Truckers In Trouble

By Andrea Berry, NCC News

(SYRACUSE) An empty truck stop diner off 690 in Syracuse is just one sign that the trucking industry in Central New York is slowing from high diesel costs. Ma Ma Nancy's was once bustling with truckers stopping by for coffee and a fill-up, but with diesel now at $4.48/gallon (up from $2.94 last year) the Independent Owner Operators (independent truckers) are suffering the most. "Some of them have gone to working for someone else and some of them have gone out. Some of them have retired and I don’t think they would have retired that soon" owner Nancy Bianchi said.

Liquid Gold
The cost of fuel is driving some truckers to drastic measures, like fuel theft. It's becoming a common practice at truck stops and some truckers say things are going from bad to worse. "It’s kind of hard when it’s cold out and you want to run your truck so you can keep warm but you can’t hear people stealing your fuel... and it’s getting bad, you buy fuel and somebody steals it from you and you’re out more money" said Jim Allen, a driver from Ohio making his way to Canada.

Taking It To The Streets
Fuel prices have led some independent truckers to protest in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. But putting together a large scale protest in CNY where fuel tax is highest has been difficult. Kenneth Coon owns AFD Inc., a trucking company in Syracuse. He says small companies like his have already folded and he isn't sure how much longer he will last. "There was talk of [a protest] but we can’t get the bigger companies to join us. I’m all for it...at this point you need the big companies to support you, just the small companies alone can’t have enough impact on Washington to do something about it" said Coon. His proposal for Washington is to open the oil reserves. For Coon, its the only solution that will spell a much needed relief for both independent truckers and company owners like him.

The lack of support could be from fear, according to Lori Fisher, a driver out of Michigan . "We could shut down the entire country if we would stop working for one hour. It wouldn’t effect things in the long term but it would affect things in the short term" Fisher said.

Long Reaching Affects
The struggles felt by the trucking industry will soon make their way to the consumer in the form of higher prices at stores. Virtually everything is brought through on a truck. This is the message Charlie Clayburn wants to get across to lawmakers in Albany. Clayburn recently organized a rally between state officials and independent truckers throughout Central New York. The pleas were desperate, but essentially the same, all calling for change. "My fuel costs have gone from $800-$900 a week to $1600 a week.. I estimate by the end of the year my net income will be around $13,000.. its averaged in the past around $35-40,000 thats a hell of a drop in income" said Paul Blooming, an independent trucker from Gloversville. On average 2,500 trucks are being repossessed because owner operator's can't make their payments, according to Bill Sutton, an independent trucker from Batavia.

Clayburn says he hopes the message becomes clear in Albany and will be strong enough to incite change in Washington. He says the truckers are only the tip of the iceberg and that this issue really affects everyone. "Think about it, the shoes you got on, the floor, the blacktop, the food the water, the lights this building.. everything came in on a truck.. your cereal, your milk, the kitchen table.. find one thing that didn't come in on a truck, just one.. and nobody can."

From Hope to Despair

Three Lost Boys of Sudan are Giving Back

April 25, 2008

By: Tracy Kracker, NCC News

Syracuse, NY - Central New York is now home to about 1,000 refugees from Sudan, about 150 which are known as the “Lost Boys of Sudan.” Their childhoods were riddled with hunger and suffering, but many of the lost boys are dedicated to giving back to the homeland of their past.

Background
In 1987, the Arab-led government of northern Sudan attacked the African villages in southern Sudan, forcing millions from their homes. Thousands of young boys walked hundreds of miles across the desert to seek safety at a refugee camp in Ethiopia.

Four years later, the boys were forced to trek again across Sudan to another refugee camp in Kakuma, Kenya where there was little food and water. Machar Agoot was seven years old when he was forced from his village. “Some people just give up and they say, I don’t want to eat, I don’t want to do anything and they sit there, and next thing, they’re dead,” he said.

The lost boys lived in Kakuma camp for nine years. In 2001, many of them left the dry, barren desert for sprawling U.S. cities like Syracuse. But they could never forget the families they left behind.

Three Dedicated Boys
Agoot said his culture dictates that he helps his family as much as he can. Now, he is a nursing assistant and student at Saint Joseph’s Hospital. He does what he can to send money to his family in Africa. “It’s an obligation to be there for any relative, not just only your mother and your parents,” Agoot said.

That attitude extends beyond the family among many of the lost boys. After his niece died, Dut Deng felt the need to improve health conditions in his hometown of Bor. Deng and a group of fellow parishioners from Andrews Memorial United Methodist Church went to Sudan to find out what was really needed there. “God brought me here to this country, and he didn’t bring me here for nothing. I think I have a duty to fulfill. And one of the duties is to start a clinic in Southern Sudan,” he said.

Another lost boy felt the same need. When John Dau came to Syracuse in 2001, he was determined to help his homeland. He is now president of the John Dau Sudan Foundation, which built a health clinic in Sudan in 2007. But he believes giving back should extend beyond people helping only their own. “I think when you are born as a human being, I think you have a duty," Dau said, "and, the duty is help each other. Help those who cannot help themselves."

Freedom of Sight

April 25,2008

Westbrook Shortell NCC News

The Blind are Once Again Finding Their Lost Independence.

Outside Utica, New York there is a non for profit organization helping people regain their lost sight. Freedom Guide Dogs has been training guide dogs for visually impaired for years. Bill Irwin, a Vietnam Vet, lost his eyesight to Diabetes ten years ago. He said he and his dog share a close bond. "I tell people a guide dog is almost an extension of your arm, because you get so close and they get so in tune to you." Irwin recently received his third guide dog, Toga. Irwin said his last guide dog Rusty gave saved him from a close call. "A couple years ago on the SU hill, Rusty gave me a close call traffic check... I gave Rusty the command to cross the street and he wouldn't move- and then I heard a car come- and I said, ok Rusty, if you weren't here I would have walked right out in front of that car." It situations like these that Irwin says people with sight take for granted.

Hometown Training

Freedom guide dogs offers a unique type of guide dog training. Hometown training brings the dogs to their handlers. Other guide dog schools have visually impaired people come to dorms sometimes hours from their homes. Trainer Anne Mercer said its easier for people to learn in their hometown. "I like the hometown training because the people are more comfortable. They're sleeping in their own beds…they're in familiar territory."

