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JANUARY 29, 2015 VOLUME XXXIV, ISSUE 1
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Students React to Ram Cafe Changes
Snow Edition
By DYLAN PENZA Sports Editor
On Monday, Jan. 12, Sodexo reopened a newly renovated Ram Cafe featuring a salad bar and entrees sold buffet style that provides members of the Fordham community the option to purchase as much or as little food as they want. Students expressed mixed opinions about how these renovations affect them economically. Before the cafe’s remodeling, students and faculty members would pay $6.99 for an entree and two side dishes. Under the new system, members of the Fordham community will buy food at $0.53 an ounce for entrees, sides, soups and salads during lunch and dinner. Pre-made sandwiches and items such as chicken fingers and burgers still remain a set price. There has been a mixed opinion among students as to whether or not the changes will help them save money. Kyle Sandmann, Fordham College at Lincoln Center (FCLC) ’17, expressed a lack of faith in food service provider, Sodexo’s, new plan for payment being for the benefit of students. “I don’t think students will save money because companies don’t normally make such drastic changes unless it will improve their profits.” Dorian Cuerpo, FCLC ’17, a student who eats at the Ram Cafe four or five times a week also believes that the changes are costing her extra money. “I just get what seems like I normally used to get, and the price has gone up.” However, others remain cautiously optimistic about the changes such as Caroline Cocossa, FCLC ’17. “I am hopeful that the changes will be more cost-efficient, as I buy my lunch [at the establishment] during work-study, but I have to say I do find it a little dubious.” Despite the trepidation of others, some members of the Fordsee SODEXO pg. 2
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Due to Winter Storm Juno, the Observer decided to publish a special “snow” edition above you can see New York City covered by snow.
Snow Storm 2015: How Juno Affected Students By ADRIANA GALLINA News Editor
Monday, Jan. 26 brought worry that there would be one of the worst blizzards New York City has ever seen. Winter Storm Juno had winds predicted up to 30 miles per hour and snowfall predicted up to 18 inches, although only seven inches acumulated. It was expected to be one of the worst winter storms in the past 30 years. John Carroll, associate vice president of public safety, cautioned in an email interview, “Students should recognize that this storm presents a real danger on foot when they go out.” He continued to warn that vehicles may have difficulty stopping short, so pedestrians should walk defensively.
New Jersey Transit stopped service at 8 p.m. on Monday, Long Island Railroad and the MetroNorth were shut down by 11 p.m. All non-emergency vehicles were banned from NYC streets from 11 p.m. onward. However, Greater New York Taxi Association offered free cab service in NYC for emergency responders trying to get to work, and disabled and elderly residents who become stranded, according to USA Today. According to FlightAware, over 3,500 flights were canceled. As Quinn Library at Fordham College at Lincoln Center and Walsh Library at Fordham College at Rose Hill will remain open, Carroll suggests students “stay in and catch up on reading and studying.” Many students plan to spend
their time watching Netflix marathons and binging on hot chocolate. Let us hope, if nothing else, Wi-Fi doesn’t falter. All Broadway shows were officially cancelled by 3:30 p.m. on Monday, but perhaps the biggest disappointment for New Yorkers was Chipotle closing early on Free Sofritas Day. Another source of food important to Fordham students, Seamless and other delivery sites, could not operate after the travel ban. Mayor De Blaiso specifically commented on food deliveries: “A food delivery biycle is not an emergency vehicle.” Casey Bivens, FCLC ’18, plans on sleeping, drinking hot chocolate and visiting “Central Park if the snow actually stops falling, I’m sure it’ll look beautiful covered in snow,”
she said. Akambi Babatunde, FCLC ’18, originally from Canada doesn’t think much of the snow. “It’s really nothing for me compared to the days up there,” Babatunde said. Shannon Connolly, FCLC ’18, plans on Instagramming artsy pictures and “caption[ing] it with the cheesy ‘Frozen’ song.” Storm Juno was also trending on Twitter with the hashtags: #Blizzard15, #Blizzardof2015, #Juno15, #Snowmageddon2015. Classes on all campuses resumed as scheduled on Wednesday, Jan. 27. Additional Reporting by Justin Rebollo and Connor Mannion Assistant News Co-Editors and Jennifer McNary, Layout Editor.
Inside
FEATURES
SPORTS
ARTS & CULTURE
OPINIONS
Social Media and Jobs
Kickbox to Stay in Shape
Spotlight on Abstractions
Free Community College
Self-branding on social necessary for jobs
Fighting off the fifteen
Kalina, Pella-Woo & Apicella-Hitchcock
What this means for For-Profit Universities
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THE STUDENT VOICE OF FORDHAM COLLEGE AT LINCOLN CENTER
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News
News Editor Adriana Gallina — agallina@fordham.edu
January 29, 2015 THE OBSERVER
GSBLC Study Abroad Made Mandatory By CONNOR MANNION Assistant News Co-Editor
While there has long been a business program at Fordham, Gabelli School of Business (GSBLC) has come to the Lincoln Center campus bringing with it new graduation requirements, like a mandatory study abroad session. According to Rev. Vincent DeCola S.J., assistant dean for the Bachelor of Science in Global Business at Lincoln Center, the Global Business major is exclusive to Fordham College at Lincoln Center (FCLC) and it is the only GSB program to require a study abroad component. “The major also requires an internship to be held by a student at one point in their academic career,” DeCola said. DeCola explained that these requirements were foundational to the nature of the major program. He said, “We live in an increasingly global world with global businesses … it made sense to make the courses in New York relate around global business.” However, there is no language requirement for International Business majors. To fulfill the study abroad requirement Global Business majors may take a semester abroad, a
short-term summer program or a study tour: a class with a week-long international component. There are exclusive scholarship opportunities, such as the Robert McKeon Scholarship which is awarded to a business student for the purpose of financing a semester abroad. GSBLC study abroad functions in the same way as the FCLC semester and short-term programs in terms of cost. For a short term program, costs can range up to $9,000, including program fees, tuition per credit, and airfare which is not covered by the university. For study tours, an additional fee is included for housing, airfare, and meals during the one to two week experience at the end fall or spring semester. This additional fee is usually not covered by Fordham scholarships and financial aid that would apply for a more traditional semester abroad. “We do expect every [GSBLC] student to do a semester abroad, as we have a Fordham business program in London,” DeCola said. Since the program is new, some of the exclusively freshmen class of GSBLC, some students are unsure of what to make of the study abroad component. Alexia Armetta, GSBLC ’18, was optimistic about the future
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The Global Business Major is the only major in Gabelli with a mandatory study abroad requirement.
of the program as a whole though, she said, “Some things aren’t sure, but everyone’s in it together … even if everyone doesn’t know what to expect, you all don’t know what to ex-
pect together.” Dillon Rebock, GSBLC ’18 was more optimistic on the future of the program. “I think it’s awesome, since we’re a part of an international busi-
ness program and we aren’t forced to take a language … I think it’s very important to get a global business and study abroad, to be told to study abroad,” he said.
