THE MIRROR Independent student newspaper
Week of November 6, 2019
Vol. 45 Iss. 10
Politics and Public Discourse with Jon Meacham Award-winning author participates in the Open VISIONS Student Forum Event By Julia Crews News Editor
Well-known writer and biographer Jon Meacham is coming to the Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts on Wednesday, Nov. 6 at 8 p.m. for an Open VISIONS Forum event: “The Liberal Arts in a General Culture: Gaining the Competitive Edge.” When discussing the event, Philip I. Eliasoph, Ph.D., a professor in visual and performing arts, wrote via email, “Fasten your seatbelts for a thrilling evening of ideas [and] opinions as we watch respectful civil discourse uplift our lives assuring the highest values of American democracy in our town hall setting.” This event will also be a special Annual Student Forum, meaning that Fairfield University students will be featured in a panel onstage with Meacham. Meacham is known best for his presidential biographies such as “American Lion: Andrew Jackson in the White House” and “Thomas Jefferson: The Art of Power.” One of his more recent books from 2018, “The Soul of America: The Battle for Our Better Angels,” inspects the “present moment in American politics and life by looking back at critical times in our history when hope overcame division and fear,” said the Quick Center’s webpage about the event. The description goes on to say, “Meacham describes historical moments when the ‘better angels of our nature,’ a term used by Abraham Lincoln, have repeatedly won the day.” His most recent book is titled, “Songs of America: Patriotism, Protest, and the Music That Made a Nation” and is co-written with country music singer Tim McGraw. Eliasoph touched on the goals for the event. “We want to encourage to remember that when we speak of a ‘Fairfield education’ we should expand that to the immensely rich menu of
cultural and intellectually enriching programs we offer through the Quick Center’s Open VISIONS Forum,” he wrote. “Beyond the walls of the classroom, here is a precious opportunity for students to engage with one of the leading ‘Influencers’ on the landscape of American ideas today. “As an added bonus, having student leaders on the stage as part of this special ‘Student Forum’ adds more Stag Pride to the evening,” continued Eliasoph. The forum will feature a “broad spectrum of student social and political positions,” including the president of the on-campus organization Fairfield University College Democrats, Katherine Klima ‘20, as well as Jarrod Mullaly ‘20, president of Fairfield University College Republicans, and “journalistic insights” from The Fairfield Mirror’s Editor-in-Chief Lexi Thimble ‘20. The custom of the Student Forum has been around at Fairfield for
quite a long time. “This is the 22nd year we have featured the Student Forum,” elaborated Eliasoph. “It’s a lovely and honored tradition for us — watching our student leaders go ‘one on one’ with some of the nation’s top opinion makers and trend setting thinkers. At the very core and center of what we do at Fairfield is to assure our students the chance to participate and shape the ‘public conversation’ we want to encourage. Come out and support your fellow students as we think out loud along with one of America’s most respected authors and presidential historians — Mr. Meacham.” Students can get tickets for Wednesday night’s event at the Quick Center’s box office for $5. Editor’s Note: Seniors Lexi Thimble and Katherine Klima are the respective Editor-in-Chief and Executive Editor of The Mirror.
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World Protests
Opinion Americans must pay attention to current world protests. Page 5
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“Women on Fire”
Vine Photo Courtesy of Life@Fairfield
Jon Meacham’s 2018 book, ‘The Soul for America: The Battle for Our Better Angels’ was released in 2018.
“Women on Fire” blows Quick Center away. Page 16
Stag Card Security Policy Removed Library no longer requires Stag Card Swipe upon entry By Julia Crews News Editor
Danielle Sondgeroth/The Mirror
FUSA senators debate in the Lower Level of the BCC.
FUSA Fights for Transparency By Danielle Sondgeroth Contributing Writer
Fiery debate and discussion broke out at a Fairfield University Student Association General Senate Meeting Wednesday, Oct. 30 at 6:30 p.m. over the passing of two new bills. These bills focused on transparency between FUSA’s Executive Branch and the Senate. The first bill discussed, brought about by Senator Ali Haidar ‘21, described a previous verbal agreement with President Claire Continue Reading FUSA On Page 2
Last semester on April 16, 2019, the DiMenna-Nyselius Library and the Department of Public Safety enacted a policy requiring all students and non-students who enter the library to swipe their StagCard or show other identification. This followed an incident of a non-student in the library whose presence caused a group of students to be uncomfortable. At the time, the policy was mostly received by students and faculty to be a positive step towards increasing security on campus. But now, the Stag Card swipe policy is no longer in effect. “I do prefer the swipe in policy because it makes people feel safer at night in particular,” said Elizabeth Ricker ‘22. “It takes the edge off knowing only people that are ‘supposed’ to be in the library are there.” However some students found it unnecessary. “I initially didn’t like the swipe policy,” wrote Christian Mannio ‘22, who frequents the library, via electronic message. “It didn’t make the library any safer.” As for the policy’s removal, opinions among students are also mixed “Since the policy’s removal, it has felt no different,” continued Mannio. “I always feel safe on campus and think it made the experience in the library a little bit more restrictive. I prefer not having to swipe in because it makes the library feel like a more welcoming and open area. We have [the Department of Public Safety] for a reason, so the
Julia Crews/The Mirror
The policy required students to swipe in at front desk.
whole swipe thing seemed a bit much.” Todd A Pelazza, Director of DPS, wrote in a statement via email: “The security of our campus is built around a matrix of interlocking elements. No one of which can or should be evaluated in isolation.” However, this change may not end up being permanent. Pelazza continued, “We have removed the card swipe at the library on a trial basis because we were satisfied that other compensating elements were sufficient. We expect to revisit that decision periodically or if circumstances change.”
News
THE MIRROR | Week of November 6, 2019
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Senate Meeting Exposes Secrecy in Executive Branch Continued from Page One
Monahan ‘20, which was broken by her current cabinet and administration. This agreement stated that Monahan would give over meeting times and notes from executive cabinet meetings to the Senate, but according to Senators Haidar, John Stalzer ‘22 and Speaker Tyler Heffern ‘22, this agreement had been broken several times in the past few months alone. Heffern claimed that he was “lied to” about information divulged at these executive meetings, which are not open to the public or to any other members of FUSA. Almost every senator was frustrated with the lack of transparency between the legislative and executive branches, and Haidar said that Monahan has been “intentionally withholding information.” Senior Senator Teresa Sauer claimed that all previous meeting notes have been posted on Life@Fairfield and have been made public, and that the executive branch board meetings had not been held in a month. Aside from defending Monahan, she commented on Haidar’s fervor during the debate, stating, “Unlike you, Senator Haidar, my life is not the senate.” Sauer also believed that the senators arguing for this bill were being hypocritical, citing that the senate had not been posting minutes and meeting notes online, although various senators then pointed out that unlike the executive meetings, General Senate Meetings are completely open to the public. After a motion to end the debate, the senators voted 17 to 2 in favor of the bill. The second bill, also proposed by Haidar, would allow the legislative branches of FUSA to subpoena authority, especially in the executive branch. “It is essential Photo Courtesy of FUSA’s Instagram that there is a check on executive power,” agreed Senator Noah Richardson ‘23. Sauer, once again, disagreed with Angelica Miceli-Kaya ‘21, Tyler Heffern ‘22, Teresa Sauer ‘20 at the General Senate Meeting on Oct. 30. the senator’s proposal, stating that, “[The bill] insinuated infighting.” However, Senator Bradd Cyr ‘20 and Stalzer questions.” No further comments were made about her stateation Complex. He also sent his survey about Stag meal swipes agreed that this was not a direct attack on the executive branch. ment. to Fairfield’s administration and hopes to receive their feedback According to Stalzer the bill was “about setting a precedent for Aside from the debates over the proposed bills, the sensoon. open representation.” ators also discussed new improvements to the Fairfield comAside from the debates, the Senate meeting was accomFollowing the debate and discussion, the senators voted 15 munity, including a vape buy-back program which would allow panied by Halloween festivities among the Senators. Several of to 3 in favor of the bill and one abstention. The bill was passed. students to hand in their vapes to the Health Center for a reward them came dressed in Halloween costumes, including two Popes, Before starting the discussion of the bills, President of $50 in StagBucks. a pink lady, a lumberjack and Tim Tebow. Monahan spoke to the Senate and the general public about their Stalzer also brought up the idea of a new smoothie station The meeting was adjourned after Heffern sparked a disimpending debates, saying, “It’s your decision,” and that she in the Daniel and Grace Tully Dining Commons en lieu of the cussion about what the senators were planning to dress up as for found it “upsetting that [the senators] think you can’t ask me any one that has yet to be opened in the Leslie C. Quick, Jr. RecreHalloween.
News
THE MIRROR | Week of November 6, 2019
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The Mirror Reflects on this Week in Social Media
Compiled by Julia Crews Information contributed by the Department of Public Safety.
10/29 4:06 p.m. Motor vehicle accident occured in Aloysius P. Kelley Center Parking lot. No injuries were reported. 8:41 p.m. Vandalism to the 4th floor hallway in Mahan was reported by Residence Life. It included damage to walls and broken bottles in hallway. Student responsible was identified and referred to Student Conduct. 10/31 9:12 p.m. In the process of dispersing a large crowd in Dolan, narcotics and alcohol were found. Students in the room were referred to Student Conduct. 1:59 p.m. Student found in possession of a controlled substance in Langguth Hall. The student was referred to Student Conduct. 11/3 1:45 a.m. A non-student previously issued a criminal trespass warning was found on campus at the Townhouses. He was arrested for first degree trespass.
