10/28/09

FREE | Take one Week of Oct. 28, 2009|Vol. 35, Iss. 8

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The Independent Student Newspaper of Fairfield University The Reflection of Fairfield

Police Raid at Bravo Finds Underage Students

By Dan Leitao Staff Writer Students. Fake ID’s. Bravo.

Raid?

The first five items sound like a typical Tuesday night for a majority of Fairfield students. However, a raid on Bravo Bar and Restaurant last Tuesday turned a night of fun into a night of mayhem.

The raid occurred at about 9:45 p.m. at Bravo, which is located at 1418 Post Road in downtown Fairfield. Members of the Connecticut Liquor Commission as well as the Fairfield Police Department entered the bar to find a staggering number of underage patrons.

Only six patrons out of the 106 who were found with fake IDs have been charged thus far for being seen consuming or admitting to consuming alcohol. The rest must wait while the confiscated IDs are sorted through.

The Connecticut Post stated that, “Police Sgt. Jim Perez said that more than 65 fake driver’s licenses and other phony IDs were confiscated.”

Michael Constand, who is the manager of Bravo, told The Mirror in an exclusive interview, “I’m in full cooperation with the police to determine what has been done. Everyone that was here did present an ID of good quality and now we are just working with liquor control to figure out the outcome. It’s very hard to keep up with the technology of fake IDs.” He continued by likening it to “steroids and drug testing. A new test comes out and doctors have a new steroid.”

He also said, “Bravo is going to be perusing a senior night so that students can still enjoy the establishment.”

Bravo has been a popular bar for Fairfield students and gained even more popularity after the Snickering Squirrel Saloon closed its doors to those under 21.

Sarah Ferri ‘10, who is a shot seller at Bravo and was working on Tuesday night, described the events as she saw them.

“Walking outside, I noticed a lot more police cars in the parking lot across from Bravo as well as on the street.”

When she walked back into the bar, she saw little flash lights in the darkness and then saw the badges and realized that Bravo was being raided. She said she believes there were undercover cops, and she is not expecting it to as busy come this Tuesday.

Although no one from the University responded to The Mirror’s questions by press time, the University did release a statement to ABC News last week on the incident.

Associate Vice President and Dean of Students Thomas Pellegrino said in the statement, “This is of course troubling news, but it is something that college and university campuses across the country deal with.

Although these matters occurred off campus, Fairfield University takes seriously its role in addressing this behavior both from a disciplinary as well as education standpoint.”

Along with Fairfield students, Sacred Heart University students and other underage students were caught at the raid.

One sophomore, who wanted to remain

Ali Russoniello/The Mirror

After a raid last week, Bravo was pretty empty this past Tuesday night. anonymous due to the sensitive issue, was present on Tuesday. “I was at the door when it happened. It was unreal how many cops pulled up. There were also Connecticut Liquor Authority in the jackets to watch everyone walk in,” he said.”

University Unveils Stag Statue

By Michelle Morrison Online Managing Editor

ers observed a moment of silence for Fr. Laurence O’Neil, a longtime teacher and former dean of students who passed away on Oct. 19. Mike Rubertone ‘11, art history professor Phillip Eliasoph and Fr. Charles Allen also spoke.

Inside | page 3 Students Angry Over Budget Cuts:

Fitzpatrick played a role in the committee that helped bring the stag statue to campus, an effort that began in the midDespite the chilly October wind, 1960s but did not really gain momentum hundreds of students, staff and alumni until 2007, when the stag statue commitgathered outside of Gonzaga Hall to tee was formed. Members included Vice catch their first glimpse of President for Administrative Fairfield’s new stag statue and Student Affairs Mark at its unveiling on Friday Reed, Eliasoph, Fitzpatrick, afternoon.

Megan McConville ‘08 and “I don’t think the former FUSA president weather can stop the Hutchinson Williams. stag pride that’s in the air After approaching tonight,” said alum Rob several artists and receiving Scribner ‘09 as he stood proposals at the end of last amidst a crowd of people year, the stag statue comwearing give-away fuzzy mittee commissioned the stag antlers and “I’ve work from artist J.C. Dye of Been Bronzed!” T-shirts.

Stamford, Montana.

A Public Safety car Fitzpatrick said that with lights blaring, an from the beginning, the athletics bus and a pickup statue was never going to truck with members of be funded by the University the dance team on the budget. All funding came back escorted the statue from anonymous outside from Alumni Hall to the Peter Caty/The Mirror resources that were willing circle outside of Gonzaga.

J.C. Dye , the sculptor picked by the University, unveils the new bronze to commit funds specifically The statue was initially stag statue on Friday afternoon. for a stag statue. hidden by a giant red “It would have been tarp, although its many-pronged antlers The statue is a bronze depiction very difficult for me to approve such a peeked out of the top. of a stag in motion, according to James project if University operational funds Before the stag was unveiled by a Fitzpatrick, assistant vice president for group of student representatives, onlookStudent Affairs.

Stag | page 4

Index Opinion • Page 7 Features • Page 9 Arts & Entertainment • Page 11 Sports • Page 20

Canisius coffee shop closed.

New Motions Filed in Perlitz Trial

By Chris Simmons Managing Editor Two motions were filed on Tuesday in the Douglas Perlitz ‘92 case in preparation for his detention hearing on Wednesday Oct. 28. Here is a quick rundown:

Memorandum in Further Support of Release on Bond The first motion, filed by Perlitz’s attorney, William F. Dow, submits a revised proposal for Perlitz’s release.

He has obtained additional commitments from 19 individuals or couples for a total of $2.9 million in addition to the original $2.3 million. Perlitz has also secured 12 more third-party “back-up” custodians in case Laura and Anthony Sirianni cannot monitor Perlitz 24/7.

Government’s Supplement Memorandum in Support of Motion to Detain The government filed their own motion to counter the defense’s. It argued that the defense’s new package is still not adequate. The government also presented Exhibit A, some very preliminary findings from Doug Perlitz’s computer. The finding allege Perlitz had over 100 image files of nude black males engaged in homosexual acts. He also visited numerous Web sites with URLs like www.islandboys.com among others.

See www.fairfieldmirror.com for more.

Inside This Week Sorry, your credit card has been denied.

Credit cards will no longer be given to students under the age of 21.

See page 3.

“I first thought it was probably a fight and cops coming in to break it up and then when I saw the jackets, I realized it was a real raid.

I was kinda amazed that they had caught on that Bravo was all underage,” he continued.

Online Exclusive: Members of the Connecicut Supreme Court heard cases at the University.

Check out our Web site!

Log onto fairfieldmirror.com to check out more!

The Mirror | Week of Oct. 28, 2009

In The News »Theater Fairfield to perform ‘Machinal’

»10 Questions with men’s soccer player

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| page 17 Erik Ilisije

Get to Know the SEA President

By Peter Caty Photo Editor At least once in our lives, and probably more, we have thrown out a plastic bottle or a newspaper and never thought anything of it. If she could, Fairfield junior and President of the Student Environmental Association, Dana August, would be right behind us to pick it out of the trash and recycle it.

The Mirror: What sparked your interest in the environment?

Dana August: It started because of the lack of knowledge here at Fairfield. In California, I didn’t really recognize myself as having any commitment to the environment, but I saw the lack of compassion here.

Peter Caty/The Mirror

Sophomore Bill Lautenschlager plays his guitar outside of the Bannow School of Science last Wednesday afternoon. He likes to play his guitar in order to de-stress, relax and get away from the busy life of a college student every once and a while.

Stag, Lucas

By Dan Leitao Staff Writer Tuesday, Oct. 20 9:55 p.m. A student was assaulted. Another student was arrested and referred to the Dean of Students.

is ongoing.

6:13 p.m. Two additional motor vehicles were vandalized in the Kostka parking lot.

Friday, Oct. 23 4:11 p.m. Public Safety found a fake ID in a lost purse.

4:45 p.m. A motor vehicle was found keyed in the Dolan parking lot.

Saturday, Oct. 24

Thursday, Oct. 22 4:03 p.m. Soliciting was reported in Jogues. Students were selling T-shirts.

5:51 p.m. A motor vehicle was vandalized in the Kostka parking lot. An investigation

2:09 a.m. Four students fled a cab without paying. This is currently under investigation.

2:12 p.m. There was a motor vehicle accident in the athletic center parking lot. There were no injuries.

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Machinal

Afternoon Jam!

Campus crime beat

»Let’s talk about sexiling.

4:26 p.m. There was a motor vehicle accident in the Quick Center parking lot. There were no injuries.

11:13 p.m. A student was observed vandalizing a bicycle and was referred to the Dean of Students.

Sunday, Oct. 25 2:45 a.m. There was a narcotics arrest involving two individuals seen smoking in a parked vehicle. One nonstudent was arrested.

5:00 a.m. A non-student was arrested for interfering with the Fire Department after a fire alarm.

10:03 p.m. Marijuana was found outside of Dolan.

Better Know a Stag

by Mikaela Tierney Who: Sarah Gatti ‘10 Hometown: Peabody, Mass.

Major: Religious Studies Minor: Women’s Studies and Peace & Justice Studies What’s your favorite restaurant in Fairfield?

If my parents are paying, I love Centro! But if I’m paying, I love the chicken, brie and apple sandwich from Chef’s Table or the Thanksgiving sandwich from Firehouse Deli.

What’s your favorite part about being an RA? I love it! What I love the most is the fact that I get to know humans that I never would otherwise come into contact with, and I get to be a part of and support their daily lives.

What change would you like to see happen on campus? I would love to see a shift in campus culture that reflects more mindfulness and intentionality.

individuals cause real change?

DA: Individuals can cause change, August but not on a national or global scale, I believe. Not because I’m not optimistic, just based on experience I guess, and different issues. But that doesn’t mean that people should give up. That would be the same as saying my vote doesn’t count because I live in a Democratic state, so why do it?

TM: How does it make you feel when you see someone throwing out a plastic bottle?

DA: Honestly, it hurts my heart. I TM: How do you keep yourself know that’s a very cliché thing to say, motivated everyday? but I feel a pain, because I just want DA: I don’t know, I guess it’s just to know why; like why they decided who I am now. [Laughs] to do that, because it’s a decision and everybody knows about recycling.

TM: Does it It’s not like bother you when anybody’s living in the students do not dark, and maybe they show interest in don’t know the impacts environmental that it really has. I feel awareness? that you see it everyCheck out the full DA: No, it’s more interview online at where in media today, sad to me that it’s not fairfieldmirror.com like this bag was made because it’s such a out of three cans or real issue that people an aluminum can will only see as a green trend. You know power your television for three hours. how people have the shirts that say, I don’t know, is that just me?

