By Micah Pasinski

OSWEGO, N.Y.– The Oswego Opera Theatre presented a special performance of the Gilbert and Sullivan comedic opera, “The Mikado” on November 11th and 12th. The Mikado was the ninth of fourteen operatic collaborations written between the famous musical duo, Arthur Sullivan and W.S Gilbert. It has remained incredibly popular to this day since it’s 1885 opening in London with many professional theatre companies still performing it.

Gilbert and Sullivan’s comedic opera is a British piece set in Japan. This was done because the creators thought Japan was a far enough place away from their homeland of Britain to give them the freedom to satirize Victorian British politics and institutions of the time, by disguising them as Japanese.

The Oswego Opera Theatre took inspiration from the play’s original satirical nature and used the production as a way in which to poke fun at a lot of what has been dominating our political news lately. They even went so far as to having jokes pertaining to the Trump-Russia Scandal and a character in the show who was strikingly similar in appearance to 2016 Democratic Party Presidential Nominee, Hillary Clinton.

SUNY Oswego Orchestral and Artistic Director, and Conductor of “The Mikado” Dr. Juan Francisco La Manna said that the political aspect is all a part of what makes the show still relevant and enjoyable for audiences to see today.

“The great thing is that it can translate into today’s politics and world very well, so we took probably ninety percent of the substance of the script and adapted it so it would become really relevant,” said La Manna.

“The Mikado” is known as one of the most played musical theatre pieces in history. It was even estimated that before the end of 1885, its premiere year, 150 companies were already producing the opera.

By Briana Watson

OSWEGO, NY – Phi Lambda Phi held their fourth annual bachelor auction in Marano Campus Center to raise funds for breast cancer on Friday November 10th. The sorority is required to throw at least one big fundraising event and the sorority said they thought that an auction would be a fun and exciting way to get people involved.

Event organizer Emily Fernandez said that the idea behind the auction started with one alumna back in 2015.

“She decided that she would start an auction to donate all the money to breast cancer. I don’t why she did it but I know if I were to organize us and start it from scratch I would chose breast cancer also because it’s such a prevalent issue in women today,” Fernandez said.

The sorority garnered brothers from other fraternities to participate in the auction which they will receive community service in return. Additionally, the sorority had a raffle at the auction to give away prizes to their audience.

The proceeds from the auction will be donated to the Susan G. Komen Foundation.

For more information about Phi Lambda Phi’s upcoming events go to their Twitter @PhiLamb59.

By Renee Dunn

OSWEGO, N.Y.– Low temperatures are continuing to sweep the area, putting an end to the mild Fall.

All of Western New York and parts of Central New York were under flood watches and warnings this past week. Flash freezes in Jefferson and Oswego County are a growing concern as snow shows up in the forecast along with dropping temperatures.

Forecasters at the National Weather Service said “a flash freeze is possible, meaning wet road surfaces may quickly turn to black ice,” and potential for snow and ice may result in dangerous travel conditions.

Accuweather.com had issued a Wind Advisory along the Lake Ontario shoreline this past week, and now warns that progressively colder air will unleash rounds of lake-effect snow from the Upper Midwest to the interior Northeast next week. Travel could be difficult for students leaving the Oswego campus to go home for Thanksgiving.

For more information on weather outlooks for Central New York, visit https://www.accuweather.com/en/us/oswego-ny/13126/weather-warnings/334659.

By Zachary Floiro

OSWEGO, N.Y.–  Snow, ice and the freezing temperatures can wreak havoc on drivers throughout the winter months.

Oswego student Ian Padgett said he was a victim of a winter-related car accident last year and that it was a lack of traction from his car’s worn out tires got him into trouble.

“I hit my brakes and my wheels locked up; I just kept sliding,” said Padgett, “I messed up my passenger door and shattered the window. I had to get a brand new door.”

A&P Automotive manager Mike Silliman said having a set of winter tires on a car is essential to maintaining traction on icy conditions and avoiding accidents.

