Slope Media Group » News

Producer: Yasmin Alameddine
Editor: Yasmin Alameddine
Writers: Joyce Wu, Lindsay Wershaw, Lucas Strombeck, Katrina Okano
Anchors: Katrina Okano, Joyce Wu

Slope Weekend Update October 12, 2012

Gianna.Zoppi — Thu, 18 Oct 2012 21:57:16 +0000

Filmed and Directed by Beebee Asamoah-Mensah

Edited by Lauren Kline and Gianna Zoppi

SA Segment- Yasmin Alameddine

Fashion Segment- Lindsey Wershaw

Anchors- Olivia Poglianich and Joyce Wu

Writers- Joyce Wu, Callen Curtis, and Hannah McGough

SWU 3-30

Yasmin Mohaideen — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 20:58:16 +0000

Wake Up Cornell! Season 2 Episode 4 November 8, 2011

jenny.schlesinger — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 03:36:28 +0000

Episode Highlights:

Election Day- Go Vote!

Michael Jackson’s Doctor Convicted of Involuntary Murder

Ice Hockey Update

Plus, weather, random fact, and sports!

International, National, and Cornell Headlines 10-25-11

jenny.schlesinger — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 21:16:08 +0000

International:

Gadhafi: Early today, former Libyan ruler, Moammar Gadhafi, was buried at an undisclosed location. Gadhafi ruled Libya for 42 years. Gadhafi was captured alive on Thursday along with his son Mutassim, who also died. There have been multiple accounts of how he died, but according to the autopsy, he died from a gunshot wound to his head, according to CNN. Gadhafi lost his power during a 8 month civil war in Libya. Earlier this week, the Civil War was declared over by interim leader Mustafa Abdul-Jalil. Now, Libya will start a 2 year process to create a democracy.

National:

Republican Nominee Tax Plan: With the Iowa Caucus set to take place on January 3, 2012 the race for Republican nominee is already going strong. Today, Texas Governor and candidate Rick Perry announced plans for a flat tax which would cap corporate taxes at 20 percent, eliminate taxes on dividends and many capital gains and essentially cap individual tax rates at 20 percent, according to the Washington Post. The plan would lower taxes on the richest Americans.

Netflix: After 810,000 people canceled their Netflix accounts, the stock plunged today. It dropped 35 percent today and is down 60 percent since price hikes were announced in July. The stock briefly hit $300 on July 13. Now it is around $75. Despite the loss of users, Netflix still has $23 million users. The problems began when Netflix decided receiving movies through the mail was old fashioned and announced splitting into two services, the movies instantly, to still be called Netflix and movies by mail, to be renamed Qwikster. The company now realizes the move was too quick, according to ABC News.

Cornell:

Humanities Building: For the first time since the completion of Goldwin Smith Hall in 1905, a new building will rise on the Arts Quad, dedicated to the humanities. The building will be located in the space between the two wings of Goldwin Smith and will face East Avenue. The building will cost $61 million, which will be paid by donations. The breaking ground is expected in summer 2013 with completion by the end of 2015.

NYC Tech Campus: In other building news, Cornell has announced the design for its proposed NYC Tech Campus. The campus will be located on Roosevelt Island and will generate renewable energy through solar panels and a geothermal well system. Cornell is competing against 20 other universities, including Stanford, to gain the new campus.

Written by Jennifer Schlesinger for Wake Up Cornell! 10-25-11

Wake Up Cornell! Season 2 Episode 3 October 25, 2011

jenny.schlesinger — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 21:05:14 +0000

Highlights:

Updates on the race for 2012 Presidential Nominee

Is Netflix Finished?

A New Building Rises on the Arts Quad

Men’s Ice Hockey has a winning exhibition weekend

Plus, music, sports, weather, events, and more!

Please pardon the technical error that led the background music to be a bit loud.

Dance Now for Autism Speaks U Dance-a-thon!

monique.hall — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 00:43:09 +0000

I recently had the opportunity to sit and chat with Dave Forman ’13 and Gabrielle Fernandez ’13, the Marketing Co-chairs and respective Director of Outreach and Treasurer of Cornell’s chapter of Autism Speaks U. We discussed the organization, its role on campus, and its really cool upcoming event: the Dance Now for Autism Speaks U Dance-a-thon!