“Hug a tree,” but it’s like do you know where that cotton came from that was TM: What would you say to used to make that T-shirt? And what those who are passionate about an about the ink, the dyes, and the labor? issue, but feel helpless?

No, people don’t understand it, and DA: Well, if you’re passionate so it’s just … well ,it’s not the whole about something, then keep doing it. environmental issue that’s sad, it’s just If you know it’s the right thing to do, the apathy and close-mindedness that then stay with it and if you have a reais more sad, I guess, to go away from son for doing something, do it. That you’re question a little bit. relates to anything. If we start living more ontological, ethical lives, which TM: Do you believe that powis a desire for the future to be better, erful corporations and political then everything will eventually be the interests control our society, or can way it should be.

Online

By the Numbers 600

Million pounds of candy Americans are estimated to buy this Halloween

90

Million pounds of chocolate candy sold during Halloween week.

20.75

Average price consumers will spend on Halloween costumes

2

University buildings said to be haunted (Dolan Hall and the Pepsico Theater)

Unknown

Number of people who will not be dressing up for Halloween

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The Mirror | Week of Oct. 28, 2009

Students Angry over Budget Cuts

By Alexandria Hein Staff Writer Fairfield is among countless other universities nationwide that partakes in readjusting their budget year after year. According to the student body, however, never have the cuts been so apparent as they are this year.

The University was economically mindful in regards to tuition increase, implementing the lowest increase since 1973, by raising it 3.9 percent, emphasizing that a goal was to raise the amount of financial aid available to students.

A July 2009 Fairfield Currents article mentions that other cost saving measures such as zero salary raises, the elimination or freezing of some open positions, and selective hiring were among the plans.

In that same article, President Jeffrey P. von Arx, S.J., is quoted addressing how the economy will affect Fairfield’s budget, “It will be a difficult time for all of us as we will be asked to do more with less.”

Students are wondering if that statement was in reference to replacing Meghan Schelzi/The Mirror the Canisius coffee bar and it’s staff with vending machines? Or sending As a result of the University’s budget cuts, the snack bar in Canisius was shut down. The former spot is boarded the athletics teams to away games in a cramped shuttle bus? The budget up and there is a small sign posted, noting that it is not currently open anymore. was approved, the cuts were made, the semester is well under way and students are not happy. be cut. Students however did not foresee the campus shuttle, or “StagBus,” disappearing.

Erin Stahl ‘11 said, “Being that I have an eight a.m. turbo in Canisius, I would love to The missing StagBus around campus has many students angered about where the grab a cup of coffee during my break. The coffee/snack bar that used to be on the ground University put their priorities. Mary Kathryn Merz ‘11, said, “One of the things that was new floor of Canisius was so convenient for that. Now I don’t have time to walk to Jazzman’s, so I this year was the dissolution of the campus shuttle. I think that this is unfair for many of the don’t get my coffee fix.” undergrads who live in the townhouses or Dolan and need to walk to class through sunLisa Frazier ‘11 also voices concern over the budget cuts. “I really hate that there have shine, rain, or snow.” been cuts in the food service. This year I paid for my own meals, which is new for me, and Speaking on behalf of her friends, Merz added, “I am worried about the upcoming winI want to get my ter months and having to walk from the main part of campus all the way back to my house in money’s worth.” the freezing weather.” In The Mirror article, it is mentioned that von Arx and Lucas did make She also noticed it a point to ask the students who attended the budget meeting where they thought cuts that there have been, could be made.

“Many cuts to Sodexo It has been stressed over and over that the cuts the and the price of administration decided to make were in the best interest of pinion page meals hasn’t gone the University community, and it will remain committed to down.” its strategic goals, but some students still remain skeptic.

Canisius Cancels In a Mirror Allison Russoniello ‘11 said, “It’s amazing to see how Your Coffee Break. article from April the University chooses to spend money. The new patch 2009, William Lucas, of sod outside of the BCC will most likely die during the the University Budget upcoming winter. It’s also great to see Public Safety drive Committee Chair, around in their new SUVs, yet we had to close a small coffee stand.” and the vice presiEchoing her concerns about choosing which area to cutback or spend in, Frazier added, dent of Finance and “The blatant lack of StagBus around campus is taking its toll. Winter is coming and I can only Administration, is use my bike for so many more weeks. I have a class that takes me from the Townhouses all quoted predicting the way to Dolan School of Business. It’s really hard having to restructure your day according that 10 percent of to what the University decided to cut.”

Meghan Schelzi/The Mirror programs will have to

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Sorry, Your Credit Card has been Denied

By Meghan Schelzi Multimedia Editor As the cost of college tuition rises, students are putting more educational expenses on their credit cards, pushing their debt to record levels.

In Feb. 2010, a new federal bill will take effect, restricting students under the age of 21 from having a credit card.

Credit card companies often advertise on college campuses across the country, offering free T-shirt giveaways and mailing applications to their on-campus mailboxes. Upon seeing such enticing offers, students often sign up unaware of the consequences and the potential for racking up debt they may acquire.

Enter the passage of the Credit Card Accountability, Responsibility and Disclosure Act. This amendment will enable students to gain access to credit in a responsible manner.

The bill was created to protect millions of consumers from relying on credit cards, but the buzz surrounding the bill has been met with mixed reactions.

“I think it’s a good idea because we can still get a credit card to help us build our credit, but at the same time learn responsibility with the amount of money we will be allowed to spend,” said Ali Childs ‘11.

Freshman Chelsea Picarazzi agreed that, “it’s a smart idea because no one wants to be in debt.”

According to an article in The Wall Street Journal, Senate Banking Committee Chairman Christopher Dodd (DConn.) said, “Credit cards are a tremendously valuable and useful tool for consumers, providing them with relief during critical moments. This is a very important industry ...We just want it to work better.”

According to Sallie Mae’s research, more students are paying for educational expenses such as books and school

supplies with credit cards. And they’re doing so more and more often.

In 2008, students charged an average of $2,200 in educational expenses to cards, up 134 percent from four years earlier.

“I think the point of a credit card teaches you responsibility,” said Lauren Davidow ‘11.

“And I think it should be stricter because people are being irresponsible with money that isn’t theirs.”

“The message is clear,” says Edmund Mierzwinski, consumer program director for the U.S. Public Interest Research Group. “Students are carrying more debt on credit cards, and more students are paying for education on credit cards.”

According to creditcards.com, with this new reform,

millions of credit card users will avoid retroactive interest rate increases on existing card balances and have more time to pay their monthly bills, greater advance notice of changes in credit card terms and fewer penalty fees, late charges and interest payments.

Pennsylvania Senator Robert P. Casey said, “the passage of the Credit Card Accountability, Responsibility and Disclosure Act is a victory for consumers that will provide a measure of relief and security.”

“Building credit and building responsibility are important and people just don’t understand that,” said Ruby Mateo ‘10. “It affects everything, if not now, then further down the road in life.”

Did You Know?

-The average undergraduate carried $3,173 in credit card debt last year.

-In 2004, the last time the study was done, students carried an average of $2,169 in card debt.

-The higher the grade level, the greater the card debt.

-In 2008, college seniors with at least one credit card graduated with an average of $4,138 in card debt, up 44 percent from 2004.

By comparison, freshmen’s average credit card debt jumped from 27 percent to $2,038.

-In 2008, students charged an average of $2,200 in educational expenses to cards, up 134 percent from four years earlier.

-Above facts are according to Sallie Mae (data is based on poll results)

The Mirror | Week of Oct. 28, 2009

Techbook vs. Textbook — Will Kindles Take Precedence in Classrooms?

By Michael Maio Staff Writer Have textbooks become a thing of the past?

Some college institutions have announced that they are experimenting with alternate forms of classroom technology to help support the Go Green Movement. Most recently, Princeton University released a press statement saying that they have joined with Amazon’s Kindle DX electronic reader pilot program in a conscience attempt to limit the amount of paper used on campus. Although Fairfield has not announced any plans to adopt Kindles yet, the recent push towards increasing environmental consciousness on campus may mean we could soon see Kindles in our own classrooms.

“As much I am for the Go Green Movement, I think that it’s a little ridiculous that you don’t have the option to actually buy a printed copy of the textbook,” said Kerry Davies ’11. “What’s next — burning the textbooks?”

A Kindle reader is an electronic version of literature, which allows the user to scroll through pages that are being shown on a display screen. The Kindle DX electronic reader is a fairly new technology from Amazon, originally released on May 6, 2009. The DX version features an upgrade in the size of the display screen, which allows for the best quality display of textbooks and newspapers; as of July 2009, has over 300,000 books available to download.

The colleges are making the effort

with the hopes of making a serious impact on the level of printed material used on campus. They think that the Kindle system will allow the students to condense their textbooks into one easy, portable device.

However, this new stance on textbooks

Contributed Photo

As technology continues to grow, some universities are now using Amazon’s Kindle in the classroom. comes with some complaints from students.

At Princeton, students were concerned with the new media, especially future interactions with the textbooks.

Many are used to have the capability to highlight, take notes and make important corrections or citations on the pages of

the printed textbook. This can be helpful when it comes to studying for tests or reviewing for class.

Also, with the use of technology comes the concern of the possible malfunction of the device; what would students do if they could not access the information in their textbooks? Another topic of much discussion was the price of the actual device added on to the rest of the tuition bills.

While Fairfield has not announced plans to adopt Kindles for courses yet, many students agree with the concerns of Princeton students, saying that the motivation to save trees through the program was a good idea, but still wanted to voice their concerns.

Some students were concerned about how new the technology is. Chloe Ainley ’13, said, “Textbooks tend to be more expansive in bulk. However, Kindles are a new thing, which means they might malfunction more if all the bugs aren’t worked out.”

It seems the future of textbooks hangs in the balance. While some students support the use of the new environmentally-friendly technology, many are still against it.

In the next few months, we may see more universities and colleges take the initiative to switch to a more “green” media for learning.

At this point it’s unclear whether the new practice will catch on with more universities, but with the initiative illustrated by schools thus far, there may be the demise of textbooks in the coming years.

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Stag Statue Storms Quad Continued from page 1 paid for it,” said Fitzpatrick. Fitzpatrick’s wife, Phyllis, was one of the University staff members laid off last June, though she was recently rehired as Director of the Credit Union.

