10 22 2109 CAYUGA COLLEGIAN VOL 66 ISSUE 5

MEN’S SOCCER SUFFERS HOME SHUT OUT; 3 - 0

MORE GAME PHOTOS PAGE 7

PHOTO BY COLLEGIAN PHOTOGRAPHER EMILY LANE

Collegian Cayuga Community College Auburn & Fulton, New York

cayugacollegian@gmail.com

CCC PUBLIC SAFETY OFFICER TABER RETIRES Sgt. James Taber has decided to leave the Cayuga Community College Office of Public Safety after 12 years of service to our campus community.

Sgt.Taber began with Cayuga in 2007 and was issued his Sergeant Stripes by Director Bill Marventano.

Sgt. Taber’s departure will create a void in our service to the Cayuga community, which will be difficult to fill as he served to protect both the Auburn and Fulton campuses selflessly.

— Douglas A. Kinney Director of Public Safety/Chief of Campus Police

ELEVATOR IN TECH BUILDING GOING UP AND DOWN AGAIN Join the staff of The Cayuga Collegian! Just email:

cayugacollegian@gmail.com WORK STUDY POSITIONS OPENING IN THE SPRING Email faculty advisor, Mary Merritt to apply at merrittm@ cayuga-cc.edu today!

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October 22, 2019

YOU’RE INVITED TO TAKE A SEAT

CAYUGABRIEFS

The Cayuga Collegian Duck Hunt is still on! Who will catch the next fowl? Stay tuned!

Vol. 66 Issue 5

WHY ARE THERE PURPLE PINWHEELS ON CAMPUS? THE STORY ON PAGE 5

Harlequin Productions of Cayuga Community College is thrilled to announce the premiere production of All Around the Table, a place setting of eight short Plays on October 24 to 26 and October 31 to November 2. All performances will be at 7:30 PM on the stage of the Bisgrove Theatre at Cayuga Community College. General Admission ($7) and Student ($2) tickets will available at the door.

These eight original, 10-minute plays were submitted by playwrights from all over the United States and Australia. What ties them together is that they all take place at a table.

During the course of the evening we will find out that a table is not just a table; it is a place where couples break-up, fall in love, honor rock gods, consider murder and much more! Harlequin is known by playwrights as a company that produces quality productions of their unpublished works. Due to the quality that Harlequin continues to show, playwrights send these scripts for production consideration and these are some great ones- a mix that includes great comedy and some thoughtful.

The evening’s plays include three by Ohio playwright Trace Crawford: “What a Damn Fine Morning it is” where two suburban men play keeping-up-with-the-Jones; “A Couple of Metal Gods” has two rock and rollers wondering about changing their sound; and “An Unfamiliar Waltz” explores what to do when a grenade is found sitting on a table. Pasadena, California playwright Mark Harvey Levine will see two of his funny plays produced as part of the evening.

First is “Surprise”— how will a date wind up when he is psychic, but only two minutes into the future; followed by “Misfortune”— what happens when your fortune cookie says your dinner date will kill you, TONIGHT! The next three playwrights are each represented by a single play. “Just Desserts” by Wisconsin playwright Mark Wyss features a couple who are trying to revitalize their marriage but then the Volcano Cake dessert is brought to the table. Australian Alex Broun wrote “The Kill” about two guys watching a baseball game when one tells of the dream he had last night which featured a tomato and a knife. Last but not least is the submission “Spirit That Won’t Let Me Go” by Washington playwright Barbara Lindsay. Is a man able to forget his dead wife so he can move on with his life?

The ensemble cast each play multiple parts and includes sophomores Thomas Norris and McCuin Gould. They are ably assisted by newcomers Aaron Bam, Pat Mahunik, Allie McLeod, Jennifer O’Neil, Bryce Cecchini and Graig Hobart. These CCC students are from high schools throughout Central NY: Auburn, Skaneateles, Union Springs, Southern Cayuga and Moravia. Sophomore Kai Stenson III is the stage manager for the ensemble. Long time Harlequin Director Bob Frame again takes the helm ably assisted by Designers Virginia Fennessy (costume and CONTINUED PAGE 2

THE OFFICIAL STUDENT-RUN NEWSPAPER OF CAYUGA COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Emily Lane PHOTOGRAPHER

OPINIONS

HOW I SEE IT...