Students’ Reviews Mixed For New Ram Cafe SODEXO FROM PAGE 1
ham community do in fact believe the changes to the Ram Cafe are economically positive for them and the Fordham community. Bella Pisani, FCLC ’15, who buys breakfast at the Ram Cafe almost every day, does in fact believe that the differences will impact her positively. “Because I am able to choose how much food I want, I can save money even if the price per ounce isn’t necessarily cheaper.” Angela Yamarone, FCLC ’17, who also eats at the Ram Cafe about once a day, is sure that she has saved money since the renovations. “Paying by the ounce leads to better portion control. I used to
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pay around $8 for dinner, and now I pay about $6.” The direct conclusion as to whether the new changes to the Ram Cafe affect Fordham students financially is still unknown. Sandmann seems to think that students who decide to purchase lighter items such as salads or simply eat smaller portions will more than likely see savings. “I believe someone will save money if they avoid more heavy food.” Some students will more than likely just not eat the food that needs to be purchased by the ounce, such as Brandon Kerrer, FCLC ’16. “I usually just get the pre-made sandwiches anyway. It’s easier.”
À la Carte food is now $.53 an ounce for lunch and dinner in the Ram Cafe.
Countdown to Hope Count: Postponed to Monday, Feb. 9 By SHERRY YUAN Staff Writer
The New York City Department of Homeless Services will conduct its annual Homeless Outreach Population Estimate (HOPE) on Monday, Feb. 9 instead of the scheduled Jan. 26 date due to the blizzard. The goal of the mission is to estimate the number of people in NYC’s public spaces, so that outreach teams can better allocate resources to get people off the streets. Of the 3,000 volunteers needed to canvass different areas of the city, 100 will be Fordham students. In an email interview, Katheryn Crawford, associate coordinator in the Dorothy Day Center for Service and Justice at Fordham said, “Fordham has been participating in HOPE Count for the past 10 years, and it continues to be one of the biggest one-time volunteer opportunities for Fordham students to participate in.” The event starts with a training session at Rose Hill, and then students are divided into groups of six to survey the Bronx. Starting at 9 p.m., the event can last until 4 a.m.. Different squads patrolling different areas finish at varying times throughout the night. Crawford said, “It isn’t just about sending students to count the street homeless. We want students
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About 100 Fordham Students will be participating in HOPE Count.
to think about what they are doing and why they are doing it. Why are
people homeless? What are the root causes and what role we each can
play to address this issue?” Aakash Kumar, Fordham College at Lincoln Center (FCLC) ’17, and Aja Singletary, FCLC ’16, who participated in the event last year, will be participating again this year. For them, HOPE Count is a learning experience. In the training session, students learn about the stereotypes associated with homelessness and are instructed on how to approach people on the street. “We talked about different scenarios and questioned if they counted as homelessness. In some cases, when we thought someone was doing well, in actuality, we learned that they were struggling and on the poverty line,” Kumar said. He gave the example about directly approaching people. Kumar said, “Asking someone if they’re homeless is invasive. Instead we ask, ‘Do you have a place to stay?’” “We think of the homeless as carrying bags, wearing smelly clothes, on drugs, strung out or simply lazy. That’s not the case at all. Homelessness can be found anywhere. It’s not detectable,” Singletary said. The students are very aware of the message they are sending to the people they approach. Singletary said, “We don’t want to say you have no agency; you have a choice whether you want to go to a shelter
or stay outside. By converting our language, we give them the agency to choose whether they want housing or not. Some people don’t want to be in a shelter.” If someone does agree to the survey, students must then describe them; e.g. ethnicity, clothing, etc. Then, they call Homeless Services to come and bring them to the nearest shelter. Recounting the experience last year, Kumar said, “It was Code Blue weather, and so we were obligated to wake up anyone who was sleeping.” Code Blue procedure is implemented by DHS when the temperature drops to 32 degrees or lower. Individuals experiencing homelessness can access the agency’s adult facilities, like shelters and drop-in centers, without fulfilling the usual intake process. “If it wasn’t a Code Blue, they would have told us to leave them alone,” Singletary said. Additionally, the students attribute the weather conditions to not finding anyone last year. “They were most likely in the subway, and we weren’t in charge of that,” Singletary said. It will be interesting to see how this year’s event plays out. In the future, Singletary said, “it would be great if we could receive more information about where the information goes.”
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THE OBSERVER January 29, 2015
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McKeon Residence Hall Used for Class By JUSTIN REBOLLO AND SHERRY YUAN Assistant News Co-Editor and Staff Writer
Part of McKeon Residence Hall is acting as an academic building this semester with two sections of Math for Business Calculus being held on the 22nd floor. The lounge, already equipped with a projector and whiteboards, officially doubles as a classroom. Although this is a first for McKeon, the concept of class being taught outside the classroom is not a new one for Fordham College at Lincoln Center (FCLC). “In the past, professors would occasionally teach a class in fifth floor lounge in McMahon Hall, if they needed a different setting,” Dean of Students at FCLC, Keith Eldredge said. Jenifer Campbell, director of Residential Life at FCLC, said, “It was a natural segue with McKeon Hall that we continue the same tradition. Professors teaching integrated learning community courses [now] have the option to have sessions in the [McKeon] building if they choose to do so.” According to Rev. Vincent DeCola S.J., assistant dean and program advisor for the Gabelli School of Business at Lincoln Center (GSBLC), who is teaching the class, the decision to use McKeon 2205 resulted from both the necessity for space and the drive to facilitate integrated learning. “[The decision was made] partially out of default. McKeon Hall has allowed for us to grow our numbers; however, we haven’t grown our space yet - especially our classroom space,” he said. Timing also contributed to the decision to hold the classes later in the afternoon. Eldredge added, “As
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This is not the first time Residence Hall lounges have doubled for classrooms, according to Dean of Students at FCLC Keith Eldredge.