Autism Speaks is the largest autism advocacy non-profit in the world. Founded in 2005, the organization strives to increase autism awareness and outreach and to raise funds for research on the various forms of autism. Cynthia Vella ’13, who is currently serving as the club’s president, founded the Cornell Chapter of Autism Speaks U in January of this year, making Cornell the only Ivy League institution that houses a chapter of this organization.

Cornell’s chapter of Autism Speaks U will be holding a very fun and creative fundraising event this Saturday, October 22nd called Dance Now for Autism Speaks U. Inspired by the hugely successful yearly fundraiser at Penn State called THON (which raises money to combat childhood cancer), the group decided that a dance-a-thon would be a great way to get people engaged in the mission of Autism Speaks. Aside from raising money to support the cause, the organization hopes that this event will help them become known on campus, increase membership, and increase support from other on-campus clubs, as well as the Ithaca community.

Vella was said to have started Autism Speaks U on campus because a family member of hers has a form of autism. The issue also hits close to home for Dave Forman, whose brother is autistic, as well. Forman and Fernandez stated that a large part of why Autism Speaks is an important and worthwhile cause is because it touches so many people’s lives. Autism is a disorder that affects tens of millions of people worldwide and nearly 2 million people in the U.S., alone. In its six years of existence, Autism Speaks has raised millions of dollars toward autism research and providing financial assistance to families affected by autism.

So, if you love dancing and would like to help support a worthwhile cause while getting your groove on, I suggest participating in the Dance Now for Autism Speaks U Dance-a-thon! It will be taking place this Saturday night, October 22nd, at Noyse Recreational Center on West Campus from 6pm-12am. Tickets go for $10 and can be bought HERE.

For more information on autism and Autism Speaks, please visit the Autism Speaks website: www.autismspeaks.org

Wake Up Cornell! Season 2 Episode 2 September 27, 2011

jenny.schlesinger — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 03:13:22 +0000

In this episode:

The trial begins for the man accused in the King of Pop’s Death

20,000 missiles that can shoot down aircrafts are missing in Libya

The oldest Cornell alumna passes away

Plus, music, sports, weather, events, and more!

International, National and Cornell Headlines: 9-21-11

jenny.schlesinger — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 00:19:30 +0000

International:

Afghanistan: Former Afghan President Burhanuddin Rabbani, who was appointed last year to head a commission trying to negotiate with the Taliban, was killed Tuesday in a suicide bombing, according to the Washington Post. The bomber claimed to come for a peace talk and hid explosives in his turban. Four others in the room were also killed. President Obama has called Rabbani’s death a “terrible loss” and praised his work.

National:

Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell: Tuesday, the military repealed a ban on Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, a policy which prohibited openly gay men and women from serving in uniform. The policy had been effect for 18 years. Pentagon leaders have certified that the change in policy will not affect America’s ability to fight wars, according to the Associated Press .

Poverty: The number of young families with children living in poverty has increased in the US. One in three of these families, defined as under the age of thirty, is living in economic distress. The data is from an analysis of census data by Center for Labor Market Studies at Northeastern University. The rate had previously fallen from 36 percent in 1993 to 25 percent in 2000. It now rests at 37 percent. The reason for the decline is believed to be the economy. Many people in these families lack college degrees and with the loss of low-skilled jobs, are struggling, according to the New York Times.

Cornell:

Economics: Cornell has decided to consolidate economics professors into a single department. Previously economics professors were scattered in many departments, including the Economics Department in the College of Arts and Sciences, the School of Industrial and Labor Relations, and The Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management. The consolidation has not led to any noticeable changes at the undergraduate level, yet.

Veggies: New fruits and vegetables may be coming to a supermarket near you. Cornell Professor Michael Mazourek in plant breeding has created new vegetable varieties, including the Habanada pepper, a mild habanero that is still flavorful, Farmer’s Daughter melon, which tastes a little like pear and slips off the vine when ripe; and the black-spined white Salt and Pepper cucumber, which has garnered awards for its unexpectedly sweet flavor.

