02.01.2013

The Ithacan Thursday, Ja nua ry 31, 20 13

Fresh for

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Volume 80 , Is s u e 1 6

Search narrows to three options for music dean

ALL

by sage daugherty staff writer

can’t squat a room in Hilliard or Holmes for that reason.”

With all of the upper quads and most of the lower quads reserved for incoming freshmen, upperclassmen will have Emerson Hall and the Terraces available starting in the fall of 2014.

To accommodate upperclassmen who want to live in substance-free housing, Trunzo said the Office of Residential Life may add a Terrace building or designating a section of another residence hall as “substance free” by Fall 2014.

Faculty will also have more involvement with FYRE. Trunzo said faculty members help with programs in the residence halls now, but by 2014, six faculty associates will work in each FYRE cluster — 36 faculty associates in total.

Beginning in Fall 2013, each faculty associate will organize programs based on one of IC 20/20’s six academic Integrative

The college has narrowed its search for a new dean for the School of Music to three finalists, who will visit campus within the next two weeks.

The first finalist, Jamal Rossi, visited campus Monday and Tuesday, and the next two finalists will visit campus KELLY said she Feb. 4-5 and Feb. is confident in the 6-7, according to abilities of the John Sigg, asso- three finalists. ciate dean of the School of Health Sciences and Human Performance and chair of the search committee. The names of the other finalists will be announced by the end of the week, Sigg said.

The search for a new dean for the School of Music began in August and is being facilitated by a committee of 12 to 14 people from across campus. The final hiring decision will be made by Marisa Kelly, provost and vice president for educational affairs, and Sigg said he expects the decision to be made soon.

Kelly said the search is going well, and also said she is confident in the finalists’ abilities.

“We have an excellent list of three finalists who are coming to campus this week and next, and I am very confident that we will ultimately get the right leader for the School of Music,” she said.

Sigg said the search committee reduced the pool of applicants to three finalists in December.

“We were looking for strong leadership; we were looking for innovation; we were looking for someone with administrative experience and someone that could lead us — keeping in mind IC 20/20 — lead us through this next phase for Ithaca College,” Sigg said.

The former dean of the School of Music, Gregory Woodward, left the college last summer to take up the post of president of Carthage College.

The current interim dean is Craig Cummings, a professor of music theory, history and composition.

On Monday, Rossi spoke to about 25 people in Clark Lounge in Campus Center. He said he was concerned with the marginalization of music and the arts in public schools in the current economic climate.

Rossi gave an example of how the economy has affected arts education in public schools over the last decade.

In 1999, there were 1.1 million K-12

See housing, page 4

See music dean, page 4

Gardens 4 Humanity promotes food justice by kelsey o'connor editor in chief

Fresh food is not always the cheapest option, which turns many to the dollar menu. However, some locals are working to break the barriers to healthy food.

On Saturday, hundreds of Ithaca residents came out to support Gardens 4 Humanity, a food justice group created in 2009 that promotes health through education and community initiatives.

Titled “ABC Café for a Day,” the event was also an homage to the closed cafe that was once a local favorite.

The Brooktondale Community Center, located about 15 minutes from downtown Ithaca, was transformed into a pop-up vegetarian kitchen for the day. While local musicians like Art Bakert and Tiffany Lu were jammed in the corner, plates of fresh salads topped with dressings from mason jars, squash curry soup and the ABC Café classic Mockingburgers were rushed around to the always-full tables.

Josh Dolan, lead educator and organizer at G4H, said the event Saturday was to help reach the group’s $6,000 goal for a mobile

kitchen, a community garden hub and a neighborhood garden coordinator.

“We’re trying to increase food security in Ithaca and also empower community members to kind of take a more active role in the food system in a number of ways,” Dolan said.

Some initiatives of G4H include

See garden, page 4

Top: Marty Hatch and his wife, Susan, sing along with local musician Aro Veno.

Right: Mary Anne Grady Flores prepares salad.

Left: Fresh vegetarian enchiladas, burritos and pita with hummus were served at “ABC Café for a Day.” rachel orlow/the ithacan

First-year housing to expand to Hilliard and Holmes by nicole ogrysko senior writer

The First-Year Residential Experience is again expanding its housing options. By Fall 2013, only freshman will be able to live in Hilliard and Holmes Halls, in addition to Boothroyd, Rowland, Tallcott and both East and West Towers.

The expansion is part of the college’s IC 20/20 goals that require all incoming freshman to live in FYRE halls, Ron Trunzo, associate director of residential life and judicial affairs, said.

The expansion next fall will bring about 200 more freshmen into the FYRE program, or about 1,100 freshmen in total. By 2014, the college will expand FYRE further, adding Bogart, Eastman, Hood, Landon and Lyon halls to the freshman housing pool, Trunzo said. Depending on the size of 2014’s incoming freshman class, some first-year students may also live in Clarke Hall.

Trunzo said freshmen living in

The First-Year Residential Experience is expanding to include Hilliard and Holmes halls. By 2013, 1,100 freshman will be a part of FYRE. Sabrina knight/The Ithacan

FYRE halls stay at the college longer than non-FYRE students. FYRE students had a retention rate of 88 percent compared to non-FYRE students, who had a retention rate of 82 percent, according to the Office of Institutional Research, .

Trunzo said the impact on

Unveiling Art Handwerker Gallery opens new interactive exhibit, page 13

rising upperclassmen looking to live on campus for the 2013-14 school year will be minimal.

“The main impact with Hilliard and Holmes is that anyone that’s currently living in those buildings cannot elect to live there next year,” Trunzo said. “They

Booked Solid

Combat Ready

Varsity tennis player remains busy on and off the court, page 23

End to ban on women in combat marks new era for equality, page 10

f ind m or e onl ine. www.t heit hacan.org

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FYRE halls to provide community housing from page 1

Core Curriculum themes for students in the residence halls.

“One of the ways a student feels a strong connection with an institution is to make connections with staff and f a c u l t y ,” Trunzo said.

“That’s a way to facilitate that connection.

Obviously TRUNZO said they’ll see Residential Life faculty in will hire more class, but RAs for FYRE. they will also hopefully have some really positive connections with them in their living community.”

Sophomore Emily Francis, a FYRE resident assistant in East Tower, said RAs in the FYRE program are required to meet higher expectations and are given more funding than RAs working with upperclassmen.

As an RA working for FYRE, Francis said she must organize eight programs each semester — activities designed to appeal to first-year students.

Francis held an event called “Letters Home” last fall, where freshman wrote letters to their families, and the college footed the bill for postage. Other FYRE events — such as movie nights — are designed to teach freshmen about the college and encourage them to make friends.

“We’re just trying to get [all the freshmen] together as much as possible to create that community, create that camaraderie,” Francis said.

Freshman Mike Kaminskas said he wanted to live in the FYRE program because he hoped living with all freshmen would help him meet new people.

“You meet so many new people in the first few weeks, and I have friends with all the people in the Towers in the program,” he said.

“The closer you are, you just stay tighter knit. Everyone’s in the same boat, adjusting to classes, living with other people.”

Trunzo said next year’s expansion requires the Office of Residential Life to hire about 15 new RAs and relocate RAs currently working in the Terraces to the FYRE program over the next two years. Unlike upperclassmen residence halls where each floor is assigned one RA, Trunzo said Residential Life will continue to place two RAs on each floor of the quad buildings — one on each side.

Trunzo also said the college will create a new, full-time position within the Office of Residential Life to manage the FYRE program.

Trunzo said the money will come from the IC 20/20 Initiative.

Though Francis said she sees the benefits of a first-year program, she said the additional programs and stress of keeping her freshman residents safe bring anxiety to the job.

“When I talk to FYRE RAs, I feel like my hair’s going gray,” she said. “Other RAs have an easier job, and other RAs know that.”

Th ursday, Ja n ua ry 3 1 , 2 0 1 3

Group supplies food education garden from page 1

after-school programs for teenagers, neighborhood gardening services, planting and harvesting in Tompkins County. They also hold Junior Iron Chef competitions and teach members of the community to be leaders in gardening creation and management.

Local food movements have been growing in New York state and nationally, working to bridge gaps in access to healthy food. WhyHunger is New York City-based grassroots support organization that works to solve hunger problems in communities through sustainable farming and food access. Noreen Springstead, director of marketing and fundraising at WhyHunger, said there is an increased national emphasis on healthy, fresh food over processed food.

“The tide has moved in the direction of this heavily concentrated agri-business model that is very chemical intensive and wreaking havoc on the environment and our individual From left, Amy Cohen ’08 enjoys a salad while sophomore Sam Boyles eats a Mockingburger, which health,” Springstead said. “There is an awaken- is a vegetarian burger. Gardens 4 Humanity raised about $2,500 Saturday at "ABC Café for a Day." ing around food, around cooking food, growrachel orlow/the ithacan ing food and the health benefits that good Hatch and his wife were at “ABC Café for a Many of the visitors Saturday were not only food can bring to you.”

According to Feeding America, a nationwide there to support G4H but to have a taste of food Day” for the food and to support G4H because of network fighting hunger, 50.1 million Americans from the defunct ABC Café menu. The popular the impact it has on the local community.

“Everybody says Ithaca is 10 square miles surcafe, which had been located on Stewart Avenue, were living in food insecure households in 2011.

With a mobile kitchen, Dolan said, G4H went out of business about two years ago. Many rounded by reality,” Hatch said. “I’d like to think can educate members of the community on of the volunteers, including Dolan, had previ- that Ithaca is 10 square miles of reality surrounded by fantasy, because it is really trying to develop difously worked at ABC Café. how to cook fresh, loLines formed at sev- ferent procedures for living in the world today, and cal produce. Dolan, who eral times Saturday to get frankly, the world isn’t doing a good job of figurhas traveled to areas that into “ABC Café for a Day.” ing out how to live by itself, so local solutions are have been affected by eiWith reggae by Shaka play- really important.” ther economic or natural By the end of the event, G4H raised $2,500 ing in the background, hardships, such as New lines began to swell mid- and brought their total raised amount to about Orleans and Detroit, said NOREEN SPRINGSTEAD day. Among that was Ithaca $4,700, Dolan said. he drew inspiration from There are no immediate plans for another College junior Sam Boyles successful urban commuand Amy Cohen ’08. Cohen said she came for the ABC Café pop-up kitchen, but Dolan said there nity food justice programs. will continue to be events in the future.

“Different groups, whether it be low in- old ABC Café vibe.

“We’re trying do our part in our community “It was like being in a friend’s living room come groups, people of color, elderly people or people with disabilities, have been marginal- kind of a vibe,” Cohen said. “There was always to increase access to the land and increase access to economic tools to be able to allow people to ized in terms of having access to the food sys- music casually being played and good food.”

Ithaca resident Marty Hatch, along with his be more engaged in the food system,” Dolan said. tem or the economic benefits that can come Assistant News Editor Noreyana Fernando from owning a small business or owning land,” wife, Suzie, said they had been longtime patrons contributed reporting to this article. of the ABC Café.

Dolan said.

“It was pioneering, basic, hearty, inventive; it Springstead said the most power resides in loFor more information about Gardens 4 Huhad a progressive feel to it in general in terms of cal movements to change the food system.

“Everybody deserves the right to nutritious cuisine and ideas about how it fits into the com- manity, visit ccetompkins.org/www/community/ gardens-4-humanity. munity,” Hatch said. food,” Springstead said.

“Everybody deserves the right to nutritious food.”

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Candidate emphasizes role of music in society music dean from page 1

students studying music in California, but in 2009 there were only 470,000 students studying music. Every arts institution has been affected by the economy, and many have not survived, he said.

Rossi said the new trend of public education in the country is focused on science, technology, engineering and mathematics, or STEM, and takes away from the arts.

“We have all seen throughout the country how, because of economic pressures and the emphasis on STEM, that arts have been marginalized and in many cases reduced or eliminated … it does not bode well for the future of what we have to do,” Rossi said.

Currently, Rossi is the executive associate dean and professor of woodwinds at the Eastman School of Music. Previously he has served as dean of the School of Music at the University of South Carolina and assistant and associate dean of the Ithaca College School of Music.

Rossi said he hopes children in the future have more opportunities to become involved with music so their communities will continue to care about music and

support the arts.

“If a community does not care about what we do, we are going to fight a losing battle,” Rossi said.

“And the only way the community cares is if they’re educated and understand. You can’t make somebody want something, but you have no hope of them wanting it if they aren’t exposed to it.”

Rossi said music plays an important role in society, and the School of Music, as well as schools across the country, need to find ways to involve the community in music and music education.

“The other role of the School of Music is to make certain that the rest of the community of the college has opportunities to engage with music,” Rossi said.

John White, associate professor of music theory, said he enjoyed the presentation and was impressed by how Rossi thought about each question.

“I was highly impressed,” White said. “I was impressed by his careful consideration of every question and what I discern to be genuine responses, not throwing buzzwords back, spitting this, trying to tell us what he thinks we want to hear, but giving us genuine responses,” White said.

During the informal question-

Jamal Rossi, the first candidate in the School of Music dean search, shares his vision of music education to about 25 people Monday in Clark Lounge. jennifer williams/The Ithacan

and-answer session, Rossi answered the question of higher education value and investment and said part of the appeal of the college is the residential community, versus online learning.

Rossi said the value of music education at the college is hard to measure and stressed the importance and value of music in society.

“Music is a transformational

experience; music plays a critical role in all of our lives. For many of us, it’s classical music or some form of that, but look at the biggest societal change in the last 20 years — who on campus isn’t walking around with a pair of white earbuds? They’re not listening to NPR or Rush Limbaugh, they’re listening to music; this matters to them,” Rossi said.

[ T hurs day Bri ef ing]

2 The It hacan

Th ursday, Ja n ua ry 3 1 , 2 0 1 3

Nation&World Former US governor leaves prison

Former Illinois Gov. George Ryan was released from federal prison and into a Chicago halfway house Wednesday after serving more than five years for corruption.

