Fordham Observer Issue 10

OPINIONS

FEATURES

Republican debates

Social weight loss

Perry steals the spotlight in the recent showdowns.

PAGE 7

Can hanging with friends make you shed pounds?

PAGE 20

the observer www.fordhamobserver.com

OctoBER 6, 2011 Volume XXx, Issue 10

Fordham Goes Mobile With App

By Rex Sakamoto Contributing Writer

Earlier in September, Fordham University released its first smartphone application called Mobile Fordham (mFordham).

Nancy Glynn said that the goal of the application is to “make Fordham University available anyplace, anytime, anyhow.”

Charles-Henri Sanson, Fordham University’s director of Internet Services, and Nancy Glynn, Fordham University’s IT communications specialist, worked closely with EZ Axess, an application developer, to bring Fordham students a smartphone application tailored to their needs.

According to Glynn, mFordham is only available on iOS devices including the iPhone, iTouch and iPad. However, an Android application is expected and is currently underway.

Glynn said, “What we want to do is accommodate the whole Fordham community so they can have the same robust information on any device.” In the meantime, all handheld devices with a web browser can access mFordham through http://mobile.fordham.edu.

Sanson said that he encourages using the mobile website to all users, and said, “[The mobile site] is going to be more responsive as far as seeing the latest things that we have developed.” mFordham is a marooncolored application that features a news section, a directory, maps, videos, a calendar of University events, an athletics news reel, an emergency button, as well as other miscellaneous services.

Some FCLC students found these features very resourceful and said that they would download the application.

Rob Giordano, FCLC ’15, said, “The emergency button seems very see Mobile app pg.2

Inside SPORTS

hidden athlete

Sporty student takes it up a notch. u PAGE 24

LITERARY

dear Georgia

Responses to Davis' execution. u PAGE 21

OPINIONS

Housing expenses Student chooses cheaper offcampus housing. u PAGE 9

Katherine Fotinos/the observer

Streets were crowded with scantily clad protestors, similar to the woman above, at the New York City SlutWalk in Union Square.

FCLC Students Join Protestors in NYC SlutWalk

By Monique John & REX Sakamoto Managing Editor & Contributing Writer

Fordham College at Lincoln Center (FCLC) students joined thousands of protestors at SlutWalk NYC on Oct. 1. Protestors marched from Union Square to Third Street between Second Avenue and Lafayette Street.

Chants like “My slutty dress does not mean yes” and “our bodies, our streets” were yelled as over a thousand people protested against rape culture and victim-blaming.

Demonstrators walked the streets yielding signs with comments like “Consent is Sexy.” While most participants were fully clothed, many sported lingerie. A minority

of men and women marched topless in the cold.

Jenny Kessler, FCLC ’15, a student from Boston, Massachusetts said that Slutwalk was big there, but had a stigma. She said, “When I found it was supported at Fordham, I was really enthusiastic about participating.”

Protestors handed out pamphlets that explained the purpose of the SlutWalk route. The literature said that the route was a direct response to the acquittal of NYC police officers Franklin Mata and Kenneth Moreno in May. Meta and Moreno were allegedly accused as rapists of a woman in December 2008.

According to CNN, the first SlutWalk march took place in Toronto, Canada in April after police officer Michael Sanguinetti stated, “Wom-

en should avoid dressing like sluts in order not to be victimized,” at a university safety session. Slutwalk is now a global initiative fighting misogyny and promoting sexual positivity.

FCLC SlutWalk participants shared why they thought the walk was important.

“I know friends who have been raped,” Nadia Pinder said, FCLC ’15. “I can’t believe they thought it was their fault just because of the way they were dressed. We have to give [assailants] some accountability,” she said.

A rally was held after the march and included speeches and performances from poets Eboni Hogan, Eileen Myles and Amber Stewart, activist Jocelyn Gill-Campell and the band Witches in Bikinis.

Hogan said that it is both “inspiring and heartbreaking” to see so many people together a cause that she is passionate about.

However, she said, “it’s heart breaking because by seeing so many people together here, you see that rape is not a small issue. This many people here telling their stories and holding signs shows it’s a disease.

Everyone is affected by it.”

In preparation for the walk, Fordham’s feminist student club, Isis, met in the Student Lounge on Sept. 29 to discuss the meaning of the words “slut,” “feminism” and the goals that they hoped to achieve by participating in Slutwalk.

In the meeting, attendees did not reach a consensus on what the word see Slutwalk pg.5

Anti-Res Life Flyers Posted in Dormitories

By Laura chang News Editor

Controversial propaganda posters representing Fordham College at Lincoln Center (FCLC)’s Office of Residential Life as a totalitarian state led the Res Life office to temporarily remove overnight guest visitation at the dormitories, according to Jenifer Campbell.

Campbell, director of Residential Life at FCLC, said that there was a series of three posters posted, but she only described two of them.

One poster said, “Res Life is watching you,” playing off the Big Brother theme. Another showed Darth Vader with the words “We’re Watch-

ing,” and the Office of Residential Life printed below it. These posters were strategically placed around the building, but not on the main f loor where security cameras are heavily equipped.

On Sept. 16, a Resident Assistant (RA) on duty was doing routine rounds on the f loor when the f lyers were first discovered posted around the dormitories in McMahon Hall.

The different posters were immediately taken down and the RA contacted the Resident Director. From there, security took the report and notified Res Life about this incident, which prompted Res Life to also take away overnight passes the weekend of Sept. 17-18. “Visitation is a privi-

The Student Voice of Fordham College at Lincoln Center

lege, not a right,” Campbell said.

Keith Eldredge, dean of students at FCLC, said that he was “definitely surprised” upon hearing about this situation, and said, “In some ways I consider this a minor act of vandalism. This type of behavior doesn’t happen at this campus very often, and I try not to be judgmental, but I am surprised and discouraged.”

In addition, Eldredge said that it is always easier to put an opinion out, especially on the Internet and in blogs, while remaining anonymous. He said that he prefers these individuals step up and speak about their issues because, “rarely do you see ResLife pg.4

2

News

October 6, 2011 The Observer

Briefs METRO

Helicopter Crashes in East River and Kills One According to the New York Times, a helicopter crashed and sank in the East River on Oct. 4, shortly after it departured from a helipad at East 34th Street. Authorities said the pilot and three passengers were rescued, but one passenger died. Paul J. Browne, the chief spokesman for the New York Police Department, said the helicopter was trying to return to the helipad after trouble was discovered after takeoff.

Chris Christie Not Running for Presidency New Jersey Governor Chris Christie announced on Oct. 4 that he will opt to stay out of the presidential race as the Republican Candidate. According to CBS News, Christie said that he believes now is not the time for him to run for presidency. He said that he still has a commitment to New Jersey.

NATIONAL

Accused Bomber Calls the US a ‘Cancer’ On Oct. 4, a Nigerian man named Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab called the United States a “cancer” just before his trial. According to Reuters, Abdulmutallab was accused of trying to blow up a Detroit airplane on Christmas Day in 2009. If convicted, he faces a lifetime in prison. This same suspect muttered “Osama’s alive” last month.

Accused Murderer Returns to Seattle On Oct. 4, the Huffington Post reported that Amanda Knox was free to go home from Italian prison. Knox, accused of murdering her British roommate, Meredith Kercher, spent four years in Italian prison. The article said Italian court repealed this accusation, which angered the prosecution that insisted Knox was a part of the murder of Kercher.

US Scientists win Physics’ Nobel Prize On Oct. 4, Saul Perlmutter, Brian Schmidt and Adam Riess, all American-born scientists, won the Nobel Prize in Physics for their study of the Universe’s expansion.

According to the New York Times, the trio presented findings in 1998 that “overturned the conventional idea that expansion was slowing 13.7 billion years after the big bang.” They now suggest that the expansion of the universe was accelerating.

International

Truck Bombing Kills Several in Somalia On Oct. 4, the Associate Press reported that militants, linked to the Al-Qaida, bombed the capital of Somalia, Mogadishu. The bombing killed at least 70 people and wounded 42. The rebels of the al-Shabab militant group claimed responsibility for the bombing immediately after and said it was attacking officials of the “African Union peacekeeping troops supporting the U.N.-backed regime.”

Putin Calls for ‘Eurasian Union’ On Oct. 4, BBC reported that Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin wants a “Eurasian Union” of former Soviet republics. It would be similar to the European Union. Putin said that the “Eurasian Union” would “build on the experience of the European Union and other regional coalitions.”

Compiled by Laura Chang & Sara Azoulay

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Search for Senior Dean Still Continues One Month After Petit-Hall Leaves, FCLC Seniors Are Left Without a Dean

By Anthony Gong Contributing Writer

Seniors from Fordham College at Lincoln Center (FCLC) have been without a dean for over a month. The position has been open since former Senior Dean, Cecilia Petit-Hall, stepped down in August. The date the position will be filled remains unknown. Although some seniors may be fine at the moment without a dean, others hope the university finds a replacement as soon as possible.

Tara Aquino, FCLC ’12, is graduating this semester and said that she feels a little lost and thinks this is inconvenient.

“I was annoyed but also kind of worried because I don’t really have the time to wait for them to figure things out because I have to before the end of year,” Aquino said. “It’s a little nerve wracking because there was no one to help me figure out and confirm if I could graduate.”

Laura Paloubis, FCLC ’12, shared her frustration with not having a dean, and said, “I felt nervous because with graduation coming up, I don’t know what to do.”

“A lot of people liked Petit-Hall, but once she left, everyone thought we were all screwed,” Paloubis said. “I do have questions, but at the same time I feel like someone should give us a general overview,” she said.

On the other hand, seniors like Minira Aslanova, FCLC ’12, said that it is not so much about having someone with the title of senior dean, as long as someone is there to help. “It doesn’t really bother me that we don’t have a senior dean right now as long as I have someone who could give me the answers I need,” she said.

The Rev. Father Robert R. Grimes, S.J., dean of FCLC, said that he understands seniors need a dean right away. The administrative position announcement for a senior dean was posted on Sept.

15 on Fordham’s website. So far 20 candidates have applied.

“I want somebody who really understands the liberal arts and contributes to the team,” Grimes said.

According to its job descrip-

Charlie Puente/The Observer

The FCLC Office of the Deans has an unoccupied room since the senior dean position remains vacant.

tion, the senior dean “coordinates academic matters for seniors, including graduation reviews, advising and registering, mid-semester survey, academic probation and dismissal, leaves of absence and withdrawals.”

Grimes said, “The major responsibility for the senior dean is to make sure that the students prepare to graduate on time and to fulfill any and all necessary requirements. The senior dean also controls the diploma ceremony commencement at graduation.”

Petit-Hall willingly stepped down from her position due to personal reasons, but Grimes said, “I thought she did a wonderful job.

Not only is she a real loss to the college, but she also worked very well with the students.”

Petit-Hall first came to FCLC in 2006. She was originally hired as the assistant dean for juniors and

transfers, but then volunteered to become the senior dean when the position was vacant. Though it does not fall under his jurisdiction, Joseph B. Desciak, the current assistant dean for juniors and transfers, said that he tries to give guidance to the seniors whenever possible.

“We need to spend extra time with these students so that they feel welcomed,” Desciak said. Desciak never met Petit-Hall in person, but he believes that she has done so much for FCLC. “I’ve heard nothing but good things about her,” he said. Despite not having a senior dean, Desciak and other members of the dean’s staff are doing what they can to help out the seniors.

For now, Grimes said that he advises all seniors to attend the Senior Convocation on Oct. 6. The convocation will be held in the 12th floor lounge in the Lowenstein building from noon to 1 p.m.

Grimes noted that it will provide information for seniors, preparing them as they move out of college and begin to work. “As an orientation of some sort, the convocation gives them a sense of what graduation is like,” Grimes said.

Jonathan Scialpi, FCLC ’12, said that he is not struggling without a senior dean because he speaks with his computer science advisor for help with his major. “[My Advisor] basically told me what I need to take to graduate on time and even helped me set up my schedule as to what I’m interested in for my career path and helped me with time management,” Scialpi said.

Grimes said that nobody is frustrated with Petit-Hall for leaving, but he thinks its a stress on the other deans. “Everybody on the dean’s staff has a partial responsibility to the senior dean position,” he said.

Fordham Creates Mobile Application Mobile App From PAGE 1

useful especially depending on where you are in the city.” Giordana also said that the maps of the Rose Hill campus would benefit FCLC students finding their way around campus “instead of having a paper map.”

Cricket Beeson, FCLC ’12, said that she would download the application, but it is unfortunate that it came out her senior year. “I would still definitely download the app, but when I was a freshmen this app would have been much more useful. Now that I’m a senior I feel like I’m used to the school already,” Beeson said.

In addition, Sanson said, “We want to bring a portal to your mobile phone.” While the application and mobile site are fully functional, Sanson said that they will be adding more features soon. “Our next step is to give you authenticated services such as seeing your class schedule, or paying your bills from your mobile phone.” He added that other future services that students can anticipate include checking their library accounts and seeing if they have overdue books or fines.

Nastassia Porto, FCLC ’14, said that in the future she hopes to “see services like OrgSync integrated

Courtesy of Nancy Glynn

Scanning the QR-Code (L) with your mobile device will direct you to Fordham’s mobile site. The iPhone (R) shows how the homepage of the mFordham application looks on the device.

into the application so that students can see events and communicate with one another”. Porto also said, “New things tend to be focused on Rose Hill, but it would be nice if the app could focus on Lincoln Center

students as well.”

At the moment, Sanson explained that mFordham only has Rose Hill campus’ map available. He said that he hopes to include floor plans and maps from the Lincoln Center as

well as the Westchester Campus in order to make the application less “Rose Hill-centric.”

“It’s rolling releases and as we develop, we deploy. It’s as soon as we can do it,” Sanson said.

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The Observer October 6, 2011

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3

Calendar THUR., OCT. 6

Pride Party 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Student Lounge

Senior Convocation Noon - 1 p.m.

12th Floor Lounge

GO! Spring Project Open House 2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

McMahon 205/206

CAB Tabling Fordham’s Got Talent 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Indoor Plaza FRI., OCT. 7

After Eid Party With MSA 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.

McMahon 109

GLIMPSE Museum Outing 5:15 p.m. - 8 p.m.

International Center of Photography Museum THUR., Oct. 13

CFM Pumpkin Painting 5:15 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

TBA Sara Azoulay/The Observer

Michael Zimmerman crouches over the vegetables growing above New York City in the Church of St. Paul Apostle’s rooftop garden.

Farm to Fordham to Reopen in October

By Laura chang News Editor

After the publication of a New York Times article on Sept. 14 about Fordham University’s decision to terminate Farm to Fordham, renegotiations were set up from school representatives for the program to restart as early as Oct. 12. “I am very pleased and very surprised,” said Michael Zimmerman, a thirdyear Fordham Law student.

Zimmerman founded this Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program. It is a food program that purchases produce from Norwich Meadows Farm in upstate New York, made available for students and law school staff to pick up. They then donate an unclaimed portion to a local soup kitchen. The CSA also grows and manages organic vegetables on a rooftop garden above the Church of St. Paul the Apostle.

Zimmerman received an email in early September from the university’s legal counsel that read, “Fordham cannot be placed in a position to break the law.”

The New York Times reported that the university requested a specific catering permit from Farm to Fordham in order for food to be delivered. However, the controversy arose because Farm to Fordham was not a catering business, but rather an agriculture network. The university decided to end the program because both the State Department of Agriculture and Markets and New York City’s health department did not issue or require permits for agriculture networks such as Zimmerman’s CSA. The article also quoted Bob

After the article was published, publicity caused the university to hold a meeting on Sept. 26 that gathered administrators, the Farm to Fordham board and Sodexo.

Howe, director of communications at Fordham University. Howe said that the food delivery issues went beyond getting a permit and also factor in a possible infestation, dishonoring the university’s food service contracts and the possible interference with law school construction on campus. These were issues that Zimmerman believed were invalid reasons for Farm to Fordham’s departure.

After the article was published, the publicity caused the university to hold a meeting on Sept. 26 that gathered administrators, the Farm to Fordham board and Sodexo representatives. They discussed the possibility of continuing the program. Zimmerman said that the issues mentioned by Howe were resolved, and said, “All that is left is the insurance policy…I’m feeling good about this.”

Zimmerman said that speaking to the New York Times was “an absolute last resort.” He said that he had been dealing with this issue since April and he was surprised by how well the community responded to this.

Zimmerman said that he came across one of the other articles he read online that seemed to skew towards blaming Sodexo as the reason for Farm to Fordham’s end. “You lose track of the message when you talk to the press about bad news and

we really did not want anyone in particular to get [blamed] for this.”

He said that he was pleased Fordham was willing to “re-engage Farm to Fordham” after the media hype.

Brian Poteat, general manager of Fordham University’s hospitality services, said, “I would like to be clear that Sodexo had absolutely nothing to do with the decision to stop the Farm to Fordham program.” Poteat said that Sodexo is about to launch a new program that works closely with New York State farmers and the New York State Department of Agriculture, “making sure we’re buying as many of their products as possible.”

“We completely support the effort of the Farm to Fordham program and we’re happy to lend our expertise and be involved in any capacity whatsoever with this project,” Poteat said.

According to Zimmerman, CSAs are farm shares offered by local farmers for the public to purchase.

