9/21/11

FREE | Take one Week of September 21, 2011 | Vol. 37, Iss 3

The

Mirror

The Independent Student Newspaper of Fairfield University

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The Reflection of Fairfield

The Sea Grape, Top College Bar in America?

By Chelsea Whittemore Contributing Writer

Krunkle. The Shot God. Bob. ­You may know Robert Manere, the new owner of the Sea Grape, by one of these nicknames.

Manere took ownership from Candice Lavine and her husband this summer and has big goals for the upcoming year.

“Better food. Cleanliness. Fun,”he said.

He feels as though the legendary Fairfield U. beach hangout has started achieving these goals only five weeks into ownership. “I want the kids at Fairfield to know that this is their bar. I am just the caretaker here,” he said.

Manere, 51, grew up in Weston, CT and said “[he] remembers the bar when [he] was a kid.” He has never owned a bar but has “owned other restaurants around here.”

His goal: to make the Sea Grape the Top College Bar in America.

“I want this to be the hottest place.

Everything has to be fun,”he said.

So far the reviews have been good.

“The food there is really good,”said Karl Bratty ’12.“It’s a good place to go at night or even during the day to eat.”

“It is a great bar to go to since all of my friends are always there,” said Marie Doherty ’12. “I go in and am surrounded by people I have grown close with over my 4 years” at Fairfield.

“It’s the most convenient place to go since it’s within walking distance.

All those years of cab fees are over,” said beach resident Shayna Abbott ‘12.

The bar stands between a parking lot and a motel, with a white metal fence keeping drunken invaders out. When walking inside, the floor feels a bit sticky and the mood lighting is very dark. The only thing shining bright is the arcade games lined up in the back.

The large bar is the center of attention, literally, and the open space around it looks much bigger when it’s not taken over by Fairfield University se-

Continued| page 2

A “Halo” in Memory of Kenni Fairfield celebrates the life of a beloved student and friend

By Nicole Davidow Contributing Writer

As Nwajagu grew up, in addition to focusing on his academics, writing, directing, producing, Come join the Fairfield comand/or acting in films and movies, munity in celebrating the life of Nwajagu also found time to indulge Kenni Nwajagu ‘12 this week in a himself in some of his favorite hobmemorial service being held bies. These included reading, this Friday at 8 p.m. in the listening to his favorite Egan Chapel of St.Ignatius of musical artist, Beyonce, Loyola. Nwajagu was 21 years and watching Harry Potter old when he passed away on movies.

June 30, 2011. All are invited Nwajagu’s interests in to attend the student-orgafilm and performing arts nized memorial service. continued to develop during When Nwajagu arrived his time at Fairfield. All of onto Fairfield’s campus in 2008, Nwajagu’s hard work and his one-of-a-kind personaltalent was recognized in May ity could not go unnoticed.

2011 at Fairfield University’s Nwajagu was a film major with Cinefest. There, the movie, an aptitude for the arts. He was which he was responsible easy to talk to and got involved for producing, “This is Me,” in many activities around earned the award for Best campus. As a result, many of his Picture. He and his co-direcclassmates remember him as a tor walked onto the stage to loving friend with an exceptionreceive the award accompaal spirit and sincere enthusiasm nied by the sound of a standregarding the things he loved ing ovation filled with praise, most.

Contributed Photo support, and encouragement.

Nwajagu spent the early Kenni Nwajagu was a member of the class of 2012.

Nwajagu was loved by years of his childhood growhis fellow classmates because ing up in Nigeria. His father recalls become a true leader at a young age. he was a true friend to so many. A that even at the young age of six, his Not only was Nwajagu acFacebook page created in his memPrincipal nicknamed him “Kiri Kiri knowledged and awarded for such ory demonstrates how Nwajagu’s Star” because he had such a natural leadership efforts, but he was also peers truly admired him. talent for acting, which he displayed recognized for being involved in Friends and family rememin his school’s plays. At seven years his church, excelling in school, and ber him as a “great person” with a old, Nwajagu moved to the United pursuing his dreams by participat“bright smile and contagious laugh.”

States of America with his family. ing in programs like Original Works He will forever be remembered by In a beautiful biography of Inc., an after school program for the lives he touched here at Fairfield Nwajagu ’s life written by his father, aspiring actors.

University.

Index Opinion • Page 7 The Vine • Page 9 Coffee Break • Page 16 Sports • Page 20

his father explains just how easily Nwajagu adjusted to life in America.

Nwajagu quickly embraced numerous opportunities to become an active member in his community and build his character, working hard to

OPINION: Bending the rules of the game p.7

Staff Photographer The Sea Grape Cafe located on Reef Road on Fairfield Beach.

The Latest “Situation”

By Maggie Andrews Contributing Writer

It has all the drama, scandals, and suspense of a reality show.

But instead of playing out on MTV, this never-ending episode can be found in newspapers and on the nightly news.

Welcome to the reality that is many students’ first time voting in a Presidential election.

Chuck Todd, an influential political analyst for NBC News, compared the race for the White House to reality television while sharing his opinions of the upcoming Presidential election. He spoke to a packed audience at the first Open Visions Forum event of the year on Tuesday.

It’s hard to believe that the campaign season has started again, with the election of President Obama still a recent memory.

However, several Republicans’ campaigns are in full swing to gain the party’s nomination, and already the serious contenders have been narrowed down and the stage is set for what Todd believes

will be a very negative campaign.

While negativity and mudslinging constitutes countless hours of The Real Housewives franchise, how does political bickering affect voters? According to Todd, the voter turnout among young adults decreases as the political tension increases. Petty arguments and name-calling are commonplace on television; this demographic doesn’t need to look to the Presidential candidates for their daily dose of controversy.

Todd’s credentials make him more than qualified to gauge the state of our nation’s politics. A Chief White House Correspondent for NBC News, co-host of “The Daily Rundown,” and a political analyst for “NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams,” “Today,” and “Meet the Press,” Todd is considered one of the 50 most influential journalists in the United States. His hope is to educate and be accessible to the average American in order to create informed citizens.

With homework, clubs, and the new season of our favorite television shows, who has time

Continued page 3

Maggie Andrews/’Contributed Photo

Laura Zervoudakis interviews featured speaker Chuck Todd for News 64

NEWS: Go green! a leaf column p. 3

Ballroom Dancing a hit p. 9

News

The Mirror | Week of September 21, 2011

The Princeton Review Knows What We’re All About

By Mary Kate McCormick Contributing Writer

In a recent University press release, Fairfield public relations experts noted the powerful presence of Fairfield in college guidebooks, a resource that almost every college applicant uses to choose the school best fit for them.

The majority of students came to this decision with the help of a campus visit and tour, advice from a Fairfield alumnus and most commonly, by using the easily accessible information in college guidebooks such as put out by The Princeton Review, US News and other similar companies.

It is exciting to note that “the U.S. News and World Report 2012 edition of “America’s Best Colleges” lists Fairfield as number two in the category of Best Regional Universities in the Northeast. In addition, the publication ranked the institution as number eight in its regional listing of Great Schools, Great Prices,” according to Fairfield’s PR department.

Guidebooks matter when deciding on a college, but it is also important to recognize that numbers and rankings aren’t everything.

Guidebooks tell applicants about the pulse of everyday life at Fairfield; which is ultimately the most important factor in selecting a college. The articles examine the academic strength of the school, as well as the overall personality, lifestyle and experience of a Fairfield student.

In The Princeton Review’s recently released book “The Best 376 Colleges” describes Fairfield in categories of Academics, Life, Student Body, Admission and a section called “The School Says.”

Although the information on Fairfield University is only two pages in length, any student here would agree that The Princeton Review encapsulates what Fairfield is all about in short, concise paragraphs.

For a student applying to Fairfield, it is important for them to know that the school is often referred to as a “J. Crew U,” known for its preppy northeastern sense of style, stating that, “The typical student owns a Northface, was really good at some sport in high school, owns some articles of Polo, is moderately attractive and enjoys a good weekend of partying.”

Senior Marie Najjar remembers reading the “Fiske Guide to Colleges” as a senior in

high school and feeling like the student body description “told me exactly what I was wondering about a real Fairfield experience.”

Najjar went on to say that “information about admissions and ranking were all well and good, but the guidebooks really helped to understand what the Fairfield experience would really be like.

Reading it now, the descriptions are totally accurate.”

It might have been the allure of beach living as a senior, the long list of Division 1 sports teams, the on-campus sense of Jesuit community or any number of things that our school has to offer that made you choose Fairfield U, most of which can be found in a college guidebook.

Fairfield’s high rankings, in conjunction with the information on day-to-day life as a Fairfield student is what made all of us choose and continue to attend this University!

Tom McKiver/The Mirror

Fairfield University students walking across campus showing our “J. Crew U” personality as well as a casual mix.

Page 2

The Sea Grape

Tom McKiver/The Mirror

Grape Owner Robert Manere (right) with the General Manager (left). niors. It’s the kind of place college seniors who live walking distance from the beach could only dream of.

With the help of another member of his staff, Ashely Latella, Manere is working toward an upcoming foam party, karaoke Wednesday’s, and a Halloween party with cash prizes.

Latella is open to ideas and suggestions from the students to help make for a good year for the Fairfield University class of 2012. “Whatever ideas you guys have, of like events, toga parties or any theme nights,”Latella said.

“Even drink specials you want to see, within reason, just let us know and we’ll try to make it happen,”she noted.”We are open to all that stuff.We want to hear your ideas.”

The Sea Grape is the top bar for the 300 Fairfield university students living at the beach. It’s the only bar within walking distance from the houses and where peers gather after the parties have died down.

Jim Fitzpatrick ’70, Assistant Vice President of Student Affairs, said the Sea Grape “was not on our list of bars to go to,” during his undergraduate years. His memory recalls some previous names such as “Your Brother’s Suspenders” and “The Nautilus.”

“Once it changed to the Nautilus,

then it began to appeal to the college crowd,” Fitzpatrick said. 40 years ago, the bar was giving out hair dryers in a raffle, compared to today, where a $1000 cash prize will be given to the best Halloween costume.

One problem is the maximum occupancy of the Sea Grape is 278 persons.“We reach it every Saturday night. We keep track of who’s coming in,” Manere said. He remains strict after other neagtive college bar incidents in the area, but this does not affect a full turn out.

“I am trying to do event planning as quickly as possible,”Manere said.“I want this senior class to have the best Fairfield University experience at the Grape. This will become the premiere bar,”he said.

Besides a good night out, the Sea Grape offers a wide variety of food options. The kitchen is closed on Mondays but open until 9 all other nights of the week. The menu features a wide variety of seafood, burgers, salads and sandwiches even nicknaming one of their dishes “F.U Bites” in honor of Fairfield students.

Manere commutes 25 minutes every day of the week from Bethel, CT to be at the bar all the time.

“Anytime we’re open, you can find Bob,” he said.

Taught On Screen: An Irish Education

By Richard O’Connor Contributing Writer

Contributed Photo/Fairfield Web site

The Pipe, 2010, is first movie of the festival playing on Wednesday October 5 at 7 p.m.

Contributed Photo/Fairfield Web site

Eclipse, 2009, is the second movie of the festival playing on Wednesday October 12 at 7 p.m.

Are you an Irish Studies Minor? Are you interested Irish culture? Or are you simply just Irish?

Well, starting Wednesday October 5th, and continuing every following Wednesday for the remainder of the month, the Irish studies program will be hosting an Irish film series in the DiMenna-Nyselius Library.

The film series is open to any and all Fairfield University students as well as the rest of the Fairfield community.

The purpose of the series is to educate the viewers in Irish culture by showing popular and award winning films through an Irish perspective, while covering themes such as Irish identity in America and Irish history.

The films are nominated by professors in the Irish studies program and usually pertain to a current course being offered. Some previous films shown were “ The Secret of Kells” a 2009 foreign animated film about the creation of the Book of Kells, and “The Quiet Man” featuring John Wayne.