Ryan, 78, left the federal prison in Terre Haute, Ind., five months before his prison term officially ended, having qualified for early release to a halfway house.

A jury convicted Ryan in 2006 of racketeering, conspiracy, tax fraud and making false statements to the FBI. Jurors found that Ryan had steered state business to insiders as secretary of state and then as governor for vacations and gifts.

He also was accused of stopping an investigation into secretary of state employees accepting bribes for truck driver’s licenses.

Ryan’s release means Illinois no longer has the dubious distinction of having two former governors behind bars simultaneously. Ryan’s successor, Rod Blagojevich, is now Illinois’ lone imprisoned governor. The Democrat is serving a 14 year term for corruption at a federal prison in Colorado.

Earthquake shakes Chilean capital

A magnitude-6.8 earthquake shook buildings and broke windows in northcentral Chile on Wednesday, but officials discounted the possibility of a tsunami and reported no major damages.

The U.S. Geological Survey originally reported the quake at 6.7, but later revised it upward. The quake shook the capital of Santiago, causing office buildings to sway, but was felt most powerfully in the north where state television showed images of scattered groceries at supermarket floors and broken windows at several homes in Vallenar, Copiapo and other nearby cities.

Vallenar’s Mayor Cristian Tapia said telephone lines were jammed and some electricity lines were temporarily down but services were slowly returning.

But Chile’s Emergency Office, ONEMI, said no injuries have been reported and damages to infrastructure appear minimal.

Chile is one of the most earthquake-prone countries in the world. A devastating 8.8-magnitude quake and the tsunami it unleashed in

2010 killed 551 people. The disaster cost Chile $30 billion, or 18 percent of its annual gross domestic product.

Australia PM announces elections

Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard surprised the country Wednesday, when she announced that elections will be held Sept. 14 in a country where governments have traditionally given the opposition little more than a month’s notice to keep a strategic advantage.

In a speech to the National Press Gallery, Gillard said she wanted to create an environment in which voters could more easily focus on national issues by removing uncertainty around the timing of the elections.

Experts disagreed about whether the prime minister’s unconventional move would give her an advantage in the elections. Some said voters would embrace her for making the early announcement on the date, while others suggested that Gillard had above all created a grueling eight-month election campaign instead of the usual fiveweek campaign.

The Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the country’s main national business group, backed Gillard’s call for early policy announcements after previously complaining that the uncertainty of the poll date in an election year harms business.

Opinion polls suggest the conservative opposition coalition led by Tony Abbott is likely to win the elections convincingly. Abbott welcomed the announcement on the date. He said the elections would “be about trust,” echoing his Liberal Party’s campaign theme during its last successful election campaign in 2004.

Kenyan government warns media

Kenya’s government spokesman Muthui Kariuki appeared to make a veiled threat Wednesday against international journalists while announcing a tough stance on information deemed divisive surrounding nationwide elections March 4.

Kariuki told a gathering of international reporters that the government will summon journalists who publish stories that have a polarizing effect. He said the media and pollsters were the catalysts of violence that rocked Kenya

Protesting a president

A woman holds an Egyptian flag and shouts slogans in front of the German chancellery, protesting against the visit of Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi. A key focus of Morsi’s one-day visit to Berlin was to seek support to rebuild a crumbling Egyptian economy.

Markus Schreiber/associated press

following a disputed presidential vote five years ago. Tom Rhodes of the Committee to Protect Journalists said Kariuki’s threat to set journalists on fire and his accusations that the foreign press instigated some of Kenya’s post-election violence was “utterly reprehensible and unbecoming of a government spokesman.

Russia bans Pussy Riot footage

Footage of feminist rockers Pussy Riot’s irreverent protest against President Vladimir Putin in Moscow’s main cathedral last year has been banned in Russia and must be removed from the country’s Internet.

On Wednesday, Moscow City Court rejected band member Yekaterina Samutsevich’s appeal of a lower court’s ruling in November, meaning that its ban of the video now takes effect. Samutsevich said the decision amounted to censorship and vowed to fight on.

The rockers shot to global fame last year after three band members, including Samutsevich, were convicted in August

on charges of “hooliganism motivated by religious hatred” for their “punk prayer” against Putin’s return to the presidency in March’s election and the outspoken support for his bid by the patriarch of Russia’s Orthodox Church.

They were sentenced to two years in prison, but Samutsevich was later released on appeal. The trial was widely seen as a political vendetta and attracted international attention to Russia’s intolerance of dissent. Internet providers face fines up to $3,000 if they fail to block the footage.

Pussy Riot’s videos were banned under Russia’s vaguely defined “extremism” law, which is supposed to restrict neo-Nazi and terrorist groups but has been used to restrict Scientologists and the TV cartoon South Park. Critics accuse the Kremlin of exploiting the law to stifle opposition and free speech.

SOURCE: Associated Press

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Terrace dining adds healthy stations by kelly cucolo contributing Writer

To provide students and staff with healthier food options, Ithaca College Dining Services has introduced two new food venues to the Terrace Dining Hall this semester.

The first new station, Food Lab, was created to offer students more healthy, balanced meals. The other station, Simple Servings, is an allergen-free area.

Jeffrey Scott, general manager of Ithaca College Dining Services, said the goal of Food Lab is to make meal periods more dynamic.

The concept was inspired by IC 20/20 to increase student experiential learning.

“This will assist people in terms of getting a nice balance and healthy spin on the menu,” Scott said.

Food Lab was added to Terrace Dining Hall as a result of frequent feedback from students requesting a greater selection of healthy foods.

Scott said there are many tastes and dietary needs among the student body, so it is important to have a large selection.

The Food Lab is located where the pizza and pasta station previously was. There is also a new seating area in place of the fountains, which is designed to create a learning area.

The new area will also be used for seminars and lectures about food.

Some examples of the food being served at the Food Lab so far include ancho-lime chicken tacos, chicken and broccoli stir fry with jasmine rice and rigatoni arrabiata with tossed garden salad.

The Food Lab will have a new theme each week, such as health and wellness, nutrition, organic food and ethnic food.

“We want it to be something that’s living, breathing, evolving every day,” Scott said.

Televisions and cameras will be installed around spring break to offer background information on each week’s theme around the Food Lab area.

Scott said the Food Lab serves pre-plated food that provides the right portion size.

“This will assist people in terms of getting a nice balance and healthy spin on the menu.”

Scott said the Food Lab provides a hands-on learning experience by having the food visible rather than just talking about it in the classroom.

by sabrina knight assistant news editor

From left, sophomores Peter Marshall and Alexis Lanza share a meal from the new Food Lab in Terrace Dining Hall. The Food Lab was added this semester along with Simple Servings, an allergen-free area. sabrina knight/the ithacan

“The Food Lab is a great way to bring academics right into the dining hall,” Scott said.

Other feedback dining services has received from students is regarding food allergies and intolerances. Simple Servings is a new section in Terrace Dining Hall aimed to help student who have food allergies.

Over the past few years, Scott said, an increasing number of students who have food allergies have requested attention in regards to dining options.

“Most students who come to Ithaca College want to have the normal dining and residential life experience, and we want to help them do that,” Scott said.

The Simple Servings station has a chef who prepares and plates food for each guest, creating a normal guest experience for those with

food allergies without having to worry about preordering. The Simple Servings venue is located where the Exhibition Station used to be.

In addition to the station, Scott said the dining hall is also in the process of building an allergen-free pantry, which will include items such as rice milk, snack bars and cereal to prevent risk of cross-contamination.

J.J. Molina, executive chef, said he has already been hearing great feedback about Simple Servings from students.

Freshman Sara Klusky, who can’t eat gluten, said Simple Servings makes eating in the dining halls easier.

“I can’t have gluten so it makes it a lot easier knowing that this food definitely doesn’t have any in it and that it still tastes good,” Klusky said.

Local eateries begin rebuilding after fire by henry apostoleris staff writer

Blue Stone Grill and Mercato Bar and Kitchen are in the initial stages of rebuilding after a fire broke out in their shared basement in December.

Nancy Gruen, co-owner of Blue Stone Grill, said the restaurant should reopen in four to six months.

The co-owner of Mercato Bar and Kitchen, Greg Norkus, said repairs should take around two months, if all goes as planned.

Gruen said the fire occurred on the morning of Dec. 18 after a short circuit in the shared basement of the restaurants.

Ithaca Fire Department was first called to the scene of the fire around 7 a.m., according to Gruen.

Gruen said her husband, Douglas Gruen, who co-owns Blue Stone, arrived at the scene around 7:30 a.m. to find the building covered completely in smoke.

“He said the smoke was so thick that he couldn’t even see the building,” Gruen said.

Public Safety investigates book burglaries

After the fire was put out by the Ithaca Fire Department, Blue Stone Grill had suffered a great deal of smoke damage as well as fire damage, while Mercato Bar and Kitchen mainly suffered smoke damage.

“The restaurant inside is totally destroyed,” Gruen said. “Everything inside the restaurant either has to, if it can be, professionally cleaned or has to be removed and replaced.”

Norkus, along with partners Kate Norkus, Lindsey Norkus and Eric Tr i c h o n ’98, said everything in the res— greg norkus taurant needs to be replaced.

“There’s nothing left of the restaurant,” Norkus said. “If you imagine that you turn the building upside down, anything that would fall to the floor is gone.”

In addition to the damage caused inside the restaurants, tenants in the upstairs apartments had to evacuate because of the smoke damage. The building is still vacant, Gruen said.

“There’s nothing left of the restaurant. If you imagine that you turn the building upside down, anything that would fall to the floor is gone.”

Blue Stone Grill and Mercato Bar and Kitchen are in the process of rebuilding after a fire in their shared basement caused serious damage in December.

kristen tomkowid/the ithacan

As for the employees of Blue Stone Grill, three or four have already filed for unemployment and are trying to seek work elsewhere for the time being, Gruen said.

Though extensive repairs are needed to reopen the restaurants, both Blue Stone Grill and Mercato Bar and Kitchen said they hope to open back up as soon as possible.

“The estimate that we have been given by the contractor who is doing all of the work says it’s about a two month process, beginning this week, which would

probably put us into an early April opening,” Norkus said.

Though months still remain before they reopen, Blue Stone Grill owners Doug and Nancy Gruen are planning to reopen with a newer, fresh image along with a new menu, hours and decoration changes.

“We hope to open with a little bit of a new image and get a fresh start,” she said. “We’re pretty excited about changing some things up and making some real affordable things on the menu gearing towards the college kids.”

The Ithaca College Office of Public Safety is investigating 11 reports of textbook thefts in the last two weeks.

B etwe en Jan. 21 and Jan. 23, there were nine reported cases of textbook burg l ar y, and on DUNN said he Tuesday two does not know if more cases the textbook thefts were re- are related. ported. No incidents involved forced entry. The residence halls where the thefts occurred are Hilliard, Hood, Landon, Clarke, Rowland and East Tower.

In the past three years, there have been no textbook burglaries reported on campus in January, according to the Public Safety Log. Investigator Tom Dunn said he does not know the reason behind the sudden increase in textbook burglaries, and it is not known whether the incidents are related.

Public Safety also reported two unfounded cases of larceny in Campus Center during the same time period.

Freshman Stacey Yazo lives in Hilliard Hall and was one of the students who reported a stolen textbook.

She said her “Principles of Biology” textbook was stolen between Dec. 20, when she left for winter break, and Jan. 20, when she returned from break.

Yazo says the textbook cost about $225 and was sitting on the shelf above her bed with a “Principles of Chemistry” textbook, a “Writing Today” textbook and was among other notebooks, which were left untouched.

When Yazo returned from winter break, she noticed the textbook was missing within the first half hour after entering her room. She said she searched her room and called her parents, who looked through her house to see if she had left it at home.

Yazo then called Public Safety and filed an incident report.

“Being a freshman, I was really expecting my stuff to be slightly more secure when I went away on break,” Yazo said.

Margaret Wetter, residence director for Hood, Hilliard, Holmes and Eastman halls, said since the recent burglaries she has been encouraging safety precautions of her residents and resident assistants.

Wetter said students should lock their room doors when going to the bathroom, be careful not to leave belongings in the lounge unattended, lock balcony doors and be careful of who is walking into the building when entering.

“Hopefully we can get the word out there for prevention because that’s the most important part of all this,” Wetter said.

Anyone with information should contact the Office of Public Safety at 274-3333.

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From dust to dreams College senior pursues her passion for the outdoors and helping others During Keating’s freshman year, she went on her first break trip for On the south island of New Habitat for Humanity. She went to Zealand, in an area that was struck Oak Ridge, Tenn., where her experiby disaster from the Christchurch ences encouraged her to continue to earthquake in Spring 2011, Jackie get more involved in the organization.

Through her dedication to Habitat Keating, a senior who was spending a semester abroad in Spring for Humanity, Keating said she has 2012, saw the opportunity to put learned more about herself as a leader her skills learned from Habitat for and the world she lives in.

“Your job as a leader is helping Humanity to work.

Abroad in New Zealand, she other people achieve what they was able to combine her love for want to do, so it’s really cool to work the outdoors with her desire to with general body members who help people in need. They shoveled, are coming in, students who want cleared driveways and gardened to go on trips, and helping them to see new places,” in an area that Keating said. was vulnerable President to aftershocks.

Tom Rochon, Keating has the adviser for been an involved HFH, said in member of the short time Ithaca College’s he has known chapter of HFH, Keating, he has a national orlearned many ganization that things from her. helps fund and — PRESIDENT TOM ROCHON “ Wa t c h i n g build houses for Jackie in acthose who are unable to buy their own, since her tion, the primary thing I learn from freshman year. She has grown from her is simply having deeper human a general member to president of connections with other people that the club. Every winter, two to three come from sharing a common goal break trips of about 20 students and working toward it,” Rochon said. from the college go to locations in “It was a wonderful moment where I appreciated where Habitat for the east and south of the U.S. According to HFH, the orga- Humanity is really about. It’s about nization has built and repaired housing, but more fundamentally more than 600,000 houses and has it’s about our commitment to each served more than 3 million people other as people.”

