opportunity to develop and refine specific skills (e.g., beautiful and / or laconic writing, analytical thinking, problem solving or quantitative analysis). Perhaps the greatest enticement to attend office hours is the not-so-secret secret that doing so will likely improve your grade. You will understand better your instructor’s expectations for assignments and ways to meet those expectations. The professor will observe that you truly care about the course (which may not be an official component of your grade, but let’s be honest, it still may subjectively influence your grade). If office hours are so great, what keeps the vast majority of students at bay? There are several myths, which I hope to dispel, that keep instructors’ offices empty: 1. Going to office hours takes extra time and effort. No, by better understanding the instructor’s expectations and by receiving help on assignments early on, you will actually save time and reduce stress. Without exception,
savants in our disciplines; we teach because, at some point, we became deeply excited about a particular area of thought and then actively explored it. Office hours are an opportunity for you to engage in similar exploration and discovery. Now, to the instructors: If we really want our students to actively engage with us and our course material outside of class, we need to encourage them to do so. Each week, I hold “informal” office hours in addition to my regular office hours. I sit in Manndible Café for a half hour immediately following class two days each week. Students can stop by, in a group or individually, to ask for advice on assignments, to clarify concepts or to explore further an idea introduced in class. As instructors, we need to cater to a range of learning styles and comfort levels. I have even taped, under random chairs in my classroom, coupons for a free coffee or tea at the café, as a way to entice students to come. Halfway through the semester, I started offering extra credit to students who came to my office hours with a question about how to improve their writing. The enticements I offer to students to engage with me intellectually outside of class are just examples, but I feel they point to the active role we instructors can and must play in establishing an energized intellectual climate on campus. Office hours are typically viewed like antibiotics, something you use reactively after a problem arises. Let us begin to reconceptualize them as closer to exercise — something we engage in proactively, not only to prevent illness, but also to expand the horizons of our capabilities. Students AND instructors have a role to play in this cultural shift.
Darrick Nighthawk Evensen is a graduate student in the Department of Natural Resources and the graduate student-elected trustee. He may be reached at dte6@cornell.edu. Trustee Viewpoint appears alternate Wednesdays this semester.
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THE CORNELL DAILY SUN | Wednesday, October 31, 2012 7
OPINION
Leading by Example
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onight many Cornellians will roam Collegetown in costume for Halloween. Many men on campus, however, have been dressed up for weeks in response to the wave of bias incidents and violence toward women. We’ve been very convincing iterations of Two Face — successfully spreading awareness of campus resources and encouraging others to take action in response to newsworthy episodes, while ignoring our own everyday transgressions and those of our friends. In not openly condemning and challenging a pervading culture that continues to objectify women and denigrate minorities, male Cornell students like me exacerbate problems and nullify the effects of the institutions we promote to the community at large. I was painfully reminded last week that major problems still exist at Cornell with regard to how men on campus treat women and minorities. Maggie Henry’s ’14 column in last Wednesday’s Sun served as a powerful and courageous call for action regarding attitudes toward women. What scared me most about her piece was the reminder that sexual assault on campus is far more common than any statistics or reports suggest, because we fail to properly acknowledge harmful behavior as a community. I was just as troubled by the fact that, in the story Maggie told, the perpetrator’s fraternity was aware of what happened and did nothing. We don’t merely fail to identify and expose assault, but we also remain silent when the line is clearly crossed. Ulysses Smith’s ’13 speech at last Wednesday’s Illuminate the Night rally similarly led me to appreciate the deleterious environment that exists on campus for many minority students. Ulysses recounted incidents from the past few weeks where he was accosted for the sole reason of being black. I was horrified by how effortlessly Ulysses was able to identify instances of hate speech, with the acknowledgment that such incidents are an inherent and all-too-common part of his Cornell experience. Again, we fail to admit how often bias incidents occur and, instead of demanding accountability, avoid addressing those responsible for propagating hate speech. I’m not a racist and I make it a point to respect women, but I’m just as responsible as any other male student for the continued unhealthy campus climate for women and minorities. I’m guilty of not speaking up when I see friends and acquaintances make unwelcome advances on female
students, and I’m guilty of tacitly watching racist and homophobic statements pass as acceptable humor. So much of what I see and hear makes me sick and directly contradicts my core values, and yet I don’t feel comfortable intervening when people I know are involved. That’s my fault and a failure of my responsibility to lead by example. Even worse, when I’ve made the occasional disrespectful statement or advance, I haven’t felt shamed by the community or even ascertained that the behavior was seen as offensive. We are all to blame for not addressing everyday incidents of bias and rape with the same vigor we police the incidents that make the front page of The Sun. In light of horribly egregious incidents of bias and violence at Cornell, it’s been made abundantly clear that we won’t stand for acknowledged rapes or obvious bias attacks on East Hill. I’ve been continually impressed by our collective promotion of excellent campus resources and with such initiatives as the Big Red Walkshare, with the aim of together promoting a safe campus. Grassroots groups, such as the Assembly for Justice, have also made remarkable inroads involving the administration and student body in important and necessary dialogue. Yet, privately at home, it’s evident many male Cornellians are still ambivalent about less blatant, unrecognized attacks that are equally, if not more harmful to our larger community. Last week’s Interfraternity Council Sexual Assault Forum is a perfect illustration of the dichotomy between how we treat notable, universally-regarded bias and abuse incidents and how we react to daily violations of the respect and dignity of female and minority students. The forum was a noble effort on the part of the IFC to address issues related to consent and sexual relations, with the plan being to start a conversation with representatives from every fraternity. According to Sun coverage of the event, however, those who did attend were notably apathetic. From what I understand, those who did engage in the conversation found it mean-
ingful, but most chose to sit in the back of the auditorium and disengage. When it came to common, everyday actions by friends, we reversed course and failed to address the issues at hand. The comfort, ease and courage with which we reject newsworthy incidents are replaced by the uncertainty, awkwardness and weakness inherent in our inability to reject unacceptable behavior of friends and acquaintances. We must, as males on campus, stand up for our values if we want to correct our campus cultural problem. I do think most men on campus, like me, are uncomfortable with the rampant racism, homophobia and wom-
Jon Weinberg In Focus anizing that is popularly perceived to be a part of fraternity, and male, culture. And that’s precisely why the disclosures of brave leaders like Ulysses and Maggie are so troubling. It’s not enough for men like us to treat women properly and abstain from racist and homophobic behavior. Merely taking ourselves out of the equation and only acting reactively to well-publicized incidents won’t make anyone feel safer, nor will it render the violators of common decency outcasts. It’s imperative we directly challenge behavior unbecoming of our University. We cannot be hesitant to intervene when friends or acquaintances act objectionably. We cannot be reluctant to openly challenge sexist, racist and homophobic actions whenever and wherever they occur. We must instead be real men in leading by example — treating all Cornellians with the utmost respect and dignity, and openly calling on others to do the same. Jon Weinberg is a senior in the School of Industrial and Labor Relations. He may be reached at jweinberg@cornellsun.com. In Focus appears alternate Wednesdays this semester.