The first film that will be shown in the series named “The Pipe” is a documentary released in 2010 about the Corrib Gas Pipeline controversy, where Irish farmers and fisherman were brought into conflict with Shell Oil over rights to land and fishing ground.

All films shown, however, aren’t necessarily directly tied with Irish studies. Professor Pearson, an English professor who also teaches Irish studies related classes, elaborated on the different kinds of films shown and how they deal with Irish themes.

“Classic westerns that people wouldn’t think of as Irish films but deal with Irish immigration in America... if you put these films in an Irish cultural studies context, you see the background to them that you may have never thought of before,” according to Pearson, Two students spoke about their positive experiences with the film series. After taking “Politics of War and Peace in Northern Ireland” with Professor Cassidy, Kelly Williams ‘12 was inspired by the class and started becoming a regular at the series.

She believes that, “Irish films have more meaning and depth to them than films here. They demonstrate the struggles between them (The Republic of Ireland) and Northern Ireland.” Dan Leitao ‘12 also commented that the Irish Studies program “chooses relative films that have big names, and are usually pretty good.”

The film series is held in the Multimedia room in the lower level of the DiMenna-Nyselius Library.

Screenings begin at 7p.m. and are preceded by a brief introduction to the film with a professor from the Irish Studies program, and at the films conclusion groups tend to stay for discussion.

The turnout is normally a mix between Fairfield University students and members of the community.

According to Professor Pearson you can “expect a good night of film and discussion in a way that brings back film to the experience of seeing it together and ... discussing it together.”

Contributed Photo/Fairfield Web site

Last September, 1999, is the third film of the festival playing on Wednesday October 19 at 7 p.m.

Contributed Photo/Fairfield Web site

Secrets of the Dead: Irish Escape, 2009, is the last film of the festival playing on Wednesday October 26 at 7 p.m.

The Mirror | Week of September 21, 2011

News

Homework: Quality Versus Quantity

By Farheen Khan Contributing Writer

When one asks a college student how his studies are going, one will more often than not receive a reply about how stressed the individual is due to the amount of work he may be receiving. Nowadays, one sees even young children receiving a larger amount of homework that not even the Class of 2015 had when they were in elementary school.

At this point, students in preschool are being taught how to read and even fouryear-olds are receiving some homework. One may ask what the reason is for putting a burden on younger children before they are even six years old. However, the answer lies in a study of international academic rankings by the Program of International Student Assessment in December 2010.

The United States ranked 17 th in reading, 23 rd in science, and 31 st in math.

However, this is not the first survey that shows where American students over the last thirty years have not been at higher rankings in reading, math and science. This was the reason for increasing the amount of homework. Officials wanted to see if students’ grades would improve if they received more practice.

There was a significant improvement in student performance for math but not as much for reading and science.

By Zach Gross Contributing Writer

Tom McKiver/The Mirror

Students working on their homework assignments in the LL BCC. Surprisingly, this decision still had mixed results. The studying and homework that was now required of middle school and high school students were either considered an unreasonable burden or a very crucial activity. This soon led to either a high stress level among students who thought of homework as a very crucial activity or wastage of time for other students.

Nonetheless, the New York Times believes that this is not the right question that parents and other school officials should be asking. It is not worth it to debate whether students are receiving too little or too much homework because every student learns at a different pace. Still though, this does not mean that no solution should be considered. Instead, parents and school officials

The New “Situation”

Continuted From Pg. 1

to read the newspaper or tune in to political debates? And isn’t the election still months away?

Todd simplified these answers and his opinions by starting with the candidates, in order to inform the average Fairfield student of the current status of the Presidential campaign.

The biggest question of the early stages of the campaign is who will represent the Republican Party and share the ballot with Obama.

While Todd believes that the two major candidates are Mitt Romney and Rick Perry, he does not think the race is confined to the Democratic and Republican nominees. The stage is set for a third party to enter the race with a middle-of-the-road stance, providing the suspense for this political drama. Now all that’s missing is the third party candidate.

The economy is an inevitable topic for discussion in this election, one that Todd believes will be a deciding factor in the way people decide to vote. The recently announced debt plan, the substantial drop in consumer confidence, and the “Buffet rule” regarding more taxes for the wealthy are all issues that the candidates will use to attack each other’s

Go Green with LEAF!

should be coming up with a balance about how homework assignments can advance learning.

Fortunately, the community does not have to think too much to come up with a solution. Neuroscientists, cognitive scientists, and educational psychologists have developed a new discipline called “Mind, Brain, and Education,” which is specifically tailored to students’ educational needs.

This program attempts to understand and improve how children absorb, retain, and apply knowledge. Classrooms that have made “Mind, Brain, and Education” a part of their educational curriculum have seen a big change in success among its students.

A study by psychologists in Washington University in

Continued page 5

stances, adding drama and tension to this reality nightmare. Todd joked that as a result of our current economic woes, “Obama left for the United Nations, because he finds the Israeli-Palestinian peace process easier to deal with than our national debt.”

Who knew the Presidential campaign could provide as much entertainment as an episode of Jersey Shore? During the 2008 Presidential election, 62 percent of cable television reporting was dedicated to election coverage.

Students better get used to the idea of watching politics as regular entertainment, because there is a lot more coming this way until the ballots are cast in November 2012.

Remember, all containers must be relatively clean and free of food and drink, so please empty them out first. Never put food or liquid in a recycling bin because it contaminates the entire bin. Also, place your recyclables into the bins LOOSE; they will not be recycled if they

are concealed in plastic bags.

The following are NOT accepted in campus recycling bins: -plastic bags -Styrofoam -food -pizza boxes -batteries -electronics Keep in mind: no one is forcing you to recycle, but please do not ruin it for those who do recycle by putting garbage into recycling bins.

If you have any questions or want to get involved with the environmental movement on campus, join the Leaders for Environmental Action at Fairfield (LEAF) group on Facebook, email leaf.fairfield@ gmail.com, or follow @ FU_Recycle on Twitter.

Contributed Photo/ Fairfield Website A LEAF member works hard to clean up the environment near our campus.

Excited for Fresh Food?

By Amber Nowak Chief Copy Editor

Contributed Photo/ Fairfield Website Chuck Todd, NBC political analyst

Of all of the changes that were made to campus over the summer, perhaps the greatest one was the implementation of single stream recycling.

What’s single stream recycling you ask? Only the best thing ever! It’s so simple you barely need to think, and we’ve substantially increased the number of items we can recycle on campus!

Here is what you need to know: You no longer need to separate paper from other recyclables, such as cans and bottles; all recyclables can now go into the same recycling bin!

You can recycle the following materials in the same bin: -white & colored office/ notebook paper, newspaper, magazines -corrugated cardboard -all metal and aluminum -food boxes (such as cereal) -plastic containers #1-7

(including Solo cups!)

-all glass -empty milk and juice cartons

Page 3

College cafeterias have always borne the brunt of student’s criticism, and our main dining room is no exception.

Many students are familiar with the experience of heading to “Bar-One” with empty stomachs, craving a satisfying meal only to be disappointed and perhaps even a little disgusted by the options: a variety of greasy, starchy, fried foods and iceberg lettuce.

This week, however, the university’s 2 nd Annual Farmto-Chef Harvest Celebration is scheduled to take place, hopefully breaking up the monotony of students’ Barone dining experience. The event will use food grown on local farms and in the Fairfield University garden to supply the cafeteria with a variety of fruits, vegetables and other natural ingredients.

The University sees the Farm-to-Chef celebration as an opportunity for Sodexo to offer students “outstanding, fresh ingredients from some of the best farms in Connecticut, as well as from the campus garden,” according to a university press release. Heirloom tomatoes, squash, carrots,

rosemary, potatoes and apples are some of the ingredients, which will be available to students in the salad bar and in dishes created by the cafeteria chefs.

Students who were present for the event last year remember it as a favorable experience.

“Last year’s [Farm-to-Chef event] was a big success,” said Alicia Bissonnette ’12. “It let us network with farms and the food was great, and healthy too.”

New students seem to be

looking forward to the event as well. “I like organic food, at home I’m really picky,” said Brynn Raffensperger ’15. “I shop at Whole Foods all the time, so having nice fresh food would be exciting.”

The Farm-to-Chef event will be going on throughout the week the Barone Campus Center Cafeteria as a part of the regular dining services.

On Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m the event open to the public as well as campus community.

Contributed Photo/Fairfield Website Showing Fairfield University Gardens different food from their garden.

The Mirror | Week of September 21, 2011

News

Page 4

Campus Crime Beat

Tuesday, 9/13 10:58 a.m.

A bystander reported a hit and run incident outside of the Rec Plex. The operator of the vehicle was identified and Fairfield Police Department was notified.

Mirror Picks of the Week!

Friday, 9/16 1:50 am A non-student who was asked to leave earlier from Jogues, with no identified host, was found back on campus and arrested.

Saturday, 9/17 12:50 am The non-student arrested earlier for trespassing, was spotted by DPS outside of Jogues with no shoes on. The individual was once again arrested.

Tuesday, 9/13 1:55 p.m.

A student that left their door propped in 70 McCormick reported the theft of cash from their room.

Tuesday, 9/13 5:01 p.m.

A student reported their cell phone stolen from Jazzman’s Cafe. The phone was charging on a table, and the student had only walked away from the phone for a short time.

Saturday, 9/17 4:09 am Four unwanted guests attempted to enter campus without proper identification.

The parties involved named a student host, yet were barred from entry.

Wednesday, 9/14 1:07 a.m.

Several students were documented for not having identification at the front gate checkpoint.

Thursday, 9/15 11:13 a.m.

Fairfield police department assisted DPS in apprehending a student discovered to be in possession of a fake ID. Thursday, 9/15 3:33 pm A witness called in the license plate of a student’s car that was stealing a handicapped parking sign in the parking lot at 42 Bellarmine. The student was identified and referred to judicial.

Sunday, 9/18 2:09 am During a Townhouse fire alarm investigation, drug paraphernalia was discovered by DPS. Fairfield Police Department was notified, and the parties involved were referred to the Dean of Students office.

Sunday, 9/18 11:21 am A vehicular hit and run occurred in the parking lot outside of Regis Hall. A suspect vehicle was identified and the incident is still under investigation.

Classifieds

Wednesday September 21– Mirror meeting 7 p.m. in the office in the LL BCC! Thursday September 22– It’s Senior Mug Night at the Levee. Seniors, be there at 9:30 p.m. to get your mug!

Friday September 23– Memorial Service at 8 p.m. in the Egan Chapel to honor our fellow Stag Kenni Nwajagu.

Saturday September 24- FUSA mini golf in the BCC Oak Room at 8 p.m.

Sunday September 25Rugby at 1 p.m. on the Lt. Hans Grauert Memorial Field v.s.

Marist. Be there and root on your team!

Mirror Meeting- 7:00 p.m.

Every Wednesday

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

Lower BCC Free Pizza Bring a Friend

PHOTOGRAPHERS WANTED. The Photography Editors are looking for students interested in taking pictures. Minimal experience required.

Contact one of the Photography Editors for more information at info@fairfieldmirror.com

WANT TO PLACE A CLASSIFIED? EMAIL ADVERTISING@ FAIRFIELDMIRROR. COM

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

Story Deadline 6 p.m. Sunday

Corrections Box Price for average serving size of frozen yogurt from 16 Handles: $4-$5, not $6-$7.

