The
FREE | Take one Week of Oct. 21, 2009|Vol. 35, Iss. 7
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The Independent Student Newspaper of Fairfield University The Reflection of Fairfield
Fr. O’Neil Passes Away at 79 By Tom Cleary Editor-in-Chief
director, dean of students and after five years off for studies, he formed the first formal guidance program there. O’Neil moved on to the University in 1972, working as the director of Career Counseling. He was named Dean of Students in 1986, a job that was supposed to last just one year but turned into seven. His last assignment at Fairfield was one that O’Neil felt was his most fulfilling, serving as the chaplain for alumni and the athletic department. He performed weddings and said funerals for alumni, also reaching out to those who were ill. “[He] came to be wellloved by players, coaches, and the Athletic Department staff,” von Arx said. “His office on the second floor of the Walsh Athletic Building was much frequented by those who sought his advice and counsel.” An avid sports fan, O’Neil could always been seen at sporting events throughout his career at Fairfield, especially once he took over as chaplain. “I knew Fr. O’Neil for a long time,” said men’s soccer head coach Carl Rees. “He was ever present at our games and in the Walsh Athletic Department. He will remain in my heart and in the hearts of all those he touched throughout his long time here.”
For the past 50 years, Fr. Laurence O’Neil served the Fairfield Prep and Fairfield University communities as a teacher, mentor and friend. On Monday morning O’Neil passed away at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Bridgeport at the age of 79. “Fairfield University and Fairfield Prep have been blessed with his warm Irish humor, selfless devotion to the Jesuit mission, and utmost concern for students,” said University President Fr. Jeffrey von Arx in a press release. O’Neil “He leaves a legacy of thousands of people whose lives he touched and often changed significantly through his priesthood and the several important positions he held on campus. He will be missed.” O’Neil, a Westfield, Mass. native, joined the Jesuit order in 1948, following in the footsteps of his three uncles. He was assigned to Fairfield Prep in 1955 as a teacher. While there he also spent time as assistant athletic
Photo Illustration by Meghan Schelzi
Parking Ban Aimed at Students By Keri Harrison News Editor It came as no surprise that the Princeton Review named the University as having some of the worst town-gown relations of any college in the nation. The Fairfield Police Commission illustrated why last Wednesday when they imposed an overnight parking ban on Veterans Park on Reef Road. According to a Connecticut Post article, the ban was targeted at partying Fairfield students. The parking ban, which restricts cars from parking in Veterans Park from 11 p.m. until 3 a.m., was a request from the Parks and Recreation Committee and the Fairfield Beach Residents Association. Fairfield Police Chief David Peck said in the Post article that he felt it was a problem that needed to be addressed. “It’s year-round residents who deserve our attention,” he said. He continued to say that since it
is mostly college students who park their cars in that lot at night in order to party at the beach, if the lot is no longer available, they will either use public transportation or stop coming altogether. According to the Post article, The Fairfield Beach Residents Association President Paige Herman said, “First of all, if you don’t discontinue using this as a parking lot for Fairfield University students, the cars will continue to come.” “It’s not our responsibility to provide parking for students who go and party at the beach,” she continued. Fairfield students did have some support in the voting, however; both Commission member Donald Kleber and Commissioner Arthur Hersh voted against the ban. Senior Allie Quinlan, a beach resident, did not think the ban was a good idea. “This is actually my first hearing of the parking ban, but that seems very unfair,” she said.
“Many seniors from campus want to come down to the beach to be with their friends, [and] there is such limited parking to begin with that they should be allowed to park at Veterans Park,” Quinlan continued. Kristen Koldras ‘10, who is also a beach resident, agreed. “The ban is another thing that takes away from fellow classmates enjoying the beach, especially those seniors that live on campus,” she said. “It’s already hard enough to find a spot without it but now it becomes a major inconvenience.” “I think it’s just giving students another reason to drunk drive,” said Michael Conley ‘10. Elysse Ruschmeyer ‘10 is not happy with the parking situation at the beach, especially now with the new parking ban. “I just think it’s obnoxious because there is already not enough parking and there is no reason for it all, except that they don’t want us living at the beach.”
He Said Controversy Heating Up On & Off Campus He Said Reaches Beyond Campus
By Meagan Flynn Staff Writer
The controversy sparked by offensive language in the “He Said” column has had serious implications for both The Mirror and the Fairfield community on and off campus. A student protest against language in the column has created a buzz that has gone far beyond the walls of the University. Both editors and protestors have cited the high parent and alumni response to the article in question, proving that current students aren’t the only ones affected by language appearing in the independent paper. Now, the issue has permeated larger scale publications, such as the Connecticut Post. The Post covered the issue this week, detailing both the language used in the “He Said” article and also the protest that followed. The Post’s article, which was published on Sunday, accurately portrays the conflicting feelings that students,
faculty and staff have been experiencing in the recent weeks. “They can publish (what was written). The question is whether they should or not,” Journalism Professor Jim Simon was quoted as saying, in response to whether or not the ethics code of The Mirror was violated. Simon also noted that this situation has been “a good exercise for both protestors and editors,” according to the Post article. In contrast, the article also touched upon FUSA’s response to the controversy, which was recently outlined in two separate resolutions from the FUSA Senate. “Jeffrey Seiser, president of FUSA and a senior from Torrington, said student government isn’t looking to censor the paper, but ensure better judgment by the student editors. In his view, the paper did breach its ethics contract by printing content that was sexist and vulgar,” said the Post article. While this ethical debate will likely
Index Opinion • Page 7 Features • Page 11 Arts & Entertainment • Page 13 Sports • Page 24
continue throughout the year, and maybe even for as long as the column exists, the question still remains if The Mirror will face any serious consequences from administration. Dean of Students Tom Pellegrino acknowledges the necessity for an independent student newspaper, but has been working closely with The Mirror’s Editorial Board to ensure that the paper proceeds in a more responsible way that benefits both The Mirror and the University at large. “This University wants there to be a student newspaper on this campus. It should be an independent paper. It should be a paper that is free from censorship, but it’s also a paper that I want to have act responsibly as an independent corporation, including adhering to its own prescribed journalistic standards — to my mind, that has not happened here,” said Pellegrino. Pellegrino and Editor-in-Chief
Controversy | page 6
Inside This Week Bloomberg Comes to Business School: DSB gets new advanced terminals. See page 3.
The Mirror
Harassment Charges Filed Against Surette By Philip J. Mortenson Staff Writer The fallout from the “He Said/She Said” article on the topic of the “walk of shame” has caused “He Said” author Chris Surette to receive “harassment complaints” submitted to Public Safety. Director of Publc Safety Todd A. Pelazza confirmed that complaints had been filed and offered a statement on the matter. “The issue has opened a very important dialogue, and it is exploring issues of free speech versus what some may deem offensive behavior.” The complaints against Surette have been sent to the Dean’s office for final adjudication. The controversy has caused Surette to receive countless interview requests from much larger publications such as the Charges | page 6
Check out our
Online Exclusive: Web site! A group protested against Log onto fairfieldmirror.com Doug Perlitz. to check out more! See page 2.
The Mirror | Week of Oct. 21, 2009
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In The News
»Men’s soccer head coach remains optimistic
PAGE 2 Carl Rees
»Mirror
»Comedian
alum talks about future of journalism
Rick Miller brings ‘MacHomer’ to FU
| page 24
| page12
| page 13 Keith Whamond
Rick Miller
Get to know Public Safety Officer/Dispatcher Tim Connell
What a Protest!
By Cavan Sieczkowski Staff Writer
Peter Caty/The Mirror A group gathers last Thursday outside the University’s main gates on North Benson Rd. The group had scheduled a protest against those in the Fairfield community who support Doug Perlitz and are currently trying to raise money for his $5 million bail. Only two people showed up, one being a survivor of sexual assault by a priest. Pictured with the group are two members of the Mirror staff. Check out fairfieldmirror.com for the full story.
Stag, Lucas
Campus crime beat By Dan Leitao Staff Writer Thursday, Oct. 15 11:08 p.m. There was a hit-and-run at the townhouses. There are currently no suspects. Friday, Oct. 16 9:32 a.m. The smell of smoke was reported at the townhouses washing machines. Several units were temporarily shut down. Maintenance was called.
Saturday, Oct. 17 12:39 a.m. A malicious burning was reported in Campion Hall. The investigation is currently ongoing. 1:59 a.m. An assault was reported at the townhouses. Two students are currently under investigation. 2:48 p.m. The storm drain grate broke and fell into the drain. Maintenance was called. Sunday, Oct. 18 1:23 a.m. A non-student was arrested for a narcotics violation. 6:28 p.m. A motor vehicle
hit the stone wall on the corner of Holland Hill and North Benson Rd. The Fairfield Police Department was notified. Monday, Oct. 19 2:09 a.m. A stop sign was stolen at the townhouses. There are currently no suspects. Tuesday, Oct. 20 Attention all students: If you have multiple tickets, you are putting yourself at the risk for having your car towed.
Better Know a Stag Who: Patrick Walters ‘11 Hometown: Lake Forest, Illinois Major: Finance Minor: Philosophy I want to go to law school, probably somewhere in Chicago. I’m not sure what kind of law I’d like to practice yet. Favorite part about being a Stag: Red really accents my eyes. No, seriously, I like being by the beach. What would you like to see change on campus: The housing process, I think that oncampus housing should be optional. I’d also like to see our hockey team be Division III again. If you were running for President of the United States, what would your slogan be? “Da Bears.”
Officer Tim Connell insists that the Public Safety officers at Fairfield University really do care about the students and view them all as good kids. Connell, 51, a Stratford, CT, resident and father of two, has been working at Fairfield University for 15 years. He is currently a full time dispatcher and part time Public Safety Officer.
Connell The Mirror: What is the craziest thing you have seen while working here? Tim Connell: A skunk caught inside a garbage bag in Canisius Hall. A kid stuck in the mud was one of the funniest things. There was four feet of mud and he had been walking. He was stuck up to here (points to chest). I was looking at my partner like, “What is this?” TM: Are those uniforms comfortable? TC: The uniforms themselves are fairly comfortable. The bulletproof vest we have to wear is not very comfortable, but they are a necessity. It’s not like wearing a silk suit but they are comfortable. TM: Are you on bike patrol and, if so, what is it like riding around at 1 a.m. in January? TC: Never been on a bike patrol. Officers that do bike patrol have to apply. They want to do it. They do have full winter gear. If it’s hazardous, it’s snowing, they will not be out riding. They take a test. They are highly trained how to use their bikes.
TM: Do you get any sense of enjoyment out of giving students parking tickets? TC: I’ll be absolutely honest with you. We do not like giving out parking tickets. It’s work for us. But it’s a necessity. TM: What is a typical day like for you? TC: It’s hectic. There are down times, but in between there, there’s always something. We do a lot of crime prevention. We have a lot of interaction with the students and it’s not always bad. It’s not all about tickets and towing. TM: Would you have gone to Fairfield University had you had the chance? TC: If I had the finances and the chance, yes. It’s a beautiful campus. TM: What were you like in college – jock/nerd, partier/studious? TC: I was a jock, a little bit of a partier. Never a nerd. I went to Sacred Heart. I was only there for two years so I never really had a chance to get into any real trouble. It was enjoyable though. TM: OK, you are on death row. What is your last meal? TC: Death row? Surf and turf. TM: Where did you work before you took the job here? TC: I’ve worked numerous security jobs. Truck driver for a while. EMT for 15 years, volunteer fire department for two years. Rest of the time I’ve just been trying to raise my family. TM: Where do you see yourself in 20 years? TC: Retired. I’d love to go to North Carolina.
By the Numbers 300
Maximum years in prison Doug Perlitz ‘92 faces if convicted.
