Dear Uncle Ezra - Questions for Tuesday, January 19, 1988

Dear WS,
I spent some time in the Far East many years ago and found it very easy to meet people there. Strangers often approached me on the street and initiated conversation because they were studying English and were eager for a chance to practice. I was usually glad to oblige.
When two strangers first begin to talk, things are usually a little awkward, but I don't think things should be much more awkward than usual just because one of you cannot hear. You might begin by explaining that you know some sign language and have been looking for a chance to practice. Presenting yourself in a straightforward manner gives him a clear message about your intentions. He will still have an opportunity to pull away if he is uncomfortable with strangers or simply prefers not to speak sign language with you. If he is happy to converse, you have lots of common ground to talk about - the classes you are taking, your common acquaintances, and all those typical Cornell questions about "Where are you from? What's your major?" Since I don't know this student, I can't predict anything, but most people are happy to make new friends and share their knowledge.
You're right, he is used to being deaf, and he's probably also accustomed to some potentially awkward conversations. He'll likely be very happy to find someone like you who is willing to risk that awkwardness. Finding someone who is willing to talk his language may just make his day.

Uncle Ezra

Dear Confused,
If you think finding a response amidst all the questions and answers on a public terminal is confusing, you ought to see my desk ...
I'm sorry that I took such a long time to respond to your original question. Sometimes letters just get buried in the shuffle, even letters like yours that I think are important. I hope you're still looking for an answer. I can tell you now that your question and answer are on the pages directly preceding this one, but in general I'm not sure how I could communicate to you where to find questions and answers. You would have to look just as hard to find the directions as you would to find the original question. If you contact me from a private user I.D, I will respond directly to your account; that makes my responses much easier to find. Thanks for your letters! Uncle Ezra

Uncle Ezra

Dear Unc,
I am a grad student recently returned from extended field work abroad. While browsing through your listings today i came across some letters referring to rape/s(?) in Ithaca in Aug or Sept of 1986(?). I had heard something about this while abroad but nothing since and your listings do not go beyond Sept86. I would like to know what happened (concern, not gossip) and am particularly interested to find out whether the rapist was caught and convicted (not always the same thing) or if he is still at-large. Have the victims recovered? It appears that the incident occurred in an apartment. Was it a break-in? Were the victim(s) precautions ineffective? What recommendations did Public Safety, etc, come out with as a result of this? Your thoughts would be appreciated. (I am a night-owl, frequently work late on-campus, and am often the only person on my floor).

--and I thought Ithaca was safe

Dear Returning Grad,
A Cornell woman was raped  off campus during September of 1986. I asked Ted Pless of Public Safety to respond to your questions.  For various reasons, he was not able to disclose a lot of particulars of the case, but these answers should help:

        "The rapist was caught, but he was not prosecuted due to lack of evidence!
He was incarcerated for parole violations after an incident at Ithaca College. Information on the victims' status is not available. The rape was not a break-in; the man entered through an unlocked door!!! Even though the incident occurred off campus, Public Safety reminded everyone to use the Blue Light systems, avoid walking alone, stay out of unlit areas, etc.  Public Safety also increased special night surveillance teams in certain areas on campus until the rapist was caught."    -- Lt. Ted Pless, Manager of Crime Prevention

        While he could not give you information about the victim, I know the woman who was raped, so I'll share a little.  As you can imagine, this was an incredibly difficult experience.  She has coped exceptionally well, but this memory is going to stay with her.
        If you are still interested in finding out more information about last September's events, I suggest that you look through old newspapers.  I should remind you, however, that not everything that was written at the time was true. Tensions were high, and there was a lot of speculation and sensationalism. Likewise, several important factors may have been ignored.
        An important message remains, however:   You can never be too careful! Start out the new semester on the right foot by following Public Safety's suggestions.  Blue Light Bus Schedules are available in the Dean of Students Office, at Information and Referral in Day Hall, and from Resident Advisors. There is also a Blue Light Escort Service.  If you must walk alone in the dark, call 255-1111 and ask for an escort. You'll find that the campus is better lit than ever this semester, but if you suspect that something is not right, do not hesitate to use the Blue Light Phones that are located all around campus. To protect your apartment or room, follow the guidelines in the Crime Prevention Brochures you can pick up from Cornell Public Safety or at the Ithaca Police Department.  Remember to lock your doors and windows, even when you are at home.
        Safety is largely a matter of common sense.  Do what you can to protect yourself. You can be sure that Public Safety is doing their best to look out for our well being, too.

