Luck OF
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The Independent Student Newspaper of Fairfield University The Reflection of Fairfield
Fairfield Hangs It All Out See Page 13
Trees Down, Tempers Rise
Peter Caty/The Mirror
Construction on the Village parking lot and the deforestation near the Quick Center began during spring break while students were away. By Lily Norton Executive Editor When she heard the construction had started, Alex Roem ’10, the director of the Green Campus Initiative, sacrificed her spring break and came back to campus. “I wish I could have stood in front of the ma-
chines, but even the tires were bigger than me,” senior Roem said. But without other student alongside her, advocating for the woods, she couldn’t bring herself to stand in front of the machines. She had known that construction to expand the Quick Center parking lot was
scheduled to begin sometime in March, but hoped she to have her allies at her side when it did. She didn’t care to vacation over Spring Break; instead sh chose to document the events in the parking lot, despite strange looks from the workers manning the machines. The expansion plans
Students Question Conduct Rules
that took away at least 60 trees from the south side woods on campus had only been made known to the students and faculty on the Environmental Steering Committee in February, although plans had been made in late 2008. Since Roem heard of the construction plans, she has been in countless meetings, working to prevent the very scene that happened before her last Wednesday. The week before, students and professors had put yellow ribbons around trees in the area. Roem, unable to stop the deforestation, inspected the area, found the ribbon she put up days before abandoned on the ground. Now, she has it tied to her backpack as a symbol of what has happened. Construction also began in the Kostka/Claver parking lot last week, taking down more trees. In addition, students living in the suites are parking in Jogues lots
At 109 pages, the University handbook is the one book all students are required to read. However, many students are unaware of the procedures followed in the case of a rule or policy violation. This can create problems for students when they get in trouble with the University. Although it is relatively easy to read the Handbook — a simple search on the University Web site yields many copies of the Handbook pages online — how likely are students to read it? “I’ve never read the student handbook,” said Nicole Fogliano ’12. Daniel Liashek ’12 agreed. “No, I’ve never read it,” he said. When asked if she knew anything about the Peer Conduct Board as opposed to the Student Conduct Board, Becca Patrick ‘12 responded, “Is there a difference?” Again, Patrick’s unfamiliarity about the judiciary system of Fairfield doesn’t stem from ignorance, but rather from lack of available information. “I’ve never heard of it before,” she said. Patrick is not alone in her unfamiliarity with the Student Conduct Board — in fact, most students have no idea what the Student Conduct Board is, let alone its function in the judiciary system of Fairfield. The Student Conduct Board, generally com-
Down | page 5
Conduct | page 4
By Mikaela Tierney Features Editor
New Haven Goes Irish and Doesn’t Go Back By Meagan Flynn Staff Writer The luck of the Irish was not with the city of New Haven this weekend, whose annual St.
Inside | page 13 St Patrick’s Day: See how the festivities of St. Patrick’s Day began.
Patrick’s Day Parade took place on Sunday. Yet not even one of the most devastating storms in Connecticut’s recent history could keep parade-goers from taking to the streets to show their Irish pride. The greater New Haven St. Patrick’s Day Parade was scheduled to go on, rain or shine, according to the parade’s Web site. First started in 1842, the parade is the largest St. Patrick’s Day Parade between New York and
Index Opinion• Page 7 Features • Page 9 Arts & Entertainment • Page 13 Coffee Break • Page 17 Sports • Page 24
Boston, and is the sixth-oldest parade in the country. The parade is also recognized as a “Local Legacy” by the Library of Congress, according to Walter Nester, parade chairman for the 2010 event. “The parade attracts on average 250,000 to 300,000 spectators annually to the streets of New Haven making it the largest single day event in the state,” said Nester. “… More than 3,000 marchers come from as far away as Ireland
to participate,” he said. “The parade itself represents the culmination of a year long, totally volunteer effort.” The parade, which was preceded by a Mass at St. Mary’s Church on Hillhouse Avenue, followed its traditional route, starting on the corner of Chapel Street and Sherman Avenue, and ending on Orange Street. However, festivities Contributed Photo
Irish| page 4
Irish step dancers perform at the parade.
Inside This Week St. Patrick’s Day Isn’t
Fairfield Improv
All About the Drinking
Group Performs
See page 7.
See page 13.
in Boston
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The Mirror | Week of March 17, 2010
News
»Celebrating Women’s Clothing Around the Globe
PAGE 2
| page 9
Wind: 1, Jes Res: 0
Page 2
In The News »Basketball
»On the Spot Improv Takes Over Boston
teams both in postseason play
| page 13
|pages 22, 24
The Stag Sched St. Patrick’s Week around campus ... in five easy steps
By Keri Harrison
Celebrate: The Luck of the Irish Wednesday, March 17, is the Irish national holiday of St. Patrick’s Day. Honor St. Patrick by going to a parade, stopping by an Irish pub for an Irish breakfast and a pint of Guinness, and enjoy the luck of the Irish. I hear the Levee will be hosting some celebrations as well.
Go: O’Neill’s O’Neill’s Irish Pub and Restaurant in South Norwalk hosts Irish Night every Thursday night. Enjoy a pie and pint while listening to live traditional and contemporary Irish music. Check it out at 93 North Main Street in South Norwalk.
Ali Russoniello/The Mirror
With the strong winds from this past weekend’s storms, a huge tree was knocked down onto the new Jesuit Residence that opened this year.
Stag, Lucas
Campus crime beat
2:36 a.m. There was criminal mischief in Kostka. A window was broken by an object thrown from the outside. Maintenance was notified and it is under investigation. 5:06 p.m. A narcotics violation resulted in the arrest by the old Jesuit residence. Fairfield P.D. was alerted. 8:29 p.m. A student reported she may have been pick-pocketed.
Monday, March 8 4:38 p.m. Claver lounge was found vandalized with a black marker.
the building causing significant damage windows were boarded up grounds crew was notified. 4:40 p.m. There was power failure on campus.
Saturday, March 13 10:32 a.m. A faculty member reported missing $380 worth of candy from a Canisius office. 1:14 p.m. A tree fell blocking the road behind Regis. 5:15 p.m. An officer heard a large crash on the side of the new Jesuit Residence. A large tree fell on the south side of
Who: Briana Woods-Conklin Year: 2010 Hometown: Methuen, MA Major: English Involved in: Fairfield Dance Ensemble
1:22 a.m. Dominos reported a unknown man ran off with out payment for pizza. It is under investigation. 1:36 p.m. A burglary was reported at the town houses, including a Nikon camera. A door might have been left open. It is under investigation.
By Gabriella Tutino
What do you like about Fairfield? I like how the professors invest in their students. I also like the atmosphere the small classes provide. What is your favorite place on campus? The library. It’s pretty and calm. What is your goal after graduation? To write a novel.
If you are looking for something to do on the night of St. Patrick’s Day, join the University’s Irish Studies program as it kicks off its “The Irish in Film Series” Wednesday night. Professor Kevin Cassidy will be introducing the 2004 movie “Omagh.”
Monday, March 15
Better Know a Stag
Favorite dessert? Black and white cookies.
What better way to celebrate this Irish holiday than learning key phrases in the Gaelic language? Remember these: “What’s the craic?” “Pogue mahone!” “Erin go Bragh!”
Watch: Omagh
Dan Leitao Wednesday, March 3
Learn: Gaelic
Listen: The Shamrogues The Irish band The Shamrogues will be playing a free concert at the Levee on Friday night from eight until twelve-thirty. Join them for some traditional Irish music to close out St. Patrick’s Day week.
By the Numbers: St. Patrick’s Day Edition 1759
The year Arthur Guinness opened the St. James Brewery in Dublin and began making Guinness beer.
249
The number of times New York has hosted the St. Patrick’s Day parade.
3
The number of times Jameson whiskey is distilled.
26+6=1
The call by Irish Nationalists for Ireland to be free to rule the island of Ireland under one united country.
Photo Illustration by Dan Leitao
Sites like Hulu and network Web sites make TV watching the best ever.
ABC/Cablevision Dispute Illustrates Changing TV Trends By Meagan Flynn Staff Writer
Those of you Cablevisionsubscribing entertainment junkies not lucky enough to be on a tropical getaway over spring break were likely on the edge of your couch last week, as ABC and Cablevision held anticipating Oscar viewers hostage over a $40 million broadcasting dispute. Just days before the Oscars — one of the most watched programs on television — both ABC and Cablevision used their ad time to air messages about the programming battle, which had been going on for nearly two years, according to an article on nypost.com. Cablevision said that ABC’s request for an addition $40 million broadcasting fee was unreasonable. ABC claimed that there should be no sympathy for Cablevision, which charges its over 3 million customers $18 per month at minimum while its CEOs make millions a year. The only opinions left out of these commercials, which resembled political mudslinging more than ad campaigns, were those of the supposedly valued customers and viewers. “The only truth unveiled by all this is that consumers, powerless to actually force the Oscars onto the air, ended up taking it out on both companies,” wrote Catherine P. Taylor, a reporter on digital media and advertising, in her blog for Media Post Publications. “It doesn’t really matter to them who’s at fault, and that’s a lesson future combatants in the retransmission wars need to learn. No consumer is going to shed a tear for either company in these battles, though they will get very ticked off if they don’t get the programming they paid for,” Taylor said. Taylor anonymously quoted disgruntled viewers, who used social networking to vent their frustrations towards both companies. According to her blog, some posts read: • “God Bless the rabbit ears. They saved the Oscars.” • “After last nite’s Oscars fiasco w/ Cablevision, I feel like I live in the CORPORATE States Of America. And I don’t like it one bit.”
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The Mirror | Week of March 17, 2010
News
• “ABC and Cablevision: use me as leverage at your peril. Consumer already looking for alternative distribution models and content sources.” • “I’m streaming the academy awards live on chatroulette — sorry abc and cablevision, you’re both monumental losers.”
• “Watching oscars and hoping cablevision doesn’t give ABC their $40 million. I’m sick of the feuds and channels holding viewers hostage.” Do these sentiments suggest the growing irrelevance of television, when programs are now so readily available online? While streaming video of television programs used to be illegal, media companies are now viewing online television as a legitimate viewing outlet. For some, scheduled TV programming is too confining for their fast-paced lives. Along with news, music, and other forms of entertainment, the latest trend in television is instant gratification. “Usually I do not have time to watch my favorite shows at their designated time because of homework or other activities, so I catch the latest episodes online whenever I can,” said Sarah Turner ‘10. “Historically, the winners are the ones who embrace change,” said Jason Kilar, CEO of Hulu.com, after the Web site’s launch in 2007. The Web site has been recognized as #3 in Fast Company’s 50 Most Innovative Companies of 2009, according to hulu.com. Never before has it been easier to watch TV whenever you want — and, in some cases, wherever. The thousands of Web sites hosting TV programming are just a Google search away. Many stations, including ABC, make their programming available online for free. And most portable television devices cost less than a hundred dollars — that is, if you don’t feel like watching TV right from your phone. In today’s technologically driven world, the alternate possibilities to television are endless — a fact that big media companies ought to keep in mind when they alienate subscribers over monetary disputes.
