Fordham Observer - Issue 11

Observer the

OCTOBER 23, 2014 VOLUME XXXIII, ISSUE 11

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Improved Food Service on Campus

Photo Feature

By ELIZABETH LANDRY Contributing Writer

Despite the Princeton Review rating Fordham the top five worst college food for 2013, halfway through the semester, Fordham College at Lincoln Center’s (FCLC) students are beginning to voice their guarded approval of the new dining options on campus. The openings of McKeon Hall and the new Fordham University School of Law building have provided several new facilities to supply the campus with widely varied choices of food.

“It’s a lot more enjoyable,” Michael Figueroa, FCLC ’17, said of the new buffet-style dining hall, located on the first floor of the law school. “As a commuter I usually don’t eat here unless I’m eating with my friends, and usually it’s just a grab-and-go kind of thing, but since they opened up the new cafeteria it’s actually a pretty cool experience.”

Prior to this year, the main location for campus dining was the Ram Café, offering “Grab-n-Go” items and hot meals. Now, new names include Sammies, Slice of Life and the Grille at 62nd on the second floor of the law school, and Jazzman’s Cafe and Bakery in the Law School Library. There is also an all-you-can-eat undergraduate cafeteria, which is occupied by diners almost constantly during its open hours from early morning to 8:00 p.m. on weekdays.

This dining hall features a salad bar, up to four cooked meal options for lunch and dinner, and other amenities new to campus diners. According to FCLC’s Dining Services Campus Marketing Manager Michael Martin, the recent expansions of the dining program were only one step in an ongoing process.“The Ram Café is due for some renovations,” he said, though he could not provide a timeline, but did say that they hope to provide the options of see FOOD pg. 2

SARAH HOWARD/THE OBSERVER

Observer photographers captured interesting entrances around NYC. See centerfold for more

College Council Talks Freshmen Registration

By TYLER MARTINS Editor-in-Chief

The protocol for registration for incoming freshman students and Sodexo were discussed at the College Council meeting that took place on Thursday, Oct. 16 in the South Lounge at Fordham College at Lincoln Center (FCLC).

Rev. Robert R. Grimes, S.J., dean of FCLC, brought up for discussion the process for incoming freshman to register. In the past, incoming freshmen have traditionally registered for their own classes during the summer. “We are the only undergraduate college that does that,” Grimes said.

“The others produce a schedule for upcoming students.”

“What happened over the years is that there has been an erosion,” Grimes said, referring to the fact that freshmen are pre-registered for three classes (language placement, Eloquentia Perfecta seminar, and English Composition). A motion was resolved that FCLC would join the other Fordham undergraduate colleges in presenting incoming freshman with full schedules.

It was also resolved that all Gabelli School of Business Lincoln Center (GSBLC) students will register for classes at FCLC with their class standing, the model used by Fordham College at Rose Hill (FCRH).

Robert K. Moniot, associate dean of FCLC, brought up the registra-

tion differences between FCRH and FCLC. Though students at FCLC are able to register earlier, they do not have access to any classes at FCRH until students at FCRH register for their classes. According to Moniot, “the system couldn’t handle the load of too many people,” as evidence by last year’s registration issues.

Deming Yaun, a Fordham representative to Sodexo, was present at the council meeting to discuss faculty dining options.

According to Keith Eldredge, dean of students at FCLC, the administration is trying to figure out how to provide comprehensive food service on the new campus. Last year, there was only the Ram Cafè and a small venue in the Law School. Now, there

are four larger venues in addition to the Ram Cafè.

Yuan, who was hired by Fordham to represent their needs to Sodexo, described the current faculty dining situation as “not what anyone would call an inviting space. It’s not private - it’s rather sterile.” “We are working with Sodexo on options,” Yuan said.

Designers have been looking at the current space and will provide different options to make the faculty space better suited to the faculty needs.

“The issue here is more privacy,” Assistant Professor of Mathematics Leonard Nissim said.

“Certain parts of the building look great,” Gwenyth Jackaway, unsee COUNCIL pg. 3

Inside

FEATURES

SPORTS

ARTS & CULTURE

Your Halloweekend Look

Psychology of Losing

“Pilot’s Wings”

Be cheap, scary and good-looking

Better Luck Next Year

Student Garrett Kim’s New Play

Page 12

PAGE 15

PAGE 10

THE STUDENT VOICE OF FORDHAM COLLEGE AT LINCOLN CENTER

OPINIONS

E-reader vs. Book Keep Tradition or Accept Innovation

PAGE 5

2

News

News Editor Adriana Gallina — agallina@fordham.edu

October 23, 2014 THE OBSERVER

Students Say Campus Food is Slightly Better

FOOD FROM PAGE 1

soft serve and fruit once offered by Red Mango in the now-empty retail space. “We’re always looking to expand some areas.” Martin also described the new dining options simply: “Each location at each building has its own aesthetic, its own target audience,” he said. “We try to have something for everyone.”

The students seem to be picking that up. According to Karyssa Gonzalez, FCLC ’18, the circumstances of her day tend to dictate where she eats. “Sometimes I eat at the Ram Café between classes, but primarily I eat at the all-you-can-eat dining hall,” she said.

Gonzalez is also cautiously supportive of the food itself. “Like anything, it can definitely improve, just as far as options, but I think their overall quality is good, considering that it’s brand new,” she said.

Francesca Aton, FCLC ’17, explained, “Usually I would rather cook my own meals, but when I’m over in the [law] library, I can go right to Jazzman’s and get something. It’s very convenient.” The growing presence of the cafe’s coffee cups around campus shows that she is not alone.

Gonzalez had a tempered view of the experience from the students’ end, however, hoping for better planning by Dining Services: “I like the exposure … but I think they should have had regular options as well, especially because [the same meal] transferred from lunch to dinner,” she noted as an example of a possible improvement.

On Oct. 8, Sodexo brought the “Global Chef” event to the Lincoln Center undergraduate dining hall, featuring a British cuisine theme designed by British Sodexo Chef Brian Wilson. A menu of classically British dishes was served for the day.

Martin assures students that there will be more to come, hinting that in the near future Lincoln Center will host “‘Elite Events,’ which are an extension of a restaurant-type feeling, where you would come in

ELIZABETH LANDRY/THE OBSERVER

The Jazzman’s coffee cup can be seen around campus, showing the new dining option’s popularity.

and we would actually serve you. It’s a brand new concept here,” he added.

During the last week of October, another event will take place: Fall Fun Fest, in which autumn-themed foods will feature in the undergraduate dining hall. This will include the weeklong availability of apple cider, pumpkin pies and Halloween treats to those who buy a meal there or have a meal plan.

Dining Services recently sent out

a survey to the community, asking for diners’ opinions on operations, which will be available until Oct. 29.

Martin was adamant that this data is very important to the program, and that usually the office gets a high number of responses. Regarding the recent addition of 16 hours to the facilities he said, “We got feedback and knew we had to make a change immediately. In about a week or two we made that change. There [are]

people here and they want to eat.”

Those changes extended the hours of Sammies, Slice of Life and the Grille at 62nd.

For those like Gonzalez, this attention to feedback may come as good news. “I do think that they’re getting better but I think if they could stay open a little later it would be good,” she said, pointing out the groups of students who range the premises later in the evening look-

ing for a bite. “I think there [were] six delivery guys in the lobby last night.”

Students around campus seemed in agreement that there are still improvements to be made, but Figueroa summed up the general atmosphere in his observation of the new undergraduate dining hall: “I think a testament to people’s positive attitude is that when you go to the new café you see upperclassmen and freshmen, even faculty all together.”

Pope Proves to be Progressive with the Synod

By ANNA BARBANO Contributing Writer

This October, the world has witnessed shifts in the Catholic Church as the controversial topic of gay marriage and homosexual exclusion was brought to scrutiny by Pope Francis through the Extraordinary Synod.

The lack of marital equality for homosexual relationships has been in the forefront of the American media for years. Now, for the first time, the Church is opening up a discussion about the morality of the exclusion of the LGBTQ community.

Pope Francis convened an assembly of handpicked Roman Catholic bishops, called a synod, to discuss this controversial issue. The 12-page document that was released after the meeting, called the Relatio post disceptationem revealed Pope Francis’s push for a change in the Catholic attitude towards homosexuals.

Although this document does not assert a change in the doctrine that marriage is between a man and a woman, it does insist that to exclude members of the LGBTQ community is to turn away valuable believers.

The document proposes that gay people have “gifts and qualities to offer to the Christian community” and that while the Church does not condone the union or marriage of gay couples, it is essential that, in the words of Archbishop Bruno Forte, in a news conference “we respect the dignity of every person.”

Some of Fordham’s own religious authorities agree that it’s important for the Church to be inclusive. Father Vincent Decola S.J., assistant dean and program advisor for the Gabelli

TESSA VAN BERGEN/THE OBSERVER

Controversy is circulating about the Pope’s seemingly progressive Synod.

School of Business at Lincoln Center (GSBLC) said, “I think this is a step in a good direction for the Church to at least be listening, be willing to learn and grow and not feel like everything that has been taught in the past is necessarily written in stone for all times.”

This dramatic change in regard for non-heterosexual people represents a serious step towards a more accepting and inclusive version of the Christian faith.

Unsurprisingly, however, there is a lot of disagreement within the Church about the Relatio as more

conservative bishops insist that this change is compromising the Church values and beliefs.

