Spotted Leopard Class Exercise - Ella Nilsen

Tuesday morning, chaos and terror reigned supreme as a rare spotted leopard escaped from the Durham Zoo around 7:30 a.m.  Missing leopard “Fluffy’s” whereabouts remained unknown as zoo officials and local police attempted to find her and restore calm.

“We have no idea what time Fluffy escaped or where she went,” said director of the Durham Zoo Gerry Durrell.  “She may have left the area and she could be walking around Durham at this point.  We are doing everything we can to find her and bring her back.”

At 8:30, officials had closed the zoo and were starting their search for the leopard.  The deadly 146 pound animal was described by zoo biologist Kitty Smith as being black with white spots and having the ability to run 60 miles an hour.  Although Smith insisted that the missing animal was a “wonderful, warm, gentle cat who has never hurt anyone,” she also issued a dire warning to any who saw the cat walking around.

“They take the ‘kill now, ask later’ approach to life,” said Smith.  “We urge anyone who encounters Fluffy to get slowly to the ground and lay still. Be especially careful to avoid eye contact.”

Durham Police Chief William Blair assured residents that local police and emergency forces were taking every precaution necessary to protect the public.  Blair expressed that the police were searching the zoo thoroughly, and would then move on to the surrounding area if they could not find the leopard within the zoo’s grounds.

“We are concerned because this is a residential neighborhood with an elementary school and we don’t want Fluffy wandering around after the kids get out of school,” Blair said.  “If possible, Fluffy will be shot with a tranquilizer gun.  But if necessary, we will shoot to kill.”

Blair noted that local police would have sufficient forces to help back them up in the search for Fluffy.  Not only were New Hampshire State Police and state wildlife department officials on hand, but the National Guard was supplying the police with five helicopters equipped with infrared sensors to help find the dark, spotted animal.

Visitors and zoo officials alike made it clear that they were hoping that Fluffy would not have to be fatally shot.  Part of an extremely endangered species of Romanian spotted leopard – one of only five left in the world – Fluffy is the last surviving female of her species.

Just a month away from her scheduled mating date with a male spotted leopard owned by the Chinese government, Fluffy’s disappearance could potentially signal the end of her species. If she is killed before capture, her death would have dire consequences for the survival of Romanian spotted leopards. 

Originally from the city of Durhamvoska, Romania, 10-year-old Fluffy was gifted to sister city Durham, New Hampshire five years ago and has been living at the zoo ever since.  Inspiring great love and in Durham’s residents, her disappearance prompted sorrow in addition to fear.

 “We love that cat, and we don’t want to lose her,” said teary-eyed zoo director Gerry Durrell.

In addition, public anger seemed to be directed towards the zoo, rather than the escaped animal herself.

“Fluffy would never hurt anyone,” said a zoo visitor who wished to remain anonymous.  “I’m never coming back here again.  This place is out of control.”

NY Times Log: October 17-20th

Monday, October 17: 

I’m not finding much in today’s paper that interests me.  The one article at the back that especially catches my eye and draws me in is the one about Occupy Wall Street, and the questions that the article inspires.  Namely, is it possible to get anything done if you are running a true democracy?  Is anyone in Occupy Wall Street going to be able to get any of their demands satisfied, or are they even going to be able to come up with demands?  Is the democratic process they are practicing have too many voices to make enough of a dent or effect the change they wish to see in the United States. 

“Demands are disempowering since they require someone else to respond,” said Gabriel Willow, a protester.  “It’s not like we couldn’t come up with any, but I don’t think people would vote for them.”  Many people would ask what the point of such a mass protest without demands, and many more would question the efficiency of the ‘true Democratic’ process that the protestors were using.  “A two-thirds majority would have to approve each proposal, and any passionate opponent could call for the entire vote to be delayed.”  This attempt at pure democracy, however admirable, completely delays the move for real change, thus sabotaging the movement altogether.  Some protestors see the protest process as their message and the whole point of the movement, but as a college student as disillusioned as they are with our current political and economic system, I’m doubtful that this method can actually work.

Tuesday, October 18^th:

Strange stories to keep the paper interesting today, including the one on men from an Amish sect who are forcibly cutting the beards of their peers who they perceive as ‘enemies.’  Many in the Amish community view these attack simply as revenge and retribution for an altercation between the sect’s leader, Sam Mullet (a man with a name that could prompt an infinite amount of funny hair jokes).