Most onlookers had a positive reaction to the unveiling event and the new campus mascot.

“I think it’s great the alumni are trying to connect with the student body, putting on such a wonderful event that will help foster school spirit and combat the notion that Fairfield is apathetic,” said Joyce Dos Santos ‘12.

Sara Jannetty ‘12 was impressed by the number of students who came out to see the new statue.

“This is the most school spirit I’ve ever seen since I got here,” she said.

Jack O’Connell ‘55, a member of the Alumni Board of Directors, accidentally happened upon the statue unveiling. He said that he knew they had been looking for a symbol on campus, and the stag was a good idea.

Many members of the campus community expressed concern about the statue’s funding.

“I just think it’s a little ridiculous that we’d accept a donation in this way when there are much more pressing issues to deal with,” said Dana August ‘11.

August added that more funds should be dedicated to improving sustainability on campus.

Fitzpatrick said that ideas for new campus art projects are in the works, including potentially a statue of St. Ignatius of Loyola.

“Despite the difficulties of what happened last June, we are moving forward,” said Fitzpatrick. “Just as the stag is moving, we continue to be moving forward, though it may be at a slower pace. I think the timing was perfect to unveil the stag when we did.”

The Mirror | Week of Oct. 28, 2009

Page 5

Open Visions Speaker Opens With ‘Street Talk’

By Vincent Ferrer Staff Writer Frequent cursing, slang, and playfully jumping from one sensitive topic to another all seem like unlikely behavior from a Pulitzer Prize-winning author. But that is exactly what Junot Díaz lives by and promotes:

At the Open Visions lecture, Díaz admitted that he could not explain this material under a guise of formality. “We all have tons of masks, but in some ways the burden of keeping that mask on is a price I can’t pay,” he said.

He explained how his informal “street talk” allows him to better discuss his art. “I

Photos by Peter Caty/The Mirror

Junot Diaz speaks to and with the University community at Monday’s Open Visions forum in the Quick Center. straying from the norm.

The Dominican-American author and MIT professor paid a visit to Fairfield this past Monday, speaking at both the Open Visions Forum and a special workshop held by the University’s celebrated “Gateways” English course. He presented himself in a manner that many may find as offensive, but that Díaz finds to be most effective in prescribing a deviation from society’s beliefs.

need that comfort for talking about something uncomfortable.”

Díaz led by example, dropping F-bombs throughout his sophisticated lecture and going “against the grain” by disproving preconceived notions of how people of his stature should conduct themselves. He described how society attempts to generalize experiences, cultures, and people, and how we can combat it.

“The only way to be free from any narrative, story, or history that bedevils us is to confront it,” Díaz said. “When you push deep into the thing, you can actually have a reckoning with it.”

It has been these past reckonings that have spawned the most influential works in the history of literature. “The absolute driving quality of all literature that survives a year is the act of particularity,” said Díaz.

At the workshop held for the “Gateways” course, in which a small group of Bridgeport high school students were in attendance, Díaz attempted to counter another of society’s mandates.

“Society tells you to make money,” Díaz said, but what’s more important is finding your passion, your dream, and pursuing it. “Nothing will kill a soul quite like living someone else’s dream.”

Born in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Díaz was the third of five children; “the smart one,” according to his mother.

Díaz recalled how throughout his childhood she implored him to become a lawyer or doctor and it was not until he was 27 that he realized he was on the wrong path. “It took me a very long time to stop dreaming my mother’s dreams for me,” he said.

In 1975 his family immigrated to the United States and settled in Parlin, New Jersey. He worked full-time to finance his years at Rutgers University and graduated with a BA in English. In 1995, Díaz earned his MFA in creative writing at Cornell University.

Several of his works have been featured in The New Yorker and his first novel, The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao, earned the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction, among other awards.

Díaz currently works as a professor of creative writing at MIT and he is also as the fiction editor for the Boston Review.

Surprisingly enough, Díaz’s message

was heard and his use of inappropriate language was not mistaken for nonsensical vulgarity. Grant Haskell, a resident of

Bridgeport, expressed this understanding.

“I enjoyed it [Díaz’s language] because it was varied and it helped him articulate his thoughts,” he said.

Miriam Sanchez and Cheril Perez, both sophomores of Dominican heritage, enjoyed how Díaz’s Wao and his demeanor “really portrayed Dominican culture,” according to Sanchez.

Edrik López, professor of English, also approved of Díaz’s diction. “I thought it showed an ability to be extremely intelligent while speaking ‘street language,’” said López, one of the coordinators of Díaz’s visit to Fairfield. López told how it was important for students to see an intelligent individual who strays away from the conventional archetype of “the erudite professor.”

For those in attendance, that archetype may be forever shattered thanks to Díaz. “I make art; I’m a f*****g artist,” he said.

Connecticut to Analyze Food Labels

By Lily Norton Executive Editor When you receive a check mark on your research paper, you feel great. But buying a cereal box with a check mark might not be such a great idea.

Recently, the use of nutritional labeling programs has come under the scrutiny of the state of Connecticut and the nation at large. Last week, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said it begin will review the front labels of food packages bearing symbols or language that suggest the product is healthier than actually merited by its ingredients.

The Smart Choices Program, appearing on collegefavorite products like Kraft Macaroni & Cheese and Froot Loops, announced Friday that it would “not encourage the wider use of the logo at this time by either new or currently enrolled companies,” according to a press release on its Web site.

The Smart Choices campaign, which began this past summer, appears on hundreds of products from many of

the nation’s largest food manufacturers. The program, developed by nine major food manufacturers including Kraft Foods, Kellogg, and General Mills, uses its own nutritional criteria to evaluate products. Those that meet its standards can show the program’s green check mark logo on the front of their packages, intended as a signal to consumers that the product is nutritional.

The symbol in the corner shows the green check mark icon, and a calories indicator on the front of the package that displays the number of calories per serving and the number of servings per package.

The FDA didn’t single out Smart Choices, but Connecticut officials agree that through this popular campaign, many consumers fail to know what are the exact requirements for these “check marks”.

Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumenthal has asked for information about the development of the labeling program, which the group said it will provide, according to the press release. Blumenthal has come forth as one of many who believe the criteria for this program is

too broad and lets in too many foods that are lacking nutritionally.

In response to Smart Choices Contributed Photo announcement on Legislators are working to eliminate Friday, Blumenthis logo, which you can find on thal said “Quite many food products. bluntly, without a commitment by the companies to stop using the logo, there is absolutely no benefit to consumers,” according to a New York Times article.

Although they have said they are not planning to expand the program until further notice, the “Smart Choices” nutrition label from several major food makers will probably remain on products for some time. The FDA and the Department of Agriculture have said they will continue to monitor the program’s effect on consumers.

The word of the day is:

Renwewal You don’t’ have to ask a resident Jesuit to figure out that ‘The Mirror’ has been a staple at Fairfield for a while now. But that doesn’t mean there isn’t room for improvement, for growth, and for change - which is why we’ve spent countless hours over the past few months on a print and online redesign. But it really is more than a cool new logo and a few different fonts; it is a redefining of everything we do, from our day-to-day reporting to the way we represent your voice in print.

Our new look: it’s bold, it’s exciting, but, most importantly it’s a renewal.

The Mirror THe REFLECTION of Fairfield

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The Mirror | Week of Oct. 28, 2009

Online What do you think about the sexiling rule at Tufts? Send your thoughts to opinion@fairfieldmirror.com.

Notable and Quotable

Tom Cleary | Editor in Chief Lily Norton | Executive Editor Chris Simmons | Managing Editor Veronica Florentino | Commentary Editor

Bravo May Not Get an Encore Bravo is one of the many hot spots on Post Road that Fairfield students frequent, but last Tuesday night, 106 underage drinkers, most from Fairfield University and Sacred Heart University, were busted. And how did Fairfield police hear about this? None other than the Internet.

Only six of the 106 who were either seen by police actually drinking or who admitted to drinking were issued infractions for possession of alcohol by a minor. But many of the others are expected to see some charges, according to Fairfield PD. This bust comes after notice from Fairfield PD that they would be investing more time and effort to eliminating underage drinking in the area.

Fairfield PD is becoming ver-

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Opinion | 7

satile, as investing more time into finding drinking minors now includes perusing our Facebook profiles and events.

Also, about half of the students caught had fake IDs, an issue that was brought home for Fairfield when local police discovered two Fairfield University students last year were selling fake New York driver's licenses over the Internet for $100 each.

Besides putting one of our favorite spots in danger of liquor license suspension, students should really learn from this experience.

If you are going to a party, it may not be the greatest idea to broadcast this information on Facebook, unless you want Fairfield Police or Public Safety as party guests.

“I have no problem with people hanging stuff from it and taking pictures with it. I'm pretty confident that the university community knows its a work of art and will respect it.”

-Jim Fitzpatrick, Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs on potential student activity with the new Stag statue.

Stag Statue Sparks School Spirit Walk onto any campus with a Division One sports program and one of the main attractions is often a statue of its mascot.

Jonathan the Husky at UConn.

The Penn State Nittany Lion. The Quinnipiac Bobcat (also made

by J.C. Dye).

Even schools without major sports programs have a centerpiece of campus, a place where high school students stop to take a picture on a tour, alumni return to excitedly and graduates stop at for one last goodbye.

But Fairfield had no such statue, no centerpiece, no similar tradition. Until now.

With the addition of the Stag Statue in the center of campus, Fairfield has joined the ranks of its fellow universities.

As students turned out to

support the Stags and show their school spirit on Friday night, it was clear that the energy that Hutch Williams '07 and others have brought to campus in the past few years has truly worked. Freshmen enter Fairfield with a love for the Stags, bleeding Stag red.

With the basketball season unofficially kicking off with MAAC Media Day on Tuesday afternoon in New York, it's time for the basketball teams to take center stage and provide a window to the world of what Fairfield can offer. But the smaller sports still deserve your support.

So have yourself your own pregame ceremony, paint your faces and come to the games, it's what college is about.

The Mirror welcomes the opinions and contributions of its readers: Letters to the editor must be timely and submitted in person at BCC 104, by email at mirroropinion@gmail com or through our Web site (www.fairfieldmirror.com).

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In reference to "Police Raid at Bravo Finds Underage Students" and "University Unveils Stag Statue," both on pg 1.

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Goodbye, Bravo ... At Least for a Little While

By Margot da Cunha Staff Writer

It finally happened. Bravo got raided. I mean, the party had to stop at some point.