Complaints of deviating from Catholic teaching are coupled with complaints of Pope Francis’s bias in choosing bishops for the assembly and the polarized media coverage of the resulting document. American Cardinal Raymond Burke is one of the most outspoken church officials disturbed by the Relatio and its publicity, and said in a full-page interview published in Italian by the conservative daily Il Foglio, “It seems to me that information is be-

ing manipulated in a way that gives comment to only one theory instead of faithfully reporting the various positions expressed.” Father James Martin addressed the media briefly in Fordham’s discussion on Monday, Oct. 20, in Pope Auditorium “Who Am I To Judge?” saying, “I don’t think that the media made too much of this. This was in fact a change.

There are a lot of people who are saying, ‘This is baloney.’ No, this is a big change.” He added, regarding the enormous disagreement between the Pope and some religious figures, “I [have] never seen … Cardinals, and

certainly Archbishops critique the Pope so much.”

In response to concerns and hopes for the changing view of homosexual relationships, church officials continue to remind the public that the Relatio is a work in progress, not a decree or doctrine. The document states, “These are not decisions that have been made nor simply points of view.

The reflections put forward, the fruit of the Synodal dialogue that took place in great freedom and a spirit of reciprocal listening, are intended to raise questions and indicate perspectives that will have to be matured and made clearer by the reflection of the local churches.”

Will these new discussions about the support and acceptance of homosexual persons bring about a real change in the near future? At this point, it is unclear. With Church officials at odds about ideas of embrace and ideas of traditionalism, it’s hard to say whether or not this new document will open the path for a new doctrine in the future preaching equal rights for the LGBTQ community. As for the Catholic leaders of our Fordham community, there seems to be a general consensus in favor of Pope Francis’s push for LGBTQ inclusion.

“We as a community, we grow and we learn and we develop, and we need to change, perhaps, our views on human reality,” Decola said. He expresses his wish for acceptance, adding, “Rather than say what I think will happen [in regards to gay marriage], let me just say that I hope it will happen.”

For now, as Cardinal Luis Antonio G. Tagle puts it, “So the drama continues.”

www.fordhamobserver.com

THE OBSERVER October 23 2014

News

3

MTA Will Raise Fares by Four Percent

By MARTIN NUNEZ-BONILLA Contributing Writer

Starting March 2015, the New York subway that the Fordham students and New York City depend on will be a little more costly. As of July 28, the Metropolitan Transportation Agency (MTA) decided to stick to their Feb. 2014 proposed plan which calls for a four percent fare hike across all forms of transportation offered, including the subway, buses and the Metro-North Railroad. There are no exact figures on what the fare prices will be, but when the increase is applied to the subway, prices will approximately be: Single ride: $2.50 to $2.60 Weekly unlimited: $2.50 to $2.60 30-day unlimited: $112 to $116.50 “[Commuter Students’ Association] CSA, at its core, aims to ensure that commuter students have an excellent college experience. The fare hike will bring more financial pressure on these students, which, in turn, will make this goal more difficult to achieve, but to what extent, I’m unsure. The one thing I know for sure, however, is that CSA will continue working hard to meet its core mission,” Matt Miller, CSA vice president said.

Karine Khoder, Fordham College at Lincoln Center (FCLC) ’18, said, “I am very annoyed that the MTA is jacking up prices because it’s already too expensive. After paying for tuition and books, every dollar makes a difference. Juggling a minimumwage job with studying, it’s becoming hard to keep up with life in general,” she said.

For students like Khoder, affording a monthly unlimited pass would require working approximately 15 hours (based on NY’s $8 per hour minimum wage).

“That’s more money I need for my commute and less I can use for school tuition. That means I have to

REX SAKAMOTO/THE OBSERVER

MTA plans to raise prices in 2015 and 2017.

work more and save up more and that means less time I have for studying and homework and other school-related responsibilities,” Amanda Gonzalez, FCLC ’15, said.

Daniel Villar, FCLC ’17, said, “Well it’s upsetting. It seems as if fares are constantly increasing for the MTA, all while salaries aren’t getting any higher,” Villar said.

“I’ll still be able to afford it; it’s not like I have any other choice, though.

For me, it’s either pay the increased fare or not go to school, and the latter is not an option. Pretty soon, the question lurking on everyone’s mind will be not how much fares will in-

crease (although that too is salient information), but when. Because it’s bound to happen,” Villar said. MTA is planning for another 4- percent increase in 2017.

Other members of the FCLC student body say that there should be a way to make the subway more affordable for college students. Violet Guzman, FCLC ’18, thinks there is; “[the MTA] should have some type of student discount for college students on MetroCards.”

Serena Ingram, FCLC ’18, thinks that college students should get some financial relief; “It’s [messed] up that they keep raising prices. College stu-

dents should get the same student MetroCards that high schoolers get.”

Grades K-12 students that meet certain eligibility requirements in New York City receive free? Student MetroCards, which allow for three trips between 5:30 a.m. and 8:30 p.m. only Mondays to Fridays.

The fare increase plays a part in the daily lives of commuter students and residents alike.

“Even though I’m a resident, I really do use the subway all the time to go to Brooklyn and the Bronx. So this fare hike affects me too.” Jenna Pulvermiller, FCLC ’18, said.

Amina Nikocevic, FCLC ’15, feels

worse that students are not the only people affected: “I am a commuter, but I’m lucky because my father does cover the cost for my monthly unlimited passes. So it doesn’t really affect me as much as it affects my dad.”

One student thinks this fare increase breaks an economic principle.

“The New York City pizza law suggests that pizza prices and subway fares usually correlate with each other because they are the two things that stay cheap in New York. The current flaw with the pizza law? Pizza’s affordable, and the Subway isn’t,” Nick Guthammar FCLC ’18, said.

NYC Prepares for Possible Ebola Outbreak

By HANSI WEEDAGAMA AND JUSTIN REBOLLO Contributing Writers

With cases of Ebola reaching places outside of Africa, New York City is preparing for Ebola. The virus is not in New York City despite several local scares.

The growing paranoia around the nation is largely unfounded.

Assistant Professor of Theology, Science, and Ethics and affiliated faculty in American Studies and Environmental Policy at Fordham, Christiana Z. Peppard, Ph.D. said, “Ebola is spread by direct contact with bodily fluids. The people infected in the U.S. are healthcare workers who came into direct contact with bodily fluids while caring for the late Mr. Duncan. There is not

an ‘outbreak’ of Ebola in the U.S.” Even though an outbreak in New York City is unlikely Governor Andrew Cuomo released a press release on Oct. 16 about New York State’s preparedness plan against Ebola. Cuomo stated, “Protecting the people of this state is one of our top priorities in government, and I want all New Yorkers to know that we are doing everything necessary to safeguard against the risks of Ebola.”

The preparedness plan includes screenings at John F. Kennedy International Airport of travelers from West African nations with Ebola outbreaks. The plan also includes establishing eight hospitals which are creating isolation units in case of an Ebola patient in New York City. Mayor Bill de Blasio re-

cently also announced that his administration will offer specialized training on how to handle Ebola cases to the city workers who could be the first to fall victim to the disease if the virus were ever diagnosed in NYC. “This administration has always erred on the side of caution, and this issue is no different. New Yorkers should rest assured that we are taking the steps to be fully prepared for whatever the future brings,” Cuomo said.

The University addressed the issue in a message from the Student Health Services: “Fordham asks that any student, faculty or staff member who has recently visited the affected areas to contact the appropriate University Health Center office upon their return, and prior

to entry into Fordham housing, classes, or on-campus work.”

Many students are fearful of the virus. Anne Marie Bogar, Fordham College at Rose Hill (FCRH) ’16, said, “I just went back home to Dallas for Columbus Day Weekend … my dad said Dallas had been making a big deal about it. Since I’ve come back everyone’s been making jokes that I contracted Ebola, although I think my roommates might actually be concerned.” The first case diagnosed in the United States was that of Thomas Eric Duncan in Dallas, Texas, who passed away from the disease recently. Since then, two more cases involving nurses who aided Duncan have come to light.

The Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital has since apologized for the handling of the first case.

Another student who visited Dallas recently, Adiyah Baig FCLC ‘16, also talked about her fear while visiting the city. “The day I flew out, as I boarded, the first victim died so I wasn’t worried until I heard the nurses caught it. That terrified me because [that means] the virus was still alive.”

With an Ebola outbreak unlikely to occur Peppard states, “The question is what we do with our fear: learn more and think critically? Or advocate for closing the airports?

The latter is too extreme for the current situation … If people are truly, deeply concerned about stopping the spread of Ebola, then our resources need to be directed not just at home but, more considerably, abroad: in West Africa.”

College Council Expresses Sodexo Cost Concerns COUNCIL FROM PAGE 1

dergraduate associate chair of communications and media studies said.

“It’s statement on where the University’s priorities are. It’s interesting where the resources go and where they don’t.”

Other council members also brought up the prohibitive cost to cater from Sodexo for school functions and departmental meetings, and asked if there were other vendors that they could hire. “Over the last few years, we were trying to have coffee, cookies, and fruit salad at a mid afternoon meeting and it would be $250.

That’s absurd,” Jackaway said.

According to Eldredge, this policy was enacted to ensure food safety.

“Conditions are more based on making sure there is proper liability for the food.”

TYLER MARTINS/THE OBSERVER

FCLC deans and department heads discuss possible school changes.

“If something happens at a Sodexo served event, the university is held 100 percent not accountable,” Yuan said.

Also on the agenda, was the introduction of the new assistant deans: Josiane Gregoire, assistant dean for seniors, and Milton Bravo, assistant dean for juniors and transfers.