Written by Jennifer Schlesinger for Wake Up Cornell! on 9-20-11

Wake Up Cornell Season 2 Episode 1 September 20, 2011

jenny.schlesinger — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 00:05:18 +0000

Welcome back to Wake Up Cornell!

In case you’re unfamiliar with the show, it presents news summaries on National and Cornell topics, as well as your weather, sports, and events. Music is mixed in.

Highlights:

Don’t Ask Don’t Tell is Repealed

Homecoming

Cornell Professor Designs New Vegtables

Please Note: There were a few technical errors. Please pardon the sound errors and that fact that the show cuts off at the end. I will work on getting everything fixed for next week.

Wake Up Cornell! Episode 5 May 5, 2011

jenny.schlesinger — Sat, 14 May 2011 18:08:47 +0000

The final Wake Up Cornell! for the year.

Highlights:

The US Captures Osama bin Laden

Slope Day

Big Red Bikes is Launched

Thanks for listening this semester and tune in next school year! Have an awesome summer!

National and Cornell Headlines: Osama bin Laden is Dead, Big Red Bikes Starts and More

jenny.schlesinger — Wed, 04 May 2011 21:27:15 +0000

National:

Osama bin Laden is Dead: In case you haven’t heard, Osama bin Laden was killed in a raid conducted by US Navy Seals according to a surprise announcement by President Obama Sunday night. Osama was found in Pakistan. The announcement was met with joy by many Americans, who gathered to show their support outside the White House, at Ground Zero, and in Collegetown.

A big question that faced the White House and the CIA was whether to release pictures. Many Americans from officials to family members of those killed in 9/11 want the pictures released for proof. The Taliban has also announced it will not believe he is dead until they see proof or have it confirmed by sources close to Osama. However, the White House says the photos are gruesome and could be seen as inflammatory. In the end, President Obama decided not to release the pictures, which was announced in a CBS interview today.

As a result of bin Laden’s death, the President’s approval ratings have seen a significant boost, although many are still not happy with his handling of the economy.

As an interesting side note, many TV personalities and political commentators have been confusing Obama and Osama because of the one letter difference. For example, MSNBC reporter Norah O’Donnell tweeted “Obama shot and killed” before realizing her mistake and deleting the post. The mix-ups have been going on before Osama’s death and have been made by the late Senator Ted Kennedy and probable presidential candidate Mitt Romney.

Royal Wedding: Before the announcement of Osama’s death the big story was the Royal Wedding between Prince William and Kate Middleton on Friday. People from all over the world tuned in to see her stunning Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen dress revealed. The wedding also broke tradition because Kate is a commoner. The wedding went smoothly.

Gas Prices: If you’re getting ready for a long car trip home be warned of high gas prices. Although there has been some release after the announcement of Osama’s death, gas prices average $3.96 a gallon nationwide. It is expected $4 will be the norm by the end the week. However, experts feel prices will slowly drop over the next few months.

Cornell:

Big Red Bikes: Getting a bike to ride to class has now become easier. After three years of planning, 20 bikes were available outside Uris Library today. The bikes can be checked out at Uris’s circulation desk. A helmet is provided. The bike must be returned before Uris closes. Before being able to rent a bike, users must register with Sparks Mobility, www.bigredbikes.cornell.edu. This allows user who damage or fail to return bikes to be held accountable. The website also shows how many bikes are available at any given time.

Fall Creek Oil Spill: More oil has been found to have been spilled into Fall Creek. The oil originates from an old oil tank buried in the parking lot of 726 University Ave, the Arts and Sciences Alumni offices. The oil was first reported in the creek in early April. It is believed to be caused by runoff from heavy spring rains. Cornell’s handling of spill due to acquisitions of not reporting it. However, Cornell says it reported the leak at 726 University Ave in March and didn’t need to issue another report when oil was found in the creek.

