Volume 97 issue 17 by The Fordham Ram

The Fordham Ram Serving The Fordham dh University Community Since 1918 Volume 97, Issue 17

FordhamRam.com

October 21, 2015

Kearney Named to OSI Role

Our Next Tech Hub: The Bronx By CAILIN MCKENNA

By ERIN SHANAHAN

ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR

The Bronx could be, and should be, the next DUMBO or Silicon Valley, a home to startups and global technology companies. This was the argument at this year’s Bronx Summit on Technology Innovation and startups. “I believe that the consumers of technology are going to be the producers of technology and it has to reflect the people that are using it,” said Alex Albein, the co-founder and CEO of Liquid Talent, which connects professionals to technology enterprises through an online platform. But the increasing emphasis on technology in the borough could have lasting effects on the residents of the Bronx. This was the question that dominated the discussion at the fourth annual summit: how to incorporate technological advancement into the lives of Bronx residents. “When [venture capital investors] think about innovation [they] don’t think about the Bronx,” said Derrick Lewis, economic advisor to New York State Assembly member Michael Blake. “We need to change how individuals can see the Bronx as a tech incubator.” Lewis also talked about the imporSEE TECH SUMMIT, PAGE 3

VINCENT TSAI FOR THE FORDHAM RAM

Fordham Students United gathered at RamTown to protest the recent bias incidents that have occurred on campus.

Amid Buzz of Ram Town, Activists Stage Silent Protest By KATIE MEYER MANAGING EDITOR

This year’s Ram Town celebration went on almost as usual — the Rose Hill gym was filled to its rafters with maroon. The basketball teams showed off skills and drummed up school spirit. Thousands of students streamed in, filling the old building with chatter and cheers. But amid the revelry, one group stood apart.

president of facilities, film crews can bring in between $80,000 — $200,000 depending on how many shoots take place on campus. For a university that makes almost 94 percent of its revenue from student tuition, that is not a small estimate. So far this year, Valera reports that the university has already made around $75,000 in revenue

what it was supposed to. “A silent protest at an event like Ram Town, which is very loud and rambunctious, with everyone wearing maroon — we figured it would be a really powerful image to just stand there without speaking, dressed in all black, mourning over the fact that all of this B.S. is happening on campus and we really don’t feel like we’re getting any appropriate response,” she said. That “B.S.” refers to two incidents that took place earlier this semester. In the first, which occurred on Sept. 13, a black freshman student at Rose Hill returned to his dorm room to find that a racial slur had been scratched into the paint on his door. In the second incident, just a week later, a crude swastika was found drawn on a stairwell in the same freshman dorm. In response to the incidents, the university sent out emails condemning the racist acts. In the door case, the report noted that it goes “without saying that such behavior is antithetical to the values of Jesuit education. Such slurs injure not only their intended targets, but the entire Fordham community.” Cruz said that those episodes were the catalysts for FSU, which launched in late September. The group is a self-described “intersectional coalition,” which Cruz says aims to address a wide range of issues on campus. “We’re a loose coalition of student activists and alumni, and faculty are actually involved in some of what we do too,” she said. And she says the group’s two major events thus far (the silent protest, and a march for racism awareness during the Homecoming football game) have received an overall very positive response from the student body. But, she added, there are still many smaller issues at play on campus that FSU aims to address as well — many of which go largely unde-

SEE FILM CREWS, PAGE 2

SEE PROTEST, PAGE 5

Dressed in all black, the members of Fordham Students United silently held up a large sign emblazoned with the words “BLACK STUDENTS MATTER.” The rest of the student body largely ignored them, save for a few, often confused, glances in their direction. But Monica Cruz, FCRH ’16, a member of Fordham Students United (FSU) said from her perspective, the silent demonstration did exactly

COURTESY OF FORDHAM ATHLETICS FACEBOOK

Film crews crowd Fordham’s Rose Hill campus filming shows such as “Gotham,” a new drama on Fox.

In TV and Film, Rose Hill Cast in Crucial Role: The Set By LAURA SANICOLA NEWS EDITOR

It is not an uncommon sight at Fordham to see tripods set up on Eddie’s, generators lining the A-Lot and actors strolling across campus. For years, film crews have utilized Fordham’s Rose Hill campus, with its gothic architecture and facilities, an arrangement that has earned the

university a significant amount of money. “This is a very helpful process to our students, faculty and staff,” said John Carroll, vice president of Public Safety. “It brings revenue to the university and anything that brings revenue to the university, is a positive thing because the university is doing everything to keep our tuition costs down.” According to Mark Valera, vice

After a year of searching, the position of assistant director for student organizations and programming has been filled by Alexandra Kearney. Kearney is originally from Chicago, but attended college in Florida at the University of Central Florida. There, she received her bachelors in legal studies (Pre-Law) with a minor in criminal justice. Currently, Kearney is pursuing her masters in higher education administration from Stony Brook University. Kearney already has some experience with the Office for Student Involvement. She became the graduate intern for the position in Jan. 2015. During that time, she worked under the supervision of Shannon Driscoll, the former assistant director for student organizations and programming. After this past summer, Kearney decided to apply for the position as assistant director. “I was familiar with the workload and really enjoyed my time thus far at Fordham and was very excited about the opportunity to do it full time,” she said. “I originally applied for the position at Fordham because I was very interested in working at a smaller, religious school — much different than my undergraduate experience,” Kearney said. “After reading through the mission of the university and following up on the meaning of Jesuit principles, [I] felt that I could truly align myself with the goals of the university.” As the new assistant director for student organizations and programming, Kearney has big plans for this coming year. “I'm very excited to work with our club leaders in a more comprehensive way,” she said. As a graduate intern, Kearney’s interaction with actual students was limited due to the nature of the intern’s job. Although Kearney has developed a good relationship with club leaders, she hopes to make it even stronger by ensuring that lines of communication are open for all students. While the office is going through some transition, Kearney and MoSEE DIRECTOR, PAGE 4

in this issue

Opinion Page 7 Recap of Democratic Debate

Culture

Page 11

Fun and Topical Halloween Costumes

Sports

Page 20 Fordham Football Wins Over Time Thriller

NEWS

Page 2 s

PUBLIC SAFETY BRIEFS October 11 8:30 - 10:30 p.m. Howl at the Moon Bar

A student was watching the Giants football game at the establishment. The student had his phone plugged into an outlet near the bar so it could charge. When he went to retrieve his phone, it was missing. The student contacted the manager of the establishment, and is still waiting for a call back. October 13 5:25 p.m. Southern Boulevard A Fordham employee parked a car on Southern Boulevard about 100 yards away from the main entrance of the campus. She returned to her car at 5:25 to discover a male in the back seat. The backside window had been broken. The male fled from the car when she approached. Nothing was taken. Safety and Security, as well as the NYPD, arrived at the scene. The employee filed a complaint with the NYPD for criminal mischief. No injuries were reported. October 16 4:15 - 5:15 The Marketplace A student went to The Marketplace to eat at 4:15, and after finishing her meal at 5:00 she left. She returned to The Marketplace after realizing she left her wallet, but the wallet was missing from where she had sat. The wallet contained a driver’s licence, $15, a Bank ID and Fordham ID Card. The area was checked by Public Safety and the employees were interviewed about the disappearance. No employees saw it and none reported it being turned in. . October 17 2:45 a.m. Mugz Bar A male student was injured in a fight involving about 12 to 15 other men. The student fell to the ground and was kicked by some unknown male. He reserved medical attention and was taken to Saint Barnabas Hospital. Public Safety and the NYPD responded. Both are now investigating the event. —Compiled by Erin Shanahan, Assistant News Editor

October 21, 2015

Rose Hill Campus Cast as Set for Films, T V FROM FILM CREWS, PAGE 1

American drama series Gotham. Expenses incurred by the film crew are usually paid by the film crew, and after that the money goes into a “general fund,” according to Valera. And if it seems like there are more film crews on campus as of late, that is because there are, thanks to a change of legislation which made additional filming possible. “In the past couple years the films were not given tax preferences by the city, so we saw a lot less activity on campus,” Valera said. The New York State Film Production Tax Credit program provides qualifying film and television productions with a 30% credit for qualified production expenditure. In April 2013 new legislation extended the program through 2019, allocating $420 million per year. Fordham’s history film credits include several big hits, including the 1973 horror thriller, the Exorcist, and a Ron Howard Best Picture winner, A Beautiful Mind.” Both films featured scenes in the basement of Keating Hall. More recent credits include more movies made for television and drama series such as Madame Secretary and Gotham. “The university sees 8-10 major films and TV shows filmed here annually,” Valera said. Valera is in charge of much of the coordination of film crews on campus. When a crew asks him whether or not they can use campus for filming, several university administrators are contacted for approval. Despite the value of additional revenue, film crews do not always get the green light. “Just because they ask, doesn’t mean the answer is yes. It is probably no more than it is yes,” said Carroll. “This is a university, it’s not a place to shoot film… we are very careful to make sure that it no way disturbs or disrupts the academic mission of the university.” Therefore, before a film crew is approved, administrators look at events schedules, class schedules and club schedules. “Students first, classes first, events first, film last. Film is at the bottom of the pile,” Carroll said. However, some students find themselves considerably inconvenienced when campus filming causes them to have to change their course without a notice, a

COURTESY OF FORDHAM ATHLETICS FACEBOOK

Although film crews sometimes block pathways to class, their presence brings in revenue to the university.

matter which was brought to the United Student Government in September. “At first it is exciting, the thought of having filming on campus,” said Abby Heinmeyer, FCRH ‘17. “However, that feeling soon subsides when we have to reroute on the way to class because the crews are using a particular area. It would be extremely helpful if the student body was notified so that we don’t have to go through the aggravation and risk being late to class.” At the most recent Student Life Council, United Student Government president Ashley Domagola, FCRH ’16, brought up an initiative to alert students beforehand about where films are being shot on campus so they can reroute their paths accordingly. “I feel as though any issue students have with on-campus filming could easily be resolved with an email,” said Phil Bedard, FCRH ‘17. Carroll believes such a notification is unnecessary. “I'd be killing these kids with all this information to no avail,” he said. “They shouldn't be rerouting their paths, that shouldn't be happening…it doesn’t affect you unless you’re walking down one particular pathway for a short

period of time,” he added. Carroll assured that roadways never get closed for film crews. “There may be a time for two minutes when an actor needs to walk across the road and we might say, ‘Hey guys can you hold off for a few minutes.’ But we would never shut them down altogether.” Instead, Carroll says the university tries to plan filming on Saturdays or Sundays “when it doesn’t interfere with anyone.” Some students like Cailee Tallon, FCRH ’18 , are of the opinion that film crews can be an important source of revenue for the university. “I think that it’s a smart way to increase income for the university and it is a good way to publicize Fordham in a different way,” Tallon said. Before approving a film crew on campus, the university must assess if they are equipped with the right resources to host a film crew, then consider the legal requirements and insurance costs, reported Valera. “The types of shoots they are going to do factors into the decision,” he said. Despite being a Jesuit university, Fordham’s campus has played host to a variety of films and music videos. Carroll and Valera af-

firm that some content review of the script takes place beforehand. “We’re not going to let a porno shoot on campus, or anything like that,” Carroll said. However, the film does not have be “Jesuit” by all standards, as evidenced by the music video of Fat Joe’s hit song “What’s Luv” featuring Ashanti which was shot in the Rose Hill gymnasium. If a movie or film is approved, students likely will not see Fordham’s name on the big screen at all. “We typically ask that Fordham’s name not be shown in the film,” Carroll said. Such is the case in “Madame Secretary,” where Fordham’s campus stands in for Georgetown University. By deflecting its identity, Fordham can protect itself from any association of the film’s content. Valera also finds that other factors, like the benefits of revenue, the experience of seeing the show on television and the possibility of being an extra outweigh the cons of hosting film crews on campus. “Thinking of my college days we had one or two times that a number of students were extras in a film shot on campus, and that was always a lot of fun,” Valera said.

This Week at Fordham Friday Oct. 23 Verbal Essences Spoken Word Show Blackbox Theater 8 p.m. Fordham’s only spoken word group, Verbal Essences, will perform a one hour show of original student poetry. The group is part of the umbrella organization of Fordham Experimental Theatre.

Saturday Oct. 24

Saturday Oct. 24 WAC Bingo

Sock Saturday

Fordham Stand Up

McGinley 205 11 a.m.

Blackbox 8 p.m.

Keating 1st 1 p.m.

Fordham Stand Up will perform a one night only character show in anticipation of Halloween. Admission is free, but arrive early to guarantee a seat in the theater.

Join Campus Activities Board for Sunday night bingo. The first board is free and any additional boards cost $1.00. Students are eligible to win tickets to “Blood Manor” and other prizes. All proceeds will benefit B+ and pediatric cancer organizations.

Students can take part in a day-long volunteer experience and travel into Manhattan to distribute socks to the homeless in the area. Global Outreach (GO!) will host the event. Arrive by 11 am to the GO! office on Saturday.

For more campus events, visit FordhamRam.com

Monday Oct. 26 Cinevents! Presents: Jurassic World Keating 1st 9 p.m. Campus Activities Board will host a Cinevent showing the summer blockbuster, Jurassic World. The latest installment in the Jurassic Park series, the film follows the story of an amusement park and the problems that arise with its genetically engineered dinosaurs.

NEWS

October 21, 2015

Page 3

Education, Infrastructure Among Challenges to Bronx Tech FROM TECH SUMMIT, PAGE 1

tance of using technology to better the daily lives of Bronx residents, especially through healthcare technology and food incubators. Since many areas of the Bronx are considered “food deserts,” the incubators could be vital to improving the lives of residents. Speakers and panelists explored the opportunities and challenges that an influx of technology-based innovation companies could provide for the Bronx. Fordham’s Center for Digital Transformation co-sponsored the event along with the University’s urban studies program, the Urban Law Center and the Bronx Technology Innovation Coalition. A panel discussion of local entrepreneurs, start up CEOs, representatives of local politicians and Fordham community members focused on how already existing resources could promote economic development in the borough. In particular, the innovation of health care technology was a focal point of the discussion, including the impact of health hackathons, in which students and other programmers collaborate on building mobile applications. The discussion also focused on incorporation of minority youths into the industry. “By 2020, the demand for technology resources is only going to be met by about 60 percent by people who come from universities,” said Keith Klain, co-CEO of Doran Jones, a technology consultant firm located in the South Bronx. “There is a huge opportunity to keep those jobs in New York by providing people with alternative backgrounds access to those jobs.” However, technological enterprises in the Bronx will have to be much smaller in size compared to

their Silicon Valley counterparts. Klain believes that these medium enterprises, as they continue to fall victim to outsourcing markets, will look to alternatives in hiring. The solution will be individuals who do not possess a four year degree in computer science and instead held apprenticeships or took part in a work force development program. “There is a huge opportunity,” he said. “Forty percent of the labor market in technology can be met in the Bronx but the demographics aren’t going to look like a DUMBO.” On Sept. 16, New York City Mayor Bill De Blasio announced a ten-year plan to initiate computer science programs in all New York City public schools in order to ensure that students have the skill set to compete in the city’s fast-growing technology sector. “You give me every kid’s phone and you could have them coding on the subway on the way home from school today,” said Tom O’Connell, program director of Code Interactive, which aims to increase youth interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. “There is the technology out there, there are the resources out there to do it this afternoon and ten years is ridiculous.” While the technology exists, the problems arise with a lack of educations and infrastructural challenges in many public schools in the South Bronx. “The problem is who is going to instruct and educate this class,” said Albein. “It’s not just people willing to consume it and be the next coders of our country, it’s going to be who is going to be the ones teaching [it.] We need more people and more organizations in this space.” Albein first came to the Bronx

CASEY CHUN/ THE FORDHAM RAM

The annual Bronx Summit on Technology Innovations and Start Ups was held in Hughes Hall on Wednesday, Oct. 14.

while working with Google’s nonprofit investment strategy and worked with initiatives like Girls Who Code. Before city schools can implement computer science programs, they must first find experienced educators. “A lot of the rising engineer stars aren’t looking at education as a way for them to exercise their knowledge,” he said. “They’re looking at profit and building their own company.” While the resources and market exist in the Bronx, there are still many issues that need to be addressed, such as weak infrastructure and how to connect Bronx

Substance Abuse Office Incorporated into Residential Life

CASEY CHUN/ THE FORDHAM RAM

All services of the Office of Substance Abuse Prevention will be maintained by the Office of Residential Life.

By ASHLEY KATUSA STAFF WRITER

Tucked away in the lower levels of Alumni Court South and Loschert Hall are little clusters

of offices devoted to Residential Life and the Office of Substance Abuse Prevention and Students Support (OSAPSS) program at Rose Hill. This year, OSAPSS has been taken in under the umbrella

of Residential Life. According to Kimberly Russell, assistant dean of students and director of Residential Life, this change will not decrease the effectiveness. or the prominence of

youth with technology companies. Lewis sees a solution in the collaboration between academia, and programs like Fordham’s Social Innovation Collaboratory and the start up community, such as offering Fordham students or individuals with apprenticeship experience credit for working with tech start-ups in the Bronx. “We also need an increase in collaboration among social impact and non-profits with tech companies,” he said. “There’s a possibility for us to find the solution to real-world problems with technology.”