Grimes announced to the council that the memorial for the late Professor Emerita Eva Stadler will take place on Nov. 11 at 5:30 p.m. In addition, the passing of Marian Seldes, an adjunct faculty member and Tony Award winner, and Lisa Ryer, the secretary on the fourth floor of Lowenstein, was announced.

The meeting was adjourned at 12:29 p.m. The next College Council meeting will take place on Thursday, Nov. 13 at 11:30 p.m. in the South Lounge at FCLC.

Opinions

STAFF EDITORIAL

ranked Fordham’s food service as the fifth worst in the country.

With all of these things piling up on top of exhaustion and Thanksgiving break seemingly an eternity away, it can be easy to get wrapped up in the chaos and becoming overwhelmed.

But we need to stop.

It is through chaos that we learn to enjoy the small instances of calm.

And breathe. Because everything will eventually fall into place.

Midterms will be gone before we know it (until, of course, finals, but let’s not get too carried away just yet). The Ram Cafe may be subpar, but there are now more food options, with the introduction of

October 23, 2014 THE OBSERVER

Observer the

EMBRACE THE CHAOS BUT DON’T LET IT CONSUME YOU The world is chaotic.

School is chaotic. Life is chaotic.

Ebola has reached the United States, and even though only roughly as many people have contracted Ebola here as have married Larry King, people are beginning to panic. In the throes of panic, generalizations and mistakes are being made that are spreading the fear.

Everyone is already dreading this year’s polar vortex, and October isn’t even over yet.

Those hand-cramping, headache-inducing midterms have been the bane of our existences, and they’re completely messing with our sleeping schedules.

And students continue to complain about Fordham’s lack of good food, variety and the hours of operation for the Ram Cafe. Which is why The Princeton Review has

Rachel Shmulevich — Opinions Co-Editor rshmulevich@fordham.edu Marina Recio — Opinions Co-Editor marinarecio@icloud.com

the new dining hall in the law school building. And with delectable food comes more happiness.

And just like we have overcome swine flu, we will overcome Ebola.

We shouldn’t let the chaos consume our lives.

Because it is not the end of the world. As cliche as it sounds, it is through chaos that we learn to truly enjoy the small instances of calm within our lives--a night out with friends, flaunting Halloween outfits and trick-or-treating, a beautiful day in Central Park with an e-reader or a book as your only companion or even a quick break for a juice smoothie that just might rejuvenate your spirits (or give you brain freeze).

Embrace the chaos. It is embedded within the fabric of society and human nature, but it’s how we deal with it that makes all the difference.

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Editor-in-Chief Tyler Martins Managing Editor Kamrun Nesa News Editor Adriana Gallina Opinions Co-Editors Rachel Shmulevich Marina Recio Asst. Opinions Editor Dylan Reilly Arts & Culture Editor Ramona Venturanza Features Editor Ian McKenna Literary Co-Editors Meredith Summers Mark Lee Sports Co-Editors Dylan Penza Conrad Zajkowski Copy Editor Meredith Summers Layout Editor Jennifer McNary Layout Staff Elodie Huston Gabrielle Samboy Maxym Prybyla

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THE OBSERVER October 23, 2014

Opinions

5

LAUREN MACDONALD/THE OBSERVER

Barnes & Noble shoppers contemplate whether to buy their books in print or to invest in an e-reader.

E-Readers vs Print Books in the Classroom POINT

COUNTERPOINT

Electronic Over Print

Print Books Over E-Books RACHEL SHMULEVICH Opinions Co-Editor

Electronic books, or e-books, have often been lauded for their environmentallyfriendly production (as compared to print books) and ease of distribution and hailed as the future of the publishing industry.

Yet time and time again, avid and occasional readers alike admit that they prefer print books. In fact, a 2013 Princeton Survey Research Associates International study found that 70 percent of American adults read print books that year, and only 4 percent read e-books exclusively, despite nearly half of adults in the United States owning an e-reader. And there’s a reason we overwhelmingly prefer print books to their electronic counterparts—simply put, it is much easier to make them, get them and use them.

For students, it’s especially important to save money on textbooks—and by sticking with print books, we’ll be doing just that. Never mind how much easier it is flip to a certain page, and dog-ear or place sticky-notes on others while in the middle of a fast-paced lecture (a 2011 University of Washington study found that e-readers were simply not built for this kind of academic reading), or the fact that it’s quite likely your required books might not be available in e-book format, the cost of a paper book is about the same as that of an e-book, the only difference being that you don’t need to purchase a costly e-reader.

There’s a myth that the cost of production for an e-book is virtually nothing compared to the monumental costs involved in printing paper books: but that’s exactly what it is—a myth. Even when you take into account the cost of paper, printing costs and shipping costs, it only costs around $2.50 to make a typical $25 hardcover. And the process is relatively simple.

But creating an e-book is not as straightforward as creating a PDF of each page of the corresponding paper book. The EPUB file is used by most (but not all) e-readers and e-book software, and it is notoriously difficult to create.

A correspondent from The Economist’s Babbage blog, faced with the task of creating a 216-page e-book, used Adobe InDesign to create an EPUB and found that even the simplest choices affected the flow of text in InDesign. The process was

tedious, and one can imagine that on a larger scale, the manpower that goes into creating an e-book can be quite costly.

The cost of an e-book versus that of a print book doesn’t even take into account the cost of the e-reader. E-readers like the Kindle and the Nook can cost upwards of $100, and this price is not offset by the price of e-books. This latter fact seems surprising, but it actually makes a lot of sense. When the e-book industry was in its infancy, Amazon was able to sell e-books considerably cheaper than print books and offset this lower price by their Kindle sales.

But then along came the iPad: a user could download the Kindle application (app) for free, and buy e-books and download them directly onto their tablet. It is no longer necessary to buy a separate device for reading books—and that’s assuming that every Fordham student owns a tablet or a smartphone that’s compatible with an e-reader app.

It’s not profitable to sell e-books on the cheap if consumers can simply download it to their iPad instead of buying a Kindle.

Publishers and book-sellers like Amazon don’t care enough about incentivizing their customers to buy e-books: it is, after all, still a print world. Most people are reading print books, and print book sales are still the primary place of profit.

On the subject of saving money, there’s always the option of borrowing the required books for class from Fordham’s libraries or any of the branches of the New York Public Library (for free!). Libraries will almost always have the desired book’s print version in stock. It’s extremely rare that they’ll have the e-book (and even rarer that it will be compatible with your device).

Print books come in many editions and translations, while e-books are quite limited—e-book publishers focus on popular titles (especially those in romance and erotica) and only a mere tenth of all e-books are geared towards the academic market—and the ease of using the former cannot be compared to the latter. We live in a print world, and we’ll continue to do so. There might be something out there that is cheaper, easier and more economical than print books, but it certainly isn’t the e-book. Whatever it is, we haven’t found it yet, and until that time, print books will continue to be the best choice both in and out of the classroom.

KAMRUN NESA

Managing Editor

I’ve bought my last college textbook. After three years of running around, trying to find good deals on college books, I’ve had enough.

College books are bulky, absurdly overpriced and sometimes rarely used in class. Every college student knows that and has grudgingly come to terms with it. We are forced to suppress our sobs when we watch the balances of our bank accounts and our cash dwindle right before our eyes for the sake of higher learning. But e-readers and tablets can offer the perfect alternative.

They are certainly more practical in college.

Most people usually criticize e-readers and tablets because they are believed to disconnect readers from the books due to the loss of physicality, texture of books and sentimental value.

Some also believe there is a level of distraction that comes with e-readers. Not many people are willing to let go of print. An article published earlier this year “Paper vs. Digital Reading is an Exhausted Debate” in The Guardian called digital books “painfully ugly.”

Aesthetics, however, are not going to pay for the piles of college loans or outweigh the benefits of buying cheaper digital editions. They also won’t alleviate the pain in our hands and backs from carrying around books. With college tuition increasing every year, many students find that it’s important to be adaptable and open up to other platforms for reading, even if we won’t get pretty book covers or illustrations in return.

That’s what our imaginations are for.

E-readers are much cheaper than print books. A book I had to buy last semester cost $16 in print and $9 in the Kindle store. Not to mention, I could have bought a $79 refurbished Kindle Fire HD tablet with the five print books I bought for just this semester alone, a $250 Samsung Galaxy Tab for the nearly 30 books I bought this year and another $500 iPad with the dozens of books I bought in the three years I’ve been at Fordham so far.

One misconception about e-books is that they cannot be rented. On the contrary, services like Amazon and Chegg definitely have rental options for e-books and e-textbooks. There are also several databases and digital libraries like Scribd, Project Gutenberg and Oyster Books, that provide books for free or for a cheap monthly subscription. It’s a golden opportunity, especially for an English major like myself who has had to read several classics for classes that were available free of charge.

Sure, print books are traditional and good, but they also yellow with age and can tear easily.

The ink on the pages fades in time. But the only things fading on an e-book are annotations and highlights because they can either be deleted or modified. Students need to stop dismissing e-readers and tablets without realizing their full potential. Print books arguably allow readers to focus because the Internet and different applications aren’t at the tips of our fingers—literally.

But it’s these very applications that allow us to have deeper and more interactive readings.

Besides books, e-readers and tablets are very convenient way to read PDF files for class.

We don’t need to print out pages upon pages of dispensable readings when we could simply open the reading up on our tablet and highlight and annotate to our hearts’ content. All I have to do is click on the Blackboard application on my iPad and start downloading the readings from my class. I have more than 20 PDF files on my iPad, and I can constantly switch from one to another and work on different ones without stuffing my notebook with 50 pages’ worth of readings.

