Volume 95, Issue 16

The Fordham Ram Serving The Fordham University Community Since 1918 Volume 95, Issue 16

FordhamRam.com F dh R

October O b 99, 2013

Amid Budgetary Fordham Cracks Top 10 in Polls, Defeats Lehigh Peer Eds Channels Woes, Fordham Mission through Reshuffles Funds Poster Campaign

By KELLY KULTYS

By ANISA ARSENAULT

NEWS EDITOR

STAFF WRITER

After the fiscal crisis that occurred last January, Fordham has had to close a serious budget shortfall. This was caused in large part by unexpected under enrollment, university officials said Monday afternoon.

Despite recent budgetary shortfalls, the administration still believes that they can balance the budget for the upcoming fiscal year 2015. They admitted that this caused them to change their forecasting for the future, since Fordham faces financial challenges in the coming few years.

“Eight out of 10 schools failed to achieve budgeted tuition and fee revenue,” said John Lordan, senior vice president and chief financial officer, at a planning and budgeting meeting Monday afternoon. “It’s rare that so many [schools] went in a single direction.”

According to Lordan, only the Gabelli School of Business (GSB) and the Graduate School of Business Administration met and exceeded their projected goals for enrollment.

Almost 94 percent of Fordham revenue comes directly from student tuition and fees, according to the Board of Trustees’ Financial Plan for fiscal years 2014-2018. This number, because of its size, largely impacts how the university forecasts its budgets for its five-year plans, especially if the projected numbers, such as expected number of students to enroll, does not meet expectations.

This mismatch between projections and actual numbers is exactly what caused the budget shortfall in fiscal year 2013.

The gap created a $5.2 million debt during fiscal 2013 which typically runs from April 2012 until March 2013, which caused the university to dip into its provisional fund, or allotted money for capital investment, of $6.7 million. That money was scheduled to be invested in capital projects, such as building renovations. Instead, in fiscal 2013, it was used to offset the debt and only the leftover money could be invested.

down.

As a result, Nebrich raked in several weekly awards. He was named Patriot League Offensive Player of the Week for the third time this season. He was also named National Performer and National Quarterback of the Week by the College Football Performance Awards, in addition to earning National Co-Offensive Player of the Week honors from The Sports Network.

Awareness can enhance student safety. The issue is black and white.

That is the point Peer Educators is trying to make in its newest poster campaign.

The posters, displayed across campus, offer direct admonitions to promote smart behavior outside of Fordham’s gates.

“We decided to take a very direct approach and simplify it to being just black and white,” Peer Educators President David Schwartz, GSB ’14, said. “You have to be familiar with your surroundings and not do anything that necessarily draws attention to yourself when in the Belmont community, especially in the evenings.”

A string of security alerts sparked the campaign.

“I would say that the big catalyst for it was the weekend when we received three security alerts in 48 hours, about the ‘apple picking,’— the iPhone thefts,” Schwartz said.

SEE FOOTBALL, PAGE 20

SEE POSTERS, PAGE 4

SEE BUDGET, PAGE 2

in this issue

OpinionPage 7 American Politics Pose Questions about Gender, Race

Arts

Page 9

Mimes’ Legally Blonde Showcases Fresh and Veteran Talent Alike

Sports

Page 20

Men’s Soccer Breaks FiveGame Losing Streak with Win over Manhattan

DREW DIPANE/THE RAM

Carlton Koonce’s 20-yard touchdown run proved to be a pivotal play in Fordham’s 52-34 victory over No. 10 Lehigh.

By DAN GARTLAND EXECUTIVE SPORTS EDITOR

Between the standing-roomonly crowd and the national TV audience, the Fordham football team attracted plenty of attention on Saturday afternoon.

After a convincing victory over 10th-ranked Lehigh, the Rams moved into the top 10 themselves.

Fordham’s offense simply cannot be stopped. The Rams tore up Lehigh to the tune of 52 points

and 630 total yards in Saturday afternoon’s 52-34 victory.

“We got beat handily today by a very good football team,” Lehigh head coach Andy Coen said.

Redshirt sophomore quarterback Michael Nebrich continued to play like one of the top quarterbacks in the country, completing 26 of 36 passes for 384 yards (a career-high and the 10th-most in school history), with four touchdowns. He also had 56 rushing yards on 13 carries with a touch-

Family Weekend Features Students On the Field and the Stage

By GIRISH SWAMINATH ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR

Family Weekend, held from Oct. 4 to Oct. 6, united the families of the Fordham community from across the country.

The university hosted various events throughout the course of the weekend, including a show by comedian-magician Michael Kent, the Mimes and Mummers’ performance of Legally Blonde and “Maroon Mainstage,” a showcase of Fordham’s numerous performing arts groups.

Families also attended a football game against Lehigh University, in which Fordham defeated Lehigh 52-34.

Parents had the opportunity to participate in an undergraduate classroom experience, while siblings took part in a sleepover program.

During the latter, siblings had a chance to create their own ice cream sundaes and teddy bears, watch cartoons and even go on a haunted tour of the Rose Hill campus.

“It was so great having our family together again and seeing the other families together enjoying the beautiful weather and the amazing win by the undefeated Fordham football team,” Kelly Bennett, sister of Caitlin Bennett, FCRH ’14, said.

The Campus Activities Board (CAB), along with the Office of Student Leadership and Community Development, worked to ensure that the logistics of the Family Weekend events ran smoothly.

MICHAEL REZIN/THE RAM

CAB’s Family Weekend 2013, which featured performances, football and other activities has been called “a great success.”

According to a letter written by CAB representatives to the Fordham community on the Fordham website, “[Family Weekend] provides the chance for students' relatives to experience Fordham University firsthand and to interact with faculty, administrators, students and other Fordham parents.

[Families] will also have time to explore a neighborhood that is rich with diversity and that Fordham students have come to love.”

“On behalf of the Office of Student Life and Community Development and the Campus Activities Board, we were thrilled with how all of the events went,” Colleen Biemer, FCRH ‘16, special events co-chairperson for CAB, said.

“Family Weekend 2013 was a great

success and we are very excited to plan our next event!”

In addition to the Family Weekend events, the Gabelli School of Business (GSB) and Fordham College Rose Hill (FCRH) Dean’s List ceremonies took place on Oct. 4 and Oct. 6, respectively, to recognize students’ academic achievements.

“The Dean’s List ceremony furnishes the college with a welcome opportunity to celebrate the achievements of some of our best students in the company of their families and friends,” William Gould, assistant dean for juniors at Fordham College Rose Hill, said.

Gould enjoyed the fact that the Dean’s List ceremony coincided with the end of Family Weekend.

“It also gives us and our students a chance to congratulate and thank their parents for all their support over the years,” Gould said. “This is why we moved the ceremony, which was traditionally held the first Sunday of November, to Family Weekend. I think it was a good decision.”

Students definitely enjoyed the ceremony and felt that holding it during Family Weekend was a fantastic idea. “[The Dean’s List ceremony] was a great way to recognize the students’ hard work and efforts,” Alison Silverman, FCRH ’14, said.

“By holding the event during Family Weekend, the university made it easier for parents to attend and share in the celebration.”

NEWS

Page 2

SECURITY BRIEFS Oct. 1 Eddie’s Parade 6 a.m.

A crew team member left his drawstring bag unattended on the sidewalk across from Dealy Hall while he ran around Eddie’s several times.

When he returned several minutes later, the bag was gone. It contained the student’s BlackBerry, debit card, room keys, Fordham ID and $85 in cash.

Oct. 2 Campbell Hall, Tower 1 11:20 a.m.

A male student was heating a sausage mcmuffin in his dorm microwave when it exploded, filling his room and the hallway with smoke and setting off the smoke alarm. The building was evacuated, FDNY responded and there was no damage or injury.

Oct. 2 Houlihan Park 9 p.m.

A Fordham student observed a man jump the fence on Southern Boulevard and enter campus. The student immediately called security, and soon after, security detained a non-Fordham student in Coffey Field and took him into custody. NYPD arrested the man, charging him with criminal trespassing.

Oct. 4 Between Sept. 28 and Oct. 1 Finlay Hall On Sept. 28 a male Finlay resident put two loads of laundry into a washing machine, and then left them there until Oct. 1. When he returned to collect the clothes, the student was surprised to find that the clothes were completely missing. He did not report the incident until Oct. 4. Security is currently investigating the situation.

Oct. 4 1:25 a.m.

188 St. and Arthur Ave. A female student was walking alone when three men approached her late Friday night. One of them grabbed the student by the arm, she screamed and they all fled. NYPD responded, and are still investigating the incident.

Oct. 5 Between Noon and 4 p.m.

Coffey Field A male student working at the football game placed his black North Face backpack under a table, and returned after the game to find it missing. Security is investigating the case.

—Complied by Katie Meyer, Assistant News Editor

October 9, 2013

Money Reallocated to Compensate for Lack of Funding FROM BUDGET, PAGE 1

Despite the fact that the projected enrollment numbers did not meet expectations, revenue as a whole was still higher than revenue from 2012, mainly due to the rise in tuition price, according to Lordan.

Back in 2007, Fordham raised tuition by eight percent for the school year. But since 2010, tuition increase has slowed to under five percent per year, holding steady at 4.5 percent for fiscal years 2012, 2013 and 2014.

This does not, however, seem to be generating enough funds for the university as, according to the Board of Trustees’ Financial Plan, “the revenue problem only gets worse in fiscal 2014 and beyond.”

Lordan and his staff predict the university will only be able to raise tuition somewhere between three and four percent for the 2015 fiscal year, which might add to the university’s fiscal woes. Each one percent increase in tuition generates about $3 million in revenue, Lordan said. If the university only raises tuition three percent, instead of 4.5 percent of late, it would give them about $4.5 million less in revenue than the year prior.

The Trustees warn that if tuition does not grow fast enough, programs could be affected as “any further constraints on undergraduate tuition rates would cost the university dearly,” the financial plan reads. “Each decrease…could cause significant disruption of academic programs, particularly if the reductions lasted for several years,” as per the plan.

University officials seem to realize they cannot continue to hike up prices as they did in the past, especially since, according to the financial plan, “the nation’s long economic downturn and the decline in the value of family assets combined with intense political pressure and harsh public criticism of universities, have made future increases at those levels unlikely.”

Simultaneously, because of tuition costs and the state of the economy, more and more students are turning to financial aid. At this time, according to Lordan, between undergrads and grad students, nearly 44 percent of Fordham’s graduate and undergraduate students need to receive some kind of financial aid package to attend the university.

Administrators say the increased need for financial aid is also stretching the university’s resources. Lordan said the university needs “to keep [financial aid] from going much beyond 44 percent. We’re dangerously close to the 50 percent level.”

Financial pressure on the university is also increasing because of some

ELIZABETH ZANGHI/THE RAM

The university’s goal for the upcoming fiscal year is to balance the budget, which may mean cutbacks in different areas.

big-budget projects that have been scheduled to hit the books over the next few years.

For example, the university recently “financed its biggest construction project ever, a $250 million Law School building,” according to the financial plan. The university was able to offset some of the cost by selling a parcel of land at Lincoln Center for $75 million. The goal of this new undergraduate residence hall and Law School at Lincoln Center is to attract students to that campus, thereby increasing long-term revenue.

At the same time, some of the remaining costs from the Lincoln Center construction and other projects need to be paid off soon, according to Lordan.

That is why the financial plan says “undergraduate tuition and room revenue at Lincoln Center begins to increase in 2015 as the new Law Building opens.”

Fordham Law School underenrollment has been one of the largest contributors to the university’s recent revenue shortcomings.

The Law School and Fordham’s other graduate and professional schools are expecting falling enrollment, according to the financial plan, while enrollment at all the undergraduate levels will remain constant.

The Law school has reduced its expected matriculation levels by 10-15 percent in hopes that it will still attract quality students to maintain its current reputation.

At Monday’s budget discussion, Lordan also discussed growing university expenses, the largest portion of which is devoted to faculty salaries and benefits. According to the financial plan, over $300 million is devoted to salaries, wages and fringe benefits for the faculty and staff in the 2014 budget.

Lordan said that according to his staff ’s calculations, faculty salaries at Fordham are located within the 90th

percentile of universities and colleges.

According to the financial plan, Fordham also has a higher fringe benefit rate, which includes factors such as health insurance coverage.

These, according to Lordan, help Fordham acquire and retain the highest quality faculty and staff, especially in comparison to peer and aspirant schools such as Columbia and NYU. However, Lordan did mention that these expenses could go up by approximately $1 million when all facets of the Affordable Care Act take effect, within the coming year. This is reflected in the financial plan, which asserts that faculty is paying too small a share of their benefits: “The 2014 budget reflects an equalizing of employees’ share of health insurance premiums. This would return faculty, who currently pay less than seven percent, to the 15 percent share agreed to in 1996 and paid by administrators since that time.” This has been an ongoing discussion between the faculty and the administration.

Lordan and Frank Simio, vice president of finance, cite additional taxes and more required funding for employees as reasons why the university could have to spend more.

Despite all these serious financial issues, administrators say they are optimistic about the future. The university is continuing capital projects including the renovation of Loyola Hall, a new campus center in place of McGinley, a new recreational center and science building at the Rose Hill campus as well as continuing to add to their master plan of Lincoln Center’s growth.

Some professors in attendance, however, did not agree with the university’s path.

“This budget is more for buildings than for people,” Henry Schwalbenberg, Ph.D, associate professor of international political economy and development, said.

Lordan responded by saying the

university constantly faces a tradeoff between investing in the future with capital projects it hopes will attract students and satisfying current university members.

Schwalbenberg also brought up the issue of faculty salaries, claiming that newly hired assistant professors make almost the same amount as associate professors.

This issue of benefits and salaries has not been officially worked out for fiscal year 2015. The salary increase for faculty and staff is still to be determined. Once those figures are set, the university can continue to finalize its expenses for next year.

In previous years, especially last year, however, many of the colleges within the university have had to reallocate their funds to help offset expenses and shortfalls.

According to the financial plan, the allocation rules shifted millions of dollars of costs and revenue among of all of Fordham’s colleges.

The schools that received the most funding from this reallocation include Law, Graduate Arts and Sciences and Graduate Business. On the other side, Fordham College at Rose Hill, the Gabelli School of Business and the School of Professional and Continuing Studies, lost money during the reallocation process.

“This dependence on revenue from undergraduate operations, Graduate Business and Summer programs, poses serious risks to the university during this planning period,” the plan states.

As of now, however, the preliminary budget for 2014 is balanced, according to the data in the Board of Trustees Financial Plan. The University expects to bring in around $504.8 million in revenue and plans to spend about $504.7 million, which brings the books back into balance without dipping into the reserve funds, which as stated was one of the dilemmas this past fiscal year.

This Week at Fordham Thursday Oct. 10 Screening of Voices of Abasiyazzi Keating 1st 5:30 p.m.

PRIDE Alliance and the Office of Multicultural Affairs presents Voices of Abasiyazzi, a film project that gives an intimate look into the lives of LGBT people living in Uganda. Food will be served.

Wednesday Oct. 16

Thursday Oct. 10 Pumpkins and Pies McGinley Lawn, 6:30 p.m.

Technology Innovation and StartUps in the Bronx Hughes Hall, C04A-B 8:30 a.m.

Thursday-Sunday Oct. 17-20 A Boat on the Shore

Ram Town 2013

Black Box Theater 8 p.m.

Rose Hill Gym 10 p.m.

Fordham Experimental Theater’s first slot show of the semester premiers next Thursday in the Black Box At the second annual summit, stuTheater. In a departure from F.E.T.’s dents will be able to meet with indususual material, the play is a drama. It try professionals to discuss starting focuses on the relationship between and supporting small business activitwo brothers who are forced to live ties, as well as digital information and together. communication technology.

For more campus events, visit FordhamRam.com

Just in time for Halloween, the Commuting Students Association (CSA) will be hosting a day of fall activities and treats. Students can compete in a pumpkin ring toss and beanbag toss, have some apple cider and pie and decorate their own pumpkins.

Friday Oct. 18

Fordham Athletics will be celebrating the start of the basketball season with free food, games, free t-shirts and prizes. Students can win a flat screen TV, iPad, Beats

by Dre or even a free vacation.

Doors open at 8:45.

NEWS

October 9, 2013

Page 3

FORDHAM IN THE BRONX

Family Days Take Place in the Bronx, But Family Nights are Spent in Westchester

By JEFFREY COLTIN BRONX CORRESPONDENT

The Bronx Park Motel brings to mind every gritty roadside motel you have ever seen in a movie. It could be the motel where Tony Montana makes his first kill in Scarface, or it could be the motel where Leonard tries to solve a murder in Memento.

The attributes that make motels like these so attractive to Hollywood — marginality, squalor, anonymity — are the exact same attributes that make the Bronx Park Motel entirely unattractive to Fordham parents.

Oct. 4-6 was Fordham Family Weekend, a yearly tradition where Fordham students host their parents at Rose Hill. While the days may be spent on campus, the nights are spent in other places.

Instead of the Bronx Park Motel, a convenient three-minute walk from campus, Fordham families come from across the country to stay the night in the hotel rooms of Westchester County. It is such a busy weekend, a hotel room in the closer suburbs can be hard to find.

“All the hotels were booked in Yonkers,” said Patty Zanghi, mother of Elizabeth Zanghi, FCRH ’15, photo editor for The Ram. “We had to go to White Plains. I made reservations early on and still had a difficult time. It hasn’t been easy for sure.”

Many shared the sentiment this weekend. With no vacancy in Yonkers, Rose Hill parents were forced to look beyond, staying in White Plains or Rye. Such has become standard for parents visiting the Bronx.

Those who head to Fordham’s website to find a place to stay nearby are given a list of six hotels, all in Westchester County.

Two are in Yonkers, but the others are in White Plains or Tarrytown near the Tappan Zee Bridge.

Those are more than a 20-minute drive from Rose Hill — and that is without traffic.

Why these six hotels? Some are a fair distance from the Bronx,

JEFFREY COLTIN/THE RAM

The lack of hotels located within close proximity to the Rose Hill campus makes it difficult for families to visit campus.

and there are many fine hotels still in Westchester County that are closer to Rose Hill. CAB’s Special Events Committee that organizes the weekend says it simply links to Fordham’s online hotel list. A request for further comment on the list from OSLCD went unanswered. Fordham Admission provides an almost identical list to prospective students.

