Tracking Tompkins County

Ithaca is Fired Up

2008-12-18T15:23:00.007-05:00

By Samantha Allen and Eric Raue

VIDEO: Last Friday, Ithacans from the Worker’s Center, the International Socialists’ Organization, Cornell University and Ithaca College gathered on the Commons to support the victory after a six day factory occupation in Chicago as well as make the area aware of the current financial crisis.

SOUND SLIDES: Check out our slideshow to read some “in your face” protest poster messages and chants.

ARTICLE: Obamamania for Financial Mania?

Ithacans are worried the recent election of Obama has replaced concern over the national economy with an overly stimulated hype for a black president.
Michael Amadeo, a junior sociology major at Ithaca College and protester on the streets of Ithaca last Friday, said that he wished people were more active in social movements.
“I’m very scared about the complacency,” Amadeo said. “People were very very happy when Obama was elected…but we need to stay vigilant and realize that this is an opportunity for organizing.”

But Don Beachler, associate professor of politics at IC, believes that the deep panic surrounding the country, especially with the encroaching holiday season, is an indication that people are aware.
“We have a stalled economy,” Beachler said. “…The college is worried, they’re worried about how many kids can come back when parents have money invested in mutual funds, bonds and other investments to pay for college.”
Beachler said he believes Obama has a lot of issues on his plate entering his 2009 term, least of which are concerns for domestic policy and the current financial crisis.
“He has to get [the American economy] spiraling upward,” Beachler said, stating the economy is in a downward spiral where people are holding onto their money rather than spending it.
Kay Sweeney, an IC student who partook in the protest, said this is a difficult time for local shopkeepers.
“In terms of the holidays, economists are predicting there is going to be a lot less holiday shopping going on, so that mean it’s a massive blow to this economy because a lot f businesses depend on holiday shopping and are largely seasonal,” she said.

Beachler said he believed Obama is trying to break the news gently to the American people, that we’ve been in a recession since December of 2007 and most economists believe it could be another year before things turn around.
“[Obama]’s not even in office yet!” he exclaimed, “There’s a lot of expectation, he’s trying to tamp it down by saying it’s going to get worse before it gets better.”

The Learning Web's Youth Outreach Program

2008-12-18T14:54:00.007-05:00

By Caitlin Noerenberg and Aly Dixon

With the holidays approaching, many young adults around Ithaca are counting the days till they get to go home to see their family and friends. However, many youth around Ithaca face the uncertainty of not actually having a permanent place to call home. To help combat this uncertainty, The Learning Web's Youth Outreach Program, a non-profit organization, offers support to independent youth in any way possible.

The Learning Web's Youth Outreach Program got its start in 1990 with the help of Larry Farbman. The program started with the desire to help youth that found themselves in transient, with no stable place to live, going from couch to couch. These youths have left home for many reasons, and have found comfort in the services of Youth Outreach.

The program aims to help these independent youths, ages 16-25 get on a healthy, successful path in order to fully reach their own goals. The program has case managers that currently provide services to about 20 clients each. When trust is built between case managers and their clients, that is when the real work starts happening.

Case managers help to set up apprenticeships with local businesses for these young adults in order to learn the skills they are going to need to obtain a job in the future. Along with this, the program helps youth to find stable housing, have the ability to afford food, manage and budget their money, and at times form friendships with other clients in the program.

The Youth Outreach offices provides these services through a variety of programs. Group meetings are held at their office weekly, as a chance for the youths to get together and share in common interests. Dinner club is another program in which youths that have obtained their own apartment invite some other program participants, as well the case managers, over to their apartment to cook dinner. Youth Outreach provides the food and helps to cook, as a way of showing their support.

Also, for those youth struggling with the uncertainty of parenthood, Youth Outreach provides programs on learning how your child will grow and develop, and how to healthily progress as a parent.

During the holiday season, Youth Outreach operates like any other time of the year, providing any service they can to help youths feel like they have a support system. Of course, the stresses of the season are present just like any where else, but Youth Outreach does all they can to calm this anxiety.

On December 22nd, Youth Outreach plans to hold a walk-in celebration of the holidays by keeping their door open all day, inviting anyone who might want to come in and celebrate. Youth Outreach also provides gifts to their client's children, making the holiday season one for them to actually look forward to.

All in all, the Youth Outreach program has had unmeasurable accomplishments, citing every type of success story imaginable. This program is getting young adults back on their feet, finding places to live, to work, and to reach their potential.

Ithaca Keeps it Artsy this Holiday Season

2008-12-18T11:50:00.038-05:00

(Final Report)
By: Tracey A. Casseus, Joy Kucinkas, and Emma Tanner

During this holiday season Tompkins County shoppers are looking to find gifts locally to help support small businesses and local artists.

Annually the Community Arts Partnership (CAP), the Arts Council for Tompkins County organizes and facilitates a summer and winter show and sale of work by local artists. CAP was founded in 1990 as a not-for-profit agency that would serve the public by providing services to the arts in the County.

The exhibit showcases an array of artists’ paintings, drawings, photographs, collage, prints and sculpture. Additionally, the Ithaca Artists' Market usually attracts holiday shoppers. This years Holiday Artists Market was held on Saturday December 13th, 2008 at the Women’s Community Building. Artists Ryan Curtis’s work was showcased in the exhibit.

"It was good," said Curtis. "It wasn't a bank crazy New York City show, and nor was I prepared for such a thing, but it was a really nice scene for Ithaca. It was a pretty crowded market and it was nice to meet some of the other artists and nice to share the work."

Ithaca prides itself on being a community of artists. Art in this city comes in different forms: poetry, novels, dance, music, painting, drawings, and even ice sculptures.

The commons are aglow with festive ice sculptures created by local artists for the 2008 Downtown Ithaca Holiday Festival. The main attraction is the Holiday Parade of Ice, which is Central New York’s largest ice sculpture display. On December 11th the ice sculptures were shown to the public in an Unveiling Ceremony that included performances by carolers and musicians.

Several local businesses in the commons have decided to festivities and have paid local artists to have ice sculpture created for their store to be displayed out in front.

Ithaca Glass co-owner Tim Merrill was very satisfied with the ice sculpture proudly displayed outside the entrance of his store.

"I haven't necessarily noticed our sales go up that much, it's more of the recognition that we receive being on the Commons with an ice sculpture out front and people taking pictures of it, especially with it being our logo," said Merrill.

Having an ice sculpture is optional for local business, which incurs a fee that Merrill said he was glad to pay.

Merrill said, "We chose to do one, it's a way to support the Commons. It's a good cause."

News Story on The Commons

To see more of Ryan Curtis' artwork, view his collection at the ABC cafe through January 2009.
The ABC cafe is located in Collegetown (Ithaca); below is a map to help you naviagate your way!

View Larger Map

Photo Album--The Commons at Christmas, Ryan B. Curtis artwork at the ABC cafe

Homeless For The Holidays

2008-12-18T01:40:00.003-05:00

Final Report
By: Kaitlyn Rich and Ursula Fox-Koor

The homeless in Tompkins county will be having presents delivered to their houses in the next few days, except they will not be delivered by a man with a sleigh and red suit. Instead it will be a Red Cross worker, driving a white Jeep Cherokee.

His name is Aloja Airwewle, and along with other Tompkins County Red Cross workers and volunteers he helps to make the holiday season a little brighter for many Ithaca residents.

While the fanfare of the usual gift giving process is absent, the Christmas message is still the same – to spread holiday cheer to all, even those without a chimney for him to slide down.

Airwewele is the head of case management at the Tompkins County America Red Cross. He oversees the induction of the people into the program as well as other tasks such as delivering gifts to those in need during the holiday season and making sure the homeless are not forgotten about during this time of year.

“It’s not the busiest time of the year, but it’s the hardest on our clients. They begin to remember why they are homeless and how they have no one else,” says Airwewele.

The U.S. Census Bureau Small Area Income and Poverty Estimates calculated 13.5 percent of Tompkins County lived below the poverty line in 2004, compared to 12.7 percent nationally and 14.5 percent in New York State.

Coupled with the fact that according to the Tompkins County Affordable Housing Needs Assessment for 2006, 500 households spend half their income on housing. Both of these factors have left many out in the cold this winter.

With the failing economy and hard times falling on many, this Christmas is especially hard. “With the economic downsizing right now it’s easy to make me homeless. Just take my two paychecks away, that’s all it takes,” said Tompkins County Red Cross Emergency Shelter worker Khin Hewe.

Homeless Services is the American Red Cross’s largest program and includes the emergency shelter, the Friendship Center, case management services, and the food pantry.

The hardships of others this year have placed many pressures on the Red Cross, especially on its food pantry. The pantry, according to the United Way of Tompkins County has recently seen the number of people seeking food double.

While the Red Cross does a lot to make the holidays easier for the homeless, Hewe also notes the importance of helping all year round, not just during Christmas time. “It’s one thing, you know, we remember the poor around Thanksgiving, Christmas time, but the rest of the year it’s not really our business, you know, we pay taxes and the welfare system’s gonna take care of it,” Hewe says. This is something, he believes, must change.

But just because these people do not have a home does not mean that they cannot celebrate the season. At shelters such as the Red Cross’s Emergency Shelter, Hewe and others still do everything they can to bring some holiday cheer.

“It’s more like a house, we joke around, it’s not like the city where you go to Chicago, NY, Denver and you see people sleeping on the corner or smelly and people run away; it’s right here. Just like you and me, there is something about the small community in Ithaca,” said Hewe.

When Sleep Becomes Optional

2008-12-17T23:01:00.011-05:00

-Michelle Skowronek and Jillian Rubin

The simple things in life are free, but the labor is not. Behind every dollop of whipped cream on top of frappuccinos, collated and stapled packet of papers, and email messages returned, there is a student worker.

Ithaca College employs over 500 students to work in a variety of job centers ranging from office assistants to pastry bakers in the dining halls. Without the average 10 hours a week that these busy students put in, Ithaca College would not be able to function.

Across the county, student workers are the backbone of colleges and universities.

Cornell University employs about 700 of its 13,000 students. These workers are expected to fulfill an average of 4-8 hours of work per week. At TC3, students work an average of 15 hours per week, and when classes are not in session, they are eligible to work up to 37 hours.

Most on-campus jobs at IC expect students to work an average of 8-12 hours per week. IC employers try to break up these hours by creating 2 or 3 hour long shifts in certain facilities. No matter the time of the shift, however, student workers typically struggle with balancing a job, schoolwork, and extracurricular activities around exam time.

Kevin Thornton, Manager of the Multimedia Production Facility, said he deals with stressed students often during finals week.

"Somebody came in Monday asking why the labs weren't open all day for exam week," he said. "She seemed really stressed out, and I had to tell her that with the schedule revolving around finals times there would be no point in having the labs open for one hour at a time."

Thornton said scheduling workers for finals week depends on exam times.

"Underclassmen can't be forced to work during finals week," he said. "I have to post a sign-up sheet based around the students' finals in order to get workers to cover shifts."

The personalized pizza in La Vincita, the repair of a broken keyboard, and the ripped stub of a theater ticket are little tasks provided by student workers. To the everyday passerby these things are expected and taken for granted. To a student worker they are the fruits of labor.

Other students, like Christie, spend their day devoted to schoolwork and on-campus jobs...

The Unlikeliest of Religions

2008-12-17T17:53:00.007-05:00

By: Maura Gladys, Nate March and Michael Polak

If you were to ask people to name some of the most passionate college sports fans in the nation, they would most likely name groups such as the Cameron Crazies of Duke basketball or LSU football fans. Few, however, would name the fans of the Cornell Big Red Hockey team. But Big Red Hockey fans are some of the most passionate and unique in the nation.

Fans pack the 4,200+ seat Lynah Rink every home game and bring an atmosphere unseen anywhere else in college hockey or in college sports as a whole.

“Lynah Rink is the greatest experience ever. There are tons of big red fans. It’s the greatest place in the world. So much spirit here at Cornell,” said Cornell freshman Michael Youngwoth.

The rows of championship banners that hang from Lynah’s ceiling speak to the program’s tradition. The Big Red have won two national championships, and make a trip to the NCAA tournament a yearly tradition.

However, it’s the fan base that give Lynah Rink it’s legendary atmosphere. Fans arrive at the arena long before the puck drops and are ready to cheer from start to finish.

“It’s a great place to come out and support the players, be loud, get a little wild, break a few rules, offend a few people, and have a good time.” Said freshman Matt Roponi.

But the fans don’t stop at just cheering on the Big Red. They target their opponents as well, with cheers designed to get inside their heads, and specifically that of the goalies.

“One of the things I really like is how [the fans] try and get into the goalie’s head. They’re persistent. It’s kind of funny,” said Colin Greening, a junior forward on the Big Red hockey team.

The fans come with chants such as “Sieve!” and “It’s all your fault!” to punish the opposing goalie, and bow down in reverence to Big Red Starting Goaltender Ben Scrivens when he makes a spectacular save.

According to senior forward Tyler Mugford, the electric atmosphere is a huge advantage for the Big Red.

“It’s got to be pretty tough on them, especially when the goalies get it on the opposing teams. For us it’s just a great momentum builder.”

The Big Red are currently unbeaten at home, and according to one Cornell fan, much of that can be attributed to the fans.

“The only reason we win every game is because of the fans. That’s why we don’t lose… We own the goalie,” said Youngwoth. This season, he’s certainly been right!

To get an inside look at Lynah Rink, check out this slide show.

Ithaca is Dangerous

2008-12-02T22:45:00.003-05:00

By Samantha Allen & Eric Raue

Budget Cuts affect sidewalks and street lighting along 96B. The county budget may affect advances in town renovations but for now, the town says it's Ithaca College's responsibility. Because the pedestrian accident in November occurred so close to county, state and college property lines it may be some time before IC students and Ithaca residents see any change.

Budget Baggage

2008-12-02T21:33:00.001-05:00

By: Michelle Skowronek and Jillian Rubin

Tracey and Emma's History Center Story

2008-12-02T21:22:00.003-05:00

Tompkins County Passes TC3'S Electrical Panel Project Proposal

2008-12-02T21:20:00.003-05:00

--Aly Dixon and Caitlin Noerenberg

Maura and Nate's Budget Story

2008-12-02T19:55:00.001-05:00

Budget Story on the Library

2008-12-02T19:54:00.003-05:00

-Michael Polak and Joy Kucinkas

Not Such A Winter Wonderland

2008-12-01T16:49:00.008-05:00

By: Kaitlyn Rich and Ursula Fox-Koor

(2009 Tompkins County Budget Story)

Bombers Season Ends in Playoff Opener

2008-11-22T20:03:00.004-05:00

Mike Polak has had a monopoly on Bombers Football reports lately. After freezing on the sidelines of today's snowy NCAA playoff game, I thought I'd insert one of my own.

The Ithaca College football team saw its season end today at Butterfield Stadium at the hands of the Curry College Colonels.

Brian Grastorf's second start at quarterback was not as prolific as his first as the Bombers were upset at home by Curry by a 26-21 score. The Bombers held the lead late into the fourth quarter, only to see the Colonels seize the lead with 32 seconds remaining.

The Empire 8 Conference champions season ends with a 9-2 record while Curry advances to face NJAC champion Cortland State in the second round of the NCAA playoffs.

--Nate March

Speaker presents on The Sullivan-Clinton Expedition of 1779.

2008-11-20T11:41:00.005-05:00

In celebration of Native American Heritage Month, Ithaca College's anthropology department has hosted a number of events on Indian issues and history. Last night the department hosted Dr. Robert Spiegelman, creator of the website SullivanClinton.com, to give a presentation on the genocide against the Iroquois, or Haudenosaunee Indians, ordered by General George Washington in 1779.

“By United Nations definitions, it is genocide,” Speigelman said about the Sullivan Campaign. “When you go and attack the very infrastructure of survival of a people…The ability of Haudenosaunee people to have endured everything, you know, when you see the backdrop of Sullivan-Clinton, is an extraordinary testimony to the Haudenosaunee people.”

The aim of the campaign was to eradicate the Indians, who were mostly allied with the British, and to use their land for political, economic, and strategic gains in war. One of the uses of the gained land was as a reward to unpaid Rebel soldiers. George Washington sent two men, Generals Sullivan and Clinton, to complete the job.

Smiegelman emphasized the absence of this enormously important historic event in the public mind, blaming the New York State school curriculum for glossing over it in classes--if it is even mentioned at all.

"It's bascially not in the textbooks," Spiegelman said. "It's pretty much off the radar."

IC anthropology professors Brooke Hansen and Jack Rossen are working to change that, speaking in elementary schools to fill in what they see as gaps in the curriculum for the students.

