Author Archives: Ruby Yu

Counting Stars

Posted on by
2

I’ve always been fascinated with the vast unknown beyond the planet Earth.  As a kid, I loved it when my science classes occasionally took a trip to the school planetarium because I would get to look at the stars and planets and I especially enjoyed the Greek mythology behind the constellations.  One particular visit, we learned about the geocentric and heliocentric models of the solar system and how those theories evolved.  Galileo lived during a religiously strict period and he was often shamed for his ideas.  At the Becker café this week, we had a chance to learn more about the science-religion debate between Copernicus, Galileo and the Church from Dr. Gregory Sloan.

The struggle between science and religion has existed for a long time.  Scientific research was often ignored by the Church and each party tried to explain their beliefs to the other.  Dr. Gregory Sloan took on a different perspective and suggested that perhaps religion did not counter science, but rather it acted as a scape goat for the unexplainable aspects of science.  People may have been skeptical to adopt a scientific view of the world if they had lingering questions that could not be answered.  Religion was able to address these questions because everything was attributed to God.

Furthermore, people were afraid of change.  They had believed Copernicus’s theory that the planets revolved around the Earth for their whole lives and were very hesitant to accept Galileo’s suggestion that the planets actually revolve around the sun.  It was a completely different theory that they one they had come to know as fact.

While religion and science are often pitted against each other, it is more the human tendency to resist change that causes these conflicts.  People like familiar things and are uneasy when everything they had ever known is put into question.  Religion and science should be able to co-exist because while science can explain many natural phenomena, religion provides the structure of hope and security that some individuals need.

The Refugee Crisis in Hungary

Posted on by
Reply

This week’s Becker-Rose Café guest speaker was Professor Holly Case, a professor specializing in modern East-Central and Southeastern Europe studies.  She shared with us her knowledge of the current refugee crisis in Hungary.

Professor Case explained that the influx of refugees is creating confusion and hostility among citizens.  This fear makes the effort of working with asylum seekers and migrants more difficult.  Many citizens are not very likely to help the refugees.  There have been fences constructed to prevent refugees from entering the country and violence erupting in multiple places.

Professor Case also touched upon the Hungarian Two-tailed Dog Party, a joke political party created to mock the national government.  Political extremists are exacerbating the crisis further.  There is no clear majority between opposing political parties.

However, there are some good people who are trying to cooperate to help the refugees.  While some soldiers wore face masks and gloves and kept their distance from the refugees, some other citizens interacted more personally with the refugees and directly handed them food and embraced them.

Professor Case’s talk made me wonder if human rights activist groups such as the newly established Amnesty International on Cornell’s campus might be able to take a stand and raise awareness for the refugee crisis.  Perhaps if people were more knowledgable about the current situation, they might be more willing to unite together and work towards change.

Cornell Dining: Towering Above the Rest

Posted on by
Reply

The Becker-Rose Cafe this past Wednesday featured Cornell Dining’s associate director Paul Muscente and Rose Dining’s head chef Daniel Czebiniak.  Cornell University has consistently been recognized for having one of the best college campus dining halls in the country and we were able to get a glimpse into understanding why.

I had noticed Chef Daniel’s biography from time to time in the Rose dining hall, especially during House Dinners, but it was certainly interesting to hear from him firsthand about the internal operations of the kitchen.  I always thought that Rose’s menu was slightly better than the other West Campus dining halls (which may or may not have played a role in my housing decision) and I finally got to hear from the man behind it all.  In addition to his impressive culinary backgrond, Chef Daniel mentioned rationing certain foods to encourage students to eat healthier.  I think it is a good idea to have a kitchen staff member serve meat because personally, I am a carnivore and love my protein a little too much, so having someone distribute it will reduce the chances that I get too much.  I have not been eating as healthily as I should be since I have come to Cornell and I really need to change my eating habits.

Paul Muscente also talked about some past healthy eating initiatives that Cornell Dining has undertaken.  One specific event that I remember from my freshman year was the Five Days: Have You Had Your 5 Today?  The tables and posters set up at RPCC and Appel reminded me to eat my fair share of vegetables and fruits and encouraged me to color my plate.  I am glad that Cornell Dining genuinely cares about Cornellians’ health and puts so much thought into developing more ways to promote healthy eating.  Although it will definitely take some effort on my part as well, I will try to motivate myself to adopt a healthier lifestyle, starting with what I put in my body.

Pieces of History

Posted on by
1

I had previously caught a glimpse of Olin Library’s rare manuscripts last year when my first-year writing seminar class took a trip to see some medieval artifacts that supplemented our curriculum.  I remember being fascinated with Cornell’s vast collection of valuable artifacts that I didn’t even know they had.  During the Kroch Tour, I was able to see a wider variety of artifacts and was amazed that there were so many invaluable pieces of history right here on our campus.

We started the tour looking at some legal documents from around Abraham Lincoln’s period.  There was one portrait in particular that I found interesting that pictured Lincoln surrounded by the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives at the time.