During her time as president around the world.

BY SABRINA KNIGHT assistant news editor

“Watching Jackie in action, the primary thing I learn from her is simply having deeper human connections with other people..."

From left, Habitat for Humanity adviser President Tom Rochon sits with seniors Emily Holland, Jackie Keating, Heather Bissell and sophomore Samantha Yu in Corning, where they built a house as a part of a group project in Fall 2012. courtesy of jackie keating

of HFH, Keating co-led a winter break trip to Birmingham, Ala., between Jan. 12 and Jan. 20.

“Down there, we were in all the hurricane-damaged areas, so it was cool to see how they had to build all the houses up on stilts; they weren’t on ground level,” Keating said. “So during that trip we were doing a lot of work up high, building the scaffolding for that and working on the foundation for those houses.”

This spring, Keating plans to co-lead a HFH trip to Delaware.

Each break trip has been a different experience, Keating said, and she learned from each new adventure, expanding her knowledge about the towns she has worked in and the families she has helped.

Sophomore Samantha Yu met

Keating through their mutual involvement in Habitat for Humanity.

She said Keating’s stories about her work for the club were inspiring.

“It was really encouraging just to hear her share about how she got involved with Habitat, leading a break trip her sophomore year and just seeing her through that progression and seeing who she has become,” Yu said.

Keating said she learned many things about herself through interactions with children.

“It helps define who you are, because you learn pretty quickly when you’re working with kids that they’re not going to respond well if you’re faking something, so it matters who you are,” Keating said.

Senior Emily Holland said she met

Keating her sophomore year. They led several break trips together and are roommates. Holland said she learned a lot from Keating about leadership.

“Because she’s so calm, it helps me to be calm,” Holland said. “It’s just realizing things are not as difficult as they seem and be creative and flexible when you’re in a leadership role, because everyone is coming from different views on things.”

Rochon said he encourages all students to try to get involved in leadership roles on campus.

“The greatest reason to be involved is because it takes you out of yourself and your immediate environment and immediate concerns, and it gives you a bigger perspective on the world and your place in it,” Rochon said.

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Professor selected as honors director Thomas Pfaff, associate professor in the department of mathematics, was chosen as the new director for the Ithaca College Honors Program beginning in Fall 2013.

The honors program at the college is an invitation-only group made up of about 470 students across all schools and programs. Pfaff is currently a member of the honors program faculty and has taught honors seminars in the past. He was a student at the college from 1986 to 1990, PFAFF said he is ready to be the and came back as a faccollege’s honors ulty member about 12 program director. years ago.

Contributing writer Lisa Famularo spoke with Pfaff about his past involvement in the honors program and his goals for the program in the coming years.

Lisa Famularo: Why were you interested in becoming the director of the honors program at Ithaca College?

Thomas Pfaff: The position really was just an interesting position in that it’s somewhat administrative and you still get to work with a lot of students, but in different ways. You still teach a course in the honors program, but you still work a lot of the cocurriculars and work with the Student Advisory Board, so it is really an interesting blend of still working with students but also still helping to keep programs running that are interesting and enjoyable.

LF: What do you think are the current honors program’s biggest strengths?

TP: The overall program is just a very integrated, really engaged, liberal arts type program, which is what it’s supposed to be. It draws now, as an all-college program, faculty

from across campus to really provide some interesting and engaging courses and opportunities for students.

LF: What do you think are the current honors program’s biggest weaknesses?

TP: The program went as an all-college program about five years ago and really grew into a program that’s much bigger and much more complex in terms of its running. So maybe — it’s not so much of a weakness — but trying to settle down and capitalize in everything we’ve accomplished over the last few years. Maybe it’s time to stop and look where we really want to go in the future. We’ve got proposals in to make some changes to the programs due to the Integrative Core Curriculum and so we’re in a little bit of flux in some sense, so maybe that’s a weakness. I think the program really is running very well and doing a lot of neat things.

LF: What are you future aspirations you have for the program?

TP: Generally I think the goal of this program is simply to be the best program of its type at an institution of our type, which is a school with four-year masters programs and a lot of professional programs on campus … An aspiration is just to be identified as the best program of its type.

LF: Since having a say in how the program is run is important to students, how are you going to make sure to take into account students’ opinions as you proceed in your new position?

TP: The fact is that students do give us a lot of good ideas and do a lot of good stuff, but there is a Student Steering Committee that already exists, and they already get input, and they will certainly keep getting input into the program.

Calling all humans

From left, juniors Kari Abramson and Elliot Rodriguez represent Humans vs. Zombies at the Student Organization Fair. The club promotes a week-long game in which “zombies” try to tag “humans.” More than 100 students attended the fair in Emerson Suites on Wednesday.

Jennifer Williams/The Ithacan

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College & City Community mourns death of retired college director

Margaret “Gibby” Gibson, a former director at Ithaca College, passed away following a brief illness on Jan. 22.

Gibby was the “unofficial cartographer of the South Hill campus” and was also director of public relations for 23 years. Some other achievements GIBSON include overseeing the design and production of the college’s publications, designing the “Ithaca College Story” history book and designing the silver medallions worn by Presidents Ellis Phillips and James J. Whalen at ceremonies.

Services will be held Saturday at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 210 N. Cayuga Street at Buffalo Street in downtown Ithaca. Calling hours begin at 9 a.m., with a memorial service to follow at 10:30 a.m.

College to host forum to get Huron feedback There will be an open house for

faculty, staff and students about the 39 recommendations from the Efficiency and Affordability Review developed

by Huron Consulting.

There will be seven stations at the open house for the recommendation themes: students fees, centralization, improved process efficiency, balancing cost and service, effective organizational alignment, employee benefits, activity and new revenue sources.

Feedback can be provided online

through Sakai until Feb. 11. Members of the President’s Council and IEBC will be available for questions.

Film will address issues about immigration crisis

The Park Center for Independent Media will be screening the new documentary, “Harvest of Empire.”

The documentary is based on a book written by Juan González, cohost of ‘Democracy Now!’ The documentary explores the connection between the history of U.S. intervention in Latin America and the immigration crisis the country faces. Critics said the documentary presses past prejudices that shape the majority of the immigration debate in the U.S. The screening will be held at 7 p.m.

Feb. 12 in the Park Auditorium.

The documentary screening will be followed by a panel discussion hosted by Jeff Cohen, PCIM director. The panel will include Patricia Rodriguez, assistant professor of the department of politics, and Gustavo Licon, assistant professor of the Study of Culture, Race, and Ethnicity, both whom specialize in Latin American issues.

Visiting Canadian expert to speak about leukemia

The biology department is beginning a Biology Seminar series with “Immunity to Intracellular Infection: It’s all fun and games until someone gets leukemia.” The event will examine how infection changes the production of blood cells by the bone marrow and how this can result in blood disorders

Public Safety Incident Log selected entries from jan. 12 to JAN. 21 January 12 Fire alarm accidental LOCATION: Ben Light Gymnasium SUMMARY: Simplex reported a fire alarm. The activation was caused by a construction worker. System was reset.

Master Patrol Officer Christopher Teribury.

MVA/property damage LOCATION: G-Lot SUMMARY: Caller reported damage to a vehicle. Officer determined the damage was not consistent with a vehicle striking another vehicle but was probably caused by a driver striking a curb. Patrol Officer Jeremiah McMurray.

January 14

January 19

Medical assist/illness related LOCATION: Center for Natural Sciences SUMMARY: Caller reported a person with an uncontrollable nosebleed. The person was transported to CMC by ambulance. Fire and Building Safety Coordinator Ron Clark.

Drug violations LOCATION: West Tower SUMMARY: Two people were judicially referred for violation of the drug policy.

Patrol Officer Matthew O’Loughlin.

Found property LOCATION: College Circle Roadway SUMMARY: Officer found what appears to be part of a bike rack for a vehicle and turned it over to Public Safety. Unknown owner.

Burglary LOCATION: Hilliard Hall SUMMARY: A caller reported that an unknown person entered a room and stole a textbook. Investigation pending. Patrol Officer Bruce Thomas.

Larceny LOCATION: Athletics and Events Center SUMMARY: Complainant reported an unknown person stole an iPod on Jan. 11. Investigation pending. Patrol Officer Robert Jones.

Criminal mischief LOCATION: Z-Lot SUMMARY: Caller reported an unknown person damaged a vehicle window. Investigation pending. Patrol Officer Robert Jones.

January 18 MVA / property damage LOCATION: M-Lot SUMMARY: A caller reported a bus appeared to have backed into a sign post. An officer reported the bus was moved and no damage was found to neither the bus or sign. Patrol Officer Robert Jones.

January 21

For the complete safety log, go to www.theithacan.org/news.

Key CMC - Cayuga Medical Center MVA - Motor Vehicle Accident TCSO - Tompkins County Sheriff’s Office

such as leukemia. The presentation will show how micro-RNA may act as a regulator for immune responses to infection by bacteria and viruses.

The program will be held at 4 p.m.

Thursday in the Center for Natural Sciences, Room 112, with Evan Lind from the University of Toronto.

The biology seminar series represents a broad range of topics. They are open to all members of the community.

Seminar series to begin with disability speaker

The Gerontology Institute is kicking off the Distinguished Speakers series with Elizabeth Perkins, a registered nurse of mental health. She will discuss problems about aging for people with development disabilities.

The beginning of the series and the presentation will be take place at 8 p.m. Feb. 11 in Emerson Suites.

She will also explore what PERKINS happens when aging parents develop medical and cognitive decline.

The presentation, titled “The Known and Unknown of Aging with Developmental Disabilities,” is part of the institute’s Distinguished Speaker Series.

The series is a joint effort including collaboration from the college’s department of speech language pathology and audiology, Franziska Racker Centers, the

Medical Center at the University of Rochester and the Finger Lakes Independence Center.

IC calls for nominations for full-time faculty award

The Faculty Development Committee is offering five awards for $1,500 each to faculty members who exemplify dedication in their field.

To be eligible, a candidate must be a full-time faculty member who has completed at least one year of employment at Ithaca College and who will continue to be working full time during the 2013-14 academic year. The criteria include overall excellence in teaching, scholarship and service.

Any faculty member, administrator, staff member or student may nominate an individual for the excellence award.

The nominator is required to complete and submit nominations by March 18. Nominations should be submitted to Barney Beins, chair of the Faculty Development Committee, in room 119N Williams Hall.

Seniors chosen to attend advertising conference

Seniors Diana Cirullo and Silvia Magana were chosen as finalists for the 2013 Most Promising Minority Students Program.

The program is sponsored by the American Advertising Association.

Magana and Cirullo were selected among 41 students nationwide.

Magana and Cirullo were invited to attend a three-day conference in

New York City in February, where they will meet advertising agencies and media companies.

The program helps strengthen knowledge of advertising through interviewing, immersion and networking. Magana and Cirullo are integrated marketing communications majors who were nominated by their AAF faculty adviser, Scott Hamula.

National education event to feature IC professor

Donathan Brown, assistant professor of communication studies, has accepted an invitation to speak about academic publishing in race and public policy at the National Association of Blacks in Higher Education conference in February.

Brown will be a participant BROWN of the three-day conference, called “Research and Writing Boot Camp.” Brown will also be a member of the “Meet the Editors” panel.

Brown is an editor of the national Journal of Race and Policy.

He will be speaking about his experiences with the Journal of Race and Policy and academic publishing pertaining to race and public policy in conjunction. As one of the first predoctoral diversity fellows in the School of Humanities and Sciences, Brown will provide advice on publishing and an example of the program.

Opinion

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editorial

the front line of civil rights

The Pentagon’s historic repeal of the ban on women in direct combat is the latest landmark in the fight for civil liberties and equality in the United States.

L

ast week, outgoing Defense Secretary Leon Panetta, with the support of the Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Martin Dempsey, announced the Pentagon would lift the ban restricting women from combat positions. This policy change is the latest step toward making the military a stronger, more inclusive force, following the repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell last year.

Critics of the new policy argue that placing men and women in combat situations together will create sexual tension that may distract soldiers from completing their mission. American troops live, work, fight and die together. The idea that sexual attraction would prohibit some of America’s most trained and talented military personnel from completing a mission they are quite literally risking their lives for is offensive to these individuals. If this policy change sparks a discussion about the culture of sexual violence often associated with the military, Americans would be better for it.

However, qualified women who want to serve their country in direct combat should not be denied simply because the military worries she may see a man naked or catch the eye of a lonely comrade. Any woman, if she is deemed physically and mentally prepared for a ground combat mission, should be allowed the opportunity.

Though this change is a landmark for both women’s rights and the history of American civil liberties, this policy should not force the military to undergo major structural changes, especially during wartime. The military should work to integrate women into combat positions while keeping its ability to function as its top priority, even if that means delaying integration of women into the combat. Gender inclusion is an important goal for the U.S. military, but maintaining a strong military is an American necessity.

Overall, the end to the ban on women in combat should be hailed as a defining moment of the 21st century and should set a precedent for the benefits of inclusion worldwide.

hold the trigger

In the wake of gun-related tragedies, new legislation should be well researched rather than emotionally charged.

A

series of tragic gun-related deaths has ignited the long-running debate about gun control in America. Calls for more gun control have resulted in 23 executive actions from President Barack Obama and new legislation to further restrict gun sales in New York state.

While lawmakers must work to reduce gun violence, reactionary measures are not the answer.

Legislators must pass laws that are well thought out and researched rather than seeking quick fixes supported by a general public that is still in mourning and fearful of future acts of violence. New York state’s new gun restrictions have been criticized by state sheriffs who argue some regulations will be difficult to enforce, limitations to arms sales are unclear and all the stakeholders in the issue were not brought to the table when the legislation was being created.

America can’t solve its gun violence problems in one legislative shot. Decisions that involve all major players and focus on changing both gun laws and American gun culture are critical to creating legislation that will yield lasting improvements.

comment online.

