Stories from The Sun

Eleven New Members Bound for Cornell Hall of Fame

Keenan Weatherford — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 08:26:48 -0400

Five All-Americans and an Olympic medalist highlight the Cornell Athletic Hall of Fame’s class of 2008. Eleven new members will be inducted into the Hall on Nov. 7.

The medalist in the class is John Nunn ’64, a varsity heavyweight rower on the 1962 and 1963 crews that won IRA titles who won a bronze medal as the stroke of the double scull in the 1968 Olympic Games. The 1963 crew — undefeated in U.S. collegiate competition — upset the world champion Ratzeburg Club of West Germany on the way to the finals of the Eastern Sprint championships.

The All-Americans who will be inducted are John Griffin ’79, lacrosse; Cari Hills ’98 women’s lacrosse and field hockey; Glen Mueller ’72, lacrosse; Mike Raich ’88, football; and Kate Walker ’97, women’s track and field.

Obama's West Bank Trip Raises Hope, Skepticism

The Associated Press — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 08:24:47 -0400

RAMALLAH, West Bank (AP) — Barack Obama's trip to the West Bank on Wednesday appeared to generate some goodwill among Palestinians, though deep skepticism about U.S. policy remains.

Obama, the presumptive Democratic nominee, met with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas Wednesday for an hour under heavy security at Abbas' West Bank government headquarters.

Like people elsewhere in the region, Palestinians are fascinated with the U.S. presidential campaign. The success of a black candidate may also have helped improve the tarnished U.S. image in the eyes of some.

Wael Hamad, a 35-year-old mechanic from Ramallah, said he expected Obama to be more understanding of Palestinian suffering because of the hardships suffered by blacks in the United States.

Hurricane Dolly Bears Down on Texas-Mexico Coast

The Associated Press — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 08:22:06 -0400

BROWNSVILLE, Texas (AP) — Rain started to fall along the Gulf Coast as Hurricane Dolly closed in on towns straddling the Texas-Mexico border, packing 85 mph winds that could strengthen when it hits land later Wednesday.

The Category 1 hurricane was expected to dump up to 15 inches of rain, threatening flooding that could breach levees in the heavily populated Rio Grande valley.

Dolly was upgraded from a tropical storm Tuesday afternoon, and sustained winds have strengthened to about 85 mph. At 7 a.m. EDT Wednesday, the storm's center was about 55 miles east of Brownsville, moving northwest at about 8 mph.

The National Hurricane Center said Dolly could approach Category 2 strength, meaning wind speeds of at least 96 mph, when it reaches the coastline later Wednesday.

The Sun Also Rises…at The Times?

Emily Cohn — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 01:15:44 -0400

Amidst the hustle and bustle of New York City’s Times Square stands a 52-story building that houses what many would consider to be the nation’s bastion of journalistic excellence: The New York Times. Though the new home to The New York Times has since made headlines for its Modernist structure that beckoned a few dare devils to scale its façade of ceramic rods, the building’s architecture pales in comparison to what brews inside its glass walls.

Donahue Trades Red For Red, White and Blue

Allie Perez — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0400

With the Fourth of July fireworks still a day away, some of the nation’s most talented young basketball players were immersed in red, white and blue a little early. Wearing blue and white jerseys with “USA” emblazoned across the chest, they were fighting in our Nation’s Capital for a chance to represent their country on the world stage.

On the practice court of the Verizon Center in Washington, D.C., the teens had gathered for the third and final day of the 2008 USA Basketball Men’s U18 National Team Trials. Fourteen remained in the running for spots on the 12-man roster selected by the USA Basketball Men’s Collegiate Committee.

ESPN Names Wittman One of the Best Collegiate Shooters

Keenan Weatherford — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Junior forward Ryan Wittman was named the No. 10 shooter in the nation by Fran Fraschilla, an analyst with ESPN and former head coach of St. John’s and New Mexico.

Wittman led the team in scoring throughout the 2007-08 campaign that saw the Red cruise undefeated through Ivy League play before falling to Stanford in the NCAA tournament. He finished with 424 points for 15.1 points per game, good for fourth in the Ivy League.

RJD2 to Rock the Arts Quad During Orientation ... for FREE

Lauren Herget — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 19:30:42 -0400

... And we're back! Welcome once again to the big show, Cornell. Prop up your feet; make yourself comfortable and ready for a new school year. Could I get you anything? A mineral water with a spritz of lime? A foot massage?

