Volume 96 issue 12

The Fordham Ram Serving The Fordham University Community Since 1918 Volume 96, Issue 12

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USG Fights Amid Student Complaints, Old Campus Assault

By KRIS VENEZIA Gym Retired STAFF WRITER

By MICHAEL CAVANAUGH ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR

Students returning to Rose Hill for the fall semester soon found the campus with one less fitness facility.

As a result of renovations that began during the Spring 2014 semester, the two-room facility located on the second floor of the Lombardi Center was closed indefinitely.

The now-defunct fitness center, formerly a popular fitness hub for a large number of students, was marked for renovation by the administration. The heavily-used equipment was sold to a fitness company in late July.

While renovations to aging facilities are typically welcomed, the student body voiced negative feedback upon learning that the old weight room is closed.

“It’s a real shame because sometimes the Ram Fit Center gets overcrowded and the upstairs gym was a good escape with a lot of room and free weights,” Martin McCormack, FCRH ’15, said.

“Plus that’s where I worked out a lot with my friends.”

McCormack’s sentiments are shared by many students, whether they regularly used the Lombardi fitness facilities or preferred the more modern, flashy aesthetics of the Ram Fit Center, which first opened its doors in October 2012.

The main concern held in regard to the new fitness center is the inadequate space allotted for free weights, an integral part of many resistance training regimens.

Even in off-peak hours, students have difficulty finding open benches, of which the Ram Fit Center only has a handful. Couple this with just two power lifting racks, an angled leg press, a rack for barbells and an obscurelyplaced seated calf raise machine, all placed within a relatively short, narrow hallway, and you have a recipe for a facility that will seem overcrowded with just half a dozen students.

SEE GYM, PAGE 2

in this issue

Opinion Page 7 Celebrity Cell Phone Hack a Violation of Privacy

Culture Page 11 Tips and Tricks for Travel on a Student Budget

Sports Page 20 Fordham Football is Dominated in Game Two

USG wants to combat sexual assault with a task force that will bring together student organizations, administrators and, possibly, public officials in New York City.

The idea for the group came from Nicholas Sawicki, FCRH ‘16, vice president of United Student Government at Fordham College Rose Hill.

“We want to make sure that [sexual assault] isn’t happening at Fordham,” Sawicki said. “And for the cases that are occurring, we want to provide better protection for our students, make sure that the policies laid down by Dean [Christopher] Rodgers are well understood, and we want to hopefully change the culture that leads to this issue occurring.”

USG senators tried to establish a sexual assault liaison between the student government and school administrators at the end of last year, but after going through USG’s constitution, SaSEE ASSAULT, PAGE 3

SSeptember b 10, 2014

#ClubLib Lights up the Lawn

SAMUEL JOSEPH/THE RAM

Now in its third year, #ClubLib has begun to attract more juniors and seniors in addition to its usual underclassman crowd.

By KATIE MEYER NEWS EDITOR

On Friday night, the usuallydeserted library lawn got some company in the form of #ClubLib, Fordham's biggest Welcome Week attraction. The quiet, grassy area was completely transformed into an outdoor club, complete with a

DJ, light show and dancing.

It is very possible that many Fordham students think that #ClubLib has been around forever, but it is actually a fairly new event. It was started in fall 2012 by the Resident Hall Association president at the time, Mike Meehan, FCRH ’14. This year marks its third annual iteration.

The most notable thing about #ClubLib, though, is not its ability to transform the library, or its growing status as a Fordham tradition. It is the fact that the event is planned and executed through a joint effort by Fordham's largest student organizations. Campus Activies Board, Comuting SEE CLUB LIB, PAGE 5

Street Games Lure Hopeful Students into Danger

SAMUEL JOSEPH/THE RAM

Following a string of scams, local police have cracked down on street games.

By JOSEPH VITALE MANAGING EDITOR

Three-card monte players have crowded city streets since the 15th century.

Gathered around a collapsible cardboard box, a loud-mouthed dealer shuffles three cards while another conspirer (known as a “shill”) ropes pedestrians into playing the role of “a mark,” a player who learns quickly that any chances of winning money are out of reach.

By the time that happens, though, it is far too late. In the span of three days, a pair of Fordham students were caught off-guard by the scam just a few feet from campus. In Fordham Plaza and on Webster Avenue, the two students — either feeling

lucky or startled by the excitement — were quickly turned into marks, and, within minutes, victims of a scam, according to several public safety alerts.

In the isolated incidents — both of which occurred during the day — the female students were forced to hand over more than $1,000, said the alerts.

As of Monday, one of the scammers in connection with the incidents had been arrested, according to police documents.

The suspect, William Staley, was identified by two students who filed complaints with Public Safety.

According to police documents, Staley, 56, has been arrested more than 140 times for a myriad of crimes.

Both students who reported the crimes were able to identify the man in a lineup, who was described in the pair of public safety alerts as “a darkskinned male, 6’1” with a medium build, wearing a dark blue hooded sweatshirt and sunglasses.”

The woman in connection with both crimes is also suspected of grand larceny, but has not been apprehended as of Friday. According to police, she was identified by one of the two students who submitted a complaint earlier this week.

Both reports indicate the signs emblematic of the sleight of hand scam, but reveal a modern twist on the game: Knowing most urban dwellers carry little in cash, scammers are coercing students to tap into their ATM accounts to withdraw hefty sums.

Detailed in the alert regarding last Friday’s incident, Staley allegedly approached a Fordham student around 5 p.m. on Fordham Road and Webster Avenue, whom his accomplice had just lured into a 3-card monte game. Staley grabbed her wrist and “pressed what felt like a knife into her back.”

According to the alert, he then took the student away from the three-card monte game and “told her not to run or call the police because ‘we are watching.’”

Along with the woman in connection with the incident, he took the student to a Bank of America ATM and instructed her to withdraw $500. In a separate withdrawal minutes after, he told her to withdraw another $300.

The alert describing Monday’s incident was similar, though no use of

force was noted.

In addition to the alerts sent to the Fordham community on Monday, Associate Vice President of Public Safety John Carroll included a warning about scams in the area.

“This is the second incident in three days in which students were drawn into 3-card monte games at Fordham Plaza,” Carroll said in the email.

He continued, “There are many kinds of street scams, of which threecard monte is just one. All members of the university community are advised to avoid any street games, and to be wary if approached by strangers off campus.”

The game at the root of the two incidents — known as three-card monte — is a scam that is all but unorganized.

The game usually goes like this: A person called a “shill” (almost always a woman) pretends she is unable to find the winning card. She approaches a passerby and asks for assistance in defeating the intentionally rude dealer. The shill often cites old age, poor vision or a general lack of skill as an explanation for her bad luck.

The passerby — now “the mark” — is then invited to participate in the game. The dealer reveals the three cards are different, and tells the players which card they are looking for, usually a “Lady Card,” shorthand for a queen. All players are expected to place bets at this time. The dealer then slides the cards around on the table and invites the mark to pick the lady card.

If the mark chooses the right card, he doubles his bet. If he chooses one SEE MONTE, PAGE 3

NEWS

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SECURITY BRIEFS Sept. 5 191 Hoffman Ave. 4 a.m.

An incident of disorderly conduct was reported to public safety after a man was witnessed throwing objects from the window of his apartment. NYPD and Public Safety responded and the student was identified. The matter is currently being investigated by the dean of students.

Sept. 5 189th and Bathgate Ave 10:20 a.m.

A student reported his vehicle was damaged outside of his apartment. The windshield of his car was shattered, but no property was removed. NYPD was notified and are currently investigating.

Sept. 6 O’Hare Hall 3 a.m.

Two inappropriate figures were drawn on a piece of plastic hanging from a dorm room door. The occupants of the room said they saw the drawings but did not report them.

Sept. 6 Jogues Hall 3 a.m.

A female student reported to being sexually assaulted in Martyrs Hall. Public Safety investigated the matter and interviewed the student, the accused, and witnesses. Based on the request of the victim, the incident was referred to the dean of students.

Fordham Security Out, Public Safety In

By KELLY KULTYS EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Gone are the days of “Fordham Security.” Now, the department is titled “Public Safety.”

According to John Carroll, Associate vice president of Public Safety, this name change is meant to be more inclusive of the department’s responsibilities. Public Safety, while its main goal is still to ensure the security of students, also deals with fire emergencies, environmental issues and other areas of students’ concerns.

Carroll and his staff feel the name Public Safety represents their work more accurately.

Whatever its name may be, the department’s main goal over the summer was to improve its use of technology.

The main addition was the use of ID cards that students must have in order to get onto campus; students are now required to scan their IDs at all of the entrances, which brings their picture up on screen. The guards no longer have to rely on their own facial recognition skills, but rather on the computer model which lets them know not only who is swiping, but also whether the card is active or not.

“It’s more effective — if the ID gets taken, and they try to swipe, we

SAMUEL JOSEPH/ THE RAM

Public Safety president John Carroll cited need for a “more inclusive” title as a reason for the department’s name change.

can get it back,” said Carroll.

If a student cancels his or her ID and someone else attempts to use it, the screen lights up red, alerting the guard.

Public Safety is also hoping to clear up motor vehicle traffic as well.

According to Carroll, students who purchase either a daily or overnight pass receive an electronic button that they place on the windshield of their car. This button then has the ability to open the new gate located at Fordham's main entrance.

As an email to students states, "an automatic parking arm has been installed...[and] will be operated using the authorized electronic parking system."

This will free up traffic for frequent

—Compiled by Laura Sanicola, Assistant News Editor

users as other drivers, including part time and guest drivers, must go to the guardhouse at the main entrance.

Other vehicles around Fordham, including the on-and-off campus shuttle, have an upgrade of their own: Trans-loc, an app students can use to track the shuttles’ locations.

Carroll stressed the importance of this, especially in regard to the offcampus shuttle.

"You don't have to wait on a street corner, just use the app," Carroll said.

The Trans-loc app allows "the user to see where a particular shuttle is in relation to their current location," according to an email from Public Safety.

"The main goal of all we do is to keep the students safe," Carroll add-

ed.

This is why his department, along with utilizing the off-campus shuttle, is in the process of installing a texting app. Carroll warned that he does not want people to rely on this alone, and to still call security if there is an issue, but that is one of many options.

According to Public Safety, "the app will allow the user to send preformatted texts for help, a free-form text for help or push a button to send the user's location to the Department of Public Safety."

Carroll says this text will then allow Public Safety to send a car out to the students in trouble and contact 911. This final technological update should be available in the coming weeks of the Fall 2014 semester.

Students Question if New Gym Situation Will Work Out

Sept. 7 Martyrs Lawn 3 a.m.

A female student reported a forcible touching on Martyrs Lawn. Public Safety investigated the incident and has been referred to the dean of students.

Sept. 7 Salice Hall 5:30 p.m.

Two students were trapped inside a stalled elevator. After 20 minutes, NYFD responded. No students were injured.

September 10, 2014

SAMUEL JOSEPH/THE RAM

Without the old gym, students fear that weight availability will be reduced.

FROM GYM, PAGE 1

The mirror-lined room does contain an adequate number of dumbbells, but the layout of the area places them in the path of the fire exit, prohibiting individuals from placing benches in front of the rack. Those who do so are

scolded by the security guard on duty and instructed to return the bench to the adjacent narrow hallway.

David Roach, director of Intercollegiate Athletics at Fordham University, admits that the space for free weight exercises is not as

big as the department would like it to be, but he cited student safety as a primary reason for the gym’s elimination.

“Once we had the new fitness center, with the old one not really supervised, we really wanted a place where the students are supervised for safety reasons,” he said.

Roach also mentioned that the allocation of funds to expand the women’s basketball office was part of the reasoning behind the decision to get rid of the older fitness center.

The A-10 Champion team’s office has since been expanded into what was once the aerobic space of the facility. In addition, plans to renovate the Lombardi Center bathrooms have allegedly caused some of the upstairs space to be shifted around.

Despite this, Roach was sympathetic toward the frustration of the students, faculty and staff members who frequent the university’s fitness center.

“I would say that if the Ram Fit area becomes too overcrowded, then we will figure out a way to come up with an auxiliary space,” he said, though he did not expand on specifics.

Nevin Kulangara, president of United Student Government, GSB’15, is attempting to seize the opportunity to figure out solutions regarding a potential gym overflow.

“Many students have expressed their frustration with the limited free weights space in the Ram Fit Center,” Kulangara said in a USG statement. “This is a great opportunity for USG to meet its purpose: to listen to the student body and work with the administration to explore ways to alleviate the concerns of the students using this space.”

It remains unclear if the administration will respond if students continue to voice complaints about the new arrangement.

Kris Venezia contributed reporting.

This Week at Fordham Wednesday Sept. 10 Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson Auditions Collins Hall Blackbox Theater 5:30 - 9 p.m.

Students are invited to audition for Fordham Expermintal Theater’s (FET’s) first slot musical, Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson. Auditions continue Thursday from 5:30-6:15 p.m.; callbacks will follow on Thursday.

Thursday Sept. 11 The Lego Movie Screening Keating 1st Auditorium 9 p.m.

Thursday Sept. 11 Memorial Prayer Service McGinley Center/Finlay Garden 8 p.m.

Friday Sept. 12 President’s Ball Lombardi Fieldhouse 9 p.m. -1 a.m.

Join the Fordham community in McStudents are invited to a screening of The annual President’s Ball will be Ginley Center and the Finlay Garden The Lego Movie (2014), the characheld in the Lombardi Field House. for prayer service in memory of the ters of which are voiced by a number Students are invited to dress to imlives that were lost as a result of the of well-known Hollywood actors, press and dance the night away.

September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. including Will Ferrell, Liam Neeson and Morgan Freeman.

For more campus events, visit FordhamRam.com

Saturday Sept. 13 Homecoming Game Jack Coffey Field 1 p.m.

Come out and support the Rams as they take on Rhode Island for the annual homecoming game. Let’s pack the stands with maroon and cheer the team to victory.

NEWS

September 10, 2014

Scams Prompt Investigation

Page 3

FORDHAM IN THE BRONX

Fordham Road is Home to New Starbucks

FROM MONTE, PAGE 1

of two wrong cards, the dealer wins the game.

The game looks simple, but the often-skilled dealers use illusions, such as sleight of hand and misdirection, to keep the mark from spotting the right card.

In the case that the mark does pick the right card, however, the shill knows that the winning card has been chosen through pre-decided symbols sent by the dealer. In that case, the shill raises the bet of the mark, and the dealer will say he only accepts the highest bet.

That way, the mark — who really did choose the correct card — is priced out and must play again if he wishes to choose.

Certain other players are also involved, including the role of a booster, who pretends to win a large sum of money to show the mark that it is possible to beat the dealer. There is also a lookout, who warns the dealer to fold up the table if police are nearby.

University administrators, some of whom have cited similar incidents in past years, are taking precautions to keep students informed. Like students, they, too, have no intention of being duped.

Assistant Vice President and Dean of Students, Christopher Rodgers, said on Friday that the university was “relieved to hear that an arrest had been made in the case.”

He added, “Resident Assistants, Commuter Assistants, as well as other staff have also responded with additional floor/commuter meetings to provide information related to safety off-campus and common situations or scams to avoid.”

The woman suspected to be in connection with the crimes is still at large as of Tuesday.

She is described as being a 5’7″ dark skinned female wearing a pony tail.

JEFFREY COLTIN/THE RAM

Starbucks’ new location across the street from the Walsh Library will prove beneficial for students engaging in late night study sessions.

By JEFF COLTIN BRONX CORRESPONDENT

It’s 8:46 a.m. on the first Monday of classes, and the new Starbucks at Fordham Plaza is surprisingly calm. There are about 15 customers here, varying widely in age, race, dress and level of caffeination. A Con Ed worker hangs his hard hat on the chair as he reads the morning paper. Two high school students dressed in black pants and matching blackand-white striped tees gossip by the window. A Fordham student waits in line.

Sarah Sullivan, FCRH ’12, GSE ’15, has been coming to Starbucks three to four times a week. For her, it fills in the full-service-coffee-shop-sized hole that the Blend has left on Fordham Road with its closing last year. Today, she was stopping in to get a cup of joe before work. She says it seems popular among Fordham students.

