DRAGON CHRONICLE
Our View
April 21, 2016
It's that dreaded word. "Feminism." When people hear it, they shudder and roll their eyes; when someone identifies themselves as a "feminist" they are answered with something close to disgust and discomfort. They are asked, why would anyone want to be a feminist? Doesn't that mean you hate men, burn your bras, and generally make other people's lives miserable at parties?
The answer to all of those questions is a hard, resounding "no." Feminism does not equate man hating and bra burning (those are personal hobbies). People who identify themselves as feminists believe in the basic concept that all humans - men and women, black and white, or whomever else you want to identify yourself as - deserve the same equal rights.
To be honest, feminism isn't just for women. It certainly helps us the most, though: women use feminism to defend ourselves against rape, misogyny, unequal pay, under-representation in all fields, and the basic right to our bodies. Without feminism, women would be considerably worse off and still stuck in the homes, cooking, doing laundry, and taking care of the children. Without feminism, women would not be doing as simple things as being in college.
We're still fighting tooth and nail for our fundamental equal rights as human beings, though. When it started back in the 1920's, women wanted the right to vote and we got that eventually. Then we got the right to do what we want with our bodies, be it getting birth control or getting an abortion.
Of course, there are still people trying to take those rights away from us and punish us for owning our own bodies, and that’s a problem.
Feminism isn’t exclusive though - just because it has the word “fem” in the word, doesn’t mean that men can’t use it to help them as well. And in fact, they have used it, to get acknowledgement and support for male rape survivors and for fighting the unspoken and unrealistic expected body image that men have to deal with.
The thing about feminism is that people don’t really seem to understand it, and for whatever reason, try very hard to keep it that way. For some people being a feminist is one of the worst things a person could end up being. And sure, there’s the negative image we have, but all groups have radicals who make it hard for the rest of them. But if you still think that groups are not defined by the radicals in there, why are you blaming all of feminism for our radicals?
Feminism isn’t a war that is being waged against men; it’s a war being waged for everyone. Feminism, when it comes down to it, is just the belief that women deserve just as many rights as men do. For years we have fought for our rights, our equality, and we're still fighting. The movement is growing. We're gaining ground and supporters who are realizing that the good fight is the feminist one.
It makes sense to be a feminist. Be a feminist. Be proud of it. Embrace the belief that women are humans and deserve the same rights as men are given. We shouldn't have to fight for that, but we are, and we're going to continue to do so.
Don’t Put The “Pro” In Procrastination
April 21, 2016
By Karen Canales, staff writer
As college students, we are all very familiar with the term “procrastination.” You might even be procrastinating while reading this! In a nutshell, you procrastinate when you put off things that you should be focusing on at that moment, usually in favor of doing something that is more enjoyable or that you’re more comfortable doing. "Oh, we’ll get to it,” we say. And most of us do. We get it done, but not without a constant and immense pressure that builds until the night before the assignment is due. You find yourself panicking to finish that 10-page research paper you had all semester to do, or cramming for a final you had all day to study for.
There are multiple reasons we might procrastinate. I say “we” because I know I myself am guilty of procrastinating here and there. We might feel overwhelmed by the task, or we may be perfectionists, or maybe we get distracted easily, or perhaps we are just plain lazy. Whatever the reason, the fact remains: procrastination creates more stress in our lives, and never yields our best results. As we approach the end of the semester and the dreaded finals week, I’d like to provide you with some tips on how to stay focused and effectively manage your time.
One of the first ways to overcome procrastination is to put away those lovely things we call our phones. Yes, they are amazing and when you're bored you can literally entertain yourself for hours scrolling through Instagram or Facebook, but they also are the roots of our procrastination.
One tactic that works best for me is to completely turn off my phone and put it in a different room, entirely out of my reach. Not only is it refreshing to be separated from your phone for little, but your mind stays focused and there is no dying urge to refresh your newsfeed in hopes of stumbling upon cute puppy videos.
Another strategy to help manage your time is to make lists on paper of all the tasks you need to accomplish and the dates that they need to be done by. This will help us balance our time so that we aren't forced to choose between completing one task or another. Start by placing the most critical and important tasks first. Whether it's answering an email, calling someone, reading for a class, or writing a paper, your goal should always be to complete the most difficult tasks first.
After completing a few tasks on your lists, don't forget to reward yourself! This can help those tedious, painful projects become a little more bearable. After finishing a task, take a nap, buy a latte, watch an episode of your favorite series, or listen to some music. The point is to have something to look forward to, so that you begin to associate hard work at school with pleasure and satisfaction.
College can be tough when you have to juggle sports, clubs, a social life, and getting adequate sleep can seem even tougher, but trying out these techniques could put you on the right path to success and keep you away from those endless all-nighters!
Let’s Talk About Mental Health
April 21, 2016
By Justin Ademitrin, staff writer
Mental illnesses are often overlooked. Many people don’t understand them and have preconceived opinions and misconceptions. Mental illness is described as a wide range of mental health conditions/disorders that affect your mood, thinking and behavior. Examples of mental illness include depression, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, eating disorders, and addictive behaviors.
There are certain stigmas and stereotypes about people who have a mental illness. For example, people think others with mental illness are dangerous and unpredictable. This is the message that society often pushes that creates an image of people, and it’s not always accurate. If someone with a mental illness does something wrong, their condition is highlighted over every other factor, but people are more than just one piece. Mental illnesses should not define or be the only aspect of a person, because they are so much more.
It would be a good idea to have systems in place to better help people with mental illnesses. We have special hospitals and facilities, but they have such negative connotations to them because of the way they have treated their patients in the past. Another factor is money - these places are extremely expensive, so not everyone will be able to afford the care they need. You shouldn’t have to suffer just because you do not have the financial ability to pay. This leaves the question of who is responsible for covering that charge.
With the attitude towards taxing in this country, I feel people will be reluctant to pay to help others, because of America’s “everyone for themselves” mentality, but realistically, the amount of money taken from each individual would be small and the effect would be great because you're helping people who need it. The government should step in and provide the proper avenue for people to seek the proper care and attention they need. People often go undiagnosed when suffering from mental illness; there is no excuse for someone not being able to afford medicine or treatment that will have an impact on their life.
Mental illnesses tend to be pushed to the side in terms of importance because you rarely hear any politicians talking about it. But, it is extremely important and affects millions of Americans. While some people may be able to function better than others, everyone should be able to get the help they need. It’s an issue that needs to be addressed, if someone with a mental illness does something wrong, they’re called crazy and unstable but the reality of the situation is that their condition was ignored and they had no way of knowing or seeking help. I think, as a society, we failed that person. There’s nothing wrong with being compassionate and caring for other people, and it would be great to see more people care about something that is so important.
