10/10/18

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The holiday is still being celebrated despite its problematic history.

Taking a look at famous Irish writer.

Field Hockey defeats Bryant 1-0 for 10th win.

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THE MIRROR Independent student newspaper

Week of October 10, 2018

Vol. 44 Iss. 6

@FairfieldMirror

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The Drop That Broke the Bucket

By Claire Monahan News Editor

Still photo taken from video contributed by Samantha Millette

Claire Monahan/ The Mirror

Claire Monahan/ The Mirror

Water gushes in from window into PepsiCo Theatre (top), bucket that collects water in commuter lounge (middle), water damage on ceiling by mailboxes in BCC (bottom).

At 5:34 p.m. students, faculty and staff received a Stag Alert email blast notifying them at the University had decided to cancel all classes after 6:45 p.m. due to severe flooding. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration reports that, on Sept. 25, 2018 Bridgeport, Conn. received 1.97 inches of rain.

Students are familiar with the usual signs of water damage around campus that result from intense rain. The usual trashcan placed underneath a steady drip from above, water leaks spotted all around the John A. Barone Campus Center; in the middle of the lower level, by the ramp in the lower level, by the mailboxes and in the middle of Einstein’s Bros Bagels.

However, this storm did all that and then some.

The Acute The Commuter Lounge There was so much water that the drains outside the door to the commuter lounge were overwhelmed and water began to leak into the building. Water poured in through the door and began to pool into the kitchenette and main lounge.

Students quickly moved to unplug the refrigerator in the lounge, fearing they would be electrocuted. The students in the lounge also documented the flood via Snapchat. The carpet was soaked. Disconcertingly, most of the outlet units in the lounge are on the floor.

For several years now, there has been a hole in the wall near the ceiling of the lounge with a bucket placed below. This bucket constantly collects water leaking down from the roof of BCC. One commuter student who did not wish to identified by name said that sometimes the water that collects in the bucket is brown. On that day, the bucket was not enough to contain the water, which streamed down and soaked the carpet in that corner as well.

On Oct. 2, a week after the flooding of Sept. 25, Joseph Bouchard, a Connecticut state certified fire marshal, who is also the director of The Office of Environmental Health and Safety, walked through the lounge.

Bouchard was unaware that any flooding had taken place in the commuter lounge.

However, he was not surprised that it flooded.

Bouchard said, “I have never seen the rain accumulate to that extent,” in regards to the Sept. 25 storm.

He also did not know that a kitchenette area had been added to the space, but clarified that since it was not a full kitchen its construction would not have needed to go through his office.

In response to the students’ concern about the refrigerator, Bouchard explained that if the outlets were ground-fault circuit interrupter outlets, or GFCIs, that electrocution would not have been an issue. GFCIs are designed to cut off power to the outlet if it detects an interruption in the current, which would be the case if water got into the outlet. So, if the refrigerator outlet or the outlets in the floor were GFCIs, they would shut off when wet.

At the time of his meeting with The Mirror, Bouchard was not sure if the outlets were in fact GFCIs. After looking into the matter, Bouchard discovered that none of the outlets in the commuter lounge are GFCIs. Commuter student Maddie Ortiz ‘20 was alarmed by the water and outlets issue. “I definitely do get nervous sometimes thinking about the electrical stuff because we all use those outlets 24/7 and if something happens to the outlets, who knows what’ll happen to the people using it or touching it,” Ortiz said.

The hole in the wall and ceiling has been an issue for years. Bouchard attributed it to issues with the green roof of the BCC. He speculated that the water coming from the ceiling might be brown because it is mixed with dirt from the green roof. The roof has been an issue for years, Bouchard elaborated, but there has been a lack of consensus from the administration about how to fix the issue.

Bouchard referred The Mirror to contact Peter Crowley, director of facilities management. Crowley did not respond to The Mirror’s request for a comment.

Another safety issue raised by The Mirror was that the carpet was still soaked with water, which could lead to mold growth. The Environmental Protection Agency recommends that water damaged areas be dried out within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth.

The EPA warns that, “Exposure to mold can cause hay-fever-like reactions (such as stuffy nose, red, watery or itchy eyes, sneezing).” The carpet was visibly stained with water damage, Bouchard pointed out that because the carpet is laid down in square units, portions of the carpet could easily be replaced without replacing the whole carpet.

Bouchard said he was not made aware of any of the concerns raised by The Mirror during the walkthrough of the lounge. Nevertheless, the problems have been noticed by students for years.

“I’ve been commuting for the past two years and I’ve definitely noticed water damage to be a huge issue,” Ortiz described. “It floods a good majority of the floor and it’s pretty gross to walk and have water coming up.”

The Mirror had a difficult time determining who in administration is actually responsible for the commuter lounge space. Meredith Smith, associate director of the office of Residence Life, referred The Mirror to Jodie Fitzpatrick, assistant director of residential colleges, Charles Sousa, senior associate director of Res Life and Pejay Lucky, associate director of Res Life. Sousa and Lucky did not respond to The Mirror’s request for a comment.

Smith also cited the office of Conference and Events Management as responsible for

Read Fairfield on Page 2

News

THE MIRROR | Week of October 10, 2018

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Fairfield: Flooded and Forgotten suffering as a result.

“Everything is not alright,” Porter continued, “We are at a subsistence level, not a level where we can prosper.”

Kelley, a theatre major, echoed Porter’s concerns, “Theatre is maintaining the BCC. Matthew Dinnan, the director of Conference all about ‘doing;’ you can’t approach it from a theoretical standpoint, and Events Management, referred The Mirror to Curt Krushinsky, you have to gain actual experience to learn. Having a theatre serves director of campus planning & design and campus architect. Krushas an environment where we can put our knowledge to practical insky did not respond to The Mirror’s request for a comment. use.”

Ultimately, Fitzpatrick replied to The Mirror, writing in an One area of learning affected by the condemnation of the email, “The University facilities department was contacted to clean PepsiCo is costume design. Julie Leavitt-Learson is an instructor and up the water and dry the carpet that day, as well as the carpet in the costume designer for the production of the theatre program. Learson entire lounge is being cleaned over the long weekend [fall break] so used to hold costume design labs in a dedicated costume space in as to not disrupt the space for the commuters.” the theatre, she is now in a multi-purpose space at the Quick Center.

As of 6:30 p.m. on Oct. 9, the carpet in the commuter lounge The space is roughly half the size of her original workspace and, after was still visibly water damaged. the flooding, Learson could only bring some of her equipment to the Fitzpatrick could not be reached on Oct. 9 regarding whether new space. or not the carpet was going to be replaced. Ophelie Rowe-Allen, asThe Quick Center also has less availability compared to the sociate dean of students and director of Res Life, was also contacted PepsiCo. Previously, Learson would hold lab at hours that worked about the carpet replacement and could not be reached. around student schedules. Now, students are in a rush to design and One former commuter student, Theresa Bravo ‘19, still held construct costumes for the upcoming show, “This has injected a lot out hope that the administration would respond to concerns, “I of stress into the process,” Learson added. think that the admin has really grown in paying attention to comAdditionally, Learson cannot access any items left in the muter student issues and wants only for the best for them and their theatre. This means that the show will ultimately cost more money success at the University.” because items from previous years cannot be reused. Porter also Other commuters feel this issue has not been adequately stated that the department has had to hire more help in order to deal addressed by the administration. with the fallout of the building being closed.

“I don’t think the university is paying attention to it at all The flooding of the building has also had an emotional though. Like I said it’s been like this for well over three years and it impact on students. “I have been able to find some of my best friends doesn’t seem like they have any plans to fix anything until the comin the PepsiCo, people who have become like my second family here muter lounge just falls on our heads,” explained Ortiz. “It’s frustratat school,” Fallon Sullivan ‘20 detailed, “The small theatre on campus ing because commuters are just as much a student as the residents was a sacred space for us to explore our studies and grow in our are, but the University doesn’t seem to think so.“ theatre experiences together.”

The PepsiCo Theatre LoMonaco, Porter and Learson all praised those in adminisAnother area of major flooding during Sept. 25 storm was tration, especially the Quick Center and dean of the College of Arts the PepsiCo Theatre located on the west end of campus near Round and Sciences Richard Greenwald, who have been helping with the Hill Road. issue. However, all three made the point that what is being done is During the storm, water began gushing through the wall not a long term solution. under a heating unit and, eventually, it was discovered that water Theatre students also highlighted this uncertainty. “There’s had broken through a window in the basement. Water was pouring no sense of stability, and I don’t know if people understand how into the basement, eventually rising to the top of the staircase. Lynne difficult it is to do the work that we do in this kind of situation,” Kelly Porter, professor of theatre, was there when the building flooded and explained. “I appreciate all that is being done, but I do think that we estimated there was 8-10 feet of water in the basement. need a better solution if this is going to be a long-term situation,” she Senior Shannon Kelley was also there when the basement added. flooded, “I have never seen a building flood like that. Water and dirt “It’s kind of like holding your breath, you can only do it for so and leaves were shooting out of a hole in the wall, and it just kept long,” forewarned Porter. coming. The water was literally pooling up to the windows outside The Chronic the back of the building.”

Loyola Hall Art Studio Porter attributes the flooding issue to poor landscape Located in the basement of Loyola opposite the Department management. She explained that no one paid attention to water of Public Safety are the art studios for painting, sculpture, drawing drainage around the building and that, “It’s like the building has and photography. In the studios, students attend classes as well as been forgotten.” display and store their artwork.

The theatre has had a history of other issues, but the water in Whenever the campus experiences heavy rains, water seeps the basement was still jarring to students. into the building through one of the many doors. The Mirror went “It was shocking, lots of things have happened to the PepsiCo on a tour of the water damage in Loyola with studio art technician but not to this degree,” Samantha Millette ‘20 explained. “My first Patty Frattaroli. year it was infested with wasps, then the roof basically collapsed Frattaroli recounted multiple times that she would come into during the independent project this past January, and now this. They work and find puddles of standing water all over the art studios. She should just give us a new building at this point.” highlighted the possible safety concerns of the recurrent flooding.

Martha LoMonaco Ph.D., professor of visual and performing Her principle concerns are that students might slip and fall or that arts, detailed how the original design of what is now the Regina A. areas might start developing mold.

Quick Center for the Arts had two buildings. One served the funcShe praised ABM, vice president for Facilities Management tion of the Quick Center while the second was supposed to house David Frassinelli and Greenwald for their responsiveness in dealing the film, television and media arts, studio art, music and theatre with water issues. However, when asked about long term solutions, programs. The second building was never built and these programs Frattaroli was hesitant. “I feel like we’re dealing,” yielded Frattaroli. have since been scattered across campus.

Frattaroli explained that she did not want money to be taken “It’s been a continual challenge of our department [visual away from other areas on campus that had worse water problems. and performing arts],” LoMonaco explained, “not being in the same Bannow Science Center building limits the collaboration of faculty and students across Students sitting through a lecture in the Rudolph F. Bannow programs.”

Science Center might glance up at the ceiling to see ceiling tiles Since the PepsiCo has been declared unsafe and is now off stained with brown oval-like shapes. limits to students and faculty, theatre classes and rehearsals have This is a a common indicator of water damage to a building. been relocated around campus. Porter describes that students feel While damaged ceiling tiles might be an unsightly nuisance, dripdisoriented moving from space to space and their education is ping water can cause more serious issues.