Now you can be heard in print or on the Web. Write a letter to the editor at ithacan@ithaca.edu or comment on any story at theithacan.org.

Letters must be 250 words or less, emailed or dropped off by 5 p.m. Monday in Park 269.

Short Answer Issues in Higher Education

Dropout Drama

Following a study that found 46 percent of students don’t graduate college in six years, the National Commission on Higher Education Attainment published an open letter calling for colleges to commit to keeping students enrolled. The Ithacan asked members of the campus community for their solutions to high dropout rates.

Watch more opinions online at theithacan.org.

The Ithacan Kelsey o’Connor editor in chief Sara Webb Managing editor shea O’Meara opinion Editor noreyana fernando assistant news editor sabrina knight assistant news editor kacey deamer online editor jackie Eisenberg accent editor rose vardell assistant accent editor

Ithaca College seeks to admit students whose academic accomplishments, community involvement and active engagement in learning suggest that they will thrive in our educational environment. Our research indicates that the best Professors need to be willing to help their students outside of class and adapt to the student’s learning style. I have had professors who have not had long or flexible enough office hours or have not been willing to assist me. On more than one occasion, Campus spirit is a key element for colleges when evaluating retention rates. When a student is in their first year, they’re looking for a welcoming and comforting environment. By helping students feel passionate about their campus, we’re able

269 Roy H. Park Hall, Ithaca College Ithaca, N.Y. 14850-7258 (607) 274-3208 | Fax (607) 274-1376

Taylor Palmer Sports editor emily hull assistant sports editor Rachel Woolf photo editor Durst Breneiser Assistant PHOTO editor emily fedor assistant photo editor jaclyn cataldi Multimedia editor matthew dezii chief copy editor Alexa D’angelo chief proofreader

predictors of academic success are the strength of an applicant’s high school curriculum, and the level of success within that curriculum.

Gerard Turbide, Director of Admission at Ithaca College

when I have asked a question about a topic within a chapter, the professor either responded with a rehearsed lecture or told me to refer to the textbook.

Jason Emery, Integrated marketing communications MAJOR , ‘14

to help boost their school pride, which will then factor into their decision as to whether or not the college’s campus life is the right fit for them.

Rachel Heiss, Senior class president, ‘13

ithacan@ithaca.edu www.theithacan.org

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Single Copies of the ithacan are available free of charge from authorized distribution points on the Ithaca College campus and in the ithaca community.

Multiple copies and mail subscriptions are available from the office of The Ithacan. Please call for rates.

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Guest Commentary

Group tackles bullying with acts of kindness Y

ou are beautiful.

Let that sink in for a minute. Don’t say thank you, don’t roll your eyes, and don’t try to deny it. Just accept those words.

You are a beautiful person.

Think about how that makes you feel. Think about the power of those simple words. Think about how you can make a person feel with those words.

Bullying has been a major problem in our country for years. We hear heartbreaking stories all the time about how young students have committed suicide because of bullying and how other students have driven their peers to lash out or fall apart. We pass people every day who have been bullied, or who have bullied others, without even realizing it.

In 2010, according to bullyingstatistics.org, one in seven students from kindergarten through the end of high school have been bullied at some point.

With the explosion of the Internet, cyberbullying has become yet another facet of an already enormous problem. It has become all too easy to anonymously insult and hurt others — and all too easy to distance yourself from the situation.

It’s estimated that every day about 160,000 students miss school in fear of being bullied. While opposition against bullying has been growing through the country, the problem isn’t going away.

There are still students who live in fear of going to school, and there are too many people who are passive about the situation, especially those in positions of authority.

Most importantly, all of these things are preventable. Something needs to be done, and we aim to make the change.

In response to the problem of bullying, we have created a new group on campus called We Are One, which will focus on anti-bullying and self-positivity through multimedia and the arts. We plan to sponsor films, projects, shows and anything art-related that inspires students to act out against bullying. We are passionate about creating a safe and accepting environment not only on campus

Rob Oliver

Grand Old Party needs an update

W

Freshmen Michael Marchese and Samantha Guter created We Are One, a student group to help encourage students to think positively, with the goal of reducing bullying in American schools.

Courtesy of Samantha Guter

but beyond. We want to make sure students all over Ithaca, all over the country and all over the world know that no matter how dark it may seem, there is always light at the end of the tunnel.

We want to make sure everyone realizes that bullying isn’t a distant thing that is happening in a mystical “somewhere else.” It happens in your schools; it happens in your town; it happens everywhere. And most importantly, we have the power to change it. Any change starts with one person. It starts with you; it starts with kind words. That can be all it takes to save someone’s life. You may have noticed our compliment campaign around campus.

We post inspirational notes every so often on the bulletin boards scattered around the buildings for

the simple purpose of brightening people’s days.

We want to remind everyone passing by that there is always hope. It may seem small to some, but even something as simple as a smile can save someone’s life.

We want to involve everyone we can on campus. Our goal is to make sure you realize you are worth it and so is everyone else around you. We aim to spread inspiration, tolerance and above all, kindness.

And just remember this: You are awesome.

Michael Marchese and Samantha Guter are freshmen at Ithaca College and founders of We Are One. Email Guter at sguter1@ithaca.edu.

guest commentary

Student critiques campus culture after studying abroad

A

fter returning to Ithaca College from eight months of living the life in the Eternal City, I am definitely Rome sick.

According to the Study Abroad Student Handbook Worldwide, there are four stages of reverse culture shock: disengagement, initial euphoria, irritability and hostility and readjustment and adaptation. I am feeling, for the most part, all of these. Whether it’s being irritated and tempted to clock out early from class or being disconnected from my friends and things I used to think were fun, reverse culture shock is damaging.

Getting back into the swing of my schedule here is tough. I was used to walking by the Vatican every day and not rushing back to my room to escape Ithaca’s brutal winds. The ability to travel in Europe was mind blowing. Here, it’s not like I can hop on a plane and go to another country for the weekend. I was in the center of rich art, history and culture. But being back in the middle of nowhere Ithaca, the only sights to see are the deer outside my building, and the only tour stops are the line of fast food joints along South Meadow.

I’m tempted to get rid of my meal plan after watching students stack their trays in the dining hall. The problem is not that they’re hungry but the fact that their eyes are bigger than their stomachs — and they end up wasting most of the food.

In Italy, it was a light breakfast, a panini for lunch and a decent-sized, but delicious dinner. I could walk across the street to the market to buy fresh fruits and vegetables and prepare my own meal. Here we indulge in the genetically modified, pesticide-covered foods. I miss being able to walk among Italians wherever I wanted and enjoy a glass of wine with my pizza — or even a fresh glass of water filled by the fountains along the streets.

Here, our best friend — but the ecosystem’s

Rightly so

Junior Brian Porreca spent the fall semester studying in Rome and is trying to readjust to life on campus despite his disapproval of the American approach to sustainability and healthy living.

Courtesy of Brian Porreca

enemy — goes by the name of Poland Springs and comes in the form of plastic bottles. Watching people fear to take a sip of water from the fountain or fill up a glass of tap water is sad. We are so wrapped up in consumerism and buying water, when our very own sink is free and the same thing, if not better. All we need to do is eliminate the fear of what’s in our tap water. It’s not our fault that we think like this; society has plagued us with the idea that tap water is not the best thing to be sipping. It’s fine though and will not only save us all some change, but it will slowly help our environment.

Maybe we drink from water bottles because everyone else does. I can’t leave my house without

spotting 17 college sweatshirts in a matter of 60 seconds. In Europe, people don’t conform — they create. Though I detested dressing up for class every day, I had to. If I didn’t, it was a sign of disrespect to the culture. Here we roll out of bed and pretend to be professionals even though we’re wearing mismatching socks. We do it because everyone else is, and there is no sense of originality or diversity.

For now, all I can do is remind myself that I’ll be back to Rome soon enough and won’t shave my mustache until I do.

Brian Porreca is a junior television-radio major.

Email him at bporrec1@ithaca.edu.

All opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of The Ithacan. To write a guest commentary, contact Opinion Editor Shea O’Meara at 274-3208.

ith October comes debate season, and we are now at the time where we can expect to see undecided voters break out their legal pads, create a pros and cons list and ultimately pick the guy they are inclined to hate the least in office. Most people have selected the person they will vote for, but this still leaves around 10 percent of the population left to court, and so the campaign trail surges on.

October is the month that can make or break a candidate.

President Barack Obama was able to open up a four-point lead following a series of Mitt Romney faux pas, namely the “47 percent” video, a secret recording at a fundraiser from May in which he said 47 percent of Americans “are dependent upon government” and “pay no income tax.” Among current registered voters, a recent Gallup poll shows 50 percent of voters favor Obama and 44 percent favor Romney.

It wasn’t necessarily Romney’s comments on entitlement that enraged people — in fact, many Americans agreed. But people voiced concerns over the kind of decisions Romney would make in office concerning entitlement programs such as Medicare if he is already willing to write off half of the population as victims. Obama was quick to capitalize on the idea of being inclusive and caring about the 100 percent.

It’s bad when even some of the staunchest Republicans in Congress do not want to be associated with your comments. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-KY, has clearly evaded the topic; he even excused himself early from a news conference so as to avoid comment. Particularly in states like New Mexico, where a significant portion of the population is at the poverty level, government officials are not willing to discount the poor and side with Romney’s stance on entitlement programs.

Here’s the thing: It is typical campaign strategy to determine which voters are more worth your time, money and outreach efforts.

We get it; there is not an effective use of your resources to try and win over the votes of staunch liberals if you are a conservative, but there is a reason why these strategic plans are never revealed to the public. When campaigning for president, you need to at least be able to pretend you care about every vote.

It will be interesting to see if this gaffe will continue to impact swing states over the next few weeks. Obama appears to have a small lead in several of the crucial battleground swing states, but recent polling suggests that those undecided voters are still holding out for the debates.

Rob Oliver is president of IC Republicans and a senior politics major and international relations minor.

Email him at roliver2@ithaca.edu.

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Unveiling

cultural connections

From left, seniors Kate Calleri, a Handwerker Gallery monitor, and Leaf Ye look at “Wingcloth” by Rebecca DiDomenico on Jan. 24 at the Handwerker Gallery. The piece of art is made up of several butterfly wings threaded together.

Rachel Woolf/The Ithacan

Handwerker Gallery opens interactive exhibit

By Mimi Reynolds Contributing Writer

Top: “The Women” by Yassi Golshani at the Handwerker.

Middle: “Oppression Series (2)” by Sara Rahbar.

Bottom: “Girls Will Be Girls” by Anita Kunz at the Handwerker.

Rachel Woolf/The Ithacan

Above the loud, enthusiastic conversing of onlookers, somehow the gentle click of a slide projector can still be heard. Viewers lean toward a ghostly image of a nude woman clutching what looks like a large, pregnant belly in Fatma Charfi’s “Another Space.” In moments of clarity, individuals squeal “Oh!” and “I see now!” when they recognize the woman’s stomach is really a plastic bag filled with beans.

“The Veil: Visible and Invisible Spaces” opened at the Handwerker Gallery on Thursday evening.

Curated by Jennifer Heath, this traveling exhibition investigates barriers between cultures, gender and religions through the concept of a veil, as the collective work seems to connect people, ideas and cultures. Handwerker Director Mara Baldwin said viewers have to look more closely to gain the full essence of the art.

“Getting closer to a piece really necessitates a dialogue and really encourages further questioning,” Baldwin said. “Veiling is not just connected to Islamic culture but is everywhere. It’s about partition and making boundaries that are both built by people and enforced by people.”

The exhibition contains the work of 32 artists, each exploring a myriad of contemporary issues on gender, religion and cultures through media such as sculpture, installation, film, slide projections and more.

This show will be the Handwerker Gallery’s first incorporation of iMacs. For eight interactive pieces in the show, the iMacs allow the user to watch documentaries about the comparisons between Iranian and American culture and take surveys satirizing cultural conceptions of marriage, sex and gender as well.

Junior Andreas Jonathan, an architectural studies major, said this exhibit was fascinating because of its interactive quality.

“A lot of the show is feel and touch and click,” he said. “Even the things that I’m not physically touching, I’m touching and feeling it with my mind.”

At first glance, Mary Tuma’s piece “Homes for the Disembodied” is composed of five silk dresses, individually hung. Upon further examination, viewers discover Tuma’s piece to be an unending flow of 50 yards of silk, connected at the hem. What first appears to be a sturdy mosaic slab from far away transforms into a delicate collection of butterfly wings.

Jonathan said the exhibit changed his initial understanding of the veil because of its ties to Islam and fear.

“Something that really struck me was that it seems like something you should almost be afraid of, with the associations with the Arab world, that is, in turn, associated with terrorism.”

Some artists used humor in their pieces to draw viewers in. One example is Anita Kunz’s “Girls Will Be Girls,” a painting depicting a scantily clad blonde woman wedged between a nun wearing a habit and woman wearing a burqa. Toying with present cultural misconceptions of the veil in Islamic culture, the humor becomes a vessel for self-reflection. The humor creates an opportunity for patrons to understand what makes the art funny, as well as how humor creates barriers between cultures and individuals.

Baldwin said she tries to help students make connections with the artwork by applying the exhibit’s thematic elements with topics pertinent in and out of the classroom.

“I ask what kind of readings they’re doing and I try and find connections with the [exhibition]. That’s a no-brainer to me,” she said. “I want the conversation to be pertinent to things that they’re already talking about or having heated debate over — or I hope they’re having heated debate over.”

Cosponsored by the Ithaca College Department of Art History; Women’s Studies Program; Center of LGBT Education, Outreach and Services; School of Humanities and Sciences; and the Gannett Center, the Handwerker Gallery will host a lecture series in conjunction with “The Veil: Visible and Invisible Spaces,” titled “Rooms of Their Own: Humans and the Second Skin.” The symposium will have lectures, discussions and films centered on culture and clothing’s mediation between the body and space, which will begin Thursday and close Mar. 7.

