Volume 95 Issue 4

The Fordham Ram Serving The Fordham University Community Since 1918 Volume 95, Issue 4

FordhamRam.com F dh R

February F b 13 13, 2013

Students Find Volunteering Outlet in Harlem

By ELIZABETH ZANGHI PHOTO EDITOR

ed in the Bronx was 15 inches in Fieldston.

While the blizzard did not cause issues on campus, it did affect many students’ travel plans.

“I didn’t get to go home [to Philadelphia] for my friend’s wedding like I planned to,” Maria Buck, FCRH ’15, said.

“I went to visit my aunt in Queens, so I had to leave early on Friday to be at her house because the MTA was talking about possible cancellations, ” Gabrielle Vella, GSB ’15, said. “It was an issue I did not expect.”

The blizzard also caused the Fordham women’s basketball

Many students know Ryan Conroy, FCRH ’15, as the kid from Alaska. But to a group of children in Little Senegal, he is something much more.

Little Senegal, or Le Petit Sénégal, is a West African immigrant community in Central Harlem.

Conroy, an Alaska native, found out about the neighborhood when speaking with a street vendor whom he noticed was wearing Senegalese clothing. Following the vendor’s advice, Conroy went to Little Senegal.

“The atmosphere is almost decadent down there — people are walking in and out wearing traditional clothing, long robes in white and gold and indigo,” Conroy said.

“People are speaking French and Wolof and Arabic and Fulani, people are boiling mint tea and delivering Thiévoudienne — it’s nuts.”

When he traveled to the neighborhood, he found the Association for Senegalese in America (ASA), the community center of Little Senegal.

“I talked to Kaaw Sow about what I could do,” Conroy said, referring to the community center manager, “and he said he would

SEE NEMO, PAGE 2

SEE SENEGAL, PAGE 5

ELIZABETH ZANGHI/THE RAM

The picturesque campus remained fully intact despite the high winds, steady snowfall and other blizzard conditions caused by winter storm Nemo last week.

University Closes as Blizzard Burries Rose Hill in Foot of Snow; Cleanup Swift

By KELLY KULTYS NEWS EDITOR

‘Nemo’ was the latest storm to hit the recently ravaged Tri-State area, including Fordham’s campus.

First, there was Hurricane Irene that wreaked havoc on move-in day for the incoming Class of 2015. Next, came Superstorm Sandy, which took place a few months ago and shut down campus operations for over a week.

Most recently, the blizzard of 2013, affectionately titled Nemo dropped approximately a foot of snow on campus, between Friday and Saturday.

This time Fordham escaped relatively unscathed from the storm.

Marco Valera, vice president for Facilities, echoed this sentiment.

“Happily we do not have any damage to report,” Valera said.

Fordham was cautious in preparing for the storm, announcing on Thursday night that “due to an impending blizzard, all campuses of Fordham University will be closed on Friday, Feb. 8, and Saturday, Feb. 9.”

Many facilities and services operated on a reduced schedule for the duration of the storm. The fitness centers at Rose Hill shut down two hours early on Friday night in preparation for the worst

of the storm. Also, Ram Van service was shut down between Rose Hill and Lincoln Center on Friday and Saturday. The library operated under its late zone hours for Friday and Saturday.

Luckily for Fordham, the Bronx did not receive the massive snow accumulation that areas to the north and east experienced. Milford, Conn., 55.4 miles away, received a whopping 38 inches of snow from the storm. Medford, on Long Island, received just under 34 inches. According to a report in USA Today, by Feb. 9, over half a million were without power. The Bronx and the nearby areas were spared, as the highest total report-

Women’s Squash Match Ends in Loss, But Makes History

By MAX PRINZ ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR

The Fordham women’s basketball team is having its best season in school history. The softball team is coming off of a 32 win season, including 14 wins in the A-10 conference. The women’s tennis team finished last year with 17 wins. The women’s swimming team finished the season with 10 wins. And now, that female athletic tradition looks to grow even stronger as women’s squash comes to Fordham. in this issue

Opinion Page 7 Pope’s Resignation Opens Debate About Successor.

Arts

Page 13

New Comedy Show Brings Laughs to Channel 10.

Sports

Page 19

Travion Leonard Better Than Ever Thanks to New Physique.

Fordham hosted NYU for the first women's squash match in Fordham history, this past Sunday. Six Fordham women competed in what could become the newest addition to the Fordham Athletics program.

"We have to call it ‘Women's Squash at Fordham,’" said men’s squash head coach Bryan Patterson. "It is not yet approved, and it's not financed by the University. If we can keep it going for two years, play matches, get around ourselves, finance it ourselves, the University then says OK you can be a club sport now, and we can give you a little bit of financial aid."

The six players all displayed passion and enthusiasm for the game. They cheer each other on.

They work hard for points. The team showed that it is capable of continuing a strong tradition of women’s athletics at Fordham.

"I'm definitely pushing for approval," Patterson said. "We should have a women's team, it's as simple as that. Personally, I just don't understand why there's never been a women's team here before, especially with the influence of Title IX." Title IX was introduced in 1972 and has provided countless opportunities for women to excel in sports.

Its influence over the past 40 years has been immeasurable and has brought about stars such as Mia Hamm and Lisa Leslie.

It has opened countless doors for women, including helping to create the incredibly successful U.S. women's soccer team and the five young women on the U.S gymnastics team.

A 2011 NCAA study states that a record 193,232 women compete at the Division I level, over six times the pre-Title IX rate. Now that expansion continues, as the female student athletes of Fordham can take to the squash court.

"We've had about 10 or 11 women who have been to these clinics we have held," said Patterson, explaining how the team got started. "About half of them are seniors and are going to be leaving, but that will not stop us from playing next year. We keep recruiting; we are recruiting students to come play squash next year. Hopefully, we can get a team going, and we'll play some matches. This one was the first women's squash match Fordham has had and it was great."

The women lost to NYU 4-2, but that did not dampen their sprits. They were clearly happy to have the chance to play and were excited to start something new.

SEE SQUASH, PAGE 21

ERIC VANDEVILLE/MCT

Pope Benedict XVI announced he would step down from the papacy on Feb. 28.

Announcement of Pope’s Resignation Surprises Most McShane Declines to Comment; Quinn Marks it as “Day of Real History”

By CONNOR RYAN EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Soon after Pope Benedict XVI announced Monday that he would resign on Feb. 28, citing his advanced age and fading strength, many on Fordham’s Rose Hill campus joined the international community in disbelief.

“I was surprised,” David Birkdale, FCRH ’15, said on Monday after attending Holy Hour, a weekly Eucharistic adoration service in Our Lady’s Chapel. “I was upset because he’s been a great leader, but I understand that he’s been having health issues, and I trust his judgment.”

Benedict, 85, became pope in April of 2005 at the age of 78, making him the oldest cardinal to be elected in roughly 300 years, according to the Associated Press. He is the first pope to resign in six centuries.

“It seems that the historic decision revealed to the world this day is but a further reflection of the wisdom and humility that has marked the life of this holy man of God,” Joseph G. Quinn, vice president for Mission and Ministry, said in an email on Monday.

Unlike most interviewed, Quinn said that Benedict had subtly hinted toward his resignation in the past, SEE POPE, PAGE 3

NEWS

Page 2

SECURITY BRIEFS Feb. 5, Metro-North Rail 10:40 p.m.

A female student’s wallet was taken from the front zipper pocket of her backpack as she rode the Metro-North on Tuesday night. The wallet contained a credit card and the student’s driver’s license. The next morning, her father notified her that 10 unauthorized transactions had been made from the card.

The student called the credit card company to cancel the card.

Feb. 7, Southern Blvd 6:30-8:30 p.m.

A student parked an Audi on Southern Boulevard behind the Lombardi Center and returned to find that the front passenger window had been broken. $100 was missing from the car. The NYPD was notified.

Feb. 7, McGinley Center 11:55 p.m.

During Senior Night at the McGinley Ballroom, a student left her bag unattended near the DJ stand.

Later, she returned and found the bag missing. After searching with her friend, she found it at the opposite end of the room with all its contents, including $105, an iPhone, credit card, debit card and NY State Driver’s License, gone. An unauthorized transaction of $25 was made on the debit card prior to cancellation. The student declined to notify the NYPD. Feb. 8, Walsh Hall 3:45 a.m.

Four students were stuck in an elevator near the eighth floor of Walsh Hall. Security responded, and the elevator company arrived and was able to get the students out, though the process took 50 minutes. The elevator was eventually fixed and put back into service.

Feb. 10, Martyr’s Lawn 6-12 p.m.

An assortment of dorm furniture was found on Martyr’s Lawn in front of Goupil Hall; an open window on the fourth floor was thought to have played a role in the furniture’s journey. Seven desk chairs were reported missing from the lounge.

—Compiled by Girish Swamianth, Assistant News Editor

February 13, 2013

McIntrye Advises Students to ‘Just Go for It’

By KRIS VENEZIA STAFF WRITER

Brian McIntyre, senior communications advisor to NBA Commissioner and former senior vice president of Basketball Communications, offered tips to Fordham’s Gabelli School of Business students on how to make it in the sports industry.

“Don't give up; it's so much more sophisticated today than it was when I started,” McIntrye said.

“There wasn't marketing departments or other things of that nature.

Watch, observe, learn and listen; if you're interested in sports, hone in on what you want to get in on like PR or the operations side or sports journalism.”

McIntyre is the first person to come to Fordham in the Gabelli Sports Business Specialization series. The event was put together by Mark Conrad, director of the Sports Business Specialization at the Gabelli School of Business.

Brian McIntyre has been a presenter at other schools, including New York University and Fairfield University. He went to a Jesuit school, Loyola University of Chicago, and said he enjoys giving back to the Jesuit community.

“I spoke at a conference[the Jesuits] had [last] June,” he said. “I like giving back, it’s a nice thing to do.”

Now, as senior advisor to the National Basketball Association Commissioner, McIntyre works closely with the controversial leader of the NBA, David Stern. There have been 4 lockouts during Stern’s tenure as commissioner.

Martin McCormack, FCRH’15, said he loves watching professional basketball, but has gotten frustrated with Commissioner Stern.

ELIZABETH ZANGHI/THE RAM

Brian McIntyre currently serves as the senior communications advisor to controversial NBA Commissioner, David Stern.

“I do not like David Stern very much because he vetoed the Chris Paul trade to the Lakers, and as a Lakers fan, I was not a fan of that,” McCormack said. “Besides that, I have a fairly neutral view of him. I just don't like it when he gets too involved with his power.”

Commissioner Stern does get credit from some people for helping to brand the NBA internationally.

He also started seven new teams and oversaw the creation of the Women’s National Basketball Association.

Brian McIntyre said Stern is a brilliant man who has done a lot for this league, and his leadership has allowed the NBA to maintain its reputation as one of the biggest organizations in the world.

Joe Lynch, FCRH ‘15, said he likes the way the sport gives back to the community and shows the players as “regular Joes.” “[The NBA] does a lot of good stuff, like the NBA Cares thing.

I like that, and it shows that [the NBA] isn't just a bunch of jocks

just shooting a ball around,” Lynch said. “Athletes can sometimes seem so far-fetched and out of reality, in the NBA, I feel like the players are everyday people blessed with some athletic ability.”

Martin McCormack said he agrees that the NBA does not overinflate player egos.

“The NBA does elevate their stars, but is still more modest than leagues like the NFL that makes guys like Ray Lewis and Aaron Rodgers seem like crazy superstars,” he said. “If you're good in the NBA, you're a superstar, but you're not like a god.”

As former senior vice president of Basketball Communications, Brian McIntyre was able to give stories of how the NBA worked to brand itself to fans in the United States and overseas.

Matthew Sinise, GSB ‘14, said he learned a lot from listening to McIntyre speak. “[McIntyre] was a really insightful speaker because he was able to give insight into his career in the

NBA and give advice on taking advantage of a Jesuit education,” Sinise said.

McIntyre said the most memorable experience of his career was spending time with the 1992 Olympic Basketball team, nicknamed the “Dream Team.”

“It was the highlight of my career,” he said. “It was travelling with rockstars. The demand, everywhere we went, we got to France and everyone [in the airport] dropped their things to take pictures. We could have walked into the country because nobody was manning customs.”

The former Loyola University of Chicago graduate said students can get into the sports industry, but they have to be motivated.

“A lot of people say, ‘Well gee, I could never do that, they'd never hire me, I'm a college student they wouldn't hire me.’ Did you ask? Did you try? The first step is getting out of bed and trying. Unless you ask you don't get it; don't wait, just go for it.”

No Reported Damage from Nemo at Fordham FROM NEMO, PAGE 1

game against Dayton to be pushed back from 2 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Sunday evening.

The snow created some issues for students looking to take advantage some of campus’ usual amenities.

“I forgot to bring back a DVD for class to the library and now have a $20 late fee,” Alyssa Marino, FCRH ‘15, said.

Most students, however, enjoyed a fun day off in the snow, as many posted on YouTube.

A few Fordham students participated in their own version of the “Harlem Shake (Fordham Edi-

tion)” on Eddie’s after the snow had fallen.

Tim Luecke, FCRH ’13, created a video posted on his “Tim Luecke Art” Facebook page entitled “HipHop Snowman Takes Fordham,” showing a puppet snowman enjoying the snow with members of the Fordham community.

Other students just simply enjoyed building snowmen, making snow angels or starting snowball fights with their friends.

With the extra day off from class, students and professors alike were able to enjoy an extended white weekend either with their friends here at Fordham or at home.

ELIZABETH ZANGHI/THE RAM

One student braved the blistering conditions to walk across campus.

This Week at Fordham Wednesday Feb. 13 Spring 2013 Career and Internship Fair McGinley Center Ballroom, Office of Career Services, 1 p.m.

Students are invited to attend and network with over 100 employees from a variety of industries, including healthcare, arts, finance, communications and more. Contact Career Services for more information.

Thursday Feb. 14 Open Dance Classes, Keating B23, Expressions Dance Alliance 7:30 p.m.

Thursday Feb. 14

Sunday Feb. 17

Anna Karenina Showing

Lunar New Year Parade Outing

Keating 1st, Cinevents, 9:00 p.m.

Office of Multicultural Affairs, 11:30 a.m.

In honor of the Chinese New Every Monday and Thursday Year, which was on Feb. 10, the night, Expressions holds dance In keeping with the drama, roOffice of Multicultural Affairs is classes open to the public. Bring a mance and tragedy of Valentines bringing a group of students from valentine this Thursday, because your Day, Cinevents will be showing both Rose Hill and Lincoln Cenfirst class is free! Every other time is Anna Karenina on Thursday night. ter on an outing to the Lunar New $3, and if you go four times your fifth Valentine’s Day treats will be served.

Year Parade in Chinatown. class is also free!

For more campus events, visit FordhamRam.com

Monday Feb. 18 Midnight Run McGinley 205E for Signups, ¡GO! Signups for the next Midnight Run have been posted. All interested students should put their names down soon, as space is limited. ¡GO! also needs donations in the form of clothes, toiletries and snacks.

NEWS

February 13, 2013

Pope’s Move Stirs Campus Reaction

Page 3

FORDHAM IN THE BRONX

New Bronx Brew on Arthur Avenue

FROM POPE, PAGE 1

making Monday’s announcement not particularly surprising.

“Many times over the years, he quietly indicated that he would take the drastic step of stepping aside from the papacy if he felt it was needed or necessary to advance the life of the Church he loved and served all his life,” Quinn said.

Rev. Philip Florio, S.J., director of Campus Ministry, described the pope’s resignation as “courageous and prudent.”

“I think he is one of the most brilliant popes as far as being a pastoral theologian — he’s a wonderful, world-renowned theologian, and I think he truly understands that to lead the church you have to be in your best physical shape, emotional shape and spiritual shape,” Florio said in a phone interview. “His body is failing him, and he doesn’t want to fail the church.”

Soon after the announcement was made, media outlets across the globe dashed to interview experts, weave analysis and upload stories online.

Reporters from a variety of news sources including WNYC, CBS, NBC, ABC, The New York Post, The New York Daily News, NPR and 1010WINS reached out to Fordham on Monday for comment, according to Bob Howe, director of Communications.

Rachel Donadio of The New York Times reported Monday that Benedict’s age had become more apparent in recent months, citing specifically how the pope appeared “to doze off ” during Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve. Mike Prescia, FCRH ’14 and marketing director and conference coordinator of Fordham’s Respect for Life club, said that he has noticed Benedict’s health decline.

“I went to World Youth Day in Madrid in 2011, and he seemed a little weaker, but I think if he knows in his heart that this is the right thing to do, and it’s going to be better for the Catholic faith, then it’s the right thing to do,” Prescia said.

Rev. Federico Lombardi, the Vatican’s spokesman, said Monday that a successor would hopefully be elected by Easter, according to The New York Times.

Top contenders to replace Benedict include Cardinal Marc Ouellet, the Canadian head of the Vatican’s office for bishops, Cardinal Christoph Schönborn, the archbishop of Vienna, and Cardinal Angelo Scola, archbishop of Milan, according to the Associated Press.

When asked who he believed would be the next pope, Florio said that at this point it was difficult to say.

“I think if we learned anything from Benedict’s papacy, no one predicted that he would be the pope,” Florio said. “So at this point in my life, I would say I have no idea — it’s truly, truly in God’s hands in that regard.”

Benedict’s announcement came just two days before the start of Lent.

Rev. Joseph M. McShane, S.J., president of the University, declined to comment for this article.

John Bonazzo contributed reporting.

TESS A VAN BERGEN/THE RAM

David Greco and Anthony Ramirez’s Bronx Beer Hall showcases their Italian-Bronx heritage in everything from the beer menu to the food dishes.

By JEFFREY COLTIN BRONX CORRESPONDENT

According to the 2010 Census, the Bronx is the most diverse area in the country. It is believed that there is an 89.7 percent chance that any two residents, chosen at random, would be of different race or ethnicity.

That statistic obviously comes to life any afternoon spent walking down the melting pot that is Fordham Road. Such diversity is even clear in Little Italy, a neighborhood named after a single ethnicity. Albanian and Dominican businesses line the streets.

Japanese, Mexican and French spots compliment the Italian restaurants. Now, Arthur Avenue is home to a Beer Hall that looks straight out of Munich.

But do not call The Bronx Beer Hall “German.”

“Absolutely not German,” coowner David Greco said. “I’m Italian, can’t change anything

about me.”

“It’s more of a Bronx vibe,” cuts in co-owner Anthony Ramirez.

Just one look at the Hall’s drink menu shows Ramirez is serious.

The top two beers are from the Jonas Bronck’s Beer Co., a brewery based in the Bronx that serves the locally named “Woodlawn Weiss” and “Pelham Bay IPA.” The rest of the drink menu shows a commitment to the borough’s diversity with the French Bellerose Bière Blonde and wines from Portugal, Argentina and — of course — Italy. There are no major-label beers to be found.

