Dear No Place,
(Sorry for the late answer, but perhaps it'll help you or others next year.)
        Yes, many people do feel apprehension about going home during the holidays for many different reasons.  One attractive option would appear to be staying here, but this is not easy. According to Sandy Jean Lummuka in the Housing Assignment Office, students are required to be out of the dorms so that the building staff can take vacations. As long as students are living in the dorms, staff people are needed for day-to-day maintenance such as trash removal and mail sorting.  Staff people like the R.A.'s are required to be in the building to lend some support and supervision whenever residents are there.  All of these people, many of them students, need a break, too.
        Staff members are found to fill some of the spaces in the International Living Center and in the graduate houses because of the difficulties many of these people would have finding somewhere else to go. However, the services in these buildings are limited over break. As you pointed out, not being allowed in the dorms is very different from being required to go home. You can make arrangements to stay with friends or acquaintances.  In addition, many of the University co-ops have empty rooms during break that you can rent and many off-campus dwellers are willing to sublet their apartments for the month.  Break is meant to give students and staff a little time to relax and breathe, not to force you to go home.  I hope your break was a good one.

Uncle Ezra   

Dear Just Wondering,
I assume that you are wondering what happens to people who drive past the booth without stopping, because I really would not like to describe what happens to someone who drives right through them.
        According to Lieutenant Sims at Public Safety, no one has ever been stopped for driving past without a permit, although the officers who work in the booths would be likely to call a Safety car if they spot someone doing it.  The main purpose of the booths is to keep people without permits from parking on campus. If you don't have a permit, you are likely to get a ticket and may get towed.
        Personally, I avoid going through campus during the day.  It seems a little wiser than risking getting a ticket or getting stuck behind a truck at a construction site.

Uncle Ezra   

Dear Racist (but NOT incurable),
I would argue that you are not incurable since you are concerned enough to write to me for suggestions.  The first and most important prerequisite for change is the desire to change.  There are places where you can get help.
        A good program for you to get involved in would be the Human Relations Training Program (HRTP).  HRTP examines issues of cultural differences, looks at issues of power and oppression within and between groups, and tries to improve communication skills. For more information, call the director, Kris Miller, at 255-8626.




        Another great way to fight racism is to find out more about the issues involved.  The Human Service Studies Department offers at least one course on racism each year, and other departments such as Africana Studies, Asian Studies, Women's Studies and the language departments offer courses on cultural differences and issues of oppression. Further, you might want to contact Cornel United Religious Works (CURW) to find out more about religious issues and racism.
        Hopefully once you've learned how to cure one "incurable" racist -- yourself --  you can use that knowledge to inform others.

Uncle Ezra   

Dear Curious,
I used to wonder about this too.  Finally, I looked closely at my old Singer in action, and then everything became clear.  Unfortunately, it's easier to see than describe.  But I'll try.
        A sewing machine works with two spools of thread; one is loaded at the top and threads through the needle you see, while the other is beneath the platform on a bobbin.  Basically what happens is that the needle pokes a loop of thread down through the cloth where a small mechanical arm throws the thread around the bobbin, passing thread through the loop.  The needle pulls the loop tight when it raises again, the cloth advances as the thread does, and the process is repeated.  If you undo sewing that has been done on a machine, you will see the two separate threads.
        If this is a little hard to grasp, removed the baseplate from your machine next time you are sewing so that you can see how the bobbin works -- that makes everything easier to understand.
        Straight seams and happy stitching!

Uncle Ezra   

Dear Dusty,
Unfortunately, those buses you see every week with skiers boarding them are only for students enrolled in Downhill Skiing as a Phys. Ed. class. The Cornell Ski Club sponsors trips over spring break to Killington, and other large places like that.  Some times the ski club will rent out a bus and take a day-long trip to the slopes at Greek Peak.  You can see their notices in the SUN, stop by their office at 203 Willard Straight, or call them at 272-8974. You might try placing an ad in the SUN, or posting notices on bulletin boards to find a fellow skier with a car.
        If your skis are really dusty, please make sure that you get them tuned up and waxed before you go out.  Skiing here in the great northeast is somewhat different from other parts of the country, and ice patches can create expensive doctor bills if your skis aren't in tip-top condition.
        Have fun, and ski safe!  If you see a guy with lousy form having a great time, it just might be me.          Uncle Ezra

Uncle Ezra   

Dear LN:


        The answer depends on whether or not you consider tobacco a drug. As you may know, some people use cigarette papers to roll their own cigarettes.  That may be Entrepot's rationale.

Uncle Ezra   

Dear Knowledgable Person,
I learn something new every day.  Thanks for the info.

Uncle Ezra   

Dear Running In Place,
There are a couple of places that you can find out about cycling/running races.  In the men's locker room of Teagle Hall there are usually posters up from the Finger Lakes Running Club announcing meetings and races in the central New York area.  (I don't know about the women's locker room, you'll have to check for yourself if you're a woman.)  For bike races the people at Black Star Bicycles keep a good record of what's going on in the Ithaca area.  Also, try going up to Barton some day between classes.  You'll see many runners there, and they are sure to know of some of the less publicized races.  It's also a great way to meet people with the same interests as you.

Uncle Ezra   

Dear Just Wondering,
Batman (like many of the other comic book heroes) wears trunks over tights. As it happens, so do many of the joggers around Cornell, and for the same reasons: freedom of movement, protection, and appearance. Offhand, I don't remember ever seeing Batman in his underwear, but since in his secret identity he's Bruce Wayne, a millionaire playboy, I assume he wears something appropriate.

Uncle Ezra