A Week of Tricks I
t seems that, every year, Halloween in Ithaca gets a little bit scarier, and not in a spooky sort of way. Every year before this one, in spite of global warming, there seems to be a steady decline in the temperature. Actually, being a sophomore, I can only speak for last year’s Halloween night, but I remember feeling
Fears of being blown across the Arts Quad aside, the decision to maintain the prominent “Cornell University is OPEN” displayed at the top of the Cornell.ed “status” page adversely affects University faculty and staff far more than it affects us as students. Although there is some inherent risk associated with walk-
David Fischer Fischy Business quite out of place in the near-freezing temperatures dressed as a lifeguard (original, I know). And now, this year, a sour girl named Sandy, dressed in wailing winds and strong rains (she won’t ever win a costume contest dressed like that) threatened to trick or treat around the neighborhood. To make matters worse, Hurricane Sandy clearly does not have any plans of bringing any candy or joy of her own since, as of Monday night (when I am writing this column), it seemed that Day Hall was determined to hold classes despite the threat of hurricane weather.
ing to class in driving rains and bonechilling winds faster than 30 miles per hour (other than your umbrella snapping), there are much greater risks for the faculty and staff who must drive in order to reach the campus. Although there could have been some chance of freak, falling tree branches or flying debris on your morning (or afternoon depending on potential skipped classes) ambulatory commute, these members of our University community could have had to drive on sick roads while potentially dodging fallen trees. Cornell being the
THE SUN THRIVES ON YOUR FEEDBACK.
only Ivy League university still open on Tuesday showed a lack of regard for these faculty members who might have ended up cancelling their classes anyway. However, I do not want to spend all my time talking about students and faculty; I would prefer to talk about the true victims of Hurricane Sandy (terrible name for a hurricane, by the way): the children. Sandy is all trick and no treat for the children of the East Coast. Since Hurricane Sandy falls on Halloween week (from here on referred to as Halloweek), and especially since the Hurricane will likely affect Ithaca the greatest on Halloween, the Ithacan children’s ability to trick or treat will be impaired by pneumonia-causing conditions. Do you remember how exciting Halloween was when you were a kid? I remember, I would run around the neighborhood with my best friends in costumes of increasing impracticality (in terms of keeping a young child’s body warm) and get to see all of the adults of the neighborhood dressed in references that I could not understand (the rule was to not go to the house whose creepy middle-aged bachelor owner would dress up as Hannibal Lecter). I loved Halloween as a child but it seems that the children of Ithaca will not be able to experience the same joy that I felt every year, or at least
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they will not this year. Here’s to hoping that they are still able to go out even if it’s not quite after dark. The theme of early Halloween trickery continued Monday morning with sophomore PeopleSoft course enroll. My course enroll was Monday morning at 7 a.m. and I came into the enrollment period knowing that I had very limited space in two of my classes (read: one and two free spots, respectively). Fortunately, Oracle decided to bestow a great treat upon me by allowing me to successfully get into the class with two seats remaining. However, I was predictably not so lucky with the one-seat class. Thankfully, I am not too worried; I am on the waitlist and am confident that I will be able to take that class after all. So freshmen, here’s my advice to you. When you go through your first course enroll at Cornell do not get too worried if you don’t get into your desired classes right away, there is a large chance you will end up switching classes anyway. You just need to roll with the punches, dodge the debris and go out trick or treating in the pouring rain. David Fischer is a sophomore in the College of Arts and Sciences. He may be reached at dfischer@cornellsun.com. Fischy Business appears alternate Wednesdays this semester.
ALL OPINIONS AND POINTS OF VIEW WELCOME.
8 THE CORNELL DAILY SUN | Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Science and the 2 THE NEW YORK TIMES
ENERGY
SPACE PROGRAM
STEM CELL RESEARCH
COMPILED BY SCIENCE STAFF
This week in Science we present you with the Presidential candidates’ positions on some of the most important science issues: energy, climate change and the environment, stem cell research, the space program, STEM education, and research and development. Positions come from the Republican and Democratic Party platforms as well as from each candidate’s responses to “The Top American Science Questions,” by sciencedebate.org.
President Barack Obama: Energy “As the first element of my plan for energy independence, I have proposed giving states authority to manage the development of energy resources within their borders, including on federal lands. States have crafted highly efficient and effective permitting and regulatory programs that address state-specific needs. For instance, while the federal government takes an average of 307 days to permit the drilling of an oil well on federal land, the state of North Dakota can permit a project in ten days. Colorado does it in twenty-seven. Nor do these processes pose any greater environmental risks. To the contrary, from oil and gas and coal to wind and solar and biofuels, states are far better able to develop, adopt, and enforce regulations based on their unique resources, geology, and local concerns.” Source: The Top American Science Questions, by sciencedebate.org Sept. 4, 2012. Climate Change And the Environment “The national security threat from climate change is real, urgent, and severe. The change wrought by a warming planet will lead to new conflicts over refugees and resources; new suffering from drought and famine; catastrophic natural disasters; and the degradation of vital ecosystems across the globe. That is why, in addition to undertaking measures to enhance energy independence and promote efficiency, clean energy, and renewable sources of power here at home, the President and the Democratic Party have steadily worked to build an international framework to combat climate change.” Source: Democratic Party Platform pg. 61. “Democrats are committed to protecting our natural resources while creating jobs, preserving habitats, and ensuring that future generations can enjoy our nation’s outdoor heritage. From investing in clean energy to protecting our air, land, and water, Democrats have made protecting the environment a top priority. Today we are responsibly developing our natural resources to create clean energy jobs here at home while encouraging conservation, reducing energy waste, and protecting the environment.” Source: Democratic Party Platform pg. 56. Stem Cell Research “The President issued an executive order repealing the restrictions on embryonic stem cell research.” Source: Democratic Party Platform pg. 48.