In Bannow 348 there is an atomic absorption spectrometer. Currently the instrument is draped with a blue tarp as water drips down from the ceiling when there is a heavy rain. The AA spectrometer works by first turning a sample into free gaseous atoms and then applying a photon to the atoms to measure the amount of energy absorbed by the sample. By measuring the pattern of energy absorbed, the identity of atom can be determined.

Matthew Kubasik Ph.D., associate professor and chair of the chemistry department, explained in an email, “The instrument is used to determine the quantities of metal ions in a sample. So, for example, if you wanted to determine the amount of calcium in water, or the amount of iron in a vitamin supplement, the AA would be the instrument to do so.”

Currently the instrument is not being used, so Kubasik was unsure if the instrument was damaged due to the water. Kubasik added, “If it is damaged, I am confident insurance claims will cover the damage. But I am pretty sure it’s Claire Monahan/ The Mirror going to work.”

Kubasik referred The Mirror to Joseph Simeone, a project manager in the office of FaciliThe problematic green roof of the BCC which is above the commuter lounge. ties Management. Simeone did not respond to The

Continued from Page One

Claire Monahan/ The Mirror

Students assess the water soaked carpet near floor outlets.

Mirror’s request for a comment Kubasik then highlighted that the chemistry department recently received a grant for a new nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometer.

The new instrument will be housed in the same leaky building as the AA spectrometer.

“It’s the Hierarchy of the University” What do all of these groups have in common? Commuter students, the theatre program, studio art, the chemistry department – they all lack power in the larger changing University system.

In fall of 2017 there were 351 commuter students, yet their designated space on campus receives little attention from the administration. When the bucket, which collects the water dripping from the roof, fills up, students simply dump it out in the sink. Why have students resigned themselves to spending time in a space that poses health risks?

Because it takes emailing eight different people, who may or may not write back, to figure out who is in charge of the space.

Because the roof of BCC has been a known issue for years and there is still a hole in the wall of the commuter lounge.

The Daniel and Grace Tully Dining Commons, which extended the footprint of the BCC, cost $19 million. But the roof just outside its doors is cracked and damaged.

There are not a lot of theatre majors compared to management majors. However, with their current facilities it is difficult to attract potential theatre students. LoMonaco described it as a catch 22, if they had more students in the program the program would receive more resources, in order to get more students in the program the department needs more resources.

Students have noticed this paradox as well. “How is this going to look to students applying to Fairfield who are interested in theatre?” posited Sullivan, “In past years, showing perspective students the PepsiCo and watching their faces fall as they compared the Quick Center to the PepsiCo is a little heartbreaking.”

The studio art technician has to take time away preparing for classes to ensure the safety of students. But she does not complain about this, she instead minimizes the problems of the building because others are struggling more.

The chair of the chemistry department located in Bannow Science Center, a symbol of progress and advancement, is grateful that water did not leak onto a more important instrument.

The Marion Peckham Egan School of Nursing and Health Sciences new building cost $31 million. Yet, the building directly attached to it has water stained ceiling tiles.

The new Charles F. Dolan School of Business is estimated to cost $42 million. Fairfield has reinvested in its professional schools while ignoring the College of Arts and Sciences.

Dean Greenwald said in a statement to The Mirror, “the unprecedented levels of rain for the Northeast have affected many institutions. Unfortunately we have also had water damage. Facilities have done a very good job under difficult conditions to assess the damages and develop plans for quick repairs.”

Specifically in regard to the PepsiCo Theatre, “On the academic side, we have made arrangements for temporary solutions while the repairs are underway. As a University we all are committed to ensure the quality of our educational experience is impacted as little as possible,” Greenwald added.

“The Campus Wide Master Plan calls for both new construction and upgrades to some of our aging infrastructure and this includes both dorms and academic buildings like Canisius, Donnarumma, Bannow Science Center and the Academic Commons at the library,” Frassinelli, VP for Facilities Management, wrote in an email, “We also have regular maintenance efforts underway in buildings like the BCC which include replacing the roof that is almost at its end-of-life expectancy.”

Students will have to wait and see if these plans ever come to fruition or are simply washed away.

News

THE MIRROR | Week of October 10, 2018

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Crew Team Rows to a Cure

By Mimi Loughlin Contributing Writer

Compiled by Claire Monahan Information contributed by the Department of Public Safety.

Tuesday, 10/2 10:31 p.m.

A lightning strike on campus knocked out the DPS radio repeater. The damage has since been repaired.

Friday, 10/5 1:35 a.m.

Drug paraphernalia was discovered at a townhouse.

Students fled the scene when DPS investigated. The individuals were identified and residents of the unit were referred to student conduct.

and was honored as one of the best doctors in America in the past 20 years.

Multiple myeloma attacks plasma cells which norThe Fairfield University Rowing Team will be hostmally fight infection with the help of ing Meters for Myeloma, a 5K walk/run to raise awareness antibodies in the bone marrow, and funds for multiple myeloma, starting at Alumni Hall the sponge-like tissue at the on Sunday, Oct. 14 at noon. center of your bones. Myeloma The Fairfield University Rowing Team started the causes plasma cells to profliMeters for Myeloma Walk/Run after Matthew Labine, gate, preventing one’s ability beloved rowing coach, passed away from multiple to fight off infection. myeloma in September 2017. Labine started rowing at As the Multiple MyYale University, and, after graduation, rowed for two eloma Research FoundaU.S. National teams and won bronze in the U.S. 8+ tion states, “With the push at the 1981 World Rowing Championships. Labine for advancement of multiple was a finalist for the U.S. Olympic trials in Rowing myeloma therapies, ten new in 1980 and 1984. He was also a writer for “General drugs have been approved Hospital,” the television drama, and won an Emmy in in the time it typically takes to 2004 for his writing. The event is a way to honor his obtain a single drug approval. The memory.

MMRF continues to investigate and Meters for Myeloma also honors Jo Hannafin fund the most promising treatments for PhD, friend of the Rowing Team, and multiple multiple myeloma.” myeloma patient diagnosed in April 2012.

“Every sport has a service aspect.

Hannafin is considered to be a founding We chose to raise money for multiple mymother of women’s crew at Brown eloma because of our coach. It’s a really University, where she combig fundraiser, and it’s a lot of fun. This peted in crew for all four s year, I think it’ll be our biggest year yet. n o of her undergraduate m It keeps growing, which is really nice,” m years. She attended said Maggie O’Donnell ‘19, who rows Co ia medical school at port/starboard on the Rowing team. ed im the Albert Einstein “The course is a campus loop. It’s not ik /W College of Medisuper intense, it’s relaxed. There are s on cine. Hannafin won snacks in Alumni Hall afterwards, m m three gold medals and we’re selling t-shirts after the Co e in the U.S. National event.” it v ea Rowing Championr By coming to Meters for C The burgundy ribbon stands for ship and a silver medal Myeloma, attendees will be helping multiple myeloma awareness. in the 1984 World Rowing to raise funds for scientists to discover Championships. She was the team physician for the U.S. cures for Multiple Myeloma. Participants Rowing Team. Hannafin was the first female president of can register on the day of the event. The cost the American Orthopedic Society, Dr. Hannafin was also is $12 for students, $15 for faculty and staff and director of the Women’s Sports Medicine Center and the $10 for children. first clinician-scientist at the Hospital for Special Surgery,

Don’t Be Blind Sided: Michael Lewis to Speak at the Quick Center Famed author to appear on panel with students

By Julia Monteleone Assistant News Editor

THE MIRROR Incorporated 1977

Alicia Phaneuf, Editor-in-Chief Cara Lee, Executive Editor Deanna Carbone, Managing Editor Editors Sabina Dirienzo, Chief Copy Sabrina Trueheart, Copy Claire Monahan, News Julia Monteleone, Assistant News Lexi Thimble, Opinion Katherine Klima, Vine Alle Scanlon, Assistant Vine Julia Crews, Coffee Break Patrick Getz, Co-Sports Daniel Montgomery, Co-Sports Christopher LaZazzera, Assistant Sports Business Department Email: info@fairfieldmirror.com Natalia Macchio, Director of Finance Adviser Professor Matt Tullis Contact Information Fairfield University 1073 North Benson Road, BCC 104 Box AA, Fairfield, CT 06824 General email: info@fairfieldmirror.com

Michael Lewis will be arriving at the Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts on Oct. 10 to discuss the future of America in a panel led by students and professors alike.

Lewis is the author of 16 books on various topics not limited to economics and politics. His works include famous titles such as “The Big Short,” “Money Ball” and “The Blind Side,” bestsellers of which have been adapted to the big screen and have starred celebrity giants such as Sandra Bullock, Brad Pitt, Ryan Gosling and Steve Carell.

Lewis will be participating in a forum titled “An Unscripted Evening with Michael Lewis: Trends Impacting America’s Future Direction.” The event will be a part of the Open VISIONS Forum series at the Quick Center is a sold out event.

“

It won’t matter if you are a Dolan School of Business major or a humanities student, Lewis’s educational/ career trajectory promises to reveal many hard ‘life lessons.’”

- Dr. Philip Eliasoph, Ph.D.

The forum will include The Mirror’s own Editor-in-Chief Alicia Phaneuf ‘19 and News Editor Claire Monahan ‘20, along with Michael Bodie ‘19.

The Fairfield University Student Association President Danielle Rice ‘19 will be introducing Lewis and the forum will be moderated by Philip Eliasoph, Ph.D., professor of visual & performing arts and founder and director of the Open VISIONS Forum.

The latest book written by Lewis, “The Fifth Risk”, discusses the implications of control of the United States government being given to those who do not understand how it works.

He focuses on governmental agencies across America that are struggling to stay afloat due to, according to the book’s description, “attacks from its own leaders.”

Eliasoph commented about Mr. Lewis’ visit to the University on Wednesday night in an email to The Mirror.

“It won’t matter if you are a Dolan School of business major or a humanities student, Lewis’s educational/career trajectory promises to reveal many hard ‘life lessons.’ After graduating from Princeton as an art history major [his senior thesis was about Greco-Roman influences on the Renaissance sculptures of Donatello] — he then shifted focus and took another degree at the London School of Economics. In his late twenties he became a high-stakes bond trader at Solomon Brothers, which was then translated into his first best seller, ‘Liar’s Poker,’” stated Eliasoph.

Eliasoph continued, “This semi-autobiographical peek inside the Wall Street world and established his street cred as one of America’s most gifted journalists of our Money/Greed culture. Taking an outside view, he explores MLB in ‘Moneyball’ – considered the most important inside look at pro baseball. ‘Flash Boys’ is a deep dive into high-frequency trading and its devastating impact from “‘Wall Street to Main Street.’ In summation, Lewis has become a prophet of our age – standing on the ‘outside looking in’ and exposing our virtues and vices with humor, wit and a turbo-charged writing voice. I am telling all of my students – be there and listen carefully!”

The student panelists are also excited to be in the presence of the successful journalist and author.

“The plethora of topics Michael Lewis has written about in great detail is nearly unfathomable. After already immersed himself within the Oakland Athletics baseball organization, he has now taken on the federal government,” said Bodie.

Bodie continued, “I am eager to learn about the challenges and triumphs he encountered writing a novel from within some of our administrative agencies. Being a millennial during a time with such immense change within the US government has been eye opening and I can’t wait to discuss with Lewis the mindset of the trump administration.”