It’s also convenient for writing papers. There are ways to search for keywords especially if you’re looking for a passage so you don’t have to flip through every single page. They’re much more conducive to learning because they offer an immediately gratifying way of reading and taking notes on books. We don’t need to have a million post-its sticking out of our books, fearing that they may rip or detach themselves from the books. My tablet allows me to bookmark pages that I think are important and allows me to highlight, underline and strikeout passages and sentences with the single swipe of my index finger.

Sure, it’s fun being able to read a book endlessly without checking to see if the battery is dying.

But tablets make it easier for us to read whatever we want, whenever we want and however we want. Students don’t have to buy editions with larger font if the font size of the words are too small; they could simply resize it. If they hate that the words in a book is in Times New Roman, they have six to 10 different options to choose from. If there’s a sudden blackout, they could just brighten their screens and continue reading in their own bubbles while the rest of the literary world is in a state of panic.

And while the crinkles and smudges on print books tell a story about the person reading them, the scratches on the screen and the tattered case of an e-reader or tablet are just as permanent, and they can tell a story just as well.

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Opinions

October 23, 2014 THE OBSERVER

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In Egypt, Censorship Means Polarization AREEG ABDELHAMID Contributing Writer

While I was waiting for my coffee from a Halal truck vendor, the Egyptian fellow preparing my drink asked me if I was a Morsi or Sisi supporter. Though I strongly defy Sisi, I was not a Morsi supporter either.

Then, I realized that I was bound to this polar framework: In his mind, I was one of “them.”

On July 3, 2013, Abdulfattah Al-Sisi, a former army chief, toppled and imprisoned Egypt’s first elected president, Mohamed Morsi. Ever since he took office, a celebration rang out in his support. Musicians made songs for Sisi, and every day was a celebration in the streets of Egypt. Egyptians thought that change was bound to happen. And it did. Morsi’s former organization, the Muslim Brotherhood, was banned with the label of terrorism. In addition, an entire Rabaa Square of protesters who wanted the democratically elected president back, were brutalized, jailed and murdered. That was not the surprise. The surprise took place when unconsciously, Egyptians began to divide. You were either a Sisi or Morsi supporter. Families and friends separated over their political disagreements. All media outlets supported the new government, and it was not a choice.

Without a doubt, censorship is to blame for this political division in Egyptian society. Sisi has enabled censorship by placing his own puppets in the media so that he is represented as a god-like figure.

News anchors and political show hosts refer to the president respectfully as General Abdulfattah Al-Sisi

PHOTO COURTESY OF MICHAEL KAPPELER/ZUMA PRESS VIA TNS

Egyptians are divided over military ruler Abdulfattah Al-Sisi (pictured above), and Mohamed Morsi.

and defend him at all times.

After Morsi’s removal, most of the media outlets have suggested that the military-backed government is not only the right way to govern, but the only way. Al Jazeera is the only news outlet that is trying to represent the voices of those who have been silenced. As a result, Al Jazeera English journalists Peter Greste, Mohammed Fahmy and Baher Mohammed have been detained in Egypt since December 2013 and

accused of spreading false news and supporting the now outlawed Muslim Brotherhood.

Similarly, Bassem Youssef, a TV personality known as Egypt’s Jon Stewart because of his satirical approach, ended his show in June. In a press conference, he made it clear that it was no longer safe to satirize Egyptian politics. He told reporters: “I’m tired of struggling and worrying about my safety and that of my family.” Sisi does not outright

ban the voices of dissent from mass media outlets, rather he has silenced them by means of fear. “You can always implement some sort of a mood, without actually giving direct orders [...] it reflects badly on the freedom of speech in Egypt,” Bassem stated.

On Thursday, Sept. 25, President Obama and Al-Sisi met to discuss the fate of jailed Egyptian journalists and political oppression among other issues. Yet, nothing has

changed.

If you decide to oppose the Sisi in any means, you will automatically be labeled as a terrorist and a supporter of the Muslim Brotherhood. And what happens to terrorists? They are either instantly killed or jailed.

On Friday, Oct. 10, 91 university students were beaten then arrested

by Egyptian police. This includes female students, an act which is viewed as a form of disrespect in Egypt. In the past, if people protested, the majority of those imprisoned were men. For punishment, the police used electric shock and nudity.

With the new government, many young women are jailed and raped by male police officers. This is a form of intimidation and sexism.

Sisi is a man who polarized Egyptians; he is a criminal. As a means of political repression, Egypt has been divided by an “us-versusthem” mentality. The “us” are those who strongly support Al-Sisi (including the military, violent police forces and media). On the other hand, “them” is a representation of those who oppose Sisi in any way, supporters of Al Jazeera news and left-wing Egyptians. This mentality creates an unconscious divide which causes people to fear one another.

Additionally, it becomes easier for the government to interfere, control and lead. To be fair, the Egyptian government may never reach democracy. This invisible isolation has become the social norm and a problem. Every neighbor feels that if they were to share their political belief, they could be reported on. They would rather hang up a framed picture of Sisi with his smug smile and keep silent. To be honest, I may never feel this peaceful chaos in the streets of Egypt again. But if anything, I am proud to be one of “them.”

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Opinions

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TESSA VAN BERGEN/THE OBSERVER

Art speaks to us even if we aren’t listening.

Listen Up: Art Is Not Useless LUCAS LANDI Contributing Writer

I often hear that “art is useless,” “art is stupid,” or that “art doesn’t matter,” but the exponents of this most barbaric idea have no clue what they are talking about. There are many parents who, after their child tells them they are going to spend four years and a lot of money majoring in art, laugh and then demand they get a business degree.

Although part of this could be attributed to the aggressively financial mentality of American education, where you put in money now to get a higher salary in the future, much of it can be attributed to the devaluing of art itself. Artists have

been seen as the sole pride of many a nation yet derided as the workers of many a fast-food chain. Because art is not seen as a pipeline to a sixfigure salary, society is undervaluing its significance.

Ages ago, it would be unthinkable that someone would actually have to defend artists and their work. The ancient Greeks took great pride in their architecture and how it differed from those they considered barbarians, and Italy considered itself the center of civilization for much of the Renaissance because of their myriad of highly skilled artists and sculptors.

However, in today’s industrialized world, where the term “opportunity cost” looms over every activity we perform, it is more and more common for people to question whether art is useful. There are many ways

in which it is, but for now I would like to point out only one: history.

The art of a nation, empire or tribe at a certain time period can speak volumes about that society’s values, beliefs, culture and its relation to other societies. The most glaring example of this is found in architectural works: The Flavian Amphitheatre in Rome stands as a monolithic testament to the empire’s glorification of bloodshed and disdain for the lives of those they deemed enemies of the Senate.

Just by looking at the pyramids and sphinxes in Egypt, one can have a clear picture of the esteem to which the Egyptians held their nobility.

The Gothic architecture of late medieval Europe provides onlookers with a chilling glimpse into the image of the Catholic Church during the time period: monumental,

towering, majestic and yet somber, eerie and omnipresent.

And if not in architecture, one can look for the representation of a society’s philosophy in paintings: the Sistine Chapel, adorned with Michelangelo’s works, is a clear message of what Renaissance Europe believed: God is everywhere.

Standing contrary to this testament to the physical nature of the metaphysical supernatural is Cubism.

This was also European art, but whereas Michelangelo focused on real depictions of a formless deity, Picasso painted formless pictures of the real world, rather than the divine. One of his more powerful works, “Guernica” (1937), shows the terror of the European people in the wake of mechanized warfare. It is also around this time that the existentialist movement gained much

traction in Europe, a period where people had gone from appreciating the beauty of the natural world to questioning its very existence.

Instead of reading volume after volume of Sartre, one could just examine Guernica for a few moments, and the mindset of the time period would be just as clear, if not more.

So there you have it. A brief description of just one way in which art can be useful: Art speaks through the ages. Whether it be with words or not, art can tell us much more about the philosophy of a society than textbooks and news articles. So go ahead and get your visual arts major, follow your dreams of becoming the new Botticelli and sculpt something breathtaking, because you are not only working for a paycheck: You’re making history.

8

Photo

October 23, 2014 THE OBSERVER

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DOORS OF MANHATTAN New York City’s diverse nature is often expressed in its colorful doors. Entrances speak of culture, wealth, purpose and sometimes neglect.