If you are not aware, Bravo is where several Fairfield students escape from academic stress and enjoy a few drinks on a Tuesday or Thursday night.

What’s wrong with that? Well, the police found over 100 underage drinkers, including 14 who were caught being served with alcohol. But let’s be honest, more than the 14 were probably being served.

Driving down Post Road to pick up a few friends who were trying to escape this night gone wrong, I was shocked. There were so many police lights that you would’ve thought some sort of serious crime had been committed, but nope, it was just a bunch of students trying to have a good time.

The whole thing is a bit ridiculous. Bravo is famous for being a spot where freshmen and sophomores can pound down a few beers. It’s one of only a few places that accepts pretty much any ID. I wouldn't be surprised

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if they let you in with an index card with a picture of you and a birth date that indicates you’re over 21. Underage drinkers have been attending Bravo probably since Bravo opened in 2004 and now it’s getting raided? Really?

An anonymous source who was at Bravo when it was raided said, “As soon as the lights turned on, I knew all hell was breaking loose.”

The sophomore continued to describe the evening by stating, “About 10 police officers stormed in from all directions. They separated everyone who’s under 21 and everyone who’s over 21 into two sections, and demanded identification and backup identification.”

Apparently girls were stuffing fake ID’s into their bras and guys into their shoes, claiming they threw their ID as soon as they saw cops coming. Some got away with it, but many didn’t. “The police were not putting up with any nonsense,” another source claimed.

Students who attend Quinnipiac have the option of attending a variety of 18 plus bars, yet Fairfield

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has Bravo (which is now most likely no longer an option), and The Grape (but everyone knows better than to use a fake there). Maybe if the town of Fairfield was to open more 18 and older bars, this Bravo raid would not have occurred.

What’s going to happen to the restaurant/bar located in the heart of downtown Fairfield? My prediction is its liquor license will get taken away, and they’ll lose a lot of business. They made bank off of the students who attended Bravo religiously, and now not only are Tuesday nights going to be a bit more dull for many, but Bravo will experience a large loss in profits.

The whole situation is a bit upsetting, but I guess it was bound to happen at some point. I guess these underage drinkers will just have to wait to enjoy the bar scene when they’re over 21 … well, depending on just how good their fake is.

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The Mirror | Week of Oct. 28, 2009

Page 8

Let's Talk About Sexiling A Rule on Sexiling is a Necessary Evil

Keep Residence Life out of the Bedroom

By Ana Ziegler Staff Writer Residence Life of Tufts University established a new rule, which says that you can’t have sex in your room while your roommate is present. Students are also not allowed to "sexile" their roommate.

While some people think this might actually be a good idea, I think it is ridiculous. I understand that no one really wants to be present while their roommate is having sex (definitely an awkward turtle moment) but shouldn't we all be adults here? (I am not saying that we are, just that we should be.) We are in college now and it is expected that we become adults.

This includes solving problems that arise in a diplomatic and civilized way. So shouldn’t we be able to find a solution if this problem arises?

Granted, it sucks being in the room while your roommate is having sex, or being sexiled, but we are not little kids anymore. At some point, we need to grow up and learn to deal with our problems ourselves, and college is the time for that.

How are we supposed to learn this if we can call mommy or daddy, a.k.a. Residence Life, every time things don’t work according to our liking? Don’t get me wrong, I am all for Residence Life acting as a negotiator, but we should try to deal with these things on our own first.

But for the sake of the argument, let’s let the rule exist. How are they going to enforce it? Is someone from Residence Life going to check the rooms? Are they going to pay you a surprise visit, come into the room without warning? “Sorry for the interruption. I was just checking if your roommate was here with the two of you but it does not seem that way. So just keep on doing what you are doing.” I think that would even be more disturbing for everybody involved.

Alright, maybe this is a little bit over

the top, but how

By Dan Leitao about this? If Staff Writer your roommate violated that rule, “Hey man, I are you going to go totally got with this to Residence Life girl last night. She and report that? was so hot.”

“Excuse me, but “Yeah, man I my roommate just know. Remember? kicked me out of I was in the bed the dorm because next to you.” he is going to “Oh yeah, have sex with his sorry about that, girlfriend. Do you bro.” think you could do “No problem. something about I mean, its totally that?” Or are you normal to have sex going to leave with your roomthe room and get mate in the bed Residence Life next to you.” and tell them that There is no you heard noises doubt about this coming from your being an awkward roommate’s bed Photo illustration by Dan Leitao/The Mirror moment. But what and you would Warning: a tie on the door means turn around and go away. if that awkward like someone to moment begins interrupt whatto occur more ever they are doing? often, and soon enough you have gained an Think about it and ask yourself if you extra roommate? Tufts has taken a stance would actually do that. I know I wouldn’t. and stated that you can’t have sex with your The rule is supposed to make people roommate in the room or give them the boot aware of other people’s need for privacy, when you want to get some booty. but if people are not considerate and This may seem over the top to some of don’t respect their roommate’s privacy, a our peers at more liberal colleges and more rule is not going to change that. Everyrelaxed than what our fellow Catholic school thing else the rule is supposed to do, like brethren at Providence have to go through help the students have a conversation with parietals. Thankfully, Fairfield seems to about that issue, can be achieved without fall somewhere in the middle for better and it. A rule is not necessary for that. for worse.

So let’s just enjoy our freedom while The biggest argument against Tufts' new it lasts, but always remember: It's a basic rule is that it is impossible to police. And it law of physics. If the bottom bunk moves, is apparent it can not be actively policed by the top bunk moves too.

RA's like drinking and smoking is. However, this rule is there for those extreme cases when people's open mindedness is taken advantage of.

The rule is necessary because not every

college student can act like a mature and responsible adult. While many would say college students learn to adjust to living with someone and to make compromises, horniness takes over maturity more often than one would think.

For students who are not comfortable with their roommate's sexual discretions, this rule gives them a leg to stand on when they go to Residence Life. Let's face it: if their sex life is effecting your sleep habits they clearly are not a considerate roommate.

If your school's advice is to get a pair of headphones, then what can one do? The most shocking thing about the entire Tufts debate is how shocked everyone else was about the rule.

The rule made its way to Bill O’Reilly and the Z-100 morning show. Some people were shocked that such a rule was necessary and others said finally. But no one really stopped to wondered why it was such a big deal.

It seems like for the first time in a while, someone had called out the sexual promiscuity of college students. On-lookers seemed to be shocked that students had become spectators to their roommate's sex life. Many people had not realized that it was common enough where a rule needed to be written down. Residence Life here has to deal with this same issue throughout the year.

As for sexiling, it was not nearly as shocking to most because sexiling seems like an act of common decency when you consider the alternative. It's one thing to ask for the room every once in a while. But when you start asking for the entire house or the room nearly every night, one can understand Tufts' decision.

The thing Tufts really revealed is that sometimes a rule is necessary when people take advantage of situations. Students all around the country are horny and for anyone who doubts that, just read a few He Said articles.

Canisius Cancels your Coffee Break

By Mikaela Tierney Assistant News Editor

unless you got up even earlier to eat an entire breakfast in a futile attempt legitimize your trip up to Barone.

In place of the coffee stand, two new vending machines have been installed in the entranceway to Canisius Hall; one

chine at all,” said Courtney Monaghan ’12.

Tori Rovegno ’12 was also disappointed when she heard the coffee stand had been permanently removed It’s 7:50 a.m. on a Monday. You stumble out of bed, pull this school year. on some appropriately preppy Fairfield apparel, and drag “I’ve been in classes [last year] when I was starving, yourself to your 8 a.m. class in Canisius Hall. You walk and I could run down [to the coffee/snack stand] and through the building’s front doors, eyes still half closed, get food,” she said. “It was nice to know the option was counting down the seconds until you can get your hands always there.” on that hot cup of coffee from the stand in the front The distance to Jazzman’s or the Stag to grab a snack entranceway. doesn’t always work with many students’ busy schedules.

Nope.

Some students have two or three classes in a row, schedSorry. uled right through lunchtime; how do they get a snack to No coffee for you. break the monotony of lectures and hunger?

One of the many changes at Fairfield this year due to “It’s really inconvenient, especially when we only serious budget cuts was the closing of the popular coffee have 15 minutes between classes,” said Rovegno. stand in the entranceway to Canisius. As a result, many Most students either run to the BCC and get to their students are left without their morning coffee fix or their next class a few minutes late (and must sit through the midday snack break between classes. uncomfortable glare from the professor silently punishSo how will those unlucky students handle their 8 ing them or other students staring at their Stag sanda.m. classes without coffee? Unless they go to bed at 9 wich), or forego food until after classes, their rumbling p.m. the night before (clearly impossible), there’s no way stomachs audible to the rest of the class. they can truly function at that early hour.

How much of an impact will cutting the coffee stand A glimmer of hope appeared when Jazzman’s and really have on Fairfield’s budget?

Barone Dining Hall began opening at 7:30 a.m. But even “The line used to be down the hall, so I don’t unthough Jazzman’s opens early, walking to the BCC to get a Mirror file photo derstand why they say that there’s not enough revenue,” cup of coffee doesn’t really seem worth it. When you factor The Canisius coffee bar in all its former glory.

Monaghan said. “I think it would be wonderful if they in the time it takes to walk to the BCC, wait in line with brought it back!” other coffee addicts jonesing for their morning fix, and walk featuring drinks, the other filled with snack foods. But even Unfortunately, there have been no rumblings of plans to over to your 8 a.m. class, that cup of coffee has cost you 15 prethose new additions are leaving students disappointed. bring the coffee/snack stand back anytime soon — students cious minutes you could have spent sleeping.

“I went to get a soda from the vending machines, will just have to learn how to powerwalk to the BCC for snacks Even the idea of going to the dining hall doesn’t work out; since I didn’t have time to go to the BCC for a coffee — but and coffee, or stuff their backpacks full of food to sustain thema single cup of coffee would cost you a precious meal swipe, it was empty! There were no drinks in the vending maselves through a long day of classes.

The Mirror | Week of Oct. 28, 2009

Features | 9

Online Check for updated blogs and new content.

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When I Was 20 ...

Campus Minister Crissy Bowen

By Meghan Schelzi Staff Writer

Outfit of choice? Jeans, rowing/running/ outdoor trip T-shirt, bright blue LL. Bean fleece jacket.

Favorite band(s)? Toad the Wet Sprocket, Indigo Girls, Michael W. Smith, Jars of Clay.