I do regret to say, dear readers, serving is not my strong suit, but how about I serve you a free show on the Arts Quad instead? You will forget all about your parched palate and your hurting high arches when you hear RJD2's fine beats rip across the quad, Sunday, August 24.

Provost's Office Reorganizes in Wake of Departures

Jimmy Crowell — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 21:32:49 -0400

As the Cornell community says goodbye to Biddy Martin, the longest serving provost in the University’s history, the Office of the Provost welcomes an addition and a few vacancies.

As the search for the next provost is being conducted, David Harris, deputy provost and vice-provost for social sciences, will act as interim provost. No one has else been named to serve as deputy provost or vice provost for social sciences in the interim period, and Harris will continue to carry out his duties. In addition, an opening remains for the position of vice provost for diversity and chief diversity officer.

Consumer Prices Jump 1.1 Percent in June

The Associated Press — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 11:04:28 -0400

WASHINGTON (AP) – Consumer prices shot up in June at the second fastest pace in 26 years with two-thirds of the surge blamed on soaring energy prices.

The Labor Department reported that consumer prices jumped 1.1 percent last month, much worse than had been expected. Energy prices rocketed upward by 6.6 percent, reflecting big gains for gasoline, home heating oil and natural gas.

The big rise in prices cut deeply into consumers' earning power with average weekly wages, after adjusting for inflation, dropping by 0.9 percent in June, the biggest monthly decline since 1984.

The 1.1 percent June price increase was the second largest monthly advance in the past 26 years, surpassed only by a 1.3 percent gain in September 2005 from a jolt to energy costs after Hurricane Katrina.

Teens Gone Wild? More Like MSNBC Producers Gone Clueless

Julie Block — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0400

If you’ve read my stuff before, you know I tend to comment on the lighter side of things. You know, theatre, music, cleavage, television, the occasional Ugg boot … It’s rare that I find something as disturbing enough to change my tone, especially when I’m at the freakin’ gym, running in place like a gerbil. But when I do, the serious comes out.

Israel Cabinet OKs Prisoner Swap With Hezbollah

The Associated Press — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 13:19:49 -0400

JERUSALEM (AP) — Israel's Cabinet on Tuesday overwhelmingly approved an emotionally charged deal to trade a Lebanese militant convicted of killing three people for two Israeli soldiers captured by Hezbollah guerrillas and believed to be dead.

The swap is due to take place on Wednesday under U.N. supervision at a seaside border crossing.

Hezbollah has given no evidence that Ehud Goldwasser and Eldad Regev are alive, and has not allowed the Red Cross to see them since they were captured in a July 2006 cross-border raid. Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert told his Cabinet last month that Israel believes the men did not survive.

Bernanke: Economy Faces 'Numerous Difficulties'

The Associated Press — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 13:15:53 -0400

WASHINGTON (AP) — Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke told Congress Tuesday the fragile economy is facing "numerous difficulties" despite the Fed's aggressive interest rate reductions and other fortifying steps.

At the same time, Bernanke, testifying before the Senate Banking Committee, sounded another warning that rising prices for energy and food are elevating inflation risks. This problem looms even as officials try to cope with persistent strains in financial markets, rising joblessness and housing problems.

Obama Tells NAACP Blacks Must Take Responsibility

The Associated Press — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 22:07:27 -0400

CINCINNATI (AP) — Democrat Barack Obama received a prideful welcome from the annual NAACP convention Monday night, but in a stirring speech to the nation's oldest civil rights organization, he nonetheless insisted blacks must show greater responsibility for improving their own lives.

The man who could become the first black president urged Washington to provide more education and economic assistance. He called on corporate America to exercise greater social responsibility. But he also received his most lusty applause as he urged blacks to demand more of themselves.

Bush Lifts Oil Drilling Ban, Wants Congress to Act

The Associated Press — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 22:03:16 -0400

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Bush on Monday lifted an executive ban on offshore oil drilling and challenged Congress to follow suit, aiming to turn the enormous public frustration about gasoline prices into political leverage. Democratic lawmakers rejected Bush's plan as a symbolic stunt.

With gas prices topping $4.10 a gallon nationally, Bush made his most assertive move to extend oil exploration, an energy priority of his presidency. By lifting the executive prohibition against coastal drilling, Bush rescinded a White House policy that his own father put in place in 1990.

