Dear Uncle Ezra - Questions for Thursday, May 14, 2009

Dear Uncle Ezra,
Over the past few years, "sustainability" has become a major buzz word in our society. Recently, campus officials have made attempts to reduce energy consumption and waste in the University buildings, particularly on West Campus. I applaud the effort, but I was wondering why students are being hounded by e-mails and articles about taking shorter showers and recycling when the heat in many of the buildings on campus is still running. Granted, I do not like being cold in class and I know that the weather is still fluctuating, but I was in MVR the other day and it was like a jungle in one of the study areas. I couldn't believe that the heat was still on full blast when everyone was in shorts and t-shirts. Shouldn't the University take more proactive steps in cutting consumption in every possible manner? This seems like a very obvious issue to resolve, and I'm sure there is a reason why the heat is still running, but what is it?

Sincerely,
Simply Stumped

Dear Simply Stumped,

Thank you very much for your interest and concern regarding energy conservation. We are in fact very busy with many projects and initiatives across campus aimed at saving energy, and you have personal experience with the recent increase in efforts by Campus Life. The specific building you mention, MVR, is in the first phase of a multi-phase and multi-year significant project that will correct many longstanding problems including "out of control heat." The new heating, ventilating, and air conditioning systems being installed in what we call "MVR '33" or the old part of MVR are very different than we would have built just 5 years ago. These new systems will separate the temperature control (heating and cooling) from ventilation and de-humidification. These new systems are called "dedicated outdoor air and ventilation with heat recovery" and "chilled beam and radiant/perimeter heating systems." The separation of ventilation and temperature control, and the addition of heat recovery to ventilation air is expected to reduce energy use by over 20-30% vs. what we used to design. We are very excited about the potential savings and added comfort control. Unfortunately due to the size of MVR,
the project is over many years and as a result, some of the old systems will continue to have control problems.
If you could give us a specific room for the study area, it is possible that we could repair the problem, and make the space comfortable. If you do want to follow up with a room number, please send it to our conservation focused preventive maintenance lead person, Rick Bishop, in our HVACR Shop. Rick's email is rjb18.

Thanks for your input, and if you find other areas that are very uncomfortable/obviously energy wasteful like the space you mention in MVR, please bring them to the attention of the department in that area of the building for our action.
Lanny Joyce
W.S. (Lanny) Joyce, P.E.
Manager, Engineering, Planning and Energy Management

Uncle Ezra

Dear Uncle Ezra,
I am graduating in 2 weeks and I feel like there's still so much that I haven't done yet. Do you have any advice of things I should definitely do here in Ithaca/Cornell before my friends and I graduate?

Best,
Senior 09

Dearest Senior,
First and foremost, take the walk from Upper Treman Park that goes down past the falls, across the bridge partway down the path and back up the rim trail! Next visit the Saturday Farmer's Market, off of Route 13, between 9 and 3. Go on a wine tour. Have lunch or dinner at Moosewood. Bask in the sun. Sip a cup of coffee while deep in conversation at Gimme on Cayuga Street. Walk up the steps of McGraw tower to hear a Chimes concert close up. Take a walk through the Plantations. Go hear a band that is playing downtown. Try some of the Senior Class evening activities. They're free.

Then say goodbye to your Dear Old Uncle Ezra. I'll be standing on the Arts Quad waiting for you. And I will be there whenever you come back to visit. Have a great summer!

Uncle Ezra

Dear Uncle Ezra,
In the middle of the woods between Fall Creek and the Cornell Horse Farm, there is a *huge* wall.  Let's call it "The Great Wall of Flat Rock."  From memory, I'd say it's about 12 feet tall, 12 feet wide, and 100 feet long.  One side is made of cement and has 2-inch-diameter pipes coming out at regular intervals, near the bottom.  But I can't for the life of me figure out what it could have been built for.  Evidently for something important, because it must have been quite expensive to build.

To get to it, cross the suspension bridge at Flat Rock, just upstream from the Forest Home Drive entrance to the Arboretum.  At the end of the bridge, turn right.  Soon, the trail splits, with the right fork going alongside the creek.  Take the left fork.  It climbs gently toward the Cornell Horse Farm.  After a few hundred meters of curving left and walking through an area that's eroded and wet sometimes, the trail jogs right to cross a streambed.  As you're crossing that streambed, before the trail turns left to begin its major ascent to the horsefarm, the end of the huge wall is in front of you, maybe ten meters into the woods.  It might be a bit hard to see at first through the vegetation, and the closest point on the trail might be several meters farther on.

