SU Mining 1

I Ain't Afraid of No G-G-Ghost!

2007-10-25T12:34:00.001-04:00

There is something about autumn that lends an air of mystery to our otherwise predictable days. Perhaps it's the change in leaves, the crisp air and the graying skies or maybe it's the anticipation of Halloween that excites us. Starting October 1st, (and probably before that) many are out scrambling for the perfect decorations that will let everyone know they are a true lover of this most sinister holiday. Our doorsteps become adorned in cobwebs and ghostly figures, pumpkins and bats are in high supply. Any other time of year we would shoo away anything that didn't belong, but Halloween allows us all to be bad. Horror movies on TV are plentiful and make-shift haunted houses feed our need for fright, but there are others still who yearn for something more.

And so enters the realm of the paranormal. Now granted, there is no shortage of skepticism in this department and those who seek it understand this. So whether or not you're a believer, central New York has plenty of haunts for brave souls.

The people who call the paranormal their “work” are at it 365 days a year, but you can bet when Halloween rolls around their workload increases. One local group called CNY Ghost Hunters offers a tour of some of central New York's most haunted establishments. Their work is serious and has been met with some recent notoriety for their discovery of an Electronic Voice Recording or EVP recorded in a historic upstate New York hotel which is said to be haunted. The recording (which may be inapropriate for sensitive listeners) is said to be one of the most frightening ever captured and is what founder Stacey Jones describes as "an [unknown] woman say(ing), 'Get off me,' and what sounds like the woman being attacked. The struggle continues for awhile...". Their findings led to an appearance on the Discovery Channel show A Haunting.
To read more on EVP recordings and learn how to do it yourself, you can visit about.com.

If that's a little too intense, the Landmark Theater is said to be haunted by an apparition known as the "lady in white" who supposedly lingers in the balcony. According to the story, a woman named "Clarissa" was attending an event s at the theater back in the 1930's when she fell over the ledge of the balcony and died. This is where the story gets cloudy. Some say Clarissa, or “Claire” as she is also known, fell over the balcony when she was witness to her lover's electricution on the stage below. Still others say Clarissa was an envious actress who jumped off the balcony when she wasn't chosen for a part. In any case her precence is said to be felt most when theater rules are broken or when someone just plain annoys her.

Another place of fable is Cedervale road, or otherwise known as "13 curves" located in Onondaga Hill. Legend has it a newly married couple had been killed in an auto accident about 70 years ago while driving through the treacherous curves. To this day it is said that a woman in a flowing white gown can be seen walking through the woods looking for her bridegroom. A recent blog in the Post Standard inspires thrill seekers to test the roads themselves for the ghostly lady and shares some frightening stories others have experienced.

The city of Syracuse has even expressed an interest with their own haunting tale. In an early press release they announce the story of a ghost which haunts City Hall. According to one worker, the ghost would become mischievious after hours, often by playing in the elevator and walking up and down the staircase.

The ghosts of Beardslee Castle are among central New York's most famous. The hauntings of this historic castle have attracted people from all over the country in hopes they might encounter a ghost or two. Indeed, some have without ever stepping foot inside. In the early 1950's there were reports of strange blue and yellow lights that would linger and float through the woods. Drivers-by described them as trails of light that would fly at cars, in some cases causing accidents, a couple of which were fatal. In the years since the castle reopened after a destructive fire, there have been reports of drivers running off of the clear, straight stretch of road that runs a quarter mile along the front of the castle.
Long before being built, a militant colonial homestead was located on the property. According to lore, Native America Indians infiltrated the homestead carrying torches and located some stored munitions. The fire from their torches ignigted the powder stored there blowing the structure to smithereens. The spirits of the Indians are said to occupy the water now running throughout the castle, fitting a longheld belief that water is a carrier for their souls.
Within the castle walls people have reported an ominous feeling. Since the time the castle was built in 1860, a few people of note had died and are said to roam its halls. According to its collection of ghost stories “the ghost of Mr. Beardslee walks the grounds holding a lantern with a blue light, searching for a lost child who had either drowned in a pond or pool or had been hit by an oncoming train. Many reported seeing the light of the lantern. A grand-daughter of Pop Christensen has reported seeing the lantern floating on its own behind the building”.
If you're particularly gustsy, visit the family's mausoleum at the edge of Beardslee City. Back in the 60's the crypt was a popular hangout and at the time there were reports of strange lights and voices that seem to permiate from the mausoleum. Day or night, this hauntingly gothic castle seems to embody everything needed for a perfect ghost hunt.

So, whether or not you're a seeker of the paranormal or just a seasonal enthusiast, the rich history of central New York has plenty to offer the intrigued who are looking to test their mettle. For those who are more traditional, this site provides a list of Halloween parties and events happening in your area. Happy hunting!

Social Change Is Finding Its Way into the Technology World

2007-10-24T12:18:00.000-04:00

Wikipedia, Firefox, OpenOffice. All these programs have something in common. They are considered open source. It’s a phrase that may not mean much to many people, but is becoming increasingly popular in the computer programming community. The Free On-line Dictionary of Computing defines open source as “a method and philosophy for software licensing and distribution designed to encourage use and improvement of software written by volunteers by ensuring that anyone can copy the source code and modify it freely.” The Web site also defines source code as “the form in which a computer program is written by the programmer.” Put simply, the source code is what a programmer writes to make a program run, and open source is when program users are allowed to view and change the source code of that program.

On its Web site, the Open Source Initiative says it was founded in 1998 and is “a non-profit corporation formed to educate about and advocate for the benefits of open source.” The Web site also says open source isn’t just about being able to access a source code. It puts forth ten distribution criteria that a program must meet to be considered open source:

Changed programs must be allowed to freely redistribute the software without royalty or fees to the original developer.
Source code or means of easily obtaining the source code must be distributed with the program.
Modified programs must be allowed to be distributed under the same terms as the original program.
Authors can restrict changes to the original source code if they allow “patch files”, or additions to the source code.
The program must be available to any person or group.
The license can’t restrict to program from being used in a specific field of endeavor, like a business or research group.
The license must extend to everyone the program is distributed to.
The license has to apply to everything being distributed, not just one part.
The license can’t put restrictions on outside software being distributed with the licensed software.
Acceptance of the license must be available to users with various forms of technology.

The Open Source Initiative has its own list of approved licenses that meet these criteria. Open source has become so popular that even Microsoft sought the group’s approval on two new licenses, the Microsoft Public License (Ms-PL) and the Microsoft Reciprocal License (Ms-RL). And in the open source spirit, people posed questions about whether or not the proposed licenses met open source standards. On Friday, October 12^th, 2007, the Open Source Initiative Board approved Microsoft’s submissions.

But this method of software development came out of a more philosophical approach to the use of computer programs, known as the Free Software Movement. The Free Software Foundation was established in 1985 and “is dedicated to promoting computer users' rights to use, study, copy, modify, and redistribute computer programs,” according to its Web site. The group has developed a definition of free software that closely resembles the open source definition. On its Web site, the foundation says free software is not about price, but “users' freedom to run, copy, distribute, study, change and improve the software.” It also says this refers to four kinds of freedom:

The freedom to run the program, for any purpose (freedom 0).
The freedom to study how the program works, and adapt it to your needs (freedom 1).
The freedom to redistribute copies so you can help your neighbor (freedom 2).
The freedom to improve the program, and release your improvements to the public, so that the whole community benefits (freedom 3).

While many of the ideas are the same between the two groups, the Free Software Foundation sees itself as more of a social movement; where as open source is more of practical movement. The foundation also developed its own licensing agreements in order to avoid having people modifying free software, and in turn, prohibiting revisions to the new program. The foundation titled their licensing method copyleft, and even made a symbol for it (image to the left). According to its Web site, the general idea behind copyleft is to make all programs free and require that all modified programs are free also.

The Free Software Foundation extended this license to their biggest project, the GNU operating system (image to the left). The project’s Web site says GNU, pronounced guh-noo, was started to produce a Unix-like free software operating system. The name is even an acronym for “GNU’s Not Unix.” Unix started as an operating system in the early 1970’s, according to the Unix system website.

Software that meets the open source criteria, and many times the free software criteria, can be found on sourceforge.net. According to Alexa.com, the number of visitors to sourceforge.net has been increasing steadily over the past three years. Other more popular open source programs have their websites, like Mozilla.com and OpenOffice.org. And Alexa.com shows that both of the websites have also seen an increase of visitors over the past three years. The open source and free software movements are gaining some ground.

Happiness Can Fall With the Seasons

2007-10-24T11:35:00.000-04:00

When you're feeling blue, did you ever think it could be seasonal affective disorder (SAD)? This is a type of depression that is tied to seasons of the year.

Most people with SAD are depressed only during the late fall and winter. There have also been a few cases of people depressed only during the late spring and summer.

The exact causes of SAD are unknown. No laboratory tests are available to detect seasonal affective disorder. Your health care provider will make the diagnosis from your symptoms, medical interview, and examination. Sometimes physical problems can cause depression. But other times, symptoms of SAD are part of a more complex psychiatric problem. Experts think that two specific chemicals in the brain, melatonin and serotonin may be involved in SAD (familydoctor.org). People who live in geographical locations that are dark or cloudy during the winter are most likely to have SAD.

People who suffer from SAD have many of the common signs of depression: sadness, anxiety, irritability, loss of interest in their usual activities, withdrawal from social activities, and inability to concentrate. They often have symptoms such as extreme fatigue and lack of energy, increased need for sleep, craving for carbohydrates, and increased appetite and weight gain.

The Cleveland Clinic Department of Patient Education and Health Center says between 4 and 6 percent of the U.S. population suffers from SAD, while 10 to 20 percent may suffer from a more mild form of winter blues. They also say three-quarters of the sufferers are women, most of whom are in their 20s, 30s, and 40s. SAD is most common during these ages, but it can also occur in children and adolescents. Older adults are less likely to experience SAD.

How can you treat this disorder? The treatments available are antidepressant medication, psychological therapy, and light therapy.

Bupropion also known as Wellbutrin XL was the first drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to prevent seasonal affective disorder. But this medication is not very popular. According to MedlinePlus, you may become suicidal towards the beginning of treatment. And you can run into these side effects: drowsiness, excitement, dry mouth, dizziness, headache, nausea, vomiting, and uncontrollable shaking of a body part, weight loss, constipation, and excessive sweating.

Dr. Peter Vanable, Professor at Syracuse University in the Psychology Department says that he feels this disorder is not just in Syracuse its everywhere. He feels that psychological therapy and light therapy are the best forms of treatment. For light therapy you use white fluorescent light tubes covered with a plastic screen to block ultraviolet rays. The intensity of light emitted should be at least 10,000 lux (as compared to a normal light fixture that emits 250 to 500 lux). The patient does not need to look directly into the light, but should do most of their activities while sitting in front of the device but keeping a distance of 2 to 3 feet. Light therapy is safe and generally well tolerated. But with any treatment there can be minor side effects like: eye strain, headache, irritability, fatigue, and insomnia. But if you feel light therapy is too intense maybe you want to look into the litebook.

The Cleveland Clinic Department of Patient Education and Health Center gives some tips on how to prevent it from coming back if you have been previously diagnosed with the disorder:

*Try to spend some amount of time outside every day, even when it's very cloudy. The effects of daylight are still beneficial.
*Begin using a light box upon the onset of low sunlight (fall season), even before you feel the onset of winter SAD.
*Eat a well-balanced diet and include sufficient amounts of vitamins and minerals as recommended by the FDA. This will help you have more energy even though your body is craving starchy and sweet foods.
*Try exercising for 30 minutes a day, three times a week.
*Seek professional counseling, if needed, during the winter months.
*Stay involved with your social circle and regular activities. This can be a tremendous means of support during winter months.

But if you're just feeling a little down during the winter season, Associated Content gives a couple of tips:

*Get plenty of light since the build up of melatonin is the chemical that makes you sleepy. And too much of this chemical can contribute to depression.
*Exercise will fight melatonin.
*Eat right by consuming 200-300 calorie meals throughout the day approximately three hours apart.

Stay active through the upcoming months!

Snoring is not a laughing matter: It can be deadly

2007-10-24T11:10:00.000-04:00

We’ve all been woken up or been kept awake by people who snore. Snoring during sleep is a fact of life: it happens and to most people it is annoying. But how many of us have actually thought of snoring as a potentially fatal condition?

Studies have shown that snoring is often times linked with a life-threatening condition called sleep apnea. According to the American Sleep Apnea Association, sleep apnea happens when people stop breathing repeatedly throughout the night. This stoppage in breathing can last for as long as 30 seconds. And when the brain realizes that it needs air, it sends panic signals to the body to wake it up. The Mayo Clinic website has a great video that demonstrates how this happens.

A researcher at Yale says this midnight arousal takes its toll on the body’s nervous system. He even compares it to being woken up at night because a “saber-toothed tiger was chasing you.” And for some people, this arousal can happen up to 30 times an hour. That doesn’t allow for a very worthwhile night’s sleep, which is partly why the effects from sleep apnea can be fatal.

The effects from sleep apnea can be very serious. Because the heart gets over-worked during the night, people with sleep apnea are more prone to have heart attacks and strokes than ordinary people.

A study by a researcher at the University of British Columbia in Canada compared 800 people with sleep apnea to 800 people without it. He found that the people with sleep apnea were five times more likely to get into a serious car accident than the others.

Who is most at risk for sleep apnea

Many websites will tell you that the demographic that is most at risk for sleep apnea is overweight men over the age of 40. But they aren’t the only people that can be affected by this condition. In fact, children and young adults can also be at-risk. If children have over-sized tonsils or adenoids, this can severely block their airway during sleep.

If sleep apnea is gone untreated in children it can lead to many problems. Children can have learning problems, developmental problems, and even a failure to grow. This is on top of the heart problems that it poses for older people with the disorder.

An article in The Post-Standard a couple of months ago talked about how children were becoming heavier. The study said that more and more overweight children are developing diseases and conditions that are normally seen in adults. It cited sleep apnea as one of the conditions that has seen an increase because of overweight children.

Treatments for sleep apnea

Most of the treatments for sleep apnea are quite significant. One of the most common forms of treatment is the Continuous Positive Airway Pressure mask, or CPAP. This mask fits over a person’s nose and mouth and forces air down that person’s throat while they are asleep. Because the air-pressure is continuous, it doesn’t allow for the person’s breathing to get obstructed. A lot of people do not like to wear the mask because it limits their mobility in bed. And depending on how bad one’s apnea is, the air pressure can be quite strong and overpowering. This video on WebMD shows how a subject obtained a CPAP, and how it changed his life.

Other treatments include various types of surgery. Such as: a tonsillectomy if the person’s tonsils are deemed to be oversized by their doctor; nasal surgery to repair a deviated septum, clearing the nose to breathe freely; as well as numerous other surgeries.