Puppy Power

Before dogs like Toga starts hometown training, their real training begins at birth. Part of the Freedom Guide Dog training process is getting their puppies used to distractions. Director of Development Nicole White said, "you'd be amazed what a difference it makes later on when they're training to become guide dogs." Puppies are raised by a foster family for two years before the guide dog training begins and White says, "there is an80 to 85 percent success rate with guide dogs… if a dog doesn't work out the puppy raiser gets the first choice of adopting the dog."

Man's Best Friend

While people like Irwin may have lost their eyesight… they can gain not only a helpful partner, but also a new found friend. Irwin said "They're just great companions." Toga's role is important, but after the harness comes off, the two are still… just a man and his dog.

Mixed Martial Arts in Central New York

Pro Athletes Teach Sport in Area

By: Josh Pick, NCC News

CORTLAND, NY -Mixed martial arts, or MMA is a combination different disciplines and fighting styles, and it's also that violent sport in a cage on television. But, for two locals, it's their life.

Tamdan "Barncat" McCrory
Tamdan McCrory, nicknamed "Barncat," is the Ultimate Fighting Championship's youngest fighter at 21, and some experts consider him one of the young stars of the UFC. He credits MMA with changing his life: "I re-directed my negative energy into something positive, and I went from being a self-loathing, outcast college student to one of the youngest up-and-comers in the UFC," said McCrory.

Erik "Chainsaw" Charles
Erik Charles, or "Chainsaw," a professional fighter, himself, along with dad, Kevin, helped make "Barncat" what he is, through a year of intense training, including 13 workouts per week: "...I didn't have anyone else to beat on, so it had to be him. Then he started getting good," said Charles.

CNYMMA

Together, "Barncat" and "Chainsaw" run CNYMMA, a training center in Cortland and Binghamton, helping teach people the sport. Students train for various reasons: "It's a confidence builder...and it's a good workout," said Mike McConnell. Jermey Murphy also attends classes, but with higher aspirations: "...(I) really want to compete and get to a top level," said Murphy. McCrory says one reason they run the training center is to share MMA with others: "We've seen the benefits (of) martial arts for ourselves, and (we're) giving back," said McCrory.

NY State Athletic Commission

New York is one of five states outlawing sanctioned MMA fights. In 1997, then-Governor, George Pataki, said the sport was "barbaric." However, those practicing MMA, think change is imminent: "Now they see the dollars...it makes alot more sense," said Charles. McCrory agrees: "I think it's a matter of time before they wisen up, get on the bandwagon and approve it," said McCrory.

Growing Popularity
Charles says one reason MMA is so popular is the uncertainty of the fights: "Even though there's favorites, the worst guy can beat the best...there's no sport like that." And, with the growing popularity of the sport, it may be just a matter of time before New York caves in to the demand for MMA in their state.

Independent Truckers Struggle With High Diesel Prices

Increasing Gas Prices Leave Independent Truckers Fighting to Break Even

April 25, 2008


By: Ginger Whitaker, NCC News

A year ago, the average diesel cost in New York State was $2.86 . Now, the average price is $4.15. The high cost of diesel has forced thousands of owner-operator truckers out of business. Many truckers can't break even working seven days a week.

Gas Theives

"It roughly costs you $1,300 to fill it...every two days," said Kenneth Coon of A.F.D. Trucking, Inc. The high prices have forced some truckers to resort to a drastic measure - stealing gas by syphoning it out of tanks. Driver Jim Allen thinks he's been a victim of this kind of theft. "I think I have been one time but I'm not sure because I filled up at night and I was like…a tank less than I should have been," said Allen. Even after a long day of driving, Allen said he sleeps lightly in order to hear potential gas theives. "It's kind of hard when it's cold out and you want to run your truck so you can keep warm but you can't hear people stealing your fuel … You buy fuel and somebody steals it from you and you're out more money," said Allen.


Protests Across the Nation
In March, independent truckers held a protest in Pennsylvania and others scattered across the country have followed suit. Many truckers gathered last week for a rally in Fultonville, NY to discuss how to combat rising fuel prices. Assemblyman George Amedore, 105th District, attended the rally to voice his concerns. "You gotta realize these are not truckers, these are entrepreneurs. They are small businessmen who have made a very large investment in a rig, in a truck that brings the products we need every day," said Amedore.



There's been plenty of talk about bigger protests to make their voices heard. Many drivers said everyone needs to come together for a strike to be effective. "I wish that all the truckers, all the companies would get behind them and see something happening at that point...We could shut down the entire country if we would stop working for one hour," said driver Lori Fisher. But surviving truckers who can afford to fill up and who are still on the open road are not commiting to a one hour shutdown. Many just hope things get better...before they completely run out of money.

SouthSide Ministries

Justin Udo

Syracuse, Ny- Pastor Darrin Jaime is the pastor of the People A.M.E Zion church.

He has been here in Syracuse for a little more than a year. In that year and a half he has made a lot of change in the Syracuse community on the South Side.

If you look out at these empty lots and broken down buildings on South Salina street they may not look like much. A few months ago these empty lots and houses were full of broken beer bottles, used condoms and ramped drug use.

Pastor Jaime says "we are just trying to clear everything out so we can make room for something better."

Pastor Jaime is not just trying to fix buildings and lots on the South Side. He says he is trying to fix lives.

CLOTHING DRIVE

Barbara Honold holds back the tears as she says how much help the clothing drive that pastor Jaime is holding is a help to her.

"this is amazing to me, this is just amazing that these young people would just get together and work so hard for the grace of God"

BASKETBALL MINISTRY

Basketball is something that many young men love to play. Pastor Jaime spends his Saturday afternoons hosting open gyms in the church basement. He spends this time teaching the young men more than basketball. he teaches them life lessons. Marquie Little found himself constantly getting in trouble but since he started coming to the church and working with pastor Jaime he says he has direction in his life.

"This is good. the program helps me stay out of trouble and off the streets."

Pastor Jaime is not the cure-all for a community that is down on it's luck, but he says he is trying to do his part in helping the South Side of Syracuse regain its stability.