Students Nurse Suggestions By John T. Padovano Staff Writer
elor degrees in something other than nursing. The students were presenting as Everyday the world their final project for their is progressing and that pediatric clinical which provides both problems consisted of them working and solutions for new with children at the Yale parents and grandparents. New Haven Hospital. On March 4, a class of Chaplik stressed the nursing students presented importance of his project on issues that 50 years ago saying that the students most parents wouldn’t even were learning as much think about but now are and the people they were very much a part of a child’s presenting to. everyday life. “Part of it is they need to The presentation was be able to present what they put together by Suzanne are leaning. It’s about educaChaplik MSN, RN for the tion and informing people.” second-degree nursing stuThere were three topdents and was held in the ics the students focused Kelly Center. The secondon, each topic was given degree students all have to a team of two. The first previously-earned bachtopic was entitled “family time,” which focused on children watching less television and spending more time with their parents. There are worries that children are learning more from television Contributed Photo than they are Second-degree nursing students from their recently held a presentation after they parents or worked pediatric clinicals at Yale New teachers. Haven Hospital. The
nurses gave a variety of suggestions for things children can do other than sitting down and staring at a TV screen, which included playing board games, being artistic and, the best of all, going outside. In addition, the nurses also stressed the importance of family dinners with the TV off. This way children spend more time with their parents and less time with the “baby-sitter” that TV had become. The next presentation was about children and vegetarianism. The students explained the four types of vegetarians: vegans, lacto-vegetarians, lacto ovovegetarians and Flexitarians. Andrea Campbell ‘10 was one of the presenters on this topic. “We thought it was important to look at how safe it is for children to be vegetarians because they truth is, you are missing something.” She went on to explain “The Farm Study,” which followed 404 vegetarian children. The study discovered that vegetarianism in children is healthy, often more so than regular diets, as long as it is regulated correctly. If children aren’t eating meat they will be missing out on fiber, pro-
tein and iron. Peanuts and dried beans were two of the many food suggested to help supply children with the balance they need to grow without eating meat. The final pair somewhat elaborated on that very thought, their project was on the importance of vitamins and minerals in children. The nurses showed which vitamins (A-E and K) and minerals (calcium and iron) were most important for children. They also stressed that too much of anything is not good. If a child hasn’t taken vitamins in a week they shouldn’t be given seven pills in one day. Also, vitamins that look and taste like candy should be kept out of reach of young children. The event was predominantly attended by faculty members; there were no students. Tina Daries, the director of health and nutrition at a preschool in Norwalk, was particularly interested in the second topic. “I’m revising the snack menu and thinking about going in a vegetarian direction.” Soon children at her school will have the option of a vegetarian or regular snack. My, how the world has changed.
Fairfield Goes Greek By Michelle Haag Staff Writer
February, but had trouble agreeing on a date with the Student Organization Board of Governors since the club was new. “At first I focused on finding the perfect date, but then I realized that it was more important to make sure people came,” Daniolos said. The Big Fat Greek Club advertised its first meeting to the student body
meeting, more students had shown up to the meeting and Daniolos was only a few people shy from his goal. Fairfield’s new club, the Big Fat Daniolos was not alone in setGreek Club, launched its first meeting ting up the club’s first event; he was in the lower Barone Campus Center assisted by his fellow classmates and on Wed., March 3 to celebrate Greek mother. culture and discuss upcoming plans “Together we faced some last for the club. minute challenges for simple things, “There was an appreciation for but the school made them more difGreek culture on campus and ficult,” Lauren DiBartolomeo ‘12 I wanted to start a club where The Big Fat Greek Club’s said of troubles getting lights and these students could enjoy the Upcoming Events trays from the dining hall. Greek culture, while simultaneAlthough Daniolos did not ously benefiting themselves -A trip to Hartford on March 25 for meet his goal of 30 people and from the experiences that the the Greek Independence celebration. experienced difficulties through club provides,” said George All students are welcome. working with school, it has not afDaniolos ‘12, the president and fected his future plans for the club. founder of the new Greek club. -A trip to Bristol, Conn. to the HelThe Big Fat Greek Club is join“I was shocked that lenic Museum, which has replicas of ing the Governor of Connecticut Fairfield was No. 1 least diverse Greek art. Jodi Rell in Hartford to celebrate college so I wanted to help Greece’s 189th year of indepenFairfield become more diverse See fairfieldmirror.com for more dence from the Ottoman Empire by providing a Hellenic club,” information on March 25. Daniolos also wants he continued. to create more credited abroad Students who attended programs as well as non-credited the meeting had the opportunity to by putting up posters and signs across trips to Greece. sample many authentic Greek dishes: campus. But, it can be difficult for a While some students came to tiropitakia, tzatziki sauce, pita bread, new club to inform the student body the event to show their Greek pride, vegetables, and a dessert of koulouraof the time and place of its meeting as others came to watch the movie and kia cookies and paximathia biscotti, well as motivate them to come. eat the food. Alex Sauerbrunn ‘10 has while they watched the hit movie “My However, the posters caught the no Greek heritage, but has had some Big Fat Greek Wedding,” and learned attention of Lauren Bukoski ‘13 and Greek food before. “I’m here for the more about the club as well as Greek her friends. “We saw the sign early last joy of the movie,” Sauerbrunn said. culture. week in Barone and decided that we Other students attended the The event would not have were going to come,” said Bukoski. event to see what the new club is been possible without the efforts “30 people was my goal,” Danioabout. Jennifer George ‘12 is not a of Daniolos, who showed his Greek los said twice. However, only 14 peomember of the Big Fat Greek Club yet, pride through the Greek flag emblem ple showed when the event started. He but is planning on joining soon. “My located on the top right of his Black was not surprised by the turnout befamily is very Greek,” she said, “the Ralph Lauren polo. Daniolos initially cause he took into consideration that movie represents my family, but less planned on having the meeting in it was midterm week. By the end of the strict.”
The Mirror | Week of March 17, 2010
News
Knock Around Spring With Some Knockarounds By John T. Padovano Staff Writer
didn’t know anyone, and had always wanted to start a business. San Diego is sunny everyday ... sunglasses are expensive ... I had lost like three pairs of nice sunglasses ... VOILA! That’s how Knockaround was born. When classes started a few months later I had a great way to break the ice with people: ‘Hey I just started a sunglasses company! Want a pair?’”
“I saw their add on Facebook and checked out the Web site,” said Eckstein. “I told a few friends about Spring break is associated with them and they were in immediately. the sun and nothing is more imporI think all together we ended up tant in the sun than a stylish pair of ordering six pairs between the four sunglasses. of us.” To get said pair of shades you College kids from the east coast can break the bank for a name brand aren’t the only ones who dig Knockor head to the local gas station and around’s, even the President is in on get a $10 pair that fall apart on it. “My wife’s uncle is former your face. Adam “Ace” Moyer US Senator Chuck Hagel saw this situation, had a problem (R-NE). He genuinely likes with it, and did something about Knockaround sunglasses — it. he’s been supportive since Day Moyer is the founder of one and wears them all the Knockaround, a sunglass compatime.,” said Moyer. “You can ny based in southern California. imagine my delight.” “My dad used that word a lot Knockarounds are priced when I was growing up. Specififrom $7 to $25.“I think that is cally, he called the sneakers he central to our company phiused to mow the lawn his knocklosophy,” said Moyer. “I want around sneakers,” said Moyer. all of our products to be clas“He had a nice pair of sneakers sically designed, tough, and Contributed Photo and then his knockaround affordable. The artist in me If you are in the market for a new pair of sunglasses pair. It seemed like a good fit loves color — and so I try to and you don’t want to break the bank, check out the for what I was trying to do with Knockaround sunglasses. put out products in as many sunglasses. You’ll always have colors as I can.” your nice pair of sunglassesAs for the future? Moyer but you also need a knockaround Moyer no longer has to ask has big plans. “I want to add new pair.” people on the streets of California if products — not just sunglasses, Moyer majored in studio art in they’d like a pair of his glasses, (not but other accessories — and start college and after graduation he desaying that he wouldn’t), thanks in sponsoring events, bands, athletes. cided to get his MFA (master of fine part to a strategic advertisement plan Oh, and I want to build a cedar strip arts) degree at UC-San Diego where focusing on social networking Web canoe in our warehouse in National he was offered a full scholarship. sites like Facebook. City, CA. I’d call her ‘Lady Knock“I had two months before classRoland Eckstein ‘10 owns two around.’” es started in the fall. I was bored, pairs of Knockarounds.
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Conduct Confused Continued from page 1 prised of five members, is one of three groups established on campus to handle University policy and rule violations. More formal than the Peer Conduct Board yet still subordinate to the Office of the Dean of Students. The Conduct Board consists of two voting students, one voting academic dean, one voting faculty member and a non-voting chairperson. The list of Board members is not included in the Handbook, and is not easily searchable on the Web site. Though most students never read the entire Handbook — or even any pages at all — it holds the rules governing student conduct and behavior for any student on campus or off. “Since the standards of conduct apply to all students of the University both on and off campus, students arrested for criminal offenses (misdemeanor or felony) are subject to disciplinary action,” the handbook states. Administrators direct alleged violations to whichever body is appropriate for handling the situation. The Student Conduct Board handles “alleged violations of policies whose sanctions call for dismissal” from the University, according to the Handbook. Student members of the Conduct Board are selected from the Peer Conduct Board and are appointed by the Vice President for Student Affairs, while faculty members are nominated by the general faculty. All members are “known for their integrity and commitment to the standards governing the University community,” the Handbook explains. Student conduct hearings “are not open to the public, other members of the University community, parents, family members, or legal counsel.” Once the hearing is complete, the Board must deliberate to reach a final decision. Ultimately, the Dean of Students is responsible for “enforcing rules and regulations”, the Handbook explains. The resolutions agreed upon by the Student Conduct Board are given to the Thomas Pellegrino, the current Dean of Students, who approves or edits the decision and informs the student of the outcome. After the student is notified, the student has an opportunity to appeal the outcome.
5am McHenry
Suzanne McHenry is no feather in the wind. Every day, she rises with the sun to run with the homeless. Every day, she’s feeding her life, her career and her future.
Feed your future at www.pwc.tv © 2010 PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP. All rights reserved. “PricewaterhouseCoopers” refers to PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (a Delaware limited liability partnership) or, as the context requires, the PricewaterhouseCoopers global network or other member firms of the network, each of which is a separate and independent legal entity. We are proud to be an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer.
The Mirror | Week of March 17, 2010
News
Page 5
Oh, Irish I Were Parading Continued from page 1 were not limited to the streets: Irish establishments such as Sullivan’s Playwright, Lansdowne, Anna Lifffey’s and Anchor Bar were all packed throughout the parade. “Anna Liffey’s was a blast,” said Connecticut resident Daniel Berg-Johnsen, 22, who dressed head to toe in green for the occasion. “I was Irish jig dancing while a guy was playing the bagpipes and another playing the snare with a circle of like, 30 people around me!” Chapel Street also hosts a number of other bars, who benefitted from the thousands of spectators in search of a good Irish beer. “The drink prices and covers were outrageous,” said Berg-Johnsen. “But the weather was awful … most people just wanted to stay off the streets.” As the saying goes, when Irish eyes are smiling, they’re probably up to no good. Along with its rich history and legacy, the New Haven St. Patrick’s Day Parade has also been traditionally known as the only day where people can bring their own alcoholic beverages and drink publicly in New Haven. In recent years, spectators have taken advantage of police “looking the other way” to people drinking illegally from open containers in the streets, according to an article on wfsb.com. This year, the police presence was strong, with an additional 50 officers ready to ticket anyone caught publicly drinking.