There are some over-the-counter aids that have helped some people with less-severe forms of sleep apnea. Many people have noticed that professional athletes wear nasal strips to help them breathe better during the game. These nasal strips have also been known to assist in lowering snoring levels.

Famous People

There have been many famous people to have had sleep apnea. Reggie White is considered by many to be the best defensive lineman to ever play in the NFL. He had sleep apnea and chose not to wear his CPAP. In 2004, he died from a massive heart attack, and the doctors said his sleep apnea played a major role in his death. White helped lead the Green Bay Packers to a Super Bowl title in 1996. And he is also a Hall of Famer.

Other people living with sleep apnea are: Rosie O’Donnell (actress/ talk-show host), William Shatner(actor), Jerry Garcia (actor), Mark Calaveccia (golfer).

Not all snoring is apnea

It must be noted that not everyone who snores has sleep apnea. It is believed by many doctors that between 30 and 50 percent of the population will snore at least once. This can be caused by a variety of reasons.

One reason why people snore and do not necessarily have apnea may be because they drank alcohol before going to bed. Alcohol relaxes the muscles in the back of the throat and that can sometimes cause temporary apnea bursts. Another cause of snoring can be to due to congestion in the nose. If a person has a cold and cannot breathe properly out of their nose, then they’d have to breathe through their mouth. This could create vibrations in the throat causing snoring episodes. If a person tends to sleep on his or her back, it could lead to snoring. To learn more about ways to better your sleep, check out some tips at WebMD.

Conclusion

While not all snoring cases are cause for alarm, friends and family members should use their best judgment in spotting potential sleep apnea cases. If someone’s snoring can consistently be heard throughout the house, it is probably something that should be checked out by a Sleep Doctor. Spotting sleep apnea early will greatly reduce the risk for heart problems and other issues associated with the condition.

Hazardous Hygiene

2007-10-24T09:52:00.000-04:00

The food and drug administration, or FDA, is responsible for monitoring the content of what people consume. But in this day and age, when chemicals and toxins seem to be appearing in the most unlikely of places, what the FDA is doing may not be enough. Personal care products, like shampoo, deodorant, and cosmetics contain ingredients that are hazardous to consumers' health. The toxic components can cause a myriad of health problems. For instance, some of these chemicals have been shown to cause cancer, and others may lead to reproductive complications. In small doses these toxins won't cause problems. However, over time people are exposed to these chemicals from multiple sources. It is this combined and lasting exposure that could cause build up of the substances and may have potential to do harm. The FDA does not regulate the production of personal care products. Some of the ingredients, such as the color additives, must be monitored and approved to be used in the products, however, there are no mandatory testing requirements or guidelines for the finished product.

Phthalates

Phthalates, industrial compounds used to give plastics their flexibility, have made their way into countless other products. These compounds have even become a staple in many common personal care products. Phthalates can be found in shampoo, deodorant, nail polish, and perfumes, just to name a few. They have many uses, a few of which are; to keep nail polish from chipping, hairspray from hardening, and fragrances from fading. There have been serious health concerns related to the use of these compounds, however, companies are not required to list phthalates in the ingredients.

The Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Rochester, found that phthalates could be linked to feminization in boys. Researchers showed a correlation between a mother's exposure to phthalates during pregnancy and changes in how male infants genitals developed.

Recently, the use of phthalates in toys for children under three was banned in California. The bill that Governor Schwarzenegger signed prohibits the manufacture, distribution and sale of toys that contain phthalates. According to the groups that sponsored the California movement, other states, including New York, are looking to take similar measures in the coming months.

Phthalates' potential side effects reach far beyond the reproductive system. Over the past several decades, allergies have been worsening in the developed world, despite an improvement in air quality. This observation prompted researchers to investigate other environmental factors, such as chemicals, that could be causing this increase. A study done by the Environmental Health Sciences Division at the National Institute for Environmental Studies, examined whether or not phthalates intensify allergic reactions. The results led researchers to believe that phthalates could be responsible for the rise in allergic reactions. Despite the negative findings and the desire to ban these toxins in toys, they are still being used in products that are applied directly to the skin.

Lead

Phalates are not the only harmful substance consumers should be aware of. Other toxins, like lead, can be found in cosmetics. Lead is a neurotoxin, which is not broken down by the body. This toxin builds up over time. Lead exposure can cause learning and behavioral problems, infertility, and miscarriage. Earlier this month, the results of an independent study done by the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, showed that lead is present in several different brands of lipstick. Researchers tested 33 popular lipsticks, and detected lead in over half. One third of those tested had lead levels that exceeded the FDA's lead limit for candy.

Consumer Resources

Not every personal care product contains toxins. The presence and levels of chemicals vary between brands, lines, and even colors. Because the FDA does not regulate cosmetics and personal care products, it is up to consumers to educate themselves and monitor product ingredients. There are tools that may help people to do this. There is a consumer database, called Skin Deep, that rates the safety of products. Consumers can search for the products that they use, or browse the database by category. Each product is rated on a scale from one to ten, ten being the most hazardous. The product is then broken down, and the exact dangers are identified.

Some companies' products are safer to use than others. In an effort to foster a safer industry, many companies are complying with the stricter guidelines set by the European Union. Although there have only been nine cosmetic ingredients banned by the United States, over 1,000 have been prohibited in Europe. Complying with these regulations allows companies to sell the same merchandise worldwide, as well as providing a safer product for consumers.

The Compact for Global Production of Safe Health & Beauty Products, is an agreement that companies may voluntarily sign. By signing this agreement, companies pledge to reformulate globally to meet E.U. standards (European Standards). Several companies signed this document, and agreed not to use chemicals that may cause birth defects, or could be carcinogens. These companies have pledged to find alternative ingredients to use in their products. Although hundreds of companies have signed this agreement, many prominent corporations have not. Among those that refuse to sign are, OPI, Avon, Estee Lauder, L'Oreal, Revlon and Proctor and Gamble.

For more information on regulations and standards, consumers can visit the FDA's website. There is a page dedicated to cosmetic safety, and the regulations put on some of the components and additives. Guidelines for product labeling, animal testing, and some ingredient requirements are given as well. Information regarding the FDA's policies and authority in regard to cosmetics is also available.

Just How Friendly IS This Act?

2007-10-24T07:49:00.000-04:00

Who's paying attention to a movie screen 30,000 feet above sea level? How much does it matter what's being shown? According to Jesse Kalisher and many other parents, the answer is their kids, and a lot.

Both the New York Times and MSNBC wrote the story. Kalisher was flying with his kids when the 2005 version of King Kong appeared on the movie screen. The film is rated by the motion picture association to be PG-13, which means parents should be strongly cautioned their kids may not be able to handle what's on-screen.

Although Kalisher's kids were asleep, he was worried that if they HAD been awake they would have been quite disturbed by the images they saw on the big screen. He thought movies with violence should not be allowed on flights where kids could see them. When the plane landed, Kalisher swung into action. He contacted other parents whom he felt would feel the same. Together, they tried to persuade airlines with publicly viewable screens to stop showing movies that are unsuitable for children, meaning anything that wasn't a G or PG, or TV shows rated TV-G.

Kalisher was quoted in MSNBC as saying, "Airlines have the choice to show whatever they want, but as parents we have the responsibility to protect our kids from images of murder, torture and death.”

The airlines, however, weren't moved by this parent's quest to find his children friendlier airwaves. The Air Transport Association and the World Airline Entertainment Association were both unwilling to make changes. According to the New York Times article, federal broadcasting laws do not apply to in-flight entertainment, and airlines do not have to follow motion picture ratings. Also, the airlines have a responsibility to ever passenger on board, not just the ones with children.

After the airplane industry didn't take much interest, Kalisher and other parents took their mission one step forward. On September 25th, 2007, Two North Carolina Representatives: Heath Shuler, a Democrat, and Walter Jones, a Republican, introduced a piece of federal legislation known as the Family Friendly Flight Act. This legislation would require all flights showing movies that are deemed unsuitable for children to offer separate seating for families.

According to the website of these parents, "The bill introduced in The U.S. House of Representatives in September has no effect whatsoever on which films the airlines show on personal screens. It also has no effect on the seating configuration for planes that don't have publicly viewable (or overhead) screens. Further, it has no impact on flights with overhead screens when the films shown are rated G or PG and the television content is rated TV-G. The FFFA does require airlines to create a section on the aircraft where kids won't be exposed to the media content when there is a) an overhead or publicly viewable screen and b) the film show is rated PG-13 or R and/or the television content is rated TV-MA (for mature audiences)."

Although this paragraph stresses the seating plans of planes would not have to change it seems the only two options that would seemingly work to ensure that families with children would be able to avoid violent movies. Either a) have a separate section on a plane where the screen can't be seen-i.e. similar to a first class or business section of a plane or b) have individual-sized monitors on the back of each person's seat. Many flights have started to offer the latter, not in accordance with this act but rather because of convenience of their customers.

Not only that, but how often would an entire family section be able to fill up with strictly families? Other, non-kid holding people would be at times forced to sit in these sections. Several bloggers on the subject referenced their inability to sit next to screaming kids on a flight, labeling that the real tragedy on a plane.

Others have cited concern that any step towards controlling what goes on-screen WILL have an affect on the First Amendment rights of people-even if inadvertently. This particular blogger worried that such rules might soon extend to bars and restaurants.

Some bloggers, who have kids but don't think that a law should be passed about issues like this, think there are other viable options in protecting the safety of their children. Adam D. Thierer is one of them. He agrees that constitutional challenges to this proposed act would follow any efforts to set it into motion. Thierer offers a list of alternatives to this plan.

1) Renting or bringing a portable DVD player and headphones so that your kids can watch the programming you want them to, without disturbing others. (side note: The parents who want The Family Friendly Flight Act passed also advocate that not only should a child NOT be subjected to watching anything that could be jeopardizing on the big screen, but that if a person next to them is watching an individual screen (such as their own DVD player) that this should be kid-friendly as well.)

2) The individual screens on the backs of seats, with a privacy film over the screens so in case children are sitting next to a passenger, the children would be unable to view what is being shown. This film is already prevalent on laptops for privacy so that people watching at an angle other than straight on would not be able to see the screen clearly and properly.
3) Airplanes could voluntarily offer the kind of seating asked by the Congressmen in the first place.

Although there are many mixed opinions on the subject, another fact that people are forgetting is that movies already come to the plane's "big screen" edited for content. Any sex scenes or other graphic scenes are taken out, such as they would be for a television station. Many parents still feel that this isn't enough, and the violence is not nearly edited down enough. The New York Times cited the movie "Fracture," where Anthony Hopkins shoots his wife in the face. On the airplanes, they don't show the actual shot, but passengers do see him shoot and the blood on the head. Arguably, this may not be enough.

So what is the answer? Cleaner airwaves would make some happy, but others uncomfortable, for varying reasons. There's no easy way to accommodate everyone, but as for now it seems any bit of compromise is best in order to make sure people get their money's worth. That's really the bottom line: people who pay for a flight should get what they pay for.

The Risk of Injury in Sports

2007-10-24T01:31:00.000-04:00

An estimated seven-million Americans seek some medical attention for a sports-related injury every year. According to ESPN.com there are currently 134 injured NFL players, 47 injured NBA players and 228 injured NHL players. In Division I college football Syracuse University only has five injured players compared to UCLA, who has the most injuries with 12. These numbers are reflective of a harsh reality; sports-related injuries.

Lately, there has been a lot of focus on head injuries and concussions. From Trent Green's possible season ending concussion, to local news stories reporting on injuries in high school football and girls soccer, concussion knowledge is increasing. The NCAA surveillance showed that concussion rates have increased around seven percent annually since 1989. This increase reflects improvements in identification of injuries in athletes. A concussion occurs when the head is hit so hard that the brain knocks against the skull causing a tearing of nerve fibers. The short-term effects include headache, dizziness, blurred vision, confusion, memory loss and nausea.

But, concussions can be far more serious than just a headache. Young athletes with at least one concussion performed significantly worse on learning and memory tests than their teammates with no concussions. According to a New York Times report, at least 50 high school or youth football players have died in the past ten years from sports-related head injuries. California has had the most deaths with eleven, while New York has had none. Young players seem to be bearing the brunt of the serious head injuries. The Center for Disease Control found that from 2001 to 2005, 60 percent of those treated for a sports-related traumatic head injury were five to 18 years of age.

Ohio State University researchers studied high school and collegiate football injuries during the 2005-2006 season, and found that high school players sustained more concussions than those at the college level. Another study found similar results, concluding that head injuries are three times more common in high school football players than collegiate players possibly because their brains are younger and more susceptible to injury. Dr. Eugene Hong M.D. of Drexel University said that high school players are more likely than college players to sustain a concussion because their helmets don’t fit properly. “While professional and college teams have people trained in how to properly fit an athlete with a helmet, most high school and youth programs do not,” he said. Not only do college and professional teams have better fitting helmets, they also have more access to trainers whose job it is to spot injuries like concussions. The New York Times reported that according to the National Athletic Trainers Association only 42 percent of high schools in the United States have access to a certified athletic trainer. Without proper medical attention, an already at risk age group is more likely to sustain these serious head injuries.

The prominence of concussions in NFL athletes like Steve Young and now Trent Green, has led the public to believe that football has the highest concussion rate, but this is not true. In a study of Concussion Incidence, ice hockey had the highest rate of concussions among high school males. The lowest incidence was men's high school soccer.

A more specific study of youth ice hockey, lacrosse and field hockey, showed that from 1990 to 2003 an estimated three percent of all injuries were concussions. Younger players, age two to nine were more likely to sustain a head injury but the study also found that as the amount of protective gear increases with age the head injury rates increase. This conclusion is supported by the finding that ice hockey players sustained more head injuries than lacrosse and field hockey players, who wear less protective gear. But sometimes less protective gear can mean a greater increase in concussion rates. In rugby, which has no protective equipment and a lot of contact, eleven percent of all injuries were head injuries. And as in football, players 18 years and younger sustained more concussions than adults. As mentioned previously, the higher concussion rate for children and teens in any sport can be attributed to brain development and a lack of athletic trainers to recognize possible head trauma.

While head injuries like concussions are the most serious sports-related injuries, they are not the most prevalent. In 2005, 58 percent of high school sports injuries were to the lower extremities: the knees, ankles and feet. Ankle injuries were the most common, resulting in 40 percent of all lower extremity injuries. Most ankle injuries are ligament sprains where the ligaments that connect bones and muscles are stretched to their limit or torn when the ankle makes an awkward movement.