Favorite TV show(s)? Beverly Hills 90210, The Real World, Friends.

Photo by Meghan Schelzi/The Mirror

Editor Courtney Kern » features@fairfieldmirror.com

Introducing Iggy

By Dan Leitao Staff Writer Fairfield has a statue.

Following a big to-do on Friday, Oct. 24, during Homecoming Weekend, a stag statue has been placed in front of Gonzaga.

The question now is, will students take notice and turn Iggy, short for Ignatius Xavier Arrupe, into a tradition?

As a young school, Fairfield lacks a great amount of superstitious traditions that can be discovered upon visiting other colleges; no stepping on a school crest means you will be a super senior, no running through reflective pools. Fairfield biggest tradition is Mock Wedding, now that Clam Jam has died off.

There is debate among students as what to do with Iggy. Here are some ideas for traditions:

Cutest actor? Ben Affleck.

Photo by Peter Caty/The Mirror

undergarments on Iggy’s Antlers.

Favorite concert? Alanis Morissette, Sixpence None the Richer.

What kind of car were you driving? No car (didn’t have one until I was 26). I had a bike.

-Rubbing the back right foot for good luck.

-Touching and patting Iggy’s butt.

-Dressing Iggy in seasonal clothing items.

-Placing or throwing

Stag Style: Fall Fashions

A tradition cannot be forced, in order for it to start, students must decide if they even want one. We will have to wait and see if Iggy becomes part of the Fairfield tradition.

Know a stylish stag? E-mail features@fairfieldmirror.com. Send us their name and we’ll set up an interview and photo shoot.

By Ashley Zangara Staff Writer

Name: Brent Adams Grade: Sophomore Currently wearing: Macwear lacrosse shorts, Adidas sneakers, Old Navy thermal Style Influence(s): Myself Favorite thing about fall: “I love the beautiful leaves on the trees and around campus.”

Name: Michael Ballesty Grade: Sophomore Currently wearing: Polo sweater, David Buffalo jeans, Sperry Boat shoes, Nautica Belt Style Influence(s): The world around me, my mood, and what the ladies love Favorite thing about fall: “Apple crisps and apple pies ... mmm delicious.”

Name: Julio Gomez Grade: Sophomore Currently wearing: Nautica sweater, Nautica buttondown, Abercrombie & Fitch jeans, Nike ACG boots, featured novel — “A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man”

by James Joyce Style Influence(s): Articulate, urban look Favorite thing about fall: “Basketball season starts.”

Name: Elasia Rubio Grade: Sophomore Currently wearing: J. Crew skirt, T-shirt and bag, Aldo boots Style Influence(s): Whatever I’m in the mood for, the weather, and magazines Favorite thing about fall: “Pumpkin pie, apple cider and Halloween.”

Name: Michael Kaesmann Grade: Sophomore Currently wearing: True Religion jeans, Abercrombie & Fitch shirt, Audi hat, Oakley hoodie, Air Force Ones and Gucci dog tags Style Influence(s): The media and myself Favorite thing about fall: “I love this time of year because I get to eat pumpkin pie and wear my cozy onesie pajama suit.”

Name: Katie Riconda Grade: Sophomore Currently wearing: Gap bag and jeans, handmade bracelets from Cape Cod, Leopard print sweater from a boutique in Massachusetts Style Influence(s): The beautiful weather and the gorgeous clothes in little boutiques in different towns Favorite thing about fall: “I love the trees and the leaves, but I also love the fall fashion. Sweaters are so comfortable and cute.”

Photos by Ashley Zangara/The Mirror

The Mirror | Week of Oct. 28, 2009

Meet Katie Cincotta ‘10 Amnesty International President

By Courtney Kern Features Editor

What is Amnesty International?

What is your major?

International Studies.

What would you like to do upon graduating?

I have applied for a Fulbright to study newspa-Founded 1961 by British lawyer Peter Benenson pers/media in Argentina. If I do not get that, I would -World-wide organization for the protection of human rights like to find a job with an international organization -Works for the release of women and men who have been arrested before attending grad school. for their convictions, the color of their skin, their ethnic origin or Why did you decide to start the club? their faith — provided that they have not themselves used force or In Fall of 2008, I studied abroad in Brisbane, exhorted others to resort to violence Australia where I had an internship at Amnesty In-There are more than 2.2 million members and subscribers in more ternational. When I returned to Fairfield my advisors than 150 countries (Jermain Griffin and Janie Leatherman) suggested sources: nobleprize.org and amnesty.org that I start an Amnesty club on campus.

What is your experience with Amnesty International?

In Australia, I worked on the “priority campaign team” which at the time was dealing with the end of the humanitarian issues brought up in China with the Olympics. Our main focus was on censorship. I organized a book launch in Brisbane for the author of a book called “The Blogging Revolution,” by Antony Loewenstein, which is about censorship in repressed countries.

How have you promoted this organization at Fairfield?

I have just spent the past two months trying to increase interest in humanitarian activism, in addition to club membership, on campus. We went to Yale last Saturday for a state conference where we got some useful ideas on how to maintain interest, progress as an Photo by Katie Cincotta/The Mirror individual club, and work as a state toward activism. We also had a tabling event on Friday (Oct. 23) in the BCC where we Senior Katie Cincotta decided to create the new club were promoting two humanitarian issues. The first was the at Fairfield after working with Amnesty International case of Aung San Suu Kyi, a Burmese woman who has been in Australia. under house arrest for about 13 of the past 19 years. She was imprisoned without a trial for being the opposition leader minister of Myanmar requesting her release. Our other camin the country. We had a petition and a letter to the foreign paign was for the people of Bhopal, India. In 1984 a Union

Page 10

Carbide pesticide plant in the city accidentally released toxic chemicals overnight. The government recognizes nearly 4,000 deaths related to the chemical disaster, but it has been suggested that there have actually been over 10,000. At our table we had a letter to the prime minister of India requesting further investigation into the disaster, and greater consideration for the victims. Throughout the day we had over 30 people stop by to support our causes.

Are there other Amnesty International clubs on college campuses?

Yes, Amnesty International chapters exist throughout the world. They are prevalent on many college campuses, as well as within localities. Amnesty International groups exist in over 150 countries. Fairfield prep even has a chapter of Amnesty.

What are your goals for the club?

Because we are so new I would just like to create a successful foundation so the club can continue beyond this year, and create a greater awareness on campus of human rights abuses.

How many members do you have?

Our membership varies. We have a core group of five members, and a number of additional members who attend meetings.

Have you had any fund-rasiers or do you have any fund-raising plans?

We have not had any fundraisers yet, but we have a few ideas for the future. One of our exciting ideas for next semester is a “Jamnesty,” which would be a concert on campus with local bands where we charged a small fee to support our cause. Some of the proceeds may go to a pressing issue in humanitarian rights at the time.

What are your plans for the rest of the year?

We hope to have more tabling events throughout the year on Urgent Action issues. We also plan to attend the Amnesty International Northeast Regional Conference at Boston University on Nov. 14th where we will meet members of the organization from all over the Northeast. Our next meeting is Thursday, Oct. 29 at 4 p.m. in BCC 204.

The Mirror | Week of Oct. 28, 2009

Online Movie review of “Where the Wild Things Are”

Arts & Entertainment| 11 fairfieldmirror.com

Editor Melissa Mann » mirror.entertainment@gmail.com

How to Celebrate Halloween at Fairfield

By Dan Leitao Staff Writer

Contributed Photo

“Machinal” looks at the gender roles that society defines for us.

Theatre Fairfield to Perform Sophie Treadwell’s ‘Machinal’

By Marissa DePalma Staff Writer It’s pronounced Ma-Kin-All actually, not Machine-All. But Sophie Treadwell’s expressionist feminist piece is indeed about machines, most specifically the one we all function in: society.

This 1920s play is just the start of Theatre Fairfield’s explosive season. Under the direction of Fairfield’s own Martha LoMonaco, this dynamite cast, containing members from each of the four representing classes, is able to communicate the pressures and struggles that the “Everywoman,” and frankly, “Everyman,” experiences. Machinal is also being performed in collaboration with women’s rights advocates Project Peg, a group that addresses many current issues including debunking the societal myth — that man and women have ascribed roles to fulfill.

Machinal chronicles events within the life of Young Woman, played by junior Alexandra Burke, as she wrestles with fulfilling the role she is assigned. She is forced into a marriage because of money instead of love, is tyrannized by her controlling mother, and has a child whom she doesn’t want. With all of this, she is driven to madness.

These events within her life are chronicled through nine major scene changes. One of the most riveting parts of Machinal is where Young Woman accompanies a friend to a speak-easy where she meets Lover (played by senior Jeremy Shea). Using him, she is able to find a means to partially escape her life filled with lunacy.

Burke takes on a challenging role and is present on stage for almost the entirety of the show. Audience members will witness her exasperation through expressionistic monologues as she tries to break free from where she is, literally, caged in. See the set and you’ll understand.

“My character Helen — Young Woman — is trying to survive the only way she knows how, but unfortunately, her way doesn’t suit the world,” Burke said in a press release.

“She becomes psychologically desperate because what makes her feel free is perceived as sinful,” Gabrielle Brygider ’10, an active member within Project Peg and playing the role of Nurse, states concerning Young Woman.

It is not just Burke, however, who takes on such a demanding role.

The cast of 14 each play multiple roles displaying their versatility as actors. This director decision is extremely effective because of its support with the driving theme of the play — fulfilling roles in society, which is coincidentally how they are identified in the playbill: Matron, Stenographer, Priest, Lover ... Having the overlap of actors and characters is incredibly effective in drawing the audience into to the performance even more.

I highly recommend that you find an evening to go see this production. This play is captivating by the most unlikely subject matter.

All elements of theatre have been gelled together for a most thoughtprovoking and entertaining evening.

Machinal opens Wednesday, Oct. 28 and runs through Nov. 1 at the Wien Experimental Black Box Theatre located in the Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts. Showings are at 8:00 p.m. from Wednesday to Saturday along with 2:00 p.m. matinees on Saturday and Sunday.

Moms fight at Party City for their kid’s costume, old Catholic schoolgirl skirts fill up the mail room, and guys either wait until the last minute or don’t care. It must be Halloween fever at Fairfield. As the one time of the year where people believe they can wear anything and get away with it, college kids all around the country are getting ready for the biggest soiree on and off campus. Among midterms, we are all thinking of what we will be doing this weekend to celebrate Halloween with a bang.

