Dear Unsigned,
I'm heartened to know that people like you have an eye out for improvements to prevent environmental waste.  I shared your letter with Judy Hyman in ATS Technology Training Services (jh21@Cornell.edu; 255-6088), who replies: "Thanks very much for your letter.  I hope the following information about Net-Print, its history, and ideas under current consideration regarding the Net-Print cover page is helpful to you.
        "Begun in 1996 to replace the old Vendacard system (which cost $.15 per page and required people to bring their documents on a diskette to the single computer that was directly hooked up to the printer), Net-Print will become a full production service center in September 1998.  Usage statistics show us that over the last two years Net-Print has gained great acceptance, with as many as 11,000 pages printed per day compared with 10,000 pages maximum per month on Vendacard.
        "Over the course of this pilot project we have gathered information about enhancements and refinements which might further the success of this service.  The Net-Print cover page is one such topic under discussion.
        "Net-Print cover pages were instituted to make clear the beginning and end of a print job.  This is particularly important when a user prints remotely and is unable to retrieve the print job immediately.  However, even when users are close to the printer, print jobs get confused and lost much more frequently when there is no cover page.  This is especially true when many students are working on the same assignment at once.  On the other hand, there are clearly occasions when a cover page might be wasteful, e.g., if a user is close to the printer and prints a one-page document repeatedly.
        "In an effort to retain the useful aspects of the cover page and simultaneously minimize waste, we are looking at several possible solutions to this problem including optional cover pages.  Because we make every effort to keep the product consistent throughout the academic year, such changes would be implemented for fall '98.
        "We very much appreciate hearing your views and welcome suggestions you might have.  Please note that we are looking at adding a feedback link at the bottom of the Net-Print page so that you can send your views directly to those who deliver the service."
        Thanks, Judy!

Uncle Ezra   

Dear Jewel,
According to a staff person at Schooley's Jewelers on the Commons, the silver will most certainly tarnish if worn in the shower or bath.  The rate at which it will tarnish depends on the chemicals in the water in your residence.  Protect your sterling!

Uncle Ezra   

Dear Random Skeptic,
Persi Diaconis, a Visiting Professor in the Math Department, gave a talk on "The Search for Randomness" and coincidences which is on tape and available through the libraries (send an e-mail to OKUref@cornell.edu to find out where the tape is housed) and the Math Department (129 White Hall, 255-4013).  Professor Dianconis' lecture includes a demonstration from a coin flipper who repeatedly gets "heads".  The good professor's premise is that how random an occurrence is depends on initial conditions.
        Happy researching!

Uncle Ezra   

Dear Crook,
Your eyes are fine...in fact, they're keener than most!  When you first wrote, Bob Stundtner, Sage Hall Project Manager (rps2@Cornell.edu), had also noticed a bend to the rod (which to him appeared to lean north), and he decided to have the surveyor check it out.  Bob reports:  "The east/west centerline of Sage Hall nails the finial at it's base, right on.  However, the rod is off about two inches to the north at its top.  We think Crook is right about a bit of drift to the east, too.  We're not quite sure why, but intend to find out.
        "The finial is 22 feet long with 13 feet exposed.  It's a 1.25 inch stainless steel rod with a two-inch bronze pipe plug welded to it.  Then decorative .5-inch bronze rods with flowers or stars at the ends are wound around and branch off from the shaft.  It was acid etched to give it a patina.
        "The finial was hand crafted by Tony Musuta, Al Konz, and Bob Sents in the Cornell Sheetmetal Shop.  Foreman Pat Redder is convinced their finial is as straight as an arrow.
        "So what could it be?  The finial was threaded down through the restored spire and bolted within it.  A very tiny misalignment in the spire where it fastens 110 feet up on the west tower probably wouldn't catch the eye, but telescoped across the slender length of the finial it becomes noticeable.  The same could happen at the point where the finial is bolted.
        "We're running full out on the Sage project right now as we finish up for the new occupants.  That's why it took us so long to answer Crook's inquiry.  Next small break we get, we'll continue the investigation."
        We'll look forward to hearing more!  Thanks, Bob!