Albein believes the solution to remove the negative stigma around the Bronx as a tech center could be done through a media campaign. “We need to rebrand the Bronx as a place where amazing talents and products are created,” he said. “We need one or two clear entities that come out of the Bronx like the garage in Silicon Valley. If we can recreate that, that would do a lot [for the borough] over the next five to 10 years.” “I think that Williamsburg and DUMBO and Flatiron were yesterday,” said Albein. “And I think the Bronx is tomorrow.”

Fordham’s substance abuse program. Rather, the name OSAPSS will fall out of use and the title Residential Life will encompass all the campus’s resources associated with substance abuse. Essentially, this means that none of the resources provided by the past OSAPSS will be lost. One-hundred percent of the substance abuse resources will continue to be maintained and offered through the Office of Residential Life. Russell made this fact very clear. When asked if this assimilation of OSAPSS into Residential Life was a positive change for the substance abuse program, she was quick to respond that the change was completely for the better. “I think it’s great,” Russell said. “One of the things that’s really important to us is that we support the students.” The substance abuse program aims to be more connected to different student services, such as resident directors and resident assistants, and more connected to other clubs and organizations. This will provide a greater information stream for both staff and students, administrators say. Hired in September, Jessica Ballou is assuming the position as the new director of the substance abuse program. Ballou has a doctorate in psy-

chology and has worked in substance abuse prevention programs in both San Francisco and at Virginia Tech. She said that she is excited about working with the Fordham community, and wants students to know that all are welcome to take advantage of the substance abuse program and services here at Fordham. “We’re here for education and support,” she said. Russell also denied that the substance abuse program is funded by room damage billings. “Nope…solved that rumor… where did that even come from?” she laughed. In regards to funding, Russell noted that in the coming years, the OSSAPS budget will likely be increased due to the fact that the substance abuse program now has a more comprehensive collaboration with Residential Life. According to the Fordham University website, the Office of Substance Abuse Prevention and Student Support “employs a comprehensive multi-tiered approach to substance abuse prevention that integrates education, environmental management, early intervention and assessment strategies.” The office consists of the diretor, graduate student interns and several undergraduate student interns.

NEWS

Page 4

October 21, 2015

Fordham In The Bronx

Kearney Named to OSI Post

Something Fishy On The Grand Concourse By MICHAEL DOBUSKI BRONX CORRESPONDENT

FROM DIRECTOR, PAGE 1

Fordham students, rightfully so, spend a good deal of their city time on Arthur Avenue. It is easy to see why, too: the bustling indoor market, the authentic local businesses and the seemingly endless procession of tantalizing smells promising some form of artery- clogging, greasy Italian goodness. But there is another stretch of road in the Bronx, a much bigger one, which is worth getting to know. It is a street we have all been on at some point or another: the Grand Concourse. Across the street from the D train’s 167 Street stop lies a barely noticeable apartment building. “Barely noticeable” in this context, meaning that I became hopelessly lost trying to find it. Which means this is a bit of a double feature. We are going to examine the Grand Concourse through the lens of a short walk and a frustratingly tucked-away building. So, what is so special about this one particular apartment complex, about a ten minute walk from the Bronx Borough Hall? The answer lies, as it usually does, under some local history. Louis Aloys Risse, an engineer, mapped out his vision of the Bronx’s main thoroughfare in the late nineteenth century. The Grand Concourse’s grand opening was held in 1909, replete with its supporter’s visions of a Champs D’Elysees-style center for arts, culture and, most noticeably, architecture. Before this vision was allowed to fully take shape, however, the Grand Concourse’s residential buildings became comfortable homes for the great influx of immigrant families in the 1920s. During the violent 1970s and 1980s, many with the means left the Bronx, and the Grand Concourse’s vibrant, Art Deco buildings fell into disrepair. With the popularity of new and revitalized businesses and green spaces such as The Bronx Museum of the Arts and Joyce Kilmer Park, the

MICHAEL DOBUSKI/ THE FORDHAM RAM

Correspondent Michael Dobuski observed Art-Deco artictecture in the heart of the Bronx on Grand Concourse.

neighborhood is seeing something of a renaissance. The 167th Street D train stop is a confusing one. It features four separate exits from the subway, some of which, confusingly, say “no entry” despite obviously offering a clear path to the street. Once you finally arrive at street level, the story changes. You are immediately greeted by an ornately painted mural, filled with loud reds, pinks and blues centered around the words “It is ok, girl.” The mural is one of many sprinkled around the borough, all of which are signed simply: “Respect art. Don’t tag.” They are interesting pockets of reassurance, positivity and reverence in an otherwise bustling cityscape. The walk south is filled with all the usual Bronx staples: a colourful bodega on 164 Street, an ongoing construction project spanning several blocks, and of course, Yankee Stadium in the distance. It takes until 161 St.

to realize that I have been going the wrong way, but the walk was not for naught, because, out of nowhere, a farmer’s market appeared on the sidewalk. It offered all sorts of autumnal fruits, vegetables and baked goods. Suppressing my weakness for apple cider, I cross the street and walk north, in the direction I came. The residential buildings that were in such disrepair only twenty years ago are, for the most part, clean and stately. They have not returned to their former glory, but like much of the borough, are proud. The Art Deco survivors stand in stark contrast to their brutalist and modernist neighbors, and it is easy to see how many in the early 1900s dreamed so big for this place. Finally, almost directly across the street from where I exit the subway, is my original destination: 1150 Grand Concourse. The place demands attention for a number of

reasons, not the least of which is its name: the Fish Building. Its exterior is adorned with an intricate tile mural of an underwater scene, an enormous, wide-eyed and colourful fish dominating the street-facing wall. A step into the lobby reveals even more art deco tilework, which is a theme that extends even to the elevator doors. A mythic-looking painting of Poseidon offsets the hard edges of the rest of the room. What is most remarkable about the Fish Building, however, is that people still live there, which means that all the 1920s style is cleaned and restored regularly. The building, both inside and out, looks new. So if you ever find yourself on Grand Concourse near Yankee Stadium, duck into the Fish Building for a few minutes. It is a genuinely unique escape into the past, and One that could only be found on the Bronx’s other famous avenue.

for all students. While the office is going through some transition, Kearney and Monique Dumaine, the new student organizations and engagement specialist are working to divvy up the work. Eventually, Dumaine will be working more on the fiscal side of department, with matters such as as budget forms and room requests. Kearney will be focusing more on student leadership development and initiatives. In addition, Kearney is an advisor for the budget committee. At these meetings, she helps to improve the budgeting process and address the concerns of clubs. “[Kearney] has been working with clubs for over a year, so she knows what clubs need, how to help them, and where the current processes can improve to better serve clubs,” said Daniel Stroie, GSB ’17, USG’s vice president of finance and head of the budget committee. “From my interactions with her so far,” he said, “I believe that she and Dumaine, will be able to have a positive impact on clubs while helping them develop their leadership on campus.” Outside of Fordham, Kearney lives a very busy life. In addition to pursuing her Master's Degree, Kearney has a new family. Her husband is a part of the Navy and is currently stationed at SUNY Maritime. Kearney is also a fitness enthusiast she enjoys taking time to go to the gym for spinning and yoga. “Hopefully, with the help of Dumaine, we will develop some fantastic leadership initiatives,” she commented. “We have a lot of ideas brewing so keep on the lookout!”

For the best in student perspectives, see Opinion, page 7.

Campus Briefs & Bites Award Winning Authors Discuss a “Good Funeral”

Bronx Housing Civil Court Hears Concerns

Ignation Week at Fordham University

Jose-Luis Salazar: Campus Ministry Director

Alice McDermott and Thomas Lynch discussed death as well as the rituals, or lack thereof, that accompany it. Alice McDermott spoke first. McDermott is a renowned Irish-American writer. Her prepared speech discussed the idea of death’s portrayal in literature as well as present day. McDermott also voiced opinions on present day rituals, or lack of, that accompany death. “We routinize mourning,” she condemned. This topic of “routinized mourning” was discussed further by Thomas Lynch. “We approve of a good laugh at funerals more than a good cry.” Lynch and McDermott suggested the question: What is our duty to the dead as well as to ourselves in times of mourning? “We’ve gone for the convenience rather than the heavy lift,” Lynch explained. “We don’t get down, dig and bury the grave- we eat finger food and speak about the 9th hole.”

This past Thursday, Oct. 15, the Northwest Bronx Community and Clergy Coalition took their fight against tenant displacement to the Bronx Housing Civil Court on 167th Street and Grand Concourse. “For over 20 years Kingsbridge residents have been demanding development of the Kingsbridge Armory that brings concrete tangible benefits to the residents of this neighborhood,” the group said. The coalition worked for a community benefits agreement in the past, however, the coalition feel that landlords are using their developments in a negative way. The coalition feels that landlords are harassing tenants out of their homes in order to make more money by clearing the way for to make room for wealthier tenants. These concerns regarding tenant displacement were voiced this past Thursday at the Bronx Housing Civil Court.

Jesuit universities and communities across the world celebrated Ignatian Week this week, in acknowledgement of Jesuit values and history. Fordham’s Campus Ministry hosted an event on the evening of Tuesday, Oct. 20, to share the stories of three Jesuits. The event was a part of the Kerygma Koffee series, a program that aims to engage students in conversations about faith and community. The program hosts three lectures each semester to welcome those of all faith and non-faith backgrounds to take part in an open discussion about faith on a personal level. This event titled “Kerygma Koffee and Jesuit Storytelling: Three Generations of Jesuits Share Their Journeys” included Danial Sullivan, S.J., Professor Emeritus of biology, Claudio Burgaleta, S.J., associate professor of theology in the Graduate School of Religious Education and Alex Placke, S.J., FCRH ’16. The event was held in the Ignatius Loyola Room on the Rose Hill campus.

Jose-Luis Salazar, S.J., rejoined Campus Ministry as its new executive director after a six year absence. Known to students as Father Lito, he was ordained a deacon in 2000, a priest in 2001 and took his final vows in 2006 in the University church. In 2005, Father Salazar left Fordham to do tertianship, the last stage of Jesuit formation in Boston. Following his missionary work, he went on to complete his doctoral studies on the philosopher-theologian Bernard Lonergan, S.J., at Radboud University-Nijmegen in the Netherlands. Upon completing his dissertation in 2009, he taught taught theology and business ethics classes at St. Peter’s University in Jersey City, New Jersey. Father Salazar will bring this perspective of viewing business ethics through the lens of Christianity in both the classroom and in campus ministry. He uses Catholic social teaching as a basis for his business ethics classes. — Compiled by Cailin McKenna and Erin Shanahan, Assistant News Editors

NEWS

October 21, 2015

Page 5

Four New Metro-North Stations to Be Built in the Bronx By ZACH ATANASOFF STAFF WRITER

The landscape of Fordham Road is changing. One of the particularly notable sites for Fordham Road’s reinvention is Fordham Plaza. Chain retailers including TJ Maxx, Chipotle, Applebee’s, Starbucks and most recently Macy’s Backstage, have moved into Fordham Plaza. Fordham’s Business Improvement (BID) has largely been responsible for orchestrating this change. “One Fordham Plaza was really just one big office building,” said Daniel Bernstein, Fordham BID’s Deputy Director. Bernstein says when he started working on Fordham Road, the Plaza primarily featured empty storefronts on the ground floor. “Fordham Plaza’s reinvention as a retail district has been a long overdue change — and definitely a welcome change in that area,” said Bernstein. While some critics of the retooling have wondered if the BID is gentrifying the area, Bernstein is quick to respond. “One thing I’m very proud of is that the businesses that have moved in, moved into empty spaces,” he said. “Do I think that Starbucks signed the lease because Fordham University’s across the street? Sure. But there are just as many residents that go to Starbucks as there are students.” Fordham Plaza is also across

CASEY CHUN/ THE FORDHAM RAM

In addition to the Fordham Metro-North stop, the MTA plans to add four new stops in the Bronx.

the street from a Metro-North Railroad station. As the landscape across the street from another major business asset: the Fordham Metro-North station evolves, the impact of Metro-North stations in the Bronx becomes relevant. The Bronx is expected to get four new Metro-North stations by 2022. The proposed stations are located near Co-op City, Morris Park, Parkchester and Hunts Point. The new stations are currently under consideration as part of the Metropolitan Transit Authority’s (MTA)

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2015-2019 Capital Plan. The MTA is slated to vote on the capital plan on Oct. 28th. “The capital plan isn’t confirmed yet, but it looks very likely that ‘Penn Station Access’ and the Bronx Metro-North stations will be approved next week,” said Aaron Donovan, a spokesperson for the MTA. New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, FCRH ‘79, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio, and MTA Chairman Tom Prendergast announced an agreement for fund-

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ing the MTA Capital Plan on Oct. 10th. New York State has committed to provide $8.3 billion while New York City has pledged $2.5 billion. The program’s total cost is about $26.1 billion. The MTA is currently $700 million shy of the five-year Capital Plan’s budget costs. The MTA is “confident we can reach that [financial goal] without any major cuts,” spokesperson Adam Lisberg told the New York Times in a recent interview. The proposed Bronx stations are

a part of the MTA’s ‘Penn Station Access’ project. The stations would take the Metro-North’s New Haven Line directly to Penn Station by way of the Bronx, using existing track owned by Amtrak. "Today's announcement represents a great day for public transportation in the Bronx... and is the most significant infrastructure improvement our borough has seen in decades," Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. said in a recent interview with Bronx News 12. As Borough President Diaz weighs in on the potential impact of more Metro-North Stations in the Bronx, a construction project is currently underway at Fordham Plaza. The Fordham BID will operate an outdoor Plaza on the intersection of Fordham Road and Third Avenue. The BID has plans to run the plaza as a cultural center for farmers’ markets, musical shows, community events and more. “It’s going to draw a lot of attention, a lot of press, and a lot of people, as well as Fordham University students,” said Deputy Director Bernstein. “When I first got here ten years ago, one of the major complaints was that Fordham students weren’t really leaving the Rose Hill campus and travelling up the hill,” Bernstein said. “Now, they’re all over the place,” he added. Recent estimates from contractors estimate that construction on Fordham Plaza will be finished in a few weeks. The main structure in the Plaza is estimated for completion by the end of this year.

FSU Protests Bias Incidents at Ram Town FROM PROTEST, PAGE 1

of which go largely undetected. “I think racism really isn’t something we talk about on this campus,” Cruz said. “Micro-aggressions happen on a daily basis — I experience them as a person of color, and a lot of other people of color have expressed the same sentiment...they don’t feel completely accepted. It feels really awkward being the only person of color in the room most of the time during our classes.” Fellow FSU member and protester, I’aliyah Wiggins, FCRH ’18, agreed. “These protests are necessary,” Wiggins said in an email. “There are students on campus that are hurting from the lack of sensitivity from their peers...I feel like even if most people didn’t care about what we were doing or thought that we were overreacting, as long as one student felt understood and no longer like an outsider on campus then we fulfilled the main purpose for all our goals.” But, Cruz noted, other students and administrators as well, sometimes don’t seem to understand why the protests are necessary. “Myself and other students of color, and other allies that we work with, we’ve heard people say, ‘well why are they so upset?’ After these hate crimes happen. People are literally confused as to why students of color are angry, why students of color don’t fee safe…Even if racism doesn’t directly affect you, you should still care about this issue. Especially at a Jesuit school that claims to try to educate men and women for others.”

Neither FSU’s Ram Town protest, nor its Homecoming protest were approved by the university beforehand, a fact that Cruz says is no accident. Before holding a demonstration on campus, students are technically required by the school to set up a meeting with the Dean of Students, Christopher Rodgers, to coordinate. Rodgers then approves the protest within “as rapidly as two business days,” according to the university website. The process, the website says, is designed to “make sure everyone’s activities and events in the community can happen.” But Cruz takes issue with that policy. “This institution was created for us, it’s funded by us,” she said. “This is our campus, and we have the right to do what we want on our own campus…when we’re making demands that aren’t being met, then we’re going to speak up about it.” As of this printing, Cruz says no administrators have contacted her about the unregistered Ram Town protest. At the time of printing, Rodgers had not returned a request for comment. Cruz was quick to point out that the point of the protests is not to disrupt or antagonize. “This isn’t about anger, this isn’t about stirring up a ruckus, this is about making students feel empowered on campus, and therefore making changes happen,” she said. “We have a lot of power, and a lot of students don’t realize that.”