With greater knowledge of injustices committed against Indians during and after the war, Hansen and Rossen hope future generations will be motivated to educate others and better understand their Indian neighbors.

"We're planting the seeds," Hansen said.

Photo courtesy of SullivanClinton.com.

--Eric Raue

New Director at Hanger Theatre

2008-11-20T02:03:00.003-05:00

- Michelle Skowronek

Hanger Theatre introduced its new Artistic Director, Peter Flynn, last week. This will be Flynn's first season with the theatre and Hanger's 35th.

Flynn plans to bring three plays and two musicals to the stage this upcoming season. In the mix, he has scheduled performances by New York City Broadway actors, such as Nathan Lane in November.

Flynn said the theatre's appeal depends on its interactions with the audience.

"These plays wouldn't work as well if they were movies," he said. "They require two living bodies in a room."

Flynn was referring to the relationship between the actors and the audience.

Also, Flynn is bringing for the first time ever to the Hanger Theatre stage Betrayal. Written by Harold Printer, the play utilizes 20th century drama by telling the story of a love triangle in reverse.

Flynn said his main goals are to bring diversity and cleverness to the stage. He hopes to combine new and traditional programs.

Flynn told Tompkins Weekly that he is "astonished by the Hanger audiences' capacity for listening and being adventurous."

Hopefully, the Hanger Theatre will continue its success with the help of its new Artistic Director.

Story and quotes courtesy of Tompkins Weekly.

WICB Shows Off It's "Wood" Tonight

2008-11-19T10:10:00.004-05:00

That's right, WICB-FM (91.7) in Ithaca will be receiving the mtvU Woodie Award for Best College Radio Station tonight. The show will air tonight at 8 PM on mtvU and mtvU.com.

In its fifth year of existence, the Woodie award recognizes several different categories of music and video success. However, this was the first year the station chose to give out an award for the Best College Radio Station. Voting was done online, and WICB had to beat out 19 other schools to earn the award. Ithaca College's FM radio station, known as "The Station for Innovation," beat out stations from schools such as Emerson College, Seton Hall, and Stony Brook in the first round before topping stations at Auburn University, DePauw University, and Sacramento State to win.

Students at Ithaca College will be hosting a viewing party for the awards show on campus this evening. All students are invited to Textor Hall Room 103 at 8:00 for all the festivities.

For more information about WICB winning the award, you can read this article in today's Ithaca Journal. You can also find out more about WICB-FM by visiting their website. And here's a link to the mtvU Woodie Awards page.

--Michael Polak

IC Women's Soccer Advances to Round of 16

2008-11-17T23:33:00.002-05:00

The Ithaca College Women's Soccer team won the regional hosted on the South Hill. The Bombers defeated Westfield State and Roger Williams in shutout fashion, 6-0 and 2-0 respectively. Ithaca completed an undefeated home record for the season with the victories.

Up next for the Bombers is Sectional competition hosted by nationally top-ranked Williams College in Massachusetts. The Bombers will face national number three Lynchburg to open sectional play.

The Bombers record currently stands at 16-2-2. (Picture courtesy of bombers.ithaca.edu)

-Nate March

Adult Spelling Bee Held at IHS

2008-11-17T18:44:00.003-05:00

The Tenth Annual Ithaca Public Education Initiative (IPEI) Adult Spelling Bee was held on Saturday, Nov. 16 at Ithaca High School. The Spelling Bee consisted of 24 teams of three who participated in four preliminary rounds. The winning team from each round moved on to the final round. The teams were sponsored by a community organization with the entrance fee set at $375, and featured team names such as the South Hill Spellicans, the All-turn-at-if-Spellurz of the Lehman Alternative School, and the Fall Creek Stingers. Proceeds from the day will be used to fund the IPEI Teacher Grant Program. After tackling words such as dolcissimo, sycophant, and perpetuity, the Spelling Hellions from eCornell took home the trophy.

-By: Maura Gladys

Bombers Playoff Bound

2008-11-17T09:16:00.006-05:00

(Photos: Courtesy Ithaca Journal)

I was ready to do a wrap-up from the Cortaca Jug game on Saturday but figured I'd wait until Ithaca's playoff opponent was chosen. That took place on Sunday at a little after 3 PM when the Division III Selection Committee elected to give the Bombers the #2 seed in the East Region bracket and a match-up with Curry College at home this coming Saturday.

First, let's recap a bit from the Cortaca Jug. If up until game time, and literally up until the 4th quarter, you told me that the Bombers defense wouldn't give up a single touchdown, in the 50th annual Jug game, at SUNY Cortland Stadium Complex, against an undefeated Red Dragons team, I would've thought you were crazy. But that's just what happened. Ithaca's D shut down one of the best offenses in the 7th ranked Red Dragons, especially in the 2nd half when they forced 4 interceptions and a lost fumble.

If you also told me the final score would have been 35-13 Ithaca, I would've given you a strange look because these two offenses are so high powered that 70 points combined would've been low in my mind. I guess that's the product of a strong defensive effort.

On the offensive side of the ball, all the credit has to go to junior quarterback Brian Grastorf. He became the first Ithaca QB to make his first career start in the Cortaca Jug, and he could not have played much better. Grastorf was 19 for 28 through the air, throwing for 273 yards and 3 touchdowns, along with rushing for 2. His decision making was fantastic, and aside from one poor throw on a deep, off-balanced pass to Kyle Crandall that was intercepted, he was near perfect. The funniest thing was that he completed pass after pass despite throwing balls that were far from a perfect spiral. However, the receivers adjusted, made the catches despite a driving rain, and scored points. It all comes back to Grastorf's leadership which was clearly strong in this game.

So now, with the Cortaca Jug still in Ithaca's hands, the Bombers return to the playoffs for a second-straight season and face a much easier opponent. The Curry Colonels, out of Milton, Massachusetts, went 9-1 on year, earning an at-large bid as Plymouth State, the only team they lost to, earned the New England Football Conference's automatic bid at 10-1. However, the NEFC is a much weaker conference than the Empire 8, and it shows in strength of schedule. Ithaca's is ranked 9th, Curry is 149th. The fact that the game is at Butterfield Stadium helps too. Either way, keep your eyes posted for a preview of the game later this week.

Here are some links to important information regarding the Cortaca Jug and Playoffs. You can find a recap of the Jug game from the Bombers website here, from Cortland's website here, and from the Ithaca Journal here. For information on Ithaca's playoff game vs. Curry, you can read this. For a downloadable and printable bracket, visit this site (it is a pdf file). To see the rankings for strength of schedule, you can see this page. And finally, for pictures from the Cortaca Jug game, you can go here.

--Michael Polak

SUNY Cortland Grad Becomes First Female 4-Star General

2008-11-17T05:25:00.003-05:00

A 1975 graduate of SUNY Cortland is in the national spotlight after becoming the country's first female four-star Army general.

55-year old Ann Dunwoody received the historic nomination from President George W. Bush in June, and graduated Cortland expecting to someday work in physical education. Instead she stayed in the Army, ascended the ranks, and at her promotion ceremony said she was "humbled" when President Bush gave her the nomination.

Dunwoody was sworn in as commander of the Army Materiel Command on Friday.

Photograph from the Associated Press.

--Eric Raue

Cortaca Jug '08: Live Updates

2008-11-15T10:08:00.020-05:00

We're live here at the SUNY Cortland Stadium Complex on what is a rainy, sloppy, perfect November day in Central New York. Some of the players are out on the field getting warmed up and beyond the field, there are tons, and I mean TONS, of people tailgating and getting set for what is sure to be a great game!

As a special treat to our loyal Tracking Tompkins County readers, I will be doing my best to provide live updates from today's contest. It will be hard to do as I will also be calling the game on WICB Radio, but I'm up for the challenge.

The game can also be viewed on Time Warner Cable Channel 26 and will also be webcast by Cortland. You can get a preview of the game from my previous post here.

Should be a great game, I will be back right around kick-off for the contest. Enjoy the Game! It is one of if not the best match-ups in Division III football!

UPDATES:
10 minutes to Kickoff: The stands are packed, the Cortland Seniors are being introduced to the crowd, a great environment here at SUNY Cortland Stadium Complex. We'll be back in the first quarter for an update. Enjoy it everyone, this is what D-III football's all about!

Coin Toss: Dick Carmean and Tom Decker are on the field for the coin toss. These were the two captains back in 1959 who bought the Cortaca Jug and decided to play for it. Very nice to have the back here for the game today. The Bombers have won the toss and they elect to receive. Let's get this thing started!!

9:44 Left in 1st Q: Brian Grastorf, who is making his first career start, hits Kyle Crandall in the back corner of the end zone on a fade rout to give the Bombers a 7-0 lead. The 14-yard catch capped a 10 play, 78-yard drive. Excellent decision making from Grastorf and a big start for the Bombers.

End of First Q: Bombers lead 7-0 in what has turned into a defensive battle. IC gets a big stop on defense on fourth down as the Red Dragons tried to convert. Then, Ithaca was helped by a personal foul penalty on Cortland but the drive stalled out when Grastorf fumbled the snap on 3rd and 2. He recovered, but the Bombers had to punt.Cortland starts at their own 36 yard line in the 2nd Quarter.

10:51 Left in 2nd Q: Jeffrey Lang comes on to kick a 39-yard Field Goal to cut the Bombers lead to 7-3. It capped an 8 play 42-yard drive which was fueled by a couple good runs from Andrew Giuliano. Bombers defense did a good job on 3rd down to force an incomplete pass and prevent a touchdown.

9:00 Left in 2nd Q: After the Bombers go 3 and out, Cody Allen blocks the Toporoff punt and Bill Smith returns it for a TD. Cortland lead 10-7. Bad special teams mistake for Ithaca.

1:26 Left in 2nd Q: Bombers defense forces a Cortland punt after a nice drive and on the first offensive play, Brian Grastorf and Kyle Crandall hook up for an 80-yard TD pass. It was a short 15-yarder over the middle but Crandall got great blocking and broke down the left sideline for a score. The two have had such a good connection over the last 3 games.

HALFTIME: Ithaca Bombers 14 - Cortland State Red Dragons 10
The Bombers forced the Red Dragons to punt after putting pressure on QB Ray Miles three straight plays, and then just ran out the half. So the Bombers lead at the half which is exactly what they wanted against the #7 team in the nation. Kyle Crandall has been the big playmaker for IC with 4 catches for 111 yards and 2 touchdowns. Typical numbers for him. Brian Grastorf has done a good job in his first career start, going 10-16 for 177 yards and 2 scores in the first half. As for Cortland, Andrew Giuliano has ran well on the ground and totaled 81 yards on 12 carries. The biggest thing is that Ithaca's defense has yet to allow a touchdown, in what was supposed to be an offensive showcase. The D has stepped up when needed and that's why the Bombers are in front. I expect a great shootout in the second half. Cortland gets the ball first so the Bombers need to make the first key stop. Don't go anywhere, this will be a good one!

11:31 in 3rd Q: Jason Chier comes up with a big pass break up on 3rd and 4 from the 5 and forces the Red Dragons to settle for a 22 yard field goal from Jeffrey Lang. Bombers still in front by just 1 and now it's up to the offense to get the points and momentum back.

6:50 left in 3rd Q: The Bombers have arguably their best drive of the game as they go 71 yards on 10 plays and cap it with a 32 yard touchdown pass to Dan Ruggiero. Grastorf was under pressure, rolled out to his right, then dumped a pass to the sophomore who got great blocks and found the end zone. Bomber fans are pumped up and they should be.

In addition, Alfred is leading St. John Fisher 23-14 with 3 minutes left in the 2nd quarter so great news for the Bombers if they want to get in via the Automatic Bid.

12:22 Left: Brian Grastorf rushes it in from 1 yard out to give the Bombers a 28-13 lead. A great drive again by the Bombers goes for 10 plays and 80 yards for the score. Ithaca is in a great spot right now and a couple more stops by the defense could give Ithaca the lead.
Also, 23-14 Alfred at the half. Good news as well for Ithaca!

6:07 Left: Another fantastic drive for the Bombers ends in a 1 yard score from QB Brian Grastorf who has 3 passing touchdowns and 2 rushing. A tremendous day from him in his first career start and in the Cortaca Jug no less! Unless Cortland can get a score quickly, the Jug will be going back to Ithaca. The drive was just 35 yards, but last 8 plays and killed 4:37 of game clock.

FINAL: BOMBERS WIN 35-13
Ithaca shuts the door and routs the Red Dragons at the SUNY Cortland Stadium Complex. A tremendous performance all around by the Bombers against a very good Red Dragons team. Ithaca improves to 9-1 on the year, almost certainly will get a playoff game, and could even get a 1 or 2 seed. Here are my players of the game:

Offensively: QB Brian Grastorf- In his first career start, he completes 19 of 28 passes for 273 yards and 3 passing touchdowns. He also ran for two scores in the game. To put up those numbers in a first career start, on the road, in the Cortaca Jug, is just unbelievable.

Defensively: CB Jason Chier- The senior did a fantastic job leading his troops and made a statement. He had 3 interceptions, all of which were in the second half, and broke up a couple of passes to go along with 7 tackles. The defense had been criticized all year long and Chier did a great job along with the whole defense in not allowing Cortland a single touchdown.

So the Bombers win Cortaca for the second year in a row and retain possession of the Jug. Ithaca will find out who they will play in the playoffs tomorrow afternoon, and it is likely they could get a home game in the first round. We'll just have to wait and see.

Thanks for reading the blog today, and we hope you enjoyed another memorable Cortaca Jug match-up!

--Michael Polak

These Are the Moments We Live For

2008-11-15T00:04:00.006-05:00

And so it all comes down to this. The 50th Annual Cortaca Jug takes place on Saturday afternoon from the SUNY Cortland Stadium Complex and this year's match-up could not be any better.

The Ithaca Bombers come into the game 8-1 on the year and off a thrilling 43-35 win at Empire 8 rival Alfred last week to clinch a share of the conference title. As for the Cortland State Red Dragons, they come in unbeaten at 9-0, looking to put the capper on a perfect regular season. Something will have to give.

Last year's meeting featured a tremendous all-around effort from the Bombers as they steamrolled the Red Dragons 40-17 at Butterfield Stadium to regain the Jug after 2 straight overtime wins by their Route 13 counterparts. Ithaca quarterback Dan Juvan had a great game, completing 12 of 16 passes for 306 yards and two touchdowns. He also ran in for a score on a beautiful 35-yard carry. It was a great day for Bomber fans and helped secure the team a playoff spot.

This year's game features postseason implications as well. While Cortland has already earned a spot in the NCAA Tournament via an automatic bid for winning the NJAC title, the Bombers are still fighting for a berth. This game could prove meaningless for just a spot in the postseason if Alfred beats St. John Fisher, which would leave the Bombers with the best conference record at 5-1 and the automatic bid. However, if Fisher is to win, then they would get the bid and Ithaca would need to hope for an at-large berth. And that is where Ithaca's performance could become a major factor.

As for this year's game, I expect to see an absolute shoot-out between the two squads. Both have very dynamic, high-scoring offenses. Ithaca has outscored its opponents 344-203 while Cortland has dominated 313-178. Both have great runningbacks who have compiled over 1200 yards rushing this season and over 20 touchdowns a piece!! Finally, both have great receivers as well as quarterbacks who are capable of hitting them with accuracy.

On the other side of the ball, both defenses have shown strength on the front line but weaknesses in the secondary. Both run a 4-3 set, with the front four combining for a total of 35 sacks this year (15 for IC, 20 for Cortland). However, both secondaries are still very young and have given up several long pass plays throughout the season. It is without a doubt both teams biggest weakness.

So when it comes down to it, it really is just not clear who will come out on top. The Red Dragons are ranked 7th in the nation; the Bombers 17th. Clearly, Cortland has had the better season record-wise, but they have yet to face a team like Ithaca's. Both teams are very similar on paper. Cortland's at home, so that goes to their advantage. Ithaca has more to play for, so that's a positive on their side. When it comes down to it, the defense that makes the fewest mistakes will come out on top in this game. The way I see it...

**Ithaca Bombers 37 - Cortland State Red Dragons 31**
-And don't be surprised if we get a rematch in the postseason!

If you are looking to see or listen to the game, it will be televised on Time Warner Cable Channel 26 in the Central New York area. You can also listen to the game on Ithaca's radio station WICB at 91.7 FM or Online. In addition, Cortland will be webcasting the game here

Below, I have included a map showing how close the two schools are. If you zoom in, I have also labeled both teams' home stadiums.

View Larger Map

ENJOY THE GAME EVERYONE!!

-Michael Polak

College Theater in Tompkins County

2008-11-14T16:33:00.004-05:00

With the biting cold finally starting to kick in next week, fighting the winter blues is just a little easier with the theatrical offerings of Ithaca College, Cornell University, and SUNY Cortland.