Our View
April 14, 2016
The New York presidential primary is Tuesday, April 19, and it has everybody on high alert. To say the presidential race has been anything less than a media circus would be an understatement - everybody, from politicians to celebrities to just everyday people, have weighed on in on the 2016 presidential candidates. Some people are optimistic while others are dreading the choices we have. We have all watched the primaries throughout the United States, groaned at interviews with the candidates, and laughed at the debates and the ridiculous things the candidates have said there.
Finally, though, the primaries and candidates have reached New York. Donald Trump, John Kasich, and Bernie Sanders have been making their rounds in the past couple of weeks, stopping in places such as Albany, Rochester, Binghamton, and Syracuse. Many students from SUNY Cortland have made the trips to Binghamton and Rochester to watch Bernie Sanders speak, while the turnout for Trump’s rally, also in Rochester, was fairly large as well.
It has been hard to predict what the outcome of the presidential race is going to be. Every time one candidate pulls ahead, another primary comes and propels someone different into the lead. As of Monday, April 11, Trump and Hillary Clinton were both leading their parties. For the Republicans, Trump led at 54%, Kasich at 21%, and Ted Cruz at 18%, though Cruz still remains the top pick for the Republican party. As far as the Democrats go, Clinton is leading 55% to Sanders’ 41%, and even though she has lost eight of the last nine primaries, people are still thinking that Clinton is going to pull the Democratic vote.
Regardless of where you stand as far as presidential candidates and the parties go, it is extremely important that we are all paying attention to what is going on. Having the right to vote is a right that many people have fought tooth and nail for, and it is a very important right that we have. It is one of the biggest ways that we can have a say in what goes on in our country; you don’t have a right to complain about what’s going on in the government if you didn’t bother to exercise your right to have an opinion.
Even if you do not go to the presidential rallies that are going on around us, you still need to get involved, pay attention to the politics, and form your own opinion. We are at the age where things that happen in our government now have a profound impact on our futures. For women especially, paying attention to what is going on as far as our personal and bodily rights are is essential.
Up until now, most college students either just vote the way their parents do, or don’t even bother to vote at all. It’s time though, they college students start leading the movement to change our society - we have the strength, the passion, and the numbers to make a big impact. It is our duty as American citizens, frankly, to exercise our right to vote and to become involved members of society.
Is Technology Affecting Family Values?
April 14, 2016
By Rene Sandler, staff writer
As technology becomes more and more advanced, are our family values beginning to crumble?
We have definitely realized that since the invention of cell phones, families have become more distant from each other. It’s the little things that are making a big impact. Simple things we don’t think twice about like bringing your cell phone to the dinner table, or watching television while eating, cuts off all communication had between your family, but also the people you would usually have a daily conversation with. How many times have you gone out to lunch with your friends and passed at least three different tables where everyone is looking at their cell phone screens instead of each others faces?
We are a part of a society that lives off of media, television, and the Internet; the media is so ingrained in our brains that we don’t even realize how much we are affected by it. Instead of having a face-to-face conversation with our families, we just keep to ourselves and spend time with them, texting other people who aren’t there.
Some families strive to keep traditional values in their household and they do succeed. But, as time goes on, I feel that people are slowly forgetting what it’s like to not text at the dinner table or constantly be on their computer. People are forgetting to do the simple but important things like ask how each other’s day is going.
Television shows and movies about other families are not realistic. While we are obsessing over what the Kardashian family is doing, we are missing out on our own families. And these shows and movies have a really big impact on people: they convince people that acting a certain way while make them make the families they see on TV, even though their own values are affected by this.
Technology has total control over us; we depend on it for many things and many people think that we would be beyond lost if we didn’t have it. As parents raise their children, they always try and keep family values strong, but as time goes on, technology is beginning to push in.
Are we losing traditional family values? Or are we just forming new values based on what’s around us?
Praise for John Kasich
April 14, 2016
By Laura Barnstead, staff writer
Growing up, I watched the nightly news with my parents. First, we would watch the local news and then after that, we would watch the national news. I was asking questions about terrorism in kindergarten and arguing with my father about gay marriage at 13. At a young age, I was fluent in political jargon and had an understanding of international affairs. I fell in love with politics, and 2016 will be the first year I am eligible to vote in a presidential election.
I take voting very seriously. The President of the United States is the leader of the free world. One President can have an enormous impact on history and the future of our country. For this reason, I have committed myself to going to a rally of each political candidate. From Bernie Sanders to Donald Trump, I want to personally hear what these people have to say.
On Friday night, I had the opportunity to go to a John Kasich rally at Le Moyne College. John Kasich is a Republican candidate who is typically referred to as a “moderate.” He is the current Governor of Ohio and leads third in national polls. However, with the growing possibility of a brokered convention, it is possible that he could become the Republican nominee.
When I first arrived at the rally, I was amazed at the amount of people who were attending. The line to the venue stretched back into the parking lot. It was cold, but hundreds of people were waiting outside. One man on the street gave me a letter about how my actions could send me to hell. Another, gave me an index card with facts about abortion.
When attendees got inside the venue, there was no specific seating. Each person was able to choose where they wanted to sit. In the middle of the room was a single stool with a water bottle on top. In the back was a line of cameras from different television stations.
I didn’t expect to like John Kasich as much as I did. He was an incredibly sincere and humble man. He spoke about how his parents have influenced him and inspired him to achieve greatness. Kasich’s mother never finished 8th grade and his father was a coal miner. He came from a very simple background, much like a lot of the people who were there to watch him speak.
I believe that what truly defines Kasich from the rest of the Republican field, is his ability to rationalize. A lot of rhetoric from the right is extreme, but Kasich acknowledged the need for tolerance and understanding. He talked about how crucial it is to recognize that not all followers of Islam are extremists. He talked about the feasibility of lowering the cost of higher education and the different policies he would implement to achieve this. Towards the end, he even talked about the essential task of researching mental health issues and helping those in our country who struggle.
At the end of the rally, Kasich went around and shook hands with attendees. Although not everyone in the building was able to personally greet him, I left feeling as if I had a personal conversation with him. As I travel to other rallies over the next week, I am excited to compare and contrast the differences in demeanor and rhetoric.
Overall, John Kasich was an inspirational man who embodied strength and poise.
Our View
April 7, 2016
Most people are quite aware of the double standards that exist in our society. Men are expected to behave a certain way and if a woman acts that way, she’s condemned; women are expected to act a certain way and if a man acts like that, he’s condemned. Society does a very good job at keeping men and women in their “assigned gender roles.”
Double standards exist everywhere, unfortunately, and the music industry is one of those places.. Take for example Chris Brown. He was convicted of abusing his ex-girlfriend, Rihanna, and the assault was even caught on tape; pictures were released showing Rihanna’s bruised face, and it was all people wanted to talk about, still to do this day. But they don’t want to talk about what Chris Brown did - they only care about Rihanna apparently did in that moment. Many people said she deserved it; many joked that they would beat Rihanna too, if they had the choice, because they didn’t like her. When her song “S&M” came out, even more people claimed that she must have actually enjoyed being beaten by Chris Brown.