Director of Undergraduate Admission Patricia Peek did not explain who chose the hotels on the list, but said most prospective students and their families are fine with staying in Westchester County or Manhattan.

“Westchester options are reasonably convenient,” Peek said, “and our complimentary parking on campus makes the drive to Rose Hill quite easy for prospective families.”

The Admission Office provides another hotel list for Manhattan lodgings. Most are near Lincoln Center or Grand Central Terminal to take advantage of the Ram Van and Metro-North, respectively. But of the 31 area hotels pro-

vided on Fordham’s website, not one is in the Bronx.

The Bronx is short on hotels, but it is not completely devoid of them. There are a number of lodgings in the borough that have decent ratings on Tripadvisor.

Most do not have the size or luxury that you would find in Tarrytown, but they’re all significantly closer to Rose Hill than the hotels in Westchester, subway accessible, and — most importantly — actually within the urban setting of the Bronx that Fordham students encounter almost every day.

Among these is the Howard Johnson Express Inn. It is just south of the Bronx Zoo and a mere six-minute drive from Rose Hill. Other well-reviewed hotels are the Ramada Bronx, 13 minutes away near Co-Op City, and the Days Inn Yankee Stadium, 10 blocks from the stadium and a 12-minute drive to Rose Hill.

The new crown jewel of the Bronx hotel scene, however, is the Opera House Hotel. It opened in August in the old Bronx Opera

House near 149th St. and 3rd Ave. It is the borough’s first luxury hotel, and the reviews online are positively glowing. It is a 13-minute drive to Rose Hill’s main gate.

Elizabeth Feibusch, mother of, Phil Feibusch, FCRH ’17, is the only Fordham parent surveyed who had stayed in the Bronx.

Feibusch and her son stayed at the Rodeway Inn Bronx Zoo when they came to Rose Hill for orientation.

Located just up Webster Ave, it’s an easily walkable three-minute drive from campus.

“Good accommodations,” the family said. The room was small, but “it’s across from the police station, you feel safe.”

For family weekend, however, the Feibusch family chose just to drive in from home, about an hour away.

Others did the same, citing a lack of suitable hotels very close to campus. Families surveyed spent the night in their homes in Connecticut, Long Island’s Suffolk County and upstate Orange County. They seemed to agree

that getting a hotel was not worth the price if they were going to have to drive to Rose Hill anyway.

Hotel options within walking distance to campus do not fit the standards of most Fordham parents.

There is the aforementioned Bronx Park Motel, at the corner of Crotona and Fordham Rd. Online reviewers call it “very nasty” and say it “stinks like booty.” There’s the Jet Set Hotel on 3rd Ave., two blocks away from Arthur Ave. Reviews are slightly better, but almost all refer to it as a place to “get busy for a couple hours.”

Down on 184th and Grand Concourse sits the Concourse Residential, which an anonymous reviewer described as “that’s disgusting is for homeless and drugs people [sic].”

Fordham parents do not seem to have an aversion to staying in the Bronx.

Almost every single Fordham parent surveyed said they would stay closer to Rose Hill if there were nicer lodgings.

However, few actively looked for rooms in the Bronx.

Dawn Rooke, mother of Jon Rooke, FCRH ’15, actually knew about the Opera House Hotel, but did not look into it, assuming it would be booked.

She and husband Brian Rooke stayed at a hotel in Rye instead.

But Brian is not settling for Westchester.

“We’re hopeful that some enterprising, entrepreneurial Fordham grad will open up a nice, franchise hotel in the Bronx in the near future,” he said.

If such a place were built, there is no telling whether Fordham families would support it or continue flocking in from Westchester.

At least one Fordham parent, however, was excited for the idea of a nicer hotel near Rose Hill.

“If there were such a hotel,” Lisa Cacace, mother of CJ Cacace, GSB ’15, said. “We would have definitely had a party. We would have had everybody come over. Absolutely!”

New York City Comptroller: 100,000 Bronxites Eligible for Obamacare

By KRIS VENEZIA STAFF WRITER

The United States federal government may have shut down, but that did not stop the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, more commonly referred to as Obamacare, from going into effect on Oct. 1.

The Act has a wide range of regulations built in, including calorie counts on menus for chain restaurants, but the most contentious part of the initiative is the mandated health care coverage for Americans through private subsidized insurance or governmentprovided Medicaid.

President Barack Obama strongly pushed the law as an effort to provide health insurance for Americans who are struggling financially, but the Supreme Court’s June 2012 ruling has altered the law so that individual states can decide whether or not they want to expand Medicaid to

many poor U.S. citizens.

The result of the Court’s decision means only 26 states are likely to take up the Medicaid expansion, according to The Washington Post.

The government shutdown has not affected the Affordable Care Act, as the legislation is funded by money that has not stopped flowing, even after the stalemate in Washington. The Act went into effect last Tuesday, Oct. 1, the beginning of the federal government’s fiscal year and the first day of the government shutdown, and while some cheered the ribbon cutting, others were vocal in their opposition.

Congressman José Serrano, who represents the Bronx in the House of Representatives, backed the legislation and released a statement voicing his support.

“Starting today, the health care reform law allows New Yorkers to access affordable, quality health insurance through the new online marketplace,” Serrano said.

“While Republicans have shut down the government in order to try to ‘stop Obamacare,’ people across the country, including in the Bronx, are learning today about the new options available to them through the law. They will find that the new online marketplace provides a very simple way to get health insurance regardless of health conditions, income level, or any other factor.”

The goal may have been to allow New Yorkers to sign up for health care in a simple process, but some Americans discovered problems when trying to apply.

There were reports from across the country of technical glitches that some health care seekers experienced throughout the day. In order to sign up for the program, people had to go online to healthcare.gov, but some were turned away with messages that the site was down or undergoing maintenance.

The National Center for Pub-

lic Policy Research criticized the federal government because of the glitches.

Dr. David Hogberg, senior fellow for health care policy at the organization, said the website’s errors are a large concern.

“Among those eligible for the exchange, those ages 18-34 are probably the most web savvy,” Hogberg said. “Thus, they are the most likely to be accustomed to the convenience of websites like Amazon.com.

“Their patience for the exchanges will quickly run thin should they log on to the exchange websites and find it difficult to learn the price of their insurance, to find out how much in subsidies they qualify for, if any, and to enroll.

Such frustration will make it less likely they will sign up,” Hogberg said.

President Obama himself criticized the technical issues, but applauded the Affordable Care Act and told Americans to be patient.

In the Bronx, a report from New York City Comptroller John Liv shows that a little less than 10 percent of borough residents are eligible for benefits from the Affordable Care Act. The numbers show that roughly 100,000 people in the Bronx community can sign up, putting the borough third in New York City behind Brooklyn and Queens.

Still, Congressman Serrano said the Affordable Care Act will be a boost for those living in the Bronx and he said he wants residents to sign up.

“I know that once Bronx residents interact with the new marketplaces — whether online, on the phone, or with the help of one of the ‘navigators’ — they will find that their choices are really quite good, and quite reasonable,” Serrano said. “The first step towards this, however, is up to them. And so I urge Bronxites to get online or call the toll free number and begin the process.”

NEWS

Page 4

October 9, 2013

Fordham Nightly News Debuts Feature Package Format

By EDDIE MIKUS STAFF WRITER

Regular watchers of Fordham Nightly News (FNN) may notice something different about the program this year. The channel debuted a new format on Oct. 7.

“This year, we have just one anchor, and then we have two reporters and two interviewers, and then hopefully we have one editorial piece,” Ann Pierret, FCRH ’13, the head student producer at FNN, said.

The anchor will give the headlines followed by a package, which is a television industry term for a two-to-three minute clip, in this case done by a reporter.

Then, an interviewer will question an expert on the subject.

For example, if the package contains material related to President Barack Obama, the interviewer could interview a professor from the political science department.

There will be two packages per show in the new format. An editorial piece which will end the program.

Pierret said that this was different from previous years, where reporters were more specialized in what they did at FNN. “The old format was [that] we had two anchors,” Pierret said.

“We had a weather anchor, we had a sports section, an entertainment section and we had a special segment. Now, we’re emphasizing the quality of the news over the quantity, and we hope it will be

By MARIA PAPPAS STAFF WRITER

COURTESY OF TINA DEBIASE

FNN’s new format will, among other things, will allow for a diversity of feature stories to be presented on air.

received just as well as the past decade of Fordham Nightly News that we’ve done.”

According to Pierret, students working at FNN will benefit from the change in format.

“It’ll be a benefit to the students involved, because each onair talent, there are going to be six a night,” Pierret said. “So each on-air talent will change their role each week, and this will really beef up their reel, which you need if you want to do an on-air position after graduation.”

Pierret said that students seeking careers in the television industry will need to be versatile in different roles because some jobs depend on experience level.

“You never start as an anchor,” Pierret said.

“You normally start as a reporter, and then you eventually get to that position. For me in particular, I’m probably going to a small town, to a smaller market, and I’m going to work as a reporter.

As a reporter, you need to know editing, you have to know how to work a camera, you have to create your own packages for the news each night, you’re a one-man band. Then you move to a bigger market, and you maybe get an anchor position.”

Pierret said that she expected to face some challenges in changing formats.

“It’s going to be a challenge, just because it’s something new, and creating a package takes a lot of time, compared to just writing a story for entertainment or writing a story for sports,” Pierret said.

“But we have a good team who’s really excited about it and willing to put in the time, because, obviously, this is what we want to do in the real world, eventually,” Pierret said that she expected the new format would be wellreceived by FNN viewers.

“We’re giving our audience more news, and we’re really again

focusing on quality over quantity,” Pierret said. “Hopefully, the quality will be what they appreciate.”

Maria Buck, FCRH ’15, produces on Friday nights, but she also works on the technical side on Mondays. Because of this, she was able to see the first show of the year live.

“This year, I like the fact that we, at Fordham Nightly News, as producers, get more free range with the stories, they don’t have to be just strictly Fordham, national, international, etc.,” Buck said.

However, there is a small drawback to the new formatting regulations.

“With that free-range we cut out the more news effects, since we don’t do weather and we don’t do sports, we mainly just focus on big stories, that the producer and reporter choose,” she said.

Fordham Nightly News airs Monday through Friday from

Striking Visuals Designed to Increase Student Awareness FROM POSTERS, PAGE 1

“We sat down and looked at the issue wholistically, and realized it’s not simply people walking with their phones out, it’s also walking alone and being targeted. So we tried to flush out both of those aspects. Without going for the shock value factor, we had to make it clear that your iPhone isn’t just a phone to you or to someone else; it’s also a means of cash.”

The result was two straightforward posters. “The average resale value of a smartphone is between $100 and $150. Would you walk around with that kind of money in your hand? Keep your phone away,” reads the first. The second simply states, “Friends don’t let friends walk alone.”

However, Peer Educators did not stop there. Setting its sights on tougher topics, the club decided to address the rising issue of “Molly,” a slang term for the drug MDMA. “It’s a very abstract phenomenon, Molly, and I don’t think that everyone is truly familiar with the severity of it,” Schwartz said. “It never truly presented itself as such a pressing issue until really that same weekend, following EZoo. We as Peer Educators had never really done anything with it; it was uncharted territory for us as well.”

Because of the overwhelming sense of unfamiliarity surrounding the topic, Peer Educators opted for what Schwartz deems a more “visually striking” approach.

The Molly posters depict an iMessage conversation — Emojis and all — in which a student is offered, denies and learns about the

Weeks Following Election, RHA Posts Stay Vacant

ELIZABETH ZANGHI/THE RAM

Peer Educators hope that their poster campaign helps keep students safer by making them more aware of risks.

drug.

“There’s so many posters that go around campus, you really have to differentiate yourself to drive the point home,” Schwartz says.

With four members of the executive board dedicated solely to a marketing committee, Peer Eds has made differentiating itself visually a top priority.

Schwartz indicates that the job of promoting student safety is just beginning, and requires a team effort.

“We’ve come to the conclusion that one organization cannot reach the entire student body in the way that several can,” Schwartz said, noting that this Thursday may mark a “meeting of the minds” for several club leaders.

This more aggressive approach was brought about by comments Christopher Rodgers, dean of students at Rose Hill, made to the Student Life Council last month.

“We’re going to lose someone at some point,” Dean Rodgers told the SLC, regarding the increased number of FUEMS transports so far this year.

Schwartz emphasizes that, regardless of working alongside faculty like the deans, Peer Educators, is run by students, for students.

“For about a year and a half or so, there’s been a bit of a stigma that surrounds Peer Educators that we’re merely a vehicle for the administration to put across their beliefs and initiatives on alcohol,

and that’s not the case at all,” he says. “We pride ourselves on being student-run.”

The efforts of this student-run club have not gone unnoticed on campus.

Rose Hill’s United Student Government recently named Peer Educators “Club of the Month.”

Still, Schwartz takes it all in stride, nodding to Fordham’s Jesuit mantra of men and women for others. “It’s about making a difference, and the rewards that you gain — not from notoriety and not from accolades from students or administrators, but intrinsically,” Schwartz said. “The feeling that you get when you work with others working to make a difference, it’s invaluable.”

Even though Residence Hall Association (RHA) boards were elected almost three weeks ago, Campbell Hall still does not have a complete board. In fact, things got even more convoluted this week as Campbell Hall president Dave Schwartz, FCRH ’14, resigned. He was one of the two original members selected during the actual RHA election.

Kelsey Donlon, FCRH ’15, was secretary when both she and Schwartz ran for their positions uncontested. However, due to Schwartz’s resignation, Donlon will now become president. “A board, at bare minimum, needs a president and a treasurer to function,” said Maria Buck, FCRH ’15, chief financial officer of RHA. As of now, Campbell does have a president and treasurer, as well as a secretary. Still, there are two spots available to make it a complete RHA board, vice president and programmer.

Sarah Hill, GSB ’14, executive president of RHA, explained the importance of students getting involved, specifically in the upperclassmen dorms. “As one of the senior dorms, Campbell needs a strong RHA board in order to enhance the community for those who are about to graduate,” Hill said.

Hill is excited about the fact that Campbell, as an upperclassmen dorm, has more opportunities to host programs that might not be available for underclassman dorms. “Senior dorms have the ability to do neat programs for upperclassmen, such as wine and cheese nights,” she said.

She has expressed her hopes that students will get involved in RHA in the future and that she can see strong student leaders on Campbell’s board, as she sees on Salice-Conley’s board.

Seeing that Campbell Hall’s RHA board was incomplete, the executive board reached out to Campbell Residential Director Jeff Manning, in order to work with him to try to boost the spirit for RHA and form a cohesive board.

“We worked with RHA to publicize the openings,” Manning said. “In addition, I asked each of my RAs to reach out to residents they thought might benefit from the RHA leadership position.”

Manning also said he agrees with Hill’s points about the importance of students who live on campus getting involved in RHA. “I think it is important to run for RHA positions because it is important that and become invested in their communities,” he said.

Manning also said that he has seen many students on RHA who become better leaders because of their positions. “RHA creates an opportunity for students to develop their leadership style,” he asid. He also emphasized that RHA is about more than individual growth saying, “it also is just a fun group to be a part of.”

To better unite the upperclassmen living in Campbell and Salice-Conley, RHA has been in talks to have these halls hold programs together. This would unite the students from these dorms and allow the halls to hold programs with a combined budget.

October 9, 2013

opinion

Page 5

Questions Loom About Gender, Race in U.S. Politics

COURTESY OF WIKIMEDIA

Hillary Clinton, a candidate with plenty of political experience, ran a presidential campaign where much of the media focused more on her gender than her ideas.

By JOHN BUNDOCK STAFF WRITER

Blame it on American electoral politics that people are already fretting over the next presidential candidate when the last election is not even a year in the past.

Some view the near-exclusive focus on Hillary Clinton as marginalizing other female candidates as a whole. “The conviction that Clinton is unique in her Presidential potential works against the project of actually getting a woman elected in more than one way,” Amy Davidson of The New Yorker said. “Declaring that Hillary is the only woman with a chance is a denial of the promise of any number of other, emerging women politicians.”

The problem with this assertion is that it lacks a basic understanding of contemporary, intra-party

and interparty American politics.

The focus on Clinton may well be over-wrought. Indeed, many a like has been put toward the “Ready for Hillary” Facebook page, with over a million so far. However, supporting Clinton and supporting the rise of other female candidates to public office is not mutually exclusive. Of course people will be fawning over Clinton with her brand-name.

“Let me preface this by saying…

We’re still a long way out from candidates declaring themselves [for election],” said political science Professor Richard Fleisher regarding Clinton’s competition. “[It’s] possible that other female candidates emerge…[but] none have [the] name recognition, resources, or experience that Clinton has.”

“It depends on one’s timeframe.

I don’t see one on the immediate horizon but again, things can

change relatively quickly,” Fleisher said about the next potential African-American candidate.

Cory Booker remains unlikely (he is a flip-flopping lightweight more suited to mayoral politicking than to being leader of the free world), but Fleisher noted that roughly three years before his 2008 election, Barack Obama, then a senator from Illinois, was relatively unknown.

Right or wrong, Clinton has accumulated the experience and credentials within the Democratic Party machine, having been the first lady, a senator from New York and a secretary of state.

The dynastic political posturing of the Clintons has been rightfully criticized (from the late Christopher Hitchens to Alec MacGillis’s recent New Republic piece), but there has been an unfortunate conflation of this abusive estab-

lishment with the idea that the power must therefore be negative.

Indeed, certain populist demagogues (particularly within the Occupy movement and the Tea Party) have misused these notions to peddle racism, anti-Semitism and conspiracy theories.

Many of the alternatives mentioned by Davidson have already sullied themselves with neo-collectivist garbage, populist demagoguery, or moral quietism at one point or another.

An old aphorism is that there are two things best not seen made: laws and sausages. Considering that most of the candidates listed have been elected as a part of this process, expecting perfection would be unrealistic. But that does not mean Republicans are somehow devoid of candidates either.

One contender with the experience and institutional support

who could perhaps rival Clinton is Condoleezza Rice. Having served as Secretary of State under the Bush administration and holding to kind of Wilsonian internationalism with remarkably fewer instances of Clinton’s dynastic realpolitik, Rice may hold merit.

Rice’s candidacy could well turn the clock back on the monopolizing, bigoted know-nothingism of the Tea Party (as the late Christopher Hitchens described), provided demagogic Rand Paul and Ted Cruz recede in significance.

Some wonder why people even focus on the race or gender of the candidate in the first place. There is merit to this question, provided that race, class and gender be used to critique the largely elite white men who have held these positions of power, as opposed to fetishizing ethnicity or gender as a qualitative boost to candidates.