News

THE MIRROR | Week of October 10, 2018

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Fairfield Community Walks for Mental Health Sabrina Trueheart Copy Editor

As a Jesuit institution, Fairfield University prides itself on having students who act as “women and men for others.” On Oct. 12 at 10:30 a.m., students and faculty will act as men and women for others as they walk to end the stigma against mental illness. Counseling and Psychological Services has partnered with the Fairfield University Student Association, the National Alliance on Mental Illness and Residence Life to host the event during Mental Health Awareness Week. The walk will start in the traffic circle green, and all are welcome to join. FUSA, NAMI, Residence Life and the Collegiate Health Service Corps will have tables along the route with giveaways and information on mental health.

Counseling and Psychological Services will also have a table with information on their services.

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, one in five Americans is affected by mental health conditions.

“Stigma is toxic to their mental health because it creates an environment of shame, fear and silence that prevents many people from seeking help and treatment,” NAMI’s website states. “The perception of mental illness won’t change unless we act to change it. Compassion, empathy and understanding are the antidote to stigma.”

In recognition of efforts by NAMI, Congress established Mental Health Awareness Week in 1990 to increase awareness of mental illness. This year, the University will host the walk to end stigma as well as an interactive event that will include student speakers sharing their personal experiences with mental illness.

Dr. Kimberly Tappen, the organizer for Mental

Health Awareness Day and a licensed psychologist in Counseling and Psychological Services, spoke on how these events will make an impact on the University.

“Because of the stigma that still exists around mental illness and treatments such as therapy and medication,” Tappen explained, “people who are struggling with things such as anxiety or depression can feel alienated or ashamed which prevents them from seeking help that could really improve the quality of their lives.” Tappen continued, “We hope that this event will get the word out to the Fairfield campus community that mental health is just as important as physical health and that there is help available.”

Counseling and Psychological Services is not the only place on campus where students can seek help. FUSA is also available to help students in need.

“I can say that ultimately FUSA always aims to be a resource and open door for all undergraduate students on campus. Danielle [Rice ‘19], myself, our Executive Cabinet, and all Title-Holding FUSA members want each student to feel like they are being heard, they’re equal and are empowered.” elaborated Matthew Marshall ’19, FUSA vice president. “Through keeping the dialogue open and transparent, we hope to shift the barriers that students may face regarding the conversation about mental health and the stigma attached to it.”

Students can contact Counseling & Psychological Services at 203.254.4000 ext 2146 or email them at counseling@fairfield.edu to access mental health resources.

Support Group Lends Compassionate Hand Cara Lee Executive Editor

In light of the Ford-Kavanaugh hearing, which began on Sept. 28 at Capitol Hill and has held a media spotlight during the weeks before and after, Fairfield University Counseling & Psychological Services has begun to further promote their Survivors Support Group to Fairfield students who are survivors of sexual assaults.

Christine Blasey Ford Ph.D., a 51-year-old research psychologist at Palo Alto University in California, went public with sexual-assault allegations against Brett Kavanaugh on Sept. 16 in a Washington Post article. She stated that Kavanaugh sexually assaulted her while the two were in high school. Following this, Deborah Ramirez, a former Yale University classmate of Kavanaugh’s, came forward publically with her own sexual misconduct allegations against the Supreme Court then-nominee. This was followed by

Infographic compiled by Alicia Phaneuf/The Mirror. Information gathered from RAINN.org

two additional public accusations and multiple reports by others who allegedly witnessed more of these occurrence. As of Oct. 6, and despite these allegations, Kavanaugh was voted onto the Supreme Court. On Oct. 7 he took his oath and was sworn in as an Associate Justice.

“Dr. Ford has shown us all what courage looks like. She has offered up a powerful testament to the profound impact of sexual trauma on both individuals and society at large,” said psychotherapist Mary Ellen Staudt Spitzfaden, LPC, NCC, who works at the Fairfield University Counseling Service. “Her testimony has the potential to empower fellow survivors. It can also have the effect of causing trauma to resurface.”

In fact, information released by the National Sexual Assault Hotline revealed that, since this hearing began, the hotline has experienced a large increase in calls. This climaxed on Sept. 25, when they recorded a 147 percent increase in calls, as quoted in the hotline research, “compared with a normal weekday on which sexual assault did not dominate the news.”

“It can be very healing to come together with others who have experienced something similar. Students at Fairfield who are struggling with a sexual assault history are encouraged to utilize Counseling & Psychological Services,” said Susan Birge, assistant vice president and director of Counseling & Psychological Services.

In response to the hearing and the trauma it can cause survivors, the Fairfield University Counseling Service is increasing efforts to promote the return of their regular Survivors Support Group. The Survivors Support Group will be led by a currently unannounced, licensed psychotherapist and will meet weekly at a day and time determined by participants’ availability.

“In our Survivors Group, we create a safe, supportive space where such processes can be gently explored with peers who understand the experience,” Staudt Spitzfaden continued, “We develop strategies to help offset the negative impact of trauma by connecting with sources of resilience and self-esteem to build lives that are once again joyful. Our group is about the power of healing.

We welcome all survivors.”

Resident Assistant Annie Kamradt ‘19 has been learning more about and becoming more involved with mental health and the Counseling Center since the beginning of the 2018-19 academic year due to her position as an RA. Through this position, she has seen the effect news surrounding the Ford-Kavanaugh hearing has on her fellow Fairfield students.

“I do think that news of this hearing can be triggering for survivors. From what I’ve been reading, it sounds like a lot of people are discrediting Ford’s account because of how long ago the incident allegedly occurred,” Kamradt remarked.“They are saying that she must be lying, even when they have no proof to these claims.

Something that many survivors have faced or fear they will face… Regardless of these circumstances, Ford persevered and delivered her story with the support of millions behind her. I hope this update in the story doesn’t deter survivors from joining. Rather, I hope survivors see Ford’s bravery and understand that it’s okay not to be okay. Any point in time when a survivor is ready to share their story, the Sexual Assault Support Group is going to be ready to listen. Even if it seems like someone may dismiss the allegations of a survivor, this Group will not be that place.”

Opinion

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THE MIRROR | Week of October 10, 2018

Editor Lexi Thimble » alexandra.thimble@student.fairfield.edu

Getting Opinionated with The Mirror Columbus Day is Celebrated for All the Wrong Reasons

By Timothy Dillon Contributing Writer As I write this, Columbus Day weekend is fast approaching and I, along with many of my fellow Americans, am certainly looking forward to the prospect of a long weekend. However, with that being said, it is important that we take a look at who exactly we’re celebrating, and whether he really did anything that merits celebration.

Pictured: Italian explorer Christopher Columbus

First, let’s take a look at the origins of Columbus Day, because even putting aside the many other problems with Columbus that we’ll get to in just a moment, it’s more than a little strange that large parts of the United States would choose to celebrate a man who had nothing to do with the United States, and never even set foot on the land that would eventually become the United States. Columbus Day can trace its roots to Italian American immigrants, who, after having arrived in the United States, were often treated with hostility. As a result, Italian Americans used Columbus’ Genoese nationality to show that Italians had always nated in been part of the American story. This culmi1892, when President Benjamin Harrison called 400th for national celebration of the lumanniversary of Con e y. bus’ jourSince that d a y , many parts of the U.S. have celebrated Columbus Day and Franklin Delano Roosevelt would later make it a federal holiday.

As for the fictional portrayal of Christopher Columbus that many Americans are probably familiar with, this can be attributed to Washington Irving’s “A History of the Life and Voyages of Chris-

Creative Commons/Wikimedia Commons and de.wikipedia.org

topher Columbus.” In this work, Irving portrayed Columbus as a brave explorer who proved the world was round, discovered the Americas and was kind to the natives. None of this was true. It was common knowledge that the Earth was round long before Columbus’ time. The idea that the Earth is round was first seriously advanced by Aristotle, and later proved by Eratosthenes in Ptolemaic Egypt, who was able to calculate its circumference with remarkable accuracy. This knowledge was never lost either.

Columbus set sail because he falsely believed that the Earth was smaller than it is, and that one could sail from Iberia to India via the Pacific Ocean. He also did not really discover the Americas.

Though the natives, Vikings and maybe even Chinese explorers all reached the Americas first, it is fair to say that Columbus was the person who permanently connected the Americas to AfroEurasia and began the exchange of goods, people and disease.

That being said, Columbus thought he had arrived in Asia, and died without knowing he had actually landed on a new continent. It was only after Columbus’ death that Amerigo Vespucci realized the Americas were separate continents. What Columbus undoubtedly did do was expose the Americas to European imperialism with disastrous consequences for the people already living there. The Taino, an indigenous tribe that lived where Columbus landed, greeted him with the utmost hospitality, yet his first instinct was to take advantage of them and ultimately enslave them. By the early 16th Century, the Taino were nearly gone, wiped out by violence and disease. The rest of the native population of the Americas suffered a similarly horrific fate.

All of this brings us to the question of whether Americans really ought to celebrate Columbus. I say no. In many Latin American nations, as well as in increasing number of states and cities in the US, the day is instead a celebration of the indigenous people who populated these continents long before Columbus arrived, and so many of whom were lost as a result of that fateful arrival. It seems to me that this would be a much more historically accurate and morally appropriate way to mark the occasion.

Kanye Hides Behind His Hat Once Again

to him. Kanye interprets the infamous red hat as representing “good and America becoming whole again.”

Yet, some can argue, this country was never whole to begin with. Christopher Columbus discovered only part of what is now America, with the 13 original colonies being the foundation. Much of the land Kanye West once again sparked controversy following his Sept. 29 “Saturday Night Live” perfor- that “makes America great” was purchased from European countries or stolen from Native Americans. mance. As the show was ending, Kanye decided to take to the stage once more, uninvited, to share his America is anything but whole and balanced. Rather, America is very much like you mentally, Mr. West: scrambled interpretation of what his “Make America Great Again” hat means, while also crying that he unstable and in need of help. Stomping around in a red hat and slurring that we need to follow our hearts is was bullied. not going to make this country whole again.

Prior to Kanye’s initial appearance during the opening monologue, some cast members advised Just in case anyone was not questioning Kanye’s education on American history yet, he continued to Kanye to “possibly not wear the hat.” However, in Kanye fashion, rather type that we must abolish the 13th Amendment, the same amendment that abolished than comprehending this moment as an offer of advice, Kanye decided slavery, which he considers a choice. Well, if everything is a choice Mr. West, it to play the victim and whine that he was bullied. Considering Kanye’s would truly be “great” if you spend as much time educating yourself on American history of drunkedly berating Taylor Swift at the 2009 VMA broadhistory as you do tweeting and hiding behind your wife every time she has to casting and taking aim at Amber Rose and Wiz Khalifa's son, Kanye come to your defense. Not only is Kanye’s plea to abolish the 13th Amendment is no stranger to bullying. historically insensitive, it is more-so disrespectful to all individuals who surDuring Kanye’s interrupted rant at the end of the show, he vived slavery and those who fought to see the amendment ratified. attempted to preach to the audience how we must “follow your One of the many amendments that makes this country so deheart, not your mind.” Well, Kanye, you have no choice but sirable for immigrants is our First Amendment of the freedom of to follow your heart, considering you lost your mind years speech. However, with this amendment comes the responsibility to ago. During the monstrosity that was supposed to be the educate ourselves. It is our duty to know our history, formulate our end of the show, only a few distant cheers can be heard, opinions on our beliefs and seek to educate ourselves on different iswhile the rest of studio was filled with awkward silence and sues. utter disgust.