He said it is an “economically efficient” investment where members get together and pay for a capital that covers the harvest and labor of the produce. Trucks then deliver the produce to Fordham Law School where members of the CSA can pick them up.

Susan Pan, FLS ’12 and member of Farm to Fordham, said that she was thrilled to hear that the pro-

gram will be returning, and said, “When I first heard that Fordham would shut them down, I was very disappointed because the program is so unique and so many people seem to benefit from it.”

Pan explained that she would provide a check for the CSA and receive vegetables that were not only fresh, but was helping out local farms. “The idea of eating what the earth produces during a given season is great,” Pan said. “I would get fresh pumpkins during the fall.”

Zimmerman also said that Farm to Fordham could not have been revived without the support of the law school staff.

Hillary Exter, Esq., director of student organizations and publicity at the Fordham Law School, was very supportive in making sure Farm to Fordham would begin running again. She said, “It is thrilling to see the university support and take the public service mission seriously.”

Exter said, “The students deserve all the credit for their determination, principle and perseverance.

It is the hallmark of public interest lawyering at its best.”

Zimmerman included that he has been deeply appreciative of how great and accessible the law school staff and students have been.

“Farm to Fordham is not a one man show,” Zimmerman said. “It might be my picture in the paper, but it is a student run group and I’m only a fraction of the effort that we put into this.”

Zimmerman said that he wants to work plans out and expand this program to Fordham students at Lincoln Center in the near future.

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FRI., OCT. 14

Paintball Outing 4 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

NYC Paintball

Cabaret Night 8 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Student Lounge MON., OCT. 17

Commuter Brunch 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Student Lounge WED., OCT. 19

Molimo: Racism in the World of Disney 6 p.m. - 8:15 p.m.

Student Lounge

RISE: Health Awareness Week Pinkberry All Day Indoor Plaza Compiled by Laura Chang

Crime THUR., SEPT. 22 At 3 p.m. in the Lowenstein Building, security was informed of graffiti in the women’s bathroom on the first floor. Someone wrote “BETTER LC” on the bathroom wall.

FRI., SEPT. 23 An employee of the law school reported her black Panasonic headphones missing. The student left them on her desk in room 100D on Sept. 21 and the property was gone when she returned on Sept 23.

Mon., Sept. 26 Around midnight, a student doing laundry on the 8th floor of McMahon Hall reported her gold shirt from Urban Outfitters missing from the washing machine. The shirt was gold and was approximately $6o. It was the only shirt missing from her laundry and there were no witnesses.

Compiled by Sara Azoulay

4

News

October 6, 2011 The Observer

www.fordhamobserver.com

Res Life Takes Visitation Rights Away as Lesson Anonymous Flyers Posted Around McMahon Hall Compare Res Life to a Totalitarian State Res Life From PAGE 1

get the same hostility through the phone.”

Campbell said that the removal of the overnight passes for the weekend was a strategy for the office to find out more information from others who may have leads.

She said, “Sometimes when other rights get taken away, we find out information from folks about the incident.”

Eldredge also said, “We wanted to put an appropriate level of pressure on the whole so that [the vandals] can recognize that their action affects other people.”

However, some students believed that taking away everyone’s common privileges is not effective.

“When we are not treated like adults, we won’t really want to act like adults,” Daniel Rooney, FCLC ’12, said. “I don’t know what the best way to handle this situation would be, but I don’t think punishing the whole student body is the right thing either.”

Rooney said that he first saw the posters on the 12th f loor of McMahon Hall. “I don’t think a freshman would come all the way up to the higher f loors just to send out this message.”

He said that he was not surprised by the posters, but rather his initial reaction was that it was funny. “I think everyone who dorms at this school probably encountered some kind of trouble

“ We wanted to put

an appropriate level of pressure on the whole so that [the vandals] can recognize that their action affects other people.”

Keith Eldredge, dean of

students at FCLC

with Res Life. A lot of people get aggravated by them so there would be a lot of suspects.”

Tyler Wilson, FCLC’ 12, also felt the posters were funny. “They were a little bit overwrought in terms of correlating Nazism and Res Life faculty,” Wilson said. He also said that he doesn’t think the posters are wrong because “they’re not hurting anyone.” In regards to the removal of overnight passes, he said, “Why punish everyone for something one or a small group of people did? It’s not that serious.”

As of Sept. 29, Campbell said that they are still working on the case. Res Life has evidence leading to a responsible party, but the identity has not been released.

“We try to have conversations with students about rules associated to the building and we are open to having these conversations to

Anthony Porretto/The Observer

Flyers created by a student opinion show the Office of Residential Life’s totalitarian control over residents.

anyone with concerns,” Campbell said.

Eldredge concluded, “Clearly we’re not doing an effective job.

So we need to work on finding out what else we need to do when students need help.” He said that, in the future, he would like feedback

from Residence Halls Association (RHA) so that they can help improve the communication and exploration of grievances.

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Q&A With John harrington

Professor Responds to Ireland’s Change of Heart With Vatican

By Esther Fernando Contributing Writer

Ireland’s reaction to the discovery of child abuse under the Catholic Church led many to question the role of religion in Ireland. The Fordham Observer spoke with John Harrington about this controversy.

Harrington, a professor of English and dean of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences at Fordham, said that he believes Ireland lacks the concept of separation of church and state so the solution they come up with will be joined between the Vatican and the country.

Harrington is well-known for his involvement with Irish Studies at Fordham University and is a playwrite for works such as “The Irish Play” on the New York Stage and “The Irish Beckett.” He also holds lectures about his work in places like the Dublin Theatre and the Guggenheim Museum. Prior to working at Fordham, Harrington studied at Columbia University and the University College at Dublin.

According to the New York Times article entitled “Rupture With Vatican Reveals a Changed Ireland,” Ireland, a nation rooted with Catholic teachings, laws and practices embedded in the religion, will soon see a new head of the church. Discoveries of decades of abuse of children under the church’s care threatened the role of the Vatican in the Catholic Church to comply with the government.

The Cloyne Report mentioned both abuse and cover-ups made by officials of the church in 2009. According to Enda Kenny, Prime Minister of Ireland, “A report into child sexual abuse exposed an attempt by the Holy See to frustrate an inquiry into a sovereign, democratic republic as little as three years ago.” The report’s stated that instead of han-

dling the situation responsibly, the church allowed the bishops to not take into account child-protection guidelines.

Patsy McGarry, the religious affairs correspondent for The Irish Times said, “The obsequiousness of the Irish state toward the Vatican is gone. The deference is gone.” The church denied the allegations made by both Kenny and the Cloyne Report claiming it to be “misrepresented.”

The New York Times reported that the government will introduce “a package of new legislation to protect children from abuse and neglect, including a law…that would make it mandatory to report evidence of crimes to the authorities.” In addition, the government established a group that will examine how half of the country’s Catholic primary schools will be removed from church control. This will reduce both the power and the role of the church, where government involvement will now take into effect.

what the government is doing. The prime minister made an angry speech from the house of parliament and after that the Vatican withdrew and it questioned some of the assertion the prime minister made and now the prime minister is researching for what was said and we are waiting for the next step.”

Observer: Do you think this

will lead to changes in the church that favors the government or that the government is just taking advantage of the whole situation to do as they please?

JH: “The issue being discussed

is going to be discussed in both spiritual and temporal powers.

How are they going to intersect is what is going to have to be decided jointly. Ireland has no concept of separation of church and state like America, so they have to come with a joint solution. Historically, in the mid-20th century Ireland saw more involvement by church and revised their constitutions in ways that revolved around the Vatican and now it’s surprising that they are talking about diminishing it.”

Observer: Do you think there

will be changes in this identification that will predominantly impact Ireland and its role in Catholicism?

Observer: How do you think fac-

John Harrington: “Ireland is

changing in very big ways in any case and the larger part of this story is that since 1990s Ireland has been through disillusioning cultural experiences and one had to deal with scandal of politicians and after that the scandal with banking industries and then reports of church organizations.

There is a very large process of change in Ireland. They are going through a major identity crisis.”

Observer: Do you think there

should be other alternatives besides having the government get

Katherine Fotinos/The Observer

John Harrington, passionate about Irish Studies, shared his opinion about Ireland’s response to the Vatican controversy within the country.

involved with the church to resolve the issue of child abuse? Do you think it’s too extreme? Why not replace the officials and closely monitor them?

the church and all indication now is coming with new kinds of ways to prevent abuses whether they are political or not.”

JH: “A lot of parties are working

this will impact the role of the church and the Vatican ultimately?

Do you think it will diminish?

Observer: How do you think

hard to determine future steps.

There will be changes about what the abuses were. It has to be decided jointly by the government and

JH: “It has not been decided as to

ulty at Fordham would respond to this or view this? How do you feel this will impact Ireland?

JH: “Fordham is one of best place

to study religious history; the Fordham theology department is interested in watching this not exclusively in Ireland because there was a lot of international behavior of the church in past that have to be documented. We have terrific record in American Catholic studies and we should be aware that it is not only occurring in Ireland.

We have to look at international context and not only Ireland context.”

Ai Elo/The Observer

FCLC students gathered in Lowenstein’s Student Lounge prior to the walk to discuss the meaning of the term ‘slut.’

FCLC Participates in SlutWalk SlutWalk From PAGE 1

“slut” fully meant, but Loreal Lingad, FCLC ’14, said that a woman who fits the stereotype does not “give anyone the right to violate that person’s body.”

“It should not be about what people are wearing. The point is I could be wearing a bath robe and ducky slippers and people should still listen to what I have to say,” Jacqueline Mosteller, FCLC ’14, said.

On feminism, Lori Knight, adjunct professor of FCLC’s commu-

nication and media studies, said, “Feminism means equality, standing up, having a voice, taking initiatives, its being taken seriously and being respected.”

“It’s not about female supremacy,” added Rebecca Nicoletti, FCLC ’13.

The day of the protest, Isis created signs and chants for the march.

By walking in Slutwalk, president of Isis, Rebecca Gehman, FCLC ’12 said, “I hope that people will realize that sexual violence is 100 percent unacceptable, and is not just women who should be stopping it, but everyone.”

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STAFF EDITORIAL

L

Students must take action

ately it seems everyone is protesting.

Whether abroad or at home, gathering in groups and fighting for a cause has become part of the norm.

And it’s easy to see why. Social media helps escalate the message of one small group, enabling it to reach thousands online. As we read about rallies in the news and our Facebook newsfeeds, we see how petitioning creates change. Whether you’re a loud New Yorker on Wall Street or an angry Syrian in the city of Homs, protesting allows citizens to express their frustration and show they’re no longer content with standing on the sidelines.

According to Monique John and Rex Sakamoto’s article on page one entitled, “FCLC Students Join Protesters in NYC SlutWalk,” it’s clear that some students are intent on seeking justice and becoming informed. They educate themselves on system flaws and participate in causes by marching or using other outlets to communicate their viewpoints. They actively pursue objective news reports and unbiased accounts from both those

Too many of us briefly skim headlines without knowing the root cause of the issues at hand...we don’t make an effort to see what all the commotion is about.

directly involved and those commenting from a distance. But this group is often the minority.

A number of students remain unaware of current events that could possibly have a significant effect on government legislation. Too many of us briefly skim headlines without knowing the root cause of the issues at hand. Even though it’s right outside our walls, we don’t make the effort to see what all the commotion is about. We’ll check out pictures and see posts on Twitter, but unless our friend is protesting, many of us are reluctant to learn more.

It is important as students and citizens that we try to understand issues and controversies, directly impacting those around us. Especially in Manhattan, where rallies are currently happening just a subway ride downtown, we should make an effort to recognize why so many are actively engaging in such large-scale events.

While some may discredit protesters as ignorant masses of people who just want to stir up trouble, there are many people with opinionated voices who are passionate about what they believe and do feel that outwardly showing their support or aversion will make a difference.

The Wall Street protest and others like it are sure to continue in our city.

Freedom of speech is one of the great liberties we receive through the First Amendment. We can sit back and waste our opportunity to speak out or we can actively pursue knowledge and understand why sign-holders are chanting for change.

What’s the Truth About the HPV Vaccine?

Take Your Own Advice, Not the Politicians’ Research the Facts Yourself to Determine If the Vaccine is Right for You

SARAH ADLER Contributing Writer

Rick Perry is facing the first major controversy of his campaign for the GOP presidential nomination.

Michele Bachmann has criticized Perry’s executive order to vaccinate Texan girls with Gardasil, a vaccine which protects against Human Papilloma Virus (HPV).

Vaccinating against HPV is on the front line in preventing cervical cancer in women and transmission of the virus in men. If the vaccine proves its efficacy over the long run, it will likely be a mandatory vaccination in our lifetime. Bachmann claimed that Gardasil is a dangerous vaccine that could lead to “mental retardation.” Unsurprisingly, Bachmann bases this claim on hearsay rather than actual clinical trials. The Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) assessment of Gardasil (readily available online) shows no link between the vaccine and mental retardation.

Regardless of Bachmann’s circus antics, the question still remains: Why did Rick Perry try to mandate the vaccine? Ties to the pharmaceutical industry? That’s very likely, but it is hard to demonize Perry for trying to mandate the vaccine. In fact, 20 other states have proposed mandating Gardasil, too. It’s proven to be incredibly effective in protecting against HPV. The virus is responsible for 70 percent of cervical cancers. If you can stop HPV, you can decrease cancer rates.

The truth is, if you have your panties in a bunch over Perry’s likely ties to the pharmaceutical industry, you’re wasting your time.

His order included an opt-out clause, which allowed parents to choose not to vaccinate their

children against HPV. The proposed mandate was more kin to a suggested, standard protocol than a literal mandate. It still allowed parents’ autonomy over their children’s vaccination. This order does not come close to practical threat unless Texans decide to comply with it.

Texans and Americans across the country need to educate themselves rather than rely on their leaders for sound judgment. Clinical trials of HPV can be found online at Merck.com, the site of one of the world’s largest healthcare companies. Check their page out. I’m tired of people debating the politics of an issue of which they have full control.

When we were young, we relied on our parents to tell us which shots we took each year. As we age, we will be responsible for our own heath care decisions as well as those of our children. Don’t be a Michelle Bachmann. Rise to the occasion and research the drugs you inject.

Here are relevant things to consider about Gardasil: Merck’s Clinical Trials Verify Its Safety Females ages nine to 26 were tested in a double-blind study in which about half the participants were given a placebo while the other half were vaccinated with Gardasil.

Medical conditions in both groups post-vaccination showed no causal relationship between Gardasil and the development of adverse medical conditions. Minor adverse reactions do exist, such as redness at injection site, fever, nausea, dizziness, swelling and bruising, which are not unusual after most vaccines.

The Same Trials Show It’s Effective Those who were vaccinated with

Benjamin Benschneider/Seattle Times/MCT

Women have the ability to look up the HPV vaccine on their own and decide if it’s a healthy choice for them.

Gardasil in clinical trials showed far less occurrence of high-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia, a potential early indicator of a malignant growth on the cervix related to HPV, than those who received the placebo. However, for how long will the drug protect women? The FDA only approved the vaccine in 2006; it is too soon to say whether or not Gardasil offers permanent protection against HPV. Still, its success thus far is undeniable.

It Might Benefit Males, Too Gardasil has been FDA-approved for use in males since 2009.

The vaccine also prevents HPV in males, who are not at risk for cervical cancer but are transmitters of the virus to women. Vaccinating men against HPV before they become sexually active is a protective measure that can also decrease the incidence of cervical cancer.

The debate over Perry’s Gardasil mandate reminds us that politicians do not form policy in a vacuum.

Both Bachmann and Perry’s motives seem less than pure, yet it is more important to recognize and exercise the power we have over our own care. We are autonomous creatures with the freedom to access

and process information, and that should not be taken for granted. By informing ourselves, we can vaccinate ourselves against HPV politics that have less to do with science and more to do with getting elected.

I am not a medical authority, so I can only advise you to do your homework on every vaccine you take. Even after looking at the clinical trials, I don’t think Gardasil should be mandated just yet. More time is needed to verify that Gardasil is effective and safe enough to be mandatory. However, from what I’ve found in the present clinical studies, the HPV vaccine is beneficial and a potential lifesaver.

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Debating the Obvious: Farcical Politics Rick Perry Is Making a Ruckus Out of The Republican Party the observer Fordham College at Lincoln Center 113 West 60th Street Room 408 New York, New York 10023 Tel: (212) 636-6015 Fax: (212) 636-7047

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GIANMARCO FONGARO Contributing Writer

The Republican primary has turned into a cheap high school production of “Julius Caesar”—a bunch of talentless actors half-assing their lines as they try to kill the eponymous protagonist. Rick Perry, governor of Texas, is Caesar and the rest of the candidates the envious senators. Besides Mitt Romney, former governor of Massachusetts, the other candidates are allotted a meager amount of time versus the generous time given to the bumbling duo of Romney and Perry. This undermines the purpose of the debates, which is to give each candidate an opportunity, at the detriment of our sanity, to articulate their platform.

In September, two debates were held, the first on the seventh at the Reagan Library in Simi Valley, Calif., and the second on the 22nd in Orlando, Fla. During the debates candidates lovingly eulogized the late President Reagan to the point of necrophilia and the rest of the debate’s attentions were focused on Perry. Whether it was Perry dodging questions, Perry rebutting complaints or other candidates commenting on Perry’s tenure as governor, the debates were all about Perry.