THE MIRROR Incorporated 1977
Lexi Thimble, Editor-in-Chief Katherine Klima, Executive Editor Julia Monteleone, Managing Editor Editors Sheila McCombs, Chief Copy Julia Crews, News Colleen Vann, Assistant News Catherine Santangelo, Opinion Gracianne Eldrenkamp, Vine Molly Lamendola, Abroad Columnist Julia Lanzillotta, Sports Tobenna Ugwu, Coffee Break Business Department Email: info@fairfieldmirror.com Michael Hoffman, Director of Finance Advisor Dr. Tommy Xie Contact Information Fairfield University 1073 North Benson Road, BCC 104 Box AA, Fairfield, CT 06824 General email: info@fairfieldmirror.com
The Mirror is the recognized student newspaper of Fairfield University. Opinions and ideas expressed herein are those of the individual student authors, and not those of the Fairfield University or its Board of Trustees
News
THE MIRROR | Week of November 6, 2019
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Jesse Jarnow Talks The Weavers and Social Change By Gabrielle Arlotta Contributing Writer
Award-winning writer Jesse Jarnow visited Fairfield University’s Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts on Wednesday, Oct. 30. His 2018 book, “Wasn’t That a Time: The Weavers, the Blacklist, and the Battle For the Soul of America” was discussed for the intimate audience in the Wien Experimental Theatre. The Open Visions Forum event, supported by Connecticut law firm, Cohen and Wolf, P.C, counted as an Inspire Event for first-year students, according to Life@Fairfield. Jarnow drew a crowd of Weaver fans from the Fairfield University community as well as the surrounding town. While some students came for class credit, others in the audience attended to relive glory days and learn more about the influential singers of the ‘60s and beyond. Junior Felix Brisuela stated, “I had to attend this event to gain credit for my Art History Class.” In regards to the Quick Center for the Arts, Brisuela further explained that he wasn’t new to the venue, and has visited in the past to support peers performing there. Life@Fairfield provides further information about Jarnow’s book, which tells the story of The Weavers, one of the most significant popular-music groups of the postwar era. The Weavers saw their career nearly destroyed during the Red Scare of the early 1950s. Even with anti-communist fervor in decline by the early 1960s, the Weavers’ leftist politics were unfortunatley used against them in many instances. Philip I. Eliasoph, Ph.D. a professor of visual and performing arts at Fairfield University, was one of two professors that introduced Jarnow. Eliasoph impactfully related the past to the present. On the topic of music, he quoted “The Doors” album called ‘Strange Days’, saying, “These are indeed strange days,” as he spoke on current events like the California fires burning through the state, the president impeachment inquiries and even added, “A straight arrow, decorated purple heart military officer is being accused of being a double agent by white house allies.” From there he further stated, “So these are strange days, and these strange days remind us of the darkness of the period of the Red Scare and it makes us shiver in our spines recalling that very dramatic confrontation in the US senate on June 9th 1954, when attorney Joseph Welch asked Wisconsin Senator Joe McCarthy saying, ‘I have never really gauged your recklessness, have you no sense of decency sir?’” Gabrielle Arlotta/The Mirror Elisoph’s colleague, professor of music Brian Jarnow’s book, “Wasn’t That A Time” was available for audiences to purchase at the Quick Center before and after the event. Q. Torff, further introduced the concept of The Weavers and Jarnow’s book by stating, “It is more ‘open your eyes and think’ music...the book reminds us that “Tzena, Tzena, Tzena.” than a book about an activist folk singing group, The Weavhistory doesn’t repeat itself, people do.” Three years prior to the single, Jarnow explained the ers, who had pop success as well in the ‘50s, only to become Once Jarnow took the floor, he opened his talk with a event that pushed The Weavers into action was a riot that ocblacklisted. It is a study in American patriotism, courage and presentation highlighting The Weavers career. He displayed cured at a Paul Robeson concert in Peekskill, NY. He stressed defiance. It is speaking up and out in song.” photographs of the band, old newspaper headlines and the importance of famous folk singer Pete Seeger, as Jarnow Following that statement, Torff powerfully explained significant events that occured. Most importantly, he opened used Seeger to bring the audience through an eventful timethat, “It’s not just ‘protest’ music, this is what I like to call with one of The Weavers first enormous hit singles from 1951, line. Singers like Seeger used music as their tool, one to bring people together. Just as Torff said prior, “The silent generation of the ‘50s became inspired, I believe, by The Weavers and groups like them...This influenced people like Bob Dylan, the folk movement and folk rock.” Jarnow’s writing on music, technology and culture has appeared in the New York Times, Pitchfork, Wired.com, Rolling Stone, Dupree’s Diamond News and more according to Life@ Fairfield. While he was always a writer, Jarnow has had an underlying passion for music from the start that allowed him to dive deeper with the two passions. When Torff closed, he referenced Jarnow’s writing, stating, “When Mr. Jarnow observes that the attacks of the anti-communists in the McCarthy era were really not that [a facist], he says “They were just scared Americans” and FDR warned us, didn’t he? In his first inaugural address in 1933, he famously said, ‘The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.’” On top of writing, Jarnow is a music critic, blogger, radio host, podcaster and a DJ at WMFU on Monday nights based in New Jersey, New York City and the Hudson Valley. He has written another book called “Heads,” a biography on psychedelic America in addition to other works. According to Life@Fairfield, Jarnow’s book achieved critical and popular acclaim, including a review by Academy Award-winning actor Alan Arkin who stated, “Wasn’t That a Time reads more like a Dickens novel than the history of a Gabrielle Arlotta/The Mirror folk group. God, what a wild ride. And I rememJarnow discusses the Weavers, an influential band from the ‘50s, and how they shaped American music and history. ber it well.”
Opinion
THE MIRROR | Week of Novermber 6, 2019
Opinion
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Editor Catherine Santangelo» catherine.santangelo@student.fairfield.edu
Americans Must Pay Attention to Impacts of World Protests By Ali Haidar Contributing Writer
It can be easy to be sucked up into the domestic American news cycle about the events within the Democratic primary or the ongoing presidential impeachment inquiry. However, the world moves with or without American politics, which is why it is essential for Americans to understand the fluid complexity of the international realm. Perhaps by looking at the world stage, everyday Americans might be able to find answers for the questions we have at home. As reported by many news outlets, including the Washington Post, protests are shaking the political climate in various parts of the world from Hong Kong to Chile, as people are taking to the streets to voice their concerns about different topics, from unjust laws to rising inequality and government corruption. However, while protests occur due to various reasons, the theme of many (but not all) current anti-government protests can be attributed to the failing structure of the neoliberal world order. Neoliberalism, the idea that free-market policies or reforms can bring economic stability and which has gripped the world since the end of World War II, is failing for working-class people across the globe. Protesters in Lebanon, Iraq and Chile have called out the political elite who have long benefited from neoliberalism, and who are frankly sick of the rising inequality, corruption and endless austerity cuts which have plagued these countries for decades. The protestors in these three countries have had undeniably great success in calling out their democratically-elected kleptocracies and in winning great
concessions from the ruling political elite. The New York Times reports that the Lebanese prime minister resigned after two weeks of paralyzing protests, that in Chile eight cabinet members were fired and the protesters in Iraq have won the support of influential religious clerics who have given their backing to the protests. Why should Americans care? As globalization increasingly strengthens its foothold on the global economy, what happens in these countries can certainly have an impact on the U.S. However, Americans must also realize that the woes found in Lebanon, and especially in Iraq and Chile, can stem from years of American intervention. For example, according to The New York Times, Chile’s rising inequality can be attributed to three decades back when the American-backed Chilean dictator, Augusto Pinochet, implemented radical anti-labor laws and privatized much of the economy. In Iraq, much of the economic strife can be rightfully traced back to egregious U.S. invasion of Iraq and the following occupation which destabilized the country and laid down the foundation for years of corruption. The fact is this: these protests are important to the world and especially to America, because working people are standing up against a world order that they feel has left them behind - something that is analogous to the rise of American populism during the 2016 election. Uncertainty and unintended effects come with changing world politics. For example, the protests in Iraq and Lebanon may reflect power change in a region in which America has been entrenched in. The protests in Chile reflect growing discontent in the Western Hemisphere, a region which America has held a tight grip on, and where any changes can alter the status-quo. Especially in 2019, one should not be advocating for America’s involvement in these countries, but should know that Americans need to pay close attention to this issue. Given everything that is happening in the world, and the contagious effect of these protests, the foundations of the status quo of neoliberalism are shaking - in America and around the world.