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October 21, 2015

OPINION

Page 7

The Fordham Ram

Democratic Debate Has a Clear Victor By THERESA SCHLIEP STAFF WRITER

Five candidates took the stage on Tuesday, Oct. 13, in the first Democratic debate. Amid the complaints about talking time, rhetorical ambiguity, there was discussion about platform and bipartisanship. The debate began with the introduction of the candidates: former Rhode Island Governor Lincoln Chafee who became a Democrat in 2013, former Virginia Senator Jim Webb whose main talking point was his service as a marine in the Vietnam War, former Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley, who struggles with overcoming the association of his governorship with police brutality in Baltimore, and senator from Vermont Bernie Sanders, whose democratic socialism has proved popular with millennials; and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, the front runner whose popularity has been wavering due to her email scandals and the Benghazi incidents. The presence of Lincoln Chafee, Jim Webb and Martin O’Malley at the debate proved to be confusing. Chafee was unable to sufficiently answer why he voted to repeal the Depression-era GlassSteagall Act in 1999. Many economists argue that the repeal of this act, which separates commercial and investment banking, as the cause of the 2008 recession. Webb was the only candidate

on stage who has served in combat, and that was well-established. This credential ended up being one of his only talking points. This, compounded with his complaints about speaking time, hindered his performance. O’Malley performed the best under the circumstances. The first time O’Malley spoke, viewers were reminded of the Baltimore riots following Freddie Gray’s murder and his state’s zerotolerance policy that some claim caused the outbreak of violence and tension. After that, however, he was articulately illustrated his progressiveness. But it was difficult to outshine the frontrunners. The two assumed stars — Sanders and Clinton — did not disappoint. Bernie Sander’s brand of liberalism, which encourages free public college education and denounces the super rich, has obtained the support of an astonishing amount of people. However appealing his plans are especially free college — one could argue they are pipe dreams. President Obama was unable to bypass the gridlock in Congress to pass effective gun control even following the tragic mass shootings that plagued his presidency. The former senator is very trendy, but his effectiveness in office is questionable. Hillary Clinton, on the other hand, encapsulates the modern liberal. However, her campaign has been assaulted with attacks

DAVID BECKER/AP

The five Democratic candidates shared a stage to debate, but most of the discussion was aimed at Clinton and Sanders.

from Republicans in efforts to denigrate her candidacy through sensationalizing her email scandal and questioning her honesty and credibility. Hillary Clinton’s past is questionable, especially considering her refusal to establish a position on the Keystone Pipeline until the week of the debate, her vagueness on her climate change plans and the Benghazi incidents. However, Clinton is held to higher standards than her fellow candidates. While Donald Trump is still considered a viable option for the presidency despite making sexist, racist and classist comments, Clinton is bombarded with questions about her email scandals instead of her policy. One might argue that it is because of her experience. Someone who

has been Secretary of State, First Lady of the United States, and a senator should be competent enough to handle the scandals that have tormented her. Others might argue that because she is a woman, she needs to demonstrate her abilities perfectly. She must compensate for her “femininity” with stoicity and strength. Clinton’s victories must be overwhelming for them to be impressive. Regardless the reason behind such lofty standards, one cannot argue that Clinton did not fulfill them. She refused to answer questions about her email scandal. In response to O’Malley’s criticism of her influence on the Iraq war, Clinton thanked him for his support in her 2008 presidential cam-

paign. When compared with Sanders’ progressiveness, Clinton responds, “I’m a progressive. But I’m a progressive who likes to get things done.” Perhaps most reassuring about the debate was the stark contrast between the Democratic and Republican rhetoric. As O’Malley said in his closing statement, there was no denigration of women, racist attacks on immigrants or Islamaphobia. But if these are the standards we have for our debates, then our political integrity is crumbling.

Theresa Schliep, FCRH ’19, is undecided in her major from Point Pleasant Beach, New Jersey.

Garnering Support for the Affordable Textbook Act

COURTESY OF WIKIMEDIA

As textbook prices rise, more and more college students are trying to find more affordable ways to get their books.

By JACLYN WEINER STAFF WRITER

As college students, we all know that the price of textbooks can be outrageous. Fordham students have the opportunity to rent textbooks or buy used textbooks at the school bookstore for a fraction of the price, but in most cases, the costs still cannot be considered cheap. Even when using resources like Chegg and Amazon to buy used textbooks for a lower price, it still adds up. Schools also have certain texts that can only be bought

directly from their bookstores. For example, Fordham’s required Spanish textbooks, “Gente” volumes 1, 2 and 3, are custom editions. They cost about $75.50 used and up to $101.20 new. From 1977 to 2015, the price of textbooks has risen by 1,041 percent, according to NBC’s review of Bureau of Labor Statistics data. This is over three times the rate of inflation. In just the past 10 years, the price of textbooks increased by 82 percent. A study conducted by the College Board revealed that

the average American student that attends a public two or fouryear college spends over $1,200 dollars on textbooks and supplies annually. The worst part is that spending the money is completely unavoidable. No matter how expensive the textbooks are, they are still required and not being able to afford textbooks can severely affect higher education opportunities. This is particularly detrimental, with higher education becoming increasingly more important. In 2013, Senator Al Franken

of Minnesota and Senator Dick Durbin of Illinois proposed a bill called the Affordable College Textbook Act. The bill would have developed a grant program to reduce and eliminate costs of textbooks and educational material, but it failed to gain traction. The bill was re-introduced on Oct. 8, 2015 by Senator Angus King of Maine, Representative Ruben Hinojosa of Texas and Representative Jared Polis of Colorado. The Affordable College Textbook Act plans to utilize the benefits of digital technology to create “open textbooks” available online and in print. The online textbooks cost nothing and print textbooks are relatively cheap. This would ensure that academic material could be available online for all to use and share. While renting books and buying used books can reduce prices, open textbooks would make an even bigger difference. In some cases, they reduce the price of course materials by 80 percent, and in other cases, open textbooks are completely free. Similar systems were implemented in both the University of Illinois and the University of California Davis. This move was a great success at both universities. The Affordable College Textbook Act will also make it mandatory for the Government Ac-

countability Office to report the college textbook price trends to Congress. Grant programs will be created to assist pilot programs to expand the use of open textbooks at colleges and universities. Entities receiving funds will be required by the Affordable Textbook Act to report the effectiveness of the program. Already existing publishing requirements will be improved to make it easier to buy textbooks or other course materials individually rather than in bulk. There will be obstacles that still need to be overcome in order to implement the Affordable Textbook Act on a national scale. The funds and resources needed for the grant programs, for instance, could be quite exorbitant. The enforcement of copyright laws may also become an issue when expanding the use of open textbooks. This may cause it to be difficult to come to an agreement, especially in a timely fashion. Although it may be difficult to implement the Affordable Textbook Act, the support of U.S. senators and representatives, many organizations and the general public may just make it a reality.

Jaclyn Weiner, FCRH ’18, is a communications and media studies major from Wantagh, New York.

OPINION

Page 8

R Serving Fordham University 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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October 21, 2015

From the Desk | Laura Sanicola

A Millennial’s American Dream A lot of people I grew up with had parents whose life stories followed a similar format: they grew up in one of the New York City boroughs, and worked their way into solid professional positions. When they saved enough money to move to the suburbs, they relished in the fact that they had “made it.” Their generation owns their own homes and has saved up enough money to send their kids to college. In turn, they told us to work hard and follow our dreams. Thanks to them, we have the financial stability to do so. But now, on the brink of real life, I wonder if we will ever be able to afford our children the same comforts that our parents gave us. From where I am sitting, my generation is in a complicated financial situation. Economically, things are pretty bleak. Most of my friends, hard working students at respected colleges, are highly concerned about finding a job that will allow them to pay rent in a safe neighborhood, and still have money to save for the future. They wait at the Fordham Road Metro-North station and pay thousands of dollars in transpor-

tation to head to their unpaid internships that likely will not hire them right out of college. They land a coveted editorial assistant position at a well-known and well-circulated national publication that only pays about $18,000 per year. They take out $40,000 in student loans to attend a school where the starting salary hovers around $40,000. Their first real paycheck and their parent’s first paycheck do not look too different. Yikes! That is all kinds of depressing. Of course, I amnot speaking for every twenty-year-old living in America in 2015. The people I surround myself grew up similarly to the way I did. We also chose not to major in business or STEM (against everyone’s advice) because we did not like it or we were not good at it or we just did not want to, and we own up to that decision. People pay for the things they are willing to pay for, and if a service we provide is not one of them, then our paycheck will reflect accordingly. But I have a feeling that there was a time where liberal arts graduates got more bang for their buck than

they do now. It is great that we are afforded the opportunity to study whatever we want, but there are definitely strings attached to that decision that we are just beginning to discover. My experience as a millennial has been generally positive, all things considered. Nobody has drafted me into a war or made me sell apples on a street corner. Instead I get to attend university and decide my own life trajectory (to a point). Still, there are probably a thousand articles on the web about the laziness and self-centeredness of my generation, which is why we are doomed to relative financial hardship. That is kind of a copout, in my opinion. Wages are pretty stagnant and rent is going up. College graduates flood the marketplace. The so-called “American Dream” of our parents’ generation is not really on anyone’s radar right now. We just want to get a job. And so the saying goes that a parent should always want their children to do better than them. We are arguably more educated, perhaps even better adjusted, but

financially this saying will not hold true for many of us. Can we be okay with that if it means we get to study what we love? That said, I have a lot of faith in my generation. We are resilient and we know what it is like to work real hours for a travel stipend. We are incredibly optimistic but we hate living with our parents and in the end that’s probably the main force that has driven adolescents to “figure it out” since the beginning of time. It is odd to have so many doors open to you but know that only a few doors will lead to a life where your children might have the same luxury of choice as you have. At this point, we just have to own whatever choose to do and not regret an American Dream that was never really meant for us anyway.

Editorial | Academic Life

Fordham Science: Not Making the Grade It comes as little surprise to students in Fordham’s science programs to hear that our university is failing to deliver. While millions of dollars have been funneled into a complete overhaul of Fordham’s Gabelli School of Business and its majors, students in Fordham College Rose Hill and especially those with science majors are feeling serious neglect. Ultimately, Fordham is a business, and improving science labs and equipment takes serious capital that the university sadly may not have. That being said, the ever-changing professional world is demanding more people that have experience in the hard sciences. There is a higher need for engineers (Fordham does not even offer a true engineering degree) and researchers in medicine and technology with which Fordham has failed to keep up. With each incoming class larger than the last, more students are declaring science-based majors, but our university has not re-

sponded effectively. Top universities place a great emphasis and focus on the sciences. If Fordham sincerely strives to become a top university, a greater emphasis needs to be placed on research and preparing its students to apply for professional programs. A positive, recent development is the addition of the Associate Dean for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) and Pre-Health Education, Carla Romney, who has implemented a science newsletter sent to pre-health and STEM students highlighting opportunities for research and education. While this a welcomed benefit, it comes far too late for many current students and recent graduates, and is simply not enough. While prehealth students also have Assistant Dean for Pre-Health Advising Ellen Watts, the hundreds of students in each class that she serves are far too many to be handled effectively by a team this small. The fields of science and medicine are

extremely competitive and without a strong program and enough dedicated faculty, how can a student be expected to succeed? While Fordham has consistently compared itself to schools like Boston University (ranked 41 among national universities in 2015 according to U.S. News World Report; Fordham ranks 66), BU’s graduate biological science program ranks at 85 nationally, while Fordham’s ranks at an appalling 209. Fordham has 10 science-based majors, while fellow NYC institution New York University boasts over 25 and has separate colleges for engineering, dentistry and nursing in addition to its college of arts and sciences. Boston University offers over 40 science majors. Our limited offering in terms of majors and poor rankings make it clear the science program has been a major oversight for decades. A university’s science and research should bring pride, not shame, but with aging and inad-

equate facilities and poor funding, our university’s professors are unable to conduct research of any major significance. A school in such a fortunate location as ours should be exploiting the dozens of first-rate research institutions and hospitals (there are over 25 hospitals within a twentymile radius) around us instead of ignoring them. Fordham also needs to place a greater emphasis in publishing scientific research if it hopes to attract strong, interested science students. This comes from improving its program, which ultimately requires significant funding. In the meantime, Fordham needs to focus on developing relationships with professional schools and research institutions since Fordham itself fails to offer this. With the appointment of Maura Mast, dean of Fordham College at Rose Hill, who comes with a strong science background, we at The Fordham Ram hope to see results.

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OPINION

October 21, 2015

Page 9

Is Mental Health to Blame for Shootings?

BETH NAKAMURA/AP

The shooting at Umpqua Community College has received a lot of media coverage and has fueled gun control debates.

By BAILEY HOSFELT CONTRIBUTING WRITER

In the wake of the Oct. 1 shooting at Umpqua Community College that left nine dead and an additional nine seriously injured, the commentary given by news reporters and politicians alike mimics what has been said following every violent massacre in the past decade. The claim that mental illness is to blame for these massacres overshadows the debate on gun control, while every major media outlet publicly broadcasts the shooter’s name, motive and life story. President Obama responded to this tragedy, delivering yet another speech to offer his condolences to the grieving families who lost loved ones, but quickly emphasized that the nation’s thoughts and prayers are simply not enough. His exhausted appearance furthered his claim that the reaction to mass shootings has become so routine that we are numb to the prevalent occurrence of such atrocities. Our nation’s willingness to spend trillions of dollars and devote entire governmental agencies to prevent terrorist attacks, yet disregard the topic of gun control in Congress altogether proves Obama’s argument that something must change is true.

While his address to the nation was in clear support of instituting stricter gun regulations, he candidly stated that as American people “we are collectively answerable to those families [who lost loved ones].” By urging Democrats, Republicans and Independents to all regard gun control as an important issue when voting for candidates, he demonstrated that this is not a matter of politics, but rather one of human lives. Regardless of party affiliation, American citizens should be willing to make the necessary changes to limit the number of innocent victims becoming part of a constantly-growing statistic. The first step to properly addressing this problem is to focus on the real issue and not hide behind faulty excuses. The only time the topic of mental health is at the forefront of any conversation is in the aftermath of a mass shooting in order to try to psychologically justify why the horrible event happened. However, the excuse of mental illness is a scapegoat that only steers the conversation away from what should really be discussed: gun control. The discussion that follows a mass shooting perpetuates the deeply misleading stigma surrounding mental illness. A study published by the American Jour-

nal of Public Heath revealed that fewer than 5 percent of the 120,000 gun-related killings were perpetrated by people diagnosed with mental illness. This fact alone reveals that the large majority of people with mental disorders are non-violent individuals who are falsely stereotyped as perpetrators of violence. These inhumane individuals who commit such acts are typically not people with mental disorders who just “snap,” but rather ones who methodically plan their attack in a very calculated manner. Mass murderers are typically marked by personality traits of resentment, self-righteousness and a sense of entitlement. The 1997 book “Flash Point,” written by Dr. Michael D. Kelleher, explains that these killers are “rarely insane, in either the legal or ethical senses of this term,” but instead become “collectors of injustice who nurture their wounded narcissism.” They blame others for their frustrations and externalize this anger in a public and deathly manner. Because perpetrators frequently pay obsessive attention to previous publicized massacres, the media is doing our nation a disservice by providing the killer with a clear audience. The aggressors of mass shootings, such as those responsible for the mass

murders at Virginia Tech and Newtown, explicitly cite previous shooters as inspiration for their respective acts of violence. Shooters often use the 1999 Columbine shooting as a touchstone because it was the first highly-broadcasted deadly school shooting that received massive media coverage. These twisted individuals see and seize an opportunity for their personal act of terrorism to become a public spectacle. If journalists were to change their practices and deprive the killer of their craved audience, mass shootings could potentially decrease. Reporters should never reveal the shooter’s name and face, for this concealing of identity would lessen any individual’s motive to execute a violent act for “fame.” Journalists should not speculate on a shooter’s motive. Often times, they magnify the slightest injustice or hardship that occurred in the shooter’s life and therefore skew the consumer’s perception and justify the perpetrator’s actions. Additionally, news coverage should remove photos and videos of both the event and the distraught families. The inclusion of these magnifies the reactions that past and future perpetrators hope to receive and desensitizes our society to these losses of blood. Ultimately, we need to drastically alter the way we respond to mass shootings. The media highlights the idea that mental illness is to blame. This inaccurately stereotypes the 43.8 percent of American adults suffering from disorders such as unstable individuals who are more likely to execute a violent act. Politicians quickly respond that we need to do a better job dealing with mental health, but rarely provide a suggested solution. Therefore, as a nation we cannot continue to make excuses to avoid talking about the controversial topic of gun control. Jeb Bush may just think “stuff happens,” but we should not. Bailey Hosfelt, FCRH ’19, is undecided in her major from Wheeling, West Virginia.

Do you annoy your friends because you’re always ranting? Save your friendships and write for the opinion section! Email us at fordhamramopinions@gmail.com to find out how.

Kathryn Wolper Nostalgia and Chill? When it comes to nostalgia, Netflix has no chill. On Monday, fans of “Gilmore Girls” got the news they’ve been patiently waiting for: Netflix is working with Amy Sherman-Palladino on a four-episode extension of the beloved series, which celebrated the 15th anniversary of its first season in early October. This news follows a string of Netflix revivals of cult classics, including “Wet Hot American Summer: First Day of Camp,” “Fuller House” and “Arrested Development.” While the quality of these reboots has varied and reception of the yet-unreleased iterations remains uncertain, all of them tap into to the nostalgia of proud fan bases. For this reason, Netflix reboots of popular shows and films constitute a very low financial risk for those involved. However, the lack of risk reduces the incentive for quality programming. If the shows do not please the multitudes of original fans, backlash may be fierce for a while, but there are ultimately no lasting repercussions against Netflix because its position as a streaming service powerhouse protects it from serious trouble. Because Netflix draws on already-popular series with established, beloved characters, originality suffers. This can reduce the incentive to take risks for young writers with innovative and creative ideas for TV shows. Netflix gives modern media consumers the gift (at a price) of experiencing shows for the first time through binge-watching. This phenomenon widens the scope of fans of hit shows in both age and number. Netflix is in the business of expanding fan bases, so when it takes advantage of these expanded fan bases by propagating spin-offs, some die-hard fans feel that they cheapen the experience and artistry of the original works. While season finales sometimes have the propensity to disappoint and finale cliffhangers often frustrate fans, the finality of the characters’ stories brings a sense of peace and closure. As a fan of “Gilmore Girls,” I am excited for the new episodes. A part of me needs to know where Rory and Lorelai are according to Amy Sherman-Palladino, who wrote seasons one through six, but was not on board for the seventh and final season. But there is another part of me that finds comfort in the knowledge that, in the alternate universe where Stars Hollow exists in all its kitschy glory, I can say with perfect confidence that the Gilmore girls are thriving: Rory is living out her journalistic dream of emulating Christiane Amanpour, and Lorelai is growing as a successful inn owner, friend and mother. Now, however, my interpretation will have to take the back seat to whatever Amy Sherman-Palladino has in mind for her “Gilmore Girls.”