Uncle Ezra   

Dear Lovin' It and Missin' It,
Yes, by Jiminy, there is a Cricket Club at Cornell, called "Pavilion de Bears".  To get more information, contact Sidhant Jhaver (sj41@cornell.edu) or Gautam Tankha at (gkt2@cornell.edu).  By the way, you can find out what student organizations exist on campus by going to the main CUinfo menu, looking under "Student Life and Activities" and then "Student Organizations", and typing in the subject in which you're interested.
        Many of the residence halls and Noyes and Robert Purcell Community Centers have televisions with cable access.  Both ESPN and ESPN2 carry international sporting events.

Uncle Ezra   

Dear Cornell Friend,
Kris Minor, Associate Director for Programming at The Cornell Tradition (107 Day Hall, 255-8525, kam2@cornell.edu), gave me some great information to pass along to you.
        The Office of the Cornell Commitment includes three University-wide special recognition programs for undergraduates: Cornell Tradition, Cornell Presidential Research Scholars, and Cornell National Scholars.  The programs are independent of each other but work cooperatively.  The selection process for all three programs is similar:  Applicants are nominated by members of the admissions staff, then nominees are reviewed by a panel of faculty and staff members.
        Kris says the admissions staff and review panel look for the following activities and qualities for each of the programs:
        *  The Cornell Tradition's primary emphasis is on employment experience and extracurricular activities.  A student who has worked for pay during his/her high school years while also being active in school and community activities would be a strong Tradition candidate.
        *  Cornell Presidential Scholars need to have records of outstanding academic achievement and expressed potential for research.  Good candidates are at the top of their classes with a rigorous course load.  They've performed well on standardized tests, and they're able to describe research experiences they have had or would like to have.  Often, Presidential Scholars have been members of academic clubs and/or participated in independent research experiences such as the Westinghouse competition.  This program is designed to support students who have the "fire for discovery" through research.
        *  Cornell National Scholars demonstrate academic and leadership potential.  Top contenders show leadership in a number of arenas or organizations, having held such positions as class president, athletic team captain, yearbook or newspaper editor, or chair of a service group.
        Kris adds that choosing scholars from a rich applicant pool is always a challenge, but that the processes have consistently identified recipients who represent the University well.
        Thanks for sharing the process, Kris!

Uncle Ezra   

Dear Feeling Weighted,
I forwarded your question to Sue Fine, a Fitness Coordinator in the Physical Education Department (254-6710), who responds:  "The best plan for shedding fat from the abdominal area is the same plan that should be followed by anyone who wants to trim up or lower total body fat.  The course of action?  Incorporate regular aerobic exercise (brisk walking, biking, dancing, jogging, swimming, aerobic classes, etc.), strength training, and a healthy eating plan into your lifestyle.  Seek advice from a professional if you need help getting started or if you have any health concerns.  If you happen to be a Cornell Fitness Center member, free advice is available from the personal trainers.
        "The main problem with trying to lose fat specifically from the abdominal area is that there is no such thing as spot reducing!  A person doesn't have any more influence over WHERE fat loss will occur on the body when trimming up, than where it will be stored when gaining weight.  This is determined mostly by your genes.
        "In order to lose body fat there has to be a caloric deficit over time.  This can be done by increasing physical activity, eating fewer calories, or both.  A combination of a SLIGHT reduction in calories and adding exercise is more successful (and healthier), than crash dieting or binge exercising (both of which can be hazardous to your health).  If you don't eat enough, this will be counterproductive, as your metabolic rate slows down, you may miss out on nutrients needed for good health, and you'll lack adequate energy to be active.
        "Abdominal exercises will help you get stronger and firmer in the waist region, but will not burn fat specifically from this area. Strength training, in general, helps to boost your metabolism since it increases lean-muscle tissue.  Strength training also helps to give a person a leaner look by making the muscle more prominent.  Doing abdominal exercises, such as crunches and oblique/diagonal curls, will strengthen the torso region and may give the abs a more toned or defined look.  Having strong abs will also promote better posture, which can make the abdominal region look flatter and helps to protect the lower back from injury.  When doing ab exercises, it is important to use good technique to isolate the abdominals and to prevent injury.
        "Many people get caught up in desiring a particular physique, since the media bombards us with particular body images deemed desirable to get dates, get rich, live the 'high life', etc.  However, the reality is that heredity has a huge influence on one's body type and on where fat is stored on the body.  Yes, everyone can influence their overall shape through physical activity and eating habits, but there are no guarantees that they will end up with the exact body that they want.  Your best bet in the long run is to incorporate healthy eating habits and regular exercise into your lifestyle and love the body you have."
        Thanks, Sue...I think I'll go for a brisk walk now!