See an error? email info@fairfieldmirror.com

The Mirror

Mikaela Tierney, Editor in Chief Gabriella Tutino, Executive Editor Charlotte Adinolfi, Managing Editor

Incorporated 1977

Affiliated with: ASSOCIATED COLLEGIATE PRESS

Editors

Elizabeth Koubel,News Martin O’Sullivan, Opinion Eric Bernsen, Sports Thomas McKiver, Photography Danica Ceballos, Associate News Amber Nowak, Chief Copy Editor

The Vine Editors

Online

Assistant Editors

Adviser

Loan Le, Director Ashley Zangara, Editor

Kelly Pierce and Courtney Todd, News Margot da Cunha, Opinion Kelsey Guerin and Ariel Morriar, The Vine John Tessitore, Sports Kelly Pierce, Photography

Cartoonist Vin Ferrer

Contact Information

Mail Fairfield University 1073 North Benson Road, Box AA, Fairfield, CT 06824 Phone Newsroom: 203-256-6600 | Advertising: 203-256-6594 | Editor in Chief: 203-256-6529

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The Mirror strives to report accurately in all its stories.

If you encounter any errors, please contact Editor in Chief Mikaela Tierney

The Mirror | Week of September 21, 2011

News

Study Abroad Survival Guide

By Caitlin Dydzuhn Columnist

freedom. Studying abroad was no longer a priority. I wanted to savor every moment at Fairfield University before entering the notorious “Real World”.

Unfortunately, near-daily keggers and overflowing margaritas took their toll on my weight and after freshman year I found myself looking like Nicole

and bars. Okay, maybe one night isn’t too bad, or even a week. But by the end of an entire sober semester, my Before entering college, this social life was virtually non-existent. question seemed to have an obvious I grew to eventually HATE answer: YES! I had just spent an amazeach day at Fairfield. I even started ing summer touring Italy and living commuting to minimize my time on la vita bella. I couldn’t imagine that a campus. Yet I couldn’t imagine myself college in suburban Connectistudying abroad in Europe cut with its institutional room, (the continent which gave anonymous roommate and us champagne, Nutella, and Sodexho meal plan could ever mozzarella) while countcompete with an airy villa in ing calories. It seemed like the Tuscan countryside stocked studying abroad was off the with wine and cheese. table. Until I fell off my diet.

As I began packing for This prompted me to my first year at Fairfield, I wonend up studying abroad and dered how many semesters I it was the most epic eight could possibly study abroad. months of my life. I visited 4? 5? I would go to Fairfield Norway, Morocco and evand make a few friends then erything in between; made head to Paris in the spring countless new best friends, followed by London in the fall, lived with 11 of them in an maybe another round of Paris, absolutely insane apartthen magnanimously take fall ment; moved in with my classes at Fairfield followed boyfriend who only speaks by a St. Petersburg spring, and Spanish and, yes, simultalastly wrap up my Fairfield Contributed Photo neously took a semester of career with two consecutive Just another lazy day along the river for columnist classes. Not only do I want to semesters living at the beach.

Caitlin Dydzuhn and her study abroad roommate share my own experiences Obviously these ambitious and advice but also explore travel plans never came to fruition.

Richie circa “The Simple Life.” After broader issues such as Fairfield vs.

Fairfield understandably only permits spending a depressing summer feeling Non-Fairfield programs, host family students to study abroad for either 1 like the fat girl from Hairspray, I went vs. not, and the advantages/disadvanor 2 semesters, depending on one’s on an extreme diet and lost 35 pounds. tages of the countless program sites major and need of financial aid.

I was in the best shape of my life, one can choose. Although it is difficult I hardly had time to be disapbut it came with a price. I was only alto leave the comfortable confines of pointed by that news. Before I knew lowed to eat salad, cooked vegetables, Fairfield, there is an amazing world to it, it was move-in day followed by an fruit, and a tiny amount of cheese/ explore beyond campus borders and I intoxicating (literally) semester at Reyogurt. The hardest part was my diet’s look forward to presenting snippets gis Hall complete with frequent trips iron-clad ban on alcohol. Imagine goof it to you each week. to Bravo (RIP) and ultimate parental ing out without drinking to the beach

Page 5

Quality Versus Quantity Continued From Pg. 3

St. Louis at Columbia Middle School showed that science and social studies scores rose on average between 13 and 25 percent among the seventh and eighth graders.

However, this program has not been effectively studied on student homework assignments.

Another technique, called “Speed Repetition” seems to have had a larger effect on students at home. This program asks teachers to not give homework assignments in single blocks.

For example, when a teacher gives her students a worksheet to practice their addition, this worksheet should not have problems that require them to only add by ones or twos. The worksheet should be mixed with different types of problems because it will require the students to think more.

This process of thinking will in turn help the students retain more information and give them the ability to solve many different types of problems. According to the psychologists at Washington University, this method is so effective because it exposes information to the brain repeatedly, which strengthens the repre -

sentation of the information.

Another method that researchers believe will improve student performance is “retrieval practice.” This is a practice test that reinforces what students have learned.

Studies have shown that the more times that information is used, the better chance the student has of retaining the information for a longer period of time.

The more practice one receives with a new concept the longer it will stick in the individual’s memory.

The question that was asked at the beginning of this ar ticle was if students are receiving too much homework and whether too much homework is a good thing.

There is no “yes or no answer ” to this question.

Studies have shown that a combination of techniques between the classroom and the home environment will be what leads to success among students.

A combination among “Mind, Brain, and Education, “Speed Repetition,” and “Retrieval Practice” at school and at home will lead our current students to be well informed leaders of a brighter America.

The Mirror | Week of September 21, 2011

News

Page 6

Hostage Situation Knighted: Direct from FUSA

By Megan Forbes Contributing Writer

Imagine being held hostage by the government for six years.

Hard to picture, right? Ingrid Betancourt, the author of “Even Silence Has an End: My Six Years of Captivity in the Colombian Jungle” knows what it feels like.

Before her kidnapping, Betancourt went to the Institut d’Etudes Politiques de Paris and lived in France where she was born and raised. She obtained dual citizenship and went to Columbia when she was 32 to fight against corruption in the government. Betancourt became the Minister of Finance and later the Minister of Foreign Trade for Columbia. In 1994, she was elected to the Chamber of Representatives and entered the Columbian Senate in 1998.

Betancourt was a Colombian presidential candidate for the Oxygen Green Party. The Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, FARC, kidnapped Betancourt in 2002, beat her, deprived her of food, and chained her for six years. After 2,321 days of captivity by the terrorist guerrilla group, the Columbian security forces rescued Betancourt, along with 14 other hostages.

Betancourt’s book tells about her unbelievable experience in the Colombian jungle.

The New York Times book reviewer, Larry Rohter says the

Contributed Photo/ Fairfield U.

Ingrid Betancourt author of “Even Silence Has an End: My Six Years of Captivity in the Colombian Jungle.” novel shows “inhuman conditions” that transform her heartbreaking story into “compelling literature”.

The political activist was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize for her bravery. Her appearance here at Fairfield University helps students and the public learn about global citizenship.

It is also a part of the Inspired Writers Series, which offers the public a chance to meet with authors of fiction, creative nonfiction and poetry, and discuss their works of literature. Her presence at Fairfield is co-sponsored by many of the departments of the University for her many angles of interests, including politics, international relations, and English literature.

Ingrid Betancourt will be here on Thursday, September 22nd at 7p.m. in the Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts. Admission to the lecture and book signing is free and open to everyone.

To my Fellow Fairfield Univerbut for the students. We are now works to develop and manage all sity Students, divided into three main branches, clubs and organizations.

On behalf of the entire Fairfield each of which is responsible for The Programming Board plans, University Student Association, welfulfilling a particular student need. markets and implements various come back! I hope you had a relaxing The Senate focuses on the stuprograms throughout the year. summer and enjoyed your time off. dent advocacy portion of F.U.S.A.’s Much of this planning has been takWhether you spent ing place over the it at home, taking summer. You can classes, traveling, at look forward to Late the beach, in an innight at Barone, ternship or working the Presidential so you can afford to Ball and countless buy books, I am asother programs suming most of you throughout the are like me, and after year. F.U.S.A. will the third week could also be continuing not wait to get back. the Broadway Trip This is going Series, with several to be an exciting new shows and has year for everyone on begun to work with campus, regardless if our agent on this you’re an incoming year’s concert. member of the class This is a new of 2015; just getting Contributed Photo year for everyone, ready to begin your Charlie Knights (left) F.U.S.A President and Rob Vogel (right) F.U.S.A and with that Fairfield experience, Vice President. comes the opporor belong to the class of 2012; ready to mission and provides a forum for tunity for change. live out your last year with some much the concerns and needs of the unWith this opportunity we have deserved and overdue time spent at dergraduate student body. the potential to continue where we the beach.

Class Senators will also be releft off last year with the strongest F.U.S.A. has been working hard sponsible for holding open forums. showing of school spirit that I have through the end of this past semesMembers of their class can ask quesseen in my time here. We have the ter and throughout the summer to tions, present concerns, hear various ability to truly show what it means revamp itself as an organization in University representatives speak and as Fairfield University Students to order to best serve you as students. enjoy free food. be proud; whether this is personal This past year we successfully The Council of Student Orpride, pride in your work, or Stag passed a new Constitution, allowing ganizations (C.O.S.O.) serves as a pride, this is our time. for a refreshed and restructured resource, as well as the administraF.U.S.A.; one that promotes itself tive body for the representation of Sincerely, and carries itself as a more transparstudent clubs and organizations.

Charlie Knights ‘12 ent, open and clearly defined orgaC.O.S.O. approves constitutions F.U.S.A. President nization, not only by the students, for new clubs, allocates funds, and

The Mirror | Week of September 21, 2011

Opinion

Page 7

Opinion | 7

Online

Send your thoughts to info@fairfieldmirror.com.

editorial

Who Cares?

You Should!

Mikaela Tierney | Gabriella Tutino | Charlotte Adinolfi| Martin O'Sullivan|

fairfieldmirror.com

Editor Martin O'Sullivan info@fairfieldmirror.com

Sign-ing Away Our Tuition

Thumbs Up/ Thumbs Down

Editor-in-Chief Executive Editor Managing Editor Opinion Editor

Apathy: it is a common term tossed around campus. Fairfield students are typically labeled as disinterested in the world around them.

In reality, this comment is used to describe college students too often.

Apathy is for those who don’t strive to make a change on the small level and the global level. Apathy is not something you will see if you go to a Students for Social Justice meeting, attend one of the many dinner series of a residential college or go to an information session on a domestic service trip.

Apathetic is something that we believe students on Fairfield’s campus should not be labeled as.

In an effort to send some love to those who help the “un-apathetic” on campus, there are numerous professors, faculty and students ready and willing to help those with a drive to make a change to something they see wrong around them. Plus with a number of resources in Campus Ministry, the countless Jesuits on campus or your upperclassman neighbor next door, all you have to do is ask.

If you are interested in global issues, students on campus are constantly involved in making their fellow students aware and allowing for chances for activism. Tuesday night, a documentary called “Budrus” was screened that followed the border issues of a nonviolent Palestinian village; it was co-sponsored by Humanities Institute, FUSA cultural events, Fairfield Marketing, Politics Department, International Studies Department, Judaic Studies, and Sociology. That's seven different groups of individuals lending support to a good cause - we'd love to see even more of that across campus!

If you want to focus on student iniative on a smaller level, this Wednesday, the Community Service Club will hold their first meeting of the year.

Whatever you're looking for in terms of service opportunities, there will be something for you.

The amount of support given by professors and faculty members to these organizations is endless. They act as mentors for students to bounce ideas off of, make connections with others or simply act as a support system for students to chase their own dream of changing the world.

As daunting as this may seem, if you have something bugging you about campus, the state, your hometown, the country or even on an international level, there is a way to do something about it.

We do go to a Jesuit University after all - get inspired, use your resources and make it happen!

The Mirror welcomes the opinions and contributions of its readers: Letterstotheeditormustbetimelyandsubmitted by email at info@fairfieldmirror.com or Box AA All letters to the editor that are appropriate will be published either in print or online.

The Mirror reserves the right to edit letters and articles for content, length and grammatical error. Letters should be free of obscenities and personal attacks, and should contain correct and factual information not exceeding 500 words.

• The original Stagbus is back-hurray for more seating.

• About fifty people showed up for the first Mirror meeting!