classroom availability is tighter in the night than it is during the day, with graduate school and professional continuing studies classes being taught [in Lowenstein], we were looking at a class time later on in the day.” The two sections are being held back-to-back on Mondays and Thursdays, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. For those living in the building, including DeCola himself, it will mean a short commute. “Another reason why I thought it would be a good idea to teach a calculus class [in McKeon] was because the vast majority of students taking the class are in their
freshman year,” he said. For commuters taking the class, Eldredge said, “It is simply a matter of signing up. Father Vin has given a list of those students [enrolled] to public safety.” “The security guard has been very good about keeping that list,” DeCola said. Beyond the need for space, DeCola sees the decision as a way to realize the concept of integrated learning. He said, “Using the room is homage to the idea that learning should be able to take place in all aspects of life, beyond the cube known as the classroom.” According to Eldredge, “Having
a classroom in a residence hall has some attractiveness to it. There is [certainly] a distinction between your academic life and intellectual pursuits, and your social life and living space. To some extent, we want to a see a merger [of these], as the hallmark of Jesuit education is being a well-rounded person.” Campbell, on her initial reaction to DeCola’s proposal, said, “Wonderful. It gives an opportunity for learning to take place outside the traditional classroom setting.” The class already experienced a bump in the road during the first week of class, when issues with room reservations forced the class
to be held in an available room in the Law School. As for the rest of the semester, DeCola affirms that McKeon Hall will be reserved for the classes during that period. Even though 2205 will be used as a classroom, Eldredge maintains that “first and foremost, [McKeon 2205] is a residence hall lounge, and we want it to be available for students living in the building who need the space. It is a pilot experiment. We don’t know how many professors are interested, or what bumps we’ll encounter, but if it works well, it’ll likely continue.”
Opinions
Rachel Shmulevich — Opinions Co-Editor rshmulevich@fordham.edu Dylan Reilly — Opinions Co-Editor dreilly17@fordham.edu
STAFF EDITORIAL
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of class because you know that professors will flood your inbox with emails about makeup assignments. It’s better to get one step ahead than to fall behind so early in the semester. 3. Binge watch a new TV show with your roommates
“Let’s not kid ourselves into denying that we secretly want more snow days in the very near future. ” in your pajamas while your hands cocoon a mug of hot chocolatey goodness. Now’s the time to catch up on “House of Cards” and “Transparent” or finally give in and watch “Friends” or “Gilmore Girls” on
Observer the
SNOW DAY SURVIVAL 101: WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU’RE SNOWED IN othing feels better than getting an email from Fordham saying that classes are cancelled. Not everyone may like snow, but it’s safe to say that no one is going to object to having a snow day, especially when our winter break was so short. (We’ll probably regret it when the University takes our reading days away and adds makeup classes at the end of the semester, but let’s focus on the positive here!) Here are some tips to make the most of your snow day before reality hits: 1. Step outside and bask in the winter wonderland. Bring out your inner child and build a snowman and a few snow angels on the plaza or in Central Park while the snow is still sparkly white, soft and smooth. Take pictures. (Send them to The Observer!) 2. Get a head start on readings for the next week
January 29, 2015 THE OBSERVER
Netflix. 4. Get organized while it’s still early in the semester. Use the snow day wisely to maybe clean out your desk or your closet. Plan out your days so things don’t start getting overwhelming. Write down when all your papers are due. 5. SLEEP! You know you’ll regret it later on in the semester. Catch up on sleep in your toasty comforter while the wind howls outside your window and New York City continues to become our very own ice skating rink. While the days following the blizzard will no doubt be spent playing catch-up and prove to be quite a trek for commuters, sometimes you have to lose something in order to gain something. Let’s not kid ourselves into denying that we secretly want more snow days in the very near future. Stay warm, safe and have fun!
Editor-in-Chief Tyler Martins Managing Editor Kamrun Nesa News Editor Adriana Gallina Asst. News Editors Justin Rebollo Connor Mannion Opinions Co-Editors Rachel Shmulevich Dylan Reilly Asst. Opinions Editor Tyler Burdick Alexa McMenamin Arts & Culture Editor Ramona Venturanza Asst. Arts & Culture Editors Joseph Rametta Loulou Chryssides Ludovica Martella Features Editor Alanna Kilkeary Asst. Features Editor Hansi Weedagama Literary Co-Editors Meredith Summers Mark Lee Asst. Literary Editor Nina Bergbauer Sports Editor Dylan Penza Copy Editor Meredith Summers Asst. Copy Editor Terry Zang Layout Editor Jennifer McNary Asst. Layout Editor Elodie Huston Layout Staff Kathleen Kirtland Photo Editor Sarah Howard
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Opinions
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President Obama: Cuba Is Not Your Example By ROSS LAMPERT Contributing Writer
I’m a Cuban myself—my mother and her parents, four sisters, two cousins, four nieces, two nephews, are all first-generation Cuban. Family gatherings are loud, and I know my way around a train of dominoes. And what I’ve noticed about those who share my heritage is that I’ve never met a Cuban that did not claim to love this country better than any other, regardless of political affiliation. That doesn’t mean that ones that do so do not exist, but my inability to meet one in my life has always been significant to me. I learned early on that once Cubans get here, they can be more American than Americans. I mention this anecdote only to emphasize how significant CubanAmerican grievances are, and I kept this in mind when examining the recent developments in CubanAmerican relations that President Obama has undertaken. In complete secrecy, Obama’s administration engaged in negotiations with Cuban officials about fully restoring diplomatic relations between the countries, re-establishing trade, exchanging prisoners back to their home countries and opening up more avenues for travel to and from the island over the last year and a half. With Pope Francis encouraging both Obama and dictator of Cuba, Raul Castro, to continue the search for a solution, the negotiations culminated in a finalized agreement between the two heads of state. Congress as a whole didn’t know what to make of it, but Cuban lawmakers had no problem reacting immediately. It’s worth nothing that criticism of this issue crossed party lines. Indeed, Cuban-American Senators Bob Menendez (D-NJ) and Marco Rubio (R-FL) both strongly condemned these developments and the president’s actions. One could almost see
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the confusion on Obama’s face when reading about the opposition. Isn’t the mending of Cold War-era foreign relations after half a century of turmoil supposed to look like a good thing? And that is what he was hoping for—it’s just that Cuban-Americans can tell it was the only thing he was hoping for. The United States has little to gain from Cuba by reopening trade—they’re the ones needing resources to catch up with the rest of the world. So why mend relations? Obama needed a win in the