Rihanna, the battered victim, was the one who was blamed and punished for what happened; Chris Brown’s music career has done nothing if not thrived since the abuse. He’s still making music, people still love him, and nobody talks about his assault unless it’s to joke that they understand what he did.
Now let’s talk about Kesha, who has been caught in a court case for a long time with her producer. Kesha alleges that her producer sexually, mentally, and emotionally abused for for their entire contract, and sued him, asking to be free from her contract so that she could continue making music, but mostly so she could be free from the abuse. But nobody wants to talk about Kesha. The judge refused to let her free from her contract, and said she has to make the next six albums she owes to Sony and her producer. So even though Kesha has been abused in every possible way, still, nobody wants to talk about it. She is being forced to work with her abuser because of her contract; her emotional and physical well-being is completely being ignored.
So, the question is: why is Chris Brown, who has been convicted of abusing Rihanna, enjoying a flourishing music career, while Kesha, who has been being abused for years by her producer, watching her music career suffer. Chris Brown was the beater, and he’s doing great; Kesha is the victim, and she’s being punished.
We need to start looking at the double standards in our society. We need to start talking about how these standards are wrong, are detrimental, and are disgusting. We need to start talking, and then start doing something to fix this, before more victims have to suffer while abusers succeed.
A National Embarassment
April 7, 2016
By Jamie Silver, staff writer
The North Carolina legislation has recently passed a new law that restricts legal protection and rights for the LGBT community. The bill prevents cities from passing new anti-discrimination ordinances to protect gay and transgender people. Federal officials are reportedly considering whether the new laws should cause North Carolina to become ineligible for an array of federal aid funds. This includes cuts from education, housing, and highways. Reviews of this new anti-LGBT law will determine whether or not federal funding cuts will be made.
The governor of North Carolina has promised his residents that the new controversial law will not affect federal education dollars. He promised that if it does, the anti-LGBT bill would be repealed. As the New York Times reports, a loss of federal funds could send North Carolina into a serious budget crisis. Multiple services that are essential to daily life would be jeopardized.
In my opinion, North Carolina should be publicly criticized and be financially penalized for the anti-LGBT legislation; the thought that they will only repeal the law if their money is affected is disgusting. This law is absolutely repulsive and reflects poorly on the entire nation.
We are supposed to be moving forward as a nation, not backwards. This law would require transgender students to use school bathrooms that match the gender listed on their birth certificates, not the gender they identify as. This is a serious civil rights violation.
The reason we have to take this issue seriously is because it will affect so many transgender people who are in the process of transitioning their lives. This will inhibit any personal progress they have made at all, and it shows just how ignorant and unaccepting people still are, even in 2016. Laws like this show how terrible people can be, and makes it harder for people to be true to themselves, and be happy.
This new bill has been called a “national embarrassment,” and that is exactly what it is. Several cities and states have banned all government-funded travel to North Carolina: our own governor put a transportation ban for public-employees going to North Carolina, joining Seattle and San Francisco, who did the same. Many shows are also pulling out production in North Carolina - Lionsgate just pulled production for a new Hulu show that was going to be produced in North Carolina. Many companies also banded together to collectively demand that the law be repealed immediately, including Apple, Facebook, Yahoo, Twitter, Marriot, and Bank of America.
Our nation is one that overall strides to provide equal opportunities to every person. This law needs to be repealed immediately, if we want to maintain a respectable reputation.
Lend a Helping Hand
April 7, 2016
By Stephanie Carrier, staff writer
Volunteering is often overlooked as just doing a good deed or something nice for someone, but there are far more perks to becoming a more involved individual.
Great resume builder. Employers love to see any form of involvement you have with your community. Whether it’s volunteering at a homeless shelter, cleaning up the highway, or helping out at a 5K race, volunteering shows that you made an effort to give back and make a difference.
For example, a handful of SUNY Cortland students partake in a volunteer/mentoring program through the Cortland YWCA called Bridges For Kids. The program provides a big brother or big sister role model for someone less privileged living in the area; the college students are there to lift the kids spirits through the difficult and stressful environment at their home. The student can be paired with a child ranging from ages 5-12 years old, and are expected to leave a positive impact on the child’s experience such as taking them to the movies, swimming, baking, or even just getting ice cream.
Knowing that you’re putting a child in a better mood and making them smile makes the experience worthwhile. Many students majoring in education find this a good experience to put on their resume to show the importance of impacting a child’s life.
Experience could be life changing. As a high schooler, I began volunteering at the annual Special Olympics program at home. My responsibilities differed each time, from timing the running events to handing out medals or water to the athletes, but mostly just cheering them on in their races. Seeing the looks on the athletes’ faces of pure happiness after completing an event was a rewarding experience within itself. Just giving an athlete a congratulatory high five meant the world to them. Each year I volunteer, it is especially exciting to see some of the same participants and have them recognize me. It proves to me that not only did I make a difference in their life but they made a difference in mine as well.
Doing something from the heart/not for money. Once in awhile it’s good to tune out from all the distractions of social media and do something that makes a difference. It’s easy to forget all the things we have an take the little things for granted, like having dinner on the table, a warm bed to sleep in and having clothes that fit.
I encourage you to become involved in the community and dedicate a day in your weekend to volunteering for something that means a lot to you. You won’t regret the decision to make a difference in the world.
Controversy in North Korea
March 31, 2016
By Karen Canales, staff writer
For those of you that are unfamiliar with the case of Otto Warmbier, here’s what you need to know: Otto Warmbier is a twenty-one year old American student who is incarcerated in North Korea after having been convicted and sentenced to 15 years' hard labor for "hostile acts against the DPRK.” He was arrested back in January over the alleged theft of a political propaganda poster during a backpacking tour in North Korea with an independent travel company. Warmbier, a former student at the University of Virginia, claimed he was bringing the political poster back as a souvenir, a so-called "trophy" from the communist country.
Many people are saying the punishment of 15 years of hard labor is absurd and too harsh for a crime that would be considered petty theft anywhere else, but in a strict regime like North Korea's, any action carried out that may be deemed questionable or out of line with the country's message is frequently punished to an extreme. Like many, I am confused what Otto Warmbier was doing in North Korea in the first place. With so many beautiful and interesting countries to visit in the world, why travel to an unstable and dangerous nation like North Korea that has a long-time animosity towards the United States? If you do feel so incredibly compelled to go then be on your best behavior, respect the laws and rules and do not expect your U.S passport to be some sort of safety shield.
On the other hand being 21-years old myself, my heart goes out to Otto Warmbier and his family. I simply cannot imagine how frightened and confused everyone must be. A look into what these hard labor camps consist of would have anyone feeling absolutely terrified. Warmbier would be forced to work in unsafe mines, sent to forests to log wood, and slave anywhere from eight to fourteen hours day in factories with no safety precautions. These hazardous working conditions, coupled with poor sanitation and beatings, often break the prisoners. But it's the starvation and malnutrition, with prisoners only fed a handful of corn and soup made from water and salt, which typically ends up claiming the lives of those forced into hard labor.