The Bronx Beer Hall, located inside the Arthur Avenue Retail Market south of 186th St., is the brainchild of David Greco and brothers Anthony and Paul Ramirez.

They held a grand opening Feb. 1 with live music and specials on the drinks and food. Many know Greco as the owner of Mike’s Deli, which is also in the Market,

where he dishes out Italian favorites like prosciutto, mozzarella and eggplant parmigina.

He says the food at the Beer Hall will be like that of Mike’s Deli, “but with a twist.”

“It’s my style; it’s something I would do,” Greco said. “There’s nowhere like this in the Bronx.”

That means the food is just as diverse as the drinks, with pretzels, sliders, tuna tartar, chicken wings and Italian sausages. The menu even features a Korean pork salad, calf brains and — to top it all off — “Greco’s One & Only Truffle Burger,” a $24 dish made with filet mingon and osso bucco.

It is not the usual bar food, especially around Fordham, but it will not be the usual bar scene either.

“We don’t want to be here till 3 o’clock in the morning,” Greco said. “This should be your first stop … I’d like to be your cocktail party.”

The hours reflect that, with the

Bronx Beer Hall open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Thursday through Sunday and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. all other days.

Senior Matt Burns, FCRH ’13, says he’s very excited to get a microbrewer-style bar down the street.

“I think this is going to add something to the neighborhood — for students, hopefully, and hopefully for residents here too.

It’s a good way to bring the community together, on-campus and off-campus.”

The Bronx Beer Hall is already marketing hard toward students.

It hosted a Senior Night pre-game last week, and the $2 half-pint special filled up the hall with students during Friday’s snowstorm.

Anthony Ramirez said he loved to see the historic market filled with students.

“Same place that’s been here for over 70 years, still vibrant, still a big part of the community and evolving with the community.”

TESSA VAN BERGEN/THE RAM

At the Bronx Beer Hall, Greco and Ramirez refuse to serve major label beers and instead choose to serve locally brewed, yet still diverse, beer.

NEWS

Page 4

February 13, 2013

New Journalism Club Hopes to Unite Student Media Outlets

By EDDIE MIKUS STAFF WRITER

Aspiring journalists have at their disposal several different ways to enter the industry, whether it is through print media, broadcast television or radio.

Fordham’s media entities have largely operated independently of each other in recent years, something that is changing with the establishment of a new club called The Public Media Student Journalist Association. Club members consist of students involved with The Fordham Ram, Lincoln Center’s newspaper The Observer, Fordham University’s radio station WFUV and students from the television show Fordham Nightly News (FNN).

George Bodarky, WFUV News and Public Affairs director, who has been instrumental in creating the new club, spoke from personal experience of the benefits a journalism-dedicated club could provide.

“When I was in school here, many moons ago, the Society of Professional Journalists had a chapter here,” Bodarky, FCRH ’93, said.

“I know that I gained a lot when that club was in place to meet other journalists and to learn a lot more about the profession.”

Bodarky said that a major emphasis of the new club would be the opportunity for student journalists in various media outlets to network with each other. He said this was crucial because of the fact that the field of journalism is moving in a direction that would require knowledge of different forms of media.

“There’s a lot of transferrable skills from one medium to the other,” Bodarky said. “Really now, we’re seeing this big convergence of media. Radio is no longer just radio. Radio is also doing video, so the people here at WFUV can learn from the folks at FNN. Radio is also doing web-based stories, which falls back on really understanding print-style journalism. So the folks here can learn from the folks at The Ram or The Observer, or vice versa.

Print is not just print. They’re do-

GRACE LILLY/THE RAM

George Bodarky, Director of WFUV News and Public Affairs, has been a large part of the creation of the multimedia club .

ing podcasts and online slideshows, narrated slideshows. So they can learn from the folks in radio or television.”

Connor Ryan, FCRH ’15, editor-in-chief of The Fordham Ram and a reporter for WFUV, echoed this sentiment in an email, and explained how the club could assist journalistic development.

“Whether you want to be a television news anchor, a print reporter, a photographer, a videographer or a blogger, the future of journalism will require you to have all of those skills, as well as a certain level of flexibility,” Ryan said. “The fundamentals of solid reporting and good journalism remain identical across all platforms. It’s those fundamentals that the club will engage, and by doing so hopefully strive toward promoting the development of well-rounded journalists.”

Kristopher Venezia, FCRH ’15, a reporter for The Fordham Ram and WFUV, explained that one effect of students networking in the university’s journalistic community would be the increased opportunity for the different media outlets to share stories with one another.

“Stories that people do for WFUV can be used to FNN,” Venezia said. “Stories that FNN does can

also be transported to The Ram. It would be a better way and a better network to get stories together.

There would be more people out there in the field finding stories and working together on them.”

The club will also allow its members to network with professional journalists, whom it intends to invite as speakers to Fordham.

“Speakers are a big thing that we want to bring into this club, because we want students to be able to network with organizations outside of the club because, of course, that is a big thing in terms of getting jobs in the journalism world,” Venezia said.

Venezia also said that any lectures run by the club would be open to students all throughout the university, instead of only to journalism students.

“WFUV, FNN, The Ram [and] The Observer have all brought in speakers,” said Venezia. “Bob Costas [a popular reporter for NBC Sports] came last here last year.

Mike Breen, FCRH ’83, who’s a popular sports figure, Charles Osgood, who’s a popular news figure, have all come to this school, but it’s been marked for only WFUV students or FNN students. This would be a way to bring in these speakers and let the whole school

come in and listen to speakers like this because it shouldn’t just be an opportunity for kids like that. I mean, listening to somebody like Bob Costas or Mike Breen speak would be interesting for someone who is maybe not a journalist, but just want to hear the thoughts behind those people.”

In addition, Venezia also said that another aim of the club would be to provide its members with the opportunity to attend journalism conferences.

“There’s conferences around the nation that we could attend,” Venezia said. “There’s a conference coming up in October that Fordham is actually running and that we are helping to run using the Associated Press. It will be a daylong conference at the Lincoln Center campus, and we’re just hoping it will provide students with tools in terms of scholarship needs and in terms of students going to conferences around the nation. Those types of opportunities — we want to open it up for journalists.”

Bodarky said that the club could be used as a vehicle to bridge the gap between Fordham students at the Rose Hill and Lincoln Center campuses.

“I think a journalism club could

help bridge the gap between Lincoln Center and the Rose Hill campus, because you have many students who might not be aware of the opportunities here at Rose Hill and you might have students at Rose Hill who might not be aware of opportunities at Lincoln Center,” Bodarky said.

Venezia further stated how the club could facilitate communication between the two campuses.

“One of the goals of this club is to get Lincoln Center involved because they craft a lot of very good stories about Fordham that we at The Ram or WFUV or FNN don’t get access to just because we’re not aware of what is going on at the Lincoln Center campus,” Venezia said.

“Vice versa, students that work at The Observer have said they don’t really understand what is going on at the Rose Hill campus, so they miss out at Fordham because they don’t have sight of what’s going on at the other campus.”

Bodarky said that the current media entities would remain separate when the new club comes into effect.

“The publications and the media outlets themselves remain distinct,” Bodarky said. “They’re just the journalists who are getting together to hang out with each other and learn.”

To further this point, Bodarky compared the new club to the New York Press Club, an organization whose membership consists of professional journalists who work in New York City.

“Here in New York, you have WCBS, WNBC, WABC, WFUV, and we’re all a part of the Press Club,” Bodarky said. “I’m a member of the Press Club, but all other members of the Press Club are from all other journalistic institutions. And every once in a while, the Press Club has a lecture series on a particular topic, and all of the journalists go.”

The club conducted its first meeting on Jan. 31 and aims to meet every three weeks. It is currently undergoing the process of receiving USG approval.

International Business Week Brings Cultural Awareness

By KATIE MEYER ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR

For Fordham University students interested in global business, last week’s International Business Week offered an opportunity to learn about businesses around the world while networking with a variety of prominent international businesspeople.

International Business Week was organized and sponsored by Global Learning Opportunities and Business Experiences (G.L.O.B.E.) and kicked off on Monday, Feb. 4 with an event called the Global Business Mixer. Held in Hughes Hall from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m., the mixer featured 20 different tables set up on the first and second floors. Each table represented a different country and had a student from that country stationed there to teach about their culture and unique business practices and to give samples of traditional food that they had prepared themselves.

The event was co-sponsored by the

International Community of Fordham (ICF).

Represented countries included Argentina, Bulgaria, China, France, Morocco, Germany, Greece, India, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Lebanon, Malaysia, Mexico, the Philippines, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Switzerland and Turkey.

According to Suliman Al Aujan, GSB ‘15, who represented his native Saudi Arabia, students who attended the mixer were receptive, and in some cases even shocked to learn about the lesser-known aspects of many countries.

“Having to represent Saudi was a challenge due to the minimal understanding that many people have about Arabian and Middle Eastern countries,” Al Aujan said.

He was glad for this opportunity to educate interested students about Saudi Arabia’s economy, tourist industry and other lesserknown cultural aspects and was very pleased with the outcome.

“Having to provide a small part of

culture to my fellow colleagues was an honor,” Al Aujan said. “What added to the beauty of the event was the seriousness and eagerness from students to learn about various cultures.”

The rest of International Business week included a variety of other events and notable guests, like Juan Carlos Vignaud, ambassador in residence from Argentina, who gave a talk about sociopolitical contexts driving the economies and markets in Argentina, Brazil and Chile on Monday evening in Daleo Hall.

On Tuesday, the activities started with a lunch chat with a group of 15 students and Bloomberg LP’s Sustainability Manager Lee Balin, who did a presentation on global supply chain sustainability efforts.

A lecture by alumnus Alfonso Fanjul, GSB ’59, company chairman of Florida Crystals, a major sugar producing company, followed, and featured a dessert tasting after the presentation.

Head of the Brazilian Government Trade Bureau and Deputy Consul General to Brazil, Pedro Murilo Ortega Terra, led a discussion on Wednesday that focused on the state of the economy in Latin America, specifically Brazil.

International Business Week concluded on Thursday afternoon with another lunch chat, this time between 15 students and Scott MacDonald, senior managing director of MC Asset Management Holdings. The group talked about the relationship between politics and financial markets in Europe.

International Business Week is an annual event that aims to uphold the mission of G.L.O.B.E. by embracing diversity, raising cultural awareness, connecting students with international business sectors and enabling them to become proficient in global business.

“Fordham’s G.L.O.B.E. is for students who aspire to get their foot in the door at some of New York’s most interesting international firms

and organizations,” said the club’s current president Deanna Ceriano, GSB ’13. “[Club members] receive an international business designation on their diplomas at graduation, which offers an immense competitive edge in the workforce.”

An important part of success after graduation is the ability to function in a world that is constantly breaking down geographic boundaries. G.L.O.B.E. events like International Business Week are designed to help students prepare to work in an ever evolving, ever expanding global economy. Al Aujan, for one, thinks that such events are very effective. “[International Business Week] was a great opportunity to expose students to different cultures and learn more about how the world interacts economically, politically and socially,” he said. “I believe that such events should be organized annually, as it adds a great feel of what international business contributes towards our education.”

NEWS

February 13, 2013

Page 5

Over 15 Students Volunteer to Help Educate Senegalese Children FROM SENEGAL, PAGE 1

have kids come in for homework help.”

That was last year, and Conroy has been tutoring children at the community center ever since.

Conroy said he eventually realized that he could use some help.

“The demand for tutoring was much greater than supply, so I thought I would ask some other students if they were interested,” Conroy said. “Jon [Rooke, FCRH ‘15] got involved, and we started to see that it could be an important supplement to school.”

Together, Conroy and Rooke formed a group of 15 to 20 Fordham students from Rose Hill and Lincoln Center.

“We started talking to professors, asking if they would advertise the opportunity to their students, and it’s moving from there,” Conroy said.

Rooke took over scheduling shifts, and he now plans to have tutoring available five days a week from 3:00 to 7:00 in the evening.

“It has the ability to be something really cool,” Conroy said.

“It’s still a young program, but now the ASA community center has English tutors throughout the week.”

On Thursday, Feb. 7, Conroy, Rooke and four other students took a trip to the community center. It is a small building with only one main room, a smaller back room and an office, but every inch of space was being used. Besides tutoring, the center offers support

ELIZABETH ZANGHI/THE RAM

Papa poses for a picture with one of the non-English speaking boys at the community who came to the United States a mere two months ago from Senegal.

to the people of the community.

“When they come here, we try to help them by giving them appropriate assistance,” Sow said as a line of at least five men formed outside his office. One of them was a student from City University of New York named Papa, who was waiting to have a document translated.

Papa has been in America for four years, and he speaks perfect English, but when he was told that the Fordham students were there to tutor children he immediately affirmed that there is a need. He

pointed to a boy who was sitting at a table and explained that he had only been in America for two months.

When the boy was asked if he could have his picture taken, he smiled and made it clear that he did not understand what was being asked. Even when asked in French, he had to turn to Papa who was able to ask him in another language, presumably Wolof (one of the main languages of Senegal).

The need for the tutoring was very clear, and Sow explained that people like those in the Fordham

community can help.

“We’ve been trying to have people help for so many years,” Sow said, “but this has been the best year.”

Both Rooke and Conroy expressed optimism that the project would continue to reach more Senegalese children.

“I think we should give as much help as we can,” Rooke said while he rode the B train on his way to Little Senegal. “It’s the least I can do.”

“It is so important you have a good time in school, and these

kids weren’t,” Conroy said. “Imagine getting math word problems about orange juice or something in another language.”

Sow agreed, saying that most of the children being tutored went to French schools in Senegal and have trouble keeping up in their English-speaking classes.

“They have problems catching up with their classmates because their English is not so good,” Sow said. “They need to make an extra effort at home or somewhere else.”

For many of the children, the community center is that place.

‘Varieties of Understanding’ Receives $3.56 Million Grant

By DYLAN DEMARTINO CONTRIBUTING WRITER

The John Templeton Foundation, an organization that commissions research concerning what it calls “discoveries relating to the Big Questions of human purpose and ultimate reality,” has awarded a $3.56 million grant to the project Varieties of Understanding: New Perspectives from Psychology, Philosophy and Theology.

This award is the largest amount of grant money ever received by a faculty member of Fordham University for work in the humanities.

This three year, multidisciplinary research project will be spearheaded by Fordham University’s own Dr. Stephen Grimm. Dr. Grimm is an associate professor of philosophy and received his Ph.D. in philosophy from the University of Notre Dame. His specialties include the philosophy of science and epistemology.

Epistemology is an attempt to answer to the deceptively simple question: What is it exactly that constitutes true knowledge?

The project will seek, amongst other things, to address the question as posed on the project website: “If different types of inquiry provide different forms of understanding, how might they be combined to produce an integrated understanding of the world? … how can recent work on understanding in philosophy and psychology be applied to theology?” The attempt to cultivate congruencies between the way the sciences and the humanities ask

COURTESY OF DR. STEPHEN GRIMM

Dr. Grimm’s almost three-year project aims to prove an integrated understanding of how knowledge is constituted.

questions and acquire answers is no meager undertaking. Over the years, it has been a subject that has continually baffled academics.

The project will take place over a three-year period between July 1, 2013 and June 30, 2016, and will feature a project team with scholars from the fields of philosophy, theology and psychology.

These scholars hail from such institutions as New York University, The University of California Berkley, Princeton Theological Seminary and, of course, Fordham University. Dr. Grimm selected three scholars to serve as the directors for theology, philosophy and psychology. Dr. Grimm noted that in regard to the process of select-

ing which scholars would fill these leadership positions that he “choose them based both on my admiration for their work and on the fact that I got along with them personally. For a three-year project like this, that's important.”

According to the project’s website, the awarded money will contribute to the development of “two interdisciplinary conferences…empirical and theoretical research…” including approximately 14 monographs, one edited collection and 48 new articles in philosophy, psychology and theology.

Dr. Grimm expressed his hopes that the resultant work will cultivate further research.

“I hope the project will be a re-

source not just for Fordham but for other schools and universities as well,” Grimm said.

It is not difficult to imagine the intricate processes involved with conceiving both the project and the grant, especially in light of the vast scope of the research. Dr. Grimm affirmed the complexity of the grantwriting process, explaining that preparing the grant took “about a year altogether.” He also noted that the process involved a significant amount of written work and travel.

“In addition to writing the application, which was about 100 pages in total, I also traveled to Berkeley, Harvard, Yale and other schools to talk to scholars about the project,” Grimm said.

Marian Rogers, FCRH ‘13, a physics and theology double major and a philosophy minor, has followed previous works commissioned by the John Templeton Foundation. She expressed her excitement at the acquisition of such a large amount of funding by a Fordham professor.

“I think it speaks to the dedication of our professors and of our institution to our mission: ... the discovery of wisdom and the transmission of learning ... ,” Rogers said.

“This project directly addresses important questions related to just how we go about this mission of discovery and transmission. It makes me proud to be a Fordham student.”

News of this large funding award has already begun to energize the Fordham community and is cause for optimism concerning research at Fordham.

Dr. Gowans, the chair of philosophy at Fordham said, “The Variety of Understandings grant that Professor Grimm obtained from the Templeton Foundation is extremely impressive both in its multidisciplinary scope and financial amount.

Others in the department are likely to be encouraged by this to seek funding for research.”

Rogers thinks similarly and said, “it's encouraging and exciting to hear about this fascinating work of one of our own professors. I hope other students have found that it encourages them to start thinking again about the things we got to read in our core philosophy classes.”

NEWS

Page 6

February 13, 2013

USAS, Alongside Former Adidas Workers, Condemns Sweatshop Malpractices ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR

United Students Against Sweatshops (USAS) representative Claire Lewis, along with two Indonesian factory workers, Aslam Hidayat and Heni, were planning to stop at Fordham University during their nationwide Adidas Worker Tour.

The lecture event was scheduled at 4 p.m. at Rodrigue’s Coffee House on Feb. 8 but was cancelled due to the impending blizzard. “[Because the University was closed, Aslam and Heni] were disappointed that the event was cancelled but are extremely happy that they will have the chance to get their story out into the Fordham community through an exclusive interview,” Lewis said.

USAS is a national student-run network of student organizations at almost 200 universities that fight for the rights of workers in college campuses, communities and around the world.

Lewis, as an USAS student leader, embarked on the nationwide Adidas Worker Tour with Hidayat and Heni with the objective of spreading awareness about poor working conditions and the impact of unfair denial of severance pay.

Hidayat and Heni previously worked for PT Kizone, an apparel factory located in Tangerang, Indonesia. The plant produced collegiate apparel for Adidas and Nike, as well as non-collegiate

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MARISSA ORTON/WIKIMEDIA

Workers from Indonesian Adidas factory have not received proper severance pay after the building closed in early 2011.

apparel for Dallas Cowboys Merchandising and other brands. The facility employed 2,800 workers who sewed Adidas apparel for 60 cents per hour.