Kaitlyn Diego EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

DO YOU GET VACCINATED FOR FLU SEASON? Flu season has already begun, and the controversial topic of should you, or shouldn’t you get vaccinated has been a major focus in the media. Vaccines for the flu are now coming in different strains to protect us all from this in any way it could hit us.

Many people are against vaccines because there are myths of the dangers behind them, but could a vaccine save a person’s life?

I, personally, stopped getting flu shots a few years ago, then I got a strain of the Swine Flu, and ended up in the hospital for three days. That year I did receive a flu shot, and still got the flu worse than I had ever had it. I am not against vaccinations at all, but that one in particular, I don’t think makes a huge difference in all honesty, at least not for some people. When it comes to the big vaccinations, such as meningitis, HPV, chicken pox, etc. those do not become a question on whether I receive them or not.

I have been vaccinated, and I highly suggest others receive these vaccines as well. I am not a fan of shots at all, who really is, but when it comes to my health, I do whatever I need to.

Here are some tips on how to stay healthy this flu season: wash your hands always!!!! There are germs everywhere.

This is so important, and is so easy to help yourself stay healthy. Another thing that people forget to do is to make sure you are getting enough sleep. I cannot stress this enough. I am the one who will wake up sick because I didn’t sleep enough. This is hard for students, because there is so much pressure because of school, but you have to take care of yourself first. Lastly, think about your health and yourself first. There is only one you. School can wait, your job can wait, distractions can wait. Put you first!

Being sick yourself or taking care of your sick children while trying on stay on top of your class work or work in general can be overwhelming.

Last week, a parent like myself, who have their child enrolled in the CCC Child Care Center, were sent emails informing them all that a case of Hand-Foot-andMouth disease had been confirmed in the program and that they were advising parents to pay extra close attention for the start of any other cases. Hand-Footand-Mouth disease for those of you who don’t know, is a common viral illness that usually affects infants and children younger than five years of age. However, it can sometimes occur in older children and adults. More than 200,000 cases are reported in the U.S. every year.

Being a viral infection means that there isn’t so much a medical practitioner can do to hurry along the healing process. Symptoms can last a few days to a few weeks depending on how severe the case Symptoms can present themselves in a number of different ways, but the most prominent is a rash. This rash will begin on the soles of the feet, hands, and sometimes the rear end of your child looking almost like a diaper rash. Sores can also appear in and around

the mouth since children have the habit of touching their face often.

In the case my daughter, she has a small rash on her feet and hands. The sores on her hands are the worst of it. Other symptoms may include irritability, lack of appetite, fever, headaches, sore throat, and an upset stomach. Doctors say symptoms will typically subside in seven to 10 days. The recommend a topical anesthetic to sooth rashes and blisters; over-the-counter pain medication to relieve headaches and discomforts, such as Acetaminophen and Ibuprofen, can be used to help make your child feel more comfortable while their body heals.

In times like these, disinfectant is your best friend.

Although this illness doesn’t tend to affect adults, you still have to take precautions. Hand-Foot-and-Mouth disease is most commonly spread through saliva and direct contact. An infected individual can cough or sneeze, further spreading the virus onto near by surfaces that another person may touch and contract the illness. This disease can also be spread through fecal matter as well, so make sure you wash your hands extra well after every diaper change or potty session.

I have disinfected my house with everything from disinfectant wipes to hand sanitizer. At night, after my little one falls asleep, I go around the house and wipe everything down that she touched or played with, so we can start the next day nice and clean. I’ve also been giving her extra baths with some lavender and honey to help sooth her restlessness and sore skin. I’ve also been using calamine lotion on her hands and feet to help reduce her feelings of itchiness and to prevent any of the blisters from oozing. It’s been working great and her symptoms are starting to clear up.