“The morning before summer classes [began] you could tell,” Sullivan says. “And there’s always a lot of staff in here as well.”

The international coffee giant opened this new outpost on June

16, about a month after spring semester classes let out. This location at 440 E. Fordham Rd. is actually Starbucks’ second attempt at opening up shop on the street (not counting the Starbucks coffee served at various locations across the Rose Hill campus). According to a city-data.com thread, there was once a Starbucks on the corner of Fordham Road and Kingsbridge Road that failed to make enough money and was forced to close. This new location made a splash soon after opening, when a newsstand in the rear lobby of the office building hosting the store was apparently barred from serving low-priced coffee.

The situation seems to have been righted now, but the “brew-haha” made The Daily News, DNA Info, and more.

By 9:20 a.m., the store has calmed down to just 10 customers. The store provided a great environment to study off campus.

April Rich, FCRH ’18, agrees.

She has come to Starbucks to study with a venti-sized Biology textbook before her 10 o’clock class.

“I’ve been here a lot, actually,”

Rich says. “It’s air-conditioned, and my apartment is not.”

An anticipated rush of students getting a drink before 9:30 classes never materializes, short of one student who responds to an interview request with a hurried “I’m really late, sorry!” before quickly rushing out the door with an iced tea.

At 9:41, Starbucks employee Khyre Ross, 25, wipes down open tables. While Fordham students may not be rushing the counter at the moment, he says they’ve been a constant presence since the store’s opening. He estimates 70 percent of customers are somehow connected to Fordham. The international students Rose Hill hosted over the summer loved Starbucks, Ross says, but sales paled in comparison to last week.

“Move-in day,” Ross says.

“They were here like crazy!”

The store’s popularity means it has even won over some business from Little Italy. Peter Coffman, GSB ’15, describes himself as a “big coffee drinker.” He usually goes to Palombo on Arthur Avenue for espresso, but this is convenient.

“It’s right by campus, right by the library,” Coffman says. “Options were limited prior.”

Coffman says he’ll still go to Palombo’s for espresso, but today? “Feeling festive with the pumpkin spice.”

Visual arts major Kate Doheny, FCRH ’15, knows drinking at such a place is not good for her cred as an artist.

“I feel like it brings out the mainstream person in me!”

Doheny says. “But I love it, I’m a little bit addicted.”

Doheny lives in Campbell Hall, the residence hall nearest to Starbucks. She calls it “senior privilege,” but she says seeing a Starbucks on Fordham Road is “a little weird.”

“Because you’re in here, you’re like wow, this is awesome and brand new and then you look outside and you’re like ‘oh!’ still in the Bronx. Which isn’t bad, it’s just weird!”

It’s 10:21 a.m. now, and Doheny keeps smiling as she stares out the window at a series of buses, idling near the fenced-in plaza, lying empty and eagerly awaiting their own pick-me-up.

USG Initiates Task Force To Combat Sexual Assault

JOSHUA KIM/THE RAM

Student safety is at the forefront of recent United Student Government action.

FROM ASSAULT, PAGE 1

wicki decided a task force would be the best way to approach the issue.

He said another big reason for starting the task force was a report published by the Office of Postsecondary Education of the U.S.

Department of Education.

It revealed that Fordham’s Office of Safety and Security filed 23 claims of on-campus sexual assault between 2010 and 2012. The number was higher than any other Jesuit institution, and it raised concerns among many students

and USG members.

While some student voiced their frustration at the study published in The Ram back in February, Sawicki said the task force isn’t meant as a way to attack the administration, but as a way to work closely with school officials to reduce and better handle sexual misconduct in the Fordham community.

He went on to praise the administration’s work on the Fordham University Campus Assault and Relationship Education policy laid out online and in a pamphlet.

“The administration has done wonderful work especially with CARE,” he said. “The CARE policy covers a lot of important issues and one of our main goals is to help implement the policy.”

The online CARE page shows students what their options are if they have suffered from sexual misconduct, tells students how to file a report with school officials and strongly encourages anyone who has been sexual assaulted to contact the appropriate administrators.

The policy also answers several questions that someone who wants to report sexual misconduct

might have, including how the judicial process goes after a formal report has been filed.

CARE even gives DO’s and DON’Ts for bystanders who see sexual misconduct happening in the Fordham community.

“The administration has done wonderful work, especially with CARE, and it outlines wonderfully what should and can be done in terms of victims and with those accused,” Sawicki said. “We want students to know about it and that it’s readily accessible.”

The Vice President said he is working with his colleagues this week to come up with a list of USG and other club members that will be on the Sexual Misconduct Task Force.

Sawicki said the group wants to have representation from the on-campus organization Women’s Empowerment, Peer Educators, Fordham University Emergency Medical Services (FUEMS) and other clubs that want to actively get involved in the issue.

After the list of student members are added to the task force, Sawicki explained that the group will reach out to school administrators to be part of the initiative.

“Once we get the members of the task force formalized, then we will set our goals and get the appropriate administrators involved,” he said.

Sawicki has one major goal in mind for the task force this school year: a conference in the spring which brings together students, administrators and public officials.

His list for potential speakers for the conference include New York Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, Bronx District Attorney Robert Johnson and Manhattan District Attorney Cy Vance.

“We don’t know what shape it would take yet,” Sawicki said. “But we want an event that gets the immediate community and hopefully the larger community to come together on the issue.”

The Sexual Misconduct Task Force is in its infant stages at this point, but Sawicki emphasized his commitment to the issue, and said he looks forward to working with students and administrators with the group.

“Any event that leads to a violation of another human being shouldn’t happen anywhere, and definitely not at Fordham.”

NEWS

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September 10, 2014

News Briefs & Bites • Ashoka U, an organization which “honors universities for innovative efforts to foster social good and strengthen society,” has designated Fordham University as a “changemaker campus,” along with 25 other institutions in the nation, including Boston College and Marquette University, which are also Jesuit schools. Ashoka also identified prestigious schools, such as Princeton, Duke, Cornell and Brown, as intitutions that worked for the betterment of society. The nonprofit organization cited Fordham’s engagement with the Bronx community and its focus on heath care, technology, environmental

protection, social justice and religious dialogue research as reasoning behind the prestigious designation.

• Two members of the Fordham community, Marc and Michael Guberti, took part in a university-hosted entrepreneur boot camp over the summer. Marc, 16, currently attends Fordham Prep, and Michael, 18, is a member of the class of 2018 and is enrolled in the Gabelli School of Business. According to the siblings, the idea for a boot camp that empowers teenagers to find and follow their passions came when they were posting on their blog and working on building

an audience online. The majority of the students were from Westchester, New York, or the Bronx area, and a number of students had to be turned away due to space limits. The event will be held again next year, and the Gubertis plan to stream it both nationally and internationally.

• A suspect in three robberies in the Fordham area is currently at large. The NYPD is searching for a man who most recently attacked an 81-year-old women in a stairwell. The suspect allegedly snatched the woman’s necklace before fleeing the scene. The woman was taken to St. Barnabas Hospital and treated for

facial injuries. All three robberies occurred within a four-block radius of Webster Avenue. The first two robberies, which took place in Late August and on Labor Day, resulted in a cellphone and a necklace being stolen from two different victims. One victim sustained an injury to her ankle. The suspect was caught on surveillance video a week ago, which has recently been released by the NYPD. Authorities are cautioning residents of the Fordham area to be aware of their surroundings.

• The celebration of the newlyestablished Loschert Chair in Entrepreneurship was held on

Tuesday, September 9, at Togino Hall at Rose Hill. The event highlighted social innovation and social entrepreneurship and featured Jeff Snell, Ph.D., founder of Midwest Social Innovation LLC and co-founder of Midwest Consortium for Social Innovation. He spoke about how entrepreneurs can incorporate Jesuit values in social innovation for a brighter tomorrow. In 2011, Fordham received a $25 million gift by Mario Gabelli, GSB ’65, which sparked a matching gift challenge. The Loschert Chair in Entrepreneurship is one among five chairs established in the Schools of Business as part of that challenge.

Photo of the Week

JOSEPH VITALE/THE RAM

Italian-Americans celebrated Ferragosto on Arthur Avenue with cultural traditions, food and festivities. The Ferragosto celebration recognizes the end of the harvest season and calls families to celebrate their hard work. Over 20,000 guests from all over the country travel to the heart of Little Italy each year to be part of a tradition that originated by merchants on Arthur Avenue more than 15 years ago.

Food Truck, Vietnamese Cuisine Top List of Dining Updates

By KELLY KULTYS EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Last year when students returned to campus, there were huge changes to dining services. Sodexo and Fordham agreed to a long-term, multimillion dollar deal that brought Panda Express, Cosi and Auntie Anne's to campus. The Marketplace and the Grille saw a handful of surface changes, while the on-campus Starbucks found a new home in the basement of McGinley.

This year, the changes are not as drastic, at least on the Rose Hill campus. The main upgrade is the extension of the hours at Starbucks.

The coffee shop will open at 8 a.m. on weekdays, with Jamba Juice and Panda Express still opening at noon.

To accommodate for these hours, according to Deming Yaun, Fordham University's contract liaison, the morning hours at SubConnection/ Auntie Anne's were reduced.

While some students were thrilled about the earlier Starbucks hour, many were disappointed to discover that the RamBucks program was no longer in place. "[The RamBucks program] operated [through] a subsidiary of

Sodexo and they went out of business late last spring," Yaun said in an email. "We are in conversations with some independent companies who may be able to work with us, but for this school year, there will not be a Ram bucks program."

Previously, students were able to put money on their IDs and use it at outside vendor locations, including Applebee's and Modern Grocery.

While students have lost some options with their meal plans, they are gaining a new one. According to Yaun, there will be a new food option for students coming to campus later this fall in the form of a food truck.

"We just closed the deal on ordering a food truck for the Rose Hill Campus," he said. "It is a very well equipped truck and can serve a variety of foods. We plan to have featured menus that change for the seasons and for the event the truck might be supporting."

Students will be able to purchase food at the truck through their meal plans, as it will accept their DCB. "The arrangements to bring it on campus were just finalized," Yaun said. "It will be arriving and operational around the Rose Hill Campus

sometime this fall."

The Student Culinary Council (SCC) believes that Sodexo is continuing to take steps in the right direction and to improve its image in the minds of the students.

“In terms of Starbucks, I think it’s really awesome that Sodexo is expanding the hours of operation this year as a direct response to stu-

dent feedback,” Jennifer O’Connor, FCRH’15, president of SCC. “This change is definitely going to make lots of students happy and keep them more energized on those dreaded Monday mornings.”

Lincoln Center is experiencing some larger changes to its dining services. A new "All You Care to Eat" venue is open in the new LC tower

SAMUEL JOSEPH/THE RAM

With the new school year comes new food options for Fordham students.

and will accept both block meal plans and DCB. The new tower will also include The Grill at 62nd street, which Yaun says features "pizza, trendy sandwiches, grab-n-go items and beverages." The library will also include a Jazzman's café — similar to the one Rose Hill had a few years ago. The Ram Cafe is also in the process of becoming a "by the ounce" program that includes feature items and a salad bar. Students can also purchase “a la carte" sandwiches, desserts, frozen yogurt and other items there too.

One last addition that will be open on 62nd street is still in the works.

Yaun says dining services is currently working on opening "a public restaurant called BonMi.” He continued, “They plan on featuring Vietnamese Cuisine with a current American twist. BonMi is under construction and will open sometime during the 2014 - 2015 year."

Students will be able to use their DCB there as well. No official opening date has been announced. Yaun says that the updates on the food truck and BonMi will be available through Fordham’s dining website.

NEWS

September 10, 2014

Students Trade in Books for Beats FROM CLUB LIB, PAGE 1

ciation, RHA and United Student Organizatinw all collaborate during the summer and the start of the school year to make the event happen. In fact, at its start, #ClubLib was designed specifically for that purpose—to give those groups a chance to work together. Originally the collaborators were only CSA, RHA and USG. CAB was added into the mix last year, and is now a permanent member of the group.

Other organizations, like Peer Educators, also helped out with the execution of the event.

Coordinating such a large event so early in the year is a significant undertaking for the clubs involved.

CJ Cacace, FCRH '15, and vice president of RHA, said that the bulk of the planning happened during summer break.

"I think one of the largest challenges of #ClubLib is that due to the timing, it has to be coordinated entirely during the summer when everyone is on a different schedule and coordinating meetings becomes difficult," Cacace said.

"That being said, I think our group worked extremely well together and our biggest strength was that we all shared the same vision. Planning an event at this large of a scale is never easy and various roadblocks are virtually a guarantee."

Cacace said that in addition to the lengthy planning process this summer, there was a lot for #ClubLib's coordinators to do once they got back to school, including hauling barricades across library lawn, creating a duty roster of all the clubs' general board members and waiting for hours for a bathroom delivery.

She said that this dedication was one of the main reasons why the

event was successful.

"Everyone was more than willing to do what needed to be done to make this a successful night," she said. "We had a huge turnout for the event. It was great to see so many new students enjoying themselves after less than a week on campus."

Although freshman attendance at #ClubLib is generally high, in past years the numbers of upperclassmen in attendance have been low.

This year though, Cacace was happy to report that those numbers had grown since last year, something that she views as a good indicator of #ClubLib's potential longevity.

"I think this is a clear sign that even after only three years, students really do view #ClubLib as an essential Fordham tradition," she said.

She also called the successful collaboration between Fordham's major student organizations "a sign of a great year to come," an observation that is especially important given that most of the clubs' officers are new as of last semester, and have not yet worked together.

As #ClubLib becomes well established in the coming years, Cacace says there are still some improvements to be made to the organization, many of which continue to be passed down from year to year.

"Our advice to the next group of students planning the event would be to divide the tasks early on and establish set check-in points throughout the summer, she said.

"Creating a system of accountability from the beginning makes it easier to keep track of what needs to be done."

Page 5

Fordham Ratings Down One This Year

By LAURA SANICOLA ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR

Fordham University is experiencing a downward trend in a highly influential college ranking list. The U.S. News & World Report has ranked Fordham number 58 among national universities in its 30th year, yet another fall from its number 57 ranking last year, and previously from its number 52 ranking in 2012. The University now shares its ranking with Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Syracuse University in Syracuse, New York and the University of Connecticut in Storrs, Connecticut. The No. 1 ranking was given to Princeton University in Princeton, New Jersey, which has held this spot since the release of the 2012 rankings were released.

In 2011, the university was tied in rank with Boston University at number 53, which is now ranked at number 41. Pepperdine University, which was tied with Fordham in the 2013 ranking, rose three spots to number 54.

According to the U.S News & World Report, the formula used to determine rankings of these universities “uses quantitative measures that education experts have proposed as reliable indicators of academic quality.” The site notes factors such as freshman retention rate, acceptance rate, strength of faculty and graduation rates as key in determining a school’s ranking.

Fordham is currently ranked among other national universities, which the U.S. News & World Report describes on their website as offering “a full range of undergraduate majors, plus master's and doctoral programs...colleges committed to producing groundbreaking research.”

The university currently has a freshman retention rate of 89 percent and an acceptance rate of 47 percent. It is currently ranked fourth among

SAMUEL JOSEPH/THE RAM

Following large jumps in past decade, Fordham’s ranking declines slightly.

other national Catholic universities, including the University of Notre Dame, Georgetown University and Boston College.

The U.S. News & World Report collected data from almost 1,800 universities and colleges across the country, but only 1,365 were designated a Rank Not Published (RNP) or numerical rank. The U.S. News also released updated rankings for national liberal arts colleges, regional universities and regional colleges.

In the past 12 years, Fordham has experienced a huge jump in the U.S. news rankings, having stood at number 84 in 2002. Since 2011, however, the rankings have been somewhat stagnant. The U.S. News & World Report currently ranks Fordham’s law school at number 36 and its graduate business school at number 92 among national graduate programs.

Fordham’s highest ranked graduate program by the U.S. News & World Report is its graduate school of social work, which is ranked at number 11.