“On Jan. 31, 2011, the owner of PT Kizone, a South Korean national, fled Indonesia, precipitating the factory’s eventual closure and leaving no money for severance pay,” Lewis said. “Nearly 2,800 employees were owed US $3.4 million in severance pay.”

Hidayat, a 38 year-old father of four children who served as the

chair of the PT Kizone worker organizing committee, has served as a major part of the continuing struggle for Adidas to pay severance packages, especially by serving as a lecturer at universities throughout the United States on the Adidas Workers Tour.

“Maybe you’re proud to wear Adidas clothes, because they’re really good products,” Hidayat said. “But, it’s not right to wear the clothes that we made with our sweat, while we haven’t received our compensation.

Heni is a 42-year-old mother also involved in the PT Kizone worker organizing committee whose husband also worked with PT Kizone. “[For a while] we could only eat cassava leaves, without any meat or even any rice and I had to ask our landlord for permission to pick leaves from the shared yard,” said Heni. “I can’t bear seeing my children hungry, so I sent them to live with my mother. I wanted to ask my parents-in-law but I was ashamed to ask them and they’re

in the same situation.”

While Dallas Cowboys Merchandising, Nike and Nike’s broker agent, Green Textile, paid some severance money due to the influence of USAS’s “Just Pay It” campaign in 2009, Adidas is the only major brand that has refused to pay severance.

“Adidas owes severance money equivalent to an average employee’s wages for half a year,” Lewis said. “Adidas’s refusal to pay severance constitutes a violation of Indonesian labor law and university codes of conduct.”

As a result of the tour, six universities have already committed to ending their contracts with Adidas over the company’s refusal to pay severance to the employees.

These universities are Cornell University, Oberlin College, University of Washington, Rutgers University, Georgetown University and the College of William and Mary. Dozens of other schools have been considering cuts.

Lewis, Hidayat and Heni attended an invite-only Adidas fashion show that Selena Gomez, brand ambassador for Adidas and youngest UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, attended. They handed out flyers to all individuals attending the fashion show, to spread awareness about the cause.

Adidas is a publicly-held, private sector apparel company headquartered in Germany. It has 1,232 contract factories around the world that produce $17 billion in total revenue and $8.21 billion in gross profit.

Does mistakes in The Fordham Ram bother you? ? ?

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By GIRISH SWAMINATH

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Than you should, become an (Plus get in the n you’re nam Copy Editor! e ewspap er

Contact: fordhamramcopy@gmail.com

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opinion Fordham Maintains A+ Status, With A+ Students Page 7

February 13, 2013

By DECLAN MURPHY STAFF WRITER

A recent list published by US News and World Report, a magazine regarded for its college rankings, has included Fordham University as one of the “A+ Schools for B Students.” Fordham is featured on the list along with 10 other schools, including Syracuse University, Rutgers University and the University of Delaware.

The report ranked schools with B student ranges in test scores and GPA. It also compared their national rankings and freshman retention rates.

Fordham’s ranking of number of 58 in US News’ national rankings list, which is a fairly high ranking, contributed to its standing as number 9 out of 11 in the category. While being labeled an A+ school is never a bad thing, I am not certain that Fordham admits mostly B students. Almost all of the students I know maintained an A average in high school and worked hard in order to be accepted by Fordham. I do not think that Fordham’s students are B students. In fact, many of them are among the best and brightest in the country. Fordham’s curriculum, along with its access to one of the greatest resources in the world — New York City — makes the university a top school for a number of reasons, but its students are its best measure of success.

Many of my classmates have expressed their frustration with Fordham’s inclusion in the list

DREW DIPANE / THE RAM

US News & World Report recently ranked Fordham among the top “A+ Schools for B Students,” though some disagree.

and wonder why Fordham, of all schools, was chosen. The “B student school” label seems unfair given that Fordham maintains a very selective admissions process.

According to US News, Fordham University’s acceptance rate for Fall 2011 was 42.4 percent — a number that shows Fordham’s admissions staff considers the most qualified applicants.

It is hard to determine how this new list will affect Fordham’s reputation. US News’s lists are widely regarded as the go-to source for college rankings and many high school seniors consult its rankings when looking at schools they want to apply to or visit. The list might also put Fordham on high

school students’ radar as a reachable school that they can get into with less-than-perfect grades.

Fordham’s addition to the list is not an entirely bad thing for the university’s reputation and its students. As the old saying goes, “Any press is good press” and Fordham could use some publicity. Although we are located in one of the greatest cities in the world, many people from the tristate are not familiar with Fordham. I probably would have never visited Rose Hill if it were not for my cousin who decided to come here.

A frustrating aspect of the list, however, is the wording they use to describe the schools in the ar-

ticle. US News says, “If you’re a good student with less than stellar test scores or a so-so GPA, these are the schools for you.”

The idea that Fordham accepts “less than stellar” applications can be misleading to many Fordham students, myself included.

It is also entirely untrue in my experience. Fordham being on the list is frustrating because I worked very hard to produce an A average in high school and put a lot of effort into getting a Fordham acceptance letter.

While there may be statistical evidence, such as GPA and test scores, to support Fordham’s place on the list, there are a myriad of other attributes students

possess that cannot be quantified.

Leadership qualities and people skills are things that cannot really be measured by a US News report.

The list did not take into account those factors or any others that go beyond pure academic performance. The list also fails to consider how Fordham University conducts its admissions process. Due to the fact that Fordham is a Jesuit institution and committed to community service, it looks specifically for well-rounded students who have been involved in their high school or surrounding area.

“The US News list could not possibly account for all the attributes that admissions seek in students and the parameters that they go through when examining a prospective Fordham student,” Gene Colucci, GSB ’13, said. “The list gives a very limited picture of what Fordham looks at when admitting students.”

Whether the list is a good or bad thing for Fordham remains to be seen, but I think that admissions will see a spike in applications later this year. At the very least, Fordham’s mention in US News will increase college bound students’ awareness of the university. But with academic standards and tuition costs rising, fewer and fewer schools will be accepting B students. Admissions at Fordham, however, will now have a better applicant pool to select the class of 2017.

Declan Murphy, FCRH ’13, is a political science major from Parkland, Fla.

Non-European Pope Needed for Global Church

By RICHARD BORDELON OPINION EDITOR

“The Pope is the perpetual and visible source and foundation of the unity both of the bishops and of the whole company of the faithful.”

The Catechism of the Catholic Church makes the duties of the pope very clear. As a representative of the Church around the world, the pope acts as the Vicar of Christ in the world, guiding his people towards the ultimate goal of eternal life.

The Church, however, has shifted. Latin America, which is home to over 40 percent of the world’s Catholics according to Catholic News Services, and Africa are have increasingly populations.

Since their colonization by European powers, the influence of the Church has spread and has become a powerful aspect of people’s lives. The people in these regions have become some of the most dedicated Catholics in the world, devoted to defending the faith that they cherish. The pope, however, has never come from anywhere outside of Europe.

Even though the Church has long been centered in Rome, it has become a global religion, and it now needs a global leader. Europe, although once the center of

Catholicism, has declined in its devotion to and practice of the religion. The religion still remains a cultural feature of many nations on the continent; particularly in such nations as Italy, Spain and France, the devotion to the practice of the religion has dramatically declined.

Vatican II, the ecumenical council convened by Pope John XXIII in 1962 and concluded by Pope Paul VI in 1965, was called in order to bring the Church into the modern age, and many argue that it did so through measures such as allowing Mass to be celebrated in the vernacular. It is now time to bring the Church into the global age, and there is no better way to do this than by electing a non-European pope from the College of Cardinals in this next papal election.

“Because the Church is becoming increasingly global, it is inevitable, but it is also highly desirable that we have a pope from the southern hemisphere,” Dr. William Gould, assistant dean of FCRH for Juniors, who teaches classes in American Catholic Studies and political theory, said.

Electing such a pope would be “in keeping with the universality of the Church.”

With the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI effective on Feb. 28, the College of Cardinals will

convene in March to elect the next successor to the chair of St. Peter. The cardinals will not only elect the pope, but they will also choose the direction of the Church in the near future. The Church can remain in its current trajectory with another European, or it can take a step towards the universality Gould talks about.

There are many candidates who are not European who are distinctively qualified, including Cardinal Marc Ouellet of Canada, Cardinal Leonardo Sandri of Argentina, Cardinal Francis Arinze of Nigeria and Cardinal Peter Turkson of Ghana.

All of these candidates possess the qualities necessary to run the Vatican and are well-known leaders of the global church. Furthermore, each has a keen understanding of the operations of Vatican City and its role, both diplomatic and religious, in the greater world, which would only enhance the modern papacy.

This worldwide understanding, combined with their experience leading in the Catholic church in a non-European setting, gives them global appeal, and such an appointment would move the Church closer to recognizing its international importance.

Richard Bordelon, FCRH ’15, is a political science and history major from New Orleans, La.

EDITING BY ELIZABETH ZANGHI

Turkson, Sandri, Arinze and Ouellet (clockwise from top left) are candidates.

OPINION

Page 8

The Fordham Ram

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, Rm. B-52.

FordhamRam.com Advertising: (718) 817-4379 Executive: (718) 817-4380 Fax: (718) 817-4319 theram@fordham.edu Fordham University - Station 37 Box B Bronx, NY 10458 Editor-in-Chief Connor Ryan Managing Editor Canton Winer Editorial Director Rory Masterson Copy Chief Katie Nolan News Editor Kelly Kultys Assistant News Editors Kate Meyer Girish Swaminath Opinion Editor Richard Bordelon Assistant Opinion Editor Joseph Vitale Arts & Entertainment Editor Devon Sheridan Assistant Arts & Entertainment Editor Danielle Garrand Executive Sports Editor Dan Gartland Sports Editor Matt Rosenfeld Assistant Sports Editor Max Prinz Layout Editor Kate Doheny Photo Editor Elizabeth Zanghi Web Editor Anne Couture Assistant Web Editor Courtney Ho Business Directors Nikos Buse Drew Rapp Assistant Business Director Craig Domeier Circulation Director Gary Guarnaccia Distribution Managers Stephanie Kawalski Shannon Marcoux Faculty Advisor Dr. Beth Knobel Copy Team Alyssa Ammazzalorso John Bonazzo • PJ Brogan Alessandra Bruno Rosemary Derocher Michael Dauber • Elisa Frangaj Clare Larson Francesca Leite • Lauren Manzino Shannon Marcoux Vincent Pellizzi Anthony Pucik • Andrew Santis Stephanie Sarno Kirsten Simons • Marlessa Stivala Andrew Santis Austin Thomas 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.

February 13, 2013

From the Desk of Girish Swaminath, Assistant News Editor To those of you who don’t know me well enough, I must confess that one of my strangest interests during my free time (whatever little I seem to have of it) is watching “food porn,” whether I am hungry or not.

Don’t worry, guys I know your first reaction to that may be, “Wow! What an incredibly scandalous and inappropriate statement!” But don’t worry! “Food porn” is everywhere! It’s all over the Food Network, the Internet and even right in front of your eyes when you cook or visit a restaurant or bakery. Shocking, isn’t it?

If Wikipedia can be considered a credible source, “food porn” is defined as a “glorified spectacular visual presentation of cooking or eating in advertisements, infomercials, cooking shows or other media or exotic dishes that arouse a desire to eat.”

Well now, which hungry college student doesn’t love to look at a picture of a soft, colorfully designed cupcake or an exotic pasta dish? Between attending class during odd hours of the day (like 11:30 a.m.-2:15 p.m.),

following through with extracurricular obligations, going to work, studying for exams and writing papers, college students like me often consider themselves tremendously fortunate if they have the opportunity to consume three filling, nutritionally balanced meals per day. Unfortunately, carving out time in one’s busy schedule to eat can be a difficult task, which can make enduring hours of lecture a daunting task. The subpar, repetitive nature of on-campus dining doesn’t seem to be helping very much either.

While there exists no substitute for maintaining a healthy diet and eating at smaller quantities throughout the day, “food porn” can suppress the psychological feeling of hunger that’s signaled by one’s hypothalamus.

It certainly helped me when I was awake at the ungodly hours of 2 a.m. wrapping up a challenging medical ethics paper, and I started to feel my stomach growling.

I was feeling too tired to cook something and most restaurants that run food delivery services were closed, unless I wanted un-

healthy, fried oily food, which I tend to avoid like the plague.

Therefore, I took a five-minute break to stare at pictures of my favorite desserts and main courses, and oddly enough it satisfied my hunger. I felt like I was completely full and could finish my paper without having to listen to my stomach’s moaning and complaining, even though I actually had a decent amount of lunch and dinner that day.

“Food porn” is truly something that can only be understood if experienced, perhaps almost spiritually, as cheesy as that sounds.

Viewing high-definition images of different kinds of foods, such as warm, molten chocolate brownie pudding with vanilla ice cream, has given me the satisfaction of tasting them. Of course, the foods are vegetarian, since I was born and raised a vegetarian.

While I do love “food porn” to death (fine, I’ll admit my gluttony), I just wanted to note that I remain relatively conscious about my eating habits and ensure that most of my meals are nutritionally balanced and tasty at the same time. I guess “food porn” is one

of those strange interests that I have slowly managed to explore over time.

I have shared many of these images of exotic dishes with my friends and they have experienced the same satiation of hunger that I do upon watching “food porn,” although it makes some of them feel even more hungry. I highly encourage you to go to a website like www.foodporndaily. com and give it a chance. The site also has a cookbook available for sale. You have nothing to lose!

Still, whether or not you become a “food porn” addict, keep in mind that maintaining a balance between nutritious food and physical exercise is extremely important!

EDITORIAL: Core Curriculum Lacks Global Perspective In the time since most of Fordham’s undergraduate students were born, the world has become an increasingly small and connected place.

With the rise of the Internet and the introduction of social media as a common form of communication, people separated by multiple time zones can more easily interact with one another than ever before.

Companies now exist on an international scale and require employees who are comfortable working across oceans and continents. In such a world, holding extensive knowledge of various cultures is often extremely advantageous.

The Jesuit education offered at Fordham presents students with the opportunity to learn about many different — and sometimes conflicting — schools of thought.

Particularly in the areas of religion and philosophy, Fordham students can gain exposure to numerous ideologies. Having this kind of knowledge can provide enough context to break down

barriers that have existed across cultures for generations and serve as the keystone for building bridges of understanding.

While acknowledging that Fordham does serve the community through the Jesuit mission in many ways, we at The Fordham Ram believe that the academic curriculum is not as global in its outlook as it must be to maximize its potential. Philosophy and theology in particular lack a greater availability to modes of thought beyond Western culture; classes on Buddhism, Islam and Hinduism are offered far less frequently than classes focusing on the New Testament, the Old Testament or Christian Hymns.

There is no individual class based on the Bhaghavad Gita, for instance. Comfortable in the knowledge that Fordham is a Catholic institution with a foundation in Christianity, we look to the Jesuit mission as reason to believe that, even in this environment, our school could do more to cater to the interests of people who want to look beyond the fa-

miliar.

In the same way, philosophy classes expound the eudaimonia of Aristotle’s virtue ethics, Mill’s utilitarianism and Kant’s deontology, but there is little to no mention of the equally influential Neo-Confucianism of Imperial China. African philosophy is almost completely absent from the core and Islamic ways of thought are rarely covered, among other neglected cultures.

For the most part, exploring foreign modes of thought beyond the level of a freshman survey does not exist for anyone but philosophy majors. The English department could similarly benefit from offering more courses that encourage students to venture outside the prescribed British and American literature to explore, for example, African literature or Latin American literature.

The Honors Program at FCRH would also benefit by embracing a more global perspective. The program currently focuses on European literature, philosophy, history, music and art as it evolved

through the Ancient, Medieval, Early Modern and Contemporary time periods. There is room, however, to incorporate other cultures to participate in dialogue with the important Western thinkers and authors.

Fordham’s website says that magis, the Jesuit principle that calls for ever-greater personal excellence in all aspects of life, “accounts for the rigor of intellectual exchange and the varied challenges you will experience in New York City and the world beyond.”

In order to prepare students for “the world beyond,” to compete in a global market and to interact with other cultures in a way that does justice to the principles of the Jesuit education, Fordham should incorporate a more pluralistic attitude in its academia.

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.

Do you disagree with one of our articles?

Or are we spot-on?

Write us a letter!

Please email Letters to the Editor to fordhamramletters@gmail.com

OPINION

February 13, 2013

Page 9

When Financial Aid Decreases, So Does Diversity

By ANDREW SANTIS COPY EDITOR

Colleges throughout the country are currently in the process of selecting their incoming freshman class from the thousands of applications that were submitted and received a few months ago. For a select group of high school seniors, being accepted to college is a huge accomplishment for themselves and their families.

Going to college means an opportunity to earn a degree, get a job and live the “American Dream.” These seniors are first-generation Americans who are either sons and daughters of immigrant parents or are immigrants themselves. They have demonstrated the work, time, ability and talent that colleges look for in an applicant.

There is no reason why these students do not deserve to go to their dream college. However, the lack of financial resources is holding them back.

Most first-generation Americans come from low-income families and cannot afford the rising costs of tuition. Although families are willing to make the sacrifice, they hope that the schools will provide them with some form of financial aid to lighten the burden. Unfortunately, an increasing amount of small, prestigious colleges, like Wesleyan University in Connecticut, are adjusting their financial aid formulas from need-blind admission and are no longer accepting students based on their ability to pay.

If more colleges begin to adopt need-aware strategies, they will provide admission to wealthier students who can pay tuition without any aid, thus threatening the diversity on college campuses. Since the recession hit five years ago, colleges’ revenue sources, such as endowments, state financing and fundraising, have been

at an all time low and have continued to drop. Only a few have been able to recover their losses. Administrators, then, are faced with a tough choice: admit students who need financial aid even though the school’s budget does not have sufficient funds to provide it, or admit students who do not need financial aid, typically resulting in a whiter, wealthier student population.

Minority and low-income students most recently began appearing on college campuses, a complete contrast from the years when they would not think of applying to college because of racial prejudice and poverty levels. More and more of these students have been encouraged to apply and graduate because of a growing number of opportunities available to them after college. Rising tuition costs, if not joined with adequate financial support, will keep minority and low-income students from entering or from completing college. Financial aid reduces college costs substantially, but with the shift away from need-based support they will have to finance their own college education or not go to college at all.

Dr. Peter Stace, vice president for undergraduate admission, said that Fordham’s gold standard in admission has been to “offer admission without regard to need and to meet full need for all who are offered admission.”

Stace says that most institutions offer what aid they can afford and leave it to the family to fill the gap that remains between their need and their aid offer. Stace points out that institutions now take affordability into consideration when deciding whether to offer admission because they are criticized for offering admission without sufficient aid to make college affordable — in other words, an empty promise.

