Dear Suspicious,
Wow.  You've really stumped me with this one.  I've never heard anything like this and don't really know where to go to check the story out. The administrators I've asked expressed surprise and bemusement. Since these are pretty strong accusations, do you think you could give me some more details or some evidence that I could follow up on?
        Cornell does seem to have a monopoly on the job market in the area, but we're not the only employers.  Ithaca College, Morse Chain, the Boyce Thompson Institute, Therm Inc., the BioTechnical Center, National Cash Register, and Smith-Corona, among others, are all industries in the local area that coexist peacefully with Cornell. In addition, there are thousands of other companies that provide goods and services to residents of Tompkins County. Perhaps your alumnus friend could give me some specific examples so I can check this story out. Let me know when you find out more.

Uncle Ezra   

Dear Lonely,
Do you mean he's bringing in four or five women per night...or per week? In either case, it sounds like he's vying for the title "Superstud." What's he doing with all these women?  Making love?  Making friends?  Studying? Dealing drugs? Depending on the context, you may or may now have cause for jealousy.
        From the letters I get, it's clear you're not alone in feeling lonely. Men and women both complain abut how difficult it is to make friends.  I suspect there is one common problem - everyone's waiting for the other person to make the first move.  If you want someone to talk with, study with, eat with, dance with, play with ... you've got to ask.  No one is likely to come to your room uninvited, no matter how nice you are.
        But please, don't try to compete with your roommate.  Remember...it's quality, not quantity, that counts.

Uncle Ezra   

Dear JC,
Yes, there is a requirement that freshmen live in a campus dormitory for their first year.  However, unlike some other schools, Cornell does not have any dorms that are for freshmen only.  Residence Life likes to integrate classes so residence halls can provide an excellent environment to interact with people of all different ages and experiences, having all sorts of backgrounds and interests.
        Exceptions can be made to the first year rule.  If there are unusual circumstances or it is impossible for a student to live in a dormitory, s/he can petition Residence Life to live off campus.  If you want to contact them, their office is located in 2117 North Balch, 255-5511.

Uncle Ezra   

Dear CCUE,
The points you raised in your question disturbed me, too, so I took it straight to Payroll to find out what was going on. As I mentioned before (September 1987, p105), Social Security Numbers are supposed to be used for government purposes and identification only.
        As it turns out, since the United Way Campaign is operated through Cornell Payroll with a direct deduction from our paychecks, the Payroll Office has to use Social Security numbers for both identification and government purposes.  That way, if you choose to donate to the United Way, this contribution will automatically be noted on your paycheck and the information will be sent to the IRS. Big Brother is watching ... in this case, to verify that you're donating to a charity.
        I don't know if the United Way is able to identify all of their contributors by Social Security Numbers.  If this is the case, it may be that the organization was able to squeeze in under the same grandfather clause that allows Cornell to identify their students in this manner.

Uncle Ezra   

Dear Hungry,
You're right, the plans are complex. But where else can you get options like Cross Country Gourmet!?!  I asked the Dining Office about the rationale behind their system and was told that your suggestion is one that they toss around all the time.  The program they use now bases its prices on a large "missed-meal" estimate.  With a plan like 7-3, they assume that most students will miss about 2 meals a week.  They keep a tight control over which meals you can go to so that they can provide a wide variety of food options yet still have an estimate of how much dining really costs. The problem with switching to a more "standard" meal plan (e.g. restricted number of meals or points programs) lies in income and switchover costs.  However, now that Dining's budget is getting tighter and tighter, they may be switching to one of these programs in the not-too-distant future.
        If you want to state your case directly, or have any other comments or suggestions for Cornell Dining, stop by their office in 233 Day Hall. They have a customer comment box if you don't have time to talk to one of their repre- sentatives. Confusing, but tasty!

Uncle Ezra   

Dear Joe,
It is awkard that you must buy several vendacards in order to do your work in several libraries. I went hunting about the various libraries to try to find out if there was a good explanation for this. The best I got was "Cornell is eleven colleges joined by steam lines." Coordination is not our strength.
        As you know, Cornell's libraries come in two flavors, Statutory and Endowed, which are relatively independent. Some time ago they all decided to start using vendacards. However, when the libraries began using vendacards for their copiers they each chose different vendors for the systems. Unfortunately, this means that the systems are incompatible. This is also the reason for their incompatibility with campus computer printers. There seems to be no real plan for consolidating the systems, at least, not in the near future.




        You might try taking this up with Alain Seznec (255-3689), the University Librarian, or Gene Wheeler (255-5181), the Director of Administrative Operations.  They would have to coordinate the decision with CCS.  Gordon Galloway (255-8976) would be a good person to start with here.  Good luck with this effort.  Thousands of people will appreciate your efforts.