For instance, everyone had something to say about Perry’s executively mandated Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine. Of course, candidates are expected to comment on the doings of their opponents but the debate turned into a roast of Perry. At one point he quipped, “I feel like a piñata.”

This would be true if Perry’s entrails consisted of sweet candies instead of a perfidious broth of sleaze and deceit. They commented on his job record, the legislative makeup of his state, his education policy, his immigration policy, anything and everything. So while we know all about Perry, we seem to know nothing of the other vampires vying for the presidency.

Some would argue that Perry is a front-runner, deserving more attention than the other fringe candidates. Poll numbers should translate to speaking engagements, appearances on talk shows and things of the like. The debates should not be a forum to flaunt popularity; they should be an exchange of thought.

Because of the extended nature of the debates, they should serve to give viewers a comprehensive look at the Republican Party. If voters see that the Republican Party is all about Perry and Romney, they may be turned off.

Gary Johnson, former governor of New Mexico, entered the fray in Orlando. He was offered so little an opportunity to speak that by the debate’s end I had forgotten his name. I had to Google “new Republican candidate” as though he were a symptom of some rare disease just

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joe burbank/orlando sentinel/mct

Clockwise from top left, Rick Perry, Newt Gingrich, Mitt Romney and Herman Cain yell more than debate.

At one point he quipped, ‘I feel like a piñata.’

This would be true if Perry’s entrails consisted of sweet candies instead of a perfidious broth of sleaze and deceit. so I could mention him in this piece.

Now all I gathered from the debates was that as governor he lived “the dolce veto,” vetoing a record number of bills. That is not enough for voters to make an informed decision.

Newt Gingrich, former speaker of the house, and Herman Cain, former CEO of Godfather’s Pizza, were the only ones who refrain from assailing Perry. Gingrich seems to have his eye of newt on the vicepresidency or some secretaryship.

Throughout the debate he praised all Republican virtues, hurled maledictions at President Obama and had nothing ill to say about any fellow candidates. Cain took the two debates as an opportunity to unveil

and articulate his 9-9-9 economic policy, which sounds awfully similar to Domino’s Pizza 5-5-5 deal.

Since the two September debates, Cain has been rising like pizza dough in the polls. This is what the debates are about, giving unknown candidates the spotlight. A couple years ago, he was relatively unknown to the general public, but through his participation in the debates, he has caught the fancy of many a voter. Could a more equitable distribution of debate time have the same benefits for other candidates such as Johnson and Jon Huntsman, former ambassador to China and former Utah governor?

Cain came out victorious in a

Florida straw poll on Sept. 24th with 37.1 percent and this surge in popularity has translated onto the national scene. A Fox News poll showed that Cain was among the top three candidates with a 17 percent showing. All this is to say that the primary race is a long, protracted affair so all efforts should be taken to showcase each candidate. They are not running for a managerial position at Wal-Mart but the presidency of the United States: the dissemination of information is vital.

The debates have proved to prospective voters that Perry is an inept fool and that the Republicans would make excellent dodgeball players. However, the crowds present at the two September debates may have been more interested in a good fight. They booed a gay solider and cheered with such ferocity at a scenario in which an uninsured person would die that the bloodfrenzied crowds of the Colosseum in its heyday pale in comparison. God help us.

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A Cynic in Need of Adele to Open Her Heart The Singer Makes You Believe Real Love Exists, Even If You’ve Yet to Experience It SARA AZOULAY Photo Co-Editor & Asst.

News Editor

Upon meeting my father, you might be a little overwhelmed. A ball of fun with dyed black hair (he’s graying, but he’ll never admit it), he is the craziest little Israeli man you’ll ever meet. One of my father’s passions, besides laughing, is music.

He blasts loud Israeli music from his car, and when introducing me to his latest favorite song, he’ll clap his hands just once and nudge me if I’m not smiling along with him.

Instead of nudging me this time, he called me to tell me about the new Adele song on the radio, “Someone Like You.” “You know that girl, uh, what’s her name, what’s her name…Aldell? Ugh, never mind, but she has a new song out. Ugh, it’s so good. So good. She’s brilliant.”

He’s previously mentioned that he loves Adele, but it still surprises me. It made me wonder—what’s the hype surrounding Adele? How is she able to reach out to every single demographic? She’s a sensation around the world, touching the hearts of adults, teenagers and my 57-year-old Israeli father. My father and I have different tastes in many things but in music, it usually overlaps. Listening to him explain the glory of Adele was spectacular because even I wasn’t so keen on her at first.

In fact, I didn’t see the big deal.

I had listened to “Rolling in the Deep” and I thought, “Eh, this is all right.” But it was the same single, “Someone Like You,” that my father

She makes us acknowledge the pain we try to forget but need to remember. She taps into the version of ourselves that we try to hide. had called me about that changed everything.

I’m not entirely sure where it started, maybe it was the insane number of Disney movies I watched or that I repeatedly played “Grease” every day of my childhood, but somewhere along the lines I became fascinated with this concept known as love. My parents didn’t warn me that this fascination would probably hurt me in the long run.

No one ever did. In high school the cynicism kicked in and I was no longer naïve. But the romantic in me still lives, hidden away.

At first the cynic in me hated Adele. But one day, I decided to really listen to “Someone like You.” The soft piano gets to you, I admit it. But what really changed my mind was when I finally heard the pain in her voice. It assured me that she had lost love. She had love and she lost it, but the pain was still there.

It was touching, and I realized that if anyone ever loved me like she was describing, I would probably break down, too.

So now I’m finally an Adele convert. She’s one of the most talented artists today. There’s no way you can contradict that

Gregorio Binuya/Abaca Press/MCT

Adele doesn’t rely on theatrics to engage her audience. Her sincere words and powerful voice are enough to move her listeners.

statement. Her voice is soft yet strong at the same time. I’m pretty sure she can move mountains with it, but we have yet to test that theory out. There are more than a few great

singers out there, though—what sets Adele out from the rest?

The most probable explanation for her fame, other than her talent, is her modesty. At my internship at

Clear Channel Communications, my supervisors told me that she came in to do a performance once. According to them, she was incredibly sweet. She also exudes confidence when telling her stories.

Adele will bring you right into her world. She is merely 22 years old (which makes me feel horribly dull) but has already released two albums and won two Grammys.

If you compare her to the other big stars like Lady Gaga, Katy Perry and Beyonce, Adele takes a different approach to her music and performances. She doesn’t focus on theatrics. She’s simple. It’s a sophistication you can’t imitate even if you tried. Here’s a dare for all of you readers: go to YouTube, watch Adele performing “Someone Like You” and tell me you didn’t at least tear up. Because if you didn’t, you have no soul (I’m just kidding… but only a little.).

Not to be dramatic here, but her voice spills into your soul and you can feel the pain and beauty in it. Perhaps that’s why the world applauds her—she makes us feel real and raw emotion. She makes us acknowledge the pain we try to forget but need to remember. She taps into the version of ourselves that we try to hide. She makes us vulnerable and deciphers heartbreak in an insightful way.

I was so upset after listening to her songs because I have yet to experience what she sings about.

It’s something we all want, and it’s something Adele sings into you.

If you won’t believe me, then believe the crazy old Israeli man who loves music. If he can’t convince you, I’m not sure what will.

Korean Dramas: I’m Not Crazy, I’m Just Obsessed Forget “All My Children,” It’s All About East Asia Soap Operas, Attractive Koreans and Love Triangles SOGAND AFKARI Staff Writer

Hello, my name is Sogand and I am a Korean drama addict. Once I was immersed in a drama and neglected to check the food I was cooking. Consequently, I filled my apartment, my friend’s lungs and the entire third floor of McMahon with smoke. For my 19th birthday my friend bought me a poster of a Korean actor (Gong Yoo) and I hung it on the common room wall, surrounded its sides with dried roses and (when no one was looking) spoke to it affectionately. I have a problem.

I was first introduced to Korean dramas when I was a secondsemester senior in high school.

At the time I was weaning off a Bollywood binge. (That’s a whole ’nother article for you). One of my friends, who is incidentally a Korean immigrant, suggested to me one day as I was trying to unlock my front door, “You know, if you like Hindi cinema, there’s something else I think you’d like.”

At that moment, I not only opened the door to my house but also to a future enriched with attractive Koreans and love triangles. As my friend walked in behind me, she said, “I can show it to you right now on the computer.” Her pivotal recommendation was “First Shop of the Coffee Prince.”

Since that fateful day three years ago, I have watched more than 40 dramas in their entirety.

Yes, Korean dramas are congested with exceedingly attractive actors.

Yes, k-pop music does occasionally permeate the average drama series. And yes, some k-dramas

by and large are melodramatic.

However, they are not the Korean equivalent of an American soap opera. (I am telling you this as a former “General Hospital” viewer). A notable number of them are brilliantly written with an interweaving of cuteness, wit and Korean culture.

In all honesty, my intake of hallyu (“The Korean Wave,” an international spreading of Korean culture through its entertainment industries) is pretty meager for the average addict. Any assumptions that I am alone in being a foreigner who abuses Korean primetime television are invalid. There are millions of k-drama fans around the world, largely because these shows are so easily accessible online.

Almost all k-dramas are online and made available in a timely manner. The average prime-time k-drama is 16 episodes (one hour per episode) with two new episodes shown a week. A normal k-drama is also “soft-subbed,” meaning fans dub the shows on websites like Viki.com for free. I’ve found dramas in at least 10 languages, ranging from Danish to Arabic.

K-dramas are also watched and broadcast on satellite televisions all over the world ranging from the Dominican Republic to Iran.

More importantly, Korean dramas appeal to a diverse network of people. They’re sexually conservative and refreshingly different from “Grey’s Anatomy” with its redundant hook-up scenes. K-drama teleplay writers are avid explorers of themes such as the glory of the Joseon era (pre-modern Korean history) and discrimination based on classism.

A Korean drama is also an

Korean dramas appeal to a diverse network of people.

They’re sexually conservative and refreshingly different from “Grey’s Anatomy” with its redundant hook-up scenes.

courtesy of Lee Jung Ah production

Korean dramas like “First Shop of the Coffee Prince” make for a more worthwhile viewing experience than the average American soap.

influential cultural representative because it offers an introduction into Korean culture for unfamiliar foreigners like me.

By watching Korean dramas, I have been able to confront the ignorant stereotypes that circulate around the states regarding Eastern Asians countries, particularly Korea. They also serve as a gateway drug for me into Korean films and Korean barbecue.

One 16 episode-long romantic

comedy can dissolve someone’s superficial perception of Eastern Asia by immersing him or her in an entertaining reflection of Korean society. Not only have k-dramas instilled in me an insatiable diet for ramen noodles and dopoki (spicy rice cakes), but they have also enlightened me about this small and beautiful country that is typically overlooked because of its more distinguished neighbors.

When I have finished watching

all “The Big Bang Theory” episodes and the latest “Modern Family” isn’t on Hulu yet, I type in DramaFever.com and watch an episode of the visually stunning “Return of Iljimae.” When I am tired of reading about Jennifer Aniston’s newest pregnancy rumor and Lindsay Lohan’s felonies, I go to DramaBeans.com and get my latest news update from Seoul’s entertainment world.

Luckily, we live in a day and age where we can experience local television from a country on the complete opposite side of the globe. Instead of limiting myself to American television, I happily branch out and fall deeper in love with the romantic triangles, the folk tales, the terminal illnesses and the slapstick comedies in South Korean prime-time television.

Luckily for you and me, Korean dramas are always available in your time of entertainment need. If you are inclined to immerse yourself into a foreign culture, then why not try a k-drama?

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Trying to See an Adviser Shouldn’t Be This Difficult: The Recent Frustrations of Academic Advising Unneccessary Stress Builds When Students Have No One to Turn to for Help After three full years at this school, I can’t help but note a small feeling of neglect, like I’m being shuffled around for [the faculty’s] convenience.

COLLEEN THORNHILL Opinions Editor

I’m a senior. That means I’m scared out of my mind.

OK, I’m not that bad. I’ve still got my chin up. Kind of.

The point is I’m embarking on my fourth year at Fordham. I’ve been here long enough to know how academic advising works. I get a dean to set me on the right path freshman year. Then I pick my major, I pick an adviser and voila, all my problems have a means to be solved.

At least that’s how it used to be.

Over the summer my mom called me to tell me I’d gotten a postcard from Fordham telling me I needed to make an appointment with the senior dean as soon as possible to get all my affairs in order before I graduated.

“Yeah, Mom, sure thing, I’ll be right on it,” was my enthusiastic reply. Being the procrastinator I am, however, I of course did no such thing. Meanwhile my ever-timely suitemate informed me, “I’ve already made my appointment.” She’s a poli sci major. They tend to be organized.

But then during orientation training near the end of August, rumors started swirling that there was no senior dean. At first I felt relief, because that meant my procrastination would lead to no immediate consequences, but then I was pretty peeved. Here I am, at my wit’s end, no idea what the future holds for me, and Fordham can’t even provide me with a dean to help me make sure I have all the requirements needed for graduation?

Oh, that is gold, Fordham, just gold.

Charlie puente/The Observer

If advisers prove difficult to find, students may find themselves waiting endlessly for someone to notice them.

On top of this debacle, there was the “wait, what?” email I’d gotten about halfway through the summer regarding my academic adviser. Apparently he wasn’t going to be around campus this year, so Fordham just assigned me to a new one.

I have two majors, the first being communications along with every other Fordham student and the second being history. Because I didn’t declare my history major until junior year, I didn’t really know as much regarding the requirements, and frankly I was absolutely in need of an adviser. Luckily, I got one, we met once to sign some paperwork and now if I saw him again in the hallway, I’m not sure I’d know who

he is.

At least I had one, though, right?

Wrong.

Because now he’s off doing research or something (those Ph.D. people, always studying) and I have a new adviser I’ve yet to meet. Well, isn’t that marvelous. I’d barely met the first adviser, and now Fordham was just surprising me with a new guy? Thanks.

I have a friend who’s graduating a semester early. You know what she needs? A dean. Girl had to wait three weeks before anybody would see her! Where is the respect, Fordham?

Another friend of mine needed to speak to the head of her major’s department. Upon finally getting in touch with said person, he told my

friend the head of the department had changed and there was nothing he could do to help her. Always nice to know the faculty has your best interests at heart.

Luckily, both those situations ended up working out just fine for my friends, but the hassle and the stress they caused were uncalled for.

Jesuit ideals are all about cultivating the whole person and service and justice for and with others, but I’m seeing these ideas less and less from the upper tiers and it’s frustrating for all involved.

I understand that faculty members have lives. They do research. They support families. I understand that they’re not trying to make our lives harder. But after three

full years at this school, I can’t help but note a small feeling of neglect, like I’m being shuffled around for their convenience.

What happened to the idea that Fordham students could easily form bonds with their professors?

Father Grimes always challenges the freshmen to get to know at least one professor their first year. If I can’t even find the head of my department or have more than one semester to get to know my adviser, then the odds of my forming any kind of bond are slim to none. I’m basically traipsing along by myself, crossing my fingers that DegreeWorks and my own personal calculation skills are correct.

As I begin my senior year, I’d like to know the university still has my best interests at heart. I know I’ll be leaving them in a few short months, but I’ve given them a good chunk of time and I’d like to know they care about my well-being.

Sounding self-centered and spoiled isn’t my intention here. All I’d like is for Fordham to give me some sort of sign that they haven’t left me to fend for myself just yet. I’ll be doing enough of that come May. Let’s not rush into things.

Are You Paying Too Much for Housing? You Certainly Are Fordham Ranks Fifth in Survey for Having the Most Expensive Dorms in the Nation JOSEPHINE TROTT Contibuting Writer

I had been living in McMahon Hall for two years and all was well.

That is until I realized I was paying ridiculous sums of money to stay on campus. And by ridiculous I mean so ridiculous that it caught the attention of the rest of the country.

Recently U.S. News and World Report rated Fordham University as number five in a list of the most expensive dorm rooms in the country.

The figure that the survey gives us is the amount for a single room for a full academic year, a hefty sum of $14,926. Although most students, I assume, opt for a double room making the fee $13,400 instead. But if we compare this to the national average of $9,047, the difference of $4,353 is still alarming.

My own experience with the expensive tuition and housing here at Fordham has been better than my friend’s, but for some time I had only been vaguely aware of this problem. One night, my roommates and I had stayed up late, procrastinating as usual, and the financial records on My.Fordham were fuel for our laziness. To our surprise, we became aware that the amount of help each of us received was very different. I was surprised that what I received was more than average while my roommates had to pay nearly full price.

We also noticed our housing bill had gone up and not in an insignificant way. It made sense for the bill

Even after adding all of the expenses that we normally wouldn’t have to pay at Fordham, it’s still cheaper [to live off campus]. Dramatically cheaper. to increase for those who had gone from a triple to a double, but I had always been in a double. Why had my bill gone up? Had our families forgot to mention it? Regardless, we were now paying a lot more than we had originally planned and saying that we were unhappy would be an understatement. I wouldn’t be surprised if the echoes of our furious howls can still be heard in our old dorm room. We decided it would be the best to leave the dorms to get an apartment together instead.