10 Number of counts that Perlitz faces on two different charges.
7 Days until the next Perlitz court dates.
2 Protestors who came to Fairfield U. to raise awareness of the potential release of Perlitz into the community.
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The Mirror | Week of Oct. 21, 2009
Bloomberg Comes to Business School By Timothy Crawford Staff Writer
“During contract negotiations, Bloomberg L.P. offered an academic deal in which the Dolan School of Business could purchase 12 Bloomberg Terminals, which include 17-inch dual flat panel monitors, for the price of three,” he continued. While Thomson Reuters was able to match Bloomberg L.P. in terms of price, the company could not offer the same level of service that Bloomberg L.P. promised to the School of Business. Access to Bloomberg L.P.’s 24/7 help desk and offcampus seminars was something unique and could not be matched by Reuters. The decision was made by Dean of the Dolan School of Business Norman A. Solomon, as well as the finance department, to sign a contract with Bloomberg L.P. Now that the Bloomberg Professional service has arrived, it is important to note the value-added benefit it will bring to students of the School of Business. Students will be able to access financial news and data analytics in a more complete, efficient manner than previously offered. Not only does the Bloomberg Professional service provide reported data, it also provides data that has been manipulated and
The Dolan School of Business introduced 12 Bloomberg Terminals at the beginning of the semester, a powerful Wall Street tool that will forever transform the way students and faculty of DSB have access to financial news and information. At the core of each Bloomberg Terminal is the Bloomberg Professional service, which integrates financial news, data and analytics into a single platform. Prior to the introduction of the Bloomberg Professional service, Thomson Reuters has been the predominant provider of financial news and information available to students through the Business Education Simulation and Trading (BEST) Classroom within the business school. Before signing a multi-year contract with Thomson Reuters several years ago, DSB expressed strong interest in the Bloomberg Professional service, according to Michael Tucker, a finance professor and the director of the BEST Classroom. “While there was strong interest at that time, Bloomberg L.P. did not offer academic discounts. Therefore, the Dolan School of Business could only offer the Bloomberg Professional service on three workstations, whereas Reuters would be available on 34 workstations, and thus better serve the needs of the students,” said Tucker. Leading up to the recent expiration of the multi-year contract with Thomson Reuters, students in the Dolan School of Business, especially finance majors, communicated to several faculty members, including Tucker, that they were encountering the Bloomberg Professional service during their internship experiences and noted its ease of use. According to Tucker, the Dolan School of Business then felt it was important to make another inquiry into Bloomberg L.P. in regards to the Bloomberg Professional Contributed Photo service. An example of the Bloomberg Terminal, which is now a part of “In January 2009, as director of the BEST Classroom, the Dolan School of Business. I initiated contact with Bloomberg L.P., and this time, the company sent several representatives from a newly formed analyzed. If a business major would like to easily view the academic group to the Dolan School of Business to discuss percent in which a company historically beats or misses its terms and pricing,” said Tucker. earnings estimate, and the resulting impact on its stock price,
In the Know News Briefs Fairfield
Connecticut Supreme Court to appear at Fairfield The University will host members from the Connecticut Supreme Court on Wednesday, Oct. 21. As part of the ongoing educational initiative of the Connecticut Judicial Branch, “Supreme Court on Circuit,” will be in the Kelley Theater in the Quick Center, according to a University press release. A civil and a criminal case will be heard and each will be approximately one hour, along with a question and answer forum conducted by attorneys and former Supreme Court law clerks Daniel Klau and Justin Clark following each case.
Fairfield Supreme Knight to give keynote address The University announced that Supreme Knight Carl Anderson, of the Knights of Columbus, will be giving a keynote address on Nov. 8. The address will take place at a communion breakfast after a special mass for business professionals and leaders, according to a University press release.
Local University of Connecticut football player murdered University of Connecticut junior Jasper Howard, a cornerback for the university’s football team, was stabbed Saturday night at a school-sponsored dance and pronounced dead early Sunday morning, according to a CNN report. Howard, who is from Miami, Florida, was reportedly stabbed when a fight broke put between two groups of students after the dance. As of press time, there were not any suspects. Howard had won the team ball Saturday afternoon after the UConn football team defeated Louisville.
then the Bloomberg Professional service is the right product. As is the case if one would like to find out the impact NBC Universal has on General Electric’s overall quarterly revenue. In addition, the licensing agreement between Bloomberg L.P. and the Dolan School of Business enables each user of Bloomberg Professional service to create his or her own account, which can be accessed on any of the 12 Bloomberg Terminals. This allows users to save not only preferences, but also research and data analytic functions, such as custom charts, stock screens, and news searches, which is something very helpful when doing research for a particular class assignment. Arguably, the most important benefit of the Bloomberg Professional service is its ability to familiarize students with a product that is a staple on trading floors of financial institutions such as Goldman Sachs, UBS and Barclays Capital. Students, especially finance majors, using the Bloomberg Professional service for research and financial data analysis, will be able to attain a high comfort level with the software that is known as the industry standard. Coady Lawes ‘10, a double major in both finance and mathematics, said in regards to the importance of having prior experience with the Bloomberg Professional service, “I think it gives Fairfield University students an upper hand when applying for internships and full-time job positions, due to the Bloomberg Professional service’s reputation and market penetration.” Caitlin Carroll ‘10, a major in finance, reinforced Lawes’ statement as she added, “When I interned on the floor of the NYSE as a sophomore, I was overwhelmed by the floor trading process. As a result of having experience with the Bloomberg Professional service, I will be able to better understand what the traders are doing and how they are executing their orders.” “Such an experience will place me in a more suitable position to make a contributable effort from an earlier standpoint,” Carroll continued. Tucker agrees with Lawes and Carroll and hopes that as a result of using the Bloomberg Professional service, students will become more desirable job candidates.
Alumni Relations: An Inconclusive Report By Keri Harrison News Editor With Homecoming/Family Weekend soon approaching, many alumni will be returning to campus to relive their college days. But are the relations between the University and the alumni as good as they seem? Jennifer Wuensch ‘04 thinks that the University has decent relations with the alumni. “I think the University maintains good alumni relations through the various programs and events held throughout the year across the country and through their continued resources and career support,” she said. But she also said there are always means for improvement. “I think the University should increase the amount of events and programs geared toward young alumni. There should be more opportunities for more recent grads to reconnect and network with each other,” continued Wuensch. In regards to the alumni’s relations with the University, Megan Hallissy ‘10, the president of the Student Alumni Association, said that although she doesn’t usually communicate personally with them, for they interact between her and the group’s advisor, she sees the results of good relationships. “From my experience, the alumni that we have the most interaction with have been extremely supportive
and receptive to supporting and attending our events and we often have repeat performers,” she said. “Some of the people who are coming for Major Decisions (an upcoming SAA event) are coming back for a second year and they respond very quickly when we invite them to attend or are very regretful when they cannot attend.” When it comes to the endowments donated to the UniStaff Illustration versity by alumni, Although many of the University’s alumni are expecta true testament to ed to attend this weekend’s Homecoming Weekend, relations, Fairfield the state of the University’s relations with alumni are doesn’t hesitate to still questioned. Figures of donations in recent years ask their most recent could not be found. alum for donations. According to Wuensch, her class was on its ability to continuously offer asked to contribute money before exciting, educational, and spirited graduation, during senior week. events and opportunities for its Currently, the University hosts alumni.” annual events in which they ask Hallissy said that the SAA hosts the alumni for donations. One such student programs throughout the event is the phone-a-thon, which is year that alumni are invited to. occurring presently. “The main goal of SAA is to The University Advancement bridge the gap between the student department did not respond by press body and the alumni. We coorditime with comments on alumni donate events on campus in order for nations or any specific figures. students to interact with alumni, According to Director of Alumni network, and take advantage of this Relations Janet Canepa ‘82, “The Oflarge resource,” she said. fice of Alumni Relations prides itself
The Mirror | Week of Oct. 21, 2009
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Fairfield Recognized as a ‘Cool School’ By Charlotte Andinolfi Staff Writer
green” is its Co-Gen facility. The Co-Gen facility was begun in the 1970’s. Frassinelli said this project was begun to allow the University to create its own energy which most universi-
als which is not economically driven but philosophically driven,” said Frassinelli. Assistant Professor of Economics Dina Franceschi said It’s official: Fairfield is a cool school. that although we have improved some buildings such as Fairfield’s efforts to be environmentally friendly have adding geo-thermal heating to the new Jesuit Residence, finally been recognized. The University was included on we need to “do more and better.” the Sierra Club’s “Cool Schools” list in the September/Oc“Co-Gen energy doesn’t seem to be enough and we tober issue of Sierra Magazine. need to go further,” said Franceschi. “We have been hit “That the nation’s most influential grassroots environhard in green building.” mental organization has taken notice of Fairfield’s work She continued to say that updating the University’s in this area is encouraging, and I hope it will spur us all to buildings is on the radar screen. Franceschi was looking greater efforts,” said University President Fr. Jeffrey P. Von to the future but she said this recognition is encouraging Arx. to those who have pursued these environmental projects Among the 135 schools ranked on Sierra Club’s list for so long. of most “eco-enlightened” universities and colleges, Fair“With national recognition, it encourages and holds field came in at number 80. This nationally-recognized our feet to the fire at the administrative level that it matorganization considered eight categories when ranking ters and to make sure we have measurable outputs,” said the schools: efficiency, energy, food, academics, purchasFranceschi. ing, transportation, waste management and administraDana August ‘11, a member of the Student Envition. Von Arx can be accredited for the high marks the ronmental Association, said, “This recognition was University received in administration efforts and Assistant unexpected.” Director of Media Relations Meg McCaffery was in charge She continued to say it was hard to compare our of getting the University recognized by the Sierra Club. University to others since we only see our standards and Von Arx said that as a Jesuit University, “we have the recognition is encouraging although we are “not even an obligation to take our place as stewards of the earth close to our own standards.” very seriously, and I feel we have embraced that obligaStudent groups such as Green Campus Initiative tion at Fairfield.” and Student Environmental Association are working with The administration has created a University-wide Photo Illustration by Dan Leitao administration and faculty efforts on campus as well. committee that is in charge of overseeing campus susBecause of the University’s efforts at creating a more greenProjects that are being pursued on campus currently by tainability. This has included a greenhouse-gas inventory friendly campus and of the many environmental organizations, such groups are working with Sodexho to get more local done of the campus, investments into building a Comit was named a “Cool School” by the Sierra Club’s “Cool Schools” food in Barone, creating an organic garden and continubined Heat and Power Plant which is a part of the Univer- list in the Sierra Magazine. ing the recycling project that was started this year by the sity’s efforts to create its own energy, lessen its reliance Townhouses. on electricity from the power grid and reduce its carbon As the University continues to pursue green initiafootprint and emissions. ties and colleges do not have. tives, Franceschi said there are things we must remember. Von Arx said that the involvement of students and all He continued to say that the University is working to “We really have to tell our story and recognize we must faculty in this movement plays a large role as well. improve this facility as well among other efforts to be more focus on our goals and find value,” said Franceschi. Assistant Vice President for Facilities Management Daenvironmentally friendly. “Both telling our story and making sure we keep doing vid Frassinelli said one the University’s largest efforts to “go “The administration is embracing our Jesuit idethings better is the bottom line.”
The Mirror | Week of Oct. 21, 2009
Gain an Edge in Business Etiquette By Kristen Golen Staff Writer
tion. What is one to do if asked how much they make? Sabath believes that the best way to dodge this question is to simply say, “The A top corporate etiquette trainer had two company I represent is very fair to me.” This tips last Wednesday for Fairfield students to response helps you to remain tactful and dipremember: everyone you meet is a potential lomatic, without having to give away your most client and you never have a second chance to confidential information. craft their first impression of you in the busiMany students entering the business world ness world. must know that even the feared rejection letter Ann Marie Sabath, president of At Ease can be made into a chance for another golden Inc., discussed how perfecting one’s body opportunity. According to Sabath, “If you language, knowing how to properly mingle with receive a rejection letter in the mail, be sure to strangers, exemplifying proficient table manfollow up with a thank you card, as long as it is ners, and giving a precise business introduction not a chummy Hallmark card.” are the key ingredients to mastering the feared Over 90,000 professionals in the business, first impression at the Dolan School of Busiindustry, government and educational sectors ness’ “Gaining that Competitive Edge” annual have been taught by Sabath, whether it was a seminar series. Lunch ‘N Learn program or an on-site work“You are given two ears and a mouth for a shop. She has written seven other books on reason, listen more than you speak ... pause and professional etiquette and augmenting client count to two so that you avoid interruptions,” relationships. said Sabath. Sabath’s clients include Marriott InterMoney is usually an area of discussion national, Citigroup, Procter & Gamble and that may cause awkwardness and confrontaAmerican Express. Sabath has been profiled everywhere from Forbes to the Wall Street Journal. The Assistant Dean of Graduate Programs Myrsini Papoutsis helped make this special event possible. “I thought that it was a phenomenal presentation, Sabath really knows her stuff, and she is very well researched on the international cultures,” she said. Senior Frank Romano believes that “many college students have tremendous knowledge, but they Contributed Photo do not know how to market themThe University’s Dolan School of Business hosted the selves. Tonight’s event helped guide “Gaining that Competitive Edge” seminar series, in which students with the concrete skills that a business professional taught students correct business are necessary inside and outside the etiquette. workplace.”