On Feb. 14, guest lecturer Gabriella D’Angelo will host a discussion called “garmITECTURE,” a term she coined in her exploration of clothing as architecture. D’Angelo said the lecture will enhance the full understanding of the exhibition through its association with history, art and gender issues.

“There are going to be some really great moments in the symposium that will connect and fortify the overall intention of the exhibition,” D’Angelo said.

“It’s an incredible opportunity for students to learn about a multitude of things: art, architecture, fashion, women’s rights, gender, history. It’s more than just an art exhibition; it connects into a lot of different studies and interests that go way beyond the art world.”

“The Veil: Visible and Invisible Spaces” will close March 8. For more information, visit www.ithaca. edu/handwerker.

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The

Playlist

shopper

Senior Perri Rumstein shares a list of her 10 favorite tracks to listen to “Piano Man” – Billy Joel

“Fine By Me” – Andy Grammer

“The World’s Greatest” – R. Kelly “Bittersweet Symphony” – The Verve “Roxanne” – The Police “Naive” – The Kooks “Slide” – The Goo Goo Dolls “Breakeven” – The Script

Like father like daughter

“MMMBop” – Hanson

From left, Grace Pettis and Peter Pettis perform folk music during the 93.5 FM WVBR’s Bound for Glory radio concert. The father-daughter singing duo participated to support the local radio station. The event took place at 8 p.m. in Anabel Taylor Hall at Cornell University.

“No Sleep” – Wiz Khalifa

Kristen Tomkowid/The Ithacan

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Contributing Writer John Muste surfs the Internet in search of new sites to see The Internet is always evolving with new trends, and there are few things as fun on the Internet as web comics. The popularity of illustrated blogs and online comic strips have started a new wave of online humor. Taking format and subject matter beyond the funny pages, web comics are steering Internet humor.

Compilation sites such as Reddit link readers to these comic collections for fast entertainment. Websites such as XKCD or Saturday Morning Breakfast Cereal host snarky, intellectual humor.

Hark! A Vagrant boasts a more literary and historical edge but with a healthy serving of wacky hilarity on the side. This week, Loading Artist, a comic launched

by Gregor Czaykowski, has received attention for its colorful and bizarre humor.

He spins a dark story about a love affair between a salt shaker and sugar packet, much to the despair of the pepper shaker. To the modern internet surfer, these web comics are a quick diversion.

blast past

GAME BOY makes comeback with retro gaming DESIGNS

from the

The Game Boy might seem outdated, but the retro handheld game has made appearances in several items. The fashion world has taken the device and turned it into a funky, vintage design for boots and jumpers. This device has even spread into children’s toys, with Game Boy stuffed animals as well as grown-up toys with Nintendo-styled flasks. The actual system itself has been revamped with a modern twist through steampunk Game Boys.

The Nintendo system might not be as popular as it was 10 years ago, but these new trends prove it’s definitely not game over for Game Boy. — Rose Vardell

weird

BALLPARK-THEMED CHEWING GUM OFFERS STRANGE TASTE

but true

Attending a baseball game usually includes a standard fare of peanuts, hot dogs and beer. With baseball season approaching, one bubble gum brand is offering an unconventional way to experience it without the hassle of the concession stand. The gum comes in three flavors: peanut, hot dog and beer. It starts off with the peanut flavor, adds the hot dog and finishes off with a beer. The company must have had Willy Wonka in mind when creating this product. Ballpark can either satisfy baseball fans with a true taste of the game experience or strike out with its strange flavors.

— Rose Vardell

quoteunquote Brad Pitt is my cinematic crush. Brad Pitt to me is like the perfect man and actor. Brad, I hope this doesn’t disturb you to hear.

— Actor Ben Affleck opens up and reveals his admiration for fellow actor Brad Pitt during an interview with W magazine.

celebrity SCOOPS! Beyonce breaks her silence Lip-synching debacles come and go, but Beyonce made some upgrades to the old-as-time faux pas with two twists. Instead of choosing a song from her own catalogue, her prerecorded track was “The Star Spangled Banner,” which she performed at the presidential inauguration. Instead of defending herself in the press like lip-synch sisters of yore (Ashlee Simpson comes to mind), the infamously private songstress has decided to stay mum on the subject. However, this week, a photo of the star wearing a sweatshirt with the phrase “Can I live?” printed in bold makes it clear that Beyonce is more than happy to fire back at her critics.

Her next big performance will be at the Super Bowl on Feb. 3.

—­ Benjii Maust

Th ursday, January 31, 2013

Fiddlin’ by the

A CCEN T

The I th a c a n 1 5

fireside Ithaca residents gather to celebrate third annual bluegrass festival

By Kacey Deamer Online Editor

The sounds of bluegrass music filled the cold winter air of Ithaca this weekend as the third annual Winter Village Bluegrass Festival brought out Ithacans and out-oftowners alike for old-time melodies.

The festivities began Friday afternoon and ended Sunday morning. The festival was housed at La Tourelle Resort & Spa, located two miles up 96B from Ithaca College and expanded to restaurants and other venues in Ithaca.

Rick Manning, the festival’s producer and a bluegrass musician, said Winter Village grew from a love of bluegrass music that wasn’t nourished by Ithaca’s music scene.

“There’s a lot of music that I hear at festivals that just doesn’t get to Ithaca,” Manning said. “Ithaca’s not quite on the map for that kind of acoustic, bluegrass music. The musical culture here is very grassroots-y kind of groove [and] dance. It’s more rhythm based.”

When Manning first developed the idea, he thought it would be more central to downtown Ithaca, with musicians and festival goers staying in hotels near The Commons and music being played at bars and other venues around Ithaca.

However, a friendship with Scott Wiggins, managing director of La Tourelle, began —Rebecca a partnership in the festival’s organization and created what Winter Village is today.

Bluegrass is a subgenre of country music, inspired by folk music of the Appalachian region with influences from the traditional music of the U.K. While bluegrass has roots in the South, the Northeast has become a burgeoning bluegrass music center in recent years. Some of the larger acts this year included The Gibson Brothers from the Adirondacks, Frank Solivan & Dirty Kitchen from Washington, D.C., and Della Mae from Boston, Mass. Local bands were also incorporated into the lineup.

Peter McDonald, guitarist for local band Rebecca Colleen and the Chore Lads, said his friendship with Manning brought him into the festival. He said the festival concept is the perfect combination of music and timing.

“This was something timely and necessary for people of Ithaca to go to a venue in winter and enjoy music,” McDonald said.

A big part of the bluegrass culture is collaboration between artists. Rebecca McDonald, Peter’s daughter and lead singer of the band, said it was especially exciting to interact with the more established bands, musician to musician.

“A festival like this is great because you

can interact with all of the other musicians, and you can meet all of your heroes,” McDonald said.

Bluegrass festivals are much more than performances, with many workshops and gatherings that allow for more personal interactions, Manning said.

“Workshops are unique to bluegrass festivals; it’s a big part of the culture,” Manning said. “It’s a lot of pickers; the people here respond to good solos. I think it helps having a lot of people in the audience who are good at it or not good at it and know how hard it is.”

Sophomore Joe D’Esposito said he attended the workshops and the festival to experience a type of music that isn’t prevalent at the Whalen Center for Music.

“I’m interested in the fiddle tradition of bluegrass music, but at school in the music program there’s not too much of that going on, and in this town — at this festival — it is,” D’Esposito said.

He attended a fiddle workshop Saturday morning and said with only 10 to 15 people in attendance and two professional musicians leading, it was a relaxed atmosphere to learn in.

“They would just kind of play a tune and ask if anyone had questions and then address those and show them what they could and answer them to the best of their ability,” D’Esposito said. mcdonald As a mandolin player, senior Riley Goodemote said he listens to bluegrass music but tends to play more traditional tunes.

Because mandolin is common in bluegrass, he attended a mandolin workshop. Frank Solivan of the band Dirty Kitchen was one of the players leading it.

“I think [Solivan’s] whole thing is making the traditional less traditional, playing traditional songs non-traditionally and playing non-traditional songs traditionally,” Goodemote said.

“So he talked a lot about how to change up music and how to fool around with it while still keeping its integrity.”

Solivan’s band was one of the acts that played during Saturday night’s “Big Show.” Before the concert at the Hangar Theatre, however, there were two smaller dinner shows held at The Piggery and Moosewood Restaurant.

For the third year in a row the festival’s big concert sold out to offer standing room only. The Hangar’s 300-plus auditorium was filled to the rafters with chairs brought in from the lobby to accommodate more audience members who arrived in hopes of getting a seat for the big show.

The 7:30 p.m. show kicked off with some music played in the lobby while audience members trickled in before the start. The

“A festival like this is great because you can interact with all the other musicians, and you can meet all of your heroes.”

Courtney Woodsmith of Della Mae provides backing vocals while playing guitar during the “Big Show” at the Winter Village Bluegrass Festival on Saturday at the Hangar Theatre.

Chris StuDurst Breneiser/The Ithacan art & Janet Beazley Trio, with Cornerstone Reunion, played the first set. In true bluegrass fashion, Stuart and Beazley joked around and took extended solos while the audience clapped, stomped, whistled and sang along.

They were followed

by Frank Solivan & Dirty Kitchen, a band that lived up to Solivan’s non-traditional mandolin workshop.

A short intermission followed, during which the festival promoters had a raffle with prizes ranging from voice lessons to a stay at La Tourelle. Della Mae closed the show, and before their final number they brought out musicians from all of the other bands to join them.

With all of its success Dave Richman on the six string banjo in bringing bluegrass to plays a tune along Maybee during th side Clayton e reception of the Ithaca and living-up to Ithaca Bluegrass Festival. the true musical culture, Durst Breneiser /The Ithacan Manning said he wished there were more young people in the audience. The average age of attendees was around 40, and being in a college town, Manning said he wanted to take advantage of the populations on the two hills.

“One little conundrum that I have is how to get younger people interested,” Manning said. “I mean, what 20 year old would not like Della Mae?” Goodemote saw the age gap differently, however. He said the musicians themselves were telling of bluegrass’ move toward a younger generation.

“In a lot of circles, the leads a banjo worklivan & Dirty Kitchen So culture of traditional bluenk Fra of rning. rd nfo Mike Mu Spa on Saturday mo grass music is older, and you Tourelle Resort & Du La er/The Ithacan of eis by en lob Br the rst in shop can see that here, but that’s why it’s so cool,” Goodemote said. “Like Della Mae and two-thirds of the performers on stage were under 30. It’s kind of a great thing to see that it’s vital and spicy.”

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Th ursday, January 31, 2013

The I th a c a n 1 7

Play profiles struggles of undocumented youth

BY Lucy Walker Staff writer

Five undocumented teenagers go to school or work every day in fear, hoping not to be discovered. Others label them as Nigerian, Ukrainian, Mexican, Korean and Jordanian, but the only home they can remember is New York City. Their stories make up “Dream Acts: A Play About Undocumented DREAM-Eligible Youth,” a play written to illustrate the realities of at least two million undocumented youth living across the U.S. trying to evade detection.

The department of theater arts and the Center for Faculty Excellence will present a staged reading of “Dream Acts” on Feb. 6 in Clark Lounge. The Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors Act is a proposal to provide permanent residency to illegal citizens in the U.S. The play follows the activities of five DREAM Act-eligible youth, as they dream of the day when they can legally join the only country they have ever known.

The DREAM Act Union, a group of female NYC-based theater artists, including Saviana Stanescu, assistant professor of theater arts, collectively wrote “Dream Acts.”

Stanescu said the group initially researched immigration and the DREAM Act, and then interviewed undocumented youth enrolled in New York City high schools and colleges.

“We wanted to focus on these people’s everyday life, to show the problems they have in everyday life and how regular [a] life they have but at [the] same time how they take a risk, how it’s dangerous for them at any given time, since they do risk getting deported,” Stanescu said.

A previous staged reading of “Dream Acts,” directed by Stanescu, was performed in October in the Clark Theatre in Dillingham Center.

The post-show panel discussion was cut short by the campus shutdown caused by Hurricane Sandy. Wade Pickren, the director of the Center for Faculty Excellence, then volunteered to organize a second production in the spring.

Stanescu will again direct the reading, starring juniors Bernadette Carter and Desiree Lim, senior Kate Cough and freshmen Jelani Pitcher and Julian Rissetto.

For this performance, Pickren will moderate the panel, which will include Stanescu; Patricia Rodriguez, assistant professor of politics; Alicia Swords, assistant professor of sociology; and Gustavo Licon, assistant professor in the Center for the Study of Culture, Race and Ethnicity.

Pitcher, who plays the role of Middle Eastern “dreamer” Wahid, said he did not know about the DREAM Act before he joined the production last semester but now considers it to be important.

“It’s a big deal,” Pitcher said.

“Whether we want to say it or not, we have a lot of illegal immigrants here, and they’re here because they want a better life, not because they want to rob anything or take stuff from the American people. They’re here because they’re trying to have a better life for them and their family. A lot of people don’t know about that, and this play really puts it in perspective.”

Rodriguez said the play’s creative approach humanizes the issue.

“It tells stories about undocumented children, kids who have

From left, freshman Jelani Pitcher and senior Kate Cough perform in “Dream Acts: A Play About Undocumented DREAM-Eligible Youth” on Oct. 29 in Clark Theatre. The play follows five undocumented teenage immigrants.

Durst Breneiser/the Ithacan

been here for a long time and have had several obstacles, one of which is the discrimination they face and how they feel like they belong here, but the government doesn’t think that way,” Rodriguez said.

Stanescu said everyone should be interested in the issues surrounding both the DREAM Act and immigration.

“People everywhere should be interested in these issues,” Stanescu

said. “We need to engage in this kind of cross-cultural, cross-class, crossrace communications so we can maybe hopefully in the future eliminate those distinctions between us as humans.”

Covering the news today.

Training the journalists of tomorrow.