From Wake Up Cornell 5-4-11

by Jennifer Schlesinger

Slope Weekend Update 4-13-11

lisa.poirier — Thu, 14 Apr 2011 00:38:44 +0000

International and Cornell Headlines: 2011 Commencement Speaker, The Latest on Japan, Miraculous Tornado Survival, and More

jenny.schlesinger — Wed, 13 Apr 2011 06:14:31 +0000

International:

Japan: The nuclear emergency crisis level at Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant has been raised to a 7, the highest level on the International Nuclear Events Scale, which equates to a “major release of radioactive material with widespread health and environmental effects requiring implementation of planned and extended countermeasures.” This is the level for the Chernobyl incident. However, Japanese officials say radioactivity levels are only 10 percent of Chernobyl. The Japanese power plant had previously been on level 5, the same as the Three Mile Island leak. The change came after the plant was found to have admitted higher levels on March 11 than previously estimated. However, the amount of radiation being released now is significantly less. In other Japan news, a 7.1 magnitude aftershock shook Japan on Monday. A tsunami warning was issued.

2012: It’s time to start the 2012 Presidential Circus. On Monday afternoon via Twitter, Mitt Romney announced that he launched an exploratory committee for his Presidential campaign. He also released a video announcement claiming “President Obama’s policies have failed.” Romney ran for the Republican nomination in 2008 but lost to John McCain. He is one of the favorites to win the 2012 nod.

Iowa Tornado: The small town of Mapleton, Iowa was destroyed by a tornado on Saturday, but miraculously all 1200 town residents survived. One hundred homes were flattened and 60 percent of the town was destroyed. Part of the survival comes from warning sirens being sounded earlier than usual, giving people more time to get shelter. The town has come together to overcome the disaster and is already starting the rebuilding efforts.

Cornell:

Convocation Speaker: After a long wait, the class of 2011 convocation speaker is… former NYC Mayor Rudy Giuliani. He will be the first Republican politician to speak since the tradition was started in 1984. Last year’s speaker was Democrat and former Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi. This year’s convocation will take place on May 28 at noon and will be open to the public at Schoelkopf Stadium unless there is inclement weather.

Written by Jennifer Schlesinger for Wake Up Cornell!

Wake Up Cornell! Episode 4 April 12, 2011

jenny.schlesinger — Tue, 12 Apr 2011 23:27:47 +0000

This Week’s Highlights:

The 2011 Cornell Convocation Speaker is Announced

Sixty Percent of an Iowa Town is Destroyed by a Tornado, But All Residents Survive

An Update on Japan

Slope Weekend Update April 8th, 2011

beth.jacobs — Fri, 08 Apr 2011 20:00:38 +0000

Wake Up Cornell! Episode 3 April 5, 2011

jenny.schlesinger — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 23:59:59 +0000

Hosted by Jennifer Schlesinger

Highlights:

Congratulations to the Class of 2015

The Latest on the US’s involvement in Libya

Happy Birthday iPad!

March Madness Continues to the April Finals

My apologies for low quality, the usual recording computer was not working, so I used my cellphone.

Slope Weekend Update April 1, 2011

lisa.poirier — Fri, 01 Apr 2011 20:34:33 +0000

Keith Olbermann’79 Talks Cornell and Politics at Bailey Hall

jenny.schlesinger — Fri, 01 Apr 2011 19:39:29 +0000

Keith Olbermann ’79 told anecdotes about his time on the hill, gave a special comment on the importance of strikes and labor unions, and controversially answered questions in front of a packed audience in Bailey Hall on Tuesday. The political and sports commentator, known for his show Countdown on MSNBC, graduated from the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and majored in communication.

His most charged comment came when he said, “most conservatives are wildly stupid,” in response to a question about liberals resorting to name calling to dismiss conservatives. The question was asked by the president of the Cornell Republicans.

Olbermann opened the talk with anecdotes on his time at Cornell, confirming that he barely graduated. He said that he did not know he had graduated till the Friday before graduation. Olbermann also took 28 credits his final semester at Cornell.

“I handed it [my diploma] to my dad and said here is your receipt,” Olbermann said about his graduation.

A frequent theme throughout the talk was derogatory statements towards Ann Coulter ’84, who in March of 2009 attacked Olbermann for not having a true Ivy League degree because he graduated from the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.