JESSICA HANLEY/THE OBSERVER

57th Street & Amsterdam Avenue, Upper West Side

TESSA VAN BERGEN/THE OBSERVER

12 Leroy St., West Village

JESSICA HANLEY/THE OBSERVER

60th Street & Columbus Avenue, Upper West Side

SARAH HOWARD/THE OBSERVER

310 9th St., East Village

SARAH HOWARD/THE OBSERVER

Germania Bank Building, Lower East Side

SARAH HOWARD/THE OBSERVER

234 9th St., East Village

TESSA VAN BERGEN/THE OBSERVER

18 Leroy St., West Village

ISABEL FRIAS/THE OBSERVER

Christ & Saint Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 69th St., Upper West Side

ISABEL FRIAS/THE OBSERVER

75th Street & Madison Avenue, Upper East Side

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THE OBSERVER October 23, 2014

Photo

9

DOORS OF MANHATTAN

ISABEL FRIAS/THE OBSERVER

SARAH HOWARD/THE OBSERVER

867 Madison Avenue, Upper East Side

210 4th St., East Village

LAUREN MACDONALD/THE OBSERVER

415 72nd St., Upper West Side

SARAH HOWARD/THE OBSERVER

Barney Building, 34 Stuyvesant St., East Village

TESSA VAN BERGEN/THE OBSERVER

9 Cornelia St., West Village

JESSICA HANLEY/THE OBSERVER

57th Street & 9th Avenue, Upper West Side

KAYLA OGLE/THE OBSERVER

Mott & Bleecker St., East Village

LAUREN MACDONALD/THE OBSERVER

4582 Manhattan College Parkway, Fieldston

ISABEL FRIAS/THE OBSERVER

2109 Broadway, Upper West Side

Arts & Culture

Arts & Culture Editor Ramona Venturanza — ramonaventuranza@gmail.com

October 23, 2014 THE OBSERVER

Theater Student Uses Personal Experience as Inspiration

By LOULOU CHRYSSIDES Staff Writer

As Garrett Kim, Fordham College at Lincoln Center (FCLC) ’16, began writing his play, “Pilot’s Wings,” he knew he wanted to bring attention to an issue that was close to home.

With an aim to inspire and teach audiences, Kim portrays a different perspective of those living with autism in his play. From Oct. 27-29, “Pilot’s Wings” will be performed in the Veronica Lally Kehoe Studio Theatre at FCLC. The idea of “Pilot’s Wings” started this past summer, when Kim worked with autistic children from ages eight through 18 in Milwaukee’s First Stage Children’s Theatre. “We worked on portraying emotions, working and interacting with other kids, coordination and other ‘life skills through stage skills’ as we performed short skits, songs and dances. The idea behind the curriculum was that the theater skills would help these kids come out of their shell and make strides in their social skills, which for kids with autism tends to be a weakness,” Kim said.

The main theme of “Pilot’s Wings” is to demonstrate that what we may see or hear from the media, in terms of those living on the autism spectrum, is not all as it may seem.

“One thing I’ve noticed that’s different between interaction with [those on the spectrum] in person and reading and seeing clips from the medi.

Kids with autism are people, too.

Luckily, nowadays, there’s a much more positive light cast on kids with autism, especially as awareness for the condition has been more widespread,” Kim said.

This play stresses the importance of finding that connection with those with autism. “We tend to hear about artistic savants who have managed to find a way to connect with the rest of the world. I think what’s equally important is to remember that these kids are also people, and that we should do our best to meet them halfway. People with autism are just as full of life as the rest of us,” Kim said.

“Though it takes a bit more work on our behalf to see that, but autistic kids are so full of love, I’ve found, that it makes all the work more than worth it.”

“The play itself is an exploration of communicating and finding connection. All the characters are looking for something that they don’t

ISABEL FRIAS/THE OBSERVER

Garrett Kim, FCLC ’16, puts on “Pilot’s Wings” at the Veronica Lally Kehoe Studio Theatre from Oct. 27-29.

have themselves and run into barriers on how they can get that from other people,” Kim said. “The main character, Pilot, has autism, but a lot of the other characters also can’t always say what they are feeling or can’t express themselves in the ways that they’d like to. [The play] is like an experimental, non-linear journey.”

Kim has been working on this play since last year through his playwriting workshop. For the last month, Kim has been experimenting with scene order and continuously researching in order to figure out a way to have the play be performed through Pilot’s mind. “I think the most rewarding part [of writing the play] is hearing so many people getting excited about it because there’s someone in their life who is affected by autism. Having someone with

what we would consider a disability to be the protagonist and to have agency, I think, is just really exciting for a lot of people to see. For me, that is the most rewarding part, having it affect other people like that.”

Kendall Cafaro, FCLC ’17, and Tony Macht, FCLC ’17, who are both cast members of “Pilot’s Wings,” have also come away from this play with a better understanding of autism and it’s everyday challenges. Cafaro plays Pilot’s teacher, Mrs. Foster, in the production, while Macht stars as Pilot.

“Working with everyone has been really great. I’ve learned a lot about those who struggle with autism, and I’m glad I got to learn with company.

I have a better understanding of the variety of symptoms someone with autism can have,” Cafaro said. “Each

diagnosis is different and each person has different ways of communicating with people. For me, the most challenging part is trying to fully grasp how the family members of those with autism cope. The lifestyle of a family is completely affected when a relative has autism and it’s difficult to understand the weight of that if you yourself aren’t going through it.”

Macht also credits the experience of playing Pilot with his better understanding of how someone on the spectrum copes with different situations. “Before I started this role I had basically no knowledge on the subject of autism. The most challenging part of the play for me was learning how to physically embody somebody who is autistic,” Macht said. “My character Pilot moves and reacts so differently to touch and space than I do;

the process of finding that was quite difficult.”

Kim’s hopes are that those who see the play walk away with a better understanding of autism. “I want audiences to walk away with an understanding that it’s not that Pilot has a disorder, or that he’s handicapped, it’s that he has a different set of tools to go about the world, and communicate with the world,” Kim said.

IF YOU GO

Pilot’s Wings WHEN: Oct. 27-29, 8 p.m.

WHERE: Veronica Lally Kehoe Studio Theatre at FCLC PRICE: Free admission. Email HurleyKimDoubleBill@gmail.com to reserve tickets

The Comma Interrobang

Jury of Your Peers

By MARK LEE Literary Co-Editor

People in the hall between McMahon and Lowenstein are staring and whispering. So juvenile. No one is making eye contact with me, but no one ever makes eye contact with me. These people have always been intimidated by the way I look. My suits aren’t the typical college apparel, but why dress like a typical college student when you could take an interest in the way you look? It’s called professionalism. I’m not sure what everyone is freaking out about, anyways. That disgusting girl was absolutely asking for it. And her

repulsive boyfriend. People are saying that I was flirting with her.

As if I would be interested in a Communications major. I’m prelaw. She was rude, and she was in my way, and she nearly spilled her drink on my blue silk cravat. Women are always asking to be treated equally, so it is entirely beyond me why these people are now so scandalized that a woman was treated like a man. Sometimes a person needs to be put in their place, and I have never been afraid to do what others are too weak to accomplish. As far as what hap-

pened after I left the bar, I was doing the legally responsible thing.

Those minors should not have been admitted, much less have been served alcohol. It’s like I’m the only one at this school who understands how to be an adult. It’s not like anyone will remember this after a few days. It’s not like I’ll become part of the lore of Fordham or anything. A boy leans towards his friend’s ear as I pass. So immature. I straighten my tie and grasp the handle of my attaché. I’m late for mock trial.

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THE OBSERVER October 23, 2014

Arts & Culture

11

PHOTO COURTESY OFTHE METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART

‘The Miracle of Christ Healing the Blind’ is currently featured at The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Two Major Museums Showcase the Work of El Greco

By RAMONA VENTURANZA Arts & Culture Editor

From Nov. 4 through Feb. 1, two prominent New York City art museums, the Frick Collection and the Metropolitan Museum of Art, will contemporaneously showcase the artwork by the renowned Spanish artist of the 17th century: El Greco.

The openings of these shows mark the 400th anniversary of the painter’s death.

Both upcoming exhibits will display the Spanish painter’s collection. Furthermore, the exhibits follow El Greco’s progress throughout the years of training and practice, from Crete to Venice and then finally Spain. According to Jack Spalding, associate professor of art history at Fordham whose area of specialization is the Renaissance, El Greco made a smart career move by training in different cities and finally locating to Spain. “[El Greco] was in Crete, but he was training primarily in Venice.

After he practiced in Venice for a

while, the artist moved to Rome and then Spain. When he got to Spain, El Greco didn’t have any competition at the time, in 1576,” Spalding said.

“He was the only one important there in Spain during this period.”

Being the only significant artist in Spain at that time, El Greco’s approach to paintings was viewed with a whole new set of eyes. “With the result of his style, he was a little bit more extreme because there weren’t any painters there of his stature,” Spalding said. “Paintings before El Greco were very medieval.”

In addition to being the only artist of his kind in the 14th century, El Greco set himself apart through his radical approach to paintings.

“El Greco is the most established mannerist of all time. He basically focused on a style that looked very modern - he was way ahead of his time,” Spalding said.

Popular amongst artists in the Renaissance, the style of mannerism deviates from naturalistic proportions and portrays artificial qualities; mannerism gave El

Greco the freedom to play with his imagination. As evident in El Greco’s paintings, mannerism displays compositional tension and instability. “Mainly, El Greco was important for introducing the most avant garde style: ancient styled, art mannerism. His style was more modern of the artist of his time, and his method of mannerism was the most extreme,” Spalding said. “His figures were the most elongated, and some of his compositions were the most elaborate.”

El Greco’s unique approach to mannerism was evident in the subject matters in his paintings. “Most of his paintings were religious, like ‘The Purification of the Temple,’ ‘The Assumption’ and ‘The Feast in the House of Simon.’ He also did that famous landscape, ‘View of Toledo,’ which is a very important city when he was painting and training there,” Spalding said.

According to Spalding, there were no artists that took influence directly after El Greco’s death.

“El Greco’s extraordinary style of

painting was very soon replaced thereafter in Spain, when the next generation of artists were quite different. There were artists after El Greco who painted in a very devout, simplistic style; it was totally different from the artist. Afterwards, the most famous Spanish artist in the middle of the 17th century was Velasquez; his style was much less mannerism, and his style was much based off Baroque style,” Spalding said.