While the U.S. News World Report

may be the most highly recognized of all college ranking magazines, it does not hold a monopoly on college rankings. In 2013, Forbes Magazine ranked Fordham 163 out of 650 schools nationally. The Princeton Review has also listed Fordham in its list of 373 best colleges in the country. All in all, student reactions to the drop in rankings have been mixed.

“I’m very disappointed at the downward trend Fordham has been experiencing for the past few years,” said Kristen Santer, FCRH ’17. “The administration keeps advertising that each year our stats are vastly improving, but the rankings are telling another story.”

Cate Carrejos, FCRH ’17, was less concerned about the decline. “In the long run, I believe Fordham will continue to rise in the rankings as it has for the past decade,” Carrejos said.

“I cannot imagine that a few drops in the rank of a single report would deter employers from hiring or offering an internship to a Fordham graduate.”

Cuomo Defeats Fordham Professor in Democratic Primary

By JOSEPH VITALE MANAGING EDITOR

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo, FCRH ’79, defeated Fordham professor Zephyr Teachout on Tuesday in the Democratic primary for New York Governor.

Teachout, the incumbent’s primary challenger, led a blazing campaign throughout the summer, quickly uniting frustrated liberal voters who found Cuomo’s positions to be too centrist for a Democratic candidate.

But, with just 43 percent the primary’s votes decided, Cuomo earned more than 60 percent of the vote, beating Teachout, who received 35 percent of the electorate.

Following his decisive victory, Cuomo will be heading into the November election against Rob Astorino, FCRH ’89, his Republican challenger.

As of Tuesday, third party candidate Randy Credico grabbed just under 5 percent of the vote as of Tuesday evening.

Cuomo’s victory also comes after a campaign by Fordham students to host a debate at Fordham.

The group, led by students Tom Samuelson, GSB ’16, and Evan Swager, FCRH ’16, was backed by

COURTESY OF TEACHOUTWU.COM

Governor Andrew Cuomo, FCRH ‘79, defeated Zephyr Teachout in the Democratic Primary on Tuesday.

a number of Fordham administrators and student groups.

The students attempted to use the “Fordham connection” among the candidates as a draw-

ing point for a debate at Rose Hill.

Incumbent Andrew Cuomo, a Democrat, received his B.A. from Fordham in 1979.

Rob Astorino, a Republican

challenger and current Westchester County executive, graduated with his B.A. from Fordham a decade later. An associate professor of law at Fordham Law School,

Teachout has the most recent connection to Fordham.

But, despite receiving preliminary endorsements from Teachout and Astorino, the group’s invitation to debate was declined by Cuomo, which led to some harsh criticism from those on the governor’s far left and right.

One of his most ardent critics has been Christina Greer, a professor of political science at from Fordham University.

Speaking with Gotham Gazette, she claimed that “powerful men generally have a hard time debating educated woman.” She continued, "It's very easy for men to come across as dismissive or generally unpleasant in that situation.”

Last week, Greer, along with a number of others, hosted a debate between Teachout and Astorino on PIX11. With Cuomo nowhere to be seen, the candidates discussed issues such as hydrofracking, proposed gun policies, marriage equality and education.

Additionally, as of Tuesday, Cuomo’s running mate for lieutenant governor, Kathy Hochul, also defeated Teachout’s running mate, Tim Wu, a law professor at Columbia University.

NEWS

Page 6

September 10, 2014

IT Opens Channels of Communication to Connect with Students

By LAURA SANICOLA ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR

Last year, the Information Technology department introduced some major changes, including a new login page, new Wi-fi verification procedures and improved Wi-Fi access across campus. This year, Fordham IT is opening various channels of communication to make itself accessible to students and faculty alike.

Most notably, the IT department has had a more active presence on its Twitter account.

“Lately we have been tweeting interesting facts and news relevant to technology, as well as updates about outages or service alerts,” said Dr. Elizabeth Cornell, IT communications specialist.

Many of IT’s announcements have switched from being sent via email to being tweeted using the IT Twitter handle @fordhamIT. “We are also aiming to support the Fordham community using social media by retweeting many of the major groups on campus,” Cornell said. “There is more to IT than reporting power and service outages.”

The Fordham IT blog is also changing to highlight student achievement in the field of technology.

“In future posts, we intend to profile students who are making developments in technology,” Cornell explained.

Recent blog posts include in-

SAMUEL JOSEPH/THE RAM

Fordham IT updates its website, blog and twitter page to keep students informed on power outages and current events.

formation on a schedule of the LearnIT series, which is open to faculty and staff “who want to learn how to integrate Google's powerful applications into their teaching, research and administration,” and an overview of the Academic Computing Environ-

ment (ACE), which Fordham IT built and hosts, and which allows “university researchers and their students from the sciences and the humanities at the university… to run high-performance, longterm computations and monitor their progress.”

been on-going. The faculty senate FAQ website states, “faculty representatives did participate in a process that led to the consideration of Cigna and United Healthcare as possible providers of medical insurance.” However, the faculty hold that the “University statutes require that changes in faculty salary and benefits be approved by the Faculty Salary and Benefits Committee and the Faculty Senate. Unfortunately, the administration did not follow these provisions of the statutes.”

Clark and the Faculty Senate are incensed, as they believe the administration has moved away from previous statues the groups had agreed upon.

The healthcare provider is a major issue, as the plan is scheduled to take effect on Jan. 1, 2015. However, the Faculty Senate has not approved that decision yet. They say that they remain in conversation with the administration about this issue.

Time is pressing on this issue, according to the Faculty Senate,

as the open enrollment for United Healthcare begins October 10. The Faculty Senate cites the university statutes which, according to the Faculty Senate FAQ page, “require the administration and the Faculty Senate to come to consensus on any changes to the package of salary and benefits for faculty. Therefore, unless there is an agreement between the administration and the faculty over the entire ‘package’ (to use Fr. McShane’s term for the full set of particulars we have been negotiating, including health care, salary, merit, etc.), and unless this agreement is approved by the Salary and Benefits Committee, and then by the Faculty Senate, as the university statutes require, the administration is not permitted to make the changes that it envisions. The Faculty Senate has held open all options, including legal action, to enforce the faculty’s rights and privileges.”

The FAQ states that the faculty senate prefers Cigna insurance over United Healthcare since it had concerns with the provider including “UHC’s inability to provide us with statistics on the rejection of claims.” They are also worried about “UHC’s weaker customer service record, their lower national rankings…and the lower cost of UHC to the university.”

Clark says the faculty has “a lot of unforeseen issues in the next weeks.” The faculty believes that it has offered different proposals including some concessions, but they say the administration has not offered the same courtesy back.

Meetings continue this week, with the Faculty Senate coming together on Friday for its first meeting of the semester.

This summer, IT also revamped the Blackboard mobile app, which allows students to access their grades, assignments and class notifications from their smartphones.

“The app now has a better user interface, to make it more user-

friendly,” Cornell said.

Blackboard has also added a community resources tab that connects students with IT Customer Care (ITCC) contact information, frequently asked questions and the IT Twitter newsfeed.

IT has also been involved in the development of the new ID scanners. Besides the new identification card policy that requires students to use their card to swipe into campus, student IDs issued from last year onward are now permanent. Starting last year, ID cards are not being reissued at the start of the fall semester. Instead, students must now keep their existing ID cards over the summer and bring them in the following year.

“Students should be advised not to discard their ID card at the end of the semester,” said Cornell.

“Having students reuse the same student ID card each semester saves us a lot of money reprinting new ones for the student body.”

This coming November, IT will undergo a website overhaul in tandem with the launch of the new university website. “We are very excited about this change, as it will be nicer to look at and easier to navigate,” said Cornell.

“The home page will be dynamic, including changing information and featuring students on the front page of the subset of the IT website.”

Faculty Unites Over Healthcare After Period of Silence,

By KELLY KULTYS EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Sept. 10 is an unprecedented day in Fordham faculty history. The entire group of professors across all three campuses met Wednesday to discuss recent measures taken by the university’s administration.

The main issue cited by the Faculty Senate was the fact that the administration “announced that it had selected United Healthcare as the sole provider of medical insurance for Fordham employees. This decision was made without the approval of the Faculty Senate.”

According to Andrew Clark, Ph.D., vice president of the Faculty Senate, the main purpose of the meeting was to “enable the faculty to get a briefing and express their concerns.” Clark stated that many of the faculty was confused and frustrated by the administration’s decision. He also hoped this meeting would provide the faculty an “opportunity for solidarity.”

The healthcare conversation has

JULIAN WONG/THE RAM

Faculty and adminstrators stand at an impasse over healthcare.

Keating Bells Ring Again

REGINA KENDRICK/THE RAM

It’s about time.

After a brief spell of silence, Rose Hill’s centerpiece, Keating Hall’s clock tower, is ringing once again — on the hour every hour (from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.) seven days a week.

The restoration, courtesy of Verdin Bells & Clocks, an Ohio-based company founded in 1842, serviced the clock and installed an automated system, according to administrators.

The building — a former hospital rumored to be haunted — has returned to providing one of its many purposes at last.

September 10, 2014

OPINION

Page 7

The Fordham Ram

By JOSEPH VITALE MANAGING EDITOR

During most of Bill de Blasio’s mayoral campaign last summer, his adoption of a Dickensian ethos helped persuade New Yorkers to support diverting New York’s narrative from a tale of two cities to a model of an affordable and unified city.

His words inspired voters who, despite varying income levels, equally wanted to see a new New York emerge, one with less segregation in neighborhoods and more opportunity across class levels. But close to a year in office, the mayor has learned that constructing a narrative to support the title can be both sluggish and messy.

On Friday, however, the former public advocate of the city made headway in paving a new cityscape when he announced that the construction of affordable housing units in high-rise buildings will be mandatory for any future real estate project requiring a zoning change from the city. This, in most cases, accounts for the development of buildings of at least six-stories on a property that requires a rezoning approval by the city.

The effort to require including affordable units elevates a once-optional Bloomberg-era program, called the Inclusionary Housing Program. The program, established in 2005, was set up originally to encourage real estate developers to include affordable housing units in luxury buildings.

The program, which runs on housing lotteries, allows residents whose incomes are just low enough — but not too high — to move into the luxury buildings. Thousands apply and only a fraction are selected. For developers, the program was an option, not a requirement. If at least 20 percent of units were affordable (as opposed to market rate) in a new construction project, developers

PHOTO COURTESY OF WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

New York City is requiring developers to build more affordable units. Using private investment may be a solution.

Why New York City’s Plan To Solve Its Housing Crisis May Work could build more square feet than the zoning code would otherwise allow.

The program also offered lucrative tax abatements that made opting-in cost effective in the long run.

Standing alongside de Blasio at a press conference last week, Carl Weisbrod, chairman of the City Planning Commission, made the new plan clear to developers looking to cash in on New York City properties.

“You can’t build one unit unless you build your share of affordable housing,” he said after providing some, but not all, details of the upcoming program. “You can’t build just marketrate housing, period.”

Making the Inclusionary Housing Program mandatory may symbolize a significant leap in the right direction for de Blasio’s administration, which has pledged to create or preserve 200000 affordable units by 2024.

“I think developers understand that there was an election, and this is what we said we were going to do,” de Blasio said at the recent news conference in Brooklyn. “We’re going to build a lot more affordable housing, and we’re going to ask more of them.”

The ambitious program has been met with expected opposition, but, in reality, the mandates are an opportunity for de Blasio to capitalize on a number of setbacks the program has faced since its inception.

The first is the lack of development of affordable units in most of the areas designated in the program.

Of the more than two dozen designated zones, 96 percent of the affordable units were in Manhattan’s West Side and a pair of Brooklyn neighborhoods, Williamsburg and Greenpoint. Other neighborhoods designated for the program — which

have seen rapid development in the past decade — includes Woodside, Flatbush, Astoria, Tribeca and Dutch Kills. Unfortunately, developers have made little headway in the areas, but mandating affordable units would allow for greater progress.

One of the primary reasons for slow progress is that many mid-size developers are opting out of the inclusionary program. Many have found the program to be time-consuming and not cost effective for smaller programs, as compared to the construction of luxury rentals in rapidly gentrified areas of the city. Since benefits are less intriguing, developers have passed over many neighborhoods for wealthy ones.

Mandating mid-size developers to include affordable units — and revising the program to make it simpler for them to do so — can be a step in the

right direction and increase the number of units over the next 10 years.

According to an internal review of the program, only 2,769 units were installed in just under 10 years. De Blasio can take a number of additional leaps in achieving a more unified city by mandating inclusionary housing units. Not only can he add more units at a faster rate, he can take a number of steps to make the Inclusionary Housing Program more true to its name.

For starters, de Blasio can discourage the construction of “off-site” units that spatially separate affordable units from market-rate units. According to Lander’s report, “the vast majority of developments in Manhattan included affordable housing on the same site as the linked market-rate housing.” If a program overhaul takes place, de Blasio should consider preventing developers from constructing off-site projects.

It can also put an end to the socalled “poor doors” — separate entrances that residents in affordable units use to access separate parts of the building. While some of the fierce opposition it has faced may be unnecessarily hyperbolized, encouraging developers to construct the units closer together will end some of the stigmas and make the project more inclusive.

Mandating affordable units in new residential developments is not de Blasio’s only plan for chipping away at the target number of 200000 affordable units. It may not even be the most effective in the long run. However, mandating the program can restore the public’s faith in the power of private investment.

More importantly, it can keep the wealthy’s desire to build up from forcing the poor to move out.

Joseph Vitale, FCRH ’16, is an English major from Staten Island, New York.

If It’s Not Nazi, Don’t Call It Nazi

By RICHARD BORDELON OPINION EDITOR

Like most fans of the United States soccer team, I was not incredibly pleased when Germany claimed victory in its match in the group stages of the 2014 World Cup this summer. While reading commentary online after the game, however, I became discouraged and disheartened with the frequent use of the word “Nazi” on Twitter.

Deadspin reported that when Germany scored their one, gamewinning goal, uses of the words “Nazi” or “Nazis” reached 20 tweets per second.

The use of this word in the manner of light-hearted joking is problematic for two reasons. Firstly, it conflates the people of today’s Germany with the members of the Nazi Party who committed horrible atrocities in the name of a psychotic, evil dictator. Secondly, it fails to give gravity to and satirizes the baseness of the Nazis’ actions.

For over half a century, the German people have dealt with the grim Nazi past that characterized the 1930s and early ’40s. After World War II, the country went through a period of denazification

RICHARD BORDELON / THE RAM

The monument in Wittenbergplatz commemorates the transportation of people to concentration camps in Nazi Germany.

that sought to eradicate Nazi influence from German society. Former Nazi leaders were removed from power and Nazi propaganda and paraphernalia has been banned completely from society, even denying the Holocaust publicly is considered a crime. German attorney Sylvia Stolz, a right-wing extremist, was arrested and jailed for even defending a well-known Holocaust denier in court by trying to argue the definition of genocide.

In everyday life, when Germans walk through cities, they are reminded of the horrible things that occurred during the reign of the Third Reich. In Berlin alone, one encounters the Monument to the Murdered Jews of Europe and the Wittenbergplatz Monument erected by the League of Human Rights in the 1960s, both located in heavily-trafficked areas of the city. German schoolchildren are mandated to take field trips to former concen-

tration camps. German society has dealt with the issue of the Nazi past.

They understand its implications of what occurred and promise to make it never happen again. “Nazi” is not a joke; it is a grim past that they are determined to never repeat.

Why then, does this stereotype persist? Do Americans so crave nationalistic pride that they resort to name-calling? Maybe it is just a way to vent after losing to a better opponent. The humor in the joke is

lost when you realize that this actually furthers a stereotype. Tweeting and calling people this name creates the image in impressionable minds that Germans may carry racist tendencies today.

I can take a joke, but the Nazi reign of terror over much of Europe was and remains no joke. The wholly inappropriate jokes continued in the World Cup semifinal game between Germany and Brazil.

“Man the goalie really holocaust them the game, I bet Brazil’s coach was like Aw Schwitz,” tweeted comedian and associate editor of Click Hole, Daniel Kibblesmith.