“It’s getting to the point where it has gotten out of control,” said New Haven Assistant Police Chief Ken Gillespie in the wfsb.com article. “It’s not people having a beer, it’s people coming out staggering drunk and causing problems.” However, some parade-goers feel that drinking at the St. Patrick’s Day should be expected and even tolerated. “It’s all part of the experience,” said Connecticut resident Briana Ready, 21. “I attend the parade every year, and this year I can finally drink … legally. You can bet I’m going to celebrate with more than a few beers. I didn’t brave this weather for nothing,” she said. “Unfortunately drinking is associated with the parade. However, we do not allow drinking in the parade by marchers ... The decision to enforce the open container law is a Police Department initiative this year which we, the parade organizers totally endorse,” said Nester. A press release on the New Haven Police Department’s website quotes the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, whose statistics “show that over the past five years, 851 people lost their lives in motor vehicles crashes during the St. Patrick’s Day holiday. Out of that number, 327 were killed in crashes that involved a drunk driver or motorcycle rider (operator) with a blood alcohol concentration of .08 or higher.” The New Haven Police Department has not yet released statistics on the number of arrests made at this year’s parade.
Alex Roem /The Mirror
Down, Forest, Down Continued from page 1
temporarily. Refusing to feel defeated, Roem met with other students from GCI on Tuesday night to plan for action that can alleviate problems in the future. Roem explained that she feels GCI, which has successfully worked to get rid of trays in the cafeteria and the plastic bags in the Stag snack bar, must step up and represent the student body. “We’re stakeholders in this community,” she said. “It’s affecting students, period. Plain and simple.” Although she thinks many students may be ready to give up fighting after the deed has been done, Roem wants future students to be informed of what’s going on, and for administration to communicate with them about matters that will affect them. “We’re not children. We’re adults,” she said. Like Roem, professors were stunned that the construction was completed so quickly. Jen Klug, a professor who works with water from streams on campus, said, “I was stunned to see that so much life could be destroyed in two days.” After student and faculty intermedia-
tion, minor changes were made in the plans to expand the parking lot, including the saving of a particular tree that is older and quite large in size. “Such changes during the construction phase are not uncommon,” said Vice President of Student Affairs Mark Reed. Reed commented that the decision to start construction over Spring Break was not intended to avoid confrontation with the students and faculty. He said that the Environmental Steering Committee will be informed of future campus planning activities, although in this case they received late notice of the plans. “Clearly the communication could have been better on both sides,” he said. “We respect the right of those opposed to the expansion of the parking lot to express their views,” said University President Jeffrey von Arx. But despite plans to mitigate future problems, it’s hard for Roem, a senior, to end her legacy as GCI director knowing this was able to happen under her watch. “We can be mad at the situation but we need to work constructively with the administration,” Roem said. “That seems like difficult and ominous task right now.”
One Time In College ... I ran a small business that grossed $100,000 a year in revenue.
I managed a Web site that received as many as 10,000 hits a day. I had a job in which I made my own hours and answered to my peers. I helped produce a product that is the talk of the campus. I provided myself with an experience to talk about during a job interview. I landed a respectable paid internship just paces from my dorm room. Attention: Class of 2012 The Mirror is currently looking to hire two sophomores for paid positions. One is the Business Manager, who will be responsible for our advertising sales, managing The Mirror’s budget, and maintaining the overall business operations. The other position of Webmaster, will be responsible maintaining and updating “fairfieldmirror.com,� as well as managing other various technology based tasks. To request an application for either position or if you have any questions, please email christopher.haliskoe@fairfieldmirror.com.
The Mirror | Week of March 17, 2010
Opinion | 7
Online
How are you celebrating St. Patrick's Day? Send your thoughts to opinion@fairfieldmirror.com.
editorial Tom Cleary | Editor in Chief Lily Norton | Executive Editor Chris Simmons | Managing Editor Veronica Florentino | Opinion Editor Michelle Morrison | Online Managing Editor
Editor Veronica Florentino »opinion@fairfieldmirror.com
fairfieldmirror.com
Irish by luck, Stag by choice
Stifled Student Voices It all comes down to student voice. A University simply doesn’t exist without students. It would seem to follow logically that the student voice should be supported, valued and considered. Apparently, this is not true at Fairfield. The University should have considered the student's voice when deciding to build a new residence hall in the middle of a major parking lot right in the midst of a semester. And again, the University failed to listen to students, and knowledgable faculty members, when it decided to build a new parking lot on top of the most valuable forest on campus. Even when the combined effort of students, staff and faculty appeal to the administration, the attention given to them remains small. Take into consideration student leaders on campus. Students vote to elect their FUSA representatives. Residence Life selects RA's from a competitive pool of active students on campus. These students voices should be taken seriously. Instead, even when stu-
dents are aware of initiatives on campus, student input is often overlooked or ignored by the administration, Sometimes they do not even voice their opinions over fear of offending administrators. We understand that students should not have complete say and control over campus issues. However, a group of faculty, with the help of students and staff, are suggesting that removing trees from campus is a bad idea. They are pleading with the same knowledge and expertise that they were hired to share with their students. We would like the University to simply listen to the voices of the students more often and at least sometimes put the thoughts of current students, not future students in the forefront. While new dorms might be necessary, it would have been beneficial to the students to halt construction until the summer. As students prepare to go into the real world and nurture their environment, they should not be forced to watch the University they pay for destroy it for them, at least not without a say in the matter.
The Mirror welcomes the opinions and contributions of its readers:
To celebrate St. Patrick's Day, our trusty Stag covers up for his friend, Lucky, the Leprechaun. Have an opinion? Send it to opinion@fairfieldmirror.com.
'I'm Irish So I Can Drink a Lot' By Dan Leitao Assistant Managing Director
On Wednesday, class attendance will be slightly smaller than average. The number of Guinness, Harp, Smithwick's, Jameson, Bailey's and Magners consumed will be much higher than usual. Everyone dons their green shirts, and leaves their orange shirts to the side. Finally, a very small group of people will attend mass. Saint Patrick’s Day in the states is as commercial as a holiday gets. It has become a day, for better or for worse, where “Everyone Is Irish.” That means everyone believes they can drink a lot more than they should. In the U.S., we have a tendency to take other countries' holidays and make them our drinking affairs. In Ireland, St. Patrick’s Day is much more like the 4th of July is for the United States. It is a day in which people attend mass, spend time with their family and simply enjoy a day off. It seems the large majority of those in America participate in the holiday simply to race to see who can be drunk before 10 a.m. or to continue their drunken stupor from the night before. The holiday has been perverted to become the epitome of every Irish stereotype rolled into one 24-hour affair. From the stereotype that the Irish drink, many also stereotype that the Irish are quick to anger,and people on St. Patrick's Day use the excuse of being Irish to get away with everything. Where Did These Stereotypes Come From? The English used Irish stereotypes to oppress the
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Moving Past The Stereotype While the prevalent drunk stereotype is often used as a fun excuse to drink more than one would, the Irish are the only group to maintain such a negative stereotype that is publicly accepted. While many other immigrant groups have had stereotypes placed on them before, none have been as negative or stuck so long as that of the Irish. Looking at Italian-Americans, the most negative stereotype which has been placed upon them is that of mob association, which became glorified by Hollywood with such movies as the "Godfather." This does not mean however that people should not celebrate the holiday without a beer in hand. This St. Patrick’s Day, while you raise a glass and say 'Slàinte' with your mates, remember that just because you're Irish, it doesn't mean you can drink a lot.
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Irish. When the Irish started coming to America, both Nativists and Irish Protestants began to use the same stereotypes to oppress the Irish in the U.S. This is not to say that those early Irish immigrants did not embody some of the stereotypes that were placed on them. In fact, every immigrant group faced these stereotypes at one point in time. These stereotypes, however, stayed with the Irish as they continued to progress socially. As the Irish entered new fields like politics, they became accused of the same corruption of every other racial group. When the Irish became successful in a new area, they were constantly judged by those they had displaced.
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The Mirror | Week of March 17, 2010
Opinion
Page 8
Is Diversity Stupidity? Or is it Just Reality! By Darryl Brackeen Jr. Contributing Writer
Hey Fairfield! I am Darryl Brackeen Jr., a current senior here at Fairfield. I currently serve as a senator of the class of 2010 in which I presently serve and have served on countless committees dealing with the topic of diversity on the Fairfield Campus. In every single one of these meetings, there has been serious talks about diversity on the Fairfield campus and why students might get the wrong perception about diversity. Ever since setting foot on campus freshman year, the exposure to the concept of diversity has been very present, and for the most part when people hear diversity they truly misunderstand the entire concept behind it. What I am about to say may confirm feelings for some, but alarm others, as to how serious the topic of diversity truly is. It’s time now that these misconceptions finally become squashed once and for all. First, I must admit that there are many of us that get that diversity is a crucial step to realizing that the real world is truly diverse. With that being said, I can honestly say that there are many others who just tolerate it in the hopes that it will blow over once they get out of Fairfield. For those you who believe in just tolerating diversity, you need a serious reality check. Diversity is not some sort of common cold you just deal with until it goes away. Diversity is not pushed on this campus as a sickness, but quite the opposite. It is a healthy transition for most of us to realize that the world is much bigger than Ugg boots, the Jersey Shore and mocha latte frappuchinos. Though in some ways, all of those things are what make people diverse if you think about it. So, let’s just take a minute to think about this: When you hear the word diversity what comes to your mind first? Did race, sexual orientation or even maybe socioeconomic status come to mind? You wouldn’t be totally wrong if they did, but did you think about diversity of thought, opinion, ideas, talents, socio-culturalism, and one that I hold dear, diversity of passions? Yes, some may argue that would water down what diversity really is. I must say that it's time we get to a place where the thought of diversity is so vast that we break down the barriers that are still held up when we look at someone else’s outer appearance. Being a man that brings “ethnic diversity” to this campus, I am marginalized as someone from the city, barely making it out of high school and probably is somehow here on a free ride. The true story is I am indeed from the great city of New Haven and was one of the top three males in my high school class. I personally took it upon myself to work my own way through college and have paid every penny to be here. That was a choice, not an obligation. That my friends is only one example of the many diverse drives and passions that people have on this campus. Starting today, I am announcing that I am launching a motivational speaking campaign starting first here on Fairfield campus entitled “Diversity: It's Not Stupidity, it’s Reality!” I will be speaking to every University student as well as holding open forums for intellectual dialogue on what diversity really is about and how we, as Fairfield students, can become more aware of the people that surround us every single day. So be on the lookout for the next forum near you. As well the “Diversity is not Stupidity” kick-off rally for "Enough is Enough week and Communities in Action" week held on April 12, 2010 from 6:30 p.m. — 8:00 p.m. in the BCC Lower Level where there will be free food, performances, testimonials from students on their opinions about diversity, as well as my final campus-wide motivational presentation. Believe me you won’t want to miss this!
Contributed Photo
Women from West Aceh, Indonesia running in a tsunami drill. Women in this region have been banned from wearing pants in public.