I was very interested in the article on the Obama administration’s deliberation on whether or not to use cyber warfare in the opening salvo against Libya.  I thought the article did a very good job exploring the different logistical arguments against using cyber warfare against other countries, and agree that computer hacking as a weapon could be incredibly damaging if major powers such as China and Russia started using it against the United States (or vice versa).  I think that this is a very effective but very dangerous route to for the U.S. to go down, but I don’t necessarily know if Congressional limitations will stop them from using it in the future.  If cyber warfare is implemented, it could bode very ill for all of us.

Thursday, October 20^th:

Lots of interesting and varied news mostly centering on the United States today, most crazy and sad of which is the story of the escaped exotic animals in Ohio.  I am still unsure of how exactly someone could have a preserve with so many wild animals, especially after multiple accounts of abuse to said animals.  Especially compared to some of the other articles I had read on the subject, I appreciated the personal nature of the Times article, which featured more quotes from those directly involved, especially Terry Thompson’s wife, Marian.  Ms. Thompson, the Times reported pleaded with officers to not kill the animals, saying, “Please don’t take my babies.”  This added some perspective to a story that otherwise seemed completely nonsensical.  It was fairly awful from any perspective, but I appreciated that the Times showed a little bit of personal emotions from the estranged wife of a seemingly crazy owner of the animals.  I’m not exactly sure how a shared love of exotic animals could translate into wanting to keep dozens of dangerous lions, tigers, and bears on one’s property, but then again, there is a lot I don’t really understand about this story.  I would have liked to see the Times talk a little bit more about the reactions of neighbors and town residents to the situation.  I feel that for a preserve this size, packed with wild animals, some of which had previously escaped; residents of the town must have vocalized their unease or have tried to stop the preserve.  There was no coverage on that in the article.

UNH Dining's New Credit Card Policy Causes Controversy - Ella N

Ella Nilsen

ENGL 621 – “UNH Dining’s New Credit Card Policy Causes Controversy”

10/17/11

Durham N.H. – Among changes in UNH’s Dining Services policies this year is one mandating that customers pay a $5 minimum in order to use credit cards at any dining retail location. 

While the move comes at a time when the university faces the deepest budget cuts in its history, Dining Retail Area Manager Andrew Porter says that the credit card minimum was not wholly due to the budget crisis. 

 “Every year, we look at our lines and look where we can save money and reduce costs,” said Porter.  “It was really just a way for us to try and control costs.”

According to Porter, Dining paid $65,000 extra last year simply in credit card fees. 

“It’s one of the things that we pay a lot for, but students don’t get a service for it,” Porter said.  “It’s just $65,000 we spend away.”

In today’s convenience driven world, many college students rarely carry cash on them and primarily use their credit or debit cards for small purchases such as buying a cup of coffee.  However, the hidden fees that these small purchases incur add up quickly.

According to Porter, there is a flat fee of 10 to 15 cents for every charge on a credit card.  This flat rate then has a percentage added onto it.  How much is added depends on various factors. 

“There’s no common number,” said Porter.  “A percentage varies based on the credit card that you use, whether it be a credit card or debit card, whether it be a card that collects points, or just a straight credit card.” 

The amount of percentage also varies depending on the user of the card.  “If someone has a great credit rating, it’s a lower percentage we pay,” said Porter.  “If they have a horrible credit rating, it’s a higher percentage rate.”

Porter said that Dining introduced the $5 credit card minimum as an alternative to other measures, which could have added extra fees to students’ bills or taken away certain products or services.  Porter said he hoped the minimum would be an option to allow students the freedom to choose whether or not to purchase more without adding costs. 

Both Porter and Zeke’s employees pointed out that there are still numerous ways for students to pay for their food and beverages, which include cash, Dining Dollars, or Cat’s Cache.  They also mentioned that if students really want to use their credit cards, they could simply buy more add-on items.

These suggested solutions have angered students, many of whom primarily pay with credit cards.  Many feel like the policy has inconvenienced them, and is simply another way to get them to spend more at dining locations.

“People are usually angry because it makes them buy more,” said Zeke’s employee Lindsay Jeffries.  “It definitely increases sales, but it definitely makes people mad.”  Jeffries says that the reactions that she’s seen at the cash register have been mostly negative.