Photo Courtesy of @NickHintonn Twitter Photo Courtesy of @AFPphoto Twitter
Editorial Board "Friends are the Family You Choose" Katherine Klima Executive Editor
There’s a really cheesy quote that I’m sure most of you have heard by now that says, “Friends are the family you choose.” As tacky as it is, I can’t help but admit that there’s so much truth behind this saying. Maybe I’m feeling a little sentimental and mushy because all my childhood friends are finally coming up to Fairfield this weekend to visit me, but I also can’t help but stress the importance of friends who become family. It’s something that has definitely become important to me as I went through high school and as I now finish up my last year in college. I come from a very big Italian family, so it was ingrained in me at a very young age to essentially “protect the pack,” or to always have your family's back– no matter what. My childhood was all about being close with my family and always doing things with the family. However, as I grew up and grew apart from cousins and family members I used to do everything with, I couldn’t help but drift to a new “pack.” It was in high school when I realized that there
were people outside my family who I could also have a familial connection with. It all started out with some longtime childhood friends, as well as friends I met along the way, who shared similar interests as me. Through the years, these friends would be the ones that stuck when no one else would. They were the ones I could always count on. I soon came to realize that having that sort of “second family” is so important because they’re there to encourage and love you through everything. They’re your support system– whether it’s high school or college. In high school, my friends were the ones that were there for me when I didn’t know what I was going to do with my life or when we were scared about the impending future. This only happened again in college when I found kinship in friends who were struggling to adjust on their own, just like me. These kinds of friends are the ones that are going through the same things as you are or know where you’re coming from. They’re the friends that
will drop everything to help you out when you are going through a rough patch. They’re the people you can vent to about things that you’d never tell your parents or the ones that are there for you when your blood family isn’t. At least in my case, just because these friends aren’t my blood doesn’t mean that I wouldn’t do the same for them that I would do for a normal member of my family. After knowing many of my friends for years, there isn’t anything I wouldn’t do for them. Heck, my longest friendship with someone turned 20 years old this year. At this point, our families are basically family. This also goes for friends I’ve met in recent years at college that I know I’ll only continue to keep bonds with. Friends do come and go, but once you form that sort of “ride or die” bond with someone, you know there’s no going back. Those are the relationships you hold onto and you never go back on because 20 or 50 years from now they’re the people that are still going to have your back no matter what.
THE MIRROR | Week of November 6, 2019
Opinion
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Increased Protected Bike Lanes Will Bring Many Benefits to the Streets of NYC By Jack Martorano Contributing Writer
There have been over 40 cyclist deaths in 2019 alone in New York City. In response to this consistent issue in the Big Apple, failed Democratic presidential candidate Mayor Bill de Blasio and the City Council have agreed to a $1.7 billion plan to construct 250 miles of protected bike lanes throughout the city, as reported by The New York Times. Though I believe that De Blasio has struggled to lead the city in the right direction, I appreciate his efforts to make the roads safer for bikers. Protected bike lanes throughout the city will undoubtedly prevent many collisions between bikers and cars, as there will be a barrier between the two. This strategy has proved to be effective in Canada. According to an article from Vice, the former chief planner of Toronto said that “collisions have been rare where they’ve been put in place,” in reference to protected bike paths. Not only do these paths make the roads safer for bikers, but they also can speed up travel. After protected bike paths
"Though I believe that De Blasio has struggled to lead the city in the right direction, I appreciate his efforts to make the roads safer for bikers." -Jack Martorano
were established in London in 2014, “the city reported that they moved five times more people per square meter than the main road,” as stated by Vice. Perhaps we will see similar effects in New York City after the establishment of these bike paths. By protecting cyclists, others may be encouraged to take to the streets with their bikes. Therefore, we may see a beneficial environmental impact with the decrease in cars on the streets and perhaps a decrease in traffic around the heavily congested city. According to National Geographic, vehicles are America’s biggest air polluters and contribute to one third of all U.S. air pollution. As many of us know, New York City does not exactly have high-quality air, with thousands dying prematurely as a result of the smog and toxins in the air, as stated by a State of the Planet article. If people know that the streets are safe for cyclists, perhaps more will ride their bikes to work. This would not only decrease traffic, but also gradually remedy the environmental issues within New York City. Another solution to this issue could be to implement lower speed limits and social campaigns to make people aware of the dangers that can be posed to cyclists. After all, these collisions are largely a result of human error. Therefore, if drivers and cyclists stay focused on the roads, perhaps we will see a decrease in the number of collisions. In 2017, Paris established lower speed limits to ensure that drivers take to the roads at much lower speeds because the faster they drive, the more chance there is of someone being hit. In Paris however, lowering speed limits
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correlated with an 8 percent reduction in road fatalities in 2017 according to a Paris article. Though the proposed measure may do some good on the streets, it will cost the city $1.7 billion. New York City is already $119 billion in debt, as stated by CBCNY. New York City also has numerous other pressing issues, including poverty, crime, low-quality public education and the rising cost of living. So I suppose that these are the imperative questions: is the issue of traffic violence more pressing than other issues, and if so, is there enough money in the already-strained budget of New York City to tackle this issue head-on?
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We Wish All Pigs Could Fly, But Emotional Support Animals Must Have Proper Certification By Grace Gelep Contributing Writer Animals of all kinds have been domesticated and welcomed by thousands of households as our beloved pets. Although these pets rely on us to walk and feed them, owners can rely on them for love and emotional support as well. This reliance could lead to a need to bring your pet everywhere with you, but should be they allowed everywhere? Service animals can be a huge help to humans in many ways, as they are trained to assist their owners. For example, people with disabilities can be led and supported by a seeing eye dog, or some animals can provide therapy or support for people with mental health issues. These animals can be cat-
Creative Commons/Needpix.com
egorized as emotional support animals, or ESAs, and with the right credentials can be allowed to accompany their owners in many pet-banned places. In order to qualify a pet as an emotional support animal, the owner must justify their emotional need for the animal. According to the National Service Animal Registry, this owner must be deemed as an emotionally disabled person by a licensed health professional, such as a therapist or psychologist, and provide a prescription letter to prove it. More and more people are finding a need for an emotional support animal, with nearly 200,000 ESAs in the National Service Animal Registry, The New York Times reports. With this certification, owners can have these animals in apartments or buildings that normally wouldn’t allow them, bring them to work or bring them on airplanes without having to pay a pet fee. More and more people are showing up to airports expecting that their ESA will accompany them in the cabin for mental support. This sparks the question about whether these animals should be allowed everywhere, even on airplanes. As a dog owner and lover myself, I know the effect that an animal can have on a person’s well-being. When away from my dog at college, I ask my parents to send me pictures of him to cheer me up. He makes me happy and I’d take him everywhere with me if I could. Speaking as a person who does not suffer from mental illness, I can’t imagine the help that a dog or another pet could have on someone’s mental health. Pets give you unconditional love and support that someone who has depression or anxiety needs, especially when put in potentially anxious situations such as flying on a plane. I think these animals should absolutely be allowed to board the plane with their owners, because if they don’t, nervous flyers could be prone to an anxiety attack or mental breakdown in the small confinement of a plane.
That being said, ESAs should only be allowed on an airplane if the owner has a genuine mental health need for it. Recently, more and more people are trying to manipulate the system, and qualify their pets as an ESA to get them into apartments or on planes for free. Traveling on an airplane with a pet can get very pricey, and critics suggest that people are getting phony certificates from online therapists to avoid the cost, as reported by The New York Times. The New York Times also says that animals of all kinds are being considered ESAs, from reptiles to insects. Is there a line that should be drawn for what animals are safe to board a plane? I would say that if the pet is a certified ESA and will behave safely and stay in the arms of their owner, they should have no trouble being allowed on an airplane. It is true that an ESA, especially untrained, could definitely create problems, such as causing an allergic reaction to another passenger, or if the animal feels threatened or scared, it could lash out and even attack someone. An untrained animal could also interfere with the operations of the airline employees, which could put everyone on the plane in danger. However, to prevent these issues, it should be more difficult to obtain an ESA certification, because of these possible dangers that could come with untrained or uncertified pets being allowed on airplanes. It might be okay to try and sneak your pets into an apartment with an ESA certification, but not on a plane, where people’s lives are at stake.