To Lie or Not To Lie

LI YANG / THE RAM

Some colleges have ended need-blind admissions because of decreased funds.

According to Dr. Patricia Peek, director of undergraduate admission, Fordham, in its 22nd consecutive cycle of applicant growth, has continued to fulfill its promise of an affordable education to all applicants and current students.

“Fordham is need-blind in the vast majority of its application review, and as our pool has grown nationally and internationally, we still maintained a commitment to our first-generation applicants.”

Higher education has been a factor that has continued to divide classes both socially and economically, despite the fact that education should be getting rid of these divisions. Students who are minorities or come from low-income families want to break the socioeconomic barrier and achieve success but are finding it hard to move up the ladder because of their inability to pay for college. With the growth of college costs far from dwindling and with the new policies

that colleges have started to enact in their admissions process, colleges will once again alienate the students that have diversified their campuses.

What will it take for college administrators to realize the negative impact their impending admissions plans will have on campus? Will it take a student protest like the one at Wesleyan University, a reduced interest from prospective students or a campus as diverse as an army of clone troopers?

Colleges should welcome students from all backgrounds to apply and provide them with a reasonable financial aid package. It is not fair for those who are economically disadvantaged to have to give up going to college because colleges will not meet them halfway. Students who want an education should not be denied it, and nothing should prevent them from getting one.

Andrew Santis, GSB ’16, is a business administration major from Queens, NY.

Faulty Reviews Frustrate, But Are Cost of Service

By AUSTIN THOMAS COPY EDITOR

Have you tried reading 2,800 books a year? How about doing that every year for ten years? A wellknown Amazon.com reviewer named Harriet Klausner claims to have done as much. Klausner’s universal praise — over 99% four- or five-star reviews — and inhuman rate of reading have brought her under other Amazon users’ scrutiny. While she may seem altruistic, they say, she is also making a pretty penny: One blogger tracked a trail of book sales through her reviews and her son’s eBay page, estimating she makes tens of thousands of dollars a year selling pre-release review copies of books.

Klausner’s behavior is not abnormal by Internet standards. Several recent articles in The New York Times have highlighted practices that, while widespread in online reviewing venues, raise difficult questions about just how a digital soapbox can be moderated. While it was and is normal for print authors to give their books to professional critics, some writers in the digital age blitz hundreds of family members and friends with review copies, accumulating a base of enthusiastic “user reviews” that casual shoppers might not distinguish from unsolicited feedback. Authors send Amazon gift cards worth up to $100 to “reimburse” reviewers buying their books. Some Internet communities form “response groups”

GRACE LILLY / THE RAM

The line between truthful and faulty comments is blurred on Amazon.

that spam books with positive or negative reviews for expressing certain viewpoints. In more egregious cases, entrepreneurs openly sell reviews.

Amazon is not unaware of these problems. In an attempt to preserve a shred of its rating system’s credibility, the company has been deleting thousands of book reviews written by friends, family and other partial parties, but other issues remain. Review stacking and selling are still regularly practiced; groups are still allowed to mount organized attacks on books.

According to Amazon Spokesman Craig Berman, “We do not require people to have experienced the product in order to review.” That’s right — as long as you and your friends do not stand to gain from a book’s success or failure, you can troll its release with substance-free negative reviews.

Imagine Amazon cleaned up its reviews, so that each one came from an actual product user who made an in-

Stephen Fragano

dividual, uncoerced decision to write.

Better? Probably. But the site’s system would still be fundamentally different from print reviewing, and it could not be trusted or utilized the same way.

Print reviews usually are made by experts, people who have risen through the media ranks and acquired a certain respectability. These experts have definite identities and reputations to protect, so their reviews are of consistent quality, make a reliable attempt at objectivity and judge according to a well-known standard.

The same cannot always be said of online reviewers. Some who contribute to Amazon are as reliable, unbiased and orthodox as the best professional reviewers. Yet for every such person, there seem to be several who miss the point of reviewing. Just look at the three “most helpful” reviews for Meg Rosoff ’s excellent young-adult novel How I Live Now, a book whose plot and narrative style both contrib-

ute to its quality. Although none appear to be spam, two are little more than plot summaries. They mention the narrator’s unique voice only in passing and conclude with a bland “Highly recommended.” Only the third is much more than recapitulation. Reading all three reviews actually does give a decent picture of why one might enjoy or dislike the novel, but none stands on its own.

This is the fundamental difference in credibility on the Internet, at least in its present form: Numbers, not names, give opinions force. This is exactly what throws the doors open to spam. Only The New York Times and its experts can claim the Times’ name, but anyone with a digital crowd, whether real or fake, can be “credible” online. Talk as they might about countermeasures like IP address registration and buyer verification, Amazon and other sites have no fully effective solution to this. Since spam feedback is likely to be around for some time we might as well embrace it. More than with professional reviews, we should be wary of amateurs’ opinions, reading between the lines and scanning multiple reviews.

But at the same time, we have to be able to laugh at junk reviews — to be understanding, as it were, of weeds in the feedback garden. Goodness knows anyone’s reviews would not be so beautiful if he or she had to write 2,800 of them a year.

Austin Thomas, FCRH ’15, is a physics major from Palos Verdes, Calif.

Lying: It is an ethical dilemma that every human being has to face, and those who claim to never have told a lie — even a little white lie — are liars themselves.

Individuals are told from young ages that lying is a bad thing. The Eighth Commandment even proclaims, “Thou shall not bear false witness.” So why do people still do it? Now, more than ever, there seems to be a growing notion that lying and cheating are somewhat OK. Stars and celebrities, whom people around the world idolize, in conjunction with the media, are responsible for this growing epidemic of lies. Within the last few months, let alone the past decade or so, there have been many instances of celebrities and athletes lying and doing unethical things to satisfy themselves or get ahead in their fields. Media outlets are responsible for romanticizing lies to U.S. citizens, especially young children.

Consider athletes like Lance Armstrong, Alex Rodriguez and Manti Te’o. After years of lying about his use of performanceenhancing drugs that led to seven Tour de France titles, Lance Armstrong admitted that he lied.

Along the same lines, Alex Rodriguez’s lies concerning performance-enhancing drugs make headlines quite frequently. Further, the web of lies which encircled Notre Dame star Manti Te’o got him plenty of limelight from the media. Athletes are not the only celebrities who get caught lying, Hollywood stars with their cheating scandals and lies about drug addictions are just as prominent in U.S. and international media. Lying is so common these days that the truth seems to be a commodity.

As wrong and immoral as the celebrities’ lies are, the negative effects these publicized lying scandals have on citizens come largely from the media. Media outlets cover these wrongdoings for a few days to a week and then totally forget about them. This limited coverage basically sends a message to children and adults that lying and cheating to succeed is wrong, but people will forget about it in a week or so, so go for it!

In the media’s defense, coverage on a celebrity’s dishonesty will eventually become old news.

Nevertheless, the media does have a responsibility to inform the public.

One of the functions of the media is to create cultural transmission. Essentially this is in the hands of the media to portray culture in order that people of all demographics will learn what makes a member of society a productive one. This representation of lying therefore shows that in America, there exist few consequences for being dishonest for personal gain.

As “juicy” a story as dishonesty makes, it is hard to neglect the possible backlash that might affect future generations of Americans.

OPINION

Page 10

Conor Fucci Gun Control Needed Now Guns and the United States have always had a very close relationship. There has recently been some controversy, however, involving gun control following several tragic shootings.

For decades, gun control has been a topic of debate that has greatly polarized the public. The majority of this debate spirals around American citizens’ Second Amendment rights.

Recently, this debate has seemingly come to a head with the occurrence of several mass shootings involving legally-obtained guns. These tragedies include the abhorrent shooting at a Newtown elementary school which claimed the lives of 27 people, 20 of whom were children.

This has brought gun control to the forefront of national debate.

The United States’ relationship with guns has created a situation where any talk of additional control over the purchase of guns starts the resistance is strong. Whether or not there should be additional regulations on the sale of guns comes down to a debate on constitutional rhetoric. Does the “right to bear arms” really mean that every citizen should be brandishing a fully automatic assault weapon with an extended magazine? I am not so sure. I do believe that people should have the right to go out and purchase a gun if they want to. I do not believe, however, that people should singlehandedly have the ability to overpower a police force with their personal arsenal. Although I completely understand that there are responsible people who would never hurt another person, there are those out there who would and that is enough for me to want more strict regulations.

Other nations have had great success with the limiting of the sale of weapons. For example, the United Kingdom has completely banned the sale of guns on the islands and the success shows in the numbers.

In 2011, the U.K. had a firearm related homicide rate of .04 per 100,000 people, compared to the U.S.’ 3.6 per 100,000. Even, police for the most part, are unarmed, and that only adds to the significance of these statistics. I know that this may not be the answer to the United States’ problems, but something has to be done to get this under control.

The culture of guns is far too strong in the United States to follow in the United Kingdom’s footsteps, but there needs to be some sort of compromise.

It might be appropriate to look back towards the assault weapons ban passed during the Clinton era.

Maybe to own and use an assault weapon, people should be allowed to keep their guns at a shooting range just so they would not be out in the public sphere where people could get hurt. It seems to me that the state of the gun control parameters in the United States lie just where they should.

The “right to bear arms” has gotten to the point where it is infringing on other peoples’ right to live without fear. The government needs to do something so both parties can live together without any additional loss of life.

February 13, 2013

Students Must Cope with Stress, Not Succumb To It

By JOSEPH VITALE ASSISTANT OPINION EDITOR

We college students seem to joke a great deal about our stresses. We try to cope with our worries by laughing about anxieties over both short-term events (homework, interviews) as well as long-term events (career choices, loans).

We are, however, rarely honest about how stress affects our lives, our productivity, our relationships, our health, our sanity. While it seems that everyone from professors to parents fosters increased stress levels, the truth is stress only hampers our lives and hinders our successes. This is especially true for younger generations.

According to a survey by Stress in America, those ages 18-33 reported the highest level of stress of all demographics. Young Americans held an average stress level of 5.4 out of 10. Most added they feel the least equipped to combat their stress.

The survey’s results, unfortunately, are not surprising.

There are an infinite number of other contributors to high levels of stress — particularly young people. In “Relax! You’ll Be More Productive,” an article featured in The New York Times, Tony Schwartz writes that our increased efforts to juggle every task at once contributes to a more tired body, a more tired mind and a more stressful life. We spend too much time worrying about emails, running from meeting to meeting and working into late hours of the night. Conversely, we spend too little time relaxing our mind, resting our bodies and allowing ourselves to let go of our stresses.

“I usually like to talk about my stress and downplay it a bit. I also like to make lists, divide my time and make it appear more manageable,” said Darcy McGuire, GSB ’16. “Sometimes when it’s really bad, I’ll give my mom a call and, she helps a lot.”

Furthermore, one of the most common causes of stress among

ELIZABETH ZANGHI / THE RAM

According to a survey by Stress in America, young Americans are the most stressed demographic in the country.

young people is standardized testing. Studies show, however, there are simple and inexpensive ways to deal with the stresses.

“Tests can create crippling anxiety in students, and anxious kids can perform below their true abilities,” writes Annie Murphy Paul in “Relax, It’s Only a Test,” a feature in TIME. How we deal with that stress, however, can improve not only our test-taking abilities, but our ability to handle other stresses.

One of the methods Paul mentions is having students take about 10 minutes to write about their thoughts and feelings in the time before an exam. According to an article published in Science by researchers at the University of Chicago, students who participate in expressive writing achieve higher test scores on average.

A method developed by psychologists at Stanford University shows that writing about something that is of value and is significant can also reduce stress and lead to higher test scores.

Paul also discusses how pre-

paredness can reduce stress. How we study for exams, essentially, is paramount in alleviating anxiety and increasing confidence.

“Many students have every reason to be nervous before an exam, because they haven’t prepared adequately and don’t know how to do so,” says a psychologist at the Laurel School, a prestigious allgirls high school in Ohio. Practicing test-taking strategies before the test can lead to more confidence when taking a test.

Another study, conducted by researchers at Harvard University, involved giving students a short note before the test, reminding them that students who stress before an exam actually perform better. Highlighted in a New York Times Magazine article called “Why Can Some Kids Handle Pressure While Others Fall Apart?” this exercise improved grades, particularly in the quantitative section.

Anxiety over standardized testing correlates with our generation and our stress about our futures.

Similar to pre-exam nervousness,

Ram on the Street

our stress stems from a poor combination of high expectations and low confidence. Our generation is one that is filled with ambiguity over the questions that lie ahead: We are unsure of the future state of our country, what will define us as a generation and whether we will help in the progression or regression of America. With so many problems, we feel ill equipped to succeed.

The world may be a stressful place, and we may be a stressed generation, but it does not mean we cannot combat stress. We can deal with our stress in a similar way to how we can deal with standardized tests or competitions: by reminding oureslves of our experiences, cherishing the valued things in our life and recognizing our potential to succeed.

Adequate preparedness and genuine confidence will always trump indifference and selfdoubt. So whatever you do, do not stress.

Joseph Vitale, FCRH ’16, is a political science major from Staten Island, NY.

Compiled by Joseph Vitale, Asst. Opinion Editor

Who is your dream Valentine?

“Selena Gomez.”

“Orlando Bloom.”

“Katy Perry.”

“James Dean.”

— Nick D’Agostino, FCRH ’16

— Natalie Galarza, FCRH ’15

— Frankie Errico, GSB ’16

— Kate Russell, FCRH ’16

February 13, 2013

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February 13,2013

Snow Day at Rose Hill

JOHN BONAZZO

CHENLI YE

MICHAEL HAYES

GRACE LILLY

CHENLI YE

DREW DIPANE

ELIZABETH ZANGHI

Arts & Entertainment

February 13,2013

Page13

News Program Adds Comedy to Evening Lineup

By KELLY KULTYS NEWS EDITOR

First, there was just “Fordham Nightly News” (FNN), the student-produced, student-run news program with updates on a bit of everything inside and outside the campus gates. Last year, the studio launched two new shows — “Fordham Mornings,” a Wednesday morning talk-show mainly for Fordham students, and “Overtime,” a sports-talk show that covers every professional league as well as Fordham sports. On Thursday, the studio will launch its newest show, ‘The Desk,’ which was “inspired by a combination of ‘Weekend Update,’ ‘The Daily Show’ and ‘Whose Line Is It Anyway.’”

The idea for the show came from Lindsey Festa, FCRH ’13, and current student-director of FNN, and Will Ganss, FCRH ’14.

“It was actually something that Will [Ganss] and I had been talking about since last year,” Festa said. “Our studio was recently renovated, and for us not to take advantage of this new space would be silly on our part. Plus, there are probably many students who might not want to watch the news and are looking for something a little bit light hearted. We knew that there were students who wanted something like this to start, but it was just a matter of when the right moment was, timing, etc.”

AJ Golio, FCRH ’16

Amy Snopek, FCRH ’14

Michael James Hayes, FCRH ’14

Chase Stevens, FCRH ’14

Jackie Gawne, FCRH ’15

Nicole Fishstein ’GSB 15

Festa and Ganss drew from their own personal tastes and preferences to gather ideas for the show.

“Will and I love SNL and other comedic shows and we knew that there were students on our campus who were able to bring that same humor and energy to a show of our own,” Festa said.

The duo hopes that the show will air on Feb. 14, if everything goes smoothly.

“We have already cast our show, which was a really excit-

ing process for Will and I,” Festa said. “The screen tests that we held really brought to light that there are many students here at Fordham who are truly talented when it comes to comedy. Personally, I was really blown away by some of the writing that was sent to us.”

Festa and Ganss created the show to help drive a wider variety of the student population to the studio’s channel 10. The show provides a niche for students who do not necessarily

want the hard news or to listen to a sports talk show.

“The Desk” is something different,” Festa said. “Will and I realize that not every student wants to watch something serious, so we want to provide that outlet. It is a great way to showcase the comedic talent that students have, and by broadcasting this, we’re really hoping that this will inspire other students to get involved in the future.”

Students can look forward to many parts of the half hour show,

Hip-hop continued to highlight the same premier artists, namely Jay-Z and Kanye West, who won with two of their tracks off the well-received album Watch the Throne. Also, Drake, with his sophomore album Take Care, snagged Best Rap Album, beating out Lupe Fiasco, Nas and The Roots for the honor.

R&B star Frank Ocean emerged as a big name with six nominations and ended up winning two,

including Best Contemporary Album and Best Rap/Sung Collaboration.

Although it was not aired, genre-defining Skrillex swept all three categories for Dance, including Best Dance Recording, Best Dance/Electronica Album and Best Dance Recording.

Star winners for Jazz include former Best New Artist winner Esparanza Spalding as well as Chris Botti, with their tasteful releases

Radio Music Society and Impressions, respectively.

The ultimate Grammy, Album of the Year, was awarded to folkrock group Mumford and Sons for their second commercial release, Babel. The British four-piece beat out The Black Keys, fun., Jack White and Frank Ocean, and was regarded as a favorite due to its balanced critical acclaim and commercial appeal.

Music fans, regardless of their

COURTESY OF THE DESK

but Festa said that there are some parts she specifically is excited to see.

“One segment that I am particularly looking forward to is something that ‘Whose Line Is It Anyway’ used to have on their show,” Festa said. “One of our correspondents will be placed in front of the green screen, not knowing what is behind him/her.

With the help of our anchors, the correspondent has to figure out what is going on.”

Festa and Ganss have already cast the show through a series of screen-tests and call back auditions. The cast includes on-air talent, including anchors and correspondents and writers responsible for material, which Festa and Ganss sort through to use on the show. Also integral to the crew, the student techs run the equipment necessary to air the broadcast. “‘The Desk’ will consist of two main anchors who will deliver comedic news stories,” Festa said.

“We will have characters come in for interviews, as well as special segments that will allow for more on-air opportunities.”

The show will also feature a few segments of improvisation for those who enjoy that comedic dimension.

Fans of “Fordham Nightly News,” “Fordham Mornings” and “Overtime,” can tune in to Channel 10 every Thursday from 7-7:30 p.m. to catch “The Desk.”

Controversy, Surprise at Grammys

By JOSEPH VITALE ASSISTANT OPINION EDITOR

Last year, music fans watched Adele sweep the Grammys, taking home six awards. Her fans, of course, experienced euphoria — their new queen was rightfully crowned. Everyone else, however, was less impressed; the lack of variety and surprises fell short of the ceremony’s hype. For the 2013 Grammys, both variety and surprises were sprinkled throughout the evening, both on and off the stage.

The biggest winner of the night, Dan Auerbach, took home four Grammys. Auerbach, who won Producer of the Year for himself, snagged three other awards with Patrick Carney, together the The Black Keys. The rock-duo captured Best Rock Performance, Best Rock Song and Best Rock Album for “El Camino.”