Kanye, you have been granted a platform to share your viAside from Kanye’s unfortunate return to the sions and beliefs, but you continue to fall into a concerning stage, the moment that sparked the most controstate of ignorance. You have the resources to educate versy was his tweet following the perforyourself, you have the money to seek help and yet you mance. As many bullies do, Kanye destill lack all capacity to do so. Be a role model for cided to hide behind the comfort of his your kids, get help and be better. Instead of ending phone screen and tweet about his interyour tweet with “message sent with love,” you should Pictured: rapper Kanye West wearing the controversial "Make America Great Again" hat pretation of what the MAGA hat means have ended with “message sent with ignorance.”

Photo taken from Deadline.com

By Kallan Hook Contributing Writer

Editorial Board "Leave the World-Saving to the Men? I Don't Think So" Alicia Phaneuf Editor-in-Chief Cara Lee Executive Editor Deanna Carbone Managing Editor

Executive editor, Cara Lee’19, added her own perspective from her experience at Comic Con: I’ve attended Comic Con for six years and never had any trouble. The Comic Con facilities themselves (the Javits Center, Madison Square Garden’s Hulu Theatre and the Hammerstein Ballroom) are a haven for men, women and gender non-conforming persons alike, as all in attendance can dress as any character they want or dream to regardless of gender, sexuality, ethnicity, belief or body type. Comic Con is a home to Sailor Moons in hijabs, 40-year-old beer-bellied men in slave-Leia outfits and tiny, five-year-old girls clad in green face paint to rock Hulk costumes. All of these individuals would be photographed, hugged, high fived, and video recorded by hundreds of different con attendees throughout the days they attended.

And every one of these physical interactions would be preceded by requests to do so in accordance with the rules of Comic Con, some of which are highlighted in a policy all attendees are required to read before attending

and some of which are rules of etiquette that, though unspoken, are always followed to the letter.

However, this past weekend the con experience where everyone is comfortable to be who they are was tainted by the outside world. Protesters outside of the Javits Center shouted at all females in attendance, telling us we belonged to men, belonged in the kitchen, were only around to be used. Women like me, always comfortable walking between the all-common route between Penn Station and the Javits Center or any of the other venues during Comic Con weekend were subject to profanity, followed, cursed at… I’ve lived, breathed, walked New York City my entire life at all different hours of the day and night, both alone and with family and friends. I never felt unsafe until this past weekend. It wasn’t even night time, I thought I was fine, walking my usual, public route from the train station to the Javits Center, bright and early in the morning. I didn’t think anyone would interact with me; no one had before other than fellow connies, except to give me funny looks or ask where I was going in “that

get-up”. It was different this time and all I can say is that I have never been more grateful to see a group of men in anime cosplay as I was being screamed at. I walked the rest of the distance with them.

This is a problem. It’s a problem that women can’t wear what they want through New York City without fear of being followed, verbally abused, or physically accosted.

The fact that there is still a stigma that women should be held accountable for what they are wearing in order not to be sexually assaulted is disgusting and ridiculous.

I’m not naive enough to think it’s possible for this change to happen before someone else is yelled profanity at on the street. I’m not even naive enough to think that this change will come before my next Con--because no one and nothing can stop me from going to that haven where everyone matters. But, maybe, by the time the girl I’ve babysat for years, who I talk fandom with at a mile a minute, attends her first Con, she’ll be able to walk there all alone, without trouble, head held high in any cosplay she feels calling to her.

THE MIRROR | Week of October 10, 2018

Opinion

Page 6

Quit While You're Behind: An Open Letter to J.K. Rowling

By Lexi Thimble Opinion Editor

Dr. Adrienne Keene, a self-described “Writer behind Native Appropriations” and a member of the Cherokee Nation, stated, “It's not ‘your’ world. It's our (real) Native world. And skin walker stories have context, roots and reality.” That’s the real issue here with Rowling’s appropriation: she’s using the history of a people that have been oppressed for centuries to lend credence to the world she’s creating and profiting off of.

She’s also been rightly criticized for her continued support of Johnny Depp in his role in the “Fantastic Beasts” series, despite the fact that there are multiple, credible examples of his verbal and physical violence towards his former wife, Amber Heard. To many fans, myself included, it’s infuriating and upsetting to again and again witness the lives of abused women be cast aside in favor of siding with supremely powerful men, even more so when women you idolize help to do that. Even Daniel Radcliffe, the title star of the original “Harry Potter” film series, expressed his disappointment, telling Entertainment Weekly, “I can see why people are frustrated with the response that they were given...I

Normally when a series ends that you adore, be it a book, TV show, or even a movie franchise, you’d like nothing more than for the creator of that series to give you more. More behind-the-scenes snippets, more of what happened after the happily ever after, more of the character’s lives beyond the adventures they partake in. It’s why fanfiction is so popular on online fansites, with fans taking it upon themselves to fill in those gaps and perhaps even fix the things they thought the original creators got wrong. To have that information come from the original creators, however, makes it canon, or a confirmed part of the original story. That’s the ultimate dream: to have a plot theory or a relationship between characters confirmed as being canon, and to have that endorsed by the creator you love.

When the “Harry Potter” book series ended in 2007, longtime fans of the books were understandably devastated, and would’ve jumped for any other canon piece of HP lore that author J.K. Rowling released. We still had quite a few movies left to enjoy, though, and Rowling remained firm in stating that Harry’s story was told and she wouldn’t be returning to it anytime soon. It was a simpler time then, truly, because if I had known then what would happen when Rowling actually did release her extra content, I probably wouldn’t have been so eager for it.

Let me just preface this by saying I’m really glad for some of the things that have come from the end of “Harry Potter.” The launching of “Pottermore,” with its interactive games and never-released texts were exactly what fans were looking for: an inside look at some of the lesser-known lives of our favorite characters that also allowed fans to participate in their world by being sorted into a house or given a Patronus. Rowling has also published books referenced in the original series, such as textbooks “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” and “Quidditch Through the Ages” and the infamous storybook, “Tales of Beedle the Bard,” one again allowing fans to tangibly interact with details of the stories they love. One of my favorite things to have come out of Rowling’s Wizarding World is an actual Wizarding World theme park installed at Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida. This is saying something coming from myself, a person with rather low opinions of theme parks and heat, of which Universal has both in abundance. But what made the difference at Universal was that The Wizarding World of Harry Potter was lovingly detailed; it catered directly to fans of the books, and it inserted me directly inside them.

When it comes to the creation suppose the thing I was struck by was, we did have a guy who was reprimanded for weed on the [origiof new media, however, J.K. Rowling nal Potter] film, essentially, so obviously what Johnny has been accused of is much greater than that.” has tripped and stumbled at nearly Given the time we currently live in, between all the events of the #MeToo era and the most recent case every turn. I’ve talked numerous of Dr. Christine Blasey Ford, I could write an entire piece on this mistake of Rowling’s alone, but, unbetimes about how crucially important lievably, there are even more places where I could encourage her to do better. representation of a variety of people in There’s even more controversy where “Fantastic Beasts” are concerned; in the final trailer remedia is, and it’s as if Rowling has taken leased on Sept. 25 for the newest film, it was revealed that “Harry Potter” villain Voldemort’s pet snake this advice and run with it to an extreme Nagini is in fact a Maledictus. This creature is described by the Harry Potter Wikipedia as “a beautiful, that makes it negative. During further young woman, but she is a carrier of a blood curse that ultimately destines her to transform development of “Pottermore” and permanently into a beast.” Another aspect of the Maledictus was explained further by Rowlthe start of her new movie seing on Twitter, with a statement that, “Maledictuses are always women...The Maledictus ries “Fantastic Beasts and carries a blood curse from birth, which is passed down from mother to daughter.” So not Where to Find Them,” only is Voldemort’s evil snake an evil snake that was originally a woman who was turned Rowling revealed evil and had part of Voldemort’s soul placed within her, all against her will, but, as the the American Hogtrailer also revealed, this woman is also Asian. This fact, of the inclusion of a character of warts-equivalent, color in a predominantly white franchise, would usually be a cause for celebration if not a wizarding school for all the aspects of that character mentioned above. There is such a thing as the burden called Ilvermorny. of representation, and though I am more than happy to support actress Claudia Kim as That was all well and long as she is comfortable playing Nagini, I can’t help but want more for her. With only good, until fans realized Cho Chang (whose name has its own history of criticism) and Padma and Parvati Patil she’d based the creation as the other major forms of Asian representation in the entire series, it feels downright of the school and the wrong to force an Asian woman into a character role that ends in a horrible tragedy. houses within it on NaI’m not saying that J.K. Rowling hasn’t done wonderful things, because her books tive American mythologave me one of the greatest joys of my life, but at this point I would encourage her to gies, the origins of which just… stop. Even for just a second. Stop trying to create representation where there is Pictured: 'Harry Potter' author J.K. Rowling she was appropriating for none, as the blatant pandering is only outraging fans more. Take a second and pump the Creative Commons/ almofadageek.com.br the benefit of her story. As brakes J.K., before I lose my respect for you entirely.

Photos contributed by Maggie Vergati, Rob Stewart and Jake Tamagni

Seniors Speak Out: Red Sea Madness Maggie Vergati

Jake Tamagni

"I'm having a hard time deciding whether to go or not. I think DNCE is a great performer and I'd love to see them, but the Rob Stewart ticket prices keep going up every year "I bought my ticket just in for students. Two years ago it was $25 case, but I'm on the fence and now it's almost doubled. Big deciabout going because I'm not sions for a college student on a budget!"

sure if any of my friends are."

"This year, I have decided not to go to Red Sea Madness. I always enjoy the pep rallies and the aspect of coming together as a school to celebrate and have fun. However, I really enjoyed the last few musical guests and I was not thrilled to hear DNCE was the musical guest this year. As much as I enjoyed the pep rally part, I knew I would not really enjoy the concert part that much so I decided to not buy a ticket or attend the event."

The Vine

arts, entertainment, features Editor Katherine Klima katherine.klima@student.fairfield.edu

s t n e s e r P s n i g g i H e n i l n d i l a r b e u G D e h T : y e n a e H s u m a e S ' e r u t c e L ' t i b i h Ex

CreativeCommons/Pixababy/MaxPixel. Photo taken from seamusheaneyestate Instagram

C e l e b r a t i n g t h e L i fe a n d Wo r k o f Po e t S e a m u s H e a n ey

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Cr /Pu eativ e bli cD Com om m ain ons Fil es

THE MIRROR | Week of October 10, 2018

The Vine

in that 2007 Guardian Article, “Writers’ Rooms: Seamus Heaney,” Heaney started to list the things that aren’t present in the picture. Stating that, “In the down-slope of My desk is placed in the back corner of my bedthe ceiling on the other side there's a sec- o n d room, away from the long reach of the sunbeams that skylight, much wider and longer and lower than flash through my front window, its white lacquered the one in the picture, and through it I have a high surface collecting dust from disuse. As an expensive clear view of Dublin Bay and Howth Head and the and exceptionally large piece of furniture purchased Dublin port shipping coming and going – or not, by my parents long ago, it’s a disappointment to us all depending on the weather.” He never states it dias it is only used as a resting place for lost books and rectly, but Heaney wants to show us that there are papers rather than for its intended purpose. things unseen and deeper that can’t be seen by just Seamus Heaney’s desk, on the other hand, was peering at his desk. That seeing his desk or visitput to good use. His desk is less ornate than mine, ing any of the homes of our favorite authors might as it’s quite simply a piece of wood laying across two connect us closer to their work, but there needs metal filing cabinets. I learned this bit of information to be more. on Oct. 4 during a lecture titled “Seamus Heaney: The In the Seamus Heaney exhibit, there’s a conDublin Exhibit” and presented by Geraldine Higgins, scious effort to further connect viewers with the Emory University associate professor of English, spework. When you see Heaney’s poem, “The Rain cializing in 20th Century Irish Literature. She said Stick,” on the wall in the Dublin Exhibit, you look that even as the Nobel Peace Prize-winning poet just toward the left and Higgins placed a physistarted to gain a bit of fame and recognition, he kept cal rainstick for the viewer to interact with when the same desk. He was worried changing anything reading the piece. When you read his first line, about his process would negatively affect his work.