Maybe it is just me, but Auschwitz is not a very appropriate topic for a mocking joke from an online comedian .

The genocide that serves as the benchmark for all modern genocides is not a joke. It was and remains an atrocity that should be remembered with all seriousness. It is not the punch line during a soccer match.

The German people have dealt with their Nazi past and understand its gravity; why have we not?

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

Page 8

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 over 10,000. The Fordham Ram office is located in the basement of the McGinley Center, room B-52.

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Editor-in-Chief Kelly Kultys Managing Editor Joseph Vitale Copy Chief Katie Nolan Assistant Copy Chief Robert Frerich Editorial Director Shannon Marcoux News Editor Katie Meyer Assistant News Editors Michael Cavanaugh Laura Sanicola Opinion Editor Richard Bordelon Assistant Opinion Editor Felicia Czochanski Culture Editor Nicole Horton Assistant Culture Editor Amanda Giglio Sports Editors Matt Rosenfeld Max Prinz Assistant Sports Editor Anthony Pucik Photo Editor Samuel Joseph Web Editor Tara Cangialosi Business Director Felicia Zhang Business Staff Jason Chan Juan Gabriel Garcia Faculty Advisor Dr. Beth Knobel For a full staff listing, visit FordhamRam.com

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

OPINION

September 10, 2014

From the Desk | Robert Frerich

Make the Most of Your Four Years As I begin my junior year at Fordham University, I have had to face many questions regarding my purpose and future. For the first time in a long time, I realize I have had no answer too many times. It is a chilling, bizarre feeling to have so many burning and confusing questions, but it is a step that I found necessary for me to determine what I truly want. My career at Fordham is already halfway finished, and, as the end becomes nearer, I must stop and reflect on what is important to achieve my goals.

That being said, I have some words of advice I wish I had at the beginning of my time at Fordham.

Do not enter college set on a profession. For most of my time here I had been set solely on medical school. I had been pushed toward this my entire life and it became something I thought I wanted. Taking a step back and seeing the whole picture has steered me in other directions. It is OK to do what I want to do and not what others expect of me, but that is a hard lesson to learn.

Take the plunge and get involved. Though I know it is incredibly cliche, the expression “put as much in as you want to

get out” has never been truer for me than during my time at Fordham. As a biology major looking to work in dental surgery, it may seem I have no business in many of the clubs of which I am a member. That being said, joining and actively participating in clubs in a variety of subjects has helped shape me into the person I want to be. Many of my friends initially thought joining The Fordham Ram was a foolish waste of time because it has little to do with my intended career, but it has truly been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.

Not only has it allowed me to further explore my other nonscience areas of interest, but it also has gotten me more involved with Fordham and local communities, as well as diversifying my social circle. I was not very involved my freshman year — which can be common during the first year — and it is one of my biggest regrets.

With that in mind, do not overcommit. Nothing makes me more miserable than spreading myself too thin. Not only is it unfair to your co-workers, fellow club members and project partners, but it also harms you. Exhaustion can be the norm during the

school year, but taking some time for yourself to do what you want is key. Whether it is basketball, video games or just laying on Eddie’s, do it. You will be surprised how even an hour to yourself can keep you sane.

Explore New York. It may seem obvious, but you would be surprised how many friends I had from freshman year that went into Manhattan once or twice total. We have been blessed with the location of our school; take advantage of it! In a matter of minutes, you can be immersed in different cultures with countless events and shows available to you in each borough. Plus, getting off campus every now and then is refreshing. Though you may be from the Tri-State area and think you know New York City well, there is always something new to do or see.

Lastly, be open to new ideas.

College is a unique time and place where people from all walks of life come together to learn. Seek out diversity, do not shy away from it. We are lucky to have students from hundreds of different states and countries, cultural backgrounds and interests. Go out, meet new people and try something different. You

may even end up liking it. College can be miserable if you keep to yourself, but there are certainly others who share your same interests if you put the effort in to find them.

College is what you make of it. You have been given four years at an excellent university.

Make the most of your time here with whatever you choose to do.

Your path may not be clear, but there are dedicated professionals, friends and family to help guide you along your way. I want to welcome all students back to another year at Fordham University. For those in the class of 2018, I extend a special welcome to our Fordham family and hope that my recent experience as an underclassman can offer some guidance in making your time at Fordham as rewarding as possible.

Editorial | Student Life

How to Stand Out in a Crowded Field The Class of 2018 is the largest class in Fordham’s history.

There are approximately 5,650 undergraduate students on Rose Hill’s campus. This number jumps to over 15,000 students when undergraduate and graduate students on all campuses are included. Added to this is the fact that Fordham is located in a city of nearly 8.5 million people, and the thought of making a name for yourself can seem a bit daunting.

The good news is that Fordham, as the Jesuit University of New York, has an established presence in the city. So making a good name for yourself at Fordham can keep you from drifting into anonymity in the big city.

However, doing so does not come easy to anyone. So, how exactly do you make a name for yourself at Fordham? Our editorial board has a few suggestions for students, regardless of class standing.

While it may be obvious, the first step is getting involved. While it may be a cliche for the college experience, it is no less important.

Orientation leaders, resident assistants, university personnel and upperclassmen are encouraging freshmen to get involved or asking what they want to get involved in, but what exactly does this mean?

Being involved does not have to mean being a USG (United Student Government) senator or an RHA (Residence Hall Association) president.

Getting involved comes in all shapes and sizes. Students can volunteer and assist in fundraising through the Dorothy Day Center or one of the charitable clubs such as Fashion for Philanthropy and Circle K. They can also join one of the performance groups, like Flava or FET, write for one of the student publications, both journalistic and literary, or explore the wide variety of political, cultural, religious, academic and special interest organizations on campus.

Many students become part of the executive board of clubs as early as their sophomore year, and most upperclassmen say that they wish they got more involved in their current organizations earlier.

That being said, simply showing up to meetings is a start, but that will not help you make a name for yourself. Speak up, work events, take initiative and contribute ideas. Consider joining multiple clubs or organizations and running for elected positions within those groups. The worst you can do is lose and go home with another experience in your back pocket.

On the academic side, get in touch with your professors and deans. Raise your hand and answer questions. Sit in the front of the classroom. Send emails to professors as often as you text your friends. Keep up on readings — even if they are not required.

Study in quiet spaces — like Walsh Library — instead of trying to multi-task while listening to music or watching television.

On the social side, making a name for yourself can be much more simple. Unfortunately, names and reputations can stick.

While we may wish that people would give each other second or third chances, this will not always

be the case. The long and short of this reality is: have fun, go out, but keep things classy, or at least keep it secret. You do not want to be known as the kid that did “that thing” freshman year. If you are that kid, it is a new year. Try turning over a new leaf. Get away from tri-bar for a weekend and go into the city. With a little effort, you can shrug that awful nickname.

The goal, making yourself known, is lofty. It cannot be done in a semester, let alone a week.

But, it starts with making a decision to move onward and upward in regard to your career at Fordham and standing out from the crowd of thousands of faces at Fordham.

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.

The board is comprised of Kelly Kultys, Joseph Vitale, Shannon Marcoux, Katie Nolan, Robert Frerich, Richard Bordelon and Felicia Czochanski.

Have opinions? Share them!

Email fordhamramopinions@gmail.com for more information.

OPINION

September 10, 2014

Page 9

Canton Winer

Delia Grizzard Unpacking the Hookup Culture

Stop Calling It ‘The City’

Fordham’s Graduate School of Religious Studies recently hosted author and lecturer, Donna Freitas, to talk about hookup culture on college campuses and the role of Catholic tradition in helping students navigate these experiences. While I’m not totally in agreement with the speaker’s viewpoints, I am excited to get the Fordham community talking about the reality of sex on campus.

The fact of the matter is that college students and the media misrepresent sexual behavior on college campuses. Roughly 30 percent of students graduate college without ever having sexual intercourse. One survey of 14,000 college students from different schools shows that while 72 percent of both men and women had reported at least one hook up by the end of senior year, 80 percent report hooking up less than once a semester in college. Additionally, by their senior year of college, 69 percent of students report being in a relationship of at least six months during their undergraduate career.

Dating is not dead, and while sex on college campuses is an established fact (as much as some institutions attempt to ignore it), it does not exist to the wild extent that many would suggest.

Students are misinformed about what is “normal” behavior. Students conform their attitudes to this “norm,” creating the idea of a “hookup culture” that simply does not exist the way that we are made to believe.

Many people are more concerned about how a culture that condones casual sex is especially harmful to women. But, if we teach young women that their only sexual worth is as an object of male desire, what can we expect when they feel disproportionately self-conscious after a commitment-free hookup, while the male generally walks away scot-free?

And even if young women learn to love and respect their own sexuality and value themselves as more than objects to be desired, if we do not teach young men to value these things in women as well, who is surprised when young men continue to dominate the sexual arena?

Casual sex is not bad for women; the vicious cycle between misperception, normative behavior and the sexual double standard are the causes of negative emotional consequences experienced by young college women.

There is so much more to be unpacked here, including looking at the heteronormativity of hookup culture. My aim in writing this is that, in the future, you will look for opportunities around campus to become educated about the reality of dating and relationships on campus — don’t limit yourself to online news sources or religious campaigns. The opportunities exist, through classes, programs, club events — all you have to do is attend and listen.

“I’m going to the city.”

All too often, I hear these words floating around Rose Hill. And every time, it makes me cringe.

You see, as residents of the Bronx, we are the city. The Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan and, yes, even Staten Island together make up the five boroughs of New York City.

Don’t get me wrong; I love Manhattan. I just hate the subtle linguistic bashing of the other four boroughs held within the phrase “the city.”

Referring to a trip to Manhattan as “going into the city” buys into what Jen Carlson, deputy editor at Gothamist, has called “the soft bigotry of Manhattan exceptionalism.”

According to the latest data from the US Census Bureau, less than 20 percent of New Yorkers live on the island of Manhattan.

The boroughs of Brooklyn and Queens both eclipse Manhattan in terms of population, and Manhattan only barely edges out the Bronx.

Manhattan isn’t even the most ethnically diverse borough among the five. That distinction goes to Queens.

Manhattan is also the smallest borough in terms of land area by far. The Bronx is the next smallest, and even it is nearly twice as large as Manhattan.

Furthermore, did you know that Central Park is only the fifth largest park in New York City?

The Bronx has two large parks (Pelham Bay Park and Van Cortland Park) larger than Manhattan’s largest park. In fact, each borough, excluding Brooklyn, has at least one park larger than Central Park.

I’m sure some nay-sayers will argue that saying “the city” is simply more convenient. Instead of saying you’re going to “the city,” say you’re going downtown. (Bonus: “The city” is three syllables, but downtown is only two.)

Presumably, you came to Fordham to be in New York City. Not near it, but in it.

Every moment that you spend at Fordham — whether it’s lounging on Eddie’s, grabbing a bite on Arthur Avenue or even sleeping in your dorm room — is a moment spent in New York City.

When you refer to Manhattan as “the city,” the inherent suggestion is that you somehow don’t live in New York City as an “outer-borough” resident, effectively separating the city’s population.

All five of New York City’s boroughs together make up the Big Apple. Manhattan is just one tourist-filled slice of that apple.

I beg of you: Next time you make the trek into Manhattan, don’t say you’re going “into the city.”

Say you’re going “downtown,” “south” or “into the depths of hell” (note: this phrase only applies if you are headed into Times Square or the 42nd Street area).

Embrace your status as a Bronxite — and as a New Yorker.

PHOTO COURTESY OF WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

Jennifer Lawrence, an Academy award winning actress, allegedly had a number of photos leaked via Reddit.

My Body, My Choice Why Leaking Photos of High-Profile Celebrities Violates Privacy

By FELICIA CZOCHANSKI ASSISTANT OPINION EDITOR

On Sept. 1, 2014, a vicious wave of attacks on privacy raced through the Internet at a speed known only to those fluent in hacker jargon and computer programming. Hundreds of nude and suggestive photos of high-profile female celebrities, which had been allegedly acquired through a major hack, were leaked on the websites 4chan and Reddit. Over 100 celebrities such as Kate Upton, Jennifer Lawrence and Arianna Grande became instant victims, as hackers stole personal photos from their cell phones.

The public’s reaction to the scandal seemed to move in stages. First, they believed that this breach of privacy seemed so impossible that upon hearing the rumors, they raced to their smartphones and computers to see if it was true. Most of the public clicked and tapped until they found what they thought could not really exist, and in this way the public also violated the privacy of over 100 highprofile female celebrities.

When people realized the pictures were real, more posts began to flood news outlets and public Internet forums. The most popular comments

ran along the lines of “how did they do it,” “I can’t believe she took nude photos” or for the less computer savvy, “where can I find the photos so I can see for myself?”

As the “Ohmigod, no way” stage of the public’s reaction began to die, a more rational response began to grow and spread among the masses.

The details of the incident had become clearer; only women had been targeted and had their privacy grossly violated. The time had come to stop viewing the hacking as simply an unheard of, entertaining scandal and to start getting angry that the rights of so many women had been infringed upon with such widespread sexual harassment.

Actress Lena Dunham, whose phone was not hacked, pleaded with her fans to react to the photos with integrity through a series of tweets. She wrote, “The way in which you share your body must be a CHOICE. Support these women and do not look at the pictures,” as well as “Remember, when you look at these pictures you are violating these women again and again. It’s not okay.”

Fortunately, it was not long before a lot of the public started to follow Lena’s lead and react similarly. Now it was Reddit’s turn to blush and peek

PHOTO COURTESY OF WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

Ariana Grande, a popular music star, allegedly had her photos leaked.

at the loss of its reputation and credibility forever.

In an ill-thought-out attempt to win back the public’s favor, these websites decided to donate the profits they had made on the pornographic photos to charities. First, because Jennifer Lawrence had once donated to the Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF), Reddit decided to do the same. Much to its embarrassment, PCF responded to the donation by issuing the following public statement: “We would never condone raising funds for cancer research in this manner. Out of respect for everyone involved, and keeping with our own standards, we are returning all donations that resulted from such posts.”

Reddit was not deterred by this.

They immediately began to transfer the rejected donation money to the charity water.org. Not only were these dirty funds rejected again, but Reddit’s donation page was shut down and will eternally read, “You have changed 0 lives to access with safe water.”

This perv-shaming is something that we should see more. A lot of people’s initial reactions were right to judge the hackers for infringing on something so private, but it cannot hurt to remember that the celebrities who took the suggestive and nude photos of themselves are not in the wrong — not in the least bit. It is not illegal or uncommon for people to take sexy and suggestive photos of themselves. As Lena Dunham said, “the way in which you share your body must be a CHOICE.” The celebrities targeted in this hack did not have the intention of sharing their bodies with the entire Internet community.

The photos were their personal belongings, which were stolen from them and unethically and illegally shared with the rest of the world.

Nothing makes this ok, and it is my hope that the hackers will be forced to own up to their crimes.

Felicia Czochanksi, FCRH ’17, is an undeclared major from Metuchen, New Jersey.

OPINION

Page 10

September 10, 2014

Ram on the Street What are your thoughts on the closing of the Lombardi Fitness Center?

Personally, I think it’s a huge inconvenience...

Limiting the entire student body into one gym that is smaller than most high school gyms is unfair. There are only two benches for the whole school in the weight room.

—Robert Landhauser, GSB ’15

“I’m a freshman so I don’t really know much about it, but facilities will definitely be tight and it will be a problem.

— Peter Cruise, FCRH ’18

It sucks. It’s not ideal to have that small of a free weight area, especially for the amount of people that go to this school. It could use a lot of work, it’s rough.

— Kevin Duncan, FCRH ’17 Compiled by Felicia Czochanski, Asst. Opinion Editor Photos by Samuel Joseph, Photo Editor

Do opinions runs through your veins?

Call a doctor!

Then email us at Fordhamram opinions @gmail.com

September 10, 2014

CULTURE

Page 11

The Fordham Ram

An Expert Shares Tips and Tricks for World Travel

By AMANDA GIGLIO ASSISTANT CULTURE EDITOR

For the full college experience, many people will tell you that studying abroad is necessary. You get to take classes in a normal college setting, while living in a foreign country and immersing yourself in the culture. But, after hearing Doug Lansky’s tips and tricks to getting the best experience out of your travels, it seems the best thing to do is grab a backpack and map, and create your own journey.