More Than Just Brawling

Central New Yorkers Learn Mixed Martial Arts from Professionals

By: Doug Plagens - NCC News

Not often does a recreational athlete have the opportunity to learn a sport from a professional every week. But at CNY MMA in Cortland and Binghamton, students are taught by up-and-comers near the top of their sport. As Tamdan McCrory says, he has seen the benefits of training Mixed Martial Arts, or MMA. The goal is to "give back."

TRAINERS

An Ultimate Fighting Championship contract does not stop Tamdan "Barn Cat" McCrory from giving back. At 21, the SUNY-CORTLAND senior has a record of 10-1, and is viewed by many as a top prospect in the sport. He credits MMA for his development as a person.

"I redirected my negative energy into something positive, and I went from being a self-loathing outcast college student to becoming one of the youngest up-and-comers in the UFC," McCrory said.

His partner in running CNY MMA, Erik "Chainsaw" Charles, is also a professional fighter. He trains regularly with McCrory, and enjoys the sport's "challenge of having to be good at a lot of things. You can't just be a good boxer, can't just be good at jiu-jitsu. You have to be good at a whole spectrum of things."

MMA

Mixed Martial Arts is a combination of fighting styles; it's also the violent cagefighting seen on television. While it's a violent sport, Charles says "so is football." But football games are allowed in New York.

THE BAN

MMA events are banned by the New York State Athletic Commission. In 1997, Governor Pataki called the sport barbaric, and to this day, no MMA events can be held in the empire state. But some feel that could change.

"Now that they see the dollars are there, it would make sense for them to [approve] it," Charles said.

MMA: GOOD FOR YOU

CNY MMA's trainers say MMA is good for everyone, and the students agree. One student, Mike O'Connell, called training "a great workout" saying MMA never "goes stale," because fights are always different. Jermey Murphy says getting to fight is the reward- the fun- that comes from all the training.

And McCrory and Charles are qualified instructors. Think about if two of the top young NFL stars stayed in their hometowns and taught football to anyone who willing to learn.

Aspiring fighters in Central New York may have better opportunities than any athlete, anywhere.

Tiny Village Undergoes Controversial Makeover
Residents Hope to Put Division Behind
Melissa J. Hipolit NCC News Syracuse Reporting
April 23, 2008


(Aurora, NY) It’s spring in Aurora, New York and things are downright pleasant. But, it wasn’t always this way. Seven years ago the village looked a lot different. “Aurora really was in a downhill slide, in a state of disrepair, and things were starting to look pretty shabby,” said Mayor Tom Gunderson.


Pleasant Rowland
That was until 2001 when Pleasant Rowland arrived. Rowland is a 1962 graduate of Wells College, who went on to create the American Girl dolls. The millionaire philanthropist gave the historic village a controversial $40-million makeover. “My reaction was thank goodness, right from the beginning,” said village resident George Peter. Rowland fixed up old buildings along Main Street, like the Leffingwell House, vacant for over 60 years. She planted Chinese Elms, buried power lines and restored the historic Aurora Inn.

Positive Impact on Village
The Mayor said this brought wealth to the village. “These properties are now worth more money, and therefore pay a bigger tax bill...so that’s been a help,” said Mayor Gunderson. He also said Rowland’s work inspired other people to restore properties in the village.

Division
Not everybody liked the changes Rowland made along Main Street. “The whole thing really divided Aurora,” said village resident John Miller. Miller grew up in Aurora, moved away and came back to raise his children. “There was not a sincere attempt by the people that were here on the ground to integrate themselves with all the people,” said Miller. Village Trustee LiLi MacCormick opposed some of Rowland’s changes. The bumper stickers still on her pickup reflect her resentment. “If she had only talked with people—it wouldn’t have been so difficult,” said MacCormick.


Fargo
The former owner of the local watering hole, the Fargo, found Rowland’s work particularly hard to swallow. Rowland bought the bar from Jim Orman and gentrified it. “I was left without a business I had not anticipated selling…and that left a bad taste, I think, in a lot of people’s minds,” said Orman. He would like to see the local businesses that Rowland bought and handed over to the college, go back into the hands of locals. “The fabric of a community is local, private business owners. You have those different personalities and that’s what makes up a community,” said Orman.

Aurora Today
Rowland is now long gone, having moved on to other projects. The house she bought for herself in Aurora is on the market. But, the changes she brought to Aurora, both cosmetic and personal, remain. “You feel more proud of the community today when you drive through, cuz things look like they should…but, its come at a price, like everything does,” said Mayor Gunderson. “There seems to be some divide…I don’t see people as much as I used to,” said Orman. “I just hope we can talk in positive ways that will improve things, instead of just digging away at the same old sores,” said MacCormick.
The Mayor said people are trying to move on with life. After all, there are bigger fish to fry, like the failing economy. And so, as the sun sets on Aurora, rest assured, another pleasant day is ahead.

Aurora, NY: A community divided, ready to move on

April 23, 2008
By: Ashley Kalena, NCC News

Aurora was a pleasant village. Then in 2001, Pleasant Rowland who is the owner of the American Girl Doll collection came in and turned the small village on Cayuga Lake upside down. It’s a tight-knit community where the students at Wells College outnumber the less than 400 people living in the village. But after Pleasant Rowland came to town, things changed. These changes weren’t so subtle for some people. The Aurora Coalition was formed by a group of people who weren’t happy with the way the village transformation was happening. Lili MacCormick had lived in the village for 50 years and is opposed Rowland's changes. "I felt that if she had only talked with people, it wouldn’t have been so difficult," MacCormick said.

The Restoration

Rowland is a Wells graduate and a wealthy businesswoman. So, she got together with the college and invested 40 million dollars in the village. She buried powerlines, replaced trees and restored buildings throughout Main Street. Tom Gunderson is the mayor of Aurora and is generally pleased with what Rowland has done for the village. “Aurora really was in a downhill slide – in a state of disrepair and things were starting to look pretty shabby," Gunderson said. The Aurora Inn is a historic building and when Rowland made changes to it, some villagers weren’t happy, but the mayor says…it needed to be done.