Celebrating Women's Clothing Around the Globe By Amber Nowak Staff Writer
American women are famous for pushing the envelope in fashion. We pride ourselves in our right to prance around in short-shorts, skin-tight leggings or no pants at all (à la Lady Gaga). The liberties we take with our wardrobe are symbolic of the freedom our culture tells us we are entitled to. In a recent article published by Marie Claire magazine, Joanne Chen called attention to a “war" on women’s clothing. She was referring to numerous cases of executive control regarding female attire that occurred this past year. A woman is driven off campus by armed police for wearing a pink minidress to class. You might have expected this scene to be carried out in a conservative Islamic nation, not Brazil. Strict government regulations in such countries as Saudi Arabia, Iran and Sudan that demand women dress
“modestly” still inspire outrage, but no longer come as a shock. It is shocking, however, to learn about cases of executive control regarding female attire taking place in such nations as Great Britain and Brazil. In England, the Trade Union Congress provided employers with rigid guidelines for workers who apparently suppressed both heels and the right of choice of British women who, “decried the motion, professing that they’d rather give up their laptops than their Louboutins.” Many Westerners balk at the idea of our employers, telling us we can’t wear stilettos, as impractical as they may be in the workplace. But what about those countries in which the government dictates what women should wear, and responds to deviations with harsh punishment? Last year, a Sudanese woman was sentenced to 40 lashes for wearing pants in public. Indonesia has officially
banned women from wearing pants in the West Aceh region. Women in Somalia are now being corralled, inspected at gunpoint and subjected to public whipping if found wearing bras. While atrocities like these occur, Westerners are concerned with being prohibited from wearing high heels to work. Shouldn’t we be satisfied with the amount of freedom we have? No. The underlying issue is the freedom of choice. As an adult, a woman should be able to discern for herself what attire is appropriate for work. If her 4-inch heels hinder her ability to work, a person will have to deal with the repercussions of not being able to get the job done. The government is not your mother and should not dictate how you dress. By all means, wear that bedazzled leotard this weekend as a celebration of your freedom to do so. But don’t forget that wearing a pair of khakis to class is just as much of a celebration.
Letter to the Editor Administration Arrests Activism To the Editor: As we all have probably noticed coming back from spring break, we are down a few trees. Some due to wind (sorry Jesuit Resisdence), while others were deliberately cut down to put up a parking lot. I was talking with a friend who said she thought it was ironic, that in the University’s self-proclaimed year of activism, the administration so blatantly placated students until they left campus in order to avoid activism. I think it is more specific, the administration wished to avoid grass roots activism. They are fine with the kind of activism that fellow administrators hierarchically frame, organize and orchestrate in a singular week. But activism founded in a coalition of dedicated students, professors and staff who are working to educate and activate on the ground level is out of their control and thus seems out of the question. I am not saying that institutionally we should not house a space where people can be guided and develop their activism. I think that institutional support is essential in creating a climate of change on our campus. However, it seems that this is the only “appropriate” or supported activism on this campus, the kind that safely sits in the confines of a class or of student activities. I believe that we have moved beyond irony in the way the administration handled the most recent grass roots activism on campus. We have moved into a highly problematic paradigm where we, as a university, are no longer functioning as an institution of higher education guided by Jesuit ideals but instead are adopting a corporate model. This corporate mindset extinguishes the oppor-
tunity for dynamic tension and dialogue, opting instead for what is easy, smooth, and hassle free. If my education here has taught me anything it is that you lose incredible opportunities to grow if you don’t engage in the difficult, messy, conversation. In an increasingly fragmented world, I have found a guiding Catholic principal to be living with integrity. Integrity as a concept is about consistency of actions, values, methods, principles, expectations and outcomes. Where is the integrity in the University making a commitment to activism and then not even engaging in the process? How are we as a community fragmented when in academia and parts of student affairs we as students are being encouraged to be active but in practice we are faced with paternalistic placation? I am not saying that in the end the trees should or should not have stayed, but the administration denied the entire university community the opportunity to struggle and grow together by cutting them down over the break. I believe continuing on this path stops us short of our potential to live out our Jesuit mission and we lose a huge piece of our Catholic identity. We cannot be afraid, or worse so sure that we are right, that we do not have the complicated conversations. Something I love about Jesuits is that they are so intentional about their faith they welcome exploration, other ideas, challenges to their thoughts, and see them all as opportunities for growth. I wonder if the same can be said for our administration. With hope and deep dissatisfaction, Sarah Gatti '10
The Mirror | Week of March 17, 2010
Features | 9
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Jackstaposition:
Classy Cuisine on a College Budget
Fairfield Foursquare
By Jessica Creed Staff Writer
Jack McNamara Staff Writer
Lately, having given up on my banjo lessons and mock-Fabergé egg crafting, I’ve found myself a new little obsession in the form of a mobile geotagging application called ‘Foursquare.’ It’s an app which gives you points and awards for moving around town, and it’s quite fun. Here’s how it works: If you were to go to Beach Bum Tanning — as I so often do — and check in using Foursquare, the app would give you points and badges just for being there and also alert your friends should they be nearby. If you were to be the person who went to the aforementioned tanning salon more days than anyone else — and good luck, because I’m there twice-daily getting my Oompa-Loompa look on — than you would be crowned the mayor of Beach Bum tanning (Bum #1, if you would), and be able to glow for reasons other than a sprayed-on orange sheen. I digress. Some of you out there might be wondering why I’m dedicating so much print space to software you’ve never heard of. To that, just let me say I am in no way, shape or form being endorsed or paid by the makers of Foursquare. I should also specifically mention that I am, in fact, quite interested in being both paid AND endorsed by the makers of Foursquare. Check out my LinkedIn, Foursquare-Guys! Shameless self-promotion aside, the application is only about a year old, and already has about 450,000 users. Even so, it’s not without a few drawbacks, with the first and foremost being one cannot check in without some sort of smartphone. It’s also still very much in beta, and has a few detractors out there, most notably at a Web site called Please Rob Me, a site superficially-dedicated to helping petty thieves with iPhones burglarize early-adopters. How Christian. Anyway, maybe these are the reasons why Foursquare is something which hasn’t caught on at Fairfield yet. The campus profile only lists three other people as having visited here and the current mayor, the Honorable Manny W., has only checked in three times, and none of these seem to have been recent. I think Fairfield University can do better! This being said, I would proudly like to announce my campaign to unseat Mayor Manny and become the Mayor of Fairfield University myself! Much like my housemate Kyle Duggan, I will not be an official elected by the student body and, much like my good friend Eddie Muniz, I will not be an official with any actual power. What I will be, however, is the best damn mayor this school has ever seen. Unless Foursquare hires me. If that happens, I’m out of here.
Why is it that the meals we make at home never end up like what we taste in restaurants? What are we doing wrong? Do you have to be a restaurant chef to cook restaurant quality food? No, of course not — but there are a few things restaurant chefs know that we don’t, and that is what makes their food stand apart from ours. Being a college student for the last four years of my life, and therefore living on a fixed budget, I have strayed away from cooking my meals start to finish. I thought I couldn’t afford to create imaginative dinners, never mind tasty ones. Because of this lack of confidence and funds, I ended up on the Ramen and Fruit Loops diet. Yuck. To avoid anyone else’s taste buds going through what mine did, I set out to cook like a restaurant chef on a college budget. If this sounds impossible to you, don’t be discouraged. The journey has brought me to three epiphanies: Three simple and cheap ways to doctor up your food into a savory work of art. Ready? 1. Seasoning every step of the way. 2. Fresh herbs. 3. Butter. (And lots of it.) Jillian Rocco, executive food and wine director at Eastern Standard in Boston, Mass., can attest to these three easy steps, especially seasoning.
“So many people don’t know how to season their food,” she explained. “Salt and pepper are the most utilized ingredients in restaurants, and the most under utilized in the home kitchen.” The confusing thing about salt and pepper is that there are so many different kinds. I have to admit when I went to the grocery
herb out there because of its mild flavor and great green color. Try it mixed into your pasta sauce, or on top of your pan sauce over chicken. Rocco did advise however, to never use dried herbs. She noted, “Not only do they not give off that fresh aroma and taste, they are way more concentrated flavors. A tablespoon of dried basil is going to taste like an entire bunch of fresh basil.” The other great thing about fresh herbs is that they are cheap! A bunch of parsley or basil is $2 and, if stored correctly, can last up to two weeks. The last step that will make your meals taste just as you taste them in your favorite restaurant, is butter. That’s right, butter. Take vegetables for example. Even your least favorite vegetable tastes amazing in a restaurant, right? Why? Because they are sautéed in a stick of butter. Pastry in your dessert is Photo Illustration by Joe Cefoli as flakey and moist as your southern grandmother’s store and down the spice aisle, I recipes. Why? Because its made was shocked at my choices. I knew with the perfect amount of butter. I needed more help, and some “Butter is what makes the Earth direction! go ‘round!” Jaren laughed. “EvRocco put me in touch with a eryone in a restaurant kitchen will classically trained chef who now agree. It is the one fat used across resides in St. Thomas as executhe board in the culinary arts.” tive chef of the Ritz Carlton dining But remember, when you need room, Jaren. He explained, “Kosher to pan fry something quickly and salt and fresh cracked pepper [are] over high heat, oil is a much better essential to every kitchen. With salt, alternative. it’s not necessary to get fancy.” So remember the three key The next fastest way to rescomponents of cooking — seataurant style cooking is using fresh soning, herbs, and butter! Now herbs. This is key to turning store that you’ve learned to cook like a bought products every household restaurant chef on a college budget, uses to the next level. put your knowledge to the test! Parsley is the most versatile Good luck!
New Campus Group Inspires Community By Gabriella Tutino Assistant Entertainment Editor Sisters Inspiring Sisters, S.I.S, a newly formed club on campus, is a freshmen mentoring program promoting friendship between women on campus,Director Marissa Tota ‘12, discusses how this will allow female students the opportunity to make friends with upperclassmen and foster female empowerment.
TM: What are your goals for the club? MT: The first semester was about creating relationships between the mentors and mentees. We wanted to form a bond between the two so it feels like they have someone to go to. The second goal is networking, so starting this semester S.I.S will be working on everyone getting to know everyone else. Using fishbowl activities — members drawing names out of a hat — people will go out for dinner, have movie nights, etc. We’re also focusing on respect and
The Mirror: How did S.I.S. come about? Marissa Tota: S.I.S came out of the first women’s retreat back in February of last year. We sat down at the end and brainstormed what we thought campus needed and what to add to it. I noticed there was not enough mentoring programs, and FYE just wasn’t cutting it. By that point I wished I had someone to go to. And that’s where S.I.S. came from. How great would it be to meet people and have them reach out to you? Make a small community? That’s what I realized through the retreat. I met great women and I wanted to spread that idea. TM: Why the specific focus on girls? Do you think it is more difficult for females to adapt to college life? MT: The thing about girls is they can be very competitive, more judgmental and not as welcoming. To break through that, women should be supporting and comforting.