“Some people are fine without their credit cards,” Jeffries said, “but a bunch of people have been complaining, or getting mad, or just walking away.”

Many students say that while they understand why Dining implemented the measure, they still find it inconvenient.  “It’s annoying,” says junior Nina Lary.  “Once you get to the register and realize it’s the five dollar thing, you think, ‘Okay, I’ll just buy extra.’”

“It makes me eat a lot more,” said student Jennifer Venti.  “If you pay the $5, you end up getting more food.”  Even though the policy is frustrating, Venti said that independent town restaurants such as the Bagelry and Durham House of Pizza have $5 minimum policies as well, so Dining’s move isn’t a huge surprise.

Some angry students have gone so far as to question the legality of the policy.  Said Porter, “We’ve gotten a couple of more formal requests asking the legality of it.  There was legislation that changed the policy over the summer that does make it legal for us to require a minimum purchase for Visa and Mastercard.”

UNH students will have soon relief at one campus location.  The new UNH branch of Dunkin’ Donuts in the MUB will not follow the university’s policies and, Porter believes, will not impose the credit card limit.

“We have nothing to do with Dunkin’ Donuts,” said Porter.  “They’ll have their own policies and procedures.”

Until Dunkin’ Donuts opens, students will have to grumble under their breath as they reach for that 99 cent add-on.

NY Times Log, October 11-14

Tuesday, October 11:

Today my eyes bypass the headlines on Syrian sanctions, and drug-tests for welfare and go straight to the story on 16-year-old stutterer Phillip Garber Jr.  I’m not sure why I’m so shocked about the contents of the story.  I of course, found the most fault with the teacher and wonder if the administration would have reacted somewhat more strongly if the professor had been teaching at any place other than a community college, but I feel that if a professor had done that at UNH, there would have been very severe consequences for the faculty member. 

I thought the article on adding the requirement of drug testing for welfare was very interesting.  The issue is very contentious, and it made me question exactly what my ideas about the nation’s poor are.  On the one hand, I agree that requiring the drug test reinforces a negative stereotype of poor people as shiftless people who bum off the system, something I disagree with very much.  I’m very much of the belief that America’s system shifts much burden and blame on the poor and gives them no assistance.  On the other hand, I know that there are certain cases in which this could be true, and drug testing could be beneficial in some cases.  I am interested in knowing the costs of doing the drug testing in states versus having ‘ineligible’ people bum off the welfare system.  This debate, rather than a moral one, may be better in deciding the issue.

Wednesday, October 12:

In today’s paper, international news dominates the headlines. The story on the extremely tangled plot to kill the Saudi Ambassador to the U.S., involving an obscure Iranian-American used car salesman and the notorious Iranian-American used car salesman and notorious Mexican cartel the Zetas is so bizarre and so bungled, it’s almost comical.  Comical, at least, if it didn’t have so many implications for foreign policy with one of the more unstable Middle Eastern nations, who’s relationship with the United States is tenuous at best.  The whole story reads like an extremely mangled and mismanaged spy story.

The story on freed Israeli prisoner, former soldier Gilad Shalit, seems fairly incredible.  It is basically mind-boggling to me that a country would negotiate the exchange of 1,000 Palestinian prisoners to receive one Israeli prisoner.  It seems to be a completely practical solution for the Palestinians, to boost their legitimacy for the rest of the world, especially as they pursue a seat at the United Nations. 

Friday, October 14:

Today’s article on Michele Bachmann’s Christian law training at Oral Roberts University is just another reminder to me of the danger that religion-influenced politics poses to our current government system and the continued separation of church and state.  I personally have no problem with someone’s religious and moral beliefs informing their own opinions, but when they then try to impose those beliefs on the majority, and then it becomes a significant problem.  I think that the subtle hints of Bachmann trying to tone down her Christian roots to appeal to larger audiences who may not have such a strong Christian background as she does.  It gets added to the list of things in her past that Michele Bachmann tries to hide, like the fact that she used to work for the IRS. Perfect Tea Party material.      

I thought that the article on India’s incredibly competitive schools of higher education (cut-off rates of 100%?  How is that possible…) was good.  I suppose it is because of the growing population and limited number of schools, they would fill up quickly.  I can’t imagine declaring Dartmouth a ‘safety school.’ I wished that the article covered more about India’s final examination process, which sounded more than just a little intense and scary.  I think if they had gone a little bit deeper exploring the process and impact of the final exam on the lives of students, it would have made for a more interesting article.  I also wanted to know a little bit more about the demographic of the kids who actually do apply for these schools.  Are they upper class, middle class, etc?  What is the class status that determines one’s future in India? 