Uncle Ezra

Dear Unmotivated,
It often seems to me that some Cornell students become so accustomed to always having work to do, that when free time comes along, they are not quite sure what to do with it!  It's been a while since I've had that difficulty. Not that I haven't put off any work...but the free time never seems to appear. Anyway, I can think of two pretty good options for what a person in your situation can do.
        First, you might try to motivate yourself to study.  One way to do this is to make a list of all the work and studying you need to get done before the semester ends, divide it up into segments, and schedule time each day to get one or more segments completed.  Having specific goals can make it much easier to sit down and study, and you may be more efficient once you get going.  For more help with study habits and motivation, try calling the Learning Skills Center at 255-6310 or stop by their offices in 357 Olin Hall. They've helped a lot of people with similar problems.
        A second option is to give yourself permission to do some other things until your motivation level rises a little.  If you aren't going to get studying done anyway, you might as well make good use of the time. How about catching up on letter writing, getting in some exercise, enjoying some free time with your friends, or doing anything else you choose?  Maybe its hard to consider taking time "off" on a weekend, but maybe you deserve a break.  There is more to Cornell than studying.
        But I think the best results might come out of combining these suggestions.  If you schedule time to get some work done, and then enjoy the rest of the day, you ought to be relaxed and well-prepared for your exams and papers whenever they are due.

Uncle Ezra

Dear WiB,
I'm glad to see that you are interested in and enthusiastic about the area in which you live.  The West Campus Area Office is, too.  In fact, they put out a publication titled "West Campus Community" to let you know exactly what it is and what opportunities it offers. You can get your own copy of the pamphlet at Noyes Center, but let me share an excerpt to answer your question.
        "'West Campus Community' is an organization committed to the growth and enrichment of West Campus.  It is comprised of the West Campus units af the Departments of Cornell Dining, Residence Life, and Unions & Activities.
        "West Campus has been developing a tradition of programs over recent years.  Some ways students can get involved are through the community newsletter Council. The WCCC is a constituency-based organization that plans and executes diverse activities and services for the West Campus Community.  Council members include representatives from Noyes Dining, Noyes Center, and Residence Life Student Employees and staff, the four WC-block fraternities, the five residence hall complexes, and the Faculty Fellows/Faculty-In-Residence Programs.  WC3 is committed to providing opportunities for interpersonal growth and leadership development."
        Sounds like there's plenty to get involved in "down the hill".  Go ahead and give it a try. Remember, college is not just academics. For more information, call the West Campus Area Office at 255-7210.

Uncle Ezra

Dear Hungry,
The person to answer your question was Rick Banks, the University Bursar. You may not like his news.

"Dear Uncle Ezra,
"I am sorry to say there is no possibility of Cornellcard being made available to Domino's Pizza, or for that matter, any other local restaurants and merchants.  This subject does come up fairly regularly (mostly from merchants wanting to be able to accept it).  Cornellcard was designed as a service for Cornell students for use only in Cornell-operated units.  Years ago, students had to negotiate charge account agreements with each dining hall, the Campus store, and any other unit separately.  It was confusing to get all those bills from all those places.  In addition, it was very inefficient and costly for the University to bill separately.
        "The reason Cornellcard is not extended outside Cornell has to do with our requirement that Cornellcard bills be paid by the end of each term, and the consequences for the student if they are not paid.  If the bill is not paid, the student will be denied registration, have transcripts withheld, and not be given their diploma.  We feel it would not be acceptable for us to use these sanctions to collect non-Cornell bills.  I hope this answers your question. Thank you for bringing it up."     --Richard W. Banks, University Bursar

        Your suggestion sounded good to me, but Rick's answer sounds convincing. It looks as though you'll be eating at RPU for a while, unless whoever pays your bills is willing to spring for a charge card. Of course, you could decide to cook for yourself. Who knows? You might find that you love cooking (I do!), or you might appreciate Co-op even more.