OPINION

Page 10

October 21, 2015

Why Does the MTA Hate Fordham? By MATTHEW CALHOUN STAFF WRITER

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority has long been the bane of many New Yorkers’ existence. Fordham students are certainly not immune to the constant delays, service changes and inconveniences bestowed upon the city by this transit conglomerate, and some might argue that we get an even shorter end of the stick than the rest of the city. MTA policy has been under scrutiny for decades, and the man behind the bulk of the MTA’s power is none other than Governor Andrew Cuomo, FCRH ’79. The MTA is run by a 24-member board, all of whom are appointed by the governor. Of these 24 members, the governor must recommend at least five, with the rest referred by the mayor of New York City and the executives of surrounding counties (only those in New York State served by Metro-North and the Long Island Rail Road). Perhaps the most frustrating aspect of the MTA’s services for students is the cost. For example, if a student at Rose Hill has an internship in the vicinity of Grand Central Terminal where he or she commutes twice a week via the Metro-North Railroad, this would cost the student a total of $1,400 to make the commute over the entire academic year. If another student works the same hours, but takes the subway further downtown from Grand Central, it would cost him or her $1,840 for one academic year. Buying an unlimited-ride metrocard adds some value, costing $1,044 to renew the card each

month over the academic year, but this restricts the student to only riding subways and buses and excludes the Metro-North. In comparison to urban Jesuit schools across the nation, Fordham is a standalone for this huge out-of-pocket expense. Students at Boston College are offered an 11 percent discount by the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA). Midwestern Jesuit universities, such as Loyola University-Chicago, John Carroll University and Xavier University, all provide their students with free unlimited access to the Chicago, Cleveland and Cincinnati area rapid transit systems, respectively. Leaving cost aside, the MTA still has subtly scrubbed connections to Fordham time after time. Just start by looking at your subway map. Columbia University, NYU, Hunter College and Brooklyn College all have namesake subway stops, or have the school name attached to the street name on the map. Inside other subway stations, nearly every school in the city has a sign indicating its nearby presence inside the station; except for Fordham. Even at the Columbus Circle subway station that is just one block away from the Lincoln Center Campus the MTA has built directional signs pointing travelers to the New York Institute of Technology and John Jay College, both of which are much smaller than Fordham, with the latter being farther away from the subway stop than Fordham. Aside from the MTA’s refusal to identify Fordham to its millions of daily riders, it has also had its

way with limiting service to and from Rose Hill. Nearly 60 percent of trains stopping at Fordham’s Metro-North Station use the New Haven Line, or as many students who frequent the Metro-North know as “the red trains.” The other 40 percent of the trains run on the Harlem Line through Fordham and allow full access to and from the station, while the New Haven Line trains only permit passengers to exit inbound New Haven Line trains and to enter outbound trains. After reaching out to a MetroNorth spokesman for a comment, I was told that the New Haven Line trains do not provide access between Fordham and Grand Central. The State of Connecticut purchased the new M8 train cars and the trains are only operated by the MTA, not owned by the MTA. The Metro-North refused to explain why these trains stop at Fordham at all, and indicated that the “exitonly” service to Fordham on New Haven Line trains has been a policy for years. Restrictions on transit to-andfrom Fordham is not just limited to the Metro-North. Though many current students are unaware, in 1973 the MTA discontinued 8 train service and demolished the 3rd Avenue elevated rail line. The 8 train served Fordham at three stations: Arthur Avenue/183rd Street, Fordham Road/3rd Avenue and Bronx Park Terminal (where the present-day athletic field behind Fordham Prep is located). The 8 train provided service from these Bronx stations to the west side of Manhattan along the current 1/2/3 subway lines all the

way to South Ferry where the line terminated, with rush hour trains running express to Manhattan after Tremont Avenue. Upon demolition, the MTA promised the 8 train would be replaced by an underground line that would run from Fordham Plaza in the Bronx all the way to Lower Manhattan and possibly Brooklyn via 2nd Avenue in Manhattan. However, due to the city’s financial crisis in the late 1970s, the 2nd Avenue subway was never built. Recently, the MTA has been working on two major projects: the 2nd Avenue Subway and the East Side Access Project. East Side access, which was planned to open in 2013, would have brought the Long Island Railroad and possibly Amtrak service into Grand Central Terminal, after a hiatus since 2004 of Amtrak specifically serving Pennsylvania Station in New York City. Due to MTA budget cuts and litigation, this project will likely not be completed until 2020. The 2nd Avenue subway will be opening in segments, starting in 2016. However, the new subway will not run to The Bronx due to budget restrictions, contrary to the promise made after demolishing the 8 train. With so many Fordham students and faculty relying on the MTA’s services everyday, it is important that we take responsive action to make sure that our community is not only recognized by the MTA, but also taken seriously when decisions are made by the agency.

Matthew Calhoun, GSB ’17, is a finance major from Springboro, Ohio.

Should We Still Celebrate Columbus Day?

Many people believe that we should not celebrate Columbus Day because of the crimes he committed.

By DELANEY BENISON STAFF WRITER

For many Americans, Columbus Day is just seen as an extra day off in October. Most do not consider the historic reality that comes with the day. As kids, we are taught that “Columbus sailed the ocean blue in 1492,” in order to remember history. But the problem is, we are not remembering or being taught the truth. We are taught that the Nina, the Pinta and the Santa Maria were to find a new way to the East Indies, and Columbus ended up in America. The common misconception: Columbus never stepped foot in North America. Therefore, he did not “dis-

cover” America; he was a genocidal tyrant that led to the death of 95 percent of the indigenous population in the Bahamas. Columbus was also not the one who proved the earth was round. It was commonly accepted by Greek philosophers before 1400 that the earth was round. But we have to pose the real question: should we celebrate Columbus Day? We should not celebrate it because Columbus did not discover America. But do we cancel the holiday and ignore history altogether, good or bad? Is this the type of thing that we should be embarrassed about and want to pretend never happened? Probably. The argument for Columbus Day

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is that Columbus opened up America to European settlement. We owe a debt of gratitude because without him, we would not be where we are today. Speaking to Dr. Elaine Crane from the history department, she made a fair and valid point. Changing the name will not change history. It does not change the premise of the day that we celebrate, and while changing the name may be acknowledging the people who suffered rather than the slaughterers, it may remain that Columbus will be the only one remembered. Education on this subject is the only way to begin change. Columbus was not a man of hon-

orable intentions. People already lived in a place he claimed to have discovered, and he took advantage because he could. We should not celebrate Columbus Day. Should we instead follow Alaska’s lead and celebrate Indigenous People’s Day? Will that truly make us feel better about this period in history? Will it change the way we celebrate this day? Possibly. Alaska’s argument is that “the State opposes systematic racism toward Indigenous Peoples of Alaska or any Alaskans of any origin and promotes policies and practices that reflect the experiences of Indigenous Peoples, ensure greater access and opportunity, and honor our nation’s indigenous roots, history.” We should honor indigenous roots. If this helps bring light and justification to those who were injured by Columbus’ crimes against a race, I do not see the harm in changing the holiday’s name. No, it does not change the facts, but it changes the perspective. If we change the holiday to Indigenous People’s Day we can begin to look upon it with some hope for the future. If we do not remember history, we are doomed to repeat it. Therefore, if we accept our history, as grim as it is, and turn it towards something productive and positive, we will have found something to work for in our country. Delaney Benison, FCRH ’17, is a communication and media studies major from Auburn, Massachusetts.

Michael Bryne The Quick Brown Fox I can’t claim to know what someone’s handwriting signifies about them. I don’t major in calligraphy. I can, however, tell you what my handwriting says about me. I went to a Catholic elementary school where penmanship was taught with an iron fist. When people mention my unusually attractive print, I joke that it’s the best thing the Catholic education system gave me. Maybe it’s not actually a joke. Most of my memory pertaining to my Catholic schooling revolves around uncomfortable uniforms, wandering nuns and being reprimanded for slouching while kneeling in church. Why do Catholic schools still stress that cursive writing be taught? Did Jesus write in cursive? Is there an eleventh commandment I’ve forgotten about, “Thou shalt not forget The Palmer Method?” Either way, Catholic institutions do always seem to be a few decades behind the times, so I guess it’s no surprise they would have an aversion to those darn fancy typing machines. When I transferred to public school in fifth grade, my handwriting stood out among all other boys’. Their words were sloppy and smudged. Mine were pristine, the edges crisp. They treated the lines of the paper as mere suggestions as to where they should write. I took their slovenliness as a personal offense. My handwriting was more akin to that of the girls’ of the class. I thought, “Ah yes, not only am I terrible at every sport, but my penmanship is overtly feminine. This will make it easy to make friends with the guys.” Maybe I didn’t think that exactly, but I like to imagine that as a fifth grader I had an amazing grasp of sarcasm. Also, I don’t agree with the notion that penmanship can be either feminine or masculine, just like I don’t agree that blue is inherently male or pink is inherently female. But these are the rules that the elementary school students constructed, and I had to play by them. I was ashamed that my handwriting was so neat. It was just another characteristic of mine that distanced me from the boys of the world. I used to intentionally write clumsily so that it looked like any other boy in the class wrote it. As an adult, I’m proud of my orderly print. Sometimes it’s become somewhat of an affectation. I’ve deliberately changed the way I write my capital E’s so that they now are more curved and look like backwards 3’s. My lower-case T’s now adorn a hook at the bottom of them like in the Times New Roman typeface. These changes are a pretense; they are not natural. My handwriting is something I own, and I have the right to alter it if I deem it aesthetically pleasing. At least, that’s what I tell myself to justify any ostentation.

October 21, 2015

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The Fordham Ram Review | Movie

Spielberg and Hanks Tell a New Cold War “I find that even in my most serious of my movies to not have humor would be to deny the actual existence of the way all of us kind of live our lives,” Steven Spielberg told The Fordham Ram and other publications. “Even when we think nothing’s funny about what’s happening to us, there’s always somebody watching that thinks it’s pretty funny to them.” Cold War hysteria defined both foreign and national policy in 1957. The audience quickly realizes that Donovan is also viewed as a traitor, and is standing up for personal freedom and American ideals that are often ignored in war time. “The movie is about spy craft,” said Spielberg. “It’s about the art of conversation, the art of negotiation but it’s also about spying and today there’s tons of things going on. In the 50s we flew U2s over the Soviet Union and today we’re flying drones everywhere.” When asked about his favorite part of playing Donovan, Hanks answered, “His innate confidence in his own abilities.” Despite this, he said, “None of these characters think they’re heroes.”

By NICOLE HORTON CULTURE EDITOR

Steven Spielberg’s Cold War espionage drama, Bridge of Spies, tells the story of James Donovan, a New York insurance lawyer who is pushed to provide a captured Soviet spy with pro-bono compensation. He is then recruited by the CIA to negotiate an exchange for an American pilot imprisoned by communists. Tom Hanks’ good-guy persona is an ideal fit for Donovan, and he brings grace, charisma and enlightenment to his portrayal. Fun fact: Donovan is a Fordham graduate. The Soviet spy in question is Rudolf Abel, portrayed by Mark Rylance. Rylance does what would surprise many — bring a dry sense of humor to the stone-faced character and along with Hanks tries to make the audience understand that he was doing his job like any American spy. His interaction with Hanks is a joy to watch, showing how the two men gain a mutujkal respect for one another. However, some moviegoers may find this difficult to believe due to the political climate.

When Donovan arrives in Germany to negotiate the swap, the change in colors shows the great detail in the cinematography. New York is a vibrant metropolis compared to the greys and blues of East Germany as the Berlin Wall is erected. Francis Gary Powers (Austin Stowell, Whiplash), the young pilot shot down by the Soviets, is a foil to Abel. The audience should take note of Stowell, who is gaining more attention. He is set to star in two movies directed by James Franco. Spielberg details how they made the authentic choice of shooting the spy swap on the Glieanicke Bridge, the real bridge in Germany where it occurred. It is definitely a pivotal, emotional moment in the plot. “So that was a difficult scene not just because it was so cold and we were all freezing but because there was a lot of weight on all of us to make that the best scene in the movie,” he said. As the dramatic swap takes place, the audience cares just as much about Abel’s fate as they do about the safety of the Americans, which shows that Spielberg and the cast he assembled have truly done their jobs.

La Dolce Vita

Getting Lost in Barcelona, a Spanish Getaway By PASQUALE GIANNI STAFF WRITER

BARCELONA — In a nutshell, this city is awesome and beautiful, and the food is symphonic. A handful of unexplainable phenomena exists on this earth, and the lifestyle of the Spanish is certainly among them. Dinner at 11 p.m. partying until 7 a.m. and somehow everyone seems to be functioning normally during the daytime hours. It is mindboggling, plain and simple. I, as a world traveler with a thirst for knowledge and the absorption of culture, had to partake in the crazy ways of the Spanish for a few days and loved it. I may be paying for it now in the aftermath with sleep deprivation, but it was worth it. Barcelona is a magnificently pretty city. The architecture is old, yet with the perfect touch of modern. There are spectacular, wide boulevards lined with trees, shops and cafes. The cathedrals are plentiful and add to the integrity of the city. One in particular, the Segrada Familia, a large Roman Catholic church designed by Antoni Gaudi, is a magnificent piece of architectural excellence and serves as one of the main attractions in the city. The parks are charming and boast beautiful fountains and ceramic benches. The highlight though, was La Boqueria, a large public market in the city center. It is a paradise for the food lover. I would even go as far as to call it an epic display of

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food porn. There is beauty in food and La Boqueria is for anyone who can appreciate beauty in all of its varying forms. Like all great markets, it boasts fresh shellfish and seafood stands, cured meats, exotic fruits and decadent pastries. But it is the quantity, the variety, the uniqueness and the creative display of these produce and goods that make it worthy of distinction. The shanks of jamon (Spanish ham) were being freshly cut from the bone, the local cheeses and olives were exquisite; and even the selection of brains, intestines, heads and beef tongue

could make your mouth water (if you are into that sort of thing). I was fortunate enough to have a meal at Cerveceria Catalana, a tapas restaurant in the city center, that may have put me in a food coma, but it was well worth it. This is the way to dine if there truly exists one. With seven or eight different small plates as your entree, which are perfectly affordable since they only cost $3 or $4 each, you can try a wide variety of bites so you are not just limited to one main dish. In one meal, I sampled cheeses, jamon serrano (which, I must say,

is a close rival to Italian Prosciutto), shrimp, cuttlefish, anchovies, patatas bravas (a Spanish fried potatoes dish), beef tenderloin skewers and churros for dessert. This meal was accompanied by a delicious pitcher of fresh sangria, another Spanish specialty. If you make it to Barcelona without coming here, you have wasted a trip. Another food highlight during my trip was a seafood paella I had for lunch, which was made with rice, black ink squid, prawns, calamari and mussels. As the day’s food coma eventually wore off, it was fiesta time!

Barcelona is known for its nightclubs, but the best, by far, was Opium: a huge beachfront club frequented by famous movie stars and athletes. Do not show up, though, until about 1:30 or 2 a.m., and I am not exaggerating when I say the capacity will not peak until about 4 or 5 a.m. If you are into the nightlife scene, this is a city for you. Naps, however, are a must. Barcelona will always have a unique allure for me. And if you think you are someone who derives similar pleasure from the sins of over-indulgences, I am sure it will for you as well.

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October 21, 2015

A SOLDIER OF FAITH Captain Lukasz Willenberg, a Catholic chaplain with the U.S. Army’s 10th Mountain Division, knew from a young age that he had been called to a life of service in the Church. But it was only recently that he felt called to serve within the U.S. Army. While it was a change for him, he still values the new way he’s exercising his calling by serving Soldiers. “I feel blessed and possess this overwhelming peace and joy, which reassures me that I am doing what God wants me to.“

FILLING A GREAT NEED In recent years the civilian priestly ministry has been facing a human resource shortage, which directly impacts the ministry in the Army. With fewer qualiﬁed clergy to recruit, there are fewer Catholic priests to help serve the needs of Soldiers. It was this shortage that initially inspired Father Willenberg to consider the Army. “In 2010, I met [Maj.] Father Paul A. Halladay. He was the one who actually told me about working with the Soldiers and about the great need [for] chaplains in general, but especially Catholic priests. I always had a desire to serve where I am needed the most. After learning about [the] shortage, I took it as a sign as to where I should be.”

