Dear Faithful Studier,
According to the folks at Uris Reference, the CNN filming was an interview with Professor Theodore Lowi, John L. Senior Professor of American Institutions.  It will air October 20th, at 10pm.

Uncle Ezra   

Confidential to "Nervous in Class":
I think you should trust that your professor will act in a responsible fashion.  If you have evidence that this is not happening, you can call or write to Dean of Faculty Peter Stein (PCS1@Cornell.edu; 255-4843) with the particulars, and he'll look into it.

Uncle Ezra   

Dear Fans of Computer Science (Not!),
Thanks for speaking up about how tough you're finding CS 100 (and possibly other Computer Science courses) this semester.  I'll pass that information along to staff in an academic support group that meets regularly to discuss how to better meet students' academic needs, so that there can be changes made in the course itself if needs be.
        In the meantime, the difference between surviving (though preferring to procrastinate) and feeling like you're going nuts lies in taking advantage of tutoring and other academic support services available.  The Carpenter lab consultants, grad T.A.s, and office hours with instructors for CS 100 are listed on the handout you received in class the first day.  If you misplaced the sheet in the onslaught of semester's-start information (which is easy to do!), you can pick up another in the Mac lab in Carpenter hall.  There's support for other computer science courses as well; ask the folks in the main administrative office (4130 Upson Hall; 255-7316) to help you find it.

Uncle Ezra   

Dear Looking Up,
Good for you!  You'll find both companionship and support advice in the set of computer science questions above.

Uncle Ezra   

Dear Lost in Class,
What a scary, lonely feeling, believing you're the only one who can't keep up!  While I can't tell whether or not you're as alone as you feel without knowing you or the class, I can tell that you feel miserable right now and wish you could catch on like you see other people doing.  And I can assure you that Cornell can be one very tough place and that LOTS of other students feel like they're floundering this semester...  you only need to read the letters posted here to see the common thread.
        That doesn't mean, however, that you need to go on feeling lost. The Ezra Pointer to Acadmic Services on the main "Dear Uncle Ezra"
lists eight support services, some campus-wide and some specific to individual departments.  If you look at them and don't know where to begin, I suggest that you call the folks at the Learning Skills Center (255-6310), explain which class you're having trouble with, and ask where they'd recommend you go for help.  Or you can talk with your professor or T.A.  about how hard you're finding the class...I'm sure it won't be the first time they've heard about such difficulties!  Or you can write back to me with the course name and number, and I'll be more than happy to track down services that match your need.  You can also write just to vent, and I'll be here to listen.

Uncle Ezra   

Dear On the Edge,
If you die, the last thing in the world your parent would be thinking about would be a refund of money.  Your life is irreplaceable.
        But when you get so down and discouraged that jumping off the bridge looks like a way out, there almost always IS something that needs to die, something that's standing in the way of your happiness. That "something" may have to do with the strain of keeping up with horrendous classes, or a big loss like breaking up with a lover or best friend, or a feeling of meaninglessness about your life's direction, or a number of other difficult situations that you can't yet see your way through.  No matter what the situation, though, you've got options other than jumping.  Please write in more detail about what you're going through so I can help you find them...or call the folks at Suicide Prevention and Crisis Service (272-1616, all day and all night), Psychological Services (ground floor Gannett; 255-5208 from 8:30am-4:30pm Monday through Friday and 255-5155 afterhours), or one of the other resources listed on the main "Dear Uncle Ezra" menu
under the Ezra Pointer to Personal Counseling Services.  You've already reached out to me (and I assure you that I'm a very real person who cares about what you're telling me, even if computers are our only medium for "talking"), so you know you don't have to through this pain alone.

Uncle Ezra   

Dear Wondering and Suspicious,
I wonder what -- besides curiosity -- is behind your questions? If you're unsure about whether or not to share identifying information in a particular situation, I'd be happy to poke around the edges of the issues with you until you figure out how much to share or not to share.
        My policy -- which holds true for most personal support services on campus -- is NOT to release any personal information unless a) given explicit permission by a writer or b) in a life-or-death case in which I might be able to save someone's life.  Given the fact that I'm writing over the computer, it's unlikely that I'd have the immediacy and needed information to take this step.
        Please remember that anyone has the option of staying completely anonymous when writing to me, as each of you has done.  I don't hear your voice or see your face (although sometimes I wish I could!), so in general, there's no safer resource around.

Uncle Ezra   

Dear Hopeful Lawyer,
Yes, you can have a traditional plus an independent major. However, the answer to your second question is likely a "no", since your independent major in A&S can't be met with courses solely in A&LS.  Out of the 120 credits needed to graduate, you must complete at least 100 in Arts and Sciences.
        I suggest that you take as many courses in Communication as you can without worrying about meeting specific major requirements.  That way, you can pick and choose those which are most relevant to your interests.