Sprains/strains accounted for 2 1 percent of injured youth ice hockey, lacrosse and field hockey players. According to one s tudy, ankle injuries are the most common in both boys and girls basketball due to the quick changes in direction. Knee injuries are the second most common injury among athletes. Knee injuries account for 25 percent of all lower extremity injuries. Almost 13 percent of injuries sustained by female rugby players are to the knees. Sports rely heavily on the legs, therefore they are at a greater risk for injury.

Even though concussions are not the most common form of injury and the highest occurrence of concussions is not in football, football is still the rough and tough sport people claim it to be. Studies have shown football has the most injury occurrences of any sport. At the collegiate level 35.9 injuries occur for every 1,000 athletes exposed. Football has the most lower extremity injuries among all boys sports and the third most ankle specific injuries after boys and girls basketball. Football is still one of the roughest sports out there.

Study after study has found that sports-related injuries are very common and can be very serious. But, with the known health benefits of physical activity are people taking an even greater risk by not getting in the game at all?

The Millennial Generation Explored- Reed

2007-10-23T21:54:00.001-04:00

The new generation of journalists and other young professionals (part of the Millennial Generation) have different attitudes towards work and life than past ones did, and their bosses need to know what attracts and motivates them.
The Millennial Generation is people born in 1982 and later. With a lot of them graduating college and entering the workforce, they bring their upbringing with them. Molly Epstein is an associate professor of business at Emory University in Atlanta and “describes the working Millennials as employees who see themselves as special, with an expectation of individual attention for the work done in the course of each day” (RTNDA).
Parents may be the cause of this. The so-called “helicopter parents” hovered over their kids, which resulted them to expect close relationships with elders. But their bosses may see this as the Millennials being needy and they may not be receptive to having a mentoring relationship.
Dale Dauten, of The Boston Globe, writes “it's nobody's fault but ours, the boomers. We're the ones who were squealing with delight if the kid drew an egg. We were the ones who said, "Johnny tried, and that's what counts."
For young journalists, the issue of money also comes up. Unfortunately, the starting pay in Broadcast Journalism is often low and they have no choice but to adjust to that or to look at other fields that pay more, like Public Relations.
Young journalists are also criticized for feeling that a degree is all they need. Furthermore, Dave Vincent, who has more than 20 years of news management experience, says he doesn’t “see enough people who really are as curious as I would like” (RTNDA). This is important because passion and curiosity are hard to teach. In the end, Millennials look at journalism as a job. And the bottom line is that the older generation runs the newsrooms and are worried that their “next-in-line’s” are too dependent on others.

There are some things news managers can do in leading the younger generation:

1. Develop a personal relationship with them because once you do that they will be loyal to you.
2. Evaluate them often, and always start with a positive.
3. Stations should set up clear rules by which the Millennials can go by to do daily tasks.

Employers can also try to connect with the Millennial’s parents. Millennials are more reliant on their parents for advice even as adults than previous generations and this gesture can win over a young worker.

These are some of the traits of the Millennial generation, according to NASA:

· Lacks trust in corporations
· Focuses on personal success
· Has a short-term career perspective
· Is quickly bored
· Is team oriented
· Builds community
· Sees no clear boundary between work and life in general
· Is socially responsible
· Will sacrifice economic rewards for work–life balance
· Expects to work anytime, anyplace

“According to a 2006 SHRM report, 75 percent of executives and HR managers said that recent four-year college graduates displayed only “adequate” professionalism and work ethic, creativity and innovation, and critical thinking and problem-solving. Only 25 percent reported an “excellent” display of those traits in recent college graduates” (Job Blog).
But the Millennials have some great qualities, like their proficiency with technology. According to Tim Irwin, a corporate psychologist and author, “They are going to be one of the most creative and productive generations in history. I am predicting great things and smart companies are going to be hiring the best of them,” (Generation Y Blog). (Ironically, young journalists are often surprised to find newsrooms with technology that is worse than their college’s). Companies like NASA are trying to ready themselves for the new generation as baby boomers retire. Also, by being so immersed in technology, Millennials have become oblivious to those around them at any given time. Constantly multitasking while someone else is sitting in the room may seem rude now but once they are in positions of power it probably won’t be.
According to Syndicated Columnist Judith Martin, "Young people care deeply about the norms and practices of their contemporaries". They just don't understand "that the standards of adults affect them" (USA Today).
Some myths about the Millennials are that they have no work ethic and respect for authority, but the Millennials do get work done, they just won’t look to do something else after completing the task unless told so.
For them, respect must be earned but when it is, it is reciprocated intensely. The Millennials also live in the now, so talk of promotions in the future seems hollow to them.
Today’s generation is more focused on white-collar jobs than physical labor, perhaps because their parents pushed them to go to college so much.
The Millennials also tend to not want to do entry-level work. There are two sides to this: it shows they are motivated to do something meaningful but the reality is that people have to pay their dues first to get ahead in the real world. Another thing is that school may not adequately prepare them for that world.
“Suddenly, the tenets of success we've followed since kindergarten don't apply, because getting ahead in the business world often has nothing to do with intelligence or exceeding a set of defined expectations” (NPR). Some of the things Millennials can do is seek out professional relationships, develop a marketable persona, and acquire skills that will be useful in other places.
There are also some disturbing stats regarding Millennials’ mental health. “The Center for Disease Control and Prevention reports that in 2003, 27.4% of twelfth-graders "felt so sad/hopeless almost every day for the past 2+ weeks that stopped usual activities." And a startling 6.1% had attempted suicide in the past 12 months (with 1/3 of these requiring medical attention for a suicide attempt).”

The Millennials will at some point be executives, news directors, and even top government officials. They have to work together with the current generation in charge to get the experience they will need when it’s their turn to lead.

VIDEO: http://umnewsmontana.blogspot.com/2007/10/millennial-generation.html

Syracuse Football- It's All In the Recruiting--Seal

2007-10-23T18:06:00.000-04:00

Syracuse head football coach Greg Robinson has very little job security after nearly three years on the job. During his tenure, the Orange have had an abysmal overall record of 7 wins and 24 losses. The Orange have had an even worse record within the Big East Conference with 2 wins and 15 losses. The way Robinson can get this program to win can be summed up in one word: recruiting. A good class of incoming football players can get fans and current players excited about upcoming seasons. Recruiting is the lifeblood of any college football program, and recently the Orange have been bleeding to death.

It would be ridiculous to expect Coach Robinson to sign a tremendous collection of players when Syracuse lacks the recent winning tradition to attract a top-ranked recruiting class. Coach Robinson, however, needs to take baby steps towards signing a top ranked class in the future. He could first start the Syracuse recruiting process by protecting the Orange’s home state of New York. Over the past few years, top recruits have been signed out of New York by multiple rival schools.

You may argue that Syracuse does not have the ability to keep top recruits from signing with tradition-rich football schools like Michigan, Notre Dame and Penn State; but schools such as Pittsburgh, Maryland, Rutgers, Boston College, North Carolina, and Michigan State have been able to sign football prospects out from under Coach Robinson’s nose.

Over the past two years there have been between 13-15 top football prospects to come out of New York, according to professional recruiting websites such as Scout.com and Rivals.com. Of these prospects, less than half stayed in their home state of New York. If Robinson could sign the majority of these prospects, they could form a foundation on which to build a winning Syracuse program. It won’t be easy, but it is a reasonable goal to help the Orange climb back up to college football respectability.

According to recruiting sites, there are 7 or 8 good high school football prospects coming out of New York this year. If coach Robinson can sign 5 of them, he will have a solid recruiting class to infuse into the Syracuse football program.

These are some of the top New York state prospects Coach Robinson should target in upcoming recruiting class:

Averin Collier- Churchville, New York: Collier is a running back who has tremendous lower body strength and is known for his vision and balance. Collier could be a lost cause because he has a brother who already plays for the Pittsburgh Panthers, but perhaps he can be convinced to go to a school where he can create his own identity.

Marcus Sales- Syracuse, New York: Sales is a must-have for Robinson because he plays in Syracuse. There is no excuse to let a recruit leave your own backyard. Sales is a big, fast wide receiver who can stretch the field and is always a threat to score.

Scott Vallone- Islip, New York: Vallone has already verbally committed to Rutgers, but many recruits have changed their minds in the past. Vallone is a defensive lineman who has a quick burst and can get off the ball quickly to cause havoc in the offensive backfield.

Latavius Murray- Nedrow, New York: Justin Udo has already discussed Murray on this blogsite. Murray plays running back in high school, but he is big enough (6’4”) to become a linebacker at the college level.

Khalif Staten- Brooklyn, New York: Staten is a tall wide receiver (6’3”) who could be a tremendous endzone threat because he can out-jump defenders for the ball.

DeAndre Preaster- Utica, New York: Preaster is a tremendous athlete with ideal size and speed to play in the offensive or defensive backfield. He doesn’t play a particular position and has enough versatility that the Orange can use him wherever they need help.

Devon Watkis- Middle Island, New York: Watkins is a gigantic (6’8”) offensive lineman. He would add much-needed beef to the Syracuse line. His size would help him open up running lanes while his long arms would help push away defenders during pass protection. Watkins is another prospect who has given a verbal commitment to Rutgers, but as I said before, recruits sometimes change their minds.

Coach Robinson, however, cannot simply look at gathering homegrown prospects for 2008. He must keep up with future New York prospects as well. The following are players who will be football recruits in 2009. Staying in communication with them is a must in order for Syracuse to secure a good recruiting class in the future:

Andre Civil- Brooklyn, New York: Civil is a tall defensive end who could eventually provide a much-needed pass rush for the Syracuse defense. Coaches should stay in constant contact with this guy because he’s a top prospect in the nation and since he plays right across the Hudson River from New Jersey, Rutgers is hot on his trail.

Shayne Skov- Pawling, New York: Skov is probably going to play defensive back in college, but he’s big enough at 6’2” to put on some weight and become an athletic linebacker that the Orange so desperately need. Alas, Skov may feel homesick for his birthplace of San Francisco because he’s already verbally committed to Stanford.

Tommy Pizzurro- New Rochelle, New York: If there is one area critics of the Syracuse football team have been harping on this year it’s the offensive line. Current quarterback Andrew Robinson has been hit far too many times this year. Signing Pizzurro would be a step in the right direction for the Orange to solidify the offensive line.

Recruiting only in New York will not turn the Syracuse Orange into a football powerhouse, but it’s a place to start. If the Syracuse coaching staff can effectively seal off the state of New York from out of state college recruiters, then maybe they can begin to rebuild the Orange back into a nationally respected football team.

Fall Fashion 101

2007-10-23T16:14:00.000-04:00

It’s not often people are still wearing shorts and t-shirts come October here in Syracuse. But this season’s unusually warm weather has kept many people from shopping for their winter wardrobes. Does that include you? Have no fear… here is your guide to fall fashion, to keep you looking hot all winter.

Men
This winter, the guys need to keep one word in mind: tailored. For casual and professional looks, if your outfit is tailored, you’re already on your way to looking great. For work, try finding a medium-shade gray suit. Experts say gray is a great alternative to black suits this fall, and it looks great with white, light blue, or light pink shirts. Gray is especially flattering for men with lighter skin tones.

Looking for a way to lighten up your formal wear? Andy Samberg from Saturday Night Live tried out a new look for Men’s Health magazine… pairing a yellow vest with his navy suit. Experts say vests are making a comeback this season, so if you’re up for being a trendsetter, try it out! Samberg also had this fashion advice for men, “The new way to rock a suit is with sneakers. That’s how artists and cool people get away with dressing up and not looking lame.”

Going for a business-casual look? Ditch the jacket and try a blue and white striped dress shirt. Then play around with modern ties for a fun but still formal look. And guys, an important note about dress shirts: think about getting new white dress shirts every year. They should always be crisp and clean, so experts suggest replacing them often, since they show wear easily.

And for the weekend? Cotton sweaters and mock turtlenecks are a great casual look. But this season, it’s all about flare: try a patterned shirt or a different fabric like silk to add a touch of fall fabulous to your outfit. Also big for men this season is the ski look: puffy down vests and jackets, warm sweaters, and ski-themed graphic tees (for the younger men out there). The ski look is especially great in reds, whites, and blacks.

Not up for the themed outfits? Stick with your basic casual clothes, but go green! Green is a big color for men’s casual wear this season. The experts at Men.Style.com say tailored, patterned sweaters in shades of green are near-universally flattering. Also in this season: denim and layering basics. Experts say thin knits and t-shirts are classic, and they can be mixed-and-matched to create lots of unique looks.

Finally, accessories. That’s right, this season, accessories aren’t just for the ladies. Bold accessories are in… so look for standout items that will spice up any outfit. Examples: a large, patterned tie to add flare to a business suit; argyle socks to flash up your footwear; or, for a younger, more artsy look, try pairing red sneakers with a suit. One accessory warning: if you feel the need to wear a watch, make sure it doesn’t draw attention away from your outfit as a whole. Experts at GQ magazine say men’s watches should fit under the cuff of a dress shirt.

Women
For women this season, anything goes. There have been a variety of looks appearing on runways and in fashion magazines, all of which could definitely catch on here in Syracuse.

This season, women’s fashions are more formal than usual, making it easy to transition from work to a night on the town. Neutral colors are great for a sophisticated work look, and just like in men’s fashion, this season gray is taking off. Elle magazine’s coverage of New York fashion week shows that shades of gray, neutral colors, and masculine pieces are among designers’ top styles. (Note: for a Vogue editor's overview of Fall's styles, check out this video!)

Even so, this season’s color palette for women’s clothing is surprisingly varied. While neutrals are favored for a more professional appearance, bright colors make outfits more playful. Celebrities like Eva Longoria and Jessica Alba have been spotted wearing eye-catching bright colors.
Black and white combinations are also a stylish way to go this season. Celebrities in New York, Los Angeles, and London have been spotted with black and white cap-toe pumps and black and white dresses. Actually, a safe style bet this season is pretty much any type of dress. For a subdued yet stylish work outfit, try a belted sweaterdress. For a more attention-grabbing look, try a minidress in a bright color like hot pink, silver, or turquoise. Minidresses with flowy fabrics or jeweled necklines are flirty but sophisticated enough to wear to holiday parties.

Not much of a dress person? Add accessories like a patent leather handbag, purple pumps, or a chunky metallic necklace to add a touch of style to a casual outfit. And an easy outfit fix this season is… a belt! High and low-end retailers are featuring an array of belts this season, bound to look great with any outfit, casual or formal.

Other easy accessories for women: colorful bangles and oversized jeweled cocktail rings. And, perfect for the cold Syracuse weather bound to hit soon, vintage hats are back this year, as is fur. So feel free to break out those cozy knit sweaters, throw on a belt and a vintage hat, and head out into the (eventual) snowy weather in style.

So where do I begin?
Suddenly I’m sensing cries of “Help me, oh fashion guru! How am I supposed to find these high-fashion looks here in Syracuse?” Not to worry. There are plenty of stores locally that stock this season’s best fashions—many at affordable prices. For men and women, check out Old Navy. They offer inexpensive sweaterdresses and work looks for women; while providing a wide selection of layered looks for men.