PHOTO BY COLLEGIAN PHOTOGRAPHER EMILY LANE

IT’S HERE AND ITS SPREADING!

Its important to remember that while your child is sick, they will be contagious for the first week after symptoms start to show. Keep your child home, out of school or daycare until they are no longer sick. HandFoot-and-Mouth disease is a very contagious and fast spreading virus and it can happen to anyone. And as always, be sure to notify your doctor and have your child checked if symptoms last longer then two weeks.

NEED TO TAKE A BREAK IN NYC?

By Marc Baan, Associate Editor

After a whole semester of homework, projects, and midterms — it just might be the right time to head to New York City to have some fun before finals. The SGO and SAB are coming together to give you that very opportunity. From Saturday, December 7th to Sunday, December 8th, you can get away from all your school stresses and explore one of the best cities in the world for only $100. For two days, you can see the Big Apple decorated for the winter holiday.

If seeing New York City sounds like what you need to relax before finals, come down to SGO office in the cafeteria. This amazing two-day get-away will only cost students $100, which covers transportation to NYC and the hotel. All you need to have right now is your $50 deposit

by November 8th. Take this opportunity to get away for two days and see New York City. You have worked hard this semester and you deserve it.

YOU’RE INVITED TO SPIN A TALE OF TERROR THIS HALLOWEEN The Cayuga Collegian welcomes letters from its readers.

Submissions must be emailed to cayugacollegian@gmail.com.

Submissions must include your name, address and daytime phone number. All letters to the editor do not reflect the viewpoint of the Collegian office, its staff or advisor. All letters are simply the opinions of the writers themselves. All letters may be edited for content or length.

PAGE TWO

Kaitlyn Diego Marc Baan Emily Lane Ariel White Burrell Wingate Christopher DeLeo Colleen Durniak Aidan Crandall Jared Fritz Nathan McKay Max Stampp Marie Kelley Mary G. Merritt

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF ASSOCIATE EDITOR PHOTOGRAPHER PHOTOGRAPHER PHOTOGRAPHER STAFF WRITER STAFF WRITER STAFF WRITER STAFF WRITER STAFF WRITER ILLUSTRATOR FULTON CAMPUS FACULTY ADVISOR

YOU’RE INVITED TO TAKE A SEAT CONTINUED FROM FRONT PAGE sets) and Brad McLean (lights) and Props Master Terri Fox Gadsby.

All Around the Table will be performed in the on the Bisgrove Stage set up as an intimate space with audience members also on the stage not more than 15 feet from the action. This is a new experience for the actors and the audience as they explore this new exciting dynamic which promises to be an experience neither will soon forget.

CCC STUDENTS: you’re invited to write a Tale of Terror by participating in the 2019 Horror Scrolls writing contest. You must be Cayuga Community College student to enter.

Entries are due by 9 A.M. on Wednesday, October 23rd. A panel of students will review and judge the entries. All submissions are subject to distribution and publication.

Prizes for first and second place will be awarded.

“We’re accepting all quality writing with a horror theme--be it poetry, prose, or lyrics. The only rules are that the work must be at most, a single page long, and that plagiarists will be disqualified,” stated the contest flyer.

Entries may be submitted in person to Professor Bower or by email: BowerR@cayuga-cc.edu. The contest is sponsored by CCC’s SOMA (School of Media & the Arts).

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GETTING TO SEE THE FUTURE IN THE MUSIC INDUSTRY

By Marc Baan, Associate Editor The Audio Production class, taught by Michael Cortese, got the opportunity to walk around the Syracuse-based audio production company – SubCat Studios. The class got a hands-on look at what a professional studio looks like and how it runs. Directed by two of SubCats’ interns, the class saw some of the most updated technology in audio recording.

SubCat is a Syracuse institution that have

worked with artists from every style of music you can imagine. SubCat does not only work with professional musicians. They will help any up-and-coming artist who wants to have their first demo tape to be made professionally. With studio times starting at only $75 an hour, any artist has a great opportunity to make their first waves in the industry thanks to SubCat.