Uncle Ezra   

Dear H&U,
I called the Dining Office to let them know about your suggestion. They were grateful and are going to look into posting the menu on CUINFO.  All it really requires is for someone in their office to type in the schedule.
        In the meantime, paper copies of the menu are printed weekly and available in the dining halls and around campus.  If you're really curious about what's to eat, why don't you pick one up next time you're at your favorite dining hall?  Also, if you have any other suggestions for Dining, try dropping them in their Customer Comments Box in 233 Day Hall. Thanks again for the idea.

Uncle Ezra   

Dear GPF,
The first thing I did with your question was talk with Barb Horner, the West Campus mailroom supervisor.  According to her, the mailroom hours on West Campus are Monday-Friday 8-11am, 3-7: 30pm; and Saturday 1-3pm. I agree the Saturday hours may be a little slim, but otherwise the schedule seems reasonable. Last year, more staff covered more hours, but very few residents came in the extra hours to pick up their mail. It looks like these hours are here to stay, so maybe you can pick up your mail in the morning before class, or at dinnertime.
        The door to the mailroom is locked as a safety measure for the students who live inside the building.  The mailboxes used to be inside Noyes, so you could get your mail whenever the student union was open. However, the doors in UHALL 2 are supposed to be open 7: 30 am to 12 midnight every day.  If this doesn't seem to be the case, it would be a good idea to let the Area Office know so that they can fix the problem.
        Finally, the West Campus mail room cannot mail packages because they are not a branch of the U.S. Post Office and therefore do not handle cash. By now the Big Red Express should have received its scale, so you should be able to send your packages from Noyes Center.  If not, you can send packages from Entrepot or from the post office in Barnes Hall.
        Other than the mailroom complications, I'm glad to hear you're happy here. And the football game against Harvard made up for any losses all season, don't you think?  Talk about exciting!

Uncle Ezra   

Dear Environmentalist,
Bad news for the lungs: I aired your concern with Bill Crissey, manager of CU Transit. He said that while there are emission standards for gasoline- powered buses, no such regulations cover the newer, diesel-powered vehicles. Rules are to be developed, but will only apply to vehicles made after their adoption.
        CU Transit attempted to ease the problem by rerouting the exhausts for most of the buses in the fleet away from the rear vents, and up through the roof of the bus. This seems to get the smoke away from the pedestrians, and up into the air where it can be more easily dispersed. Unfortunately, it is not possible to do that for all buses in the fleet, due to the different design features of
some of the buses.
        While CU Transit buses receive routine check-ups on a monthly basis, the engines are only checked out once per year. The New York Department of Transportation conducts bus inspections every six months, but with no emission standards for the diesel buses they don't check fume levels.
        I'm told the smoke looks much worse than it actually is, although it looks pretty bad, and anything it carries with it seems enough to choke the most hardy of us. One thing you might do is note the license number of any CU Transit buses that seem to be putting out more than the usual amount of emissions, and let Bill Crissey know about it. You can reach him at 255-3782. Then the bus can be checked to see if it is operating properly. If you want to get more involved, I'd suggest checking with the DOT on upcoming plans for emission standards.

Uncle Ezra   

Dear SC,
You're right.  The parking shortage on and around campus is a very serious and frustrating problem.  Unfortunately, until all of the construction is complete, there's not much we can do with our cars. The Traffic Bureau tried to alleviate some of the parking hassles by sending out pre-registration forms to returning students to give them a chance to get a parking space before the school year rush began.  As it stands now, there are only a few of spaces left. They are in the Kite Hill lot, cost $108.00 per year, and are available only on special request.  It might still be worth trying to apply for one at the Traffic Bureau on 116 Maple Avenue. The worst they can say is "No". In the meantime, you could try parking in the East Hill Plaza lot or downtown, and then ride the bus into campus.  If you have other friends who live out in your area, you could all carpool in - it's easier to find just one parking space.  Maybe you live on one of the local bus routes, so you wouldn't even have to drive. Bus maps are available at the Information Desk in Day Hall. Finally, keep checking in the SUN and other local newspapers.  Sometimes you'll find parking spaces for rent in Collegetown and the nearby area.
        I'm sorry there's nothing more I can do to help you. Unfortunately, I've been hiking from Stewart Ave and further lately while I wait for my appeal to be considered.  If you really feel strongly about the parking situation, call the Traffic Bureau at 255-4600 and make an appointment to speak with one of the directors.

