03022011

Page 1

Red Sea Swells To 5,287 p.2 FREE | Take one Week of Mar. 2, 2011 | Vol. 36, Iss 16

The

Mirror

fairfieldmirror.com

The Independent Student Newspaper of Fairfield University The Reflection of Fairfield

The Price of Living...In Damages

By Luigi DiMeglio and Tom Shea Contributing Writers Broken windows. Vandalized exit signs. Furniture in the hallway. Vomit stained carpets. These are some of the types of damages that Fairfield U. students see in their residence halls every day. The fall 2010 semester, proved to be more costly than its 2009 counterpart. The total damage for this past semester for all of the on-campus residential areas combined was $15,527.32— an increase of $1,597.77 from the Fall 2009 semester. Residents of Jogues Hall, as of the end of last semester, will be receiving the highest bill

for hall damages. Jogues has accumulated $4,491.61 in damages, which is almost $2,000 more than the second highest-totaling residence hall; Campion. When asked about living in the most charged building on campus, Jessica Jacobs ’14 criticized those people in charge of the students for allowing the poor conduct to grow. “The leadership in Jogues seems to tolerate this kind of disrespect towards the building and our community.” A high concentration of vandalism in Jogues was most responsible for the residence hall’s high total. The semester’s most costly incidents include a damaged elevator and a broken glass door, resulting in fees of $299 and $244, respectively. The second floor alone has been subjected to damaged exit signs, destroyed paper towel dispensers and many other minor fees. It has proven to be the costliest out of all residence hall floors on campus. Another student, a sophomore who insisted on remaining anonymous, jokingly told The Mirror that “There are a lot of trouble makers around here.” He also went on to say that most of the kids who live there were written up frequently freshman year. “I feel that all of those kids were dumped here together.” Most damages are small but accumulate cost quickly due to their regularity. According to Associate Director of ResLife Charlie Sousa, the most frequent charge made is for the removal of items, such as bed parts, from hallways. “We have to put in a call to maintenance to remove these items because they present a fire hazard,” he said. Sousa added that while it may not be the most frequent damage, “hands down fire equipment such as alarms, sprinklers, and fire doors are the most expensive to repair.” This is because a specialized and licensed service must be called in to fix the equipment. Students are only charged for damage that has been deemed malicious or as vandalism. Wear and tear to residence hall property is covered by money set aside in the university budget. Due to their lack of common property, The Townhouses had the least amount of damage charges. Past trends suggest, however, that damage totals will increase for the spring semester. According to Sousa, this has to do with the increase of people partying outside in the warm weather and breaking fences. Loyola and Kostka Halls, along with The Village Apartments and Townhouses, were the only residence halls to see a decline in damage fees compared to the Fall 2009 semester.

Muniz Mutters in Speech to Students By Gabriella Tutino & Danica Ceballos Asst. Editor & Contributing Writer

When the State of the University Address started 13 minutes late at 7:43 p.m on Tuesday, FUSA President Eddie Muniz’s voice and the background sounds of bouncing ping-pong balls echoed throughout the B.C.C. “Our mission is to serve the student body and develop student leaders,” Muniz said; however, the attendance of less than 30 students at the speech proved otherwise. Every year the FUSA President is required to give a State of the University Address at the beginning of the President’s term. After delaying the delivery of the initial speech, Muniz and his Executive Cabinet Members made an appearance to talk about the initiatives and actions of FUSA. Muniz outlined the six “boards and initiatives” of FUSA: Senate, Class Council, S.W.A.T, Programming, C.O.S.O and Executive

Index Opinion • Page 9 The Vine • Page 11 Coffee Break • Page 19 Sports • Page 24

Cabinet, providing information on how each have worked towards improving student involvement this year. The address reiterated what the student body already knows: programming is the biggest part of FUSA. A budget of over $70,000 was spent this year in efforts to increase student activities, “to increase creativity and home grown events,” according to Muniz. This includes late night activities on Friday and Saturday, as an “alternative to drinking.” Muniz and the Cabinet also addressed controversial issues such as the negative image associated with FUSA. “We can’t make everyone happy,” Muniz said. “People complain that we have too many program events…I mean, I think that there is definitely a negative connotation, but I don’t know if there is

Speech | page 3

Are we Actually Learning Anything? P. 6

Peter Caty/The Mirror

Providing popular beers like Keystone Light and Coors Light, Stop & Shop would be a convenient place to shop if alcohol weren’t banned on Sunday. However, unlike large corporations like Stop & Shop, family-owned liquor stores often cannot afford to keep stores open an extra day without raises prices.

The Sunday Debate See p. 7 Inside Literary Journalism p. 11


The Mirror | Week of Mar. 2, 2011

News

Red Sea Parted No More Photos by Peter Caty

Friday night 5,287 fans packed Webster Arena at Harbor Yard to watch the Stags defeat reigning MAAC champions, the Siena Saints, 68-55. With the 3rd largest crowd in Fairfield Stags’ history, the game was featured on ESPN2 and witnessed a “wave” circle the arena a full three times. The next game is Saturday at 4:30 p.m.

Page 2


The Mirror | Week of Mar, 2. 2011

News

Page 3

Preventing Students From ‘Pennyless’ Pockets

By Georgia Lobb Contributing Writer Chet Schmid ‘12 and John Fitzgerald ’12 do not look like entrepreneurs. Clad in sweats and tee shirts, they look like any other typical college juniors. But ask them about their new project, PennylessStudents.com, and they suddenly turn into professional businessmen. Schmid and Fitzgerald, along with fellow junior Brennan Swan, have developed a genius prototype of a website that might just be the future for optimal communication between employers and college students. “PennylessStudents.com is a secure,

web-based, social networking tool that promotes student employment by connecting students with local employers,” reads the website’s mission statement. “[We allow] for both employers and student employees to create user profiles so that they can list various jobs in their given communities.” Schmid, a communications major, says he came up with the idea during his sophomore year. “The idea came from the complaint you hear way to often at Fairfield; you or your buddy needs forty extra dollars for the weekend, but doesn’t have a way of earning it,” he said. “This is a way of connecting that

student worker to someone in the community who’s looking to hire.” Getting Started Since the idea was born, Fitzgerald, an information systems major, and Swan, a marketing major, have been working closely with Schmid to develop the website and to expand the project as a whole. When an employer or student logs into PennylessStudents.com, they create a profile that the rest of the website community is able to view in order to search for whatever it is they’re looking for. “For example, if I’m the employer, I can scroll through the Fairfield University network to look for people searching for internships,” explains Schmid. “I can see how they’re rated as an employee and I can see their resume, if they chose to post it.” Another perk? It’s free to use and extremely user friendly. Sounding Familiar? Unlike its counterparts such as Monster. com or Craigslist, Schmid and the PennylessStudents team are seeking to create a far more organized, monitored, and safe system for its users. “Have you ever been on Craigslist?” Schmid asks. “It’s completely unorganized. You don’t know who’s serious and who’s not. You can’t see ratings or any kind of credibility. Everything that’s going through our website is being monitored by us personally as of right now to ensure safety.” “There will be no illicit behavior on PennylessStudents.com,” adds Fitzgerald. It’s different from sites like Monster. com because it focuses on high school and college students specifically, rather than everyone and anyone looking for work.

The Future Thus far, the PennylessStudents team has set up networks only for the Fairfield community, making it available for students at Fairfield Universtiy, Sacred Heart University, Fairfield Prep, and Fairfield Ludlowe and Ward high schools. “Right now, our number one objective is to get more users to sign up,” said Fitzgerald. “In one year, we expect to be well-known and well-used in the town of Fairfield. Hopefully in ten years, we’ll be all over the country.” And it’s not only for student benefit. PennylessStudents is looking to help the community. “Its not just for kids who need a little extra spending money,” says Schmid. “It’s for the student whose parents can no longer afford to give their kids that extra hundred bucks for groceries. We want to give students that initiative in this bad economy.” Penniless or not, the team says, it is a great way to establish bonds with employers in the community and further your resume and work experience. “We’re targeting a social problem,” explains Schmid. “Students need disposable income, but they can’t find the jobs to provide that, even though we know they’re out there. We’re just penniless students recognizing the problems of other penniless students.” Visit www.PennylessStudents.com and create an account to get started. If you have questions or comments? Contact Chet Schmid at chester.schmid@ student.fairfield.edu

Photos by Peter Caty/The Mirror

FUSA President Eddie Muniz delivered his State of the University Address Tuesday night in the Lower Level BCC.

Speech

FUSA President Eddie Muniz

Continued from page 1

one way to break that.” Another important topic touched upon was the role of the Class Councils. The Class Councils, which work towards “unity and pride” for each grade, have mostly been successful in planning events. Muniz pointed out that the class of 2012 council lacked commitment and experienced a resignation of about 2/3 of their members. A recent exsenator for the class of 2012 supported this observation by playing ping-pong throughout the duration of the speech. When discussing these issues, Muniz continued to refer to them as learning experiences. “Through my experience in FUSA, [I] have learned an invaluable amount… about growth as a person,” Muniz explained. A turning point in the speech was when Muniz proceeded to address the future of FUSA. His only focus, how-

ever, was the ongoing constitutional convention. Muniz explained that the resolution did not go through, however, he did not offer an in-depth explanation of this pressing event. Muniz quoted Charlie Knights, Class Council President of 2012, saying “whether or not it passes, it was a great learning experience for everyone on the committee.” During the question and answer session, Muniz’s responses to most questions lacked depth and bordered on ambiguous. When asked if he felt that he had achieved all he set out to do as President, Muniz said, “The three major goals that I did have this year, I feel that the work I have done has been good.” Yet Muniz didn’t state what those goals were. The FUSA President did admit, however, that working with different administrators on campus was difficult. Said Muniz, “I think that’s definitely the biggest challenge, just because we’re working against them sometimes, but we’re also working for them.”

Students expect FUSA to provide them with a plethora of activities and events that will keep the students entertained and invested in the University. FUSA stays active by having senators and using The Mirror as a source of student media coverage. When asked about the address, Muniz responded that he was pleased overall with how it went. “I felt like it was good to have the students ask questions,” he said. “Overall, I thought it was good to see the President directly speaking to the students,” said Matthew Morrisey, one of the authors of Resolution S4705, the original proposition of a State of the University address. “I think the President’s commitment was admirable and we look forward to their examples of information sharing in the future.”