“Today with the executive order I’m about to sign, we would bring the change that so many scientists, and researchers, doctors and innovators, patients and loved ones that hope for and fought for these past eight years. We will lift the ban on federal funding for promising embryonic stem cell research.” “We also vigorously support scientists who pursue this research. And we will aim for America to lead the world in the discoveries it one day may yield. At this moment, the full promise of stem cell research remains unknown and it should not be overstate. But scientists believe these tiny cells may have the potential to help us understand and possibly cure some of our most devastating diseases and conditions. To regenerate a severed spinal cord and lift someone from a wheelchair. To spur insulin production and spare a child from a lifetime of needles. To treat Parkinson’s, cancer, heart disease and others that affect millions of Americans and the people who love them. But that potential would not reveal themselves on its own. Medical miracles do not happen simply by accident. They result from painstaking and costly research, from years of lonely trial and errors, much of which never bears fruit. And from a government willing to support that work. From live saving vaccines to pioneering cancer treatments to the sequencing of the human genome — that is the story of scientific progress in America.” Source: March 9, 2011; President Obama announces the signing of Executive Order 13505 - Removing Barriers to Responsible Scientific Research Involving Human Stem Cells. Space Program “America has enjoyed a half-century of leadership in space, but now that leadership is eroding despite the hard work of American industry and government personnel. The current purpose and goals of the American space program are difficult to determine. With clear, decisive, and steadfast leadership, space can once again be an engine of technology and commerce. It can help to strengthen America’s entrepreneurial spirit and commercial competitiveness, launch new industries and new technologies, protect our security interests, and increase our knowledge. “Rebuilding NASA, restoring U.S. leadership, and creating new opportunities for space commerce will be hard work, but I will strive to rebuild an institution worthy of our aspirations and capable once again leading the world toward new frontiers. I will bring together all the stakeholders — from NASA and other civil agencies, from the full range of national security institu-
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
SAM OGDEN / THE NEW YORK TIMES
tions, from our leading universities, and from commercial enterprises — to set goals, identify missions, and define the pathway forward. Source: The Top American Science Questions, by sciencedebate.org Sept. 4, 2012. STEM Education “An excellent education remains the clearest, surest route to the middle class. To compete with other countries we must strengthen STEM education. Early in my administration, I called for a national effort to move American students from the middle to the top of the pack in science and math achievement. Last year, I announced an ambitious goal of preparing 100,000 additional STEM teachers over the next
decade, with growing philanthropic and private sector support. My ‘Educate to Innovate’ campaign is bringing together leading businesses, foundations, non-profits, and professional societies to improve STEM teaching and learning. Recently, I outlined a plan to launch a new national STEM Master Teacher Corps that will be established in 100 sites across the country and be expanded over the next four years to support 10,000 of the best STEM teachers in the nation.” Source: The Top American Science Questions, by sciencedebate.org Sept. 4, 2012. Research and Development “I strongly support investments in research and development that help spur
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2012 Presidential Election CLIMATE CHANGE AND THE ENVIRONMENT
STEM EDUCATION THE NEW YORK TIMES
ENERGY
America innovation and proposed a goal that, as a country, we invest more than 3 percent of our GDP in public and private research and development — exceeding the level achieved at the height of the space race. That’s why, under the Recovery Act, my administration enacted the largest research and development increase in our nation’s history. Through the Recovery Act, my Administration committed over $100 billion to support groundbreaking innovation with investments in energy, basic research, education and training, advanced vehicle technology, health I.T. and health research, high speed rail, smart grid, and information technology.” Source: The Top American Science Questions, by sciencedebate.org Sept. 4, 2012.
THE NEW YORK TIMES
Governor Mitt Romney: Energy “The current Administration has used taxpayer dollars to pick winners and losers in the energy sector while publicly threatening to bankrupt anyone who builds a new coal-fired plant and has stopped the Keystone XL Pipeline. The current President has done nothing to disavow the scare campaign against hydraulic fracturing. Furthermore, he has wasted billions of taxpayers’ dollars by subsidizing favored companies like Solyndra, which generated bankruptcies rather than kilowatts.” Source: Republican Party Platform pg. 16. “The goal of energy independence has long proved elusive, but analysts across the spectrum — energy experts, investment firms, even academics at Harvard University — now recognize that surging U.S. energy production, combined with the resources of America’s neighbors, can meet all of the continent’s energy needs within a decade. The key is to embrace these resources and open access to them. “I have put forward a six-part plan for achieving these goals. First, I will empower states to control onshore energy development, including on federal lands within their borders. Second, I will open offshore areas to development. Third, I will pursue a North American Energy Partnership so that America can benefit from the resources of its neighbors. Fourth, I will ensure accurate assessment of the nation’s energy resources by updating decades-old surveys that do not reflect modern technological capabilities. Fifth, I will restore transparency and fairness to permitting and regulation. And sixth, I will facilitate private-sector-led development of new energy technologies.” Source: The Top American Science Questions, by sciencedebate.org Sept. 4, 2012. Climate Change And the Environment “The current Administration’s most recent National Security Strategy reflects the
extreme elements in its liberal domestic coalition...Finally, the strategy subordinates our national security interests to environmental, energy, and international health issues, and elevates ‘climate change’ to the level of a ‘severe threat’ equivalent to foreign aggression. The word ‘climate,’ in fact, appears in the current President’s strategy more often than Al Qaeda, nuclear proliferation, radical Islam, or weapons of mass destruction.” Source: Republican Party Platform pg. 40. “The environment is getting cleaner and healthier. The nation’s air and waterways, as a whole, are much healthier than they were just a few decades ago. Efforts to reduce pollution, encourage recycling, educate the public, and avoid ecological degradation have been a success. To ensure their continued support by the American people, however, we need a dramatic change in the attitude of officials in Washington, a shift from a job-killing punitive mentality to a spirit of cooperation with producers, landowners, and the public.” Source: Republican Party Platform pg. 18. Stem Cell Research “We support and applaud adult stem cell research to develop lifesaving therapies, and we oppose the killing of embryos for their stem cells. We oppose federal funding of embryonic stem cell research. Republican party platform.” Source: Republican Party Platform pg. 14. “We call for expanded support for the stem-cell research that now offers the greatest hope for many afflictions — with adult stem cells, umbilical cord blood, and cells reprogrammed into pluripotent stem cells—without the destruction of embryonic human life. We urge a ban on human cloning and on the creation of or experimentation on human embryos.” Source: Republican Party Platform pg. 34. Space Program “Through its achievements, NASA has inspired generations of Americans to study science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, leading to careers that drive our country's technological and economic engines. Today, America’s leadership in space is challenged by countries eager to emulate — and surpass — NASA’s accomplishments. To preserve our national security interests and foster innovation and competitiveness, we must sustain our preeminence in space, launching more science missions, guaranteeing unfettered access, and maintaining a source of high-value American jobs.” Source: Republican Party Platform pg. 28. STEM Education “We advocate the policies and methods that have proven effective: building on the basics, especially STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering, and math) and phonics; ending social promotions; merit pay for good teachers; classroom discipline;
parental involvement; and strong leadership by principals, superintendents, and locally elected school boards” Source: Republican Party Platform pg. 35. “The first step is to acknowledge the need for change when the status quo is not working. New systems of learning are needed to compete with traditional fouryear colleges: expanded community colleges and technical institutions, private training schools, online universities, life-long learning, and work-based learning in the private sector. New models for acquiring advanced skills will be ever more important in the rapidly changing economy of the twentyfirst century, especially in science, technology, engineering, and math.” Source: Republican Party Platform pg. 37. Research and Development “I am a strong supporter of federally funded research, and continued funding would be a top priority in my budget. The answer to spending constraints is not to cut back on crucial investments in America’s future, but rather to spend money more wisely. For instance, President Obama spent $90 billion in stimulus dollars in a failed attempt to promote his green energy agenda. That same spending could have funded the nation’s energy research programs at the level recommended in a recent Harvard University study for nearly twenty years. “Good public policy must also ensure that federal research is being amplified in the private sector, and that major breakthroughs are able to make the leap from the laboratory to the marketplace. Unfortunately, President Obama has pursued policies across a range of fields that will have the opposite effect. For instance, Obamacare imposes an excise tax on the revenue of medical device companies that is already driving jobs and investment overseas. Meanwhile, the FDA’s slow and opaque approval process is rated less than one-fourth as effective as its European counterpart by medical technology companies. Robust NIH funding will only have its desired effect if paired with sensible policies that facilitate medical innovation more broadly.” Source: The Top American Science Questions, by sciencedebate.org Sept. 4, 2012. Science Staff can be reached at science-editor@cornellsun.com. Sources The Top American Science Questions, by sciencedebate.org Sep 4, 2012. http://www.democrats.org/democratic-national-platform. http://www.gop.com/2012-republicanplatform_home/. March 9, 2011, President Obama announces the signing of Executive Order 13505 — Removing Barriers to Responsible Scientific Research Involving Human Stem Cells.