Uncle Ezra   

Dear MXF,
Yoram Szekely became the Librarian of Uris Library in 1978.
        There are several "classic" texts which describe the various theories and practices behind major forms of psychotherapy.  You might try C.H. Patterson's "Theories of Counseling and Psychotherapy"; Pietrofesa, Hoffman, Splete, and Pinto's "Counseling: Theory, Research, and Practice"; or Ivey & Simek-Downing's "Counseling and Psychotherapy". They all review current theories and point out the similarities and differences.  You'll find less difference in practice than in theory. Given the cost of therapy, it probably makes sense to read rather than use up part of your 50-minute hour.
        About the modem - yes, you could connect to Cornell's mainframes (and CUINFO) from home.  There are a variety of inexpensive modems available, and most of them are adequate.  Any EXTERNAL modem should do. The Signalman, Hayes, and Racal Vadic Maxwell Modems are OK; a 1200-baud (which will work at 300 or 1200 baud) will run about $225 plus cable.
        However, if you will be connecting from an outlying exchange (533, 539, 564, etc.) and you plan to upload or download data, I would recommend an ERROR-CORRECTING modem. (This is also useful if you use your modem for long-distance connections.)  The one I use, the Racal-Vadic VA2400-PA, is a 2400-baud error-correcting modem, and is listed at $676 on the June 17 Network Communications price list. The next questions always asked about modems pertain to speed. Common communications speeds are 300, 1200, 2400, 4800, and 9600 baud. To convert from "baud" to characters per second, divide by 10 (2400 baud = 240 chars/sec). Almost all modems communicate at the rated speed AND all the lower ones (a 2400-baud modem can switch to 1200 or 300 baud if needed). The advantage of a higher baud rate is that you can transmit and receive data more quickly - a real help if you do full-screen editing, or when you upload or download files.

Uncle Ezra   

Dear Warm Weather Jogger,
It's good to hear you want to stay in shape, but running around in Bard Hall could be a little difficult since that's an Engineering building. Unless it's hidden away in the basement, I don't think Bard has a track.
        However, the new floor in Barton Hall is done and it looks very nice. Once it is officially opened on Tuesday, October 27, you'll be free to run there.  Be forewarned, though, admission is by i.d. only, and someone will be monitoring the track 24 hours a day.  The time schedule and rules haven't been released yet, but they should appear in both the Sun and the Chronicle later this month.
        So, get out those running shoes and start stretching!  Maybe I'll run into you in Barton. Time to get ready for ski season.

Uncle Ezra   

Dear CC,
I don't know how you can get in touch with Mary, but there is a juggling club on campus -- perhaps you can get to know the group through them.  If you really want to learn to juggle, call Kim Katris at 253-2582.  She's the contact on campus.
        During the passing of Halley's Comet, Fuertes Observatory had a hotline, but there's no real demand for one now. They do have an open house every Friday night (if it's clear), so you can call them at 255-3557 for more information. Otherwise, if you have any other quick comments about quirky quarks and other stellar phenomena, you might check with the Astronomy Department in Clark Hall for general astronomical info. I checked out Jupiter the other night - fantastic! Where are your quarks?  I want to see.
        Good luck with the juggling. But even if you think the karma's good, don't try tossing any knives your first time out.

Uncle Ezra   

Dear Sylvester,
Many cats have wondered about these footprints, but I've only been asked a few times.  The last question and answer were posted on page 74 on May 12, 1987:

Uncle Ezra   

Dear NaD,
What universities have an on-campus drinking age of 19?  It's a New York State law that alcohol cannot be sold or served to people under 21. Your letter suggests that Cornell should be exempt from the law - an interesting idea that's not likely to get much support.  You also seem to think that "progressive" and "lower drinking age" are somehow related...curious!
        What can you do?  Write your legislators in Albany. Tell them why college students should be treated differently from everyone else. You can try your arguments on me first; I'll be happy to listen. I won't be easy; I'm impressed by the number of lives that have been saved by the new law, and encouraged that students are learning how to relate without drugs as a crutch.     Uncle Ezra

Uncle Ezra   

Dear Dr. DC,
Thanks for those additional ideas.  Your warning about hitch-hiking is true.  Not only is it illegal; these days it is not safe to hitch-hike.  The cliche "a penny saved ..." does not apply to accepting a ride from a stranger. I'm glad you were able to come up with low-cost alternatives.       Uncle Ezra

Uncle Ezra   

Dear Nosily Offended,
What a concerned friend you are.  You're right, excessive flatulence can be a symptom of a medical problem. Unfortunately, as the cliche goes, "You can lead a horse to water ..." but it's ultimately up to your acquaintance to seek help. I hope for both your sake and his that he does so, but keep in mind that you can't live your friend's life for him.