Portsmouth School Board Meeting Piece - Ella N

At last night’s Portsmouth School Board meeting, tensions were high as parents and school board members debated a new measure that would require students with disciplinary problems during the week to attend a school session on Saturday.

In response to increased disciplinary problems in the last year, including smoking in bathrooms, School Board member Tim Steel proposed a slightly unorthodox idea that would replace detention during the week with attending extra school on the weekend. 

Steel cited the climbing statistics of disciplinary issues as justification for the measure.  In the last year alone, 154 students were required to serve what is known as ‘in-house’ suspensions, meaning they had to spend a full school day in an empty classroom under the supervision of a faculty member.

Punishing student disciplinary problems outside of school hours proved to be a divisive subject, with many parents on the opposing side.

Parent Peggy Bacon voiced a concern other parents no doubt had as well.  “I work six days a week – including Saturday morning,” Bacon said.  “It’s bad enough to get my son off to school Monday through Friday.  Why should I have to worry about Saturday as well?”

For Bacon and other residents, time constraints were not the only issue.  “The parents are going to have to pay for it – in higher taxes as well as in ruined Saturdays,” Bacon said. 

Steele admitted that the plan inconvenienced students and parents, but stated his belief that it would be better in the long run to help end disciplinary problems.  “I know this isn’t good news for parents,” Steele said, “but I hope the threat of Saturday classes will make the students think twice before breaking the school rules.” 

Other Portsmouth residents agreed.

Resident Bob Farley voiced his approval of the measure and shifted blame on the parents. “It’s time parents in America were made to take a little responsibility for their kids,” Farley said.  “Parent’s aren’t teaching their kids any discipline, so the kids have no respect for the rules. Maybe if they have to miss a few Saturday morning cartoons they’ll wise up.”

Bacon maintained that even if her son has a disciplinary issue, she would still not make him attend the session.  “I know my son isn’t perfect, and I know he’ll probably wind up on the Saturday list at some point,” she said, “but I’m not going to force him to go.  I just don’t think it’s going to make any difference.”

NY Times Logs Oct 4-6

Tuesday October 4:

Interesting and slightly depressing article on the State Department’s ‘warm relationship’ with Canadian Energy Company TransCanada.  Emails released earlier this week show that the state department, instead of being an oversight agency, is ‘collaborating’ with huge energy companies like TransCanada.  The top U.S. lobbyist for the company was a former top official in Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s 2008 campaign, which points to substantial conflict of interest, and United States Embassy official in Canada have openly voiced their support of the projects in the emails that have been released.  Once again, the lines between government and private, corporate interest have been blurred.

The article on the Occupy Wall street movement was fascinating and heartening to me.  I thought the Times was able to get some great quotes from people that showed the ultimate dissatisfaction with political and corporate greed.  In particular, the quote from the Illinois college student who said he was dropping out of school to join the protests “for as long as it takes” shows a strong and pervasive disillusionment with the current political and economic climate.  I agree with the Time’s assertion that the movement will have to define clear leaders and clear demands and organize into a more unified movement if it wants to truly make impact, but for now, I believe that this is a phenomenal start that is much needed in this country.  With all the articles I’ve been reading on shifts of power in Germany and other European countries, I am glad that the same dissatisfaction in the United States is finally producing real results.

Wednesday October 5:

With Chris Christie’s decision to not seek the nomination, I was very interested in the coverage the Times paid to the shifting dynamics of what is now a settling field of contenders.  Particularly, the emphasis on endorsements was very interesting, as endorsements play such a huge role in determining who will be elected.  The field is especially shifting around Mitt Romney, who is no longer facing real opposition from Rick Perry, and now, with Christie’s decision to not pursue the nomination as well as endorsing Romney, is easily the strongest candidate in the field.  The Times short overview of the race made me realize America’s obsession with political celebrity and the intense process that accompanies the decision to run.

I found the article on the Taliban controlling cell phone signals in Afghanistan.  The idea of the Taliban controlling modern technology that is so integral to daily life now is a reminder of the amount of power they hold in Afghanistan, and how they are still able to make Afghanistan remote and shut off from the rest of the world just by having the influence to turn off the cell phone signals.  The Times notes that the Taliban are using the modern technology they once would have shunned, but using it in a way to keep Afghani people from progressing and modernizing. 