At Ithaca College, "The Wild Party" continues performances in IC's Dillingham Center , with one tonight at 8 PM, and another tomorrow at the same time. There will also be a matinee tomorrow at 2 PM. Keep your eyes open next month for "Metamorphoses," which will preview December 2nd at 8 PM.
For tickets call 607-274-3224 or you can buy them at the Dillingham ticket office.

At Cornell, performances of William Shakespeare's comedy Love's Labor's Lost will show November 20-22 at 7:30 PM, December 4-6 at 7:30 PM and December 6 at 2 PM.
For a light, kid-friendly show, check out Willard Straight Theatre tomorrow at 2 PM, where a screening of "Eyeball Eddie" will show for $3 adults and $2 kids 12 and under. Cornell alum Bill Gilman, who did the special effects for the film, will be giving a talk about his work aimed at the 7 and up crowd.

Cortland Colleges' Choral Union will be holding a concert November 18th at 8PM in the Dowd Fine Arts Concert Hall. Also, December 2 at 8 PM, Cortland will be hosting another Holiday Concert. Both events feature free admission.

Image courtesy of cortlandchoral.com

Top image courtesy of aikenperformingartsgroup.org

--Eric Raue

ID Access Implemented

2008-11-12T13:29:00.003-05:00

As I reported earlier here on Tracking Tompkins County, Ithaca College has begun piloting their identification access system for residence halls.

As a resident of Garden 25, I have been using the ID access for almost two weeks. From a convenience standpoint, I find it highly useful. No more fumbling with keys while standing in the cold outside of the building.

Below I have posted a video of the ID access scanner outside of Garden 25.

--Nate March

Pressure Is On For Cortaca Jug!

2008-11-12T00:02:00.003-05:00

- Michelle Skowronek

This past weekend clarified the need for a Bomber victory over the Red Dragons this weekend. Assistant Running Back Coach, Brian Horner, said that due to the Bomber's 8-1 regular season record, the Bombers will need to win this Saturday in order to clinch a spot in the playoffs.

"If we win this weekend, we will get a spot in the playoffs," he said. "If St. John Fisher loses this weekend, we should also get a chance."

Coach Horner said that because Ithaca College lost to St. John Fisher earlier this season, if both teams come out with the same record things could get sticky.

"Because Fisher beat us head-to-head, they would get the seed if we came out with the same overall record," he said.

According to Coach Horner, the Ithaca College website's most recent post about Bomber football is incorrect.

"After this weekend we will know if we 'clinched a share' of the Empire 8 title," he said. "As of right now we have not."

Coach Horner recalls playing in the Cortaca Jug two years ago. He said it was an indescribable event, but hopes this year turns out better than the last away game at Cortland State.

"Playing in the Cortaca Jug is like nothing else," Horner said. "There is nothing else like it, but the last time we were at Cortland we lost on a ridiculous call by the ref. I hope this year's officiating doesn't cost us the game."

Cortland beat Ithaca by a field goal in overtime in 2006. According to Ithaca College fans, the Ithaca College defense snagged the ball out of a Cortland State offensive player's hands before being tackled. The defense then picked up the football and ran for a touchdown. Officials ruled that the Cortland player was down before the loss of the ball; therefore, the Red Dragons still had possession. From there, Cortland went on to kick a field goal, devastating the Bombers.

The 2008 Cortaca Jug is this Saturday, Nov. 15 at Cortland State!

Veteran's Day in Ithaca

2008-11-11T10:14:00.004-05:00

Ithaca College will be holding another Veteran's Day celebration this year. At 1:00 PM in Ford Hall in the Whalen Center for Music, guest speaker David West will be making his presentation. West is the director of the Bath VA Medical Center.

IC Quilters will be presenting West with a quilt for a patient at his hospital. There will also be a book for writing notes of appreciation to the veterans.

For off-campus visitors, a shuttle will be running from the IC visitor's parking lot to the Whalen center.

Cornell's Veteran's Day celebration will be held at 11:00 AM in the West Campus courtyard. James Nault, a retired Captain in the US Navy, will be presenting a speech on veterans from the Cornell University community. There will be music and a post-speech luncheon.

--Eric Raue

Election Day '08

2008-11-11T06:10:00.019-05:00

By: Tracey A. Casseus

Ithaca College was brimming with several Election Day events designed to help members of the campus community vote, celebrate the election, and watch the results on a day destined to be in the history books.

Throughout the day,9 a.m.–5 p.m, school sponsered Voter Vans shuttled students to and from the Ithaca College Circle Apartments Community polling place.

To get students really into the voting spirit there was a "Parade to the Polls" that took place at around 12:15 p.m. starting at Free Speech Rock infront of Campus Center and ending at the Circle Apartments Community center. The student group Fifes and Drums of Ithaca, along with President Tom Rochon, led voters through the academic quad to get voters excited about going to the polls.

At 4 p.m. in the Handwerker Gallery, associate professor and chair of the Department of Strategic Communications, Steven Seidman, lead a discussion on political marketing and the 2008 presidential election entitled "Political Marketing and the 2008 Campaign." Seidman is the author of “Posters, Propaganda, and Persuasion in Election Campaigns around the World and through History.”

The Tuesday Salon is a Handwerker Gallery program aimed at providing students, faculty, staff and members of the local community with a forum outside of the classroom for intellectual discussion and debate.

To cap the festivities there was an "Election Results Viewing Party" from 9 p.m.– Midnight held at IC Square in Campus Center. There all was welcomes to watch the election results on CNN, ICTV, and WICB

Natural Beauty Campaign

2008-11-10T23:13:00.002-05:00

- Michelle Skowronek

The IC Feminists are hosting a Natural Beauty Campaign this Thursday, Nov. 13. From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. the club will be discussing the affects of cosmetics on our environment and our personal psyche in the Clark Lounge.

Along with IC Feminists, the event is sponsored by the IC Environmental Society and Colleges Against Cancer.

This event should bring more awareness among students, faculty, and staff at Ithaca College. Beauty products have a commanding role in our society. Advertisements tell us that we smell bad, look ugly, and can't take care of ourselves in our natural state.

The Natural Beauty Campaign hopes to expose the campus to organic make up, chemical free hair dye, and environmentally conscious beauty supplements.

For more information check out the Ithaca College website.

The event should be a great way to discuss how beauty products control the lives of women and should offer some new insight for beating out cosmetic companies.

Ithaca College's Club Field Hockey Takes Second In The State

2008-11-10T19:53:00.004-05:00

By Kaitlyn Rich

This Sunday Ithaca College's Club Field Hockey team left campus early to compete in the playoffs for the New York State Club Field Hockey League held at Cortland. The playoffs featured the top seven teams in the New York area. Teams attending the playoffs this Sunday were Cortland, LeMoyne, Cornell, Buffalo, Syracuse, Binghamton and Ithaca.

Ithaca College came into the playoffs first in the division and easily beat their first opponent Buffalo four to nothing. The win which sent them to the championship game against Binghamton was the teams third final appearance in the past four years. Binghamton, the only team to beat IC in regular season play, however took the championship three to one. The win caps a three year championship win streak for Binghamton, IC being the last team to have one the championship in 2005.

America Recycles Day

2008-11-10T19:44:00.004-05:00

By Kaitlyn Rich

This Saturday the Ithaca Mall (formerly the Pyramid Mall) hosted an important environmental event- America Recycles Day. The mall invited area volunteers, ranging from Ithaca College's REMP to the ASPCA. The event which featured dozens of stands was part of the National Recycling Coalition. The actual national event is on November 15 but the mall chose to hold theirs slightly earlier an organizer said.

The stands offered those in attendance recycling bins, tips on composting, and even a couple furry friends who needed to find a new home.

For more information on the national America Recycles Day check out this link.

Students Remember the Lost One

2008-11-10T01:08:00.003-05:00

- Michelle Skowronek

This Thursday, Nov. 13, Ithaca College will be hosting a memorial service for Willie Jacobson. Even though the Jacobson family did not practice a specific religion, they wanted to hold the service at the Ithaca College Chapel.

Last spring, a freshman went missing after what seemed to be a normal weekend. Ithaca College students, faculty, staff, Campus Safety and the Ithaca Police department searched for Willie Jacobson, the missing freshman, for three days. Eventually, they found him at the bottom of the pond between the Park School of Communications and the Public Safety Office.

Within a day, majority of the campus fled to the Chapel to mourn the death of the lost classmate. Now, about seven months later, the campus continues to remember Willie's memory. Last year's service chimed on Willie's short-lived yet meaningful contributions to the Ithaca College Campus. Friends, professors, and those who did not even know Billy had words to share. This year's service hopes to bring comfort to those still dealing with the unimaginable loss of a fellow peer.

All regularly scheduled Thursday events in the Chapel will be cancelled, and all are encouraged to come a celebrate the remembrance of Willie.

For more information, read the Ithacan article that helped uncover the mysterious death.

New Heights in Keeping Ithaca "Gorges"

2008-11-10T00:45:00.003-05:00

By Kaitlyn Rich

View Larger Map

Lately Ithaca's gorges have not been looking so gorgeous. In particular Cascadilla Gorge has seen an accumulation of trash over the years. Many initiatives have been taken by volunteers from Cornell and the surrounding area to keep the campus pristine. But areas such as the north side of the gorge behind the Chi Phi chapter house, with its over 200 foot cliff have made cleaning "A bit out of the means of most," according to Todd Bittner Cornell Plantations Natural Areas Director.

That is why fraternity brothers from Chi Phi along with the Cornell Inter-fraternal Council, Cornell Outdoor Education and the Cornell Plantations grabbed their harnesses and repelled into the gorge next to Stewart Avenue on Saturday to clean up trash and debris.

"Well we're the ones that should be doing it. We made the mess so it's on us to do this," said Chi Phi president Micheal Brenner. The clean up happened this weekend after months of planning and pressure from the Inter-fraternal Council on the fraternity to clean up their garbage. The fraternity has made attempts in the past, and needed the assistance of professionals on Saturday for insurance purposes said Bittner.

"One time the police stopped by and stopped us from repelling down into the gorge. So yeah we're trying to help as much as we can because it's our problem, it's our mess, it's our house, and it's our responsibility to keep it clean," said Brenner.

Empire 8 Soccer Title for Ithaca Women

2008-11-10T00:09:00.004-05:00

I had the pleasure of broadcasting the Empire 8 Women's Soccer Championship game Sunday at Ithaca's Carp Wood Field. The game pitted Empire 8 powers Ithaca and Nazareth against each other in a battle for an automatic berth to the NCAA tournament.

There was none of the usual drama that a match up between these two teams usually brings. The Bombers sprinted out to a 4-0 half-time lead and never looked back, winning 5-0. Ithaca will learn their NCAA pairing on Monday.

Amy Scheffer, pictured above (courtesy of bombers.ithaca.edu) was named tournament MVP after scoring twice in the semifinals and registering three assists against Nazareth.

-Nate March

Another Pedestrian Struck

2008-11-09T22:29:00.004-05:00

Following the incident that Maura reported on Friday night where a pedestrian and police officer were struck on Route 96B, another pedestrian was struck by a vehicle on Route 17 in Elmira on Saturday night. The person later died from the collision.

The accident took place at 9:00 PM on Saturday night. The pedestrian was on the eastbound lane of state Route 17 when struck by the vehicle. Investigators closed down the eastbound lane but allowed westbound traffic to go through.

No further information was provided as to the identity of the pedestrian or the person operating the vehicle. Here's a map showing the area where the accident occurred on Route 17 in Elmira.

View Larger Map

--Michael Polak

Bombers Prevail Over Injuries, Alfred

2008-11-08T21:17:00.005-05:00

*photo courtesy of the Ithaca Bombers Website*

If there has been one thing that’s plagued the Ithaca Bombers all season long, it’s been injury bug. However, great teams find ways to win despite injuries, and that’s what the Bombers did this weekend.

Ithaca triumphed over Empire 8-rival Alfred 43-35, clinching themselves at least a share of the 2008 Empire 8 championship. Not only did the Bombers win, but they basically did so without the likes of senior starting quarterback Dan Juvan or junior starting running back Thomas Bergerstock.

Both players went down with injuries early in the second quarter and had their shoes filled nicely by junior quarterback Brian Grastorf and sophomore running back Dan Ruggiero. Grastorf closed out the game going 9 of 16 passing for 161 yards and a 76-yard touchdown strike to Kyle Crandall. The real shining star was Ruggiero who ran for 192 yards on the ground and 4 touchdowns, becoming the second Bomber this year to run for as many scores in a game this season. Ruggiero averaged close to eight yards per carry in the win.

While Alfred had standout performances of their own – 220 receiving yards by Trevor Bork and three rushing scores from Vinson Hendrix – the Bombers were just a bit better but were better even with some back-ups playing. It was one of those games that any football fan would’ve loved to watch. There was great offense on both sides, lots of controversial calls, and excitement all-around.

Now, the Bombers can move on to next Saturday’s match-up with the Cortland Red Dragons in the 50th Annual Cortaca Jug. Not only are bragging rights on the line, but a potential playoff spot is as well for the Bombers. A win for Ithaca would leave them at 9-1 on the year, almost certainly guaranteeing them a playoff spot considering they would have beaten a Cortland team ranked 7th in the country before this weekend’s win over Brockport. However, many eyes will be on the game between Alfred and St. John Fisher. If Alfred can defeat the Cardinals, it would secure the Bombers the outright conference title and the automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. Sure poses for some great college football!!

For more on the game, you can read this article. Here are the updated Empire 8 standings:

1st: Ithaca, 5-1 in Empire 8, 8-1 Overall
2nd: St. John Fisher, 4-1 in Empire 8, 6-3 Overall
3rd: Hartwick, 3-2 in Empire 8, 6-2 Overall
3rd: Alfred, 3-2 in Empire 8, 6-3 Overall
5th: Utica, 2-3 in Empire 8, 3-6 Overall
6th: Springfield, 1-4 in Empire 8, 3-6 Overall
7th: Norwich, 0-5 in Empire 8, 2-7 Overall

--Michael Polak

Accident on Route 96B

2008-11-08T13:26:00.001-05:00

-By: Maura Gladys

A pedestrian and a law enforcement officer were involved in back to back accidents on Route 96 B last night according to the Ithaca Journal. A car allegedly struck an Ithaca College student that was walking on 96B around 11:45 p.m. last night. While the victim was being tended to, another car struck a law enforcement officer that was directing traffic at the scene. The two victims were then transported to the Ithaca College football practice field where two helicopters airlifted the victims. One was taken to Robert Packer Hospital in Sayre, PA, while the other one was flown to Upstate Medical Center in Syracuse. Little else is known about the accidents, and anyone with information is asked to call the Tompkins County Sheriff’s Office at 607-257-1345.

WICB Wins Wood!!!

2008-11-07T13:44:00.002-05:00

Ithaca College's FM radio station 92 WICB has been recognized as the top college radio station in the nation by MTVU. The station has won the MTVU Woodie award for Best College Radio station.

For an earlier story about the hunt for the Woodie Award check here.

--Nate March

State Street's Second Name

2008-11-06T14:16:00.011-05:00

The Ithacan and the Ithaca Journal reported today that a Wednesday Board of Public Works meeting showed strong support to give State Street a second name--Martin Luther King, Jr. Street. The change would be a "dual naming," meaning that the Martin Luther King, Jr. Street designation would be an addition, not a replacement. The image below is of a similarly dually-named street in Manhattan, courtesy of http://publicdomainclip-art.blogspot.com/.

Support of the dual naming seems to have been influenced by the election of Barack Obama as America's next president. As the Journal's article reported,
"Many of those who spoke in favor referenced Tuesday's election of Barack Obama as evidence that America and Ithaca want change and a more inclusive society."

The board is set to vote in City Hall Wednesday, November 12th at 4:45 PM. All board meetings are open to members of the public.

View Larger Map

--Eric Raue

Cats in the Spotlight

2008-11-05T20:56:00.006-05:00

Two recent stories have been reported recently, one in Tompkins County and one in Syracuse. What do they have in common? Both involved a cat.

On Sunday, a cat was abandoned along Freese Road in the Town of Dryden. According to a witness report, a car driving along the road pulled over and placed an object on the side of the road and then drove off. The object was later discovered to be a cat.

The SPCA in Tompkins County is currently investigating the situation and requests that anyone with information place a call to their Humane Investigator at (607) 319-5067. Here's a picture of the male cat, which was described to be "a bit cranky," but in good health by the SPCA's Medical Director. (Picture is courtesy of the Tompkins County SPCA, from an Ithaca Journal article).

I have also included here a map of where Freese Road is located in the Town of Dryden.