Mikaela Tierney/The Mirror
Marissa Tota ‘12 works to organize the events and programming for the new group Sisters Inspiring Sisters.
community. It’s about giving back and using your passions on what you want to change. There’ll be an emphasis on activist stories and reflecting on feminine imagery to change. Sexuality, for example — what they show on the media most women don’t look like, and how can we change that attitude. TM: Would you define S.I.S as a feminist club or group? MT: I wouldn’t think so. It depends on what you’re definition of feminist is. We’re not burning bras or anything. I think anyone that is a female should be feminist — embracing who you are, your uniqueness. You are just as important as a man. Our goal is to embrace women on campus, to unite women through goals and dreams. TM: Burning bras would’ve been interesting. MT: [Laughs]. It’s more like looking for the image of sisterhood. All women are sisters, and we should inspire each other. We should help each other — spread that positive energy and bring that to campus. Jasmine Fernandez ‘12 for example; she’s unstoppable and an inspiration to me. She was on the women’s retreat with me last year. She started Performing for Change and was helping me with the beginning stages of S.I.S. But she let me take it, and it just blossomed. See, women want to support each other, but don’t know how. If we make people aware of our efforts, we will create a wave of inspiration to our sisters.
The Mirror | Week of March 17, 2010
Features
Page 11
Airing Out Fairfield’s Dirty Laundry
Photos by Mikaela Tierney/The Mirror
The Dirty Laundry Project, currently on display in the Barone Dining Hall, helps spark conversation among viewers by displaying pieces of muslin decorated with socially taboo subjects. By Amber Nowak Staff Writer If you ventured into the Barone Dining Hall this week, you may have wondered what was up with all those painted papers hanging from the ceiling. The Dirty Laundry Project is a community art project that “invites the campus to engage with social taboos that we choose to ignore and feel uncomfortable talking about,” according to the event’s posters. At once both an art and social experiment, it is an exhibition in which individuals express themselves in a way that reaches out to others, forming one voice out of many. Students contributing to the project wrote, drew or painted messages they wanted to bring into the light onto squares of muslin material, which were then hung with clothes pins on a line suspended from the ceiling to resemble a clothesline. The concept is to bring closeted feelings and ideas that society grapples with “out into the open, like hanging laundry up to dry,” said Jen Martin ‘10, one of the primary leaders of the project. Martin says that what distinguishes the Dirty Laundry Project from other community art projects like the blog Post
Secret, in which people anonymously mail a personal secret to the creator Frank Warren, is that the Dirty Laundry Project “is about inviting conversation rather than getting something off your chest.” “It becomes art as opposed to just telling a secret. There is something very healing in the power of art,” Martin said. Involvement extends beyond writing a message. As people read the pieces, they are confronted with issues concerning confidence, loneliness, identity and sexuality among many others. “Students are definitely getting involved,” said Alicia Bissonnette ‘12. “I saw heads turning and people talking. It’s all just about getting your brain moving.” And who can help having their thoughts stirred by such messages as, “I’m Gay. God will bring me my husband, not the church,” and “Our flaws make us human — Don’t be a robot.” This project seeks to use communication as a way of detangling the social constructs that bind us yet keep us at a distance from one another. Mary McGrath ‘10, a key contributor to the project, said, “I feel our culture misses out on a lot of discussions that we could be having were the communication more direct and more personal; a lot of conversations that would act as a
By The Numbers 200
Approximate number of “pieces” of dirty laundry currently on display.
7
Number of days the project will be exhibited in the dining hall.
4
Students who coordinated the community art project.
Infinite
Conversations raised by the topics and issues included in the display
means of binding us together, rather than pulling us apart.” The point of the project is to get people “talking about or simply thinking about the things that we choose not to, or are told we can’t,” McGrath said. “The next step is asking ourselves why things are this way. The next step after that is testing the theory ... starting to talk about these things ... and seeing how much or how little it affects the way we relate to one another and our communities.” The project was funded by the Humanities Institute Grant, which is awarded through the College of Arts and Sciences. The grant was awarded to Dr. Jocelyn Boryczka of the Politics Department, who was a key facilitator in working with students who founded the Dirty Laundry Project, namely Mary McGrath ’10, Jen Martin ’10, Bradley Fay ’12 and Sarah Gatti ’10. The Dirty Laundry Project will be active through Sunday, March 21 in the Barone Dining Hall. Students can offer feedback or feelings about the display both on the slips of paper provided in the Barone Dining Hall along the front wall or on the Dirty Laundry Project’s Facebook page. Comments are welcome and help to continue the discussion of the issues the display raises.
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Arts & Entertainment| 13 ‘On the Spot’ Improv Takes Over Boston Editor Melissa Mann » entertainment@fairfieldmirror.com
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By Marissa DePalma Staff Writer
Contributed Photo
‘Alice in Wonderland’ Brings Out the Bizarre By Vincent Ferrer Staff Writer Heroine. LSD. Cocaine. Tim Burton’s “Alice in Wonderland” provokes obscure realities, odd entities and otherworldly imagery in much the same way as these recreational drugs. But is that a good thing? The film, loosely based on Charles Dodgson’s (pseudonym Lewis Carroll) 1860s children-focused novel, is a fast-paced, almost rushed, visual romp from the boring Victorian Era English society to the highly irregular, yet vaguely familiar Wonderland. The detail-saturated, 108-minute film can and should only be seen in “Disney Digital 3D” for an experience less like cinema and more like a Magic Kingdom attraction. Bandersnatches snap at you, evil card henchmen stab at you and unruly Hares throw tea cups at you, all to create the illusion that you yourself are present in the action. The main exposition finds our sickly-looking, sociallyrebellious protagonist, Alice, played aptly by unknown Mia Wasikowska, 19 and unhappy in her predetermined Victorian life. She and her mother are attending an outdoor gala event where Alice’s pre-arranged surprise proposal is about to take place. After seeing visions of a white rabbit, she finally succumbs to her curiosity, leaves her undesired suitor on one knee and without an answer, tumbles down the famous rabbit hole. Once in “Underland” (as the natives call it), the rebel-like locals come to the consensus that our girl is the “wrong Alice” after she feigns the idea of slaying the dreaded Jabberwock. Its death would bring an end to the reign of the tyrannical Red Queen, played by Helena Bonham Carter. What follows is a series of events in which familiar favorite characters, revamped under Burton’s direction, are introduced, each helping Alice to gain enough confidence to fulfill the prophecy. Burton took great measures to ensure that the zany, bizarre nature of Underland remained the central focus by digitally enhancing each of the actors’ appearances. The Mad Hatter (Johnny Depp) has unusually large eyeballs, the Red Queen (Carter) has a massive cranium, and Stayne, the Knave of Hearts played by Crispin Glover, is merely a normal head atop a lanky, flat card body. Aside from the aesthetically awe-inspiring appearances, the film boasts poignant performances from both Carter and Depp. Carter brings the evil and ignorant queen archetype to life while Depp succeeds in breaking free from Willy Wonka-esque, Jack Sparrow-like expectations for his character. The Hatter, a partial schizophrenic who at times sounds Scottish or constipated, overshadows a lackluster performance from Anne Hathaway as the White Queen, the most boring character in the film. The film stays true to the central elements of the original story: an ordinary girl adapting to the demands of an irrational world. Of course there is a moral lesson learned at the end of the day, in traditional Disney fashion. Yet the film marks a new Disney tradition: a more mature visual journey to a once-forgotten realm, in which the Pirates of the Caribbean trilogy began and where Tron Legacy (December 2010) will hopefully continue.
hopes of impressing the judges. They were judged on skill, story and entertainment, and if they really struck a funny bone, they received bonus points from a guest “Can I get some inspiration in the form of a locajudge. tion? A kitchen appliance? A board game? Anything … On The Spot qualified for the semi-finals after doanything at all!” ing scenes performed in the styles of 80s teen comWelcome to the world of improv — where audience edy, super-hero, mafia and kabuki. Improvising these members scream suggestions at the on-stage improvisscenes, OTS beat out Clark University’s The Peapod ers, be it in response to their need or something more Squad and Guerilla Improv from Worcester Polytechnic obscene. Institute. The Peapod The weekend Squad qualified for the of Feb. 27, FairWildcard, which they field’s own On The later won. In the semiSpot (OTS) improv finals, OTS played Gortroupe trekked to don College’s SweatyBoston, where it Toothed Madmen and, was one of the nine victorious once again, troupes participatadvanced to the finals, ing in the annual where they played Beanpot competifriends from Clark. tion. After a difficult Directed by final round, where OTS Yvonne Conybeare condensed a Shakeand stage managed spearean five-act play by sophomore into 10 minutes, OTS David Nevins, OTS lost by four points to joked its way into Photo by Marissa DePalma/The Mirror The Peapod Squad’s the judges’ hearts Fairfield’s “On the Spot” improv group took home second place at spectacular, and hysBoston’s annual Beanpot improv competition. and rolled home terical, spoof of an after with second place. school special. The Biz In addition, Andrew O’Shaughnessy made quite the Markie-chanting Peapod Squad has won the Beanpot impression at the competition and received the Sportsseveral times prior to this year’s competition. Having manship Award. only competed in the Beanpot twice, making it to the You might have heard of On The Spot or may have finals is a tremendous accomplishment for Fairfield. even been fortunate enough to watch one of its shows Next year, OTS plans on taking home first place. this year. If so, then you are aware of the form — imOn The Spot consists of eight improvisers: Alexanprovising an entire hour-long play (this semester in the dra Burke ’11, Kyle Duggan ’11, Christina Dunne ’13, style of Shakespeare). At the Beanpot, OTS did things Jenn Martin ’10, Andrew O’Shaughnessy ’11, Tom Sapoa little bit differently — short form improv. The troupe rito ’12, Zachary Tesoriero ’11 and Amanda Xeller ’11. had to create hysterical 60 and 90-second long scenes Try-outs for the troupe are in September; don’t miss with strong relationships and dynamic goals in the your chance to be a part of something amazing!
Everyone Wants to Be Irish on St. Patty’s Day
Contributed Photo
By Ana Ziegler Staff Writer It is that time of the year again: St. Patrick’s Day. While most link the holiday with drinking, the celebration and traditions of St. Patrick’s day are rooted in Irish beliefs and history. St. Patrick Day History Americans associate St. Patrick’s Day with parades and drinking. While the first St. Patrick’s Day parade originated in New York City in 1762, the holiday originated as a feast day in 17th century Ireland. Falling on March 17, the anniversary of St. Patrick’s death, Irish families would attend church. Lenten prohibitions were waived, allowing
for celebration. Not much is known about the saint himself. Born in Britain around the end of the 4th century, Patrick was taken into captivity at the age of sixteen by Irish raiders. After escaping and experiencing a revelation, the British native turned to Christianity, and, after religious training, returned to Ireland to help convert the Irish to Christianity. Instead of erasing Irish beliefs, he incorporated some traditional Irish rituals into the Christian tradition, to make it easier for the Irish to convert. Knowing that the Irish honored their gods with fire, Patrick used bonfires to celebrate Easter. Although never canonized as a saint by the Roman Catholic Church, St. Patrick’s Day is still celebrated as way to connect to one’s Irish-Christian roots. St. Patrick Day Traditions and Symbols The most common and beloved symbols of St. Patrick’s Day are shamrocks and leprechauns; these can be seen plastered over clothes, flags, and drinking paraphernalia. Shamrocks: The Celtics believed the shamrock to be a sacred plant because it symbolized the rebirth of spring. According to legend, St. Patrick used this plant to explain the concept of Trinity, showing how three individual pieces can be part of the same entity. When the English became more powerful in Ireland in the 17th century, the shamrock became a symbol of Irish nationalism and pride. Leprechauns: The original Irish name of leprechauns was “lobaircin” meaning “small-bodied fellow”. Lepre-
St. Patrick’s Day Traditions | page 15
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Project Pierre Toussaint must reopen…now. Sadly, the Fairfield University community has been sending a disrespectful message to the people of Haiti: “If your children report that they are being sexually abused by one of us, we will abandon you.” The Jesuits taught me that the service of my faith must include the promotion of justice. Project Pierre Toussaint’s school and drop-in center served the basic needs of hungry, homeless, street kids. We must go to Haiti now to show that we are in communion with the pain and suffering of the victims. We must go to Haiti now to work in “konbit” with our Haitian brothers and sisters to reopen the school. In Haitian Creole, a konbit is a traditional Haitian method of working together to till your friends’ fields as well as your own - a cooperative effort.” Paul Kendrick, ‘72
The Mirror | Week of March 17, 2010
Arts & Entertainment
By Dan Leitao Staff Writer
Page 15
iPick St. Patrick’s Day Edition
Song: Green Fields of France Artist: Dropkick Murphys I love this because it’s not only the Dropkick Murphys, but also because this is its version of an old Irish song. This song tells the story of a young man who was killed in World War I while fighting for the English against the Germans. The story tells the story of how many Irish men were taken by the English to fight in the war, stripping Ireland of a generation of men.