Other alternatives? Shop from home using fashion-forward websites. A great one for women is shopbop.com, which tracks the latest fashions and allows you to search by brand and style. Men and women will find the top styles at affordable prices at Express, and well-known designers (for a slightly higher price) at Bluefly.

And remember: while trends will come and go, it’s important to develop your own personal sense of style that will keep you looking and feeling great year after year. So try out some of this season’s new looks, but most importantly, have FUN with your fashion!

Picking Sides

2007-10-23T11:04:00.000-04:00

I played the piano for seven or eight years. Every piano lesson I went to was like pulling teeth. My mother sacrificed a lot and tried to convince me these lessons would pay off and make me a well-rounded person. To this day all I can play on the piano is Mary Had a Little Lamb. Like many people my age that I know, our instruments just didn’t seem hip and cool. Little did I know how responsible these instruments were for the music I listened to.

While rummaging through You-Tube.com I found David Sides. He made me wish I didn’t waste those countless amounts of lessons and countless amount of dollars.
Sides plays the piano. The twenty three year old from California has been playing the piano for ten years. Sides says he taught himself how to play the piano, and says he first started playing pop-culture songs after listening to the Lion King soundtrack.

The University of California-Riverside grad, plays songs that a young audience likes and can appreciate, from Coldplays The Scientist (which is played on piano, he plays the bass line and melody) to T-Pains Buy You a Drink. I always heard the piano played in plays and classical music. Until I heard recent artist like John Legend and Alicia Keys, I never really saw the piano in the forefront of popular music.
Sides plays his own music, but the biggest difference between what he does and what Keys and Legend does is he plays songs that already on the radar. What this does is take the raw emotion you feel from a song and embodies the whole thing into the keys of a piano.
I am not saying Sides is the next Schubert, Haydn or Stravinsky. He is David Sides, a breath of fresh air. That in itself is good for a young generation, who like current and not the past.

Sides just released his first album Mr. Sides the Collection Volume 1. This album features top twenty hits. It was all piano and no vocals.He says the inspiration for his music is everything from hip-hop to Frank Sinatra. I thought it would have a hard time keeping my attention for all eighteen tracks. It did not. I played the album a few times.

David Sides is not signed to a record label yet. Who knows how long that will last? He is in talks with different record companies. Sides is currently on tour doing shows at different universities. He has recently finished at Columbia University. He has done countless radio shows, and has been featured in various magazines like Cove.

In an interview Sides said he started entering competitions when he started college. He competed in seven competitions. He won four, place in the top three at two others, and was booed off stage at another.

Sides says he plays all of his songs by ear, but is working on making sheet music for it all. He says Ciara's Like A boy is the hardest story he has transcribed, because that is the first song he put octaves and melody in. One of the more interesting things that I noticed about Sides' music is his detail to each individual piece of the music that he plays. Sides says in addition to dropping an album, he will be putting together a compilation of sheet music that will soon go on sale.

His work will soon get a chance to be on music's forefront, but before it does just know you are one of the first people to get a glimpse at this side of David. Photography provided by misdirkted photography.

Raising Literacy Rates in Central New York and Beyond

2007-10-23T09:15:00.001-04:00

Illiteracy is a major societal problem. According to UNESCO (the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization), almost 25% of Americans are illiterate and so are nearly 771 million people across the world. Here in Central New York, several organizations are working to increase literacy rates on a local, national, and global level.

Proliteracy Worldwide

One of the world's most active organizations in improving adult literacy is based in Syracuse. In August 2002, Laubach Literary International merged with Literacy Volunteers of America, Inc., to form ProLiteracy Worldwide. According to its website, ProLiteracy Worldwide is the oldest and largest nongovernmental literacy organization in the world.

In the United States, ProLiteracy America has more than 1,200 member groups that work to increase adult literacy. Each group offers classes and tutoring for adults who need to learn to read. The groups also research the needs of illiterate adults and develop curricula to help them learn to read and become more functional in American society. ProLiteracy America also holds a conference each year. This year's conference will take place in Alexandria, Virginia, in early November. The organization's representatives will hold workshops, have feature presentations, and visit Capitol Hill to discuss ProLiteracy's mission with members of Congress.

ProLiteracy's International Program addresses low literacy rates and social problems. In addition to teaching adults to read, the program shows parents how to teach their children to read as well. There are also programs that combine learning to read with learning about social issues. Literacy for Social Change is a program that allows participants to work on community projects while learning to read. The material they use relates to the projects their working on. The information not only teaches people how to read, but also educates them on community issues, such as education, economics, health, peace, and the environment. Women in Literacy Initiative was implemented in several developing countries where men are favored. In these countries, women are often denied rights, and that includes the right to learn. This initiative teaches women to read and also provides them with the knowledge they need to understand the world around them and their own self-worth.

ProLiteracy Worldwide has its own press. The New Readers Press publishes books, magazines, and newspapers for those learning to read. According to its website, the press generates $8 million of revenue each year. Proceeds from the sales of the materials fund the projects and programs ProLiteracy champions.

Oprah Winfrey's Book Club supports ProLiteracy Worldwide. In celebration of the 2007 selection of Sidney Poitier's The Measure of a Man, the Book Club gave a $50,000 grant to the organization.

This is a video from YouTube about ProLiteracy Worldwide.

Family Literacy Alliance of Greater Syracuse

The Fa m ily L ite racy Allicance of Greater Syracuse works to increase the number of literacy services for children and adults. The Alliance focuses on the four components of "Family Literacy," which include adult education, childhood education, parenting education, and part-child interactive literacy activities. The Alliance strives to garner support for literacy advancement, identify and develop possible funding for literacy, increase awareness and education in literacy, and gather, analyze, and report research and statistics about literacy to the community. The Family Literacy Alliance of Greater Syracuse sponsors events for children. In the summer, the Alliance supports the SAIL Program (Summer Adventures in Learning). The program, which is sponsored by the Learning Disabilities Association of Central New York, targets children from kindergarten through eighth grade who have learning disabilities. The program offers classes in reading, writing, and art, as well as math and computers. The goal is to give students confidence who might otherwise feel inadequate due to their learning disabilities. Organizers say these students often become discouraged by their weaknesses and give up on learning to read and write, and the program teaches these skills in a relaxed setting, where students can learn at their own pace before starting school in the fall.

Literacy Volunteers of Greater Syracuse

Even before Literacy Volunteers of America was formed in 1972, Literacy Volunteer s of Greater Syracuse was working to improve literacy rates in Central New York. Today, the organization's volunteers often spend time in Onondaga County Public Library branches, as well as churches and schools, tutoring adults and children who operate below a sixth grade reading level.

Volunteers complete a training program that prepares them to help students learn to read and write the English language. LVS pairs volunteers with students who have been evaluated, and the pair works together for at least two hours each week. LVS says both volunteers and students come from all racial, ethnic, and socio-economic backgrounds.

According to the organization's website, students who have been helped by LVS have gone on to receive job offers, enroll in educational programs, become U.S. citizens, assume active roles in their children's schools and educations, learn how to take advantage of community resources, and participate in elections.

Syracuse University Literary Corps

More than 120 students at Syracuse University are members of the Syracuse University Literary Corps. The program came about as part of the America Reads Challenge that was designed to improve literacy rates among young children through community involvement by adults and college students. SU students tutor elementary school children in the Syracuse City School District.

Community Support

Several organizations and agencies throughout the Syracuse community either support one or more of the above organizations, have their own program that strives to increase literacy rates, or show their support for literacy in other ways. The Onondaga County Public Library has an adult literacy program that helps adults become "information literate" and puts them on a path to lifelong learning. Syracuse Mayor Matt Driscoll and Onondaga County Executive Nick Pirro declared February 26, 2003, Literacy Day in Syracuse and Onondaga County to raise awareness about illiteracy and the local programs working to combat it. Read Ahead supplies grants that fund literacy programs. Although illiteracy is still a problem in Syracuse and elsewhere, several local organizations are working to reduce it both here at home and across the world.

Winter in the Finger Lakes

2007-10-22T20:29:00.000-04:00

While the winter may seem dull, the Finger Lakes region has something to do even through those cold, dreary months. The eleven lakes are located to the west of Syracuse and there is something to do for every member of the family.

This area produces New York’s largest amount of wine. Canandaigua Lake, Keuka Lake and Cayuga Lake all have wineries, but Seneca Lake has the most with about 54. The Sene ca Lake Wine Trails don’t just close up when the weather gets chilly – they are open year round. The Deck the Halls Second Weekend is one of the more popular events and takes place on December 1 and 2. During this event several wineries, including Fox Run Vineyards and Amberg Wine Cellars, will sell limited edition wine labels that reflect the events theme song “The Twelve Wine Days of Christmas.”

Winter events at Seneca Lake don’t stop there. On February 10 and 11 there is a Valentine’s Day inspired event called Chocolate and Wine. Perfect for couples, this event’s name says it all – enjoy different types of chocolate and wine over two days for only $25 each.

Cayuga Lake also has wine events through the seasons. Mardi Gras at the Wineries on February 2 is on Super Bowl weekend. King Ferry and Long Point Wineries give away Mardi Gras masks and beads. Best of all, for only $20 guests get a food and wine sample at all 16 wineries.

Even Canandaigua Lake is even getting in on the cold weather activities. Night skiing begins at the Bristol Mountain Resort on December 7. Also, Light Up Canandaigua!, December 13-14 is good for the whole family. Touring houses and businesses compete for the best holiday displays and people can tour this area from the warmth of a tour bus – for free.

New York’s Wine and Culinary Center is a good way to combine wine and gourmet food. Located right off the lake, visitors can taste a sample of wines, attend a cooking class, or just indulge in good food upstairs in the restaurant. The good thing about this place is all of this can be enjoyed even when the snow is falling.

Wineries are not the only places to be enjoyed at the Finger Lakes. Sometimes relaxing is just as good - and, anyone coming to this area needs a place to eat and stay. The Snug Harbor Restaurant and Inn on Keuka Lake is open year round and lives up to its name – it really does look snug and that's a good thing in the winter. There’s live music through the weekend. All 3 dining rooms offer a panoramic view of the lake. The menu offers wintertime favorites like four cheese fondue, roasted pumpkin bisque and potato gnocchi.

Rogue’s Harbor Inn on Cayuga Lake is an elegant and historic place to stay and eat. Rogue’s has provided lodging since 1830 and still has a lot of the original woodwork and pressed tin ceilings. Also, this Inn was once connected to the Underground Railroad. The food in the restaurant is varied and offers a lot of hearty, winter foods such as apple onion chicken, balsamic duck and wild berry cobbler.

If you love great movies and lakes, then the Gone With the Wind Bed and Breakfast on Keuka Lake in Branchport is probably a good place to stay. Rooms are named after characters associated with the movie, like the “Bonnie Blue room,” “Melanie and Ashley’s room,” and “Rhett and Scarlett’s Hideaway.” In the “O’Hara room”, the hot tub is painted “Irish green.” Located on 14 acres, the Inn is so popular that the owners had to build an additional building to house all of the guests.

The Bristol Harbour Resort on Canandaigua Lake is an Adirondack style Inn. While this lodge is open all year, during the off-season guests can get up large discounts – up to 30% off with dinner vouchers. During the winter might actually be the best time to go here because all rooms feature a view of the lake, a fireplace and heated bathroom floors. The resort also offers ski and stay and cross country packages.

One of the more popular places to visit in the Finger Lakes is the village of Skaneateles on Skaneateles Lake. On Saturdays and Sundays all through December, there is the Dicken’s Christmas. This takes people back to the old days of carriage rides and hot chestnuts from street vendors. There is an interactive street theater, bagpipers and holiday sing-a-longs. The best part is all the free stuff – hot chocolate, carriage rides, cider donuts and Mother Goose reading children’s stories.

When all of the holiday festivities are over in Skaneateles, there is still a lot to do inside. Eating, relaxing and shopping are all good options to being outside in the cold winter months. Imagine is a store that offers an eclectic mixture of handmade gifts, like kaleidoscopes, blown glass vases and gemstone rings. But, if you have kids, the Teddy Bear Nursery might be more up you alley. Kids can hand stuff their own doll or teddy bear and custom make them – right down to the name on their new plaything’s birth certificate.

After all that shopping, people just want to relax. In comes the Mirbeau Inn and Spa. Relax in a guest room or private cottage with a fireplace and soak-in tub. Or while waiting to receive a spa treatment – soak your feet in a massaging pool, take a dip in a mineral salt bath or relax in a steam bath. This isn’t just for women either. The Mirbeau is rated high on the AAA Most Romantic list. There is also a restaurant here called Giverny and is styled in a Provencal French countryside theme. A lot of the items on the menu are organic and fresh.

The Finger Lakes region is diverse in nature. So pretty much wherever the Finger Lakes may take you, there is always something to do snow or shine.

The Boston "T" Party: The Quest for Titles in New England

2007-10-22T19:10:00.000-04:00

Bean-town can rejoice once again. The Red Sox have done the unthinkable and come back from a 3 games to one disadvantage to defeat the Cleveland Indians. Now Boston is bound for the World Series, and has a chance to win its second title in four years. So much for the curse of the Bambino. The Red Sox finished the regular season 96-66, tied for first in baseball with the team they just defeated in the ALCS, the Cleveland Indians. The offense scored more runs than everyone but the New York Yankees, the Detroit Tigers, and the Philadelphia Phillies, and starters Josh Beckett and Tim Wakefield came up big, posting a combined 37-19 record. The last time they came back to win an ALCS they went on to win the world series in 4 games. The momentum of having been the first team to come back from a three games to none hole, winning four in a row against their biggest rival, the New York Yankees may have helped to propel them to the sweep of the National League champion St. Louis Cardinals. Now they face a foe that has won 21 of its last 22 games, and is hotter than any team in baseball. The Rockies swept both of their playoff series, beating the Phillies in 3 and the Diamondbacks in 4. Will Boston be able to use its momentum to vanquish yet another foe? Boston fans sure hope so.

The Red Sox may be the talk of the town, but there are plenty of other things to look forward to in the Boston sports world. The New England Patriots are 7-0 for the first time in team history, and look nearly unbeatable. Michael Wilbon, of the Washington Post, an admitted Chicago Bears fan, wrote that the scores by which the Patriots are winning their games (38-14, 38-14, 38-7, 34-13, 34-17, 48-27) suggest that they are untouchable. He does go on to say that no matter how dominant a team has looked in the past, everyone messes it up before the season ends. Except for the 1972 Miami Dolphins, of course. Whether or not they lose a game this season, they are very, very good. They are the odds-on favorite to win the Super Bowl right now. So even if the Sox can't beat the Rockies in the World Series, Boston may be Super Bowl bound.