Uncle Ezra

Dear Curious,
The story goes that Huey Lewis was an Engineering student here at Cornell. Rumor has it he did not do very well his first year, so his father suggested he take a year off. (The confidentiality of all students' records prohibits me from confirming or denying these rumors.) Huey, it is rumored, went to Europe, began singing, and the rest, as they say, is history. He never returned as a student, but it appears as though he's Happy to be Stuck with his present occupation. Who knows, some day we might see him wandering around campus with a pair of dark sun glasses on.

Uncle Ezra

Dear SS,
I'm glad to hear that you have such a good friend, and I can understand your fear of losing him.  At the risk of sounding trite, my advice can be summarized as "honesty is the best policy". If you do NOT tell your friend how you are feeling, you are likely to continue being frustrated, and he is likely to become confused, because he will very likely pick up on some of your feelings without knowing the cause. Although it is difficult to be open with your feelings, it is even more difficult to deal with frustration and confusion over time in a relationship.
        If you let your friend know that you are concerned about losing his friendship, and then tell him how you are feeling, a couple of different things could happen.  First, as you fear, he may not share your feelings and may feel embarrassed and awkward around you for a while.  You are likely to feel a little awkward as well.  But if you talk those feelings out, your friendship will most likely be strengthened by your honesty and you will not be frustrated by keeping your feelings to yourself.  A second thing that might happen is that he might share your feelings. If that's true, it will be a good thing that you brought it up. You'll have new challenges to face in a changing relationship, and that can be exciting.
        There are always risks involved in relationships.  You risk losing friendship due to the frustration and confusion if you don't talk,
and you risk losing friendship through awkwardness if you do.  Even if the situation had never come up, friendships are always at risk because they involve dynamic, changing people. We accept the risks because they have such tremendous pay-offs.  One of the best pay-offs of friendships is the mutual honesty and trust people share. Don't let those aspects of your relationship get away. Life is too short.

Uncle Ezra

Dear S3,
Sorry, but the word from above (the Hotel School Registrar) is that no one is allowed to take Wines unless they are twenty-one by the first day of class. Since that day is January 27th, and your birthday is not until late February, you're out of luck. This is truly unfortunate, but it is how the University avoids violating the law. You could try looking at the bright side. Now you have room for another course that you thought you couldn't take.
I hope you still have a happy birthday. Maybe your friends will share their notes and give you individual instruction.

Uncle Ezra

Dear Concerned,
Under normal circumstances, a woman cannot get pregnant from anal intercourse. In order for conception to occur, sperm must pass through the woman's vagina, and there is no connection inside the woman's body between the vagina and the rectum.  If, however, during the course of anal intercourse, sperm leak or spill into the area of the woman's vagina, it is possible for the sperm to swim up the vaginal canal and fertilize the egg, leading to pregnancy.
        It is also important to note that even though anal intercourse may be "safe" as far as lowering the risk of conception, it is not necessarily "safe" in other ways.  For example, it is possible for a woman to get AIDS through anal intercourse, just as this is possible for men.
        If you have more questions about "safer sex," or sexuality in general, you should know about a wonderful resource at Cornell - CGSS (Contraception, Gynecology, and Sexuality Service) at Gannett Health Center has lots of information about sexuality and sexual health, and they welcome all students. If you ever want to give them a call, their number is 255-3978. Or stop by the 3rd floor of Gannett.