Peter Caty/The Mirror
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Newspaper circulations overtaken by technology
By Peter Caty Photo Editor Newspaper circulation is falling, veteran journalists are losing jobs, and aspiring young storytellers are looking elsewhere for careers. So who is to blame? Connecticut Post editor Thomas Baden believes that newspapers must take it upon themselves to cure the dying newspaper industry and doing so may not involve paper at all. Baden told a journalism class Monday that a common misconception with newspapers is that the media is only concerned with the decline in newspapers sales, but fails to notice the sharp increase in online readership. However, while the Internet provides the convenience of regularly updated news content, it has been a nightmare for journalists since readers do not need to pay, and can read the news before it would have hit their doorsteps in the morning. Baden began his career at the Syracuse Post-Standard after attending the University of Maryland. After working as the city editor for the Post-Standard, Baden became a national political writer and the White House stringer for the Newhouse News Service located in Washington, D.C.
While at Newhouse News, he covered President George H.W. Bush’s campaigns and administration and the fall of Communism in Eastern Europe. He has worked in the journalism field for 28 years. Prior to becoming editor at the Connecticut Post, Baden was executive editor of Utah’s largest daily newspaper, The Salt Lake Tribune. Baden replaced former editor James Smith of Oxford who worked as editor for the Post for three years. With an extensive background in journalism, Baden has a plan to face the circulation problem head-on, and he is starting with the youth. Baden said he is working to make the news content look and feel different, such as shorter, snappier stories, interactive blogs, and provocative, youthful voices, to attract younger readers. Nevertheless, Baden is aware that he cannot forget his adult readers and dumb down newspapers to only cater to the youth. He is still vested in a complete redesign of not only the Web site of the Post but also the print edition. In this new age of journalism, said Baden, it is important remember that the diversification of news content will win the day, and in the end, information is what the people want.
The Mirror | Week of Oct. 21, 2009
Similar Controversy Seen at Other Schools Continued from page 1 Tom Cleary ‘10 have been in close contact and reached the agreement that the University will not consider any drastic measures (such as voiding The Mirror’s funding agreement) until The Mirror re-evaluates its code of procedures. The hope is that a re-evaluation process would improve the editorial foresight necessary to avoid future conflicts such as this. Cleary and the paper have 30 days from Oct. 9 to complete their evaluation. “The Mirror, or any student run organization, I don’t think has the obligation to maintain the goodwill of the administration or the faculty,” said Pellegrino. “More to the point, the newspaper has an obligation to good reporting, meeting journalistic standards, and being something people
are proud to associate their name with.” Fairfield is not the only school whose student body is confronting hard-hitting issues such as gender relations on campus. For example, in Sept., American University’s The Eagle ran a column that used explicit language in the discussion on why drunken hook-ups do not lead to serious relationships. The article faced much of the same criticism: that the situation presented implied rape, and that the language used was inappropriate. Students debated the issue in classrooms, in formal meetings and via online comment. Like at Fairfield, some students also recognized a validity in student “sex columns” that attempt to discuss tough topics openly, for better or for worse. “Sometimes, people get drunk intending to hook-up! The authors of [the article in question] simply tried to talk
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openly and frankly about a fairly common situation,” wrote an AU student in an article responding to the conflict. “Put simply, if someone is under the influence of alcohol or other drugs, as the article portrayed, they cannot give consent,” another AU student retorted in a Letter to the Editor. The situation sounds all too familiar to Fairfield students. Similar incidents have also taken place relatively recently at Central Connecticut State University, Sierra College, and several other college campuses across the nation — with some of these explicit columns having been written by women, not just men. It may not be likely that such a divided debate over what is appropriate for a student sex column will be resolved any time soon.
Are Charges Against Surette Deserved? Continued from page 1 Connecticut Post. Surette declined comment on the issue. A freshman female, who wished to remain anonymous, commented on the Fairfield community’s outrage. “People who have a problem with the article should not have taken it as so cut-anddry and should have seen it as a situation that could be avoided,” she said. In regards to Surette and the alleged charges, she said, “I feel bad for the guy, I felt it was blown out of proportion.” A senior female commenting on Surette and his punishment stated similar feelings, saying, “I don’t think it should have been taken that far, but he needs to know that what he said was unacceptable.” Sophomore Nicole Fogliano ’12 said of The Mirror’s involvement, “I think they are partially responsible because the language used got past three editors.” The Mirror has also received pressure from the student body and its government. As the controversy has unfolded over the past few weeks, the Fairfield community faces a discussion on both freedom of speech and freedom of the press. The same day that the controversial “He Said/She Said” article on “The Walk of Shame” was released, a crowd of protestors flooded the Mirror office. According to Pelazza, the protest was conducted in an orderly manner without incident. On Oct. 6, an anonymous group developed a flyer titled “The Broken Mirror.” By the time The Mirror’s new issue was ready to be picked up by students on the Oct. 7, there
were stacks of “The Broken Mirror” accompanying copies of the school’s publication. “The Broken Mirror” contained several articles that addressed the strong sentiments that some students felt against the “He Said/She Said” segment. The anonymous response flyer reached Fairfield students on a day when The Mirror was rife with apologies and coverage of the students’ disapproval over the “He Said/ She Said” column. The week pressed on as the controversy reached the desk of University President Fr. Jeffery Von Arx. Von Arx sent out a mass e-mail to the student body on Thursday, Oct. 8. Von Arx offered some words that sum up the issue facing the community, as well as addressing the idea of free speech. “As a University, Fairfield will always support the free exchange of ideas. A willingness to accept and encourage the unfettered flow of opinions, ideas, and modes of expression is, and should be, a hallmark of a Jesuit education,” he said in the e-mail. “This is our disposition because we believe that what is true and good will inevitably be revealed when there is an open exchange of views, provided that all the parties involved are committed to certain fundamental values — and those include a commitment to uphold and defend the dignity of the human person,” continued his statement. The “He Said/She Said” column has caused quite an outcry from the student body. However, who is to blame? Does Surette deserve disciplinary action? “The Broken Mirror” has placed the blame on the University’s newspaper. There have been attempts made to curb The Mirror’s subscription and censorship, including the call for the dismissal of the “He Said” column, which has presented a caricature of college life over the years.
The Mirror | Week of Oct. 21, 2009
Online Send your letters to the editor to opinion@fairfieldmirror.com
Notable and Quotable
Tom Cleary | Editor in Chief Lily Norton | Executive Editor Chris Simmons | Managing Editor Veronica Florentino | Commentary Editor
“He will remain in my heart and in the hearts of all those he touched throughout his long time here.”
Discipline or censorship?
-Men's soccer head coach Carl Rees on the death of Fr. Laurence O'Neil
for their opinions. The University Code of Conduct contains a strict interpretation of its hold on students and the disciplinary procedure. That includes tough guidelines on both on-campus and off-campus behavior, as well as the use of hate speech and harassing language. While it is important to hold students accountable for their actions, it is also important for students to maintain their rights. It is clear that the University wants to work with both Surette (through mediation) and with The Mirror any punishment to an individual writer or to the newspaper itself would put the University on a slippery slope.
Conn. Campus Safety Questioned Again
For the third time this year a Connecticut college student was murdered. University of Connecticut junior football player Jasper Howard was fatally stabbed at a universitysponsored event early Sunday morning. With the murder of Annie Le fresh in the minds of college students, it again brings into mind the potential dangers of drunken weekends. While early reports show Howard and fellow Huskies football players did not start the fight, it clearly happens on college campuses. Students drink too much, pick a fight and can wind up hurt. It is impossible to know what the person next to you will do or what weapon he or she is carrying.
Editor Veronica Florentino » opinion@fairfieldmirror.com
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editorials
As the He Said controversy issue continues to percolate on campus, the issue of whether or not a student should be punished for what he or she writes in The Mirror or any other publication, be it online or in print, continues to be raised. We believe that any punishment taken against a writer would be considered a form of censorship. In this case it may be true that students were hurt by words in the paper, it remains Chris Surette's right to speak his mind in a free publication. Putting aside the issue of whether or not what was written was wrong or not, it is important for the University to not set a precedent of punishing writers
Opinion | 7
The death of Howard also brings into light the major responsibility of a coach. Huskies head coach Randy Edsall received an early morning call informing him of the attack and he was the one who identified Howard's body at 4:30 a.m. in the Hartford operating room. While Fairfield has not seen the death of an athlete, soccer coach Carl Rees had to deal with an accident to Jack Cleverley last fall, and basketball coach Ed Cooley sat by Anthony Johnson as he dealt with a potentially deadly blood clot. The role of coaches extends far beyond the athletic field. They are fathers and mentors, brothers and caretakers. It is a much tougher job than most believe.
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). All letters to the editor that are appropriate will be published either in print or on www.fairfieldmirror.com The Mirror reserves the right to edit letters and articles for content, length and grammatical error. Letters should be free of obscenities and personal attacks, and should contain correct and factual information.
In reference to "Y R U Mad" on p. 8 about the changes in communication habits with increases in technology. Have an opinion? Send it to opinion@fairfieldmirror.com
Including Domino's in the Classic College Lifestyle by Margot da Cunha Staff Writer “Hi, could I get a large cheese pizza, an order of cheesy bread, and an order of cinnasticks please?” Don’t lie; we’ve all make this call to Domino’s Pizza at 2 a.m. or at least something like it. College eating habits are weird. Some may seem extremely unhealthy; some may seem disgusting. The famous phrase that haunts all freshmen girls is “the Freshman 15.” Leaving high school’s nutritious home cooked meals, and entering the world of Barone, the Stag, and late night delivery options, it’s hard to maintain one’s weight. And let’s be serious; no one wants to be that girl that goes home for Thanksgiving break twice the size she was when she left in September. Not to mention that nowadays with Facebook around everyone will notice. Surviving freshman year I’ve found out that it’s really not as bad as the college guides and the magazines make it seem. Leslie Signor ’12 said, “Drunchies is what got me freshmen year. Ordering
food after a long night out. It’s bad news.” Drunk munchies. Everyone gets them, and when Dominos is only a click or a call away it’s hard to resist the temptation. A study came out in Newsweek recently, titled “Rethinking the Freshman 15,” by Johannah Cornblatt, which discussed how this common saying known as “the Freshman 15” has also been leading to eating disorders. Several colleges are placing a huge amount of stress on calorie counting by posting calorie facts in resident halls. Yet Cornblatt also discovered that more than 30 percent of students are overweight, or even obese! So the question is, how in the world can colleges guide students to healthy eating habits? Cornblatt found that Harvard got rid of the calorie information that they use to display in its dining halls, hoping that it would reduce the eating disorder rate. Penn State took an even more interesting approach by making its dining hall a nutrition factory. Penn State disposed of all unhealthy foods like
french fries, deep fried chicken wings, white bread and all that junk. But I’m wondering, how did Penn State students reacted to this drastic change? Doesn’t this make them mad? Going to Barone with any one of my male friends, I watch them fill their plates with grilled cheese on white bread (cooked in massive amounts of butter), and a heaping pile of french fries. As of now it seems that what to do about healthy eating in colleges across the country will remain a mystery. Maybe the best thing to do is just accept that fact that yes, we are going to order late night Domino's, and yes, the freshman 15 may arrive. But as long as we all hit the gym once in a while things won’t turn out that bad. We’re only in college for four short years so we as well enjoy the cheesy bread.