However, optics and pre-existing divisions remain a reality in politics.

Until recent history, women and minorities were largely excluded as serious choices for the Oval Office, stating. “It is a question because we’ve never had a female President and we’ve only had one African American President… so that reality will make it a question,” Fleisher said.

Regardless of the candidates that emerge in coming years, Americans must alleviate themselves of the populist extremism, identity politics and neo-isolationism that has played out in recent years. By giving an honest critique of candidates and looking at toward how they safeguard the freedom of people both at home and abroad.

Americans will hold candidates accountable and make them more inclined toward ethical policy that reasonable voters can support.

John Bundock, FCRH ’14, is a Middle East studies and IPE doublemajor from Pelham, N.H.

Media Chickens Out, Favors ‘Objectivity’ Over Reality

By CANTON WINER MANAGING EDITOR

Our journalists are failing us.

No, I am not referring to the “liberal,” “lamestream” media conspiracy à la Sarah Palin, but, instead, to the false equivalence in which many major American news outlets frame our nation’s politics.

Major headlines suggest that the government shutdown is the result of a “stalemate” in a “bitterly divided” Congress that “failed to reach agreement” (The Washington Post), an “impasse” caused by “a bitter budget standoff ” and “rapidfire back and forth legislative maneuvers” (The New York Times).

“Republican and Democratic leaders remain entrenched in separate camps,” wrote Tom Curry, a national affairs writer for NBC News.

“Washington dysfunction,” he went on to say, is the result of an “impasse” on the part of both political parties.

“Impasse”? “Stalemate”? Are these journalists watching the same shutdown the rest of us are?

In their pursuit of so-called “unbiased” journalism, many news outlets are keen to blame both sides of the aisle for the laughable state of American politics. The media’s decision to blame the government shutdown on the inability of both political parties to come to an agreement is merely the most recent example of the equivalency myth. But after all, equal is fair, right?

Misguided attempts to spread the blame and promote a sense of false equivalence are a failure of journalism. American media is confusing its desire to avoid taking sides with the desire to never offend or challenge its readership. This “they’re all bums” brand of journalism is both lazy and cowardly.

It is much easier to play the “they’re all bums” card than to present reality. The current government shutdown is a great example of this

laziness. Many major American news providers have placed responsibility for the shutdown on the failure of both parties to negotiate.

Any impartial observer understands

that this could not be farther from the truth. International media, to its credit, has blamed the GOP for the shutdown with impressive tenacity.

In reality, the shutdown is the

product of an extremely radical wing of the Republican Party obsessed with destroying the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) no matSEE MEDIA PAGE 7

ELIZABETH ZANGHI/THE RAM

While the media is rigorously covering the government shut down, it is yet to blame the Republican Party.

Page 6

R

Serving campus and community since 1918 The Fordham Ram is the University journal of record. The mission of The Fordham Ram is to provide a forum for the free and open exchange of ideas in service to the community and to act as a student advocate. The Fordham Ram is published and distributed free of charge every Wednesday during the academic year to the Rose Hill, Lincoln Center and Westchester campuses with a readership of 4,500. The Fordham Ram office is located in the basement of the McGinley Center, room B-52.

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Editor-in-Chief Connor Ryan Managing Editor Canton Winer Editorial Director Rory Masterson Copy Chief Katie Nolan News Editor Kelly Kultys Assistant News Editors Katie Meyer Girish Swaminath Opinion Editor Joseph Vitale Assistant Opinion Editor Catrina Livermore Arts & Entertainment Editor Devon Sheridan Assistant Arts & Entertainment Editor Jack MacGregor Executive Sports Editor Dan Gartland Sports Editor Matt Rosenfeld Assistant Sports Editor Max Prinz Layout Editor Elaina Weber Photo Editors Elizabeth Zanghi Michael Rezin Web Editor Anne Couture Assistant Web Editor Kelsey Odorczyk Business Directors Nikos Buse Drew Rapp Assistant Business Director Felcia Zhang Circulation Director Shannon Marcoux Executive Copy Editors Emily Arata Taylor Engdahl Shannon Marcoux Faculty Advisor Dr. Beth Knobel

OPINION

October 9, 2013

From the Desk of Shannon Marcoux, Exec. Copy Editor “What is the most beautiful sound in the world?” I found myself sitting at RA training playing yet another icebreaker and this was the question I needed to answer in one word or short phrase. As we went around the circle, there were many answers of “waves crashing on a beach” or “children laughing” or “acoustic guitar,” all very beautiful sounds, but I found myself thinking along a different line. My response was “the sound of an excited crowd.”

These excited crowds come in many forms, but as I said it aloud I had a particular crowd, more specifically a particular moment, in mind.

Put yourself at your favorite band’s live show. This show is not at some stadium or arena, but at Irving Plaza or Webster Hall or some venue like it (nothing with assigned seating — that ruins the fun). The band finishes its set and leaves the stage. Even though the music has stopped, the crowd’s energy is still through the roof. One man turns to his friend to rave about the guitar solo in the last song. You can hear a girl several yards away from you screaming that the lead singer is her future husband. The couple in front of you took a break from making out to speculate on what the band will play for its encore. Nobody leaves.

Everybody stays put with the under-

standing that the encore is coming.

In addition to these conversations, there are chants of “encore” and “one more song” as everyone waits with somewhat impatient excitement.

Then, one band member after another enters from offstage and the crowd goes absolutely wild, as if the band is coming back on stage is the most shocking, inexplicable, incomprehensible thing that could possibly be happening at this moment in time — on par with the second coming of Jesus Christ himself — goes absolutely wild.

This is the moment. The moment of screaming that comes from the combination of energy built up over the course of the hour-long set and the anticipation of what may be the band’s best songs of the night. This 20 seconds of screaming when all you are thinking about is this band in front of you and the song that they are going to play, is the most beautiful sound in the world. The beer someone spilled down your jeans, the guy next to you waving his cigarette far too close to your face, the midterm you bombed on Friday, the fight you had with your mom, the paper you should probably be writing instead of being at this concert—all of these things go away with the deafening noise and

the beautiful chaos of which you are currently a part.

This moment is one of the main reasons I love live music. In fact, I have found that not just this moment, but concerts in their entirety serve as an escape from the monotony and stress of everyday life and provide a more uniquely relaxing and welcoming environment than almost any other life experience.

Things that normally bother me, like the couple with the PDA problem or the guy who has not yet mastered the art of holding a cup upright, are completely overshadowed by the fact that Ezra Koenig is singing “Walcott” to me.

Any thoughts of homework or drama with friends are entirely drowned out by Kim banging with all her might on the drums as Matt sings “Good Ol’ Fashion Nightmare” as loud as he possibly can.

This all may seem dramatic and hyperbolic, and maybe, I am just crazy, but I really do think live music is the best way to free yourself from the craziness of the real world and enjoy a different kind of chaos.

Many people claim that they would go to concerts more often, but tickets have reached ridiculous prices. This claim is not unfounded; concertgoers have witnessed a 400 percent increase in ticket prices

over the last 30 years and I would be lying if I said that paying for the obscene number of concerts I attend has not put a sizable dent in my bank account.

That being said, ticket prices should not keep you from finding refuge in live music. If you cannot find an affordable concert, you truly are not looking hard enough. Every night there are bands, both popular and up-and-coming, playing shows all over the city in venues that range from a dive bar in the East Village to an arena in Brooklyn. Finding a performance that fits your taste and your budget is not always easy, but is certainly always possible.

Grab a friend. Find a show. Take a break from reality. Get lost in the music. Enjoy the craziness of the crowd. And, most importantly, scream as loud as you possibly can.

EDITORIAL: In Mind of Mission, USG Must Press Free Speech It is easy for important issues to get lost in the wash-rinse-repeat cycle of university life. The overwhelming majority of students remain at Fordham for only four years and then they move on.

There are some issues, however, that are too important to be lost in the shuffle. Free speech at Fordham is one of these too-important issues.

There are many things that make this university great, but Fordham’s stifling speech environment is impeding its greatness. University policies surrounding student art and performances, campus protests, events, posters, movies, entertainers and performers stunt the intellectual maturity of Fordham as a whole.

These policies sometimes go against Fordham’s Jesuit values of justice. Jesuits, after all, thrive on discussing controversial and unpopular issues; they do not shy away from acknowledging them. In fact, Rev. Joseph M. McShane, S.J., president of the university, himself emphasized the importance of “the

Jesuit tradition of fearless and robust engagement” last November in a university-wide email responding to the College Republicans’ decision to invite Ann Coulter to Rose Hill.

Students should not feel suppressed on their own campus; they have seen turning to their elected representatives for support. Last year, United Student Government (USG) made great strides in addressing Fordham’s shortcomings regarding free speech. In March, USG published a forty-five page report containing specific instances in which students felt they had been censored on campus, entitled the “Report on Speech and Expression of Student Organizations at Fordham.” The report was unanimously supported by Rose Hill’s USG with the hope that it would lead to a more open conversation with administrators about free speech issues on campus.

The report urged the administration to adhere to its own declaration consistent with the distinction that a club or organization’s “views do

not necessarily represent those of Fordham University.” The university requires every club to include this disclaimer in its constitution.

“No student-proposed program or posting should be denied, altered or modified on the pretense of it not aligning with the viewpoints or objectives of the university,” the report read. It also asked administration to be clearer when using Fordham’s Jesuit and Catholic identity as a reason for resisting a potentially controversial event, performance, etc.

“We are concerned that the Jesuit and Catholic mission is often used as a reason to deem the content of student-organized programs or posting materials questionable,” the report read. “We believe that Fordham presents its Jesuit and Catholic tradition as one that embraces regular engagement with and intellectual discourse on controversial topics; yet, the use of our university’s identity to justify the rejection or modification of student-proposed content negates the very basis of this notion.”

USG’s report was an important

step in addressing and changing Fordham administration’s policies and attitudes toward free speech and censorship on campus, but it is merely one step. If Fordham truly believes in ensuring justice for its students and confronting the toughest issues, this report should be the foundation upon which USG builds a legacy of changing Fordham’s free speech situation for the better.

When The Fordham Ram endorsed Aileen Reynolds and Brendan Francolini for USG’s executive president and vice president last April, we were optimistic about seeing continued progress regarding free speech at Fordham. We hope that Reynolds and Francolini — as well as the rest of USG — will satisfy our optimism and continue pushing Fordham to address issues of free speech on campus.

Editorial Policy The Fordham Ram’s editorials are selected on a weekly basis, and are meant to reflect the editorial board’s view on a particular issue.

For a full staff listing, visit FordhamRam.com

Corrections

Opinion Policy The Fordham Ram appreciates submissions to fordhamramletters@ gmail.com. Commentaries are printed on a space available basis. The Fordham Ram reserves the right to reject any submission for any reason, without notice. Submissions become the exclusive property of The Fordham Ram. The Fordham Ram reserves the right to edit any submissions. The opinions in The Fordham Ram’s editorials are those of the editorial board; those expressed in articles, letters, commentaries, cartoons or graphics are those of the individual author.

No part of The Fordham Ram may be reproduced without written consent.

An article entitled “College Dems and Reps Face Off in Heated Debate” reported the wrong name of a Republican debater. His name is Tim Colvin, not Tim MacDonald.

An article entitled “Social Media Survey: Facebook Reigns Supreme” listed an incorrect name in the byline. The writer was Regan Winter, not Allegra Howard.

Do you have an opinion about one of our articles?

Send us a letter FordhamRamLetters@gmail.com

OPINION

October 9, 2013

Amanda Pell

False Hope Surrounds New Iranian President

By DYLAN DEMARTINO STAFF WRITER

I’m Trying Not To Hate You I’m a fairly secular liberal. I’m not nonreligious; I simply prefer to keep my spirituality entirely separate from my political opinions and decisions. Similarly, it has never been difficult for me to separate my estimation of a person from my judgment of his or her values.

Opinions are about perspective; they’re constructed based on upbringings, circumstances and life experiences, all of which vary widely on an individual basis. In other words, I’ve always understood that there’s no accounting for taste, even when it comes to things that are, to me, nonnegotiable.

It’s a lot easier, however, to be tolerant of your peers’ views when you are 14, 15 or 16. At that age you’re powerless. Your opinions are like Monopoly money: important in context, but totally unable to effect change.

It’s a lot easier to love a person in spite of his or her sometimes very awful opinions when those opinions can’t do any harm.

I’m older now, and I’m paying attention to the adults who hold the power that we’re still too young to have.

Recently, I’ve been genuinely taken aback by how much I’ve seen that power used in ways that are prideful, self-serving and unkind.

It should have been clear to me that the hateful words of a child become the hateful actions of an adult, but it’s difficult to watch all the same.

The government shutdown breaks my heart. With every passing day, I am overwhelmed at the ways in which the spending freeze has turned the lives of countless Americans upside down, and at the callousness of those who could help, but refuse to do so. Not only are many families temporarily without income, but clinical trial patients are without treatment, veterans will soon be without benefits and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s flu vaccination program has been put on hold just as flu season begins, leaving children and the elderly especially vulnerable.

The people who are holding the nation’s funds hostage, regardless of the millions of lives that depend on those funds, are the very people whom I could once separate from their politics and love without question. I am trying very hard, but I don’t know that I can say that I feel the same anymore. In fact, simply trying not to hate them is proving astoundingly difficult.

There’s no uplifting end to this message. I don’t think there’s a silver lining to anything that’s going on in Congress right now, and I think that we, as a nation, are proving to be every bit as petty, selfish and small-minded as the rest of the world believes us to be. But as I lose faith in the government, the administration and what little I had left invested in the House Republicans, what makes me the saddest is that I’m losing the part of myself that was once too full of love to be made cynical. I’m trying not to hate you, but right now, it’s just too hard.

Page 7

At one point, the United States considered Iran to be a crucial area of interest. The United States was very interested in Iran’s economic and military development. American decision makers regarded it as a pillar of American regional security in the Middle East. Americans born in the past 30 years, however, tend to think of the Iranian government as an oppressive regime working to obstruct America’s goals of peace in the Middle East (or at least American dominance of the region, if you are inclined to be cynical).

Iran’s attempts to develop nuclear technology and its aggressive rhetoric towards Israel have prompted American officials to adopt increasingly severe economic sanctions.

These sanctions have naturally made it almost impossible for Iran to function economically in the modern global economy without a considerable amount of assistance from nations and institutions interested in skirting the sanctions.

The political system in Iran technically has a presidential election. Each candidate is vetted by his supreme leader, Ali Khamenei, however, making this democratic exercise limited in practice. In the recent election, the comparatively reformist Hassan Rouhani triumphed. Reasonable skepticism remained after his election as to whether or not Iran would concede to American and Western demands on its policy regarding nuclear development.

Fast forward a few months and we are at the annual United Nations General Assembly, practically the only international venue for Iran to address America diplomatically. The former Iranian president, Mahmoud Ahmadenijad, known for denying the Holocaust, famously used this opportunity to provoke the United States and its allies, particularly Israel.

The experience this time around appeared to be different, with Rouhani suggesting that Iran would be

more interested in diplomatic exchanges with the West and engaging in a short discussion with President Obama, the first exchange among heads of state for the two countries in 30 years. Despite such an attitude, it is unlikely that much diplomatic progress will be made between Iran and the West.

Just because someone less extreme than Amadenijad is occupying the frontman role for the same regime ruled by Khamenei and his Republican Guard Corps, does not mean that Iran will abandon its ambitions to acquire nuclear weapons or cast aside its hostility towards the United States and its international interests.

Khamenei tacitly approved the Rouhani’s call for nuclear negotiations with the United States. There were caveats, however, as Khamenei seemed displeased with the general tenor of Rouhani’s overture to President Obama, and a representative from the influential Republican Guards. He called the exchange a “ tactical mistake.” Why would taking the first step towards diplomatic resolution be a tactical mistake if Iran is serious about improving relations with the West?

The 30 years of animosity between Iran and the United States will not be simply laid to rest by a short conversation between Rouhani and Obama. The two nations have indirectly engaged each other over the past 30 years in Iraq, with American support for Saddam Hussein in the Iran-Iraq war and Iranian encouragement of a Shia insurgency during the American occupation of Iraq.

Furthermore, Iran has labored extensively to assist Bashar Hafez al-Assad in the Syrian Civil War. Iran has allegedly sent money, weapons, militia trainers and its Hezbollah toadies to aid Assad in the brutal suppression of his people. Assad has been accused of violating international law during this conflict by discharging chemical weapons against Syrian rebels. This connection is problematic because the humanitarian crisis caused by

COURTESY OF WIKIMEDIA

President Hassan Rouhani recently spoke at the U.N. General Assembly.

this war threatens American allies in the region like Turkey and could cause instability in Jordan and Lebanon.

The Iranian government is making token gestures to the United States after chafing under economic sanctions regarding its shady nuclear ambitions, but the actions of its government and leaders suggest that it will continue to challenge the United States.

“We are skeptical of Americans and have no trust in them at all,” Ali Khamenei declared on his official website after the United Nations General Assembly. “The American government is untrustworthy, arrogant, illogical and a promisebreaker. It’s a government captured by the international Zionism network.”

Given the amount of times in that short statement that Khameni called the United States untrustworthy, it is quite unlikely that after all of the difficulties experienced by the Iranian government from economic isolation, to espionage, to refusal of most nations to help it develop scientific reasons that it would suddenly take a knee and negotiate toe-to-toe with the United States. A reform-minded president, conscious of his country’s horrendous reputation in the West, can only accomplish so much if the power brokers of his regime refuse to give up the goal of nuclear development.

Dylan Demartino, FCRH ’14, is a history and Middle East studies double major from Croton-on-Hudson, N.Y.

Is Equal Reporting Fair Reporting?

FROM MEDIA PAGE 5

ter what the cost.

These right-wing Republicans have resorted to legislative hostagetaking to dismantle Obamacare, a law passed by Congress, signed by the president, upheld by the Supreme Court and endorsed by a sizeable majority of Americans in the 2012 reelection of President Obama and the rejection of Mitt

Romney, who vowed to repeal Obamacare.

The extreme right has decided to ignore the normal venue of achieving political goals (winning elections) and instead employed outrageous political maneuvers designed to bring the Democratic Party — and the entire federal government, even if only as collateral damage — to its knees.

ELIZABETH ZANGHI/THE RAM

When the media fails to give the full story, what is the point?