Uncle Ezra   

Dear Sunglasses Conservator,
According to the staff at Sterling Optical in Pyramid Mall (257-2333), not all sunglasses are 100 percent UV-protected.  It's not possible to "add" UV protection to a pair of glasses since UV protection is typically applied to the lens before the glass tint is added.  If you're going to look for a new pair of glasses, buy a pair that is "polarized" with an anti-reflective coating on the back of the lenses.  The Sterling Optical employee recommended the brand called "Serengetti Drivers".
        Have fun in the sun this season.....it *will* arrive in Ithaca soon!

Uncle Ezra   

Dear Hair Concerns,
According to the good folks at Hair Graphics North (257-5463), there have been some studies done on mice whose coats and skin are doused with "hair dye".  These poor creatures did contract cancer, but the stylist says they were exposed to an inordinate amount of dye applied directly to the skin.
        The Hair Graphics North employee suggests that if you would like temporary hair color (most hair treatments are temporary, lasting from a few weeks to four months) look for a treatment that is "non-peroxide".
        As for green tea turning your hair a nice shade of red, the stylist advises against trying it.  Depending on the exact ingredients in the tea and the original color of your hair, you may end up with a funkier look than you'd planned.

Uncle Ezra   

Dear Loving,
Much of the advice in Q16 on 4/2/98 still applies, but with an added twist.  If you're a woman and you fall in love with your best friend who is not lesbian or bi (to the best of your knowledge), you face some added doubts about whether your love can and will be reciprocated.  You can still take steps in that borderland between friendship and love and respectfully gauge how she responds:  backing off if she seems fearful or offended, becoming more open about your affection if it's well received.  And at some point, just as in a similar heterosexual encounter, you'll probably reach a point where you need to talk in order to proceed.  Then you'll need to weigh the risk of possibly losing the friendship if you're honest about your feelings (a shift which can happen in opposite-sex as well as same-sex relationships) versus the relief of knowing where she stands or even finding out she loves you, too.
        When you say that "you're both not lesbians or bi", I'm not entirely clear whether she's not and you are (my assumption above). Perhaps you mean that NEITHER of you are:  In other words, you don't identify yourself as lesbian or bi even though you're in love with your same-sex friend.  If that's the case, maybe you've never considered the range of feelings of which you're capable and have narrowly defined "lesbian" and "bi" into stereotyped categories that don't truly represent individual lesbian and bi people.  You have a perfect opportunity through this love to redefine how you feel about your own sexuality as you break down your fears of identifying with those labels.
        Whether you're openly bi/lesbian or questioning, you can get further support through talking with an EARS counselor (211 WSH; 255-EARS) or attending meetings of one of the student groups described on the Cornell Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Resource website (http://LGBRO.cornell.edu/).  You'll also find plenty of related letters in the "Dear Uncle Ezra" archives,
such as Q01 in the 5/6/93 posting and Q02 on 9/2/93.

Uncle Ezra   

Dear Niko,
The names which appear on the wall and planters at the Uris Library Terrace are those of individuals who have been foremost benefactors of the University, according to Laurie Robinson, Director of Development.  This honor is not automatic based on giving:  Lots of factors are taken into consideration, but it is primarily a recognition of significant lifetime financial support.  Individuals are nominated to the Board of Trustees, and the Board votes to honor them.  The original idea was to recognize those individuals whose lifetime giving reached or exceeded the level of Ezra's founding gift of $500,000.  In January '97, the Board of Trustees voted to increase that to $1,000,000, but again, that is all subject to nomination and approval of the Board.
        If you want to learn more, you can visit the display inside Uris Library.  The folks in Development have a pamphlet they can send you as well; you can write or call Laurie (lar8@Cornell.edu; 254-6183) to ask to receive one.  Thanks, Laurie!