News

The Mirror | Week of Mar. 2, 2011

Campus Crime Beat

Thursday, February 17 5:12 PM A Men’s room hand dryer was reported broken in Regis 9:25 PM A chair in the 1st floor Academic Resource Center in Gonzaga Hall was smashed. A person of interest has been identified in relation to the incident. Friday, February 18 6:08 PM A non-student was caught by the Department of Public Safety in the Jogues Parking lot with two 30-can cases of beer. Saturday, February 19 12:24 AM Public Safety was forced to intervene after students complained of a boyfriend-girlfriend dispute in the 14 block area of the townhouses. The couple was sent their separate ways and no further action was taken. 12:24 AM DPS broke up a party where underage drinking was taking place. 1:15 AM DPS in collaboration with ResLife jointly broke up a townhouse party with 91 people in attendance. 12:33 PM It was reported to DPS that a 33 inch TV, X-Box, an iPod Touch, and 15 videogames were stolen in a townhouse burglary on Friday night. The suspects got away with the contraband in what is suspected to be a Ford or Mercury. Sunday, February 20 12:48 PM A vehicle parked near the 13 block of the townhouses was discovered to have its right rearview mirror knocked off. Tuesday, February 22

Mirror Meeting- 6:30 p.m. Every Wednesday Lower BCC Free Pizza Bring a Friend Story Deadline 6 p.m. Sunday

11:04 AM A resident in Campion reported a Stag Card and room key to be stolen from a men’s shower. Wednesday, February 23 12:11 PM After receiving a parking ticket, a student yelled a slew of profanity at a Public Safety officer then bumped the officer in the shoulder. The student was charged with disorderly conduct and referred to student conduct. Thursday, February 24 7:54 PM DPS was notified that a student damaged an ‘Exit’ sign in the 1st floor of Gonzaga Hall. The student was identified and referred to Student Conduct. Friday, February 25 11:23 PM A narcotics arrest was made in the Canisius Parking lot when DPS suspected students to be smoking Marijuana in a car. Further investigation of the car yielded the discovery of a small amount of Marijuana. 11:51 PM A student walking in the area of the townhouses was found to be in possession of 10 beer cans. The student was then referred to Student Conduct. Saturday, February 26 12:17 AM A disorderly conduct call was made to DPS regarding a verbal altercation between two individuals at a social gathering in a townhouse. 12:27 AM A student was spotted by a DPS patrol car to be walking around the area of the townhouses holding a bottle of rum. The student was referred to Student Conduct. 12:46 AM A criminal mischief call was made to DPS after an ‘Exit’ sign in the second floor of 42 Bellarmine Road was damaged.

Corrections Box

Week of Feb. 9 2011

Allison Walsh wrote the article “Muniz Hesitates to Deliver,” not Laura Walsh. Caleigh Tansey wrote “What Exactly Is a Photo, But A Memory?” not Elizabeth Koubek.

See an error? email info@fairfieldmirror.com

Classifieds

Go to www.fairfieldmirror.com to place your ad for as low as $10!

BE A MIRROR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE. The Advertising Director of The Mirror is seeking undergraduate students to grow and service the Mirror’s advertising clientele. Responsibilities include site visits and phone correspondence for ad sales. Work on your own schedule. Paid position, commission of sales. Freshmen and sophomores preferred. Contact Dan Leitao at danpleitao@fairfieldmirror.com. PHOTOGRAPHERS WANTED. The Photography Editors are looking for students interested in taking pictures. Minimal experience required. Contact one of the Photography Editors for more information at info@fairfieldmirror.com

WRITERS WANTED. Section editors are looking for students to write on a weekly basis. E-mail Executive Editor info@fairfieldmirror.com

Page 4

The Mirror Incorporated 1977

Peter Caty EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Annie Rooney EXECUTIVE EDITOR Dan Leitao MANAGING EDITOR

The Print Edition News Department Phone Number (203) 256-6600 Editor in Chief Phone Number (203) 256-6529

EDITORS

NEWS ..........................................................Alexandria Hein OPINION.................................................Elizabeth Connors SPORTS....................................................... Mikaela Tierney COPY EDITOR ..........................................Brittany Putnam ASSOCIATE NEWS/FEATURES...................Amber Nowak THE VINE EDITORS

EDITOR.........................................................Devon Porrino PRODUCER ...................................................Andoni Flores ASST EDITOR.............................................Gabriella Tutino LOCAL EDITOR......................................................Loan Le REVIEW EDITOR ........................................Ashley Zangara ASSISTANT EDITORS

CARTOONIST......................................................Vin Ferrer DESIGN EDITOR .....................................Amanda Villagra SPORTS EDITOR.............................................Eric Bernsen

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

The Web Edition Elisse Ferraro WEB MASTER Joey D’Alessio CONTENT EDITOR

Business Department Phone Number: (203) 256-6594 Fax Number: (203) 254-4162 Dan Leitao MANAGING DIRECTOR Alexander Fay CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

WANT TO PLACE A CLASSIFIED EMAIL ADVERTISING@ FAIRFIELDMIRROR. COM

Stephen Baillargeon CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER ADVISER

Dr. Thomas Xie TO CONTACT US:

MAIL: 1073 North Benson Road, Box AA, Fairfield University, Fairfield, CT 06824 OFFICE: Barone Campus Center Room 104 MEETINGS: Wednesday, 6:30 p.m., Mirror Office E-MAIL: General: info@fairfieldmirror.com Advertising: advertising@fairfieldmirror.com

The Mirror strives to report accurately in all its stories. If you encounter any errors, please contact Editor in Chief Peter Caty at (203) 256-6529 or info@fairfieldmirror.com Affiliated with:

ASSOCIATED COLLEGIATE PRESS


The Mirror | Week of Mar, 2. 2011

News

Page 5

Achieving the Inevitable: A Journalist’s Story By Nicole Migliaccio Contributing Writer

When he was younger, Byron Pitts was told that he was functionally illiterate and mentally retarded. Once he made it into college, a professor told him he was a waste of time and should drop out. Today, Pitts is chief national correspondent for CBS Evening News and is an Emmy award-winning journalist. In a lecture at Fairfield University last Tuesday night, Pitts discussed how this success would have been impossible if people in his life hadn’t “stepped out on nothing” for him. These people, both strangers and his own mother, made a difference in Pitts’s life and brought him to his current position. When he was told he was mentally retarded, his mother challenged the doctors and told them they were wrong. Though she had no formal education, she stood up for her son and gave him confidence to pursue his education. In college, a first year professor who, according to Pitts, had absolutely no reason to talk to him, changed his mind. She comforted him and talked him out of dropping out of college. “She saved my life,” Pitts said. Despite these setbacks, Pitts graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a bachelor’s in journalism and speech communication. After, he went on to work as a reporter for various television stations. He began as a sports anchor for WNCT-TV in North Carolina and then became a military reporter for WAVY-TV in Virginia. Eventually, Pitts joined CBS News from WSB-TV Atlanta and worked in both Miami and Atlanta before moving to New York in 2001.

Since then Pitts has had great success in the reporting field. He won a national Emmy award for his coverage of the Sept. 11 attacks and has covered other major news stories such as Hurricane Katrina, the war in Afghanistan, and the Florida presidential election. In total, Pitts has received four Associated Press Awards and six regional Emmy Awards. He is also the author of Step Out on Nothing, an autobiography tracing his “rags to riches” story. Pitts said he saw all the “stumbling blocks [in his life] as stepping stones.” Within each struggle he has faced, someone has come into his life and made a difference. According to him, there is great power in words -- so much power that one word can lift a spirit. In college these words were thanks to his roommate and still friend Peter. EveryPhotos by Peter Caty/The Mirror day Peter gave Pitts a new word to spell, CBS Evening News national correspondent Byron Pitts spoke and answered questions about define, and use in a sentence. For four his setbacks and ultimate success as a journalist on February 22, 2011 in the Quick Center. years Pitts and Peter followed this routine, building Pitts’s vocabulary and shaping him into the articulate speaker he is today. Audience members were able to connect with Pitts and react to his success story. Wanda Szarek ’11 felt that Pitts was a “great intelligent speaker who was brave to touch upon his troubled experiences.” Daniella Scopino ’13 agreed, saying, “His stories made him seem humble. I didn’t think he would be like that since he’s somewhat of a celebrity in the news world.” Indeed Pitts joked, “People think I’m all that and a bowl of chips because of my fancy shoes.” Yet inside Pitts is still the young boy who believes in hard work, optimism, and making a difference.


News

The Mirror | Week of Mar. 2, 2011

No More Out-of-State Sunday Drives?

owners would be looking at another day requiring staff, supplies, and no guarantee that revenue would surpass the costs. “The only people who oppose these laws now are the lobby groups such as liquor store owners who do not want the law changed,” said Greenberg. “Once this law is changed, it will force liquor store owners to open on Sunday because of competition. In addition, the more you loosen the laws, the more will be the push to allow wine and even spirits to be sold in supermarkets, which will really hurt the small liquor store owner in Connecticut.” The state is facing approximately a 3.5 billion dollar deficit, and coming from an economic standpoint, voters may believe that selling alcohol on Sundays will help generate money to reduce that number. “Even the best estimates I’ve seen of SunPeter Caty/The Mirror day sales from the standpoint of tax revenue Fairfield Wine & Spirits owner Brian Donahoue is one of the many members of the Connecticut Liquor Store Association that opposes the sale of alcohol on Sundays. “A hundred million dollar revenue is made only add 10-20 million dollars,” said Dr. Ed Deak, in liquor sales during the six days of the week alcohol is legally sold in Connecticut... so legalizing the sale professor of economics at Fairfield University. “It just makes alcohol buying more convenient, of alcohol on Sunday will not add enough tax revenue to justify the government’s new plan,” he said. keeps them from hopping over the border on Sundays, ” he added. “These laws were originally pushed by By Alexandria Hein Dr. Mark LeClair, professor of ecoProtestants and were clearly anti-Catholic Associate News Editor nomics at Fairfield University, agreed with in nature,” said Greenberg. “The Catholic Deak. LeClair also pointed out that some Church began at some point to support them. Will Connecticut vote to allow for the patrons frequent restaurants on Sundays Any rationale or reasons for these laws have sale of alcohol on Sundays? “Sunday alcohol not only to dine out but also to order liquor, long been obsolete.” sales is a no-brainer for me,” said newly making the law reversal a negative for res The vote is split largely between elected Democratic Governor Daniel Malloy. taurant owners as well. commercial supermarkets and vendors But according to some Fairfield profes “Is it a bad thing by definition? No,” sors, it certainly is going to take some brain to versus the privately owned smaller liquor said Dr. Philip Lane, Lynch chair and asfigure out whether or not the state will benefit business stores. sociate professor of economics at Fairfield If the law were reversed, already staffed from reversing a law that dates back to the University. supermarkets such as Stop and Shop would 1933 Prohibition. “It affects people by the border states,” not have to change much aside from lifting As explained to The Mirror by Dr. the gate in the beer aisle on Sundays and pos- he added, surmising that they would no lonDonald Greenberg, Associate Professor of ger have to go to Massachusetts or New York sibly obtaining a liquor license. Political Science at Fairfield University, Conto drink on Sundays. However, he believes However, in the smaller liquor stores, necticut is considered a “blue law” state.