As if that weren't enough, the Boston Celtics made some big off-season acquisitions, and could be poised for a run deep into the playoffs. After going 24-58 last season, the Celtics missed the playoffs for the second year in a row. In response, the Celtics traded for Ray Allen during the NBA draft, and then picked up one of the top players in the NBA, Kevin Garnett, from the Minnesota Timberwolves. Alongside Paul Pierce, the nucleus of the team for the past nine seasons, the Celtics "big three" has the team looking big. They crushed the Knicks in their preseason home opener, 101-61. There is a buzz surrounding the team. The team website displays the words "Think Big". How big are they thinking? As big as the Red Sox and the Patriots.

The Bruins are not even on the same plane as the other three. The ESPN power rankings currently show the Bruins at 25th out of 30 teams. They should not even be mentioned in an article about title hopes in the greater Boston area. Yet they are 5-2 after 7 games, and are tied for fourth in the Eastern Conference. They have not beaten any of the NHL's top teams, and are stuck in a division with last season's Stanley Cup runners-up the Ottawa Senators and last season's President's Trophy winners, the Buffalo Sabres. They have yet to play either of those teams, and will face each 8 times over the course of the year. Should they hold their own, they might have just enough to make the playoffs. Boston shouldn't hold its breath for a Stanley Cup, but it may not be as bad a season as one would have thought based on preseason predictions.

With all the potential in Boston area sports, and the recent memory of bad seasons from all of the 4 major teams, New England fans must be ecstatic. Even though the Pats won three Super Bowls in four years, they were 5-11 in 2000. The Bruins and Celtics were under .500 just last year. The Red Sox missed last year's playoffs. Now Boston fans are all but assured of at least three winning seasons, barring major Celtics injuries. After all, even if the Red Sox lose, there is still football season. And if the Pats have trouble, Basketball season will be well underway to divert attention. According to Boston fans, however, football and basketball titles mean far less than the success of the Red Sox. Greg Sullivan, a life-long Boston resident, described the Boston sports strata as #1 Red Sox, #2 Patriots, #3 Celtics, and #1,000,000 Bruins. He supports this opinion with a story about a sandwich shop in downtown Boston. He walked past the shop a few days before the Patriots were to play in their third Super Bowl in four years. Posted on a board in the front of the shop was a sign that read "12 days until spring training starts." Talk about baseball crazy. Dick Johnson, curator of the sports museum in the TD Banknorth Garden, said (as quoted in the Boston Globe) "If you were able to do an electroscan of the average sports person here in Boston, well, the beating heart has stitches on it." In a poll just before the Patriots third Super Bowl appearance in four years, and just after the Red Sox won their first world series in 86 years, boston.com found that 82% of the respondents cared more about the Red Sox than the Patriots. And the poll was located on the Patriots section of the website. All evidence points to Red Sox favoritism. That's just fine for Boston, as the Red Sox are poised to win another World Series. If they do, maybe then the Patriots, Celtics, and Bruins will get some attention.

Source for Quote:

http://www.boston.com/sports/football/patriots/articles/2005/01/29/its_the_talk_of_this_town?pg=full

SIDS: A Medical Mystery

2007-10-22T18:13:00.000-04:00

In February I will become an aunt for the first time. As you can imagine, my family and I can hardly contain our excitement. This is the primary reason I wanted to learn more about Sudden Infant Death Syndrome and why it continues to be such a mystery to medical professionals. I intend to share this research with my brother and sister-in-law, the parents-to-be.

Background:
Despite the decline in Sudden Infant Death Syndrome death rates, SIDS is still the leading cause of death among babies under the age of one. Each year approximately 4,000 babies die of SIDS. Recently, the Scripps Howard News Service completed a study on, not the possible causes SIDS, but why there are no universal standards in place to diagnose it. Based on the study, infant death investigations are done differently across the country. Therefore, several infant death cases may be misdiagnosed or overlooked. According to the study, “the Scripps review of 40,000 infant deaths going back to 1992 revealed that the quality of infant death investigations, the level of training for coroners, and the amount of oversight and review vary enormously across the country. In many cases, professional bias -- both for and against a diagnosis of SIDS – trumps medical evidence.” The study emphasizes that a lack of a clear protocol will only continue to hinder our understanding of an already mysterious disorder.

The Science:
According to the American SIDS Institute, SIDS is the unexplained death of a seemingly healthy baby under the age of one. Generally, most SIDS deaths occur in babies between the ages of two to four months. Although SIDS is not fully understood, medical experts believe it is a combination of some biological predisposition and a stress in the immediate environment of the infant.

According to the Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, a medical cause of SIDS may be directly related to the brainstem, a part of the brain that controls heart rate, breathing, lung function, and arousal (ability to wake-up). A study conducted by the National Institute of Health says an abnormality in this region causes a baby to re-breathe his or her own exhaled air. Because the air would contain a high level of carbon dioxide and a low level of oxygen, the body malfunctions and shuts down.

Another possible cause of SIDS under research is Long QT Syndrome. Each time your heart pumps, an electrical impulse travels through the four chambers of the heart. Long QT Syndrome is a disorder in which the heart experiences several fast, sporadic beats disrupting the electrical system. This leaves the heart vulnerable to sudden cardiac arrest. Studies indicate that there is a gene linked to Long QT Syndrome. Research says ten percent of SIDS cases are related to this disorder. If SIDS runs in your family, a doctor may check for the disorder using an electrocardiogram (ECG) and genetic studies.

Infant sleep apnea may be another cause of SIDS. According to WebMD, apnea is a temporary pause in breathing during sleep. Some babies suffer from infant sleep apnea due to a neurological defect or simply an obstruction of the airway.

The Environment:
Although there is a strong biological component to SIDS, doctors say there are several other factors that make a baby more susceptible to SIDS. Among these factors are:

Premature or low birth weight
Mothers who consume drugs during pregnancy
Poor pre-natal care

Baby’s exposure to second-hand smoke

Placental abnormalities

The Back To Sleep Campaign:
The Back to Sleep Campaign was launched in 1994. The campaign has made an effort to educate the public on ways to prevent SIDS. Specifically, the campaign emphasizes the fact that a baby sleeping on his or her back reduces the risk of SIDS. The National Institute of Child Health and Human Development leads the campaign, along with the Maternal and Child Health Bureau, the Center for Disease Control, and the Census Bureau. In March 1997, Tipper Gore became national campaign spokesperson.

What You Can Do:
It may seem like it is difficult for parents to be pro-active in protecting their baby from SIDS. However, since environmental stresses are also a major factor in causing SIDS there are several simple precautions new parents can take.

·Babies Should Sleep On Their Back: If a baby sleeps on his or her back there is a reduced chance of suffocation.
·Sleep In Crib Near Parents Or Other Caregivers: An infant should be in his or her own crib-not in the bed.
·No Toys Or Stuffed Animals In The Cribs
·Bedding: Babies should sleep on a firm mattress. Parents should not use fluffy blankets or comforters. Mores SIDS related deaths occur in the winter because parents tend to cover their baby with extra blankets.
·Pacifier

Here is what a safe environment for your baby should resemble.

Coping:
Often after a child dies from SIDS, parents feel agonizing guilt and the question “What could I have done?” constantly runs through their minds. Parents should join a support group and perhaps seek mental health counseling. It is also crucial for parents to acknowledge how a SIDS related death might impact other children in the family. Support groups are available specifically for siblings.

If you or someone you know is dealing with the loss of a child to SIDS, there are several resources available. University Hospital in Syracuse and Crouse Hospital have materials such as books, videos, and information on support groups in the Central New York region.

OTC Drug Interactions

2007-10-21T18:06:00.000-04:00

As cold and flu season approaches, many people will be flocking to the drugstore to stock up on over-the-counter (OTC) or nonprescription medications. While these medications are readily available to consumers, there are precautions customers should keep in mind to prevent consequences from drug interactions.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) says label comprehension is one of the most important factors to preventing an over-the-counter drug interaction. Always read medication labels before buying or ingesting a medication. The FDA says there are several different things to look for on the label of a product:

PRODUCT NAME
"ACTIVE INGREDIENTS": therapeutic substances in medicine
"PURPOSE": product category (such as antihistamine, antacid, or cough suppressant)
"USES": symptoms or diseases the product will treat or prevent
"WARNINGS": when not to use the product, when to stop taking it, when to see a doctor, and possible side effects
"DIRECTIONS": how much to take, how to take it, and how long to take it
"OTHER INFORMATION": such as storage information
"INACTIVE INGREDIENTS": substances such as binders, colors, or flavoring

Bemedwise.org posts suggestions for adults, parents and caregivers on how to get the maximum results from over-the-counter medications. Bemedwise says it is important to look for a medicine to treat ONLY the symptoms one is suffering from. This will help to prevent the mixing and matching of the wrong drugs—which could cause an undesired interaction.

The site stresses while taking over-the-counter medications, never assume anything. If in doubt, always address concerns to a pharmacist or doctor. Also, make sure to flip on a light or wear glasses when reading labels to prevent dosage mistakes. This is especially important for parents administering medications via droplets to babies and children.

The FDA says drug interactions are broken down into three categories: drug-drug, drug-food/beverage, and drug-condition. Drug-drug occurs when combining two or more drugs.

The FDA uses the example of mixing a sedative (sleep aid) with an anti-histamine (allergy medication), which would result in delayed reactions, where operating a vehicle could be a potentially dangerous activity. WebMD lists drug-drug interactions: the upcoming holiday season usually calls for overeating and a supply of acid reducers, which should not be combined with theophylline (oral asthma drug), warfarin (blood thinning drug) and phenytoin (seizure drug). Many people grab an Antitussive (cough suppressant) for the alleviation of the common cold, but WebMD suggests consulting a doctor before taking this with a sedative or tranquilizer. FamilyDoctor.org suggests not taking medications with the same active ingredients (substances that work to alleviate one's symptoms).

CVS Caremark also lists drug interactions to avoid: the Birth Control Pill can lose its effectiveness when mixed with Antibiotics. Matthew Grissinger is a pharmacist and an educator at the Institute for Safe Medication Practices says to use backup protection if you are on the pill and need to use antibiotics.

Delayed reactions can also occur from drug-food/beverage interactions. The FDA says one of the most common drug-food/beverage dangers is the mixture of alcohol with medications.

The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) says not to mix grapefruit juice and blood-pressure lowering medications, and The Methodist Hospital System of Houston Texas, lists several of the most common drug-food/beverage interactions:

Aspirin and other OTC medications combined with a low vitamin-C intake can cause stomach bleeding; Asthma Medicines can lose effectiveness when combined with caffeine, high protein, low carbohydrate diets and charbroiled foods; Dairy intake should be limited when taking Antibiotics because it blocks the absorption of a certain class of the medication; and, the absorption of penicillin is limited when taken with food. One potentially deadly combination is Antidepressants with the following: aged cheese, Chianti wines, chicken livers, various pickled, aged and fermented foods, which can cause fever, high blood pressure and even death.

A drug-condition interaction results when consuming a certain drug will be dangerous to someone's pre-existing condition. The FDA uses the example, if one suffers from high blood pressure, refrain from using nasal decongestants. AARP.org says body changes in the elderly due to aging affect medication interactions. The absorption, metabolic, distribution and excretion processes can take longer, causing more interactions because foods and beverages are staying in one's system longer.

The Institute for Safe Medication Practices says staying an informed consumer is the way to avoid bad drug combinations. The Institute suggests keeping a list of medications you are currently taking, and update the list as new medications are incorporated into your lifestyle. The Institute stresses always taking the correct or included measuring device--do not rely on household teaspoons and tablespoons.

According to the Institute of Medicine, about 400,000 drug-related preventable injuries are reported in U.S. hospitals. According to Familydoctor.org, the effects of interactions are dizziness, nausea and bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract (GI). FamilyDoctor.org also says the most common adverse effects of drug combinations are more likely to happen when someone is taking three to four OTC medications daily. At that rate, the most likely candidates to get an adverse drug interaction are the elderly. According to AARP.org, sixty-seven percent of Americans 50 years old and over take an average of four medications every day.

The web provides many options to research specific drug combinations to ensure the drugs' compatibility. IGuard.org is a website offering a personalized alert system for patients and their health care team. The site alerts members with updates on the safety of their current medications. The site has a personalized safety scale for the medications for each of its members.

DiscoveryHealth provides a similar type of service, but focusing more on drug interactions. Users have the ability to click on several medications' names to find out if those medications will have a negative interaction with one another.

The most important advice when taking over-the-counter medications is to stay informed. Read, read, read and keep updated on each medication's effect on your body. Keep daily medications organized and take proper dosages. Do not take multiple medications that have the same active ingredients, and the FDA suggests using the same pharmacy for all of your drug needs.

Restoring Wrestling's Pride from CNY

2007-10-21T14:26:00.000-04:00

2007 has largely been a black eye on the professional wrestling world. Amid steroid controversies, a rash of injuries to superstars like champions John Cena and Edge (Adam Copeland), and even a murder-suicide involving one of the industry's biggest stars. The series of obstacles faced by the sports entertainment business this year has led to declining television ratings. Less than a month after the Chris Benoit incident, World Wrestling Entertainment's flagship show, Monday Night Raw, experienced a 10-percent decrease in viewers. A few months later, World Wrestling Entertainment announced the suspensions of several top stars for violating the company's wellness policy.

From a national perspective, it would seem that little can be done in Central New York to put a more positive spin on professional wrestling. Look harder. A few of the more upstanding characters in professional wrestling today connect to this very region. And if you want to help restore the pride, you can "learn the ropes"; figuratively and literally, in Central New York. It is often overlooked, but Central New York is as much a pipeline for the wrestling industry as anywhere, with the exception of the Carolinas, perhaps.

One Syracuse University alumnus can be heard bringing WWE's Friday Night Smackdown to living rooms each week. Sean Coulthard, known by wrestling aficionados as Michael Cole, graduated from SU in 1988. After spending the early 90's covering presidential elections and the conflict in Sarajevo, among other events, he jumped to the then-World Wreslting Federation in 1997. Since his time in the news industry, Michael Cole has had various roles in wrestling broadcasting, most of it coming alongside color commentator and former wrestler Tazz on Smackdown's broadcast crew. Apparently, Cole has even become a topic on Saturday Night Live (See photo).

Another Syracuse University Alumnus, who actually wrestled "for real" at SU, had a decorated career in the industry, and today is directly responsible for elements of WWE programming. Mike Rotunda, known by fans as Mike Rotundo, IRS, and Mr. Wallstreet among other monikers, is currently a road producer for WWE, as he continues to work in the industry in which he achieved great success in the 1980's and 1990's.