View Larger Map

The following day, a man in Syracuse was electrocuted trying to rescue a cat from a tree. The man, who was later identified as Robert Crossman, was trying to balance a ladder on a tree to go grab the cat. However, the metal ladder struck an electrical wire, causing the 29-year old to collapse. He was later pronounced dead at a local hospital. Luckily for the cat, it ended up coming down on its own just fine.

--Michael Polak

Young Voters: Apathetic You Say?

2008-11-05T10:29:00.002-05:00

--Aly Dixon

For a long time now, young voters have been labeled apathetic, too lazy to care about voting, about the issues that plague our country. However, it seems that with the election of Obama this is obviously not true. But not only that, despite who you voted for, it's hard to deny that we, the generation that needs to live with the mistakes made by our previous leaders, are doing something to ensure we have a fighting chance.

Last night, many Obama supporters stormed the campus. As one student played his bagpipe, others cried with hope of what this election meant. McCain supporters took the defeat in stride and realized that despite being blue or red, our country needs to stand united. The scene outside of Textor last night was incredible. Hundreds of students, if not thousands, stood together exclaiming their excitement for the future to come.

(view from ground)

"YES WE CAN!" They shouted.

(view from on top of Textor)

Whether you were one of the unlucky ones awakened by the overwhelming display, one of the students peering through the library windows in awe, one of the students atop the Music School balcony banging their symbols, or even one of the angry McCain supporters frustrated by defeat, it's hard to deny that no matter what anyone says, we, as the future generation are anything but apathetic, and if you don't believe that, spend a day on the Ithaca College campus.

Making The Votes Count

2008-11-05T02:51:00.006-05:00

Polling Story

By Kaitlyn Rich

As many already know New York has already gone to Obama. But how are the millions of votes counted? And in particular what voting machinery and methods effect the Tompkins County vote? On Tuesday polling locations all over New York state used the old fashioned lever voters for the last time this year. At area voting locations such as the Museum of the Earth, the Ithaca Library and South Hill Elementary School election officials and voters alike were taking special measures to make sure every vote was counted.

"We have multiple ways of counting the ballots beside the machines," said Becky Booth, election official at the South Hill Elementary School site. Volunteers at all the sites tallied up each individual location's votes before turning them into the county board of locations, who in-turn forwards the totals to the state.

We've all been her since five in the morning," said Carol*, another South Hill Elementary School volunteer. "It's been a very long day," she added. Many polling workers have been manning their posts for over twelve hour shifts which begs the question - How accurate is the counting mechanisms? "Well there is old and there is new technology," said Carol, "Whatever the case we will be able to handle it."

Carol was hinting at the fact that by the next election the state will be outfitted with new handicap accessible voting machines. The current ones work "perfectly fine," as Booth says, they just are harder for the handicap to "use effectively."

While the votes where steadily being counted, by both hand, machine, and registration records at all locations in the Tompkins County area yesterday the true historic importance of the event was something more than its accurate vote tally.

"It is amazing to see the country, America, unite as it has in this election. To see the youth come out today and vote is amazing. America is really aware, it's awake," said Booth. Again while the overall numbers will take a few hours of speculation and ultimately days of scrutiny to finalize all the volunteers echoed that the youths' voting experience on Tuesday was the most memorable experience of the day. "We had a group of young girls come in and vote earlier today, one was celebrating her eighteenth birthday," said Sandra Reukaol, another South Hill volunteer, "And they came out with huge smiles on their faces and skipped out the door. I'll never forget it."

* Last names were withheld for privacy.

Photo and video (from top to bottom): Volunteers help voters at the Museum of the Earth polling location; outside of the museum signs lead voters to where they can cast their ballots; and in the video Carol shows a first time voter how to use New York States older voting machines.

Ithaca Public Library Polling Place

2008-11-05T01:09:00.000-05:00

Caitlin Noerenberg

The polling place at Ithaca’s Public Library, located on 101 E. Green Street, had a good turn out this Election Day. Janis Kelly, the Republican Poll Inspector, was kind enough to inform me on different things she experienced and had to deal with through out the day.

When they opened up the polling place at 6am, there was a line of voters ready to come in and get started. Early in the morning, they also came across two Chinese students that had the assignment of coming to witness how the voting system worked in the United States, since it works so well compared to other country’s voting systems. They stayed for several hours and simply observed the process.

There are 807 registered voters in the II-4 District, which come to the Ithaca Public Library to vote. By about 4:30pm, they had well over 450 voters come out. With the polls not closing until 9pm that evening, they were pretty happy with the amount of people that had come out so far.

Later in the evening, designated poll watchers were expected to come out asking to see the lists of names of people who had already voted. The poll watchers would then go through their own lists of the registered Democrats/Republicans in the district, and see if the registered Democrats/Republicans had already voted and if not they would call and in Kelly’s words “drag them away from the TV to come and vote.”

Kelly also went over how early voting was allowed for the first time this year in some states, and over 20% of American voters, voted early before Election Day, including her. Since she had to be at the Library from 5:30am-9:30pm, she was not going to be able to make it to her own district to vote, so she voted early the day before.

Voting early entails filling out an affidavit ballot, which people also have to fill out if they have moved and it hasn’t registered with the polling places. They had approximately 12 affidavit ballots by 4:30pm. In order for the affidavit ballot to count, the information is sworn in front of one of the election inspectors, and the ballot is not signed. It goes into an envelope that has the affidavit on the outside, all of those go into the Board of Elections and then they are all opened. From there the ballots are taken out, but are still folded so that the person taking them out does not know how they voted. After that, all of the affidavit votes are counted. This all takes place after the polls close on Election Day. One p

Theres a big report that has to be filled out, an election inspector of both parties have to sign a democratic inspector and a republican inspector and have them both sign it in order to verify that the vote is fair and honest and valid, and that’s part of what establishes the credibility. Trainging to go thorugh bc the voting regulations are very complicated, fat book of inspection manual regulations,

Another interesting fact Janis Kelly informed me about was the rule that a person can not show up within 100 feet of a polling place having anything political on their clothes, flyers, or on signs etc. Every polling place has very clearly marked limits.

So far it was going pretty smoothly for the Ithaca Public Library polling place. The only problem they ran into was a woman from Hawaii that had no registered in New York to vote and had not filled out an absentee ballot for Hawaii, so she was therefore not able to vote. Out of 450 people, only 1 person was not able to vote, the polling inspectors were happy.

Janis Kelly is the City Republican Party Chair and she loved being a polling inspector. She loved being able to watch the voting system in action, and will probably be there again next year.

Students need motivation to vote?

2008-11-05T00:40:00.009-05:00

~ Samantha Allen

When Freud spoke about the group mentality, he probably didn’t consider how it could be involved in political voting.

At the Tompkins County voting center set up at Ithaca College’s Circles Community Building, many students came to vote but often in groups.

Linda McBride, Ithaca resident and election inspector, said she had seen a lot of students coming into the building in groups.
Sara Gurman, a freshman who voted for her first time here at the community building, said she wanted her friends to be there for support.

“We’re all sort of new to this, and without my friends this would be intimidating,” Gurman said. She was accompanied by two other freshman, one of whom had voted previously in an absentee ballot for New Jersey.

In this video, IC freshman Sara Gurman and Natasha Petersen:

To find out why students like Gurman thought they needed support for voting on IC's campus, check here.

View Larger Map

McBride said that people were very excited and she had seen a lot of first time voters, including students and immigrants, who wanted friends there to photograph their first time pulling the lever.

“I think people are excited to vote,” she said. “I only wish that kind of excitement stayed with people because, that’s what’s democracy is all about. And, as exciting as this is, I wish it was the norm. But it’s not.”

McBride who said she has been working at the polls since 2002 said she has never seen anything as remarkable as the turnout for this election. She said at 8:15 p.m. that night, 74 percent of the registered voters had cast their vote.

Local students helping out from TCCC, Tompkins County Community College, said they were impressed by the turnout too. Daniel Pine, a student and election coordinator who has been working at the polls for the past three elections, said many senior citizens had actually showed up, something he had not witnessed in the past.

Jake Biles, another TCCC student and election inspector, estimated that over 500 out of 700 registered senior citizens had showed up.

The Other Side of Election Day

2008-11-05T00:17:00.014-05:00

Election Day is always one of the biggest days on the American calendar each year. The 2008 Election was no different. However, it was clear on this Tuesday in November that the Presidential election overshadowed anything else.

At South Hill Elementary School, one of several polling places around Tompkins County and specifically the city and town of Ithaca, that seemed to be the sentiment among voters. People who came to place their mark in history made it known that the fight between Barack Obama and John McCain was far more important than whoever was running for local offices.

On the local ballots, Maurice Hinchey was running again for a spot in the House of Representatives from the 22^nd district against George Phillips. Don Barber was vying for State Senate in the 51^st district against James Seward. Several other people were on ballots to be elected among the state assembly, town boards, and many other spots. However, all eyes were clearly on the Obama-McCain war.

I have no reason to take anything away from the Presidential election. After eight years of one man leading the country, it was important for America to go out and make a smart choice in electing a new leader. However, I think the one thing that is clear is that too many Americans are concerned more with the federal government and fail to notice the smaller, sometimes more important people that change our everyday lives.

As I write this article, Barack Obama has just been elected as the new President of the United States and people are celebrating outside my apartment. A new day will dawn on our nation and a lot of people will finally feel this country can turn around. This is monumental without question, and one of the biggest topics in question is education. It is time for the American people to start educating themselves more about local government and those leading them locally just as much as the national leaders.

Below, I have put together a video including some voters from South Hill Elementary School’s polling place. It shows how voters clearly did not show much interest regarding the local political races. For a complete list of the local representatives who were running in the 2008 Election, please visit this page on the Ithaca Journal website.

--Michael Polak

Poll-A-Palooza

2008-11-04T21:16:00.007-05:00

Election Story
-Ursula Fox-Koor

Polling places across the country were filled today and Tompkins County was no exception. The city of Ithaca alone designated 12 locations for residents to cast their ballots and they were certainly put to good use.

South Hill Elementary School, one of the twelve polling places within the city, saw many voters come through the doors. “We’ve had over a 50 percent voter turn out, maybe even 60 percent,” said Becky Booth, a polling volunteer at the elementary school. Booth said that the turn out has never been this high and that this election season, Tompkins County has added more polling places as well as more staff and volunteers.

Booth credits the large number of students in the area for the increase in turn out. “We have two universities that make up a big population in Ithaca and with their big flexibility during the day, they are able to come in and vote on their time,” Booth said.

Carol*, one of the head polling staff at South Hill Elementary said the young people are also influencing bigger, national issues. “I think that people under 22 [years old] are more concerned with the national issues, but those over 22 are looking into the local election because they realize that concerns them more in terms of issues such as taxes and schools,” Carol* said.

Sandra Reukaol, another polling volunteer at the elementary school, said she was excited to see the young turn out. "It was delightful to see young people out and voting," she said. "There were three girls here earlier, all grinning, and were skipping up the ramp after the voted."

She said there was even a young girl who was celebrating her 18th birthday today and was voting for the first time. "It is great to see American engaged and awake," she said.

*Last name has been withheld due to person's request.

Below: Carol* instructs a new voter on what to do.

A map of South Hill Elementary School

View Larger Map

Something New to Count

2008-11-04T20:50:00.007-05:00

- Michelle Skowronek

Polling Story

We count votes. We count absentee ballots. We Republicans. We count Democrats. For the first time in election history, we are counting voters as they come in to the polling place.

Elle Schofield was in charge of checking in voters at the South Hill School today. As she checked off voters' names signifying they placed their votes, she also checked another number next to the specific hour in which voters showed up.

"This year we have to track the number of people by the hour," she said. "It's a new system this year."

Typically in polls across America, the busiest times are right before the work day officially begins and right after it ends.

Schofield said she must count the number of voters from start to finish.

"The poll closes at 9 p.m., but if people show up at 9 we have to process them," she said. "We could be here until 11 p.m. tonight."

The South Hill School, located on Hudson Street, was the local polling place for Ward 1 Districts 4 and 5.

Schofield said her work was cut out for her.

"There is 948 people between the two districts," she said. "It's my responsibility to count all of them if they come in."

Each polling place was given a specific sheet to tally the number of voters. Here is a video of Schofield explaining the system:

Behind the Scenes: Those Who Work to Keep Democracy Alive

2008-11-04T20:49:00.005-05:00

Polling story
--Aly Dixon

Walking into the polling place at the Tompkins County Public Library located at 101 E. Green Street was a surreal experience. Having never voted in a general election in a polling place, I was giddy and excited for the events of the day to unfold. However, I wondered what actually allowed this process to work; how we can successfully hold elections in a way most countries can't. And although America's voting process has been deeply criticized, it seems it is also one of much envy. Democracy strives in this country, but it is not without the help of the many who are dedicated to the preservation of this very ideal without agenda or prejudice.

Throughout this 2008 campaign for president, we have seen the attention turn to figures with no influence on our ability to vote, from Bill Hiers to Reverend Wright to General Petraeus, to powerful corporations, to influential lobbyists. But we have not seen the real pioneers of democracy, those behind the scenes, those who sacrifice their time and dedication to make sure our democratic process is carried out in the fairest of manners. Election inspectors are examples of these people.

Essentially, the duty of the election inspector is to ensure that all elections are conducted in a fair and impartial manner. Specifically, that are responsible to ensure that all eligible voters are able to exercise their right to vote and that the election law is applied uniformly. For each polling place there is at least one republican, and one democrat election inspector to ensure fairness and stability.

As an election inspector, you must be at the specific polling place you are working at a half hour before it opens, in this case Begg and the other inspectors got to the Tompkins County Public Library at six-thirty in the morning. You are required to work the whole day as an inspector. In New York, the polls close at nine p.m., so Begg and the others expected to leave around nine thirty, a long day of work. To Begg's suprise, the wage for the day of service is $160. However, Begg claims the pay previously was below minimum wage.

To serve as an election inspector you must be a registered voter along which a resident of the county in which you wish to work at. You must not be a spouse, child, or parent of a candidate running in the district you will work, and you cannot hold any sort of public elective office or being running for office in the district you are working.

Begg and the other inspectors seemed happy at the outcome of the election during our interview. Begg claimed that well over half of all voters assigned to their polling place had voted by about 4:30 p.m., a statistic that satisfied all of the inspectors.

"We haven't had any real problems yet, and I hope that continues the rest of the day," Begg said.

As someone that prides herself on being politically informed, I was ashamed to realize I knew little to nothing about the duties and responsibilities of election inspectors. There jobs may seem small, insignifcant, or even easy, but the opposite seems true. These people took the time out to help others fulfill their constitutional right, while sacrificing most of their day. They could have been home watching the votes get tallied on CNN, scanning updated articles on the New York Times, despairingly watching Fox News cling to hope, or gleefully watching states become blue, but instead they helped the rest of us realize our own dreams of participating in a democracy that many don't have the privilege of realizing.

What's Your Issue?

2008-11-04T20:44:00.002-05:00

National elections often hinge on one critical issue. The 2008 Presidential Election and congressional elections have been driven by concerns for the economy. Sometimes the mass exposure of an issue like the economy can overshadow the truth that Americans have many issues on their mind when they go to the polls.

The polling place at South Hill Elementary School in Ithaca was fairly quiet at 3:00 this afternoon. After navigating the multitude of signs meant to direct voters (and keep out electioneers, loiterers, and honest journalists), I set up shop 100 feet away from the polls to unearth the issues weighing on voters minds.

The few people casting their ballots at South Hill had a variety of issues they felt were the key to how they voted. Education, the environment, and foreign policy all joined the economy as the number one issue on people’s minds. The sample size may not have been large, but clearly the voters in this district don’t fall into the one-track mind of economy only politics.

The video below summarizes my trip to the polling place and introduces some of the people who shared their number one political issue with me.

One note I feel that it is essential to mention, although it is not what I set out to discover. The election of a President this year was not the deciding factor for any voters coming out to vote at South Hill this afternoon. Voters answered that they always vote, regardless of the national election.

--Nate March

No Campaigning at Polls

2008-11-04T19:38:00.007-05:00

Today as Tompkins County residents enters each polling place, you might notice a sign posted outside:

New York is one of several states in the U.S. that has created a law so that voters do not wear campaign buttons, t-shirts, hats and signs within or near to polling places. Other states with this law include Nebraska and Virginia.

Although the sign implies your vote may be at risk, State Board of Elections spokesman Bob Brehm said, "No one will be thrown in jail over a shirt at the polls," according to the Observer.

Essentially the sign is asking voters to not wear campaign paraphernalia because they might be turned away from the polls. Polling officials do have the right to prevent someone from voting if they attempt to enter the polling place in such conditions.