The Ithacan

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Japanese game jump-starts genre

hot dates

thursday

by ROBERT MAYO STAFF WRITER

Seldom do new Japanese Role Playing Games get released outside of Japan. Recently, however, fans of the genre have pressed Japanese developers to release their games to Western audiences.

“Xenoblade Chronicles” and “The Last Story” were two examples of JRPGs that unexpectedly came stateside in 2012. With a recent revival of interest, JRPGs have hopes of returning to their previous prestige. “Ni no Kuni” (meaning “Another World”), developed by Level 5 Inc. and Studio Ghibli, “Ni no Kuni” provides an incredible expeLevel-5 Inc. rience that inspires hope for Studio Ghibli the future of the genre.

HHH 1/2 The story of “Ni no Kuni” follows Oliver, a young boy on his journey through a magical world. Guided in his travels by his candle-nosed fairy companion, Drippy, Oliver must improve his newfound wizarding abilities to save the magical world and attempt to bring his mother back from the dead. “Ni no Kuni” provides a “Wizard’s Companion,” a book filled with information on enemies, items, concepts and spells, as well as fascinating lore of the magical world. The game follows many of the tropes typically associated with the JRPG genre, and the game’s plot frequently follows the cliche, but through its well designed presentation the game remains whimsical and enchanting.

Perhaps the most notable thing about “Ni no Kuni” is its art direction. Studio Ghibli, crafters of animated wonders such as “Spirited Away” and “My Neighbor Totoro,” did a wonderful job of creating a fascinating world. Characters are celshaded, giving them an animated look of Ghibli characters from movies such as “Ponyo” or “My Neighbor Totoro.” Backgrounds, buildings and the world itself all have a hand-drawn appearance, which lends to the game’s fairy-tale vibe.

Monsters and enemies have charms from both their friendly looks and their pun-riddled names.

For example, a cat dressed as a thief is called a Purrloiner and later a Cutpurrse. The later, more combat focused form is called “Puss in Bouts.”

In addition to its incredible visuals, “Ni no Kuni” features amazing audio work. The songs

LGBT Film Series: “Pick up the Mic,” an award-winning documentary, explores the gay hip-hop scene. The event begins at 7 p.m. in Textor 101.

friday

The Jeff Love Band will be

VIDEO GAME Review

playing funk and soul music at Agava. The performance begins at 10 p.m. Admission is free.

The Opening Reception at the Johnson Museum of Art will celebrate five new exhibitions from contemporary drawings to illustrations from children’s literature. The event will begin at 5 p.m.

saturday The character Oliver takes his first steps into the magical world by casting his first spell with the help of Drippy, his fairy companion. The Japanese role-playing video game was released in the U.S. on Jan. 22. courtesy of Studio ghibli and level-5 inc.

presented are orchestral masterpieces crafted

by Joe Hisaishi, the same talent behind Ghibli movies such as “Howl’s Moving Castle.” Each town has its own distinct background music, and the player might hum along to the battle themes. Voice actors of the English cast are talented, Drippy’s thick Scottish accent being the most memorable. The game also has the option to use the original Japanese voice actors with English subtitles. Despite the talent, much of the dialogue is read rather than voiced, and the game seems to pick almost random times to use its voice actors.

In combat, the player begins with only “attack” and “block” commands, but the game slowly adds more elements, such as controllable “familiars,” various spells to cast, additional characters, monster taming and group commands. The pace of the game is rather slow to

start, and the first few hours feel like a tutorial to the actual game, which may deter the thrillseeking gamer. “Ni no Kuni” is a very long game; expect to put dozens of hours into the game before finishing it.

Pacing and minimal use of voice talent are some of the only flaws the game has. While the combat system may not appeal to everyone, it remains both faithful to JRPG norms and appears fresh and different. “Ni no Kuni” provides a remarkable experience into a magical world that is near unprecedented. The world the player explores is elegant and magical and creates wonderful situations that the player will be sure to remember.

“Ni no Kuni” was created by Level-5 Inc. and Studio Ghibli and published by Namco Bandai.

The game plays on PS3.

Senior Writer

This year is certain to be a big one for Ra Ra Riot. After releasing its album “The Orchard” in 2010, a satisfactory sophomore effort but hardly the breakout many fans Ra Ra Riot were expecting, “Beta Love” Barsuk Records the band has fiOur rating: nally hit its stride.

HHH 1/2 Its new LP, “Beta Love,” could very well be its best album to date.

“Beta Love” is a culmination of Ra Ra Riot’s gradual progression from spunky college kids to fullfledged adults. As is true in real life, nothing stays constant — not even band members. Last year,

Album Review

cellist Alexandra Lawn announced her departure from the group.

Now, the band also decided to shake up its sound and experiment with mild synthesizer lines for this new album.

With the help of synthesizers, Ra Ra Riot sheds the “baroque pop” genre label and dons a new indie pop classification. Songs like skainfluenced “Dance With Me” and foot-stomping “Binary Mind” are some of the most delightful and the catchiest songs the group has crafted to date.

That being said, Ra Ra Riot still knows how to take things down to a personal level. The beautiful track “When I Dream” features deep bass drum hits and finger snaps to create a bare-boned rhythmic section.

Check out theithacan. org/spotify to listen to the songs featured in this week’s reviews!

filled with food, music and dancing hosted by Hands Four Dancers of Ithaca, will begin at 7:30 p.m. Admission is between $8 and $10.

Love Moves, a 5K run/walk for the nonprofit organization To Write Love On Her Arms, will raise money to help people with mental illness and addiction.

The event will begin at 11 a.m.

sunday

IC After Dark’s Super Bowl Game Party invites students to join in the football fandom and watch the annual championship.

The event will begin at 5 p.m. in Emerson Suites.

Indie band spins joyful sound

Music group shifts pop style with latest studio album

by Jared DIonne

Dancing and Desserts with the Contradictions, a night

by MATTHEW DEZII CHIEF COPY EDITOR

Courtesy of Barsuk records

The minimalist structure allows lead singer Wes Miles to showcase his seemingly effortless falsetto when he sings, “And when I dream / It’s not of you.”

“Beta Love” is a testament to the band’s ability to adapt and continue to create rich and meaningful music. This album is almost certain to catapult this indie collective into a much bigger spotlight alongside contemporaries such as Stars and Death Cab for Cutie.

The Joy Formidable carries the raw power of its previous studio album, “The Big Roar” well into its second full studio album, “Wolf’s Law.” This album comes charged with power chords typical of their noise-rock vibe. This is not to say the band cannot produce a sensitive piece; “Turnaround” and the title track, “Wolf’s The Joy Formidable Law” are the “Wolf’s Law” most gentle Atlantic and expressive Records tracks the band Our rating: has produced.

HHHH The quieter songs follow the first five cuts that drive into the heart of the album.

The first two tracks, “Cholla” and “The Ladder Is Ours” were previously released as singles and lead

Album Review

the charge as lead singer and guitarist Ritzy Bryan’s enchanting voice invades the mind. The band has branched out too on this album, employing piano in pieces where it wouldn’t have in the past, and Bryan has interspersed daring solos to interrupt her driving power chords. “Wolf’s Law” is a solid follow-up for a band deserving of more airplay, and a high-energy album well worth a listen.

Courtesy of ATLANTIC records

quickies “JOSE JAMES”

“Tightrope” ­­- EP

No Beginning No End Blue Note Records

WALK THE MOON

RCA Records

Fans of this American vocalist will enjoy the release of his new 13-track album “No Beginning No End.” His blend of soft jazz, R&B, soul and hip hop brings a modern twist to older music styles and promises to satisfy fans of all tastes.

This alternative band rocks a new EP with six fresh tracks.

The band continues to produce its art-rock sound and includes its edgy cover of new wave band Talking Head’s “Burning Down the House” in the EP. courtesy of RCA RECORDS

courtesy oF bLUE note records

Compiled by ROSE VARDELL

A ccen t

Th ursday, January 31, 2013

The I th a c a n 1 9

Cheap humor flops in crass comedy Star-studded cast falls flat with vulgarity and unfunny sketches bY josh greenfield

]

valid friday through thursday

cinemapolis The Commons 277-6115

staff writer

Taking the “star-studded cast” genre to a new level of underperformance, “Movie 43” is a failed attempt to make an overly outrageous and stupid comedy. Made over the course of four years, the comedy does little for the audience in “Movie 43” terms of laughs Relativity or enjoyment.

Media The plot of the Our rating: movie comes down H to a collection of 12 short stories and sketches all linked together as a series of movie ideas pitched by Charlie Wessler (Dennis Quaid).

The film’s first cutaway story is a blind date between characters Beth (Kate Winslet) and Davis (Hugh Jackman). Things seem normal until Jackman’s character removes his scarf revealing that he has a set of male genitals hanging from his neck. The movie then continues with more stories of this crude type, including a post-relationship conversation between Kieran Culkin and Emma Stone and a brawl between Johnny Knoxville and a leprechaun played

by Gerard Butler.

The cast consists of 124 actors, including past Oscar winners such as Halle Berry; current nominees, like Jackman; and “Saturday Night Live” stars, like Jason Sudeikis.

However, this star-studded cast could do little to save the film from itself. While none of the actors do a particularly bad job, in the end the problem simply turned out to be

[

ticket stub

Beasts of the southern wild 9:20 p.m. every day and weekends 2:20 p.m.

Promised land 4:35 p.m., 7 p.m., 9:25 p.m. except on Wedensday and weekends 2 p.m., 4:35 p.m., 7 p.m. and 9:25 p.m.

Film Review

hyde park on hudson 4:45 p.m., 7:15 p.m. except Wednesday, 9:10 p.m. and weekends 2:30 p.m., 4:45 p.m. except Sunday, 7:15 p.m. and 9:10 p.m. except Sunday.

A leprechaun (Gerard Butler) attempts to save his brother (also Gerard Butler) from two scheming friends who have their sights set on the leprechauns’ pot of gold. “Movie 43” is made up of multiple comedy shorts.

Courtesy oF RELATIVITY MEDIA

the script they were given.

The script, which was written by 17 different people working separately on each segment, relies solely on rapid-fire attempts at cheap humor, most of which come up short. Though every now and then the movie features a funny sketch, such as the random insertion of a fake commercial.

The faux-advertisement satirizes a typical advertisement for charity and displays downtrodden children who are forced to live in appliances. Other than a rare humorous moment, most of the film is plain boring.

The directing of the film was

split up between nine different people, with each directing one or two of the stories. The main director of the film is Peter Farrelly, who worked on compiling the entire movie and who specifically directed the segments starring Winslet and Jackman as well as the ones starring Berry.

Farrelly is known for his comedic hits such as “There’s Something About Mary,” “Dumb and Dumber” and “Me, Myself and Irene.” He stands out as the most obscene, with both of his scenes involving nudity, crudeness and other forms of humor that, while they may work in some cases, definitely don’t

Fantasy flick twists fairy tale

work in this film.

In the end, “Movie 43” evokes the question as to why so many talented actors would agree to appear in it. “Movie 43” might be good for a few cheap laughs, but it is by no means worth anywhere close to the cost of an expensive movie ticket.

“Movie 43” was directed by Steve Carr, Peter Farrelly, Elizabeth Banks, Steven Brill, James Duffy, Rusty Cundieff, Griffin Dunne, Jonathan van Tulleken, James Gunn, Brett Ratner, Patrik Forsberg and Bob Odenkirk and written by 17 different people.

Mundane movie fails with plot

By brian porreca

By rose Vardell

staff writer

assistant accent editor

Writer and director Tommy Wirkola adapts the Brothers Grimm classic to fit on the big screen with the chilling “Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters.” The film stays true to the fairy tale in the beginning, as young brother and sister Hansel and Gretel are lured to a witch’s cottage covered with candy. If it fol“Hansel and lowed the fable a bit more, it may Gretel: Witch have been able to axe its R rating, Hunters” but the tale takes a twisted turn.

Paramount The film flashes forward to Pictures what could be the Middle Ages, Our rating: but the duo’s advanced weaponry HH calls the time period into question. Hansel (Jeremy Renner) and Gretel (Gemma Arterton) create a career killing witches after their childhood kidnapping. Both have minor love interests, but the film is primarily about the family ties between brother and sister.

The film’s only noteworthy moments are the grueling graphics and 3-D technology. The deaths throughout the film were gory but also entertaining.

Whether it was a man eaten alive by maggots or a witch tossed in an oven like an apple pie, the death scenarios were inventive.

Besides blasting brains, blood and shooting arrows in the air, some of the freakiest 3-D graphics are brought by the main antagonist, Muriel, played by Famke Janssen. Her shift from sexy to scary triggers an instant change in the tone and spearheads major fight scenes.

The dialogue lacked originality and was very on the nose. The director should have utilized the duo’s fighting to drive the drama as opposed to relying on the unnecessary one-liners to keep the audience entertained.

This was not either actor’s best work because there was no room for emotional growth throughout the film. Their relationship as siblings may have been believable, but they could have done more if the script had let them. Renner has fun with the flawed film and its absurdity with his monotone delivery and dry humor. His role may have been better than being outshined in “The Avengers,” but this was definitely not as good as his brilliant portrayal of a Boston bank robber in “The Town.”

If this movie came out during Halloween, it might have had potential to sell. With a failed attempt to be a haunting horror, the film is nothing more than 88 minutes of nonsense and a little bit of bravery from the characters.

Director Taylor Hackford had a vision in mind with “Parker” but failed to deliver anything other than a watered-down and lackluster version of the quintessential action flick.

The movie’s protagonist is Parker (Jason Statham), a cool, composed thief with his own set of rules. When attacked and left for dead by his criminal associates, he is driven to enact violent revenge by hijacking their next heist.

The movie has the usual one-liners, but their recycled “Parker” quality and uninspired delivFilmDistrict Our rating: ery render them cliched.

H The only commendable aspects of the film are the gritty fight scenes. Whether it is an intense fiveperson gunfight inside an SUV or a knife fight in a swanky hotel room, the violence is certainly eye catching.