“By wanting to repeal Obamacare using this method, it defies what the popular will is,” said Senator John McCain (R-Ariz.), the 2008 GOP presidential nominee and a prominent figure on the campaign trail for his party’s national ticket last year.

“I campaigned in 2012 all over this country for months: ‘Repeal and replace Obamacare.’ That was not the mandate of the voters,” McCain said. “If they wanted to repeal Obamacare, the 2012 election would have been probably significantly different.”

House Republicans’ actions are unprecedented, and the national media should call them out as such.

If the Democrats sent the federal government into a tailspin over some equally-ideological issue, all while refusing to even pretend to negotiate, they should be equally admonished.

Imagine Democrats refusing to negotiate on the budget unless Republicans agreed to drastically raise taxes on the upper class and then

shutting down the government when their demands were not met.

Could any rational person possibly blame both parties in that scenario?

While it is convenient to simply blame everyone for the government’s failures, our journalists should be holding politicians accountable for their actions. Spreading the blame to avoid appearing biased is actually a bias in itself.

The shutdown was caused not by an “impasse,” or a “stalemate,” or even merely a difference of opinion, but by one party lurching so far to the right that it was willing to capsize the federal government to make an ideological point. By equalizing the blame, the press is obscuring reality and cowering behind “objectivity.”

American media has emasculated itself in its fear of appearing to take sides. Journalists need to drop the act and lay the blame where it belongs.

Canton Winer, FCRH ’15, is an American studies and sociology double major from West Palm Beach, Fla.

OPINION

Page 8

In Rivera’s Memory, A One-Letter Amendment

By MARISA RAMETTA

October 9, 2013

Conor Fucci

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

On Thursday, Sept. 5, a man named Tom Ferrara was standing outside Yankee Stadium, when he noticed the street sign for “River Ave.” The avenue is behind the stadium, by the 161 Street Yankee Stadium subway stop.

As baseball fans have focused much of their attention this season on the last weeks of Mariano Rivera’s career, Ferrara thought it would be a great idea to add an “a” to the street name, changing it from River Av. to Rivera Av. as a token of appreciation from New York City for all that Rivera has done over the past 19 years. Ferrara’s petition quickly gained supporters.

Of course, Yankee fans support this change, and because of Rivera’s great reputation this petition has received support from all baseball fans regardless of team preference and by those who value the positive image Rivera’s name brings to the city.

Over the course of Rivera’s Yankee career, he won five World Series rings and established himself as the greatest closing pitcher in the history of baseball, having over 650 game saves.

Rivera also contributes to society off the field. Since the beginning of his career, he has donated a percentage of his salary to his charity, the Mariano Rivera Foundation, dedicated to helping children who live below the poverty line. Currently, the foundation is working with children in Panama, his home country, teaching them how to use technology for early education.

However, is it not as easy as simply adding the letter “a” to a street sign. The New York City Council says that street signs are changed to honor a deceased person or someone who had a noteworthy impact on the city. Those opposing this change say a bet-

Putin and the Peace Prize

KATE DOHENY/THE RAM

A group of New Yorkers are motivated to rename River Ave., a Bronx Street near Yankee Stadium, to Rivera Ave.

ter way to remember Rivera and inspire others to emulate his actions is to build a park in his name where people can go.

Opponents want something more tangible that will motivate kids to be more active. However, this is a more costly alternative and will take time to carry out.

The street sign change can happen faster, though. It would be uplifting to implement soon because of the mediocre season the Yankees have had.

This will cast the end of the season in a more positive light by focusing on honoring Rivera’s accomplishments.

Another fan who supports the request created a twitter account, @161stRIVERAave, as a way to get the word out for anyone who wants to sign, whether as a Yankee fan or just a supporter of this iconic player.

The petition can be found on this user’s Twitter account.

In a sport rampant with con-

MARISA RAMETTA/THE RAM

Mariano Rivera pitched his final game for the Yankees on Sept. 26.

troversy, Rivera, unlike other athletes (including some of his own teammates), has maintained his career in a healthy fashion, without involvement in any controversies or scandals.

He represents the American Dream and the noble values that

we strive to emulate.

This would be a simple, yet meaningful gesture to thank Rivera for his contributions throughout the last 19 years on and off the field.

Marisa Rametta, FCRH’16 is a psychology major from Wayne, N.J.

Fresh-Vision: A Great Start to College

By GABRIELLE MCGOVERN STAFF WRITER

On Sept. 20, 3:00 p.m., 20 freshmen Fordham students, including myself, met outside McGinley Center. No one knew each other’s names or backgrounds, or who was from Rose Hill or Lincoln Center.

But what we did know was that we would all be leaving Fordham’s campus to spend a weekend together at Fordham’s retreat house in Goshen, N.Y. These 19 students and I were leaving the hustle and bustle of the Bronx to attend Fresh-Vision, a religious retreat for freshmen students from Rose Hill and Lincoln Center.

In Fresh-Vision, the freshmen discuss their one-month transition into college and what fears, hopes and desires college life has brought to them thus far. The students and retreat leaders connect with each other by sharing stories and offering advice, creating new friendships and unforgettable memories.

One of the greatest things about Fordham is Campus Ministry. The

program runs the retreats, and students can sign up for any of them on Campus Ministry’s website. As I was signing up for Fresh-Vision, I began to have the same worries that I later found out the other freshmen retreatants also had.

This would be my first Fordham retreat, and I did not know what to expect. I had been on retreats in high school, but I was nervous that this one would not be as great as the others.

I was also timid because I only knew one other person who signed up. Nevertheless, I signed up and quickly learned that this retreat could not be compared to any other.

Many people think of retreats as a weekend meant for crying and sharing your darkest secrets, but this is not so.

Yes, I am not going to lie; there were some tears, but crying was not the focus of this retreat. On

Fresh-Vision, my fellow students and I got to experience a break from reality and enter into a weekend of self-reflection.

People of all different religions and beliefs attended Fresh-Vision, which helped us learn from each other. I quickly found that the Fordham community is accepting. The retreat house is located in a quiet and peaceful place that is surrounded by trees and natural beauty. This atmosphere allowed the students to reflect on how precious life is.

“Retreats are a great opportunity to meet other freshmen who share similar interests. Although retreats are religiously rooted, most are focused on self reflection and one’s personal faith,” Drew Casey, FCRH ’17, said of the retreat.

The retreat had a great impact on me, for it taught me how to

“My fellow students and I got to experience a break from reality.”

open up to complete strangers and respect those with opposing religious views.

Erin Biggins, FCRH ’17, was also affected by the retreat. “I learned that although us freshmen barely knew each other, it seemed effortless to create strong bonds in such a short time,” Biggins said.

“The retreat truly united us together through compassion, prayer and spirit.”

“Other freshmen should go on future retreats to experience the invigorating power of prayer and reflection, as well as to get to know the new members of your ‘Ramily,’” Biggins continued. “The retreat gave me the opportunity to express myself and learn more about my fellow freshmen,” Biggins said.

I strongly encourage other freshmen to escape from Fordham’s chaotic campus and attend future retreats.

It will positively impact your Fordham experience.

Gabrielle McGovern, FCRH ’17, is a communication and media studies major from Branchburg, N.J.

Recently, I found out that America’s best friend and foreign Internet celebrity, Vladimir Putin, was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize. An accomplishment that would be complimented in most situations has left me nothing more than baffled.

I understand that Putin’s involvement in the neutralization and eventual elimination of Syria’s chemical weapons stockpile is commendable and helped create peace in the region. I do not want to understate the importance of this effort and how it certainly saved a number of innocent Syrian civilians; but, to nominate a man like Vladimir Putin for something that signifies peace is simply offensive.

To illustrate how out of place Putin is on the list of nominees, I will name some of the past winners and their accomplishments.

Henry Dunant was the first winner in 1901. He was one of the founders of the Red Cross, one of the most successful charitable organizations on earth, catering to the needs of millions of people every year.

Another winner was Aung San Suu Kyi, a famous non-violent protestor in Myanmar who was living under house arrest for 23 years.

Finally, the European Union won in 2012. It is one of the most successful modern international organizations and for 60 years has been advancing international relations in Europe.

Now, we are left with Putin, a man notorious for his questionable political practices is up for a prize that has to do with peace.

Have we forgotten that Russia invaded and occupied the nation of Georgia just a few years ago under the leadership of Putin? Have we forgotten about the members of the band Pussy Riot that are locked up for their apparent political dissidence? Have we forgotten about the law passed by the Russian parliament making it illegal to so much as speak about homosexuality? What about when they banned adoptions to the United States and Sweden?

These are questions we need to ask ourselves.

Putin has not been awarded the Peace Prize at this time, nor do I think that he will be awarded the Prize in the end. I feel that even his nomination is offensive on the basis of the crimes that his nation has committed while under his leadership.

There have been people who have been awarded the prize with very little justification, such as President Obama only one year into his term. But, needless to say, Mr. Obama never attempted to discriminate against a major part of his people for being homosexual, something over which they have no control.

We shall see how the selection process goes. Regardless, I can only hope that some of the other nominees have a better resume than Putin .

Arts & Entertainment

October 9, 2013

Page9

Mimes’ Legally Blonde Showcases Fresh and Veteran Talent

By JOHN BONAZZO STAFF WRITER

When the curtain first rose on the Mimes and Mummers’ latest production of Legally Blonde, a sense of dread overtook more jaded theatregoers.

Framed in shadow, a gaggle of teenage girls held fashion accessories and glossy magazines. When they started singing the opening number, a catchy tribute to consumerism — “Omigod You Guys” — the feeling that you were watching a brainless, candy-colored fantasy only intensified.

Thankfully, the show settlesddown and became a charming, upbeat story with just the right tone.

It is clear the Mimes made a good choice in presenting this show. It should be noted that these students prepared this show in only three weeks, making the fact that their final product was, in most respects, a well-oiled machine all the more impressive.

The musical, like the film on which it is based, centers on Elle Woods, a Malibu partier majoring in fashion merchandising at UCLA. When her boyfriend Warner dumps her citing her lack of smarts, Elle hits the books and follows Warner to Harvard Law School, hoping to win him back.

She faces a tough road, because Harvard is not her natural habitat,

COURTESY OF JENNY DORSO

Pam Zazzarino (center) starred as Elle in the Mimes and Mummer’s screen-to-the-stage rendition of Legally Blonde.

but with the help of her new friend Emmett, she works to overcome her obstacles and find success in school and new love.

Pam Zazzarino, FCRH ’14, was the perfect Elle; her bubbly charisma shone throughout the twohour musical. This role had the potential to be one-note and annoying, but Zazzarino overcame these obstacles to deliver a starmaking performance.

Sean McKay, FCRH ’17, who played Emmett, is Rose Hill’s rising theater star — no question. His

strong musical talent and natural stage poise was on grand display as the brainy charm of his character unexpectedly connects with Elle.

Not to mention, he is quite the crowd-pleaser.

Jeff O’Donnell, GSB ’14, as Warner is the charismatic yet jerky counterpoint to Emmett. He did not play a likable character, but he got big laughs when he showed the well-groomed chinks in his manly armor.

Michelle Corr, FCRH ‘17, was a hoot as Paulette, Elle’s confidant

who gets her confidence back with the young lawyer’s help. She gets the best lines in the show and is a down-to-earth, funny presence.

Mike Dahlgren, FCRH ‘14, was effectively threatening and sniveling as Elle’s law instructor, Professor Callaghan. Vanessa Agovida, FCRH ’16, proved herself a catty girl with a heart as Elle’s main competition for Warner, who then sees the light and becomes her friend.

The whole cast’s energy was particularly evident in the show’s best number, “There! Right There!”

which advanced the plot with a wry, satirical sense of humor.

Continuing a trend of recent Mimes shows, the set has a simplistic intelligence: a scrim and blocks of geometrically designed platforms. While the design was colorful, the show’s lighting set-up faltered at some points.

What was most disappointing about this show were the audio glitches displayed on opening night, which quite clearly distracted from the generally high-caliber talent on stage. Word of mouth indicates that this problem continued throughout the weekend.

The capacity audience in the Collins Theater did not seem to care, though — the Mimes have staged a real crowd-pleaser.

It may have taken a few minutes to get into, but Legally Blonde proved itself to be first-rate fun.

The first production of the 201314 school year bodes well for the rest of the season.

Cast members said that preparing and performing the show was a great experience.

“Playing Elle was an honor,” Zazzarino said. “She is fearless and so willing to go after what she wants, and I find that incredibly inspiring. Being involved with Legally Blonde has brought me close to so many wonderful and talented people this semester, and I am so grateful for that.”

The Rave Culture: An Inside Perspective

By LAUREN MACDONALD CONTRIBUTING WRITER

An all-night party with friends is a pinnacle of social experience that many seek to capture. In this day and age, raves, festivals or, most popularly, Electronic Dance Music (EDM) events have been coined as the most epic of night-long events.

A rave is similar to a spectacle in that if it is not clearly analyzed and experienced, people will create judgments and refrain from considering the most important aspect of the scene: interaction.

Rave culture’s eclectic history originate in the heart of the United States in Chicago during the 1980s. Aside from unavoidable law enforcement presence, there is nothing stopping the movement of ravers. There are only people dressed in vibrantly loud colors, thumping to the beat and trading their hand-crafted bracelets. These parties are thrown under bridges, in abandoned warehouses and at private apartments.

Once a person has mastered the art of locating these thoughtfully placed gatherings, it becomes a weekend thing. Broad minds with grassroots ideas come together to create an environment that accepts all, rejects none and promotes the idealism about which people dream. In short, the term “rave” encapsulates the most impressive all-night get-together possible and positively sets youth around the

Detractors propegate the negative stigma of rave culture, but there is far more than meets the eye.

world ablaze with conversation about these controversial events. I am here to clear the air; I wish to contribute to the discourse surrounding rave culture in a constructive and liberal way by focusing on the overall social, political and individual effects.

About 10 years ago, many saw raves as a place where drug users flocked and hospitalizations outnumbered the amount of disk jockeys performing on any given evening. In that sense, the word “rave” has made a progressive step in the past five years; a rave is now popularly known as a festival, featuring EDM artists and perform-

ers from other genres. Still, the dominating feature of this culture stems from the P.L.U.R lifestyle: living with peace, love, unity and respect for one another. Could you imagine a party where people were continuously sharing experiences, all while perpetuating these ideals?

I can and I have.

The number of attendees at the festivals speaks for the movement itself. At the Electronic Daisy Carnival in 2012, according to Simon Reynolds of The Guardian, 320,000 people attended. The sheer number of individuals taking time out of their lives and making the decision to be among one an-

COURTESY OF WIKIMEDIA

other speaks loudly to the fact that society is rethinking rave culture. It is clear from the widespread enjoyment of EDM culture that slowly people are beginning to trust the real environment beyond its often negatively perceived image. Anyone can enjoy the music presented at these festivals, but self-expression while remaining safe is key.

On one hand, rave culture is more socially accepted and receptive than ever. On the other hand, as more festivals become more politically correct they face excessive government subjection. There are festivals in most of the 50 states, but the talent is consistent and

the expectations are almost all the same. A shocking example comes straight from New York City’s premier EDM festival, Electric Zoo, in 2013. City authorities shut down the last day after two individuals overdosed on drugs. All people could talk about was what those individuals were getting themselves into, rather than the whole of the scene itself and the beauty of over 100,000 people gathering peacefully on Randall’s Island to dance. The expectations were different than the outcomes. The suddenness of death distracted people, but for the most part what one person does should not be the deciding factor for other people. This paradox is where the newfound festival culture and the political sphere clash.

Personally, I have been to more than a dozen raves: raves under bridges, raves that have been busted by the police and raves where my friends have performed. My friends and I still call them raves because it is how we came to know the scene and how we share discourse. There is an inherent dark side, involving drugs and self-harm among other terrible aspects, but human nature is coated with that obscure view. In all honesty, the scene is about what you make of it, as is life. Individual choice is powerful and by choosing a rave, the choice is peace. Remember to think P.L.U.R., and always check your role.

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Page 11

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Page 12

October 9, 2013

Editor’s Pick: “The Adam Carolla Show”

By MATT ROSENFELD SPORTS EDITOR

I am a “headphone around campus” guy.

You know those people who have both headphones in when they are walking from class to class. I won’t do it when I am with somebody or if I am talking to anybody. I think it’s terribly rude to have headphones in when you are in the midst of a conversation.

But when I have my headphones in, I’m not listening to music. While most people my age are listening to the new Drake album or some other type of music, I’m pretty much always listening to my favorite podcast: “The Adam Carolla Show.”

Adam Carolla is a Los Angelesbased radio and television personality. Back in the early 2000s, he worked with the new king of late night, Jimmy Kimmel, on “The Man Show.” He was the co-creator of the old Comedy Central show “Crank Yankers.” After he was fired from his morning radio show in L.A., Carolla decided to start this free podcast.

Let me give it to you straight: this podcast is not for the faint of heart.

It isn’t too gruesome or obscene (although there is plenty of crude humor). Carolla is so popular because he is so brutally honest and gives it straight. That’s what I love about it.

Adam Carolla is a guy who did not go to college, worked as a carpenter, held odd jobs all throughout his 20s and then made the most of an opportunity given to him by a local radio station. He has a pretty conservative view of things, but his ideas are based on a logic that always seems to make perfect sense. That is what makes his social commentary so unbiased— he’s been at the bottom, and he’s been at the top.

The podcast, however, does not have the Guinness World Record for most downloaded podcast because of Carolla’s famous rants alone. The daily show, which usually lasts anywhere from 80 to 100 minutes, features Ca-

Two Door Cinema Club and St. Lucia When: Friday, Oct. 11 What time: 8 p.m.

Where: The Hammerstein Ballroom Price: $44 Northern Irish indie rock trio Two Door Cinema Club recently embarked on a 21-city tour of North America, and this weekend they’re making a stop at the Manahattan Center’s Hammerstein Ballroom, an awesome venue that often caters to the genre. Playing alongside them will be South Africanborn Brooklynite Jean-Philip Grobler, better known by his stage name St. Lucia. This show is guaranteed to be an indie electropop paradise, and tickets are going quickly.

Get your tickets today! Or tomorrow!

PHOTO COURTESY OF WIKIMEDIA

Adam Carolla, host of the podcast, is ubiquitous in the LA comedy scene.

rolla along with two regular co-hosts and a guest. Bryan Bishop provides the sound drops along with regular movie reviews, while Alison Rosen plays the role of reporter in the daily news segment. Rosen will pick out three or four stories that are in the news, and Carolla and the guest will “crack wise” and give their takes on anything from serious stories to fluff pieces, always managing to either make you laugh or think to yourself, “Wow, I never thought of it like that.”