(Photo at Left is Courtesy of Mick Foley's Official MySpace Profile)

Another character- make that group of characters- went to SUNY-Cortland, for a little while at least. Mick Foley, the man behind the characters Mankind, Cactus Jack, and Dude Love, attended Cortland until he failed out of the school. The state of New York acted as somewhat of a launchpad for Foley's blast-off to wrestling stardom; Foley actually hitchhiked to Madison Square Garden to see WWE Hall of Famer Jimmy "Superfly" Snuka wrestle a match that is believed to have inspired Foley's career pursuit. No word yet on whether or not Mr. Socko hails from New York.

Since entertaining Foley, Jimmy Snuka has been slammed to the mat by Zaquary Springate, who is the head trainer at the Institute of Professional Wrestling in Liverpool. Springate teaches all aspects of wrestling, from interviewing to backstage etiquette, giving Central New Yorkers the chance to follow stars like Foley and Cole to the highest level of sports entertainment. Anyone over 18 years of age can find out if they have what it takes to be a wrestler, but there is a fee. The training is connected to the independent wrestling organization known as 2CW, or Squared Circle Wrestling. The brand puts on shows around the region, with shows in Rochester and Binghamton in early November; both of which will feature Springate in matches, as well as former ECW and WWF star Spike Dudley, who now wrestles under the name Matt Hyson. A show in Syracuse is also scheduled for December 29.

At its highest level, the WWE has made Syracuse a frequent stop on the schedule. The Onondaga County War Memorial at OnCenter hosted the first WWF "In Your House" pay-per-view event back in 1995, where stars like Bret Hart, The Undertaker, and the late Bam Bam Bigelow displayed their talents. The stars of WWE's Monday Night Raw are scheduled to bring their abilities back to the War Memorial shortly after the turn of the new year. A house show, which means a show that will not air on television, that was supposed to have happened in late September, will run on January 18. The show was rescheduled after a number of wrestlers were suspended for violating WWE's wellness plan; some top talent was also injured at the time as well, such as "The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels and former ECW World Champion Bobby Lashley.

Not only does modern wrestling have links back to Central New York, but the area is closely tied to wrestling's history books as well. The Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame is not far away in Schenectady, New York. Among the Hall of Famers are a couple early heroes of wrestling with ties to Central New York. Dick "The Destroyer" Beyer is another wrestler who is also a former SU student and SU football player. Len Rositano, who wrestled under "Len Rossi," is a Utica native, and a recipient of the Hall of Fame's New York State Award, which is awarded to wrestlers who have "made significant contributions to the sport of professional wrestling in the PWHF's home state of New York."

Wrestling has taken its bumps in 2007, but expecting the industry to continuously pump out pop-cultural phenomena like Hulk Hogan, "Stone Cold" Steve Austin, and The Rock may be a bit too much to ask, even from the WWE. But despite the obstacles, wrestling has shown it can ascend again, and again.

And it can do so in this very region. With connections to current wrestling personalities, a training school, independent professional wrestling, wrestling pioneers, and a shrine commemorating some of the brightest stars in the history of the industry, there are few places with more appreciation for steel cages, ladders, tables, chairs, and the men who put their careers on the line every night to entertain the fans.

Central New York is a great place for the bell to sound.

African Americans are Racist: Fact or Fiction

2007-10-17T09:10:00.000-04:00

African Americans are not racist according to Dr. Frances Cress-Welsing, author of The Isis Papers. That's what a source from africanwithin's website records from an interview with the psychiatrist and former Howard University Professor. The website also notes Cress-Welsing as saying "the majority of non-white people do not have a sufficient analysis of racism, white supremacy."

The above cartoon about racism is courtesy of Google Images.

So what exactly is Racism? Racism is defined as a belief that race is the primary determinant of human traits and capacities and that racial differences produce an inherent superiority of a particular race. In other words, a person is racist if she or he is a member of the "majority" race that abuse their financial and social power to degrade and belittle other races. Members of the Aryan Nation , a white supremacist group can be seen as racists. According to this group's website, they feel Caucasians deserve "sovereign existence and racial self-determination within a territorial area." But according to a global minority website, the world has been brainwashed by White Supremacists; believing that the white race is the majority when they are actually the minority.

Lack of color pigmentation sparked jealousy is what Cress-Welsing says led Europeans to enslave Africans for over 400-years. She also says African Americans were the first people on the planet and everyone on the planet including Caucasians came from people of color. "They lost the color through a genetic mutation to albinism, which genetics defines as a genetic deficiency state and they were forced out of Africa into Europe," says Cress-Welsing.

Even 142 years after the abolition of slavery, many people like Cress-Welsing are still disturbed by racist behavior. Within the last few weeks, hangman nooses, a symbol of hatred and tool used for lynching, have been found in the locker of a Hempstead police officer, at a post office near ground zero and on the door of a Columbia University professor. The noose doesn't only affect its target or victim. Its appearance has also disturbed New York State lawmakers to the point where they banned nooses completely. According to Yahoo's website, the state's lawmakers voted on an anti-noose bill on October 21 and made it a felony to display the symbol of hatred.

The photo of the noose was taken from Google Images.

Earlier this year, Don Imus and Senator Joe Biden were accused of being racist for making controversial statements. According to CNN's website, in February, Senator Biden made this comment about Presidential candidate Barack Obama, "I mean, you got the first mainstream African-American who is articulate and bright and clean and a nice-looking guy." Months after the Biden incident, former CBS talk show host Imus referred to the Rutgers women basketball team as "nappy headed hoes." Both men claim they are not racist; their words simply didn't come out as they envisioned it would. They both later apologized to their victims.

If Imus and Biden say they did not intentionally make racist statements, does that argument prove true for Michael Richard's tirade last November? During a comedy show at the Laugh Factory, comedian and former Seinfeld actor repeatedly referred to an African American audience member as "a Nigger." The Richard's incident caused quite a buzz amongst many people, especially those who are unsure why there is a double standard. If African American's refer to themselves as the N-word why can't Caucasian's refer to them as such?

This video of Michael Richard's racial tirade at the Laugh Factory was taken from Youtube.

Many African Americans argue that the N-word has evolved from a oppressive slave term into a term of endearment for each other. However, not everyone is buying into that notion. A source on black voices' website says, "the lack of self identity probably causes some young men to identify with 'nigga,' because they do not have knowledge of self." If a word is bad for one group, does that mean it's bad for all groups? Even if the word is now viewed as "positive" by many of the people it was created to harm? No matter which which way the word is pronounced or spelled, "Nigger," "Niggah" or "Nigga," it's obvious that it causes tension and will continue to offend people of different races.

On American Daily's website, some Caucasians are curious as to why they are most often at blame for being racist. One feels people turn the other cheek for African Americans as if they aren't capable of being racist. Dave Gibson, the article's author says "while those in the media are very quick to point out instances of racism when they are committed by white people...egregious acts of racism go unreported if committed by a black person."

According keithboykin's website, African Americans can be racist. But his definition of racism differs slightly from Merriam Websters definition. The site defines racism as "racial prejudice or social discrimination." So we know the definition of racism but do we know what's defined as prejudice? Prejudice is defined as injury or damage resulting from some judgment or action of another in disregard of one's rights. For instance, if an African American man calls a Caucasian man a derogative name or says he hates all Caucasians he can not be racist. That is if we followo Cress-Welsing's explanation that African Americans can not be racist. Instead, she notes that they can be prejudice. She also says African Americans are only reacting to hundreds of years of oppression, physical and mental enslavement.

So is it true or false that African Americans can't be racist? It appears that the answer to this question will continue to differ by person and by race. However, one thing is for certain, racism is alive and thrives on personal hatred to survive.

Hold The Phone!

2007-10-12T17:19:00.000-04:00

When it comes to cell phone theft, thieves may have the upper hand. A recent case in Baltimore left one cell phone owner puzzled by the lack of action on the part of his provider (Sprint). University of Maryland Professor Orde Kittrie did everything he could after being mugged in daylight on a Baltimore street. He called his provider immediately and reported the theft asking the service rep if any recent calls were made. The response he got was that the information was confidential. After filing the incident with police it took nearly a month before Sprint released a call report, costing valuable investigation time, and consumer dollars.
According to The Red Tape Chronicles, cell phone providers require the owner to pay for any unauthorized calls that are made under an account. After a theft, no matter how many long distance calls are made, the subscriber is liable to foot the bill.
These such injustices are what led the to start of the Wireless Consumers Alliance, an independant, non-profit organization who strives to give the power back to the people. In fact, they provide a list of things to do if your cell phone is stolen. Some tips are simple enough, like keeping the key pad locked with a secret code and reading that contract carefully.

The Fight for Land

2007-10-12T17:18:00.000-04:00

The Onondaga Indian Nation sued the state of New York in 2005 for illegally taking approximately 4,000 square miles of land from them that was negotiated in five treaties between 1788 and 1822. New York did not obtain congressional approval for the land acquisitions, which was required by the 1790 Trade and Non-Intercourse Act. The Onondaga asked the court to declare the nation holds legal title to a strip of land up to 40 miles wide stretching from Pennsylvania to Canada. The cities of Syracuse, Oswego, Fulton, Watertown, Cortland and Binghamton lie within the disputed territory.

About 875,000 people reside in the claim area. There are approximately 1,500 Onondagas living on an 11-square-mile territory south of Syracuse.

The Onondaga Indian Nation, have not asked the court to award them any monetary damages. The nation said they would not try to evict anyone living in the disputed territory.

Senior U.S. District Judge Lawrence Kahn reserved decision Thursday on New York's request to dismiss the Onondaga land claim suit.

Personal Care Product Precautions

2007-10-12T16:49:00.000-04:00

Recently, the discovery of lead in children's toys has been the cause of several recalls. It turns out; the toy shelf is not the only place in your home that may contain toxins. Consumers may now have to worry about what is in their bathroom cabinets! Everyday personal care products, like toothpaste, deodorant, and make-up contain lead and other harmful chemicals.

Boston's WCVB did a story on lipstick that contains lead. They sited a study done by the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics. The campaign tested 33 brands of lipstick, and found that one third of them contained lead amounts that exceeded the federal limit. The FDA does not regulate what goes into personal care products, nor do they have required testing in place. Over the years people are exposed to toxins from an innumerable amount of these products as well as other outside sources. The accumulation of toxins in the body is what can do harm.

Toxins found in these products can cause a wide range of problems, such as cancer, developmental problems, or infertility. Health Care Without Harm reported that phthalates, an ingredient that gives flexibility and a moisturizing quality to personal care products, can sometimes exceed 200 gm/kg or 20%. It has been found that when phthalates accumulate in a person’s body, they can cause harm. For instance, The Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Rochester, found that phthalates could be linked to feminization in boys.

If you are interested in finding out what chemicals are in your personal care products, the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics has a cosmetic safety database, Skin Deep. The database gives personal care products' safety ratings and alerts consumers to the specific dangers of each item.

Global Warming Isn't Just for Gore

2007-10-12T15:55:00.000-04:00

It was announced this morning. Al Gore won the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize for his work in educating people on global warming. He has been a proponent of global warming for many years, even releasing the movie An Inconvenient Truth which focuses on the subject.

But, Al Gore wasn't the only one to receive the award. He is sharing it with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.

The panel was established in 1998 by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). The group's website says the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change assesses information relevant to the scientific basis of global warming, its possible effects, and options for dealing with the problem. The panel doesn't perform research, but it studies scientific literature on the subject. The chairman is Rajendra K. Pachauri from India. There are also 43 other members of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Bureau from all over the world.

The Scottish are coming.

2007-10-12T15:12:00.000-04:00

Everyone needs to get away. And sometimes that getaway isn’t too far away. Those living in Syracuse can go about 30 minutes south to Cazenovia. The main draw in the town is Cazenovia Lake. In the summer, the lake is filled with boaters. The cooler months attract those looking for the quiet tranquility of a still lake.

One place to enjoy the fall and the winter is the Brae Loch Inn. According the Brae Loch's website, the Inn was originally built in 1805 as a "stately home" for the Barr Family. Since 1950, it has been open to the public as a bed and breakfast and restaurant. The family has a Scottish background and the quaint rooms and the restaurant's menu lends itself to this tradition.

Starting last weekend, a Sunday brunch is offered for the rest of the fall and winter. Afterwards, guests at the Inn can relax in front of the fireplace or in the Jacuzzi in one of the Scottish themed guest rooms. The Inn offers packages for couples like the "Romantic Scottish Escape." There is even an old-fashioned game room with a dart board and pool table that has seen decades of guests.

Al Gore: Global Warming, Central New York, and the Presidency

2007-10-12T15:08:00.000-04:00

Al Gore calls himself a retired politician. Ever since he narrowly lost the 2000 election, he's been making a name for himself in a different arena: global warming. He has delivered his slide show presentation thousands of times, all over the country. This presentation raises awareness about the Global Warming issue. His movie An Inconvenient Truth won two Academy Awards. Today, he picked up another honor: the Nobel Peace Prize.

Gore's efforts in the fight against global warming are particularly important to Central New York. The city of Syracuse recently celebrated its six-month anniversary for its first fleet of hybrid buses. Also, a month ago the Syracuse Common Council unanimously passed a bill requiring all municipal building projects to adhere to "green" building standards.

Recently, there has been a major push to get Al Gore to run for President in 2008. The group, DraftGore.com, recently bought a full-page add in the New York Times. This marked a major effort to urge Gore to run for office. While Gore has said he has no intentions of running for president, he still hasn't completely ruled himself out.

Flu Misconception

2007-10-12T13:53:00.000-04:00

If you think your flu vaccination is going to protect you from contracting the “stomach flu,” think again.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) say the “stomach flu” is a common misnomer used to describe viral gastroenteritis—a stomach virus not at all caused by the influenza viruses. The seasonal flu virus is a respiratory disease--not a stomach disease.

Viral gastroenteritis is a contagious condition causing vomiting and diarrhea. This virus can be contracted through person-to-person contact, contaminated utensils, drinking glasses, food, and water.

Stomach problems can be related to the flu, especially in children, but is rarely the main cause of the flu. Symptoms are a headaches, abdominal cramps, and a fever that can last from one to ten days depending on the type of virus.

According to howstuffworks.com, several viruses cause viral gastroenteritis: rotavirus and astrovirus cause symptoms in the cooler months (October through April) and the Norovirus is prevalent in institutionalized and group settings.

According to stomachvirus.com, remember to wash your hands twenty seconds after using the bathroom or changing a diaper, wash hands before eating, and disinfect contaminated surfaces before using them to prevent contracting a stomach virus.

If you have viral gastroenteritis, stomachvirus.com says the best way to recover is by getting plenty of rest, drinking fluids and reintroducing foods including toast, bananas, broth, apples and rice. Be certain to avoid caffeine, dairy products and alcoholic beverages until symptoms are gone.