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The Vine
arts, entertainment, features
Editor Gracianne Eldrenkamp gracianne.eldrenkamp@student.fairfield.edu
Women Tell Fiery Stories at the Quick
Photo Contributed by Ross Rowland CreativeCommons/WikimediaCommons CreativeCommons/Pixabay
THE MIRROR | Week of November 6, 2019
The Vine
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Performers Burns Bright in 'Women on Fire' By Mimi Loughlin Contributing Writer On Monday, Nov. 4, the Royal Family Productions brought “Women on Fire,” the dance and theatre performance written by Chris Henry, to the Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts. As Cheryl Wiesenfeld, the producer of “Women on Fire: Stories from the Frontlines,” said in her introduction before the performance, “Telling our stories and sharing our stories with others is how we will become better as people and better as a society.” “Women on Fire shares different stories from women of different ages, different ethnic backgrounds and different socioeconomic backgrounds,” Wiesenfeld said. The crowd in the audience was as di- "Women on Fire" actors performing the show. verse as the women portrayed on the stage: women in pale off-white cashmere sat next to women in leather lace-up boots and leather pants, men in gray hoodies and sneakers sat next to men in pressed navy suits and shined shoes. There were large groups of students clustered together, whispering excitedly before the event started. Even more, the audience hummed with an expectant energy that continued into raucous applause after each monologue, mirroring the fervent energy of the play. The performance began with a woman clearing out what looked to be a clay pot, dust from the clay rising into the air. Then, the dancers Gracie Anderson, Kiersten Foster, Maïa Eugene and Camri Hewie began a moving lyrical performance to an original musical composition by Lars Jacobsen. As Anderson, Foster, Eugene and Hewie continued to dance, the actress Kathleen Chalafant came onto the stage wearing a bright red shirt and black pants and began the first monologue, “On Fire.” Chalafant portrayed an angry woman discussing the pitfalls of the Trump administration. Many women yelled back in response when she yelled, “We are left in a country rotting!” When she finished her monologue, she crumpled up a piece of paper in her hands and placed it into the clay pot. Chalafant left the stage surrounded by the four dancers, who continued to dance around the next actress, Maddie Corman. Corman performed the monologue, “I am not a Feminist,” which deftly analyzed and critiqued social structures that disguise harmful hazing as forming bonds between women. Her portrayal of a former sorority sister was moving and poignant. Her character never says her name throughout the monologue as she recounts the “bonds of sisterhood” formed after she and her fellow pledges were made to strip down to their underwear, circle each other’s cellulite and march to the boys’ fraternity house, where the boys threw things at them and touched them “wherever
they wanted.” “After that day, these women have been my sisters. I know I can count on them, whenever I need them,” the unnamed former sorority sister said. “I am a Republican. My family has always been Republican… And yes. I voted for him.” “Women on Fire” did a wonderful job at showing perspectives from all sides of the political spectrum. In the monologue, “Where do I Belong?” the character Beth, played by Constance Shulman, asked the audience, “I believe in gay marriage. I believe in gun control, but I don’t believe in abortion. Where does that leave me? Who do I vote for?” Senior Sam Millette said that “Women Photo Contributed by Ross Rowland on Fire” helped her understand her family members. “The majority of my family are Republicans and I ended up becoming a Democrat…A lot of the things that were said in the show resonated with me because I have either heard them from my family, experienced them myself, or heard stories from my friends. It was very powerful.” Freshman Sara Hauck, an international student from Germany, said that the show made her extremely emotional. “I only came here from Germany two months ago. In Germany, you see what’s going on on TV, but you’re never really in it. You’re able to make your own opinion across the ocean, but being here and hearing other perspectives from other women in this country helped me understand them.” “I’ve been told, ‘You’re angry. You have no reason to be angry. You just want to have everything to be equal without working for it equally.’ I really related when [the show] referred to women being seen as angry if they spoke up and having to silence themselves to reach their goals,” Hauck said. Senior Emily Ramsey, associate producer of “Women on Fire,” has been working on doing student outreach for the show since August. “I was blown away, especially by the ending, which was so powerful. I think what’s great is that this show covers a wide range of different political opinions from people with a lot of different backgrounds.” “Women on Fire” succeeded in opening up the conversation between people of all backgrounds. Each monologue showed how women are subjugated by societal oppression. At the end of the play, all of the actresses raised their fists in solidarity, standing by the idea that all stories must be heard and shared in order for our country to repair itself. We must listen to the women with fire in their veins.
Sonia Purnell Spotlights Unsung Women By Sheila McCombs Chief Copy Editor
There was also a point were she acknowledged that she was so intrigued by Virginia’s story because it seemed so outlandish, “that if I pitched this idea as a novel people would have said ‘Oh don’t be ridiculous, how could a one-legged woman do all of this?’ But it is all true.” There is also the interesting fact that both “A Woman of No Importance” and “First Lady” have been optioned to become films; “A Woman of No Importance” is even slated to have J.J. Abrams at his production company Bad Robot involved in the project and to have Daisy Ridley star as Virginia Hall. Purnell expressed, “We see so many hero men on the screen, let’s see a hero woman for a change, who did extraordinary things, things that no one believed she was capable of doing.” I couldn’t agree with this idea more. Virginia is the perfect proof that a woman can be just the same amount of action hero that a man can be, and it’s important that we reflect that on screen and in books. Our conversation was frank and lovely, and I can’t thank her enough for taking the time to meet with me. I also really want to thank the people who ran the event, Craig Kennedy and Nancy Quinn from the Fairfield bookstore and Stephanie Coakely from the Pequot Library for all of their help with this interview. I truly loved it and hope that I have inspired you to go pick up a copy of “A Woman of No Importance” immediately, you won’t regret it!
When I heard that Sonia Purnell was coming to the Fairfield University bookstore, my immediate reaction was to run into our weekly pitch meeting to announce to Gracie, our Vine editor, that I had to interview this woman. As I have professed in this paper before, I love reading. In a wish to make more time for my favorite hobby, I have taken on the challenge this year of trying to read more for fun, and one of the best books to come out of this challenge was “A Woman of No Importance” by Sonia Purnell. I read it over the summer and simply couldn’t talk enough about it. The book follows the life and adventures of Virginia Hall, a real life American woman who became one of the most successful undercover agents in Nazi-occupied France during World War II. The larger-than-life story is thrilling and inspiring in a way that a book hasn’t made me feel in a long time. This is largely in part due to the amazing prose of its author, Sonia Purnell. Purnell is a journalist who has written for “The Telegraph” and “The Sunday Times” in the United Kingdom and for other publications such as “The Wall Street Journal” in the United States. She has also released two other books, “Just Boris: A Tale of Blond Ambition” about her time working as a secretary for the current Prime Minister and “First Lady: The Life and Wars of Clementine Churchill” about the wife of famed British Prime Minister Winston Churchill. So, I went to the bookstore on Sunday, Nov. 3 at 4 p.m. more excited than I can properly convey here in this article. After some introductions, Purnell came out to speak to a crowd of about 40 people, and began to describe the story of Virginia. She did leave some of the more important details to the book, but gave just enough to intrigue people into buying it. When speaking on the beginning of her journey researching this story she stated, “I knew it was a good story, I didn’t know it was going to be a great and epic one.” Purnell spoke about the path that led Virginia to becoming what she called, “the highest security threat to Berlin in France at the time--as classified by the Germans.” The story of her going from an upcoming Baltimore socialite to working for the American embassy is full of twists and turns, and why the book is so interesting. Virginia faced so many struggles in her personal life and career, from losing her leg in a hunting accident to being pushed out of the career that she wanted to pursue because she was a woman. During her speech Purnell said, “I think we can all learn things from Virginia everyday.” Not only is this James Bond-esque spy thriller, it is also the story of one woman having enough strength in her convictions to stand against literal armies by herself and fight to protect anyone that she believed needed her help. After her speech ended, I was given the amazing opportunity to have a brief interview with Purnell about her writing, which was an absolute dream come true. As a biographer, Purnell has written about both modern and historical figures, so one of the things that I was most curious about was how she picked who to write about. She responded that, “I always like to say that they picked me.” She also spoke about the difference of picking someone like Boris Johnson, who she believed had been given too much public attention, and then someone like Clementine Churchill, who she admired and believed hadn’t gained Sonia Purnell talks about her book at the Fairfield Bookstore. enough notoriety.
Sheila McCombs/TheMirror
THE MIRROR | Week of November 6, 2019
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BoJack Begins to Say Goodbye By Gracianne Eldrenkamp Vine Editor
Photo Courtesy of @bojackhorseman Twitter
story has her finally confronting her mental health and her fear of commitment. Mr. Peanutbutter (Paul F. Tompkins), the Even if you haven’t ventured to watch it, fun-loving and oblivious golden labrador, has you’ve definitely heard of Netflix’s “BoJack to learn what BoJack and Diane have learned Horseman.” It’s an animated comedy-drama before. He has to be honest with his newest that follows BoJack Horseman (Will Arnett), girlfriend, the social media-savvy pug, Picka washed up celebrity with several addicles (Julia Chan), about his recent affairs. Mr. tions and the tendency to sabotage his (and Peanutbutter realizes he can’t make everyone everyone else’s) happiness. It’s a show that happy all the time and that it is often better can be both stupid and funny while also bein the long run to be honest despite how hard ing nuanced, ultra-realistic and sometimes it is. hard to watch with its heavy themes. On Oct. Todd (Aaron Paul)’s storyline isn’t as de25, Netflix released the first half of “BoJack veloped in this season, which I have a feeling Horseman”’s sixth and final season, and this will change in the last half of the show. The season matches the superb quality of past seafirst half of the season doesn’t have him insons and has me both sad and excited for the volved in as many antics, and he barely gets series’ end. any screen time at all, but I won’t spoil it in Warning: this is not a spoiler-free review. hopes someone else will get the same joy that For a show that relies so heavily on the past I did of seeing it. Todd definitely becomes less characters’ actions, unfortunately there was of a mystery in this season despite having the no way for me to review it without talking least amount of screen time. about everything. This new season has hilarious new charIn this season, BoJack finally goes reacters, and brings back recurring characters hab for his drug addiction that pervaded seafrom past seasons to show us what they’ve son five and strained the few, already pretty been up to. By the end of the season, one of rocky relationships he’s had. BoJack’s story the darker plotlines has come back with full delves deep into the complexity of addiction, force, and I have a feeling, despite all the talking specifically about the long and diffiprogress BoJack’s made this season, it’s going cult road to sobriety and the difficulty of stayto haunt him and permanently change who ing sober. BoJack feels less like a ticking time he is. bomb, ready to destroy everything around Mr. Peanutbutter is featured in a meme in the new season. All in all, knowing that this is the last him at any moment. He seems calm and almost season of “BoJack Horseman,” it seems like it’s like a mentor to the other characters who are falling apart this season. It’s like BoJack finally going to be one of the best yet. It’s already had whole scenes that made me laugh out loud, learned how to accept himself, flaws and all. and episodes gave me that familiar tug of emotion I equate so strongly with “Bojack HorsePrincess Carolyn (Amy Sedaris), the hard-working Persian cat, also has a pretty inter- man.” Now’s definitely the time to start watching so you’re ready to see the last half of the esting story this season. She has adopted a daughter, and she’s still as busy as ever with her season while people are still buzzing about it. The only thing I will say is that you shouldn’t job as a talent agent. She struggles to be a “woman who does everything” while still provid- go into season six blind. In order to get all the jokes and understand the plot, you need the ing for her daughter. five seasons of buildup. As a longtime fan of the show, I can’t wait to see how they decide Diane (Alison Brie) has a lot of ups and downs this season. She’s in Chicago for most of to finish it when the last half premieres on Jan. 31 next year. I have a feeling it’s going to be the season with new character, Guy (LaKeith Stanfield), who works as her cameraman. Her fantastic.