Song: Fields Of Athenry Artist: Dropkick Murphys A song about the Great Famine, it tells the story of a man who is being sent to Australia because he stole food for his family. It can be heard in many Irish pubs and bars in both the U.S. and Ireland. It’s a favorite song of mine in which the crowd sings back the chorus after the performer, and if you go out on St. Patrick’s Day you’ll be sure to hear it.
Song: Bloody Sunday Artist: U2 “Bloody Sunday” commemorates the death of 14 civil rights protesters massacred by the British Army in 1972. This is one of my favorites by U2 and it’s its best song about the Irish. It’s also possibly the most well-known song about the Irish struggle in Northern Ireland. Photo illustration by Peter Caty/The Mirror
College Boy Breaks Rap Mold
Jean Paul Gaultier Comes to Target By Julia Maolucci Staff Writer Walking briskly through the Target aisles in search of the greatly anticipated Jean Paul Gaultier collection released March 7, I was eager to see all the hype for myself. Everyone who is familiar with Gaultier’s style was expecting to see elements of what he is showing in his own lines for the current and upcoming seasons to inspire his Target line. Instead of previewing the pieces online before, I actually went to see them in person. I thought I would go in and let the product sell itself. I can’t say I walked out with any bags, but I did leave with an appreciation and understanding of the designer’s vision for the line. Gaultier noted in Elle magazine, “I think that in every woman’s wardrobe, she needs to have expensive, glamorous thing but to be able to mix them with more simple items.” Gaultier claims in his line to have affordable pieces (and separately they are, ranging from $19.99 to $59.99). However, the 20 looks that are shown to promote the line are often paired with other more expensive pieces that allow for the entire Contributed Photo image Gaultier is trying A few of the outfits from Gaultier’s new Target line. to capture to be complete. Part of those more expensive pieces in the supposedly “cheap” line include a $200 leather jacket that is set to launch as the second half of the line is released to over 250 Target stores in early April. Gaultier’s vision for the line was clearly meant to outfit a diverse type of woman. With looks ranging from a nylon rolled-collared pink and white floral shift dress to a one-piece metallic gold bathing suit, the pieces introduced so far suggest Gaultier wanted to bring a Parisian touch to American pop culture. After perusing through the 14 pieces available, I decided to try a few things on to see how the quality and fit of the different pieces was. My picks were a thin blue and white stripe tee with a cut out anchor design, a thin pin-striped tailored jacket, (a Gaultier classic), with a matching mini skirt and lastly, a mustard colored halter dress. Needless to say, I had major issues with all three pieces. The dress was nylon and felt like I was wearing a garbage bag. It had an itchy polyester fish net lining that nearly gave me a rash. To top it all off, it had absolutely no shape and did nothing for my body. As for the matching jacket and skirt set, I simply could not figure it out. The contradiction between the ultra conservative top and provocative short skirt was a failing duo. Overall, the Gaultier line is overpriced for the quality of the clothing the buyer is still paying up to $60 for. Like most designer clothes that are overpriced, the line wouldn’t be given a second glance if it didn’t have the name attached to the product. It would be one thing if the quality matched the price tag, but for the John Paul Gaultier self-proclaimed “cheap and chic” line, there’s too much cheap and not enough chic filling the racks at Target.
Contributed Photo
By Dan Leitao staff writer Asher Roth proved that a rapper can rap about college life just as easily as rapping about any other topic. Sam Adams then proved that a senior at Trinity College in Hartford could not only rap about anything, he could release an eight song EP and rise to the number one Hip-Hop song on iTunes. Never heard of Sam Adams before? You might be surprised — you’ve probably heard of him without even realizing it. His YouTube video “I Hate College,” which remixed Asher Roth’s “I Love College,” has been watched over 1 million times on the Web site. Adams’ new EP, “Boston’s Boy,” came out last week and quickly found itself surpassing albums by Lil Wayne, Jay-Z and Young Money. The album’s rise to the top came under scrutiny after the Web site JumpTheTurnstyle claimed that Adams had purchased the majority of the albums himself. The Web site has since retracted the statement and Billboard showed proof that it was highly unlikely that Adams could have purchased
the songs on his own. In a press released published by Billboard, Adams said, “I know there has been a considerable amount of controversy about my album release hitting No. 1 on the iTunes Hip-Hop charts, and in response I’d like to say that the numbers are legit. They were organic purchases by fans who simply liked the music to purchase.” Since then, the album has also made its mark on the Billboard Top Rap Albums where it sits at No. 7. The album has risen to the top because not only the quality of the album but also the strong following Adams has at North East colleges. “Boston’s Boy” has many appealing songs that mix both up-tempo beats with slower rap ballads. “Driving Me Crazy” and “Coming Up” are two of the up-beat songs from the album, while “Coming Up” has violins in the background. The strong lyrics combined with catchy beats are easily relatable to college students, and the songs work everywhere from a car to a house party or even a club. If you’re looking for a good new EP, “Boston’s Boy” is the one to get. It has songs to fit every mood with lyrics any student can relate to. It can be listened to at the gym, at a house party and even at the bar. Rap fans should keep their eyes on Adams because he’s comin’ up in a big way.
St. Patrick’s Day Traditions Continued from page 13 chauns in Irish folklore were little creatures with magical powers that could be used for good or evil. They were known for being mischievous and for using trickery to protect their treasures. Leprechauns had no prior association with St. Patrick’s Day; the current friendly and cheerful version is a purely American invention. The traditional food for St. Patrick’s Day is corned beef and cabbage. Even though cabbage has long been a traditional Irish food, corned beef has not. It was first introduced by Irish immigrants at the turn of the century to substitute traditional bacon
with something less expensive Newer traditions include drinking Irish beer, often colored green, and attending the St. Patrick’s Day parades. The biggest ones are in New York City and Boston. Chicago celebrates St. Patrick’s Day with its own special tradition. Since 1962, the Chicago River is dyed green for St. Patrick’s Day with 40 pounds of dye. Other ways to show Irish pride include wearing green on the feast day and listening to traditional Irish folk music. So break out the green and practice your accent. Have a safe and Happy St. Patrick’s Contributed Photo Day everybody!
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Upcoming Events
St. Patrick’s Day Party - Wednesday, March 17th - BBC Lower Level Phantom of the Opera on Broadway - Thursday, March 18th Buses leave Alumni Hall @ 4:30PM Late Night @ the Stag - Friday, March 19th @ 10PM Ice Skating in the BCC - Watch Mighty Ducks 1, 2, AND 3 while you skate! Saturday, March 20th - Co-sponsored by FUSA, New Student Programs, University Activities, Residence Life, and Student Diversity Programs
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FUSA presents coming events
FAIRFIELD FRIDAYS
FAIRFIELD FRIDAYS!
Get outta bed and put on RED! - 30% off all red apparel at the book store - Late night @ The Stag 10pm-1am free food, free Fairfield frisbees, and an indoor ice skating rink!
CAMPUS HEROES
TIBETAN MONKS
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR NEW CAMPUS HEROES!
March 22nd - March 25th ALL DAY in the Lower Level BCC!
John Sullivan ‘11 Joe Zagami ‘10 Eliza Carandang ‘10
Josh Robicahud ‘13 Justin Casenta ‘10 Alison Goldberg ‘11
Sand paintings, dances, lectures, and cultural interactions!
FUSA: THE OFFICIAL STUDENT GOVERNMENT OF FAIRFIELD UNIVERSITY BY THE STUDENTS, FOR THE STUDENTS
FUSA STUDENT LEADER SCHOLARSHIP The scholarship is open to all freshmen, sophomore, and junior students. The scholarship will be awarded to an undergraduate student in the Class of 2011, 2012, or 2013 who shows commitment to Fairfield University and its Jesuit ideals through academic integrity, civic engagement, and personal growth. Applications are available BCC 212 or outside of the FUSA office. All applications are due by Wednesday, March 31st at 3pm.
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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
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The Mirror | Week of March 17, 2010
Coffee Break | 17
Check online every week for answers to our games.
Dear Dee,
fairfieldmirror.com
Going home at the end of the semester makes me very stressed. Home has never been a happy place for me because of a dysfunctional family and all the arguing they do. I know they mean well, but they judge everything I do and it just stresses me to the max. How do I deal with it for the whole break? — Stressed out Dear Stressed Out, Have you ever seen the movie, “The Family Stone”? If not, I suggest you pick up a copy and watch it because you will see, you are not alone in this scenario. We’ve heard people throughout our lives saying that every family has its problems. Of course, we always figured that was a polite way to make the people with crazy families feel better, but believe it or not, it is true! Every family does have its problems. However, this doesn’t mean that it’s easy to be around family 24/7 for a few months, or even weeks (especially when your little brother chases you around with his boogers that he threatens to wipe on your new motorcycle jacket). But when it feels like your head is going to explode, take a deep breath and remember, they are your family. For better or for worse, they are related to you, and they truly love you (even your little brother, who does mean well). When things get overwhelming, it’s perfectly normal to escape to your room for a bit, read a book, take a nap, call a friend, or watch some TV. Everyone needs his or her alone time, and if you need a little more alone time than usual when at home, why not take it? When you are with your family at a big fam-
Editor Tom Cleary » mirrorcoffeebreak@gmail.com
Send YOUR questions to deardee@ fairfieldmirror. com
ily dinner or a group outing, try and think about where you are and get wrapped up in the positivity of your family, instead of the negative aspects. All families fight, (like I said, refer to “The Family Stone”) it’s only natural. This doesn’t mean that it doesn’t have somewhat of a draining effect on the people not involved in the actual fight. It’s hard to see people you love fighting. Next time a fight erupts, try and tell the people involved, “I really hope you two can talk this out because it makes me sad when you fight.” Showing them that their fighting stresses you out can help put things in perspective for them as well. All in all, every family can be somewhat dysfunctional at times, but that’s what happens when you’re with the people who matter the most to you. Since there is so much love, there is so much passion, so little arguments are more likely to break out. But the key word here is love. No matter what, your family loves you, and if you need space or want to vent they will gladly listen. If not? Try chasing your brother around with your boogers; maybe he’ll get a taste of his own medicine. Disclaimer: This column is for entertainment only. The author is a student, not a licensed therapist, and this column is not intended to take the place of professional advice. The views expressed are the author’s and are not necessarily shared by The Mirror or its staff.