Guests on “The Adam Carolla Show” are usually comedians or other minor celebrities that most people probably have not heard of.

Every now and then Carolla will have his more famous friends on the pod, including Jimmy Kimmel, Dr. Drew and Grantland’s Bill Simmons. Other times, the guests are just friends of Carolla’s.

Part of what makes Carolla’s podcast so great is how he incorporates his guests. The more relaxed setting of an unregulated podcast allows for much less politically correct dialogue. Carolla asks the questions that you want asked, but also lets the guest sit around and join in on regu-

lar discussion. It’s a great way to hear celebrities or other people you know in a way you don’t often hear them.

At heart, “The Adam Carolla Show” is a comedy podcast. Adam Carolla knows comedy, and it shows on the pod. Carolla’s rants about the ineptitude of the government, his disdain for passion fruit iced tea or the idiocracy of people he meets in his travels are hilarious. Carolla is a master of complaining, but while it’s annoying hearing your roommate or sibling complain, it’s entertaining when Carolla does it.

The mix of Carolla’s crude, sarcastic humor with co-hosts that play off of him perfectly, along with hilarious segments such as “Totally Topical Tivo Trivia,” in which Adam and the gang try and guess a movie based on the Tivo description of the plot, make for the perfect mix of humor and social commentary.

So, if you see me walking around campus laughing to myself–no, I am not insane. It was just Adam Carolla making a joke about how screwed up our society is, and me chuckling about how perfect of an observation it was.

COURTESY OF WIKIMEDIA

ASSSSCAT 3000 When: Sunday, Sept. 29 What time: Every Sunday, 7:30 and 9:30 p.m.

Where: Upright Citizens Brigade Theater Price: $10 (7:30 p.m.) or Free (9:30 p.m.)

Catch a glimpse of Upright Citizens Brigade’s rich history with this long-running improv show, where a guest, often from within the ranks of several classic television comedies including Saturday Night Live, The Colbert Report and 30 Rock, tells off-the-cuff stories that are then used to create scenes. Hilarity is guaranteed to ensue, with the bonus of a possible Amy Poehler sighting (she is a founding member).

— COMPILED BY JACK MACGREGOR ASSISTANT ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

Send tips, event listings or comments to fordhamramculture@gmail.com.

Dining Out: 3 Way Restaurant

By DEVIN BOOTH CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Many students might think that the neighborhood around Fordham lacks culinary diversity, but there are plenty of various cuisine options close to campus that most students do not know about. I always pass by a Spanish restaurant located at 188th and Webster Ave on my walk to the D Train for work.

During peak dining hours, the place is packed with people.

The moment you walk into 3 Way Restaurant, the blaring sounds of lively Spanish music fills your ears and the mouth-watering smell of roasting chicken churning in the rotisserie at the back of the front room tickles your nose. We approached the counter to the left and the waitress told us to sit in the dining area in the adjacent room. The dining room has about 10 tables, which at the time of our visit were half-filled with other local customers. After perusing the extensive paper menu, my lunch mate and I decided to split the half roasted chicken and the steak with onions.

Both meals come with beans and

DEVIN BOOTH/THE RAM

3 Way Restaurant offers a wide variety of foods at competitive prices.

the choice of yellow or white rice (we both picked yellow).

The order took about 10 minutes to arrive; the portions at 3 Way are very generous, especially the massive plates of rice. My first angle of attack was the rice and beans.

My lunch mate opted to pour her beans on top of the rice so that the fluff y rice would soak up the flavor-

ful juices from the beans. I immediately copied her and will now be conducting this maneuver during all my future encounters with rice and beans; I strongly recommend it. After several bites of the simple tastiness of the savory rice and beans duo, I attempted to tackle the steak and onions.

The steak quickly disappointed

me because it was very thin, overly chewy and deficient on the flavor scale, though the sautéed onions added a nice tang that I did enjoy.

Following my unsatisfying experience with the steak, I was ready to move on to my final contender: the half rotisserie chicken. Just looking at the crispy, orange, seasoned skin of the chicken, I knew that it would taste better than the steak. As I sliced portions of the bird, my knife cut through the chicken breast like butter. After the first bite, I was sold.

The white meat was really succulent and perfectly cooked-through. The tenderness of the juicy meat combined with the flavorful crispy skin redeemed 3 Way’s lack-luster steak.

For the subsequent 10 minutes, I engulfed the roasted chicken and my serving of rice and beans, leaving little room for talking or breathing. Even though the steak lacked pizzazz, at the end of the meal I was sufficiently stuffed almost to a point of stomach cramping.

Unlike at most restaurants in New York City where I wince at the amount of money I have to shell out for the check, I was happy when the bill arrived and it read $19.25 for

the two of us. We had a filling and authentic Spanish lunch for just under $10 a person!

I will definitely go back to 3 Way for the roasted chicken and rice and beans. I would also like to explore other options from their vast menu.

I heard the beef stew and plantain chips are delicious. If you do not have time to sit down at the restaurant, 3 Way delivers daily and offers a quick pick-up option from the counter.

Next time you get sick of the pizza or deli sandwiches, I recommend taking a short stroll over to 188th and Webster to experience some of the culture and delicious food that the Bronx has to offer.

Overall Location Food Quality Atmosphere Hospitality Price $ (Out of 4

’s)

Interested in writing restaurant and food reviews? Email: fordhamramculture@gmail.com

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

October 9, 2013

WHO’S THAT KID? DANIEL STRACQUADANIO A MEMBER OF FCRH ‘15 MAJOR: THEOLOGY AND PSYCHOLOGY HOMETOWN: FLORAL PARK, N.Y. Describe yourself in a couple sentences for the readers.

I am a carefree dude who loves to play music and is always down to meet people and have great conversation. Music is definitely my thing.

I play banjo, guitar, mandolin and a whole bunch of other things. If you see me around campus, stop me and say “hi”!

What is your favorite aspect of Fordham and why?

I enjoy the community that just exists all around this whole place.

Everyone is so awesome to each other and is just friendly. I’m all about it.

If there was one thing about Fordham you could change what would it be?

I would give performance groups on campus more spaces and opportunities to perform. I think “Sound out Sandy” was a super cool event last year, and things like that just add a lot to the vibe on campus. Also, 24hour study room in the Library and 24-hour Walsh Gate please?

What is your favorite thing to do in New York City?

People-watch, for sure. New York is the city where every type of person lives, and it is so awesome to chill with a nice book in Washington Square Park and just see it all happen.

What is something about you that not many people know?

I am half Irish! Everyone can guess from my last name that I am Italian, but I am just as Irish. My great-grandpa fought in the Irish Republican Army. The more you know!

What is your favorite class at Fordham?

The understanding historical change class I took my freshman

year, and the multicultural issues class I’m taking this semester. Both of them are classes that have challenged the way I see my little view of reality and have really broadened my horizons.

What is a personal goal you already have or would like to accomplish over your four years here?

This one’s already been accomplished! My goal was to have my own special at Pugsley’s. At the end of my Freshman year, the Stracq Special was born. One slice, one order of Sicilian Kisses (garlic knots with Nutella instead of garlic… delicious) and a Snapple. So these past two years since then have been pretty aimless since that major accomplishment.

What show, food, artist or movie would you consider your

“guilty pleasure”?

Mamma Mia the movie would probably be my guiltiest pleasure. I am a complete sucker for ABBA’s music, but I also just love that movie.

I thought Pierce Brosnan was awesome in it, and I have seen it upwards of 30 times. I have no shame in this regard.

What is your favorite movie and why?

Hands down my favorite movie is The Big Lebowski. I think it is the funniest movie, and I can relate to The Dude in so many ways. Dude’s so carefree, and enjoys the simple pleasures in life. I am all about that.

What is your favorite album released in 2013?

Probably Wise Up Ghost! by Elvis Costello and The Roots. Those are two of my favorite artists, and I thought the collaboration was so sick. Go give it a listen!

Do you have plans, career or otherwise, for post-college life?

Ha-haaaa. Sorta. Either I’m going to do service work through the Jesuit Volunteer Corps, or I’m going to buy a van with my roommate and play music throughout the country. So pretty similar goals.

What activities, clubs, projects or organizations are you involved

Page 13 with at school?

I am involved in Campus Ministry leading retreats and CLCs [Christian Life Communities]. I am in FET [Fordham Experimental Theater] through the Stand-Up Comedy umbrella group, I sing in the University Choir and the Gloria Dei Choir at the 8pm mass, I am in the Praise & Worship band, I give tours of campus for RHS [Rose Hill Society], and I tutor SAT verbal prep at the high school across the street for local Bronx students through an organization called Let’s Get Ready. Also, I am in a band on campus called The Keating Steps.

We practice on (you guessed it) the steps of Keating all the time. If you see us come by and hang out!

If you were stranded on a desert island, what would you bring with you?

I would bring a guitar, a journal, a few good books and my pipe.

If you could go back to your first day at Fordham, what advice would you give yourself?

I would tell young freshman Daniel not to be scared and to believe in himself. It sounds cliché, but it’s really amazing what three years of being pseudo-independent can teach you about who you are and how to be confident in that fact.

ELIZABETH ZANGHI/THE RAM

He’s got the hair. He wears the flannels. One can tell that Dan is a great musician long before he starts strummig the banjo.

The Flaming Lips, Tame Impala Co-Headline Terminal 5

By DANIEL FINNEGAN STAFF WRITER

Following the release of their masterful second LP Lonerism in October 2012, Australian rockers Tame Impala have been steadily building a massive fan base, with numerous festival appearances and their second worldwide tour. With all their recent success, including a major advertisement deal with Blackberry, fans must wonder why Tame Impala has decided to co-headline a tour with the psychedelic indie legends The Flaming Lips.

Tame Impala and The Flaming Lips have always had a connection through famed producer Dave Fridmann. From 1990 onward, Fridmann has produced all but one of The Flaming Lips’ releases. This distinction earned him the trust of Tame Impala frontman Kevin Parker. Parker, who typically prefers to produce and mix his own albums, invited Fridmann into the studio based off his work with The Flaming Lips. The collaboration has led to a close friendship between the two bands, including an upcoming four song EP in which each band covers two songs off the other’s discography, and an ear-shattering, trance-inducing, mind-blowing night

COURTESY OF WIKIMEDIA

Flaming Lips’ frontman Wayne Coyne is known for his esoteric onstage antics.

of music.

The night opened with music royalty as Sean Lennon’s new band, The Ghost of a Saber Tooth Tiger, rocked the stage. A nice blend of psychedelic and progressive rock, Lennon’s band jammed out a tight and exciting set that was made all the better by Lennon’s captivating stage presence.

Through both their original songs, and their cover of Pink Floyd’s Syd Barret, The Ghost of a Saber Tooth Tiger set the stage perfectly for the headlining acts.

With their groovy and psychedelic projection screen in the background, Tame Impala took the stage at 9 p.m., and hurtled immediately into their sonic and expansive jams. Whether it was the thumping drum solo of “Apocalypse Dreams,” or the slick guitar riff of crowd-favorite “Half Full Glass of Wine,” Tame Impala showcased why they have gained such critical acclaim in recent years. Although Kevin Parker’s vocals were too low for their synth-laden, kaleidoscopic melodies, Tame Impala managed a

crowd-pleasing 75 minute set that preceded the show’s main event.

After nearly an hour-long intermission, during which crew members, who were dressed in white lab coats, assembled The Flaming Lips’ elaborate set pieces, the band came on stage around 11 p.m. Opening with “Look... The Sun Is Rising,” from this year’s release The Terror, The Flaming Lips’ sensory assault began. With the most elaborate and abstract light show I have seen, in which a giant projector screen with rope lights attached to that wrapped around the whole stage and ascended to lead singer Wayne Coyne’s sterling silver mic perch, The Flaming Lips tore through their vibrant and ecstatic 11-song set.

As Coyne showered the front rows with glitter, enormous amounts of confetti burst off the stage, filling the venue and hypnotizing the audience.

As they closed with their biggest hit “Do You Realize??” I found myself enraptured in the spellbinding production of The Flaming Lips’ set.

Unlike anything I have ever seen, The Flaming Lips’ ornate set production and mind-expanding music managed to transport its audience to a galaxy far, far away. I look forward to seeing them again.

Karen Hill A sad truth we all must confront is that while relationships often end abruptly, your physical attractions toward the person might not. I strongly advise against hooking up with your ex, and you can weigh your own pros and cons by examining this list of seven reasons why it is not a good idea.

1. It’s your ex.

It makes no sense that you would break up with someone you clearly didn’t get along with and then go be intimate with that same person. If you want to keep hooking up, then why did you break up in the first place?

2. You won’t feel the need to move on.

If you know you have your ex on the side, you won’t feel like you should go out and find someone who you really connect with or really like. You will get used to tolerating someone merely for the sake of a hookup instead of actually appreciating someone and expressing your feelings via intimacy.

3. When you are ready to move on, you might not be able to.

If you have been hooking up with your ex, then you have given yourself neither the space nor the time you need. You are only learning who you are in the context of being with someone else. When you finally decide to stop hooking up with your ex, it will feel like breaking up all over again. Out of fear, you will do your best to avoid that all-too-familiar pain.

4. If you want to be friends, you are making it that much harder.

Clearly, if you are able to hook up with your ex, there is some sense of civility in your relationship. Being civil is good for a friendship, but hooking up is not. Keeping the physical aspect of your relationship on top of being friends is basically dating. You aren’t learning how to keep things platonic and are ruining your chances of ever being friends again. Then, when you stop hooking up, you not only lost your ex as a partner, but also as a friend.

5. It instills a false hope in either you or your ex.

It is easy to misinterpret hooking up as potential for getting back together. You can talk and agree that you just want to keep things casual, but that’s not going to stop you from thinking there is still a chance for something more. That yearning for something more is a very empty feeling, and the fact of the matter is you will probably never see that official relationship status with your ex again.

6. You are jeopardizing future relationships.

If you eventually move on from your ex and try to build a new relationship with someone else, things are going to get weird when you get that occasional “Hey! Wanna meet up?” text out of the blue. Temptations can be powerful. If you are trying to be happy with someone else, having that lingering ex is not the best idea.

7. You’re left stranded.

Maybe you’re the one left behind.

Your ex found someone new and now you have no one. Being single is not the worst thing in the world and meeting new people isn’t difficult, but suddenly losing something so constant hurts. You’re not dating, though, so what did you expect would happen?

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Page 14

September 25, 2013

Ram Reviews

Gravity

Music Review

Movie Review

By DEVON SHERIDAN ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

In the 1979 space fantasy Alien, there is a famous line that sums up the visceral terror of the loneliness of outer space: “In space, no one can hear you scream.” It is easy to imagine that this line was at the forefront of director Alfonso Cuaron’s mind during the creation of his newest thriller Gravity. With a script stripped down to minimalist status and an official cast list of only seven actors, Gravity aims to achieve isolation in the starkest sense. The beautiful and sweeping cinematography and poignant direction of one breathtaking scene after another, however, that makes this movie so special to watch.

Gravity centers on a NASA repair mission gone wrong. Repairwoman Ryan Stone (Sandra Bullock, The Blind Side) is a highly intelligent Ivy League graduate on her first spacewalk, during which she struggles more with keeping down her lunch than repairing the software problem she was sent to fix. Juxtaposed with Stone’s amateur apprehension is the calm and cool veteran Matt Kowalski (the always calm and cool George Clooney, Michael Clayton). With the swagger of a man in his element, Kowalski gracefully flies around in his jetpack while he swaps stories with mission control (the voice of Ed Harris, a nod to his role in the space classic Apollo 13).

All in all, it is a very peaceful scene: there is no music and other than the radio-controlled voices and the burst of the jetpack thrusters, there

Grand Theft Auto V

COURTESY OF AP IMAGES

and was buried in Michael’s place.

He becomes enraged and vows to kill Michael, a threat with a resolution I will not spoil. The game culminates in the grand robbery of a United States depository, the so-called “greatest score ever,” an appellation which does not disappoint.

GTA V is truly a modern epic, a high point in video gaming history and a game that has deservedly broken all sales records. Its style, a combination of hilarious yet morbid action and dialogue,

is distinctly Grand Theft Auto, so fans of the series will certainly not be disappointed. Its biting satire of the glitz and glamour that often obscures the emotional turmoil typical of Los Angeles and its inhabitants is both well thought-out and executed. Although it is “just” a video game, Grand Theft Auto V is certainly one of the greatest experiences available in modern media.

Its endless replayability and capacity to entertain make it a must-play, even if you are not a gamer. Long live GTA.

By NICOLE HORTON STAFF WRITER

COURTESY OF MOVIEPOSTERDB.COM

is no sound. It is the kind of peacefulness that is made to be broken, and, soon enough, mission control alerts the group that the debris from a Russian space station has fallen into a deadly orbit heading straight for them. The team scrambles to save themselves, but it is too late. Moving at speeds faster than a bullet from a gun, the debris slams into the spaceship, and what follow are 10 minutes of breathtaking cinema. The debris reduces the metal spaceship to pulp like bullets through wet paper. Suddenly, Stone and Kowalski have no one to hold on to but each other.

The sole goal of the mission now: survive.

During the course of the film, the audience learns of Stone’s tragic past.

Maybe it is because of the way the dialogue was written, or maybe it is simply because there are so many

other distracting facets of the movie, but Stone’s backstory is at times tedious. It is hard to invest too much empathy in Stone’s past life when her current situation, floating-inspace-with-nowhere-to-go, looms over the audience just as the Earth looms behind her. But Cuaron’s decision to make Stone’s past a focal point of the story creates an interesting philosophical theme. In space, no one can hear you scream about your past. Your personal frustrations are minuscule. For Stone, it takes a trip to the quietest, loneliest place in the universe to potentially be able to leave behind her past. In this way, Cuaron flips the script: Earth is the place of Stone’s floating-in-spacewith-nowhere-to-go situation, and it is in outer space where she needs to find the thrusters, flip the switch and move on.