New 'Terminator' Leads the Franchise to a Dark Fate
Photo Courtesy of @terminator Instagram
Linda Hamilton reprises her role as Sarah Connor in "Terminator: Dark Fate."
By Tyler Zikias Contributing Writer Before going to see “Terminator: Dark Fate,” I rewatched the first two films, which are arguably two of the greatest movies of all time. “The Terminator” is a sleek and tense, sci-fi version of classic monster movies with a genuinely terrifying threat in the form of Arnold Schwarzenegger’s T-800. “Terminator 2: Judgement Day” is one of the best sequels ever made, as it expands on the original movie in smart and believable ways.
It also has fantastic action and some tears shed along the way. My favorite part of “Terminator 2” is how it definitively ends with very little opening for a sequel. However, the way Hollywood and money works, three more sequels were released, all of which were labeled as the true sequel to “Terminator 2.” Not a single one of these movies featured the character of Sarah Connor (Linda Hamilton) and all of which were received poorly by critics. So, when “Dark Fate” was announced with “Deadpool” director Tim Miller at the helm, legendary director James Cameron writing and producing, as well as Linda Hamilton and Arnold Schwarzenegger reprising their roles, I was stoked! While “Terminator: Dark Fate” is my favorite “Terminator” sequel, it still is an underwhelming and storytelling disaster of a movie. As with most movies I have seen lately, my positives lie in the main cast. It is a sight for sore eyes to see Linda Hamilton back as Sarah Connor. Her transformation into a battle-hardened, Terminator-killing badass in “Terminator 2” carries over perfectly to this film. Her motivations are always the most well understood throughout because of the past she’s had and through what they set up for her in this movie’s prologue. Mackenzie Davis plays a new form of enhanced human being and is great as usual. This role demanded a lot of physicality and she absolutely delivers. Arnold Schwarzenegger plays heavily against what a terminator has been set up to be by previous movies, but there is no denying he does a great job and provides a lot of much-needed humor to this otherwise dull product. Director Tim Miller also did a fine job with the action sequences that keep the movie moving at a brisk pace. I expected to be rather bored by this movie, but luckily Miller infuses a sense of urgency through the action sequences that keep the scenes moving. I guess, as a mindless action movie, “Terminator: Dark Fate” gets the job done. However, this is a sequel to two of the best movies ever made, so mindless action movie really doesn’t cut it. My biggest issue with the movie is its god awful script. At times, it felt as if I was watching a “Terminator 2” fan film with the exact same plot but different characters. I really wish they had strayed away from the usual “Terminator” formula that just entails a powerful robot trying to kill a human. When you see the same story beats hit through three different movies of the same franchise, it comes off as lazy and disrespectful to what has come before. “Terminator 2” followed a very similar story structure to the first film, but added enough extra heart and action to improve upon its predecessor. “Dark Fate” feels like a factory turned-out product with very little love for the original source material. Like I mentioned earlier, Arnold Schwarzenegger’s T-800 character is so far opposite what a terminator is or how he would react to a certain situation. This situation I am referring to, without spoilers, is one of the most disrespectful and insulting aspects of a franchise movie that I have ever seen. It happens so early on in the film that I considered leaving the cinema after it happened. This moment is a bad choice to make, especially because it retroactively makes “Terminator 2” worse on re-viewing. On top of the story being a muddled mess, Miller’s use of color and CGI hasn’t improved from “Deadpool” in the slightest. All of the shots are grey and bland, filled with rubber-looking visual effects that look beyond worse than the original movies. I can’t recommend this movie to anyone. Sure, it is competently made with some solid action and great returning performances, but when “Zombieland 2,” the epitome of mindless action-comedy is in theaters now as well, it’s hard to recommend the 128-minute visual effects fest. I also can’t recommend it to “Terminator” fans because the scenes at the beginning are going to bother you throughout the film. It really is such a disappointment that they haven’t made a good “Terminator” movie in 28 years. Hopefully, this will be the nail in the coffin for this once great franchise. Grade: C-
THE MIRROR | Week of November 6, 2019
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Fashion Tips From 'The Devil Wears Prada' By Sabrina Trueheart Fashion Columnist With two of my biggest interests being fashion and journalism, it’s a shock that it took me this long to finally watch the movie “The Devil Wears Prada.” The film is centered around Andy Sachs (Anne Hathaway), who is a young, overachieving college graduate searching for an opportunity as a journalist in New York City. She finally lands a job as an assistant to Miranda Priestly (Meryl Streep), a famous fashion magazine editor. Andy’s new job proves to be much more challenging than expected, as Miranda and the rest of the employees at Runway Magazine test Andy’s ability to maintain her composure and fulfill each and every one of their insane demands. I thought “The Devil Wears Prada” was a great movie – and with every great movie comes lessons the characters learn that we can apply to our own lives. As far as fashion goes, this film had many lessons to be learned and absorbed by the audience. Here are five fashion lessons we can take from “The Devil Wears Prada”: Accessories Are Your Best Friend In the movie, there are a couple of montages that show Andy rushing through the bustling city to get to the office on time. One of my favorite parts of the movie shows a montage of Andy running through the streets of New York City in her many new outfits after recreating her wardrobe with the help of her coworker, Nigel (Stanley Tucci). During this scene, we see Andy’s new and improved wardrobe, and all of her outfits have incredible accessories to match, such as hats, berets, necklaces and purses. Accessories can make any plain outfit stand out – always remember this when you think your outfit could use a boost! Fashion is an Art Form When explaining to Andy how important fashion is, Nigel, the art director, says that fashion is a form of art similar to paintings and sculptures, but we wear it on our bodies everyday. This is how I always thought of fashion, and it is true – how we dress ourselves is an expression of who we are and who we choose to be. It separates us from our peers and makes us feel confident! Don’t Let Good Clothes Go to Waste I can’t say how this lesson relates directly to the movie without giving away a spoiler, but I’m just going to put it out there – don’t let good clothes go to waste! If you’re “over” last year’s wardrobe, simply give the clothes to Goodwill or bring them to a thrift store, such as Plato’s Closet. It’s not sustainable to throw away clothes, especially those that are not ripped or ruined. Fashion is in the Eye of the Beholder When Andy comes in for her first day of work at Runway Magazine, her co-workers make fun of her for wearing a frumpy sweater over a midi skirt with no accessories. Hopefully nobody in real life would ever laugh at someone else’s sense of style, but always remember that like beauty, fashion is also in the eye of the beholder. If you like it, that’s all that matters! Be Yourself Similar to the last lesson, always be yourself. As cheesy as it sounds, being true to yourself is incredibly important, and one of the main lessons from “The Devil Wears Prada.” It’s one thing to change your wardrobe or your style – it’s another to change your personality!
The Mirror Abroad: Just a Moment with Molly By Molly Lamendola Abroad Columnist To be completely honest, my body is still recovering from my Fall Break excursion to London and Amsterdam, where my lovely Ciro and I walked, no joke, 20 miles a day. For my regular readers: that bit about me being closer to the moon everyday is getting to be less funny as we move through the semester. But because I’m starting to feel every bit of the 19 years I’ve spent on this ridiculous planet, I thought I’d take the week and relax the brain a bit. Thus, turning towards the fans of mine and giving them what they all really want! I know the comments have just been flooding in: “Molly, what are grocery stores like in Italy?” And I’ll tell you guys, it might surprise you… they’re basically the same as Stop and Shop. Okay. Article over. See you guys next week when I talk about my favorite cobblestones on the streets of Florence. Riveting! Woah! Halt there, because there are some important differences to be made. They might look the same upon first glance, with that same weird eggshell colored lighting, and the slight chill from the frozen food section,
Lamendola poses by Italian grocery store.
but they’re really not. This can easily be seen in just taking a walk through one. The entire ordeal makes you feel like you’re in a maze. You enter from one entrance and follow a single aisle path to the check-out. Hard to picture, but think about the Trader Joe’s layout where the possibilities of where to stop and end your experience are just endless. When I was working at Fairfield this summer, sometimes I’d just go to Trader Joe’s during my lunch break and roam around freely until it was time to leave. Super fun, but super not possible in Italy. Another thing that my future study abroaders might want to watch out for is the way Italians do produce buying. I think it’s a bit different in the market setting, but in my local Conad (American equivalent to Stop and Shop) it’s up to the shopper to weigh and print the sticker for produce. Not to brag or anything, but I saw this on the “Interweb” before studying abroad, so I felt like such a local telling my roommates this on our first grocery stop. “Oh yeah, didn’t you know that you have to print your own stickers?” It’s really a hot tip. If you don’t know it, I’ve been told they make you go back with someone and they show you how to do it correctly. Nothing like feeling like you fit in with the locals than a guide on weighing some fruit. There's also the whole “Italy actually cares about the environment” deal. As unlike the endless supplies of plastic bags American grocery stores seem to have, in Italy you pay for the plastic bag. It’s not a ridiculous amount of money, but I think it’s a deterrent for a lot of residents, as you see a lot more reusable bags around. Not only that, but you get to just feel great about saving the environment just one bag at a time…and that’s basically all you get in Italy. One bag of groceries. You’ll never see a Florence resident loading their car with a cart filled with groceries in the city center. Thus the regular Florentine Resident has perfected the quick and small grocery run. Me and my very American roommates on the other hand… not so much. Maybe by the end of the semester we’ll figure the whole thing out. But Molly Lamendola/The Mirror for now I’ll just tell myself, “It’s all for the cute calves,” as I lug six bags of groceries up 94 steps.