A&E
10 | The Corne¬ Daily Sun | Wednesday, October 31, 2012
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT BY TOM MOORE Sun Staff Writer
“Hasidic Jewish reggae rapper” sounds like an anomaly at best and a novelty at worst. But anything closer than a cursory listen to Matisyahu’s words and music discovers a serious artist with strong faith. The now clean-shaven Matisyahu will perform at the State Theatre Nov. 6. The Sun spoke over the phone with Matisyahu to talk Judaism, detox and world peace.
Questions for Matisyahu
THE SUN: So there was a big controversy last December when you shaved your beard, and I heard you’ve dyed your hair blonde now. MATISYAHU: No, you’re behind! The hair was blonde about six months ago. It was short-lived. I was in Israel, filming a music video called Sunshine, and I sort of wanted that look, that sort of desert sun. SUN: I feel like your latest album, Spark Seeker, contains fewer religious, fewer Jewish themes than your earlier work. Would you agree with that? M.: I don’t know, I wouldn’t say it that way, it’s just different. Every song is really different, you know. For example, I have a song on this record called “Bal Shem Tov,” and there’s Yiddish all over the record, there’s Jewish prayers on the record, so you could call that religious. For example, the “Bal Shem Tov” song is about [18th Century Jewish mystical rabbi] Bal Shem Tov, right? The message of the song is that a person can find their truth. So it really depends on how you look at that. I don’t think it’s so black and white, or that it’s less religious, or more religious. SUN: I also feel that it’s a little more pop than your earlier records, and not so rooted in reggae and rap. M.: I would say so. But you know, “pop,” the word, has connotations with it, so it all depends on your definition of the word “pop.” I think the songs there are in some ways more accessible. I would use the word “accessible.” SUN: What originally drew you to reggae? M.: I don’t really know, I’ll be honest. My cousin was from Barbados, and we’d listen to reggae when I was a kid and he used to come over for summer camp when I was in New York. So that was my first exposure, and after that it was Bob Marley. I don’t know what was is that drew me to the music. Music is the type of thing that has kind of a soul, a very spiritual kind of thing, and why one type of music draws one type
were a little bit more black and white, you know — drugs are bad, this is good, this is bad. Over time I’ve evolved to see different shades of colors. SUN: Your show in Ithaca is on the night of the election. Are you planning on voting? M.: No, I don’t vote. I don’t really believe in politicians. I don’t know what they’re really offering, though that could just be my own ignorance. I’ve never voted. I’ve been asked that question before, but I’ve never felt the desire to vote. I was never inspired by a candidate that was running for presidential office, that my life would be affected by them hugely. SUN: In your songs, you talk a lot about world peace. Do you feel any of the candidates in the upcoming election are in line with your vision of world peace? M.: I mean, I don’t really know, to be honest. I mean, world peace — who doesn’t want world peace? Everybody wants world peace, you know? But if the question is how to get there, no one knows how to get there, and I don’t know if that’s going to happen. The biggest thing is starting with yourself. I’m not really so concerned about big peace; I’m more concerned about, how can I find peace in myself? How can I try and convey that when I’m on the stage? For me that’s really the focus.
ZANDER ABRANOWICZ / SUN STAFF ILLUSTRATOR
of person more than another — I have no clue about the answer to that question. SUN: In Got No Water, one of your lyrics is, “Young man, don’t you know drugs impurify your mind.” So it seems like you’re not that big into recreational drug use, and I was wondering how you reconcile that with your affinity for Bob Marley, with his often explicit references to drug culture. M.: You know, when I wrote that song, I was in kind of a detox period. I was becoming religious, and part of my becoming religious was kind of about getting off of drugs. So that was the relevance to that song at that moment. I don’t really have any necessarily big issues with drugs, or recreational drugs. I think everybody’s different, you know, and everybody has to really make their own decisions in their lives. You know how you said earlier that my music was more religious before? I would say it’s not that it’s more religious, but it’s got a lot of attacks on stuff that I would never write again. Things
SUN: Your lyrics often center around ending conflict and bloodshed. Where do you stand on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict? M.: Well, as far as I understand, there was never a country called Palestine. There was the British occupation, but there was never a government. Palestine was a creation that was created within Israel, as Israel had already come about. That’s my understanding, but again, I’m not going to claim that I have the answer or the truth or the right knowledge. I’m a singer. I’m a musician, trying to find his own sense of balance in his own life, trying to write songs that inspire people. I love people and I love human beings, and I think if people could focus on that, it’d be great. But I have no answers as to who’s right and who’s wrong, and how we should deal with such huge issues that go back so far. All I know is that I have devout Muslim followers that love my music. To me, that’s what it’s about with modern people now, getting past who killed who, and knowing that God created this world in mercy. And if we could emulate that quality of mercy, we would be godly people. Tom Moore is a junior in the College of Arts and Sciences. He can be reached at tmoore@cornellsun.com.