PHOTOS BY MARC BAAN

Jeremy D. Johnston, a 2008 Telcom graduate, began his media career as an intern with Ronald Keck at SubCat Studios. Now co-owner of the professional recording studio located in Armory Square in Syracuse, NY, engineer Johnston can be found at the helm of an expansive digital console working with regional and national talent including Nick Piccinnini.

Cayuga Community College Professor Michael Cortese and Radio Station Advisor Jeff Szczesniak pose near the flagship logo of SubCat Studios in Syracuse on a recent tour with Telcom students.

ADVISEMENT FOR NEXT SEMESTER NOW UNDERWAY

By Kaitlyn Diego, Editor-in-chief Attention Cayuga Community College students, advisement and registration for the Spring semester is right around the corner.

Starting Monday, November 4, 2019, students can schedule an appointment with their advisor to register for the courses needed to meet the degree requirements. If a student does not know their advisor, contact Student Engagement. It is recommended that students do not wait to the last minute, classes do fill up quickly.

ROLL UP YOUR SLEEVE, IT’S TIME TO GIVE BACK

By Kaitlyn Diego, Editor-in-chief

Cayuga Community College will be holding a blood drive, on Wednesday, October 23, 2019, from 10 am to 3 pm. The drive will be held on the Auburn Campus in The Cube.

Students can sign up in the SGO office, and donors are very much needed! Remember, that one donation can save up to three lives.

Students who donate will be entered into a drawing for a gift card to Mesa Grande. If students want to give a double red cell donation, it is asked that an ID is at hand.

STAY TUNED! Cayuga Community College’s Broadcast Journalism course, Telcom 212, is about to debut a new show streaming on social media called Cayuga Bytes. The students in the class describe the show as “anything and everything about CCC”.

CAYUGA CLUBS REMINDER!

FULTON AND AUBURN CLUBS Please share your meeting times, events, and fund-raisers with

The Cayuga Collegian

We want to publish your news!

Email: cayugacollegian@gmail.com

SERVING THE STUDENTS OF CAYUGA COMMUNITY COLLEGE FOR MORE THAN 66 65 YEARS!

PAGE THREE

PRESENTATION REMEMBERS ERIE CANAL’S GLORY ERA THROUGH SONGS AND STORIES Storytellers and musicians recalled the sagas and songs of the Erie Canal, as well as the landmark waterway’s role in the history of the Finger Lakes Region, in a presentation at Cayuga Community College.

Mixing myth and mirth, Jon Anderson and Merry Mischief remembered legends of the Erie Canal and music from the 19th century as part of Cayuga’s Cultural Speaker Series.

“An Evening on the Erie Canal: Stories and Songs,” which was scheduled last week on October 21st at the College’s Auburn Campus.

“An Evening on the Erie Canal” was the first presentation featuring live music in Cayuga’s Cultural Speaker Series, which is now in its second season. Emily Cameron, Cayuga’s Assistant Director of Community Education and Workforce Development, said the group’s combination of history, authenticity, and music made it a great addition to the series. “‘An Evening on the Erie Canal’ provides a wonderful mix of historical storytelling and music that will surely offer an entertaining time for all,” said Cameron.

Merlyn Fuller, who along with Tom Meier comprises Merry Mischief, said the troupe combines a love of local history with music from the Renaissance, Victorian and other eras to create a unique presentation that entertains and informs audiences.

“We always want to entertain with purpose,” said Fuller. “We enjoy teaching with music, because many of our songs, especially those related to the Erie Canal, are story songs that illustrate life from that era. Many of these songs are getting lost, and this is a chance for us to help bring them forward.”

PAGE FOUR

Fuller has played music professionally for 22 years, and is the lead singer for Merry Mischief. She and Meier both play mandolin, with Meier occasionally playing banjo and Fuller also performing on 12-string guitar, bodhran and autoharp.

Anderson is a local historian who specializes in the Erie Canal and Onondaga County police departments, and tells stories dressed as a 19th century policeman. At the October 21st presentation, Anderson discussed historical crimes and punishment in Cayuga County.