The move will have no practical effect unless Congress acts, too. Both executive and legislative bans must be lifted before offshore exploration can happen.

Obsessed With Success?

Laura Temel — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Freshmen, I just want to say one word to you — just one word: ‘two-year plans.’ There’s a great future in two-year plans. Think about it. I will concede that ‘two-year plans’ is in fact three words, but the point is still there.

Albeit less exciting than “plastics” (if the above reference is not clear, I have a tendency to cite life advice from The Graduate), two-year plans are a healthy alternative to Cornell’s all-too-common ten-year plan syndrome.

I all too frequently find myself in discussions that revolve around the painfully careful execution of post-collegiate decisions. Cornellians have bowed to an omnipresent pressure to conquer our 20s in order to live a fruitful 30s.

Get Smart

Mon, 14 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0400

The moment of truth is upon you. Four weeks from now, mom and dad will unload your last suitcase from the family minivan and bid goodbye in a tearful scene on North Campus. You’ll oblige mom with the requisite one-armed hug, painfully aware of all the witnesses to your moment of un-cool. And then they’ll be gone, mom, dad and the minivan, and you’ll be left to face that intimidating challenge they call college on your own. Welcome to independence.

As the parentals drive out of Ithaca, heavy of heart but lighter of luggage, you may ask yourself if you have what it takes to navigate this campus. Not to worry: you won’t be the only one.

Chasing Corpanga: Relationships on Campus

Shannan Scarselletta — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0400

During my childhood, I was lucky enough to watch one of the most beautiful relationships unfold before my eyes. It filled me with such hope that perhaps I, too, could find love in kindergarten with the boy next door: a true love that would last through the trials of puberty and eventually lead to a wonderful marriage. I spent many silent dinners with my parents in awe of the tried-and-true relationship before me. Every day, I thank God and basic cable for introducing me and my generation to the unflinching devotion of history’s most passionate lovers: Corey and Topanga.

Keep Your Eyes Peeled

David Wittenberg — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0400

I’m not going to tell you about how to get along with your roommate or pick classes or decide which set of plastic drawers to get at Wal Mart. I’m not going to tell you anything any other college freshman in the country would understand.

Over the past three years, as a reporter, writer and editor for The Sun, I’ve gotten to know Ithaca and Cornell in a way few do. Amid the bustle and chaos of university life, it was my job and privilege, every so often, to step back and observe.

Ithaca is Gorges

Donial Dastgir — Sun, 13 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Walk around Cornell’s campus and you’re bound to see a slogan — be it on shirts, on light poles or on cars — which proclaims “Ithaca is Gorges.” The gorges in Ithaca are a large part of life at Cornell — whether it be trudging over the suspension bridge to get to class or diving into the gorge to swim.

Swimming in Cascadilla and Fall Creek Gorges — both of which pass through Cornell’s campus — is a longstanding tradition at Cornell. People can often be found in the gorges during the warmer months, swimming or relaxing and enjoying the scenery. Gorge jumping in particular, is consistently ranked one of the things any Cornell student must do before the graduate.

The Year in Review: A Look Back at ’07-’08

Sun Staff — Sun, 13 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Men’s Basketball

The men’s basketball team had arguably its most successful season ever, running the table in the Ivy League to clinch its first NCCA tournament bid in 20 years. The team earned several votes in the AP top-25 poll during a 16-game winning streak. Individually, sophomore Louis Dale was named the Ivy League Player of the Year and an honorable mention to the AP All-American team.

Women’s Basketball

The Cornell Daily Sun's City Guide

Ben Eisen — Sun, 13 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0400

From the outside, it’s hard to understand the allure of the city Cornell calls home. But Ithaca, with all its quirks and eccentricities, has tons of opportunities for exploring, playing and having fun. So, here’s a guide of the best Ithaca has to offer.

The heart of downtown Ithaca is called the Commons. Three city blocks in the center of downtown that were made into a pedestriana mall in the 1970s, the Ithaca Commons now has tons of stores and restaurants worth trying. Retail options range from jewelry stores to bookstores to head shops, with everything in between. And restaurants, some of which are on the Commons and some extend around the corner to Aurora Street, serve up a diverse mix of foods.