foreign policy department after last year’s string of losses in Europe and the Middle East. It makes sense that he would look toward the seemingly least offensive and most progressive option for helping repaint the United States as a nation that can accept peaceful alternatives to outdated belligerent policies. However, the administration did it in secret because even they knew that pulling such a move on a country with a reputation like Cuba’s meant they weren’t going to get away without a scratch. So here these Cuban-Americans are, scratch-
ing away. They feel betrayed. And they should, because other than a few flimsy phrases scattered through the announcement, not one word has been said about efforts to improve human rights in the country. Doing so would mean admitting that we had just agreed to normalize relations with a country that still commits atrocities to its people. Yes, the United States deals with worse countries on a daily basis—that doesn’t give us permission to continue doing so. Will providing Cuba with resources and engaging with its
people lead to progress in the future? To be fair, it’s likely. But if it does happen, it won’t be because that was Obama’s intention. It took the Pope’s intervention to bring both sides to table, years after he claimed he wanted to improve relations with Cuba. If Obama was going to do it at all, he was going to do it for himself— and that’s exactly what happened. But regardless of intention, is this a step in the right direction? Yes and no. The embargo was wellintentioned but is now outdated and even appears cruel with our current diplomatic relations restored. Critics of aiding the country seem cynical when they claim that lending our resources to Cuba will only ensure that those in power will keep everything for themselves— after all, we’ll never know that for sure if we don’t try. But the problem here is that we aren’t being explicit enough about our intentions to help Cuba’s people. As a nation, we aren’t promising any interventions in the name of humanitarian progress in the announcement of our policies, even to our own people. Therefore, I cannot support Obama’s actions. This ignorance is a colossal elephant in the room, and it needs to be addressed while CubanAmericans are angry. Because beneath that anger is a desperate need for reassurance. Being a Cuban immigrant means struggling to get off the island, fighting the coast guard every step of the way, scraping through the job market, enduring any racist stereotypes that may come— all to call America their home. Now that their original homeland is being so inconsiderately dealt with, they are becoming defensive—and rightfully so. Most of them have family, friends, a whole life they abandoned in favor of this country of opportunity. We need to let them know that Cuba is not just Obama’s example to the international world and promise that things are going to get better. We need to let them know that we’re going to try our best to make things better for the people they left behind.
Free Community Colleges: The Push For-Profits Need By RACHEL SHMULEVICH Opinions Co-Editor
On Jan. 19, President Barack Obama announced America’s College Promise plan: a proposal to make the first two years of community colleges across the United States free for eligible students and institutions (that is, students who maintain a GPA of at least 2.5 enrolled in academic programs that fully transfer to four-year colleges, job-training programs or are in high demand fields). It’s estimated the program will cost $60 billion over 10 years and will save full-time students almost $4,000 in tuition each year. Unsurprisingly, public, private and for-profit colleges and universities are less than pleased with the free community college plan, but it is perhaps for-profits that are its greatest opponents. For-profits and community colleges are by far the biggest providers of associate degrees and certificates in the country, and they compete with each other for enrollments more than they do with either public or private institutions. Claudia Goldin, professor of economics at Harvard University, has said that the plan, by allocating federal money specifically for community colleges and their students, will shift enrollment away from for-profit institutions and towards community colleges. According to Forbes, simply the announcement of America’s College Promise plan sent the stocks of many for-profits (Corinthian, Grand Canyon Education and DeVry Education Group, just to name a few) into the negatives.
If this proposal were to become reality, it’s clear that for-profits would be facing a great deal of trouble, but this isn’t necessarily a bad thing. For-profit schools have come under fire recently for predatory lending schemes, low rates of job placement and high student loan default rates. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), in September 2014, sued Corinthian for their role in luring students into taking out private loans and then using “illegal debt collection tactics” to force them to pay while they were still matriculated, and a 2012 Center for Analysis of Postsecondary Education and Employment (CAPSEE) study found that for-profit graduates had greater debt, were more likely to default on student loans, be unemployed and have lower earnings six years after enrolling than were similar students at public and nonprofit schools. Without a comprehensive description of the budget, it’s hard to say exactly how the proposal will affect each of these types of institutions. For-profits are marked for the biggest loss, but what about public and private schools? Public colleges (whose funds continue to diminish year by year) have already expressed concerns that the proposal would make state and federal money for higher institutions even more scarce than it already is, what with states expected to contribute at least a quarter of the capital needed for the plan to work. However, according to Bloomberg, the relatively low price tag of a community college education suggests that cost might not be as huge of an obstacle to both the government (at state and federal levels) and to public
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schools as one might imagine—there are bigger logistical and social issues at play here (can community colleges handle a large influx of students? How will students be incentivized to complete their degree programs?). And while private schools, particularly small liberal arts colleges, want to be recognized for their role in educating many low-income, at-risk, firstgeneration students and graduating them at much higher rates than do community colleges, according to the Chronicle for Higher Education, W. Scott Friedhoff, vice president for enrollment and college relations at the
College of Wooster, has made it clear that his college does not compete with community colleges for applicants, although less selective private colleges might face this problem. For-profits are one of the greatest drivers of student debt, and it doesn’t help that many students are attracted to them because of a promise of flexibility and almost immediate job placement. We’ve all seen their commercials, telling us that a “better future is only a phone call away,” and it’s exactly empty promises like these that companies like Corinthian have used to drive their students deeper
and deeper into debt. The implementation of this plan would not only provide approximately 9 million students with a free education and real access to a better future—a 2013 Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce found that nearly 30 percent of Americans with associate degrees make more than those with a bachelors from four-year institutions—but it would also send a clear message to our nation’s colleges and universities, but in particular, to for-profits: Put your students first and incentivize them to stay and succeed, or you’ll be out of business.
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WINTER SPORTS IN NEW YORK During this winter season, many New Yorkers participate in winter sports throughout the city.