Page 6

people in the middle of the state, like Hartford residents, are not going to be affected by this factor. People who fall on either side of this issue are the consumers who, according to Greenberg’s hypothesis, “do not care much about the issue but because of convenience would favor Sunday opening.” Amanda Sullivan ’11, a native New York resident, has traveled back to her state to purchase alcohol on Sunday before. She said if the law was reversed, “I would be ecstatic considering I grew up in a state where bars never closed and alcohol is served even on the holiest of days.” Josie Amedola ’11, who is originally from Connecticut, disagrees. “While we’d all like to be able to purchase alcohol on Sundays, it puts supermarkets at an automatic advantage while leaving small liquor store owners at a disadvantage.” She continued to agree with those who point to excess costs for small-store owners and added that it might be “tough in these economic times.” Amedola even ventured to hypothesize that negating the blue laws would push small business owners out of business. Former Governor Republican M. Jodi Rell had opposed all legislation that would reverse the blue law during her tenure. It was State Rep. Kathy Tallarita, a democrat from northern Connecticut, who filed the bill, which is awaiting committee action before Gov. Malloy may sign it into affect. Legislators are unsure as to when the vote may take place, but a hearing of the Connecticut General Law Committee was held on Feb. 8. Connecticut is one of only three states prohibiting the sale of alcohol on Sundays. Georgia and Indiana also have similar variations of the law.

The Gay Marriage Debate By Loan Lee Contributing Writer

Does God approve of same-sex marriage? Four professors sought to explore and answer the question from Catholic, Islamic, Protestant and Jewish perspectives, but in the end, the answer was still unclear. The event was opened to general public, and all of the seats that were set up were completely filled. Some attendees sat on the steps of the staircase facing the panel. When the moderators began to speak, the lower level of BCC went silent. Rev. Gerry Blaszczak, S.J., university chaplain, and Ellen Umansky, Carl and Dorothy Bennett Professor of Judaic Studies acted as moderators. They asked the panelists to discuss same-sex marriage from the perspectives of their religions. Paul Lakeland, professor of Religious Studies, acknowledged that the strict Catholic view says that same-sex marriage goes against marriage’s sacramental status in Church. However, he said, “I think that no one has the right to impose anything nor is there really any possibility that a religious group can impose anything on the American public in general.” Lakeland also noted that the number of approval of homosexuality and marriages is slowly increasing. Panelist Rachel Gurevitz, who is the associate rabbi of Congregation B’nai Israel in Bridgeport, outlined and contrasted the traditional orthodox, reform and contemporary Jewish views on same-sex marriage. She also pointed out that the Torah, which is the “human document” of Jewish traditions, is not “set in stone,” and that opinions in her religion are constantly changing. Dr. David Schmidt, associate profes-

sor of business ethics, offered a Protestant view and compared the controversy of same-sex marriage to the marriage of a tall and short person. Instead of focusing on “who” is part of the marriage, he wished to observe what the quality of the relationship can be. Heba Youssef, the university’s Muslim Chaplain, said that Islam has still not yet breached the topic of same-sex marriage. While the other religions are struggling with it, Islam is “beginning” to struggle with the issue. All professors seemed to agree that one viewpoint of a religious person does not represent all of that religion. Also, they acknowledged that interpretations of sacred texts and each individual’s relationship with God can contribute to different and varying perspectives on same-sex marriage, even within the same religion. Matt Faber, founder of the Alumni LGBTQ Alliance, said: “I think the event went really well. When I brought this event up with my alliance, the response was enthusiastic. [The event] drew [people] from undergraduate, graduate, faculty, staff and community.” Rachel Lang ’14 said, “I think that having dialogue on this is making the community more open-minded. But if anything, it makes me question a lot. But it’s clear that nothing about religious is concrete; there’s still a lot of questions.” The event was sponsored by the Center for Catholic Studies, the Carl and Dorothy Bennett Center for Judaic Studies and the Office of the University Chaplain. “At the end of the day it’s between you and God,” Youssef said, “God is the ultimate judge …we were not placed here as his judges on earth; no, we were placed to worship Him. Love is unconditional.”



bacon & cheese $ 00 3. with a small coffee

only

Breakfast served all day! Sign up for our Loyalty Program at www.gardencatering.net You get a FREE JR. Special just for signing up


The Mirror | Week of Mar. 2, 2011

Opinion

Online

Send your thoughts to info@fairfieldmirror.com.

editorial

Peter Caty | Annie Rooney | Dan Leitao | Elizabeth Connors |

Editor-in-Chief Executive Editor Managing Editor Opinion Editor

Opinion | 9 Editor Elizabeth Connors » info@fairfieldmirror.com

fairfieldmirror.com

You Do the Crime, You Pay the Fine

Stags Keep Standing

The stats are in and the Stags are on top. For the first time in 15 years, the men’s basketball team ranks as the number one team in the MAAC regular season conference. Despite lack of prior commitment from the Red Sea, fans and fellow Stags have stood up while "stag pumping" at the most recent games in Harbor Yard and a continued bus-load of support is expected for this weekend’s tournament kickoff game. The debate between playing games in oncampus venue Alumni Hall versus off-campus spectacle Harbor Yard has finally reached a cease-fire. Either the busses leaving Alumni Hall have turned into the most successful pregame, or those Stag in the Stands shirts are the hot commodity. Regardless, the Red Sea is growing. And if being featured on ESPN2 wasn’t enough, Yorel Hawkins’ defensive play on Sports Centers “Top Ten” is more news worthy than the number one ranking. Alongside professional athletes, Hawkins shines on our small laptop screens and if the ESPN link is in your Facebook status, you’ve tested Stag positive. Let’s face it. Despite what Fairfield likes to advertise, our school has never been great at the school spirit thing. But why not? Besides being fun to go to, they promote a sense of community and unity among students. Before the game on Friday the anticipation of the game was palpable. In almost every class we heard, “Are you going to the game?” being whispered around and resounding yeses answering. But we can’t rest yet Stags, we have not proved ourselves yet. Going to one, highprofile game is easy to do. In order to be taken seriously as a team and as a school among our peers we must support our team through every game. Small games, home games and away games. And we’re not just talking men’s basketball, we mean women’s too, as well as volleyball, soccer, lacrosse and baseball among others. When someone sees us as students who aren’t proud of our school it should offend you, and we hope that our current basketball standing will cause a rebirth in spirit. So welcome to stag country Chris Elsberry. You better get used to seeing us at the Yard because Stags will be in the stands.

The majority of dorms have seen an increase in the amount of damages, resulting in greater student fines. Have an opinion? Send it to opinion@fairfieldmirror.com.

Confused with the Music Fuse By William Helfrich Contributing Writer

One thing you’re always warned against as a writer is the use of clichés. Whether it’s Dr. Orlando soothingly assuring you clichés would be frowned upon, or just about every English professor threatening to rip your head off if you use them (Just kidding, English Department. You know I love you), clichés are the cardinal sin of a writer. Of course, when you’re sipping sizzurp in your ride and bumping jams, you don’t exactly care if a writer is using exemplary imagery to make you feel the moment. Personally, I’m impressed when a singer writes a functional sentence that manages to rhyme. Still, the media has recently been barraged with pop junk, which not only hangs to clichés like a crutch, but also makes the cliché the main point of the song. Alas, there’s just some hackneyed formulas which we as a society need to ban singers and writers from leaning on. And that, ladies and germs (see, aren’t clichés annoying?), is why I’m here: To enlighten you to some of the worst clichés used in today’s music. That isn’t to say all clichés are going to bring the death of the music industry (That would be piracy). After all, one of my favorite songs is “Wild Horses,” and that’s basically a running cliché. That said, there are just some songs that aren’t sure how to employ their clichés, and it’s time someone called them out on it. Now, there’s plenty of clichés I could protest, from the objectification of women, to the inability of artists to show weakness. But there’s an even more absurd and frightening

The Return of the Red Sea Even though Fairfield likes to think our school is ripe with school spirit, we know that's not always the case. But at the Fairfield vs. Siena game on Friday we showed not only the school, but the nation, just how much we love our Stags. We hope that in the future, no matter what the importance of the game, that our fans continue to show up in full force.

Leaving Early While the turnout at Friday's game was great, we were disappointed in the number of fans who started flooding out of the arena with 3 minutes left on the clock. We don't understand this. The buses weren't leaving until after the buzzer, and everyone who wanted a seat was guaranteed to get one. We think it's very disrespectful and we bet Coach Cooley would agree. If you're going to support your team you see them through to the end, because that's how Stags do it.

trend I’m noticing is being used more in music: explosives in songs. Currently, three of the top downloaded songs on iTunes involve explosives, in “Grenade,” “Firework,” and “Dynamite.” Now I suppose in theory it could make some sort of sense. An artist wants to express a lot of energy being released at one time, and so the artist goes with explosion. No, it’s not the actual cliché I have an issue with, so much as the context behind using explosives. Little hint to Bruno Mars: telling a woman you would catch a grenade for her isn’t charming, it’s downright disturbing. When Taio Cruz blurts he’s going to light it up like it’s dynamite, I’m not sure if he’s having fun at a club, or whether he’s lighting a fuse, and planning on blowing up the club. And Katy Perry telling me to go “Boom, boom, boom, even brighter than the moon,” doesn’t make me want to express my creativity and individualism. No, sadly, all it does is bring up images of the Gaza Strip, and for those who have actually had to deal with the stress of explosives on a daily basis. Do you think a Vietnam veteran appreciates a song that brings to mind explosions and bombs? Ok, I accept that a Vietnam vet isn’t the target audience, but what about today’s crop of soldiers, or even worse, those directly affected by 9/11? You’d think in this political climate, a song about explosives wouldn’t even sniff the airwaves. Yet three are part of the most downloaded songs in America! I think it’s time we cut the red wire, and defuse this utterly tasteless cliché in music. Explosions just don’t make good metaphors. Especially in this time.