“Upend the rain stick and what happens next…”

Though the presentation was about her work cuyou turn the rain stick, listening to the soft beads rating the exhibit on Heaney at the National Library pittering down. Or, if you view his more political of Ireland, Higgins began her presentation with a pieces written during the Troubles in Northern photo of Heaney’s desk. The photo was from a 2007 Ireland, these poems are placed near newspaper series of articles done by U.K. newspaper The Guardheadlines of events that would place you mentally ian, highlighting different writers’ workspaces and where Heaney was when he wrote them. All in an showing us a connection between text and context, as effort to place us in his shoes, the same reasoning this does seem to be an obsession of ours as a society. behind showing us his desk. It’s not just about the As a society, we seem to have a desperate need to words that we want to connect with, it’s about the connect further with the authors we love, or maybe person who wrote those words. to deeper understand the work they created that we This eventually becomes a tiresome event, as love just as much. It’s the same reasoning behind why I feel like the more steps I take to put myself in we visit their homes – Herman Melville’s Arrowhead, the author’s shoes, the more I feel disconnected Agatha Christie’s Greenway or Mark Twain’s house to the piece itself. Though I love, just as much as right in Hartford, Conn. We’re obsessed with finding anyone, the idea of getting closer to my favorite the place they penned our favorite words. We want to authors. There’s a magic to be had about analyzsee what they saw, heard, felt as the words we hold so CreativeCommons/Wikimedia Commons ing the piece itself and translating its meaning to dear bled from their pen tips.

The late Irish poet and Nobel Peace Prize Winner Seamus Heaney. match your own life.

However, when asked about the photo of his desk,

By Molly Lamendola Contributing Writer

'A Star is Born' is an Amazing and Captivating Story

By Catherine Santangelo Contributing Writer “A Star is Born” (dir. Bradley Cooper), starring Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper, tells the story of Ally (Gaga), an unsuccessful yet talented singer and songwriter who crosses paths with Jackson Maine (Cooper), a drunken, drug addicted and fading rockstar. The movie follows Ally and Jack’s journey, as Jack helps Ally embrace her talent and the two eventually fall in love. As Ally rises further into stardom, Jack continues t o struggle with sub-

stance abuse, and their love suffers. This 2018 version of “A Star is Born” is the third remake, following versions from 1954 and 1976. Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga have incredible chemistry throughout this film and Cooper does an excellent job directing it, bringing a story of passion, love and struggle to life.

Lady Gaga, mostly known for her powerful presence as a musical artist, takes to the screen and brings a dynamic to the character of Ally that can connect her to all of us. Ally’s development throughout the movie stems from an idea she has that, despite her incredible singing talent, her appearance does not fit the popstar image. When Jack introduces her to the spotlight, she falls right into place and realizes that the stage is where she is meant to be. Through incorporations of Lady Gaga’s own experiences as an artist, and her beautiful portrayal of Ally’s character, the message of perseverance is evident, which I think is something that we can all connect to.

I will say that Ally’s character portrayal seems to be heavily influenced by the fact that she is played by Lady Gaga, as opposed to Lady Gaga portraying a different personality, but it works for the context of the film and the messages that come across from viewing the film.

Bradley Cooper, both acting in and directing this film, is a marvel in both roles on set.

He clearly had a vision for how this movie was to be portrayed to the audience. What was most intriguing to me about his style of directing was the shots of the

musical performances. Instead of stagnant shots of a stage, viewers are launched into the performance with Jack and Ally. With the constant motion of the camera, from close ups on their faces as they belt out lyrics, to shots of Jack’s hands intricately playing the guitar, it makes the audience feel like they are part of the performance. Every single scene like this gave me chills.

Cooper also does a great job staying true to the rundown and substance addicted vocalist that Jack is when portraying the character. Many elements of Jack’s life play a role in his disease, including a major hearing problem, the death of his mother in childbirth and his father passing during Jack’s teenage years. There were some moments where Jack’s drunken state did not seem very different from his sober state, which counteracted comments made to his character by others about not drinking recently, but this was only a minor flaw compared to the rest of his outstanding portrayal. Despite the portrayal of Jack’s specific experience with substance abuse, the movie really shines a light on the seriousness of addiction as a disease. It impacts basically every element of Jack’s life including his music career and his relationship with Ally, which really illustrates how harmful alcoholism can be for people.

Cooper and Lady Gaga’s individual character portrayals are pretty spot on, but it is the chemistry that develops when they are together that really makes this movie incredible. I honestly cannot imagine another pair in these roles. Their voices mesh so well together on stage, and their complicated and spontaneous romance hits all the highs and lows of a relationship. The themes of music and romance are a perfect combination that is familiar yet beautiful, and develops intensely all the way to the end of the film. Ally is fully aware of the struggles that Jack deals with, especially his substance abuse, and there are many moments in their relationship where these struggles take center stage. Through it all, Ally remains by Jack’s side, which only adds to the strong development of their love for each other. The inspiring messages, the bit of humor, the music, the romance, the casting and the amazing directing style by Cooper all come together to create one truly amazing story.

THE MIRROR | Week of October 10, 2018

The Vine

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'Venom':ADissapointmentforMArvelFans

By Tyler Zikias Contributing Writer

“Venom” (dir. Ruben Fleischer) stars Tom Hardy, Riz Ahmed and Michelle Williams, and follows journalist Eddie Brock (Hardy), who becomes the host for a sinister alien life form called Venom (voiced by Hardy). Eddie wants to stop millionaire megalomaniac, Carlton Drake (Ahmed), from further experimenting with other alien life forms called symbiotes and killing the people that they inhabit. Meanwhile Venom needs to eat people for survival. Venom speaks to Eddie in his head as the two form an unlikely bond to achieve what they desire.

A version of Venom already exists in cinema from 2007’s “Spider-Man 3” (dir. Sam Raimi), played by Topher Grace. This Venom garnered a lot of criticism due to being thrown in towards the end of the movie and not possessing the physical look or comicbook motivations of the character. The trailers for Tom Hardy’s “Venom” were praised for what appeared to be a loyal adaptation of the titular character’s roots. The character looked and sounded more accurate than Grace’s Venom, and, from the trailer, it appeared that “Venom” would be rated R for its brutality. However, weeks before release, a PG-13 rating was announced, ultimately meaning less violence and gore. But violence and gore don’t make a great movie. Great direction, writing, performances, structure and pacing make movies enjoyable and fun. Unfortunately, “Venom” has none of these, leading to an extremely underwhelming experience.

Starting with the positives, “Venom” accomplishes a fun dynamic between Eddie and Venom once they finally become connected. Their back and forth banter regarding their wants and needs are easily the most entertaining part of this film. That being said, Hardy’s performance is elevated when he is talking to Venom. It feels like there is an inner struggle that Eddie is facing because

Photo taken fromvenommovie Instagram

there is literally something inside of him. Hardy sells this conflict through an over the top performance that mostly works for this movie. The special effects for Venom also look cool. It isn’t anything particularly special, but it works.

The action scenes are also fun. I’m reaching because there really isn’t much great about this film.

This film’s biggest fault is its lackluster script. It all feels very formulaic, which scripts should never be.

Characters say exactly what they want or are feeling throughout. It never leaves anything to the performances or to subtext for viewers to infer on their own.

The dialogue spoon feeds the viewer information until nothing is left to be interpreted from the actions on the screen until the action scenes begin. On top of all of this, no one in real life talks like the characters in “Venom.” It’s really frustrating as a viewer when the characters don’t feel like people, but dumbed down versions of people who might as well be speaking directly to the audience.

The biggest offender of this is Carlton Drake, the film’s antagonist. There are several scenes in his laboratory where he repeatedly spews the same exposition to his scientists about how he wants to change the world so they need to find suitable host for symbiotes. These scenes are boring because Drake is a generic villain with generic motivations that he has shared with his staff numerous times. Don’t you think that, if your goal was to send symbiote bonded humans to a different planet, maybe you would want to keep it a little more hush so your staff doesn’t turn on you? It feels wrong, just like most of the dialogue in this film.

The pacing and structure of the film is also poor. Usually around the 30 minute mark something will happen that launches the main character into the what the story is going to be. For “Venom,” this is Eddie becoming bonded with symbiote Venom. But this happens around the 45 minute mark. Everything prior to Venom’s first appearance is really bland and stale. The film bounces from place to place, never giving the viewer enough time to sit with Eddie and really get to know him as a character. This is partially because of the writing, but even if all of the scenes with Eddie were written flawlessly, the editing and pacing would do them no justice.

“Venom”’s tone is wild and all over the place. You never get a grasp of what the director wants from this film. At some points, it feels like a drama about a guy losing his job and his wife and being given one last shot to do good, while at others, it’s a comedy with Hardy mumbling around his words. If the script was divided into two halves with different tones, it might work, but, it just seems like

the tone changes between scenes, which is jarring. The film never even excels at one tone or the other, which makes it even more obnoxious to watch.

“Venom” could have been something great. With a sequel on the way and the possible merging of Marvel’s Spider-Man character into the universe, it seemed like a runaway hit. All Sony had to do was write a compelling script, hire a more talented director and get everyone on the same page with what the finished product would feel like. Instead, “Venom” is a film that takes 45 minutes too long to pick up its pace and never gets a hold of its true intentions until there are about 30 minutes left of the film. It gets the protagonist done right, but ultimately stumbles in every other aspect of filmmaking.

“Venom” is one of the biggest disappointments of the year coming from a huge fan of both Marvel and of this character’s comic history.