Uncle Ezra

Dear Searching,
The media room in Uris Library has tapes that describe different styles of meditation.  Some might be useful, but otherwise there doesn't seem to be anything right here on campus except books. Off-campus, however, there are some bookstores that sell tapes on the subject for about ten dollars.  Borealis Bookstore (106 N. Cayuga St., 272-7752) has tapes for meditation and one entitled, "Tools for Taking Charge".  The Psychic Center of Ithaca (207 S. Tioga St., 273-9384), has a variety of self-help tapes.  Your might also look in the advertising section of magazines like "Psychology Today."
        You didn't say what you're looking for from the tapes, but often talking to real people is more beneficial than listening to a tape. If you are dealing with specific issues or concrete parts of yourself that you want to change, you might want to investigate the Personal Growth Workshops coordinated through the Dean of Students Office, 103 Barnes Hall, 255-3608.  A new series of workshops, including "Building Self-Esteem," are due to start soon.
If you would rather work with someone individually, you might want to see a therapist in Psychological Services, ground floor of Gannett, 255-5208, or you might benefit from talking with an EARS counselor.  Stop by their office at 211 WSH, or give them a call at 255-EARS. EARS counselors have had lots of practice in helping peers find solutions to their problems.
        In any case, now is the ideal time to do something about whatever is bothering you.  Then, when friends say "You've changed", you can respond "Yes, I did it early in '88!"

Uncle Ezra

Dear M.J.
Although phrased as one, I really see two issues in your question. First, how to cope with one particularly annoying person, and second, how to go about finding a special woman to have a relationship with.
        I'm not really sure what you mean when you say that you are "constantly bugged" by someone.  Is she simply a personality type that rubs you the wrong way, or is she actively antagonizing you?  If the former, perhaps you should just avoid her as much as possible and try to keep in mind that "it takes all types".  Your dislike of her doesn't need to be disturbing to either of you. However, if she is taking some action aimed directly toward you that you cannot avoid, you might do best to sit down and talk it out with her.  If you make her aware of how she's bothering you, she's more likely to stop.

        Since I don't know what you are looking for in the woman of your dreams, I can't very well advise you on where to find her.  On the whole, however, I do not think I.C. women as a group are so different from Cornell women as a group, and I don't see why you'd be more likely to find the woman of your dreams there than here.  People at Cornell are incredibly diverse, and I doubt that you have exhausted the possibilities.
        Maybe you need to alter your social activities or go to new places in order to meet new and varied people. If you concentrate more on enjoying yourself and less on searching for the "perfect" someone, the woman of your dreams may show up when you least expect it.

Uncle Ezra

UE:

I had asked before about the maximum number of credit-hours that may be n each semester. I would like to know because I would like to take 20 (I have been taking 20, but I am not getting credit for 4 though I would like to. My petition has been denied even though I am doing pretty well in all my classes.

Waiting with Bated Breath

Uncle Ezra

Dear Songbird,
You have something in common with the cardinals, chickadees, goldfinches, nuthatches, and other birds outside my window.  I'm glad you'll be adding your voice to the chorus.
        There seem to be as many different singing groups on campus as there are types of music.  The Department of Unions and Activities has six groups registered in their booklet, while Cornell Information and Referral has over fifteen listed in their files.  And I know that there are many more which are not listed.
         So, if you are interested in singing anything from Gospel Music to the latest hits, keep an eye on the notices and personals in the SUN. The campus music groups often advertise audition times there.  You could also try talking to a member of a group you like to see if you are interested in joining them and how you might go about doing it.  This is the time of year when many auditions are held to fill the places of the seniors that will be graduating. So go to it and warm up those vocal cords.  Happy Harmonies.

Uncle Ezra

Dear P,
Les Elkind, the new Director of Gannett Health Services, says that your able-legged friend *---------------------------------------* same side as the injury. This will | See p. 96 below for updated answer. |
I'm glad that y | | asy to get an answer. And now t *---------------------------------------* l people who need to know which side to lean on...although I hope not. Uncle Ezra

Uncle Ezra

Dear Uncle Ezra,
On a recent visit to Cornell I noticed a computer terminal displaying the CUINFO system and soon discovered your existence as sage and intercessor. Immediately impressed by the depth and breadth of the questions/responses, I was overwhelmed with a sense of envy for todays students. Unfortunately, a program analogous to DUE (and of course the computer technology) did not exist
during my undergraduate years. Since that day I have established a CCS account and access your wisdom from my home computer on Long Island. My question is this: Is it possible to down load all previous DUE files without actually
going through the material screen by screen? (with a 300 baud modem and a typical months listings of 150 pages it would require a prohibitive amount of connect time.) If not, has the CCS Department or the Cornell Book Store considered marketing a disk with your accumulated knowledge?
Keep up the outstanding work! - Jim, Alumnus '79