Snicket Strikes Again BY GINA CARGAS Sun Staff Writer
Just over six years have passed since the 13th chapter of A Series of Unfortunate Events was published. By the time The End rolled around, readers were well acquainted with — and occasionally, even fond of — the Baudelaire orphans, their evil cousin Count Olaf and the threatening, vaguely steampunk world they all inhabited. Yet the object of many fans’ fascination was neither the mysterious sugar bowl nor the initials V.F.D., but the author himself. Over the course of the series, Lemony Snicket became more and more of an active participant in the story. He may have begun as a snarky and exceptionally self-aware narrator, but he ended as the cryptic eye of an ominous storm of unsolved mysteries. As A Series of Unfortunate Events never bothered to solve many of these mysteries, it is not without some apprehension that many fans return to Snicket’s bizarro world. The first installment of Snicket’s new faux-autobiographical series, Who Could That Be At This Hour?, puts the author in the limelight and acts almost as a prequel to the Baudelaire saga. It tells the story of a 13-year-old Lemony, freshly graduated from a mysterious training school — the kind that gives classes on eavesdropping
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
and falling from great heights — and placed into an apprenticeship with S. Theodora Markson, the Snicketized interpretation of a bumbling detective. The two journey together to solve a crime in Stain’d-By-The-Sea, a surreal deserted town, home to a seaweed forest and a failing ink business nowhere near the sea. The premise bears all the markings of traditional noir fiction, yet Snicket does to detective lit what Douglas Adams did to science fiction: He simultaneously honors and blatantly mocks the genre. The surreal setting, Snicket’s retrospective regret and the marvelously ominous narration (“There was a town, and there was a girl, and there was a theft,” the book begins) combine to both pay homage to and deconstruct common tropes of crime novels. The genre-bending and literary references play into a larger theme that has always been an attractive trademark of Snicket’s work; despite the fact that his work caters to the pre-puberty set, he doesn’t talk down to his audience. Snicket consistently treats children, whether readers or characters, as mature and capable human beings. His young readers are more than able to handle the death and desolation he depicts, while his child characters are motivated, precocious and perceptive beyond their years. In Who Could That Be At This Hour?, our cast of preteen charac-
ters includes Moxie, an aspiring journalist who lives in a lighthouse; Pip and Squeak, the brothers who drive their father’s cab and accept book recommendations as fare; and Stew, the violent young boy who fools his police officer parents with a sickly smile. Almost all of these children have been abandoned by, or at least separated from, their families. As such, they’re all driven and independent, forced to operate in an absurd world ruled by incompetent adults. Returning in full force in this book is perhaps the most prominent Snicketism, the author’s word-definition gimmick — a phrase which here means “occasionally annoying habit of defining a word immediately after using it.” At times, this conceit comes off as amusing, but for those of us with 13 previous Snicket mysteries under our belt, the snarky asides can verge on cloying. Perhaps it’s the fact that Snicket is now both the narrator and the protagonist. While A Series of Unfortunate Events allowed him to occasionally insert himself into the story, Snicket’s new book places the reader in constant contact with a strange and sometimes frustrating main character. By placing himself — or rather, his constructed persona — center stage, Snicket distances the reader from the story to an extent. While the later pages largely resolve this shortcoming, the first three
chapters show Lemony to be a tad unrelatable. In A Series of Unfortunate Events, the reader discovered a dark, malevolent world along with the three child protagonists. With each turn, they were exposed to some new, shocking horror, and so were we. Here, we’re watching from afar as a young child explores a dark, cruel world — one he already knows exists. It’s new for us, yet his blasé familiarity with stealth and deception makes it a bit harder to care. But aside from these issues, Who Could That Be At This Hour? is wonderfully engaging and better structured than many of the later Unfortunate books. Within its 261 pages, you’ll find a fully developed, pursued and solved case, an extravagant cast of characters and just enough unanswered questions to make an adult reader Hulk-smash her copy against a wall out of sheer excitement for the next installment. For new Snicket readers, Who Could That Be At This Hour? is an excellent standalone introduction to his wry morbidity and somehow hopefully dark worldview. And for old fans, plunging back into Snicket’s murky, twisted world will be a worthwhile thrill — a word which here means “something you should do, immediately.” Gina Cargas is a junior in the College of Arts and Sciences. She can be contacted at gcargas@cornellsun.com.
A&E
Wednesday, October 31, 2012 | The Corne¬ Daily Sun | 11
CAMPUS SOUND OFF
On Campus Sound Off, faces and places around campus comment on the latest news in pop culture. Who knew they had so much to say?! Campus Sound Off runs whenever we feel like it.
This week’s topic: How did Hurricane Sandy affect your plans for Halloween?
Green Dragon Café:
Touchdown the Bear: “I left an open keg of Keystone out in the rain and it tastes the same.”
Ezra Cornell Statue: “While I’m tired of being the campus’ Ken doll, this snorkel costume fulfills fashion and function.”
Cocktail Lounge: “The last time the cocktail lounge was evacuated was for a tornado. This is nothing.”
“It didn’t. Halloween is so mainstream...”
Duffield Hall: “There was a hurricane? I had, like, six prelims.”
Collegetown Bagels:
Hercules Statue Outside Statler Hall: “I don’t always go trick or treating, but when I do, I do it in a Category 1 hurricane.”
School of Hotel Administration: “Hospitality students are busy dealing with parents who drove on the Long Island Expressway.”
“Well, that’s another way to ‘black out.’”
PHOTOS BY SUN PHOTOGRAPHY STAFF
‘Lights! Camera! Inaction!’ A
ction holds a lot of stock in Hollywood. A director yells, “Lights, camera, action!” from his or her chair, a gun goes off and a stunt car explodes. Or something — I don’t know, it’s a very tired cliché. The point is that action rules Hollywood movies, even those without car chases or explosions. Atticus Finch would be pretty lame if he sat on his porch for all of To Kill a Mockingbird and just thought to himself, “I should defend that innocent black man … if only I weren’t so tired.” In a Hollywood film, character action, as channeled through an ‘active’ protagonist, underlines theme and generates entertainment. Few Hollywood pictures can get away with a ‘passive’ protagonist, and, for the ones that do, they strike us as unusual or subtly profound. The ennui of The Graduate or the “Dudeism” of The Big Lebowski are groundbreaking, in retrospect. They subvert mainstream ideals of success, class and masculinity. In indie and foreign cinema, you will find more films with atypical protagonists who do not always steer the narrative. As proof, I present two great films: City of God, directed by Fernando Meirelles and produced in Brazil, and The Pianist, directed by Roman Polanski and produced across a smattering of European countries. Coincidentally, both were released in 2002. Even if you have not seen these films, you have heard of them. You probably have one of these on your laptop hard drive, ready to watch when you’re not in the mood for Arrested Development reruns (so, never). Both of these movies feature protagonists who, for most of the plot, stand to the side and watch horrific forces destroy their homes (gangs in the “Cidade de Deus” favela outside Rio de Janeiro and Nazis in Warsaw, respectively). While a screenwriting guru like Robert McKee would decry such inaction, a passive protagonist can reflect injustices — specifically, violence — with honesty and without euphemism. Rocket (Alexandre Rodrigues), a smart boy unfortunate enough to grow up in a slum, narrates City of God. He introduces us to the favela’s other inhabitants, most of whom steal, deal drugs and murder on a daily basis. With little personal opinion, Rocket’s voiceover ties together a nonlinear