Travel writer and keynote speaker Doug Lansky is also known as an adventurer and destination analyst.

He traveled for over 10 years, visiting 120 countries, and spent another 10 years living abroad in five different countries. He has written books for Lonely Planet and Rough Guides, hosted a travel program and written a nationally-renowned travel column. One of his first experiences with travel was a less than satisfactory study abroad program in school, but a chance journey in the English countryside led him to love the feeling of new experiences in travel.

SAMUEL JOSEPH/THE RAM

CAB’s American Age Lecture Series brought Doug Lansky to speak at Welcome Week for this year.

The main purpose of his travels is to figure out how one can get something enriching out of a trip. Going to big cities and taking photos in front of famous attractions can be fun, but to have a more meaningful trip you have to make your own adventure. It may be easier to travel nowadays, but it is

harder to get a travel experience. This all has to do with perspective, because in order to be a true traveler, you have to be willing to try something new and have an open mind.

As a student, one of the biggest challenges will be budgeting your trip to sustain your travels anywhere

from a few days to a few months. The best option for living arrangements is staying in hostels. Hostels are student and traveler friendly and have different ranges of comfort levels.

If you want to live comfortably in a private room, the cost ranges from $75 to $100 a day depending on

the country. Mid-level backpacking costs between $50 to $75 a day, while roughing it can be as low as $15 to $30 a day. Even though having your own room while at a hostel is convenient, dorms are the cheaper option, with co-ed dorms being the lowest priced.

Where you stay is only half of the trip. Transportation is important as well. According to Lansky the more modes of transportation you use, the more interesting the journey. This means going by foot, boat, train, car, bus, camel, elephant and everything in between.

And, getting around is more fun when you try transportation that is unique and authentic to the area in which you are traveling.

Another significant aspect of a satisfying experience is what to eat. Because food is so important to college students, Lansky says that the usual advice about avoiding local food and water is complete rubbish. Try new and fresh fruits and veggies.

The street food may look weird, but it can be one of the best things you have ever tasted. Challenge yourSEE TRAVEL, PAGE 16

Beats Music Drops for Smartphones

By KATHERINE MOBILIA STAFF WRITER

Music apps are a new way to listen to your favorite songs and artists on the go without paying iTunes’ increasingly high prices. But, with so many of these music apps on the market, how does one decide what to purchase? The new Beats Music app just may simplify that decision.

Beats Music, created by Dr. Dre as a part of his wildly popular franchise, Beats by Dre, brings a fresh face to music apps. When I heard about yet another music-streaming app out on the market, it is safe to say I was underwhelmed. However, once I downloaded the app, I was surprised. The process was refreshingly easy, especially in comparison to other apps such as Pandora, and it was enjoyable to pick the kinds of music I prefer. Little colorful bubbles filled my iPhone screen with genres and the names of artists, just waiting for me to click them to indicate that I wanted to hear what they had to offer. This introduction stage of the app is incomparably better than many of

the other music apps out there, such as Spotify, because of its visual appeal, convenience and genuinely enjoyable selection process.

Once the introduction and signup are complete, the real fun begins.

Beats Music suggests artists and albums that you may be interested in, and the suggestions I received were impressively accurate. You have the option to follow some of your favorite artists and receive alerts when they release new music as well as follow your friends who also have Beats Music accounts. This feature, along with the ability to create both public and private playlists are commonplace in music apps, specifically Spotify.

Additionally, Beats Music provides its users with a library in which he or she can conveniently add whatever songs or albums he or she desires. This is very similar to iMusic, except it lacks the expensive price.

Another intriguing feature Beats Music offers is “Highlights,” where users can listen to songs, artists and albums specifically chosen by various experts in the music industry.

This section of the app connects with another efficient tool, “Curators,” where a variety of big names in the entertainment industry, such as Rolling Stone and AMP Radio, create playlists that provide the user with new, unknown artists and music, as well as some of everyone’s favorite billboard hits.

One of the features that Beats Music boasts that I find most impressive is exclusive to this up-and-coming app. “The Sentence” is a fun, interactive tool that allows you to complete a sentence that states where you are, who you are with, what you are doing and what genre you feel like listening to. Once you have completed the sentence, a playlist of songs will pop up that fit perfectly with the various choices you made. A simplified version of this feature can be found in “activities,” which lists a countless variety of activities, from “partying” to “dreaming,” that the user can select to get a playlist. This savvy feature eliminates any of those irritating moments when you just cannot decide what you want to listen to.

While the value of this app may

be priceless, it comes with a price.

Right before Apple finalized its contract with this app, Beats Music lowered its price from $119.88 a year to $99 a year and extended its free trial to 14 days. This prices Beats Music at around $8.33 a month, with no advertisements and no interruptions. In comparison, Pandora costs $4.99 a month and offers a free version, unlike Beats Music. While the cost of Pandora is significantly less, the paid version still contains

“time outs” and a limited amount of skips, inconveniences that Beats Music lacks. Spotify costs a little less than Beats Music at $4.99 a month for college students, provides a free trial with advertisements and is very similar to the new app, but lacks the convenience. After taking many factors into consideration, Beats Music emerges as one of the most impressive, compelling music apps to hit the market and I am very curious to see how it grows.

Review | Music

A Mysterious Persona Found in a Mix of Sounds

By AMANDA GIGLIO ASSISTANT CULTURE EDITOR

Sia sang one of the biggest hits of the summer and continues to kill it in her newest album, 1000 Forms of Fear. “Chandelier” is not only a great song to dance to but the video is absolutely amazing.

We usually hear Sia’s voice featured in other songs, so her single was quite a shocker.

The rest of her album only gets

better. Similar to “Chandelier,” the rest of the songs on the album have the catchiness of a pop song, but with a distinct flavor that sets them apart from the rest of the artists and songs on the radio today.

Songs like “Hostage” and “Dressed in Black” have the same fun vibe as Sia’s single. Other songs are slower paced and more melancholy.

True to the title of the album, each song has lyrics that bring about a chilling response from the listeners.

Listeners will agree that Sia puts her all into singing and writing each of the songs on this album.

Sia’s obscure lyrics, matched with her deeper, raspy voice, give the songs a uniqueness that makes her truly remarkable.

This all goes back to her mysterious persona.

Recently, she has been hiding her face in press photos and rarely giving interviews, managing to build a name off of “Chandelier” and a blonde wig.

1000 Forms of Fear is a shockingly beautiful collection of lyrics, electric sounds and instrumental beats that you should give a listen to.

COURTESY OF FACTMAG

CULTURE

Page 12

September 10, 2014

With Summer Heats Comes Wave of Big Hits

By NICOLE HORTON CULTURE EDITOR

This summer provided listeners with an eclectic summer playlist. Whether you were enjoying these songs at the pool or beach, dancing at a party or listening to certain overplayed hits on the radio, it was definitely a memorable summer for music.

Top Song: “Fancy”—Iggy Azalea featuring Charli XCX Even if you thought it was overplayed, there is no denying the staying power of “Fancy.” Newcomer Charli XCX serves as the perfect complement to Azalea with her smooth vocals. Iggy Azalea certainly showed that Nicki Minaj is not the only female force in hip-hop, as she was featured in other hits like “Black Widow” and “Problem” by Ariana Grande.

Dance Worthy Saxophone Instrumental: “Problem”—Ariana Grande, feat. Iggy Azalea and “Talk Dirty” by Jason Derulo feat. 2 Chainz Grande shines on this ‘90sesque R&B track, reminiscent of Mariah Carey. It is basically the female response to Jay Z’s hit “99 Problems.” Jason Derulo’s “Talk Dirty” is a fun, catchy song with an awesome beat, a common feature to Derulo’s music. Do not

OWEN SWEENEY/ AP

Iggy Azalea brung a unique style and attitude to the stage with her hit single.

even bother listening to the 2 Chainz verse on the radio because with all of the bleeps it is like a dirty version of Mad Libs.

Party Songs: “Turn Down for What”— DJ Snake & Lil Jon and “Summer”— Calvin Harris Harris continues his hot streak, following hits like “I Need Your Love” and Rihanna’s “We Found Love.” The song’s title is apt because it is light, whimsical and makes you want to dance. “Turn Down for What” did not debut

this this summer or just prior, but it popped up again because it is an awesome club and party selection.

Slow Summer Jams: “All of Me” — John Legend and “Stay With Me” — Sam Smith Legend’s ode to his new wife may have debuted last summer, but this soulful track shows him at his best. It remained popular this summer, and could often be heard as a dance remix on the radio. However, the original is

far superior. Sam Smith’s single “Stay With Me,” from his debut album helped make him one of music’s most buzzed about newcomers. This crooning plead to a lover shows Smith’s sincerity and range.

Movie Hits: “Boom Clap”— Charli XCX and “Lost Stars”— Adam Levine Charli XCX’s “Boom Clap” was a hit in the tearjerker The Fault in Our Stars, in which the track illustrates the allure of attraction. It is now a single on her new album that is debuting in October. Having her song featured in the movie, along with her verse on Iggy Azalea’s “Fancy,” has definitely generated hype for the album’s debut. Adam Levine had a supporting role in the movie Begin Again, in which he plays a singer who becomes famous. Levine has never sounded better with regard to vocals and raw emotions. His falsetto soars in the latter half of the song in a way that surprises even his fans.

Country Hits: Jake Owen’s — “Beachin’” and “Somethin’ Bad”— Carrie Underwood & Miranda Lambert Owen’s track was No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot 100 Country Songs chart, and although the lyrics resort to summer cliches, it has an

ideal laid-back country vibe for the summer. Meanwhile, “Somethin’ Bad” is a perfect showcase for vocal powerhouses Carrie Underwood and Miranda Lambert.

There is a certain edge to it that can generate cross-genre appeal.

Throwback Hits: “Love Never Felt So Good”— Michael Jackson & Justin Timberlake and “She Came To Give It to You”— Usher featuring Nicki Minaj Any Timberlake fan knows that Michael Jackson his musical idol.

This song was created posthumously, but it is classic Michael Jackson as well as an infectious throwback hit. Usher debuted “She Came to Give It to You” at this year’s VMA’s. His previous album Looking 4 Myself was very electronic based, and he changes it up again with this R&B/funk sound — which may be a better fit for him.

Honorable Mention: Beyoncé—“Partition” Although Beyoncé’s surprise album debuted in 2013, this single gained popularity leading into the summer and was definitely a radio hit. Beyoncé’s music sales increased by 181 percent after being honored at the VMAs. She performed a montage of hits, including the sensual “Partition.”

The Lowdown | Devon Sheridan

Editor’s Pick | The New York Mets

Trending on Twitter: Ferguson?

In Baseball, Ya Gotta Believe

By NICOLE HORTON CULTURE EDITOR

Writing a column for a fresh semester is a stint that immediately prompts me to write about the summer. And to that I say, “Darnit,” because hot holy heck, was this summer a hot holy mess. In the World Cup of Crazy, this summer was Germany and all other summers ever were Canada. Whew! Thank God I write for the Culture section, which covers everything from art reviews to cultural happenings. That means I only need to report on what some might call, and with good reason, soft news, a.k.a. fun news! Right?!

Unfortunately, not even I can escape the wrathful Dog Days of 2014, because this week, while thinking about what I should write, I almost immediately settled on the ongoing trouble in Ferguson, Missouri.

The murder of Michael Brown and the ensuing events, which sparked nationwide discourse on police brutality and police force militarization, certainly is not soft news.

The happenings in Missouri this summer will be considered by some, and should be considered by all to have the possibility of being a watershed moment. In fact, even the way I just now described the Ferguson fallout is weak — a mere assortment of buzzwords — that only scratches the surface of this country’s darkest black eye: the reprehensible way in which it treats minority citizens.

Yet, this summer I consumed almost all of the news coming out of or concerning Ferguson on Twitter (and by proxy, Facebook and other pop-culture aggregators). The result left me with the following impression: Ferguson, Missouri was just as important in the last two months as

fantasy football and comedic diatribes about Sharknado 2.

See, Twitter and co. do not have a front page that prioritizes the actual important stuff. There are no huge, bolded headlines proclaiming the dominance of one story over another.

So, when I’m scrolling I’m taking in news like this: Ferguson-EmmysRobin Williams-Ukraine-Hottest Players in the World Cup-FergusonHottest Female Fans at the World Cup, etc.

In 2014, “trending” may be the stupidest, most demeaning word to use when describing real, impactful events. The VMAs “trend”: a viral video of a llama hopping in a farm like a cute little maniac to an overdub of a DMX song “trends.” That Ferguson, and any other truly important news event, is simply an ingredient in the trendy pop-culture soup du jour is limiting the scope with which we process it.

Now, of course, the above diatribe only applies to people who get most of their news online. Oh, who’s that?

According to a 2012 Poynter Institute study, more than half of people get their news online. Ok, so good for you, pious newspaper-lovers, this doesn’t apply. For the rest of us it does: the way we are getting our news is becoming increasingly less newsy.

And so here I am, a student who thinks it is perfectly applicable to write about race relations in America for a culture section. I now digest my hard, important news homogenously to the place I passively digest silly jokes about the size of some new pop-star’s backside. I’ll go back to writing about Outkast now — that’s much more fun, anyway.

Not many people will speak proudly about being a New York Mets fan. I am used to the following three reactions: displaying sympathy, questioning or scolding. I was raised a Mets fan, so it was an intrinsic value. Rooting for the Yankees or any other team was never an option. My dad took me to my first Mets game when I was six years old.

I was too young to understand or develop a true interest in baseball until 2006: the season the Mets reached the NLCS for the seventh time in franchise history.

I was watching an extremely talented team featuring the young dynamic duo of David Wright and Jose Reyes, who were followed in the line-up by the powerful bats of Carlos Beltran, Carlos Delgado and Cliff Floyd. The gritty Paul LoDuca worked with the pitching rotation helmed by Pedro Martinez, Tom Glavine and Orlando Hernandez.

This was a new Mets team with an infectious energy that I could not help but root for. I discovered my passion for baseball — whether I was cheering at home or a game, intently watching a pre-game or post-game show, or nearly being brought to tears when the Mets’ World Series hopes were dashed as Carlos Beltran struck out on Adam Wainwright’s nasty curveball.

Over the years, I have made a ton of great memories going to games. I have seen many great wins, including two walk-off wins against the Phillies. I witnessed baseball history when Gary Sheffield joined the 500 home run

JUSTIN BROCKLE/ CREATIVE COMMONS

Citi Field, a tribute to Ebbets Field, has been the Mets’ stadium since 2009.

club. Unfortunately, the man in front of me did not because he was in the infinitely long line for Shake Shack.

In 2007, I received my favorite player David Wright’s autograph, and since then I have amassed a small collection. Another one of my favorite autographs is from Cy Young award winner R.A. Dickey.

I have also snuck into the dugout seats and caught a ball from Ike Davis between innings, and a tshirt from the t-shirt toss. Every Mets fan knows how stingy Mr. Met can be with those t-shirts, so it is worth mentioning.

Since then the Mets have not been able to recreate the magic of 2006. It has certainly been frustrating at times, but I still believe that we have a bright future ahead of us.

Yes, just like many sports fanatics I often refer to my team as “we” or “us.”

I would recommend for everyone to watch baseball because it’s

such a unique game. Some people say that football and basketball are much more exciting, but it is undeniable that baseball has its moments, whether it’s a late inning rally or a big home run. There are many intricacies involved in the game, like the skill and precision behind a pitcher’s duel and communication in both the infield and outfield. There is also the sense of peacefulness that you get from watching a game on a nice summer night.

If you want to start watching baseball, many people would say that you should become a Yankees fan. There are certainly some passionate Yankees fans, but a lot are “bandwagon” fans and people who just want to go to a game but do not care much about the team. Mets fans are true fans: they are passionate, enthusiastic and knowledgeable about their team. We have ups and downs, but as Tug McGraw says, “Ya gotta believe.”