Vincent Ferrer/The Mirror

Do you think putting signs in front of buildings that were already labeled was a good investmentw?

Have an opinion? Send it to opinion@fairfieldmirror.com.

Bending the Rules of the Game

By Brendan Spearing Contributing Writer

What justifies the leniency given to student athletes? This simple question has become a very touchy one - not only here at Fairfield, but on many college campuses around the country. Why do student athletes get to pick their classes first?

Why are they able to miss retreats that no one else can? Isn’t school supposed to come first, and athletics second? These are valid questions because in the end, we are all here for one reason - to receive an education. An education that we all paying a seemingly never-ending price for ... so shouldn’t we all be treated the same?

Let's play the devil's advocate.

What is the average unathletic student gaining from those peers who do play sports? It might sound crazy - how could they possibility be helping you? Aren’t they just taking all the good professors?

There is no way that’s possible - or is there? You might be surprised to hear this, but there is a theory that says they are in fact a positive force on our education.

This theory is often referred to as “the Flutie effect”, named for the famous Boston College Quarterback Doug Flutie. Flutie, who won the Heisman trophy (given to the most outstanding player in college football) in 1984, is most commonly remembered for completing his

Hail Mary pass to defeat University of Miami on November 23, 1984.

Today, one can see that Flutie is still remembered at Boston College for this amazing defeat over the defending national champions. The school refers to their stadium as the house that Flutie built, but he is also remembered among admission counselors all over for that same pass. Just two years after his triumphant pass, Boston College’s application pool had increased by almost 30 percent. At that point in time, people wanted to attend Boston College more than ever before so that they too could witness someone as great as Doug Flutie.

This phenomenon still holds true for many different schools around the country. For example, after Boise State University defeated Oklahoma in the 2007 Fiesta Bowl, the number of students showing interest in the school increased by 135 percent. After making it to the national championship in 1982, 1984, and 1985, Georgetown University's application pool grew by 45 percent. When the University of Missouri held the number one spot in football in 2006, they raised six million dollars in donations.

What does this have to do with Fairfield? Perhaps it is because Fairfield just made national press by signing coach Sydney Johnson, in addition to being picked by Fox Sports as a mid-major with Final

Four potential. According to Connecticut’s sports law, “Schools that make the NCAA basketball tournament will net an average 1 percent bump in applications the following year; schools that make it to the Sweet 16 in the NCAA tournament see an average 3 percent boost in applications; and the national champion is likely to see a 7 to 8 percent increase.” Fairfield has the potential to reap the benefits that some of these other schools have experienced.

In a recent interview with Will Johnson, Assistant Dean of Students and Director of Admission for Diversity, he said, “I certainly think sports, epically one like basketball, can have that sort of effect."

He went on to warn, “you never want to put all your eggs in one basket.” Will sums it up perfectly: while Fairfield’s athletic department has the potential to bring a Flutie type effect to the school, they are not the only great part of the University. On the flipside, while students can sometimes be annoyed with leniency given to student athletes, their play can greatly benefit the University.

In the end, instead of always asking why someone gets something your not, ask, "How am I benefiting from my fellow students, and what can I do that will benefit them?" Because that’s the only way for our University to truly get better.

Notable and Quotables: “Obama left for the United Nations because he finds the Israli-Palestinian peace process easier to deal with than our national debt"

- Chuck Todd, NBC News Analyst. See The Latest "Situation" page 3

• Charlie Sheen was forced to listen to the things we wish we could say to him.

• The yellow brick road in the Quick Center lot.

• Not enough to complain about this week good job Fairfield!

• Noticeably colder weather.

• Music majors have to pay for music lessons.

• Wristbands are now needed for Pres Ball.

What's up with that?

• Marathon smoke alarm activations in McInnes due to broken stove and bathroom vent fans.

• Despite the positive initiative for recycling on campus, people can't seem to follow the simple guidelines.

The Mirror | Week of September 21, 2011

Opinion

This Party Is Getting Old

By Zachary Albert Contributing Writer If you were under the assumption that most Americans don't like Barack Obama as of last week, you were right. A recent Gallup poll listed President Obama’s approval rating at only 39%. With a disapproval rating of 53%), a majority of voters now criticize the way he is presiding over the country.

Any casual political observer can explain why: the economy is in an abysmal state. In 2009 unemployment rose from just about 8% to a high of about 10% in the Fall. This increase followed a stimulus bill that the President promised would keep unemployment below 8%. Meanwhile, the great “debt debate” of 2011 resulted in lower approval ratings for both Obama and Congress as a whole. All in all, only 41% of Americans approve of Obama’s handling of

the economy. More importantly, many of the President’s initial supporters feel that they have been lied to, and as a result, disillusioned.

Regardless of its cause, this political atmosphere has all the ingredients for a heated primary race in the opposition party, as Republican candidates vie for the chance to be the one to “get America working again.”

The idea that America is broken and needs to be fixed seems to imply that the Republican Party has new and better ideas. This is only partly true. While many Americans are realizing that the Republican ideal of less government may be the way to go, the fact is that the GOP candidates seem to be riding a wave of support derived merely from the fact that they must be better than Obama. They have offered few truly new ideas, but instead are focusing on the same contentious and polarizing issues they have in the past .

Not that these issues are unimportant; they certainly must all be addressed.

However, if the Republican Party is merely offering the same solutions to the same questions, then the same results will inevitably occur. What are these results? Gridlock in Congress, staunch partisanship, and a general inability to get things done.

A candidate who truly wishes to change the course of this country will need to break from the status quo and focus on the issues that matter. Molly Leidig, ’14 agrees, saying, “Conservatives need to stop focusing on unimportant social issues in this time of national debt and crisis. Although I am a diehard Conservative, I believe times have changed.”

So, whether it is a third-party candidate or just a brave Republican, someone needs to focus on what matters most. That means ditching the polarizing and toxic moral

Page 8

issues. The candidate who does this will certainly lose the support of the far right, but the support they lose will be more than rewarded with the support of millions of moderate Americans who are beginning to realize that fiscal conservatism is fair, rational, and what is right for this country.

The country needs a change in direction, and the Republican Party faces a make-orbreak election to bring about this change.

But first, candidates must decide what issues are truly important to them and the country as a whole.

Don't forget to check your mailbox for mail-in voter registration cards!

Or visit www.registertovote.org

Vin Ferrer/The Mirror

By Lindsay Maida Contributing Writer If you're planning on thinking of an elaborate excuse to skip any future residential retreats you may have to go on, don't be so quick to judge - they're actually not half bad.

This past weekend, the Leadership, Environmental, Service for Justice, and Creative Life Residential Colleges trekked up to Rock Hill, NY for a 24-hour retreat at the Iroquois Springs campground. Being a member of the Leadership living community, I was required to attend the retreat from Friday to Saturday, along with the rest of the Leadership and Environmental residents. While many of us were initially skeptical about the experience as a whole, I believe that the retreat tradition should continue because of the lessons that we took away in the end.

On Friday afternoon, while most students were bringing in the weekend, we trudged onto the bus with our over-packed duffels and low spirits. Now, for those of you who know me, you’re probably thinking that I don’t look like much of the “camping type.” I will be the first to admit that I tuned my iPod to "Big Girls Don’t Cry" on the bus ride to the camp site. Dramatic?

Perhaps. However, like most of my

Freezin' for a Reason

fellow peers, we were excited to be back at school and simply wanted to enjoy the first few weekends on campus.

After peering out of bus windows for several hours and asking ourselves, “Is this real life?” we arrived at Iroquois Springs. At the beginning of the night, many of us spent our time dreaming about what we would be doing if we were still on campus. Receiving text messages from friends about their exciting

plans for the night did not make it any easier.

However, things began to look up once we arrived at the bonfire, where I achieved a new personal record of consuming four and a half s’mores. I felt as though new friendships began to form and everyone started to enjoy themselves. Games of flashlight tag and manhunt took place and we ended up having a lot of fun (once you were able to sift through the complainers and drama queens.)

Soon, what I thought to be the most unpleasant part of the retreat took place: sleeping in nearly 30-degree weather without any heat.

I spent the next 9 hours waking up periodically throughout the bitter night to make sure that none of my toes had fallen off. I kept asking myself, “I wonder what lesson they are trying to impart on us right now?” I thought that maybe it was teaching us tolerance or the ability to appreciate the everyday privileges

Vin Ferrer/The Mirror

we are so quick to take for granted.

Regardless of whether or not any of my thoughts were correct, we survived the night.

I felt as though the second day of the retreat was the most inspirational and was well worth the time. I began to think about the role that I aspire to play in the Fairfield community, as well as in the rest of the world. As Joseph DeFeo, Ph.D., Associate Dean of Students said, “In some ways, college only takes about two years to complete if you concentrate on all the classes, tests and homework nonstop. You are given four years to develop relationships, try new things, and learn about yourself." This pouted out to us of taking advantage of opportunities and making the most out of our four years.

In all, I believe the tradition of the residential college retreat should remain. The experience was a positive one, with the exception of the frigid temperatures and everlasting bus ride.

(A word of the wise to members of the Ignation Residential College, who will be attending their retreat this upcoming weekend: don’t forget to pack a Snuggie.)

The Vine

{The Vine} Art/Place Gallery photo

Art/Place Gallery in Fairfield hosts its last exhibition before relocating. Page 12

Ballroom Dancing at Quick Center impresses its audience. Page 10 Bob Winkler/Commerical Photographer

Contributed by Tribeca Film

This Friday, Tribeca Film Festival will premiere the documentary "Shut Up Little Man," directed by Matthew Bate.

Here's our review. Page 11

Contributed Photo

Student commentary on 2011 Emmys Primetime Awards. Page 13

The Mirror | Week of September 21, 2011

The Vine

Page 10

Hips Don't Lie

The Quick Center's opening show for its 2011-12 season is a crowd pleaser

By Eve Speiter Contributing Writer

W

‌ith lights, camera and action, coupled with music, dancing and tight, glittered dresses, the Quick Center’s “Ballroom!

We are the Champions!” event this past Saturday Sept.

17 proved to be the next best thing to a taping of “Dancing with the Stars.”

The show included six couples, and each of the 12 professional dancers is an American and world ballroom dancing champion. The two 50-minute acts were performed in front of a nearly sold-out audience. Thanks to the popularity of ballroom dancing shows like “Dancing with the Stars,” ballroom dance Bob Winkler/Comis now widely admired for its artistry merical Photographer and captivity.

The six ballroom dancing couTop: Gherman ples included Ivan Terrazas and Sara Mustuc and Iveta Grdan, Dmitri and Svetlana OstashLukosiute. Left: kin, Audrey and Yulia Klinchik, GhThirteen-year-old erman Mustuc and Iveta Lukosiute, couple Patryk Jose DeCamps and Joanna ZacharePloszaj and wicz, and Patryk Ploszaj and Anna Anna Kaczmarski Kaczmarski. waltz during the Terrazas and Grdan displayed program. their specialty, the Argentine Tango, with perfection. Dmitri and Svetlana Ostashkin wowed the audience with their rhumba, getting everyone to move to the music in their seats.

Andre and Yulia Klinchik, together Missed out on this? Want to buy other tickets? Quick Center since 2005, moved across the dance now has a QuickTik kiosk next to the BCC info desk. Sales floor as if they were one. “So You are Wednesdays 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Think You Can Dance” fans were

probably pleased because the beautiful Iveta Lukosiute, who was once featured on the show, danced with her usual effortless grace that entranced the audience. Her partner, Gherman Mustuc, complemented her style and led her across the dance floor.

All the “Dancing with the Stars” fans recognized the once featured dancers on the show, DeCamps and Zacharewicz. The two had amazing rhythm and their technicality was truly impressive.

Even though Ploszaj and Kaczmarski were the youngest of the program, they were the talk of the audience after everything ended.

“They were unbelievable, their faces looked calm and I enjoyed watching them the entire time!” stated Maggie Andrew ’14.