Uncle Ezra   

Dear Disturbed,
One thing I've learned at Cornell -- there are a lot of things that don't make any sense.  You've pointed to another example.
        The Phi Sigma Kappa fraternity (the big white house on the corner of University and Stewart avenues) maintains the tradition of painting footprints.  Then, every Spring, the University comes along and paints over them.  Tradition, tradition!
        To my knowledge, this was the first year that the footprints got goofy.  Maybe a painter wondered whether anybody would notice, and you were the first.  Apparently someone filmed a 1/2 hour documentary on the footprints; people at Phi Sigma Kappa could probably tell you more. Uncle Ezra

Uncle Ezra   

Dear Nancy,
I contacted Dr. Robert E. Cook, the Director of Cornell Plantations for the answer to your question. Here is his reply:

  "On several occasions during the recent discussions concerning the Theory Center at Cornell University, concerns have been expressed about the state of disrepair of the trails in Cascadilla Gorge between College Avenue and University Avenue. Because Cornell Plantations has management responsibility over this trail, I want to inform your readers of the problems with trail repair, of past actions, and of our anticipated future actions.   "After severe flooding damaged much of this trail system in October of 1981, Plantations was advised by the legal offices of the University that we should close the trail to pedestrians until we are able to repair it and render it safe for passage. Barriers were subsequently placed at the University Avenue and College Avenue entrances.   "Plantations receives only one-fifth of its operating income from the University, and these funds are primarily used to cover the salaries of the director and central administrative staff. Some federal and state funds are available for special programs such as our elementary school education initiative. All other funds come from the past and present generosity of individuals who give gifts for membership and special projects. In order to repair the Cascadilla Gorge Trail, therefore, we must raise the funds from donations.   "In 1983, we allocated approximately $40,000 of accumulated donations to have Cornell stonemasons initiate repairs. As with most stonework and masonry, the work is labor intensive, im part because all materials must be brought to the site by hand. By spring of 1984 the available funds were exhausted and only lower portions of the trail were repaired.   "Since this time we have saved an additional $70,000 in gifts which we are allocating to gorge trail repair. Because we wish to maximize available funds for repair, we have been using very little funds for minimal trail maintenance in the closed sections which is why it is in such a poor state of upkeep.   "The major repair job will be the stairway at College Avenue below the Performing Arts Center. Inspection of this stairway will reveal that the soil slope beneath it is slowly sliding into the gorge. Therefore, to construct a new stairway is a major engineering project which will involve construction of cement steps cantilevered on steel pins secured in the bedrock. It is very difficult to estimate the cost of this solution, but we believe that full repair of the stairway and lower trail, including safety handrailings, will cost considerably more than the available funds. Work on the stairway is scheduled to begin this month, and it will continue until the funds are exhausted. It is our hope that we can do sufficient work to be able to reopen the trail by next summer.
        "Knowing of the community's strong interest in seeing the trail fully repaired and reopened, we warmly welcome any financial assistance from any source that can help us to complete the job."  --Robert Cook This information also appeared in the Ithaca Journal 4 or 5 weeks ago. If you want to help, or want any further information, visit the Cornell Plantations Office, One Plantation Road. Perhaps you might help with some fundraising, which would help supply the funding necessary to complete the trails more quickly! When I first learned what it cost to repair the trails, I thought "Why did I go to college?  I could be earning more moving rocks!"  Then I thought about job satisfaction and decided I made the right decision. Still, I look forward to hiking the trails.  See you there!

Uncle Ezra   

Dear BC,
According to Cheryl in the Co-op dining office, you are right!  The 7-Saver plan got its name because it saves 7% sales tax. I'm not sure how they can get away with this, but until the Governor complains, "a penny saved ..."
        The Collegtown bridge was originally scheduled to re-open sometime in November.  My sources tell me it may open as early as next week. Won't that be a relief?!

Uncle Ezra   

Dear Friend,
While you write with humor, we both know this is not a funny situation. You are right to catagorize compulsive shopping along with other addictions; there are a lot of similarities.  Some people shop to relieve stress, but even before The Dip this was not a productive way to deal with uncomfortable feelings.
        Unfortunately, there are no Shopaholics Anonymous support groups at Cornell or in Tompkins County. Help is available from Psychological Services (Ground floor of Gannett, 255-5208) and from therapists in private practice. If enough people ask for assistance, a support group can be started through Psych Services or the Dean of Students Office. But I wouldn't wait.  No matter how the economy shifts, there are better ways to cope with life's stresses.

Uncle Ezra