CULTURE

September 10, 2014

Playlist | Rosemary Derocher

Song : “I Wanna Get Better” Artist : Bleachers Album : Strange Desires Year : 2014 In a word, “I Wanna Get Better” is anthemic. Bleachers, the side project of fun.’s Jack Antonoff, has created something not only shoutable and danceable, but also incredibly meaningful. I’ve known this since I heard it for the first time in February, and it was only affirmed when I saw Bleachers live this past Thursday (Sept. 4) at Webster Hall. They saved “I Wanna Get Better” for last, and it was the perfect closer.

The crowd and the band were slightly weary from a brilliant (albeit tiring) show, but that only made the timing even better. “I Wanna Get Better” was made for those moments when you’re on the cusp of something and the moments where you need a push to get you going.

It is three-and-a-half minutes supernaturally blessed with the ability to lift you up in a way that reaches out to you, rather than expecting you to meet it halfway.

There are literally millions of songs in this world that were written with the intention of helping someone feel better. A quick Spotify search finds playlists with titles like “Lighten Up, Man!” and “Mood Booster,” among others.

If you are in a bad mood for no reason, or if a problem is bringing you down, any old up-beat music will probably work. “I Wanna Get Better,” on the other hand, digs deeper. It moves beyond “getting happy” or “lightening up” and into far more daunting territory: change.

The chorus isn’t about the moment where the sun comes

out and everything is okay; it’s about the point where the storm has reached such a fever pitch that something needs to be done.

Jack Antonoff is shouting, “I didn’t know I was broken ‘til I wanted to change” from the midst of his struggles rather than from some kind of “other side” where everything has been overcome, and that’s part of what makes the song so special.

It’s an entire song about realizing that you can fight back when you’re stuck in a rut. If you want to get better, whether that entails opening yourself up more or leaving your room more or what have you, then it will most likely be hard. That doesn’t mean that you can’t give it your best shot. Putting your mind in the right place to move forward is more than half the battle – it’s practically the whole thing. “I Wanna Get Better” is an all-out raucous celebration of this moment, because it’s a moment that deserves it.

Musically, it’s the kind of song that drives me insane because it’s so simple (the song uses three chords almost the entire time) yet so perfect.

I’ve been listening to it for almost two hours while writing this column, and still I can tell you that, when I finally finish it and get off my bed, it will make me dance with abandon.

I will not suddenly become more aware of the world around me, nor will I be less afraid of the uncertainty in my life, but I’ll feel more confident in my ability to do something about these things I struggle with. And, that’s what Bleachers is going for.

Page 13

Hacking Scandal Sparks Debate

By NICOLE HORTON CULTURE EDITOR

A hacker’s invasion of countless celebrity iCloud accounts, leading to the embarrassing leaking of nude photos, is said to be one of the biggest celebrity hacking scandals in history.

The hack has affected over 100 female celebrities, including Alisters such as Jennifer Lawrence, Kate Upton, Aubrey Plaza, Avril Lavigne, Hope Solo, Hillary Duff, Jenny McCarthy, Kate Bosworth, Kim Kardashian, Kirsten Dunst, Mary Kate Olsen, Meagan Good, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Selena Gomez and Vanessa Hudgens.

Even though not everyone hacked salacious photos, many did.

Some of the images made their way onto the Internet through social media, and gossip sites posted censored versions of the photos.

Lawrence, Winstead and Upton, quickly confirmed the existence of the images. Victoria Justice initially stated the photos were fake but later tweeted that she suffered “a serious violation of privacy.”

Meanwhile several others, including singer Ariana Grande and gymnast McKayla Maroney, also attempted to claim that the pictures were not of them.

Even if the photos were legitimate, it is likely that Grande would not admit it because her fan base is primarily comprised of young girls. She is beginning to garner a wider fan base following the release of her second album and MTV Video Music Awards performance, but would not want to lose her original fans and new widespread appeal.

You may be asking, how did this happen? Maybe people do not realize that iCloud automatically backs up images taken on iPhones, or perhaps they thought iCloud was a safe place for their data. The hacker was able to take advantage of a security flaw in iCloud. Many online services lock someone out after several unsuccessful attempts

to log in, but not Apple’s “Find My iPhone” app and iCloud. Apple changed this flaw in the aftermath of the nude celebrity photo scan “As we see in the sci fi “Grydscaen” series which focuses on hackers, the characters use various tools to target individuals and corporations,” said Natsuya Uesugi, a white hat hacker who tests security and software for tech companies. “The hackers will use social engineering to gain access to a target’s information or access to an office or lab’s

echoes the many different attitudes towards celebrities. Some say that it is an invasion of privacy, whether they are celebrities or not, and they would not view or propagate the photos out of respect. Meanwhile others say that this overexposure is one of the pitfalls that accompany celebrity status and wealth, so they should not be pitied or victimized.

On a more general level, some argue that this is another example of why people should not take risqué photos because of the vulnerability

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Kate Upton, a popular model, is now swimming in a sea of scandal.

systems.”

Jennifer Lawrence’s representatives contacted investigators, who said they “will prosecute anyone who posts the stolen photos of Jennifer Lawrence.”

On Monday the FBI’s Los Angeles office confirmed its investigation. The same office caught a man who hacked celebrity email accounts in 2011. Christopher Chaney, whose targets included actresses Scarlett Johansson and Mila Kunis and singer Christina Aguilera, was charged with accessing protected computers without authorization, damaging protected computers, wiretapping and aggravated identity theft. Chaney is serving a 10-year federal prison sentence after pleading guilty in 2012.

This scandal has generated a lot of buzz, both about the celebrities and iCloud’s security. Other than the speculation about which celebrities are involved and the nature of the pictures, the blogosphere

of the iCloud and other digital forums. This invasion of privacy happens to people every day, not just celebrities.

“Some attacks are specific to individuals, others are more blasts hoping to rope in innocent people and make them vulnerable to identity theft or other threats,” said Uesugi.

Uesugi also suggests being wary of e-mail phishing, internet connection, media sharing sites, choosing weak passwords and using the same password for multiple accounts.

It is apparent that both average people and celebrities are prone to an invasion of privacy in this digital age.

If the hacker is found, his or sentence would probably be longer than Chaney’s as a result of the large volume of celebrities affected.

Chaney’s sentencing set a harsh precedent for hackers that will most likely be reaffirmed.

Review | Music

A Complex Debut Packed with Dreamy Sounds

By CLAIRE KIM STAFF WRITER

FKA Twigs’ debut album, LP1, sounds like how a glass mosaic vases look: broken, altered, colorful and intentional. Every song on this album has been created by layering on different effects, bassheavy beats and singing styles.

This slow building album throws you into a rewarding and cathartic realm with every listen.

English singer-songwriter FKA Twigs creates music in a new genre known as “trip hop” or “dream pop.” After gathering a fan base with her viral music video for the song, “Water Me,” her first full length album has been received with overwhelmingly positive reviews— and for good reason.

LP1, which is available on Spotify, begins with a 1-minute-

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and-47 second preface. This first song is a clash of computerized noises combined with choir-like vocals to create an introduction that molds what is left to be heard. However, if this song is not to your liking, do not give up.

Continue your journey through all the songs; let your mind and body become lost in the sounds and vocals to which your ears are not accustomed.

The songs on this album float the listener into a fantasy dreamscape — whispering, climbing and confusing, but overall fulfilling.

FKA Twigs is able to use dark, slow and eerie vibes to create a collection of songs that no one else can create. She hits every mark. Some songs are catchy, others broodingly emotional and still others light, pop-fueled and fun. Every time the album

plays, the ear picks up new things.

The artistic layering of sounds, in which not one sound is more powerful than the next, allows the listener to focus in and out of each effect. Listening to this album on repeat is truly the only way to completely indulge and appreciate the complexity of the music.

Terrible first week of school?

Swaddle yourself in the covers and blast this through your ear buds.

Need inspiration while sprucing up your bare dorm room walls? Grab your laptop and play this album. Walking through campus alone? Plug into these songs and let your inner contemporary dancer out.

LP1 is your dose of calm, your dose of inspiration, your dose of cool.

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September 10, 2014

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CULTURE

September 10, 2014

Page 15

Who’s That Kid? | Hannah Reiss

Letters | Ask Emma

A Computer Science Major Making a Difference

Dear Emma, All of my friends have been using the Tinder app for a while now. I tried it once and it really creeped me out, so I deleted it. I was recently dumped and the dating pool seems very dry, so I’m considering trying it again. I was wondering what your opinion was on online dating and if you think it’s a good idea?

Tinder Scared

Dear Tinder Scared, Online dating is increasingly popular these days, and it would be terribly closed minded to say that it isn’t successful. While it isn’t ideal for people who prefer to meet somebody by chance and who think that online dating isn’t romantic, some of the best relationships come from online dating. I think if you don’t mind the concept, online dating is perfectly fine. If you’re going to meet up with somebody, though, bring a friend and ask him to bring a friend just in case. You never know who’s out there!

Emma

Dear Emma, SAMUEL JOSEPH/THE FORDHAM RAM

My boyfriend and I have been dating for a few months now, but I’ve been having strange feelings about our relationship. I just don’t want to hang out with him anymore. Our relationship was nice in the summer when I was working and had a lot of free time, but now that I’m back at school with all my friends, I don’t want to see him. We had a great relationship and he loves me so much, but I don’t think the feelings are reciprocated. I love him, but I am not “in love” with him. However, I’m also nervous that I’m making the wrong decision and I’m going to miss him and change my mind. I just want to do the right thing.

Hannah Reiss, FCRH ‘16, is making strides in representing women in male-dominated domains.

By SHANNON MARCOUX EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

Hannah Reiss, FCRH ’16, has spent her past two years at Fordham making a positive impact everywhere from club sports to computer science. A native of the Philadelphia area and a sister to four brothers, Hannah pays little mind to naysayers and obstacles standing in her way.

On choosing to pursue her degree in the male-dominated area of computer science, Hannah said, “I was put into an intro course my freshman year having no idea what CS was and something about my brain loved how logical and self-directed it could be. I also started seeing these articles about how high in demand girls in computer science are because they’re so underrepresented, and I think that made it a lot more exciting to me… Whenever I do well in those classes I get excited like I’m six years old again and my brothers finally let me play wiffleball with them.” She is currently on the executive board of Computing Students Society.

Hannah brings this enthusiasm to

other parts of her life as well. Hannah, along with co-founder Casey Harrison, GSB ’16, started the women’s club squash team. She explains that, “With the help of the men’s coach, Bryan Patterson, we practiced regularly, played friendly matches with other schools and even drove ourselves to a tournament in Virginia, where we called ourselves the “Bronx Rebels” since we couldn’t use the Fordham name.”

Hannah explains why she decided to start the team, which finally received club sports status this fall: “I knew that there had been a men’s varsity team around for a while (my dad played on it) so I was confused and frustrated as to why there wasn’t a more organized opportunity for girls to play.”

With many accomplishments already, Hannah is looking forward to new experiences this upcoming school year. “I’m studying abroad in Shanghai, China next semester, so I’m stoked for that because I’m a Mandarin minor and I’m obsessed with learning Chinese and Chinese philosophy. And China. And Chinese food.”

Hannah has a lot to look forward to for the fall as well, including working in promotions for WFUV and leading a Christian Life Community.

She also plans to pick up violin again after a six-year hiatus. She said, “I’m super excited to have another creative outlet and play pretty sounds.

I say ‘sounds’ because I’m positive it won’t sound anything like music when I first pick it up again.”

Looking back on her Fordham career so far, Hannah says, “There’s a lot of ridiculous, hilarious and meaningful things that happened to me here, but I think the ones that will stick with me the most are the simpler things about this place, like how good it felt to read under a tree on Eddie’s over the summer or how seriously unbelievable Tino’s paninis taste.”

As far as career plans go, Hannah is not sure whether she wants to go into software engineering or cyber security, but she is sure of one thing: “All I know is I want to use my skills for something that the world actually needs. And, while the narcissist in all of us would love another soul-sucking social media app, that’s not it.”

Torn

Dear Torn, If a relationship doesn’t suit you anymore, you should let it go. It obviously doesn’t feel right to you like it once did. Even so, it appears that the relationship was simply comfortable. You should be with someone that you’re excited to see and who makes you happy. Although your boyfriend used to make you happy, that’s no reason to stay with him if you aren’t happy anymore. You will definitely miss him when he’s gone; that’s the same with any relationship. I just don’t think you should stay with him because of it. Regardless, you have to address your feelings in the present and not be concerned with the future.

What’s meant to be will find its way.

Emma

Have a question for Emma? Send them to fordhamramaskemma@gmail.com

Trending Now | Tech

Sharing Secrets with Strangers, on Your Phone

By NICOLE FIORICA CONTRIBUTING WRITER

With new social platforms appearing in the iTunes App Store every day, the ways in which people can interact with each other are close to endless. Growing more popular among these platforms are anonymous apps through which users can post whatever they want without bringing any direct connection back to themselves. After years of having multiple profiles linked to their identities, consumers are recognizing that there is a certain freedom in this kind of platform.

These apps come in many

forms. Popular in schools and on college campuses, Yik Yak displays anonymous comments posted within a certain radius of the user. Users can rate each Yak with a vote, as well as anonymously comment on each post.

Conversely, when users post through the Whisper app, their messages are mixed in with the whispers of other users all over the world. Whisper is also different because it asks users to overlay their message onto either an image of their own choosing or an image suggested by the platform.

Users can anonymously comment or chat with each other as well.

The Secret app is a mix of the two, filling your feed with posts from users on your contact list, while incorporating the option to include a photo. Users know the people posting, but Secret’s algorithm makes it hard to figure out which contact is the real poster. The app will not even let users see posts from friends (and will instead reach out to friends of friends) if the user has fewer than three contacts using the app.

Cloaq, Viper, Mood and Insider: the list goes on. While intention and demographic vary, the appeal is still the same. To some degree, users have to be careful

with what they say on all of their other platforms for fear of upsetting a friend or getting in trouble with future schools or employers.

On an anonymous app, however, users are far less restricted and can post whatever comes to mind without consequence.

With all of the freedom come large concerns, particularly the fear that cyber bullying might take a whole new form in untraceable messaging. While app creators attempt to moderate bullying by trusting users to flag inappropriate posts, this system is not entirely foolproof, and the nameless posters are far harder to

block.

Still, a general search through Yik Yak or Whisper feeds reveals that most people are not interested in petty gossip. Yes, a lot of posts are vulgar, sexually explicit or meant to carry shock value, but many others are simply confessions or passing thoughts. Most people just want to say what is really on their mind without losing a social connection that they have come to hold dear. The digital world has become so public that it should come as no surprise that users want one corner in which to mask their identity and, in some larger sense, to be themselves.

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September 10, 2014

Review | Apps

An Anonymous App, More Vile than Innocent

By JOSEPH MATTIELLO CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Early last semester, I finally gave way to my friends’ and roommate’s insistences that I download the app Yik Yak and give it a try.

Once I elected to become a Yik Yak user, some of the darker aspects of (college) human behavior were illuminated.

Yik Yak is an app available through Apple’s App Store and Google Play for iOS and Android devices.

The app allows users to submit 200-character thoughts and observations, known as “Yaks,” anonymously.

A user may view the Yaks of

others in a newsfeed by location or opt to “Peek” at another location, often a distant university.

Users can also toggle between using their specific location and general location, and can choose to add a handle or nickname when sending a Yak. On the surface, Yik Yak seems innocent enough, with users sharing lighthearted sentiments about their residence hall’s lack of air conditioning or the impending workload of the semester. “If you haven’t picked a favorite shower or toilet stall yet, you’re doing it wrong,” one likely freshman user shared.

After browsing for several minutes, however, the Yaks started

turning far more negative, mean and even offensive. Usually touching upon subjects such as underaged drinking, taking advantage of fellow students and disparaging Fordham departments and staff, Yik Yak at Fordham has fallen away from its intended purpose.

Originally intended for sharing relaxed and upbeat thoughts, the anonymity of Yik Yak has provided a haven for revealing cowardly and rude sentiments.