We can all relate to the feeling of regret and it is inevitable that at some point in our lives we will make mistakes we wish we hadn't; we are all humans and it is a shame to see someone's freedom and livelihood jeopardized solely because of one bad decision. Since Warmbier’s conviction, there has been talk of U.S foreign diplomats coming to Warmbier’s aid and asking for a pardon, but like everything in life, nothing is promised, and it will especially not be easy in a country like North Korea.
Spring in Cortland
March 31, 2016
By Hailey Wageman, staff writer
It’s apparent that we go to school in one of the most beautiful areas of New York. With the warmer weather coming, this calls for finding awesome outdoor adventures to do near Cortland.
Lime Hollow Nature Center. Located only a few minutes from campus, Lime Hollow is a great place to spend a beautiful day. There are plenty of trails to hike, animals to see, and even places to fish!
Greek Peak Mountain Resort. Greek Peak is only about a 10 minute drive from campus and there is plenty to do there. The resort offers an Adventure Center where the outdoor activities include a ropes course, mountain coaster, and zip lining.
Ithaca Falls Natural Area. About a 30 minute drive from campus, Ithaca Falls is a great way to spend a beautiful day in upstate New York. The scenery is incredible and perfect for awesome pictures ,and pets are even allowed.
Buttermilk Falls State Park. Another trail place in Ithaca where there are several little waterfalls and hike several different trails. This park even offers cabins to spend the night and a place to swim!
Footie’s Freez. Anticipated to open soon for the spring season, Footie’s Freez is one of the best ice cream places ever, where you can pick from a large array of flavored soft served ice cream. Luckily for us, this is only located a couple minutes from campus, and is perfect for any day.
Outdoor Pursuits Community Bike Project. On campus, Outdoor Pursuits Center, located in the Student Life Center, offers bikes available to rent for free! Yellow bikes are available for a week and there even red or blue bikes that are offered for $45 per semester.
There are plenty of ways to enjoy Cortland, especially in the spring! With us being surrounded by so much nature, there is no excuse to stay inside on a beautiful day.
Our View
March 31, 2016
As you grow older, you start to realize that things aren’t as easy as they may have seemed when you were a child. When you were a kid, the biggest concerns you had were if you were going to be able to watch TV after school, what was for dinner, and if you were going to get to go outside and play after dinner. Your parents seemed to handle everything: the bills, working, and making meals, and while they were doing that, they were also coming to your sports games and recitals, planning vacations, and generally keeping the problems in their lives a secret from you.
As you grow older, though, you start to realize how much more there is to life. And as you get closer to graduating college, you start to realize that soon, you’re going to be expected to be an adult. Chances are, you’re not really ready for that, because who ever is? It’s a ton of responsibility that we’ve been preparing for but are still being blindsided by. We’ve spent the past four years in a bubble where the biggest stresses were your 8:30 a.m. exam and if you were going to be able to go to tacos on Monday. We’ve lived pretty blissfully here at SUNY Cortland with our friends, but as the days disappear and the weeks tick down, we’re starting to realize just how overwhelming life after college is going to be.
We have to find jobs. We have to find apartments. We have to find new friends. We have to find places to keep all of our things that we’re bringing back from school. It seems like we have to figure out our lives within the next six weeks because after graduation, we’re going to be thrown into the “real world.”
And even though college was supposed to prepare us for that, the threat of the “real world” only really became a reality after spring break.
Still, in the midst of your panic and frantic searching for jobs and apartments, keep in mind that millions of people have done this before us. They’ve graduated, they’ve found jobs, and now they’re settled. Keep in mind, also, that everybody lies about having it together; if you ask anyone, they all agree that life is one big blind bumbling, and that everybody is just figuring it out as they go along. Nobody has their life figured out, especially not in their twenties; if anything, actually, now is the time when we have it together the most. Terrifying, isn’t it?
But we’ll be okay. People before us have figured out life after graduation and even though it’s uncertain, scary, and overwhelming, there’s a certain amount of excitement in not knowing what you’re going to do. Because after college, the world opens to us. We leave this bubble of idealism and enter reality, and we figure it out. We make it what we want, and we’ll have fun doing it.
So panic, because that’s expected, but keep in mind: this is just the beginning for us. And that’s really exciting.
The Last Drive to Cortland
March 24, 2016
By Samantha Ruskin, staff writer
For emotional effect, this is actually being written while in the car on my last drive up to Cortland in my notes on my iPhone. (I am in passenger of course, I would never text and drive let alone write a 300 word article...that would end in being my last drive ever). The last Spring Break has finally come to an end and us seniors are driving towards a place we have called home for almost four years, and a place that, in six weeks, we won’t be in any longer. The next six weeks are going to be full of "lasts" and tears to follow.
For me, I don't know if it will feel real until I see the bedroom I have made my own finally empty, and I'll be driving away from Cortland. We've all made a lot of memories in the “Land of Cort,” met amazing people, and grew as humans.
Remember getting that acceptance letter and committing to SUNY Cortland? Doesn't seem so long ago but at the same time it does. Every semester was different and gave us new experiences.
As our schedules changed, so did our opportunity to meet new people and see different faces on campus that would soon become familiar. A face you never saw before, you now see everyday as you struggle to walk to your 8 a.m. class three times a week and you know they're feeling the same.
College takes you out of your comfort zone to create a whole new one. College gets you ready for the real world by creating a false one. College is truly what you make it and I hope that you have for the past almost four years and if not, try to in the next six weeks. It's surreal that there are people you've created relationships with that you may never see again, or that you’ll run into in 10 years and barely know what to say to them. And even with all the "lasts," remember there were "firsts" too, and we just have to smile about it all.
I know I'll probably visit after graduation but this is officially my final drive up as a SUNY Cortland student and that to me seems insane because I never thought I'd feel so sentimental about sitting in a car for four long hours. This is also the end of my "final drive" rant because I've been ignoring the conversation of the driver and I'm afraid he may fall asleep if I don't engage in conversation. So I'll leave it with this: Let's make these last six weeks one for the books!
Our View
March 24, 2016
Society has always had a very large influence on the way people think about themselves. There are expectations and “norms” that are set up for everybody, and it is a very stressful to try and achieve those “standards” that society wants. Women, especially, have been fighting a long battle about what is expected for their bodies: skinny, flawless skin, long, shiny hair, long tan legs. Those are standards that very few people can achieve. Luckily, there have been some individuals who are trying to break those molds for women. Sports Illustrated has just debuted its first plus-sized model; Aerie has a campaign where it celebrates their models realistic bodies. Ordinary people are taking to Instagram, modeling in crop tops and bikinis, even though they don’t have the “typical” body.
