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Spoonful of strangers: A look inside the cuddling business
By Tiffany Moran
December 15, 2017 - 2:33pm
Although the cuddling business caters to different types of needs, it seems Americans are deprived of touch, and willing to pay for it.

On a brisk, fall Saturday afternoon in a small slice of the Upper East Side, 28 men and women gather in a loft with the goal of cuddling with a stranger. A full-figured woman with tattoos and a shaven head clutches her teddy bear. A burly veteran, clad in blue flannel pajama pants, shares that he is open to talking about his struggles with mild PTSD. Event facilitator Adam Lippin smiles, greets guests, and moves through the crowd in white Adidas joggers, jeans, and a purple shirt. Soft jazz floats through the apartment, and the faint scent of feet lingers in the air.

Redefining Pet Loss
By Nicole Engelman
December 15, 2017 - 12:54pm
The death of a pet once left owners to suffer in silence, but with a new understanding of a pet’s role in society, efforts are being made to recognize their grief and help them cope.

A Cornell University veterinary student rolls up the sleeves of her black fleece half-zip embossed with the school’s logo, and shoves her blonde hair into a lazy ponytail. She misses a lock of hair, but there’s no time to fix it. There is a call she has to take. She stretches out her thumb and pinky, and brings her imaginary phone to her ears. “You’ve reached the Pet Loss Support Hotline. What can I help you with today?” she says. “I’ve been having a really difficult time since my dog Sparky died from lung cancer last week,” says her caller. “I’ve been having trouble getting out of bed.

Cosplay comes to campus
By Kirsty Fraser
December 11, 2017 - 12:37pm
Syracuse University's College of Visual and Performing Arts hosted a Campus Cosplay Contest on Sunday, Dec. 10.

Toadette’s pink mushroom hat bobbed above the group’s heads, while the Night King from Game of Thrones chatted with Jack from Mass Effect. Captain Blade stood to their right, admiring his duct tape shield.

Orange make up for last season's defeat, beat Drexel to remain undefeated
By Jack Schlafly
December 10, 2017 - 12:22am
This was Coach Quentin Hillsman's 250 win for Syracuse.

After a slow first half, the Orange turned it on in the final two periods to beat Drexel 72-62.

Syracuse (10-0) struggled in the first two quarters of play against the Dragons (6-4). Megan Marecic was on fire for Drexel in the first half, scoring 15 points on five 3-pointers.

Aside from scoring, the Dragons limited their turnover count to 12 in the first half against the tough full-court press of the Orange. Coach Quentin Hillsman attributed the Dragons’ discipline to good coaching.

Brissett’s accurate shooting propels Syracuse over Colgate 72-58
By Andrew Chelney
December 9, 2017 - 8:56pm
This is the 52nd straight time the Orange have beaten Colgate.

Oshae Brissett shot 7 of 12 from the field and 5 of 7 from the line to score 20 points on the afternoon. Combined with five rebounds, two assists, a block, and a steal in 40 minutes of playing time, the freshman forward did what he could to see Syracuse (8-1) beat Colgate (3-6) Saturday at the Carrier Dome.

Guards Tyus Battle and Frank Howard wouldn’t be outdone, scoring 24 and 18 points, respectively. The three players combined to score 62 of Syracuse’s 72 on the afternoon.

Moyer makes moves in Syracuse's win over former Big East rival
By Will Muoio
December 5, 2017 - 9:49pm
The Orange's 72-63 win over the Connecticut Huskies was the second game of the 2017 Men's Jimmy V Classic.

NEW YORK—A redshirt freshman overshadowed in previous games came out of his shell Tuesday night.

After the game, forward Matthew Moyer couldn't remember if he had hit a jump shot in any of his previous seven starts for the Syracuse Orange (7-1). But in this game, his career-high 18 points and eight rebounds propelled Syracuse to a 72-63 win over former Big East rival Connecticut. 

"Cross Your Heart" bra exhibit empowers and inspires women
By Andrea Henderson
December 4, 2017 - 12:45am
Designer Kristina Shin explores the evolution and reception of the bra design with a fashion exhibit of 14 detailed lingerie designs. Her exhibit opens Monday at 5 p.m. at the Nancy Cantor Warehouse in downtown Syracuse.

Through the decades, the brassiere has evolved from the Victorian-age corset, to the padded Wonderbra and the glamorous sequin-encrusted bra.  Not only have these hidden undergarment designs symbolized control, but they have also encouraged feminism. Empowerment and freedom characterize the new scantily clad lingerie exhibit Cross Your Heart. Designer Kristina Shin will showcase the collection Dec. 4– Dec.

The Festival of Trees lights up the holiday season
By Chunzi Shi
December 2, 2017 - 2:19pm
The 32nd annual festival at the Everson Museum of Art is held from Dec. 1 through Dec. 10. This year's theme is tradition.

The Festival of Trees is a holiday event held by the Everson Museum of Art Member’s Council in Syracuse. Volunteers of all ages donate their decorated Christmas trees, wreaths and gift items to be displayed at the museum. Attendees have the opportunity to purchase their favorite trees. This is the festival's 32nd year of operation and all ticket sales support the museum. Its theme is tradition.

"The Wizard of Oz" soars at Syracuse Stage
By Joe Allen
December 1, 2017 - 3:09pm
Review: Syracuse Stage's production thrives on the spectacle brought by its collaboration with 2 Ring Circus.

Editors note: This article originally appeared on Green Room Reviews on Dec. 2.

Bringing new life to "Oz" in Syracuse
By Jonathan Williams
December 1, 2017 - 11:59am
Syracuse Stage incorporates circus performers in its new take on the L. Frank Baum's classic, "The Wizard of Oz."

Editors note: This article originally appeared on Green Room Reviews on Nov. 30.