Notable and Quotable “Sunday alcohol sales is a no-brainer for me.” - Democratic Governor Daniel Malloy. However, according to professors and professionals, this change could mean bad things for Connecticut small business owners. (See the whole story on page 1) The Mirror welcomes the opinions and contributions of its readers: Letters to the editor must be timely and submitted in person at BCC 104, or by email at opinion@fairfieldmirror.com All letters to the editor that are appropriate will be published either in print or on www.fairfieldmirror.com The Mirror reserves the right to edit letters and articles for content, length and grammatical error. Letters should be free of obscenities and personal attacks, and should contain correct and factual information. Letters should not exceed 500 words.


The Mirror | Week of Mar. 2, 2011

Opinion

Page 10

------Sophomoric------

Burning Bridges Celeste Tallarico Contributing Writer

They say that once we burn our bridges it is impossible to go back, that the relationship is too damaged to be repaired. In life, when you burn a bridge, it is impossible not to look back at the wreckage and wonder if there is anything worth saving. So are our bridges ever completely wrecked? Or can it be that there is too much wreckage that our eyes can be deceived? When we are younger we are told that there is no such thing as second chances, but as we get older we learn that life is more complicated than that. Looking back at our burnt bridge, essentially our “irreparable” relationship, we cannot help but wonder if there is something worth saving. Sometimes the wreckage is too great, or our wounds are too deep, and it would take too long to salvage something that might just fall down again. But how do we know? How do we know which bridges are worth saving? The answer is we don’t. Relationships are tricky and if you put alcohol and our pasts together in a room, our bridges just go up in flames all over again. Our pasts are like these ever-looming shadows that continually haunt us. They seem to have this radar; this ability to know when we just might be over them. Then before you know it you find yourself talking about riding elephants and playing with monkeys in Africa. True story. Just when it seems as though the dust is finally settling they come back and kick sand into our eyes. Is it possible that sometimes all we ever need is a second chance? I know that we were warned but we all know life is more complicated than a simple saying. Of course there are situations where the damage is too great or it seems that only one person is picking up the pieces. It takes more than one person to rebuild a bridge and it takes two to be in a relationship, or so I am told. So when do we stop listening to people telling us we cannot save our bridges and just follow our guts? No one knows what goes on behind closed doors except you and whoever is on the other side of your burnt bridge. I read once that second chances happen because we are not ready the first time. Maybe we are just too young or too naïve to realize that the saying, “Don’t burn your bridges,” is in fact true. You never know when you will want to go back. Second chances are all about timing. It is about knowing when to say well…when. One day you will just wake up and know; you will just know that there are enough pieces to rebuild your burnt bridge.

Mirror File Photo

Bussin' Around the Town By Kelly Pierce Contributing Writer

Fairfield University is beautiful, spacious and interesting, but we could always use an escape and get off campus once in a while. For those of us who cannot drive ourselves, the StagBus should come in handy… but does it? Every day you can spot that little white bus with a red deer on it in front of the BCC starting at noon and reappearing every half hour until 7 p.m. This bus takes students to the train station, the “center of Fairfield” at the Fairfield Public Library, Bob’s, Stop & Shop, CVS, and then back again. There’s one bus and it holds twenty people. I never realized that size would be an issue until I took the bus the other day and people were kicked off because there weren’t enough seats. I looked up and noticed the bars on the ceiling that were made for standing and wondered what the point of the bars was when we couldn’t even use them. Then on the bus ride back, girls were kicked off again because there was one too many. Those girls were forced to either pay for a taxi or wait another hour at Marshall’s to get picked up. After that, I decided that we aren’t getting our money’s worth for transportation. The StagBus is very limited. Many people need to take a train earlier than noon, but the StagBus won’t be at the circle waiting for them. Many people want to go to a restaurant at dinner time, but the StagBus won’t be there

to pick them up. What are also limited are the stops that the bus takes. There’s more clothing stores, food places, and other useful stores on Black Rock Turnpike, but the bus only takes students there five times on Saturdays. On weekdays when it does stop, it’s at somewhat secluded areas. Since Sacred Heart University is also in town and frequents the same places as Fairfield students, I decided to compare the shuttle systems. I found out that SHU has five shuttle buses. One goes to the mall and the Stop & Shop plaza (complete with Subway, Dunkin’ Donuts, banks, walk-in clinic, Staples, Marshall’s, and restaurants). One bus goes to far-away academic buildings, one goes to the upperclassmen housing, one goes to Black Rock Turnpike, and one goes to the Bridgeport Transit Station. Each bus leaves every half hour from 7 a.m. until at least 10 p.m.! I am extremely jealous. So here are some suggestions that I have for the StagBus: We need more buses, larger buses, or at least consider having people stand and hold on to that iron bar. It’s the Post Road, people—you’d be okay standing. The bus should expand its schedule to the morning through 9 p.m. and go to Black Rock on weekdays. And lastly, perhaps the StagBus could save those business students a hike to Dolan and kids with fevers a hike to the Health Center in the cold. Fairfield University brags about its great location, so how about giving our students access to using it? Let us breathe the air outside of these gates more often.

We're Gonna Rock Outside the Church Tonight By maria Mazzaro Contributing Writer

“God as my witness.” “God’s the game you’re playing.” “God, please make this last.” “Ask God the question.” So what do each of these lines all have in common? Well, they all contain the same word, and this same word happens to be “God.” These lines also happen to be popular song lyrics from music released in the 21st century. And, quite oddly enough – or maybe not oddly at all – these lyrics happen to be from two popular rock groups. Apparently one need not step into a church nowadays to hear the power of the intangible Creator evoked; he or she simply needs to turn on the radio. I must admit, however, that I would not have pegged rock musicians as the religious type. Is this a rash stereotype on my part? In a 2008 interview with BBC, former Paramore member Josh Farro said, “Our faith is very important to us. It’s obviously going to come out in our music because if someone believes in something, then their world view is going to come out in anything they do.” He makes an interesting point about wearing our passions on our sleeves. It sometimes seems that there is a taboo associated with God and the topic of religion, but alas, some, like Farro, are demolishing the taboo’s barriers. The truth is that our country was founded on principles of liberty and free thought, and that is exactly what countless musical groups are practicing. Who is to say that God’s name can only be sung during Mass to a tune that was written hundreds of years before our birth? True, we may stumble and slip in our lives, but that is when this inspiring music proves most useful; it tells us that we are not alone.

Mayday Parade, a punk band from Florida, chooses to make countless references to God and prayer, most notably in a refrain that has the narrator actually talking to God and possibly realizing that he needs God to continue in this life. Likewise, Paramore’s “Playing God” takes religion in music to a new plateau. The lyrics place “God” as synonymous with “excellence,” and say when one tries to imitate flawlessness, the result is failure. So why the popularity in music that is laced with religious undertones? One obvious explanation throughout the ages could be our standing as a nation, both then and now. Back in the ’50s, artists jammed to choruses of baby boomer generations and the Beatniks. The ’60s and ’70s were characterized by the violently protested Vietnam War. And today? Continuing economic crisis. Rising death toll of soldiers overseas. The BP oil spill. The facts are almost unnerving, and no one on earth seems to possess the answer to a very simple question: Why? But maybe, just maybe, there is a someone, somewhere, who does have the answers, and maybe it is comforting to put all our trust and hope out of this world and look towards the next. All modern subdivisions of rock music have as their goals individualism and rebellion with a “this is me and I don’t care if you like me or not” mentality. It seems that this unique attitude has paved the way for a road of lyrics touched by God, prayer and religion in general. And Paramore and Mayday Parade do not stand alone; Godinfused rock is also found within the lyrics of U2, Taking

Illustration by Tebben Lopez/The Mirror

Back Sunday, the Foo Fighters and Fall Out Boy, just to name a few. This concept of God in rock may come as a surprise to us, but really it should not at all. For one thing, the notion of turning to God in times of trouble is not a recent development. Likewise, we should also rely on rock musicians not to do what is popular, but what they prefer. After all, for most of us, when we look at an orange-haired, screaming girl and her punk musicians, their look does not explicitly declare, “Hi, I’m religious.” But, then again, what are we expecting, guitarists who wear habits and white collars?


The Vine

Photo By Tom McKiver

{The Vine}


Bellarmine

The Vine

The Mirror | Week of Mar. 2, 2011

Page 12

Museum By Sean Savage Contributing Writer

For some, art is designated, and to a greater extent confined by, the expressive usage of color and line in a form that attempts to depict life in exactitude. However, this aesthetic of precision and objective clarity is often misrepresentative and antithetical to the searing truth that underlies the ignorance of our visceral pleasures. For Norman Gorbaty and his ink sketches, we see an aesthetic that more ominously, and perhaps more accurately, reflects our human nature. Currently on display at the Bellarmine Museum of Art, Gorbaty’s work is shown in his exhibition “Norman Gorbaty & The Legacy of Disegno”. Here his oeuvre of ink sketches puts the viewer within his unorthodox method.