Emily Metz, a polling place volunteer for the past thirty years stood out in her American flag sweater.

"I think that if someone is coming into vote and is undecided, their vote may be swayed because they see someone wearing a certain shirt," Metz said. "If they think that person looks 'good' or educated, it could easily determine their vote."

Metz said no one at the Ellis Hollow Apartments Polling Place had a problem following the law although it essentially violates the First Amendment. The amendment not only guarantees an American citizen to the freedom of speech, but also the freedom to petition. Many online bloggers have said that the signs are an attempt to scare away voters, a phenomenon that is becoming more and more common in increasingly competitive elections.

New York state does have a law that prohibits entering a polling place with campaigning gear or with children wearing campaign gear. Fortunately this did not seem to be major issue in Tompkins County this term.

Watch a video of the Ellis Hollow Apartment polling place below:

Story at the Polls-- Joy Kucinkas

Coffee and Economy on the Minds of Many Voters

2008-11-04T19:09:00.004-05:00

By: Maura Gladys
(Polling story)

“On days like this, we always make sure we have a lot of coffee,” said a poll worker at the South Hill Elementary School polling location

The sky was still black and an early morning chill hung over the South Hill Elementary School early this morning, as voters lined up to cast their ballot in one of the most highly anticipated and historic elections in recent memory. It seemed as if coffee and the economy was on the mind of many voters.

Arlene*, one of the first voters at South Hill arrived at 6 a.m. in order to beat what is anticipated to be a heavy turnout. As soon as she was finished voting she headed straight for Starbucks, which was giving a free large coffee to anyone that presented an “I Voted Today” sticker.

“I really didn’t want to have to wait in line, and I decided 6 was the best. Now, I’m going to get a free cup of coffee from Starbucks,” she said.

Joseph LeCates, a Cornell graduate student, used voting, rather than coffee to calm his nerves.

“I want to feel like I’ve done everything I can. It’s the first time I’ve paid so much attention to an election. I came out early to calm my nerves.”

LeCates, like many others cited the economy as one of his primary issues when voting. Starbucks in downtown Ithaca was a hub of election excitement. Voters, fresh from the voting booths, cashed in on their free coffees and talked politics.

“It’s been a zoo, but it can only get better,” said Karen, the barista. “There have been a lot of new faces this morning.”

One woman, after receiving her free coffee, gushed about the excitement of voting.

“It’s just such a great feeling, to hear the machine when you pull the lever, and you just feel like you made a difference.”

Another man, a teacher on his way to work jovially summed up the morning. “This is such an Ithaca morning. Coffee and voting.”

*it was requested that her real name not be used.

Keeping the Polls Rolling

2008-11-04T17:34:00.011-05:00

In order for Election Day to run smoothly, there is an important group of people who are responsible for making it happen: poll workers. Poll workers spend the day checking in voters, answering questions and managing the polling place at which they are assigned.

In order to become a poll worker in New York State, one must be at least 18 years of age and a resident of the county or in New York City, a resident of the city; must be registered to vote in New York; and must complete a training course and exam. Students who are 16 or 17 years of age and are enrolled in high school may also be appointed as a poll worker.

David Keifer, a poll worker in Ithaca, New York, spent the day at Ellis Hollow Apartments, located at 1028 Ellis Hollow Road in Ithaca. Keifer stood at the entrance to the polling place, helping voters to check in at the correct location. "It's certainly been busy all day long," Keifer said. "We had about 70 people waiting when we opened at 6:00 this morning."

Keifer began working at polling places six years ago while living in New Jersey, where there was a big need for poll workers. "It was a great experience," Keifer said. "I felt good about serving the community."

People who spend their time working at polling places find it very rewarding. Not only do they play a part in a historic election, but they also get a chance to see the community come out to vote. "[Working at the polls] gave me a chance to get to know some of my neighbors," Keifer said. "When I came up here to New York State, I looked into it. They were also in need, so here I am."

There is a sense of excitement amongst everyone who is involved in today's election. For the poll workers who began their day before the polls opened and who will end their night long after the polls have closed, we should all be thankful that they gave their time to help make the election a success, whatever the result.

-Emma Tanner

Polling Place Story

A Help or a Hassle?

2008-11-04T17:17:00.007-05:00

"There hasn't been a lot of people yet, but the rush will come soon, you know, when everyone gets off of work," said German Interpreter/Translator/Tutor Elke Schofield at 4 pm today.

Elke was standing by the entry way of the South Hill Elementary School polling place waiting to direct incoming voters to their District's voting area.

As I was chatting with her about how I had never used a voting booth, asking if anyone had trouble, she said "Oh, no they are quite simple, no one has asked for help."

While she was explaining the process to me, I couldn't help but peak around the corner at a separate room just off of the voting lobby. She must have caught my inquiring eye: "But this one in here, this is a bit more complicated." She led me into the room with a huge black machine that was hooked up to a computer.

This machine was one of the 43 ballot-marking devices (BMDs) from Sequoia - or electronic voting machines - that were placed in different polling areas of Tompkins County for this year's election. (This is the last year for the old-fashioned lever-voting machines to be used in New York State).

"Voters get a maximum of 3 minutes when using those machines (pointed to lever machines) , but this electronic machine can take up to 15 to 20 minutes to cast a vote," exclaimed Schofield.

"We have to have one here because of the disabled persons that come to vote, but anyone is allowed to use this if they want to. Thank God no one has, though," continued Schofield.

Schofield's frustration came from the intense 30 page manual that came with the machine. There were a series of steps within this manual telling her exactly how to operate the BMD, including how to punch in the series of codes.

She was one of the Tompkins County Board of Elections trainees that had 1 hour of training back in March to learn about the BMDs. But it didn't seem like enough for her due to the long process it takes to set-up and use the machines.

"I can't even imagine an elderly person or young person trying to figure this out let alone a disabled person," Schofield expressed her concern about the new voting machines.

Earlier today, the Ithaca Journal had a brief blurb mentioning some unhappy voters with the new voting machines. However, the October 27th issue of Tompkins Weekly gave several accounts of disabled voters who were more than happy with the BMDs.

As I thanked Elke for her generosity of showing me around the polling area, she said "Come back next year and we will have all of those new machines."

I guess we'll have to wait and see what the future will bring of the electronic voting machines. So savor the feeling of pulling that lever, because next year it's out with old and in with the new.

Check out the process of the BMD machine described by Schofield and a brief video of the detailed manual:

-Jillian Rubin

WICB Election Coverage

2008-11-04T00:05:00.002-05:00

If you are looking for a one-stop shop for election coverage here in Tompkins County, Ithaca College's radio station 92 WICB will have plenty of it today. The station has set up a special Web page for tracking election results nationally and locally.

There will also be lots of on air election coverage tomorrow night on the station, located at 91.7 FM on your radio dial.

National election results are easy enough to find, but for all the local Tompkins County races, WICB has you covered.

--Nate March

Is Voting for a Third Party a Waste of your Vote? (In-Depth Political Story)

2008-11-03T11:00:00.004-05:00

By: Tracey A. Casseus

With Election Day rapidly approaching the question on everyone’s mind is who will be the next president of the United States of America, Republican Senator John McCain or Democratic Senator Barack Obama?

But aren't we forgetting a few names? What about former Congressman Bob Barr, pastor and radio talk show host Chuck Baldwin, Congresswomen Cynthia McKinney, or Ralph Nader. Contrary to public belief McCain and Obama are not the only people competing in the U.S presidential election of 2008.

With the media blitz covering the presidential election mainstream media fervently covers Senators Obama and McCain campaign in “swing” states. Across the country, and even the world, people have paid close attention to the three presidential debates between the two nominees, and one for their vice presidential running mates. It's impossible to go anywhere and not see or hear names like Obama, McCain, or Palin. So how is that names like Nader, Barr, and McKinney are seldom mentioned?

“I don’t even know who is the third party for this election,” said Ithaca College Senior Collin McDermott. “It would be fair to have a third party actually competing. Being covered in the news media and having equal power and access like the other two major parties but it would be difficult because its just American culture to have a two party system. It either the democrat or the republican.”

Is it the media subtle way of letting us know that these people just don’t matter?

“Voting for a third party candidate is a waste because people only pay attention to the two top candidates,” said Abdul-Wahab.

What happened to the saying that, “Every vote counts!” The media bombards us with messages that it is our civic duty and the greatest opportunity we will ever have as average citizens to shape the government.

Presidents are decided by two systems: the popular vote and the Electoral College vote. Whichever candidate wins the majority of votes in a given state wins the electoral votes of that state. To win the office a candidate must win 207 electoral votes.

Vice Presidential canidate, Rosa Clemente, of the Green Party had this to say about voting. "Voting is the easiest thing someone could do to be civically engaged. I don't think voting solves anything but for the most part voting puts in people that as a people you have to take accountabilyt for pushing your issue out there."

Clemente also had this to say, "If they vote for the Green party, every vote counts. You need five percent of the electorate to become a major party."

Honestly speaking, to vote for a politician unaffiliated with either major party, in most cases, means voting for someone has no realistic chance at winning office. When this is the reality it is easy to believe that a vote for someone other than a Republican or a Democrat is a “wasted vote.”

“It’s not fair but that’s what it is,” said Ithaca College sophomore Farida Abdul-Wahab. “ It’s a race and in a race you’re not looking for who crosses third your looking for those two who may come in first place.”

Local High School Teams Win Soccer Titles

2008-11-03T10:04:00.002-05:00

A pair of local high school soccer teams claimed Section 4 Championships on the soccer field this weekend.

The Ithaca High School boys soccer team will share the Class AA championship with Vestal after the teams tied 1-1 in a game played at the Soccer Hall of Fame in Oneonta. The Little Red then defeated Vestal 4-3 in penalty kicks to advance to the State tournament.

The Lansing girls soccer team won the Class B title for the third consecutive season, ousting Chenango Forks 1-0 at SUNY Cortland.

For game stories and pictures from the games check out The Ithaca Journal's coverage.

--Nate March

Campaigning in Pennsylvania

2008-11-02T23:21:00.003-05:00

Caitlin Noerenberg

Every weekend since the second weekend in September, Dave Halpert and 20 or 30 of his friends drive to cities and towns in Pennsylvania going door-to-door canvassing for Barack Obama in the 2008 Presidential election.

Every one has different script, but all say generally the same thing, “Hi, my name is David, I’m a volunteer with Obama and were just seeing if you decided which way you are leaning in the election?” It becomes more of a conversation, not trying to convert them in terms of switching their votes, just seeing where they are coming from. He has had two long talks with McCain supporters just trying to find where the other guy is coming from.

He said, “After you introduce yourself as a volunteer, most people, especially with this election, want to talk about it and they will either say they are for Obama or McCain. If they are undecided, you ask what issues are important to them and then majority of the people will take 5-10, sometimes 20 minutes to talk about things and you get to hear Americans talking about different issues that are important to them, and it’s actually fun talking to them.”

When asked if he ever gets the door slammed in his face, he said usually not, its uncommon, but it does happen on occasion. Although he’s not saying that every time he and the other supporters talk to a person, they convince them to vote for Obama. If the person believes Obama is a poor candidate then you won’t influence him. Some people are so against Obama they will make mean-spirited comments.

Dave believes a lot of people are trying to reverse what Bush has done in the past, “a lot of people are upset with the way the country is headed and want it to change… It really makes a difference with one-to-one contact, but then again a lot of people it might not affect their decision.”

Due to some complications, I was not able to join Dave and his friends on one of these campaigning trips to Pennsylvania. It seems reporters are not always welcome, but rather they are strict on going door-to-door with Obama supporters only.

Bombers Win Again

2008-11-02T23:04:00.004-05:00

Another Saturday at Butterfield Stadium, another record-breaking performance for junior running back Thomas Bergerstock.

The Ithaca College Bombers football team won their fourth straight game, routing Springfield College 37-8. The win came on Family Weekend on the South Hill. Out of all the positives from the win, the biggest was Bergerstock’s performance in the running game.

The junior out of Webster, NY ran for 175 yards and four touchdowns on the day, and broke two distinguished Bomber records. His four scores gave him 20 on the season, breaking Jeff Whitman’s record of 19 back in 1992. In addition, his 120 total points scored also broke Jeff Whitman’s record which he also set during the ’92 season.

Bergerstock’s great performance can also be attributed to the offensive line, which created massive holes for him to run through and gave quarterback Dan Juvan extra room to work in the pocket. The front five, which was honored as the Empire 8 Offensive Player of the Week earlier this season, certainly deserved a lot of credit for leading the Bombers to another victory.

Now, Ithaca moves on from the easy part of their schedule and returns to the road for two very tough games to close out the season. This Saturday, the Bombers visit the Alfred Saxons with the Empire 8 title potentially on the line. Then, they head to Cortland on the 15th for the Cortaca Jug, where they could face an undefeated Red Dragons team. Should be an exciting finish to an already wild season!

Here’s a map showing the sites of Ithaca’s final two games as well as Thomas Bergerstock’s hometown of Webster, NY. For more on Saturday’s win, you can read this article.

View Larger Map

Can Negative Campaigning be Positive?

2008-11-02T22:30:00.005-05:00

In-depth politics story
-- Aly Dixon

Unmistakably, the 2008 presidential election has had its ugly moments. Ad campaigns have bashed candidates, misrepresented facts, stirred up heated debates, and maybe even changed some voter’s minds. According to a Talking Points Memo, John McCain Campaign Ads during the month of October were nearly 100 percent devoted to attack ads. Also, according to the Wall Street Journal, upon the naming of Sarah Palin as the Vice President choice, Barack Obama assigned 30 lawyers, investigators and opposition researchers to go into Alaska in search of “dirt” on Sarah Palin. However, is this really anything we the voters didn’t expect? This election is in many eyes the most important in history and just because it is so incredibly important doesn’t mean it is the only election to utilize the animosity of negative campaigning.

However, John Geer, professor of Political Science at Vanderbilt University says, “Negative ads have more useful information than the positive ads by a number of different criteria. Negative ads tend to have facts in them, they tend to be more about issues than personal traits and they tend to be more specific when talking about these issues.”

Geer claims, “you’ve got to give a role for attacks and negativity in democracy, if you do away with it you do away with democracy so it goes hand in hand. Sometimes it makes us uncomfortable, and sometimes it goes too far, but you need it and we need a society especially among the news media to learn to appreciate that it actually has some benefits. If you’re going to buy a car you need to know the good and the bad. Do you want to buy a car with only the information with the car dealer? No, because they're only going to tell you one side of the story and candidates are going to do the same thing.”

James Seward, New York State Senator representing the Tompkins County area says that negative campaigning has not been a part of his campaign this year.

Don Barber, the democratic candidate running against Seward also acknowledges that negative campaigning has been kept at a minimum in their election. Barber says that he believes elections should definitely be more focused on issues rather than campaign smearing, especially with the current Presidential election.

Geer says “negative ads have the ability to advance your case but also hurt it if you go too far.” This was the case with McCain’s “sex education” ad, which is shown below.

Geer says, “that ad went too far and McCain got a lot of push back on it. I think it backfired on him because you could technically read the bill as suggesting sex education but that’s just silly, that wasn’t the case. It’s an example of when you go too far it doesn’t work for you.”

Another ad that Geer recognized as going too far was a 2006 ad run against Congressman Michael Arcuri, titled “bad call.”

“They used the fact that apparently somebody misdialed a number and called a phone sex line for five seconds using the taxpayers dollars. It was a disaster for the candidate to air that ad because it is not even close to the truth. If you go beyond what the evidence supports, negative campaigning backfires,” Geer says.

However, negative campaigning does do something that positive campaigning about yourself as a candidate doesn’t, it allows the other side to come out. Seward calls this “comparative campaigning.”

“When you compare records of service and of voting records on the part of the legislator and bring out the facts that is what I call 'comparative advertising.' I think there is a line that is crossed when you get into personalities and some of these side issues but when it's based on political persons record of service that is documented through a voting record or any other statements in the past, I think that is fair game.”

Negative advertising in any other aspect, Seward claims, is not something he condones. An example of the "comparative campaigning" can be seen in a recent ad by the Republican National Committee shown below.

Mackenzie Dohr, a Culture and Communications major here at Ithaca College says that negative campaigning for her will most likely do more harm then good.

“When a candidate focuses more on smearing their opponent it makes them seem as if they have no real platform to stand on so it hurts them in my opinion,” she says.

All in all, as the voters that will decide this election, we need to educate ourselves by looking at each side, at each different kind of ad campaign, and each side of an issue. Negative campaigning can help us, but it can also hurt us, this is the same with each candidate as well. No matter what candidate you support, it is ultimately up to you to decide how the political game is played. Seward says the only way to stop the negative advertising that features shameless personal attacks is to reject them so they are not successful. At the end of the day, that is the responsibility of us, the voter.