Uncle Ezra   

Dear Sad Niece,
When you care about your ex, you're less likely to numb out what he or she is feeling, as people often do when they're angry or spiteful after a break up.  In your case, you're carrying pain for the two of you, still full of tenderness which only makes your loss feel greater.
        I commend you for taking such a difficult path, which leaves your heart open to the whole breadth of this wrenching experience.  But I also encourage you to take care of yourself so you can find some balm for the pain.  Draw closer to things and people that bring you peace and joy -- dear friends,
beauty in nature, music, a spontaneous adventure, relaxation or meditation tapes, good literature, and whatever else makes you glad.  And find outlets for the pain through writing, talking, praying, drawing, acting, and/or singing in contexts that feel safe and accepting to you.  It sounds to me like your love will keep growing deeper if you do, while your grief will slowly pass through its inevitable phases until you are able to set your sadness to rest.

Uncle Ezra   

hey - who needs a modem AND an ethernet card (resnet)?  Right?
WRONG.  I finally realized (which I should have seen earlier) that I have been getting charged for the modem hook-up, $11.33 per month, PLUS Resnet fees - $82.50 per semester.  When I went to CIT to question this, I was told that there was nothing they could do about it, and I basically lost $100-$150 dollars.  Is it too much to assume that if I did sign up for resnet, the people at CIT would realize I don't need a modem too?!  They told me that the modem department and the Resnet department don't work together on these things......Doesn't that seem sort of odd?  And if you do need to personally cancel a modem, why don't they send out reminders?  At least in the resnet email that everyone gets?  I just think it's really sneaky and lots of people lose money this way.  Is there something to be done about this?  I am just annoyed that the money is down the drain - it's not like I have so much of it!!!!
        Thanks......

                                                        slightly perturbed

Uncle Ezra   

Dear Inquisitive,
I asked Jim Grieger in Environmental Health and Safety (jrg5@Cornell.edu) for information about these air purification systems.  He replies: "Some of these ozone producing air-purifying devices are advertised as reducing indoor contaminants through chemical or electrostatic interaction.  They have been identified to cause problems from ozone production.  Ozone is a highly reactive and irritating gas.  It has a characteristic 'electrical' odor to it. Exposure to ozone can cause health symptoms such as respiratory irritation, dry eyes, and sore throats.  Ozone is a common component of air pollution (photochemical smog)in urban areas and is also produced by welding, some photocopiers, and (in nature) lightning. Ozone can be very irritating to the respiratory system, especially in asthmatics or other individuals with pre-existing respiratory health conditions.  There are very low exposure limits established for ozone.
        "There is an article in the March issue of APPLIED OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE, a Journal of the American Conference of Governmental Hygienists (ACGIH), describing a study by the Worker's Compensation Board of British Columbia of two types of air purifying devices marketed for home and office use.  The units were tested for ozone production and concentration.  This study found that persons working in close proximity to the units were at risk of being overexposed to ozone.  Their recommendation was that these units only be used where worker exposures are carefully monitored and controlled.  The author/contact for this study is Ed Chessor, Workers' Compensation Board of British Columbia, P.O. Box 5350, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada V6B 5L5; telephone (604) 273-2266.
        "The best way to maintain clean indoor air is through controlling sources such as increasing the ventilation filter efficiency, controlling room sources, and sustaining a good cleaning and maintenance schedule.  Wet wiping surfaces and using special vacuum cleaning units can minimize dust loads during cleaning.  If local filtration is desired, the non-ozone-producing kind is recommended. These generally contain a High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter for particulates and some type of carbon adsorber for odors."
        Thanks, Jim!

Uncle Ezra   

Dear Lunch-boy,
According to Food Science Professor Joe Regenstein (jmr9@Cornell.edu), the penetration of heat is minimally affected by keeping the lid on your container.  The bigger issue is steam, which can lead to pressure that might pop the lid and splatter things. Also, handling a product with lots of steam build-up can be a safety hazard.  Sounds like it's safer to leave the lid off.