Contributed Photos

Photo By Tom McKiver

Born in 1932, Gorbaty is an American artist whose work embodies an aesthetic vision that is abrasive while still possessing a sense of fluidity. From afar, the sketches seem to be mere lines placed in a randomized fashion. But with titles like “Wave” and “Waterfall” one can see the abstract image designate itself with the combination of the various small dark etches and the negative space of the white paper. In his various other pieces such as “View of Venice” from 1980 and “Tower” from 1958, we see architectural images that appear to be in a liminal state of being. Venice is created with hundreds of dashes of ink along the plane of the paper. The sky too is also given a sense of character with heavy darkness and sweeping line formations. The image of the Tower, made with a combination of different charcoal pencils, seems to jut out with sharpening aggression as it rises to meet the viewer from the paper. With their piecemeal construction of line segments, these man-made structures seem to be coming into existence with rapid construction, or are being destroyed with sudden and violent fervency. Visually, they create a sense of the fragmented pattern that defines our nature and our social structure. Life, in this sense, is given true identity through his work. For Gorbaty, these scenes of nature and architecture are emblematic of the way we seemingly disregard the brevity of our existence. This sentiment becomes clear and more palpably horrific with other pieces such as “Skull of a Hassid” where Gorbaty calls upon his heritage and personal feelings toward the Holocaust to give his harsh look on humanity artistic breadth. The image of the Hasidic Jewish man is dark and in a state that seems to be between life and death as the bones are barren of flesh yet the hat and signature peyess hair-curls remain. Lines and colors in this image are not utilized for the gloried humanity that we fail to achieve. But are used to represent the paralyzing truth of brevity and violence that haunts humanity with Gobraty’s vision.


The Walsh The Mirror | Week of Mar. 2, 2011

The Vine

By Annie Rooney Executive Editor

Motion mediums and marriage renders from the white walls where Norman Gorbaty’s “To Honor My People,” hangs. Fairfield’s Walsh Gallery’s most recent exhibit is the Jewish cultural and historical collection by the awakened Norman Gorbaty. The artist who has unveiled a hidden collection of 50 years to the public. As if standing in a peninsula, three vibrant and active pieces surrounding each visitor as he or she walks through the door, leaving the land of the Quick Center foyer behind. A concise artist statement hangs on the left wall preparing any visitor before being swept into the room of many mediums. From charcoal and pastel to carved walnut and pine, Gorbaty artistically expresses the religion’s history and culture as he masters the various tools of the craft. Blue green swirls, golden flames and thick black stripes light up the gallery with cultural representations like “Shabbat Wedding,” “Simchas Torah,” and “Shabbat Radiance.” Large pine wall carvings align the far right wall with “Creation Series,” a collection from “The Animals” on Noah’s Ark to Adam and Eve’s “Expulsion” from the Garden of Eden. The 3-D figures bulge off the wall to the like of the featured animals’ round, popping eyes. “Procession,” a carved wooden display stretching along the long and lengthy shelf that extends diagonally through the back half of the room. Oddly geometric shaped figures tell the horrific story of Janusz Korczak and his train of orphans proceeding to an extermination camp during the Holocaust. All the same size and colored grey, the carved figures represent the long procession of 192 orphaned children following their leader. “Judiasm informs who I am,” Gorbaty said in a New York Times article. “These images speak to the suffering of my people and the contributions they have made to mankind,” he said. The meaning of the collection welcomes Jews and non-Jews alike, captivating the eyes and igniting an educational yearning of the distraught past this religion has been subjected to. Juxtaposed with the radiant religious practices and artifacts, the exhibition in entirety challenges the traditional as it highlights the movement within the religion.

Exhibit

Page 13

Contributed Photos

Will VanWay, ‘13, interns in the Walsh Gallery and was part of the exhibition set up. “The artist was very particular in the way he wanted everything to be placed,” he said, noting Gorbaty’s insistence in removing a piece that has been permanently displayed in the gallery. VanWay also discussed how these creations were stored in the artist’s garage for some time before the present show and pointed out how the wooden carvings have begun warping due to prior improper care.

+ Local: the near and dear

MsB and the Big Voice By Ariel Morriar Contributing Writer

“People say I have a powerful voice.” Brittany Degraffenreid is a junior here on campus. One thing about Brittany is that she is not afraid to speak her mind. There is no other place to do it than on her very own radio show “MsB Talk Radio Show." Degraffenreid, popularly known as MsB, which is a name given to her by her peers back home in Harlem, is a political science major. However, she is extremely interested in New Media and is fascinated with the ability to share stories and opinions. She views the radio "as a second government that constantly influences the voice of the people.” Degraffenreid landed her show simply by prompting her show to Steve Fiorentine, WVOF’s station manager. Being the outspoken person she is, she told Florentine that she could help increase WVOF’s audience numbers. Since her show aired in October, Degraffenreid has triggered the ears of listeners around the country. Degraffenreid has had listeners from New York, Detroit, Chicago and Texas call in. Some topics discussed on the show are love & relationships, politics, entertainment, current events or “whatever’s hot.” She describes the show as being funny, and she often finds the humor within seri-

Contributed Photo

Brittany Degraffenreid '13 and her radio show MsB Talk Radio has listeners from all over the country.

She views the radio "as a second government that constantly influences the voice of the people.” ous topics. Degraffenreid prides herself on not having a “target audience.” Through her show, she tries to become a bridge that spans the gap between the younger and older generations. On her show she embraces her older callers' advice on various topics and gives younger callers the opportunity to have their opinions’ heard as well. Degraffenreid's show is not just talk. She plays some of the hottest music, with genres including Hip-Hop, R&B and Pop. She also has guest appearances from uprising artists and students, allowing them to showcase their unique talents and ideas. Numerous artists say that they love to support Degraffenreid and also view her show as an opportunity for free exposure. Degraffenreid also gives away free prizes on her show. “I get my prizes from local sponsors, donations or use money from my own pockets.

I want to show appreciation to my listeners," she said in an interview. Some of her recent prizes included Vitoria Secret gift cards, books, concert tickets and dinner for two! Degraffenreid said, “The show is for everyone! All ages, colors, and sizes." She encourages everyone to give the show a chance.

Her show airs every Sunday from 7p.m. to 9p.m. on WVOF 88.5. If you are not by a radio, you can listen to her online at http://wvof.wordpress.com/listen-online/ and click on webstream. Or you can check her out on facebook at MsBTALKRADIO or follow MsBTalkRadio on twitter.


The Vine

The Mirror | Week of Mar. 2, 2011

Page 14


The Mirror | Week of Mar. 2, 2011

The Vine

Page 15

Cleanup, Cleanup - Everybody, Everywhere By Devon Porrino The Vine Executive Editor

We’ve heard about it before. Whether it is in class, on a flyer, or during Sunday mass, Hunger Cleanup is a term we are pretty familiar with. Hunger Cleanup, which is the largest volunteer event on campus, will be holding it’s annual event on Saturday, April 2 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Students will meet in the LLBCC and then venture out to different underdeveloped areas in Bridgeport and Fairfield County to help clean up. The organization was created to help people suffering from hunger and homelessness locally and nationally while educating the student body community about what they can do to help. This year, Fairfield University’s Hunger Cleanup has a goal to recruit over 500 participants and raise $11,000. The money will go to local non-profit agencies in the Bridgeport area to enhance educational programs in order to raise their clients’ educational level. To reach this goal, the organization will be holding a kick off event at The Levee on March 8 from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. The event, which will be the start of volunteer recruiting on campus, will be selling Hunger Cleanup t-shirts for $10 ($15 the day of Hunger Cleanup) and giving out free ice cream to students

who sign up. The event will also be the start of their “Civil War” Fundraiser. For this fundraiser, there will be a water jug for the four most popularly represented states at Fairfield (Mass., Conn., NY and NJ) and each student will aim to have their state’s jug filled with more pennies than any other type of change or bills. The state with the most pennies wins. The “Civil War” fundraiser will be continuing all the way up to the day of the event along with recruiting. Junior Taylor Callahan, one of the Fundraising Co-Chairs on the Hunger Cleanup Executive Board, loves the idea of the “Civil War” Fundraiser. “We want people to really try and get involved in the event and thought this was a fun competition for people to participate in,” she said. On the chair with Callahan is Alessia Laise '13, and making sure the event runs smoothly is in the hands of Steph Iannuzzo '11 and Kim Holiver '12. "Everyone has put a ton of work into it all," said Callahan. Callahan, who started participating in Hunger Cleanup her freshman year with the varsity Field Hockey team, was asked to be a part of the executive board at the end of her freshman year and has been an avid supporter of the organization ever since. “My favorite part about Hunger Cleanup is knowing that my help now is going to benefit someone else in the long run,” she said, “It's really rewarding and makes me want to work hard knowing that my hard work will be helping to make someone's neighborhood look nicer, or

Contributed Photo

The Hunger Cleanup group at the 5K Race Fundraiser in Fall 2010.

that the money that we raise will help to create a park or buy food or supplies for people in need.” Anne Nieuwenhuis ’11 has also participated in Hunger Cleanup with the varsity Field Hockey team. The first year, they raked the baseball and tennis field of a Bridgeport’s Boys & Girls club and the second year they helped clean up an area in Bridgeport so the community could set up for a local farmer’s market. Nieuwenhuis also felt as though Hunger Cleanup was not only benefiting the people they helped, but was just as rewarding for her. “What I like about Hunger Cleanup is how you, as a group, work together to help others,” she said, “The people who you are helping are involved as well, and they really show their appreciation.”