SERVING THOSE WHO SERVE Although Father Willenberg has been serving as an Army chaplain for a short time, he has already distinguished himself by earning the Bronze Star, the third-highest recognition in the Army, for his contributions to his unit during his deployment in Afghanistan. But for Father Willenberg, the most important thing is the work he does with other Soldiers. One program that helps him make a positive impact is Strong Bonds, where Father Willenberg plans workshops for Soldiers, couples, and military families off base. During the workshops, he helps Soldiers tackle difﬁcult life questions, strengthen their faith, reintegrate into civilian life, and more. “[Strong Bonds is] a wonderful resource for us as chaplains. … I love doing it. I have a chance to get to know the Soldiers, get to know the families during the workshops. And … going outside of post, going out to eat together — that’s where you build relationships with them.” Outside of workshops, he has organized several events for Soldiers in his unit and congregation. In fact, one of his greatest logistical undertakings was creating and organizing an ofﬁcially

CAPT. LUKASZ WILLENBERG U.S. ARMY CHAPLAIN

sanctioned version of the Boston Marathon run in Afghanistan. But above all, he ﬁnds his best work is done by being a part of Soldiers’ lives. “The ministry of presence, that’s such a powerful tool. When you just spend time with Soldiers, doing physical training, going on road marches, when you eat with them at the dining facility … you experience what they experience and automatically you are one of them. That’s where the ministry happens. The Soldiers know that they can trust you, and that you are there for them. You build those relationships so then when they need you as a chaplain, they know where to go. [They] know that I’ll be there for them. That’s what I’m trying to do. That’s my ministry. My battalion commander, (Lt. Col.) Brian C. North, told me once to ‘just take care of my Soldiers.’ That’s what I try to do every day.”

THE JOYS OF SERVICE While focusing on being a part of the Soldiers’ everyday lives, Father Willenberg cherishes the bonds he’s made with his fellow servicemen and women. “You keep giving of yourself, but at the same time the ministry is so rewarding. [It’s in] those small things. Those small words of appreciation from the Soldiers mean much more to me than the formal recognition. From time to time, [a Soldier] says, ‘Thank you for being there for me. Thank you for your encouraging words.’ It’s the biggest reward that you can get.” If you’d like to know more about serving Soldiers as a chaplain in the U.S. Army Chaplain Corps, visit goarmy.com/au34

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October 21, 2015

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Alvin Ailey On the Big Screen at Lincoln Center By ANNEMARIE MARCONI STAFF WRITER

On Tuesday, Oct. 6, Lincoln Center’s Alvin Ailey arrived on the big screen. The movie, Lincoln Center at the Movies: Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, brings the beauty, wonder and intrigue of attending a dance performance to the comforts of a movie theatre. Viewers can munch on popcorn in casual attire while watching some of the world’s most talented athletes and artists perform in high definition. The Alvin Ailey theatre company proves to be ever innovative in this newest development. Dancer Jacqueline Green offered her input about Ailey coming to the silver screen. “It’s weird to watch yourself dance like that,” Green said. “I try to watch the group as a whole.” Green graduated from Fordham College Lincoln Center in 2011. Performing with Ailey had been a dream of hers for a while. She described dancing with the company as an opportunity to be a “cultural ambassador” not only to America, but also to the world.

Such a response would make Alvin Ailey proud. He founded the company so that African American performers and dancers could share their culture through their art. He started the company in a Manhattan Y in 1958, and it has grown to travel to 48 states, 71 countries and six continents. He relied on his experiences as an African American in Texas as well as various spirituals and gospel hymns as inspiration for his dances, most clearly seen in the final act of the movie, the dance sequence “Revelations.” Unsurprisingly, Green admitted that “Revelations” was her favorite, both to perform and watch. With its gorgeous costumes, emotionally driven performance from the dancers and mesmerizingly sung spirituals, “Revelations” is the kind of breathtaking art people hope to see from professional dance theatre. There are three other dance segments to the film: “Chroma,” “Grace” and “Takademe.” “Chroma” and “Grace” were similar in that they were long group performances. However, the tones of the

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Contemporary and classic dances are combined for a flawless movie.

pieces were dramatically different. “Chroma” was more somber than “Grace,” and featured soft, languid movements of the dancers. Each dancer wore a simple and muted

Editor’s Pick | Moab, Utah

Finding Beauty in the Desert By ERIN SHANAHAN ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR

Growing up in my small town just outside of New York City, located on the Appalachian Trail, fostered a love for the outdoors within me. As a result, for a long time I felt that nothing could compare to the beauty of nature. I felt that there was nothing more gorgeous than a hike up a lush green path with views of pinedecorated lakes and rolling mountain peaks. That is, until I found myself in the Moab Desert this past summer. My family and I landed in Grand Junction, Colorado this past June with starry eyes. As we walked out onto a runway surrounded by the colossal Colorado National Monument, an area of desert land high on the Colorado Plateau, we realized that this family visit was going to be absolutely spectacular. From Grand Junction, we hopped into our Hertz rental car and traveled about 114 miles (in just one hour!) through the empty, flat, expansive and unexpectedly beautiful Grand Utah County. Finally, we arrived in the city of Moab. Moab, Utah has a population of a little over 5,000, making it the largest city in Grand Utah County. When I learned this, I couldn’t help but scoff a little as I thought of the over eight million people residing in the city I came from. Moab is well known for its two local national parks: Arches and Canyonlands. In addition, the town is a popular base for hikers, mountain bikers, cliff jumpers, slack-liners, belay climbers, sky-divers, off-roaders and even off-trail skiers and other extreme sport enthusiasts. During the trip I had the pleasure of meeting several individuals who fell into many of these categories.

purple outfit and danced to slow, sensual music. “Grace” was lively and energetic — the dancers’ passion made the audience in the theatre clap and cheer along as if they were actually present at the performance. “Takademe” was the most experimental of the segments, even though it was the shortest. It was a solo, only about two minutes long, but it was dense with material. The dancer performed quick and fluid motions to the sound of a whispering voice in the background saying seemingly random syllables. The dancer moved his face with as much intensity as he moved his body, and at one point in the dance he mouthed the words of the audio.

There was comedy as well as emotion packed into the frantic solo. Robert Bittle, the current director of the dance company, said in the movie that he choreographed the piece in a friend’s living room. Bittle was personally selected to take over the company in 2011. Lincoln Center at the Movies: Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater contains a combination of choreography from Ailey and Bittle. The old and the new fit seamlessly together in the movie. Catch the film yourself in theatres all around Manhattan starting Oct. 22. Experience the power of Alvin Ailey dancers at their finest, all in the comfort and affordability of a standard movie theatre.

Dining Out | Allison Russo

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The Moab Desert, in Utah, has many opportunities for extreme sports.

I could never really understand the lure of the extreme sport scene. That is, until I tried it. In addition to hiking to the beautiful “Delicate Arch,” I tried my hand at slacklining. I jumped off a cliff into a seven-foot deep watering hole, much to the dismay of my father and several others. I rafted down the Colorado River. I even took a massive dive off of a boulder on a mountain bike due to a flat tire. The rush from these adventures was incredible. I now understand why these sports can be so addicting. These experiences were exciting and unforgettable. What I found most amazing was that these outdoors activities were somehow able to enhance the natural beauty of Moab that encompassed me. I never thought of a desert as beautiful until I found myself in one. Although I was surrounded by the same desert throughout the week, its aesthetic amazed me every second of my visit. In Arches National Park, I was able to look through the “Delicate Arch” at an immense landscape. The landscape framed by the arch almost looked mosaic due to the complex colors that decorated every cliff and mountain side. On the Colorado River, I was able to appreciate the immense height of the mountains

surrounding us as well as the power of the river’s water. One morning, I woke up early and walked outside to admire the red rocks. The rising sun was hitting the rocks at the perfect angle and I saw every shade of orange, yellow, brown and red dance across the Colorado Plateau that morning. Moab is incredibly breathtaking. However, the most breathtaking view of the entire week was hands down my beautiful cousin, Kari, as she walked through Canonland to marry her husband, Steve. This outdoor desert wedding scene was not beautiful just because of the incredible landscape. Rather, it was beautiful because, in that moment, I knew that my cousin was unequivocally happy. Our trip to Moab for Kari’s wedding made me rethink beauty in so many ways. That week, I learned that beauty can be found in the pine forests of the Appalachian Mountains as well as in the red rock of the desert, the natural power of the Colorado River and even in the thrill of an adventure. However, despite all the incredible landscapes of Moab, the most beautiful view I had that week was actually not of nature. Seeing my cousin, glowing in her gown, happy beyond all measure was more emotional and beautiful than any scenery on earth.

Discovering Cheap (and Delicious!) Food in New York At the Rose Hill campus, we’re all spoiled by the amazing Italian food across the street on Arthur Avenue, thanks to our proximity to the real “Little Italy” of New York. Pizza of all flavors imaginable is available around the clock, pasta comes in too many shapes and sizes to count and every restaurant serves piles of crusty bread with garlic and olive oil. Unfortunately, I can’t let this high-carb diet become a lifestyle, so I’ve ventured to other boroughs in search of equally authentic, albeit lighter, fare. One of my favorite restaurants in New York is Spice, a Thai restaurant with twelve locations in the city. Most items on their lunch menu are less than $10, and lunch entrees are served with a complimentary appetizer. The food is insanely delicious for the price, and the generous portions mean you definitely will not leave hungry. If you’re a lover of spicy food, Spice won’t fail to deliver. And if you prefer to live life on the mild side, they’re more than happy to alter the heat intensity of any of their made-to-order menu items.

All of their locations are on the smaller side, so making a reservation is highly recommended. The super laid-back atmosphere and trendy decor makes it perfect for a work lunch, and the constantly changing signature cocktail menu makes Spice a great happy hour spot for any day of the week. I would start with the Vegetable Dumplings with Black Plum Sauce, which are the perfect balance of spicy filling and sweet dipping sauce. My favorite entree at Spice is the eggplant holy basil, which is basically a vegetable stirfry (you can add meat or shrimp) in a perfectly spicy chili sauce, served with white sticky rice. If you’re in the mood for dessert after your meal, definitely go for the banana cheesecake rolls. This perfect combination of bananas and cheesecake filling wrapped in pastry is served with vanilla bean ice cream, and is perfect to split with your friends. How to get there: Stroll up to 81st and Amsterdam from Lincoln Center, or take the B to 81st Street (Upper West Side location).

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October 21, 2015

Dissecting How Milennials Talk, From ‘Bae’ to ‘Fleek’ By KATHERINE KELLY STAFF WRITER

Millennials are constantly reinventing the English language and continuously redefining ordinary and unordinary situations with slang. While some words are in style for only a short period of time, others transcend years of slang turnover. What makes some terms outlive their expiration dates? Perhaps it is how broad a word’s definition is; some slang terms can be used as nouns, verb, and adjectives. Or maybe it is how applicable they are to Instagram captions. Whatever the reason, millennial slang exemplifies how quickly trends catch fire. Interpersonal discourse, our main form of communication, redefines our culture every day, and millennials must stay up-todate on the latest and greatest vocabulary. Here I will define some of the hottest slang of 2015. To begin, I will identify some trending party and social-scene words. Have you ever heard “This place is lit!” and thought “Oh no! It’s on fire?” Well have no fear, because “lit” is used when there is a full house at a party or event and everyone is having a good time. “Lit” can be used interchangeably with “live.” Like “lit,” describing a place or event as “live” tells others that where they are is a lot of fun, as in, “Ram Town is live!” Consequently, this would make a lame event “dead.” However, “dead” is not exactly a “new” slang term, for it is common to say that when a place is empty it is “dead”. During Thanksgiving break, campus will be “dead.” Before you head out to whatever fun activity you are participating

in, it is time to “turn up” or as commonly simplified, “turn.” To “turn up” or be actively “turning up” is when you are getting pumped. “Turning up” gets you excited to go wherever or do whatever you have plans to do. Someone who has had too much fun or “turned” too hard, is classified as “turnt.” Being “turnt” is not necessarily good or bad, but simply a physical state. Those who aren’t too “turnt” and like to travel out and about in packs are rolling with their “squad.” When your whole group of friends struts into somewhere together, you are rolling in “squad deep.” Does this mean if you show up somewhere alone or with one another friend that you are rolling in “squad shallow?” To be determined. But what can be confirmed is that when your whole “squad” looks great, it is “on fleek.” “Fleek” is one of the most versatile slang terms because it can be used with both people and objects, typically addressing appearance. If you want to make someone’s day, you can say, “Your outfit is on fleek!” Being identified as “on fleek” will always be a welcomed compliment. If your “squad” is not around, or social scenes are not your thing, you probably just want to “Netflix and chill.” “Netflix and chill” can be youtime when you do not feel like going out and just want to chill, or it can be a substitute for a date with that guy or girl you are “talking to” — another slang term for the in-between status of just friends and dating. Sometimes, “bae” just does not feel like doing anything except “Netflix and chill.” “Bae” exemplifies one of the millennial slang terms that successfully transitioned through consecutive years. “Bae” was introduced into millennial culture as

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Our day-to-day conversations have begun to be taken over by new slang.

an acronym for “before anything else.” Now, “bae” affectionately addresses everything from that special someone in your life to your dog to a fresh slice of pizza. If you are searching for an Instagram caption for your photo of you with your favorite ice cream piled high onto a cone, there is a good chance your caption will end up being something like: “Me and Bae.” A caption like this will result in you being classified as “basic,” which leads to the question: what exactly constitutes being “basic?” Another slang term that has stuck around, “basic” people or situations frequently come up in conversation. The fall season in particular is notorious for inducing “basic” behavior. For example, if your friend leaves her apartment dressed for “sweater weather” in fashionable fall attire to get pumpkin spiced lattes from Starbucks before going apple-picking, she is

Review | Television

‘Horror Story’ Continue to Scare By RACHEL DWYER CONTRIBUTING WRITER

The highly anticipated fifth season of “American Horror Story” has arrived, and with the subtitle “Hotel,” it has all the promises of another season of outlandishly gruesome entertainment. The Oct. 6 premiere received both delight and disgust from viewers just in time for the Halloween season. The episode began with a pair of blonde women from some unidentifiable European country checking in to the Hotel Cortez. Viewers were given their first glimpses of the Deco-era hotel that will presumably house the horrors that are to come throughout the season. Many viewers felt the loss of Jessica Lange, who decided to hang up her coat as the series’ malevolent den mother. However, this gap might have been filled with Lady Gaga’s character, The Countess, who not only possesses a truly “American Horror Story”-esque bloodsucking fetish, but also presides over a secret chamber filled with stolen children, seemingly frozen in time. Gaga was probably the most interesting addition to the series; however, other than looking fiercely spooky, she says very little in the first episode, so it was difficult to judge her acting skills. Only time will tell if she can offer more than a sensational name and some fabulous out-

Lady Gaga makes a huge debut in the first episode of American Horror Story.

fits to this season. This season hosts the return of many favorite cast members. Kathy Bates plays Iris, the hotel’s manager, Matt Bomer portrays Iris’s son, Sarah Paulson plays Sally, the hotel’s live-in drug addict, Evan Peters takes the role of the hotel’s sadistic builder and owner, James March, during the 1920s and Angela Bassett plays another one of The Countess’s ex-lovers. The episode quickly reminded us of the gruesome boundaries that creator Ryan Murphy is willing to break in order to shock his audience. Before the viewers even lay eyes on The Countess and the atrocities that come with her bloodlust, they see one of the

blonde Europeans being gnawed to death by two creepy looking children, a cheating couple impaled on a hotel bed (the woman is dead but the man is simply relieved of his eyeballs and tongue as well as subjected to a gruesome misuse of super glue) and the brutal rape of a drug addict by a featureless, wormman mutant. And so the series has been sufficiently set up. All we really know is that a lot of bad things have and will happen in the Hotel Cortez, and that you can bet your bottom dollar that the inhabitants of the hotel have something, if not everything, to do with it.

undeniably guilty of being ”basic.” Being “basic” is not just a certain way you look, but also a way you feel and speak. When you are listening to a ridiculous story about your “bff ’s” encounter with her ex-boyfriend,

and you respond, “I can’t even,” your response is not only “basic,” but also an utterance of another long-lasting millennial slang term. Sometimes, a situation is so much to handle that you just “can’t even.” People use “can’t even” as a reply when they cannot quite put into words how they feel. “Can’t even” expresses everything by expressing nothing. A similar response of nothingness is “word.” “Word” can be an affirmation used synonymously with “sure” or “ok.” “Word” also functions as a filler when you do not know what else to say. There is no better way to keep a conversation short and sweet than by responding with “word.” In retrospect, millennial slang terms are both comical and intriguing. If you find yourself responding “word” to your “bae” after he tells you your outfit is “on fleek” and asks if you want to “Netflix and chill,” do not fear of appearing “basic.” Instead, embrace the language that is unique to millennials.