Grade: D+

The Mirror Abroad: Maeve's Marvelous Adventures

stood atop their table and chugged their full stein to the last drop as the hundreds of people around them cheered and banged their mugs on the tables. They chugged 32 fluid ounces (four cups) We arrived Thursday evening, Sept. 20, in Munich, Gerof beer in one go without stopping for a breath, many with a hard-set determination to decipher the German because, should they fail, they would find themU-bahn (the subway) system and maps to get to the campselves boo-ed and having bits of pretzel and food ground where we would be staying. Two line changes and a thrown at them. bus later, it was midnight when we checked into Stoke TravThe German pretzels were huge, and els, where we stayed in tents for the weekend. At check-in, we absolutely delicious. However, nothing compared were immediately handed a plastic cup filled with sangria by to the mustard-coated foot and a half long bratdrunk employees and given a small tour of the campground wursts that we had for lunch at a stand just outwith promises of the parties that Stoke Travels put on over side of the bier hall. Once we were fueled up again, the next few nights. we simply rushed to the next bier hall to find a During the night, the temperatures dropped to table, grab a stein, and cheer “Prost” on the beeras low as 40 degrees Fahrenheit. I had never worn so many covered table. It was an incredible experience that layers to bed. Regardless, we woke up early and left to explore I would 100 percent recommend that others try, the city. We explored the Marienplatz, where the famous and something I will definitely try to do again in Glockenspiel (the clocktower) with the dancing figurines the future. that move three times a day is located. Then we found the On Sunday, Sept. 23, before I left on Hofbräuhaus and stopped there for our first German steins the plane, I was lucky enough to meet up with my and bratwurst. (To give you an idea as to the size of a stein, friend, Vivian, and her family in Munich. Vivian it can hold 32 fluid ounces. The standard can of beer in the is from Markdorf in southern Germany and is two U.S. is 12 ounces. That is two and 2/3 beers in one stein.) The years younger than me. She stayed with my family historic building was marvelous to be in, and the traditional and I a few years back for an exchange program my German band only made it cooler. younger brother, Cian, was involved in. We all had Saturday morning rolled around and we were such a blast. We climbed up St. Peter’s Tower, and all up bright and early, decked out in our dirndls and lederthe over 300 stairs in the old clock tower just behosen, to hop on the bus and head to Oktoberfest like some hind the Marienplatz showed us the most amazing “Into the Woods” musical number. We headed to our first 365-degree view of the entire city. Afterwards we bier hall, and claimed a table on the back patio to watch the split off and Vivi and I explored the city and each parade go by. On the first day of the festival, the kegs don’t Photo contributed by Maeve Nowak of the old arches and stunning cathedrals. As we open until noon, when the first beer is poured by the mayor. walked, we saw a huge parade that wound through When mid-day came around cannons, I kid you not, cannons Nowak wearing a dirndls at Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany. the entire city full of bands, dancers and so much went off and everyone cheered. The men and women serving more before we all met up again for lunch and the the beer carried somewhere between six and 10 steins in their best homemade ice-cream I have ever had. hands like bodybuilders (to give you an idea of how difficult this is; each beer-filled stein weighs While I am not fluent, I was elated to be able to have an opportunity to practice my Gerapproximately 5 pounds). They came over to our table and we bought our steins, immediately man and converse with native German speakers. It certainly made getting around the country turning to one another to toast. “Prost!” We shouted, slamming those surprisingly durable glass 10 times easier and a lot more fun. I cannot wait to return to Germany and see what adventures mugs together in the center of the table and drinking up. Occasionally, someone in the bier hall will come my way.

By Maeve Nowak Abroad Columnist

Page 10

THE MIRROR | Week of October 10, 2018

The Vine

Do They or Don’t They Work?

By Sabrina Musto Fashion Columnist

do its best work is after a long day or night of wearing makeup. I take off my makeup with Neutrogena wipes, and I think that they do a good job as far as makeup wipes go, and I have always felt like they get everything off.

However, when I began using Simple Micellar Cleansing Water, I used it after taking off my makeup with a makeup wipe. The amount of makeup that came off onto my cleansing pad was alarming, and I went through two small pads to get everything out. I now use micellar water every single time I wear makeup, and if you do not, I suggest you begin to!

There are many fashion items that I am always hesitant to buy because I can never be sure if they work. So many fashion items seem too good to be true, but by not trusting them, you could be missing out on some must-have products!

Do: Charcoal toothpaste is a big question mark. I did not see an appeal to smearing a black charcoal mixture in my mouth, however, I will say that I got lucky with this product. I cannot attest to the quality of every charcoal toothpaste brand, but the Hello Activated Charcoal Fluoride-Free Whitening Toothpaste in Fresh Mint is a product that has me hooked. The look of it is quite scary, but once you have finished your teeth look and feel clean. I definitely feel that my teeth are getting progressively whiter, so I would say that this product works.

Don’t:

A blow dry brush seems like a lazy person’s tool, but in reality, no matter how hard I try, there is simply no way for me to blow out my hair with a brush and a blowdryer separately, and not every day calls for hair straightening. I ordered the Revlon One-Step Volumizer Hair Dryer and it is arguably one of my favorite ordered products. The brush is large, so as a person with short, thin hair, I did not think that it would work on my hair. However, this is not the case and my hair looks voluminous and flawless after I use the hair dryer. And it is so easy to use, so even someone with no hairstyling skills, like myself, can use it. For all of you with thick hair, I learned about this product from a coworker who has some of the thickest hair I have ever seen, and she also swears by it.

Micellar water is single-handedly changing the way I think about makeup wipes. Micellar is pretty much a cleansing water that acts as a facial cleanser to remove any unwanted gunk from your skin. I use it most days to remove unwanted dirt that may be lingering in my pores, but when you see micellar water

Dry shampoo is a product that has historically made me very nervous. My hair falls on the oily side which means that dry shampoo, in theory, is definitely a product made for my hair. However, the white, powdery nature of dry shampoo has always made me weary of using it. I decided to give it a try by using Not Your Mother’s Clean Freak Refreshing Dry Shampoo. I hated this product.

It left a white residue in my hair and it also made my hair extremely static. However, individuals with blonde hair tend to say this is a great dry shampoo, mostly because it blends well with their natural color.

Setting spray is the new fad amongst beauty bloggers and make up artists, so I decided to give the Urban Decay setting spray a go.

My review is not that it definitely does not work, but that it does not work enough for me to really see a difference. It could potentially be slightly preserving my makeup, but I do not think that it is worth the money for a product that is only having minimal impact. I think my makeup stays on just as successfully without the setting spray, which it is why I have put it in the “don’t” column.

Artwork contributed by Danielle Fierro

Revolutionary New 'Doctor Who' Season

By Eddie Nicolas Contributing Writer The oldest ongoing sci-fi show, “Doctor Who,” made a splash with the first full-length episode “The Woman Who Fell to Earth” on Oct. 7. The season 11 premiere was the first to star British actress Jodie Whittaker as the newest incarnation of the Doctor. A Time Lord from the planet Gallifrey, propelled through time and space in their trusty TARDIS and blessed with two hearts and an extraordinary sense of compassion, the Doctor as a character has resonated with audiences since the BBC show’s first series run in 1963. Using a convenient plot device which allows the leading man (or woman) to be replaced every few seasons, the Doctor regenerates (think a lizard’s tail) into a completely new person, with a few added quirks or mannerisms, but always with the same central message; to value life in all forms and treat others with kindness.

Picking up and focusing instead on brand-new character, Ryan Sinclair (Tosin Cole), who suffers from dyspraxia, a neurological condition that can make day-to-day motor functions difficult, the first few minutes of the season 11 premiere might leave some wondering, “What happened to the Doctor?” The episode opens at a slow pace with Ryan speaking to viewers from a home-made YouTube video, but the episode builds dramatically until the ominous presence of the first alien is made clear. When the Doctor does finally make an appearance, she literally smashes through a ceiling, falling through the roof of a train. Appearing just in the nick of time, she recovers quickly and doesn’t hesitate to spring into action, even though she seems a little muddled about some of the details, including her own identity as a woman. Nevertheless, she doesn’t allow her confusion to deter her from apprehending the new alien threat around town, the English city of Sheffield, accompanied by a new and inclusive cast of companions who she meets on the train, including Yasmin Khan (Mandip Gill), Grant O’Brien (Bradley Walsh) and the previously mentioned Ryan Sinclair. The episode hums along relatively well, with revelations being made about the identity CreativeCommons/Wikimedia Commons of the aliens along

the way. The big question, “Who are the aliens?”, kept me wondering the entire length of the episode and wasn’t revealed until the brilliant Doctor deduces it for herself. This climactic scene of the episode features the Doctor making an impassioned speech about the nature of change in an attempt to implore the bad guy to do good, saying, “We’re all capable of the most incredible change.

We can evolve while staying true to who we are, we can honor who we’ve been and choose who we want to be.” While speaking volumes about two of the main tenets of the show, showing empathy towards others and trying to solve problems with words rather than violence, it also serves as a direct appeal to the viewer to embrace the new Doctor, the possibility of change and to take a chance.

Other changes to the show include new showrunner Chris Chibnall, who received critical acclaim for his role as writer of dark crime drama “Broadchurch.” A show on which Whittaker appeared. Chibnall has also stated that one of his goals as the new head writer of “Doctor Who” would be to make the show more accessible to newcomers, doing away with the complex storylines that were heavily favored by his predecessor, Steven Moffat. Chibnall states in an interview with collider.com, “...we had to make sure that it’s really open to new audiences while also serving fans...

It’s a relationship between people, and how they develop in response to the adventures they’re having.” Hopefully, Chibnall will deliver on his promise to focus more on the interpersonal relationships and follow up on an already spectacular season premiere.

Overall, I was happy with the first episode. Whittaker, despite being faced with the pressure of establishing a new take on Photo taken from bbcdoctorwho Instagram the decades-old character, delivers a wholly fresh, original and utterly enthusiastic performance and her delightful energy is palpa- Whittaker as the first female Doctor. ble even on screen. Cole’s acting was slightly wooden at times, but admittedly, this is characteristic of the frustrated, stoic teenager his role boundary-shattering lineup has payed off. calls for at times. Regardless, Cole’s character, Ryan, played an excelHowever, the introduction of the first female version of the nowlent counter act to Yasmin, an ambitious police officer frustrated with iconic character caused somewhat of a backlash among some of its her tedious job negotiating parking disputes. Similarly to Whittaker, more traditional fans. The majority of the complaints centered around Gill plays Yasmin as a sharp, quick-witted and constantly questioning the new gender identity of the intergalactic space-traveller, which woman, though admittedly not as whimsical as the Doctor. ranged from expressions of how young boys wouldn’t be able to relate Another interesting dynamic exists between Ryan and his grand- as easily to this iteration of the character, to others accusing political mother’s, Grace (Sharon D. Clarke), new husband, Grant O’Brien, a correctness of having gone too far. Whatever the complaints, Whitslightly curmudgeonly retired bus driver who tries his best to support taker’s initial performance of the Doctor has already put most of those Ryan alongside his grandmother. Actually, it almost appears as if the concerns to rest. Her portrayal is unique and tenacious, while delivershowrunners were attempting to tick all boxes to create the most inclu- ing a performance that captivate the old fans as much as the new. sive cast. As a team of working-class, disabled, people of color led by a If you appreciate sci-fi, new, ambitious characters and the defiheadstrong woman from outer space, it doesn’t get any more diverse ance of traditional gender roles, be sure to check out the new season of than this.To be clear, I am fully supportive, and actually really enthu- “Doctor Who” at 8 p.m. Sundays on BBC America. siastic about this change. It looks like the BBC’s gamble with a new,

The Vine

THE MIRROR | Week of October 10, 2018

The Art Corner

Page 11

Inkwell Spotlight Dogs Bark

'Fowl Behavior'

By Molly Lamendola Contributing Writer at the Inkwell

Artist Brandon Robles ‘22 about his piece: “You can’t understand this if you don’t go to Fairfield University.”

CreativeCommons/Pixabay

Do you want your art to be featured in the Art Corner? Please email your drawing, photograph, or comic along with a quote about your piece to katherine.klima@student.fairfield.edu.