The Fargo

John Miller grew up in Aurora and moved back in 1992. Miller said once Rowland made renovations to the local bar, the Fargo - that sent the village over the edge, but unlike some of the other villagers – he won’t stop going there. “My feeling about me coming to the Fargo is, it’s my bar, I don’t care who owns it," Miller said.

Jim Orman is the former owner of the Fargo. “I think the Fargo would have kept going as a major social point, or social gathering place but I think the way everything was handled, some people didn’t care for that," Orman said.

The Future

Seven years later now, tensions are dying down and the community is looking to the future. George Peter is seen as the patriarch of the village and he is just read to see everyone move on. “I hope that we can resolve our differences and come together as a community and act as an example for the larger community," Peter said. MacCormick agrees, "I just hope was can talk in positive ways that will improve things instead of just digging away at the same old sores.”


Gunderson is optomistic about Aurora's future, he said, "I think it’s got a bright future, if we can just keep everybody pulling in the same direction."

Guide Dogs in Central New York

Seeing Through Another's Eye

By Anala Tuenge, NCC News

April 25, 2008

Mexico, New York-- Bill Irwin lost his sight to diabetes ten years ago, and ever since, he has relied on his guide dog, Toga, to see for him. The retired Vietnam Veteran said at first he was hesitant about getting a guide dog because he'd never been a dog person, but that all changed the first time he worked with one.

"I gave the command to cross the street, and the dog took one step and stopped," Irwin said. "There was a car coming and I didn't see it coming.

Irwin has used a guide dog ever since, and among the benefits he values most from a dog like Toga is his independence.

He just kind of weaves you out and around everything. You never have to worry about running into something," Irwin said.

Guide Dog Training

Freedom Guide Dogs in Cassville, New York, breeds mostly Labrador Retrievers. As puppies, the dogs are sent to live with families who will raise them. When they are two years old, they return for special training to help the visually impaired.

Anne Mercer has been training guide dogs for ten years. She said simulating real life situations, like walking the dogs blindfolded in downtown areas with heavy traffic, prepares the dogs for the large responsibilities they will shoulder.

"A guide dog has to problem solve. A guide dog has to make decisions that could concern life or death," Mercer said.

And Mercer doesn't just train the dogs. She also trains the people who receive them. She said they have to know where they're going and how to get here.

"You as a person have to be able to read traffic. The dog can't read traffic. The dog can't decide," Mercer said. "You're dealing with the team, and you're dealing with what both personalities bring to that team."

Trainers are careful to pair the dogs with people who have similar personalities. Mellow dogs go to older people or those with disabilities, while more energetic dogs go to people who are active.

"We interview the person and find out where they live and what they're going to use the dog for," Mercer said.

A Shortage

An even bigger challenge that finding a compatible match is finding a match at all. At Freedom Guide Dogs, the waiting list includes more than twenty people, and the wait is more than a year. With just two trainers and a limited budget, the non-profit organization can only produce so many puppies.

"It's tough, because we want to. We desperately want to. We want to help as many people as we possibly can," said Nicole White, the Director of Development at Freedom Guide Dogs.

Great Companions

Those, like Bill Irwin, who do receive help, said the dogs enhance their lives, not just by being a pair of eyes, but also by being a friend.

"Guide dogs are great. They're great company, and the independence is just fabulous," Irwin said.

And even when the harness comes off, the bond is still there.

Beer Trail Brewing Viable Business for New York State

Monday, April 21, 2008
By: Chelsea Pizzi

New York State beer brewing dates back to the mid-1600s, but now the brewing industry has a thirst to expand its horizons. The Empire State Brewery Trail is a collection of more than 50 craft beer micro-breweries that are opening their doors to the public in a marketing campaign to promote New York State Beer to the public.

"It's gonna bring a lot more people up here," said Patrick McQuillen, a Moutoursville, PA resident.

-What's new?-

"The goal is to raise the awareness of pride of New York and really focus more on being loyal to New York State produced products," said David Katleski, President of the New York State Brewer's Association and co-owner of Empire State Brewery.

Craft beer is beer brewed for quality, not so much mass consumption. Micro breweries like Empire State Brewery, Syracuse Suds Factory and Middle Ages Brewery have cut into the monopoly once enjoyed by the bigger breweries like Miller and Budweiser…and account for 7-percent of all beers sold in America, but the Brewers Association has its sights set on 10-percent market share by 2010.

-Location-

The beer trail is separated into the four regions of the state - North, South, Central, and West.

"We love the Empire State Brewery Trail-it's challenging for them because they're not fortunate enough to be located in one central place," said Paul Thomas, the Executive Director of the Seneca Lake Wine Trail.

Thomas says marketing and advertising are going to be the Brewer's Associations most important step in creating a successful beer trail.

Katleski says three advertising methods are in the works:
(1.) website - http://www.thinknydrink.ny.com/
(2.) 38-page pamphlet
(3.) signs

-Wine Trails-

The beer trail is dovetailing the success of the Finger Lakes Wine Trails. "We welcome anything that brings more traffic to this region," said Brad Phillips, the Marketing Director for Hazlitt Winery which makes the region's most popular wine -- Red Cat.

"Wine is my favorite!" said Amy Casemen, a Montoursville resident.

"I'm probably more of a beer drinker, but I like both," said Mike Caseman, also from Montoursville.

-What's Next?-

"There's an economic stimulus potential with growing those raw materials that are needed in the brewing process in New York State," said Katleski.

Katleski says he is planning his next project along with state legislators to create a hops processing plant which will utilize New York State products and make the state more agriculturally self-sufficient.

Are Energy Drinks Really Worth the Buzz?

That extra boost might be giving you more than you bargained for.

By: Tracy Kracker, NCC News















Energy drinks are a fast-growing, five billion dollar industry, and a popular fist choice source of caffeine for anyone needing a boost or a buzz. Matija Popovich is one of them. When Popovich needs help staying awake delivering sandwiches until three o’clock in the morning, he reaches for an energy drink, instead of coffee.

“It’s not like an addiction, oh I need one. It just makes the job you do easier, whatever you do, focus or physical,” Popovich said.