The awards made way for a number of emerging indie artists, such as Goyte and fun. Gotye, a Belgian-Australian multi-instrumentalist, won Best Pop Performance and Record of the Year with the help of Kimbra for their inescapable “Somebody I Used To Know.” Gotye also won Best Alternative Music Album for his album Making Mirrors. fun., a New York City-based indie pop trio, captured the much-coveted Best New Artist.

COURTESY OF AP IMAGES

Justin Timberlake performed “Suit and Tie,” the first single off his upcoming album The 20/20 Sound, set to release in March.

preferred genres, had a wide array of great performances throughout the evening. Frank Ocean, with his performance of “Forest Gump,” off channel ORANGE and Carrie Underwood, with her performances of “Blown Away” and “Two Black Cadillacs,” stole the show, giving great vocal and visual performances. Honorable mentions go to Justin Timberlake’s performance of “Suit & Tie,” Bruno Mars and Sting’s joint performances of “Locked Out of Heaven” and “Walking on the Moon,” and, of course, the omnipresent Rihanna’s astounding vocal performance of “Stay.”

There was an abundance of news coming from the audience as well. Chris Brown garnered attention when he did not stand for Frank Ocean following his awards, extending their parking lot scuffle from a few weeks ago. Lena Dunham continued to somehow gain more media buzz by being the guest of her current boyfriend fun. member Jack Antonoff. JayZ continues to bask in his wife’s recent resurgence in popularity.

He looked impressed by his baby mama, Beyoncé, as she presented an award with Ellen Degeneres.

Kanye West was not even present to accept his awards, and Taylor Swift, surprisingly, did not have a date. She probably will not be back next year due to lack of material.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

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February 13, 2013

TSeersucker Directing Race Historically Full of Surprise he

BY JOHN BONAZZO

KEVIN ZEBROSKI Modern pants are very weird.

Historically, pants have always risen to meet the waist, or, more precisely the navel. This made sense, as the widening parts of the torso, the hips and lower chest were separated geometrically by a horizontal waistband.

The recent trend toward lowrising trousers is an oddity when we consider the natural form of a human being. These pants, now situated on the widest part of the lower torso, are held in their position by a combination of willpower and occasional butttugging.

For the purpose of understanding the tailoring difference between modern pants and their forebears, it is key to have at least two terms in your vocabulary.

“Rise” is the measurement from the crotch to the top fly button, and this measurement’s length determines how high the pants rise up the waist.

In the case of low-rise jeans for men, the rise measurement is commonly around eight inches, while the classics were closer to 12 or 14 inches. If you wish to measure your waist rise, it would be prudent to do so in privacy, as draping a measuring tape from your crotch to your belly button is frowned upon in the public sphere.

The other — albeit circumstantially less important — term is “inseam.” The inseam is the measurement from the bottom of your rise measurement (your crotch area) to the “hem,” or the part where your pants stop existing.

The inseam in low-rise and traditional pants should be roughly the same, and the length of one’s pants is a matter of personal preference and safety.

Okay, so why are full-rise pants better? Well, low-rise pants are something of a fad, not a modern innovation that will be around for centuries. The reason for this is because they defy a primary aspect of design philosophy. Lowrise jeans practically spawned the concept of plumber’s crack because of their inclination toward spelunking down one’s backside.

They also are not as flattering as we think they are. The strange billowing effect created by tucking a shirt into one’s hips is unique to low-rise pants. With regular pants, the firmer and heavier fabric of the pants makes the waist appear thinner and flatters the shoulders and chest with its contrast.

Seriously, just look at bullfighters with their ultra-high-waisted pants. They may be narcissistic animal torturers, but they have great costumes. Just do not emulate their color choices. Be a subtle and benevolent bullfighter.

The Seersucker provides a wealth of knowledge on sartorial fundamentals, contemporary male fashion and the mastery of personal style.

COPY EDITOR

Steven Spielberg is an unlucky man at the Oscars. The blockbuster filmmaker has won two Best Director trophies, for Schindler’s List and Saving Private Ryan, but only one film, Schindler’s, took home Best Picture gold (Ryan lost to Shakespeare in Love).

This year is another year of mixed blessings for Spielberg — he is the frontrunner for Best Director for Lincoln, but Argo is favored for Best Picture despite no Best Director nomination. After this year, Spielberg could have the dubious distinction of winning three Best Director trophies but only one for Best Picture. That disconnect provides one of this year’s twists in a category that has skewed many different ways since the Oscars began.

This year’s group of nominated directors is more eclectic than most.

Predicted nominees Spielberg, Ang Lee (Life of Pi) and David O. Russell (Silver Linings Playbook) made the list, but so did two surprise nominees, indie directors Michael Haneke (Amour) and Benh Zeitlin (Beasts of the Southern Wild).

Even stranger than the people nominated are those left off: A-list filmmakers Tom Hooper, Quentin Tarantino and Kathryn Bigelow.

The most talked-about snub was that of Ben Affleck, the director of Argo (although he could still win a Best Picture trophy as the film’s producer).

Many reasons for Affleck’s omission were tossed around. Some

COURTESY OF MOVIEPOSTERDB.COM

thought problems with the Academy’s new electronic voting system were to blame. Others thought that some Academy members made more esoteric choices, thinking their peers would vote for Affleck and cancel other choices out; this obviously did not happen. From a historical perspective, some thought that the Academy had tired of awarding actors-turned-directors (such as Mel Gibson for Braveheart). Whatever the reasons, Oscar history has shown that Affleck does not have to worry that much: Best Picture and Best Director recipients split more than one would assume.

Though it is rare for a film to win Best Picture without a Best Director nomination, exceptions have occurred. The most recent was at the 1989 Academy Awards, when Oliver Stone won Best Director for Born on the Fourth of July, but Driving Miss Daisy, whose director, Bruce Beresford, was snubbed, won the big prize. Given the gap of over

20 years, popular belief is that it is time for another exception to the rule.

Nabbing Best Picture without a nod for the director may be rare, but a more frequent phenomenon that could also be repeated this year is when Best Picture and Best Director go to two different films.

This has happened 18 times in the Academy’s 84-year history. Most recently, Ang Lee won Best Director for Brokeback Mountain at the 2005 Oscars, but Crash, whose director, Paul Haggis, was nominated but did not win, brought home Best Picture. For a classic example, flash back to 1972: The Godfather won Best Picture, but Bob Fosse took Best Director for Cabaret (Francis Ford Coppola would finally get the Best Director prize for The Godfather Part II).

The films that have won both Best Picture and Best Director vary widely in size and scope. Over the last 20 years, directors like Anthony Minghella and Peter Jackson have received the award for sweeping dramas like The English Patient and The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King. However, especially in the last few years, the Academy has skewed toward smaller films. Look at the past two winners: Tom Hooper for the royal drama The King’s Speech and Michel Hazanavicius for the black-and-white The Artist.

Affleck’s underdog status has helped him. According to awards tracking site GoldDerby.com, Affleck’s base rallied behind him in his time of need. Since the Oscar nominations, he has won Best Director at

the Golden Globes, Critics Choice and Directors Guild Awards. The film has taken the top prize at these awards, as well as from the Producers and Screen Actors Guilds. People are rooting for his smaller movie to triumph over the mighty Lincoln.

This mirrors other unassuming films that started slow and ended up winning the gold over blockbusters.

Human dramas like Million Dollar Baby and Slumdog Millionaire (and their respective directors, Clint Eastwood and Danny Boyle) won over extravaganzas like The Aviator and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button that had less popular appeal.

History could very well repeat itself this year, even without individual commendation for Affleck.

Being the legend that he is, though, Spielberg still has some support. At the Directors Guild Awards, as each of the nominees was recognized individually for their work before the winner was announced, “Mr. Spielberg received a standing ovation,” according to The New York Times, but Affleck did not. This further snub, though small, suggests that even though the award was given to the younger director, everyone in the room appreciates Spielberg’s senior status. The respect could help Lincoln snatch the big prize.

Argo’s surge has helped its chances, but the Oscars have taught us that anything is possible. Nobody will know for sure how many trophies Spielberg and Affleck will each bring home until the envelopes are opened on Feb. 24.

Dining Out: Island Burger and Shakes

By CASEY RYAN CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Careful, or you might miss it! Between 51st and 52nd St. on Ninth Avenue, squeezed in between the myriad of other restaurants in Hell’s Kitchen, is Island Burgers and Shakes. This restaurant was founded in 1996 by co-workers Will Brown and Mark Calvino, who were fed up with mediocre burgers. 15 years later, this successful joint is still going strong. In fact, they are opening up new locations all around Manhattan in the coming year.

This little venue does not look like much more than a pick-up window from the street, but somehow, once you get inside, there is plenty of seating. I went with a party of seven, and we were able to sit down right away. Upon entering, I instantly picked up a retro ’50s burger shack vibe; however, there are plenty of subtle, modern touches that keep the décor from becoming too tacky or too ironic. As the name implies, this restaurant has amazing, melt-in-your mouth burgers.

These burgers are not just typical burgers; there are over 60 different burgers, with combinations of many unique toppings to choose from. From avocado to chili, there is something guaranteed to intrigue even the most experienced palate.

Having just eaten chili the night before, I was not particularly looking for a burger. Instead, I opted for the El Camino ($13.00) with churascos (grilled chicken) It. Was.

CASEY RYAN/ THE RAM

Need some fries with that shake? Add a burger for an all-American meal on 9th Ave between 51st and 55nd.

Amazing. The chicken was grilled perfectly, and it was complemented by jack cheese, bacon and ranch dressing on top, all tucked between two pieces of sourdough bread. Although the presentation was not focused on aesthetics, it fit in with the traditional American theme.

Besides, the sandwich was packed with so much chicken that the moment I took a bite it all fell apart anyway.

Although my El Camino was good, the real show stoppers of the meal were the sides. The fries ($4.75) were perfectly crisp with just enough seasoning on them, and not a single one was soggy or undercooked. The guacamole and salsa ($9.25) were both extremely fresh, but be warned, the guacamole definitely has a little kick. Bonus: The servers brought us extra chips

whenever we ran out.

By far, my favorite thing I ordered was the black and white shake ($5.75). This shake was the richest and airiest milkshake I have ever had. After just a few sips, I almost ordered a second. Unfortunately, I made a rookie mistake and ordered it as soon as I sat down. It was so rich that I was full before any of the other dishes arrived, so when placing your order plan strategically.

I was also surprised to see how attentive the service was. We were a big group on a Saturday night in Manhattan, and the servers still checked in with us multiple times: No one’s water was ever below the half way mark.

Island Burger and Shakes is a great find, especially if you are bored of the traditional burger chain. The only downside was the

pricing. Even though the food was great, when I think burgers I do not think about spending $13, plus the cost of french fries. On the other hand, the service was so great I personally did not mind paying a little more. So next time you are in the area, check out this little treasure and enjoy a tasty and tasteful dive into a modern day burger joint.

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

’s)

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

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

February 13, 2013

Page 15

Editor’s Pick: Mumford & Sons Valentine’s Day Special

By DANIELLE GARRAND ASSISTANT ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

Last Wednesday night, while most college kids were cramming or snoozing, I was at The Barclays Center in Brooklyn watching Mumford & Sons perform their British hearts out.

Every few years, there is that band that seems to captivate the nation’s attention with a completely new sound and style (Backstreet Boys, anyone?).

Right now, Mumford is that band, and their star is not fading. The fierce foursome consists of lead singer Marcus Mumford (guitarist, drums, and mandolin), Ben Lovett (vocals, keyboards, accordion, drums), Winston Marshall (vocals, banjo, guitar, resonator guitar) and Ted Dwayne (vocals, string bass, drums, guitar).

The now world-famous group formed in West London during 2007 and recorded its EP “Love Your Ground.” The band performed in small venues, gradually building up a devoted fan base until the release of it first full album “Sigh No More” in 2009 in the U.K. (2010 in the U.S.). They were an overnight success, topping the Irish charts as number one, the U.K. charts at number two and even made the U.S.’s top Billboard 200. By 2010, everyone knew the folk rock group. After making the leap across the pond to the U.S., Mumford was nominated for two Grammy awards in 2010 and performed at the ceremony.

The success of their first album is due, in large part, to their mass appeal as well as their intellectual song lyrics. The title of the album, Sigh No More, isn’t just a strange sounding phrase; the saying is from William Shakespeare’s play Much Ado About Nothing.

In an interview, Mumford joked,

Where: Empire State building 350 Fifth Ave at 33rd St.

This year for V-Day, instead of going to a boring rom-com or cuddling up to good old Ben & Jerry’s, visit classic Hollywood Haunts for a proper date night. Begin your tour with one of the most famous sights in the city: The Empire State Building on 350 Fifth Ave at 33rd St. This site has been the location of many romantic meetings and disappointments, but it all started with the 1957 film An Affair to Remember. Plan a rendezvous reminiscent of the Hollywood classic to spark a little romance on Cupid’s favorite night of the year.

Where: Tiffany’s jewelry store 727 Fifth Ave at 57th St.

COURTESY OF MARK HUMPHREY/AP IMAGES

On Sunday night at the Grammys, Mumford and Sons won Album of the Year.

“You can rip off Shakespeare all you like; no lawyer’s going to call you up on that one.” Many other songs on the album include references from the famous dramaturge, as well as lines from The Odyssey and Plato’s well-known work The Cave. Their intellectual lyrics prove that these Brits are more than just pretty faces; they are true artists.

In 2011, the boys began an exciting adventure called The Railroad Revival Tour with artists Old Crowe Medicine Show and Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeroes. During the one-week tour, inspired by The Festival Express tour across Canada in the ’70s that included such greats as The Grateful Dead and Janis Joplin, the bands traveled exclusively in vintage railroad cars and performed only in outdoor locations.

Mumford’s biggest year thus has far has been, without a doubt, 2012. In September of last year, their second album Babel was released. The twelve-song CD, with the lead single “I Will Wait,” was the fastest-selling album in

both the U.K. and the U.S.; in its first week, it sold 158,000 copies in the U.K. and 600,000 copies in the U.S. The band officially reached mega-star status when it sold one million copies worldwide.

Currently, the band is on their 2013 “Gentlemen of The Road” tour across the United States.

If you have a chance, or a spare $60, they are definitely worth the trip. Without revealing too much, their concerts are truly one of a kind. The band’s energy, combined with thousands of devoted fans, makes for an exceptional experience. Although the entire concert was remarkable, one specific instance took the cake.

About two hours into the show, the four guys trotted off the large stage, through a thin aisle separating them from screaming fans, and onto a stage in the middle of The Barclays Center. In all honesty, the small stage was no larger than the size of a college dorm room. They proceeded to sing a few songs a capella while the entire audience of fans was dead silent. The moment was breath-

If you want to make the lady in your life especially happy, stop by Tiffany’s jewelry store on 727 Fifth Ave at 57th St. Make your girl feel like Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s and parade around the store like you own the place. You don’t have to buy anything to make the trip worth it, but to win extra brownie points pick up one of the most budget-friendly items. By Tiffany’s standards this would be a sterling silver infinity necklace ($175). Not only will she freak out as soon as the robin-egg blue box appears, but you will undoubtedly be the best date ever.

Where: Marilyn Monroe’s subway stop Lexington and 52nd Next on your trip, visit the subway gate where Marilyn Monroe shot her famous white dress photo on Lexington and 52nd. Strike a pose where one of the most beloved icons of film stood, and you will catch the eye of your date, if not a cute president, too.

Where: P.J Clarke’s 915 Third Ave at 55th St. Conclude a vintage tour and head over to old-school celebrity fave P.J Clarke’s on 915 Third Ave at 55th St. Famous figures such as Jackie O, Frank Sinatra and Nat King Cole thought P.J.’s oversized hamburgers, raw bar and comfort foods were the bee’s knees back in the day. Any restaurant with a client list that distinguished is a sure-fire way to end your date on an excellent note.

— COMPILED BY DANIELLE GARRA ND ASST ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

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

taking.

This past week, the band interrupted its tour by taking a little trip to the Grammy Awards. They took the Grammys by storm, earning Album of the Year for Babel. In addition, the boys won Best Long Form Music Video.

Even though these modern and folk Beatles have hit the jackpot,

they are not slowing down. Lead singer Marcus Mumford stated in December that they have already begun recording their new album, which includes electric guitars and synthesizers.

There’s no telling what Mumford & Sons will accomplish next, but one thing is for sure; its star isn’t dimming anytime soon.

Summer Blockbusters Thrive at ‘Other Oscars’

By VINCENT PELIZZI COPY EDITOR

Receiving much less attention than the headline-making, starstudded rush of “major” awards handed out at the Oscars every year are the awards given to the men and women behind the camera — names of people that we often do not recognize but who bear the unsung burden of taking raw films and refining them into the finished products that earn the big prizes. The technical and artistic categories not only give the people behind the magic their due praise but also largely serve as the major pathway through which the year’s big blockbusters earn nominations.

For this year’s Academy Awards, these categories, which include Best Costume Design, Best Makeup, Best Art Direction, Best Production Design, Best Cinematography, Best Film Editing, Best Visual Effects, Best Sound Mixing and Best Sound Editing, feature a mix of Oscar darlings such as Skyfall, Argo and Life of Pi, as well as audience favorites like The Avengers and The

Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey.

While these categories often help to give some recognition to the biggest and most popular films of the year, such as summer tent pole movies which would not receive any nominations otherwise, the Academy’s nomination and voting processes do not lend themselves well to showcasing the absolute best of what the fields, by definition, have to offer.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ nearly 6,000 members are divided among their disciplines, such as actors, producers, or cinematographers; the members belonging to each branch then decide on the nominees in their related categories, except for Best Picture, for which any member can nominate. This allows for the nominees in the Best Film Editing category, for example, to be decided on solely by fellow film editors.

Once the nominees are selected, all members of the Academy vote to decide the winner.

This often causes a distortion — the expanded field of voters has, as history has shown, often voted for what they feel is the

best film in the category as opposed to voting for the film that purely has the best visual effects or sound mixing, regardless of its other qualities. A perfect example of this was last year’s Best Visual Effects category. In a field of nominees including Rise of the Planet of the Apes and Transformers: Dark of the Moon, Martin Scorsese’s Hugo took home the award, in addition to garnering four other tech and art awards — Best Sound Editing, Best Sound Mixing, Best Cinematography and Best Art Direction.

While I felt Hugo was one of the best films of the year and certainly deserved the latter two awards, it by no means had better visual effects than Rise’s phenomenally-crafted Caesar, brought to life through motion capture by Andy Serkis to critical acclaim, or the tremendously intricate work on both the robots and devastated Chicago by Industrial Light & Magic in Transformers. Many felt that Hugo’s near-sweep of these categories served as a consolation prize to Scorsese for the film losing Best Picture and Best Director to The

Artist.

Unfortunately, treating categories such as Best Visual Effects and Best Editing as “consolation prizes” proves unfair to movies that, while perhaps not as wellregarded as Best Picture nominees on the whole, undoubtedly excel in the specific field for which they were nominated.