 Thursday October 6:

I’ve been noticing that I’m noticing more and posting a lot about politics or international new stories. More heartening news in the headline that Democrats are pushing a tax on the richest one percent of the nation, to help pay for job creation programs.  Not a moment too soon.  The White House needs to stop kow-towing to the Republicans and push their own agenda before everything really goes.  As if the richest corporate leaders can’t afford to pay a little extra on their taxes.  It is completely ridiculous that tax cuts for billionaires have been so accepted for so long in this country.  Finally, hopefully, politicians will stand up for the people they represent, not the people who buy them off.

Like I said, I’m noticing a lot of political stories more lately.  But I guess a lot of other people are too.  The difference is, they are acting on their beliefs and I’m just commenting on it.

Car Stalled On Tracks - In Class Prompt

James Laboke knew something was wrong when he saw a car stalled on the train tracks with the driver slumped over the wheel.

At approximately 6 a.m. this morning, Laboke, a seventeen year old waiter walking to an early shift at the Eezy Breezy restaurant, spotted and reported the car to police.  Laboke stated that the 1987 pink Cadillac Seville was stalled on the tracks and that the driver, 80-year-old Quebec tourist Francois Truffant, appeared to be unconscious. 

The Amtrak Downeaster, with a daily 6 a.m. stop in Old Orchard Beach, was about 10 minutes away. 

To save the car, the town’s police force reacted immediately, sending out a call to all local units about the dire situation.

“I knew there was no time,” said police captain Janet Paradiso, who was on duty in her cruiser when the call went out.  “I had to do something.”

Rushing to the scene, Paradiso managed to push the stalling car from the tracks by ramming it with her own cruiser.  Just thirty seconds later, the Downeaster rolled through at 40 mph, on its scheduled morning run.  “It was that close,” Old Orchard Beach chief of police Brian Paul said of the incident.

Truffant was taken to Southern Maine Medical center after the incident. He was in stable condition after the impact of being hit by the Paradiso.  He told police that he is a diabetic, and it is believed that he may have gone into insulin shock as he reached the railroad crossing, causing his unconsciousness.

Truffant’s memory of the incident is hazy. “I don’t remember a thing,” he said.

Laboke was greeted as a hero in the summer beach town for saving Truffant from the train.  Laboke, an Afghan refugee who had been a resident of Old Orchard Beach for three years, was very humble when asked about the incident.

“I never thought about it,” he said. “I just knew I couldn’t let that man get crushed by a train.”

After reporting the incident to police, Laboke showed up for work on time and went about his work as normal.  After learning of Laboke’s heroic action, Charles Champaigne, owner of the Eezy Breezy restaurant, had nothing but praise for his employee.  “It doesn’t surprise me at all,” Champaigne said. “That young man is one of my most responsible employees. He’s just a great kid.”

Ella N - "New Student Art Gallery Opens in Philbrook Hall"

“New Student Art Gallery Opens in Philbrook Hall”

by Ella Nilsen

10/2/11

This fall, the newly opened Petrella Student Art Gallery in Philbrook Hall will give students a chance to both submit and view art by their peers.  Located in one of Philbrook’s nine dining rooms, the Petrella Gallery’s brick walls are lined with student art in all its various forms: drawing, painting, screen-printing, and photography.  The artwork will be replaced every couple of months and idea of displaying sculpture in addition to hanging pictures is currently being considered.

“I wanted to establish an opportunity for to students display their artwork publicly,” said gallery creator Adam Hill.  For Hill, a junior biology major, the idea for a gallery came last year.  “Previously, to view student artwork, you would have to go to the Paul Creative Arts Center. ” he said.  “No longer restricted to one particular building, this gallery allows any student to show their friends and family a hidden talent they may have.”

To make this idea a reality, Hill contacted members of Dining Services, including director Jon Plodzik. Approval from Dining was quick and the office was immediately supportive of the project.  Students in the UNH Art Association assisted Hill in setting up the gallery.

“I thought it was a great idea,” said Philbrook manager Brandon Crosby, “If I’m putting up pictures, I’d much rather it be student pictures, whether it be photos taken by students, or artwork made by students.”  Many of the pictures displayed elsewhere in the dining hall are photographs of student life at the university, most of which have been taken by UNH Photographic Services. 