Years after the height of Velasquez in the Spanish Golden Age, El Greco’s collection of work was rediscovered. “El Greco was basically rediscovered in the 20th century, when the style of his practice, mannerism, because really popular in the 1920’s and the 1950’s. He was definitely an artist that people forgot about for a while, then he got rediscovered, especially with the growth of art history in the 1840s.”

El Greco’s atypical approach to style and composition has made him one of the few master painters who achieved widespread populari-

ty, according to Spalding. “Everyone knows who El Greco is. For a lot of people, when you ask when you ask who your favorite artist, they reply El Greco.”

IF YOU GO

El Greco at the Frick Collection WHEN: Nov. 4-Feb. 15 WHERE: The Frick Collection 1 E 70th Street PRICE: Adults $20; Students (with valid identification) $10 MORE INFO: www.frick.org/visit

El Greco in New York WHEN: Nov. 4-Feb. 15 WHERE: The Metropolitan Museum of Art 1000 5th Ave. PRICE: Adults $25; Students (with valid identification) $12 MORE INFO: www.metmuseum.org

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Features

Features Editor Ian McKenna —ianmckennawmc@gmail.com October 23, 2014 THE OBSERVER

NEXT AND THE CITY

How Rude! When a Gentleman is Not So Gentle PAYTON VINCELETTE Staff Writer

PHOTO COURTESY OF TINDER

No smile and a hat on his head? What on Earth could he be hiding?

So much to say, so little time! Let me get right into it.

His name is Junior, but that’s just what he goes by on Tinder, so I guess it’s okay to say his name?

Anyway, Junior lives in upstate New York, works for a construction company and is currently taking a break from college.

Our first few conversations were boring. I would find myself struggling to find things to say, questions to ask. But they slowly got better as he began to open up, and I started to like him. He was the perfect balance between being nice, respectful and funny. There were a few times that we were messaging, and I actually laughed out loud, which is rare.

He could tell when I was being sarcastic, which is extremely rare, like when he asked why I wanted to move to New York, and I said because strippers get paid more (I’m not a stripper; I just have a very strange sense of humor).

From the first night we started talking, Junior wanted to meet and, with me being the sneaky columnist that I am, I wanted to meet him, too.

It was the day after my date with Cash, and I was not as wary about meeting up in person. The problem was that my cousin was coming to visit that Friday, so he suggested we make it a double date: He would bring his cousin, and I would bring

mine.

Now, I know my cousin, and I knew that she would not be happy about meeting up with random guys, so I didn’t tell her and was kind of hoping the element of surprise would work to my favor, and it did. She agreed to help me for the sake of the column if I gave her a shoutout—thanks Brianah!

So that Friday, after three hours of texts saying, “I think I’m going to be late … I don’t think I can come … Where are we meeting? ... I’ll be there soon …” Junior finally arrived.

Now, I’ve admitted that I am superficial. Junior was very attractive in his Tinder profile picture. When we met, I realized that his baseball hat was covering a mohawk (with a rat tail), and he had braces.

At this point, I’m thinking, this guy is three hours late plus he is rolling up with a rat tail and braces?

Are you serious? I was so annoyed not only that he was late but because I felt like I had been lied to. But honestly, the date went really well.

We ate at Limon Jungle, and he paid for all of us, which is always a plus.

Junior was just as funny and nice in person as he was in his messages, and I had a good time; my cousin on the other hand ... not so much. After a four-hour bus ride, she was really tired and blatantly said, “I want to go home now” as soon as we were done eating, even though his cousin was so nice and really tried to get to know her. Junior didn’t want to end the date so he drove us the four or so blocks back to my dorm, and I actu-

ally ended up kissing him and his braces goodnight (turns out I’m not as superficial as I thought).

Later, he texted me goodnight, and I was happy—I kind of liked this guy. I wanted to meet up with him again, because I genuinely enjoyed spending time with him, and so we planned to meet the following Friday.

Now, let me say right off the bat that I had told him that I was busy and we needed to meet up early so that we could actually spend time together. So tell me why Junior was three hours late again and was extremely pissed when I called and told him to just forget it. I had given him my address earlier that day, and he let his GPS take him to the Bronx when I had clearly told him I live in Manhattan. He had dropped me off at my dorm, which is clearly in Manhattan. Why would you let your GPS take you to the Bronx? Our last messages are him calling me a b*tch for not spending time with him after he drove for an hour and telling me to lose his number. So yeah, I definitely won’t be seeing him again.

I was a little sad that a guy I had the potential of truly liking turned out to be so rude. Or was I the rude one? Should I have just met up with him? I did feel bad he had driven all that way but come on, why are you three hours late, and why would you go to the Bronx?

Anyway, I learned my lesson and will not be meeting up with anyone who is more than an hour away.

Sorry.

Transform Your Costume Without the Cost for Halloweekend

By ALANNA KILKEARY Staff Writer

Halloween is approaching fast, and for Fordham College at Lincoln Center (FCLC) students, it’s time to break out the cobwebs and jack-olanterns in McMahon, McKeon and Lowenstein. It’s also time to start thinking about multiple costume ideas for “Halloweekend.” Consisting of various Halloween parties and events over consecutive days, Halloweekend is a prime holiday for college students across the country.

With little spending money in the college atmosphere, however, it’s important to use the cheapest resources at our disposal. To avoid any Halloweekend malfunctions, here are four accessories that can give you multiple looks over the holiday.

BANDANA

Bandanas are absolutely perfect for Halloweekend festivities. There are endless number of ways you can style them, and they can certainly transform any look. Throw on a flannel and jeans, put your hair up in a bun and wrap the bandana around your head in a triangular fashion, and you can create a super easy “Rosie the Riveter” ensemble. Bandanas can also be folded and wrapped around your head in a rectangular style, and with a little war paint and a dark green tee or camo, you can create a cool soldier or warrior look. Your wallet will be screaming for joy because you can pick up a bandana at Party City for just $2.99.

FLOWER CROWN

Another versatile accessory for Halloweekend are flower crowns.

You can find super cheap ones for $4.90 at Forever 21, or you can opt to make one on your own with some wire and fake flowers from an art store. Pop one on your head and use some face paint to continue painting the design of the flowers down onto your forehead and face to create a

beautiful goddess-like “Mother Nature” look. You can even add some cheap metallic temporary tattoos along your arms to make it even more ethereal. If you want a scarier but still feminine look— like a bohemian vampire of sorts— grab your flower crown and dip it in some red or black food coloring mixed with water. This will dye your flowers to get that perfect dead-flower vibe, and you can spice up your makeup with some fake blood at the corners of your mouth.

STAND ALONE SHIRT COLLARS

This one’s free if you are ready to chop up some of your old dress shirts.

Simply cut the collar off and use it as a neck accessory for Halloweekend this year. Pair a simple and sharp white collar with a black tank top or dress, knee highs and braids, to create a modern Wednesday Addams look.

You can do the same with a Peter Pan collar matched with a short dress and Mary Janes for a creepy doll costume.

Cut off a collar and pair it with a tie and Superman t-shirt, and you can even be a quasi-Clark Kent.

SUSPENDERS

Suspenders are probably the most versatile accessories for Halloween because you can mold them into any type of look. Get a red pair for $7.99 at Party City, match it with a yellow shirt, grab a friend who does the same, and you’ve both transformed into the whimsical Alice in Wonderland duo, Tweedle Dee & Tweedle Dum. If that’s not quite your style, grab a black pair and put them over a white shirt, add a bowtie and some glasses and create a super cute nerd look for one of your Halloweekend parties. Don’t be afraid to have even more fun with it and wrap some LED (battery operated) wire lights around your suspenders to illuminate whatever costume you choose.

Make sure to mix & match these afforable accessories for the ultimate Halloweekend wardrobe!

ALANNA KILKEARY/THE OBSERVER

A simple change in the use of your flower crown turns a bohemian vampire look into a “Mother Nature” look.

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Features

13

WORD OF MOUTH

The Juice Craze: Revitalized and Closer Than Ever ROSANNA CORRADO Staff Writer

Ok, so hear me out. I know the juicing and smoothie craze has been so overhyped and overpublicized. It has become a trendy and overpriced food accessory for the zealous health hipsters. Putting all of the negative connotations the juicing trend has aside, there is a reason the liquid meal is having its moment in the spotlight. It is easy, fast and fresh. How convenient is it that when you are hungry, but don’t have time for a meal, you can just pick up a liquid meal and be satisfied in just a few sips?! For busy students whose schedules are packed, this is the ideal meal (well this and copious amounts of junk food, but we won’t talk about that right now). If only there were such a place like this around Fordham … Enter Juice Generation, one of my favorite juice and smoothie places that has opened a new location on Eighth Ave. between 57th and 58th Streets.

Juice Generation’s menu has something to satisfy everyone. They have fresh juices made to order, cold-pressed juices, smoothies, açai bowls, raw food and vegan soups.

For me, Juice Generation is all about the juice and smoothies. The juice flavors range from vegetable to fruity. Additionally, each juice is mixed with a certain element of health in mind. Need a boost of vitamin C to start off your morning? Get the Citrus Super C ($5.25), which is a delicious and nutritious blend of grapefruit, pineapple, orange and mint, which gives the drink a fresh kick. Feeling like you need some more green veggies in your life? Juice Generation has multiple green juices on their menu that feature kale, spinach, cucumber and celery.