Though the majority of the movie is dull, Hackford knows how to film violence well. The bloodshed was emphasized by a fast-moving camera and the staccato fight choreography.

The camera movements were uncluttered as they followed the creative brutality. This was mildly entertaining, but the excitement was short lived. As soon as the savage scenes ended, the dull quality of the film resumed.

Hackford follows the action-movie prototype but still falls short of success. The bland cast performance and monotonous plot line makes this movie mercifully forgettable.

“Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters” was directed and written by Tommy Wirkola.

“Parker” was directed by Taylor Hackford and written by John McLaughlin.

film Review

Film Review

Jeremy Renner stars as the witch bounty hunter Hansel in “Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters.”

Courtesy oF PARAMOUNT PICTURES

the impossible 4:40 p.m., 7:10 p.m. except Thursday, 9:30 p.m. and weekends 2:15 p.m., 4:40 p.m., 7:10 p.m. and 9:10 p.m. argo 4:30 p.m., 7:10 p.m. except Thursday, 9:30 p.m. and weekends 2:15 p.m., 4:40 p.m., 7:10 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.

regal stadium 14 Pyramid Mall 266-7960

Bullet to the head 2:45 p.m., 5:15 p.m., 7:40 p.m., 10:10 p.m. stand up guys 1:20 p.m., 4 p.m., 7:30 p.m., 10:20 p.m. warm bodies 12:25 p.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m., 4:25 p.m., 5:30 p.m., 7 p.m., 8 p.m., 10:30 p.m. hansel & gretel: witch hunters 2:30 p.m., 7:15 p.m. hansel & gretel: witch hunters 3d HH 1 p.m., 3:20 p.m., 4:50 p.m., 7:50 p.m., 9:50 p.m., 10:40 p.m. movie 43 H 12:55 p.m., 3:50 p.m., 6:30 p.m., 8:50 p.m. parker H 12:50 p.m., 3:40 p.m., 6:50 p.m., 10 p.m. mama HH 1:45 p.m., 4:10 p.m., 6:40 p.m., 9:20 p.m. zero dark thirty HHH 1/2 1:30 p.m., 5 p.m., 8:30 p.m. django unchained 2:15 p.m., 5:55 p.m., 9:40 p.m. les miserables 1:10 p.m., 4:40 p.m., 8:15 p.m. the hobbit: an unexpected journey 9:30 p.m. life of pi 3d 3D 12:15 p.m., 3:10 p.m., 6:!0 p.m., 9:10 p.m. silver linings playbook 12:40 p.m., 3:30 p.m., 6:20 p.m., 9 p.m.

our ratings Excellent HHHH Good HHH Fair HH Poor H

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Th ursday, Ja n ua ry 3 1 , 2 0 1 3

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The I th a c a n 2 1

Divers ion s

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the here and now alphabet stew

By Caroline Roe ’13

dormin’ norman

By Alice Blehart ’16

By Jonathan Schuta ’14

Pearls Before Swine®

Th ursday, Ja n ua ry 3 1 , 2 0 1 3

sudoku medium

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By Stephan Pastis answers to last week’s sudoku

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By United Media

ACROSS 1 Erosion loss 5 Walk along the surf 9 Duffer’s goal 12 Horror flick staple 13 Got a move on 14 Lennon’s wife 15 Was gracious 17 Soft 19 Collection 20 Antarctic explorer 21 Wordsworth’s Tintern -24 Light aircraft 27 Meadow plaints 28 Drudge 29 Aunt or bro.

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48 Granary, often 50 Rubens model 51 Pet plea 52 Sufficient, to poets 53 Abound DOWN 1 Noncom 2 Gasp of delight 3 Novelist -- Levin 4 Frame inserts 5 Hone 6 Relief 7 Ile -- France 8 Aswirl 9 Explosive situation (2 wds.)

10 Blyth or Sothern 11 Judge -- Bean 16 Sardine can opener

18 Fort near Monterey 20 Flaxen-haired 21 Subside 22 Commonplace 23 Paunch (2 wds.)

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sports

Th ursday, January 31, 2013

Balancing act

The I th a c a n 2 3

Sophomore athlete juggles jam-packed daily schedule

by Emily HUll

assistant sports editor

It’s 7 a.m. on a cold January morning, and the shrill cry of an alarm breaks the silence in sophomore Derryk Williams’ Circle Apartment. He leans over to turn off the source of the clamor — his cue to crawl out of bed. He throws on an Ithaca College sweatshirt and a pair of sweatpants and unzips his backpack. He scours the room looking for all the things he will need for the long day ahead of him.

Williams begins the daunting task of filling his pack.

First the textbooks.

Then the tennis racket.

His Ithacapella jacket, of course.

Can’t forget the President’s Host polo.

Volleyball, too.

And last but not least, his whistle.

He heads out the door — a door he knows he won’t return to for another 16 jam-packed hours.

In addition to being a member of the varsity tennis team, the television and radio major from Lansdale, Pa., participates in many activities. He is a member of both the club volleyball and golf team, he is a tenor in Ithacappella, a referee for girls’ junior varsity and modified basketball in the Tompkins County area, a President’s Host in the office of admissions and an intramural sports supervisor.

Men’s tennis Head Coach Bill Austin said Williams’ involvement is uncommon.

“He is experiencing everything that Ithaca College has to offer,” Austin said. “Most of us go through college and we’re lucky to be involved in one or two and possibly a third thing maybe on the periphery. This guy is deeply involved and an integral cog in the machinery that makes this place go.”

Williams attended the college without a recruiting offer from Austin. With two years of varsity tennis experience in high school under his belt, Williams tried out for the team as a walk-on and made the squad.

Last year, Williams went 3–2 in doubles competition, and his victory alongside Justin Levine was a deciding factor in the team’s victory against St. Lawrence University.

Williams said making the tennis team was what triggered his desire to try other things. That same year, he tried out for club volleyball and golf, applied to work as a President’s Host and began training as a referee.

“When I was accepted on to the team right away, it gave me the confidence to do other things and to be more involved,” Williams said. “I really think things would have played out differently had I not made the team.”

Williams attends class from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., throwing in an hour or two at work in the office of admission. From there he heads to tennis practice, then on to his Ithacappella rehearsal and finally club volleyball practice. Occasionally, he spends some time in the intramural sports office and officiates a middle school basketball game or two into his day.

“By the end of some days, all I want to do is go to bed and sleep for an extremely long time,” he said.

Williams said the need to juggle a schedule and set aside time to focus on an individual task has improved his grades and performance in all of his activities. Cody Ripa, Ithacappella President and Williams’ roommate, has seen the daily struggle Williams must go through to give his all in everything he does.

“Derryk rarely misses rehearsal,” Ripa said. “He’s a busy college student but prioritizes his work, completes what he needs to and always shows up ready to work. There are occasional moments of stress due to his workload, but Derryk rarely lets that interfere with his involvement.”

Williams came into Ithacapella in a similar fashion as he came in to the tennis team — as an unexpected addition. He auditioned without much experience in the field of music, but that did not discourage

him. Williams said he needs to put in effort outside of practice to catch up to his peers, a group primarily made up of music majors.

“I’m not the strongest musician, so I have to work twice as hard as the guys that study music,” Williams said.

Williams has received satisfaction from his efforts in his activities so far in his college career. However, there is no sugarcoating how much time and effort goes into his daily routine and the sacrifices that have to be made to live this lifestyle.

“I find myself getting very frustrated at times and feel like I’m just running from thing to thing, around a schedule rather than enjoying everything,” Williams said. “But in the end I know it is worth it.”

His schedule greatly impacts the time he spends with friends and his ability to focus on family and relationships, Williams said.

His friends said they have felt the effects of his schedule.

“Derryk was one of my first friends here at IC,” sophomore Annie Barrett said. “Last year we lived in the same building and spent time together nearly every day. Now I hardly see him at all. This year has proven more difficult with his participation in everything.”

While Williams would like to spend more time with friends, he is thankful that they still make the time to support him.

“It’s really great that my friends are always there for me, however it’s tough for me to not be there for them all the time,” Williams said. “At one point last semester there was a time that I realized I hadn’t hung out with my friends in over three weeks. I’m a social person and not being able to spend time with my friends is the most frustrating thing to me.”

While the perils of a time crunch have affected his relationship with friends, Barrett notes he is a source of compassion when others need it most.

“It’s a bummer, but he’s the type of friend that if you need him, he’s there in a heartbeat,” Barrett said.

Williams said he must take advantage of the opportunities now while they’re in front of him. In spite of the sacrifices, Williams has no regrets about how he is experiencing the college.

“I love every single thing that I do, otherwise I wouldn’t be wasting my time with it,” Williams said. “I wake up every morning and look forward to five different things, how many people can say that?”

“This guy is deeply involved and an integral cog in the machinery that makes this place go.”

—Bill Austin

Photo illustration by durst breneiser

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2 4 The It hacan

between the lines

Nathan bickell

Super siblings ready to battle Sibling rivalry has taken center stage in the sports world, as brothers Jim and John Harbaugh prepare to coach the 49ers and the Ravens, respectively, in this Sunday’s Super Bowl. The game has now become affectionately known as the Harbaugh bowl.

On South Hill, junior Ben Donnelly of the men’s crew team knows what the Harbaughs are about to go through, having competed head to head against his brother Chris, who rows for the Rochester Institute of Technology Tigers.

The brothers played soccer and ran track together at Walton High School in the Bronx. As chance would have it, the brothers went from being teammates in high school to opponents in college. The brothers both dropped soccer and track for crew to follow in the footsteps of their father, Tom Donnelly, who rowed for Cornell University.

Ben said he and his brother competed with each other in sports and in school, but being two years younger and two inches shorter, he tended to end up on the losing end of most competitions with his older brother.

“We were always competitive, intellectually as well,” Ben said. “He was valedictorian, pretty much the smartest guy in his class. I was always trying to beat him in some aspect.”

Ben seems to take on the role of John Harbaugh, who played as a defensive back at Miami of Ohio. John, like Ben, competed constantly with his older brother, only to initially fall short. John’s playing career didn’t live up to Jim’s.

Jim started at quarterback for the Michigan University and played 14 seasons in the NFL. A victory for John over Jim in the Super Bowl would put his football accomplishments above those of his brother for the first time ­— just like his South Hill counterpart.

When the Donnelly brothers first competed against each other this fall at the Head of Charles regatta in Boston, Ben got the better of Chris, as the Bombers edged out the Tigers by eight seconds.

“There is always competition between brothers, so it just a gives me a little more of a competitive edge to go faster or work harder,” Ben said. “It was nice to beat him.”

If the two Donnelly brothers serve as some sort of a parallel to the two Harbaughs brothers, John and the Ravens stand to beat out the 49ers and topple the four-point favorites from the West Coast. nathan bickell is a senior documentary studies major. Contact him at nbickel1@ithaca.edu.

Th ursday, Ja n ua ry 3 1 , 2 0 1 3

JV talent steps up to add depth to varsity

By Danielle D’Avanzo sENIOR writer

Eyes stare intently at the white marker board as the women’s basketball team stands in a semi-circle around Head Coach Dan Raymond. Among the blue and white jerseys are two new faces.

Sophomore guard Christie Bonacci and junior forward Julie Schaeffer are in the huddle, giving their undivided attention to the play being sketched out in front of them. Bonacci and Schaeffer began the 2012-13 campaign as members of the junior varsity squad and were called up to varsity after the Bombers suffered injuries early in the season.

Raymond felt it was time to bring up players to varsity to limit reps of players who are getting the bulk of minutes and keep practices competitive.

With junior guard Elisabeth Wentlent currently out from injury, the South Hill squad has only one other true point guard on the roster — sophomore Samantha Klie. Bonacci played point guard on the junior varsity squad for two seasons, and Raymond said her ability to run the court was one of the reasons why she was chosen to move up.

“We have watched her now for basically two years and know that [Bonacci] has ability,” Raymond said. “She’s a solid player. We feel that she can play at this level.”

Schaeffer had the opportunity to practice with the Bombers a few times after the team returned from winter break. Raymond said those sessions were what helped him make his final decision.

“She fit in really well,” Raymond said. “The players really enjoyed her, and she was a benefit to us.

She kind of had a little bit of a tryout — if you want to say — with those few practices, and we thought she’d be a good addition.”

Schaeffer returned to practice on Jan. 24, the day before their matchup against Stevens Institute of Technology. Bonacci was told that same Thursday morning that she would be given the opportunity to play with the varsity team. Though she felt nervous, Bonacci accepted the challenge.

“I was definitely nervous because the game is a lot faster pace, but I was really excited to try something new,” Bonacci said. “It’s a bigger commitment, and they expect a lot more from you. I really like having something to work for.”

Both players must adjust to the increased strength and quicker pace of varsity play and a whole new playbook in a short period of time. Schaeffer said she also has to adjust to the amount of playing time she will see during games.

Sophomore Christine Bonacci goes up for a rebound during the Bombers’ 92-55 victory over Stevens Institute of Technology on Friday in Ben Light Gymnasium. It was her first game on the varsity squad.

Emily Fedor/The ithacaN

“The first game [against Stevens] we were up by 30 before I got a chance to play, which is fine because for me, it’s more about the experience of being on this team that’s really great,” Schaeffer said. “That’s what was more important, and if they needed my help, then I definitely wanted to give it.”

Schaeffer said the team has been welcoming and helpful during practice, whether it’s explaining a play or offering encouragement. Sophomore guard

Ally Mnich said both bring something new to the South Hill squad that can contribute to the already successful season.

“They just have this undeniable hustle,” Mnich said. “[Schaeffer] and [Bonacci] do the little things that a lot of us sometimes won’t do. [Schaeffer] is always the first one up and down the court, and [Bonacci] can break you down at any time. They just bring something different.”

Team always finds its groove during February run

By STeve Derderian staff writer

The wrestling team’s record of six wins and three losses doesn’t exactly turn heads in the Empire Collegiate Wrestling Conference, but historically when the calendar turns to February, the Bombers are one of the most difficult teams to defeat.