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The Mirror | Week of Oct. 21, 2009
Page 8
Y R U Mad? Mediated Conflict Resolution Photo Illustration by Dan Leitao/The Mirror
Swine Time by Marnie Whalen Staff Writer
It’s become a campus joke. If you cough, complain about a stomachache, or sneeze more than two times in a row, you’ve got it. Stay away. You’re infected. Swine Flu. Possibly because our own Fairfield community has not been hit with swine flu, we are making the jokes. But seriously guys, swine flu is more than the pig disease … maybe that’s really why they had to give it the name H1N1, so college kids would start taking it seriously. And it’s about time we do, because it is estimated that 91 percent of colleges are infected by the epidemic. If you’re originally from New York or Pennsylvania, you’ve already been included on the states with rapid influenza growth. While we have yet to have to take any major action against the swine flu, large colleges across the country have been affected. Cornell University — 7 percent of the student population is already infected with the problem. Vassar College — if you’re any type of sick, you get to spend recovery quarantined in your dorm, no classes, no dining hall. Emory University — infected students all live together in one building, often jokingly called the pig pen. Northeastern University — the same consequence as Emory, but if you remain healthy, perhaps you’d like to attend the epidemic’s themed party. Wearing your favorite pig, doctor, or patient costume, of course. For when the party’s over, both universities are offering jobs to all students as hall monitors in the “Pig Pens” for $10 to $15 dollars an hour. Schools with fraternities and sororities are even more worried about the rapid growth of swine flu. For starters, the communities live in much closer quarters, and tend to share, well everything. The other main and much more embarrassing reason for this worry is partying, and more primarily — beer pong. Think about it, getting to a party and signing up to a random list and then using the same cups that people have being playing with for hours. By the end of the night, the cups are germ infested, and your drinking out of them. Asking for germs. So now that we’re taking the issue seriously, there are some things we should know and do about the flu. Things to know: 1. Most H1N1 cases are Type A, which is the type covered in vaccines. So get vaccinated. 2. While the media is not exaggerating the numbers of cases of swine flu, they are going a little overboard on the severity. Mostly if you aren’t suffering from asthma, a heart condition, or some other lung disease, the virus will not have more of an affect on you than the regular flu. 3. Don’t kill your pet pig. Seriously, he didn’t do anything. Things to do about it: 1. Avoid the pong table - I know it’s going to be hard. But you can do it. You don’t want the new meaning of heating up to refer to your fever. 2. Purell. All day. Doorknobs and hand railings will get you good. 3. If someone is sick, stay away. It sounds dumb, but hugging your infected friends is a bad idea. We’ve been lucky enough to escape it so far, let’s keep it that way. Maybe your dorm could be the next pig pen!
by Meg Hallissy Staff Writer How many ways do we communicate with one another, besides face-to-face? Via telephone, text messaging, email, Blackberry Messenger, Facebook, just to name a few. How often do we find ourselves using these alternate modes of communication, not just to keep in touch, but to confront one another in serious situations? Maybe too often. When there is a conflict with a friend, significant other, parent, or professor, perhaps we find ourselves expressing our feelings through some sort of technological medium, rather than in person. But these media are fast; perhaps way too fast. It is much easier to form coherent thoughts when we have the time to think through what we really mean, and how we want it to sound to the other person. In my experience, I find we resort to texting or Facebookmessaging each other to work through our problems. It is one thing when we are physically separated by distance, and can only talk over the phone or web chat. It is another when we instantmessaging a roommate or housemate, who could literally be in the next room, about an incident last night at The Grape.
Whatever third-party medium we resort to, we are constructing our arguments, or manipulating them. We rough-draft what we really mean to say; then edit, cut, paste, or fit it into 160 characters. The final draft is often the nicer version of our original statements, without the swearing and namecalling. Face-to-face, it can be difficult to filter what you say in the midst of a heated conflict or argument. You cannot really “edit” what is about to come out of your mouth, especially if you are distressed and are not thinking with a clear head. You generally end up having to rephrase yourself: “That didn’t come out right.” “That’s not what I meant. What I meant to say is…” I can be at fault for this just as much
each other to say, “Check your inbox asap, I responded.” We used two forms of mediated communication over the span of a few days, to solve a problem that could have been solved in fifteen minutes face-to-face. Problem solved? Yes. But was it necessary to deal with it that way? Still not sure. Similarly, a friend and her boyfriend were going through a rough patch, and the arguments spanned about a week over BBM. When he saw she was not responding rapidly enough to the messages marked “read” on his phone, they would argue over Facebook messages. Mind you, they are no longer together, and closure from their various arguments only came when they sat down with each other to talk. I am starting to wonder if this reliance on media to help us to resolve conflicts is more harmful than helpful to our relationships. Maybe typing it out gives us time to think, in which case we can understand the full scope of the problem. The crafted argument would be tidy and thoughtful, and maybe even grammatically Photo Illustration by Dan Leitao/The Mirror correct. But I honestly think as anyone else. My best friend and I had a our ties would be a bit stronger if we took disagreement this summer and, because the time to be with one another, to talk and of our work schedules, could only “talk listen, rather than transmitting our feelings about it” over email on our lunch breaks. through a third-party device. We would go back and forth, and then text
To Boldly Go Where Everyone Before 2007 Went by Dan Leitao Staff Writer Since 2007, residents of the Townhouses have had the difficult decision to risk losing their Townhouses to open the prohibited basements. After a beanbag chair caught fire in Townhouse 74, the administration locked the basements due to safety issues. Since then, students have been cracking open the doors in defiance, searching for the sacred party land. So for all those who wish to venture into the deep, dark, poorly ventilated basements here is a simple how to: 1. Take a wire hanger. 2. With the hook facing up, slip it in the space between the door and the door frame. 3. Slide the hanger so the hook is now around the part of the lock that is locked to the door frame. 4. Pull quick and hard on the hanger and the door at the same time. 5. Open sesame! (Note: If you can’t fit the hanger between the frame and the door you will need to unhinge the door by prying the nails out of the hinges.) 6. Cover the windows so that light will not bleed out of the basement 7. Bring down a table and the party has begun!
spending a day with the fire marshal, fines and finally, loosing housing privileges.
Now that you know how to, the question now becomes if to. The upside is giving your house an entire floor that you were missing before, being able to adjust your hot water heater, and being able to pack an extra 50 people into a party. The downside is really only if you get caught. The consequences start at
So with so much at risk, why do students still break open their basements? Quote 1, Quote 2, Quote 3. So with all that, we leave it up to you. However, I still believe that everyone should experience the Townhouse basements once before they graduate.
The Mirror | Week of Oct. 21, 2009
All Men are Afraid of the 'C' Word... by Juliana Staab Staff Writer College and commitment are two words that have virtually never been related in a guy’s world. While girls are in pursuit of it, guys try to avoid it like the plague. College has become a man’s sexual haven: exploits and experimentation with no strings attached. It is their first place where they are free to roam and explore their sexuality. And it is their last place where they will all run free together. The good old days. The days where they don’t have wives, kids, jobs, bills or responsibilities. It is the place where they are becoming men; where they can make mistakes and blame it on their immature boyishness. Whereas girls, or women, who have already matured, who just want to settle down and who want to know who their future husband-to-be is, just want to stop “wasting” time. This is why college “relationships” can be defined in two words: confusing and fake. Confusing because the girl always has the “C” word in the back of her mind, and the guy does not yet have it in his dictionary. Fake, because they aren’t real. So, are college guys really afraid to commit? Or is this just a myth? Before college, I believed it to be a myth. My choice in school even was slightly based on the statistic that “60 percent of Fairfield graduates marry Fairfield graduates.” But after walking around campus, there is a disturbing lack of couples holding hands. Now that I think about it, I never see couples period. I decided to ask my third-year friends what the deal was. “I have no idea how that statistic is true. Third-year is exactly like first year; all of the guys are still messing around. We are just all hoping that during fourth year all of this changes and they start to get serious. But honestly, I can’t see that happening,” said one. Listening to my friends’ stories, and stories about their friends, and stories about their friends’ friends, it seems as if all of these college boys are the same: they like to keep their options open. And after just a few weeks my personal experience has proved to be the same. The following are true stories,
each from a college friend, about the different types of college relationships, all ending up being the same: nothing. “Friends, with Benefits:" Well, we were friends. Close friends. We were constantly together. It was perfect. He was my Ying and I was his Yang. I knew that he wasn’t hooking up with anyone else. Just me. I could hear the wedding bells; I had finally found the one. My friends told me not to get my hopes up, but I knew that we would be a couple. I would just have to be patient. Before I knew it, one month became two, two months became three, and three became the end of the school year. I was so confused. I thought that all of the best relationships started as friendships. I thought I knew him so well. But I guess not. I confronted him about it. He told me “he didn’t want to ruin the friendship with an official title”. I just realized, he was afraid of commitment. “The Drunk Hookup:" Being drunk makes everything less awkward, makes me less awkward. That night, I saw the man of my dreams. He was the guy I had seen around school. He wasn’t gorgeous, but there was something about his eyes. I heard about him through my friends and they all approved: he was a keeper. So I decided this was the night I would do something about it. So, we hooked up. I thought I would hear from him the next day. Or was it the day after? Or maybe it would be never. I guess it didn’t mean anything to him, because I heard through the grapevine that since he was drunk it “didn’t mean anything”. Well, it meant something to me.
ever I would mention any of it to him though, he would just nod his head and laugh. I confronted him about it, then, I ended it. I realized what my friends said were right: this wasn’t a real committed relationship; it was just an easy, safe hookup. “Hooking Up:" I just hookup with random guys because I’m hoping that one of them will remember how good it was with me, that it was different and special with me. And so I found him. The one. Yeah, we weren’t official or anything. I guess you could say that we were just hooking up. But it seemed like something more. All the best relationships start with knowing you’re attracted right? But I was wrong. Even though he told me I was the only one, I wasn’t. It seemed that there is a huge difference between “going out” and “hooking up”. I just became one of many. My Story: The “Future Relationship:" I haven’t known this guy for too long, about a month now. But he is my best friend. I am either always with him, always talking to him,
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or always talking about him. I don’t know when our friendship turned into something more, but it definitely changed. It became a mutual understanding that we liked one another. In the end, I guess it wasn’t meant to be. I brought it up, and he ran scared; telling me to “take it day by day”, “don’t rush anything”, “we’ll see what happens”, “I want to get to know you more”, and my personal favorite, “I don’t want to ruin the friendship.” While I guess all of those statements are realistic, is love ever really realistic? Why avoid and deny feelings that are already there? Why be afraid to commit? On all different levels of “relationships” men are afraid. Afraid to begin something that could end up being real. Afraid to let their feelings get “too involved”. Therefore, I must conclude that guys are indeed afraid of commitment. They somehow find an excuse, a loophole to avoid getting attached. Pointblank: for men, college and commitment are simply incompatible.