Rotary Soccer League Finishes Season

2008-11-02T15:55:00.006-05:00

The Ithaca Youth Bureau’s Rotary Soccer League concluded its season this Sunday at Cass Park. The league hosts teams from kindergarten all the way up to 12th grade and features co-ed and single gender leagues. Games were played every Sunday from September 21st until today. Below are some pictures from one of today’s games.

--Maura Gladys

Mythbuster: Absentee ballots or an absent vote?

2008-11-02T13:28:00.007-05:00

President/Vice President: check. State Supreme Court Justice: check. Congress: check. State Senator: check. Check, check, check, check.

Fold, lick, seal, stamp, mail.

Sounds boring, but for a first time voter, the excitement is practically unbearable.

There are few words to describe the feeling of a very first vote, but Michelle Roy summed it all up: "I VOTED! It's an exhilarating feeling to know that I might be the one vote that makes a difference," says Roy.

Her excitement was quickly interrupted when one of her friends mentioned to her that absentee ballots are rarely counted, unless the race is close.

"Are you serious?" thought Roy: "When I heard that I was just like, why did I even vote then? I wanted my vote to count."

Looking for the right answer, I chose to find out more with the help of Ithaca College Politics Professor Don Beachler. "Your vote does count," he reassured me.

In response to the myth Michelle had heard, Beachler said, "People are generally uninformed which generates into a lot of misinformation and then they begin to believe it themselves."

"Your vote counts. What most people miss are the preliminary results" said another Ithaca College Politics Professor, Juan Arroyo.

According to Arroyo, when the results are given the day after the election, news reports are careful to declare the results preliminary ones. It is not until all ballots are in that they declare the results official. This can take up to a month after the day of the election, depending if the race is close or not. (Just like in the 2000 Presidential Election in Florida, when a full recount was tallied).

Tompkins County Board of Elections Democratic Commissioner, Stephen DeWitt, said: "We wait until one week after election day to count the absentee ballots. Military ballots have 13 days to get here. A lot of people get a misconception that absentee ballots aren't counted. We count all the ballots and they get tallied toward the total. Every vote gets counted," DeWitt responded to the assumption that absentee ballots are a moot vote.

For Tompkins County, the absentee and military ballots must be postmarked no later than one day before election day. Absentee ballots can be received up until November 12th while military ballots can be received up until November 17th.

Arroyo explained the reason why mail-in ballots aren't due on election day: "Well...a candidate might say something really controversial a couple days before the election, and that might completely change someone's vote, but it would be too late if that person already mailed in the ballot."

If a state is clearly leaning toward one candidate than the other, many believe that absentee ballots are pointless. "Most of the time they won't matter," says Arroyo.

But don't let that discourage all of you absentee voters, because your vote might not be included in the preliminary results, but they will undoubtedly be counted in the final tally.

As Arroyo said, "Don't worry, you can still tell your grandchildren that you were a part of the 2008 Presidential Election."

-Jillian Rubin

Integration and Participation: The Asian-American Vote in 2008

2008-11-02T11:30:00.019-05:00

In-depth story: Politics.

Snap perspective: Joe Lu, a Cornell student

Obama’s candidacy has had huge implications for African Americans, while Hillary Clinton and Sarah Palin have made it clearer than ever that national politics don’t have to be a male-dominated arena. Asian Americans, however, are a group that have received considerably less attention. According to the Ithaca Asian American Association, or IAAA, 17% of Ithacans are Asian American—not an insignificant percentage. In states like Virginia and Nevada, according to a Voice of America article, Asian Americans could even swing the election. Participation among Asian Americans in politics, however, tends to be inconsistent from place to place.
According to Tompkins County legislator and Cornell graduate student Nathan Shinagawa, the key factor in Asian American political participation is a generational one. In states like California, where Asian American populations have been well-established for multiple generations, residents have elected legislators like Senator Leland Yee and Assemblymember Mike Eng. In New York State, however, Asian American populations are newer and so political participation is less firmly established.
“When you go to places like New York State, then you can count the number of Asian American elected officials on one hand,” Shinagawa said.
There are a variety of reasons for new generations of Asian immigrants to be uninvolved politically. Amy Kwo Somchanhmavong, a member of the IAAA’s board of directors, said that some Asian Americans avoid politics due to a toxic political environment in their home countries. Others suffer from a lack of a real sense of belonging within the new culture.
“There’s this whole perception of Asian Americans as an immigrant population, that they’re new to the area, that they don’t speak the language…so the sense of foreignness has an impact,” Somchanhmavong said.
Thankfully, as Asian American populations have time to settle and grow, they become more and more integrated which, according to Shinagawa, will lead to increased participation and more Asian American candidates, just as is happening in California.
“The treasurer of California is an Asian American guy. In Santa Clara county, there’s more than 40, I think, elected officials that are Asian American. And so it’s huge there.”
The puzzle pieces for increased participation in more parts of the country are already in place. Shinagawa said that more than half of Asian Americans in US colleges and universities were born in the United States. These populations are educated, well informed, and understand American culture and politics.
“Give them another 10 years, and those people will be running for local-level office,” Shinagawa said.
Tiffany Cheng, spokesperson for the Ithaca College Asian Culture Club, drew from her own experience living in New York City’s Chinatown to explain why early generations of Asian immigrants tend to avoid politics. Her explanation echoed Somchanhmavong’s: Chinatown residents, Cheng said, feel less comfortable outside of Chinatown because values, language, and overall culture suddenly change. Outside of their ethnic enclave, they feel they have to adhere to a separate and sometimes unfamiliar set of rules.
“We’re pretty loud and outspoken within our own community because we feel like these are people that can connect to us. But once we step out of Chinatown, Chinese people kind of get shy about it.”
In addition, newcomers to the country might too preoccupied with immediate needs to worry about politics. Settling into a new place is never easy, and some priorities are going to take precedence over others.
“They’re really focused on having a good job, getting enough money to pay for bills…you know, just making sure you have enough money to live for the next day. So they’re not really worried about politics or anything like that,” Cheng said.

Related Media:

A piece on the Asian American vote, courtesy CBS News.

--Eric Raue

The Vote's in the Mail!

2008-11-01T22:39:00.008-04:00

Not everyone will pull the lever on election day. For those who will be unavoidably absent from their counties; unable to vote at a polling place due to illness, injury or disability; or are patients in in a Veteran's Administration or detainees in jail for convictions other than felonies; participation in Election Day will be via absentee ballot.

As of October 29th, about 4,000 absentee ballots were mailed to voters registered in Tomkins County. Especially for voters residing outside of counties in which they are registered, it can be difficult to keep up with the local politics of their area. "It's hard to know who to vote for because I am so removed," Kyle Stevens said. Stevens is a resident of Otsego County and a junior at Ithaca College.

Stevens has gathered information from different sources about candidates for local, state and national offices. The internet has been his primary source for many of the candidates' backgrounds and positions on different issues. "I use candidates' websites because I can find their stances on what matters most to me," Stevens said. Campaign websites offer media such as footage of debates and news feeds to keep updated on the most recent campaign developments.

Local candidates, Stevens experienced, were harder to find online. He instead received information by mail after registering for an absentee ballot. According to Tompkins County Board of Elections Commissioner Stephen DeWitt, candidates are able to acquire a list of absentee voters from county BOE offices.

“Various campaigns take responsibility for absentee ballots and will send mailings to people who are on the permanent absentee ballot list," Irene W. Stein, chair of the Tomkins County Democratic Committee, said. "I think that candidates want the vote and they do everything they can to communicate with the voter, and voters exhibit varying degrees of interest...it’s a joint responsibility. It’s the job of the candidate if he wants to win, and the responsibility of the voter, and sometimes these things come together."

In Tompkins County, the Board of Elections will be open on Monday. Voters can still request an absentee ballot in person, and still have the chance to take part in Tuesday's historic election.

- Emma Tanner

In-Depth Politics Story

Igniting the Vote Among College Students

2008-11-01T22:05:00.007-04:00

What’s the best way to get college students to vote in the upcoming election? Drive a bus around the country and invite students to come aboard and learn just how easy and important it is.

That’s what Project Vote Smart has been doing over the last year in preparation for the election coming up on Tuesday. The bus, which is over 45 feet long, travels across the country in an attempt to deliver to potential voters what it calls a “Voter Self-Defense System.” This program helps teach those who come aboard how to avoid being swayed by incorrect information stemming from political campaigns.

College campaigns in general have recently tried to stress the idea of getting out to vote and making informed decisions. This year, MTV conducted a “Get Out the Vote” campaign where they had several big music celebrities discussing the election and explaining the need to voice your opinion. The College Democrats of America also have created a website where they stress the need to inform students of their right to vote and encourages them to report incidents where they are intimidated from doing so.

The main goal of these campaigns is helping to increase votership among college students, a population that traditionally puts out low voting totals. When speaking with Ithaca College sophomore Ann Henry, she noted the importance of college students getting out and at least being informed about the current issues and the candidates. You can see her full response in the video below.

The Project Vote Smart bus recently made stops on the Ithaca College campus, as well as campuses around the Northeast. Two of these were Hofstra University, which featured an appearance by the bus for the final presidential debate, and St. John’s University’s Queens Campus. In both of these stops, students were able to gain an important perspective on making informed decisions while voting.

Matthew Krul, a junior at Hofstra University, discussed his experience at the bus saying, “I really felt like I learned so much more and now am capable of going into a polling place with confidence that I will make the right choice in voting.” This kind of feeling is what the Project Vote Smart bus tour hopes for. At St. John’s, junior Branden Lam noted that “The idea of a bus touring around campuses to try and get students to go out and vote in such an important election is really great. I am happy they came and taught me some important things.”

Whether it be a bus traveling around the country or a 30 second advertisement played several times on television or radio, it is clear that college students are being targeted to learn about the importance of voting. In addition, they are being taught how to make smart choices when voting. These lessons are priceless tools that can make a big difference in how our country turns out following the next several elections.

Below, I have included a map of some of the locations where the bus has visited over in the Northeast over the last month. In addition, you can read this article from the Ithaca Journal for more information about the Project Vote Smart bus tour’s visit to Ithaca. For more about Project Vote Smart, please visit their website.

View Larger Map

--Michael Polak
In Depth Politics Story

On The Farm Or In The White House: Local Versus National Debates

2008-11-01T21:43:00.013-04:00

In-Depth Political Story

By Kaitlyn Rich

The lights are bright on the stage where candidates Don Barber and James Seward sit. Papers, containing facts, opponent weaknesses and their promises, are strewn across the round plastic tables where each waits for their questions. Three television cameras and more than one hundred people sit patiently hanging on their every response. However, this political debate is not for a place in Washington D.C., but instead for a seat in Albany. There is no security and those who have come to watch are greeted with apple cider and home baked cookies. This debate is not being held at Hofstra or Ole Miss and is not being moderate by Brokaw or Lehrer, but instead it is refereed by a group of elderly women - and it is of local importance.

The Tuesday Oct. 28 debate, held at Tompkins Cortland Community College and organized by the League of Women’s Voters of Tompkins County, cast a very different light on political debates. The grandeur and pomp and circumstance of the presidential debates many have seen, some more than once, was absent. This debate for the New York State Senate seat in the 51st District was grassroots politics and, despite the snow on Tuesday, many came out to support it.

“It’s really cool to actually watch something like this happen,” said Ithaca College sophomore Elijah Kruger, “You are so far removed from the presidential ones but here you can really see it.” Kruger was one of the more than hundred spectators at the debate. The audience, while mostly older, did contain some younger voters. However, while their ages varied, all were allowed to ask the candidates questions.

“We provide an opportunity for the community to ask questions to the candidates and we moderate the forum. We delete duplicate questions and we time the opening statements and we time the candidate’s response. We are a non-partisan organization so we don’t support either party, we just perform a community service,” said Kay Sharp President of the League of Women Voters of Tompkins County.

Besides for the cookies and lack of security, the real familiarity of the debate was the most striking difference. The questions asked were to the point, often just one sentence long, leaving little room for the candidates to talk their way out of anything. The differences are seen in the two separate video clips below. One is of the presidential debate and the other is from the state senate debate. Both show the candidates answering questions on the economy.

While the differences are apparent, there were also some similarities. For example the phrase "on my farm" was said more than a dozen times by the candidates, an amusing allusion to such presidential catch phrases as "Joe the Plumer" and "change." However, the senatorial debate did cover other issues such as health care, gay marriage, abortion, and many other hot topics of the election cycle. Many were issues that those in the audience, like Kruger, wanted to hear about. “By being able to get your question answered right on the spot you know they don’t have much time to talk around it. And plus these are the guys making the laws that really have an impact on me,” he said.

Sharp reiterated the importance of the debate, but from the politician standpoint: “Usually we respond to a request from candidates from outside of Ithaca to moderate a candidate forum. This year both Barber and Seward requested that we moderate the event.” She said that in years past they have had audience members speak directly to the candidates, but for this forum both debaters asked that the questions be written out on cards.

The 51st Senatorial District comprises the counties of Otsego, Greene, Schoharie, Herkimer, Cortland, parts of Chenango, and the towns of Danby, Caroline, Groton, and Dryden in Tompkins County. This year James Seward is the incumbent Republican candidate and Don Barber is the Democratic candidate.

“It’s time we open the doors of the senate and let the sun light of democracy shine in,” said Don Barber to the auditorium. Seward countered him in his closing statement saying, “It has been a real privilege to work with my district over the past 20 years, and I have been in every part of my district time and time again, because it is important to me, not just at election time, but whenever the towns and my constitutes have needed help.”

While it is important to hear the issues and more important to vote this coming Tuesday, it was Sharp who best expressed why these grassroots debates are important: “These debates are different because the public has a way of asking and structuring the course of the debate. While we read the question we just allow the candidates to answer. We’re just structuring the way the questions are asked and answered, rather than just the candidates speaking to no one in particular.”

Top to Bottom: The audience watches intently at the debate on Tuesday; The moderator, a member of the League of Women Voters of Tompkins County asks the candidates questions; Seward (closest) and Barber (far side of the stage) debate in front of the crowd and media.

To check out another debate between these two politicians click here

Ithaca is Anti–War (and making that mentality a reality)

2008-11-01T20:51:00.006-04:00

- Samantha Allen

ABOVE: A Cornell student at the Resisting Empire lecture last Monday preaches to the converted about the purpose of emphasizing the war in Iraq when the current political agenda has become distracted with the election and fiscal crisis.

“Sometimes you watch the nightly news and there’s no mention of the war in Iraq,” Laila Al-Arian said, an anti-war activist and freelance journalist. “People just feel like it doesn’t affect them.”

Al-Arian addressed Tompkins County in a “Resisting Empire” lecture last Monday evening along with Iraq war veteran Camilo Mejía to discuss the horrors of the current and overlooked war.

“[People] don’t realize soldiers are instructed to do horrible things like torture civilians without any reason,” Mejía said during the lecture on Cornell’s campus, who was imprisoned by the U.S. government for one year for desertion.

Al-Arian and Mejía are some of the few national icons making a statement about the war during a time of distraction with an exciting election and current fiscal crisis. Ithaca resident and Peace Now, Ithaca member Lena Posner believes local organization like hers can help citizens prioritize.

Peace Now is a local anti-war organization responsible for presenting the idea of a community sanctuary for war veterans in the Ithaca city. On Oct. 1, the bill was passed unanimously by Common Council.

Posner said there are some proposals out in San Francisco and Berkley in California who are looking to model their anti-war efforts similarly to Ithaca’s and she will be working with them.

“As far as I’m concerned, the local and national are pretty inseparable. We’re making all these efforts locally and it’s bringing people together,” she said. “It’s also an ability for our community to connect with others.”

Posner brought forth the Ithaca resolution to Mejía on Monday evening also to discuss branching out. She said a woman in the Washington D.C. area was asking around for help creating a sanctuary in her community and Peace Now wanted to help.
The resolution has helped other local efforts, especially by those of the Vietnam and Iraq Veterans Against the War (VVAW and IVAW).

“These organizations help you realize what’s really going on,” Louis DeBenedette said, a Vietnam Era veteran and member of VVAW.

The Campus Anti-War Network (CAN) at Ithaca College and Cornell has recently been pushing anti activism in the county as well, through school organizations lectures like the Resisting Empire tour.

Al-Arian said grassroots efforts like these national organizations operating on the local level would make the notion of anti war a reality.

“It’s very important what anti–war groups are doing because…it will take a grassroots organization to move from town to town, city to city, for people to come together and say enough is enough,” she said.