These US National Jr. II 13-yearold champions definitely deserve that title from the level of maturity and precision seen in their dancing on Saturday night. Jive, samba, any dance you can name, these dancers can perform with incredible dexterity and heart.

Gary Wood, the director of the Quick Center, was pleased with the overall turnout and the show as a whole.

“I didn’t understand how beautiful and exciting it was to see [ballroom dancing] live,” he commented after the performance.

“Between the pre-performance dance lesson (which was filled to the brim!), an energetic and technically

stunning performance, and the celebratory “Meet the Stars” Reception after the show, it was a great start to the 2011-12 season…and this is just the beginning!” said Adrienne Bryant, the assistant director of the Quick Center.

Audience members, including Maria Zampano ‘80, agreed with Wood and Bryant, saying the kids who performed were so “professional.”

Karen Guasp ‘80 added to the overwhelming praise by stating that “[the footwork] was so intricate.”

The ballroom dancing showcase was refreshing and memorable.

The students who made the choice to indulge in this beautiful dancing extravaganza on Saturday night were not disappointed.

Dmitri and Svetlana Ostashkin, Tango duo performing at "Ballroom! We are the Champions!"

The Return of Sarah Michelle Gellar, a “Ringer?"

By Annemarie Veira Contributing Writer

S

The former star of "Buffy: The Vampire Slayer" takes up a new role in this new, dark noir.

arah Michelle Gellar made a triumphant return to tele- as Kathryn Merteuil in “Cruel Intentions,” definitely prepped In looking at the ratings, “Ringer” did fairly well in the vision with the premiere of her new show “Ringer” on her in playing a devious and dark Siobhan Martin.

9 p.m. Tuesday time slot for the CW; it received the best ratthe CW with surprising ratings.

And as for her ability to play an addict, because well, ings in three years with 2.74 million viewers. Considering the “Ringer” is a noir (that’s right- a noir) style drama cen- Buffy never was an addict… ratings for the series, tying with last season’s freshman shows tered around the character of Bridget who is a recovering narGellar had an amazing performance in the independent “Hellcats,” which was cancelled, and “Nikita,” which was recotics addict and who witnessed a mob hit. Bridget, when we film “Veronika Decides to Die,” playing the title role of Ve- newed, the series shows promise for the CW and their Tuesfirst meet her, has to testify against the crime boss day night lineup. that ordered the hit or he’ll walk. The stress of the I can’t wait to see how the show stacks up forthcoming trial is too much for the six-months against FOX’s “New Girl” which is also loved by sober girl to deal with, so she leaves town to head critics, and fan favorite, number two drama series to New York.

“NCIS: Los Angeles,” on CBS. In New York, she reunites with her sister Many fans will be fairly critical to compare the Siobhan who,after a six year long fallout, wishes show and the show’s success to Gellar’s hit “Buffy to make amends. Siobhan opens up her wealthy the Vampire Slayer,” but take note that “Ringer” lifestyle to her sister, which is a far cry from what and “Buffy” are in two separate genres.

Bridget was used too. After the heavy exchange I’d highly recommend taking a look at “Ringof truths, the girls head out on Siobhan’s boat for er.” It’s a noir, which we haven’t seen on television quiet time. Bridget falls asleep onboard, then in a long time. This show is deep, complicated and wakes to find her sister gone, with her wedding dark. To me, the target audience of 18 to 49 year ring in a prescription bottle. After jumping overolds is a perfect fit and especially perfect for us at board in an attempt to save her sister from her apthe collegiate level. Yes, at the beginning it may be parent suicide attempt, Bridget has no luck and is a bit slow; noirs, however, never disappoint, and it forced to make a choice: report her sister’s death seems to me that the show will keep its audience and return home to where a mob boss certainly members at the edge of their seats. wants her dead, or assume the identity of her sisContributed Photo Ironically, although the two shows only initer.

Sarah Michelle Gellar tests the strength of her acting skills by playing twins: Bridgtially shared the star in common, the shows have Bridget chooses to take over her identity, and et, a former drug addiction, and her twin Siobhan, an affluent with dark secrets. one more thing to share. “Buffy The Vampire Slaystarts to assimilate into her sister’s life, which at er” had a time slot at 9 p.m. on Tuesdays on the first seems picture perfect from the outside, but finds out that ronika, who has only a short time to live after a failed suicide former WB, which will now be the regular home for “Ringer.” it is anything but. attempt. The experience of the role of Veronika definitely had Maybe this old time slot will bring Gellar some luck! In For Gellar this is definitely a good stretch in both direc- a hand in helping Gellar play Bridget, who had her own seedy my opinion, if the show can deal with the rating battles it has tions of her acting skills. Gellar, whose first big role in which past, her own wants and her own regrets. Gellar is joined by to face in the coming weeks, the cast and crew won’t need she received a Daytime Emmy for an Outstanding Younger an amazing ensemble cast including Ioan Gruffudd (Fantastic luck. I have a funny feeling that we won’t be disappointed!

Leading Actress in a Drama Series in 1995 for her role as Ken- Four) and Kistoffer Polaha (Life Unexpected) both of whom “Ringer” airs 9 p.m, Tuesdays on the CW. dall Hart in “All My Children,” along with her infamous role who have amazing characters and acting skills as well.

The Mirror | Week of September 21, 2011

The Vine

'Shut Up' and Listen!

Distributed by Tribeca Film

Before and after: Mitchell “Mitch” D and Eddie Sausage, the men who started the "Shut Up Little Man" phenomenon.

By Gabriella Tutino Executive Editor

W

e’ve all had noisy neighbors. In college it’s inevitable due to the thin walls of campus housing; in the real world, it’s the luck of the draw.

When Mitchell “Mitch” D and Eddie Sausage moved to San Francisco in the late 80's, they end up moving next to Peter Haskett and Raymond Huffman, two belligerent, alcoholic old men. Mitch and Eddie decide to tape-record their neighbors’ arguments. What follows is pop-culture gold.

That’s the premise of “Shut Up Little Man! An Audio

Misadventure.” A feature documentary premiering in Hartford this Friday, the film recounts how D and Sausage’s noisy neighbors become accidentally immortalized. The film was an official Sundance Selection for 2011 and is being distributed by Tribeca Film.

Three weeks after moving into their apartment on 237 Seiter Ave., D and Sausage overhear their neighbors arguing. What characterizes these arguments between Haskett and Huffman is the back-and-forth bickering and insulting, similar to that of a married couple. After trying to reason with the neighbors, D and Sausage recorded the conversations of Haskett and Huffman. By the end of the men’s stay, they have about 14 hours of recorded audiotape.

Page 11

It isn’t until two years afterwards that “Shut Up Little Man” makes its way into the pop-culture mainstream—by way of pre-digital sharing—and blows up.

Eddie had shared a tape with a friend, who in turn shared the tape with a friend, and so on, until the audio recording fell into the right hands. From there, the phrase “Shut Up Little Man”—a repeated phrase from the audio recordings—became a part of media forms such as comics, plays and television shows. “Shut Up Little Man” spawned a subculture.

Besides providing a comical story, the film also raises questions about privacy, art and entertainment. In today’s world, people can record their friends or family and post that media on YouTube and other social media platforms, giving all of the Internet world access. But YouTube has consent laws, which are meant to protect individuals from humiliation and a damaged reputation.

In “Shut Up Little Man!” Peter and Raymond are never asked for permission. Does this make it okay to turn their dialogue into multiple art forms?

The film also provides an understanding of mass media and consumer culture.

How does something become popular? A video or a song needs mass appeal, and it needs the right type of platform to reach the masses. “Shut Up Little Man” infiltrated all forms of mass media, and the best parts of the documentary give examples of this.

“Shut Up Little Man!” is an interesting film, in part because of its storytelling and cinematography. Using interviews, reenactments, photos and other media, Haskett and Huffman are turned into mythical people, only made concrete and real due to the audio clips played throughout the movie. The audience never hears Haskett and Huffman’s side of the story, only their arguments. Yet people can relate to Haskett and Huffman’s story. They are two old men of opposing lifestyles living together. Everyone can relate to the difficulty of living with someone different. And that is the main appeal of the audiotapes and “Shut Up Little Man! An Audio Misadventure:” the universal story.

The documentary will open in Hartford at Real Art Ways beginning Sept. 23.

"Last Picture Show" at Art/Place Gallery

By Mary Kate McCormick Contributing Writer

“T

he Last Picture Show” is about bringing all of the gallery’s artists together for their last two months in their 11 Unquowa Road location. In this show, the majority of the 30 or so artists at Art/ Place will be displaying their newest works.

Usually, the gallery only hosts two artists’ work at a time, but because of their relocation at the end of October, it is important to bring everyone together for one last show.

Amid the 30 or so pieces in “The Last Picture Show” is an encaustic on wood painting by Fairfield’s very own professor of interior design Patrick Kennedy. The work is entitled “Cropped Script III” and was painted using a technique that traces back to the times of the Egyptian Pharaohs.

In a conversation with Kennedy at the “The Last Picture Show’s” opening this past Sunday, this Fairfield university lecturer and professional artist explained his unique encaustic style of painting.

Although many readers might not know what the word encaustic means, it is likely that you have seen this style of painting in a museum or a textbook.

Most famously, encaustic paintings were used to make the images on the faces of Egyptian mummies and because of the high melting point of the wax, many of these paintings have survived to present day.

Encaustic painting today is very similar to the techniques used to create the mummy images hundreds of years ago. It is a method that involved the application of melted, pigmented wax onto a canvas, in Kennedy’s case, a piece of wood. The creation of the piece is a multi-step process that Kennedy referred to as “the alchemy of encaustic.”

He explained that although pre-mixed encaustic paints are available, he prefers to mix his own wax colors. Unlike artists that work in oil paints or watercolor, encaustic artists have to know the science of wax mixing.

To create a particular color, Kennedy “heats the wax, which is mostly beeswax to its melting point at about 200 degrees Fahrenheit.” Following this, Kennedy adds pigments for oil paints to create the exact color that he needs for a piece. It is this almost scientific process of heating, mixing and creating the perfect color that makes Kennedy love encaustic, stating that the “creation of every part of the piece, including the wax,” is what makes this technique of painting so special to him.

Following the “alchemy” of creating the wax, Kennedy applies the colors of the piece in layers, giving the painting a texture unlike an oil painting. After each layer, the wax must be re-heated and hardened before the next layer and color are applied. Thus, the painting is both an artistic expression and detailed process that only someone knowledgeable in encaustic paintings would be able to complete.

When the layers are finished and the piece is complete, Kennedy

smoothes the surface of the piece with the warmth of his hands, a method of finishing that the Ancient Egyptians would have also used.

Kennedy’s piece “Cropped Script III” which hangs in the Fairfield gallery shows the beauty of ancient encaustic.

He describes the piece as “influenced by the caligrapy in Asian art” and “an exhibition of his encaustic alchemy.”

Kennedy remarked that the piece was a long process to make and involves more than six layers of pigmented wax.

Kennedy is also featured in galleries throughout Connecticut and is a new member of the Art/Place family.

Art/Place Gallery and other venues for local art are ways for professionals in the community to tell their story in a different way than most of us expect. Local art allows for a connection between the community that is different than a news story or a public lecture.

Additionally, Art/Place Gallery serves as a meeting place for both the young and old members of the Fairfield community to bond over art, which is timeless and ageless.

So come out and support Art/Place Gallery in their last few months before moving! Best of all, the price to stroll through the gallery is free, just right for college students, and the Stagbus will drop you off right across the street!

Try something new and take a break from your busy schedules. Become part of the community that we live in. Art/ Place Gallery is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

For more information go to http://artplace.org or just drop in.

Fast Facts

What is the Art/Place Gallery?

• Located on 11 Unquowa Rd. • Nonproft local gallery hosting around 30 artists from Greenwich through New Haven.