The award is called Best Visual Effects, not “Best Movie that also has Adequate Visual Effects.”

There are certainly cases where these choices can overlap, such as at the 83rd Academy Awards, where Inception won four technical awards. More often than not, however, the categories serve as auxiliaries to those movies that have already won big.

This year’s show marks an unusual occasion in that a large majority of the nominees in the tech categories also happen to be not only Best Picture nominees but box office hits as well, including Skyfall, Les Miserables and Lincoln. In addition to those and other “Oscar-bait” movies such as Argo and Life of Pi, the categories feature nominations for The Hobbit and The Avengers,

among other blockbusters. The Avengers, the third highest grossing film ever, garners its sole nomination in the Best Visual Effects category. Given the existing trends for these categories, it seems unlikely that a non-Best Picture nominee will achieve any victories. Argo and Skyfall, the former due to its tremendous award show buzz up to this point and the latter due to its positive critical reception as a Bond and action film, will likely take the sound awards, and Life of Pi, for its computer-generated tiger, is likely to win Best Visual Effects.

For Best Cinematography and Best Editing, which are almost entirely made up of Best Picture nominees, Argo or Lincoln seem the likeliest choices, with the chance that these awards match the Best Picture winner or serve once again as a consolation prize to the runner-up.

The Academy Awards are supposed to showcase and honor the best that film has to offer each year. When the voting membership does not take a slew of the awards seriously, then it cannot fully live up to that expectation.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

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February 13 , 2013

WHO’S THAT KID? JEFF BEAZLEY A MEMBER OF FCRH ’13 MAJOR: COMPUTER SCIENCE FROM: DORCHESTER, MA Describe yourself in a couple sentences for the readers.

I am an enthusiastic musician with a knack for technology. Many of my friends often reach out to me with their technological issues. I am also a Boston Red Sox and New England Patriots fan.

What is your favorite aspect of Fordham and why?

My favorite aspect of Fordham is the historical significance of the architecture on campus. For example, the stained glass windows in the University Church were supposed to be in St. Patrick’s Cathedral; yet, the windows did not fit, so they were sent here. I think these stories enhance the greatness of Fordham’s campus.

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

I wish the add/drop period lasted a week longer, especially for night

Karen Hill

classes.

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

My favorite thing to do in NYC is eat at different restaurants. There are many great culinary establishments, and it would be a shame not to experience as many of them as possible.

What is something about you that not many people know?

I was in a candlepin bowling league for nine years.

What is your favorite class at Fordham?

My favorite class is secure cyber networks, which I am taking this semester with Professor Anthony Ferrante. I think this class is really interesting, especially since I want to go into information security in the future.

What is a personal goal you

LIZZY ZANGHI/THE RAM

Jeff is a living example that a comp-sci major will get you a job out of college.

would like to accomplish over your four years here?

I would love to host an RA program with Fr. McShane before I graduate.

What show, food, artist or movie would you consider your “guilty pleasure”?

Yes, I have accepted a full time offer in the Technology Advisor Program at Ernst & Young.

What activities, clubs, projects or organizations are you involved with at school?

What is the biggest misconception people have about you?

I have been a Resident Assistant since my sophomore year and I am the secretary for the Computing Sciences Society. I occasionally cantor Masses throughout the year. You may also recognize me from working in IT Customer Care since freshman year.

Last year, many people thought I was a senior. This year, people think I am enrolled in the Gabelli School of Business.

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

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

I would bring my guitar and lots of water.

such as Quentin Tarantino, whose first film, Reservoir Dogs, premiered at Sundance. It would later gross nearly 15 times its budget. The cult-comedy flick Clerks, directed

by Kevin Smith, premiered at Sundance and was made on a shoestring budget of $27,000. The epitome of Sundance box-office successes came in 1999 when two filmmakers and three actors made an 80 minute film in eight days on a $35,000 budget in the woods of Maryland. The Blair Witch Project would eventually gross nearly $250 million, spawn countless other “found footage” horror films and scare virtually everyone in the world brave enough to watch. These films all attained their success because of distributors at the festival who were on the lookout for low-budget films.

This awards season, 13 films from Sundance collected Oscar nominations. Beasts of the Southern Wild lead the way with four nominations, including a nomination for Best Picture and Best Actress in a Leading Role, which is an astounding feat when one considers the film’s background. The film was shot with no professional actors. It utilized a small professional crew and numerous local residents for different tasks in the production process. A first time filmmaker and Best Director nominee Benh Zeitlin captured a post-Hurricane Katrina New Orleans that no one had seen before, with poverty and destruction in every frame of every shot, while maintaining an uplifting and traditional tone.

Discussing these qualities, Zeitlin said he “wanted the film to sit above reality in way that a folktale does and be something that is very much about real issues that are happening in Louisiana, but also be able to travel and translate [issues] the way folktale can.” With Beasts reaping

such critical praise and press attention, one can only look forward to the possibilities of the festival’s hits this year, which announced the numerous award winners last week.

From Ashton Kutcher to Dave Grohl, there have been numerous big name celebrities making splashes at Sundance this year. Whether it is Amanda Seyfried’s seductive Lovelace, Ashton’s apparently inaccurate turn as Steve Jobs in jOBS, or Daniel Radcliffe’s performance as Allen Ginsberg in Kill Your Darlings, this year’s festival has been nothing short of controversial.

The controversies also include the winner of the Festival’s Grand Jury Prize, entitled Fruitvale, which tells the story of the last day in the life of Oscar Grant, a man shot to death by a police officer in Oakland, CA. This film, along with Richard Linklater’s film Before Midnight, starring Ethan Hawke in the third installment of the magnificent Before Sunrise trilogy, is primed to be a big hit with critics following its full-distribution to audiences worldwide. Other high-profile films at this year’s festival include Ain’t Them Bodies Saints, starring Casey Affleck and Rooney Mara, and Joseph Gordon-Levitt’s directorial debut, entitled Don Jon’s Addiction, in which he controversially plays the lead role as a sex addict struggling to find meaning in life.

High-profile celebrities and stars continue to draw attention to Sundance Film Festival, attracting large crowds to the packed theaters.

While some consider these large crowds beneficial to the growth of independent film, Sundance chairperson Robert Redford does not agree. He continues to work to protect the festival’s indie roots. Redford hopes that the Sundance will have nothing to do with “parties and celebrities and Paris Hilton.”

“Once Upon a Time” — I really enjoy how the story lines cross for each fairy tale character.

Sundance Strives to Maintain History, Prestige

By DANIEL FINNEGAN STAFF WRITER

When the Sundance Film Festival first began in 1978, the festival’s goal was to highlight and increase the visibility of American independent films. In its 35-year history, it has provided unknown films with the much-needed exposure and press attention needed to garner distribution, an it has been an experimental platform for emerging directors. The festival currently contains competitive sections for dramatic and documentary films — feature-length films and short films — as well as a category of non-competitive sections. Each year, the Festival selects around 200 films for exhibition from more than

9,000 submissions, with more than 50,000 people attending screenings throughout Utah. With all this exposure, numerous Sundance films are primed to surpass their often low budgets, becoming critical and box-office successes.

In 1989, then-newcomer Steven Sodebergh made an independent romantic comedy for less than $1 million dollars that would premiere at the still-developing Sundance Film Festival. The film would continue on to win the Palm d’Or (top prize) at Cannes Film Festival, gross $25 million and spark the interest in American indie films that Sundance had been hoping for. This interest would only further develop in the 90’s with the emergence of fresh, young independent filmmakers,

Happy Valentine’s Day!

LIZZY ZANGHI/THE RAM

That special someone won’t admit it, but he or she would really appreciate a reservation for two by the Lorillard window at around 6 p.m.

This one is for my single ladies.

Being “not partnered,” if you will, certainly has its perks, but around a time like Valentine’s Day, I know my singledom challenges my confidence.

Confidence is an important factor in any relationship, but it is most important in the relationship with yourself. Confidence is difficult, but that is due to misconceptions of its definition.

People think confidence is when you think that you’re hot and that everyone wants to be you. Instead, this is arrogance, to which no one should aspire. You see, arrogance is when you think that you are better than everyone else; confidence is when you know that you are the best you can be. The key difference is the source of your self-assurance. Arrogance is dependent on a comparison of oneself to others. The beauty of confidence is that it comes from within our self.

So how do you plant the seed of courage to love yourself? Let go of the inhibitions and reservations that grow from the insecurity of feeling that you will be judged for your actions. It is true that people will judge you, but it’s also true that disregarding judgment renders obsolete the possibility of the negative effects of judgment.

If you want to be confident, you are allowed to have fears. You cannot, however, be controlled by those fears.

I could quote Drake’s “The Motto” right now. But I won’t. I will instead quote Hilary Duff and inquisitively ponder like she does: “Why not take a crazy chance? Why not do a crazy dance? If you lose the moment, you might lose a lot. So why not?”

The truth is that you need to take risks and sometimes act like a fool to learn to be comfortable in your own skin. The friends that stick around after are the ones worth your while.

And do you know who will never leave you? You won’t. It’s physically impossible.

Now, in relationships specifically, we girls love to be told we are beautiful. We love attention, and we love being beautiful. I broke up with my boyfriend of two years because he did not show me enough attention.

I now know that was very shallow of me, but I wanted to feel good about myself.

Regardless, ladies, you do not need a man or anyone else to make you feel special. You have that power all on your own. If you aren’t feeling “loved,” you have to remember there is more to love than just intimate love. There also is a strong bond that you share with your friends and families that you must not forget. At the end of the day when your boy situation just isn’t working, friends and family are the ones who will unconditionally love and support you no matter what.

Don’t be dependent on the “likes” on your profile picture or on your Instagram photos to feel loved. Don’t feel the need to make people jealous to feel confident, either. If you want to do something, do it for yourself — not for the attention. Attention is merely the superficial reward that always comes in second to confidence, which takes gold.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

February 13, 2013

Page 17

Ram Reviews MOVIE SIDE EFFECTS

By PJ BROGAN COPY EDITOR

COURTESY OF MOVIEPOSTERDB.COM

The genre-bending, psychosexual thriller/pharmaceutical diatribe Side Effects — just released this Friday — is purportedly the final theatrical film of director Steven Soderbergh’s versatile and illustrious career. Soderbergh is one of those filmmakers who, unlike a Tarantino or a Scorsese, cannot be pinned down to one genre or style of movie.

He has made groundbreaking indie fare (Sex, Lies, Videotape), slick crime flicks (Out of Sight), stargazing heist films (Ocean’s Eleven), wacky Coen Brothers style shenanigans (Informant!), bachelorette fantasies (Magic Mike) and just about everything in between. If Side Effects is his last movie — a big if; most artists are Favre-esque when it comes to retirement — then the cinema world will be quite a bit darker with his absence.

Meanwhile, we have his latest movie to talk about, and Side Effects is certainly a movie that, if nothing else, defies expectation.

I hesitate to divulge too much of the plot — the movie thrives on its shocking reveals and 180 degree turns — but basically a rather frail-looking young woman, Emily Taylor (Rooney Mara, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo), welcomes her investment banker husband (Channing Tatum, Magic Mike) back from a fouryear prison term for insider trading. The formerly decadent lives of the Taylors are now relatively modest and sterile, and Emily seems emotionally adrift. She starts to see a shrink, Jonathan Banks ( Jude Law, Contagion), in order to cure the “poisonous fog bank” that is her mind. Banks, a patient, caring and intelligent man who is perhaps a bit too comfy in his high-rise psychiatric practice, prescribes a cuttingedge new drug to help cure her.

The results, however, surprise both Banks and the audience.

I will not give you any more precise details of the plot, but it is not giving away too much to say that Side Effects dissembles both its genre and its characters

— something that works both for and against the film. On the plus side, it is certainly a movie that demands your full attention and wit. The movie starts out as a rather staid denunciation of America’s need for prescription drugs to seal up our personal cracks and imperfections, turns into a sort of investigative procedural and ends as a battle of manipulative intellects. It is a movie that delights in a boldness that most studio pictures shy away from. The prevailing attitude in Hollywood — the land of remakes and sequels — is to do everything in the same boring, conventional manner. Soderbergh and company should be rightly applauded for doing things differently.

The acting is also fantastic in Side Effects. Soderbergh has a distinct visual style that gives completely new looks to actors we have seen dozens of times. Law plays Banks with both kindness and intensity, and hecreates a much richer character than his typical acting fare. Mara tantalizes with her creepy, piercing stare and again proves that she is one of the industry’s rising stars.

The downside to the movie’s narrative complexity is that we are not given time to really appreciate these characters. Soderbergh is so worried about the nooks and crannies of the plot that Banks and Taylor are not treated as humans, but just cinematic tools. Just about every character has a hidden personality, and it becomes very difficult to really love a movie that does not let you care about who you are watching. Soderbergh will be missed because he always has the ability to make a movie like Traffic or Contagion, but, for a man who has told some great stories, his latest effort is a prime example of excellent technical craftsmanship without heart.

MOVIE IDENTITY THIEF

By JOHN BONAZZO COPY EDITOR

proves that Melissa McCarthy is one of the best comedic actresses working today.

The story centers on Sandy Patterson (Jason Bateman, Arrested Development), a working stiff living with his family in Denver trying to make ends meet at a new job. His life is turned upside-down when his identity is stolen by a con artist named Diana (McCarthy, Bridesmaids), who uses his information to make extravagant purchases. To avoid having to go to jail for Diana’s crimes, he journeys to Florida to find her and bring her to justice.

Their journey is complicated, however, both because Diana has other bail bondsmen and mob heavies after her for other crimes, and also because she and Sandy often come to blows. The two make scenes in restaurants and also have an unpleasant encounter in a hotel room.

Thankfully, though, the entire journey does lead to a satisfying ending.

Director Seth Gordon improves dramatically on his last effort, the aptly named Horrible Bosses, with this much funnier film. He marshals the action effectively so the various plots do not get too confusing, and he also makes sure the jokes land.

Craig Mazin’s script has a little bit too much bathroom and sexual humor, but there are enough one-liners for the two leads that this is forgivable. Bateman is a charismatic protagonist; we want him to succeed because he is a nice guy, and he has great chemistry with his adversary.

As that adversary, Melissa McCarthy is a comic force of nature. She gives the movie her all, landing every line and executing every physical gag for maximum effect. This may not quite match her brilliant, Oscarnominated work in Bridesmaids, but McCarthy commits to this role just as much. She steals the show, staking her claim as one of the funniest women in Hollywood today.

Identity Thief is a highly enjoyable film with big laughs, and boasting one of today’s great comic talents.

Let Melissa McCarthy steal your $10 — you will not regret it!

MOVIE WARM BODIES

By KIERSTEN SCHMIDHEISER CONTRIBUTING WRITER

COURTESY OF MOVIEPOSTERDB.COM

Though it is not up to par with some of the best comedies of recent years, Identity Thief still makes for a hilarious night at the movies. It also

COURTESY OF MOVIEPOSTERDB.COM

The undead have become a cultural phenomenon; lately supernatural creatures have starred

in a variety of books, television shows and movies. Vampires and werewolves came to the big screen in the Twilight series, and Teen Paranormal Romance has even emerged as its own section at Barnes & Noble. Recently, however, zombies seem to have become a more prominent theme in movies. From Zombieland, World War Z and now Warm Bodies, where did the zombie craze come from, and where is it going?

Starting with the movie Night of the Living Dead in 1968, zombies became a cheap monster for the producers of low-budget horror movies. Requiring only some ragged clothes and heavy makeup, the costuming for zombies was complete. Zombies served as frightening, but not terrifying, creatures for audiences of a variety of ages to enjoy. Most often, they were metaphors for the faults in and deterioration of society. Warm Bodies, however, takes an entirely different approach to the walking dead.

Jonathan Levine’s Warm Bodies, a comedy starring Nicholas Hoult and Teresa Palmer, topped the box office during its first weekend, making $20 million.

It follows the zombie R, who does not remember his former life and must, against his moral inclinations, eat people. He narrates most of the movie with his amusing internal monologue.

His entire “life” changes when he meets Julie, a human teenage girl, and saves her from certain death at the hands of another zombie.

Thus begins an unusual twist on a “Romeo and Juliet” love story and R’s transformation into a more human-like individual.

Levine reinvents the typical zombie and focuses on ideas of tolerance and the sanctity of life in his interpretation of zombies by allowing them the ability to change. He departs from the traditional one-dimensional monster, which has no conscious or desire outside of its basic survival functions, and asks viewers not to immediately fear the creatures.

Even though the film’s dry humor delivery seems to convey a sense of not taking itself too seriously, this new approach to the zombie apocalypse has prompted criticism for pandering to Twilight fans by creating another supernatural love story. The question remains: Did Levine successfully put a fresh twist on zombies or has this phenomenon come to a dead end?

Has Levine stretched too far from the zombie’s home in the genre of horror into the realm of the ridiculous? Or does he add just enough humor to make this mash-up movie an enjoyable experience? The box office success and positive critical acclaim by reviewers thus far seem to show a warm acceptance of Warm Bodies by audiences. The film’s

theme and romantic plot appeal to viewers looking for a humorous twist on an old love story and contains a significant amount of violence for people in search of an old fashioned ‘blood and guts’ monster movie. Whether or not this particular interpretation appeals to you, zombies in many shapes and forms, from the moaning, groaning beasts to lovable monsters, are here to stay in television and movies today.

TELEVISION PRETTY LITTLE LIARS

By BRYN PRIETO CONTRIBUTING WRITER

COURTESY OF MOVIEPOSTERDB.COM

On Tuesday night, ABC Family’s “Pretty Little Liars” reached a new level of impossible. Although it was an improvement on last week’s episode, the writers failed to answer questions that have begun to pile up.

Spencer continues her downward spiral, which begins with her dismissal from the decathlon team before a big tournament.

Wren returns in an attempt to help Spencer out of her rut, but in the end it leads her to trouble.

Emily continues to dig into Detective Wilden and Ali’s relationship from the summer of her death. Jason, Ali’s brother, assists Emily by helping her find evidence that links Ali, Wilden and Cece, who had previously denied knowing Wilden. A leaves threatening messages for Emily, which results in a near fatal accident and the mysterious disappearance of all evidence.

Throughout the episode, Hanna pushes Caleb to reunite with his father, who he had thought was his Uncle Jamie. Convinced Jamie has changed, Hanna arranges for him to work at the church. Sadly, Jamie’s old ways begin to show. With Ezra still bonding with his son and Maggie, Aria and Wes grow closer.

An incident between them leaves Aria and Ezra’s relationship in jeopardy.

Cece hires Aria to do a photo shoot at her new store and Wes tags along to help. Cece’s intentions with the four girls grow cloudier, and the ultimate question is: could she be the A ring leader?

Interested in sharing your opinion in the weekly Ram Reviews?