THE MIRROR | Week of November 6, 2019
The Vine
Inkwell Spotlight
Silent Night on the Belgian Front, December 25th, 1914 By Trevor MacDonnell Assistant Editor at The Inkwell CreativeCommons/Flickr
Every labored breath draws in the raw frigid air that surrounds the grey scale wasteland I lay dying in. It stings my blistered face, the rosiness of my cheeks melding with the parched blood. Through the hazy clouds of smoke and ash, I admire the star ridden sky while resting on the slope of a shell torn crater. Up there, shimmering on God’s black canvas, is the constellation Hercules. There is a man who has gone to hell and back, dancing a duet with the line between life and death. We all cross the river Styx in the end, guided by the ferryman, but I fear my passing is only minutes away. The only peace I find in this realization is the escape from a world gone mad. Drowning out the voices of reason are shells bombarding scared soil, the cries for peace ignored in the face of barked orders, the pleas for compassion met with crackling gunfire. But above all is the deafening silence, the indifference felt by so many. It will haunt me in this life and the next, to see so many turn a blind eye, to act as if these crimes are for the greater good, there lies the
true evil. Carried by the wind, I can hear the murmurs of entrenched soldiers, their tone soft and calm against the gruesome background they find themselves in. A dusting of snow begins baptizing the accursed ground, masking the sin that before was bare to the world. A young soldier gently rises from a trench, bearing a white flag fixed to a bayonet, whistling a tune of serenity. The opposing trench slowly follows suit, and before long each side has arisen from the depths. The whistlings change to song as they cross the snow laden ground towards one another. I shut my eyes for the last time, and let their carols lull me to rest. Here on Christmas Day, 1914, two sides, locked in a battle started against their wills, put away their differences for one beautiful moment of humankindness and unity. It may be a time of unparalleled destruction and hostility, but I can see that there is still hope for the world around me. With this knowledge, my lips curl into a calm smile, and I let the blackness sweep over, guiding me to sleep.
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Rex Orange County Releases 'Pony' By Michael Riggi Contributing Writer Coming off the heels of his 2017 album “Apricot Princess” and scattered singles throughout 2018, indie-pop artist Rex Orange County returned with his third studio album “Pony” in late October. Taking a much more upbeat and pop-influenced approach than usual, “Pony” marks an interesting new shift for the U.K. singer as he continues to experiment with his sound. While “Pony” occasionally struggles to balance these new sounds in effective ways, the undeniably catchy record is a welcome addition to the artist’s discography. Even before the release of his third record, the 21 year old singer and songwriter has maintained an impressive and respectable reputation. Alexander O’Connor (with Rex Orange County later becoming his more commonly known stage name) released his first album “Bcos U Will Never B Free” on Soundcloud in late 2016 at the age of 17. Followed by a slew of singles and his second album “Apricot Princess” in 2017, the artist began to amass a large fan base after appearing on the tracks “Foreword” and “Boredom” on rapper Tyler, the Creator’s influential fourth studio album “Flower Boy” the same year. Tackling themes like mental health and heartbreak on his earlier projects, Rex Orange County’s vulnerability and stylistic charm connected him with many audiences across the world. After finding his footing over the past few years, the artist confessed his long-awaited third album “Pony” was released at a time where he finally feels more content and comfortable with himself. “Thank you for making me feel so loved in a time where I have really struggled to enjoy life,” the artist posted on Instagram the day the album released. “I’m in
a good place now but the last couple years were really hard. That’s why I’m crying. Beyond happy to be out of that period of time but equally sad looking back at it.” “Pony” kicks off with the previously released single “10/10” before moving into even more energetic and eccentric songs. Highlighting his personal struggles in the past and how they have led him to where he is today, the ten-track album often presents these intense themes and subject matters in interesting ways. The mix of heavenly-sounding production and vocals on the track “Pluto Projector” for instance showcases the range of the artist’s nasally tone in an extremely satisfying way. Other notable and catchy tracks from the record that take a similar approach include “Face to Face,” “Every Way” and “It’s Not the Same Anymore.” Unfortunately, the more pop-like tracks on “Pony” often find themselves running into trouble as they feel more uninspired and forgettable than others. Tracks like “10/10” and “It Gets Better” suffer from offputting autotune that makes the singer’s vocals feel more child-like and artificial. Similarly other tracks like “Laser Lights,” in an attempt to be more experimental and play around with different sounds, end up being more aggravating than appealing. Although “Pony” may not be a “10/10” as its first track implies, Rex Orange County’s new album delivers with a handful of replayable and uniquely memorable songs. Differing substantially from its predecessors, the more optimistic and pop-heavy album is a satisfying entry from the artist but most likely won’t do much into converting non-listeners of Rex Orange County into avid fans. Regardless of this, “Pony” is a worthy new step forward for the artist and stands out among other albums this year.
Cooking With Sweet Potatoes 101 By Gracianne Eldrenkamp Vine Editor Sweet potatoes are such an underrated fall ingredient. They’re earthy and sweet, and they taste amazing with warming spices popular in many autumn dishes. You may be waiting to eat sweet potato until your family makes sweet potato casserole this Thanksgiving, but you could be enjoying them this whole season! Potatoes in general are a great way to bulk up a meal, and sweet potatoes give an extra dimension of flavor. They’re also a great source of vitamin A and fiber. Here’s some creative ways to make sweet potatoes a more regular ingredient on your dinner plate. Roasted Possibly the most common way to eat any potato, other than standard baking or mashing, is roasting. Roasting sweet potato is particularly good because you can use it on its own as a side dish, put it in salads, tacos, rice bowls, or even in a pasta dish. Also, I believe roasting is the easiest way to cook a sweet potato–just toss in olive oil and spices and let it go for 30 to 40 minutes. I highly recommend roasting it with olive oil, salt, pepper, smoked paprika and a touch of cayenne. Curried Adding sweet potato to your already tasty meal is a fantastic way to make it more filling and add a different element. One of my favorite ways to add sweet potato is in curries. There’s something about the way a savory, spicy sauce mixes with the vegetal sweetness of a sweet potato. Sweet potato is also good, and not used enough, in chili. I love making a standard vegetarian chili and putting chipotle powder and sweet potato in it. It brings new life to a classic dish. Soup Sweet potato soup is great because it tastes like it took hours when, in reality, it’s fairly simple. Just soften some onion, garlic and carrot in a pot. Then, add the sweet potato along with some vegetable or chicken stock and some spices and cook until the vegetables are super tender. Finally, just blend it up and enjoy! I’m utterly obsessed with Thai cuisine and although there’s millions of ways to make a sweet potato soup delicious, I love using coconut milk, red curry paste, ginger and a bit of peanut butter to really make the flavors of the sweet potato sing.
CreativeCommons/Pixabay
THE MIRROR |Week of November 6, 2019
Coffee Break
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Coffee Break Editor: Tobenna Ugwu tobenna.ugwu@student.fairfield.edu
The Great Christmas Debate The Coffee Break Team decided to take on a debate that has rocked the very foundation of this great nation for the longest of time: “Should we play Christmas music after Halloween or should you wait till after Thanksgiving?” To sucessfully answer this question, the team took a survey of where the Mirror staff stands on this debate, and here are their thoughts.
Pros
Christmas music has crackhead energy sometimes, like me. - Julia M. You need to be able to get ready for caroling! -Sheila M. It gives us an opportuinity to lenghten the most wonderful time of the year. -Julia L. Chrismas music brings happiness and warmth to people’s heart especially during the stressful times. -Catherine S. It’s the only thing that keeps me from having a mental breakdown. -Kat K.
Cons Look, I love Christmas music as much as the next guy, but enough is enough. There’s other music y’all. Try something new this November. -Gracie E. There are simply other good Wham! songs -Molly L. You’re gonna get judged by Timothy. -Toby U . You skip over the most delicious holiday of the year. -Julia L. again!!
November Word search to Test your Noodle Here’s the wordsearch for the most delicious holiday of the year, featuring some Thanksgiving favorites and another reason why you shouldn’t play Christmas music yet. CASSEROLE
FAMILY
GRAVY
HAM
HARVEST
HOLIDAY
MACARONI
PIE
CELEBRATE
CENTERPIECE
TRADITION
CIDER
CORNBREAD
THANKSGIVING
CRANBERRIES
CHEESE TURKEYS
CreativeCommons/DiscoveryEducation
Sports
SPORTS Sports Editor: Julia Lanzillotta julia.lanzillotta@student.fairďŹ eld.edu
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THE MIRROR | Week of November 6, 2019
This Week in Sports: What You Missed
In Case You Missed It: Friday, November 1st -Women's Swim and Dive lost at Holy Cross, 166-134 -Men's Swim and Dive won at Holy Cross, 195-93 -Field Hockey won against LIU, 6-0 -Volleyball won against Iona, 3-1 Saturday, November 2nd -Women's XC MAAC Championship, 8th Place
Photo Contributed by Sports Information Desk
The men's cross country team finished in eighth place in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Championship meet while the women's squad finished in ninth on Saturday, Nov. 2 in Holmdel, NJ. Robert Dillon '23 lead the Stags, finishing with a time of 27:12.29 to take 47th place in a field of 163 runners. Behind him were scorers Benjamin Breton '21, James Vizzard '23, Mike Dziuba '21 and Pacifico Flores '23 who crossed the finish line at 27:23.78, 27:35.62, 27:42.68 and 27:48.58 respectively. For the women, Mia Melao '22 lead the team in 45th place of 138 competitors for the 6K crossing the finish line at 23:44.24. Courtney Kitchen '23 (23:52.08), Molly Silvestri '22 (23:53.56), Casey Ems '23 (24:17.03) and Anna Weissenberg '23 (24:34.07) contributed to the team's finish over Niagara University, Canisius College and St. Peter's University.