Living in a town on the Erie Canal made the troupe’s decision to focus on the tales and songs from the Canal’s popular era an easy one. The goal, however, was to do more than simply repeat the same stories and songs. It was to make the Canal and the people who traversed the famed waterway live again in the eyes and ears of the audience.

To do that, the troupe merged the musical skills of Fuller and Meier with Anderson’s sassy storytelling, creating a unique experience that blends an appreciation of history with the trio’s easygoing camaraderie.

“Our challenge, when we first started, was

to make history fun and alive by featuring some of those legends and myths, and combining them with our musical talents. We’ve been able to do that, and our audiences have

really responded well to our ability to entertain while calling attention to local history, national history or the environment,” said Fuller.

The singing troupe, Merry Mischief, helped the audience to re-live the days of the Erie Canal.

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MEMBERS OF CCC’S CRIMINAL JUSTICE CLUB ALONG WITH LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT DECORATE THE LAWN OF THE AUBURN CAMPUS WITH PURPLE PINWHEELS TO PROMOTE DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH

By Aidan Crandall, staff writer

Volunteers with The Criminal Justice Club placed 1,400 purple pinwheels on the front lawn of the Auburn campus to help promote Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

Wear Purple for Domestic Violence Awareness Day, also known as Purple Thursday, is observed this Thursday, October 24th, 2019.

Throughout the month CJ Club hosts a table in the main lobby of the Auburn campus lobby to raise money for the cause by selling different items.

Representatives from law enforcement agencies from all over Cayuga County posed on the Auburn campus in a show of support. Each vehicle was adorned with a purple magnetic ribbon promoting Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

PHOTO BY JADAH TSOUNIS

SOMA Student Talent Showcase Oct. 23, 3 PM - College café

CCC AUBURN CAMPUS OCTOBER TRANSFER DAY: Bill O’Connell, the admissions adviser at the University of Pittsburgh, was one of 33 institutions on hand recently to answer students’ questions. They reportedly spoke with more than 70 students. The transfer day event was deemed a success.

Harlequin Productions presents “Around the Table” Performances: Thurs thru Sat, Oct 24-26 and Oct. 31-Nov. 2 7:30 PM – Bisgrove Theater Auburn Chamber Orchestra – Symphonic Expressions Oct. 25 - 7:30 PM Merry-Go-Round Theatre

SERVING THE STUDENTS OF CAYUGA COMMUNITY COLLEGE FOR MORE THAN 66 YEARS!

Members of the Criminal Justice Club planted 1,400 purple pinwheels on the lawn in front of Cayuga Community College’s Auburn campus to build awareness during October: Domestic Violence Awareness month. Members of the club say they have a number of special events planned for the rest of the month.

Teri Misiaszek, a Criminal Justice Professor and the faculty advisor to the club, said the event was a perfect way of “getting students involved in community events… that help bring awareness and support to domestic violence.”

Even some local law enforcement got in on the event. Local police officers parked in the front lawn and put purple magnetic ribbons onto their vehicles to further back the campaign. Port Byron Chief of Police Adam Bacon spoke about the frequency of domestic violence calls; “...it’s not unusual to get at least one domestic call a shift.”

Every year the CJ Club partners with Cayuga Action Agency and puts 1,400 purple pinwheels up to show support for the victims of domestic violence. The pinwheels with the red ribbons tied to its stem represents homicides that resulted from domestic violence.

Throughout the month CJ Club hosts a table in the main lobby of the Auburn campus lobby to raise money for the cause by selling different items. All students are encouraged to wear purple on Thursday, October 27th to help show support for the victims of domestic violence.

“October 27th is National Wear Purple Day as a sign of support to the victims,” said a CJ Club member.

This event may seem little, but it goes a long way in helping those in abusive relationships. The Domestic Violence Hotline number is 1-800-799-7233.