Dear Jim,
Thank you for those kind words.  You made my 15-hour day seem more worthwhile.  (Lots of catching up to do!)
        You are right, downloading a month's worth of "Dear Uncle Ezra" letters
using a 300 baud modem would be intolerably slow and expensive, and this is true whether the text appears on your screen or not. I have been planning a "Best of Uncle Ezra" booklet which may be ready by March; I'll be sure to send you a copy.  Meanwhile, I'll pass your suggestion about a floppy copy to Steve Worona (SLW@CORNELLA), the computer wizard who programmed DUE,
for his comments.  It's an interesting idea.  I find the questions people write fascinating; I guess you do too.

Uncle Ezra

Estimata Onklo Ezra--
I, too, am studying Esperanto (see p. 5 above), but only for a reading and writing knowledge.  May I make some suggestions?

1) I found this list on an Esperanto computer bulletin board (more on that
        later).  It was sent out by someone named Prentiss Riddle.

Here are the 1988 prices for a few of the more prominent Esperanto publications and organizations.  (These are the U.S. rates.)

Name                    Price   Issues  Comments =================       ======  ======  ========================= El Popola ^Cinio        $12.00    12    Sort of a "Chinese Life". Heroldo de Esperanto    $17.00    16    Esperanto movement news. La KancerKliniko*       $14.00     4    Satire, culture, politics, scandal. Monato (air)            $32.50    12    News, opinions, features. Monato Esperanto-Ligo por Nord-Ameriko (ELNA):

        membership           $25.00     4?   includes "ELNA Newsletter"
        (NOTE: discounted youth and senior memberships are available.) Universala Esperanto-Asocio (UEA):

        MG                   $ 5.60     0    Membership and brief "guidebook".
        MJ(-K)               $14.00     0    Membership and longer "yearbook".
        MA(-K)               $35.00    12    Membership, yearbook and "Esperanto".
        SA                   $21.00    12    "Esperanto" magazine only.
        Kto                  $10.50     6?   "Kontakto" magazine only.
        (NOTE: categories marked "(-K)" include "Kontakto" at no extra charge
             for anyone age 25 or under.)

All of the above are available from: ELNA, PO Box 1129, El Cerrito, CA 94530. ELNA also carries other publications not listed here and a full line of books; write for details (send them $2 for latest catalog). (EXCEPT for "La KancerKliniko", which is available from: Charles Power, 1014 Weymouth ave., San Pedro, CA 90732.)    [end of bulletin-board item] 2) To take a free 10-lesson introductory correspondence course in Esperanto
        (which covers more ground than you would think), send a self-addressed
        stamped envelope to:   Esperanto Information Center, 410 Darrell Rd.,
        Hillsborough CA  94010.  When you finish each lesson, you send it back
        with another SASE, and you get back the corrected lesson and the next
        one.

3) The Esperanto bulletin board to which I referred is called
        soc.culture.esperanto.  It tends to be more about the language than about
        'cullture'.  As yet, only about three postings per week go through, but it
        may be interesting.  This bulletin board is available on the 'vax1' machine
        at Cornell.  For more information, ask a CCS consultant.

                                                                  Mike

Dear Mike,
Thank you for that extensive information on Esperanto. The more I read, the more I learn ...

Uncle Ezra

Dear Unc,
Hope you had a good holiday season.  I sure did.
        I'm writing about a few things which are unrelated, so here goes:

        In response to Great White North (Dec87, p. 128): I live in Ontario and know that radar detectors are illegal in Ontario.  As for other provinces, I don't know.
        I also think the parking fines here at Cornell are ridiculously high! I wish the Transportation bureau could be more understanding and charge a lot less. But this is very unlikely to happen.
        And now for the serious question: I just got back to Ithaca, and found a letter from the Academic committee in my mailbox.  Dreading what was inside, I opened it, and was quite surprised!  Last fall was my worst semester of 5 here at Cornell.  So bad, that they're thinking of suspending me.  No F's, but a few D's.  As a consolation, they said that considering my performance thus far at Cornell, they are delaying their decision about the suspension until this Fri, 1/22.  I'm supposed to show up at the meeting, and defend my poor performance. Well, I frankly don't know what defense I have.  I worked about 15 hrs per week last semester, and worked hard in my classes.  Did all the homeworks, just screwed up most of the exams.  And finals also sucked.  So what should I tell the board members--I'll probably be outnumbered by about 8 to 1!  Also, how do I break it to my parents? I'd like to tell them before my grades get there first.  They're not going to be too happy about paying $7000 for their son to be suspended!
        What should I do?  Who should I talk with, aside from my faculty advisor (who won't probably help at all anyway)?  If I am suspended, is it best to take the semester off, or take extramural classes?  I'm not sure where to turn, please help.  And a reply ASAP would help, in lieu of the 1/22 meeting.  Thanks in advance for the help.               Bordering on Suspension

Dear Bordering on Suspension,
What bad news! You're right, you do want to talk with someone quickly. While your advisor might be good, the best person to talk with depends on your college of enrollment. If you write back and supply that information, I can probably suggest a good person. But you can find out without my help. Each school has an advising, counseling, or student services office; if you go to your dean's office, they should be able to direct you.
Go to the appropriate office and explain your situation. It is probably not necessary to say "Here is exactly what went wrong." It will help to review your overall academic goals and performance, describe whatever difficulties you had, and present a plan for how you can improve if given a chance. (For example, the Learning Skills Center, 357 Olin Hall, 255-6310, provides help in improving study skills.) This sort of preview will help you prepare for the committee meeting, and you will have an opportunity to ask particular ques- tions. You might also ask this person's advice about a preferred course of action if you are suspended. Remember, they want to give you a chance; other- wise, you would not have been given an opportunity to present your case. It will be best to deal with the other issues you raised after the committee meeting this Friday. Let's cross one bridge at a time. Good luck; I'll be rooting for you.

Uncle Ezra

Dear MoneyForLots,
Your money goes for all sorts of things from toilet paper to scholarships. I agree, Cornell's costs are extremely high and tough for many people to manage. But believe it or not, what you pay does not cover all the expenses incurred in educating you. The University goes through some $2,000,000 per day in paying its expenses!
Financial reports are available to the public at the reference desk in Olin Library. Also, you can try to get a copy of last year's budget from Mike Whalen, the Budget Director, 440 Day Hall. You might even want to give him a call at 255-9329 to schedule an appointment to talk about specifics in the budget. Also, the University Assembly will be sponsoring an open forum on the budget in late February. Watch for announcements; this will be an excellent time to ask top administrators those tough questions.

Uncle Ezra

Unc,
Your response to the letter about the drinking age (OCT87, p.155) is not quite correct.  First of all, in the past year, alcohol-related driving deaths increased, not decreased.  And, of the decrease in the prior years, only about 1/5 of the decrease can actually be attributed to the rise in the purchase age. According to the director of research of the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, the drop in accidents is due more to
1) Better road layouts
        2) Educational programs
        3) More and better enforcement of DWI and related laws
        4) Safer cars In addition, the only way a change in the drinking age would have any real statistical significance would be if the drinking age were 25.  And that is political suicide.  You can use youth; they are too fragmented and too apathetic.  the 21 age is a crutch for legislators who need one and fails miserably, as alcohol is actually easily obtainable from a myriad of sources.

                           An informed drinker

UNC,
        A few days ago I wrote to you with a few feelings about the drinking age and a few reasons why I disagree about its effectiveness.  One important reason which I left out concerns the number of people in the 18-21 year old age group. Since there have been fewer people, there will of course be fewer accidents and fewer fatalities.  I also noticed an article in the sun a few days ago which concerned a new rise in the number of alcohol related deaths.  As a state assemblyman said to me about a different issue this summer, "well, we should try it and see if it works."  Perhaps it is time to see what has been the most effective in the drive against drunk driving fatalities.  If our concern is, rightfully with drunk driving, why do we not legislate penalties for drunk drivers which makes the risk of driving drunk to high to consider?  I will appreciate your thoughts on this issue