Being Red in a Blue State

2008-11-01T20:41:00.006-04:00

By: Maura Gladys
In-depth politics story

Tompkins County is home to the City of Ithaca, widely known as one of the most liberal cities in the country. This could make it seem like Tompkins County is a one-party town.

However, the Tompkins County Republican Party is working to change that.
“Our main goal is to regain the ground we’ve lost to the Democrats over the past 20 years…We’ve made strides with new ideas, new members and a new financial base, but more needs to be done,” Mike Sigler, chairperson of the Tompkins County Republican Party said.

Tompkins County currently has 16,132 registered Republican voters, compared to the 29, 601 registered Democrats. In the 2004 elections Democrats contributed a total of $318,267 while Republicans contributed $22,100. The numbers can be convincing, but according to Sigler, it’s not the numbers, but the ideas that matter.

“A lot of it is just breaking through with your ideas. You can have the best plan in the world, but if nobody hears it, the people won’t know you have a position they can support….The majority tends to overwhelm, even when their ideas won’t work,” Sigler said.

There are several pockets in Tompkins County where there’s a strong conservative tone. Sigler cites Dryden, Groton, Enfield, and Caroline as GOP strongholds?
Sigler and other Republican organizations in Tompkins County have faced several obstacles working in such a liberal stronghold

“We’ve put out hundreds of McCain signs, although we’ve had trouble keeping them up in the City of Ithaca,” Sigler said.

Ray Mensah, the President of the Cornell University College Republicans has had similar problems. “I’ve put up signs and posters advertising our organization and when I go back about 10 minutes later to check on them, they’re already taken down.”

Even though it appears as if Obama will take New York State on November 4th, Sigler and Mensah aren’t discouraged. Mensah stresses the fact that the CU College Republicans can still give funds to the Republican National Committee, and points out that they’re traveling to swing states such as Pennsylvania to campaign. Sigler meanwhile stresses the importance of local government and other seats. “We have three State Senators who my committee people are investing most of their time in. We are also working hard to get out the vote for Richard Hanna and George Phillips who are running for Congress.”

Although Republicans in Tompkins County are facing a distinct disadvantage, they’re still positive about their party. That’s evident in the first line of Mike Sigler’s ‘Message from the Chair’ on the Tompkins County Republican Party website. He states, “It’s a good time to be a Republican.”

Below is a map with the main Republican areas in Tompkins County, as well as a video I made documenting my quest to find some McCain supporters in Tompkins County.(The stats from the map were taken from city-data.com

View Larger Map

Elderly Voters: Most Likely to Vote, Most ignored in this Election

2008-11-01T17:53:00.008-04:00

"They're focusing too much on the younger generation I think," said Judy Cuyle of Spencer New York.
Cuyle is a 63-year old resident and a registered voter. She plans to go to the polls this coming Tuesday to make her selection on the ballot but Cuyle is still on the fence.
"I was a registered Republican but changed to Democrat in Bush's first term," Cuyle says. "Now I'm not sure how I'll vote."

Like Cuyle, many over-sixty voters feel the economy is the most important factor in the upcoming election. With the recent nose dive on Wall Street, those close to retirement or already depending on Social Security are looking to the next President to do something to save the floundering U.S. economy.

"Neither [candidate] seems to know much about the economy," says Cuyle. "They're both out of touch with what it's like to live in the real world."

The trend in Obama's campaign trail, as noted in several major newspapers, is that a great number of his supporters are in the 18-21 age range. Yet trends at the polls suggest that over 60 percent of those over sixty actually appear and fill out the ballot. The national average for the rest of the U.S. population is about ten percent lower.

Dave Wilson, 67, agrees with Cuyle.

"The main issue is the economy," he said. The Dryden resident has been a registered Republican in the past and is sticking by his party this election.

"I don't feel that [the candidates] are ignoring me," Wilson said.

Above, Dave Wilson explains why he doesn't feel ignored.

Kristin Olson, 20, of Ithaca, hasn't voted in a Presidential election before. Yet she too has noticed an intense focus on younger voters as she has followed the election.

"It seemed that Obama was doing it first. What else could McCain do except make some effort to vie for the same votes?", Olson said.

Olson admits that several of her friends will not be participating in the election process, but most are. A common misconception is that the Nixon-Kennedy election was the last to draw in young voters-- the reality is that this election will be the first that a major projected youth vote has occured.

Ignored or not, each individual has an equal opportunity to go to the polls this coming Tuesday (November 4) and have a say in who the next President of America will be.

Joy Kucinkas

In-depth Political Story

Picture Courtesy of the Washington Post

Skiing Around Tompkins

2008-11-01T17:42:00.010-04:00

Making the most of the long Tompkins County winter is just a little easier with local ski areas like Greek Peak or farther away Labrador Mountain.

Greek Peak is open Monday-Thursday 9:30 AM to 9:00 PM and Fridays 9:30 AM to 10:00 PM. On Saturdays it's open 8:30 AM to 10:00 PM, and Sundays 8:30 AM to 9:00 PM. A day lift ticket is $58 adults and $49 kids 14 and under.

Labrador Mountain's hours are Monday through Saturday 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM and Sundays 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Day (9-hour) lift tickets are $43 adults and $32 children 6-12 years of age.

Local clubs like the Newfield Ski Club provide opportunities for Tompkins County residents to mingle on the slopes. The Newfield club is especially kid and parent-friendly.

Finding the slopes:

View Larger Map

Image courtesy of www.greekpeak.net.
--Eric Raue

"God Bless America" and Its Politicians?

2008-11-01T17:36:00.010-04:00

- Michelle Skowronek

In Depth Politics Story

Short, tall, large, tiny, medium, average, young, old, dark-skinned, light-skinned, foreign and domestice congregates file into churches, synagogues, and other places of worship once a week.

They come to read scripture. They come to reflect. They come to center their lives. They come to escape from their hectic schedules, the screeching sound of tires at red traffic lights and the millions of advertisements that are thrown in their faces on a daily basis. The everyday American does not go to Church looking to hear who to vote for - at least not in Tompkins County.

Recently in the news, congressmen have been speaking out against pastors who have been endorsing political candidates while on the pulpit. Labeled as non-profit organizations, religious places of worship receive a tax exemption code from the IRS. To keep this exemption, churches must stay out of politics; however, with so much controversy surrounding this year's presidential election some pastors have crossed the line between church and state.

Dr. James R. Henery, pastor of the First Presbyterian Church in Ithaca, strongly disagrees with clergy members who speak for or against a specific candidate while in church.

"Weaving politics and faith and church into a compatible relationship is not something that Presbyterians historically have accepted," Henery said in his Sept. 14 sermon. "We believe in separation."

Ithaca College Jewish Chaplain, Michael Faber, agrees with Henery.

"As a chaplain, I am obliged to stay out of politics," Faber said. "I am a very firm believer that religious leaders are making a gigantic error if they enter the political fray. Religious leaders who do, perform a great disservice to their followers."

Lee Imbriano, Ithaca College Catholic Community assistant and correspondent to off campus Catholic affairs, submerged himself into this issue on Oct. 9. Imbriano spoke at the discussion entitled "Who Should I Vote for as a Catholic?" downtown at Ithaca's Immaculate Conception Parish. The reason behind this gathering was to discuss the importance of making educated, conscious decisions when voting in any election. By the end, the panel, of which Imbriano was a member, simply told the attendees that it is their job as faithful citizens to get informed, research the issues, and pray. The Catholic Church could not tell them who to vote for.

To hear what else Imbriano had to say on the matter, check out this video:

Ithaca, as most know and agree, is a very liberal and politically enthusiastic place. With Ithaca College and Cornell University sitting on its two peaks, the general population cannot help but give off an intelligent aura. Henery agrees by saying his congregation is too clever to let him get away with telling them who to vote for.

"Imagine this morning if you had come to this sanctuary, and I had began to tell you whom you should vote for," Henery said in his sermon. "Imagine I tell you what kind of car you should drive, what kind of food you should eat, where to shop, what movies to watch, all sorts of decisions that I have no business to dictate but used scripture or some faith statement to support my directions. You should have got up and walked out."

Here is a map of some of the local Ithaca churches:

View Larger Map

The above photo was taken at a Catholic mass at Ithaca College on Sunday Oct. 26. Father Carsten, the Ithaca College Catholic Chaplain, is giving his homily, in which he mentions making smart and conscious decisions on Election Day.

The Forgotten Vote

2008-11-01T16:27:00.012-04:00

Politics Story
-Ursula Fox-Koor

Larry Hardesty may not have a home, but he does have something valuable -- the right to vote. Hardesty, who resides at the American Red Cross of Tompkins County Friendship Center, will be casting his ballot on Election Day in Tompkins County which is something not many other homeless people can say.

The homeless vote has long been a forgotten vote when it comes to the Presidential Election. According to the National Coalition for the Homeless, lower class and homeless individuals vote at a much lower rate than those with a higher income. The majority of the issues voted upon affect the lower class and homeless directly, yet the input from this group is non-existent due to the lack of voting.

Charles Buckley, also a resident of the Center, is not registered to vote. He holds little interest in the election and has no intention of becoming a registered voter. “I follow the election when I have time,” he said.

So why the lack of votes among the homeless? Problems that prevent many homeless people from voting include failure to have proper identification for registration as well as a lack of available resources in order to become knowledgeable about the candidates and their campaigns.

Homeless individuals such as Hardestey are difficult to find among the homeless population. Hardestey is quite knowledgeable about the election and holds strong opinions based on this knowledge. “Republicans have done a crap job for the past eight years,” he said. “I’d like to see a new person because it’s time- I mean, it can’t get any worse.”

Though Hardestey is informed about the election thanks to “the media and people”, many others are not, therefore leaving a large number of homeless individuals who are not registered.

Amanda House, also a resident of the Friendship Center, is not a registered voter and never has been. Her lack of resources regarding the election has led her to choose not to vote. “I never really know who to pick and I’m not good at judging people so I don’t vote,” she said.

Organizations such as the National Coalition for the Homeless have created volunteer-based campaigns across the country such as "You Don't Need a Home to Vote" in order to promote the importance of the homeless vote. The campaigns are an important stride toward obtaining the homeless vote, yet they are still far from achieving this.

In the mean time, it is up to individuals such as Hardestey, to get the word out. “Tell everyone to vote,” he said. “It’s the only way for change.”

View Larger Map

Below, a map of the Friendship Center in Ithaca, NY.

The Grassroots Approach

2008-10-31T17:57:00.006-04:00

“You eat when you get the chance,” Mike Oot says over breakfast at a diner a short walk from his campaign office. When campaigning in a congressional district encompassing more than 14,000 square miles, food isn’t always your primary concern.

Oot, a Democrat from Madison County, is running for Congress in the 23rd Congressional District (seen on the nationalatlas.gov map above). A lawyer from the rural community of Stockbridge, New York, Oot is a newcomer to the realm of politics. His only previous political experience is as a school board member. His campaign website is located here.

Undertaking a political campaign of this scale is an incredible undertaking. Oot said he began seriously considering running in spring of 2007. He announced his intention to challenge 10-term incumbent John Mchugh approximately seven months ago.

The campaign is truly a grassroots effort. The 23rd District contains part or all of 11 counties and can take as long as four hours to traverse north to south. “I’ve been door-to-door in all 11,” Oot says. He believes for each door you knock on the word of mouth spreads to several others.

Without an established web of political supporters, networking is essential. The Madison County Democratic Party endorsed Oot very early on. Procuring the support of town and county committees is crucial to getting the petition signatures necessary to get on the ballot.

Campaign volunteers are critical to any successful campaign. When trying to get your name out over a massive region, the work of each volunteer becomes essential.

“More people are engaged the closer we get to the election,” Oot says of his fervent volunteer core. “There is only one paid staffer in the campaign.”

Even with volunteers helping every step of the way, running for congress is a taxing ordeal. Oot commented that “sleeping in” means not waking up by 6:00 a.m. Door-to-door campaigning, campaign events, and meetings with the press fill each day’s schedule.

The support from his family has been the driving force behind keeping Oot going on the campaign trail. “They have been supportive every step of the way,” Oot says. “They make it possible.”

With the election right around the corner, things won’t be slowing down until Election Day. Oot plans to watch the returns with supporters in Oneida. Despite the rigors of the campaign, he insists it has been a pleasure. “There have been more highs than lows.”

Below is a video of the Oot campaign in Plattsburgh courtesy of WPTZ, an NBC affiliate in Plattsburgh.

-Nate March
Politics Feature

Renowned journalist Tom Wolfe addresses campus

2008-10-31T13:19:00.008-04:00

~ Samantha Allen

On Thursday evening, Tom Wolfe, distinguished writer and founder of “new journalism,” addressed the Ithaca College campus. In a filled Emerson Suites hall, Wolfe spoke about his life experiences and stories from his days as a reporter.

Dianne Lynch, dean of the Park School of Communications, began her presentation titling Mr. Wolfe as a “charming legend,” “a true hero in American journalism,” and a “signifier and chronicler of time.”

Mr. Wolfe spoke of his youthful days growing up in Richmond, Virginia, and a reporter who incorrectly quoted his sarcastic comment on the Blackstone IPO as “ I think it's the end of capitalism as we know it.” Rarely but surely, he slipped in his personal belief and comments about American journalism and provided advice for students who dreamed of becoming writers. He also said Roy H. Park provided the best program for such writers, to which Dean Lynch smiled and gave the thumbs-up to other faculty members.

A personal story:

Some personal advice:

Mr. Wolfe concluded his lecture by calling the blogosphere a “pack of rumors,” that marked a failure in modern journalism. I shortly afterwards during the Q&A asked him to elaborate on said-comment, citing nationally-renowned blogger Josh Marshall (Talking Points Memo, TPM) as an example of true and honest reporting.

[Sorry for the shaky camera work, I was so nervous approaching him! And I wasn't really paying attention to the feed.]

And another remark from this traditional “LEGACY” journalist:

Here are some student reactions:

Amy Born, Ithaca College sophomore
Rich Meisel, Cornell University employee
David Moore, Ithaca College junior

His address marked the 13th lecture at the college in the Park Distinguished Visitor Series, brought through the generosity of Dorothy Park, Adele Gomer, and Park Foundation. Last time Mr. Wolfe was on IC’s campus, he was addressing the class of 1986 at Commencement.

Have a Happy and Safe Halloween

2008-10-31T13:03:00.002-04:00

(Image courtesy of www.bbc.co.uk)

Halloween is a time for people of all ages to have fun and enjoy themselves. Children trick-or-treating and parents taking their children trick-or-treating will be out and about all over Tompkins County tonight.

I thought it might be proper to include some tips for safe and healthy trick-or-treating. As I am not an expert on the subject, I've provided a link to a list compiled by people who are (the Los Angeles Fire Department).

From all of us here at Tracking Tompkins County, have a happy Halloween.

-Nate March

Getting on the Lake

2008-10-31T09:58:00.003-04:00

Images courtesy of www.fingerlakes1.com and www.fingerlakes.com.

Lake Cayuga offers more than just majestic views. Tired of admiring the water from afar? Rent a kayak or a canoe and paddle around by yourself, or rent a tandem and go with a friend. With highs of around 60 degrees forecasted for this coming Tuesday here in Ithaca, next week may be your last chance to get out on the lake before the biting cold sets in.

For tips, check out some local paddling clubs, like the Ithaca Kayak Club. (Their blog is currently in hiatus for the winter, but there's lots of information anyway. Posting resumes mid-March.)

Puddledockers, located on W. Buffalo, rents single Kayaks and canoes for 30$ half day, or 40$ full day. Tandem kayaks go for $35 and $45. Life jackets are included, and reserving ahead of time is recommended.

If you'd rather sit back and let a motor do the work, try Cayuga Lake Cruises. Different cruise packages are offered, but reservations are always a must.

Want to enjoy the lake but don't want to get seasick? Eating at lakeside restaurant The Boatyard Grille can get you up close, and on weekday afternoons you can watch the collegiate rowing crews launching from the Ithaca College and Cornell boathouses from across the inlet.

A walking/biking trail along the west shore of the lake can also get you up close without getting you wet.

Happy boating!

--Eric Raue

First Official Halloween Event!

2008-10-30T14:40:00.006-04:00

- Michelle Skowronek

Tonight, downtown in the Commons, Micawber's Pub is having a pre Halloween party!

The event especially caters to Ithaca College seniors, but it is open to all those over 21. There will be a costume contest with a $100 bar tab prize for the most creative and hilarious costume. Come in a large group or strut your stuff solo. The party begins at 9 p.m. and goes to 1 a.m.