Game Review

By JACK MACGREGOR ASSISTANT ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

“Ludendorff, North Yankton, Nine Years Ago.” With this fictitious title card, gamers are thrust into the experience of Michael Townley, an aging bank robber whose exploits, along with those of his friends and enemies, compose the incredibly rich world of Grand Theft Auto V. During this opening flashback, we learn that Michael and his associates once tried to rob a bank in the fictional midwestern state of North Yankton (which bears a striking similarity to the actual North Dakota), but were cut down during their escape. Michael and his partner Brad are shot by government agents, while their third accomplice, Trevor, manages to escape the Fargo-esque police force of Ludendorff, disappearing into the snow. Aside from this, the player is not given much information.

Flash forward nine years to Los Santos, San Andreas (ostensibly Los Angeles). Leaving Michael’s point of view for a short time, players meet Franklin, a wellmeaning but misguided repo man who yearns to make something of himself — a pursuit tied more to

In The 20/20 Experience - 2 of 2, Justin Timberlake blends old-school soul, big band extravagance and modern pop production for a carefully crafted multidimensional album. This album also seeks out hip-hop credit from producing partner Timbaland and collaborations with Jay Z and Drake, showing Timberlake’s sheer versatility and characteristic showmanship.

The album’s first single, “Take Back the Night,” is reminiscent of the retro pop style of Michael Jackson, who is Timberlake’s self-proclaimed idol. It serves as the perfect complement to “Suit & Tie,” the first single from the first chapter of The 20/20 Experience.

The nearly ten-minute track “True Blood” pays homage to Jackson’s “Thriller” — complete with synthesized sounds of wolves howling and Timbaland’s deep laughter. Timberlake croons, “She’s got that true blood / But baby I just do it for the thrill out of you.”

While Justin Timberlake donned his suit and tie for the first installment to embody an impeccably suave gentleman, he loosens his tie for several more seductive, edgy tracks reminiscent of his second solo album, FutureSex/LoveSounds. Timberlake seduces a lover in the climactic bedroom track “Cabaret”: “It’s a cabaret (Put on a show, get on the floor) / Cause even though I’m a professional, I like to do my work at home.” The track features Drake, who contributes two equally seductive verses, highlighting both artists’ strength in appealing to a female audience. “Murder” is another duet between Timberlake and Jay Z, his “Legends of Summer” tour partner. Justin’s catchy pop vocals are paired with Jay Z’s hip-hop edge, evident in a dig at Yoko Ono’s much talked about role in breaking up The Beatles.

In the song “Drink You Away,” Timberlake returns to his Nashville

roots as he croons about attempting to move past a failed relationship.

It is a vocally pleasing track with a southern soul vibe, evocative of his debut solo album Justified. “Not a Bad Thing” stands out in its strippeddown production and serves as a throwback to Timberlake’s boy-band heart throb days, when he acquired legions of young female fans crooning *NSYNC hits such as “Tearin’ Up My Heart” and “This I Promise You.” These heartfelt lyrics include: “When someone cuts your heart open with a knife, and you’re bleeding / But I could be that guy to heal it over time / And I won’t stop until you believe it.”

Despite Timberlake’s stunning vocals and excellent production, there are several concerns about the sequel to The 20/20 Experience. Timberlake’s smooth vocals in “Amnesia” will draw in listeners, but the seven minute track is too sleepy. Like the title, listeners will forget that they are still listening to the same song. The opening track “Gimme What I Don’t Know (I Want)” is a throwback pop funk song with an R&B flair, similar to that of Daft Punk’s hit single “Get Lucky.”

However, this track is hindered by its overindulgent one and a half-minute outro, which may create difficulty in establishing itself as a radio hit. Another aspect to consider while analyzing Timberlake’s career is if this effort has the potential to spawn iconic, undeniable hits, such as “Sexyback,” “Cry Me a River,” “My Love” and, most recently, “Mirrors.”

Nevertheless, fans will admire Timberlake’s trademark impeccable vocals and stylistic versatility in production.

The first edition of The 20/20 Experience garnered Timberlake approximately $2.3 million in album sales, achieving the coveted position as best selling album of the year. After his “Legends of Summer Tour” with Jay Z, which culminated with a celebration of his boy-band and solo career at MTV’s Video Music Awards, the album’s shortcomings will not oust Timberlake from his throne.

COURTESY OF WIKIMEDIA

money than legitimacy. By chance, he meets Michael while trying to repossess his son’s car and the two quickly form a mentor-protege relationship. Adding to this dynamic is the fact that the player can switch between the two characters at will, further enriching the plot.

Through a series of misadventures, the two end up owing money to powerful mob figures, which requires Michael to come out of retirement and turn once again to elaborate thievery, this time with Franklin by his side.

The plot twist comes when Trevor, living just an hour away from Los Santos, hears of someone “pulling jobs” in a style identical to that of his former best friend.

Trevor is the wild card of GTA V, a character marked by insanity and unflinchingly violent tendencies. Perhaps not so surprisingly, his missions (he is also a playable character, like Michael and Franklin) are the most bizarre yet wildly entertaining of the entire game. Trevor eventually discovers that Brad died nine years ago

TO READ THESE REVIEWS ONLINE, VISIT FORDHAMRA M.COM

October 9, 2013

Sports

Fordham Enters Top 10 Thanks to Convincing Lehigh Win

Page 15

Golf Finishes Tied for 11th at Yale’s Macdonald Cup

By DREW CASEY STAFF WRITER

DREW DIPANE/THE RAM

Sam Ajala hauled in seven passes for 166 yards, including touchdowns of 25, 40 and 62 yards, as the Rams blew out No. 10 Lehigh at a sold-out Jack Coffey Field.

FROM FOOTBALL, PAGE 1

“He’s the best [quarterback] I’ve seen in a long time,” Coen said of Nebrich. “This guy is unbelievably accurate. He’s got great feet. He’s obviously coached very well, you can tell that.”

Three of Nebrich’s touchdown passes went to junior receiver Sam Ajala.

“Today, the safety on my side, he wasn’t back far enough,” Ajala said.

“So we just kept going by him and Nebrich was throwing great balls.”

Nebrich and Ajala connected for the game’s first score, a 25-yarder on the game’s opening possession.

A holding call on Ajala wiped out a long run by Nebrich, but Ajala made up for it by catching a touchdown pass on the very next play.

Ajala’s second touchdown came with only 13 seconds left in the first half and gave Fordham a 24-14 halftime advantage.

Lehigh opened the second half by scoring a touchdown, but the Rams answered with a brilliantly executed play for a touchdown of their own.

Nebrich faked a handoff to his running back, then faked a pitch to a receiver who motioned into the backfield from the slot. The double play-action allowed Ajala to break free behind the Lehigh defense, and Nebrich dropped the ball right into his hands for a 62-yard score that put Fordham up 31-21.

Lehigh scored on its ensuing possession to bring the Mountain Hawks back within a field goal late in the third quarter. After forcing Fordham to punt, Lehigh appeared to have changed the momentum of the game.

“Everyone on the offense was pretty confident we were going to go down and score a touchdown to take the lead,” Lehigh senior running back Keith Sherman said.

But, the punt was muffed by the Lehigh return man, and Fordham recovered the ball at the Mountain Hawks’ 15-yard line. After a delay of game penalty backed the Rams up five yards, senior running back Carlton Koonce bounced a run to the

outside for a 20-yard touchdown.

Lehigh could have rebounded and scored a touchdown to draw within a field goal once again, but the Mountain Hawks’ senior quarterback Brandon Bialkowski was intercepted by Fordham junior safety Levon Williams.

The Rams took advantage of the turnover by scoring yet another touchdown to stretch their lead to 45-28, leaving Lehigh with only 12 minutes left to mount a comeback.

But Fordham forced another Lehigh punt and scored its third straight touchdown to take a 52-28 lead. The Mountain Hawks added a meaningless touchdown with 2:48 left to play and failed on a two-point conver-

sion attempt to make it 52-34. After Fordham recovered Lehigh’s onside kick attempt, the Rams were able to run out the clock.

Coen said he thought “the game really swung on the turnovers.”

Nebrich agreed.

“I think those two turnovers really just gave us the chance to just pull away and close the door on them,” he said.

With the win, Fordham improved to 6-0 for the first time since 1988, when the Rams were still in Division III. Fordham is now ranked 10th in The Sports Network poll and 9th in the FCS coaches’ poll. The Rams are one of five FCS teams with a record

of 5-0 or better.

Fordham travels to Washington, D.C. next week to take on Georgetown. The Hoyas are 1-4 on year, with their lone win coming over Davidson (0-5) on Sept. 7.

If Fordham wins, the Rams would be 7-0 for the first time since 1930.

But Nebrich says his team is not caught up in the history.

“The history of the school and the best start in 25 years — it’s cool to be a part of it, but we’re trying to create our own legacy here,” he said.

“We really don’t focus too much on the past. This team just really wants to create its own legacy and show everyone what the 2013 version of the Fordham Rams is all about.”

DREW DIPANE/THE RAM

Quarterback Michael Nebrich was named Patriot League Offensive Player of the Week for the third time this season.

After a much needed off week, the Fordham golf team competed in the Macdonald Cup at the Yale Golf Course in New Haven, Conn. and finished tied for 11th out of 14 teams.

The Rams hoped that they would turn in their best finish of the season this past weekend, and they seemed poised to do so after the first round.

After Saturday morning’s 18, the team was in seventh place and only four shots back of fourth place.

The team turned in a 17-over-par 297 on Saturday afternoon and fell into a tie for 10th place, with only Sunday morning’s final round remaining.

After other teams in the tournament field completed second round play on Sunday morning, Fordham turned in a 22-over-par 302 to conclude play. This was good for a tie for 11th place with Brown University.

Considering the team’s overall score of 886 on the par 70 Yale Golf Course, the team turned in its lowest score of the fall season. Its 47-over-par total was 17 shots better than its previous season best of 64-over-par at the Colgate Invitational.

Senior co-captain Brandon Nolan realized that the team played quite well this weekend.

“We could have played a little better,” Nolan said. “But overall we did not score that bad. The competition was just really good.”

The Rams also made strides forward individually. All six Ram golfers posted their lowest cumulative scores of the season.

Junior co-captain Jeff Hogan led the team, posting a three round cumulative score of 6-over-par. Hogan’s performance was good for a tie for 24th place.

Nolan was second best for the Rams, recording a 12-over-par 222, and Ben Alcorn shot 13-over-par.

Brian Engstrom shot 24-over par.

“I’d say I was neutral,” Engstrom said. “[I] left a lot of shots out there, [I] could have thrown out some low 70s if I just kept the focus.”

Alcorn speculated that a season best performance like this was on the horizon following the Cornell Invitational. “We know our hard work in practice will eventually pay off in our tournaments,” Alcorn said.

This week’s performance may not have resulted in an addition to the Rose Hill hardware collection, but the team is certainly progressing toward finding its identity before the spring competitive season.

The Fordham golf team is next in action this weekend at the Temple Invitational in Huntington Valley, Pa. at Philmont Country Club.

“Next week’s course in Philadelphia is a great course, just extremely hard,” Nolan said. “So we will be practicing hard to make sure we are ready for its challenges. It’s another strong field, so hopefully we can have a great showing there and get some confidence heading into the final events of the fall.”

SPORTS

Page 16

NL Blog

National League Awards

By MATTHEW MICHAELS STAFF WRITER

The playoffs are underway and it is time to look back on the regular season to see which players had the best individual years.

MVP: Andrew McCutchen — After finishing third in the 2012 voting, many of McCutchen’s numbers(R, H, HR, RBI, SLG, OPS) declined this season. The main reason he is considered the unanimous favorite now is that the Pirates made the playoffs, and he is the heart, as well as the best player, on his team. McCutchen’s success is the result of a lower strikeout ratio and increased walk percentage.

After a disappointing 63 percent stolen base success rate last year, he turned it around on the bases by swiping 27 in 37 attempts, good for a 73 percent mark. His speed also helped him to a stellar 64 percent on extra bases taken and another year of Gold Glove-worthy defense. When McCutchen wins the trophy in November, there will be no surprise or argument from anyone around the league.

Cy Young: Clayton Kershaw— Kershaw will most likely earn his second Cy Young award after finishing in second place last season.

For the third straight year, he led the NL in ERA and WHIP. His miniscule 1.83 ERA is the lowest in the majors since Pedro Martinez posted a 1.74 mark in 2000. Kershaw’s 16-9 record may be inferior to those of Jordan Zimmermann and Adam Wainwright, who both went 19-9, but Kershaw’s 8.4 WAR blows his competitors out of the water. This campaign showcased the Dodgers’ stud; he enjoyed career lows in walks, WHIP, H/9, HR/9 and ERA while working more innings than ever before.

ROY: Jose Fernandez—The only reason I didn’t mention this ace in the Cy Young conversation was that his innings were limited by the cautious Marlins. By allowing just 5.8 hits per nine innings

pitched, the 21-year-old requires proper acknowledgement. Batters managed just a .182 average against Fernandez, while he produced a .220 mark in his turns at the dish. If Fernandez can lower his walk rate next year, he will contend to follow up his Rookie of the Year honor with a Cy Young.

Manager of the Year: Clint Hurdle — No one utilized more of his players’ talents than the Pittsburgh General. In his third season in the Steel City, Hurdle managed to jumpstart a rebuilding team, and pushed his players all the way into the postseason.

Comeback Player of the Year: Marlon Byrd—This is a tough race, with Pirates teammate and 2010 winner Francisco Liriano and Rockies shortstop Troy Tulowitzki returning to top form. Byrd, an all-star for the Cubs in 2010, was beaned in the eye in May of 2011, hampering his performance for the rest of the season. Traded to Boston in April, his struggles continued until he was designated for assignment. Later, he received a 50 game suspension for using a banned substance. Byrd played surprisingly well for the Mets this year, and after a trade to Pittsburgh, finished a great season. He hit a career high 24 home runs while batting .291 with 88 RBI: a terrific comeback for a player considered expendable a year earlier.

Disappointment of the Year: Dan Uggla— This isn’t an actual award the MLB hands out, but it is worth mentioning. After posting the worst batting average ever for a player eligible for the batting title, Uggla, a three-time All-Star, was left off of the Braves’ 25-man playoff roster. His 171 strikeouts were third most in the league, despite his having just 448 at-bats. His 55 RBI were a career low and he managed to notch a WAR of -1.3. Worst of all, his average dropped to .131 with runners in scoring position.

Now, we wait to see who wins the World Series MVP.

October 9, 2013

Follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/theram_sports

Varsity Scores & Stats

Football Lehigh 7 7 14 6 34 Fordham 10 14 14 14 52 (LU) B. Bialkowski 324yds 3TDs (FOR) M. Nebrich 384yds 4TDs Men’s Soccer Fordham 0 1 1 Manhattan 0 0 0 Goals: J. Agostino (FOR) 55’

Water Polo Iona Fordham Fordham Whittier

9 12

Fordham 11 Mt. San Antonio 15 Fordham Cal Baptist

Women’s Soccer Fordham 0 0 0 0 0 Fordham LaSalle 0 0 0 1 1 Goals: R. Washington (LAS)105’ Occidental Fordham 0 1 0 0 1 St. John’s 1 0 0 0 1 Goals: M. Duffy (SJU) 43’ N. Bates (FOR) 53’

10 11

10 11 8 10

Fordham Redlands

9 11

Fordham LaVerne

15 10

Volleyball Stony Brook 21 25 25 17 15 3 Fordham 25 21 22 25 9 2 (SBU) K. Costello 16 kills H. Dolan 42 assists M. Rigo 14 digs (FOR) L. Hipp 19 kills S. Konkel 52 assists L. Hipp 20 digs Duquesne 25 22 25 25 3 Fordham 20 25 15 23 1 (DU) M. Farage 17 kills M. Henry 44 assists A. Foschia 17 digs (FOR) L. Ritchie 13 kills S. Konkel 50 assists B. Delsing 15 digs Golf Macdonald Cup J. Hogan 6over- 24th B. Nolan 12 over- 41st

Athletes of the Week Each week The Fordham Ram’s Sports editors honor one male athlete and one female athlete for their on-field performances as its “Athletes of the Week.”

Jon Agostino

Lindsay Ritchie

Freshman

Junior

Soccer

Volleyball

Agostino was named A-10 Co-Rookie of the Week after scoring the gamewinning goal in the Rams’ victory over Manhattan College. It was his second goal this year.

Ritchie set a pair of new career highs on Alumni Day. She was the bright spot in the Rams’ losing effort against Duquesne, as she posted a .579 hitting percentage and 13 kills.

News & Notes

COURESTY OF WIKIMEDIA

Andrew McCutchen led the Pirates to their first playoff appearance in 21 years.

• Fordham football continued its way up the FCS Coaches’ Poll and is now ranked No. 9. The Rams are ranked No. 10 in The Sports Network Poll.

• Redshirt sophomore QB Michael Nebrich was named Patriot League Offensive Player of the Week after passing for 384 yards and 4 TDs in the Rams’ win over Lehigh. Nebrich also had 56 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown.

• Junior Noah LeBeau was selected as the Northern Division Player of the Week by the Collegiate Water Polo Association. It is the second weekly award of LeBeau’s career.

• Senior guard Branden Frazier was named Third Team Preseason All-Atlantic 10. Frazier was second on the team in scoring last season with 14.2 ppg.

• Four Fordham softball players were named to the list of NFCA Division 1 Scholar Athletes. Sophomores Michele Daubman, Kayla Lombardo and Serena Moroukian and junior Briana Ciuffi were recognized for their hard work in the classroom.