Front Row | Claire Del Sorbo

The Little Prince: An Escape from Reality For the past few weeks, most students at Fordham have been saddled with midterms. Spending hours upon hours in the library and endlessly studying has no doubt plagued the student body. This week, instead of venturing into Manhattan and making a daylong trip to see a professional production, I chose a simpler route. I walked several steps away from my dorm to Collins Hall, to check out Fordham Experimental Theater’s production of “The Little Prince.” Under the direction of Cat Gallagher, FCRH ’17, and Jane Skapek, FCRH ’16, “The Little Prince” is a play based on the novella by Antoine de SaintExupery. An aviator’s (Michael Brown, FCRH ’16) plane crashes into the Sahara desert, leaving him stranded with a small supply of food and water. As he tries to salvage his plane, he encounters a mysterious young boy whom he refers to as the little prince (Colleen Granberg, FCRH ’18). The little prince shares tales of his eclectic adventures with the aviator, and shares how he is trying to return home to his planet and reunite with his prized companion, a single red rose (Maeve O’Sullivan, FCRH ’17). He tella about his travels to other planets, each inhabited by narrow-minded adults: a king with no subjects (Patrick Donovan Hood, FCRH ’17), a conceited man (Rita Padden, FCRH ’18), a drunkard who drinks to forget his alcoholism, a businessman who “doesn’t have time” for fun ( John Murray, FCRH ’16) and a man whose life revolves around a menial task. The little prince, disappointed by grown-ups’ lack of spirit, decides to visit Earth, where he meets a graceful, enigmatic snake (Mary Kate Glenn, FCRH ’17). He also

meets a fox (Hillary Bosch, FCRH ’19) who initially has no interest in human contact. The fox connects with the little prince, who eventually tames her. The aviator learns a few lessons from the little prince, and is ultimately changed for the better from their encounter. There was a clear attention to design, which made all the difference. The design of the set was minimalistic and simple, yet transported me into the desert. The lights were beautiful, and the makeup of the Snake and the Fox was gorgeous. The utilization of space in the small, somewhat cramped, Blackbox of Collins was well-done. Every movement was purposeful and nothing felt forced. The cast as a whole was commendable. Colleen Granberg, specifically, was remarkable in her performance as the titular, cheerful, yet painfully aware imp. Her performance charmed me and irritated me in the best way possible, because too often, children are both charming and irritating. In two words, her performance was utterly convincing. In her performance I saw the child in everybody: inquisitive and optimistic. I also thoroughly enjoyed Michael Brown as the aviator. He gives an altruistic performance as an adult trying to reconnect with his lost childhood, whilst trying to deal with a difficult situation. Recently, midterms have left us addled and high-strung, but this past weekend, “The Little Prince” provided an escape from the impending anguish of test-taking. It reminded me that although we must deal with our adult responsibilities, there is always a little room for the childlike spirit of fun in our lives.

CULTURE

October 21, 2015

The Ramantic Checklists? “I wouldn’t date a girl who can’t sing,” I remember one of my closest friends saying to me in high school. I remember then thinking how preposterous of a statement that was considering one has no control over their ability to carry a tune (I am particularly challenged). After all, someone could know a person for months or years before knowing if he or she is good at singing. Are these types of stipulations or ideals that someone is searching for in a relationship a waste of time? In the movie The Ugly Truth, a woman, played by Katherine Heigl, works with a bigoted man, played by Gerard Butler. Butler’s character sets out to prove that the checklist and tests Heigl’s character has designed for men to date her is faulty (spoilers ahead). In the end, the two fall in love, demonstrating that her checklist and what she was actually interested in did not coincide. But is there scientific evidence behind the plot of this movie? Are all of our mental checklists for significant others just wasting space in our brains? With millions of potential romantic partners, it seems as though a checklist or some criteria would be helpful to navigate potential significant others. For men, this checklist often includes physical attributes of their potential partner, while women are often looking at status. The problem with these checklists is that they hold us back. They truly limit who we may initiate a relationship with, restricting our options to only the people who meet the criteria on our checklist. But meeting the criteria for a checklist does not guarantee a successful relationship, especially in the long run. Studies show that, nowadays. people do not adhere to their checklists. In a study, participants marked their ideal preferences and then were asked to do a series of speed dates. It turns out that the preferences they marked did not predict which speed dating partner they preferred. This new evidence contradicts implications of previous data. But another study, which is a meta-analysis of data, again demonstrates that people tend not to pursue the romantic partners they expect to. So the idea that people can state what they are interested in, in a romantic partner, and stick to it is null and void. But what does this mean for us? Next time you hear a guy say he likes blonde hair and you look at your brunette hair and think about how hopeless you are, forget it! According to science, he doesn’t actually know what he prefers, so he may as well drop that line. Same goes for guys, so next time you hear a girl say she prefers someone in the business career and you look at your general chemistry book thinking about how hopeless you are, forget it! It is likely that their stated ideal preferences are disconnected from their actual preferences.

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Who’s That Kid? | Lindsay Bukowski

Student Focuses on Business and Artistry By CAROLINE LEBRANTI ASSISTANT PHOTO EDITOR

To the passerby, Lindsay Bukowski might only be known as someone with an eclectic taste in hair dye or the girl studying in Hughes with a large cup of iced coffee always by her side. One might also catch her sporting a variety of witty graphic tees, running back and forth from the D train heading to her job or going on an adventure in her all-time favorite city. However, what most people don’t know is that Lindsay has many interests, talents and experiences that do not meet the naked eye. Most people do not know that she has proudly stood on stage and belted “Arabian Nights” at the famed Auditorium Parco della Musica in Rome, or that she is friendly with Danny Clinch, the photographer that is best known for his work with Bruce Springsteen and Jay Z. As a volunteer for the Fordham Road Business Improvement District and a HerCampus correspondent specializing in women empowerment, Lindsay is passionate about social change. Last year alone, she traveled to seven different countries. It is impossible to find a more humble, quirky and down-to-earth student on Fordham’s campus. At Fordham, Lindsay studies marketing and international business. She has been dubbed “the cool roommate” amongst her eleventh floor companions in Walsh Hall, and her favorite thing to do on campus is read on the Keating Steps. In addition to being a contributing editor and blogger for our university’s chapter of HerCampus, she is an involved member of Fordham’s Marketing Association. Through HerCampus, Lindsay has recently been exposed to a few incredible opportunities. During New York Advertising Week at the beginning of October, she interviewed female media executives on the “Be Confident” bus sponsored by The Girl’s Lounge,

p th Y to p re an im H fi ch p

g COURTESY OF LINDSAY BUKOWSKI

While studying abroad, Lindsay deepened her understanding of culture and design.

an organization that promotes women empowerment and gender equality in the workplace. She was also able to attend “The Power of the Educated Girl” panel, where she listened to First Lady Michelle Obama, former Australian Prime Minister, Julia Gillard, Plan International girl advocate Nurfahada and actresses/activists Charlize Theron and Sophia Bush speak about the promotion of education for adolescent girls around the world. These opportunities have only reinforced her passion for female empowerment, and she notes that hearing such powerful women speak on this topic has inspired her to get more involved and start the conversation among her peers at Fordham. In addition to igniting social change, Lindsay’s other passion is traveling. Last fall she spent her semester studying in Rome, Italy and jet-setting around the rest of Europe during her spare time. While in Rome, she tapped into her creative side by taking classes such as History of Italian Design and Urban Studies of the Eternal City. From making friends with the guy who made her daily panino at her favorite deli,

to tutoring Italian high schoolers in English, Lindsay left her mark on the city she now calls her second home. Upon returning home from her semester abroad, Lindsay landed an internship (and soon-to-be full time job) at Levine/Leavitt, an international artists’ management agency, representing a talented roster of photographers, illustrators and typographers. She told us that she has always had a strong passion for art, film, music and anything else within the creative field, so by combining that with her business background, she feels extremely lucky to have a job where her interests and professional studies collide. In the future, Lindsay hopes to return to Europe and earn a Master’s in Fine Art so that she can continue to make a career out of her passions. Lindsay reflects that all of the opportunities she has been presented with would not be possible if it wasn’t for her time here at Fordham. She is a diehard Ram Fan, and in our opinion, an unsung hero within the Fordham community. So next time you see Lindsay around campus, be sure to say hello! You will not be disappointed.

For Halloween, Borrowing Ideas from Pop Culture By NICOLE HORTON CULTURE EDITOR

With Halloween quickly approaching, like many, I am unable to come up with an idea for a costume. Whether you are interested in dressing up as one of the most-buzzed about politicians, athletes, reality TV stars, superheroes or memes, you have many fun and socially relevant costume options. You can put in as much (or as little) effort as you want with DIY or purchase online. Tom Brady (don’t forget a deflated football) The New England Patriots’ “deflategate” scandal was a major sports event in 2015, leading up to the Pats’ Super Bowl win and Brady fighting a three-game suspension early this season. It ended up getting much more publicity than warranted, although the Patriots were minimally affected by it, but now you can don a Brady jersey and carry around one or more deflated footballs. It is topical and simple, what else can you ask for? Warning: New York Jets fans

may want to stay away from this costume, even though it is mocking in nature. Donald Trump Luckily, both men and women can dress up as the most talked about and controversial presidential hopeful. A hair piece is absolutely necessary, but you get bonus points for carrying around signs or saying Trump’s most quotable lines, such as his biggest initiative (the wall, of course) and saying, “It’s huge!” For women, the “sexy Donald Trump costume” has been generating buzz online, proving that you can sexualize any costume. Hint: it involves shorts and a form-fitting blazer. Hillary Clinton One word: pantsuit. If you really want to be authentic, you should be deleting emails on your phone. “Real Housewives” or “Bachelor” contestant For either, all you need is a sparkly dress. Of course, you must tailor your “Real Housewives” costume to the location of your choice, such as more voluminous hair and a spray tan for New Jersey, and a blonde wig

and your best jewelry for Orange County. A glass of wine practically attached to your hand is an ideal accessory. As a “Bachelor” contestant, all you need is a rose to complete your costume. If you are feeling silly or want to show off your acting chops, you can declare that “I’m not here to make friends” or get emotional about not getting a rose (so you will have to hide it for a bit). Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman Celebrate the movie’s 25th anniversary with any one of the movie’s notable looks, including her casual street look, Kentucky Derby polka dot dress and matching hat or red formal gown. Her niece Emma Roberts has shown that she was also inspired by her aunt’s role when picking out her Halloween costume. There are costumes sold along with numerous DIY tips online. Lauren Conrad’s mermaid (or a simpler version if you are not the unofficial Queen of Pinterest) Last year, Conrad posted a DIY tutorial on her website of her Halloween costume, inspiring some women to channel their best Ariel

from The Little Mermaid, while scaring others with visions of shells falling off or sticking to their fingers. If the tulle seems like too much work, a long, sparkly skirt is a good alternative for a tail. Star Wars With the new installment coming out in December, there will definitely be a lot of lightsabers and masks around. Cecil the Lion The lion that captured the public’s attention is a popular topical costume this year. Some find it offensive, while others say it is just a lion costume, like a Wizard of Oz throwback. “Pretty Little Liars” star Ashley Benson was criticized for sharing a pic on Instagram of her dressed as the lion. However, a number of people will probably take it further and dress up as the hunter-dentist, with bloody scrubs and a rifle. Pizza Rat One of the most-talked about memes lately can be purchased at Halloween stores or can be recreated on your own. Since it was re-

cently revealed that there was a second rat that lost out to the pizza, a friend can dress up with you. Oddly enough (and maybe unsurprisingly to some) there is also a “sexy” pizzaloving rat produced by Yandy. “The Dress” A bodycon number of the optical illusion that took over social media is already said to be a big seller at costume stores. It is half black and blue on one side and gold and white on the other. Well, at least this costume prompts only harmless debate. Caitlyn Jenner This is not a surprise with the constant media coverage surrounding Jenner’s transition. Most of the costumes are similar to Jenner’s Vanity Fair cover look. Costume stores in NYC are torn about selling a costume of the transgender TV star and past Olympian, with some storeowners reasoning that people can easily assemble a costume on their own, but others protesting that it pokes fun at someone’s sexual orientation. Regardless, you are bound to see it at some point.

R R su h an th w sp jo m an m to

SPORTS

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October 21, 2015

The Fordham Ram

Men’s Soccer Off to 3-1 Start in A-10 Play By TARA CANGIALOSI STAFF WRITER

In a rematch of last year’s Atlantic 10 Conference Championship semi-final game, the Fordham men’s soccer team faced Saint Louis University on Jack Coffey Field. Unlike last season’s successful results, the Rams fell 1-0 to the Billikens on a disappointing own goal. It was a frigid night for soccer, and the air was less than clear between the two teams. Fordham’s improbable win as the six seed over the second ranked Billikens in last year’s championship carried weight into the game and fueled intense play from both sides. Neither team created substantial chances in the first half. Fordham was caught offside three times, but had two corner kicks to right their mistakes. However, neither was converted. The Billikens also had three opportunities from corner kicks, but the first half ended in a scoreless tie. The own goal came just three minutes into the second half. Saint Louis’s Vince Cicciarelli centered a ball near the front of the net from the left side. Fordham’s keeper Rashid Nuhu came out to grab the save as a Billiken forward approached the net, but Nuhu’s teammate — sophomore defender Matthew Lewis — attempted to intercept the cross. The ball deflected into the back of the net, giving the Billikens a 1-0 lead. The Rams’ best chance to tie the game came in the 84th minute. Freshman Janos Loebe rocketed a shot at the Saint Louis goal,

ZACK MIKLOS/THE FORDHAM RAM

After winning last year’s conference tournament, the men’s soccer team is off to an impresive 3-1 start in the Atlantic 10.

which went off the outside post and back into play. Junior Andy Hickey’s rebound shot went over the crossbar, giving the Billikens possession again with a goal kick. Though Fordham may have outshot Saint Louis 9-8, none of their shots were on net. The Billikens had three on frame, giving Nuhu two saves. The loss brings Fordham’s overall record to 5-5-3 and 3-1 in A-10 play, while the Billikens improve to 5-5-2 on the year and 1-1-2 in the league. The goal that gave Saint Louis the win was controversial though, as the official on the far side called the Saint Louis player who was in-

volved in the play offsides. The refs needed to confer with one another before declaring the goal official. Fordham defenders were not happy with the call and protested it because relatively recently, the International Football Association Board (IFAB) clarified the offside rule. The original rule stated that: “A player in an offside position is only penalized if, at the moment the ball touches or is played by one of his team, he is, in the opinion of the referee, involved in active play by: interfering with play or, interfering with an opponent or, gaining an advantage by being in that position.”

The new rule further defines what “interfering with an opponent” means. If a player is preventing his opposition from being able to play the ball by clearly obstructing his line of vision or challenging him for the ball, the player should be called offsides. The Saint Louis player seemed to have obstructed Nuhu’s vision, as he had no idea where the ball ended up. Also, the new rule says that a play must be looked at in terms of if the defender “acted” or “reacted” to the ball. In the play, the Saint Louis player and Fordham’s Lewis streaked toward the goal as Nuhu was coming out for the save. It is unclear if

Lewis was looking to make a deliberate play on the ball. If Lewis was trying to make a pass out of bounds or to the outside, that is a deliberate play where he is “acting” on the ball. Therefore, the ruling that the Saint Louis player was not offsides and the goal counting should stand. However, if Lewis was just trying to break up the play, that is a reactionary misplay on the ball. If this is the case, then the goal should have been called back. From my vantage point in the stands, the true nature of the play was difficult to determine. After speaking with some Fordham defenders, there was a universal belief that the Saint Louis player obstructed Nuhu’s vision, and that Lewis’ involvement should have been ruled a misplay. Unfortunately, the referees do not have access to replay and are not going to take out the rule book for a thorough examination of the offsides rule in the middle of the match. The call was made as the refs saw fit, and the Rams ended up on the losing side. The loss cannot deflate Fordham’s morale. The team still has four more games in conference play against the University of Rhode Island, George Mason, Dayton and UMass. The Rams will face the first of these rivals, URI, on Wednesday, Oct. 21 at 7 p.m. for an A-10 Championship game rematch. The Rhode Island based Rams are 7-52 on the year with a 2-1-1 conference record, but are a team the Fordham Rams can surely beat, especially if the players channel the same intensity from the win over them last year.

Cross Country Turns in Top Performances By ALEXANDRIA SEDLAK STAFF WRITER

On Friday, Oct. 9, the Fordham Men’s and Women’s Cross Country teams competed in the Metropolitan Cross Country Championship. The day was a success for Fordham as the women’s team finished second overall and the men’s team grabbed the first place title. The women’s team stood out in the meet as the only squad with six runners to finish in the top 25. The first Ram to finish was sophomore Stephanie Leo, taking 10th place with a time of 19:31.2. Leo finished just before her teammate, freshman Kate McCormack, who claimed 11th place with a time of 19:32.4. Senior Rachel Picard came in 13th place, clocking in at 19:36.0, while sophomore Brynna Harum took 19th place with a time of 19:46.0. The final two Rams to cross the finish line in the top 25 were junior Brianne Roche and freshman Angelina Grebe, who took 22nd with a time of 19:50.9 and 23rd with a time of 19:51.9, respectively. Aside from the second place team finish, some runners posted personal bests. Leo, Picard, Harum and Roche all improved their

COURTESY OF AARON MAYS

The men’s cross country team captured the Metropolitan Championship on Oct. 9, while the women finished in second.

times since the Fordham Fiasco in September, while Leo and Picard improved their final standings overall. Fordham’s men’s team, who claimed the Metropolitan Cham-

pionship individual and team title during the 2014 season, defended both of their titles this year. Graduate student Jonathan Annelli was the first Ram to finish and was also first runner overall

to finish. He turned in an impressive run, finishing eight seconds in front of second place with a time of 26:28.8. Second place was taken by another Ram, senior Mike Turi, who finished with a time of

26:36.5. Sophomore Thomas Slattery came in fourth place, with a time of 26:45.9. Senior Quincy O’Connor, last year’s Metropolitan Championship winner, clocked in at 26:56.6, placing him in eighth. Sophomore Nik O’Brien followed, with a time of 27:04.3 placing him in 12th. Sophomore Louis Santelli rounded out the top 25 with a finishing time of 27:36.1. The team’s average finish time was 26:47, which was 30 seconds faster than New York University’s second place average finish time of 27:13. The 2015 Metropolitan Cross Country Championship was certainly a momentous day for the Rams’ cross country program. Not only did individual athletes turn in great performances, but both the women’s and the men’s teams finished in the same position in the meet as last year. The team has resumed practice since competing almost two weeks ago and will return to action on Halloween, competing in the Atlantic 10 Championship in Richmond, Virginia. Following the conference meet, the team looks to compete in the NCAA District Regional in Boston and the ECAC/IC4A Championshp at nearby Van Cortlandt Park on Nov. 13 and Nov. 21.