                                         Thank you,

                                             A drinker but not driver

Dear Informed Drinker,
You certainly are an informed drinker.  It sounds as though you've had some experience on the legislative side of the Drinking Age Issue as well. There is one part of your letters that reminds me of the NRA's claim "Guns don't kill; people do."  It only seems logical that if fewer alcohol-impaired drivers are on the road, there will be fewer accidents and fatalities.  Still, you raise some important points, so I forwarded your letters to an alcohol expert: Nancy Reynolds, Assistant Health Educator and director of Peer Alcohol Educators at Gannett.  Here is her response:

"Dear Uncle Ezra,
"As printed in the Sun (10/30/87), a Boston University study reported a national increase in the number of alcohol-related traffic deaths, particularly among teen-age drivers.  According to Jan Nissenson, STOP-DWI Coordinator of Tompkins County, this alarming trend is evident across New York State and in Tompkins County as well.  In 1986, immediately after the alcohol purchase law went into effect, drunk driving arrests, accidents, and  fatalities in Tompkins County dropped off sharply.  In 1987, however, these figures have increased; in fact, the drunk-driving arrests and crashes involving drivers under age 21 have doubled since last year.
        "Keep in mind that it's difficult to make any statements about cause and effect, particularly with only two years of data since the new purchase law was enacted.  Other causes have been suggested -- a popular theory is that after six years of public information campaigns, the general public has become numb to the message that drinking and driving do not mix.  Sad, isn't it?
        "And what is the solution?  Should the purchase age be raised to 25? Lowered to 18?  Should stiffer penalties be imposed for drunk drivers? In this county, District Attorney Ben Bucko has recently taken steps in this direction by eliminating plea-bargaining by DWI offenders.  On a personal note ... how often do our social activities revolve around drinking?  How often do we condone the behavior of intoxicated people at parties?  How many party hosts really try to monitor their guests' behavior, and insure they don't drive home after drinking too much? Perhaps part of the answer lies in changing our individual and community standards to label alcohol abuse (e.g., drunkenness) as unacceptable behavior.
        "Regardless of the law, individuals need to get involved in rejuvenating public awareness about the dangers of drinking and driving. At Cronell, only about 8-12 students each year are active in ALERT, the alcohol/drug peer education program.  ALERT peers try to give students more than just the facts, by challenging them in discussions to relate the facts to their own behavior. We need more hands and more voices to get the word out about the risks of alcohol and drug abuse and the steps each of us can take to reduce these risks. Interested undergraduates should contact the Health Education Office at 255-4782." --Nancy Reynolds

         Nancy knows her stuff, but it sounds as though she could use a hand in helping to educate the Cornell community.  This could be the perfect opportunity for you and other students to let your peers know the true facts and dangers.  The statistics you quoted are not very encouraging.  I do not know why drunk driving by minors is on the rise; perhaps it's more a matter of attention being drawn to DWI and law enforcement officers actually making arrests rather than ignoring the situation as was done in the past. However, if people are aware of the dangers of drinking and driving, especially if they are informed by their peers and younger generations, they may be less willing to take a stupid chance.  It is possible to drink "responsibly"; perhaps you would be willing to help your colleagues learn what this means.

Uncle Ezra

Dear Dr. J,
Well, this letter got through, so you must be doing something right. Since you used a public terminal, I'm afraid I can't tell you if I received your other questions, since I don't know what they were about.
If your letters did come in, it is possible that they are sitting in the huge pile on my desk waiting to be answered. "Dear Uncle Ezra" has become very
popular, and there are lots of people out there who write in. I'm trying to catch up, but break was busier than I expected. If you repeat your question, I'll do my best to respond. Just follow the instructions on the screen when you "ask" a question, and your letter should come through like this one did. Hope to hear from you soon.