Contact the Arts and Entertainment section at fordhamramculture@gmail.com TO READ THESE REVIEWS IN THEIR ENTIRETY, VISIT FORDHAMRA M.COM

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February 13, 2013

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Sports Fordham Men Stumbling; Now 6-18, 2-7 in A-10

Page 19

February 13, 2013

By DAN GARTLAND EXECUTIVE SPORTS EDITOR

With each passing day, the chances that Fordham will qualify for the Atlantic 10 tournament become increasingly slim. After losses to Saint Louis and La Salle, the Rams sit at 2-7 in-conference, two games behind the 12th and final tournament spot.

Fordham’s Feb. 6 game against Saint Louis started out well for the Rams. With 5:51 left in the first half, Fordham trailed by only two, 25-23. But then the Billikens’ Cody Ellis caught fire. Ellis scored 17 points in the first half, 11 of which came in the final six minutes.

At 6’8” and 245 lbs., Ellis is difficult to match up against defensively. He is too big and too strong to be defended by a guard, but too athletic to be guarded by any of Fordham’s bigs. He spent the first half terrorizing Fordham from beyond the arc, shooting 5-10 on three-pointers.

“Their bigs are really skilled and crafty, and our bigs are really young and big,” Fordham head coach Tom Pecora said with a chuckle. “Guarding guys around the perimeter is not their cup of tea.”

Pecora said he knew coming in that Ellis was a dangerous player.

“It’s the second week in a row that we’ve earmarked shooters,” he

said. “Against VCU we talked about not letting [Troy] Daniels get good looks, and tonight we talked about not letting Ellis get good looks, and both nights our young guys didn’t execute the gameplan.”

“He’s a really good player, Ellis,” Pecora added. “He had his way with us tonight.”

Late in the second half, Pecora turned to sophomore forward Luka Zivkovic, who has played only sparingly this season but is more athletic, to try to neutralize Ellis. Zivkovic succeeded in that regard and even hit a three-pointer of his own.

Fordham’s lineup for much of the second half consisted of Zivkovic, three guards and one big man (either freshman Travion Leonard, or sophomore Ryan Canty). Zivkovic played good defense on Ellis and managed to minimize his impact.

But, having Zivkovic on the perimeter to guard Ellis created problems on the interior for Fordham. Saint Louis’s Dwayne Evans killed the Rams down low, scoring 20 of his 24 points in the second half, mostly on layups.

Even with Evans playing well in the post, Fordham was still within striking distance until the middle of the second half.

“One of the things that concerned me — I think it was at about the eight-minute mark — it was [a nine or ten point deficit],” Pecora

said. “[I said], ‘Guys, we’re not down 20 here.’ But that’s an immature team. We were two possessions away from [Saint Louis] feeling the pressure, and us being down five or six.”

Pecora’s team is young, and he knows that.

“It’s a broken record: I’m asking a lot of freshman and sophomores,” he said. “But when that’s all you’ve got out there, who are you going to ask it of?”

Saint Louis was finally able to pull away in the latter stages of the second half and cruise to a 90-73 victory.

After the loss to Saint Louis, Fordham traveled to Philadelphia for a game against La Salle where things did not get any better. Fordham was absolutely eviscerated by the Explorers. The Rams trailed 56-25 at the half, and saw the deficit climb to as many as 45 in the second half. They would go on to lose by a final score of 89-53.

After losing to La Salle, Fordham’s record in road games dropped to 0-12. Pecora knows that a couple of close home losses will end up costing his team.

“We gave away two games that we had a chance to win at home — UMass and St. Joe’s — and that will come back to bite us in the tail at the end of the season unless something special happens,” he said.

ALLY WHITE/THE RAM

Freshman Mandell Thomas scored 22 points against St. Louis.

Travion Leonard Finds Success After Massive Weight Loss

By CHESTER BAKER STAFF WRITER

When freshman forward Travion Leonard was being recruited last season from Lee Academy in Maine, he may have scared away some colleges with his size. It was never that he was too short to be a threat at the forward position; rather, he was just too big. After all, he boasted quite a large waistband, weighing in at 350 pounds.

Since committing to Fordham, however, Leonard has brought his weight down to 265.

It has been a long road for Leonard, who is averaging 6.6 points per game to go along with four rebounds, to complete his dramatic makeover.

“I had offers coming [from colleges], but they wanted me to get down,” Leonard said. “At the time it was hard because I really didn’t know how to.”

After some schools started to back away from Leonard when it appeared his weight would be a hindrance, the North Carolina native decided to make a change.

“I just said I was going to do it,” Leonard said. “I promised everybody back home that I would give myself the opportunity to be a good basketball player here.”

Although Leonard’s will was enough to get him working, he still needed to follow an incredibly strict diet for several months to give himself that opportunity.

“It was basically just wake up, get a light breakfast like fruit or a granola bar with a glass of two percent milk, go to class, go to workouts, lift, run and do individual workouts,” Leonard said. “Then,

when everyone else was done, I’d go back, get on the treadmill, throw it on the 13 percent incline and just walk and walk until I got a nice sweat going. Then, at the end of the day, I’d get in the pool, do a pool workout and then eat again.”

A promise that Leonard made to head coach Tom Pecora kept him motivated during the tough days.

“When I committed, I promised him and [associate head coach David] Duke that I would get down,” Leonard said. “Not letting him down and making sure he knew that I was becoming a man and that I was going to own to what I

said [was important]. I just basically had to do it.”

It seems as though Pecora has been satisfied with the way Leonard kept his word.

“His commitment and what he’s done to get himself in a position to play makes him a force out there,” Pecora said.

By keeping his promise, Leonard has transformed into a different player, and seen benefits on the court.

“I’m able to attack the rim a lot harder now because I have more lift,” Leonard said. Being able to jump up, standing straight and snag the ball out of the air [has

STEVE BROWN/EXPLORING LINCOLN

helped me rebound].”

Strong willpower and a great work ethic can only keep someone sane on a diet for so long. Anyone who has ever been on a diet knows that there is always one food that will keep you up at night. For the not-as-big man, it is a Southern classic: fried chicken.

In order to get rid of some of his poor eating habits and to curb his fried chicken cravings, Leonard has developed some new appreciations for foods which he had never had before going on the diet.

“I love salmon now,” Leonard said. “That’s one of the good pieces of protein that I can get in my body

MICHAEL HAYES/THE RAM

Leonard, pictured left at Lee Academy and right at Fordham, has lost about 100 llbs. since arriving on campus.

and is actually tasty.”

It is a good thing for Fordham that Leonard discovered salmon and all of the other techniques he has used to basically lose the weight of an entire person, as he has been a vital part of the team this season.

His role in the team has increased throughout the year, especially with senior forward Chris Gaston’s recurring knee problems.

“It’s given me the opportunity to be the kind of player that I need to be for the program,” Leonard said.

Although Pecora used Leonard in short spurts at the the beginning of the season as his body got used to the changes, the forward has played as many as 33 minutes. Gaston’s injury has also given sophomore Ryan Canty and freshman Ryan Rhoomes the chance to get some solid minutes. Having two high-energy big men coming off the bench only give Leonard more motivation.

“It makes me have to play hard because if I don’t, I would be on the sideline watching,” Leonard said.

“I know if I’m lazy, Canty is flying over my back to get tip dunks.”

All of the hard work from Leonard paid off in a big way on Jan. 23 when the forward posted a careerhigh 13 points in a 66-63 win over Rhode Island and hit the winning free throw. As Leonard stood at the charity stripe with the game tied in the waning moments of the second half, gleams of sweat dripped from his face, the same way the sweat rolled off his body as he underwent his transformation.

“Of course I was nervous,” Leonard said. “I knew I had to hit it. When it left my fingers I knew it was good. It felt great.”

Page 20

‘King Felix’ Signs Huge Extension

By TARA SLEDJESKI STAFF WRITER

It was reported this past week that pitcher Felix Hernandez of the Seattle Mariners is nearing a contract extension that will keep him in Seattle for at least seven more seasons and make him the highest-paid pitcher in Major League Baseball. Hernandez, who is nicknamed “King Felix” because of his dominant pitching, has been one of the best pitchers in the MLB since he came onto the scene in 2005.

He won the American League Cy Young Award in 2010 and will be turning 27 years old in April.

There is no doubt that Hernandez is worthy of the rumored seven-year deal worth $175 million. Besides winning the Cy Young Award, he also tossed a perfect game in 2012 and has a 3.22 career earned run average.

Hernandez has become the face of a struggling Mariners team. He brings fans to the ballpark with his capability to throw a gem of a game every timeout.

Without him, the Mariners’ attendance over the season would surely drop, and fans would be left without a reason to cheer their team on.

For the Mariners, signing Hernandez to such a big deal says a lot about where they believe they are headed. If the Mariners did not believe that they had the pieces to compete within the next few years, I highly doubt that they would be willing to spend such a large sum of money on any single player. They are now showing a commitment to turning the team around and heading in a winning direction by handing him a record breaking deal.

For the past few seasons, Hernandez had been viewed as po-

tential trade bait. Considering the Mariners’ struggles, many believed it would have made sense for them to trade Hernandez for prospects before they had to give him a big money deal. But the Mariners stood by Hernandez and turned down numerous potential deals that involved him and now they have locked their star up for seasons to come.

Hernandez himself is, of course, the biggest beneficiary of this deal, but other MLB pitchers will benefit from the deal as well. Detroit Tigers pitcher Justin Verlander is set to become a free agent following the 2014 season and is regarded by many as the best pitcher in the MLB. Verlander is now able to demand more money than Hernandez is getting, which sets Verlander up for a very pretty payday.

Los Angeles Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw is also set to become a free agent following the 2014 season and is worthy of a large contract as well. Tampa Bay Rays ace David Price may benefit the most from Hernandez’s deal, however, since he becomes a free agent after the 2015 season. Price will not only have Hernandez’s deal to base his off of, but he will also have Verlander and Kershaw’s to help him make a case for a larger deal.

There is no doubt that Hernandez’s deal did not just change the framework of a weak Mariners franchise, but the framework of the MLB in general . This deal sets up more megacontracts for pitchers, and some even believe it paves the way for a $200 million contract for a pitcher. For more than ten years now, MLB players have been getting mega-contracts. Now that Felix Hernandez is joining the club, many other pitchers will likely follow him.

February 13, 2013

SPORTS

Follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/theram_sports

Varsity Scores & Stats Men’s Basketball St. Louis 40 50 90 Fordham 33 40 73 (SLU) D. Evans 24pts 10rebs (FOR) M. Thomas 22pts 2asts

Men’s Swimming St. Francis (NY) 86 Fordham 136 50 Freestyle D. Morris 1st- 21.72

Fordham 25 28 53 LaSalle 35 33 89 (FOR) T. Leonard 10pts 2rebs (LAS) T. Duren 16pts 8asts

Women’s Swimming St. Francis (NY) 55 Fordham 142 100 Butterfly B. Ryan 1st- 57.49

Women’s Basketball Fordham 31 38 69 LaSalle 21 28 49 (LAS) S. Harrison 13pts 5rebs (FOR) E. Rooney 15pts 8asts Dayton 33 35 68 Fordham 30 27 57 (UD) A. Deane 14pts 5asts (FOR) M. Strickland 21pts 5rebs

Squash Fordham NYU

2 5

NYU Fordham

7 2

Softball Dot Richardson Invitational Chattanooga Fordham

5 6

Fordham Long Island

14 6

Southern Illinois 4 Fordham 0 Virginia Tech Fordham

0 2

Fordham Chattanooga

2 1

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

Devon Morris

Jamie LaBovick

Senior

Senior

Swimming

Softball

Morrris was instrumental in Fordham’s win on senior night. He took first in the 50 freestyle in 21.72 and was part of the winning 200 medley relay.

LaBovick was named A-10 Pitcher of the Week, going 3-0 with 17 strikeouts. It was her first time on the mound in two years. She also hit .526 on the week.

News & Notes

JOSE CARLOS FAJARDO/MCT

Hernandez re-signed with the Seattle Mariners for seven years and $175 million.

• The Fordham women’s basketball team is featured in an Associated Press article that has been circulated in a number of publications, including The New York Times. The team is having one of the best seasons in school history and has set the school record for A-10 conference wins with six.

• All student tickets for the Feb. 16 matchup of the Fordham Rams and Butler Bulldogs will be distributed on the day of the game. Tickets will be distributed beginning at 2:30 p.m. in the Lombardi Center.

Tipoff is slated for 4 p.m.

• Junior Branden Frazier became the 35th basketball player in Fordham history to score 1,000 points on Feb. 6. Frazier sunk a free-throw against St. Louis with 7:04 left in the game and finished with 11 points.

• Fordham football announced the 2013 recruiting class on Feb. 6.

The class includes 17 players, nine of whom are from the tri-state area. This is the fourth recruiting class that will receive athletic scholarships.

February 13, 2013

Page 21

SPORTS

Men’s Squash Loses to NYU Women’s Squash Competes For First Time Fordham Wraps Up Regular Season at Home

By MAX PRINZ ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR

The Fordham men’s squash team suffered a tough 7-2 defeat to NYU on Sunday in its final home match and last match of the regular season.

The Rams had faced NYU earlier this season on the road and lost 5-2. This match was sure to be even tougher, especially with the Rams missing senior Jack O’Brien.

“Missing Jack definitely hurt us,” said head coach Bryan Patterson. “Everybody had to play a spot above their usual place. With Jack here I bet the match would have been a lot closer. This was a really tough team.”

Fordham started the afternoon with three underclassmen.

Sophomore Matthew Ieraci joined freshmen Jeremy Keller and Paul Monaghan in looking to set the tone for the Rams.

The early matches were filled with long rallies and a number of hard-fought points. Ieraci and Monaghan were unable to pull out a victory as Ieraci lost in straight sets and Monaghan lost to Alex Bakes in four sets. Keller’s match was the longest of the day as he grabbed one of the two Fordham victories, defeating Aakash Shah in five sets.

The second round of matches brought similar results. This time, it was the senior leadership looking to make an impact: Ethan Brooks and Quetzalli Torres played at the second and eighth spots. Torres was responsible for the second Rams victory, knocking off Hakeem Elliott in four sets. Sophomore

Carlos Ortiz also took part in the second string of matches, losing in straight sets. Unfortunately for the Rams, NYU played some great squash through the first two sets of matches.

“I think NYU will probably be in our division when we play at the team championships,” Patterson said. “We’ll probably be playing in that 41-48 category, and I think NYU will be there as well. We’re looking forward to the championships at Yale, but it’s going to be tough.”

The day’s third set of matches brought more poor results for the Rams. Senior Marcus Strommsmo was defeated in straight sets, as was sophomore Ross Garlick. Freshman Kincade Webster tried valiantly to give the Rams a No. 1 spot win but he could not, losing to James Hill in straight sets.

Various family and friends of the student athletes did their best to lend their support, cheering right up until the end of the match.

There were many flashes of great play from some of the younger players like Webster, Monaghan and Keller.

“Those young guys are definitely going to get better; there’s no doubt in my mind,” said Patterson. “I think they’ve learned a lot this season just from playing their position.

We’re playing really tough matches, and you can see the guys improving as they play these matches. They get a little bit better with each match they play. A lot of hard work this season, a lot of hard work in the off season and I’m sure they’ll do really well.”

FROM SQUASH, PAGE 1

“A couple of them have played in high school, and a few have played a little bit of tennis,” Patterson said.

“They’re reasonably good but still novices.”

Coach Patterson shows a clear commitment to making women’s squash at Fordham work. He has done a great deal of recruiting work.

He plans to make a big recruiting push at next year’s club fair. He also has worked tirelessly to get the girls matches this year.

“Because we’re not an official team, they can actually do whatever they like; they can play matches outside of NCAA rules,” Patterson explained. “We’re trying to get them some matches downtown at different clubs. They want to play, they enjoy the game and they get right into it.”

The six women who competed on Sunday showed that Fordham has a female athletic tradition that is very powerful and very much alive.

They plan on continuing to practice

and hopefully continue to try to grow women’s squash at Fordham.

“I do believe it could be a great sport here at Fordham,” Patterson said. “More and more people are playing the game. More students are playing the game just for some exercise. I think we’ll be able to build a team as the years go by. If Fordham wanted a winning team, this [squash] is where it could be.

I’ve told the Athletic Department, if this university wants a top program, squash could absolutely do it.”

ELIZABETH ZANGHI/THE RAM

The women of Fordham’s squash program played their first intercollegiate match on Saturday, losing against NYU.

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Page 22

February 13, 2013

SPORTS

Smith Senior Profile: Charlotte Stoddart Matt’s

By MATT ROSENFELD Says Minute SPORTS EDITOR

This past Sunday was a harsh reality check. For the first time in months, there was no professional football on TV. My Sunday felt empty, but I knew hope was right around the corner. That hope came on Monday, which was the day pitchers and catchers reported at Phillies camp.

Yes, friends, baseball is back, and I thought now would be as good a time as ever to give my best and worst moves of the MLB offseason.

Best Big Money Move Josh Hamilton signing with the L.A. Angels for five years and $125 million. You have to love this move from the Halos. I don’t care about his off-the-field issues or his health concerns. The fact of the matter is that the Angels first five hitters in the lineup are now Mike Trout, Erick Aybar, Albert Pujols, Josh Hamilton and Mark Trumbo. Hamilton was the biggest fish out on the market, and the Angels reeled him in. Good luck AL West, you’re going to need it.

Worst Big Money Move This is a tie between Zach Greinke’s six-year, $147 million deal with the Dodgers and Anibal Sanchez’s five-year $80 million deal with the Tigers. Starting with Greinke, he’s always been a solid, above average starter in the league, but he is not worth this much money. In his career, he’s only 13 games over .500, and he has an ERA close to four.

The Sanchez deal is even worse. He’s averaged seven wins a season in his seven-year career. Teams spent ridiculous money on good but not great pitchers because the depth of the free agency class was weak.

Biggest Offseason Winners The biggest winner of the entire offseason is the Toronto Blue Jays. The Jays not only brought in reigning National League Cy Young winner R.A. Dickey, but they also acquired Jose Reyes, Josh Johnson, Mark Buehrle, John Buck and Emilio Bonafacio from Miami. On top of all of that, they signed the talented but troubled Melky Cabrera. With these moves, the Jays have to be the favorites in the AL East going into the season.

Another team that upgraded significantly without making as many player changes is the Atlanta Braves.

After signing coveted free-agent centerfielder B.J. Upton to a five-year deal, they decided to make their outfield a family place by brining in his brother Justin Upton via trade.

Atlanta’s starting outfield now consists of the Upton brothers and Jason Heyward, and it could stay that way for a long time.

Biggest Offseason Loser Michael Bourn and his agent Scott Boras are the bigest losers. Bourn started as one of the premier young outfielders on the market, but his high demands have left him still unemployed. Rumors are he might end up with the Mets. A lesson to all the kids out there: Don’t demand too much or you could wind up with the Mets, and no one wants that.