Prime Time Players: Athletes to Watch in 2008-09

Sun Staff — Sun, 13 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Seniors

Zac Hine — M. Track and Field

Hine, the leader of Cornell’s long-distance squad that dominated the Heps last year, became a key contributor for the Red in the 3,000-, 5,000- and 10,000-meter races.

Jeomi Maduka — W. Track & W. Basketball

An athlete of extraordinary ability, Maduka could leap tall defenders on the court and jump past the opposition in track meets — sometimes even in the same weekend. She was the Ivy League Player of the Year on the Ivy League champion women’s basketball team and recently placed 12th at the U.S. Olympic Trials with a mark of 19-6 1/4.

Bobby Cronheim — Golf

Welcome to the Show

Julie Block and Peter Finocchiaro — Sun, 13 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0400

A recently released preview for an upcoming teen comedy presents the following scenario:

Hordes of college students file into an enormous frat house, inside of which partygoers find a full bar, Chinese lanterns hanging from the ceiling and a fire pit. At one end of the room, a famous rock-and-roll band is performing on stage; dispersed throughout, girls are pole dancing on platforms; and, even though the party is undoubtedly a wicked rager, everyone seems to enjoy a surprising amount of personal space. One character revels in the festivities, exclaiming, “This is insane!” His companion — obviously more versed in the ways of the world — retorts, “No, dude. This is college!”

The Big Red Goes Green

Sun Staff — Sun, 13 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Unique Dynamic Gives Obama Upper Hand in Tompkins

Ithaca’s “10 square miles surrounded by reality” seemed to encompass the whole of Tompkins County on Super Tuesday when Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) soundly defeated Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-N.Y.) in the county’s Democratic primary. But the question remains: how?

Despite losses in every other county throughout the state, Obama finished with a nearly 17-point lead over home-stater Clinton in Tompkins. Across the rest of New York, Clinton received 57 percent of the Democratic vote, while Obama was awarded only 40 percent.

Coach Trades Red For the Stars and Stripes in Capital

Allie Perez — Sun, 13 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0400

On the practice court of the Verizon Center in Washington, D.C., the teens had gathered for the third and final day of the 2008 USA Basketball Men’s U-18 National Team Trials. Fourteen remained in the running for spots on the 12-man roster selected by the USA Basketball Men’s Collegiate Committee.

Orientation ’08 Eases Transition to Cornell

Seth Shapiro — Sun, 13 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0400

When Andrew Heilmann ’09 transferred to Cornell last January, the struggles of transitioning to a new university, especially in the middle of the year, were eased by his participation in the January Orientation Program. Ever since that point, he has had a deep appreciation for the importance of orientation and the active role the Orientation Steering Committee plays in helping new students adapt to a new environment.

Cornell Crystal Ball: Previewing 2008-09

Sun Staff — Sun, 13 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Men’s Basketball

The reigning Ivy League champs will attempt to defend their title during the 2008-09 season. The Red’s chances look good, as the team will return every player from their championship season except forward Jason Hartford ’08.

The Red will look to ride a potent offense orchestrated by junior point guard Louis Dale, the Ivy League Player of the Year and an AP selection for honorable mention All-American, and anchored by senior Jeff Foote in the post and junior Ryan Wittman on the perimeter.

Football

In his four years at Cornell, head coach Jim Knowles ’87 has made Schoellkopf Field a stronghold impregnable to opponents — the Red has gone 16-5 at home under Knowles.

The Arts Staff's Guide to Having Fun (and Failing School)

Sun Staff — Sun, 13 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Cornell is hard — extremely, exhaustingly hard. It’s important you know that now. It’s also important you know that there are plenty of things to do at Cornell and in Ithaca besides your (nearly impossible) school work. It may come as a surprise, but some of those things don’t even involve drinking.

The following is a somewhat incomplete list of all the great venues and organizations on and off campus that provide art and entertainment to you. We say incomplete, because, even though we’d like to think so, we aren’t actually omniscient. There are probably venues or cool establishments around that we don’t know of. If you find one, give us a call, so we can pretend we knew about it all along (or better yet, join our staff and write about it yourself).

Cornell Cinema

Cornell and Ithaca Connect

Sun Staff — Sun, 13 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Unique Dynamic Gives Obama Upper Hand in Tompkins

The Schoellkopf Field Facelift

Cory Bennett — Sun, 13 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0400

When students return to campus in the fall, they will see a new side of Schoellkopf Field. The current field surface of the 93-year-old stadium will be replaced with a more modern artificial field material, FieldTurf. The material is the same material that was recently installed at Hoy Field, home to Cornell’s baseball team. The FieldTurf will be ready prior to the football team’s home opener against Yale on Sept. 27.