Uncle Ezra

DEAR UNCLE EZRA
I'm a graduate student at Texas A&M University working on my Ph.D. in chemistry. I do my research on the CNSF computers. My problem is related to school. Each semester I start off in high spirits ready to tackle any problem. By the end of each semester I've become tense, irritable, and in a very blue mood. The problem seems to be getting worse the longer I'm here. I've been here two and a half years now. I love the research I'm doing and my advisor is very cooperative and suportive. No problems at home either; I've been married five years and have ten month old girl. Is there any thing I can do to get rid of my blue moods when I have them? I don't like myself when I get this way and I know that I'm no fun to be around. Basically I'm a very positive and optimistic person who loves and enjoys life. What can I do? Any suggestions you have would be greatly appreciated.

Blue Charlie in Texas

Dear Blue Charlie,
It's exciting to hear from you at Texas A&M University!  It cheers me to remember that somewhere in the world there is more than snow, snow, snow. My first reaction to the content of your letter, though, was "Welcome to the club!"  I know those feelings well. The problem you suggest of feeling tense, irritable, and blue toward the end of each semester may be due to many things.
Let me guess at some of the possible elements and then suggest some solutions.
        Of course, there is a great deal of pressure associated with being a graduate student, whether you like your work and advisor or not.  As the semester advances, work expectations build, deadlines loom, and it may often feel as though there are too many competing expectations.  This must be especially true for a married graduate student with a new baby. Working hard to meet these expectations and worrying about failing to meet them adequately can lead to feeling tense, irritable, and overwhelmed.
        What to do?  It depends on what's causing your blue moods.  In general, prevention is better than treatment.  I'm not familiar with the resources available at Texas A&M, but here are some suggestions that may be helpful: ...

        1) Take good care of yourself.  You've heard this advice before - try following it to improve your stamina and mood:   Exercise regularly (walking, swimming, biking, or running at least 20 minutes a day at least 4 days per week); it's really helpful for working out stress and maintaining positive feelings. Eat properly; this will help your body handle stressful times. Sleep regularly (6-8 hours per night) too; your body needs the rest, and your mind can regain some clarity.  (Your daughter should be sleeping through the night by now; that will help.)
        2) Try to clarify other's expectations of you. What does your thesis advisor expect regarding your progress throughout the semester? Discuss any that you think are too high or too low.  What does your spouse want and need? With a new child, both of you have additional demands, but you should be able to negotiate a reasonable division of labor that can change as the semester progresses.  And while you're at it, think about what you expect from yourself, and try to be realistic. Prioritize, plan, and manage your time throughout the semester so the end won't be so bad. If you can be realistic in all of this, you will be better prepared for the crunch when it comes.

        3) Take some time for yourself.  Everyone needs "down time" now and then for rejuvenation. Often when I'm blue, even if there's a lot of work to do, a half-day for myself can make a world of difference.  Spend time with your spouse and/or friends, take a long walk, play with your daughter, or just sleep late occasionally.  It really helps.
        4) Develop and maintain at least one friendship with someone in addition to your spouse.  Make time to talk about your joys and sorrows, identify problems, and figure out what you can do to cope with or change anything that's bothering you.
        5) Find out what counseling or support resources are available for students at Texas A&M.  Every campus has some free service available to graduate students. Even if you don't go, just knowing what exists can be comforting. Better still, take advantage of those resources to help you identify the causes of your blue moods and learn what else you can do to prevent or modify them.

        I hope these suggestions will help you cope with your rough times.  You're smart to be thinking ahead and planning for the upcoming semester. Your optimism and foresightedness will be a boon for coping with those stressful times.  I look forward to hearing from you again.

Uncle Ezra

Dear Uncle Ez,
Thanks for the reply. Sorry I forgot to tell you...I'm in the Sibley School of M&AE. I'll probably talk to Chris Writer tomorrow in the Undergrad records office. She's usually helpful, and can (hopefully) direct me to the right person to talk with. Are you suggesting I go to 167 Olin Hall, and talk with someone in the Engineering office? I know someone in that office (Rich Hale). I spose he'd be a good person to talk with--he's nice, listens, then gives good advice. Let me know if you know anyone in the M&AE dept. who I can talk with.
Also, should I take a semester off, or take extramural classes? The latter would be quite expensive for no credit, right? Whats the advantage of the latter? If I take the sem. off, I could probably work full-time for a local company, and EARN money, rather than give it to Cornell. Thanks. Bordering