The industry is focusing on young adults like Popovich. Research says people 18 to 24 are nearly twice as likely to use energy drinks. But they might come with more than consumers bargain for. One eight ounce serving of an energy drink can have up to as much caffeine as four cans of coke. But, cardiologist Dr. Michael Gabris said excessive caffeine can be dangerous.

“It won’t lead to heart attacks, but caffeine can cause a racing heart beat. It can lead to dizziness, light-headedness, and in high doses, it can cause you to faint,” Gabris said.

Heavy use can lead to even more caffeine consumption. Nutritionist Michelle Gallant said caffeine can be addictive.

“When you get into those higher doses, you’re not getting the stimulant effect of it anymore. You’re kind of avoiding the withdrawal from the caffeine,” Gallant said.

Despite these risks, young adults are still turning to energy drinks for that extra boost. And, they found a new use for drinks them as mixers with alcohol. But, the blend of a stimulant with a depressant comes with its own dangers. Energy drinks can mask some of the clues telling a person they are drunk, which can lead to more drinking. Dr. Kate Carey is a psychologist who studies alcohol use among college students.

“What people say is when they use it at the same time, they’re feeling alert. They keep drinking,” she said, “and, when the energy drink wears off, the alcohol hits them hard.”

Alex Bercheck is a graduate student at Syracuse University. He said his favorite drink is Red Bull and vodka, which he calls the devil’s drink.

“Alcohol gives you ideas to do all these stupid, crazy things you usually don’t have the energy to do because you’re like, ‘oh, I’m drunk.’ But,” he said, “with Red Bull vodka, you get the energy and stupid ideas.”

Wiihab

Wiihab Helps Therapy Woes in Central New York
Westbrook Shortell, N-C-C News.

Wii Would Like to Play

For the past two years Nintendo’s new gaming system has really revolutionized the gaming industry. The Wii has a unique remote. It’s wireless, enabling the player to experience a different kind of gaming. In games like Wii sports, it allows the player to actually mimic real life movements.


Wii is Making P.T. Less Like Physical Torture and More Like… Playing Video Games

It’s the free motion and mimicking that therapy is taking advantage of. At the Nottingham Senior Retirement Community, the Wii is helping its residents regain their independence. Rita Fahey, a Nottingham resident used to love to play golf. She said “… I used to play at least two or three eighteen holes a week.” When the first video game came out Rita was 57. But she said she is using the Nintendo Wii to get back out onto the links. “I think it’s given me a lot of metal therapy as well as physical therapy because it reminds me that I loved to play golf and be outside exercising and walk and when you walk on a long golf course you're getting a lot of exercise”

Kelly Van Auken-Mason, an Occupational therapist at the Nottingham, said important core excercizes can be accomplished on the wii and patients can have a good time doing it. “ The trend right now in therapy is the core, the trunk, the stability and that really is vitally important for this population. A lot of the core excersizes we do are kind of boring… You can actually do that on the Wii with the golf shot because you’re getting a lof of lateral movement and they’re actually having to balance their body more”

WiiHab Helping turn Strokes Into Strikes

At the SUNY Upstate Medical Center, the Wii is helping stroke patients get better. Bob Maybee Jr. was an avid fisherman. He took ESPN crews out on Onondaga lake and Oneida lake to shoot video for Bass Master tournaments. A few months ago, a stroke immobilized the left side of his body, chanign his life forever. A few days before playing the Wii, he couldn’t even stand. Now, with help, Maybee is able to play almost half a full game of Wii bowling. Donna Simms, a certified recreational therapist, said the Wii is helping stroke patients reestablish pathways in our brain damaged by strokes. “Every time [patients] do [Wii] movements they are challenging their brain to do something to create a new path to go in a place that they haven’t been able to go and asking their brain to Find another route. “ Simms said the button sequences and then the actual movement of the remote are what reestablishes the pathways.

Are Medical Students Losing Their Marbles?



While patients are learning how to regain their independace, A preliminary study at the Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center is finding video games are actually improving med students performance in practice surgeries. Dr. Marshall Simth and Kavil Kahol had a group of students play the game Marble Mania for one hour before performing a practice laporoscopic gall bladder surgery. The students who did play the game scored almost fifty percent higher on the surgery than those who didn’t. Dr. Smith said, “There is a 92 percent correlation between the game and a surgeon… the test didn’t really measure cognitive skills decisions, it measured psycho motor skills and that was very good.”

Wii want results

The medical world is now unlocking secret levels with te healing powers of the Wii. Patients like Bob Maybee and Rita Fahey are using the Wii for their own benefit. What parents once thought of as a nuisance is now changing people's lives.

Downtown Living is a Growing Trend Among Syracuse Residents

By: Chelsea Pizzi, NCC News, Syracuse

For years, businesses and homeowners have been turning out the lights and leaving downtown Syracuse, but now, the trend is reversing with big changes in neighborhoods around Armory and Clinton Square, and in Little Italy.

They Buy a Lifestyle

"When people by downtown they pay more per square foot than if you buy in the suburbs, but you buy a lifestyle," said Ann Clifford, owner of Enlighten Realty in Armory Square.

An urban revival is currently underway downtown with new building projects, and new pioneers are discovering downtown life can be both a curse and a blessing.

"There is more activity down here," said Clifford.

Typical Downtown Resident

The typical downtown resident is either a young professional or an empty-nester.

Rick Albright said his condo in the Loews Building is where he lives during the work week because his hour-long drive from his home in Canandigua got to be tiring.

Buyers are paying up to $2,000 monthly mortgages for one and two bedroom condos, and taxes are a little over $3,000 a year.

Albright said he also purchased a second condo downtown in the new Jefferson Clinton Commons. Ground was just broken on this new development two weeks ago. It will be located across the street from the MOST near Armory Square.

Buyers are paying up to $500,000 for two bedroom condos in the JCC.

Jay Dietershagen is a bartender and part-owner of Al's Wine & Whiskey--convenience was the selling point for him. He can see his newly purchased $220,000 condo in Center Armory from his position behind the bar.

"A lot of people, they're like, 'oh, you're gonna live at work,' and the reality is, I live at work now, so the fact that I can run home and make a sandwich, or take a shower, or do whatever I have to do--the convenience is so key for someone like me," said Dietershagen.