Any idea what this enormous wall is for?  The beginning of an ambitious old project to keep the Cornell hordes out of Lansing?

Dear Puzzler,

This was one of the hardest and most fun questions to research. Is it a dike, an overbuilt handball court, a retaining wall?

The most informed answer came from Bruce Brittain, Forest Home Historian., "As I understand it, that is the backstop for the rifle range that used to be north of Flat Rock. If you look at the topography west of the wall, I think you will find it to be a large level field, now overgrown. This is where they shot from. Others would hide behind the wall, changing the targets during cease-fires. Not an enviable job. The pipes are drain pipes, to keep water from building up behind the wall and (eventually) pushing it over. It IS a massive structure, and seems to have held up well, considering the abuse it took when it was active, and the neglect that it has seen since.

"I believe the rifle range was active during WWII, but I'm not sure if it was used by Cornell ROTC students, or by actual servicemen who who were stationed on and around campus."

These dates are supported by Robert Wesley, Plantations, who says,
"Yes, this what remains of an old ROTC rifle range. I don't think it was there yet in the 1920's. I don't know when it built, when it was active, or when it was abandoned or torn down. This is all I can tell you about it; and I only know this from the botany. The 1926 Wiegand and Eames "Flora of the Cayuga Lake Basin" does not mention it. Old timers like Dr. Mac (L. H. MacDaniels) would mention it in relation to Fall Creek localities. Herbarium (plant) specimen labels mention it later, maybe in the 1940's to 1960's."

Uncle Ezra

Uncle Ez,
I'm trying to determine if Cornell University ever had a Varsity Rifle Team, or any related team of that type. The specific years I am interested in would be the mid 1970's. Might there have been a "club" team for this activity?

Thank You, Beezer

Dear Beezer,
Thanks goes to Evan Earle, Collections Assistant in the Division of Rare and Manuscript Collections, for this very extensive answer.

Cornell has had a long, successful, history in regards to its rifle and
pistol teams. This is fitting considering the military acumen the
University's drill and ROTC programs have shown over the years. The
Cornell rifle teams and members have defeated competitors hailing from
such prominent locales as the U.S. Naval Academy and West Point.
Interestingly, rifle and pistol were one of the sports women were able to
compete in at the University from as early as the 1920s. The women's teams
were also quite successful and were known to defeat the Cornell men's team in head-to-head competition.

Regarding the 1970s, according to former athletic directer Robert Kane's
oft cited book Good Sports, the rifle program lost its funding along with
four other programs in 1971. However, this does not appear to have
hampered the efforts of the team as they continued to compete. It is
unclear if they were recognized as a "varsity" sport at this time, but the
1974 Cornellian yearbook lists them as having been Ivy League champions, a feat they accomplished numerous times spanning the late 60s and 70s. In
the 1975 Cornellian they are listed as having finished 1st in the national
sectionals. A 1979 Cornell Daily Sun article reporting on results of a
competition does refer to them as the "Cornell Varsity Rifle Team".

Page 6 of the February 26, 1970 Cornell Chronicle shows members of the
team and mentions their Ivy accomplishments:
http://ecommons.library.cornell.edu/bitstream/1813/5337/17/001_19.pdf

Uncle Ezra

Dear Uncle Ezra,
I was wondering if you can help a neice out. I'm a recent graduate from Cornell, and with my classmates starting to tie a knot here and there, I couldn't help but wonder: is there something wrong with me if I just never want to get married? I just can't find a single thing that I am attracted to the notion of marriage. I hate hate HATE the color white, and anything frilly and lacey. I can't stand the thought of moving to somewhere, just because my bf/fiance/husband's job requires so (reason I broke up with the last relationship, actually). Why is it always the girls who are expected to drop her life and MOVE? If I am going to move, it has to be because I want to, not for someone. Is that selfish? I guess it might help you to let you know that the past two out of three relationships I had, it ended when the dude went "I want to marry you in the future, can you move in with me to here and here in the future?" I just can't love that person that much to drop my life and move, because above all things, I love freedom. I love it so much that I suspect I was a sailor or something in my previous life. Some other things that makes me not want to get married are: I have to change name - WHY? I love my name!!! I don't want kids, because it means I have to take time off of work. I love my job and would die if I have to leave for a week. God no. And why is it that women has to grow a human being for 9-10 months, AND then feed that human being nonstop for another 12 months, while men doesn't do a single thing except sperm donation? My last boyfriend was appalled when I told him that I would never have kids unless a dude takes the equivalent time off (to whatever I have to take time off) to feed the kid nonstop. Isn't that fair? I think that's pretty minimal contribution still. Anyway...I just don't get why a woman's happiness is justified by a marriage. So by not wanting to get married at ALL, am I somewhat in the wrong? I just don't see myself as a housewife. I see myself as a female version of George Clooney, or not-so-sexually-active version of Samantha Jones (I mean who can match her...). Argh, is that wrong? I don't think it is, but so many of my friends are married and seems happy. And I don't think I'd be happy at ALL if I got married.