plot that spans two decades. His one passion is photography, which allows him to appear active even when he is standing on the sidelines, “shooting” the gang members who are shooting each other. Film theorists have long loved to compare the camera with the gun, as has the general public. While the gun aims, shoots and kills, the camera aims, shoots and preserves (but this philosophizing is for another column). Rocket’s passivity allows us to see, through a naked pair of eyes, the extreme violence (to the extent where children murder other children) infecting his home. In The Pianist, Władysław Szpilman (Adrien Brody, in his Halle Berry smooch-winning role) survives the Holocaust through inaction, not to mention a lot of luck. He watches an execution of Jews that, for some reason, does not include him. The Warsaw Ghetto Uprising rattles the street outside his friend’s apartment where he furtively squats. Another acquaintance — a member of the traitorous Jewish Ghetto Police — literally pulls Szpilman from his family as they are ushered into a cattle car destined for Treblinka. It makes for a cold procession of events, marked by horrified reaction shots rather than deliberate bouts of action. Schindler’s List, while uncompromising in its images, ends on an inspiring note thanks to Oskar Schindler’s A Lover’s Quarrel heroism. Stories like With the World Schindler’s provide needed hope when digesting such atrocities, but it is Szpilman’s helplessness that betrays the true darkness of the time, as hard as it may be to face. There is a sharp cynicism in pivoting mass murder around a passive protagonist. Rocket, Szpilman and, by extension, the viewer witness inexcusable violence while surrendering the resolve to stop it. Even worse, the belligerents are not cackling caricatures but children eased into the drug trade through opium or young men brainwashed to believe their genocide is righteous. The balance of good and evil is a bit off, isn’t it? It’s no surprise Hollywood doesn’t go for the passive protagonist, particularly one under such duress. As we watch the character buckle under forces out of his or her control, we think, “Damn, that could have been me!” Thus, a passive protagonist steers a film towards realism
Zachary Zahos
SANTI SLADE / SUN STAFF ILLUSTRATOR
and away from romanticism. You could say a photojournalist like Rocket as City of God’s narrator likens it to a documentary, though that opens a whole new can of worms as the movie is still a work of fiction (even if it’s based on a true story). Its veracity notwithstanding, a film with minimal character action is likely to provoke and disturb us more than one in which an active protagonist overcomes the odds to save the day. A film like City of God or The Pianist may also offend us to the core, which is likely why some despise character inaction in all cases: Where’s the happy ending? How I am supposed to walk out into the world with a shred of respect for my species after that? The recently released Cloud Atlas may be the ultimate antithesis to such life-negating, humbling fare. The film — which, I will say, is well worth your time — strings together six, century-spanning plot lines, all connected by different incarnations of characters, each played by the same actor. It’s ludicrous. The movie’s official plot summary reads: “An exploration of how the actions of individual lives impact one another in the past, present and future, as one soul is shaped from a killer into a hero, and an act of kindness ripples across centuries to inspire a revolution.” The pitch allows for a lot of car chases, explosions and be-all, end-all character choices, all in service of a lie we would go crazy not to believe. Zachary Zahos is a sophomore in the College of Arts and Sciences. He can be reached at arts-and-entertainment-editor@cornellsun.com. A Lover’s Quarrel With the World runs alternate Wednesdays this semester.
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
12 THE CORNELL DAILY SUN | Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Los Angeles Times Daily Crossword Puzzle Edited by Rich Norris and Joyce Nichols Lewis
ACROSS 1 Mythological firebreather 8 Man-horse creature 15 Tangled or disentangled 16 Employee’s security pass 17 Like Napoleon on Elba 18 Nonsense 19 Elementary 20 Teacher’s answer book 21 Guitarist Barrett 22 About, in dates 25 AEC successor 28 Labyrinth dweller 31 Elusive loch dweller, familiarly 35 Powerful health care lobbying gp. 36 Internet letters 38 Singer Ronstadt 39 Massage style 42 Champs-__: Paris boulevard 44 __-face: smooching 45 Law office hire 47 Not in the clergy 48 Riddler foiled by Oedipus 50 Fictional destroyer of Tokyo 53 Match part 54 Erased 55 Leader of the pitching staff 58 Nipper’s org. 60 Godliness 64 Brahe contemporary 67 Temples with upcurved roofs 69 Paper-folding art 70 No help 71 Beowulf’s victim 72 What each of seven answers in this puzzle is DOWN 1 Final exam nono 2 ’80s tennis star Mandlikova 3 Folk singer Burl
4 Arizona neighbor 5 Draw forth 6 Cath. or Prot. 7 Juice drink suffix 8 Name as a source 9 Keenan’s actor father 10 Bulls org. 11 Smidgen 12 Puts in 13 Like Cinderella’s stepsisters 14 Bassoon, e.g. 20 Small racer 23 Cheers from tiers 24 Prankster 26 Count (on) 27 Forensic detectives, briefly 28 Trick-or-treaters’ costume items 29 Beatnik’s “Got it” 30 J. Carrol __: TV’s Charlie Chan 32 Fishhook-to-line connection 33 Perfect 34 Cinch course 37 Big name in Argentine politics 40 With no warranties
41 Emmy winner Daly 43 “Shane” star Alan 46 Océano filler 49 The “X” in XFL, so some thought 51 Homemade pistol 52 Imbeciles 55 Awestruck 56 “The Alienist” author Caleb 57 Nobelist Wiesel
59 Slinky’s shape 61 Cut and paste, e.g. 62 Story 63 River of Flanders 65 Car starter: Abbr. 66 Young fellow 67 Milne’s absentminded Mr. 68 It begins with enero
ANSWER TO PREVIOUS PUZZLE:
xwordeditor@aol.com
10/31/12
Sun Sudoku
Doonesbury
Mr. Gnu
Strings Attached
Puzzle #64770
Fill in the empty cells, one number in each, so that each column, row, and region contains the numbers 1-9 exactly once. Each number in the solution therefore occurs only once in each of the three “directions,” hence the “single numbers” implied by the puzzle’s name. (Rules from wikipedia.org/wiki /Sudoku)
Circles and Stuff
By Sheila Welton (c)2012 Tribune Media Services, Inc.
COMICS AND PUZZLES
by Robert Radigan grad
10/31/12
by Garry Trudeau
Travis Dandro
by Ali Solomon ’01
It’s up to us. reduce reuse conserve protect recycle
THE CORNELL DAILY SUN | Wednesday, October 31, 2012 13
words, 32 cents per day per word thereafter. 5 or more consecutive insertions, $3.15 per day for first 15 words, 30 cents per day per word thereafter.
Commercial Rate: $5.20 per day for first 15 words, 33 cents per day per word thereafter. 5 or more consecutive insertions, $5.00 per day for first 15 words, 31 cents per day per word thereafter.
The Sun is responsible for only one day make good on ads.
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14 THE CORNELL DAILY SUN | Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Halloween Costumes for Sports Fanatics RITTER
Continued from page 16
which rivals the size of Soviet Russia and a left hook like no other, you have a group of guys who are in awe of you. Cornell’s very own Alexander Ovechkin, you always mean business because if confidence was the name of the game, you would be MVP. For Halloween, you should show off your true tough guy nature and dress up as your favorite icer. Whether you’re Sean Avery, Zdeno Chara or Raffi Torres, you’ll be the coolest guy in Dunbar’s. Stoli shots for everyone — on you. Mr. Prepster Are you the kind of guy that always matches his socks, shorts and shirt — to his Sperry’s no less? A connoisseur of the wine list at your local country club, you and your winning smile have caught the attention of many. A Tiger (Woods) on the prowl, you have an eye for the finer things in life. So, whether it is your perfectly coiffed hair or neatly pressed slacks, you always leave an admirable first impression. For Halloween you should highlight your true passion for all things preppy, so break out the argyle socks and grab a 9 iron — just make sure that your Swedish girlfriend doesn’t see you making googly eyes at the girl behind the counter at
Stella’s.