Unfortunately, these people are also being shamed for loving their “unconventional” bodies. When a girl posted a picture of her wearing a bikini, she was immediately sent a ton of hate. People told her that she shouldn’t be wearing the bikini because she was “fat” and “if you weigh more than a certain amount, maybe you shouldn’t be wearing something like that.” The same happened to the girl who posted a picture of her wearing a crop top. The Sports Illustrated model was met with a ton of hate from people, including other celebrities, who questioned whether or not she should be on the front page of a magazine.
The concern here is that if people posted those same types of pictures, or if models were on the front page of a magazine, and if those people were skinny and met all the other societal expectations, nobody would care. Those people would be fawned over. They would be called beautiful and amazing and hot, and people would want to look just like them. But if their stomach hangs over your waistline or if their arms and thigh are big, people are treated like lepers; they receive so much hate and harassment for being proud of what they look like.
The fact of the matter is that everybody is going to look different, but that doesn’t mean that they aren’t all beautiful. If people with disabilities can be celebrated for being brave and amazing and beautiful, why can’t other people who don’t fit the typical societal expectation be treated the same way? You are who you are, and that’s what makes you so important. Everybody is beautiful and everybody deserves the same respect. Few people are going to look like the models on the magazines because news flash, the models on the magazines don’t even look like that.
The moral of the story is that everyone is beautiful, no matter what they look like. Body positivity is a hard thing to attain, but it doesn’t have to be. Start celebrating one another, instead of putting one another down.
Texting and Writing
March 24, 2016
By Anthony Fiducia, staff writer
The one rule in writing that really stands out to me is that writing is situational. This aspect goes for all variations of writing. Based on the circumstances, you should adjust your writing accordingly. For instance, let’s say you’re writing an email to your boss at your job. You would probably want to use proper formatting, punctuation, grammar, and check your spelling to show that you are an adequate employee. On the other hand, if you’re sending a text to your buddy about the basketball game last night, you don’t need to do that (unless you want to for some reason). Keep in mind that just because you’re texting doesn’t mean you’re free to do anything. In the scenario above, you’re texting your friend; if you were texting your boss, that would be a different story.
Basically, any kind of informal writing doesn’t need to have 100% correct formatting, punctuation, grammar, or even spelling. One could say that formal writing doesn’t need these things either and, technically, it doesn’t. However, it is all about how you want people to perceive you. Let’s be honest: if you were to judge a person's intelligence solely based off of a piece of writing that they did, who would you think is smarter? The person whose writing has countless spelling mistakes and punctuation errors, or the person with the well-written, grammatically correct piece?
There’s no opinion involved with the answer to that question. The answer is the person who writes well with no errors. That’s a fact, let’s face it.
People love to judge others; it’s almost human nature to do so. So when you post a status on Facebook saying “theirs no ‘i’ in happyness,” people may think you’re pretty stupid.
With that being said, if you’re writing anything that is going to be seen by the public, you should probably proof-read it for errors.
However, under the circumstance of texting, it just isn’t necessary. Spelling would be the biggest thing in this case, I would say. Anyone who corrects your grammar while texting is either joking around with you or is actually a grammar snob and you should probably just stop talking to them altogether.
Texting does have a negative impact on our writing, if all you do is send text messages. In most cases, people are honing their writing skills elsewhere, whether it be in academics or at work. They know when to use texting lingo and language and when not to. Texting helps create a balance in writing because who wants take everything seriously all of the time? When you’re at work writing memos and stuff, it’s okay to sound like a robot. If you send text messages that make you sound like a robot, though, no one’s going to want to talk to you.
All in all, as long as you’re aware of and ready to adjust to the different circumstances in which writing is preformed, you’re golden. For example, think twice before sending your boss a text message that reads “lmao dude that meeting was super lit *fire emoji*” or responding to a Facebook comment in full-blown memo format. Be smart.
The Best Things About Spring
By Rene Sandler, Staff Writer
March 24, 2016
March 21. For most people, this date means nothing, but for people who itch for summer time, they appreciate that it’s the first day of spring. Spring means the sun is creeping through those clouds, the flowers are beginning to bloom, and you can walk outside without wanting to cry in pain from the cold.
There are many things that are amazing about spring. The first exciting thing is Daylight Savings. No more crawling back into bed at 5 p.m. because it’s dark out - the sun stays out longer now, which makes our days feel longer.
The next great thing about Spring is the nice weather is coming. We get to put those winter jackets away and start bringing out the light coats while showing off our ankles again. Flowers begin to bloom and the trees come back to life. We get to walk outside and actually smell Spring, which instantly puts everyone in a better mood.
The last amazing thing about Spring is all the outdoor activities you can now do. No more sitting inside watching movies because the thought of going outside makes you cringe. The sun is shining; it’s time for hikes, sports, and taking your homework outside.
It’s even more exciting when Spring comes because then this means that summer is also around the corner. Ice cream shops begin to open again and the beaches start to look a lot brighter. Spring does many things for people, but mostly it gives you the incentive to go outside and enjoy this beautiful weather.
Leo Finally Gets His Oscar
By Samantha Ruskin, Staff Writer
March 3, 2016
It's the moment we've all been waiting for folks. After memes flooded the Internet for years poking fun at Leonardo Dicaprio for never winning an Oscar, on Sunday February 29th, 2016, he finally did what seemed impossible. He won the Best Actor Academy Award for his role in The Revenant. Dicaprio pretty much risked his life for the success of The Revenant. Frozen river diving, sleeping in animal carcusses, and eating raw bison meat all paid off in the end.
Despite Dicaprio’s extremely impressive resume and reputation in Hollywood, he was only nominated at the Academy Awards four other times in the past for roles in The Aviator, Blood Diamond, and The Wolf of Wall Street.
RIP to all the "Leo has never won an Oscar" memes and hello to all the new ones questioning why, after two decades of never winning, he decided to talk about Global Warming. "Let's not take this planet for granted. I do not take tonight for granted!" exclaimed Dicaprio. I agree Leo: climate change is real, and if you can win an Oscar, maybe we all can make a change.
Dicaprio finally winning an Oscar is motivation for us all to never stop chasing our dreams. We’ve been waiting for years, and we’re all so proud.
Well done, Leo, well done.
We Stand With Ke$ha
By Stephanie Carrier, Staff Writer
March 3, 2016
It’s been a whirlwind of a week for Kesha after a judge denied her the right to end her contract with Sony, claiming that her assault allegations are not enough to free her from it. She claimed that her producer Dr. Luke had been “sexually, physically, and verbally abusive” towards her since she signed the contract nearly ten years ago, at the age of eighteen. Luke responded to the allegations with claims that Kesha is using the suit as a method of extortion to try and terminate the contract with him.