...Commitment
"Future Fiancé": He loves me, he loves me not, he loves me, he loves me not. He loves me. My actual nine-month boyfriend-girlfriend relationship with my ex was all about the “I love you”. I named our children, planned our wedding, planned our honeymoon, found a safe neighborhood to live in … you know, the normal stuff when you get really serious with a guy. When-
Letters to the Editor To the Editor: I am just writing to say that I was extremely disappointed when I picked up my copy of The Mirror this morning and I opened it to find that it is almost entirely about what was written in the "He Said" column last week. I think that this much attention to this issue is absolutely unnecessary. I understand that some people were offended by this column, but it is really not that big of a deal. I am a female student at this school and my roommate and I had a great laugh about that column, we thought it was witty and hilarious and all-around enjoyable to read. I have to ask a question ask of the people who are getting so upset by this: do you not watch movies like American Pie, Superbad, the Ugly Truth and Knocked Up? Do you find them funny and entertaining? If you answered yes to those questions, then I am curious as to what the problem is here. Mr. Surette didn't say anything that those movies don't and I think he was even a little more polite than they were. Is it because he is a real person here and not some Hollywood producer? This is really baffling to me. Or do you all write letters to those production companies and protest their movies? They seem to be free to say what they want and we listen. So what is the difference here? I'm not really seeing one. I am also disappointed that there seems to be nothing much to write about this week. I heard questions about what prospective students and parents would think about Fairfield when they read that column. Well, now I have to ask what they will think about us now. What will they think of us that we let something this small and trivial affect us so much. This issue should not be getting this much attention. That column is meant to be entertaining. It should just be left alone. I know that I am not alone that i look forward to reading "He said/She said" every week. Lets not make this a huge deal now please.
To the Editor: We feel that the students who took place in the activism, applauded by both [University President] Fr. [Jeffrey] Von Arx and FUSA Senate, deserve to have their voices printed more directly in The Mirror. This is a compilation of statements posted on The Mirror office on Sept. 30, 2009. “Hey Mirror, Be a lending voice for respect and equality of women and men -- If this sort of speech were directed at another group, for example, Catholics, would the Mirror be just as happy to publish it? -- WOW!! -- This is NOT okay -- This is NOT FUNNY This is a serious situation that happens to people. This is offensive and unintelligent. Is this the ONLY representation of men on this campus? -- This reflects on us…and is not who we are! -- I am a girl, I am proud to have sex. No walk of shame , girls can have sex too. -- -- This article is disgusting and a disgrace. Women are not an object to be conquered. -- Although I’m all for freedom of speech, you are a disgrace to all who call themselves men. -- The “shame” here is that you would so publically voice such mean sentiments. EDIT YOURSELF. STOP PROMOTING VIOLENCE. -- That “victim” is someone’s daughter. She is not a statistic or a joke. She could be your sister -- Not in my name. -- She is a person, not a story. She is a person, not a headache. -- Reasoning like this is the reason for rape – Disgusting, degrading, demeaning, inhumane. 1 in 4 college women are victims of sexual assault. – Completely TASTELESS. An insult to especially traumatized rape victims! -- I’m a male. This is not my voice. I am here to learn, not victimize. -- Lack of respect does not a man make you. A distinct lack of taste doesn’t make a humorous article. -- I can’t believe someone would actually print this… -- Just because I’ve allowed myself to be your friend’s victim, doesn’t mean I am yours, or that I am any longer his. -- I am not a victim anymore. -- It is attitudes like this that encouraged the behavior of the guy that tried to make me be his victim. -- Not once did I see the word WOMAN. Not once did I see any respect. I see no compassion. I see no intelligence -- Demeaning and disgusting. We are what we write, say and do. Is this the FU you want?” Please understand that just because the most recent “He Said/She Said” featured less offensive language, does not mean those hurt are able to forgive and forget.
Sincerely,
Sincerely, Anonymous
Corie Hutter '12
Ed. Note: It is not normally our policy to publish anonymous letters, but this one was given an exception to provide a voice for this group.
The Mirror | Week of Oct. 21, 2009
Features | 11
Online Check for updated blogs and new content.
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Editor Courtney Kern » features@fairfieldmirror.com
What is 350? Fairfield Alum Brings Creative ‘Green’ Project to University By Meghan schelzi staff writer
Dean to create the Bird’s Eye View project last winter. “Slowly a global network was born, as we collectively traveled to Ukraine, Turkey, Italy, Germany and Denmark, promoting the project,” explained Marciano of her travels with childhood friends Dean and Anthony Belcher. “It’s always been a dream of ours to bring a group of young people together, around the world, under one common goal,” she added. So the three moved forward with the Bird’s Eye View
Downie, a professor of environmental studies at Fairfield. In turn he sought out Dana August ‘11, president of Fairfield University Student Environmental Association (SEA) and Alex Three thousand seven hundred fourteen actions. One Roem ‘10, Green Campus Initiative co-director, to bring the hundred sixty two countries. Two days to go. project to Fairfield University’s campus. Oct. 24, 2009 is international day of climate action. Ac“Dr. Downie reached out to Dana myself to become cording to 350.org, “We’re calling on people around the world student advocates for the project,” said Roem. “It is so integral to organize an action on Oct. 24, incorporating the number to have student-led projects like the 350 installation to raise 350 at an iconic place in their community, and then upload a awareness and start a conversation among university comphoto of their munities.” event to 350.org August Web site.” added, “by Why 350? administraThe focus tors coming is on 350, “as in to us with the parts per milidea, it was lion, the level great to see, scientists have proving general identified as the increased supsafe upper limit port for a more for CO2 in our sustainable atmosphere. campus. The But 350 is more project itself is than a number really neat, as — it’s a symbol we are part of a of where we global push to need to head congress (both as a planet,” acUS and intercording to 350. national) to org. act on climate The organichange.” zations founda“By keeption rests upon Photo By Meghan Schelzi ing ourselves in the mission to Alex Roem and Dana August created an 350 image on the library lawn in participation with 350.orgs campaign for climate action. tune with the inspire the world international to rise to the challenge of the climate crisis — to create a new project, which, according to the Bird’s Eye View Website agenda and climate of the environmental issues around us, sense of urgency and of possibility for our planet. (www.frankejames.com) is a network of recycled art installawe are educating the whole person and facilitating an everUpon hearing about this global campaign, Fairfield ‘08 tions, constructed on rooftops, in collaboration and support growing discussion of sustainability and where we can affect alum, Laura Marie Marciano was immediately intrigued to of 350. change within the environment equation,” said Roem. take part. Images of the installations will be taken to be spread “An idea can be born in one person, but with two “We are living, right now, at a pivotal point in history. We by use of the media to the general public, raising awareness people it can become a reality, and with three people an have the choice, the responsibility, and the right to bring it about global warming. The images are intended to send a organization. This is a call to action, to use our imaginaback to life,” said Marciano. message of green peace, global solidarity, and a broadened tions to stand behind 350, to express to our leaders that we Last fall, Bill McKibben, the founder of 350 spoke at Bates human perspective. have a desire to create change,” said Marciano. “We can be College and inspired Marciano’s hometown friend, Ryan Marciano brought the idea of Bird’s Eye View to David that change. We have to be.”
Advertisement of Unrealistic Proportions
Contributed Photo
By Courtney Kern Features Editor
You pick up your Cosmo or Vogue from the bookstore and are not surprised to see a beautiful, thin and seemingly perfect celebrity/model on the cover and inside, designer advertisements show even more of these pristine figures. It was not until recently that this depiction has been shattered by a controversial Ralph Lauren ad. A model by the name of Filippa Hamilton was featured in an ad for Ralph Lauren Blue in which her waist was shriveled down to be a smaller size than her head. The advertisement was displayed in a Japanese department store. This extreme retouching sparked debate over the use of Photoshop in fashion. A blog run by a company by the name of BoingBoing, www. photoshopdisasters.blogspot. com, posted the disproportionate photo its Web site. Following BoingBoing’s accusations of the overuse of Photoshop software, Ralph Lauren sued the site for copyright infringement. Ralph Lauren’s argument falls under the Digital Millenium Copyright Act (DMCA). BoingBoing refused to remove the advertisement after Ralph Lauren discovered its circulation. BoingBoing is dedicated to exposing giants of the fashion industry and their use of airbrushing and software, like
Photoshop, that is used to “retouch” models and celebrities in popular magazines. Ralph Lauren issued a statement saying, “We have learned that we are responsible for the poor imaging and retouching that resulted in a very distorted image of a woman’s body.” Regardless of their statement this is not the first time they have corrected photos to make models look waif-like. BoingBoing has posted many more of these distorted advertisements. (see photos below) Filippa was fired from Ralph Lauren after working there for seven years, which has raised questions as to whether or not it was because of her weight. Hamilton was by no means overweight at 5’10 and 120 pounds. Ralph Lauren claims it was because of a breach of Contributed Photo contract. Another Ralph Lauren model, Valentina Zelyaeva, was made to look emaciated in an advertisement displayed in Sydney, Australia.
The Mirror | Week of Oct. 21, 2009
Page 12
Stag Style: First Taste of Fall
Know a stylish stag? E-mail features@fairfieldmirror.com. Send us their name and we’ll set-up an interview and photo shoot.
By Gabriella Tutino Assistant Entertainment Editor
Name: Kenni Nwajagu Grade: Sophomore Currently wearing: American Eagle (AE) sweatshirt, AE flannel shirt, AE jeans, Dolce & Gabbana frames Style Influence(s): Currently feeling the color purple, “what I see and what I like.” Favorite thing about fall: “You can layer up and wear more clothes. You get to show off.”
Name: Allison Maguire Grade: Sophomore Currently wearing: Suede buckle boots, American Eagle jeans, H &M t-shirt, tweed jacket, pearl necklace Style Influence(s): Current mood Favorite thing about fall: “I love everything, the seasons changing, the colder weather, and especially the holidays. Halloween is one of my favorites!”
Name: Amber Nowak Grade: Sophomore Currently wearing: Indigo brown heels, dark wash skinny jeans, long-sleeved shirt, tunic, patent-leather belt. Style Influence(s): Midtown Manhattan, Impressionism, Santogold. Favorite thing about fall: “Turtlenecks.”
Name: Jasmine Fernandez Grade: Sophomore Currently wearing: Patent leather Pradas, skinny jeans, t-shirt, threaded scarf, pleather jacket — ”inspired by Michael Jackson”, gold accessories from Forever 21, custom made name ring with Mickey Mouse detail, custom made name heart chain, “mano de Santeria” protection charm. Style Influence(s): Edgy, couture, France, New York, L.A., Michael Jackson, Rihanna. Favorite thing about fall: “The colors of the leaves and the flowers. It’s soothing and calming. And I wear my pashminas in the fall too.”
Name: Jasmine Mickey Grade: Sophomore Currently wearing: Silver ankle boots, Forever 21 skinny jeans, v-neck long-sleeved shirt, vest, belted jacket, yellow pea scarf. Style Influence(s): Simplicity, the colors black, red, brown, gold and silver. Favorite thing about fall: “The leaves. They’re really beautiful, especially in Connecticut.”
Name: Justin Smith Grade: Senior Currently wearing: Nike shoes, jeans, zip-up hoodie, Nike hat. Style Influence(s): Other people, Michael Jackson, Sting. Favorite thing about fall: “The colors. You can’t see them like this anywhere else.”
Photos by Gabriella Tutino/The Mirror
Fairfield Alumnus Excels in Online Journalism By Kristen Golen Staff Writer Keith Whamond ‘04, the executive producer for the Connecticut Media Group at Hearst Digital and former Mirror managing editor, spoke to Fairfield University students Monday, Oct. 5, to talk about being young, tech savvy, and passionate, the three main ingredients that helped make him the young and thriving journalist that he is B ei ng you an d today. n o t k n ow i ng t h e Whamond said r u l e s g i ve you future journalists need to be well versed with a n a d vant ag e technology changes like -Keith Whamond ‘04 social networking, but they also need to develop an early passion for news and be “bit by the bug” early, getting hit with the idea to write the perfect story that would set you apart from other journalists. Whamond added, “Passion and enthusiasm are the best qualities to bring to the table, the skills aren’t as important as your willingness to learn.”