Coffee Break
The Mirror | Week of March 17, 2010
Page 18
Sports
The Mirror | Week of March 17, 2010
Mirror Sports 3x5 March Madness Edition
Tom Cleary Editor-in-Chief
Chris Simmons
Follow us at mirror3x5 now on Twitter! Mike Evanovich's neck beard does. It's why he lit it up against George Mason.
Number one seed most likely to lose first.
Who is your midmajor sleeper team?
Which MAAC team will go further: Siena or Marist?
MIP: Most Important Player on a team?
And, finally, my final four precition
Syracuse, but only if Arinze Onaku doesn't play. I can see Vanderbilt and even Gonzaga giving the Orange trouble.
Cornell. Three consecutive seasons in the Dance and the top three-point shooting squad in the nation equals winning results.
Siena. The bracket played out perfectly for the Saints. Pull off an upset over injury-plagued Purdue and the bracket could open up.
Evan Turner. He can lead Ohio State as far as the Final Four if he plays up to his ability, earning himself the No. 1 pick in the NBA draft as well.
Kansas, West Virginia, Duke and Vanderbilt. National champs will be Kansas.
UTEP. Because its initials equate to four of my favorite things: Under (bellies of turtles), Tapestries, Emilio (Estevez) and papaya.
Marist. Why? Simple: 1) they've been to the Sweet 16 once before, and 2) they're Giorgis.
I'd go for the easy lay-up and say John Wall, but I'll go bold and say Gonzaga's Matt Bouldin. Not only for his versatility, but for his flow. And, if you know me, I'm a big proponent of the flow.
My bracket just isn't the same without Oral Roberts in the tourney this year. (It's funny because they have Oral in the name of their school.)
Marist. I like women. I'm mailing it in this week. P.S. Anyone want to cover sports next year? We're all graduating ...
Greivis Vasquez. Do the shimmy. Fear the Turtle. The best action a Venezuelan has had in Maryland since Melvin Mora had quintuplets.
Hate to say it, but it's the Dukies. Jon Scheyer, Nolan Keith Connors Smith and Kyle Singler are General Manager as solid a trio as any, but a second-round dinner date with Rick Pitino scares the bejesus out of me.
Managing Editor
Page 19
Make sure you don't eat any poppy seeds beforehand. You might test positive for opium. Ruining your life with a false test: That's a real loss.
Duke, Kansas State, Kentucky, and, to win it all: Rock Chalk Jayhawk. I'll go with Kansas.
Peyton, Eli and the two Donalds in the finals Double Stuf Racing League (DSRL). To be honest, I haven't even looked at a bracket, and honestly, who really cares about my prediction?
Haven't had enough basketball coverage yet this season? Mirror Sports hasn't. Follow all the post-season action online at www.fairfieldmirror.com throughout the next two weeks.
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The Mirror | Week of March 17, 2010
Sports
Page 20
This Week in Sports The week that was in Fairfield Athletics
by
Introducing...
Tom Cleary
Freshman Nikki Jackson Women's Tennis
Men's Tennis Stags go 3-1-1 during spring break play
The men's tennis team improved its record to 3-4-1 on the season with three victories during spring break. The Stags defeated Lafeyette (5-2 on March 5), South Dakota State (6-1 on March 8) and Valparaiso (4-3 on March 9). Fairfield tied Creighton (game suspended due to rain) on March 9 and lost to Liberty, 5-2, as part of a double-header on March 8. Freshman Erik Kremheller leads the team with 13 individual victories. Senior Ryan Berthod is 9-8 and sophomore Joe Michalisin is 9-9. The doubles team of Berthod and sophomore Dan Sauter is 12-5, while Michalsin and junior Rob Ferrante are 9-8.
Baseball
Stag start season with 5-3 mark, prepare for six game trip Led by a fast start by freshman 1B/3B Anthony Hadjar (.467, two doubles, one home run in eight games), the Stags finished their spring break trip with a winning record. Fairfield defeated Valparaiso (2-1), Lehigh (12-6) and Butler (8-2) from March 8-9 as part of a four-game winning streak. That came to an end with a 20-3 loss to Rhode Island. Their final four games were canceled due to rain. The Stags now return to the Northeast and will face St. John's, Quinnipiac and Hofstra in this coming week.
Softball Stags win five games in rain-shortened Florida swing The Stags improved to 7-8 on the season over Spring Break. Fairfield is led by senior Dani Griswold who has a .385 batting average. Fairfield secured victories over Indiana State, Wagner, Toledo and South Florida.
« The Bio: Born in Hackensack, N.J. and a graduate of Holy Angels High School, Jackson is in her first season with the women's tennis squad. She won the 2007 league championship at first singles in high school and was first team All-County, All-League, All-State and All-NNJIL League.
«The Props: Jackson was named the MAAC Women's Tennis Player
of the Week after a 6-0 week during three consecutive Fairfield victories. She is 5-2 overall in singles play and 10-7 overall in doubles play, parterning with senior Dana Postupack. She has played at fourth singles for the Stags this season.
« The Outlook: Jackson is one of three freshmen that joined the de-
fending MAAC-Champion squad at Fairfield. Meghan Sullivan (6-5 singles, 6-4 doubles) and Hannah Blau (2-4 in singles) are the other two. The Stags are 5-3 on the season heading into a St. Patrick's Day matchup at home against UConn. They start the MAAC season at Siena on March 20 and then return home to Fairfield on March 21 for a match against cross-town rivals Sacred Heart at 12 p.m.
What to Watch for Baseball vs. Quinnipiac at Alumni Diamond
Thurs., 3:30 p.m.
The Stags play their first home game of the season, battling NEC-foe Quinnipiac, from just up the road in Hamden, Conn.
Sports
The Mirror | Week of March 17, 2010
Page 21
Men's Lacrosse
Long, strange journey By Keith Connors General Manager There’s a saying that, for a goalkeeper, his biggest enemy is himself. Senior Joe Marra probably wouldn’t agree with that. Not when Notre Dame, laden with senior talent and tinged with dazzling offensive weapons, began the second half facing a six-goal deficit and slowly began to find rhythm and mount a daunting late-game comeback. Marra But for Marra, the journey to this singular moment – holding off the Irish offense with 10 saves in the fourth quarter, guiding the Stags’ to a 10-8 win against Notre Dame, which entered the game ranked third in the nation in the USILA Men’s Lacrosse Coaches’ Poll – is nothing close to the challenge he faced to get there. Only a year ago, Marra was mired on the bench behind freshman goalkeeper Charlie Cipriano, who began his collegiate career with a strong showing in the team’s preseason. The freshman’s impressive start to last season – 14 saves in the team’s season opening victory against Delaware and numerous weekly awards – led to his secure standing as the team’s starter. Marra, on the other hand, watched from the sidelines and wondered if his opportunity would ever come again. “It was difficult,” Marra recalled. “It definitely was.” Only a season earlier, he scratched his way to earning status as the team’s established goalkeeper, starting nine games in his first season of eligibility following his transfer from ECAC rival Loyola (Md.). Marra had ten or more saves in six games, and former head coach Ted Spencer viewed the transfer as the goalkeeper of the future. Then came an eight-game losing streak, capped by a lopsided 13-4 loss to Loyola (Md.), Marra’s former team, which culminated in a coaching decision to move Marra back to the
Adversity shaped Marra, men's lacrosse's hero in Stags' 10-8 thrilling win over No. 3 Notre Dame
bench in favor of Jeff Cilente ’09. can see that he kind of senses that this is his last opportunity. A year later, the situation moved from problematic to dire. He doesn’t say a whole lot, but people follow him and people Marra found himself behind Cipriano’s hot hand and are really responsive to him.” played a cumulative nine minutes, all of which came in the “Joe, I guess, to a lot of people would probably fall under team’s uncompetitive season-finale against St. John’s in late the category of being kind of a surprise, but I think to those in April. our locker room and in our coaching staff, this is “Last year, on the bench, and kind of what we expected of him,” he added. Joe Marra in Fairfield's 10-8 then this year coming in, I was very Appropriately, the Stags also feel that the win win over No. 3 Notre Dame: against Notre Dame was far from a surprise, and motivated to work hard and work to get the spot back,” Marra said. “This that the greatest challenge lies ahead in the coming year, coming in, I just forgot and kind days. 17 saves of cleared my head and let that roll Specifically, prior to the outset of conference 4 ground balls over. I knew it was a new year.” play, which begins next Tuesday night against Ohio NEILA Player of the Week “But I always think about that,” State, the Stags travel to Hamilton, N.Y. to play Colhe added. gate, a team that upset the Stags a season ago. Only a few moths later, the circumstances couldn’t be “I think this game is huge,” Marra said. “I think it is the any more different for the Smithtown, N.Y. native compared to biggest game of the year right now because it is kind of a crossthe his sparse action in the final moments of last spring’s final roads. We could go either way right now." game. Marra, who recorded seventeen saves and a game-high four ground balls in the victory over Notre Dame, now finds himself more than just the established player in net; he has become the face of the Stags’ much improved defensive front and the benefactor of a team slowly maturing in the early goings of the season. “Usually 10 saves in a game is good, Joe had 17,” said junior defenseman Sean Bannon. “If he keeps making saves like that, we’ll keep winning. Joe just made some saves where he was standing on his head.” Marra, despite his unassuming nature, has also grown into a silent leader on and off the field, and despite strong results on the field – Marra boasts two consecutive weeks as the ECAC Defensive Player of the Week and was also named as the New England Intercollegiate Lacrosse Association (NEILA) Player of the Week for his effort against Notre Dame – saves and clearing percentage are far from the only thing that has led to his renaissance season. Contributed Photo “I think mature is 100 percent the right word when you’re Men's Lacrosse gathers prior to its 10-8 victory over No. 3 Notre Dame in Houston. talking about Joe Marra,” head coach Andy Copelan said. “You
Women's Lacrosse
Run-and-gun fun By Keith Connors General Manager A landmark win. Countless weekly conference awards. A dazzling second half comeback. National attention. Just as many of Fairfield’s athletic teams enjoyed an unparalleled streak of success in the past few weeks, women’s lacrosse followed in suit and, at the moment, boasts one of the best recent streak of successes on campus. In addition to a pair of thrilling victories over James Madison and Quinnipiac, the Stags also came out of a treacherous out-of-conference schedule stretch with another convincing victory against crosstown rival Sacred Heart, which the team defeated last spring to clinch the program’s first ever both in the NCAA Tournament. Perhaps the most notable win, however, came in the form of a 14-5 lopsided road win against Yale, marking the first time in team history that the Stags defeated their in-state rival and one of the most storied women’s lacrosse programs. Along the way, senior attack Erin Rigby (Offensive Player of the Week), fifth-year senior attack Caitlin Young (Defensive Player of the Week), and freshman midfielder Chloe Magnan (Rookie of the Week) all collected Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) weekly awards in the team’s most recent stretch. In addition, Kristen Coleman continued her ascent on the program’s all-time goal scorers chart. Following a four-goal
Despite setback to Lehigh, Waldvogel, women's lacrosse picking up just where it left off a season ago
effort against Quinnipiac, Coleman became the program’s all-time leader in goals scored. “I think she’s been a tremendous asset, as an individual,” head coach Mike Waldvogel said. “Our style is basically run-andgun so everyone has the green light. She just has to keep playing within our game, and so far she’s doing a good job.” Beyond that, Waldvogel added that Coleman's presence in the lineup has opened newfound offensive opportunities for her teammates, which has boded well for the team's success. "Now (Kristen) is starting to get the better defenders, , and that's why Rigby and some of the other players are having success because now you don't have that top defender." Consequently, Coleman’s compliment on offense, Erin Rigby, isn’t far behind, and currently sits at third on the program’s all-time scoring list. At the moment, Rigby leads the team in goals and cumulative points on the season. Despite a 14-13 double-overtime setback on Tuesday afternoon at Alumni Stadium to unbeaten Lehigh (6-0), the Stags showed flashes of brilliance with an impressive second half stretch. In the face of a six-goal deficit at halftime, Fairfield scored five consecutive goals and eight of the final ten goals, capped by a free position goal from Coleman that tied the game with just over five minutes to play. Even though the Mountain Hawks emerged from a highly contested overtime
with the win, it is hard to argue that the against a West Cost opponent (St. Mary’s) Stags have put themselves on the national with an imposing game against New landscape with their success and, eventuHampshire, which, at 4-2, is one of the betally, have put themselves in prime position ter teams in the America East conference. to enter Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Conference play begins with a trip to (MAAC) play with a plethora of confidence Buffalo and a early April contests against and added momentum. Canisius and Niagara. “Our job basically is to win the MAAC,” Waldvogel said. “Win the championship in the end, get an automatic bid to the NCAAs, and then win that first game, at least that first game in the NCAAs. That’s what the seniors’ goal is and that’s what our goal is.” “I think we can do it,” he added. “We just have to play well and smart. We just have to stay focused on what we have to do." The Stags continue the out-of-conference portion of their schedule this weekend against California, and Contributed Photo then compliment Under the tutelage of head coach Mike Waldvogel, the Stags boast a high octane offense, led by junior midfielder Kristen Coleman and another game senior attack Erin Rigby.