After her lawsuit against Luke, Kesha received a widespread amount of support ranging from long-time fans to top figureheads in the media such as Taylor Swift, Lady Gaga, Lorde, and many more. Swift even contributed $250,000 towards any legal fees Kesha has to pay. Producers Zedd and Jack Antonoff, who have worked with people like Selena Gomez and Taylor Swift, have offered to help Kesha produce music for free, so that she does not have to work with Dr. Luke. Adele even dedicated the Brits award ceremony to Kesha, publically declaring that she stood with Kesha and supported the fellow artist.
Lady Gaga expressed her support through social media by tweeting, “This is not over we'll stand by u until you are free to live a HAPPY life. Everyone deserves that.” In addition, she announced that she was dedicating her Oscars performance Kesha. Devoted fans started a petition called “Free Kesha,” insisting that Sony should not force the singer to work with her alleged abuser. Demi Lovato went on a long Twitter rant about sexism and how the entire circus that Kesha was being forced to endure was ridiculous, and that everybody needed to stand up and stand with Kesha.
As a result of the overwhelming support, Kesha said in a recent Facebook post, “This case has never been about a renegotiation of my record contract…This is about being free from my abuser.” She continued in her post by reaching out to other girls who’ve been victimized by forms of abuse to speak out and not to be afraid to. She concluded her gratitude and said, “Yes, I am very much a feminist, but more than that, I am a humanist. I believe in supporting my fellow human beings in being SAFE.”
Our View
March 3, 2016
The Donald Trump media spectacle is something that we have all, willingly or otherwise, been forced to witness. Every time he makes an appearance, we can count on at least a dozen different insults to at least a dozen different people; he’ll make some crude remark about minorities or insult the entire female gender; and then he’ll finish it up with how much he loves all the questionable-minded people who have shown up to support his rally. He’s kicked out “fat” people, Muslim people, Black people, and women from his rallies because he had some personal agenda against them. He’s made uncomfortable comments about his own daughter, and weird remarks about his wife’s bathroom habits. Trump’s campaign is a terrifying circus show that we cannot help but watch anxiously, waiting for the punchline or for some miracle to happen. At the beginning when Trump announced he was running for president, most people laughed - there was no way a celebrity bully could ever become president. But Trump has continued to surprise us every day, in more ways than one, though perhaps the most recent surprise is the biggest.
The former “grand wizard” of the infamously racist white supremacist terrorist group, the KKK, recently announced his support for Donald Trump. And instead of disavowing the man like Donald Trump should have, Trump instead apparently just ignored it.
Later in an interview, he blamed it on a “bad earpiece,” saying, “I don't know anything about what you're even talkingabout with white supremacy or white supremacists...So I don't know. I don't know -- did he endorse me, or what's going on? Because I know nothing about David Duke; I know nothing about white supremacists.”
Of course, this was proven to be false. In 2000, Trump said in an interview that appeared The New York Times that he ended his support for a reform party because of Duke’s involvement at that time. And Trump continued to dance around the topic of Duke and the KKK’s support for days before finally he agreed to disavow the support.
The question that we have to ask ourselves at this point is how much longer are we going to let this joke go on. It’s not even really funny anymore. Every time Trump miraculously pulls out in front of the other Republican candidates, more people start scratching their heads as their hearts beat faster. This is becoming a living nightmare, and it’s getting scarier with every moment.
Putting Trump’s other opinions aside, we really have to sit back and ask ourselves if we want someone who only grudgingly disavows the support of the KKK in the White House. Do we want Trump to be the one running our nation? Do we really want Trump to be the one holding all of the nuclear codes and nations secrets? Hopefully not.
Our View
February 11, 2016
The Super Bowl halftime show has always been famous. For most people, besides the commercials, they are watching the game that day to see the half-time performance. And of course, there have been some pretty spectacular shows. Justin Timberlake and the infamous Janet Jackson wardrobe malfunction. Katy Perry and Left Shark. Prince, Tom Petty, Bruce Springsteen, Michael Jackson. The football world has seen them all.
But for some reason, Beyonce’s halftime show this past Super Bowl is garnering the most attention. It seems to be revolving around the outfits her backup dancers wore, their afros and black berets apparently referencing the Black Panther Party. Beyonce herself wore a black leotard with a gold-embellished jacket that many people believe was a salute to the outfit Michael Jackson wore when he performed. And then of course, there was the “X” shape Beyonce and her dancers formed, which many people believe was in honor of Malcolm X.
Now, this doesn’t seem to be a big deal. Beyonce has always been one of the most vocal and famous supporters of the movement Black Lives Matter and as an African-American woman, it makes sense that she would use this huge opportunity to encourage the movement, especially given all of the African-Americans who have been killed by predominantly white police officers over the past year.
So what’s the problem? Apparently, Beyonce made people uncomfortable with her salute to Black power and Black movements. One person even went so far as to compare Beyonce and the Black Panther outfits to the KKK, and how people would react to a bunch of white performers coming out in the signature white capes and hoods. That particular comparison is a stretch, and frankly, it’s extremely offensive. How can one compare a movement to empower Black people to a terrorist group who is infamous for killing hundreds?
Beyonce wasn’t the only one who used this particular half-time show to make a political statement. Coldplay dedicated their performance to the LGBT community and while that has made people angry, they aren’t getting quite as much coverage as Beyonce is. Why is that? And let’s ask ourselves, are we getting angry at the right people?
Is it really that big of a deal that Beyonce saluted the Black Power movement? Or is it only a big deal because it catered to one of the “minorities”? Why are people actually upset at Beyonce, and not at the people who have been throwing a fit about being “offended” by Beyonce’s very bold and brave move?
We have come a long way in this society as far as equality goes, but evidently, we still have a ways to go. Beyonce’s honorable mentions this Super Bowl were a step in the right direction.
The Cortland Crackdown
By Andrew Hinrichs, Staff Writer
February 11, 2016
This past weekend, the Cortland County police rung in the New Year in the best way they know how: conducting the largest raid on underage drinking Cortland County has ever seen. 28 underage students, 26 of them being SUNY Cortland students, were arrested for possessing fake identification at undisclosed locations in the Cortland downtown area.
I don't know about you, but seeing the futures of 26 Cortland State students put in jeopardy while local police still seemingly ignore the astounding and still-rising drug problems (along with plenty of other issues) our County is facing, does not sit well with me. As someone who frequents the downtown area on weekends, I understand that the police presence is necessary in order to curb instances of severe public intoxication and potential violence—and I think they are doing a fine job of that.
However, as someone who aspires to be a police officer one day as well as someone who sees the recent resentment a large chunk of society has garnered for law enforcement in general, things like this aren't helping the cause. We as college students are at the most impressionable times of our lives, and just one poor experience with a police officer (or any official for that matter) can change our perception of them for life. The party scene is a huge component of any student's college experience, and, for the most part, a fifty-dollar ticket coupled with a court appearance isn't going to deter many students from continuing to partake in such activities. There are a multitude of different community outreach programs the County could introduce to teach students the risks underage drinking comes with, but those would include spending money and, as we all know, Cortland County would much rather just take money from the students.