Paying More for Quality

"Quality is selling best," said Clifford.

High ceilings, exposed brick, granite counter tops, and hardwood floors are common expectations from a downtown buyer.

David Tiberio is the owner of cheapbooks.com, and rents an apartment on East Water Street for $1,700 a month.

"If you go into a suburban home and rented some place there--they usually don't remodel it for someone like me--who wants to pay more for a quality place," said Tiberio.

"It's good for the area--clean up the whole area and every body's happy," said Cosimo Zavaglia, a downtown developer.

Zavaglia is a trail-blazing developer, he has developed several buildings in the past and more recently renovated 466 Salina Street--an old bowling alley turned luxury apartment building.

Downfalls

While the perks to living downtown are closeness to restaurants, bars and shopping, some every day necessities are limited--like parking and grocery stores.

"You have to go out in the suburbs pretty much to do your grocery shopping--there's a store down here that's small and not open a lot of hours," said Albright.

That store is C.L. Evers Grocery in the Amos Building--the only downtown grocery store.

"The experience is worth the little extra inconvenience," said Clifford.

"I couldn't ask for anything more than to be where I am right now," said Dietershagen.

Residents say the limited services do not outweigh their excitement and comfort over their downtown lifestyles, and they say they are optimistic for further downtown growth as the Downtown Committee has more than twenty development projects in the works.

Boxing in Syracuse

By Ginger Whitaker, NCC News.

Syracuse Tradition

In Syracuse, the name "Rinaldi" is synonymous with boxing and has been for decades. Three generations of the Rinaldi's work in family-owned boxing gyms. Over the years, getting young kids into the boxing gym has become a priority.
Damian Rinaldi, the North Side gym's head coach, has trained lots of its kids. According to Damian, keeping kids committed to training is often a challenge. "A lot of kids come and go. Not a lot of kids stay because it is tough...but the ones that do stay excel and they do very well," he said.

Making Bonds

Despite the challenging nature of training for boxing, many teenagers find it to be life-changing. Ken Layton, a junior at Liverpool High School, has been boxing for six months. "It requires a lot of discipline on everyone's part, even people coaching you," said Layton. According to him, the bonds made in the gym are strong. Damian agrees and said win or lose, they're a team. "To work for months and training and training and to lose is a horrible feeling and it's tough on everybody as a team. We train as a team, we go to fights as a team," he said. There are many kids on this team. There's barely room enough at Rinaldi's other gym on the West Side for kids to move around the ring.

Academic Training

Training at the Rinaldi gyms is not limited to the physical, but also includes the academic. Currently, three classrooms are being built at the West Side Gym so kids can get in more study time before and after boxing classes. Trainer Frank Alagna said he'll sometimes check report cards to ensure kids stay on track. He understands. As a young teen Alagna was sent away to reform school but later on, it was Rinaldi's boxing gym that saved him, he said.

"Ray's Kids"

Alagna calls himself one of "Ray's kids" and says Ray encouraged him to go to college - something he's also encouraging his young boxers to do. "I know where they're coming from...when they look at me, they see a reflection of themselves. Where I go, they can go. Where I am, they can be," said Alagna.

Having young kids learning to box is something that brings a smile to Ray Rinaldi's face. "We don't make boxers out of these kids, we make good, normal citizens," he said. Ray said the more kids come in, the more they improve. He also said their success does nothing but make him proud.

Cornell Big Red Clinch Title

Third title of all time, 1st in 20 years
By: Josh Pick, NCC News

ITHACA, NY - Cornell is the Ivy League champ for the first time in twenty years. The Big Red stopped the domination by Penn and Princeton by running through the conference slate undefeated, finishing the season with only their second twenty win season of all time (22-6).

IVY LEAGUE CHAMPS

Cornell clinched the title at Newman Arena with a win against Harvard. When the final buzzer sounded, the "Red Sea" of almost 4,500--Cornell's only sellout this season--stormed the floor to celebrate. The atmosphere was electric as the team, followed by Coach Donahue (with his 4 year old son in his arms) cut the nets.

TEAM TALKS ABOUT WINNING

The players talked afterward about winning the championship. "We made it, so I'm happy," said Louis Dale, the Ivy League Player of the year. Ryan Whitman, the son of Minnesota Timberwolves head coach, Randy Whitman, joined Dale on the league's first team. Jason Hartford is a senior. His reaction was one of total glee: "It's a dream come true. Growing up, you watch it, and you want to get there, and we're there now," said Hartford. Coach Donahue thought the night couldn't have ended any better way: "Cutting down the net with my son in my arms, in front of 4,000 fans...it can't get any better," said Donahue.

OLDER FANS BASK IN CHAMPIONSHIP

Some life-long fans were able to take in the game, as well. Sandy Kuntz has been coming to games for over fifty years. She said this team has brought about a different level of excitement to the community: "Everyday goes by...we hear people talking Cornell basketball, and we haven't heard that in a really long time, so it's really special to us," said Kuntz. John Perko has volunteered for Cornell Athletics for sixty-one years. He said this win means more than just a basketball game: "Winning the championship is euphoric...very proud to the community, proud to the university, and proud for the alumni," said Perko.

NOT SO FAST, CINDERELLA

For fans in Ithica, getting out of the cold and following their team to Anaheim was special. But when they got there, they found out the slipper doesn't always fit for Cinderella--Stanford got ahead early and cruised to a 77-53 victory.

FUTURE LOOKS BRIGHT

However, the future looks bright for Cornell. They only lose one player, Jason Hartford, while returning two all-league players. Expect the Big Red to do big things next year.

Alternative stress therapies gaining popularity in CNY

By: Ashley Kalena, NCC News

The American Psychological Association says one-third of Americans are living with extreme stress, a number that is up by 48% in the past five years. The demands of work are changing. Northwestern National Life reports one-fourth of employees view their jobs as the number one stress factor in their lives.