This change in living turned out to be a good idea. Some of their parents had their objections, thinking it was cheaper in the Fordham dorms. We showed them the rise in prices from our freshman year until now for a double room (taken from our own statements and the Fordham website):

2009-10: $12,130

2010-11: $12,890

2011-12: $13,400 When we split the bill between three roommates, here’s what we pay for our apartment:

salma elmehdawi/The Observer

McMahon Hall’s doors aren’t exactly friendly to those students who don’t have the means to pay outrageous housing prices.

$5,841 That number includes rent plus bills, such as internet, electric, laundry and estimated metro costs to get to school.

Big difference, isn’t it? Even after adding all of the expenses that we normally wouldn’t have to pay at Fordham, it’s still cheaper.

Dramatically cheaper. Needless to say, it didn’t take much to convince anyone’s parents after that.

After looking at the numbers, Fordham needs to think of an alternate plan for those interested in housing. One idea worth mentioning is to keep the prices the same for a student as long as he or she is

registered in housing. The housing bill is a large factor when picking a college and your family makes plans around that number for the next four years. If a school increases the cost of housing after one year, people deserve to be annoyed.

Whatever you agree to when you first arrive should be honored for as long as you are a resident. It certainly seems more honest.

However, if that seems too difficult, perhaps Fordham should try to inform those who are already residents that prices will be increasing. It might also be prudent to mention that these increases aren’t insignificant. I know from personal experience that at the end of the spring semester, Fordham wants you to figure out right away whether or not you are staying so that you can participate in the mad rush to pick out your next year’s dorm rooms. Unfortunately, they forget to mention that you will be paying a possible extra $500 during this mad scramble.

Realistically, I don’t think that this will lead to a housing revolution in American colleges, but I do feel like this problem can be fixed without too much fuss. Something should be done. Universities take advantage of students coming right out of high school. They hardly have time to find an apartment nor do they have college friends with whom they could split the bill. Plus, there is something traditional about moving into a college dorm and getting away from home for the first time.

But colleges make prices so high students can never hope to avoid the oncoming tidal wave of debt.

10

Opinions

October 6, 2011 The Observer

www.fordhamobserver.com

Why Every Fordham Student Should GO! What I Love Most About Global Outreach and the Memories and Friendships It Gave Me I know for me personally I can still remember the van sing-a-longs, trips to Sonic, alligator visits and bowling adventures with my team that defined my trip to New Orleans my sophomore year.

RYAN O’TOOLE Staff Writer

I’d like to tell you about the single best program at Fordham that every student should participate in before he or she graduates: Global Outreach (GO!).

GO! is an unforgettable experience that allows you to travel the country and world, become close friends with 11 other people and serve out the Jesuit command to go forth and set the world on fire. I am leading a GO! project this year to New Orleans, but no matter where you go, I promise that you will always remember your experience as one of the highlights of your Fordham experience.

Global Outreach is a service and immersion program that sends a group of students to various locations around the United States and the world to serve and work in a community for one to three weeks and become immersed in the local culture.

Both Lincoln Center and Rose Hill run projects, contributing to a grand total of 33 trips. Students fundraise for months leading up to the trip, which is a great way to bond with your team members. You end up having a pretty good time selling baked goods, waffles, grilled cheese or anything and everything to raise money.

Many people argue that GO! is simply an extension of church programs, but that is not the case.

Spirituality may be one of the program’s pillars, but only because your team leader urges you to engage social justice issues on a deep, emotional level and struggle with why injustice occurs and why we should

COurtesy of ryan o’toole

While in New Orleans, O’Toole and his group took a break from their service to tour the city’s garden district.

stand in solidarity with others’ unjust circumstances. Faith is a strong part of many people’s GO! experiences—it was for me—but it is not for everyone.

For those who do connect their faith to Global Outreach, that connection could derive from any faith— Muslim, Jewish, Christian, Buddhist, agnostic or secular humanist. We absolutely must confront issues of social injustice, be bothered by them and dare to change them. Global Outreach provides an avenue for students to do just that by engaging them on a spiritual plane.

One of the most powerful pillars for me is community. My team consisted of 12 people, including a student leader and a chaperone.

Luckily by the time we reached our destination, we essentially felt like family. By spending around three months prior to the project meeting, fundraising, reflecting and going on a retreat, it was easy to develop strong bonds with each other.

I particularly enjoyed my team’s reflections. They challenged us to consider the meaning of service and how injustices like racism or sexism plague our society today. They also showed how different yet similar we all were. Often in college we are separated in classes by majors or separated by our student life involvements.

GO! brings together 11 students just because they share a passion for the trip. To this day, I know that I can go

to 10 other people and talk to them about anything in my life because we spent hours, days, weeks and months getting to know each other and becoming a family unit.

I guarantee you will always remember your GO! family. I know for me personally I can still remember the van sing-a-longs, trips to Sonic, alligator visits and bowling adventures with my team that defined my trip to New Orleans my sophomore year.

I also formed a community with the people living in the place where I worked. I will never forget the man whose house I renovated with my team on Lowerline Road. After working for a week on his house, tiling a

bathroom, painting and installing drywall, we went to get ice cream, and he insisted on paying for our ice cream just to show how thankful he was. I couldn’t believe what a generous and positive spirit he had; he had been kicked out of his home by a hurricane and was not able to return for almost five years, yet he was still so thankful. The people you meet on your project will remain in your heart always.

At Lincoln Center alone there are ten projects annually, which means that roughly 100 people every year experience Global Outreach. As more and more people join the GO! family, they bring their experiences back to campus and become part of a Fordham-wide community that remains engaged in social justice issues and committed to serving others.

Few universities in general, or Jesuit ones, have such a developed program as we do. Global Outreach truly marks Fordham and its students as soldiers of social justice who have set the world on fire and do so every day. Convinced yet? Then GO!

Netflix Ignores the Customer for Its Own Private Gains Changing Its Prices Won’t Help Netflix in the Long Run, But Listening to Our Complaints Might PIYALI SYAM Contributing Writer

Netflix was once the golden bastion of movie rentals. But its recent price increase and decision to split its combined rental and unlimited streaming plan into two separate services has outraged customers and caused them to cancel their Netflix subscriptions in record numbers: the worst in the company’s history.

Customers have good reason to be mad. The split means that they will not only have to pay more to retain both services but will also now have to use two different websites to order from the same company (the DVD rental service will now be called Qwikster, while the online streaming will still be Netflix). While the combined plan cost $9.99 per month, rental and online streaming now cost $7.99 each.

If there is anything Netflix can learn from this ruckus, it’s to listen more carefully to its customers. Because the fact is that customers will always go for the cheapest and most convenient option.

Netflix’s sudden and drastic change is actually part of a shrewd long-term plan to ease the company’s transition into and survival in a possible future where the very foundation it has built itself upon no longer exists. Netflix is preparing for a day when DVD rentals become obsolete and online streaming becomes the predominant method of movie-viewing. The price increase will therefore provide the company with more capital to direct into online streaming.

A 60 percent price increase doesn’t seem like any sort of gradual easing.

Los Angeles times/mct

Charts on the left show that Netflix’s recent changes have led to a decline in subscribers, who are no longer willing to sign onto the site for service.

Netflix has built a reputation on convenience and an affordable subscription price value. Veering away from these established precedents is a betrayal. And if the company is going to raise the cost, why not at least keep the two services under the umbrella of the Netflix name?

The two names and websites cause not only confusion but inconvenience.

Customers have to enter their information separately into both sites and manage two accounts. And if there’s one thing customers hate more than having to pay more, it’s inconvenience.

Netflix is not only losing customers; it’s losing the full potential of its profit, since many people who are not cancelling their accounts altogether are simply choosing to retain one service (either the streaming or the DVD rental) rather than pay for both.

Netflix is wrong to think DVDs will soon turn to dust. The company’s overreacting. Netflix’s strength was that it offered customers several options of how they wanted to watch their movies before anyone else did.

Customers could watch streaming video on their computer or pop in a DVD and watch a movie on an actual TV screen. For college students especially, the convenience of having a DVD delivered to you is unparalleled.

While Quinn Library’s AV Room has a substantial collection of films and television programs, its selection is still limited, especially when it comes to more recent releases.

Although this decision isn’t doing Netflix any favors, the hullaballoo over it certainly says something about the power the company holds. Netflix isn’t obsolete. If I had a penny for

every time I heard someone say they are going to get a movie from Netflix…well, I’d probably be able to pay the monthly fee (both of them). While there are other methods of renting movies, Netflix is still the leader. Services like iTunes and Blockbuster are still more expensive and the options more limited.

Netflix’s decision shows a bit too much overconfidence, but I think the company has built up enough of a name that this won’t necessarily translate to its death. It’s possible that the current massive drop in customers will be temporary, or that it won’t be substantial enough to cause any drastic outcome like bankruptcy. However, Netflix has only been around for 10 years; it’s still too new a company to expect to retain its loyal following no matter what.

Netflix may not be obsolete yet, but it’s becoming so for me, one of their unhappy customers. I’ve canceled my DVD subscription, only to be met with a rude email ordering me to ship back the last DVD I received within the next seven days or be fined $15. I’m planning on cancelling my streaming plan because Amazon Prime has free unlimited streaming as part of their membership at just $80 a year.

While it’s important for companies to adapt to changing markets, it’s more important for them to listen to the people who put them in power. I hope that the uproar over this recent decision prompts Netflix to at least reconsider their decision, if not revoke it. If not, they should be prepared for some other company to step in and do what they have been doing for all this time—only better.

Arts & Culture

October 6, 2011 The Observer

From the City of Lights, The Louvre Lands in the Big Apple

By Katherine Fabian Contributing Writer

They have the Eiffel Tower and escargot. We have the Empire State Building and hot dog carts. It seems like Paris and New York couldn’t be any more different. Sure they are two of the most renown metropolises in the world, but each city is known to have its own distinct attitude and lifestyle. However, there is an aspect of culture for which New Yorkers and Parisians have the same high regards: art.

Thousands of people visit the Louvre every year, spending expensive amounts of money on plane tickets and unfashionable tourist programs. New Yorkers now have the privilege of viewing the Parisian museum’s drawings without going through this hassle. The Morgan Museum and Library’s newest exhibit, “David, Delacroix and Revolutionary France: Drawings from the Louvre” brings a taste of Paris to the Big Apple.

“I think that there are a lot of Francophiles here in New York that are particularly going to be drawn to this exhibit,” Jennifer Tonkovich, curator of the exhibit, said. “This is just a great opportunity for people to see the most accomplished and finest drawings from the period,” she said.

Tonkovich has high hopes that the exhibit will draw a large audience of regulars as well as new visitors— including students—despite the intimidating upscale ambience of the museum, which features high ceilings, its own personal dining room, decadent library and lavish rotunda.

Additionally, for those who are not familiar with this type of art, visiting this exhibit may be the perfect opportunity to be exposed to it.

It’s interesting how the Morgan got its hands on these drawings. “In 1993 we sent the Louvre an exhibition of our drawings,” Tonkovich said. “They had always meant to give us some pieces in return so we figured now was as good a time as ever.”

The exhibit features classics like David’s “The Sabine Women Intervening to Stop the Fight Between the

courtesy of the morgan library and museum

“David, Delacroix and Revolutionary France: Drawings from the Louvre,” examines the French artists’ earliest sketch drawings.

Romans and Sabines,” and a rough sketch of Delacroix’s “Liberty Leading the People.” These sketches of famous historical paintings are sure to appeal to any art history enthusiast.

Some of the lesser-known drawings may also be of interest for those who are familiar with artwork of the French Revolution era. These paintings are concealed in the shadow of works by more household names such as Leonardo, David and Michelangelo. Gericault’s “The Artist’s Left Hand” is a detailed sketch

of the artist’s own left hand that he drew on his deathbed. Meanwhile Pierre-Paul Prud’hon’s “Standing Female Nude Resting her Arms on a Branch” is a stunning example of the naturalistic and sensual portrayal of the female figure that would later inspire the impressionists such as Manet and Renoir.

Other noteworthy works featured in this exhibit include Gericault’s “Study of Cats,” a series of cat drawings inspired by his interest in the animal, and Jean-Honore Frago-

nard’s “The Trapped Lovers,” a narrative featuring two lovers cemented together into a wall.

The upscale ambiance of the museum is enhanced by the violinists that are often playing in the main marble lobby before diners in business attire. Needless to say, students that are new to the city may feel a little out of place in this museum.

Despite the museum’s haughtiness, “Drawings from the Louvre” will have you saying “oui, oui” instead of “no, no.”

IF YOU GO

“David, Delacroix, and Revolutionary France” When: Until Dec. 31, 2011 Where: Morgan Museum and Library,

225 Madison Ave. at 36th St. Price: $10 for students, $15 for adults, $10 for seniors and free admission on Fridays from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

More Info: www.themorgan.org

First Mainstage Opens with a Tale of Barbaric Love

By Shaun Chaudhry Contributing Writer

In this year’s first mainstage production, “For a Barbarian Woman” promises to expose the audiences to a host of new visual experiences, telling a unique story from the shores of the Black Sea. The project, put together by professor Matthew Maguire, theatre program director, shows his appreciation for the nature of the story and the connection between two different time periods in which people come to terms with their reality. The play, directed by Nigel Smith and written

by Saviana Stanescu, has something to offer everyone.

OBSERVER: Could you tell me about the play’s story?

SAVIANA STANESCU: The play is about a clash between cultures that I’ve been interested in since I moved here from Romania. It parallels two stories, two millennia apart. One, Ovid, was an exile in what is now Constanza, a city by the Black Sea in Romania. It is a story about Ovid and a barbarian woman Teá, a Getae woman and a story that happens in 2009 between a NATO Colonel, an American, and the Romanian interpreter. Both stories happen in the same place, by the Black Sea, so we have the Black Sea as a character. It’s a kind of intersection of all these ele-

Ai Elo/The Observe

Actors part of the new mainstage production, “For a Barbarian Woman,” rehearse in Franny’s Space.

ments: Politics, nature, life, and love.

NIGEL SMITH: And even the fulfillment of one’s purpose in life you know. There’s a parallel between the character Teá and the character Ovid and what they have to offer the world and the Muses and the Black Sea and the nature that surrounds us being able to inspire us to actually live out what our gifts are.

OBSERVER: Is this play all original or a remake of some sort?

S.S.: No, the play is still in development and that is the new thing here. It’s been really helpful to work towards a production with an amazing director like Nigel and a great cast that’s playful and ready to do things.

So I felt that this was the best way to actually work on a new play that

hasn’t had a world premiere yet.

N.S.: And also I think it’s quite interesting that Saviana in one of our earlier conversations revealed to me that she had actually written a series of poems from the voice of Teá as the Barbarian Woman. And it is believed that Ovid may have written a poem for her in her language, so it has a real poetic sensibility. There are

even moments written from verse but everything you experience is something that has come from Saviana, told through the perspective of each time period.

OBSERVER: What kind of audience does the play appeal to?

N.S.: I think it’s for anybody because I think the gift that Saviana has is that she’s able to interrogate cultures in a society from a very deep, intellectual, artistic rigor. But at the same time there’s great humanity and humor. It’s just good stories: people falling in love, people getting angry, conflict, war and all of that is in this play.

S.S.: I think you can, of course, talk about all these big issues and intellectual issues but actually the play is a lot of fun. It’s very entertaining, playful, funny, beautiful with lots of love and humor. So yeah, I think everyone can get something out of it.

IF YOU GO

For a Barbarian Woman When: The weeks of Oct.6 and Oct. 12

at 8 p.m.

Where: Pope Auditorium Price: $5 for Students, $10 for Fac-

ulty and Alumni and $15 for General Admission

14

Arts & Culture

October 6, 2011 The Observer

www.fordhamobserver.com

New York Film Festival Opens With Two Thumbs Up

By Katie Lockhart Arts & Culture Co-Editor

“Carnage” For kids, playgrounds and basketball courts were the battlegrounds for those verbal confrontations that were blown way out of proportion.

But as things go, you fought, called each other names, and got on with your day with your crayons and Elmer’s glue. But what happens when the parents get involved?

Director Roman Polanski shows movie goers that kids may actually be the more mature of the two in his film adaptation of Yasmina Reza’s Broadway comedy “God of Carnage” in which the quirky, intellectual parents of the victim (Jodie Foster, John C. Reilly) invite the snobbish parents of the bully (Christoph Waltz, Kate Winslet) over to their Brooklyn apartment to discuss what actually happened on the playground between their two sons. Shot in one location throughout the movie, Polanski takes the audience on a whirlwind ride that explores a dysfunctional world of seemingly normal relationships, comedic personality changes, idealists vs. realists, and vomit…lots and lots of vomit.

Each individual performance by all four actors is superb, with each one hitting the nail on the head as far as individual mannerisms, back stories and careers go. What is even better is the fact that the stereotypes for the modern parent are spot on.