Fall is that time of year when we all get the sniffles or a nasty

seasonal cold. But Juice Generation has boosts to help you get your health back on track. The “Juice Farmacy” features drinks like the “Cold Buster,” ($3.95) which has Echinacea, zinc and vitamin C masked in a delicious concoction of green tea and orange juice with hints of ginger and raw agave, that adds a sweet and spicy depth of flavor. If your stomach can’t handle a full glass of juice, Juice Generation has you covered with 3 “Farmacy” shots. Some of the shots can be intimidating. I’m not going to lie, the wheat grass shot ($2.65) tastes like … grass. But the shots make you feel good on the inside afterwards.

There are numerous health benefits from drinking wheatgrass shots; liquid chlorophyll in wheatgrass is a natural healer, antibacterial and can help improve blood sugar problems.

If you are not in the mood for juices, Juice Generation has an array of smoothie options. My two personal favorites are the Red Dragon Fruit and the Joyful Almond. The Red Dragon Fruit smoothie is made of dragon fruit, mango, banana, pomegranate, raw agave and ice. Not only is this smoothie visually appealing (it is this fabulous hot pink color), it is very tasty. The mango and pomegranate help bring out the subtle sour flavor in the dragon fruit and pairs nicely with the banana, which gives the smoothie a thick texture.

The raw agave gives the drink a pleasant sweet taste that blends into the fruity base; the ice rounds the drink out and makes the smoothie a refreshing treat.

The Joyful Almond is packed with protein and is more filling than the fruit-based smoothies. I would recommend it for a pre-class boost or an on-the-go lunch option.

Almond butter and almond milk are elevated with the addition of banana, cacao nibs and raw agave.

But the secret ingredient that ties this drink together is the frozen

ROSANNA CORRADO/THE OBSERVER

The opening of Juice Generation brings the juice craze even closer to campus.

coconut milk because it adds a slight sweetness but blends into the background by enhancing the almond flavor. The cacao nibs add a hint of chocolate naughtiness and pairs perfectly with the banana.

The banana rounds out the powerful nutty flavor from the almond milk and butter. I would say this drink is a guilty pleasure, but when the ingredients are so good for you, it is easy to rationalize this one as the perfect healthy snack.

I have loved everything I tried at Juice Generation, with the exception of the Açai Bowl. The Açai Bowl is filled with a thick Açai smoothie and is topped with fruit and granola. Juice Generation

has five different Açai bowls, all of which sound delicious. I opted for the Aloha Açai ($8.45) which has the Açai smoothie base and is topped with banana, pineapple, bee pollen, almond milk and hemp granola. The banana and pineapple were delicious, but the Açai base was cloyingly sweet and need some acidity to balance out the flavor profile. The bee pollen added to the overly sweet taste and left an unpleasant aftertaste. While the hemp granola added textural contrast and was delicious, I don’t think there was enough of it in the bowl to hide the super sweet Açai smoothie base.

However, I know a ton of people who love the Açai bowls from Juice

Generation, so I recommend you order one and see for yourself. Let me know what you think.

So what are you waiting for?

Everyone needs a snack sometime in the day! Go to Juice Generation and try one of their delicious juices or smoothies for some energy onthe-run.

IF YOU GO

Juice Generation Price: $$ Where: 979 8th Ave, New York, 10019

Crafting the Perfect Dorm Room: What Makes It Like Home?

By SHAHEEN TOKHI Contributing Writer

College dorms. They’re small, cramped and probably not as big as your room back home, but face it: this is your life now. Since you’re living in Manhattan, chances are all your future real estate will feel like a glorified shoe box in comparison to your childhood bedroom. Why not make the best of it? Take this opportunity to explore your personal style and test your creative genius.

Making a fun and functional space out of your dorm room isn’t as impossible as it might seem. In fact, there are some Fordham College at Lincoln Center (FCLC) students who have seriously tricked out their personal dorm space.

“I just took all my favorite things that I had or that people had given me, and I brought it to college. I like to think of it as a bohemian Mexican love garden,” Savannah Sturgeon, FCLC ’16 and McKeon Hall resident, said Sturgeon claims that her warmly lit dorm room just fell together.

“Don’t try too hard. Just stick to what you like, don’t try to have someone else’s style.” Sturgeon definitely has a style all her own, with walls draped in bohemian inspired tapestries, her chairs covered with Mexican blankets and a string of peace symbol lights filled the room with warmth.

Her record player sat on a chest in the corner next to her guitar on her multicolored rug. “I wanted to create a warm and inviting space for friends and myself. I love having people over.” She talked about how most of the things were knickknacks, gifts or

things she just had lying around at home. What’s her quick fix recomendation for adding some life to your dorm? “Add tapestries! I made one of mine a curtain and the other one brightens up that plain white wall.”

Sturgeon stressed the importance of keeping a small space clean and not getting fixated on everything matching perfectly.

A calm environment is important for Joe Riley, FCLC ‘16 and a McKeon Hall resident. “I value having somewhere that I can unwind and relax, which helps me keep focused,” Riley said. Riley’s room is set up like a mini studio. His bed and fridge are separated from the rest of the room by two large green curtains. “I’m from Seattle, so I like a lot of green. It’s my way of bringing the west coast to the east coast.” Riley has small plants on his desk, a green rug to match his curtains and a poster of Seattle neighborhoods drawn in green ink.

Riley raved about his view of New York City and how it inspires him as an urban studies major. “I think having a lot of seating and having something that’s colorful and comfortable is important. My [inflatable] couch also doubles as a queen-sized bed. If I have guests stay over and just draw the curtains, they have their own space, and I still have mine.” The couch and view are easily his favorite parts of his room, but Riley warned not to underestimate the power of good lighting and considers it an essential to creating a relaxing space.

Riley acknowledges that his couch was a big investment but believes it could save a lot of money for visiting family and friends. Otherwise, most

JESSICA HANLEY/ THE OBSERVER

Savannah Sturgeon is at peace in her dorm room in McKeon Hall.

of his dorm room essentials were inexpensive finds at Ikea.

“As you can see, it’s very colorful,” Jasmine Chacko FCLC ’16, McKeon Hall resident, said. “I didn’t want it to be just white walls because I love color. Everything is really comfortable in my room. I love coming back to my room.” Chacko’s wall is covered in a colorful tapestry. Her bed is pushed up against a wide window and swathed in mounds of fluffy blankets. She has colorful round, seating cushions littering her rug.

“This was all impromptu. I would just see something and like it. It just happened to all end up matching. It’s all statement pieces that don’t really match, but it ended up coming together.” Chacko recommended col-

orful pieces that help brighten up a room, but most importantly, Chacko said to fill your room with things that bring you comfort.

“I wanted my room to be a place that felt calm because the city is so busy. I’m not a very calm person, but I wanted my room to be a getaway from the city,” Hannah Newman, FCLC ’16 and McMahon Hall resident said. Newman is a dancer who doesn’t get to spend very much time in her room but still wanted to make it a relaxing space for herself.

Her room is covered in soft green hues and wall decal in the shapes of birds and flowers. Newman is an advocate for homemade dorm decorations. “I think inexpensive throw pillows and walls filled with artwork

are important. If you have artistic friends, ask them to draw you something, even just posters help, or try to make something over the summer as a fun project.” Along with the many drawing and paintings on her walls, Newman made wall art out of an old floorboard from her home; it has her favorite bible verse written on it.

Having a cool dorm room is all about personal touch, remembering what you love and getting creative with what you’ve already got. Don’t be afraid to make your space your own, and don’t stop yourself from thinking outside of the box. The best dorm rooms aren’t perfectly planned out. The best dorms are a true reflection of who you are and what you love.

Sports

Sports Editor Dylan Penza - dpenza@fordham.edu

October 23, 2014 THE OBSERVER

LAUREN MACDONALD/THE OBSERVER

Hours of practice and dedication have made this year’s basketball team poised and ready to chase an NCAA tournament berth.

New Expectations for Fordham Men’s Basketball

By JUSTIN SANCHEZ Contributing Writer

Across the nation, college basketball programs are diligently working to prepare for their “chance to dance” during March Madness.

In the Bronx, Coach Tom Pecora and the Fordham Rams are simply yearning for the opportunity to prove that they indeed can play with perennial powerhouses within NCAA basketball.

It has been seven seasons since Fordham has finished with a winning record and 22 seasons since the Rams have reached the NCAA tournament. However, this lack of success is not to be taken as a reflection of this year’s team.

Pecora is now entering his fifth season as the leader of Fordham Men’s Basketball program. His job has been a steady uphill battle as he was given the position after a season in which the Rams won only two games during the entire season.

Pecora strongly believes that this year will finally mark the beginning of what he has been trying to build: “not just a winning year, but a program with long term success.”

After five years, Pecora is now confident that he has “adjusted the personnel and moved the talent level to where it needs to be.” Last year, he recruited not only one of the strongest recruiting classes in Fordham history but also one of the top Atlantic-10 recruiting classes in

general. This year, Pecora adds even more talent and depth to this upand-coming Fordham Rams squad.

The 2014-15 Rams return a number of key players. Guard Jon Severe, Fordham College Rose Hill (FCRH) ’17, who set a freshman record with 536 points and averaged 17.3 points per game last year, is joined by guard, Mandell Thomas, FCRH ’16, who lead the team with 45 steals and averaged 11.9 points per game. The back court also returns guard, Bryan Smith, FCRH ’15, who averaged 7.3 points per game and 4.3 rebounds per game.

Center Ryan Canty, FCRH ’15, looks to build on his successful junior season in which he finished second on the team in rebounding

and grabbed 19 rebounds during a massive win against the George Mason Patriots in the A-10 Tournament at the Barclays Center. The front court also sees the return of forward Ryan Rhoomes, FCRH ’16, who led the team with 6.9 rebounds per game and 28 blocks as well as adding 6.3 points per game.