The Vine

The Mirror | Week of Mar. 2, 2011

+ Reviews: rants and raves

Page 16

Do it Like a Dude: Jessie J Rocks the U.S. from the U.K. By Chelsea Pabon Contributing Writer

Contributed Photo

Combining the blunt bravery of Rihanna, the genre-hopping beats of Gwen Stefani, and the feisty perspective of P!nk, singer and songwriter Jessie J has made a name for herself in the music world. Born Jessica Cornish, in London, England, she made her way into the entertainment business early on writing songs for artists like Chris Brown, Alicia Keyes, Justin Timberlake, and Christina Aguilera. She also wrote Miley Cyrus’s

“Party in the USA”, which was considered one of the best-selling singles ever in the United States. In 2010, Jessie J began her solo career introducing “Do It Like A Dude”, a song originally written for Rihanna, as her first single. It immediately hit UK Singles Charts at number two. “Do It Like A Dude” is full of attitude, double standards, and a seriously sick beat. “I was getting a bit fed up with the way women have to sell themselves to be noticed,” she said in an article for entertainment magazine Mirror. “Do It Like A Dude was sticking my finger up at that. You’ve got to have balls and go for things, feel confident not just be girlie.” Her second single, “Price Tag”, which features rapper B.o.B., became Jessie J’s first number one single in the UK Singles Charts. Jessie J's style of music is different from other prominent female artists because she draws her inspiration from all types of music; no genre or artist is excluded. At an early age she found light in listening to soulful music that had beats similar to her unique singing style. “Growing up, my mom and dad had an amazing taste in music, thank God,” she said in an interview with Rockbackfeed Session. “I grew up listening to a lot of soul-funk music, a lot of '80s like Etta James, Aretha Franklin, Michael Jackson, Prince, Bob Marley…I grew up with very strong emotional music around me and to be honest it is my biggest influence.” The singer’s style of music is not only different but it’s enjoyable for people of all music genres because everyone will find a connection to her lyrics. The great thing about Jessie J’s music is that she sings about real things. Her mix of earnestness and naivety is belted through her lyrics that speak of struggle, life, love for yourself and for others, equality, and dreaming. Her song “Who You Are” entails a message to all to be happy with yourself instead of trying to be what others think you should be. She stated to Rockbackfeed, “I write from the heart... to heal people... my music has no limits.” Jessie J’s vocals truly make "Who You Are" an emotional song as she hits every note that will leave you with goose bumps all over. She is one of those artists who has natural talent unmasked by studio technology. Some people sound good because of the beats and the instruments; Jessie J‘s vocal abilities improve the instrumental parts of her songs. During an acoustic session with Rockfeedback, Jessie J stated, “I’ve always made sure that for every song I write I can strip back to just me and a guitarist ‘cause I think it’s really important that people know that [those] kinds of songs should stem from an organic place… I’ve always wanted people to be able to just hear the voice and the melodies.” Jesse J’s debut album “Who You Are,” is set to release in the U.S on April 12th. Having already put herself on the music radar with her single “Price Tag,” this British artist will be making big noise now that she’s crossed over the Atlantic.


The Mirror | Week of Mar. 2, 2011

The Vine

Page 17

It's 'Crystal' Clear: 83rd Oscar Hosts Were a Letdown By Ashley Zangara The Vine Assistant Editor

Contributed Photo

Academy Awards' hosts James Franco and Anne Hathaway

The 83rd annual showing of the Academy Awards was held live this past Sunday, Feb. 28, at the Kodak Theater in Hollywood, California. This event is used to honor and applaud deserving actors, actresses, and filmmakers in up to 25 categories. Some of the top winners included “The King’s Speech,” which took home four awards including best original screenplay, picture, directing, and actor in a leading role. “Inception” was also a top pick winning five awards, which included best cinematography, sound editing, sound mixing, visual effects and adopted screenplay. “Alice in Wonderland” received awards for best art direction and costume design,

while “Toy Story Three” was recognized for best-animated feature film and original music. Michael Ballesty '12 said, “I wasn’t surprised Inception dominated the Oscars, the sound effects used in it were sick. I could watch that movie over and over and learn something new each time.” Although there was not much criticism by critics for the movie award winners, people did have a lot to say when it came to the hosts. It’s hard to say anything negative about James Franco, due to his gorgeous smile, impressive resume, and hysterical roles in featured films and television shows, but his performance as a co-host with Anne Hathaway was not up to par with many people’s expectations. Franco seemed completely uninterested in the event, while Hathaway seemed overly enthusiastic and lacking in humor. It made perfect sense why former host, Billy Crystal, received a standing ovation by audience members; the current two hosts on the stage simply did not live up to him. “I would have much rather seen Billy Crystal host the Oscars any day than those two nitwits, they totally ruined the whole show,” said Brendan Carr '13. As said before, the actual Academy Awards did not really interest students. Instead, many focused their attention to the red carpet and the fabulous dresses that were worn by stunning actresses. Nobody can deny that Mila Kunis played a great supporting actress in “Black Swan” and although she did not take home any awards that night she did shine on the red carpet. Kunis was spotted wearing a beautiful light purple gown by Elie Saab Haute Couture. Her dress truly looked like a piece of art consisting of lavender chiffon with tiers of lace trim. Her accessories worked nicely with her outfit as well. Kunis wore Neil Lane diamond jewelry, which was simple enough to not detract from her dress, but still noticeable for applaud. She carried a crème Bottega Veneta clutch to add the finishing touches. Sandra Bullock was also another one of my favorites. She sparkled in her red form-fitting Vera Wang gown supported by minimal jewelry and a classic updo. Mabel Del Castillo '12 said, “I was not able to watch the awards on television because of the time difference in Australia, but I did check out the actresses’ dresses online after. I absolutely loved Sandra’s dress and would definitely

Contributed Photo

Mila Kunis in Elie Saab Haute Couture and Neil Lane diamond jewelry.

would have worn that myself.” Scarlett Johansson was another gem on the carpet. Although she could wear a trash bag and still look great, she opted to carry herself in a deep purple Dolce & Gabbana dress. The lace dress looked beautiful with an open back complimented by Anna Hu studs and a ring, which she also paired with Christian Louboutin heels. For people who love to scope out the latest fashion trends, this was definitely your show. The movies that won the award definitely deserved it as said by many students, but the hosts? That’s the one thing people agreed had to go.

THE ONLY THING MORE

IMPRESSIVE THAN OUR STATS ARE OUR GRADUATES.

At Quinnipiac University, our students are our main focus. It’s why we offer 23 graduate degrees in fields ranging from business to health sciences. It’s also why Quinnipiac was ranked a top 10 northern regional university offering a full range of masters-level programs by U.S. News & World Report and second in the northern region in U.S. News’ Up-and-Coming Schools category.

Communications Interactive Communications (on campus and online) Journalism Public Relations

Education Elementary Secondary Educational Leadership Teacher Leadership (online)

Health Sciences

Biomedical Sciences Cardiovascular Perfusion Nursing Occupational Therapy (post-professional) (online) Pathologists’ Assistant Physician Assistant Radiologist Assistant

Arts & Sciences Molecular & Cell Biology

Business Information Technology (online) MBA (on campus and online) MBA-CFA® Track (Chartered Financial Analyst) MBA/HCM (Health Care Management)

MBA-SCM (Supply Chain Management) MBA/JD (Joint degree in business and law) Organizational Leadership (online)

Law

To find out how Quinnipiac can help you succeed in your career, call 1-800-462-1944, e-mail graduate@quinnipiac.edu or visit www.quinnipiac.edu/gradstudies.

1-800-462-1944 | Hamden & North Haven, Connecticut


The Vine

The Mirror | Week of Mar. 2, 2011

Page 18


The Mirror | Week of Mar. 2, 2011

Coffee Break | 19

Online

Send your thoughts to info@fairfieldmirror.com.

fairfieldmirror.com

Editor Dan Leitao » info@fairfieldmirror.com

His iPhone / Her BlackBerry Dan Leitao

Taking a Break, Pre-Spring Break

So my biggest spring break plan involves going to the Bruins and Canadians game at the Boston Garden. The last time they played there the game had 192 penalty minutes and 14 goals. While I hope to have a chance encounter with Emma Watson when I visit my brother at Brown, I’m not really concerned about having to ask for a hall pass for my spring break from my girlfriend. But for all of those other students flocking to sun-filled places, which my pale skin can’t handle, spring break is an excuse to take your shirt off and to live with no regrets, the same goes for Fairfield Basketball games if you ask me. If you are traveling without your significant other then I can understand the impulses to request that spring break be allowed to be your last hurrah and a week to do what ever you want. If you can manage to pull off asking for the week off and manage to keep a relationship, I applaud you. That being said, girls if your guy is asking for a pass for spring break, you might as well drop him then because if he can’t handle a week in the heat without you he is probably not worth it. Sorry guys, I should probably be trying to back you, but in the end it’s just too scummy to support. Spring break is the epitome of the stereotypical American college student’s dream. All-inclusive drinking resorts, no drinking age, drugs are basically legal and everybody else has the same goal as you. They want to blackout and not remember what they did ‘til they land in NYC and

start uploading pictures to Facebook with great album titles like, “Spring Break 2011 T1ME I$ NeVeR WasT3d wHEN yOUR aLWAYS wASTeD!¡!¡!¡”. For those who are hoping to find their own personal “Girls Gone Wild” spring break, just admit that you are not ready to have a girlfriend yet. This is typically the time of the article when I would tear into BlackBerry girl about her suggesting the topic or probably the fact that her BlackBerry won’t take pictures nearly as good as my iPhone this spring break or even the fact that I think the answer to this question could be summed up in one sentence. “If your boyfriend/girlfriend asks for a hall pass/break for spring break you should say, ‘enjoy a permanent break.” -Sent From my iPhone PS. More importantly than this topic is the fact that everybody should go to the Men’s basketball game this Saturday. It is at 4:30p.m. and you really shouldn’t be able to provide an excuse for why you can’t go. This is our chance to go the NCAA tournament, a win Saturday, a win Sunday, a win Monday and we are in. Don’t tell me you will be at the Championship. We need fans to get to win the games that get us there. I’ll save you the dancing metaphors but I will say that if we happen to have a game on Monday if the school won’t cancel class every single teacher should. Dean Pellegrino, I gave you a shout out a few weeks ago and I’m calling in a favor of classes canceled should they need to be. Every Stag should

Alexandria Hein

Spring Break is almost here and that means that many of us will be flocking to places where shoes, shorts and shirts are not required. A wet t-shirt contest is considered a regular afternoon activity, and the drinks have that special local ingredient that may not be alcohol because hey, that kind of stuff is still legal in a few places outside the U.S. Many of you are in an awful predicament right now; you're not going to the same place your honey is going and for some of you that poses an unnecessary problem. First off, if you're the girl and you don't trust yourself to "behave" this week, which means not crossing that salsa dancing competition line, dump the extra baggage. TSA is getting strict about extra pounds these days anyway. In all seriousness though don't go away tied down to a relationship you can see yourself being able to stray from. If it won't work for a week while you're away, it won't work for much longer while you're in Fairyland either because Spring Weekend is also coming up. It's unlikely that you'll ever see yourself in this situation again; with your girlfriends in the tropics, indulging in anything and everything for an entire week. Please do not ruin my week bitching about "Derek" and how he's so pissed because it costs $5 a minute to call and blah blah. At the same time those of you who have decided that you're relationship that is worth it, good for you! I'm right

there with you! And just in case you are beginning to even think about allowing yourself to be swept away by the boy who approaches you with a "Bahama Mama," remember if its all-inclusive resort, that means he didn't have to pay for it. Not so attractive anymore huh? If your man so much as mentions wanting to go on a break for spring break, end that disaster immediately. Don't even do it for you, do it to avoid the hell you'd put your friends through. Chances are you'll spend your week in paradise either foolishly believing that he's not hooking up with every girl from USC or worrying that he actually is. Either way you'll obsess about it constantly while I'm trying to read my book or sleep off that local ingredient. If you believe he's not fooling around, to quote “The Hangover,” "That s**t stays with you," so let's use our heads here. Get out of that relationship faster than we're all dying to get out of our Uggs and go have some well-deserved fun in the sun. iPhone boy's girlfriend is pretty lucky this break. It's pretty obvious that with that Irish skin the furthest he will be traveling this break is to the Vineyard Vines in Greenwich, and last I checked nobody is on the record as having blacked out after buying preppy pastels. Now let me end here because I've been eating lettuce only for the past month to prep for this trip and I may pass out. -Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry


