Dear On the Brink,
The best thing to do when you're close to the edge is take a few steps back.  As a senior, you have probably gone through periods when all of your responsibilities seemed impossible to meet; I know the strength and abilities that got you through then are available to you to get you through now.  The answer to your problem is not to find time to be crazy, but to take time to listen to your feelings and take care of what's driving you crazy.  Whether your stress is academic, extra-curricular, social, or related to the search for a job or grauate school, you MUST take some time out to collect yourself, and restore some balance and enjoyment to your life.  It can be something as simple as flipping through a favorite magazine or listening to some music. Exercise such as walking, running, dancing, or tossing a ball is also an excellent stress releaser.
        After you relax for a while, think over why you are involved in the things you do, what it is about them that's stressing you, and how you can best allocate your energy to accomplish what is most important to you.  Writing down lists of activities, priorities, and time allocations is often helpful in organizing your thoughts.  Realize that reducing your stress will enable you to work more efficiently, enjoy your activities more, and make your dealings with other people much more smooth and natural.  You may find you need to let some less satisfying, lower priority items go.  Don't be afraid to be less involved in a club, get a lower grade in a class, or take more time to plan for next year; you do these things for yourself, so if they make you unhappy there's no use in doing everything.  Don't create pressure where it's not necessary.
        Finally, for help and support in working out your problems, don't hesitate to call EARS at 255-EARS (or walk-in at 211 WSH), or make an appointment at Psych Services at Gannett groups there, 255-5208), or visit the Dean of Student's Office (103 Barnes Hall, 255-6839).  If your stress is related to academic problems, you can contact the Learning Skills Center at 130 Sage Hall or check out tutoring by the departments your classes are in.  For guidance in career matters (like job searches/decisions and grad/professional schools), check out the Career Centers at Sage Hall (255-5221) and 203 Barnes Hall (255-5044) which provide counselors, a library, and other resources.  Other counseling, advising, and assistance services are listed on "The Gray Sheet," available at the Dean of Student's Office and in CUINFO under "SOS ADVICE".
        Good luck!  I hope you're able to find a balance that pleases you.  By assessing what's important to you and acting accordingly, you've already stepped back from the brink.

Uncle Ezra   

Dear Checking and Curious,
The Kosher Dining Hall originally opened as an adjunct to serve folks at the Center for Jewish Living in the 1950's.  Renovations and construction started two summers ago, and the expanded dining facility opened last semester, April 1989.  As you may know, the Dining Hall has been closed since October 16, due to what an article in the Sun (11/10/89) described as "an operating deficit
resulting from the lack of a final agreement with the University delineating responsibilities for operating the dining hall".       Uncle Ezra

Uncle Ezra   

Dear RN,
Consider your wish granted.  Bill Paleen, Director of Residence Life, says he would welcome the chance to talk to you about these concerns; please call him at 255-5511.  You may also find a supportive person to bounce your ideas off of by calling Randy Stevens, Coordinator of Greek Life in the Dean of Students Office, 103 Barnes, 255-6841.  And, last but not least, you can call the Ombudsman's Office at 255-4321 for insights into negotiating these issues in a way that respects the points of view of all parties involved.  Best of luck with future improvements!                Uncle Ezra

Uncle Ezra   

Dear Trekkie,
Luckily for you, Uncle Ezra is also a dedicated Trekkie.  I remember reading in one of my Trek books -- I think it was "The Making of Star Trek" by Gene Rodenberry -- that the name "Bones" is an allusion to the nickname "sawbones", which is what doctors were called in the days of the Western frontier.  This appellation pleased Mr. Rodenberry (who created and produced Star Trek), since he considered the Enterprise and its crew to be pioneers similar to those who settled the West of this nation (although obviously more socially responsible than their predecessors).
        Live Long And Prosper!

Uncle Ezra   

Dear Prelim-less,
Why, thank you!  It's cool that Cornell has someone like you here, too. And as for the squirrel...I once saw a squirrel outside my office holding up (with its two little paws) a piece of pizza three times the size of its body and munching away.  So, I'd say pushing a small pumpkin would be no problem!

Uncle Ezra   

Dear Not Anonymous Anymore,
I love it when someone takes the time to tell me I was right!  Glad I could help.

Uncle Ezra   

Dear Watchful,
Oops...blush...cough...ahem...You're right.  On second thought, I meant to do that...Yeah, that's right.  I just wanted to see if my readers were on their toes, and it looks like you are!  ;-)

Uncle Ezra   

Dear Eager Eaters,
Actually, the opening is not late yet, since the ORIGINAL target date was December 1, 1989.  However, it WILL BE late...Assistant Dean Kenneth Wing of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences assures us that it will open in the first or second week of January, 1990.  Dr. Wing explains that the delay occurred because the company that manufactured the kitchen equipment went out of business, and another company had to be found that would install the first company's products.  Dr. Wing says not to worry; the equipment is top-notch.
        Dr. Wing also asserts that the new facility will be "spectacular" and the students will love it.  Among the goodies to be available in January: flowers, fudge, coffee, pastries, and more.  Coop members will be able to use their cards there, and cash customers will be welcome too.  The attractive dining room will offer a view over the expanded Minns Flower Garden, which will be moved from next to Plant Science to Academic I, and increased in size.
        Dr. Wing is very excited about the opening, and he notes that the addition of a major student center will cause the corner of Tower Rd. and Garden Ave., where the Ag school, Business School, and the ILR School meet, to become a new center of campus.
        Bon Appetit!

Uncle Ezra