The Rams welcome five true freshmen: Nemanja Zarkovic, FCRH ’18, Zaire Thompson, FCRH ’18, Eric Paschall, FCRH ’18, Christian Sengfelder, FCRH ’18, and Dekeba Battee-Aston, FCRH ’18.

Guards Zarkovic and Thompson are welcome additions to the Rams’ back court which is in desperate need of a true pass first point guard.

Paschall and Sengfelder are versa-

tile forwards that are expected to wear down opponents all over the court. Not to mention, the Rams are excited to showcase last year’s redshirt freshmen, forward Manny Suarez, FCRH ’18 and guard Antwoine Anderson, FCRH ’18.

Despite the young team, Pecora is both excited and poised to bring success to Rose Hill. Speaking of team leaders, Pecora said, “Look at our seniors Bryan Smith and Ryan Canty. Don’t forget to keep an eye out for [Jon] Severe and [Christian] Sengfelder though.”

These Rams are hungry to prove their worth. Fordham opens their season against NYIT on Nov. 14 at 8 p.m. in the Rose Hill Gym.

A Geno Smith Benching Would Not Fix the Jets Smith is not the reason for the New York Jets’ struggles.

By THOMAS O’CALLAGHAN Staff Writer

There are many, many problems surrounding the New York Jets, but their starting quarterback Geno Smith’s performance is neither the biggest nor most pressing issue.

Keep in mind that Smith is still only a second-year player, and he requires further development. This period of mediocrity is exactly what Smith needs to get the tools and experience to become a solid NFL quarterback.

The Jets must first assemble a team around their young prospect before they can be expected to seriously compete in the their division.

Part of Smith’s problem is the fact that he has no receiving targets.

The free-agent signee Eric Decker was supposed to be the answer to these receiver woes, but he has been the victim of nagging hamstring issues. This lack of receivers would go a long way toward explaining why the Jets’ passing attack is ranked 32 in the league. Regarding the passing offense, the biggest criticism of Smith has been the number of turnovers he has committed. Through

the first seven games of the season, Smith has completed seven touchdowns, as compared to seven interceptions and six fumbles. However, perhaps there is light at the end of the tunnel as Geno threw for a touchdown with no interceptions in

Keep in mind that Geno Smith is still only a second-year player, and he still requires further development on the Jets. the Jets’ narrow 27-25 loss to the rival New England Patriots on Oct. 16.

Even more hope comes in the form of the team trading for electric wide receiver Percy Harvin.

Under defensive-minded Head Coach Rex Ryan, the Jets’ offensive scheme is partially to blame for the Smith’s struggles. In regards to their red zone offense, the team has ranked in the cellar of the NFL for

the last few years in total scoring and percentage. This was exemplified during the game against Patriots on Thursday Night Football, when the Jets’ offense converted just two red zone touchdowns compared to four field goals in the loss.

For Smith to reach the next level, he needs to run the ball more. He has the ability to scramble and get out of the pocket, and he is forced to because the Jets’ Offensive Line is offensively bad. Smith is ranked 56th in rushing yards in the NFL and fourth among quarterbacks.

Smith has 139 yards in 34 attempts, but he needs to run more because of the team’s putrid passing offense.

The team is significantly better in the running department; they are ranked eighth in the league.

Smith is still very much a work in progress, but he should continue to quarterback the Jets. Michael Vick is not the answer because the problems of the offense go beyond quarterback. Until more time is spent building an efficient passing attack to complement the running offense, Smith is the least of the Jets’ problems.

PHOTO COURTESY OF DOUG KAPUSTIN VIA TNS

Geno Smith needs time to develop and a stronger team, not a benching.

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Sports

15

Why Michael Vick Should Start for the Jets

By DAN FERRARA Staff Writer

Even when Geno Smith plays his cleanest, most encouraging game of the season, it still isn’t good enough to get a win.

After a 10-yard touchdown pass to tightend Jeff Cumberland, the New York Jets pulled within two points of the New England Patriots with 2 minutes 30 seconds left to play during the Oct. 16 game featuring the two rival teams. Down 27 to 25, the Jets went for the two-point conversion, only to see Smith recklessly sail a pass over tight end Jace Amaro’s head. That’s the story of the Jets’ season: close, but not close enough.

After their heartbreaking loss to the Patriots, the Jets fell to one and six, and all but declared their 2014 season over. They are four games behind New England in the division, and even though the really difficult part of their schedule is over, the chances of them winning a wild card are extremely slim.

The only option for Head Coach Rex Ryan is to pull Smith and start Michael Vick on Oct. 26 against the Buffalo Bills.

In all honesty, it’s unclear if next year’s starting quarterback is currently on the roster, but it’s virtually impossible for Vick to be as bad as Smith. If the Jets make the switch at quarterback, the worst case scenario is that they lose a lot more games and get a high draft pick where they should seriously consider selecting a quarterback. The best case scenario is that Vick comes in after having a week and a half of practice with the first-team offense and sparks the team to some victories. Maybe he can even make the Jets a watch-

PHOTO COURTESY OF RON CORTES/PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER VIA TNS

In order to salvage their season and subsequently save Rex Ryan’s job, the Jets must pull the plug on Geno Smith and bring in veteran quarterback Michael Vick.

able team or do the impossible and save Ryan’s job.

The Jets can’t worry about how Smith will handle being benched either. He’s a grown man, and if he wants to pout about it, he doesn’t belong in the NFL anyway. They can’t coddle him the way they did

former quarterback Mark Sanchez because that ultimately enables an environment of complacency, and the Jets sorely need Smith to get better. Maybe a benching will light a fire under him.

Smith can blame anything he wants on the Jets one and six start.

He can point to their brutal schedule or the media, but he really should be pointing the finger at himself. After all, the team he plays for just lost a crucial game in which they rushed for 218 yards and doubled the Patriots’ time of possession. You can’t set up your quarterback better for

a victory, so if he can’t get the job done, the job shouldn’t be his anymore.

Vick might not be the Jets’ savior, but he’s worth a shot. Things really can’t get worse for Gang Green, but the team could make a change and possibly save their season.

Better Luck Next Year? How Bad Teams Affect Their Fans

By DYLAN PENZA Sports Editor

Every April, I convince myself that the New York Mets might actually be worth rooting for. I understand that a successful season is theoretically possible, but deep down, I know the most likely outcome will be another below mediocre summer for my favorite baseball team. Why would we Mets fans, or other long-suffering fan bases like those of the Cleveland Browns and Washington Wizards, continue to believe in these franchises? We recognize that every season will bring us, at best, fleeting joy that our team exceeded our low expectations, or at worst aggravation and unhappiness. Yet, we’re still packing the stadiums, buying t-shirts and tuning in to watch these teams fail on a regular basis. It makes one wonder whether or not rooting for a disappointing team produces some sort of psychological or emotional burden for a devotee.

There’s no definitive or concrete reason why sports fans convince themselves to stay loyal to their respective franchises. However, psychology majors James Vicari Jr., Joanna Rizzo and Michelle Williamson, all Fordham College at Lincoln Center (FCLC)’16 have developed some theories as to what causes emotional attachment to a sports team and why that bond is difficult to break. Jimmy believes that because many people have their first experience with sports as a result of a loved one, an emotional bond is what habituates fandom as opposed to simply rooting for the team’s success.

He said, “It’s more of a family thing than caring about the team’s success kind of thing. Your dad brought you to a Mets game when you were a kid and that’s why you support the team.

The team is bad, but who cares, the family is there watching.”

LAUREN MACDONALD/THE OBSERVER

Citi Field may house countless New York Mets’ losses, but it is also represents community for devoted fans.

However, most 19-year-olds don’t base every opinion on the beliefs of their parents, so there must be some sort of other connection or

relationship other fans and I form from the team that keep us involved despite win loss records. According to Rizzo, that connection is a sense

of community one feels part of when they root for a sports team. “You have a built in connection with others in your environment. If you live

in San Francisco and you root for the Giants, you have a connection with those around you. It’s basically social support.”

Vicari and Rizzo may have accurately deduced a reason why someone may have begun and continues to root for a bad team. However, it is difficult to assess whether or not the act of cheering for, and to an extent believing in a perpetually miseryinducing team would affect your brain.

Rizzo believes that the stress of watching your favorite team lose most likely will not induce any sort of significant mental harm. “It’s a stresser that’s on the spectrum, but it won’t cause something like symptoms of depression.” However, that is under the circumstances of an American sports fan watching a game purely for it’s enjoyment.

Williamson said that how you react to your team losing has a cultural base, saying that “Our stress is not like the stress for other countries when our teams lose. We Americans like sports, but we don’t obsess over sports the way other countries do. Look at the way Brazilian soccer fans reacted after their loss in the World Cup.” refering to the riots in Rio after Brazil’s loss. Vicari also mentioned that someone having “external things like betting on a game” could lead to higher stress.

All three of the students have come to the conclusion that a team’s losses do not have a significant impact on one’s mental health under normal circumstances. Rizzo summed it up by saying “The more you identify with your local sports team, the more likely to be mentally healthy you are to be.” So cheer up Mets, Jets and Islanders fans! Nothing is biologically wrong with us cheering on our favorite teams, and the communities we foster as a fanbase harbor way more significance than if teams win.

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Sports

October 23, 2014 THE OBSERVER

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