Uncle Ezra   

Dear Penniless and Already Hungry,
I forwarded your questions to Peggy Beach, Associate Director of Campus Life (mjb15@Cornell.edu), who replies:  "You are correct.  Meal plan does not include the recess periods of fall break, Thanksgiving, Winter Interesession, and spring break.  The majority of students leave campus during these breaks, and if we included break periods in the meal plan we would be charging students for meals they neither want nor would use.  I believe you will find this is true on most campuses.
        "So eat hearty at the last meal before break (lunch on Saturday, October 12, at Robert Purcell Dining)!  Meal plan begins again on Tuesday, October 15, with dinner at Jansen's, RPD, and Okenshield's."
        Thanks, Peggy!  Here's a list of dining units that are open during break; all will accept cash, CornellCard, and Big Red Bucks:
        IVY ROOM
             Mon. 10/14  7am-7:30pm
             Tues. 10/15  7am-10pm
        TRILLIUM
             Mon., Tues.  7am-3:30pm
        MARTHA'S
             Mon., Tues. 7-10:30am, 11am-2pm
        THEORY CENTER
             Mon., Tues.  7am-2pm
        BIOTECH
             Mon., Tues. 7:30am-2pm
        MALOTT
             Mon., Tues.  7am-2:30pm
        BIG RED BARN
             Mon., Tues.  8am-2pm
        ALFALFA ROOM
             Mon., Tues.  7:30am-3pm."

Uncle Ezra   

Dear Fighting,
That must have been a scary moment!  Pushing someone forcefully in an argument is not normal or acceptable behavior.  Although a lot depends on how your ex responded afterwards -- did he apologize?  walk away?  blame you? -- you still have reason to be concerned.
        According to Nina Cummings in the Health Education Office at Gannett, research shows that when someone has been physically violent once, they're likely to resort to it again.  Even if they didn't mean it, it's likely that they don't have enough other resources to capture the force of their emotions.  Also, once someone resorts to violence, there's a good possibility that the violence will escalate.
        Nina recommends that since you've already broken up (so that there's not quite so much at stake as there would be if you were still a couple), that you take some time off and not see each other for awhile.  After you've each had a longer chance to sort out your feelings independent from each other, you'll be better able to decide whether to remain friends or make a complete break.  If you'd like to discuss your options in more depth, you can reach Nina at 255-4782 or NC18@Cornell.edu.
        Thanks, Nina!

Uncle Ezra   

Dear Not Enough Friends,
Some of these potential friends are already around you, awaiting the time and patience required to build a friendship.  By showing consistent interest and caring to the people you meet in your classes, the dining halls, your dorm or apartment, you can strike up some amazing friendships without even realizing their significance until weeks later.
        But if you need more contexts in which to meet people, your best bet is joining a club or other campus group focused on an activity you love.  Then you'll already have something in common (above and beyond Cornell itself) with everyone you meet there!  A tantalizing array of campus organizations are listed at this Web site: .  Browse until you find ones that appeal to you.
        If you want to talk to someone about your loneliness, the EARS peer counselors (211 WSH; 255-EARS) will be glad to listen, and, if needed, steer you towards further resources.  Their services are free and confidential.  Also, don't hesitate to ask your friends and family members in other places for extra support right now, until you feel more at home here.

Uncle Ezra   

Dear Hockey Fan,
Call or stop by the Athletic Ticket Office in the Field House (255-7333).  The staff there will be able to tell you if your check was received and anything else you want to know about Cornell hockey but didn't know who to ask.

Uncle Ezra   

Dear Road Tripper,
That sounds like a delightful way to spend break!  I imagine you standing by the Niagra Falls overlook, letting the pounding of the water wash away all the stress of the semester....
        The folks at the Information and Referral Center (info@Cornell.edu) did some research on your behalf and found that the following banks provide foreign currency at reasonable exchange rates:
           Tompkins County Trust Company   273-3210
           M & T Bank   277-2988 You may have to call each bank to request a specific amount of currency.  Happy road trip!

Uncle Ezra   

Dear Concerned,
I forwarded your letter to Sharon Dittman, HIV/AIDS Coordinator in Health Education at Gannett (sd15@Cornell.edu; 255-4782), who replies:
        "HIV can be transmitted if the blood (including menstrual blood), semen, vaginal secretions, or breast milk of an infected person comes into direct contact with the bloodstream or mucus membranes of an uninfected person.  In oral sex with a woman who is menstruating, a person runs the risk of contact between the mucous membrances of the mouth and the infected menstrual blood, as well as vaginal secretions, of the partner.
        "Although oral sex appears to be lower risk than vaginal and anal intercourse, it is not NO RISK, especially when blood is present.  To reduce your risk when having oral sex:
        "1.  Don't brush your teeth or floss before or after oral sex. Bleeding gums or gum problems make oral sex riskier.
        "2.  Use a dental dam (a square of latex material), a condom cut lengthwise, or plastic wrap as a barrier between the mouth and the vulva, vaginal area, and anus to reduce the risk of exposure to possibly infected blood and vaginal secretions.
        "3.  Use a latex condom for fellatio (mouth to penis contact) to reduce the risk of exposure to semen."
        Thanks, Sharon!  If you are asking because you have had unprotected oral sex with a woman who was menstruating, you should get tested for the HIV antibody.  You can call Sharon at 255-4782 or the folks at CGSS (Contraception, Gynecology, and Sexuality Services; Gannett Level Six; 255-3978) for information; feel free to do so anonymously if you wish.