October 21, 2015

Devin Adams Rowing Competes in Cambridge The Fordham women’s rowing team traveled to Cambridge, Mass. this past weekend, Oct. 16-17, to participate in the 51st Head of the Charles Regatta. The race was 4,800 meters with three checkpoints at Riverside Boat Club, Weld Boathouse and Cambridge Boat Club before the finish line. The team had three entries and, although the team didn’t walk away with any medals, it had a strong performance across the board. The Rams’ first race was with the women’s club four, with the boat consisting of freshman coxswain Nicollette Curran, sophomore Kristen Shuman, sophomore Jessica Kammen, sophomore Katie Dillon and junior Kara Ramsey. While it was in 20th at the final checkpoint, the team members rallied over the last stretch and finished 16th. The next boat competing for Fordham was the women’s club eight with a boat consisting of coxswain junior Jacquelyn Ramos, junior Kerry Egan, sophomore Caroline Hamann, senior Jessica LaJoie, freshman Cynthia Luz, senior Ashley Hawkesworth, senior Fiona Murtagh, freshman Erin Parker and junior Maura O’Donnell. The Rams set out 37th on the day because this was the first year the Rams had a bid for the women’s eights. At the Riverside checkpoint, with a time of 4:17.320, the Rams were projected to finish 12th. The boat was able to make up a few places at the next checkpoint, Weld, with a time of 9:50.636 and a projected finish in 10th. The Rams then picked up the pace at the final checkpoint and, with a time of 14.44.107, were projected to finish third. By the end of the race the Rams had a time of 17:36.828, which was good enough for fifth out of 38 boats. Kerry Egan, the bow seat of the women’s eight, was pleased with the boat’s strong finish. “After going through Elliots Bridge and hearing all the Fordham cheers from everyone who had come to the race, we were really motivated to give that last burst of energy in the final sprint,” Egan said. The winner of the club eights was Brown University with a time of 17:09.583. The final women’s boat competing for the weekend was the lightweight four on Sunday afternoon. The boat consisted of senior coxswain Rebecca Aviles, freshman Bridget Kayes, sophomore Catherine Napoli, sophomore Holly O’Reilly and junior Leslie Fung. The Rams started second on the day because of their strong performance last year. By the first checkpoint at Riverside Boat Club had a time of 4:51.424, which projected them to finish sixth. The Rams climbed two places by the second checkpoint with a time of 11:11.620. By the final checkpoint, the Rams had a time of 16:53.556. The Rams finished fifth out of 15 teams with a time of 20:07.674. The winner of the race was Riverside with a time of 19:23.121. The Rams next regatta is the Head of the Schuykill on Oct. 24.

SPORTS Varsity Scores & Stats Football Holy Cross 17 0 21 3 0 41 Fordham 7 20 14 0 6 44 (HC) Pujals 4 TDs (FOR) Anderson 309 yds

Men’s Soccer Saint Louis 1 Fordham 0 GOALS: Karcher (SLU) 48’

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Jack McLoone

Water Polo Fordham 9 St. Francis Brooklyn 10 (FOR) Gonzalez 3 goals (SFB) Dimitrov 1 goal

Women’s Soccer Volleyball Fordham 1 Rhode Island 3 (FOR) Jones 15 K, ast (DAY) Kinnan 49 ast, 12 digs Golf Lehigh Invitational T-5th (FOR) Schiller T-11th

Saint Louis Fordham

0 1

GOALS: Maksuti (FOR) 51’ Fordham 1 Dayton 3 GOALS: Campbell (DAY) 3’, Kiehl (DAY) 10’, Natale (FOR) 65’, Campbell (DAY) 87’

Rowing Head of the Charles Varsity 8 5th- 17:36.828 Women’s Tennis Fordham Seton Hall

Athletes of the Week Chase Edmonds

Kristina Maksuti

Sophomore

Senior

Football

Soccer

Edmonds was a big factor in Fordham’s win over Holy Cross on Saturday. The running back rushed for 162 yards and four touchdowns en route to being named the Corvias Patriot League Offensive Player of the Week.

Thanks to Maksuti’s clutch goal, the Rams prevailed over the Saint Louis Billikens in their only contest of the week. The win improved their record to a robust 10-5 on the year.

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

News & Notes • Pretlow

Named Patriot League Player of the Week

• Softball Recognized by NFCA

On Monday, junior defensive back Jihaad Pretlow was named the Corvias Patriot League Special Teams Player of the Week. During Saturday’s game against Holy Cross, the New Jersey native made three kickoff returns for a total of 172 yards, one of which went for 87 yards and a touchdown. On the season, Pretlow has racked up 40 tackles on defense and returned 19 kickoffs for 528 yards, good for a 27.8 average.

Last week, the National Fastpitch Coaches Association honored more than 5,000 softball players nationwide as NFCA AllAmerica Scholar-Athletes. Among Fordham players, 2015 graduates Michele Daubman, Kayla Lombardo, Serena Moroukian and Brianna Turgeon, along with senior Allie Bradian and team manager Kayla Robinson. Fordham ranked 30th out of all Division I schools with a 3.412 GPA.

• Swimming & Diving Raises

Money for ACA

On Sunday, Fordham Swimming & Diving participated in the annual Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk in Central Park, sponsored by the American Cancer Society. It marked the seventh straight year in which the team participated in the event. In all, the Rams raised more than $2,000, all of which will go to the ACA.

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Student/Faculty Volleyball Tournament Fast Approaching Next Tuesday, Oct. 27, Fordham Volleyball will host its annual Student/Faculty Volleyball Tournament, to be held in Rose Hill Gym. Teams will consist of at least six people. All who wish to participate should email team names and rosters to assistant coach Patricia Vernon (pvernon@ fordham.edu). For those who do not play, there will be various items and raffle tickets for sale. All proceeds will benefit the Side-Out Foundation. – Compiled by Sam Belden

RAM ARCHIVES

The Rams have lost four straight, but have one more match before A-10s.

6 1

Protecting the Product Earlier this week, two ESPN-alternatives, Deadspin and SBNation, had Twitter accounts shut down following copyright claims made by the NFL regarding the websites posting GIFs and Vines of NFL games. As one might guess, the Internet was not happy and saw this as just another example of the NFL fully embracing being the “No Fun League.” The NFL has its problematic aspects, but I can still see both sides of the argument. The source of the problem is that copyright law, and specifically the topic of “fair use,” is infuriatingly vague. This law essentially states that copyrighted work must be used for the purposes of “criticism, comment, news reporting” to constitute fair use. However, it goes on to say that the effect this work would have on the source work must be taken into account, among other measures. And that is where the NFL, along with the MLB, who is also cracking down on GIFs and Vines, has solid footing. If any of you have read my previous articles, you should know by now that I hate agreeing with the NFL. However, the league does have a point. These snippets posted by Deadspin and SBNation are not always accompanied by any sort of comment or criticism except for maybe a stray “LOL” or “YOU HAVE TO SEE THIS” (this is not to take away from Deadspin or SBNation, which are sites I frequent.) Sometimes they just show the play, so theoretically, these highlights are taking away from the NFL’s official product. All that being said, I have two major problems with this course of action, one focused particularly on the NFL and one on major sports in general. The majority of NFL highlights are extremely short: an incredible catch, a defender made to look a fool by a vicious juke, a crushing but exciting hit. But if you were to try and watch one of these highlights with a link provided by the NFL, you must first sit through a commercial, which is oftentimes longer than the highlight itself. And unlike other leagues, especially the MLB, the NFL has refused to adapt by combating the GIF accounts with GIFs of its own. This brings me to my other problem: shutting down GIF and Vine posting accounts without including an alternative only serves to hurt the product. Sports are always looking to solidify their fan bases, and there’s no better way to do that than capturing the youth. Instead, these leagues seem to act as though they hate their younger constituents. In this era of social media, GIFs and Vines are king. Preventing access to them without any sort of alternative is damning. At the end of the day, the NFL’s official Twitter isn’t going to post GIFs of Eagles coaches making suggestive play call signals, a totally befuddled Jaguars fan or Tom Brady cursing out the world after a dropped pass. These, along with the highlight plays, are what are often posted. The NFL’s response is a typical sports governing body reaction. They need to cool their jets and see the bigger picture. Obviously, the NFL and other sports leagues have a right to protect the product they produce. The problem is, in typical monopolistic fashion, they do so reactively and poorly.

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Sam Belden

October 21, 2015

Senior Profile | Quincy O’ Connor By ALEXANDRIA SEDLAK

Pat Costello

STAFF WRITER

Adrian Beltre’s Legacy Adrian Beltre’s Texas Rangers may have been eliminated from MLB postseason, but the veteran third baseman has not stopped making headlines. On Friday, it was announced that the 36-year-old played the second half of 2015 with a torn ligament in his thumb. The severity of the injury is unclear at this time, although he should be ready to play by Opening Day in 2016. Had Beltre struggled towards the finish, this wouldn’t have been a surprise. But he was on fire during the second half. He hit .318 with 11 home runs and a 140 OPS+. Any other player putting up numbers like that in the midst of a torn ligament injury would have raised eyebrows, but it was business as usual for Beltre. Season after season, he amazes us with his skill, grit and longevity--so much so that he’ll be deserving of a bronze plaque in Cooperstown by the time he’s done. Initially one might not consider Beltre a part of the all-time great third basemen, a lineup that includes Mike Schmidt, Eddie Mathews, George Brett, Wade Boggs and Chipper Jones. However, after 18 years in the Major Leagues, he’s at their level. A longtime Dodger, the Dominican broke into the majors in 1999 and established himself as a glove-first infielder — until 2004. That season, his walk year, Beltre led the MLB with 48 home runs and made his first playoff appearance. In December, he signed a five-year, $64 million contract with the Seattle Mariners. While Beltre’s Mariners years are often viewed as a dark period in his career, he still provided great value with his glove. His raw offensive numbers were depressed by the pitcherfriendly environment of Safeco Field. Even so, these seasons resulted in less prominence and earning power. After re-establishing his value as a member of the Red Sox in 2010, Beltre signed with Texas and began what has been the most productive act of his career. In five seasons, he’s been well above average both at the plate (133 OPS+) and in the field (backto-back Gold Gloves in 2011 and 2012). His total of 31.4 WAR over that stretch is more than guys like Paul Konerko, Tino Martinez and Don Baylor have compiled in their entire careers. Furthermore, Beltre’s veteran leadership has been instrumental in several playoffs, including one that led to the World Series in 2011. Even by themselves, Beltre’s traditional numbers demand for his inclusion in the Hall of Fame. With 2,767 hits, 560 doubles and 413 home runs, he’s been one of the steadiest players in baseball history. His 66.3 JAWS is well above the established standard for Hall of Fame third baseman and should satisfy the sabermetrically inclined voter. Four Silver Sluggers and four Gold Gloves demonstrate greatness on both sides of the ball. In the coming days, baseball fans will be treated to the best stretch of the year: the culmination of the League Championship Series, followed by the World Series. While watching, let’s remember to tip our caps to one of the eliminated, Adrian Beltre, who has once again proven why he deserves to be enshrined with baseball’s greats.

Quincy O’ Connor is a senior on the Fordham cross country team. He has competed in long distance races over the past four years and is now in his last cross country season. Last year, he was named team MVP and won the individual title at the Metropolitain Championship. He is an English major with a concentration in creative writing. The Fordham Ram: How do you feel about this season so far? Quincy O’Connor: The season is off to a great start. We have our conference meet coming up in a couple of weeks and we are very ready. TFR: Anything you are looking forward to for the team this year? QC: We have been preparing hard for the championship season. We started off strong at the Metropolitan Championships and are looking forward to the rest of the season. TFR: Even though you generally run on your own for the meets, would you say the team plays an important role for you? QC: Cross country is all about the team. My performance is only good insofar as it helps the team be successful. TFR: How would you describe your experience on this team over the past few years? QC: The team has made my experience at Fordham great. I have met some great friends and teammates. It will be strange leaving at the end of the year. TFR: What ultimately guided

When the Mets Almost Won

COURTESY OF QUINCY O’CONNOR

O’ Connor has been a staple of the Rams’ distance team for four years.

your decision to come to Fordham all those years ago? QC: When I came on my official visit and met the team and saw the close-knit nature, I knew that I wanted to come here. TFR: Looking back, is there anything you wish you had done differently during your running career? QC: I don’t think so. TFR: What is your favorite memory from your four years on the team? QC: So far, winning the Metropolitan Championships last fall for the first time in 65 years. But that answer may change at the end of this season. TFR: Looking forward, do you see running as a part of your future?

QC: I will keep running as long as my body lets me. TFR: What are your future plans? QC: I plan to move out west and run as much as possible in the mountains. TFR: What is one thing you would like to tell your teammates, as well as prospective runners, about how Fordham has shaped you as a person and as an athlete? QC: It’s taught me to be tough, and also the importance of team. Without my teammates my experience would not have been the same. They are the reason for my success since I’ve been here. I’d tell people to not get caught up in themselves and to focus on the team. Don’t take yourself too seriously.

Volleyball Goes 1-3 on Homestand By DEVIN ADAMS STAFF WRITER

Fordham Volleyball returned to the Bronx to host A-10 opponent Duquesne University on Oct. 9. Unfortunately for the Rams, they lost 1-3. The Rams then hosted La Salle University on Oct. 10, and this time the Rams were able to get the win 3-2. The Rams had their last game of a three game home series on Oct. 13 against the Lehigh University Mountain Hawks. The Mountain Hawks came into the game 11-9 and were going to be a tough matchup for the Fordham Rams. In the first set, Fordham remained competitive behind strong team play; with the Rams down 7-6, there were four different Rams players with kills. Fordham continued its strong team play. When the Rams fell behind 18-13, they were able to rally behind three kills and an ace, all from different Fordham players, closing the gap to 18-17. The Mountain Hawks held off the Fordham Rally though, and took the set 25-22. In the second set, Fordham fell behind early, dropping 6-3 to the Mountain Hawks, but rallied behind two kills from junior Kristen Ostach, and were able to take the lead 7-6. The second set continued to be a tough one, with both teams trading the lead the whole way. When Fordham was down 24-22 facing a set point, freshman Natalie Martinez got back to back kills to tie the game 24-24. Despite the tough fight, teh Rams dropped the set to the Mountain Hawks 26-24. The Rams continued their tough fight into the third set, taking a 6-5 lead. After that the Mountain Hawks

gained momentum, although the Rams tried to rally on a scoring streak bringing the score to 21-15. The Mountain Hawks closed out the game 25-18 and completed the sweep 3-0. Martinez finished the game leading the Rams with 12 kills, and sophomore Emily Fronk led the team with 29 assists. Other leaders of the game include sophomore Sarah Skelton, who led the team with two blocks, and freshman Brenna Jones, who led with 12 digs. Fordham Volleyball then traveled to Kingston, RI on October 17 to face the University of Rhode Island. This was another tough opponent for the Rams, as URI came into the game with an overall record 13-6. The Rams were overwhelmed early on, falling behind 9-3 to start the first set. Although they were able to find their groove a little later and get some points, Fordham ultimately dropped the first set to URI 25-16. Fordham continued to be overwhelmed in

the second set losing 25-12. In the third set Fordham found its groove. With the game tied at 22, Fordham finished the game and won the set 25-23. Although the third set was more competitive, Fordham dropped the set 25-18 to URI, and ultimately, URI took home the win 3-1. Jones led the team with 15 kills, Fronk led with 30 assists and senior Brennan Delsing led the team with 14 digs. Fordham is 8-16 after the weekend, and their next game is on Oct. 23 in Fairfax, Va against George Mason University. When asked about her upcoming opponents, senior Brennan Delsing said, “We definitely have some tough matchups coming up, but we’re really excited to take them on as a team and accept the challenge they’re going to offer us. We did a lot of good things last weekend, and we’re excited to carry those things over this weekend.”

ZACK MIKLOS/THE FORDHAM RAM

Volleyball’s 2-5 A-10 record is tied with four other teams in conference.