Imbalanced Body

In the past some people turned to prescription drugs to control their stress but our culture of over medication has driven more and more people to alternative and more natural therapies that soothe the nerves and relax the mind without side effects. Virginia Waldron, a hypnotist at Gatekeeper Alternative Therapries in Fayetteville says too much stress makes the body imbalanced. "“Our current lifestyles are very much constantly on guard, constantly ready for the next fight or flight or whatever and that sends all sorts of chemical responses to the body."

Alternative Stress Therapies

66% of Americans say they’re likely to seek help for their stress. So its no wonder the stress reduction industry is booming. Tai Chi, meditation, Pilates and hypnosis are just some of the ways people are relaxing these days in a growing trend.

Karen Loeffler, Manlius, has been teaching Pilates for eight years. Loeffler said that with everyone being on the go these days, you need an exercise that can be done anywhere and Pilates fits that requirement. "You go on vacation, you go away for work, you can do it wherever you go because all you need is your body.”

Donna Klein, Skaneatles, has been practicing transcendental meditation for 37 years. Klein said the key to relaxing is establishing a way to calm your body down. “When your body is doing TM, your body is resting so deeply, that it’s throwing off stress.”

Do it yourself

Tai Chi and Pilates are something that can be done on your own once you’ve taken some classes and the same goes for meditation. The breathing exercises in hypnosis can always be practiced without being hypnotized.

Wrestling has a hold on CNY

Area training facility grooms wrestles, keeps them safe

By: Doug Plagens-NCC News

LIVERPOOL- Today's world of professional wrestling involves the same cartoonish bodies and off-screen controversey it did decades ago. However, today's performers are challenged by higher-risk maneuvers, which are often accompanied by objects like tables, ladders, and folding chairs. Because of this, wrestlers are laying their bodies on the line more than ever, and predetermined outcomes are not nearly enough to ease the pain.



"Wrestling is the most demanding sport I've ever been in," said "Main Event" Jason Axe, a wrestler for the Central New York-based Squared Circle Wrestling, or 2CW as it's affectionately known.

Another 2CW star, "Redneck Gordy Wallace" agreed with Axe, saying that "I don't know what people think, but you fall on concrete, it's concrete. You fall on boards, it's boards," Wallace said.

But where do these performers learn their crafts? Central New York has one training center, which is affiliated with 2CW and located in Liverpool. The head trainer is Derek Martel, a college professor and aeronautical enginner by day, and a wrestler named Zaquary Springate III by night. The training center has been in place for nearly a decade, and despite all the physical risks in wrestling today, Martel says his school has avoided any serious injuries.

"It's technique and it's being safe and we've never really had anyone seriously injured up here because I run a safe school. I teach them how to protect themselves; protect their opponent, and it's really all in technique," Martel said.

But other everyday people participate in the wrestling business as well. Wallace is a retail manager, and Axe is a college student. 2CW star Isys Ephex is a disc jockey. But while normal people can be professional wrestlers, the wrestlers themselves note that it takes a special kind of person to enter the squared circle.

"People might do it because, hey, there's a big paycheck in it. There's not," Wallace said.

Wrestler J.D. Love was a bit more blunt.

"You've got to be pretty messed up [to be a wrestler]," he claimed.

Because wrestlers are no strangers to injury risk. Martel, as if he were shrugging off the injury risk, says it's usually just "bumps, bruises, cuts, slices, gashes...", but Wallace has another story.

"One of my partners in the ring; something happened where he accidently slipped on my leg and snapped the bone right in half," Wallace said.

Ephex once pinched his sciatic nerve in a match, and lost movement in his left leg. However, he was forced to wrestle again the next day.

And the injury risk runs longer than a single match, or a weekend of matches. The pain caused by wrestling can last a lifetime.

"All the nagging injuries start piling up and it just hurts all the time. Your back hurts all the time and your leg hurts a lot," said J.D. Love.

Because, as Isys Ephex notes, "A wrestler goes into a match knowing he's going to get hurt, and it's going to suck the next day, but he's okay with it."

It's all about a dedication to the business and the art. J.D. Love says there is nothing better than wrestling. "It's a rush," Love said. "It's the best play you can have...getting the crowd in your hands."

But because such an injury risk exists, perfection is important in the ring.

"You pretty much have to be perfect to a 'T', because one slip up, and you could really hurt someone," said wrestler Joel Gertner.

But to this day, many people seem to not understand that falling through a table or bleeding from the face cannot be "faked". Wrestlers prefer matches being called "choreographed", not "faked", anyway.

"I'll throw you off the top rope, and you'll land in the ring, and you tell me if it's fake," said Love.

But wrestlers continue to endure the pain, and train to perfect their art. As Isys Ephex said, "The most beautiful things in wrestling hurt, but it's all pain you're taught to deal with."

THE lOCAL MUSIC SCENE

Justin Udo

Syracuse, NY

March 28, 2008

Here in Syracuse aspiring artists are trying to make it big while balancing their work and their music. There are new acts popping up all the time. These artists are at a constant struggle to build a fan base, distribute their music and find good venues to play at.

Local Talent

Jamel Hammonds works a 9-5 job each day. He is also a rapper. When he finishes his job he goes to the studio to record a track or he is getting ready for a show. He says "you gotta pay the bills but this music has been with me since I was a little kid, I just try to make it work as best I can"

Jamel works at the Sound Garden. This is an independent music store. After putting an album together Jamel and any other aspiring act can set up a distribution agreement with Sound Garden.

Mike Watson a manager at Sound Garden says "if there is an artist with just original music brings it in drops it off, we sell it for them. If it sells that's awesome we call you to get it back in.

Watson says there is no shortage of local talent, but sometimes local artists struggle to find a good venue in the area.

Local Venues

Funk and Waffles is one of a few that opens up its stage for various local acts. We caught up with Jamel as he was getting ready to do a show there. He said he was a little exhausted from a long day of work but the getting on stage and doing a show is just what he needs to relax a hard days work.

The lights dim. Jamel and his group Poseidon take the stage to give a show. They rock the house for about fifteen minutes. When he leaves the stage Jamel smiles and says time to go to the studio.

In the studio Jamel and his group put and impromptu rap instrumental together. They gathered in a small circle and started a cipher (a small group where MC's say spontaneous rap lyrics). When the guys finish rapping, I asked them what is making it to them. They unanimously said having a voice in that is heard and inspiring new music in the community.