They had everything to say to each other, but silence permeated the room. It wore heavily on the young couple, the dark circles darkening and the sore, sore muscles growing more rigid with time or age, whichever one is more important. The girl crossed her legs, rubbing her hands up and down the worn pink chair, the loose threads getting caught in her ring once, then twice, before she paused and folded her hands. The chair was a gift from her mother to celebrate “The Big Day,” but the girl wasn’t thinking about that now, of course she wasn’t, it wasn’t the time. The sun rose behind her and the glass covered floor beneath her bare feet glistened. The boy sat opposite her, head in hands, back against the wall, distance dancing in his eyes. Even the risen sun, and the early morning joggers chit-chatting about the next block party, simple tell tales of morning, didn’t bring a spoken word between the couple. Dogs barked and marriages ended, the sun rose and the moon fell. Eventually, the boy got up, dusted himself off slightly and then walked upstairs to get dressed for the day. When she heard the shower start, the girl sighed quietly.

She ran her hands through her hair, before walking into the kitchen and switching on the kettle. Her hands ran across the length of their boiling teapot. Never touching it long enough to get burnt, but finally, she could feel something. Maybe if she stood here long enough, hands just dancing across the aluminum, the feeling would travel further than this tiny moment. Beams and dominos crashing down. It would fix itself, she knew... she knew that in just a few minutes he would walk out. The door would slam, no words spoken, but the whole house would vibrate and the living room would glisten. She knew that dogs barked and marriages ended. She knew that deeper than that feeling she was so wishing would be fixed by that stupid dented kettle. But lying is easier than knowing. So the girl turns the kettle off and picks up the shattered glass in the living room. She’ll shower, the hot water streaming down her back will make marks, but she won’t mind. She’ll step closer to the hot trickling water, her rigid muscles loosening, the circles lightening and finally, she will feel something. She’ll stand in the shower and tell herself it’s that thing her mother used to say about the first year. That he’ll be feeling so so sorry all day, so so sorry. He’ll come home early with fresh flowers that the young blue-braces girl at the store picked out for him and be so so sorry. The girl tells herself she’ll forgive him easily, she won’t even make him push it. She’ll take his flowers, kiss him deeply and their legs will end up tangled together on the living room floor. Then when the sun rises, she tells herself, when the sun rises she’ll be the one walking out making the house shake.

Guacamole: Compare and Contrast Mom’s Creamy Guacamole This recipe for creamy guacamole is what my mother has perfected over the years, and I have to say it is spectacular. This kind of guacamole is more enjoyable inside burritos and tacos, because its smooth consistency pairs well with beans, cheese and fajita vegetables.

Ingredients: 1 large ripe avocado 1 clove of garlic, minced Salt and Pepper (to taste) Sprinkle of chipotle powder (optional) 2 heaping tablespoons of sour cream Directions: Cut up avocado, mash in a medium bowl Add in the minced garlic Add in the spices Mix in sour cream Sprinkle chipotle powder on top Serve!

CreativeCommons/Wikimedia Commons

By Sabrina Trueheart Copy Editor Not all guacamole is the same. We all know the difference between guacamole from Chipotle, guacamole from Moes and guacamole from Qdoba, because there are many versions of this adored dip. There are two main kinds of guacamole that most people know about, and those are creamy guacamole and rustic guacamole. Creamy guacamole is a crowd favorite, but not everybody prefers it. This is the kind of guacamole you would find in the grocery store from brands like Wholly Guacamole and Sabra. However, rustic guacamole holds true to the nutritional benefits that can be gained from eating avocado. Rustic guacamole does not include sour cream or Greek yogurt, it stays true to itself with a mixture of colorful vegetables. So, which kind of guacamole do you like?

Rustic Guacamole This recipe for rustic guacamole is what my grandfather has perfected over the years, and I love it just as much as my mother’s recipe. I do have to say I enjoy rustic guacamole on its own as opposed to stuffed inside a burrito, because nothing compares to a big scoop of old-fashioned guacamole on a tortilla chip.

Ingredients: 2 large ripe avocados 1 clove of garlic, minced 1/2 diced red onion 1/2 diced tomato 1 diced jalapeño pepper (seeded) Salt and pepper (to taste) Directions: Cut up avocados, mash in a large bowl Add tomato, red onion and garlic, stir Add jalapeño pepper Add spices Serve!

Coffee Break

THE MIRROR | Week of October 10, 2018

Page 12

Coffee Break Editor: Julia Crews julia.crews@student.fairfield.edu

A LETTER OF SOLIDARITY FOR STUDENTS WHO SPENT FALL BREAK SLEEPING: I get it. You went into fall break with all of these goals, aspirations, dreams — only to spend the entire four days asleep, waking only to eat home cooked meals that would make the Tully’s options seem impossibly dull as soon as you returned to campus. Then, when everyone shares what they did over break, your shoulders will slump in shame, because… you didn’t do much of anything.

You are valid. One doesn’t realize how exhausting the first month of the semester truly is until they’re faced with the opportunity to sleep in a comfortable bed that smells like home. Why shoot for those goals you had on Friday when you can sleep through the weekend and into the beginning of the week? Isn’t it every college student’s dream? Me, I thought I’d finish a few books I’ve been trying to read all semester, maybe see some friends and get a head start my homework for the week. Instead? Well… I stand with you.

Fall break may have been lost to waking up briefly at 10 a.m. and then sleeping until 2 p.m., but that doesn’t mean every break will be like this. There is still hope on the horizon. And, after all, you’re only human.

Don’t blame yourself. You have nothing to be ashamed of. So when your friends ask what you did over break, hold your head up high and tell them that you finally got the sleep you deserve.

Disclaimer: The Coffee Break Team knows little to nothing about astrology and has not been certified by the Society of Astrologists to provide horoscopes.

Aries You’ll be very forgetful this week. In fact, you probably won’t remember reading this warning.

Taurus You’re always so strong, but this week you’ll falter. Don’t worry, that happens sometimes. Talk to an air sign about it. They’re used to not knowing what on earth is going on.

Gemini Rein in your gossiping for the week, Gemini. Earth signs have big ears.

Cancer You need to be honest with yourself, Cancer. Rip the band-aid off, face the music, whatever you have to do to quit living in an alternate reality.

Leo You’ll feel the need to punch an air sign this week, but I implore you to contain your rage because air signs are far more delicate than they appear.

Virgo Virgo, maybe you should Vir-go apple picking or something to get off campus. You’ll start to feel very trapped this week.

Libra You’re still thriving, but remember that Libra season won’t last forever.

Scorpio Just another week, Scorpio. On the bright side, you’ll have nothing to be dramatic about. (Although, who am I kidding? You’ll find something.)

Sagittarius Your dorm room is probably already decked out in Halloween decorations and I love it. Keep living that Halloween month life.

Spooky.

Capricorn Take a deep breath and listen to some Taylor Swift, because this week will be a roller coaster of emotions.

Aquarius I really hope things get better for you, Aquarius. If you need a hug, a Cancer is always willing to give you one. But stay away from Leos.

They might want to punch you.

Pisces Just keep swimming, Pisces! Look at you go!

AUTUMN CROSSWORD PUZZLE

puzzle-maker.com

ANSWERS: 1. CHICKEN NOODLE 2. HALLOWEEN 3. APPLE PICKING 4. PUMPKINS 5. VOTE 6. COMMON COLD 7. CANDY

HOROSCOPES FOR THE WEEK OF OCTOBER 10TH

THE MIRROR | Week of October 10, 2018

Sports

SPORTS

This Week in Sports:

Sports Editors: Dan Montgomery and Patrick Getz »daniel.montgomery@student.fairfield.edu

Page 13

Weekend Update

In Case You Missed It: Wednesday, October 3rd -Volleyball defeated Siena, 3-0 -Women's Soccer lost to Siena 1-0 -Men's Soccer defeated Monmouth, 2-1 Friday, October 5th -Field Hockey defeated Bryant, 1-0 Saturday, October 6th -Men's Soccer defeated Canisius, 5-0 -Volleyball lost to Canisius, 3-0 -Women's Soccer defeated Canisius, 4-0 Sunday, October 7th -Volleyball lost at Niagara, 3-0

Photo Contributed By Sports Information Desk

The Fairfield University Stags Softball Squad received recognition from the National Fastpitch Coaches Association as the organization named it Scholar-Athlete Awards on Tuesday, Oct. 9. Eight Fairfield student athletes, which include Metro Atlantic Athletic Player of the Year and All-Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference First Team recipient Courtney Hankins ‘19, Karisa Hughen ‘19, Alisha Marshall ‘19, Angelina McGuire ‘18, Samantha Merino ‘21, Rachel Sieber ‘18, Danielle Tringali ‘20 and Drew Westford ‘21, were honored for their achievements in the classroom. The NFCA honors student athletes who earn a 3.5 grade point average or above. Also, the team put together a team GPA of 3.34 which was also recognized by the NFCA for academic excellence. Stag softball opens their 2019 campaign at the Campbell Stampede in Bulls Creek, N.C., starting off on February 22-24 as they stop at University of North Carolina and Stetson University.

-Field Hockey lost to Providence, 2-1

Upcoming This Week: Wednesday, October 10th

Photo Contributed by Sports Information Desk

-Women's Soccer at Iona, 3 p.m.

-Men's Soccer vs. Iona, 7 p.m.

Friday, October 12th - Volleyball at Iona, 7 p.m.

-Field Hockey at Rider, 7 p.m.

First-year Cormac Pike earned the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Week in his efforts against Canisius College and Monmouth University. The defenseman helped Fairfield to a 2-0 record over the past week, scoring two goals and starting both games as well. He picked up both goals in Buffalo as they were Fairfield’s second and fourth scores of the game as he thrived offensively and defensively. Over the past week, Pike has seen his points total rise to five as he has appeared in all 10 Stags contests, of which he has started nine of them. The Somerset, England native kept Fairfield unbeaten in MAAC play as they advanced to 3-0-0, being of one of only three teams undefeated in conference play.

Saturday, October 13th -Women's Soccer vs. Monmouth, 1 p.m.

- Men's Soccer at Rider, 7 p.m.

Sunday, October 14th -Field Hockey at Columbia, 12 p.m.

-Volleyball at Manhattan, 1 p.m.

In this week's issue...

- NFL Week 5: The Craziness Continues (Page 14)

- First-Years Take Center Stage in Victory Over Canisius (Page15) - Stags Eek Past Bryant 1-0 for 10th Win (Page 15)

- Fairfield Dominates Canisius For First MAAC Win (Page 16)

Sports

Page 14

THE MIRROR | Week of October 10, 2018

NFL Week 5: The Craziness Continues

By Patrick Getz Co-Sports Editor It is only week five and the 2018 National League Football season has been a crazy one, to say the least. The Cleveland Browns now have more wins than in the past two years combined as the NFC East does not have a team over .500.

Unsurprisingly, the New England Patriots looked like their usual selves against the Indianapolis Colts last Thursday, Oct. 4 as wide receiver Julian Edelman returned from his four-game suspension. It is not even halfway through the year but some teams are already falling out of playoff contention.

The Browns entered their Sunday contest against the Baltimore Ravens with a 1-2-1 record with quarterback Baker Mayfield making his second official start. Mayfield completed 25 of 42 passes for 342 yards with a touchdown and an interception, stunning Baltimore in overtime. With this win, Cleveland now has more wins in 2018 than in 2016 and 2017 combined. The Browns are a different team with Mayfield under center.