“I am thrilled that our athletes will have a state-of-the-art practice and competitive surface like FieldTurf when activities begin in late August,” Athletic Director Andy Noel told cornellbigred.com. “I am indebted to our loyal alumni who stepped forward to provide a needed upgrade to our facility, ensuring a safe surface on which to compete.”

Paper Me and Paper You: 3D Tune for a 2-Dimension Culture

Henry Hauser — Sun, 13 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Homogenized product and hackneyed melodies take note: today is the end of days. Rec-execs, feel free to point the finger of blame at Reel Karma's latest offering: the youthfully exuberant Paper Me and Paper You. The time is now to commence the conjecture regarding what responsibilities a band bears to its audience, and specifically how those responsibilities relate to the sociopolitical context of 2008. The task impetrative, Reel Karma leads us to the critical, euphorically free answer we have tried so hard not to exhume.

"Arrrrite erieeone," calling together the finicky crowd with a crisp, bluesy anchor, “this next number were goaahh do for you, is called Paper Me and Paper You." BANG. HOOK. EYES.

Iran Test-Fires More Missiles in Persian Gulf

The Associated Press — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 15:58:08 -0400

TEHRAN, Iran (AP) — Iran test-fired more long-range missiles overnight in a second round of exercises meant to show that the country can defend itself against any attack by the U.S. or Israel, state television reported Thursday.

The weapons have "special capabilities" and included missiles launched from naval ships in the Persian Gulf, along with torpedoes and surface-to-surface missiles, the broadcast said. It did not elaborate.

A brief video clip showed two missiles being fired simultaneously in the darkness trailed by red plumes of fire and smoke.

The report came hours after Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice warned Iran that Washington will not back down in the face of threats against Israel.

Bush Signs New Rules on Government Wiretapping

The Associated Press — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 15:55:02 -0400

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Bush signed a bill Thursday that overhauls rules about government eavesdropping and grants immunity to telecommunications companies that helped the U.S. spy on Americans in suspected terrorism cases.

He called it "landmark legislation that is vital to the security of our people."

Bush signed the measure in a Rose Garden ceremony a day after the Senate sent it to him, following nearly a year of debate in the Democratic-led Congress over surveillance rules and the warrantless wiretapping program Bush initiated after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. It was a battle that pitted privacy and civil liberties concerns against the desire to prevent terrorist attacks and Democrats' fears of being portrayed as weak when it comes to protecting the country.

Kennett Moves From Lightweights to Heavyweights

Cory Bennett — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 08:13:50 -0400

Todd Kennett ’91, who has been the lightweight rowing coach since 1998, will move positions to become the new heavyweight rowing coach for the upcoming season. Kennett replaces Dan Roock, who resigned in June. Roock had been the heavyweight coach since 1996, and the director of rowing since 1997. He resigned to pursue opportunities outside of college coaching.

Kennett heads over to the heavyweight side after leading the lightweights to three straight national titles. A replacement has not yet been named for Kennett’s position.

Seabrook Moves Closer to Beijing

Cory Bennett — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 08:11:52 -0400

Adam Seabrook ’08, competing for a chance in this year’s Olympic Games, advanced to the finals of the men’s 400-meter hurdles last Saturday at the Canadian Olympic track and field trails. Seabrook, competing at the University of Windsor in Ontario, ran the top spot in his heat at 51.99 seconds. Seabrook’s time was the second-best time of the semifinal round. Seabrook needs a top-3 finish and a time of 49.20 in the final round to qualify for the Beijing Olympics.

Other Cornellians one step away from earning a spot on the U.S. Olympic Team are Muhammad Halim '08 and Morgan Uceny '07. Halim will compete in the finals of the triple jump, while Uceny will run in the finals of the 1500 meter.

Continental Airlines Begins Flight Service to Ithaca

Brian Karlovitz — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 00:30:13 -0400

Ithaca Tompkins Regional Airport made a surprising announcement last week that it would expand service with the addition of Continental Airlines flights. This comes in the midst of service cutbacks across the country as airlines struggle to deal with skyrocketing fuel costs.