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WINTER SPORTS IN NEW YORK
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Arts & Culture
Arts & Culture Editor Ramona Venturanza — ramonaventuranza@gmail.com
January 29, 2015 THE OBSERVER
Spotlight Shines on Kalina, Pella-Woo and Apicella-Hitchcock
COURTESY OF STEPHAN APICELLA-HITCHCOCK
FCLC Gallery Coordinator Stephan Apicella-Hitchcock showcases black and white photography from Rome, Italy. By RAMONA VENTURANZA & LOULOU CHRYSSIDES Arts & Culture Editor and Asst. Arts & Culture Editor
From Jan. 29 through March 15, three Fordham College at Lincoln Center (FCLC) visual arts professors will be premiering their work, varying from film and digital photography to painting. Theatre and Visual Arts Professor Richard Kalina will be exhibiting modern paintings, Visual Arts Professor Anibal Pella-Woo will present digital color photographs and FCLC Gallery Coordinator Stephan Apicella-Hitchcock will feature black and white photographs. The exhibition will feature six images from each photographer and three paintings from Kalina. “We are going to place [Kalina’s work] between the two photographers,” Apicella-Hitchcock said. “This is supposed to be a sampler, so that people can see what we are up to in [our] professional careers,” Apicella-Hitchcock added. “Often, it is something that is in progress, or undergoing construction - as opposed to something that is written in stone and
complete.” Each of these three artists introduce a sense of abstraction in their pieces. According to Apicella-Hitchcock, “From the three artists, you will see some interesting ways of dealing with the notion [of] what is potential content.” Kalina will be presenting three color abstract paintings. “The artist is a minimalist painter; the subject in his paintings is not overt, and there is a sense of formalism,” ApicellaHitchcock said. Furthermore, in a statement released in the publication “Art in America,” Kalina’s “paintings and watercolors are energized by scattered dots, some of them vaguely targetlike, connected by lines that deftly subdivide the pictorial field.” For students and faculty at FCLC, including Pella-Woo, the daily process of commuting to school or work can be a strenuous one. As a result, the photographer decided to devote this particular series of colored photographs to his daily commute. “I am a product of the experiences I have had over the years; inspiration for all my work can come in any
shape. This time, it came from the need to deal with the sheer frustration of sitting on a bus for up to two hours each way, day after day,” PellaWoo said. “I needed to make sense out of it and find something hopeful in the experience.” Similarly, Apicella-Hitchcock’s images convey a sense of movement and travel. “The body of work that I represent in this exhibition is a sampler from seven years of teaching the documentary photography Italy program that we offer here at the visual arts department. We spend a whole month each summer in Italy, in Rome, studying and practicing photography, which results in a book.” Apicella-Hitchcock worked alongside the students in his classes when shooting these photographs in Rome. “The students in that class have always come back with a rich understanding of their medium because they are practicing it every day - this includes myself as well. Once a professor, always a student,” he said. “I am always out there every day, practicing with the students.” As a result of teaching the month and a half long class during the
summer for seven years, ApicellaHitchcock was able to shoot a great number of photographs in Rome. “I have about 700 rolls of film that are still undeveloped from the past three years; the images represented here are digital images because they are more accessible,” he said. “This is a sampling of images over the past five to seven years, which, I feel, are representative of the theatrical aspects of Rome. I think that it’s an incredible city and that we are very fortunate to have the program running there.” Despite these different forms of photography, both artists enjoyed capturing and recording the world through the lens of a camera. “What I love about the kind of photography I try to do, is that it is of the world. You are excited by the experience of making the photographs, but your viewer will not have access to that experience. All they will have is the photograph, a new kind of experience,” Pella-Woo said. “I try to see my photos as if I had not made them and try to separate the ones that stand on their own and can hold my attention. Photography allows me to pay attention to something, more than just
as a passing glance: what a gift to be able to stare, and possibly learn something.” Through black and white photography, Apicella-Hitchcock enjoyed observing and recording the culture and the people of Rome. “What is so intriguing about photography in Rome [is that] people in Rome are wonderfully public. Business takes place in the street - their life is in the street, from hanging out after dinner to strolling in the street,” ApicellaHitchcock said. “The wonderful social aspect of the city and its culture is absolutely perfect for people who interested in observing the world and recording it with a camera. From the small gestures, reactions, interactions - it’s those small gestures and the daily dramas of life, which are particularly interesting to me. My concentration is not on stuff, buildings, or landscapes - this is all about the people of Rome.” “This is a sampling of images over the past five to seven years, which, I feel, are representative of the theatrical aspects of Rome. I think that it’s an incredible city and that we are very fortunate to have the program running there.”
The Comma Interrobang Color Blind By MARK LEE Literary Co-Editor
A hush falls over the classroom. Noticing, the girl falls silent and glances around at her peers. Whispers abound. “What did she just call herself?” “Can she say that?” In the front row, Lexi nearly faints into her Pumpkin Spice Latte, her pink Fitbit™ tracking the spike and then stutter of her pulse. Brad flips his blonde locks knowingly, planting the tip of his lacrosse stick authoritatively on the ground next to his desk. He resembles European royalty, his staff nobly grasped in his strong, masculine yet gentle grip (Brad is actually a fascinating mix of English, Welsh, German, Latvian, Prussian, Czech, Polish, French, and 1/64th Native American). He raises his hand, beginning to speak as he does.
“I think what she means is, ‘As an African American person.’” The girl looks confused. “No, actually I meant what I said because I think the problem encompasses a greater range of non-white experiences. As a person of color—” Amanda calmly cuts her off. “What we’re talking about is actually drug policy, sweetie. So, totally weird and kind of offensive terminology aside, we probably don’t need to make it about race and ‘non-white experiences.’ I think we can just call them ‘human experiences,’ right?” Several heads throughout the room nod in placid agreement. A bit louder, the girl begins again. “Wait, it’s impossible to
talk about this without acknowledging that—” “I don’t think it’s really appropriate to raise your voice like that right now. You’re getting a little aggressive, and I just don’t think that’s productive really.” Brad’s soothing baritone naturally carries above the girl’s coarse alto tones. Feeling oddly desperate, the girl swivels in her seat to catch any supporter’s eye. What she finds is a range of righteous pity and indignation. Lexi actually looks a little hostile. The girl gives up, allowing Brad to begin a lengthy and enlightening sports analogy. She silently crosses her arms across her chest in a way that seems, Amanda will note to her roommate in a later account, “super pouty and totallyunjustified.”
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THE OBSERVER January 29, 2015
Arts & Culture
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Artists from various genres are scheduled to perform at New York’s biggest festivals.
Students Prepare for Summer Music Festivals By JOSEPH RAMETTA Asst. Arts & Culture Editor
For many people in their late teens and early 20s, summer is the start of the music festival season. As tickets went on sale this January, students at Fordham College at Lincoln Center (FCLC), including myself, are quickly preparing to take advantage of some of the city’s music festivals. Three of the city’s major festivals are Electric Daisy, Governor’s Ball and Electric Zoo. These two to three day music festivals satisfy a music lover’s dream by bringing live music, enormous stages, big crowds and of course, tons of dancing. 3) ELECTRIC DAISY: MAY 23-24
Electric Daisy invites world-renowned disc jockeys (DJs) and electronic music producers from all over the world to play on three mega stages. Some of the past artists include Nicky Romero, Deadmau5, 12th Planet, Calvin Harris, Gareth Emery and Porter Robinson. The crowds are packed and the speaker’s are extremely loud. At night, the sounds of the crowd and music together with the light shows create a one-of-kind concert experience. Through my own experience, Electric Daisy was one of my favorite music festivals I’ve been to: the music, stage displays and artists that came out were awesome and the crowd’s experience was special.