Mr. GQ All the ladies want to date you and all the guys want to be you. Sound familiar? Sometimes mistaken for Cristiano Ronaldo, you’re the perfect dose of tall, dark and handsome on a dreary Ithaca day. Strutting around Statler in your custom-tailored Armani suit, you are accustomed to having your way. Betches want you — despite the fact that you sometimes have bigger diva moments than they do. Mr. GQ is a regular at the Regent Lounge, always ordering his martini shaken, not stirred. This year, channel your inner soccer player (or footballer, if you hail from across the pond) and don your Pumas and Barca jersey. Enjoy your night on the town. Just make sure not to spill your drink on anyone — that’s an instant red card. The Playboy Fangirls. Fanboys. You’ve got them all. You’re a big man on campus — but, actually — and everyone thinks you’re the next best thing since rain boots in Ithaca. Like Michael Phelps, you give off that swag which keeps everyone rooting for you, even when you fail. Known to be a little bit of a player, you love the ladies and are known for living the good life. This Halloween, rock your jammers like Ian Thorpe or if you’re brave, go shirtless and wear your custom American grill like our
favorite playboy, Ryan Lochte. You’ll make quite the splash when you hit the Collegetown streets with your custom-sole sneakers. Oh yeah, just make sure to remember your wallet — everyone at Level B will be dying to swim in your fishbowl. The Guy Next Door You’re sweet. You’re nice. You’re Ithaca’s very own Guy Next Door — but with a bad streak. You are known for being dedicated to everything that you do, but who doesn’t love to relax and let loose every once in awhile? “Work hard, play hard” is your motto and this Halloween that is exactly what you should do. Grab your favorite flat brim, some tight white pants and people might easily mistake you for Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez or Bryce Harper. Showing off your moves on the Pixel dance floor, everyone might think you’re Cornell’s newest outfielder or pinch hitter.
SPORTS
The Corne¬ Daily Sun
So, guys (and girls), there you have it. Find some friends to dress up with you and maybe you can trick a few people into believing the N.Y. Rangers came to town. Happy Halloween! Lauren Ritter can be reached at sportseditor@cornellsun.com.
www.cornellsun.com
THE CORNELL DAILY SUN | Wednesday, October 31, 2012 15
SPORTS
MEN’S ICE HOCKEY
Iles Named ECAC Goalieof the Week By DANI ABADA Sun Assistant Sports Editor
Junior goaltender Andy Iles kicks off the season by being named the ECAC Hockey Goalie of the Week. This award is based on his performance this past weekend during the Red’s season-opening match-up against Colorado College. Cornell defeated the Tigers 2-0 on Friday and then 3-2 on Saturday. “I think that on Saturday, especially in the first period, [Colorado College] came out and we gave up some chances right off the bat where the game could have gotten [to] one or two nothing quick and Iles did a tremendous job making sure the game stayed 0-0, and that’s XIAOYUE GUO / SUN STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER the kind of quality goaltender he is,” said head coach Early acknowledgements | Junior goalie Andy Iles was named ECAC Hockey Goalie of the Week this week after his solid Mike Shafer. performance over the weekend in Cornell’s opening game against Colorado College. The Friday night victory marked Iles’ seventh career shutout, with 19 saves on the night. tion — a lot of times you get recognition that maybe league-record shutout streak. The following night, he racked up 21 saves. Iles also you don’t always fully deserve, but I mean anytime you Despite his success, Iles is still working towards made an important contribution to the Red’s eight-for- get recognition its exciting but it’s a test to what we did improvement. eight penalty kill record on Saturday. He and the rest of as a team this weekend,” Iles said. “We had a great “[I’m working on] just kind of reading the situations the special teams unit did not allow the Tigers to capi- weekend as a team and I was a recipient from that from understanding the game, realizing where I can play back talize on any of their power plays. a personal acclaim standpoint, but the guys in front of a little deeper, make the game a little easier, make the “We still have to work on it — going eight and eight me played great, made my life really easy, and that game a little easier on my teammates,” he said. “And on the kill is important, but we did some things that we turned into statistical success. And statistical success for then realizing when I really need to take an extra step have to improve on a goalie usually turns into an award, out: it’s kind of understanding the game, having better too,” Iles said. reads on the plays and what not, trying to make the so its kind of a win- win.” “There were mistakes “Obviously being a goalie is kind Iles’ last shutout was against game as simple as you can.” that as a team we He also explained how having two years of experiColgate — whom the Red are facing realize and we have of a unique position.” this weekend to begin ECAC play. ence has helped to inform this process. to try to counteract “By trying to simplify, you really need to understand Iles is already looking forward to the Andy Iles those mistakes and the game,” Iles said. “So I’ve looked back on the last two series against the Raiders. keep getting better.” “It’s a fun series, it’s fun to go up years to see where I can simplify my game a little bit and Iles’ shutouts have come in a 31-game span. This sev- there and play, and it’s always fun to play at home. maybe take some shortcuts here and have to do a few enth shutout puts the Ithaca native in a tie for sixth They’re a good team,” he said. extra things in certain situations.” place on the Cornell hockey program’s list of career This is the third time that Iles is the recipient of the totals. league’s goalie of the week honor. The last two were on Dani Abada can be reached at “Obviously being a goalie is kind of a unique posi- Nov. 22, 2011 and Dec. 2, 11 — in the midst of Iles’ dabada@cornellsun.com.
Mathews Named Ivy Offensive Player of Week; Hagy Honored as Ivy Rookie of the Week Cornell football was honored with two awards on Monday, as junior quarterback Jeff Mathews was named Ivy League Offensive Player of the Week and freshman running back Luke Hagy was honored as the Ivy Rookie of the Week. Both players had pivotal parts in the Red’s 37-35 win over Princeton on Saturday. Mathews’ honor is his second Offensive Player of the Week Award this season and the fourth in total throughout this three years with the Red. He was also named Rookie of the Week twice during his freshman season in 2010. Mathews has also set records with his 525 yards on 35-of-51 passing with four touchdowns and no turnovers — his single game yardage ranking second at Cornell and third in the Ivy League. This is also Hagy’s second Rookie of the Week award for 2012. Hagy has also been solid for the Red with 95 all-purpose yards and his first career-receiving touchdown in the game against the Tigers. He lead Cornell with a game-high 58 rushing yards on 14 carries and caught three passes for 37 yards — including a 23-yard touchdown. The Red will return to its home field on Saturday, Nov. 3 at 12:30 p.m. to battle against Ivy foe Dartmouth. — Compiled by Haley Velasco
Cornell Has Solid Performance With Four Top-Three Finishes at Princeton Chase
MONIQUE HALL / SUN SENIOR PHOTOGRAPHER
After a solid showing at the 48th Head of the Charles Regatta in Cambridge, the Red grabbed four top-three finishes — including a victory in the men’s heavyweight four — at the Princeton Chase on Lake Carnegie this past weekend. The 2012 Princeton Chase is an exclusively a college event and was the largest in the competition’s history with 431 boats competing. Cornell also took second in both women’s novice eight and the women’s varsity four race, as well as third in the men’s freshmen eight. Both the men’s heavyweight eight and the men’s lightweight eight came in fourth, while the women’s eight took eighth place overall. All three programs end the fall season at the Syracuse Fall Invitational on Saturday, Nov. 3. — Compiled by Haley Velasco
Hoping to Finish Season Strong VBALL
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OLIVER KLIEWE / SUN SENIOR PHOTOGRAPHER
Making catches | Freshman running back Luke Hagy won his second Ivy Rookie of the Week this week after 23-yard touchdown in the win on Saturday against Princeton.
tally prepared and we just were not,” Batie-Smoose said. “We have to execute the scouting report and come determined to fight. My concern for this week is focus and mental preparation, especially against Dartmouth.” The Red plays Dartmouth (2-18, 19 Ivy) on Friday and Harvard (8-13, 55 Ivy) on Saturday in its final two road games of the season. The Red’s last
matchup against the Big Green started off well as they won the first two sets, but lost the next two before winning coming back and winning the fifth set at Newman Arena. “We just have to serve aggressively and come out mentally prepared,” Batie-Smoose said. “We put them in positions to succeed in practice and now they just have to do it in games.” Scott Eckl can be reached at seckl@cornellsun.com.