Larry Baum, President of the Ithaca Air Service Board, announced during a July 1 meeting of the Tompkins County Legislature that the airport would welcome back Continental this October. Continental, which left the airport in 1996 due to inadequate demand, plans to offer four daily non-stop flights from Ithaca to its hub, Newark Liberty Airport.

Baum also said that, beginning in August, Northwest Airlines' morning flight from Ithaca to Detroit will be upgraded to a larger plane.

Dry, Hot Weather Threatens California Fire Gains

The Associated Press — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 16:25:39 -0400

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Firefighters on Tuesday faced worsening weather conditions that pushed flames across firebreaks in parts of inland California and chased residents out of one small community.

Along the coast, however, an evacuation order was lifted for a lengthy section in the scenic Big Sur area.

The weather change came from a high pressure system setting up over the entire West, said Mike Smith, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Sacramento. "So in addition to the very warm temperatures we're getting, we'll also be getting a little bit of offshore wind ... which keeps the moist marine air from coming inland," he said.

Iraq Presses US on Timeline for Troop Pullout

The Associated Press — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 16:22:43 -0400

BAGHDAD (AP) — Iraqi officials stepped up pressure on the United States on Tuesday to agree to a specific timeline to withdraw American forces, a sign of the government's growing confidence as violence falls.

The tough words come as the Bush administration is running out of time to reach a needed troop deal before the U.S. election in November and the president's last months in office. Some type of agreement is required to keep American troops in Iraq after a U.N. mandate expires on Dec. 31.

The Iraqi timeline proposal made public Tuesday appears to set an outer limit, requiring U.S. forces to fully withdraw five years after the Iraqis take the lead on security nationwide — though that precondition could itself take years.

McCain, Obama Duel on Economic Fix-It Plans

The Associated Press — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 15:52:16 -0400

DENVER (AP) -- Barack Obama and John McCain agree on this much: The economy is staggering under the Bush administration, and Americans are hurting. But who's to blame and how best to fix it?

Well, they part ways on that, as they made clear in dueling economic speeches Monday on the issue that has taken center stage in their presidential contest.

Obama said that McCain offers "exactly what George Bush has done for the last eight years."

"The progress we made during the 1990s was quickly reversed by an administration with a single philosophy that is as old as it is misguided: reward not work, not success, but pure wealth," Obama said. Grounded by plane trouble in St. Louis, he phoned his remarks to a gathering in Charlotte, N.C.

Standoff Continues on Global Warming, Other Issues

The Associated Press — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 15:48:55 -0400

TOYAKO, Japan (AP) -- President Bush encountered resistance on his climate-change policy as he and other world leaders sought to strike a balance between framing a deal on global warming while coping with inflation and slumping economic growth.

Building a consensus was not proving easy for him as the Group of Eight economic powers planned to turn its attention Tuesday to global warming, soaring food and fuel costs and world conflicts.

After Rain, Nadal Dethrones Federer

The Associated Press — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 00:09:31 -0400

WIMBLEDON, England (AP) — Rafael Nadal ended Roger Federer's five-year reign at Wimbledon on Sunday, winning a riveting, five-set marathon to claim his first title at the All England Club and signal a changing of the guard in men's tennis.

Nadal held off a stirring comeback by Federer from two sets down to prevail 6-4, 6-4, 6-7 (5), 6-7 (8), 9-7. He became the first man to win the French Open and Wimbledon in the same year since Bjorn Borg in 1980.

Nadal, the first Spaniard to win Wimbledon since Manolo Santana in 1966, avenged his losses to Federer in the last two finals here and snapped the Swiss star's All England Club winning streak at 40 matches and overall grass-court run at 65.

Alumni Board Deactivates Current Members of Psi Upsilon Fraternity

Sam Cross — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 22:37:37 -0400

In an attempt to protect the prosperity of the fraternity and the safety of its members, the alumni board of Psi Upsilon decided to shut down the fraternity until the board deems it fit. Though the members of the campus fraternity have been deactivated, the chapter maintains its official recognition in the eyes of the University.

“While Cornell University still recognizes Psi Upsilon as an active fraternity on campus, the alumni have de-activated all of its members,” said Travis Apgar, associate dean of students for fraternity and sorority affairs, in light of the recent events.

Mike Bergelson ’95, alumni president of the chapter, explained the alumni’s decision to temporarily suspend the fraternity.