SU Lacrosse Looks Ahead

2007-10-12T13:41:00.000-04:00

The Syracuse University Lacrosse team will conclude its fall season on Saturday with scrimmages against Penn and Stony Brook during the Stony Brook Classic. The matchups should be a good indication of the team's depth and will hopefully send them into the off-season with their high hopes.

Last year the Orange finished with a record of 5-8 and ended their 31 year run of consecutive winning seasons. This year Syracuse has the fifth ranked freshman class in Division I by Inside Lacrosse magazine. Leading the Orange Freshman will be Goalie John Galloway from West Genesee High School. Galloway was The Post Standard's 2007 All-Central New York Player of the Year with a 75-percent save percentage. Galloway has been getting the most time in goal this fall season since Junior Peter Coluccini had foot surgery this past summer. According to Inside Lacrosse it is possible that because of Coluccini's surgery and his less than stellar performance last season, Galloway could start in goal in the spring.

This weekend is not only a test for Galloway but for the Orange in general. Syracuse has a strong history of lacrosse including nine national championships but missed the NCAA tournament last year for the first time since 1982. The Orange have not released the 2008 season schedule but hope to make a comeback against some of the nation's best teams.

LATAVIUS MURRAY HAS ALOT OF HART

2007-10-12T13:23:00.000-04:00

Mike Hart is a good running back. The Syracuse native has made a name for himself around the country, and is putting Central New York on the map as a untapped recruiting ground for college football programs around the country.

Hart has paved the way for another Central New York running back, hails from the same high school as him. Enter, Latavius Murray. Murray is one of the top high school running backs in the country, and colleges are licking their chops to get him.

Maryland, Connecticut, University of Central Florida and Boston College are just a few of the schools who want Murray. according to the Post-Standard newspaper, Murray is getting a lot of his college advice from a good friend, Mike Hart.

Murray has some time before he has to make his decision on where he is going. Whats most important is will he be able to help keep Central New York on the recruiting map, and will he keep the tradition that Mike Hart has started with him, and help the younger stars.

Donte' Greene (Updated 3:49 P.M.)

2007-10-12T13:19:00.000-04:00

The 2007-2008 Syracuse University’s Men’s Basketball Team will hold its first official practice tonight.
(Photo courtesy of Suathletics.com)

The Orange got Freshman Donte’ Greene, a 6’11 (though he's listed at 6'8 and 6'9 elsewhere) forward out of Baltimore, to play for them this year. Sound familiar? Actually, Greene says he patterns his game after ‘Melo.
Amazingly, Greene says he coached his little brother’s team when Greene himself was just 10 years old!

"It was awesome," Greene said as he recalled the moment. "I'm …10 years old and I draw up this play to free up the shooter in the corner. Greatest moment right there."

In April, Greene won the MVP of the Jordan All-American Classic, in New York City. According to scouthoops.com, his athleticism and potential are some of his biggest strengths, though he needs to improve his ball-handling and three-point shot. Greene says he needs to improve his overall strength. Greene was rated as the third-best small forward by Rivals.com and ninth overall.

With one Baltimore native already having taken Syracuse to the promised land several years ago, many Syracuse fans are probably hoping history will repeat itself real soon.

Book Fest

2007-10-12T12:33:00.000-04:00

To make sure elementary-aged children are interested in reading, one local organization is holding its annual Book Fest next weekend, where children and parents take an interactive approach to reading.

The event is organized by the local chapter of United Way Success by 6, the nation’s largest network of early childhood coalitions. Success by 6 works to improve education through community change.

Book Fest will take place at Webster Elementary School in Syracuse on Saturday, October 20th. The event begins at ten o'clock in the morning and runs through three o'clock in the afternoon. The event is sponsored by the United Way of Central New York and Read Ahead, a Syracuse-based grantmaking organization that funds programs that work to increase literacy rates.

Book Fest will give children the opportunity to experience stories in an engaging way. Author Regi Carpenter, an Upstate New York native, will read aloud several stories, Milk and Cookies, a singing duo comprised of two moms, will perform children's songs, and Moreland the Magician will do magic tricks. Two popular children's books characters, Maisy the Mouse and Clifford the Big Red Dog, will be there in costume.

The day isn't just about reading. NewsChannel 9 reporters and anchors will host "Kids in the Newsroom," where anchors and reporters interview children on camera. Children who participate will receive a DVD of their interview.

Safety is also part of the day's activities. The Syracuse Police Department will be on hand to register children in the Operation Safe Child program. Children will have their photographs, fingerprints, and height and weight measurements taken for an ID card. The information on the ID card will be stored in a database that law enforcement officials can use in the search should the child ever go missing.

For lunch, the parent faculty organization will be selling food in the cafeteria as a fundraiser. The menu includes pizza and sodas and healthier options like fruit and low-fat milk.

Last year, Book Fest drew over 1100 people, and organizers say they expect even more people to come this year.

Redlihs Maintains Latvian Hockey Presence

2007-10-12T10:31:00.000-04:00

We're only a week in to the AHL season, but the original Syracuse Crunch roster that hit the ice for the opener in Rochester has already undergone a few alterations courtesy of the parent organization, the Columbus Blue Jackets. However, one element remains constant; Latvia is still represented on the 24-man roster in the form of defenseman Jekabs Redlihs.

But it's not always that easy. If only one out of every 24 players in the American Hockey League or National Hockey League actually were from Latvia. As a matter of fact, only 26 Latvians have ever been selected in the NHL entry draft. Out of those, only 11 have played in "the show."

A brief history lesson: the first Latvian drafted by an NHL team was Viktors Hatulevs, back in 1975. The first Latvian to play in the National Hockey League was Helmut Balderis with the Minnesota North Stars in 1989. Perhaps the most decorated Latvian stars to take their games to North America are defenseman Sandis Ozolinsh and goalie Arturs Irbe.

Zoom ahead to today. Redlihs is trying to become the first of the 12 Latvians drafted to the NHL in the current decade to actually play in the NHL. Since being drafted by Columbus in the fourth round in 2002, Redlihs has played four years at Boston University and parts of three seasons with the Crunch, plus a short stint with the Dayton Bombers last season.

Redlihs dressed for one of the Crunch's two games to date after playing in 46 games with the club last season. Redlihs and the rest of the Crunch will play the Hartford Wolfpack in the home opener tomorrow night.

Saving Our Loyal Companions

2007-10-12T09:28:00.000-04:00

In a nation of dog lovers, why are four million dogs euthanized each year? That is the question on the minds of the founders of Dogs in Danger, a nonprofit national program committed to helping dog shelters (http://www.dogsindanger.com/). Although it is difficult to hear that dogs are being euthanized on a large scale, Dogs in Danger hopes to bring the public’s attention to this issue.

According to the website, approximately six to eight million dogs are brought to shelters each year. Because shelters have limited resources, they reach capacity quickly and have few options. Finding new homes for abandoned dogs is challenging. Shelter employees believe that keeping a dog in a cage indefinitely is not providing them with any kind of quality of life. The only alternative…euthanization.

The No Kill Movement is also making a great effort to save dogs from unnecessary euthanization (http://www.nokilldeclaration.org/).

If you are interested in adopting a dog in Syracuse you can visit the Central New York Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (http://www.cnyspca.org/).

CNY Band Returns Home

2007-10-12T08:49:00.001-04:00

Travis McCoy, Disashi Lumumba-Kasongo, Matt McGinley, and Eric Roberts—the Gym Class Heroes—started their band in 1997 when they were high school students in Geneva. Tonight, they will be coming back to Central New York to perform at Syracuse University.

The group, known for their hip-hop songs like “Cupid’s Chokehold,” are at the University to kick off homecoming weekend. Currently on tour with Fall Out Boy and Plain White T’s, it seems the group has come a long way since their high school days.

The band’s first hit, “Cupid’s Chokehold,” made #4 on the Billboard Hot 100, and the group won an MTV Video Music Award in 2007 for Best New Artist. Their current tour, “The Young Wild Things Tour,” is to promote their latest CD, “As Cruel as School Children.”

Besides tonight’s free local performance, the Gym Class Heroes will be back in the area on November 18, when they will be playing in Rochester. For more information about the group, tour dates, and more, check out the group’s official website and their official MySpace page.

What Can Stop The Binge?

2007-10-11T21:42:00.000-04:00

After "Thirsty Thursday's," beer pong tournaments, and three-man have helped to keep college students away from their desks and out at the bars, some schools have come up with an interesting idea to bring the focus back to studying.

According to the Poynter Institute's website, a University of Missouri study has found that students who don't take Friday classes drink twice as much alcohol as their peers with early morning classes. In fact, a recent study by the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University says that 49 percent of full-time college students binge drink-or consume five or more drinks in a night for men, and four or more drinks in a night for females. Two-thirds of the students who binge drink on a Thursday night do not have class on Fridays.

As a result, some schools that rank on the Princeton Review list of heavy partiers have decided to offer more and earlier classes (before ten a.m.) on Fridays.

According to stateline.org, states are joining the fight against excessive drinking as well. Utah recently became the 28th state enacting a law that prohibits happy hours or bar specials that offer unlimited deals.

When asking residents of Cortland County how to deal with binge drinkers, one person had a simple answer:

"Stop illegal drinking, and you will stop most binge drinking."

Trent Green- Enough is Enough--Seal

2007-10-10T22:16:00.000-04:00

Miami Dolphin quarterback Trent Green may end up being compared to former NFL greats Steve Young and Troy Aikman when this season is done. Unfortunately for Green, the comparison won't be based on ability.

Green left the field on a stretcher last Sunday after he sustained his second major concussion in just over a year. Young and Aikman both were forced to retire after receiving multiple concussions during the latter part of their careers. Medical reports have shown that the more concussions a player receives, the more likely they are to get another one in the future. These concussions can also cause long term mental problems for retired NFL players. Now that Green has suffered two concussions in a short period of time, he must make a decision whether he wants to keep playing, or follow the lead of two NFL Hall of Fame players who left the game in the interest of their health.

Al-Pac-A what?

2007-10-10T20:40:00.000-04:00

What's four-legged, looks like a llama, spits like a camel and comes in different colors? It's an Alpaca. Alpacas may not be your ordinary domestic animal, but they are making quite an appearance throughout Central New York.

Alpacas are even more popular today than their first appearance 23 years ago. According to a website for alpaca lovers, the first group of Alpacas was brought to the U.S. from the Andes Mountain in South America. Once farmers realized how profitable they were, Alpacas have been popping up on farms throughout the country. Central New York is no exception. Just like most pets, Alpacas must be registered. Registering an Alpaca with Alpaca Registry, Inc.(ARI) protects owners against bad investments.

FoxRun Farm owner, Dick McCoy, who owns 100 Alpacas says, feeding hay to Alpacas can be very costly. Despite the high cost, McCoy says these animals have proven to be big money makers. Alpacas can cost anywhere between 12 and 40 thousand dollars each. Similar to sheep, Alpacas thick wool can be sheared and spun into wool for hats, scarves, socks, sweaters and even teddy bears.

If Alpacas continue to become popular, some veterinarians could be targeting more than just cats and dogs. According to alpcanation's website many veterinarians are already seeing these camelid animals.

Alpacas are not just farm animals. Many are entered into shows like the Empire Extravaganza Alpaca Show. If you have never seen an Alpaca, the show's organizer says he's expecting about 900 of them. The event will be held at the Fairgrounds in Syracuse October 20th through the 21st.

KO'd

2007-10-10T15:28:00.000-04:00

Concussions in sports have become far too common, and are hurting players' chances at not only playing again, but also at living normal lives. Trent Green of the Miami Dolphins is the latest casualty. Sources say he sustained a grade 3 concussion in his game against the Houston Texans on Sunday. A grade three concussion means Green lost consciousness for more than five minutes, and had amnesia for 24 hours or more after the incident. He did fly back to Miami on the team plane, which is positive news, but he may miss the rest of the season as team doctors take all precautions that they can. After all, Green's life is more important than a football game.

When it happens to professionals, it is often because enormous, muscular athletes collide at such high speeds. In Green's case, it was because he was kneed in the head at top speed by a very large man. But in high school games across the country, young athletes are getting concussions as well. One reason for the rash of concussions, at least in high school athletics, may be that helmets don't fit properly. Another reason may be that young athletes don't fully understand the consequences of playing with a concussion, refuse to tell the coach they have had one, and continue to play, at risk for another, more serious head trauma. Whatever the reason, the only real way to curb the trend is by educating people on the dangers of a concussion. Hopefully they get the message before it is too late.

Helium Shortage

2007-10-05T17:48:00.000-04:00

What would birthday parties be without balloons? Al's Morning Meeting website says due to a global shortage of helium this could become a reality.

The supply of helium hit low levels in 2006 as refineries in the U.S., Algeria and Russia reported production problems. This poses a major problem as helium is used in one fifth of the world's helium to cool the super-cool magnets in the MRI machines. Helium is also used in microchip production, laser welding, and even to cool the space shuttle upon re-entry.

While filling up balloons is considered the least important use of helium, balloon sellers and florists at supermarkets are the first to see their helium order cut. This also poses a threat to hospitals as the demand for MRI machines continues to increase as the price of helium has more than doubled in the last five years says ScienticAmerican.com. And the production of helium has increased by only half as much.

Don’t be surprised if you see many party supply stores closing over the city of Syracuse. Just within this past month alone, Say It With Helium and Party Warehouse have closed. This will become more and more common as the 2000 National Academy of Sciences reports that the total U.S. helium resources will disappear by 2035.

Onondaga County Parks

2007-10-05T16:43:00.000-04:00

The beautiful fall weather is luring people outdoors and it is the perfect time to spend a day at an Onondaga County park. The Onondaga County website has a link to Onondaga Parks, where activities and upcoming events are listed.

On October 6th and 7th, the Syracuse Biathlon Club will hold its NY/PA/NJ Biathlon Championship. The Upstate Herpetological Association (UHA) will host a Reptile and Amphibian Exhibition at Beaver Lake on October 6th. From now until mid-November, children and adults can take part in "Trail Tales," where they go on a nature walk at the Beaver Lake Nature Center while hearing stories. Columbus Day at Beaver Lake will include live animal talks by naturalists and a guided walk on migration, and guests will be able to see trees boast beautiful fall colors. On the Onondaga County Parks website, there is also information about water-front parks and cross-country skiing, sports facilities, hiking trails, and more.

The website also explains the various group programs the park has to offer for schools and churches. For those wishing to get involved with Onondaga County parks, the website lists job and volunteer opportunties that are currently available. If anyone wants to know more about what it's like to experience an Onondaga Park, he or she could read the testimonials posted on the website.

For the latest information about outdoor activities in Onondaga County, visit http://www.onondagacountyparks.com/.