John C. Reilly erupts with so much humorous frustration that, at some points, he matches or even surpasses some of his greatest moments in “Stepbrothers.” Kate Winslet is brilliantly neurotic, where her companionship with Blackberry-wielding Christoph Waltz may be one of the funniest movie marriages in recent memory. However, it is Jodie Foster who steals the show playing the uptight, hyperbole-using mother whose outrageous outbursts about what’s fair for her son actually makes you realize that your own mother might not be that bad. The arguing that ensues examines the commitment of marriage in a whole new light, pointing out occurrences that husbands and wives only keep to themselves behind locked doors, occurrences

carnage/sbs productions/miss bala/canana films/George Harrison/grove street pictures

The first week of the 2011 New York Film Festival (from left): “Carnage,” “Miss Bala,” and “George Harrison: Living in the Material World.”

that force you to come to the conclusion that shit happens, get over it.

“Miss Bala” This Mexican film by Gerardo Naranjo is based on a true story that deals with a sensitive topic in the country today— drug wars. This thrilling film nominated for Best Foreign Film at the Oscars, tells the story of a drug lord and a beauty queen, but never once shows a drug on the screen. However, there are dozens of scenes with an understandably terrified and sobbing Laura, who must carry and drive drugs into the United States, dodge gunfire and seduce a government official in an assassination attempt.

Set in Baja, the film tells the story of Laura (Stephanie Sigman), an aspiring beauty queen who is in the wrong place at the wrong time during a gunfight at a nightclub. After escaping from Lino (Noe Hernandez), the man responsible for the shooting, Laura searches for her

friend but winds up being handed over to the man she escaped from just hours earlier.

Lino decides to hold Laura hostage and use her as a driver for his cartel in exchange for helping her win Miss Baja. After Laura escapes and returns home briefly, the cartel finds her and uses her home as a center for their operations. In order to keep her little brother and father safe, she agrees to become a mule for the gang and the object of Lino’s sexual desire.

Sigman gives a fantastic performance as a traumatized young girl whose dreams of becoming Miss Baja slowly disappear as she becomes involved with a Mexican cartel. There were a few exciting scenes of gunfire but for a Mexican drug movie, I wish there was more of a “Scarface” element and a little less of relationship forming between Laura and Lino.

Hopefully no real Mexican drug lord watching the film will find too many similarities with himself, for the director’s sake.

“George Harrison: Living in the Material World” When one thinks of the Beatles they usually think of Paul or John but George may be the most fascinating of all. In this three-hour-long biopic, Martin Scorsese takes the audience on a musical, spiritual and emotional journey through the life of George Harrison. From his first band practice with the Beatles at the tender age of 17, to his death from lung cancer at the age of 58, Scorsese keeps the audience engaged with never before seen pictures, videos and interviews with Harrison’s family and closest friends.

One of the most telling parts of the film are the interviews with Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, Eric Clapton, Tom Petty, Yoko Ono, Phil Spector, and dozens more. They give the audience an inside look into Harrison’s humor, strength, kindness and overall genius.

After Beatlemania ended, Harrison had a spiritual awakening and became a firm believer in the teachings

of the Hari Krishna. This awakening prompted his travels through India, his sitar work with Ravi Shankar and what would be his musical inspiration until his death in 2001.

After five years of sorting through thousands of hours of footage, photographs and interviews, the dedication put into the film is clear as you watch a slideshow of breathtaking photos from his Beatle years, his journey through East Asia, his life with son Dhani and wife Olivia and his performances with dozens of musicians from Eric Clapton to Bob Dylan.

The film is a moving and masterful portrayal of one of the most enigmatic Beatles. The rare home videos of Harrison and lost interviews give the audience an insight into a musical virtuoso, and the soundtrack isn’t bad, either. John Lennon, with possibly the best descriptive quote, says of Harrison, “George himself is no mystery. But the mystery inside George is immense. It’s watching him uncover it all little by little that’s so damn interesting.”

Phantom Gets Unmasked for 25th Year at Royal Albert Hall

By James Miller Staff Writer

Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “The Phantom of the Opera,” one of the most successful entertainment entities in history, celebrated its 25th anniversary with special production on Oct. 1 and 2 at the Royal Albert Hall in London, where the event was broadcast live to movie theaters around the world.

Based on Gaston Leroux’s 1910 novel, “Phantom” is a passionate musical about a mysterious figure haunting the Paris Opera and the young soprano who is the object of his desire. Danger and murder befall the opera as the singer and her dashing beau elude the Phantom’s grasp.

Ramin Karimloo and Sierra Boggess play the roles of the Phantom and Christine Daae, the Phantom’s singing protégé. Karimloo has previously played the Phantom in the West End at Her Majesty’s Theatre, and Sierra Boggess opened the Las Vegas production at The Venetian Hotel. Both actors starred in the “Phantom” sequel, “Love Never Dies,” when it opened in London in 2010.

The supporting cast includes West End veterans and performers from around the world. Hadley Fraser, the current Javert in London’s “Les Misérables,” plays the romantic hero Raoul. Kiera

Infinitebistromathics/wikimedia commons

Celebrating its 25th year, the “Phantom of the Opera” traveled from NYC to London’s Royal Albert Hall.

Duffy, an American soprano who has performed from New York to Los Angeles to London, plays the overbearing diva Carlotta. Barry James and Gareth Snook play the opera managers, characters they

have played in the London “Phantom.” The Albert Hall production promises a cast and orchestra of over 200.

This celebration is similar to last year’s 25th anniversary concert

of “Les Misérables,” but it is not entirely the same. While “Les Misérables” was a concert with limited staging and actors facing microphones, “Phantom” is a fully staged production with scenery and spe-

cial effects. At “Les Misérables,” various actors who played Jean Valjean over the decades gathered at the end to sing the character’s signature song, “Bring Him Home.”

The anniversary performance is directed by Laurence Connor, who also directed the “Les Misérables” anniversary. Musical staging and choreography are by the original “Phantom” choreographer, Gillian Lynne. The production is designed

by Matt Kinley, whose credits include “Jerry Springer–The Opera” and “Mary Poppins.” Based on Maria Björnson’s original scenery, Kinley has expanded the iconic “Phantom” look to fill the Albert Hall’s massive proscenium.

The lighting design combines the efforts of original designer Andrew Bridge and Patrick Woodroffe, whose concert credits include “Les Misérables” and Michael Jackson’s “This is It”. The sound design is by Mick Potter, who oversaw the sound design overhaul for both the Broadway and West End versions of “Phantom.”

The show will be replayed on Oct. 6 and 11 at 7:30 p.m. Theaters near Fordham University at Lincoln Center that will play “Phantom” are the Ziegfeld Theater on 54th St. and the AMC Empire 25 on 42nd St. Visit www.phantom25th.com for more details about the production, and visit www.fathomevents.com to buy tickets to the film screenings.

www.fordhamobserver.com

The Observer October 6, 2011

Arts & Culture

15

Monthly Music Review

October Release Party

By Mike Madden Arts & Culture Co-Editor

FEist/Interscope/cherry tree

Feist

Brian Bruegge/The Observer

Monster Island, one of Brooklyn’s beloved music venues, will be forced to close their doors this November due to legal issues.

New York’s Underground Music Scene Loses a Haven

By Brian Bruegge Arts & Culture Asst. Editor

Located just a block away from Brooklyn’s waterfront, Monster Island has been a haven for New York’s underground music and art scene for the past seven years. However, starting in November, this collection of performance spaces, studios and a surf shop will be razed to allow for new development. While it is still unconfirmed what will be constructed on the land, followers of the underground music and art scene have lost a popular destination.

While gentrification and legal issues often force underground venues to shut their doors, New York City remains a thriving center for music and art. Those saddened by the news still have many opportunities to hear music that has yet to make its impact on the world at large. As an alternative to Monster Island, try heading to one of these other venues to get a taste of New York City’s thriving underground music scene.

285 Kent A few blocks south of the former Monster Island and directly across from the Domino Sugar processing plant is 285 Kent— conveniently named for its street address on Kent Avenue. Many popular indie bands often make stops at this warehouse venue (Screaming Females and Thee Oh Sees will be playing in November), but the majority of performances are by new bands from the city and elsewhere that are just beginning to make a name for themselves. Shows here will rarely cost more than $10, and the venue has a very laid back vibe, making it a great place to come for a show, even if the bands are unfamiliar.

More info:

285 Kent Ave., Brooklyn (Take the L to Bedford, then walk southeast towards the waterfront)

The Bitter End This small rock club on Bleeker Street has been around long enough to earn a veritable place in music history. Since opening in 1961, many musicians, including Neil Young, Bob Dylan and Curtis

Mayfield, have played at The Bitter End on their way to greater success. Shows still happen here every night, and its Manhattan location makes it only a short subway ride away from campus.

More info:

147 Bleeker St. (Take the A, B, C or D to W. 4th Street, and head south to Bleeker Street) www.thebitterend.com

Shea Stadium No, this is not the former Queens ballpark where the Mets played. However, there is a definite Mets theme to this warehouse venue and recording studio which features a large Mets logo on one wall and graphic of the stadium’s seating chart at the top of their blog page. Shea Stadium is dedicated to documenting the live performances they put on, and consequently their website has an extensive collection of live recordings from past shows.

Though their online catalog allows them to bring live music to the listener, it is far more rewarding to make the trip to Brooklyn and see the performances in person.

More info:

(20 Meadow St., Brooklyn. Take the L to Grand Street, walk east.

Venue is between Waterbury and Bogart) http://liveatsheastadium.com

Zebulon Café Concert For those who love music of any style, there is no better place to stop in Brooklyn than Zebulon. Shows happen here every night ranging from jazz to disco to Middle Eastern music and everything in between. Not to mention that many shows here are free and there is no drink minimum, so you need not empty your wallet to listen to live music. The laid-back vibe and Parisian atmosphere combined with the opportunity to hear great live music make Zebulon a great spot any night of the week.

More info:

258 Wythe Ave., Brooklyn (Take the L to Bedford, then walk southwest) Zebuloncafeconcet.com

Real Estate/Domino

deer tick/Partisan

Real Estate

Deer Tick

“Metals” released Oct. 4

“Green Aisles” release date Oct. 18

“Divine Providence” release date Oct. 25

It’s been four years since her critically acclaimed album, “The Reminder,” dropped. Now the Canadian songstress Feist is back with her newest album, “Metals,” a batch of her traditional smoky, whispered songs that start out strong but quickly begin to lack the tenacity and pop that Feist is known and loved for. Feist has been the type of artist where letdowns are very rare and her craft is celebrated everywhere, from commercials to late night television shows. “Metals” has built up an aura of anticipation that has had many impatiently bubbling over waiting for the set release date.

However, the quality of songs on this album is lacking in musicianship and prove to be as boring as watching paint dry.

With the release of the first single off the album, “How Come You Never Go There,” Feist had the music world abuzz.

It showed that she was back and still possessed the same Mom and Pop-like approach for which everyone loved her: minimalist, few instruments, but strong melody. “How Come You Never Go There” is jazzy, calm and collected—easily the best on “Metals.” The same can’t be said for any other song on the album. Although songs like “Comfort Me” and “Woe B” go to places that are more familiar to Feist fans, the album itself has an angry vibe to it—a vibe that I can never see Feist falling into.

Feist tries to come off as a wolf in sheep’s clothing with a majority of the songs. You can tell she pushed herself a little more on this album as far as grandiose choruses and guitars go. Sadly, the album as a whole made me feel lost and wandering for something that was never there to begin with.

For anyone whose parents grew up in the suburbs of New Jersey in the mid 1970s and ’80s, they will tell you that Bruce Springsteen was the soundtrack for those lazy days of summer where jobs at the local burger shop ceased, and the race down the parkway to the Jersey Shore was in full effect. In 2010, the sons and daughters of those parents have a new group of Jersey idols to listen to in the lazy surf rock stylings of Real Estate.

This group of four Ridgefield friends will be releasing their sophomore album, “Days,” on Oct. 18, but you don’t have to go to great lengths for some Jersey hospitality. The group has released the single “Green Aisles” upon the indie world and what a hospitable treat it’s been.

While the group still features their signature treble-laden, lo-fi guitar work that evokes images of neighborhood heat waves and kids playing in lawn sprinklers, “Green Aisles” is a more ordered and thought out piece. It is a narration, if you will, of sitting in the backyard , beer in hand and doing nothing.

Although Real Estate may never get to the legendary status of The Boss, there is something very appreciative and special about a small Jersey band getting acclaimed recognition. Jersey, as small as it is, has allowed the band to build up their status and popularity. Real Estate uses this small town-connection fantastically in “Green Aisles,” using images of “wasted miles and aimless drives” to evoke a sense of commonality not only for Jerseyans, but for everyone.

“A pack of cigarettes and a fake I.D.! Let’s all go to the bar!” screams Deer Tick singer John McCauley as he reminisces of the hard times and good memories of late night bar crawls in the song, “Let’s All Go to the Bar” off the Providence, R.I. group’s most recent album, “Divine Providence.” The idea of late night, drunken debauchery is a common theme to songwriting; it’s been done for years. But the guys of Deer Tick stay true to this time honored tradition of hazy memory loss and invite you along for the ride through a combination of heartfelt balladry, raucous rock, and sing-along choruses.

“Divine Providence” equivocates itself best to that of a house party: it’s loud, you can’t hear what the person next to you is saying and you have at least seven different people’s sweat wiped on you along with newly formed beer stains and cigarette burns on your favorite flannel shirt.

“Divine Providence” allows you to reminisce and live those feelings all over again with songs like, “Let’s All Go to the Bar,” “The Bump” and “Something to Brag About.” Deer Tick takes cues from other alt-country greats like Old 97’s, Uncle Tupelo and a bit of Bruce Springsteen. The guitars are crunchy and fast, the singing aching and vulnerable.

As with any riotous house party, it’s only a matter of time before the cops show up. When that time comes, everyone does their best to quiet down, only to raise the volume once again after they leave. “Divine Providence” does its best to quiet down with ballads like “Now It’s You” and “Chevy Express,” but turns it up again as a big middle finger to anyone who has any complaints of unnecessary noise.

Music, beb?

Movies, beb?

Museums, beb?

Write about ’em.

Beb. FORDHAMOBSERVER.COM

12

Arts & Culture

October 6, 2011 The Observer

www.fordhamobserver.com

PHOTO FEATURE Observer photographers capture the historical Occupy Wall Street protests and New York City’s SlutWalk. The following images reflect the power of the people’s voice, the strength and unity of New Yorkers and the excitement that often accompanies progressive movements.

Kyle morrison/The Observer/occupy wall street

katherine fotinos/The Observer/slut walk

Sara azoulAyThe Observer/occupy wall street

Salma ElmehdawiThe Observer/SLUT WALK

maddy chambers/The Observer/occupy wall steet

Fatima Shabbir/The Observer/ OCCUPY WALL STREET

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The Observer October 6, 2011

Arts & Culture

13

PHOTO FEATURE

katherine fotinos/The Observer/SLUT WALK

Ai Elo/The Observer/SLUT WALK

Sara AzoulAy/The Observer/SLUT WALK

kyle morrison/The Observer/OCCUPY WALL STREET

Maddy chambers/The Observer/OCCUPY WALL STREET

ai elo/The Observer/OCCUPY WALL STREET

Features

October 6, 2011 The Observer

Flip Through the Pages of History and Celebrate LGBT Month

By Monica Tyson Contributing Writer

“31 Days of Gay.” is the motto members and supporters of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) community this month. October is LGBT History Month, and this year there is a lot to celebrate. The LGBT community has made tremendous leaps in marriage equality and equality overall. Although the road to complete equality has been and will be long it’s a time celebrate how far the community has come. Within the past two decades there has been an

immense push forward for the LGBT community, specifically in the fight for the right to marry.

Here are some land-mark cases and events in the LGBT community with emphasis on past 20 years. The following Fordham students were invited to share their comments on the timeline’s events: Michelle Thomas, FCLC ’14, Javed Yunus, FCLC ’14, Manuel Del Nino, FCLC ’12, Massiel Garcia, FCRH ’13 and Christine Parker, FCRH ’13.

October 2, 1650-Sara Norman a Plym-

outh colonist is caught taking part in “lewd behavior,” with Mary Hammon, aka being caught in the act.

1600

COMMENTARY: “I wonder what hap-

pened afterwards, was it awkward?” Christine Parker, FCRH ’13

Oct. 1, 1989-Axel and Eigel Axil are the first gay couple married.

COMMENTARY: “That’s so beautiful, I think we sometimes underestimate the compassion and humanity others have towards LGBT, and this was in the ’80s.”

Massiel Garcia, FCRH ’13

1990

1992-The American Psychological Association no longer labels homosexuality an illness.

COMMENTARY: “I’m just surprised

that it was still considered a disease. I never thought about how others would view the homosexual community having grown up in a very liberal city.” Michele Thomas, FCLC ‘14

1993-Hawaii is the first to legalize same-sex marriage

in the United States by passing the Equal Rights Amendment, a result of Baehr v. Lewin where Nina Baehr sued Hawaii because they would not give her permission to marry her partner. The State Supreme Court ruled that this “prohibition of same-sex marriages amounted to discrimination on the basis of sex.” Under the state’s Equal Rights Amendment, the state would have to establish a compelling state interest supporting such a ban, a fairly strict standard.” Same-sex marriage is legalized, but later overturned. (Source: Findlaw.com)

Oct. 10, 1996-Romer v. Evans gave LGBT people the same rights under the law. In Colorado, being a homosexual was a crime, and Amendment Two to the State Constitution “prohibited the state or local government from adopting measures that would protect homosexuals as a class from discrimination.” The State Supreme Court ruled, “Amendment Two should be added to the Colorado State Constitution.” It was added to Colorado’s state constitution by a statewide referendum. (Source: Oyez.org)

1998-Clinton issues Executive Order

13087, banning the federal government from discriminating on the basis of sexual orientation when hiring or employing people.