Sports
The Mirror | Week of March 17, 2010
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Men's Basketball
Evanovich Drops 32 in Comeback Win Continued from page 24 not the way seniors Anthony Johnson and Mike Evanovich planned on going out. But somewhere inside, the Stags found the heart that powered them to a 22 (now 23) victory season. That drive was led by players like Johnson, who overcame a blood clot and powered his way to an All-MAAC First Team spot and Evanovich, who now ranks in the top three in three-point shooters in Stags history. Throw in the indomitable will of freshman Derek Needham and Fairfield had the formula to perform a comeback never before seen in its history, or college basketball postseason history. The Stags outscored George Mason 51-24 in the final 16 minutes to lead them to the 101-96 overtime victory. Evanovich scored a career-high 32 points, including nine three-pointers, a school single-game record, breaking a record of eight that he held along with Jermaine Clark. He hit two NBA-range threepointers in the final minute, including a falling away three-pointer with one second left to tie the game and send it into overtime. Needham, who finished with 21 points, also drained a threepointer from the corner to cut into the lead in the final minute. Fairfield had trailed by seven with under 30 seconds to play. In overtime, Johnson took the stage and stepped up, scoring 11 of Fairfield's 14 points and outscoring the entire Patriots squad. Fairfield, now 23-10 overall, took its largest lead of the game during the overtime frame, 98-93 with 35 seconds left on a pair of Needham free throws. The Stags will now face the winner of Harvard and Appalachian State, who play on Wednesday night. The game will likely be played next Monday, but no date or time has officially been set as of print. Fairfield was coming off of one of its best MAAC tournament performances in recent years, reaching the championship game against Siena last Monday. Fairfield took Siena down to the wire, before falling in overtime, 72-65 in the tournament hosted in Albany, the home of the Saints. The Stags led at the half and had a shot at victory at the buzzer out of the hands of Colin Nickerson, but the it fell short. Fairfield had the ball with just over 20 seconds left, but Siena had only two team fouls and used the remaining fouls to whittle down the clock, not allowing Fairfield to get off a clean shot. "They earned it," Fairfield coach Ed Cooley said. "They made some timely baskets, some timely rebounds and it just wasn't our time."
Chris Simmons/The Mirror
Senior Mike Evanovich led the Stags to a 27-point comeback win in the opening round of the CIT. After the loss Fairfield hoped to earn a spot in the NIT, but were passed over and accepted a spot in the CIT, the "third-tier" tournament, consisting of all mid-major level teams. Last season, in the inaugural tournament, Old Dominion from the Colonial Athletic Association won the championship and used that victory to push the Monarchs to the NCAA tournament this year. Fairfield will hope for a similar push if the miraculous overtime win over George Mason can propel the Stags further into the CIT. Needham, who has scored over 500 points this season, just the fourth player in Fairfield history to ever reach that mark in a single season, said after the game he will be driven even further next season.
"I'm going to think about this game until I'm cutting down the nets next March," Needham said. Fairfield hosts next year's MAAC tournament and following the loss to Siena, Cooley laughed and said that next year he hopes things will be different. Instead of an arena filled with screaming Siena fans, he wants to see an arena filled with Fairfield fans. If this gutsy run of success continues in the CIT, the Stags may see a packed Arena at Harbor Yard sooner than they ever thought possible. Maybe Needham will be cutting down the nets twice in two seasons, celebrating a CIT championship. But as usual, Fairfield won't get ahead of itself, the Stags will continue to take it just take it one game at a time, one minute at a time, even with the odds stacked against them.
Women's Basketball
Stags Prepare to Face No. 4 Towson on Thursday Continued from page 24
will host the game at Alumni Hall at 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 18. The first 200 students will had been selected and would play Towson get in for free and Frager is hoping for a good in the first round. Towson (15-15 overall, 9-9 turnout. Colonial Athletic Association) is seeded fourth "I hope so," he said. "But I'm realistic. I'm while Fairfield (19-12, 11-7 MAAC) is fifth. not looking for the entire student section to be "It was very nerve racking," said Frager. filled, but I think it could be a fun atmosphere. "They said they'll let us know on March 15, but And just to have the girls recognized would be they didn't say it was going to be at 11 at night. nice. They literally busted their asses all year I was at a high school basketball double-head- and it would be great for our kids. I know they er and getting stomach-sick. Then we finally would love it." got the call." The Stags had to work hard to rebound from a 10-12 start to "They literally busted their the season, dealing with injuries and a asses all year." â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Joe Frager six-woman rotation for the last two months. on why he hopes the Stags Yet, Fairfield reeled off nine straight wins, get a student turnout for their including two in the MAAC Tournament to opening WBI game. reach the finals before falling to Marist. Frager After the game, Fairfield last played in a postseason tourMarist head coach Brian Giorgis was complinament when the Stags received an at-large mentary of the job Frager had done, especially bid to the NCAA Tournament in 2001. in light of the Stags' first win of the win streak, "We're really excited," said Frager. "It's which was against Marist after a season-low a great opportunity. Fairfield hasn't been to loss against St. Peter's. a postseason tournament since 2001, so it's "When we played up there before the going on nine years now. It's a nice reward for game, Joe said to me 'I don't know how much the type of season they've had and it's a nice longer our kids can keep playing,'" said Giorrecognition for their efforts. (Seniors) Tara gis. "But give them credit, they gave a gritty (Flaherty) and G (Stephanie Geehan) said effort and they kept playing hard. But playing all during the tournament, 'Stags for another three games in three days, your legs do go; I day,' and now they can be." don't care how good of shape you're in. Frager While Towson is the lower seed, Fairfield though, that guy can flat out coach. I would
love to sit down with Joe and see how he gets his kids to remember all that stuff." Frager admitted to wondering about where his team was headed after the loss that dropped the team to 4-7 in the conference and 10-12 overall. "Honestly, I'd be sitting here lying if I said at that point after the loss to St. Peter's I knew we'd be here," he said. "I thought, 'I wonder where we are going to get our next win. I don't know if we'll win another.' But on the flip side, I thought we were capable of so much more. I thought we just had to fight through the rough patches better." The Stags did that in the last third of the season. "I think we took each weekend game by game," said Flaherty. "We took that last third of the season and made it ours. On and off the court we came together." While the loss in the championship game was disappointing and means no NCAA Tournament bid for the team, Frager thinks the team will still prepare just as hard and is excited to play in the postseason, even if it isn't the big dance. "Obviously as coaches, you do worry about that," he said. "Especially after losing the tournament and going on spring break. We gave them four days off, then when we came back, they had three really good days of practice. They're excited and happy with a chance to play in a tournament." Against Towson, the Stags will have to be careful not to get roped into a run-and-gun type of game that the Tigers enjoy playing. "They're pretty scary," said Frager. "They
play in a very strong conference. They love up-tempo and they hammer the boards. We need to control the tempo and rebounding is going to be key. We need to play the game on our terms and play more our style. It's got to be one-and-done for them." One advantage for the Stags is that their style of playing, emphasizing half-court offense, is well-suited for tournament play. Frager runs multiple sets and Giorgis thanked his assistant coach who scouted the Stags after Marist's win in the finals. "She says when she retires she's going to write a book on all Joe Frager's sets," said Giorgis. "He's got a zillion of them. I'm actually more impressed that his kids remember all of them." Even though Towson is only .500, they played a tough schedule and beat No. 25 Maryland as well as Delaware and Old Dominion. "We've got to find ways to neutralize their physical advantage," said Frager. "We're not going to out jet anybody. (Sophomore) Taryn (Johnson) can move, but some of our other girls, can be, let's say, 'laterally challenged'." While a win on Thursday would be sweet, it's a credit to Frager, his staff, and most importantly his players, who kept battling even after injuries and falling nearly to the bottom of the conference, to even reach the postseason. "Unless you've been in this situation, you don't realize how hard it is," said Frager. "To go from there, to playing for a championship, that makes it real special."
Sports | 24
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Basketball Teams Fall in Finals ... Women earn bid to WBI, to host Towson in opener on Thursday By Chris Simmons Managing Editor
Women's basketball head coach Joe Frager and his team were still reeling from a disappointing 66-49 loss to Marist in the MAAC conference finals when he returned to his Crowne Plaza Hotel room in Albany. Twenty minutes later, after setting his Blackberry aside, a message popped up. The Women's Basketball Invitational was interested in Fairfield's participation. Eight days later, the inaugural WBI announced that Fairfield
Stags | page 22
Photo of Derek Needham, Chris Simmons/The Mirror
Men make history in CIT victory over George Mason By Tom Cleary Editor in Chief
With a 27 point deficit with just over 16 minutes to go against George Mason, Stags fans and even coaches averted their eyes from the game in front of them. But not the players. Instead of a loss, the Stags recorded the biggest comeback, from down 27 points, in NCAA postseason history â&#x20AC;&#x201C; NCAA tournament and NIT included. It was nearly a humiliation on top of a crushing defeat in overtime of the MAAC Championship against now three-time consecutive champions Siena. Not exactly the way Fairfield planned on finishing its season and definitely
Evanovich | page 22
... But Both to Play in Postseason
Photo of Taryn Johnson, Peter Caty/The Mirror
InsideSPORTS:
Down goes no. 3: Goalie Joe Marra leads Men's Lacrosse passed Notre Dame in Houston Showdown p. 21