Costumes: Go Big or Go Home Surveys show that the costumes guys want girls to wear is predictable for the most part — anything tight and revealing — while girls tend to picture hunks in all of their costumes. Enthusiastic Halloween celebrants offer some words Photo Illustration/Dan Leitao of wisdom from about costume expectations: Statistics are based on a random poll of 30 students in the BCC. “Dick-in-a-box is not a present.” ~Diana Genovese ‘11 and Antoinette Basso ‘11 “It takes a lot of balls to wear tights.” ~Antoinette Basso ‘11 “Taking a profession and adding sexy is tired, done and old.” ~Matt Peterson ‘10 “All guys want girls to wear is their sexual fantasy.” ~Lauren Doran ‘10 Other collected wisdom says that girls are not unanimous in being for or against duys donning tights. Guys also believe that caution tape and condom wrappers make for great costumes. And the honorable mention from one girl that is not mentioned was “jungle boys.”

Parties: Drinking Your Mask Off Girls dressed sluttier than usual, costumes donned, and rummy bears equals the perfect party scene at Fairfield. It seems that parties which involve costumes always seem to be slightly sloppier than usual. One reason behind it is that when we wear a mask we feel more free to not act as we should.

Specific theme parties are a no-go, but a good rave or dance party is always welcome. Don’t forget the hard cider either.

Decorations: Bringing Back The Cobwebs For both partygoers and passerbys, everyone likes a little Halloween spirit. We have all seen the house on North Benson Road that seems to be all about the Halloween decor with its generated screams. TH 35 should also get an honorable mention for putting up cobwebs at the start of October. As for the rest of us that are behind on the decorations, a quick trip to Party City for a few black lights and strobe lights should give our houses the Halloween feel. And as long as you keep your pumpkins from being bashed in, they are a great addition.

Trick-Or-Treat: Getting the Candy While RCC brings back trick or treating to the dorms, there are other Halloween activities besides partying that happens on and off campus. Haunted Rides up at Lake Compounce is one option as is Six Flags Fright Fest and other small events within Fairfield County. Remember, while you may be too old to trick-or-treat, you are never too old to take advantage of the candy deals at CVS. Halloween is an event where we can throw back to old times. Candy may be replaced by shots, but we still try to look effortlessly cool and not end up with the same costume as a fellow student. Just remember — costumes only last for one night.

Frightful Halloween Fun!!!

By Gabriella Tutino Assistant Entertainment Editor

Looking for things to do this Halloween?

We have a few suggestions...

Carve a pumpkin… Dress up and go trick-or-treating in town from 2-5 p.m… Go to Six Flags Fright Fest in Mass. or NJ… Go on a hay ride… Visit a haunted house… Pimp Your Pumpkin, Thursday at 8 p.m.... Walk through a corn maze… Take the train into NYC to watch the Village Parade… Watch scary movies… Shop for a last minute Halloween costume, or make your own... Decorate your dorm, apartment, townhouse, or beach house... Stop by Ghosts and Ghouls Party at the Levee, Saturday at 9 p.m… Eat a lot of candy corn.

The Mirror | Week of Oct. 28, 2009

Page 13

iPick

By Joey D’Alessio Staff Writer

Song: You Got the Love Artist: Joss Stone Song: Life’s Not a Race Artist: 311

This is my favorite song off of Joss Stone’s new album “Colour Me Free.” This English bombshell belts out soulful vocals reminiscent of Chaka Khan. As a bassist, I always zone in on the bass line, and this track’s bass grooves so hard it hurts. The backup vocals and brass figures really even out this track. Joss has perfected her retro-soul sound on this album.

Song: Dead Leaves and the Dirty Ground Artist: The White Stripes Before The Dead Weather, before The Raconteurs, there was Jack White and his dynamic duo The White Stripes. Before Seven Nation Army turned the masses onto Jack White’s distinctive sound, they recorded “Dead Leaves and the Dirty Ground” off their 2001 album “White Blood Cells.” There’s some great guitar licks on this track. It’s amazing what just a guitar and drums can do.

Great words to live by. This track off the 1999 album Soundsystem captures 311’s fusion of reggae and rock. This song ebbs and flows with a haunting groove. Life’s Not a Race has great guitar work by 311’s own Tim Mahoney. I was fortunate enough to see them play this summer at PNC Arts Center in New Jersey. If you want some great music, start listening to 311.

Song: I’ve Got Friends Artist: Manchester Orchestra

Dan Leitao/The Mirror

Song: Empire State of Mind Artist: Jay-Z featuring Alicia Keys

This is a perfectly linear song. The song keeps building, and building, and building in energy. Each chorus is stronger than the last and they’re rounded out with a pretty stellar three-part harmony. This is one of the best songs from this Atlanta indie rock band.

As far as I’m concerned, Alicia Keys can do no wrong. This collaboration is one of her best. Her piano skills back up the rap perfectly. It’s a great song, and they now play it at Yankee Stadium. I heard this blasting through the grandstands during their 4-1 triumph over the Angels.

The Right Bite

a review of restaurants in and around Fairfield

with lettuce, tomato, and spicy mustard all for $4.99. This have never received any dirty looks, frowns, or groans. They delicious meal is usually followed by a heavenly walnut are consistently friendly and you can tell that their number brownie, a slice of moist banana bread, or a mouthwaterone priority is to make their customers feel happy. ing piece of zucchini bread.

Even the customers themselves are very amiable; they Another favorite is the salad from the salad bar, conlove conversing and invite you to sit with them if there are sisting of fresh mixed greens, craisins, falafel, spring rolls no tables available. They will sometimes ask “what are you and a scoop of a unique orzo salad. You can also ask the eating?” or “have you tried this before?” They are also very workers at the counter to cut up a piece of juicy, marinatMabel Del Castillo/The Mirror ed, grilled chicken, warm it up and toss it into your salad.

Mrs. Green’s is the place to go for natural, healthy food - whether you The dressings Mrs. Green’s provides are like no other. This are shopping for groceries or want to sit down and eat. scrumptious salad is priced according to weight, but on average it comes out to be around $8.00, which is fairly priced considering everything in the salad is fresh and nutritious.

They also have a decent selection of pre-made foods

By Mabel Del Castillo designed for those who may be in a hurry or simply don’t Staff Writer want to sit down and eat. There is always a pot of soup made daily and various types of fresh coffee. They have smoothies There are not many places in town where you can eat and juices prepared right in front of your face. healthy, quality food and grocery shop all at once. Mrs. Mrs. Green’s upholds a trust policy where you can eat in Green’s, located at 1916 Post Road, provides the freshest sethe back first and pay after. What other grocery store/sandlection of produce, a variety of foods made daily, delectable wich shop allows their customers to enjoy a meal, a bevertreats, and an extremely friendly staff. age, and dessert, and then pay after?

Upon entering this lovely natural store you are greeted After indulging in a wholesome meal you may then Mabel Del Castillo/The Mirror by organic fruits and vegetables, an assorted salad bar, food proceed to grocery shop. Walking through the aisles you A sampling of the great variety of prepared foods at Mrs. Greens. samples and a glass counter filled with foods like salmon, will come across an array of wheat-free products, dairy-free grilled chicken, orzo, goat cheese quesadillas and turkey products, vegan products, organic products, low-carb prodshocked when they see such young students eating at one of burgers. ucts, and even kosher products. For those vegans, health the healthiest spots in town.

“Who would have thought that eating healthy could be obsessed people, or strict dieters out there, this is the perfect So the next time you are in town and feel like treating so hard when you have so many delicious foods to choose place to go. yourself to an affordable, healthy, unprocessed meal or want from?,” asked Ashley Zangara.

The environment Mrs. Green’s provides is absolutely to find that organic yogurt you can’t seem to find anywhere My personal favorite is the portabello mushroom unique. I personally have never come across a store where else, enter the world of Mrs. Green’s and your only regret will burger. They heat it up for you and make it into a sandwich the entire staff is so nice. I go there about once a week and I be an addiction to this outstanding, distinctive place.

Mrs. Green’s at 1916 Post Road

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7pm at Lessing Field Get your own Fairfield Friday Mug and fill it with Hot

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Fairfield Friday RETURNS!: Friday November 6 - Get outta bet, and put on RED! Men’s Soccer Game v. Niagara - 7pm at Lessing Field

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Ed. Note: These articles are intended to be comedy and satire.

Chris Surette Growing up, Halloween was arguably everyone little kids favorite holiday. They were able to dress up as a character they inspired to be and act ridiculous as they go door to door bugging the local neighbors for candy. The same can be said now for college students, as Halloween has become a weekend event where any possibility can happen. See now, instead for going trick or treating and egging the nasty old lady’s house next door, it is a time where we can all become total slop-houses and you can discover things about others you’d never think could were true.

See the best part about Halloween is that it allows our counterparts to dress as revealing as they want, without any negative repercussions. The Halloween weekend, for guys, is like living in a Victoria Secret catalog; it’s absolutely amazing. I know you maybe thinking to yourself, “Damn I wish this would occur every weekend.” Then you realize “thank God” for Facebook, as the following weeks will consist of girls updating the photos full of glorious Halloween pics and you are able to relive that magnificent weekend, by creeping on all your girl friends pictures ...

However, Halloween has another great

Editor Tom Cleary » mirrorcoffeebreak@gmail.com

HE said / SHE said Halloween College Style

reason for guys, as it is a time where we not only can act like idiots, but dress like them as well. Girls, often, have the usual costumes such as the humbling homewrecker, the naughty nurse. Don’t get me wrong, these are great costumes and ones I personally look forward to every year, but they are not original. And I’m not saying that girls are unoriginal, last years Sarah Palin outfit was pretty humorous as well as the Gloucester pregnant teens group, but girls don’t get the same opportunity that guys do because they don’t make the idiotic mistakes like men do.

I mean I don’t know many female athletes that are dumb enough to ruin their career by bringing in a loaded gun into a night club and shoot themselves in the leg Cheddar Bob style. I’m expecting the Plaxico in orange jumpsuits to be nearly as big as the Michael Jackson costume this year.

See in the past four years, we were spoiled as we were able to see some classic outfits such as last year’s Joker, Michael Vick, and the Duke lacrosse team, but these don’t come close to my boy Frank the Tank’s Ron Jeremy outfit last year. So be creative and remember this is a time when mocking and being total moron are appropriate.

Halloween is definitely one of my favorite holidays. Luckily, after entering college, you are able to celebrate that holiday more than once.