-Men's XC MAAC Championship, 9th Place
Upcoming This Week:
Wednesday, November 6th -Men's Soccer at Niagara, 4:00 PM -Volleyball vs Marist,
Photo Contributed bySports Information Desk
The Fairfield University swimming and diving programs visited Providence College on Saturday, Nov 2. The men came out with a 154-137 win while the women lost by a small two point margin, 151-149. The men claimed wins in the 200 SC Meter Medley Relay (1:48.99), 1500 SC Meter Freestyle (16:36.37), 100 SC Meter Freestyle (54.21), 200 SC Meter Breaststroke (2:28.30) and 100 SC Meter Butterfly (58.04). New school records were established by Evan Fair '22, who took first place in the 200 SC Meter Backstroke stopping the clock at 2:08.25, and the 800 SC Meter Freestyle Relay comprised of Benjamin Kebbell '21, Brendan Finnegan '20, Fair and Peter Gori '22 who together recorded a time of 7:59.66 to win the event.
7:00 PM Thursday, November 7th -Women's Soccer vs Quinnipiac, MAAC Championship 7:00 PM Saturday, November 9th -Women's Basketball at Seton Hall, 11:00 AM -Men's Basketball vs Massachusetts, 1:00 PM
In this week's issue... - Opinion: How Tolerant is the MLB's Zero Tolerance Policy? (Pg. 14) - Volleyball Vanquishes Weekend Opposition (Pg. 15) - Women's Hoops Takes Loss at Temple (Pg.15)
- Field Hockey Finishes NEC Play Victoriously (Pg. 16)
- Men's Basketball Loses Home-Opener, 68-64 (Pg. 16)
Sports
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THE MIRROR | Week of November 6, 2019
Opinion: How Tolerant is the MLB's Zero Tolerance Policy?
Photo Courtesy of @astrosbaseball Instagram Pitcher Roberto Osuna of the Houston Astros made his first appearance of the series during game three of the World Series, facing relentless scrutiny for an incident involving violence.
By Kallan Hook Contributing Writer The Houston Astros have had a whirlwind week. Days before losing the World Series to the Washington Nationals, the team fired their assistant general manager Brandon Tabuman after he lashed out at a female reporter. Taubman was conducting interviews following the Astros winning game to catch a berth in the World Series when he yelled, at a group of all female reporters, “Thank God we got Osuna! I’m so [effin’] glad we got Osuna!” Robert Osuna, a recently traded pitcher, was suspended for 75 games last season after violating Major League Baseball’s domestic violence policy. While criminal charges were dropped, as the woman decided not to press charges, the severity of Osuna’s actions cannot be overlooked because he is a talented player. Now that the baseball season has come to a close, the Astros need to seriously reevaluate their priorities. Not only did Taubman lash out in a room dominated by female reporters, but the woman he yelled at was wearing a domestic violence awareness bracelet. The ignorance and lack of empathy surrounding such a triggering social issue is shameful of the team, Taubman and Osuna. The MLB may have a zero tolerance policy regarding domestic violence, but the Astros seem to
Weekly 4x5
have complete disregard and disrespect for it. Where is the justification that you can overlook the severity of domestic violence charges so you can gain a pitcher that only disappoints? Between Taubman violently yelling at the female reporter and Osuna being allowed to continue his professional career, the Astros seem to only care about the zero-tolerance domestic violence policy when it does not infringe upon their chances of winning the World Series. There can be a zero-tolerance policy for the Astros, but maybe it only applies during the off season when it won't infringe upon their players’ practice times. The Houston Astros have shown a kind of ignorance and disrespect to all victims of domestic violence by allowing Osuna to parade around in his jersey without any care for his actions. Domestic violence victims are haunted daily by the trauma they endured, and Osuna’s greatest worry is being able to throw a pitch. The MLB and the Astros need to fully stand by their zero tolerance policy. To all domestic violence survivors, the Astros may not hear your voice, but others do. There is no justification for what has happened and the only fault is on the perpetrator. You are strong. You are brave. You are valued. National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233
Your 2019-2020 4x5 Columnists:
Julia Lanzillotta, Lexi Thimble, Katherine Klima and Julia Monteleone Do you think it is important to keep print news in circulation?
Is the old class registration process more efficient than the new one?
Who do you have your eyes on this NHL season?
I may or may not be listening to The extra hour of sleep was much Spotify's "Christmas Hits" playlist needed and well deserved. at the moment...
Absolutely, there is a timeless element to tangible newspapers that cannot be replicated online. I also think it's easier to reach readers when they can see and pick up a copy versus if they were to have to look online for it.
I wasn't around to experience it, but I assume it's better for everyone to register all at once rather than in groups alphabetically. It seems like a more fair system to me.
Unfortunately always the New York Rangers, but realistically I am shocked at how well the New York Islanders are doing. I'm excited to see if they can keep it up.
I grasp the edges of fall for as long as I can before winter yanks it away, so I'll be putting off the Christmas music for a bit longer.
Highkey did not realize that daylight savings was happening until I happened to open my planner...I mainly just got an extra good night's sleep.
Print news is so important not only in the actual circulation of news but in figuring out other ways to display news. You learn page layout and photography skills in such a unique way, its importance can't be underestimated.
I just remember the utter panic of the change to the new system and then the realization that everything was fine, so I'm honestly okay with the way things are now.
Much love and luck to the Bruins as always!
As much as I love Thanksgiving, Katherine Klima give me Christmas music!!!! "All Executive Editor I Want for Christmas" and "Santa Tell Me"– those are my jams!!!
I slept like all day– I'm very sleep deprived.
Yeah! I think it's really important when it comes to the design itself. Plus, online news is not the same as getting a physical copy of the paper.
There's always panic when it comes to registration, but the new version is nice because everyone gets a fair chances at classes.
The Islanders– gotta rep my island.
Sleep!!
Yes. I think in its own way print news is an art in an of itself.
Gotta be honest, I barely remember what the old registration process was like...
NYR!!!!
Because we have witty things to say ... Julia Lanzillotta Sports Editor
Lexi Thimble Editor-in-Chief
Julia Monteleone Managing Editor
Re: Coffee Break- is Christmas music acceptable before Thanksgiving?
YES!! Bring it on.
What'd you do with your extra hour from daylight savings?
Sports
THE MIRROR | Week of November 6, 2019
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Volleyball Vanquishes Weekend Opposition By Amy McDonough Contributing Writer Good things come in threes, and for the Fairfield University women’s volleyball team this past week proved exactly that. The Stags continued their winning streak in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference, taking down the Siena College Saint Bernards on Wednesday, Oct. 30, the Iona Gaels on Nov. 1, and the Manhattan College Jaspers on Sunday, Nov. 3. In their contest against Siena, Fairfield took three of the four sets only giving up one, sealing the fate of the Saint Bernards. After the Stags took the first set, Siena battled for and won the second one 27-25, turning the contest into a tie. However, this year’s roster for the women’s volleyball team has resilience in their blood, as they owned the court for the next two sets beating Siena by 8 points and 6 points respectively (25-17, 25-19). While the Iona Gaels took the MAAC Championship title in 2018, the Stags plan to continue asserting their dominance as a team and in the conference in order to go as far as they can this year. Although the Stags were given the #2 slot in the MAAC Preseason Rankings, they are planning on giving their all to show that the #1 spot will be where the squad ends up. Their effort has clearly shown, now that the Stags are still undefeated in the MAAC 16-0, with an overall record of 18-4. “We don’t talk about our record or past wins for long. We have a ‘next game’ mentality which is really important,” senior defensive specialist Jamie Calandro said of the team’s mindset going forward. “We all need to keep that mentality and
keep getting better every single day so we can get the end result we want.” During Wednesday’s contest against Siena, both Mayda Garcia ‘20 and Joelle Battles ‘23 notched 15 kills each to contribute to the Stags’ victory, with Kaylie Butts ‘21 adding 14 kills. Senior Manuela Nicolini kept the Stags’ offense moving with 57 assists, two aces, as well as 17 digs and two blocks. First-year Morgan Doll also added 17 digs and two assists for the Stags. In the team’s match on Friday, Nov. 1 against Iona, the defending 2018 MAAC Champions, the Stags defeated the Gaels 3-1. Senior setter Manuela Niccolini helped with the flow of the offense again with 34 assists and 16 digs, while Luci Albertson ‘21 added 13 kills to go with the 12 kills contributed by right side hitter Joelle Battles ‘23. The Stags kept the momentum going for their match against Manhattan College on Sunday, Nov. 3 in Manhattan, NY, making this their 16th consecutive win this season. Kaylie Butts reached a career high of 19 kills in the 3-0 sweep against the Jaspers (6-21 overall, 3-11 in the MAAC). Niccolini added 44 assists in the game to set up Albertson (10 kills), Battles (9 kills), Laura Seeger ‘22 (8 kills) and Julia Kallen ‘22 (4 kills) with ample opportunities for kills. This was senior setter Niccolini’s third consecutive double-double. The fight to remain undefeated in the MAAC continues at home on Wednesday, Nov. 6 at 7 p.m. on the George Bisacca Court at Alumni Hall, where the Stags will take on the Marist Red Foxes (1112, 9-4 MAAC).