Mary Kate McCormick/The Mirror

Patrick Kennedy, Fairfield professor of interior design, stands in front of his painting "Cropped Script III."

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The Mirror | Week of September 21, 2011

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Page 13

Stacy London Tells Us "What to Wear" in Trumbull

Samantha Ouelette/Factory PR

Stacy London, host of TLC's "What Not To Wear", talks to a crowd of people during her Westfield Style Tour.

By Ashley Zangara Vine Editor

T

here is no doubt that we currently live in a time where fashion is highly valued. With all the different trends and different clothing options available, it sometimes becomes difficult not only to cultivate your own style, but also to do it in an enjoyable manner.

This past weekend, Westfield Style Tour came to Trumbull Mall in Trumbull, Conn. and proved to be a great success. Host Stacy London, from TLC’s hit show “What Not To Wear” worked with professional stylists from Style for Hire in order to provide guests with the ultimate shopping experience.

London supports putting the fun back in shopping, and Marketing Director of Westfield, Greg Udchitz, agrees.

When asked what he hopes this tour will do, Udchitz replied that he wishes for it to “make shopping fun again.” He wants the shoppers to walk away with a nice outfit and fresh, new look. This event is a “celebration of fashion, beauty and just shopping,” said Udchitz.

It truly was an amazing experience inside the event.

Although I personally did not walk through the tour as a guest, I was able to stand outside and observe the different activities.

The tour was held right outside Lord & Taylor on the top level of the mall. Inside the event, you could find a friendly staff member waiting to greet you. If you had an appointment you were led right into the lounge area, where you could pick up a copy of Westfield’s new magazine “Style,” which includes different articles about smarter shopping decisions as well as new trends in the industry.

“Style” Editor-in-Chief Stacy London says, “We worked hard in Westfield Style Magazine to give women

'…Except for HBO - it's not TV!'

By Annemarie Veira Contributing Writer

T

he 63rd Annual Primetime Emmys kicked off Sunday night with a touch of "Glee" thanks to their host Jane Lynch.

The telecast did have its moments, but I felt that the hosting was so much better than the hosting of Jimmy Fallon last year.

The show kicked off with montage type spoofs that only Jane Lynch could pull off and get away with. In the opening number, Lynch goes through a building where all characters of television basically live. My favorite part of the opening number was Lynch’s political correcting of the Mad Men world, which left our beloved Don Draper flabbergasted. She followed this with an ending song and dance, and the introduction of the Emmytones that included Cobie Smulders, Joel McHale, Wilder Valderrama, Zachary Levi, Kate Flannery, and Taraji P. Henson.

Lynch kept her monologue short and sweet, gesturing to the industry head nod as a way to say hello as form of inspiration. Throughout the night Lynch had great one liners and although she may have said a few quips to poke fun, she made sure no feelings were hurt.

"Modern Family" on ABC cleaned out all of the Outstanding categories for comedy, while CBS had Jim Parsons of

"Big Bang Theory" and Melissa McCarthy for "Mike and Molly " claim Emmys as leads in their comedies .

I was very happy with many of the results. HBO got a run for its money a bit with Downtown Abby but managed to tie with the primetimes-just not in the way anyone was expecting. I’ll be honest: I have never watched "Friday Night Lights."

However, the fact that it was brought back to air thanks to the fans, and it winning in the categories that it did, shows that, sometimes, not all quality shows get a fair chance.

There were two awkward moments of the night. However, none of them had to do with Charlie Sheen, who presented the award for outstanding lead actor in a comedy series. Sheen was actually polite in light of recent months of controversy after leaving “Two and A Half Men” He stated his feelings for his former cast and crew: “From the bottom of my heart I wish you nothing but the best this upcoming season.”

The two awkward moments occurred first through winner of the outstanding lead actress in a comedy series when all of the nominees broke tradition and went pageant style on the audience. One by one, the nominated actresses went onstage after each name was called.

It was quite funny but a bit over done when McCarthy, the Emmy winner, donned a tiara, and was handed a bouquet of red roses.The only other awkward

a style ‘map’ for the season, from trend to body type to occasion -- even for different ages. The magazine takes the overwhelming aspect of shopping out of the equation, and gives women the tools they need to make smart shopping choices for fall.”

The Style Tour basically lived out the notion that the magazine is putting forth. London is a strong supporter of self-confidence. She knows that shopping can be an overwhelming experience and if you don’t have a bit of professional guidance at times, it could turn stressful and unenjoyable.

London explained that the whole point of the Westfield Style Tour is “ultimately to give people the knowledge to shop the appropriate trends and styles for themselves, but also to not be afraid of fashion.”

“Don’t forget to make shopping fun!” London said.

“Style is not a privilege, it’s a right and every woman (and man) should have the ability to look fantastic despite their age, lifestyle and budget.”

It is obvious why the other sections of the tour are so important. After you were done lounging, you walked a few feet to the “beauty bar” where professionally trained staff members from Style For Hire were waiting to give you a luxurious mini makeover. The beauticians showed consumers different make-ups that work with their skin tones, eye colors, and overall appearance.

Once the mini makeovers were completed, guests were then led to the style closet.

In this area, visitors “receive[d] a personalized fashion consultation, complete with apparel recommendations pulled from the Westfield Style Closet – a source for the trendiest merchandise from popular Westfield Trumbull retailers such as Macy’s, Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, H&M, Forever 21 and many more favorite brands,” said London.

London admits that you do not have to have a celebrity income to dress like one.

She explains “even if you buy a few key items - big or small - you can update your wardrobe so it feels new again.” This is great news for us college kids shopping on a budget!

Even though the Style Tour has ended, Westfield Trumbull Mall is still home to fabulous stores and will be adding new shops as well.

With Stacy London’s advice and the endless options at Westfield Mall, anyone can look amazing without feeling stressed or going broke.

moment was the musical performance of “Lonely Island” which I know that they were trying for laughs, but I don’t think they got one.

The ratings for the Emmys were on target compared to last year on NBC at 13.5 million. Many critics say a reason why the ratings weren’t spectacular was due to the late date, and dealing with Monday Night Football. I think it was a combination of that, and the show being a bit too safe.

If I could have a chance to make suggestions for next year’s Emmys it would be this: Definitely keep Jane Lynch. She was able to toe the line of being funny and offensive without being offensive.

Also, if you’re going to incorporate music into the mix, do it. Don’t use kitschy acts just for laughs - get some interesting musicians, or do something along the lines of the Tony’s, with excerpts from certain shows in the montages before each category making them a bit longer and getting the crowd reaction.

My only other suggestion would be not to change their dates. Aim to have the show at the end of August like usual, so there won’t be big rivals in ratings.

All in all, the 63rd Primetime Emmys was a good show but could use a bit of improvement. What about you fellow stags; did you watch the show? What were your opinions? Sound off in the comment

section of The Mirror online.

Winners for Emmys Boardwalk Empire:

Downtown Abby: Mildred Pierce:

Modern Family: Saturday Night Live:

The Kennedys: Friday Night Lights: Game of Thrones: Mad Men: Daily Show With Jon Stewart: Big Bang Theory: Mike and Molly: The Good Wife: Justified: The Amazing Race:

1 4 2 5 1 1 2 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 1

The Mirror | Week of September 21, 2011

The Vine

p u s g n i h t Shaking in Wes

By Rick O' Connor Contributing Writer

tport

Tom McKiver/The Mirror

Shake Shack in Westport brings a comfortable dining environment for customers.

By Richard O'Connor Contributing Writer

T

he Shake Shack of Westport is the newest incarnation of Union Square Hospitality Group’s ever growing posh burger chain. Shake Shack, a staple of the New York scene since it opened its doors in 2004 on Madison Square Park, cruised into Westport and set up camp this July. The Shack serves up classic American burger stand items in an upscale environment that will make you feel like

you’re in a trendy New York restaurant, but at a price that might make some reconsider.

The entrance to the Shack blends seamlessly with the outside as you walk right up the patio steps and get in line to order at the stand. While in line you are treated with a view of the kitchen and can see your meal being prepared in the different stations. Once you’ve ordered you can sit at one of the stainless steel tables or grab a booth, all of this constructed with recycled and sustainable material.

The Shake Shack has an exhaustive menu comprised of

Theatre Fairfield

F

classics like simple burgers, fries and hot dogs; old school items with a twist, such as the “Purple Cow,” a float made with grape soda and vanilla ice cream, and even dog treats.

What you’ll notice next after the breadth and scope of the menu is that this isn’t exactly a cheap place to eat.

Single burgers start at $4.75 by itself. If you choose to compliment your burger with a fountain drink at $1.95, and fries at $2.75, you’re looking at a meal that will cost a hair under $10. The food, however, does make a case for itself.

A self-proclaimed burger connoisseur, I did like the Shack burger; it can definitely hold its own against competitors like Five Guys, and blows away the likes of McDonalds and Burger King.

But it isn’t good enough to rave about.

The beauty of Shake Shack, however, lies in its unconventional menu items like the “Shroom Burger”, a fried portobello filled with cheese and slapped between a bun, and the “Banana Post Rd” a frozen custard dish with chocolate custard, caramelized cocoa and banana chunks.

The crowd was mostly families and younger working professionals grabbing a bite to eat after work. There weren’t many people between 17 to 24, as reflected by the price of the menu.

The service I received was fairly decent. The line wasn’t too long, the cashier was friendly and my order was up in a timely manner.

I only had two problems: the first being that it seemed my float had been made right when I ordered because the ice cream had almost completely melted by the time it came to me, and the second being that the bun of the hot dog I ordered was soggy. Two small complaints, which I’ll chalk up to the inexperience of the relatively new restaurant.

All in all, the Shake Shack is a decent restaurant. It’s got solid food, a diverse menu and great decor. The price of the place restrains itself from becoming a regular spot, but it’s still a nice place to grab some burgers with friends, sample the desserts or have a casual date. I see myself coming back to Shake Shack, not just for the burger, but the whole experience.

Jazzing Up the Environment

By Katie Acompora Contributing Writer airfield cherishes and celebrates the arts in various ways throughout the school year. This fall, there are some riveting plays and activities that you should take advantage of.

Recently, the auditions for “Once Upon a Mattress” were held at Pepsico Theatre on Sept. 12. “Once Upon a Mattress” is a fictional play that follows the storyline of the famous fairytale “Princess and the Pea.” The plot centers around the Queen trying to find a fit princess for her son to marry and doing what she can to make sure he chooses the right girl.

Production intern Michael Maio ‘13 says that the show is the perfect production for everyone. “There’s a classic love story, Broadway-style musical numbers, and a real message that people take away and feel really good about,” said Maio. One of Fairfield’s alumni, Ryan McKinney, will be guest director of the production. The play will be performed October 26-29 at 8 p.m. and October 29-30 at 2 p.m. at the Wien Theatre.

In the future, there will also be an exciting project called “Theatre in the Raw: The Lucille Lortel Festival of New Plays.” Theatre Fairfield will commission professional playwrights to create new plays.

Maio is excited about this program. “It will give our students the opportunity to understand the process of developing a new play and the various stages in which it goes through before its that full-scale production that the audience goes and sees,” he said.

In addition, Fairfield has a Live! On stage series beginning with an Emmy award-winning actor John Malkovich. You might recognize this well-distinguished actor from films such as “Transformers: Dark of the Moon,” “Secretariat,” “Dangerous Liaisons,” “Of Mice & Men,” or “Being John Malkovich.” He will be the star of the one man drama “The Infernal Comedy: Confessions of a Serial Killer.”

The story is based on the real-life serial killer Jack Unterweger.

This is a show you do not want to miss. It takes place on November 15 at 10 p.m. at the

By Luigi DiMeglio Contributing Writer

J Provided by Michael Maio/The Mirror

Casey Grambo '12 and Michelle Maffeo '11 in last year's "Dead Man's Cell Phone."

Kelley theatre.