“
”
According to Whamond, if one were to look at the future of journalism, the kinds of technology tools to use have become a very important aspect. He stated that it has gotten down to the most basic level. He believes that breaking news to people is the most significant part that someone, like Tom Baden, editor of The Connecticut Post, would be looking for in terms of a career. Whamond told Fairfield students that he was looked up to by older co-workers because of his ability to shoot videos, set up plenty of audio, and create accounts on both Skype and Twitter, all within his first few weeks while working in Danbury. Newly hired journalists think of these tasks as second nature, while older and more experienced journalists viewed Whamond being quite tech savvy. Whamond’s career took off after graduating from Fairfield University in 2004 with a B.A. in English, along with a love for the job of capturing a great story. According to Whamond, he was advised to “get the hell out of journalism.” By following his passion, and taking English chair James Simon’s news writing class his sophomore year, Whamond wisely ignored the advice to find another career. His online media career started as an editorial page
The Whamond File Whamond
Graduated from Fairfield in 2004 Former Mirror Managing Editor Executive Producer for
Conn. Media Group
assistant for The Connecticut Post at MediaNews Group. Whamond worked his way up to being an online reporter at ConnPost.com at Hearst Media News Group. Before taking on his current job, about five months ago, he worked for the Danbury NewsTimes.com as an online editor at Hearst. Whamond shared, “I love breaking the news, the excitement of journalism, being young and not knowing the rules gives you a great advantage.” Whamond ended his presentation saying, “Youth has the capacity to change the rules of journalism, it’s not necessarily age, it’s just true of anything, when you do something the same way for 30 years, changes must be very difficult.“
The Mirror | Week of Oct. 21, 2009
Online A review of Oktoberfest that took place this past Saturday night at the Levee
Arts & Entertainment| 13
‘D’Oh:’ “The Simpsons” Meet Macbeth
fairfieldmirror.com
Editor Melissa Mann » mirror.entertainment@gmail.com
By Melissa Mann Entertainment Editor What do you think would happen if you put “The Simpsons” and Shakespeare in a room together? Comedian Rick Miller was determined to find the answer, and this prompted his creation of “MacHomer,” a one-person play of MacContributed Photo Beth using 50 character Rick Miller uses 50 Simpson’s voices from the Simpsons. voices in his performance of “It started with very “MacHomer.” humble beginnings,” Miller explained. “I was performing in a production of Macbeth in 1994. I created a cast party joke that was trying to make fun of people at first, then that turned into a comedy sketch and I just kept trying to stick with it to make a better and better show.” Miller’s performance in a production of Macbeth helped serve for inspiration, most specifically from a fellow actor. “The actor playing the role of Macduff has this moment where he discovers that the king is dead,” Miller said. “And he sounded kind of like Barney Gumble. It just started clicking in my head. I guess I realized that the joke of one dysfunctional family doing another dysfunctional family works.” Since “MacHomer” debuted as a full blown production in 1995, Miller has peformed in roughly 150 cities. “MacHomer” has been met with resounding success, especially among high school students who are either struggling with reading Shakespeare or are simply just not interested. “One of the reasons I keep doing this show after so many years, is that educationally it opens up Shakespeare in a theater to people who would otherwise never give a damn,” Miller said. On the MacHomer website, Miller has described the show as 85 percent Shakespeare, and he says that the other 15 percent is composed of “Simpsonisms,” as he calls them. “I try to flavor it in the way the Simpsons stay quite current with their politics,” Miller said. “I try to spice it up with a little bit of that stuff.”
MacHomer | page 15
Contributed Photo
Sound Tribe Sector 9 Combines Music and Social Change
Sound Tribe Sector 9 is fun, but stylistally complicated. By Philip J. Mortenson Staff Writer With each passing decade, music evolves as society does, reflecting the beauty, struggle, happiness, and pain in life. Music’s journey cannot be stopped and it will continue to surprise us as society calls out for a new voice in both good times and bad. Today is no different — in many ways, our generation is living the same form of social collectivism that came from the 60s and 70s as a nation at war. Society can come together in harsh times when change and a new direction is needed, and it is often music that brings the hardest issues and sentiments to bear. Sound Tribe Sector 9, a difficult band to classify, is an intriguing example of how music in times of struggle can bring people together to address the social climate of the day, as well as how to change society through the purity of music. Sound Tribe Sector 9 was formed in Atlanta, Georgia in the late 1990s. At the time, the group was short some members and known as only Sector 9. By 2000, the group picked up its final members, moved to Northern California, and renamed themselves Sound Tribe Sector 9. Sound Tribe, as they are often called, started off by playing music that could be categorized under the genre of “drum and bass.” “Drum and bass” is a rhythm-driven style of music in which the drummer and the bassist lay down fast beats
The Right Bite
and grooves that change on a dime. The rest of the band is then free to utilize melodies that dance around the powerful rhythm. Sound Tribe recorded several studio and live albums under this powerful genre, but as time changed, so did it. Today it could be considered, among other things, as an “intelligent dance music” band. Intelligent dance music, or IDM, is a genre characterized by individual experimentation. Both of these genres are evolutions of the techno movement. The various offshoots of techno are often summarized as electronica, but Sound Tribe has pushed electronic music into a new territory. Simply put, Sound Tribe’s music is great dance music that you might hear at a club, but with a musical complexity that would appease the most discerned listener. Its music is a fusion of various styles that bring an audience on a journey, and one that is unique and open to interpretation. Sound Tribe is known for its powerful performances, but it was its recent album “Peaceblaster” that was not only its pinnacle of studio work, but also a call for society to take on a new direction. Although they are a band that uses lyrics sparingly, the Contributed Photo words that pour through speak to social commentary. An interview with the band reveals their sentiments that music, be it their own or other types of music coming out these days, carries a message and a spirit. An interview found on www.last.fm reveals Sound Tribe’s feelings about music today. Band member Hunter Brown comments, “there is incredible music coming out these days. People feel alive.
Sound Tribe| page 15
a review of restaurants in and around Fairfield
Devon Porrino/The Mirror
Roly Poly offers a wide variety of sandwiches in a warm, friendly atmosphere.
Roly Poly at 1903 Post Road By Devon Porrino Staff Writer On a cold, fall day in October when it decided to snow, I found my stomach growling and my body shivering. After deciding that soup and a sandwich would be the best choice, I drove over to Roly Poly located at 1903 Post Road. As I parked and walked into the shop, I immediately felt warmer, both my body and my heart, as I was greeted by genuine smiles and an abundance of friendliness. After looking at the long list of sandwiches divided into fourteen varieties of sliced chicken, twelve of turkey breast, seven roast beef and steak, six ham and smoked pork, five tuna
salads, eight vegetarian options, and in addition to all those sandwiches, eight salads and a soup of the day, I was exhausted. Not only was there a huge choice of sandwiches to choose from, but you could have your sandwich hot-pressed or cold, or make your own! It seemed to me that I was in sandwich heaven. I decided on a hot-pressed pesto chicken sandwich and started to sit down when the woman behind the counter began telling me how it was Roly Poly’s one year anniversary. “Sept. 25 was our one year, so a year and a couple months now,” said Maria DeFelice, an employee at Roly Poly, who possessed the type of happiness that seemed contagious and had you smiling along with her. An already fun and cozy atmosphere, along with 61 menu options to choose from, Fortunato Surace, the “Chief Executive Sandwich Dude” at Roly Poly (as he is referred to on his business card), let me in on a little secret on how he intends to improve his shop even more. “I just emailed the guy about the StagCard,” Surace said, “I can’t imagine it’ll be more than a couple weeks.” So even though this place has great food, a great atmosphere, welcoming employees, and a future option to use your StagCard to pay for your meal, why does it stand out among other sandwich shops in Fairfield? “Well, I would say what makes us stand out is the freshness of the product, the ease in which you can order, [we’re] very customer friendly, and we make it very easy for you,” said DeFelice.
I nodded my head in agreement. Out of the corner of my eye, I could see Surace nodding his head as well. “I think this is the sandwich shop on steroids,” he said. “We don’t have just chicken salad, we have basil chicken salad. We have things other sandwich shops don’t have.” Laughing at the humor of the “Sandwich Dude,” I grabbed my sandwich to go, said goodbye and as I walked out and down the stairs lined with pictures of avocados and other delicious food, I heard DeFelice give me one more reason why they really are the best. “We’re a team here, the ‘Fairfield Team’, right Fort?” DeFelice said to Surace, who had stopped preparing yet another delicious concoction for a second and laughed. “I agree with whatever you say,” Surace said.
The hot-pressed chicken pesto sandwich.
The Mirror | Week of Oct. 21, 2009
By Meg Hallissy Staff Writer
Page 15
iPick
Song: Blow Away Artist: A Fine Frenzy
Song: You Can’t Hurry Love Artist: The Supremes
Honestly, I could have picked any song off this new album, but I figured I’d pick this one since I currently have it playing on repeat. An unofficial survey of my girlfriends describe it as “fun,” “quirky,” “makes me want to dance,” and “puts you in a good mood in the mornings.” See for yourself!
As much as I love a throwback, I actually prefer the version by Sweet Harmony. Search all you want, but you won’t find the cover on iTunes or YouTube, but you can hear it at the Glee Club Homecoming & Family Weekend Concert at the Quick Center at 12:30 p.m. Shameless plug? Maybe, it’s my job. Three-part harmony by 18 gorgeous Glee girls? I like this.
Song: Say Hey (I Love You) Artist: Michael Franti & Spearhead feat. Cherine Anderson If you tell me you don’t rock out to this song in your car or in your living room, then you would be lying. My best friend turned me on to this song, and I cannot turn it off.
Song: I Run to You Artist: Lady Antebellum Peter Caty/The Mirror
Song: Somebody to Love Artist: Glee Cast
I love, love, love this song. I’m not even a country person, but I can’t get enough of them. If I were having a country wedding, this would likely be the wedding song. Also, any song with a break in the middle to sing acoustically for at least a few bars lands itself in the top of my music list. See also: Rascal Flatts, “Summer Nights.” Maybe it’s a country thing.
Not to worry, this isn’t another plug. Glee is a phenomenal show, and the music that accompanies it on iTunes makes it my new favorite addiction. The “we-can-make-it-in-this-drama-ridden-world-if-we-try-hard-enough” cast makes me think we all should be breaking out into a four part harmony in the BCC on a regular basis to alleviate our problems. Don’t think I haven’t tried to make this catch on…
Sound Tribe Will Perform at the Klein
MacHomer Comes to the Quick Center Continued from page 13
Performing what is typically a 12-actor Shakespearean play, using 50 different character voices and only one person is not an easy task to accomplish, and realistically it sounds a little crazy. But Miller has been able to create something that is unique and funny, and the visual aspect of the production (with the staging and background) helps make the show so popular. “I think people most of the time don’t know what to expect and you sort of fall into ... ‘ok I’m just wearing one costume,’ said Miller. “But it’s really quite visual and it helps tells the story, [with] all these images are going on in the background that I interact with, so that it really makes you feel like you’re not just watching a guy with a mike on stage, it has a real theater performance. And I think people are surprised by that.” The surprises don’t end there either, as Miller delivers one of his popular comedic routines of Bohemian Rhapsody, sung by what he considers the 25 most annoying voices in the music industry. “It has nothing to do with Shakespeare or the Simpsons, but it’s fun,” Miller said. “Pure, gratuitous fun.” Miller will be performing “MacHomer” at the Quick Center this Friday, Oct. 23 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 for students and $35 for the public.