Schoellkopf Receives Makeover

Cory Bennett — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0400

When students return to campus in the fall, they will see a new side of Schoellkopf Field. The current field surface of the 93-year-old stadium will be replaced with a more modern artificial field material, FieldTurf. The material is the same used when Hoy Field, home to Cornell’s baseball team, was renovated. The FieldTurf will be ready prior to the football team’s home-opener against Yale on Sept. 27.

Venus Williams Beats Sister Serena in Wimbledon Championship

The Associated Press — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 14:23:32 -0400

WIMBLEDON, England (AP) — This time, big sister put little sister in her place.

Advantage, Miss Venus Williams.

She defeated Serena 7-5, 6-4 Saturday for her fifth Wimbledon title and second in a row. Venus avenged two previous losses to her younger sibling in the final at the All England Club and reasserted her dominance on her favorite court and favorite grass surface.

Chestnut Beats Kobayashi in Hot Dog Eating Contest

The Associated Press — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 13:53:22 -0400

NEW YORK (AP) — Joey Chestnut has reclaimed the top spot as winner of the annual hot dog eating contest in Coney Island after first tying with archrival Takeru Kobayashi in a 10-minute chow-down and then beating him in a five-dog eat-off.

The men tied at 59 frankfurters in 10 minutes, before being made to gobble another five dogs in a last-minute tiebreaker.

Kobayashi had hoped to reclaim the throne after suffering a disappointing loss last year. He had reigned for six years.

The British Are Coming!

Samantha Hartzband — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 02:27:06 -0400

Despite the fact today is July 4th, our Independence Day, it seems impossible these days to delve into entertainment media without seeing our friends from across the pond. No, it’s not Beatle Mania, but it is certainly some kind of invasion.

First there is Amy Winehouse’s struggle with substance abuse and, well, let’s just say “overall wellness.” While Winehouse is not a summer 2008 phenomenon, she got our minds revved up for the bombs Buckingham Palace was about to drop on us.

So let’s talk music.

The Ting Tings, an English indie pop band, released their debut album this past May, and their single Shut Up and Let Me Go has graced all modes of exposure, ranging from posters glued to New York City construction fences to the rolling Real World end credits on MTV.

The band, composed of only two members, packs more heat with each bass drum kick than most Americans have done thus far this summer.

Letters from Beijing: July 1st

Rob Coniglio — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 11:24:00 -0400

It’s not your Ithaca Wal-Mart. Though the form is more or less the same with the happy smiley face promising “always low prices” (though in Chinese it only promises “always fair prices”), the blue-aproned sales associates and the general brightness and cleanliness of the store

Zimbabwe's Mugabe Sworn in After Discredited Vote

The Associated Press — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 11:43:54 -0400

HARARE, Zimbabwe (AP) — President Robert Mugabe has been sworn in for a sixth term, just hours after electoral officials said he won a discredited runoff.

As dignitaries watched under a red-carpeted tent on Sunday, Mugabe swore to uphold his nation's laws and then sat amid cheering to sign documents.

African and other world leaders had condemned Friday's presidential runoff, in which Mugabe was the only candidate.

Human rights groups say opposition supporters were the targets of brutal state-sponsored violence during the campaign, leaving more than 80 dead and forcing some 200,000 to flee their homes.

Opposition candidate Morgan Tsvangirai withdrew from the race because of the violence.

Afghan Civilian Deaths Up 60 Percent

The Associated Press — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 11:42:14 -0400

KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) — A senior U.N. official says the number of civilians killed in fighting in Afghanistan has soared by nearly two-thirds.

The top U.N. humanitarian official, John Holmes, said Sunday that the world body has recorded 698 civilian deaths for the first half of this year, compared to 430 in the first six months of 2007.

Holmes said militants caused most of the civilian casualties this year and that the figures reflected efforts by foreign troops to reduce civilian deaths in military operations.

Color Me Impossible

Deborah Tan — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 01:48:39 -0400

I was aimlessly web surfing my way through the boredom of a summer internship when I came across the article, “Pixel Perfect”, published in The New Yorker last month. It outlined the lifestyle and works of Pascal Dangin, a professional photograph retoucher. As a Photoshop-guru-in-training myself, I decided Dangin basically has my dream job. He works with top fashion designers, world-famous photographers and a-list celebs, taking seemingly flawless people and images and making them even more perfect, all with the click of a mouse or the wave of the magic wand tool.