Love,
Samantha wannabe

Dear Samantha Wannabe,
I love your question! I am glad that your friends have found partners that meet their criteria for lifelong mates. I am also glad that you have such a clear understanding of what will be right for you. And maybe some day you will find someone who fits the bill...

Your description of marriage is right out of the 50's and I hope to open your eyes to a much more modern and equal idea of marriage. Marriage is a partnership between two people who have a common understanding of what they want in life and a commitment to equally support each other to reach their individual and joint goals. Every couple would come up with their own design of marriage depending on who they are and what they need. Sometimes that might require a move, but that should be a mutually agreed upon decision and sometimes the man might have to move for the woman's career.

And changing your name....not necessary at all! Many women keep their names when they get married and in some couples both partners change their names to a hyphenated-conglomerate that represents equality and commitment.

You don't have to want kids or raise kids. There are many happily married people who have chosen to not have kids. Alternatively, there are plenty of women who have children or adopt children and continue working while their husbands stay home happily raising their kids.

Maybe part of the problem is that the men you met are looking for something much different from your idea of a perfect marriage. Sounds like you made the right choice to end those relationships when you found out that you were on completely different wavelengths.

On the other hand, maybe any form of marriage would be too confining for you. Your passion for freedom might best be met by staying single. At least for now, that seems to fit you well. I applaud your desire to do what works for you. Would I call it selfish? No, I would call it self aware!

Uncle Ezra

Dear Uncle Ezra,
I missed my period this month. I'm not sexually active so I know pregnancy is an issue. I am also not on birth control so that is not a factor. I've never had a problem with missed periods before and my periods are pretty regular. Is this something I should get checked out or should I wait till next month to see if there's a problem? Could something like stress during the last weeks of school have prevented me from getting it? Should I be concerned about this right now?

Dear Miss Missed,
There are many factors that can cause a missed period, and yes, stress can certainly affect the menstrual cycle. Stress can disrupt the hormonal balance in the body, causing an irregular cycle. Also, major changes in life, such as moving, changing routines (like the end of the semester), a new romantic relationship, a change in nutrition and eating habits, etc. can all cause a missed period. Losing a significant amount of weight can also cause amennorhea (the cessation of menstrual flow). Missing a period is more common than most people realize. If you are concerned, it is worth going to Gannett and talking with a healthcare provider. But in general, one missed period is nothing to be alarmed about and you can wait until next month to see what happens. If you want to talk to someone about it now, certainly call 255-5155 for an appointment.

Uncle Ezra

Hey Uncle

If you fail a pass/fail class and a PE class can you still graduate with honors?

Dear Uncle Ezra,
I am having a horrible freshman year. I am currently a Pre-Med student and I am worryed about if my freshman year's GPA will affect on my acceptance to a good medical school.
Thank You,
worried freshman

Dear First Year Student,
I have two completely opposite responses. The first is that it is not unusual for first year students to suffer some during the transition from high school to college. Lower than expected grades do not mean the end of the world. Pre-med courses are very difficult and demanding. If you can pull up those grades for subsequent years showing that you can handle the more difficult coursework and understand the material, you should be fine.

But you need to look at what transpired to lead to "a horrible freshman year." Did personal issues or other extenuating circumstances make it difficult for you to apply yourself to coursework? In that case it might be easy to see the light at the end of the tunnel and a more fruitful sophomore year. Did socializing keep you from your studies? If so, you know what to change. Or was the coursework, just unbearably difficult for you? If so, you have the choice of buckling down, going for extra help at the Learning Strategies Center, possibly taking summer courses at another college to prepare for the more difficult courses here and really putting your all into this passion of yours. If you want it badly enough, I am sure you can make it happen, but it has to be a priority.