From Crosby’s point of view, the cost to put up student artwork was about equal to what he currently spends on photos for the dining hall.  “It’s not very expensive stuff,” said Crosby.  “We have to do it anyways and I’m happy to do it.”  All student artwork is donated for the duration of the show; costs come with the supplies needed to display the artwork.

According to both Hill and Crosby, Philbrook was the most logical place to display student artwork because of the setup of the dining hall.  Unlike other campus dining halls Stillings and Holloway, Philbrook is separated into many different rooms with ample wall space. 

As of now, Hill is hoping to expand the project into one more dining room in Philbrook, and eventually, other spaces on campus.  He has also been talking to sculpture and woodworking professor Leah Woods about the possibility of featuring sculptures in the gallery along with the current pieces.  They are hoping to be able to display sculptures in the gallery soon, once the necessary pedestals or hanging cases are built to house student work.

“My idea would be to see one display case and two free-standing pedestals,” said Professor Woods.  She stated that the pedestals would display large works, whereas small pieces would be contained in a hanging display case.    

Woods believes that the risks inherent with showing freestanding work in a crowded and public place would be worth the benefits.  “This is my fifth year here and we’ve never had a problem with theft or things damaged or roughed up,” she said.  “Part of me thinks that people would touch the pieces, but I don’t think that’s a problem because I want people to experience the tactile sensation of holding clay or sculpture or wood.”

Philbrook Hall’s manager Brandon Crosby remains supportive of the idea for sculpture pieces in the dining rooms.  The biggest potential conflict for him is the issue of space management.  “There are peak times at dinner and lunch in here when it’s hard to find a spot to sit,” said Crosby.  “I don’t want to take seats out to put a display case in, but I’m sure we can figure out a way to display whatever it is.”

For Hill, the benefits of the gallery are already apparent.  “I’ve seen a lot of people go up to it and smile,” he said.  “It feels good to know as a student you are able to do something to improve the campus.  If you have an idea, do whatever it takes to make it work.”

For more information, to join the UNH Student Art Association, or to submit artwork for the next gallery show, email Hill at petrella.gallery@gmail.com.  The Petrella Gallery is a product of the UNH Student Art Association, Dining Services, and Student Senate.

Ella N - "First Time Student Director Hopes Play Will Resonate with UNH Students"

Ella Nilsen

“First Time Student Director Hopes Play Will Resonate with UNH Students”

9/26/11

It’s 8 o’clock on a rainy, humid Thursday night at the University of New Hampshire.  Paul Creative Arts Center is mostly empty, save for Room M118, where actors are rehearsing for the upcoming Mask and Dagger production of “Rabbit Hole.”  Inside the classroom, amidst scattered desks and chairs, Jess Emerson gathers her four actors around her.

            “Focus on the things you’ve learned in the past few days and use them,” she says, before sending them off to separate sides of the room.  Two students sit off to the sidelines and wait for their scene to start.  The remaining actors, Kahley MacLeod and Amanda DeMarco, settle around a table and begin the scene.  Their characters are sisters at odds and uncomfortable with each other.  The atmosphere in the room changes rapidly and tension builds.  DeMarco animatedly narrates a bar fight her character, Izzy, gets involved in as Macleod, her older sister sits listening, silent and angry.  DeMarco caps off her story with a wild punch in the air, yelling, “…then, BOOM!  I hit her!” as MacLeod eyes her with apprehension.

            “Okay,” Emerson says, “I’m going to stop you guys there.  Let’s go back to the beginning of Izzy’s line and start again.”

            First time director student director Emerson is currently overseeing the fall production of “Rabbit Hole.”  The first and only Mask and Dagger production during the fall semester, “Rabbit Hole” is a drama with a small cast.  The story of this award-winning play revolves around middle-aged couple Becca and Howie, whose young child is accidentally run over and killed by a seventeen-year-old driver.  The play follows the couple and their family through the grieving process.  The play especially focuses on the character of Becca, who pushes her family and husband away as she copes with her son’s death.

            For Emerson, a theatre major and actor herself, directing a show is something completely new.  “I was terrified at first,” she said, “and now, I just kind of fall into it.”  Her only previous experience with directing was in class, and this is completely different.  “In directing, David Kaye just challenges you in every possible way, and you have to go through a scene and find every tiny little nuance.  With your own piece, you don’t need to follow the same rules,” she says.  “You can find your own way of getting into people’s heads and figuring this artistic genre out in your own style.”