Thanks to the calendar this year, I plan on partaking in festivities at least four nights out of the week. But this also makes costume decisions much more difficult. Halloween week may be the only time it’s viewed as acceptable to wear the same clothes out two days in a row; but don’t get crazy. It’s still fun to have multiple costumes to keep people guessing.

Since most of us are too old to trick or treat without looking creepy, dressing up is the best part. But how do you find the perfect balance in your costume without being that person that goes way too far, or the one that looks as if they made their costume two minutes before leaving the house. I know a lot of people will wait until the afternoon of and just buy whatever is left on the costume wall at Party City. Never fear — you’re still better off than those people who refuse to dress at all, or those who put in no effort. Guys, most of the time, this is you. I know some guys who really put their all into a costume, but most will throw on a smelly old jersey from their favorite player and call it a night. Girls put in way more effort than is necessary; it would be nice to see you try a little harder. And for those who go in drag, I hope you find heels to be a humbling

Allyson Wuensch

experience.

Also, last year I saw about three Jokers at every party I went to; I understand it was a very popular movie and the death of Heath Ledger made everyone want to join in the fun. But I’m hoping I don’t see 20 million Michael Jacksons this year.

And there are always a few (way more than a few, but I’m trying to be nice) who run around in their underwear with one accessory (ears, wings, etc.) that entirely forms their costume. Think Mean Girls.

Hey- if you really want to run around without pants on pretending you’re Super Girl, be my guest.

But please note, it’s going to be about 40 degrees.

I love the people who get really into their costumes, but be wary of those who go for face paint, or even full on body paint. Before you know it you’ll wind up with orange face paint on your white dress from those oompa loompas you call your friends. So wave and make a break for it.

And just for fair warning; if you plan on spending the night anywhere, bring a change of clothes. Wandering around in your Halloween costume the next morning is just not a very bright idea.

As for me, I’ll be rocking the Where’s Waldo get-up a few nights. Maybe, if you’re lucky, you’ll find me in the background of one of your pictures.

The Mirror | Week of Oct. 28, 2009

Page 16

The Mirror | Week of Oct. 28, 2009

Page 17

This Week in Sports The week that was in Fairfield Athletics

Picture of the Week

Stag Spotlight

Q&A with Freshman Erik Ilisije Men’s Soccer

by Cynthia Palmieri

« The Mirror: How is it being on a varsity sports team at Fairfield? What are some of its benefits?

Ilisije

« Erik Ilisije: Well, not many kids get to play a college sport so I feel kind of privileged to have this opportunity. « TM: What is it like being in a locker room everyday with 20

guys?

« EI: It smells really bad and at times it is really gross, but at the

same time it’s also really fun because of all the jokes. It actually builds team camaraderie.

Women’s Rugby Advances to Finals

Seniors Jen Manzi (left) and Jessica Pierce (with ball) battle against Malloy in the MET semifinals on Sunday. The Lady Ruggers won to advance to the final, which will be played on Sunday against Hofstra at 1 p.m.

« TM: What is the worst practical joke that has happened in the

locker-room?

« EI: I don’t know if this is the worst prank but it is the most

recent. We took a freshman’s cell phone and changed his girlfriend’s contact number to one of the guys on the team, so every time he got a text from her it was really a text from one of us.

Introducing...

Freshmen Briana Dixion Women’s Volleyball

« TM: If you could play or be like any pro soccer player who

would it be?

« EI: David Beckham, because he is one of the best players on the field and he is a global icon off the field. « TM: Can you recap what last year’s season was like for the

Men’s Soccer team?

« EI: There were ups and downs in the beginning of the year

but when the conference came along we pulled it together and started playing the best soccer of our season. We all felt a sense of accomplishment after we won the MAAC because that was one of our top goals for the season. Getting to the NCAA tournament was also a really important achievement for our program. « TM: Is the team coming together like last year? « EI: During the out of conference, we had some good games

but we also had some tough games, but now that we are into our conference schedule things are coming together. The team is building a stronger connection on and off the field. A bond that I feel is stronger than last year.

« The Bio: A native of Long Beach, Calif., Dixion

is one of Fairfield’s fine freshman recruits who, under head coach Alija Pittenger, has become a Dixion steady offensive presence. Dixion was a senior captain at Los Alamitos High School (Calif.) and aided her team to a state championship in her sophomore year.

«College: Dixion, the MAAC’s most recent Rookie of the Week (her

second of the season), has become a steady scorer for Pittenger. As the season progresses, it is clear that Dixion is gradually becoming the ideal compliment to fellow Californian Katie Mann ‘10. This past week, Dixion averaged double-digit kills in all three Fairfield victories, including a 14 kill effort against UConn. « The Props: As previously mentioned, Dixion boasts a pair of MAAC

Rookie of the Year Awards. In addition, she is second only to senior Katie Mann in kills. Dixion currently maintain a stunning pace of 15 double-digit kills in the team’s 24 matches.

Mirror Sports 3 X 5 World Series/ Halloween Anyone?

Tom Cleary Editor in Chief

What is your favorite Halloween candy?

Trick-or-treating at The Point: Yay or Nay?

If you’re trying to find me Saturday night, I’ll be dressed up as ...

Toss-up: The City of Brotherly Love or the Big Apple?

World Series 2009: Your predictions

Has to be Peeps. Wrong holiday? Oh well, they are still way better than stupid candy corn.

Yay. But only if I the treats are shots. I have a feeling parents will keep their kids away ...

Chris Simmons on a Saturday night. All I need is a T-shirt, a bottle of SoCo and a goofy smile and I’m ready to go.

The Philly Phrenetic and the crazy fans at the Oliday Inn? What’s not to love?

Philly all the way. I can’t wait to see all the sad Facebook statuses after the Yanks lose. Poor bandwagon fans ...

A Saturday at the point?

No shortage of boo(ze).

Footy pajamas: regular or dropseat.

Loud, obnoxious, cocky fans? I’m pretty sure we perfected that while Philly was busy watching ‘Rocky’ and wearing green man suits.

Mike Olowacandy. An XL bust-ing of flavor in every Keith Connors General Manager center. (Runner-up nod to Circus Peanuts, Andes, and Kinder/Minka Milk)

Chris Simmons Managing Editor

Candy corn. I like eating each color individually. It helps me keep my weight down.

Nay. Sorry, I just like horse noises. But really, my goal is to remember the weekend.

Don Cornelius, in preparation for our “Soul Train” party. Actually, I have no idea. If only green man spandex were cheaper ...

Charm City has them both beat, but I’ll go with Philly. Mainly because we have the same accent.

I’m no Jimmy Rollins, so I’ll respect Philly. Plus they gave us Will Smith.

He raps happy.

I still can’t forgive Jeffrey Maier. Philly in seven after Lee and Sabathia battle it out.

The Mirror | Week of Oct. 28, 2009 Women’s Volleyball

Siena searches for answers while Stags streak to nine wins

By Keith Connors General Manager

year that you probably wouldn’t have seen in the past.”

“We’ve got to be ready for every single game,” Pittenger added.

The improvement and develop-

Still, perhaps the most logical explanation for Saints’ drop-off stems the Saints’ relatively green stating lineup.

Under normal circumstances, a Even though the Saints retained Saturday night showdown against Siena Burgandy McCurty, the team’s premier is about as a big of a match as offensive threat, the supporting its gets for head coach Alija cast is, to a certain extent, far Pittenger and women’s voldifferent. leyball.

The Saints’ graduated four Only this year, there is seniors — Emily Kurglik, Kathi only one surefire team atop Kobayashi, Kelly Hummel, and the Metro Atlantic Athletic April London — all of whom Conference, and that’s the played significant minutes and Stags, which stretched the vital roles while enjoying four team’s season-high win streak consecutive MAAC Championto nine with three home wins ships under seven-year head this past week. coach Garvey Pierre.

The streak, highlighted While the team still boasts a by a win over Connecticut variety of talent, it is clear that the and a thrilling come-fromSaints were left with a gaping hole behind win against Niagara, in the team’s productivity. Of last matches a program best year’s senior class, three of four reached by last year’s team a were among the top five in kills a season ago. season ago. April London, honFairfield, however, is ored by the league last season as far from foreign from the MAAC Setter of the Year, was one MAAC’s top spot. Siena, on of the conference’s elite passers the other hand, finds itself in and initiated much of the Saints’ a somewhat unfamiliar role offense. and, with each passing game, Pierre, despite the veteran appears as if it is a team Peter Caty/The Mirror losses, still yields a team with searching for an identity.

Freshman Kara Reis (#2, above) and several other rising under- great potential to repeat for an While the Stags have classmen are in the middle of volleyball’s recent nine match unprecedented fifth consecutive surged to the tune of nine winning streak. Fairfield faces MAAC foe Siena this Saturday. season. consecutive wins, the Saints The Saints boast a myriad have not boasted consecutive victories ment of the MAAC, though, illustrates of strong recruits, and they still have since the start of conference play. In just how remarkable Fairfield’s sucMcCurty, the MAAC unanimous selecfact, Siena has lost four of the team’s cess looks in comparison. Boasting tion as the conference’s best player and last six matches, including a 3-1 loss to a similarly young starting lineup, the two-time Offensive Player of the Year, the Stags at Alumni Hall on Oct. 10.

Stags have flourished of late in conferas their top offensive threat. With McSome of that, according to Pitence play. Aside from nine consecutive Curty on the court, Siena always has a tenger, is due to a much-improved conwins, several younger players - inchance to win. ference that gets better every season. cluding freshman Briana Dixion and Nonetheless, to say that the tide “I think anything can happen in sophomore Lauren Balmert - have been may be turning in the Stags’ favor is an the MAAC schedule this year,” Pittenger honored by the conference with weekly understatement. said of this year’s conference. “I think awards thanks to their contributions to Fairfield can cement that stateyou’ve seen a lot of upsets so far this Fairfield’s recent success. ment this Saturday night.

Page 18

Women’s Rugby Advances to MET Finals

By Tom Cleary Editor-In-Chief Putting a proper ending on the best season in Fairfield history is the only thing on the minds of the women’s rugby team. With a victory over Molloy on Sunday afternoon, the team moved one step closer to its goal.

Fairfield defeated Molloy 72-10, continuing its undefeated season and placing the team in the MET Division III Finals against Hofstra on Sunday at 1 p.m.