But maybe medicine isn't your passion. Many people choose to pursue medicine because it "sounds good" or because they think that it would be a good choice financially or because someone else wants them to be a doctor. Some choose it because they "always wanted to be a doctor" (a decision they made when they were 8 years old), but it really isn't the right choice any more.

If any of these things are true for you and you haven't evaluated your choice lately, I suggest you explore all the options that are open to you. Volunteer this summer in a hospital or other medical venue to explore the field. Reconsider medicine and explore whether there is another career that you are better suited for. True happiness comes from doing what is meaningful and what you are good at and not from a profession that only brings you status and financial benefits.

Uncle Ezra

Dear Uncle Ezra,
I am getting ready to move out for the semester and I have too much stuff. I'd like to donate a lot of my clothing and things I won't need next semester. Is there a convenient place to donate things before the end of the semester? I don't have a car so it would be best if it were close or if I could schedule a pick-up.

Thanks,

Dogooder

Dear Do-gooder,

Dump & Run is a recycling program that collects items students might otherwise throw away when leaving campus in May. All collected items are sorted and organized over the summer, then resold at a large sale when students return in August.

Proceeds of the Dump & Run sale are donated to local nonprofit organizations. Over the last six years, Cornell’s Dump & Run program has donated more than $120,000 to Ithaca-area charities!

Collection dates are from May 4-31 and you can find a list of places to drop you stuff off on this website, http://www.campuslife.cornell.edu/campuslife/dump-and-run.cfm.

Dump & Run is organized by Cornell students, with support from Campus Life. Cornell's program is modeled after a national program; visit www.dumpandrun.org for more information.

Uncle Ezra

Dear Uncle Ezra,
I am moving off campus next semester. Is there any paperwork that I need to fill out for Cornell!?

THANKS!

-- The Punk Rock M.C.

Dear Moving,

Paperwork you need to do? Yes! Electronic paperwork. Whether you are a continuing student moving off campus, or a soon-to-be graduate, always keep your address(es) and phone number(s) current on Student Center (http://studentcenter.cornell.edu). This includes your local, home, emergency contact, and emergency mass notification contacts. Why? If you don't, you'll miss out on essential mailings, and in the event of an emergency, Cornell will not be able to reach you, or your parents (or other emergency contact). Don't worry, this info stays safe with Cornell. The university does not sell or share it with outside agencies like credit card companies and other mass marketers.

Uncle Ezra

Hi Uncle Ezra,
I will be a sophomore next semester, and need to take a second freshman writing seminar to fulfill requirements. How does the process work for those who aren't freshmen? Thanks!

-Your A+S Niece

Dear Uncle Ezra

Im an undergrad and I was wondering if there is a way to go above and beyond the course eval process. I have two polar opposite situations both of which I would like to address more emphatically than is really possible in the course eval system. One of my profs may be the best and most inspiring teacher and mentor that I have ever met and I want to make sure that her department is entirely aware of how exceptional she is. Is it appropriate to send an email to the head of the department or is there someone else I could contact?
On the other hand I also have a prof who seems dedicated and seems to want to be a good teacher but apparently lacks some basic pedagogical skills. Is it possible to email X's superiors directly? Its not just a bitching email either, I actually have some constructive and specific criticisms and suggestions.
Have a happy summer Ez!

Dear Thoughtful Student,
In both cases a letter or email to the Department Head or Dean would be a great idea. Every school at Cornell has different awards and recognition. Contacting the administrator in the main office of the department would be one way of finding out what awards are offered in that department.

I applaud your desire to reward exceptional teaching at Cornell and your efforts to find a way to guide those professors who know their subject area, but could use some advice on how to better teachers.

Uncle Ezra

Dear Uncle Ezra,
In response to Shocked Parent on May 12, you reported that

"***Uris is open 24/7 from Sunday at 10am until Friday a 9pm."

Unc, with all due respect,
"24/7" means 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Uris Library can't do what you said it does, 'cuz it ain't possible. But I'm sure that it's just finals week stressing you out--take a walk outside or have a cup of tea.

Love,
Katherine

Dear Katherine,
Yes, you are so right. I was so wrong. I changed my answer.

A cup of tea...yes, and a good back massage, that is exactly what I need. And a summer that includes time outdoors hiking and swimming.

Thanks. Have a great summer and make sure to plan to do some of the things you have had to put off during the school year. Looking forward to answering all of your interesting queries next Fall when I return.

Uncle Ezra