Uncle Ezra   

Dear Movie Goer,
That's a perfect question to post as a comment/suggestion to the folks at CUinfo!  You'll find an e-mail form for doing so at: .

                                                                 Uncle Eza

Uncle Ezra   

Dear Looking for Legal Advice,
You have one option on campus:  The Legal Aid Clinic at the Law School in G40 Myron Taylor Hall, 255-4196.  You might also try Ithaca Neighborhood Legal Services, 273-3666, or the New York State Bar Association's Lawyer Referral Service at 1-800-432-3661.
        These resources were just posted in "Dear Uncle Ezra" on February
26, 1998 (Q12).  Sometimes searching the Uncle Ezra archives is the fastest way to get information and benefit from other students' questions.
        Here's hoping your divorce is a new beginning for you.

Uncle Ezra   

Dear COE Group Members,
That's a variety of outdoor education probably not included in your program description!  To the best of my knowledge, lawn balls are simply ornaments, akin to pink flamingos and horse hitching posts. One of my contacts says they're more common in the Midwest than they are here and that they often appear in front of ranch houses.  If they have a profound or religious signficance, I've never heard of it...but I'm sure some reader will tell us!

Uncle Ezra   

Dear Struggling Student,
It sounds as though your self-esteem has, indeed, taken a beating.  Cornell can be a difficult adjustment for many students who were at the top of their high school classes.  Once at Cornell, you're in an academic setting where most people have arrived with great intellectual confidence but may develop different comfort levels when speaking in large groups or responding to challenging professors and classmates in a highly competitive environment.
        This is a fairly common experience for men and women in adjusting to college, but some research bears out that women in particular lose confidence in the classroom from junior high school on.  You don't mention your gender, but if you're interested in this research and some solutions specific to young women, try reading Carol Gilligan's work; WOMEN'S WAYS OF KNOWING by Belenky et al; or recent publications of the American Association of University Women, such as GIRLS IN THE MIDDLE:  WORKING TO SUCCEED IN SCHOOL.
        Set up some successes for yourself:  Choose a class in which you're relatively comfortable speaking, and prepare thoroughly for a specific topic on the syllabus that is particularly interesting to you.  This preparation will help you feel enthusiastic about participating in the class and will give you clear, genuine comments to offer.  Make your comments short and to the point so you don't feel as though you lose your focus when you start talking.
        Discuss your concerns with a professor or TA you trust, asking her/him for some feedback and pointers.  S/he in turn may be able to reinforce you in more positive ways during class.
        Look into taking some public-speaking classes.  Comb the Cornell COURSES OF STUDY for communication classes that offer opportunities to work on speaking clearly and confidently.
        This is a great issue to discuss with an EARS counselor (see the pointer to Personal Counseling Services on the "Dear Uncle Ezra" web
page) who can help you identify why you don't feel confident (even though your grades are outstanding) and explore other issues that may be inhibiting your participation in class.
        Seek some solutions soon.  Prolonged self-doubt can take a toll on your overall sense of well-being, and I imagine you'll find you're not alone.

Uncle Ezra   

EZ-remote service are not handled by the same individuals,
which occasionally causes unfortunate situations.  The EZ-remote service does require the user to sign up via an application, which does state that the service has to be discontinued by the subscriber.  However, I do understand why the services would appear to be associated.
        "If you would contact me directly at (dms4@cornell.edu or 255-5570), I will verify that your EZ-remote high-speed service was not used last semester and issue you the appropriate credit.  We are currently evaluating the EZ-remote high service for students and these changes should help eliminate any future situations of this kind from occuring."
        Thanks, Diane!

Uncle Ezra   

Dear Syracuse Bound,
Public transportation won't take you directly to Carousel Mall, but a combination of a Trailways bus (or the Airline Limosine Service) and a cab ride will get you there.  You'll find times, prices, and phone numbers in a series of letters on this topic from last fall: Q03 in the 9/30/97 "Dear Uncle Ezra" posting,
Q06 in the 10/7/97 posting, and Q01 in the 10/14/97 posting.  From the amount of interest Cornell students seem to have in Carousel Mall, I imagine you can also talk a group of friends into traveling up by car.

Uncle Ezra