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October 9, 2013

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Baked Ziti ......................................................................................................................................................................$13.95 Penne Alla Vodka .....................................................................................................................................................$14.95 Fettucine Alfredo .....................................................................................................................................................$14.95 Stuffed Shells ..............................................................................................................................................................$14.95 Homemade Lasagna ...............................................................................................................................................$14.95 Spaghetti with Tomato Sauce or Garlic and Oil .......................................................................................$11.95 Cheese Tortellini Alfredo......................................................................................................................................$14.95 Baked Manicotti ........................................................................................................................................................$14.95 Baked Gnocchi ...........................................................................................................................................................$14.95 Rigatoni Bolognese Ground beef sauce .............................................................................................................$14.95 Baked Cheese Ravioli or Chicken Ravioli .....................................................................................................$14.95 Penne with Broccoli Rabe and Shrimp In garlic and oil.............................................................................$16.95 Fettucine Primavera Mixed garden vegetables, Alfredo sauce or tomato sauce .......................................$16.95 Fettucine Dejana Homemade spinach fettucini with grilled chicken, shrimp, mushrooms in a marinara sauce....$17.95 Tortellini Boscaiola Peas, proscuitto, mushrooms in a pink sauce...................................................................$15.95 Penne with Broccoli Rabe and Chicken or Sausage In garlic and oil ..................................................$16.95 Linguini with Red or White Clam Sauce........................................................................................................$15.95 Linguini with Shrimp and Broccoli In garlic and oil ......................................................................................$16.95 Linguini Giovanni Shrimp and clams in a light red sauce ..................................................................................$17.95 Linguini Nera Arabiata Homemade black linguini with chunks of lobster, shrimp, and mussels in a spicy marinara sauce...$21.95 Lobster Ravioli Topped with fresh tomato sauce ................................................................................................$17.95 Capellini Al Amanda Shrimp, scallops, arugula in a light red sauce...............................................................$17.95 Fusilli Al Alvina Shrimp, sundried tomatoes, asparagus, garlic and oil............................................................$17.95 Sweet Red Pepper Linguini Chicken, shrimp, mushrooms and roasted peppers in a light cream sauce..$17.95 Rigatoni Sofia with chicken, cherry peppers, red and green bell peppers in a spicy marinara sauce ........$17.95 Farfalle Alla Pesto Bowtie pasta, sundried tomato and grilled chicken in a creamy pesto sauce ............$16.95 Ravioli Arragosta Striped ravioli filled with lobster and calamari in vodka sauce .........................................$18.95 Penne Alla Anisa Melted fresh mozzarella, arugula and fresh garlic in tomato sauce .................................$14.95 Add chicken, meatballs, sausage or meat sauce for an additional 4.00, shrimp or scallops for an additional 5.00

RISOTTO (Italian Style Rice)

Risotto Samira Shrimp, asparagus and cherry tomatoes in an Italian rice.......................................................$19.95 Risotto Alla Giovanni Shrimp, scallops, clams, mussels and lobster in a saffron Italian rice......................$23.95

ITALIAN SPECIALTIES

Eggplant Parmigiana ..............................................................................................................................................$14.95 Eggplant Rollatini Eggplant Stuffed with Ricotta ...............................................................................................$15.95 Sausage and Peppers with Mushrooms ......................................................................................................$14.95 Sausage and Broccoli Rabe ................................................................................................................................$14.95 All Italian specialties entrées served with salad, pasta or rice

POULTRY

Chicken Parmigiana Breaded cutlet baked with mozzarella and tomato sauce ..........................................$16.95 Chicken Marsala Breast of chicken sauteed with mushrooms in marsala wine..............................................$16.95 Chicken Francese Breast of chicken lightly battered and sauteed in lemon, butter and white wine ........$16.95 Chicken Primavera Breast of chicken sauteed with crisp fresh vegetables in a light brown sauce ...........$16.95 Chicken Cacciatore Boneless chicken in marinara sauce with peppers, mushrooms .................................$16.95 Chicken Piccata with lemon, butter, white wine, and capers .............................................................................$16.95 Chicken Giovanni Breast of chicken sauteed with white wine, garlic, lemon sauce and sliced sausage ..$17.95 Chicken Scarpariello with lemon, garlic, white wine and cherry peppers .....................................................$16.95 Chicken Rollatini Breast of chicken filled with prosciutto and mozzarella, sauteed in marsala and mushroom sauce ...$17.95 Grilled Chicken Breast ...........................................................................................................................................$16.95 Chicken Capricioso Chicken breast grilled or fried, topped with diced tomato, red onion and vinaigrette.............$16.95 All poultry entrées served with salad, pasta or rice

VEAL

Veal Parmigiana Breaded veal cutlet baked with tomato sauce and mozzarella ..........................................$19.95 Veal Marsala Medallions of veal sauteed with mushrooms, butter marsala wine and brown sauce ...........$19.95 Veal Francese Medallions of veal lightly battered and sauteed in lemon, butter and white wine ..............$19.95 Veal Piccata with lemon, butter, white wine, and capers .....................................................................................$19.95 Veal Giovanni Medallions of veal slices of prosciutto, eggplant, mozzarella sauteed in a light red sauce ....$20.95 Veal Rollatini Medallions of veal filled with prosciutto and mozzarella, sauteed in marsala and mushroom sauce ..$20.95 Veal Capricioso Breaded veal cutlet topped with diced tomato, red onion and vinaigrette ......................$19.95 All veal entrées served with salad, pasta or rice

SEAFOOD

Shrimp Parmigiana B Breaded d d and deep fried, baked with tomato sauce and mozzarella ..........................$19.95 Fried Shrimp Fried to a golden brown, served with tartar sauce ......................................................................$19.95 Shrimp Scampi Tender shrimp broiled in garlic, white wine, lemon and butter sauce .................................$19.95 Shrimp Francese Shrimp lightly battered and sauteed in lemon, butter and white wine............................$19.95 Stuffed Shrimp Shrimp filled with crabmeat in lemon, white wine and garlic sauce.....................................$21.95 Broiled Seafood Combination Shrimp, scallops, clams, filet of sole and lobster tail ..............................$26.95 Fried Seafood Combination Shrimp, scallops, calamari and filet of sole ...................................................$26.95 Giovanni Seafood Shrimp, scallops, mussels, calamari, clams and lobster tail in marinara sauce.............$26.95 Mussels Marinara Sauteed in a rich marinara sauce with garlic........................................................................$17.95 Fried Calamari To golden brown, served with marinara sauce..........................................................................$17.95 Broiled Alaskan King Crab Legs ......................................................................................................................$36.95 Broiled Salmon In a lemon and white wine sauce ...............................................................................................$20.95 Red Snapper Marechiara Sauteed in white wine, chopped onions and a touch of marinara sauce......$20.95 Shrimp Marinara or Fra Diavolo ........................................................................................................................$20.95 Broiled Filet of Sole Filet of sole broiled in a lemon and white wine sauce .................................................$20.95 Fried Filet of Sole Filet of sole lightly battered and fried, served with tartar sauce .....................................$20.95 Broiled Lobster Tails Two 6 ounce tails ................................................................................................................$36.95 Live Lobster Broiled, steamed, oreganata or marinara .......................................................................................$26.95 All seafood entrées served with salad, pasta or rice

STEAKS AND CHOPS

BBQ Baby Back Ribs Slow cooked baby back ribs covered in a rich barbeque sauce...............................$15.95 Broiled Shell Steak Tender and cooked to desired temperature ...................................................................$24.95 Steak Pizzaiola with peppers, onions, and mushrooms .....................................................................................$25.95 Broiled Baby Lamb Chops with herb roasted potatoes.................................................................................$25.95 Broiled Pork Chops .................................................................................................................................................$15.95 Pork Chops Pizzaiola In a light marinara sauce with pepper, mushrooms and onions ..............................$16.95 Broiled Pork Chops with Vinegar Peppers ................................................................................................$16.95 All steaks and chops entrées served with salad, pasta or rice

HOT WRAPS

Grilled Chicken and Mozzarella with tomato and honey mustard ............................................................$10.95 Grilled Chicken Caesar with roasted peppers and romaine lettuce .............................................................$10.95 Grilled Vegetables Eggplant, zucchini, portobello mushrooms and roasted peppers...............................$10.95 Steak Mozzarella with mushrooms, peppers and onions..................................................................................$10.95 BBQ Chicken with red onions and melted mozzarella ........................................................................................$10.95 Chicken Cutlet with roasted peppers, fresh mozzarella, basil and vinaigrette dressing ...............................$10.95 Grilled Shrimp and Portobello Mushrooms with mozzarella in a honey glazed balsamic ................$11.95 All hot wraps served with French fries. Available on foccacia bread

COLD WRAPS

Turkey and Swiss with mixed greens, tomatoes and honey mustard................................................................ $9.95 Prosciutto and Fresh Mozzarella with arugula and fresh basil in a honey glazed balsamic.................... $9.95 Tuna and Swiss Salad with cucumber and tomato.............................................................................................. $9.95 Roasted Peppers and Fresh Mozzarella with fresh basil............................................................................. $9.95 Giovanni Cold Cut Combo ..................................................................................................................................$10.95

Capicolla, ham, salami, mortadella, provolone, lettuce, tomato and roasted red peppers All cold wraps served with French fries. Available on foccacia bread

HOT HEROS

Chicken Cutlet ....................................................$7.95 Grilled Chicken...................................................$7.95 Meatball .................................................................$7.95 Veal Cutlet ............................................................$9.95 Shrimp.....................................................................$9.95 Eggplant ................................................................$7.95

Sausage and Peppers .................................... $7.95 Chicken Marsala ................................................ $9.95 Cheesesteak with Onions ............................ $8.95 Giovanni Steak ................................................... $9.95

Mushroom, peppers, onions and American cheese

All hot heros wih parmigiana additional 1.00, roasted peppers or broccoli rabe additional 1.25

10 OUNCE CUSTOM BLEND PAT LaFRIEDA GROUND BEEF BURGERS

Classic Burger American cheese, lettuce, tomato and red onion................................ $9.95 Bacon Cheddar Sharp chedar, caramelized onions, sauteéd mushrooms on a sesame roll...$10.95 Gyro............................................................................................................................................. $7.95 Grilled Chicken Gyro ......................................................................................................... $8.95 BBQ Grilled Chicken Crisp bacon, sauteed onions, gorgonzola cheese on a sesame roll ... $9.95 Turkey Burger Lettuce, tomato and red onion. Cheese additional 1.00 ..................$10.95

Available cheeses: pepper jack, provolone, Swiss, gorgonzola, mozzarella, cheddar and American cheese. Deluxe served with French fries

GOURMET PIZZA

SLICE

DELUXE $11.95 DELUXE $12.95 DELUXE $10.95 DELUXE $11.95 DELUXE $12.95 DELUXE $12.95

MEDIUM 16” LARGE 18” CUT 6 PCS. CUT 8 PCS.

Cheese and Tomato ................................................................................................$2.50 $14.00 Sicilian .............................................................................................................................$2.75 BBQ Chicken Pizza Chicken cutlet in a bbq sauce ......................................................................$19.00 Alla Vodka Grilled chicken in a vodka sauce and mozzarella ........................................................$19.00 Chicken Cutlet In tomato sauce with mozzarella ...........................................................................$19.00 Chicken Pesto Zesty pesto sauce with roasted peppers over melted fresh mozzarella..........$19.00 Chicken Marsala Breast of chicken sauteed with mushrooms in marsala wine .......................$19.00 The Vegetarian Peppers, onions, garlic, mushrooms, broccoli & zucchini ....................................$19.00 Shrimp Delight Shrimp, fresh garlic and parsley............................................................................$20.50 Fisherman Special Shrimp, clams, scallops and calamari ...........................................................$28.00 Giovanni Special 5 toppings of your choice...................................................................................$20.00 Margherita Tomato, basil and mozzarella.........................................................................................$16.00 Pizza Bianca Ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan cheese.......................................................................$16.00 Quattro Formaggi Four cheeses ....................................................................................................$17.00 The Best Seller Sausage and mushrooms ......................................................................................$17.00 The Pork King Sausage, ham and salami ........................................................................................$17.00 Prosciutto Tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, prosciutto, arugula ...................................................$18.00 Quattro Stagioni Ham, artichoke hearts, mushrooms and peppers .........................................$18.00 Primavera Broccoli, mozzarella, spinach, fresh tomatoes and sauce ...........................................$19.00 Buffalo Chicken Tender chicken pizza in a spicy buffalo sauce served with blue cheese dressing and celery....$19.00

$15.00 $17.00 $20.00 $20.00 $20.00 $20.00 $20.00 $20.00 $21.50 $29.00 $21.00 $17.00 $17.00 $18.00 $18.00 $18.00 $19.00 $19.00 $20.00 $20.00

TOPPINGS

$2 each topping Italian sausage, pepperoni, mushrooms, meatballs, ham, salami, fresh garlic, zucchini, onions, peppers, eggplant, bacon, anchovies, broccoli, spinach, olives, cherry peppers

$3 each Topping Extra Cheese, broccoli rabe, portobello mushrooms, sundried tomatoes $4 each Topping Chicken, shrimp, prosciutto

BAKED CALZONE AND ROLLS

Ricotta and Mozzarella..................................$5.95 Ricotta and Mozzarella with one topping ..$6.95 3 Musketeer Calzone with any 3 toppings....$8.95 Hippie Roll ............................................................$5.95 Chicken Roll .........................................................$5.95

Beef Patty ............................................................. $2.95 Stromboli............................................................... $5.95 Slice Specials ....................................................... $4.50 Garlic Knots (5) .................................................... $1.50

SIDE ORDERS

French Fries..........................................................$3.95 Onion Rings .........................................................$3.95 Spaghetti with tomato sauce .......................$5.95

Sausage .................................................................. $4.95 Meatballs............................................................... $4.95 Broccoli or Broccoli Rabe .............................. $5.95

BEVERAGES

Pepsi Cola ............................................................................................................................................................2 LTR $3.50 Water ................................................................................................................................................................. BOTTLE $1.50 Mystic .................................................................................................................................................................. 16 OZ. $2.25

ICE CREAM AND MILK SHAKES

Ice Cream Vanilla, Chocolate, Strawberry .................................................................1 SCOOP $2.75 2 SCOOPS $3.95 Milk Shake 16 oz. Vanilla, Chocolate, Strawberry .................................................................................................... $4.95

DESSERTS

Cannoli .............................................................................................................................................................................. $1.75 Cheesecake .................................................................................................................................................................... $5.75 Strawberry Cheesecake.......................................................................................................................................... $6.95 Chocolate Brownie .................................................................................................................................................... $5.95

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SPORTS

Page 18

Kearns’ Kickoff After Week Seven of the college football season, we have finally seen enough games to assess the national title picture. Preseason heavyweights like South Carolina and Notre Dame have underwhelmed, while rising teams like UCLA and Miami have emerged as dark horse BCS candidates. With a half season left, people have generally assumed that Alabama will reach Pasadena undefeated with the No. 1 record.

So our focus now turns to which non-SEC team will advance to the BCS title game.

With all due respect to No. 4 Ohio State, the title game will likely feature an SEC-Pac-12 or SECACC matchup because the Pac-12 and Atlantic Coast Conferences are so much stronger than the fledgling Big 10. The Pac-12 and ACC boast four of America’s top six teams, and each conference has an undefeated dark horse team lurking just outside the Top 10.

No. 2 Oregon and No. 5 Stanford are the favorites out west, though Stanford just survived a 31-28 challenge from the potent Washington Huskies. The Ducks visit Stanford in a must-watch clash on Nov. 7, and the winner may have the inside track in the race to Pasadena. However, both teams have significant obstacles in their way. Oregon still needs to defeat No. 16 Washington in the cavernous Husky Stadium, while Stanford has challenging road games at Oregon State and Utah.

Of course, the team with the biggest say in how the Pac-12 unfolds might be No. 11 UCLA. The undefeated Bruins have a Heisman candidate in sophomore quarterback Brett Hundley, and will play at Stanford and Oregon on Oct. 19 and 26. If UCLA loses both games, it should still win the Pac-12 South Division and earn a rematch with either Oregon or Stanford.If UCLA wins one or two of these three games, they might create chaos in the polls.

If anyone slips up out West, either No. 3 Clemson or No. 6 Florida State will have a chance to represent the ACC in the national championship game. The heavyweights will square off when the Tigers host the Seminoles on Oct. 19, and the winner could finish the season undefeated. Miami and Virginia Tech are not on the Tigers’ schedule, so Clemson should coast through its other games before an important visit to No. 14 South Carolina in a season-ending rivalry game. Meanwhile, the Seminoles face a tougher road to an undefeated season. If they beat Clemson, the undefeated No. 13 Miami Hurricanes will travel to Tallahassee for a massive November showdown, and Florida State finishes the year at No. 17 Florida.

Miami has its own title aspirations, and the Hurricanes can finish 12-0 if they defeat Florida State and No. 24 Virginia Tech on consecutive weekends. The ideal situation for ACC fans would be for Clemson and Miami to both finish 12-0 and battle in the conference title game.

This has been the ACC’s best season in years, because three of its teams are still undefeated.

College football’s second half will feature ample drama and mustwatch games on both coasts.

— Dominic Kearns

Senior Profile: Sara Konkel

ALLY WHITE/THE RAM

Konkel is from Elk Grove, Calif. where she attended Pleasant Grove High School and was a three-year captain.

By TARA SLEDJESKI STAFF WRITER

The Fordham Ram: Why did you choose to come and play at Fordham?

Sara Konkel: Well, Fordham chose me. I had just finished my sophomore year of high school and the previous coach had come out and seen me play and offered me a scholarship. So I came out, checked the school out and I committed. It has a beautiful campus, academics obviously are an awesome plus.

TFR: When did you first start playing volleyball and at what point did you first realize you would be able to play in college?

SK: I started playing volleyball in seventh and eighth grade, middle school and then I played competitively throughout high school.

Then I realized when I got my first letter freshman year of high school from a college I was like OK, this is what I’m going to do.

TFR: Coming from California, what has it been like living in New York the past few years?

SK: The winter is terrible. When people ask me what’s the hardest part, the weather. That first winter when I was here, eight feet of snow, I was like, Mom, let me come home.

Winter has been a hard transition but other than that all the girls are from the West Coast and Hawaii so it’s like easy to get along and the same mentality and vibe so it’s

good.

TFR: Does it help being on a team with a lot of other players from the West Coast?

SK: Definitely. When you first come in you think everyone is going to be like New York mentality but it’s really light and fun.

TFR: How have you seen the team and the program evolve since you first got here?

SK: Well, it’s definitely more serious this past year having a new head coach. Conditioning, lifting, practices, everything is geared towards winning and it’s a lot more competitive, whereas before everything was really repetitive and it got kind of slow at times but now it’s a lot faster paced and it’s a lot better for us.

TFR: The team has a lot of upperclassmen; what’s it been like being able to play for the same group of girls the last couple of years?

SK: We’ve got to see each other grow and improve over the last years, and we know each other, so we know what each other’s weaknesses and strengths are. It’s definitely nice this year having a lot of leaders and seniors on the team and on the court. That makes things easier for us.

TFR: What kind of mark would you like to personally leave on the program and for this team to leave?

SK: Like Coach says, we want to show that it doesn’t matter if we win or lose but that we’re going to

go out there and have a good match and fight for the win. I just want to show people that I’m really competitive and that I’m really fun to watch.

TFR: What are your personal and team goals for the rest of this season?

SK: That 3,000 assist mark I really want to make. That will go down in the books, so I have about 450 more to go, so hopefully I get to that. And then team goals, we want to go to A-10s.