            How are her actors responding to guidance from a fellow student?  “It’s different working with a student director because there’s less pressure to be excellent and less formality a lot of the time,” said Amanda DeMarco, who plays the character of Izzy.  Nevertheless, DeMarco says, “Jess is pushing me to explore the character in ways I would never think of.” 

Actors interviewed said that the intimacy of working with such a small cast and a student director has truly made the rehearsal process unique.  “Acting is really dependent on the people you work with,” says MacLeod, “and I really got lucky with ‘Rabbit Hole.’  I trust them completely.”

For Emerson, the message of “Rabbit Hole” is very translatable to college students.  “As the year goes on, and the weather gets colder, and the classes get harder,” she says, “everything about me gets more and more down and there’s less hope that the year is ever going to end, or that this paper is ever going to end.”  The play, she says, is ultimately about finding hope, and more importantly, finding support in other people.  “The biggest message of the play for me is…you can’t walk alone in this world,” Emerson says.  “I want people to reach out if they are having problems.  That’s Becca’s biggest problem, that she hasn’t reached out until the end.”

New York Times Reading Log - Monday 26th-Wednesday 28th

Monday, September 26^th: 

Today’s business section caught my eye with some nice graphics and an interesting article called “Tablet Wars Flare.”  It was interesting as a student living in the current tech bubble to think about why some products (i.e. Apple’s iPad) are so successful, and why others (basically every other competitor Apple has), flop instantly.  I know very few people that have tablet computers that are not iPads.  I suppose it is Apple’s complete star power and it’s consistent ability to do everything first that separate itself from its lagging competition. 

The Times seems to be naming Amazon as the biggest possible competitor with Apple, and states that this is because of their opposite marketing strategies.  Says the Times, “Apple sells books, movies and music in order to sell devices.  Amazon sells devices in order to sell books, movies and music.”  Weirdly this makes sense.  Amazon is a competitor instead of a copier, which is what most other technology companies are when compared to Apple. 

The piece of news on the front page that I’m most drawn to is the story about Saudi women gaining the right to vote and run for office.  I’m shocked and so happy to hear this amazing story.  The Arab Spring is producing amazing results in many medieval countries.  It’s very heartening.

Tuesday, September 27^th:

The photo on the front cover of the New York Times is very direct and more than slightly chilling.  It’s the one of the small girl from Yemen, wearing a headband that reads, “We will win for the blood of our martyrs.”  The image is so many things: inspiring, riveting, scary.  When such momentous occasions like revolutions are shown through the eyes of children, it always makes things more sobering.

I found the article on wasted natural gas being burned instead of captured and used for energy purposes both fascinating and completely frustrating.  The stubborn incompetence of the energy industry is astounding.  This quote in particular was dumbfounding:  “Every day, more than 100 million cubic feel of natural gas is flared this way – enough energy to heat half a million homes for a year.”  The gas being a high pollutant is worrisome enough, but with a potential energy crisis looming, it makes absolutely no sense, in any way, to keep wasting energy resources so carelessly.

The article “Fighting Cancer with Vinegar and Ingenuity” was a very well written article on a very interesting and heartening subject.  I really enjoyed reading about such a sensible, cheap, and practical fix for a problem like cervical cancer.

Wednesday, September 28^th:

Today, the story in the paper that grabbed my attention the most was the one about spouses of now disabled army veterans.  I think that by focusing on a group of people that are largely forgotten by the public, but who have the very important and tragic job of caring for the continued causalities of war, the article was extremely powerful. 

The article was able to sustain my attention the whole way through, especially because it focused on two families and two caretakers in particular.  One was April Marcum, the wife of Tom Marcum, a soldier who suffered traumatic brain injuries.  The other was Rosie Babin, the mother of Alan Babin, who suffered severe trauma when he was shot in the stomach.  By focusing on these two different families, the Times was able to highlight both families affected by members with physical and emotional injuries, and was also able to show the pronounced affect that caring for an injured family member has to the emotional health of the caregivers. 

It is really important that important publications like the Times focus on issues that many might not give thought to.  In times of war, or after a conflict, the focus largely remains on the soldiers and doesn’t often cover a soldier’s family.  This story highlights the overall tragedy of war.