The Mirror | Week of Mar. 2, 2011

Coffee Break

Page 20

Mad Lib - Harbor Yard Ballin’ 1. adjective_____________________________

Friday night’s game was ___________________(adj). The boys must have been on some strong

2. celebrity_____________________________

_____________________(celebrity) because they were winning the whole night.

3. noun________________________________

The Red Sea showed up wearing red and pumping fists of ______________(noun). My favorite

4. part of stadium_______________________ 5. adjective____________________________

part of the game is typically the _________________(part of stadium) but the dance team’s show with

6. adjective____________________________

the _____________________(adj) Stag won me over. How does he move like that?

7. number_____________________________

I definitely didn’t mind watching the ________________________(adj) basketball players run the

8. sport accessory______________________

court. “Be Aggressive!” I shouted and gave my friend a high ____________(number) when they got

9. adjective____________________________

the _______________________(sport accessory).

10. verb_______________________________ 11. adverb_____________________________

But some of the other Red Sea members were _________________(adj). Who doesn’t know to

12. adjective___________________________

________________(verb) up the stag sign when the other team is on the foul line? You gotta know

13. emotion____________________________

when to throw it up!

14. drink_______________________________

The bus ride home went ____________________(adv). When me and my friends got there and

15. adjective___________________________

saw how ______________________(adj) the line was, I was _________________(emotion). Thank God

16. friend’s name_______________________

for my water bottle full of ___________________(drink) to get me happily back to campus.

17. verb-ing____________________________ 18. Professor___________________________

But the ____________________(adj) ride was fun, if you were __________________(friend’s

19. campus building____________________

name) who kept whistling and _____________________(verb-ing). Our driver must have been as

20. adjective___________________________

deaf as __________________(professor) or else he got a paycheck the size of _____________________ (campus building). I give him ____________________(adj) credit. Bring it Saturday..

Employer Application Deadlines:

Career Corner

Ernst & Young LLP Emerging Leaders Program First Investors Corp. Financial Services Representative Ellington Management Group, LLC Staff Accountant Indeed Business Development Analyst Northwestern Mutual - Meadows Financial Group Financial Representative Intern Northwestern Mutual - Meadows Financial Group Financial Representative Ellington Management Group, LLC Accounting/Finance and IT Associate

03/02/2011 03/03/2011 03/11/2011 03/15/2011 03/17/2011 03/17/2011 03/18/2011

Be sure to visit Experience (eRecruiting) to apply for these and others http://fairfield.experience.com

Presentations: Target Stores Thursday, March 3

Senior Seminars: March 2

5:30 p.m.

5:00p.m.-6:30p.m.

Credit Cards, Debt, Professionalism

Kelley Center Presentation Room

Kelley Center Presentation Room

Meeting on the first Wednesday of the month, these seminars for seniors will cover topics related to transitions from senior year to Life after Fairfield. All seniors welcome! Sponsored by: Senior Class Council, University Activities and the Career Planning Center

Questions???

Career Planning Center Drop – In Hours Every Friday 1:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Kelley Center CPC

Visit us on Facebook - Fairfield University Career Planning Center


Sports

The Mirror | Week of March 2, 2011

Page 21

This Week in Sports The week that was in Fairfield Athletics

How the Stags Stand in the MAAC

Sports Shorts Women's Lacrosse - Beat Holy Cross 14-5 at the season home opener at Alumni Field on Tuesday. This brings their season record to 3-0. The team plays again on Saturday, March 5 in Virgina against James Madison.

Men Fairfield Rider Iona Saint Peter's Loyola Canisius Siena Niagara Manhattan Marist

Women's Tennis - Lost to St. John's 6-1 on Sunday, bringing them to 2-4 overall so far this season. Sharissa Ryan '14 provided the highlight of the match with her victory at No.2 singles. The team's next match is this Saturday, March 5 at 1 p.m. in Jersey City, NJ. Men's Tennis - Beat Hartford 7-0 on Friday, giving the team a record of 4-1 overall. They were undefeated in singles play, and only dropped one doubles match. The team's next match is this Friday, March 4 at 7 p.m. at Stamford Indoor against St. John's.

Men's Baseball - Beat William & Mary 4-3 on Sunday in the final game of the series, bringing them to 2-2 for the season. Starting pitcher Mark Bordonaro '13 got the win with four strikeouts in six innings. The team travels to Old Dominion next for a four game series starting on March 4.

23

14

3

Number of regular season wins for the Mens Basketball team, which is a school record.

Average goals per game scored by Womens Lacrosse in its first two outings of the regular season.

There were three Womens Basketball players who received All-MAAC Team honors this past week: Taryn Johnson, Katelyn Linney, and Desiree Pina.

Quote of the Week

"(But) I'd love an opportunity to see these guys again, and make sure you write that. Make sure you write that (bleep). I can't wait to get to that point if we're fortunate and the only way we can play them again is for all the marbles in our house and that (bleep) will be sold out," -Ed Cooley to a New York Daily News reporter referencing his desire to play Iona in the MAAC Conference Final

What to Watch for The MAAC tournament is at the Arena at Harbor Yard in Bridgeport this weekend! Both the Men's and Women's teams will be playing - the Women start at 3:30 p.m. on Friday, and the Men play at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday.

Sports 3x5

Tom Fitzpatrick Sports Columnist

Tommy Polise Lax Goalie Blooper

Jack Meagher Sunday Night Contributor

Overall 27-2 18-11 21-8 13-15 17-12 11-19 10-19 5-24 5-24 1-28

By The Numbers

Women's Softball - Beat Lehigh University 12-11 after eight innings in the last game of the East Carolina Pirate Classic on Sunday, finishing with an overall record of 2-3. The team's next game is March 11 in the Wolfpack Challenge at North Carolina State University, where they will play against five other schools.

Because they like to talk... Sports.

Overall Women 23-6 Marist 22-9 Loyola 20-10 Manhattan 17-13 Siena 15-14 Fairfield 15-14 Iona 12-17 Canisius 9-22 Rider 6-24 Saint Peter's 5-26 Niagara

Your 2010-2011 3x5 Columnists: Tom Fitzpatrick, Tommy Polise and Jack Meagher.

The King's Speech - did it deserve to win Best Picture?

Carmelo to the Knicks: Championship contender or pretender?

MAAC Tournament this weekend - pumped it's in Bridgeport, or who cares?

Spring Training just started - any early baseball predictions?

Hangover 2 movie trailer - you watch it?

Can't believe "Unstoppable" featuring Denzel got snubbed.

The Knicks are back! Everyone Google "I'm Coming Home Carmelo Anthony." Let's go.

Huge opportunity for the program to take a big step forward. Home court, #1 seed, growing crowds. We should be getting down the nets come Monday night.

Red Sox over Phillies; NL Cy Young Award? That would be R.A. Dickey of the Mets.

I have not, but it has a very tough act to follow. I'm intrigued.

Contender...at some point. The pieces will fall together soon.

I've never witnessed so much Stag pride in my life. I'm pumped.

Good luck Mets...

Not yet. But I'm very curious as to how they'll make a sequel. Hopefully Stu and Heather Graham reunite.

I've never seen it...so I'm sorry.

Hot Tub Time Machine got robbed.

Contender. Don't forget about Chauncey Billups either.

Let's see...#1 seed, home court advantage, and a NCAA tournament berth on the line. Pumped.

Luis Castillo plays poor to mediocre 2nd base for the Mets this year.

No, but I'd like to.


Sports

Swimming & Diving Compete at MAACs By Mikaela Tierney Sports Editor

Men’s and Women’s Swimming & Diving Team recently traveled to Buffalo, NY from February 17-19 to compete in the 30th Annual MAAC Championships. Although the women placed sixth overall with 321 points and men placed eighth with 193.5 points, the team still broke numerous personal and program records during the meet. “We did not have one bad swim and almost everyone did at least personal best times in the meet,” said Head Coach Bill Farley. “This MAAC [championship] was probably our best one, even though it didn’t show [in] the team standings.” Team member Tommy Peters ’12 agreed that, “Although we didn't place as high as past years, we still managed to break 16 program records and tie another, while giving the underclassmen great exposure to the best in the conference.” “Our goals for the future are improve the team to the point where everyone on team is on the same page and everyone has a division 1 attitude,” explained Farley. Peters also said, “We expect to see the best season that Fairfield swimming has ever seen next year.” Photo Courtesy of Fairfield Athletics The team Michelle Yoshida '12 is also offering swim lessons during March and April. A series of five 45- minute lessons, each taught by a varsity Swimming and Diving Team member, will cost $150.00 and will be held in the RecPlex. Students, faculty, and community members can register for lessons by e-mailing fairfielduswimlessons@gmail. com. “The program is a great way for our team to give back to the community and form great relationships with Fairfield County residents,” said Caroline Menapace ’12, who has been involved in the program since her freshman year and recently took over as one of the program coordinators last spring. As past co-organizer Sasha Campbell ’11 notes, the lessons are a great opportunity for the team to “offer our advice and skills on a sport that we've all been doing for such a long time,” and the event has “always had great turn out.” The proceeds from the swim lessons help to pay for the team’s training trip to Hawaii. “It's really a win-win situation to be engaging with the community as well as bringing attention to our team and Fairfield Athletics as a whole,” explained Menapace. “I have high hopes that lessons this spring will get everyone pool-ready for the summer, and put the team well on our way back to Hawaii!”