This Halloween Bash costs $4 to enter and only $2 with a Senior Card. Also, to keep in theme with Halloween there are a number of drink specials:

THE IC DREAM includes pineapple juice for a tropical flavor, orange juice to celebrate Halloween, coconut rum, Grenadine, and a splash of cream --- only for $3.50

Orange Beer --- $2.50 special
Orange Shots --- $2.50 special
Orange Shoote*--- $2.50 special

*A shoote is a mixed drink typically served in a test tube and taken as a shot.

The Pub is expecting over 200 people to show, so this is one event you do not want to miss out on!

For more information check out the Senior Homepage.

(picture courtesy of FrugalLawStudent.com)

The Eddydale Farm Stand

2008-10-30T12:39:00.008-04:00

Inside Eddydale, several honey varieties lay waiting

For a secluded alternative to the Ithaca Farmer's Market, check out the lesser-known Eddydale Farm Stand, just south of the Ithaca Beer Co. on Rte. 13. A huge, colorful ear of corn marking the driveway makes the market hard to miss:

The market has a variety of locally-grown fruits, vegetables, and other products. For items like candy bars, there are a few name brands thrown in. The candy, however, looked untouched. It's the rainbow of produce that captures your attention when you first wander inside.

Adjacent to the market is an area dedicated solely to pumpkins. Stop by if your other sources are dry and you're scrapping for a last-second Jack-O-Lantern.

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--Eric Raue

"Wild Party" at Ithaca College

2008-10-29T23:54:00.005-04:00

By Kaitlyn Rich

There is a party that's set to start at Dillingham on November 4. Ithaca College's Theater Department's next production will be the musical The Wild Party, based on Joseph Moncure March's popular 1928 epic poem of the same name. Featuring Ithaca College theater students in the main roles, the plot centers around a party thrown in the midst of 1920 vaudeville. The musical features drug use and nudity, so it is intended for mature audiences only. Performances begin November 4 and run through November 15. Ticket prices range between $4 and $10. For all the show times and dates check out this site.

Photo courtesy of the Ithaca College Theater Department.

Spooky Stories

2008-10-29T23:40:00.006-04:00

-Ursula Fox-Koor

Ithaca College's Department of Modern Languages is taking spooky to a global level.

The Department will hold the event "Spookiness Without Borders: Scary Stories from Around the World" October 30 in the Handwerker Gallery at 6:30 pm. The spooky event features readings of modern stories of both suspense and terror, all told in various languages and just in time for Halloween, of course.

The event will honor the various rituals and traditions within the cultures, taking the classroom experience one step further.

"Spookiness Without Borders: Scary Stories from Around the World" is a free event and open to all. Join the Department of Modern Languages for a night of fright and get into the Halloween spirit. Light refreshments will be served.

The map below shows where the event will be held.

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Native American Celebration Month

2008-10-29T16:50:00.004-04:00

By Kaitlyn Rich

November is National American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month, and Ithaca College will be doing there part to contribute to the celebration. On November 3 the college will present "Restoration and Reciprocity: Finding Common Ground Between Traditional and Scientific Ecological Knowledge" at 4 p.m. in the Klingenstein Lounge. The discussion will feature Robin Kimmerer, director of the Center for Native Peoples and the Environment at SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry in Syracuse. Also on November 19 Ithaca will host "New York's Missing Link: The Sullivan-Clinton Campaign, Then and Now" in Williams 221 at 7pm. Check out this website for more information on the November 19 presentation and the map below to see where the presentations will be held on Ithaca College's campus.

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Tom Wolfe to Speak at IC Thursday

2008-10-28T19:52:00.004-04:00

(Picture courtesy of www.achievement.org)

Renowned journalist and author Tom Wolfe will speak at Ithaca College Thursday, October 30. Wolfe if the 2008-09 Park Distinguished Visitor. The event starts at 7:30 p.m. in Emerson Suites. It is free and open to the public.

Wolfe is often hailed as the "father of new journalism," and has authored 12 books. For more information about Wolfe, his upcoming visit to Ithaca, and the Park Distinguished Visitor Series, take a look at this article from Ithaca College's Intercom.

Bomber Nation

2008-10-28T19:44:00.003-04:00

The Bomber Nation Podcast, presented by The Ithacan Online, is a podcast to keep you up to date on results and upcoming events for Ithaca College athletics. It is a one stop shop for all you need to know about the week in IC sports.

The first five episodes of the season are online now, with up to three more coming up next week. To find the newest episodes before they are released on the Bomber Nation page, check in the bottom left-hand corner of The Ithacan Online's multimedia page.

--Nate March

Rain, Sleet, Snow Pummel Central New York

2008-10-28T19:01:00.006-04:00

OK, maybe not pummel, but it was still a nasty day all around here in Tompkins County.

High winds, which reached upwards of 25 miles per hour, along with rain and even some sleet and snow all caused problems around the area. According to officials, 10 or so downed trees have been responded to around the area and some even involved power lines.

Because of the downed trees and wires, power outages have been reported around the area. It has been said that approximately 430 are without power as of Tuesday afternoon. Officials from NYSEG have said they expect all to be fixed late Wednesday night.

Below is a map featuring NYSEG's headquarters in Tompkins County and some of the cities which have reported power outages and downed trees. For more information, please see this article from the Ithaca Journal and visit the NYSEG Website.

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--Michael Polak

Ithaca Resident Turns 100

2008-10-28T16:38:00.006-04:00

By Kaitlyn Rich

Another Ithaca resident celebrated her 100th birthday today. Carmela Petito celebrated the event with five generations of her family at Beechtree Care Center. Her son, Tony Petito, who is 81, told the Ithaca Journal that "I hope I got some of her genes." Petito is a rarity in the college town of Ithaca where, according to the 2000 census, only 6.3 percent of its almost 30,000 year round residents are over the age of 65.

Above, Carmela celebrates her birthday with her son and family. Photo courtesy of the Ithaca Journal.

Investigative Journalism Exposed

2008-10-28T16:21:00.004-04:00

- Michelle Skowronek

Tonight in the Park Auditorium of the Roy H. Park School of Communications at Ithaca College, The Park School Program will be screening Expose: America's Investigative Reports. This documentary, called "In a Small Town," follows the story of a young reporter who discovers a pedophile in his hometown.

Executive producer Tom Casiato and senior producer Scott Davis will be at the viewing and follow up with a Q&A session once the documentary is done. Both men are Emmy-award winning producers who have laundry lists of awards and accomplishments.

The screening is expected to have a large turnout and provoke much discussion. All are welcome and admission is free. Don't miss out on your opportunity to experience a one-on-one chat with the producers!

For any more information on the documentary, Park School Program, or the producers check out the All Things Park blog.

Halloween Spirit in Dryden

2008-10-28T16:06:00.004-04:00

By: Maura Gladys

In the spirit of the upcoming Halloween holiday, check out this festive Halloween house I found on Route 13 in Dryden.

Lots of Laughs

2008-10-28T00:39:00.005-04:00

-Ursula Fox-Koor

Comedian Aziz Ansari performed at Ithaca College on Sunday night as part of his “Glow in the Dark” tour.

The stand-up comedian is most famous for his work on MTV’s comedy show Human Giant as well as his appearances on Comedy Central's Premium Blend” and HBO’s "Flight of the Conchords.”

The Student Activities Board sponsored the free event and was held in Emerson Suites. Ansari’s wit and quick tongue were well received by the audience as he told jokes about everything from encounters outside Jamba Juice to Facebook pranks.

Ansari's hilarity comes as no surprise, however. He was recently included in Rolling Stone's "Hot List" as the choice for "Hot Standup" and has also won the Jury Award for Best Standup at the HBO U.S. Comedy Arts Festival in Aspen, CO.

You can catch Ansari in the new Seth Rogen comedy "Observe and Report” and check out his blog here for some good laughs.

Cornell's Insectapalooza

2008-10-27T23:11:00.005-04:00

- Kaitlyn Rich

This Saturday Cornell University's Comstock Hall was filled with five million visitors. However, most had wings, multiple legs, and four or five eyeballs. Cornell's Insectapalooza brought hundreds of visitors to the campus to check out millions of different bug specimens. The gathering offered cockroach races, a butterfly room (as featured above), and a zoo room full of live specimens. As reported by The Cornell Chronicle Online, "Entomology professor John Losey hopes that such programs as Insectapalooza will engage families and community members into scientific research at Cornell."

photo courtesy of the The Cornell Chronicle.

Tompkins County Book Sale!

2008-10-27T22:24:00.008-04:00

The final day of the Friends of Tompkins County Public Library Book sale is TOMORROW!

This Tuesday, October 28, 2008 marks the last day of the semi-annual sale. Visitors can walk into the sale and fill a plastic bag for a single dollar. The selection includes all genres of books, records, CDs, DVDs, games and puzzles.

Sales help support libraries in Tompkins County, encouraging reading for all ages. Local organizations have been volunteering at the sale over the past three weekends.

There are two days open to special groups after the book sale is officially closed:

The first is for Senior Citizens/People with Disabilities. Anyone over the age of 60 and disabled can enter the sale from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.

The final day is for Not-for-Profit groups only. To enter the sale, you must bring a photo I.D. and a letter of official documentation with the organizations name. Teachers need only bring their school photo I.D. and homeschoolers must bring documentation of their registration as a homeschooler in Tompkins County with an I.D.

The final official day is tomorrow Tompkins County! Doors open for the last time to the public beginning at noon sharp. The sale is at 509 Esty Street-- see a
map created for your convenience.

(Photo Courtesy of: htpp://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://146.74.224.231/archives/friends%2520booksale)

by Joy Kucinkas

Strength in Numbers 5K Run and Walk

2008-10-27T20:31:00.005-04:00

-Kaitlyn Rich

This saturday dozens of runners raced around Cornell University, but this wasn't your average race. This was the annual Strength in Numbers 5K run and walk, sponsored by the Cancer Resource Center. The run and walk is organized to raise awareness and funds for those struggling with all stages of breast cancer. The walk brought together many Ithaca College students, Cornell students, and area residents. The race started at the Cornell Plantations and followed a route around Cornell's campus. The race is annual so check this site for information for other upcoming fundraising and awareness raising events.

Below check out these photos courtesy of the Cancer Resource Center.

A Bittersweet Return

2008-10-26T21:30:00.005-04:00

Another weekend, another easy win for the Bombers.

Ithaca College football won its third straight game as the Bombers rolled over the Utica Pioneers 42-7. While Thomas Bergerstock was the story during the game with 138 rushing yards and a school-record tying five touchdowns, the real story was Blaise Faggiano’s return to Ithaca College.

Faggiano, now the head coach of the Pioneers, spent a lot of time with Ithaca College football. He played with the team in the early 1990’s and was a member of the 1991 team which won the National Championship. In addition, he served as an assistant coach under current Bombers Head Coach Mike Welch. Over the last 9 years, Faggiano served as an assistant coach for the Empire 8 rival St. John Fisher Cardinals. His biggest role, however, was as a recruiter for the team, which helped lead the Cardinals to supremacy in the Empire 8.

Faggiano’s return to IC obviously ended bittersweet as his team was upended and could not match up with the Bombers. But despite the loss, the former Bomber was able to relive the proud moments he experienced while with Ithaca College football.

Below, I have added a map of the three colleges in which Faggiano has coached at. For more on the game, you can visit this article on the Bombers' website. For more on Blaise Faggiano’s thoughts on his return to Ithaca College, you can read this article in the Ithaca Journal.

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--Michael Polak

Followup: "Combined Efforts for Sustainability"

2008-10-26T18:58:00.003-04:00

I thought everyone might want to visit the sustainable places of Ithaca since I talked them up so much.

An addition to the three sustainable places of GreenStar Coop Market, GreenStar Oasis, and the Women's Community Building, the sustainable living community also visited Home Green Home.

Home Green Home is a showroom store that provides sustainable products for the kitchen, bath, living area and much more.

Check out this map to see where to go to visit one of these sustainable stores:

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-Jillian Rubin

The Goblin Games

2008-10-26T18:05:00.003-04:00

The 11th annual Goblin Games were held this weekend at Ithaca High School and Cass Park. The 8 v 8 girls lacrosse tournament featured more than 100 teams from 3rd grade all the way up to high school varsity level. The tournament is meant to be a transition between the end of the fall season and the beginning of the winter season.

Bomber Blitz

2008-10-26T17:00:00.004-04:00

I was back on the trail for another 5K run this weekend. This time around it was the Bomber Blitz to promote physical therapy research and awareness by supporting the Physical Therapy Foundation. The event was put on by the Ithaca College Student PT Club. More than 100 walkers and runners turned out for the race. Below is some video I managed to shoot while gasping for air after my 19th place finish.

--Nate March

Passenger Parking Problems

2008-10-25T23:27:00.003-04:00

Parking is always a problem at airports around the country. Now, the problem has reached Ithaca.

The Ithaca Tompkins Regional airport advised travelers this weekend that parking lots were very close to capacity at the airport. According to a report, the long-term parking lot was completely full by Friday morning and things weren’ t much better in the short-term lot.

Despite the problems caused by an increase in travelers, the airport has found ways to cope with the issue of limited parking. Some alternative spaces have been made available and passengers can be directed to those spots by consulting a parking lot attendant upon arrival.

Below, I have included a map of the Ithaca Tompkins regional airport and where parking is permitted. In addition, you can visit the airport website’s parking page, which includes a list of prices to park your car in both the short and long-term lots.

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For more information you can also read this article from the Ithaca Journal.

--Michael Polak

Playoff Soccer At Its Best

2008-10-24T21:13:00.006-04:00

One of the best things about late October is high school soccer playoffs. A great game was played this afternoon at Dryden High School, where the Dryden boys varsity soccer team, the third seed in Section 4 Class B, hosted sixth-seeded Chenango Valley. The game was extremely rough and physical, and was scoreless at the end of regulation. Then, with only 1:55 left in the second overtime, Steve Yurenda of Chenango Valley crossed the ball into Collin Bigart who poked the ball into the back of the net to give the Warriors the sudden death victory. The real star of the game however was Chenango Valley goalkeeper Brian Wagstaff who preserved the shutout for the Warriors. He made some key saves during overtime controlled the penalty area very well. The Warriors will now host Chenango Forks on Tuesday, October 28th at 3 p.m. The winner of that game will move on to the sectional finals which will be played on November 1st at the National Soccer Hall of Fame in Oneonta.

Below are some photos from the game as well as a video from when Chenango Valley scored the winning goal There's also a map detailing where the Dryden and Chenango Valley high schools and the National Soccer Hall of Fame are located.

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Big Convenience on a Big Hill

2008-10-24T16:07:00.002-04:00

- Michelle Skowronek

For those on South Hill or past it, getting to town can sometimes be a hassle. Big Al's convenience store, gas station, and pizzeria located just past the Ithaca College Circle Apartments can satisfy anyone's urgent needs.

Why is Big Al's significant? Well, for those traveling down 96B, the gas is the same price as the stations in town or along RT 13. Unlike Rogan's Corner, which will charge about $3.36 for gas, Big Al's $3.24 per gallon leaves a little extra change in your pocket. Also, when its late at night and you need a quick bite to eat, Big Al's Pizzeria has a complete menu filled with hot, Italian goodies. Aside from regular convenience stores with the essential cereal, soda, and Advil, Big Al's has a variety of beer for those over 21. When you don't feel like going all the way to a beer distributor on a Friday night, go to Big Al's right down the road.

Most people take Big Al's for granted, but without having a superplex gas station-convenience store-pizza place, South Hill would be making a 10-15 minute car ride just to get the bare essentials.

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Located at: 1103 Danby Road

Ithaca, NY 14850

Phone: 607-272-3448

Landowners Warned Against Gas Leases

2008-10-24T10:45:00.003-04:00

By Kaitlyn Rich

Recent discoveries of large natural gas deposits in the Southern Tier of the Finger Lakes and into Pennsylvania have now caused major drilling companies to pressure residents into signing leases.

These leases, being sought after by representatives from companies such as Fortuna Energy Inc. and Chesapeake Corp., would allow drillers to utilize local residents' properties to harvest the gas. However, officials from the New York State Attorney General's office have warned residents to be weary of these leases.

While there are environmental concerns with the drilling, many residents expressed consumer worries at a recent meeting with the representatives from the attorney general's office. Many residents who have signed leases, revealed that they received royalty agreements of only 12.5 percent. The state average, on the other hand, is 15 percent.

For more information check out this link to the Ithaca Journal article.

Also some tips for landowners from the Ithaca Journal:

- Consult an attorney

- Ask all necessary questions in order to understand all the terms of the lease

- Get all the promises ad conditions made by the land agents in writing

- Negotiate the best deal you can

- Seek more than one gas company to negotiate the best possible lease

- Team up with neighbors or other interested parties to negotiate a lease as a group

- Obtain copies of the lease you sign on the day you sign it

- The right to cancel is the landowners' for three business days after signing the lease.