The NFC East is up-for-grabs every single year since there has not been a repeat champion in 14 years. As of right now, the Washington Redskins are in first place with a 2-2 record as the New York Giants are at 1-4 at the bottom in last place. All four teams lost on Sunday, Oct. 7 and Monday, Oct. 8 so the Dallas Cowboys, sitting at a disappointing 2-3 are still in a prime spot to challenge the Redskins.

The Cowboys battled with the Houston Texans on Sunday Night Football where an overtime was needed to determine a winner. Unfortunately, Dallas elected to punt on the opposing 40-yard-line, most likely five yards away from Division Leaders: AFC East

AFC West

Patriots: 3-2

Cheifs: 5-0

NFC East

NFC West

Redskins: 2-2

Rams: 5-0

Weekly 4x5 Because we have witty things to say ...

AFC North

AFC South

Bengals: 4-1

Titans: 3-2

NFC North

NFC South

Bears: 3-1

Saints: 4-1

Your 2018-2019 4x5 Columnists:

Dan Montgomery, Chris LaZazzera, Patrick Getz and Deanna Carbone

Are you going to Oktoberfest???

Baker Mayfield picked up his second career win on Sunday. Thoughts??

Shocked that Conor McGregor tapped out at UFC 229?

Biggest surprise in the NFL this year so far??

Prediction for the rest of the MLB Playoffs??

Horrible question, Patrick.

Baker bringing the Browns back!

What the fook!! Did not watch a second of it, but how could my Irish brethren do this?!?!

Jerry Jones' face is still intact.

Yanks bounce back to go to the ALCS.

Money Mayfield is on fire!

I was devestated. I love how much crap he talks, but he hasn't been able to back it up as of late.

Biggest surprise is that Gert hasn't had a heart attack yet! Switch teams, Gertzy! #GoPats

The Sox will win the World Series!

Brought them some much needed luck in NYC on Monday night.

Of course!! Gotta embrace the little bit of German I actually am.

He's giving the Cleveland Browns something to believe in. Let's see if it holds up.

I was shocked that he lost, let alone that he tapped out to Khabib.

I did not see the Bears or Titans leading their own divisions five games in! I think the Bears are more for real though.

Red Sox will beat the Yankees in five games... Then Astros will beat the Red Sox in six games... Brewers and Astros in the World Series... book it!

Is the Pope Catholic?? I've been

I'm LOST.

His loss really drained the enthu- That I'm not a WAGS yet (wife asism at the Irish bar I was at while and girlfriend of sports.) it took place.

Dan Montgomery Co-Sports Editor

I would never miss the oportunity to feel like I'm back in Munich Patrick Getz Co-Sports Editor with the abroad gang.

Chris LaZazzera Assistant Sports Editor

field goal range. Head coach Jason Garrett decided to punt the ball on a fourthand-one with one of the best running backs in the NFL, Ezekiel Elliott. That punt allowed Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson to drive down the field later in overtime and connect with wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins as he spun his way into field goal range. After their 19-16 loss, the decision to punt was questioned by everyone, even Cowboys owner Jerry Jones.

The New England Patriots struggled a bit to start the season but now they are expected to break out with quarterback Tom Brady having tight end Rob Gronkowski and key receiver Julian Edelman lining up out wide.

The receiver troubles are most likely going to be put at ease now since Brady can go back to his distribution between Gronkowski and Edelman as well as running back James White and receiver Josh Gordon.

The Colts were no match for the Patriots as Brady threw his 500th touchdown pass to Gordon en route to an easy 38-24 win.

Browns fans have something to cheer about, having the same record as the Pittsburgh Steelers currently, as they are excited about their future franchise quarterback.

For the NFC East, the winner can be either the Redskins, Cowboys or Eagles where the Giants may be looking at another top-10 pick in next year’s draft. As the NFC East is never certain, the AFC East is certain as now the Patriots are back and looking to win yet another Super Bowl.

Deanna Carbone dying to bust out my dirndl one Managing Editor more time.

Hopefully the Yankees will get it together after their dreadful L yesterday.

THE MIRROR | Week of October 10, 2018

Sports

Page 15

First-Years Take Center Stage in Victory Over Canisius

Contributed by Sports Information Desk Jack Weiss '22 (left center) accounted for one of Fairfield's five scores against Canisius College as he had three total shots, two of which were on goal. Fairfield first-years accounted for all five goals as these young-blooded Stags contributed heartily.

By Michael Hoffman Contributing Writer Fairfield University Men’s Soccer continued their hot start to the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference season by extending their conference win streak to three games with a 5-0 road victory over the Canisius College Golden Griffiths.

Fairfield’s attack survived the long bus trip up to Buffalo, N.Y. blitzing Canisius with two goals in the first half and finishing the game off with three second half goals.

First-year defender Cormac Pike had a great game, putting away two goals, the first one found home off of a saved penalty kick, which extended the Fairfield lead to 2-0 and the second one made it 4-0, off of a free kick by midfielder Matt McGlinchey ‘21, who himself had two assists.

No. 28, midfielder Santiago Gonzalez ‘22 kicked off the scoring with a goal, assisted by Diego Caseilles ‘19, in minute 24.

First-year midfielder Jack Weiss again played an important role off of the bench, firing three shots and scoring the final Fairfield goal of the day for his third goal of

the season. As a team, Fairfield outshot Canisius 15-11 in total, but widened their shot advantage by putting 11 shots on goal to Canisius’ two. Fairfield goalies Gordon Bottertill ‘21, and Liam Dougherty ‘19 preserved a Fairfield shutout by making two saves.

Canisius defender Wes Rider put the Golden Griffiths down a man in minute 63 with a red card, further enhancing the Fairfield advantage.

Canisius goalkeeper Bryce Tramuta ‘19 and the Canisius defense had a tough day, allowing five goals on 11 shots, combining their nonexistent offense with a porous defense lead to a beatdown by the visiting Fairfield Stags.

After a dominant road win over Canisius, the Fairfield Stags have improved to 6-40 on the season and 3-0 in conference play, vaulting them to the top of the conference standings. The Stags look to extend their conference win streak to five games with a matchup at home against the Iona College Gaels and matchup on the road against the Rider University Broncos.

Stags Eek Past Bryant 1-0 for 10th Win

Photo Contributed by Sports Information Desk Head coach Jackie Kane continues to enjoy this magical season as her team topped MAAC opponent Bryant as Fairfield recorded 15 shots, eight of which were on goal. Coach Kane congratulates Cassie Hughes '19 as her team wins 10-3.

By Emma Unterkoefler Contributing Writer The Fairfield University Stags Field Hockey team reignited their winning ways by beating Bryant University 1-0 at University Field. This result brings their overall record to 10-2 and 2-0 in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference.

The Stags controlled the game in the first half as they had 10 corner kicks and 11 shots forcing Bryant’s goalkeeper, Marijn Jaarsma to make six saves. Stags sophomore Emma Matlach eventually found the back of the net in minute 27. She intercepted a pass, carried the ball down the field into the circle, and found the back of the net to bring the score 1-0. This was the lone goal of the match, but the seventh of the season for Matlach.

In the second half, Bryant was more responsive as each team had several opportunities. Although Fairfield could not find a second goal in the match, the defense remained intact. They limited Bryant’s scoring chances to one shot in the second half.

The strong defense resulted in Fairfield’s goalkeeper, Zoe Rosen ‘21 recording only one save. On the season, Rosen has played over 700 minutes for the Stags and holds a 1.28 goals against average. Fairfield tops the conference in this statistic.

Even when the forwards are not connecting to score more goals, the defense is able to step up to get the win, which is crucial during conference play. The win and shutout over Bryant brings Rosen to four shutouts for the season.

In total, Fairfield took 15 shots with eight of them on goal compared to Bryant’s five shots with one on goal. Fairfield had 10 penalty corners compared to Bryant’s four.

Up next for the Stags was a road trip to non-conference opponent Providence College on Sunday Oct. 7 at 1 p.m. where they lost 2-1. Their next MAAC game will be Friday, Oct. 12 at Rider University.

@MirrorSports Fairfield Mirror Sports Week of October 10, 2018

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Sports Editor: Dan Montgomery and Patrick Getz » daniel.montgomery@student.fairfield.edu

Fairfield Dominates Canisius For First MAAC Win

Contributed By Sports Information Desk

Sophomore Shannon Ryan (left) and Alex Madden '21 (right) celebrate as Madden tallied two of Fairfield's for goals and the Stags enjoyed an offensive outburst over the weekend against Canisius.

By Julia Lanzillotta Contributing Writer The Fairfield Women’s Soccer Team hosted a fellow Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference team, Canisius College on Oct. 6 at 1 p.m. Fairfield currently has an overall record of 6-9-2, while Canisius has an overall record of 4-6-2. For the MAAC, the teams records are 4-5-1 and 1-4-1 respectively.

The first half of the game was quiet, as neither team found a way to procure a lead.

Canisius only totaled three shots in 45 minutes, but all were thwarted. Fairfield nearly tripled that, with eight shots in total. Fairfield University attempted to score on Canisius’ goaltender Alana Rossi twice within the first 45 minutes of play while Canisius matched their shots on goal at two.

Young Stags made their presence known on the field, as all eight shots were executed by underclassmen. Fairfield forward, no. 15, Alex Madden ‘21 was responsible for most of these attempts, registering four of the scoring endeavors. The other three were completed by midfielder, no. 15, Brooke Hernon ‘22 and forward no. 23 Liz Dumas ‘21 had one. The Stags and Griffins were tied for fouls, with each team being called for two.

As the second period began, so did the action. Just 07:01 minutes into play preceding the halftime intermission, Madden’s fifth shot of the game, assisted by no. 2 Sara Plowman ‘19, went past goaltender Rossi and earned her team a late lead. Madden finally added a point on the board after 52 minutes of no scoring.

Two fouls on Canisius and four on Fairfield were called in the 20 minutes between

Fairfield’s first and second goal. Again, Madden scored for her team at 72:27, logging another goal on to her previous seven of the season. This English native upheld her title as MAAC rookie of the year, proving that she is just as capable in her sophomore year.

Madden was assisted by midfielder no. 7 Amy Akerly ‘21 who scored a goal of her own off of a deflection from Canisius two and a half minutes later. This was following a foul on the Griffins. Canisius was still scoreless as this point, trailing behind Fairfield by three.

Plowman was assisted by the Stag donning no. 3 Gabby Diodati ‘21 to finish their scoring streak, and scoring in general for the remaining 12 minutes of play in the period.

Our own Fairfield University goalkeeper, Aytana Muschajew ‘22, faced four total shots and defended her team well.

She successfully shut out our competition, and shined in comparison to Griffin goalie no. 0 Rossi. Rossi let up half of our shots on goal, before being substituted by no. 26 Bailey Fenwick-Mille who faced zero shots.

The Stags must now prepare for their next game on Wednesday in New Rochelle, N.Y. against the Iona College Gaels. They hope that this homefield victory will be the start to a lasting winning streak.

Contributed by Sports Information Desk

Back Melanie Hingher '20 (left) crosses a pass into her teammates in hopes of a score as Fairfield had the luxury of enjoying a four goal cushion against Canisius. Fairfield next travels to New Rochelle, N.Y. to take on Iona on Wednesday, October 10.