Oscar Wilde’s “The Importance of Being Earnest” will be performed by the Aquila Theatre Company this November. The New Yorker has described it as “beautifully spoken, dramatically revealing and crystalline in effect.” The story follows the characters Jack Worthing and Algernon Moncrieff who are bored with their lives and begin to stretch the truth. The play is imaginative, romantic, and proves to the audience that it is better to be honest with yourself to others.

Fairfield’s department of modern languages and literature are introducing the play “Perpetual Peace,” which is written by Spanish playwright Juan Mayorga. On a blog post detailing the play, Jerelyn Johnson, a Fairfield assistant professor of modern languages and literatures, says, “The play is not a propaganda piece against the use of torture; instead it raises several arguments for and against its use by the state in the war against terror.”

This event is part of the Jesuit idea of “global citizenship” and learning about other people’s culture and way of life. The event will take place October 5-8 at the Wien Theatre and tickets are on sale now.

Arts are an integral part of learning that helps you to view life from a different perspective. Hopefully, something in this article will encourage you to go see Fairfield productions.

Page 14

azz musicians of long ago could not have imagined that their art would live strong by the side of today's newest advances in technology and culture as it did at the Live Green Connecticut! Festival.

In Norwalk this past weekend. the classic sounds of blues and swing enveloped the dozens of tents that lined a field of Taylor Farm Park, which housed exhibits featuring eco-friendly products, services, foods and health.

One of the most popular of these exhibits focused on a Tesla Roadster, one of the first and fastest fully-electric automobiles on the market. With a top speed of 130 mph and a range of 250 miles on a single charge, this ideal alternative-fuel car for both the sports car enthusiast and the long-distance commuter.

Owner of the car on display, Ken Edwards, in his teslamotors.com blog, cites “achieving personal energy independence,” and “cleaning up the environment,” as his motives for being a electronic vehicle enthusiast. While prices for Tesla electronic cars still remain too high to be mainstream, Edwards says that “it's only tomorrow’s technology if you're from General Motors or Nissan.”

Similarly popular to the Tesla, and possibly more groundbreaking, was the Honeywell WT6500 wind turbine on display. With a six-foot diameter, and a design that nearly eliminates all mechanical resistance, this zero-emissions generator caught the eye of nearly every home owner in attendance.

Since the Honeywell WT6500 can produce up to 1,500 kilowatt-hours (kW·h's) of electricity per year, and Connecticut electric bills can charge from 10 cents to 25 cents per kW·h, yearly savings derived from the generator can number in the hundreds of dollars.

As a relatively new and advanced green

product on the market, the wind turbine is also sold for a price (approximately $6,000 to $7,000) that many average-income home owners would not find attractive or viable in this economy.

Scott Albertson, an accomplished Jazz vocalist from Norwalk, took the stage as the festival neared its end Saturday afternoon.

Amidst a scene of solar-powered attractions and organic food presentations, he said the main focus of the event was to “learn to be in harmony with our environment.”

The statement was almost immediately followed by the first downbeat of a Blues melody laid down by Dr. Joe Utterback.

As Albertson's piano accompaniment, and the composer of 360 published pieces, Utterback represented almost everything that Live Green Connecticut had to offer. He knew from his experience in the Sierra Club and Green Peace in the 1970s what it was like to be part of a not-so-popular grassroots movement.

He saw no irony in the mixture of fringe technology with the century-old classic art of Jazz in the same venue because Jazz began with a small minority of people on the periphery of American culture. He said of the two, “It's quite fitting that they would be displayed together because they both have the same type of origin.”

Contributed by Devin Cheney

Joe Utterback playing piano at the Live Green Connecticut! Festival.

The Vine

The Mirror | Week of September 21, 2011

Come in and see why they're so Special!

2074 Black Rock Turnpike Fairfield CT 06825 (P) 203-870-8444 (F) 203-870-8441

Open Daily Monday-Saturday 8am-8:30 pm Sunday 9am-6pm

Page 15

The Mirror | Week of September 21, 2011

Online

Send your thoughts to info@fairfieldmirror.com.

fairfieldmirror.com

Coffee Break | 16

Editor Gabriella Tutino » info@fairfieldmirror.com

His iPhone / Her BlackBerry Joe McConville

Lazy Sunday, Wake Up in the Late Afternoon Megan Forbes

First off, I’d like to welcome the new BlackBerry Girl to the ring. Hopefully she can put up with my sarcasm and keep all of you readers entertained.

Sundays at Fairfield University are a sad time as students all over campus slowly come to the realization that the glorious weekend is coming to an end. The summerlike dream comes crashing down and all that remain are crushing depression and unholy amounts of work. Everybody’s working for the weekend.

Sundays are a hellish whirlwind of procrastinated work that suddenly needs to be done. Unless you’re one of those uberorganized students who does all of your work steadily across the weekend, odds are you’re posting up in Club DiMenna for a couple of hours. Coming out of your coma Sunday morning and trying to shut your eyes against the blinding light of your window is a struggle known to many college students.

Grasping the sheer unthinkable amount of homework ahead of you is almost enough to cause you to faint from the effort.

Sadly, Sunday is also cleaning day. I had never scrubbed a toilet until I lived in the suites and believe me, if you haven’t done it yet, it sucks. My nostrils are still singed from the smell of bleach in a confined space.

Now I understand why the various cleaning people in the perspective dorms step out into the hallway to collect themselves when they bleach our bathrooms. To all those people who keep our campus clean, I would like to extend my great thanks.

The highlight of my Sundays is late Barone lunches with my friends, even though

for some strange reason Barone never has enough food or lacks its usual eclectic choices. Greasy half-breakfast. half-lunch food is a weird combination and usually leaves you a little sicker than you woke up. Getting together and recounting tales of survival through the weekend are always something to look forward to. Even though the sagas always start the same way, they usually end in some absurd manner. BlackBerry Girl’s are usually not as entertaining as mine. Just throwing that out there.

Sunday nights are usually reserved for what’s lovingly referred to as “family night” where everyone gets together and cooks a huge home-cooked meal. Not setting the fire alarm off is usually a challenge in itself.

Cooking a huge bowl of pasta is such a welcome change. Not quite like Mamma’s, but it’ll do.

Remember, always keep your cooking area WELL ventilated to prevent everyone in your building from hating you for having them all stand outside at 10 p.m. in the cold rain while DPS and the Fairfield Fire Department clear the building.

In my opinion, the most depressing time ever is Sunday night. Knowing that the freedom and fun of the weekend have drawn to a close and that another week of classes is ahead of you is an obstacle all college students must face. If this is the hardest thing we have to experience in our lives, then we’re pretty lucky and I’ll take this any day.

-Sent from my iPhone

Hello fellow Stags! I’m Megan Forbes, your new BlackBerry Girl! Hopefully I’ll be able to last through the endless torment of the iPhone Guy, which is next to impossible for any decent human being.

The topic is Sundays. Does this sound like your weekend? You went to a club on Thursday for College Night. You partied at the townhouses on Friday. You went to the beach on Saturday. Now comes Sunday, and you feel like you’ve been hit with a bulldozer.

The mixed drinks, Red Bulls, Easy Mac, and Domino’s are all catching up as you’re laying in your twin XL on a lonely afternoon.

And you couldn’t possibly imagine feeling any worse. Sundays in college are by far the worst day of the week.

Sunday is always perceived as the most productive day of the week in college, because every task that needs to be completed is pushed to Sunday, when you’ll have “the time” to do it. Your last party of the weekend is in Club DiMenna, and you’re not dancing on a table in your high heels, or begging people for rides home from the beach at the end of the night. It feels like you’re drowning in a kiddie pool of textbooks, emails, and syllabi.

Some students like to push their cleaning to the dreadful Sunday. Luckily, I’m not one of these people. I’m so OCD about cleaning that I do it everyday, and I enjoy it. And since I have a community bathroom, I don’t need to worry about yelling at roommates for putting their hair on the walls of the shower. But if you’re like the iPhone guy, you’re probably going to wind up on your hands and knees scrubbing a toilet with cleaning supplies you don’t

know how to use. Luckily for iPhone guy, he has a wonderful clean-freak friend - yours truly - who shows him how to turn on a vacuum to clean his filthy palace rug.

Finally, when all the homework and cleaning is checked off of the list, there is nothing left to do on Sunday but relax. And boy, finishing all of the tasks at a decent hour makes you feel like a kid on Christmas.

Now you get to lounge around and reminisce about the weekend, telling your stories of still getting lost on the way home from the townhouses, and how you went back out at 3 a.m. to go on a McDonald’s run.

You’ll wind up in Barone, stuffing your face with fried food to settle your stomach, and let’s admit it: Barone has some pretty good food on the weekends. Reward yourself with a salad bowl full of ice cream, accompanied with fries, pizza, and a plate of cookies. Have fun on the RecPlex treadmill tomorrow.

Late Sunday night takes a turn for the worst. You finally realize your glorious weekend is over, and it’s time to go back to your cave in the library after every class until Thursday night rolls around.

Monotony sets in again. Depressing, huh?

There’s no greater satisfaction than having a lazy Sunday; it’s just unfortunate that the majority of us don’t get to experience it during our time at StagLand. But let’s try to be optimistic about Sundays; it’s only a few more days until the parties commence once again!

-Sent from my Verizon Wireless Blackberry

Greg Pizzi/The Mirror

Sports

The Mirror | Week of September 21, 2011

Page 17

This Week in Sports The week that was in Fairfield Athletics

Sports Shorts

What To Watch For

Men's Rugby - Men's Rugby beat Seton Hall 38-3 this past Sunday. Fairfield led by 12-3 at halftime and went on to have a dominant second half despite numerous injuries for both sides.

Men's Soccer - Fairfield Men's Soccer lost to Stony Brook by a score of 4-1 Tuesday night. Jon Clements provided the lone goal for the Stags.

Women's Tennis - Sophomore Sharissa Ryan reached the Columbia Invitational Finals before falling to U Penn freshman, Alex Ion. Ryan defeated Hofstra's Bianca Derrick, Chelsea Davis, and Adel Arshavskaya, both of Columbia, in straight sets.

Field Hockey -The Stags traveled to Lehigh and returned with their third straight victory, 2-0. Caitlin O'Donnell had six saves.

Felicitas Heinen and Hilary Burns scored for the Stags, who have only allowed only 2 goals in their last three games.

New Sports Blog

Wednesday- Field Hockey hosts Sacred Heart at 4 p.m.

Men's & Women's Tennis open MAAC play vs Rider, 2 p.m.

Thursday - NO GAMES Friday- Volleyball travels to Marist, 7 p.m.

Saturday -Men's and Women's Cross Country hosts the Father Victor F. Leeber Invitational at 11 a.m.

Sunday - Men's Rugby hosts Marist at 1 p.m.

Monday - Men's Golf @ University of Hartford Invitational Tuesday-Men's Golf @ University of Hartford Invitational

By The Numbers

1,000

Number of Total digs for Consecutive intramural Junior Kara wins for the Field activies offered by Reis, Hockey team, becoming only Fairfeld Univerimproving the the 10th Stag to sity, with the Fall Stags record to join this elite season beginning 5-2 on the year. this week. club.

Quote of the Week -- said Kara Reiss as she reflected back on acheiving 1,000 digs this past weekend at Alumni Hall

Sports 3x5 , Eric Bernsen Sports Editor

Ivey Speight Contributing Writer

J ohn Tessi tore

Assistant Sports Editor

3

“I made that my goal. If I do one thing for my team, I definitely want to get 1,000 and get up on that banner.�

Make sure to check out our new Sports Blog with online-only coverage at sports.fairfieldmirror.com

Because they like to talk... Sports.

25

Your 2011-2012 3x5 Columnists: Eric Bernsen, Ivey Speight and John Tessitore.

Red Sox are in freefall.

You think they'll blow it and miss the playoffs?

Roast of Charlie Sheen.

Did it live up to the hype?

Who will be on top of the AFC East after next Sunday?