Though they have accrued more losses than anticipated so far this season, the team is not panicking. The Blue and Gold have not lost a dual match in February since the 2007-08 season, when they dropped their final dual meet of the season to Cortland.

After having dropped out of the Division III top 10, the Bombers are holding onto an 11th-place ranking, registering two of three losses to ranked opponents. The Bombers were able to defeat 8th-ranked Coe College at the Division III National Duals but lost against 1st-ranked Wartburg College and were upset

by Wesleyan University.

The team plans to put its losses behind it and focus on its February meets. With the NCAA Northeast Regional Championships in March, the team knows how important its performance in February is. Doliscar said the team has performed well in February because it rises to the challenges and ups its performance during this crucial stretch.

“Around this time is when we

Senior captain Jules Doliscar goes in for a takedown during the season opening invitational against Johnsons and Wales University on Nov. 2.

File photo/the ithacan

should be performing our best,” Doliscar said. “We need to take each matchup as they come, but I’m confident that we’ll perform well and put ourselves in the best position to do well come March.”

The senior class has been especially successful during the team’s past February winning streak, posting 41 victories in 46 dual meet matches over the past three seasons.

Nichols said some of the success

comes from rematches with some familiar opponents.

“In February, we get some rematches from earlier in the season, and our guys are even more motivated to get the win this time around,” Coach Nichols said.

Despite these records, Nichols said February will be tough, given the ranking of the competition and the time in between matches.

“It’s always one of the most difficult parts of the season, but it gets us ready for what we’ll see down the road,” Nichols said.

The Bombers now face a stretch that includes an open invitation at Jamestown Community College followed by four duals meets against three top-10 opponents. Last season the Bombers swept the stretch with victories against SUNY-Oneonta, Wilkes University, Delaware Valley College and SUNY-Cortland.

Even with a tough stretch of matches in the month, junior Shane Bartrum said that besides history, he and his teammates have not enjoyed this season any less regardless of their record or ranking.

“All year we’ve just been enjoying our time together, whether it’s in practice, competition, or on the road,” Bartrum said. “No matter what, I think this month will be a lot of fun even if we are facing some of the best down the stretch.”

S ports

Th ursday, January 31, 2013

The I th a c a n 2 5

Bombers improve despite early losses By haley costello Staff writer

A 0–4 start may be looming over the gymnastics team, but their scores are improving weekly, and the Bombers have remained optimistic as they keep their eyes on the national championship.

Sophomore Valerie Cohen said because of the loss of a large senior class and injuries on the team, the squad has been working hard to keep up with the training and competition needed.

“We don’t have the depth we had last year because we graduated so many seniors, and we have a lot of injuries,” Cohen said. “It’s been a struggle to balance working really hard to achieve what we want to achieve and staying healthy.”

The team has lost five gymnasts to ankle and back injuries so far this season. Junior Meredith Daniels, who is a contributor on the beam, vault and floor exercise has been hampered by a back injury, and her return to the lineup is still unknown. Daniels said while it is hard to watch from the sideline, she is happy to see the team pushing through injuries and constantly increasing their scores.

“The team has been doing well as it is, and I’m so proud to see everyone working hard with my setback in the midst,” Daniels said. “It definitely makes me eager to get back into competition and do what I can for the team.”

The South Hill squad entered

this season without six of last year’s graduating upperclassmen, including Jessica Bolduc, Ithaca College’s most decorated gymnast. With the addition of seven freshmen and multiple new lineup positions available, the team is adjusting to the pressure of performing.

To improve their routines and comply with the demand of the competition season, the team has slightly altered their training. To decrease the strain on their bodies, the team alternates between difficult practice days and refining days, where they focus on the smaller details. The training changes have benefitted the team each week, especially in last week’s meet against Springfield College, where they posted a 181.100, their highest score of the season.

The Bombers have also increased their mental training to remove nerves that could stand in the way of competition. One of the most common exercises used by the team involves the women standing at each apparatus and visualizing their routine so they know what needs to be done. With the help of mental training, graduate student Tiffany Grube and Cohen were able to place 1st and 2nd on the floor exercise.

Senior Chelsea Robie said while nerves do sometimes get in the way of stellar performances, the increase in mental training has suppressed these fears and helped the team improve each week.

“Nerves are really a big deal in

From left, assistant coach Emily Graber instructs sophomore Valerie Cohen as she performs a Yurchenko while running through her vault routine Friday. Cohen scored a 9.375 on the vault in the team’s meet last week.

Jennifer Williams/the ithacan

gymnastics, and I think they have been one of our biggest battles,” Robie said. “But the fact that we have increased our score at each meet is a good sign that we are getting better, and it isn’t hurting us.”

Along with the consistent progress the team is making because of the training changes, Cohen said the team keeps Head Coach Rick Suddaby’s words in mind to continue to push them forward.

“[Coach Suddaby] always says there are two things you can control: your attitude and your performance,” Cohen said. “Controlling what we can control, getting the rehab we need and learning our limits are what we need to reach our peak.”

With Cortland on their schedule this weekend, the Bombers can see no better time than now to shine. Robie said that their improvement will continue each

week, and she is optimistic that it is going to be another successful season for the team.

“It is not as important for us to win or lose as it is to improve, and we have been doing that,” Robie said. “We are happy with what we have been doing and I think our future is really bright because we have pinpointed what the judges want from us, and we can make sure we work on those things.”

Look online and on our Twitter for game stories from these sports: FRIDAY • 6 p.m. Women’s basketball at Nazareth College in Rochester, N.Y. • 8 p.m. Men’s basketball at Nazareth College in Rochester, N.Y.

SATURDAY • 10 a.m. Men’s and women’s indoor track and field at Bombers’ Invitational in Glazer Arena • Noon. Wrestling at Delaware Valley College in Doylestown, Pa. • 12:30 p.m. Women’s Volleyball vs. Elmira College in Hoboken, N.J. • 2 p.m. Women’s basketball at Houghton College in Houghton, N.Y. • 2 p.m. Men’s and women’s swimming and diving at Union College in Schenectady, N.Y. • 3:30 p.m. Gymnastics vs. SUNY-Cortland and Springfield College in Hill Center Gymnasium.

• 4 p.m. Men’s basketball at Houghton College in Houghton, N.Y.

SUNDAY • 10 a.m. Men’s and women’s indoor track and field at Bombers’ Invitational in Glazer Arena

Bold = Home game TBD = To be determined

Follow us on Twitter: @IthacanSports

S ports

2 6 The It hacan

Th ursday, Ja n ua ry 3 1 , 2 0 1 3

No rest for the weary as E8 champs look ahead throughout the course of five weeks remain on the schedule.

There are several meets leading up to After winning another Empire 8 championship, the men’s and women’s indoor the NYSCTC Indoor Championships, the teams plan to use their recent success as ECAC Indoor Championships and the motivation for crucial meets remaining on NCAA Indoor Championships. With these meets still forthcoming, Nichols said their their schedule.

This was the first team championship team still has plenty to work on. With sevopportunity of the season, and women’s eral championship opportunities later on Head Coach Jennifer Potter said the meet in the year, the team plans to keep the inwas beneficial because the younger ath- tensity up in practice even though they are letes got a chance to gain experience in a tired from the Empire 8 tournament.

“We’re a long way away high-pressure meet. from where we want to be With 26 freshman at the end of the indoor on the team, this season, but the [teams] was the first chance have worked very hard for many of the athsince we came back in early letes to be a part of a January, and we have talked championship event. about working through this Potter hopes that the meet to prepare for the team will take this ” next couple of weekends,” experience and apply — Head Coach Jim Nichols he said. it to meets later in His team is also on the season.

“Being so young there were a lot of jit- board with this mentality. Freshman Sawyer ters out there,” she said. “I’m excited. It was Hitchcock, who posted the fastest time in really fun, and I thought the girls really the mile at the championships, participated in his first team championship meet yesterwent out and competed.”

The same goes for the men’s team. Men’s day but said he is ready to keep working to Head Coach Jim Nichols said he is proud of improve because the Bombers have aspirahis team for winning this meet, but he also tions larger than just winning the Empire 8 knows his team is going for what he calls conference championship title.

“It is the first big meet of the season, but the “Triple Crown” — winning the Empire 8 championship in cross country, indoor it is still early,” he said. “This is not the goal and outdoor. It is a feat they are now one of the [indoor] season.

The women’s team is also striving to win away from achieving and very motikeep motivated for the rest of the season vated to accomplish.

“It’s always special when a group of guys by following a similar practice mind-set come together and win a championship,” he and not letting up in the wake of their win. said. “This is our seniors’ fourth year in a Sophomore Christine Benway said she feels row winning the indoor championship, so that her individual performance will help keep her going for the rest of the season. the goal is to win the outdoor also.” “[This win] motivates me to continue Even with the E8 championships behind them, the teams still have a large portion my training and work hard at practice and of their seasons ahead of them – six meets to get even better,” she said.

by MAtt Constas Staff writer

“We’re a long way away

from where we want to be at the end of the indoor season, but the [teams] worked very hard.

Ithaca sophomore Kassie Moore launches from the starting blocks during the Empire 8 Indoor Track and Field Championship women’s 400-meter race. The team won its ninth title Saturday.

Durst breneiser/the ithacan

Potter said the track season is still young, and that she feels that this team is in a better position than it was last year at this time. However, she said the team still has some work to do and that this meet should motivate them as they move forward.

“I’m very excited about what we did and how it will lead us into the postseason, which is really where we look to do the best overall,” she said. “We can’t really speak for this meet because it is too early in the training cycle.”

[The buzzer]

Th ursday, January 31, 2013

The I th a c a n 2 7

Top Tweets The funniest sports commentary via Twitter from this past week Tom Brady’s Ego @TomBradysEgo 4 out of 5 fingers agree the Ravens are number 1.

Trey Wingo @Wingoz Sean Payton reinstated by the NFL ... JUST before the world descends on New Orleans.

Coincidence? I don’t think so.

Pump it up

Sophomore Thomas Olesko leads sophomores Halli Graber and Alexis Barbag in the BodyPump class Monday night at the Fitness Center. The weekly 60-minute class combines weight lifting with energizing music to tone muscles.

Not Bill Walton @NotBillWalton LeBron hit a clutch 3 pointer to send the MIA-BOS game to OT, turned to KG, and said “how does that taste”?

Referee Logic @RefereeLogic Why didn’t LeBron get a flagrant foul after tackling that fan? It’s a joke how the NBA favors him.

six degrees of

Brendan Fraser

Jobe Zulu, the boy’s basketball coach at Ithaca High School, is in his first year and is working to transform a program that has had less-than-stellar performances on and off the court.

A graduate of Ithaca High School, Jobe Zulu is back to coach at his alma mater.

Another former IHS student is...

…Dustin Brown. He is an American ...Dustin Brown, a professional iceprofessional hockey left icewinger hockey and captain of the Los player forAngeles the Los Angeles Kings.

Kings. He competed in the 2010 Vancouver Olympics along with…

…Lindsey Vonn, who won gold in downhill skiing. Vonn beat longtime U.S. rival...

Julia Mancuso. The celebrity torch bearer for the 2010 Olympic games was…

…Bob Costas. Costas had a cameo in the film “The Scout.”

The star of the 1994 film was…

…Brendan Fraser,

George of the Jungle himself.

Kristen tomkowid/the ithacan

the foul line

Weird news from the wide world of sports U.S. Olympic 100-meter hurdler, Lolo Jones, placed 4th at the London Olympics this past summer. However, she was not satisfied with being a one-sport athlete. In October 2012, Jones tried out for the U.S. bobsled team with the hope of making the squad for the 2014 Winter Games in Sochi, Russia. Jones was one of three other track and field Olympians to be invited to the U.S. women’s bobsled push championships by coach Todd Hayes.

On Nov. 9, Jones, along with teammate Jazmine Fenlator, placed 2nd in the bobsled World Cup. On Sunday, Jones won gold in the bobsled-skeleton team event at the FIBT World Championships in St. Mortitz, Switzerland. FIBT is the international federation governing bobsledding. The U.S. team beat Germany by .24 seconds.

— Emily Hull

Sports tidbits for the less-than-casual sports fan Assistant Sports Editor Emily Hull offers a few sports topics to use at the bar, a party or an awkward lull in conversation.

• During a Heat/Pistons game Friday night in Miami, a computer technician shot and made a half-court basket at halftime. The shot earned Michael Drysch $75,000 for himself and the Boys & Girls Club of America from the LeBron James Family Foundation. Following the shot, James himself rushed out onto the floor and proceeded to tackle and hug Drysch. Drysch’s extraordinary shot was a one-handed hook shot.

• Fauja Singh, who is 101, announced this week that he will be retiring from running marathons. Singh began competing in marathons at the age of 89 and has said the Hong Kong Marathon on Feb. 24 will be his last. If that doesn’t motivate you to hit the gym, nothing will.

2 8 The It hacan

this i see

Th ursday, Ja n ua ry 3 1 , 2 0 1 3

From left, Oscar Giblin, 5, of Ithaca tugs on pulleys to lift weights and test which pulley works best with his father Joshua Giblin, director of guest relations at the Sciencenter, on Jan. 16.

Oh, the places

you’ll go

The Sciencenter launched a new exhibit, open until April, that features rotating engines, colorful pulleys and realistic canals that allow visitors to play with the laws of motion and experiment with modes of transportation.

Photos by rachel woolf Photo editor

To show how wind moves sailboats through the water, toy sailboats are on display in a tub with air blowers for guests to propel the sailboats sideways and forward while dodging other boats.

The Sciencenter’s “From Here to There” exhibit features color-coded tables to identify and separate transportation by land, sea and air. Most of the tables challenge visitors to solve mechanical problems.

Jasper Raimon, 5, of Ithaca watches the parts of a diesel engine as he cranks the knob on the side of the display to explore how it operates.