What I really liked about the festival was the energy of the crowd. When a DJ played his closing song, the crowd would start cheering his or her name; some fans even crowd surfed and threw confetti into the air. The energy, music and dancing created a family-like atmosphere among the attendees. I was also excited to hear what the DJ was going to place next. They did not just play their classic hits but rather remixed songs from Hip Hop and Rap as well. Overall, I did not regret the price I had to pay for the festival. I enjoyed every minute of it. LOCATION: METLIFE STADIUM, EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY PRICE: CURRENT GENERAL ADMISSION 2-DAY PASS: $199 VIP 2-DAY PASS: $349 2) ELECTRIC ZOO: SEPT. 4-6
With over 50 DJs and producers from around the world, Electric Zoo is one of the biggest dance festivals in the world. Located on Randall’s Island, Over 200,000 “ravers” will ascend upon the island for the threeday festival of dancing, music and live performances. Some of the past artists include Hardwell, Tiesto, Avicii, Calvin Harris and Nicky Romero. Dean Fryn, FCLC ’17, said, “Ezoo had an insane light show last year so
I’m looking forward to see what they have in store.” The multiple stages all have lights and speakers on every side to maximize the volume and light displays from different angles. However, there are some cons as well. Megan Scanlon, Fordham College at Rose Hill (FCRH) ’15, said, “As much as I like the atmosphere and the music, I don’t like the drug scene, the extreme heat, as well as the expensive prices they charge you for mediocre food.” Another Fordham student, Jack Stone, Fordham Gabelli School of Business (GSB) ‘15, had negative feelings about the festival as well. Stone said, “I’ve been to Electric Zoo four times, however, I do not think I will be going to anymore because the prices are totally not worth it anymore.” For someone who has seen many DJs at individual events, the price may be a turn off, however, for someone new to the scene, the ticket price is definitely worth it, considering the number of DJs performing live over just three days. Overall, despite the cons of the festival, if one is looking to dance the days away, meet other electronic music lovers and see his or her favorite DJs, Electric Zoo is one of the best choices to make. LOCATION: RANDALL’S ISLAND PARK, NEW YORK, NEW YORK PRICE: CURRENT GENERAL ADMISSION
THREE-DAY PASS $219 VIP THREE-DAY PASS: $419 1) GOVERNOR’S BALL: JUNE 5-7
Governor’s Ball is one of the biggest annual music festivals in New York. This star-studded event hosts a handful of stages that features some of the top names in music today. Unlike Electric Daisy and Electric Zoo, which are predominantly electronic music festivals, Governor’s Ball is a festival of all genres such as Hip-Hop, Rock, Alternative, Pop and much more. The 2015 headliners include Drake, Deadmau5, Florence + The Machine and The Black Keys. Among the headliners, over 50 other well-known artists such as Odesza, Flume, Lana Del Rey and Weird Al will take the stage. Fryn said, “Florence + The Machine is headlining Governor’s Ball so that is the ultimate pro. I love Governor’s Ball 2015 lineup.” According to Sara Jackson, FCRH ’15, the experience outweighs festival’s cost. “I don’t mind spending money to create cool experiences with my friends.” Unlike Fryn and Jackson, some students do not have a positive outlook on Governor’s Ball. Stone said, “I do not like how over-crowded these festivals are getting especially considering the price you pay for them.” Lindsey Marron, FCRH ’15, said, “It seems like Governor’s Ball has a handful of go-to-artists ...
which isn’t a bad thing but may sway away from buying tickets if I have been there before.” In all, the major factor that outweighs all the cons is the experience factor. According to Torra Alexander, FCLC ’17, “For me, festivals are all about seeing the music. Also, if you add up each of the artists and add up the ticket prices to see one of the artists in an individual concert, the price would by far exceed the price of a festival ticket. The festival and the experience it provides are totally worth it.” It is a great opportunity to dance with friends and listen live outdoors to some of the best current artists. Stone said, “Even if there are a bunch of mediocre DJs, festivals still have two or three big DJs to close out the festival which I really like.” The experiences and displays seem to still outweigh the costs of attendance. Marron said, “You can make the most out of the festival by moving around and viewing artists that suit your music preferences.” The experience, combined with major current artists like Drake and Florence + the Machine make the festival for first timers worth attending. LOCATION: RANDALL’S ISLAND PARK, NEW YORK, NEW YORK PRICE: CURRENT GENERAL ADMISSION: $260 VIP PASS: $595
Features
Features Editor Alanna Kilkeary—alannamartine@gmail.com
January 29, 2015 THE OBSERVER
Social Media Can Change The Job Market Game By SHAHEEN TOKHI Staff Writer
It’s no secret that social media makes most of our worlds go round. We post, we like, we share too much and we do it all for fun - but what if your blog could help you land that dream job or internship? Your social media accounts won’t do all the work for you, but they can definitely make an impact if you use them wisely. When asked about using social media as a branding tool, Fordham Career Services’ Employer Relations Specialist Christie Welch said, “Branding yourself through social media is always very helpful. Some people think that having a social media presence can hinder getting a job, but it can help if you use it the right way.” She also added, “It’s important for you to brand yourself through your particular experiences and your particular interests.” With that being said, the question is how to use Twitter to do just that. Welch said, “You can create a professional Twitter handle, where you could follow the people you admire, associations that you’re a member of and magazines that you’re interested in.” Welch also suggested creating a LinkedIn account. “You could connect with professors that you have a good relationship with, or any other administrators. Come graduation, you can look into your network of people that you’ve met on LinkedIn.” Welch also mentioned how you could use LinkedIn to connect with your alumni network. Having a blog or website can also be beneficial to how you project yourself. Assistant Professor of
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Social media applications such as Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook are especially useful for on the go usage
Communication and Media Studies Gregory Donovan said, “I totally encourage that. I think that when you apply for a job it’s likely people will Google you and the best thing is to know that the top link is something that you control.” Thinking about creating a public portfolio? Donovan said, “If you feel that you have a strong body of work that you would show or want them to see it would only benefit
you.” Branding yourself on social media and using it as a platform can help more than you might expect. Donovan thinks that everyone can benefit from using social media as a way to brand themselves, regardless of what industry they want to work in. The more you have a solid public reputation, the better it’s going to be for you.” But while social media can be a great public platform it is important to give your accounts
a checkup every once in a while. Donovan added, “It’s always good to look at what you have posted and reflect on it after the fact. I think sometimes people will post things and rarely look at the cumulative effect.” Professors and professionals agree that social media presence matters, but what do students think? For Anitra Singh, Fordham College at Lincoln Center (FCLC) ’15, it’s
all about thinking before you post. Singh said, “I’m not sure how much employers look at it or not, but I’m always still careful just in case. I would never use it to post inappropriate things.” She added, “If I found something interesting and it was a subject I was interested in, I would use social media as a platform, but that’s more for personal use. I wouldn’t use it for the sole purpose of hoping a potential employer sees it.” Anamaria Glavan, FCLC ’16, said, “I think [social media] can really make or break someone in the business world. Social media especially LinkedIn has the ability to let people connect with future employers. I think one of the perks of our generation is that we sort of grew up during the time when social media was just getting started.” Glavan even had some clever tips for utilizing Twitter, “I think Twitter is a platform that will continue to grow for companies.” Many companies are growing more conscious of their Twitter presence. “If there’s a job you just applied for and really, really want, I think it’s helpful to show dedication to that company by following them on their social media outlets.” It’s beneficial to you when a company knows that you are familiar with their content, especially since the digital era makes many things so easily accessible. Here’s your chance to show that you know your stuff! If you’re looking for your big start, show your passion through a dedicated following. Glavan said, “During an interview, bring up something the company posted on Instagram or a clever article they tweeted about.”