Mug night at the Levee on Thursday. Event that all seniors should go to?

Number one student you are afraid to face off against in a rap battle?

I see them bouncing back for sure. If only Beckett and Lester could pitch back to back every day.

Most definitely. Mike Tyson is an absolute legend and will always be the champ, even if slightly inebriated.

Brady will have another 400+ yard game against the Bills. Is there another team the Pats need to worry about?

The Levee is a great place to feed the keg. Everyone should be there --no excuses.

Kurt Stephens is the second coming of Eminem, on Fairfield Beach the kid be a hidden gem.

Let's just say they should be singing "Wake Me Up When September Ends."

I'd give it two and a half stars #winning

I'd say Pats but you can't like what you see out of their defense.

Well, you'll see me there. I apologize beforehand, excuse me.

Oh Kurt Stephens he could be decevin, but beatin Ivey Lee he'd be dreamin.

I'MMMM FREEEE FALLLLLLING, Red Sox remind me of one of the games greatest teams, the '07 Mets.

PWND

I was to busy doing my daily laps at the Rec Plex , trying to get in peak shape for intramural hoops.

It's gonna be an all New York Division baby, those Buffalo Bills are the NFL's AVICII and the Jets have far too much swag. Both will be 3-0.

To quote Pitbull- "Forgetttt about your boyyyyfriend and meeet me at the Levee."

Uhh, chillin' in Scituate, Mass and what do I see, Kurt Stephens cooking fresh lobsters FOR FREE.

Fairfield Supports Special Captain in Tough Loss

By Jennifer Calhoun Contributing Writer

Soccer is a cruel sport. A team can be controlling the game for almost all of the 90 minutes, and then in one second see the game slip away.

This is exactly what Fairfield’s women’s soccer team experienced as they lost to Stony Brook by a score of 2-1 this past Sunday.

The Stags (2-2-2) entered the game with a four game unbeaten streak, and right from the first whistle, they seemed destined to increase that number to five games.

A mere minute into the game, senior forward Jasmin Corniel saw her shot go just wide of the right post. In the 20th minute, Sophomore Carly Beyar found herself with open space at the top of the box, only to have her shot go wide right as well.

Finally, in the 25th minute, the ball found the back of the net.

Sophomore Stephanie Sutherby found herself in possession of the ball on the right flank, while her teammate Lauren Reilly was streaking into the box from the left.

According to Sutherby: “She indicated that she wanted the ball played to her head, so I put the ball right there.”

And what a perfect pass it was.

Reilly made contact with the ball on a diving header that sent the

ball shooting into the right corner of the net.

Unfortunately, the lead didn’t last too long for the Stags. In the 31st minute, Stony Brook’s Caitlin Pfeiffer aimed to send a cross from the left sideline into Fairfield’s penalty area. Just inside the area, the ball struck Fairfield’s Allison Walsh in the arm. Stony Brook was awarded a penalty kick, which Sa’sha Kershaw placed calmly into the lower left corner.

Going into halftime, Fairfield still seemed they were more likely to score game-winning goal.

However only nine minutes into the second half, the game-winning goal was put in by Stony Brook.

There was utter chaos in the Stag’s penalty area, but Stony Brook’s Rachel Silverman eventually diverted the ball past Kelly Boudreau and into the net.

While Fairfield increased the pressure for the rest of the game, switching to a more attack minded 3-4-3 formation, the ball just wouldn’t go into the net for the Stags. In spite of the defeat, Coach Jim O’Brien could see some positives to take away from the match.

“I feel the team effort was very, very good. We were statistically dominant; we’re just having a hard time scoring goals. But we just need to stay positive,” O’Brien said.

The stats do show that Fairfield dominated in crucial areas

of the game. Fairfield had 14 shots to Stony Brook’s 5, as well as 6 corners to their 1.

Despite the loss, this particular game was not just about winning and losing. The match held special meaning, as young Emily Tredwell was named the honorary captain of the day. Emily's father, Tim, was an intern in the Southern Connecticut Sports Information office when O'Brien served as head coach of the Owls women's soccer program.Emily was diagnosed with a rare condition that resulted in her right leg being significantly shorter than her left.

Donations were taken at the door and at halftime to help the Tredwell’s pay for the upcoming ten years of travel to Florida for medical treatment. Coach O’Brien expressed how important this fundraiser was for Emily.

“Tim is an old friend...When we heard about Emily’s illness, we wanted to do whatever we could to help,” O’Brien said.

Sutherby also described how Emily has become closer to the players on the team.

“She’s becoming more comfortable with us. She now knows some of us by name,”she said.

The Stags are now looking to get back on the winning track when they play at the University of Hartford on Wednesday at 7:00, before their first league game against Siena on the 30th.

Tom McKiver/The Mirror

Senior Jasmin Corniel drives down the field against Stony Brook

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Sports

The Mirror | Week of September 21, 2011

Intensifying Fairfield Intramural Sports

By John Tessitore Assistant Sports Editor

Glory is something that every “athlete” strives for.

Whether it is winning a state championship your senior year in high school, winning the MAAC championship, or simply winning a T-shirt, the feeling you get after a hard-fought victory is undeniable.

A T-shirt? For all those who embark on the intramural journey at Fairfield University, they know that

this T-shirt is a lot more than 100 percent cotton.

“That T-shirt means everything,” said senior Dakota Fontanello with a grin. “It is like our own little Super Bowl Trophy.”

The “T-shirt” is given to every player who wins an intramural championship at Fairfield. They are typically given out directly after the final game, making it that much sweeter.

For a lot of former high school athletes, intramurals are a chance to return to the glorified playing fields. The transition from playing 4 years (in some cases longer) of sports for your high school to intramurals is not always easy. As a varsity athlete, your school pride means the world to you and your teammates.

You have the pressure of playing for your school's tradition, and in some cases, the pressure to make history. The scenery changes from playing in front of 3,000 people in a rivalry game, to playing in front of a handful of close friends and your teammates' boyfriends or girlfriends.

“When I'm playing intramurals I think they're pretty intense,” said senior Andy Cardone. “Everyone playing was probably an athlete in high school too, and everyone wants to show what they can do.”

During the fall semester at Fairfield University, there are seven sports offered. So far, 379 students have signed up during the "early fall" period. Flag football is the most popu-

lar sport, and is broken up into the A and the B division.

Since Fairfield has not fielded a varsity football team since 2003, the turnout is typically great.

“It is supposed to be a lot of fun and competitive. I'll tell you what, I have seen some of my friends play when I was an undergraduate here, and sometimes it gets more personal than things did when I was playing basketball at a Varsity level,” said Greg Nero, the director of Intramurals and former

Page 19

exercise.

“Intramural sports are great for team building- you get to know new people and learn to work together in different ways towards a common goal,” said senior Melissa Randall.

“It’s a good way to meet people, and a good way to do something else besides go to class. It is an important way to connect to people rather that just an academic level,” said Rocco Wall, class of 2011 graduate.

Another interesting aspect of intramurals is the rivalries that develop over the years. In high school, town boundaries and tradition make up natural rivalries. In some cases, the whole town shows up for

these battles. The intramural rivalries that develop may not be as well known, but quite often they are just as intense.

“It felt awesome to win the championship sophomore year because I thought we should have won the whole thing our Freshman year,” said Cardone, whose team “Eddy Curry” won the B league 5 on 5 basketball championship in 2010.

“Also, I beat my Orientation Leader so it was that much sweeter.”

Intramurals are an effective way to help new students adjust to the college life. Some people come into Fairfield knowing little to no people, and being able to bond over things on the field tends to lead to relationships off the field.

Photo Illustration by Tom McKiver and Max Farinato/The Mirror “I feel it's a way to bond with your current Stag basketball standout. friends and make more friends...especially freshman and “Kids get really into it, but I love that, that’s what it sophomore year. I met a lot of people playing intramurals means, that’s why you should be here because you’re comand just shooting around in the gym those first few years... petitive," Nero added. "At the same time it has something for most of whom I'm still close to today,” said Cardone. everybody; not everyone has the same mindset coming in, Although it is not on the level of varsity athletics, and playing intramurals. It is really diverse, and it's special." intramurals are very near and dear to a lot of students. The The diversity of the intramural program may be the camaraderie and pride it brings to a group of friends playing reason it is so well received at Fairfield. According to the together is something very worthwhile.

Fairfield Intramural website, there are over 25 intramural “It's great sharing a common passion with your friends. activities. The participants range from former division one It makes the game more fun to have your best friends on athletes to everyday students that just want to get some your team,” said Randall.

Photo Contributed by Fairfield Intramurals

Photo Contributed by Fairfield Intramurals

Past winners of Men's Intramural Soccer celebrate their hard-earned victory the night of the season-ending game

The victors of the Intramural Dodgeball team celebrate the awarding of their official Champion T-shirts.

Online New and improved sports blog.

Online only coverage.

Week of September 21, 2011

fairfieldmirror.com

Sports | 20

Sports Editor: Eric Bernsen » info@fairfieldmirror.com

Kara Reis Digs Her Way Into the Record Books

Yuri Sendzimir/The Mirror

Top: Kara Reis in deep concentration as she attempts a volley against Niagara last Sunday. Bottom Right: Reiss congratulating her opponents, displaying her sportsmanship that she has displayed as a Stag

By Ivey Speight Contributing Writer Kara Reis looked up at the old red banner on the far left at Alumni Hall, reserved for only the best players of the once-dominant Fairfield Volleyball program.

She reflected back, “I made that my goal. If I do one thing for my team, I definitely want to get 1,000 and get up on that banner.”

Reis is only a junior and she has already accomplished that goal. She became the 10th Stag to reach 1,000 digs when recording the defensive milestone for the program during Saturday’s win against Canisius.

“Getting a thousand digs is really cool, but I definitely want to keep working hard this season and next season and try to get the record,” Reis said.

The libero (volleyball defensive specialist) tallied 39 digs over the weekend to help her team split two matches against the top two teams in the MAAC. Reis’ game is different from the others. She’s not the most noticeable player on the court, or the flashiest.

But it wasn’t those qualities that have led Kara Reis on a pace to break Lindsey Lee’s record of 1,674 digs. She is a hustler, going after every ball

with the same consistency that molds her performance.

“Having someone who is consistent and you know what you’re going to get from that player every single day is awesome,” coach Alijia Pittenger said.

This is especially the case for a young team. The current Stags roster compiles five freshmen; the stability and liveliness of Reis could be the leadership role that they are looking for.

“She’s always there, you always know where she’s going to be, she’s always talking to you, always trying to pick you up. You can always lean on her when you’re down,” said freshman player Camille Coffey.

“Kara is great energy on the team. She always has that positive vibe and she talks to everybody, [and] keeps everybody up when we’re down,” Pittenger added.

It’s that reliable and spirited play that has led Reis in her progress over her first three years.

Add an exceptional volleyball IQ, and you have the potential for great success; a word that Reis has been exposed to her whole life. Her mother, Lisa, is the all-time winningest women's volleyball coach in San Diego County history, amassing 11 titles.

“My mom [is] an amaz-

ing person, an amazing coach. She’s been my coach a couple of times and I think working with her has really pushed me mentally and physically,” Reis said.

“She’s just someone I look up to all around.”

All that tutelage is paying off. Right after she recorded the milestone, Reis knew who she wanted to thank.

“I plan on calling her right now… I’m probably going to start off screaming and being really excited and then I’ll talk to my dad and both of them are going to be really proud of me.”

Now she’s on the list and the only place to go is up. With a year and a half remaining in her career, she is on pace to break the record of 1,674 that was set in 2007.

“I would be really, really honored to go down into Fairfield history for at least a year after I graduate, I think it’d be really cool to get the most digs,” Reis concluded.

In a couple of years when Kara Reis walks into Alumni Hall and stares above the white benches and glares at that old red banner on the far left that she has seen for years, she can dig into that cheerful, high-spirited personality she can let out a smile.

Because by then, she just might be number one.