The Mirror | Week of March 2, 2011

Page 22

Women's Basketball at MAACs: Starting "Brand New Season" By Ivey Speight Contributing writer The last four games of the 2010-2011 regular season were a true test for the Fairfield University women’s basketball team. They were going up against the only conference opponents that they had lost to this season and thought they had something to prove to them. However, the squad failed the test, dropping their fourth straight on Sunday bringing their MAAC record down to 10-8 and 17-12 overall. “Anytime you lose more than two games in a row, I don’t care who you are, it’s going to shake your confidence a little bit,” fourth year head coach Joe Frager said. “It’s our job as a staff to say, ‘Look guys, when we played these teams we weren’t blown out in any of these games, we’ve had some close losses this year and you’re a 17 win team.’” The Stags have clinched the #5 seed heading into the tournament which will be hosted by Fairfield this weekend. Last year the Stags entered the conference playoffs as winners of seven straight and ran the momentum all the way into the championship game. This year they are going to have to create their own momentum. However, Frager does not believe that the recent losses are a result of the team’s inability to defeat an upper class team in the MAAC. Peter Caty/The Mirror “I think part of the factor in the reason why we Joelle Nawrocki '11 jumps past a Loyola guard towards the hoop. struggled is that we happened to run into the four top teams in the league. Not coincidently, we are also “What you have to do is make sure Serena Moore doesn’t going into a period where we are a little bit banged up,” he have a monster game.” said. These two teams are familiar with playing each other The Stags were without two of their post players in in the playoffs, as they are squaring off in the first game for the last game. Freshmen Katie Cizynski is dealing with a the fifth time in six years. All the signs might be pointing hip injury, which has sidelined her from the last couple against Fairfield, but Frager and his team believe that they of games. The rookie leads all first year players in almost have a positive outlook. every offensive and defensive category. “When you look at a game tape and you see there are Sophomore Laura Vetra was the other casualty for some things that you can fix, that mistakes were made and Fairfield. She is suffering from a sickness that kept her out there are things you can do better, it gives you a sense of of the Marist game on Sunday, but she has been cleared to optimism,” he said. play for the tournament. Fairfield will look for the leadership of the three play“She has been cleared….But physically I don’t know ers who were just announced to All-MAAC teams. Desiree what she’s going to be able to give us,” Frager said. “We Pina and Katelyn Linney were named to the Second team need her.” while junior Taryn Johnson was voted to the league’s First Despite their recent slide and the question marks regarding the health of their post players, after 29 games the Team. “She has been one of the top performers in the league,” team starts all over again - and that’s a positive aspect for Frager said. Johnson is tied for the team lead in points and Frager. will be one of the Stag’s biggest options going into the game “The good thing we all agreed after the game in the against Siena. In the previous two occasions, Johnson was locker room against Marist is [that it’s] a brand new season. limited in the game due to foul trouble. It’s absolutely a brand new season,” Frager said. The Stags have completed their regular season. But The Stags will play on Friday at 3:30 p.m. against the Friday will start a brand new season. Records don’t matter fourth seed Siena. Fairfield is 0-2 this year against the in games like this where every pass, every decision, and Saints, losing just a week ago on the same court where this every dribble brings a higher importance. They say it’s diffiweekend’s game will be held. Siena is led by senior Serena cult to beat a team three times, and the Stags will be facing Moore, who leads the MAAC in scoring and rebounding a team where they are already 0-2. But that will go out the and is a legitimate choice to win the Player of the Year window as well, as Fairfield will begin their journey in the award. 2011 Spark Energy MAAC Championship. “You don’t shut a Serena Moore down,” Frager said.

Men's Lacrosse Impresses at Home Opener By Dan Leitao Managing Editor

Brothers Doug Kuring and Brandon Kuring both scored goals Tuesday night in the Men’s Lacrosse season home opener against Quinnipiac. One scored for the winning team and one scored for the losing team, when Fairfield beat the Bobcats 7-5 in front of 681 fans. Brandon, a freshman at Quinnipiac, said, “Playing my brother [was a] different experience… It was weird seeing him on the other side of the field, scoring goals, cheering against him when I have always cheered for him.” The younger brother continued, saying it was “probably [the] best experience in my life…My brother has always been my role model so [jersey number] four… I had to wear it. I was pretty excited when he scored.” Doug, a senior at Fairfield, mirrored his brother’s feelings saying, “It is definitely a different experience playing against him. [I] played with him on the same team in high school. He scored a goal today - instead of being happy for him, I have to be upset.” Head Coach Andy Copelan said, “I think it is one of those

special moments for the Kuring family.” Regarding the game overall, Copelan said, “I’m pleased with the fact that we won, [but] we are disappointed that we are yet to put together a 60 minute effort.” He was pleased to see the freshmen receive playing time yet said they are, “concerned with the short term and short term success.” Fairfield went down to Quinnipiac 1:48 into the game when Jack Oppenhiemer netted one for the Bobcats after Fairfield’s defense collapsed on itself. Sam Snow ’13 retaliated at 7:29, spinning and placing the ball in upper right corner of the net. Jordan Greenfield ’14 and Jay Duffy ’14 scored two more goals, making the score 3-1 at the end of the 1st quarter. Five minutes into the second quarter, Quinnipiac scored. Ryan Mulford ’11 quickly answered 2 minutes later, when Snow provided him with the perfect pass on the left side of the net, artfully placing it behind the Quinnipiac goalie. Quinnipiac’s Brandon Kuring then floated a ball over Fairfield’s goalie junior Charlie Cipriano’s head. Quinnipiac scored again 2 minutes into the 3rd quarter. However, Fairfield dominated the remainder of the 3rd quarter, scoring three goals. Marshal Johnson ’13 slid a goal past the

left side of the goalie 3 minutes into the 3rd quarter. Shawn Honovich ’14 came streaking in from the outside untouched for15 yards and ripped a goal from the right side of the net. Doug Kuring netted a well set-up goal to put Fairfield up 7-4. Quinnipiac scored one more goal in the fourth, but Fairfield maintained the score distance and won 7-5. Copelan highlighted Shawn Honovich ‘14, who wears number 30, by saying “I think [he] is going to be one of the better players to ever play here at Fairfield. I think that he is terrific; he plays at a different speed than those around him. Athletically, he is clearly at an ACC level athlete - he can do a number of different things for us.” Copelan ended by saying, “Right now, the Men’s Basketball Shawn Honovich '14 team has really galvanized campus and we are certainly pulling for them in the MAAC championship. Hopefully it is our turn once their season ends.”


Sports

The Mirror | Week of March 2, 2011

Page 23

Our HOUSE Our TIME Men's Game

Women's Game

3:30 PM Friday

4:30 PM Saturday Free T-Shirts

$500 Rafe Get Your Tickets Now @ Info Desk First 500 Tickets $5 After First 500 $8


Sports | 24

Online New and improved sports blog. Online only coverage. Week of March 2, 2011

fairfieldmirror.com

Sports Editor: Mikaela Tierney » info@fairfieldmirror.com

Stags Slam Siena Cooley leads team to another victory Photos by Peter Caty/The Mirror

Coach Ed Cooley guided the Men's Basketball team to another victory, this time against Siena on Friday night, bringing the Stags to a record of 23-6 overall.

By Ivey Speight Contributing WRitier The Fairfield University men’s basketball team has enjoyed arguably the best season in the program’s history. They are one win away from a school record and enter the 2011 Spark Energy MAAC Championship tournament as the number one seed. They earned the top position after clinching the regular season crown for the first time in 25 years. For the past three seasons, the Stags and all other teams in the MAAC have looked up to the Siena Saints, winners of three straight championships. Fairfield fell to the dominant Saints in Albany in last year’s final in overtime. This year the Stags will try to start a new era. This one highlighted by Fairfield playing the ‘top dog’ role. The Stags met the defending champions on Friday at the Webster Bank Arena at Harbor Yard. This is the same location where the 2011 tournament will be held: hosted by Fairfield. The two programs are heading in different directions. Fairfield head coach Ed Cooley resurrected a team that was an afterthought in any serious discussions, to a

Jamel Fields '14 is helped up by fellow Stags Maurice Barrow '14 and Warren Edney '11.

favorite in the tournament and a squad who can reach even higher destinations than last year. Siena’s program is coming off arguably the best three year run in conference history. They advanced to the NCAA tournament in each year, and managed to pull off upsets while becoming a national story. However, those years seem to be memories in the past. They enter the tournament as the seven seed and will have to participate in a play-in game. Next year’s Siena’s roster looks even bleaker as they lose two of their star seniors. In front of a season high 5,287 fans, the Stags earned well-deserved revenge and defeated the one time jewel of the conference. The attendance was the third largest in the history of the Arena in Bridgeport. The seniors, who were fueled by the energy of the crowd in their last regular season home game, saved a good performance for their finale. Yorel Hawkins, Lyndon Jordan, and Warren Edney totaled 31 of the team’s 68 points with Hawkins leading the way with 13. Hawkins, who was recently named to the All-MAAC Third team, led the Stags in scoring and is 6 points away from reaching the 1,000 point plateau. After struggling in the early part of the season, Lyndon Jordan has become a vital man off the

Ryan Olander '12 dunks in an intense play against Siena.

bench, especially from behind the arc. The Georgia native went 3-4 from three-point land and will be look to be a big contributor from behind the arc in the tournament. The dream of this unit going into the season was to win the MAAC Championship. They are only three games away from making that dream come true. Coach Cooley has continuously said that this is not a team made up of one superstar. Rather, they are a group of good players who have great chemistry on the court - and they have had contributions throughout their entire lineup. Four different Stags were named to All-MAAC Teams including: Maurice Barrow, who has a shot at winning the Rookie of the Year Award, Yorel Hawkins, Ryan Olander, (Made All-MAAC second team and someone who has gained the strength needed to be a big presence in the middle). And of course, their sophomore leader and captain Derek Needham. Even though they are a 20-win team, all those records are erased and the slate is new. It all comes down to three days in Bridgeport. They have already dethroned the former MAAC giant Siena, and will try to start a new era, with the Stags being the king of the conference.

Colin Nickerson '13 prepares to take a free throw shot.


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.