He said, “Ann Coulter ’84, also her IQ.”

When an audience member showed Olbermann an article about his last show on MSNBC in The Cornell Review, which Coulter founded, he read a small portion aloud before using it to wipe up purposefully spilled water. When the writer later asked a question and expressed his feeling of respect, Olbermann smoothed out the crinkled paper.

Noting the irony, Olbermann discussed Karl Rove’s upcoming visit to Cornell. He said, “I’m here tonight as Karl Rove’s opening act…Karl will not be, according to Ann, speaking at Cornell.”

After the amusing anecdotes, Olbermann became serious and gave his strong personal view on HR 1135, a bill that would deny eligible striking workers food stamps.

“A choice of the legal right to strike or a moral right to eat food instead of cardboard,” he said. His style was similar to special comments on Countdown.

Olbermann used the bill as a lead into the importance of unions and strikes. He also touched on the controversial anti-union bill in Wisconsin. He ended the political discussion with his thoughts on conservatives.

“There is a jerk in the Supreme Court named Scalia,” he said.

He continued to say that the biggest fear of a Republican is that “some poor person in the middle of the night has a dollar a rich person deserves.”

To end the evening, Olbermann said, “To end on a bi-partisan note…no political humorist is actually funny.” He thanked Cornell for his warm welcome back.

Written by Jennifer Schlesinger

International and Cornell Headlines: Japan, Pi Day, and more

jenny.schlesinger — Mon, 14 Mar 2011 20:16:59 +0000

From Wake Up Cornell!

Japan: The death toll has risen to 10,000. Approximately 2,000 bodies found in Miyagi Prefecture on Japan’s east coast, Kyodo News Agency reported. Thousands have been left homeless and millions are without water, power, and transportation. The Japanese Prime Minister has called this the worst disaster since World War II

As Japan is dealing with the rescue, clean-up, and recovery, it is also facing urgent concerns about its nuclear plants. Yesterday, there was an explosion at Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant. Engineers are working to avoid meltdowns, but some radioactive material has been released. The levels of radioactivity are twice what Japan considers safe. Tens of thousands of people living in the surrounding area have been evacuated. When they will be allowed to return home is uncertain. Officials are flooding the reactors with sea water to avoid a bigger problem. This is the worst nuclear emergency since Chernobyl.

The plumes of radioactive activity are heading across the Pacific and possibly towards Hawaii, Alaska, and the west coast. The White House has tried to calm fears and reports that any levels of radioactivity will not be dangerous.

For background, a 9.0 earthquake struck Japan on Friday, March 11. The earthquake also caused a devastating tsunami.

At Cornell, events are being held to support the Japanese people. There will be a fundraiser on Ho Plaza on Wednesday and Thursday from 10 am to 5 pm. People will be collecting donations and there will be the opportunity to fold cranes. The Japanese Graduate Students and Scholars Association (JGSA) and Johnson Japan Club (JJC) are holding a fundraising event at Sage Hall on Tuesday, March 15.

Two Cornell students are studying abroad in Japan; however both are located in Kyoto, where the earthquake was not felt.

Random Tidbit: Today is Pi Day, that’s pi without the e. Pi day celebrates the mathematical constant pi of which the first three digits are 3.14. In 2009, the House of Representatives supported the designation of Pi Day. The day was first celebrated in 1989 by physicist Larry Shaw at San Francisco Exploratorium. For the first celebration staff members marched around a circle and ate fruit pies. Now, common ways to celebrate are contests to see who can memorize the most digits of pi and eating pies. Happy Pi Day!

Cornell:

Robert Harrison was unanimously elected next chair of Cornell’s board of Trustees on Friday. He was a member of the class of 1976 and chief executive officer of the Clinton Global Initiative. He also served as a student trustee during his time on the hill. His term will begin on January 1, 2012 and he will succeed Peter C. Meinig ’61. Meinig’s term was extended by 6 by the board.