[Ed.: Bourn signed with the Cleveland Indians after this column was written.]

— Alex Smith

Charlotte Stoddart has a unique story. Originally from Manchester, England, Stoddart had quite the resume before even arriving in the Bronx. She competed as a part of Great Britain’s Under-18 and Under-20 teams. The forward averaged seven points and four rebounds representing her country.

Coming to Fordham in 2009, Stoddart appeared in 16 games, starting 14 of them. Her playing time only increased in her time at Fordham.

Last year, Stoddart started every game for the Rams and led the team in rebounding, averaging 6.4 rebounds per game. This year, Stoddart has taken on a new role: sixth man. Coming off the bench, Stoddart is still averaging over 20 minutes per game and has appeared in 21 of the team’s 23 games to date. Charlotte is a communication and media studies major.

The Fordham Ram: You have a lot of experience playing for national teams overseas. What was that like?

Charlotte Stoddart: It was really good. I felt proud to represent my country. I got to see different styles of play from different countries, and in my last year we finally won the European Championships.

TFR: Is there any difference in the style of play here as opposed to overseas?

CS: Yes, I had a lot of problems my freshman year with my footwork. I got called for traveling a lot, and then I gradually adapted to it.

There are certain moves that are considered travels over here that aren’t back home. The other thing I would say is the physicality. You get away with a lot more stuff, you can

MICHAEL REZIN/THE RAM

Charlotte is averaging over 21 minutes per game off the bench this year.

be more physical and it is much more fast-paced [in the US].

TFR: What made you decide to come to Fordham all the way from England?

CS: To be honest, once you reach a certain age over there, there is not much opportunity. I realized that I want to take basketball to another level. Also, I just wanted to experience a different country, a different culture and a different environment, so I chose America.

TFR: Is it hard being over here in America, so far away from your family?

CS: Freshman and sophomore year it was hard. But then it got to a point where this became my home.

It wasn’t like I’m over here [at

Fordham] and I miss home, it was more if I’m having a bad day, I want to go back to my dorm room as opposed to back home [to England].

TFR: The women’s basketball team is having one of the best years in recent history, what do you think you can attribute that to?

CS: I think everybody has just bought into their role on the team and know what they have to do in order to win. Everyone gets along so well with each other; we’re a really close unit, which I think adds to our success.

TFR: Last year you started every game. This year, you are still getting big minutes, but it is off the bench. How are you adjusting to that role change?

CS: I realized that it’s best for the team, and with the position I play, I’m not really comfortable at the five spot, so coming off the bench I can better fulfill my role, coming in as a sub for the three or four.

TFR: What’s your favorite thing about Fordham?

CS: Probably the fact that it’s in New York City. I don’t really like the fast pace, but I like the idea that there is always something to do or somewhere to go.

TFR: Do you have any plans after graduation yet?

CS: I’m undecided. I would like to stay here and work in the city, but I’d also like to go home. I’d actually also like to try out another country and see what they have to offer.

ALLY WHITE/THE RAM

Stoddart has represented the United Kingdom on multiple occasions.

Watch the interview with Charlotte at youtube.com/fordhamramsports

The San Antonio Spurs are the most underrated team in NBA history.

There is absolutely no doubt about it. Yes, the “Spurs are underrated” story has become an all too familiar refrain; every year the only attention the Spurs receive is about how underrated they are. Ironically, the reason that they receive so much attention about being underrated is that people continue to undervalue their historic greatness.

Since 1999, the Spurs have won at least 50 games every season, earning a top four seed in the playoffs each time (except the 2009-2010 season when they received a seven seed) and bringing home an NBA championship four times. The Spurs organization is not merely great, but has reached an excellence that few other dynasties can boast. Yet every single year, other (usually inferior) teams garner the brunt of the conversation.

Why is this the case?

For starters, they have the three least talked-about superstars in the NBA. When Paul Pierce, Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett teamed up in Boston, they were coined “the Big Three” (Now this moniker is given to every halfway-decent trio of players, but that is a different story). Before this Boston trio arrived on the scene, however, there was the great trio of Tony Parker (most underrated point guard), Tim Duncan (most underrated big man) and Manu Ginobli (very underrated shooting guard).

One has to watch this Spurs trio in action to truly appreciate their skills and the intangibles they bring to the game. All three would certainly have bigger numbers if they played on different teams, but together they are able to function by utilizing a cohesive and team-oriented style of play.

Which brings me to the next reason why the Spurs are underrated: team basketball. The Spurs give the truest meaning to team basketball of any team in the last 15 years, proving that unselfishness and faith in your teammates pays off. Unfortunately, team basketball does not translate well to highlights. After all, who wants to see good team ball movement leading to an open Kawhi Leonard three-pointer when you can watch Dwayne Wade throwing a full-court alley-oop pass to Lebron James or Blake Griffin dunking over a car? ESPN knows that the majority of casual sports viewers prefer the latter.

Will the Spurs ever be widely acknowledged as one of the best teams in NBA history, or will they forever be known as “that underrated team?”

Time will certainly tell. Over the last 15 years, the Spurs have been the definition of consistent: consistently excellent. Simply referring to them as “underrated” is demeaning and insulting, considering the undeniably impressive feats they have accomplished. They have managed to maintain their team-first attitude in a superstar-driven league where flashy and selfish plays sell tickets and draw headlines, a feat that perhaps overshadows all of their on-the-court success.

Hopefully, in 50 years time, the word “underrated” will never come to be associated with this current Spurs team. That is not the legacy they deserve.

— Matt McCormack

February 13, 2013

Fordham Finishes Regular Season; A-10 Meet Looms

Page 23

SPORTS

By DAN GARTLAND EXECUTIVE SPORTS EDITOR

DANIEL MURRAY/THE RAM

The Rams had one of their best performances against St. Francis (NY).

By NICK CILIBERTO STAFF WRITER

The Rams swim team completed the regular season last Wednesday, Feb. 6 with a home sweep of St. Francis (NY). The women defeated the Terriers by a margin of 142-55, and the men won by a score of 13686. It was a bittersweet but much needed evening for the team, as they picked up crucial momentum going into the A-10 Championships but also said goodbye to the seniors.

The Rams had one of their most successful meets of the season — they finished first in all but one event, and five Rams won more than one event. Sophomore Zachary Jacobsen started the evening by winning the 1000 freestyle in 10:04.11 as well as the 100 backstroke in 55.14 seconds. Jacobsen, along with Will Thomann, Nick Belfanti and Shintaro Noguchi, was took the 200 freestyle relay with a time of 1:29.18.

Freshman Steve Sholdra finished off the season strong by winning the 100 butterfly in 53.06 seconds and the 100 breaststroke in 1:01.47. Senior Kevin Wong won both diving competitions, scoring 246.60 on the one-meter board and 263.03 on the three-meter board in his farewell meet.

Michael Grimmett-Norris, Devon Morris, Noguchi and Kevin Kosciuk also joined the party, winning the 200 freestyle, 50 freestyle, 200 individual medley and the 500 freestyle, respectively. The men also won the 200 medley relay with a team of Morris, Thomas Yi, Pat Militti and Thomas Shetler.

The women also had a very successful evening with some promising performances. Freshman Megan Foster and sophomore Claire

Parker each won two events. Foster took the 200 individual medley in 2:10.52 and the 100 freestyle in 54.70 seconds. Parker posted the top time in both diving competitions, scoring 188.63 on the onemeter board and 181.50 on the three-meter board.

Six Fordham women won an event on Wednesday. Megan Zarriello won the 200 freestyle in 1:56.66, while Megan Gray took the 50 freestyle in 25.02 seconds.

Chandler Lulley won the 100 backstroke in 1:00.03. Miranda Morton also took home the 500 freestyle while Megan Gehrich won the 100 breaststroke. Senior Brienne Ryan won the final event of the evening and her home career, taking the 100 butterfly in 57.49 seconds.

The women did not back off in relay action, as the 200 medley relay of Maureen McKenna, Gehrich, Jordan Tomimatsu and Gray started the meet with a winning time of 1:53.49. The Rams’ all-senior relay of Alana Biagioli, Kellie Lyver, Ryan and Rachel Deputato finished off the event and their home careers by winning the 200 freestyle relay in 1:40.37.

The Fordham men had a good week out of the water as well, as junior Shintaro Noguchi won A-10 Co-Performer of the Week. This was the third consecutive week Noguchi would win an A-10 award, and the fourth time this season.

This is the fifth Performer of the Week award Noguchi has earned in his college career.

The Rams finished the regular season with a record of 5-8 for the men and 10-4 for the women. They look to take the energy from their home sweep into the Atlantic 10 Conference Championships February 20-23 at the Spire Institute in Geneva, Ohio.

I am not very old, but I’m having a hard time remembering a college basketball season as exciting and unpredictable as this one.

When Indiana lost at the buzzer to Illinois last week, it became the fifth consecutive top-ranked team to lose. On Feb. 2, when the Hoosiers were third in the AP Top 25, they knocked off No. 1 Michigan.

Kansas, which held the top spot in the USA Today Coaches’ Poll, was beaten by Oklahoma State. The week before that, on Jan. 23, Duke was the top team in the polls and was defeated by Miami. Louisville was beaten by Syracuse on Jan 19.

The Cardinals had earned a No. 1 ranking after the Blue Devils lost to North Carolina State on Jan. 12.

Duke held the top spot from Dec. 17 until Jan 14. Since then, no team has sat atop the polls for more than one week.

The first two rounds of the NCAA Tournament are the greatest four days in sports. If this year’s tournament is anything like the regular season, it could be truly special.

With each passing week, it begins to feel more and more as though anything can, and will, happen this season.

Last Saturday night, Notre Dame outlasted Louisville in five overtimes, 104-101. Five overtimes.

Only five games since 1997 have lasted as long.

The Irish have a Player of the Year candidate in senior forward Jack Cooley, but he fouled out with 6:54 left in regulation and his team trailing 47-41.

Without Cooley on the floor, Louisville is simply a better team.

The Cardinals should have been able to close out the game. They should have, but they didn’t; and it’s not that they didn’t come close — they did.

Louisville led 55-48 with one minute left in the second half.

Seven points is a pretty substantial deficit to overcome in the final minute, especially without your best player on the floor, but after a few key misses by Louisville and a few clutch threes from Notre Dame junior guard Jerian Grant, the Irish forced overtime.

One overtime became two, and

two became three. Three overtimes couldn’t decide the game, so they played a fourth. By the fifth, I was sure Louisville would win. Three Notre Dame starters had fouled out, and the two that were still playing ended up logging a total of 116 minutes. The Cardinals simply had more talent on the floor. The Irish were leaning on junior center Garrick Sherman, who hadn’t appeared in the team’s previous two games and didn’t even enter this one until the first overtime. Sherman finished with 17 points in 21 minutes of action, and somehow the Irish won.

There’s no logical reason why Notre Dame should have won that game. Louisville had the final possession of regulation in all five overtimes. Six times the Cardinals took a potential game-winning shot, but couldn’t manage to hit any of them. The only explanation — and again, it’s an explanation that ignores logic — is that crazy stuff happens in college basketball sometimes.

The Butler Bulldogs are a team that knows a thing or two about the unpredictable nature of college basketball. No one expected them

MARK CORNELISON/MCT

Brad Stevens and his Butler Bulldogs will come to Rose Hill Gym on Saturday.

Upcoming Varsity Schedule Home games in CAPS.

Thursday Feb. 14

Friday Feb. 15

Saturday Feb. 16

Sunday Feb. 17

Wednesday Feb. 20

Atlantic 10 Championship

Swimming Indoor Track and Field

The Fordham men finished fifth in last year’s Atlantic 10 Championship meet.

Tuesday Feb. 19

at St. Louis 2 p.m.

Women’s BBall

Women’s Tennis

Monday Feb. 18

at Geo. Wash.

7 p.m.

BUTLER 4 p.m.

Men’s BBall

DREW DIPANE/THE RAM

to beat Syracuse in the Sweet 16 of the 2010 NCAA Tournament, and when they did, no one thought they could do it again in the Elite Eight against Kansas State, or in the Final Four against Michigan State. But sure enough, Butler made it all the way to the championship game, losing to Duke by two. It was just as much of a shock when the Bulldogs made it back to the title game in 2011 before losing to UConn.

Butler is playing its first season in the Atlantic 10 this year and makes its first-ever trip to the Rose Hill Gym on Saturday. The Bulldogs are ranked No. 11 in this week’s AP Top 25. Fordham, on the other hand, is mired in another dismal season. The Rams are 6-18 and may very well lose again on Wednesday at Xavier. Butler will likely be favored by 20 points in Saturday’s matchup, as it should be. Realistically, the chances that Fordham comes out on top are slim. But if this college basketball season has taught me anything, it’s that once the ball goes up, expectations get thrown out the window, and you never know what can happen.

Atlantic 10 Championship Kingston, R.I. at St. John’s 11 a.m.

at Vassar 12 p.m.

Sports

Page 24

February 13, 2013

Fordham Women Win at LaSalle; Fall to No. 18 Dayton in A-10 Showdown

By MATT ROSENFELD SPORTS EDITOR

As has been noted many times by The Fordham Ram, as well as media outlets around the metropolitan area, Fordham’s women’s basketball team has been making history this year. Record after record has fallen this winter in the Bronx as the Rams march on in one of their best seasons ever.

A big step in moving the program forward, though, is winning big matchups. Fordham’s opportunity came last Sunday, when the 18th-ranked Dayton Flyers came to the Rose Hill Gym. But, before their showdown against Dayton, the Rams had to travel to Philadelphia for another Atlantic 10 matchup with the LaSalle Explorers.

The game started evenly, as the teams traded the lead back and forth for the first 13 minutes. The Rams had a 16-15 lead when they rattled off a 9-0 run led by junior Erin Rooney, who scored five points in that span. Fordham held a 25-15 lead with a little under four minutes remaining in the first half.

After both teams scored a few more baskets, Fordham maintained its 10-point lead heading into halftime, at 31-21.

LaSalle started the second half on a 5-0 run, cutting the Rams’ lead in half, but it did not take Fordham long to respond. In a four-minute span, Fordham ripped off a 13-2 run to break the game open, extending its lead to 44-28.

The Explorers could not come closer than 14 over the remaining 15 minutes of the game. Fordham dominated on both ends of the floor and was able to get the lead to 20 as the game ended. The 69-49 win gave the Rams their sixth win in the Atlantic 10, the most the program has ever gotten since becoming a member of the conference in the 1995-96 season.

Four Fordham players scored double-digit points, including junior guard Abigail Corning, who had one of her best performances of the year, netting 17 points and six rebounds, five of which were offensive.

“It was a gutsy performance by Abigail,” Gaitley told WFUV radio after the game. “Erin [Rooney] picked it up when we needed her to, and then when [LaSalle] cut it to five in the second half, I thought Ace [senior guard Arielle Collins] made a great drive down to the basket.”

After taking care of business at LaSalle, Fordham looked forward to its big game against nationallyranked Dayton.

A game that was supposed to take place at 2 p.m. on Sunday was postponed to 7 p.m., as Dayton had to delay flying to the New York area due to the weather in the area.

The Rams came out trying to prove they would not be a pushover for the Flyers, who were undefeated in the Atlantic 10 heading into the game against the Rams. They did just so at the start of the game, trading buckets with Dayton for the first eight minutes.

Dayton pulled ahead by four about halfway through the first

LI YANG/THE RAM

Graduate student Marah Strickland had 21 points, five rebounds and four assists in Fordham’s loss to Dayton on Sunday night. She played all 40 minutes.

half, which was the biggest lead for either team at the time, but Fordham fought back and tied the game less than 30 seconds later with a couple of foul shots from Rooney and a jumper from graduate student Marah Strickland.

The two teams were even for the rest of the first half, with no team gaining an advantage greater than three until late in the half. With the score tied at 27 with just under three minutes to go, the Flyers went on a 6-0 run to make the score 3327, looking as if they were about to impose their strength and pull away.

Fordham had other plans, however, as Strickland hit a buzzerbeating three to end the half, cutting the Dayton lead to three and sending momentum back to the

Rams.

“The first part of those games start with believing you can beat those teams,” Gaitley said. “We told the kids that by the eight minute mark in the first half we need to put them on their heels and let them know we’re not going away, and I think we did that at halftime.”

As promising as the first half ended for Fordham, that feeling went away quickly when the Flyers started the second half on a 12-4 run, extending their lead to 11.

Things would only get bleaker for the Rams, as Dayton extended its lead to 17 with just over 10 minutes remaining in the contest.

And then Strickland took over.

Over the next two and a half minutes, the graduate student from Maryland had 10 points, including

a pair of free throws, two threepointers and a jumper from just inside the arc as Fordham fought its way back with a 12-0, cutting the lead down to five.

Just as Dayton seemed to be pulling away again, pushing its lead back up to nine, senior Arielle Collins hit a three to keep Fordham alive, down by six with four and a half minutes to go.

That would be as close as the Rams would get, though.

Dayton would secure its lead as the game winded down, winning their 18th game of the year to go with only one loss (at Bowling Green on Dec. 30) and would continue to be undefeated in the Atlantic 10.

“We didn’t go away,” Gaitley said regarding the positive side to the

LI YANG/THE RAM

Erin Rooney scored 18 points in the Rams’ loss to Dayton. She had 15 points and eight assists in the win over La Salle.

defeat. “They had a 17-point lead, and we didn’t go away. For us to beat a team like that though, we have to have everybody contributing, and it has to be from one through 14.”

For Fordham, the lack of depth proved to be fatal, as both Corning and Rooney were in foul trouble throughout the game, and the Rams could not look to the bench to replace their production.

“Their depth wore us down,” Gaitley said. “We just don’t have the bench and I think that had a lot to do [with the loss].”

The lack of a bench is a very persistent problem for Fordham.

Sophomore Christina Gaskin had just been cleared from injury the day before the game, and was only able to contribute three minutes, while fellow sophomore Taryn Durant has only played sparingly throughout the year. Senior Charlotte Stoddart is day-to-day with an injury as well.

Strickland, Rooney and Collins all played the entire game for Fordham, while Corning and freshman forward Samantha Clark were not far behind, playing 36 and 37 minutes respectively.

Relying on only five girls makes it extremely difficult to beat better teams that Fordham will have to face.

“We just get worn down,” Gaitley said. “They [Dayton] had 34 points off of their bench while we had none. We just don’t have the numbers right now with Charlotte [Stoddart] and [sophomore] Emily [Tapio] out. What went from being a team of depth is now a team of injuries trying to get players back at the right time.”

The loss to Dayton takes Fordham to 16-7 overall, 6-2 in the Atlantic 10. The Rams look to get back to their winning ways on Feb. 13 when George Washington visits the Rose Hill Gym at noon. Fordham then travels to St. Louis on Feb. 17 for a game scheduled to