Dave Donley Hand Drumming Workshop Oct. 28, 11 AM – MPPC (M157) WIN-89 Birthday Bash and Haunted House Oct. 31 – 11 AM -1 PM College café and T-111 Christopher Citro – Visiting Writer Nov. 11 – 11AM Lower Library, Auburn – Reading/Q&A Nov. 12 –12:30PM F156, Fulton - Reading/Q&A PAGE FIVE

CAYUGA COLLEGIAN DUCK HUNTERS

FULTON CAMPUS WINNER

Have you found a duck?

“I’m Mersades Hinds from Auburn. I am a freshman on the Auburn campus majoring in Medical Diagnostics.”

“I’m Alaina Bates from Auburn.

I am a freshman on the Auburn campus majoring in Mathematics and Science with a concentration in Biology.”

“I’m Allyson Dennis from Cato. I’m in my first year studying Nursing.”

“I’m Mat Lucas from Auburn.

This is my third year in Media Production.”

“My name is Maura Botsford and I am from Fulton. I am a Criminal Justice major in my sophomore year of study.”

UNLEASH YOUR CREATIVITY REGISTER FOR TELCOM 212 BROADCAST JOURNALISM

Learn story-telling skills with hands-on, interactive instruction presented by former television news executive/news producer/ reporter, Prof. Mary G. Merritt

TELCOM 212 STUDENTS WILL BE THE PRINCIPAL CONTRIBUTORS TO THE NEW PRODUCTION CAYUGA BYTES!

DON’T MISS THE

SOMA TALENT SHOWCASE! WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 23RD 3 PM - AUBURN COLLEGE CAFE

PAGE SIX

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SPARTAN SPORTS October 19th was the last home game for the following graduating players: Daniel Burdaspar Oran Grigg Kent Meier Dennis Bates Adam Gregson Matthew Devlin Lorenz Behrendt Alfie Hipwell

PHOTOS BY COLLEGIAN PHOTOGRAPHER EMILY LANE

CAYUGA MEN’S SOCCER TEAM IS SHUTOUT AT LAST HOME GAME

SURPRISED AND BACK FOR MORE

Telcom students and alums came together for a GAME NIGHT last week.

Cleveland Indians. After his playing career he went on to coach at Batavia a single A baseball club in western New York, and now coaches in his hometown.

The CCC baseball team is undergoing fall preparations for their second season. The team is hoping to improve this season after a loss to Niagara in late season rattled them, despite as far as the community is concerned, they had an amazing inaugural season.

The CCC teams plays on the newly-renovated Falcon Park turf where the MILB team, the Auburn Doubledays, plays.

When the snow hits, the guys will spend most of their time throwing in the gym and lifting in preparation for the upcoming season. The CCC Spartans will kick off their second season in February.

PHOTO BY JADAH TSOUNIS

“If you told me we would have won twenty games at the beginning of the season, we would have laughed in your face,” says members of the second year CCC baseball class.

“We were a beer league softball team. Some of us hadn’t picked up a bat in two years.”

CCC’s baseball team entered their first season under the advisement of Coach T.J. Gamba. Despite the odds, they went 20 and 16 in their first season.

Now the second-year veterans are attempting to install the same mindset in the incoming freshman on the team.

“It’s a lot of work and a lot of hours, but is well worth the baseball lessons and life lessons we get out of it,” said freshman catcher Ben Longyear.

The coach, T.J. Gamba is described by players as intense but in a good way. Gamba of Auburn, attended Ithaca College, where he played for Coach George Valesente. T.J. was in his junior year there when he batted .375 and had 48 RBIs, resulting in Gamba being selected as an NCAA Division III, third team All-American, and was drafted by the

PHOTO BY JADAH TSOUNIS

By Caleb Roden, contributing writer

The band, Montuno Blue, recently played in the Auburn campus cafeteria. The band features Cayuga faculty and special guests. The members are: Piano: Andrew Carroll (adjunct instructor); Congas: Dave Donley (guest lecturer); Electric Bass: Chris Colabello (special guest); and on Drums: Mike Cortese (Associate Professor of Music and Recording Arts).

SERVING THE STUDENTS OF CAYUGA COMMUNITY COLLEGE FOR MORE THAN 66 YEARS!