Uncle Ezra   

Dear Mystified,
Without knowing what stories you've heard, it's hard to separate fact from fiction!  Did you perhaps hear that the stir-fry cook hails from China and guards his delectable stir-fry recipe even from his co-workers?  Then you'll be interested in reading Q03 in the 2/27/96 "Dear Uncle Ezra" posting.  If you heard something else you'd like
clarified, you'll have to fill me in on the details!

Uncle Ezra   

Dear Eager to Visit,
You must miss each other terribly...good thing NYC isn't TOO far away!  Other than the ride board, which usually provides inexpensive and fun arrangements, Shortline's weekend bus service is the cheapest way.  You can reach the Shortline staff at 277-8800 for more information.

Uncle Ezra   

Dear In a Food Mood,
I shared your questions with Peggy Beach at Campus Life (mjb15@Cornell.edu), who says that to the best of her knowledge, Cornell does not raise beef cows with the intent to sell.  Dining and Retail Services procures meat products for the dining halls from a local vendor.
        Peggy also found out that among the five co-op operations (Robert Purcell, Jansen's, Okenshields, Balch, and Risley), there are roughly 15,000 co-op glasses.  That gives you new appreciation for the folks who load them into the dishwashers, doesn't it?

Uncle Ezra   

Dear Roberto,
You're welcome!  I asked Jerry Wilcox, Director of Cornell's International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO; jdw3@Cornell.edu; 607/255-5243) about TEASL courses in New York City.  He replies:
        "I am not clear about  your question.  If you mean that you are interested in learning English and want to participate in an Intensive English program, I suggest you use the library collection across from the United Nations in the Institute of International Education (IIE) at 809 United Nations Plaza.  This organization publishes a guide to English language programs for people who want to learn English.  The name of the Guide is English Language and Orientation Programs in the United States, published by the Institute of International Education.
        "Or, if you mean that you are interested in learning how to teach English as a Second Language, very few short courses exist.  I don't know of any list.  You could check The College Handbook published by the College Board organization.  This series lists the location of colleges and universities and one of the volumes is organized by major fields of study, such as teaching English as a Second Language.  Check the New York public library or try the library at IIE."
        Thanks, Jerry!  As for a course on human resource development in the enterprises, I suggest you check with the staff at some of the colleges and universities in the New York area, like Columbia and NYU.  Have a wonderful, educational trip!

Uncle Ezra   

Dear Becky,
I forwarded your reply to Professor Al George (arg2@Cornell.edu), who is very involved in automotive research in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering.  From his sabbatic at Harley-Davidson, he graciously replies:  "Acceleration and braking are important only for start and stop driving where speed limit doesn't matter...but the weight of the car does!  The power required at above about 50 mph is very roughly proportional to the velocity cubed, V**3; or, looking at it another way, force is proportional to V**2.  Then work is force times distance, so getting energy to move the same distance is proportional to V**2 times distance.  So (if we ignore the higher efficiency of an angine at higher power at 75 mph), energy consumed is (75/55)**2 higher or 1.85 times higher.  In practice it is less than that because of various factors such as engine efficiency, rolling resistance, etc. -- things you can learn in MAE 386, presently taught by Professor Lumley each spring term."
        Thanks, Professor George!

Uncle Ezra   

Dear Clammy and Wet,
That sounds like quite a nuisance!  Have you looked into possible medical problems?  Since an endocrine imbalance can cause excessive sweat, you can start by getting your thyroid checked.  The medical staff at Gannett can do this for you; just call the Appointment Desk at 255-6958 to schedule a time.  If your thyroid isn't the culprit, then the Gannett medical staff can check out other possibilities with you.  If all goes well, you'll be rewarded by a restored sports grip, smear-free papers, and a dry handshake...which seems worth the time and effort!

Uncle Ezra   

Dear Heard A Lot,
I checked out your stories with Eileen Hughes, Willard Straight Dining Chef (emh11@Cornell.edu; 255-5338), who says, "In reply to the inquisitive minds that want to know the whole truth about our illustrious stir-fry genius:  Hsi Wang is his name and he has his Masters Degree in Food Science from the University of Idaho, Moscow; and he is a PhD candidate at Cornell University in Bio-Chemistry.  He was a restaurant owner of two establishments:  one the Golden Dragon and the other, Peking.  His presence is worth far more than we could ever afford, but he loves Willard Straight and all of you that come through his lines.  We of course pay him, but the amount is between him and me.  He is the BEST."
        What a marvelous (and well-deserved!) affirmation.  Thanks, Eileen!

Uncle Ezra