COMMENTARY: “He’ll fight against discrimination in the work place but not in the military?” Michelle Thomas FCLC ‘14

2003- As a result of Lawrence v. Texas, sodomy laws are banned

2000 June 2008- Same sex marriage is legal in California.

COMMENTARY: “If only

the rest of the country would follow in California’s lead,” Christine Parker, FCRH ’13

throughout the U.S. after a couple is arrested for disrupting the peace while engaging in sexual activities. This makes it okay for two individuals to engage in sexual activity as long as it is mutual, no matter what your gender or sexuality.

COMMENTARY: “This seems like an invasion of privacy, therefore making the government wrong for getting involved.

But the outcome outweighed the actual event.” Massiel Garcia, FCRH ’13

2010- Transgender rights are recognized

in Australia when Norrie-May Welby, an individual who does not identify with male or female, becomes the first individual legally categorized as gender neutral.

COMMENTARY: “Neutrality? I’ve never heard of this.” Manuel Del Nino FCLC ’12

2011- Civil unions in

Delaware and Hawaii pass and will come into effect January 2012.

Sept. 20, 2011- Repeal of Don’t Ask

Don’t Tell (DADT) gives individuals the right to serve in the military no matter what your sexuality. Homosexuals can now be open about their sexuality.

COMMENTARY: “I’m just surprised

that everything is relatively recent, and all of the rights are just being given out.

This has been going on for forever and it’s starting now?” Javed Yunus, FCLC ’14

June 24, 2011- New York Governor

Cuomo passes the Marriage Equality Act, giving same-sex couples the right to marry and giving them the same rights as heterosexual couples.

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The Observer October 6, 2011

Features

17

Arielle Lhotan/The Observer

Katie (far left) shows us that being a “treasure hunter” can yield some fashion points, while Hunter (above) tells us that being comfortable with an outfit can lead to fashion genius.

A Few of the Fashionable Show Off Their Timeless Styles

By Arielle Lhotan Contrbuting Writer

Katie Leonard (Left) Senior Lincoln Center Dress: Forever 21 Shoes: Macy’s

Treasure hunter is a term I use to describe someone who knows how to find a good deal without sacrificing style or quality. Katie Leonard, Fordham College at Lincoln Center (FCLC)’ 12 is certainly a master of treasure hunting, judging by her outfit, which cost about $34. I almost couldn’t believe that she found a dress with such a great shape and denim material, at Forever 21.

Usually buying something cheap means the quality is poor and the fit just isn’t quite right, but the $19 retro-inspired dress is ultra flattering and is a modern take on a classic silhouette. Katie bought the gladiators on sale at Macy’s, and the light suede material is a great option for the summer to fall transition if you aren’t quite ready to pack away your sandals.

What really caught my eye about Katie’s outfit is the way she emulated a certain look without

making it predictable. Katie was inspired by the women of “Mad Men,” so she gave herself a retro updo and glasses which totally tied the look together. The gladiators are a surprising choice instead of flats or heels, but they work so well because the shoes and dress are a perfect balance of vintage and modern. When trying to pull a look from your closet keep in mind that mixing styles like bohemian and classic or urban and gamine is a great way to expand the wardrobe that you already have. I love basics mixed with funky or edgy pieces because it looks effortless yet chic.

ASOS.com is a great site to find both basic and funky items at super affordable prices. Madewell, a clothing store with several locations around Manhattan, has awesome deals on tees and tanks and offers student discounts on full-priced items and sale items. It takes patience and a little bit of zen to become an expert treasure hunter, especially when bargain shopping in stores like Forever 21 (sensory overload) but at least you’ll be able to afford that Red Mango later.

Hunter Lombard (Right) Freshman Lincoln Center Shoes : Dr. Martens Jacket : Levi’s

The first thing I noticed about Hunter Lombard’s (FCLC ’ 15) outfit were her low top velvet Dr. Martens. While most people opt for the mid-ankle length leather boots, I love that Hunter chose the subtler alternative. Not only did they look super comfortable, but I can imagine they would work with just about anything. I still love oxfords, but I have been trying to find another type of shoe that is versatile, comfortable and stylish. When I saw Hunter’s shoes, I immediately wanted to plan a trip to the Dr. Martens store in SoHo so I could pick up a pair for myself. The low top Dr. Martens shoes seem universally f lattering, and look like they are easily incorporated

into most wardrobes. The shoe is f lattering because it adds the weight of the boot while lengthening the leg.

To top off Hunter’s all-black ensemble, she chose an acid-wash denim jacket by Levi’s and a long necklace. The jacket is a perfect choice if you want something that is functional and chic. Plus, it never really goes out of style. The oversize fit and the light wash make the jacket unconventional and very of the moment. Hunter’s necklace anchors the outfit, adding dimension to the monochromatic palette. Without the necklace, the black on black could end up feeling f lat but the smallest detail pulls the outfit together. A side bag was an ideal choice because it is not as feminine as a purse, yet more sophisticated than a backpack. Hunter’s casual, lived-in clothes are refreshing and contemporary and show off her personal style in an effortless way.

NY challenged

It Is Easy To Forget Who We Are Really Fighting MARIO WEDDELL Features Co-Editor

The past few days, there have been a few New York City demonstrations and protests headlining the news (I say that as if The News is a hip music festival). Occupy Wall Street down in Zuccotti Park and SlutWalk NYC in Union Square have both drawn decent crowds for vaguely specific causes. By vaguely specific, I mean that the protestors are combating a system viewed as corrupt, not a specific recent event or recent injustice. For contrast, I would point to a march in support of Troy Davis as an example of a specific case.

Of the two protests, I’d say that Occupy Wall Street has definitely been the less articulate about its complaints and demands until recently, when the so-called “General Assembly” published their demands on a website. Regardless, reports of violence between police and protestors came from the Wall Street site before their demands were clear, which sort of bothered me, because I didn’t feel like anyone had a strong enough reason to be fighting, whether they be police or protestors.

Sometimes it makes sense to fight the police. It makes sense if you’re protesting something

pertaining to police injustice, like the Sean Bell incident. If you attack the police, it makes sense for them to fight back, too. No one should be expected to take a beating.

Protests are driven by emotions coupled with reason. People feel outrage at something, determine that it is unjust, and come together to voice their dissension with the object of provoking change. At Occupy Wall Street, the emotion was there, but the reason was lacking.

This goes for the police and the protestors alike.

I watched a video on OccupyWallSt.org that showed some protestors yelling at the police (one woman used the word “fascists”), and a police officer using pepper spray on one of the protestors. Both sides made mistakes.

The protestors messed up when they considered the police their enemies. A little thought would have led them to the conclusion that the police are a product of the corporate chokehold on the economy, not a representation of it. A police officer unsupportive of a cause is often seen as lacking a sense of humanity. It’s important to remember that a police officer is an employee, trying to do a job, and that means keeping protestors behind a line to maintain order.

Like all employees, a police officer has to do the job to get a paycheck. Why? Because that officer

Mario Weddell/The Observer

There were several incidents of police violence at Occupy Wall Street.

might have a family and bills to pay. It’s hard for a person to get by without steady employment, unless that person is… a corporate mogul.

So while it might be irritating that a police officer doesn’t seem to realize he and the protestors are fighting the same battle, the protestors have to realize it, too.

It’s not fair to accuse an officer of lacking a sense of humanity for doing his job. Most people I know are more likely to support their loved ones, which includes keeping a job to pay their bills, than to sympathize with a group of strangers.

It’s possible to accuse a police officer of not seeing the big picture,

for continuing to enforce a corrupt system in exchange for a paycheck.

But being a street cop is a working class job. For the working class, the short term is much more of a reality, and the big picture is no job, no money.

That being said, keeping a job means doing a job well. I can’t defend the actions of a police officer who responds to a peaceful, although verbally hostile, demonstration with violence. I criticized the protestors for viewing police officers as the enemy to begin with, provoking them while the real problem sits in an office 20 stories above them, deaf to their cries. After the unnecessary use of force by some officers, though, I can’t really preach empathy. It’s hard to defend someone who so willingly frames himself as an enemy. Law enforcers have a duty to the people, and right now, the people are fighting for the rights of everyone.

This is why the Stonewall riots were so moving in 1969. Members of the LGBT and supporters, finally stood up to a history of police bullying, by fighting the police. Successful protests target the right enemies.

I hope the Wall Street occupiers find a powerful way to do this soon enough. A declaration of grievances certainly is an encouraging step, so I’ll sit in anticipation of the next move.

18

Features

October 6, 2011 The Observer

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Word of Mouth

The Exchange of Cultures: How Food Can Connect the World DARRYL YU Features Co-Editor

When I first arrived at Fordham College at Lincoln Center (FCLC) from Hong Kong in the fall of 2008 I was nervous and scared about the idea of spending the next four years in a totally new environment. Suffering from homesickness during my first few months at FCLC, I missed my family and friends but strangely enough I also missed the food back home. Nevertheless as time passed I started to get used to my new surroundings and even learned to appreciate the finer points of American food.

As I enter my senior year at FCLC I look back how much I’ve as a grown person not only academically but also culturally. After having learned so much from my American counterparts about New York City, I always make it a point to introduce them to food that I’m accustomed to whenever possible. One of those opportunities arose last week when I decided to get some Filipino food with my friend Dave.

After researching about Filipino places around the city I decided to forgo the usual Filipino spots such as Grill 21 and Café 81 and try something different. Upon hearing that the best Filipino food was supposedly in Queens, I decided to check out this place called Ihawan2 in Hunters Point, Long Island City. Ihawan2 is located off the first stop on the seven train in Queens, a mere 20 minute journey from the FCLC campus.

When I emerged from the 7 train at Vernon-Blvd Jackson Ave station on a rainy, gloomy day I was glad to see that Ihawan2 was right in front of the subway. Situated in a “pre-Williamsburg” location with old wornout warehouses juxtaposed by small trendy cafes and swanky restaurants, Ihawan2 seemed to be in the up and coming hip spot of Queens.

Upon entering I noticed that the restaurant seemed to be a local neighborhood hangout for the Filipinos who were from around the area. When Dave and I walked in, the place seemed to go quiet for a second as the local patrons analyzed the new kids on the block but soon

Upon hearing that the best Filipino food was supposedly in Queens, I decided to check out this place called Ihawan2. the conversation picked up again and we were immersed in the crowd.

Once at our table, we were instantly welcomed by our friendly waitress. By speaking some broken Tagalong (Filipino language) to her I was able to order us some water and also get a shy smile from her as she walked towards the bar. Win! I opened the menu and was met with a number of goodies to order. From adobo (chicken or pork braised in garlic, vinegar, oil and soy sauce) to crispy pata (deep-fried pig knuckles) the Filipino cuisine world was mine. Nevertheless, since it was Dave’s first time trying Filipino food so I decided to go easy on him and order some local appetizers, Kare Kare (oxtail) and some Filipino style BBQ (Ihawan means grill in Filipino so I had to order something with BBQ).

Soon the Filipino appetizer platter made its way to our table. Filled with spring rolls, lechon kawali (pan fried pork) and calamari the platter was almost as good as an actual a la carte meal. Since we were starving from the trip to Ihawan2 Dave and I chowed down on the platter.

Crunching sounds soon filled the air as the lechon kawali was the popular item on the platter. The calamari and spring rolls were good as well, but they served as complements to the lechon kawali.

Almost forgetting we had ordered more, we were soon presented with another dish, the BBQ skewers. Being called Grill2 in English Ihawan2 lived up to its name as the skewers had a wonderful sweet flavor and the meat wasn’t chewy at all. But the main treat (for me because it’s my favorite) was the Kare-Kare. An oxtail and vegetable soup cooked in peanut sauce, Kare-Kare acts as a great compliment your meat, but most importantly it goes perfectly as

Darryl Yu/The Observer

Located a train stop away from Manhattan, Ihawan2 offers some authenic Filipino food.

a sauce for your rice. Although not being the best Kare-Kare I’ve ever tasted, Ihawan2 did a pretty decent job in recreating my ideal Filipino meal.

Full and satisfied, Dave and I decided to call it a night and head back towards Manhattan. Dave was glad to have finally tried Filipino food, but I told him that this was just

the tip of the iceberg, and there were many exotic Filipino foods left to try.

Dave being half Peruvian, promised to return the favor by showing me some Peruvian food soon. I was excited with the offer and felt like this was another great opportunity to learn about a new culture and to further expand my cultural horizons.

IF YOU GO

IHAWAN2 $$ out of $$$$$ Where: 10-07 50 th Ave , L ong I sland C ity, NY, 11101 Darryl’s Recommendation: BBQ platter with some rice

New FCLC Network Aims To Protect Against Hidden Cyber Threats

By David wall Contributing Writer

One thing that we as 21st century students absolutely can’t live without is the Internet. The Internet is a vital tool for doing school work, seeking employment, and social interaction. One would be hard pressed to find a student at this university that could imagine life without the Internet.

Fordham College at Lincoln Center (FCLC) knows this and provides us with a wireless service on campus. Granted the speed and stability is questionable at times, but for now we have it on campus.

Now, students might be excited to hear that Fordham has implemented a new wireless network called FORDHAM LC-S. If students hope this means a faster network with a stronger signal they may be disspointed.

Michael Libonati, FCLC ’14 said, “Fordham’s new wireless connection hasn’t really been helpful. It’s actually been more problematic than the old one. Sometimes the Internet just won’t work [and] it drops.” In actuality, Fordham’s wireless speed and stability has not improved and any change in that respect is purely coincidental. In terms of speed and stability, the new network will continue to

Not only can malware get into your computer undetected, but it can also stay there, hidden. function at the same proficiency as the old one. So why do we need a new network? The answer is simple: better security.

According to IT student worker Dan Downs, FCLC ’13, this new network will ensure complete security for Fordham students.

Downs explained that today’s viruses and malware are designed to be undetectable, sneaking past most security systems. Not only can malware get into your computer undetected, but it can also stay there, hidden. In effect, it’s very possible you could have a virus or spyware on your computer and you would not even realize it until it was too late.

Downs explained that while Fordham’s old security system was very good, it could not defend each individual connection at all times. These liabilities could lead to students getting their computer infected through no fault of their own. “New York is a big city,”

Fatima Shabbir/The Observer

FCLC’s new network (FORDHAM LC-S) offers a level of security that was absent from the university’s previous wireless network.

Downs said. “You never know who’s going to be around in cyberspace, waiting to break into a weak connection. The new Fordham network secures all individual

connections 100 percent, ensuring complete security. This system is very important for the safety and security of our students online.”

With a password protected net-

work, bolstered with higher security measures, Fordham students can be sure that their computers and personal information will be safe.

“This is a positive change,” Downs said. “Even though performance hasn’t been improved, per se, security has and for us, security is a priority.” Fordham IT made the decision to change the network to guarantee student safety, a change which Downs agreed is very important. This means that the old network will eventually become obsolete. While no official date has been set for its removal, the old Fordham network will be slowly phased out over time. Its inability to ensure student safety is now a liability to both the school and the students, so a full switch to the new network is imperative.

Getting on the new network is easy, if you haven’t already done it. Simply go to your connectivity screen and choose FORDHAM LC-S. Once you’ve clicked on that, a prompt asking for you to put in a password will appear. For security reasons we can’t post the password here, but your IT student workers are more than happy to help, so stop by their office and they’ll hook you up with a completely secure wireless connection.

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The Observer October 6, 2011

Features

19

Click and tell

Gotta Get Down on Friday: A Fantasy (Football) First Date

By Diana Kokoszka Contributing Writer

“I will be wearing something ridiculous, to be explained later,” is the text I receive after confirming plans with my date for Friday night. Just when I start getting comfortable with meeting strangers off the Internet, I get an ominous text message like that to throw me off my game, supposing that I actually had any “game” in the first place. My mind races through the most embarrassing possibilities; mascot costume and male bondage outfit top the list.

My horror peaks at the thought that I might find myself on a date with another actor. His dating profile reads like a Man vs. Wild episode list, definitely one of those granola-munching, nature types (reference Dr. Gehman’s Field Guide below). He looks kind of like Moby after raiding a Patagonia store, which I find oddly attractive. I will admit that I’m a little more Queens Boulevard than Appalachian Trail, but I remain optimistic about our date.

I suggested we meet at a specialty beer bar just down the street, mostly to combat my penchant for lateness but also because most guys love beer and I had planned on impressing him by throwing around words like “microbrew” and “hoppy.” There are about 20 beer taps on the wall and a long list at the bar, so I refer to my mental storage system of beer knowledge.

Bud Light and Blue Moon are not on the menu, so I just order something with a funny name. I see my

date—I will call him Moby—walk in and take off his coat, and that’s when I see it: a t-shirt printed with a creepy picture of Rebecca Black and the words to her lyrical masterpiece, “Friday.” I can’t help but laugh, especially since I had been bracing myself for a spelunking outfit. I sip my arbitrarily chosen yet delicious beverage while he explains himself.