Continued from page 13
What’s Happening Wednesday 10/21 8:00 p.m. - Sound Tribe Sector 9 at the Fairfield Theater Company at the Klein Thursday 10/22 7:00 p.m. - Never Say Never at Toad’s Place 9:00 p.m. - FUSA Laser Tag, LL BCC Friday 10/23 Homecoming Weekend 6:00 p.m. - Stag statue dedication, outside Gonzaga 7:30 p.m. - “MacHomer” at the Quick Center 9:00 p.m. - mentalist Jim Karol, LL BCC 9:00 p.m. - “Big Shot” - A tribute to Billy Joel, Toad’s Place Saturday 10/24 1:00 p.m., 6:00 p.m. - The Met: HD presents “Aida” at the Quick Center (2 shows) 7:00 p.m. - Mario at Toad’s Place 8:30 p.m. - Dueling Pianos, LL BCC Sunday 10/25 12:30 p.m. - Glee Club performance at the Quick Center Tuesday 10/27 7:30 p.m. - Project Halo at the Quick Center
They feel that their lives matter, that their choices matter. This leads to great art.” When commenting on “Peaceblaster,” bassist David Murphy states, “America is this beautiful, incredible place, but it has a dark underbelly, and even on Peaceblaster’s most ethereal songs, there’s a darkness that reflects what’s going on in society — it ain’t all bad, but it ain’t all good.” Sound Tribe has crossed many genres and has reached an audience by delivering powerful performances and respecting music’s great influence on society. “The music of the sixties and seventies reflected the politics of the era,” Murphy says in the aforementioned article. “America’s back in that place right now.” Sound Tribe has done more than simply bring people together through the power of music; it has also made a valiant effort to use its music to preach social awareness and responsibility. After releasing “Peaceblaster,” the band created a Web site after the album that displays a variety of current issues, from Afghanistan to healthcare. Sound Tribe also actively donates money to charitable organizations across the country. Just last summer, Sound Tribe directed its humanitarian efforts to the organization “Make it Right,” a charity working towards building homes for Hurricane Katrina victims. It is refreshing to hear about a band that has taken so many steps toward achieving social awareness and harmony through the power of their music. Sound Tribe is composed of Hunter Brown (guitar/laptop/midi keyboard), Jeffree Lerner (percussion/laptop/handsonic) David Murphy (bass/laptop/midi keyboard), David Phipps (keyboards/laptop), and Zach Velmer (drums). From the mesmerizing lights to getting lost on the journey they take us on, they are sure to please a wide audience. It serves as an added bonus to appreciate the band’s effort to use their success for the cultivation of social awareness as they help push music forward into bold new territories. Sound Tribe Sector 9 is performing on Wednesday, Oct. 21 at 8:00 pm at The Klein in Bridgeport. Tickets can be purchased online at www.fairfieldtheater.org
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FUSA presents coming events
Upcoming Events Thanksgiving Break
Laser Tag - Thursday, October 22nd - 9pm in the Oak Room 2011 Family Feud - Thursday, October 22nd - 7pm in the Lower Level BCC “LAughs from the Past” - Mentalist Jim Carol Friday, October 23rd - 9pm in the Lower Level BCC Trick or Treat around the world - Monday, October 26th - 3pm in the Lower Level BCC
Open Visions Forum
Thanksgiving Break Shuttle Schedule to Airports (JFK and LGA) Tuesday, November 24th - One drop-off to both airports at 10am One drop-off to both airports at 2pm Sunday, November 29th One pick-up to both airports at 2pm Keep a look out for Christmas Break Transportation Schedules!
Featured Event
- Open Visions Forum
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An Evening with Junot Diaz, Pulitzer Prize-winning Author of “The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao” Monday October 26th - 6pm - Quick Center for the Arts Tickets are available TODAY!
FYE Event Credit will be given! Space is LIMITED!
Wednesday, October 28th - 7:30pm - Quick Center for the Arts “Talk Balk” immediately following the Presentation
FUSA: THE OFFICIAL STUDENT GOVERNMENT OF FAIRFIELD UNIVERSITY BY THE STUDENTS, FOR THE STUDENTS
Save the Date: Peer Advising Fair Thursday, November 5th 6pm in Lower Level BCC Get your very own course evaluation booklet! Look for them at the beginning of advising week! Course Booklet for Spring 2010 Semester goes on-line on Friday, October 30th (Remember, we are going green!)
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TO PURCHASE TICKETS FOR EVENTS: Visit the BCC Info Desk For more information: Visit the FUSA OFFICE at the lower level BCC OR LOG ONTO FAIRFIELD.EDU/FUSA
The Mirror | Week of Oct. 7, 2009
Online Check online every week for answers to our games. Also see a press release regarding ‘He Said.’
Ed. Note: These articles are intended to be comedy and satire.
Chris Surette I honestly don’t even know why we are having this debate. It is not even a contest. If it wasn’t for the great Commonwealth of Massachusetts, where everyone knows the Revolutionary War started, we may all be talking with a stupid British accent and still pay taxes on tea to the Queen across the pond. But enough of a little history lesson. Let’s get back to business. First of all, you guys aren’t from New York, so stop trying to act like you are. New Jersey is similar to an ugly, red-headed step-child. No one likes it or wants to associate themselves with it. And if Springsteen wasn’t from there, I think I might start a petition to get them removed from the union. There are numerous reasons why Jersey is known as the armpit of America, and if you don’t believe just check the Web site, www.jerseysucks.net. Now let’s discuss some characteristics between Mass. and Jersey, just to show why this state truly sucks. As for sports, there’s not even a competition. Does Jersey even have a major league baseball team. Oh wait. I forgot, you guys jump on the bandwagon on
Disclaimer: This section is meant for entertainment only. These opinions are not a reflection of the paper as a whole.
Coffee Break | 17
fairfieldmirror.com
Editor Chris Simmons » mirrorcoffeebreak@gmail.com
HE said / SHE said
Mass. vs. New Jersey/York whatever New York team is having the better season. As for sight-seeing, I would much rather go to Springfield and see the Basketball Hall of Fame or take a nice drive to see the fall foliage in the Berkshires, then drive through downtown Newark, where I’ll probably see a drive-by every 20 minutes. The two states have one thing in common and that’s they’re known for their summer vacation spots: Cape Cod and the Shore. But the Shore isn’t comparable to the Cape. I would much rather watch the sunset in Chatham or fish in Wellfleet, than see the guidos comparing who’s muscles are bigger or listen to the guidette’s b*tching and moaning about their boy troubles on their iPhone’s that daddy paid for. Haven’t you guys seen True Life: Jersey Shore? If you have, you know exactly what I’m talking about. Now we know why New Jersey gets all the crap it does. So the next time you cross the George Washington Bridge, be aware of all the garbage trucks.
“Wicked” is defined in the dictionary as “evil or morally bad in principle or practice; sinful”. No wonder only those from Massachusetts use it in their vocabulary. The only other slang term I know from Massachusetts is “masshole”. But I think that one is very suiting. Boston does not have five boroughs. You may have “The Departed;” but that doesn’t come close to six seasons of the “Sopranos.” The T stops running at midnight. If you can master the New York subway system, you can master the world, all night long. Even though the North End has great cannolis, its’ not New York pizza. Saint Patrick’s Day in New York is the biggest in the world; I think Boston falls somewhere around third on the list. Keep priding yourselves on being Irish, guys. And I just pity your sports team situation. Yes — the Patriots usually have a decent season. Maybe even undefeated, but one GIANT loss tends to ruin that for you. And yes, the Red Sox may have one a couple World Series in the past few years, but on the final tally you’re still behind to 26 to 7. And I would just like to note that the Yankees are still in the playoffs while the Red Sox got beaten over the head with a broom. Being from the metropolitan area is like hitting the jackpot; after all have Billy Joel,
Allyson Wuensch
Frank Sinatra, and Jay-Z ever written a song about Boston? New York is the greatest city in the world. Besides that fact that our sports teams are better, for millions around the world, visiting New York is a life goal. Most Bostonians I know when trying to sing the praises of their hometown will do so by saying, “It’s just like New York.” Even Europeans are more impressed by New Yorkers than Bostonians (trust me, I know from experience.) And as much as you all may hate me right now and people from the metropolitan area, you still enjoy getting away to the city for a day and experiencing all it has to offer. As for me, I’m proud to be from New Joisey. I wawk and tawk. I do not pump my gas, I pump my fist. I spend my summers at the shore. Yes, the shore, not the beach. (I don’t see anyone swimming in the Harbor lately.) It takes me less than an hour to get to a beach, the mountains, and the greatest city in the world. I know that the New York Giants really play in New Jersey, and people who think Jersey is dirty have only been to the airport or the stadium. Yes, I know where the Sopranos was filmed, thank you for asking me again. I have a lot of friends from Massachusetts, and I love them to death. So don’t be too mad; I’ve just had my Jersey pride instilled in me from a young age.
The Mirror | Week of Oct. 21, 2009
Page 18
The Mirror | Week of Oct. 7, 2009
The Mirror | Week of Oct. 21, 2009
Page 21
This Week in Sports The week that was in Fairfield Athletics
Picture of the Week Stags’ Coach Makes National News Women’s assistant soccer coach Laura Dunca was recently featured in a Espn.com article on her transition from the U.K. to the U.S. as a soccer player. She played soccer at Central Connecticut State and graduated in 2005 before coming to Fairfield. This is her fifth season as a member of the Stags’ coaching staff. She is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the program, with emphasis on recruiting and game-day and practice coordination. To read the story, visit: http://sports.espn.go.com/ncaa/columns/ story?columnist=hays_graham&id=4514851
Men’s Cross Country The men’s cross country team took third place at the 33rd running of the Fr. Victor F. Leeber S.J. Invitational held on the Stags home course Junior Benjamin Heslin, far left, was the top finisher for the Stags placing seventh overall.
Remember when?
Introducing...
Freshmen step up for women’s soccer Oct. 11, 2006 by Bill Klump Fairfield’s men’s basketball and lacrosse Frobey teams have recently garnered the most support from the student body. But the women’s soccer team may shake things up and soon become Fairfield’s best team. With nine incoming freshmen, two of whom have already secured starting jobs, and a solid core of players returning from last year’s MAAC championship team, this team is ready to wow spectators. “Coach [Jim] O’Brien is really building the program. He’s been pushing the team hard to get the most out of us by playing tougher competition and making us push ourselves,” said forward Casey Frobey ‘10. ...
However, Frobey is not the only notable freshman this year. Chrissie Sidie ‘10, who has played much of the season coming off the bench, leads the team with three assists and is fourth in total points. Sidie’s ability to make an impact in short periods of time led O’Brien to start her at midfielder the last two games. “Being given the chance to start allowed me to calm down and play better soccer,” said Sidie on her recent role change. “When I was coming in off the bench I would be really nervous and think that I had to do something. I am more relaxed when I start.” Freshmen Whitney Gorovitz and Adrienne Boyer are also playing well in spot starts and coming off the bench. ...
Freshmen Rachel Madasci Women’s Soccer
« The Bio: Madasci, a Rockville Centre, N.Y. native,
came to Fairfield off a successful high school career for Sacred Heart Academy where she earned four varsity letters and helped the Spartans to 51 Madasci victories, including state titles in 2006 and 2008. She was named the 2008 Catholic School Player of the Year and Championship Game Most Valuable Player her senior year.
At the time of her commitment, head coach Jim O’Brien said, “I have watched Rachel develop into one of the top central midfield players in our region. Her ability to control the midfield with speed, athleticism, and technical ability will be a real plus to our attack-minded team. «College: This season, Madasci has stepped into a prominent role
right off the bat. She has appeared in all eighteen games this season, including 11 starts. The midfielder has two goals and one assist on the year while helping the Stags cope with the loss of several other midfielders due to injury. « The Props: This past week, the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference
(MAAC) named Madasci the league’s Rookie of the Week. She tallied an assist on Friday against Rider and headed home the game-tying goal against Loyola on Sunday.
Mirror Sports 3 X 5 The Questions Tom Cleary Editor in Chief
Keith Connors General Manager
Chris Simmons Managing Editor
Stag Statue: Are you a fan?
I’m counting down to basketball season by ...
Most anticipated MAAC tourney this year?
Fall Toss-up: NBA Basketball or NHL Hockey?
It will never be better than the
Checking out the odds on the
Men’s soccer. In Fairfield. It does
The Celtics brought back my love
The Yankees will win. At this point
Jonathan the Husky statue in
NCAA Tournament. It’s never
not get better than that. Okay,
for the NBA ... but I still have to go
I just really, really hate the Angels.
Storrs. Sorry Fairfield.
too early.
maybe it does, but it will be great.
with the Pucks on Broadway.
Not even sure why.
Oh yeah. Only one $52 million
Preping my ‘Frager Fanatics’ and
Pride. Power. Passion. It’s the
If only Dan Akeson were still
Bold prediction? Nah. I’ll save
dollar basketball/hockey arena to
‘Cooley and the Gang’ t-shirts.
men’s and women’s tennis tourna-
around to answer this one for
those for my ‘this is the year’ vol-
ment at Arthur Ashe come April.
me ...
leyball columns.
go to catch up to Quinnipiac!