PAGE SEVEN

What are you afraid of?

What are you afraid of? Perhaps a bad grade on your midtem? The cop driving closely behind you? Your parents when you get home late? All valid things to be afraid of, but all tangible things—all things you can see coming.

Marc Baan ASSOCIATE EDITOR

FALL 19 STUDENT ACTIVITIES

Now think of the things you can’t see. Things that move in the comers of your eyes. Sounds that come from nowhere. The touch on your arm from the shadows ... HOW AFRAID ARE YOU NOW? If you’re brave enough, read this weekly installment of OUR SHADOW WORLD. WE will explore the myths and urban legends of our planet. From the creatures your grandparents told you they saw in the war, to the things found on an abandoned VHS tape on the side of the road. Nothing will be held back as we discover what people are afraid of in countries from all four corners of this world.

Remember, all myths and legends start with some strand of the truth. Now let’s see if they stay are true or just turn out to be a good story!

Our Shadow World SOMETHING FUNNY Being a truck driver is a long and thankless job. You spend weeks alone hauling cargo from one side of our nation to the other. But without truck drivers our economy would fail. We need them to keep our milk in our grocery stores. We need them to keep our new fridge in stock at our favorite appliance store. We need truck drivers to keep us going.

When they are all alone on the highways of this nation, this is the time when they are the most vulnerable. In this week’s edition we take a look at the reports of truck drivers who have seen – The Black Dog. The first report of The Black Dog has been lost to history. Thanks in part to the possibility that a report from an exhausted truck driver about a creature on the road probably wasn’t taken too seriously by law enforcement. As the myth goes, the Black Dog is a shadowy, oversized canine. Truck drivers report seeing the creature late at night either running toward the cabin of the truck or along side it. Coming from either direction, the Black Dog’s goal is the same, to run the truck off the road or to force the truck to cross the lane into oncoming traffic.

Digging deeper into the stories of truck drivers who saw and avoided The Black Dog shows a pattern of attack. In each case, The Black Dog appears late at night. The Black Dog seems to only be seen on isolated trucking roads or very low traffic roads. And finally, each truck driver has admitted that they were dozing off prior to their siting.

That last statement, “dozing off” might shed some light on what The Black Dog is.

When someone is tired, it is normal to hear and see things that aren’t there. It’s our brain starting to process our day even though we

are still awake. Perhaps that is all The Black Dog is, a truck driver’s sleepy brain playing tricks on them. Perhaps it’s their brain doing what it needs to do to wake the truck driver up. Perhaps…if The Black Dog was only reported by a handful of truckers. This is not the case. The Black Dog has been reported by hundreds of drivers who were driving all over the US. The same report from drivers, in varying states, of a large black dog also can’t be ignored. There is something going on in the shadows our nation’s roads late at night. If you think this is an isolated incident, perhaps just an American case of mass hysteria, you would be wrong. Reports of The Black Dog have been popping up from Canada, the UK, Australia, Japan, South Africa and many other nations. The reports of The Black Dog seem to be coming from nations who have or are developing a complex economic trucking network.

This is a weird world where new discoveries are found every day. We might never know what The Black Dog is or if it truly exists. I would recommend that the next time you are stopped at a truck stop, ask the drivers if they have seen The Black Dog. Their reactions might just surprise you.

Lastly, if you are driving in the middle of the night and start to dose off, pull over and find a place to sleep. From the mountains of Pennsylvania to the deserts of Nevada, The Black Dog is watching. Don’t be its next victim.

If you have SOMETHING FUNNY you would like to share with The Cayuyga Collegian, please email a jpeg to cayugacollegian@gmail.com with your name!

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You need to register for Telcom 204 If you are looking for ‘hands on’ experience RIGHT NOW...TELCOM 204 will teach you all the skills you need to go out and find interesting stories to write about and be published. The world is waiting for you - get the skills to meet its challenges head on.

THE OFFICIAL STUDENT-RUN NEWSPAPER OF CAYUGA COMMUNITY COLLEGE