Photo Courtesy of Sports Information Desk
Middle blocker Luci Albertson '21 reached double digits in both games this weekend when she registered 13 kills over the Iona Gaels and another 10 kills against the Manhattan College Jaspers.
Women's Hoops Takes Loss at Temple By Julia Lanzillotta Sports Editor The Fairfield University women’s basketball program, lead by coach Joe Frager, returned to the court on Tuesday, Nov. 5 to begin the 2019-20 season with a non-conference game at Temple University. They come off of a losing 2018-19 season, going 11-20 overall, with a Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference record of 7-11. Disappointingly, the Stags fell to the Owls 77-59. Lou Lopez-Senechal ‘22 made waves in the pre-season, as she was named to the Preseason All-Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Second Team by the league’s coaches. Additionally, she was the first MAAC Rookie of the Year that the program had seen in 15 years. The sophomore lived up to her reputation, and led her team in points against Temple, collecting 15. Lopez-Senechal was responsible for 11 points for the Stags in the first quarter, and was credited for 11 of Fairfield’s first 15. She was joined in the double-digits by offensive dynamos Rachel Hakes ’22 and Katie Armstrong ’20 when Hakes tallied 13 and Armstrong had 11 points of her own. Hakes also contributed eight helpers, which was a new game high for her while Sam Kramer ’20 had five assists. The first quarter provided false hope for the Stags, as they narrowly came out on top 20-18 at the whistle when Andrea Hernangomez ’22 sunk a layup in the paint putting her team in the forefront. Temple took hold of the next quarter, outscoring Fairfield twofold 14-7. It was in those ten minutes where the home-team established a 32-27 lead that Fairfield would never surmount. Although during the period, Armstrong kept the Stags alive with a threepointer that evened the score at 27, a five-point run by Temple in the last 45 seconds put Fairfield behind 32-27 at halftime. From that point on, the Stags were at a downward trajectory that never turned up. The box scores in the last two quarters were 29-18 and 16-14 respectively both in favor of the host and after 40 minutes, Temple would take the win in a 77-59 decision. The Stags are slated to play their second of three away games at Seton Hall University in South Orange, NJ on Saturday, Nov. 9. After that they will travel to Brooklyn, NY to challenge Long Island University on Wednesday, Nov. 13. They will return to the George Bisacca Court at Alumni Hall for their homePhoto Courtesy of Sports Information Desk opener on Sunday, Nov. 17 at 2:00 p.m. to face Dartmouth College. Sophomore captain Rachel Hakes contributed 13 points, which is a career-high for the guard.
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Week of November 6, 2019
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SPORTS 16
Sports Editor: Julia Lanzillotta » julia.lanzillotta@student.fairfield.edu
Field Hockey Finishes NEC Play Victoriously
Photo Courtesy of Sports Information Desk
Captain Emily Halderson '20 was celebrated on Sunday, Nov. 3 against Drexel University for senior day as she concludes her final campaign as a stag. Halderson is the only senior on the roster.
By Julia Lanzillotta Sports Editor The Fairfield University field hockey team started off a two-game home stand, 14-2 on the season, on Friday, Nov. 1 to conclude Northeast Conference play against Long Island University. They then continued the weekend on Sunday, Nov. 3, taking on foes from Drexel University in Philadelphia before gearing up for post-season competition. In keeping with their impeccable season, they faced the pressure with ease and picked a pair of both wins with scores of 6-0 and 3-1 in that order. Against LIU, nationally-ranked Fairfield earned the NEC regular season title. They were far more aggressive than the visiting team, outdoing them offensively in shots 15(9)-2(2). Sophomore Luzi Persiehl established a lead eight minutes and 19 seconds into the first period when, for the sixteenth time this season, her shot met the back of the net. In the second, the Stags increased their lead to three goals thanks to efforts from Page Lowry ‘23, whose one-timer off of a rebound snuck past LIU’s goalkeeper Rachel Vellis, and Faith Spaziano ‘22, assisted by Madison Hoskins ‘23. With one half behind them, the Stags lead the Sharks 3-0 going into the third period with the advantage. Junior Danielle Profita had a hand in two consecutive goals. The first was when she worked a pass to Emma Matlach ‘21 from the left side of the circle who finished the play and scored at the 36 minute of play. Again, at minute 46, she set rookie McKenna Dolan up for her first goal of the season. First year Katie Keane rounded out the scoring to total 6-0 with 56 minutes and five seconds on the clock.
The Sharks were unresponsive when regulation time went stale and Fairfield earned their fifth shutout of the season. The six goals amassed that afternoon were a season high, one-upping their 5-0 defeat of Saint Francis University on Sept. 8. Their conference record improved to 6-0, and they took on Drexel University later that weekend with momentum on their side to celebrate senior day for their lone soon-to-be graduate Emily Halderson. The team’s overall record improved to 16-2 following a Sunday afternoon non-conference matchup. The Dragons gave the Stags a run for their money, applying uncomfortable pressure to the team, ranked No. 24 nationally, when they delivered a relentless six shots on goal. Fairfield first year Zoe Rosen was a formidable force in the cage, as she faced a combined 17 shots that weekend. Sixteen of those were due to Drexel’s offensive blasts, but with just a single goal allowed, she kept the stags afloat posting five saves. Scoring was slow in the first 15 minutes of play, but picked up at 20:45 when Drexel beat Fairfield to the board. Lowry responded promptly on a deflection from Matlach that found its way to the corner of the goal, knotting the score at one. Lowry struck again with 30 seconds left in the half and created a 2-1 lead for Fairfield that they would continue to build upon. The third quarter was silent and scoreless, and in the fourth Emma Matlach’s goal sealed the deal for the Stags. They held off Drexel for the remainder of the match and secured the win. On Friday, Nov. 8, the women are slated to face cross-town rivals Sacred Heart University (5-14, 3-3 NEC), who are seeded fourth in the Northeast Conference Tournament, in Staten Island, NY.
Men's Basketball Loses Home-Opener, 68-64 By Kevin Stush Contributing Writer The Fairfield University men’s basketball team kicked off their 2019-20 season on Tuesday, Nov. 5 at Webster Bank Arena in Bridgeport, Conn. against the Bucknell University Bison (21-12 2018-19). With a score of 68-64, the Stags fell to Bucknell, which is not what they needed coming off a 9-22 overall record during the 2018-19 season. New head coach Jay Young is ready for the tough schedule that the team faces this year, but was hoping to start the season off with a win. Young has been enthusiastic about his first season with Fairfield since he accepted the job in April of 2019, which he expressed to fairfieldstags.com. Spending his summer and fall months gearing up for the season, Young also has been impressed by the team’s effort in the offseason. He believes the team knows what they need to accomplish this season and what they need to prove and knows that they are ready for the rest of the season, even if their first game did not embrace this. The players are not the only ones excited for Young’s first seasons. The cheerleaders, the student body and President Mark R. Nemec, Ph.D. demonstrated their support back on April 10 at a welcoming ceremony held on campus. The entire first half, the Stags played right alongside the Bison, leading in points for the first 6.5 minutes of the game. After this, the two teams played head-to-head for the remainder of the first half going into halftime with a score of 33-33. Within the second half, play remained stagnant as each team balanced out the other’s game play. However, as the half progressed, the Bison took hold of the lead and the Stags fell behind. With 4 minutes and 26 seconds left in the game, Bucknell had a lead of 64-49. With an arena of loud, enthusiastic fans, the Stags found the energy to make it a 64-62 game in the last 30 seconds after keeping the Bison scoreless for almost four minutes. However, after four Bucknell free throws and only one Fairfield lay up, the Stags were not able to come back to win the game. Leading the Stags on offense were three returning starters who Young is fortunate to have a part of his squad. Junior Jesus Cruz, Landon Taliaferro ‘20 and Taj Benning ‘21 contributed to Fairfield’s offensive play with 24, 17 and 12 points respectively. Defensively, Fairfield was supported by first-year Chris Maidoh who had three blocks, junior Kevin Senghore-Peterson and grad student Vincent Eze, who recorded 5 and
4 defensive rebounds respectively. Young is excited to have fresh talent on the team, as in addition to using Maidoh as a starter in his first game of his freshman year, Young also gave significant minutes to freshman Allan Jeanne-Rose. With 19 and 15 points respectively, the Bison were led on offense by John Meeks and Bruce Moore and on defense by Jimmy Sotos and Kahliel Spear who had 5 and 9 defensive rebounds a peice. After Tuesday’s loss, Fairfield is now 0-1 on the season. The Stags will host the University of Massachusetts (2-0) for their second of five games at Webster Bank Arena on Saturday, Nov. 9 at 1:00 p.m.
Photo Courtesy of Sports Information Desk
Junior guard Jesus Cruz had 24 points in the Stags' first night back on the court.