He had, of course, lost a bet with his fantasy football buddies, and the worst in the league is forced to wear this t-shirt every Friday for an entire year. RED FLAG! Moby is a victim of a widespread cult known as fantasy football that is targeting males of all demographics all over the country at alarming rates. As if guys really need an excuse to watch more football in the first place, now they can put even more of their time and money into managing an imaginary team. Got to love the Internet.

He rattles off some football figures as my attention wanders to the wall of beer taps and I decide to choose my next beer based on the prettiest handle. I nod emphatically while he curses Michael Vick and in my head I try to figure out what team he’s even talking about.

The conversation turns to books, as he is majoring in literature, and he mentions one or two of my favorites. He is well-read without being a douchebag about it, which is a rare balance, and I start to like him.

After finishing our first round, he offers to buy my next beer. Ten points! He says sarcastically, “I

figure I should pay, since I’m in grad school just rolling around in cash.” His delivery is bitter and the points are immediately revoked. If I wanted a sugar daddy I certainly wouldn’t pick a literature major. He seems to know a lot about beer, so I let him order for me. He gets the bartender’s attention and greets him with a casual “Howdy.” What? I don’t think I’ve ever heard that word seriously spoken in my life, but then again, I’ve never travelled through the West in a covered wagon.

He continues to order me a Jasmine IPA, which happens to be the most delicious libation to have ever passed my lips. I am reluctant to grant him any points after his snarky comment, but the beer was definitely worth a solid 20. The bar gets crowded and we decide to find another place down the street. It’s raining outside and we’re both immediately soaked.

He cracks a joke about his hairdo being ruined, a little self-deprecating humor from a bald man, and I feel a little bit better about looking like a wet dog on our first date. At the next bar, I buy us a round, not because of his sarcastic comment about money, but because I’m having a good time with this guy. After the drink, I decide to call it an early night. I might be interested in seeing him again, but I’ve already made it clear that I will be busy every Friday for the rest of the year.

Total points: 20 Should I go on a second date?

Leave me comments at Fordhamobserver.com

Photo Illustration by Sara Azoulay/The Observer

Moby is a great guy to have a drink with any day but Friday.

Oh the Men You’ll Meet! An Online Dating Field Guide LEAVE ME ALONE FOR THE LOVE OF GOD!

By Rebecca Gehman Contributing Writer

If you choose to enter the world of online dating, you should know that certain real-world etiquette does not translate into HTML format. The dot-com domain is the bar; the user profile is the pick-up line. With the help of Wi-Fi, judgment of a potential mate comes down to the second of a click.

In a desperate battle to stand out amongst the masses, men update their dating site profiles in the hopes that you’ll notice them.

These rare mammals are hybrids: projecting one personality on your laptop and living another in the day-to-day jungle of New York City. Which is the “real” him? To find out you’ll have to date them, but we’ll make the field guide to bring with you.

The Techie User Name:

PhilioTechnus Descriptors: The Techie may

be a tough one to spot. He, like you, is sitting at a computer. The only difference? He doesn’t move from his. And perhaps, he couldn’t if he tried (the various Ethernet cables and charger wires may trip him). It’s actually very normal to have all your profile pictures be of yourself. However, it is not normal if they are all taken on Photobooth (with headphones on). The Techie gives a new meaning to being “turned on.”

Habitat: His swivel-y chair.

Expert Discussion: The Techie has affinity for all things USB cord capable. Is this love created out of sheer nerd factor or loneliness?

Whether the former or latter reason is less pathetic, experts have

Habitat: A Chinatown knockoff handbag store or StubHub offices.

Who needs the real thing when you could get a fake?

Expert Discussion: Mimic his

ritual. Copy and paste his message back! Imitation is the highest form of flattery.

The Nature Guy Username: Dirtmaximus Descriptors: I spy with my

ILLUSTRATION BY Ai Elo/The Observer

Whether you’re the nature type or the metro type, a wide range of male specimens can be found online.

yet to decide. We say give the guy a try and see if he likes you enough to put down his game controller.

Safety Disclaimer: Get your

monthly check-up for epilepsy before the date. He might want to play his new laser video game with you as a “night-cap.”

The Good-Life Guy User Name:

BuenosDias Muchachas Descriptors: The Good-Life

Guy believes the sunset is best enjoyed with three shots of tequila.

He also thought the Old Spice guy commercial (“The Man Your Man Could Smell Like”) was a public service announcement, not an advertisement. He took notes. His pictures include him with sunglasses on, playing a saxophone, riding a motorcycle, holding Thai beer, in Thailand, back in sun-

glasses.

Habitat: Any mammal that

compensates this much lives with a lot of women (and by women, we mean his mother and sisters).

Expert Discussion: Don’t.

Treat him like the Grinch: keep away with a 10 ft. pole. Unless, of course... he is an investment banker. Which in that case, all traits of douche-baggery are completely warranted and backed by a six-figure salary. So what if he still lives with his mom? You weren’t planning on sleeping over.

A Real Quote from an Anonymous Good-Life Guy: “I am the warmth of the sun on a beach in summer. I am your mother’s love for you, only stronger. I am the bubbling laughter of really good-looking babies.”

Safety Disclaimer: Don’t take him somewhere too dark, what

with the sunglasses and all. Warn him beforehand if you are seasick, sensitive to musk/oak scents, allergic to shell-fish or have a fear of flying. Chances are the first date will include an activity to induce all four.

The Plagiarist User Name:

Sanscopyrightist Descriptors: He sent you a

message, twice. Don’t think that’s weird? Well how about if I told you it was the same message. This guy makes copy and paste an art form. Uninterested in quality, this breed finds that quantity works just as well. Who has time to write personal messages anyway? He hopes that the more messages he bombards you with, the more time you’ll give him (you’ve got to at least admire the persistence). In the end, he’s right. You will take the time to message him back:

little eye a Nalgene bottle. Do a quick profile scan for the words “outdoors,” “organic” or “Brooklyn Botanical Garden.” One or more keywords found? He’s a Dirtmaximus. Eco-friendly, he got his buddy to take pictures of him riding his bike, descending in skydive, ascending a mountain and pitching a tent (no pun intended).

Habitat: Probably a very, very small apartment. No wonder he likes nature so much.

How to Capture Him: Stop

your romantic walk in the park (the only space of green in New York City) to pick up a discarded cigarette box or wrapper. Throw it out. He’ll swoon at the fact that you too care about the environment.

Disclaimer: Dating could

be potentially fatal if you have seasonal allergies. Hopefully your feet are calloused enough for treeclimbing and you don’t believe in killing cockroaches (“bugs have feelings too”). You can kiss Doritos goodbye—they’re not fair trade organic.

20

Features

October 6, 2011 The Observer

www.fordhamobserver.com

In Honor of National Book Month, Bookworms Recommend Their Favorite Reads

By Tiffany Megnath Staff Writer

Besides bringing autumn leaves and pumpkin spice lattes, October also brings a love for reading. October is National Book Month, which is sponsored annually by The National Book Foundation. This organization states that it is “America’s annual celebration of writers and readers.”

During this month, avid readers renew their love for books and are inspired and encouraged to share their current reads or all-time favorites with friends, family and members of their communities. It is also a time for apprehensive readers to explore the world of books more than they normally would; there is a book out there for everyone.

According to the National Book Foundation, National Book month allows readers to “Embark on the journey of a lifetime, travel to exotic places, mythical lands and experience adventure beyond imagination.

Or escape to another era altogether.”

Members of the Fordham community have, sometimes unknowingly, participated in this event for both the love of reading and because of class assignments. Regardless of whether the book was ordered from Amazon for pleasure reading, or if it was listed on a class syllabus, here are some of the books that stood out to Fordham University at Lincoln Center (FCLC) students.

Judy Sirykissoon, FCLC ’12, has been enamored with murder mysteries ever since she read Agatha Christie’s “Murder on the Orient Express.” She just finished reading another one of Christie’s novels, “And Then There Were None,” published in 1939, and thought it was exemplary of the genre. The book is about 10 accused murderers that are fooled into staying on an island together.

“ This was a perfect

example of a good murder mystery. You were kept in suspense until, literally the last page.”

Judy Sirykissoon FCLC ’12

Mario weddell/The Observer

Quinn Library holds enough books to keep you busy for the entire month of October.

The mystery part plays out as all the people are killed one by one, while the murderer remains a secret.

“This was a perfect example of a good murder mystery. You were kept in suspense until, literally, the last page. Without giving it away, just know that the ‘end’ of the book wasn’t really the end, and if you are a fan of mysteries this one is keeps you guessing,” Sirykissoon said.

The mystery genre was also popular with Isadora Koutsolias, FCLC ’15. She is currently reading the 2002 novel, “The Lovely Bones,” by Alice Sebold. This book is about a teen-

age girl who faces a terrible circumstance but still seems to narrate her story. The book was made popular in part by the 2009 movie adaptation, and it is what drove Koutsolias to check the book out.

“The movie was fascinating,” Koutsolias said, “but the book definitely gives off a different feel. It is less dramatic and more realistic.

When the main character Susie is faced with a crazy situation, it really shows how life can just change in a few minutes.”

Samantha Rizzo, FCLC ’14, is revisiting what she considers to be a

classic of her generation. “The Perks of Being a Wallflower,” written by Stephen Chbosky in 1999, is a coming-of-age novel in the form of diary entries. It is set in an unknown place and follows the teenage and early adult years of a boy under the alias, “Charlie.”

Rizzo said, “This is one of my favorite novels because it has to do with issues and pressures many young people face today. It’s kind of like “The Catcher in the Rye” for our generation. I recommend this book to all young people, but especially students who are starting college in

a totally different setting from their home.” According to Imdb.com, there is a movie adaptation of this novel set to release in 2012.

Baraa Elajriry, FCLC ’14, is reading within the historical genre with Ernest Hemingway’s “For Whom the Bell Tolls.” The book, published in 1940, is assigned for his advanced literature class, Hemingway, Faulkner and Steinbeck.

“For Whom the Bell Tolls” is set in Spain and Montana in May 1937, during the Spanish Civil War. Elajriry likes Hemingway’s style of writing, after reading two of Hemingway’s earlier works. “The style of writing is concise and to the point, unlike many other American authors. The story itself is really captivating. It has many dimensions, too. It’s a first person account of an American volunteer during the war, but it also has to do with finding love in the middle of an attack,” Elajriry said. He recommends this book because many consider it Hemingway’s finest work, and “an essential of American literature.”

Whether you want to read books that are suspenseful mysteries, realistic fiction, historical war novels or other genres, try to pick up something from your library or bookstore this October. Indulge in the power of visiting a whole new place, without ever leaving your room.

In Good Company: Could Socializing Help You Stay Trim?

By Karen Lo Staff Writer

In social psychology, there is a phenomenon called social facilitation where people perform simple, well-learned tasks better in the presence of an audience than if they were to do it alone. We see this all the time in competition and even trips to the gym where peer pressure and the knowledge that we are being watched forces us to step up our game. It turns out that the phenomenon may apply on a deeper biological level.

Recent studies have shown that when mice were placed in socially demanding situations, their bodies responded by burning more calories than solitary mice. Although the study only concerns mice, researchers believe these results may have very useful implications for humans.

Scientists at Ohio State University conducted a series of experiments on mice to test the influence of groups by creating “socially challenging environments,” meaning that 15 to 20 mice would participate in activities together, such as mazes, running wheels and playing with toys. In comparison with solitary control mice, the social mice lost more weight and even gained less when fed a highfat diet.

Researchers think that the key to weight control may be in distinguishing annoying abdominal white fat (which is difficult to lose) and useful brown fat (which regulates body temperature by burning energy for heat). Unfortunately, deposits of brown fat diminish

with age, but hope is not lost! It’s possible to transform white fat into brown fat by weaning yourself off central air and letting your body warm itself and by creating fightor-flight situations that activate your sympathetic nervous system, as with stressful situations or competitive atmospheres.

This is where socializing comes in. If hanging out with your friends is too calming or you’re not really into the idea of gym buddies, you may want to give your “frenemies” a call, and turn that toxic relationship into a weird, mutually beneficial relationship.

While Fordham College at Lincoln Center (FCLC) had mixed responses to the study, the general consensus on the socialization trimming theory was disbelief.

Chelsea Gizzi, FCLC ’14, said she thought the opposite was true in that “talking to strangers is much more stressful.” This makes sense since we would hardly expect our friends to put us in panic mode every time we see them or that would not be a great friendship.

Other students had a hard time applying animal research to human behavior. “Human socialization is far more complex than dolphins, let alone mice,” Aaron Harounian, FCLC ’13, said.

“Increased socialization leads to eating at restaurants and drinking, which is a big component of modern human socialization. Those extra carbohydrates are stored as fat if consumed regularly enough.

Maybe the socializing mice were preoccupied by the other mice and had less time to eat for the sake of

SARA AZOULAY/The Observer

According to a recent theory, when surrounded by other people, our body responds by burning more calories.

having something to do. The mice had more structure in their lives and less time to do anything unnecessary.”

Given that human behavior is a little more complex than that of mice, it’s not so easy to assume that controlled experiments with mice will provide big leaps for the rest of us. Although she sees the possibility of a link between the two, Piyali Syam, FCLC ’12 thinks it’s simply not strong enough right now. “Just because there’s a link

between brown fat and socializing, and weight loss and brown fat, doesn’t necessarily mean that socializing can cause weight loss.

It could simply be one factor and while the research is worth investigating, I don’t think it’s enough to base a conclusion on.”

Finally, weighing in on the intricacies of human interaction, Louie Sullivan, FCLC ’13 said, “It’s all about what you do with what you have. I don’t think just the act of socializing alone can help

you lose weight, but the skills you gain from socializing can help you channel your stress into something more useful.”

Although the research is still incomplete, I doubt the research on the motivating powers of stress and peer pressure rings true for all of us. On that note, if any reader is looking to increase their stress and certainly heart rate, it’s recommended to lurk around campus and ask unsuspecting students about their weight issues.

Literary

October 6, 2011 The Observer

Penning The Present The literary section features a segment called “Penning the Present” in which a creative piece relates to current events. Below are this issue’s contest co-winners’ poems in response to Troy Davis’ execution.

Lady Justice Fails at 11:08

By Fatima Shabbir Contest Co-Winner

Dear Georgia

By Sarah Grimm Contest Co-Winner

Dear Georgia, The protesters on 10th Street are flinging paint Pollack-style at pedestrians.

A bystander is splattered red.

“Inject, inject,” we chant all day.

Somewhere, a gurney is readied and living room lynch mobs applaud.

Whether by bullet, bomb or execution hole, They say you can kill a man’s body but not his soul.

Awaiting his murder, his pain and anguish grows, But what remains etched in his heart, no one knows.

How unfortunate his torment and injustice must feel, This cruel game of fate becoming all too damn real.

It’s 11:05 and the injection is coming His physical is fine, but his heart needs some numbing.

Lady Liberty and Justice both laugh in his face, Another one of their cruel games to make him lose fate.

Its 11:07 and the drugs are now working, The truth remains hidden, but Georgia’s eyes are still lurking.

It’s 11:09 and the world is still here, Yet he rises above and watches down in fear.

Fear that Lady Justice will disregard her blindfold, And her overused scales will turn rusty and cold.

The question was never about innocence or guilt, But the tearing down of what our legal system tried so hard to build.

Poet’s Note: In memory of Troy Davis and the downfall of our legal system.

I lost my America hat.

The rats are occupying the park again.

On Sept. 28, Troy Davis was executed for the 1989 murder of police officer Mark MacPhail in Savannah, Georgia. The execution began at 10:53 p.m. and Davis was declared dead at 11:08 p.m. Throughout the 22 years since Davis’ conviction, numerous human rights groups, celebrities, politicians and members of the public supported his innocence because the murder weapon was never recovered and it was thought that race played a role in his sentence. Davis’ death called human rights, capital punishment and the American justice system in question.

Even though the execution occurred two weeks ago, it sparked an ongoing response from the literary and journalistic worlds, and it is a topic that people have not stopped (and should not stop) discussing.

Have an interest in current events and a knack for creative writing? Enter the Observer’s

‘Penning the Present’ biweekly contest

Write a poem or prose piece directly related to a current event and enter for your chance to get published!

All submissions should be sent to litsection.observer@gmail.com

Sports

October 6, 2011 The Observer

Women’s Soccer Kicking It Into High Gear The Women’s Soccer Team Is Starting to Hit Their Stride at the Time

By Randy Narine Sports Co-Editor

It’s been a roller coaster season for the Fordham University women’s soccer team, but the Rams seem to be gelling, amassing a 6-21 record, after a 0-2-1 start.

Rams head coach Ness Selmani has been pleased with the progress of his team over the course of this season. “I’m happy with our performance, but we’ve had so many ups and downs,” Selmani said.

“When you have so many freshmen, we have eight freshmen and one transfer student, those things are going to happen. But the team is really playing well now.”

Selmani felt the inconstancies in play resulted from the team’s freshmen needing to adapt to the college game. The Rams’ head coach said, “When a team has so many freshmen, you’re going to be struggle at times because it’s a totally different game in college.

Everything counts now and they need to grasp how important every game is. It’s no longer a high school club game.”

The main struggle for this squad has occurred in away games.