IMG_0213

We then continued into a small classroom where several artifacts were laid across a table in the front.  The speaker went down the line and gave us a brief description of each object.  There were original letters from Ezra Cornell and Mark Twain, an old library book with a chain as an outdated form of security, a first edition copy of Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White, Sitting Bull’s autograph (who dotted his eyes with hearts), and even a lock of Charles Dickens’s hair cut from his head the day he died!  We were told that there is a large vault the size of a football field underneath Olin Library that contained over 80 million other artifacts like the ones we were shown.  I was amazed.  I had no idea Cornell possessed such one-of-a-kind collections and I’m very grateful I had the opportunity to learn more about them.

IMG_0217

IMG_0214

IMG_0220

Fall Festivities

Posted on by
Reply

This weekend, I was overwhelmed with three papers to write that were all due on Monday, but I forced myself to leave my room to go to the self-care workshop.  Initially, I was hesitant because I didn’t want to lose 90 minutes and I really needed to focus on the essays, but after, I realized that what I really needed was a break.

When I walked into Rose Library, I was surprised to find the room filled with pumpkins.  The activity that had been planned for us was pumpkin carving, a fall pastime that I had not engaged in since I was in middle school.  It was nostalgic and surprisingly comforting.  It was nice to let my mind rest for a bit as I talked to some Rose residents that I had never met before.  It was a good opportunity to destress as well as to meet other people.

We were also presented with goodie bags at the end filled with candy, a stress ball, and some resources in case we ever want to reach out for help.  A speaker from Gannett came in to talk to us about the available resources on campus such as EARS, CAPS, and Let’s Talk.  This was especially relevant in light of the recent Mental Health Awareness Week.  Cornell can be an extremely stressful atmosphere sometimes and we have to remember to take care of ourselves.  I’m glad that I was able to remind myself of that by realizing how relieving it felt to not think about academics for even just an hour.  Good luck on prelims everyone and please take care!

Morning Walks

Posted on by
Reply
Cascadilla Gorge

Cascadilla Gorge

On Saturday morning, we went on a scenic hike down Cascadilla Gorge Trail lead by Todd Bittner, an environmentalist with extensive knowledge of the gorge.  I had been there twice previously to relax and take pictures with my friends, but I never knew much about the history or the tremendous effort put in to open it up to the public.

The 7,800 ft long Cascadilla Gorge requires constant maintenance to upkeep its beauty and to keep the trail safe for all its visitors.  This task lies largely in the hands of Cornell Plantations, whose duties entail keeping the trails clear and implementing safety measures to prevent accidents and injuries.

We stopped every few meters or so to listen to Mr. Bittner give us a bit of interesting information regarding how the gorges developed to what they are today.  Like many similar land forms, the gorge was carved by erosion and flowing water.  The subzero Ithaca temperatures also contribute to the formation of the walls of the gorge due to the excessive snow and the fact that water expands when it freezes.  In addition, Mr. Bittner shared that it is extremely rare to find naturally occuring straight lines in nature, but at several spots along the gorge wall, the angles measured to be 89 degrees, almost a perfect right angle.

Although I was initially not ecstatic about waking up early on a Saturday morning, I was glad I did by the end of our hike.  It was a beautiful, sunny morning and it was pleasantly refreshing to admire the aesthetic of the waterfalls and changing autumn leaves.  With the weight of the prelim season upon us, I definitely recommend taking an hour out of your week to pay a visit to Cascadilla Gorge to destress!

The Story Behind the Painting

Posted on by
1

IMG_8981

On Tuesday, Flora Rose dining hall was transformed into a mini art museum, complete with orchestra music and an assortment of wines and cheeses for a classy ambience.  The artist in the spotlight, Nicholas Carbonaro, graciously contributed several pieces of his artwork to be put on display until the end of October.

Carbonaro’s works consisted of a mixture of sculptures, paintings, and even masks.  There was an overall theme with humans as the focal point, but the unique pieces were created from various materials; one piece even incorporated a handmade paint paste with chilli seeds.  The piece that intrigued me the most was a mixed media work with an oil-based painting behind an actual door frame.  I was able to ask Carbonaro about its significance and he informed us that it symbolized the freedom and independence one has in his or her own home.  The figure in the painting donned an eccentric outfit and a confident expression.  Carbonaro explained that the inspiration was drawn partly from himself because in the comfort of his own home, he is able to wear and do whatever he wants without the judgment of others.  The door in the foreground seems as if to say “Welcome to my home, if you don’t like it you don’t have to step inside.”  Carbonaro also shared that the door used in the piece was an actual door from a friend’s house that he refurbished and made into a frame.  The captivating colors and background story made this piece my favorite of the evening.

Seeing this art exhibit made me reminisce about my art days in high school.  Although I mainly concentrated on photography, seeing Carbonaro’s work made me miss the creative outlet I once had.  I have been on a year-long hiatus and the art show inspired me to consider picking my camera back up.