Baseball is the most painfully romantic sport there is. Every year you feel that your team could go all the way, and when they don’t, you feel it. You feel the pain and heartbreak of the loss, and are left with the empty feeling of what could have been. Winning in professional sports is incredibly difficult, but losing is worse. But what if your team wasn’t supposed to be there in the first place? This is the story of a team that nobody even considered a contender. This is the heart wrenching story of the 1973 New York Mets. Everybody knows that the 1969 Miracle Mets was one of the greatest sports stories ever. They came out of absolutely nowhere to win the World Series, shocking everybody. The feat could not be replicated by any team, besides the New York Mets of course. The 1973 team, led by manager Yogi Berra, had a superior roster to that of the 1969 team. Players like John Matlack and Tug McGraw were expected to propel them to success. Tom Seaver was also terrific. Over the course of the season Seaver won 19 games, while maintaining an astonishingly low 2.08 ERA . He won the Cy Young for his performance, the second of his career. It was also the last season in the storied career of Willie Mays. The “Say Hey Kid” might have been on his last legs, but he was still able to perform when the moment called for it. The name on the front of his jersey might have been foreign, but his hat was a comfortable sight. With 44 games left in the year, the Mets were twelve games under .500, and dead in the eyes of most. But then, just when they needed it most, everything clicked. They played incredible baseball down the stretch. They won eight of their last eleven games, pushing their record to 8279. They clinched the division title with the lowest win percentage in baseball history. Between 1970 and 1980, the Mets were the only team besides the Pirates and Phillies to win the National League East Flag. The Mets beat the Big Red Machine in five games in the NLCS, which included a god-like two hit shutout from Matlack. The World Series, which seemed like a pipe dream in August, was their next stop. The opposition seemed insurmountable. The powerhouse Oakland Athletics, headlined by Reggie Jackson, Rollie Fingers, Catfish Hunter and Vida Blue, were attempting to repeat as champions. The Mets didn’t back down, and pushed the series to Game Seven, when the unthinkable happened . . . they lost. And just like that, the season was over. No championship, no miracle, no parade. Just the heartbreak and memories of what could have been. The 2015 team is now on the doorstep of something amazing. If they are able to overcome the strength of the Cubs, then they will be headed back to the World Series for the first time since 1986. The 1973 Mets did not have the fairytale ending that this year’s team hopes to have, but the best part about fairytales is that, if you want them to come true, “Ya Gotta Believe.”

SPORTS

October 21, 2015

Page 19

Golf Ends Fall Season 5th at Lehigh Invite By SAM BELDEN ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR

On Saturday, Fordham Golf wrapped up its fall season with a share of fifth place at the Lehigh Invitational. While the Rams found themselves in the mix after the first round, they could not catch fire on the second day and wound up settling for another middle-of-the-pack finish. The host course, Saucon Valley Country Club, is a par 71 designed by Herb Strong. After opening with a score of 312, Fordham was alone in sixth place. A strong day two in the low 300s might have proven enough for at least a podium finish, but instead, the Rams fought through windy conditions to combine for a 315, landing themselves 20 strokes behind the winners. Sophomore Matt Schiller led the way for the Rams. The Ohio native established himself as a contender after the first round, during which he shot a 72, just two strokes off the pace. However, he blew up to an 82 on Saturday to fall into a tie for 11th. Sophomore James Mongey was more consistent, signing for rounds of 77 and 78 and tying for 14th, just one stroke behind. The team’s remaining members were not as productive. Freshman Tommy Hayes opened with a 78 and closed with an 82 en route to a tie for 32nd. Sophomore Joseph Trim stumbled out of the gate with a 86, but he righted the ship on Saturday with a gutsy 75, ending up in a tie for 34th. Junior Fernando Morett rounded out the scoring for Fordham, shooting rounds of 85 and 80. All Fordham players but Morett regressed on Saturday. “We felt like we sort of fell apart during the event,” said Trim, referring to his team’s second round fade. “But when you step back and look at the conditions of the wind and the difficulty of the golf course, it’s easier to see how well

we did play.” Bucknell won the event. The Bison notched the best team score on both days, posting a 299 on Friday and a 308 on Saturday. Lucas Trim, Villanova University junior and brother of Fordham player Joseph Trim, was the medalist, signing for rounds of 70 and 74 en route to a three stroke victory. Thanks to the Saturday tee times, Fordham finished its day long before Villanova, but that did not stop Trim from watching his brother take the title. “I had to talk everyone into sticking around to watch my brother finish,” he said. “I’m glad they let me, because it felt great waiting off of the 18th green to congratulate him.” He called it one of the highlights of his college career. While Fordham Golf could not pull out any wins, this fall season has been significant due to the noticeable uptick in performance among Fordham players. In five events, the Rams notched a fourth, two sixths, a seventh and a 12th. That looks pretty good compared to last fall, when Fordham played one more event but wound up with just two top six finishes. Still, the players’ main focus this offseason is further improvement. “The main thing we need to focus on for the spring is preparation,” said Trim. “We need to start taking practice rounds a little more seriously and be more methodical out on the course. Being committed to hitting a shot is just as, if not more important than the actual swing. We need to focus more on the mental aspect so we can show the talent we have.” While the team has yet to announce its spring schedule, we know that it will culminate with a trip to Florida for the Atlantic 10 Championship in April, to be held at the Villas of Grand Cyprus in 2016. Until then, Fordham Golf will be working away in the gym and on the course.

By DREW CASEY ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR

“Welcome to New York. It’s been waiting for you.” Although pop sensation Taylor Swift is originally a Pennsylvania native, the lyrics of her hit single reflect the current mood of the New York sports world. The Mets are on fire and poised to win the World Series. The Jets are arguably a top five team in the NFL after a 4-1 start. The Giants have rebounded from a miserable start and have a chance at the NFC East. Hockey season is underway, and the Rangers hope that this is finally their year to come away with the Stanley Cup. The Islanders’ Brooklyn chapter is underway. The Knicks and Nets are gearing up for the regular season with exhibitions. You can’t begin a Mets discussion at the moment without first mentioning second baseman Daniel Murphy. I thought Mets fans wanted him shipped off or to ride the pine earlier this season. That’s clearly not the case now as the thirty-year-old is cementing himself into Mets history. Through the team’s first six postseason games, Murphy has homered five times and has collected eight RBIs and ten total hits in 28 at-bats. To make it even more impressive, look at who Murphy has homered off of. The 2006 13th round draft pick has belted bombs off Dodgers stars Clayton Kershaw (2) and Zach Greinke, as well as Cubs starters Jon Lester and Jake Arrieta. If Murph can keep it going, he’ll surely be remembered as one of the most Amazin’ players to sport the blue and orange. As for the other reasons for success, the Mets have received the same strong starting pitching that they did throughout the regular season. Jacob deGrom, Noah Syndergaard, Matt Harvey and Jeurys Familia have been virtually unhittable. In the team’s first six playoff games, the pitching staff has allowed 20 runs, or just about 3.5 per game. That number might seem a bit high for Mets fans, but with the team’s hot offensive production, the num-

ber is not at all concerning. While the Mets have stolen the spotlight in New York, the Jets also deserve a ton of recognition, as the team has gotten off to a 4-1 start. With the only blunder against the Eagles, the Jets have relied on the running game to open up their offense. Chris Ivory has shone as Gang Green’s man in the backfield and has clearly emerged as the starter alongside veteran signal caller Ryan Fitzpatrick. The team’s style under first-year head coach Todd Bowles is very reminiscent of the squad’s style in 2010 and 2011, when the Jets made it all the way to the AFC Championship before falling just short of the Super Bowl. Without a doubt, the team’s MVP thus far this season is IK Enemkpali for knocking Geno Smith out of his starting quarterback job. Flipping to the Giants, it did not look good after the second week of the season when the team was 0-2 following a 24-20 loss to the Falcons. Big Blue has since recovered, largely due to the play of Eli Manning, who has thrown for 1,400 yards and 10 touchdowns. Odel Beckham Jr. has been dominant for

the team at the receiver position, and the running back by committee situation has worked out well. In a poor NFC East, the sky is the limit for the Giants. It wouldn’t be mid-October in New York without some early regular season hockey either. The Rangers, fresh off their Eastern Conference Finals loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning, appear poised to start the campaign strong as they seek the Stanley Cup that they have come so close to over the past two years. The team has struggled a bit in the early going with putting a full sixty-minute game together, but the group’s crop of young talent has shone as Oscar Lindberg, Derek Stepan and J.T. Miller have combined for 13 total points in the first six games. Essentially, it’s a good time to be a sports fan in New York City. “Walking through a crowd, the village is aglow, Kaleidoscope of loud heartbeats under coats, Everybody here wanted something more.” But will New Yorkers see a World Series title? Perhaps a Super Bowl trophy? We’ll have to wait and see.

COURTESY OF WIKIMEDIA

Daniel Murphy has been the spark plug of the Met offense in the postseason.

Varsity Calendar HOME AWAY

Thursday Oct. 22

Lehigh 1 p.m.

Men’s Soccer

Rhode Island 7 p.m. GW 3 p.m.

Swimming

Marist 6 p.m.

Mon/Fair 5:00 p.m.

Volleyball

George Mason 7 p.m.

Men’s Tennis

ITA Northeast Championships

Women’s Tennis Rowing

Sunday Oct. 25

Monday Oct. 26

Tuesday Oct. 27

George Mason 1:00 p.m. Richmond 1 p.m.

Salem Intl GW/Mercyhurst 8:00 p.m. 11 a.m.

Water Polo

The team heads into the winter looking to further improve by Spring.

Saturday Oct. 24

Football

Women’s Soccer

TORD SOLLIE/FLICKR

Friday Oct. 23

GW 7 p.m.

ITA Regionals

Head of the Schuykill

St. Francis BK 7:30 p.m.

Wednesday Oct. 28

SPORTS

Page 20

October 21, 2015

The Fordham Ram

Football Holds Off Holy Cross in Overtime By ANTHONY PUCIK SPORTS EDITOR

It cannot be stressed enough. Sophomore Chase Edmonds is a special football player. He had another big day for Fordham football, who defeated Patriot League rival Holy Cross 47-41 in overtime to retain the Ram-Crusader Cup for the fourth straight season. Junior quarterback Kevin Anderson has struggled on his first drive of the game this season for the Rams, and Saturday proved no different. After a great kickoff return gave Fordham the ball at the Crusader 45, Anderson was picked off on the third play from scrimmage. Holy Cross took advantage, going 80 yards down the field and capping the drive with a nine-yard touchdown run by Brendan Flaherty to go up 7-0 early in the first quarter. Another long kickoff return gave the Rams great field position, but Anderson was once again picked off, ending Fordham’s drive. This time, Holy Cross would settle for a 47-yard field goal from backup kicker Zane Wasp to go up by 10. “It certainly wasn’t the opening sequence that we hoped for on either side of the ball,” said head coach Joe Moorhead. “We talk about start fast and finish strong, and certainly we didn’t do that this week.” The Ram offense did eventually get going on its third drive of the game, and this time it would find the end zone. Anderson found his senior wide receiver Ben Johnson from three yards out to cut the Holy Cross lead to 10-7 late in the first. “It was great to be back,” Johnson, who has had some injury troubles since the Army game this

ZACK MIKLOS/ THE FORDHAM RAM

Fordham edged Holy Cross 47-41 in an overtime thriller in the Ram-Crusader Cup this past Saturday at Jack Coffey Field.

season, said. The Crusaders and Rams exchanged punts on their next two drives, and Holy Cross quarterback Peter Pujals connected with wideout Jake Wierczorek for a 30-yard score to give the visitors a 17-7 lead after one quarter of play. Fordham responded on its next drive, going 69 yards and ending with Edmonds’ first touchdown of the afternoon from 12 yards out to make it 17-14 Crusaders. The Rams’ defense came up big on the next drive when Fordham junior defensive back Jihaad Pretlow picked off Pujals, and followed up with a 13-yard touchdown run from Edmonds to give the Rams their first lead of the game, 20-17 after a missed extra point. After an uncharacteristic three drives of scoring between both teams, Fordham got the ball back after the Crusaders failed to convert on a fourth down.

Eight plays later, Johnson scored his second receiving touchdown of the game on a 33 yard pass from Anderson to make it 27-17 Rams at the half. “We stuck with our game plan,” Moorhead said. “We were able to score some points and we also settled down defensively.” The Holy Cross offense started off on the right foot in the second half, going 73 yards in five plays and ending with a 34-yard touchdown pass from Pujals to wide receiver Kalif Raymond to cut the Fordham lead to three, but on the ensuing kickoff Pretlow took it 87 yards to the house to give Fordham a 34-24 lead. “It’s special to get back in the end zone after three years being not in the end zone and primarily playing defense, just stopping people from getting in the end zone,” Pretlow said. “I’m definitely hoping that

there’s more to come in the near future.” Holy Cross responded with a score of its own on its next drive, when Pujals connected with Flaherty on a 20-yard reception to make it 34-31 Rams. Fordham punted on its next drive and the Crusaders took the lead 38-34 on the next series with a 13-yard touchdown pass from Pujals to Raymond. Fordham answered on its next drive, when Edmonds found the end zone for the third time, after rushing from seven yards out, giving the Rams a 41-38 lead after three quarters of play. In the fourth, Holy Cross got into field goal range, but Crusader kicker Connor Fitzgerald missed a 37-yard attempt. Junior kicker Makay Redd missed an attempt of his own on the next drive for Fordham from 44 yards out, keeping the lead at just three for the Rams. Four

drives went by without scores, two for the Crusaders and two for the Rams, and Holy Cross got the ball back with just 49 seconds remaining in regulation. Pujals drove the Crusaders down the field, and with five seconds left Wasp connected from 48 yards out to send the game into overtime. Fordham won the toss and elected to give Holy Cross the ball first in OT. The Crusaders were only able to gain six yards to the Fordham 19, setting up a 37-yard field goal attempt for Wasp. Fordham partially blocked the kick and it went wide right, meaning that any type of scoring for Fordham on its drive would win them the game. The Rams handed the ball to Chase Edmonds five straight times, and on the fifth he walked into the end zone for the seven-yard score, giving the Rams the 47-41 victory. “There’s not a time where Chase doesn’t want the ball in his hands,” Moorhead said. “Chase said ‘give it to me’ and Garrick [Mayweather] said ‘run behind me,’ and I said ‘alright, sounds like a plan.’” Edmonds had, for him, a modest day on the ground, only rushing for 162 yards, but added four touchdowns to his impressive sophomore campaign. Meanwhile Johnson, who only had two receptions heading into this game, ended with 68 yards on three catches and two touchdowns. Despite the loss, Pujals had a fantastic day for the Crusaders, completing 35 of 70 passes for 508 yards and four touchdowns. The Rams improved to 6-1 on the season and 2-0 in Patriot League play with the victory. Fordham’s next contest is another Patriot League matchup this Saturday, Oct. 24, at home against Lehigh at 1 p.m.

Women’s Soccer Splits Pair of A-10 Matches By LEIGHTON SCHNEIDER STAFF WRITER

The Fordham women’s soccer team split its Atlantic 10 games this past week. The team beat St. Louis University 1-0 on Thursday night, before dropping a 3-1 decision to Dayton on Sunday. Redshirt senior forward Kristina Maksuti scored the lone goal Thursday, while junior forward Nicol Natale scored on Sunday. In a game that featured the top defensive team in the A-10, Fordham, and the top offensive team, St. Louis, the Rams came away as the more complete team. The Billikens came into the game averaging 28 shots per game, but ended the game with only seven shots. Fordham goalkeeper Megan Fitzgerald had two saves. Fordham’s offense came out firing from the start, getting the first five shots of the game. Head coach Jessica Clinton thought that the Rams were able to take advantage of the St. Louis defense. “We were able to exploit the areas that we knew they would leave the space open,” said Clinton. “With our fast players up front we were able to get [a goal] by getting behind the defense.”

RAM ARCHIVES

The Rams look to continue their success at George Washington on Thursday, Oct. 22, and at Richmond on Sunday, Oct. 25.

The lone goal of the game came in the 51st minute by Maksuti. The action started when sophomore midfielder Carlie Wagner sent a through ball up to Natale. Natale dribbled it to the corner of the six-yard box before passing the ball into the middle, where graduate student Jessica Widmann and Maksuti attempted shots that were deflected away. Wagner was able to corral the ball and pass it to an open Maksuti, who was able

to sneak the ball between the goalkeeper and the right post. The goal was Maksuti’s fifth of the year and 22nd in her career, which moved her into a tie for fourth in Fordham history. Fitzgerald recorded her sixth shutout of the year, moving her record to 9-5 on the year. On Sunday, the Rams fell to the Dayton Flyers 3-1 in a match that had a total of 31 shots.

Dayton started the game out fast, scoring in the third and tenth minute. The Rams were able to get within one goal in the 65th minute when Natale scored her second goal of the year, while Wagner recorded her third assist of the year, pushing her point streak to three games. Fordham continued to press the field looking for the tying goal, but Dayton scored the final goal of the game in the 87th minute.

Fitzgerald made four saves in the loss. The team also split its games two weeks ago against Virginia Commonwealth and St. Bonaventure. Fordham fell to VCU 3-2 in overtime. Maksuti and Widmann scored for the Fordham Rams. Maksuti scored on a header following Briana Blunck’s corner kick. VCU tied the game in the 49th minute following a corner kick. Widmann put the Rams back up 2-1 in the 58th minute following a cross from Freshman forward Caitlin Leen. VCU tied it back up in the 83rd minute before scoring the game winning goal in the fourth minute of overtime. Against St. Bonaventure’s, Fordham won 2-1. Fitzgerald almost recorded a shutout, but the Bonnies were able to score on a penalty kick in the 90th minute. Wagner and Widmann scored for the Rams. Wagner opened the scoring in the 59th minute, with assists to Widmann and Leen. Widmann made it 2-0 in the 71st minute with an assist to Maksuti. Next up for the Rams are the A-10 leading George Washington Colonials on Thursday, Oct. 22, and the Richmond Spiders on Sunday, Oct. 25.