Did you notice less activity on campus last weekend? The Interfraternity Council or IFC voted to cancel all weekend social events after increasing pressure following the death of George Desdunes ’13. The ban also came while the Board of Trustees was meeting. Ten chapters were planning on holding parties open to all students. The vote was 32 to 0 with three members abstaining. The Panhellenic Council voted to agree with the IFC’s decision. The last time parties were canceled was in Fall 2009 due to the swine-flu outbreak.

Written by Jennifer Schlesinger

Wake Up Cornell! Episode 2 March 14, 2011

jenny.schlesinger — Mon, 14 Mar 2011 20:07:05 +0000

Highlights:

The aftermath of the earthquake and tsunami in Japan and how Cornell is trying to help

Amazing Hockey Weekend: Men’s Ice Hockey wins 2 games against Quinnipiac to advance to ECAC semi-finals, Women’s Ice Hockey wins game against Dartmouth to advance to NCAA Frozen Four

Happy Pi Day!

Get ready for Spring Break!

Slope Weekend Update March 9, 2011

lisa.poirier — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 00:42:56 +0000

National and International News: Smaller Cell Phones, Sardines, and Unrest in Ivory Coast

jenny.schlesinger — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 22:53:54 +0000

Satellite Takes Second

Thought your cell phones were getting smaller? Well Cornell University engineers just released a new satellite one – one hundredth of the normal size that placed second in the University Nanosatellite Program. This program is run by the Air Force research academy and the winner is able to finalize plans for an actual space launch date. The satellite was aptly named Violet for the built in ultraviolet spectrometer and packs a lot of power with new control moment gyroscopes. These CMGs provide torque for the satellite and makes the smaller satellite more agile. This agility is unmatched, with Violet sporting eight CMGS compared to the normal two or three used my other satellites. Violet can be used in earth imaging programs as well as space exploration projects, making the satellite versatile as well. Although the Cornell satellite didn’t win, the aerospace industry took enough of a liking to it, that there could be a 2012 launch for Violet.

Sardine Plague a Sight to Sea

The expression ‘packed like sardines’ took on an entirely new meaning this week at the King Harbor in Redondo Beach California. Around one million sardine fish were found floating dead in the marina Tuesday March 8th. With about fourteen-hundred boats docked, many of them were unable to move because the sardines were packed as high as eighteen inches in some spots. Researchers concluded that pollutants were not the cause of this event, and according to the Fish and Wildlife Department, the phenomenon is a natural occurrence. In order to escape high winds, sardines took refuge in the marina bank. Crowding and the inability to find their way out lead to a lack of oxygen causing widespread deaths. As Bacteria began to feed, more oxygen was depleted causing an exponential rise in the death rate. All is not lost in this situation as the fish will be recycled into fertilizer to avoid any further public health risks.

Protest and Unrest in Ivory Coast

BBC news reported Tuesday a march protesting the killing of female demonstrators has left four more (Three men and one woman) dead in Abidjan in this week. There has recently been uprising against President Laurent Gbagbo who refuses to step down from the seat after losing in last year’s vote to Alassane Ouattara. The Ivory Coast is economically stimulated by the cocoa industry which would fuel a desire and struggle to stay in power. The cocoa prices and trading have resulted in sanctions and halted exports as well as effects from bank collapses. The four demonstrators were acknowledging International Women’s Day when presidential rogue officers were believed to fire shots. The ivory Coast has bred unrest the past weeks with three hundred thousand residents seeking refuge from the fighting and seventy thousand crossing to find calmer environments in Libya. A ceasefire still upholds between Ouattara rebels and Gbagbo army in the north and south respectively, however after Gbagbo refused to attend an African Union meeting Thursday. It’s hard to tell how long it will last.

written by Kristina Brooks for Slope Weekend Update

Uprising in Libya

kristen.steves — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 21:49:30 +0000

Last week we reported on UN sanctions implemented in response to the uprising in Libya. This week, the clashes continue, showing no signs of shopping. In the past four weeks, opposition forces have taken control of eastern Libya. Gadhafi’s regime has held on to the capital of Tripoli. Death toll estimates range from more than 1000 to as many as 2000. The war has displaced 215000 people, most poor migrant workers stranded at the Tunisian and Egyptian borders.