Sports
Sports Editor Dylan Penza - dpenza@fordham.edu
January 29, 2015 THE OBSERVER
PHOTO COURTESY OF ROBERT GAUTHIER/LOS ANGELES TIMES VIA TNS
The Rangers were closer last year, but do they or the Islanders have a better chance of raising the Stanley Cup Championship next year.
Race For The Cup: Rangers Versus Islanders By KATIE KIRTLAND Contriubting Writer
As we hover around the midpoint for the 2014-2015 NHL season, there is a debate brewing among New York’s hockey fans: are we more likely to see Stanley Cup success from the Islanders or the Rangers? Of course everyone has their own favorite, but there is a lot of buzz surrounding which is more likely to bring some serious hardware home to New York. The Rangers are having an excellent season, as has come to be expected of them. As of Christmas,
the Rangers were facing 20:1 odds of winning the cup this season. They’re ranked fourth in goals per game, fifth in goals against, 10th in power play percentage and 11th in penalty kill percentage. Under team captain Ryan McDonagh’s leadership, the team is carrying a 24-114 record and is ranked third in the Metropolitan Division and seventh in the Eastern Conference. The Islanders have surprised fans this season, far exceeding preseason expectations. Their odds for Stanley Cup victory were 16:1 as of Christmas. They fall behind the Rangers statistically: seventh
in goals per game, 21st for goals against, 15th in power play percentage and 26th in penalty kill percentage. However, the Islanders are carrying a 28-13-1 record, securing them in first place in both the Metropolitan Division and the Eastern Conference. Choosing a likely winner depends entirely on perspective. At this point, the Rangers have the better specific statistics. They are a more solidified team, with playoff experience. Last year, the Rangers were the only New York team to qualify for the playoffs. They are certainly in a position now to make
the playoffs without having to rely on a wild card spot, but making it to the first round is less than half the battle. The Islanders are an underdog story this season. In the past seven seasons, they have only qualified for playoffs once, in the 2012-2013 season, and were eliminated in the first round. However, they are currently leading both their division and conference and if they can maintain that, they will have the best seeding come playoffs. They are also considered this season’s most improved team, and if they can carry that momentum, then they are likely to
go far. If they slip, they may be in trouble with the more consistent, experienced teams. Overall, at this point in the season, the Islanders are the New York team more likely to take home the Cup this year. They seem to have a fire lit under them, and that motivation goes a long way. They are the team to catch in their conference. There is a lot to be said for motivation, and this is the team that seems to have it this season. They have exhibited that they have the skill to accomplish it, so if they can keep it up there should be nothing standing in their way.
Fighting Off the Freshman 15 With Kickboxing By ADRIANA GALLINA News Editor
I swore to myself I would not be the typical college student. I would not lose my pretentious, paleo eating habits. I would not lose my religious running regime. And I would surely not succumb to the freshmen fifteen. Two years of college later, full of all-nighters, balancing work and school, I added a couple more shameless pounds than the typical fifteen. Looking to stay out of the bitter cold and away from our out-ofdate and over-crowded fitness center, I decided to sign up for kickboxing. I have a lot of feelings to unleash on the bag, so I figured I’d knock out two birds with one punch. I stumbled upon ILoveKickboxing’s special for five classes, a pair of free gloves for $29.99 and got started. I showed up perhaps with too much time to spare before my first class. I grew more and more intimidated as I wandered around the mats looking at the stern “No talking during class” signs and silent instructor behind the desk. As soon as the clock hit 3:00 p.m. it was time to get started. The instructor Edyk Jeffry, also known as E.J., wasn’t going to hold anyone’s
PHOTO COURTESY OF EDYK JEFFRY/ILOVEKICKBOXING
Kickboxing is a fun way to lose pounds and stress.
hand. “If you can’t handle this warmup, I suggest you leave now,” he said over the blasting music-which was
anything from Taylor Swift’s “Shake It Off” to hardcore rap remixes. The weight of the gloves took
some getting used too as I pounded out countless push-ups, jumpingjacks and punching combos. Did he just say jab, cross, swivel, double left side kick, switch, back kick? I’m a few more classes in and can confidently say that remembering the combinations comes with focus and a little time. Although, making contact on the bag with my back kick seems to need a lot more time and practice. While E.J. and other instructors might add a touch of tough coach banter to motivate us during the class, he is adamant that “anyone can kickbox.” The lean fighting machine picked up the sport five years ago and lost 45 pounds. “I was an unconfident kid and now I’m a trainer, one of the best in New York I would say,” E.J. said. According to E.J., depending on the level of effort a student puts in, you can expect to burn anywhere from 600 to 800 calories in a class. At my 5-foot-6-inch height and weight which will not be mentioned, I would have to jog for over an hour and a half to achieve the same calorie deficit, according to the HealthStatus Calories Burned Estimator. There is no secret to kickboxing. As E.J. says, “You come in, learn the moves, show up and get the results.”