TFR: What’s been your favorite moment at Fordham, both on and off the court?

SK: On the court would probably be either last year’s win against VCU. When they first entered our conference, they were top in our conference and we came out and we were able to get it done. Or the last win of the season, when we stopped URI from going to the conference championship. They needed to win the game and we came out and beat them. Off the court, my friends. All the friends I’ve made on and off the team. It’s like we have our little family.

TFR: Do you have any plans for after graduation?

SK: I’m going to this semester start applying to grad school in New York and California and see where I get into. I plan to go into education so go to grad school for that then teach first grade.

ALLY WHITE/THE RAM

Konkel had 50 assists and 10 digs in last Saturday’s four-set loss to Duquesne. She is 450 assists from 3,000 career assists.

October 9, 2013

Deuce’s Wild What makes a good QB? There are countless factors that affect their performance: poise, throwing power, accuracy, playmaking ability and so on. One man may be outperforming every quarterback in the history of the game in each of those categories and his name is Peyton Manning.

It’s not really a crazy thing to say Manning could be the best QB to ever play, is it? He may not be as prestigious as Joe Montana, but his talent and regular season numbers speak for themselves. At the very least, he’s got a Super Bowl ring, so I say we need to include him in the conversation.

Through this weekend, Manning is on pace for 6,029 yards, which would shatter Drew Brees’ singleseason record of 5,476 two years ago. He’s led the Denver Broncos to a perfect 5-0 and is showing no signs of slowing down. To top it all off, he’s the best of the best in a pass-heavy league, and it’s not close.

Tom Brady, Aaron Rodgers and Drew Brees all had magnificent 2011 campaigns, all while Manning was nursing an ailing neck. He was all but finished according to the Colts. Peyton is younger than all of them and now, in a season where those three are underperforming, he’s thriving.

It’s not just his numbers that make him one of the greats, it’s how he gets there. An on-field coach, Manning almost has a better idea of what the front seven will do than they do. Just this week he pulled the most Manning thing in the Manning family’s history — a bootleg which he walked in for a score. I mean, who does that?

His throws are always on the money, despite his loss in velocity.

He makes Julius Thomas look like Tony Gonzalez, just as he did with Dallas Clark for years.

Only Peyton Manning would be able to defeat someone who threw for over 500 yards and five touchdowns, like he did against Tony Romo on Sunday.

Helped by one of the best receiving corps assembled over the last couple of decades, there’s no reason the Broncos shouldn’t go undefeated. Manning may, in fact, go on to tie his brother at two rings apiece and who knows — maybe he will get his third next year.

Would that do it? Would three rings make you believe Peyton Manning is the greatest to ever play the QB position?

I’ve always found the rings argument a little much, because let’s face it, Eli is no Peyton. He’s been the motor of two Super Bowl winning machines, but he’s not at Peyton’s level. Big brother wouldn’t be leading the league in turnovers through five weeks, no matter how bad his offensive line was.

No, Manning would make it work, just as he’s done his whole career. He’s calm, he’s got a big arm and he puts the ball in the right spot every time. He’s on pace to obliterate several records this year and probably at the right pace to take home another Super Bowl ring.

At 37, that’s something I don’t see Brady, Brees, (other) Manning, Romo or even Montana doing.

— Kenny Ducey

October 9, 2013

SPORTS

NFL Blog

Page 19

Cool Your Jets: New York Not Quite a Playoff Team

By MAX PRINZ ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR

BILL KOSTROUN/AP IMAGES

Geno Smith looks to become the franchise quarterback the Jets need.

By ERIC MOLLO STAFF WRITER

The Jets’ Monday night performance against the Atlanta Falcons was nothing short of exhilarating.

Gang Green looked like it may have the best 3-4 defensive line in all of football and Geno Smith channeled his inner Peyton Manning on his way to a nearly-flawless display of quarterbacking. This all was done on the road, in one of the league’s toughest domes and on a nationally-televised stage. Mighty impressive.

So, with the Patriots losing in ugly fashion and the Dolphins looking like a hit-or-miss team, what’s next for Rex Ryan’s squad?

Playoffs? Division title? Super Bowl in New York? Not so fast. It was only five weeks ago that people were talking about how good JaDeveon Clowney would look in green and white, so I’m going to hold off on the playoff chants while we’re still in early October.

A few years ago, it looked like Mark Sanchez might be leading the Jets to their first Super Bowl since the Namath era. Now, he will likely never play another down in green and white. There’s a long road ahead and the Jets still have a lot of holes they need to fill.

Take a deeper look at the Jets offense. It looked mighty good Monday, even without Santonio Holmes, but it still has some gaps on the offensive side of the ball.

Just take a look at the running back situation. Rookie general manager John Idzik did a great job of adding talented runners Mike Goodson and Chris Ivory this offseason to help form a potential three-headed monster alongside Bilal Powell, but Izdik has one problem: None of these backs are proven. None of the three have ever carried the ball more than 150 times in a season and Ivory and Goodson have been marred by strings of small injuries throughout their young careers.

Monday night was the first time this season the Jets have had all three backs active for a game. They

have potential to make thunder and lightning in an exciting backfield, but they have to prove they can stay healthy and perform on a consistent basis if this team’s going anywhere.

Turning to the receivers, it seems like a similar situation.

There’s talent there, but the risk is high. Jeremy Kerley is serviceable and second-year receiver Stephen Hill has taken steps, but he’s far from a proven receiver. Jets fans, be honest: Did you really expect anything out of Santonio Holmes this year, especially with rumors swirling in August that he was “milking” injuries hoping to get released next offseason? Again, not sold on the Jets pass catchers.

And then there’s Geno. I like Geno. He seems to have his head on straight despite offseason rumors that he would turn into a “diva” quarterback, and he looked poised in leading the Jets to an upset thriller in Atlanta. But it’s only been five games. Yes, that’s it. Five games. Aaron Rodgers sat for 41 games before he even started one.

It takes time to develop. Mistakes, and costly ones, are bound to happen. We can’t be sure he’s a playoff quarterback just yet.

All this being said, it’s been quite a shocking start to 2013 for Gang Green. Even without Darrelle Revis, Rex Ryan has magically turned the Jets’ defensive unit into one of the top in the league, and Marty Mornhinweg has taken a team that so badly needed an offensive spark, and beautifully implemented the West Coast offense. Now, do I think the Jets will be playing in January? Even five weeks is too early to tell, but I just don’t think they will. The talent is there, but the talent hasn’t proven it can withstand a 16 game season. Although it’s been an exciting season, it’s time to cool the jets until they’re winning games in November and December. Heck, even if the postseason isn’t in the cards for 2013, at least the Jets can say they’re better than New York’s other football team at this point.

Pat Riley is an absolute genius.

The president of the Miami Heat, and perhaps the smartest man in the NBA, Riley came through with another stroke of brilliance to get his team ready to chase its third consecutive title.

Floyd Mayweather, the greatest boxer in a generation, was seen exiting the Miami Heat practice facility this past weekend. Mayweather spoke to the Heat players before their practice and delivered what was, by all accounts, a powerful message that resonated deeply with the players.

Mayweather, in case you haven’t heard, is 45-0 in his boxing career, with titles in five different weight divisions. He spoke to the Heat about remaining on top, despite facing competition that grows fiercer by the day. It is a topic about which Mayweather likely knows more than anyone else on the planet. This is a man with eight major championship belts and an undefeated record in 17 years of fights. His work inside the ring is awe-inspiring and the Heat definitely got a peek behind the curtain as they look to retain their own title as NBA champions.

“With him being 17 years-and-0 — we’re trying to defend two titles — he’s been defending for a long time,” Lebron James told ESPN. “He definitely knows where we’re coming from. It’s definitely exciting to have someone, one of the greatest of all time, to be in your presence. It’s something you can talk about years from now when you look back on the history of sports. That guy was at our practice.”

Is the genius of Pat Riley visible yet? If winning an NBA championship is very hard, winning two championships in a row must be even harder. Winning three straight championships is close to impossible. Pat Riley just took the first step towards making that happen for the Heat.

Mayweather is absolutely the perfect person to talk to the Heat.

He has always executed, always

found a way to defeat his opponent; his nickname is “money.” He has, time and again, climbed the mountain and become a champion. He and Riley’s Heat team are a perfect match. Hearing the players after meeting with Mayweather, it is clear that he provided a great deal of inspiration.

“From one champion to another, he just talked about being proud of us and how we handled ourselves,” Dwyane Wade said. “He knows, as a champion, how hard it is to go out there and compete when people try to take you down, take what you work for. He kept telling us how proud he is of us. If you got up today and you were a little tired, you walk in and see the champ, you work a little harder.”

Look at that quote again. Mayweather has inspired the Heat to try even harder than before. A team that just won back-to-back titles has every reason to slack off, but Riley’s move has given the Heat the motivation to try for another title. If I were a competing team, I would be very worried.

Granted, Miami’s road to a title this season will be harder than ever before. The Pacers, who get Danny Granger back, will surely want vengeance for last season. Oklahoma City, once Russell Westbrook returns, will again be a top force in the West. The Nets made huge moves, trading for two future Hall of Famers. The Rockets found their second superstar in Dwight Howard and now have an insideout threat with him and James Harden. And of course, there is the

return of Derrick Rose, who looks very healthy, meaning the Bulls will again be a team that can give the Heat problems.

Only three other NBA teams, Shaq and Kobe’s 00-02 Lakers and Jordan’s 91-93 and 96-98 Bulls teams, have won three titles in a row. The reasons for their success are fairly obvious. Shaq and Kobe formed a two-man partnership that dominated in ways never seen before or since. The Bulls had the luxury of the greatest player ever, whose will to win bordered on insanity. Do the Heat, and especially Lebron James, have that same ability and fire?

I truly believe they do. Lebron is unlike any basketball player that has come before him. His ability to do so many different things well allows him to compensate for any and all of his team’s weaknesses.

He is, far and away, the best basketball player in the league.

There was time when the infamous video of Lebron and Chris Bosh’s welcome party was a huge joke and a lesson in humility. That time is over. Miami is ready to make the visions of that welcome party come true.

I think the Heat will join that elite group of teams and win their third consecutive NBA title this season. I think Lebron James will win his fifth MVP and draw ever closer to the realm of Jordan.

While it will likely be James receiving most of the praise, remember that Pat Riley certainly did his part to motivate his team to chase a third straight championship.

WILFREDO LEE/AP IMAGES

LeBron James and the Heat look to be the first team to three-peat since 2002.

Upcoming Varsity Schedule Home games in CAPS

Thursday Oct. 10

Friday Oct. 11

Saturday Oct. 12

Sunday Oct. 13

at Georgetown 1 p.m.

Football

Men’s Soccer

at Saint Louis 8:30 p.m.

at Dayton 1 p.m.

Women’s Soccer

at VCU 7 p.m.

at George Mason 1 p.m.

Head of the Housatonic All Day

Rowing Water Polo

at Brown 3 p.m. at Temple Invitational All Day

Golf Volleyball

DAYTON 7 p.m.

at Saint Louis 7 p.m.

Monday Oct. 14

Tuesday Oct. 15

Wednesday Oct. 16

Sports

Page 20

October 9, 2013

Volleyball Drops Conference Home Match to Duquesne, 3-1

By TARA SLEDJESKI STAFF WRITER

This past week was not a busy one for the Fordham volleyball team, as it had only one game, but the game it did play was an important one.

On Saturday the Rams hosted Duquesne in the Rose Hill Gym, in an important conference tilt against the Atlantic 10-leading Dukes, but lost 3-1.

Fordham’s first year head coach Gini Ullery spent the past few years as an assistant coach at Duquesne before coming to coach at Fordham.

To add to the excitement of the night, Fordham was celebrating some of the volleyball program’s alumni prior to and during the game. In a special ceremony, members of the program’s 1,000 kill and 1,000 dig clubs were celebrated between the second and third sets. Current senior Maria Rodenberg was a part of the ceremony with the alumni after picking up her 1,000th career dig earlier this season.

Duquesne started the night off right, taking the first set, although the Rams kept it close, losing by only five points, 25-20. The second set was another close win, with

the Rams actually pulling out the victory by a score of 25-22. In the third set, Duquesne was the stronger team, winning by a score of 2512. The Rams kept it close in the fourth and final set, but eventually lost the set 25-23 to lose the game.

Despite the loss, the Rams were still happy with how the game went and walked away with some positives.

“A definite positive is that Duquesne is top of our conference,” said senior setter Sara Konkel. “So the fact that we were able to keep right there with them [was a positive].”

Konkel led the Rams in the game with 50 assists. Lindsey Ritchie led the way with a team-high 13 kills and Brennan Delsing had a teamhigh 15 digs.

Going forward in conference play, Konkel is excited after how the team played against one of the top teams and is already looking forward to playing Duquesne again.

“Fixing a couple things here and there we could have definitely taken that match, so that’s really good,” Konkel said. “It’s early in conference and we play them again in about a week and a half.”

The upcoming week gets off to a quiet start for the Rams before

ALLY WHITE/THE RAM

Fordham takes on Dayton in the Rose Hill Gym on Friday at 7 p.m. A win would give the Rams a 2-2 record in the A-10.

they head off on their first conference road trip. On Friday, Oct. 11, the Rams will play Dayton at home.

Then on Sunday, Oct. 13, the Rams will travel to St. Louis to take on

the Bilikens.

Dayton is currently 7-9 overall and 1-3 in conference play despite coming into the season ranked number one in the Atlantic 10 fol-

lowing four straight conference titles. St. Louis is currently 7-10 overall and 3-1 in conference play.

The Rams are currently 8-11 overall and 1-2 in conference play.

Men’s Soccer Defeats Jaspers Fordham Women Take La Salle, St. Joe’s to Double OT

By JAKE GROGAN STAFF WRITER

ALLY WHITE/THE RAM

Fordham broke a five-game losing streak with a win at Manhattan.

By MAX PRINZ ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR

The Fordham men’s soccer team finally snapped its five-game losing streak this past Wednesday, defeating its rival Manhattan College 1-0 and winning the Battle of the Bronx. The Rams have now defeated the Jaspers nine years straight.

Going into Wednesday’s rivalry matchup, the Rams had lost five consecutive matches. They got their fair amount of chances throughout those five matches, but had been unable to convert. Injuries to key players, like freshman Andrew Hickey and senior Nathaniel Bekoe, had further compounded the Rams’ struggles, but they came out strong against the Jaspers.

The Rams started well in the first half. They got the first scoring chance of the match in the 15th minute after earning a corner kick. Sophomore Tommy Granot sent the ball in and senior Jack Bouchard’s attempt was just wide to the left.

Senior goalkeeper Alex Naples was instrumental in the Rams’ first half success. Naples made a diving

save on a shot in the 40th minute that kept the game scoreless. It was a play that had not gone the Rams’ way in previous matches and a clear sign that this might be the time for them to break out of their slump.

That breakthrough came for the Rams in the 55th minute of the match. Freshman Jon Agostino took a Granot pass into the box, evaded a defender by going to his right and put a shot in the back of the net. Agostino’s second goal of the year gave the Rams a lead they would not relinquish for the rest of the match.

For the remainder of play, the Fordham defense held strong.

Though they surrendered 11 shots to the Jaspers, only three were on target. Naples did his job very well and earned a clean sheet, making three saves. The team broke out of its slump in a big way, and with the victory made even sweeter by the dispatching of a rival.

The win over Manhattan wraps up non-conference play for the Rams. The team, currently at 3-6 on the year, will begin A-10 conference play on the road against St. Louis on Oct. 11 and Dayton Oct. 13.

Fordham women’s soccer stood out in an impressive weekend for Fordham athletics, taking two very good conference opponents to a combined four overtimes. The Rams will take a 1-1-1 conference record into their matchup with VCU this Friday after falling to La Salle on Friday and tying with Saint Joseph’s on Sunday.

Fordham’s defense came close to keeping the conference loss and tie columns unblemished, as it surrendered just one goal to La Salle’s potent offense in the 105th minute of the match. The defending A-10 champs came into the game having scored 19 goals in 11 games, a level of offensive production that had the Explorers sitting atop the conference with an 8-2-1 record.

The Rams, then 1-0 in conference play, entered Philadelphia as a unit of underdogs looking to stay undefeated in the A-10. Chances of pulling out a victory appeared slim early on, as it seemed that the Explorers would have the opportunity to put a dangerous amount of shots on goal.

La Salle’s Renee Washington recorded three of her team’s first four shots, all of which came early in the game and all of which were unsuccessful in finding the back of the net.

The rest of the half saw little threat to either goalkeeper, as the ball stayed at midfield for much of the time. Freshman Turner Block had an opportunity late to put a header into an empty goal, but it was blocked by a La Salle defender.

The second half was uneventful until Fordham junior goalkeeper Ally White collided with an Explorer and fell hard to the ground. She left the game, leading coach Ness Selmani

to insert freshman Megan Fitzgerald in net for the remainder of regulation. She showed poise under pressure, going one-on-one with Renee Washington from 15 yards out and stopping her shot on goal, preserving a 0-0 tie through 90 minutes of play.

White would return for the extra periods of play, but unfortunately Washington was finally able to sneak one past her in second overtime off a cross feed from Maryam Huseini.

White and Fitzgerald combined for seven saves in a heartbreaking loss. Upsetting La Salle would have put the Rams into great position going forward in conference play.

That said, Fordham’s defense played exceptionally well in what will likely end up being its biggest test of the regular season.

The Rams played their second double overtime game in as many days against Saint Joseph’s, a matchup that saw opportunistic but virtually fruitless offensive efforts from

both teams. Unfortunately, a missed kick on a clearing attempt gave Morgan Duff y a kick from about 30 yards out, which just beat Fitzgerald inside the left post.

Freshman Nicole Bates evened the score in the 54th minute off of a feed from senior Kelsey Dougherty Howard, knocking in a header from eight yards away.

The game would end in a 1-1 tie, as the Rams’ defense shut down the vast majority of Saint Joseph’s plentiful attempts. Fordham was also able to generate a lot of offensive pressure, forcing Hawks goalie Lauren Jancuska to make seven saves to preserve the tie.

Fordham will travel to VCU this Friday to take on a 6-4-1 team that will look to stay undefeated in conference play.

If Fordham can continue playing at this level, it has more than a fighting chance to put another tally in VCU’s loss column.

DAVID MEYERS/THE RAM

Fordham travels to Virgina this weekend to face VCU and George Mason.