Piracy

2007-10-05T16:29:00.000-04:00

Piracy of products and intellectual property is a rapidly growing problem in today’s global market. The Washington Post reports that 22 percent of surveyed adults admit to purchasing an unauthorized or counterfeit product in the past year. Counterfeit versions of everything from designer purses and brand name sneaker to DVDs and software are bought and sold illegally. The Washington Post quoted a recent study done by the Institute for Policy Innovation, that estimates the monetary loss America faces due to this epidemic. The study suggests that piracy costs the U.S. economy $58 billion per year, and 350,000 jobs.

Illegal music downloading and piracy has been at the forefront of this problem. More than 26,000 people have been sued by the Recording Industry Association of America for illegally sharing files. Most of those people paid thousands of dollars in fines, but settled out of court. A brave few fought back, and took their cases to trial. Recently, an alarming verdict was given in the first of these cases to be decided. Jammie Thomas was ordered to pay 220,000 for sharing music over the Internet. In the end, Thomas will pay 9,200 for each song named in the suit

Piracy is not unique to the U.S. A report by the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry states that globally, 37 percent of all CDs purchased were pirated in 2005, and there were over 20 billion songs illegally downloaded. Despite efforts by the industry to discourage the practice, statistics show piracy seems to be getting worse.

Everyone's a Critic

2007-10-05T16:15:00.000-04:00

Local high school football fans are becoming every day sports analysts as the post in the Syracuse.com High School Football Forum. When you read through the forum, most posters give suggestions that they are the dads of high school football players. These posters can be helpful in adding links to webcasts of Friday night games but most are very critical. No longer is it enough to criticize your own son in his bedroom after a game, but parents now can get on the web and criticize everyone else's son.

The current debate is on Westhill High School scoring 90 points last week. This slaughter has led the National High School Football Federation to look at making changes to the rules when one team is up by more than 35 points. Forum posters have different ideas on the subject and are very vocal about them. One poster said the Westhill team has "No class." Other posters defended Westhill. These posters said that the players couldn't help that they are dominantly better than the others. Over 20 posts are dedicated to this subject, with posters alluding to others as stupid.

Football is not the only forum for overly critical parents to post their thoughts. Syracuse.com offers forums for every high school sport, even for cheerleading and band. The site says that users must be at least 13 years old to post, meaning that if players wanted, they too could post to defend themselves.

Syracuse Basketball Tickets

2007-10-05T15:30:00.000-04:00

Syracuse University students who don't want to buy season tickets to watch the 2007-08 Syracuse Orange Baskeball team, can buy individual tickets at a discount starting October 17.

According to a Carrier Dome operator, student tickets will start at 13 dollars a piece, with prices varying depending on the games. Those students who want to buy the tickets need to go to the Carrier Dome Box Office, inside Gate B, with their student I. D. card. Students will not be able to order the tickets online because they will need to prove that they are students.

There is currently no information on suathletics.com regarding this, but Patrick Campbell, Senior Associate Athletic Director, said the information will be posted on the site at a later date.

Campbell said most students don't buy individual tickets and instead purchase season tickets. Student season tickets cost 155 dollars. To order them, people can call the Carrier Dome Box Office at 1-888-366-3849.

Making Reporters' Lives Easy, One Idea at Time

2007-10-05T12:56:00.001-04:00

There is a website that is revolutionizing the way reporters come up with their own story ideas. The site called "Al's Morning Meeting" is designed to provide local news reporters with national story topics that can be applied locally.

Reporters have long had problems with creating good story ideas. But Al Tompkins has tailored this website to ease some of those problems. His daily columns provide reporters with national ideas that can be applied locally. Tompkins is not new to the news business. He consults for many local TV stations, and is a member of several state broadcasters association.

One of his major story ideas last week dealt with the recent rise in A-T-M fees at the Bank of America. This is a story idea that can be applied locally. A-T-M's affect everyone, and that's why it can be applied locally.

Al's Morning Meeting is sponsored by The Poynter Institute based in St. Petersburg, Florida. Anyone can subscribe to the site and receive daily emails. Or, you can click here to visit the site.

May the Force be With You

2007-10-05T12:56:00.000-04:00

As if the rivalry between Liverpool and CNS needed more drama, CNS coach Steve Ellis and Liverpool coach Dave Mancuso agreed to create a yearly prize for the winning school's trophy case. The Star Wars Cup will be awarded for the first time tonight, and will remain in the winning team's trophy case until next year's meeting.

The Star Wars Cup is a fitting prize, as this game between the NorthSTARS and the WARriors may end up being a galactic battle. Both teams are 2-1 in the division, and have a stingy defense and plenty of offense. Liverpool is 4-1, and ranked #18 in the state. CNS is 3-2, but is coming off a 34-7 win against perennial powerhouse CBA last week.

As the teams prepare for one another, Liverpool is also busy preparing its turf for the big game. Warrior coach Dave Mancuso told the Syracuse Post Standard that workers spent much of the day Thursday glueing down loose pieces of the deteriorating turf. Whether or not the turf holds up, tonight's game should be exciting. Someone will leave with the Star Wars Cup, and more importantly, a share of the division lead.

Sources:
http://highschoolsports.syracuse.com/game/preview/26672/
http://cnyhsfootball.com/2007/week607.html

SUPER DIRT WEEK RIDES ON

2007-10-05T12:50:00.000-04:00

This week marks the 36th anniversary of Super Dirt week. The Dirt races take place on Saturday and Sunday, but the festivities last all week. Fans can sit in the latest model of the Big Foot Monster truck, or walk through the pits and talk to the different drivers and teams.

The fans and drivers call the race the Daytona 500 of modified car racing.

Sis King who has two sons and a husband in the race says this is the biggest race of the year, and the the speeds are always tops, and a big jump from the smaller local races.

This event reaches fans young and old. Brandon Mactavish says this is his second year coming out, and says he really enjoys the event.

On saturday fans can watch the the Sportsman Championship race, and Sunday is host to the main event the Rite Aid 200 Modified Championship.

Drivers say this year the cars are faster and the competition is at an all time, so fans can expect a great time.

Heat Rises...So May Your Bill

2007-10-05T12:43:00.000-04:00

We may be having an Indian summer, but with dropping temperatures just around the corner, you can expect a rising heating bill (http://www.poynter.org/column.asp?id=2&aid=130388). According to energy officials, the cost of heating oil and natural gas is anticiapted to increase this winter.

Syracuse’s National Grid says residents that own heating oil furnaces will feel the impact much more than natural gas users. Households that use heating oil can expect to see about a four hundred dollar increase this winter. Those that use natural gas will see about a fifty dollar increase (http://www.neada.org/).

A local heating distributor says people do not need to spend big bucks on a more efficient furnace. Simply making some changes at home can mean big savings on your heating bill. Here is a list of some things you can do.

If you keep your thermostat at a typical 72 to 74 degrees, lower it to 68 to 70 degrees.
Dress in layers around the house
Add some additional insulation around windows.

National Arts and Humanities Month

2007-10-05T12:24:00.000-04:00

October is National Arts and Humanities Month (NAHM), and its first weekend starts tomorrow. According to the NAHM website, it started in 1993 to celebrate culture in America. It is now the largest annual celebration of arts in the U.S. At the start of the month, Syracuse City Mayor Matt Driscoll kicked off the celebration by welcoming the members of the city's new Public Arts Commission. According to the Syracuse Public Art Ordinance, the commission consists of eleven members who review public art proposals. Click here for more information on National Arts and Humanities month. To find an art event near you this month, visit the Syracuse Cultural Resources Council CNY Arts & Culture Calendar.

Sestito to Make CNY Pit Stop

2007-10-04T23:26:00.000-04:00

Tommy Sestito's ascent through the ranks of hockey has him back where his journey started: Central New York. The National Hockey League's Columbus Blue Jackets assigned the Utica-born left winger to their top minor league affiliate, the Syracuse Crunch.

Sestito's hockey travails took him to Southeastern Lower Michigan before the 2004-2005 season, where he played three seasons for the Plymouth Whalers of the Ontario Hockey League. Last season, his final in the major junior ranks, Sestito scored 42 goals while amassing 135 penalty minutes and demonstrating the combination of scoring ability and toughness that made Columbus choose him in the third round of the 2006 entry draft.

Tommy Sestito's assignment to Syracuse makes him the second Sestito assigned to an American Hockey League roster. His older brother Tim, a property of the Edmonton Oilers organization, will be toiling with the Springfield Falcons to start the new campaign.

No need for family and friends to choose sides just yet, however. The Crunch and Falcons will not meet during the regular season.

Tommy Sestito and the rest of the Crunch will return to Syracuse for the home opener on October 13, when the Hartford Wolfpack will make a day-trip to the Onondaga County War Memorial at OnCenter.

LaFayette Apple Festival

2007-10-04T23:16:00.000-04:00

LaFayette is one of the biggest apple towns in Central New York and this weekend, they celebrate it. The LaFayette Apple Festival kicks off on Saturday. The two-day long festival happens every year on Columbus day weekend. The festival showcases homemade apple products like apple fritters, apple pies and apple donuts. But apples aren’t the only food that can be found. Local organizations such as the LaFayette Fire Department and the Order of the Eastern Star serve up barbeque chicken, loaded baked potatoes and hot dogs. This event is family friendly with a midway and pony rides for the kids. There’s even an Apple King and Queen contest. The two winners participate in community events throughout the year. The event is expected to bring in about 90,000 visitors from all parts of New York and New England, according to the event’s website.

Tolls Go Up, Drivers Go Down?

2007-10-04T21:39:00.000-04:00

Drivers on New York Interstate's might find less traffic will help them arrive at their destination faster. But at what cost? The New York State Thruway Authority is projecting a 20 percent increase in toll prices over the next four years. That means from 2008-2011, prices may increase up to five percent a year. And that's not all.

Aside from the convenience of E-Z-Pass, using the electronic pre-pay system also gets you a ten percent discount. However, under this new proposal, that could disappear.

You might pay even more on tolls in discount zones, including Grand Isle and the Tappan Zee Bridge.

The toll increase is being considered because of less traffic on the thruways. The decrease is being attributed to rising gas prices, which makes travelers stay home or take fewer trips. While they are on target now, officials fear there will be a deficit of 80 to 90 million dollars over the next four years, according to News 10 Now's interview with Thruway Authority's Michael Fleischer.

The Thruway Authority does not require public approval for the proposal, because they are separate from legislature.

The last toll increase was in 2005 on Interstate 90. The last part of that increase will take affect in January of 2008, with a ten percent increase. That means anyone driving across the state could pay as much as sixteen dollars and seventy cents.

The money would pay for reconstruction and maintenance of the interstates.

Halloween not so scary

2007-10-04T21:12:00.000-04:00

Police officers in the town of Manlius won't have much dressing up to do this Halloween, they can wear their uniforms. The Manlius police are sponsoring a Halloween Safety Night for children. Teaching children how to stay safe and travel in groups are some of the goals the Manlius police hope to achieve. They also hope the kids will use these lessons not just on the spooky holiday, but incorporate them every day of their lives.

Halloween safety is a huge concern for many parents and children. That's why over 200 people showed up to the event last year. This year the Manlius police are expecting an even bigger crowd. Along with safety tips, children and parents can expect to recieve free food, glow sticks, ID cards and tours of the police station.

The event takes place on October 17th at the Manlius Police Department. The Halloween Safety night begins a 5:30 and will end around 8:00 in the evening. For more information, visit urbancny or the Daily Orange's website.

Flu Vaccinations - Pizzi

2007-10-04T20:45:00.000-04:00

Don’t let the warm weather fool you…flu season is just around the corner.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) say the flu virus is constantly changing, so it is important to get vaccinated every year.

The New York State Department of Health says the “flu” or seasonal influenza is a respiratory viral infection that affects the entire body. The flu can easily be spread from person to person.

The earlier the better when getting an annual flu vaccine. The New York State Department of Health says early October through December is the best time to get vaccinated, since it takes about two weeks for protection from the virus to develop.

The CDC report that there are two types of vaccinations: The first is the Inactivated Influenza Vaccine (TIV). TIV is administered by injection and uses killed viruses--a type of vaccine that will not cause the flu. Children and adults six months to forty-nine years old can be administered this vaccine.

The CDC reports FluMist is the second type of flu vaccination that uses the Live, Attenuated Influenza Vaccine (LAIV). FluMist is an intranasal spray, which has recently been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for non-pregnant, two to forty-nine-year-olds.

The Onondaga County Health Department has information on locations in the Syracuse area offering flu vaccinations this year.

Ready For Flu Season?

2007-10-04T20:20:00.000-04:00

Despite the heat that has graced this fall, its time once again to prepare for flu season. While most of us have put off packing away our summer clothes, the Onondaga County Health Department is working hard to supply central New Yorkers with tips on how to combat the unpleasantness our colder weather unleashes.

Included in their preparedness checklist are tips for the workplace, for school and how to safeguard your home to fight those nasty germs that are often carried home. For those of us that tend to take our chances during flu season, the website offers a checklist of easy, everyday things we can do to stay healthy this winter. So, enjoy the warmth while it lasts because before we know it we'll all be grabbing for those tissue boxes.

New Art Exhibition in Syracuse

2007-10-04T17:07:00.000-04:00

The Company Gallery on West Fayette Street in Syracuse has just opened a new art exhibit. Called "Alterity," the exhibit features twenty works of art that are all considered to be non-traditional. Information about the exhibit, available on SyracuseArts.net, says that ThINC, an art gallery, is overseeing the exhibit.

Some of the works were created by autistic artists and people suffering from schizophrenia. Other works represent what the sponsor, ThINC, calls “compulsive agendas.” Three such works were created by artist Edward Nagrodzki. They are said to express Nagrodzki’s protest of taxes. The exhibition also features some works created by local prison inmates, through a program at the Center for Community Alternatives in Syracuse.

For art enthusiasts, there may be some recognizable works on display as well. Several works at the exhibition came to Syracuse from New York City’s Museum of Modern Art. Among these are drawings by Dan Miller, who was recently featured at the White Columns Gallery.

“Alterity” will be on display through October 19 and is open to the public. Admission is free. For more information about other art galleries and exhibitions in the Syracuse area, visit SyracuseArts.net, which features a directory.

Website Story-Seal

2007-10-03T20:25:00.000-04:00

The new Syracuse franchise of the American Basketball Association just announced the roster that will begin play in early November, but fans could be very unfamiliar with who is playing on the team. The Syracuse Raging Bulls website has not put up the pictures of the players who will represent the franchise in just over a month, only a list of names.
The fledgling franchise is charging up to $324 for season tickets (payment is available through the website) and has clearly spent time on the website as evidenced by the flashy opening. Until pictures are placed on the website, fans must settle for knowing the names, but not the faces of the latest professional sports franchise in the Syracuse area.