The Rams have lacked poise on the road, stumbling to a horrendous 1-4-1 record on the road that includes a 13-1 drubbing by 17th ranked Texas A&M. Despite their inconsistent play, Selmani feels the freshmen are the team’s greatest weapon. “Our freshman class has been our biggest strength,” Selmani said. “Besides being good students, they are soccer-oriented women who love to play. They make practices and games fun and they get very excited for wins. They are an unusual bunch of girls who make it pleasure to coach them.”

The Ram who has been most consistent has been freshman Kristina Maksuti, Fordham College at Rose Hill (FCRH) ’15. Maksuti has led the Fordham attack with eight goals this season. Her total is double that of the team’s next leading scorer. The freshmen is also second on the team in assists (3) and first on the team in points (11).

Maksuti was one of the key freshmen Selmani was talking of when he said freshman were spearheading the team’s attack. “The consistency is not there, but overall our freshman class changed the picture of whole team,” Selmani

COURTESY OF FORDHAM SPORTS

The soccer team is on a roll so far this season, going 6-2 over their last eight games.

said. “If you look at the stats you’ll see the freshmen are doing most of damage this year scoring goals.”

While the Rams have been getting more than they could have asked for out of their leading freshmen, the team’s veterans have left something to be desired. Though senior Mariella Romano, FCRH ’15 is second on the team in goals (4) and tied for third on the team in points (5), her head coach feels she can do more.

“Senior captain Mariella Romano is the key to our winning

games,” Selmani said. “I expect her to do kind of better in orchestrating the offense this year. She’s the quarterback and the one who can make this happen in a big way.

She is key to winning the Atlantic 10 (A-10) Conference. I don’t think she is playing to her full potential and its frustrating to see that she’s not as loose as she should be as a senior. She’s playing fantastic but still has more talent than she’s using.”

The Rams will need everything they can get from Romano and the

rest of their players, as the remaining games on the schedule are all important conference games. Since the start of Conference play the team has started great going 1-01. They tied 0-0 against Saint Joseph’s on Sept. 30 and beat Temple 1-0 on Oct. 2.

The women’s squad played excellent defense and had great goaltending in both games. They will need to build on these strong performances if they want to make a run at the A-10 championship.

Their last win moved their

home record to an impressive 4-01. However, the true test begins when the team goes on the road for four straight games, beginning Oct. 14. That road trip will tell if the Rams are ready to make a serious push for conference glory.

Selmani thinks that this team is ready and is very confident in his squad. “I think this would be one of the years that we really have the chance to be on top. Soccer’s a strange sports, but if were consistent we have a chance to win it all.”

Men’s Tennis Looking To Continue Winning Ways After USTA Tournament

By Max Wollner Sports Co-Editor

After starting the season 3-0, the Fordham men’s tennis team competed in the United States Tennis Association’s (USTA) Collegiate Invitational Tournament from September 23-25 at the National Tennis Center in Flushing, New York to get more practice and national exposure. The Rams played well during the two-day tournament, finding success in both singles and doubles matches.

On day one, the Rams were 3-0 in singles play with first round wins from Kuba Kowlaski, Fordham College at Rose Hill (FCRH) ’14, Mischa Koran, FCRH ’14, and Srikar Alla, FCRH ’15. All three players would advance to the quarterfinal round held on day two of the tournament.

However, men’s tennis didn’t fare

“ We want to show

our guys that our program is something special and that we’re on our way to a conference championship.”

Cory Hubbard,

Men’s Tennis Coach

as well in doubles competition, going 1-4 on day one. The first doubles match saw Alla and Kowlaski pair up to take down the team from St. Francis University by a score of 8-5.

They advanced to the quarterfinal round but fell to George Washington 8-5.

The other doubles pairs of Mischa Koran and Peder Gram, FCRH ’15, and Michael Puntillo, FCRH ’15, and J.J Tauli, FCRH ’15, also against Fairfield and Brown respectively.

Day two of the Men’s Open Single “E” draw opened with Alla, the number one seed, and Koran, the number four seed, competing in their quartfinal rounds. Alla lost to Dartmouth’s Sam Todd, but Koran advanced to the semifinal round, upending Marist’s Joe Dube. Unfortunately, Koran’s impressive run would end in the semifinals in a loss to Brown University’s Dan Hirschberg.

Despite the losses at the tournament, Coach Cory Hubbard isn’t concerned. “I think we had a great tournament,” Hubbard said. “We got an opportunity to play on the US Open courts, and show other teams how we’ve improved. Now we’re fo-

cused on continuing our success as the season progresses.”

As of October 6, men’s tennis is 4-0 after completing their fourth consecutive 7-0 victory against La Salle for their first conference victory of the season. Fordham swept through all six singles matches with wins by Kowalski, Alla, Koran, and Gram. Fordham also swept all three of the following doubles matches.

Fordham’s success this season can be attributed to the plethora of young talent they have, which goes hand in hand with recruitment.

This year, Fordham’s recruiting class was ranked 27th in the nation, as they recruited six freshmen and two transfer students. “We want to show our guys that our program is something special and that we’re on our way to a conference championship,” Hubbard said.

Next on the schedule for men’s

tennis is another tournament, the Columbia Invitational. The Columbia Invitational is an individual tournament, much like the USTA Collegiate Invitational, except with more Ivy League Schools. “Tournament play is good for us,” Hubbard said. “It gives us more experience against great teams. We’ll just go out there, play with a lot of energy and learn how to win.”

Following the Columbia Invitational, the Rams will put their undefeated record, as well as their shutout streak on the line, on Oct. 11 when they play matches against NYIT, Wagner and Alelphi. “It is wonderful to be 4-0 to start the season but there is always room for improvement,” Hubbard said. “Once we improve we could be potentially dangerous when we face other teams. It really looks to be a great season so far.”

www.fordhamobserver.com

The Observer October 6, 2011

Sports

23

Kings of the Pole: The Chaos of Bo-Taoshi Japanese Sport a True Test of Teamwork, Strength and Determination

By Darryl Yu Features Co-Editor

Forty-five, an inconspicuous number sandwiched between 44 and 46, carries an insignificant meaning for many of us. However, for cadets at the National Defense Academy of Japan, this number represents the difference between victory and defeat in the game of Bo-Taoshi (otherwise known as the pole pull down game).

By now, many of you reading this article may be wondering “what does the number 45 have to do with a pole game?” To answer that question, you have to understand how Bo-Taoshi is played. Pole pull down begins by splitting around 150 people into two equal teams, one attacking and one defending.

In the middle of the playing field is a telephone pole, which has to be guarded by the 75-man strong defending team. As the defense sets their positions around the pole, one team member climbs on top of the pole to stabilize the structure at a 90 degree angle. While this is happening, the attacking team, which is stationed nearby, tries to intimidate their foes by chanting in unison.

The objective for both teams is simple but difficult. The attacking team’s mission is to charge the pole, using their speed and quickness to neutralize the pole’s defenders.

Once the defense has been neutralized, the attacking team has to use their collective body weight to bend the telephone pole to at least a 45 degree angle, in order win the contest.

On the other side, the defending team has to do the complete opposite. They must make sure the pole doesn’t bend to a 45 degree angle for two minutes.

Like a battle right out of a scene from 300, this violent, yet epic game,

WikiCommons/The Observer

Because each game only lasts two minutes, Bo-Taoshi tends to get chaotic as the attackers and defenders struggle for victory.

leaves us with images of determined men going right at each other with no holds barred (there is no padding except for helmets) for “pole glory.”

Although brutal in its form, members of the Japanese military have praised the game for its focus on team work and instilment of time-pressured situations. At Fordham College at Lincoln Center (FCLC), this weird but unique sport has been met with some interesting

reviews among members of the student body.

Some thought the chaos and lack of protection just seemed too unsafe. “I wouldn’t try doing that; It seems like one of the easiest ways in the world to break your neck,” Evan McArthur, FCLC '14, said.

Others were more appreciative, but still averse to playing. “I thought it was insane. These guys are very strong, especially the guy who was

balancing on the beam,” Christina Markesinis, FCLC '13, said. “But would I every try it? No way! I don’t need any broken bones.”

While students were in unison about the chaos, there were a few who felt the violence wasn’t all that new. “It seems kind of barbaric, but I don’t know how much more violent it is than hockey and football,” Matthew Ortiz, FCLC '12, said.

Nevertheless, some some stu-

dents expressed interest in trying out Bo-Taoshi. “First of all, if you’re limited to only men I think that you’re going to have a serious problem,” Sogand Afkari, FCLC '12 said.

“I mean, this game looks amazingly fun. I would definitely play it.”

“If I had to play it, I would definitely be on the team trying to take the pole down,” Luciana Taddei, FCLC '12, said. “It’s like a kung fu movie gone wild!”

Yankees Tame Tigers in Game Four of ALDS Big Victory Sets Stage For Do-or-Die Game Five By mike mcmahon Contributing Writer

After their crucial win in game four of the American League Division Series (ALDS), the Yankees hopes of their 28th World Series title will come down to game five against the Detroit Tigers on Thursday night.

With their backs against the wall in a must-win game, the Yankees came through, derailing the Tigers 10-1. The scoring opened in the third inning when Derek Jeter delivered a 2-RBI double, and the Yankees didn’t stop there, tacking on eight more runs including a sixrun eighth inning. Yankees started AJ Burnett was effective only allowing one run.

This season, the team was led by the MVP-caliber play of Curtis Granderson, who trailed only Jose Bautista in home runs hit since the All-Star break. Granderson’s RBIs came when it counted for the Yankees, but he’s not the only one who hit well. Robinson Cano hit above .300, Derek Jeter batted .348 over the last two months of the season, and Mark Teixeira had 39 homers for the Yankees, who won the American League East with a record of 97-65 The Yankees’ pitching might not have been their strong suit, but it’s tough to say it was bad. While pitcher A.J. Burnett has struggled again in 2011, recording eleven losses and a 5.15 ERA, pitching ace CC Sabathia has stayed the course, registering his third straight season in New York with at least 19 wins and

Julian H. Gonzlaez/Detroit Free Press/MCT

Yankees superstars Robinson Cano (24) and Derek Jeter combined for four RBIs in game four.

fewer than ten losses. His 3.00 ERA lead all New York starters. Rookie starter Ivan Nova was an excellent contributor as well, as he posted a 12-0 record since the 3rd of June.

Of course, when you talk about Yankees pitching in October, most people have someone else in mind.

Closer Mariano Rivera is lights-out when it counts, and as well-loved as

he is in New York, he is well-feared everywhere else. Facing him with a deficit is a near death-sentence, as Rivera picked up his record 602nd save this year.

Despite their faults in the pitching staff, the Yankees have managed to stay afloat in the series thanks to timely hitting and clutch pitching from unlikely candidates.

Yankees designated hitter (DH) Jorge Posada, who had a careerlow .235 batting average, is batting over .400 this ALDS, and A.J Burnett, who has been inconsistent all season, pitched five and two-thirds innings of one-run ball. If Burnett had faltered, the Yankees season would have ended earlier than they would have wanted.

Instead, the Yankees will return to the Bronx to play game five, the last game of the ALDS. Game five will feature a rematch of game one as Rookie Ivan Nova takes the mound for the Yankees against Doug Fister. In game one, Nova outdueled Fister, pitching six innings and only allowing two earned runs. Fister on the other hand, allowed six runs while pitching less than five innings.

If the Yankees win, they will advance to the American League Championship Series (ALCS) to play the Texas Rangers. Last postseason, the Rangers eliminated the Yankees in the ALCS in six games.

However, if the Yankees lose they will begin another long offseason without a World Series title. During the offseason the Yankees will likely address the weakest part of their team, the pitching staff. There will be a few top-of-the-line starting pitchers available, such as the Rangers C.J Wilson, who the Yankees will have an interest in.

24

Sports

October 6, 2011 The Observer

www.fordhamobserver.com

FCLC Hidden Athlete: Johnston Takes Fitness to a Whole New Level

By Max wollner Sports Co-Editor

As she entered high school, Kiersten Johnston, Fordham College at Lincoln Center (FCLC) ’15, knew she had to find her niche, but like most freshmen, struggled to find her identity. Johnson would realize through team sports what she wanted most of all was to be fit.

Johnston’s love for fitness, actually began before high school when her mother bought her a gym membership to a local gym in her hometown of Wayne, NJ. When she started attending on a regular basis, Johnston realized the importance of challenging herself.

“There’s so much more to being fit than just running around,” Johnston said.

Johnston’s new mantra, “challenge yourself,” led her to try out for her volleyball team. In order to ensure her success, she trained with the girls soccer team to get used to constant physical activity. This training paid off, as she made the freshman team, and it also kept in her peak shape for the four-month season.

Following the volleyball season, Johnston expressed interest in trying out for the basketball team, even though she had no prior experience. She trained by running short sprints every day to get used to the strain of running up and down a basketball court. Her initiative paid off and she made the basketball team as the small forward. “I loved the fast pace of the game, but I was still unfamiliar with it so I taught myself,” Johnston said. “It’s one thing when the coach is yelling at you to do better, but when you tell yourself it’s much more gratifying.”

Johnston found success on the basketball team, but after the season Johnston tried a shot at theater. However, after a year in the theater department, she left to return to sports. “I tried acting but I had so much energy and I wanted to move around more, not just on stage.”

While she did theater Johnston remained active, but not as active as she would have been if she was playing sports. Unhappy with this predicament, she began training for the lacrosse team, another sport she had never played. How-

Ai elo/The Observer

Even with the stress of being a full-time college freshman, Kiersten Johnston stays active seven days a week to keep herself in shape.

ever, Johnston’s prior sports experience allowed her an advantage.

This was furthered by her determination to train at every opportunity, regardless of if she was on a team or not. “I trained with the wrestling team and I learned how to push myself further to the point that I could run five miles without stopping,” Johnston said.

Lacrosse was Johnston’s true calling and she played during her final two years in high school before heading to Fordham, where she would have to restart the pro-

cess of finding her identity again.

However, her athletic high school history allowed Johnston to have no problem finding her fitness niche. Johnston doesn’t play on any team sports at Lincoln Center or Rose Hill, but she has taken the time to devise her own workout which she does seven days a week, which includes a 45-minute run with speeds of up to 10 miles per hour, 30 minutes of weight lifting and 15 minutes of abdominal workouts, usually entailing up to 800 crunches. While this may

seem a little extreme for most students, Johnston considers this a great workout.

On top of keeping herself in peak physical condition, Johnston has also been assisting another Fordham student in her own physical fitness quest by acting as her personal trainer. Instead of just telling her the exercises, Johnston does them with her and keeps her motivated as they continue. Johnston has even helped with nutrition and dieting, “I don’t believe in a restrictive diet; instead I just

tell her to find healthy alternatives to her usual cravings,” Johnston said.

There was a time in Kiersten Johnston’s life when she didn’t have a place where she belonged, but it is clear she has filled that void with her dedication to athletics and personal fitness. Through her experience in high school sports, Johnston has retained her very active lifestyle, she’s helped others begin their own and she couldn’t be happier. “Fitness is just who I am; It’s a part of my life.”

10 Activities You Can Do to Keep Fit Throughout the Day

By Jasper CHang Contributing Writer

Midterm season is coming up, meaning late snack runs and an unhealthy amount of energy drinks. The last thing on a student’s mind is working out. But it’s not that hard to fit fitness time throughout your day.

Our bodies are just as important as our minds and while most of us may believe we need to devote at least one hour a day at the gym, this is not true. There is a more suitable method for a college student, which is to divide and spread an hour of exercise throughout one’s daily routine.

Katherine FOTINOS/The Observer

Take a break from the all-nighter to stretch. It can keep you relaxed and focused during long study sessions.

1. Take 5 minutes out of your morning routine to do some light stretches or some calisthenics, such as push-ups, straight jumps, jumping jacks or abdominal crunches.

2. Take the staircase instead of the escalator or the elevator. It may not seem like much but at the end

of the day, the minutes spent taking the stairs will add up to about 10 minutes. That’s a few hundred calories burnt without you realizing. More stairs is better for you!

3. If the weather is to your liking after your last class, walk to the next stop of your train route. You may walk by some cool shop or restaurant that you can visit next time.

4. When you don’t know what you want for lunch, choose a time frame, such as 5-30 minutes. Walk that time frame down any avenue or street of your choosing and when time runs out, pick a café or a restaurant that is around you.

5. If you’re waiting for a friend to get out of class, go to Fordham’s gym and try out some of the machines, after you read the instructions. You can get in some productive calorie burning!

6. Studying for long hours can be tiring. When you feel fatigued, get up and move around. Do a few stretches or take a quick walk; you will come back with better focus.

7. Late for class? RUN UP THE STAIRS! If your professor is really strict with attendance, you’re better off running than waiting for the elevator.

8. If your class has an excursion day, with weather and time permitting, get some of your fellow classmates and walk to the excursion location. You’ll save a metro ride and learn more about your classmates.

9. If you have large gaps in your schedule or if you get out too early, take up classes on yoga, dance or mixed martial arts. You’re already out in Manhattan; this great city has much to offer.

10. Before going to bed, doing a full body stretch is great for tired muscles. You will probably sleep better!

These ten suggestions are all manageable and you do not have to follow them all. Just one of the ten will make a difference. As the Ancient Greek writer, Aesop once said, “Little by little does the trick.”