Yik Yak is usually good for about 10 minutes of childish entertainment, but will quickly begin to annoy you once you see some of the vile Yaks that users send under the cover of anonymity.

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What’s New | Gadgets

Looking to Face New Market, Apples Announces Smartwatch

By JOSEPH VITALE MANAGING EDITOR

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Travel Advice, Straight an Expert FROM TRAVEL

self by trying new and gross foods.

The experience is part of traveling and getting to see a new culture. If you get food poisoning, which can happen, do not panic, local pharmacies can usually help. Sharing meals with people can be the best way to meet and connect with your fellow travelers.

Lansky not only gave the basics, but he also gave the best advice and survival tips. When packing, the worst thing you can do is over pack.

You only need the basics, so wear the same clothes and change towns with everything in one backpack. When you take out money, plan everything in advance and make sure you are calculating everything taken out and used.

If you need more money while on the road, odd jobs can be the most rewarding. Street performing, in par-

ticular, helped Lansky a lot. When possible, try couch surfing or hitchhiking on yachts (if you are in the right place at the right time, you can get free rides for work). n bLansky’s key survival tips include: do not rely on cell phones, pack for bad weather and emergencies, tell people where and for how long you are going, travel with seatbelts, keep everything important in front of your face and have travel insurance.

With all of this advice on hand, a student’s travel experience is really up to him or herself.

Make an effort to find and keep new friends you meet during your journey, do not rush the time spent at one place and make it a journey not a trip. In order to travel the world on a student budget, you must have the perspective of a traveler, creating new experiences every day, not just abroad.

Apple announced on Tuesday its newest personal tech gadget: Apple Watch.

Long-awaited and highly speculated, the watch sports a diverse array a features, with emphasis on personalization, fitness and ease-of-use.

For starters, the watch comes in a variety of colors and sizes.

Each model has a 38 mm by 42 mm display size. The three editions — Apple Watch, Apple Watch Sport and Apple Watch Edition — also have a variety of wrist strap options that come in a number of colors. Some options — like the fitness-oriented model — boasts a water and chemical-resistant material.

Skipping over a heavy reliance on the touch display, the watch sports a dial on the side of the vice that allows its wearers to scroll, zoom and move among

apps. The screen is still responsive to touch, though its main uses are for swiping and navigating through screen options.

“It will redefine what people expect from a watch,” Apple Chief Executive Tim Cook said during the conference in San Francisco.

A variety of apps will also be available on the watch, including messaging. (During the presentation, two users “sent” each other their heartbeats using the watch).

The watch can run various apps, like a calendar, map navigation and a music player.

In addition, the watch will take advantage of Siri, Apple’s voice commands application.

Following up an expected emphasis on fitness, the watch — using internal sensors — tracks movement, heart rate, calories burned and more.

Making use of the iPhone —

necessary for watch use — the watch uses the phone’s accelerometer, gyroscope and GPS to determine your location.

On Tuesday, however, Apple provided little information on the watch’s battery life. It is know that the watch will charge using a magnetic inductive charger that attaches to the rear of the watch face.

Even less information was provided in regard to the watch’s storage capabilities and price ranges. It will start at $349.

Apple’s entrance into an unconvinced market (just 4 percent of U.S. households with highspeed Internet say they are likely to purchase a smart watch within the next 12 months, according to Parks Associates survey) may change the public’s perception of wearable gadgets.

Only time will tell how the product will sell when it launches early 2015.

September 10, 2014

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Page 17

The Fordham Ram

Penfold Leads Men’s Soccer to First Win

By TARA CANGIALOSI WEB EDITOR

The Keating Hall bells were not the only chimes heard on campus this weekend.

The Fordham men’s soccer team rang the victory bell following its first win of the season this past Friday, Sept.

5, when it defeated Lafayette College 2-1.

The Rams managed to bounce back from two tough losses against Boston University and Boston College in their first two games of the season.

On Aug. 31, Boston University’s Lucas McBride scored in the final second of the first overtime period to lift the Terriers to a 1-0 win. Two days later, the Rams fell 2-0 to BU’s crosstown rival, Boston College.

Despite the losses, the Rams made a victorious return to Jack Coffey Field on Friday, where they registered 11 shots from seven different players.

“Being at home and feeding off of the crowd that showed up to support us was definitely one of the differences between last weekend and being away at Boston,” Andres Penfold, a senior transfer from Monmouth University, said.

The match began with good ball movement out of the back from Fordham’s Ryan Cupolo and Andy Hickey, and progressed through the midfield.

The Rams maintained a strong possession game early on, creating offensive

The Rams celebrated after recording their first win of the season at home, a 2-1 defeat of Lafayette.

opportunities.

Penfold converted one of these chances for Fordham’s first goal, putting the Rams ahead 1-0 10 minutes into the match. Penfold cut the ball back with his left foot and struck a beautiful shot into the upper left corner of the net from 20 yards out.

Following the goal, the team’s ball possession remained strong, but the players struggled to get by the Leopards’ defensive line.

“As the season progresses and our players continue to become more comfortable with each other, this is something that will keep improving,” Penfold said.

Lafayette almost found an equalizer with 14 minutes left in the half when Julian Plummer rocketed a loose ball at Fordham’s goalkeeper, Sean Brailey.

The senior made an unbelievable save to knock the ball away, and another within the final minute of the half to

MARIA ANCONA/THE RAM

save the lead for the Rams.

At the start of the second half, Penfold again gave the Rams a score. Off a long run and a well-executed cross from junior Kyle Bitterman, Penfold sent a header past Lafayette keeper Sandy Leavy to give the Rams a 2-0 lead.

“Scoring two goals during our home opener in front of our home fans was a great experience,” Penfold said. “However, I’m lucky to be the one playing up

The Rams and coach Gini Ullery have started their 2014 season slowly, going winless in their first six matches, but have a key tournament this weekend.

By ANTHONY PUCIK ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR

After a 10-20 season under first year head coach Gini Ullery, the Fordham volleyball team looks to improve its record in the 2014 campaign. They started their season out west at the San Francisco Invitational on Friday, Aug. 29, against some very tough competition.

They kicked off the tournament against the SEC Georgia Bulldogs and fell three sets to one. The next day they played the University of San Francisco Dons and the SMU Mustangs, losing both of those games in straight sets. Senior and reigning two-time team MVP Lisa Hipp had 21 kills and 18 digs in the three games, and junior Abigail Konovodoff had 54 assists and was named to the All-Tournament team.

Despite losing all three games, coach Ullery thought the tournament was a great experience. “It

Volleyball Stumbles at Rose Hill Classic showed us what level we want to be at,” she said. “They competed and fought, and made Georgia, USF and SMU earn their points. It helped us see the amount of work we have to put in to take our program to the next level.”

She also had high praise for Konovodoff. “Abby showed herself, her teammates and us coaches what she is able to do,” she said. “I’m excited to see her growth throughout the preseason and into conference play.”

Fordham then returned home to Rose Hill on Friday, Sept. 5, to kick off the 13th annual Rose Hill Classic. They began in the afternoon against the Fairleigh Dickinson Knights and lost 3-1. The Knights

opened up in the first set with a convincing 25-13 win, then Fordham responded with a 25-18 set win of their own to even the score.

Fairleigh Dickinson then won a tightly contested third set 25-23 and went on to win the fourth set 25-18. Freshman Sarah Skelton, sister of former Fordham and NFL quarterback John Skelton, led the team in kills with 10, while juniors Brianna O’Neil and Konovodoff led the way with 11 digs apiece.

The Rams then played their night cap against the Rider University Broncos, and lost a close one 3-2. Rider jumped out to a 10-3 lead that Fordham cut down to 127, but the Broncos would pull away in the first set winning 25-17. The

second set was knotted at seven all, and the Rams eventually went ahead 13-9 and 16-11. But, Rider went on a 11-6 run to tie the set at 22 all, and scored four unanswered points to win 25-22 and go up two sets to none.

Much like the first two sets, the third set was very close in the beginning, with the Rams leading 7-6, then scoring four straight points to go 11-6. They never looked back from there. Rider got as close as two points down but would never come closer as Fordham went on to win the third set 25-21 and then went on to win another close set in the fourth 25-23 to tie it up at two sets apiece. But in the fifth set Rider got out to a 6-1 lead and would

front. Our midfielders and defenders did a great job in disrupting the opposing team’s play and putting me in a position to score.”

Five minutes later, Lafayette’s Ryan Egan found the back of the net when he recovered a loose ball amongst a scrap of Fordham defenders. He fired a laser shot to Brailey’s far right, beating the Rams’ keeper and bringing the score to 2-1.

The Leopards continued to press forward for the remainder of the game, testing Fordham’s defensive line and Brailey in goal. On offense, Fordham could not find the back of the net with an insurance goal.

The Rams’ best chances late in the game came from substitutes Eric Ohlendorf, a freshman, and Eric Walano, a senior. Ohlendorf’s shot went wide, while Walano’s was blocked by a defender, and neither player was rewarded with a goal.

Even without the insurance goal, the Rams were able to hold Lafayette to one goal, earning them the 2-1 win.

“Before this game, we had shown positive flashes but were never able to put a string of plays together,” Penfold said. “I think the game marked the first time this season that we were able to put 90 good minutes together.”

The Rams will return to action on Tuesday, Sept. 9, at 7 p.m., where they will host cross-town rival Manhattan College in the annual Battle of the Bronx.

SAMUEL JOSEPH/ THE RAM

not look back, taking the set 15-12 and the match. Hipp led the way for Fordham with 19 kills in the match. Konovodoff had 47 assists and freshman Grace Muller led the team with 20 digs.

Skelton and Muller had some great games at the Rose Hill Gym, and coach Ullery said she was happy with the way the team’s new additions have performed thus far.

“I do believe all the freshmen are transitioning well,” Ullery said.

“They are competitive and eager to make a difference and it shows when they are given an opportunity to play.”

The last game they played was on Saturday afternoon, Sept. 6, against the Northeastern University Paws, which they lost in straight sets. O’Neil led the way in kills and digs with 10 for the Rams and Konovodoff once again had the most assists with 26.

The Rams are back in action on the road at the Hofstra Invitional on Friday. Their first game is against Hofstra University at 7 p.m.

SPORTS

Page 18

A New Name Emerges in the Hunt for the FedEx Cup

By SAM BELDEN CONTRIBUTING WRITER

This past Labor Day, Billy Horschel succumbed to the pressure of contending in a PGA Tour event. On the 18th hole of the final round of the Deutsche Bank Championship, he stepped up to the tee trailing by one, looking to birdie the par four and force a playoff. Instead, he hit his ball into the water and dashed his chances of winning, settling for a three-way tie for second place.

Now, Horschel has redeemed himself in the sweetest way possible.

Carrying a three stroke lead into the final round, he shot a gutsy 69 for a two shot victory at the BMW Championship at Cherry Hills, the third and penultimate leg of the FedEx Cup playoffs. After an inconsistent front nine that included three birdies and two bogies, he reeled off nine pars on the back, missing his share of birdie opportunities but getting it up and down each time. Ryan Palmer, Sergio Garcia and Bubba Watson all challenged Horschel at various points of the round, but the University of Florida graduate never relinquished his lead and watched his pursuers fall off the pace one by one; Palmer and Garcia simply ran out of gas on the back nine, while Watson failed to make enough putts on the closing holes.

This win increases Horschel’s career total to two and ensures him a big jump in the Official World Golf Ranking. The biggest perk of all, however, may come in the form of 2,500 FedEx Cup points, a sum that lifts Horschel’s season total to 4,305, good for second place on the points list. He trails only Chris Kirk, while Watson, Rory McIlroy and Hunter Mahan round out the top five. These are the most important names to keep an eye on; they are the only ones who will be able to control their own destiny at the season-ending Tour Championship this week.

At the conclusion of the BMW Championship, the top 30 players’ FedEx Cup point totals are adjusted to ensure that every player in

the field will have a mathematical chance of winning the FedEx Cup. This system was implemented to avoid a repeat of the 2008 playoffs, when Vijay Singh won the first two events and locked up the FedEx Cup, leaving that year’s Tour Championship devoid of drama. However, while every player in the top 30 may have a shot, only the top five players can guarantee themselves the FedEx Cup by winning the tournament; every other player in the field needs help in order to pull off the feat.

In 2009, the first year that the PGA Tour used the current points system, Phil Mickelson won the Tour Championship but fell short of the FedEx Cup; he would have taken both had he started the week in the top five in points. The next two years, Jim Furyk and Bill Haas, both ranked outside the top five, needed the leaders to stumble in order to pull off the win; the most recent champions, Brandt Snedeker and Henrik Stenson, both inhabitants of the top five, took advantage of the opportunity to control their own destinies and closed their seasons in fine fashion. In short, the fact that only the top five in points can guarantee a FedEx Cup title has impacted every season played under the new points system, and more often than not, added more drama and intrigue to an already thrilling tournament.

With a huge victory now under his belt, Billy Horschel already has a lot to smile about, but can also rest easy knowing that a win at East Lake will guarantee him the FedEx Cup. Players rarely pull off back-toback victories, but if anyone can do it, Horschel can. He is currently the only player to finish in the top two of the past two events, so his game is in the right place.

As the tour heads to the season finale, every qualifying player should feel accomplished, but not to the extent that the top five should. For them, the FedEx Cup and accompanying $10 million prize are just a victory away. Everyone else can only play well and hope that things fall their way.

By MATT ROSENFELD SPORTS EDITOR

Rejoice America, for we have made it through the long, football-less summer and are fresh off of our first meaningful NFL action since February.

Week 1 is in the books and that means it is time to draw conclusions from an extremely small sample size. It’s an NFL tradition like no other. Here are three way too early conclusions on the 2014 NFL season that I’m making after just one week of games.

The Broncos are Super Bowl bound (again). I think we are all guilty of forgetting just how damn good the Denver Broncos are after it was dominated by the Seahawks in Super Bowl XLVIII. I know I was. It’s not that we thought the Broncos, led

by Peyton Manning, were going to be bad, but it was more that they became an afterthought. Sunday night, Denver proved they were anything but an afterthought with a decisive 31-24 win over Andrew Luck and the Indianapolis Colts (a game that was not as close as the score would indicate).

Peyton did what Peyton does, surgically taking apart the Colts defense drive after drive. That impressive performance against a playoff-caliber AFC team sold me enough to call the Broncos the overwhelming favorites to make the Super Bowl.

Who is going to take that spot from them? The Patriots are the only team that comes to mind, and I just can’t see New England going to Denver (where a playoff matchup would likely take place) and beating the Broncos.

Johnny Manziel won’t start a game this year. I’m a little nervous making this proclamation because there are major non-football factors (money and expectations) that could come into play. That being said, the Browns are not a bad offensive team when led by Brian Hoyer.

In Sunday’s game against the Steelers in Pittsburgh, Hoyer and the Browns found themselves in an early deficit. Cleveland trailed Pittsburgh 27-3 at half. I’m not exactly tuned into Cleveland’s fan base, but I imagine

Home games in CAPS

passer. Add all that to the fact that the Redskins have a new head coach, and I just don’t see a winning season in Washington D.C. The Cowboys are a mess. It is no secret that the Dallas defense is a mess. Dallas ad the worst defensive unit in football last year, and that trend seems likely to continue. The Cowboys’ saving grace had always been that Tony Romo and the offense were always overlooked and could keep them in games, but pressure continues to mount in Dallas, and I feel quite confident in saying the Cowboys will not rise to that pressure, but rather be crushed by it.

Lastly, my beloved Giants. While I do think the Giants’ defense will be a good one this year, it won’t be enough to overcome what I expect to be a very inconsistent, sputtering offense.

It’s not that the Giants’ personnel is bad. Eli is still very good, regardless of what happened last year. The skill guys in the Giants’ lineup are not the problem. Yes, the offensive line is a bit thin at the moment, but the Giants seem to realize that and are making moves to fix it. It’s not the personnel.

It’s simply the fact that, for the first time in over seven years, the Giants are changing their entire offense. That takes time and it’s not an easy thing to do. As much as I wish the Giants would hit the ground running on offense, I just don’t see it happening in 2014. I hate to say it, but the NFC East belongs to the Eagles.