I respect the Cortland County Police Department and commend them for all the rigorous, dangerous work they do, but I think it's time we as a community take a step back, forget about harmless "crimes" our students are committing, focus on the real problems we have at hand, and make sure Cortland remains a place we can all feel proud to live in.
How's That Resolution Going
By Samantha Ruskin, Staff Writer
February 11, 2016
It’s the first week in February, a little over a month into the New Year, and the gym is still packed at all times of the day and the salad bar at Hilltop is continuously being refilled. Seems to me like most people are successfully sticking to their 2016 resolutions. But this could just be my blind optimism. The truth could be that, actually, the majority of people woke up on Feb. 1st and couldn’t believe they had made no progress in the first 31 days of 2016.
Personally, I think New Year’s resolutions are nonsense and if you didn’t want to do something in 2015, you are not going to want to do it in 2016. Magical “determination” fairy dust is not sprinkled over the United States once the ball drops. Though we all have to start somewhere, we can start small. If your goals are to overall have a healthier mindset by getting into better shape and eating the nutrients our bodies need, I have a few suggestions to help you get back on track, or if you’re one of the lucky few, continue with the progress you’ve already made.
Let’s get organized and specify! A main reason “resolutions” are hard to stick to are because they are too broad and there are too many undefined steps and ways to reach them. Start by narrowing down your goals and laying out the steps.
You may have said, “I want a 6-pack and to look like that Instagram model from Australia,” so then you set your phone background to a picture of her in a bikini and don’t know where to go from there. My suggestion is to get specific. Maybe choose a class offered at the Student Life Center that you will attend every week or promise yourself to head to the gym at least 3 times a week. These examples are specific and the progress is easy to keep track by creating a to-do list in your phone.
You must learn to walk before you can start running marathons! Basically, taking baby steps will help you see more progress and keep you motivated! If you set an unrealistic goal like “I’m only going to eat salads” when your diet for the past year consisted of drive-thru’s and donuts, you are going to fail almost immediately. Set a realistic goal, like making sure to incorporate a fruit or vegetable into your meals.
Share your goals and find others like-minded. “Resolutions” are more attainable with support, so follow that healthy fitness girl on Instagram and make friends with the people that seem to be attending the same classes at the Student Life Center. People are attracted to positivity, so if you start supporting them in their goals, they will do the same for you.
Hopefully my tips and suggestions help and you don’t have to wake up on March 1st feeling defeated and completely giving up on your “New Year’s Resolution.”
The Cortland Experience
By Rene Sandler, Staff Writer
February 11, 2016
Being a second semester sophomore, I have had a few semesters to experience some of the incredible things here at SUNY Cortland. The first thing that comes to my mind when I think of something people should experience here is Cortaca. The Cortaca Jug is a football game our school plays against Ithaca College every year. This has been an on-going rivalry for years with our friendly competitors over at Ithaca.
I will never forget my first Cortaca game. Everyone throws on all of the Cortland apparel they have and heads over to the football field, chanting and cheering along the way. The schools spirit was unbelievable and the rush I got from us winning is indescribable and something I will always remember.
The next thing that comes to my mind is a nice Neubig breakfast. There is no better feeling than waking up on a Sunday morning and going to grab a fresh omelet with your friends. You can sit around forever talking with your friends and enjoying all the food that Neubig has to offer.
The last thing I feel that everyone at Cortland should experience is joining a club, sports team, or Greek life. We may have a small campus here but this school can feel very big. Joining something helps give you a little push that you need to really help you figure out who you are in college. I joined a sorority and it was the best decision I have made here. It has helped me find my best friends that I will forever have memories with. With the right group of friends with similar interests you can definitely find your niche and your family here at SUNY Cortland.
The David Finch Clinch
By Anthony Fiducia, Staff Writer
February 11, 2016
David Fincher is easily one of the most unique film directors I have ever seen. He was born in Denver, Colorado and aspired to be a filmmaker at a very young age. Starting out as just a production assistant, Fincher quickly climbed the ranks to work with some of the biggest actors in America. You may know him from movies such as Se7en (1995), Fight Club (1999), Zodiac (2007), The Social Network (2010), and Gone Girl (2014).
What sets Fincher apart from other directors is his emphasis on climatic moments within the film; more importantly, the way he emphasizes these scenes. He does this using editing, camera angles, and music. The climactic moments in which Fincher is highlighting though mostly consists of dialogue. He can make a scene of just two people talking highly cinematic. The way he does this is by subtly highlighting key parts of the conversation, whether it be with a close-up of a character during certain dialogue or even the position of the characters in the scene. Fincher once said, “As a director, film is about how you dole out the information so that the audience stays with you when they're supposed to stay with you, behind you when they're supposed to stay behind you, and ahead of you when they're supposed to stay ahead of you.”
Fincher’s directing actually makes you feel when the scene is important. The build-up of the music in specific scenes of his movies set a very ominous tone. While sitting in the theatres watching Gone Girl, there came a scene that defined the overall character of Amy. I’m not going to spoil it for you but let’s just say it isn’t the gruesome concept of the scene that leaves you with goosebumps; it’s the editing and progression of the music that does.
There’s also a scene in The Social Network where Eduardo Saverin confronts Marc Zuckerberg about his exclusion from Facebook. The music starts as soon as the climatic information is revealed to the viewer, creating a very emotional scene. It is for this reason that the film won the Academy Award for Best Original Score.
I first found out about Fincher after seeing The Social Network, which is now one of my favorite movies. I loved the way it was filmed. The music, the flash-forwards to the depositions of the lawsuit, the actors - virtually everything was great about the movie. Before I’d even seen the movie Gone Girl, I didn’t know it was directed by Fincher but after just a half hour of watching, I knew that only he could be responsible for what I was seeing.
No matter how much I try to tell you how distinctive of a director David Fincher is, nothing will prove it like watching a couple of his movies, so go watch them ASAP.
Our View
February 18, 2016
Books have a way of making the worst things in life poetic. Every death of a character is followed by some flowery language and long dedication to how amazing the person was. Every hardship a person faces, there’s always a happy ending where everybody ends up smiling and strong, because they overcame the “hardship” that almost threatened (but not really - they were never really going to fail) to take them down.
Rarely do books actually show the reality of hardships, especially addictions. If addictions do show up in a plotline, the addict is usually this deep, complex, emotional person with a hard background and family life; there are clear, black and white reasons this person ended up with their addiction. And the person, that one character who is always there to play the savior, they always succeed. They always show the addict in the end that they are more than the addiction, that they can do amazing things if they just “believe in” themselves. Redemption is always an easy, achievable thing that the reader knows is inevitable.
Life would be easier if everything was sunshine, rainbows, and happy endings. It’d be even better if things like alcohol or drug addictions didn’t exist in the first place. But life isn’t easy; it’s usually very hard, actually, and the reality of addiction is the same. Not everybody gets a happy ending. Not everybody has a “savior,” and even if they do, they don’t always get to save the person.