Sports
The Corne¬ Daily Sun
WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 31, 2012
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POLO
Cornell Picks Up Both Men’s andWomen’s Wins
By EMILY BERMAN Sun Staff Writer
Both the men and women’s polo teams picked up wins this weekend, after the men defeated UConn, 26-11, in an away game and the women topped Kentucky, 26-7, at home. The men earned the team’s second victory of the season to raise it’s record to 2-1, while the women kept it’s undefeated record intact at 3-0. The men’s squad rested captains senior Branden Van Loon and junior Nik Feldman for the first chukker. Despite aggressive offense, the Red ended the first chukker down by one. Feldman replaced sophomore Nick Steig for the second chukker and Cornell stormed back to take the lead less than two minutes in. The team
finished the half leading the Huskies, 11-7. “The first chukker was about mostly nerves,” head coach David Eldredge ’81 said. “They just missed a couple of easy plays — we were in the right place to make the right play. When we missed it [UConn] was trailing.” The regular starting trio of Feldman, Van Loon and Steig took to the pitch for the second half but only narrowly outscored the Huskies, 5-3, in the third chukker. The Red broke the game wide-open in the fourth, however, crushing UConn, 10-1, to lift the final score to 2611. According to Eldredge, the fourth chukker represented an improvement in the team’s scoring ability. “It was definitely one of the better chukkers of the season because they finished off on a lot of goals,” he said. “Their scoring efficiency has been erratic this year. We
TINA CHOU / SUN FILE PHOTO
Making moves | Sophomore Nick Stieg was one of the trio, along with junior Nik Feldman and senior Branden Van Loon, to start the second half and to outscore UConn, 5-3, in the third chukker.
controlled the entire third chukker as well, we just didn’t have the efficiency around the goal.” Feldman led the men’s team with eight goals, while back in Ithaca, junior captain Kailey Eldredge set the pace for the women’s team with seven goals in the first half alone. Eldredge, senior captain Ali Hoffman and freshman Anna Winslow started for the Red, with fellow freshman Devin Cox subbing for Winslow in the second chukker. With a secure lead of 18-1 after the first half, junior Beth LeBow and Winslow replaced Eldredge and Hoffman for the second half. Kentucky’s squad had only one returning starter on the field, as last year’s top Wildcat player graduated and the third starter from last year was unable to make the match-up against the Red due to school reasons. Although she acknowledged the game would have been tougher if Kentucky had its other returning starter, Hoffman felt the outcome wouldn’t have changed. “Had their other starter been there with them, it probably would have helped them, but I do think we were the more cohesive team and the results would have been in our favor still,” she said. The Red finished the third chukker ahead, 4-1, but lost the final chukker, 4-5. The freshman continued their strong presence, with Cox tallying six times and Winslow adding four. Three matches into the season, Hoffman says she can already see the improvement in the new players. “They’re doing a really great job getting in there and getting in stride,” she said. “We’ve come along way since first game.” Both the men and women face off against UConn next week at home. After playing the Huskies last week, David Eldredge said the men’s team will be able to use its memories of the recent game to prepare. As for the women’s team, he added that UConn’s young squad may have trouble adjusting to the Red’s skill and creativity. “[UConn women will] be schooled well as far as knowing the rules and knowing what to do, but that could actually work in their detriment,” he said. “If they’re not able to bog it down, our players have the ability to take advantage of our experience and their lack of experience to open it up and make those plays.” Emily Berman can be reached at eberman@cornellsun.com.
Dress to Impress: Rough Beginning for the Red Halloween Edition I WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL
By SCOTT ECKL Sun Staff Writer
The four game road stretch for Cornell’s volleyball had a rough beginning as the team dropped both matches last weekend to Brown and Yale. The Red (615, 2-8 Ivy League) lost in four sets on Friday in Providence to the Bears (6-13, 2-7 Ivy) and on Saturday in New Haven to the Bulldogs (14-5, 8-0). Cornell was able to win the first set against Yale, 28-26, before losing a close second set, 23-25, and then getting blown away in the final two sets, 12-25. Junior outside hitter Sierra Young continued her consistent season as she led the Red with 13 kills. Junior middle blocker Rachel D’Epagnier also continued her hot streak with a .318 hitting percentage
and eight kills. The match on Friday was much closer as the Red lost the first two sets 24-26 and 15-25. The Red was able to pull out the third set win at 25-23, but lost the fourth and deciding set 20-25. D’Epagnier had a career day with 16 kills and a .406 hitting percentage with three errors on 32 attempts. Junior and captain outside hitter Kelly Marble and Young both had 11 kills apiece. “It was definitely disappointing on Friday when we really did not show up to play,” said head coach Melissa Batie-Smoose. “Everybody plays better at home, which makes it so hard to get wins on the road especially in the Ivy League.” While Batie-Smoose stated that serving has declined and improvements have to be made
in defending the middle attack, she highlighted that focus is the key.
“We have to be men-
See VBALL page 8
t’s that time of year again. No, I don’t mean the beginning of the NBA season, but rather Halloween. It’s the one night of the year that everyone is encouraged to dress up as someone else and go have some fun. Dressing up as an athlete has become somewhat of a tradition for me, so this year was
ideas with Cornell’s male population, since I doubt you’ve been preparing for tonight as long as us girls have. Ladies, don’t be offended, these ideas can work for you too — you just might need to purchase a fake mustache or two. I’ve broken them down by personality, but feel free to disagree.
Lauren Ritter Five for Fighting
CONNOR ARCHARD / SUN STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Down and dirty | Junior outside hitter Sierra Young led Cornell with 13 kills against Yale.
no different. Given the precarious state of hockey, my friends and I decided to embody the 2012 NHL Lockout — interpreting the NHL, NHLPA and Hockey-Related Revenue in our own unique ways. So, in honor of Halloween, I am going to share some (satirical) sports-related costume
Mr. Big Shot
Are you the kind of guy that is the life of every party he s? Rolling up with a girl on each arm, Mr. Bigshot is a pimp by blood, not relation. Despite having an huge ego which rivals See RITTER page 14