COURTESY OF WIKIMEDIA

Peyton Manning hopes to repeat last year’s offensive success in Denver in 2014.

Thursday Sept. 11

Friday Sept. 12

Sunday Sept. 14

Saturday Sept. 13

Football

RHODE ISLAND 1 p.m.

Men’s Soccer

at NJIT 11 a.m.

Women’s Tennis

at Stony Brook Invitational TBA

Volleyball Golf

Tuesday Sept. 16

THE CITADEL Noon

at Iona 3 p.m. at Saint Peter’s 3 p.m.

Water Polo

Monday Sept. 15

Wednesday Sept. 17

TEMPLE 4 p.m.

Men’s Tennis

Cross Country

Billy Horschel is a tournament victory away from winning the 2014 FedEx Cup.

fans couldn’t have been too pleased with the team’s play, especially Hoyer’s play, who has all eyes on his every move. The Browns came out of halftime and scored 24 unanswered points to tie the game. The points weren’t gifted either. Hoyer led drives of 80, 59, 75 and 51 yards to bring the Browns back. Most importantly, he didn’t turn the ball over. The Browns actually won the turnover battle 1-0.

It’s rare that the team that wins the turnover battle loses the game. Unfortunately, that’s exactly what happened to Cleveland.

But, were I a Browns fan, things would have to take a significant turn for the worse for me to call for Hoyer to be replaced. Sunday’s game might not have been a win, but it did prove that Brian Hoyer should be the man leading the Cleveland offense for the entire 2014 season.

The Philadelphia Eagles will be the only NFC East team over .500 this year. This is the hardest conclusion to swallow since I am a New York Giants fan through and through. We need to face it though: The Eagles are the class of the division, and it’s not even close. The Redskins, as talented as they seem on offense, are more glitter than gold. I trust Robert Griffin III about as much as I trust a three-card monte game on Fordham Road. Simply put, he’s not going to lead you to a Super Bowl. He’s an injury waiting to happen. He hasn’t shown the ability to consistently be counted on as a

Upcoming Varsity Schedule

Women’s Soccer

COURTESY OF WIKIMEDIA

September 10, 2014

at LIU Post Invitational All Day at Bucknell Invitational All Day at Hofstra Invitational All Day at Adams Cup Newport, Rhode Island All Day

Page 18

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SPORTS

September 10, 2014

For Once, the Royals Are Playing like Royalty

By MATTHEW MICHAELS STAFF WRITER

Lorde topped the charts of Billboard’s Hot 100 last October with her minimalistic “Royals.” The hit song denounces those who live a life of luxury. The New Zealand teenager was inspired to write the wildly popular single when she saw a picture in National Geographic of George Brett, arguably the best player in Kansas City Royals history, with the team name emblazoned on his jersey.

Of course, it is not too often the Royals are at number one like Lorde was. Kansas City last finished first in the standings in 1985, 11 years before the Grammy winner was born. That season, the Royals won the franchise’s only World Series and made their last playoff appearance until now. Their current 28year playoff drought is not only the longest in the MLB, but among all four major North American sports leagues. After an 86-win 2013 campaign, the Royals are on the verge of consecutive winning seasons for the first time since the ’80s.

Just like “Royals,” the baseball team does not have the same kind of financial means as its competitors. In Lorde’s second verse, she sings: “My friends and I we’ve cracked the code.

We count our dollars on the train to the party, [and everyone knows us knows that] we’re fine with this, we didn’t come from money.” Similarly, General Manager Dayton Moore has found a way to compete while spending significantly less than their main rivals, the Detroit Tigers.

With an Opening Day payroll of $92 million, the Royals ranked 19th in spending for the second consecutive year. However, they have used shrewd moves and are well on their way to the party that is October baseball.

Oddly enough, the Royals are not a moneyball team like most small market, and even some large market, squads. They do not rely on getting on base and using raw power like moneyball teams do; entering play on Monday, the Royals’ 88 home runs and 319 walks were the lowest totals in the big leagues, while their .310 on-base percentage was second-lowest in the American League.

They play a different type of ball.

The Royals put the ball in play often; their 831 strikeouts are the fewest by a margin of 127. They are far from a three-true outcome team.

The team’s .261 batting average is a testament to its ability to make contact. Kansas City’s 130 stolen bases are the most in the majors while its base runners have been caught stealing only 27 times, proving it is not wild on the base paths and is talented in the art of selection.

The team’s speed also provides the foundation for a great defensive outfield. Alex Gordon’s 22.9 Ultimate Zone Rating is second among all outfielders and teammates Lorenzo Cain and Nori Aoki rank sixth and 16th respectively in UZR. If the innings minimum is reduced to 600, fourth outfielder and speedster Jarrod Dyson ranks fifth with 16.5 UZR. They stack up even taller based on Defensive Runs Saved. All told, the outfielders have combined to be the best defensively by far.

Former second overall draft pick Alex Gordon is finally hitting his stride after several disappointing seasons. His 5.7 Wins Above Replacement is seventh best in the majors. Catcher Salvador Perez remains a defensive stalwart behind the plate while being valuable offensively. The 24-year-old will finish his fourth big league season with a WAR north of four. Both Gordon and Perez made their second straight all-star team this season.

On the pitching side, James Shields has led the staff with another dominant season of over 200 innings pitched. With contributions from rookie flame-thrower Yordano Ventura, career journeyman Jason Vargas and a blossoming Danny Duffy, the Royals rotation has been a force to be reckoned with, even with Duffy’s recent injury. The seventheighth-ninth inning combination of Kelvin Herrera (1.37 ERA, 59.1 innings), Wade Davis (0.72 ERA, 62.1 innings) and closer Gregg Holland (1.60 ERA, 56.1 innings, 42 for 44 in save opportunities) has been one of the greatest ever this season. Holland especially has had a year for the ages; his 560 ERA+(100 being average) is unheard of, even though his two bullpen mates both have ERA+ of more than 250. Of the three, only Holland has allowed a home run in 2014, and he has only allowed three.

One Kansas City team ‘lives that fantasy’ Amazingly, they are in contention despite all the things that have gone wrong for them. Infielders Eric Hosmer, Omar Infante and especially Mike Moustakas have had disappointing offensive production.

Alex Gordon is the only regular who is having an above average offensive season. When the non-waiver trade deadline approached, many contenders felt obligated to make a splash, but not the Royals. Their big move was trading for backup catcher Erik Kratz and spot starter/ long reliever Liam Hendricks from the Blue Jays. Meanwhile, the Tigers compelled themselves to add David Price, one of the game’s best pitchers, to an already impressive pitching staff. Compared to the team they are trying to beat out in the AL Central, Kansas City just sat on its hands, and the patience worked.

On May 28, the Royals were 2428 and in last place in the division.

They made up ground steadily but were still two games under .500 on July 21. They turned things around quickly; on Trade Deadline day, they were four games behind the Tigers.

In September, they lead Detroit by a couple of games. Baseball Prospectus calculates their chance of making the postseason at 65 percent. It is likely their dreaded streak will finally come to a close this season.

This season, the Royals have no postcode envy. They lead the Tigers on a gold leash. That kind of luxe may not be for them, but they are Royals, and for once, they are playing like royalty.

Page 19

Varsity Scores & Stats Football Fordham 3 0 3 0 6 Villanova 7 26 7 10 50 (FOR) S. Ajala 7 rec, 95 yds (VU) P. Livers 110 yds, 2 TDs

Volleyball Farleigh Dickinson Fordham (FDU) D. Hong 14 digs (FOR) S. Skelton 10 kills

Men’s Soccer Lafayette 1 Fordham 2 GOALS: Penfold (FOR) 11’, Penfold (2) (FOR) 48’, Egan (LAF) 53’

Rider Fordham (RU) J. Webber 18 kills (FOR) G. Muller 20 digs

Women’s Soccer Fordham 2 LIU Brooklyn 1 GOALS: Gomez (LIU) 12’, Lahcanski (FOR) 49’, Widmann (FOR) 80’

Golf Colgate Invitational

12th

3 1

Fordham 4 Washington & Jefferson 6 Fordham Salem International

3 2

Men’s Cross Country Fiasco/Ed Joyce Memorial 2nd place

Northeastern 3 Fordham 2 (NU) B. Burcescu 12 kills (FOR) B. O’Neil 10 digs

Mike Turi

Water Polo Mercyhurst Fordham

3rd place

Fordham Navy

27 5

6 9 2 12

7th- 26:44.18

Women’s Cross Country Fiasco/Ed Joyce Memorial

Brianna Tevnan 2nd- 19:40 Mara Lieberman 9th- 19:58

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

Andres Penfold

Jessica Widmann

Senior

Senior

Soccer

Soccer

Penfold has four goals in his last two games. He scored two against Lafayette in a 2-1 victory on Friday and two against Manhattan in a 3-1 victory last night.

Widmann was the hero against LIU Brooklyn, scoring the go-ahead goal in the 80th minute that ended up being the game winner, giving Fordham its fourth consecutive victory.

News & Notes • Fordham football dropped eight spots to 19th in the Sports Network poll following its 50-6 loss on the road in Villanova. It is the first team in school history to score 50 points in one game and win, then allow 50 points in its next game and lose. Its next matchup is at home on Saturday against the University of Rhode Island at 1 p.m.

• Two former Fordham Rams played in Week 1 of the 2014-15 NFL season. Kicker Patrick Murray made his NFL regular season debut for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, kicking two extra points in a loss to the Carolina Panthers. Free safety Isa AbdulQuddus had five tackles, four solo, for the Detroit Lions in a win over the Giants on Monday.

• Fordham men’s soccer defeated Manhattan College last night, 3-1. Goals for the Rams were scored by Jordan Agostino (57’) and Andres Penfold (73’ and 78’).

• Fordham volleyball fell in straight sets to Stony Brook 25-20, 25-17, 25-23 last night to drop to 0-7 on the year. Brianna O’ Neil led the team with nine kills.

Follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/theram_sports

SPORTS

Page 20

September 10, 2014

The Fordham Ram

Football Unimpressive on Road, Falls to Villanova, 50-6

RAM ARCHIVES

The season’s second game was supremely disappointing for the Rams, who aim look to bounce back against Rhode Island.

By MAX PRINZ SPORTS EDITOR

The 2014 Fordham Rams were unable to submit a repeat performance of last year’s historic win over Villanova after squaring off against the squad on Saturday.

Playing on the road, the Rams

struggled to total just 219 yards of offense and were dominated by a superior Villanova team, 50-6.

Head coach Joe Moorhead was quick to accept blame for his team’s poor performance. He admitted that his Rams were defeated in virtually every aspect of the game.

“In all three phases of the game

we were outcoached and outplayed,” Moorhead said. “It starts with me.

I’m ultimately responsible for that.”

Villanova quarterback John Robertson threw for three touchdowns and ran for one more, before being subbed out midway through the third quarter.

“My hats off to them,” said Moor-

head after the loss. “They whipped us.”

The Rams were also hurt by an hour-long delay in the second quarter caused by lightning in the area.

Villanova exploded out of the gate following the interruption, scoring 26 of its 33 first-half points. The Rams, on the other hand, failed to convert a fourth down, turned the ball over and became stuck in a downward spiral.

“That didn’t help us, but it’s certainly not an excuse,” Moorhead said. “Didn’t hurt us but didn’t help us either.”

Meanwhile, Villanova head coach John Talley said after the game that he had stressed the likelihood of an interruption during practice.

“I thought we played extremely well after the break,” Talley said. “We said during the week that we were willing to stay out there all night.

That’s how important this game was to us.”

The game began ominously enough for the Rams. Freshman running back Chase Edmonds, who had shown flashes of kick returning ability last week, was tripped up at the 13-yard line, giving the Rams poor field position on their opening drive.

Villanova, on the other hand, came out of the gates hot. The Wildcats scored on their second drive of the game, when Robertson scrambled 20 yards for a touchdown.

“They struck early and they struck often,” Moorhead said. “We really couldn’t get much of anything going today offensively.”

The Rams answered with a 31yard field goal from senior Michael Marando, but that was their last stretch of decent play. Lightning

Women’s Soccer Rebounds After Loss, Wins Four Straight

By DREW CASEY STAFF WRITER

After losing their season opener, the Fordham women’s soccer team has not missed a beat. The Rams (4-1-0) have won their last four matches and currently find themselves ranked ninth in the NSCAA Mid-Atlantic rankings. The regional ranking is the first such recognition for the team since 2006.

Part of this recognition can be credited to first-year head coach Jessica Clinton. Clinton, who took over earlier this calendar year, has enjoyed every moment at Rose Hill and has expressed excitement about this season. She is very proud of her team so far, but stressed that the team will need to continue its hard work in order to achieve success.

“The overall team camaraderie has been outstanding,” said Clinton. “This is a group of players that want to play for each other. They want the same thing and that is an important factor to why we have been successful. They have done everything the staff has asked of them plus more.”

The Rams opened the 2014 campaign back on Aug. 22 in Ypsilanti, Michigan, against a solid Eastern Michigan Eagles team. They only managed two shots on goal in the Midwest contest, and an Eagle goal in each half paced Eastern Michigan to a 2-0 victory.

Just two days later, the team squared off with Manhattan College to open Jack Coffey Field for the 2014 season. Not only was this the home opener, but this was also the first edition of the Battle of the Bronx of the academic year. One of the team’s preseason goals was to win this game in front of their home crowd, and they did just that, taking the match 2-1. Freshman midfielder Natalie Sims and senior midfielder Jessica Widmann connected for both Ram goals, scoring one and assisting on the other respectively.

Fresh off the victory, the team remained home for a few days before hosting Vermont on Aug. 29. In a tight defensive game, senior Kate McDonnell broke the scoreless deadlock in the 85th minute. Goalkeepers Megan Fitzgerald and Ally White combined for the shutout.

DAVID MEYERS/THE RAM

After a loss in its opening game, Fordham’s squad has recovered fiercely.

struck, the field cleared and Villanova took over the game.

The Wildcats scored 26 unanswered points following the hourlong delay and went into the locker room with a 30-point lead. The game was never in doubt from that point on.

Senior quarterback Michael Nebrich followed up a slightly errant performance against St. Francis (Pa.) with a lackluster one against Villanova. Nebrich was just 14-28 on the day, throwing for 182 yards and a pair of interceptions. He received little help from his offensive line which, in addition to creating space for just 18 rushing yards, allowed six quarterback sacks. “[Nebrich] is a terrific player- he beat us last year.” Talley said after the game. “We were ready for him this year. Our defense was pretty determined.”

The running game, a bright spot for the Rams as recent as one week ago, struggled mightily. The Rams were held to just 18 yards rushing on the day. The defense also performed worse against the Wildcats than it did in Week 1.

“We’re a team that prides itself on its physicality and its ability to run the ball,” Moorhead said. “When we can’t get the running game going it’s hard to build off of that with our play-action game and get the ball downfield.”

Despite the disappointing result, Moorhead refused to give up on the season.

“All of our season goals that we want to achieve are still there for us,” Moorhead said. “This was one loss, one that I hope is going to sting this week. It should feel bad.”

The team kept at it on Sunday, Aug. 31 and won more comfortably, defeating Maine 2-0. Nicole Natale netted her first goal of the season in the 20th minute before McDonnell scored her second of the season early in the second half. White again earned the shutout for the Rams, but this one was a 90 minute effort for the Diablo, California, native.

Most recently, the team traveled to LIU Brooklyn for a Friday evening matchup. After trailing 1-0 at the half, the Rams roared back out of the break. Junior Ivana Lahcanski found the back of the net in the 49th minute to tie the game at one before Widmann added her second game winning goal of the season in the 80th minute.

The team will attempt to extend its winning streak to five, when they visit Iona College on Friday afternoon. The Rams return home Sunday for a noon kickoff with The Citadel.

As one would expect, the team has very high expectations for the season. This is only the beginning in their eyes.

“Success is defined for us, not in the win column, but by playing a style and brand of soccer that we are proud of: working hard and walking off the field playing for each other,” said Clinton. “If we do the little things, pay attention to details, we will put ourselves in a position to win.”