That’s not to say it isn’t possible. That’s not to say that just because addiction is hard and not easy to deal with doesn’t mean it can’t be handled. The fact of the matter is that with addiction, the person addicted never really gets rid of the problem; they may beat it, but they still have to live with it. Addictions aren’t black and white, and they are not by any means any easy thing to face and deal with, but people can overcome it. Dozens of people do so everyday, through programs and the support of their friends and families.
SUNY Cortland’s counseling centers offer services of addiction and substance abuse. There are weekly AA meetings on campus for students, faculty, staff, and other people to come to. There are also 24-hour crisis hotlines that are always available to answer questions, offer solutions, or even just listen. Maybe you don’t have an addiction; maybe you’re just the one who wants to help someone who is struggling with their addiction. Either way, you’re not alone, and as much as books do romanticize a lot of problems, the happy endings aren’t necessarily always out of reach.
If you or someone you know is struggling with an addiction, it’s okay. There are people around to help you, and who are willing to do so. SUNY Cortland’s Substance Abuse Prevention and Education’s number is (607) 753-2066. Cortland’s Family Counseling Services’ number is (607)-753-0234. There are also the 24-7 crisis centers who you can talk to.
Right On The Target
By Karen Canales, Staff Writer
February 18, 2016
This past week, Target released a statement that they would be launching a new line of bedding for children that would be gender-neutral. This move by Target aims to start chipping away at preconceptions such as blue and sports-related items for boys, and pink and ponies for girls, and instead provide an all-inclusive setting for kids. Joshua Thomas, a spokesman for Target, said the new line is a ¨move away from the ‘matchy-matchy’ children's home line of the past.”
I predict great success will come from Target´s new approach because it will give parents and children the opportunity to explore and play with new patterns and prints that could be universal in both genders rooms.
According to the statement released by the popular retailer, much time was spent with parents and kids to find out what items they wanted to see more of in the new collection. Julie Guggemos, Target’s senior vice president of design and product development, says, ¨Who are we to say what a child’s individual expression is? We really wanted to develop a collection that would be universal.”
The “Pillow Fort Collection,” which will be available February 21st will offer bedding with trees, bicycles, and arrows, and all in neutral colors like white, black, and yellow. I think giving kids the opportunity to freely express themselves at such a young age will only benefit them in the future and enhance their creativity. At the end of the day, no child should feel limited or hindered from doing something they express interest in.
As future generations continue to evolve and as times continue to change, I applaud Target and the steps they are taking to make every child feel comfortable with themselves.
Syria Peace Talks
By Ezekiel Phillips, Staff Writer
February 18, 2016
The peace talks arranged in Geneva to discuss what to do about the Syrian Civil War did not go over well, mostly because none of the warring sides actually ended up in the same room to discuss ending the five year long war. Granted, there are so many different sides to this civil war that it will be difficult for a peace talk to go smoothly, but the United Nations needs to find a way to make it happen and include every side because the people of Syria need some room to breathe.
So far, over 250,000 people have died in the five year long war and more than 11 million have fled their homes. Starvation isn’t uncommon throughout Syria at the moment, especially as multiple cities are closed off from support in the hopes of trying to push out ISIS. However, with help from the other wealthier countries, getting food to Syrians won’t be a major problem, but these countries can also only do so much. Providing food to Syria is a great start to helping everyone, but it doesn’t solve the civil war.
The airstrikes specifically are a giant contributor to the destruction of the Syrian land. If this war goes on for much longer, we may see complete devastation of Syrian land and even more people will die. The strain that this war has put on the people of Syria is drastic.
Fortunately, while this round of negotiations may appear to have failed, luckily the negotiations are allegedly going to resume on Feb. 25. Let’s all hope this does happen because the strain that the Syrian civil war is having on the citizens is overwhelming. The United Nations and leader of Syria need to create a treaty that includes all of the warring factions in order to stop this war.
War is never a good way to solve problems, and hopefully we will see some sort of resolution at the next conference.
The "Cortland Plague"
By Rene Sandler, Staff Writer
February 18, 2016
Everyone who attends Suny Cortland has been a victim of this so called “Cortland Plague.” This plague comes and almost every student in Cortland gets sick at the same time. Everywhere you go, you hear a sniffle, cough, or sneeze.
Many people are in denial about getting sick, but it creeps up and hits you like a ton of bricks. Trying to avoid this is something that is very difficult but can definitely be done.
The first thing to do is to accept the fact that the warm weather wasn’t going to last. Time to pull that winter jacket out and bundle up - staying warm is a major factor in not getting sick. Even if you think that you can handle the cold, trust me, your body cannot.
Next, try and wash your hands as much as possible, and try to not put your hands anywhere near your face. Dirty hands have germs all over them. People cough and sneeze into their hands then touch you, and it all goes downhill from there. Purell is a necessity when it comes to “plague” season.
These are just a couple of things that can help you avoid the “Cortland Plague” but somehow, it always comes around to you and makes you want to crawl up into a ball and never leave your bed ever again.
Cover your mouth and keep those germs away from everyone else because once the germs touch one person, it’s the Domino Effect.
Look At This Band, Nickelback
By Samantha Ruskin, Staff Writer
February 18, 2016
When did Nickelback become the butt of a joke? Does anyone even know enough about them to hate on them the way we do? "Photograph" and "You Remind Me" are harmless sing-a-longs that are played on long car rides, in bars like Red Jug, and belted out amongst close friends.
But every now and then Nickelback will be referenced in a popular movie as the punchline of a joke. Every now and then you'll scroll through Instagram and see a mean meme; just the other day @Betches on Instagram posted a meme "Donald Trump Likes Nickelback."
I understand that sometimes pop culture chooses something random to joke about, but I am curious if the hatred for Nickelback actually exists. Students on the SUNY Cortland had mixed feelings or no feelings at all. Many perplexed looks were given and a few giggles were released when asked, "What are your thoughts on Nickelback?"
Shannon Fraher, a junior early childhood education major, said, "Yeah, that's a good question because I don't even know a lot of their music but I strongly dislike them...I think they're pretentious but I haven't heard a song from them since 2006."
When speaking to Max Bregande,, a senior, he said, "I feel like they're really lame and I don't like them because the Internet told me not to like ten years ago...but I do like a few of their songs."
The consensus seems to be nobody knows why we hate them, we just do.
Tracing it back to about fifteen years ago, Nickelback signed a record with RoadRunner Records. RoadRunner Records is known for signing hardcore and metal bands to the label and it seems there was an uproar when Nickelback signed because clearly "Photograph" is no hardcore headbanger. A meme went around the internet hating on Nickelback for being something they are not and from there people took it out of context.
We could only wonder where Nickelback is today and how they feel about all the negativity, but at the end of the good press, bad press - it's all press!