World Series 2009: Any bold predictions?
Of course. But once my redneck
Hoisting “shots” like ‘Melo.
If only I was spending Halloween
I’d rather watch NASCAR than
Is any prediction really bold at this
side of the family comes up, Lucas
Although after last weekend, I’m
in Disney. I’d make a great Don-
hockey. Although, I’m a NASCAR
point? I’ll predict instead that Jeter is
might wind up mounted on our
going to have to cut back ...
ald Duck. I guess I’ll have to settle
fan, so that would make sense ...
wearing a gold thong. Along with Keith
wall.
for Albany in March.
... he’s got a bit of a man crush.
The Mirror | Week of Oct. 21, 2009
Page 22
Volleyball
Mann Leading the Way in Final Season Lone Senior Takes Aim at First MAAC Championship Keith Connors General Manager
Forget the statistics. Everyone from Buffalo to Baltimore knows that Mann leads the team in kills (261) and trumps everyone in the conference in hitting percentage (.375). Forget the records. Any fan on campus knows that it won’t be long until Mann, who moved tied the career block assist record this past weekend in the Stags’ match against Rider, sits in the upper echelon of the record books. As the program’s second overall leader in blocks and fourth all-time standout in kills, it won’t be long until the name ‘Mann’ stands alongside Joanna Saunders, Connie Paul and other volleyball greats and and casts a shadow over Alumni Hall. Forget all of that. If there is one thing that the Fairfield fall teams and MAAC Champions of the past have proven, it is that intangible elements, come playoff time, mean just as much as statistics and matchups. And that edge is always
Later this evening, Connecticut takes the trip down I-95 from Storrs, Conn. to Peter Caty/The Mirror challenge senior Katie Mann, winner of the Senior Katie Mann, has won four straight MAAC Player of the Week Awards. Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) Player of the Week award for four consecutive Downey would even survive the first-round, the team’s victory over Loyola (Md.), which weeks, and the Stags, winners of six straight given that the Stags had lost to their firstboasted an undefeated record and sixth and, once again, the conference standard. round opponent, Siena, earlier that season. overall national ranking. Not too shabby for a Attend. Watch. Enjoy. But don’t judge. Then came senior Ahna Johnson, the team that began the season in crisis mode afRegardless of the result in what may MAAC Offensive Player of the Year, and a ter losing five of the team’s first eight contests. prove to be a winnable in-state game — the heroic three-goal effort in the conference But something tells me that that senior Huskies boast just as many wins and losses championship game. And the Stags went magic wasn’t all that unfamiliar for Rees. Just this season — a win doesn’t mean nearly as from searching for answers to sipping chamask Alex Cunliffe or Mike Troy. much these weeks, a triumph So when Katie Mann takes doesn’t carry as much weight the court on Wednesday night, as as the trend. That trend, of watch, enjoy, and understand that course, is that the Stags have Senior volleyball player Katie Mann is following in the footsteps of former Fairfield players who you’re watching a special player turned a corner since their that may just be hitting her senior have led their teams to MAAC Championships in their senior seasons with remarkable years. previous non-conference game, surge at just the right time. But a 3-2 loss to Fordham on Sept. don’t judge her, and don’t judge 15. the Stags. Pinpointing the exact Because if you are Fairfield, reason why this team is once you don’t show you’re worthy of again atop the MAAC standings the label as ‘the’ team to break the and the lead contender for the team’s five consecutive champiconference championship isn’t onship game loss streak with an hard. Sure, some of it is due to out-of-conference home victhe maturation of Kara Reis, the tory. You show it against Siena, team’s freshman libero who has in the championship game, with become a calming defensive everything and more on the line. presence. Some of it is due to Alex Cunliffe, Soccer, 2006 Tom Clements, Soccer 2008 Ahna Johnson, Soccer, 2008 And no one knows that the Stags, the team’s newfound depth, Scored 8 goals, record 20 points All MAAC season, Defensive 15 goals, 34 points, Third Team you don’t silence any critics in late which includes freshman in All-MAAC season. Player of the Year All-American October. Briana Dixion and juniors Alex And if you’re Katie Mann, Lopez and Lauren Hughes. you don’t prove that your worthy But it doesn’t take a seasoned scout to a senior. pagne. of a place in the rafters of Alumni Hall with a see that the Stags go as Katie Mann goes. And, Just nine months ago, we saw it twice. Head coach Carl Rees saw it in similarly killer outing against UConn. You don’t prove given the way that the senior stud is playing, Head coach Jim O’Brien’s Stags entered dramatic fashion a week later. The defensive that your name holds the same weight as Alex it’s hard to bet against them. Better yet, it’s November a decent team, but were labeled presence of senior Tom Clements and the and Ahna with a nice midseason streak. And hard to bet against a motivated senior with a distant long shot for a the MAAC Chamsteady hand of goalkeeper Justin Burse, a no one know that more than this team and the grains of sand slowly slipping away and pionship. In fact, it was highly questionable fifth-year senior transfer from Fordham, led this senior. the calendar ready to turn toward November. whether seniors Robyn Decker and Carolina Fairifeld on an unlikely run, culminating in Bet against her at your risk.
Senior Stars
Words from The Mirror Sports Blog
The Mirror sports blog is redesigned along with our Web site. Check out the blog for daily updates on Fairfield athletics, including practice updates, live game blogs and interviews. Here is a brief from this week’s blog: “Rowing…Ben Andrews and James Jessup captured first place in Open Doubles in the Head of the Riverfront Race in Hartford. They have not lost a race together in their career, except for a third place finish at the Dad Vails last year…” -From “This Week in Sports Online” by Tom Cleary, Oct. 14
For More Visit fairfieldmirror.com/sportsblog
Sports | 24
Online New and improved sports blog. Online only coverage. Week of Oct. 21, 2009
he said it...
“The camaraderie of our group is strong.” -Head coach Carl Rees Game of the week
Fairfield vs. Saint Peter’s
Friday, 7 p.m. @ Lessing Field. Fairfield faces off against the struggling Peacocks in a game that will be followed by a bonfire. The Stags hope for a loud crowd.
MAAC standings Team
Overall Conf.
Iona Loyola (Md.) Siena Marist Niagara Canisius Fairfield Rider Saint Peter’s Manhattan
9-1-2 3-0 6-6-1 3-0 7-5-2 2-1-1 6-6-1 2-2 4-8-1 2-2 3-9-1 2-2 5-5-1 1-1-1 4-7 1-2 3-9 1-3 1-12-1 0-4
“They might catch us once, but not twice.” -Head coach Jim O’Brien.
Game of the week
Fairfield @ Canisius
Sunday, 1 p.m. @ Demske Sports Complex
The Stags wrap up their MAAC season with a trip to Western New York, completing the year with a game against the Golden Griffs.
MAAC standings
Loyola (Md.) Siena Niagara Iona Fairfield Canisius Marist Manhattan Rider Saint Peter's
Sports editors Keith Connors, Tom Cleary, Chris Simmons » mirrorsports@gmail.com
Men’s Soccer
Grueling MAAC Season Begins By Tom Cleary Editor in Chief A slow start to the Stags season that included losses to some of the top teams in the nation became a thing of the past with a five game unbeaten streak. But on Monday night in a delayed game against Iona, the Stags slipped up again against a top opponent, losing 2-0. The Stags (5-5-1, 1-1-1 MAAC) still have six MAAC conference games remaining and head coach Carl Rees said that he believes there will be plenty of time to recover and make a run at a return to the MAAC Tournament, which will be hosted in Fairfield at Lessing Field this year from Nov. 13-15. The last time Fairfield hosted the MAAC Tournament was in 2006 and was won by the Stags. “I am optimistic [regarding] the remainder of the MAAC [season],” Rees said. “We are learning as we go and the camaraderie of the group is strong.” Fairfield played six freshmen against Iona, starting five of them. But Rees said inexperience has not been the problem for the Stags, it has been the strength of the schedule so far, a fact that could prove to help Fairfield as it continues its grueling MAAC schedule. “We are young in age and college soccer experience but our general soccer I.Q. is good,” Rees said. “Four of our five losses have been to teams in the national top 25 this season.” Iona (9-1-2, 3-0 MAAC) has received votes in the NSCAA/Adidas national poll
Peter Caty/The Mirror
Matt Ernst ‘12 dives for the ball in a game against Towson earlier this season. multiple times this season and is ranked No. 2 in the North Atlantic region, while the Stags sit in seventh place. Fairfield held Iona scoreless until the 43rd minute of the first half, when the Gaels struck with a goal by Mario Rios. In the 78th minute of the second half, Iona sealed the game with a goal by Giovanni Destasio, both goals assisted by Fernando Liserra. Destasio is the leading goal scorer in the MAAC with 10 on the season. “This is probably the best Iona team I have seen,” Rees said. “They are very technical and quick in transition to
attack. We did however, create opportunities to score, but failed to convert the chances into goals.” The Stags and Gaels each had eight shots in the game, with Fairfield out shooting Iona 6-4 in the second half. Fairfield remains at home for two games this weekend, squaring off against Saint Peter’s at 7 p.m. on Friday and against Manhattan at 1 p.m. on Sunday. The Stags game Friday night is preceded by the unveiling of a new Stag Statue, parade and picnic at 4 p.m. outside Alumni Hall. There will then be a bonfire following the game.
Women’s Soccer
he said it...
Team
fairfieldmirror.com
Overall Conf.
11-4-2 7-0 11-4 5-3 8-7-1 4-3 7-10-1 4-3 8-8-2 3-2-2 10-3-2 3-3-1 6-8-2 3-4-1 7-7-2 2-3-2 5-10-1 1-6 4-12-1 1-6
Youthful Stags Look to Finish Season Strong By Chris Simmons Managing Editor Over the past two weeks, the women’s soccer team has fought through the middle of their conference schedule. The Stags boast an overall record of 8-8-2 and 3-2-2 in the conference after a 3-0 home win against Rider and a 2-1 overtime loss to first place Loyola. “We’ve definitely improved quite a bit with the injuries we’ve sustained and a lot of players have stepped up,” said head coach Jim O’Brien. “They’ve been able to get into more of the flow of the game with more minutes. We’ve started to improve, where we’re showing some promising signs. But we’ve got to stop putting ourselves behind.” Fairfield has had injuries to multiple key players this season, losing seniors Casey Frobey and Chrissie Sidie for multiple games along with freshman Lauren Reilly. All three have yet to return. The defense is also very young, with only sophomore Alyssa Decker returning from last year’s unit. While the other backs have experience, most are learning a new position this season because of Fairfield graduated two backs. Fairfield has fallen behind in several games this year, making it hard to come back and win. “I think it’s more or less mistakes from younger players,” said O’Brien. However, many of the younger players have shown promise. To get an idea of the Stags’ youth, they typically start six sophomores, three freshmen, one junior and one senior. Freshman midfielder Rachel Madasci was named the MAAC Rookie of the Week. She recorded a goal and an assist during the weekend. She had an assist against Rider, but headed home the game-tying goal early in the second half against Loyola. Fairfield gave seniors Bridget Nerich, Lisa Haylon and Adrienne Boyer starts in their final home game. Nerich responded with a school-record tying 14 saves in the game, including nine in the first half and two in overtime. Boyer picked up an assist on the cross to Madasci. However, the game ended on what O’Brien called a questionable goal with 56.5 seconds remaining in overtime. In order to improve, the Stags are focusing on cutting down on
insideSPORTS: This Week in Sports p. 21;
Mirror Sports 3 x 5 p. 21;
some youthful mistakes. “I think it’s going to be a matter of putting together play for long periods of time,” said O’Brien. With two MAAC games remaining, Fairfield sits in fifth place in the conference. Typically they would have to finish in the top four to qualify for the tournament, but this season, because it is being held in Disney World, every team will qualify. “I think the motivation comes from things to make right,” said O’Brien. “I think that’s a good incentive. They might catch us once, but not twice.”
Peter Caty/The Mirror
Jasmin Corniel ‘12 races down the field.
Katie Mann Leading the Way for Volleyball, p. 22