Stress Relief Getting Unique

Central New Yorkers now turning to new trends in relaxation.

By Karin M. Davenport, NCC News

With an economic recession on the horizon and people scrambling to make more morey, job stress is on the rise. The American Psychological Association says job stress is up forty-eight percent over the past five years. Depression, one side effect of stress, is considered the disease of the twenty-first century, responsible for more sick days than any other factor. Now, all this stress is causing people to turn to new trends to help themselves relax.

Stressful job? Stressful worker.

Seventy-five percent of Americans say money and work are the leading causes of their stress—up almost twenty percent from 2006. Virginia Waldron, a hypnotist at Gatekeeper Alternative Therapies in Fayetteville, says the current on-the-go lifestyles of many Central New Yorkers helps contribute to peoples’ stress.

“Our current lifestyles are very much constantly on-guard. Constantly ready for the next fight or flight or whatever. And that sends all kinds of chemical responses to the body,” she says.

Stress can lead to many chemical responses—headache, fatigue, upset stomach, and tension are just a few. But in the long run, constant stress can lead to serious health problems, such as heart attack, stroke, and depression.

Self-Contained Exercises Growing in Popularity

People who work long hours such as firefighters, doctors, and teachers have little time to go to the gym—what used to be considered the traditional stress reliever. As a result, trends like hypnosis, meditation, pilates, and tai chi are catching on in Syracuse. All four methods require some initial instruction; then participants can practice them on their own time. Another benefits of these new trends is that they do not require heavy exercise equipment, so they can be done anywhere, in very little time.

“[People] don’t want to go to gyms, they don’t want to lift weights, they don’t want to run. So I think tai chi is growing in popularity [for that reason],” says Marty Morganstein, a Tai Chi Instructor at the Taoist Society of Central New York.

Karen Loeffler, a Pilates instructor in Fayetteville, says her lessons are becoming popular because they do not tire people out like strenuous exercise; yet they still provide stress relief.

“[Pilates] doesn’t tax your body like some of the other exercises do. It’s very challenging and you can do it in an efficient amount of time,” Loeffler says.

Cost Pays Off in Health Benefits

Some of these new techniques can be pricey—a set of meditation classes can run up to five thousand dollars. But after just a few classes, instructors say students of all four new methods should notice an improvement in health, balance, and attitude.

The Wii Makes It's Way Into Some Unlikely Places

By Andrea Berry, NCC News


(SYRACUSE) If you don't know the Nintendo Wii from experience then you might remember some of their wacky commercials featuring the two Japanese gentlemen who graced the doorsteps of small town America, remote controls in hand. If you've played the Wii then you know just how fun and intriguing they are. Even though video games are usually associated with young kids and teens, this highly coveted gaming system is bucking the trend and finding itself in the hands and hearts of a much different fanbase.

Alternative Medicine

91 year old Rita Fahey of Syracuse plays two 9-hole games of golf every week at The Nottingham Senior Retirement Community in Syracuse. Before making The Nottingham her home, golf was a major part of Rita's life. "I would play anywhere between two or three 18-hole games a week... I was an above average player" she said, and it shows. By Wii standards, Rita is nearly a golf pro with her score of almost 800 (a score of 1000 is considered professional). But for Rita, Wii golf isn't just for entertainment.

Back in December of 2006 Rita suffered a fall which broke her hip. She was on the road to recovery at the Nottingham when she fell again, breaking her other hip. Now Rita is nearly healed and her therapist Kelly VanAuken-Mason attributes much of Rita's success to playing the Wii. "When we first started doing the Wii we had her sitting in an arm chair, but we had to have her walker in front of her... She got more comfortable with the game... now she is totally able to do it on her own. Her endurance has significantly improved, before she could only stand up for maybe a hole and sit back down now she can almost standup for the duration of a nine hole game, which is fantastic." VanAuken-Mason says using the Wii for rehab is ideal because it forces the patient to focus on the game rather than the monotony of conventional rehabilitation exercises.

An Unlikely Prescription

The Wii may make for an unconventional approach toward physical rehab, but recreational therapist Donna Sims at SUNY Upstate Medical Center has seen the results first hand. Patient Bob Mabee Jr. of Syracuse came into SUNY Upstate not long ago after suffering from a stroke which affected his left side. Sims says shes been using Wii Bowling as a way to work with Mabee in order to force him to use the left side of his brain. Today with the help of his therapists Mabee is able to stand, something he couldn't do just days ago. "Instead of standing around doing nothing, you're doing something... you feel like you're getting something done" Mabee said.

For Sims, the Wii is just another piece of the therapy puzzle. "Every part of therapy puzzle is important... the fact is that if you enjoy doing something your going to go and do it more." Which is exactly what rehabilitation is about. Sims says the thought of conventional therapy often makes patients cringe but with the Wii they are taking their minds of the pain. "Every time they do those movements they are challenging their brain to do something to create a new path to go, in a place that they haven't been able to go and they are asking their brain to find another route [neurological pathway]... so by doing it we are challenging them in that way." Sims added that games like Big Brain Academy will benefit her patients who suffer from dementia because its a specifically tailored cognitive skills activity. "Its asking them to go quickly and be accurate and if they get it wrong it gives them another opportunity in another way... And that is forcing their brain to think and to act more quickly... That is going to encourage that rerouting just because they are working that muscle." Like any muscle, Sims said, the more you work it the better its going to get.

Video Games for Homework?

Well, not unless you're a surgical student. Arizona researchers Kanav Kahol and Marshall (Mark) Smith conducted a study of surgeons in training, using the Wii game Marble Mania. The game requires fine muscle movements of the hand, similar to those used in laparoscopic surgery. To monitor the students, a Wii remote was modified with a laparoscopic instrument (see image) to simulate surgery.

The researchers found the students who had trained using the game scored 48% higher in practice operations than the students who hadn't. So, does that mea if you're a good gamer you'll be a good surgeon? "Not necessary" Smith said. "There are many components that go into surgery and we only tested this one aspect, not anything on anatomy or decision making." Smith added that the results of the study were significant enough to warrant future studies on a larger scale.