“The things you gotta think about with tires, it’s not just taking off. It’s your breaking and your cornering, that’s where the accidents happen,” Silliman said.

Salting roads can prevent ice buildup but can provoke fast-spreading rust throughout a car’s body and frame. Silliman said he recommends a thorough, weekly wash to keep a car free from salt, and ultimately free from dangerous rust. 

Silliman said he also recommends packing a small survival kit in the car, in case of mechanical issues stranding a car and its owner.

Essential items in a winter car kit can include the following.

• jumper cables
• a warm blanket
• change of clothes
• shovel
• a flashlight

For more information on winter tires, go to https://www.apautomotiveny.com/.

By Walker Snowden

OSWEGO, N.Y.– For the cross country team this past weekend was one of the most important of the entire season. The team’s championship meet was held in Houghton NY.
Oswego Women’s Cross country team member Morgan Bronner said that she has enjoyed her last season with her teammates.

“The goal is to be the best I can be at the end of the season. Overall I think this has been a good season with a bunch of girls I really loved, It was enjoyable,” Bronner said.

Oswego Men’s Cross country team member Colin Greenseich finished 15th overall and earned a qualification spot to nationals. Greenseich no stranger to winning.

“I’d say my team favorite part was when we came in 3rd at SUNYAC. The was really big, huge for us. We didn’t do as well at regionals but coming in 3rd at SUNYACs was a really big deal. I was very happy about that. And at regionals, coming in 15th
and making it to nationals this week is really exciting,” Greenseich said.

For more information on the cross country team, visit http://oswegolakers.com/schedule.aspx?schedule=377.

By Chelsey Moore

Oswego, NY- A new plan is in motion to help make the state of New York more energy efficient. Governor Andrew Cuomo announced early Tuesday that twelve million dollars will be used to enhance energy efficiency in industrial and multi-family buildings. This plan coincides with the real time energy management initiative launched last year.

Governor Andrew Cuomo’s Real Time Energy Management Initiative was first launched last year with the goal of improving efficiency in commercial buildings, including office buildings, hotels, universities, hospitals and retail stores. This energy management system continuously monitors the energy use of different buildings through sensors meters and other equipment. These systems can pinpoint a building’s operational inefficiencies and help to identify conservation measures and help justify capital improvements.

This initiative is crucial to the success of Governor Cuomo’s plan to enhance the state’s overall energy efficiency because about 60-percent of greenhouse gas emissions in New York come from buildings.

According to Governor Como, the state will continue to invest in “state-of-the-art clean energy solutions to create a greener, more sustainable future for all.”

For more information, go to http://www.ny.gov/.

By Fan Shi

OSWEGO, N.Y.– SUNY Oswego Public Justice Professor Jaclyn Schildkraut, recognized expert on the topic of mass shootings, gave the presentation “We Need To Talk About School Safety” on Nov 7.

“There is not a full law that we can necessary to use to stop it, but what we can do is to guard ourselves and protect our community safer,” Schildkraut said.

Some people have different views on how to guard themselves during this situation.

“I know a couple of my friends back home were shot and killed because of gun violence. Even when I go out, I still carry a pocket knife with me,” Rebecca Velez said.

Student Gianna Perri believes guns can protect her safety. There is still someone like Meghan Harrington who has a mixed opinion on guns.

“I understand why people would like to have guns. I understand people feel safer. But I don’t feel super comfortable around guns,” Schildkraut said, “There are numbers of things that has to be considered when determining whether to allow for concealed carrying in certain places. For instance, if the law enforcement comes in and citizens are engaged with the shooter, law enforcement will not goanna know who the shooter really is.”

Not all license types allow unrestricted concealed carrying. The license must specify whether it is issued to carry on the person or possess on the premises. Not all of these laws apply to the New York city. In New York City, all firearms need to be registered and there is stricter limitation to carry firearms.

For more information on gun laws, visit https://www.nraila.org/gun-laws/.