“It was great, we reWhat to ally played well as a team,” watch for senior and club president Seana Mazzarino said. “In Women’s Rugby all our 15 years we have vs. Hofstra Sunday Nov. 1, never won a playoff game, 1 p.m. so we were really excited @ Grauert Field when we won.”

(Behind Fairfield Prep) The Lady Ruggers finished the regular season 5-0-1 after a losing season last year. Their key victory of the season came against Sacred Heart back on Sept. 13 with a 13-12 victory.

Fairfield also picked up a key 20-20 tie with Hofstra on Oct. 4, which earned the Lady Ruggers the top seed in the MET playoffs.

The 30-player team is led by two seniors, forward captain Jessica Pierce and back captain Jen Manzi . Pierce scored a try against Molloy on Sunday, while Sam Nester had two tries.

Head coach Ryan Birge graduated from Fairfield in 2005 and said that the big win on Sunday will set the Lady Ruggers up well for the championship.

The Lady Ruggers are undersized compared to Hofstra, but has not let that stop them all season. They were able to grit out the tie against Hofstra in the first match of the season, but will have to find another strong effort within to pick up a victory on Sunday.

“It’s so exciting to be part of the season we’ve had and to see that our hard work has paid off. To be with a group of girls this dedicated and talented is really an honor,” Pierce said.

“It isn’t over yet though, we’ll be training all week in preparation for Hofstra and hopefully some great matches against teams outside of our league after Sunday’s match.”

Who wants to be the next Rick Reilly?

In other news, women’s soccer earns the No. 3 seed in MAAC Tourney For the past four years, Tom Cleary, Keith Connors and myself have committed ourselves to covering Fairfield sports.

It hasn’t always been easy, juggling Chris Simmons classes, internships and other work to Managing Editor give Fairfield athletics the coverage they deserve. We’ve taken flak for not covering certain sports enough or not appreciating how much of a commitment the athletes themselves make. We understand, they want to be acknowledged for their hard work, and some sports, such as field hockey, crew and cross-country, don’t get coverage proportional to their hard work as compared to basketball, soccer and lacrosse. When people ask us why, we tell them: “there are only three of us.”

In addition to being the sports editors, Tom is the editor-in-chief, Keith is the general manager, and I myself am the managing editor, taking away from the time we used to be able to spend on sports. We are also all seniors and need replacements.

All the Bill Simmons wannabees who actually are interested in writing for our sports section seem to only want to cover professional sports without doing any of the work of reporting. Apparently they think that The Mirror is the first place people look for hard-hitting coverage of the World Series or the NFL. That ESPN thing is just a fad. If they do want to cover Fairfield sports, it’s usually because their friend or roommate is on the team. I’m sure those articles wouldn’t be biased at all.

People have complained about The Mirror for years. This “He Said/She Said” controversy is nothing new. Someone always has a problem with our supposed biased reporting or how wrong we are on some subjects. It is always a little disheartening to hear something that we’ve worked on for 30 to 40 hours a week criticized so much. We really do try to get every side of a story and present the complete picture. But the core of The Mirror is graduating this year and we need replacements. So if you want to shape the future of The Mirror, step up and join.

On a related note, there are journalism majors at Fairfield who I’ve never met. I’m not

sure how that can happen. The best way to get a job is through experience. No one is going to hire you without some clips or evidence that you can do the job. And trust me, an article in The Mirror is going to look much better than some paper you wrote in your news writing class.

Even if you’re not an English major, businesses want people who can communicate and write. I’m pretty sure that’s the main focus of our paper, to communicate information and entertainment to the students. Keith, despite being a Yankee fan, is one of the smartest guys I know. And he’s a finance major writing for sports. I just hope he remembers me when he’s making millions.

When we say we’re independent, we mean we are independent. You can get experience doing things the way professionals do. The Mirror will give you experience running a business, marketing, selling ads, writing effectively, communicating your ideas and working in an office (with people you may disagree with or not get along with, this skill should not be overlooked, because you’re going to have to do it. That’s life.)

For those of you who want to know or care, the women’s soccer team beat Niagara 2-0 on Friday night and tied Canisius 1-1 on Sunday. The Stags will be the No. 3 seed in the MAAC Tournament and have earned a first-round bye. They will play No. 6 Niagara on Thursday at 11 a.m. in the quarterfinals. The three-seed is pretty good for a team that dealt with injuries to some of their best players and was in the process of restocking talent after losing three of their best players to graduation. They have a good shot at returning to the NCAA Tournament for the second straight year.

I’ll be the first to admit that my coverage of the team has slipped this season. It’s the basic reason why I’m writing this column, because I didn’t have time to talk to coach Jim O’Brien or any of the players. I feel bad because they do deserve more. I know I can speak for all three of us when I say we do feel a connection to the teams we cover as our beats. We only wish we had the time to devote to every team.

I know I’ve been counting down to next semester when I’ll be a second semester senior.

I’m assuming I’ll have more time to cover sports, but who knows, maybe I’ll be passed out at the Grape every night. So before it’s too late, and if this column wasn’t too insulting or condescending, join the sports staff so Tom, Keith and I can impart our wisdom. We don’t bite, you can get free food twice a week, and eventually you can even get paid.

Sports | 20

Online New and improved sports blog.

Online only coverage.

Week of Oct. 28, 2009

Sports editors Keith Connors, Tom Cleary, Chris Simmons » sports@fairfieldmirror.com

fairfieldmirror.com

Sweeping Success

By Tom Cleary Editor in Chief

When Tucker Nathans connected on a blast from the top of the box (see picture) to put Fairfield up 3-0 over Manhattan on Sunday, it was the sixth unanswered goal for the Stags in two games. They would score twice more for a 5-0 win to complete the weekend sweep of the Jaspers and Saint Peter’s.

Fairfield improved to 7-5-1 overall and 3-1-1 in the MAAC wih the victories and moved into third place in the confernce, putting the Stags into a playoff position

with four games left this season.

Junior Erik Ilisije (see 10 Questions on p. 17) scored three times this weekend, while sophomore Jack Burridge added two goals. Burridge has a teamhigh seven goals and three assists for 17 points, while Ilisije has four goals.

The Stags travel south this weekend to take on Rider (4-9, 1-4 MAAC) and Loyola (7-6-2, 4-0-1) with a chance to lock up a tournament appearence.

MAAC Media Day Kicks Off Basketball Season Men Selected Fourth in Poll, Nero on Second Team

By Chris Simmons Managing Editor After a year that could not have been much worse for head coach Ed Cooley and the men’s basketball team, fourth place in the pre-season coaches poll must seem like a blessing.

Every year CoolCooley ey has stated that it is not where the team is picked in the beginning of the season that matters, but where they finish. Last year the Stags overcame injuries to finish fourth in the conference, but could not find their way past Siena in the MAAC tournament.

This year Fairfield returns two key seniors, Anthony Johnson and Mike Evanovich, while classmate Greg Nero is possibly out for the season with an injury. Nero has not reported to school yet, but instead is taking classes at home while recovering from an illness. Cooley is also without junior forward Yorel Hawkins, who had his appendix removed before the first practice of the year.

Cooley will have junior Warren Edney back after recovering from an injured achilles heel and Johnson seems to be back close to his old form after a blood clot in his lungs prematurely ended his junior year.

“Anthony is here with us today and so happy he’s healthy,” Cooley said at MAAC Media Day at ESPN Zone in New York on Tuesday, referencing the fact that Johnson and sophomore Ryan Olander were at the

event with him. ” He’s looking like (Titans’ defensive end) Jevon Kearse.”

Cooley added that Olander has also “put on some size and played well in the pre-season so far,” providing another option inside in a conference often dominated by guards.

Siena was not surprisingly selected first, with Niagara and Rider being picked second and third. Directly behind Fairfield was Saint Peter’s and Loyola. Rider’s Ryan Thompson was named the Pre-Season Player of the Year.

Preseason Coaches Poll 1. Siena – 99 points 2. Niagara – 87 points 3. Rider– 82 points 4. Farfield – 67 points 5. Loyola – 45 points 6. Saint Peter’s – 45 points 7. Canisius – 43 points 8. Manhattan – 40 points 9. Iona – 30 points 10. Marist – 12 points Player of the Year – Ryan Thompson - Rider First Team - Bilal Benn (Niagara), Tyrone Lewis (Niagara), Ronald Moore (Siena), Edwin Ubiles (Siena)

insideSPORTS: This Week in Sports p. 17;

Loss of Lowenthal, Youth Make Women Sixth in Poll

By Chris Simmons Managing Editor Last season the women’s basketball team graduated four seniors, all of whom started or played significant minutes throughout their four-year careers. This season, the Stags Frager are faced with replacing their four-year starting point guard, Megan Caskin, and four-year power forward, Baedu Lowenthal, along with key forwards Shireyll Moore and Lauren Groom.

With a less experienced roster this season, Fairfield was picked to finish sixth in the conference during MAAC Media Day. The Stags received 51 out of a possible 100 points. Marist was the unanimous pick to finish first as they return four of their starting five players from last year’s NCAA Tournament team, including two-time MAAC Player of the Year Rachele Fitz.

But, senior forward Stephanie Geehan was named to the Second Team Preseason AllMAAC Team. She along with fellow senior center Tara Flaherty will give the Stags a veteran frontcourt. Fairfield will also count on contributions from sophomores Taryn Johnson, Desiree Pina and Sarah Paulus, all of whom received significant playing time last season.

Pina started in place of Sabra Wrice ‘08 last season and will headline a young backcourt for the Stags after her impressive freshman season.

The Stags face another grueling road

schedule, traveling to George Mason, UMKC, Iowa State and Albany.

“We have compiled a non-conference schedule that will certainly provide us challenges and will help our young team develop,” said third-year head coach Joe Frager in a press release. “I believe that this schedule will help us prepare for the rigors of our conference schedule and hopefully enable us to be playing our best basketball as the season progresses.”

Preseason Coaches Poll 1. Marist – 100 points 2. Iona – 90 points 3. Canisius – 75 points 4. Rider – 60 points 5. Saint Peter’s – 55 points 6. Fairfield – 51 points 7. Loyola – 42 points 8. Siena – 39 points 9. Manhattan – 26 points 10. Niagara – 12 points Player of the Year – Rachele Fitz - Marist First Team - Brittane Russell (Canisius), Thazina Cook (Iona), Erica Allenspach (Marist), Tammy Meyers (Rider)

Mirror Sports 3 x 5 p. 17; Women’s Rugby Advances to Finals, p. 18