The history of kickboxing dates as far back as 2,000 years ago in Far East Asia, where Muay Thai kickboxing was the popular self-defense practice, according to A Brief History of Kickboxing found on Columbia University’s Kickboxing club webpage. How is this sport different from other martial arts practices? It’s all in the technique, according to E.J. Take for example, T’ai-chi, an internal Chinese martial art, compared to kickboxing. “You’re more grappling in T’ai-chi and getting the other person to use their energy against themselves,” he said. “While in kickboxing, it’s more striking with our hands and limbs,” he continued. “Kickboxing is more ‘I’m gonna hurt you.’” While I by no means believe I could hurt anyone with my off balance back-kick, I can say that I already feel less stressed by the hustle and bustle of the city and am sleeping better at night. At this gym, there is no time to compare yourself to anyone else in the class. It’s just you, the bag and a lot of sweat. ILoveKickboxing has three locations in Manhattan, one on 35th Street between Seventh and Eighth avenues, which is not too far from our Lincoln Center campus.
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Sports
January 29, 2015 THE OBSERVER
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Rex Ryan’s firing was underserved, and the Jets will miss his presence and firey attitude in the Medowlands.
Firing Rex Ryan Was Not The Right Move For The Jets By DAN FERRARA Staff Writer
Rex Ryan may not have been good enough for the Jets, but after roughly two weeks of unemployment, it was determined that he was good enough for the Buffalo Bills. The man who spent his last six years as Jets head coach locked up a five-year, $27.5 million deal to coach the Bills, making it worth wondering if he was the right man for Gang Green all along. Fans and players all loved Rex’s attitude and bravado, but the ar-
gument can be made that his Jets weren’t good enough over the last few years. They compiled a measly 26-38 record over the last four seasons, missing the playoffs in each. Still, was he given the talent? Of course not. The Jets’ struggles were a direct result of poor roster construction by now former General Manager John Idzik. Ryan is a good head coach and defensive guru, but he isn’t a miracle worker. The NFL is a quarterback driven league and Ryan never had a good quarterback in any of his six seasons with the Jets. Still, he managed to
make it to back-to-back AFC Championship games with Mark Sanchez under center. He didn’t have the magic touch with Geno Smith, however. Smith, an Idzik draft pick, has struggled mightily in his first two years as a pro, and some question whether he will ever develop into a reliable NFL quarterback. Ryan was able to have success in his first two seasons by running the ball effectively and playing stifling defense. He proved that his strategy could win games, but then the Jets started taking Ryan’s defensive weapons away from him.
First it was All-Pro cornerback Darrelle Revis. Then it was his other All-Pro cornerback, Antonio Cromartie. Idzik assembled a roster that was $20 million under the salary cap and had no reliable corners or safeties. Last summer, he passed on signing Revis, Cromartie, Vontae Davis, Aqib Talib and T.J. Ward – all of whom were on playoff teams this year. As appealing as Ryan’s replacement (Todd Bowles) may seem, it’ll still be hard for him to find success with Smith as the quarterback. Bowles is another defensive-minded
coach, who had the luxury of having Patrick Peterson and Cromartie as his corners last season. Of course the Jets have some solid pieces, specifically the defensive line, and some money to play with in free agency, but finding a real quarterback should be the Jets’ number one priority this summer. The issues regarding quarterbacks for the Jets run deeper than one coaching regime. Ryan was axed because of it, and Bowles will likely run into the same issue if it isn’t corrected by new general manager Mike Maccagnan.
It’s Too Early To Judge the Knicks’ New Leaders By THOMAS O’CALLAGHAN Staff Writer
When Phil Jackson assumed the role of President of the New York Knicks organization on March 18, 2014, there was no way that he thought it would be this difficult. With the storied franchise spiraling into punchline territory at an abysmal record of 7-36 (even after backto-back wins over the Pelicans and Sixers), many fans are questioning if Jackson and his protégé, rookie coach Derek Fisher, are up to the task. In a season in which Jackson promised a playoff berth, the Knicks are instead in serious contention for the worst record in franchise history. With injuries to Carmelo Anthony, Jose Calderon and the enigma that is Andrea Bargnani, the Knicks have not fielded their full roster for the entire season. These injuries, as well as ineffective play from recently traded J.R. Smith, Iman Shumpert and the released Samuel Dalembert, has doomed the 2014-15 squad into historically bad territory. Despite the futility of the current Knicks, it is probably still too early to make a final judgment on Jackson’s executive acumen and Fisher’s coaching. The only true move that Jackson has made is the blockbuster trade that sent Raymond Felton and Tyson Chandler to Dallas for Calderon, Shane Larkin, Wayne Ellington, Dalembert and two draft picks. When considering the moves since then, this trade boils down to
PHOTO COURTESY OF HECTOR AMEZCUA/SACRAMENTO BEE VIA TNS
Derrick Fisher and Phil Jackson need more time to develop the franchise before Knicks fans turn on them.
Felton, who has played in only six contests for the Mavs and Chandler, who has returned to form by averaging a double-double this season. In return, the Knicks received Jose Calderon, who is averaging a career-low in Field Goal Percentage and Assists, the promising prospect Shane Larkin and Cleanthony Early,
who has not played enough to truly evaluate. Calderon has been seen as a disappointment this season, while Larkin has come to be the most impactful player of the deal for the Knicks, so many fans and sports pundits have looked upon this deal as a failure on Jackson’s part. Jackson made this deal to “improve team
chemistry,” but with the plethora of moves since, there is not enough stability with which to form any chemistry. Despite the Knicks unbelievable level of play thus far, the fan base should be patient with the organization in this period of transition. Under the regime of James Dolan,
the Knicks made several imprudent personnel moves that mortgaged the future for an average present. The current state of the franchise as a “blown-up” rebuilding project is something that has been years in the making. Bad deals and questionable draft picks have been the team’s hallmark this millennium, so a change in operation was due. By moving out some of these bloated contracts and underperforming players, Jackson has taken the first painful step of moving the beleaguered franchise forward. As a reward for this atrocious season, the Knicks will have a very high draft pick in this year’s NBA Draft, and the organization has also been salivating over the 2015 free agent class for the last few years. Players like Jahlil Okafor or Marc Gasol could be wearing orange and blue as early as next year. While the abhorrent record and lack of foundation, the Knicks hope that New York City and Phil Jackson’s track record are enough to draw a star or two to the Mecca of Basketball. Perhaps with a young prospect and another big-name talent to complement Carmelo Anthony, the Knicks can turn this around quickly. Despite the agonizing season the team has endured thus far, Jackson is doing the dirty work that should have been done years ago. While it is difficult to suffer now, Jackson’s Knicks embody the idea that the phoenix has to burn before it can rise from the ashes.